N-CSR 1 lp1-750.htm ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM N-CSR

CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED MANAGEMENT
INVESTMENT COMPANIES

Investment Company Act file number 811-05454
   
  BNY Mellon New Jersey Municipal Bond Fund, Inc.  
  (Exact name of Registrant as specified in charter)  
     
 

 

c/o BNY Mellon Investment Adviser, Inc.

240 Greenwich Street

New York, New York 10286

 
  (Address of principal executive offices)        (Zip code)  
     
 

Deirdre Cunnane, Esq.

240 Greenwich Street

New York, New York 10286

 
  (Name and address of agent for service)  
 
Registrant's telephone number, including area code:   (212) 922-6400
   

Date of fiscal year end:

 

12/31  
Date of reporting period:

12/31/23

 

 

 

 
             

 

 
 

FORM N-CSR

Item 1. Reports to Stockholders.

 

BNY Mellon New Jersey Municipal Bond Fund, Inc.

 

ANNUAL REPORT

December 31, 2023

 

 

 

IMPORTANT NOTICE – UPCOMING CHANGES TO ANNUAL AND SEMI-ANNUAL REPORTS

The Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) has adopted rule and form amendments that will result in changes to the design and delivery of annual and semi-annual fund reports (“Reports”). Beginning in July 2024, Reports will be streamlined to highlight key information. Certain information currently included in Reports, including financial statements, will no longer appear in the Reports but will be available online, delivered free of charge to shareholders upon request, and filed with the SEC.

If you previously elected to receive the fund’s Reports electronically, you will continue to do so. Otherwise, you will receive paper copies of the fund’s re-designed Reports by USPS mail in the future. If you would like to receive the fund’s Reports (and/or other communications) electronically instead of by mail, please contact your financial advisor or, if you are a direct investor, please log into your mutual fund account at www.bnymellonim.com/us and select “E-Delivery” under the Profile page. You must be registered for online account access before you can enroll in E-Delivery.

 

Save time. Save paper. View your next shareholder report online as soon as it’s available. Log into www.im.bnymellon.com and sign up for eCommunications. It’s simple and only takes a few minutes.

 

The views expressed in this report reflect those of the portfolio manager(s) only through the end of the period covered and do not necessarily represent the views of BNY Mellon Investment Adviser, Inc. or any other person in the BNY Mellon Investment Adviser, Inc. organization. Any such views are subject to change at any time based upon market or other conditions and BNY Mellon Investment Adviser, Inc. disclaims any responsibility to update such views. These views may not be relied on as investment advice and, because investment decisions for a fund in the BNY Mellon Family of Funds are based on numerous factors, may not be relied on as an indication of trading intent on behalf of any fund in the BNY Mellon Family of Funds.

 

Not FDIC-Insured • Not Bank-Guaranteed • May Lose Value

 

Contents

THE FUND

  

Discussion of Fund Performance

2

Fund Performance

5

Understanding Your Fund’s Expenses

8

Comparing Your Fund’s Expenses
With Those of Other Funds

8

Statement of Investments

9

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

19

Statement of Operations

20

Statement of Changes in Net Assets

21

Financial Highlights

23

Notes to Financial Statements

28

Report of Independent Registered
Public Accounting Firm

37

Additional Information

38

Important Tax Information

44

Proxy Results

45

Board Members Information

46

Officers of the Fund

48

FOR MORE INFORMATION

 

Back Cover

 

DISCUSSION OF FUND PERFORMANCE (Unaudited)

For the period from January 1, 2023, through December 31, 2023, as provided by Daniel Barton, CFA and Jeffrey Burger, CFA, Portfolio Managers of Insight North America LLC, sub-adviser.

Market and Fund Performance Overview

For the 12-month period ended December 31, 2023, BNY Mellon New Jersey Municipal Bond Fund, Inc.’s (the “fund”) Class A shares produced a total return of 6.04%, Class C shares returned 5.24%, Class I shares returned 6.30%, Class Y shares returned 6.36% and Class Z shares returned 6.14%.1 In comparison, the Bloomberg U.S. Municipal Bond Index (the “Index”), the fund’s benchmark index, which is composed of bonds issued nationally and not solely within New Jersey, produced a total return of 6.40% for the same period.2

Municipal bonds posted gains during the period as inflation eased, and investors began to anticipate the end of the Federal Reserve’s (the “Fed”) rating hiking program. The fund lagged the Index, due largely to an overweight in certain revenue bond sectors.

The Fund’s Investment Approach

The fund seeks as high a level of current income exempt from federal and New Jersey state income taxes as is consistent with the preservation of capital. To pursue its goal, the fund normally invests at least 80% of its net assets, plus any borrowings for investment purposes, in municipal bonds that provide income exempt from federal and New Jersey state income taxes. The fund invests at least 80% of its net assets in investment-grade municipal bonds or the unrated equivalent as determined by Insight North America LLC, the fund’s sub-adviser. The fund may invest up to 20% of its assets in municipal bonds rated below investment grade (“high yield” or “junk” bonds) or the unrated equivalent as determined by the fund’s sub-adviser. The dollar-weighted average maturity of the fund’s portfolio normally exceeds 10 years.

We focus on identifying undervalued sectors and securities and minimizing the use of interest-rate forecasting. We select municipal bonds for the fund’s portfolio by using fundamental credit analysis to estimate the relative value and attractiveness of various sectors and securities, and to exploit pricing inefficiencies in the municipal bond market. We actively trade among various sectors, such as pre-refunded, general obligation and revenue, based on their apparent relative values. Although the fund seeks to provide income exempt from federal and New Jersey state income taxes, interest from some of the fund’s holdings may be subject to the federal alternative minimum tax.

Market Rebounds Late in the Period

The municipal bond market remained roughly flat through the first half of the reporting period, but the Fed rate hike in July 2023, a rise in inflation in August and the Fed’s reiteration of its “higher-for-longer” stance caused the market to decline. The market rebounded strongly beginning in mid-October 2023 as investors increasingly began to anticipate the end of the Fed’s tightening cycle, capitalizing on attractive yields.

Early in the period, the municipal bond market experienced volatility driven by economic uncertainty, high inflation and geopolitical risk. While employment remained strong, the outcome of the Fed’s tightening policy was uncertain, with investors fearing that an economic slowdown was becoming more likely. The Fed raised the federal funds rates four

2

 

times during the reporting period, bringing the federal funds target rate from 4.25%–4.50% to 5.25%–5.50%. Though inflation eased during the period, it remained above the Fed’s 2% target rate.

Despite the rate increases, the U.S. economy surprised investors by continuing to avoid a long-anticipated recession. The economic growth of 2022 continued into 2023, with a 2.2% expansion in the first quarter, 2.1% in the second quarter and 4.9% in the third quarter.

As a result of higher-than-expected inflation early in the period and the Fed’s efforts to combat it, municipal bond mutual funds experienced significant outflows through much of the reporting period. The need for fund managers to meet redemptions only added to the downward momentum. For a time, the stalemate in Congress over the federal debt ceiling also gave investors pause as the outcome appeared uncertain. Nevertheless, the normal seasonal decline in supply, combined with the seasonal reinvestment of maturing bonds, buoyed the market.

Finally, after a few difficult months, the municipal bond market rallied impressively, beginning in mid-October 2023 and continuing through December as investors increasingly recognized the market’s solid fundamentals and attractive yields. Historically, the municipal bond market has performed well when the Fed has ended a tightening cycle, and that appeared to be driving the market again. In addition, constrained supply and a flight to quality resulting from an uncertain geopolitical environment also provided support.

Overweight Allocations in Certain Revenue Bond Sectors Hindered Performance

The fund’s performance versus the Index lagged slightly, and this was due in part to allocations to particular sectors in the revenue bond market. Specifically, overweights to education and water & sewer detracted. The fund did not make use of derivatives during the period.

On the other hand, the overall overweight to revenue bonds produced a positive effect, and overweights to the hospital, transportation and tobacco sectors were especially beneficial. Because bonds of lower quality (those rated A to BBB) largely outperformed those of higher quality, New Jersey bonds generally outperformed the Index, which also contributed positively to the fund’s relative return.

Rate Hikes Likely Over

We believe the near-term environment for municipal bonds is favorable. Inflation is likely to continue declining, allowing the Fed to end its rate-hiking cycle. While some observers believe rate cuts will come as early as March 2024, our base case is that we do not expect reductions until the second half of 2024. An end to rate hikes and the anticipation of rate cuts should help support the market, continuing the rally of late 2023.

A weaker-than-expected economy could cause disinflation to accelerate, however, potentially leading the Fed to begin rate cuts sooner. On the other hand, inflation could rise again, driven by higher oil prices arising in part from turmoil in the Middle East. In this case, the Fed could delay rate cuts more than we expect. Another factor we are monitoring is the possible effect of the presidential election on the Fed’s actions. Ideally, the Fed should remain independent and resist political factors in its policy decisions.

3

 

DISCUSSION OF FUND PERFORMANCE (Unaudited) (continued)

Finally, despite the strong rally in recent months, we believe that with fundamentals still strong, the market is at an attractive entry point. Retail investors have yet to return in large numbers, as short-term rates remain particularly attractive. But as they begin to anticipate a reduction in short-term rates by the Fed, they will likely return to the municipal market, boosting inflows to municipal bond mutual funds and supporting prices.

As for New Jersey, the state continues to make progress in improving its fiscal condition, and we believe the state is well positioned for a possible economic slowdown.

January 16, 2024

1 Total return includes reinvestment of dividends and any capital gains paid and does not take into consideration the maximum initial sales charge in the case of Class A shares or the applicable contingent deferred sales charge imposed on redemptions in the case of Class C shares. Had these charges been reflected, returns would have been lower. Class I, Class Y, and Class Z shares are not subject to any initial or deferred sales charge. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Share price, yield and investment return fluctuate such that upon redemption, fund shares may be worth more or less than their original cost. Income may be subject to state and local taxes for non-New Jersey residents, and some income may be subject to the federal alternative minimum tax (AMT) for certain investors. Capital gains, if any, are fully taxable. Return figures reflect the absorption of certain fund expenses pursuant to an agreement by BNY Mellon Investment Adviser, Inc. which may be terminated after May 1, 2024. Had these expenses not been absorbed, the returns would have been lower.

2 Source: Lipper Inc. — The Bloomberg U.S. Municipal Bond Index covers the U.S. dollar-denominated, long-term, tax-exempt bond market. Investors cannot invest directly in any index.

Bonds are subject generally to interest-rate, credit, liquidity and market risks, to varying degrees, all of which are more fully described in the fund’s prospectus. Generally, all other factors being equal, bond prices are inversely related to interest-rate changes, and rate increases can cause price declines. High yield bonds are subject to increased credit risk and are considered speculative in terms of the issuer’s perceived ability to continue making interest payments on a timely basis and to repay principal upon maturity. Municipal income may be subject to state and local taxes for out-of-state residents. Some income may be subject to the federal alternative minimum tax for certain investors. Capital gains, if any, are taxable.

4

 

FUND PERFORMANCE (Unaudited)

Comparison of change in value of a $10,000 investment in Class A shares, Class C shares, Class I shares and Class Z shares of BNY Mellon New Jersey Municipal Bond Fund, Inc. with a hypothetical investment of $10,000 in the Bloomberg U.S. Municipal Bond Index (the “Index”).

 Source: Lipper Inc.

Past performance is not predictive of future performance.

The above graph compares a hypothetical $10,000 investment made in Class A shares, Class C shares, Class I shares and Class Z shares of BNY Mellon New Jersey Municipal Bond Fund, Inc. on 12/31/13 to a hypothetical investment of $10,000 made in the Index on that date. All dividends and capital gain distributions are reinvested.

The fund invests primarily in New Jersey municipal securities and its performance shown in the line graph above takes into account the maximum initial sales charge on Class A shares and all other applicable fees and expenses of the applicable classes. The Index is not limited to investments in New Jersey municipal obligations. The Index covers the U.S. dollar-denominated long-term tax-exempt bond market. Unlike a mutual fund, the Index is not subject to charges, fees and other expenses. Investors cannot invest directly in any index. Further information relating to fund performance, including expense reimbursements, if applicable, is contained in the Financial Highlights section of the prospectus and elsewhere in this report.

5

 

FUND PERFORMANCE (Unaudited) (continued)


Comparison of change in value of a $1,000,000 investment in Class Y shares of BNY Mellon New Jersey Municipal Bond Fund, Inc. with a hypothetical investment of $1,000,000 in the Bloomberg U.S. Municipal Bond Index (the “Index”).

 Source: Lipper Inc.

Past performance is not predictive of future performance.

The above graph compares a hypothetical $1,000,000 investment made in Class Y shares of BNY Mellon New Jersey Municipal Bond Fund, Inc. on 12/31/13 to a hypothetical investment of $1,000,000 made in the Index on that date. All dividends and capital gain distributions are reinvested.

The fund’s performance shown in the graph above takes into account all applicable fees and expenses of the fund’s Class Y shares. The Index is not limited to investments in New Jersey municipal obligations. The Index covers the U.S. dollar-denominated long-term tax-exempt bond market. Unlike a mutual fund, the Index is not subject to charges, fees and other expenses. Investors cannot invest directly in any index. Further information relating to fund performance, including expense reimbursements, if applicable, is contained in the Financial Highlights section of the prospectus and elsewhere in this report.

6

 

     

Average Annual Total Returns as of 12/31/2023

  

1 Year

5 Years

10 Years

Class A shares

    

with maximum sales charge (4.50%)

 

1.29%

.73%

2.37%

without sales charge

 

6.04%

1.66%

2.84%

Class C shares

    

with applicable redemption charge

 

4.24%

.92%

2.07%

without redemption

 

5.24%

.92%

2.07%

Class I shares

 

6.30%

1.91%

3.09%

Class Y shares

 

6.36%

1.93%

3.14%

Class Z shares

 

6.14%

1.87%

3.04%

Bloomberg U.S. Municipal Bond Index

 

6.40%

2.25%

3.03%

 The maximum contingent deferred sales charge for Class C shares is 1% for shares redeemed within one year of the date of purchase.

The performance data quoted represents past performance, which is no guarantee of future results. Share price and investment return fluctuate and an investor’s shares may be worth more or less than original cost upon redemption. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance quoted. Go to www.im.bnymellon.com for the fund’s most recent month-end returns.

The fund’s performance shown in the graphs and table does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares. In addition to the performance of Class A shares shown with and without a maximum sales charge, the fund’s performance shown in the table takes into account all other applicable fees and expenses on all classes.

7

 

UNDERSTANDING YOUR FUND’S EXPENSES (Unaudited)

As a mutual fund investor, you pay ongoing expenses, such as management fees and other expenses. Using the information below, you can estimate how these expenses affect your investment and compare them with the expenses of other funds. You also may pay one-time transaction expenses, including sales charges (loads) and redemption fees, which are not shown in this section and would have resulted in higher total expenses. For more information, see your fund’s prospectus or talk to your financial adviser.

Review your fund’s expenses

The table below shows the expenses you would have paid on a $1,000 investment in BNY Mellon New Jersey Municipal Bond Fund, Inc. from July 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023. It also shows how much a $1,000 investment would be worth at the close of the period, assuming actual returns and expenses.

        

Expenses and Value of a $1,000 Investment

 

Assume actual returns for the six months ended December 31, 2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Class A

Class C

Class I

Class Y

Class Z

 

Expenses paid per $1,000

$4.20

$8.03

$2.92

$2.98

$3.33

 

Ending value (after expenses)

$1,034.40

$1,030.40

$1,035.70

$1,036.50

$1,035.30

 

COMPARING YOUR FUND’S EXPENSES WITH THOSE OF OTHER FUNDS (Unaudited)

Using the SEC’s method to compare expenses

The Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) has established guidelines to help investors assess fund expenses. Per these guidelines, the table below shows your fund’s expenses based on a $1,000 investment, assuming a hypothetical 5% annualized return. You can use this information to compare the ongoing expenses (but not transaction expenses or total cost) of investing in the fund with those of other funds. All mutual fund shareholder reports will provide this information to help you make this comparison. Please note that you cannot use this information to estimate your actual ending account balance and expenses paid during the period.

        

Expenses and Value of a $1,000 Investment

 

Assuming a hypothetical 5% annualized return for the six months ended December 31, 2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Class A

Class C

Class I

Class Y

Class Z

 

Expenses paid per $1,000

$4.18

$7.98

$2.91

$2.96

$3.31

 

Ending value (after expenses)

$1,021.07

$1,017.29

$1,022.33

$1,022.28

$1,021.93

 

Expenses are equal to the fund’s annualized expense ratio of .82% for Class A, 1.57% for Class C, .57% for Class I, .58% for Class Y and .65% for Class Z, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

8

 

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS
December 31, 2023

          
 

Description

Coupon
Rate (%)

 

Maturity

Date

 

Principal

Amount ($)

 

Value ($)

 

Long-Term Municipal Investments - 98.9%

     

New Jersey - 86.7%

     

East Orange Board of Education, COP (Insured; Assured Guaranty Municipal Corp.)

 

0.00

 

2/1/2028

 

2,245,000

a 

1,971,207

 

East Orange Board of Education, COP (Insured; Assured Guaranty Municipal Corp.)

 

0.00

 

2/1/2026

 

745,000

a 

696,044

 

Edison Township, GO, Refunding

 

3.00

 

3/15/2033

 

1,365,000

 

1,350,524

 

Essex County Improvement Authority, Revenue Bonds (Sustainable Bond)

 

4.00

 

6/15/2056

 

4,560,000

 

4,076,862

 

Garden Preservation Trust, Revenue Bonds (Insured; Assured Guaranty Municipal Corp.) Ser. A

 

5.75

 

11/1/2028

 

10,000,000

 

10,784,821

 

Hudson County Improvement Authority, Revenue Bonds

 

5.00

 

5/1/2046

 

2,500,000

 

2,571,692

 

Hudson County Improvement Authority, Revenue Bonds (Insured; National Public Finance Guarantee Corp.) Ser. A1

 

0.00

 

12/15/2034

 

3,000,000

a 

2,090,478

 

Hudson County Improvement Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding (Insured; County Guaranteed)

 

4.00

 

1/1/2036

 

1,250,000

 

1,298,514

 

Hudson County Improvement Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding (Insured; County Guaranteed)

 

4.00

 

1/1/2037

 

2,000,000

 

2,071,313

 

Jersey, GO, Refunding, Ser. A

 

5.00

 

11/1/2033

 

400,000

 

431,949

 

Jersey Redevelopment Agency, Revenue Bonds (Bayfront Redevelopment Project) (Insured; Municipal Government Guaranteed)

 

4.00

 

12/15/2031

 

5,000,000

 

5,443,633

 

Middlesex County Improvement Authority, Revenue Bonds (Rutgers University)

 

5.00

 

8/15/2053

 

4,000,000

 

4,426,154

 

New Brunswick Parking Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding (Insured; Build America Mutual) Ser. A

 

5.00

 

9/1/2035

 

2,000,000

 

2,102,454

 

New Jersey Economic Development Authority, Revenue Bonds

 

5.38

 

1/1/2043

 

3,500,000

 

3,500,651

 

New Jersey Economic Development Authority, Revenue Bonds (Beloved Community Charter School Project) Ser. A

 

5.00

 

6/15/2049

 

1,105,000

b 

1,016,952

 

9

 

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

          
 

Description

Coupon
Rate (%)

 

Maturity

Date

 

Principal

Amount ($)

 

Value ($)

 

Long-Term Municipal Investments - 98.9% (continued)

     

New Jersey - 86.7% (continued)

     

New Jersey Economic Development Authority, Revenue Bonds (Beloved Community Charter School Project) Ser. A

 

5.00

 

6/15/2054

 

725,000

b 

657,833

 

New Jersey Economic Development Authority, Revenue Bonds (Charter Foundation Academy Charter School Project) Ser. A

 

5.00

 

7/1/2050

 

1,000,000

 

1,001,203

 

New Jersey Economic Development Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding (New Jersey Natural Gas Company Project)

 

3.00

 

8/1/2043

 

3,500,000

 

2,802,429

 

New Jersey Economic Development Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding (New Jersey Natural Gas Company Project)

 

3.50

 

4/1/2042

 

2,000,000

 

1,834,981

 

New Jersey Economic Development Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding (New Jersey Natural Gas Company Project)

 

2.45

 

4/1/2026

 

2,250,000

c 

2,203,694

 

New Jersey Economic Development Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding (New Jersey-American Water Co.)

 

3.75

 

6/1/2028

 

500,000

c 

505,224

 

New Jersey Economic Development Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding (New Jersey-American Water Co.) Ser. A

 

2.20

 

12/3/2029

 

3,000,000

c 

2,690,752

 

New Jersey Economic Development Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding (Port Newark Container Terminal)

 

5.00

 

10/1/2047

 

8,500,000

 

8,539,658

 

New Jersey Economic Development Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding (Provident Group-Montclair Properties) (Insured; Assured Guaranty Municipal Corp.)

 

5.00

 

6/1/2042

 

1,000,000

 

1,032,707

 

New Jersey Economic Development Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding, Ser. A

 

5.00

 

7/1/2033

 

1,000,000

 

1,042,347

 

New Jersey Educational Facilities Authority, Revenue Bonds (Insured; Assured Guaranty Municipal Corp.) Ser. C

 

4.00

 

7/1/2050

 

1,000,000

 

956,384

 

New Jersey Educational Facilities Authority, Revenue Bonds (Sustainable Bond) Ser. A

 

4.00

 

7/1/2050

 

3,000,000

 

2,775,170

 

10

 

          
 

Description

Coupon
Rate (%)

 

Maturity

Date

 

Principal

Amount ($)

 

Value ($)

 

Long-Term Municipal Investments - 98.9% (continued)

     

New Jersey - 86.7% (continued)

     

New Jersey Educational Facilities Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding (Ramapo College of New Jersey) (Insured; Assured Guaranty Municipal Corp.) Ser. A

 

4.00

 

7/1/2052

 

650,000

 

628,975

 

New Jersey Educational Facilities Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding (Ramapo College of New Jersey) (Insured; Assured Guaranty Municipal Corp.) Ser. A

 

5.00

 

7/1/2034

 

2,000,000

 

2,150,996

 

New Jersey Educational Facilities Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding (Stockton University) (Insured; Assured Guaranty Municipal Corp.) Ser. A

 

5.00

 

7/1/2035

 

1,600,000

 

1,671,815

 

New Jersey Educational Facilities Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding (The William Paterson University) (Insured; Build America Mutual) Ser. E

 

5.00

 

7/1/2030

 

2,025,000

 

2,131,139

 

New Jersey Educational Facilities Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding (The William Paterson University) Ser. C

 

5.00

 

7/1/2030

 

2,255,000

 

2,317,607

 

New Jersey Educational Facilities Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding (The William Paterson University) Ser. C

 

5.00

 

7/1/2029

 

2,130,000

 

2,189,389

 

New Jersey Educational Facilities Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding, Ser. B

 

5.00

 

3/1/2038

 

4,470,000

 

5,111,994

 

New Jersey Educational Facilities Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding, Ser. F

 

4.00

 

7/1/2035

 

1,365,000

 

1,385,708

 

New Jersey Educational Facilities Authority, Revenue Bonds, Ser. A

 

4.63

 

9/1/2048

 

2,500,000

 

2,614,146

 

New Jersey Health Care Facilities Financing Authority, Revenue Bonds (AtlantiCare Health System Obligated Group)

 

4.00

 

7/1/2035

 

750,000

 

793,248

 

New Jersey Health Care Facilities Financing Authority, Revenue Bonds (Inspira Health Obligated Group)

 

5.00

 

7/1/2042

 

3,500,000

 

3,617,557

 

New Jersey Health Care Facilities Financing Authority, Revenue Bonds (RWJ Barnabas Health Obligated Group)

 

4.00

 

7/1/2051

 

4,000,000

 

3,930,480

 

11

 

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

          
 

Description

Coupon
Rate (%)

 

Maturity

Date

 

Principal

Amount ($)

 

Value ($)

 

Long-Term Municipal Investments - 98.9% (continued)

     

New Jersey - 86.7% (continued)

     

New Jersey Health Care Facilities Financing Authority, Revenue Bonds (Valley Health System Obligated Group)

 

4.00

 

7/1/2035

 

1,000,000

 

1,018,234

 

New Jersey Health Care Facilities Financing Authority, Revenue Bonds (Valley Health System Obligated Group)

 

5.00

 

7/1/2034

 

2,000,000

 

2,194,260

 

New Jersey Health Care Facilities Financing Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding (AHS Hospital Corp.)

 

4.00

 

7/1/2041

 

7,500,000

 

7,521,421

 

New Jersey Health Care Facilities Financing Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding (Hackensack Meridian Health Obligated Group) Ser. A

 

5.00

 

7/1/2039

 

1,500,000

 

1,577,710

 

New Jersey Health Care Facilities Financing Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding (Inspira Health Obligated Group) Ser. A

 

4.00

 

7/1/2041

 

3,250,000

 

3,260,106

 

New Jersey Health Care Facilities Financing Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding (Inspira Health Obligated Group) Ser. A

 

5.00

 

7/1/2046

 

3,000,000

 

3,071,534

 

New Jersey Health Care Facilities Financing Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding (Princeton Healthcare System)

 

5.00

 

7/1/2039

 

2,000,000

 

2,068,177

 

New Jersey Health Care Facilities Financing Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding (RWJ Barnabas Health Obligated Group) Ser. A

 

4.00

 

7/1/2043

 

2,360,000

 

2,363,490

 

New Jersey Health Care Facilities Financing Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding (RWJ Barnabas Health Obligated Group) Ser. A

 

5.00

 

7/1/2043

 

3,500,000

 

3,606,023

 

New Jersey Health Care Facilities Financing Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding (RWJ Barnabas Health Obligated Group) Ser. B3

 

5.00

 

7/1/2026

 

6,000,000

c 

6,263,499

 

New Jersey Health Care Facilities Financing Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding (St. Joseph's Healthcare System Obligated Group)

 

5.00

 

7/1/2036

 

2,790,000

 

2,844,819

 

New Jersey Health Care Facilities Financing Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding (St. Joseph's Healthcare System Obligated Group)

 

5.00

 

7/1/2041

 

1,000,000

 

1,011,968

 

12

 

          
 

Description

Coupon
Rate (%)

 

Maturity

Date

 

Principal

Amount ($)

 

Value ($)

 

Long-Term Municipal Investments - 98.9% (continued)

     

New Jersey - 86.7% (continued)

     

New Jersey Health Care Facilities Financing Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding (University Hospital) (Insured; Assured Guaranty Municipal Corp.) Ser. A

 

5.00

 

7/1/2046

 

2,000,000

 

2,017,100

 

New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding, Ser. B

 

5.00

 

12/1/2030

 

1,575,000

 

1,718,459

 

New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding, Ser. C

 

3.63

 

12/1/2049

 

2,750,000

 

2,310,809

 

New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority, Revenue Bonds, Ser. 1A

 

5.00

 

12/1/2027

 

1,050,000

 

1,095,497

 

New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority, Revenue Bonds, Ser. B

 

4.00

 

12/1/2044

 

3,000,000

 

2,999,626

 

New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority, Revenue Bonds, Ser. B

 

5.00

 

12/1/2028

 

1,450,000

 

1,553,217

 

New Jersey Housing & Mortgage Finance Agency, Revenue Bonds (Sustainable Bond) Ser. H

 

5.00

 

10/1/2028

 

485,000

 

530,921

 

New Jersey Housing & Mortgage Finance Agency, Revenue Bonds (Sustainable Bond) Ser. H

 

5.00

 

4/1/2028

 

325,000

 

352,375

 

New Jersey Housing & Mortgage Finance Agency, Revenue Bonds, Refunding, Ser. A

 

3.75

 

10/1/2035

 

1,235,000

 

1,229,743

 

New Jersey Infrastructure Bank, Revenue Bonds (Sustainable Bond)

 

3.00

 

9/1/2038

 

3,075,000

 

2,841,756

 

New Jersey Institute of Technology, Revenue Bonds, Ser. A

 

5.00

 

7/1/2031

 

3,385,000

 

3,465,740

 

New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund Authority, Revenue Bonds

 

5.00

 

6/15/2046

 

2,800,000

 

2,937,286

 

New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund Authority, Revenue Bonds

 

5.25

 

6/15/2043

 

3,500,000

 

3,737,713

 

New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund Authority, Revenue Bonds

 

5.50

 

6/15/2050

 

4,020,000

 

4,504,661

 

New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund Authority, Revenue Bonds (Insured; Build America Mutual) Ser. A

 

0.00

 

12/15/2038

 

6,330,000

a 

3,707,440

 

New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund Authority, Revenue Bonds (Insured; Build America Mutual) Ser. A

 

0.00

 

12/15/2028

 

12,000,000

a 

10,344,910

 

New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding

 

5.00

 

12/15/2031

 

4,600,000

 

5,186,354

 

13

 

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

          
 

Description

Coupon
Rate (%)

 

Maturity

Date

 

Principal

Amount ($)

 

Value ($)

 

Long-Term Municipal Investments - 98.9% (continued)

     

New Jersey - 86.7% (continued)

     

New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding, Ser. A

 

5.00

 

12/15/2036

 

6,745,000

 

7,333,214

 

New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding, Ser. AA

 

4.25

 

6/15/2044

 

2,000,000

 

2,039,738

 

New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund Authority, Revenue Bonds, Ser. AA

 

4.00

 

6/15/2045

 

1,450,000

 

1,448,419

 

New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund Authority, Revenue Bonds, Ser. AA

 

5.00

 

6/15/2050

 

1,515,000

 

1,616,375

 

New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund Authority, Revenue Bonds, Ser. B

 

5.00

 

6/15/2032

 

2,725,000

 

3,157,430

 

New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund Authority, Revenue Bonds, Ser. BB

 

4.00

 

6/15/2050

 

1,900,000

 

1,845,092

 

New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund Authority, Revenue Bonds, Ser. BB

 

4.00

 

6/15/2050

 

2,575,000

 

2,500,586

 

New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund Authority, Revenue Bonds, Ser. BB

 

4.00

 

6/15/2046

 

1,000,000

 

992,554

 

New Jersey Turnpike Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding, Ser. B

 

5.00

 

1/1/2040

 

1,000,000

 

1,065,519

 

New Jersey Turnpike Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding, Ser. G

 

5.00

 

1/1/2035

 

1,000,000

 

1,087,810

 

New Jersey Turnpike Authority, Revenue Bonds, Ser. A

 

4.00

 

1/1/2048

 

5,000,000

 

4,992,437

 

New Jersey Turnpike Authority, Revenue Bonds, Ser. A

 

4.00

 

1/1/2042

 

9,000,000

 

9,127,396

 

New Jersey Turnpike Authority, Revenue Bonds, Ser. A

 

5.00

 

1/1/2031

 

2,500,000

 

2,672,138

 

New Jersey Turnpike Authority, Revenue Bonds, Ser. A

 

5.00

 

1/1/2035

 

1,500,000

 

1,584,958

 

Ocean County, GO, Ser. A

 

3.00

 

8/1/2033

 

2,145,000

 

2,153,508

 

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Revenue Bonds, Refunding, Ser. M

 

5.00

 

5/1/2034

 

1,600,000

 

1,669,117

 

South Jersey Port Corp., Revenue Bonds, Ser. B

 

5.00

 

1/1/2048

 

2,830,000

 

2,890,675

 

South Jersey Port Corp., Revenue Bonds, Ser. B

 

5.00

 

1/1/2042

 

4,300,000

 

4,441,350

 

South Jersey Transportation Authority, Revenue Bonds

 

4.63

 

11/1/2047

 

3,000,000

 

3,106,593

 

South Jersey Transportation Authority, Revenue Bonds, Ser. A

 

4.00

 

11/1/2050

 

1,000,000

 

966,959

 

The Atlantic County Improvement Authority, Revenue Bonds (Stockton University) (Insured; Assured Guaranty Municipal Corp.) Ser. A

 

5.00

 

7/1/2048

 

3,000,000

 

3,085,073

 

14

 

          
 

Description

Coupon
Rate (%)

 

Maturity

Date

 

Principal

Amount ($)

 

Value ($)

 

Long-Term Municipal Investments - 98.9% (continued)

     

New Jersey - 86.7% (continued)

     

The Camden County Improvement Authority, Revenue Bonds (Insured; County Guaranteed) Ser. A

 

5.00

 

1/15/2032

 

2,695,000

 

2,803,410

 

The Camden County Improvement Authority, Revenue Bonds (Insured; County Guaranteed) Ser. A

 

5.00

 

1/15/2031

 

3,000,000

 

3,123,695

 

The Camden County Improvement Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding (Rowan University Foundation Project) (Insured; Build America Mutual) Ser. A

 

5.00

 

7/1/2035

 

5,165,000

 

5,827,063

 

The Gloucester County Improvement Authority, Revenue Bonds (Rowan University) (Insured; Build America Mutual)

 

4.00

 

7/1/2046

 

725,000

 

725,979

 

The Gloucester County Improvement Authority, Revenue Bonds (Rowan University) (Insured; Build America Mutual)

 

4.00

 

7/1/2051

 

1,200,000

 

1,179,144

 

The Gloucester County Improvement Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding (Rowan University Project) (Insured; Assured Guaranty Municipal Corp.) Ser. A

 

5.00

 

11/1/2030

 

1,000,000

 

1,054,248

 

The Rahway Valley Sewerage Authority, Revenue Bonds (Insured; National Public Finance Guarantee Corp.) Ser. A

 

0.00

 

9/1/2030

 

7,550,000

a 

6,195,193

 

Tobacco Settlement Financing Corp., Revenue Bonds, Refunding, Ser. A

 

5.00

 

6/1/2046

 

7,045,000

 

7,167,314

 

Tobacco Settlement Financing Corp., Revenue Bonds, Refunding, Ser. A

 

5.25

 

6/1/2046

 

3,850,000

 

3,970,416

 

Tobacco Settlement Financing Corp., Revenue Bonds, Refunding, Ser. B

 

5.00

 

6/1/2046

 

6,990,000

 

7,097,714

 
 

284,674,649

 

New York - 9.9%

     

Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, Revenue Bonds, Refunding

 

4.00

 

9/1/2038

 

2,000,000

 

2,060,862

 

Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, Revenue Bonds, Refunding

 

5.00

 

1/15/2052

 

1,000,000

 

1,056,107

 

Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, Revenue Bonds, Refunding, Ser. 186

 

5.00

 

10/15/2044

 

4,730,000

 

4,742,691

 

Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, Revenue Bonds, Refunding, Ser. 197

 

5.00

 

11/15/2033

 

7,000,000

 

7,282,330

 

15

 

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

          
 

Description

Coupon
Rate (%)

 

Maturity

Date

 

Principal

Amount ($)

 

Value ($)

 

Long-Term Municipal Investments - 98.9% (continued)

     

New York - 9.9% (continued)

     

Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, Revenue Bonds, Refunding, Ser. 222

 

5.00

 

7/15/2034

 

2,010,000

 

2,313,518

 

Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, Revenue Bonds, Refunding, Ser. 223

 

4.00

 

7/15/2061

 

5,000,000

 

4,682,573

 

Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, Revenue Bonds, Ser. 218

 

5.00

 

11/1/2049

 

6,900,000

 

7,169,004

 

Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, Revenue Bonds, Ser. 93rd

 

6.13

 

6/1/2094

 

3,000,000

 

3,025,057

 
 

32,332,142

 

Pennsylvania - 1.8%

     

Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission, Revenue Bonds

 

5.00

 

7/1/2037

 

2,500,000

 

2,653,586

 

Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission, Revenue Bonds, Refunding, Ser. B

 

5.00

 

7/1/2032

 

1,000,000

 

1,127,040

 

Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission, Revenue Bonds, Ser. A

 

5.00

 

7/1/2031

 

600,000

 

676,959

 

Delaware River Port Authority, Revenue Bonds, Ser. A

 

5.00

 

1/1/2038

 

1,200,000

 

1,315,282

 
 

5,772,867

 

U.S. Related - .5%

     

Puerto Rico, GO, Ser. A1

 

5.63

 

7/1/2029

 

650,000

 

705,976

 

Puerto Rico, GO, Ser. A1

 

5.63

 

7/1/2027

 

1,000,000

 

1,058,522

 
 

1,764,498

 

Total Investments (cost $329,683,717)

 

98.9%

324,544,156

 

Cash and Receivables (Net)

 

1.1%

3,673,773

 

Net Assets

 

100.0%

328,217,929

 

a Security issued with a zero coupon. Income is recognized through the accretion of discount.

b Security exempt from registration pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At December 31, 2023, these securities were valued at $1,674,785 or .51% of net assets.

c These securities have a put feature; the date shown represents the put date and the bond holder can take a specific action to retain the bond after the put date.

16

 

  

Portfolio Summary (Unaudited)

Value (%)

General

22.4

Education

14.9

Medical

14.4

Transportation

12.6

Airport

9.9

Development

8.0

Tobacco Settlement

5.6

Student Loan

3.0

Water

2.9

General Obligation

1.7

Housing

1.3

Pollution

1.0

Single Family Housing

.6

Facilities

.6

 

98.9

 Based on net assets.

See notes to financial statements.

17

 

    
 

Summary of Abbreviations (Unaudited)

 

ABAG

Association of Bay Area Governments

AGC

ACE Guaranty Corporation

AGIC

Asset Guaranty Insurance Company

AMBAC

American Municipal Bond Assurance Corporation

BAN

Bond Anticipation Notes

BSBY

Bloomberg Short-Term Bank Yield Index

CIFG

CDC Ixis Financial Guaranty

COP

Certificate of Participation

CP

Commercial Paper

DRIVERS

Derivative Inverse Tax-Exempt Receipts

EFFR

Effective Federal Funds Rate

FGIC

Financial Guaranty Insurance Company

FHA

Federal Housing Administration

FHLB

Federal Home Loan Bank

FHLMC

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation

FNMA

Federal National Mortgage Association

GAN

Grant Anticipation Notes

GIC

Guaranteed Investment Contract

GNMA

Government National Mortgage Association

GO

General Obligation

IDC

Industrial Development Corporation

LIBOR

London Interbank Offered Rate

LOC

Letter of Credit

LR

Lease Revenue

NAN

Note Anticipation Notes

MFHR

Multi-Family Housing Revenue

MFMR

Multi-Family Mortgage Revenue

MUNIPSA

Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association Municipal Swap Index Yield

OBFR

Overnight Bank Funding Rate

PILOT

Payment in Lieu of Taxes

PRIME

Prime Lending Rate

PUTTERS

Puttable Tax-Exempt Receipts

RAC

Revenue Anticipation Certificates

RAN

Revenue Anticipation Notes

RIB

Residual Interest Bonds

SFHR

Single Family Housing Revenue

SFMR

Single Family Mortgage Revenue

SOFR

Secured Overnight Financing Rate

TAN

Tax Anticipation Notes

TRAN

Tax and Revenue Anticipation Notes

TSFR

Term Secured Overnight
Financing Rate

U.S. T-BILL

U.S. Treasury Bill Money Market Yield

XLCA

XL Capital Assurance

  
    

See notes to financial statements.

18

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
December 31, 2023

       

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost

 

Value

 

Assets ($):

 

 

 

 

Investments in securities—See Statement of Investments

329,683,717

 

324,544,156

 

Cash

 

 

 

 

187,772

 

Interest receivable

 

4,162,383

 

Receivable for shares of Common Stock subscribed

 

22,668

 

Prepaid expenses

 

 

 

 

46,069

 

 

 

 

 

 

328,963,048

 

Liabilities ($):

 

 

 

 

Due to BNY Mellon Investment Adviser, Inc. and affiliates—Note 3(c)

 

248,170

 

Payable for shares of Common Stock redeemed

 

410,228

 

Other accrued expenses

 

 

 

 

86,721

 

 

 

 

 

 

745,119

 

Net Assets ($)

 

 

328,217,929

 

Composition of Net Assets ($):

 

 

 

 

Paid-in capital

 

 

 

 

333,695,354

 

Total distributable earnings (loss)

 

 

 

 

(5,477,425)

 

Net Assets ($)

 

 

328,217,929

 

       

Net Asset Value Per Share

Class A

Class C

Class I

Class Y

Class Z

 

Net Assets ($)

241,025,745

576,624

19,049,270

936

67,565,354

 

Shares Outstanding

20,254,083

48,500

1,600,737

78.31

5,677,273

 

Net Asset Value Per Share ($)

11.90

11.89

11.90

11.95

11.90

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

 

 

 

 

19

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
Year Ended December 31, 2023

       

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investment Income ($):

 

 

 

 

Interest Income

 

 

11,599,129

 

Expenses:

 

 

 

 

Management fee—Note 3(a)

 

 

1,780,644

 

Shareholder servicing costs—Note 3(c)

 

 

808,530

 

Professional fees

 

 

107,788

 

Registration fees

 

 

55,021

 

Prospectus and shareholders’ reports

 

 

35,315

 

Directors’ fees and expenses—Note 3(d)

 

 

27,311

 

Chief Compliance Officer fees—Note 3(c)

 

 

21,143

 

Loan commitment fees—Note 2

 

 

8,700

 

Distribution fees—Note 3(b)

 

 

4,949

 

Custodian fees—Note 3(c)

 

 

4,203

 

Miscellaneous

 

 

44,255

 

Total Expenses

 

 

2,897,859

 

Less—reduction in expenses due to undertaking—Note 3(a)

 

 

(179,857)

 

Less—reduction in fees due to earnings credits—Note 3(c)

 

 

(69,841)

 

Net Expenses

 

 

2,648,161

 

Net Investment Income

 

 

8,950,968

 

Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments—Note 4 ($):

 

 

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

(121,982)

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

10,759,249

 

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments

 

 

10,637,267

 

Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations

 

19,588,235

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

     

20

 

STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

          

 

 

 

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

 

2023

 

2022

 

Operations ($):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

8,950,968

 

 

 

9,064,105

 

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

 

(121,982)

 

 

 

(1,602,712)

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation
(depreciation) on investments

 

10,759,249

 

 

 

(45,951,970)

 

Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
Resulting from Operations

19,588,235

 

 

 

(38,490,577)

 

Distributions ($):

 

Distributions to shareholders:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Class A

 

 

(6,483,909)

 

 

 

(7,211,185)

 

Class C

 

 

(12,229)

 

 

 

(13,795)

 

Class I

 

 

(541,683)

 

 

 

(523,033)

 

Class Y

 

 

(27)

 

 

 

(27)

 

Class Z

 

 

(1,965,896)

 

 

 

(2,179,544)

 

Total Distributions

 

 

(9,003,744)

 

 

 

(9,927,584)

 

Capital Stock Transactions ($):

 

Net proceeds from shares sold:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Class A

 

 

5,164,375

 

 

 

8,370,709

 

Class C

 

 

-

 

 

 

213,870

 

Class I

 

 

4,240,739

 

 

 

12,029,095

 

Class Z

 

 

1,505,931

 

 

 

1,929,262

 

Distributions reinvested:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Class A

 

 

5,117,622

 

 

 

5,704,297

 

Class C

 

 

12,225

 

 

 

13,785

 

Class I

 

 

541,231

 

 

 

521,209

 

Class Z

 

 

1,602,373

 

 

 

1,809,143

 

Cost of shares redeemed:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Class A

 

 

(30,972,022)

 

 

 

(34,405,427)

 

Class C

 

 

(151,815)

 

 

 

(450,573)

 

Class I

 

 

(4,526,044)

 

 

 

(10,534,243)

 

Class Z

 

 

(10,316,337)

 

 

 

(7,969,327)

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
from Capital Stock Transactions

(27,781,722)

 

 

 

(22,768,200)

 

Total Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets

(17,197,231)

 

 

 

(71,186,361)

 

Net Assets ($):

 

Beginning of Period

 

 

345,415,160

 

 

 

416,601,521

 

End of Period

 

 

328,217,929

 

 

 

345,415,160

 

21

 

STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (continued)

          

 

 

 

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

 

2023

 

2022

 

Capital Share Transactions (Shares):

 

Class A

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares sold

 

 

447,309

 

 

 

695,548

 

Shares issued for distributions reinvested

 

 

442,058

 

 

 

482,258

 

Shares redeemed

 

 

(2,666,438)

 

 

 

(2,889,704)

 

Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares Outstanding

(1,777,071)

 

 

 

(1,711,898)

 

Class C

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares sold

 

 

-

 

 

 

18,497

 

Shares issued for distributions reinvested

 

 

1,057

 

 

 

1,160

 

Shares redeemed

 

 

(13,261)

 

 

 

(38,298)

 

Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares Outstanding

(12,204)

 

 

 

(18,641)

 

Class I

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares sold

 

 

364,638

 

 

 

1,023,150

 

Shares issued for distributions reinvested

 

 

46,760

 

 

 

44,159

 

Shares redeemed

 

 

(391,313)

 

 

 

(905,522)

 

Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares Outstanding

20,085

 

 

 

161,787

 

Class Z

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares sold

 

 

128,718

 

 

 

163,160

 

Shares issued for distributions reinvested

 

 

138,379

 

 

 

152,998

 

Shares redeemed

 

 

(889,864)

 

 

 

(667,672)

 

Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares Outstanding

(622,767)

 

 

 

(351,514)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

        

22

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

The following tables describe the performance for each share class for the fiscal periods indicated. All information (except portfolio turnover rate) reflects financial results for a single fund share. Net asset value total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption at net asset value on the last day of the period. Net asset value total return includes adjustments in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and as such, the net asset value for financial reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions. These figures have been derived from the fund’s financial statements.

       
  
  

Year Ended December 31,

Class A Shares

 

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

Per Share Data ($):

      

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

11.52

13.06

13.14

12.95

12.53

Investment Operations:

      

Net investment incomea

 

.30

.29

.29

.32

.36

Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss) on investments

 

.38

(1.51)

(.08)

.21

.49

Total from Investment Operations

 

.68

(1.22)

.21

.53

.85

Distributions:

      

Dividends from net
investment income

 

(.30)

(.29)

(.29)

(.32)

(.36)

Dividends from net realized
gain on investments

 

-

(.03)

-

(.02)

(.07)

Total Distributions

 

(.30)

(.32)

(.29)

(.34)

(.43)

Net asset value, end of period

 

11.90

11.52

13.06

13.14

12.95

Total Return (%)b

 

6.04

(9.41)

1.60

4.15

6.82

Ratios/Supplemental Data (%):

      

Ratio of total expenses to
average net assets

 

.90

.96

.95

.95

.95

Ratio of net expenses to
average net assets

 

.83

.85

.85

.85

.85

Ratio of net investment income
to average net assets

 

2.60

2.42

2.21

2.46

2.80

Portfolio Turnover Rate

 

13.02

8.56

10.36

14.13

17.36

Net Assets, end of period ($ x 1,000)

 

241,026

253,884

310,130

321,410

327,410

a Based on average shares outstanding.

b Exclusive of sales charge.

See notes to financial statements.

23

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

       
  
  

Year Ended December 31,

Class C Shares

 

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

Per Share Data ($):

      

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

11.51

13.05

13.13

12.93

12.51

Investment Operations:

      

Net investment incomea

 

.21

.19

.19

.22

.26

Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss) on investments

 

.38

(1.50)

(.08)

.22

.49

Total from Investment Operations

 

.59

(1.31)

.11

.44

.75

Distributions:

      

Dividends from net
investment income

 

(.21)

(.20)

(.19)

(.22)

(.26)

Dividends from net realized
gain on investments

 

-

(.03)

-

(.02)

(.07)

Total Distributions

 

(.21)

(.23)

(.19)

(.24)

(.33)

Net asset value, end of period

 

11.89

11.51

13.05

13.13

12.93

Total Return (%)b

 

5.24

(10.10)

.84

3.45

6.04

Ratios/Supplemental Data (%):

      

Ratio of total expenses to
average net assets

 

1.85

1.92

1.84

1.79

1.76

Ratio of net expenses to
average net assets

 

1.58

1.60

1.60

1.60

1.60

Ratio of net investment income
to average net assets

 

1.84

1.65

1.46

1.74

2.06

Portfolio Turnover Rate

 

13.02

8.56

10.36

14.13

17.36

Net Assets, end of period ($ x 1,000)

 

577

699

1,035

1,707

3,619

a Based on average shares outstanding.

b Exclusive of sales charge.

See notes to financial statements.

24

 

       
  
  

Year Ended December 31,

Class I Shares

 

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

Per Share Data ($):

      

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

11.52

13.06

13.14

12.95

12.53

Investment Operations:

      

Net investment incomea

 

.33

.32

.32

.35

.39

Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss) on investments

 

.38

(1.51)

(.08)

.21

.49

Total from Investment Operations

 

.71

(1.19)

.24

.56

.88

Distributions:

      

Dividends from net
investment income

 

(.33)

(.32)

(.32)

(.35)

(.39)

Dividends from net realized
gain on investments

 

-

(.03)

-

(.02)

(.07)

Total Distributions

 

(.33)

(.35)

(.32)

(.37)

(.46)

Net asset value, end of period

 

11.90

11.52

13.06

13.14

12.95

Total Return (%)

 

6.30

(9.18)

1.85

4.41

7.09

Ratios/Supplemental Data (%):

      

Ratio of total expenses to
average net assets

 

.66

.72

.72

.72

.73

Ratio of net expenses to
average net assets

 

.58

.60

.60

.60

.60

Ratio of net investment income
to average net assets

 

2.84

2.66

2.45

2.71

3.04

Portfolio Turnover Rate

 

13.02

8.56

10.36

14.13

17.36

Net Assets, end of period ($ x 1,000)

 

19,049

18,216

18,535

17,419

15,642

a Based on average shares outstanding.

See notes to financial statements.

25

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

       
  
  

Year Ended December 31,

Class Y Shares

 

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

Per Share Data ($):

      

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

11.57

13.11

13.19

13.00

12.58

Investment Operations:

      

Net investment incomea

 

.34

.32

.32

.35

.39

Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss) on investments

 

.38

(1.51)

(.08)

.20

.49

Total from Investment Operations

 

.72

(1.19)

.24

.55

.88

Distributions:

      

Dividends from net
investment income

 

(.34)

(.32)

(.32)

(.34)

(.39)

Dividends from net realized
gain on investments

 

-

(.03)

-

(.02)

(.07)

Total Distributions

 

(.34)

(.35)

(.32)

(.36)

(.46)

Net asset value, end of period

 

11.95

11.57

13.11

13.19

13.00

Total Return (%)

 

6.36

(9.08)

1.75

4.43

7.07

Ratios/Supplemental Data (%):

      

Ratio of total expenses to
average net assets

 

.66

.72

1.49

.76

.71

Ratio of net expenses to
average net assets

 

.58

.60

.60

.60

.60

Ratio of net investment income
to average net assets

 

2.88

2.70

2.42

2.81

3.04

Portfolio Turnover Rate

 

13.02

8.56

10.36

14.13

17.36

Net Assets, end of period ($ x 1,000)

 

1

1

1

1

133

a Based on average shares outstanding.

See notes to financial statements.

26

 

       
  
  

Year Ended December 31,

Class Z Shares

 

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

Per Share Data ($):

      

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

11.53

13.06

13.14

12.95

12.53

Investment Operations:

      

Net investment incomea

 

.32

.31

.31

.35

.39

Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss) on investments

 

.37

(1.50)

(.08)

.20

.49

Total from Investment Operations

 

.69

(1.19)

.23

.55

.88

Distributions:

      

Dividends from net
investment income

 

(.32)

(.31)

(.31)

(.34)

(.39)

Dividends from net realized
gain on investments

 

-

(.03)

-

(.02)

(.07)

Total Distributions

 

(.32)

(.34)

(.31)

(.36)

(.46)

Net asset value, end of period

 

11.90

11.53

13.06

13.14

12.95

Total Return (%)

 

6.14

(9.15)

1.79

4.38

7.07

Ratios/Supplemental Data (%):

      

Ratio of total expenses to
average net assets

 

.74

.78

.77

.76

.77

Ratio of net expenses to
average net assets

 

.66

.66

.66

.65

.65

Ratio of net investment income
to average net assets

 

2.76

2.62

2.39

2.69

3.04

Portfolio Turnover Rate

 

13.02

8.56

10.36

14.13

17.36

Net Assets, end of period ($ x 1,000)

 

67,565

72,615

86,900

87,648

89,765

a Based on average shares outstanding.

See notes to financial statements.

27

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 1—Significant Accounting Policies:

BNY Mellon New Jersey Municipal Bond Fund, Inc. (the “fund”), which is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Act”), is a non-diversified open-end management investment company. The fund’s investment objective is to seek as high a level of current income exempt from federal and New Jersey income taxes as is consistent with the preservation of capital. BNY Mellon Investment Adviser, Inc. (the “Adviser”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (“BNY Mellon”), serves as the fund’s investment adviser. Insight North America LLC (the “Sub-Adviser”), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of BNY Mellon and an affiliate of the Adviser, serves as the fund’s sub-adviser.

BNY Mellon Securities Corporation (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, is the distributor of fund’s shares. The fund is authorized to issue 775 million shares of $.001 par value Common Stock. The fund currently has authorized five classes of shares: Class A (200 million shares authorized), Class C (150 million shares authorized), Class I (150 million shares authorized), Class Y (150 million shares authorized) and Class Z (125 million shares authorized). Class A and Class C shares are sold primarily to retail investors through financial intermediaries and bear Distribution and/or Shareholder Services Plan fees. Class A shares generally are subject to a sales charge imposed at the time of purchase. Class A shares bought without an initial sales charge as part of an investment of $250,000 or more may be charged a contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”) of 1.00% if redeemed within one year. Class C shares are subject to a CDSC imposed on Class C shares redeemed within one year of purchase. Class C shares automatically convert to Class A shares eight years after the date of purchase, without the imposition of a sales charge. Class I shares are sold primarily to bank trust departments and other financial service providers (including BNY Mellon and its affiliates), acting on behalf of customers having a qualified trust or an investment account or relationship at such institution, and bear no Distribution or Shareholder Services Plan fees. Class Y shares are sold at net asset value per share generally to institutional investors, and bear no Distribution or Shareholder Services Plan fees. Class Z shares are sold at net asset value per share to certain shareholders of the fund. Class Z shares generally are not available for new accounts and bear Shareholder Services Plan fees. Class I, Class Y and Class Z shares are offered without a front-end sales charge or CDSC. Other differences between the classes include the services offered to and the expenses borne by each class, the allocation of certain transfer agency costs and certain voting rights. Income, expenses

28

 

(other than expenses attributable to a specific class), and realized and unrealized gains or losses on investments are allocated to each class of shares based on its relative net assets.

As of December 31, 2023, MBC Investments Corporation, an indirect subsidiary of BNY Mellon, held all of the outstanding Class Y shares of the fund.

The Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) is the exclusive reference of authoritative U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) recognized by the FASB to be applied by nongovernmental entities. Rules and interpretive releases of the SEC under authority of federal laws are also sources of authoritative GAAP for SEC registrants. The fund is an investment company and applies the accounting and reporting guidance of the FASB ASC Topic 946 Financial Services-Investment Companies. The fund’s financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP, which may require the use of management estimates and assumptions. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

The fund enters into contracts that contain a variety of indemnifications. The fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. The fund does not anticipate recognizing any loss related to these arrangements.

(a) Portfolio valuation: The fair value of a financial instrument is the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (i.e., the exit price). GAAP establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs of valuation techniques used to measure fair value. This hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements).

Additionally, GAAP provides guidance on determining whether the volume and activity in a market has decreased significantly and whether such a decrease in activity results in transactions that are not orderly. GAAP requires enhanced disclosures around valuation inputs and techniques used during annual and interim periods.

Various inputs are used in determining the value of the fund’s investments relating to fair value measurements. These inputs are summarized in the three broad levels listed below:

Level 1—unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical investments.

29

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

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.

Changes in valuation techniques may result in transfers in or out of an assigned level within the disclosure hierarchy. Valuation techniques used to value the fund’s investments are as follows:

The fund’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) has designated the Adviser as the fund’s valuation designee to make all fair value determinations with respect to the fund’s portfolio investments, subject to the Board’s oversight and pursuant to Rule 2a-5 under the Act.

Investments in municipal securities are valued each business day by an independent pricing service (the “Service”) approved by the Board. Investments for which quoted bid prices are readily available and are representative of the bid side of the market in the judgment of the Service are valued at the mean between the quoted bid prices (as obtained by the Service from dealers in such securities) and asked prices (as calculated by the Service based upon its evaluation of the market for such securities). Municipal investments (which constitute a majority of the portfolio securities) are carried at fair value as determined by the Service, based on methods which include consideration of the following: yields or prices of municipal securities of comparable quality, coupon, maturity and type; indications as to values from dealers; and general market conditions. The Service is engaged under the general oversight of the Board. All of the preceding securities are generally categorized within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

When market quotations or official closing prices are not readily available, or are determined not to accurately reflect fair value, 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 may value these investments at fair value as determined in accordance with the procedures approved by the Board. Certain factors may be considered when fair valuing investments such as: fundamental analytical data, the nature and duration of restrictions on disposition, an evaluation of the forces that influence the market in which the securities are purchased and sold, and public trading in similar securities of the issuer or comparable issuers.

30

 

These securities are either categorized within Level 2 or 3 of the fair value hierarchy depending on the relevant inputs used.

For securities where observable inputs are limited, assumptions about market activity and risk are used and such securities are generally categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

The following is a summary of the inputs used as of December 31, 2023 in valuing the fund’s investments:

       
 

Level 1-Unadjusted Quoted Prices

Level 2- Other Significant Observable Inputs

 

Level 3-Significant Unobservable Inputs

Total

 

Assets ($) 

  

Investments in Securities:

  

Municipal Securities

-

324,544,156

 

-

324,544,156

 

 See Statement of Investments for additional detailed categorizations, if any.

(b) Securities transactions and investment income: Securities transactions are recorded on a trade date basis. Realized gains and losses from securities transactions are recorded on the identified cost basis. Interest income, adjusted for accretion of discount and amortization of premium on investments, is earned from settlement date and recognized on the accrual basis. Securities purchased or sold on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis may be settled a month or more after the trade date.

The fund follows an investment policy of investing primarily in municipal obligations of one state. Economic changes affecting the state and certain of its public bodies and municipalities may affect the ability of issuers within the state to pay interest on, or repay principal of, municipal obligations held by the fund.

(c) Market Risk: The value of the securities in which the fund invests may be affected by political, regulatory, economic and social developments, and developments that impact specific economic sectors, industries or segments of the market. In addition, turbulence in financial markets and reduced liquidity in equity, credit and/or fixed-income markets may negatively affect many issuers, which could adversely affect the fund. Global economies and financial markets are becoming increasingly interconnected, and conditions and events in one country, region or financial market may adversely impact issuers in a different country, region or financial market. These risks may be magnified if certain events or developments adversely interrupt the global supply chain; in these and other circumstances, such risks might affect companies world-wide.

31

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

Municipal Securities Risk: The amount of public information available about municipal securities is generally less than that for corporate equities or bonds. Special factors, such as legislative changes, and state and local economic and business developments, may adversely affect the yield and/or value of the fund’s investments in municipal securities. Other factors include the general conditions of the municipal securities market, the size of the particular offering, the maturity of the obligation and the rating of the issue. Changes in economic, business or political conditions relating to a particular municipal project, municipality, or state, territory or possession of the United States in which the fund invests may have an impact on the fund’s share price. Any such credit impairment could adversely impact the value of their bonds, which could negatively impact the performance of the fund.

State-Specific Risk: The fund is subject to the risk that New Jersey’s economy, and the revenues underlying its municipal obligations, may decline. Investing primarily in the municipal obligations of a single state makes the fund more sensitive to risks specific to that state and may entail more risk than investing in the municipal obligations of multiple states as a result of potentially less diversification.

Non-Diversification Risk: The fund is non-diversified, which means that the fund may invest a relatively high percentage of its assets in a limited number of issuers. Therefore, the fund’s performance may be more vulnerable to changes in the market value of a single issuer or group of issuers and more susceptible to risks associated with a single economic, political or regulatory occurrence than a diversified fund.

(d) Dividends and distributions to shareholders: It is the policy of the fund to declare dividends daily from net investment income. Such dividends are paid monthly. Dividends from net realized capital gains, if any, are normally declared and paid annually, but the fund may make distributions on a more frequent basis to comply with the distribution requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). To the extent that net realized capital gains can be offset by capital loss carryovers, it is the policy of the fund not to distribute such gains. Income and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with income tax regulations, which may differ from GAAP.

(e) Federal income taxes: It is the policy of the fund to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company, which can distribute tax-exempt dividends, by complying with the applicable provisions of the Code, and to make distributions of income and net realized capital gain sufficient to relieve it from substantially all federal income and excise taxes.

32

 

As of and during the period ended December 31, 2023, the fund did not have any liabilities for any uncertain tax positions. The fund recognizes interest and penalties, if any, related to uncertain tax positions as income tax expense in the Statement of Operations. During the period ended December 31, 2023, the fund did not incur any interest or penalties.

Each tax year in the four-year period ended December 31, 2023 remains subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service and state taxing authorities.

At December 31, 2023, the components of accumulated earnings on a tax basis were as follows: undistributed tax-exempt income $1,078,076, undistributed ordinary income $80,537, accumulated capital losses $1,725,045 and unrealized depreciation $4,910,993.

The fund is permitted to carry forward capital losses for an unlimited period. Furthermore, capital loss carryovers retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses.

The accumulated capital loss carryover is available for federal income tax purposes to be applied against future net realized capital gains, if any, realized subsequent to December 31, 2023. The fund has $28,097 of short-term capital losses and $1,696,948 of long-term capital losses which can be carried forward for an unlimited period.

The tax character of distributions paid to shareholders during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 were as follows: tax-exempt income $9,003,744 and $9,008,005, ordinary income $0 and $214 and long term capital gains $0 and $919,365, respectively.

NOTE 2—Bank Lines of Credit:

The fund participates with other long-term open-end funds managed by the Adviser in a $738 million unsecured credit facility led by Citibank, N.A. (the “Citibank Credit Facility”) and a $300 million unsecured credit facility provided by BNY Mellon (the “BNYM Credit Facility”), each to be utilized primarily for temporary or emergency purposes, including the financing of redemptions (each, a “Facility”). The Citibank Credit Facility is available in two tranches: (i) Tranche A is in an amount equal to $618 million and is available to all long-term open-ended funds, including the fund, and (ii) Tranche B is an amount equal to $120 million and is available only to BNY Mellon Floating Rate Income Fund, a series of BNY Mellon Investment Funds IV, Inc. Prior to September 27, 2023, the Citibank Credit Facility was $823.5 million with Tranche A available in an amount equal to $688.5 million and Tranche B available in an amount equal to $135 million. In connection therewith, the fund has agreed to pay its pro

33

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

rata portion of commitment fees for Tranche A of the Citibank Credit Facility and the BNYM Credit Facility. Interest is charged to the fund based on rates determined pursuant to the terms of the respective Facility at the time of borrowing. During the period ended December 31, 2023, the fund did not borrow under the Facilities.

NOTE 3—Management Fee, Sub-Advisory Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates:

(a) Pursuant to a management agreement with the Adviser, the management fee is computed at the annual rate of .45% of the value of the fund’s average daily net assets and is payable monthly. Effective July 1, 2023, the Board approved a reduction in the management fee payable to the Adviser from an annual rate of .60% to an annual rate of .45% of the value of the fund’s average daily net assets. The Adviser has contractually agreed, from January 1, 2023 through May 1, 2024, to waive receipt of its fees and/or assume the direct expenses of the fund so that the direct expenses of none of the fund’s share classes (excluding Rule 12b-1 Distribution Plan fees, Shareholder Services Plan fees, taxes, interest expense, brokerage commissions, commitment fees on borrowings and extraordinary expenses) exceed .60% of the value of the fund’s average daily net assets. On or after May 1, 2024, the Adviser may terminate this expense limitation agreement at any time. The reduction in expenses, pursuant to the undertaking, amounted to $179,857 during the period ended December 31, 2023.

Pursuant to a sub-investment advisory agreement between the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser, the Adviser pays the Sub-Adviser a monthly fee at an annual rate of .216% of the value of the fund’s average daily net assets. Effective July 1, 2023, the Board approved a reduction in the sub-adviser fee payable to the Sub-Adviser from an annual rate of .288% to an annual rate of .216% of the value of the fund’s average daily net assets.

During the period ended December 31, 2023, the Distributor retained $612 from commissions earned on sales of the fund’s Class A shares.

(b) Under the Distribution Plan adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Act, Class C shares pay the Distributor for distributing its shares at an annual rate of .75% of the value of its average daily net assets. The Distributor may pay one or more Service Agents in respect of advertising, marketing and other distribution services, and determines the amounts, if any, to be paid to Service Agents and the basis on which such payments are made. During the period ended December 31, 2023, Class C shares were charged $4,949 pursuant to the Distribution Plan.

34

 

(c) Under the Shareholder Services Plan, Class A and Class C shares pay the Distributor at an annual rate of .25% of the value of their average daily net assets for the provision of certain services. The services provided may include personal services relating to shareholder accounts, such as answering shareholder inquiries regarding the fund, and services related to the maintenance of shareholder accounts. The Distributor may make payments to Service Agents (securities dealers, financial institutions or other industry professionals) with respect to these services. The Distributor determines the amounts to be paid to Service Agents. During the period ended December 31, 2023, Class A and Class C shares were charged $620,710 and $1,650, respectively, pursuant to the Shareholder Services Plan.

Under the Shareholder Services Plan, Class Z shares reimburse the Distributor at an amount not to exceed an annual rate of .25% of the value of Class Z shares’ average daily net assets for certain allocated expenses of providing personal services and/or maintaining shareholder accounts. The services provided may include personal services relating to shareholder accounts, such as answering shareholder inquiries regarding Class Z shares, and services related to the maintenance of shareholder accounts. During the period ended December 31, 2023, Class Z shares were charged $52,154 pursuant to the Shareholder Services Plan.

The fund has arrangements with BNY Mellon Transfer, Inc., (the “Transfer Agent”) and The Bank of New York Mellon (the “Custodian”), both a subsidiary of BNY Mellon and an affiliate of the Adviser, whereby the fund may receive earnings credits when positive cash balances are maintained, which are used to offset Transfer Agent and Custodian fees. For financial reporting purposes, the fund includes transfer agent net earnings credits, if any, and custody net earnings credits, if any, as an expense offset in the Statement of Operations.

The fund compensates the Transfer Agent, under a transfer agency agreement, for providing transfer agency and cash management services for the fund. The majority of Transfer Agent fees are comprised of amounts paid on a per account basis, while cash management fees are related to fund subscriptions and redemptions. During the period ended December 31, 2023, the fund was charged $82,056 for transfer agency services. These fees are included in Shareholder servicing costs in the Statement of Operations. These fees were partially offset by earnings credits of $65,638.

The fund compensates the Custodian, under a custody agreement, for providing custodial services for the fund. These fees are determined based on net assets, geographic region and transaction activity. During the period

35

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

ended December 31, 2023, the fund was charged $4,203 pursuant to the custody agreement. These fees were offset by earnings credits of $4,203.

The fund compensates the Custodian, under a shareholder redemption draft processing agreement, for providing certain services related to the fund’s check writing privilege. During the period ended December 31, 2023, the fund was charged $5,448 pursuant to the agreement, which is included in Shareholder servicing costs in the Statement of Operations.

During the period ended December 31, 2023, the fund was charged $21,143 for services performed by the fund’s Chief Compliance Officer and his staff. These fees are included in Chief Compliance Officer fees in the Statement of Operations.

The components of “Due to BNY Mellon Investment Adviser, Inc. and affiliates” in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities consist of: management fee of $173,246, Distribution Plan fees of $375, Shareholder Services Plan fees of $51,583, Custodian fees of $2,579, Chief Compliance Officer fees of $5,157 and Transfer Agent fees of $15,230.

(d) Each board member also serves as a board member of other funds in the BNY Mellon Family of Funds complex. Annual retainer fees and attendance fees are allocated to each fund based on net assets.

NOTE 4—Securities Transactions:

The aggregate amount of purchases and sales of investment securities, excluding short-term securities, during the period ended December 31, 2023, amounted to $43,545,225 and $65,387,881, respectively.

At December 31, 2023, the cost of investments for federal income tax purposes was $329,455,149; accordingly, accumulated net unrealized depreciation on investments was $4,910,993, consisting of $5,262,577 gross unrealized appreciation and $10,173,570 gross unrealized depreciation.

36

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of BNY Mellon New Jersey Municipal Bond Fund, Inc.

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of BNY Mellon New Jersey Municipal Bond Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”), including the statement of investments, as of December 31, 2023, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Fund at December 31, 2023, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended and its financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Fund’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Fund’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Fund in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Fund is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of the Fund’s internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Fund’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2023, by correspondence with the custodian, brokers and others; when replies were not received from brokers and others, we performed other auditing procedures. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

We have served as the auditor of one or more investment companies in the BNY Mellon Family of Funds since at least 1957, but we are unable to determine the specific year.

New York, New York
February 22, 2024

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (Unaudited)

UPDATES TO SALES CHARGE REDUCTIONS AND WAIVERS AVAILABLE FROM CERTAIN FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARIES:

The availability of certain sales charge reductions and waivers will depend on whether you purchase fund shares directly from the fund or through a financial intermediary. Financial intermediaries may have different policies and procedures regarding the availability of front-end sales load reductions or waivers or CDSC waivers, which are described in the fund’s prospectus. In all instances, it is the investor’s responsibility to notify the fund or the investor’s financial intermediary at the time of purchase of any relationship or other facts qualifying the investor for sales charge reductions or waivers. For reductions or waivers not available through a particular financial intermediary, investors will have to purchase fund shares directly from the fund or through another financial intermediary to receive these reductions or waivers.

Edward Jones

Clients of Edward D. Jones & Co., L.P. (Edward Jones) purchasing fund shares on the Edward Jones commission and fee-based platforms are eligible only for the following sales charge reductions and waivers, which can differ from the sales charge reductions and waivers described elsewhere in the fund’s prospectus or the SAI or through another financial intermediary. In all instances, it is the shareholder’s responsibility to inform Edward Jones at the time of purchase of any relationship, holdings of BNY Mellon Family of Funds, or other facts qualifying the purchaser for sales charge reductions or waivers. Edward Jones can ask for documentation of such circumstance. Shareholders should contact Edward Jones if they have questions regarding their eligibility for these discounts and waivers.

Front-end sales charge reductions on Class A shares purchased on the Edward Jones commission and fee-based platforms

Shareholders purchasing Class A shares of the fund on the Edward Jones commission and fee-based platforms can reduce their initial sales charge in the following ways:

· Transaction size breakpoints, as described in the fund’s prospectus.

· Rights of accumulation (ROA), which entitle shareholders to breakpoint discounts as described in the fund’s prospectus, will be calculated based on the aggregated holdings of shares of funds in the BNY Mellon Family of Funds (except certain money market funds and any assets held in group retirement plans) held by the purchaser or in an account grouped by Edward Jones with other accounts for the purpose of providing certain pricing considerations (“pricing groups”) and, if grouping assets as a shareholder, includes all share classes of such funds held on the Edward Jones platform and/or held on another platform. Shares of funds in the BNY Mellon Family of Funds may be included in the ROA calculation only if the shareholder notifies Edward Jones about such shares. Money market funds are included only if such shares were sold with a sales charge at the time of purchase or acquired in exchange for shares purchased with a sales charge. The employer maintaining a SEP IRA plan and/or SIMPLE IRA plan may elect to establish or change ROA for the IRA accounts associated with the plan to a plan-level grouping as opposed to including all share classes at a shareholder or pricing

38

 

group level. For purposes of determining the value of a shareholder’s aggregated holdings, eligible shares held will be valued at the higher of their cost minus redemptions or current market value.

· Letter of intent (LOI), which allows for breakpoint discounts as described in the fund’s prospectus, based on anticipated purchases of shares of funds in the BNY Mellon Family of Funds purchased over a 13-month period from the date Edward Jones receives the LOI. Eligible shares purchased pursuant to a LOI will be valued at the higher of their cost or current market value for purposes of determining the front-end sales charge and any breakpoint discounts with respect to such share purchases. Each purchase a shareholder makes pursuant to a LOI during the 13-month period will receive the front-end sales charge and breakpoint discount that applies to the total amount indicated in the LOI. Shares of funds in the BNY Mellon Family of Funds may be included in the LOI calculation only if the shareholder notifies Edward Jones about such shares at the time of calculation. Shares purchased before the LOI is received by Edward Jones are not adjusted under the LOI and will not reduce the sales charge previously paid by the shareholder. The sales charge will be adjusted if the shareholder does not meet the goal indicated in the LOI. If the employer maintaining a SEP IRA plan and/or SIMPLE IRA plan has elected to establish or change ROA for the IRA accounts associated with the plan to a plan-level grouping, LOIs will also be at the plan-level and may only be established by the employer.

Front-end sales charge waivers on Class A shares purchased on the Edward Jones commission and fee-based platforms

Shareholders purchasing Class A shares of the fund on the Edward Jones commission and fee-based platforms may purchase Class A shares at NAV without payment of a sales charge as follows:

· shares purchased by associates of Edward Jones or its affiliates and their family members who are in the same pricing group (as determined by Edward Jones under its policies and procedures) as the associate. This waiver will continue for the remainder of the associate’s life if the associate retires from Edward Jones in good standing and remains in good standing pursuant to Edward Jones’ policies and procedures (Effective January 1, 2024, this waiver will be revised as follows: shares purchased by associates of Edward Jones and its affiliates and other accounts in the same pricing group (as determined by Edward Jones under its policies and procedures) as the associate. This waiver will continue for the remainder of the associate’s life if the associate retires from Edward Jones in good-standing and remains in good standing pursuant to Edward Jones’ policies and procedures)

· shares purchased in an Edward Jones fee-based program

· shares purchased through reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions of the fund

· shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions of shares of a fund in the BNY Mellon Family of Funds, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within 60 days following the redemption, and (2) the redemption and purchase are made in the same share class and the same account or the purchase is made in an individual retirement account with

39

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (Unaudited) (continued)

proceeds from liquidations in a non-retirement account (i.e., Right of Reinstatement) (Effective January 1, 2024, this waiver will be revised as follows: shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions of shares of a fund in the BNY Mellon Family of Funds, provided that (1) the repurchase occurs within 60 days following the redemption, and (2) the redemption and purchase are made in a share class that charges a front-end sales charge, subject to one of the following conditions being met:

o the redemption and repurchase occur in the same account

o the redemption proceeds are used to process an IRA contribution, excess contributions, conversion, recharacterizing of contributions, or distribution, and the repurchase is done in an account within the same Edward Jones grouping for ROA)

· shares exchanged into Class A shares from another share class so long as the exchange is into the same fund and was initiated at the discretion of Edward Jones. Edward Jones is responsible for any CDSC due, if applicable. Any future purchases are subject to the applicable sales charge as disclosed in the fund’s prospectus

· exchanges from Class C shares to Class A shares of the same fund, generally, in the 84th month following the anniversary of the purchase date or earlier at the discretion of Edward Jones

· Effective January 1, 2024: purchases of Class A shares for a 529 plan account through a rollover from either another education savings plan or a security used for qualified distributions

· Effective January 1, 2024: purchases of Class A shares for a 529 plan account made for recontribution of refunded amounts

CDSC waivers on Class A and C shares purchased on the Edward Jones commission and fee-based platforms

The fund’s CDSC on Class A and C shares may be waived for shares purchased on the Edward Jones commission and fee-based platforms in the following cases:

· redemptions made upon the death or disability of the shareholder

· redemptions made through a systematic withdrawal plan, if such redemptions do not exceed 10% of the value of the account annually

· redemptions made in connection with a return of excess contributions from an IRA account

· redemptions made as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts if the redemption is taken in or after the year the shareholder reaches qualified age based on applicable IRS regulations

· redemptions made to pay Edward Jones fees or costs, but only if the redemption is initiated by Edward Jones

· shares exchanged in an Edward Jones fee-based program

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· shares acquired through a Right of Reinstatement (as defined above)

· shares redeemed at the discretion of Edward Jones for accounts not meeting Edward Jones’ minimum balance requirements described below

Other important information for clients of Edward Jones who purchase fund shares on the Edward Jones commission and fee-based platforms

Minimum Purchase Amounts

· Initial purchase minimum: $250

· Subsequent purchase minimum: none

Minimum Balances

· Edward Jones has the right to redeem at its discretion fund holdings with a balance of $250 or less. The following are examples of accounts that are not included in this policy:

o A fee-based account held on an Edward Jones platform

o A 529 account held on an Edward Jones platform

o An account with an active systematic investment plan or LOI

Exchanging Share Classes

· At any time it deems necessary, Edward Jones has the authority to exchange at NAV a shareholder’s holdings in a fund to Class A shares of the same fund. Edward Jones is responsible for any CDSC due, if applicable. Any future purchases are subject to the applicable sales charge as disclosed in the fund’s prospectus.

Merrill

Purchases or sales of front-end (i.e., Class A) or level-load (i.e., Class C) mutual fund shares through a Merrill platform or account are eligible only for the following sales load waivers (front-end or CDSC) and discounts, which differ from those disclosed elsewhere in the fund’s prospectus. Purchasers will have to buy mutual fund shares directly from the mutual fund company or through another intermediary to be eligible for waivers or discounts not listed below.

It is the client’s responsibility to notify Merrill at the time of purchase or sale of any relationship or other facts that qualify the transaction for a waiver or discount. A Merrill representative may ask for reasonable documentation of such facts and Merrill may condition the granting of a waiver or discount on the timely receipt of such documentation. Additional information on waivers or discounts is available in the Merrill Sales Load Waiver and Discounts Supplement (the “Merrill SLWD Supplement”) and in the Mutual Fund Investing at Merrill pamphlet at ml.com/funds. Clients are encouraged to review these documents and speak with their financial advisor to determine whether a transaction is eligible for a waiver or discount.

Front-end sales charge waivers on Class A shares purchased through Merrill

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (Unaudited) (continued)

Shareholders purchasing Class A shares of the fund through a Merrill platform or account are eligible only for the following sales charge waivers, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in the fund’s prospectus or the SAI. Such shareholders may purchase Class A shares at NAV without payment of a sales charge as follows:

· shares of mutual funds available for purchase by employer-sponsored retirement, deferred compensation and employee benefit plans (including health savings accounts) and trusts used to fund those plans provided that the shares are not held in a commission-based brokerage account and shares are held for the benefit of the plan. For purposes of this provision, employer-sponsored retirement plans do not include SEP IRAs, Simple IRAs, SAR-SEPs or Keogh plans

· shares purchased through a Merrill investment advisory program

· brokerage class shares exchanged from advisory class shares due to the holdings moving from a Merrill investment advisory program to a Merrill brokerage account

· shares purchased through the Merrill Edge Self-Directed platform

· shares purchased through the systematic reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same mutual fund in the same account

· shares exchanged from level-load shares to front-end load shares of the same mutual fund in accordance with the description in the Merrill SLWD Supplement

· shares purchased by eligible employees of Merrill or its affiliates and their family members who purchase shares in accounts within the employee’s Merrill Household (as defined in the Merrill SLWD Supplement)

· shares purchased by eligible persons associated with the fund as defined in the fund’s prospectus (e.g., the fund’s officers or trustees)

· shares purchased from the proceeds of a mutual fund redemption in front-end load shares, provided (1) the repurchase is in a mutual fund within the same fund family, (2) the repurchase occurs within 90 calendar days from the redemption trade date, and (3) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account (known as Rights of Reinstatement). Automated transactions (i.e., systematic purchases and withdrawals) and purchases made after shares are automatically sold to pay Merrill’s account maintenance fees are not eligible for Rights of Reinstatement

CDSC waivers on Class A and C shares purchased through Merrill

Fund shares purchased through a Merrill platform or account are eligible only for the following CDSC waivers, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in the fund’s prospectus or the SAI:

· shares sold due to the client’s death or disability (as defined by Internal Revenue Code Section 22(e)(3))

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· shares sold pursuant to a systematic withdrawal program subject to Merrill’s maximum systematic withdrawal limits, as described in the Merrill SLWD Supplement

· shares sold due to return of excess contributions from an IRA account

· shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts due to the investor reaching the qualified age based on applicable IRS regulation

· front-end or level-load shares held in commission-based, non-taxable retirement brokerage accounts (e.g., traditional, Roth, rollover, SEP IRAs, Simple IRAs, SAR-SEPs or Keogh plans) that are transferred to fee-based accounts or platforms and exchanged for a lower cost share class of the same mutual fund.

Front-end sales charge reductions on Class A shares purchased through Merrill

Shareholders purchasing Class A shares of the fund through a Merrill platform or account are eligible only for the following sales charge reductions (i.e., discounts), which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in the fund’s prospectus or the SAI. Such shareholders can reduce their initial sales charge in the following ways:

· Breakpoint discounts, as described in the fund’s prospectus, where the sales load is at or below the maximum sales load that Merrill permits to be assessed to a front-end load purchase, as described in the Merrill SLWD Supplement.

· Rights of accumulation (ROA), as described in the Merrill SLWD Supplement, which entitle clients to breakpoint discounts based on the aggregated holdings of mutual fund family assets held in accounts in their Merrill Household.

· Letters of Intent (LOI), which allow for breakpoint discounts on eligible new purchases based on anticipated future eligible purchases within a fund family at Merrill, in accounts within your Merrill Household, as further described in the Merrill SLWD Supplement.

43

 

IMPORTANT TAX INFORMATION (Unaudited)

In accordance with federal tax law, the fund hereby reports all the dividends paid from net investment income during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 as “exempt-interest dividends” (not subject to regular federal and, for individuals who are New Jersey residents, New Jersey personal income taxes). Where required by federal tax law rules, shareholders will receive notification of their portion of the fund’s taxable ordinary dividends (if any), capital gains distributions (if any) and tax-exempt dividends paid for the 2023 calendar year on Form 1099-DIV, which will be mailed in early 2024.

44

 

PROXY RESULTS (Unaudited)

A special meeting of the Company’s shareholders was held on October 12, 2023. The proposal considered at the meeting and the results were as follows:

     
 

Shares

 

For

 

Authority Withheld

To elect Board Members to hold office until their successors are duly elected and qualified

   
 

Francine J. Bovich

12,726,053

 

691,159

 

Michael D. DiLecce

12,746,767

 

670,445

 

Gina D. France

12,733,510

 

683,701

 

Joan L. Gulley

12,717,652

 

699,560

 

Nathan Leventhal

12,710,126

 

707,086

 Each Board Member’s term commenced January 1, 2024.

In addition, Joseph S. DiMartino, Peggy C. Davis and Robin A. Melvin continue as Board Members of the Company. Mses. France and Gulley currently are Board Members of the Company, but have not been previously elected by shareholders.

45

 

BOARD MEMBERS INFORMATION (Unaudited)

Independent Board Members

Joseph S. DiMartino (80)
C
hairman of the Board (1995)

Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years:

· Director or Trustee of funds in the BNY Mellon Family of Funds and certain other entities (as described in the fund’s Statement of Additional Information) (1995-Present)

Other Public Company Board Memberships During Past 5 Years:

· CBIZ, Inc., a public company providing professional business services, products and solutions, Director (1997-May 2023)

No. of Portfolios for which Board Member Serves: 86

———————

Peggy C. Davis (80)
Board Member (2012)

Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years:

· Shad Professor of Law, New York University School of Law (1983-Present)

No. of Portfolios for which Board Member Serves: 29

———————

Gina D. France (65)
Board Member (2019)

Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years:

· France Strategic Partners, a strategy and advisory firm serving corporate clients across the United States, Founder, President and Chief Executive Officer (2003-Present)

Other Public Company Board Memberships During Past 5 Years:

· Huntington Bancshares, a bank holding company headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, Director (2016-Present)

· Cedar Fair, L.P., a publicly-traded partnership that owns and operates amusement parks and hotels in the U.S. and Canada, Director (2011-May 2023)

· CBIZ, Inc., a public company providing professional business services, products and solutions, Director (2015-Present)

No. of Portfolios for which Board Member Serves: 22

———————

46

 

Joan Gulley (76)
Board Member (2017)

Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years:

· Nantucket Atheneum, public library, Chair (June 2018-June 2021) and Director (2015-June 2021)

· Orchard Island Club, golf and beach club, Governor (2016-Present) and President (February 2023-Present)

No. of Portfolios for which Board Member Serves: 39

———————

Robin A. Melvin (60)
Board Member (2011)

Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years:

· Westover School, a private girls’ boarding school in Middlebury, Connecticut, Trustee (2019-June 2023)

· Mentor Illinois, a non-profit organization dedicated to increasing the quantity and quality of mentoring services in Illinois, Co-Chair (2014–March 2020); Board Member (2013-March 2020)

· JDRF, a non-profit juvenile diabetes research foundation, Board Member (June 2021-June 2022)

Other Public Company Board Memberships During Past 5 Years:

· HPS Corporate Lending Fund, a closed-end management investment company regulated as a business development company, Trustee (August 2021-Present)

· HPS Corporate Capital Solutions Fund, a close-end management investment company regulated as a business development company, Trustee, (December 2023-Present)

No. of Portfolios for which Board Member Serves: 68

———————

Michael D. DiLecce (61)
Advisory Board Member (2022)

Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years:

· Retired since July 2022. Global Asset Management Assurance Leader, Ernst & Young LLP (2015-2022)

· Americas Regional Talent Managing Partner for Ernst & Young’s Financial Service Practice (2017-2021)

· Partner, Ernst & Young LLP (1997-2022)

No. of Portfolios for which Board Member Serves: 22

———————

The address of the Board Members and Officers is c/o BNY Mellon Investment Adviser, Inc., 240 Greenwich Street, New York, New York 10286. Additional information about each Board Member is available in the fund’s Statement of Additional Information which can be obtained from the Adviser free of charge by calling this toll free number: 1-800-373-9387.

47

 

OFFICERS OF THE FUND (Unaudited)

DAVID DIPETRILLO, President since January 2021.

Vice President and Director of the Adviser since February 2021; Head of North America Distribution, BNY Mellon Investment Management since February 2023; and Head of North America Product, BNY Mellon Investment Management from January 2018 to February 2023. He is an officer of 53 investment companies (comprised of 102 portfolios) managed by the Adviser or an affiliate of the Adviser. He is 45 years old and has been an employee of BNY Mellon since 2005.

JAMES WINDELS, Treasurer since November 2001.

Director of the Adviser since February 2023; Vice President of the Adviser since September 2020; and Director–BNY Mellon Fund Administration. He is an officer of 54 investment companies (comprised of 121 portfolios) managed by the Adviser or an affiliate of the Adviser. He is 65 years old and has been an employee of the Adviser since April 1985.

PETER M. SULLIVAN, Chief Legal Officer since July 2021 and Vice President and Assistant Secretary since March 2019.

Chief Legal Officer of the Adviser and Associate General Counsel of BNY Mellon since July 2021; Senior Managing Counsel of BNY Mellon from December 2020 to July 2021; and Managing Counsel of BNY Mellon from March 2009 to December 2020. He is an officer of 54 investment companies (comprised of 121 portfolios) managed by the Adviser or an affiliate of the Adviser. He is 55 years old and has been an employee of BNY Mellon since April 2004.

JAMES BITETTO, Vice President since August 2005 and Secretary since February 2018.

Senior Managing Counsel of BNY Mellon since December 2019; Managing Counsel of BNY Mellon from April 2014 to December 2019; and Secretary of the Adviser. He is an officer of 54 investment companies (comprised of 121 portfolios) managed by the Adviser or an affiliate of the Adviser. He is 57 years old and has been an employee of the Adviser since December 1996.

DEIRDRE CUNNANE, Vice President and Assistant Secretary since March 2019.

Managing Counsel of BNY Mellon since December 2021; and Counsel of BNY Mellon from August 2018 to December 2021. She is an officer of 54 investment companies (comprised of 121 portfolios) managed by the Adviser or an affiliate of the Adviser. She is 33 years old and has been an employee of BNY Mellon since August 2013.

SARAH S. KELLEHER, Vice President and Assistant Secretary since April 2014.

Vice President of BNY Mellon ETF Investment Adviser; LLC since February 2020; Senior Managing Counsel of BNY Mellon since September 2021; and Managing Counsel of BNY Mellon from December 2017 to September 2021. She is an officer of 54 investment companies (comprised of 121 portfolios) managed by the Adviser or an affiliate of the Adviser. She is 48 years old and has been an employee of BNY Mellon since March 2013.

JEFF PRUSNOFSKY, Vice President and Assistant Secretary since August 2005.

Senior Managing Counsel of BNY Mellon. He is an officer of 54 investment companies (comprised of 121 portfolios) managed by the Adviser or an affiliate of the Adviser. He is 58 years old and has been an employee of the Adviser since October 1990.

AMANDA QUINN, Vice President and Assistant Secretary since March 2020.

Counsel of BNY Mellon since June 2019; and Regulatory Administration Manager at BNY Mellon Investment Management Services from September 2018 to May 2019. She is an officer of 54 investment companies (comprised of 121 portfolios) managed by the Adviser or an affiliate of the Adviser. She is 38 years old and has been an employee of BNY Mellon since June 2012.

JOANNE SKERRETT, Vice President and Assistant Secretary since March 2023.

Managing Counsel of BNY Mellon since June 2022; and Senior Counsel with the Mutual Fund Directors Forum, a leading funds industry organization, from 2016 to June 2022. She is an officer of 54 investment companies (comprised of 121 portfolios) managed by the Adviser or an affiliate of the Adviser. She is 52 years old and has been an employee of the Adviser since June 2022.

48

 

NATALYA ZELENSKY, Vice President and Assistant Secretary since March 2017.

Chief Compliance Officer since August 2021 and Vice President since February 2020 of BNY Mellon ETF Investment Adviser, LLC; Chief Compliance Officer since August 2021 and Vice President and Assistant Secretary since February 2020 of BNY Mellon ETF Trust; Managing Counsel of BNY Mellon from December 2019 to August 2021; Counsel of BNY Mellon from May 2016 to December 2019; and Assistant Secretary of the Adviser from April 2018 to August 2021. She is an officer of 54 investment companies (comprised of 121 portfolios) managed by the Adviser or an affiliate of the Adviser. She is 38 years old and has been an employee of BNY Mellon since May 2016.

DANIEL GOLDSTEIN, Vice President since March 2022.

Head of Product Development of North America Distribution, BNY Mellon Investment Management since January 2018; Executive Vice President of North America Product, BNY Mellon Investment Management since April 2023; and Senior Vice President, Development & Oversight of North America Product, BNY Mellon Investment Management from 2010 to March 2023. He is an officer of 53 investment companies (comprised of 102 portfolios) managed by the Adviser or an affiliate of the Adviser. He is 54 years old and has been an employee of the Distributor since 1991.

JOSEPH MARTELLA, Vice President since March 2022.

Vice President of the Adviser since December 2022; Head of Product Management of North America Distribution, BNY Mellon Investment Management since January 2018; Executive Vice President of North America Product, BNY Mellon Investment Management since April 2023; and Senior Vice President of North America Product, BNY Mellon Investment Management from 2010 to March 2023. He is an officer of 53 investment companies (comprised of 102 portfolios) managed by the Adviser or an affiliate of the Adviser. He is 47 years old and has been an employee of the Distributor since 1999.

GAVIN C. REILLY, Assistant Treasurer since December 2005.

Tax Manager–BNY Mellon Fund Administration. He is an officer of 54 investment companies (comprised of 121 portfolios) managed by the Adviser or an affiliate of the Adviser. He is 55 years old and has been an employee of the Adviser since April 1991.

ROBERT SALVIOLO, Assistant Treasurer since July 2007.

Senior Accounting Manager–BNY Mellon Fund Administration. He is an officer of 54 investment companies (comprised of 121 portfolios) managed by the Adviser or an affiliate of the Adviser. He is 56 years old and has been an employee of the Adviser since June 1989.

ROBERT SVAGNA, Assistant Treasurer since August 2002.

Senior Accounting Manager–BNY Mellon Fund Administration. He is an officer of 54 investment companies (comprised of 121 portfolios) managed by the Adviser or an affiliate of the Adviser. He is 56 years old and has been an employee of the Adviser since November 1990.

JOSEPH W. CONNOLLY, Chief Compliance Officer since October 2004.

Chief Compliance Officer of the BNY Mellon Family of Funds and BNY Mellon Funds Trust since 2004; and Chief Compliance Officer of the Adviser from 2004 until June 2021. He is the Chief Compliance Officer of 53 investment companies (comprised of 105 portfolios) managed by the Adviser. He is 66 years old.

CARIDAD M. CAROSELLA, Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer since January 2016.

Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer of the BNY Mellon Family of Funds and BNY Mellon Funds Trust. She is an officer of 47 investment companies (comprised of 114 portfolios) managed by the Adviser or an affiliate of the Adviser. She is 55 years old and has been an employee of the Distributor since 1997.

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For More Information

BNY Mellon New Jersey Municipal Bond Fund, Inc.

240 Greenwich Street
New York, NY 10286

Adviser

BNY Mellon Investment Adviser, Inc.
240 Greenwich Street
New York, NY 10286

Sub-Adviser

Insight North America LLC
200 Park Avenue, 7th Floor
New York, NY 10166

Custodian

The Bank of New York Mellon
240 Greenwich Street
New York, NY 10286

Transfer Agent &
Dividend Disbursing Agent

BNY Mellon Transfer, Inc.
240 Greenwich Street
New York, NY 10286

Distributor

BNY Mellon Securities Corporation
240 Greenwich Street
New York, NY 10286

  

Ticker Symbols:

Class A: DRNJX Class C: DCNJX  Class I: DNMIX
Class Y: DNJYX Class Z: DZNJX

Telephone Call your financial representative or 1-800-373-9387

Mail The BNY Mellon Family of Funds, 144 Glenn Curtiss Boulevard, Uniondale, NY 11556-0144

E-mail Send your request to info@bnymellon.com

Internet Information can be viewed online or downloaded at www.im.bnymellon.com

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-PORT. The fund’s Forms N-PORT are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

A description of the policies and procedures that the fund uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities and information regarding how the fund voted these proxies for the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available at www.im.bnymellon.com and on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-373-9387.

  

© 2024 BNY Mellon Securities Corporation
0750AR1223

 

 

 

 
 

 

 

Item 2. Code of Ethics.

The Registrant has adopted a code of ethics that applies to the Registrant's principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions. There have been no amendments to, or waivers in connection with, the Code of Ethics during the period covered by this Report.

Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.

The Registrant's Board has determined that Gina D. France, a member of the Audit Committee of the Board, is an audit committee financial expert as defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). Gina D. France is "independent" as defined by the SEC for purposes of audit committee financial expert determinations.

Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

 

(a) Audit Fees. The aggregate fees billed for each of the last two fiscal years (the "Reporting Periods") for professional services rendered by the Registrant's principal accountant (the "Auditor") for the audit of the Registrant's annual financial statements or services that are normally provided by the Auditor in connection with the statutory and regulatory filings or engagements for the Reporting Periods, were $36,204 in 2022 and $36,928 in 2023.

 

(b) Audit-Related Fees. The aggregate fees billed in the Reporting Periods for assurance and related services by the Auditor that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit of the Registrant's financial statements and are not reported under paragraph (a) of this Item 4 were $10,926 in 2022 and $11,272 in 2023. These services consisted of one or more of the following: (i) agreed upon procedures related to compliance with Internal Revenue Code section 817(h), (ii) security counts required by Rule 17f-2 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, (iii) advisory services as to the accounting or disclosure treatment of Registrant transactions or events and (iv) advisory services to the accounting or disclosure treatment of the actual or potential impact to the Registrant of final or proposed rules, standards or interpretations by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Financial Accounting Standards Boards or other regulatory or standard-setting bodies.

 

The aggregate fees billed in the Reporting Periods for non-audit assurance and related services by the Auditor to the Registrant's investment adviser (not including any sub-investment adviser whose role is primarily portfolio management and is subcontracted with or overseen by another investment adviser), and any entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with the investment adviser that provides ongoing services to the Registrant ("Service Affiliates"), that were reasonably related to the performance of the annual audit of the Service Affiliate, which required pre-approval by the Audit Committee were $0 in 2022 and $0 in 2023.

 

(c) Tax Fees. The aggregate fees billed in the Reporting Periods for professional services rendered by the Auditor for tax compliance, tax advice, and tax planning ("Tax Services") were $3,342 in 2022 and $3,342 in 2023. These services consisted of: (i) review or preparation of U.S. federal, state, local and excise tax returns; (ii) U.S. federal, state and local tax planning, advice and assistance regarding statutory, regulatory or administrative developments; (iii) tax advice regarding tax qualification matters and/or treatment of various financial instruments held or proposed to be acquired or held, and (iv) determination of Passive Foreign Investment Companies. The aggregate fees billed in the Reporting Periods for Tax Services by the Auditor to Service Affiliates, which required pre-approval by the Audit Committee were $8,158 in 2022 and $8,158 in 2023.

 
 

 

(d) All Other Fees. The aggregate fees billed in the Reporting Periods for products and services provided by the Auditor, other than the services reported in paragraphs (a) through (c) of this Item, were $1,596 in 2022 and $1,815 in 2023. These services consisted of a review of the Registrant's anti-money laundering program.

 

The aggregate fees billed in the Reporting Periods for Non-Audit Services by the Auditor to Service Affiliates, other than the services reported in paragraphs (b) through (c) of this Item, which required pre-approval by the Audit Committee, were $0 in 2022 and $0 in 2023.

 

(e)(1) Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures. The Registrant's Audit Committee has established policies and procedures (the "Policy") for pre-approval (within specified fee limits) of the Auditor's engagements for non-audit services to the Registrant and Service Affiliates without specific case-by-case consideration. The pre-approved services in the Policy can include pre-approved audit services, pre-approved audit-related services, pre-approved tax services and pre-approved all other services. Pre-approval considerations include whether the proposed services are compatible with maintaining the Auditor's independence. Pre-approvals pursuant to the Policy are considered annually.

(e)(2) Note. None of the services described in paragraphs (b) through (d) of this Item 4 were approved by the Audit Committee pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(i)(C) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X.

 

(f) None of the hours expended on the principal accountant's engagement to audit the registrant's financial statements for the most recent fiscal year were attributed to work performed by persons other than the principal accountant's full-time, permanent employees.

Non-Audit Fees. The aggregate non-audit fees billed by the Auditor for services rendered to the Registrant, and rendered to Service Affiliates, for the Reporting Periods were $1,803,830 in 2022 and $1,865,667 in 2023.

 

Auditor Independence. The Registrant's Audit Committee has considered whether the provision of non-audit services that were rendered to Service Affiliates, which were not pre-approved (not requiring pre-approval), is compatible with maintaining the Auditor's independence.

 

(i)Not applicable.

 

(j) Not applicable.

 

Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.

Not applicable.

Item 6. Investments.

(a) Not applicable.

Item 7.Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

Not applicable.

Item 8. Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

Not applicable.

 
 
Item 9.Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Companies and Affiliated Purchasers.

Not applicable.

Item 10.Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

There have been no material changes to the procedures applicable to Item 10.

Item 11.Controls and Procedures.

(a)       The Registrant's principal executive and principal financial officers have concluded, based on their evaluation of the Registrant's disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of this report, that the Registrant's disclosure controls and procedures are reasonably designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Registrant on Form N-CSR is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the required time periods and that information required to be disclosed by the Registrant in the reports that it files or submits on Form N-CSR is accumulated and communicated to the Registrant's management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

(b)       There were no changes to the Registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Item 12.Disclosure of Securities Lending Activities for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

Not applicable.

Item 13.Exhibits.

(a)(1) Code of ethics referred to in Item 2.

(a)(2) Certifications of principal executive and principal financial officers as required by Rule 30a-2(a) under the Investment Company Act of 1940.

(a)(3) Not applicable.

(b)       Certification of principal executive and principal financial officers as required by Rule 30a-2(b) under the Investment Company Act of 1940.

 
 

SIGNATURES

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

BNY Mellon New Jersey Municipal Bond Fund, Inc.

By: /s/ David J. DiPetrillo

David J. DiPetrillo

President (Principal Executive Officer)

 

Date: February 22, 2024

 

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/ David J. DiPetrillo

David J. DiPetrillo

President (Principal Executive Officer)

 

Date: February 22, 2024

 

By: /s/ James Windels

James Windels

Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer)

 

Date: February 21, 2024

 

 

 
 

 

EXHIBIT INDEX

(a)(1) Code of ethics referred to in Item 2.

(a)(2) Certifications of principal executive and principal financial officers as required by Rule 30a-2(a) under the Investment Company Act of 1940. (EX-99.CERT)

(b)       Certification of principal executive and principal financial officers as required by Rule 30a-2(b) under the Investment Company Act of 1940. (EX-99.906CERT)