Putnam New York Tax Exempt Income Fund Item 1. Report to Stockholders: - ------------------------------- The following is a copy of the report transmitted to stockholders pursuant to Rule 30e-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940: SEMIANNUAL REPORT ON PERFORMANCE AND OUTLOOK 5-31-03 [GRAPHIC OMITTED: BASEBALL] [SCALE LOGO OMITTED] FROM THE TRUSTEES [GRAPHIC OMITTED: PHOTO OF JOHN A. HILL AND GEORGE PUTNAM III] Dear Fellow Shareholder: While we are pleased to report positive results for Putnam New York Tax Exempt Income Fund for the six months ended May 31, 2003, your fund underperformed both its benchmark and its Lipper peer group average during the period. Details of these results can be found on page 8. Significant declines in state and local tax revenues, accompanied by credit rating downgrades of both municipalities and the corporate beneficiaries of industrial development bonds, continued to plague the municipal bond market. The market was further tested as it faced the challenge of digesting a record level of new issuance during the period. In the following report, your fund's management team discusses performance and strategy in detail and provides its view of prospects for the remainder of the fiscal year. In bringing you this news of your fund's performance, we would also like to take the opportunity to tell you how much we appreciate your confidence in Putnam. We will continue to do our utmost to deliver the best possible results for your fund. Respectfully yours, /S/ JOHN A. HILL /S/ GEORGE PUTNAM, III John A. Hill George Putnam, III Chairman of the Trustees President of the Funds July 16, 2003 REPORT FROM FUND MANAGEMENT FUND HIGHLIGHTS * Putnam New York Tax Exempt Income Fund's class A shares posted total returns of 5.83% at net asset value and 0.83% at public offering price for the six months ended May 31, 2003. * Differences in portfolio quality and composition account for the fund's underperformance relative to its benchmark, the Lehman Municipal Bond Index, which returned 6.46% for the six-month period ended May 31. * Due to the underperformance of certain key holdings, the fund's results at net asset value were slightly below the 6.15% average return for its Lipper category, New York Municipal Debt Funds. * See the Performance Summary on page 8 for complete fund performance, comparative performance, and Lipper data. * PERFORMANCE COMMENTARY The fund's results should be considered in the context of a generally favorable interest-rate environment. Investments in longer-maturity and noncallable bonds performed quite well as did insured and high-quality bonds, but not surprisingly, the fund's lower-rated holdings, which contribute considerably to the portfolio's monthly income, underperformed in the difficult economic environment. The presence of these lower-quality bonds helps explain the fund's slight underperformance relative to the average for its Lipper category and its benchmark, which is composed solely of high-quality tax-exempt bonds. Fund Profile Putnam New York Tax Exempt Income Fund seeks to provide as high a level of current income free from federal, New York state, and New York City income taxes as is believed to be consistent with the preservation of capital. It may be suitable for New York investors seeking tax-free income through a diversified portfolio of municipal bonds. As the markets have begun to factor in the return of higher interest rates, we've taken defensive measures to dampen the price depreciation that typically accompanies rising rates. This strategy limited the portfolio's upside potential at the end of the period. * MARKET OVERVIEW From December through April of the semiannual period, bond yields trended downward. After May 6, when the Federal Reserve Board changed its bias from "neutral" to "weakness," yields plummeted. Several factors contributed to a challenging investment environment. As the war with Iraq ended, investors focused more on the sluggish economy. State and local municipalities struggled with significant declines in tax revenues and subsequent downgrades in credit quality. United Airlines, which had provided credit backing for several municipal bond issues, filed for bankruptcy in December, as had US Airways in the months before. In late April, American Airlines narrowly avoided a similar fate. Various segments of the electric power sector were under duress as well. These difficulties affected the performance of industrial development bonds (IDBs), which are issued by municipalities but backed by companies benefiting from the financing. Lastly, the burgeoning supply of municipal bonds -- over $357 billion in municipal debt was issued in 2002 -- broke the all-time record. Supply has continued to swell in 2003 and is on track to exceed the previous year's record. This has had a dampening effect on municipal bond prices. MARKET SECTOR PERFORMANCE 6 MONTHS ENDED 5/31/03 Bonds Lehman Municipal Bond Index 6.46% - ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Lehman Aggregate Bond Index (taxable bonds) 6.29% - ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Lehman Intermediate Government Bond Index (intermediate-maturity government bonds) 4.70% - ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Citigroup World Government Bond Index 14.34% - ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Equities S&P 500 Index (broad stock market) 3.87% - ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Russell 2000 Index (small to midsize company stocks) 9.34% - ----------------------------------------------------------------------- MSCI EAFE Index (international stocks) 3.30% - ----------------------------------------------------------------------- These indexes provide an overview of performance in different market sectors for the six months ended 5/31/03. * STRATEGY OVERVIEW Interest-rate sensitivity is an important consideration in the management of bond portfolios. Duration is an investment term for measuring this interest-rate sensitivity and can be calculated from bond coupon rates and maturities. During the summer of 2002, we began implementing a defensive strategy (shorter duration, less sensitivity) in anticipation of rising interest rates. When interest rates rose in October, we returned to a more neutral duration as the outlook for growth in the economy was less clear. However, this positioning still limited upside potential when the market rallied in May. As the period ended, we believed interest rates were unsustainably low and began to shift the portfolio back toward a more defensive position. In early 2003, when tax-exempt municipal bonds offered investors almost the same yield as comparable Treasury bonds, we established a cross-market arbitrage position, in which we bought intermediate-term municipal bonds and shorted 10-year Treasury futures contracts. Our thesis was that if interest rates should rise (causing bond prices to fall), the fund would have a loss on the bonds, and yet, potential gains on the futures contracts could more than compensate for the loss. On the other hand, if rates should fall (causing bond prices to rise), a loss on the futures contracts could be mitigated by an even greater gain on the bonds. We have seen the latter scenario begin to develop as municipal bonds appreciated during the second half of the period. [GRAPHIC OMITTED: vertical bar chart THE FUND'S MATURITY AND DURATION COMPARED] THE FUND'S MATURITY AND DURATION COMPARED* This chart compares changes in the fund's duration (a measure of its sensitivity to interest-rate changes) and its average effective maturity (a weighted average of the holdings' maturities). as of as of 11/30/02 5/31/03 Average effective maturity in years 9.6 8.5 Duration in years 6.7 5.9 Footnote reads: *Average effective maturity also takes into account put and call features, where applicable, and reflects prepayments for mortgage-backed securities. * HOW FUND HOLDINGS AFFECTED PERFORMANCE Although primarily an investment-grade fund, your portfolio maintained its exposure to higher-yielding securities to pursue a higher return through the income and appreciation potential we believed they were offering. Our research has shown that over the course of an interest rate cycle, lower-rated municipal bonds tend to fluctuate to a lesser degree than higher-quality bonds and can enhance the fund's share price stability. However, these securities require greater research effort because of their added credit risk. While we still believe in the value of this strategy, the multi-year slump in the U.S. economy has diminished the outlook for a few bonds in the portfolio. During the six-month period, we became concerned about the fund's investments in the Cicero Local Development Corp. revenue bonds, which are financing a recreational facility in the community. Unable to cover its debt service, the issuer tried to sell land to meet its obligations. When the land sale didn't happen as planned, we sold the entire position. Given the fact that these bonds carried investment-grade ratings of BBB (Standard & Poor's) and Baa2 (Moody's), we wanted to find replacement bonds with a similar credit quality to maintain the income benefit and augment the fund's diversity. Consequently, part of the proceeds from this sale was invested in New York City Industrial Development Agency for Staten Island University Hospital bonds, which are being used to construct a 12,000 square foot addition to the main hospital facility and acquire radiology equipment. This hospital is the largest provider of health-care services on Staten Island and has substantial pricing leverage with commercial and managed-care payers. Another portion of the proceeds was invested in Port Authority of New York and New Jersey refunding bonds. [GRAPHIC OMITTED: pie chart CREDIT QUALITY OVERVIEW] CREDIT QUALITY OVERVIEW* Aaa/AAA -- 50.0% Aa/AA -- 25.1% A -- 13.2% Baa/BBB -- 4.1% Ba/BB -- 3.4% B -- 2.0% Caa -- 0.6% VMIG1 -- 1.6% Footnote reads: * As a percentage of market value as of 5/31/03. A bond rated Baa/BBB or higher is considered investment grade. The chart reflects Moody's and Standard & Poor's ratings; percentages may include unrated bonds considered by Putnam Management to be of comparable quality. Holdings will vary over time. The fund's investments in New York City Industrial Development Authority for Brooklyn Polytechnical University have also encountered some headwind in the slower-growth environment. As part of the university's efforts to transform its status from a commuter campus to a resident college, proceeds from these bonds, purchased in 2001, are being used to construct a dormitory and a new academic facility, and to upgrade existing buildings. Although the school has a substantial endowment, the bonds were downgraded in May to Ba1 (Moody's) and BB+ (Standard & Poor's). The school's high-tech focus has made it difficult to recruit new students in the aftermath of the sharp correction in the technology sector. Despite the drop in admissions, we're optimistic about the bonds' prospects, given the university's strong turnaround plan. Many states across the country have been driven into historically high deficit positions over the past year. The slowing economy, along with weakness in the stock market, higher Medicaid costs, a sharp reduction in capital gain tax revenues and slower personal, sales, and corporate income tax collections, have contributed to this trend. This makes general obligation bonds (GOs) especially vulnerable to credit downgrades, since they are financed by the tax revenues raised by state and local governments. Several states have already seen their credit downgraded by the rating agencies. Just following the close of the fiscal year, Fitch downgraded New York from AA to AA-. Since credit quality remains a critical determinant in our selection process, we're following the situation closely but still feel confident that the issuers of the GOs held by the fund will meet their debt obligations. Finally, we reduced and diversified the fund's investments in tobacco settlement bonds. These bonds are issued by municipalities and secured by cash payments made in satisfaction of legal judgments against the tobacco industry. Since they are subject to special risks, they generally offer higher yields than other bonds of comparable quality. Among the special risks of investing in tobacco settlement bonds is the possibility that interest payments could be affected by further litigation against the tobacco industry. Furthermore, if the supply of these bonds exceeds demand, the value of the bonds could drop. We have always approached these bonds with caution, and have reduced exposure to the sector overall. We trimmed the fund's investments in the New York County Tobacco Trust bonds and Tobacco Settlement Revenue Bonds. In January 2003, New York State announced a plan to sell a large amount of tobacco settlement bonds over the coming months to help close their budget shortfall. Anticipating that the influx of new bonds would put pressure on the market for tobacco settlement bonds in New York, we reduced our exposure to these securities. To diversify the fund further, a portion of the sale proceeds was then invested in Children's Trust Fund bonds, also issued by Puerto Rico. The fact that the Puerto Rico bonds can be purchased by all state municipal bond funds means that they are usually easier to sell, which can add to their value. Please note that all holdings discussed in this report are subject to review in accordance with the fund's investment strategy and may vary in the future. * THE FUND'S MANAGEMENT TEAM The fund is managed by the Putnam Tax Exempt Fixed-Income Team. The members of the team are Susan McCormack (Portfolio Leader), Paul Drury (Portfolio Member), David Hamlin (Portfolio Member), Richard Wyke (Portfolio Member), Joyce Dragone, and Jerome Jacobs. THE OUTLOOK FOR YOUR FUND The following commentary reflects anticipated developments that could affect your fund over the next six months, as well as your management team's plans for responding to them. Our current outlook for the municipal bond market is cautiously optimistic. The conflict with Iraq is largely over, and investors are focused on economic concerns on the home front. While serious issues remain, the level of uncertainty in the world seems to have eased a bit, though we expect continued volatility. Further, we expect that market yields will move higher in the near term as a weakening dollar, Fed policy, the recently enacted tax cut package, and growing federal budget deficits take effect. Municipal budgets will continue to face significant pressures in the months ahead. Governments will wrangle with how to implement costly home-front protection measures while at the same time pushing tax cuts to stimulate economic growth. Historically, improvement in the credit quality of state and local governments has lagged a general economic recovery, so we expect municipal credit quality to remain fragile for some time to come. Over the next few months, the ratio of municipal bond yields to comparable Treasury yields is likely to return to more normal levels. Accordingly, we will look for opportunities to reduce our cross-market arbitrage position (by selling municipal bonds and buying back the Treasury futures contracts) and we believe the fund will profit from the transactions. In our opinion, the market continues to offer attractive value and compelling risk/reward characteristics. With credit spreads remaining very generous, we believe credit risk is worth taking in moderate amounts. We believe municipal bonds could perform well relative to other fixed-income sectors, because demand for the bonds is firm and supply should moderate as rates move higher. We believe we have positioned your fund to take advantage of the market's potential. The views expressed in this report are exclusively those of Putnam Management. They are not meant as investment advice. The fund concentrates its investments in one state and involves more risk than a fund that invests more broadly. PERFORMANCE SUMMARY This section provides information about your fund's performance during its semiannual period, which ended May 31, 2003. In accordance with regulatory requirements, we also include performance for the most current calendar quarter-end. Performance should always be considered in light of a fund's investment strategy. Past performance does not indicate future results. More recent returns may be less or more than those shown. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate and you may have a gain or a loss when you sell your shares. A profile of your fund's strategy appears on the first page of this report. See page 10 for definitions of some terms used in this section. TOTAL RETURN FOR PERIODS ENDED 5/31/03 Class A Class B Class C Class M (inception dates) (9/2/83) (1/4/93) (7/26/99) (4/10/95) NAV POP NAV CDSC NAV CDSC NAV POP - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6 months 5.83% 0.83% 5.49% 0.49% 5.53% 4.53% 5.79% 2.33% - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 year 9.10 3.90 8.41 3.41 8.24 7.24 8.77 5.19 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5 years 31.08 24.85 26.88 24.88 25.42 25.42 29.24 25.08 Annual average 5.56 4.54 4.88 4.54 4.63 4.63 5.26 4.58 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10 years 70.68 62.63 59.85 59.85 56.99 56.99 65.40 59.95 Annual average 5.49 4.98 4.80 4.80 4.61 4.61 5.16 4.81 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Annual average (life of fund) 8.25 7.99 7.42 7.42 7.37 7.37 7.82 7.64 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Performance assumes reinvestment of distributions and does not account for taxes. Returns at public offering price (POP) for class A and M shares reflect a sales charge of 4.75% and 3.25%, respectively. Class B share returns reflect the applicable contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC), which is 5% in the first year, declining to 1% in the sixth year, and is eliminated thereafter. Class C shares reflect a 1% CDSC the first year that is eliminated thereafter. Performance for class B, C, and M shares before their inception is derived from the historical performance of class A shares, adjusted for the applicable sales charge (or CDSC) and higher operating expenses for such shares. COMPARATIVE INDEX RETURNS FOR PERIODS ENDED 5/31/03 Lipper New York Municipal Lehman Municipal Debt Funds Bond Index category average* - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6 months 6.46% 6.15% - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 year 10.36 9.19 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5 years 36.79 29.38 Annual average 6.47 5.28 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10 years 89.42 73.49 Annual average 6.60 5.65 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Annual average (life of fund) 8.74 8.04 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Index and Lipper results should be compared to fund performance at net asset value. Over the 6-month and 1-, 5-, and 10-year periods ended 5/31/03, there were 110, 100, 82, and 41 funds, respectively, in this Lipper category. PRICE AND DISTRIBUTION INFORMATION 6 MONTHS ENDED 5/31/03 Class A Class B Class C Class M - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Distributions (number) 6 6 6 6 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Income 1 $0.191921 $0.162630 $0.156146 $0.178727 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Capital gains 1 Long-term 0.048000 0.048000 0.048000 0.048000 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Short-term -- -- -- -- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total $0.239921 $0.210630 $0.204146 $0.226727 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Share value: NAV POP NAV NAV NAV POP - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11/30/02 $8.87 $9.31 $8.85 $8.86 $8.87 $9.17 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5/31/03 9.14 9.60 9.12 9.14 9.15 9.46 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Current return (end of period) - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Current dividend rate 2 4.14% 3.94% 3.50% 3.35% 3.84% 3.72% - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Taxable equivalent 3 (a) 6.84 6.51 5.78 5.53 6.34 6.14 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Taxable equivalent 3 (b) 7.12 6.77 6.02 5.76 6.60 6.39 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Current 30-day SEC yield 4 3.23 3.08 2.59 2.44 2.94 2.84 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Taxable equivalent 3 (a) 5.33 5.09 4.28 4.03 4.86 4.69 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Taxable equivalent 3 (b) 5.55 5.29 4.45 4.19 5.05 4.88 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 Capital gains, if any, are taxable for federal and, in most cases, state purposes. For some investors, investment income may be subject to the federal alternative minimum tax. Income from federally exempt funds may be subject to state and local taxes. 2 Most recent distribution, excluding capital gains, annualized and divided by NAV or POP at end of period. 3 Assumes (a) maximum 39.45% combined federal income tax and New York state 2003 personal income tax rates or (b) maximum 41.82% combined federal, New York state, and New York City 2003 tax rates. Results for investors subject to lower tax rates would not be as advantageous. 4 Based only on investment income, calculated using SEC guidelines. TOTAL RETURN FOR PERIODS ENDED 6/30/03 (most recent calendar quarter) Class A Class B Class C Class M (inception dates) (9/2/83) (1/4/93) (7/26/99) (4/10/95) NAV POP NAV CDSC NAV CDSC NAV POP - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6 months 3.03% -1.88% 2.71% -2.30% 2.63% 1.63% 2.88% -0.44% - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 year 7.28 2.21 6.59 1.59 6.43 5.42 6.96 3.46 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5 years 30.24 24.03 26.20 24.20 24.67 24.67 28.41 24.26 Annual average 5.43 4.40 4.76 4.43 4.51 4.51 5.13 4.44 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10 years 67.20 59.25 56.77 56.77 53.75 53.75 61.98 56.70 Annual average 5.27 4.76 4.60 4.60 4.40 4.40 4.94 4.59 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Annual average (life of fund) 8.20 7.93 7.37 7.37 7.31 7.31 7.76 7.58 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Past performance does not indicate future results. More recent returns may be less or more than those shown. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate and you may have a gain or a loss when you sell your shares. TERMS AND DEFINITIONS Total return shows how the value of the fund's shares changed over time, assuming you held the shares through the entire period and reinvested all distributions in the fund. Net asset value (NAV) is the price, or value, of one share of a mutual fund, without a sales charge. NAVs fluctuate with market conditions. The NAV is calculated by dividing the net value of all the fund's assets by the number of outstanding shares. Public offering price (POP) is the price of a mutual fund share plus the maximum sales charge levied at the time of purchase. POP performance figures shown here assume the 4.75% maximum sales charge for class A shares and 3.25% for class M shares. Contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) is a charge applied at the time of the redemption of class B or C shares and assumes redemption at the end of the period. Your fund's class B CDSC declines from a 5% maximum during the first year to 1% during the sixth year. After the sixth year, the CDSC no longer applies. The CDSC for class C shares is 1% for one year after purchase. Class A shares are generally subject to an initial sales charge and no sales charge on redemption (except on certain redemptions of shares bought without an initial sales charge). Class B shares may be subject to a sales charge upon redemption. Class C shares are not subject to an initial sales charge and are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge only if the shares are redeemed during the first year. Class M shares have a lower initial sales charge and a higher 12b-1 fee than class A shares and no sales charge on redemption (except on certain redemptions of shares bought without an initial sales charge). COMPARATIVE INDEXES Lehman Municipal Bond Index is an unmanaged index of long-term fixed-rate investment-grade tax-exempt bonds. Lehman Aggregate Bond Index is an unmanaged index used as a general measure of U.S. fixed-income securities. Lehman Intermediate Government Bond Index is an unmanaged index of government bonds with maturities between 1 and 10 years. Citigroup World Government Bond Index is an unmanaged index of government bonds from 14 countries. S&P 500 Index is an unmanaged index of common stock performance. Russell 2000 Index is an unmanaged index of common stocks that generally measure performance of small to midsize companies within the Russell 3000 Index. Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) EAFE Index is an unmanaged index of international stocks from Europe, Australasia, and the Far East. Indexes assume reinvestment of all distributions and do not account for fees. Securities and performance of a fund and an index will differ. You cannot invest directly in an index. Lipper Inc. is a third-party industry ranking entity that ranks funds (without sales charges) with similar current investment styles or objectives as determined by Lipper. Lipper category averages reflect performance trends for funds within a category and are based on results at net asset value. A NOTE ABOUT DUPLICATE MAILINGS In response to investors' requests, the SEC has modified mailing regulations for proxy statements, semiannual and annual reports, and prospectuses. Putnam is now able to send a single copy of these materials to customers who share the same address. This change will automatically apply to all shareholders except those who notify us. If you would prefer to receive your own copy, please call Putnam at 1-800-225-1581. A GUIDE TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS These sections of the report, as well as the accompanying Notes, constitute the fund's financial statements. The fund's portfolio lists all the fund's investments and their values as of the last day of the reporting period. Holdings are organized by asset type and industry sector, country, or state to show areas of concentration and diversification. Statement of assets and liabilities shows how the fund's net assets and share price are determined. All investment and noninvestment assets are added together. Any unpaid expenses and other liabilities are subtracted from this total. The result is divided by the number of shares to determine the net asset value per share, which is calculated separately for each class of shares. (For funds with preferred shares, the amount subtracted from total assets includes the net assets allocated to remarketed preferred shares.) Statement of operations shows the fund's net investment gain or loss. This is done by first adding up all the fund's earnings -- from dividends and interest income -- and subtracting its operating expenses to determine net investment income (or loss). Then, any net gain or loss the fund realized on the sales of its holdings -- as well as any unrealized gains or losses over the period -- is added to or subtracted from the net investment result to determine the fund's net gain or loss for the fiscal period. Statement of changes in net assets shows how the fund's net assets were affected by distributions to shareholders and by changes in the number of the fund's shares. It lists distributions and their sources (net investment income or realized capital gains) over the current reporting period and the most recent fiscal year-end. The distributions listed here may not match the sources listed in the Statement of operations because the distributions are determined on a tax basis and may be paid in a different period from the one in which they were earned. Financial highlights provide an overview of the fund's investment results, per-share distributions, expense ratios, net investment income ratios, and portfolio turnover in one summary table, reflecting the five most recent reporting periods. In a semiannual report, the highlight table also includes the current reporting period. For open-end funds, a separate table is provided for each share class. THE FUND'S PORTFOLIO May 31, 2003 (Unaudited) KEY TO ABBREVIATIONS AMBAC -- AMBAC Indemnity Corporation FGIC -- Financial Guaranty Insurance Company FHA Insd. -- Federal Housing Administration Insured FRB -- Floating Rate Bonds FSA -- Financial Security Assurance G.O. Bonds -- General Obligation Bonds IFB -- Inverse Floating Rate Bonds MBIA -- MBIA Insurance Company U.S. Govt. Coll. -- U.S. Government Collateralized VRDN -- Variable Rate Demand Notes MUNICIPAL BONDS AND NOTES (98.6%) (a) PRINCIPAL AMOUNT RATING (RAT) VALUE New York (91.1%) - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $2,250,000 Albany, Indl. Dev. Agcy. Civic Fac. Rev. Bonds (Charitable Leadership), Ser. A , 6s, 7/1/19 Baa3 $2,444,063 2,700,000 Buffalo, G.O. Bonds, Ser. A, FGIC, 4s, 2/1/04 Aaa 2,753,541 13,500,000 Dutchess Cnty., Indl. Dev. Agcy. Civic Fac. Rev. Bonds (Bard College), 5 3/4s, 8/1/30 (SEG) A3 15,052,500 15,000,000 Dutchess Cnty., Indl. Dev. Agcy. Rev. Bonds (Vassar College), 5.35s, 9/1/40 Aa2 16,181,250 Erie Cnty., G.O. Bonds 2,470,000 Ser. C, AMBAC, 5 1/2s, 7/1/29 Aaa 2,717,000 4,160,000 Ser. B, AMBAC, 5 3/8s, 7/1/20 Aaa 4,612,400 13,750,000 Long Island, Pwr. Auth. NY Elec. Syst. IFB, 9.114s, 12/1/24 (acquired 5/19/98, cost $14,946,250) (RES) BBB+/P 16,104,688 Long Island, Pwr. Auth. NY Elec. Syst. Rev. Bonds 5,000,000 Ser. A, 5 1/8s, 9/1/29 A- 5,068,750 10,000,000 MBIA, 5s, 4/1/04 Aaa 10,331,100 3,090,000 Madison Cnty., Indl. Dev. Agcy. Rev. Bonds (Colgate U.), Ser. A, 5s, 7/1/23 Aa3 3,317,888 5,550,000 Metro. Trans. Auth. Commuter Fac. Rev. Bonds, Ser. A, U.S. Govt. Coll., 6s, 7/1/24 AAA 6,729,375 7,000,000 Metro. Trans. Auth. Fac. IFB, 10.068s, 4/1/25 (acquired 2/11/00, cost $6,684,500) (RES) A3 9,913,750 Metro. Trans. Auth. Fac. Rev. Bonds 15,400,000 Ser. A, MBIA, 6 1/4s, 4/1/14 Aaa 19,654,250 4,245,000 Ser. A, MBIA, 6 1/4s, 4/1/13 Aaa 5,380,538 11,020,000 (Trans. Fac.), Ser. A, U.S. Govt. Coll., 6s, 7/1/24 AAA 13,361,750 14,000,000 (Dedicated Tax Fund), Ser. A, FGIC, 4 3/4s, 4/1/28 Aaa 16,030,000 Metro. Trans. Auth. Rev. Bonds 3,860,000 Ser. E, MBIA, 5 1/2s, 11/15/15 Aaa 4,670,600 7,000,000 Ser. A, AMBAC, 5 1/2s, 11/15/19 Aaa 8,111,250 Metro. Trans. Auth. Svc. Contract Rev. Bonds 3,750,000 (Trans. Fac.), Ser. 3, U.S. Govt. Coll., 7 3/8s, 7/1/08 Aaa 4,312,500 15,820,000 (Trans. Fac.), Ser. O, U.S. Govt. Coll., 5 3/4s, 7/1/13 AAA 18,885,125 8,000,000 Ser. A , MBIA, 5 1/2s, 1/1/20 AAA 9,150,000 Metro. Trans. Auth. Svc. Contract Rev. Bonds 12,500,000 (Commuter Fac.), Ser. O, U.S. Govt Coll., 5 1/2s, 7/1/17 AAA 15,156,250 24,345,000 (Trans. Fac.), Ser. O, U.S. Govt Coll., 5 1/2s, 7/1/17 AAA 29,518,313 Nassau Cnty., G.O. Bonds, Ser. E, FSA 1,125,000 6s, 3/1/20 Aaa 1,309,219 2,790,000 6s, 3/1/19 Aaa 3,264,300 2,735,000 6s, 3/1/18 Aaa 3,199,950 3,465,000 6s, 3/1/16 Aaa 4,080,038 2,580,000 5.9s, 3/1/15 Aaa 3,037,950 Nassau Cnty., Indl. Dev. Agcy. Rev. Bonds (North Shore Hlth. Syst.) 410,000 Ser. A, 6 1/4s, 11/1/21 BB+/P 426,400 1,390,000 Ser. B, 5 7/8s, 11/1/11 BB+/P 1,449,075 1,615,000 Ser. D, 4 7/8s, 11/1/05 BB+/P 1,641,244 3,000,000 Niagara Cnty., Indl. Dev. Agcy. Rev. Bonds, Ser. D, 5.55s, 11/15/24 Baa1 3,198,750 7,000,000 NY City, City Transitional Fin. Auth. IFB, 10.308s, 11/15/29 (acquired 2/4/00, cost $6,788,320) (RES) AA/P 10,193,750 NY City, City Transitional Fin. Auth. Rev. Bonds 6,500,000 Ser. A, 5 3/4s, 8/15/24 AA+ 7,856,875 8,360,000 Ser. C, 5 1/2s, 5/1/25 AA+ 9,154,200 6,640,000 Ser. C, 5 1/2s, 5/1/25 AA+ 7,893,300 3,600,000 Ser. B, 5 1/4s, 11/15/05 AA+ 3,942,000 8,300,000 NY City, Cts. Fac. Lease VRDN (Jay Street Dev. Corp.), Ser. A-1, 1.1s, 5/1/22 VMIG1 8,300,000 NY City, G.O. Bonds 12,325,000 Ser. B, 8 1/4s, 6/1/05 AAA 13,865,625 18,675,000 Ser. B, MBIA, 6 1/2s, 8/15/11 AAA 23,086,969 21,495,000 Ser. D, MBIA, 6 1/2s, 11/1/10 AAA 26,492,588 945,000 Ser. I, U.S. Govt. Coll., 6 1/4s, 4/15/27 Aaa 1,113,919 1,845,000 Ser. I, U.S. Govt. Coll., 6 1/4s, 4/15/17 Aaa 2,174,794 20,000,000 Ser. B, 5 1/2s, 12/1/11 A2 22,725,000 18,825,000 Ser. C, 5 1/4s, 8/1/11 A2 20,966,344 NY City, Indl. Dev. Agcy. Civic Fac. Rev. Bonds 2,000,000 (Staten Island U. Hosp.), Ser. A, 6 3/8s, 7/1/31 Baa3 2,112,500 19,000,000 (Brooklyn Polytechnical U. Project J), 6 1/8s, 11/1/30 Ba1 17,337,500 7,000,000 (Horace Mann School), MBIA, 5s, 7/1/28 Aaa 7,358,750 NY City, Indl. Dev. Agcy. Rev. Bonds 17,350,000 (Visy Paper, Inc.), 7.95s, 1/1/28 B+/P 17,718,688 7,500,000 (British Airways), 7 5/8s, 12/1/32 BBB- 6,000,000 2,500,000 (Brooklyn Navy Yard Cogen. Partners), 6.2s, 10/1/22 BBB- 2,587,500 NY City, Indl. Dev. Agcy. Special Arpt. Fac. Rev. Bonds 9,500,000 (Airis JFK I LLC), Ser. A, 6s, 7/1/27 Baa3 9,856,250 8,500,000 (Airis JFK I LLC), Ser. A, 5 1/2s, 7/1/28 Baa3 8,542,500 NY City, Indl. Dev. Agcy. Special Fac. Rev. Bonds 18,500,000 (American Airlines, Inc.), 6.9s, 8/1/24 Caa2 8,371,250 14,465,000 (Terminal One Group Assn.), 6 1/8s, 1/1/24 A3 14,923,541 5,000,000 NY City, Metro. Trans. Auth. Rev. Bonds, Ser. A, AMBAC, 5 1/4s, 1/1/29 Aaa 5,343,750 NY City, Muni. Assistance Corp. Rev. Bonds 5,150,000 Ser. E, 6s, 7/1/04 Aa1 5,424,598 10,000,000 Ser. P, 5s, 7/1/08 Aa1 11,375,000 4,550,000 Ser. O, 5s, 7/1/05 Aa1 4,908,313 200,000 NY City, Muni. Wtr. & Swr. Fin. Auth. IFB, 13.507s, 6/15/11 (acquired 8/9/91, cost $207,493) (RES) Aaa 323,000 NY City, Muni. Wtr. & Swr. Fin. Auth. Rev. Bonds 25,600,000 AMBAC, 7 1/2s, 6/15/11 Aaa 32,096,000 35,000,000 MBIA, 5.2s, 6/15/08 Aaa 36,668,100 2,700,000 NY City, Muni. Wtr. & Swr. Fin. Auth. VRDN, Ser. G, FGIC, 1.25s, 6/15/24 VMIG1 2,700,000 NY City, State Dorm. Auth. Lease Rev. Bonds 5,600,000 (Court Fac.), 6s, 5/15/39 A 6,272,000 3,000,000 (Westchester Cnty.), 5 1/4s, 8/1/18 Aa1 3,296,250 2,500,000 NY City, Transitional Fin. Auth. Rev. Bonds, Ser. C, FSA, 5 1/4s, 8/1/12 Aaa 2,931,250 6,000,000 NY Cntys. Trust II Rev. Bonds (Tobacco Settlement), 5 3/4s, 6/1/43 A- 5,077,500 6,000,000 NY State Thruway Auth. Rev. Bonds, Ser. A, MBIA, 5 1/4s, 4/1/13 AAA 7,027,500 13,250,000 NY State Dorm. Auth. IFB, MBIA, 9.646s, 7/1/13 (acquired 10/22/97, cost $15,237,500) (RES) AAA/P 18,997,188 6,000,000 NY State Dorm. Auth. Mandatory Put Bonds, Ser. B, 5 1/4s, 11/15/23 AA- 6,817,500 NY State Dorm. Auth. Rev. Bonds 18,800,000 (City U. Syst.), Ser. C, 7 1/2s, 7/1/10 A3 23,030,000 2,500,000 (Mount Sinai Hlth.), Ser. A, 6.6s, 7/1/26 Ba1 2,540,625 3,000,000 (Mount Sinai Hlth.), Ser. A, 6 1/2s, 7/1/25 Ba1 3,090,000 8,950,000 (State U. Edl. Fac.), Ser. A, FSA, 5 7/8s, 5/15/17 Aaa 11,209,875 13,200,000 (State U. Edl. Fac.), Ser. A, 5 7/8s, 5/15/11 AA- 15,790,500 6,000,000 (NY Dept. of Ed.), Ser. A , MBIA, 5 3/4s, 7/1/20 Aaa 7,410,000 35,385,000 (U. Syst. Construction), Ser. A, 5 3/4s, 7/1/18 AA- 43,258,163 10,000,000 (Columbia U.), Ser. A, 5 3/4s, 7/1/10 Aaa 12,000,000 15,600,000 (U. Syst. Construction), Ser. A, 5 5/8s, 7/1/16 AA- 18,837,000 7,500,000 (NYU), Ser. 1, AMBAC, 5 1/2s, 7/1/40 Aaa 9,206,250 3,500,000 (NYU), Ser. 1, AMBAC, 5 1/2s, 7/1/31 Aaa 4,208,750 16,055,000 (State U. Edl. Fac.), Ser. A, 5 1/2s, 5/15/13 AA- 18,944,900 19,960,000 (Mental Hlth. Svcs. Fac. Impt. D), FSA, 5 1/4s, 8/15/30 Aaa 21,332,250 10,000,000 (Memorial Sloan-Kettering Ctr.), Ser. 1, 5s, 7/1/34 Aa2 10,437,500 3,000,000 (Yeshiva U.), AMBAC, 5s, 7/1/30 Aaa 3,168,750 3,000,000 (U. of Rochester), Ser. A, 5s, 7/1/27 Aaa 3,150,000 2,700,000 (Yeshiva U.), AMBAC, 5s, 7/1/26 Aaa 2,872,125 2,000,000 (Columbia U.), Ser. B, 5s, 7/1/24 Aaa 2,150,000 2,000,000 (Columbia U.), Ser. B, 5s, 7/1/23 Aaa 2,160,000 7,500,000 (Columbia U.), 5s, 7/1/22 Aaa 7,959,375 3,000,000 (Columbia U.), Ser. B, 5s, 7/1/22 Aaa 3,255,000 2,505,000 (Lutheran Med.), MBIA, 5s, 8/1/12 Aaa 2,887,013 10,000,000 (Colgate U.), MBIA, 4 3/4s, 7/1/28 Aaa 10,300,000 5,000,000 (St. John's U.), MBIA, 4 3/4s, 7/1/28 Aaa 5,150,000 10,359,000 NY State Dorm. Auth. VRDN (Oxford U. Press, Inc.), 1.3s, 7/1/23 VMIG1 10,359,000 20,000,000 NY State Energy Res. & Dev. Auth. Gas Fac. Rev. Bonds (Brooklyn Union Gas), 6.952s, 7/1/26 A+ 22,375,000 NY State Energy Res. & Dev. Auth. Poll. Control Rev. Bonds 10,000,000 (Niagara Mohawk Pwr. Corp.), Ser. A, FGIC, 7.2s, 7/1/29 Aaa 10,802,200 6,000,000 (Lilco), Ser. B, 5.15s, 3/1/16 A- 6,184,860 1,660,000 NY State Energy Res. & Dev. Auth. Poll. Control VRDN (NY Elec & Gas), Ser. D, 1.22s, 10/1/29 VMIG1 1,660,000 NY State Env. Fac. Corp. Poll. Control Rev. Bonds (State Wtr. Revolving Fund) 3,425,000 Ser. B, 6.65s, 9/15/13 Aaa 3,507,645 1,735,000 Ser. A, 6.55s, 9/15/10 Aaa 1,776,744 NY State Env. Fac. Corp. Rev. Bonds 9,000,000 MBIA, 6s, 6/15/12 Aaa 11,103,750 9,640,000 (NY City Wtr.), Ser. K, 5 1/2s, 6/15/14 Aaa 11,592,100 9,035,000 NY State Hsg. Fin. Agcy. Rev. Bonds (Multi-Fam. Hsg. Insd. Mtge. Program), Ser. A, FHA Insd., 7s, 8/15/22 AAA 9,143,962 NY State Hwy. & Bridge Auth. Rev. Bonds 1,000,000 Ser. A, FSA, 6s, 4/1/16 Aaa 1,225,000 2,000,000 Ser. A, FSA, 5.8s, 4/1/18 Aaa 2,337,500 2,000,000 Ser. A, FSA, 5 3/4s, 4/1/17 Aaa 2,340,000 11,740,000 Ser. B, MBIA, 5s, 4/1/05 Aaa 12,561,800 NY State Local Govt. Assistance Corp. Rev. Bonds 12,510,000 Ser. E, 6s, 4/1/14 AA- 15,199,650 6,000,000 Ser. E, AMBAC, 6s, 4/1/14 Aaa 7,417,500 7,745,000 (Sub. Lien), Ser. A, FSA, 5s, 4/1/13 AAA 8,897,069 12,325,000 NY State Med. Care Fac. Fin. Agcy. Rev. Bonds (NY Hosp.), Ser. A, AMBAC, 6 1/2s, 8/15/29 Aaa 13,696,156 15,000,000 NY State Pwr. Auth. FRB, 2.9s, 3/1/20 Aa2 15,067,350 NY State Pwr. Auth. Rev. Bonds 4,250,000 5s, 11/15/20 Aa2 4,621,875 31,135,000 5s, 11/15/06 Aa2 34,832,281 NY State Urban Dev. Corp. Rev. Bonds 5,250,000 (State Fac.), 5 3/4s, 4/1/12 AA- 6,267,188 5,830,000 (Correctional Fac.), Ser. 7, 5.7s, 1/1/16 AA- 6,558,750 11,225,000 (State Fac.), 5.7s, 4/1/10 AA- 13,175,344 4,000,000 (Personal Income Tax), Ser. C-1, FGIC, 5 1/2s, 3/15/19 Aaa 4,605,000 7,710,000 (Correctional Fac.), Ser. A, 5 1/2s, 1/1/09 AA- 8,876,138 Orange Cnty., Indl. Dev. Agcy. Rev. Bonds 2,300,000 (Arden Hill Care Ctr. Newburgh), Ser. C, 7s, 8/1/21 BB-/P 2,386,250 2,450,000 (Arden Hill Care Ctr. Newburgh), Ser. C, 7s, 8/1/31 BB-/P 2,523,500 1,450,000 Otsego Cnty., Indl. Dev. Agcy. Rev. Bonds (Hartwick College), 5.9s, 7/1/22 Baa3 1,556,938 2,500,000 Port Auth. NY & NJ Rev. Bonds (Kennedy Intl. Arpt. -- 5th Installment), 6 3/4s, 10/1/19 BB+/P 2,643,750 7,750,000 St. Lawrence Cnty., Indl. Dev. Rev. Bonds (St. Lawrence U.), Ser. A, MBIA, 5s, 7/1/28 Aaa 8,166,563 1,200,000 Suffolk Cnty., Indl. Dev. Agcy. Civic Fac. Rev. Bonds (Huntington Hosp.), Ser. B, 5 7/8s, 11/1/32 Baa1 1,260,000 Suffolk Cnty., Indl. Dev. Agcy. Cont. Care Ret. Rev. Bonds (Jefferson's Ferry), Ser. A 4,000,000 7 1/4s, 11/1/28 BB-/P 4,235,000 4,000,000 7.2s, 11/1/19 BB-/P 4,280,000 Suffolk Cnty., Indl. Dev. Agcy. Rev. Bonds (Peconic Landing) 8,200,000 Ser. A, 8s, 10/1/30 B+/P 8,384,500 3,000,000 Ser. B, 7s, 10/1/30 B+/P 3,022,500 4,220,000 Suffolk Cnty., Judicial Fac. Agcy. Rev. Bonds (John P. Cohalan Complex), AMBAC, 5s, 4/15/16 Aaa 4,631,450 2,800,000 Syracuse, Indl. Dev. Agcy. Rev. Bonds (1st Mtge. -- Jewish Home), Ser. A, 7 3/8s, 3/1/31 BB-/P 2,964,500 4,250,000 Tobacco Settlement Rev. Bonds (Asset Backed Bonds), Ser. 1, 5 3/4s, 7/15/32 A3 3,899,375 Triborough Bridge & Tunnel Auth. Gen. Purpose Rev. Bonds 38,750,000 (Convention Ctr.), Ser. E, 7 1/4s, 1/1/10 AA- 45,628,114 17,700,000 Ser. Y, 6s, 1/1/12 AAA 21,461,250 10,525,000 Triborough Bridge & Tunnel Auth. IFB, 9.239s, 1/1/12 (acquired 10/24/97, cost $11,472,417) (RES) A+ 13,893,000 Triborough Bridge & Tunnel Auth. Rev. Bonds 14,000,000 (Convention Ctr.), Ser. E, 6s, 1/1/11 AA- 16,695,000 9,500,000 MBIA, 5 1/2s, 11/15/21 Aaa 11,435,625 5,000,000 MBIA, 5 1/2s, 11/15/20 Aaa 6,031,250 5,050,000 AMBAC, 5 1/4s, 11/15/16 Aaa 6,015,813 10,000,000 Westchester Cnty., Hlth. Care Corp. Rev. Bonds, Ser. A, 5 7/8s, 11/1/25 A 10,762,500 3,285,000 Yonkers, Indl. Dev. Agcy. Civic Fac. Rev. Bonds (St. John's Riverside Hosp.), Ser. A, 7 1/8s, 7/1/31 BB 3,436,931 ------------- 1,338,741,346 Puerto Rico (7.5%) - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7,750,000 Children's Trust Fund Tobacco Settlement Rev. Bonds, 5 1/2s, 5/15/39 A- 6,587,500 3,915,000 Cmnwlth. of PR, G.O. Bonds, FSA, 6 1/2s, 7/1/13 AAA 5,045,456 Cmnwlth. of PR, Hwy. & Trans. Auth. Rev. Bonds 5,000,000 Ser. B, 6s, 7/1/26 A 5,431,250 2,275,000 Ser. B, MBIA, 5 7/8s, 7/1/35 (Prerefunded) AAA 2,656,063 1,225,000 Ser. B, MBIA, 5 7/8s, 7/1/35 AAA 1,430,188 7,035,000 Ser. AA, MBIA, 5 1/2s, 7/1/18 Aaa 8,512,350 PR Elec. Pwr. Auth. Rev. Bonds 10,000,000 Ser. LL, MBIA, 5 1/2s, 7/1/17 Aaa 12,100,000 20,000,000 (PA 205), 5 1/2s, 7/1/07 Aaa 24,000,000 10,000,000 Ser. AA, MBIA, 5 3/8s, 7/1/27 Aaa 10,675,000 5,000,000 PR Indl. Tourist Edl. Med. & Env. Control Fac. Rev. Bonds (Cogen. Fac. - AES Project), 6 5/8s, 6/1/26 Baa2 5,262,500 20,000,000 PR Infrastructure Fin. Auth. Special Rev. Bonds, Ser. A, 5 1/2s, 10/1/40 Aaa 22,550,000 5,500,000 U. of PR Rev. Bonds, Ser. O, MBIA, 5 3/8s, 6/1/30 Aaa 5,795,625 ------------- 110,045,932 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Investments (cost $1,296,739,363) $1,448,787,278 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (a) Percentages indicated are based on net assets of $1,469,443,090. (RAT) The Moody's or Standard & Poor's ratings indicated are believed to be the most recent ratings available at May 31, 2003 for the securities listed. Ratings are generally ascribed to securities at the time of issuance. While the agencies may from time to time revise such ratings, they undertake no obligation to do so, and the ratings do not necessarily represent what the agencies would ascribe to these securities at May 31, 2003. Securities rated by Putnam are indicated by "/P" and are not publicly rated. (RES) Restricted, excluding 144A securities, as to public resale. The total market value of restricted securities held at May 31, 2003 was $69,425,376 or 4.7% of net assets. (SEG) A portion of this security was pledged and segregated with the custodian to cover margin requirements for futures contracts at May 31, 2003. The rates shown on VRDN, Mandatory Put Bonds and FRB are the current interest rates at May 31, 2003. The rates shown on IFB, which are securities paying interest rates that vary inversely to changes in the market interest rates, are the current interest rates at May 31, 2003. The fund had the following industry group concentration greater than 10% at May 31, 2003 (as a percentage of net assets): Transportation 11.4% The fund had the following insurance concentration greater than 10% at May 31, 2003 (as a percentage of net assets): MBIA 19.4% - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Futures Contracts Outstanding at May 31, 2003 (Unaudited) Market Aggregate Face Expiration Unrealized Value Value Date Depreciation - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ U.S. Treasury Note 10 yr. (Short) $107,896,471 $107,320,570 Sep-03 $(575,901) - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES May 31, 2003 (Unaudited) Assets - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Investments in securities, at value (identified cost $1,296,739,363) (Note 1) $1,448,787,278 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cash 1,695,676 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Interest and other receivables 24,254,016 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Receivable for shares of the fund sold 876,232 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Receivable for variation margin (Note 1) 56,938 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total assets 1,475,670,140 Liabilities - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Distributions payable to shareholders 2,094,657 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Payable for shares of the fund repurchased 1,505,355 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Payable for compensation of Manager (Note 2) 1,826,139 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Payable for investor servicing and custodian fees (Note 2) 108,640 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Payable for compensation of Trustees (Note 2) 98,762 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Payable for administrative services (Note 2) 2,198 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Payable for distribution fees (Note 2) 536,410 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Other accrued expenses 54,889 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total liabilities 6,227,050 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net assets $1,469,443,090 Represented by - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Paid-in capital (Notes 1 and 4) $1,337,014,710 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Undistributed net investment income (Note 1) 3,350,377 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Accumulated net realized loss on investments (Note 1) (22,394,011) - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net unrealized appreciation of investments 151,472,014 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total -- Representing net assets applicable to capital shares outstanding $1,469,443,090 Computation of net asset value and offering price - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net asset value and redemption price per class A share ($1,335,805,502 divided by 146,221,983 shares) $9.14 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Offering price per class A share (100/95.25 of $9.14)* $9.60 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net asset value and offering price per class B share ($123,297,817 divided by 13,517,169 shares)** $9.12 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net asset value and offering price per class C share ($7,972,234 divided by 872,651 shares)** $9.14 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net asset value and redemption price per class M share ($2,367,537 divided by 258,832 shares) $9.15 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Offering price per class M share (100/96.75 of $9.15)*** $9.46 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * On single retail sales of less than $25,000. On sales of $25,000 or more and on group sales, the offering price is reduced. ** Redemption price per share is equal to net asset value less any applicable contingent deferred sales charge. *** On single retail sales of less than $50,000. On sales of $50,000 or more and on group sales, the offering price is reduced. The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS Six months ended May 31, 2003 (Unaudited) Interest income: $37,030,045 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Expenses: - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Compensation of Manager (Note 2) 3,618,110 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Investor servicing and custodian fees (Note 2) 594,589 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Compensation of Trustees (Note 2) 20,674 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Administrative services (Note 2) 13,377 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Distribution fees -- Class A (Note 2) 1,317,759 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Distribution fees -- Class B (Note 2) 513,508 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Distribution fees -- Class C (Note 2) 32,282 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Distribution fees -- Class M (Note 2) 5,690 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Other 269,319 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total expenses 6,385,308 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Expense reduction (Note 2) (21,678) - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net expenses 6,363,630 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net investment income 30,666,415 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net realized gain on investments (Notes 1 and 3) 2,204,669 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net realized loss on futures contracts (Note 1) (6,743,457) - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net unrealized appreciation of investments and futures contracts during the period 56,224,002 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net gain on investments 51,685,214 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net increase in net assets resulting from operations $82,351,629 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS Six months ended Year ended May 31 November 30 2003* 2002 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Increase (decrease) in net assets - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Operations: - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net investment income $30,666,415 $65,351,193 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net realized gain (loss) on investments (4,538,788) 7,657,046 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net unrealized appreciation of investments 56,224,002 3,668,481 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net increase in net assets resulting from operations 82,351,629 76,676,720 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Distributions to shareholders: (Note 1) - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From tax-exempt income Class A (28,469,905) (58,834,699) - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class B (2,213,761) (4,430,858) - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class C (111,927) (198,746) - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class M (44,519) (81,884) - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From ordinary income Class A -- (278,308) - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class B -- (24,142) - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class C -- (1,063) - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class M -- (367) - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From net realized long-term gain on investments Class A (7,114,861) -- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class B (647,542) -- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class C (32,093) -- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class M (11,234) -- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Decrease from capital share transactions (Note 4) (24,282,449) (49,954,866) - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total increase (decrease) in net assets 19,423,338 (37,128,213) Net assets - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Beginning of period 1,450,019,752 1,487,147,965 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- End of period (including undistributed net investment income of $3,350,377 and $3,524,074, respectively) $1,469,443,090 $1,450,019,752 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * Unaudited The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (For a common share outstanding throughout the period) CLASS A - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Six months ended Per-share May 31 operating performance (Unaudited) Year ended November 30 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Net asset value, beginning of period $8.87 $8.79 $8.52 $8.32 $9.05 $9.02 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Investment operations: - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Net investment income .19 .40 .42 .45 .44 .43 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments .32 .07 .27 .20 (.65) .13 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Total from investment operations .51 .47 .69 .65 (.21) .56 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Less distributions: - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ From net investment income (.19) (.39) (.42) (.45) (.44) (.43) - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ From net realized gain on investments (.05) -- -- -- (.08) (.10) - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Total distributions (.24) (.39) (.42) (.45) (.52) (.53) - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Net asset value, end of period $9.14 $8.87 $8.79 $8.52 $8.32 $9.05 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Total return at net asset value (%)(a) 5.83* 5.44 8.24 8.07 (2.42) 6.47 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Ratios and supplemental data - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Net assets, end of period (in thousands) $1,335,806 $1,322,541 $1,362,488 $1,276,566 $1,374,040 $1,620,108 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%)(b) .41* .82 .81 .82 .83 .83 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%) 2.14* 4.50 4.80 5.40 5.02 4.79 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Portfolio turnover (%) 6.06* 17.90 18.63 14.86 13.24 31.55 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ * Not annualized. (a) Total return assumes dividend reinvestment and does not reflect the effect of sales charges. (b) Includes amounts paid through expense offset arrangements (Note 2). The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (For a common share outstanding throughout the period) CLASS B - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Six months ended Per-share May 31 operating performance (Unaudited) Year ended November 30 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Net asset value, beginning of period $8.85 $8.77 $8.51 $8.31 $9.04 $9.00 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Investment operations: - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Net investment income .16 .34 .37 .39 .38 .37 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments .32 .07 .25 .20 (.65) .14 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Total from investment operations .48 .41 .62 .59 (.27) .51 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Less distributions: - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ From net investment income (.16) (.33) (.36) (.39) (.38) (.37) - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ From net realized gain on investments (.05) -- -- -- (.08) (.10) - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Total distributions (.21) (.33) (.36) (.39) (.46) (.47) - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Net asset value, end of period $9.12 $8.85 $8.77 $8.51 $8.31 $9.04 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Total return at net asset value (%)(a) 5.49* 4.75 7.41 7.37 (3.06) 5.91 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Ratios and supplemental data - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Net assets, end of period (in thousands) $123,298 $119,251 $117,722 $163,839 $195,618 $231,057 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%)(b) .74* 1.47 1.46 1.47 1.48 1.48 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%) 1.82* 3.84 4.18 4.75 4.37 4.12 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Portfolio turnover (%) 6.06* 17.90 18.63 14.86 13.24 31.55 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ * Not annualized. (a) Total return assumes dividend reinvestment and does not reflect the effect of sales charges. (b) Includes amounts paid through expense offset arrangements (Note 2). The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (For a common share outstanding throughout the period) CLASS C - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Six months ended For the period Per-share May 31 July 26, 1999+ operating performance (Unaudited) Year ended November 30 to Nov. 30 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net asset value, beginning of period $8.86 $8.79 $8.53 $8.32 $8.61 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Investment operations: - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net investment income .16 .33 .35 .38 .13 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments .33 .06 .26 .21 (.29) - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total from investment operations .49 .39 .61 .59 (.16) - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Less distributions: - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From net investment income (.16) (.32) (.35) (.38) (.13) - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From net realized gain on investments (.05) -- -- -- -- - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total distributions (.21) (.32) (.35) (.38) (.13) - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net asset value, end of period $9.14 $8.86 $8.79 $8.53 $8.32 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total return at net asset value (%)(a) 5.53* 4.48 7.25 7.33 (1.87)* - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ratios and supplemental data - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net assets, end of period (in thousands) $7,972 $5,885 $5,145 $574 $356 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%)(b) .81* 1.62 1.61 1.62 .58* - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%) 1.74* 3.69 3.93 4.57 1.59* - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Portfolio turnover (%) 6.06* 17.90 18.63 14.86 13.24 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- + Commencement of operations. * Not annualized. (a) Total return assumes dividend reinvestment and does not reflect the effect of sales charges. (b) Includes amounts paid through expense offset arrangements (Note 2). The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (For a common share outstanding throughout the period) CLASS M - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Six months ended Per-share May 31 operating performance (Unaudited) Year ended November 30 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Net asset value, beginning of period $8.87 $8.79 $8.53 $8.33 $9.05 $9.02 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Investment operations: - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Net investment income .18 .37 .40 .42 .41 .41 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments .33 .07 .26 .20 (.64) .13 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Total from investment operations .51 .44 .66 .62 (.23) .54 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Less distributions: - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ From net investment income (.18) (.36) (.40) (.42) (.41) (.41) - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ From net realized gain on investments (.05) -- -- -- (.08) (.10) - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Total distributions (.23) (.36) (.40) (.42) (.49) (.51) - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Net asset value, end of period $9.15 $8.87 $8.79 $8.53 $8.33 $9.05 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Total return at net asset value (%)(a) 5.79* 5.12 7.78 7.74 (2.60) 6.15 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Ratios and supplemental data - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Net assets, end of period (in thousands) $2,368 $2,343 $1,793 $1,531 $1,837 $2,394 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%)(b) .56* 1.12 1.11 1.12 1.13 1.13 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%) 1.99* 4.17 4.51 5.11 4.72 4.47 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Portfolio turnover (%) 6.06* 17.90 18.63 14.86 13.24 31.55 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ * Not annualized. (a) Total return assumes dividend reinvestment and does not reflect the effect of sales charges. (b) Includes amounts paid through expense offset arrangements (Note 2). The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS May 31, 2003 (Unaudited) Note 1 Significant accounting policies Putnam New York Tax Exempt Income Fund, ("the fund"), is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, as a diversified, open-end management investment company. The fund seeks as high a level of current income exempt from federal income tax and New York State and City personal income tax as Putnam Investment Management, LLC ("Putnam Management"), the fund's manager, an indirect subsidiary of Putnam, LLC, believes is consistent with preservation of capital by investing primarily in a portfolio of longer-term New York tax-exempt securities. The fund offers class A, class B, class C and class M shares. Class A shares are sold with a maximum front-end sales charge of 4.75%. Class B shares, which convert to class A shares after approximately eight years, do not pay a front-end sales charge but pay a higher ongoing distribution fee than class A and class M shares, and are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge, if those shares are redeemed within six years of purchase. Class C shares have a higher ongoing distribution fee than class B shares and have a one-year 1.00% contingent deferred sales charge and do not convert to class A shares. Class M shares are sold with a maximum front-end sales charge of 3.25% and pay an ongoing distribution fee that is higher than class A shares but lower than class B and class C shares. Expenses of the fund are borne pro-rata by the holders of each class of shares, except that each class bears expenses unique to that class (including the distribution fees applicable to such class). Each class votes as a class only with respect to its own distribution plan or other matters on which a class vote is required by law or determined by the Trustees. Shares of each class would receive their pro-rata share of the net assets of the fund, if the fund were liquidated. In addition, the Trustees declare separate dividends on each class of shares. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the fund in the preparation of its financial statements. The fund may be affected by economic and political developments in the state of New York. The preparation of financial statements is in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial statements and the reported amounts of increases and decreases in net assets from operations during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. A) Security valuation Tax-exempt bonds and notes are valued on the basis of valuations provided by an independent pricing service, approved by the Trustees. Such services use information with respect to transactions in bonds, quotations from bond dealers, market transactions in comparable securities and various relationships between securities in determining value. Restricted securities are valued at fair value following procedures approved by the Trustees. Such valuations and procedures are reviewed periodically by the Trustees. B) Security transactions and related investment income Security transactions are recorded on the trade date (date the order to buy or sell is executed). Gains or losses on securities sold are determined on the identified cost basis. Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis. All premiums/discounts are amortized/accreted on a yield-to-maturity basis. The premium in excess of the call price, if any, is amortized to the call date; thereafter, any remaining premium is amortized to maturity. C) Futures and options contracts The fund may use futures and options contracts to hedge against changes in the values of securities the fund owns or expects to purchase. The fund may also write options on securities it owns or in which it may invest to increase its current returns. The potential risk to the fund is that the change in value of futures and options contracts may not correspond to the change in value of the hedged instruments. In addition, losses may arise from changes in the value of the underlying instruments, if there is an illiquid secondary market for the contracts, or if the counterparty to the contract is unable to perform. When the contract is closed, the fund records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the value of the contract at the time it was opened and the value at the time it was closed. Realized gains and losses on purchased options are included in realized gains and losses on investment securities. Futures contracts are valued at the quoted daily settlement prices established by the exchange on which they trade. The fund and the broker agree to exchange an amount of cash equal to the daily fluctuation in the value of the futures contract. Such receipts or payments are known as "variation margin." Exchange-traded options are valued at the last sale price, or if no sales are reported, the last bid price for purchased options and the last ask price for written options. Options traded over-the-counter are valued using prices supplied by dealers. Futures and written option contracts outstanding at period end are listed after The fund's portfolio. D) Line of credit The fund has entered into a committed line of credit with certain banks. This line of credit agreement includes restrictions that the fund maintain an asset coverage ratio of at least 300% and that borrowings not exceed prospectus limitations. For the six months ended May 31, 2003, the fund had no borrowings against the line of credit. E) Federal taxes It is the policy of the fund to distribute all of its income within the prescribed time and otherwise comply with the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies. It is also the intention of the fund to distribute an amount sufficient to avoid imposition of any excise tax under Section 4982 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Therefore, no provision has been made for federal taxes on income, capital gains or unrealized appreciation on securities held nor for excise tax on income and capital gains. The aggregate identified cost on a tax basis is $1,296,739,363, resulting in gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation of $166,188,805 and $14,140,890, respectively, or net unrealized appreciation of $152,047,915. F) Distributions to shareholders Income dividends are recorded daily by the fund and are paid monthly. Distributions from capital gains, if any, are recorded on the ex-dividend date and paid at least annually. The amount and character of income and gains to be distributed are determined in accordance with income tax regulations which may differ from generally accepted accounting principles. Reclassifications are made to the fund's capital accounts to reflect income and gains available for distribution (or available capital loss carryovers) under income tax regulations. Note 2 Management fee, administrative services and other transactions Putnam Management is paid for management and investment advisory services quarterly based on the average net assets of the fund. Such fee is based on the annual rate equal to the lesser of (i) 0.50% of the average net assets of the fund or (ii) 0.60% of the first $500 million of average net assets, 0.50% of the next $500 million, 0.45% of the next $500 million, 0.40% of the next $5 billion, 0.375% of the next $5 billion, 0.355% of the next $5 billion, 0.34% of the next $5 billion and 0.33% thereafter. The fund reimburses Putnam Management an allocated amount for the compensation and related expenses of certain officers of the fund and their staff who provide administrative services to the fund. The aggregate amount of all such reimbursements is determined annually by the Trustees. Custodial functions for the fund's assets are provided by Putnam Fiduciary Trust Company (PFTC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Putnam, LLC. Investor servicing agent functions are provided by Putnam Investor Services, a division of PFTC. The fund has entered into an arrangement with PFTC whereby credits realized as a result of uninvested cash balances are used to reduce a portion of the fund's expenses. For the six months ended May 31, 2003, the fund's expenses were reduced by $21,678 under these arrangements. Each independent Trustee of the fund receives an annual Trustee fee, of which $1,890 has been allocated to the fund, and an additional fee for each Trustees meeting attended. Trustees receive additional fees for attendance at certain committee meetings. The fund has adopted a Trustee Fee Deferral Plan (the "Deferral Plan") which allows the Trustees to defer the receipt of all or a portion of Trustees fees payable on or after July 1, 1995. The deferred fees remain invested in certain Putnam funds until distribution in accordance with the Deferral Plan. The fund has adopted an unfunded noncontributory defined benefit pension plan (the "Pension Plan") covering all Trustees of the fund who have served as a Trustee for at least five years. Benefits under the Pension Plan are equal to 50% of the Trustee's average total retainer and meeting fees for the three years preceding retirement. Pension expense for the fund is included in Compensation of Trustees in the Statement of operations. Accrued pension liability is included in Payable for compensation of Trustees in the Statement of assets and liabilities. The fund has adopted distribution plans (the "Plans") with respect to its class A, class B, class C and class M shares pursuant to rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The purpose of the Plans is to compensate Putnam Retail Management, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Putnam, LLC and Putnam Retail Management GP, Inc., for services provided and expenses incurred by it in distributing shares of the fund. The Plans provide for payments by the fund to Putnam Retail Management at an annual rate of up to 0.35%, 1.00%, 1.00% and 1.00% of the average net assets attributable to class A, class B, class C and class M shares, respectively. The Trustees have approved payment by the fund at the annual rates of 0.20%, 0.85%, 1.00% and 0.50% of the average net assets attributable to class A, class B, class C and class M shares, respectively. For the six months ended May 31, 2003, Putnam Retail Management, acting as underwriter, received net commissions of $28,412 and $147 from the sale of class A and class M shares, respectively, and received $50,460 and $1,383 in contingent deferred sales charges from redemptions of class B and class C shares, respectively. A deferred sales charge of up to 1.00% is assessed on certain redemptions of class A shares that were purchased without an initial sales charge as part of an investment of $1 million or more. For the six months ended May 31, 2003, Putnam Retail Management, acting as underwriter, received $1,371 on class A redemptions. Note 3 Purchases and sales of securities During the six months ended May 31, 2003, cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investment securities other than short-term investments aggregated $85,236,397 and $107,134,117, respectively. There were no purchases and sales of U.S. government obligations. Note 4 Capital shares At May 31, 2003, there was an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest authorized. Transactions in capital shares were as follows: Six months ended May 31, 2003 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class A Shares Amount - --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shares sold 2,588,522 $23,144,270 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shares issued in connection with reinvestment of distributions 2,594,942 23,259,499 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5,183,464 46,403,769 Shares repurchased (8,147,595) (72,837,213) - --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net decrease (2,964,131) $(26,433,444) - --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Year ended November 30, 2002 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class A Shares Amount - --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shares sold 7,755,574 $68,778,102 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shares issued in connection with reinvestment of distributions 3,984,563 35,275,995 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11,740,137 104,054,097 Shares repurchased (17,597,806) (155,732,893) - --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net decrease (5,857,669) $(51,678,796) - --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Six months ended May 31, 2003 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class B Shares Amount - --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shares sold 921,270 $8,225,574 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shares issued in connection with reinvestment of distributions 226,505 2,027,195 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1,147,775 10,252,769 Shares repurchased (1,111,211) (9,927,015) - --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net increase 36,564 $325,754 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Year ended November 30, 2002 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class B Shares Amount - --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shares sold 2,491,793 $22,055,377 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shares issued in connection with reinvestment of distributions 328,439 2,903,504 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2,820,232 24,958,881 Shares repurchased (2,765,037) (24,495,564) - --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net increase 55,195 $463,317 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Six months ended May 31, 2003 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class C Shares Amount - --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shares sold 317,886 $2,845,866 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shares issued in connection with reinvestment of distributions 11,370 101,969 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 329,256 2,947,835 Shares repurchased (120,484) (1,075,164) - --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net increase 208,772 $1,872,671 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Year ended November 30, 2002 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class C Shares Amount - --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shares sold 963,489 $8,580,255 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shares issued in connection with reinvestment of distributions 17,543 155,233 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 981,032 8,735,488 Shares repurchased (902,744) (8,014,250) - --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net increase 78,288 $721,238 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Six months ended May 31, 2003 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class M Shares Amount - --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shares sold 35,517 $318,091 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shares issued in connection with reinvestment of distributions 5,067 45,460 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 40,584 363,551 Shares repurchased (45,970) (410,981) - --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net decrease (5,386) $(47,430) - --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Year ended November 30, 2002 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class M Shares Amount - --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shares sold 91,279 $815,474 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shares issued in connection with reinvestment of distributions 8,383 74,362 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 99,662 889,836 Shares repurchased (39,367) (350,461) - --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net increase 60,295 $539,375 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE PUTNAM FAMILY OF FUNDS The following is a complete list of Putnam's open-end mutual funds. Please call your financial advisor or Putnam at 1-800-225-1581 to obtain a prospectus for any Putnam fund. It contains more complete information, including charges and expenses. Please read it carefully before you invest or send money. GROWTH FUNDS Discovery Growth Fund Growth Opportunities Fund Health Sciences Trust International New Opportunities Fund New Opportunities Fund OTC & Emerging Growth Fund Small Cap Growth Fund Vista Fund Voyager Fund BLEND FUNDS Capital Appreciation Fund Capital Opportunities Fund Europe Equity Fund Global Equity Fund Global Natural Resources Fund International Capital Opportunities Fund International Equity Fund Investors Fund Research Fund Tax Smart Equity Fund Utilities Growth and Income Fund VALUE FUNDS Classic Equity Fund Convertible Income-Growth Trust Equity Income Fund The George Putnam Fund of Boston The Putnam Fund for Growth and Income International Growth and Income Fund Mid Cap Value Fund New Value Fund Small Cap Value Fund * INCOME FUNDS American Government Income Fund Diversified Income Trust Global Income Trust High Yield Advantage Fund * High Yield Trust Income Fund Intermediate U.S. Government Income Fund Money Market Fund + U.S. Government Income Trust TAX-FREE INCOME FUNDS Municipal Income Fund Tax Exempt Income Fund Tax Exempt Money Market Fund + Tax-Free High Yield Fund Tax-Free Insured Fund State tax-free income funds Arizona, California, Florida, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania State tax-free money market funds + California, New York ASSET ALLOCATION FUNDS Putnam Asset Allocation Funds--three investment portfolios that spread your money across a variety of stocks, bonds, and money market investments. The three portfolios: Asset Allocation: Balanced Portfolio Asset Allocation: Conservative Portfolio Asset Allocation: Growth Portfolio * Closed to new investors. + An investment in a money market fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. Although the funds seek to preserve your investment at $1.00 per share, it is possible to lose money by investing in the fund. Check your account balances and current performance at www.putnaminvestments.com. SERVICES FOR SHAREHOLDERS HELP YOUR INVESTMENT GROW Set up a program for systematic investing with as little as $25 a month from a Putnam fund or from your own savings or checking account. (Regular investing does not guarantee a profit or protect against loss in a declining market.) SWITCH FUNDS EASILY You can move money from one Putnam fund to another within the same class of shares without a service charge. (This privilege is subject to change or termination.) ACCESS YOUR MONEY EASILY You can have checks sent regularly or redeem shares any business day at the then-current net asset value, which may be more or less than the original cost of the shares. Class B and class C shares carry a sales charge that is applied to certain withdrawals. HOW TO BUY ADDITIONAL SHARES You may buy shares through your financial advisor or directly from Putnam. To open an account by mail, send a check made payable to the name of the fund along with a completed fund application. To add to an existing account, complete the investment slip found at the top of your Confirmation of Activity statement and return it with a check payable to your fund. VISIT US AT WWW.PUTNAMINVESTMENTS.COM A secure section of our Web site contains complete information on your account, including balances and transactions, updated daily. You may also conduct transactions, such as exchanges, additional investments, and address changes. Log on today to get your password. USE OUR TOLL-FREE NUMBER 1-800-225-1581 Ask a helpful Putnam representative or your financial advisor for details about any of these or other services, or see your prospectus. FUND INFORMATION ABOUT PUTNAM INVESTMENTS One of the largest mutual fund families in the United States, Putnam Investments has a heritage of investment leadership dating back to Judge Samuel Putnam, whose Prudent Man Rule has defined fiduciary tradition and practice since 1830. Founded over 65 years ago, Putnam Investments was built around the concept that a balance between risk and reward is the hallmark of a well-rounded financial program. We presently manage over 100 mutual funds in growth, value, blend, fixed income, and international. INVESTMENT MANAGER Putnam Investment Management, LLC One Post Office Square Boston, MA 02109 MARKETING SERVICES Putnam Retail Management One Post Office Square Boston, MA 02109 CUSTODIAN Putnam Fiduciary Trust Company LEGAL COUNSEL Ropes & Gray LLP TRUSTEES John A. Hill, Chairman Jameson Adkins Baxter Charles B. Curtis Ronald J. Jackson Paul L. Joskow Elizabeth T. Kennan Lawrence J. Lasser John H. Mullin III Robert E. Patterson George Putnam, III A.J.C. Smith W. Thomas Stephens W. Nicholas Thorndike OFFICERS George Putnam, III President Charles E. Porter Executive Vice President, Treasurer and Principal Financial Officer Patricia C. Flaherty Senior Vice President Karnig H. Durgarian Vice President and Principal Executive Officer Steven D. Krichmar Vice President and Principal Financial Officer Michael T. Healy Assistant Treasurer and Principal Accounting Officer Brett C. Browchuk Vice President Charles E. Haldeman, Jr. Vice President Lawrence J. Lasser Vice President Beth S. Mazor Vice President Richard A. Monaghan Vice President Stephen M. Oristaglio Vice President Gordon H. Silver Vice President Mark C. Trenchard Vice President Jerome J. Jacobs Vice President Judith Cohen Clerk and Assistant Treasurer This report is for the information of shareholders of Putnam New York Tax Exempt Income Fund. It may also be used as sales literature when preceded or accompanied by the current prospectus, which gives details of sales charges, investment objectives, and operating policies of the fund, and the most recent copy of Putnam's Quarterly Performance Summary and Putnam's Quarterly Ranking Summary. For more information or to request a prospectus, call toll free: 1-800-225-1581. The fund's Statement of Additional Information contains additional information about the fund's Trustees and is available without charge upon request by calling 1-800-225-1581. Visit www.putnaminvestments.com or call 1-800-225-1581. NOT FDIC INSURED, MAY LOSE VALUE, NO BANK GUARANTEE [LOGO OMITTED] PUTNAM INVESTMENTS The Putnam Funds One Post Office Square Boston, Massachusetts 02109 - --------------------- PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID PUTNAM INVESTMENTS - --------------------- For account balances, economic forecasts, and the latest on Putnam funds, visit www.putnaminvestments.com SA051-88677 030/345/681 7/03 Item 2. Code of Ethics: - ----------------------- Not applicable Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert: - ----------------------------------------- Not applicable Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services: - ----------------------------------------------- Not applicable Items 5-6. [Reserved] - --------------------- Item 7. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures For Closed End - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Management Investment Companies: Not applicable -------------------------------- Item 8. [Reserved] - ------------------ Item 9. Controls and Procedures: - -------------------------------- The registrant's principal executive officer and principal financial officers have concluded, based on their evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of this report on Form N-CSR, that the design and operation of such procedures are effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by the investment company in the reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the Commission's rules and forms. There have been no significant changes in the registrant's internal controls subsequent to the date of their evaluation. Item 10. Exhibits: - ------------------ (a) Not applicable (b) A separate certification for each principal executive officer and principal financial officer of the registrant as required by Rule 30a-2 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and the officer certifications as required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 are filed herewith. SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 an 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. NAME OF REGISTRANT By (Signature and Title): /s/Michael T. Healy -------------------------- Michael T. Healy Principal Accounting Officer Date: July 24, 2003 Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 an 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 (Signature and Title): /s/Karnig H. Durgarian --------------------------- Karnig H. Durgarian Principal Executive Officer Date: July 24, 2003 By (Signature and Title): /s/Charles E. Porter --------------------------- Charles E. Porter Principal Financial Officer Date: July 24, 2003 By (Signature and Title): /s/Steven D. Krichmar --------------------------- Steven D. Krichmar Principal Financial Officer Date: July 24, 2003