-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, WF0xuJ3RUlCTvZm96iCKAmaVvJ8UEEJV1wD7mqGPehml4j7TtWY5rlsnxCIa7Tnf WpK7zKRx3GbEqveerQWyFQ== 0000807607-96-000025.txt : 19961106 0000807607-96-000025.hdr.sgml : 19961106 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000807607-96-000025 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 497 PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 1 FILED AS OF DATE: 19961104 SROS: NONE FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: FEDERATED MUNICIPAL OPPORTUNITIES FUND INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000807607 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: [] IRS NUMBER: 251542736 STATE OF INCORPORATION: MD FISCAL YEAR END: 0831 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 497 SEC ACT: 1933 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-13527 FILM NUMBER: 96653502 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: FEDERATED INVESTORS TWR CITY: PITTSBURGH STATE: PA ZIP: 15222 BUSINESS PHONE: 4122881900 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: FEDERATED INVESTORS TOWERS CITY: PITTSBURG STATE: PA ZIP: 15222-3779 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: FORTRESS MUNICIPAL INCOME FUND INC DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19920703 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: FORTRESS HIGH YIELD MUNICIPAL FUND INC DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19900814 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: FORTRESS HIGH YIELD TAX FREE FUND INC DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19881024 497 1 STATE BOND TAX EXEMPT FUND 100 North Minnesota Street P.O. Box 69 New Ulm, Minnesota 56073-0069 Dear Shareholder: The Board of Directors and management of State Bond Tax Exempt Fund (the `State Bond Fund') are pleased to submit for your vote a proposal to transfer all of the net assets of the State Bond Fund to Federated Municipal Opportunities Fund, Inc. (the "Federated Fund"), a mutual fund advised by Federated Advisers. The Federated Fund has an investment objective similar to that of the State Bond Fund in that it seeks a high level of current income exempt from the federal regular income tax by investing primarily in a professionally managed, diversified portfolio of municipal bonds. As part of the transaction, holders of shares in the State Bond Fund would receive Class A Shares of the Federated Fund equal in value to their shares in the State Bond Fund and the State Bond Fund would be liquidated. Shareholders receiving Class A Shares of the Federated Fund as a result of the proposed reorganization would not have to pay a sales load upon receiving such Shares, nor would they be subject to any contingent deferred sales charges in connection with the exercise of exchange rights or redemptions of such Shares. The Board of Directors of the State Bond Fund, as well as ARM Capital Advisors, Inc., the State Bond Fund's manager, and SBM Financial Services, Inc., the State Bond Fund's distributor, believe the proposed agreement and plan of reorganization is in the best interests of State Bond Fund shareholders for the following reasons: - -- The reorganization of the State Bond Fund into the Federated Fund may ultimately provide operating efficiencies as a result of the size of the Federated Fund which were not available to State Bond Fund shareholders due to the smaller size of the State Bond Fund. - -- The Federated Fund has an investment objective similar to that of the State Bond Fund and offers an investment portfolio which invests in municipal bonds to achieve a high level of current income exempt from the federal regular income tax, although the Federated Fund may invest in securities, the interest on which may be included in calculating the federal alternative minimum tax. The Federated Fund is managed by Federated Advisers, a subsidiary of Federated Investors. Federated Investors was founded in 1955 and is located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Federated Advisers and other subsidiaries of Federated Investors serve as investment advisers to a number of investment companies and private accounts. With over $90 billion invested across more than 250 funds under management and/or administration by its subsidiaries, Federated Investors is one of the largest mutual fund investment managers in the United States. With more than 2,000 employees, Federated continues to be led by the management who founded the company in 1955. Federated funds are presently at work in and through 4,000 financial institutions nationwide. More than 100,000 investment professionals have selected Federated funds for their clients. Federated Investors also has an excellent reputation for customer servicing, having received a #1 rating for five years in a row by Dalbar, Inc. The shareholder services for the Federated funds include advanced technological systems that result in quick shareholder access to a broad spectrum of information. We believe the transfer of the State Bond Fund's assets in this transaction presents an exciting investment opportunity for our shareholders. Your vote on the transaction is critical to its success. The transfer will be effected only if approved by a majority of all of the State Bond Fund's outstanding shares on the record date voted in person or represented by proxy. We hope you share our enthusiasm and will participate by casting your vote in person, or by proxy if you are unable to attend the meeting. Please read the enclosed prospectus/proxy statement carefully before you vote. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS BELIEVES THAT THE TRANSACTION IS IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE STATE BOND FUND AND ITS SHAREHOLDERS, AND UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE FOR ITS APPROVAL. Thank you for your prompt attention and participation. Sincerely, Dale C. Bauman President STATE BOND TAX EXEMPT FUND 100 North Minnesota Street P.O. Box 69 New Ulm, Minnesota 56073-0069 NOTICE OF A SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS TO SHAREHOLDERS OF STATE BOND TAX EXEMPT FUND: A Special Meeting of Shareholders of State Bond Tax Exempt Fund, a portfolio of State Bond Municipal Funds, Inc. (the `State Bond Fund'') will be held at 3:40 p.m. on December 9, 1996 at: 100 North Minnesota Street, New Ulm, Minnesota 56073-0069, for the following purposes: 1. To approve or disapprove a proposed Agreement and Plan of Reorganization between State Bond Fund and Federated Municipal Opportunities Fund, Inc. (the "Federated Fund"), whereby the Federated Fund would acquire all of the net assets of the State Bond Fund in exchange for the Federated Fund's Class A Shares to be distributed pro rata by the State Bond Fund to the holders of its shares in complete liquidation of the State Bond Fund; and 2. To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment thereof. By Order of the Board of Directors, Dated: October 31, 1996 Kevin L. Howard Secretary Shareholders of record at the close of business on October 11, 1996, are entitled to vote at the meeting. Whether or not you plan to attend the meeting, please sign and return the enclosed proxy card. Your vote is important. TO SECURE THE LARGEST POSSIBLE REPRESENTATION AND TO SAVE THE EXPENSE OF FURTHER MAILINGS, PLEASE MARK YOUR PROXY CARD, SIGN IT, AND RETURN IT IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE, WHICH REQUIRES NO POSTAGE IF MAILED IN THE UNITED STATES. YOU MAY REVOKE YOUR PROXY AT ANY TIME AT OR BEFORE THE MEETING OR VOTE IN PERSON IF YOU ATTEND THE MEETING. PROSPECTUS/PROXY STATEMENT OCTOBER 31, 1996 ACQUISITION OF THE ASSETS OF STATE BOND TAX EXEMPT FUND, A PORTFOLIO OF STATE BOND MUNICIPAL FUNDS, INC. 100 NORTH MINNESOTA STREET, P.O. BOX 69 NEW ULM, MINNESOTA 56073-0069 TELEPHONE NUMBER: 1-800-328-4735 BY AND IN EXCHANGE FOR CLASS A SHARES OF FEDERATED MUNICIPAL OPPORTUNITIES FUND, INC. FEDERATED INVESTORS TOWER PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA 15222-3779 TELEPHONE NUMBER: 1-800-245-5051, OPTION ONE This Prospectus/Proxy Statement describes the proposed Agreement and Plan of Reorganization (the "Plan") whereby Federated Municipal Opportunities Fund, Inc., a Maryland corporation (the "Federated Fund"), would acquire all of the net assets of State Bond Tax Exempt Fund, a portfolio of State Bond Municipal Funds, Inc., a Maryland corporation (the `State Bond Fund''), in exchange for the Federated Fund's Class A Shares to be distributed pro rata by the State Bond Fund to the holders of its shares, in complete liquidation of the State Bond Fund. As a result of the Plan, each shareholder of the State Bond Fund will become the owner of the Federated Fund's Class A Shares having a total net asset value equal to the total net asset value of his or her holdings in the State Bond Fund. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE STATE BOND FUND UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS APPROVAL OF THE PLAN. The Shares of each of the Federated Fund and the State Bond Fund represent interests of separate open-end, diversified management investment companies. The Federated Fund's investment objective is to provide a high level of current income which is generally exempt from the federal regular income tax, which it pursues by investing primarily in a diversified portfolio of municipal bonds. The State Bond Fund's investment objective is to maximize current income exempt from federal income taxes to the extent consistent with preservation of capital, with consideration given to the opportunity for capital gain, by investing primarily in tax exempt securities. For a comparison of the investment policies of the Federated Fund and the State Bond Fund, see "Summary - Investment Objectives, Policies and Limitations." This Prospectus/Proxy Statement should be retained for future reference. It sets forth concisely the information about the Federated Fund that a prospective investor should know before investing. This Prospectus/Proxy Statement is accompanied by the Prospectus of the Federated Fund dated October 31, 1996, which is incorporated herein by reference. Statements of Additional Information for the Federated Fund dated October 31, 1996 (relating to the Federated Fund's Prospectus of the same date) and October 31, 1996 (relating to this Prospectus/Proxy Statement) and the Annual Report to Shareholders dated August 31, 1996, all containing additional information, have been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and are incorporated herein by reference. Copies of the Statements of Additional Information and the Annual Report may be obtained without charge by writing or calling the Federated Fund at the address and telephone number shown above. THE SHARES OFFERED BY THIS PROSPECTUS/PROXY STATEMENT ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF ANY BANK, ARE NOT ENDORSED OR GUARANTEED BY ANY BANK, AND ARE NOT INSURED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION, THE FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD, OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCY. INVESTMENT IN THESE SHARES INVOLVES INVESTMENT RISKS, INCLUDING THE POSSIBLE LOSS OF PRINCIPAL. THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS/PROXY STATEMENT. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE. TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE NO. SUMMARY OF EXPENSES 6 SUMMARY 8 ABOUT THE PROPOSED REORGANIZATION 8 INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES, POLICIES AND LIMITATIONS 8 ADVISORY AND OTHER FEES 10 DISTRIBUTION ARRANGEMENTS 10 PURCHASE, EXCHANGE AND REDEMPTION PROCEDURES 11 DIVIDENDS 13 TAX CONSEQUENCES 13 RISK FACTORS 13 INFORMATION ABOUT THE REORGANIZATION 13 BACKGROUND AND REASONS FOR THE PROPOSED REORGANIZATION 13 AGREEMENT AMONG ARM, ARM CAPITAL AND FEDERATED 16 AGREEMENT WITH STATE BOND MINNESOTA TAX-FREE INCOME FUND 16 DESCRIPTION OF THE PLAN OF REORGANIZATION 16 DESCRIPTION OF FEDERATED FUND SHARES 17 FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES 17 COMPARATIVE INFORMATION ON SHAREHOLDER RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS 18 CAPITALIZATION 20 INFORMATION ABOUT THE FEDERATED FUND AND THE STATE BOND FUND 20 FEDERATED MUNICIPAL OPPORTUNITIES FUND, INC. 20 STATE BOND TAX EXEMPT FUND 21 VOTING INFORMATION 21 OUTSTANDING SHARES AND VOTING REQUIREMENTS 21 DISSENTER'S RIGHT OF APPRAISAL 23 OTHER MATTERS AND DISCRETION OF PERSONS NAMED IN THE PROXY 23 AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION -- EXHIBIT A 24 SUMMARY OF EXPENSES FEDERATED STATE PRO FUND BOND FORMA (CLASS A FUND COMBINE SHARES) D Shareholder Transaction Expenses Maximum Sales Charge Imposed on Purchases 4.50%(1) 4.50% 4.50%(1) (as a percentage of offering price) Maximum Sales Charge Imposed on Reinvested Dividends (as a percentage of NONE NONE NONE offering price) Contingent Deferred Sales Charge (as a percentage of original purchase NONE(2) NONE NONE(2) price or redemption proceeds, as applicable) Redemption Fee (as a percentage of amount redeemed, if NONE NONE NONE applicable)(3) Exchange Fee NONE NONE NONE Annual Operating Expenses (AS A PERCENTAGE OF AVERAGE NET ASSETS) (AFTER EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENTS OR WAIVERS) Management Fee 0.60% 0.50% 0.60% 12b-1 Fee 0.00%(4) 0.25% 0.00%(4) Total Other Expenses 0.49%(5) 0.15% 0.46%(5) Total Operating 1.09% 0.90% 1.06% Expenses(6) (1) This sales charge would not be applicable to Class A Shares of the Federated Fund acquired under the proposed reorganization. (2) Class A Shares purchased with the proceeds of a redemption of shares of an unaffiliated investment company purchased or redeemed with a sales charge and not distributed by Federated Securities Corp. may be charged a contingent deferred sales charge of 0.50 of 1% for redemptions made within one full year of purchase. For a more complete description, see `Summary - Distribution Arrangements.'' This contingent deferred sales charge would not be applicable to Class A Shares of the Federated Fund acquired under the proposed reorganization. (3) Wire-transferred redemptions of Class A Shares of the Federated Fund of less than $5,000 may be subject to additional fees. A $10.00 fee will be charged for certain redemptions of State Bond Fund shares by wire transfer. (4) The Federated Fund has no present intention of paying or accruing the 12b-1 fee. If the Federated Fund were paying or accruing the 12b-1 fee, it would be able to pay up to 0.25% of its average daily net assets for the 12b-1 fee. For a more complete description, see `Summary - Distribution Arrangements.'' (5) Total other expenses for the Federated Fund and the Pro Forma Combined Fund include a shareholder services fee of 0.25%. (6) The total operating expenses for Class A Shares of the Federated Fund are based on expenses incurred during its fiscal year ended August 31, 1996. The total operating expenses for the State Bond Fund are based upon expenses incurred by the State Bond Fund during its fiscal year ended June 30, 1996. The purpose of this table is to assist an investor in understanding the various costs and expenses that a shareholder of shares of each of the Federated Fund, the State Bond Fund and the Pro Forma Combined Fund will bear, either directly or indirectly. For more complete descriptions of the various costs and expenses, see "Summary - Advisory and Other Fees" and "Summary - Distribution Arrangements." Long-term shareholders of the State Bond Fund may pay more than the economic equivalent of the maximum front-end sales charges permitted under the rules of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. EXAMPLES The Examples below are intended to assist an investor in understanding the various costs that an investor will bear directly or indirectly. The Examples assume payment of operating expenses at the levels set forth in the table above. (1) This Example does not include sales charges or contingent deferred sales charges since such sales charges are not applicable to Federated Fund Class A Shares received as a result of the proposed reorganization. An investor would pay the following expenses on a $1,000 investment, assuming (1) 5% annual return and (2) redemption at the end of each time period. Expenses would be the same if there were no redemption at the end of each time period. 1 year 3 years 5 years 10 years Federated Fund $11 $35 $60 $133 State Bond Fund $ 9 $29 $50 $111 Pro Forma Combined $11 $34 $58 $129 (2) This Example includes sales charges since any Class A Shares purchased subsequent to the reorganization may be subject to sales charges. For a complete description of sales charges, contingent deferred sales charges and exemptions from such charges, reference is hereby made to the Prospectus of the Federated Fund dated October 31, 1996, and the Prospectus of the State Bond Fund dated November 1, 1995, each of which is incorporated herein by reference thereto. An investor would pay the following expenses on a $1,000 investment, assuming (1) 5% annual return and (2) redemption at the end of each time period. Expenses would be the same if there were no redemption at the end of each time period. 1 year 3 years 5 years 10 years Federated Fund $56 $78 $102 $172 State Bond Fund $54 $72 $ 93 $151 Pro Forma Combined $55 $77 $101 $169 THE ABOVE EXAMPLES SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED A REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR FUTURE EXPENSES. ACTUAL EXPENSES MAY BE GREATER OR LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN. SUMMARY This summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the additional information contained elsewhere in this Prospectus/Proxy Statement, the Prospectus of the Federated Fund dated October 31, 1996, the Statement of Additional Information of the Federated Fund dated October 31, 1996, the Prospectus of the State Bond Fund dated November 1, 1995, the Statement of Additional Information of the State Bond Fund dated November 1, 1995, and the Plan, a copy of which is attached to this Prospectus/Proxy Statement as Exhibit A. About the Proposed Reorganization The Board of Directors of the State Bond Fund has voted to recommend to holders of the shares of the State Bond Fund the approval of the Plan whereby the Federated Fund would acquire all of the net assets of the State Bond Fund in exchange for the Federated Fund's Class A Shares to be distributed pro rata by the State Bond Fund to its shareholders in complete liquidation and dissolution of the State Bond Fund (the "Reorganization"). As a result of the Reorganization, each shareholder of the State Bond Fund will become the owner of the Federated Fund's Class A Shares having a total net asset value equal to the total net asset value of his or her holdings in the State Bond Fund on the date of the Reorganization, i.e., the Closing Date (as hereinafter defined). As a condition to the Reorganization transactions, the Federated Fund and the State Bond Fund will receive an opinion of counsel that the Reorganization will be considered a tax-free "reorganization" under applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the `Code''), so that no gain or loss will be recognized by either the Federated Fund or the State Bond Fund or the shareholders of the State Bond Fund. The tax basis of the Federated Fund's Class A Shares received by State Bond Fund shareholders will be the same as the tax basis of their shares in the State Bond Fund. After the acquisition is completed, the State Bond Fund will be dissolved. Investment Objectives, Policies and Limitations The investment objective of the Federated Fund is to provide a high level of current income which is generally exempt from the federal regular income tax by investing primarily in a diversified portfolio of municipal bonds. This investment objective may not be changed without the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Federated Fund, as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the `1940 Act''). The investment objective of the State Bond Fund is to seek to maximize current income exempt from federal income taxes to the extent consistent with preservation of capital, with consideration given to the opportunity for capital gain, by investing primarily in tax exempt securities. This investment objective may not be changed without the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the State Bond Fund, as defined in the 1940 Act. The Federated Fund invests its assets so that at least 80% of its annual interest income is exempt from federal regular income tax (federal regular income tax does not include the federal alternative minimum tax (the `federal AMT')). The Federated Fund invests primarily in municipal bonds. Municipal bonds are debt obligations issued by or on behalf of states, territories and possessions of the United States, including the District of Columbia, and their political subdivisions, agencies and instrumentalities, the interest from which is exempt from the federal regular income tax. The Federated Fund may invest in municipal bonds, the interest on which may be included in calculating the federal AMT. The municipal bonds which the Federated Fund buys are rated Ba or better by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. (`Moody's'') or BB or better by Standard & Poor's Ratings Group (`S&P'') or, if not rated, are determined by Federated Advisers (as hereinafter defined) to be of comparable quality. The Federated Fund will limit its purchases of municipal bonds rated Ba and BB (commonly known as `junk bonds'') to up to but less than 35% of its net assets. The Federated Fund may purchase securities on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis, purchase a right to sell a security held by it back to the issuer or to another party at an agreed upon price at any time during a stated period or on a certain date, or hedge all or a portion of its investments by entering into future contracts or options on them. If necessary for temporary defensive purposes, the Federated Fund may invest in short-term tax exempt or taxable temporary investments. Unless otherwise designated, the investment policies of the Federated Fund may be changed by the Board of Directors without shareholder approval, although shareholders will be notified before any material change becomes effective. The State Bond Fund invests at least 80% of the value of its assets in securities of states, territories and possessions of the United States and the District of Columbia, and their political subdivisions, agencies and instrumentalities, the interest on which is exempt from federal income taxes (`Tax Exempt Securities''). The Tax Exempt Securities in which the State Bond Fund invests primarily consist of a diversified portfolio of bonds rated Aaa, Aa, A or Baa by Moody's or rated AAA, AA, A or BBB by S&P, notes rated MIG-1, MIG-2, MIG-3 or MIG-4 by Moody's or SP-1, SP-2 or SP-3 by S&P, and commercial paper rated Prime-1 or Prime-2 by Moody's or A-1 or A-2 by S&P. The State Bond Fund may invest in Tax Exempt Securities which are not rated if, in the judgment of ARM Capital (as hereinafter defined), such securities are of comparable quality to rated securities in which the State Bond Fund may invest. The State Bond Fund may purchase floating rate, variable rate, and inverse or reverse floating rate Tax Exempt Securities; enter into repurchase agreements; and purchase new issues of Tax Exempt Securities on a when-issued basis. Unless otherwise designated, the investment policies of the State Bond Fund may be changed by the Board of Directors without shareholder approval. Both the Federated Fund and the State Bond Fund are subject to certain investment limitations. For the Federated Fund, these include investment limitations which prohibit it from (1) borrowing money directly or through reverse repurchase agreements or pledging securities except, under certain circumstances, the Federated Fund may borrow up to one-third of the value of its total assets and pledge 10% of the value of those assets to secure such borrowings; (2) investing more than 10% of its net assets in securities subject to restrictions on resale under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the `1933 Act''), except for certain restricted securities which meet the criteria for liquidity as established by the Directors; (3) investing more than 5% of its total assets in securities of one issuer (except cash and cash items and U.S. government obligations); or (4) investing more than 5% of its total assets in industrial development bonds of issuers that have a record of less than three years of continuous operations. The first two investment limitations listed above cannot be changed without shareholder approval; the last two limitations may be changed by the Board of Directors without shareholder approval, although shareholders will be notified before any material change becomes effective. The State Bond Fund has investment limitations which prohibit it from: (1) borrowing money, except for temporary purposes in an amount not in excess of 10% of the value of the total assets of the State Bond Fund; provided that borrowings in excess of 5% of such value are permitted from banks only; (2) mortgaging or pledging assets, except that up to 10% of the value of the State Bond Fund's total assets can be used to secure borrowings; or (3) purchasing securities of any issuer if immediately thereafter more than 5% of the State Bond Fund's total assets would be invested in the securities of any one issuer, except that this limitation does not apply to obligations issued or guaranteed as to principal and interest either by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities. The above investment limitations of the State Bond Fund cannot be changed without shareholder approval. In addition to the policies and limitations set forth above, both the Federated Fund and the State Bond Fund are subject to certain additional investment policies and limitations, described in the Federated Fund's Statement of Additional Information dated October 31, 1996, and the State Bond Fund's Statement of Additional Information dated November 1, 1995. Reference is hereby made to the Federated Fund's Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information, each dated October 31, 1996, and to the State Bond Fund's Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information, each dated November 1, 1995, which set forth in full the investment objective, policies and investment limitations of each of the Federated Fund and the State Bond Fund, all of which are incorporated herein by reference thereto. Advisory and Other Fees The annual investment advisory fee for the Federated Fund is 0.60 of 1% of the Federated Fund's average daily net assets. The investment adviser to the Federated Fund, Federated Advisers ("Federated Advisers"), a subsidiary of Federated Investors, may voluntarily choose to waive a portion of its advisory fee or reimburse the Federated Fund for certain operating expenses. This voluntary waiver of the advisory fee may be terminated by Federated Advisers at any time in its sole discretion. Federated Advisers has also undertaken to reimburse the Federated Fund for operating expenses in excess of limitations established by certain states. The maximum annual management fee for the State Bond Fund is 0.50 of 1% of average daily net assets of the State Bond Fund. The State Bond Fund's investment manager, ARM Capital Advisors, Inc. (`ARM Capital'), a wholly-owned subsidiary of ARM Financial Group, Inc. (``ARM''), has voluntarily agreed to reimburse the State Bond Fund for any expenses incurred by it in excess of 1% of average daily net assets of the State Bond Fund. This voluntary arrangement may be terminated by ARM Capital at any time in its sole discretion. ARM Capital has also undertaken to reimburse the State Bond Fund for operating expenses in excess of limitations established by certain states. Federated Services Company, an affiliate of Federated Advisers, provides certain administrative personnel and services necessary to operate the Federated Fund at an annual rate based upon the average aggregate daily net assets of all funds advised by Federated Advisers and its affiliates. The rate charged is 0.15 of 1% on the first $250 million of all such funds' average aggregate daily net assets, 0.125 of 1% on the next $250 million, 0.10 of 1% on the next $250 million and 0.075 of 1% of all such funds' average aggregate daily net assets in excess of $750 million, with a minimum annual fee per portfolio of $125,000 plus $30,000 for each additional class of shares of any such portfolio. Federated Services Company may choose voluntarily to waive a portion of its fee. The administrative fee expense for the Federated Fund's fiscal year ended August 31, 1996 was $311,976. Administrative personnel and services necessary to operate the State Bond Fund are currently provided by ARM Capital and are included in the annual management fee for the State Bond Fund, as discussed above. The Federated Fund has entered into a Shareholder Services Agreement under which it may make payments of up to 0.25 of 1% of the average daily net asset value of the Class A Shares to obtain certain personal services for shareholders and the maintenance of shareholder accounts. The Shareholder Services Agreement provides that Federated Shareholder Services ("FSS"), an affiliate of Federated Advisers, either will perform shareholder services directly or will select financial institutions to perform such services. Financial institutions will receive fees based upon shares owned by their clients or customers. The schedule of such fees and the basis upon which such fees will be paid is determined from time to time by the Federated Fund and FSS. Other than in connection with payments under a Rule 12b-1 plan as described below, the State Bond Fund does not make payments to obtain similar shareholder services. Distribution Arrangements Federated Securities Corp. ("FSC"), an affiliate of Federated Advisers, is the principal distributor for shares of the Federated Fund. The Federated Fund has adopted a Rule 12b-1 Distribution Plan (the `Distribution Plan'') pursuant to which the Federated Fund will pay a fee to the distributor in an amount computed at an annual rate of 0.25 of 1% of the average daily net assets of the Class A Shares to finance any activity which is principally intended to result in the sale of Class A Shares subject to the Distribution Plan. The Federated Fund is not currently making payments for Class A Shares under the Distribution Plan, nor does it anticipate doing so in the immediate future. In addition, FSC, from its own assets, may pay financial institutions supplemental fees as financial assistance for providing substantial sales services, distribution-related support services or shareholder services with respect to the Federated Fund. Such assistance will be predicated upon the amount of Class A Shares the financial institution sells or may sell, and/or upon the type and nature of sales or marketing support furnished by the financial institution. Any payments made by FSC may be reimbursed by Federated Advisers or its affiliates. If a financial institution elects to waive receipt of this payment, the Federated Fund will waive any applicable contingent deferred sales charge (such contingent deferred sales charges are discussed below). SBM Financial Services, Inc. (`SBMFS''), an affiliate of ARM Capital, is the principal distributor for shares of the State Bond Fund. The State Bond Fund has also adopted a Rule 12b-1 Distribution Plan (the "Rule 12b-1 Plan") pursuant to which the State Bond Fund pays SBMFS an amount equal to an annual rate of 0.25 of 1% of the average daily net assets of the State Bond Fund. The fee may be used by SBMFS to (i) provide initial and ongoing sales compensation to its investment executives and to other broker/dealers in connection with the sale of State Bond Fund shares and to pay for other advertising and promotional expenses in connection with the sale of State Bond Fund shares, and (ii) provide compensation to entities in connection with the provision of certain personal and account maintenance services to State Bond Fund shareholders including, but not limited to, responding to shareholder inquiries and providing information on their investments. The Federated Fund will not assume any liabilities or make any voluntary reimbursements on account of the State Bond Fund's Rule 12b-1 Plan. Certain costs exist with respect to the purchase and sale of Federated Fund and State Bond Fund shares. Class A Shares of the Federated Fund and shares of the State Bond Fund are sold at their net asset value next determined after an order is received, plus a maximum sales charge of 4.50%. No sales charge will be imposed in connection with the issuance of Federated Fund Class A Shares to State Bond Fund shareholders as a result of the Reorganization. Class A Shares of the Federated Fund purchased with the proceeds of a redemption of shares of an unaffiliated investment company purchased or redeemed with a sales charge and not distributed by FSC may be charged a contingent deferred sales charge of 0.50 of 1% for redemptions made within one full year of purchase. Any such charge will be imposed on the lesser of the net asset value of the redeemed shares at the time of purchase or redemption. The contingent deferred sales charges are not imposed in connection with the exercise of exchange rights, nor will they be imposed on redemptions of Federated Fund Class A Shares received by shareholders of the State Bond Fund as a result of the Reorganization. For a complete description of sales charges, contingent deferred sales charges and exemptions from such charges, reference is hereby made to the Prospectus of the Federated Fund dated October 31, 1996, and the Prospectus of the State Bond Fund dated November 1, 1995, each of which is incorporated herein by reference thereto. Purchase, Exchange and Redemption Procedures The transfer agent and dividend disbursing agent for the Federated Fund is Federated Shareholder Services Company (formerly called Federated Services Company). The transfer agent and dividend disbursing agent for the State Bond Fund is ARM Transfer Agency, Inc. Procedures for the purchase, exchange and redemption of the Federated Fund's Class A Shares differ slightly from procedures applicable to the purchase, exchange and redemption of the State Bond Fund's shares. Any questions about such procedures may be directed to, and assistance in effecting purchases, exchanges or redemptions of the Federated Fund's Class A Shares or the State Bond Fund's shares may be obtained from FSC, principal distributor for the Federated Fund, at 1-800-245-5051, option one, or from SBMFS, principal distributor for the State Bond Fund, at 1-800-328-4735. Reference is made to the Prospectus of the Federated Fund dated October 31, 1996, and the Prospectus of the State Bond Fund dated November 1, 1995, for a complete description of the purchase, exchange and redemption procedures applicable to purchases, exchanges and redemptions of Federated Fund and State Bond Fund shares, respectively, each of which is incorporated herein by reference thereto. Set forth below is a brief listing of the significant purchase, exchange and redemption procedures applicable to the Federated Fund's Class A Shares and the State Bond Fund's shares. Purchases of Class A Shares of the Federated Fund may be made through a financial institution that has an agreement with FSC or, once an account has been established, by wire or check. Purchases of shares of the State Bond Fund may be made through SBMFS and through certain broker/dealers under contract with SBMFS or directly by wire or check once an account has been established. The minimum initial investment in the Federated Fund is $500. Subsequent investments must be in amounts of at least $100. The minimum initial investment in the State Bond Fund is $500. Subsequent investments must be in amounts of at least $50. The Federated Fund and the State Bond Fund each reserves the right to reject any purchase request. In connection with the sale of Class A Shares of the Federated Fund, FSC may from time to time offer certain items of nominal value to any shareholder. The purchase price of the Federated Fund's Class A Shares and the State Bond Fund's shares is based on net asset value plus a sales charge. The net asset value per share for each of the Federated Fund and the State Bond Fund is calculated as of the close of trading (normally 4:00 p.m., Eastern time) on the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. (the `NYSE'') on each day on which the Federated Fund and the State Bond Fund compute their net asset value. Purchase and redemption orders for the Federated Fund received from broker/dealers before 5:00 p.m. (Eastern time) and from financial institutions before 4:00 p.m. (Eastern time) may be entered at that day's price. Purchase orders for shares of the State Bond Fund received from authorized broker/dealers will be executed at the offering price next determined after the receipt of the order by the broker/dealer, provided that the broker/dealer promptly transmits the order to SBMFS the same day. Redemption orders for shares of the State Bond Fund received by the State Bond Fund's transfer agent from authorized dealers or representatives of SBMFS prior to the close of the NYSE will be entered at that day's price; such redemption orders received after the close of the NYSE will be entered at the net asset value determined at the close of the NYSE on the next trading day. Federated Fund purchase orders by wire are considered received upon receipt of payment by wire. Federated Fund purchase orders received by check are considered received after the check is converted into federal funds, which normally occurs the business day after receipt. Holders of Class A Shares of the Federated Fund have exchange privileges with respect to Class A Shares in certain of the funds for which affiliates of Federated Investors serve as investment adviser or principal underwriter (collectively, the "Federated Funds"), each of which has different investment objectives and policies. Class A Shares of the Federated Fund may be exchanged for Class A Shares of certain Federated Funds at net asset value without a contingent deferred sales charge. To the extent a shareholder exchanges Class A Shares of the Federated Fund for Class A Shares of other Federated Funds, the time for which the exchanged-for shares are to be held will be added to the time for which exchanged-from shares were held for purposes of satisfying the applicable holding period. Class A Shares to be exchanged must have a net asset value which meets the minimum investment requirement for the fund into which the exchange is being made. Holders of shares of the State Bond Fund have exchange privileges with respect to shares in certain of the other funds for which ARM Capital serves as investment manager (collectively, the `State Bond Group''), each of which has different investment objectives and policies. Any exchange for shares of other funds in the State Bond Group will generally be at the respective net asset values next determined after receipt of the request for exchange. Exercise of the exchange privilege is treated as a sale for federal income tax purposes and, accordingly, may have tax consequences for the shareholder. Information on share exchanges may be obtained from the Federated Fund or the State Bond Fund, as appropriate. Redemptions of Federated Fund Class A Shares may be made through a financial institution, by telephone, by mailing a written request or through the Federated Fund's Systematic Withdrawal Program. Redemptions of State Bond Fund shares may be made through an authorized dealer or representative of SBMFS, by mailing a written request to the State Bond Fund's transfer agent or through the State Bond Fund's quick redemption service or check redemption service. Class A Shares of the Federated Fund are redeemed at their net asset value, less any applicable contingent deferred sales charge, next determined after the redemption request is received. Shares of the State Bond Fund are redeemed at their net asset value, determined at the close of the NYSE on the date the redemption request is received. Proceeds will ordinarily be distributed by check within seven days after receipt of a redemption request. Dividends Each of the Federated Fund's and the State Bond Fund's current policy is to pay dividends monthly from net investment income and to make annual distributions of net realized capital gains, if any. With respect to both the Federated Fund and the State Bond Fund, unless a shareholder otherwise instructs, dividends and capital gain distributions will be reinvested automatically in additional shares at net asset value, subject to no sales charge. Tax Consequences As a condition to the Reorganization transactions, the Federated Fund and the State Bond Fund will receive an opinion of counsel that the Reorganization will be considered a tax-free "reorganization" under applicable provisions of the Code so that no gain or loss will be recognized by either the Federated Fund or the State Bond Fund or the shareholders of the State Bond Fund. The tax basis of the Federated Fund shares received by State Bond Fund shareholders will be the same as the tax basis of their shares in the State Bond Fund. RISK FACTORS As with other mutual funds that invest in municipal bonds, the Federated Fund is subject to market risks and credit risks. The value of the Class A Shares will fluctuate. The amount of this fluctuation is dependent upon the quality and maturity of the municipal bonds in the Federated Fund's portfolio as well as on market conditions. Generally speaking, the lower quality, long-term bonds (including junk bonds) in which the Federated Fund invests have greater fluctuation in value than high quality, shorter-term bonds. Municipal bond prices are interest rate sensitive, which means that their value varies inversely with market interest rates. Prices of bonds also fluctuate with changes in the perceived quality of the credit of their issuers. Since the State Bond Fund invests primarily in Tax Exempt Securities, these risk factors are generally also present in an investment in the State Bond Fund. A full discussion of the risks inherent in investment in the Federated Fund and the State Bond Fund is set forth in the Federated Fund's Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information, each dated October 31, 1996, and the State Bond Fund's Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information, each dated November 1, 1995, each of which is incorporated herein by reference thereto. INFORMATION ABOUT THE REORGANIZATION Background and Reasons for the Proposed Reorganization On June 14, 1995, SBM Company, which was then the investment adviser to the State Bond Fund, completed the sale of substantially all of its business operations to ARM (the `1995 Transaction''). In connection with the 1995 Transaction, ARM Capital became the investment manager of the State Bond Fund. In addition, ARM acquired all of the outstanding stock of SBMFS, the current distributor of shares of the State Bond Fund. Considerations of the Board of Directors of the State Bond Fund. On June 6, 1996, ARM management advised the Board of Directors of the State Bond Fund that ARM was considering redirecting its corporate strategy away from the management and distribution of retail mutual funds in order to concentrate more fully on its core businesses. Moreover, ARM management stated that due to the relatively small net assets in the State Bond Fund and the other mutual funds in the State Bond Group, ARM and its affiliates were not in a position to provide the value- added shareholder services, technological advancements, comprehensive distribution networks and diversified product choices that many larger mutual fund complexes offer. As a result, management stated that ARM was engaged in the identification and analysis of various potential alternatives for the State Bond Fund and the other funds in the State Bond Group. After conducting a screening process, ARM determined that in its judgment, the proposed Reorganization was the most desirable alternative involving the State Bond Fund that was reasonably available and that it should be presented to the State Bond Fund's Board of Directors for its consideration. A meeting of the entire Board of Directors was held on August 16, 1996, at which Federated (as defined below) presented to the Board information relating to the overall reputation, financial strength and stability of Federated Investors, the parent company of Federated Advisers (together with its affiliates, `Federated''). Federated, founded in 1955, is among the seven largest mutual fund sponsors, with over $90 billion invested across more than 250 funds under management and/or administration by its subsidiaries, and over 2,000 employees. Federated's management also discussed the growth of assets under management and/or administration by Federated from approximately $35 billion in 1989 to over $90 billion as of August 1996. Federated's management explained to the Board that the majority of this growth came from within Federated through its multiple distribution channels. The Board was also informed of the variety of investment products available through Federated, including international funds and an array of domestic funds broader than currently offered in the State Bond Group, the exchange privileges that would be available to former State Bond Fund shareholders if the Reorganization is consummated, and the multiple sales charge (or `load'') structures available to prospective shareholders. The Board took into account that if the Reorganization takes place, shareholders of the State Bond Fund would exchange their shares for shares of the Federated Fund without the imposition of any sales charge. Federated's management advised the Board of its reputation for customer servicing, noting that it has received a #1 rating for five years in a row by Dalbar, Inc. Federated's management stated that its shareholder services include advanced technological systems that result in quick shareholder access to a broad spectrum of information, including: telephonic automated yield and performance information; consolidated monthly shareholder statements; no-fee IRAs; quarterly newsletters; year-end tax reporting information; direct deposit; and telephonic redemption and exchange. Federated's management also discussed comparative sales loads with the Board. In particular, it was noted that the maximum front-end sales load of the Federated Fund is the same as that of the State Bond Fund. Federated's management described rights of accumulation and other programs that can reduce sales charges with respect to the Federated Fund. Federated's management also reviewed with the Board relative asset size and expense ratios, including relative advisory fees. The Board discussed the fact that the Federated Fund is larger in asset size than the State Bond Fund and considered potential economies of scale that might be experienced by former State Bond Fund shareholders if they were to become shareholders of a larger fund. The Board noted that the expense ratio of the Federated Fund presently is higher than that of the State Bond Fund. Federated's management advised the Board, however, that the expense ratio is lower than the average for municipal bond funds distributed through brokers (as reported by Strategic Insight), and is competitive. Federated's management discussed with the Board expense waiver and reimbursement arrangements with respect to both the Federated Fund in particular and to the complex generally. The Chief Investment Officer, Fixed-Income, of Federated discussed with the Board the investment philosophy of Federated Advisers for its funds, including the Federated Fund. He also described the background and significant investment experience of Federated portfolio managers and other related personnel issues. The Board was presented with materials comparing the investment objectives and policies of the State Bond Fund with those of the Federated Fund, and determined that they were similar. The Board also considered the differences between the two funds, including the Federated Fund's policies with respect to junk bonds and the ability of the Federated Fund to invest in municipal bonds, the interest on which may be included in calculating the federal AMT. The Board was also presented with and discussed materials comparing the performance, Morningstar ratings and relative risks of the State Bond Fund and the Federated Fund. Federated's management also presented biographical information about each of the Directors of the Federated Fund and reviewed with the Board the structure of its compliance and internal audit departments and the scope of its training programs. The Board also considered the potential benefits to ARM if the Reorganization is consummated. The Board discussed the fact that ARM and ARM Capital would be compensated for selling the books, records and goodwill relating to the management of the State Bond Group, agreeing to certain non-competition arrangements and cooperating in assisting in the transfer of the net assets of the State Bond Group to the Federated Funds. They also took into account the proposed payment to SBMFS of 0.25% of the average daily net assets of the Federated Fund attributable to shareholder accounts serviced by SBMFS, as well as the possible compensation of SBMFS for distribution of additional Federated financial products in the future. The Board noted that the State Bond Fund would not bear any of the costs involved in the Reorganization, which would be borne entirely by ARM and/or Federated. In addition, the Board discussed the anticipated tax-free nature of the Reorganization to the State Bond Fund and its shareholders. In connection with their consideration of the Reorganization, the Board also reviewed their fiduciary obligations under state and federal law. They considered the requirements of Section 15(f) of the 1940 Act, which provides that an investment manager to an investment company, and the affiliates of such manager (such as ARM), may receive any amount or benefit in connection with a sale of any interest in such investment manager which results in an assignment of an investment management contract if (1) for a period of three years after such assignment, at least 75% of the board of directors of the investment company are not `interested persons'' (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the new investment manager or its predecessor; and (2) no `unfair burden'' (as defined in the 1940 Act) is imposed on the investment company as a result of the assignment or any express or implied terms, conditions or understandings applicable thereto. With respect to the first condition of Section 15(f) relating to Board composition, the Board was advised that the Federated Fund's Board of Directors presently consists of thirteen (13) Directors, only three (3) of whom are `interested persons.'' With respect to the second condition of Section 15(f), while there is no specific definition of `unfair burden,'' it includes any arrangement, for two years after the transaction, pursuant to which the predecessor or successor adviser is entitled to receive compensation from any person in connection with the mutual fund's purchase or sale of securities, other than bona fide ordinary compensation as principal underwriter. The definition of unfair burden also includes any payments from the fund for other than bona fide investment advisory or other services. The Board considered the fact that representations were made by Federated and ARM that the agreement among Federated, ARM and ARM Capital would contain representations and covenants that the Reorganization would not impose an unfair burden on the State Bond Group. After reviewing and considering all of the information provided by Federated and ARM, including the terms of the Reorganization, the Board, including all of the Directors who are not interested persons of the State Bond Fund or ARM Capital, voted unanimously at a special telephonic meeting held on August 26, 1996, to approve the Reorganization and to recommend it to the shareholders of the State Bond Fund for their approval. THE BOARD UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT THE SHAREHOLDERS VOTE FOR THE REORGANIZATION. Considerations of the Board of Directors of the Federated Fund. The Board of Directors of the Federated Fund, including the independent Directors, have unanimously concluded that consummation of the Reorganization is in the best interests of the Federated Fund and the shareholders of the Federated Fund and that the interests of Federated Fund shareholders would not be diluted as a result of effecting the Reorganization and have unanimously voted to approve the Plan. Agreement Among ARM, ARM Capital and Federated The Reorganization is being proposed as part of an agreement by and among Federated, ARM and ARM Capital, pursuant to which ARM and ARM Capital would be compensated for selling to Federated the books, records and goodwill relating to the management of the State Bond Group and cooperating in facilitating the transaction contemplated by the agreement. As part of that agreement, ARM Capital and its affiliates have agreed not to compete with Federated by providing investment advisory services to certain investment companies. Following the Reorganization, ARM or its affiliates have agreed to provide certain services to shareholders for which ARM or its affiliates may receive fees paid by Federated and/or mutual funds in which the shareholders are invested. Agreement with State Bond Minnesota Tax-Free Income Fund In connection with this Reorganization, the Federated Fund is also a party to an agreement and plan of reorganization whereby the Federated Fund would acquire all of the net assets of State Bond Minnesota Tax-Free Income Fund (the `State Bond Minnesota Fund'), a portfolio of State Bond Tax-Free Income Funds, Inc., in exchange for the Federated Fund's Class A Shares to be distributed pro rata by the State Bond Minnesota Fund to the holders of its shares, in complete liquidation of the State Bond Minnesota Fund. This Reorganization is not contingent upon the completion of the reorganization between the Federated Fund and the State Bond Minnesota Fund. As of October 11, 1996, the State Bond Minnesota Fund had net assets of $18,673,205 and had 1,758,375 shares outstanding. Information concerning the pro forma effect of this transaction, as well as the Reorganization, is included in the Statement of Additional Information dated October 31, 1996 (relating to this Prospectus/Proxy Statement). Description of the Plan of Reorganization The Plan provides that the Federated Fund will acquire all of the net assets of the State Bond Fund in exchange for the Federated Fund's Class A Shares to be distributed pro rata by the State Bond Fund to its shareholders in complete liquidation of the State Bond Fund on or about December 13, 1996 (the "Closing Date"). Shareholders of the State Bond Fund will become shareholders of the Federated Fund as of the close of business on the Closing Date, and will be entitled to the Federated Fund's next dividend distribution. As of or prior to the Closing Date, the State Bond Fund will declare and pay a dividend or dividends which, together with all previous such dividends, shall have the effect of distributing to its shareholders all taxable income for the period ending on the Closing Date. In addition, the State Bond Fund's dividend will include its net capital gains realized in the period ending on the Closing Date. Consummation of the Reorganization is subject to the conditions set forth in the Plan, including receipt of an opinion in form and substance satisfactory to the State Bond Fund and the Federated Fund, as described under the caption "Federal Income Tax Consequences" below. The Plan may be terminated and the Reorganization may be abandoned at any time before or after approval by shareholders of the State Bond Fund prior to the Closing Date by either party if it believes that consummation of the Reorganization would not be in the best interests of its shareholders. Federated Advisers is responsible for the payment of substantially all of the expenses of the Reorganization incurred by either party, whether or not the Reorganization is consummated. Such expenses include, but are not limited to, registration fees, transfer taxes (if any), the fees of banks and transfer agents and the costs of preparing, printing, copying and mailing proxy solicitation materials to the State Bond Fund shareholders and the costs of holding the Special Meeting (as hereinafter defined). ARM is responsible for the payment of the legal fees of the State Bond Fund. The accountants' fees of the State Bond Fund will be borne equally by Federated Advisers and ARM. The foregoing description of the Plan entered into between the Federated Fund and the State Bond Fund is qualified in its entirety by the terms and provisions of the Plan, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit A and incorporated herein by reference thereto. Description of Federated Fund Shares Full and fractional Class A Shares of the Federated Fund will be issued without the imposition of a sales charge or other fee to the shareholders of the State Bond Fund in accordance with the procedures described above. Class A Shares of the Federated Fund to be issued to shareholders of the State Bond Fund under the Plan will be fully paid and nonassessable when issued and transferable without restriction and will have no preemptive or conversion rights. Reference is hereby made to the Prospectus of the Federated Fund dated October 31, 1996, provided herewith for additional information about Class A Shares of the Federated Fund. Federal Income Tax Consequences As a condition to the Reorganization, the Federated Fund and the State Bond Fund will receive an opinion from Dickstein Shapiro Morin & Oshinsky LLP, counsel to the Federated Fund, to the effect that, on the basis of the existing provisions of the Code, current administrative rules and court decisions, for federal income tax purposes: (1) the Reorganization as set forth in the Plan will constitute a tax-free reorganization under Section 368(a)(1)(C) of the Code; (2) no gain or loss will be recognized by the Federated Fund upon its receipt of the State Bond Fund's assets solely in exchange for Federated Fund Class A Shares; (3) no gain or loss will be recognized by the State Bond Fund upon the transfer of its assets to the Federated Fund in exchange for Federated Fund Class A Shares or upon the distribution (whether actual or constructive) of the Federated Fund Class A Shares to the State Bond Fund shareholders in exchange for their shares of the State Bond Fund; (4) no gain or loss will be recognized by shareholders of the State Bond Fund upon the exchange of their State Bond Fund shares for Federated Fund Class A Shares; (5) the tax basis of the State Bond Fund's assets acquired by the Federated Fund will be the same as the tax basis of such assets to the State Bond Fund immediately prior to the Reorganization; (6) the tax basis of Federated Fund Class A Shares received by each shareholder of the State Bond Fund pursuant to the Plan will be the same as the tax basis of State Bond Fund shares held by such shareholder immediately prior to the Reorganization; (7) the holding period of the assets of the State Bond Fund in the hands of the Federated Fund will include the period during which those assets were held by the State Bond Fund; and (8) the holding period of Federated Fund Class A Shares received by each shareholder of the State Bond Fund will include the period during which the State Bond Fund shares exchanged therefor were held by such shareholder, provided the State Bond Fund shares were held as capital assets on the date of the Reorganization. Shareholders should recognize that an opinion of counsel is not binding on the Internal Revenue Service (`IRS'') or any court. The State Bond Fund does not expect to obtain a ruling from the IRS regarding the consequences of the Reorganization. Accordingly, if the IRS sought to challenge the tax treatment of the Reorganization and was successful, neither of which is anticipated, the Reorganization would be treated as a taxable sale of assets of the State Bond Fund, followed by the taxable liquidation of the State Bond Fund. The Federated Fund does not anticipate that taxable sales involving significant amounts of securities of the combined portfolio will have to be made after the Reorganization to effect a realignment with the policies and investment practices of the Federated Fund. Comparative Information on Shareholder Rights and Obligations General. Both the Federated Fund and the State Bond Fund are open-end, diversified management investment companies registered under the 1940 Act, which continuously offer to sell shares at their current net asset value. The Federated Fund is organized as a corporation under the laws of the State of Maryland and is governed by its Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws and Board of Directors, in addition to applicable state and federal law. The State Bond Fund is organized as a separate series of State Bond Municipal Funds, Inc. under the laws of the State of Maryland and is governed by its Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws and Board of Directors, in addition to applicable state and federal law. Set forth below is a brief summary of the significant rights of shareholders of the Federated Fund and the State Bond Fund. Shares of the Federated Fund and the State Bond Fund. The Federated Fund is authorized to issue 2,000,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share. The Board of Directors has established four classes of shares of the Federated Fund, known as Class A Shares, Class B Shares, Class C Shares and Class F Shares. The State Bond Fund has an authorized capital of 10,000,000,000 shares of common stock with a par value of $.00001 per share. The State Bond Fund is currently the sole investment portfolio of State Bond Municipal Funds, Inc. and has only one class of shares. Issued and outstanding shares of both the Federated Fund and State Bond Fund are fully paid and nonassessable, and freely transferable. Voting Rights. Neither the Federated Fund nor the State Bond Fund is required to hold annual meetings of shareholders, except as required under the 1940 Act. Shareholder approval is necessary only for certain changes in operations or the election of directors under certain circumstances. The Federated Fund requires that a special meeting of shareholders be called for any permissible purpose upon the written request of the holders of at least 10% of the shares of the series of the Federated Fund entitled to vote. A special meeting of the shareholders of the State Bond Fund is required to be called upon the written request of shareholders representing not less than 25% of the shares entitled to vote. Each share of the Federated Fund gives the shareholder one vote in director elections and other matters submitted to shareholders for vote. All shares of each series or class in the Federated Fund have equal voting rights except that in matters affecting only a particular series or class, only shares of that series or class are entitled to vote. All shares of the State Bond Fund have equal voting rights. Directors. The Bylaws of the Federated Fund provide that the term of office of each Director shall be until his or her resignation or removal and until the election and qualification of his or her successor. A Director of the Federated Fund may be removed by a vote of a majority of all shares entitled to vote at any special meeting of shareholders. A vacancy on the Board may be filled by a majority of the Directors remaining in office. The Bylaws of the State Bond Fund provide that each Director holds office from the time of his or her election until the next annual meeting of shareholders or special meeting at which Directors are elected and until his or her successor is duly elected and qualifies. No Director of the State Bond Fund shall be qualified for election by the shareholders if he or she has attained the age of 70. The Board of Directors of the State Bond Fund shall call a meeting of shareholders for the purpose of voting upon the question of removal of any Director or Directors when requested in writing to do so by the record holders of not less than 10% of the outstanding shares. A Director of the State Bond Fund may be removed, with or without cause, by the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes entitled to be cast for the election of Directors, and such shareholders may elect a qualified person as Director to replace the Director so removed. In case of any vacancy on the Board of Directors, a majority of the remaining Directors may elect a successor to hold office until the next annual meeting of the shareholders or special meeting at which Directors are elected and until his or her successor is duly elected and qualifies. With respect to both the Federated Fund and the State Bond Fund, a meeting of shareholders will be required for the purpose of electing additional Directors whenever fewer than a majority of the Directors then in office were elected by shareholders. Liability of Directors and Officers. The Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Federated Fund and the Articles of Amendment and Restatement of the State Bond Fund both contain provisions eliminating liability of their respective directors and officers to the corporation or its shareholders to the fullest extent permitted by Maryland law. Therefore, directors and officers will not be liable for monetary damages to the corporation or its shareholders for breach of the duty of care. However, such elimination of liability regarding a director's duty of care does not permit the elimination or limitation of liability (1) to the extent that it is proved that the person actually received an improper benefit or profit in money, property or services; (2) to the extent that a judgment or other final adjudication adverse to the person is entered in a proceeding based on a finding in the proceeding that the person's action, or failure to act, was committed in bad faith or was the result of active and deliberate dishonesty and was material to the cause of action adjudicated in the proceeding; or (3) for any action or failure to act occurring prior to February 18, 1988. In addition, due to the provisions of the 1940 Act, shareholders would still have the right to pursue monetary claims against directors or officers for acts involving willful malfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of their duties as directors or officers. Under the agreement by and among Federated, ARM and ARM Capital, Federated has agreed for a period of three (3) years following the Closing Date to provide coverage under a directors and officers liability insurance policy for the current Directors of the State Bond Fund. Termination or Liquidation. In the event of the termination or liquidation of the Federated Fund or any fund or class of the Federated Fund or of the termination or liquidation of the State Bond Fund, the shareholders of the respective fund or class are entitled to receive, when and as declared by its Directors, the excess of the assets belonging to the respective fund or class over the liabilities belonging to the respective fund or class. In either case, the assets belonging to the fund or class will be distributed among the shareholders in proportion to the number of shares of the respective fund or class held by them. Capitalization The following table sets forth the unaudited capitalization of the Class A Shares of the Federated Fund and the shares of the State Bond Fund as of October 11, 1996, and on a pro forma combined basis as of that date: Federated Fund State Bond Pro Forma (Class A Shares) Fund Combined* Net Assets $2,976,891** $80,461,189 $83,438,080 Net Asset Value Per Share $10.40 $10.85 $10.40 Shares Outstanding 286,137 7,413,841 8,020,019 * Assuming the Federated Fund also acquires the net assets of the State Bond Minnesota Fund, as described previously, the pro forma combined fund would have net assets of $102,111,285, a net asset value per share of $10.40 and 9,814,876 shares outstanding. **Class A Shares of the Federated Fund were established by the Board of Directors, commencing August 5, 1996. The net assets of all classes of shares of the Federated Fund as of October 11, 1996 were $386,333,704. INFORMATION ABOUT THE FEDERATED FUND AND THE STATE BOND FUND Federated Municipal Opportunities Fund, Inc. Information about the Federated Fund is contained in the Federated Fund's current Prospectus dated October 31, 1996, a copy of which is included herewith and incorporated herein by reference. Additional information about the Federated Fund is included in the Federated Fund's Annual Report to Shareholders dated August 31, 1996, the Statement of Additional Information dated October 31, 1996, and the Statement of Additional Information dated October 31, 1996 (relating to this Prospectus/Proxy Statement), each of which is incorporated herein by reference. Copies of the Annual Report and Statements of Additional Information, which have been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), may be obtained upon request and without charge by contacting the Federated Fund at 1-800-245-5051, option one, or by writing the Federated Fund at Federated Investors Tower, Pittsburgh, PA 15222-3779. The Federated Fund is subject to the informational requirements of the 1933 Act, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "1934 Act"), and the 1940 Act and in accordance therewith files reports and other information with the SEC. Reports, proxy and information statements, charter documents and other information filed by the Federated Fund can be obtained by calling or writing the Federated Fund and can also be inspected and copied by the public at the public reference facilities maintained by the SEC in Washington, D.C. located at Room 1024, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549 and at certain of its regional offices located at Suite 1400, Northwestern Atrium Center, 500 West Madison Street, Chicago, IL 60661 and 13th Floor, Seven World Trade Center, New York, NY 10048. Copies of such material can be obtained from the Public Reference Branch, Office of Consumer Affairs and Information Services, SEC, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549 at prescribed rates. This Prospectus/Proxy Statement, which constitutes part of a Registration Statement filed by the Federated Fund with the SEC under the 1933 Act, omits certain of the information contained in the Registration Statement. Reference is hereby made to the Registration Statement and to the exhibits thereto for further information with respect to the Federated Fund and the shares offered hereby. Statements contained herein concerning the provisions of documents are necessarily summaries of such documents, and each such statement is qualified in its entirety by reference to the copy of the applicable document filed with the SEC. State Bond Tax Exempt Fund Information about the State Bond Fund and State Bond Municipal Funds, Inc. is contained in the State Bond Fund's current Prospectus dated November 1, 1995, the Annual Report to Shareholders dated June 30, 1996, the Statement of Additional Information dated November 1, 1995, and the Statement of Additional Information dated October 31, 1996 (relating to this Prospectus/Proxy Statement), each of which is incorporated herein by reference. Copies of such Prospectus, Annual Report, and Statements of Additional Information, which have been filed with the SEC, may be obtained upon request and without charge from the State Bond Fund by calling 1-800-328-4735 or by writing to the State Bond Fund at 100 North Minnesota Street, P.O. Box 69, New Ulm, Minnesota 56073-0069. The State Bond Fund is subject to the informational requirements of the 1933 Act, the 1934 Act and the 1940 Act and in accordance therewith files reports and other information with the SEC. Reports, proxy and information statements, charter documents and other information filed by State Bond Municipal Funds, Inc. or its portfolio, the State Bond Fund, can be obtained by calling or writing the State Bond Fund and can also be inspected at the public reference facilities maintained by the SEC or obtained at prescribed rates at the addresses listed in the previous section. VOTING INFORMATION This Prospectus/Proxy Statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation by the Board of Directors of the State Bond Fund of proxies for use at the Special Meeting of Shareholders (the "Special Meeting") to be held at 3:40 p.m. on December 9, 1996 at: 100 North Minnesota Street, New Ulm, Minnesota 56073- 0069, and at any adjournments thereof. The proxy confers discretionary authority on the persons designated therein to vote on other business not currently contemplated which may properly come before the Special Meeting. A proxy, if properly executed, duly returned and not revoked, will be voted in accordance with the specifications thereon; if no instructions are given, such proxy will be voted in favor of the Plan. A shareholder may revoke a proxy at any time prior to use by filing with the Secretary of the State Bond Fund an instrument revoking the proxy, by submitting a proxy bearing a later date or by attending and voting at the Special Meeting. The cost of the solicitation, including the printing and mailing of proxy materials, will be borne by Federated Advisers. In addition to solicitations through the mails, proxies may be solicited by officers, employees and agents of the State Bond Fund, Federated Advisers and their respective affiliates at no additional cost to the State Bond Fund. Such solicitations may be by telephone, telegraph or personal contact. Federated Advisers will reimburse custodians, nominees and fiduciaries for the reasonable costs incurred by them in connection with forwarding solicitation materials to the beneficial owners of shares held of record by such persons. Outstanding Shares and Voting Requirements The Board of Directors of the State Bond Fund has fixed the close of business on October 11, 1996, as the record date for the determination of shareholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the Special Meeting and any adjournments thereof. As of the record date, there were 7,413,841 shares of the State Bond Fund outstanding. Each of the State Bond Fund's shares is entitled to one vote and fractional shares have proportionate voting rights. On the record date, the Directors and officers of the State Bond Fund as a group owned less than 1% of the outstanding shares of the State Bond Fund. To the best knowledge of ARM Capital, as of the record date, no person owned beneficially or of record 5% or more of the State Bond Fund's outstanding shares. As of the record date, there were 286,137 Class A, 182,792 Class B, 1,860 Class C and 36,663,760 Class F Shares of the Federated Fund outstanding. On the record date, the Directors and officers of the Federated Fund as a group owned less than 1% of the outstanding Class A, Class B, Class C and Class F Shares of the Federated Fund. To the best knowledge of Federated Advisers, as of the record date, no person, except as set forth in the table below, owned beneficially or of record 5% or more of the Federated Fund's outstanding Class A, Class B, Class C or Class F Shares. PERCENT OF NAME AND ADDRESS SHARES OWNED OUTSTANDING CLASS A SHARES SHARES Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith 276,261.000 96.54% Jacksonville, Florida Merrill Lynch Pierce 276,261 96.54% Fenner & Smith Jacksonville, Florida Jacksonville, Florida PERCENT OF CLASS B SHARES OWNED OUTSTANDING SHARES NAME AND ADDRESS SHARES William P. Betchman and Shirley P. Betchman, joint tenants in commo mn Charleston, South 23,832.221 13.02% Carolina BHC Securities, Inc. Philadelphia, 21,127.782 11.54% Pennsylvania LEWCO Securities Corp. Jersey City, New Jersey 16,755.387 9.15% Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith Jacksonville, Florida 14,560.000 7.95% Jacksonville, Florida Ann Smith and Christine E. Datz, joint with right of survivorship New York, New York 11,015.326 6.02% Harry Bass Briarwood, New York 9,637.414 5.26% PERCENT OF CLASS C SHARES OWNED OUTSTANDING SHARES NAME AND ADDRESS SHARES Key Clearing Corp. Brooklyn, Ohio 1,6865.832 90.63% PERCENT OF CLASS F SHARES OWNED OUTSTANDING SHARES NAME AND ADDRESS SHARES Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenne 9,858,844.843 26.82% sr & Smith Jacksonville, Florida Approval of the Plan requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of the State Bond Fund. The votes of shareholders of the Federated Fund are not being solicited since their approval is not required in order to effect the Reorganization. One-third of the issued and outstanding shares of the State Bond Fund, represented in person or by proxy, will be required to constitute a quorum at the Special Meeting for the purpose of voting on the proposed Reorganization. For purposes of determining the presence of a quorum, shares represented by abstentions and "broker non-votes" will be counted as present, but not as votes cast, at the Special Meeting. Because approval of the Reorganization requires the approval of a majority of the outstanding shares of the State Bond Fund, abstentions and "broker non-votes" will have the same effect as if they were votes against the Reorganization. Dissenter's Right of Appraisal Shareholders of the State Bond Fund objecting to the Reorganization have no appraisal rights under the State Bond Fund's Articles of Incorporation or Maryland law. Under the Plan, if approved by State Bond Fund shareholders, each shareholder will become the owner of Class A Shares of the Federated Fund having a total net asset value equal to the total net asset value of his or her holdings in the State Bond Fund at the Closing Date. OTHER MATTERS AND DISCRETION OF PERSONS NAMED IN THE PROXY Management of the State Bond Fund knows of no other matters that may properly be, or which are likely to be, brought before the Special Meeting. However, if any other business shall properly come before the Special Meeting, the persons named in the proxy intend to vote thereon in accordance with their best judgment. If at the time any session of the Special Meeting is called to order, a quorum is not present in person or by proxy, the persons named as proxies may vote those proxies which have been received to adjourn the Special Meeting to a later date. In the event that a quorum is present but sufficient votes in favor of one or more of the proposals have not been received, the persons named as proxies may propose one or more adjournments of the Special Meeting to permit further solicitation of proxies with respect to any such proposal. All such adjournments will require the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares present in person or by proxy at the session of the Special Meeting to be adjourned. The persons named as proxies will vote those proxies which they are entitled to vote in favor of the proposal, in favor of such an adjournment, and will vote those proxies required to be voted against the proposal, against any such adjournment. Whether or not shareholders expect to attend the Special Meeting, all shareholders are urged to sign, fill in and return the enclosed proxy form promptly. EXHIBIT A AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION dated September 23, 1996 (the "Agreement"), between FEDERATED MUNICIPAL OPPORTUNITIES FUND, INC., a Maryland corporation (hereinafter called the "Acquiring Fund"), and STATE BOND MUNICIPAL FUNDS, INC., a Maryland corporation (hereinafter called the "Corporation") on behalf of its portfolio STATE BOND TAX EXEMPT FUND (hereinafter called the "Acquired Fund"). This Agreement is intended to be and is adopted as a plan of reorganization and liquidation within the meaning of Section 368(a)(1)(C) of the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). The reorganization (the "Reorganization") will consist of the transfer of all of the net assets of the Acquired Fund in exchange solely for Class A Shares of the Acquiring Fund (the "Acquiring Fund Shares") and the distribution, after the Closing Date (as hereinafter defined), of the Acquiring Fund Shares to the shareholders of the Acquired Fund in liquidation of the Acquired Fund as provided herein, all upon the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth in this Agreement. WHEREAS, the Corporation and the Acquiring Fund are registered open-end management investment companies and the Acquired Fund owns securities in which the Acquiring Fund is permitted to invest; WHEREAS, both the Acquired Fund and the Acquiring Fund are authorized to issue shares of common stock or shares of beneficial interest, as the case may be; WHEREAS, the Board of Directors, including a majority of the directors who are not "interested persons" (as defined under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act")), of the Acquiring Fund has determined that the exchange of all of the net assets of the Acquired Fund for Acquiring Fund Shares is in the best interests of the Acquiring Fund shareholders and that the interests of the existing shareholders of the Acquiring Fund would not be diluted as a result of this transaction; and WHEREAS, the Board of Directors, including a majority of the directors who are not "interested persons" (as defined under the 1940 Act), of the Corporation has determined that the exchange of all of the net assets of the Acquired Fund for Acquiring Fund Shares is in the best interests of the Acquired Fund shareholders; NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and of the covenants and agreements hereinafter set forth, the parties agree as follows: 1. TRANSFER OF ASSETS OF THE ACQUIRED FUND IN EXCHANGE FOR THE ACQUIRING FUND SHARES AND LIQUIDATION OF THE ACQUIRED FUND. 1.1 Subject to the terms and conditions contained herein, the Acquired Fund agrees to assign, transfer and convey to the Acquiring Fund all of the net assets of the Acquired Fund, including all securities and cash, other than cash in an amount necessary to pay any unpaid dividends and distributions as provided in paragraph 1.5, beneficially owned by the Acquired Fund, and the Acquiring Fund agrees in exchange therefor to deliver to the Acquired Fund the number of Acquiring Fund Shares, including fractional Acquiring Fund Shares, determined as set forth in paragraph 2.3. Such transaction shall take place at the closing (the "Closing") on the closing date (the "Closing Date") provided for in paragraph 3.1. In lieu of delivering certificates for the Acquiring Fund Shares, the Acquiring Fund shall credit the Acquiring Fund Shares to the Acquired Fund's account, for the benefit of its shareholders, on the stock record books of the Acquiring Fund and shall deliver a confirmation thereof to the Acquired Fund. 1.2 The Acquired Fund will discharge or make provision for the discharge of all of its liabilities and obligations prior to or on the Closing Date. 1.3 Delivery of the assets of the Acquired Fund to be transferred shall be made on the Closing Date and shall be delivered to State Street Bank and Trust Company (hereinafter called "State Street"), Boston, Massachusetts, the Acquiring Fund's custodian (the "Custodian"), for the account of the Acquiring Fund, together with proper instructions and all necessary documents to transfer to the account of the Acquiring Fund, free and clear of all liens, encumbrances, rights, restrictions and claims created by the Acquired Fund. All cash delivered shall be in the form of immediately available funds payable to the order of the Custodian for the account of the Acquiring Fund. 1.4 The Acquired Fund will pay or cause to be paid to the Acquiring Fund any dividends or interest received on or after the Closing Date with respect to assets transferred to the Acquiring Fund thereunder. The Acquired Fund will transfer to the Acquiring Fund any distributions, rights or other assets received by the Acquired Fund after the Closing Date as distributions on or with respect to the securities transferred. Such assets shall be deemed included in assets transferred to the Acquiring Fund on the Closing Date and shall not be separately valued. 1.5 As soon after the Closing Date as is conveniently practicable, the Acquired Fund will liquidate and distribute pro rata to the Acquired Fund's shareholders of record, determined as of the close of business on the Closing Date (the "Acquired Fund Shareholders"), the Acquiring Fund Shares received by the Acquired Fund pursuant to paragraph 1.1. In addition, each Acquired Fund Shareholder shall have the right to receive any unpaid dividends or other distributions which were declared before the Valuation Date (as hereinafter defined) with respect to the shares of the Acquired Fund that are held by the shareholder on the Valuation Date. Such liquidation and distribution will be accomplished by the transfer of the Acquiring Fund Shares then credited to the account of the Acquired Fund on the books of the Acquiring Fund to open accounts on the share record books of the Acquiring Fund in the names of the Acquired Fund Shareholders, and representing the respective pro rata number of the Acquiring Fund Shares due such shareholders, based on their ownership of shares of the Acquired Fund on the Closing Date. All issued and outstanding Shares of the Acquired Fund will simultaneously be canceled on the books of the Acquired Fund. Share certificates representing interests in the Acquired Fund will represent a number of Acquiring Fund Shares, after the Closing Date as determined in accordance with paragraph 2.3. The Acquiring Fund shall not issue certificates representing the Acquiring Fund Shares in connection with such exchange. 1.6 Ownership of Acquiring Fund Shares will be shown on the books of the Acquiring Fund's transfer agent. Shares of the Acquiring Fund will be issued in the manner described in the Acquiring Fund's current prospectus and statement of additional information. 1.7 Any transfer taxes payable upon issuance of the Acquiring Fund Shares in a name other than the registered holder of the Acquired Fund shares on the books of the Acquired Fund as of that time shall, as a condition of such issuance and transfer, be paid by the person to whom such Acquiring Fund Shares are to be issued and transferred. 1.8 Any reporting responsibility of the Acquired Fund is and shall remain the responsibility of the Corporation up to and including the Closing Date and such later dates, with respect to dissolution and deregistration of the Corporation, on which the Corporation is dissolved and deregistered. 1.9 The Corporation shall be deregistered as an investment company under the 1940 Act and dissolved as a Maryland corporation as promptly as practicable following the Closing Date and the making of all distributions pursuant to paragraph 1.5. 2. VALUATION. 2.1 The value of the Acquired Fund's net assets to be acquired by the Acquiring Fund hereunder shall be the value of such assets computed as of the close of the New York Stock Exchange (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on the Closing Date (such time and date being herein called the "Valuation Date"), using the valuation procedures set forth in the Acquiring Fund's then-current prospectus or statement of additional information. 2.2 The net asset value of each Acquiring Fund Share shall be the net asset value per share computed as of the close of the New York Stock Exchange (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on the Valuation Date, using the valuation procedures set forth in the Acquiring Fund's then-current prospectus or statement of additional information. 2.3 The number of the Acquiring Fund Shares to be issued (including fractional shares, if any) in exchange for the Acquired Fund's net assets shall be determined by dividing the value of the net assets of the Acquired Fund determined using the same valuation procedures referred to in paragraph 2.1, by the net asset value of one Acquiring Fund Share determined in accordance with paragraph 2.2. 2.4 All computations of value shall be made in accordance with the regular practices of the Acquiring Fund. 3. CLOSING AND CLOSING DATE. 3.1 The Closing Date shall be December 13, 1996 or such later date as the parties may mutually agree. All acts taking place at the Closing shall be deemed to take place simultaneously as of the close of business on the Closing Date unless otherwise provided. The Closing shall be held at 4:00 p.m. (Eastern time) at the offices of the Acquiring Fund, Federated Investors Tower, Pittsburgh, PA 15222-3779, or such other time and/or place as the parties may mutually agree. 3.2 If on the Valuation Date (a) the primary trading market for portfolio securities of the Acquiring Fund or the Acquired Fund shall be closed to trading or trading thereon shall be restricted; or (b) trading or the reporting of trading shall be disrupted so that accurate appraisal of the value of the net assets of the Acquiring Fund or the Acquired Fund is impracticable, the Closing Date shall be postponed until the first business day after the day when trading shall have been fully resumed and reporting shall have been restored. 3.3 ARM Transfer Agency, Inc., as transfer agent for the Acquired Fund, shall deliver at the Closing a certificate of an authorized officer stating that its records contain the names and addresses of the Acquired Fund Shareholders and the number and percentage ownership of outstanding shares owned by each such shareholder immediately prior to the Closing. The Acquiring Fund shall issue and deliver a confirmation evidencing the Acquiring Fund Shares to be credited on the Closing Date to the Secretary of the Acquired Fund, or provide evidence satisfactory to the Acquired Fund that such Acquiring Fund Shares have been credited to the Acquired Fund's account on the books of the Acquiring Fund. At the Closing, each party shall deliver to the other such bills of sale, checks, assignments, assumption agreements, share certificates, if any, receipts or other documents as such other party or its counsel may reasonably request. 4. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. 4.1 The Corporation represents and warrants to the Acquiring Fund as follows: (a) The Corporation is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Maryland and has power to own all of its properties and assets and to carry out this Agreement. (b) The Corporation is registered under the 1940 Act, as an open-end, management investment company, and such registration has not been revoked or rescinded and is in full force and effect. (c) The Corporation is not, and the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement will not result, in material violation of the Corporation's Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws or of any agreement, indenture, instrument, contract, lease or other undertaking to which the Acquired Fund is a party or by which it is bound. (d) The Acquired Fund has no material contracts or other commitments outstanding (other than this Agreement) which will result in liability to it after the Closing Date. (e) No litigation or administrative proceeding or investigation of or before any court or governmental body is currently pending or to its knowledge threatened against the Acquired Fund or any of its properties or assets which, if adversely determined, would materially and adversely affect its financial condition or the conduct of its business. The Acquired Fund knows of no facts which might form the basis for the institution of such proceedings, and is not a party to or subject to the provisions of any order, decree or judgment of any court or governmental body which materially and adversely affects its business or its ability to consummate the transactions herein contemplated. (f) The current prospectus and statement of additional information of the Acquired Fund conform in all material respects to the applicable requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"), and the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") thereunder and do not include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. (g) The Statement of Assets and Liabilities of the Acquired Fund at June 30, 1995 and 1996, have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors, and have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, consistently applied, and such statements (copies of which have been furnished to the Acquiring Fund) fairly reflect the financial condition of the Acquired Fund as of such dates, and there are no known contingent liabilities of the Acquired Fund as of such dates not disclosed therein. (h) Since June 30, 1996, there has not been any material adverse change in the Acquired Fund's financial condition, assets, liabilities or business other than changes occurring in the ordinary course of business, or any incurrence by the Acquired Fund of indebtedness maturing more than one year from the date such indebtedness was incurred, except as otherwise disclosed to and accepted by the Acquiring Fund. (i) At the Closing Date, all federal and other tax returns and reports of the Acquired Fund required by law to have been filed by such date shall have been filed or an appropriate extension obtained, and all federal and other taxes shall have been paid so far as due, or provision shall have been made for the payment thereof or contest in good faith, and to the best of the Acquired Fund's knowledge no such return is currently under audit and no assessment has been asserted with respect to such returns. (j) For each fiscal year of its operation, subject to applicable statute of limitation periods, the Acquired Fund has met the requirements of Subchapter M of the Code for qualification and treatment as a regulated investment company. (k) All issued and outstanding shares of the Acquired Fund are, and at the Closing Date will be, duly and validly issued and outstanding, fully paid and non-assessable. All of the issued and outstanding shares of the Acquired Fund will, at the time of the Closing, be held by the persons and in the amounts set forth in the records of the transfer agent as provided in paragraph 3.3. The Acquired Fund does not have outstanding any options, warrants or other rights to subscribe for or purchase any of the Acquired Fund shares, nor is there outstanding any security convertible into any of the Acquired Fund shares. (l) On the Closing Date, the Acquired Fund will have full right, power and authority to sell, assign, transfer and deliver the assets to be transferred by it hereunder. (m) The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement will have been duly authorized prior to the Closing Date by all necessary action on the part of the Corporation and, subject to the approval of the Acquired Fund Shareholders, this Agreement constitutes the valid and legally binding obligation of the Acquired Fund enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to the effect of bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, fraudulent conveyance and other similar laws relating to or affecting creditors' rights generally and court decisions with respect thereto, and to general principles of equity and the discretion of the court (regardless of whether the enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law). (n) The prospectus/proxy statement of the Acquired Fund (the "Prospectus/Proxy Statement") to be included in the Registration Statement referred to in paragraph 5.5 (only insofar as it relates to the Acquired Fund) will, on the effective date of the Registration Statement and on the Closing Date, not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading. 4.2 The Acquiring Fund represents and warrants to the Corporation as follows: (a) The Acquiring Fund is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Maryland and has the power to carry on its business as it is now being conducted and to carry out this Agreement. (b) The Acquiring Fund is registered under the 1940 Act as an open-end, diversified, management investment company, and such registration has not been revoked or rescinded and is in full force and effect. (c) The Acquiring Fund is not, and the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement will not result, in material violation of the Acquiring Fund's Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws or of any agreement, indenture, instrument, contract, lease or other undertaking to which the Acquiring Fund is a party or by which it is bound. (d) No litigation or administrative proceeding or investigation of or before any court or governmental body is currently pending or to its knowledge threatened against the Acquiring Fund or any of its properties or assets which, if adversely determined, would materially and adversely affect its financial condition or the conduct of its business. The Acquiring Fund knows of no facts which might form the basis for the institution of such proceedings, and is not a party to or subject to the provisions of any order, decree or judgment of any court or governmental body which materially and adversely affects its business or its ability to consummate the transactions contemplated herein. (e) The current prospectus and statement of additional information of the Acquiring Fund conform in all material respects to the applicable requirements of the 1933 Act and the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder and do not include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. (f) The Statement of Assets and Liabilities of the Acquiring Fund at August 31, 1995 and 1996, have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent auditors, and have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and such statements (copies of which have been furnished to the Acquired Fund) fairly reflect the financial condition of the Acquiring Fund as of such dates, and there are no known contingent liabilities of the Acquiring Fund as of such dates not disclosed therein. (g) Since August 31, 1996, there has not been any material adverse change in the Acquiring Fund's financial condition, assets, liabilities or business other than changes occurring in the ordinary course of business, or any incurrence by the Acquiring Fund of indebtedness maturing more than one year from the date such indebtedness was incurred, except as disclosed to and accepted by the Acquired Fund. (h) At the Closing Date, all federal and other tax returns and reports of the Acquiring Fund required by law to have been filed or an appropriate extension obtained, by such date shall have been filed, and all federal and other taxes shall have been paid so far as due, or provision shall have been made for the payment thereof or contest in good faith, and to the best of the Acquiring Fund's knowledge no such return is currently under audit and no assessment has been asserted with respect to such returns. (i) For each fiscal year of its operation, subject to applicable statute of limitation periods, the Acquiring Fund has met the requirements of Subchapter M of the Code for qualification and treatment as a regulated investment company. (j) All issued and outstanding Acquiring Fund Shares are, and at the Closing Date will be, duly and validly issued and outstanding, fully paid and non- assessable. The Acquiring Fund does not have outstanding any options, warrants or other rights to subscribe for or purchase any of the Acquiring Fund Shares, nor is there outstanding any security convertible into any Acquiring Fund Shares. (k) The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement has been duly authorized by all necessary action on the part of the Acquiring Fund, and this Agreement constitutes the valid and legally binding obligation of the Acquiring Fund enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to the effect of bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, fraudulent conveyance and other similar laws relating to or affecting creditors' rights generally and court decisions with respect thereto, and to general principles of equity and the discretion of the court (regardless of whether the enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law). (l) The Prospectus/Proxy Statement to be included in the Registration Statement (only insofar as it relates to the Acquiring Fund) will, on the effective date of the Registration Statement and on the Closing Date, not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading. 5. COVENANTS OF THE ACQUIRING FUND AND THE ACQUIRED FUND. 5.1 The Acquiring Fund and the Acquired Fund each will operate its business in the ordinary course between the date hereof and the Closing Date, it being understood that such ordinary course of business will include customary dividends and distributions. 5.2 The Corporation will call a meeting of the Acquired Fund Shareholders to consider and act upon this Agreement and to take all other action necessary to obtain approval of the transactions contemplated herein. 5.3 Subject to the provisions of this Agreement, the Acquiring Fund and the Acquired Fund will each take, or cause to be taken, all action, and do or cause to be done, all things reasonably necessary, proper or advisable to consummate and make effective the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. 5.4 As promptly as practicable, but in any case within sixty days after the Closing Date, the Acquired Fund shall furnish the Acquiring Fund, in such form as is reasonably satisfactory to the Acquiring Fund, a statement of the earnings and profits of the Acquired Fund for federal income tax purposes which will be carried over to the Acquiring Fund as a result of Section 381 of the Code and which will be certified by the Corporation's President and its Treasurer. 5.5 The Acquired Fund will provide the Acquiring Fund with information reasonably necessary for the preparation of the Prospectus/Proxy Statement, referred to in paragraph 4.1(n), all to be included in a Registration Statement on Form N-14 of the Acquiring Fund (the "Registration Statement"), in compliance with the 1933 Act, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the 1940 Act in connection with the meeting of the Acquired Fund Shareholders to consider approval of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated herein. 5.6 The Acquiring Fund agrees to use all reasonable efforts to obtain the approvals and authorizations required by the 1933 Act, the 1940 Act and such of the state Blue Sky or securities laws as it may deem appropriate in order to continue its operations after the Closing Date. 5.7 Prior to the Valuation Date, the Acquired Fund shall have declared a dividend or dividends, with a record date and ex-dividend date prior to the Valuation Date, which, together with all previous dividends, shall have the effect of distributing to its shareholders all of its investment company taxable income, if any, plus the excess of its interest income, if any, excludable from gross income under Section 103(a) of the Code over its deductions disallowed under Sections 265 and 171(a)(2) of the Code for the taxable periods or years ended on or before June 30, 1996 and for the period from said date to and including the Closing Date (computed without regard to any deduction for dividends paid), and all of its net capital gain, if any, realized in taxable periods or years ended on or before June 30, 1996 and in the period from said date to and including the Closing Date. 6. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO OBLIGATIONS OF THE ACQUIRING FUND. The obligations of the Acquiring Fund to complete the transactions provided for herein shall be subject, at its election, to the performance by the Acquired Fund of all the obligations to be performed by it hereunder on or before the Closing Date and, in addition thereto, the following conditions: 6.1 All representations and warranties of the Corporation contained in this Agreement shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the date hereof and, except as they may be affected by the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, as of the Closing Date with the same force and effect as if made on and as of the Closing Date. 6.2 The Acquired Fund shall have delivered to the Acquiring Fund a statement of the Acquired Fund's assets, together with a list of the Acquired Fund's portfolio securities showing the tax costs of such securities by lot and the holding periods of such securities, as of the Closing Date, certified by the Treasurer of the Acquired Fund. 6.3 The Acquired Fund shall have delivered to the Acquiring Fund on the Closing Date a certificate executed in its name by its President or Vice President and its Treasurer, in form and substance satisfactory to the Acquiring Fund, to the effect that the representations and warranties of the Corporation made in this Agreement are true and correct in all material respects at and as of the Closing Date, except as they may be affected by the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and as to such other matters as the Acquiring Fund shall reasonably request. 7. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO OBLIGATIONS OF THE ACQUIRED FUND. The obligations of the Acquired Fund to consummate the transactions provided herein shall be subject, at its election, to the performance by the Acquiring Fund of all the obligations to be performed by it hereunder on or before the Closing Date and, in addition thereto, the following conditions: 7.1 All representations and warranties of the Acquiring Fund contained in this Agreement shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the date hereof and, except as they may be affected by the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, as of the Closing Date with the same force and effect as if made on and as of the Closing Date. 7.2 The Acquiring Fund shall have delivered to the Acquired Fund on the Closing Date a certificate executed in its name by its President or Vice President and its Treasurer, in form and substance satisfactory to the Acquired Fund, to the effect that the representations and warranties of the Acquiring Fund made in this Agreement are true and correct in all material respects at and as of the Closing Date, except as they may be affected by the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and as to such other matters as the Acquired Fund shall reasonably request. 7.3 There shall not have been any material adverse change in the Acquiring Fund's financial condition, assets, liabilities or business since the date hereof other than changes occurring in the ordinary course of business, or any incurrence by the Acquiring Fund of any indebtedness, except as otherwise disclosed to and accepted by the Acquired Fund. 8. FURTHER CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO THE OBLIGATIONS OF THE ACQUIRING FUND AND THE ACQUIRED FUND. If any of the conditions set forth below do not exist on or before the Closing Date with respect to the Acquired Fund or the Acquiring Fund, either party to this Agreement shall, at its option, not be required to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. 8.1 The Agreement and the transactions contemplated herein shall have been approved by the requisite vote of the holders of the outstanding shares of the Acquired Fund in accordance with the provisions of the Corporation's Articles of Incorporation and the 1940 Act. 8.2 On the Closing Date no action, suit or other proceeding shall be pending before any court or governmental agency in which it is sought to restrain or prohibit, or obtain damages or other relief in connection with, this Agreement or the transactions contemplated herein. 8.3 All consents of other parties and all other consents, orders and permits of federal, state and local regulatory authorities (including those of the Commission and of state Blue Sky and securities authorities) deemed necessary by the Acquiring Fund or the Acquired Fund to permit consummation, in all material respects, of the transactions contemplated hereby shall have been obtained, except where failure to obtain any such consent, order or permit would not involve a risk of a material adverse effect on the assets or properties of the Acquiring Fund or the Acquired Fund, provided that either party hereto may for itself waive any of such conditions. 8.4 The Registration Statement shall have become effective under the 1933 Act and no stop orders suspending the effectiveness thereof shall have been issued and, to the best knowledge of the parties hereto, no investigation or proceeding for that purpose shall have been instituted or be pending, threatened or contemplated under the 1933 Act. 8.5 The Acquiring Fund and the Corporation shall have received an opinion of Dickstein Shapiro Morin & Oshinsky LLP substantially to the effect that for federal income tax purposes: (a) The transfer of all of the Acquired Fund net assets in exchange for the Acquiring Fund Shares and the distribution of the Acquiring Fund Shares to the Acquired Fund Shareholders in liquidation of the Acquired Fund will constitute a "reorganization" within the meaning of Section 368(a)(1)(C) of the Code; (b) No gain or loss will be recognized by the Acquiring Fund upon the receipt of the assets of the Acquired Fund solely in exchange for the Acquiring Fund Shares; (c) No gain or loss will be recognized by the Acquired Fund upon the transfer of the Acquired Fund assets to the Acquiring Fund in exchange for the Acquiring Fund Shares or upon the distribution (whether actual or constructive) of the Acquiring Fund Shares to Acquired Fund Shareholders in exchange for their shares of the Acquired Fund; (d) No gain or loss will be recognized by the Acquired Fund Shareholders upon the exchange of their Acquired Fund shares for the Acquiring Fund Shares; (e) The tax basis of the Acquired Fund assets acquired by the Acquiring Fund will be the same as the tax basis of such assets to the Acquired Fund immediately prior to the Reorganization; (f) The tax basis of the Acquiring Fund Shares received by each of the Acquired Fund Shareholders pursuant to the Reorganization will be the same as the tax basis of the Acquired Fund shares held by such shareholder immediately prior to the Reorganization; (g) The holding period of the assets of the Acquired Fund in the hands of the Acquiring Fund will include the period during which those assets were held by the Acquired Fund; and (h) The holding period of the Acquiring Fund Shares to be received by each Acquired Fund Shareholder will include the period during which the Acquired Fund shares exchanged therefor were held by such shareholder (provided the Acquired Fund shares were held as capital assets on the date of the Reorganization). 9. TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT. 9.1 This Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby may be terminated and abandoned by resolution of the Board of Directors of the Corporation or the Board of Directors of the Acquiring Fund at any time prior to the Closing Date (and notwithstanding any vote of the Acquired Fund Shareholders) if circumstances should develop that, in the opinion of either of the parties' Board, make proceeding with this Agreement inadvisable. 9.2 If this Agreement is terminated and the exchange contemplated hereby is abandoned pursuant to the provisions of this Section 9, this Agreement shall become void and have no effect, without any liability on the part of any party hereto or the directors or officers of the Corporation or the Acquiring Fund or the shareholders of the Acquiring Fund or of the Acquired Fund, in respect of this Agreement. 10. WAIVER. At any time prior to the Closing Date, any of the foregoing conditions may be waived by the Board of Directors of the Acquiring Fund or the Board of Directors of the Corporation, if, in the judgment of either, such waiver will not have a material adverse effect on the benefits intended under this Agreement to the shareholders of the Acquiring Fund or of the Acquired Fund, as the case may be. 11. MISCELLANEOUS. 11.1 None of the representations and warranties included or provided for herein shall survive consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby. 11.2 This Agreement contains the entire agreement and understanding between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof, and merges and supersedes all prior discussions, agreements and understandings of every kind and nature between them relating to the subject matter hereof. Neither party shall be bound by any condition, definition, warranty or representation, other than as set forth or provided in this Agreement or as may be set forth in a later writing signed by the party to be bound thereby. 11.3 This Agreement shall be governed and construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to principles of conflicts of laws. 11.4 This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which, when executed and delivered, shall be deemed to be an original. 11.5 This Agreement shall bind and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns, but no assignment or transfer hereof of any rights or obligations hereunder shall be made by any party without the written consent of the other party. Nothing herein expressed or implied is intended or shall be construed to confer upon or give any person, firm or corporation, other than the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns, any rights or remedies under or by reason of this Agreement. 11.6 An agreement has been entered into under which Federated Advisers will assume substantially all of the expenses of the reorganization including registration fees, transfer taxes (if any), the fees of banks and transfer agents and the costs of preparing, printing, copying and mailing proxy solicitation materials to the Acquired Fund Shareholders and the costs of holding the special meeting of shareholders. ARM Financial Group, Inc. will assume the legal fees of the Acquired Fund. The accountants' fees of the Acquired Fund will be borne equally by Federated Advisers and ARM Financial Group, Inc. [THE REMAINDER OF THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK] IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Acquired Fund and the Acquiring Fund have each caused this Agreement and Plan of Reorganization to be executed and attested on its behalf by its duly authorized representatives as of the date first above written. Acquired Fund: STATE BOND MUNICIPAL FUNDS, INC., on behalf of its portfolio, Attest: STATE BOND TAX EXEMPT FUND /s/ Sheri Bean By: /s/ Kevin L. Howard Name: Sheri Bean Name: Kevin L. Howard Title: Assistant Secretary Title: Vice President and Secretary Acquiring Fund: Attest: FEDERATED MUNICIPAL OPPORTUNITIES FUND, INC. /s/ S. Elliott Cohan By: /s/ J. Christopher Donahue Name: S. Elliott Cohan Name: J. Christopher Donahue Title: Assistant Secretary Title: Executive Vice President G01866-01 STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION October 31, 1996 ACQUISITION OF THE ASSETS OF STATE BOND TAX EXEMPT FUND, A PORTFOLIO OF STATE BOND MUNICIPAL FUNDS, INC. 100 NORTH MINNESOTA STREET P.O. BOX 69 NEW ULM, MINNESOTA 56073-0069 TELEPHONE NUMBER: 1-800-328-4735 BY AND IN EXCHANGE FOR CLASS A SHARES OF FEDERATED MUNICIPAL OPPORTUNITIES FUND, INC. FEDERATED INVESTORS TOWER PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA 15222-3779 TELEPHONE NUMBER: 1-800-245-5051, OPTION ONE This Statement of Additional Information dated October 31, 1996 is not a prospectus. A Prospectus/Proxy Statement dated October 31, 1996 related to the above-referenced matter may be obtained from Federated Municipal Opportunities Fund, Inc., Federated Investors Tower, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222-3779. This Statement of Additional Information should be read in conjunction with such Prospectus/Proxy Statement. TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OF FEDERATED MUNICIPAL OPPORTUNITIES FUND, INC., DATED OCTOBER 31, 1996. 2. STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OF STATE BOND TAX EXEMPT FUND, A PORTFOLIO OF STATE BOND MUNICIPAL FUNDS, INC., DATED NOVEMBER 1, 1995. 3. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF FEDERATED MUNICIPAL OPPORTUNITIES FUND, INC., DATED AUGUST 31, 1996. 4. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF STATE BOND TAX EXEMPT FUND, A PORTFOLIO OF STATE BOND MUNICIPAL FUNDS, INC., DATED JUNE 30, 1996. 5. PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF FEDERATED MUNICIPAL OPPORTUNITIES FUND, INC., DATED AUGUST 31, 1996. The Statement of Additional Information of Federated Municipal Opportunities Fund, Inc. (the "Federated Fund"), dated October 31, 1996, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 16 to the Federated Fund's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 33-11410 and 811-4533) which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or about October 25, 1996. A copy may be obtained, upon request and without charge, from the Federated Fund at Federated Investors Tower, Pittsburgh, PA 15222-3279; telephone number: 1-800-245-5051, option one. The Statement of Additional Information of State Bond Tax Exempt Fund (the "State Bond Fund"), a portfolio of State Bond Municipal Funds, Inc. (the "Corporation"), dated November 1, 1995, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 16 to the Corporation's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 2-77156 and 811-3454) which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or about August 29, 1995. A copy may be obtained, upon request and without charge, from the State Bond Fund at 100 North Minnesota Street, P.O. Box 69, New Ulm, Minnesota 56073-0069; telephone number: 1-800- 328-4735. The audited financial statements of the Federated Fund, dated August 31, 1996, are incorporated herein by reference to the Federated Fund's Annual Report to Shareholders dated August 31, 1996 which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. A copy may be obtained, upon request and without charge, from the Federated Fund at Federated Investors Tower, Pittsburgh, PA 15222-3279; telephone number: 1-800-245-5051, option one. The audited financial statements of the State Bond Fund, dated June 30, 1996, are incorporated herein by reference to the State Bond Fund's Annual Report to Shareholders dated June 30, 1996, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. A copy may be obtained, upon request and without charge, from the State Bond Fund at 100 North Minnesota Street, P.O. Box 69, New Ulm, Minnesota 56073-0069; telephone number 1-800-328-4735. The pro forma financial information of the Federated Fund, dated August 31, 1996 is included herein. Federated Municipal Opportunities Fund, Inc. (formerly, Fortress Municipal Income Fund, Inc.) State Bond Minnesota Tax-Free Income Fund State Bond Tax Exempt Fund Introduction to Proposed Merger August 31, 1996 (unaudited) THE ACCOMPANYING UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINING PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS, STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES, AND STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS REFLECT THE ACCOUNTS OF FEDERATED MUNICIPAL OPPORTUNITIES FUND, INC., STATE BOND MINNESOTA TAX-FREE INCOME FUND, AND STATE BOND TAX EXEMPT FUND, COLLECTIVELY (`THE FUNDS''), FOR THE YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 1996. THESE STATEMENTS HAVE BEEN DERIVED FROM THE BOOKS AND RECORDS UTILIZED IN CALCULATING DAILY NET ASSET VALUES AT AUGUST 31, 1996. THE ACCOUNTS REFLECTED ON THE STATE BOND MINNESOTA TAX-FREE INCOME FUND AND STATE BOND TAX EXEMPT FUND HAVE BEEN BROUGHT UP TO AUGUST 31, 1996. THIS UPDATING WAS ACCOMPLISHED BY ADDING THE RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FROM JULY 1, 1996 THROUGH AUGUST 31, 1996 TO ITS JUNE 30, 1996 FISCAL YEAR ENDS, AND BY DEDUCTING THE RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FROM JULY 1, 1995 THROUGH AUGUST 31, 1995. THE PRO FORMA STATEMENTS GIVE EFFECT TO THE PROPOSED TRANSFER OF ASSETS FROM STATE BOND MINNESOTA TAX-FREE INCOME FUND IN EXCHANGE FOR CLASS A SHARES OF FEDERATED MUNICIPAL OPPORTUNITIES FUND, INC. AND THE PROPOSED TRANSFER OF ASSETS FROM STATE BOND TAX EXEMPT FUND IN EXCHANGE FOR CLASS A SHARES OF FEDERATED MUNICIPAL OPPORTUNITIES FUND, INC. THESE TWO SEPARATE PROPOSED TRANSFERS WILL OCCUR SIMULTANEOUSLY. PRO FORMA COMBINING PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS AUGUST 31, 1996 (UNAUDITED)
FEDERATED FEDERATED MUNICIPAL MUNICIPAL OPPORTUN- OPPORTUNITIES ITIES FUND, INC. FUND, INC. STATE BOND (FORMERLY, STATE BOND (FORMERLY, MINNESOTA STATE BOND FORTRESS MINNESOTA STATE FORTRESS TAX-FREE TAX MUNICIPAL TAX-FREE BOND MUNICIPAL INCOME FUND EXEMPT PRO FORMA INCOME INCOME FUND TAX PRO FORMA INCOME FUND COMBINED FUND, INC.) EXEMPT COMBINED FUND, FUND INC.) MOODY'S/ PRINCIPAL PRINCIPAL PRINCIPAL PRINCIPAL S&P AMOUNT AMOUNT AMOUNT AMOUNT RATING* VALUE VALUE VALUE VALUE MUNICIPAL BONDS (97.7%) ALABAMA- 1.2% 6,000,000 --- --- 6,000,000 Courtland, AL, IDB, Solid Waste Disposal Revenue BBB/Baa1 5,869,680 --- --- 5,869,680 Bonds (Series A), 6.375% (Champion International Corp.)/(Original Issue Yield: 6.52%), 3/1/2029 ALASKA-- 0.4% - --- --- 690,000 690,000 Alaska Housing Finance Corp., Collateralized, Veterans Mortgage Program, Series 1991 B-1, 6.900%, due 2032 Aaa/AAA --- --- 708,471 708,471 - --- --- 325,000 325,000 Alaska Housing Aaa/AAA Finance Corp., --- --- 334,419 334,419 Collaterized Home Mortgage Bonds, 1988 Series A-1, 7.625%, due 2013 - --- --- 1,000,000 1,000,000 Alaska Valdez Marine Terminal, 5.650%, due 2028 Aa3/AA- --- --- 940,090 940,090 Total --- --- 1,982,980 1,982,980 ARIZONA-0.3% - --- --- 1,500,000 1,500,000 Arizona A/A --- --- 1,478,205 1,478,205 Industrial Development Authority, 5.450%, due 2009 ARKANSAS--1.7% 2,920,000 --- --- 2,920,000 Conway, AR, Hospital BBB/NR 2,976,560 --- --- 2,976,560 Authority, Revenue Bonds, 7.125% (Conway Regional Hospital), 2/1/2013 3,000,000 --- --- 3,000,000 Conway, AR, Hospital BBB/NR 3,205,800 --- --- 3,205,800 Authority, Revenue Refunding Bonds, 8.125% (Conway Regional Hospital), 7/1/2005 1,000,000 --- --- 1,000,000 Conway, AR, Hospital BBB/NR 1,074,850 --- --- 1,074,850 Authority, Revenue Refunding Bonds, 8.375% (Conway Regional Hospital), 7/1/2011 1,000,000 --- --- 1,000,000 Little Rock, AR, Health A+/NR 1,062,400 --- --- 1,062,400 Facilities Board, Revenue Refunding Bonds, 7.00% (Baptist Medical Center, AR), 10/1/2017 Total 8,319,610 --- --- 8,319,610 CALIFORNIA-0.5% - --- --- 500,000 500,000 Berkeley, CA, School District, 5.800%, due 2020 Aaa/AAA --- --- 488,600 488,600 - --- --- 1,000,000 1,000,000 Central Coast Water Authority Revenue Bonds, Series 1992, Aaa/AAA --- --- 1,075,550 1,075,550 6.350%, due 2007 - --- --- 1,000,000 1,000,000 Walnut Valley, CA, Water District, Certificate of Participation, 6.125%, due 2009 Aaa/AAA --- --- 1,032,820 1,032,820 Total --- --- 2,596,970 2,596,970 COLORADO--0.8% 695,000 --- --- 695,000 Colorado HFA, SFM Revenue AA/NR 729,250 --- --- 729,250 Bonds (Series A- 2), 7.70% (FHA GTD), 2/1/2023 2,775,000 --- --- 2,775,000 Colorado HFA, SFM Revenue AA/NR 2,891,162 --- --- 2,891,162 Bonds (Series C- 2), 7.375% (FHA GTD), 8/1/2023 295,000 --- --- 295,000 El Paso County, CO, HFA, SFM AAA/NR 310,573 --- --- 310,573 Revenue Bonds, 8.00% (GNMA COL), 9/1/2022 - --- --- 210,000 210,000 Housing Finance Agency, Single Aa/NR --- --- 214,505 214,505 Family Housing Revenue Bonds, 1986 Series A, 8.000%, due 2017 Total 3,930,985 --- 214,505 4,145,490 DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA- 0.3% - --- --- 1,250,000 1,250,000 District of NR/AAA --- --- 1,275,012 1,275,012 Columbia University Revenue Bonds, 6.300%, due 2013 IDAHO--0.9% 1,145,000 --- --- 1,145,000 Idaho Housing Agency, SFM AA/NR 1,193,823 --- --- 1,193,823 Revenue Bonds (Series A), 7.50% (FHA GTD), 7/1/2024 2,785,000 --- --- 2,785,000 Idaho Housing Agency, SFM AA/Aa 2,918,290 --- --- 2,918,290 Revenue Bonds (Series F-2), 7.80% (FHA GTD), 1/1/2023 Total 4,112,113 --- --- 4,112,113 ILLINOIS--7.0% - --- --- 2,000,000 2,000,000 Chicago, IL, Water Revenue Bonds, 7.200% due 2016 A1/AA- --- --- 2,194,460 2,194,460 - --- --- 1,000,000 1,000,000 Chicago, IL, Public District Capital Improvement Aaa/AAA --- --- 1,024,200 1,024,200 Bonds, 5.450%, due 2004 - --- --- 1,480,000 1,480,000 City of Chicago, IL, Gas Supply Revenue Bonds, 7.500%, Aa3/AA- --- --- 1,606,111 1,606,111 due 2015 - --- --- 1,100,000 1,100,000 City of Chicago, Aa3/AA --- --- 1,198,076 1,198,076 IL, Gas Supply Revenue Bonds, 7.500%, due 2015 - -- --- 500,000 500,000 Cook County, IL, Aaa/AAA --- --- 499,945 499,945 6.000%, due 2017 - --- --- 1,000,000 1,000,000 Cook County, IL Community Cons. School District Aaa/AAA --- --- 1,023,880 1,023,880 #6, 5.875%, due 2008 4,500,000 --- --- 4,500,000 Granite City, IL, Hospital Facilities BB+/Baa 4,637,520 --- --- 4,637,520 Authority, Revenue Refunding Bonds (Series A), 8.125% (St. Elizabeth Medical Center)/(Origina l Issue Yield: 8.167%), 6/1/2008 3,000,000 --- --- 3,000,000 Illinois Development NR 2,667,210 --- --- 2,667,210 Finance Authority, Housing Revenue Bonds, 6.10% (Catholic Charities Housing Development Corp), 1/1/2020 10,000,000 --- --- 10,000,000 Illinois Health Facilities NR 10,459,300 --- --- 10,459,300 Authority, Hospital Revenue Bonds (Series A), 9.25% (Edgewater Hospital & Medical Center, IL), 7/1/2024 - --- --- 1,400,000 1,400,000 Illinois Health Facility Authorized Revenue, 6.000%, due 2015 Aaa/AAA --- --- 1,378,468 1,378,468 - --- --- 1,000,000 1,000,000 Illinois State Dedicated Tax, 6.000%, due 2015 Aaa/AAA --- --- 998,760 998,760 - --- --- 1,050,000 1,050,000 Illinois State University Auxiliary Facility System, Board of Regents Revenue Bonds, Series 1989, Aaa/A --- --- 1,156,680 1,156,680 7.400%, due 2014 - --- --- 500,000 500,000 Illinois State University Auxiliary Facility System, Board of Regents Revenue Bonds, Series 1989, Aaa/A --- --- 550,800 550,800 7.400%, due 2013 - --- --- 2.350,000 2.350,000 Metropolitan Pier Exposition Authority, IL, Dedicated State Tax Rev. Bonds, 6.000%, due 2104 A/A+ --- --- 2,337,052 2,337,052 - --- --- 2,000,000 2,000,000 Rolling Meadows, IL, Mortgage Revenue Bonds Woodfield Garden, 7.750% due 2004 NR/A- --- --- 2,122,240 2,122,240 Total 17,764,030 --- 16,090,67 33,854,702 2 INDIANA--9.2% - --- --- 550,000 550,000 Beech Grove, IN, IDR 8.750%, A1/A --- --- 556,424 556,424 (Westvaco Corp) due 2010 - --- --- 1,000,000 1,000,000 Highland, IN, School Building Corp., 6.750%, due 2012 NR/AAA --- --- 1,105,850 1,105,850 1,300,000 1,300,000 Indiana Municipal Power Agency, Series 1992 A, 6.000%, Aaa/AAA --- --- 1,363,245 1,363,245 due 2007 3,000,000 --- --- 3,000,000 Indiana Port Commission, Port NR/Aa3 3,232,500 --- --- 3,232,500 Facility Revenue Refunding Bonds, 6.875% (Cargill, Inc.), 5/1/2012 855,000 --- --- 855,000 Indiana State HFA, SFM Revenue NR/Aaa 902,410 --- --- 902,410 Bonds (Series A), 8.20% (GNMA COL), 7/1/2020 - --- --- 1,100,000 1,100,000 Indiana State Toll Roads, Revenue Refunding Bond, A-/A --- --- 1,099,967 1,099,967 6.00%, due 2013 2,785,000 --- --- 2,785,000 Indiana State HFA, SFM Revenue NR/Aaa 2,941,406 --- --- 2,941,406 Home Mortgage Program (Series F-2), 7.75% (GNMA COL), 7/1/2022 - --- --- 1,150,000 1,150,000 Indiana Transportation Finance Authority, Series A, A/NR --- --- 1,160,108 1,160,108 6.250%, due 2016 17,100,000 --- --- 17,100,000 Indianapolis, IN, Airport Authority, BBB/Baa2 18,041,355 --- --- 18,041,355 Special Facilities Revenue Bonds, 7.10% (Federal Express Corp.)/(Original Issue Yield: 7.178%), 1/15/2017 - --- --- 3,225,000 3,225,000 Indianapolis, IN, Public Improvement Bonds, Bank Aaa/NR --- --- 3,558,014 3,558,014 Series C, 6.700%, due 2017 2,750,000 --- --- 2,750,000 LaPorte County, IN, Hospital Authority, BBB-/Aaa 2,870,780 --- --- 2,870,780 Hospital Facilities Revenue Refunding Bond, 8.75% (LaPorte Hospital, Inc., IN)/(United States Treasury PRF)/(Original Issue Yield: 8.848%), 3/1/1997 (@102) 5,000,000 --- --- 5,000,000 LaPorte County, IN, Hospital Authority, BBB/Baa1 4,587,750 --- --- 4,587,750 Hospital Facility Revenue Refunding Bonds, 6.00% (LaPorte Hospital, Inc., IN)/(Original Issue Yield: 6.35%), 3/1/2023 3,000,000 --- --- 3,000,000 LaPorte County, IN, Hospital Authority, BBB/Baa 2,908,350 --- --- 2,908,350 Hospital Facility Revenue Refunding Bonds, 6.25% (LaPorte Hospital, Inc., IN)/(Original Issue Yield: 6.35%), 3/1/2012 Total 35,484,551 --- 8,843,608 44,328,159 IOWA--0.2% 1,000,000 --- --- 1,000,000 Davenport, IA, PCA, PCR NR 1,057,090 --- --- 1,057,090 Refunding Bonds, Nicols- Homeshield Project, 8.375% (Quanex Corp.), 12/1/2005 KENTUCKY--1.0% 3,500,000 --- --- 3,500,000 Kenton County, KY, Airport Board, Special BB/Ba3 3,729,600 --- --- 3,729,600 Facilities Revenue Bonds (Series A), 7.50% (Delta Air Lines, Inc.)/(Original Issue Yield: 7.60%), 2/1/2020 1,200,000 --- --- 1,200,000 Kentucky Pollution NR 1,200,000 --- --- 1,200,000 Abatement & Water Resource Finance Authority Daily VRDNs (Toyota Motor Credit Corp.) Total 4,929,600 --- --- 4,929,600 LOUISIANA-5.5% 3,000,000 --- --- 3,000,000 De Soto Parish, LA, A-/A3 3,381,990 --- --- 3,381,990 Environmental Improvement Authority, Revenue Bonds, 7.70% (International Paper Co.), 11/1/2018 Lake Charles, 5,000,000 --- --- 5,000,000 LA, Harbor & Terminal NR/Baa3 5,598,550 --- --- 5,598,550 District, Port Facilities Revenue Refunding Bond, Trunkline Lining Co Project, 7.75% (Panhandle Eastern Corp.), 8/15/2022 - --- --- 750,000 750,000 Rapides Parish, LA, Housing & Mortgage Finance Authority, Single Family Mortgage, Aaa/AA- --- --- 847,770 847,770 7.250%, due 2010 5,645,000 --- --- 5,645,000 St. Charles Parish, LA, PCR BBB+/Baa2 5,956,660 5,956,660 Bonds, 7.50% (Louisiana Power & Light Co.)/(Original Issue Yield: 7.542%), 6/1/2021 1,400,000 --- --- 1,400,000 St. Charles Parish, LA, PCR NR/Baa3 1,523,914 --- --- 1,523,914 Bonds, 8.00% (Louisiana Power & Light Co.), 12/1/2014 2,100,000 --- --- 2,100,000 St. Charles Parish, LA, PCR NR 2,289,462 --- 2,289,462 Bonds, 8.25% (Louisiana Power & Light Co.)/(Original Issue Yield: 8.273%), 6/1/2014 3,650,000 --- --- 3,650,000 St. Charles Parish, LA, Solid Waste BBB+/Baa2 3,758,770 --- --- 3,758,770 Disposal Revenue Bonds (Series A), 7.00% (Louisiana Power & Light Co.)/(Original Issue Yield: 7.04%), 12/1/2022 3,000,000 --- --- 3,000,000 St. James Parish, LA, NR 3,049,200 --- --- 3,049,200 Solid Waste Disposal Revenue Bonds, 7.70% (Freeport McMoRan, Inc.)/(Original Issue Yield: 7.75%), 10/1/2022 Total 25,558,546 --- 847,770 26,406,316 MAINE--1.0% - --- --- 400,000 400,000 Maine State Housing Authority, Mortgage Purchase Bonds, 1988 Series B, 8.000%, due 2015 A1/AA- --- --- 420,596 420,596 4,200,000 --- --- 4,200,000 Maine State Housing A+/A1 4,418,778 --- --- 4,418,778 Authority, Revenue Bonds (Series D-3), 8.20%, 11/15/2019 Total 4,418,778 --- 420,596 4,839,374 MARYLAND-0.2% - --- --- 740,000 740,000 Maryland City Housing Multi- Family Housing, FNMA, Series A, 7.250% due 2023 NR/AAA --- --- 767,927 767,927 MASSACHUSETTS-- 2.8% 21,000,000 --- --- 21,000,000 Massachusetts IFA, Solid Waste NR 11,350,500 --- --- 11,350,500 Disposal Sr. Lien Revenue Bonds (Series A), 9.00% (Massachusetts Recycling Association), 8/1/2016 - --- --- 1,000,000 1,000,000 Massachusetts State Housing Project Financial A1/A+ --- --- 1,008,500 1,008,500 Agency, 6.300%, due 2013 - --- --- 1,000,000 1,000,000 Massachusetts State Housing Project Financial Aaa/AAA --- --- 1,005,550 1,005,550 Agency, 6.100%, due 2016 Total 11,350,500 --- 2,014,050 13,364,550 MICHIGAN--0.7% - --- --- 500,000 500,000 Clintondale, MI, Community Schools, 5.750%, due 2016 Aa/AA --- --- 488,450 488,450 - --- --- 145,000 145,000 Michigan State Housing Development Authority, Single Family, Series A, 7.550%, due 2014 NR/AA+ --- --- 145,042 145,042 - --- --- 1,000,000 1,000,000 Michigan State Housing Development, Series B, NR/AA+ --- --- 1,051,960 1,051,960 6.950%, due 2020 1,500,000 --- --- 1,500,000 Western Townships, MI, BBB+/NR 1,639,890 --- --- 1,639,890 Utilities Authority, LT GO Sewer Disposal System Bonds, 8.20%, 1/1/2018 Total 1,639,890 --- 1,685,452 3,325,342 MINNESOTA--10.0% - --- 235,000 --- 235,000 Albany, MN, Independent Aa1/NR --- 242,645 --- 242,645 School District #745, GO Bonds, 6.000%, due 2009 200,000 200,000 Bloomington Port Aaa/AAA 202,052 202,052 Authority, Series 1994 A, 5.250%, due 2003 - --- 100,000 800,000 900,000 Burnsville, MN, Multi-Family NR/AAA --- 104,559 836,472 941,031 Housing Revenue Refunded Bonds, Coventry Court Apartments Project, Series 1989, 7.500%, due 2027 - --- 250,000 --- 250,000 Centennial Minnesota Aaa/AAA --- 270,255 --- 270,255 Independent School District #12, GO Bonds, Series 1991 A, 7.150%, due 2011 - --- --- 800,000 800,000 City of Minnetonka, MN, Multi-Family Rental Housing Rev. Bonds, 7.250%, due 2002 NR/AAA --- --- 830,192 830,192 - --- 150,000 --- 150,000 Coon Rapids, MN, GO Tax Increment A/NR --- 151,877 --- 151,877 Bonds, Series 1986 B2, 7.750%, due 2006 - --- 300,000 --- 300,000 Dakota County, Aaa/AAA --- 312,642 --- 312,642 MN, GO Refunded Bonds, 6.450%, due 2010 - --- 170,000 --- 170,000 Dakota County, MN Housing and NR/AAA --- 175,850 --- 175,850 Revenue Authority, SFM Rev. Bonds, 7.200%, due 2009 - --- 285,000 --- 285,000 Duluth, MN, GO A/NR --- 295,870 --- 295,870 Water Rev., Series 1992 A, 6.250%, due 2007 - --- 60,000 --- 60,000 Duluth, MN, Aaa/AAA --- 64,926 --- 64,926 Economic Development Authority, 6.200%, due 2012 - --- 140,000 --- 140,000 Duluth, MN, Aaa/AAA --- 145,062 --- 145,062 Economic Development Authority, 6.200%, due 2012 - --- 100,000 --- 100,000 Eden Prairie, MN, Multi-Family NR/AAA --- 104,199 --- 104,199 Housing Preserve Place Apartments, 7.875%, due 2017 - --- 300,000 --- 300,000 Eden Prairie, MN, Housing & A/NR --- 312,033 --- 312,033 Redevelopment Authority, 6.200%, due 2008 - --- 300,000 --- 300,000 Edina, MN, A1/NR --- 299,037 --- 299,037 Independent School District #273, 5.750%, due 2013 - --- 100,000 --- 100,000 Foley, MN, Aaa/AAA --- 104,567 --- 104,567 Independent School District #51 MBIA, 7.500%, due 2008 - --- 165,000 --- 165,000 Hennepin County, MN, Lease Aa/AA --- 176,971 --- 176,971 Revenue Certificate of Participation, Series 1991, 6.800%, due 2017 - --- 225,000 --- 225,000 Kandiyohi County, MN, GO A/NR --- 224,330 --- 224,330 Refunded Bonds, Series 1993, 5.650%, due 2011 - --- 150,000 --- 150,000 Metropolitan Aaa/AAA --- 162,480 --- 162,480 Council, MN, 7.250%, due 2007 - --- 275,000 --- 275,000 Minneapolis, MN, Aaa/AAA --- 278,196 --- 278,196 5.750%, due 2010 - --- 250,000 --- 250,000 Minneapolis, MN, Aaa/AAA --- 261,645 --- 261,645 6.250%, due 2012 - --- 200,000 --- 200,000 Minneapolis, MN, NR/AAA --- 211,190 --- 211,190 Multi-Family Housing Revenue, 7.125%, due 2010 - --- 300,000 --- 300,000 Minneapolis, MN, NR/AAA --- 311,466 --- 311,466 Multi-Family Housing Revenue, 7.050%, due 2022 - --- 400,000 2,000,000 2,400,000 Minneapolis, MN, Aaa/AAA --- 407,148 2,035,740 2,442,888 Special School District #001, 5.900%, due 2011 Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, Single - --- --- 1,300,000 1,300,000 Family Mortgage, Aa/AA+ --- --- 1,319,240 1,319,240 6.250%, due 2015 - --- --- 1,460,000 1,460,000 Minnesota Housing Finance Authority, Series 1993E, NR/AA+ --- --- 1,459,913 1,459,913 6.000%, due 2014 - --- --- 500,000 500,000 Minnesota Aa/AA+ --- --- 527,775 527,775 Housing Finance Authority Agency, Single Family Mortgage Revenue Bonds 1989 D Series, 7.350%, due 2016 - --- 300,000 --- 300,000 Minnesota State A/NR --- 303,645 --- 303,645 University Board Revenue, 6.000%, due 2013 - --- 300,000 --- 300,000 Minnesota Public Access Aa1/AAA 329,412 329,412 Authority, Water Pollution Control, Revenue Bonds, Series 1990 A, 7.100%, due 2012 - --- 250,000 --- 250,000 Minnesota Public Facilities Aa1/AAA --- 276,925 --- 276,925 Authority, Water Pollution Control, Revenue Bonds, Series 1991 A, 6.950%, due 2013 - --- 250,000 --- 250,000 Minnesota Public Facilities Aa1/AAA --- 266,548 --- 266,548 Authority, Water Pollution Control, Revenue Bonds, Series 1992 A, 6.500%, due 2014 - --- 150,000 --- 150,000 Minnesota State, Aaa/AAA --- 162,714 --- 162,714 7.000%, due 2007 1,640,000 --- --- 1,640,000 Minnesota State HFA, SFM Revenue AA/Aa 1,730,167 --- --- 1,730,167 Bonds (Series A), 7.95% (FHA GTD), 7/1/2022 585,000 --- --- 585,000 Minnesota State HFA, SFM Revenue AA+/Aa 601,930 --- --- 601,930 Bonds (Series D), 8.05% (FHA GTD), 8/1/2018 3,000,000 --- --- 3,000,000 Minnesota State HFA, SFM Revenue AA/Aa 3,094,860 --- --- 3,094,860 Bonds (Series E), 6.85%, 1/1/2024 - --- 240,000 --- 240,000 Minnesota State Aa/AA+ --- 253,087 --- 253,087 Housing Finance Agency, 7.300%, due 2017 - --- 175,000 --- 175,000 Minnesota State Housing Finance NR/AA+ --- 175,844 --- 175,844 Agency, Rental Housing, Series C Refunded Bonds, 6.150%, due 2014 - --- 90,000 --- 90,000 Minnesota State Aa/AA+ --- 94,802 --- 94,802 Housing Insurance Agency, 7.650%, due 2008 - --- 160,000 --- 160,000 Minnesota State NR/AA+ --- 159,990 --- 159,990 Housing Finance Agency, 6.000%, due 2014 - --- 195,000 --- 195,000 Minnesota State Aa/AA+ --- 204,994 --- 204,994 Housing Finance Agency, 7.100%, due 2011 - --- 335,000 --- 335,000 Minnesota State Housing Finance Aa/AA+ --- 334,310 --- 334,310 Agency, Single Family Mortgage, 5.850%, due 2011 - --- 300,000 --- 300,000 Minnesota State Aa/AA- --- 311,982 --- 311,982 Higher Education Facilities, 6.300%, due 2014 - --- 200,000 --- 200,000 Minnesota State A1/NR --- 198,710 --- 198,710 Higher Education Facilities, 5.450%, due 2007 - --- 315,000 --- 315,000 Minnesota State A1/NR --- 303,591 --- 303,591 Higher Education Facilities, 5.600%, due 2014 - --- 40,000 --- 40,000 Minnesota State Aa/AA+ --- 40,895 --- 40,895 Housing Development Single Family Mortgage, Series B, 7.250%, due 2016 - --- 100,000 --- 100,000 Minnetonka, MN, NR/AA --- 102,595 --- 102,595 Multi-Family Housing Revenue Bonds (Cedar Hills East Project), 7.500%, due 2017 - --- 300,000 --- 300,000 Moorhead, MN, Aaa/AAA --- 315,060 --- 315,060 Public Utility Revenue Bonds, Series 1992, 6.050%, due 2006 - --- 285,000 --- 285,000 Northern Mu;nicipal Power Aaa/AAA --- 308,302 --- 308,302 Agency, MN, Electric Revenue Refunded Bonds, Series A, 7.250%, due 2017 - --- 530,000 --- 530,000 Northern Municipal Power A/A --- 524,048 --- 524,048 Agency, MN, Electric Revenue Refunded Bonds, 6.000%, due 2020 - --- 300,000 --- 300,000 Owatonna, MN, Public Utility A1/NR --- 326,346 --- 326,346 Refunded Bonds, Series 1990, 7.400%, due 2007 - --- 100,000 --- 100,000 Ramsey & Washington A1/AA- --- 104,928 --- 104,928 Counties Resource Recovery Revenue Bonds, NSP Project, 6.750%, due 2006 - --- 150,000 --- 150,000 Red Wing Independent A1/NR --- 155,328 --- 155,328 School District #256, GO School Building, Series 1998 A, 7.300%, due 2004 - --- 100,000 --- 100,000 Robbinsdale Hospital Aaa/AAA --- 107,973 --- 107,973 Refunded Revenue NMMCP, 1989, 7.200%, due 2005 - --- 300,000 --- 300,000 Robbinsdale Hospital Aaa/AAA --- 289,641 --- 289,641 Refunded Revenue NMMCP, Series A, 5.450%, due 2013 - --- 370,000 --- 370,000 Robbinsdale Aaa/AAA --- 357,224 --- 357,224 Hospital Revenue, 5.450%, due 2013 - --- 500,000 --- 500,000 Rochester, MN, Health Care NR/AA+ --- 512,180 --- 512,180 Facility Revenue Bonds, Mayo Medical Center, 6.250%, due 2021 - --- 500,000 --- 500,000 Rosemount, MN, Aa1/AA --- 502,880 --- 502,880 Independent School District, 5.875%, due 2014 - --- 300,000 --- 300,000 Roseville, MN, Aaa/AAA --- 286,944 --- 286,944 Independent School District, 5.250%, due 2013 - --- 300,000 --- 300,000 St. Anthony-New Aa1/NR --- 301,377 --- 301,377 Brighton Independent School District #282, GO Bonds, 5.700%, due 2012 - --- 250,000 --- 250,000 St. Cloud, MN, Hydro Electric NR/A- --- 256,580 --- 256,580 Generator Facility Gross Revenue Bonds, 7.375%, due 2018 - --- 480,000 --- 480,000 St. Louis Park, Aaa/AAA --- 444,149 --- 444,149 MN, Health Care Facility, 5.200%, due 2016 - --- 100,000 --- 100,000 St. Paul, MN, GO Street Aa/AA+ --- 100,009 --- 100,009 Improvement, Special Assessment Bonds, Series 1988 D, 7.200%, due 2008 - --- 300,000 --- 300,000 St. Paul, MN, Housing & NR/A- --- 323,805 --- 323,805 Redevelopment Authority, Package R, 6.450%, due 2007 - --- 300,000 --- 300,000 St. Paul, MN, Housing and Aaa/AAA --- 298,794 --- 298,794 Redevelpment Authority Revenue Bonds, 5.400%, due 2008 - --- 300,0000 --- 300,0000 St. Paul, MN, Independent Aa/AA --- 297,531 --- 297,531 School District #625, Series C, 5.550%, due 2012 - --- 400,000 --- 400,000 St. Paul, MN, Independent Aa/AA --- 409,564 --- 409,564 School District #625, Series 1994 C, 6.050%, due 2012 - --- 150,000 --- 150,000 St. Paul, MN, Independent Aa/AA --- 159,455 --- 159,455 School District #625, School Building Bonds, Series 1990 D, 7.250%, due 2009 - --- 300,000 --- 300,000 St. Paul, MN, Aa/AA --- 282,756 --- 282,756 Independent School District #625, 5.250%, due 2015 - --- 300,000 --- 300,000 St. Paul, MN, Aa1/AA --- 289,140 --- 289,140 Independent School District, 5.200%, due 2011 9,000,000 --- --- 9,000,000 St. Paul, MN, Housing & Redevelopment BBB-/Baa 8,952,300 --- --- 8,952,300 Authority , Hospital Revenue Refunding Bonds ( Series A), 6.625% (Healtheast, MN)/(Original Issue Yield: 6.687%), 11/1/2017 - --- 300,000 --- 300,000 Southern, MN, Municipal Power Aaa/AAA --- 321,102 --- 321,102 Agency, Power Supply, 8.125%, due 2018 10,000,000 --- --- 10,000,000 Southern Minnesota Municipal Power AAA/Aaa 8,751,300 --- --- 8,751,300 Agency, Supply System Revenue Bonds (Series A), 4.75% (MBIA INS)/(Original Issue Yield: 5.52%), 1/1/2016 - --- 325,000 --- 325,000 Stearns County, A/NR --- 337,028 --- 337,028 MN, GO Refunded Bonds, Series B, 6.000%, due 2007 - --- 300,000 --- 300,000 Stearns County, Aa1/NR --- 279,954 --- 279,954 MN, Independent #2753, 5.000%, due 2012 - --- 200,000 --- 200,000 Wayzata, MN, Tax Aa/NR --- 216,496 --- 216,496 Increment Bonds, 7.000%, due 2010 - --- 250,000 --- 250,000 Wayzata, MN, Independent Aa1/NR --- 254,750 --- 254,750 School District #284, GO Bonds, Series 1994 B, 5.800%, due 2009 - --- 300,000 --- 300,000 Western Minnesota A1/A --- 308,934 --- 308,934 Municipal Power Agency, Power Supply Revenue Refunded Bonds, 6.875%, due 2007 - --- 250,000 --- 250,000 Western A1/A --- 249,990 --- 249,990 Minnesota Municipal Power, Series A, 6.125%, due 2016 - --- 200,000 --- 200,000 Western Minnesota Aaa/AAA --- 215,808 --- 215,808 Municipal Power Agency, Transmission Project Revenue Refunded Bonds, Series 1991, 6.750%, due 2016 - --- 250,000 --- 250,000 Whitewater Bear Aa1/NR --- 254,928 --- 254,928 Lake School, 6.000%, due 2012 - --- 100,000 --- 100,000 Worthington, MN, GO Water Revenue A/NR --- 106,597 --- 106,597 Bonds, Series 1990 A, 7.000%, due 2010 - --- 350,000 --- 350,000 Wright County, MN, GO Jail A/NR --- 363,132 --- 363,132 Refunded Bonds, Series 1992 B, 6.000%, due 2007 Total 23,130,557 18,201,777 7,009,332 48,341,666 MONTANA--0.2% 1,130,000 --- --- 1,130,000 Montana State Board of NR/Aa 1,174,918 --- --- 1,174,918 Housing, SFM Revenue Bonds (Series B-2), 7.50% (FHA GTD), 4/1/2023 NEVADA-0.8% - --- --- 350,000 350,000 Clark County, NV, Improvement District, 5.850% Aaa/AAA --- --- 347,277 347,277 due 2015 - --- --- 1,000,000 1,000,000 Clark County, NV, School District, General Obligation Bonds, 5.300%, due 2004 Aaa/AAA --- --- 1,012,490 1,012,490 - --- --- 1,000,000 1,000,000 Humbolt County, NV,Pollution Control Revenue Bonds, Idaho Power Company, 8.300%, due 2014 NR/A+ --- --- 1,159,620 1,159,620 - --- --- 800,000 800,000 Lyon County, NV, School District, 6.750%. due 2011 Aaa/AAA --- --- 891,328 891,328 - --- --- 585,000 585,000 Washoe County, NV, General Obligation Aaa/AAA --- --- 606,446 606,446 Bonds, 6.000%, due 2009 Total --- --- 4,017,161 4,017,161 NEW HAMPSHIRE-- 4.8% 9,000,000 --- --- --- New Hampshire Higher Educational & A-/NR 8,456,670 --- --- 8,456,670 Health Facilities Authority, Hospital Revenue Bonds, 6.00% (Nashua Memorial Hospital, NH)/(Original Issue Yield: 6.40%), 10/1/2023 - --- --- 1,080,000 1,080,000 New Hampshire Municipal Bond Bank, Series 91 J. Non-State Guaranteed, 6.900%, due 2012 NR/A+ --- --- 1,187,460 1,187,460 1,265,000 --- --- 1,265,000 New Hampshire State HFA, SFM A+/Aa 1,328,958 --- --- 1,328,958 Revenue Bonds (Series B), 7.75%, 7/1/2023 6,520,000 --- --- 6,520,000 New Hampshire State HFA, SFM A+/Aa 6,759,871 --- --- 6,759,871 Revenue Bonds (Series D), 7.25%, 7/1/2015 2,865,000 --- --- 2,865,000 New Hampshire State IDA, PCR BBB-/Baa3 3,040,710 --- --- 3,040,710 Bonds ( Series A), 8.00% (United Illuminating Co.), 12/1/2014 1,500,000 --- --- 1,500,000 New Hampshire State IDA, PCR BBB-/Baa3 1,617,465 --- --- 1,617,465 Bonds (Series B), 10.75% (United Illuminating Co.), 10/1/2012 - --- --- 900,000 900,000 State of New Hampshire Turnpike System Revenue Bonds, Aaa/A --- --- 961,497 961,497 8.375% due 2017 Total 21,203,674 --- 2,148,957 23,352,631 NEW YORK--2.6% - --- --- 1,000,000 1,000,000 New York Metro Transit Authority, 5.100%, due 2004 Aaa/AAA --- --- 1,008,280 1,008,280 2,500,000 --- --- 2,500,000 New York State Energy Research & Development AA-/Aa2 2,688,875 --- --- 2,688,875 Authority, Electric Facilities Revenue Bonds (Series A), 7.50% (Consolidated Edison Co.)/(Original Issue Yield: 7.65%), 1/1/2026 5,000,000 --- --- 5,000,000 New York State Environmental Facilities BBB/Baa3 4,763,750 --- --- 4,763,750 Corp., Solid Waste Disposal Revenue Bonds, 6.10% (Occidental Petroleum Corp.)/(Original Issue Yield: 6.214%), 11/1/2030 - --- --- 2,900,000 2,900,000 New York State Environment Pollution Control Revenue Aa/A --- --- 3,221,755 3,221,755 Bonds, 7.250%, due 2010 - --- --- 1,000,000 1,000,000 New York State Local Government Assistance A/A --- --- 994,240 994,240 Corp., 6.000%, due 2016 Total 7,452,625 --- 5,224,275 12,676,900 NORTH CAROLINA-- 1.7% 1,500,000 --- --- 1,500,000 Haywood County, NC, Industrial Facilties & BBB/Baa1 1,372,530 --- --- 1,372,530 Pollution Control Financing Authority, (Series A) Revenue Bonds, 5.75% (Champion International Corp.)/(Original Issue Yield: 5.975%), 12/1/2025 6,000,000 --- --- 6,000,000 Martin County, NC, IFA, (Series A/A2 5,886,000 --- --- 5,886,000 1995) Solid Waste Disposal Revenue Bonds, 6.00% (Weyerhaeuser Co.), 11/1/2025 - --- --- 1,000,000 1,000,000 Wake County, NC, Ind. Facilities Pollution Control, Carolina Power and Light, 6.900%, due 2009 A2/A1 --- --- 1,070,020 1,070,020 Total 7,258,530 --- 1,070,020 8,328,550 NORTH DAKOTA-- 0.9% - --- --- 1,560,000 1,560,000 North Dakota Housing, Single Family Mortgage, 1992 Series A, 6.750%, due 2012 Aa/A+ --- --- 1,620,949 1,620,949 2,635,000 --- --- 2,635,000 North Dakota State HFA, SFM A+/Aa 2,726,171 --- --- 2,726,171 Revenue Bonds (Series C), 7.30%, 7/1/2024 Total 2,726,171 --- 1,620,949 4,347,120 OHIO--0.4% 500,000 --- --- --- Ohio State Water Development BBB-/Baa3 530,100 --- --- 530,100 Authority, PCR Bonds (Series A), 8.10% (Ohio Edison Co.)/(Original Issue Yield: 8.142%), 10/1/2023 1,250,000 --- --- 1,250,000 Ohio State Water Development BB/Ba2 1,293,500 --- --- 1,293,500 Authority, PCR Bonds (Series A- 1), 9.75% (Cleveland Electric Illuminating Co.), 11/1/2022 Total 1,823,600 --- --- 1,823,600 OKLAHOMA--2.6% 4,585,000 --- --- 4,585,000 Jackson County, OK, Hospital Authority, BBB-/NR 4,415,768 --- --- 4,415,768 Hospital Revenue Refunding Bonds, 7.30% (Jackson County Memorial Hospital, OK)/(Original Issue Yield: 7.40%), 8/1/2015 1,250,000 --- --- 1,250,000 Tulsa, OK, Municipal BB+/Baa2 1,316,875 --- --- 1,316,875 Airport, Revenue Bonds, 7.375% (American Airlines), 12/1/2020 6,200,000 --- --- 6,200,000 Tulsa, OK, Municipal BB+/Baa2 6,611,990 --- --- 6,611,990 Airport, Revenue Bonds, 7.60% (American Airlines)/(Origi nal Issue Yield: 7.931%), 12/1/2030 Total 12,344,633 --- --- 12,344,633 OREGON-0.1% - --- --- 500,000 500,000 Portland Oregon Sewer System, 6.050%, due 2009 A1/A+ --- --- 522,655 522,655 PENNSYLVANIA-- 11.3% 3,000,000 --- --- 3,000,000 Allegheny County, PA, HDA, Health & BBB/NR 3,061,110 --- --- 3,061,110 Education Revenue Bonds, 7.00% (Rehabilitation Institute of Pittsburgh)/(Ori ginal Issue Yield: 7.049%), 6/1/2010 2,500,000 --- --- 2,500,000 Allegheny County, PA, HDA, Health & BBB/NR 2,533,875 --- --- 2,533,875 Education Revenue Bonds, 7.00% (Rehabilitation Institute of Pittsburgh)/(Ori ginal Issue Yield: 7.132%), 6/1/2022 5,370,000 --- --- 5,370,000 Allegheny County, PA, NR 5,516,655 --- --- 5,516,655 Higher Education, Building Authority Revenue Bonds, 7.375% (La Roche College), 7/15/2012 1,690,000 --- --- 1,690,000 Allegheny County, PA, IDA, NR 1,780,162 --- --- 1,780,162 Revenue Bonds, 8.75% (United Parcel Service), 2/15/2009 665,000 --- --- 665,000 Allegheny County, PA, NR/Aaa 697,332 --- --- 697,332 Residential Finance Agency, Mortgage Revenue Bonds (Series G), 9.50% (GNMA COL), 12/1/2018 3,000,000 --- --- 3,000,000 Delaware County Authority, PA, College Revenue NR 3,377,070 --- --- 3,377,070 Bonds, 7.25% (Eastern College)/(United States Treasury PRF)/(Original Issue Yield: 7.875%), 3/1/2012 2,055,000 --- --- 2,055,000 Erie County, PA, Hospital NR 2,112,951 --- --- 2,112,951 Authority, Revenue Bonds, 7.50% (Erie Infants & Youth Home , Inc.), 10/1/2011 - --- --- 400,000 400,000 Erie County, PA, Industrial Development Auth., Pollution Control Revenue Refunded Bonds, Series 1991, A3/A- --- --- 423,124 423,124 7.150%, due 2013 1,730,000 --- --- 1,730,000 Northeastern, PA, Hospital & Education BBB/NR 1,598,364 --- --- 1,598,364 Authority, College Revenue Refunding Bonds (Series B), 6.00% (Kings College, PA)/(Original Issue Yield: 6.174%), 7/15/2018 10,000,000 --- --- 10,000,000 Pennsylvania EDFA, Wastewater BBB-/Baa1 11,009,800 --- --- 11,009,800 Treatment Revenue Bonds (Series A), 7.60% (Sun Co., Inc.)/(Original Issue Yield: 7.653%), 12/1/2024 6,000,000 --- --- 6,000,000 Pennsylvania Housing Finance AA/AA 6,242,460 --- --- 6,242,460 Authority, SFM Revenue Bonds (Series 34-B), 7.00% (FHA and FHA GTDs), 4/1/2024 2,660,000 --- --- 2,660,000 Pennsylvania Housing Finance AA/Aa 2,797,495 --- --- 2,797,495 Authority, SFM Revenue Bonds (Series28), 7.65% (FHA GTD), 10/1/2023 1,740,000 --- --- 1,740,000 Pennsylvania State Higher NR 1,801,022 --- --- 1,801,022 Education Facilities Authority, College & University Revenue Bonds, 6.75% (Thiel College ), 9/1/2017 3,250,000 --- --- 3,250,000 Pennsylvania State Higher Education BBB+/NR 3,202,030 --- --- 3,202,030 Facilities Authority, College & University Revenue Refunding Bonds (Series A), 6.10% (Allegheny College, Meadville, PA)/(Original Issue Yield: 6.23%), 11/1/2008 1,200,000 --- --- 1,200,000 Pennsylvania State Higher NR 1,205,952 --- --- 1,205,952 Education Facilities Authority, Revenue Bonds (Series 1996), 7.15% (Thiel College ), 5/15/2015 3,875,000 --- --- 3,875,000 Pennsylvania State Higher Education AAA/NR 4,335,854 --- --- 4,335,854 Facilities Authority, Revenue Bonds (Series A), 7.375% (Medical College of Pennsylvania)/(U nited States Treasury PRF)/(Original Issue Yield: 7.45%), 3/1/2021 1,750,000 --- --- 1,750,000 Pennsylvania State Higher Education BBB/Baa1 1,940,803 --- --- 1,940,803 Facilities Authority, Revenue Bonds (Series A), 8.375% (Medical College of Pennsylvania)/(U nited States Treasury PRF)/(Original Issue Yield: 8.448%), 3/1/2011 Total 53,212,935 --- 423,124 53,636,059 RHODE ISLAND- 0.4% - --- --- 1,675,000 1,675,000 Rhode Island Depositors, Economic Protection Corp. Aaa/AAA --- --- 1,851,076 1,851,076 Bonds, 6.625%, due 2019 SOUTH CAROLINA-- 0.2% 810,000 --- --- 810,000 South Carolina State Housing Finance & AA/Aa 840,586 --- --- 840,586 Development Authority, Homeownership Mortgage Revenue Bonds (Series A), 7.40% (FHA GTD), 7/1/2023 SOUTH DAKOTA- 0.5% - --- --- 1,400,000 1,400,000 South Dakota Housing Development, Multi- Famkily Housing Revenue Bonds, 6.700%, due 2020 A1/A+ --- --- 1,424,430 1,424,430 - --- --- 950,000 950,000 South Dakota State Building Authority Co-op, Series A, A1/A+ --- --- 977,332 977,332 7.500%, due 2016 Total --- --- 2,401,762 2,401,762 TENNESSEE--3.5% 2,475,000 --- --- 2,475,000 Memphis-Shelby County, TN, BBB/Baa2 2,572,020 --- --- 2,572,020 Airport Refunding Revenue Bonds, 6.75% (Federal Express Corp.), 9/1/2012 3,100,000 --- --- 3,100,000 Springfield, TN, Health & Educational NR 3,266,036 --- --- 3,266,036 Facilities Board, Hospital Revenue Bonds, 8.25% (Jesse Holman Jones Hospital Corp, TN)/(Original Issue Yield: 8.50%), 4/1/2012 7,800,000 --- --- 7,800,000 Springfield, TN, Health & Educational NR 8,212,464 --- --- 8,212,464 Facilities Board, Hospital Revenue Bonds, 8.50% (Jesse Holman Jones Hospital Corp, TN)/(Original Issue Yield: 8.875%), 4/1/2024 2,825,000 --- --- 2,825,000 Tennessee Housing NR/Aa 2,936,362 --- --- 2,936,362 Development Agency, Homeownership Program, Issue V Revenue Bonds, 7.65%, 7/1/2022 Total 16,986,882 --- --- 16,986,882 TEXAS--12.6% 2,500,000 --- --- 2,500,000 Brazos River Authority, TX, BBB/Baa2 2,743,225 --- --- 2,743,225 PCR Revenue Bonds (Series A), 7.875% (Texas Utilities Electric Co.), 3/1/2021 1,800,000 --- --- 1,800,000 Brazos River Authority, TX, BBB/Baa2 1,966,104 --- --- 1,966,104 PCR Revenue Bonds (Series A), 8.125% (Texas Utilities Electric Co.), 2/1/2020 - --- --- 1,000,000 1,000,000 Brownsville, TX, Utility System Revenue, 6.875%, due 2020 Aaa/AAA --- --- 1,098,600 1,098,600 7,320,000 --- --- 7,320,000 Dallas-Fort Worth, TX, BB/Ba3 7,564,781 --- --- 7,564,781 International Airport Facilities, Revenue Bonds, 7.125% (Delta Air Lines, Inc.)/(Original Issue Yield: 7.55%), 11/1/2026 3,000,000 --- --- 3,000,000 Dallas-Fort Worth, TX, BB+/Baa2 3,165,180 --- --- 3,165,180 International Airport Facilities, Revenue Bonds, 7.25% (American Airlines)/(Origi nal Issue Yield: 7.428%), 11/1/2030 2,370,000 --- --- 2,370,000 Dallas-Fort Worth, TX, BB+/Baa2 2,507,105 --- --- 2,507,105 International Airport Facilities, Revenue Bonds, 7.50% (American Airlines)/(Origi nal Issue Yield: 8.20%), 11/1/2025 2,500,000 --- --- 2,500,000 Dallas-Fort Worth, TX, BB/Ba3 2,673,000 --- --- 2,673,000 International Airport Facilities, Revenue Bonds, 7.625% (Delta Air Lines, Inc.)/(Original Issue Yield: 7.65%), 11/1/2021 Guadalupe-Blanco 1,000,000 --- --- 1,000,000 River Authority NR 1,051,630 --- --- 1,051,630 TX, Industrial Development Corp PCR Bonds, 8.60% (A.P. Green Industries), 4/1/2009 Guadalupe-Blanco 2,500,000 --- --- 2,500,000 River Authority NR 2,683,200 --- --- 2,683,200 TX, Industrial Development Corp., PCR Bonds, 8.60% (A.P. Green Industries), 4/1/2009 5,000,000 --- --- 5,000,000 Gulf Coast, TX, Waste Disposal Authority, BBB/Baa1 5,132,350 --- --- 5,132,350 Revenue Bonds (Series A), 6.875% (Champion International Corp.)/(Original Issue Yield: 7.15%), 12/1/2028 20,000,000 --- --- 20,000,000 Houston, TX, Water & Sewer System, Junior AAA/Aaa 18,365,800 --- --- 18,365,800 Lien Refunding Revenue Bonds (Series A), 5.25% (FGIC INS)/(Original Issue Yield: 5.60%), 12/1/2025 - --- --- 1,545,000 1,545,000 Houston, TX, Water & Sewer Revenue Refunded Bonds, 6.400%, A/A --- --- 1,625,618 1,625,618 due 2009 7,630,000 --- --- 7,630,000 Richardson, TX, Hospital Authority, BBB-/Baa 7,613,824 --- --- 7,613,824 Hospital Refunding & Improvement Bonds, 6.75% (Richardson Medical Center, TX)/(Original Issue Yield: 6.82%), 12/1/2023 - --- --- 1,000,000 1,000,000 Texas Water Development Board Revenue, State Revolving Fund Aa1/AAA --- --- 1,071,120 1,071,120 Bonds, 6.400%, due 2007 1,700,000 --- --- 1,700,000 Tyler, TX, Health NR/Baa 1,696,124 --- --- 1,696,124 Facilities Development Corp., Revenue Bonds, 6.75% (East Texas Medical Center)/(Origina l Issue Yield: 7.00%), 11/1/2025 Total 57,162,323 --- 3,795,338 60,957,661 UTAH--5.0% - --- --- 1,000,000 1,000,000 Intermountain Aa/AA- --- --- 985,100 985,100 Power Agency Utah Power Supply, 6.000%, due 2016 20,000,000 --- --- 20,000,000 Intermountain Power Agency, AA-/Aa 17,240,200 --- --- 17,240,200 UT, Refunding Revenue Bonds (Series A), 5.00% (Original Issue Yield: 5.687%), 7/1/2023 980,000 --- --- 980,000 Utah State HFA, AA/NR 1,013,722 --- --- 1,013,722 SFM Revenue Bonds (Series B- 3), 7.10%, 7/1/2024 1,445,000 --- --- 1,445,000 Utah State HFA, SFM Revenue AA/NR 1,498,942 --- --- 1,498,942 Bonds (Series E- 2), 7.15% (FHA GTD)/(Original Issue Yield: 7.169%), 7/1/2024 1,860,000 --- --- 1,860,000 Utah State HFA, Single Family AA/NR 1,950,619 --- --- 1,950,619 Mortgage Revenue Bonds, 7.55% (FHA GTD), 7/1/2023 455,000 --- --- 455,000 Utah State HFA, Single Family AA/NR 477,532 --- --- 477,532 Mortgage Revenue Bonds, 7.75% (FHA GTD), 1/1/2023 - --- --- 1,000,000 1,000,000 Utah State Municipal Finance Co-op, Government Revenue Bonds, 6.400%, due 2009 A/A --- --- 1,018,130 1,018,130 Total 22,181,015 --- 2,003,230 24,184,245 VIRGINIA-0.1% - --- --- 135,000 135,000 Virginia Housing Authority, Residential Mortgage Revenue Bonds, Series B, 7.550%, due 2012 Aa/AAA --- --- 136,096 136,096 - --- --- 500,000 500,000 Virginia Housing Development Authority, Series C 1992, Aa1/AA+ --- --- 522,140 522,140 6.500%, due 2007 Total --- --- 658,236 658,236 WASHINGTON--4.9% 4,250,000 --- --- 4,250,000 Pierce County, WA, Economic Development BBB/Baa2 3,803,070 --- --- 3,803,070 Corp., Solid Waste Revenue Bond, 5.80% (Occidental Petroleum Corp.)/(Original Issue Yield: 5.90%), 9/1/2029 4,075,000 --- --- 4,075,000 Pilchuck Development Public Corp., BBB+/Baa1 3,837,957 --- --- 3,837,957 WA, Special Facilities Airport Revenue Bonds ( Series 1993) , Tramco, Inc. Project, 6.00% (Goodrich (B.F.) Co.), 8/1/2023 4,300,000 --- --- 4,300,000 Port of Camas- Washougal, WA, PCR Refunding BBB+/NR 4,323,306 --- --- 4,323,306 Bonds (Series 1993), 6.70% (James River Project, WA)/(Original Issue Yield: 6.75%), 4/1/2023 - --- --- 1,000,000 1,000,000 Skagit County, WA, Cons. School District, Aaa/AAA --- --- 1,118,290 1,118,290 6.700%, due 2007 - --- --- 1,500,000 1,500,000 Washington State Municipal Finance Co-op, Government Aa/AA --- --- 1,465,380 1,465,380 Revenue Bonds, 5.600%, due 2007 10,000,000 --- --- 10,000,000 Washington State, UT, GO AAA/Aa 9,313,100 --- --- 9,313,100 (Series A), 5.375% (Original Issue Yield: 6.00%), 7/1/2021 Total 21,277,433 --- 2,583,670 23,861,103 WEST VIRGINIA-- 0.5% 5,000,000 --- --- 5,000,000 Marion County, WV, County Commission, NR 2,429,200 --- --- 2,429,200 Solid Waste Facility Revenue Bonds (Series 1993), 7.75% (American Power Paper Recycling), 12/1/2011 WISCONSIN--0.4% - --- --- 985,000 985,000 Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority, Series A, 7.100%, due 2023 Aa/AA --- --- 1,030,526 1,030,526 - --- --- 550,000 550,000 Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority, 6.000%, due 2015 Aa/AA --- --- 542,647 542,647 --- --- 565,000 Wisconsin 565,000 Housing & Economic A+/Aa 579,681 --- --- 579,681 Development Authority, Homeownership Revenue Bonds (Series E), 8.00% (FHA GTD)/(Original Issue Yield: 8.044%), 3/1/2021 Total 579,681 --- 1,573,173 2,152,854 WYOMING-0.5% - --- --- 2,150,000 2,150,000 Sweetwater County, WY, PCR for Idaho Power, 7.625%, A3/A --- --- 2,222,218 2,222,218 due 2013 TOTAL MUNICIPAL $376,220,136 18,201,777 77,342,92 471,764,83 BONDS 3 6 (IDENTIFIED COST $471,438,409) SHORT-TERM SECURITIES ( 0.6%) - --- --- 1,150,000 1,150,000 American Express Credit Corp., 5.280%, due 09/03/1996 --- --- 1,150,000 1,150,000 - --- --- 950,000 950,000 Ford Motor Credit Corp., 5.230%, due 09/04/1996 --- --- 949,862 949,862 - --- 820,000 --- 820,000 Ford Motor --- 820,000 --- 820,000 Credit Corp., 5.160%, due 09/03/1996 TOTAL SHORT-TERM --- 820,000 2,099,862 2,919,862 SECURITIES, AT AMORTIZED COST TOTAL $376,220,136 $19,021,777 $79,442,785 $474,684,698 INVESTMENTS (IDENTIFIED COST $474,358,271)(A) * Please refer to the Appendix of the Federated Municipal Opportunities Fund, Inc.'s Prospectus as of October 31, 1996 for an explanation of the credit ratings. (a) The cost of investments for federal tax purposes amounts to $474,358,271. The net unrealized appreciation of investments on a federal tax basis amounts to $326,427 which is comprised of $16,464,732 appreciation and $16,138,305 depreciation at August 31, 1996. Note: The categories of investments are shown as a percentage of net assets ($ 482,861,041) at August 31, 1996. The following acronym(s) are used throughout this portfolio: COL --Collateralized EDFA --Economic Development Financing Authority FGIC --Financial Guaranty Insurance Company FHA --Federal Housing Administration GNMA --Government National Mortgage Association GO --General Obligation GTD --Guaranteed HDA --Hospital Development Authority HFA --Housing Finance Authority IDA --Industrial Development Authority IDB --Industrial Development Bond IFA --Industrial Finance Authority INS --Insured LT --Limited Tax MBIA --Municipal Bond Investors Assurance PCA --Pollution Control Authority PCR --Pollution Control Revenue PRF --Prerefunded SFM --Single Family Mortgage UT --Unlimited Tax VRDNs --Variable Rate Demand Notes (See Notes to Pro Forma Financial Statements)
FEDERATED MUNICIPAL OPPORTUNITIES FUND, INC. (FORMERLY, FORTRESS MUNICIPAL INCOME FUND, INC.) STATE BOND MINNESOTA TAX-FREE INCOME FUND STATE BOND TAX EXEMPT FUND PRO FORMA COMBINING STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES AUGUST 31, 1996 (UNAUDITED)
FEDERATED STATE BOND STATE MUNICIPAL MINNESOTA BOND OPPORTUNITIES TAX-FREE TAX EXEMPT PRO FORMA Pro Forma FUND, INC. INCOME FUND* FUND* ADJUSTMENT Combined ASSETS: Investments in 376,220,136 19,021,777 79,442,785 --- 474,684,698 securities, at value Cash 32,391 24,959 15,433 --- 72,783 Income receivable 6,897,754 261,034 1,299,429 --- 8,458,217 Receivable due from --- 6,206 1,827 8,033 affiliates Receivable for shares 273,742 --- --- --- 273,742 sold Total assets 383,424,023 19,313,976 80,759,474 --- 483,497,473 LIABILITIES: Income distributions 942 87,407 69,481 --- 157,830 payable Payable for shares 270,076 --- --- --- 270,076 redeemed Accrued expenses 123,827 17,663 67,036 --- 208,526 Total liabilities 394,845 105,070 136,517 --- 636,432 TOTAL NET ASSETS 383,029,178 19,208,906 80,622,957 --- 482,861,041 NET ASSETS CONSISTS OF: Paid in capital 396,775,582 18,694,128 77,104,625 --- 492,574,335 Net unrealized (3,518,145) 468,398 3,360,390 --- 310,643 appreciation (depreciation) of investments Accumulated net realized (11,001,821) 46,380 157,942 --- (10,797,499) gain (loss) on investments Undistributed net 773,562 --- --- --- 773,562 investment income TOTAL NET ASSETS 383,029,178 19,208,906 80,622,957 --- 482,861,041 Class A Shares 296 19,208,906 80,622,957 --- 99,832,159 Class B Shares 296 --- --- --- 296 Class C Shares 296 --- --- --- 296 Class F Shares 383,028,290 --- --- --- 383,028,290 SHARES OUTSTANDING: Class A Shares 28.662 1,820,401 7,474,279 371,820.649 9,666,529.311 (a) Class B Shares 28.662 --- --- --- 28.662 Class C Shares 28.662 --- --- --- 28.662 Class F Shares 37,075,241.000 --- --- --- 37,075,241.000 TOTAL SHARES OUTSTANDING 37,075,326.986 1,820,401 7,474,279 371,820.649 46,741,827.635 NET ASSET VALUE, OFFERING PRICE, AND REDEMPTION PROCEEDS PER SHARE: CLASS A SHARES: Net Asset Value Per Share 10.33 10.55 10.79 --- 10.33 Offering Price Per Share 10.82* 11.05** 11.30** --- 10.82* Redemption Proceeds Per 10.33 10.55 10.79 --- 10.33 Share CLASS B SHARES: Net Asset Value Per Share 10.33 --- --- --- 10.33 Offering Price Per Share 10.33 --- --- --- 10.33 Redemption Proceeds Per 9.76 --- --- --- 9.76 Share *** CLASS C SHARES: Net Asset Value Per Share 10.33 --- --- --- 10.33 Offering Price Per Share 10.33 --- --- --- 10.33 Redemption Proceeds Per 10.23 --- --- --- 10.23 Share *** CLASS F SHARES: Net Asset Value Per Share 10.33 --- --- --- 10.33 Offering Price Per Share 10.43 --- --- --- 10.43 * Redemption Proceeds Per 10.23 --- --- --- 10.23 Share *** Investments, at 379,738,281 18,548,504 76,071,486 --- 474,358,271 identified cost
(A) ADJUSTMENT TO REFLECT SHARE BALANCE AS A RESULT OF THE COMBINATION, BASED ON THE EXCHANGE RATIOS OF 1.02172889271 FOR STATE BOND MINNESOTA TAX-FREE INCOME FUND AND 1.04445450212 FOR STATE BOND TAX EXEMPT FUND. * SEE ``HAT SHARES COST'' IN THE FEDERATED MUNICIPAL OPPORTUNITIES FUND, INC. PROSPECTUS AS OF OCTOBER 31, 1996. ** SEE `HOW ARE THE FUND'S SALES CHARGES DETERMINED'' IN THE STATE BOND MINNESOTA TAX-FREE INCOME FUND AND STATE BOND TAX-EXEMPT FUND PROSPECTUSES EACH DATED AS OF NOVEMBER 1, 1995. *** SEE ``CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE'' IN THE FEDERATED MUNICIPAL OPPORTUNITIES FUND, INC. PROSPECTUS AS OF OCTOBER 31, 1996. (SEE NOTES TO PRO FORMA FINANCIAL STATEMENTS) FEDERATED MUNICIPAL OPPORTUNITIES FUND, INC. (FORMERLY, FORTRESS MUNICIPAL INCOME FUND, INC.) STATE BOND MINNESOTA TAX-FREE INCOME FUND STATE BOND TAX EXEMPT FUND PRO FORMA COMBINING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 1996 (UNAUDITED)
FEDERATED STATE BOND STATE MUNICIPAL MINNESOTA BOND OPPORTUNITIES TAX-FREE TAX EXEMPT Pro Forma Pro Forma FUND, INC. INCOME FUND(*) Adjustment Combined FUND(*) INVESTMENT INCOME: Interest 28,818,178 1,151,468 5,078,590 --- $ 35,048,236 EXPENSES: Investment advisory fee 2,475,132 107,880 377,733 117,075 (a) 3,077,820 Administrative personnel 311,976 --- --- 75,829 (b) 387,805 and services fee Transfer agent and 235,048 7,662 31,778 (3,970) (c) 270,518 dividend disbursing agent fees and expenses Accounting and custodian 175,732 21,549 32,204 (25,632) (d) 203,853 fees Professional Fees 21,106 17,026 20,692 (37,718) (e) 21,106 Distribution services fee- --- 55,531 239,546 (295,077) (f) --- Class A Shares Shareholder services fee- 1,031,305 --- --- 251,178 (f) 1,282,483 Class F Shares Printing and postage 75,552 8,485 18,333 (17,370) (g) 85,000 Other expenses 155,218 9,476 23,270 (23,943) (h) 164,021 Total expenses 4,481,069 227,609 743,556 40,372 5,492,606 Waivers- Waiver of investment --- (36,102) --- 36,102 (i) --- advisory fee Waiver of shareholder (41,252) --- --- --- (41,252) services fee- Class F Shares Total waivers (41,252) (36,102) --- 36,102 (41,252) Net expenses 4,439,817 191,507 743,556 76,474 5,451,354 Net investment income 24,378,361 959,961 4,335,034 (76,474) 29,596,882 REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS: Net realized gain on (116,813) 51,976 61,750 --- (3,087) investments Net change in unrealized (13,721,871) (256,497) (460,176) --- (14,438,544) appreciation (depreciation) of investments Net realized and (13,838,684) (204,521) (398,426) --- (14,441,631) unrealized gain (loss) on investments Change in net 10,539,677 755,440 3,936,608 (76,474) $ 15,155,251 assets resulting from operations
(*) REPRESENTS THE PERIOD FOR THE YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 1996. (SEE NOTES TO PRO FORMA COMBINING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS) (SEE NOTES TO PRO FORMA FINANCIAL STATEMENTS) Federated Municipal Opportunities Fund, Inc. (formerly, Fortress Municipal Income Fund, Inc.) State Bond Minnesota Tax-Free Income Fund State Bond Tax Exempt Fund Notes to Pro Forma Combining Statement of Operations Year Ended August 31, 1996 (unaudited) (A) FEDERATED ADVISERS (THE `ADVISER'') RECEIVES FOR ITS SERVICES AN ANNUAL INVESTMENT ADVISORY FEE EQUAL TO 0.60% OF THE FEDERATED MUNICIPAL OPPORTUNITIES FUND INC.'S (THE `FEDERATED FUND'') AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS. THE ADVISER MAY VOLUNTARILY CHOOSE TO WAIVE A PORTION OF ITS FEE. ARM CAPITAL ADVISORS, INC. CHARGED 0.60% AND 0.50%, RESPECTIVELY, OF STATE BOND MINNESOTA TAX-FREE INCOME FUND'S AND STATE BOND TAX-EXEMPT FUND'S AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS FOR ITS ADVISORY FEE. (B) FEDERATED SERVICES COMPANY (`FSERV'') PROVIDES THE FEDERATED FUND WITH CERTAIN ADMINISTRATIVE PERSONNEL AND SERVICES. THE FEE IS BASED ON THE LEVEL OF AVERAGE AGGREGATE NET ASSETS OF THE FUND FOR THE PERIOD. (C) FSERV SERVES AS TRANSFER AND DIVIDEND DISBURSING AGENT FOR THE FEDERATED FUND. THE FEE IS BASED ON THE SIZE, TYPE, AND NUMBER OF ACCOUNTS AND TRANSACTIONS MADE BY SHAREHOLDERS. (D) FEES REFLECT CUSTODIAN COSTS FOR THE FEDERATED FUND PAID TO STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY. THE CUSTODIAN FEE IS BASED ON A PERCENTAGE OF ASSETS, PLUS OUT-OF-POCKET EXPENSES. FSERV MAINTAINS THE FEDERATED FUND'S ACCOUNTING RECORDS. THE FEE IS BASED ON THE LEVEL OF THE FEDERATED FUND'S AVERAGE NET ASSETS FOR THE PERIOD, PLUS OUT-OF-POCKET EXPENSES. (E) ADJUSTMENT TO REFLECT THE AUDIT FEE AND LEGAL FEE REDUCTIONS DUE TO THE COMBINING OF TWO PORTFOLIOS INTO ONE. (F) UNDER THE TERMS OF A SHAREHOLDER SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH FEDERATED SHAREHOLDER SERVICES (`FSS'') THE FEDERATED FUND WILL PAY FSS UP TO 0.25% OF AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS OF THE FEDERATED FUND FOR THE PERIOD. THE FEE PAID TO FSS IS USED TO FINANCE CERTAIN SERVICES FOR SHAREHOLDERS AND TO MAINTAIN SHAREHOLDER ACCOUNTS. FSS MAY VOLUNTARILY CHOOSE TO WAIVE A PORTION OF ITS FEE. FSS CAN MODIFY OR TERMINATE THIS VOLUNTARY WAIVER AT ANY TIME AT ITS SOLE DISCRETION. SBM FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. RECEIVED 0.25% OF THE AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS OF STATE BOND MINNESOTA TAX-FREE INCOME FUND AND STATE BOND TAX-EXEMPT FUND, RESPECTIVELY, UNDER THE TERMS OF A DISTRIBUTION PLAN PURSUANT TO RULE 12B-1 OF THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940, AS AMENDED, TO FINANCE ACTIVITIES INTENDED TO RESULT IN THE SALE OF STATE BOND MINNESOTA TAX-FREE INCOME FUND'S AND STATE BOND TAX- EXEMPT FUND'S SHARES AND TO PROVIDE CERTAIN SERVICES FOR SHAREHOLDERS AND TO MAINTAIN SHAREHOLDER ACCOUNTS. CLASS A SHARES OF THE FEDERATED FUND DO NOT HAVE A DISTRIBUTION PLAN. (G) ADJUSTMENT TO REFLECT PRINTING AND POSTAGE EXPENSES ARE ADJUSTED TO REFLECT ESTIMATED SAVINGS TO BE REALIZED BY COMBINING THREE PORTFOLIOS INTO A SINGLE PORTFOLIO. (H) ADJUSTMENT REFLECTS THE ELIMINATION OF THE DIRECTORS/TRUSTEES FEES FOR STATE BOND MINNESOTA TAX-FREE INCOME FUND AND STATE BOND TAX-EXEMPT FUND, THE STATE REGISTRATION COSTS FOR THE FEDERATED FUND ONLY, AND THE DECREASE IN INSURANCE FEES DUE TO THE REDUCTION IN COVERAGE REQUIREMENT OF ONE PORTFOLIO ONLY. (I) THE EXPENSES ACCRUED ON THE FEDERATED FUND ARE SUFFICIENT TO COVER ALL EXPENSES. THEREFORE, NO REIMBURSEMENT IS NECESSARY. Federated Municipal Opportunities Fund, Inc. (formerly, Fortress Municipal Income Fund, Inc.) State Bond Minnesota Tax-Free Income Fund State Bond Tax Exempt Fund Notes to Pro Forma Financial Statements (unaudited) 1. BASIS OF COMBINATION THE ACCOMPANYING UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINING PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS, STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES, AND STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS REFLECT THE ACCOUNTS OF FEDERATED MUNICIPAL OPPORTUNITIES FUND, INC. , STATE BOND MINNESOTA TAX-FREE INCOME FUND, AND STATE BOND TAX EXEMPT FUND, COLLECTIVELY (`THE FUNDS''), FOR THE YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 1996. THESE STATEMENTS HAVE BEEN DERIVED FROM THE BOOKS AND RECORDS UTILIZED IN CALCULATING DAILY NET ASSET VALUES AT AUGUST 31, 1996. THE ACCOUNTS REFLECTED ON THE STATE BOND MINNESOTA TAX-FREE INCOME FUND AND STATE BOND TAX EXEMPT FUND HAVE BEEN BROUGHT UP TO AUGUST 31, 1996. THIS UPDATING WAS ACCOMPLISHED BY ADDING THE RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FROM JULY 1, 1996 THROUGH AUGUST 31, 1996 TO ITS JUNE 30, 1996 FISCAL YEAR ENDS, AND BY DEDUCTING THE RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FROM JULY 1, 1995 THROUGH AUGUST 31, 1995. THE PRO FORMA COMBINING PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS, STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES, AND STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (`PRO FORMA FINANCIAL STATEMENTS') SHOULD BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE HISTORICAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF THE FUNDS WHICH HAVE BEEN INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE IN THE STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. THE FUNDS FOLLOW GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES APPLICABLE TO MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES WHICH ARE DISCLOSED IN THE HISTORICAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF EACH FUND. THE PRO FORMA FINANCIAL STATEMENTS GIVE EFFECT TO THE PROPOSED TRANSFER OF THE ASSETS OF STATE BOND MINNESOTA TAX-FREE INCOME FUND, AND STATE BOND TAX EXEMPT FUND IN EXCHANGE FOR CLASS A SHARES OF FEDERATED MUNICIPAL OPPORTUNITIES FUND, INC. UNDER GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES, FEDERATED MUNICIPAL OPPORTUNITIES FUND, INC. WILL BE THE SURVIVING ENTITY FOR ACCOUNTING PURPOSES WITH ITS HISTORICAL COST OF INVESTMENT SECURITIES AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS BEING CARRIED FORWARD. THE PRO FORMA FINANCIAL STATEMENTS HAVE BEEN ADJUSTED TO REFLECT THE ANTICIPATED ADVISORY AND ADMINISTRATION FEE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE SURVIVING ENTITY. CERTAIN OTHER OPERATING COSTS HAVE ALSO BEEN ADJUSTED TO REFLECT ANTICIPATED EXPENSES OF THE COMBINED ENTITY. OTHER COSTS WHICH MAY CHANGE AS A RESULT OF THE REORGANIZATION ARE CURRENTLY UNDETERMINABLE. FOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31, 1996, JUNE 30, 1996, AND JUNE 30, 1996, RESPECTIVELY, THE FUNDS PAID INVESTMENT ADVISORY FEES COMPUTED AT THE ANNUAL RATE OF EACH FUND'S AVERAGE NET ASSETS AS FOLLOWS: FUND PERCENT OF EACH FUND'S AVERAGE NET ASSETS FEDERATED MUNICIPAL 0.60% OPPORTUNITIES FUND, INC STATE BOND MINNESOTA TAX- 0.43%* FREE INCOME FUND STATE BOND TAX EXEMPT FUND 0.50% THE ADVISOR MAY VOLUNTARILY CHOOSE TO WAIVE A PORTION OF THEIR FEES AND REIMBURSE CERTAIN OPERATING EXPENSES OF THE FUNDS. *THE ADVISORY FEE OF THE STATE BOND MINNESOTA TAX-FREE INCOME FUND IS NET EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENTS, WITHOUT SUCH REIMBURSEMENTS, THE ADVISORY FEE WOULD HAVE BEEN 0.60%. 2. SHARES OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST THE PRO FORMA NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE ASSUMES THE ISSUANCE OF 9,666,500.649 SHARES OF THE FEDERATED MUNICIPAL OPPORTUNITIES FUND, INC.'S CLASS A SHARES IN EXCHANGE FOR 1,820,401 AND 7,474,279 SHARES FROM STATE BOND MINNESOTA TAX-FREE INCOME FUND, AND STATE BOND TAX EXEMPT FUND, RESPECTIVELY, WHICH WOULD HAVE BEEN ISSUED AT AUGUST 31, 1996, IN CONNECTION WITH THE PROPOSED REORGANIZATION. 3. Total Returns The accompanying Pro-Forma total returns (`returns''), based upon offering price, and the Pro-Forma ratios of expenses to average net assets (`expenses'') are for the twelve month periods ending August 31, 1996, 1995, and 1994. The following returns and expenses give effect to the proposed reorganization of State Bond Minnesota Tax-Free Income Fund and State Bond Tax Exempt Fund in exchange for Class A Shares of Federated Municipal Opportunities Fund, Inc. 1996 1995 1994 Returns (1.63%) 2.79% (5.17%) Expenses 1.06% 1.06% 1.07% The following returns and expenses give effect to the proposed reorganization of State Bond Tax Exempt Fund in exchange for Class A Shares of Federated Municipal Opportunities Fund, Inc. 1996 1995 1994 Returns (1.67%) 2.81% (5.21%) Expenses 1.06% 1.06% 1.07% G01866-07 SBM Financial Services Proxy Statement P.O. Box 9156 Farmingdale, NY 11735 STATE BOND TAX EXEMPT FUND, a Portfolio of STATE BOND MUNICIPAL FUNDS, INC., SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS December 9, 1996 STATE BOND TAX EXEMPT FUND, a Portfolio of STATE BOND MUNICIPAL FUNDS, INC. The undersigned shareholder(s) of State Bond Tax Exempt Fund, a portfolio of State Bond Municipal Funds, Inc. (the `State Bond Fund''), hereby appoint(s) Kevin L. Howard, Keith O. Martens and Dale C. Bauman, or any of them true and lawful proxies, with power of substitution of each, to vote all shares of the State Bond Fund which the undersigned is entitled to vote, at the Special Meeting of Shareholders to be held on December 9, 1996, at 100 North Minnesota Street, New Ulm, Minnesota 56073-0069, at 3:40 p.m. (local time) and at any adjournment thereof. Discretionary authority is hereby conferred as to all other matters as may properly come before the Special Meeting. THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. The proxies named will vote the shares represented by this proxy in accordance with the choice made on this ballot. IF NO CHOICE IS INDICATED, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED AFFIRMATIVELY ON THAT MATTER. The Board of Directors unanimously recommends a vote FOR the proposal below. Please sign EXACTLY as your name(s) appear(s) above. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, guardian, trustee, custodian, etc., please give your full title as such. If a corporation or partnership, please sign the full name by an authorized officer or partner. If stock is owned jointly, all owners should sign. PLEASE RETURN BOTTOM PORTION WITH YOUR VOTE IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE AND RETAIN THE TOP PORTION. TO VOTE, MARK BLOCKS BELOW IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS FOLLOWS: X KEEP THIS PORTION FOR YOUR RECORDS. DETACH AND RETURN THIS PORTION ONLY. THIS PROXY CARD IS VALID ONLY WHEN SIGNED AND DATED. STATE BOND TAX EXEMPT FUND, RECORD DATE SHARES: ----------------- Vote on Proposal TO APPROVE OR DISAPPROVE AN AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION BETWEEN THE STATE BOND FUND AND FEDERATED MUNICIPAL OPPORTUNITIES FUND, INC. FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN ----------------------------------- Signature Signature (Joint Owners) Date: ---------------------------------
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