N-CSR 1 dgtaxfreefund_ncsr.htm CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT

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: 811-03850
 
Exact name of registrant as specified in charter: Delaware Group® Tax-Free Fund
 
Address of principal executive offices: 2005 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
 
Name and address of agent for service: David F. Connor, Esq.
2005 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
 
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (800) 523-1918
 
Date of fiscal year end: August 31
 
Date of reporting period: August 31, 2015



Item 1. Reports to Stockholders

Table of Contents

LOGO

Annual report

Fixed income mutual funds

Delaware Tax-Free USA Fund

Delaware Tax-Free USA Intermediate Fund

Delaware National High-Yield Municipal Bond Fund

August 31, 2015

Carefully consider the Funds’ investment objectives, risk factors, charges, and expenses before investing. This and other information can be found in the Funds’ prospectus and their summary prospectuses, which may be obtained by visiting delawareinvestments.com or calling 800 523-1918. Investors should read the prospectus and the summary prospectus carefully before investing.

You can obtain shareholder reports and prospectuses online instead of in the mail.

Visit delawareinvestments.com/edelivery.


Table of Contents

Experience Delaware Investments

Delaware Investments is committed to the pursuit of consistently superior asset management and unparalleled client service. We believe in our investment processes, which seek to deliver consistent results, and in convenient services that help add value for our clients.

If you are interested in learning more about creating an investment plan, contact your financial advisor.

You can learn more about Delaware Investments or obtain a prospectus for Delaware Tax-Free USA Fund, Delaware Tax-Free USA Intermediate Fund, and Delaware National High-Yield Municipal Bond Fund at delawareinvestments.com.

 

Manage your investments online

 

  24-hour access to your account information
  Obtain share prices
  Check your account balance and recent transactions
  Request statements or literature
  Make purchases and redemptions

Delaware Management Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively known by the marketing name of Delaware Investments) are wholly owned subsidiaries of Macquarie Group Limited, a global provider of banking, financial, advisory, investment and funds management services.

Neither Delaware Investments nor its affiliates noted in this document are authorized deposit-taking institutions for the purposes of the Banking Act 1959 (Commonwealth of Australia). The obligations of these entities do not represent deposits or other liabilities of Macquarie Bank Limited (MBL). MBL does not guarantee or otherwise provide assurance in respect of the obligations of these entities, unless noted otherwise.

Table of contents

 

Portfolio management review

     1   

Performance summaries

     5   

Disclosure of Fund expenses

     15   

Security type / sector / state / territory allocations

     18   

Schedules of investments

     24   

Statements of assets and liabilities

     72   

Statements of operations

     74   

Statements of changes in net assets

     76   

Financial highlights

     82   

Notes to financial statements

     100   

Report of independent registered public accounting firm

     114   

Other Fund information

     115   

Board of trustees / directors and officers addendum

     126   

About the organization

     134   

Unless otherwise noted, views expressed herein are current as of Aug. 31, 2015, and subject to change for events occurring after such date.

Funds are not FDIC insured and are not guaranteed. It is possible to lose the principal amount invested.

Mutual fund advisory services provided by Delaware Management Company, a series of Delaware Management Business Trust, which is a registered investment advisor. Delaware Investments, a member of Macquarie Group, refers to Delaware Management Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries, including the Funds’ distributor, Delaware Distributors, L.P. Macquarie Group refers to Macquarie Group Limited and its subsidiaries and affiliates worldwide.

© 2015 Delaware Management Holdings, Inc.

All third-party marks cited are the property of their respective owners.

 


Table of Contents

Portfolio management review

Delaware Investments® National Tax-Free Funds    September 8, 2015

 

Performance preview (for the year ended August 31, 2015)      

 

 

Delaware Tax-Free USA Fund (Class A shares)

     1-year return         +3.09%      

 

 

Barclays Municipal Bond Index (benchmark)

     1-year return         +2.52%      

 

 

Lipper General & Insured Municipal Debt Funds Average

     1-year return         +2.28%      

 

 

Past performance does not guarantee future results.

For complete, annualized performance for Delaware Tax-Free USA Fund, please see the table on page 5.

The performance of Class A shares excludes the applicable sales charge and reflects the reinvestment of all distributions. The Lipper General & Insured Municipal Debt Funds Average compares funds that either invest primarily in municipal debt issues in the top four credit ratings or invest primarily in municipal debt issues insured as to timely payment.

Please see page 8 for a description of the index. Index performance returns do not reflect any management fees, transaction costs, or expenses. Indices are unmanaged and one cannot invest directly in an index.

 

 

 

Delaware Tax-Free USA Intermediate Fund (Class A shares)

     1-year return         +1.46%      

 

 

Barclays 3–15 Year Blend Municipal Bond Index (benchmark)

     1-year return         +2.02%      

 

 

Lipper Intermediate Municipal Debt Funds Average

     1-year return         +0.74%      

 

 

Past performance does not guarantee future results.

For complete, annualized performance for Delaware Tax-Free USA Intermediate Fund, please see the table on page 9. The performance of Class A shares excludes the applicable sales charge and reflects the reinvestment of all distributions. The Lipper Intermediate Municipal Debt Funds Average compares funds that invest in municipal debt issues with dollar-weighted average maturities of 5 to 10 years.

Please see page 11 for a description of the Index. Index performance returns do not reflect any management fees, transaction costs, or expenses. Indices are unmanaged and one cannot invest directly in an index.

 

 

 

Delaware National High-Yield Municipal Bond Fund (Class A shares)

     1-year return         +4.83%      

 

 

Barclays Municipal Bond Index (benchmark)

     1-year return         +2.52%      

 

 

Lipper High Yield Municipal Debt Funds Average

     1-year return         +3.88%      

 

 

Past performance does not guarantee future results.

For complete, annualized performance for Delaware National High-Yield Municipal Bond Fund, please see the table on page 12.

The performance of Class A shares excludes the applicable sales charge and reflects the reinvestment of all distributions. The Lipper High Yield Municipal Debt Funds Average compares funds that invest at least 50% of assets in lower-rated municipal debt issues.

Please see page 14 for a description of the index. Index performance returns do not reflect any management fees, transaction costs, or expenses. Indices are unmanaged and one cannot invest directly in an index.

 

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Portfolio management review

Delaware Investments® National Tax-Free Funds

 

Economic backdrop

The U.S. economy continued to grow steadily throughout the Funds’ fiscal year ended Aug. 31, 2015. The economy benefited from increased business investment and consumer spending, made possible in part by a sharp drop in the price of oil. A steadily improving job market also lifted consumer optimism. As of August 2015, the national jobless rate was 5.1%, down a full percentage point from a year earlier and the lowest level since early 2008. (Source: U.S. Labor Department.)

In the third quarter of 2014, U.S. gross domestic product (GDP) – a measure of national economic output – grew by a rapid 4.3% annual pace. This was followed by a 2.1% expansion in the fourth quarter of 2014. In the first quarter of 2015, the economy significantly slowed, as bad winter weather and shipping disruptions at West Coast ports depressed economic activity. These trends reversed in the second quarter of 2015, with continued strength in consumer spending helping to grow the economy by an estimated 3.7% in April–June. (Source: U.S. Commerce Department.)

With the U.S. economy strengthening and inflation well contained, the U.S. Federal Reserve finally ended its quantitative-easing economic stimulus plan in October 2014. The Fed maintained its target short-term rate at essentially zero – where it has been since 2008 – for the duration of the Funds’ fiscal year. However, as the period ended, investors widely anticipated a rate increase even as emerging concerns about the global economy added uncertainty to the central bank’s timetable.

Municipal bond market conditions

Municipal bonds produced positive returns overall for the Funds’ fiscal year. Over the entire period, bonds with longer maturity dates outperformed their shorter-maturity counterparts, while lower-

rated bonds offering higher yields fared better than higher-rated, lower yielding issues.

Municipal bond returns, by maturity and credit quality, for the 12 months ended Aug. 31, 2015, were as follows:

 

Maturity       

5 years

     1.18%   

10 years

     2.47%   

22+ years

     4.02%   

 

Credit quality

      

AAA

     1.85%   

AA

     2.40%   

A

     2.75%   

BBB

     3.92%   

Source: Barclays

One exception to this trend came from bonds with credit ratings below BBB – also known as below-investment-grade, or high yield, bonds – which had flat returns, as measured by the Barclays High-Yield Municipal Bond Index, which tracks the total return performance of the long-term, non-investment-grade tax-exempt bond market. Nearly all of this relative underperformance, however, was caused by the weakness of bonds affiliated with Puerto Rico, which make up approximately 24% of the index. (Bonds issued by U.S. territories are exempt from federal, state, and local income taxes for residents of all 50 states.) Puerto Rico’s longstanding credit problems worsened during the Funds’ fiscal year, as the commonwealth filed for bankruptcy protection in July 2015. If Puerto Rico bonds were removed from the index, high yield returns would have kept with the credit trend by posting gains of 6.75%.

Of the Funds profiled in this report, only Delaware National High-Yield Municipal Bond Fund had any exposure to Puerto Rican bonds. In that Fund’s portfolio, we held a small position in debt for Hospital Auxilio Mutuo, whose credit quality we concluded was relatively insulated from Puerto

 

 

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Rico’s financial difficulties. In fact, these bonds declined only modestly during the 12-month period, far outperforming the average Puerto Rico bond for the same time frame.

Toward the end of the Funds’ fiscal year, the market environment shifted for municipal bond investors. Uncertainty grew about the global economy – especially with respect to China and other emerging markets – causing increased market volatility, as investors became more risk averse. Accordingly, shorter-dated, higher-rated tax-exempt bonds returned to favor, while longer-maturity, lower-quality issues found themselves at a relative disadvantage as the period ended.

Demand for municipal bonds was robust as the fiscal year began, but tailed off as the period progressed. Toward the end of the period, however, municipal bond fund outflows grew as investors began to anticipate an increase in the Fed’s target short-term interest rate. Meanwhile, the supply of new long-term municipal debt remained constrained. Despite considerable issuance, much of the new supply consisted of debt refinancing, as issuers took advantage of still-low borrowing costs to lower their long-term interest expenses.

Sticking to our strategy

For all three Funds discussed in this report, we maintained the consistent management approach we follow in all types of market conditions, relying on a bottom-up investment strategy. We evaluate securities one at a time, working with our credit analysts to determine through careful research which bonds we believe offer our shareholders the most favorable risk-reward trade-off and income potential.

Applying this approach, we continued to favor bonds with lower-investment-grade or below-investment-grade credit ratings, the segment in which we believe our credit research capabilities may prove most beneficial. Delaware Tax-Free USA Fund and Delaware Tax-Free USA

Intermediate Fund maintained sizeable allocations to bonds with credit ratings of A and BBB – the two lowest tiers of the investment grade bond universe – as well as to below-investment-grade bonds. By prospectus, up to 20% of the net assets of Delaware Tax-Free USA Fund and Delaware Tax-Free USA Intermediate Fund can be held in this latter category. We used a substantial portion of this allotment, as we identified various lower-rated bonds that we believed appeared poised to benefit from credit improvement.

Meanwhile, reflecting its different mandate, Delaware National High-Yield Municipal Bond Fund has substantial flexibility to invest in bonds with below-investment-grade credit ratings. At fiscal year end, 51.44% of its portfolio was invested in bonds with credit ratings of BB or lower, up from the 43.66% at the start of the period.

Throughout the period, we maintained a roughly neutral duration (interest rate) stance in all three Funds relative to their benchmarks. This approach reflected our belief in our disciplined credit selection process, rather than any attempt to anticipate the direction of interest rates. The Funds purchased new bonds across various sectors during the fiscal year, including the charter school and healthcare sectors – two areas where we have substantial credit research experience. When appropriate, we tended to favor longer-dated bonds for what we identified as their increased performance potential.

Within the Funds

In keeping with the performance trends mentioned earlier, bonds with lower credit ratings and longer maturity dates tended to outperform higher-quality, shorter-dated issues for the fiscal year. The Funds’ strongest-performing holdings generally conformed to those trends.

All three Funds benefited from holding Southwestern Illinois Development Authority bonds for Memorial Hospital. These bonds, rated

 

 

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Portfolio management review

Delaware Investments® National Tax-Free Funds

 

 

BB+ by Standard & Poor’s and maturing in 2043, generated a strong return due to their relatively long maturity dates and below-investment-grade credit rating. The issuer’s plans to affiliate with a higher-rated hospital also attracted investors.

A strong-performing position in Louisiana Public Facilities Authority bonds for the Southwest Louisiana Charter Academy in Lake Charles helped Delaware Tax-Free USA Fund. These nonrated bonds, which offered a yield exceeding 8% and were due to mature in 2043, rose 16% for the period.

Holdings in New Jersey Economic Development Authority revenue bonds for Continental Airlines lifted the results of Delaware Tax-Free USA Intermediate Fund. These corporate-backed bonds, rated B+ and maturing in 2030, benefited from both the strong backdrop for lower-rated issues as well as the airline industry’s continued recovery.

Besides benefiting from the Illinois hospital bonds mentioned earlier, Delaware National High-Yield Municipal Bond Fund saw strong results from Illinois Finance Authority revenue bonds for the Admiral at the Lake Project, a senior housing facility in Chicago. The price of these nonrated bonds, due to mature in 2046, rose 16%.

In what was a generally strong year for municipal bonds, most of the Funds’ weakest performers

turned in flat to modestly negative returns. Relative to their respective benchmarks, both Delaware Tax-Free USA Fund and Delaware Tax-Free USA Intermediate Fund were hampered by positions in New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund bonds. New Jersey–backed debt struggled during the period, as the state’s credit rating was downgraded multiple times in response to its burdensome pension obligations and worsening financial situation.

Maryland Economic Development Corporation bonds for the CNX Marine Terminals, a coal shipment terminal facility in Baltimore, also detracted. These bonds, which all three Funds held, returned -2%, as weak commodity prices weighed on the issuer.

Of final note, Delaware National High-Yield Municipal Bond Fund was hurt by Lake County, Fla., industrial development revenue bonds for the Cranes View Lodge continuing care retirement community project. Despite this issue’s lower credit rating and longer maturity date – two generally positive factors during the period – the bonds struggled with a -3% return, due to construction delays that pushed back the opening of a new facility. The Fund continued to own the bonds at the end of its fiscal year, however, as we still saw the potential for good long-term value in the securities.

 

 

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Performance summaries

Delaware Tax-Free USA Fund    August 31, 2015

The performance data quoted represent past performance; past performance does not guarantee future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so your shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Please obtain the performance data current for the most recent month end by calling 800 523-1918 or visiting our website at delawareinvestments.com/performance. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted.

 

Fund and benchmark performance1, 2

 

  

Average annual total returns through August 31, 2015  

 

      1 year      5 years      10 years      Lifetime

Class A (Est. Jan. 11, 1984)

                 

Excluding sales charge

   +3.09%      +4.54%      +4.34%       n/a

Including sales charge

   -1.55%      +3.58%      +3.87%       n/a

Class C (Est. Nov. 29, 1995)

                 

Excluding sales charge

   +2.23%      +3.76%      +3.55%       n/a

Including sales charge

   +1.24%      +3.76%      +3.55%       n/a

Institutional Class (Est. Dec. 31, 2008)

                 

Excluding sales charge

   +3.26%      +4.77%      n/a       +7.28%

Including sales charge

   +3.26%      +4.77%      n/a       +7.28%

Barclays Municipal Bond Index*

   +2.52%      +3.96%      +4.49%       +5.92%

*The benchmark lifetime return is for Institutional Class share comparison only and is calculated using the last business day in the month of the Fund’s Institutional Class inception date.

1 Returns reflect the reinvestment of all distributions and are presented both with and without the applicable sales charges described below. Returns do not reflect the deduction of taxes the shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or redemptions of Fund shares.

Expense limitations were in effect for certain classes during some or all of the periods shown in the “Fund and benchmark performance” table. Expenses for each class are listed on the “Fund expense ratios” table on page 7. Performance would have been lower had expense limitations not been in effect.

Class A shares are sold with a maximum front-end sales charge of 4.50%, and have an annual distribution and service fee of 0.25% of average daily net assets. The Board has adopted a formula for calculating 12b-1 plan fees for the Fund’s Class A shares. The Fund’s Class A shares are currently subject to a blended 12b-1 fee equal to the sum of: (i) 0.10% of average daily net

assets representing shares acquired prior to June 1, 1992, and (ii) 0.25% of average daily net assets representing shares acquired on or after June 1, 1992. All Class A shares currently bear 12b-1 fees at the same rate, the blended rate, currently 0.24% of average daily net assets, based on the formula described above. This method of calculating Class A 12b-1 fees may be discontinued at the sole discretion of the Board. Performance for Class A shares, excluding sales charges, assumes that no front-end sales charge applied.

Class C shares are sold with a contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% if redeemed during the first 12 months. They are also subject to an annual distribution and service fee of 1.00% of average daily net assets. Performance for Class C shares, excluding sales charges, assumes either that contingent deferred sales charges did not apply or that the investment was not redeemed.

 

 

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Performance summaries

Delaware Tax-Free USA Fund

 

Institutional Class shares are available without sales or asset-based distribution charges only to certain eligible institutional accounts.

Fixed income securities and bond funds can lose value, and investors can lose principal, as interest rates rise. They also may be affected by economic conditions that hinder an issuer’s ability to make interest and principal payments on its debt.

The Fund may also be subject to prepayment risk, the risk that the principal of a fixed income security that is held by the Fund may be prepaid prior to maturity, potentially forcing the Fund to reinvest that money at a lower interest rate.

High yielding, noninvestment grade bonds (junk bonds) involve higher risk than investment grade bonds. The high yield secondary market is particularly susceptible to liquidity problems when institutional investors, such as mutual funds and certain other financial institutions, temporarily stop buying bonds for regulatory, financial, or other reasons. In addition, a less liquid secondary market makes it more difficult for the Fund to obtain precise valuations of the high yield securities in its portfolio.

Substantially all dividend income derived from tax-free funds is exempt from federal income tax. Some income may be subject to the federal alternative minimum tax (AMT) that applies to certain investors. Capital gains, if any, are taxable.

Bond ratings are determined by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization.

Duration number will change as market conditions change. Therefore, duration should not be solely relied upon to indicate a municipal bond fund’s potential volatility.

Per Standard & Poor’s credit rating agency, bonds rated AA and A are more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than those in the higher-rated AAA category, but the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is

still strong. Bonds rated BBB exhibit adequate protection parameters, although adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitments. Bonds rated BB, B, and CCC are regarded as having significant speculative characteristics, with BB indicating the least degree of speculation of the three.

 

 

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2 The Fund’s investment manager, Delaware Management Company (Manager), has contractually agreed to waive all or a portion of its investment advisory fees and/or pay/reimburse expenses (excluding any 12b-1 fees, acquired fund fees and expenses, taxes, interest, short sale and dividend interest expenses, brokerage fees, certain insurance costs, and nonroutine expenses or costs, including, but not limited to, those relating to reorganizations, litigation, conducting shareholder meetings, and liquidations) in order to prevent total annual fund operating expenses from exceeding 0.56% of the Fund’s average daily net assets from Sept. 1, 2014 through Aug. 31, 2015.* Please see the most recent prospectus and any applicable supplement(s) for additional information on these fee waivers and/or reimbursements.

 

Fund expense ratios      Class A      Class C      Institutional Class    

 

Total annual operating expenses

     0.96%      1.72%      0.72%    

(without fee waivers)

              

Net expenses

     0.80%      1.56%      0.56%    

(including fee waivers, if any)

              

Type of waiver

     Contractual      Contractual      Contractual    

 

*The contractual waiver period is from Dec. 27, 2013, through Dec. 29, 2015.

 

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Performance summaries

Delaware Tax-Free USA Fund

 

 

Performance of a $10,000 investment1

Average annual total returns from Aug. 31, 2005, through Aug. 31, 2015

 

LOGO

For period beginning Aug. 31, 2005, through Aug. 31, 2015   Starting value     Ending value  
  LOGO  Barclays Municipal Bond Index     $10,000        $15,513   
  LOGO  Delaware Tax-Free USA Fund — Class A shares     $9,550        $14,612   

 

1 The “Performance of a $10,000 investment” graph assumes $10,000 invested in Class A shares of the Fund on Aug. 31, 2005, and includes the effect of a 4.50% front-end sales charge and the reinvestment of all distributions. The graph does not reflect the deduction of taxes the shareholders would pay on Fund distributions or redemptions of Fund shares. Expense limitations were in effect for some or all of the periods shown. Performance would have been lower had expense limitations not been in effect. Expenses are listed in the “Fund expense ratios” table on page 7. Please note additional details on pages 5 through 8.

The graph also assumes $10,000 invested in the Barclays Municipal Bond Index as of Aug. 31, 2005. The Barclays Municipal Bond Index measures the total return performance of the long-term, investment grade tax-exempt bond market.

Index performance returns do not reflect any management fees, transaction costs, or expenses. Indices are unmanaged and one cannot invest directly in an index. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.

Performance of other Fund classes will vary due to different charges and expenses.

 

 

 

    Nasdaq symbols      CUSIPs     

Class A

  DMTFX      245909106   

Class C

  DUSCX      245909700   

Institutional Class

  DTFIX        24610H104   

 

 

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Performance summaries   
Delaware Tax-Free USA Intermediate Fund    August 31, 2015

The performance data quoted represent past performance; past performance does not guarantee future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so your shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Please obtain the performance data current for the most recent month end by calling 800 523-1918 or visiting our website at delawareinvestments.com/performance. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted.

 

Fund and benchmark performance1, 2

 

  

Average annual total returns through August 31, 2015  

 

      1 year      5 years      10 years      Lifetime

Class A (Est. Jan. 7, 1993)

                 

Excluding sales charge

   +1.46%      +2.87%      +3.67%      n/a

Including sales charge

   -1.37%      +2.30%      +3.38%      n/a

Class C (Est. Nov. 29, 1995)

                 

Excluding sales charge

   +0.60%      +1.98%      +2.79%      n/a

Including sales charge

   -0.39%      +1.98%      +2.79%      n/a

Institutional Class (Est. Dec. 31, 2008)

                 

Excluding sales charge

   +1.62%      +3.03%      n/a      +5.12%

Including sales charge

   +1.62%      +3.03%      n/a      +5.12%

Barclays 3–15 Year Blend

                 

Municipal Bond Index*

   +2.02%      +3.52%      +4.46%      +5.05%

*The benchmark lifetime return is for Institutional Class share comparison only and is calculated using the last business day in the month of the Fund’s Institutional Class inception date.

1 Returns reflect the reinvestment of all distributions and are presented both with and without the applicable sales charges described below. Returns do not reflect the deduction of taxes the shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or redemptions of Fund shares.

Expense limitations were in effect for certain classes during some or all of the periods shown in the “Fund and benchmark performance” table. Expenses for each class are listed on the “Fund expense ratios” table on page 10. Performance would have been lower had expense limitations not been in effect.

Class A shares are sold with a maximum front-end sales charge of 2.75%, and have an annual distribution and service fee of 0.25% of average daily net assets. This fee was contractually limited to 0.15% of average daily net assets from Sept. 1, 2014 through Aug. 31, 2015.* Performance for Class A shares, excluding

sales charges, assumes that no front-end sales charge applied.

Class C shares are sold with a contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% if redeemed during the first 12 months. They are also subject to an annual distribution and service fee of 1.00% of average daily net assets. Performance for Class C shares, excluding sales charges, assumes either that contingent deferred sales charges did not apply or that the investment was not redeemed.

Institutional Class shares are available without sales or asset-based distribution charges only to certain eligible institutional accounts.

Fixed income securities and bond funds can lose value, and investors can lose principal, as interest rates rise. They also may be affected by economic conditions that hinder an issuer’s ability to make interest and principal payments on its debt.

 

 

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Performance summaries

Delaware Tax-Free USA Intermediate Fund

 

The Fund may also be subject to prepayment risk, the risk that the principal of a fixed income security that is held by the Fund may be prepaid prior to maturity, potentially forcing the Fund to reinvest that money at a lower interest rate.

High yielding, noninvestment grade bonds (junk bonds) involve higher risk than investment grade bonds. The high yield secondary market is particularly susceptible to liquidity problems when institutional investors, such as mutual funds and certain other financial institutions, temporarily stop buying bonds for regulatory, financial, or other reasons. In addition, a less liquid secondary market makes it more difficult for the Fund to obtain precise valuations of the high yield securities in its portfolio.

Substantially all dividend income derived from tax-free funds is exempt from federal income tax. Some income may be subject to the federal alternative minimum tax (AMT) that applies to certain investors. Capital gains, if any, are taxable.

Duration number will change as market conditions change. Therefore, duration should not be solely

relied upon to indicate a municipal bond fund’s potential volatility.

Per Standard & Poor’s credit rating agency, bonds rated AA and A are more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than those in the higher-rated AAA category, but the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is still strong. Bonds rated BBB exhibit adequate protection parameters, although adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitments. Bonds rated BB, B, and CCC are regarded as having significant speculative characteristics, with BB indicating the least degree of speculation of the three.

 

*The contractual waiver period is from Dec. 27, 2013, through Dec. 29, 2015.

 

 

2 The Fund’s investment manager, Delaware Management Company (Manager), has contractually agreed to waive all or a portion of its investment advisory fees and/or pay/reimburse expenses (excluding any 12b-1 fees, acquired fund fees and expenses, taxes, interest, short sale and dividend interest expenses, brokerage fees, certain insurance costs, and nonroutine expenses or costs, including, but not limited to, those relating to reorganizations, litigation, conducting shareholder meetings, and liquidations) in order to prevent total annual fund operating expenses from exceeding 0.60% of the Fund’s average daily net assets from Sept. 1, 2014 through Aug. 31, 2015.* Please see the most recent prospectus and any applicable supplement(s) for additional information on these fee waivers and/or reimbursements.

 

Fund expense ratios      Class A      Class C      Institutional Class    

 

Total annual operating expenses

     0.93%      1.68%      0.68%    

(without fee waivers)

              

Net expenses

     0.75%      1.60%      0.60%    

(including fee waivers, if any)

              

Type of waiver

     Contractual      Contractual      Contractual    

 

*The contractual waiver period is from Dec. 27, 2013, through Dec. 29, 2015.

 

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Performance of a $10,000 investment1

Average annual total returns from Aug. 31, 2005, through Aug. 31, 2015

 

LOGO

For period beginning Aug. 31, 2005, through Aug. 31, 2015   Starting value     Ending value  
  LOGO  Barclays 3–15 Year Blend Municipal Bond Index     $10,000        $15,467   
  LOGO  Delaware Tax-Free USA Intermediate Fund — Class A shares     $9,725        $13,942   

 

1 The “Performance of a $10,000 investment” graph assumes $10,000 invested in Class A shares of the Fund on Aug. 31, 2005, and includes the effect of a 2.75% front-end sales charge and the reinvestment of all distributions. The graph does not reflect the deduction of taxes the shareholders would pay on Fund distributions or redemptions of Fund shares. Expense limitations were in effect for some or all of the periods shown. Performance would have been lower had expense limitations not been in effect. Expenses are listed in the “Fund expense ratios” table on page 10. Please note additional details on pages 9 through 11.

The graph also assumes $10,000 invested in the Barclays 3–15 Year Blend Municipal Bond Index as of Aug. 31, 2005. The Barclays 3–15 Year Blend Municipal Bond Index measures the total return performance of investment grade, U.S. tax-exempt bonds with maturities from 2 to 17 years.

Index performance returns do not reflect any management fees, transaction costs, or expenses. Indices are unmanaged and one cannot invest directly in an index. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.

Performance of other Fund classes will vary due to different charges and expenses.

 

 

 

    Nasdaq symbols      CUSIPs     

Class A

  DMUSX      245909304   

Class C

  DUICX        245909882   

Institutional Class

 

 

DUSIX  

 

    

24610H203

 

  

 

 

11


Table of Contents
Performance summaries   
Delaware National High-Yield Municipal Bond Fund    August 31, 2015

The performance data quoted represent past performance; past performance does not guarantee future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so your shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Please obtain the performance data current for the most recent month end by calling 800 523-1918 or visiting our website at delawareinvestments.com/performance. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted.

 

Fund and benchmark performance1, 2    Average annual total returns through August 31, 2015
    

 

1 year

  5 years   10 years   Lifetime    

 

Class A (Est. Sept. 22, 1986)

        

Excluding sales charge

   +4.83%   +5.87%   +5.26%   n/a    

Including sales charge

   +0.13%   +4.89%   +4.78%   n/a    

 

Class C (Est. May 26, 1997)

        

Excluding sales charge

   +4.04%   +5.10%   +4.48%   n/a    

Including sales charge

   +3.04%   +5.10%   +4.48%   n/a    

 

Institutional Class (Est. Dec. 31, 2008)

        

Excluding sales charge

   +5.08%   +6.12%   n/a   +10.86%    

Including sales charge

   +5.08%   +6.12%   n/a   +10.86%    

 

Barclays Municipal Bond Index*

   +2.52%   +3.96%   +4.49%   +5.92%    

 

*The benchmark lifetime return is for Institutional Class share comparison only and is calculated using the last business day in the month of the Fund’s Institutional Class inception date.

1 Returns reflect the reinvestment of all distributions and are presented both with and without the applicable sales charges described below. Returns do not reflect the deduction of taxes the shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or redemptions of Fund shares.

Expense limitations were in effect for certain classes during some or all of the periods shown in the “Fund and benchmark performance” table. Expenses for each class are listed on the “Fund expense ratios” table on page 13. Performance would have been lower had expense limitations not been in effect.

Class A shares are sold with a maximum front-end sales charge of 4.50%, and have an annual distribution and service fee of 0.25% of average daily net assets. Performance for Class A shares, excluding sales charges, assumes that no front-end sales charge applied.

Class C shares are sold with a contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% if redeemed during the first 12 months. They are also subject to an annual distribution and service fee of 1.00% of average daily net assets. Performance for Class C shares, excluding sales charges, assumes either that contingent deferred sales charges did not apply or that the investment was not redeemed.

Institutional Class shares are available without sales or asset-based distribution charges only to certain eligible institutional accounts.

Fixed income securities and bond funds can lose value, and investors can lose principal, as interest rates rise. They also may be affected by economic conditions that hinder an issuer’s ability to make interest and principal payments on its debt.

 

 

12


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The Fund may also be subject to prepayment risk, the risk that the principal of a fixed income security that is held by the Fund may be prepaid prior to maturity, potentially forcing the Fund to reinvest that money at a lower interest rate.

High yielding, noninvestment grade bonds (junk bonds) involve higher risk than investment grade bonds. The high yield secondary market is particularly susceptible to liquidity problems when institutional investors, such as mutual funds and certain other financial institutions, temporarily stop buying bonds for regulatory, financial, or other reasons. In addition, a less liquid secondary market makes it more difficult for the Fund to obtain precise valuations of the high yield securities in its portfolio.

Substantially all dividend income derived from tax-free funds is exempt from federal income tax. Some income may be subject to the federal alternative minimum tax (AMT) that applies to certain investors. Capital gains, if any, are taxable.

Duration number will change as market conditions change. Therefore, duration should not be solely relied upon to indicate a municipal bond fund’s potential volatility.

Per Standard & Poor’s credit rating agency, bonds rated AA and A are more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than those in the higher-rated AAA category, but the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is still strong. Bonds rated BBB exhibit adequate protection parameters, although adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitments. Bonds rated BB, B, and CCC are regarded as having significant speculative characteristics, with BB indicating the least degree of speculation of the three.

 

 

2 The Fund’s investment manager, Delaware Management Company (Manager), has contractually agreed to waive all or a portion of its investment advisory fees and/or pay/reimburse expenses (excluding any 12b-1 fees, acquired fund fees and expenses, taxes, interest, short sale and dividend interest expenses, brokerage fees, certain insurance costs, and nonroutine expenses or costs, including, but not limited to, those relating to reorganizations, litigation, conducting shareholder meetings, and liquidations) in order to prevent total annual fund operating expenses from exceeding 0.60% of the Fund’s average daily net assets from Sept. 1, 2014 through Aug. 31, 2015.* Please see the most recent prospectus and any applicable supplement(s) for additional information on these fee waivers and/or reimbursements.

 

Fund expense ratios      Class A      Class C      Institutional Class

 

Total annual operating expenses

     0.99%      1.74%      0.74%

(without fee waivers)

              

Net expenses

     0.85%      1.60%      0.60%

(including fee waivers, if any)

              

Type of waiver

     Contractual      Contractual      Contractual

 

*The contractual waiver period is from Dec. 27, 2013, through Dec. 29, 2015.

 

13


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Performance summaries

Delaware National High-Yield Municipal Bond Fund

Performance of a $10,000 investment1

Average annual total returns from Aug. 31, 2005, through Aug. 31, 2015

 

LOGO

For period beginning Aug. 31, 2005, through Aug. 31, 2015   Starting value     Ending value  
  LOGO  Delaware National High-Yield Municipal Bond Fund — Class A shares     $9,550        $15,948   
  LOGO  Barclays Municipal Bond Index     $10,000        $15,513   

 

1 The “Performance of a $10,000 investment” graph assumes $10,000 invested in Class A shares of the Fund on Aug. 31, 2005, and includes the effect of a 4.50% front-end sales charge and the reinvestment of all distributions. The graph does not reflect the deduction of taxes the shareholders would pay on Fund distributions or redemptions of Fund shares. Expense limitations were in effect for some or all of the periods shown. Performance would have been lower had expense limitations not been in effect. Expenses are listed in the “Fund expense ratios” table on page 13. Please note additional details on pages 12 through 14.

The graph also assumes $10,000 invested in the Barclays Municipal Bond Index as of Aug. 31, 2005. The Barclays Municipal Bond Index measures the total return performance of the long-term, investment grade tax-exempt bond market.

Index performance returns do not reflect any management fees, transaction costs, or expenses. Indices are unmanaged and one cannot invest directly in an index. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.

Performance of other Fund classes will vary due to different charges and expenses.

 

 

 

    

 

Nasdaq symbols                  

  

 

CUSIPs                             

    

Class A

   CXHYX                      928928241                                                            

Class C

   DVHCX                      928928225                               

Institutional Class

 

   DVHIX                    

 

   24610H302                            

 

  

 

 

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Table of Contents

Disclosure of Fund expenses

For the six-month period from March 1, 2015 to August 31, 2015 (Unaudited)

As a shareholder of a Fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments, reinvested dividends, or other distributions; redemption fees; and exchange fees; and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees; and other Fund expenses. These following examples are intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in a Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.

The examples are based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire six-month period from March 1, 2015 to Aug. 31, 2015.

Actual expenses

The first section of the tables shown, “Actual Fund return,” provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this section of the table, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first section under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

Hypothetical example for comparison purposes

The second section of the tables shown, “Hypothetical 5% return,” provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Funds’ actual expense ratios and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Funds’ actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Funds and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.

Please note that the expenses shown in the tables are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads), redemption fees, or exchange fees. Therefore, the second section of each table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher. The Funds’ expenses shown in the tables reflect fee waivers in effect. The expenses shown in each table assume reinvestment of all dividends and distributions.

 

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Table of Contents

Disclosure of Fund expenses

For the six-month period from March 1, 2015 to August 31, 2015 (Unaudited)

Delaware Tax-Free USA Fund

Expense analysis of an investment of $1,000

 

     

Beginning

 

Account Value

 

3/1/15

  

Ending

 

Account Value

 

8/31/15

  

Annualized

 

Expense Ratio

  

Expenses

 

Paid During Period

 

3/1/15 to 8/31/15*

Actual Fund return

           

Class A

   $1,000.00    $1,000.70    0.81%    $4.08

Class C

     1,000.00         996.90    1.57%      7.90

Institutional Class

     1,000.00      1,001.20    0.57%      2.88

Hypothetical 5% return (5% return before expenses)

           

Class A

   $1,000.00    $1,021.12    0.81%    $4.13

Class C

     1,000.00      1,017.29    1.57%      7.98

Institutional Class

     1,000.00      1,022.33    0.57%      2.91

Delaware Tax-Free USA Intermediate Fund

Expense analysis of an investment of $1,000

 

     

Beginning

 

Account Value

 

3/1/15

  

Ending

 

Account Value

 

8/31/15

  

Annualized

 

Expense Ratio

  

Expenses

 

Paid During Period

 

3/1/15 to 8/31/15*

Actual Fund return

           

Class A

   $1,000.00      $998.30    0.76%    $3.83

Class C

     1,000.00        994.10    1.61%      8.09

Institutional Class

     1,000.00        999.30    0.61%      3.07

Hypothetical 5% return (5% return before expenses)

           

Class A

   $1,000.00    $1,021.37    0.76%    $3.87

Class C

     1,000.00      1,017.09    1.61%      8.19

Institutional Class

     1,000.00      1,022.13    0.61%      3.11

 

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Delaware National High-Yield Municipal Bond Fund

Expense analysis of an investment of $1,000

 

     Beginning
Account Value
3/1/15
   Ending
Account Value
8/31/15
   Annualized
Expense Ratio
   Expenses
Paid During Period
3/1/15 to 8/31/15*

 

Actual Fund return

           

Class A

   $1,000.00    $1,004.50    0.84%    $4.24

Class C

     1,000.00      1,001.70    1.59%      8.02

Institutional Class

     1,000.00      1,005.90    0.59%      2.98

 

Hypothetical 5% return (5% return before expenses)

           

Class A

   $1,000.00    $1,020.97    0.84%    $4.28

Class C

     1,000.00      1,017.19    1.59%      8.08

Institutional Class

     1,000.00      1,022.23    0.59%      3.01

 

 

* “Expenses Paid During Period” are equal to the relevant Fund’s annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

  Because actual returns reflect only the most recent six-month period, the returns shown may differ significantly from fiscal year returns.

 

17


Table of Contents
Security type / sector / state / territory allocations
Delaware Tax-Free USA Fund    As of August 31, 2015 (Unaudited)

Sector designations may be different than the sector designations presented in other fund materials.

 

Security type / sector            Percentage of net assets        

Municipal Bonds*

     97.28%

Corporate Revenue Bonds

     13.68%

Education Revenue Bonds

     11.15%

Electric Revenue Bonds

       5.13%

Healthcare Revenue Bonds

       8.56%

Housing Revenue Bonds

       1.19%

Lease Revenue Bonds

       2.36%

Local General Obligation Bonds

       7.58%

Pre-Refunded/Escrowed to Maturity Bonds

     11.52%

Special Tax Revenue Bonds

     12.31%

State General Obligation Bonds

       6.82%

Transportation Revenue Bonds

     12.02%

Water & Sewer Revenue Bonds

       4.96%

Short-Term Investments

       1.41%

Total Value of Securities

     98.69%

Receivables and Other Assets Net of Liabilities

       1.31%

Total Net Assets

   100.00%

* As of the date of this report, Delaware Tax-Free USA Fund held bonds issued by or on behalf of territories and the states of the U.S. as follows:

 

State / territory            Percentage of net assets        

Alabama

       1.18%

Alaska

       0.61%

Arizona

       2.23%

California

     13.61%

Colorado

       1.03%

Connecticut

       1.25%

Florida

       1.62%

Georgia

       2.42%

Hawaii

       0.51%

Illinois

       4.12%

Indiana

       1.27%

Kansas

       0.17%

Louisiana

       1.70%

Maryland

       2.08%

Massachusetts

       2.94%

Minnesota

       0.60%

Mississippi

       1.14%

Missouri

       4.15%

Nevada

       0.69%

 

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State / territory            Percentage of net assets        

New Jersey

       6.59%

New Mexico

       0.08%

New York

     19.13%

North Carolina

       3.37%

North Dakota

       0.30%

Ohio

       3.03%

Oklahoma

       2.99%

Oregon

       0.30%

Pennsylvania

       2.63%

Texas

     12.11%

U.S. Virgin Islands

       0.22%

Utah

       0.28%

Virginia

       3.12%

Washington

       0.18%

West Virginia

       0.57%

Wisconsin

       0.47%

Total

     98.69%

 

19


Table of Contents
Security type / sector / state / territory allocations
Delaware Tax-Free USA Intermediate Fund    As of August 31, 2015 (Unaudited)

Sector designations may be different than the sector designations presented in other fund materials.

 

Security type / sector            Percentage of net assets        

Municipal Bonds*

     98.31%

Corporate Revenue Bonds

     14.25%

Education Revenue Bonds

       7.98%

Electric Revenue Bonds

       3.20%

Healthcare Revenue Bonds

       9.45%

Housing Revenue Bond

       0.28%

Lease Revenue Bonds

       3.48%

Local General Obligation Bonds

       5.23%

Pre-Refunded/Escrowed to Maturity Bonds

       8.82%

Resource Recovery Revenue Bonds

       0.21%

Special Tax Revenue Bonds

     13.08%

State General Obligation Bonds

     14.11%

Transportation Revenue Bonds

     14.65%

Water & Sewer Revenue Bonds

       3.57%

Short-Term Investments

       0.86%

Total Value of Securities

     99.17%

Receivables and Other Assets Net of Liabilities

       0.83%

Total Net Assets

   100.00%

* As of the date of this report, Delaware Tax-Free USA Intermediate Fund held bonds issued by or on behalf of territories and the states of the U.S. as follows:

 

State / territory            Percentage of net assets        

Alabama

       0.21%

Arizona

       4.93%

California

     16.30%

Connecticut

       1.10%

Florida

       1.08%

Georgia

       3.66%

Guam

       0.45%

Idaho

       1.03%

Illinois

       4.00%

Indiana

       0.11%

Kansas

       0.14%

Louisiana

       3.51%

Maryland

       1.82%

Massachusetts

       1.10%

Minnesota

       6.96%

Mississippi

       0.89%

Missouri

       1.18%

Nevada

       0.18%

 

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State / territory            Percentage of net assets        

New Jersey

       4.54%

New York

     16.38%

North Carolina

       0.65%

North Dakota

       0.28%

Ohio

       1.21%

Oklahoma

       0.53%

Oregon

       2.24%

Pennsylvania

       5.31%

Tennessee

       0.66%

Texas

     10.92%

Virginia

       5.47%

Washington

       1.50%

Wisconsin

       0.83%

Total

     99.17%

 

21


Table of Contents
Security type / sector / state / territory allocations
Delaware National High-Yield Municipal Bond Fund    As of August 31, 2015 (Unaudited)

Sector designations may be different than the sector designations presented in other fund materials.

 

Security type / sector            Percentage of net assets        

Municipal Bonds*

     97.94%

Corporate Revenue Bonds

     21.70%

Education Revenue Bonds

     16.35%

Electric Revenue Bonds

       0.42%

Healthcare Revenue Bonds

     23.04%

Housing Revenue Bonds

       1.20%

Lease Revenue Bonds

       5.70%

Local General Obligation Bonds

       3.63%

Pre-Refunded Bonds

       4.70%

Resource Recovery Revenue Bonds

       0.84%

Special Tax Revenue Bonds

       7.88%

State General Obligation Bonds

       2.99%

Transportation Revenue Bonds

       6.56%

Water & Sewer Revenue Bonds

       2.93%

Short-Term Investments

       0.96%

Total Value of Securities

     98.90%

Receivables and Other Assets Net of Liabilities

       1.10%

Total Net Assets

   100.00%

* As of the date of this report, Delaware National High-Yield Municipal Bond Fund held bonds issued by or on behalf of territories and the states of the U.S. as follows:

 

State / territory            Percentage of net assets        

Alabama

       3.47%

Alaska

       0.21%

Arizona

       4.18%

California

     13.51%

Colorado

       1.61%

Connecticut

       0.11%

District of Columbia

       0.77%

Florida

       4.87%

Georgia

       0.90%

Hawaii

       1.58%

Idaho

       0.96%

Illinois

       4.77%

Indiana

       1.00%

Iowa

       0.26%

Kansas

       0.66%

Kentucky

       1.36%

Louisiana

       3.13%

Maine

       0.20%

 

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State / territory            Percentage of net assets        

Maryland

   3.79%

Massachusetts

   1.10%

Michigan

   1.29%

Minnesota

   3.45%

Mississippi

   0.21%

Missouri

   1.06%

Nevada

   0.89%

New Hampshire

   0.16%

New Jersey

   5.07%

New Mexico

   0.05%

New York

   10.83%

North Carolina

   0.55%

North Dakota

   0.27%

Ohio

   4.14%

Oklahoma

   0.56%

Oregon

   0.59%

Pennsylvania

   7.76%

Puerto Rico

   0.07%

South Carolina

   0.10%

Tennessee

   0.26%

Texas

   7.00%

Utah

   0.23%

Vermont

   0.12%

Virginia

   1.81%

Washington

   0.98%

West Virginia

   1.19%

Wisconsin

   1.60%

Wyoming

   0.22%

Total

   98.90%

 

23


Table of Contents
Schedules of investments   
Delaware Tax-Free USA Fund    August 31, 2015

 

     Principal amount°      Value (U.S. $)  

 

 

Municipal Bonds – 97.28%

     

 

 

Corporate Revenue Bonds – 13.68%

     

Buckeye, Ohio Tobacco Settlement Financing Authority

     

(Asset-Backed Senior Turbo) Series A-2 5.875% 6/1/47

     5,225,000       $       4,213,127   

Gaston County, North Carolina Industrial Facilities & Pollution Control Financing Authority

     

(Exempt Facilities National Gypsum Co. Project) 5.75% 8/1/35 (AMT)

     1,810,000         1,812,733   

Golden State, California Tobacco Securitization Corporate Settlement Revenue

     

(Asset-Backed Enhanced) Series A 5.00% 6/1/45

     10,000,000         10,995,200   

(Asset-Backed Senior Notes) Series A-1 5.75% 6/1/47

     8,025,000         6,897,247   

Harris County, Texas Industrial Development Corporation Solid Waste Disposal Revenue

     

(Deer Park Refining Project) 5.00% 2/1/23

     2,955,000         3,235,991   

Houston, Texas Airport System Revenue

     

(United Airlines) 5.00% 7/1/29 (AMT)

     1,600,000         1,693,200   

Illinois Railsplitter Tobacco Settlement Authority

     

6.00% 6/1/28

     6,000,000         7,057,920   

6.25% 6/1/24

     6,810,000         7,105,622   

Indianapolis, Indiana Airport Authority Revenue Special Facilities

     

(Federal Express Corp. Project) 5.10% 1/15/17 (AMT)

     2,750,000         2,906,805   

Louisiana Public Facilities Authority

     

(LA Pellets Inc. Project) 144A 7.75% 7/1/39 (AMT)#

     1,500,000         1,497,330   

Maryland Economic Development Corporation Revenue

     

(CNX Marine Terminals) 5.75% 9/1/25

     3,375,000         3,441,386   

M-S-R Energy Authority, California Gas Revenue

     

Series A 6.125% 11/1/29

     1,915,000         2,365,829   

New Jersey Economic Development Authority Special Facilities Revenue

     

(Continental Airlines, Inc. Project)

     

4.875% 9/15/19 (AMT)

     1,515,000         1,584,372   

Series B 5.625% 11/15/30 (AMT)

     1,365,000         1,532,472   

New York City, New York Industrial Development Agency Special Facilities Revenue

     

(American Airlines - JFK International Airport) 7.75% 8/1/31 (AMT)

     2,000,000         2,122,940   

New York State Liberty Development Corporation Revenue

     

(Second Priority - Bank of America Tower) Class 3 6.375% 7/15/49

     1,000,000         1,132,250   

Ohio State Air Quality Development Authority Revenue

     

(First Energy Generation) Series A 5.70% 8/1/20

     4,750,000         5,183,580   

Parish of St. John the Baptist, Louisiana

     

(Marathon Oil) Series A 5.125% 6/1/37

     1,875,000         1,936,856   

 

24


Table of Contents

    

    

 

 

     Principal amount°      Value (U.S. $)  

 

 

Municipal Bonds (continued)

     

 

 

Corporate Revenue Bonds (continued)

     

Pennsylvania Economic Development Financing Authority

     

(PPL Energy Supply) Series A 6.40% 12/1/38

     1,580,000       $ 1,601,646   

Selma, Alabama Industrial Development Board

     

(Zilkha Biomass Selma LLC Project) 144A 7.50% 5/1/25 (AMT)#

     1,520,000         1,516,975   

Shoals, Indiana

     

(National Gypsum Co. Project) 7.25% 11/1/43 (AMT)

     1,940,000         2,158,716   

Tobacco Settlement Financing Corporation, New Jersey Revenue

     

Series 1A 5.00% 6/1/41

     4,765,000         3,632,741   

Valparaiso, Indiana

     

(Pratt Paper, LLC Project) 7.00% 1/1/44 (AMT)

     1,780,000         2,161,472   
     

 

 

 
            77,786,410   
     

 

 

 

Education Revenue Bonds – 11.15%

     

Bowling Green, Ohio Student Housing Revenue CFP I

     

(State University Project) 6.00% 6/1/45

     5,295,000         5,639,016   

California Statewide Communities Development Authority School Facility Revenue

     

(Aspire Public Schools) 6.125% 7/1/46

     5,145,000         5,466,563   

Connecticut State Health & Educational Facilities Authority Revenue

     

(Yale University) Series A-1 5.00% 7/1/25

     3,000,000         3,341,640   

Gainesville, Georgia Redevelopment Authority Educational Facilities Revenue

     

(Riverside Military Academy Project) 5.125% 3/1/37

     2,850,000         2,688,775   

Henderson, Nevada Public Improvement Trust

     

(Touro College & University System) 5.50% 1/1/39

     805,000         857,261   

Louisiana Public Facilities Authority Revenue

     

(Southwest Louisiana Charter Academy Foundation Project) Series A 8.375% 12/15/43

     1,875,000         2,190,956   

Marietta, Georgia Development Authority Revenue

     

(Life University Income Project) 7.00% 6/15/39

     4,200,000         4,402,062   

Massachusetts State Development Finance Agency Revenue

     

(Harvard University) Series B-2 5.25% 2/1/34

     5,000,000         5,849,050   

Massachusetts State Health & Educational Facilities Authority Revenue

     

(Harvard University)

     

Series A 5.00% 12/15/29

     5,000,000         5,734,150   

Series A 5.50% 11/15/36

     4,515,000         5,147,597   

Missouri State Health & Educational Facilities Authority Revenue

     

(Washington University) Series A 5.375% 3/15/39

     5,000,000         5,468,250   

 

25


Table of Contents

Schedules of investments

Delaware Tax-Free USA Fund

 

 

     Principal amount°      Value (U.S. $)  

 

 

Municipal Bonds (continued)

     

 

 

Education Revenue Bonds (continued)

     

New Jersey Economic Development Authority Revenue

     

(Provident Group - Montclair) 5.875% 6/1/42

     4,225,000       $ 4,680,835   

Pennsylvania State Higher Educational Facilities Authority Student Housing Revenue

     

(University Properties Inc. - East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania) 5.00% 7/1/31

     6,000,000         6,291,840   

Provo, Utah Charter School Revenue

     

(Freedom Academy Foundation Project) 5.50% 6/15/37

     1,565,000         1,576,237   

San Juan, Texas Higher Education Finance Authority Education Revenue

     

(Idea Public Schools) Series A 6.70% 8/15/40

     1,500,000         1,748,130   

University of California

     

Series AO 5.00% 5/15/40

     2,000,000         2,291,040   
     

 

 

 
            63,373,402   
     

 

 

 

Electric Revenue Bonds – 5.13%

     

California State Department of Water Resources

     

Series L 5.00% 5/1/17

     910,000         978,459   

Series L 5.00% 5/1/20

     5,000,000         5,859,800   

City Public Service Board of San Antonio, Texas

     

5.00% 2/1/22

     5,040,000         5,983,992   

5.25% 2/1/24

     7,000,000         8,605,870   

Long Island, New York Power Authority

     

Series A 5.00% 9/1/44

     1,430,000         1,573,501   

Salt River Project Agricultural Improvement & Power District Electric Systems Revenue

     

Series A 5.00% 12/1/35

     4,610,000         5,367,239   

Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency

     

Series A 5.25% 1/1/17 (AMBAC)

     750,000         796,860   
     

 

 

 
        29,165,721   
     

 

 

 

Healthcare Revenue Bonds – 8.56%

     

Alachua County, Florida Health Facilities Authority

     

(Oak Hammock University) Series A 8.00% 10/1/42

     1,000,000         1,238,620   

Colorado Health Facilities Authority Revenue

     

(American Baptist) 8.00% 8/1/43

     2,040,000         2,405,405   

(Mental Health Center Denver Project) Series A 5.75% 2/1/44

     1,875,000         2,093,981   

Fairfax County, Virginia Industrial Development Authority Revenue

     

(Inova Health Services) Series A 5.50% 5/15/35

     2,500,000         2,824,325   

Koyukuk, Alaska Revenue

     

(Tanana Chiefs Conference Health Care Facility Project) 7.75% 10/1/41

     3,000,000         3,447,450   

 

26


Table of Contents

    

    

 

 

     Principal amount°      Value (U.S. $)  

 

 

Municipal Bonds (continued)

     

 

 

Healthcare Revenue Bonds (continued)

     

Louisiana Public Facilities Authority Revenue

     

(Ochsner Clinic Foundation Project) 6.50% 5/15/37

     2,190,000       $ 2,543,575   

Maricopa County, Arizona Industrial Development Authority Health Facilities Revenue

     

(Catholic Healthcare West) Series A 6.00% 7/1/39

     3,690,000         4,175,051   

Moon, Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority

     

(Baptist Homes Society Obligation) 6.125% 7/1/50

     2,250,000         2,255,040   

New York State Dormitory Authority Revenue Non State Supported Debt

     

(Orange Regional Medical Center)

     

6.25% 12/1/37

     2,250,000         2,463,367   

6.50% 12/1/21

     2,745,000         3,097,925   

North Carolina Medical Care Commission Health Care Facilities Revenue

     

(First Mortgage - Galloway Ridge Project) Series A 5.875% 1/1/31

     1,555,000         1,654,738   

(First Mortgage - Presbyterian Homes) 5.40% 10/1/27

     3,260,000         3,343,391   

Ohio State Higher Educational Facility Community Revenue

     

(Cleveland Clinic Health System Obligation Group) Series A 5.25% 1/1/33

     2,000,000         2,166,500   

Orange County, New York Funding Corporation Assisted Living Residence Revenue

     

6.50% 1/1/46

     3,000,000         2,987,820   

Oregon Health & Science University Revenue

     

(Capital Appreciation Insured) Series A 5.75% 7/1/21 (NATL-RE)^

     2,000,000         1,728,200   

Palm Beach County, Florida Health Facilities Authority

     

(Sinai Residences Boca Raton Project)

     

7.25% 6/1/34

     120,000         137,312   

Series A 7.50% 6/1/49

     610,000         706,661   

Rochester, Minnesota

     

(The Homestead at Rochester) Series A 6.875% 12/1/48

     2,350,000         2,637,945   

Southwestern Illinois Development Authority Revenue

     

(Memorial Group Inc.) 7.125% 11/1/43

     2,000,000         2,428,520   

Tempe, Arizona Industrial Development Authority Revenue

     

(Friendship Village) Series A 6.25% 12/1/46

     1,000,000         1,081,200   

West Virginia Hospital Finance Authority Revenue

     

(Highland Hospital Obligation Group) 9.125% 10/1/41

     2,900,000         3,221,291   
     

 

 

 
            48,638,317   
     

 

 

 

 

27


Table of Contents

Schedules of investments

Delaware Tax-Free USA Fund

 

 

     Principal amount°      Value (U.S. $)  

 

 

Municipal Bonds (continued)

     

 

 

Housing Revenue Bonds – 1.19%

     

California Municipal Finance Authority Mobile Home Park Revenue

     

(Caritas Projects) Series A 6.40% 8/15/45

     4,605,000       $       5,062,553   

Williston, North Dakota

     

(Eagle Crest Apartments, LLC Project) 7.75% 9/1/38

     1,620,000         1,693,467   
     

 

 

 
        6,756,020   
     

 

 

 

Lease Revenue Bonds – 2.36%

     

New Jersey Economic Development Authority

     

(School Facilities Construction)

     

Series EE 5.00% 9/1/18

     2,890,000         3,073,688   

Series GG 5.75% 9/1/23

     1,000,000         1,088,200   

New York Liberty Development Revenue

     

(Class 2-3 World Trade Center Project) 144A 5.375% 11/15/40 #

     4,155,000         4,382,985   

Public Finance Authority, Wisconsin Airport Facilities Revenue

     

(AFCO Investors II Portfolio) 5.75% 10/1/31 (AMT)

     2,245,000         2,261,097   

St. Louis, Missouri Industrial Development Authority Leasehold Revenue

     

(Convention Center Hotel) 5.80% 7/15/20 (AMBAC)^

     3,035,000         2,630,161   
     

 

 

 
        13,436,131   
     

 

 

 

Local General Obligation Bonds – 7.58%

     

Chicago, Illinois

     

Series A 5.50% 1/1/39

     2,900,000         2,657,763   

Fairfax County, Virginia

     

(Public Improvement) Series A 5.00% 10/1/19

     9,000,000         10,384,020   

Georgetown, Texas Independent School District

     

(School Building)

     

5.00% 8/15/24 (PSF)

     1,430,000         1,640,467   

5.00% 8/15/26 (PSF)

     1,000,000         1,144,120   

Honolulu, Hawaii

     

Series A 5.00% 10/1/39

     2,500,000         2,892,150   

Los Angeles, California Community College District

     

Series C 5.00% 8/1/25

     2,500,000         3,107,375   

New York City, New York

     

Series A 5.00% 8/1/19

     2,690,000         3,066,788   

Series I-1 5.375% 4/1/36

     5,000,000         5,653,850   

Series J 5.00% 8/1/17

     3,000,000         3,252,540   

Subseries D-1 5.00% 10/1/36

     6,500,000         7,417,540   

 

28


Table of Contents

    

    

 

 

     Principal amount°      Value (U.S. $)  

 

 

Municipal Bonds (continued)

     

 

 

Local General Obligation Bonds (continued)

     

Prince George’s County, Maryland

     

(Consolidated Public Improvement) Series C 5.00% 8/1/17

     1,700,000       $       1,843,684   
     

 

 

 
        43,060,297   
     

 

 

 

Pre-Refunded/Escrowed to Maturity Bonds – 11.52%

     

Atlanta, Georgia Water & Wastewater Revenue

     

Series A 6.25% 11/1/39-19§

     5,500,000         6,648,180   

Brevard County, Florida Health Facilities Authority Revenue

     

(Health First Inc. Project) 7.00% 4/1/39-19§

     4,065,000         4,907,796   

Butler County, Pennsylvania Hospital Authority Revenue

     

(Butler Health System Project) 7.125% 7/1/29-19§

     2,500,000         3,058,025   

California State Economic Recovery

     

Series A 5.25% 7/1/21-19§

     1,990,000         2,310,111   

(Unrefunded) Series A 5.25% 7/1/21-19§

     1,140,000         1,323,380   

Cape Girardeau County, Missouri Industrial Development Authority Health Care Facilities Revenue

     

(Southeast Missouri Hospital) 5.25% 6/1/16 (NATL-RE)

     85,000         87,861   

Greene County, Missouri Single Family Mortgage Revenue Municipal Multiplier

     

(Private Mortgage Insurance) 11.75% 3/1/16 ^

     1,225,000         1,223,457   

Illinois Finance Authority Revenue

     

(Silver Cross & Medical Centers) 7.00% 8/15/44-19§

     3,000,000         3,682,650   

Maryland State & Local Facilities Loan Capital Improvement

     

Second Series 5.00% 8/1/17-16§

     935,000         975,457   

Missouri State Highways & Transportation Commission State Road Revenue

     

Series B 5.00% 5/1/24-16§

     7,000,000         7,222,880   

New Jersey Educational Facilities Authority Revenue

     

(University of Medicine & Dentistry) Series B 7.50% 12/1/32-19§

     1,435,000         1,768,968   

New York Dormitory Authority Revenue Non State Supported Debt

     

(North Shore Long Island Jewish Health System) Series A 5.50% 5/1/37-19§

     3,000,000         3,467,430   

North Texas Tollway Authority Revenue

     

(First Tier) 6.00% 1/1/24-18§

     2,930,000         3,281,834   

(Second Tier) Series F 5.75% 1/1/38-18§

     6,130,000         6,830,720   

Oklahoma State Turnpike Authority Revenue

     

(First Senior) 6.00% 1/1/22

     13,535,000         17,010,517   

Virgin Islands Public Finance Authority Revenue

     

Series A 7.30% 10/1/18

     1,155,000         1,272,048   

 

29


Table of Contents

Schedules of investments

Delaware Tax-Free USA Fund

 

 

     Principal amount°      Value (U.S. $)  

 

 

Municipal Bonds (continued)

     

 

 

Pre-Refunded/Escrowed to Maturity Bonds (continued)

     

Wisconsin Housing & Economic Developing Authority Revenue

     

6.10% 6/1/21-17 (FHA)§

     390,000       $ 424,308   
     

 

 

 
            65,495,622   
     

 

 

 

Special Tax Revenue Bonds – 12.31%

     

Brooklyn Arena Local Development, New York Pilot Revenue

     

(Barclays Center Project) 6.50% 7/15/30

     8,230,000         9,572,148   

Denver, Colorado Convention Center Hotel Authority Revenue Senior

     

5.00% 12/1/35 (SGI)

     1,305,000         1,330,434   

Henderson, Nevada Local Improvement Districts No. T-18

     

5.30% 9/1/35

     1,645,000         1,247,601   

Hollywood, Florida Community Redevelopment Agency Revenue

     

(Beach CRA) 5.625% 3/1/24

     1,105,000         1,107,995   

Missouri State Environmental Improvement & Energy Water Pollution Control Revenue

     

(State Revolving Fund Project) Series A 6.05% 7/1/16 (AGM)

     20,000         20,099   

Mosaic, Virginia District Community Development Authority Revenue

     

Series A 6.875% 3/1/36

     3,980,000         4,533,300   

Nevada State

     

5.00% 6/1/17

     1,700,000         1,830,883   

New Jersey Economic Development Authority Revenue

     

5.00% 6/15/25

     3,000,000         3,228,210   

5.00% 6/15/28

     2,695,000         2,849,343   

New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund Authority

     

Series B 5.00% 6/15/21

     3,235,000         3,433,176   

Series B 5.50% 6/15/31

     5,000,000         5,239,000   

New Mexico Finance Authority

     

(Senior Lien) 4.00% 6/15/16

     440,000         453,235   

New York City, New York Industrial Development Agency

     

(Yankee Stadium) 7.00% 3/1/49 (ASSURED GTY)

     1,000,000         1,179,120   

New York City, New York Transitional Finance Authority Future Tax Secured Fiscal 2011

     

Series A-1 5.00% 11/1/42

     10,000,000         11,226,900   

Series C 5.25% 11/1/25

     6,000,000         7,099,020   

Series D 5.00% 2/1/26

     3,000,000         3,454,620   

New York State Dormitory Authority

     

(Education) Series B 5.25% 3/15/38

     6,000,000         6,728,520   

 

30


Table of Contents

    

    

 

 

     Principal amount°      Value (U.S. $)  

 

 

Municipal Bonds (continued)

     

 

 

Special Tax Revenue Bonds (continued)

     

New York State Dormitory Authority

     

(Unrefunded - General Purpose) Series E 5.00% 2/15/17

     1,000,000       $       1,064,460   

Tampa, Florida Sports Authority Revenue Sales Tax

     

(Tampa Bay Arena Project) 5.75% 10/1/20 (NATL-RE)

     1,000,000         1,101,620   

Texas Public Finance Authority

     

(Assessment - Unemployment Compensation) 5.00% 1/1/17

     2,180,000         2,311,999   

Wyandotte County, Kansas City, Kansas Unified Government Special Obligation Revenue

     

(Capital Appreciation - Sales Tax Subordinate Lien) 6.07% 6/1/21 ^

     1,295,000         947,772   
     

 

 

 
        69,959,455   
     

 

 

 

State General Obligation Bonds – 6.82%

     

California State

     

5.00% 2/1/17

     630,000         669,715   

5.25% 11/1/40

     3,795,000         4,423,831   

Various Purposes

     

5.00% 9/1/22

     2,180,000         2,608,871   

5.00% 11/1/43

     3,000,000         3,376,080   

5.00% 10/1/44

     2,420,000         2,718,338   

6.00% 4/1/38

     4,060,000         4,732,133   

6.50% 4/1/33

     2,570,000         3,045,321   

Connecticut State

     

Series B 5.00% 6/15/35

     2,475,000         2,815,535   

Series E 5.00% 12/15/17

     900,000         954,360   

North Carolina State Public Improvement

     

Series A 5.00% 5/1/20

     10,585,000         12,361,481   

Washington State

     

(Various Purposes) Series R-2010A 5.00% 1/1/17

     990,000         1,049,806   
     

 

 

 
        38,755,471   
     

 

 

 

Transportation Revenue Bonds – 12.02%

     

Bay Area, California Toll Authority

     

Series S-6 5.00% 10/1/54

     3,000,000         3,263,610   

Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority Revenue

     

Senior Lien 6.00% 1/1/41

     5,160,000         5,902,421   

Maryland Economic Development Corporation Revenue

     

(Transportation Facilities Project) Series A 5.75% 6/1/35

     5,075,000         5,551,137   

New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund Authority

     

(Transportation Program) Series AA 5.00% 6/15/24

     5,000,000         5,321,650   

North Texas Tollway Authority Revenue

     

Series A 5.00% 1/1/34

     5,000,000         5,512,950   

 

31


Table of Contents

Schedules of investments

Delaware Tax-Free USA Fund

 

 

     Principal amount°      Value (U.S. $)  

 

 

Municipal Bonds (continued)

     

 

 

Transportation Revenue Bonds (continued)

     

North Texas Tollway Authority Revenue

     

(Unrefunded - First Tier) Series A 6.00% 1/1/24

     415,000       $ 456,043   

Pennsylvania Economic Development Financing Authority

     

(PA Bridges Finco LP) 4.125% 12/31/38 (AMT)

     1,835,000         1,748,627   

Phoenix, Arizona Civic Improvement Corporation Airport Revenue Junior Lien

     

Series A 5.00% 7/1/26

     1,800,000         2,048,472   

Port Authority of New York & New Jersey Special Project

     

(JFK International Air Terminal)

     

6.00% 12/1/42

     4,735,000         5,516,275   

6.50% 12/1/28

     5,500,000         5,576,340   

St. Louis, Missouri Airport Revenue

     

(Lambert-St. Louis International) Series A-1 6.625% 7/1/34

     5,995,000         6,936,215   

Texas Private Activity Bond Surface Transportation Corporate Senior Lien

     

(LBJ Infrastructure)

     

7.00% 6/30/40

     5,715,000         6,812,680   

7.50% 6/30/33

     1,560,000         1,901,827   

(NTE Mobility Partners)

     

6.75% 6/30/43 (AMT)

     2,490,000         3,026,197   

6.875% 12/31/39

     5,500,000         6,443,910   

7.00% 12/31/38 (AMT)

     1,830,000               2,277,472   
     

 

 

 
        68,295,826   
     

 

 

 

Water & Sewer Revenue Bonds – 4.96%

     

Jefferson County, Alabama Sewer Revenue

     

(Sub Lien Warrants) Series D 6.50% 10/1/53

     4,500,000         5,200,560   

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, Illinois

     

(Capital Improvement) Series C 5.00% 12/1/16

     440,000         465,300   

New York City, New York Municipal Water Finance Authority Water & Sewer System Revenue

     

(Fiscal 2009) Series A 5.75% 6/15/40

     4,000,000         4,484,840   

(Second Generation Fiscal 2013) Series CC 5.00% 6/15/47

     1,975,000         2,195,963   

(Second Generation Resolution Fiscal 2014) Series BB 5.00% 6/15/46

     5,000,000         5,570,300   

(Second Generation) Series BB 5.00% 6/15/47

     4,000,000         4,422,160   

San Francisco, California City & County Public Utilities Commission Water Revenue

     

Series F 5.00% 11/1/27

     5,000,000         5,848,600   
     

 

 

 
        28,187,723   
     

 

 

 

Total Municipal Bonds (cost $506,008,513)

        552,910,395   
     

 

 

 

 

32


Table of Contents

    

    

 

 

     Principal amount°      Value (U.S. $)  

 

 

Short-Term Investments – 1.41%

     

 

 

Variable Rate Demand Notes – 1.41%¤

     

East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana Pollution Control Revenue (Exxon Project)

     

0.01% 11/1/19

     1,500,000       $ 1,500,000   

Mississippi Business Finance (Chevron USA)

     

Series G 0.01% 11/1/35

     4,300,000         4,300,000   

Series I 0.01% 11/1/35

     2,195,000         2,195,000   
     

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments (cost $7,995,000)

        7,995,000   
     

 

 

 

Total Value of Securities – 98.69%
(cost $514,003,513)

          $560,905,395   
     

 

 

 

 

# Security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. At Aug. 31, 2015, the aggregate value of Rule 144A securities was $7,397,290, which represents 1.30% of the Fund’s net assets. See Note 8 in “Notes to financial statements.”

 

¤ Tax-exempt obligations that contain a floating or variable interest rate adjustment formula and an unconditional right of demand to receive payment of the unpaid principal balance plus accrued interest upon a short notice period (generally up to 30 days) prior to specified dates either from the issuer or by drawing on a bank letter of credit, a guarantee, or insurance issued with respect to such instrument. The rate shown is the rate as of Aug. 31, 2015.

 

° Principal amount shown is stated in U.S. dollars unless noted that the security is denominated in another currency.

 

Variable rate security. The rate shown is the rate as of Aug. 31, 2015. Interest rates reset periodically.

 

^ Zero coupon security. The rate shown is the yield at the time of purchase.

 

§ Pre-refunded bonds. Municipal bonds that are generally backed or secured by U.S. Treasury bonds. For pre-refunded bonds, the stated maturity is followed by the year in which the bond is pre-refunded. See Note 8 in “Notes to financial statements.”

 

33


Table of Contents

Schedules of investments

Delaware Tax-Free USA Fund

 

 

Summary of abbreviations:

AGM – Insured by Assured Guaranty Municipal Corporation

AMBAC – Insured by AMBAC Assurance Corporation

AMT – Subject to Alternative Minimum Tax

ASSURED GTY – Insured by Assured Guaranty Corporation

FHA – Federal Housing Administration

NATL-RE – Insured by National Public Finance Guarantee Corporation

PSF – Guaranteed by Permanent School Fund

SGI – Insured by Syncora Guarantee Inc.

See accompanying notes, which are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

34


Table of Contents

Schedules of investments

Delaware Tax-Free USA Intermediate Fund    August 31, 2015

 

     Principal amount°      Value (U.S. $)  

 

 

Municipal Bonds – 98.31%

     

 

 

Corporate Revenue Bonds – 14.25%

     

Allegheny County, Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority Revenue

     

(Environmental Improvement - U.S. Steel Corp. Project) 6.50% 5/1/17

     2,305,000       $       2,421,218   

Build NYC Resource, New York

     

(Pratt Paper Inc. Project) 144A 4.50% 1/1/25 (AMT)#

     1,200,000         1,278,060   

Chesterfield County, Virginia Economic Development Authority Pollution Control Revenue

     

(Virginia Electric & Power) Series A 5.00% 5/1/23

     1,460,000         1,645,902   

Gloucester County, New Jersey Pollution Control Financing Authority

     

(Keystone Urban Renewal) Series A 5.00% 12/1/24 (AMT)

     1,000,000         1,121,130   

Golden State, California Tobacco Securitization Corporate Settlement Revenue

     

(Asset-Backed)

     

Series A 5.00% 6/1/33

     1,735,000         1,962,111   

Series A 5.00% 6/1/34

     2,890,000         3,265,729   

Series A 5.00% 6/1/35

     8,645,000         9,654,909   

(Asset-Backed Senior Notes) Series A-1 4.50% 6/1/27

     9,200,000         8,780,940   

Harris County, Texas Industrial Development Corporation Solid Waste Disposal Revenue

     

(Deer Park Refining Project) 5.00% 2/1/23

     2,750,000         3,011,497   

Houston, Texas Airport System Revenue

     

(United Airlines Inc. Terminal E Project) 4.75% 7/1/24 (AMT)

     1,500,000         1,614,645   

Illinois Railsplitter Tobacco Settlement Authority

     

5.25% 6/1/20

     7,160,000         8,184,811   

6.25% 6/1/24

     7,500,000         7,825,575   

Indianapolis, Indiana Airport Authority Revenue Special Facilities

     

(Federal Express Corp. Project) 5.10% 1/15/17 (AMT)

     750,000         792,765   

Louisiana Public Facilities Authority

     

(LA Pellets Inc. Project) 144A 7.00% 7/1/24 (AMT)#

     1,905,000         1,910,829   

Maricopa County, Arizona Corporation Pollution Control Revenue

     

(Public Service - Palo Verde Project) Series B 5.20% 6/1/43

     6,000,000         6,655,740   

Maryland Economic Development Corporation Pollution Control Revenue

     

(CNX Marine Terminals) 5.75% 9/1/25

     3,825,000         3,900,238   

(Potomac Electric Project) 6.20% 9/1/22

     1,780,000         2,064,106   

 

35


Table of Contents

Schedules of investments

Delaware Tax-Free USA Intermediate Fund

 

 

     Principal amount°      Value (U.S. $)  

 

 

Municipal Bonds (continued)

     

 

 

Corporate Revenue Bonds (continued)

     

New Jersey Economic Development Authority Special Facilities Revenue

     

(Continental Airlines, Inc. Project)

     

4.875% 9/15/19 (AMT)

     3,025,000       $       3,163,515   

Series B 5.625% 11/15/30 (AMT)

     1,890,000         2,121,884   

Nez Perce County, Idaho

     

(Potlatch Project) 6.00% 10/1/24

     850,000         850,825   

Ohio State Air Quality Development Authority Revenue Environmental Improvement

     

(First Energy Generation) Series A 5.70% 8/1/20

     2,570,000         2,804,590   

(Pollution Control-First Energy) Series C 5.625% 6/1/18

     2,370,000         2,540,047   

Pennsylvania Economic Development Financing Authority

     

(PPL Energy Supply) Series B 5.00% 12/1/38

     2,755,000         2,778,142   

Salt Verde, Arizona Financial Corporation Senior Gas Revenue

     

5.25% 12/1/24

     3,050,000         3,552,640   

Selma, Alabama Industrial Development Board

     

(Zilkha Biomass Selma LLC Project) 144A 7.50% 5/1/25 (AMT)#

     1,450,000         1,447,115   

Texas Municipal Gas Acquisition & Supply Corp I

     

(Senior Lien) Series D 6.25% 12/15/26

     5,800,000         6,946,544   

Tobacco Settlement Financing Corporation, New Jersey Revenue

     

Series 1A 4.50% 6/1/23

     1,710,000         1,711,112   

Tulsa, Oklahoma Airports Improvement Trust

     

(American Airlines) 5.00% 6/1/35 (AMT)

     3,450,000         3,747,287   

Wisconsin Public Finance Authority Exempt Facilities Revenue

     

(National Gypsum) 5.25% 4/1/30 (AMT)

     2,905,000         2,989,739   
     

 

 

 
        100,743,645   
     

 

 

 

Education Revenue Bonds – 7.98%

     

Build NYC Resource, New York

     

5.25% 11/1/29

     1,800,000         1,930,068   

5.25% 11/1/34

     4,680,000         4,927,478   

California Municipal Finance Authority

     

(Touro College & University System) Series A 5.25% 1/1/34

     370,000         401,346   

California Municipal Finance Authority Educational Revenue

     

(American Heritage Education Foundation Project) Series A 5.25% 6/1/26

     1,000,000         1,008,050   

 

36


Table of Contents

    

    

 

 

     Principal amount°      Value (U.S. $)  

 

 

Municipal Bonds (continued)

     

 

 

Education Revenue Bonds (continued)

     

California Statewide Communities Development Authority Revenue

     

(California Baptist University) Series A 6.125% 11/1/33

     2,215,000       $       2,398,734   

California Statewide Communities Development Authority Student Housing Revenue

     

(Irvine, LLC - UCI East Campus) 6.00% 5/15/23

     3,150,000         3,491,555   

Clifton, Texas Higher Education Finance Corporation Revenue

     

(Uplift Education) Series A 6.00% 12/1/30

     1,100,000         1,251,932   

Connecticut State Health & Educational Facilities Authority Revenue

     

(Yale University) Series A-1 5.00% 7/1/25

     5,000,000         5,569,400   

Henderson, Nevada Public Improvement Trust

     

(Touro College & University System) 5.50% 1/1/34

     1,190,000         1,280,678   

Marietta, Georgia Development Authority Revenue

     

(Life University Income Project) 6.25% 6/15/20

     775,000         820,345   

Massachusetts State Development Finance Agency Revenue

     

(Harvard University) Series B-1 5.25% 10/15/29

     1,670,000         1,956,188   

Massachusetts State Health & Educational Facilities Authority Revenue

     

(Massachusetts Institute of Technology) Series M 5.25% 7/1/20

     3,000,000         3,551,040   

New York City Trust for Cultural Resources

     

(Whitney Museum of American Art) 5.00% 7/1/21

     3,025,000         3,487,734   

New York State Dormitory Authority

     

(Non State Supported Debt - Rockefeller University) Series A 5.00% 7/1/27

     1,055,000         1,195,621   

(Touro College & University System) Series A 5.25% 1/1/34

     1,360,000         1,475,899   

Pennsylvania State Higher Educational Facilities Authority Revenue

     

(Drexel University) Series A 5.25% 5/1/25

     5,290,000         6,035,097   

Private Colleges & Universities Authority, Georgia Revenue

     

(Mercer University Project)

     

Series A 5.25% 10/1/27

     2,020,000         2,268,278   

Series C 5.25% 10/1/27

     2,100,000         2,349,333   

Troy, New York Capital Resource Corporation Revenue

     

(Rensselaer Polytechnic) Series B 5.00% 9/1/18

     2,500,000         2,777,000   

University of North Carolina, North Carolina at Chapel Hill

     

5.00% 12/1/31

     3,490,000         3,793,037   

 

37


Table of Contents

Schedules of investments

Delaware Tax-Free USA Intermediate Fund

 

 

     Principal amount°      Value (U.S. $)  

 

 

Municipal Bonds (continued)

     

 

 

Education Revenue Bonds (continued)

     

University of Texas Permanent University Fund

     

Series B 5.00% 7/1/27

     3,715,000       $ 4,463,275   
     

 

 

 
              56,432,088   
     

 

 

 

Electric Revenue Bonds – 3.20%

     

California State Department Water Resources Power Supply Revenue

     

Series L 5.00% 5/1/19

     6,000,000         6,865,020   

Series N 5.00% 5/1/21

     3,580,000         4,274,090   

Long Island, New York Power Authority

     

Series A 5.00% 9/1/34

     2,325,000         2,599,885   

Rochester, Minnesota Electric Utilities Revenue

     

Series C 5.00% 12/1/18 (NATL-RE)

     2,000,000         2,117,700   

Salt River, Arizona Project Agricultural Improvement & Power District Electric Systems Revenue

     

Series A 5.00% 12/1/35

     5,840,000         6,799,278   
     

 

 

 
        22,655,973   
     

 

 

 

Healthcare Revenue Bonds – 9.45%

     

Arizona Health Facilities Authority

     

(Scottsdale Lincoln Hospital Project) 5.00% 12/1/30

     5,800,000         6,553,072   

Berks County, Pennsylvania Hospital Authority Revenue

     

(Reading Hospital & Medical Center Project) Series A-3 5.25% 11/1/24

     4,405,000         4,988,354   

California Statewide Communities Development Authority Revenue

     

(Kaiser Permanente) Series A 5.00% 4/1/19

     5,325,000         6,063,791   

Capital Trust Agency, Florida

     

(Tuscan Gardens Senior Living Center) 7.00% 4/1/35

     1,630,000         1,635,167   

Dauphin County, Pennsylvania General Authority Health System Revenue

     

(Pinnacle Health System Project) Series A 6.00% 6/1/29

     3,400,000         3,901,364   

Illinois Finance Authority Revenue

     

(Rush University Medical Center)

     

Series A 5.00% 11/15/32

     2,900,000         3,233,703   

Series A 5.00% 11/15/33

     1,450,000         1,604,323   

Minneapolis, Minnesota Health Care System Revenue

     

(Fairview Health Services) Series A 6.375% 11/15/23

     3,710,000         4,296,996   

Minneapolis, Minnesota Revenue

     

(National Marrow Donor Program Project)

     

5.00% 8/1/16

     4,720,000         4,862,166   

5.00% 8/1/18

     2,500,000         2,671,300   

 

38


Table of Contents

    

    

 

 

     Principal amount°      Value (U.S. $)  

 

 

Municipal Bonds (continued)

     

 

 

Healthcare Revenue Bonds (continued)

     

Montgomery County, Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority Revenue

     

(Whitemarsh Continuing Care) 5.00% 1/1/30

     870,000       $ 875,098   

Moon, Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority

     

(Baptist Homes Society Obligation) 5.625% 7/1/30

     2,440,000               2,433,705   

New York State Dormitory Authority Revenue

     

(North Shore Long Island Jewish Health System) Series A 5.00% 5/1/23

     4,000,000         4,544,480   

New York State Dormitory Authority Revenue Non State Supported Debt

     

(Orange Regional Medical Center) 6.50% 12/1/21

     2,000,000         2,257,140   

North Carolina Medical Care Commission Health Care Facilities Revenue

     

(First Mortgage - Presbyterian Homes) 5.40% 10/1/27

     780,000         799,952   

Ohio State Higher Educational Facilities Commission Revenue

     

(Cleveland Clinic Health System Obligation Group)

     

Series A 5.00% 1/1/17

     2,000,000         2,117,780   

Series A 5.00% 1/1/18

     1,000,000         1,094,690   

Palm Beach County, Florida Health Facilities Authority Revenue

     

(Sinai Residences Boca Raton Project-Entrance Fee)

     

Series B 6.25% 6/1/23

     950,000         1,053,749   

Series C 6.00% 6/1/21

     1,000,000         1,090,390   

Rochester, Minnesota Health Care Facilities Revenue

     

(Mayo Clinic)

     

Series A 4.00% 11/15/30

     3,800,000         4,148,004   

Series C 4.50% 11/15/38

     2,540,000         2,921,432   

Southwestern Illinois Development Authority

     

(Memorial Group) 7.125% 11/1/30

     2,190,000         2,693,525   

Washington State Housing Finance Commission

     

(Heron’s Key)

     

Series A 144A 6.50% 7/1/30 #

     455,000         467,249   

Series A 144A 6.75% 7/1/35 #

     465,000         479,080   
     

 

 

 
        66,786,510   
     

 

 

 

Housing Revenue Bond – 0.28%

     

Williston, North Dakota

     

(Eagle Crest Apartments, LLC Project) 6.25% 9/1/23

     1,880,000         1,974,000   
     

 

 

 
        1,974,000   
     

 

 

 

Lease Revenue Bonds – 3.48%

     

California Statewide Communities Development Authority Revenue

     

(Lancer Plaza Project) 5.125% 11/1/23

     785,000         812,475   

 

39


Table of Contents

Schedules of investments

Delaware Tax-Free USA Intermediate Fund

 

 

     Principal amount°      Value (U.S. $)  

 

 

Municipal Bonds (continued)

     

 

 

Lease Revenue Bonds (continued)

     

Idaho Building Authority Revenue

     

(Health & Welfare Project) Series A 5.00% 9/1/24

     2,800,000       $ 3,304,392   

Los Angeles County, California

     

(Disney Concert Hall Parking) 5.00% 3/1/23

     2,395,000         2,857,594   

Minnesota State General Fund Revenue

     

Series A 5.00% 6/1/27

     3,265,000         3,804,019   

New Jersey Economic Development Authority

     

(School Facilities Construction) Series EE 5.00% 9/1/18

     2,485,000         2,642,947   

New York Liberty Development Revenue

     

(World Trade Center Project)

     

Class 2-3 144A 5.15% 11/15/34 #

     4,665,000         4,869,700   

Class 3-3 144A 7.25% 11/15/44 #

     2,880,000         3,419,856   

Public Finance Authority, Wisconsin Airport Facilities Revenue

     

(AFCO Investors II Portfolio) 5.00% 10/1/23 (AMT)

     2,870,000         2,863,284   
     

 

 

 
              24,574,267   
     

 

 

 

Local General Obligation Bonds – 5.23%

     

Chesterfield County, Virginia

     

Series B 5.00% 1/1/22 (State Aid Withholding)

     4,070,000         4,865,034   

Chicago, Illinois

     

Series 2002B 5.50% 1/1/37

     1,435,000         1,320,071   

Series 2005D 5.50% 1/1/37

     1,150,000         1,057,897   

Conroe, Texas Independent School District

     

5.00% 2/15/25 (PSF)

     3,865,000         4,442,779   

Fort Worth, Texas Independent School District

     

(School Building) 5.00% 2/15/27 (PSF)

     2,000,000         2,362,860   

Henrico County, Virginia Refunding Public Improvement

     

5.00% 7/15/19

     4,000,000         4,588,880   

Houston, Texas Refunding & Public Improvement

     

Series A 5.25% 3/1/28

     5,000,000         5,524,000   

New York City, New York

     

Series A-1 5.00% 8/1/19

     3,500,000         3,783,815   

Series E 5.00% 8/1/23

     3,685,000         4,386,882   

Subseries D-1 5.00% 10/1/30

     4,000,000         4,642,040   
     

 

 

 
        36,974,258   
     

 

 

 

Pre-Refunded/Escrowed to Maturity Bonds – 8.82%

     

Arizona Water Infrastructure Finance Authority Revenue

     

(Water Quality) Series A 5.00% 10/1/21-18§

     2,430,000         2,730,664   

Atlanta, Georgia Water & Wastewater Revenue

     

Series A 6.00% 11/1/25-19§

     2,925,000         3,505,934   

Bay Area, California Toll Bridge Authority Revenue

     

(San Francisco Bay Area) Series F1 5.00% 4/1/34-18§

     1,665,000         1,845,702   

 

40


Table of Contents

    

    

 

 

     Principal amount°      Value (U.S. $)  

 

 

Municipal Bonds (continued)

     

 

 

Pre-Refunded/Escrowed to Maturity Bonds (continued)

     

Butler County, Pennsylvania Hospital Authority Revenue

     

(Butler Health System Project) 7.125% 7/1/29-19§

     2,250,000       $ 2,752,223   

California State Economic Recovery

     

Series A 5.25% 7/1/21-19§

     1,740,000               2,019,896   

(Unrefunded) Series A 5.25% 7/1/21-19§

     1,000,000         1,160,860   

California Statewide Communities Development Authority Revenue

     

(California Statewide Inland Regulatory Control Project) 5.25% 12/1/27-17§

     3,605,000         3,973,467   

Fairfax County, Virginia Public Improvement Revenue

     

Series A 5.00% 4/1/20-18 (State Aid Withholding)§

     10,000,000         11,075,800   

Idaho Housing & Finance Association Grant Revenue

     

(Antic Federal Highway Transportation) Series A 5.25% 7/15/21-18 (ASSURED GTY)§

     2,760,000         3,099,342   

Maryland State & Local Facilities Loan Capital Improvement

     

First Series 5.00% 3/15/19-17§

     3,675,000         3,925,157   

Massachusetts State Clean Water Trust

     

(Water Pollution Abatement Trust) 5.00% 8/1/16

     2,170,000         2,264,373   

Missouri State Highways & Transportation Commission State Road Revenue

     

(Second Lien) 5.25% 5/1/23-17§

     1,940,000         2,091,456   

New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation Revenue

     

(Revolving Funds Pooled Financing) Series D 5.00% 9/15/23-17§

     3,360,000         3,657,360   

North Texas Tollway Authority Revenue

     

(First Tier)

     

6.00% 1/1/20-18§

     3,440,000         3,853,075   

Series E-3 5.75% 1/1/38-16§

     3,750,000         3,816,037   

Pennsylvania Economic Development Financing Authority Health System Revenue

     

(Albert Einstein Healthcare) Series A 6.25% 10/15/23-19§

     670,000         780,155   

St. Louis Park, Minnesota Health Care Facilities Revenue

     

(Nicollet Health Services) Series C 5.50% 7/1/18

     4,240,000         4,786,282   

St. Paul, Minnesota Housing & Redevelopment Authority Hospital Revenue

     

(Healtheast Project) 6.00% 11/15/25-15§

     1,000,000         1,011,400   

Texas Transportation Commission State Highway Fund Revenue

     

(First Tier) 5.00% 4/1/18-17§

     1,700,000         1,818,966   

 

41


Table of Contents

Schedules of investments

Delaware Tax-Free USA Intermediate Fund

 

 

     Principal amount°      Value (U.S. $)  

 

 

Municipal Bonds (continued)

     

 

 

Pre-Refunded/Escrowed to Maturity Bonds (continued)

     

Virginia State

     

Series B 5.00% 6/1/23-18§

     2,000,000       $ 2,226,940   
     

 

 

 
              62,395,089   
     

 

 

 

Resource Recovery Revenue Bonds – 0.21%

     

Jefferson County, New York Industrial Development Agency Solid Waste Disposal Revenue

     

(Green Bond)

     

4.75% 1/1/20 (AMT)

     555,000         536,263   

5.25% 1/1/24 (AMT)

     510,000         487,897   

Pennsylvania Economic Development Financing Authority Resource Recovery Revenue

     

(Subordinate Colver Project) Series G 5.125% 12/1/15 (AMT)

     450,000         452,201   
     

 

 

 
        1,476,361   
     

 

 

 

Special Tax Revenue Bonds – 13.08%

     

Atlanta, Georgia Development Authority

     

(Senior Lien) Series A-1 5.25% 7/1/40

     1,870,000         2,145,227   

Baltimore, Maryland Convention Center Hotel Revenue Subordinated

     

Series B 5.00% 9/1/16

     200,000         201,980   

Brooklyn Arena Local Development, New York Pilot Revenue

     

(Barclays Center Project) 6.50% 7/15/30

     5,500,000         6,396,940   

Celebration Pointe, Florida Community Development District

     

4.75% 5/1/24

     725,000         726,689   

5.00% 5/1/34

     880,000         882,640   

Dallas, Texas Convention Center Hotel Development Revenue

     

Series A 5.00% 1/1/24

     3,420,000         3,749,175   

Series A 5.25% 1/1/23

     5,375,000         5,935,451   

Ernest N Morail-New Orleans, Louisiana Exhibition Hall Authority Special Tax Revenue

     

5.00% 7/15/26

     2,330,000         2,659,579   

Guam Government Limited Obligation Revenue

     

(Section 30)

     

Series A 5.375% 12/1/24

     1,750,000         1,935,027   

Series A 5.625% 12/1/29

     1,125,000         1,242,900   

Harris County-Houston, Texas Sports Authority

     

(Senior Lien) Series A 5.00% 11/15/30

     1,805,000         2,037,628   

Louisiana State Citizens Property Insurance Corporation Assessment Revenue

     

Series C-2 6.75% 6/1/26 (ASSURED GTY)

     6,350,000         7,277,925   

 

42


Table of Contents

    

    

 

 

     Principal amount°      Value (U.S. $)  

 

 

Municipal Bonds (continued)

     

 

 

Special Tax Revenue Bonds (continued)

     

New Jersey State Economic Development Authority Revenue

     

5.00% 6/15/22

     1,750,000         $      1,934,135   

5.00% 6/15/23

     1,250,000         1,363,087   

(School Facilities Construction) Series AA 5.50% 12/15/29

     4,580,000         4,799,336   

New Jersey State Transportation Trust Fund Authority

     

Series B 5.50% 6/15/31

     7,310,000         7,659,418   

New York City, New York Transitional Finance Authority Future Tax Secured

     

5.00% 11/1/23

     2,865,000         3,463,097   

Subseries A-1 5.00% 11/1/20

     2,860,000         3,361,987   

Subseries C 5.00% 11/1/27

     4,150,000         4,896,461   

Subseries E-1 5.00% 2/1/26

     4,020,000         4,712,566   

New York State Local Government Assistance Corporation Subordinate Lien

     

Series A 5.00% 4/1/20

     3,360,000         3,917,525   

New York State Urban Development Corporation

     

(Service Contract) Series A-1 5.00% 1/1/18

     5,785,000         6,345,509   

Oregon State Lottery

     

Series C 5.00% 4/1/24

     3,550,000         4,317,368   

Richmond Heights, Missouri Tax Increment & Transaction Sales Tax Revenue Refunding & Improvement

     

(Francis Place Redevelopment Project) 5.625% 11/1/25

     1,000,000         1,002,080   

St. Joseph, Missouri Industrial Development Authority Tax Increment Revenue

     

(Shoppes at North Village Project) Series B 5.375% 11/1/23 @

     880,000         881,021   

Virginia Commonwealth Transportation Board

     

(Gans-Garvee) 5.00% 3/15/24

     6,500,000         7,719,140   

Wyandotte County, Kansas City, Kansas Unified Government Special Obligation Revenue

     

(Capital Appreciation - Sales Tax Subordinate Lien ) 6.07% 6/1/21 ^

     1,305,000         955,090   
     

 

 

 
        92,518,981   
     

 

 

 

State General Obligation Bonds – 14.11%

     

California State

     

5.00% 2/1/20

     4,250,000         4,910,365   

(Various Purposes)

     

5.00% 10/1/18

     5,000,000         5,616,250   

5.00% 11/1/19

     5,245,000         6,048,639   

5.00% 10/1/24

     2,935,000         3,579,849   

5.25% 9/1/28

     7,750,000         9,048,125   

 

43


Table of Contents

Schedules of investments

Delaware Tax-Free USA Intermediate Fund

 

 

     Principal amount°      Value (U.S. $)  

 

 

Municipal Bonds (continued)

     

 

 

State General Obligation Bonds (continued)

     

Connecticut State

     

Series C 5.00% 11/1/24

     2,000,000         $      2,233,960   

Georgia State

     

Series A-1 5.00% 2/1/24

     5,000,000         6,157,950   

Series B 5.00% 7/1/17

     4,810,000         5,200,813   

Minnesota State

     

(Various Purpose)

     

Series A 5.00% 8/1/19

     2,020,000         2,317,667   

Series F 5.00% 10/1/22

     8,000,000         9,637,680   

Mississippi State

     

Series A 5.00% 10/1/17

     4,860,000         5,298,275   

New Jersey State

     

Series Q 5.00% 8/15/19

     5,000,000         5,585,450   

New York State

     

Series A 5.00% 2/15/28

     5,000,000         5,794,400   

Oregon State

     

Series L 5.00% 5/1/26

     6,000,000         7,074,720   

Texas State

     

(Transportation Commission Highway) 5.00% 4/1/29

     4,300,000         5,045,921   

Virginia State

     

Series D 5.00% 6/1/19

     5,715,000         6,534,131   

Washington State

     

(Motor Vehicle Fuel Tax) Series B 5.00% 7/1/16

     4,250,000         4,421,573   

(Various Purposes)

     

Series A 5.00% 7/1/16

     1,000,000         1,040,370   

Series 2015-A-1 5.00% 8/1/30

     3,595,000         4,205,898   
     

 

 

 
        99,752,036   
     

 

 

 

Transportation Revenue Bonds – 14.65%

     

Broward County, Florida Airport System Revenue

     

Series O 5.375% 10/1/29

     2,000,000         2,278,120   

Central Texas Turnpike System

     

Series C 5.00% 8/15/33

     1,750,000         1,929,060   

Chicago, Illinois O’Hare International Airport Revenue General-Airport-Third Lien

     

Series C 5.25% 1/1/28

     2,150,000         2,391,316   

Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas International Airport Revenue

     

Series A 5.00% 11/1/22

     680,000         717,842   

Houston, Texas Airports Commission Revenue Series B

     

5.00% 7/1/25

     1,000,000         1,143,070   

5.00% 7/1/26

     3,000,000         3,418,680   

Louisiana State Highway Improvement Revenue

     

Series A 5.00% 6/15/29

     5,195,000         6,044,590   

 

44


Table of Contents

    

    

 

 

     Principal amount°      Value (U.S. $)

 

Municipal Bonds (continued)

     

 

Transportation Revenue Bonds (continued)

     

Maryland State Economic Development Corporation Revenue

     

(Transportation Facilities Project) Series A 5.375% 6/1/25

     2,535,000       $      2,750,450

Memphis-Shelby County, Tennessee Airport Authority Revenue

     

Series D 5.00% 7/1/24

     4,110,000       4,682,359

Metropolitan, New York Transportation Authority Revenue

     

Series 2008C 6.50% 11/15/28

     2,860,000       3,354,980

Series A 5.00% 11/15/18

     2,500,000       2,808,775

Minneapolis - St. Paul, Minnesota Metropolitan Airports Commission

     

Senior Series A 5.00% 1/1/22 (AMBAC)

     5,000,000       5,289,600

New Orleans, Louisiana Aviation Board

     

Series B 5.00% 1/1/32 (AMT)

     2,900,000       3,233,906

Series B 5.00% 1/1/33 (AMT)

     2,900,000       3,224,133

New York State Thruway Authority Revenue

     

Series J 5.00% 1/1/27

     5,705,000       6,671,142

North Texas Tollway Authority Revenue

     

(First Tier) 6.00% 1/1/20

     485,000       537,569

Pennsylvania Economic Development Financing Authority

     

(PA Bridges Finco LP) 5.00% 12/31/34 (AMT)

     5,690,000       6,082,610

Pennsylvania State Turnpike Commission Revenue

     

Subordinate Series A-1 5.00% 12/1/29

     3,590,000       4,079,066

Phoenix, Arizona Civic Improvement Corporation Airport Revenue

     

(Junior Lien) Series A 5.00% 7/1/26

     7,500,000       8,535,300

Port Authority of New York & New Jersey Special Project

     

(JFK International Air Terminal) 6.50% 12/1/28

     8,300,000       8,415,204

Sacramento County, California Airport System Revenue

     

5.00% 7/1/24

     1,425,000       1,628,419

(PFC/Grant) Series D 5.50% 7/1/28

     2,020,000       2,251,128

San Francisco, California City & County Airports Commission

     

Series D 5.00% 5/1/25

     2,000,000       2,335,880

St. Louis, Missouri Airport Revenue

     

(Lambert-St. Louis International) Series A-1 6.125% 7/1/24

     3,780,000       4,341,632

Texas Private Activity Bond Surface Transportation Corporate Senior Lien Revenue

     

(LBJ Infrastructure) 7.50% 6/30/33

     3,625,000       4,419,310

(NTE Mobility Partners) 7.00% 12/31/38 (AMT)

     3,750,000       4,666,950

 

45


Table of Contents

Schedules of investments

Delaware Tax-Free USA Intermediate Fund

 

 

     Principal amount°      Value (U.S. $)

 

Municipal Bonds (continued)

     

 

Transportation Revenue Bonds (continued)

     

Texas Private Activity Bond Surface Transportation Corporate Senior Lien Revenue

     

(NTE Mobility Partners) 7.50% 12/31/31

     3,765,000       $      4,504,295

Triborough, New York Bridge & Tunnel Authority Revenue

     

Series A 5.00% 11/15/17

     1,720,000       1,883,658
     

 

      103,619,044
     

 

Water & Sewer Revenue Bonds – 3.57%

     

Atlanta, Georgia Water & Wastewater Revenue

     

Series B 5.50% 11/1/23 (AGM)

     3,000,000       3,422,220

California State Department of Water Resources Center Valley Project

     

Series AS 5.00% 12/1/29

     2,695,000       3,228,529

New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation Revenue

     

(State Clean Water & Drinking Water Revolving Foundation) Series A 5.00% 6/15/22

     1,405,000       1,567,460

Portland, Oregon Sewer System Revenue (First Lien)

     

Series A 5.00% 6/15/18

     4,000,000       4,447,960

Sacramento, California Water Revenue

     

5.00% 9/1/26

     3,160,000       3,715,402

San Francisco, California City & County Public Utilities Commission Water Revenue

     

Sub Series A 5.00% 11/1/27

     7,430,000       8,847,421
     

 

      25,228,992
     

 

Total Municipal Bonds (cost $655,331,446)

      695,131,244
     

 

 

Short-Term Investments – 0.86%

     

 

Variable Rate Demand Notes – 0.86%¤

     

California Infrastructure & Economic Development Bank Revenue (Los Angeles Museum) Series A

     

0.01% 9/1/37 (LOC - Wells Fargo Bank N.A.)

     3,225,000       3,225,000

East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana Pollution Control Revenue (Exxon Project)

     

0.01% 11/1/19

     500,000       500,000

Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota Housing & Redevelopment Authority Health Care Revenue (Allina Health System) Series B-1

     

0.01% 11/15/35 (LOC - JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.)

     1,350,000       1,350,000

 

46


Table of Contents

    

    

 

 

     Principal amount°      Value (U.S. $)  

 

 

Short-Term Investments (continued)

     

 

 

Variable Rate Demand Notes¤ (continued)

     

Mississippi Business Finance (Chevron USA) Series G 0.01% 11/1/35

     1,000,000       $ 1,000,000   
     

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments (cost $6,075,000)

        6,075,000   
     

 

 

 

Total Value of Securities – 99.17%
(cost $661,406,446)

         $701,206,244   
     

 

 

 

 

# Security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. At Aug. 31, 2015, the aggregate value of Rule 144A securities was $13,871,889, which represents 1.96% of the Fund’s net assets. See Note 8 in “Notes to financial statements.”
@ Illiquid security. At Aug. 31, 2015, the aggregate value of illiquid securities was $881,021, which represents 0.12% of the Fund’s net assets. See Note 8 in “Notes to financial statements.”
¤ Tax-exempt obligations that contain a floating or variable interest rate adjustment formula and an unconditional right of demand to receive payment of the unpaid principal balance plus accrued interest upon a short notice period (generally up to 30 days) prior to specified dates either from the issuer or by drawing on a bank letter of credit, a guarantee, or insurance issued with respect to such instrument. The rate shown is the rate as of Aug. 31, 2015.
° Principal amount shown is stated in U.S. dollars unless noted that the security is denominated in another currency.
Variable rate security. The rate shown is the rate as of Aug. 31, 2015. Interest rates reset periodically.
^ Zero coupon security. The rate shown is the yield at the time of purchase.
§ Pre-refunded bonds. Municipal bonds that are generally backed or secured by U.S. Treasury bonds. For pre-refunded bonds, the stated maturity is followed by the year in which the bond is pre-refunded. See Note 8 in “Notes to financial statements.”

Summary of abbreviations:

AGM – Insured by Assured Guaranty Municipal Corporation

AMBAC – Insured by AMBAC Assurance Corporation

AMT – Subject to Alternative Minimum Tax

ASSURED GTY – Insured by Assured Guaranty Corporation

LOC – Letter of Credit

N.A. – North America

NATL-RE – Insured by National Public Finance Guarantee Corporation

PSF – Guaranteed by Permanent School Fund

See accompanying notes, which are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

47


Table of Contents
Schedules of investments   
Delaware National High-Yield Municipal Bond Fund    August 31, 2015 

 

     Principal amount°      Value (U.S. $)  

 

 

Municipal Bonds – 97.94%

     

 

 

Corporate Revenue Bonds – 21.70%

     

Allegheny County, Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority Revenue

     

(Environmental Improvement - U.S. Steel Corp. Project)

     

5.75% 8/1/42 (AMT)

     6,520,000       $ 6,655,942   

6.875% 5/1/30

     300,000         333,021   

Buckeye, Ohio Tobacco Settlement Financing Authority

     

(Asset-Backed Senior Turbo)

     

Series A-2 5.875% 6/1/47

     23,340,000             18,819,976   

Series A-2 6.50% 6/1/47

     8,405,000         7,346,894   

Build NYC Resource, New York

     

(Pratt Paper Inc. Project) 144A 5.00% 1/1/35 (AMT)#

     2,950,000         3,137,531   

California Pollution Control Financing Authority Revenue

     

(Poseidon Resources) 144A 5.00% 7/1/37 (AMT)#

     5,000,000         5,322,250   

California State Enterprise Development Authority Revenue

     

(Sunpower Corp.- Recovery Zone Facility) 8.50% 4/1/31

     1,000,000         1,145,260   

Cloquet, Minnesota Pollution Control Revenue

     

(Potlatch Corp. Project) 5.90% 10/1/26

     3,605,000         3,608,461   

Columbus County, North Carolina Industrial Facilities & Pollution Control Financing

     

(International Paper Co. Project) Series A 5.70% 5/1/34

     1,000,000         1,135,600   

Gaston County, North Carolina Industrial Facilities & Pollution Control Financing Authority

     

Exempt Facilities (National Gypsum Co. Project) 5.75% 8/1/35 (AMT)

     1,510,000         1,512,280   

Gloucester County, New Jersey Pollution Control Financing Authority

     

(Keystone Urban Renewal) Series A 5.00% 12/1/24 (AMT)

     1,430,000         1,603,216   

Golden State, California Tobacco Securitization Corporate Settlement Revenue

     

(Asset-Backed Enhanced) Series A 5.00% 6/1/45

     2,205,000         2,424,442   

(Asset-Backed Senior Notes)

     

Series A-1 5.125% 6/1/47

     5,000,000         3,920,550   

Series A-1 5.75% 6/1/47

     10,735,000         9,226,410   

Houston, Texas Airport System Revenue

     

Series B-1 5.00% 7/15/35 (AMT)

     5,000,000         5,197,250   

(Special Facilities Continental Airlines) Series A 6.625% 7/15/38 (AMT)

     2,000,000         2,312,980   

(United Airlines Inc.) 5.00% 7/1/29 (AMT)

     1,150,000         1,216,987   

Illinois Railsplitter Tobacco Settlement Authority

     

5.50% 6/1/23

     2,010,000         2,318,515   

6.00% 6/1/28

     1,455,000         1,711,546   

6.25% 6/1/24

     2,635,000         2,749,385   

 

48


Table of Contents

    

    

 

 

     Principal amount°      Value (U.S. $)  

 

 

Municipal Bonds (continued)

     

 

 

Corporate Revenue Bonds (continued)

     

Louisiana Local Government Environmental Facilities & Community Development Authority Revenue

     

(Westlake Chemical Corp.) Series A-1 6.50% 11/1/35

     3,000,000       $ 3,572,490   

Louisiana Public Facilities Authority

     

(LA Pellets Inc. Project)

     

144A 7.75% 7/1/39 (AMT)#

     4,000,000         3,992,880   

Series A 8.375% 7/1/39 (AMT)

     3,500,000         3,609,060   

Maryland Economic Development Corporation Facilities Revenue

     

(CNX Marine Terminals Inc.) 5.75% 9/1/25

     5,875,000         5,990,561   

Michigan Tobacco Settlement Financing Authority Revenue Asset-Backed

     

Series A 6.00% 6/1/48

     555,000         465,534   

M-S-R Energy Authority, California Gas Revenue

     

Series A 6.50% 11/1/39

     2,500,000         3,285,175   

New Jersey Economic Development Authority Special Facility Revenue

     

(Continental Airlines Inc. Project)

     

5.25% 9/15/29 (AMT)

     4,000,000         4,356,520   

Series B 5.625% 11/15/30 (AMT)

     1,270,000         1,425,816   

New York City, New York Industrial Development Agency Special Facilities Revenue

     

(American Airlines - JFK International Airport) 7.75% 8/1/31 (AMT)

     1,000,000         1,061,470   

New York Liberty Development Corporation Revenue

     

(Goldman Sachs Headquarters) 5.25% 10/1/35

     10,000,000             11,729,300   

(Second Priority - Bank of America Tower) Class 3 6.375% 7/15/49

     2,000,000         2,264,500   

Nez Perce County, Idaho

     

(Potlatch Project) 6.00% 10/1/24

     1,285,000         1,286,246   

Ohio State Water Development Authority

     

(First Energy Nuclear Generation) Series B 4.00% 12/1/33

     5,000,000         5,166,250   

Parish of St. John the Baptist, Louisiana

     

(Marathon Oil) Series A 5.125% 6/1/37

     3,700,000         3,822,063   

Pennsylvania Economic Development Financing Authority

     

(National Gypson) 5.50% 11/1/44 (AMT)

     4,500,000         4,631,805   

(PPL Energy Supply) Series A 6.40% 12/1/38

     6,055,000         6,137,953   

Pima County, Arizona Industrial Development Authority Pollution Control Revenue

     

(Tucson Electric Power) Series A 5.25% 10/1/40

     500,000         549,445   

 

49


Table of Contents

Schedules of investments

Delaware National High-Yield Municipal Bond Fund

 

 

     Principal amount°      Value (U.S. $)  

 

 

Municipal Bonds (continued)

     

 

 

Corporate Revenue Bonds (continued)

     

Port of Seattle, Washington Industrial Development Corporation Special Facilities Revenue

     

(Delta Airlines) 5.00% 4/1/30 (AMT)

     2,000,000       $ 2,088,400   

Salt Verde, Arizona Financial Senior Gas Revenue

     

5.00% 12/1/37

     13,015,000         14,134,420   

5.25% 12/1/27

     2,235,000         2,592,756   

5.25% 12/1/28

     1,050,000         1,216,793   

5.50% 12/1/29

     765,000         908,897   

Selma Industrial Development Board

     

(Zilkha Biomass Selma Project) 144A 7.50% 5/1/25 (AMT)#

     5,705,000         5,693,647   

Shoals, Indiana

     

(National Gypsum Co. Project) 7.25% 11/1/43 (AMT)

     1,625,000         1,808,203   

Sweetwater County, Wyoming Solid Waste Disposal Revenue

     

(FMC Corp. Project) 5.60% 12/1/35 (AMT)

     1,000,000         1,010,160   

Texas Municipal Gas Acquisition & Supply Corp I

     

(Senior Lien) Series D 6.25% 12/15/26

     4,460,000         5,341,653   

Tobacco Settlement Financing Authority Revenue, New York

     

(Revenue Asset Backed) Series B 5.00% 6/1/21

     3,860,000         3,998,613   

Tobacco Settlement Financing Corporation, Louisiana

     

Asset-Backed Note Series A 5.25% 5/15/35

     2,540,000         2,821,686   

Tobacco Settlement Financing Corporation, New Jersey

     

Series 1A 5.00% 6/1/41

     18,430,000         14,050,663   

TSASC, New York Revenue (Asset-Backed)

     

Series 1 5.125% 6/1/42

     485,000         423,143   

Tulsa, Oklahoma Municipal Airport Trust Revenue

     

Series A 5.50% 6/1/35 (AMT)

     2,000,000         2,139,480   

(American Airlines) 5.00% 6/1/35 (AMT)

     3,000,000         3,258,510   

Valparaiso, Indiana

     

(Pratt Paper LLC Project) 7.00% 1/1/44 (AMT)

     2,865,000         3,478,998   
     

 

 

 
            210,011,586   
     

 

 

 

Education Revenue Bonds – 16.35%

     

Arlington, Texas Higher Education Finance

     

(Arlington Classic Academy) 7.65% 8/15/40

     1,000,000         1,117,480   

Bowling Green, Ohio Student Housing Revenue CFP I

     

(State University Project) 6.00% 6/1/45

     1,215,000         1,293,938   

Buffalo & Erie County, New York Industrial Land Development Corporation Revenue

     

(Medaille College Project) 5.25% 4/1/35

     1,615,000         1,616,825   

 

50


Table of Contents

    

    

 

 

     Principal amount°      Value (U.S. $)  

 

 

Municipal Bonds (continued)

     

 

 

Education Revenue Bonds (continued)

     

Build NYC Resource, New York

     

5.00% 11/1/39

     1,000,000       $       1,020,020   

5.50% 11/1/44

     2,500,000         2,630,750   

Burbank, Illinois

     

(Intercultural Montessori Language) 144A 6.25% 9/1/45 #

     4,000,000         4,000,000   

California Municipal Finance Authority Revenue

     

(California Baptist University) Series A 144A 5.50% 11/1/45 #

     4,000,000         4,021,320   

(Julian Charter School Project) Series A 144A 5.625% 3/1/45 #

     7,500,000         7,441,275   

(Partnership Uplift Community Project) Series A 5.25% 8/1/42

     1,700,000         1,771,842   

(Santa Rosa Academy Project) Series A 6.00% 7/1/42

     1,250,000         1,307,487   

(Southwestern Law School) 6.50% 11/1/41

     1,500,000         1,783,725   

California School Finance Authority

     

(Alliance College-Ready Public Schools)

     

144A 5.00% 7/1/35 #

     1,000,000         1,036,100   

144A 5.00% 7/1/45 #

     3,000,000         3,072,390   

(New Designs Charter School) Series A 5.50% 6/1/42

     2,750,000         2,805,633   

(View Park Elementary & Middle Schools)

     

5.875% 10/1/44

     1,000,000         1,025,400   

6.00% 10/1/49

     720,000         741,960   

California State University

     

(Systemwide) Series A 5.00% 11/1/17

     4,570,000         5,004,881   

California Statewide Communities Development Authority Charter School Revenue

     

(Green Dot Public Schools) Series A 7.25% 8/1/41

     1,915,000         2,220,270   

California Statewide Communities Development Authority Revenue

     

(Aspire Public Schools Project) 6.00% 7/1/40

     995,000         1,054,939   

(California Baptist University Project)

     

7.50% 11/1/41

     1,000,000         1,171,050   

Series A 5.50% 11/1/38

     2,000,000         2,015,360   

Capital Trust Agency, Florida

     

(River City Education Services Inc. Project)

     

5.375% 2/1/35

     870,000         868,921   

5.625% 2/1/45

     1,500,000         1,498,845   

Chattanooga, Tennessee Health Educational & Housing Facilities Board Revenue

     

(CDFI Phase I, LLC Project)

     

Series A 5.125% 10/1/35

     1,000,000         1,000,770   

Subordinate Series B 6.00% 10/1/35

     1,500,000         1,501,710   

 

51


Table of Contents

Schedules of investments

Delaware National High-Yield Municipal Bond Fund

 

 

     Principal amount°      Value (U.S. $)  

 

 

Municipal Bonds (continued)

     

 

 

Education Revenue Bonds (continued)

     

Clifton, Texas Higher Education Finance Corporation Revenue

     

(Idea Public Schools) 5.75% 8/15/41

     1,000,000       $       1,116,700   

(Uplift Education) Series A 6.25% 12/1/45

     1,000,000         1,147,530   

Colorado Educational & Cultural Facilities Authority Revenue

     

(Charter School - Community Leadership Academy) 7.45% 8/1/48

     2,000,000         2,330,320   

(Skyview Charter School) 144A 5.375% 7/1/44 #

     500,000         525,425   

District of Columbia

     

(KIPP Charter School) 6.00% 7/1/48

     1,450,000         1,648,143   

(Provident Group - Howard Properties) 5.00% 10/1/35

     2,500,000         2,459,450   

East Hempfield Township, Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority

     

(Student Services Income - Student Housing Project) 5.00% 7/1/30

     1,000,000         1,054,690   

Gainesville, Georgia Redevelopment Authority Educational Facilities Revenue

     

(Riverside Military Academy Project)

     

5.125% 3/1/27

     2,800,000         2,791,572   

5.125% 3/1/37

     2,000,000         1,886,860   

Hawaii State Department of Budget & Finance

     

(Hawaii University) Series A 6.875% 7/1/43

     2,000,000         2,253,880   

Henderson, Nevada Public Improvement Trust

     

(Touro College & University System) 5.50% 1/1/44

     2,000,000         2,120,900   

Idaho Housing & Finance Association

     

Series A 5.00% 6/1/50

     1,000,000         977,350   

(North Star Charter School)

     

Series A 6.75% 7/1/48

     529,150         504,989   

Series B 144A 5.00% 7/1/49 #^

     2,888,155         227,644   

Illinois Finance Authority Charter School Revenue

     

(Uno Charter School) Series A 7.125% 10/1/41

     1,000,000         1,124,810   

Illinois Finance Authority Revenue

     

(Lake Forest College) Series A 6.00% 10/1/48

     1,000,000         1,088,730   

(Rogers Park Montessori)

     

6.00% 2/1/34

     675,000         699,300   

6.125% 2/1/45

     1,800,000         1,845,648   

Illinois Finance Authority Student Housing Revenue

     

(Dekalb II - Northern Illinois University Project) 6.875% 10/1/43

     1,000,000         1,156,280   

 

52


Table of Contents

    

    

 

 

     Principal amount°      Value (U.S. $)  

 

 

Municipal Bonds (continued)

     

 

 

Education Revenue Bonds (continued)

     

Indiana State Finance Authority Revenue Educational Facilities

     

(Drexel Foundation - Thea Bowman Academy Charter School) Series A 7.00% 10/1/39

     1,000,000       $ 970,530   

Kanawha, West Virginia

     

(West Virginia University Foundation Project) 6.75% 7/1/45

     2,500,000               2,788,200   

Louisiana Public Facilities Authority Revenue

     

(Lake Charles Charter Academy Foundation Project) 8.00% 12/15/41

     1,500,000         1,711,440   

(Southwest Louisiana Charter Academy Foundation Project) Series A 8.375% 12/15/43

     2,500,000         2,921,275   

Marietta, Georgia Development Authority Revenue

     

(Life University Income Project) 7.00% 6/15/39

     2,845,000         2,981,873   

Maryland State Economic Development Corporation Student Housing Revenue

     

(University of Maryland College Park Projects) 5.75% 6/1/33

     1,130,000         1,224,649   

Maryland State Health & Higher Educational Facilities Authority Revenue

     

(Patterson Park Public Charter School) Series A 6.125% 7/1/45

     1,000,000         1,045,460   

Massachusetts State Development Finance Agency Revenue

     

(Harvard University) Series B-1 5.00% 10/15/20

     1,510,000         1,778,599   

Massachusetts State Health & Educational Facilities Authority Revenue

     

(Springfield College) 5.625% 10/15/40

     1,000,000         1,068,190   

Miami-Dade County, Florida Industrial Development Authority

     

(Youth Co-Op Charter School)

     

Series A 144A 5.75% 9/15/35 #

     1,000,000         984,780   

Series A 144A 6.00% 9/15/45 #

     1,000,000         997,210   

Michigan Finance Authority Limited Obligation Revenue

     

(Higher Education Thomas M Cooley) 144A 6.75% 7/1/44 #

     3,500,000         3,700,935   

(Public School Academy) (Old Redford) Series A 6.50% 12/1/40

     900,000         921,123   

(Public School Academy) (University Learning) 7.50% 11/1/40

     1,000,000         1,084,540   

(Public School Academy) (Voyageur) 8.00% 7/15/41

     1,250,000         1,137,837   

Michigan Public Educational Facilities Authority Revenue

     

(Limited-Obligation-Landmark Academy) 7.00% 12/1/39

     950,000         999,543   

 

53


Table of Contents

Schedules of investments

Delaware National High-Yield Municipal Bond Fund

 

 

     Principal amount°      Value (U.S. $)  

 

 

Municipal Bonds (continued)

     

 

 

Education Revenue Bonds (continued)

     

Minnesota Higher Education Facilities Authority Revenue

     

(Bethel University) Series 6-R 5.50% 5/1/37

     1,000,000       $       1,024,380   

Nevada State Department of Business & Industry

     

(Somerset Academy)

     

Series A 144A 5.00% 12/15/35 #

     1,595,000         1,574,855   

Series A 144A 5.125% 12/15/45 #

     2,515,000         2,488,089   

New Jersey Economic Development Authority Revenue

     

(Provident Group - Montclair) 5.875% 6/1/42

     1,500,000         1,661,835   

New Jersey State Higher Education Student Assistance Authority Student Loan Revenue

     

Series 1B 5.75% 12/1/39 (AMT)

     1,250,000         1,348,463   

New York State Dormitory Authority

     

(Touro College & University System) Series A 5.50% 1/1/44

     2,875,000         3,088,986   

North Texas Education Finance Revenue

     

(Uplift Education) Series A 5.25% 12/1/47

     2,100,000         2,210,607   

Oregon State Facilities Authority Revenue

     

(Concordia University Project)

     

Series A 144A 6.125% 9/1/30 #

     900,000         956,358   

Series A 144A 6.375% 9/1/40 #

     500,000         537,970   

Pennsylvania State Higher Educational Facilities Authority Revenue

     

(Edinboro University Foundation) 5.80% 7/1/30

     1,300,000         1,396,798   

(Edinboro University) 6.00% 7/1/42

     1,000,000         1,048,130   

(Foundation Indiana University) Series A 0.84% 7/1/39

     

(SGI)

     2,400,000         1,888,320   

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Authority for Industrial Development Revenue

     

(1st Philadelphia Preparatory) 7.25% 6/15/43

     1,230,000         1,388,350   

(Discovery Charter School Project)

     

5.875% 4/1/32

     450,000         473,251   

6.25% 4/1/37

     200,000         213,752   

(Global Leadership Academy Project) 6.375% 11/15/40

     1,000,000         1,067,200   

(Green Woods Charter School) Series A 5.75% 6/15/42

     1,600,000         1,650,576   

(New Foundation Charter School Project) 6.625% 12/15/41

     1,000,000         1,098,950   

(Tacony Academy Charter School Project) 7.00% 6/15/43

     1,540,000         1,731,253   

Phoenix, Arizona Industrial Development Authority Revenue

     

(Basis School) 144A 5.00% 7/1/45 #

     2,000,000         1,987,580   

 

54


Table of Contents

    

    

 

 

     Principal amount°      Value (U.S. $)  

 

 

Municipal Bonds (continued)

     

 

 

Education Revenue Bonds (continued)

     

Phoenix, Arizona Industrial Development Authority Revenue

     

(Choice Academies Project)

     

5.375% 9/1/32

     1,000,000       $ 1,039,570   

5.625% 9/1/42

     600,000         629,502   

(Eagle College Preparatory Project) Series A 5.00% 7/1/43

     450,000         432,333   

(Legacy Traditional Schools Project) Series A 144A 6.75% 7/1/44 #

     1,500,000         1,678,080   

(Rowan University Project) 5.00% 6/1/42

     2,000,000         2,136,680   

Pima County, Arizona Industrial Development Authority Revenue

     

(Edkey Charter Schools Project) 6.00% 7/1/43

     2,000,000         1,939,260   

Private Colleges & Universities Authority, Georgia Revenue

     

(Mercer University) Series A 5.00% 10/1/32

     1,005,000         1,092,666   

Provo, Utah Charter School Revenue

     

(Freedom Academy Foundation Project) 5.50% 6/15/37

     805,000         810,780   

San Juan, Texas Higher Education Finance Authority Education Revenue

     

(Idea Public Schools) Series A 6.70% 8/15/40

     2,000,000         2,330,840   

St. Paul Housing & Redevelopment Authority Charter School Lease Revenue

     

(Academia Cesar Chavez School Project) Series A 5.25% 7/1/50

     2,560,000         2,389,862   

Utah State Charter School Finance Authority Revenue

     

(North Davis Preparatory) 6.375% 7/15/40

     1,290,000         1,394,980   

Wisconsin Public Finance Authority Revenue

     

(Pine Lake Preparatory) 144A 5.50% 3/1/45 #

     3,460,000         3,465,086   

(Roseman University Health Sciences Project) 5.75% 4/1/42

     2,000,000         1,997,720   

Wyoming Community Development Authority Student Housing Revenue

     

(CHF-Wyoming LLC) 6.50% 7/1/43

     1,000,000         1,131,770   

Yonkers, New York Economic Development Corporation Education Revenue

     

(Charter School Educational Excellence) 6.25% 10/15/40

     595,000         629,302   
     

 

 

 
            158,233,430   
     

 

 

 

Electric Revenue Bonds – 0.42%

     

California State Department of Water Resources

     

Series L 5.00% 5/1/17

     1,045,000         1,123,615   

Long Island, New York Power Authority

     

Series A 5.00% 9/1/44

     1,960,000         2,156,686   

 

55


Table of Contents

Schedules of investments

Delaware National High-Yield Municipal Bond Fund

 

 

     Principal amount°      Value (U.S. $)  

 

 

Municipal Bonds (continued)

     

 

 

Electric Revenue Bonds (continued)

     

Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency

     

Series A 5.25% 1/1/17 (AMBAC)

     750,000       $ 796,860   
     

 

 

 
              4,077,161   
     

 

 

 

Healthcare Revenue Bonds – 23.04%

     

Abag, California Finance Authority for Nonprofit Corporations

     

(Episcopal Senior Communities) 6.125% 7/1/41

     1,650,000         1,865,045   

Alachua County, Florida Health Facilities Authority

     

(Oak Hammock University)

     

Series A 8.00% 10/1/42

     1,000,000         1,238,620   

Series A 8.00% 10/1/46

     1,500,000         1,854,615   

Apple Valley, Minnesota Economic Development Authority Health Care Revenue

     

(Augustana Home St. Paul Project) Series A 6.00% 1/1/40

     1,000,000         1,003,280   

Arizona Health Facilities Authority

     

(Phoenix Children’s Hospital) 5.00% 2/1/19

     2,545,000         2,836,326   

(Scottsdale Lincoln Hospital Project) 5.00% 12/1/42

     940,000         1,023,021   

Bexar County, Texas Health Facilities Development Corporation Revenue

     

(Army Retirement Residence Project) 5.875% 7/1/30

     1,000,000         1,106,820   

California Municipal Finance Authority Revenue

     

(Eisenhower Medical Center) Series A 5.75% 7/1/40

     1,000,000         1,092,460   

California Statewide Communities Development Authority Revenue

     

(BE Group) 144A 7.25% 11/15/41 #

     500,000         582,375   

(Loma Linda University Medical Center) 5.50% 12/1/54

     8,000,000         8,453,520   

Camden County, New Jersey Improvement Authority Revenue

     

(Cooper Health System Obligation Group) 5.75% 2/15/42

     2,500,000         2,818,200   

Capital Trust Agency, Florida

     

(Faulk Senior Services)

     

6.00% 12/1/24

     455,000         412,785   

6.50% 12/1/34

     500,000         454,890   

6.75% 12/1/44

     1,000,000         910,900   

6.75% 12/1/49

     1,500,000         1,366,920   

(Tuscan Gardens Senior Living Center) Series A 7.00% 4/1/49

     5,000,000         4,963,100   

Chesterfield County, Virginia Economic Development Authority Revenue

     

(1st Mortgage - Brandermill Woods Project) 5.125% 1/1/43

     1,030,000         1,055,235   

 

56


Table of Contents

    

    

 

 

     Principal amount°      Value (U.S. $)  

 

 

Municipal Bonds (continued)

     

 

 

Healthcare Revenue Bonds (continued)

     

Colorado Health Facilities Authority Revenue

     

(American Baptist) 8.00% 8/1/43

     2,500,000       $       2,947,800   

(Christian Living Community Project) Series A 5.75% 1/1/37

     1,990,000         2,018,994   

(Mental Health Center Denver Project) Series A 5.75% 2/1/44

     500,000         558,395   

(School Health Systems) Series A 5.00% 1/1/44

     1,000,000         1,106,040   

Cumberland County, Pennsylvania Municipal Authority Revenue

     

(Asbury Pennsylvania Obligation Group) 5.25% 1/1/41

     1,600,000         1,659,584   

(Diakon Lutheran Ministries Series) 6.375% 1/1/39

     100,000         114,769   

Decatur, Texas Hospital Authority

     

(Wise Regional Health Systems)

     

Series A 5.00% 9/1/34

     1,000,000         1,053,310   

Series A 5.25% 9/1/29

     500,000         542,130   

Series A 5.25% 9/1/44

     2,000,000         2,096,720   

Duluth, Minnesota Economic Development Authority Revenue

     

(St. Luke’s Hospital Authority Obligation Group) 5.75% 6/15/32

     3,750,000         4,130,700   

East Rochester, New York Housing Authority Revenue

     

(Senior Living - Woodland Village Project) 5.50% 8/1/33

     1,200,000         1,217,016   

Florida Development Finance

     

(Tuscan Isle Obligated Group) Series A 144A 7.00% 6/1/45 #

     2,000,000         2,040,720   

(UF Health - Jacksonville Project) Series A 6.00% 2/1/33

     2,375,000         2,656,390   

Hanover County, Virginia Economic Development Authority Residential Care Revenue

     

(Covenant Woods) Series A 5.00% 7/1/42

     1,735,000         1,779,277   

Hawaii Pacific Health Special Purpose Revenue

     

Series A 5.50% 7/1/40

     1,250,000         1,390,763   

Hawaii State Department of Budget & Finance Special Purpose Senior Living Revenue

     

(15 Craigside Project) Series A 9.00% 11/15/44

     1,000,000         1,254,840   

(Hawaii Pacific Health Obligation) Series A 5.50% 7/1/43

     2,990,000         3,428,454   

(Kahala Nui) 5.25% 11/15/37

     1,000,000         1,077,200   

Hospital Facilities Authority of Multnomah County, Oregon

     

(Mirabella at South Waterfront) 5.50% 10/1/49

     2,400,000         2,617,032   

Illinois Finance Authority Revenue

     

(Admiral at Lake Project)

     

Series A 7.625% 5/15/25

     1,750,000         1,966,020   

 

57


Table of Contents

Schedules of investments

Delaware National High-Yield Municipal Bond Fund

 

 

     Principal amount°      Value (U.S. $)  

 

 

Municipal Bonds (continued)

     

 

 

Healthcare Revenue Bonds (continued)

     

Illinois Finance Authority Revenue

     

(Admiral at Lake Project)

     

Series A 7.75% 5/15/30

     500,000       $ 565,685   

Series A 8.00% 5/15/40

     2,205,000               2,507,747   

Series A 8.00% 5/15/46

     1,500,000         1,703,865   

(Lutheran Home & Services) 5.75% 5/15/46

     1,685,000         1,780,068   

(Provena Health) Series A 7.75% 8/15/34

     1,000,000         1,214,220   

Indiana Finance Authority Revenue

     

(King’s Daughters Hospital & Health)

     

5.50% 8/15/40

     1,000,000         1,079,160   

5.50% 8/15/45

     1,000,000         1,077,280   

(Marquette Project) 5.00% 3/1/39

     1,250,000         1,295,213   

Iowa Finance Authority

     

(Sunrise Retirement Community) 5.75% 9/1/43

     2,500,000         2,559,950   

Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority Hospital Revenue

     

(Owensboro Medical Health System)

     

Series A 5.00% 6/1/17

     2,525,000         2,697,836   

Series A 6.50% 3/1/45

     4,965,000         5,677,875   

Kentwood, Michigan Economic Development Corporation Revenue

     

(Limited Obligation - Holland Home) 5.625% 11/15/41

     1,250,000         1,316,300   

Koyukuk, Alaska Revenue

     

(Tanana Chiefs Conference Health Care Facility Project) 7.75% 10/1/41

     1,750,000         2,011,013   

Lake County, Florida Individual Development Revenue

     

(Cranes View Lodge Project) Series A 7.125% 11/1/42

     3,000,000         2,704,290   

Lakeland, Florida

     

(Lakeland Regional Health) 5.00% 11/15/45

     5,000,000         5,363,650   

Lancaster County, Pennsylvania Hospital Authority Revenue

     

(Brethren Village Project) Series A 6.375% 7/1/30

     725,000         753,014   

Louisiana Public Facilities Authority Revenue

     

(Ochsner Clinic Foundation Project) 6.50% 5/15/37

     1,705,000         1,980,272   

Lucas County, Ohio Health Care Facilities Revenue

     

(Sunset Retirement Communities) 5.50% 8/15/30

     1,000,000         1,082,900   

Lucas County, Ohio Improvement

     

(Lutheran Homes) Series A 7.00% 11/1/45

     3,865,000         4,245,973   

Maine Health & Higher Educational Facilities Authority Revenue

     

(Maine General Medical Center) 6.75% 7/1/41

     1,700,000         1,928,684   

Martin County, Florida Health Facilities Authority Revenue

     

(Martin Memorial Medical Center) 5.50% 11/15/42

     1,000,000         1,095,160   

 

58


Table of Contents

    

    

 

 

     Principal amount°      Value (U.S. $)  

 

 

Municipal Bonds (continued)

     

 

 

Healthcare Revenue Bonds (continued)

     

Maryland State Health & Higher Educational Facilities Authority Revenue

     

(Doctors Community Hospital) 5.75% 7/1/38

     1,730,000       $       1,828,644   

Michigan State Strategic Fund Limited Revenue

     

(Evangelical Homes) 5.50% 6/1/47

     2,750,000         2,867,865   

Missouri State Health & Educational Facilities Authority Revenue

     

(Lutheran Senior Services) 6.00% 2/1/41

     1,000,000         1,094,210   

Montgomery County, Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority Revenue

     

(Whitemarsh Continuing Care)

     

5.25% 1/1/40

     1,550,000         1,532,051   

5.375% 1/1/50

     6,250,000         6,237,313   

Moon, Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority

     

(Baptist Homes Society Obligation) 6.125% 7/1/50

     8,500,000         8,519,040   

New Hampshire Health & Education Facilities Authority

     

(Rivermeade) Series A 6.875% 7/1/41

     1,380,000         1,558,282   

New Jersey Economic Development Authority

     

(Lions Gate Project) 5.25% 1/1/44

     2,000,000         2,043,840   

New Jersey Health Care Facilities Financing Authority Revenue

     

(Barnabas Health Services) Series A 4.00% 7/1/26

     980,000         1,028,676   

(St. Joseph’s Healthcare System) 6.625% 7/1/38

     860,000         957,911   

(St. Peters University Hospital) 6.25% 7/1/35

     2,700,000         2,909,736   

(Trinitas Hospital Obligation Group) Series A 5.25% 7/1/30

     1,240,000         1,298,181   

New York State Dormitory Authority

     

(Orange Regional Medical Center)

     

144A 5.00% 12/1/40 #

     1,100,000         1,147,366   

144A 5.00% 12/1/45 #

     800,000         828,680   

New York State Dormitory Authority Revenue Non State Supported Debt

     

(Orange Regional Medical Center) 6.25% 12/1/37

     5,000,000         5,474,150   

North Carolina Medical Care Commission Health Care Facilities Revenue

     

(First Mortgage - Galloway Ridge Project) 6.00% 1/1/39

     1,520,000         1,626,643   

(First Mortgage - Presbyterian Homes) 5.60% 10/1/36

     1,000,000         1,021,090   

Northampton County, Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority Revenue

     

(Morningstar Senior Living) 5.00% 7/1/36

     2,000,000         2,055,780   

Onondaga, New York Civic Development Revenue

     

(St. Joseph’s Hospital Health Center Project)

     

4.50% 7/1/32

     1,000,000         1,008,730   

 

59


Table of Contents

Schedules of investments

Delaware National High-Yield Municipal Bond Fund

 

 

     Principal amount°      Value (U.S. $)  

 

 

Municipal Bonds (continued)

     

 

 

Healthcare Revenue Bonds (continued)

     

Onondaga, New York Civic Development Revenue

     

(St. Joseph’s Hospital Health Center Project)

     

5.00% 7/1/16

     1,000,000       $       1,023,550   

5.00% 7/1/17

     1,945,000         2,032,253   

5.125% 7/1/31

     1,000,000         1,048,980   

Orange County, New York Funding Corporation Assisted Living Residence Revenue

     

6.50% 1/1/46

     4,000,000         3,983,760   

Palm Beach County, Florida Health Facilities Authority

     

(Sinai Residences Boca Raton Project)

     

7.25% 6/1/34

     285,000         326,117   

Series A 7.50% 6/1/49

     2,920,000         3,382,703   

Puerto Rico Industrial Tourist Educational Medical & Environmental Control Facilities Financing Authority

     

(Auxilio Mutuo) Series A 6.00% 7/1/33

     655,000         646,826   

Rochester, Minnesota

     

(The Homestead at Rochester) Series A 6.875% 12/1/48

     2,500,000         2,806,325   

Salem, Oregon Hospital Facility Authority Revenue

     

(Capital Manor Inc.) 6.00% 5/15/47

     1,500,000         1,646,160   

San Buenaventura, California Revenue

     

7.50% 12/1/41

     4,475,000         5,445,046   

South Carolina Jobs - Economic Development Authority Hospital Revenue

     

(Palmetto Health) 5.75% 8/1/39

     915,000         988,841   

Southeastern Ohio Port Authority

     

(Memorial Health Systems)

     

5.00% 12/1/43

     805,000         812,060   

5.50% 12/1/43

     1,250,000         1,309,887   

Southwestern Illinois Development Authority Revenue

     

(Memorial Group)

     

7.125% 11/1/30

     1,420,000         1,746,486   

7.125% 11/1/43

     2,500,000         3,035,650   

St. Johns County, Florida Industrial Development Authority Revenue

     

(Presbyterian Retirement) Series A 5.875% 8/1/40

     1,000,000         1,105,680   

Suffolk County, New York Economic Development Corporation Revenue

     

(Peconic Landing Southland) 6.00% 12/1/40

     575,000         627,083   

Tarrant County, Texas Cultural Education Facilities Finance

     

(Buckingham Senior Living Community) 5.50% 11/15/45

     3,000,000         3,018,360   

Tempe, Arizona Industrial Development Authority Revenue

     

(Friendship Village) Series A 6.25% 12/1/46

     500,000         540,600   

 

60


Table of Contents

    

    

 

 

     Principal amount°      Value (U.S. $)  

 

 

Municipal Bonds (continued)

     

 

 

Healthcare Revenue Bonds (continued)

     

Travis County, Texas Health Facilities Development Corporation Revenue

     

(Westminster Manor Project) 7.125% 11/1/40

     1,000,000       $ 1,150,330   

Vermont Economic Development Authority Revenue

     

(Wake Robin Corp. Project) 5.40% 5/1/33

     1,100,000         1,150,215   

Washington State Housing Finance Commission

     

(Heron’s Key)

     

Series A 144A 6.75% 7/1/35 #

     820,000         844,830   

Series A 144A 7.00% 7/1/45 #

     1,750,000         1,802,377   

Series A 144A 7.00% 7/1/50 #

     2,000,000         2,030,940   

Wayzata, Minnesota Senior Housing Revenue

     

(Folkestone Senior Living Community)

     

Series A 5.50% 11/1/32

     270,000         292,391   

Series A 5.75% 11/1/39

     600,000         646,356   

Series A 6.00% 5/1/47

     920,000         997,262   

West Virginia Hospital Finance Authority Revenue

     

(Highland Hospital Obligation Group) 9.125% 10/1/41

     7,900,000         8,775,241   

Westminster, Maryland

     

(Lutheran Village Millers Grant)

     

6.00% 7/1/34

     800,000         851,800   

Series A 5.00% 7/1/24

     1,700,000         1,757,528   

Series A 6.125% 7/1/39

     750,000         799,943   

Series A 6.25% 7/1/44

     2,500,000         2,680,150   

Wichita, Kansas

     

(Presbyterian Manors)

     

Series IV-A 5.625% 5/15/44

     1,645,000         1,687,490   

Series IV-A 5.625% 5/15/49

     1,450,000         1,486,540   

Wisconsin Public Finance Authority

     

(Rose Villa Project) Series A 5.75% 11/15/44

     2,000,000         2,117,740   
     

 

 

 
            222,970,109   
     

 

 

 

Housing Revenue Bonds – 1.20%

     

California Municipal Finance Authority Mobile Home Park Revenue

     

(Caritas Affordable Housing) Senior Series A 5.25% 8/15/39

     1,200,000         1,303,476   

(Caritas Projects)

     

Senior Series A 5.50% 8/15/47

     1,500,000         1,649,325   

Senior Series A 6.40% 8/15/45

     1,780,000         1,956,861   

Independent Cities Finance Authority, California

     

Series A 5.25% 5/15/44

     750,000         809,715   

Series A 5.25% 5/15/49

     3,000,000         3,214,530   

 

61


Table of Contents

Schedules of investments

Delaware National High-Yield Municipal Bond Fund

 

 

     Principal amount°      Value (U.S. $)  

 

 

Municipal Bonds (continued)

     

 

 

Housing Revenue Bonds (continued)

     

Williston, North Dakota

     

(Eagle Crest Apartments LLC Project) 7.75% 9/1/38

     2,515,000       $ 2,629,055   
     

 

 

 
        11,562,962   
     

 

 

 

Lease Revenue Bonds – 5.70%

     

California Municipal Finance Authority Revenue

     

(Goodwill Industry Sacramento Valley) 5.25% 1/1/45

     1,295,000         1,292,785   

(Goodwill Industry Sacramento Valley and Northern Nevada Project)

     

Series A 6.625% 1/1/32

     500,000         539,940   

Series A 6.875% 1/1/42

     1,500,000         1,631,430   

California Statewide Communities Development Authority Revenue

     

(Lancer Plaza Project) 5.875% 11/1/43

     1,875,000         1,901,513   

Capital Trust Agency, Florida Revenue

     

(Air Cargo - Aero Miami) Series A 5.35% 7/1/29

     885,000         968,916   

District of Columbia Revenue

     

(Center of Strategic & International Studies) 6.625% 3/1/41

     2,235,000         2,445,939   

Industrial Development Authority of Phoenix, Arizona

     

5.125% 2/1/34

     1,000,000         983,570   

5.375% 2/1/41

     4,000,000         3,988,800   

New Jersey Economic Development Authority Special Facility Revenue

     

Series WW 5.25% 6/15/30

     5,000,000         5,185,600   

New York Liberty Development Revenue

     

(Class 1-3 World Trade Center Project) 144A 5.00% 11/15/44 #

     5,000,000         5,025,300   

(Class 2-3 World Trade Center Project) 144A 5.375% 11/15/40 #

     2,410,000         2,542,237   

(Class 3-3 World Trade Center Project) 144A 7.25% 11/15/44 #

     9,600,000         11,399,520   

Public Finance Authority, Wisconsin Airport Facilities Revenue

     

(AFCO Investors II Portfolio) 5.75% 10/1/31 (AMT)

     3,775,000         3,802,067   

(Senior Obligation Group) 5.00% 7/1/42 (AMT)

     4,000,000         4,126,960   

Virginia Public Building Authority

     

Series B 5.00% 8/1/20

     6,970,000         8,136,987   

Wise County, Texas

     

(Parker County Junior College District) 8.00% 8/15/34

     1,000,000         1,201,990   
     

 

 

 
              55,173,554   
     

 

 

 

Local General Obligation Bonds – 3.63%

     

Arlington County, Virginia

     

Series D 5.00% 8/1/17

     1,375,000         1,491,215   

 

62


Table of Contents

    

    

 

 

     Principal amount°      Value (U.S. $)  

 

 

Municipal Bonds (continued)

     

 

 

Local General Obligation Bonds (continued)

     

Chicago, Illinois

     

Series 2005D 5.50% 1/1/40

     3,000,000       $ 2,741,190   

Series 2007E 5.50% 1/1/42

     2,150,000         1,955,683   

Series 2007F 5.50% 1/1/42

     1,250,000         1,137,025   

Series A 5.50% 1/1/33

     2,000,000         1,876,580   

Series A 5.50% 1/1/34

     2,500,000         2,327,775   

Hennepin County, Minnesota

     

Series B 5.00% 12/1/17

     5,700,000         6,252,843   

New York City, New York

     

Series E 5.00% 8/1/20

     3,615,000         4,202,871   

Series J 5.00% 8/1/17

     3,625,000         3,930,153   

Plano, Texas Independent School District

     

(School Building) Series A 5.00% 2/15/17

     560,000         596,378   

Prince George’s County, Maryland

     

(Consolidated Public Improvement)

     

Series B 5.00% 9/15/20

     3,190,000         3,751,185   

Series C 5.00% 8/1/17

     1,775,000         1,925,023   

Ramsey County, Minnesota Capital Improvement Plan

     

Series A 5.00% 2/1/20

     2,530,000         2,936,875   
     

 

 

 
              35,124,796   
     

 

 

 

Pre-Refunded Bonds – 4.70%

     

Brevard County, Florida Health Facilities Authority Revenue

     

(Health First Inc. Project) 7.00% 4/1/39-19§

     3,500,000         4,225,655   

Butler County, Pennsylvania Hospital Authority Revenue

     

(Butler Health System Project) 7.125% 7/1/29-19§

     900,000         1,100,889   

California Municipal Finance Authority Revenue

     

(Azusa Pacific University Project) Series B 7.75% 4/1/31-21§

     1,000,000         1,282,250   

California Statewide Communities Development Authority Revenue

     

(Inland Regional Center Project) 5.375% 12/1/37-17§

     6,220,000         6,873,038   

Commonwealth of Massachusetts

     

Series E 5.00% 11/1/23-16 (AMBAC)§

     7,390,000         7,791,277   

Cumberland County, Pennsylvania Municipal Authority Revenue

     

(Diakon Lutheran Ministries Project)

     

5.00% 1/1/36-17§

     1,000,000         1,057,030   

6.375% 1/1/39-19§

     900,000         1,055,754   

Illinois Finance Authority Revenue

     

(Silver Cross & Medical Centers) 7.00% 8/15/44-19§

     3,570,000         4,382,353   

 

63


Table of Contents

Schedules of investments

Delaware National High-Yield Municipal Bond Fund

 

 

     Principal amount°      Value (U.S. $)  

 

 

Municipal Bonds (continued)

     

 

 

Pre-Refunded Bonds (continued)

     

Lancaster Redevelopment Agency, California

     

(Redevelopment Project) 6.875% 8/1/39-19§

     285,000       $ 348,430   

Maryland State & Local Facilities Loan Capital Improvement

     

Second Series 5.00% 8/1/17-16§

     1,070,000         1,116,299   

New Jersey State Educational Facilities Authority Revenue

     

(University of Medicine & Dentistry) Series B 7.50% 12/1/32-19§

     1,000,000         1,232,730   

North Texas Tollway Authority Revenue

     

(Toll 2nd Tier) Series F 5.75% 1/1/38-18§

     7,000,000         7,800,170   

Pennsylvania Economic Development Financing Authority Health System Revenue

     

(Albert Einstein Healthcare) Series A 6.25% 10/15/23-19§

     1,100,000         1,280,851   

St. Louis Park, Minnesota Health Care Facilities Revenue

     

(Nicollet Health Services) 5.75% 7/1/39-19§

     500,000         586,105   

St. Paul, Minnesota Housing & Redevelopment Authority Hospital Revenue

     

(Healtheast Project) 6.00% 11/15/30-15§

     2,000,000         2,022,800   

University of Arizona Medical Center Hospital Revenue

     

6.00% 7/1/39-21§

     1,500,000         1,858,650   

Washington State Health Care Facilities Authority Revenue

     

(Multicare Health System) Series B 6.00% 8/15/39-19 (ASSURED GTY)§

     1,250,000         1,482,450   
     

 

 

 
              45,496,731   
     

 

 

 

Resource Recovery Revenue Bonds – 0.84%

     

Essex County, New Jersey Improvement Authority

     

144A 5.25% 7/1/45 (AMT)#

     2,500,000         2,509,850   

Jefferson County Industrial Development Agency

     

(Green Bond)

     

4.75% 1/1/20 (AMT)

     545,000         526,601   

5.25% 1/1/24 (AMT)

     500,000         478,330   

Mission Economic Development Corporation, Texas Revenue

     

(Dallas Clean Energy McCommas) 6.875% 12/1/24 (AMT)

     1,000,000         1,043,460   

Orange County, Florida Industrial Development Authority

     

(Vitag Florida LLC Project) 144A 8.00% 7/1/36 (AMT)#

     3,500,000         3,531,535   
     

 

 

 
        8,089,776   
     

 

 

 

Special Tax Revenue Bonds – 7.88%

     

Allentown, Pennsylvania Neighborhood Improvement Zone Development Authority Revenue

     

Series A 5.00% 5/1/42

     1,475,000         1,533,779   

 

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Table of Contents

    

    

 

 

     Principal amount°      Value (U.S. $)  

 

 

Municipal Bonds (continued)

     

 

 

Special Tax Revenue Bonds (continued)

     

Anne Arundel County, Maryland Special Obligation Revenue

     

(National Business Park - North Project) 6.10% 7/1/40

     1,725,000       $       1,828,000   

Baltimore, Maryland Convention Center Hotel Revenue Subordinated

     

Series B 5.875% 9/1/39

     1,000,000         1,024,330   

Brooklyn Arena Local Development, New York Pilot Revenue

     

(Barclays Center Project)

     

6.25% 7/15/40

     5,500,000         6,315,815   

6.50% 7/15/30

     1,175,000         1,366,619   

Celebration Pointe, Florida Community Development District

     

5.125% 5/1/45

     2,000,000         2,009,300   

Cherry Hill, Virginia Community Development Authority

     

(Potomac Shores Project)

     

144A 5.15% 3/1/35 #

     1,000,000         1,017,860   

144A 5.40% 3/1/45 #

     2,000,000         2,035,460   

Dutchess County, New York Local Development Corporation Revenue

     

(Anderson Center Services Inc. Project) 6.00% 10/1/30

     2,000,000         2,080,520   

Farms New Kent, Virginia Community Development Authority Special Assessment

     

Series C 5.80% 3/1/36 @‡

     1,000,000         250,080   

Fountain Urban Renewal Authority, Colorado

     

(Improvement - South Academy Highland) Series A 5.50% 11/1/44

     5,000,000         4,965,800   

Henderson, Nevada Local Improvement Districts No. T-18

     

5.30% 9/1/35

     465,000         352,665   

Howard County, Maryland

     

(Annapolis Junction Town Center Project)

     

5.80% 2/15/34

     725,000         768,921   

6.10% 2/15/44

     1,420,000         1,514,970   

Juban Crossing Economic Development District, Louisiana

     

(General Infrastructure Projects) 144A 7.00% 9/15/44 #

     3,575,000         3,617,543   

(Road Projects) Series A 144A 7.00% 9/15/44 #

     2,205,000         2,231,239   

Lancaster Redevelopment Agency, California

     

(Redevelopment Project) 6.875% 8/1/39

     215,000         247,467   

Midtown Miami, Florida Community Development District

     

(Parking Garage Project) Series A 5.00% 5/1/37

     1,240,000         1,300,822   

Mosaic District, Virginia Community Development Authority Revenue

     

Series A 6.875% 3/1/36

     1,500,000         1,708,530   

 

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Table of Contents

Schedules of investments

Delaware National High-Yield Municipal Bond Fund

 

 

     Principal amount°      Value (U.S. $)  

 

 

Municipal Bonds (continued)

     

 

 

Special Tax Revenue Bonds (continued)

     

Nampa Development Corporation, Idaho Revenue

     

144A 5.00% 9/1/31 #

     2,940,000       $       3,185,460   

5.90% 3/1/30

     2,000,000         2,157,640   

Nevada State

     

5.00% 6/1/17

     1,955,000         2,105,515   

New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund Authority

     

(Transportation Program) Series AA 5.00% 6/15/44

     2,000,000         1,981,760   

(Transportation Systems) Series B 5.50% 12/15/16 (NATL-RE)

     2,500,000         2,635,025   

New Mexico Finance Authority

     

(Senior Lien) 4.00% 6/15/16

     500,000         515,040   

New York City, New York Industrial Development Agency

     

(Pilot - Queens Baseball Stadium) 5.00% 1/1/22 (AMBAC)

     1,000,000         1,039,650   

(Yankee Stadium) 7.00% 3/1/49 (ASSURED GTY)

     1,000,000         1,179,120   

New York City, New York Industrial Development Agency Civic Facility Revenue

     

(YMCA of Greater New York Project) 5.00% 8/1/36

     1,870,000         1,922,173   

New York City, New York Transitional Finance Authority Future Tax Secured Revenue

     

(Sub - Future Tax Secured - Fiscal) Series A-1 5.00% 11/1/19

     1,525,000         1,760,109   

New York State Dormitory Authority

     

(Unrefunded - General Purpose) Series E 5.00% 2/15/17

     1,000,000         1,064,460   

Norco, California Redevelopment Agency Tax Allocation

     

(Area #1 Project) 6.00% 3/1/36

     1,000,000         1,172,670   

Northampton County, Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority

     

(Route 33 Project) 7.00% 7/1/32

     2,770,000         3,005,145   

Overland Park, Kansas Special Obligation Revenue

     

(Prairiefire-Lionsgate Project) 6.00% 12/15/32

     3,000,000         2,983,740   

Regional Transportation, Colorado District Revenue

     

(Denver Transit Partners) 6.00% 1/15/41

     1,000,000         1,129,200   

Richmond Heights, Missouri Tax Increment & Transaction Sales Tax Revenue Improvement

     

(Francis Place Redevelopment Project) 5.625% 11/1/25

     1,200,000         1,202,496   

Roseville Westpark, California Community Facilities District No. 1

     

(Public Facilities) 5.25% 9/1/37

     600,000         606,000   

 

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Table of Contents

    

    

 

 

     Principal amount°      Value (U.S. $)  

 

 

Municipal Bonds (continued)

     

 

 

Special Tax Revenue Bonds (continued)

     

St. Joseph, Missouri Industrial Development Authority Tax Increment Revenue

     

(Shoppes at North Village Project)

     

Series A 5.375% 11/1/24 @

     1,000,000       $ 1,000,190   

Series A 5.50% 11/1/27 @

     500,000         500,120   

St. Louis County, Missouri Industrial Development Authority

     

(Manchester Ballas Community)

     

Series A 144A 5.00% 9/1/38 #

     1,000,000         992,570   

Series A 144A 5.25% 9/1/45 #

     3,000,000         2,970,030   

St. Louis, Missouri Industrial Development Authority Tax Increment Revenue Improvement

     

(Grand Center Redevelopment Project) 6.375% 12/1/25

     1,200,000         1,257,852   

Texas Public Finance Authority

     

(Assessment - Unemployment Compensation) 5.00% 1/1/17

     2,510,000         2,661,981   

Winter Garden Village at Fowler Groves Community Development District, Florida Special Assessment Revenue

     

5.65% 5/1/37

     875,000         882,569   

Wyandotte County, Kansas City, Kansas Unified Government Special Obligation Revenue

     

(Capital Appreciation - Sales Tax Subordinate Lien) 6.07% 6/1/21 ^

     270,000         197,605   
     

 

 

 
        76,277,840   
     

 

 

 

State General Obligation Bonds – 2.99%

     

California State

     

5.00% 2/1/17

     725,000         770,704   

Various Purpose 5.00% 10/1/44

     2,965,000         3,330,525   

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

     

First Series 5.00% 11/15/16

     6,905,000         7,287,468   

Connecticut State

     

Series E 5.00% 12/15/17

     1,040,000         1,102,816   

Hawaii State

     

Series EH 5.00% 8/1/20

     5,000,000         5,850,100   

Maryland State & Local Facilities Loan

     

(1st Series) Series A 5.00% 8/1/20

     6,000,000         7,038,060   

New York State

     

Series A 5.25% 2/15/24

     2,000,000         2,358,440   

Washington State

     

(Various Purposes) Series R-2010A 5.00% 1/1/17

     1,140,000         1,208,867   
     

 

 

 
              28,946,980   
     

 

 

 

 

67


Table of Contents

Schedules of investments

Delaware National High-Yield Municipal Bond Fund

 

 

     Principal amount°      Value (U.S. $)  

 

 

Municipal Bonds (continued)

     

 

 

Transportation Revenue Bonds – 6.56%

     

Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority Revenue

     

Senior Lien 6.00% 1/1/41

     1,890,000       $       2,161,933   

Subordinate Lien 6.75% 1/1/41

     1,000,000         1,200,420   

Foothill-Eastern Transportation Corridor Agency, California

     

Series A 5.75% 1/15/46

     5,000,000         5,766,950   

Series A 6.00% 1/15/49

     7,690,000         9,007,451   

Houston, Texas Airport System Revenue Subordinate Lien

     

Series A 5.00% 7/1/25 (AMT)

     1,000,000         1,125,360   

Kentucky Public Transportation Infrastructure Authority

     

(1st Tier - Downtown Crossing)

     

Series A 5.75% 7/1/49

     3,000,000         3,361,140   

Series A 6.00% 7/1/53

     1,290,000         1,468,304   

Long Beach, California Marina Revenue

     

5.00% 5/15/40

     1,000,000         1,075,560   

Maryland State Economic Development Revenue

     

(Transportation Facilities Project) Series A 5.75% 6/1/35

     1,400,000         1,531,348   

Metropolitan Washington D.C. Airports Authority

     

Series B 5.00% 10/1/16 (AMT)

     900,000         943,992   

New York State Thruway Authority Revenue

     

Series A 5.00% 5/1/19

     2,765,000         3,126,413   

Pennsylvania Economic Development Financing Authority

     

(PA Bridges Finco LP) 5.00% 12/31/38

     3,030,000         3,214,679   

Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission

     

Series B 5.25% 12/1/39

     3,460,000         3,882,431   

Port Authority of New York & New Jersey Special Project

     

(JFK International Air Terminal) 6.00% 12/1/42

     1,970,000         2,295,050   

Riverside County, California Transportation Senior Lien

     

Series A 5.75% 6/1/48

     1,000,000         1,131,060   

Sacramento County, California Airport System Revenue

     

(PFC/Grant) Series C 6.00% 7/1/41

     1,000,000         1,121,540   

San Francisco, California City & County Airports Commission

     

Series A 5.50% 5/1/27 (AMT)

     1,915,000         2,111,192   

St. Louis, Missouri Airport Revenue

     

(Lambert-St. Louis International) Series A-1 6.625% 7/1/34

     1,090,000         1,261,130   

Texas Private Activity Bond Surface Transportation Corporate Senior Lien

     

(LBJ Infrastructure)

     

7.00% 6/30/40

     7,000,000         8,344,490   

7.50% 6/30/33

     500,000         609,560   

 

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Table of Contents

    

    

 

 

     Principal amount°      Value (U.S. $)  

 

 

Municipal Bonds (continued)

     

 

 

Transportation Revenue Bonds (continued)

     

Texas Private Activity Bond Surface Transportation Corporate Senior Lien

     

(NTE Mobility)

     

6.75% 6/30/43 (AMT)

     1,905,000       $ 2,315,223   

6.875% 12/31/39

     4,055,000         4,750,919   

7.00% 12/31/38 (AMT)

     1,335,000         1,661,434   
     

 

 

 
              63,467,579   
     

 

 

 

Water & Sewer Revenue Bonds – 2.93%

     

Jefferson County, Alabama Sewer Revenue

     

(Senior Lien - Warrants) Series A 5.50% 10/1/53 (AGM)

     2,500,000         2,758,275   

(Sub Lien-Warrants)

     

Series D 6.50% 10/1/53

     16,500,000         19,068,720   

Series D 7.00% 10/1/51

     5,000,000         6,021,100   

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, Illinois

     

(Capital Improvement) Series C 5.00% 12/1/16

     500,000         528,750   
     

 

 

 
        28,376,845   
     

 

 

 

Total Municipal Bonds (cost $902,858,788)

        947,809,349   
     

 

 

 

 

 

Short-Term Investments – 0.96%

     

 

 

Variable Rate Demand Notes – 0.96%¤

     

California Pollution Control Financing Authority (Pacific Gas & Electric) Series C

     

0.01% 11/1/26 (LOC - JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.)

     1,200,000         1,200,000   

Harris County, Texas Cultural Education Facilities Finance (Texas Medical Center) Series A

     

0.01% 9/1/31 (LOC - JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.)

     1,275,000         1,275,000   

Idaho State University Foundation Income Revenue (L.E. & Thelma Stephens Project)

     

0.05% 5/1/21 (LOC - Wells Fargo Bank N.A.)

     920,000         920,000   

Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota Housing & Redevelopment Authority Health Care Revenue (Allina Health System) Series B-2

     

0.01% 11/15/35 (LOC - JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.)

     3,900,000         3,900,000   

Mississippi Business Finance (Chevron USA) Series G

     

0.01% 11/1/35

     2,000,000         2,000,000   
     

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments (cost $9,295,000)

        9,295,000   
     

 

 

 

Total Value of Securities – 98.90%
(cost $912,153,788)

        $957,104,349   
     

 

 

 

 

69


Table of Contents

Schedules of investments

Delaware National High-Yield Municipal Bond Fund

 

 

# Security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. At Aug. 31, 2015, the aggregate value of Rule 144A securities was $107,177,297, which represents 11.07% of the Fund’s net assets. See Note 8 in “Notes to financial statements.”

 

@ Illiquid security. At Aug. 31, 2015, the aggregate value of illiquid securities was $1,750,390, which represents 0.18% of the Fund’s net assets. See Note 8 in “Notes to financial statements.”

 

¤ Tax-exempt obligations that contain a floating or variable interest rate adjustment formula and an unconditional right of demand to receive payment of the unpaid principal balance plus accrued interest upon a short notice period (generally up to 30 days) prior to specified dates either from the issuer or by drawing on a bank letter of credit, a guarantee, or insurance issued with respect to such instrument. The rate shown is the rate as of Aug. 31, 2015.

 

° Principal amount shown is stated in U.S. dollars unless noted that the security is denominated in another currency.

 

Non-income-producing security. Security is currently in default.

 

Variable rate security. The rate shown is the rate as of Aug. 31, 2015. Interest rates reset periodically.

 

^ Zero coupon security. The rate shown is the yield at the time of purchase.

 

§ Pre-refunded bonds. Municipal bonds that are generally backed or secured by U.S. Treasury bonds. For pre-refunded bonds, the stated maturity is followed by the year in which the bond is pre-refunded. See Note 8 in “Notes to financial statements.”

Summary of abbreviations:

AGM – Insured by Assured Guaranty Municipal Corporation

AMBAC – Insured by the AMBAC Assurance Corporation

AMT – Subject to Alternative Minimum Tax

ASSURED GTY – Insured by the Assured Guaranty Corporation

CDFI – Community Development Financial Institutions

LOC – Letter of Credit

N.A. – North America

NATL-RE – Insured by National Public Finance Guarantee Corporation

SGI – Insured by Syncora Guarantee Inc.

See accompanying notes, which are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

Statements of assets and liabilities

August 31, 2015

 

    

Delaware

Tax-Free

USA Fund

 

Delaware

Tax-Free USA
Intermediate Fund

  Delaware
National High-Yield
Municipal Bond Fund

Assets:

            

Investments, at value1

     $ 552,910,395       $ 695,131,244       $ 947,809,349  

Short-term investments, at value2

       7,995,000         6,075,000         9,295,000  

Cash

       3,232,218         2,112,496         1,300,637  

Interest receivable

       7,167,764         8,702,200         12,696,080  

Receivable for fund shares sold

       100,016         468,994         2,734,782  

Receivable for securities sold

       10,000         300,000         2,608,604  
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total assets

       571,415,393         712,789,934         976,444,452  
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Liabilities:

            

Payable for securities purchased

       1,580,000         2,755,000         6,075,000  

Distributions payable

       565,665         585,202         1,031,569  

Payable for fund shares redeemed

       377,356         1,751,915         792,737  

Investment management fees payable

       177,464         287,969         298,823  

Other accrued expenses

       161,869         183,133         250,403  

Distribution fees payable

       131,745         69,117         125,284  

Other affiliates payable

       39,932         49,549         124,272  

Trustees’ fees and expenses payable

       3,041         4,045         5,130  
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total liabilities

       3,037,072         5,685,930         8,703,218  
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Net Assets

     $ 568,378,321       $ 707,104,004       $ 967,741,234  
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net Assets Consist of:

            

Paid-in capital

     $ 524,354,830       $ 674,509,027       $ 938,312,898  

Undistributed net investment income

       58,161         34,165         16,640  

Accumulated net realized loss on investments

       (2,936,552 )       (7,238,986 )       (15,538,865 )

Net unrealized appreciation of investments

       46,901,882         39,799,798         44,950,561  
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Net Assets

     $ 568,378,321       $ 707,104,004       $ 967,741,234  
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

72


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Delaware

Tax-Free
USA Fund

  Delaware
Tax-Free USA
Intermediate Fund
  Delaware
National High-Yield
Municipal Bond Fund

Net Asset Value

            

Class A:

            

Net assets

     $ 504,204,493       $ 184,513,744       $ 227,089,829  

Shares of beneficial interest outstanding, unlimited authorization, no par

       42,632,279         15,323,852         21,116,450  

Net asset value per share

     $ 11.83       $ 12.04       $ 10.75  

Sales charge

       4.50 %       2.75 %       4.50 %

Offering price per share, equal to net asset value per share / (1 – sales charge)

     $ 12.39       $ 12.38       $ 11.26  

Class C:

            

Net assets

     $ 30,850,960       $ 48,327,909       $ 91,196,315  

Shares of beneficial interest outstanding, unlimited authorization, no par

       2,608,041         4,015,627         8,445,529  

Net asset value per share

     $ 11.83       $ 12.03       $ 10.80  

Institutional Class:

            

Net assets

     $ 33,322,868       $ 474,262,351       $ 649,455,090  

Shares of beneficial interest outstanding, unlimited authorization, no par

       2,796,878         39,007,814         59,837,155  

Net asset value per share

     $ 11.91       $ 12.16       $ 10.85  

 

            

1Investments, at cost

     $ 506,008,513       $ 655,331,446       $ 902,858,788  

2Short-term investments, at cost

       7,995,000         6,075,000         9,295,000  

See accompanying notes, which are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

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Statements of operations

Year ended August 31, 2015

 

     Delaware
Tax-Free
USA Fund
  Delaware
Tax-Free USA
Intermediate Fund
  Delaware
National High-Yield
Municipal Bond Fund

Investment Income:

            

Interest

     $ 25,452,144       $ 27,286,183       $ 40,074,066  
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Expenses:

            

Management fees

       3,113,096         3,715,624         4,553,384  

Distribution expenses – Class A

       1,256,736         596,105         555,540  

Distribution expenses – Class B

       182         4         166  

Distribution expenses – Class C

       304,050         519,988         841,376  

Dividend disbursing and transfer agent fees and expenses

       481,686         719,507         851,161  

Accounting and administration expenses

       183,157         241,857         274,893  

Registration fees

       76,947         74,668         115,489  

Reports and statements to shareholders

       72,549         110,484         113,085  

Legal fees

       61,314         84,793         92,631  

Audit and tax fees

       42,384         42,384         42,384  

Trustees’ fees and expenses

       26,562         35,132         39,599  

Custodian fees

       24,437         32,547         37,561  

Other

       37,082         46,092         55,065  
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
       5,680,182         6,219,185         7,572,334  

Less expenses waived

       (871,429 )       (514,007 )       (971,915 )

Less waived distribution expenses – Class A

               (238,442 )        

Less waived distribution expenses – Class B

       (140 )       (3 )       (128 )

Less expense paid indirectly

       (133 )       (91 )       (77 )
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

       4,808,480         5,466,642         6,600,214  
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net Investment Income

       20,643,664         21,819,541         33,473,852  
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

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     Delaware
Tax-Free
USA Fund
  Delaware
Tax-Free USA
Intermediate Fund
  Delaware
National High-Yield
Municipal Bond Fund

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

            

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

     $ (200,295     $ 2,050,022        $ (831,845

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments

       (4,364,863 )       (12,796,169 )       4,993,478  
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)

       (4,565,158 )       (10,746,147 )       4,161,633  
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations

     $ 16,078,506       $ 11,073,394       $ 37,635,485  
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

See accompanying notes, which are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

Statements of changes in net assets

Delaware Tax-Free USA Fund

 

     Year ended  
     8/31/15     8/31/14  

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

    

Net investment income

   $       20,643,664      $       21,368,058   

Net realized loss

     (200,295     (2,078,960

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     (4,364,863     39,021,512   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

     16,078,506        58,310,610   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders from:

    

Net investment income:

    

Class A

     (18,666,036     (19,670,359

Class B

     (686     (24,129

Class C

     (875,173     (946,445

Institutional Class

     (1,110,504     (727,125
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     (20,652,399     (21,368,058
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Capital Share Transactions:

    

Proceeds from shares sold:

    

Class A

     74,645,028        20,390,965   

Class B

            8,214   

Class C

     4,235,410        2,172,013   

Institutional Class

     17,428,772        14,168,723   

Net asset value of shares issued upon reinvestment of dividends and distributions:

    

Class A

     15,764,865        16,447,982   

Class B

     616        16,822   

Class C

     710,330        770,892   

Institutional Class

     849,477        517,623   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     113,634,498        54,493,234   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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     Year ended  
     8/31/15     8/31/14  

Capital Share Transactions (continued):

    

Cost of shares redeemed:

    

Class A

   $     (82,684,570   $     (90,011,611

Class B

     (244,344     (837,632

Class C

     (3,404,801     (8,946,607

Institutional Class

     (9,294,550     (8,213,483
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
         (95,628,265         (108,009,333
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Increase (Decrease) in net assets derived from capital share transactions

     18,006,233        (53,516,099
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets

     13,432,340        (16,573,547

Net Assets:

    

Beginning of year

     554,945,981        571,519,528   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of year

   $ 568,378,321      $ 554,945,981   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Undistributed net investment income

   $ 58,161      $ 66,896   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes, which are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

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Statements of changes in net assets

Delaware Tax-Free USA Intermediate Fund

 

 

     Year ended  
     8/31/15     8/31/14  

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

    

Net investment income

   $ 21,819,541      $ 21,689,186   

Net realized gain (loss)

     2,050,022        (3,776,207

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     (12,796,169     36,532,805   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

     11,073,394        54,445,784   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders from:

    

Net investment income:

    

Class A

     (6,795,570     (9,932,951

Class B

     (11     (259

Class C

     (1,036,994     (1,190,747

Institutional Class

     (13,969,050     (10,565,229
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     (21,801,625     (21,689,186
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Capital Share Transactions:

    

Proceeds from shares sold:

    

Class A

     49,925,867        70,392,418   

Class B

            7,726   

Class C

     6,388,052        6,506,210   

Institutional Class

     170,360,519        241,643,570   

Net asset value of shares issued upon reinvestment of dividends and distributions:

    

Class A

     5,089,103        8,569,342   

Class B

     11        259   

Class C

     936,512        1,081,404   

Institutional Class

     8,398,439        5,135,092   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     241,098,503        333,336,021   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

78


Table of Contents

    

    

 

 

     Year ended  
     8/31/15     8/31/14  

Capital Share Transactions (continued):

    

Cost of shares redeemed:

    

Class A

   $ (117,178,823   $ (236,109,093

Class B

     (5,017     (40,423

Class C

     (12,510,417     (20,809,359

Institutional Class

     (132,111,146     (186,671,884
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     (261,805,403     (443,630,759
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Decrease in net assets derived from capital share transactions

     (20,706,900     (110,294,738
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Decrease in Net Assets

     (31,435,131     (77,538,140

Net Assets:

    

Beginning of year

     738,539,135        816,077,275   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of year

   $ 707,104,004      $ 738,539,135   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Undistributed net investment income

   $ 34,165      $ 16,249   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes, which are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

79


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Statements of changes in net assets

Delaware National High-Yield Municipal Bond Fund

 

 

     Year ended  
     8/31/15     8/31/14  

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

    

Net investment income

   $       33,473,852      $       23,727,456   

Net realized loss

     (831,845     (5,590,268

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     4,993,478        59,226,679   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

     37,635,485        77,363,867   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders from:

    

Net investment income:

    

Class A

     (8,419,400     (8,727,453

Class B

     (680     (14,380

Class C

     (2,552,313     (2,413,354

Institutional Class

     (22,286,610     (12,475,591
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     (33,259,003     (23,630,778
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Capital Share Transactions:

    

Proceeds from shares sold:

    

Class A

     91,360,167        81,125,605   

Class B

            29   

Class C

     30,401,468        19,149,673   

Institutional Class

     355,524,456        287,934,787   

Net asset value of shares issued upon reinvestment of dividends and distributions:

    

Class A

     6,651,908        7,380,542   

Class B

     678        12,400   

Class C

     2,157,658        2,089,705   

Institutional Class

     19,296,801        9,808,355   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     505,393,136        407,501,096   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

80


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     Year ended  
     8/31/15     8/31/14  

Capital Share Transactions (continued):

    

Cost of shares redeemed:

    

Class A

   $ (77,543,924   $ (104,346,592

Class B

     (223,935     (370,127

Class C

     (13,377,278     (26,210,505

Institutional Class

     (111,991,145     (105,787,600
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     (203,136,282     (236,714,824
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Increase in net assets derived from capital share transactions

     302,256,854        170,786,272   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Increase in Net Assets

     306,633,336        224,519,361   

Net Assets:

    

Beginning of year

     661,107,898        436,588,537   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of year

   $      967,741,234      $      661,107,898   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Undistributed (distributions in excess of) net investment income

   $ 16,640      $ (4,103
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes, which are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

81


Table of Contents

Financial highlights

Delaware Tax-Free USA Fund Class A

Selected data for each share of the Fund outstanding throughout each period were as follows:

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income1

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

Total from investment operations

Less dividends and distributions from:

Net investment income

Net realized gain

Total dividends and distributions

Net asset value, end of period

Total return2

Ratios and supplemental data:

Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

Ratio of expenses to average net assets prior to fees waived

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets prior to fees waived

Portfolio turnover

 

 

 

1  The average shares outstanding have been applied for per share information.
2  Total investment return is based on the change in net asset value of a share during the period and assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions at net asset value and does not reflect the impact of a sales charge. Total investment return during all of the periods shown reflects waivers by the manager and/or distributor. Performance would have been lower had the waivers not been in effect.

See accompanying notes, which are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

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     Year ended  
  

 

 

 
     8/31/15     8/31/14     8/31/13     8/31/12     8/31/11    

 

 
   $ 11.900      $ 11.140      $ 12.260      $ 11.300      $ 11.630   

          
     0.434        0.445        0.456        0.484        0.503   
     (0.070     0.760        (1.039     0.959        (0.330
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     0.364        1.205        (0.583     1.443        0.173   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
          
     (0.434     (0.445     (0.457     (0.483     (0.503
                   (0.080              
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     (0.434     (0.445     (0.537     (0.483     (0.503
   $ 11.830      $ 11.900      $ 11.140      $ 12.260      $ 11.300   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     3.09%        11.02%        (5.02%     13.01%        1.65%   
          
   $ 504,204      $ 500,590      $ 519,986      $ 604,415      $ 589,175   
     0.81%        0.80%        0.80%        0.80%        0.80%   
     0.96%        0.97%        0.99%        0.93%        0.94%   
     3.63%        3.88%        3.76%        4.11%        4.52%   
     3.48%        3.71%        3.57%        3.98%        4.38%   
    

 

16%

 

  

 

   

 

34%

 

  

 

   

 

40%

 

  

 

   

 

52%

 

  

 

   

 

49%

 

  

 

 

 

 

83


Table of Contents

Financial highlights

Delaware Tax-Free USA Fund Class C

 

 

Selected data for each share of the Fund outstanding throughout each period were as follows:

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income1

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

Total from investment operations

Less dividends and distributions from:

Net investment income

Net realized gain

Total dividends and distributions

Net asset value, end of period

Total return2

Ratios and supplemental data:

Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

Ratio of expenses to average net assets prior to fees waived

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets prior to fees waived

Portfolio turnover

 

 

 

1  The average shares outstanding have been applied for per share information.

 

2  Total investment return is based on the change in net asset value of a share during the period and assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions at net asset value and does not reflect the impact of a sales charge. Total investment return during all of the periods shown reflects a waiver by the manager. Performance would have been lower had the waiver not been in effect.

See accompanying notes, which are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

84


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    Year Ended  
 

 

 

 
    8/31/15     8/31/14     8/31/13     8/31/12     8/31/11  

 

 
  $ 11.910      $ 11.140      $ 12.270      $ 11.300      $ 11.630   
         
    0.344        0.359        0.364        0.395        0.419   
    (0.080     0.770        (1.048     0.969        (0.330
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    0.264        1.129        (0.684     1.364        0.089   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
         
    (0.344     (0.359     (0.366     (0.394     (0.419
                  (0.080              
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    (0.344     (0.359     (0.446     (0.394     (0.419
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $ 11.830      $ 11.910      $ 11.140      $ 12.270      $ 11.300   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    2.23%        10.28%        (5.82%     12.26%        0.88%   
         
  $ 30,851      $ 29,524      $ 33,509      $ 36,840      $ 30,552   
    1.57%        1.56%        1.56%        1.56%        1.56%   
    1.72%        1.72%        1.70%        1.69%        1.70%   
    2.88%        3.12%        3.00%        3.35%        3.76%   
    2.73%        2.96%        2.86%        3.22%        3.62%   
    16%        34%        40%        52%        49%   
              

 

 

 

85


Table of Contents

Financial highlights

Delaware Tax-Free USA Fund Institutional Class

Selected data for each share of the Fund outstanding throughout each period were as follows:

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income1

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

Total from investment operations

Less dividends and distributions from:

Net investment income

Net realized gain

Total dividends and distributions

Net asset value, end of period

Total return2

Ratios and supplemental data:

Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

Ratio of expenses to average net assets prior to fees waived

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets prior to fees waived

Portfolio turnover

 

 

 

1  The average shares outstanding have been applied for per share information.

 

2  Total investment return is based on the change in net asset value of a share during the period and assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions at net asset value. Total investment return during all of the periods shown reflects a waiver by the manager. Performance would have been lower had the waiver not been in effect.

See accompanying notes, which are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

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    Year ended  
 

 

 

 
    8/31/15     8/31/14     8/31/13     8/31/12     8/31/11  

 

 
  $ 11.990      $ 11.220      $ 12.360      $ 11.380      $ 11.720   
         
    0.466        0.477        0.490        0.517        0.534   
    (0.080     0.770        (1.060     0.979        (0.340
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    0.386        1.247        (0.570     1.496        0.194   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
         
    (0.466     (0.477     (0.490     (0.516     (0.534
                  (0.080              
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    (0.466     (0.477     (0.570     (0.516     (0.534
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $ 11.910      $ 11.990      $ 11.220      $ 12.360      $ 11.380   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    3.26%        11.33%        (4.89%     13.41%        1.83%   
         
  $ 33,323      $ 24,588      $ 17,008      $ 18,187      $ 9,242   
    0.57%        0.56%        0.56%        0.56%        0.56%   
    0.72%        0.72%        0.70%        0.69%        0.70%   
    3.88%        4.12%        4.00%        4.35%        4.76%   
    3.73%        3.96%        3.86%        4.22%        4.62%   
    16%        34%        40%        52%        49%   
         

 

 

 

87


Table of Contents

Financial highlights

Delaware Tax-Free USA Intermediate Fund Class A

Selected data for each share of the Fund outstanding throughout each period were as follows:

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income1

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

Total from investment operations

Less dividends and distributions from:

Net investment income

Total dividends and distributions

Net asset value, end of period

Total return2

Ratios and supplemental data:

Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

Ratio of expenses to average net assets prior to fees waived

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets prior to fees waived

Portfolio turnover

 

 

 

1  The average shares outstanding have been applied for per share information.

 

2  Total investment return is based on the change in net asset value of a share during the period and assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions at net asset value and does not reflect the impact of a sales charge. Total investment return during all of the periods shown reflects waivers by the manager and distributor. Performance would have been lower had the waivers not been in effect.

See accompanying notes, which are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

88


Table of Contents

    

    

 

 

 

 

 

    Year ended  
 

 

 

 
    8/31/15     8/31/14     8/31/13     8/31/12     8/31/11  

 

 
  $ 12.210      $ 11.690      $ 12.410      $ 11.850      $ 12.110   
              
    0.346        0.342        0.344        0.362        0.381   
    (0.170     0.520        (0.720     0.560        (0.260
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    0.176        0.862        (0.376     0.922        0.121   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
              
    (0.346     (0.342     (0.344     (0.362     (0.381
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    (0.346     (0.342     (0.344     (0.362     (0.381
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $ 12.040      $ 12.210      $ 11.690      $ 12.410      $ 11.850   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    1.46%        7.47%        (3.13%     7.89%        1.10%   
              
  $ 184,514      $ 249,848      $ 391,923      $ 464,540      $ 444,780   
    0.76%        0.75%        0.75%        0.75%        0.75%   
    0.93%        0.93%        0.97%        0.97%        0.98%   
    2.85%        2.86%        2.79%        2.98%        3.27%   
    2.68%        2.68%        2.57%        2.76%        3.04%   
    19%        34%        23%        39%        43%   
              

 

 

 

89


Table of Contents

Financial highlights

Delaware Tax-Free USA Intermediate Fund Class C

Selected data for each share of the Fund outstanding throughout each period were as follows:

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income1

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

Total from investment operations

Less dividends and distributions from:

Net investment income

Total dividends and distributions

Net asset value, end of period

Total return2

Ratios and supplemental data:

Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

Ratio of expenses to average net assets prior to fees waived

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets prior to fees waived

Portfolio turnover

 

 

 

1  The average shares outstanding have been applied for per share information.

 

2  Total investment return is based on the change in net asset value of a share during the period and assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions at net asset value and does not reflect the impact of a sales charge. Total investment return during all of the periods shown reflects a waiver by the manager. Performance would have been lower had the waiver not been in effect.

See accompanying notes, which are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

90


Table of Contents

    

    

 

 

 

 

 

    Year ended  
 

 

 

 
    8/31/15     8/31/14     8/31/13     8/31/12     8/31/11  

 

 
  $ 12.200      $ 11.690      $ 12.400      $ 11.850      $ 12.110   
         
    0.243        0.240        0.239        0.258        0.282   
    (0.170     0.510        (0.710     0.550        (0.260
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    0.073        0.750        (0.471     0.808        0.022   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
         
    (0.243     (0.240     (0.239     (0.258     (0.282
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    (0.243     (0.240     (0.239     (0.258     (0.282
  $ 12.030      $ 12.200      $ 11.690      $ 12.400      $ 11.850   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    0.60%        6.48%        (3.87%     6.89%        0.25%   
         
  $ 48,328      $ 54,231      $ 64,904      $ 75,887      $ 60,398   
    1.61%        1.60%        1.60%        1.60%        1.60%   
    1.68%        1.68%        1.67%        1.67%        1.68%   
    2.00%        2.01%        1.94%        2.13%        2.42%   
    1.93%        1.93%        1.87%        2.06%        2.34%   
    19%        34%        23%        39%        43%   
              

 

 

 

91


Table of Contents

Financial highlights

Delaware Tax-Free USA Intermediate Fund Institutional Class

Selected data for each share of the Fund outstanding throughout each period were as follows:

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income1

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

Total from investment operations

Less dividends and distributions from:

Net investment income

Total dividends and distributions

Net asset value, end of period

Total return2

Ratios and supplemental data:

Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

Ratio of expenses to average net assets prior to fees waived

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets prior to fees waived

Portfolio turnover

 

 

 

1  The average shares outstanding have been applied for per share information.

 

2  Total investment return is based on the change in net asset value of a share during the period and assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions at net asset value. Total investment return during all of the periods shown reflects a waiver by the manager. Performance would have been lower had the waiver not been in effect.

See accompanying notes, which are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

92


Table of Contents

    

    

 

 

 

 

     Year ended  
  

 

 

 
     8/31/15     8/31/14     8/31/13     8/31/12     8/31/11  

 

 
   $ 12.330      $ 11.810      $ 12.530      $ 11.970      $ 12.230   
          
     0.368        0.363        0.366        0.384        0.402   
     (0.170     0.520        (0.720     0.560        (0.260
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     0.198        0.883        (0.354     0.944        0.142   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
          
     (0.368     (0.363     (0.366     (0.384     (0.402
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     (0.368     (0.363     (0.366     (0.384     (0.402
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ 12.160      $ 12.330      $ 11.810      $ 12.530      $ 11.970   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     1.62%        7.58%        (2.92%     8.00%        1.28%   
          
   $ 474,262      $ 434,455      $ 359,213      $ 333,033      $ 281,256   
     0.61%        0.60%        0.60%        0.60%        0.60%   
     0.68%        0.68%        0.67%        0.67%        0.68%   
     3.00%        3.01%        2.94%        3.13%        3.42%   
     2.93%        2.93%        2.87%        3.06%        3.34%   
     19%        34%        23%        39%        43%   
               

 

 

 

93


Table of Contents

Financial highlights

Delaware National High-Yield Municipal Bond Fund Class A

Selected data for each share of the Fund outstanding throughout each period were as follows:

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income1

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

Total from investment operations

Less dividends and distributions from:

Net investment income

Total dividends and distributions

Net asset value, end of period

Total return2

Ratios and supplemental data:

Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

Ratio of expenses to average net assets prior to fees waived

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets prior to fees waived

Portfolio turnover

 

 

 

1  The average shares outstanding have been applied for per share information.

 

2  Total investment return is based on the change in net asset value of a share during the period and assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions at net asset value and does not reflect the impact of a sales charge. Total investment return during all of the periods shown reflects waivers by the manager. Performance would have been lower had the waivers not been in effect.

See accompanying notes, which are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

94


Table of Contents

    

    

 

 

 

 

    Year ended  
 

 

 

 
    8/31/15     8/31/14     8/31/13     8/31/12     8/31/11  

 

 
  $ 10.650      $ 9.640      $ 10.750      $ 9.620      $ 10.090   
         
    0.413        0.447        0.449        0.496        0.479   
    0.097        1.008        (1.110     1.127        (0.474
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    0.510        1.455        (0.661     1.623        0.005   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
         
    (0.410     (0.445     (0.449     (0.493     (0.475
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    (0.410     (0.445     (0.449     (0.493     (0.475
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $ 10.750      $ 10.650      $ 9.640      $ 10.750      $ 9.620   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    4.83%        15.42%        (6.47%     17.28%        0.23%   
         
  $ 227,090      $ 204,936      $ 200,988      $ 228,829      $ 140,629   
    0.85%        0.85%        0.85%        0.85%        0.85%   
    0.97%        0.99%        0.99%        0.99%        1.01%   
    3.80%        4.38%        4.18%        4.83%        5.03%   
    3.68%        4.24%        4.04%        4.69%        4.87%   
    10%        31%        46%        34%        57%   

 

 

 

95


Table of Contents

Financial highlights

Delaware National High-Yield Municipal Bond Fund Class C

Selected data for each share of the Fund outstanding throughout each period were as follows:

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income1

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

Total from investment operations

Less dividends and distributions from:

Net investment income

Total dividends and distributions

Net asset value, end of period

Total return2

Ratios and supplemental data:

Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

Ratio of expenses to average net assets prior to fees waived

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets prior to fees waived

Portfolio turnover

    

 

 

1  The average shares outstanding have been applied for per share information.

 

2  Total investment return is based on the change in net asset value of a share during the period and assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions at net asset value and does not reflect the impact of a sales charge. Total investment return during all of the periods shown reflects a waiver by the manager. Performance would have been lower had the waiver not been in effect.

See accompanying notes, which are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

96


Table of Contents

    

    

 

 

 

 

    Year ended  
 

 

 

 
      8/31/15     8/31/14     8/31/13     8/31/12     8/31/11  

 

 
    $10.700      $ 9.680      $ 10.800      $ 9.660      $ 10.130   
              
    0.333        0.373        0.370        0.422        0.409   
        0.097        1.018        (1.120     1.137        (0.474
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
        0.430        1.391        (0.750     1.559        (0.065
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
              
       (0.330     (0.371     (0.370     (0.419     (0.405
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
       (0.330     (0.371     (0.370     (0.419     (0.405
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    $10.800      $ 10.700      $ 9.680      $ 10.800      $ 9.660   
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    4.04%        14.63%        (7.21%     16.47%        (0.51%
              
    $91,196      $ 71,424      $ 69,889      $ 69,634      $ 44,497   
    1.60%        1.60%        1.60%        1.60%        1.60%   
    1.72%        1.74%        1.74%        1.74%        1.76%   
    3.05%        3.63%        3.43%        4.08%        4.28%   
    2.93%        3.49%        3.29%        3.94%        4.12%   
    10%        31%        46%        34%        57%   
              

 

 

 

97


Table of Contents

Financial highlights

Delaware National High-Yield Municipal Bond Fund Institutional Class

Selected data for each share of the Fund outstanding throughout each period were as follows:

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income1

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

Total from investment operations

Less dividends and distributions from:

Net investment income

Total dividends and distributions

Net asset value, end of period

Total return2

Ratios and supplemental data:

Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

Ratio of expenses to average net assets prior to fees waived

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets prior to fees waived

Portfolio turnover

    

 

 

1  The average shares outstanding have been applied for per share information.

 

2  Total investment return is based on the change in net asset value of a share during the period and assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions at net asset value. Total investment return during all of the periods shown reflects a waiver by the manager. Performance would have been lower had the waiver not been in effect.

See accompanying notes, which are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

98


Table of Contents

    

    

 

 

 

 

    Year ended  
 

 

 

 
        8/31/15     8/31/14     8/31/13     8/31/12     8/31/11  

 

 
    $  10.750      $ 9.730      $ 10.850      $ 9.710      $ 10.190   
              
    0.443        0.476        0.480        0.527        0.506   
          0.097        1.018        (1.120     1.137        (0.484
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
          0.540        1.494        (0.640     1.664        0.022   
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
              
         (0.440     (0.474     (0.480     (0.524     (0.502
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
         (0.440     (0.474     (0.480     (0.524     (0.502
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    $  10.850      $ 10.750      $ 9.730      $ 10.850      $ 9.710   
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    5.08%        15.71%        (6.23%     17.57%        0.41%   
              
    $649,455      $ 384,525      $ 165,162      $ 125,661      $ 44,364   
    0.60%        0.60%        0.60%        0.60%        0.60%   
    0.72%        0.74%        0.74%        0.74%        0.76%   
    4.05%        4.63%        4.43%        5.08%        5.28%   
    3.93%        4.49%        4.29%        4.94%        5.12%   
    10%        31%        46%        34%        57%   
              

 

 

 

99


Table of Contents

Notes to financial statements

Delaware Investments® National Tax-Free Funds    August 31, 2015

Delaware Group® Tax-Free Fund is organized as a Delaware statutory trust and offers two series: Delaware Tax-Free USA Fund and Delaware Tax-Free USA Intermediate Fund. Voyageur Mutual Funds is organized as a Delaware statutory trust and offers five series: Delaware Tax-Free California Fund, Delaware Tax-Free Idaho Fund, Delaware Minnesota High-Yield Municipal Bond Fund, Delaware National High-Yield Municipal Bond Fund, and Delaware Tax-Free New York Fund. Delaware Group Tax-Free Fund and Voyageur Mutual Funds are individually referred to as a Trust and collectively as the Trusts. These financial statements and the related notes pertain to Delaware Tax-Free USA Fund, Delaware Tax-Free USA Intermediate Fund, and Delaware National High-Yield Municipal Bond Fund (each referred to as a Fund, or collectively, as the Funds). The above Trusts are open-end investment companies. The Funds are considered diversified under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended and offer Class A, Class C, and Institutional Class shares. Class A shares are sold with a maximum front-end sales charge of 4.50% for Delaware Tax-Free USA Fund and Delaware National High-Yield Municipal Bond Fund, and 2.75% for Delaware Tax-Free USA Intermediate Fund. Class A share purchases of $1,000,000 or more will incur a contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) of 1.00% if redeemed during the first year and 0.50% during the second year for Delaware Tax-Free USA Fund and Delaware National High-Yield Municipal Bond Fund, and 0.75% for Delaware Tax-Free USA Intermediate Fund if redeemed within the first year, provided that Delaware Distributors, L.P. (DDLP) paid a financial advisor a commission on the purchase of those shares. Effective Sept. 25, 2014, all remaining shares of Class B were converted to Class A shares. Between June 1, 2007 and Sept. 25, 2014, Class B shares could be purchased only through dividend reinvestment and certain permitted exchanges. Class B shares of Delaware Tax-Free USA Fund and Delaware National High-Yield Municipal Bond Fund automatically converted to Class A shares on a quarterly basis approximately eight years after purchase. Class B shares of Delaware Tax-Free USA Intermediate Fund automatically converted to Class A shares on a quarterly basis approximately five years after purchase. Class C shares are sold with a CDSC of 1.00%, if redeemed during the first 12 months. Institutional Class shares are not subject to a sales charge and are offered for sale exclusively to certain eligible investors.

The investment objective of Delaware Tax-Free USA Fund and Delaware Tax-Free USA Intermediate Fund is to seek as high a level of current interest income exempt from federal income taxes as is available from municipal obligations and as is consistent with prudent investment management and preservation of capital.

The investment objective of Delaware National High-Yield Municipal Bond Fund is to seek a high level of current income exempt from federal income tax primarily through investment in medium- and lower-grade municipal obligations.

1. Significant Accounting Policies

The following accounting policies are in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP) and are consistently followed by the Funds.

Security Valuation – Debt securities are valued based upon valuations provided by an independent pricing service or broker and reviewed by management. To the extent current market prices are not available, the pricing service may take into account developments related to the specific security, as well as transactions in comparable securities. Valuations for fixed income securities utilize matrix systems, which reflect such factors as security prices, yields, maturities, and ratings, and are supplemented by

 

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dealer and exchange quotations. Generally, other securities and assets for which market quotations are not readily available are valued at fair value as determined in good faith under the direction of each Fund’s Board of Trustees (each, a Board or, collectively, the Boards). In determining whether market quotations are readily available or fair valuation will be used, various factors will be taken into consideration, such as market closures or suspension of trading in a security.

Federal Income Taxes – No provision for federal income taxes has been made as each Fund intends to continue to qualify for federal income tax purposes as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and make the requisite distributions to shareholders. Each Fund evaluates tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing each Fund’s tax returns to determine whether the tax positions are “more-likely-than-not” of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. Tax positions not deemed to meet the “more-likely-than-not” threshold are recorded as a tax benefit or expense in the current year. Management has analyzed each Fund’s tax positions taken for all open federal income tax years (Aug. 31, 2012–Aug. 31, 2015), and has concluded that no provision for federal income tax is required in each Fund’s financial statements.

Class Accounting – Investment income and common expenses are allocated to the various classes of each Fund on the basis of “settled shares” of each class in relation to the net assets of each Fund. Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments are allocated to the various classes of each Fund on the basis of daily net assets of each class. Distribution expenses relating to a specific class are charged directly to that class.

Use of Estimates – Each Fund is an investment company, whose financial statements are prepared in conformity with U.S. GAAP. Therefore, each Fund follows the accounting and reporting guidelines for investment companies. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the fair value of investments, the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates and the differences could be material.

Other – Expenses directly attributable to a Fund are charged directly to that Fund. Other expenses common to various funds within the Delaware Investments® Family of Funds are generally allocated among such funds on the basis of average net assets. Management fees and some other expenses are paid monthly. Security transactions are recorded on the date the securities are purchased or sold (trade date) for financial reporting purposes. Costs used in calculating realized gains and losses on the sale of investment securities are those of the specific securities sold. Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis. Discounts and premiums on debt securities are accreted or amortized to interest income, respectively, over the lives of the respective securities using the effective interest method. Each Fund declares dividends daily from net investment income and pays the dividends monthly and declares and pays distributions from net realized gain on investments, if any, annually. Each Fund may distribute more frequently, if necessary for tax purposes. Dividends and distributions, if any, are recorded on the ex-dividend date.

 

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Notes to financial statements

Delaware Investments® National Tax-Free Funds

 

 

1. Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

 

Each Fund may receive earnings credits from its custodian when positive cash balances are maintained, which may be used to offset custody fees. There were no such earnings credits for the year ended Aug. 31, 2015.

Each Fund receives earnings credits from its transfer agent when positive cash balances are maintained, which may be used to offset transfer agent fees. If the amount earned is greater than one dollar, the expense paid under this arrangement is included on the “Statements of operations” under “Dividend disbursing and transfer agent fees and expenses” with the corresponding expense offset shown under “Less expense paid indirectly.” For the year ended Aug. 31, 2015, each Fund earned the following amounts under this agreement:

 

      Delaware Tax-Free
USA Fund
   Delaware Tax-Free
USA Intermediate Fund
   Delaware National High-Yield
Municipal Bond Fund
   $133    $91    $77

2. Investment Management, Administration Agreements, and Other Transactions with Affiliates

In accordance with the terms of its respective investment management agreement, each Fund pays Delaware Management Company (DMC), a series of Delaware Management Business Trust and the investment manager, an annual fee which is calculated based on each Fund’s average daily net assets as follows:

 

         Delaware Tax-Free    
USA Fund
 

Delaware Tax-Free
  USA Intermediate Fund  

 

Delaware National
High-Yield
  Municipal Bond Fund  

On the first $500 million

   0.550%   0.500%   0.550%

On the next $500 million

   0.500%   0.475%   0.500%

On the next $1.5 billion

   0.450%   0.450%   0.450%

In excess of $2.5 billion

   0.425%   0.425%   0.425%

DMC has contractually agreed to waive that portion, if any, of its management fee and/or pay/reimburse each Fund to the extent necessary to ensure that total annual operating expenses (excluding any 12b-1 fees, taxes, interest, inverse floater program expenses, acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale and dividend interest expenses, brokerage fees, certain insurance costs, and nonroutine expenses or costs including, but not limited to, those relating to reorganizations, litigation, conducting shareholder meetings, and liquidations) do not exceed 0.56%, 0.60%, and 0.60% of average daily net assets of Delaware Tax-Free USA Fund, Delaware Tax-Free USA Intermediate Fund, and Delaware National High-Yield Municipal Bond Fund, respectively, from Sept. 1, 2014 through Aug. 31, 2015.1 For purposes of these waivers and reimbursements, nonroutine expenses may also include such additional costs and expenses, as may be agreed upon from time to time by the Boards and DMC. These expense waivers and reimbursements apply only to expenses paid directly by each Fund and may only be terminated by agreement of DMC and each Fund.

Effective Nov. 1, 2014, Delaware Investments Fund Services Company (DIFSC), an affiliate of DMC, provides fund accounting and financial administration oversight services to each Fund. Prior to this time, Delaware Service Company, Inc. (DSC), an affiliate of DMC, provided fund accounting and financial

 

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administration oversight services to each Fund under a substantially identical agreement with an identical fee schedule. For these services, DIFSC’s fees are calculated based on the aggregate daily net assets of the Delaware Investments® Family of Funds at the following annual rate: 0.0050% of the first $30 billion; 0.0045% of the next $10 billion; 0.0040% of the next $10 billion; and 0.0025% of aggregate average daily net assets in excess of $50 billion. The fees payable to DIFSC under the service agreement described above are allocated among all retail funds in the Delaware Investments Family of Funds on a relative net asset value basis. These amounts are included on the “Statements of operations” under “Accounting and Administration expenses.” For the year ended Aug. 31, 2015, each Fund was charged for these services as follows:

 

     Delaware Tax-Free
USA Fund
   Delaware Tax-Free
USA Intermediate Fund
   Delaware National High-Yield
Municipal Bond Fund
   $27,096    $35,773    $40,711

 

Effective Nov. 1, 2014, DIFSC also became the transfer agent and dividend disbursing agent of each Fund. Prior to this time, DSC was the transfer agent and dividend disbursing agent of each Fund under a substantially identical agreement with an identical fee schedule. For these services, DIFSC’s fees are calculated based on the aggregate daily net assets of the retail funds within the Delaware Investments Family of Funds at the following annual rate: 0.025% of the first $20 billion; 0.020% of the next $5 billion; 0.015% of the next $5 billion; and 0.013% on average daily net assets in excess of $30 billion. The fees payable to DIFSC under the service agreement described above are allocated among all retail Funds in the Delaware Investments Family of Funds on a relative net asset value basis. These amounts are included on the “Statements of operations” under “Dividend disbursing and transfer agent fees and expenses.” For the year ended Aug. 31, 2015, each Fund was charged for these services as follows:

 

     Delaware Tax-Free
USA Fund
   Delaware Tax-Free
USA Intermediate Fund
   Delaware National High-Yield
Municipal Bond Fund
   $118,964    $157,082    $178,580

Pursuant to a sub-transfer agency agreement between DIFSC and BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. (BNYMIS), BNYMIS provides certain sub-transfer agency services to each Fund. Sub-transfer agency fees are passed on to and paid by each Fund.

Pursuant to a distribution agreement and distribution plan, Delaware National High-Yield Municipal Bond Fund pays DDLP, the distributor and an affiliate of DMC, an annual distribution and service fee of 0.25% of the average daily net assets of the Class A shares. Each Fund pays 1.00% of the average daily net assets of the Class C shares for all the Funds. The Board for Delaware Tax-Free USA Fund has adopted a formula for calculating 12b-1 plan fees for the Fund’s Class A shares that went into effect on June 1, 1992. The Fund’s Class A shares are currently subject to a blended 12b-1 fee equal to the sum of: (1) 0.10% of average daily net assets representing shares acquired prior to June 1, 1992, and (2) 0.25% of average daily net assets representing shares acquired on or after June 1, 1992. All of the Fund’s Class A shareholders bear 12b-1 fees at the same rate, the blended rate, currently 0.24% of average daily net assets, based on the formula described above. This method of calculating Class A 12b-1 fees may be discontinued at the sole discretion of the Board. The Class A shares and Class B shares of Delaware Tax-Free USA Intermediate Fund were subject to a 12b-1 fee of 0.25% and 1.00%, respectively of average daily net assets, which were contractually waived to 0.15% of average daily net assets from Sept. 1, 2014 through Aug. 31, 2015.2 The Class B shares of Delaware Tax-Free USA

 

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Notes to financial statements

Delaware Investments® National Tax-Free Funds

 

 

2. Investment Management, Administration Agreements, and Other Transactions with Affiliates (continued)

 

Fund3 and National High-Yield Municipal Bond Fund4 were subject to a 12b-1 fee of 1.00% of average daily net assets which were contractually waived to 0.25% of average daily net assets from Sept. 1, 2014 through Sept. 25, 2014. Institutional Class shares pay no distribution and service expenses.

As provided in the investment management agreement, each Fund bears a portion of the cost of certain resources shared with DMC, including the cost of internal personnel of DMC and/or its affiliates that provide legal, tax, and regulatory reporting services to each Fund. These amounts are included on the “Statements of operations” under “Legal fees.” For the year ended Aug. 31, 2015, each Fund was charged for internal legal, tax, and regulatory reporting services provided by DMC and/or its affiliates’ employees as follows:

 

     Delaware Tax-Free
USA Fund
   Delaware Tax-Free
USA Intermediate Fund
   Delaware National High-Yield
Municipal Bond Fund
   $14,891    $19,666    $21,947

 

For the year ended Aug. 31, 2015, DDLP earned commissions on sales of Class A shares for each Fund as follows:

 

     Delaware Tax-Free
USA Fund
   Delaware Tax-Free
USA Intermediate Fund
   Delaware National High-Yield
Municipal Bond Fund
   $25,308    $9,137    $72,460

 

For the year ended Aug. 31, 2015, DDLP received gross CDSC commissions on redemptions of Delaware Tax-Free USA Fund and Delaware National High-Yield Municipal Bond Fund’s Class A and Class C shares. These commissions were entirely used to offset upfront commissions previously paid by DDLP to broker/dealers on sales of those shares. The amounts received were as follows:

 

     Delaware Tax-Free
USA Fund
  

Delaware Tax-Free
USA Intermediate Fund

   Delaware National High-Yield
Municipal Bond Fund

Class A

   $     —     $     —      $16,204

Class C

   1,385    8,356      21,002

Trustees’ fees include expenses accrued by the Funds for each Trustee’s retainer and meeting fees. Certain officers of DMC, DIFSC, and DDLP are officers and/or Trustees of the Trusts. These officers and Trustees are paid no compensation by the Funds.

 

1The contractual waiver period is from Dec. 27, 2013, through Dec. 29, 2015.

2The contractual waiver period is from Dec. 27, 2013, through Dec. 29, 2015 for the Class A shares and March 1, 2013, through Sept. 25, 2014 for the Class B shares.

3The contractual waiver period was from May 1, 2013, through Sept. 25, 2014.

4The contractual waiver period was from Aug. 1, 2013, through Sept. 25, 2014.

 

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3. Investments

For the year ended Aug. 31, 2015, each Fund made purchases and sales of investment securities other than short-term investments as follows:

 

    

Delaware Tax-Free

            USA Fund             

   Delaware Tax-Free
USA Intermediate Fund
   Delaware National
High-Yield
  Municipal Bond Fund  

Purchases

   $107,278,164    $139,591,967    $391,062,032

Sales

       90,288,667        150,779,677        80,330,970

At Aug. 31, 2015, the cost and unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments for federal income tax purposes for each Fund were as follows:

 

    

Delaware Tax-Free

            USA Fund             

   Delaware Tax-Free
USA Intermediate Fund
   Delaware National
High-Yield
  Municipal Bond Fund  

Cost of Investments

   $514,192,168    $661,741,340    $911,686,868

Aggregate unrealized appreciation of investments

   $  48,562,773    $  41,269,179    $  49,498,431

Aggregate unrealized depreciation of investments

        (1,849,546)          (1,804,275)          (4,080,950)

Net unrealized appreciation of investments

   $  46,713,227    $  39,464,904    $  45,417,481

U.S. GAAP defines fair value as the price that each Fund would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date under current market conditions. A three-level hierarchy for fair value measurements has been established based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability. Inputs may be observable or unobservable and refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity. Unobservable inputs reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on the best information available under the circumstances. Each Fund’s investment in its entirety is assigned a level based upon the observability of the inputs which are significant to the overall valuation. The three-level hierarchy of inputs is summarized below.

 

Level 1 –    Inputs are quoted prices in active markets for identical investments. (Examples: equity securities, open-end investment companies, futures contracts, exchange-traded options contracts)
Level 2 –    Other observable inputs, including, but not limited to: quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in markets that are active, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the assets or liabilities (such as interest rates, yield curves, volatilities, prepayment speeds, loss severities, credit risks, and default rates) or other market-corroborated inputs. (Examples: debt securities, government securities, swap contracts, foreign currency exchange contracts,

 

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Notes to financial statements

Delaware Investments® National Tax-Free Funds

 

 

3. Investments (continued)

 

   foreign securities utilizing international fair value pricing, broker-quoted securities, fair valued securities)
Level 3 –    Significant unobservable inputs, including each Fund’s own assumptions used to determine the fair value of investments. (Examples: broker-quoted securities, fair valued securities)

Level 3 investments are valued using significant unobservable inputs. Each Fund may also use an income-based valuation approach in which the anticipated future cash flows of the investment are discounted to calculate fair value. Discounts may also be applied due to the nature or duration of any restrictions on the disposition of the investments. Valuations may also be based upon current market prices of securities that are comparable in coupon, rating, maturity, and industry. The derived value of a Level 3 investment may not represent the value which is received upon disposition and this could impact the results of operations.

The following tables summarize the valuation of each Fund’s investments by fair value hierarchy levels as of Aug. 31, 2015:

 

    

Delaware Tax-Free USA Fund

Securities

  

Level 2

Municipal Bonds

   $552,910,395

Short-Term Investments

         7,995,000

Total Value of Securities

   $560,905,395
    

Delaware Tax-Free USA

Intermediate Fund

Securities

  

Level 2

Municipal Bonds

   $695,131,244

Short-Term Investments

         6,075,000

Total Value of Securities

   $701,206,244
    

Delaware National High-Yield

Municipal Bond Fund

Securities

  

Level 2

Municipal Bonds

   $947,809,349

Short-Term Investments

         9,295,000

Total Value of Securities

   $957,104,349

During the year ended Aug. 31, 2015, there were no transfers between Level 1 investments, Level 2 investments, or Level 3 investments that had a significant impact to each Fund. Each Fund’s policy is to recognize transfers between levels at the beginning of the reporting period.

A reconciliation of Level 3 investments is presented when a Fund has a significant amount of Level 3 investments at the beginning, interim, or end of the period in relation to net assets. At Aug. 31, 2015, there were no Level 3 investments.

 

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4. Dividend and Distribution Information

Income and long-term capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. GAAP. Additionally, distributions from net short-term gains on sales of investment securities are treated as ordinary income for federal income tax purposes. The tax character of dividends and distributions paid during the years ended Aug. 31, 2015 and 2014 was as follows:

 

         Delaware Tax-Free    
USA Fund
  

Delaware Tax-Free
  USA Intermediate Fund  

  

Delaware National
High-Yield
    Municipal Bond Fund     

Year ended 8/31/15

              

Tax-exempt income

     $ 20,604,908        $ 21,800,008        $ 33,237,798  

Ordinary income

       47,491          1,617          21,205  
    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total

     $ 20,652,399        $ 21,801,625        $ 33,259,003  
    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Year ended 8/31/14

              

Tax-exempt income

     $ 21,320,935        $ 21,681,177        $ 23,619,057  

Ordinary income

       47,123          8,009          11,721  
    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total

     $ 21,368,058        $ 21,689,186        $ 23,630,778  
    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

5. Components of Net Assets on a Tax Basis

As of Aug. 31, 2015, the components of net assets on a tax basis were as follows:

 

         Delaware Tax-Free    
USA Fund
 

Delaware Tax-Free
  USA Intermediate Fund  

 

Delaware National
High-Yield
    Municipal Bond Fund     

Shares of beneficial interest

     $ 524,354,830       $ 674,509,027       $ 938,312,898  

Undistributed tax-exempt income

       623,826         619,367         1,048,209  

Distributions payable

       (565,665 )       (585,202 )       (1,031,569 )

Capital loss carryforwards

       (2,747,897 )       (6,904,092 )       (16,005,785 )

Unrealized appreciation of investments

       46,713,227         39,464,904         45,417,481  
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net assets

     $ 568,378,321       $ 707,104,004       $ 967,741,234  
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

The differences between book basis and tax basis components of net assets are primarily attributable to tax deferral of losses on wash sales and tax treatment of market discount and premium on debt instruments.

 

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Notes to financial statements

Delaware Investments® National Tax-Free Funds

 

 

5. Components of Net Assets on a Tax Basis (continued)

 

For financial reporting purposes, capital accounts are adjusted to reflect the tax character of permanent book/tax differences. Reclassifications are primarily due to tax treatment of expiring capital loss carryforwards and tax treatment of market discount and premium on certain debt instruments. Results of operations and net assets were not affected by these reclassifications. For the year ended Aug. 31, 2015, the Delaware National High-Yield Municipal Bond Fund recorded the following reclassifications:

 

    

Delaware National
High-Yield
Municipal Bond Fund

Undistributed net investment income

     $ (194,106 )

Accumulated net realized loss

       549,807  

Paid-in capital

       (355,701 )

For federal income tax purposes, capital loss carryforwards may be carried forward and applied against future capital gains. In 2015, $2,050,022 capital loss carryforwards was utilized for the Delaware Tax-Free USA Intermediate Fund and $355,701 capital loss carryforwards expired for the Delaware National High-Yield Municipal Bond Fund.

Capital loss carryforwards remaining at Aug. 31, 2015 will expire as follows:

 

    

Delaware Tax-Free
USA Intermediate Fund

   Delaware National High-Yield
Municipal Bond Fund
    

2017

   $5,428,954    $374,735   

On Dec. 22, 2010, the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010 (Act) was enacted, which changed various technical rules governing the tax treatment of regulated investment companies. The changes were generally effective for taxable years beginning after the date of enactment. Under the Act, the Funds are permitted to carry forward capital losses incurred in taxable years beginning after the date of enactment for an unlimited period. However, any losses incurred during those future taxable years will be required to be utilized prior to the losses incurred in pre-enactment taxable years, which carry an expiration date. As a result of this ordering rule, pre-enactment capital loss carryforwards may be more likely to expire unused. Additionally, post-enactment capital loss carryforwards will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses rather than being considered all short-term as permitted under previous regulation.

Losses incurred that will be carried forward under the Act are as follows:

 

     Delaware Tax-Free
USA Fund
  

Delaware Tax-Free
USA Intermediate Fund

   Delaware National High-Yield
Municipal Bond Fund

Loss carryforward character:

        

Short-term

   $   642,595    $1,475,138    $10,312,954

Long-term

     2,105,302                   —        5,318,096

 

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6. Capital Shares

Transactions in capital shares were as follows:

 

     Delaware Tax-Free
USA Fund
    Delaware Tax-Free
USA Intermediate Fund
    Delaware National
High-Yield
Municipal Bond Fund
 
    

 

Year

ended

   

 

Year

ended

   

 

Year

ended

 
     8/31/15     8/31/14     8/31/15     8/31/14     8/31/15     8/31/14  

Shares sold:

            

Class A

     6,206,129        1,789,524        4,103,827        5,895,384        8,439,793        7,971,429   

Class B

            696               654               3   

Class C

     354,520        189,460        524,181        545,377        2,799,793        1,870,701   

Institutional Class

     1,448,572        1,205,280        13,835,733        19,954,492        32,549,643        28,345,725   

Shares issued upon reinvestment of dividends and distributions:

  

Class A

     1,321,485        1,427,570        418,517        717,349        615,419        728,826   

Class B

     52        1,471        1        22        64        1,234   

Class C

     59,534        66,935        77,051        90,506        198,834        205,676   

Institutional Class

     70,685        44,454        684,213        424,564        1,768,432        952,319   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     9,460,977        4,725,390        19,643,523        27,628,348        46,371,978        40,075,913   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Shares redeemed:

            

Class A

     (6,951,366     (7,850,023     (9,663,549     (19,666,413     (7,179,403     (10,308,379

Class B

     (20,585     (72,964     (413     (3,463     (20,948     (37,265

Class C

     (285,827     (784,663     (1,030,063     (1,745,318     (1,231,191     (2,618,070

Institutional Class

     (772,866     (715,016     (10,756,662     (15,560,640     (10,249,783     (10,503,939
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
       (8,030,644       (9,422,666      (21,450,687      (36,975,834      (18,681,325      (23,467,653
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     1,430,333        (4,697,276     (1,807,164     (9,347,486     27,690,653        16,608,260   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Notes to financial statements

Delaware Investments® National Tax-Free Funds

 

 

6. Capital Shares (continued)

 

For the year ended Aug. 31, 2015 and 2014, the following shares and values were converted from Class B to Class A. The respective amounts are included in Class B redemptions and Class A subscriptions in the tables on the previous page and the “Statements of changes in net assets.”

 

     Class B
Shares
     Year ended
8/31/15
Class A
Shares
     Value      Class B
Shares
     Year ended
8/31/14
Class A
Shares
     Value  

Delaware Tax-Free USA Fund

            2,096         2,095             $24,893             20,225         20,230           $230,817   

Delaware Tax-Free USA Intermediate Fund

                             33         33         385   

Delaware National High-Yield Municipal Bond Fund

     3,664         3,672         39,175         12,965         13,002         130,078   

Certain shareholders may exchange shares of one class for another class in the same Fund. For the years ended Aug. 31, 2015 and 2014, Delaware Tax-Free USA Fund and Delaware National High-Yield Municipal Bond Fund had the following exchange transactions. These exchange transactions are included as subscriptions and redemptions in the tables on the previous page and the “Statements of changes in net assets.”

 

    

Year ended

8/31/15

 
     Exchange Redemptions      Exchange
Subscriptions
        
               Class A          
Shares
               Class C          
Shares
             Institutional        
Class
Shares
                 Value              

Delaware Tax-Free USA Intermediate Fund

     1,776         603         2,358         $28,610   

Delaware National High-Yield Municipal Bond Fund

     1,758         5,032         6,750         73,457   

 

    

Year ended

8/31/14

 
         Exchange Redemptions         

    Exchange Subscriptions    
Institutional

        
                  
     Class A
Shares
     Class
Shares
     Value  

Delaware Tax-Free USA Intermediate Fund

     2,372,246         2,349,034                        $28,798,947   

Delaware National High-Yield Municipal Bond Fund

     783         779         8,059   

 

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7. Line of Credit

Each Fund, along with certain other funds in the Delaware Investments® Family of Funds (Participants), was a participant in a $225,000,000 revolving line of credit to be used for temporary or emergency purposes as an additional source of liquidity to fund redemptions of investor shares. Under the agreement, the Participants were charged an annual commitment fee of 0.08%, which was allocated across the Participants on the basis of each Participant’s allocation of the entire facility. The Participants were permitted to borrow up to a maximum of one third of their net assets under the agreement. Each Participant was individually, and not jointly, liable for its particular advances, if any, under the line of credit. The line of credit under the agreement expired on Nov. 10, 2014.

On Nov. 10, 2014, each Fund, along with the other Participants, entered into an amendment to the agreement for a $275,000,000 revolving line of credit to be used as described above and operates in substantially the same manner as the original agreement. The line of credit available under the agreement expires on Nov. 9, 2015.

The Funds had no amounts outstanding as of Aug. 31, 2015 or at any time during the year then ended.

8. Geographic, Credit, and Market Risks

The Funds concentrate their investments in securities issued by municipalities, and may be subject to geographic concentration risk. In addition, the Funds have the flexibility to invest in issuers in U.S. territories and possessions such as the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam, whose bonds are also free of federal and individual state income taxes. The value of the Funds’ investments may be adversely affected by new legislation within the U.S. states or territories, regional or local economic conditions, and differing levels of supply and demand for municipal bonds. Many municipalities insure repayment for their obligations. Although bond insurance reduces the risk of loss due to default by an issuer, such bonds remain subject to the risk that value may fluctuate for other reasons and there is no certainty that the insurance company will meet its obligations. A real or perceived decline in creditworthiness of a bond insurer can have an adverse impact on the value of insured bonds held in each Fund. At Aug. 31, 2015, 1.55%, 3.47%, and 1.06% of Delaware Tax-Free USA Fund’s, Delaware Tax-Free USA Intermediate Fund’s, and Delaware National High-Yield Municipal Bond Fund’s net assets, respectively, were insured by bond insurers. These securities have been identified on the “Schedules of investments.”

As of Aug. 31, 2015, Delaware Tax-Free USA Fund invested in municipal bonds issued by the states of California, New York, and Texas which constituted approximately 13.61%, 19.13%, and 12.11%, respectively, of the Fund’s net assets. As of Aug. 31, 2015, Delaware Tax-Free USA Intermediate Fund invested in municipal bonds issued by the states of California, New York, and Texas, which constituted approximately 16.30%, 16.38%, and 10.92%, respectively, of the Fund’s net assets. As of Aug. 31, 2015, Delaware National High-Yield Municipal Bond Fund invested in municipal bonds issued by the states of California and New York which constituted approximately 13.51% and 10.83%, respectively, of the Fund’s net assets. These investments could make each Fund more sensitive to economic conditions in those states than other more geographically diversified national municipal income funds.

 

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Notes to financial statements

Delaware Investments® National Tax-Free Funds

 

 

8. Geographic, Credit, and Market Risks (continued)

 

Each Fund invests a portion of its assets in high yield fixed income securities, which are securities rated lower than BBB- by Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC (S&P) and lower than Baa3 by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (Moody’s), or similarly rated by another nationally recognized statistical rating organization. Investments in these higher yielding securities are generally accompanied by a greater degree of credit risk than higher rated securities. Additionally, lower rated securities may be more susceptible to adverse economic and competitive industry conditions than investment grade securities.

Each Fund invests in certain obligations that may have liquidity protection designed to ensure that the receipt of payments due on the underlying security is timely. Such protection may be provided through guarantees, insurance policies, or letters of credit obtained by the issuer or sponsor through third parties, through various means of structuring the transaction or through a combination of such approaches. Each Fund will not pay any additional fees for such credit support, although the existence of credit support may increase the price of a security.

The Funds may invest in advance refunded bonds, escrow secured bonds, or defeased bonds. Under current federal tax laws and regulations, state and local government borrowers are permitted to refinance outstanding bonds by issuing new bonds. The issuer refinances the outstanding debt to either reduce interest costs or to remove or alter restrictive covenants imposed by the bonds being refinanced. A refunding transaction where the municipal securities are being refunded within 90 days from the issuance of the refunding issue is known as a “current refunding.” “Advance refunded bonds” are bonds in which the refunded bond issue remains outstanding for more than 90 days following the issuance of the refunding issue. In an advance refunding, the issuer will use the proceeds of a new bond issue to purchase high grade interest bearing debt securities, which are then deposited in an irrevocable escrow account held by an escrow agent to secure all future payments of principal and interest and bond premium of the advance refunded bond. Bonds are “escrowed to maturity” when the proceeds of the refunding issue are deposited in an escrow account for investment sufficient to pay all of the principal and interest on the original interest payment and maturity dates.

Bonds are considered “pre-refunded” when the refunding issue’s proceeds are escrowed only until a permitted call date or dates on the refunded issue with the refunded issue being redeemed at the time, including any required premium. Bonds become “defeased” when the rights and interests of the bondholders and of their lien on the pledged revenues or other security under the terms of the bond contract are substituted with an alternative source of revenues (the escrow securities) sufficient to meet payments of principal and interest to maturity or to the first call dates. Escrowed secured bonds will often receive a rating of AAA from Moody’s, S&P, and/or Fitch Ratings due to the strong credit quality of the escrow securities and the irrevocable nature of the escrow deposit agreement.

Each Fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities, which may include securities with contractual restrictions on resale, securities exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and other securities which may not be readily marketable. The relative illiquidity of these securities may impair each Fund from disposing of them in a timely manner and at a fair price when it is necessary or desirable to do so. While maintaining oversight, the Boards have delegated to DMC, the day-to-day functions of determining whether individual securities are liquid for purposes of each Fund’s limitation on investments in illiquid securities. Securities eligible for resale

 

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pursuant to Rule 144A, which are determined to be liquid, are not subject to the Funds’ 15% limit on investments in illiquid securities. Rule 144A and illiquid securities held by each Fund have been identified on the “Schedules of investments.”

9. Contractual Obligations

The Funds enter into contracts in the normal course of business that contain a variety of indemnifications. The Funds’ maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. However, the Funds have not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these contracts. Management has reviewed the Funds’ existing contracts and expects the risk of loss to be remote.

10. Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued guidance to improve the financial reporting of reverse repurchase agreements and other similar transactions. The guidance includes expanded disclosure requirements for entities that enter into reverse repurchase agreements and similar transactions accounted for as secured borrowings. The guidance is effective for financial statements with fiscal years beginning on or after Dec. 15, 2014 and interim periods within those fiscal years. Management has determined that this pronouncement has no impact to each Fund’s financial statements.

In May 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2015-07 regarding “Disclosures for Investments in Certain Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value per Share”. The amendments in this update are effective for the Funds for fiscal years beginning after Dec. 15, 2015, and interim periods within those fiscal years. ASU 2015-07 will eliminate the requirement to categorize investments in the fair value hierarchy if their fair value is measured at net asset value (NAV) per share (or its equivalent) using the practical expedient in the FASB’s fair value measurement guidance. At this time, management is evaluating the implications of ASU No. 2015-07 and its impact on the financial statement disclosures has not yet been determined.

11. Subsequent Events

Management has determined that no material events or transactions occurred subsequent to Aug. 31, 2015 that would require recognition or disclosure in the Funds’ financial statements.

 

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Report of independent registered

public accounting firm

To the Board of Trustees of Delaware Group® Tax-Free Fund and Voyageur Mutual Funds and the Shareholders of Delaware Tax-Free USA Fund, Delaware Tax-Free USA Intermediate Fund and Delaware National High-Yield Municipal Bond Fund:

In our opinion, the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities, including the schedules of investments, and the related statements of operations and of changes in net assets and the financial highlights present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Delaware Tax-Free USA Fund and Delaware Tax-Free USA Intermediate Fund (constituting Delaware Group® Tax-Free Fund) and Delaware National High-Yield Municipal Bond Fund (one of the series constituting Voyageur Mutual Funds) (hereafter collectively referred to as the “Funds”) at August 31, 2015, the results of each of their operations for the year then ended, the changes in each of their net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These financial statements and financial highlights (hereafter referred to as “financial statements”) are the responsibility of the Funds’ management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these financial statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits, which included confirmation of securities at August 31, 2015 by correspondence with the custodian and brokers, provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

 

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

October 22, 2015

 

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Other Fund information (Unaudited)

Delaware Investments® National Tax-Free Funds

Tax Information

The information set forth below is for each Fund’s fiscal year as required by federal income tax laws. Shareholders, however, must report distributions on a calendar year basis for income tax purposes, which may include distributions for portions of two fiscal years of a fund. Accordingly, the information needed by shareholders for income tax purposes will be sent to them in January of each year. Please consult your tax advisor for proper treatment of this information.

All disclosures are based on financial information available as of the date of this annual report and, accordingly are subject to change. For any and all items requiring reporting, it is the intention of each Fund to report the maximum amount permitted under the Internal Revenue Code and the regulations thereunder.

For the fiscal year ended Aug. 31, 2015, each Fund reports distributions paid during the year as follows:

 

     (A)
Ordinary Income
Distributions
(Tax Basis)*
       (B)
Tax-Exempt
Distributions
(Tax Basis)
       Total 
Distributions 
(Tax Basis) 
 

Delaware Tax-Free USA Fund

     0.23%               99.77%           100.00%   

Delaware Tax-Free USA Intermediate Fund

     0.01%               99.99%           100.00%   

Delaware National High-Yield Municipal Bond Fund

     0.06%               99.94%           100.00%   

(A) and (B) are based on a percentage of each Fund’s total distributions.

For the fiscal year ended Aug. 31, 2015, certain interest income paid by the Funds, have been determined to be Qualified Interest Income and may be subject to relief from U.S. withholding for foreign shareholders, as provided by the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004, and as extended by the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization and Jobs Creation Act of 2010, and as extended by the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012. For the fiscal year ended Aug. 31, 2015, the Funds have reported maximum distributions of Qualified Interest Income as follows:

 

Delaware Tax-Free USA Fund

   $ 47,491   

Delaware National High-Yield Municipal Bond Fund

     21,205   

 

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Other Fund information (Unaudited)

Delaware Investments® National Tax-Free Funds

 

 

Proxy Results

At Joint Special Meetings of Shareholders of Delaware Group® Tax-Free Fund, on behalf of Delaware Tax-Free USA Fund and Delaware Tax-Free USA Intermediate Fund, held on March 31, 2015, and at Joint Special Meetings of Shareholders of Voyageur Mutual Funds on behalf of Delaware Minnesota High-Yield Municipal Bond Fund, Delaware National High-Yield Municipal Bond Fund, Delaware Tax-Free California Fund, Delaware Tax-Free Idaho Fund, and Delaware Tax-Free New York Fund, held on March 31, 2015 and reconvened to April 21, 2015, May 12, 2015, and June 2, 2015 for the proposals listed in items (ii) and (iii) below for Delaware Minnesota High-Yield Municipal Bond Fund (Delaware Tax-Free USA Fund, Delaware Tax-Free USA Intermediate Fund, and Delaware National High-Yield Municipal Bond Fund, each a “Fund” and together the “Funds,” and Delaware Group Tax-Free Fund and Voyageur Mutual Funds, each a “Trust” and together the “Trusts”), the shareholders of each Trust/each Fund voted to: (i) elect a Board of Trustees for each Trust; (ii) approve the implementation of a new “manager of managers” order for the Funds; (iii) revise the fundamental investment restriction relating to lending for the Funds; and (iv)(a) revise provisions of each Trust’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust related to documenting the transfer of shares, (iv)(b) revise provisions of each Trust’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust related to shareholder disclosure of certain information upon board demand, and (iv)(c) revise provisions of each Trust’s By-Laws so that Delaware law will apply to matters related to proxies. At the meeting, the following people were elected to serve as Independent Trustees: Thomas L. Bennett, Ann D. Borowiec, Joseph W. Chow, John A. Fry, Lucinda S. Landreth, Frances A. Sevilla-Sacasa, Thomas K. Whitford, Janet L. Yeomans, and J. Richard Zecher. In addition, Patrick P. Coyne was elected to serve as an Interested Trustee.

The following proposals were submitted for a vote of the shareholders:

1. To elect a Board of Trustees for each Trust.

A quorum of shares outstanding of the Funds of each Trust was present, and the votes passed with a plurality of these Shares.

Delaware Group Tax-Free Fund

 

    

Shares

Voted For

     % of
Outstanding
Shares
     % of
Shares
Voted
   

Shares

Withheld

     % of
Outstanding
Shares
     % of
Shares
Voted
 

Thomas L. Bennett

     66,978,124.700         61.814%         98.538     993,583.127         0.917%         1.462

Ann D. Borowiec

     66,988,238.238         61.823%         98.553     983,469.589         0.908%         1.447

Joseph W. Chow

     66,993,995.601         61.829%         98.562     977,712.226         0.902%         1.438

Patrick P. Coyne

     66,967,885.587         61.805%         98.523     1,003,822.240         0.926%         1.477

John A. Fry

     67,005,857.300         61.840%         98.579     965,850.527         0.891%         1.421

Lucinda S. Landreth

     66,958,398.403         61.796%         98.509     1,013,309.424         0.935%         1.491

Frances A. Sevilla-Sacasa

     66,998,752.221         61.833%         98.569     972,955.606         0.898%         1.431

Thomas K. Whitford

     67,007,171.909         61.841%         98.581     964,535.918         0.890%         1.419

Janet L. Yeomans

     66,998,923.984         61.833%         98.569     972,783.843         0.898%         1.431

J. Richard Zecher

     66,839,037.989         61.686%         98.334     1,132,669.838         1.045%         1.666

 

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Voyageur Mutual Funds

 

    

Shares

Voted For

     % of
Outstanding
Shares
     % of
Shares
Voted
   

Shares

Withheld

     % of
Outstanding
Shares
     % of
Shares
Voted
 

Thomas L. Bennett

     77,276,795.607         65.123%         98.335     1,308,193.317         1.102%         1.665

Ann D. Borowiec

     77,397,915.799         65.225%         98.489     1,187,073.125         1.000%         1.511

Joseph W. Chow

     77,285,371.301         65.130%         98.346     1,299,617.623         1.095%         1.654

Patrick P. Coyne

     77,395,165.343         65.222%         98.486     1,189,823.581         1.003%         1.514

John A. Fry

     77,394,790.343         65.222%         98.485     1,190,198.581         1.003%         1.515

Lucinda S. Landreth

     77,370,351.799         65.202%         98.454     1,214,637.125         1.024%         1.546

Frances A. Sevilla-Sacasa

     77,375,937.301         65.206%         98.461     1,209,051.623         1.019%         1.539

Thomas K. Whitford

     77,381,528.607         65.211%         98.469     1,203,460.317         1.014%         1.531

Janet L. Yeomans

     77,362,190.845         65.195%         98.444     1,222,798.079         1.030%         1.556

J. Richard Zecher

     77,388,843.343         65.217%         98.478     1,196,145.581         1.008%         1.522

2. To approve the implementation of a new “manager of managers” order.

A quorum of the shares outstanding of each Fund was present, and the votes passed with the required majority of those shares. The results were as follows:

Delaware Tax-Free USA Fund

 

Shares voted for

     22,047,241.250   

Percentage of outstanding shares

     47.426

Percentage of shares voted

     75.425

Shares voted against

     815,221.535   

Percentage of outstanding shares

     1.754

Percentage of shares voted

     2.789

Shares abstained

     849,430.098   

Percentage of outstanding shares

     1.827

Percentage of shares voted

     2.906

Broker non-votes

     5,518,809.900   

 

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Other Fund information (Unaudited)

Delaware Investments® National Tax-Free Funds

 

 

Proxy Results (continued)

 

Delaware Tax-Free USA Intermediate Fund

 

Shares voted for

     28,369,805.953   

Percentage of outstanding shares

     45.856

Percentage of shares voted

     73.229

Shares voted against

     320,394.064   

Percentage of outstanding shares

     0.518

Percentage of shares voted

     0.827

Shares abstained

     461,187.027   

Percentage of outstanding shares

     0.745

Percentage of shares voted

     1.190

Broker non-votes

     9,589,618.000   

Delaware National High-Yield Municipal Bond Fund

 

Shares voted for

     39,246,189.802   

Percentage of outstanding shares

     49.576

Percentage of shares voted

     69.433

Shares voted against

     820,119.825   

Percentage of outstanding shares

     1.036

Percentage of shares voted

     1.451

Shares abstained

     495,641.534   

Percentage of outstanding shares

     0.626

Percentage of shares voted

     0.877

Broker non-votes

     15,961,488.000   

3. To revise the fundamental investment restriction relating to lending.

A quorum of the shares outstanding of each Fund was present, and the votes passed with the required majority of those shares. The results were as follows:

Delaware Tax-Free USA Fund

 

Shares voted for

     21,834,498.229   

Percentage of outstanding shares

     46.969

Percentage of shares voted

     74.697

Shares voted against

     980,998.874   

Percentage of outstanding shares

     2.110

Percentage of shares voted

     3.356

Shares abstained

     896,393.780   

Percentage of outstanding shares

     1.928

Percentage of shares voted

     3.067

Broker non-votes

     5,518,811.900   

 

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Delaware Tax-Free USA Intermediate Fund

 

Shares voted for

     28,295,849.770   

Percentage of outstanding shares

     45.737

Percentage of shares voted

     73.039

Shares voted against

     394,359.913   

Percentage of outstanding shares

     0.637

Percentage of shares voted

     1.018

Shares abstained

     461,175.361   

Percentage of outstanding shares

     0.745

Percentage of shares voted

     1.190

Broker non-votes

     9,589,620.000   

Delaware National High-Yield Municipal Bond Fund

 

Shares voted for

     39,239,573.984   

Percentage of outstanding shares

     49.567

Percentage of shares voted

     69.422

Shares voted against

     843,759.270   

Percentage of outstanding shares

     1.066

Percentage of shares voted

     1.493

Shares abstained

     478,613.907   

Percentage of outstanding shares

     0.605

Percentage of shares voted

     0.847

Broker non-votes

     15,961,492.000   

4. (a) To revise provisions of each Trust’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust related to documenting the transfer of shares.

A quorum of the shares outstanding of each Trust was present, and the votes passed with a majority of those shares. The results were as follows:

Delaware Group® Tax-Free Fund

 

Shares voted for

     50,456,139.231   

Percentage of outstanding shares

     46.566

Percentage of shares voted

     74.231

Shares voted against

     1,006,109.546   

Percentage of outstanding shares

     0.929

Percentage of shares voted

     1.480

Shares abstained

     1,401,034.150   

Percentage of outstanding shares

     1.293

Percentage of shares voted

     2.061

Broker non-votes

     15,108,424.900   

 

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Other Fund information (Unaudited)

Delaware Investments® National Tax-Free Funds

 

 

Proxy Results (continued)

 

Voyageur Mutual Funds

 

Shares voted for

     53,350,588.915   

Percentage of outstanding shares

     44.960

Percentage of shares voted

     67.889

Shares voted against

     1,291,148.802   

Percentage of outstanding shares

     1.088

Percentage of shares voted

     1.643

Shares abstained

     1,136,878.207   

Percentage of outstanding shares

     0.958

Percentage of shares voted

     1.447

Broker non-votes

     22,806,373.000   

4. (b) To revise provisions of each Trust’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust related to shareholder disclosure of certain information upon board demand.

A quorum of the shares outstanding of each Trust was present, and the votes passed with a majority of those shares. The results were as follows:

Delaware Group Tax-Free Fund

 

Shares voted for

     50,367,471.364   

Percentage of outstanding shares

     46.484

Percentage of shares voted

     74.101

Shares voted against

     994,649.483   

Percentage of outstanding shares

     0.918

Percentage of shares voted

     1.463

Shares abstained

     1,501,157.080   

Percentage of outstanding shares

     1.385

Percentage of shares voted

     2.209

Broker non-votes

     15,108,429.900   

Voyageur Mutual Funds

 

Shares voted for

     53,435,861.658   

Percentage of outstanding shares

     45.031

Percentage of shares voted

     67.998

Shares voted against

     1,312,655.329   

Percentage of outstanding shares

     1.106

Percentage of shares voted

     1.670

Shares abstained

     1,030,092.937   

Percentage of outstanding shares

     0.868

Percentage of shares voted

     1.311

Broker non-votes

     22,806,379.000   

 

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4. (c) To revise provisions of each Trust’s By-Laws so that Delaware law will apply to matters related to proxies.

A quorum of the shares outstanding of each Trust was present, and the votes passed with a majority of those shares. The results were as follows:

Delaware Group® Tax-Free Fund

 

Shares voted for

     50,734,411.134   

Percentage of outstanding shares

     46.823

Percentage of shares voted

     74.640

Shares voted against

     702,650.318   

Percentage of outstanding shares

     0.648

Percentage of shares voted

     1.034

Shares abstained

     1,426,224.475   

Percentage of outstanding shares

     1.316

Percentage of shares voted

     2.098

Broker non-votes

     15,108,421.900   

Voyageur Mutual Funds

 

Shares voted for

     54,268,750.116   

Percentage of outstanding shares

     45.733

Percentage of shares voted

     69.057

Shares voted against

     486,387.431   

Percentage of outstanding shares

     0.410

Percentage of shares voted

     0.619

Shares abstained

     1,023,482.377   

Percentage of outstanding shares

     0.863

Percentage of shares voted

     1.302

Broker non-votes

     22,806,369.000   

 

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Other Fund information (Unaudited)

Delaware Investments® National Tax-Free Funds

 

 

Board Consideration of Delaware National High-Yield Municipal Bond Fund, Delaware Tax-Free USA Fund, and Delaware Tax-Free USA Intermediate Fund Investment Management Agreements

At a meeting held on Aug. 18-20, 2015 (the “Annual Meeting”), the Boards of Trustees (collectively referred to here as the “Board”), including a majority of disinterested or independent Trustees, approved the renewal of the Investment Advisory Agreements for Delaware National High-Yield Municipal Bond Fund, Delaware Tax-Free USA Fund, and Delaware Tax-Free USA Intermediate Fund (each, a “Fund” and together, the “Funds”). In making its decision, the Board considered information furnished at regular quarterly Board meetings, including reports detailing Fund performance, investment strategies and expenses, as well as information prepared specifically in connection with the renewal of the investment advisory and sub-advisory contracts. Information furnished specifically in connection with the renewal of the Investment Management Agreements with Delaware Management Company (“DMC”) included materials provided by DMC and its affiliates (“Delaware Investments”) concerning, among other things, the nature, extent, and quality of services provided to the Funds; the costs of such services to the Funds; economies of scale; and the investment manager’s financial condition and profitability. In addition, in connection with the Annual Meeting, reports were provided to the Trustees in May 2015 and included reports provided by Lipper, Inc., an independent statistical compilation organization (“Lipper”). The Lipper reports compared each Fund’s investment performance and expenses with those of other comparable mutual funds. The Independent Trustees reviewed and discussed the Lipper reports with independent legal counsel to the Independent Trustees. In addition to the information noted above, the Board also requested and received information regarding DMC’s policy with respect to advisory fee levels and its breakpoint philosophy; the structure of portfolio manager compensation; comparative client fee information; and any constraints or limitations on the availability of securities for certain investment styles, which had in the past year inhibited, or which were likely in the future to inhibit, the investment manager’s ability to invest fully in accordance with Fund policies.

In considering information relating to the approval of each Fund’s advisory agreement, the Independent Trustees received assistance and advice from and met separately with independent legal counsel to the Independent Trustees. They also engaged a consultant to assist them in analyzing portions of the data presented and received. The Independent Trustees reviewed and discussed with the consultant two reports prepared by the consultant with respect to such data. Although the Board gave attention to all information furnished, the following discussion identifies, under separate headings, the primary factors taken into account by the Board during its contract renewal considerations.

Nature, Extent, and Quality of Service. The Board considered the services provided by DMC to each Fund and its shareholders. In reviewing the nature, extent, and quality of services, the Board considered reports furnished to it throughout the year, which covered matters such as the relative performance of the Funds; compliance of portfolio managers with the investment policies, strategies, and restrictions for the Funds; compliance by DMC and Delaware Distributors, L.P. (together, “Management”) personnel with the Code of Ethics adopted throughout the Delaware Investments® Family of Funds complex; and adherence to fair value pricing procedures as established by the Board. The Board was pleased with the current staffing of the Funds’ investment advisor and the emphasis placed on research in the investment process. The Board recognized DMC’s receipt of several industry distinctions during the past several years. The Board gave favorable consideration to DMC’s efforts to control expenditures while maintaining service levels committed to fund matters. The Board noted that, in the third and fourth

 

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quarters of 2013, Management reduced the maximum 12b-1 fee for certain funds, and in November 2013 Management negotiated a substantial reduction in fees for fund accounting services provided to the Funds. The Board noted the benefits provided to Fund shareholders through each shareholder’s ability to exchange an investment in one Delaware Investments® fund for the same class of shares in another Delaware Investments fund without a sales charge, to reinvest Fund dividends into additional shares of the Fund or into additional shares of other Delaware Investments funds, and the privilege to combine holdings in other Delaware Investments funds to obtain a reduced sales charge. The Board was satisfied with the nature, extent, and quality of the overall services provided by DMC.

Investment Performance. The Board placed significant emphasis on the investment performance of the Funds in view of the importance of investment performance to shareholders. Although the Board gave appropriate consideration to performance reports and discussions with portfolio managers at Investment Committee meetings throughout the year, the Board gave particular weight to the Lipper reports furnished for the Annual Meeting. The Lipper reports prepared for each Fund showed the investment performance of its Class A shares in comparison to a group of similar funds as selected by Lipper (the “Performance Universe”). A fund with the best performance ranked first, and a fund with the poorest performance ranked last. The highest/best performing 25% of funds in the Performance Universe make up the first quartile; the next 25%, the second quartile; the next 25%, the third quartile; and the poorest/ worst performing 25% of funds in the Performance Universe make up the fourth quartile. Comparative annualized performance for each Fund was shown for the past 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-year periods, to the extent applicable, ended March 31, 2015. The Board’s objective is that each Fund’s performance for the periods considered be at or above the median of its Performance Universe.

Delaware National High-Yield Municipal Bond Fund – The Performance Universe for the Fund consisted of the Fund and all retail and institutional high yield municipal debt funds as selected by Lipper. The Lipper report comparison showed that the Fund’s total return for the 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-year periods was in the first quartile of its Performance Universe. The Board was satisfied with performance.

Delaware Tax-Free USA Fund – The Performance Universe for the Fund consisted of the Fund and all retail and institutional general and insured municipal debt funds as selected by Lipper. The Lipper report comparison showed that the Fund’s total return for the 1- and 3-year periods was in the second quartile of its Performance Universe. The report further showed that the Fund’s total return for the 5- and 10-year periods was in the first quartile of its Performance Universe. The Board was satisfied with performance.

Delaware Tax-Free USA Intermediate Fund – The Performance Universe for the Fund consisted of the Fund and all retail and institutional intermediate municipal debt funds as selected by Lipper. The Lipper report comparison showed that the Fund’s total return for the 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-year periods was in the second quartile of its Performance Universe. The Board was satisfied with performance.

Comparative Expenses. The Board considered expense comparison data for the Delaware Investments® Family of Funds. Management provided the Board with information on pricing levels and fee structures for each Fund as of its most recently completed fiscal year. The Board also focused on the comparative analysis of effective management fees and total expense ratios of each Fund versus effective management fees and expense ratios of a group of similar funds as selected by Lipper (the “Expense Group”). In reviewing comparative costs, each Fund’s contractual management fee and the actual management fee incurred by the Fund were compared with the contractual management fees

 

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Other Fund information (Unaudited)

Delaware Investments® National Tax-Free Funds

 

 

Board Consideration of Delaware National High-Yield Municipal Bond Fund, Delaware Tax-Free USA Fund, and Delaware Tax-Free USA Intermediate Fund Investment Management Agreements (continued)

 

(assuming all funds in the Expense Group were similar in size to the Fund) and actual management fees (as reported by each fund) within the Expense Group, taking into account any applicable breakpoints and fee waivers. Each Fund’s total expenses were also compared with those of its Expense Group. The Lipper total expenses, for comparative consistency, were shown by Lipper for Class A shares and comparative total expenses including 12b-1 and non 12b-1 service fees. The Board considered fees paid to DMC for non-management services. The Board’s objective is to limit each Fund’s total expense ratio to be competitive with that of the Expense Group.

Delaware National High-Yield Municipal Bond Fund – The expense comparisons for the Fund showed that its actual management fee was in the quartile with the lowest expenses of its Expense Group and its total expenses were in the quartile with the second lowest expenses of its Expense Group. The Board was satisfied with the management fee and total expenses of the Fund in comparison to those of its Expense Group as shown in the Lipper report.

Delaware Tax-Free USA Fund – The expense comparisons for the Fund showed that its actual management fee was in the quartile with the lowest expenses of its Expense Group and its total expenses were in the quartile with the second lowest expenses of its Expense Group. The Board was satisfied with the management fee and total expenses of the Fund in comparison to those of its Expense Group as shown in the Lipper report.

Delaware Tax-Free USA Intermediate Fund – The expense comparisons for the Fund showed that its actual management fee was in the quartile with the second highest expenses of its Expense Group and its total expenses were in the quartile with the lowest expenses of its Expense Group. The Board was satisfied with the total expenses of the Fund in comparison to those of its Expense Group as shown in the Lipper report.

Management Profitability. The Board considered the level of profits realized by DMC in connection with the operation of the Funds. In this respect, the Board reviewed the Investment Management Profitability Analysis that addressed the overall profitability of DMC’s business in providing management and other services to each of the individual funds and the Delaware Investments® Family of Funds as a whole. Specific attention was given to the methodology followed in allocating costs for the purpose of determining profitability. Management stated that the level of profits of DMC, to a certain extent, reflects recent operational cost savings and efficiencies initiated by DMC. The Board considered DMC’s efforts to improve services provided to fund shareholders and to meet additional regulatory and compliance requirements resulting from recent industry-wide Securities and Exchange Commission initiatives. The Board also considered the extent to which DMC might derive ancillary benefits from fund operations, including the potential for procuring additional business as a result of the prestige and visibility associated with its role as service provider to the Delaware Investments Family of Funds and the benefits from allocation of fund brokerage to improve trading efficiencies. The Board found that the management fees were reasonable in light of the services rendered and the level of profitability of DMC.

 

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Economies of Scale. The Trustees considered whether economies of scale are realized by DMC as each Fund’s assets increase and the extent to which any economies of scale are reflected in the level of management fees charged. The Trustees reviewed the standardized advisory fee pricing and structure, approved by the Board and shareholders, which includes breakpoints, and which applies to most funds in the Delaware Investments® Family of Funds complex. Breakpoints in the advisory fee occur when the advisory fee rate is reduced on assets in excess of specified levels. Breakpoints result in a lower advisory fee, than would otherwise be the case in the absence of breakpoints, when the asset levels specified in the breakpoints are exceeded. The Board noted that the fee under each Fund’s management contract fell within the standard structure. The Board also noted that each Fund’s assets exceeded the first breakpoint level. The Board believed that, given the extent to which economies of scale might be realized by the advisor and its affiliates, the schedule of fees under each Fund’s Investment Management Agreement provides a sharing of benefits with the Fund and its shareholders.

 

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Board of trustees / directors and officers addendum

Delaware Investments® Family of Funds

A mutual fund is governed by a Board of Trustees/Directors (“Trustees”), which has oversight responsibility for the management of a fund’s business affairs. Trustees establish procedures and oversee and review the performance of the investment manager, the distributor, and others who perform services for the fund. The independent fund trustees, in particular, are advocates

 

 

Name, Address,

and Birth Date

  

Position(s)

Held with Fund(s)

  

Length of

Time Served

   

 

Interested Trustee

 

       
Shawn K. Lytle1    President,    Trustee since  
2005 Market Street    Chief Executive Officer,    September 1, 2015  
Philadelphia, PA 19103    and Trustee     
February 1970       President and  
      Chief Executive Officer  
     

since August 20, 2015

 

 

 

Independent Trustees

 

       
Thomas L. Bennett    Chairman and Trustee    Trustee since  
2005 Market Street       March 2005  
Philadelphia, PA 19103        
October 1947       Chairman since  
         

March 1, 2015

 

   
Ann D. Borowiec    Trustee    Since March 31, 2015  
2005 Market Street        
Philadelphia, PA 19103        

November 1958

 

             
Joseph W. Chow    Trustee    Since January 2013  
2005 Market Street        
Philadelphia, PA 19103        

January 1953

 

             

 

 

 

1 

Shawn K. Lytle is considered to be an “Interested Trustee” because he is an executive officer of the Fund’s(s’) investment advisor.

 

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for shareholder interests. Each trustee has served in that capacity since he or she was elected to or appointed to the Board of Trustees, and will continue to serve until his or her retirement or the election of a new trustee in his or her place. The following is a list of the Trustees and Officers with certain background and related information.

 

 

Principal Occupation(s)
During the Past Five Years
   Number of Portfolios in
Fund Complex Overseen
by Trustee or Officer
   Other Directorships
Held by Trustee or Officer
     
Shawn K. Lytle has served as    64    Trustee — UBS
President of       Relationship Funds,
Delaware Investments2       SMA Relationship
since June 2015 and was the       Trust, and UBS Funds
Regional Head of Americas for       (May 2010–April 2015)
UBS Global Asset      
Management from      
2010 through 2015.      
     
Private Investor    64    Director —
(March 2004–Present)       Bryn Mawr Bank Corp. (BMTC)
         

(2007–2011)

 

Chief Executive Officer    64    None
Private Wealth Management      
(2011–2013) and      
Market Manager,      
New Jersey Private      
Bank (2005–2011) –      

J.P. Morgan Chase & Co.

 

         
Executive Vice President    64    Director and Audit Committee
(Emerging Economies       Member — Hercules
Strategies, Risks, and       Technology Growth
Corporate Administration)       Capital, Inc.
State Street Corporation       (2004–2014)

(July 2004–March 2011)

 

         

 

 

 

2  Delaware Investments is the marketing name for Delaware Management Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries, including the Fund’s(s’) investment advisor, principal underwriter, and its transfer agent.

 

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Board of trustees / directors and officers addendum

Delaware Investments® Family of Funds

 

 

Name, Address,
and Birth Date
   Position(s)
Held with Fund(s)
   Length of
Time Served
    

 

Independent Trustees (continued)

 

        
John A. Fry    Trustee    Since January 2001   
2005 Market Street         
Philadelphia, PA 19103         

May 1960

 

 

              
Lucinda S. Landreth    Trustee    Since March 2005   
2005 Market Street         
Philadelphia, PA 19103         

June 1947

 

              
Frances A. Sevilla-Sacasa    Trustee    Since September 2011   
2005 Market Street         
Philadelphia, PA 19103         

January 1956

 

 

 

              

 

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Principal Occupation(s)
During the Past Five Years
   Number of Portfolios in
Fund Complex Overseen
by Trustee or Officer
   Other Directorships
Held by Trustee or Officer
     
President —    64    Director — Hershey Trust
Drexel University       Company
(August 2010–Present)      
      Director, Audit Committee,
President —       and Governance Committee
Franklin & Marshall College       Member — Community
(July 2002–July 2010)       Health Systems
     

 

Director — Drexel

          Morgan & Co.

 

Private Investor    64    None

(2004–Present)

 

         
Chief Executive Officer —    64    Trust Manager and
Banco Itaú       Audit Committee
International       Member — Camden
(April 2012–Present)       Property Trust

 

Executive Advisor to Dean

     

(August 2011–March 2012)

and Interim Dean

     
(January 2011–July 2011) —      
University of Miami School of      
Business Administration      

 

President — U.S. Trust,

     
Bank of America Private      
Wealth Management      
(Private Banking)      

(July 2007–December 2008)

 

         

 

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Board of trustees / directors and officers addendum

Delaware Investments® Family of Funds

 

 

Name, Address,
and Birth Date
   Position(s)
Held with Fund(s)
   Length of
Time Served
    

 

Independent Trustees (continued)

 

        
Thomas K. Whitford    Trustee    Since January 2013   
2005 Market Street         
Philadelphia, PA 19103         

March 1956

 

 

              
Janet L. Yeomans    Trustee    Since April 1999   
2005 Market Street         
Philadelphia, PA 19103         

July 1948

 

 

              

 

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Principal Occupation(s)
During the Past Five Years
   Number of Portfolios in
Fund Complex Overseen
by Trustee or Officer
   Other Directorships
Held by Trustee or Officer
     
Vice Chairman    64    Director — HSBC Finance
(2010–April 2013),       Corporation and HSBC
Chief Administrative       North America Holdings Inc.

Officer (2008–2010),

and Executive Vice

     

 

Director —

President and Chief       HSBC Bank
Administrative Officer      
(2007–2009) —      
PNC Financial      

Services Group

 

         
Vice President and Treasurer    64    Director, Audit and
(January 2006–July 2012)       Compliance Committee Chair,
Vice President —       Investment Committee
Mergers & Acquisitions       Member, and Governance
(January 2003–January 2006),       Committee Member —
and Vice President       Okabena Company
and Treasurer      
(July 1995–January 2003)       Chair — 3M
3M Corporation       Investment Management
      Company
         

(2005–2012)

 

 

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Board of trustees / directors and officers addendum

Delaware Investments® Family of Funds

 

 

Name, Address,
and Birth Date
   Position(s)
Held with Fund(s)
   Length of
Time Served
   

 

Officers

 

       
David F. Connor    Senior Vice President,    Senior Vice President  
2005 Market Street    General Counsel,    since May 2013;  
Philadelphia, PA 19103    and Secretary    General Counsel  
December 1963       since May 2015;  
      Secretary since  
         

October 2005

 

 

   
Daniel V. Geatens    Vice President    Treasurer since October 2007  
2005 Market Street    and Treasurer     
Philadelphia, PA 19103        

October 1972

 

 

             
Richard Salus    Senior Vice President    Chief Financial Officer  
2005 Market Street    and Chief Financial Officer    since November 2006  
Philadelphia, PA 19103        

October 1963

 

             

 

The Statement of Additional Information for the Fund(s) includes additional information about the Trustees and Officers and is available, without charge, upon request by calling 800 523-1918.

 

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Principal Occupation(s)
During the Past Five Years
   Number of Portfolios in
Fund Complex Overseen
by Trustee or Officer
       Other Directorships
        Held by Trustee or Officer        
       
David F. Connor has served as    64      None3

Senior Vice President of

the Fund(s) and

the investment advisor

since 2013, General Counsel

of the Fund(s) and

the investment advisor

since 2015, and Secretary

of the Fund(s) and the

investment advisor since 2005.

 

             
Daniel V. Geatens has served    64      None3
as Vice President and        

Treasurer of the Fund(s)

since 2007 and Vice President

and Director of Financial

       

Administration of the

investment advisor since 2010.

 

             
Richard Salus has served as    64      None3

Senior Vice President

and Chief Financial Officer

of the Fund(s) and the

investment advisor since 2006.

 

             

 

 

3  David F. Connor, Daniel V. Geatens, and Richard Salus serve in similar capacities for the six portfolios of the Optimum Fund Trust, which have the same investment advisor, principal underwriter, and transfer agent as the registrant.

 

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About the organization

 

 

Board of trustees      
Shawn K. Lytle   Ann D. Borowiec   John A. Fry   Frances A.
President and   Former Chief Executive   President   Sevilla-Sacasa
Chief Executive Officer   Officer   Drexel University   Chief Executive Officer
Delaware Investments®   Private Wealth Management   Philadelphia, PA   Banco Itaú

Family of Funds

Philadelphia, PA

 

J.P. Morgan Chase & Co.

New York, NY

 

 

Lucinda S. Landreth

Former Chief Investment

 

International

Miami, FL

Thomas L. Bennett   Joseph W. Chow   Officer   Thomas K. Whitford
Chairman of the Board   Former Executive Vice   Assurant, Inc.   Former Vice Chairman
Delaware Investments   President   New York, NY   PNC Financial Services Group
Family of Funds   State Street Corporation     Pittsburgh, PA

Private Investor

Rosemont, PA

  Brookline, MA    

 

Janet L. Yeomans

Former Vice President and

      Treasurer
      3M Corporation
      St. Paul, MN

 

Affiliated officers

     

 

David F. Connor

 

 

Daniel V. Geatens

 

 

Richard Salus

 
Senior Vice President,   Vice President and   Senior Vice President and  
General Counsel,   Treasurer   Chief Financial Officer  
and Secretary   Delaware Investments   Delaware Investments  
Delaware Investments   Family of Funds   Family of Funds  
Family of Funds   Philadelphia, PA   Philadelphia, PA  
Philadelphia, PA      

This annual report is for the information of Delaware Tax-Free USA Fund, Delaware Tax-Free USA Intermediate Fund, and Delaware National High-Yield Municipal Bond Fund shareholders, but it may be used with prospective investors when preceded or accompanied by the Delaware Investments Fund fact sheet for the most recently completed calendar quarter. These documents are available at delawareinvestments.com.

 

 

Delaware Investments is the marketing name of Delaware Management Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries.

Each 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. Each Fund’s Forms N-Q, as well as a description of the policies and procedures that each Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies (if any) relating to portfolio securities are available without charge (i) upon request, by calling 800 523-1918; and (ii) on the SEC’s website at sec.gov. In addition, a description of the policies and procedures that the Funds use to determine how to vote proxies (if any) relating to portfolio securities and the Schedules of Investments included in the Funds’ most recent Forms N-Q are available without charge on the Funds’ website at delawareinvestments.com. Each Fund’s Forms N-Q may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C.; information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 800 SEC-0330.

Information (if any) regarding how the Funds voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recently disclosed 12-month period ended June 30 is available without charge (i) through the Funds’ website at delawareinvestments.com; and (ii) on the SEC’s website at sec.gov.

 

134



Item 2. Code of Ethics

The registrant has adopted a code of ethics that applies to the registrant’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions, regardless of whether these individuals are employed by the registrant or a third party. A copy of the registrant’s Code of Business Ethics has been posted on the Delaware Investments Internet Web site at www.delawareinvestments.com. Any amendments to the Code of Business Ethics, and information on any waiver from its provisions granted by the registrant, will also be posted on this Web site within five business days of such amendment or waiver and will remain on the Web site for at least 12 months.

Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert

The registrant’s Board of Trustees/Directors has determined that certain members of the registrant’s Audit Committee are audit committee financial experts, as defined below. For purposes of this item, an “audit committee financial expert” is a person who has the following attributes:

a. An understanding of generally accepted accounting principles and financial statements;

b. The ability to assess the general application of such principles in connection with the accounting for estimates, accruals, and reserves;

c. Experience preparing, auditing, analyzing, or evaluating financial statements that present a breadth and level of complexity of accounting issues that are generally comparable to the breadth and complexity of issues that can reasonably be expected to be raised by the registrant’s financial statements, or experience actively supervising one or more persons engaged in such activities;

d. An understanding of internal controls and procedures for financial reporting; and

e. An understanding of audit committee functions.

An “audit committee financial expert” shall have acquired such attributes through:

a. Education and experience as a principal financial officer, principal accounting officer, controller, public accountant, or auditor or experience in one or more positions that involve the performance of similar functions;

b. Experience actively supervising a principal financial officer, principal accounting officer, controller, public accountant, auditor, or person performing similar functions;

c. Experience overseeing or assessing the performance of companies or public accountants with respect to the preparation, auditing, or evaluation of financial statements; or

d. Other relevant experience.

The registrant’s Board of Trustees/Directors has also determined that each member of the registrant’s Audit Committee is independent. In order to be “independent” for purposes of this item, the Audit Committee member may not: (i) other than in his or her capacity as a member of the Board of Trustees/Directors or any committee thereof, accept directly or indirectly any consulting, advisory or other compensatory fee from the issuer; or (ii) be an “interested person” of the registrant as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the Investment Company Act of 1940.



The names of the audit committee financial experts on the registrant’s Audit Committee are set forth below:

Ann D. Borowiec
Joseph W. Chow
Lucinda S. Landreth1
Frances A. Sevilla-Sacasa

Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services

(a) Audit fees.

The aggregate fees billed for services provided to the registrant by its independent auditors for the audit of the registrant’s annual financial statements and for services normally provided by the independent auditors in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements were $75,040 for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2015.

The aggregate fees billed for services provided to the registrant by its independent auditors for the audit of the registrant’s annual financial statements and for services normally provided by the independent auditors in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements were $69,160 for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2014.

(b) Audit-related fees.

The aggregate fees billed by the registrant’s independent auditors for services relating to the performance of the audit of the registrant’s financial statements and not reported under paragraph (a) of this Item were $0 for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2015.

The aggregate fees billed by the registrant’s independent auditors for services relating to the performance of the audit of the financial statements of the registrant’s investment adviser and other service providers under common control with the adviser and that relate directly to the operations or financial reporting of the registrant were $612,000 for the registrant’s fiscal year ended August 31, 2015. The percentage of these fees relating to services approved by the registrant’s Audit Committee pursuant to the de minimis exception from the pre-approval requirement in Rule 2-01(c)(7)(i)(C) of Regulation S-X was 0%. These audit-related services were as follows: year end audit procedures, group reporting and subsidiary statutory audits.

The aggregate fees billed by the registrant’s independent auditors for services relating to the performance of the audit of the registrant’s financial statements and not reported under paragraph (a) of this Item were $0 for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2014.

_______________________

1 The instructions to Form N-CSR require disclosure on the relevant experience of persons who qualify as audit committee financial experts based on “other relevant experience.” The Board of Trustees/Directors has determined that Ms. Landreth qualifies as an audit committee financial expert by virtue of her experience as a financial analyst, her Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation and her service as an audit committee chairperson for a non-profit organization.



The aggregate fees billed by the registrant’s independent auditors for services relating to the performance of the audit of the financial statements of the registrant’s investment adviser and other service providers under common control with the adviser and that relate directly to the operations or financial reporting of the registrant were $618,000 for the registrant’s fiscal year ended August 31, 2014. The percentage of these fees relating to services approved by the registrant’s Audit Committee pursuant to the de minimis exception from the pre-approval requirement in Rule 2-01(c)(7)(i)(C) of Regulation S-X was 0%. These audit-related services were as follows: year end audit procedures, group reporting and subsidiary statutory audits.

(c) Tax fees.

The aggregate fees billed by the registrant’s independent auditors for tax-related services provided to the registrant were $9,168 for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2015. The percentage of these fees relating to services approved by the registrant’s Audit Committee pursuant to the de minimis exception from the pre-approval requirement in Rule 2-01(c)(7)(i)(C) of Regulation S-X was 0%. These tax-related services were as follows: review of income tax returns and review of annual excise distribution calculations.

The aggregate fees billed by the registrant’s independent auditors for tax-related services provided to the registrant’s investment adviser and other service providers under common control with the adviser and that relate directly to the operations or financial reporting of the registrant were $0 for the registrant’s fiscal year ended August 31, 2015. The percentage of these fees relating to services approved by the registrant’s Audit Committee pursuant to the de minimis exception from the pre-approval requirement in Rule 2-01(c)(7)(i)(C) of Regulation S-X was 0%.

The aggregate fees billed by the registrant’s independent auditors for tax-related services provided to the registrant were $8,240 for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2014. The percentage of these fees relating to services approved by the registrant’s Audit Committee pursuant to the de minimis exception from the pre-approval requirement in Rule 2-01(c)(7)(i)(C) of Regulation S-X was 0%. These tax-related services were as follows: review of income tax returns and review of annual excise distribution calculations.

The aggregate fees billed by the registrant’s independent auditors for tax-related services provided to the registrant’s investment adviser and other service providers under common control with the adviser and that relate directly to the operations or financial reporting of the registrant were $0 for the registrant’s fiscal year ended August 31, 2014. The percentage of these fees relating to services approved by the registrant’s Audit Committee pursuant to the de minimis exception from the pre-approval requirement in Rule 2-01(c)(7)(i)(C) of Regulation S-X was 0%.

(d) All other fees.

The aggregate fees billed for all services provided by the independent auditors to the registrant other than those set forth in paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) of this Item were $0 for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2015.

The aggregate fees billed for all services other than those set forth in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this Item provided by the registrant’s independent auditors to the registrant’s adviser and other service providers under common control with the adviser and that relate directly to the operations or financial reporting of the registrant were $0 for the registrant’s fiscal year ended August 31, 2015. The percentage of these fees relating to services approved by the registrant’s Audit Committee pursuant to the de minimis exception from the pre-approval requirement in Rule 2-01(c)(7)(i)(C) of Regulation S-X was 0%.



The aggregate fees billed for all services provided by the independent auditors to the registrant other than those set forth in paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) of this Item were $0 for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2014.

The aggregate fees billed for all services other than those set forth in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this Item provided by the registrant’s independent auditors to the registrant’s adviser and other service providers under common control with the adviser and that relate directly to the operations or financial reporting of the registrant were $0 for the registrant’s fiscal year ended August 31, 2014. The percentage of these fees relating to services approved by the registrant’s Audit Committee pursuant to the de minimis exception from the pre-approval requirement in Rule 2-01(c)(7)(i)(C) of Regulation S-X was 0%.

(e) The registrant’s Audit Committee has established pre-approval policies and procedures as permitted by Rule 2-01(c)(7)(i)(B) of Regulation S-X (the “Pre-Approval Policy”) with respect to services provided by the registrant’s independent auditors. Pursuant to the Pre-Approval Policy, the Audit Committee has pre-approved the services set forth in the table below with respect to the registrant up to the specified fee limits. Certain fee limits are based on aggregate fees to the registrant and other registrants within the Delaware Investments Family of Funds.

Service Range of Fees
Audit Services
Statutory audits or financial audits for new Funds up to $40,000 per Fund
Services associated with SEC registration statements (e.g., Form N-1A, Form N-14, etc.), periodic reports and other documents filed with the SEC or other documents issued in connection with securities offerings (e.g., comfort letters for closed-end Fund offerings, consents), and assistance in responding to SEC comment letters up to $10,000 per Fund
Consultations by Fund management as to the accounting or disclosure treatment of transactions or events and/or the actual or potential impact of final or proposed rules, standards or interpretations by the SEC, FASB, or other regulatory or standard-setting bodies (Note: Under SEC rules, some consultations may be considered “audit-related services” rather than “audit services”) up to $25,000 in the aggregate
Audit-Related Services
Consultations by Fund management as to the accounting or disclosure treatment of transactions or events and /or the actual or potential impact of final or proposed rules, standards or interpretations by the SEC, FASB, or other regulatory or standard-setting bodies (Note: Under SEC rules, some consultations may be considered “audit services” rather than “audit-related services”) up to $25,000 in the aggregate
Tax Services
U.S. federal, state and local and international tax planning and advice (e.g., consulting on statutory, regulatory or administrative developments, evaluation of Funds’ tax compliance function, etc.) up to $25,000 in the aggregate
U.S. federal, state and local tax compliance (e.g., excise distribution reviews, etc.) up to $5,000 per Fund
Review of federal, state, local and international income, franchise and other tax returns up to $5,000 per Fund



Under the Pre-Approval Policy, the Audit Committee has also pre-approved the services set forth in the table below with respect to the registrant’s investment adviser and other entities controlling, controlled by or under common control with the investment adviser that provide ongoing services to the registrant (the “Control Affiliates”) up to the specified fee limit. This fee limit is based on aggregate fees to the investment adviser and its Control Affiliates.

Service Range of Fees
Non-Audit Services
Services associated with periodic reports and other documents filed with the SEC and assistance in responding to SEC comment letters up to $10,000 in the aggregate

The Pre-Approval Policy requires the registrant’s independent auditors to report to the Audit Committee at each of its regular meetings regarding all services initiated since the last such report was rendered, including those services authorized by the Pre-Approval Policy.

(f) Not applicable.

(g) The aggregate non-audit fees billed by the registrant’s independent auditors for services rendered to the registrant and to its investment adviser and other service providers under common control with the adviser were $7,530,526 and $8,090,937 for the registrant’s fiscal years ended August 31, 2015 and August 31, 2014, respectively.

(h) In connection with its selection of the independent auditors, the registrant’s Audit Committee has considered the independent auditors’ provision of non-audit services to the registrant’s investment adviser and other service providers under common control with the adviser that were not required to be pre-approved pursuant to Rule 2-01(c)(7)(ii) of Regulation S-X. The Audit Committee has determined that the independent auditors’ provision of these services is compatible with maintaining the auditors’ independence.

Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants

Not applicable.

Item 6. Investments

(a) Included as part of report to shareholders filed under Item 1 of this Form N-CSR.

(b) Divestment of securities in accordance with Section 13(c) of the Investment Company Act of 1940.

Not applicable.

Item 7. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies

Not applicable.



Item 8. Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies

Not applicable.

Item 9. Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers

Not applicable.

Item 10. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

Not applicable.

Item 11. Controls and Procedures

The registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer have evaluated the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures within 90 days of the filing of this report and have concluded that they are effective in providing reasonable assurance that the information required to be disclosed by the registrant in its reports or statements filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

There were no significant changes in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the second fiscal quarter of the period covered by the report to stockholders included herein (i.e., the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter) that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Item 12. Exhibits

(a) (1) Code of Ethics

Not applicable.

(2) Certifications of Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 30a-2 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 are attached hereto as Exhibit 99.CERT.

(3) Written solicitations to purchase securities pursuant to Rule 23c-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Not applicable.

(b) Certifications pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 are furnished herewith as 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, thereunto duly authorized.

Name of Registrant: DELAWARE GROUP® TAX-FREE FUND

/s/ SHAWN LYTLE
By: Shawn Lytle
Title:       Chief Executive Officer
Date: November 2, 2015

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.

/s/ SHAWN LYTLE
By: Shawn Lytle
Title:       Chief Executive Officer
Date: November 2, 2015

/s/ RICHARD SALUS
By: Richard Salus
Title:       Chief Financial Officer
Date: November 2, 2015