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

811-22265

 

Western Asset Municipal Defined Opportunity Trust Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

 

620 Eighth Avenue, New York, NY

 

10018

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(Zip code)

 

Robert I. Frenkel, Esq.

Legg Mason & Co., LLC

100 First Stamford Place,

Stamford, CT 06902

(Name and address of agent for service)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:

(888)777-0102

 

 

Date of fiscal year end:

November 30

 

 

Date of reporting period:

May 31, 2011

 

 



 

ITEM 1.                  REPORT TO STOCKHOLDERS.

 

The Semi-Annual Report to Stockholders is filed herewith.

 



 

May 31, 2011

 

Semi-Annual Report

 

Western Asset Municipal Defined Opportunity Trust Inc.
(MTT)

 

 

 

INVESTMENT PRODUCTS: NOT FDIC INSURED · NO BANK GUARANTEE · MAY LOSE VALUE

 

 


 

II

 

 

Western Asset Municipal Defined Opportunity Trust Inc.

 

 

 

 

Fund objectives

 

The Fund’s primary investment objective is to provide high current income exempt from federal income tax* and then to liquidate on or about April 30, 2021 and distribute all of the Fund’s net assets to shareholders. As a secondary investment objective, the Fund will seek total return. There can be no assurance the Fund’s investment objectives will be achieved.

 

*   Certain investors may be subject to the federal alternative minimum tax (“AMT”), and state and local taxes will apply. Capital gains, if any, are fully taxable. Please consult your personal tax or legal adviser.

 

What’s inside

 

Letter from the chairman

II

 

 

Investment commentary

III

 

 

Fund at a glance

1

 

 

Spread duration

2

 

 

Effective duration

3

 

 

Schedule of investments

4

 

 

Statement of assets and liabilities

12

 

 

Statement of operations

13

 

 

Statements of changes in net assets

14

 

 

Financial highlights

15

 

 

Notes to financial statements

16

 

 

Additional shareholder information

20

 

 

Dividend reinvestment plan

21

 

Letter from the chairman

 

Dear Shareholder,

 

We are pleased to provide the semi-annual report of Western Asset Municipal Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. for the six-month reporting period ended May 31, 2011. Please read on for Fund performance information and a detailed look at prevailing economic and market conditions during the Fund’s reporting period.

 

As always, we remain committed to providing you with excellent service and a full spectrum of investment choices. We also remain committed to supplementing the support you receive from your financial advisor. One way we accomplish this is through our website, www.leggmason.com/cef. Here you can gain immediate access to market and investment information, including:

 

·  Fund prices and performance,

 

·  Market insights and commentaries from our portfolio managers, and

 

·  A host of educational resources.

 

We look forward to helping you meet your financial goals.

 

Sincerely,

 

R. Jay Gerken, CFA

Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer

 

June 24, 2011

 


 

 

 

 

Western Asset Municipal Defined Opportunity Trust Inc.

 

III

 

 

Investment commentary

 

Economic review

 

While economic indicators were somewhat mixed, the U.S. economy continued to expand over the six months ended May 31, 2011. Looking back, beginning with the fourth quarter of 2010, fears regarding moderating economic growth were replaced with optimism for a strengthening economy in 2011. However, toward the end of the reporting period, concerns regarding the sustainability of the economic recovery returned, negatively impacting some sectors of the equity and fixed-income markets. All told, investors who took on additional risk in their portfolios during the reporting period were generally rewarded.

 

Although the U.S. Department of Commerce continued to report positive U.S. gross domestic product (“GDP”)i growth, the expansion has been less robust than has been realized during most other periods exiting a severe recession. According to the Commerce Department, GDP growth was 3.7%, 1.7%, 2.6% and 3.1% during the first, second, third and fourth quarters of 2010, respectively. For calendar 2010 as a whole, the economy expanded 2.9%. The Commerce Department then reported that first quarter 2011 GDP growth was 1.9%. This moderation in growth during the first quarter was due to a variety of factors, including less robust export activity, a decline in government spending and a deceleration in consumer spending given rising oil and food prices.

 

Turning to the job market, while there were some periods of improvement during the reporting period, unemployment remained stubbornly high. After being 9.0% or higher since April 2009, the unemployment rate fell to 8.9% in February and 8.8% in March 2011. The job market then took two steps backward, as unemployment rose to 9.0% in April and 9.1% in May. Based on U.S. Department of Labor figures, the private sector — which represents roughly 70% of the total U.S. workforce — added only 83,000 jobs in May, the smallest amount since June 2010. As of the end of the reporting period, approximately 13.9 million Americans looking for work had yet to find a job, and roughly 45% of these individuals have been out of work for more than six months. In addition, while the Federal Reserve Board (“Fed”)ii believes that unemployment will decline, it projects that it will remain relatively high, between 7.5% and 8.0% at the end of 2012.

 

The long-ailing housing market continued to show signs of strain during the reporting period. Looking back, sales increased in the spring of 2010 largely due to the government’s $8,000 tax credit for first-time home buyers. This proved to be only a temporary boost, as sales subsequently weakened after the tax credit expired at the end of April. Existing-home sales did rebound somewhat toward the end of 2010 and in January 2011, as mortgage rates remained relatively low. However, according to the National Association of Realtors (“NAR”), existing-home sales then declined a sharp 8.9% in February. After a 3.5% increase in March, existing-home sales fell 1.8% and 3.8% in April and May, respectively. At the end of May, the inventory of unsold homes was a 9.3 month supply at the current sales level, versus a 9.0 month supply in April. Existing-home prices remained disappointingly low, with the NAR reporting that the median existing-home price for all housing types was $166,500 in May 2011, down 4.6% from May 2010.

 


 

IV

 

 

Western Asset Municipal Defined Opportunity Trust Inc.

 

 

 

Investment commentary (cont’d)

 

Even the manufacturing sector, one of the stalwarts of the economy in recent years, softened at the end of the reporting period. Based on the Institute for Supply Management’s PMIiii, the manufacturing sector grew twenty-two consecutive months since it began expanding (a reading below 50 indicates a contraction, whereas a reading above 50 indicates an expansion) in August 2009. In January 2011, the manufacturing sector expanded at its fastest pace since May 2004, with a reading of 60.8 versus 58.5 for the previous month. Manufacturing activity remained strong during the next three months and was 60.4 in April. However, it then declined to 53.5 in May, the lowest reading in the past twelve months. This was attributed, in part, to supply disruptions triggered by the March earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

 

Financial market overview

 

To a large extent, the financial markets were characterized by healthy investor risk appetite and solid results by stocks and lower-quality bonds. However, the financial markets experienced several periods of heightened volatility during the reporting period. The markets experienced sell-offs in mid-February, mid-March and May 2011. During those periods, investors tended to favor the relative safety of U.S. Treasury securities. These setbacks proved to be only temporary and risk aversion was generally replaced with solid demand for riskier assets.

 

Due to signs that certain areas of the economy were moderating in the middle of 2010 (prior to the beginning of the reporting period), the Fed took further actions to spur the economy. At its August 2010 meeting, the Fed announced an ongoing program that calls for using the proceeds from maturing agency debt and agency mortgage-backed securities to purchase longer-dated Treasury securities.

 

In addition, the Fed remained cautious given pockets of weakness in the economy. At its meeting in September 2010, the Fed said, “The Committee will continue to monitor the economic outlook and financial developments and is prepared to provide additional accommodation if needed to support the economic recovery. . . .” This led to speculation that the Fed may again move to purchase large amounts of agency and Treasury securities in an attempt to avoid a double-dip recession and ward off deflation.

 

The Fed then took additional action in early November 2010. Citing that “the pace of recovery in output and employment continues to be slow,” the Fed announced another round of quantitative easing to help stimulate the economy, entailing the purchase of $600 billion of long-term U.S. Treasury securities by the end of the second quarter of 2011. This, coupled with its previously announced program to use the proceeds of maturing securities to purchase Treasuries, means the Fed could buy a total of $850 billion to $900 billion of Treasury securities by the end of June 2011.

 

At its meeting in June 2011, the Fed said, “Information received since the Federal Open Market Committee met in April indicates that the economic recovery is continuing at a moderate pace, though somewhat more slowly than the Committee had expected. . . . To promote the ongoing economic recovery and to help ensure that inflation, over time, is at levels consistent with its mandate, the Committee decided today to keep the target range for the federal funds rateiv at 0 to 1/4 percent. The Committee continues to anticipate that

 


 

 

 

 

Western Asset Municipal Defined Opportunity Trust Inc.

 

V

 

 

economic conditions — including low rates of resource utilization and a subdued outlook for inflation over the medium run — are likely to warrant exceptionally low levels for the federal funds rate for an extended period.” The Fed also announced that it will complete its $600 billion Treasury securities purchase program at the end of June.

 

Fixed income market review

 

In November 2010 (prior to the beginning of the reporting period), financial troubles in Ireland resulted in a re-emergence of the European sovereign debt crisis. This caused a number of the spread sectors (non-Treasuries) to weaken during the month. While most U.S. spread sectors regained their footing during the first five months of the reporting period, others, such as emerging market debt, produced mixed results given ongoing uncertainties in Europe, concerns regarding economic growth in China and its potential impact on the global economy, geopolitical unrest in the Middle East and the devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan. In May, the U.S. spread sectors generally posted positive results, but underperformed equal-durationv Treasuries. This occurred as economic data were often worse-than-expected and Treasuries rallied sharply given increased investor risk aversion.

 

Both short- and long-term Treasury yields fluctuated during the six months ended May 31, 2011. When the period began, two- and ten-year Treasury yields were 0.45% and 2.81%, respectively. Both two- and ten-year yields moved sharply higher in late 2010 and early 2011 given expectations for stronger growth in 2011 and the potential for rising inflation. On February 14, 2011, two-year Treasury yields peaked at 0.87%, while ten-year Treasuries peaked at 3.75% on February 8, 2011. Treasury yields then declined as investor risk aversion increased given the uprising in Libya and, later, given the tragic events in Japan. Yields again moved higher toward the end of March as investor risk appetite resumed, but then declined in April and May given disappointing economic data. When the period ended on May 31, 2011, two-year Treasury yields were where they began the period at 0.45% and ten-year Treasury yields were 3.05%.

 

The municipal bond market modestly outperformed its taxable bond counterpart over the six months ended May 31, 2011. Over that period, the Barclays Capital Municipal Bond Indexvi and the Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Indexvii returned 2.04% and 1.91%, respectively. During the first month of the period, the municipal bond market was negatively impacted by a sharp increase in issuance of Build America Bonds in advance of the expiration of the popular program at the end of 2010. These new securities were not readily absorbed by investor demand. In January 2011, there were some high profile issues regarding the financial well-being of some municipal bond issuers. However, the municipal market posted positive returns for three of the last four months of the period given improving tax revenues, a sharp decline in new issuance and an increase in demand from non-traditional municipal investors, such as insurance companies and hedge funds.

 

Performance review

 

For the six months ended May 31, 2011, Western Asset Municipal Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. returned 2.22% based on its net asset value (“NAV”)viii and 0.59% based on its New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) market price per share. The Fund’s unmanaged benchmark, the Barclays Capital Municipal Bond Index, returned 2.04% for the

 


 

VI

 

 

Western Asset Municipal Defined Opportunity Trust Inc.

 

 

 

 

Investment commentary (cont’d)

 

same period. The Lipper General and Insured Municipal Debt (Unleveraged) Closed-End Funds Category Averageix returned 1.52% over the same time frame. Please note that Lipper performance returns are based on each fund’s NAV.

 

Certain investors may be subject to the federal alternative minimum tax, and state and local taxes will apply. Capital gains, if any, are fully taxable. Please consult your personal tax or legal adviser.

 

During this six-month period, the Fund made distributions to shareholders totaling $0.50 per share, which may have included a return of capital. The performance table shows the Fund’s six-month total return based on its NAV and market price as of May 31, 2011. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

 

Performance Snapshot as of May 31, 2011 (unaudited)

 

Price Per Share

 

6-Month
Total Return*

 

 

 

 

 

$20.83 (NAV)

 

2.22%

 

$20.43 (Market Price)

 

0.59%

 

 

All figures represent past performance and are not a guarantee of future results.

 

*                 Total returns are based on changes in NAV or market price, respectively. Total returns assume the reinvestment of all distributions, including returns of capital, if any, in additional shares in accordance with the Fund’s Dividend Reinvestment Plan. Performance figures for periods shorter than one year represent cumulative figures and are not annualized.

 

Looking for additional information?

 

The Fund is traded under the symbol “MTT” and its closing market price is available in most newspapers under the NYSE listings. The daily NAV is available on-line under the symbol “XMTTX” on most financial websites. Barron’s and the Wall Street Journal’s Monday edition both carry closed-end fund tables that provide additional information. In addition, the Fund issues a quarterly press release that can be found on most major financial websites as well as www.leggmason.com/cef.

 

In a continuing effort to provide information concerning the Fund, shareholders may call 1-888-777-0102 (toll free), Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Eastern Time, for the Fund’s current NAV, market price and other information.

 

As always, thank you for your confidence in our stewardship of your assets.

 

Sincerely,

 

R. Jay Gerken, CFA

Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer

 

June 24, 2011

 

RISKS: The Fund’s investments are subject to credit risk, inflation risk and interest rate risk. As interest rates rise, bond prices fall, reducing the value of the fixed-income securities held by the Fund. The Fund may invest in lower-rated high-yield bonds which are subject to greater credit risk (risk of default) than higher-rated obligations. Municipal securities purchased by the Fund may be adversely affected by changes in the financial condition of municipal issuers and insurers, regulatory and political developments, uncertainties and public perceptions, and other factors. The Fund may use derivatives, such as options and futures, which can be illiquid, may disproportionately increase losses, and have a potentially large impact on Fund

 


 

 

 

 

Western Asset Municipal Defined Opportunity Trust Inc.

 

VII

 

performance. The Fund may invest up to 10% of its assets in securities that have the economic effects of leverage which can increase the risk and volatility of the Fund. Shares of closed-end exchange-traded funds may trade at a discount or premium to their original offering price and often trade at a discount to their NAV.

 

All investments are subject to risk including the possible loss of principal. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. All index performance reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes. Please note that an investor cannot invest directly in an index.

 

The information provided is not intended to be a forecast of future events, a guarantee of future results or investment advice. Views expressed may differ from those of the firm as a whole.

 

i                     Gross domestic product (“GDP”) is the market value of all final goods and services produced within a country in a given period of time.

ii                  The Federal Reserve Board (“Fed”) is responsible for the formulation of policies designed to promote economic growth, full employment, stable prices and a sustainable pattern of international trade and payments.

iii               The Institute for Supply Management’s PMI is based on a survey of purchasing executives who buy the raw materials for manufacturing at more than 350 companies. It offers an early reading on the health of the manufacturing sector.

iv                The federal funds rate is the rate charged by one depository institution on an overnight sale of immediately available funds (balances at the Federal Reserve) to another depository institution; the rate may vary from depository institution to depository institution and from day to day.

v                   Duration is the measure of the price sensitivity of a fixed-income security to an interest rate change of 100 basis points. Calculation is based on the weighted average of the present values for all cash flows.

vi                The Barclays Capital Municipal Bond Index is a market value weighted index of investment grade municipal bonds with maturities of one year or more.

vii             The Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Index is a broad-based bond index comprised of government, corporate, mortgage- and asset-backed issues, rated investment grade or higher, and having at least one year to maturity.

viii          Net asset value (“NAV”) is calculated by subtracting total liabilities and outstanding preferred stock (if any) from the closing value of all securities held by the Fund (plus all other assets) and dividing the result (total net assets) by the total number of the common shares outstanding. The NAV fluctuates with changes in the market prices of securities in which the Fund has invested. However, the price at which an investor may buy or sell shares of the Fund is the Fund’s market price as determined by supply of and demand for the Fund’s shares.

ix                 Lipper, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Reuters, provides independent insight on global collective investments. Returns are based on the six-month period ended May 31, 2011, including the reinvestment of all distributions, including returns of capital, if any, calculated among the 8 funds in the Fund’s Lipper category.

 


 

 

 

Western Asset Municipal Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. 2011 Semi-Annual Report

 

1

 

 

Fund at a glance (unaudited)

 

Investment breakdown (%) as a percent of total investments

 

 

The bar graph above represents the composition of the Fund’s investments as of May 31, 2011 and November 30, 2010. The Fund is actively managed. As a result, the composition of the Fund’s investments is subject to change at anytime.

 


 

2

 

 

Western Asset Municipal Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. 2011 Semi-Annual Report

 

 

 

Spread duration (unaudited)

 

Economic Exposure May 31, 2011

 

 

Spread duration measures the sensitivity to changes in spreads. The spread over Treasuries is the annual risk-premium demanded by investors to hold non-Treasury securities. Spread duration is quantified as the % change in price resulting from a 100 basis points change in spreads. For a security with positive spread duration, an increase in spreads would result in a price decline and a decline in spreads would result in a price increase. This chart highlights the market sector exposure of the Fund’s portfolio and the exposure relative to the selected benchmark as of the end of the reporting period.

 


BC Muni Bond

— Barclays Capital Municipal Bond Index

MTT

— Western Asset Municipal Defined Opportunity Trust Inc.

 


 

 

 

Western Asset Municipal Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. 2011 Semi-Annual Report

 

3

 

 

Effective duration (unaudited)

 

Interest Rate Exposure May 31, 2011

 

 

Effective duration measures the sensitivity to changes in relevant interest rates. Effective duration is quantified as the % change in price resulting from a 100 basis points change in interest rates. For a security with positive effective duration, an increase in interest rates would result in a price decline and a decline in interest rates would result in a price increase. This chart highlights the interest rate exposure of the Fund’s sectors relative to the selected benchmark sectors as of the end of the reporting period.

 


BC Muni Bond

— Barclays Capital Municipal Bond Index

MTT

— Western Asset Municipal Defined Opportunity Trust Inc.

 


 

4

 

 

Western Asset Municipal Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. 2011 Semi-Annual Report

 

 

 

Schedule of investments (unaudited)

May 31, 2011

 

Western Asset Municipal Defined Opportunity Trust Inc.

 

Security

 

Rate

 

Maturity
Date

 

Face
Amount

 

Value

 

Municipal Bonds — 98.3%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Arizona — 3.1%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Salt Verde, AZ, Financial Corp. Gas Revenue

 

5.000

%

12/1/32

 

$  8,610,000

 

$   7,767,942

 

California — 1.6%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lower Tule River, CA, Irrigation District Revenue, COP

 

5.000

%

8/1/40

 

2,110,000

 

1,960,338

 

M-S-R Energy Authority, CA, Gas Revenue

 

6.125

%

11/1/29

 

2,000,000

 

2,103,040

 

Total California

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,063,378

 

Colorado — 2.6%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Public Authority for Colorado Energy, Natural Gas Purchase Revenue

 

6.125

%

11/15/23

 

6,000,000

 

6,390,420

 

Florida — 3.5%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Citizens Property Insurance Corp., FL, Senior Secured High Act

 

6.000

%

6/1/17

 

6,900,000

 

7,656,240

 

Florida State Municipal Power Agency Revenue, All Requirements Power

 

6.250

%

10/1/31

 

1,000,000

 

1,100,660

 

Total Florida

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8,756,900

 

Georgia — 8.0%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Atlanta, GA, Water & Wastewater Revenue

 

6.000

%

11/1/23

 

5,000,000

 

5,685,100

 

Atlanta, GA, Water & Wastewater Revenue

 

6.250

%

11/1/34

 

3,260,000

 

3,502,120

 

DeKalb, Newton & Gwinnett Counties, GA, Joint Development Authority Revenue, GGC Foundation LLC Project

 

6.125

%

7/1/40

 

10,000,000

 

10,712,200

 

Total Georgia

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

19,899,420

 

Illinois — 1.1%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Metropolitan Pier & Exposition Authority, IL, Dedicated State Tax Revenue, McCormick Project

 

5.250

%

6/15/50

 

3,000,000

 

2,798,340

 

Indiana — 7.6%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Indiana Municipal Power Agency, Power Supply System Revenue

 

6.000

%

1/1/39

 

10,000,000

 

10,565,800

 

Richmond, IN, Hospital Authority Revenue, Reid Hospital & Health Care Services Inc. Project

 

6.500

%

1/1/29

 

8,000,000

 

8,449,360

 

Total Indiana

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

19,015,160

 

Louisiana — 4.6%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Louisiana State Citizens Property Insurance Corp., Assessment Revenue, AGC

 

6.125

%

6/1/25

 

10,000,000

 

11,409,700

 

Maryland — 3.3%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maryland State Health & Higher EFA Revenue, Washington County Hospital

 

5.750

%

1/1/38

 

9,000,000

 

8,278,200

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 


 

 

 

Western Asset Municipal Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. 2011 Semi-Annual Report

 

5

 

 

Western Asset Municipal Defined Opportunity Trust Inc.

 

Security

 

Rate

 

Maturity
Date

 

Face
Amount

 

Value

 

Michigan — 13.9%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Detroit, MI, Water Supply System Revenue:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AGM

 

5.000

%

7/1/34

 

$  7,000,000

 

$   6,228,040

 

AGM

 

6.250

%

7/1/36

 

3,000,000

 

3,154,980

 

Michigan State Hospital Finance Authority Revenue, McLaren Health Care Corp.

 

5.750

%

5/15/38

 

9,000,000

 

9,112,680

 

Michigan State Housing Development Authority, Rental Housing Revenue, AMBAC

 

6.350

%

10/1/35

 

6,600,000

 

6,973,230

(a)

Royal Oak, MI, Hospital Finance Authority Revenue, William Beaumont Hospital

 

8.250

%

9/1/39

 

8,000,000

 

9,185,600

 

Total Michigan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

34,654,530

 

Missouri — 4.8%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Missouri State Development Finance Board, Infrastructure Facilities Revenue, Independence Events Center

 

6.250

%

4/1/34

 

11,940,000

 

12,105,011

 

New Jersey — 4.4%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New Jersey State EFA Revenue, University of Medicine and Dentistry

 

7.500

%

12/1/32

 

10,000,000

 

11,008,100

 

New York — 4.1%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liberty, NY, Development Corporation Revenue, Goldman Sachs Headquarters

 

5.250

%

10/1/35

 

2,500,000

 

2,499,800

 

Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, Special Obligation Revenue, JFK International Air Terminal LLC

 

5.500

%

12/1/31

 

7,925,000

 

7,829,107

 

Total New York

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10,328,907

 

Ohio — 5.6%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ohio State Air Quality Development Authority Revenue:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FirstEnergy Generation Corp.

 

5.700

%

8/1/20

 

2,500,000

 

2,684,200

 

FirstEnergy Nuclear Generation Corp.

 

5.750

%

6/1/16

 

10,000,000

 

11,192,900

(b)

Total Ohio

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

13,877,100

 

Pennsylvania — 4.1%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pennsylvania Economic Development Financing Authority, Water Facility Revenue, American Water Co. Project

 

6.200

%

4/1/39

 

10,000,000

 

10,362,300

 

Rhode Island — 4.4%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rhode Island State Health & Educational Building Corp., Revenue, Hospital Financing

 

7.000

%

5/15/39

 

10,000,000

 

10,928,200

 

Tennessee — 3.3%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tennessee Energy Acquisition Corp., Gas Revenue

 

5.000

%

9/1/16

 

8,000,000

 

8,128,400

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 


 

6

 

 

Western Asset Municipal Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. 2011 Semi-Annual Report

 

 

 

Schedule of investments (unaudited) (cont’d)

May 31, 2011

 

Western Asset Municipal Defined Opportunity Trust Inc.

 

Security

 

Rate

 

Maturity
Date

 

Face
Amount

 

Value

 

Texas — 12.0%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brazos River, TX, Harbor Navigation District, Brazoria County Environmental, Dow Chemical Co. Project

 

5.950

%

5/15/33

 

$10,000,000

 

$  10,138,000

(a)(c)

Love Field Airport Modernization Corp, TX, Special Facilities Revenue, Southwest Airlines Co. Project

 

5.250

%

11/1/40

 

3,000,000

 

2,698,350

 

North Texas Tollway Authority Revenue

 

5.750

%

1/1/33

 

10,200,000

 

10,265,994

 

Texas Municipal Gas Acquisition & Supply Corp. I, Gas Supply Revenue

 

5.250

%

12/15/18

 

3,325,000

 

3,465,514

 

Texas Municipal Gas Acquisition & Supply Corp. I, Gas Supply Revenue

 

6.250

%

12/15/26

 

1,310,000

 

1,390,526

 

Texas Private Activity Bond Surface Transportation Corp. Revenue, LBJ Infrastructure Group LLC

 

7.000

%

6/30/40

 

2,000,000

 

2,133,940

 

Total Texas

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

30,092,324

 

U.S. Virgin Islands — 2.1%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Virgin Islands Public Finance Authority Revenue, Matching Fund Loan

 

6.625

%

10/1/29

 

5,000,000

 

5,262,150

 

Wisconsin — 4.2%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wisconsin State HEFA Revenue, Prohealth Care Inc. Obligation Group

 

6.625

%

2/15/39

 

10,000,000

 

10,569,000

 

Total Investments — 98.3% (Cost — $221,014,640#)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

245,695,482

 

Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities — 1.7%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,145,274

 

Total Net Assets — 100.0%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$249,840,756

 

 

(a)

Income from this issue is considered a preference item for purposes of calculating the alternative minimum tax (“AMT”).

(b)

Maturity date shown represents the mandatory tender date.

(c)

Variable rate security. Interest rate disclosed is as of the most recent information available.

#

Aggregate cost for federal income tax purposes is substantially the same.

 

Abbreviations used in this schedule:

AGC

— Assured Guaranty Corporation — Insured Bonds

AGM

— Assured Guaranty Municipal Corporation — Insured Bonds

AMBAC

— American Municipal Bond Assurance Corporation — Insured Bonds

COP

— Certificates of Participation

EFA

— Educational Facilities Authority

HEFA

— Health & Educational Facilities Authority

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 


 

 

 

Western Asset Municipal Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. 2011 Semi-Annual Report

 

7

 

Western Asset Municipal Defined Opportunity Trust Inc.

 

Summary of Investments by Industry*

 

Industrial revenue

 

29.3

%

Health care

 

23.0

 

Special tax obligation

 

8.9

 

Education

 

8.9

 

Transportation

 

8.2

 

Water & sewer

 

7.6

 

Power

 

5.6

 

Other

 

4.9

 

Housing

 

2.8

 

Leasing

 

0.8

 

 

 

100.0

%

 

*  As a percentage of total investments. Please note that Fund holdings are as of May 31, 2011 and are subject to change.

 

Ratings Table†

 

Standard & Poor’s/Moody’s/Fitch‡

 

 

 

AAA/Aaa

 

1.1

%

AA/Aa

 

15.0

 

A

 

63.4

 

BBB/Baa

 

20.5

 

 

 

100.0

%

 

As a percentage of total investments.

The ratings shown are based on each portfolio security’s rating as determined by Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s or Fitch, each a Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organization (“NRSRO”). These ratings are the opinions of the NRSRO and are not measures of quality or guarantees of performance. Securities may be rated by other NRSROs, and these ratings may be higher or lower. In the event that a security is rated by multiple NRSROs and receives different ratings, the Fund will treat the security as being rated in the highest rating category received from an NRSRO.

 

See pages 8 through 11 for definitions of ratings.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 


 

 

8

 

 

Western Asset Municipal Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. 2011 Semi-Annual Report

 

 

 

Bond ratings

 

The definitions of the applicable rating symbols are set forth below:

 

Long-term security ratings (unaudited)

 

Standard & Poor’s Ratings Service (“Standard & Poor’s”) Long-term Issue Credit Ratings — 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

An obligation rated “AAA” has the highest rating assigned by Standard & Poor’s. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is extremely strong.

AA

An obligation rated “AA” differs from the highest-rated obligations only to a small degree. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is very strong.

A

An obligation rated “A” is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher-rated categories. However, the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is still strong.

BBB

An obligation rated “BBB” exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

BB

An obligation rated “BB” is less vulnerable to nonpayment than other speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, which could lead to the obligor’s inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

B

An obligation rated “B” is more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations rated “BB”, but the obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. Adverse business, financial, or economic conditions will likely impair the obligor’s capacity or willingness to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

CCC

An obligation rated “CCC” is currently vulnerable to nonpayment, and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. In the event of adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, the obligor is not likely to have the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

CC

An obligation rated “CC” is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment.

C

The “C” rating may be used to cover a situation where a bankruptcy petition has been filed or similar action has been taken, but payments on this obligation are being continued.

D

An obligation rated “D” is in payment default. The “D” rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due, even if the applicable grace period has not expired, unless Standard & Poor’s believes that such payments will be made during such grace period. The “D” rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action if payments of an obligation are jeopardized.

 


 

 

 

Western Asset Municipal Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. 2011 Semi-Annual Report

 

9

 

Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”) Long-term Obligation Ratings — 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

Obligations rated “Aaa” are judged to be of the highest quality, with minimal credit risk.

Aa

Obligations rated “Aa” are judged to be of high quality and are subject to very low credit risk.

A

Obligations rated “A” are considered upper-medium grade and are subject to low credit risk.

Baa

Obligations rated “Baa” are subject to moderate credit risk. They are considered medium grade and as such may possess certain speculative characteristics.

Ba

Obligations rated “Ba” are judged to have speculative elements and are subject to substantial credit risk.

B

Obligations rated “B” are considered speculative and are subject to high credit risk.

Caa

Obligations rated “Caa” are judged to be of poor standing and are subject to very high credit risk.

Ca

Obligations rated “Ca” are highly speculative and are likely in, or very near, default, with some prospect of recovery for principal and interest.

C

Obligations rated “C” are the lowest rated class and are typically in default, with little prospect of recovery for principal and interest.

 

Fitch Ratings Service (“Fitch”) Structured, Project & Public Finance Obligations — 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

Obligations rated “AAA” by Fitch denote the lowest expectation of default risk. They are assigned only in cases of exceptionally strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is highly unlikely to be adversely affected by foreseeable events.

AA

Obligations rated “AA” denote expectations of very low default risk. They indicate very strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable events.

A

Obligations rated “A” denote expectations of low default risk. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered strong. This capacity may, nevertheless, be more vulnerable to adverse business or economic conditions than is the case for higher ratings.

BBB

Obligations rated “BBB” indicate that expectations of default risk are currently low. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered adequate but adverse business or economic conditions are more likely to impair this capacity.

BB

Obligations rated “BB” indicate an elevated vulnerability to default risk, particularly in the event of adverse changes in business or economic conditions over time; however, business or financial flexibility exists which supports the servicing of financial commitments.

B

Obligations rated “B” indicate that material default risk is present, but a limited margin of safety remains. Financial commitments are currently being met; however, capacity for continued payment is vulnerable to deterioration in the business and economic environment.

CCC

Default is a real possibility.

CC

Default of some kind appears probable.

C

Default is imminent or inevitable, or the issuer is in standstill.

NR

Indicates that the obligation is not rated by Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s or Fitch.

 


 

 

10

 

 

Western Asset Municipal Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. 2011 Semi-Annual Report

 

 

 

Short-term security ratings (unaudited)

 

Standard & Poor’s Municipal Short-Term Notes Ratings

 

SP-1

A short-term obligation rated “SP-1” is rated in the highest category by Standard & Poor’s. Strong capacity to pay principal and interest. An issue determined to possess a very strong capacity to pay debt service is given a plus (+) designation.

SP-2

A short-term obligation rated “SP-2” is a Standard & Poor’s rating indicating satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest, with some vulnerability to adverse financial and economic changes over the term of the notes.

SP-3

A short-term obligation rated “SP-3” is a Standard & Poor’s rating indicating speculative capacity to pay principal and interest.

 

Standard & Poor’s Short-Term Issues Credit Ratings

 

A-1

A short-term obligation rated “A-1” is rated in the highest category by Standard & Poor’s. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is strong. Within this category, certain obligations are designated with a plus sign (+). This indicates that the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on these obligations is extremely strong.

A-2

A short-term obligation rated “A-2” by Standard & Poor’s is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher rating categories. However, the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is satisfactory.

A-3

A short-term obligation rated “A-3” by Standard & Poor’s exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

B

A short-term obligation rated “B” by Standard & Poor’s is regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. Ratings of “B-1”, “B-2” and “B-3” may be assigned to indicate finer distinctions within the “B” category. The obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation; however, it faces major ongoing uncertainties which could lead to the obligor’s inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

 

Moody’s Variable Rate Demand Obligations (VRDO) Ratings

 

VMIG 1

Moody’s highest rating for issues having a variable rate demand feature — VRDO. This designation denotes superior credit quality. Excellent protection is afforded by the superior short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price on demand.

VMIG 2

This designation denotes strong credit quality. Good protection is afforded by the strong short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price on demand.

VMIG 3

This designation denotes acceptable credit quality. Adequate protection is afforded by the strong short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price on demand.

 


 

 

 

Western Asset Municipal Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. 2011 Semi-Annual Report

 

11

 

 

Moody’s Short-Term Municipal Obligations Ratings

 

MIG 1

Moody’s highest rating for short-term municipal obligations. This designation denotes superior credit quality. Excellent protection is afforded by established cash flows, highly reliable liquidity support, or demonstrated broad-based access to the market for refinancing.

MIG 2

This designation denotes strong credit quality. Margins of protection are ample, although not as large as the preceding group.

MIG 3

This designation denotes acceptable credit quality. Liquidity and cash flow protection may be narrow, and market access for refinancing is likely to be less well-established.

SG

This designation denotes speculative-grade credit quality. Debt instruments in this category may lack sufficient margins of protection.

 

Moody’s Short-Term Obligations Ratings

 

P-1

Moody’s highest rating for commercial paper and for VRDO prior to the advent of the VMIG 1 rating. Have a superior ability to repay short-term debt obligations.

P-2

Have a strong ability to repay short-term debt obligations.

P-3

Have an acceptable ability to repay short-term debt obligations.

NP

Issuers do not fall within any of the Prime rating categories.

 

Fitch’s Short-Term Issuer or Obligations Ratings

 

F1

Fitch’s highest rating indicating the strongest intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments; may have an added “+” to denote any exceptionally strong credit feature.

F2

Fitch rating indicating good intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments.

F3

Fitch rating indicating intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is adequate.

NR

Indicates that the obligation is not rated by Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s or Fitch.

 


 

12

 

 

Western Asset Municipal Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. 2011 Semi-Annual Report

 

 

 

Statement of assets and liabilities (unaudited)

May 31, 2011

 

Assets:

 

 

 

Investments, at value (Cost — $221,014,640)

 

$245,695,482

 

Interest receivable

 

4,370,989

 

Prepaid expenses

 

17,054

 

Other receivable

 

2,307

 

Total Assets

 

250,085,832

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

Investment management fee payable

 

126,391

 

Due to custodian

 

47,527

 

Directors’ fees payable

 

8,220

 

Accrued expenses

 

62,938

 

Total Liabilities

 

245,076

 

Total Net Assets

 

$249,840,756

 

 

 

 

 

Net Assets:

 

 

 

Par value ($0.001 par value; 11,992,136 shares issued and outstanding; 100,000,000 shares authorized)

 

$         11,992

 

Paid-in capital in excess of par value

 

228,740,530

 

Undistributed net investment income

 

567,621

 

Accumulated net realized loss on investments

 

(4,160,229)

 

Net unrealized appreciation on investments

 

24,680,842

 

Total Net Assets

 

$249,840,756

 

 

 

 

 

Shares Outstanding

 

11,992,136

 

 

 

 

 

Net Asset Value

 

$20.83

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 


 

 

 

Western Asset Municipal Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. 2011 Semi-Annual Report

 

13

 

Statement of operations (unaudited)

For the Six Months Ended May 31, 2011

 

Investment Income:

 

 

 

Interest

 

$  7,403,656

 

 

 

 

 

Expenses:

 

 

 

Investment management fee (Note 2)

 

732,648

 

Directors’ fees

 

29,397

 

Audit and tax

 

25,368

 

Legal fees

 

21,979

 

Stock exchange listing fees

 

20,817

 

Transfer agent fees

 

19,330

 

Shareholder reports

 

19,224

 

Fund accounting fees

 

10,476

 

Insurance

 

4,737

 

Custody fees

 

1,041

 

Miscellaneous expenses

 

3,238

 

Total Expenses

 

888,255

 

Net Investment Income

 

6,515,401

 

 

 

 

 

Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments (Notes 1 and 3):

 

 

 

Net Realized Gain

 

1,636,583

 

Change in Net Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)

 

(2,946,103)

 

Net Loss on Investments

 

(1,309,520)

 

Increase in Net Assets From Operations

 

$  5,205,881

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 


 

14

 

 

Western Asset Municipal Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. 2011 Semi-Annual Report

 

 

 

Statements of changes in net assets

 

For the Six Months Ended May 31, 2011 (unaudited)
and the Year Ended November 30, 2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operations:

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

$    6,515,401

 

$  13,089,016

 

Net realized gain (loss)

 

1,636,583

 

(6,514,754)

 

Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

 

(2,946,103)

 

2,445,525

 

Increase in Net Assets From Operations

 

5,205,881

 

9,019,787

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Distributions to Shareholders From (Note 1):

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

(6,044,036)

 

(12,830,356)

 

Net realized gains

 

 

(589,658)

 

Decrease in Net Assets From Distributions to Shareholders

 

(6,044,036)

 

(13,420,014)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fund Share Transactions:

 

 

 

 

 

Reinvestment of distributions (0 and 76,900 shares issued, respectively)

 

 

1,647,922

 

Increase in Net Assets From Fund Share Transactions

 

 

1,647,922

 

Decrease in Net Assets

 

(838,155)

 

(2,752,305)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning of period

 

250,678,911

 

253,431,216

 

End of period*

 

$249,840,756

 

$250,678,911

 

*Includes undistributed net investment income of:

 

$567,621

 

$96,256

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 


 

 

 

Western Asset Municipal Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. 2011 Semi-Annual Report

 

15

 

 

Financial highlights

 

For a share of capital stock outstanding throughout each year ended November 30, unless otherwise noted:

 

 

 

20111,2

 

20101

 

20093

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$20.90

 

$21.27

 

$19.06

4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

0.54

 

1.10

 

0.68

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

 

(0.11)

 

(0.35)

 

2.16

 

Total income from operations

 

0.43

 

0.75

 

2.84

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less distributions from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

(0.50)

 

(1.07)

 

(0.63)

 

Net realized gains

 

 

(0.05)

 

 

Total distributions

 

(0.50)

 

(1.12)

 

(0.63)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

 

$20.83

 

$20.90

 

$21.27

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Market price, end of period

 

$20.43

 

$20.83

 

$20.44

 

Total return, based on NAV5,6

 

2.22

%

3.57

%

15.13

%

Total return, based on Market Price6

 

0.59

%

7.41

%

5.44

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets, end of period (000s)

 

$249,841

 

$250,679

 

$253,431

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ratios to average net assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross expenses

 

0.73

%7

0.70

%

0.73

%7

Net expenses

 

0.73

7

0.70

 

0.72

7,8

Net investment income

 

5.34

7

5.11

 

4.89

7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate

 

5

%

3

%

9

%

 

1

Per share amounts have been calculated using the average shares method.

2

For the six months ended May 31, 2011 (unaudited).

3

For the period March 27, 2009 (inception date) to November 30, 2009.

4

Initial public offering price of $20.00 per share less offering costs and sales load totaling $0.94 per share.

5

Performance figures may reflect compensating balance arrangements, fees forgone and/or expense reimbursements. In the absence of compensating balance arrangements, fees forgone and/or expense reimbursements, the total return would have been lower. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Total returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized.

6

The total return calculation assumes that distributions are reinvested in accordance with the Fund’s dividend reinvestment plan. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Total returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized.

7

Annualized.

8

The investment manager has agreed to reimburse all organization expenses.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 


 

16

 

 

Western Asset Municipal Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. 2011 Semi-Annual Report

 

 

 

Notes to financial statements (unaudited)

 

1. Organization and significant accounting policies

 

Western Asset Municipal Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. (the “Fund”) was incorporated in Maryland on January 15, 2009 and is registered as a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). The Fund’s primary investment objective is to provide high current income exempt from federal income tax and then to liquidate on or about April 30, 2021 and distribute all of the Fund’s net assets to shareholders. As a secondary investment objective, the Fund will seek total return.

 

The following are significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Fund and are in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). Estimates and assumptions are required to be made regarding assets, liabilities and changes in net assets resulting from operations when financial statements are prepared. Changes in the economic environment, financial markets and any other parameters used in determining these estimates could cause actual results to differ. Subsequent events have been evaluated through the date the financial statements were issued.

 

(a) Investment valuation. Securities are valued at the mean between the last quoted bid and asked prices provided by an independent pricing service, which are based on transactions in municipal obligations, quotations from municipal bond dealers, market transactions in comparable securities and various other relationships between securities. When reliable prices are not readily available, the Fund values these securities as determined in accordance with procedures approved by the Fund’s Board of Directors. Short-term obligations with maturities of 60 days or less are valued at amortized cost, which approximates fair value.

 

The Fund has adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board Codification Topic 820 (“ASC Topic 820”). ASC Topic 820 establishes a single definition of fair value, creates a three-tier hierarchy as a framework for measuring fair value based on inputs used to value the Fund’s investments, and requires additional disclosure about fair value. The hierarchy of inputs is summarized below.

 

·

Level 1 — quoted prices in active markets for identical investments

 

 

·

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

 

 

·

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

 

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

 

The Fund uses valuation techniques to measure fair value that are consistent with the market approach and/or income approach, depending on the type of

 


 

 

 

Western Asset Municipal Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. 2011 Semi-Annual Report

 

17

 

 

security and the particular circumstance. The market approach uses prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable securities. The income approach uses valuation techniques to discount estimated future cash flows to present value.

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used in valuing the Fund’s assets carried at fair value:

 

ASSETS

Description

 

Quoted Prices
(Level 1)

 

Other Significant
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)

 

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)

 

Total

 

Municipal bonds†

 

 

$245,695,482

 

 

$245,695,482

 

Total investments

 

 

$245,695,482

 

 

$245,695,482

 

†  See Schedule of Investments for additional detailed categorizations.

 

(b) Security transactions and investment income. Security transactions are accounted for on a trade date basis. Interest income, adjusted for amortization of premium and accretion of discount, is recorded on the accrual basis. The cost of investments sold is determined by use of the specific identification method. To the extent any issuer defaults or a credit event occurs that impacts the issuer, the Fund may halt any additional interest income accruals and consider the realizability of interest accrued up to the date of default or credit event.

 

(c) Distributions to shareholders. Distributions from net investment income for the Fund, if any, are declared quarterly and paid on a monthly basis. The Fund intends to satisfy conditions that will enable interest from municipal securities, which is exempt from federal and certain state income taxes, to retain such tax-exempt status when distributed to the shareholders of the Fund. Distributions to shareholders of the Fund 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.

 

(d) Federal and other taxes. It is the Fund’s policy to comply with the federal income and excise tax requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “Code”), as amended, applicable to regulated investment companies. Accordingly, the Fund intends to distribute its taxable income and net realized gains, if any, to shareholders in accordance with timing requirements imposed by the Code. Therefore, no federal or state income tax provision is required in the Fund’s financial statements.

 

Management has analyzed the Fund’s tax positions taken on income tax returns for all open tax years and has concluded that as of May 31, 2011, no provision for income tax is required in the Fund’s financial statements. The Fund’s federal and state income and federal excise tax returns for tax years

 


 

18

 

 

Western Asset Municipal Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. 2011 Semi-Annual Report

 

 

 

Notes to financial statements (unaudited) (cont’d)

 

for which the applicable statutes of limitations have not expired are subject to examination by Internal Revenue Service and state departments of revenue.

 

(e) Reclassification. GAAP requires that certain components of net assets be reclassified to reflect permanent differences between financial and tax reporting. These reclassifications have no effect on net assets or net asset value per share.

 

2. Investment management agreement and other transactions with affiliates

 

Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisor, LLC (“LMPFA”) is the Fund’s investment manager and Western Asset Management Company (“Western Asset”) is the Fund’s subadviser. LMPFA and Western Asset are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Legg Mason, Inc. (“Legg Mason”).

 

LMPFA provides administrative and certain oversight services to the Fund. The Fund pays LMPFA an investment management fee, calculated daily and paid monthly, at an annual rate of 0.60% of the Fund’s average daily Managed Assets. “Managed Assets” means the total assets of the Fund (including assets financed through the creation of tender option bond trusts) minus the sum of accrued liabilities (other than Fund liabilities representing financial leverage).

 

LMPFA delegates to Western Asset the day-to-day portfolio management of the Fund. For its services, LMPFA pays Western Asset 70% of the net management fee it receives from the Fund.

 

All officers and one Director of the Fund are employees of Legg Mason or its affiliates and do not receive compensation from the Fund.

 

3. Investments

 

During the six months ended May 31, 2011, the aggregate cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investments (excluding short-term investments) were as follows:

 

Purchases

 

$14,051,586

 

 

Sales

 

13,089,002

 

 

 

At May 31, 2011, the aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments for federal income tax purposes were substantially as follows:

 

Gross unrealized appreciation

 

$25,726,945

 

 

Gross unrealized depreciation

 

(1,046,103

)

 

Net unrealized appreciation

 

$24,680,842

 

 

 

4. Derivative instruments and hedging activities

 

Financial Accounting Standards Board Codification Topic 815 requires enhanced disclosure about an entity’s derivative and hedging activities.

 


 

 

 

Western Asset Municipal Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. 2011 Semi-Annual Report

 

19

 

 

During the six months ended May 31, 2011, the Fund did not invest in any derivative instruments.

 

5. Distributions subsequent to May 31, 2011

 

On May 16, 2011, the Fund’s Board of Directors declared three dividends, each in the amount of $0.0840 per share, payable on June 24, 2011, July 29, 2011 and August 26, 2011 to shareholders of record on June 17, 2011, July 22, 2011 and August 19, 2011, respectively.

 

6. Capital loss carryforward

 

As of May 31, 2011, the Fund had a net capital loss carryforward of approximately $4,574,467 which expires on November 30, 2018. This amount will be available to offset any future taxable capital gains.

 

Under the recently enacted Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010, the Fund will be permitted to carry forward capital losses incurred in taxable years beginning after December 22, 2010 for an unlimited period. However, any losses incurred during those future years will be required to be utilized prior to the losses incurred in pre-enactment taxable years. As a result of this ordering rule, pre-enactment capital loss carryforwards may be more likely to expire unused. Additionally, post-enactment capital losses that are carried forward will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses rather than being considered all short-term as under previous law.

 

7. Other tax information

 

On December 22, 2010, President Obama signed into law the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010 (the “Act”). The Act updates certain tax rules applicable to regulated investment companies (“RICs”). The various provisions of the Act will generally be effective for RICs with taxable years beginning after December 22, 2010. Additional information regarding the impact of the Act on the Fund, if any, will be contained within the relevant sections of the notes to the financial statements for the fiscal year ending November 30, 2012.

 


 

20

 

 

Western Asset Municipal Defined Opportunity Trust Inc.

 

 

 

Additional shareholder information (unaudited)

 

Results of annual meeting of shareholders

 

The Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Western Asset Municipal Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. was held on March 31, 2011, for the purpose of considering and voting upon the election of Directors. The following table provides information concerning the matter voted upon at the meeting:

 

Election of directors

 

Nominees

 

Votes For

 

Votes Withheld

 

Paolo M. Cucchi

 

11,573,643

 

71,367

 

Leslie H. Gelb

 

11,562,274

 

82,736

 

R. Jay Gerken

 

11,593,083

 

51,927

 

 

At May 31, 2011, in addition to Paolo M. Cucchi, Leslie H. Gelb and R. Jay Gerken, the other Directors of the Fund were as follows:

 

Carol L. Colman
Daniel P. Cronin
William R. Hutchinson
Riordan Roett
Jeswald W. Salacuse

 


 

 

 

Western Asset Municipal Defined Opportunity Trust Inc.

 

21

 

 

Dividend reinvestment plan (unaudited)

 

Unless you elect to receive distributions in cash (i.e., opt-out), all dividends, including any capital gain dividends, on your Common Shares will be automatically reinvested by American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC (“AST”), as agent for the Common Shareholders (the “Plan Agent”), in additional Common Shares under the Fund’s Dividend Reinvestment Plan (the “Plan”). You may elect not to participate in the Plan by contacting the Plan Agent. If you do not participate, you will receive all cash distributions paid by check mailed directly to you by AST as dividend paying agent.

 

If you participate in the Plan, the number of Common Shares you will receive will be determined as follows:

 

(1) If the market price of the Common Shares on the record date (or, if the record date is not an NYSE trading day, the immediately preceding trading day) for determining shareholders eligible to receive the relevant dividend or distribution (the “determination date”) is equal to or exceeds the net asset value per share of the Common Shares, the Fund will issue new Common Shares at a price equal to the net asset value per share at the close of trading on the NYSE on the determination date.

 

(2) If the net asset value per share of the Common Shares exceeds the market price of the Common Shares on the determination date, the Plan Agent will receive the dividend or distribution in cash and will buy Common Shares in the open market, on the NYSE or elsewhere, for your account as soon as practicable commencing on the trading day following the determination date and terminating no later than the earlier of (a) 30 days after the dividend or distribution payment date or (b) the record date for the next succeeding dividend or distribution to be made to the Common Shareholders; except when necessary to comply with applicable provisions of the federal securities laws. If during this period: (i) the market price rises so that it equals or exceeds the net asset value per share of the Common Shares at the close of trading on the NYSE on the determination date before the Plan Agent has completed the open market purchases or (ii) if the Plan Agent is unable to invest the full amount eligible to be reinvested in open market purchases, the Plan Agent will cease purchasing Common Shares in the open market and the Fund shall issue the remaining Common Shares at a price per share equal to the net asset value per share at the close of trading on the NYSE on the determination date.

 

Common Shares in your account will be held by the Plan Agent in non-certificated form. Any proxy you receive will include all Common Shares you have received under the Plan.

 

You may withdraw from the Plan by notifying the Plan Agent in writing at 59 Maiden Lane, New York, NY 10038 or by calling the Plan Agent at 1-888-888-0151. Such withdrawal will be effective immediately if notice is

 


 

22

 

 

Western Asset Municipal Defined Opportunity Trust Inc.

 

 

 

Dividend reinvestment plan (unaudited) (cont’d)

 

received by the Plan Agent not less than ten business days prior to any dividend or distribution record date; otherwise such withdrawal will be effective as soon as practicable after the Plan Agent’s investment of the most recently declared dividend or distribution on the Common Shares. The Plan may be terminated by the Fund upon notice in writing mailed to Common Shareholders at least 30 days prior to the record date for the payment of any dividend or distribution by the Fund for which the termination is to be effective. Upon any termination, you will be sent a certificate or certificates for the full Common Shares held for you under the Plan and cash for any fractional Common Shares. You may elect to notify the Plan Agent in advance of such termination to have the Plan Agent sell part or all of your Common Shares on your behalf. You will be charged a service charge and the Plan Agent is authorized to deduct brokerage charges actually incurred for this transaction from the proceeds.

 

There is no service charge for reinvestment of your dividends or distributions in Common Shares. However, all participants will pay a pro rata share of brokerage commissions incurred by the Plan Agent when it makes open market purchases. Because all dividends and distributions will be automatically reinvested in additional Common Shares, this allows you to add to your investment through dollar cost averaging, which may lower the average cost of your Common Shares over time. Dollar cost averaging is a technique for lowering the average cost per share over time if the Fund’s net asset value declines. While dollar cost averaging has definite advantages, it cannot assure profit or protect against loss in declining markets.

 

Automatically reinvesting dividends and distributions does not mean that you do not have to pay income taxes due upon receiving dividends and distributions. Investors will be subject to income tax on amounts reinvested under the Plan.

 

The Fund reserves the right to amend or terminate the Plan if, in the judgment of the Board of Directors, the change is warranted. There is no direct service charge to participants in the Plan; however, the Fund reserves the right to amend the Plan to include a service charge payable by the participants. Additional information about the Plan and your account may be obtained from the Plan Agent at 1-888-888-0151.

 


 

Western Asset

Municipal Defined Opportunity Trust Inc.

 

Directors

Carol L. Colman

Daniel P. Cronin

Paolo M. Cucchi

Leslie H. Gelb

R. Jay Gerken, CFA

Chairman

William R. Hutchinson

Riordan Roett

Jeswald W. Salacuse

Western Asset Municipal Defined Opportunity Trust Inc.

620 Eighth Avenue

49th Floor

New York, NY 10018

 

Investment manager

Legg Mason Partners Fund

Advisor, LLC

Independent registered public accounting firm

KPMG LLP

345 Park Avenue

New York, NY 10154

 

Legal counsel

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP

425 Lexington Avenue

New York, NY 10017

 

Subadviser

 

Officers

Western Asset Management Company

New York Stock Exchange Symbol

R. Jay Gerken, CFA

 

MTT

President and Chief Executive Officer

Custodian

 

Kaprel Ozsolak

State Street Bank and

 

Chief Financial Officer

Trust Company

 

Ted P. Becker

1 Lincoln Street

 

Chief Compliance Officer

Boston, MA 02111

 

Vanessa A. Williams

 

 

Identity Theft Prevention Officer

Transfer agent

 

Robert I. Frenkel

American Stock Transfer & Trust Company

 

Secretary and Chief Legal Officer

59 Maiden Lane

 

Thomas C. Mandia

New York, NY 10038

 

Assistant Secretary

 

 

Steven Frank

 

 

Treasurer

 

 

Jeanne M. Kelly

 

 

Senior Vice President

 

 

 


 

Legg Mason Funds Privacy and Security Notice

 

Your Privacy and the Security of Your Personal Information is Very Important to the Legg Mason Funds

 

This Privacy and Security Notice (the “Privacy Notice”) addresses the Legg Mason Funds’ privacy and data protection practices with respect to nonpublic personal information the Funds receive. The Legg Mason Funds include any funds sold by the Funds’ distributor, Legg Mason Investor Services, LLC, as well as Legg Mason-sponsored closed-end funds. The provisions of this Privacy Notice apply to your information both while you are a shareholder and after you are no longer invested with the Funds.

 

The Type of Nonpublic Personal Information the Funds Collect About You

 

The Funds collect and maintain nonpublic personal information about you in connection with your shareholder account. Such information may include, but is not limited to:

 

·                  Personal information included on applications or other forms;

·                  Account balances, transactions, and mutual fund holdings and positions;

·                  Online account access user IDs, passwords, security challenge question responses; and

·                  Information received from consumer reporting agencies regarding credit history and creditworthiness (such as the amount of an individual’s total debt, payment history, etc.).

 

How the Funds Use Nonpublic Personal Information About You

 

The Funds do not sell or share your nonpublic personal information with third parties or with affiliates for their marketing purposes, or with other financial institutions or affiliates for joint marketing purposes, unless you have authorized the Funds to do so. The Funds do not disclose any nonpublic personal information about you except as may be required to perform transactions or services you have authorized or as permitted or required by law. The Funds may disclose information about you to:

 

·                  Employees, agents, and affiliates on a “need to know” basis to enable the Funds to conduct ordinary business or comply with obligations to government regulators;

·                  Service providers, including the Funds’ affiliates, who assist the Funds as part of the ordinary course of business (such as printing, mailing services, or processing or servicing your account with us) or otherwise perform services on the Funds’ behalf, including companies that may perform marketing services solely for the Funds;

·                  The Funds’ representatives such as legal counsel, accountants and auditors; and

·                  Fiduciaries or representatives acting on your behalf, such as an IRA custodian or trustee of a grantor trust.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NOT PART OF THE SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

Legg Mason Funds Privacy and Security Notice (cont’d)

 

Except as otherwise permitted by applicable law, companies acting on the Funds’ behalf are contractually obligated to keep nonpublic personal information the Funds provide to them confidential and to use the information the Funds share only to provide the services the Funds ask them to perform.

 

The Funds may disclose nonpublic personal information about you when necessary to enforce their rights or protect against fraud, or as permitted or required by applicable law, such as in connection with a law enforcement or regulatory request, subpoena, or similar legal process. In the event of a corporate action or in the event a Fund service provider changes, the Funds may be required to disclose your nonpublic personal information to third parties. While it is the Funds’ practice to obtain protections for disclosed information in these types of transactions, the Funds cannot guarantee their privacy policy will remain unchanged.

 

Keeping You Informed of the Funds’ Privacy and Security Practices

 

The Funds will notify you annually of their privacy policy as required by federal law. While the Funds reserve the right to modify this policy at any time they will notify you promptly if this privacy policy changes.

 

The Funds’ Security Practices

 

The Funds maintain appropriate physical, electronic and procedural safeguards designed to guard your nonpublic personal information. The Funds’ internal data security policies restrict access to your nonpublic personal information to authorized employees, who may use your nonpublic personal information for Fund business purposes only.

 

Although the Funds strive to protect your nonpublic personal information, they cannot ensure or warrant the security of any information you provide or transmit to them, and you do so at your own risk. In the event of a breach of the confidentiality or security of your nonpublic personal information, the Funds will attempt to notify you as necessary so you can take appropriate protective steps. If you have consented to the Funds using electronic communications or electronic delivery of statements, they may notify you under such circumstances using the most current email address you have on record with them.

 

In order for the Funds to provide effective service to you, keeping your account information accurate is very important. If you believe that your account information is incomplete, not accurate or not current, or if you have questions about the Funds’ privacy practices, write the Funds using the contact information on your account statements, email the Funds by clicking on the Contact Us section of the Funds’ website at www.leggmason.com, or contact the Fund at 1-888-777-0102.

 

Revised April 2011

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NOT PART OF THE SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

Western Asset Municipal Defined Opportunity Trust Inc.

 

Western Asset Municipal Defined Opportunity Trust Inc.
620 Eighth Avenue
49th Floor
New York, NY 10018

 

Notice is hereby given in accordance with Section 23(c) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, that from time to time, the Fund may purchase, at market prices, shares of its Common Stock in the open market.

 

The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The Fund’s Forms N-Q are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. The Fund’s Forms N-Q may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington D.C., and information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330. To obtain information on Form N-Q from the Fund, shareholders can call 1-888-777-0102.

 

Information on how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the prior 12-month period ended June 30th of each year and a description of the policies and procedures that the Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio transactions are available (1) without charge, upon request, by calling 1-888-777-0102, (2) on the Fund’s website at www.leggmason.com/cef and (3) on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

 

This report is transmitted to the shareholders of Western Asset Municipal Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. for their information. This is not a prospectus, circular or representation intended for use in the purchase or sale of shares of the Fund or any securities mentioned in the report.

 

American Stock
Transfer & Trust Company
59 Maiden Lane
New York, NY 10038

 

 

WASX011870 7/11 SR11-1414

 


 

ITEM 2.                  CODE OF ETHICS.

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 3.                  AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT.

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 4.                  PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES.

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 5.                  AUDIT COMMITTEE OF LISTED REGISTRANTS.

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 6.                  SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS.

 

Included herein under Item 1.

 

ITEM 7.                  DISCLOSURE OF PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES.

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 8.                  PORTFOLIO MANAGERS OF CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES.

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 9.                  PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANY AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS.

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 10.                SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 11.                CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.

 

(a)           The registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a- 3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”)) are effective as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of this report that includes the disclosure required by this paragraph, based on their evaluation of the disclosure controls and procedures required by Rule 30a-3(b) under the 1940 Act and 15d-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 

(b)           There were no changes in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the 1940 Act) that occurred during the registrant’s last fiscal half-year (the registrant’s second fiscal half-year in the case of an annual report) that have materially affected, or are likely to materially affect the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 



 

ITEM 12.                EXHIBITS.

 

(a) (1)  Not applicable.

Exhibit 99.CODE ETH

 

(a) (2) Certifications pursuant to section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 attached hereto.

Exhibit 99.CERT

 

(b) Certifications pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 attached hereto.

Exhibit 99.906CERT

 



 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, there unto duly authorized.

 

 

Western Asset Municipal Defined Opportunity Trust Inc.

 

 

 

By:

/s/ R. Jay Gerken

 

 

(R. Jay Gerken)

 

 

Chief Executive Officer of

 

 

Western Asset Municipal Defined Opportunity Trust Inc.

 

 

 

Date:

July 25, 2011

 

 

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

By:

/s/ R. Jay Gerken

 

 

(R. Jay Gerken)

 

 

Chief Executive Officer of

 

 

Western Asset Municipal Defined Opportunity Trust Inc.

 

 

 

Date:

July 25, 2011

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Kaprel Ozsolak

 

 

(Kaprel Ozsolak)

 

 

Chief Financial Officer of

 

 

Western Asset Municipal Defined Opportunity Trust Inc.

 

 

 

Date:

July 25, 2011