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 811-06629
Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)
620 Eighth Avenue, 49th Floor, New York, NY 10018
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)
Robert I. Frenkel, Esq.
Legg Mason & Co., LLC
100 First Stamford Place
Stamford, CT 06902
(Name and address of agent for service)
Registrants telephone number, including area code: (888) 777-0102
Date of fiscal year end: May 31
Date of reporting period: November 30, 2015
ITEM 1. REPORT TO STOCKHOLDERS.
The Semi-Annual Report to Stockholders is filed herewith.
Semi-Annual Report | November 30, 2015 |
WESTERN ASSET
MANAGED MUNICIPALS FUND INC. (MMU)
INVESTMENT PRODUCTS: NOT FDIC INSURED NO BANK GUARANTEE MAY LOSE VALUE |
Fund objective
The Fund seeks to maximize current income exempt from federal income tax* as is consistent with preservation of principal.
The Fund seeks to achieve its objective by investing primarily in long-term investment grade municipal debt securities issued by state and local governments, political subdivisions, agencies and public authorities (municipal obligations). Under normal market conditions, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its total assets in municipal obligations rated investment grade at the time of investment.
* | Certain investors may be subject to the federal alternative minimum tax (AMT), and state and local taxes will apply. Capital gains, if any, are fully taxable. Please consult your personal tax or legal adviser. |
Dear Shareholder,
We are pleased to provide the semi-annual report of Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc. for the six-month reporting period ended November 30, 2015. Please read on for Fund performance information and a detailed look at prevailing economic and market conditions during the Funds reporting period.
I am pleased to introduce myself as the new Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Fund, succeeding Kenneth D. Fuller. I am honored to have been appointed to my new role. During my 27 year career with Legg Mason, I have seen the investment management industry evolve and expand. Throughout these changes, maintaining an unwavering focus on our shareholders and their needs has remained paramount.
As always, we remain committed to providing you with excellent service and a full spectrum of investment choices. We also remain committed to supplementing the support you receive from your financial advisor. One way we accomplish this is through our website, www.lmcef.com. Here you can gain immediate access to market and investment information, including:
| Fund prices and performance, |
| Market insights and commentaries from our portfolio managers, and |
| A host of educational resources. |
We look forward to helping you meet your financial goals.
Sincerely,
Jane Trust, CFA
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
December 31, 2015
II | Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc. |
Economic review
The pace of U.S. economic activity was mixed during the six months ended November 30, 2015 (the reporting period). Looking back, the U.S. Department of Commerce reported that second quarter 2015 U.S. gross domestic product (GDP)i growth was 3.9%. Relatively solid growth was driven by increasing exports, accelerating personal consumption expenditures (PCE), declining imports, expanding state and local government spending, and rising nonresidential fixed investment. The U.S. Department of Commerces final reading for third quarter 2015 GDP growth released after the reporting period ended was 2.0%. Decelerating growth was primarily due to a downturn in private inventory investment and decelerations in exports, PCE, nonresidential fixed investment, state and local government spending, and residential fixed investment.
The labor market was a tailwind for the economy during the reporting period. When the period began, unemployment was 5.3%, as reported by the U.S. Department of Labor. By November 2015, unemployment was 5.0%, equaling its lowest level since April 2008.
Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc. | III |
Investment commentary (contd)
Market review
Q. How did the Federal Reserve Board (Fed)ii respond to the economic environment?
A. The Fed maintained the federal funds rateiii at a historically low range between zero and 0.25% during the six months ended November 30, 2015. However, at its meeting that ended on December 16, 2015, after the reporting period ended, the Fed raised the federal funds rate for the first time since 2006. In particular, the U.S. central bank raised the federal funds rate to a range between 0.25% and 0.50%. At its meeting that concluded on October 28, 2015, the Fed said, In determining whether it will be appropriate to raise the target range at its next meeting, the Committee will assess progress both realized and expected toward its objectives of maximum employment and 2 percent inflation. However, in its official statement after the December meeting, the Fed said, The stance of monetary policy remains accommodative after this increase, thereby supporting further improvement in labor market conditions and a return to 2 percent inflation. The Committee expects that economic conditions will evolve in a manner that will warrant only gradual increases in the federal funds rate; the federal funds rate is likely to remain, for some time, below levels that are expected to prevail in the longer run.
Q. Did Treasury yields trend higher or lower during the six months ended November 30, 2015?
A. Both short- and long-term Treasury yields moved higher during the reporting period. When the period began, the yield on the two-year Treasury note was 0.61%. Its low for the period was 0.55% on July 8, 2015, and it peaked at 0.94% on November 23, 2015, as well as on the last day of the reporting period on November 30, 2015. The yield on the ten-year Treasury note began the period at 2.12%. Its low for the period of 2.01% occurred on August 24, 2015. Its peak of 2.50% was on June 10, 2015 and the ten-year Treasury note concluded the reporting period at 2.21%.
Q. What factors impacted the spread sectors (non-Treasuries) during the reporting period?
A. The spread sectors posted mixed results during the reporting period. High-yield corporate bonds and U.S. Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS)iv were among the weakest performers over the six months ended November 30, 2015. In contrast, sectors that are generally less sensitive to rising interest rates, such as asset-backed securities, posted positive results. Performance fluctuated with investor sentiment given the uncertainties regarding future Fed monetary policy, along with concerns over global growth and geopolitical issues.
Q. How did the municipal bond market perform versus the taxable bond market over the reporting period?
A. The municipal bond market outperformed its taxable bond counterpart during the six months ended November 30, 2015, as the Barclays Municipal Bond Indexv and the Barclays U.S. Aggregate Indexvi returned 2.37% and -0.12%, respectively. The municipal market was supported by overall positive investor demand and largely improving fundamentals.
Performance review
For the six months ended November 30, 2015, Western Asset Managed Municipals
IV | Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc. |
Fund Inc. returned 1.85% based on its net asset value (NAV)vii and 3.86% based on its New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) market price per share. The Funds unmanaged benchmark, the Barclays Municipal Bond Index, returned 2.37% for the same period. The Lipper General & Insured Municipal Debt (Leveraged) Closed-End Funds Category Averageviii returned 3.80% over the same time frame. Please note that Lipper performance returns are based on each funds NAV.
Certain investors may be subject to the federal alternative minimum tax, and state and local taxes will apply. Capital gains, if any, are fully taxable. Please consult your personal tax or legal adviser.
During this six-month period, the Fund made distributions to common stock shareholders totaling $0.39 per share. As of November 30, 2015, the Fund estimates that all of the distributions were sourced from net investment income.* The performance table shows the Funds six-month total return based on its NAV and market price as of November 30, 2015. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
Performance Snapshot
as of November 30, 2015 (unaudited) |
||||
Price Per Share | 6-Month Total Return** |
|||
$14.27 (NAV) | 1.85 | % | ||
$14.10 (Market Price) | 3.86 | % |
All figures represent past performance and are not a guarantee of future results. Performance figures for periods shorter than one year represent cumulative figures and are not annualized.
** Total returns are based on changes in NAV or market price, respectively. Returns reflect the deduction of all Fund expenses, including management fees, operating expenses, and other Fund expenses. Returns do not reflect the deduction of brokerage commissions or taxes that investors may pay on distributions or the sale of shares.
Total return assumes the reinvestment of all distributions, including return of capital, if any, at NAV.
Total returns assume the reinvestment of all distributions, including returns of capital, if any, in additional shares in accordance with the Funds Dividend Reinvestment Plan.
Looking for additional information?
The Fund is traded under the symbol MMU and its closing market price is available in most newspapers under the NYSE listings. The daily NAV is available on-line under the symbol XMMUX on most financial websites. Barrons and the Wall Street Journals Monday edition both carry closed-end fund tables that provide additional information. In addition, the Fund issues a quarterly press release that can be found on most major financial websites as well as www.lmcef.com
In a continuing effort to provide information concerning the Fund, shareholders may call 1-888-777-0102 (toll free), Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Eastern Time, for the Funds current NAV, market price and other information.
* | These estimates are not for tax purposes. The Fund will issue a Form 1099 with final composition of the distributions for tax purposes after year-end. A return of capital is not taxable and results in a reduction in the tax basis of a shareholders investment. For more information about a distributions composition, please refer to the Funds distribution press release or, if applicable, the Section 19 notice located in the press release section of our website, www.lmcef.com. |
Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc. | V |
Investment commentary (contd)
Thank you for your investment in Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc. As always, we appreciate that you have chosen us to manage your assets and we remain focused on achieving the Funds investment goals.
Sincerely,
Jane Trust, CFA
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
December 31, 2015
RISKS: The Funds investments are subject to a number of risks such as liquidity risk, interest rate risk, credit risk, leveraging risk and management risk. As interest rates rise, the price of fixed-income investments declines. Lower rated, higher-yielding bonds, known as high yield or junk bonds, are subject to greater credit risk than higher-rated investment grade securities. Municipal securities purchased by the Fund may be adversely affected by changes in the financial condition of municipal issuers and insurers, regulatory and political developments, uncertainties and public perceptions, and other factors. The Fund may make significant investments in derivative instruments. Derivative instruments can be illiquid, may disproportionately increase losses and could have a potentially large impact on Fund performance. Leverage may result in greater volatility of NAV and market price of common shares and may increase a shareholders risk of loss.
All investments are subject to risk including the possible loss of principal. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. All index performance reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes. Please note that an investor cannot invest directly in an index.
The information provided is not intended to be a forecast of future events, a guarantee of future results or investment advice. Views expressed may differ from those of the firm as a whole.
VI | Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc. |
i | Gross domestic product (GDP) is the market value of all final goods and services produced within a country in a given period of time. |
ii | The Federal Reserve Board (Fed) is responsible for the formulation of U.S. policies designed to promote economic growth, full employment, stable prices and a sustainable pattern of international trade and payments. |
iii | The federal funds rate is the rate charged by one depository institution on an overnight sale of immediately available funds (balances at the Federal Reserve) to another depository institution; the rate may vary from depository institution to depository institution and from day to day. |
iv | U.S. Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS) are inflation-indexed securities issued by the U.S. Treasury in five-year, ten-year and twenty-year maturities. The principal is adjusted to the Consumer Price Index, the commonly used measure of inflation. The coupon rate is constant, but generates a different amount of interest when multiplied by the inflation-adjusted principal. |
v | The Barclays Municipal Bond Index is a market value weighted index of investment grade municipal bonds with maturities of one year or more. |
vi | The Barclays U.S. Aggregate Index is a broad-based bond index comprised of government, corporate, mortgage- and asset-backed issues, rated investment grade or higher, and having at least one year to maturity. |
vii | Net asset value (NAV) is calculated by subtracting total liabilities, including liabilities associated with financial leverage (if any) from the closing value of all securities held by the Fund (plus all other assets) and dividing the result (total net assets) by the total number of the common shares outstanding. The NAV fluctuates with changes in the market prices of securities in which the Fund has invested. However, the price at which an investor may buy or sell shares of the Fund is the Funds market price as determined by supply of and demand for the Funds shares. |
viii | Lipper, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Reuters, provides independent insight on global collective investments. Returns are based on the six-month period ended November 30, 2015, including the reinvestment of all distributions, including returns of capital, if any, calculated among the 76 funds in the Funds Lipper category. |
Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc. | VII |
Investment breakdown (%) as a percent of total investments
| The bar graph above represents the composition of the Funds investments as of November 30, 2015 and May 31, 2015 and does not include derivatives such as futures contracts. The Fund is actively managed. As a result, the composition of the Funds investments is subject to change at any time. |
Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc. 2015 Semi-Annual Report | 1 |
Economic exposure November 30, 2015
Total Spread Duration | ||
MMU | 6.41 | |
Benchmark | 5.95 |
Spread duration measures the sensitivity to changes in spreads. The spread over Treasuries is the annual risk-premium demanded by investors to hold non-Treasury securities. Spread duration is quantified as the % change in price resulting from a 100 basis points change in spreads. For a security with positive spread duration, an increase in spreads would result in a price decline and a decline in spreads would result in a price increase. This chart highlights the market sector exposure of the Funds portfolio and the exposure relative to the selected benchmark as of the end of the reporting period.
Benchmark | Barclays Municipal Bond Index | |
MMU | Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc. |
2 | Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc. 2015 Semi-Annual Report |
Effective duration (unaudited)
Interest rate exposure November 30, 2015
Total Effective Duration | ||
MMU | 6.25 years | |
Benchmark | 6.15 years |
Effective duration measures the sensitivity to changes in relevant interest rates. Effective duration is quantified as the % change in price resulting from a 100 basis points change in interest rates. For a security with positive effective duration, an increase in interest rates would result in a price decline and a decline in interest rates would result in a price increase. This chart highlights the interest rate exposure of the Funds sectors relative to the selected benchmark sectors as of the end of the reporting period.
Benchmark | Barclays Municipal Bond Index | |
MMU | Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc. |
Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc. 2015 Semi-Annual Report | 3 |
Schedule of investments (unaudited)
November 30, 2015
Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc.
Security | Rate | Maturity Date |
Face Amount |
Value | ||||||||||||
Municipal Bonds 136.0% | ||||||||||||||||
Alabama 4.6% |
||||||||||||||||
Jefferson County, AL, Sewer Revenue: |
||||||||||||||||
AGM |
5.500 | % | 10/1/53 | $ | 1,400,000 | $ | 1,563,408 | |||||||||
Convertible CAB, Subordinated Lien |
0.000 | % | 10/1/50 | 11,580,000 | 7,969,703 | (a) | ||||||||||
Subordinated Lien Warrants |
6.000 | % | 10/1/42 | 9,230,000 | 10,473,281 | |||||||||||
Subordinated Lien Warrants |
6.500 | % | 10/1/53 | 6,900,000 | 7,989,717 | |||||||||||
Total Alabama |
27,996,109 | |||||||||||||||
Arizona 5.0% |
||||||||||||||||
Greater Arizona Development Authority, Development Authority Infrastructure Revenue, Pinal County Road Project, NATL |
5.000 | % | 8/1/19 | 3,705,000 | 3,817,632 | (b) | ||||||||||
Navajo Nation, AZ, Revenue |
5.500 | % | 12/1/30 | 950,000 | 1,033,771 | (c) | ||||||||||
Phoenix, AZ, Civic Improvement Corp. Airport Revenue |
5.000 | % | 7/1/40 | 5,000,000 | 5,498,750 | |||||||||||
Salt Verde, AZ, Financial Corp. Senior Gas Revenue |
5.250 | % | 12/1/28 | 2,000,000 | 2,362,920 | |||||||||||
Salt Verde, AZ, Financial Corp. Senior Gas Revenue |
5.000 | % | 12/1/32 | 10,000,000 | 11,451,600 | |||||||||||
Salt Verde, AZ, Financial Corp. Senior Gas Revenue |
5.000 | % | 12/1/37 | 5,500,000 | 6,195,695 | |||||||||||
Total Arizona |
30,360,368 | |||||||||||||||
California 20.9% |
||||||||||||||||
Anaheim, CA, Public Financing Authority Lease Revenue |
5.000 | % | 5/1/46 | 2,000,000 | 2,224,600 | |||||||||||
Bay Area Toll Authority, CA, Toll Bridge Revenue: |
||||||||||||||||
San Francisco Bay Area |
1.110 | % | 4/1/24 | 5,500,000 | 5,447,145 | (a)(d) | ||||||||||
San Francisco Bay Area |
5.125 | % | 4/1/39 | 21,700,000 | 24,629,934 | (b) | ||||||||||
California Health Facilities Financing Authority Revenue, Stanford Hospital & Clinics |
5.150 | % | 11/15/40 | 2,000,000 | 2,256,220 | |||||||||||
California Housing Finance Agency Revenue, Home Mortgage |
4.700 | % | 8/1/24 | 2,110,000 | 2,128,167 | (e) | ||||||||||
California State PCFA, Water Furnishing Revenue |
5.000 | % | 11/21/45 | 12,500,000 | 13,231,125 | (c)(e) | ||||||||||
California State PCFA, Water Furnishing Revenue |
5.000 | % | 11/21/45 | 5,000,000 | 5,142,700 | (c) | ||||||||||
California State, GO |
0.834 | % | 12/1/17 | 4,000,000 | 4,007,400 | (a)(d) | ||||||||||
California Statewide CDA Revenue, Methodist Hospital Project, FHA |
6.625 | % | 8/1/29 | 5,235,000 | 6,162,590 | |||||||||||
California Statewide CDA, Student Housing Revenue, Provident Group-Pomona Properties LLC |
5.750 | % | 1/15/45 | 1,770,000 | 1,733,149 | |||||||||||
Imperial Irrigation District, CA, Electric Revenue |
5.500 | % | 11/1/41 | 2,750,000 | 3,198,030 | |||||||||||
Inland Valley, CA, Development Agency, Successor Agency Tax Allocation Revenue |
5.000 | % | 9/1/44 | 2,405,000 | 2,612,816 | |||||||||||
Los Angeles County, CA, Public Works Financing Authority, Lease Revenue: |
||||||||||||||||
Multiple Capital Project II |
5.000 | % | 8/1/32 | 3,000,000 | 3,443,580 | |||||||||||
Multiple Capital Project II |
5.000 | % | 8/1/37 | 2,750,000 | 3,090,340 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
4 | Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc. 2015 Semi-Annual Report |
Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc.
Security | Rate | Maturity Date |
Face Amount |
Value | ||||||||||||
California continued |
||||||||||||||||
Los Angeles, CA, Convention & Exhibition Center Authority, Lease Revenue |
5.125 | % | 8/15/22 | $ | 8,000,000 | $ | 8,915,440 | (b) | ||||||||
M-S-R Energy Authority, CA, Gas Revenue |
7.000 | % | 11/1/34 | 3,430,000 | 4,889,191 | |||||||||||
M-S-R Energy Authority, CA, Gas Revenue |
6.500 | % | 11/1/39 | 9,000,000 | 12,237,840 | |||||||||||
Modesto, CA, Irrigation District, COP, Capital Improvements |
6.000 | % | 10/1/39 | 6,500,000 | 7,359,755 | |||||||||||
River Islands, CA, Public Financing Authority Special Tax, Community Facilities District No. 2003-1 |
5.500 | % | 9/1/45 | 2,000,000 | 2,107,700 | |||||||||||
Riverside County, CA, Transportation Commission Sales Tax Revenue, Limited Tax |
5.250 | % | 6/1/39 | 900,000 | 1,035,657 | |||||||||||
Riverside County, CA, Transportation Commission Toll Revenue: |
||||||||||||||||
Senior Lien |
5.750 | % | 6/1/44 | 200,000 | 223,844 | |||||||||||
Senior Lien |
5.750 | % | 6/1/48 | 600,000 | 669,468 | |||||||||||
San Bernardino County, CA, COP, Arrowhead Project |
5.125 | % | 8/1/24 | 5,185,000 | 5,796,985 | |||||||||||
Shafter Wasco Irrigation District Revenue, CA, COP |
5.000 | % | 11/1/40 | 5,000,000 | 5,441,450 | |||||||||||
Total California |
127,985,126 | |||||||||||||||
Colorado 10.2% |
||||||||||||||||
Colorado State Health Facilities Authority Revenue: |
||||||||||||||||
Catholic Health Initiatives |
5.000 | % | 9/1/41 | 4,000,000 | 4,094,120 | |||||||||||
Sisters Leavenworth |
5.000 | % | 1/1/35 | 6,000,000 | 6,590,220 | |||||||||||
Denver, CO, City & County Airport Revenue |
6.125 | % | 11/15/25 | 10,945,000 | 14,096,175 | (e)(f) | ||||||||||
Denver, CO, City & County Airport Revenue |
6.125 | % | 11/15/25 | 13,630,000 | 13,692,153 | (e) | ||||||||||
Public Authority for Colorado Energy, Natural Gas Purchase Revenue |
6.500 | % | 11/15/38 | 18,000,000 | 24,156,360 | |||||||||||
Total Colorado |
62,629,028 | |||||||||||||||
District of Columbia 2.5% |
||||||||||||||||
District of Columbia, Hospital Revenue, Childrens Hospital Obligation, AGM |
5.450 | % | 7/15/35 | 13,760,000 | 15,300,432 | (b) | ||||||||||
Florida 10.7% |
||||||||||||||||
Florida State Development Finance Corp., Educational Facilities Revenue, Renaissance Charter School Inc. Project |
6.125 | % | 6/15/46 | 560,000 | 560,985 | (c) | ||||||||||
Florida State Development Finance Corp., Senior Living Revenue, Tuscan Isle Obligated Group |
7.000 | % | 6/1/45 | 300,000 | 310,287 | (c) | ||||||||||
Florida State Mid-Bay Bridge Authority Revenue |
5.000 | % | 10/1/30 | 2,410,000 | 2,695,561 | |||||||||||
Miami-Dade County, FL, Aviation Revenue |
5.000 | % | 10/1/30 | 6,000,000 | 6,649,680 | (e) | ||||||||||
Miami-Dade County, FL, Aviation Revenue |
5.500 | % | 10/1/41 | 10,000,000 | 11,287,200 | |||||||||||
Miami-Dade County, FL, Aviation Revenue, Miami International Airport |
5.375 | % | 10/1/35 | 10,705,000 | 12,237,528 | |||||||||||
Miami-Dade County, FL, Expressway Authority Toll System Revenue |
5.000 | % | 7/1/40 | 10,000,000 | 10,831,500 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc. 2015 Semi-Annual Report | 5 |
Schedule of investments (unaudited) (contd)
November 30, 2015
Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc.
Security | Rate | Maturity Date |
Face Amount |
Value | ||||||||||||
Florida continued |
||||||||||||||||
Orange County, FL, Health Facilities Authority Revenue, Hospital-Orlando Regional Healthcare, AGM |
5.000 | % | 11/1/35 | $ | 4,545,000 | $ | 4,892,511 | |||||||||
Orange County, FL, IDA Revenue, Vitag Florida LLC Project |
8.000 | % | 7/1/36 | 1,340,000 | 1,368,971 | (c)(e) | ||||||||||
Orange County, FL, School Board, COP, AGC |
5.500 | % | 8/1/34 | 8,000,000 | 9,157,200 | |||||||||||
Orlando, FL, State Sales Tax Payments Revenue |
5.000 | % | 8/1/32 | 5,000,000 | 5,354,050 | |||||||||||
Total Florida |
65,345,473 | |||||||||||||||
Georgia 4.4% |
||||||||||||||||
Atlanta, GA, Water & Wastewater Revenue |
6.250 | % | 11/1/39 | 13,000,000 | 15,555,930 | (b) | ||||||||||
DeKalb, Newton & Gwinnett Counties, GA, Joint Development Authority Revenue, GGC Foundation LLC Project |
6.125 | % | 7/1/40 | 6,220,000 | 7,085,326 | |||||||||||
Main Street Natural Gas Inc., GA, Gas Project Revenue |
5.000 | % | 3/15/22 | 4,000,000 | 4,575,480 | |||||||||||
Total Georgia |
27,216,736 | |||||||||||||||
Hawaii 1.2% |
||||||||||||||||
Hawaii State Airports System Revenue |
5.000 | % | 7/1/39 | 7,000,000 | 7,619,500 | |||||||||||
Illinois 9.3% |
||||||||||||||||
Chicago, IL, GO |
5.500 | % | 1/1/32 | 3,300,000 | 3,508,164 | |||||||||||
Chicago, IL, OHare International Airport Revenue |
5.000 | % | 1/1/31 | 1,000,000 | 1,113,300 | (e) | ||||||||||
Chicago, IL, OHare International Airport Revenue |
5.000 | % | 1/1/35 | 7,000,000 | 7,679,070 | (e) | ||||||||||
Chicago, IL, OHare International Airport Revenue |
5.625 | % | 1/1/35 | 6,415,000 | 7,371,861 | |||||||||||
Chicago, IL, OHare International Airport Revenue |
5.750 | % | 1/1/39 | 6,000,000 | 6,946,080 | |||||||||||
Chicago, IL, Wastewater Transmission Revenue, Second Lien |
5.000 | % | 1/1/44 | 1,000,000 | 1,042,460 | |||||||||||
Illinois Finance Authority Revenue: |
||||||||||||||||
Advocate Health Care & Hospitals Corp. Network |
6.250 | % | 11/1/28 | 2,445,000 | 2,810,063 | (b) | ||||||||||
Depaul University |
6.125 | % | 10/1/40 | 5,000,000 | 5,928,800 | |||||||||||
Illinois State Finance Authority Revenue, Memorial Health System |
5.500 | % | 4/1/39 | 7,000,000 | 7,760,900 | |||||||||||
Metropolitan Pier & Exposition Authority, IL, Dedicated State Tax Revenue, McCormick Project |
5.250 | % | 6/15/50 | 12,000,000 | 12,464,880 | |||||||||||
Metropolitan Pier & Exposition Authority, IL, Revenue, CAB-McCormick Place Expansion Project |
0.000 | % | 12/15/52 | 3,100,000 | 424,731 | |||||||||||
Total Illinois |
57,050,309 | |||||||||||||||
Indiana 4.1% |
||||||||||||||||
Indiana Finance Authority, Wastewater Utility Revenue, CWA Authority |
5.000 | % | 10/1/41 | 5,000,000 | 5,533,650 | |||||||||||
Indiana State Finance Authority Revenue: |
||||||||||||||||
I-69 Development Partners LLC |
5.000 | % | 9/1/46 | 1,750,000 | 1,843,608 | (e) | ||||||||||
Private Activity-Ohio River Bridges East End Crossing Project |
5.000 | % | 7/1/44 | 5,000,000 | 5,220,850 | (e) | ||||||||||
Indianapolis, IN, Thermal Energy System Revenue, AGC |
5.000 | % | 10/1/25 | 5,000,000 | 5,507,500 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
6 | Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc. 2015 Semi-Annual Report |
Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc.
Security | Rate | Maturity Date |
Face Amount |
Value | ||||||||||||
Indiana continued |
||||||||||||||||
Richmond, IN, Hospital Authority Revenue, Reid Hospital & Health Care Services Inc. Project |
6.625 | % | 1/1/39 | $ | 5,000,000 | $ | 5,827,050 | (b) | ||||||||
Valparaiso, IN, Exempt Facilities Revenue, Pratt Paper LLC Project |
7.000 | % | 1/1/44 | 1,000,000 | 1,219,970 | (e) | ||||||||||
Total Indiana |
25,152,628 | |||||||||||||||
Iowa 1.7% |
||||||||||||||||
Iowa State Finance Authority Midwestern Disaster Area Revenue: |
||||||||||||||||
Iowa Fertilizer Co. Project |
5.000 | % | 12/1/19 | 2,450,000 | 2,583,084 | |||||||||||
Iowa Fertilizer Co. Project |
5.250 | % | 12/1/25 | 7,100,000 | 7,717,345 | |||||||||||
Total Iowa |
10,300,429 | |||||||||||||||
Kentucky 1.9% |
||||||||||||||||
Louisville & Jefferson County, KY, Metropolitan Government Health System Revenue, Norton Healthcare Inc. |
5.250 | % | 10/1/36 | 11,000,000 | 11,334,180 | |||||||||||
Louisiana 0.9% |
||||||||||||||||
St. Charles Parish, LA, Gulf Zone Opportunity Zone Revenue, Valero Refining-New Orleans LLC |
4.000 | % | 6/1/22 | 5,000,000 | 5,338,700 | (a)(d) | ||||||||||
Massachusetts 4.9% |
||||||||||||||||
Massachusetts State DFA Revenue: |
||||||||||||||||
Boston University |
5.000 | % | 10/1/29 | 3,000,000 | 3,354,660 | |||||||||||
Broad Institute Inc. |
5.250 | % | 4/1/37 | 8,000,000 | 9,060,880 | |||||||||||
Milford Regional Medical Center |
5.750 | % | 7/15/43 | 500,000 | 547,320 | |||||||||||
Massachusetts State HEFA Revenue, Suffolk University |
5.750 | % | 7/1/39 | 8,000,000 | 8,898,880 | (b) | ||||||||||
Massachusetts State Housing Finance Agency, Housing Revenue |
7.000 | % | 12/1/38 | 4,575,000 | 4,919,909 | |||||||||||
Massachusetts State School Building Authority, Sales Tax Revenue |
5.000 | % | 5/15/43 | 3,000,000 | 3,432,300 | |||||||||||
Total Massachusetts |
30,213,949 | |||||||||||||||
Michigan 3.5% |
||||||||||||||||
Lansing, MI, Board of Water & Light Utility System Revenue |
5.000 | % | 7/1/37 | 7,000,000 | 7,843,780 | |||||||||||
Michigan State Building Authority Revenue, Facilities Program |
5.250 | % | 10/15/47 | 650,000 | 728,552 | |||||||||||
Michigan State Finance Authority Limited Obligation Revenue, Higher Education, Thomas M Cooley Law School Project |
6.750 | % | 7/1/44 | 2,120,000 | 2,244,189 | (c) | ||||||||||
Michigan State Finance Authority Revenue: |
||||||||||||||||
Senior Lien Detroit Water & Sewer |
5.000 | % | 7/1/33 | 1,270,000 | 1,380,630 | |||||||||||
Senior Lien Detroit Water & Sewer |
5.000 | % | 7/1/44 | 1,320,000 | 1,398,778 | |||||||||||
Royal Oak, MI, Hospital Finance Authority Revenue: |
||||||||||||||||
William Beaumont Hospital |
5.000 | % | 9/1/39 | 2,500,000 | 2,740,150 | |||||||||||
William Beaumont Hospital |
8.250 | % | 9/1/39 | 4,000,000 | 4,779,400 | (b) | ||||||||||
Total Michigan |
21,115,479 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc. 2015 Semi-Annual Report | 7 |
Schedule of investments (unaudited) (contd)
November 30, 2015
Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc.
Security | Rate | Maturity Date |
Face Amount |
Value | ||||||||||||
Minnesota 0.3% |
||||||||||||||||
Western Minnesota Municipal Power Agency Revenue |
5.000 | % | 1/1/46 | $ | 1,530,000 | $ | 1,718,848 | |||||||||
Missouri 2.6% |
||||||||||||||||
Kansas City, MO, Water Revenue |
5.250 | % | 12/1/32 | 1,000,000 | 1,111,890 | |||||||||||
Missouri State HEFA Revenue: |
||||||||||||||||
Childrens Mercy Hospital |
5.625 | % | 5/15/39 | 6,000,000 | 6,700,260 | |||||||||||
Lutheran Senior Services |
5.000 | % | 2/1/44 | 2,710,000 | 2,814,660 | |||||||||||
Platte County, MO, IDA Revenue, Improvement Zona Rosa Retail Project, GTD |
5.000 | % | 12/1/32 | 5,000,000 | 5,344,650 | |||||||||||
Total Missouri |
15,971,460 | |||||||||||||||
Nebraska 0.5% |
||||||||||||||||
Nebraska Public Power Generation Agency Revenue, Whelan Energy Center Unit 2-A, AMBAC |
5.000 | % | 1/1/25 | 3,000,000 | 3,141,240 | (b) | ||||||||||
Nevada 2.3% |
||||||||||||||||
Reno, NV, Hospital Revenue, Washoe Medical Centre, AGM |
5.500 | % | 6/1/33 | 12,750,000 | 13,863,075 | |||||||||||
New Jersey 9.4% |
||||||||||||||||
New Jersey Institute of Technology Revenue |
5.000 | % | 7/1/45 | 750,000 | 827,370 | |||||||||||
New Jersey State EDA Revenue |
5.000 | % | 6/15/26 | 2,500,000 | 2,660,200 | |||||||||||
New Jersey State EDA Revenue: |
||||||||||||||||
Continental Airlines Inc. Project |
4.875 | % | 9/15/19 | 1,865,000 | 1,964,498 | (e) | ||||||||||
Continental Airlines Inc. Project |
5.125 | % | 9/15/23 | 2,000,000 | 2,196,980 | (e) | ||||||||||
Continental Airlines Inc. Project |
5.250 | % | 9/15/29 | 3,000,000 | 3,267,600 | (e) | ||||||||||
Private Activity-The Goethals Bridge Replacement Project, AGM |
5.125 | % | 7/1/42 | 2,500,000 | 2,708,575 | (e) | ||||||||||
School Facilities Construction, SIFMA |
1.610 | % | 3/1/28 | 15,000,000 | 13,280,250 | (a) | ||||||||||
New Jersey State Higher Education Assistance Authority, Student Loan Revenue |
5.625 | % | 6/1/30 | 12,320,000 | 13,423,749 | |||||||||||
New Jersey State Higher Education Assistance Authority, Student Loan Revenue, AGC |
6.125 | % | 6/1/30 | 7,675,000 | 8,199,663 | (e) | ||||||||||
New Jersey State Housing & Mortgage Finance Agency Revenue |
6.375 | % | 10/1/28 | 1,605,000 | 1,625,319 | |||||||||||
New Jersey State Turnpike Authority Revenue |
0.490 | % | 1/1/17 | 5,000,000 | 4,967,650 | (a) | ||||||||||
New Jersey State Turnpike Authority Revenue |
0.690 | % | 1/1/18 | 2,500,000 | 2,468,700 | (a)(d) | ||||||||||
Total New Jersey |
57,590,554 | |||||||||||||||
New Mexico 0.9% |
||||||||||||||||
New Mexico State Hospital Equipment Loan Council, Hospital Revenue, Presbyterian Healthcare Services |
6.125 | % | 8/1/28 | 5,000,000 | 5,674,000 | (b) | ||||||||||
New York 11.7% |
||||||||||||||||
Liberty, NY, Development Corporation Revenue: |
||||||||||||||||
Goldman Sachs Headquarters |
5.250 | % | 10/1/35 | 4,000,000 | 4,771,440 | |||||||||||
Goldman Sachs Headquarters |
5.500 | % | 10/1/37 | 1,485,000 | 1,824,471 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
8 | Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc. 2015 Semi-Annual Report |
Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc.
Security | Rate | Maturity Date |
Face Amount |
Value | ||||||||||||
New York continued |
||||||||||||||||
Long Island Power Authority, NY, Electric System Revenue |
6.000 | % | 5/1/33 | $ | 24,570,000 | $ | 28,715,696 | (b) | ||||||||
MTA, NY, Revenue |
5.250 | % | 11/15/40 | 5,000,000 | 5,683,800 | |||||||||||
New York City, NY, Municipal Water Finance Authority, Water & Sewer System Revenue, Second General Resolution Fiscal 2013 |
5.000 | % | 6/15/47 | 5,000,000 | 5,591,100 | |||||||||||
New York City, NY, TFA, Building Aid Revenue |
5.000 | % | 1/15/32 | 4,000,000 | 4,406,640 | |||||||||||
New York State Liberty Development Corp., Liberty Revenue: |
||||||||||||||||
3 World Trade Center LLC Project |
5.000 | % | 11/15/44 | 1,750,000 | 1,793,103 | (c) | ||||||||||
4 World Trade Center LLC Project |
5.750 | % | 11/15/51 | 5,000,000 | 5,794,250 | |||||||||||
Second Priority, Bank of America Tower |
5.125 | % | 1/15/44 | 1,000,000 | 1,108,670 | |||||||||||
Port Authority of New York & New Jersey Revenue |
5.000 | % | 1/15/41 | 3,820,000 | 4,303,306 | |||||||||||
Port Authority of New York & New Jersey Revenue |
5.000 | % | 10/15/41 | 6,400,000 | 7,379,584 | |||||||||||
Total New York |
71,372,060 | |||||||||||||||
North Carolina 0.3% |
||||||||||||||||
Harnett County, NC, GO, Custody Receipts, AMBAC |
5.250 | % | 6/1/24 | 110,000 | 110,380 | |||||||||||
North Carolina Department of Transportation Private Activity Revenue, I-77 Hot Lanes Project |
5.000 | % | 6/30/54 | 1,500,000 | 1,576,845 | (e) | ||||||||||
Total North Carolina |
1,687,225 | |||||||||||||||
Ohio 1.8% |
||||||||||||||||
JobsOhio Beverage System Statewide Liquor Profits Revenue |
5.000 | % | 1/1/38 | 8,000,000 | 8,948,320 | (g) | ||||||||||
Ohio State Water Development Authority, Environmental Improvement Revenue, U.S. Steel Corp. Project |
6.600 | % | 5/1/29 | 3,000,000 | 2,223,930 | |||||||||||
Total Ohio |
11,172,250 | |||||||||||||||
Oregon 0.1% |
||||||||||||||||
Oregon State Housing & Community Services Department, Mortgage Revenue, Single-Family Mortgage Program |
5.050 | % | 7/1/26 | 10,000 | 10,036 | (e) | ||||||||||
Umatilla County, OR, Hospital Facility Authority Revenue, Catholic Health Initiatives |
5.000 | % | 5/1/32 | 510,000 | 511,056 | |||||||||||
Total Oregon |
521,092 | |||||||||||||||
Pennsylvania 3.3% |
||||||||||||||||
Cumberland County, PA, Municipal Authority Revenue, Diakon Lutheran Social Ministries Project |
5.000 | % | 1/1/30 | 2,375,000 | 2,557,970 | |||||||||||
East Hempfield Township, PA, IDA Revenue, Student Services Inc.-Student Housing Project-Millersville University |
5.000 | % | 7/1/47 | 550,000 | 576,862 | |||||||||||
Pennsylvania State Public School Building Authority Lease Revenue, Philadelphia School District Project, AGM |
5.000 | % | 6/1/33 | 7,255,000 | 7,483,532 | |||||||||||
Pennsylvania State Turnpike Commission Revenue |
5.250 | % | 12/1/41 | 6,000,000 | 6,614,460 | |||||||||||
Philadelphia, PA, School District, GO |
5.000 | % | 9/1/33 | 1,755,000 | 1,938,626 | |||||||||||
Philadelphia, PA, Water & Wastewater Revenue |
5.000 | % | 7/1/45 | 1,000,000 | 1,113,430 | |||||||||||
Total Pennsylvania |
20,284,880 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc. 2015 Semi-Annual Report | 9 |
Schedule of investments (unaudited) (contd)
November 30, 2015
Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc.
Security | Rate | Maturity Date |
Face Amount |
Value | ||||||||||||
Rhode Island 0.9% |
||||||||||||||||
Rhode Island State Health & Educational Building Corp., Revenue, Hospital Financing |
7.000 | % | 5/15/39 | $ | 5,000,000 | $ | 5,675,350 | |||||||||
South Carolina 0.5% |
||||||||||||||||
South Carolina State Ports Authority Revenue |
5.250 | % | 7/1/40 | 2,500,000 | 2,760,250 | |||||||||||
Tennessee 0.0% |
||||||||||||||||
Hardeman County, TN, Correctional Facilities Corp., Correctional Facilities Revenue |
7.750 | % | 8/1/17 | 270,000 | 270,548 | |||||||||||
Texas 14.6% |
||||||||||||||||
Dallas-Fort Worth, TX, International Airport Revenue, Joint Improvement |
5.000 | % | 11/1/45 | 10,000,000 | 10,993,000 | |||||||||||
Grand Parkway Transportation Corp., TX, System Toll Revenue, Convertible CAB, Step Bond |
0.000 | % | 10/1/36 | 4,000,000 | 3,219,400 | (a) | ||||||||||
Harris County, TX, Cultural Education Facilities Finance Corp. Revenue, Memorial Herman Health System |
0.960 | % | 6/1/23 | 4,500,000 | 4,446,405 | (a) | ||||||||||
Harris County, TX, Health Facilities Development Corp. Revenue, School Health Care System Revenue |
5.750 | % | 7/1/27 | 1,000,000 | 1,264,910 | (f) | ||||||||||
Houston, TX, Airport Systems Revenue, United Airlines Inc. |
5.000 | % | 7/15/30 | 5,500,000 | 5,885,385 | (e) | ||||||||||
Houston, TX, Utility System Revenue, Combined First Lien |
5.000 | % | 11/15/44 | 1,000,000 | 1,137,440 | |||||||||||
Love Field Airport Modernization Corp., TX, Special Facilities Revenue, Southwest Airlines Co. Project |
5.250 | % | 11/1/40 | 15,000,000 | 16,365,450 | |||||||||||
New Hope Cultural Education Facilities Finance Corp., TX, Student Housing Revenue, Collegiate Housing College Station LLC, Texas A&M University Project, AGM |
5.000 | % | 4/1/46 | 750,000 | 814,252 | |||||||||||
North Texas Tollway Authority Revenue |
5.750 | % | 1/1/33 | 5,000,000 | 5,503,500 | (b) | ||||||||||
North Texas Tollway Authority Revenue |
5.000 | % | 1/1/40 | 2,000,000 | 2,214,320 | |||||||||||
North Texas Tollway Authority Revenue |
5.000 | % | 1/1/45 | 2,105,000 | 2,326,278 | |||||||||||
North Texas Tollway Authority Revenue: |
||||||||||||||||
System-First Tier |
5.750 | % | 1/1/40 | 7,490,000 | 8,236,079 | (b) | ||||||||||
System-First Tier |
5.750 | % | 1/1/40 | 7,510,000 | 8,108,998 | |||||||||||
Texas State Municipal Gas Acquisition & Supply Corp. I, Gas Supply Revenue |
5.625 | % | 12/15/17 | 795,000 | 835,179 | |||||||||||
Texas State Municipal Gas Acquisition & Supply Corp. III, Gas Supply Revenue |
5.000 | % | 12/15/27 | 8,550,000 | 9,535,131 | |||||||||||
Texas State Private Activity Bond Surface Transportation Corp. Revenue, LBJ Infrastructure Group LLC |
7.000 | % | 6/30/40 | 7,000,000 | 8,410,640 | |||||||||||
Total Texas |
89,296,367 | |||||||||||||||
Virginia 0.9% |
||||||||||||||||
Virginia State Small Business Financing Authority Revenue: |
||||||||||||||||
Elizabeth River Crossings OpCo LLC Project |
5.250 | % | 1/1/32 | 3,000,000 | 3,263,730 | (e) | ||||||||||
Elizabeth River Crossings OpCo LLC Project |
5.500 | % | 1/1/42 | 2,000,000 | 2,169,540 | (e) | ||||||||||
Total Virginia |
5,433,270 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
10 | Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc. 2015 Semi-Annual Report |
Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc.
Security | Rate | Maturity Date |
Face Amount |
Value | ||||||||||||
Washington 0.1% |
||||||||||||||||
Washington State HFC Revenue: |
||||||||||||||||
Herons Key |
6.500 | % | 7/1/30 | $ | 350,000 | $ | 356,717 | (c) | ||||||||
Herons Key |
6.750 | % | 7/1/35 | 370,000 | 377,814 | (c) | ||||||||||
Total Washington |
734,531 | |||||||||||||||
Total Investments before Short-Term Investments (Cost $740,782,712) |
|
832,125,446 | ||||||||||||||
Short-Term Investments 2.8% | ||||||||||||||||
Municipal Bonds 2.8% | ||||||||||||||||
Colorado 0.1% |
||||||||||||||||
Colorado State Housing & Finance Authority Revenue, Single-Family Mortgage, SPA-Barclays Bank PLC |
0.040 | % | 5/1/22 | 710,000 | 710,000 | (e)(h)(i) | ||||||||||
Illinois 0.1% |
||||||||||||||||
Illinois State Finance Authority Revenue, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, SPA-Wells Fargo Bank N.A. |
0.010 | % | 8/15/42 | 500,000 | 500,000 | (h)(i) | ||||||||||
Kentucky 0.3% |
||||||||||||||||
Kentucky State Economic Development Finance Authority Revenue, Catholic Health Initiatives |
0.020 | % | 5/1/34 | 2,000,000 | 2,000,000 | (h)(i) | ||||||||||
New Hampshire 0.1% |
||||||||||||||||
New Hampshire State Business Finance Authority Solid Waste Disposal Revenue, Lonza Biologies Inc. Project, LOC-Landesbank Hessen-Thuringen |
0.060 | % | 11/1/20 | 600,000 | 600,000 | (e)(h)(i) | ||||||||||
New Jersey 0.2% |
||||||||||||||||
Salem County, NJ, PCFA Revenue, Public Service Electric & Gas |
0.130 | % | 11/1/33 | 900,000 | 900,000 | (h)(i) | ||||||||||
New York 1.5% |
||||||||||||||||
New York City, NY, Municipal Water Finance Authority, Water & Sewer System Revenue: |
||||||||||||||||
Second General Resolution, SPA-Dexia Credit Local |
0.250 | % | 6/15/32 | 2,935,000 | 2,935,000 | (h)(i) | ||||||||||
Second General Resolution, SPA-Dexia Credit Local |
0.270 | % | 6/15/32 | 3,600,000 | 3,600,000 | (h)(i) | ||||||||||
New York City, NY, TFA Revenue, New York City Recovery Project Revenue, Subordinated, LIQ-Dexia Credit Local |
0.270 | % | 11/1/22 | 2,300,000 | 2,300,000 | (h)(i) | ||||||||||
Onondaga County, NY, Trust Cultural Resource Revenue, Syracuse University Project, LOC-Wells Fargo Bank N.A. |
0.010 | % | 12/1/29 | 400,000 | 400,000 | (h)(i) | ||||||||||
Total New York |
9,235,000 | |||||||||||||||
North Carolina 0.4% |
||||||||||||||||
Charlotte, NC, COP, Refunding Convention Facility Project B, SPA-Wachovia Bank N.A. |
0.020 | % | 12/1/21 | 700,000 | 700,000 | (h)(i) | ||||||||||
North Carolina State Medical Care Commission, Health Care Facilities Revenue, Novant Health Group, SPA-JPMorgan Chase |
0.060 | % | 11/1/34 | 1,700,000 | 1,700,000 | (h)(i) | ||||||||||
Total North Carolina |
2,400,000 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc. 2015 Semi-Annual Report | 11 |
Schedule of investments (unaudited) (contd)
November 30, 2015
Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc.
Security | Rate | Maturity Date |
Face Amount |
Value | ||||||||||||
Pennsylvania 0.1% |
||||||||||||||||
Mercer County, PA, GO, AGM, SPA-PNC Bank N.A. |
0.030 | % | 10/1/31 | $ | 845,000 | $ | 845,000 | (h)(i) | ||||||||
Total Municipal Bonds (Cost $17,190,000) |
17,190,000 | |||||||||||||||
Shares | ||||||||||||||||
Money Market Funds 0.0% | ||||||||||||||||
State Street Institutional Treasury Plus Money Market Fund, Premier Class (Cost $13,286) |
0.000 | % | 13,286 | 13,286 | ||||||||||||
Total Short-Term Investments (Cost $17,203,286) |
17,203,286 | |||||||||||||||
Total Investments 138.8% (Cost $757,985,998#) |
|
849,328,732 | ||||||||||||||
Auction Rate Cumulative Preferred Stock, at Liquidation Value (5.2)% |
|
(32,075,000 | ) | |||||||||||||
Variable Rate Demand Preferred Stock, at Liquidation Value (35.6)% |
|
(217,575,000 | ) | |||||||||||||
Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities 2.0% |
|
12,136,659 | ||||||||||||||
Total Net Assets Applicable to Common Shareholders 100.0% |
|
$ | 611,815,391 |
(a) | Variable rate security. Interest rate disclosed is as of the most recent information available. |
(b) | Pre-Refunded bonds are escrowed with U.S. government obligations and/or U.S. government agency securities and are considered by the manager to be triple-A rated even if issuer has not applied for new ratings. |
(c) | Security is exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. This security may be resold in transactions that are exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. This security has been deemed liquid pursuant to guidelines approved by the Board of Directors, unless otherwise noted. |
(d) | Maturity date shown represents the mandatory tender date. |
(e) | Income from this issue is considered a preference item for purposes of calculating the alternative minimum tax (AMT). |
(f) | Bonds are escrowed to maturity by government securities and/or U.S. government agency securities and are considered by the manager to be triple-A rated even if issuer has not applied for new ratings. |
(g) | All or a portion of this security is held at the broker as collateral for open futures contracts. |
(h) | Variable rate demand obligations have a demand feature under which the Fund can tender them back to the issuer or liquidity provider on no more than 7 days notice. |
(i) | Maturity date shown is the final maturity date. The security may be sold back to the issuer before final maturity. |
# | Aggregate cost for federal income tax purposes is substantially the same. |
Abbreviations used in this schedule: | ||
AGC | Assured Guaranty Corporation Insured Bonds | |
AGM | Assured Guaranty Municipal Corporation Insured Bonds | |
AMBAC | American Municipal Bond Assurance Corporation Insured Bonds | |
CAB | Capital Appreciation Bonds | |
CDA | Communities Development Authority | |
COP | Certificates of Participation | |
DFA | Development Finance Agency | |
EDA | Economic Development Authority | |
FHA | Federal Housing Administration | |
GO | General Obligation | |
GTD | Guaranteed |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
12 | Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc. 2015 Semi-Annual Report |
Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc.
Abbreviations used in this schedule (contd): | ||
HEFA | Health & Educational Facilities Authority | |
HFC | Housing Finance Commission | |
IDA | Industrial Development Authority | |
LIQ | Liquidity Facility | |
LOC | Letter of Credit | |
MTA | Metropolitan Transportation Authority | |
NATL | National Public Finance Guarantee Corporation Insured Bonds | |
PCFA | Pollution Control Financing Authority | |
SIFMA | Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association | |
SPA | Standby Bond Purchase Agreement Insured Bonds | |
TFA | Transitional Finance Authority |
Ratings table* | ||||
Standard & Poors/Moodys/Fitch** | ||||
AAA/Aaa | 3.8 | % | ||
AA/Aa | 31.0 | |||
A | 42.9 | |||
BBB/Baa | 15.8 | |||
BB/Ba | 3.3 | |||
A-1/VMIG 1 | 2.0 | |||
NR*** | 1.2 | |||
100.0 | % |
* | As a percentage of total investments. |
** | The ratings shown are based on each portfolio securitys rating as determined by Standard & Poors, Moodys or Fitch, each a Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organization (NRSRO). These ratings are the opinions of the NRSRO and are not measures of quality or guarantees of performance. Securities may be rated by other NRSROs, and these ratings may be higher or lower. In the event that a security is rated by multiple NRSROs and receives different ratings, the Fund will treat the security as being rated in the highest rating category received from a NRSRO. |
*** | The credit quality of unrated investments is evaluated based upon certain factors including, but not limited to, credit ratings for similar investments and financial analysis of sectors and individual investments. |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc. 2015 Semi-Annual Report | 13 |
Statement of assets and liabilities (unaudited)
November 30, 2015
Assets: | ||||
Investments, at value (Cost $757,985,998) |
$ | 849,328,732 | ||
Cash |
1,750 | |||
Interest receivable |
10,571,546 | |||
Receivable for securities sold |
355,000 | |||
Prepaid expenses |
101,650 | |||
Total Assets |
860,358,678 | |||
Liabilities: | ||||
Variable Rate Demand Preferred Stock ($25,000 liquidation value per share; 8,703 shares issued and outstanding) (net of deferred offering costs of $1,618,919) (Note 5) |
215,956,081 | |||
Investment management fee payable |
387,527 | |||
Payable to broker variation margin on open futures contracts |
8,750 | |||
Directors fees payable |
6,081 | |||
Distributions payable to Variable Rate Demand Preferred Stockholders |
4,588 | |||
Distributions payable to Auction Rate Cumulative Preferred Stockholders |
1,177 | |||
Accrued expenses |
104,083 | |||
Total Liabilities |
216,468,287 | |||
Series M, T, W, Th and F Auction Rate Cumulative Preferred Stock (1,283 shares authorized and issued at $25,000 for each share) (Note 6) |
32,075,000 | |||
Total Net Assets Applicable to Common Shareholders | $ | 611,815,391 | ||
Net Assets Applicable to Common Shareholders: | ||||
Common stock par value ($0.001 par value, 42,873,483 common shares issued and outstanding; 500,000,000 common shares authorized) |
$ | 42,873 | ||
Paid-in capital in excess of par value |
527,319,485 | |||
Undistributed net investment income |
16,482,380 | |||
Accumulated net realized loss on investments and futures contracts |
(23,344,758) | |||
Net unrealized appreciation on investments and futures contracts |
91,315,411 | |||
Total Net Assets Applicable to Common Shareholders | $ | 611,815,391 | ||
Common Shares Outstanding | 42,873,483 | |||
Net Asset Value Per Common Share | $14.27 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
14 | Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc. 2015 Semi-Annual Report |
Statement of operations (unaudited)
For the Six Months Ended November 30, 2015
Investment Income: | ||||
Interest |
$ | 19,646,674 | ||
Expenses: | ||||
Investment management fee (Note 2) |
2,363,819 | |||
Liquidity fees (Note 5) |
844,851 | |||
Distributions to Variable Rate Demand Preferred Stockholders (Notes 1 and 5) |
130,185 | |||
Remarketing fees (Note 5) |
110,601 | |||
Directors fees |
64,503 | |||
Legal fees |
56,262 | |||
Auction agent fees |
50,839 | |||
Transfer agent fees |
35,066 | |||
Audit and tax fees |
34,012 | |||
Fund accounting fees |
31,387 | |||
Amortization of Variable Rate Demand Preferred Stock offering costs (Note 5) |
30,659 | |||
Stock exchange listing fees |
18,201 | |||
Shareholder reports |
15,754 | |||
Rating agency fees |
10,000 | |||
Auction participation fees (Note 6) |
8,109 | |||
Custody fees |
5,994 | |||
Insurance |
5,083 | |||
Miscellaneous expenses |
12,686 | |||
Total Expenses |
3,828,011 | |||
Net Investment Income | 15,818,663 | |||
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments and Futures Contracts (Notes 1, 3 and 4): | ||||
Net Realized Loss From: |
||||
Investment transactions |
(9,740,379) | |||
Futures contracts |
(93,024) | |||
Net Realized Loss |
(9,833,403) | |||
Change in Net Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) From: |
||||
Investments |
5,266,737 | |||
Futures contracts |
24,921 | |||
Change in Net Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) |
5,291,658 | |||
Net Loss on Investments and Futures Contracts | (4,541,745) | |||
Distributions Paid to Auction Rate Cumulative Preferred Stockholders From Net Investment Income (Notes 1 and 6) |
(23,529) | |||
Increase in Net Assets Applicable to Common Shareholders from Operations | $ | 11,253,389 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc. 2015 Semi-Annual Report | 15 |
Statements of changes in net assets
For the Six Months Ended November 30, 2015 (unaudited) and the Year Ended May 31, 2015 |
November 30 | May 31 | ||||||
Operations: | ||||||||
Net investment income |
$ | 15,818,663 | $ | 33,277,534 | ||||
Net realized loss |
(9,833,403) | (5,259,776) | ||||||
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) |
5,291,658 | 9,210,050 | ||||||
Distributions paid to Auction Rate Cumulative Preferred Stockholders from net investment income |
(23,529) | (211,001) | ||||||
Increase in Net Assets Applicable to Common Shareholders From Operations |
11,253,389 | 37,016,807 | ||||||
Distributions to Common Shareholders From (Note 1): | ||||||||
Net investment income |
(16,709,219) | (33,407,489) | ||||||
Decrease in Net Assets From Distributions to Common Shareholders |
(16,709,219) | (33,407,489) | ||||||
Fund Share Transactions: | ||||||||
Net increase from tender and repurchase of Auction Rate Cumulative Preferred Shares (Note 6) |
35,000 | 21,757,500 | ||||||
Reinvestment of distributions (32,009 and 17,024 shares issued, respectively) |
446,063 | 239,576 | ||||||
Increase in Net Assets From Fund Share Transactions |
481,063 | 21,997,076 | ||||||
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Applicable to Common Shareholders |
(4,974,767) | 25,606,394 | ||||||
Net Assets Applicable to Common Shareholders: | ||||||||
Beginning of period |
616,790,158 | 591,183,764 | ||||||
End of period* |
$ | 611,815,391 | $ | 616,790,158 | ||||
*Includes undistributed net investment income of: |
$16,482,380 | $17,396,465 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
16 | Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc. 2015 Semi-Annual Report |
Statement of cash flows (unaudited)
For the Six Months Ended November 30, 2015
Increase (Decrease) in Cash: | ||||
Cash Provided (Used) by Operating Activities: | ||||
Net increase in net assets applicable to common shareholders resulting from operations |
$ | 11,276,918 | ||
Adjustments to reconcile net increase in net assets resulting from operations to net cash provided (used) by operating activities: |
||||
Purchases of portfolio securities |
(25,298,417) | |||
Sales of portfolio securities |
21,256,996 | |||
Net purchases, sales and maturities of short-term investments |
10,746,714 | |||
Net amortization of premium (accretion of discount) |
(115,730) | |||
Decrease in receivable for securities sold |
1,261,185 | |||
Decrease in interest receivable |
44,855 | |||
Increase in prepaid expenses |
(49,817) | |||
Decrease in payable for securities purchased |
(6,625,325) | |||
Decrease in investment management fee payable |
(17,379) | |||
Decrease in Directors fees payable |
(3,727) | |||
Increase in distributions payable to Variable Rate Demand Preferred Stockholders |
4,588 | |||
Decrease in accrued expenses |
(72,702) | |||
Decrease in payable to broker variation margin on open futures contracts |
(36,750) | |||
Net realized loss on investments |
9,740,379 | |||
Change in unrealized appreciation of investments |
(5,266,737) | |||
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities |
16,845,051 | |||
Cash Flows from Financing Activities: | ||||
Distributions paid on Common Stock |
(16,263,156) | |||
Distributions paid on Auction Rate Cumulative Preferred Stock |
(23,293) | |||
Repurchase of Auction Rate Cumulative Preferred Stock |
(315,000) | |||
Deferred preferred stock offering costs |
(257,292) | |||
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities |
(16,858,741) | |||
Net Decrease in Cash | (13,690) | |||
Cash at Beginning of Period |
15,440 | |||
Cash at End of Period |
$ | 1,750 | ||
Non-Cash Financing Activities: | ||||
Proceeds from reinvestment of distributions |
$ | 446,063 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc. 2015 Semi-Annual Report | 17 |
For a common share of capital stock
outstanding throughout each year ended May 31, unless otherwise noted: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
20151,2 | 20151 | 20141 | 20131 | 2012 | 2011 | |||||||||||||||||||
Net asset value, beginning of period | $14.40 | $13.80 | $14.12 | $13.98 | $12.33 | $12.84 | ||||||||||||||||||
Income (loss) from operations: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net investment income |
0.37 | 0.78 | 0.79 | 0.81 | 0.84 | 0.87 | ||||||||||||||||||
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) |
(0.11) | 0.09 | (0.32) | 0.12 | 1.60 | (0.58) | ||||||||||||||||||
Distributions paid to Auction Rate Cumulative Preferred Stockholders from net investment income |
(0.00) | 3 | (0.00) | 3 | (0.01) | (0.01) | (0.01) | (0.02) | ||||||||||||||||
Total income from operations |
0.26 | 0.87 | 0.46 | 0.92 | 2.43 | 0.27 | ||||||||||||||||||
Less distributions to common shareholders from: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net investment income |
(0.39) | 4 | (0.78) | (0.78) | (0.78) | (0.78) | (0.78) | |||||||||||||||||
Total distributions to common shareholders |
(0.39) | (0.78) | (0.78) | (0.78) | (0.78) | (0.78) | ||||||||||||||||||
Net Increase from tender and repurchase of Auction Rate Cumulative Preferred Shares |
0.00 | 3 | 0.51 | | | | | |||||||||||||||||
Net asset value, end of period | $14.27 | $14.40 | $13.80 | $14.12 | $13.98 | $12.33 | ||||||||||||||||||
Market price, end of period | $14.10 | $13.96 | $13.17 | $13.37 | $13.86 | $12.26 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total return, based on NAV5,6 |
1.85 | % | 10.26 | %7 | 3.78 | % | 6.66 | % | 20.38 | % | 2.47 | % | ||||||||||||
Total return, based on Market Price8 |
3.86 | % | 12.26 | % | 4.82 | % | 1.90 | % | 20.09 | % | 1.42 | % | ||||||||||||
Net assets applicable to common shareholders, end of period (000s) | $611,815 | $616,790 | $591,184 | $603,935 | $594,962 | $522,160 | ||||||||||||||||||
Ratios to average net assets:9 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gross expenses |
1.26 | %10 | 0.99 | % | 0.92 | % | 0.88 | % | 0.90 | % | 0.95 | % | ||||||||||||
Net expenses |
1.26 | 10 | 0.99 | 0.92 | 0.88 | 0.90 | 0.95 | |||||||||||||||||
Net investment income |
5.19 | 10 | 5.49 | 6.10 | 5.65 | 6.45 | 7.09 | |||||||||||||||||
Portfolio turnover rate | 3 | % | 4 | % | 1 | % | 19 | % | 12 | % | 23 | % | ||||||||||||
Supplemental data: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Auction Rate Cumulative Preferred Stock at Liquidation Value, End of Year (000s) |
$32,075 | $32,425 | $250,000 | $250,000 | $250,000 | $250,000 | ||||||||||||||||||
Variable Rate Demand Preferred Stock at Liquidation Value, End of Year (000s) |
$217,575 | $217,575 | | | | | ||||||||||||||||||
Asset Coverage Ratio for Auction Rate Cumulative Preferred Stock and Variable Rate Demand Preferred Stock11 |
345 | % | 347 | % | 336 | %12 | 342 | %12 | 338 | %12 | 309 | %12 | ||||||||||||
Asset Coverage, per $25,000 Liquidation Value per Share of Auction Rate Cumulative Preferred Stock and Variable Rate Demand Preferred Stock11 |
$86,267 | $86,679 | $84,118 | $85,393 | $84,496 | $77,216 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
18 | Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc. 2015 Semi-Annual Report |
1 | Per share amounts have been calculated using the average shares method. |
2 | For the six months ended November 30, 2015 (unaudited). |
3 | Amount represents less than $0.005 per share. |
4 | The actual source of the Funds current fiscal year distributions may be from net investment income, return of capital or a combination of both. Shareholders will be informed of the tax characteristics of the distributions after the close of the fiscal year. |
5 | Performance figures may reflect compensating balance arrangements, fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements. In the absence of compensating balance arrangements, fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements, the total return would have been lower. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Total returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized. |
6 | The total return calculation assumes that distributions are reinvested at NAV. Prior to January 1, 2012, the total return calculation assumed the reinvestment of all distributions in accordance with the Funds dividend reinvestment plan. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Total returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized. |
7 | The total return based on NAV reflects the impact of the tender and repurchase by the Fund of a portion of its Auction Rate Cumulative Preferred Shares at 90% of the per share liquidation preference. Absent this transaction, the total return based on NAV would have been 6.36%. |
8 | The total return calculation assumes that distributions are reinvested in accordance with the Funds dividend reinvestment plan. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Total returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized. |
9 | Calculated on the basis of average net assets of common stock shareholders. Ratios do not reflect the effect of dividend payments to auction rate cumulative preferred stockholders. |
10 | Annualized. |
11 | Represents value of net assets plus the auction rate cumulative preferred stock and variable rate demand preferred stock, if any, at the end of the period divided by the auction rate cumulative preferred stock and variable rate demand preferred stock, if any, outstanding at the end of the period. |
12 | Added to conform to current period presentation. |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc. 2015 Semi-Annual Report | 19 |
Notes to financial statements (unaudited)
1. Organization and significant accounting policies
Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc. (the Fund) was incorporated in Maryland and is registered as a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act). The Fund seeks to maximize current income exempt from federal income tax as is consistent with preservation of principal.
The following are significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Fund and are in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). Estimates and assumptions are required to be made regarding assets, liabilities and changes in net assets resulting from operations when financial statements are prepared. Changes in the economic environment, financial markets and any other parameters used in determining these estimates could cause actual results to differ. Subsequent events have been evaluated through the date the financial statements were issued.
(a) Investment valuation. The valuations for fixed income securities (which may include, but are not limited to, corporate, government, municipal, mortgage-backed, collateralized mortgage obligations and asset-backed securities) and certain derivative instruments are typically the prices supplied by independent third party pricing services, which may use market prices or broker/dealer quotations or a variety of valuation techniques and methodologies. The independent third party pricing services use inputs that are observable such as issuer details, interest rates, yield curves, prepayment speeds, credit risks/spreads, default rates and quoted prices for similar securities. Investments in open-end funds are valued at the closing net asset value per share of each fund on the day of valuation. Short-term fixed income securities that will mature in 60 days or less are valued at amortized cost, unless it is determined that using this method would not reflect an investments fair value. Futures contracts are valued daily at the settlement price established by the board of trade or exchange on which they are traded. If independent third party pricing services are unable to supply prices for a portfolio investment, or if the prices supplied are deemed by the manager to be unreliable, the market price may be determined by the manager using quotations from one or more broker/dealers or at the transaction price if the security has recently been purchased and no value has yet been obtained from a pricing service or pricing broker. When reliable prices are not readily available, 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 values these securities as determined in accordance with procedures approved by the Funds Board of Directors.
The Board of Directors is responsible for the valuation process and has delegated the supervision of the daily valuation process to the Legg Mason North Atlantic Fund Valuation Committee (the Valuation Committee). The Valuation Committee, pursuant to the policies adopted by the Board of Directors, is responsible for making fair value determinations, evaluating the effectiveness of the Funds pricing policies, and reporting to the Board of Directors. When determining the reliability of third party pricing information for investments owned by the Fund, the Valuation Committee, among other things, conducts due diligence
20 | Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc. 2015 Semi-Annual Report |
reviews of pricing vendors, monitors the daily change in prices and reviews transactions among market participants.
The Valuation Committee will consider pricing methodologies it deems relevant and appropriate when making fair value determinations. Examples of possible methodologies include, but are not limited to, multiple of earnings; discount from market of a similar freely traded security; discounted cash-flow analysis; book value or a multiple thereof; risk premium/yield analysis; yield to maturity; and/or fundamental investment analysis. The Valuation Committee will also consider factors it deems relevant and appropriate in light of the facts and circumstances. Examples of possible factors include, but are not limited to, the type of security; the issuers financial statements; the purchase price of the security; the discount from market value of unrestricted securities of the same class at the time of purchase; analysts research and observations from financial institutions; information regarding any transactions or offers with respect to the security; the existence of merger proposals or tender offers affecting the security; the price and extent of public trading in similar securities of the issuer or comparable companies; and the existence of a shelf registration for restricted securities.
For each portfolio security that has been fair valued pursuant to the policies adopted by the Board of Directors, the fair value price is compared against the last available and next available market quotations. The Valuation Committee reviews the results of such back testing monthly and fair valuation occurrences are reported to the Board of Directors quarterly.
The Fund uses valuation techniques to measure fair value that are consistent with the market approach and/or income approach, depending on the type of security and the particular circumstance. The market approach uses prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable securities. The income approach uses valuation techniques to discount estimated future cash flows to present value.
GAAP establishes a disclosure hierarchy that categorizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to value assets and liabilities at measurement date. These inputs are summarized in the three broad levels listed below:
| Level 1 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 Funds own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments) |
The inputs or methodologies used to value securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.
Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc. 2015 Semi-Annual Report | 21 |
Notes to financial statements (unaudited) (contd)
The following is a summary of the inputs used in valuing the Funds assets and liabilities carried at fair value:
ASSETS | ||||||||||||||||
Description | Quoted Prices (Level 1) |
Other Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) |
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) |
Total | ||||||||||||
Municipal bonds | | $ | 832,125,446 | | $ | 832,125,446 | ||||||||||
Short-term investments: | ||||||||||||||||
Municipal bonds |
| 17,190,000 | | 17,190,000 | ||||||||||||
Money market funds |
$ | 13,286 | | | 13,286 | |||||||||||
Total short-term investments | $ | 13,286 | $ | 17,190,000 | | $ | 17,203,286 | |||||||||
Total investments | $ | 13,286 | $ | 849,315,446 | | $ | 849,328,732 | |||||||||
LIABILITIES | ||||||||||||||||
Description | Quoted Prices (Level 1) |
Other Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) |
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) |
Total | ||||||||||||
Other financial instruments: | ||||||||||||||||
Futures contracts |
$ | 27,323 | | | $ | 27,323 |
| See Schedule of Investments for additional detailed categorizations. |
(b) Futures contracts. The Fund uses futures contracts generally to gain exposure to, or hedge against, changes in interest rates or gain exposure to, or hedge against, changes in certain asset classes. A futures contract represents a commitment for the future purchase or sale of an asset at a specified price on a specified date.
Upon entering into a futures contract, the Fund is required to deposit cash or cash equivalents with a broker in an amount equal to a certain percentage of the contract amount. This is known as the initial margin and subsequent payments (variation margin) are made or received by the Fund each day, depending on the daily fluctuation in the value of the contract. For certain futures, including foreign denominated futures, variation margin is not settled daily, but is recorded as a net variation margin payable or receivable. The daily changes in contract value are recorded as unrealized gains or losses in the Statement of Operations and the Fund recognizes a realized gain or loss when the contract is closed.
Futures contracts involve, to varying degrees, risk of loss in excess of the amounts reflected in the financial statements. In addition, there is the risk that the Fund may not be able to enter into a closing transaction because of an illiquid secondary market.
(c) Securities traded on a when-issued basis. The Fund may trade securities on a when-issued basis. In a when-issued transaction, the securities are purchased or sold by the Fund with payment and delivery taking place in the future in order to secure what is considered to be an advantageous price and yield to the Fund at the time of entering into the transaction. Purchasing such securities involves risk of loss if the value of the securities
22 | Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc. 2015 Semi-Annual Report |
declines prior to settlement. These securities are subject to market fluctuations and their current value is determined in the same manner as for other securities.
(d) Security transactions and investment income. Security transactions are accounted for on a trade date basis. Interest income, adjusted for amortization of premium and accretion of discount, is recorded on the accrual basis. The cost of investments sold is determined by use of the specific identification method. To the extent any issuer defaults or a credit event occurs that impacts the issuer, the Fund may halt any additional interest income accruals and consider the realizability of interest accrued up to the date of default or credit event.
(e) Distributions to shareholders. Distributions to common shareholders from net investment income of the Fund, if any, are declared quarterly and paid on a monthly basis. The Fund intends to satisfy conditions that will enable interest from municipal securities, which is exempt from federal and certain state income taxes, to retain such tax-exempt status when distributed to the common shareholders of the Fund. Distributions to common shareholders of net realized gains, if any, are taxable and are declared at least annually. Distributions to common shareholders of the Fund are recorded on the ex-dividend date and are determined in accordance with income tax regulations, which may differ from GAAP.
Distributions to holders of Auction Rate Cumulative Preferred Stock (ARCPS) are accrued daily and paid on a weekly basis and are determined as described in Note 6. Distributions to holders of Variable Rate Demand Preferred Stock (VRDPS) are accrued on a daily basis and paid monthly as described in Note 5 and are treated as an operating expense as required by GAAP. For tax purposes, the payments made to the holders of the Funds VRDPS are treated as dividend or distributions.
(f) Compensating balance arrangements. The Fund has an arrangement with its custodian bank whereby a portion of the custodians fees is paid indirectly by credits earned on the Funds cash on deposit with the bank.
(g) Cash flow information. The Fund invests in securities and distributes dividends from net investment income and net realized gains, which are paid in cash and may be reinvested at the discretion of shareholders. These activities are reported in the Statement of Changes in Net Assets and additional information on cash receipts and cash payments are presented in the Statement of Cash Flows.
(h) Net asset value. The net asset value (NAV) of the Funds common stock is determined no less frequently than the close of business on the Funds last business day of each week (generally Friday) and on the last business day of the month. It is determined by dividing the value of the net assets available to common stock by the total number of shares of common stock outstanding. For the purpose of determining the NAV per share of the common stock, the value of the Funds net assets shall be deemed to equal the value of the Funds assets less (1) the Funds liabilities, including the aggregate liquidation value (i.e., $25,000 per outstanding share) of the VRDPS, and (2) the aggregate liquidation value (i.e., $25,000 per outstanding share) of the ARCPS.
Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc. 2015 Semi-Annual Report | 23 |
Notes to financial statements (unaudited) (contd)
(i) Federal and other taxes. It is the Funds policy to comply with the federal income and excise tax requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the Code), as amended, applicable to regulated investment companies. Accordingly, the Fund intends to distribute its taxable income and net realized gains, if any, to shareholders in accordance with timing requirements imposed by the Code. Therefore, no federal or state income tax provision is required in the Funds financial statements.
Management has analyzed the Funds tax positions taken on income tax returns for all open tax years and has concluded that as of November 30, 2015, no provision for income tax is required in the Funds financial statements. The Funds federal and state income and federal excise tax returns for tax years for which the applicable statutes of limitations have not expired are subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service and state departments of revenue.
(j) Reclassification. GAAP requires that certain components of net assets be reclassified to reflect permanent differences between financial and tax reporting. These reclassifications have no effect on net assets or net asset value per share.
2. Investment management agreement and other transactions with affiliates
Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisor, LLC (LMPFA) is the Funds investment manager and Western Asset Management Company (Western Asset) is the Funds subadviser. LMPFA and Western Asset are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Legg Mason, Inc. (Legg Mason).
LMPFA provides administrative and certain oversight services to the Fund. The Fund pays LMPFA an investment management fee, calculated daily and paid monthly, at an annual rate of 0.55% of the Funds average daily net assets. For the purposes of calculating the investment management fee, the aggregate liquidation value of the Preferred Stock is not deducted in determining the Funds average daily net assets.
LMPFA delegates to Western Asset the day-to-day portfolio management of the Fund. For its services, LMPFA pays Western Asset 70% of the net management fee it receives from the Fund.
All officers and one Director of the Fund are employees of Legg Mason or its affiliates and do not receive compensation from the Fund.
3. Investments
During the six months ended November 30, 2015, the aggregate cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investments (excluding short-term investments) were as follows:
Purchases | $ | 25,298,417 | ||
Sales | 21,256,996 |
24 | Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc. 2015 Semi-Annual Report |
At November 30, 2015, the aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments for federal income tax purposes were substantially as follows:
Gross unrealized appreciation | $ | 95,104,846 | ||
Gross unrealized depreciation | (3,762,112) | |||
Net unrealized appreciation | $ | 91,342,734 |
At November 30, 2015, the Fund had the following open futures contracts:
Number of Contracts |
Expiration Date |
Basis Value |
Market Value |
Unrealized Depreciation |
||||||||||||||||
Contracts to Sell: | ||||||||||||||||||||
U.S. Treasury Long-Term Bonds | 56 | 3/16 | $ | 8,596,677 | $ | 8,624,000 | $ | (27,323) |
4. Derivative instruments and hedging activities
Below is a table, grouped by derivative type, that provides information about the fair value and the location of derivatives within the Statement of Assets and Liabilities at November 30, 2015.
LIABILITY DERIVATIVES1 | ||||
Interest Rate Risk |
||||
Futures contracts2 | $ | 27,323 |
1 | Generally, the balance sheet location for asset derivatives is receivables/net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) and for liability derivatives is payables/net unrealized appreciation (depreciation). |
2 | Includes cumulative appreciation (depreciation) of futures contracts as reported in the footnotes. Only variation margin is reported within the receivables and/or payables on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. |
The following tables provide information about the effect of derivatives and hedging activities on the Funds Statement of Operations for the six months ended November 30, 2015. The first table provides additional detail about the amounts and sources of gains (losses) realized on derivatives during the period. The second table provides additional information about the change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) resulting from the Funds derivatives and hedging activities during the period.
AMOUNT OF REALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON DERIVATIVES RECOGNIZED | ||||
Interest Rate Risk |
||||
Futures contracts | $ | (93,024) |
CHANGE IN UNREALIZED APPRECIATION (DEPRECIATION) ON DERIVATIVES RECOGNIZED | ||||
Interest Rate Risk |
||||
Futures contracts | $ | 24,921 |
Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc. 2015 Semi-Annual Report | 25 |
Notes to financial statements (unaudited) (contd)
During the six months ended November 30, 2015, the volume of derivative activity for the Fund was as follows:
Average Market Value |
||||
Futures contracts (to sell) | $ | 8,678,500 |
The following table presents by financial instrument, the Funds derivative liabilities net of the related collateral pledged by the Fund at November 30, 2015:
Gross Amount of Derivative Assets and Liabilities1 |
Collateral Pledged2,3,4 |
Net Amount |
||||||||||
Futures contracts5 | $ | 8,750 | $ | (8,750) | |
1 | Absent an event of default or early termination, derivative assets and liabilities are presented gross and not offset in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. |
2 | Gross amounts are not offset in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. |
3 | In some instances, the actual collateral received and/or pledged may be more than the amount shown here due to overcollateralization. |
4 | See the Schedule of Investments for securities pledge as collateral. |
5 | Amount represents the current days variation margin as reported in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. It differs from the cumulative appreciation (depreciation) presented in the previous table. |
5. Variable rate demand preferred stock
On March 4, 2015, the Fund completed a private offering of 8,703 shares of Series 1 Variable Rate Demand Preferred Stock (VRDPS). Net proceeds from the offering were used by the Fund to repurchase outstanding shares of Series M, Series T, Series W, Series TH and Series F Auction Rate Cumulative Preferred Stock (ARCPS) that had been accepted for payment pursuant to the tender offer (see Note 6). Offering costs incurred by the Fund in connection with the VRDPS issuance are being amortized to expense over the life of the VRDPS.
The table below summarizes the key terms of Series 1 of the VRDPS at November 30, 2015.
Series | Mandatory Redemption Date |
Shares | Liquidation Preference Per Share |
Aggregate Liquidation Value |
||||||||||||
Series 1 | 3/4/2045 | 8,703 | $ | 25,000 | $ | 217,575,000 |
The VRDPS shares are not listed on any securities exchange or automated quotation system. For financial reporting purposes, the VRDPS shares are considered debt of the Fund; therefore, the liquidation value, which approximates fair value of the VRDPS shares, is recorded as a liability on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.
Holders of VRDPS have the right to tender their VRDPS shares for remarketing at a price equal to the liquidation preference amount plus all accumulated but unpaid dividends and at a date which is no earlier than the seventh day following delivery of the notice to the tender and paying agent. The VRDPS shares include a liquidity feature that allows VRDPS holders to have their shares purchased by the liquidity provider with whom the Fund has contracted in
26 | Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc. 2015 Semi-Annual Report |
the event of a failed remarketing where purchase orders are not sufficient in number to be matched with the sale orders. The Fund is required to redeem the VRDPS shares owned by the liquidity provider after six months of continuous, unsuccessful remarketing. The Fund pays a monthly remarketing fee at the annual rate of 0.10% of the liquidation value of each VRDPS share outstanding on the first calendar day of the preceding calendar month. These fees are shown as remarketing fees on the Statement of Operations.
Holders of VRDPS are entitled to receive monthly cumulative cash dividends, payable on the first business day of each calendar month, at a variable rate set weekly by the remarketing agent. The dividend rate is generally based upon a spread over a base rate and cannot exceed a maximum rate. In the event of a failed remarketing, the dividend rate will reset to the maximum rate. The maximum rate is determined, in part, based upon the long-term rating assigned to the VRDPS. In the event the Fund fails to make a scheduled dividend payment, all outstanding shares of the VRDPS are subject to mandatory tender.
Subject to certain conditions, the VRDPS shares may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at any time at the option of the Fund. The redemption price per share is equal to the liquidation value per share plus any accumulated but unpaid dividends. The Fund is required to redeem its VRDPS on the mandatory redemption date, March 4, 2045. In addition, the Fund is required to redeem certain of the VRDPS shares if the Fund fails to maintain certain asset coverage and rating agency guidelines.
The Fund has entered into a fee agreement with the liquidity provider that requires monthly payment of an annual liquidity fee. These fees are shown as liquidity fees on the Statement of Operations. The fee agreement between the Fund and the liquidity provider is scheduled to terminate on March 2, 2016. The Fund has the right, which is exercisable 120 to 90 days prior to the scheduled termination date, to request that the liquidity provider extend the term of the agreement for an additional period. The Fund may also terminate the agreement early. In the event the fee agreement is not renewed or is terminated in advance, and the Fund does not enter into a fee agreement with an alternate liquidity provider, the VRDPS will be subject to mandatory purchase by the liquidity provider prior to the termination of the fee agreement. The Fund is required to redeem any VRDPS purchased by the liquidity provider six months after the purchase date.
The VRDPS ranks senior to the Funds outstanding common stock and on parity with any other preferred stock. The Fund may not declare dividends or make other distributions on shares of its common stock unless the Fund has declared and paid full cumulative dividends on the VRDPS, due on or prior to the date of the common stock dividend or distribution, and meets the VRDPS asset coverage and rating agency requirements.
The holders of the VRDPS have one vote per share and vote together with the holders of common stock of the Fund as a single class except on matters affecting only the holders of VRDPS or the holders of common stock. Pursuant to the 1940 Act, holders of the VRDPS have the right to elect two Directors of the Fund, voting separately as a class.
Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc. 2015 Semi-Annual Report | 27 |
Notes to financial statements (unaudited) (contd)
The annualized dividend rate for the VRDPS shares for the period ended November 30, 2015 was 0.120%. VRDPS shares issued and outstanding remained constant during the period ended November 30, 2015.
6. Auction rate cumulative preferred stock
As of November 30, 2015, the Fund had 129 shares outstanding of Series M, 283 shares outstanding of Series T, 276 shares outstanding of Series W, 534 shares outstanding of Series Th and 61 shares outstanding of Series F, each of Auction Rate Cumulative Preferred Stock (ARCPS). The ARCPS dividends are cumulative at a rate determined at an auction and the dividend period is typically seven days. The dividend rate cannot exceed a certain maximum rate, including in the event of a failed auction, unless the Board of Directors of the Fund authorizes an increased maximum rate. To the extent capital gains and other taxable income are allocated to holders of Preferred Shares for tax purposes, the Fund will likely have to pay higher dividends to holders of Preferred shares to compensate them for the increased tax liability to them resulting from such allocation. Due to failed auctions experienced by the Funds ARCPS starting February 14, 2008, the Fund paid the applicable maximum rate, which was calculated as 110% of the prevailing 30-days AA Financial Composite Commercial Paper Rate. The Fund may pay higher maximum rates if the rating of the Funds ARCPS were to be lowered by the rating agencies.
The dividend rates ranged from 0.077% to 0.243% during the six months ended November 30, 2015. At November 30, 2015, the dividend rates in effect were as follows:
Series M | Series T | Series W | Series Th | Series F | ||||||||||||||||
Dividend rates | 0.154 | % | 0.177 | % | 0.133 | % | 0.133 | % | 0.133 | % |
The ARCPS are redeemable under certain conditions by the Fund, or subject to mandatory redemption (if the Fund is in default of certain coverage requirements) at a redemption price equal to the liquidation preference, which is the sum of $25,000 per share plus accumulated and unpaid dividends.
The Fund is required to maintain certain asset coverages with respect to the ARCPS. If the Fund fails to maintain these coverages and does not cure any such failure within the required time period, the Fund is required to redeem a requisite number of the ARCPS in order to meet the applicable requirement. Additionally, failure to meet the foregoing asset requirements would restrict the Funds ability to pay dividends to common stock shareholders.
Citigroup Global Markets Inc. (CGM), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Citigroup, acts as the broker/dealer in connection with the auction of ARCPS. For all previous periods since the ARCPS have been outstanding, the participation fee has been paid at the annual rate of 0.25% of the purchase price of the ARCPS that the broker/dealer places at the auction rate, however, on August 3, 2009, CGM reduced its participation fee to an annual rate of 0.05% of the purchase price of the ARCPS, in the case of a failed auction. For the six months ended November 30, 2015, CGM earned $8,109 as the participating broker/dealer.
28 | Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc. 2015 Semi-Annual Report |
On January 22, 2015, the Fund announced that it had commenced an issuer tender offer for up to 100% of its outstanding ARCPS at a price equal to 90% of the liquidation preference of $25,000 per share (or $22,500 per share), plus any unpaid dividends accrued through February 27, 2015, the expiration date of the tender offer.
The Funds tender offer was conditioned upon the Fund closing on the private offering of VRDPS with an aggregate liquidation preference at least equal to the aggregate liquidation preference of ARCPS accepted for tender.
On March 4, 2015, the Fund announced the final results for its issuer tender offer and all shares that were validly tendered and not withdrawn during the offering period were accepted for payment. The Fund accepted for payment 1,871 Series M ARCPS, 1,717 Series T ARCPS, 1,710 Series W ARCPS, 1,466 Series Th ARCPS and 1,939 Series F ARCPS, which represented 93.55% of outstanding Series M ARCPS, 85.85% of outstanding Series T ARCPS, 85.50% of outstanding Series W ARCPS, 73.30% of outstanding Series Th ARCPS, and 96.95% of outstanding Series F ARCPS. In aggregate, the Fund accepted for payment 8,703 ARCPS, which represented 87.03% of the outstanding ARCPS. The ARCPS that were not tendered will remain outstanding. The difference between the liquidation preference of the ARCPS and the actual purchase price of the tendered ARCPS was recognized by the Fund in the Statement of Changes in Net Assets as an increase in net assets applicable to common shares resulting from the tender and repurchase of the ARCPS by the Fund.
In September 2015, the Fund repurchased 14 Series W ARCPS in a private transaction at a price equal to 90% of the liquidation preference of $25,000 per share (or $22,500 per share), plus any unpaid dividends. The difference between the liquidation preference of the ARCPS and the actual purchase price of the tendered ARCPS was recognized by the Fund in the Statement of Changes in Net Assets as an increase in the assets applicable to common shares resulting from the tender and repurchase of the ARCPS by the Fund.
7. Distributions subsequent to November 30, 2015
The following distributions to common shareholders have been declared by the Funds Board of Directors and are payable subsequent to the period end of this report:
Record Date | Payable Date | Amount | ||||||
12/18/2015 | 12/24/2015 | $ | 0.06500 | |||||
1/22/2016 | 1/29/2016 | $ | 0.06500 | |||||
2/19/2016 | 2/26/2016 | $ | 0.06500 |
8. Stock repurchase program
On November 16, 2015, the Fund announced that the Funds Board of Directors (the Board) had authorized the Fund to repurchase in the open market up to approximately 10% of the Funds outstanding common stock when the Funds shares are trading at a discount to net asset value. The Board has directed management of the Fund to repurchase shares of common stock at such times and in such amounts as management reasonably believes may enhance stockholder value. The Fund is under no obligation to purchase
Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc. 2015 Semi-Annual Report | 29 |
Notes to financial statements (unaudited) (contd)
shares at any specific discount levels or in any specific amounts. During the period ended November 30, 2015, the Fund did not repurchase any shares.
9. Capital loss carryforward
As of May 31, 2015, the Fund had the following net capital loss carryforward remaining:
Year of Expiration | Amount | |||
5/31/2018 | $ | (3,349,357) | ||
5/31/2019 | (4,384,830) | |||
$ | (7,734,187) |
These amounts will be available to offset any future taxable capital gains, except that under applicable tax rules, deferred capital losses of $6,726,562 which have no expiration date, must be used first to offset any such gains.
30 | Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc. 2015 Semi-Annual Report |
Board approval of management and subadvisory agreements (unaudited)
Background
The Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act), requires that the Board of Directors (the Board) of Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc. (the Fund), including a majority of its members who are not considered to be interested persons under the 1940 Act (the Independent Directors) voting separately, approve on an annual basis the continuation of the investment management contract (the Management Agreement) with the Funds manager, Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisor, LLC (the Manager), and the sub-advisory agreement (the Sub-Advisory Agreement) with the Managers affiliate, Western Asset Management Company (the Sub-Adviser). At a meeting (the Contract Renewal Meeting) held in-person on November 11 and 12, 2015, the Board, including the Independent Directors, considered and approved the continuation of each of the Management Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreement for an additional one-year term. To assist in its consideration of the renewals of the Management Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreement, the Board received and considered a variety of information (together with the information provided at the Contract Renewal Meeting, the Contract Renewal Information) about the Manager and the Sub-Adviser, as well as the management and sub-advisory arrangements for the Fund and the other closed-end funds in the same complex under the Boards supervision (collectively, the Legg Mason Closed-end Funds), certain portions of which are discussed below. A presentation made by the Manager and the Sub-Adviser to the Board at the Contract Renewal Meeting in connection with its evaluations of the Management Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreement encompassed the Fund and other Legg Mason Closed-end Funds. In addition to the Contract Renewal Information, the Board received performance and other information throughout the year related to the respective services rendered by the Manager and the Sub-Adviser to the Fund. The Boards evaluation took into account the information received throughout the year and also reflected the knowledge and familiarity gained as members of the Boards of the Fund and other Legg Mason Closed-end Funds with respect to the services provided to the Fund by the Manager and the Sub-Adviser.
The Manager provides the Fund with investment advisory and administrative services pursuant to the Management Agreement and the Sub-Adviser provides the Fund with certain investment sub-advisory services pursuant to the Sub-Advisory Agreement. The discussion below covers both the advisory and administrative functions being rendered by the Manager, each such function being encompassed by the Management Agreement, and the investment sub-advisory functions being rendered by the Sub-Adviser.
Board approval of management agreement and sub-advisory agreement
In its deliberations regarding renewal of the Management Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreement, the Board, including the Independent Directors, considered the factors below.
Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc. | 31 |
Board approval of management and subadvisory agreements (unaudited) (contd)
Nature, extent and quality of the services under the management agreement and sub-advisory agreement
The Board received and considered Contract Renewal Information regarding the nature, extent, and quality of services provided to the Fund by the Manager and the Sub-Adviser under the Management Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreement, respectively, during the past year. The Board also reviewed Contract Renewal Information regarding the Funds compliance policies and procedures established pursuant to the 1940 Act.
The Board reviewed the qualifications, backgrounds, and responsibilities of the Funds senior personnel and the portfolio management team primarily responsible for the day-to-day portfolio management of the Fund. The Board also considered, based on its knowledge of the Manager and its affiliates, the Contract Renewal Information and the Boards discussions with the Manager and the Sub-Adviser at the Contract Renewal Meeting, the general reputation and investment performance records of the Manager and the Sub-Adviser and their affiliates and the financial resources available to the corporate parent of the Manager and the Sub-Adviser, Legg Mason, Inc. (Legg Mason), to support their activities in respect of the Fund and the other Legg Mason Closed-end Funds.
The Board reviewed the responsibilities of the Manager and the Sub-Adviser under the Management Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreement, respectively, including the Managers coordination and oversight of the services provided to the Fund by the Sub-Adviser and others. The Management Agreement permits the Manager to delegate certain of its responsibilities, including its investment advisory duties thereunder, provided that the Manager, in each case, will supervise the activities of the delegee. Pursuant to this provision of the Management Agreement, the Manager does not provide day-to-day portfolio management services to the Fund. Rather, portfolio management services for the Fund are provided by the Sub-Adviser pursuant to the Sub-Advisory Agreement.
In reaching its determinations regarding continuation of the Management Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreement, the Board took into account that Fund shareholders, in pursuing their investment goals and objectives, likely purchased their shares based upon the reputation and the investment style, philosophy and strategy of the Manager and the Sub-Adviser, as well as the resources available to the Manager and the Sub-Adviser.
The Board concluded that, overall, the nature, extent, and quality of the management and other services provided to the Fund under the Management Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreement have been satisfactory under the circumstances.
Fund performance
The Board received and considered performance information and analyses (the Lipper Performance Information) for the Fund, as well as for a group of funds (the Performance Universe) selected by Lipper, Inc. (Lipper), an independent provider of investment company data. The Board was provided with a description of the methodology Lipper used to determine the similarity of the Fund with the funds included in the Performance Universe.
32 | Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc. |
The Performance Universe included the Fund and all leveraged general and insured municipal debt closed-end funds, as classified by Lipper, regardless of asset size. The Board noted that it had received and discussed with the Manager and the Sub-Adviser information throughout the year at periodic intervals comparing the Funds performance against its benchmark and its peer funds as selected by Lipper.
The Lipper Performance Information comparing the Funds performance to that of the Performance Universe based on net asset value per share showed, among other things, that the Funds performance was ranked in the first quintile among the funds in the Performance Universe for each of the 1-, 3- and 10-year periods ended June 30, 2015 and that its performance was ranked in the second quintile among the funds in the Performance Universe for the 5-year period ended such date. In these performance rankings, the first quintile represents funds with the best performance among the funds in the Performance Universe and the fifth quintile represents funds with poorest performance among the funds in the Performance Universe. The Lipper Performance Information also showed that the Funds performance for each of the 1-, 3-, 5- and 10-year periods ended June 30, 2015 was better than the Performance Universe median. In addition to the Funds performance relative to the Performance Universe, the Board considered the Funds performance in absolute terms and the Funds performance relative to its benchmark for each of the 1-, 3-, and 5-year periods ended June 30, 2015. On a net asset value basis, the Fund outperformed its benchmark for the 1-, 3-, and 5-year periods ended such date.
Based on the reviews and discussions of Fund performance and considering other relevant factors, including those noted above, the Board concluded, under the circumstances, that continuation of the Management Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreement for an additional one-year period would be consistent with the interests of the Fund and its shareholders.
Management fees and expense ratios
The Board reviewed and considered the management fee (the Management Fee) payable by the Fund to the Manager under the Management Agreement and the sub-advisory fee (the Sub-Advisory Fee) payable to the Sub-Adviser under the Sub-Advisory Agreement in light of the nature, extent and overall quality of the management, investment advisory and other services provided by the Manager and the Sub-Adviser. The Board noted that the Sub-Advisory Fee is paid by the Manager, not the Fund, and, accordingly, that the retention of the Sub-Adviser does not increase the fees or expenses otherwise incurred by the Funds shareholders.
Additionally, the Board received and considered information and analyses prepared by Lipper (the Lipper Expense Information) comparing the Management Fee and the Funds overall expenses with those of funds in an expense group (the Expense Group) selected and provided by Lipper. The comparison was based upon the constituent funds latest fiscal years. The Expense Group consisted of the Fund and nine other leveraged general and insured municipal debt closed-end funds, as classified by Lipper. The ten funds in the
Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc. | 33 |
Board approval of management and subadvisory agreements (unaudited) (contd)
Expense Group had average net common share assets ranging from $519.1 million to $888.3 million. Three of the Expense Group funds were larger than the Fund and six were smaller.
The Lipper Expense Information, comparing the Management Fee as well as the Funds actual total expenses to the Funds Expense Group, showed, among other things, that the Funds Management Fee on a contractual basis was ranked second among the funds in the Expense Group (first being lowest and, therefore, best in these expense component rankings). The Funds actual Management Fee (i.e., giving effect to any voluntary fee waivers implemented by the Manager with respect to the Fund and by the managers of the other Expense Group funds) was ranked third among the Expense Group funds compared on the basis of common share assets only and was ranked second compared on the basis of common share and leveraged assets. The Lipper Expense Information further showed that the Funds actual total expenses ranked second among the Expense Group funds compared on the basis of common share assets only and ranked first compared on the basis of common share and leveraged assets. Each of the Funds expense components was better (i.e., lower) than or at the Expense Universe median for that expense component. The Board considered that the small number of funds in the Expense Group made meaningful expense comparisons difficult.
The Board also reviewed Contract Renewal Information regarding fees charged by the Manager to other U.S. clients investing primarily in an asset class similar to that of the Fund, including, where applicable, institutional and separate accounts. The Board was advised that the fees paid by such institutional, separate account and other clients (collectively, institutional clients) generally are lower, and may be significantly lower, than the Management Fee. The Contract Renewal Information discussed the significant differences in scope of services provided to the Fund and to institutional clients. Among other things, institutional clients have fewer compliance, administration and other needs than the Fund and the Fund is subject not only to heightened regulatory requirements relative to institutional clients but also to requirements for listing on the New York Stock Exchange. The Contract Renewal Information noted further that the Fund is provided with administrative services, office facilities, Fund officers (including the Funds chief executive, chief financial and chief compliance officers), and that the Manager coordinates and oversees the provision of services to the Fund by other fund service providers. The Contract Renewal Information included information regarding management fees paid by open-end mutual funds in the same complex (the Legg Mason Open-end Funds) and such information indicated that the management fees paid by the Legg Mason Closed-end Funds generally were higher than those paid by the Legg Mason Open-end Funds. The Manager, in response to an inquiry from the Board as to the reasons for the fee differential, provided information as to differences between the services provided to the Fund and the other Legg Mason Closed-end Funds and the services provided to the Legg Mason Open-end Funds. The Board considered the fee comparisons in light of the different services provided in managing these other types of clients and funds.
34 | Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc. |
Taking all of the above into consideration, the Board determined that the Management Fee and the Sub-Advisory Fee were reasonable in light of the nature, extent and overall quality of the management, investment advisory and other services provided to the Fund under the Management Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreement.
Manager profitability
The Board, as part of the Contract Renewal Information, received an analysis of the profitability to the Manager and its affiliates in providing services to the Fund for the Managers fiscal years ended March 31, 2015 and March 31, 2014. The Board also received profitability information with respect to the Legg Mason fund complex as a whole. In addition, the Board received Contract Renewal Information with respect to the Managers revenue and cost allocation methodologies used in preparing such profitability data. The profitability to the Sub-Adviser was not considered to be a material factor in the Boards considerations since the Sub-Advisory Fee is paid by the Manager, not the Fund. The profitability analysis presented to the Board as part of the Contract Renewal Information indicated that profitability to the Manager had decreased by 4 percent during the period covered by the analysis and remained at a level that the Board did not consider to be excessive in light of judicial guidance and the nature, extent and overall quality of the investment advisory and other services provided to the Fund.
Economies of scale
The Board received and discussed Contract Renewal Information concerning whether the Manager realizes economies of scale if the Funds assets grow. The Board noted that because the Fund is a closed-end fund with no current plans to seek additional assets beyond maintaining its dividend reinvestment plan, any significant growth in its assets generally will occur through appreciation in the value of the Funds investment portfolio, rather than sales of additional shares in the Fund. The Board determined that the Management Fee structure, which incorporates no breakpoints reducing the Management Fee at specified increased asset levels, was appropriate under present circumstances.
Other benefits to the manager and the sub-adviser
The Board considered other benefits received by the Manager, the Sub-Adviser and their affiliates as a result of their relationship with the Fund and did not regard such benefits as excessive.
* * * * * *
In light of all of the foregoing and other relevant factors, the Board determined, under the circumstances, that continuation of the Management Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreement would be consistent with the interests of the Fund and its shareholders and unanimously voted to continue each Agreement for a period of one additional year. No single factor reviewed by the Board was identified by the Board as the principal factor in determining whether to approve continuation of the Management Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreement, and each Board member attributed different weights to the
Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc. | 35 |
Board approval of management and subadvisory agreements (unaudited) (contd)
various factors. The Independent Directors were advised by separate independent legal counsel throughout the process. Prior to the Contract Renewal Meeting, the Board received a memorandum prepared by the Manager discussing its responsibilities in connection with the proposed continuation of the Management Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreement as part of the Contract Renewal Information and the Independent Directors separately received a memorandum discussing such responsibilities from their independent counsel. Prior to voting, the Independent Directors also discussed the proposed continuation of the Management Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreement in private sessions with their independent legal counsel at which no representatives of the Manager or the Sub-Adviser were present.
36 | Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc. |
Additional shareholder information (unaudited)
Results of annual meeting of shareholders
The Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc. was held on September 25, 2015 for the purpose of considering and voting upon the election of Directors. The following table provides information concerning the matter voted upon at the Meeting:
Election of directors
Nominees | Common Shares and Preferred Shares (together, as a single class) Votes For |
Common Shares and Preferred Shares (together, as a single class) Votes Withheld |
Preferred Shares Voted For |
Preferred |
||||||||||||
Robert D. Agdern | 38,574,127 | 814,955 | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||||
Carol L. Colman | 38,565,724 | 823,407 | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||||
Jane Trust* | 38,612,470 | 776,612 | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||||
Paolo M. Cucchi | N/A | N/A | 8,963 | N/A |
At November 30, 2015, in addition to Robert D. Agdern, Carol L. Colman, Paolo M. Cucchi and Jane Trust the other Directors of the Fund were as follows:
Daniel P. Cronin
Leslie H. Gelb
William R. Hutchinson
Eileen A. Kamerick
Riordan Roett
* | Effective August 1, 2015, Jane Trust was appointed by the Board to the position of Chairman, President and Chief Executive of the Fund. |
Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc. | 37 |
Dividend reinvestment plan (unaudited)
Under the Funds Dividend Reinvestment Plan (Plan), a shareholder whose shares of common stock are registered in his own name will have all distributions from the Fund reinvested automatically by American Stock Transfer & Trust Company (AST), as purchasing agent under the Plan, unless the shareholder elects to receive cash. Distributions with respect to shares registered in the name of a broker-dealer or other nominee (that is, in street name) will be reinvested by the broker or nominee in additional shares under the Plan, unless the service is not provided by the broker or nominee or the shareholder elects to receive distributions in cash. Investors who own common stock registered in street name should consult their broker-dealers for details regarding reinvestment. All distributions to shareholders who do not participate in the Plan will be paid by check mailed directly to the record holder by or under the direction of AST as dividend paying agent.
The number of shares of common stock distributed to participants in the Plan in lieu of a cash dividend is determined in the following manner. When the market price of the common stock is equal to or exceeds 98% of the net asset value per share of the common stock on the determination date (generally, the record date for the distribution), Plan participants will be issued shares of common stock by the Fund at a price equal to the greater of 98% of net asset value or 95% of the market price of the common stock.
If the market price of the common stock is less than 98% of the net asset value of the common stock at the time of valuation (which is the close of business on the determination date), AST will buy common stock in the open market, on the NYSE or elsewhere, for the participants accounts. If following the commencement of the purchases and before AST has completed its purchases, the market price exceeds the net asset value of the common stock as of the valuation time, AST will attempt to terminate purchases in the open market and cause the Fund to issue the remaining portion of the dividend or distribution in shares at a price equal to the greater of (a) 98% of net asset value as of the valuation time or (b) 95% of the then current market price. In this case, the number of shares received by a Plan participant will be based on the weighted average of prices paid for shares purchased in the open market and the price at which the Fund issues the remaining shares. To the extent AST is unable to stop open market purchases and cause the Fund to issue the remaining shares, the average per share purchase price paid by AST may exceed the net asset value of the common stock as of the valuation time, resulting in the acquisition of fewer shares than if the dividend or capital gains distribution had been paid in common stock issued by the Fund at such net asset value. AST will begin to purchase common stock on the open market as soon as practicable after the determination date for the dividend or capital gains distribution, but in no event shall such purchases continue later than 30 days after the payment date for such dividend or distribution, or the record date for a succeeding dividend or distribution, except when necessary to comply with applicable provisions of the federal securities laws.
AST maintains all shareholder accounts in the Plan and furnishes written confirmations of all transactions in each account, including information needed by a shareholder for personal
38 | Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc. |
and tax records. The automatic reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions will not relieve Plan participants of any income tax that may be payable on the dividends or capital gains distributions. Common stock in the account of each Plan participant will be held by AST in uncertificated form in the name of the Plan participant.
Plan participants are subject to no charge for reinvesting dividends and capital gains distributions under the Plan. ASTs fees for handling the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions will be paid by the Fund. No brokerage charges apply with respect to shares of common stock issued directly by the Fund under the Plan. Each Plan participant will, however, bear a proportionate share of any brokerage commissions actually incurred with respect to any open market purchases made under the Plan.
Experience under the Plan may indicate that changes to it are desirable. The Fund reserves the right to amend or terminate the Plan as applied to any dividend or capital gains distribution paid subsequent to written notice of the change sent to participants at least 30 days before the record date for the dividend or capital gains distribution. The Plan also may be amended or terminated by AST, with the Funds prior written consent, on at least 30 days written notice to Plan participants. All correspondence concerning the plan should be directed by mail to American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, 6201 15th Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11219 or by telephone at 1-888-888-0151.
Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc. | 39 |
Western Asset
Managed Municipals Fund Inc.
Directors
Robert D. Agdern
Carol L. Colman
Daniel P. Cronin
Paolo M. Cucchi
Leslie H. Gelb
William R. Hutchinson
Eileen A. Kamerick
Riordan Roett
Jane Trust*
Chairman
Officers
Jane Trust*
President and Chief Executive Officer
Richard F. Sennett
Principal Financial Officer
Ted P. Becker
Chief Compliance Officer
Jenna Bailey
Identity Theft Prevention Officer
Robert I. Frenkel
Secretary and Chief Legal Officer
Thomas C. Mandia
Assistant Secretary
Steven Frank
Treasurer
Jeanne M. Kelly
Senior Vice President
* | Effective August 1, 2015, Ms. Trust became a Director, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. |
Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc.
620 Eighth Avenue
49th Floor
New York, NY 10018
Investment manager
Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisor, LLC
Subadviser
Western Asset Management Company
Auction agent
Deutsche Bank
60 Wall Street
New York, NY 10005
Custodian
State Street Bank and Trust Company
1 Lincoln Street
Boston, MA 02111
Transfer agent
American Stock Transfer & Trust Company
6201 15th Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11219
Independent registered public accounting firm
KPMG LLP
345 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10154
Legal counsel
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP
425 Lexington Avenue
New York, NY 10017
New York Stock Exchange Symbol
MMU
Legg Mason Funds Privacy and Security Notice
Your Privacy and the Security of Your Personal Information is Very Important to the Legg Mason Funds
This Privacy and Security Notice (the Privacy Notice) addresses the Legg Mason Funds privacy and data protection practices with respect to nonpublic personal information the Funds receive. The Legg Mason Funds include any funds sold by the Funds distributor, Legg Mason Investor Services, LLC, as well as Legg Mason-sponsored closed-end funds and certain closed-end funds managed or sub-advised by Legg Mason or its affiliates. The provisions of this Privacy Notice apply to your information both while you are a shareholder and after you are no longer invested with the Funds.
The Type of Nonpublic Personal Information the Funds Collect About You
The Funds collect and maintain nonpublic personal information about you in connection with your shareholder account. Such information may include, but is not limited to:
| Personal information included on applications or other forms; |
| Account balances, transactions, and mutual fund holdings and positions; |
| Online account access user IDs, passwords, security challenge question responses; and |
| Information received from consumer reporting agencies regarding credit history and creditworthiness (such as the amount of an individuals total debt, payment history, etc.). |
How the Funds Use Nonpublic Personal Information About You
The Funds do not sell or share your nonpublic personal information with third parties or with affiliates for their marketing purposes, or with other financial institutions or affiliates for joint marketing purposes, unless you have authorized the Funds to do so. The Funds do not disclose any nonpublic personal information about you except as may be required to perform transactions or services you have authorized or as permitted or required by law. The Funds may disclose information about you to:
| Employees, agents, and affiliates on a need to know basis to enable the Funds to conduct ordinary business or comply with obligations to government regulators; |
| Service providers, including the Funds affiliates, who assist the Funds as part of the ordinary course of business (such as printing, mailing services, or processing or servicing your account with us) or otherwise perform services on the Funds behalf, including companies that may perform marketing services solely for the Funds; |
| The Funds representatives such as legal counsel, accountants and auditors; and |
| Fiduciaries or representatives acting on your behalf, such as an IRA custodian or trustee of a grantor trust. |
NOT PART OF THE SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT |
Legg Mason Funds Privacy and Security Notice (contd)
Except as otherwise permitted by applicable law, companies acting on the Funds behalf are contractually obligated to keep nonpublic personal information the Funds provide to them confidential and to use the information the Funds share only to provide the services the Funds ask them to perform.
The Funds may disclose nonpublic personal information about you when necessary to enforce their rights or protect against fraud, or as permitted or required by applicable law, such as in connection with a law enforcement or regulatory request, subpoena, or similar legal process. In the event of a corporate action or in the event a Fund service provider changes, the Funds may be required to disclose your nonpublic personal information to third parties. While it is the Funds practice to obtain protections for disclosed information in these types of transactions, the Funds cannot guarantee their privacy policy will remain unchanged.
Keeping You Informed of the Funds Privacy and Security Practices
The Funds will notify you annually of their privacy policy as required by federal law. While the Funds reserve the right to modify this policy at any time they will notify you promptly if this privacy policy changes.
The Funds Security Practices
The Funds maintain appropriate physical, electronic and procedural safeguards designed to guard your nonpublic personal information. The Funds internal data security policies restrict access to your nonpublic personal information to authorized employees, who may use your nonpublic personal information for Fund business purposes only.
Although the Funds strive to protect your nonpublic personal information, they cannot ensure or warrant the security of any information you provide or transmit to them, and you do so at your own risk. In the event of a breach of the confidentiality or security of your nonpublic personal information, the Funds will attempt to notify you as necessary so you can take appropriate protective steps. If you have consented to the Funds using electronic communications or electronic delivery of statements, they may notify you under such circumstances using the most current email address you have on record with them.
In order for the Funds to provide effective service to you, keeping your account information accurate is very important. If you believe that your account information is incomplete, not accurate or not current, or if you have questions about the Funds privacy practices, write the Funds using the contact information on your account statements, email the Funds by clicking on the Contact Us section of the Funds website at www.leggmason.com, or contact the Fund at 1-888-777-0102.
NOT PART OF THE SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT |
Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc.
Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc.
620 Eighth Avenue
49th Floor
New York, NY 10018
Notice is hereby given in accordance with Section 23(c) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, that from time to time the Fund may purchase, at market prices, shares of its common stock and preferred stock.
The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The Funds Forms N-Q are available on the SECs website at www.sec.gov. The Funds Forms N-Q may be reviewed and copied at the SECs Public Reference Room in Washington D.C., and information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330. To obtain information on Form N-Q from the Fund, shareholders can call 1-888-777-0102.
Information on how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the prior 12-month period ended June 30th of each year and a description of the policies and procedures that the Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies related to portfolio transactions are available (1) without charge, upon request, by calling 1-888-777-0102, (2) on the Funds website at www.lmcef.com and (3) on the SECs website at www.sec.gov.
This report is transmitted to the shareholders of Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc. for their information. This is not a prospectus, circular or representation intended for use in the purchase or sale of shares of the Fund or any securities mentioned in this report.
American Stock
Transfer & Trust Company
6201 15th Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11219
WASX010152 1/16 SR15-2679
ITEM 2. CODE OF ETHICS.
Not applicable.
ITEM 3. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT.
Not applicable.
ITEM 4. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES.
Not applicable.
ITEM 5. AUDIT COMMITTEE OF LISTED REGISTRANTS.
Not applicable.
ITEM 6. SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS.
Included herein under Item 1.
ITEM 7. DISCLOSURE OF PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES.
Not applicable.
ITEM 8 INVESTMENT PROFESSIONALS OF CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES.
Not applicable
ITEM 9. PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANY AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS.
Not applicable.
ITEM 10. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.
Not applicable.
ITEM 11. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.
(a) | The registrants principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that the registrants disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a- 3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act)) are effective as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of this report that includes the disclosure required by this paragraph, based on their evaluation of the disclosure controls and procedures required by Rule 30a-3(b) under the 1940 Act and 15d-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. |
(b) | There were no changes in the registrants internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the 1940 Act) that occurred during the second fiscal quarter of the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are likely to materially affect the registrants internal control over financial reporting, |
ITEM 12. EXHIBITS.
(a) (1) Not applicable.
Exhibit 99.CODE ETH
(a) (2) Certifications pursuant to section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 attached hereto.
Exhibit 99.CERT
(b) Certifications pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 attached hereto.
Exhibit 99.906CERT
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, there unto duly authorized.
Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc.
By: | /s/ Jane Trust | |
Jane Trust | ||
Chief Executive Officer |
Date: January 22, 2016
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
By: | /s/ Jane Trust | |
Jane Trust | ||
Chief Executive Officer |
Date: January 22, 2016
By: | /s/ Richard F. Sennett | |
Richard F. Sennett | ||
Principal Financial Officer |
Date: January 22, 2016