UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM N-CSR
CERTIFIED
SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED
MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES
Investment Company Act file number |
811-7812 |
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Western Asset Municipal Partners Fund II Inc. |
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(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter) |
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125 Broad Street, New York, NY |
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10004 |
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(Address of principal executive offices) |
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(Zip code) |
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Robert I. Frenkel, Esq. Legg Mason & Co., LLC 300 First Stamford Place Stamford, CT 06902 |
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(Name and address of agent for service) |
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Registrants telephone number, including area code: |
(800) 451-2010 |
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Date of fiscal year end: |
June 30 |
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Date of reporting period: |
June 30, 2007 |
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ITEM 1. |
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REPORT TO STOCKHOLDERS. |
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The Annual Report to Stockholders is filed herewith. |
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Western Asset |
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Municipal Partners Fund II Inc. |
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(MPT) |
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ANNUAL REPORT |
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JUNE 30, 2007 |
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INVESTMENT PRODUCTS: NOT FDIC INSURED NO BANK GUARANTEE MAY LOSE VALUE |
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Western Asset |
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Municipal Partners Fund II Inc. |
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Annual Report June 30, 2007 |
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Whats |
Fund Overview |
1 |
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Inside |
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Fund at a Glance |
2 |
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Schedule of Investments |
3 |
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Statement of Assets and Liabilities |
11 |
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Statement of Operations |
12 |
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Statements of Changes in Net Assets |
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Financial Highlights |
14 |
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Notes to Financial Statements |
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Fund Objective |
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The Funds primary investment |
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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm |
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objective is to seek a high level of |
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current income which is exempt from |
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Additional Information |
21 |
regular federal income taxes,* |
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consistent with the preservation of |
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Annual Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Certifications |
24 |
capital. As a secondary investment |
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objective, the Fund intends to |
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Additional Shareholder Information |
25 |
enhance portfolio value by |
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purchasing tax exempt securities that, |
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Important Tax Information |
26 |
in the opinion of the investment manager,
may appreciate in value relative to other similar obligations in the
marketplace. |
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Fund Overview
On July 23, 2007, the Fund announced the completion of the merger of Western Asset Municipal Partners Fund II Inc. with and into Western Asset Municipal Partners Fund Inc. Effective with the opening of business on July 23, 2007, shareholders of Western Asset Municipal Partners Fund II Inc., (which previously traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol MPT) became shareholders of Western Asset Municipal Partners Inc. (MNP). Each share of common stock of MPT converted into an equivalent dollar amount of full shares of common stock of MNP. The conversion ratio was calculated at 0.973323. MNP did not issue any fractional shares to MPT common shareholders. In lieu thereof, MNP purchased all fractional shares at the current net asset value of the shares and remitted the cash proceeds to former MPT common shareholders in the proportion of their fractional shares. In addition, each outstanding share of MPT Auction Rate Preferred Stock, Series M converted into one full share of MNP Auction Rate Preferred Stock, Series M.
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Western Asset Municipal Partners Fund II Inc. 2007 Annual Report |
1 |
Fund at a Glance (unaudited)
Investment Breakdown
As a Percent of Total Investments
* A refunded bond is a bond in which the original security has been replaced by an escrow, usually consisting of treasuries or agencies, which has been structured to pay principal, interest and any call premium, either to a call date (in the case of a prerefunded bond), or to maturity (in the case of an escrowed to maturity bond). This is accomplished with the proceeds of a refunding issue. Once refunded, a bond takes on the credit quality of the securities held in the escrow. Bonds are commonly refunded to achieve savings when interest rates decline, though sometimes issuers refund a bond to relieve themselves of legal covenants in the refunded issue which they feel have become too restrictive.
2 |
Western Asset Municipal Partners Fund II Inc. 2007 Annual Report |
Schedule of Investments (June 30, 2007)
WESTERN ASSET MUNICIPAL PARTNERS FUND II INC.
Face |
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Amount |
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Security |
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Value |
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MUNICIPAL BONDS 97.9% |
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California 12.2% |
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$ |
1,000,000 |
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California EFA Revenue, College & University Financing Program, |
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5.000% due 2/1/26 |
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1,006,770 |
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1,000,000 |
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California Health Facilities Financing Authority Revenue, |
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Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 5.000% due 11/15/34 |
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1,006,750 |
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California State, GO: |
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1,485,000 |
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Call 6/1/11 @ 100, 5.125% due 6/1/24 (a) |
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1,553,266 |
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15,000 |
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Unrefunded Balance, 5.125% due 6/1/24 |
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15,562 |
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2,500,000 |
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Huntington Beach, CA, Union High School District, GO, |
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Election 2004, FSA-Insured, 5.000% due 8/1/29 |
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2,579,650 |
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3,000,000 |
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Los Angeles, CA, Department of Water & Power Revenue, Power Systems, |
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Subordinated Series A-1, FSA-Insured, 5.000% due 7/1/35 |
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3,097,860 |
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1,000,000 |
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Mojave Water Agency, Improvement California District M, GO, Refunding, |
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Electric of 1990-Morongo Basin, AMBAC-Insured, 5.000% due 9/1/18 |
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1,057,430 |
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2,500,000 |
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Napa Valley, CA, Community College District, GO, Election of 2002, |
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Series B, MBIA-Insured, Call 8/1/15 @ 100, 5.000% due 8/1/23 (a) |
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2,669,100 |
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2,500,000 |
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Turlock, CA, Public Financing Authority, Tax Allocation Revenue, |
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FSA-Insured, 5.000% due 9/1/30 |
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2,570,225 |
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Total California |
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15,556,613 |
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Colorado 5.4% |
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Colorado Health Facilities Authority Revenue: |
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1,750,000 |
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Poudre Valley Health Care, Series F, 5.000% due 3/1/25 |
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1,753,202 |
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5,000,000 |
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Refunding Adventist Health, Sunbelt, Series D, 5.250% due 11/15/35 (b) |
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5,118,700 |
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Total Colorado |
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6,871,902 |
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Connecticut 2.5% |
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3,000,000 |
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Connecticut State Special Tax Obligation Revenue, Transportation Infrastructure, |
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Series A, AMBAC-Insured, 5.000% due 7/1/23 |
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3,132,690 |
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Florida 1.6% |
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2,000,000 |
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Florida State Department of Environmental Protection, Preservation Revenue, |
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Florida Forever, Series A, AMBAC-Insured, 5.000% due 7/1/21 |
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2,097,920 |
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Illinois 12.5% |
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1,000,000 |
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Chicago, IL, Board of Education, GO, Chicago School Reform, |
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AMBAC-Insured, Call 12/1/07 @ 102, 5.750% due 12/1/27 (a) |
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1,027,890 |
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1,750,000 |
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Chicago, IL, Midway Airport Revenue, Series B, MBIA-Insured, |
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5.625% due 1/1/29 (c) |
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1,769,145 |
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See Notes to Financial Statements.
Western Asset Municipal Partners Fund II Inc. 2007 Annual Report 3
Schedule of Investments (June 30, 2007) (continued)
Face |
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Security |
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Value |
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Illinois 12.5% (continued) |
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$ |
3,000,000 |
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Chicago, IL, Park District, GO, Refunding, Series D, FGIC-Insured, |
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5.000% due 1/1/29 |
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3,096,480 |
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1,000,000 |
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Chicago, IL, Public Building Commission, Building Revenue, |
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Chicago School Reform, Series B, FGIC-Insured, 5.250% due 12/1/18 |
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1,086,880 |
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250,000 |
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Cook County, IL, Refunding, GO, Series A, MBIA-Insured, |
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5.625% due 11/15/16 |
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254,103 |
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1,000,000 |
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Illinois EFA Revenue, Northwestern University, 5.500% due 12/1/13 |
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1,060,710 |
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Illinois Health Facilities Authority Revenue: |
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1,850,000 |
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Refunding, SSM Health Care, MBIA-Insured, 6.550% due 6/1/13 (d) |
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2,091,295 |
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2,000,000 |
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Servantoor Project, Series A, FSA-Insured, 6.000% due 8/15/12 (d) |
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2,151,280 |
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605,000 |
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South Suburban Hospital Project, 7.000% due 2/15/18 (d) |
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700,517 |
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2,645,000 |
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Illinois State, Sales Tax Revenue, 5.500% due 6/15/16 |
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2,791,930 |
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Total Illinois |
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16,030,230 |
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Indiana 2.8% |
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Indiana Bond Bank Revenue, Series B: |
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160,000 |
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5.000% due 8/1/23 |
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163,190 |
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90,000 |
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Call 8/1/10 @ 101, 5.000% due 8/1/23 (a) |
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93,544 |
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1,195,000 |
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Indiana Health Facility Financing Authority, Hospital Revenue, |
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Community Hospital Project, Series A, AMBAC-Insured, 5.000% due 5/1/35 |
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1,224,505 |
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2,000,000 |
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Indiana State DFA Environment Improvement Revenue, USX Corp. Project, |
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5.250% due 12/1/22 |
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2,089,060 |
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Total Indiana |
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3,570,299 |
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Maryland 4.6% |
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Maryland State Health & Higher Educational Facilities Authority Revenue: |
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1,500,000 |
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Carroll County General Hospital, 6.000% due 7/1/37 |
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1,593,630 |
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1,500,000 |
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Suburban Hospital, Series A, 5.500% due 7/1/16 |
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1,595,760 |
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500,000 |
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University of Maryland Medical Systems, 6.000% due 7/1/32 |
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529,835 |
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2,000,000 |
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Northeast Maryland Waste Disposal Authority, Solid Waste Revenue, |
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AMBAC-Insured, 5.500% due 4/1/16 (c) |
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2,112,520 |
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Total Maryland |
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5,831,745 |
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Massachusetts 2.2% |
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Massachusetts State Water Pollution Abatement Trust Revenue, |
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MWRA Program, Series A: |
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2,125,000 |
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5.750% due 8/1/29 |
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2,216,991 |
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525,000 |
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Call 8/1/09 @ 101, 5.750% due 8/1/29 (a) |
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549,665 |
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Total Massachusetts |
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2,766,656 |
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Michigan 3.6% |
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1,000,000 |
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Detroit, MI, City School District, GO, School Building & Site Improvement, |
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Series A, FGIC-Insured, Call 5/1/13 @ 100, 5.500% due 5/1/17 (a) |
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1,076,280 |
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See Notes to Financial Statements.
4 Western Asset Municipal Partners Fund II Inc. 2007 Annual Report
Schedule of Investments (June 30, 2007) (continued)
Face |
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Amount |
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Security |
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Value |
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Michigan 3.6% (continued) |
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Michigan State, Hospital Finance Authority Revenue: |
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$ |
2,000,000 |
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Refunding, Sparrow Hospital Obligated, 5.000% due 11/15/36 |
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$ |
2,004,700 |
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1,500,000 |
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Trinity Health, Series C, 5.375% due 12/1/30 |
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1,560,270 |
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Total Michigan |
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4,641,250 |
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Missouri 2.0% |
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2,500,000 |
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Missouri State Environmental Improvement &
Energy Research Authority, |
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5.500% due 12/1/10 |
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2,528,175 |
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New Jersey 2.9% |
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New Jersey EDA: |
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2,500,000 |
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Motor Vehicle Surcharges Revenue, Series A, MBIA-Insured, |
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5.250% due 7/1/16 |
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2,668,050 |
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1,000,000 |
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Water Facilities Revenue, New Jersey American Water Co. Inc. Project, |
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Series A, FGIC-Insured, 6.875% due 11/1/34 (c) |
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1,011,530 |
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Total New Jersey |
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3,679,580 |
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New York 11.3% |
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2,415,000 |
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Long Island Power Authority, NY, Electric System Revenue, Gen-Series B, |
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5.000% due 12/1/35 |
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2,481,388 |
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New York City, NY, GO: |
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Series A: |
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10,000 |
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6.000% due 5/15/30 |
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10,566 |
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990,000 |
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Call 5/15/10 @ 101, 6.000% due 5/15/30 (a) |
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1,056,003 |
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1,500,000 |
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Series G, 5.000% due 12/1/33 |
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1,538,265 |
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2,000,000 |
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New York City, NY, Municipal Water Finance Authority, Water & Sewer Systems Revenue, Series D, 5.000% due 6/15/37 |
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2,055,480 |
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New York City, NY, TFA Revenue: |
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495,000 |
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Future Tax Secured, Series A, Call 11/15/12 @ 100, 5.500% due 11/15/17 (a) |
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532,318 |
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4,005,000 |
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Unrefunded Balance, Future Tax Secured, Series A, 5.500% due 11/15/17 |
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4,281,105 |
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2,385,000 |
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New York State Environmental Facilities Corp., State Clean Water & Drinking, |
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NYC Municipal Water Finance Authority, Series A, 5.000% due 6/15/17 |
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2,538,141 |
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Total New York |
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14,493,266 |
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North Carolina 3.2% |
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4,000,000 |
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University of North Carolina, University Revenue, Series A, 5.000% due 12/1/34 |
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4,135,960 |
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Oregon 1.0% |
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1,250,000 |
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Multnomah County, OR, Hospital Facilities Authority
Revenue, |
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1,313,163 |
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See Notes to Financial Statements.
Western Asset Municipal Partners Fund II Inc. 2007 Annual Report 5
Schedule of Investments (June 30, 2007) (continued)
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Security |
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Value |
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Pennsylvania 3.2% |
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Philadelphia, PA: |
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Gas Works Revenue, 7th Series 1998, General Ordinance: |
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$ |
2,685,000 |
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5.000% due 10/1/17 |
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$ |
2,845,080 |
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1,000,000 |
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5.000% due 10/1/23 |
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1,043,990 |
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250,000 |
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School District, GO, Series A, FSA-Insured, Call 2/1/12 @ 100, 5.500% |
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due 2/1/31 (a) |
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265,592 |
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Total Pennsylvania |
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4,154,662 |
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Puerto Rico 1.4% |
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1,600,000 |
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Puerto Rico Commonwealth Highway & Transportation Authority, |
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Highway Revenue, Series X, FSA-Insured, 5.500% due 7/1/15 |
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1,754,992 |
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Tennessee 1.0% |
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1,200,000 |
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Memphis-Shelby County, TN, Airport Authority Revenue, |
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Series D, AMBAC-Insured, 6.000% due 3/1/24 (c) |
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1,260,360 |
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Texas 15.8% |
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2,500,000 |
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Aledo, TX, GO, ISD, School Building, Series A, PSF-Insured, 5.000% due 2/15/30 |
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2,563,600 |
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330,000 |
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Austin, TX, Airport Systems Revenue, Series A,
MBIA-Insured, |
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332,716 |
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1,000,000 |
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Edgewood, TX, GO, ISD, Bexar County, PSF-Insured, 5.250% due 2/15/17 |
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1,063,040 |
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3,500,000 |
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Houston, TX, Utility System Revenue: |
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Combined First Lien, FSA-Insured, 5.000% due 11/15/35 |
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3,591,350 |
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3,000,000 |
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Refunding, Combined First Lien, Series A, FSA-Insured, 5.250% due 5/15/20 |
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3,169,830 |
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1,600,000 |
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Lake Dallas, TX, GO, ISD, School Building, PSF-Insured, 5.000% due 8/15/34 |
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1,634,528 |
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1,000,000 |
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Mesquite, TX, ISD No. 1, GO, Capital Appreciation,
Series A, PSFG-Insured, |
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363,370 |
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1,380,000 |
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North Harris Montgomery Community College District,
TX, GO, FGIC-Insured, |
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1,456,328 |
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2,225,000 |
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Northwest Texas, GO, ISD, PSF-Insured, 5.250% due 8/15/18 |
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2,367,644 |
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2,000,000 |
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Tarrant County, TX, Cultural Education Facilities
Finance Corp. Revenue, |
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2,052,160 |
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1,500,000 |
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Texas State Turnpike Authority Revenue, First Tier,
Series A, AMBAC-Insured, |
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1,584,075 |
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Total Texas |
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20,178,641 |
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Virginia 3.5% |
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2,915,000 |
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Greater Richmond, VA, Convention Center Authority,
Hotel Tax Revenue, |
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due 6/15/20 (a) |
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3,118,147 |
|
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1,260,000 |
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Virginia State Public Building Authority, Public
Facilities Revenue, Series A, |
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1,310,425 |
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Total Virginia |
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4,428,572 |
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See Notes to Financial Statements.
6 Western Asset Municipal Partners Fund II Inc. 2007 Annual Report
Schedule of Investments (June 30, 2007) (continued)
Face |
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Amount |
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Security |
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Value |
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Washington 5.2% |
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|
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$ |
1,900,000 |
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Chelan County, WA, Public Utility District, Chelan Hydro System No.1, |
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Construction Revenue, Series A, AMBAC-Insured, 5.450% due 7/1/37 (c) |
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$ |
1,968,210 |
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1,000,000 |
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King County, WA, GO, Refunding, Series B, MBIA-Insured, 5.000% due 1/1/30 |
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1,010,300 |
|
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2,000,000 |
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Port of Seattle, WA, Revenue, Refunding, Intermediate Lien, Series A, |
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MBIA-Insured, 5.000% due 3/1/30 |
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2,056,300 |
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400,000 |
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Seattle, WA, GO, Series B, FSA-Insured, Call 12/1/09 @ 101, 5.750% |
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|
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due 12/1/28 (a) |
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421,144 |
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1,200,000 |
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Washington State Public Power Supply System Revenue, Nuclear Project No. 1, |
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Series A, MBIA-Insured, 5.125% due 7/1/17 |
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1,232,904 |
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Total Washington |
|
6,688,858 |
|
||
|
|
TOTAL INVESTMENTS BEFORE SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS |
|
|
|
||
|
|
(Cost $123,788,338) |
|
125,115,534 |
|
||
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS 2.1% |
|
|
|
||||
Colorado 0.4% |
|
|
|
||||
500,000 |
|
Colorado Educational & Cultural Facilities Authority, JFMC Facilities Corp., |
|
|
|
||
|
|
LOC-Bank of America, 3.860%, 7/2/07 (e) |
|
500,000 |
|
||
New Hampshire 0.4% |
|
|
|
||||
550,000 |
|
New Hampshire HEFA Revenue, Dartmouth College, Series B, SPA-JPMorgan |
|
|
|
||
|
|
Chase, 3.900%, 7/2/07 (e) |
|
550,000 |
|
||
Texas 1.3% |
|
|
|
||||
300,000 |
|
Bell County, TX, Health Facilities Development
Corp. Revenue, Scott & White |
|
|
|
||
|
|
Chase, 3.860%, 7/2/07 (e) |
|
300,000 |
|
||
1,300,000 |
|
Harris County, TX, Health Facilities Development Corp. Revenue, Refunding, |
|
|
|
||
|
|
Methodist Hospital Systems, Series A, 3.850%, 7/2/07 (e) |
|
1,300,000 |
|
||
|
|
Total Texas |
|
1,600,000 |
|
||
|
|
TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS (Cost $2,650,000) |
|
2,650,000 |
|
||
|
|
TOTAL INVESTMENTS 100.0% |
|
|
|
||
|
|
(Cost $126,438,338#) |
|
$ |
127,765,534 |
|
|
(a) Pre-Refunded bonds are escrowed with government obligations and/or government agency securities and are considered by the Manager to be triple-A rated even if issuer has not applied for new ratings.
(b) Variable rate security. Interest rate disclosed is that which is in effect at June 30, 2007.
(c) Income from this issue is considered a preference item for purposes of calculating the alternative minimum tax (AMT).
(d) Bonds are escrowed to maturity by government securities and/or U.S. government agency securities and are considered by the Manager to be triple-A rated even if issuer has not applied for new ratings.
(e) Variable rate demand obligations have a demand feature under which the Fund can tender them back to the issuer on no more than 7 days notice. Date shown is the date of the next interest rate change.
# Aggregate cost for federal income tax purposes is $126,428,726.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Western Asset Municipal Partners Fund II Inc. 2007 Annual Report 7
Schedule of Investments (June 30, 2007) (continued)
Abbreviations used in this schedule: |
|
AMBAC |
Ambac Assurance Corporation |
DFA |
Development Finance Agency |
EDA |
Economic Development Authority |
EFA |
Educational Facilities Authority |
FGIC |
Financial Guaranty Insurance Company |
FSA |
Financial Security Assurance |
GO |
General Obligation |
HEFA |
Health & Educational Facilities Authority |
ISD |
Independent School District |
LOC |
Letter of Credit |
MBIA |
Municipal Bond Investors Assurance Corporation |
MWRA |
Massachusetts Water Resources Authority |
PCR |
Pollution Control Revenue |
PSF |
Permanent School Fund |
PSFG |
Permanent School Fund Guaranty |
SPA |
Standby Bond Purchase Agreement |
TFA |
Transitional Finance Authority |
Summary of Investments by Industry* (unaudited)
Hospitals |
|
17.1 |
% |
|
General Obligation |
|
14.9 |
|
|
Utilities |
|
14.4 |
|
|
Pre-Refunded |
|
9.9 |
|
|
Tax Allocation |
|
7.8 |
|
|
Transportation |
|
6.6 |
|
|
Pollution Control |
|
5.3 |
|
|
Education |
|
4.9 |
|
|
Water & Sewer |
|
4.6 |
|
|
Escrowed to Maturity |
|
3.9 |
|
|
Electric |
|
2.4 |
|
|
Industrial Development |
|
2.1 |
|
|
Public Facilities |
|
1.9 |
|
|
Miscellaneous |
|
4.2 |
|
|
|
|
100.0 |
% |
|
* As a percentage of total investments. Please note that Fund holdings are as of June 30, 2007 and are subject to change.
Ratings Table (June 30, 2007) (unaudited)
As a Percent of Total Investments
S&P/Moodys** |
|
|
|
|
AAA/Aaa |
|
68.2 |
% |
|
AA/Aa |
|
13.8 |
|
|
A |
|
11.0 |
|
|
BBB/Baa |
|
5.0 |
|
|
A-1/VMIG1 |
|
2.0 |
|
|
|
|
100.0 |
% |
|
** S&P primary rating; Moodys secondary.
See pages 9 and 10 for definitions of ratings.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
8 Western Asset Municipal Partners Fund II Inc. 2007 Annual Report
Bond Ratings (unaudited)
The definitions of the applicable rating symbols are set forth below:
Standard & Poors Ratings Service (Standard & Poors) Ratings from AA to CCC may be modified by the addition of a plus (+) or minus () sign to show relative standings within the major rating categories. |
||
|
||
AAA |
|
Bonds rated AAA have the highest rating assigned by Standard & Poors. Capacity to pay interest and repay principal is extremely strong. |
AA |
|
Bonds rated AA have a very strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal and differ from the highest rated issues only in a small degree. |
A |
|
Bonds rated A have a strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal although they are somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than debt in higher rated categories. |
BBB |
|
Bonds rated BBB are regarded as having an adequate capacity to pay interest and repay principal. Whereas they normally exhibit adequate protection parameters, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity to pay interest and repay principal for debt in this category than in higher rated categories. |
BB, B, CCC, CC and C |
|
Bonds rated BB, B, CCC, CC and C are regarded, on balance, as predominantly speculative with respect to capacity to pay interest and repay principal in accordance with the terms of the obligation. BB represents the lowest degree of speculation and C the highest degree of speculation. While such bonds will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these are outweighed by large uncertainties or major risk exposures to adverse conditions. |
D |
|
Bonds rated D are in default and payment of interest and/or repayment of principal is in arrears. |
Moodys Investors Service (Moodys) Numerical modifiers 1, 2 and 3 may be applied to each generic rating from Aa to Caa, where 1 is the highest and 3 the lowest ranking within its generic category.
Aaa |
|
Bonds rated Aaa are judged to be of the best quality. They carry the smallest degree of investment risk and are generally referred to as gilt edge. Interest payments are protected by a large or by an exceptionally stable margin and principal is secure. While the various protective elements are likely to change, such changes as can be visualized are most unlikely to impair the fundamentally strong position of such issues. |
Aa |
|
Bonds rated Aa are judged to be of high quality by all standards. Together with the Aaa group they comprise what are generally known as high grade bonds. They are rated lower than the best bonds because margins of protection may not be as large as in Aaa securities or fluctuation of protective elements may be of greater amplitude or there may be other elements present which make the long-term risks appear somewhat larger than in Aaa securities. |
A |
|
Bonds rated A possess many favorable investment attributes and are to be considered as upper medium grade obligations. Factors giving security to principal and interest are considered adequate but elements may be present which suggest a susceptibility to impairment some time in the future. |
Baa |
|
Bonds rated Baa are considered as medium grade obligations, i.e., they are neither highly protected nor poorly secured. Interest payments and principal security appear adequate for the present but certain protective elements may be lacking or may be characteristically unreliable over any great length of time. Such bonds lack outstanding investment characteristics and in fact have speculative characteristics as well. |
Ba |
|
Bonds rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements; their future cannot be considered as well assured. Often the protection of interest and principal payments may be very moderate and therefore not well safeguarded during both good and bad times over the future. Uncertainty of position characterizes bonds in this class. |
B |
|
Bonds rated B generally lack characteristics of desirable investments. Assurance of interest and principal payments or of maintenance of other terms of the contract over any long period of time may be small. |
Caa |
|
Bonds rated Caa are of poor standing. These may be in default, or present elements of danger may exist with respect to principal or interest. |
Ca |
|
Bonds rated Ca represent obligations which are speculative in a high degree. Such issues are often in default or have other marked short-comings. |
C |
|
Bonds rated C are the lowest class of bonds and issues so rated can be regarded as having extremely poor prospects of ever attaining any real investment standing. |
NR |
|
Indicates that the bond is not rated by Standard & Poors or Moodys. |
Western Asset Municipal Partners Fund II Inc. 2007 Annual Report 9
Short-Term Security Ratings (unaudited)
SP-1 |
|
Standard & Poors highest rating indicating very strong or strong capacity to pay principal and interest; those issues determined to possess overwhelming safety characteristics are denoted with a plus (+) sign. |
A-1 |
|
Standard & Poors highest commercial paper and variable-rate demand obligation (VRDO) rating indicating that the degree of safety regarding timely payment is either overwhelming or very strong; those issues determined to possess overwhelming safety characteristics are denoted with a plus (+) sign. |
VMIG 1 |
|
Moodys highest rating for issues having a demand feature VRDO. |
MIG1 |
|
Moodys highest rating for short-term municipal obligations. |
P-1 |
|
Moodys highest rating for commercial paper and for VRDO prior to the advent of the VMIG 1 rating. |
10 Western Asset Municipal Partners Fund II Inc. 2007 Annual Report
Statement of Assets and Liabilities (June 30, 2007)
ASSETS: |
|
|
|
|
Investments, at value (Cost $126,438,338) |
|
$ |
127,765,534 |
|
Cash |
|
38,924 |
|
|
Interest receivable |
|
1,679,743 |
|
|
Receivable for securities sold |
|
55,000 |
|
|
Prepaid expenses |
|
28,822 |
|
|
Total Assets |
|
129,568,023 |
|
|
LIABILITIES: |
|
|
|
|
Investment management fee payable |
|
58,576 |
|
|
Distributions payable to Auction Rate Preferred Stockholders |
|
26,282 |
|
|
Directors fees payable |
|
9,242 |
|
|
Accrued expenses |
|
90,344 |
|
|
Total Liabilities |
|
184,444 |
|
|
Series M Auction Rate Preferred Stock (900 shares authorized and issued at $50,000 per share) (Note 4) |
|
45,000,000 |
|
|
Total Net Assets |
|
$ |
84,383,579 |
|
NET ASSETS: |
|
|
|
|
Par value ($0.001 par value; 6,007,094 common shares issued and outstanding; 100,000,000 common shares authorized) |
|
$ |
6,007 |
|
Paid-in capital in excess of par value |
|
83,244,145 |
|
|
Undistributed net investment income |
|
23,026 |
|
|
Accumulated net realized loss on investments |
|
(216,795 |
) |
|
Net unrealized appreciation on investments |
|
1,327,196 |
|
|
Total Net Assets |
|
$ |
84,383,579 |
|
Shares Outstanding |
|
6,007,094 |
|
|
Net Asset Value |
|
$14.05 |
|
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Western Asset Municipal Partners Fund II Inc. 2007 Annual Report 11
Statement of Operations (For the year ended June 30, 2007)
INVESTMENT INCOME: |
|
|
|
|
Interest |
|
$ |
6,009,077 |
|
EXPENSES: |
|
|
|
|
Investment management fee (Note 2) |
|
723,144 |
|
|
Auction agent fees |
|
119,561 |
|
|
Directors fees |
|
73,335 |
|
|
Legal fees |
|
50,304 |
|
|
Audit and tax |
|
26,524 |
|
|
Transfer agent fees |
|
22,174 |
|
|
Stock exchange listing fees |
|
19,349 |
|
|
Shareholder reports |
|
14,937 |
|
|
Insurance |
|
3,143 |
|
|
Custody fees |
|
71 |
|
|
Miscellaneous expenses |
|
15,239 |
|
|
Total Expenses |
|
1,067,781 |
|
|
Less: Fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements (Note 2) |
|
(2,388 |
) |
|
Net Expenses |
|
1,065,393 |
|
|
Net Investment Income |
|
4,943,684 |
|
|
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS (NOTES 1 AND 3): |
|
|
|
|
Net Realized Loss From Investment Transactions |
|
(112,833 |
) |
|
Change in Net Unrealized Appreciation/Depreciation From Investments |
|
1,072,699 |
|
|
Net Gain on Investments |
|
959,866 |
|
|
Distributions Paid to Auction Rate Preferred Stockholders From Net Investment Income |
|
(1,665,040 |
) |
|
Increase in Net Assets From Operations |
|
$ |
4,238,510 |
|
See Notes to Financial Statements.
12 Western Asset Municipal Partners Fund II Inc. 2007 Annual Report
Statements of Changes in Net Assets (For the years ended June 30,)
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
||
OPERATIONS: |
|
|
|
|
|
||
Net investment income |
|
$ |
4,943,684 |
|
$ |
5,008,025 |
|
Net realized gain (loss) |
|
(112,833 |
) |
501,915 |
|
||
Change in net unrealized appreciation/depreciation |
|
1,072,699 |
|
(5,751,757 |
) |
||
Distributions paid to Auction Rate Preferred Stockholders from net investment income |
|
(1,665,040 |
) |
(1,359,860 |
) |
||
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets From Operations |
|
4,238,510 |
|
(1,601,677 |
) |
||
DISTRIBUTIONS PAID TO COMMON STOCK
SHAREHOLDERS FROM |
|
|
|
|
|
||
Net investment income |
|
(3,394,008 |
) |
(4,529,349 |
) |
||
Decrease in Net Assets From Distributions to Common Stock Shareholders |
|
(3,394,008 |
) |
(4,529,349 |
) |
||
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets |
|
844,502 |
|
(6,131,026 |
) |
||
NET ASSETS: |
|
|
|
|
|
||
Beginning of year |
|
83,539,077 |
|
89,670,103 |
|
||
End of year* |
|
$ |
84,383,579 |
|
$ |
83,539,077 |
|
* Includes undistributed net investment income of: |
|
|
$23,026 |
|
|
$140,698 |
|
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Western Asset Municipal Partners Fund II Inc. 2007 Annual Report 13
Financial Highlights
For a share of common stock outstanding throughout each year ended June 30:
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
2004 |
|
2003 |
|
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year |
|
$ 13.91 |
|
$ 14.93 |
|
$ 14.49 |
|
$ 15.33 |
|
$ 14.34 |
|
Income (Loss) From Operations: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment income |
|
0.82 |
|
0.83 |
|
0.86 |
|
0.92 |
|
0.94 |
|
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) |
|
0.17 |
|
(0.87 |
) |
0.54 |
|
(0.86 |
) |
0.95 |
|
Distributions paid to Auction Rate Preferred Stockholders from net investment income |
|
(0.28 |
) |
(0.23 |
) |
(0.14 |
) |
(0.08 |
) |
(0.09 |
) |
Total Income (Loss) From Operations |
|
0.71 |
|
(0.27 |
) |
1.26 |
|
(0.02 |
) |
1.80 |
|
Less Distributions Paid to Common Stock Shareholders From: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment income |
|
(0.57 |
) |
(0.75 |
) |
(0.82 |
) |
(0.82 |
) |
(0.81 |
) |
Net Asset Value, End of Year |
|
$ 14.05 |
|
$ 13.91 |
|
$ 14.93 |
|
$ 14.49 |
|
$ 15.33 |
|
Market Price, End of Year |
|
$ 12.80 |
|
$ 12.07 |
|
$ 13.60 |
|
$ 12.43 |
|
$ 13.92 |
|
Total Return, Based on NAV(1)(2) |
|
5.06 |
% |
(1.84 |
)% |
8.85 |
% |
(0.17 |
)% |
12.83 |
% |
Total Return, Based on Market Price(2) |
|
10.76 |
% |
(6.07 |
)% |
16.38 |
% |
(5.11 |
)% |
13.78 |
% |
Net Assets, End of Year (000s) |
|
$84,384 |
|
$83,539 |
|
$89,670 |
|
$87,037 |
|
$92,088 |
|
Ratios to Average Net Assets(3): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross expenses |
|
1.23 |
%(4) |
1.36 |
% |
1.30 |
% |
1.31 |
% |
1.39 |
% |
Net expenses |
|
1.23 |
(4)(5) |
1.36 |
(5) |
1.30 |
|
1.31 |
|
1.39 |
|
Net investment income |
|
5.72 |
|
5.77 |
|
5.81 |
|
6.18 |
|
6.30 |
|
Portfolio Turnover Rate |
|
36 |
% |
23 |
% |
64 |
% |
48 |
% |
67 |
% |
Auction Rate Preferred Stock: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Amount Outstanding (000s) |
|
$ 45,000 |
|
$ 45,000 |
|
$ 45,000 |
|
$ 45,000 |
|
$ 45,000 |
|
Asset Coverage Per Share |
|
143,760 |
|
142,821 |
|
149,633 |
|
146,708 |
|
152,320 |
|
Involuntary Liquidating Preference Per Share |
|
50,000 |
|
50,000 |
|
50,000 |
|
50,000 |
|
50,000 |
|
Average Market Value Per Share |
|
50,000 |
|
50,000 |
|
50,000 |
|
50,000 |
|
50,000 |
|
(1) Performance figures may reflect fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements. In the absence of fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements, the total return would have been lower. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
(2) The total return calculation assumes that all distributions, are reinvested in accordance with the Funds dividend reinvestment plan. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
(3) Ratios calculated on the basis of income and expenses relative to the average net assets of common shares and excludes the effect of dividend payments to preferred stockholders.
(4) Included in the expense ratios are certain non-recurring restructuring (and reorganization, if applicable) fees that were incurred by the Fund during the period. Without these fees, the gross and net expense ratios would have remained unchanged.
(5) Reflects fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
14 Western Asset Municipal Partners Fund II Inc. 2007 Annual Report
Notes to Financial Statements
1. Organization and Significant Accounting Policies
Western Asset Municipal Partners Fund II Inc. (formerly known as Salomon Brothers Municipal Partners Fund II Inc.) (the Fund) was incorporated in Maryland on June 21, 1993 and is registered as a diversified, closed-end management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, (the 1940 Act). The Board of Directors authorized 100 million shares of $0.001 par value common stock. The Funds primary investment objective is to seek a high level of current income which is exempt from federal income taxes, consistent with the preservation of capital. As a secondary investment objective, the Fund intends to enhance portfolio value by purchasing tax exempt securities that, in the opinion of the investment manager, may appreciate in value relative to other similar obligations in the marketplace.
The following are significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Fund and are in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). Estimates and assumptions are required to be made regarding assets, liabilities and changes in net assets resulting from operations when financial statements are prepared. Changes in the economic environment, financial markets and any other parameters used in determining these estimates could cause actual results to differ.
(a) Investment Valuation. Securities are valued at the mean between the last quoted bid and asked prices provided by an independent pricing service that are based on transactions in municipal obligations, quotations from municipal bond dealers, market transactions in comparable securities and various other relationships between securities. When prices are not readily available, or are determined not to reflect fair value, the Fund may value these securities at fair value as determined in accordance with the procedures approved by the Funds Board of Directors. Short-term obligations with maturities of 60 days or less are valued at amortized cost, which approximates fair value.
(b) Concentration of Credit Risk. Since the Fund invests a portion of its assets in obligations of issuers located in a single state, it may be affected by economic and political developments in a specific state or region. Certain debt obligations held by the Fund are entitled to the benefit of insurance, standby letters of credit or other guarantees of banks or other financial institutions.
(c) Security Transactions and Investment Income. Security transactions are accounted for on a trade date basis. Interest income, adjusted for amortization of premium and accretion of discount, is recorded on the accrual basis. The cost of investments sold is determined by use of the specific identification method. To the extent any issuer defaults on an expected interest payment, the Funds policy is to generally halt any additional interest income accruals and consider the realizability of interest accrued up to the date of default.
(d) Distributions to Shareholders. Distributions from net investment income for the Fund, if any, are declared and paid on a monthly basis. The Fund intends to satisfy conditions that will enable interest from municipal securities, which is exempt from federal and certain state income taxes, to retain such tax-exempt status when distributed to the shareholders of the Fund. Distributions of net realized gains, if any, are taxable and are declared at least annually. Distributions are recorded on the ex-dividend date and are determined in accordance with income tax regulations, which may differ from GAAP.
Western Asset Municipal Partners Fund II Inc. 2007 Annual Report 15
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
Distributions to preferred shareholders are accrued and paid on a weekly basis and are determined as described in Note 4.
(e) Federal and Other Taxes. It is the Funds policy to comply with the federal income and excise tax requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, applicable to regulated investment companies. Accordingly, the Fund intends to distribute substantially all of its taxable income and net realized gains, if any, to shareholders each year. Therefore, no federal income tax provision is required in the Funds financial statements.
(f) Reclassification. GAAP requires that certain components of net assets be adjusted to reflect permanent differences between financial and tax reporting. These reclassifications have no effect on net assets or net asset values per share. During the current year, the following reclassifications have been made:
|
|
Undistributed Net |
|
Accumulated Net |
|
(a) |
|
$(2,308) |
|
$2,308 |
|
(a) Reclassifications are primarily due to differences between book and tax accretion of market discount on fixed income securities.
2. Investment Management Agreement and Other Transactions with Affiliates
Prior to August 1, 2006, Salomon Brothers Asset Management Inc. (SBAM), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Legg Mason, Inc. (Legg Mason), acted as the investment manager of the Fund. Under the investment management agreement, the Fund paid an investment management fee calculated daily and paid monthly at an annual rate of 0.55% of the Funds weekly average daily net assets. For purposes of calculating this fee, the liquidation value of any outstanding preferred stock of the Fund is not deducted in determining the Funds average net assets.
Effective August 1, 2006, Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisor, LLC (LMPFA) became the Funds investment manager and Western Asset Management Company (Western Asset) became the Funds subadviser. The portfolio managers who are responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund remained the same immediately prior to and immediately after the date of these changes. LMPFA and Western Asset are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Legg Mason.
LMPFA provides administrative and certain oversight services to the Fund. LMPFA has delegated to the subadviser the day-to-day portfolio management of the Fund. The Funds investment management fee remains unchanged. For its services, LMPFA pays Western Asset 70% of the net management fee it receives from the Fund.
During the year ended June 30, 2007, the Fund was reimbursed for expenses in the amount of $2,388 for a portion of non-recurring payments to Directors.
Certain officers and one Director of the Fund are employees of Legg Mason or its affiliates and do not receive compensation from the Fund.
16 Western Asset Municipal Partners Fund II Inc. 2007 Annual Report
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
3. Investments
During the year ended June 30, 2007, the aggregate cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investments (excluding short-term investments) were as follows:
Purchases |
|
$46,956,389 |
|
Sales |
|
45,846,554 |
|
At June 30, 2007, the aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments for federal income tax purposes were as follows:
Gross unrealized appreciation |
|
$2,219,268 |
|
Gross unrealized depreciation |
|
(882,460 |
) |
Net unrealized appreciation |
|
$1,336,808 |
|
4. Auction Rate Preferred Stock
On October 1, 1993, the Fund closed its public offering of 900 shares of $0.001 par value Auction Rate Preferred Stock, Series M (Preferred Stock) at an offering price of $50,000 per share. The Preferred Stock has a liquidation preference of $50,000 per share plus an amount equal to accumulated but unpaid dividends (whether or not earned or declared) and subject to certain restrictions, are redeemable in whole or in part.
Dividend rates generally reset every 7 days and are determined by auction procedures. The dividend rates on the Preferred Stock during the year ended June 30, 2007 ranged from 3.23% to 4.50%. The weighted average dividend rate for the year ended June 30, 2007 was 3.70%.
The Fund is subject to certain restrictions relating to the Preferred Stock. The Fund may not declare dividends or make other distributions on shares of common stock or purchase any such shares if, at the time of the declaration, distribution or purchase, asset coverage with respect to the outstanding Preferred Stock would be less than 200%. The Preferred Stock is also subject to mandatory redemption at $50,000 per share plus any accumulated or unpaid dividends, whether or not declared, if certain requirements relating to the composition of the assets and liabilities of the Fund as set forth in its Articles Supplementary are not satisfied.
The Preferred Stock Shareholders are entitled to one vote per share and generally vote with the common shareholders but vote separately as a class to elect two directors and on certain matters affecting the rights of the Preferred Stock.
The issuance of Preferred Stock poses certain risks to holders of common stock, including, among others the possibility of greater market price volatility and in certain market conditions, the yield to holders of common stock may be adversely affected.
The Fund is required to maintain certain asset coverages with respect to the Preferred Stock. If the Fund fails to maintain these coverages and does not cure any such failure within the required time period, the Fund is required to redeem a requisite number of the Preferred Stock in order to meet the applicable requirement. Additionally, failure to meet the foregoing asset coverage requirements would restrict the Funds ability to pay dividends to common shareholders.
Western Asset Municipal Partners Fund II Inc. 2007 Annual Report 17
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
5. Distributions Subsequent to June 30, 2007
Common Stock Distributions. On July 11, 2007, the Board of Directors of the Fund declared a common share distribution, from net investment income, in the amount of $0.031 per share, payable on July 19, 2007 to shareholders of record on July 16, 2007.
6. Income Tax Information and Distributions to Shareholders
The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended June 30, was as follows:
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
Distributions Paid From: |
|
|
|
|
|
Tax-Exempt Income |
|
$5,059,048 |
|
$5,889,209 |
|
As of June 30, 2007, the components of accumulated earnings on a tax basis were as follows:
Undistributed tax-exempt income net |
|
$ 23,026 |
|
Capital loss carryforward* |
|
(181,443 |
) |
Other book/tax temporary differences(a) |
|
(44,964 |
) |
Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)(b) |
|
1,336,808 |
|
Total accumulated earnings/(losses) net |
|
$1,133,427 |
|
* The Fund had the following net loss carryforward remaining:
Year of Expiration |
|
Amount |
|
6/30/2008 |
|
$(116,646 |
) |
6/30/2015 |
|
(64,797 |
) |
|
|
$(181,443 |
) |
These amounts will be available to offset any future taxable capital gains.
(a) Other book/tax temporary differences are attributable primarily to the deferral of post-October capital losses for tax purposes.
(b) The difference between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) is attributable primarily to the difference between book & tax accretion methods for market discount on fixed income securities.
7. Other Matters
On September 16, 2005, the staff of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) informed Smith Barney Fund Management LLC (SBFM) and SBAM that the staff is considering recommending that the SEC institute administrative proceedings against SBFM and SBAM for alleged violations of Section 19(a) and 34(b) of the 1940 Act (and related Rule 19a-1). The notification is a result of an industry wide inspection by the SEC and is based upon alleged deficiencies in disclosures regarding dividends and distributions paid to shareholders of certain funds. Section 19(a) and related Rule 19a-1 of the 1940 Act generally require funds that are making dividend and distribution payments to provide shareholders with a written statement disclosing the source of the dividends and distributions, and, in particular, the portion of the payments made from each of net investment income, undistributed net profits and/or paid-in capital. In connection with the contemplated proceedings, the staff may seek a cease and desist order and/or monetary damages from SBFM or SBAM.
Although there can be no assurance, the Funds manager believes that this matter is not likely to have a material adverse effect on the Fund.
18 Western Asset Municipal Partners Fund II Inc. 2007 Annual Report
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
8. Recent Accounting Pronouncements
During June 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued FASB Interpretation 48 (FIN 48 or the Interpretation), Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes an interpretation of FASB Statement 109. FIN 48 supplements FASB Statement 109, Accounting for Income Taxes, by defining the confidence level that a tax position must meet in order to be recognized in the financial statements. FIN 48 prescribes a comprehensive model for how a fund should recognize, measure, present, and disclose in its financial statements uncertain tax positions that the fund has taken or expects to take on a tax return. FIN 48 requires that the tax effects of a position be recognized only if it is more likely than not to be sustained based solely on its technical merits. Management must be able to conclude that the tax law, regulations, case law, and other objective information regarding the technical merits sufficiently support the positions sustainability with a likelihood of more than 50 percent. FIN 48 is effective for fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2006, which for this Fund will be July 1, 2007. At adoption, the financial statements must be adjusted to reflect only those tax positions that are more likely than not to be sustained as of the adoption date. Management of the Fund has determined that adopting FIN 48 will not have a material impact on the Funds financial statements.
9. Recent Developments
On May 21, 2007, the United States Supreme Court agreed to hear an appeal in Department of Revenue of Kentucky v. Davis, a case concerning the validity of statutes that create a state tax exemption for interest from municipal securities. The Kentucky Court of Appeals had held that Kentuckys statute, which provided an exemption for interest earned on municipal securities of Kentucky issuers while taxing interest earned on municipal securities of issuers in other states, violated the Interstate Commerce Clause of the United States Constitution. If the Supreme Court were to adopt the reasoning of the Kentucky Court of Appeals, its decision would affect the state tax status of fund distributions. It is unclear how such a decision would affect the market for municipal securities, but it could adversely affect the value of securities held by the Fund, and therefore of the Funds shares. Such a decision could also prompt legislation at the state level that would have further impacts upon the taxability of Fund distributions and upon the market for municipal securities.
10. Subsequent Event
On July 23, 2007, the Fund announced the completion of the merger of Western Asset Municipal Partners Fund II Inc. with and into Western Asset Municipal Partners Fund Inc. Effective with the opening of business on July 23, 2007, shareholders of Western Asset Municipal Partners Fund II Inc., (which previously traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol MPT) became shareholders of Western Asset Municipal Partners Inc. (MNP). Each share of common stock of MPT converted into an equivalent dollar amount of full shares of common stock of MNP. The conversion ratio was calculated at 0.973323. MNP did not issue any fractional shares to MPT common shareholders. In lieu thereof, MNP purchased all fractional shares at the current net asset value of the shares and remitted the cash proceeds to former MPT common shareholders in the proportion of their fractional shares. In addition, each outstanding share of MPT Auction Rate Preferred Stock, Series M converted into one full share of MNP Auction Rate Preferred Stock, Series M.
Western Asset Municipal Partners Fund II Inc. 2007 Annual Report 19
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors and Shareholders
Western Asset Municipal Partners Fund II Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the schedule of investments, of Western Asset Municipal Partners Fund II Inc. (formerly Salomon Brothers Municipal Partners Fund II Inc.) as of June 30, 2007, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, and the statements of changes in net assets and the financial highlights for each of the years in the two-year period then ended. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Funds management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits. The financial highlights for each of the years in the three-year period then ended June 30, 2005 were audited by other independent registered public accountants whose report thereon, dated August 22, 2005, expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial highlights.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of June 30, 2007, by correspondence with the custodian. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Western Asset Municipal Partners Fund II Inc. as of June 30, 2007, and the results of its operations for the year then ended, and the changes in its net assets and the financial highlights for each of the years in the two-year period then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
|
|
New
York, New York
August 24, 2007
20 Western Asset Municipal Partners Fund II Inc. 2007 Annual Report
Additional Information (unaudited)
Information about Directors and Officers
The business and affairs of Western Asset Municipal Partners Fund II Inc. (formerly known as Salomon Brothers Municipal Partners Fund II Inc.) (Fund) are managed under the direction of the Board of Directors. Information pertaining to the Directors and Officers of the Fund is set forth below.
Name, Address and Birth Year |
|
Position(s) |
|
Term of |
|
Principal |
|
Portfolios |
|
Other Board |
|
Non-Interested Directors: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Carol L.
Colman |
|
Director and Member of the Nominating and Audit Committees, Class II |
|
Since |
|
President, Colman Consulting Co. |
|
23 |
|
None |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Daniel P.
Cronin |
|
Director and Member of the Nominating and Audit Committees, Class III |
|
Since |
|
Formerly, Associate General Counsel, Pfizer Inc. |
|
23 |
|
None |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Paolo M.
Cucchi |
|
Director and Member of the Nominating and Audit Committees, Class II |
|
Since |
|
Vice President and Dean of College of Liberal Arts at Drew University |
|
23 |
|
None |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Leslie H.
Gelb c/o |
|
Director and Member of the Nominating and Audit Committees, Class I |
|
Since |
|
President, Emeritus and Senior Board Fellow, The Council on Foreign Relations; Formerly, Columnist, Deputy Editorial Page Editor and Editor, Op-Ed Page, The New York Times |
|
21 |
|
Director of two registered investment companies advised by Blackstone Asia Advisers, L.L.C. (Blackstone Advisors) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
William R.
Hutchinson |
|
Director and Member of the Nominating and Audit Committees, Class I |
|
Since |
|
President, W.R. Hutchinson & Associates Inc.; Formerly, Group Vice President, Mergers and Acquisitions, BP Amoco p.l.c. |
|
23 |
|
Associated Banc-Corp. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dr. Riordan
Roett |
|
Director and Member of the Nominating and Audit Committees, Class I |
|
Since |
|
Professor and Director, Latin American Studies Program, Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies, The Johns Hopkins University |
|
21 |
|
None |
|
Western Asset Municipal Partners Fund II Inc. 21
Additional Information (unaudited) (continued)
Name, Address and Birth Year |
|
Position(s) |
|
Term of |
|
Principal |
|
Number of |
|
Other Board |
|
Jeswald W.
Salacuse |
|
Director and Member of the Nominating and Audit Committees, Class III |
|
Since |
|
Henry J. Braker Professor of Commercial Law and Formerly, Dean, The Fletcher School of Law & Diplomacy, Tufts University |
|
19 |
|
Director of two registered investment companies advised by Blackstone Advisors |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interested Director: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
R. Jay
Gerken, CFA(2) |
|
Director, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Class II |
|
Since |
|
Managing Director of Legg Mason; Chairman of the Board and Trustee/Director of 151 funds associated with Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisor, LLC (LMPFA) and its affiliates; President of LMPFA (since 2006); Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of certain mutual funds associated with Legg Mason or its affiliates; Formerly, Chairman, Smith Barney Fund Management LLC (SBFM) and Citi Fund Management Inc. (CFM) (from 2002 to 2005) Formerly, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Travelers Investment Advisers Inc. (2002 to 2005) |
|
134 |
|
Trustee, Consulting Group Capital Markets Funds (from 2002 to 2006) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Officers: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Kaprel
Ozsolak |
|
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer |
|
Since |
|
Director of Legg Mason; Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of certain mutual funds associated with Legg Mason; Formerly, Controller of certain mutual funds associated with certain predecessor firms of Legg Mason (from 2002 to 2004) |
|
N/A |
|
N/A |
|
22 Western Asset Municipal Partners Fund II Inc.
Additional Information (unaudited) (continued)
Name, Address and Birth Year |
|
Position(s) |
|
Term of |
|
Principal |
|
Number of |
|
Other Board |
|
Ted P.
Becker |
|
Chief Compliance Officer |
|
Since |
|
Director of Global Compliance at Legg Mason (since 2006); Managing Director of Compliance at Legg Mason (since 2005); Chief Compliance Officer with certain mutual funds associated with Legg Mason (since 2006); Managing Director of Compliance at Legg Mason or its predecessors (from 2002 to 2005). Prior to 2002, Managing Director Internal Audit & Risk Review at Citigroup Inc. |
|
N/A |
|
N/A |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Robert I.
Frenkel |
|
Secretary and Chief Legal Officer |
|
Since |
|
Managing Director and General Counsel of Global Mutual Funds for Legg Mason and its predecessors (since 1994); Secretary and Chief Legal Officer of mutual funds associated with Legg Mason (since 2003); Formerly, Secretary of CFM (from 2001 to 2004) |
|
N/A |
|
N/A |
|
(1) The Funds Board of Directors is divided into three classes: Class I, Class II and Class III. The terms of office of the Class I, II and III Directors expire at the Annual Meetings of Stockholders in the year 2009, year 2008 and year 2007, respectively, or thereafter in each case when their respective successors are duly elected and qualified. The Funds executive officers are chosen each year by the Funds Board of Directors to hold office for a one-year term and until their successors are duly elected and qualified.
(2) Mr. Gerken is an interested person of the Fund as defined in the 1940 Act as amended, because Mr. Gerken is an officer of LMPFA and certain of its affiliates.
Western Asset Municipal Partners Fund II Inc. 23
Annual Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Certifications (unaudited)
The Funds CEO has submitted to the NYSE the required annual certification and, the Fund also has included the Certifications of the Funds CEO and CFO required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act in the Funds Form N-CSR filed with the SEC, for the period of this report.
24 Western Asset Municipal Partners Fund II Inc.
Additional Shareholder Information (unaudited)
Results of a Special Meeting of Shareholders
On June 15, 2007, a Special Meeting of Shareholders was held to approve the merger of Western Asset Municipal Partners II Inc. (MPT) with and into Western Asset Municipal Partners Inc. (MNP). The following table provides the number of votes cast for, against or withheld, as well as the number of abstentions and broker non-votes as to the matter voted on at the Special Meeting of Shareholders.
Approval of Merger
Item Voted On |
|
Common and |
|
Common and |
|
Common and |
|
Broker Non-Votes |
|
Merger |
|
3,394,679 |
|
44,481 |
|
27,358 |
|
|
|
Western Asset Municipal Partners Fund II Inc. 25
Important Tax Information (unaudited)
All of the net investment income distributions paid monthly by the Fund during the taxable year ended June 30, 2007 qualify as tax-exempt interest dividends for Federal income tax purposes.
Please retain this information for your records.
26 Western Asset Municipal Partners Fund II Inc.
|
Western Asset Municipal |
|
|
|
|
|
DIRECTORS |
WESTERN ASSET |
|
Carol L. Colman |
MUNICIPAL PARTNERS FUND II INC. |
|
Daniel P. Cronin |
125 Broad Street |
|
Paolo M. Cucchi |
10th Floor, MF-2 |
|
Leslie H. Gelb |
New York, New York 10004 |
|
|
|
|
R. Jay Gerken, CFA |
INVESTMENT MANAGER |
|
Chairman |
Legg Mason Partners Fund |
|
William R. Hutchinson |
Advisor, LLC |
|
|
|
|
Dr. Riordan Roett |
SUBADVISER |
|
Jeswald W. Salacuse |
Western Asset Management |
|
|
Company |
|
OFFICERS |
|
|
R. Jay Gerken, CFA |
CUSTODIAN |
|
President and |
State Street Bank and |
|
Chief Executive Officer |
Trust Company |
|
|
225 Franklin Street |
|
Kaprel Ozsolak |
Boston, Massachusetts 02110 |
|
Chief Financial Officer and |
|
|
Treasurer |
TRANSFER AGENT |
|
|
American Stock Transfer & |
|
Ted P. Becker |
Trust Company |
|
Chief Compliance Officer |
59 Maiden Lane |
|
|
New York, New York 10038 |
|
Robert I. Frenkel |
|
|
Secretary and |
AUCTION AGENT |
|
Chief Legal Officer |
Deutsche Bank AG |
|
|
60 Wall Street |
|
|
New York, NY 10005 |
|
|
|
|
|
INDEPENDENT |
|
|
REGISTERED PUBLIC |
|
|
ACCOUNTING FIRM |
|
|
KPMG LLP |
|
|
345 Park Avenue |
|
|
New York, New York 10154 |
|
|
|
|
|
LEGAL COUNSEL |
|
|
Simpson Thacher & |
|
|
Bartlett LLP |
|
|
425 Lexington Avenue |
|
|
New York, New York 10017 |
|
|
|
|
|
NEW YORK STOCK |
|
|
EXCHANGE SYMBOL |
|
|
MPT |
This
report is transmitted to the shareholders of Western Asset Municipal Partners
Fund II Inc. for their information. This is not a prospectus, circular or
representation intended for use in the purchase of shares of the Fund or any
securities mentioned in this report.
|
|
Western Asset Municipal |
ITEM 2. |
|
CODE OF ETHICS. |
|
|
|
|
|
The registrant has adopted a code of ethics that applies to the registrants principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller. |
|
|
|
ITEM 3. |
|
AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT. |
|
|
|
|
|
The Board of Trustees of the registrant has determined that William R. Hutchinson, a member of the Boards Audit Committee, possesses the technical attributes identified in Instruction 2(b) of Item 3 to Form N-CSR to qualify as an audit committee financial expert, and has designated Mr. Hutchinson as the Audit Committees financial expert. Mr. Hutchinson is an independent Trustee pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of Item 3 to Form N-CSR. |
|
|
|
ITEM 4. |
|
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES. |
|
|
|
a) Audit Fees. The aggregate fees billed in the last two fiscal years ending June 30, 2006 and June 30, 2007 (the Reporting Periods) for professional services rendered by the Registrants principal accountant (the Auditor) for the audit of the Registrants annual financial statements, or services that are normally provided by the Auditor in connection with the statutory and regulatory filings or engagements for the Reporting Periods, were $40,000 in 2006 performed by PwC and $42,000 in 2007 performed by KPMG. b) Audit-Related Fees. The aggregate fees billed in the Reporting Period for assurance and related services by the Auditor that are reasonably related to the performance of the Registrants financial statements were $8,255 in 2006 and $8,400 in 2007. These services consisted of procedures performed in connection with the review of Form N-14 (including pro-forma financial statements) and issuance of consent letter dated March 9, 2007. In addition, there were no Audit-Related Fees billed in the Reporting Period for assurance and related services by the Auditor to the Registrants investment adviser (not including any sub-adviser whose role is primarily portfolio management and is subcontracted with or overseen by another investment adviser), and any entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with the investment adviser that provides ongoing services to the Western Asset Municipal Partners Fund II Inc. (service affiliates), that were reasonably related to the performance of the annual audit of the service affiliates. Accordingly, there were no such fees that required pre-approval by the Audit Committee for the Reporting Periods (prior to May 6, 2003 services provided by the Auditor were not required to be pre-approved). (c) Tax Fees. The aggregate fees billed in the Reporting Periods for professional services rendered by PwC and KPMG for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning (Tax Services) were $3,063 in 2006 performed by PwC and $2,650 in 2007 performed by KPMG. These services consisted of (i) review or preparation of U.S. federal, state, local and excise tax returns; (ii) U.S. federal, state and local tax planning, advice and assistance regarding statutory, regulatory or administrative developments, and (iii) tax advice regarding tax qualification matters and/or treatment of various financial instruments held or proposed to be acquired or held. There were no fees billed for tax services by the Auditors to service affiliates during the Reporting Periods that required pre-approval by the Audit Committee. d) All Other Fees. There were no other fees billed in the Reporting Periods for products and services provided by the Auditor, other than the services reported in paragraphs (a) through (c) of this Item for the Western Asset Municipal Partners Fund II Inc. All Other Fees. There were no other non-audit services rendered by the Auditor to Smith Barney Fund Management LLC (SBFM), and any entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with SBFM that provided ongoing services to Western Asset Municipal Partners Fund II Inc. requiring pre-approval by the Audit Committee in the Reporting Period. (e) Audit Committees pre-approval policies and procedures described in paragraph (c) (7) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X. (1) The Charter for the Audit Committee (the Committee) of the Board of each registered investment company (the Fund) advised by Smith Barney Fund Management LLC or Salomon Brothers Asset Management Inc. or one of their affiliates (each, an Adviser) requires that the Committee shall approve (a) all audit and permissible non-audit services to be provided to the Fund and (b) all permissible non-audit services to be provided by the Funds independent auditors to the Adviser and |
any Covered Service Providers if the engagement relates directly to the operations and financial reporting of the Fund. The Committee may implement policies and procedures by which such services are approved other than by the full Committee. The Committee shall not approve non-audit services that the Committee believes may impair the independence of the auditors. As of the date of the approval of this Audit Committee Charter, permissible non-audit services include any professional services (including tax services), that are not prohibited services as described below, provided to the Fund by the independent auditors, other than those provided to the Fund in connection with an audit or a review of the financial statements of the Fund. Permissible non-audit services may not include: (i) bookkeeping or other services related to the accounting records or financial statements of the Fund; (ii) financial information systems design and implementation; (iii) appraisal or valuation services, fairness opinions or contribution-in-kind reports; (iv) actuarial services; (v) internal audit outsourcing services; (vi) management functions or human resources; (vii) broker or dealer, investment adviser or investment banking services; (viii) legal services and expert services unrelated to the audit; and (ix) any other service the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board determines, by regulation, is impermissible. Pre-approval by the Committee of any permissible non-audit services is not required so long as: (i) the aggregate amount of all such permissible non-audit services provided to the Fund, the Adviser and any service providers controlling, controlled by or under common control with the Adviser that provide ongoing services to the Fund (Covered Service Providers) constitutes not more than 5% of the total amount of revenues paid to the independent auditors during the fiscal year in which the permissible non-audit services are provided to (a) the Fund, (b) the Adviser and (c) any entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with the Adviser that provides ongoing services to the Fund during the fiscal year in which the services are provided that would have to be approved by the Committee; (ii) the permissible non-audit services were not recognized by the Fund at the time of the engagement to be non-audit services; and (iii) such services are promptly brought to the attention of the Committee and approved by the Committee (or its delegate(s)) prior to the completion of the audit. (2) For the Western Asset Municipal Partners Fund II Inc., the percentage of fees that were approved by the audit committee, with respect to: Audit-Related Fees were 100% and 0% for 2006 and 2007; Tax Fees were 100% and 0% for 2006 and 2007; and Other Fees were 100% and 0% for 2006 and 2007. (f) N/A (g) Non-audit fees billed by the Auditor for services rendered to Western Asset Municipal Partners Fund II Inc. and CAM and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with CAM that provides ongoing services to Western Asset Municipal Partners Fund II Inc. during the reporting period were $0 in 2007. (h) Yes. Western Asset Municipal Partners Fund II Inc.s Audit Committee has considered whether the provision of non-audit services that were rendered to Service Affiliates, which were not pre-approved (not requiring pre-approval), is compatible with maintaining the Accountants independence. All services provided by the Auditor to the Western Asset Municipal Partners Fund II Inc. or to Service Affiliates, which were required to be pre-approved, were pre-approved as required. |
ITEM 5. |
|
AUDIT COMMITTEE OF LISTED REGISTRANTS. |
|
|
|
|
|
a) Registrant has a separately-designated standing Audit Committee established in accordance with Section 3(a) 58(A) of the Exchange Act. The Audit Committee consists of the following Board members: |
|
|
|
|
|
William R. Hutchinson |
|
|
Paolo M. Cucchi |
|
|
Daniel P. Cronin |
|
|
Carol L. Colman |
|
|
Leslie H. Gelb |
|
|
Dr. Riordan Roett |
|
|
Jeswald W. Salacuse |
|
|
|
ITEM 6. |
|
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS. |
|
|
|
|
|
Included herein under Item 1. |
|
|
|
ITEM 7. |
|
DISCLOSURE OF PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES. |
Proxy Voting Guidelines and Procedures
Although individual trustees may not agree with particular policies or votes by the manager or subadvisers, the Board has delegated proxy voting discretion to the manager and/or the subadvisers, believing that the manager and/or the subadvisers should be responsible for voting because it is a matter relating to the investment decision making process. LMPFA delegates the responsibility for voting proxies for the fund to the subadvisers through its contracts with the subadvisers. The subadvisers will use their own proxy voting policies and procedures to vote proxies. Accordingly, LMPFA does not expect to have proxy-voting responsibility for the fund. Should LMPFA become responsible for voting proxies for any reason, such as the inability of a subadviser to provide investment advisory services, LMPFA shall utilize the proxy voting guidelines established by the most recent subadviser to vote proxies until a new subadviser is retained. In the case of a material conflict between the interests of LMPFA (or its affiliates if such conflict is known to persons responsible for voting at LMPFA) and the fund, the board of trustees of LMPFA shall consider how to address the conflict and/or how to vote the proxies. LMPFA shall maintain records of all proxy votes in accordance with applicable securities laws and regulations, to the extent that LMPFA votes proxies. LMPFA shall be responsible for gathering relevant documents and records related to proxy voting from the subadvisers and providing them to the fund as required for the fund to comply with applicable rules under the 1940 Act. The subadvisers Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures govern in determining how proxies relating to the funds portfolio securities are voted and are attached as Appendix A to this SAI. Information regarding how each fund voted proxies (if any) relating to
portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available without charge (1) by calling 888-425-6432, (2) on the funds website at http://www.leggmason.com/ InvestorServices and (3) on the SECs website at http://www.sec.gov.
Background
An investment adviser is required to adopt and implement policies and procedures that we believe are reasonably designed to ensure that proxies are voted in the best interest of clients, in accordance with fiduciary duties and SEC Rule 206(4)-6 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (Advisers Act). The authority to vote the proxies of our clients is established through investment management agreements or comparable documents. In addition to SEC requirements governing advisers, long-standing fiduciary standards and responsibilities have been established for ERISA accounts. Unless a manager of ERISA assets has been expressly precluded from voting proxies, the Department of Labor has determined that the responsibility for these votes lies with the investment manager.
Policy
As a fixed income only manager, the occasion to vote proxies is very rare. However, the Firm has adopted and implemented policies and procedures that we believe are reasonably designed to ensure that proxies are voted in the best interest of clients, in accordance with our fiduciary duties and SEC Rule 206(4)-6 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (Advisers Act). In addition to SEC requirements governing advisers, our proxy voting policies reflect the long-standing fiduciary standards and responsibilities for ERISA accounts. Unless a manager of ERISA assets has been expressly precluded from voting proxies, the Department of Labor has determined that the responsibility for these votes lies with the Investment Manager.
While the guidelines included in the procedures are intended to provide a benchmark for voting standards, each vote is ultimately cast on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration the Firms contractual obligations to our clients and all other relevant facts and circumstances at the time of the vote (such that these guidelines may be overridden to the extent the Firm deems appropriate).
In exercising its voting authority, Western Asset will not consult or enter into agreements with officers, directors or employees of Legg Mason Inc. or any of its affiliates (other than Western Asset Management Company Limited) regarding the voting of any securities owned by its clients.
Procedure
Responsibility and Oversight
The Western Asset Legal and Compliance Department (Compliance Department) is responsible for administering and overseeing the proxy voting process. The gathering of proxies is coordinated through the Corporate Actions area of Investment Support (Corporate Actions). Research analysts and portfolio managers are responsible for determining appropriate voting positions on each proxy utilizing any applicable guidelines contained in these procedures.
Client Authority
At account start-up, or upon amendment of an IMA, the applicable client IMA are similarly reviewed. If an agreement is silent on proxy voting, but contains an overall delegation of discretionary authority or if the account represents assets of an ERISA plan, Western Asset will assume responsibility for proxy voting. The Client Account Transition Team maintains a matrix of proxy voting authority.
Proxy Gathering
Registered owners of record, client custodians, client banks and trustees (Proxy Recipients) that receive proxy materials on behalf of clients should forward them to Corporate Actions. Proxy Recipients for new clients (or, if Western Asset becomes aware that the applicable Proxy Recipient for an existing client has changed, the Proxy Recipient for the existing client) are notified at start-up of appropriate routing to Corporate Actions of proxy materials received and reminded of their responsibility to forward all proxy materials on a timely basis. If Western Asset personnel other than Corporate Actions receive proxy materials, they should promptly forward the materials to Corporate Actions.
Proxy Voting
Once proxy materials are received by Corporate Actions, they are forwarded to the Legal and Compliance Department for coordination and the following actions:
a. Proxies are reviewed to determine accounts impacted.
b. Impacted accounts are checked to confirm Western Asset voting authority.
c. Legal and Compliance Department staff reviews proxy issues to determine any material conflicts of interest. (See conflicts of interest section of these procedures for further information on determining material conflicts of interest.)
d. If a material conflict of interest exists, (i) to the extent reasonably practicable and permitted by applicable law, the client is promptly notified, the conflict is disclosed and Western Asset obtains the clients proxy voting instructions, and (ii) to the extent that it is not reasonably practicable or permitted by applicable law to notify the client and obtain such instructions (e.g., the client is a mutual fund or other commingled vehicle or is an ERISA plan client), Western Asset seeks voting instructions from an independent third party.
e. Legal and Compliance Department staff provides proxy material to the appropriate research analyst or portfolio manager to obtain their recommended vote. Research analysts and portfolio managers determine votes on a case-by-case basis taking into account the voting guidelines contained in these procedures. For avoidance of doubt, depending on the best interest of each individual client, Western Asset may vote the same proxy differently for different clients. The analysts or portfolio managers basis for their decision is documented and maintained by the Legal and Compliance Department.
f. Legal and Compliance Department staff votes the proxy pursuant to the instructions received in (d) or (e) and returns the voted proxy as indicated in the proxy materials.
Timing Western Asset personnel act in such a manner to ensure that, absent special circumstances, the proxy gathering and proxy voting steps noted above can be completed before the applicable deadline for returning proxy votes.
Recordkeeping
Western Asset maintains records of proxies voted pursuant to Section 204-2 of the Advisers Act and ERISA DOL Bulletin 94-2. These records include:
a. A copy of Western Assets policies and procedures.
b. Copies of proxy statements received regarding client securities.
c. A copy of any document created by Western Asset that was material to making a decision how to vote proxies.
d. Each written client request for proxy voting records and Western Assets written response to both verbal and written client requests.
e. A proxy log including:
1. Issuer name;
2. Exchange ticker symbol of the issuers shares to be voted;
3. Council on Uniform Securities Identification Procedures (CUSIP) number for the shares to be voted;
4. A brief identification of the matter voted on;
5. Whether the matter was proposed by the issuer or by a shareholder of the issuer;
6. Whether a vote was cast on the matter;
7. A record of how the vote was cast; and
8. Whether the vote was cast for or against the recommendation of the issuers management team.
Records are maintained in an easily accessible place for five years, the first two in Western Assets offices.
Disclosure
Western Assets proxy policies are described in the firms Part II of Form ADV. Clients will be provided a copy of these policies and procedures upon request. In addition, upon request, clients may receive reports on how their proxies have been voted.
Conflicts of Interest
All proxies are reviewed by the Legal and Compliance Department for material conflicts of interest. Issues to be reviewed include, but are not limited to:
1. Whether Western (or, to the extent required to be considered by applicable law, its affiliates) manages assets for the company or an employee group of the company or otherwise has an interest in the company;
2. Whether Western or an officer or director of Western or the applicable portfolio manager or analyst responsible for recommending the proxy vote (together, Voting Persons) is a close relative of or has a personal or business relationship with an executive, director or person who is a candidate for director of the company or is a participant in a proxy contest; and
3. Whether there is any other business or personal relationship where a Voting Person has a personal interest in the outcome of the matter before shareholders.
Voting Guidelines
Western Assets substantive voting decisions turn on the particular facts and circumstances of each proxy vote and are evaluated by the designated research analyst or portfolio manager. The examples outlined below are meant as guidelines to aid in the decision making process.
Guidelines are grouped according to the types of proposals generally presented to shareholders. Part I deals with proposals which have been approved and are recommended by a companys board of directors; Part II deals with proposals submitted by shareholders for inclusion in proxy statements; Part III addresses issues relating to voting shares of investment companies; and Part IV addresses unique considerations pertaining to foreign issuers.
I. Board Approved Proposals
The vast majority of matters presented to shareholders for a vote involve proposals made by a company itself that have been approved and recommended by its board of directors. In view of the enhanced corporate governance practices currently being implemented in public companies, Western Asset generally votes in support of decisions reached by independent boards of directors. More specific guidelines related to certain board-approved proposals are as follows:
1. Matters relating to the Board of Directors
Western Asset votes proxies for the election of the companys nominees for directors and for board-approved proposals on other matters relating to the board of directors with the following exceptions:
a. Votes are withheld for the entire board of directors if the board does not have a majority of independent directors or the board does not have nominating, audit and compensation committees composed solely of independent directors.
b. Votes are withheld for any nominee for director who is considered an independent director by the company and who has received compensation from the company other than for service as a director.
c. Votes are withheld for any nominee for director who attends less than 75% of board and committee meetings without valid reasons for absences.
d. Votes are cast on a case-by-case basis in contested elections of directors.
2. Matters relating to Executive Compensation
Western Asset generally favors compensation programs that relate executive compensation to a companys long-term performance. Votes are cast on a case-by-case basis on board-approved proposals relating to executive compensation, except as follows:
a. Except where the firm is otherwise withholding votes for the entire board of directors, Western Asset votes for stock option plans that will result in a minimal annual dilution.
b. Western Asset votes against stock option plans or proposals that permit replacing or repricing of underwater options.
c. Western Asset votes against stock option plans that permit issuance of options with an exercise price below the stocks current market price.
d. Except where the firm is otherwise withholding votes for the entire board of directors, Western Asset votes for employee stock purchase plans that limit the discount for shares purchased under the plan to no more than 15% of their market value, have an offering period of 27 months or less and result in dilution of 10% or less.
3. Matters relating to Capitalization
The management of a companys capital structure involves a number of important issues, including cash flows, financing needs and market conditions that are unique to the circumstances of each company. As a result, Western Asset votes on a case-by-case basis on board-approved proposals involving changes to a companys capitalization except where Western Asset is otherwise withholding votes for the entire board of directors.
a. Western Asset votes for proposals relating to the authorization of additional common stock.
b. Western Asset votes for proposals to effect stock splits (excluding reverse stock splits).
c. Western Asset votes for proposals authorizing share repurchase programs.
4. Matters relating to Acquisitions, Mergers, Reorganizations and Other Transactions
Western Asset votes these issues on a case-by-case basis on board-approved transactions.
5. Matters relating to Anti-Takeover Measures
Western Asset votes against board-approved proposals to adopt anti-takeover measures except as follows:
a. Western Asset votes on a case-by-case basis on proposals to ratify or approve shareholder rights plans.
b. Western Asset votes on a case-by-case basis on proposals to adopt fair price provisions.
6. Other Business Matters
Western Asset votes for board-approved proposals approving such routine business matters such as changing the companys name, ratifying the appointment of auditors and procedural matters relating to the shareholder meeting.
a. Western Asset votes on a case-by-case basis on proposals to amend a companys charter or bylaws.
b. Western Asset votes against authorization to transact other unidentified, substantive business at the meeting.
II. Shareholder Proposals
SEC regulations permit shareholders to submit proposals for inclusion in a companys proxy statement. These proposals generally seek to change some aspect of a companys corporate governance structure or to change some aspect of its business operations. Western Asset votes in accordance with the recommendation of the companys board of directors on all shareholder proposals, except as follows:
1. Western Asset votes for shareholder proposals to require shareholder approval of shareholder rights plans.
2. Western Asset votes for shareholder proposals that are consistent with Western Assets proxy voting guidelines for board-approved proposals.
3. Western Asset votes on a case-by-case basis on other shareholder proposals where the firm is otherwise withholding votes for the entire board of directors.
III. Voting Shares of Investment Companies
Western Asset may utilize shares of open or closed-end investment companies to implement its investment strategies. Shareholder votes for investment companies that fall within the categories listed in Parts I and II above are voted in accordance with those guidelines.
1. Western Asset votes on a case-by-case basis on proposals relating to changes in the investment objectives of an investment company taking into account the original intent of the fund and the role the fund plays in the clients portfolios.
2. Western Asset votes on a case-by-case basis all proposals that would result in increases in expenses (e.g., proposals to adopt 12b-1 plans, alter investment advisory arrangements or approve fund mergers) taking into account comparable expenses for similar funds and the services to be provided.
IV. Voting Shares of Foreign Issuers
In the event Western Asset is required to vote on securities held in non-U.S. issuers i.e. issuers that are incorporated under the laws of a foreign jurisdiction and that are not listed on a U.S. securities exchange or the NASDAQ stock market, the following guidelines are used, which are premised on the existence of a sound corporate governance and disclosure framework. These guidelines, however, may not be appropriate under some circumstances for foreign issuers and therefore apply only where applicable.
1. Western Asset votes for shareholder proposals calling for a majority of the directors to be independent of management.
2. Western Asset votes for shareholder proposals seeking to increase the independence of board nominating, audit and compensation committees.
3. Western Asset votes for shareholder proposals that implement corporate governance standards similar to those established under U.S. federal law and the listing requirements of U.S. stock exchanges, and that do not otherwise violate the laws of the jurisdiction under which the company is incorporated.
4. Western Asset votes on a case-by-case basis on proposals relating to (1) the issuance of common stock in excess of 20% of a companys outstanding common stock where shareholders do not have preemptive rights, or (2) the issuance of common stock in excess of 100% of a companys outstanding common stock where shareholders have preemptive rights.
ITEM 8. |
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PORTFOLIO MANAGERS OF CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES. |
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(a)(1): |
NAME AND ADDRESS |
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LENGTH OF |
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PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S) DURING |
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S.
Kenneth Leech Western
Asset |
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Since 2006 |
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Co-portfolio manager of the fund; Chief Investment Officer of Western Asset since 1998. |
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Stephen
A. Walsh Western Asset |
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Since 2006 |
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Co-portfolio manager of the fund; Deputy Chief Investment Officer of Western Asset since 2000. |
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Robert
E. Amodeo Western Asset
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Since 2007 |
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Co-portfolio manager of the fund; Portfolio Manager of Western Asset; investment officer of certain other investment companies associated with Legg Mason or its affiliates. |
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Joseph
P. Deane Western Asset |
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Since 1993 |
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Co-portfolio manager of the fund; Portfolio Manager of Western Asset; investment officer of certain other investment companies associated with Legg Mason or its affiliates. |
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David
T. Fare Western Asset |
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Since 2004 |
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Co-portfolio manager of the fund; Portfolio Manager of Western Asset; investment officer of certain other investment companies associated with Legg Mason or its affiliates. |
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(a)(2): DATA TO BE PROVIDED BY FINANCIAL CONTROL |
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The following tables set forth certain additional information with respect to the funds portfolio managers for the fund. Unless noted otherwise, all information is provided as of June 30 , 2007. |
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Other Accounts Managed by Portfolio Managers |
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The table below identifies the number of accounts (other than the fund) for |
which the funds portfolio managers have day-to-day management responsibilities and the total assets in such accounts, within each of the following categories: registered investment companies, other pooled investment vehicles, and other accounts. For each category, the number of accounts and total assets in the accounts where fees are based on performance is also indicated.
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Other Pooled |
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Other |
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S. Kenneth Leech |
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114 registered investment companies with $108.8 billion in total assets under management |
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128 Other pooled investment vehicles with $191.01 billion in assets under management |
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982 Other accounts with $284.05 billion in total assets under management* |
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Stephen A. Walsh |
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114 registered investment companies with $108.8 billion in total assets under management |
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128 Other pooled investment vehicles with $191.01 billion in assets under management |
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982 Other accounts with $284.05 billion in total assets under management* |
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Robert E. Amodeo |
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24 registered investment companies with $19.5 billion in total assets under management |
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1 Other pooled investment vehicle with $7.9 billion in assets under management |
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22 Other accounts with $1.9 billion in total assets under management** |
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Joseph P. Deane |
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24 registered investment companies with $19.5 billion in total assets under management |
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1 Other pooled investment vehicle with $7.9 billion in assets under management |
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22 Other accounts with $1.9 billion in total assets under management** |
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David T. Fare |
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24 registered investment companies with $19.5 billion in total assets under management |
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1 Other pooled investment vehicle with $7.9 billion in assets under management |
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22 Other accounts with $1.9 billion in total assets under management** |
* Includes 99 accounts managed, totaling $33.7 billion, for which advisory fee is performance based.
** Includes 1 account managed, totaling $329.4 million, for which advisory fee is performance based.
The numbers above reflect the overall number of portfolios managed by employees of Western Asset Management Company (Western Asset). Mr. Leech and Mr. Walsh are involved in the management of all the Firms portfolios, but they are not solely responsible for particular portfolios. Western Assets investment discipline emphasizes a team approach that combines the efforts of groups of specialists working in different market sectors. They are responsible for overseeing implementation of Western Assets overall investment ideas and coordinating the work of the various sector teams. This structure ensures that client portfolios benefit from a consensus that draws on the expertise of all team members.
(a)(3): Portfolio Manager Compensation
With respect to the compensation of the portfolio managers, the Advisers compensation system assigns each employee a total compensation target and a respective cap, which are derived from annual market surveys that benchmark each role with their job function and peer
universe. This method is designed to reward employees with total compensation reflective of the external market value of their skills, experience, and ability to produce desired results.
Standard compensation includes competitive base salaries, generous employee benefits, and a retirement plan.
In addition, employees are eligible for bonuses. These are structured to closely align the interests of employees with those of the Advisers, and are determined by the professionals job function and performance as measured by a formal review process. All bonuses are completely discretionary. One of the principal factors considered is a portfolio managers investment performance versus appropriate peer groups and benchmarks. Because portfolio managers are generally responsible for multiple accounts (including the Portfolio) with similar investment strategies, they are compensated on the performance of the aggregate group of similar accounts, rather than a specific account. A smaller portion of a bonus payment is derived from factors that include client service, business development, length of service to the Adviser, management or supervisory responsibilities, contributions to developing business strategy and overall contributions to the Advisers business.
Finally, in order to attract and retain top talent, all professionals are eligible for additional incentives in recognition of outstanding performance. These are determined based upon the factors described above and include Legg Mason, Inc. stock options and long-term incentives that vest over a set period of time past the award date.
Potential Conflicts of Interest
Potential conflicts of interest may arise in connection with the management of multiple accounts (including accounts managed in a personal capacity). These could include potential conflicts of interest related to the knowledge and timing of a Portfolios trades, investment opportunities and broker selection. Portfolio managers may be privy to the size, timing and possible market impact of a Portfolios trades.
It is possible that an investment opportunity may be suitable for both a Portfolio and other accounts managed by a portfolio manager, but may not be available in sufficient quantities for both the Portfolio and the other accounts to participate fully. Similarly, there may be limited opportunity to sell an investment held by a Portfolio and another account. A conflict may arise where the portfolio manager may have an incentive to treat an account preferentially as compared to a Portfolio because the account pays a performance-based fee or the portfolio manager, the Advisers or an affiliate has an interest in the account. The Advisers have adopted procedures for allocation of portfolio transactions and investment opportunities across multiple client accounts on a fair and equitable basis over time. All eligible accounts that can participate in a trade share the same price on a pro-rata allocation basis in an attempt to mitigate any conflict of interest. Trades are allocated among similarly managed accounts to maintain consistency of portfolio strategy, taking into account cash availability, investment restrictions and guidelines, and portfolio composition versus strategy.
With respect to securities transactions for the Portfolios, the Advisers determine which broker or dealer to use to execute each order, consistent with their duty to seek best execution of the transaction. However, with respect to certain other accounts (such as pooled investment vehicles that are not registered investment companies and other accounts managed for organizations and individuals), the Advisers may be limited by the client with respect to the selection of brokers or dealers or may be instructed to direct trades through a particular broker or dealer. In these cases, trades for a Portfolio in a particular security may be placed
separately from, rather than aggregated with, such other accounts. Having separate transactions with respect to a security may temporarily affect the market price of the security or the execution of the transaction, or both, to the possible detriment of a Portfolio or the other account(s) involved. Additionally, the management of multiple Portfolios and/or other accounts may result in a portfolio manager devoting unequal time and attention to the management of each Portfolio and/or other account.
It is theoretically possible that portfolio managers could use information to the advantage of other accounts they manage and to the possible detriment of a Portfolio. For example, a portfolio manager could short sell a security for an account immediately prior to a Portfolios sale of that security. To address this conflict, the Advisers have adopted procedures for reviewing and comparing selected trades of alternative investment accounts (which may make directional trades such as short sales) with long only accounts (which include the Portfolios) for timing and pattern related issues. Trading decisions for alternative investment and long only accounts may not be identical even though the same Portfolio Manager may manage both types of accounts. Whether the Adviser allocates a particular investment opportunity to only alternative investment accounts or to alternative investment and long only accounts will depend on the investment strategy being implemented. If, under the circumstances, an investment opportunity is appropriate for both its alternative investment and long only accounts, then it will be allocated to both on a pro-rata basis.
A portfolio manager may also face other potential conflicts of interest in managing a Portfolio, and the description above is not a complete description of every conflict of interest that could be deemed to exist in managing both a Portfolio and the other accounts listed above.
(a)(4): Portfolio Manager Securities Ownership
The table below identifies the dollar range of securities beneficially owned by each portfolio managers as of June 30, 2007.
Portfolio Manager(s) |
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Dollar Range of |
S. Kenneth Leech |
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None |
Stephen A. Walsh |
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None |
Robert E. Amodeo |
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None |
Joseph P. Dean |
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None |
David T. Fare |
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None |
ITEM 9. |
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PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANY AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS. |
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None. |
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ITEM 10. |
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SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS. |
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Not applicable. |
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ITEM 11. |
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CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES. |
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(a) |
The registrants principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that the registrants disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a- 3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act)) are effective as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of this report that includes the disclosure required by this paragraph, based on their evaluation of the disclosure controls and procedures required by Rule 30a-3(b) under the 1940 Act and 15d-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. |
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(b) |
There were no changes in the registrants internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the 1940 Act) that occurred during the registrants last fiscal half-year (the registrants second fiscal half-year in the case of an annual report) that have materially affected, or are likely to materially affect the registrants internal control over financial reporting. |
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ITEM 12. |
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EXHIBITS. |
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(a) (1)Code of Ethics attached hereto. |
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Exhibit 99.CODE ETH |
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(a) (2) Certifications pursuant to section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 attached hereto. |
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Exhibit 99.CERT |
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(b) Certifications pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 attached hereto. |
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Exhibit 99.906.CERT |
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, there unto duly authorized.
Western Asset Municipal Partners Fund II Inc.
By: |
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/s/ R. Jay Gerken |
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R. Jay Gerken |
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Chief Executive Officer |
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Western Asset Municipal Partners Fund II Inc. |
Date: August 29, 2007
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
By: |
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/s/ R. Jay Gerken |
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(R. Jay Gerken) |
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Chief Executive Officer |
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Western Asset Municipal Partners Fund II Inc. |
Date: August 29, 2007
By: |
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/s/ Kaprel Ozsolak |
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(Kaprel Ozsolak) |
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Chief Financial Officer |
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Western Asset Municipal Partners Fund II Inc. |
Date: August 29, 2007