UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM N-CSR

CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED MANAGEMENT
INVESTMENT COMPANIES

Investment Company Act file number 811-05245
   
  BNY Mellon Strategic Municipals, Inc.  
  (Exact name of Registrant as specified in charter)  
     
 

 

c/o BNY Mellon Investment Adviser, Inc.

240 Greenwich Street

New York, New York 10286

 
  (Address of principal executive offices)        (Zip code)  
     
 

Deirdre Cunnane, Esq.

240 Greenwich Street

New York, New York 10286

 
  (Name and address of agent for service)  
 
Registrant's telephone number, including area code:   (212) 922-6400
   

Date of fiscal year end:

 

09/30  
Date of reporting period:

03/31/24

 

 
             

 

 

 

 
 

 

FORM N-CSR

Item 1.Reports to Stockholders.

BNY Mellon Strategic Municipals, Inc.

 

SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

March 31, 2024

 

 

 

BNY Mellon Strategic Municipals, Inc.

Protecting Your Privacy
Our Pledge to You

THE FUND IS COMMITTED TO YOUR PRIVACY. On this page, you will find the fund’s policies and practices for collecting, disclosing, and safeguarding “nonpublic personal information,” which may include financial or other customer information. These policies apply to individuals who purchase fund shares for personal, family, or household purposes, or have done so in the past. This notification replaces all previous statements of the fund’s consumer privacy policy, and may be amended at any time. We’ll keep you informed of changes as required by law.

YOUR ACCOUNT IS PROVIDED IN A SECURE ENVIRONMENT. The fund maintains physical, electronic and procedural safeguards that comply with federal regulations to guard nonpublic personal information. The fund’s agents and service providers have limited access to customer information based on their role in servicing your account.

THE FUND COLLECTS INFORMATION IN ORDER TO SERVICE AND ADMINISTER YOUR ACCOUNT. The fund collects a variety of nonpublic personal information, which may include:

 Information we receive from you, such as your name, address, and social security number.

 Information about your transactions with us, such as the purchase or sale of fund shares.

 Information we receive from agents and service providers, such as proxy voting information.

THE FUND DOES NOT SHARE NONPUBLIC PERSONAL INFORMATION WITH ANYONE, EXCEPT AS PERMITTED BY LAW.

Thank you for this opportunity to serve you.

 

The views expressed in this report reflect those of the portfolio manager(s) only through the end of the period covered and do not necessarily represent the views of BNY Mellon Investment Adviser, Inc. or any other person in the BNY Mellon Investment Adviser, Inc. organization. Any such views are subject to change at any time based upon market or other conditions and BNY Mellon Investment Adviser, Inc. disclaims any responsibility to update such views. These views may not be relied on as investment advice and, because investment decisions for a fund in the BNY Mellon Family of Funds are based on numerous factors, may not be relied on as an indication of trading intent on behalf of any fund in the BNY Mellon Family of Funds.

 

Not FDIC-Insured • Not Bank-Guaranteed • May Lose Value

 

Contents

THE FUND

  

Discussion of Fund Performance

2

Statement of Investments

5

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

28

Statement of Operations

29

Statement of Cash Flows

30

Statement of Changes in Net Assets

31

Financial Highlights

32

Notes to Financial Statements

34

Information About the Renewal
of the Fund’s Management and
Sub-Investment Advisory Agreements

43

Officers and Directors

49

FOR MORE INFORMATION

 

Back Cover

 
 

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DISCUSSION OF FUND PERFORMANCE (Unaudited)

For the period from October 1, 2023, through March 31, 2024, as provided by Daniel Rabasco and Jeffrey Burger, Primary Portfolio Managers of Insight North America LLC, the fund’s sub-adviser.

Market and Fund Performance Overview

For the six-month period ended March 31, 2024, BNY Mellon Strategic Municipals, Inc. (the “fund”) produced a total return of 13.31% on a net-asset-value basis and 16.71% on a market-price basis.1 Over the same period, the fund provided aggregate income dividends of $.1140 per share, which reflects an annualized distribution rate of 3.74%.2 In comparison, the Bloomberg U.S. Municipal Bond Index (the “Index”), the fund’s benchmark, posted a total return of 7.48% for the same period.3

Municipal bonds rose during the reporting period, as the market was supported by easing inflation and investor anticipation of interest-rate cuts by the U.S. Federal Reserve (the “Fed”).

The Fund’s Investment Approach

The fund’s investment objective is to maximize current income exempt from federal income tax to the extent consistent with the preservation of capital. Under normal market conditions, the fund invests at least 80% of its net assets in municipal obligations. Generally, the fund invests at least 50% of its net assets in municipal bonds considered investment grade or the unrated equivalent, as determined by the sub-adviser, in the case of bonds, and in the two highest-rating categories or the unrated equivalent as determined by the sub-adviser, in the event of short-term obligations having or deemed to have maturities of less than one year.

To this end, portfolio construction focuses on income opportunities through analysis of each bond’s structure, including close attention to each bond’s yield, maturity and early redemption features. When making new investments, we focus on identifying undervalued sectors and securities, and we minimize reliance on interest-rate forecasting. We select municipal bonds based on fundamental credit analysis to estimate the relative value and attractiveness of various sectors and securities and to exploit pricing inefficiencies in the municipal bond market. We actively trade among various sectors, such as escrowed, general obligation and revenue bonds, based on their apparent relative values. Leverage, which is utilized in the portfolio in order to generate a higher level of current income exempt from regular federal income taxes, does amplify the fund’s exposure to interest-rate movements, and potentially, gains or losses, especially with respect to securities with the longest maturities.

Market Benefits from Declining Inflation, but Timing of Rate Cuts Uncertain

The municipal market posted strong gains early in the reporting period as inflation eased and the Fed signaled that rate cuts were likely in 2024. However, as the economy remained strong and inflation persisted, the timing of rate cuts became more uncertain, and investors began to temper their expectations.

The economy and employment remained strong during the period. After expanding by 4.9% in the third quarter, the economy continued at an above-trend rate of 3.4% in the

2

 

fourth quarter. Growth in the first quarter of 2024 also appeared strong, remaining well above 2%, according to the Atlanta Federal Reserve Bank’s GDPNow model.

The Fed’s preferred measure of inflation, the personal consumption expenditure (“PCE”) index, rose to 2.5% year over year in February 2024, though the core PCE, which excludes food and energy, did edge slightly downward to 2.8%. Like the PCE, the consumer price (“CPI”) index remained higher than expected in 2024.

Unexpectedly strong inflation resulted in a higher yield on the 10-year Treasury as well, but this failed to slow the U.S. economy. Continued economic strength made it difficult for the Fed to ease monetary policy as easing would only further stimulate economic activity. Thus, the Fed left the federal funds target rate unchanged at 5.25%–5.50%. While expectations late in 2023 were for rate cuts to begin midway into 2024, toward the end of the reporting period, investors began to expect them to be delayed until much later in the year.

Despite a surge in rates in October, the municipal bond market rebounded strongly towards the end of 2023. Heading into 2024, municipal mutual bond funds began to receive inflow from retail investors, who had been largely absent. This resulted in favorable technical conditions as demand was more than adequate to handle increasing new issue supply.

After the initial surge, the market generally moved sideways during the first months of 2024. This kept interest rates at attractive levels, extending the opportunity for interested investors.

Duration Aided Performance

The fund’s results were driven primarily by its relatively long duration versus the Index. Longer bonds performed especially well as interest rates declined during the period. Sector allocation also contributed positively, with the overweight to revenue bonds enhancing returns, especially in continuing care & retirement centers, industrial development and prepaid gas. While security selection produced a moderately negative effect overall, the effect was positive in some segments, including education, continuing care & retirement centers, prepaid gas and public power.

Overall, the fund’s performance was hindered modestly by certain security selections, especially in the hospital, transportation and special tax segments. An overweight to tobacco bonds also detracted from performance. The fund did not employ derivatives during the period.

Monetary Easing Expected Later in the Year

Market sentiment has shifted somewhat, and the number of anticipated rate cuts by the Fed is now less than expected earlier in the reporting period. Employment remains strong, and inflation has proven to be higher than anticipated. On the plus side, this means that the entry point for the municipal bond market is attractive, as yields remain high. Inflows to municipal bond mutual funds have picked up, however, and we believe they are likely to remain strong.

3

 

DISCUSSION OF FUND PERFORMANCE (Unaudited) (continued)

We remain constructive on the market for the second half of 2024. While supply has picked up, it remains manageable and demand remains strong. Credit fundamentals are also healthy, supported by a resilient economy. In this environment, we anticipate that municipal bond spreads could tighten, enhancing the potential for total return. We continue to focus on opportunities for improving incremental yields.

Historically, the municipal bond market has performed well when the Fed has ended a tightening cycle, and an end to tightening remains a likely scenario as 2024 progresses. The presidential election in November 2024 adds some uncertainty to this outlook and is likely to result in issuance earlier in the year than would otherwise be the case. Nevertheless, we will continue to monitor the likely effects of the election and adjust the portfolio as necessary.

April 15, 2024

1 Total return includes reinvestment of dividends and any capital gains paid, based upon net asset value per share or market price per share, as applicable. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Market price per share, net asset value per share and investment return fluctuate. Income may be subject to state and local taxes, and some income may be subject to the federal alternative minimum tax (AMT) for certain investors. Capital gains, if any, are fully taxable. Return figures provided reflects the absorption of certain fund expenses by BNY Mellon Investment Adviser, Inc. pursuant to an agreement in effect until November 29, 2024, at which time it may be extended, modified or terminated. Had these expenses not been absorbed, the fund’s return would have been lower.

2 Annualized distribution rate per share is based upon dividends per share paid from net investment income during the period, divided by the market price per share at the end of the period, adjusted for any capital gain distributions.

3 Source: Lipper Inc. — The Bloomberg U.S. Municipal Bond Index covers the U.S. Dollar-denominated long-term tax-exempt bond market. Unlike a fund, the Index is not subject to fees and other expenses. Investors can not invest directly in any index.

Bonds are subject generally to interest-rate, credit, liquidity and market risks, to varying degrees. Generally, all other factors being equal, bond prices are inversely related to interest-rate changes, and rate increases can cause price declines. High yield bonds are subject to increased credit risk and are considered speculative in terms of the issuer’s perceived ability to continue making interest payments on a timely basis and to repay principal upon maturity. The use of leverage may magnify the fund’s gains or losses. For derivatives with a leveraging component, adverse changes in the value or level of the underlying asset can result in a loss that is much greater than the original investment in the derivative.

4

 

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS

March 31, 2024 (Unaudited)

          
 

Description

Coupon
Rate (%)

 

Maturity

Date

 

Principal

Amount ($)

 

Value ($)

 

Bonds and Notes - .6%

     

Collateralized Municipal-Backed Securities - .6%

     

California Housing Finance Agency, Revenue Bonds, Ser. A
(cost $2,399,555)

 

3.25

 

8/20/2036

 

2,698,859

 

2,490,280

 
         

Long-Term Municipal Investments - 141.5%

     

Alabama - 3.5%

     

Alabama Special Care Facilities Financing Authority, Revenue Bonds (Methodist Home for the Aging Obligated Group)

 

6.00

 

6/1/2050

 

5,970,000

 

5,484,294

 

Black Belt Energy Gas District, Revenue Bonds, Refunding (Gas Project) Ser. D1

 

5.50

 

2/1/2029

 

5,555,000

a 

5,922,850

 

Jefferson County, Revenue Bonds, Refunding

 

5.25

 

10/1/2049

 

2,500,000

 

2,688,658

 

Jefferson County, Revenue Bonds, Refunding

 

5.50

 

10/1/2053

 

1,250,000

 

1,363,276

 
 

15,459,078

 

Alaska - .6%

     

Northern Tobacco Securitization Corp., Revenue Bonds, Refunding, Ser. A

 

4.00

 

6/1/2050

 

3,000,000

 

2,783,591

 

Arizona - 5.8%

     

Arizona Industrial Development Authority, Revenue Bonds (Academics of Math & Science Project)

 

5.00

 

7/1/2054

 

1,275,000

b 

1,199,296

 

Arizona Industrial Development Authority, Revenue Bonds (Legacy Cares Project) Ser. A

 

6.00

 

7/1/2051

 

1,000,000

b,c 

60,000

 

Arizona Industrial Development Authority, Revenue Bonds (Legacy Cares Project) Ser. A

 

7.75

 

7/1/2050

 

5,770,000

b,c 

346,200

 

Arizona Industrial Development Authority, Revenue Bonds (Sustainable Bond) (Equitable School Revolving Fund Obligated Group) Ser. A

 

5.25

 

11/1/2053

 

2,000,000

 

2,132,662

 

Arizona Industrial Development Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding (BASIS Schools Projects) Ser. A

 

5.25

 

7/1/2047

 

1,600,000

b 

1,600,870

 

5

 

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)

          
 

Description

Coupon
Rate (%)

 

Maturity Date

 

Principal Amount ($)

 

Value ($)

 

Long-Term Municipal Investments - 141.5%(continued)

     

Arizona - 5.8%(continued)

     

Arizona Industrial Development Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding (BASIS Schools Projects) Ser. D

 

5.00

 

7/1/2047

 

1,035,000

b 

1,004,453

 

Arizona Industrial Development Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding (BASIS Schools Projects) Ser. D

 

5.00

 

7/1/2051

 

380,000

b 

364,154

 

Glendale Industrial Development Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding (Sun Health Services Obligated Group) Ser. A

 

5.00

 

11/15/2054

 

1,170,000

 

1,140,002

 

La Paz County Industrial Development Authority, Revenue Bonds (Harmony Public Schools) Ser. A

 

5.00

 

2/15/2036

 

2,480,000

b 

2,508,682

 

Maricopa County Industrial Development Authority, Revenue Bonds (Benjamin Franklin Charter School Obligated Group)

 

6.00

 

7/1/2052

 

3,000,000

b 

3,064,929

 

Maricopa County Industrial Development Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding (Paradise Schools Projects Paragon Management)

 

5.00

 

7/1/2047

 

2,000,000

b 

1,975,472

 

Salt Verde Financial Corp., Revenue Bonds

 

5.00

 

12/1/2037

 

1,000,000

 

1,089,301

 

Tender Option Bond Trust Receipts (Series 2018-XF2537), (Salt Verde Financial Corporation, Revenue Bonds) Recourse, Underlying Coupon Rate 5.00%

 

4.26

 

12/1/2037

 

4,030,000

b,d,e 

4,389,938

 

The Phoenix Arizona Industrial Development Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding (BASIS Schools Projects) Ser. A

 

5.00

 

7/1/2035

 

2,360,000

b 

2,374,848

 

The Phoenix Arizona Industrial Development Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding (BASIS Schools Projects) Ser. A

 

5.00

 

7/1/2046

 

2,000,000

b 

1,954,967

 
 

25,205,774

 

Arkansas - .6%

     

Arkansas Development Finance Authority, Revenue Bonds (Sustainable Bond) (U.S. Steel Corp.)

 

5.70

 

5/1/2053

 

2,600,000

 

2,701,006

 

6

 

          
 

Description

Coupon
Rate (%)

 

Maturity Date

 

Principal Amount ($)

 

Value ($)

 

Long-Term Municipal Investments - 141.5%(continued)

     

California - 4.7%

     

California County Tobacco Securitization Agency, Revenue Bonds, Refunding, Ser. A

 

4.00

 

6/1/2049

 

1,400,000

 

1,360,936

 

California Municipal Finance Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding (HumanGood California Obligated Group) Ser. A

 

5.00

 

10/1/2044

 

1,000,000

 

1,023,429

 

California Municipal Finance Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding (William Jessup University)

 

5.00

 

8/1/2039

 

1,000,000

b 

960,593

 

California Statewide Communities Development Authority, Revenue Bonds (Loma Linda University Medical Center Obligated Group) Ser. A

 

5.25

 

12/1/2056

 

1,000,000

b 

1,010,976

 

Golden State Tobacco Securitization Corp., Revenue Bonds, Refunding (Tobacco Settlement Asset) Ser. B

 

5.00

 

6/1/2051

 

1,500,000

 

1,572,825

 

Orange County Community Facilities District, Special Tax Bonds, Ser. A

 

5.00

 

8/15/2052

 

1,500,000

 

1,524,578

 

San Diego County Regional Airport Authority, Revenue Bonds, Ser. B

 

5.00

 

7/1/2051

 

4,750,000

 

4,976,574

 

Tender Option Bond Trust Receipts (Series 2022-XF3024), (San Francisco City & County, Revenue Bonds, Refunding, Ser. A) Recourse, Underlying Coupon Rate 5.00%

 

4.83

 

5/1/2044

 

7,860,000

b,d,e 

8,155,549

 
 

20,585,460

 

Colorado - 6.7%

     

Colorado Health Facilities Authority, Revenue Bonds (CommonSpirit Health Obligated Group)

 

5.25

 

11/1/2052

 

1,500,000

 

1,610,724

 

Colorado Health Facilities Authority, Revenue Bonds (Covenant Retirement Communities & Services Obligated Group)

 

5.00

 

12/1/2048

 

1,250,000

 

1,245,889

 

Colorado Health Facilities Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding (Covenant Living Communities & Services Obligated Group) Ser. A

 

4.00

 

12/1/2050

 

4,500,000

 

3,803,788

 

Colorado High Performance Transportation Enterprise, Revenue Bonds (C-470 Express Lanes System)

 

5.00

 

12/31/2056

 

1,245,000

 

1,247,712

 

Denver City & County, Revenue Bonds, Refunding (United Airlines Project)

 

5.00

 

10/1/2032

 

1,000,000

 

1,000,004

 

7

 

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)

          
 

Description

Coupon
Rate (%)

 

Maturity Date

 

Principal Amount ($)

 

Value ($)

 

Long-Term Municipal Investments - 141.5%(continued)

     

Colorado - 6.7%(continued)

     

Dominion Water & Sanitation District, Revenue Bonds, Refunding

 

5.88

 

12/1/2052

 

4,500,000

 

4,473,292

 

Hess Ranch Metropolitan District No. 6, GO, Ser. A1

 

5.00

 

12/1/2049

 

2,000,000

 

1,833,895

 

Rampart Range Metropolitan District No. 5, Revenue Bonds

 

4.00

 

12/1/2051

 

2,000,000

 

1,486,370

 

Regional Transportation District, Revenue Bonds, Refunding (Denver Transit Partners) Ser. A

 

4.00

 

7/15/2034

 

1,500,000

 

1,551,766

 

Tender Option Bond Trust Receipts (Series 2020-XM0829), (Colorado Health Facilities Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding (CommonSpirit Health Obligated Group) Ser. A1) Recourse, Underlying Coupon Rate 4.00%

 

3.90

 

8/1/2044

 

4,440,000

b,d,e 

5,130,299

 

Tender Option Bond Trust Receipts (Series 2023-XM1124), (Colorado Health Facilities Authority, Revenue Bonds (Adventist Health System/Sunbelt Obligated Group) Ser. A) Recourse, Underlying Coupon Rate 4.00%

 

1.43

 

11/15/2048

 

5,535,000

b,d,e 

5,350,873

 

Vauxmont Metropolitan District, GO, Refunding (Insured; Assured Guaranty Municipal Corp.)

 

3.25

 

12/15/2050

 

650,000

 

539,847

 
 

29,274,459

 

Connecticut - 1.4%

     

Connecticut Health & Educational Facilities Authority, Revenue Bonds (The Hartford University) Ser. P

 

5.38

 

7/1/2052

 

1,500,000

 

1,409,824

 

Connecticut Health & Educational Facilities Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding (Fairfield University) Ser. T

 

4.00

 

7/1/2055

 

1,000,000

 

940,902

 

Connecticut Housing Finance Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding, Ser. A1

 

3.65

 

11/15/2032

 

410,000

 

406,049

 

Harbor Point Infrastructure Improvement District, Tax Allocation Bonds, Refunding (Harbor Point Project)

 

5.00

 

4/1/2039

 

3,500,000

b 

3,518,073

 
 

6,274,848

 

8

 

          
 

Description

Coupon
Rate (%)

 

Maturity Date

 

Principal Amount ($)

 

Value ($)

 

Long-Term Municipal Investments - 141.5%(continued)

     

Delaware - .2%

     

Delaware Economic Development Authority, Revenue Bonds (ACTS Retirement-Life Communities Obligated Group) Ser. B

 

5.25

 

11/15/2053

 

1,000,000

 

1,044,217

 

District of Columbia - .5%

     

Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding (Dulles Metrorail) Ser. B

 

4.00

 

10/1/2049

 

2,500,000

 

2,356,841

 

Florida - 10.5%

     

Atlantic Beach, Revenue Bonds (Fleet Landing Project) Ser. A

 

5.00

 

11/15/2053

 

3,000,000

 

2,909,662

 

Capital Trust Agency, Revenue Bonds (WFCS Portfolio Projects) Ser. A

 

5.00

 

1/1/2056

 

750,000

b 

613,262

 

Collier County Industrial Development Authority, Revenue Bonds (NCH Healthcare System Project) (Insured; Assured Guaranty Municipal Corp.) Ser. A

 

5.00

 

10/1/2049

 

1,700,000

 

1,818,784

 

Florida Development Finance Corp., Revenue Bonds (Miami Arts Charter School Project) Ser. A

 

6.00

 

6/15/2044

 

5,000,000

b 

4,207,053

 

Florida Housing Finance Corp., Revenue Bonds (Insured; GNMA/FNMA/FHLMC) Ser. 1

 

4.40

 

7/1/2044

 

2,500,000

 

2,481,730

 

Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, Revenue Bonds, Ser. A

 

4.00

 

10/1/2049

 

4,685,000

 

4,368,947

 

Hillsborough County Port District, Revenue Bonds (Tampa Port Authority Project) Ser. B

 

5.00

 

6/1/2046

 

3,500,000

 

3,558,592

 

Lee Memorial Health System, Revenue Bonds, Refunding, Ser. A1

 

4.00

 

4/1/2049

 

1,650,000

 

1,556,484

 

Miami-Dade County, Revenue Bonds

 

0.00

 

10/1/2045

 

3,000,000

f 

1,133,080

 

Miami-Dade County Water & Sewer System, Revenue Bonds (Insured; Build America Mutual)

 

4.00

 

10/1/2051

 

1,550,000

 

1,504,923

 

Palm Beach County Health Facilities Authority, Revenue Bonds (ACTS Retirement-Life Communities Obligated Group)

 

5.00

 

11/15/2045

 

2,850,000

 

2,935,050

 

Palm Beach County Health Facilities Authority, Revenue Bonds (ACTS Retirement-Life Communities Obligated Group) Ser. B

 

5.00

 

11/15/2042

 

735,000

 

771,239

 

9

 

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)

          
 

Description

Coupon
Rate (%)

 

Maturity Date

 

Principal Amount ($)

 

Value ($)

 

Long-Term Municipal Investments - 141.5%(continued)

     

Florida - 10.5%(continued)

     

Palm Beach County Health Facilities Authority, Revenue Bonds (Lifespace Communities Obligated Group) Ser. B

 

4.00

 

5/15/2053

 

2,600,000

 

1,882,547

 

Palm Beach County Health Facilities Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding (Lifespace Communities Obligated Group) Ser. C

 

7.63

 

5/15/2058

 

1,000,000

 

1,104,091

 

Pinellas County Industrial Development Authority, Revenue Bonds (Foundation for Global Understanding)

 

5.00

 

7/1/2029

 

700,000

 

719,293

 

Seminole County Industrial Development Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding (Legacy Pointe at UCF Project)

 

5.75

 

11/15/2054

 

2,500,000

 

2,104,914

 

Tender Option Bond Trust Receipts (Series 2023-XM1122), (Miami-Dade FL County Water & Sewer System, Revenue Bonds, Refunding, Ser. B) Recourse, Underlying Coupon Rate 4.00%

 

2.10

 

10/1/2049

 

12,750,000

b,d,e 

12,277,071

 
 

45,946,722

 

Georgia - 7.4%

     

Atlanta Water & Wastewater, Revenue Bonds (Proctor Creek Watershed) Ser. D

 

3.50

 

11/1/2028

 

880,000

b 

870,740

 

Georgia Municipal Electric Authority, Revenue Bonds (Plant Vogtle Units 3&4 Project) Ser. A

 

5.00

 

7/1/2052

 

3,250,000

 

3,378,983

 

Main Street Natural Gas, Revenue Bonds, Ser. A

 

5.00

 

6/1/2030

 

1,500,000

a 

1,580,894

 

Main Street Natural Gas, Revenue Bonds, Ser. A

 

5.00

 

9/1/2031

 

3,500,000

a 

3,751,813

 

Tender Option Bond Trust Receipts (Series 2016-XM0435), (Private Colleges & Universities Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding (Emory University)) Recourse, Underlying Coupon Rate 5.00%

 

4.70

 

10/1/2043

 

10,000,000

b,d,e 

9,943,199

 

Tender Option Bond Trust Receipts (Series 2020-XM0825), (Brookhaven Development Authority, Revenue Bonds (Children's Healthcare of Atlanta) Ser. A) Recourse, Underlying Coupon Rate 4.00%

 

2.55

 

7/1/2044

 

6,340,000

b,d,e 

6,716,188

 

10

 

          
 

Description

Coupon
Rate (%)

 

Maturity Date

 

Principal Amount ($)

 

Value ($)

 

Long-Term Municipal Investments - 141.5%(continued)

     

Georgia - 7.4%(continued)

     

Tender Option Bond Trust Receipts (Series 2023-XF3183), (Municipal Electric Authority of Georgia, Revenue Bonds (Plant Vogtle Units 3 & 4 Project) Ser. A) Recourse, Underlying Coupon Rate 5.00%

 

4.55

 

1/1/2059

 

3,600,000

b,d,e 

3,609,571

 

The Burke County Development Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding (Oglethorpe Power Corp.) Ser. D

 

4.13

 

11/1/2045

 

2,400,000

 

2,232,233

 
 

32,083,621

 

Hawaii - .5%

     

Hawaii Airports System, Revenue Bonds, Ser. A

 

5.00

 

7/1/2047

 

1,000,000

 

1,055,207

 

Hawaii Department of Budget & Finance, Revenue Bonds, Refunding (Hawaiian Electric Co.)

 

4.00

 

3/1/2037

 

1,500,000

 

1,026,582

 
 

2,081,789

 

Idaho - 1.5%

     

Power County Industrial Development Corp., Revenue Bonds (FMC Corp. Project)

 

6.45

 

8/1/2032

 

5,000,000

 

5,015,920

 

Spring Valley Community Infrastructure District No. 1, Special Assessment Bonds

 

3.75

 

9/1/2051

 

2,000,000

b 

1,564,808

 
 

6,580,728

 

Illinois - 10.5%

     

Chicago Board of Education, GO, Refunding, Ser. A

 

5.00

 

12/1/2034

 

1,400,000

 

1,451,283

 

Chicago Board of Education, GO, Ser. D

 

5.00

 

12/1/2046

 

2,000,000

 

2,006,462

 

Chicago Board of Education, GO, Ser. H

 

5.00

 

12/1/2036

 

2,000,000

 

2,038,820

 

Chicago II, GO, Refunding, Ser. A

 

6.00

 

1/1/2038

 

3,000,000

 

3,143,271

 

Chicago II, GO, Ser. A

 

5.00

 

1/1/2044

 

4,000,000

 

4,121,404

 

Chicago II, GO, Ser. A

 

5.50

 

1/1/2049

 

1,000,000

 

1,042,605

 

Chicago Midway International Airport, Revenue Bonds, Refunding, Ser. C

 

5.00

 

1/1/2041

 

1,550,000

 

1,666,512

 

Illinois, GO, Refunding, Ser. A

 

5.00

 

10/1/2029

 

1,100,000

 

1,189,590

 

Illinois, GO, Ser. A

 

5.00

 

5/1/2038

 

3,400,000

 

3,555,003

 

Illinois, GO, Ser. C

 

5.00

 

11/1/2029

 

1,120,000

 

1,187,787

 

Illinois, GO, Ser. D

 

5.00

 

11/1/2028

 

2,825,000

 

2,995,776

 

Illinois, Revenue Bonds (Auxiliary Facilities System) Ser. A

 

5.00

 

4/1/2044

 

1,000,000

 

990,681

 

11

 

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)

          
 

Description

Coupon
Rate (%)

 

Maturity Date

 

Principal Amount ($)

 

Value ($)

 

Long-Term Municipal Investments - 141.5%(continued)

     

Illinois - 10.5%(continued)

     

Illinois Finance Authority, Revenue Bonds (Plymouth Place Obligated Group) Ser. A

 

6.63

 

5/15/2052

 

1,000,000

 

1,031,997

 

Illinois Finance Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding (Lutheran Life Communities Obligated Group) Ser. A

 

5.00

 

11/1/2049

 

1,750,000

 

1,322,492

 

Metropolitan Pier & Exposition Authority, Revenue Bonds (McCormick Place Expansion Project)

 

5.00

 

6/15/2057

 

2,000,000

 

2,029,043

 

Metropolitan Pier & Exposition Authority, Revenue Bonds (McCormick Place Project) (Insured; National Public Finance Guarantee Corp.) Ser. A

 

0.00

 

12/15/2036

 

2,500,000

f 

1,554,635

 

Metropolitan Pier & Exposition Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding (McCormick Place Expansion Project)

 

0.00

 

12/15/2054

 

21,800,000

f 

4,497,830

 

Sales Tax Securitization Corp., Revenue Bonds, Refunding, Ser. A

 

4.00

 

1/1/2038

 

2,000,000

 

2,013,568

 

Tender Option Bond Trust Receipts (Series 2017-XM0492), (Illinois Finance Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding (The University of Chicago)) Non-recourse, Underlying Coupon Rate 5.00%

 

7.23

 

4/1/2025

 

4,920,000

b,d,e 

4,970,234

 

Tender Option Bond Trust Receipts (Series 2023-XF1623), (Regional Transportation Authority Illinois, Revenue Bonds, Ser. B) Non-recourse, Underlying Coupon Rate 4.00%

 

3.73

 

6/1/2048

 

3,000,000

b,d,e 

2,897,163

 
 

45,706,156

 

Indiana - 1.5%

     

Indiana Finance Authority, Revenue Bonds (Ohio Valley Electric Project) Ser. B

 

3.00

 

11/1/2030

 

1,000,000

 

930,439

 

Indiana Finance Authority, Revenue Bonds (Sustainable Bond)

 

7.00

 

3/1/2039

 

5,525,000

b 

3,860,248

 

Indianapolis Local Public Improvement Bond Bank, Revenue Bonds (City Moral Obligation) (Insured; Build America Mutual) Ser. F1

 

5.25

 

3/1/2067

 

1,750,000

 

1,881,716

 
 

6,672,403

 

12

 

          
 

Description

Coupon
Rate (%)

 

Maturity Date

 

Principal Amount ($)

 

Value ($)

 

Long-Term Municipal Investments - 141.5%(continued)

     

Iowa - 1.4%

     

Iowa Finance Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding (Iowa Fertilizer Co. Project)

 

5.00

 

12/1/2050

 

2,515,000

 

2,655,980

 

Iowa Finance Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding (Lifespace Communities Obligated Group) Ser. A

 

4.00

 

5/15/2053

 

1,000,000

 

724,057

 

Iowa Finance Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding (Lifespace Communities Obligated Group) Ser. A

 

4.00

 

5/15/2046

 

500,000

 

385,503

 

Iowa Student Loan Liquidity Corp., Revenue Bonds, Ser. B

 

5.00

 

12/1/2031

 

2,000,000

 

2,154,552

 
 

5,920,092

 

Kentucky - 1.2%

     

Henderson, Revenue Bonds (Pratt Paper Project) Ser. A

 

4.70

 

1/1/2052

 

1,000,000

b 

995,322

 

Kentucky Public Energy Authority, Revenue Bonds, Ser. A

 

5.00

 

5/1/2055

 

1,750,000

a 

1,852,815

 

Kentucky Public Energy Authority, Revenue Bonds, Ser. A1

 

4.00

 

8/1/2030

 

2,270,000

a 

2,269,958

 
 

5,118,095

 

Louisiana - 3.4%

     

Louisiana Local Government Environmental Facilities & Community Development Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding (Westlake Chemical Project)

 

3.50

 

11/1/2032

 

3,100,000

 

2,994,850

 

Louisiana Public Facilities Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding (Tulane University) Ser. A

 

4.00

 

4/1/2030

 

115,000

g 

122,753

 

New Orleans Aviation Board, Revenue Bonds (General Airport-N Terminal Project) Ser. A

 

5.00

 

1/1/2048

 

1,000,000

 

1,024,065

 

Tender Option Bond Trust Receipts (Series 2018-XF2584), (Louisiana Public Facilities Authority, Revenue Bonds (Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System Project)) Non-recourse, Underlying Coupon Rate 5.00%

 

4.41

 

7/1/2047

 

10,755,000

b,d,e 

10,905,777

 
 

15,047,445

 

Maryland - 2.2%

     

Maryland Economic Development Corp., Revenue Bonds (Sustainable Bond) (Purple Line Transit Partners) Ser. B

 

5.25

 

6/30/2055

 

3,120,000

 

3,260,391

 

13

 

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)

          
 

Description

Coupon
Rate (%)

 

Maturity Date

 

Principal Amount ($)

 

Value ($)

 

Long-Term Municipal Investments - 141.5%(continued)

     

Maryland - 2.2%(continued)

     

Maryland Economic Development Corp., Tax Allocation Bonds (Port Covington Project)

 

4.00

 

9/1/2050

 

1,000,000

 

824,445

 

Maryland Health & Higher Educational Facilities Authority, Revenue Bonds (Adventist Healthcare Obligated Group) Ser. A

 

5.50

 

1/1/2046

 

3,250,000

 

3,294,923

 

Maryland State Transportation Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding, Ser. A

 

4.00

 

7/1/2037

 

2,000,000

 

2,076,125

 
 

9,455,884

 

Massachusetts - 4.9%

     

Lowell Collegiate Charter School, Revenue Bonds

 

5.00

 

6/15/2054

 

1,620,000

 

1,563,612

 

Massachusetts Development Finance Agency, Revenue Bonds, Refunding (Boston Medical Center Corp. Obligated Group)

 

5.25

 

7/1/2052

 

1,500,000

 

1,611,292

 

Massachusetts Development Finance Agency, Revenue Bonds, Refunding (NewBridge Charles Obligated Group)

 

5.00

 

10/1/2057

 

1,000,000

b 

995,164

 

Massachusetts Development Finance Agency, Revenue Bonds, Refunding, Ser. A

 

5.00

 

7/1/2025

 

1,400,000

 

1,411,044

 

Massachusetts Development Finance Agency, Revenue Bonds, Ser. T

 

4.00

 

3/1/2054

 

1,000,000

 

966,799

 

Tender Option Bond Trust Receipts (Series 2023-XF1604), (Massachusetts State Transportation Fund, Revenue Bonds, Ser. B) Non-recourse, Underlying Coupon Rate 5.00%

 

7.64

 

6/1/2053

 

14,000,000

b,d,e 

15,022,494

 
 

21,570,405

 

Michigan - 5.1%

     

Great Lakes Water Authority Sewage Disposal System, Revenue Bonds, Refunding, Ser. C

 

5.00

 

7/1/2036

 

3,000,000

 

3,099,291

 

Michigan Finance Authority, Revenue Bonds (Sustainable Bond) (Henry Ford)

 

5.50

 

2/28/2057

 

2,700,000

 

2,945,959

 

Michigan Finance Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding (Beaumont Health Credit Group)

 

5.00

 

11/1/2044

 

5,165,000

 

5,239,380

 

14

 

          
 

Description

Coupon
Rate (%)

 

Maturity Date

 

Principal Amount ($)

 

Value ($)

 

Long-Term Municipal Investments - 141.5%(continued)

     

Michigan - 5.1%(continued)

     

Michigan Finance Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding (Beaumont-Spectrum)

 

4.00

 

4/15/2042

 

1,500,000

 

1,475,790

 

Michigan Finance Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding (Great Lakes Water Authority) (Insured; Assured Guaranty Municipal Corp.) Ser. C3

 

5.00

 

7/1/2031

 

1,000,000

 

1,002,249

 

Michigan Finance Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding (Insured; National Public Finance Guarantee Corp.) Ser. D6

 

5.00

 

7/1/2036

 

2,000,000

 

2,002,712

 

Michigan Finance Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding, Ser. A2

 

5.00

 

6/1/2040

 

4,435,000

 

4,657,533

 

Michigan Finance Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding, Ser. D2

 

5.00

 

7/1/2034

 

2,000,000

 

2,018,011

 
 

22,440,925

 

Minnesota - .7%

     

Duluth Economic Development Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding (Essentia Health Obligated Group) Ser. A

 

5.00

 

2/15/2058

 

3,000,000

 

3,018,973

 

Missouri - 4.0%

     

Missouri Housing Development Commission, Revenue Bonds (First Place HomeOwenership Loan) (Insured; GNMA, FNMA, FHLMC) Ser. A

 

4.60

 

11/1/2049

 

1,750,000

 

1,735,666

 

St. Louis County Industrial Development Authority, Revenue Bonds (Friendship Village St. Louis Obligated Group) Ser. A

 

5.13

 

9/1/2049

 

2,975,000

 

2,874,428

 

St. Louis County Industrial Development Authority, Revenue Bonds (Friendship Village St. Louis Obligated Group) Ser. A

 

5.13

 

9/1/2048

 

2,025,000

 

1,968,582

 

St. Louis Land Clearance for Redevelopment Authority, Revenue Bonds (National Geospatial Intelligence)

 

5.13

 

6/1/2046

 

4,580,000

 

4,610,546

 

15

 

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)

          
 

Description

Coupon
Rate (%)

 

Maturity Date

 

Principal Amount ($)

 

Value ($)

 

Long-Term Municipal Investments - 141.5%(continued)

     

Missouri - 4.0%(continued)

     

Tender Option Bond Trust Receipts (Series 2023-XM1116), (Jackson County Missouri Special Obligation, Revenue Bonds, Refunding, Ser. A) Non-recourse, Underlying Coupon Rate 4.25%

 

3.72

 

12/1/2053

 

3,000,000

b,d,e 

2,904,262

 

The St. Louis Missouri Industrial Development Authority, Tax Allocation Bonds (St. Louis Innovation District Project)

 

4.38

 

5/15/2036

 

3,365,000

 

3,287,359

 
 

17,380,843

 

Nebraska - .2%

     

Omaha Public Power District, Revenue Bonds, Ser. A

 

4.00

 

2/1/2051

 

1,000,000

 

959,539

 

Nevada - 1.5%

     

Clark County School District, GO (Insured; Assured Guaranty Municipal Corp.) Ser. A

 

4.25

 

6/15/2041

 

3,745,000

 

3,837,581

 

Reno, Revenue Bonds, Refunding (Insured; Assured Guaranty Municipal Corp.)

 

4.00

 

6/1/2058

 

2,750,000

 

2,494,549

 
 

6,332,130

 

New Hampshire - .2%

     

New Hampshire Business Finance Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding (Sustainable Bond) Ser. B

 

3.75

 

7/2/2040

 

1,000,000

a,b 

788,757

 

New Jersey - 5.4%

     

New Jersey, GO (COVID-19 Emergency Bonds) Ser. A

 

4.00

 

6/1/2031

 

1,000,000

 

1,082,624

 

New Jersey Economic Development Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding, Ser. XX

 

5.25

 

6/15/2027

 

1,855,000

 

1,893,048

 

New Jersey Economic Development Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding, Ser. XX

 

5.25

 

6/15/2025

 

695,000

g 

711,320

 

New Jersey Health Care Facilities Financing Authority, Revenue Bonds (RWJ Barnabas Health Obligated Group)

 

4.00

 

7/1/2051

 

1,500,000

 

1,448,320

 

New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding, Ser. A

 

5.00

 

12/1/2032

 

1,275,000

 

1,387,790

 

New Jersey Housing & Mortgage Finance Agency, Revenue Bonds, Refunding, Ser. D

 

4.00

 

4/1/2025

 

1,560,000

 

1,552,248

 

New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund Authority, Revenue Bonds

 

5.00

 

6/15/2044

 

2,000,000

 

2,175,592

 

16

 

          
 

Description

Coupon
Rate (%)

 

Maturity Date

 

Principal Amount ($)

 

Value ($)

 

Long-Term Municipal Investments - 141.5%(continued)

     

New Jersey - 5.4%(continued)

     

New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund Authority, Revenue Bonds

 

5.25

 

6/15/2043

 

2,000,000

 

2,105,600

 

New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund Authority, Revenue Bonds

 

5.50

 

6/15/2050

 

2,700,000

 

2,992,632

 

New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund Authority, Revenue Bonds, Ser. AA

 

5.25

 

6/15/2033

 

1,500,000

 

1,531,871

 

Tender Option Bond Trust Receipts (Series 2018-XF2538), (New Jersey Economic Development Authority, Revenue Bonds) Recourse, Underlying Coupon Rate 5.25%

 

5.13

 

6/15/2040

 

3,250,000

b,d,e 

3,323,175

 

Tobacco Settlement Financing Corp., Revenue Bonds, Refunding, Ser. B

 

5.00

 

6/1/2046

 

3,180,000

 

3,234,737

 
 

23,438,957

 

New York - 7.8%

     

New York Convention Center Development Corp., Revenue Bonds (Hotel Unit Fee) (Insured; Assured Guaranty Municipal Corp.) Ser. B

 

0.00

 

11/15/2052

 

7,825,000

f 

1,969,132

 

New York Liberty Development Corp., Revenue Bonds, Refunding (Class 1-3 World Trade Center Project)

 

5.00

 

11/15/2044

 

7,000,000

b 

7,003,411

 

New York State Dormitory Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding (Montefiore Obligated Group) Ser. A

 

4.00

 

9/1/2050

 

1,000,000

 

884,545

 

New York Transportation Development Corp., Revenue Bonds (Delta Air Lines)

 

4.00

 

1/1/2036

 

1,000,000

 

1,000,986

 

New York Transportation Development Corp., Revenue Bonds (JFK International Airport Terminal)

 

5.00

 

12/1/2040

 

3,535,000

 

3,779,406

 

New York Transportation Development Corp., Revenue Bonds (LaGuardia Airport Terminal B Redevelopment Project) Ser. A

 

5.00

 

7/1/2046

 

3,500,000

 

3,452,407

 

New York Transportation Development Corp., Revenue Bonds (LaGuradia Airport Terminal)

 

5.63

 

4/1/2040

 

1,000,000

 

1,092,791

 

17

 

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)

          
 

Description

Coupon
Rate (%)

 

Maturity Date

 

Principal Amount ($)

 

Value ($)

 

Long-Term Municipal Investments - 141.5%(continued)

     

New York - 7.8%(continued)

     

New York Transportation Development Corp., Revenue Bonds (Sustainable Bond) (JFK International Airport Terminal One Project) (Insured; Assured Guaranty Municipal Corp.)

 

5.13

 

6/30/2060

 

1,000,000

 

1,046,558

 

Niagara Area Development Corp., Revenue Bonds, Refunding (Covanta Project) Ser. A

 

4.75

 

11/1/2042

 

2,000,000

b 

1,769,223

 

Tender Option Bond Trust Receipts (Series 2022-XM1004), (Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding (Sustainable Bond) (Insured; Assured Guaranty Municipal Corp.) Ser. C) Non-recourse, Underlying Coupon Rate 4.00%

 

3.82

 

11/15/2047

 

6,300,000

b,d,e 

6,045,118

 

Triborough Bridge & Tunnel Authority, Revenue Bonds, Ser. A1

 

4.13

 

5/15/2064

 

3,000,000

 

2,895,903

 

TSASC, Revenue Bonds, Refunding, Ser. B

 

5.00

 

6/1/2045

 

1,165,000

 

1,080,235

 

Westchester County Local Development Corp., Revenue Bonds, Refunding (Purchase Senior Learning Community Obligated Group)

 

5.00

 

7/1/2046

 

2,150,000

b 

2,085,257

 
 

34,104,972

 

North Carolina - 3.3%

     

North Carolina Medical Care Commission, Revenue Bonds (The United Methodist Retirement Homes Obligated Group) Ser. A

 

5.13

 

10/1/2054

 

1,250,000

 

1,287,221

 

North Carolina Medical Care Commission, Revenue Bonds, Refunding (Lutheran Services for the Aging Obligated Group)

 

4.00

 

3/1/2051

 

3,000,000

 

2,262,045

 

18

 

          
 

Description

Coupon
Rate (%)

 

Maturity Date

 

Principal Amount ($)

 

Value ($)

 

Long-Term Municipal Investments - 141.5%(continued)

     

North Carolina - 3.3%(continued)

     

North Carolina Medical Care Commission, Revenue Bonds, Refunding (Pennybyrn at Maryfield)

 

5.00

 

10/1/2035

 

1,005,000

 

992,040

 

Tender Option Bond Trust Receipts (Series 2022-XF1352), (North Carolina State Medical Care Commission Health Care Facilities, Revenue Bonds (Novant Health Obligated Group, Ser. A)) Non-recourse, Underlying Coupon Rate 4.00%

 

3.92

 

11/1/2052

 

10,000,000

b,d,e 

9,676,402

 
 

14,217,708

 

Ohio - 5.5%

     

Buckeye Tobacco Settlement Financing Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding, Ser. B2

 

5.00

 

6/1/2055

 

12,850,000

 

12,170,423

 

Canal Winchester Local School District, GO, Refunding (Insured; National Public Finance Guarantee Corp.)

 

0.00

 

12/1/2031

 

3,955,000

f 

3,048,401

 

Canal Winchester Local School District, GO, Refunding (Insured; National Public Finance Guarantee Corp.)

 

0.00

 

12/1/2029

 

3,955,000

f 

3,277,720

 

Cuyahoga County, Revenue Bonds, Refunding (The MetroHealth System)

 

5.00

 

2/15/2052

 

2,000,000

 

2,005,202

 

Franklin County Convention Facilities Authority, Revenue Bonds (GRTR Columbus Convention Center)

 

5.00

 

12/1/2044

 

1,250,000

 

1,239,625

 

Ohio Air Quality Development Authority, Revenue Bonds (Pratt Paper OH Project)

 

4.50

 

1/15/2048

 

2,250,000

b 

2,188,965

 
 

23,930,336

 

Oklahoma - .4%

     

Oklahoma Development Finance Authority, Revenue Bonds (OU Medicine Project) Ser. B

 

5.50

 

8/15/2057

 

1,500,000

 

1,544,589

 

19

 

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)

          
 

Description

Coupon
Rate (%)

 

Maturity Date

 

Principal Amount ($)

 

Value ($)

 

Long-Term Municipal Investments - 141.5%(continued)

     

Oregon - .6%

     

Clackamas County Hospital Facility Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding (Willamette View Obligated Group) Ser. A

 

5.00

 

11/15/2047

 

1,500,000

 

1,422,277

 

Yamhill County Hospital Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding (Friendsview Retirement Community) Ser. A

 

5.00

 

11/15/2046

 

1,250,000

 

1,033,174

 
 

2,455,451

 

Pennsylvania - 5.6%

     

Crawford County Hospital Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding (Meadville Medical Center Project) Ser. A

 

6.00

 

6/1/2046

 

1,175,000

 

1,190,972

 

Pennsylvania Economic Development Financing Authority, Revenue Bonds (The Penndot Major Bridges)

 

6.00

 

6/30/2061

 

3,000,000

 

3,375,130

 

Pennsylvania Higher Educational Facilities Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding (University of Sciences in Philadelphia)

 

5.00

 

11/1/2036

 

3,675,000

 

3,699,932

 

Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, Revenue Bonds, Ser. A

 

4.00

 

12/1/2050

 

1,500,000

 

1,433,536

 

Philadelphia Airport, Revenue Bonds, Refunding (Private Activity)

 

5.00

 

7/1/2027

 

4,300,000

 

4,492,512

 

Tender Option Bond Trust Receipts (Series 2022-XF1525), (Pennsylvania Economic Development Financing Authority UPMC, Revenue Bonds, Ser. A) Recourse, Underlying Coupon Rate 4.00%

 

3.76

 

5/15/2053

 

4,000,000

b,d,e 

3,762,001

 

Tender Option Bond Trust Receipts (Series 2023-XM1133), (Philadelphia Water & Wastewater, Revenue Bonds, Refunding (Insured; Assured Guaranty Municipal Corp.) Ser. B) Non-recourse, Underlying Coupon Rate 5.50%

 

9.46

 

9/1/2053

 

5,820,000

b,d,e 

6,567,687

 
 

24,521,770

 

20

 

          
 

Description

Coupon
Rate (%)

 

Maturity Date

 

Principal Amount ($)

 

Value ($)

 

Long-Term Municipal Investments - 141.5%(continued)

     

Rhode Island - 1.4%

     

Tender Option Bond Trust Receipts (Series 2023-XM1117), (Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank State Revolving Fund, Revenue Bonds) Ser. A) Non-recourse, Underlying Coupon Rate 4.13%

 

3.57

 

10/1/2048

 

6,000,000

b,d,e 

5,942,760

 

South Carolina - 4.9%

     

South Carolina Jobs-Economic Development Authority, Revenue Bonds (Bishop Gadsden Episcopal Retirement Community Obligated Group)

 

5.00

 

4/1/2054

 

1,000,000

 

939,494

 

South Carolina Jobs-Economic Development Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding (Bon Secours Mercy Health)

 

4.00

 

12/1/2044

 

2,810,000

 

2,741,881

 

South Carolina Public Service Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding (Santee Cooper) Ser. A

 

4.00

 

12/1/2055

 

3,000,000

 

2,680,544

 

Tender Option Bond Trust Receipts (Series 2016-XM0384), (South Carolina Public Service Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding (Santee Cooper)) Non-recourse, Underlying Coupon Rate 5.13%

 

6.35

 

12/1/2043

 

15,000,000

b,d,e 

14,897,559

 
 

21,259,478

 

South Dakota - 1.1%

     

Tender Option Bond Trust Receipts (Series 2022-XF1409), (South Dakota Heath & Educational Facilities Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding (Avera Health Obligated Group)) Non-recourse, Underlying Coupon Rate 5.00%

 

7.85

 

7/1/2046

 

4,720,000

b,d,e 

4,741,272

 

Texas - 13.4%

     

Arlington Higher Education Finance Corp., Revenue Bonds (Uplift Education) (Insured; Permanent School Fund Guarantee Program) Ser. A

 

4.25

 

12/1/2053

 

1,500,000

 

1,401,500

 

Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority, Revenue Bonds

 

5.00

 

1/1/2048

 

2,500,000

 

2,573,507

 

Clifton Higher Education Finance Corp., Revenue Bonds (IDEA Public Schools) Ser. A

 

4.00

 

8/15/2047

 

3,100,000

 

2,725,908

 

21

 

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)

          
 

Description

Coupon
Rate (%)

 

Maturity Date

 

Principal Amount ($)

 

Value ($)

 

Long-Term Municipal Investments - 141.5%(continued)

     

Texas - 13.4%(continued)

     

Clifton Higher Education Finance Corp., Revenue Bonds (International Leadership of Texas) Ser. A

 

5.75

 

8/15/2045

 

4,500,000

 

4,592,273

 

Clifton Higher Education Finance Corp., Revenue Bonds (International Leadership of Texas) Ser. D

 

5.75

 

8/15/2033

 

1,000,000

 

1,027,527

 

Clifton Higher Education Finance Corp., Revenue Bonds (International Leadership of Texas) Ser. D

 

6.13

 

8/15/2048

 

6,000,000

 

6,130,675

 

Clifton Higher Education Finance Corp., Revenue Bonds (Uplift Education) Ser. A

 

4.50

 

12/1/2044

 

2,500,000

 

2,369,357

 

Clifton Higher Education Finance Corp., Revenue Bonds, Refunding (International Leadership of Texas) (Insured; Permanent School Fund Guarantee Program) Ser. A

 

4.25

 

8/15/2053

 

1,000,000

 

971,460

 

Dallas Independent School District, GO, Refunding (Insured; Permanent School Fund Guarantee Program)

 

4.00

 

2/15/2054

 

2,250,000

 

2,131,591

 

Grand Parkway Transportation Corp., Revenue Bonds, Refunding

 

4.00

 

10/1/2049

 

1,000,000

 

958,391

 

Harris County-Houston Sports Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding (Insured; Assured Guaranty Municipal Corp.) Ser. A

 

0.00

 

11/15/2050

 

6,500,000

f 

1,813,391

 

Houston Airport System, Revenue Bonds, Refunding (Insured; Assured Guaranty Municipal Corp.) Ser. A

 

4.50

 

7/1/2053

 

2,400,000

 

2,378,155

 

Houston Airport System, Revenue Bonds, Refunding, Ser. A

 

4.00

 

7/1/2046

 

1,610,000

 

1,520,803

 

Lamar Consolidated Independent School District, GO

 

4.00

 

2/15/2053

 

1,235,000

 

1,173,388

 

Mission Economic Development Corp., Revenue Bonds, Refunding (Natgasoline Project)

 

4.63

 

10/1/2031

 

2,000,000

b 

2,000,697

 

Tarrant County Cultural Education Facilities Finance Corp., Revenue Bonds (Baylor Scott & White Health Project)

 

5.00

 

11/15/2051

 

2,000,000

 

2,092,283

 

22

 

          
 

Description

Coupon
Rate (%)

 

Maturity Date

 

Principal Amount ($)

 

Value ($)

 

Long-Term Municipal Investments - 141.5%(continued)

     

Texas - 13.4%(continued)

     

Tarrant County Cultural Education Facilities Finance Corp., Revenue Bonds, Refunding (MRC Stevenson Oaks Project)

 

6.75

 

11/15/2051

 

1,000,000

 

933,828

 

Tender Option Bond Trust Receipts (Series 2023-XM1125), (Medina Valley Independent School District, GO (Insured; Permanent School Fund Guarantee Program)) Non-recourse, Underlying Coupon Rate 4.00%

 

3.67

 

2/15/2053

 

7,500,000

b,d,e 

7,173,381

 

Texas Municipal Gas Acquisition & Supply Corp. IV, Revenue Bonds, Ser. B

 

5.50

 

1/1/2034

 

4,000,000

a 

4,480,322

 

Texas Private Activity Bond Surface Transportation Corp., Revenue Bonds (Blueridge Transportation Group)

 

5.00

 

12/31/2050

 

1,300,000

 

1,289,771

 

Texas Private Activity Bond Surface Transportation Corp., Revenue Bonds (Segment 3C Project)

 

5.00

 

6/30/2058

 

6,930,000

 

7,018,716

 

Waxahachie Independent School District, GO (Insured; Permanent School Fund Guarantee Program)

 

4.25

 

2/15/2053

 

1,500,000

 

1,496,664

 
 

58,253,588

 

U.S. Related - 1.4%

     

Guam Housing Corp., Revenue Bonds (Insured; Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp.) Ser. A

 

5.75

 

9/1/2031

 

770,000

 

773,144

 

Puerto Rico, GO, Ser. A

 

0.00

 

7/1/2033

 

381,733

f 

250,973

 

Puerto Rico, GO, Ser. A

 

0.00

 

7/1/2024

 

48,128

f 

47,653

 

Puerto Rico, GO, Ser. A1

 

4.00

 

7/1/2033

 

296,629

 

296,160

 

Puerto Rico, GO, Ser. A1

 

4.00

 

7/1/2041

 

311,133

 

293,663

 

Puerto Rico, GO, Ser. A1

 

4.00

 

7/1/2046

 

323,574

 

297,967

 

Puerto Rico, GO, Ser. A1

 

4.00

 

7/1/2035

 

266,630

 

262,110

 

Puerto Rico, GO, Ser. A1

 

4.00

 

7/1/2037

 

228,839

 

221,499

 

Puerto Rico, GO, Ser. A1

 

5.38

 

7/1/2025

 

330,362

 

337,059

 

Puerto Rico, GO, Ser. A1

 

5.63

 

7/1/2029

 

2,356,059

 

2,581,009

 

Puerto Rico, GO, Ser. A1

 

5.63

 

7/1/2027

 

327,370

 

348,425

 

Puerto Rico, GO, Ser. A1

 

5.75

 

7/1/2031

 

312,813

 

353,020

 
 

6,062,682

 

23

 

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)

          
 

Description

Coupon
Rate (%)

 

Maturity Date

 

Principal Amount ($)

 

Value ($)

 

Long-Term Municipal Investments - 141.5%(continued)

     

Utah - .8%

     

Utah Charter School Finance Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding (Summit Academy) Ser. A

 

5.00

 

4/15/2049

 

1,190,000

 

1,225,446

 

Utah Infrastructure Agency, Revenue Bonds, Refunding, Ser. A

 

5.00

 

10/15/2037

 

2,345,000

 

2,382,615

 
 

3,608,061

 

Virginia - 4.4%

     

Tender Option Bond Trust Receipts (Series 2018-XM0593), (Hampton Roads Transportation Accountability Commission, Revenue Bonds) Non-recourse, Underlying Coupon Rate 5.50%

 

9.43

 

7/1/2057

 

7,500,000

b,d,e 

8,235,294

 

Virginia Housing Development Authority, Revenue Bonds, Ser. A

 

4.80

 

9/1/2059

 

4,900,000

 

4,934,045

 

Virginia Small Business Financing Authority, Revenue Bonds (Transform 66 P3 Project)

 

5.00

 

12/31/2052

 

4,620,000

 

4,655,395

 

Williamsburg Economic Development Authority, Revenue Bonds (William & Mary Project) (Insured; Assured Guaranty Municipal Corp.) Ser. A

 

4.13

 

7/1/2058

 

1,250,000

 

1,229,136

 
 

19,053,870

 

Washington - .6%

     

Washington Housing Finance Commission, Revenue Bonds, Refunding (Presbyterian Retirement Communities Northwest Obligated Group) Ser. A

 

5.00

 

1/1/2051

 

3,200,000

b 

2,520,429

 

Wisconsin - 4.2%

     

Public Finance Authority, Revenue Bonds (ACTS Retirement-Life Communities Obligated Group) Ser. A

 

5.00

 

11/15/2041

 

1,000,000

 

1,052,261

 

Public Finance Authority, Revenue Bonds (Cone Health) Ser. A

 

5.00

 

10/1/2052

 

1,500,000

 

1,595,696

 

Public Finance Authority, Revenue Bonds (EMU Campus Living) (Insured; Build America Mutual) Ser. A1

 

5.50

 

7/1/2052

 

2,500,000

 

2,729,943

 

Public Finance Authority, Revenue Bonds (EMU Campus Living) (Insured; Build America Mutual) Ser. A1

 

5.63

 

7/1/2055

 

2,035,000

 

2,240,108

 

24

 

          
 

Description

Coupon
Rate (%)

 

Maturity Date

 

Principal Amount ($)

 

Value ($)

 

Long-Term Municipal Investments - 141.5%(continued)

     

Wisconsin - 4.2%(continued)

     

Public Finance Authority, Revenue Bonds (Roseman University of Health Sciences)

 

5.00

 

4/1/2030

 

45,000

b,g 

50,504

 

Public Finance Authority, Revenue Bonds (Southminster Obligated Group)

 

5.00

 

10/1/2053

 

2,015,000

b 

1,804,158

 

Public Finance Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding (Mary's Woods at Marylhurst Project)

 

5.25

 

5/15/2047

 

750,000

b 

705,054

 

Public Finance Authority, Revenue Bonds, Ser. 1

 

5.75

 

7/1/2062

 

4,875,000

 

5,248,576

 

Wisconsin Health & Educational Facilities Authority, Revenue Bonds (Bellin Memorial Hospital Obligated Group)

 

5.50

 

12/1/2052

 

1,250,000

 

1,367,154

 

Wisconsin Health & Educational Facilities Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding (St. Camillus Health System Obligated Group)

 

5.00

 

11/1/2046

 

2,000,000

 

1,727,713

 
 

18,521,167

 

Total Long-Term Municipal Investments
(cost $620,633,054)

 

616,966,871

 

Total Investments (cost $623,032,609)

 

142.1%

619,457,151

 

Liabilities, Less Cash and Receivables

 

(42.1%)

(183,518,217)

 

Net Assets Applicable to Common Stockholders

 

100.0%

435,938,934

 

a These securities have a put feature; the date shown represents the put date and the bond holder can take a specific action to retain the bond after the put date.

b Security exempt from registration pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At March 31, 2024, these securities were valued at $218,603,832 or 50.15% of net assets.

c Non-income producing—security in default.

d The Variable Rate is determined by the Remarketing Agent in its sole discretion based on prevailing market conditions and may, but need not, be established by reference to one or more financial indices.

e Collateral for floating rate borrowings. The coupon rate given represents the current interest rate for the inverse floating rate security.

f Security issued with a zero coupon. Income is recognized through the accretion of discount.

g These securities are prerefunded; the date shown represents the prerefunded date. Bonds which are prerefunded are collateralized by U.S. Government securities which are held in escrow and are used to pay principal and interest on the municipal issue and to retire the bonds in full at the earliest refunding date.

25

 

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)

  

Portfolio Summary (Unaudited)

Value (%)

Medical

20.0

General

17.6

Education

17.2

Transportation

14.4

Nursing Homes

12.3

Development

11.4

Water

10.0

Airport

8.7

Power

6.4

School District

6.3

Tobacco Settlement

6.2

General Obligation

5.4

Multifamily Housing

1.7

Single Family Housing

1.6

Housing

1.1

Student Loan

.8

Bond Bank

.4

Special Tax

.4

Prerefunded

.2

 

142.1

 Based on net assets.

See notes to financial statements.

26

 

    
 

Summary of Abbreviations (Unaudited)

 

ABAG

Association of Bay Area Governments

AGC

ACE Guaranty Corporation

AGIC

Asset Guaranty Insurance Company

AMBAC

American Municipal Bond Assurance Corporation

BAN

Bond Anticipation Notes

BSBY

Bloomberg Short-Term Bank Yield Index

CIFG

CDC Ixis Financial Guaranty

COP

Certificate of Participation

CP

Commercial Paper

DRIVERS

Derivative Inverse Tax-Exempt Receipts

EFFR

Effective Federal Funds Rate

FGIC

Financial Guaranty Insurance Company

FHA

Federal Housing Administration

FHLB

Federal Home Loan Bank

FHLMC

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation

FNMA

Federal National Mortgage Association

GAN

Grant Anticipation Notes

GIC

Guaranteed Investment Contract

GNMA

Government National Mortgage Association

GO

General Obligation

IDC

Industrial Development Corporation

LOC

Letter of Credit

LR

Lease Revenue

NAN

Note Anticipation Notes

MFHR

Multi-Family Housing Revenue

MFMR

Multi-Family Mortgage Revenue

MUNIPSA

Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association Municipal Swap Index Yield

OBFR

Overnight Bank Funding Rate

PILOT

Payment in Lieu of Taxes

PRIME

Prime Lending Rate

PUTTERS

Puttable Tax-Exempt Receipts

RAC

Revenue Anticipation Certificates

RAN

Revenue Anticipation Notes

RIB

Residual Interest Bonds

SFHR

Single Family Housing Revenue

SFMR

Single Family Mortgage Revenue

SOFR

Secured Overnight Financing Rate

TAN

Tax Anticipation Notes

TRAN

Tax and Revenue Anticipation Notes

TSFR

Term Secured Overnight
Financing Rate

USBMMY

U.S. Treasury Bill Money Market Yield

U.S. T-BILL

U.S. Treasury Bill

XLCA

XL Capital Assurance

VMTPS

Variable Rate MuniFund Term Preferred Shares

    

See notes to financial statements.

27

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

March 31, 2024 (Unaudited)

       

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost

 

Value

 

Assets ($):

 

 

 

 

Investments in securities—See Statement of Investments

623,032,609

 

619,457,151

 

Cash

 

 

 

 

1,016,997

 

Interest receivable

 

8,475,951

 

Receivable for investment securities sold

 

2,101,373

 

Prepaid expenses

 

 

 

 

55,601

 

 

 

 

 

 

631,107,073

 

Liabilities ($):

 

 

 

 

Due to BNY Mellon Investment Adviser, Inc. and affiliates—Note 2(b)

 

293,287

 

Payable for inverse floater notes issued—Note 3

 

110,625,000

 

VMTPS at liquidation value—Note 1 ($78,900,000 face amount, respectively,
report net of unamortized VMTPS deferred offering cost
of $219,921)—Note 1(g)

 

78,680,079

 

Payable for investment securities purchased

 

2,925,099

 

Interest and expense payable related to
inverse floater notes issued—Note 3

 

1,320,653

 

Dividends payable to Common Stockholders

 

1,183,526

 

Directors’ fees and expenses payable

 

1,125

 

Other accrued expenses

 

 

 

 

139,370

 

 

 

 

 

 

195,168,139

 

Net Assets Applicable to Common Stockholders ($)

 

 

435,938,934

 

Composition of Net Assets ($):

 

 

 

 

Common Stock, par value, $.001 per share
(62,290,854 shares issued and outstanding)

 

 

 

 

62,291

 

Paid-in capital

 

 

 

 

492,991,198

 

Total distributable earnings (loss)

 

 

 

 

(57,114,555)

 

Net Assets Applicable to Common Stockholders ($)

 

 

435,938,934

 

     

Shares Outstanding

 

 

(500 million shares authorized)

62,290,854

 

Net Asset Value Per Share of Common Stock ($)

 

7.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

  

 

28

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Six Months Ended March 31, 2024 (Unaudited)

       

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investment Income ($):

 

 

 

 

Interest Income

 

 

14,214,293

 

Expenses:

 

 

 

 

Management fee—Note 2(a)

 

 

1,870,048

 

Interest and expense related to inverse
floater notes issued—Note 3

 

 

2,291,609

 

VMTPS interest expense
and amortization of offering costs—Note1(g)

 

 

1,837,487

 

Professional fees

 

 

71,599

 

Directors’ fees and expenses—Note 2(c)

 

 

43,016

 

Registration fees

 

 

35,382

 

Shareholders’ reports

 

 

26,452

 

Shareholder servicing costs

 

 

22,882

 

Custodian fees—Note 2(b)

 

 

5,367

 

Chief Compliance Officer fees—Note 2(b)

 

 

5,190

 

Redemption and Paying Agent fees—Note 2(b)

 

 

5,000

 

Miscellaneous

 

 

24,169

 

Total Expenses

 

 

6,238,201

 

Less—reduction in expenses due to undertaking—Note 2(a)

 

 

(249,386)

 

Less—reduction in fees due to earnings credits—Note 2(b)

 

 

(5,367)

 

Net Expenses

 

 

5,983,448

 

Net Investment Income

 

 

8,230,845

 

Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments—Note 3 ($):

 

 

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

(6,902,149)

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

49,352,761

 

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments

 

 

42,450,612

 

Net Increase in Net Assets Applicable to Common
Stockholders Resulting from Operations

 

50,681,457

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

     

29

 

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

Six Months Ended March 31, 2024 (Unaudited)

       

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash Flows from Operating Activities ($):

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases of portfolio securities

 

(93,051,877)

 

 

 

Proceeds from sales of portfolio securities

117,536,579

 

 

 

Interest income received

 

14,593,424

 

 

 

Interest and expense related to inverse floater notes issued

 

(2,699,271)

 

 

 

VMTPS interest expense and amortization
of offering costs paid

 

(1,791,024)

 

 

 

Expenses paid to BNY Mellon Investment
Adviser, Inc. and affiliates

 

(1,612,645)

 

 

 

Operating expenses paid

 

(225,007)

 

 

 

Net Cash Provided (or Used) in Operating Activities

 

 

 

32,750,179

 

Cash Flows from Financing Activities ($):

 

 

 

 

 

Dividends paid to Common Stockholders

 

(7,101,157)

 

 

 

Decrease in payable for inverse floater notes issued

 

(30,862,907)

 

 

 

Net Cash Provided (or Used) in Financing Activities

 

(37,964,064)

 

Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash

 

(5,213,885)

 

Cash at beginning of period

 

6,230,882

 

Cash at End of Period

 

1,016,997

 

Reconciliation of Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Applicable to

 

 

 

 

Common Stockholders Resulting from Operations to

 

 

 

 

Net Cash Provided (or Used) in Operating Activities ($):

 

 

 

Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting From Operations

 

50,681,457

 

Adjustments to Reconcile Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets

 

 

 

 

Applicable to Common Stockholders Resulting from

 

 

 

 

Operations to Net Cash Provided (or Used) in Operating Activities ($):

 

 

 

Decrease in investments in securities at cost

 

36,737,904

 

Decrease in interest receivable

 

379,131

 

Increase in receivable for investment securities sold

 

(75,614)

 

Decrease in unamortized VMTPS offering costs

 

46,463

 

Increase in prepaid expenses

 

(25,273)

 

Increase in Due to BNY Mellon Investment Adviser, Inc. and affiliates

 

18,207

 

Decrease in payable for investment securities purchased

 

(5,275,439)

 

Decrease in interest and expense payable related to inverse floater notes issued

 

(407,662)

 

Increase in Directors' fees and expenses payable

 

1,125

 

Increase in other accrued expenses

 

22,641

 

Net change in unrealized (appreciation) depreciation on investments

 

(49,352,761)

 

Net Cash Provided (or Used) in Operating Activities

 

32,750,179

 

See notes to financial statements.

     

30

 

STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

          

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
March 31, 2024 (Unaudited)

 

Year Ended
September 30, 2023

 

Operations ($):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

8,230,845

 

 

 

18,497,056

 

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

 

(6,902,149)

 

 

 

(12,831,234)

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation
(depreciation) on investments

 

49,352,761

 

 

 

(544,708)

 

Dividends to Preferred Stockholders

 

 

-

 

 

 

(3,321,457)

 

Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Applicable
to Common Stockholders Resulting from
Operations

50,681,457

 

 

 

1,799,657

 

Distributions ($):

 

Distributions to stockholders

 

 

(7,101,157)

 

 

 

(17,129,985)

 

Distributions to Common Stockholders

 

 

(7,101,157)

 

 

 

(17,129,985)

 

Net proceeds from VMTPS sold

-

 

 

 

78,900,000

 

Cost of Auction Preferred Stock shares redeemed

-

 

 

 

(78,900,000)

 

Total Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
Applicable to Common Stockholders

43,580,300

 

 

 

(15,330,328)

 

Net Assets Applicable to Common Stockholders ($):

 

Beginning of Period

 

 

392,358,634

 

 

 

407,688,962

 

End of Period

 

 

435,938,934

 

 

 

392,358,634

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

        

31

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

The following table describes the performance for the fiscal periods indicated. Market price total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the market price at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions at market price during the period, and sale at the market price on the last day of the period. These figures have been derived from the fund’s financial statements and, with respect to common stock, market price data for the fund’s common shares.

       
 

Six Months Ended

 
 

March 31, 2024

Year Ended September 30,

 

(Unaudited)

2023a

2022b

2021c

2020d

2019e

Per Share Data ($):

      

Net asset value, beginning of period

6.30

6.54

8.71

8.37

8.68

8.28

Investment Operations:

      

Net investment incomef

.13

.30

.38

.41

.43

.45

Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss) on investments

.68

(.21)

(2.17)

.35

(.30)

.40

Dividends to Preferred Stockholders from net investment income

-

(.05)

(.01)

(.00)g

(.02)

(.03)

Total from Investment Operations

.81

.04

(1.80)

.76

.11

.82

Distributions to
Common Stockholders:

      

Dividends from
net investment income

(.11)

(.28)

(.37)

(.42)

(.42)

(.42)

Net asset value, end of period

7.00

6.30

6.54

8.71

8.37

8.68

Market value, end of period

6.10

5.33

6.08

8.70

8.28

8.58

Market Price Total Return (%)

16.71h

(8.29)

(26.54)

10.29

1.58

20.59

32

 

       
 

Six Months Ended

 
 

March 31, 2024

Year Ended September 30,

 

(Unaudited)

2023a

2022b

2021c

2020d

2019e

Ratios/Supplemental Data (%):

      

Ratio of total expenses to average
net assets

2.97i

2.51

1.47

1.24

1.70

1.88

Ratio of net expenses to average
net assets

2.85i

2.39

1.35

1.12

1.58

1.77

Ratio of interest and expense
related to inverse floater
notes issued, VMTPS interest
expense to average net assets

1.97i,j

1.49

.47

.26

.73

.91

Ratio of net investment income
to average net assets

3.92i

4.37

4.81

4.71

5.11

5.41

Portfolio Turnover Rate

16.64h

21.29

25.44

11.05

36.52

33.21

Asset Coverage of VMTPS and
Preferred Stock, end of period

653

597

617

787

760

784

Net Assets applicable to
Common Stockholders,
end of period ($ x 1,000)

435,939

392,359

407,689

542,342

520,677

539,930

VMTPS and Preferred Stock
Outstanding,end of period
($ x 1,000)

78,900

78,900

78,900

78,900

78,900

78,900

Floating Rate Notes Outstanding,
end of period ($ x 1,000)

110,625

141,488

174,781

195,856

222,556

246,228

a The ratios based on total average net assets including dividends to Preferred Stockholders are as follows: total expense ratio of

2.18%, a net expense ratio of 2.08%, an interest expense related to floating rate notes issued ratio of 1.30% and a net investment income of 3.80%.

b The ratios based on total average net assets including dividends to Preferred Stockholders are as follows: total expense ratio of

1.26%, a net expense ratio of 1.16%, an interest expense related to floating rate notes issued ratio of .41% and a net investment income of 4.14%.

c The ratios based on total average net assets including dividends to Preferred Stockholders are as follows: total expense ratio of 1.08%, a net expense ratio of .98%, an interest expense related to floating rate notes issued ratio of .23% and a net investment income of 4.11%.

d The ratios based on total average net assets including dividends to Preferred Stockholders are as follows: total expense ratio of 1.48%, a net expense ratio of 1.37%, an interest expense related to floating rate notes issued ratio of .63% and a net investment income of 4.44%.

e The ratios based on total average net assets including dividends to Preferred Stockholders are as follows: total expense ratio of 1.64%, a net expense ratio of 1.54%, an interest expense related to floating rate notes issued ratio of .79% and a net investment income of 4.70%.

f  Based on average common shares outstanding.

g Amount represents less than $.01 per share.

h Not annualized.

i Annualized.

j Amount inclusive of VMTPS amortization of offering cost.

See notes to financial statements.

33

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

NOTE 1—Significant Accounting Policies:

BNY Mellon Strategic Municipals, Inc. (the “fund”), which is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Act”), is a diversified closed-end management investment company. The fund’s investment objective is to maximize current income exempt from federal income tax to the extent consistent with the preservation of capital. BNY Mellon Investment Adviser, Inc. (the “Adviser”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (“BNY Mellon”), serves as the fund’s investment adviser. Insight North America LLC (the “Sub-Adviser”), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of BNY Mellon and an affiliate of the Adviser, serves as the fund’s sub-adviser. The fund’s Common Stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) under the ticker symbol LEO.

The fund has outstanding 3,156 shares of Variable Rate MuniFund Term Preferred Shares (“VMTPS”). The fund is subject to certain restrictions relating to the VMTPS. Failure to comply with these restrictions could preclude the fund from declaring any distributions to shareholders of the fund’s Common Stock (“Common Stockholders”) or repurchasing shares of Common Stock and/or could trigger the mandatory redemption of VMTPS at their liquidation value (i.e., $25,000 per share). Thus, redemptions of VMTPS may be deemed to be outside of the control of the fund.

The VMTPS have a mandatory redemption date of July 14, 2053, and are subject to an initial early redemption date of July 13, 2026, subject to the option of the shareholders to retain the VMTPS. VMTPS that are neither retained by the shareholder nor successfully remarketed by the early redemption date will be redeemed by the fund.

The shareholders of VMTPS, voting as a separate class, have the right to elect at least two directors. The shareholders of VMTPS will vote as a separate class on certain other matters, as required by law. The fund’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) has designated Robin A. Melvin and Benaree Pratt Wiley as directors to be elected by the holders of VMTPS.

Dividends on VMTPS are normally declared daily and paid monthly. The Dividend Rate on the VMTPS is, except as otherwise provided, equal to the rate per annum that results from the sum of (1) the Index Rate plus (2) the Applicable Spread as determined for the VMTPS on the Rate Determination Date immediately preceding such Subsequent Rate Period plus (3) the Failed Remarketing Spread (all defined terms as defined in the fund’s articles supplementary).

34

 

The Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) is the exclusive reference of authoritative U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) recognized by the FASB to be applied by nongovernmental entities. Rules and interpretive releases of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) under authority of federal laws are also sources of authoritative GAAP for SEC registrants. The fund is an investment company and applies the accounting and reporting guidance of the FASB ASC Topic 946 Financial Services-Investment Companies. The fund’s financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP, which may require the use of management estimates and assumptions. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

The fund enters into contracts that contain a variety of indemnifications. The fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. The fund does not anticipate recognizing any loss related to these arrangements.

(a) Portfolio valuation: The fair value of a financial instrument is the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (i.e., the exit price). GAAP establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs of valuation techniques used to measure fair value. This hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements).

Additionally, GAAP provides guidance on determining whether the volume and activity in a market has decreased significantly and whether such a decrease in activity results in transactions that are not orderly. GAAP requires enhanced disclosures around valuation inputs and techniques used during annual and interim periods.

Various inputs are used in determining the value of the fund’s investments relating to fair value measurements. These inputs are summarized in the three broad levels listed below:

Level 1—unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical investments.

Level 2—other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar investments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.).

Level 3—significant unobservable inputs (including the fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).

35

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)

The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.

Changes in valuation techniques may result in transfers in or out of an assigned level within the disclosure hierarchy. Valuation techniques used to value the fund’s investments are as follows:

The Board has designated the Adviser as the fund’s valuation designee to make all fair value determinations with respect to the fund’s portfolio investments, subject to the Board’s oversight and pursuant to Rule 2a-5 under the Act.

Investments in municipal securities, excluding short-term investment (other than U.S. Treasury Bills), are valued each business day by an independent pricing service (the “Service”) approved by the Board. Investments for which quoted bid prices are readily available and are representative of the bid side of the market in the judgment of the Service are valued at the mean between the quoted bid prices (as obtained by the Service from dealers in such securities) and asked prices (as calculated by the Service based upon its evaluation of the market for such securities). Municipal investments (which constitute a majority of the portfolio securities) are carried at fair value as determined by the Service, based on methods which include consideration of the following: yields or prices of municipal securities of comparable quality, coupon, maturity and type; indications as to values from dealers; and general market conditions. The Service is engaged under the general oversight of the Board. All of the preceding securities are generally categorized within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

When market quotations or official closing prices are not readily available, or are determined not to accurately reflect fair value, such as when the value of a security has been significantly affected by events after the close of the exchange or market on which the security is principally traded, but before the fund calculates its net asset value, the fund may value these investments at fair value as determined in accordance with the procedures approved by the Board. Certain factors may be considered when fair valuing investments such as: fundamental analytical data, the nature and duration of restrictions on disposition, an evaluation of the forces that influence the market in which the securities are purchased and sold, and public trading in similar securities of the issuer or comparable issuers. These securities are either categorized within Level 2 or 3 of the fair value hierarchy depending on the relevant inputs used.

36

 

For securities where observable inputs are limited, assumptions about market activity and risk are used and such securities are generally categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

The following is a summary of the inputs used as of March 31, 2024 in valuing the fund’s investments:

       
 

Level 1-Unadjusted Quoted Prices

Level 2- Other Significant Observable Inputs

 

Level 3-Significant Unobservable Inputs

Total

 

Assets ($) 

  

Investments in Securities:

  

Collateralized Municipal-Backed Securities

-

2,490,280

 

-

2,490,280

 

Municipal Securities

-

616,966,871

 

-

616,966,871

 

Liabilities ($)

  

Other Financial Instruments:

  

Inverse Floater Notes††

-

(110,625,000)

 

-

(110,625,000)

 

VMTPS††

-

(78,900,000)

 

-

(78,900,000)

 

 See Statement of Investments for additional detailed categorizations, if any.

†† Certain of the fund’s liabilities are held at carrying amount, which approximates fair value for financial reporting purposes.

(b) Securities transactions and investment income: Securities transactions are recorded on a trade date basis. Realized gains and losses from securities transactions are recorded on the identified cost basis. Interest income, adjusted for accretion of discount and amortization of premium on investments, is earned from settlement date and recognized on the accrual basis. Securities purchased or sold on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis may be settled a month or more after the trade date.

(c) Market Risk: The value of the securities in which the fund invests may be affected by political, regulatory, economic and social developments, and developments that impact specific economic sectors, industries or segments of the market. The value of a security may also decline due to general market conditions that are not specifically related to a particular company or industry, such as real or perceived adverse economic conditions, changes in the general outlook for corporate earnings, changes in interest or currency rates, changes to inflation, adverse changes to credit markets or adverse investor sentiment generally.

37

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)

The Additional Information section within the annual report dated September 30, 2023, provides more details about the fund’s principal risk factors.

(d) Dividends and distributions to Common Stockholders: Dividends and distributions are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Dividends from net investment income are normally declared and paid monthly. Dividends from net realized capital gains, if any, are normally declared and paid annually, but the fund may make distributions on a more frequent basis to comply with the distribution requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). To the extent that net realized capital gains can be offset by capital loss carryovers, it is the policy of the fund not to distribute such gains. Income and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with income tax regulations, which may differ from GAAP.

Common Stockholders will have their distributions reinvested in additional shares of the fund, unless such Common Stockholders elect to receive cash, at the lower of the market price or net asset value per share (but not less than 95% of the market price). If market price is equal to or exceeds net asset value, shares will be issued at net asset value. If net asset value exceeds market price, Computershare Inc., the transfer agent for the fund’s Common Stock, will buy fund shares in the open market and reinvest those shares accordingly.

On March 27, 2024, the Board declared a cash dividend of $.019 per share from net investment income, payable on April 30, 2024 to Common Stockholders of record as of the close of business on April 12, 2024. The ex-dividend date was April 11, 2024.

(e) Dividends to stockholders of VMTPS: The Dividend Rate on the VMTPS is, except as otherwise provided, equal to the rate per annum that results from the sum of (1) the Index Rate plus (2) the Applicable Spread as determined for the VMTPS on the Rate Determination Date immediately preceding such Subsequent Rate Period plus (3) the Failed Remarketing Spread. The Applicable Rate of the VMTPS was equal to the sum of 1.05% per annum plus the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association Municipal Swap Index rate of 3.64% on March 31, 2024. The dividend rate as of March 31, 2024 for the VMTPS was 4.69% (all terms as defined in the fund’s articles supplementary).

(f) Federal income taxes: It is the policy of the fund to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company, which can distribute tax-exempt dividends, by complying with the applicable provisions of the

38

 

Code, and to make distributions of income and net realized capital gain sufficient to relieve it from substantially all federal income and excise taxes.

As of and during the period ended March 31, 2024, the fund did not have any liabilities for any uncertain tax positions. The fund recognizes interest and penalties, if any, related to uncertain tax positions as income tax expense in the Statement of Operations. During the period ended March 31, 2024, the fund did not incur any interest or penalties.

Each tax year in the three-year period ended September 30, 2023 remains subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service and state taxing authorities.

The fund is permitted to carry forward capital losses for an unlimited period. Furthermore, capital loss carryovers retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses.

The fund has an unused capital loss carryover of $47,638,545 available for federal income tax purposes to be applied against future net realized capital gains, if any, realized subsequent to September 30, 2023. The fund has $21,084,810 of short-term capital losses and $26,553,735 of long-term capital losses which can be carried forward for an unlimited period.

The tax character of distributions paid to shareholders during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023 was as follows: tax-exempt income of $20,451,442. The tax character of current year distributions will be determined at the end of the current fiscal year.

(g) VMTPS: The fund’s VMTPS aggregate liquidation preference is shown as a liability since they have a stated mandatory redemption date of July 14, 2053. Dividends paid on VMTPS are treated as interest expense and recorded on the accrual basis. Costs directly related to the issuance of the VMTPS are considered debt issuance costs which have been deferred and are being amortized into expense over 36 months from July 12, 2023.

During the period ended March 31, 2024, total interest expenses and amortized offering costs with respect to VMTPS amounted to $1,837,487 inclusive of $1,788,852 of interest expense and $48,635 amortized deferred cost fees. These fees are included in VMTPS interest expense and amortization of offering costs in the Statement of Operations.

The average amount of borrowings outstanding for the VMTPS from October 1, 2023 through March 31, 2024 was approximately $78,900,000, with a related weighted average annualized interest rate of 4.53%.

39

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)

NOTE 2—Management Fee, Sub-Advisory Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates:

(a) Pursuant to a management agreement (the “Agreement”) with the Adviser, the management fee is computed at the annual rate of ..75% of the value of the fund’s average weekly net assets (including net assets representing VMTPS outstanding) and is payable monthly. The Agreement provides for an expense reimbursement from the Adviser should the fund’s aggregate expenses (excluding taxes, interest on borrowings, brokerage fees and extraordinary expenses) in any full fiscal year exceed the lesser of (1) the expense limitation of any state having jurisdiction over the fund or (2) 2% of the first $10 million, 1½% of the next $20 million and 1% of the excess over $30 million of the average weekly value of the fund’s net assets. During the period ended March 31, 2024, there was no expense reimbursement pursuant to the Agreement.

The Adviser has agreed, from October 1, 2023 through November 29, 2024, to waive receipt of a portion of the fund’s management fee, in the amount of .10% of the value of the fund’s average weekly net assets (including net assets representing VMTPS outstanding). The reduction in expenses, pursuant to the undertaking, amounted to $249,386 during the period ended March 31, 2024.

Pursuant to a sub-investment advisory agreement between the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser, the Adviser pays the Sub-Adviser a monthly fee at an annual rate of .36% of the value of the fund’s average weekly net assets (including net assets representing VMTPS outstanding).

(b) The fund has an arrangement with The Bank of New York Mellon (the “Custodian”), a subsidiary of BNY Mellon and an affiliate of the Adviser, whereby the fund may receive earnings credits when positive cash balances are maintained, which are used to offset Custodian fees. For financial reporting purposes, the fund includes custody net earnings credits as an expense offset in the Statement of Operations.

The fund compensates the Custodian, under a custody agreement, for providing custodial services for the fund. These fees are determined based on net assets, geographic region and transaction activity. During the period ended March 31, 2024, the fund was charged $5,367 pursuant to the custody agreement. These fees were offset by earnings credits of $5,367.

The fund compensates The Bank of New York Mellon under a Redemption and Paying Agent Agreement for providing certain transfer agency and payment services with respect to the VMTPS. During the period ended March 31, 2024, the fund was charged $5,000 for the services

40

 

provided by the Redemption and Paying Agent (the “Redemption and Payment Agent”).

During the period ended March 31, 2024, the fund was charged $5,190 for services performed by the fund’s Chief Compliance Officer and his staff. These fees are included in Chief Compliance Officer fees in the Statement of Operations.

The components of “Due to BNY Mellon Investment Adviser, Inc. and affiliates” in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities consist of: management fee of $327,691, Custodian fees of $2,436, the Redemption and Paying Agent fees of $5,000 and Chief Compliance Officer fees of $1,893, which are offset against an expense reimbursement currently in effect in the amount of $43,733.

(c) Each board member of the fund also serves as a board member of other funds in the BNY Mellon Family of Funds complex. Annual retainer fees and meeting attendance fees are allocated to each fund based on net assets.

NOTE 3—Securities Transactions:

The aggregate amount of purchases and sales (including paydowns) of investment securities, excluding short-term securities, during the period ended March 31, 2024, amounted to $83,627,440 and $81,923,004, respectively.

Inverse Floater Securities: The fund participates in secondary inverse floater structures in which fixed-rate, tax-exempt municipal bonds are transferred to a trust (the “Inverse Floater Trust”). The Inverse Floater Trust typically issues two variable rate securities that are collateralized by the cash flows of the fixed-rate, tax-exempt municipal bonds. One of these variable rate securities pays interest based on a short-term floating rate set by a remarketing agent at predetermined intervals (“Trust Certificates”). A residual interest tax-exempt security is also created by the Inverse Floater Trust, which is transferred to the fund, and is paid interest based on the remaining cash flows of the Inverse Floater Trust, after payment of interest on the other securities and various expenses of the Inverse Floater Trust. An Inverse Floater Trust may be collapsed without the consent of the fund due to certain termination events such as bankruptcy, default or other credit event.

The fund accounts for the transfer of bonds to the Inverse Floater Trust as secured borrowings, with the securities transferred remaining in the fund’s investments, and the Trust Certificates reflected as fund liabilities in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

41

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)

The fund may invest in inverse floater securities on either a non-recourse or recourse basis. These securities are typically supported by a liquidity facility provided by a bank or other financial institution (the “Liquidity Provider”) that allows the holders of the Trust Certificates to tender their certificates in exchange for payment from the Liquidity Provider of par plus accrued interest on any business day prior to a termination event. When the fund invests in inverse floater securities on a non-recourse basis, the Liquidity Provider is required to make a payment under the liquidity facility due to a termination event to the holders of the Trust Certificates. When this occurs, the Liquidity Provider typically liquidates all or a portion of the municipal securities held in the Inverse Floater Trust. A liquidation shortfall occurs if the Trust Certificates exceed the proceeds of the sale of the bonds in the Inverse Floater Trust (“Liquidation Shortfall”). When a fund invests in inverse floater securities on a recourse basis, the fund typically enters into a reimbursement agreement with the Liquidity Provider where the fund is required to repay the Liquidity Provider the amount of any Liquidation Shortfall. As a result, a fund investing in a recourse inverse floater security bears the risk of loss with respect to any Liquidation Shortfall.

The average amount of borrowings outstanding under the inverse floater structure during the period ended March 31, 2024 was approximately $121,021,620 with a related weighted average annualized interest rate of 3.79%.

At March 31, 2024, accumulated net unrealized depreciation on investments was $3,575,458, consisting of $17,771,865 gross unrealized appreciation and $21,347,323 gross unrealized depreciation.

At March 31, 2024, the cost of investments for federal income tax purposes was substantially the same as the cost for financial reporting purposes (see the Statement of Investments).

42

 

INFORMATION ABOUT THE RENEWAL OF THE FUND’S MANAGEMENT AND SUB-INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENTS (Unaudited)

At a meeting of the fund’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) held on October 30-31, 2023, the Board considered the renewal of the fund’s Management Agreement, pursuant to which the Adviser provides the fund with investment advisory and administrative services, and the Sub-Investment Advisory Agreement (together with the Management Agreement, the “Agreements”), pursuant to which Insight North America LLC (the “Sub-Adviser”) provides day-to-day management of the fund’s investments. The Board members, none of whom are “interested persons” (as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended) of the fund, were assisted in their review by independent legal counsel and met with counsel in executive session separate from representatives of the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser. In considering the renewal of the Agreements, the Board considered several factors that it believed to be relevant, including those discussed below. The Board did not identify any one factor as dispositive, and each Board member may have attributed different weights to the factors considered.

Analysis of Nature, Extent, and Quality of Services Provided to the Fund. The Board considered information provided to it at the meeting and in previous presentations from representatives of the Adviser regarding the nature, extent, and quality of the services provided to funds in the BNY Mellon fund complex, including the fund. Representatives of the Adviser noted that the fund is a closed-end fund without daily inflows and outflows of capital and provided the fund’s asset size.

The Board also considered research support available to, and portfolio management capabilities of, the fund’s portfolio management personnel and that the Adviser also provides oversight of day-to-day fund operations, including fund accounting and administration and assistance in meeting legal and regulatory requirements. The Board also considered the Adviser’s extensive administrative, accounting and compliance infrastructures, as well as the Adviser’s supervisory activities over the Sub-Adviser.

Comparative Analysis of the Fund’s Performance and Management Fee and Expense Ratio. The Board reviewed reports prepared by Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (“Broadridge”), an independent provider of investment company data based on classifications provided by Thomson Reuters Lipper (“Lipper”), which included information comparing (1) the fund’s performance with the performance of a group of leveraged closed-end general and insured municipal debt funds selected by Broadridge as comparable to the fund (the “Performance Group”) and with a broader group of funds consisting of all leveraged closed-end general and insured municipal debt funds (the “Performance Universe”), all for various periods ended August 31, 2023, and (2) the fund’s actual and contractual management fees and total expenses with those of the same group of funds in the Performance Group (the “Expense Group”) and with a broader group of funds consisting of all leveraged closed-end general and insured municipal debt funds, excluding outliers (the “Expense Universe”), the information for which was derived in part from fund financial statements available to Broadridge as of the date of its analysis. The Adviser previously had furnished the Board with a

43

 

INFORMATION ABOUT THE RENEWAL OF THE FUND’S MANAGEMENT AND SUB-INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)

description of the methodology Broadridge used to select the Performance Group and Performance Universe and the Expense Group and Expense Universe.

Performance Comparisons. Representatives of the Adviser stated that the usefulness of performance comparisons may be affected by a number of factors, including different investment limitations and policies and the extent and manner in which leverage is employed that may be applicable to the fund and comparison funds and the end date selected. They considered that performance generally should be considered over longer periods of time, although it is possible that long-term performance can be adversely affected by even one period of significant underperformance so that a single investment decision or theme has the ability to affect disproportionately long-term performance. The Board also considered the fund’s performance in light of overall financial market conditions. The Board discussed with representatives of the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser the results of the comparisons and considered that the fund’s total return performance, on a net asset value basis, was below the Performance Group and Performance Universe medians for all periods, except the three-year period when the fund’s total return performance was above the Performance Group and Performance Universe medians. The Board also considered that the fund’s total return performance, on a market price basis, was below the Performance Group and Performance Universe medians for all periods, except the three-year period when the fund’s total return performance was above the Performance Group median. The Board also considered that the fund’s yield performance, on a net asset value basis, was at or above the Performance Group median for eight of the ten one-year periods ended August 31st, and was above the Performance Universe median for nine of the ten one-year periods ended August 31st, and, on a market price basis, the fund’s yield performance was at or above the Performance Group median for eight of the ten one-year periods ended August 31st and was above the Performance Universe median for nine of the ten one-year periods ended August 31st. The Board discussed with representatives of the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser the reasons for the fund’s underperformance versus the Performance Group and Performance Universe during certain periods under review and noted that the portfolio managers are very experienced with an impressive long-term track record and continued to apply a consistent investment strategy. The Adviser also provided a comparison of the fund’s calendar year total returns (on a net asset value basis) to the returns of the fund’s benchmark index, and it was noted that the fund’s returns were above the returns of the index in six of the ten calendar years shown.

Management Fee and Expense Ratio Comparisons. The Board reviewed and considered the contractual management fee rate payable by the fund to the Adviser in light of the nature, extent and quality of the management services and the sub-advisory services provided by the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser, respectively. In addition, the Board reviewed and considered the actual management fee rate paid by the fund over the fund’s last fiscal year which included reductions for a fee waiver arrangement in place that reduced the management fee paid to the Adviser. The Board also reviewed the range of actual and contractual management fees and total expenses as a percentage of average net assets of the Expense Group and Expense Universe funds and discussed the results of the comparisons.

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The Board considered that, based on common assets alone, the fund’s contractual management fee was higher than the Expense Group median contractual management fee, the fund’s actual management fee was lower than the Expense Group median and Expense Universe median actual management fee and the fund’s total expenses were slightly higher than the Expense Group median and higher than the Expense Universe median total expenses, and that, based on common assets and leveraged assets together the fund’s contractual management fee was higher than the Expense Group median contractual management fee, the fund’s actual management fee was higher than the Expense Group median and the Expense Universe median actual management fee, and the fund’s total expenses were higher than the Expense Group median and higher than the Expense Universe median total expenses.

Representatives of the Adviser stated that the Adviser has agreed, until November 29, 2024, to waive receipt of a portion of its management fee from the fund, in the amount of .10% of the value of the fund’s average weekly net assets.

Representatives of the Adviser reviewed with the Board the management or investment advisory fees paid by funds advised by the Adviser that are in the same Lipper category as the fund (the “Similar Funds”), and explained the nature of the Similar Funds. They discussed differences in fees paid and the relationship of the fees paid in light of any differences in the services provided and other relevant factors, noting that the fund is a closed-end fund. The Board considered the relevance of the fee information provided for the Similar Funds to evaluate the appropriateness of the fund’s management fee. Representatives of the Adviser noted that there were no separate accounts and/or other types of client portfolios advised by the Adviser or the Sub-Adviser that are considered to have similar investment strategies and policies as the fund.

The Board considered the fee payable to the Sub-Adviser in relation to the fee payable to the Adviser by the fund and the respective services provided by the Sub-Adviser and the Adviser. The Board also took into consideration that the Sub-Adviser’s fee is paid by the Adviser, out of its fee from the fund, and not the fund.

Analysis of Profitability and Economies of Scale. Representatives of the Adviser reviewed the expenses allocated and profit received by the Adviser and its affiliates and the resulting profitability percentage for managing the fund and the aggregate profitability percentage to the Adviser and its affiliates for managing the funds in the BNY Mellon fund complex, and the method used to determine the expenses and profit. The Board concluded that the profitability results were not excessive, given the services rendered and service levels provided by the Adviser and its affiliates. The Board also considered the fee waiver arrangement and its effect on the profitability of the Adviser and its affiliates. The Board also had been provided with information prepared by an independent consulting firm regarding the Adviser’s approach to allocating costs to, and determining the profitability of, individual funds and the entire BNY Mellon fund complex. The consulting firm also had analyzed where any economies of scale might emerge in connection with the management of a fund.

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INFORMATION ABOUT THE RENEWAL OF THE FUND’S MANAGEMENT AND SUB-INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)

The Board considered, on the advice of its counsel, the profitability analysis (1) as part of its evaluation of whether the fees under the Agreements, considered in relation to the mix of services provided by the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser, including the nature, extent and quality of such services, supported the renewal of the Agreements and (2) in light of the relevant circumstances for the fund and the extent to which economies of scale would be realized if the fund grows and whether fee levels reflect these economies of scale for the benefit of fund shareholders. Representatives of the Adviser stated that, because the fund is a closed-end fund without daily inflows and outflows of capital, there were not significant economies of scale at this time to be realized by the Adviser in managing the fund’s assets. Representatives of the Adviser also stated that, as a result of shared and allocated costs among funds in the BNY Mellon fund complex, the extent of economies of scale could depend substantially on the level of assets in the complex as a whole, so that increases and decreases in complex-wide assets can affect potential economies of scale in a manner that is disproportionate to, or even in the opposite direction from, changes in the fund’s asset level. The Board also considered potential benefits to the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser from acting as investment adviser and sub-investment adviser, respectively, and took into consideration that there were no soft dollar arrangements in effect for trading the fund’s investments.

At the conclusion of these discussions, the Board agreed that it had been furnished with sufficient information to make an informed business decision with respect to the renewal of the Agreements. Based on the discussions and considerations as described above, the Board concluded and determined as follows.

· The Board concluded that the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser are adequate and appropriate.

· The Board generally was satisfied with the fund’s long-term relative performance compared to the fund’s benchmark index and determined to continue to monitor the fund’s performance.

· The Board concluded that the fees paid to the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser continued to be appropriate under the circumstances and in light of the factors and the totality of the services provided as discussed above.

· The Board determined that the economies of scale which may accrue to the Adviser and its affiliates in connection with the management of the fund had been adequately considered by the Adviser in connection with the fee rate charged to the fund pursuant to the Management Agreement and Administration Agreement and that, to the extent in the future it were determined that material economies of scale had not been shared with the fund, the Board would seek to have those economies of scale shared with the fund.

In evaluating the Agreements, the Board considered these conclusions and determinations and also relied on its previous knowledge, gained through meetings and other interactions with the Adviser and its affiliates and the Sub-Adviser, of the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser and the services provided to the fund by the Adviser and the

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Sub-Adviser. The Board also relied on information received on a routine and regular basis throughout the year relating to the operations of the fund and the investment management and other services provided under the Agreements, including information on the investment performance of the fund in comparison to similar funds and benchmark performance indices; general market outlook as applicable to the fund; and compliance reports. In addition, the Board’s consideration of the contractual fee arrangements for the fund had the benefit of a number of years of reviews of the Agreements for the fund, or substantially similar agreements for other BNY Mellon funds that the Board oversees, during which lengthy discussions took place between the Board and representatives of the Adviser. Certain aspects of the arrangements may receive greater scrutiny in some years than in others, and the Board’s conclusions may be based, in part, on its consideration of the fund’s arrangements, or substantially similar arrangements for other BNY Mellon funds that the Board oversees, in prior years. The Board determined to renew the Agreements.

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OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
BNY Mellon Strategic Municipals, Inc.

240 Greenwich Street
New York, NY 10286

    

  Directors

 

Chief Compliance Officer

 

Joseph S. DiMartino, Chairman

 

Joseph W. Connolly

 

Joan Gulley

 

Portfolio Managers

 

Alan H. Howard

 

Daniel A. Rabasco

 

Robin A. Melvin

 

Jeffrey B. Burger

 

Burton N. Wallack

   

Benaree Pratt Wiley

   

Gordon Davis††

 

Adviser

 

Elected by VMTPS Holders

 

BNY Mellon Investment Adviser, Inc.

 

†† Advisory Board Member

 

Sub-Adviser

 

Officers

 

Insight North America LLC

 

President