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, 49th Floor, New York, NY

 

10018

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(Zip code)

 

Robert I. Frenkel, Esq.

Legg Mason & Co., LLC

100 First Stamford Place,

Stamford, CT 06902

(Name and address of agent for service)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:

(888)777-0102

 

 

Date of fiscal year end:

November 30

 

 

Date of reporting period:

May 31, 2012

 

 



 

ITEM 1.                             REPORT TO STOCKHOLDERS.

 



 

The Semi-Annual Report to Stockholders is filed herewith.

 

May 31, 2012

 

 

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

13

 

 

Statement of operations

14

 

 

Statements of changes in net assets

15

 

 

Financial highlights

16

 

 

Notes to financial statements

17

 

 

Additional shareholder information

23

 

 

Dividend reinvestment plan

24

 

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, 2012. 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.lmcef.com. Here you can gain immediate access to market and investment information, including:

 

·    Fund prices and performance,

 

·    Market insights and commentaries from our portfolio managers, and

 

·    A host of educational resources.

 

We look forward to helping you meet your financial goals.

 

Sincerely,

R. Jay Gerken, CFA

Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer

 

June 29, 2012

 


 

 

 

Western Asset Municipal Defined Opportunity Trust Inc.

 

III

 

 

Investment commentary

 

Economic review

 

The U.S. economy continued to grow over the six months ended May 31, 2012, albeit at an uneven pace. Looking back, U.S. gross domestic product (“GDP”)i growth, as reported by the U.S. Department of Commerce, was 1.8% in the third quarter of 2011. The economy then gathered some momentum late in 2011, as the Commerce Department reported that fourth quarter GDP growth was 3.0% — the fastest pace since the second quarter of 2010. However, economic growth in the U.S. then moderated somewhat, as the Commerce Department reported that first quarter 2012 GDP growth was 1.9%.

 

Two factors constraining economic growth were the weak job market and continued troubles in the housing market. While there was some improvement during the reporting period, unemployment remained elevated. When the reporting period began, unemployment, as reported by the U.S. Department of Labor, was 8.7%. Unemployment then generally declined over the next five months and was 8.1% in April 2012, the lowest rate since January 2009. However, the unemployment rate then moved up to 8.2% in May 2012. The housing market showed some positive signs, although it still appears to be searching for a bottom. According to the National Association of Realtors (“NAR”), existing-home sales fluctuated throughout the period. Existing-home sales fell 1.5% on a seasonally adjusted basis in May 2012 versus the previous month. However, the NAR reported that the median existing-home price for all housing types was $182,600 in May 2012, up 7.9% from May 2011. In addition, the inventory of unsold homes fell 0.4% in May versus the previous month.

 

The manufacturing sector overcame a soft patch in the summer of 2011 and continued to expand during the reporting period. Based on the Institute for Supply Management’s PMI (“PMI”)ii, in August 2011, it had a reading of 50.6, its lowest reading in two years (a reading below 50 indicates a contraction, whereas a reading above 50 indicates an expansion). The manufacturing sector gathered momentum and ended January 2012 at 54.1, its highest reading since June 2011. After falling to 52.4 in February, the PMI rose to 53.4 in March and 54.8 in April. The PMI then dipped to 53.5 in May 2012.

 


 

IV

 

 

Western Asset Municipal Defined Opportunity Trust Inc.

 

 

 

Investment commentary (cont’d)

 

Market review

 

Q. Did Treasury yields trend higher or lower during the six months ended May 31, 2012?

 

A. Both short- and long-term Treasury yields fluctuated during the reporting period. When the period began, two- and ten-year Treasury yields were 0.25% and 2.08%, respectively. With the economy initially gathering some momentum, Treasury yields moved higher during the first half of the period. Two-year Treasury yields rose as high as 0.41% on March 20, 2012 and ten-year Treasuries peaked at 2.39% around the same time. Yields then fell in late March, as well as in April and May given renewed fears over the European sovereign debt crisis. When the reporting period ended on May 31, 2012, two-year Treasury yields were 0.27% and ten-year Treasury yields were 1.59%, the latter being a historic low.

 

Q. How did the Federal Reserve Board (“Fed”)iii respond to the economic environment?

 

A. The Fed took a number of actions as it sought to meet its dual mandate of fostering maximum employment and price stability. As has been the case since December 2008, the Fed kept the federal funds rateiv at a historically low range between zero and 0.25%. In August 2011, the Fed declared its intention to keep the federal funds rate steady until mid-2013. Then, in September 2011, the Fed announced its intention to purchase $400 billion of longer-term Treasury securities and to sell an equal amount of shorter-term Treasury securities by June 2012 (often referred to as “Operation Twist”). In January 2012, the Fed extended the period it expects to keep rates on hold, saying “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 at least through late 2014.” In June, after the reporting period ended, the Fed announced that it would extend Operation Twist until the end of 2012 and that it was “prepared to take further action as appropriate to promote a stronger economic recovery and sustained improvement in labor market conditions in a context of price stability.”

 

Q. What factors impacted the spread sectors (non-Treasuries) during the reporting period?

 

A. The spread sectors experienced periods of volatility during the period. Risk appetite was often robust over the first three months of the period, due to some better-than-expected economic data and signs of progress in the European sovereign debt crisis. However, fears related to the situation in Europe caused a number of spread sectors to weaken in April. While the spread sectors posted positive absolute returns in April, they generally lagged equal-durationv Treasuries. Several of the riskiest spread sectors then performed poorly in May given a flight to quality that was triggered by escalating fears of contagion from Europe and some disappointing economic data in the U.S.

 

Q. How did the municipal bond market perform versus the taxable bond market over the reporting period?

 

A. The municipal bond market outperformed its taxable bond counterpart during the six months ended May 31, 2012. Over that period, the Barclays Capital Municipal Bond Indexvi and the Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Indexvii returned 5.75% and 3.46%, respectively. The municipal bond market

 


 

 

 

Western Asset Municipal Defined Opportunity Trust Inc.

 

V

 

 

Investment commentary (cont’d)

 

outperformed the taxable bond market during four of the six months of the period given solid demand, a sharp decline in new issuance, improving tax revenues and low default rates. Additionally, investor sentiment improved as a number of states made progress toward shoring up their financial situation by raising taxes and cutting expenses.

 

Performance review

 

For the six months ended May 31, 2012, Western Asset Municipal Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. returned 8.22% based on its net asset value (“NAV”)viii and 10.24% based on its New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) market price per share. The Fund’s unmanaged benchmark, the Barclays Capital Municipal Bond Index, returned 5.75% for the same period. The Lipper General and Insured Municipal Debt (Unleveraged) Closed-End Funds Category Averageix returned 7.76% 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, 2012. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

 

Performance Snapshot as of May 31, 2012 (unaudited)

 

Price Per Share

 

6-Month
Total Return*

 

$22.63 (NAV)

 

  8.22%†

 

$23.30 (Market Price)

 

 10.24%‡

 

 

All figures represent past performance and are not a guarantee of future results. Performance figures for periods shorter than one year represent cumulative figures and are not annualized.

 

*       Total returns are based on changes in NAV or market price, respectively.

 

         Total return assumes the reinvestment of all distributions, including returns of capital, if any, at NAV. Prior to January 1, 2012, total return assumed the reinvestment of all distributions in additional shares in accordance with the Fund’s Dividend Reinvestment Plan.

 

       Total return assumes the reinvestment of all distributions, including returns of capital, if any, in additional shares in accordance with the Fund’s Dividend Reinvestment Plan.

 

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.lmcef.com.

 

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

 


 

VI

 

 

Western Asset Municipal Defined Opportunity Trust Inc.

 

 

 

Investment commentary (cont’d)

 

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 29, 2012

 

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 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 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.

iii

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.

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, 2012, 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. 2012 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, 2012 and November 30, 2011 and does not include derivatives, such as futures contracts. 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. 2012 Semi-Annual Report

 

 

 

Spread duration (unaudited)

 

Economic Exposure May 31, 2012

 

 

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. 2012 Semi-Annual Report

 

3

 

Effective duration (unaudited)

 

Interest Rate Exposure May 31, 2012

 

 

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. 2012 Semi-Annual Report

 

 

 

Schedule of investments (unaudited)

May 31, 2012

 

Western Asset Municipal Defined Opportunity Trust Inc.

 

Security

 

Rate

 

Maturity
Date

 

Face
Amount

 

Value

 

Municipal Bonds — 98.3%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Arizona — 3.3%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Salt Verde, AZ, Financial Corp. Gas Revenue

 

5.000

%

12/1/32

 

$   8,610,000

 

$   8,912,814

 

California — 1.7%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lower Tule River, CA, Irrigation District Revenue, COP

 

5.000

%

8/1/40

 

2,110,000

 

2,129,560

 

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

 

6.125

%

11/1/29

 

2,000,000

 

2,365,160

 

Total California

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,494,720

 

Colorado — 2.6%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Public Authority for Colorado Energy, Natural Gas Purchase Revenue

 

6.125

%

11/15/23

 

6,000,000

 

6,981,420

 

Florida — 3.4%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

6.000

%

6/1/17

 

6,900,000

 

8,111,019

 

Florida State Municipal Power Agency Revenue, All Requirements Power

 

6.250

%

10/1/31

 

1,000,000

 

1,177,630

 

Total Florida

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9,288,649

 

Georgia — 7.9%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Atlanta, GA, Water & Wastewater Revenue

 

6.000

%

11/1/23

 

5,000,000

 

6,100,650

 

Atlanta, GA, Water & Wastewater Revenue

 

6.250

%

11/1/34

 

3,260,000

 

3,877,737

 

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

 

6.125

%

7/1/40

 

10,000,000

 

11,469,800

 

Total Georgia

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

21,448,187

 

Illinois — 0.6%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

5.250

%

6/15/50

 

1,400,000

 

1,520,134

 

Indiana — 7.5%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Indiana Municipal Power Agency, Power Supply System Revenue

 

6.000

%

1/1/39

 

10,000,000

 

11,405,800

 

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

 

6.500

%

1/1/29

 

8,000,000

 

9,140,560

 

Total Indiana

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

20,546,360

 

Louisiana — 4.2%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

6.125

%

6/1/25

 

10,000,000

 

11,506,200

 

Maryland — 3.5%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maryland State Health & Higher EFA Revenue Bonds, Washington County Hospital Issue

 

5.750

%

1/1/38

 

9,000,000

 

9,507,870

 

Michigan — 13.8%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Detroit, MI, Water Supply System Revenue:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AGM

 

5.000

%

7/1/34

 

7,000,000

 

7,032,970

(a)

AGM

 

6.250

%

7/1/36

 

3,000,000

 

3,447,960

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 


 

 

 

 

Western Asset Municipal Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. 2012 Semi-Annual Report

 

5

 

Western Asset Municipal Defined Opportunity Trust Inc.

 

Security

 

Rate

 

Maturity
Date

 

Face
Amount

 

Value

 

Michigan — continued

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Michigan Finance Authority Revenue, Detroit School District

 

5.500

%

6/1/21

 

$   6,000,000

 

$   6,913,620

 

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

 

5.750

%

5/15/38

 

9,000,000

 

9,986,400

 

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

 

8.250

%

9/1/39

 

8,000,000

 

10,299,280

 

Total Michigan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

37,680,230

 

Missouri — 4.5%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

6.250

%

4/1/34

 

11,940,000

 

12,364,228

 

New Jersey — 4.5%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New Jersey State EFA Revenue, University of Medicine and Dentistry

 

7.500

%

12/1/32

 

10,000,000

 

12,217,900

 

New York — 4.2%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liberty, NY, Development Corporation Revenue, Goldman Sachs Headquarters

 

5.250

%

10/1/35

 

2,500,000

 

2,788,250

 

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

 

5.500

%

12/1/31

 

7,925,000

 

8,767,507

 

Total New York

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11,555,757

 

Ohio — 5.2%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ohio State Air Quality Development Authority Revenue:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FirstEnergy Generation Corp.

 

5.700

%

8/1/20

 

2,500,000

 

2,889,075

 

FirstEnergy Nuclear Generation Corp.

 

5.750

%

6/1/16

 

10,000,000

 

11,238,700

(b)

Total Ohio

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

14,127,775

 

Pennsylvania — 4.3%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

6.200

%

4/1/39

 

10,000,000

 

11,731,400

 

Puerto Rico — 0.4%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Puerto Rico Commonwealth, GO, Public Improvement

 

5.000

%

7/1/41

 

1,000,000

 

1,003,100

 

Rhode Island — 4.3%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

7.000

%

5/15/39

 

10,000,000

 

11,756,700

 

Tennessee — 3.2%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tennessee Energy Acquisition Corp., Gas Revenue

 

5.000

%

9/1/16

 

8,000,000

 

8,819,680

 

Texas — 12.1%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

5.950

%

5/15/33

 

10,000,000

 

10,858,400

(c)(d)

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 


 

 

6

 

Western Asset Municipal Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. 2012 Semi-Annual Report

 

 

 

Schedule of investments (unaudited) (cont’d)

April 30, 2012

 

Western Asset Municipal Defined Opportunity Trust Inc.

 

Security

 

Rate

 

Maturity
Date

 

Face
Amount

 

Value

 

Texas — continued

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

5.250

%

11/1/40

 

$   3,000,000

 

$   3,138,810

 

North Texas Tollway Authority Revenue

 

5.750

%

1/1/33

 

10,200,000

 

11,168,592

 

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

 

5.250

%

12/15/18

 

3,325,000

 

3,670,068

 

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

 

6.250

%

12/15/26

 

1,310,000

 

1,598,213

 

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

 

7.000

%

6/30/40

 

2,000,000

 

2,382,860

 

Total Texas

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

32,816,943

 

U.S. Virgin Islands — 2.1%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Virgin Islands Public Finance Authority Revenue, Matching Fund Loan

 

6.625

%

10/1/29

 

5,000,000

 

5,822,200

 

Virginia — 0.7%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Virginia State Small Business Financing Authority Revenue, Elizabeth River Crossings OpCo LLC Project

 

5.000

%

7/1/23

 

1,775,000

 

1,902,658

(d)

Wisconsin — 4.3%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wisconsin State HEFA Revenue, Prohealth Care Inc. Obligation Group

 

6.625

%

2/15/39

 

10,000,000

 

11,797,700

 

Total Investments before Short-Term Investments (Cost — $222,134,361)

 

 

 

267,802,625

 

Short-Term Investments — 0.1%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Colorado — 0.1%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Denver, CO, City & County, COP, SPA-
JPMorgan Chase (Cost — $200,000)

 

0.200

%

12/1/29

 

200,000

 

200,000

(e)(f)

Total Short-Term Investments (Cost — $200,000)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

200,000

 

Total Investments — 98.4% (Cost — $222,334,361#)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

268,002,625

 

Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities — 1.6%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,242,771

 

Total Net Assets — 100.0%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$272,245,396

 

 

(a)  All or a portion of this security is held at the broker as collateral for open futures contracts.

(b)  Maturity date shown represents the mandatory tender date.

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

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

(e)  Variable rate demand obligations have a demand feature under which the Fund can tender them back to the issuer or liquidity provider on no more than 7 days notice.

(f)  Maturity date shown is the final maturity date. The security may be sold back to the issuer before final maturity.

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

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 


 

Western Asset Municipal Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. 2012 Semi-Annual Report   

7

 

 

Western Asset Municipal Defined Opportunity Trust Inc.

 

Abbreviations used in this schedule:

 

AGC

— Assured Guaranty Corporation — Insured Bonds

AGM

— Assured Guaranty Municipal Corporation — Insured Bonds

COP

— Certificates of Participation

EFA

— Educational Facilities Authority

GO

— General Obligation

HEFA

— Health & Educational Facilities Authority

SPA

— Standby Bond Purchase Agreement — Insured Bonds

 

Summary of Investments by Industry*

 

Industrial revenue

 

30.0

%

Health care

 

23.3

 

Education

 

11.4

 

Transportation

 

8.3

 

Special tax obligation

 

7.9

 

Water & sewer

 

7.6

 

Power

 

5.6

 

Other

 

4.6

 

Leasing

 

0.8

 

State general obligation

 

0.4

 

Short-term investment

 

0.1

 

 

 

100.0

%

 

*  As a percentage of total investments. Please note that Fund holdings are as of May 31, 2012 and are subject to change.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 


 

8

 

   Western Asset Municipal Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. 2012 Semi-Annual Report

 

Schedule of investments (unaudited) (cont’d)

April 30, 2012

 

Western Asset Municipal Defined Opportunity Trust Inc.

 

Ratings Table†

 

Standard & Poor’s/Moody’s/Fitch**

 

 

 

AAA/Aaa

 

0.6

%

AA/Aa

 

11.9

 

A

 

66.0

 

BBB/Baa

 

21.4

 

A-1/VMIG 1

 

0.1

 

 

 

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 a NRSRO.

 

See pages 9 through 12 for definitions of ratings.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 


 

Western Asset Municipal Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. 2012 Semi-Annual Report   

9

 

 

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.

 


 

10

 

   Western Asset Municipal Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. 2012 Semi-Annual Report

 

Long-term security ratings (unaudited) (cont’d)

 

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.

 


 

Western Asset Municipal Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. 2012 Semi-Annual Report   

11

 

 

Short-term security ratings (unaudited)

 

NR

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

 

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.

SG

This designation denotes speculative-grade credit quality. Demand features rated in this category may be supported by a liquidity provider that does not have an investment grade short term rating or may lack the structural and/or legal protections necessary to ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.

 


 

12

 

   Western Asset Municipal Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. 2012 Semi-Annual Report

 

Short-term security ratings (unaudited) (cont’d)

 

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.

B

Fitch rating indicating minimal capacity for timely payment of financial commitments, plus heightened vulnerability to near term changes in financial and economic conditions.

C

Fitch rating indicating default is a real possibility.

NR

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

 

 


 

 

 

Western Asset Municipal Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. 2012 Semi-Annual Report

 

13

 

 

Statement of assets and liabilities (unaudited)

May 31, 2012

 

Assets:

 

 

 

Investments, at value (Cost — $222,334,361)

 

$268,002,625

 

Interest receivable

 

4,482,105

 

Prepaid expenses

 

22,977

 

Total Assets

 

272,507,707

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

Investment management fee payable

 

138,207

 

Payable to broker — variation margin on open futures contracts

 

49,375

 

Due to custodian

 

22,220

 

Accrued expenses

 

52,509

 

Total Liabilities

 

262,311

 

Total Net Assets

 

$272,245,396

 

 

 

 

 

Net Assets:

 

 

 

Par value ($0.001 par value; 12,032,024 shares issued and outstanding; 100,000,000 shares authorized)

 

$         12,032

 

Paid-in capital in excess of par value

 

229,619,756

 

Undistributed net investment income

 

1,021,295

 

Accumulated net realized loss on investments and futures contracts

 

(3,244,131)

 

Net unrealized appreciation on investments and futures contracts

 

44,836,444

 

Total Net Assets

 

$272,245,396

 

 

 

 

 

Shares Outstanding

 

12,032,024

 

 

 

 

 

Net Asset Value

 

$22.63

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 


 

14

 

 

Western Asset Municipal Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. 2012 Semi-Annual Report

 

 

 

Statement of operations (unaudited)

For the Six Months Ended May 31, 2012

 

Investment Income:

 

 

 

Interest

 

$  7,403,826

 

 

 

 

 

Expenses:

 

 

 

Investment management fee (Note 2)

 

800,205

 

Directors’ fees

 

23,367

 

Audit and tax

 

23,325

 

Shareholder reports

 

15,008

 

Transfer agent fees

 

13,124

 

Fund accounting fees

 

13,056

 

Legal fees

 

11,694

 

Stock exchange listing fees

 

5,195

 

Insurance

 

3,340

 

Custody fees

 

815

 

Miscellaneous expenses

 

3,181

 

Total Expenses

 

912,310

 

Net Investment Income

 

6,491,516

 

 

 

 

 

Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments and Futures Contracts (Notes 1, 3 and 4):

 

 

 

Net Realized Gain From:

 

 

 

Investment transactions

 

100,891

 

Futures contracts

 

468,180

 

Net Realized Gain

 

569,071

 

Change in Net Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) From:

 

 

 

Investments

 

15,057,254

 

Futures contracts

 

(1,194,166)

 

Change in Net Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)

 

13,863,088

 

Net Gain on Investments and Futures Contracts

 

14,432,159

 

Increase in Net Assets From Operations

 

$20,923,675

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 


 

 

 

Western Asset Municipal Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. 2012 Semi-Annual Report

 

15

 

 

Statements of changes in net assets

 

For the Six Months Ended May 31, 2012 (unaudited)
and the Year Ended November 30, 2011

 

2012

 

2011

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operations:

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

$    6,491,516

 

$   12,923,504

 

Net realized gain

 

569,071

 

1,636,583

 

Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

 

13,863,088

 

3,346,411

 

Increase in Net Assets From Operations

 

20,923,675

 

17,906,498

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Distributions to Shareholders From (Note 1):

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

(6,054,881)

 

(12,088,073)

 

Decrease in Net Assets From Distributions to Shareholders

 

(6,054,881)

 

(12,088,073)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fund Share Transactions:

 

 

 

 

 

Reinvestment of distributions (33,295 and 6,593 shares issued, respectively)

 

738,503

 

140,763

 

Increase in Net Assets From Fund Share Transactions

 

738,503

 

140,763

 

Increase in Net Assets

 

15,607,297

 

5,959,188

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning of period

 

256,638,099

 

250,678,911

 

End of period*

 

$272,245,396

 

$256,638,099

 

* Includes undistributed net investment income of:

 

$1,021,295

 

$584,660

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 


 

16

 

 

Western Asset Municipal Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. 2012 Semi-Annual Report

 

 

 

Financial highlights

 

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

 

 

 

20121,2

 

20112

 

20102

 

20093

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$21.39

 

$20.90

 

$21.27

 

$19.06

4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

0.54

 

1.08

 

1.10

 

0.68

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

 

1.20

 

0.42

 

(0.35)

 

2.16

 

Total income from operations

 

1.74

 

1.50

 

0.75

 

2.84

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less distributions from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

(0.50)

 

(1.01)

 

(1.07)

 

(0.63)

 

Net realized gains

 

 

 

(0.05)

 

 

Total distributions

 

(0.50)

 

(1.01)

 

(1.12)

 

(0.63)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

 

$22.63

 

$21.39

 

$20.90

 

$21.27

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Market price, end of period

 

$23.30

 

$21.62

 

$20.83

 

$20.44

 

Total return, based on NAV5,6

 

8.22

%

7.52

%

3.57

%

15.13

%

Total return, based on Market Price7

 

10.24

%

9.04

%

7.41

%

5.44

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets, end of period (000s)

 

$272,245

 

$256,638

 

$250,679

 

$253,431

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ratios to average net assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross expenses

 

0.68

%8

0.71

%

0.70

%

0.73

%8

Net expenses9

 

0.68

8

0.71

 

0.70

 

0.72

8,10

Net investment income

 

4.87

8

5.18

 

5.11

 

4.89

8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Portfolio Turnover Rate

 

1

%

8

%

3

%

9

%

 

1

For the six months ended May 31, 2012 (unaudited).

2

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

3

For the period March 27, 2009 (commencement of operations) 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, fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements. In the absence of compensating balance arrangements, fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements, the total return would have been lower. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Total returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized.

6

The total return calculation assumes that distributions are reinvested at NAV. Prior to January 1, 2012, the total return calculation assumed the reinvestment of all distributions in accordance with the 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

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.

8

Annualized.

9

The impact of compensating balance arrangements, if any, was less than 0.01%.

10

The investment manager has agreed to reimburse all organization expenses.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 


 

 

 

Western Asset Municipal Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. 2012 Semi-Annual Report

 

17

 

 

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. The valuations for fixed income securities (which may include, but are not limited to, corporate, government, municipal, mortgage-backed, collateralized mortgage obligations and asset-backed securities) and certain derivative instruments are typically the prices supplied by independent third party pricing services, which may use market prices or broker/dealer quotations or a variety of valuation techniques and methodologies. The independent third party pricing services’ internal models use inputs that are observable such as issuer details, interest rates, yield curves, prepayment speeds, credit risks/spreads, default rates and quoted prices for similar securities. Short-term fixed income securities that will mature in 60 days or less are valued at amortized cost, unless it is determined that using this method would not reflect an investment’s fair value. Futures contracts are valued daily at the settlement price established by the board of trade or exchange on which they are traded. If independent third party pricing services are unable to supply prices for a portfolio investment, or if the prices supplied are deemed by the manager to be unreliable, the market price may be determined by the manager using quotations from one or more broker/dealers or at the transaction price if the security has recently been purchased and no value has yet been obtained from a pricing service or pricing broker. When reliable prices are not readily available, such as when the value of a security has been significantly affected by events after the close of the exchange or market on which the security is principally traded, but before the Fund calculates its net asset value, the Fund values these securities as determined in accordance with procedures approved by the Fund’s Board of Directors.

 

The Board of Directors is responsible for the valuation process and has delegated the supervision of the daily valuation process to the Legg Mason

 


 

18

 

 

Western Asset Municipal Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. 2012 Semi-Annual Report

 

 

 

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

 

North American Fund Valuation Committee (the “Valuation Committee”). The Valuation Committee, pursuant to the policies adopted by the Board of Directors, is responsible for making fair value determinations, evaluating the effectiveness of the Fund’s pricing policies, and reporting to the Board of Directors. When determining the reliability of third party pricing information for investments owned by the Fund, the Valuation Committee, among other things, conducts due diligence reviews of pricing vendors, monitors the daily change in prices and reviews transactions among market participants.

 

The Valuation Committee will consider pricing methodologies it deems relevant and appropriate when making fair value determinations. Examples of possible methodologies include, but are not limited to, multiple of earnings; discount from market of a similar freely traded security; discounted cash-flow analysis; book value or a multiple thereof; risk premium/yield analysis; yield to maturity; and/or fundamental investment analysis. The Valuation Committee will also consider factors it deems relevant and appropriate in light of the facts and circumstances. Examples of possible factors include, but are not limited to, the type of security; the issuer’s financial statements; the purchase price of the security; the discount from market value of unrestricted securities of the same class at the time of purchase; analysts’ research and observations from financial institutions; information regarding any transactions or offers with respect to the security; the existence of merger proposals or tender offers affecting the security; the price and extent of public trading in similar securities of the issuer or comparable companies; and the existence of a shelf registration for restricted securities.

 

For each portfolio security that has been fair valued pursuant to the policies adopted by the Board of Directors, the fair value price is compared against the last available and next available market quotations. The Valuation Committee reviews the results of such back testing monthly and fair valuation occurrences are reported to the Board of Directors quarterly.

 

The Fund uses valuation techniques to measure fair value that are consistent with the market approach and/or income approach, depending on the type of security and the particular circumstance. The market approach uses prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable securities. The income approach uses valuation techniques to discount estimated future cash flows to present value.

 

GAAP establishes a disclosure hierarchy that categorizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to value assets and liabilities at measurement date. These inputs are summarized in the three broad levels listed below:

 

·

Level 1 — quoted prices in active markets for identical investments

 

 

·

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

 

 

·

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

 


 

 

 

Western Asset Municipal Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. 2012 Semi-Annual Report

 

19

 

 

The inputs or methodologies used to value securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.

 

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

 

ASSETS

Description

 

Quoted Prices
(Level 1)

 

Other Significant
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)

 

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)

 

Total

 

Municipal bonds†

 

 

$267,802,625

 

 

$267,802,625

 

Short-term investments†

 

 

200,000

 

 

200,000

 

Total investments

 

 

$268,002,625

 

 

$268,002,625

 

 

LIABILITIES

Description

 

Quoted Prices
(Level 1)

 

Other Significant
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)

 

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)

 

Total

 

Other financial instruments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Futures contracts

 

$831,820

 

 

 

$831,820

 

†  See Schedule of Investments for additional detailed categorizations.

 

(b) Futures contracts. The Fund uses futures contracts generally to gain exposure to, or hedge against, changes in interest rates or gain exposure to, or hedge against, changes in certain asset classes. A futures contract represents a commitment for the future purchase or sale of an asset at a specified price on a specified date.

 

Upon entering into a futures contract, the Fund is required to deposit cash or cash equivalents with a broker in an amount equal to a certain percentage of the contract amount. This is known as the “initial margin” and subsequent payments (“variation margin”) are made or received by the Fund each day, depending on the daily fluctuation in the value of the contract. The daily changes in contract value are recorded as unrealized gains or losses in the Statement of Operations and the Fund recognizes a realized gain or loss when the contract is closed.

 

Futures contracts involve, to varying degrees, risk of loss in excess of the amounts reflected in the financial statements. In addition, there is the risk that the Fund may not be able to enter into a closing transaction because of an illiquid secondary market.

 

(c) 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

 


 

20

 

 

Western Asset Municipal Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. 2012 Semi-Annual Report

 

 

 

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

 

and consider the realizability of interest accrued up to the date of default or credit event.

 

(d) Distributions to shareholders. Distributions from net investment income of the Fund, if any, are declared quarterly and paid on a monthly basis. The Fund intends to satisfy conditions that will enable interest from municipal securities, which is exempt from federal and certain state income taxes, to retain such tax-exempt status when distributed to the shareholders of the Fund. Distributions of net realized gains, if any, are taxable and are declared at least annually. Distributions to shareholders of the Fund are recorded on the ex-dividend date and are determined in accordance with income tax regulations, which may differ from GAAP.

 

(e) 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, 2012, 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 for which the applicable statutes of limitations have not expired are subject to examination by Internal Revenue Service and state departments of revenue.

 

(f) 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).

 


 

 

 

Western Asset Municipal Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. 2012 Semi-Annual Report

 

21

 

 

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, 2012, the aggregate cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investments (excluding short-term investments) were as follows:

 

Purchases

 

$2,784,946

 

 

Sales

 

1,702,874

 

 

 

At May 31, 2012, the aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments for federal income tax purposes were substantially as follows:

 

Gross unrealized appreciation

 

$46,966,466

 

 

Gross unrealized depreciation

 

(1,298,202

)

 

Net unrealized appreciation

 

$45,668,264

 

 

 

At May 31, 2012, the Fund had the following open futures contracts:

 

 

 

Number of
Contracts

 

Expiration
Date

 

Basis
Value

 

Market
Value

 

Unrealized
Loss

 

Contracts to Sell:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Treasury 30-Year Bonds

 

79

 

6/12

 

$11,040,399

 

$11,872,219

 

$(831,820)

 

 

4. Derivative instruments and hedging activities

 

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

 

Below is a table, grouped by derivative type, that provides information about the fair value and the location of derivatives within the Statement of Assets and Liabilities at May 31, 2012.

 

LIABILITY DERIVATIVES1

 

 

 

Interest Rate
Risk

 

Futures contracts2

 

$831,820

 

 

1     Generally, the balance sheet location for asset derivatives is receivables/net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) and for liability derivatives is payables/net unrealized appreciation (depreciation).

2     Includes cumulative appreciation (depreciation) of futures contracts as reported in the footnotes. Only variation margin is reported within the receivables and/or payables of the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

 

The following tables provide information about the effect of derivatives and hedging activities on the Fund’s Statement of Operations for the six months

 


 

22

 

 

Western Asset Municipal Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. 2012 Semi-Annual Report

 

 

 

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

 

ended May 31, 2012. The first table provides additional detail about the amounts and sources of gains (losses) realized on derivatives during the period. The second table provides additional information about the change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) resulting from the Fund’s derivatives and hedging activities during the period.

 

AMOUNT OF REALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON DERIVATIVES RECOGNIZED

 

 

 

Interest Rate
Risk

 

Futures contracts

 

$468,180

 

 

CHANGE IN UNREALIZED APPRECIATION (DEPRECIATION) ON DERIVATIVES RECOGNIZED

 

 

 

Interest Rate
Risk

 

Futures contracts

 

$(1,194,166)

 

 

During the six months ended May 31, 2012, the volume of derivative activity for the Fund was as follows:

 

 

 

Average Market
Value

 

Futures contracts (to sell)

 

$6,489,192

 

 

5. Distributions subsequent to May 31, 2012

 

On May 10, 2012, the Fund’s Board of Directors declared three distributions, each in the amount of $0.084 per share, payable on June 29, 2012, July 27, 2012 and August 31, 2012 to shareholders of record on June 22, 2012, July 20, 2012 and August 24, 2012, respectively.

 

6. Capital loss carryforward

 

As of November 30, 2011, the Fund had a net capital loss carryforward of approximately $4,242,903 which expires in 2018. This amount will be available to offset any future taxable capital gains.

 

7. Recent accounting pronouncement

 

In May 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-04, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820) — Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs (“ASU No. 2011-04”). ASU No. 2011-04 establishes common requirements for measuring fair value and for disclosing information about fair value measurements. ASU No. 2011-04 is effective during interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. Management has evaluated ASU No. 2011-04 and concluded that it does not materially impact the financial statement amounts; however, as required, additional disclosure has been included about fair value measurement.

 


 

 

 

Western Asset Municipal Defined Opportunity Trust Inc.

 

23

 

 

Additional shareholder information (unaudited)

 

Result of annual meeting of shareholders

 

The Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Western Asset Municipal Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. was held on March 30, 2012, 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

 

William R. Hutchinson

 

11,712,640

 

95,886

 

Riordan Roett

 

11,691,628

 

116,898

 

Jeswald W. Salacuse

 

11,694,300

 

114,226

 

 

At May 31, 2012, in addition to William R. Hutchinson, Riordan Roett and Jeswald W. Salacuse, the other Directors of the Fund were as follows:

 

Carol L. Colman
Daniel P. Cronin
Paolo M. Cucchi
Leslie H. Gelb
R. Jay Gerken

 


 

24

 

 

Western Asset Municipal Defined Opportunity Trust Inc.

 

 

 

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

 


 

 

 

Western Asset Municipal Defined Opportunity Trust Inc.

 

25

 

 

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

 

Western Asset Municipal Defined Opportunity Trust Inc.

 

Independent registered public accounting firm

Carol L. Colman

 

Daniel P. Cronin

 

620 Eighth Avenue

 

KPMG LLP

Paolo M. Cucchi

 

49th Floor

 

345 Park Avenue

Leslie H. Gelb

 

New York, NY 10018

 

New York, NY 10154

R. Jay Gerken

 

 

 

 

Chairman

 

Investment manager

 

Legal counsel

William R. Hutchinson

 

Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisor, LLC

 

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP

Riordan Roett

 

 

 

425 Lexington Avenue

Jeswald W. Salacuse

 

Subadviser

 

New York, NY 10017

 

 

Western Asset Management Company

 

 

Officers

 

 

 

New York Stock Exchange Symbol

R. Jay Gerken

 

Custodian

 

MTT

President and Chief Executive Officer

 

State Street Bank and Trust Company

 

 

Richard F. Sennett

 

1 Lincoln Street

 

 

Principal Financial Officer

 

Boston, MA 02111

 

 

Ted P. Becker

 

 

 

 

Chief Compliance Officer

 

Transfer agent

 

 

Vanessa A. Williams

 

American Stock Transfer & Trust Company

 

 

Identity Theft Prevention Officer

 

59 Maiden Lane

 

 

Robert I. Frenkel

 

New York, NY 10038

 

 

Secretary and Chief Legal Officer

 

 

 

 

Thomas C. Mandia

 

 

 

 

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 and certain closed-end funds managed or sub-advised by Legg Mason or its affiliates. The provisions of this Privacy Notice apply to your information both while you are a shareholder and after you are no longer invested with the Funds.

 

The Type of Nonpublic Personal Information the Funds Collect About You

 

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

 

·             Personal information included on applications or other forms;

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

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

·             Information received from consumer reporting agencies regarding credit history and creditworthiness (such as the amount of an 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.lmcef.com 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 7/12 SR12-1682

 


 

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 second fiscal quarter of the period covered by this 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, 2012

 

 

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, 2012

 

 

By:

/s/ Richard F. Sennett

 

 

 

Richard F. Sennett

 

 

 

Principal Financial Officer of

 

 

 

Western Asset Municipal Defined Opportunity Trust Inc.

 

 

Date:

July 25, 2012