UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM N-CSRS
CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES
Investment Company Act file number 811-05611
Name of Fund: BlackRock MuniVest Fund, Inc.
Fund Address: P.O. Box 9011
Princeton, NJ 08543-9011
Name and address of agent for service: Robert C. Doll, Jr., Chief Executive
Officer, BlackRock MuniVest Fund, Inc., 800 Scudders Mill Road,
Plainsboro, NJ, 08536. Mailing address: P.O. Box 9011, Princeton, NJ,
08543-9011
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (609) 282-2800
Date of fiscal year end: 08/31/07
Date of reporting period: 09/01/06 - 02/28/07
Item 1 - Report to Stockholders
ALTERNATIVES BLACKROCK SOLUTIONS EQUITIES
FIXED INCOME LIQUIDITY REAL ESTATE
BlackRock MuniVest Fund, Inc. BLACKROCK
SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT
FEBRUARY 28, 2007 | (UNAUDITED)
NOT FDIC INSURED
MAY LOSE VALUE
NO BANK GUARANTEE
BlackRock MuniVest Fund, Inc.
Portfolio Information as of February 28, 2007
Quality Ratings by Percent of
S&P/Moody's Total Investments
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA/Aaa .................................................................. 32.7%
AA/Aa .................................................................... 17.8
A/A ...................................................................... 27.3
BBB/Baa .................................................................. 17.1
BB/Ba .................................................................... 1.6
B/B ...................................................................... 1.0
NR (Not Rated) ........................................................... 1.5
Other* ................................................................... 1.0
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Includes portfolio holdings in short-term investments and variable rate
demand notes.
Announcement of Annual Stockholders Meeting
The Fund has determined that its annual stockholders meeting originally
scheduled to be held in April 2007 will be postponed and will be held in
September 2007. Proposals of stockholders intended to be presented at the
meeting must be received by the Fund by May 15, 2007 for inclusion in the Fund's
proxy statement and form of proxy for that meeting. The persons named as proxies
in the proxy materials for the Fund's 2007 annual meeting of stockholders may
excercise discretionary authority with respect to any stockholder proposal
presented at such meeting if written notice of such proposal has not been
received by the Fund by July 1, 2007. Written proposals and notices should be
sent to the Secretary of the Fund, 800 Scudders Mill Road, Plainsboro, New
Jersey 08536.
2 BLACKROCK MUNIVEST FUND, INC. FEBRUARY 28, 2007
A Letter to Shareholders
Dear Shareholder
The new year began on a positive note for most financial markets, continuing the
momentum from the fourth quarter of 2006. At the end of February, however,
global equity markets registered their first significant decline since last
summer. The market jitters were triggered by a significant setback in the
Chinese market and were exacerbated by several concerns, notably a weakening
economy, some disappointing corporate earnings announcements, geopolitical
concerns related to Iran's nuclear program and increasing delinquencies in the
subprime mortgage market. Despite the recent spate of volatility, underlying
stock market fundamentals appear quite sound, supported by a generally good
global economic backdrop, tame inflation, relatively low interest rates and
attractive valuations.
Not unlike the equity market, the bond market also has seen volatility recently
as observers have attempted to interpret mixed economic signals. A bond market
rally late last year reversed early in 2007 as the economic data strengthened.
Prices improved (and yields fell) again in February as equities struggled.
Notably, the Treasury curve remained inverted for much of 2006 and into 2007.
The 30-year Treasury yield stood at 4.68% on February 28, 2007, while the
one-month Treasury offered the highest yield on the curve at 5.24%.
For its part, the Federal Reserve Board (the Fed) has left the target short-term
interest rate on hold at 5.25% since first pausing on August 8, 2006. Although
the central bankers continue to express concern about potential inflationary
pressures, they also have made reference to signs of economic weakness in their
public statements. Most observers expect the Fed to keep interest rates on hold
for now, but acknowledge that the combination of a mild economic slowdown and
moderating inflation could prompt an interest rate cut later in 2007.
Notwithstanding the volatility along the way, most major market indexes managed
to post positive returns for the annual and semi-annual reporting periods ended
February 28, 2007:
Total Returns as of February 28, 2007 6-month 12-month
================================================================================================
U.S. equities (Standard & Poor's 500 Index) + 8.93% +11.97%
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Small cap U.S. equities (Russell 2000 Index) +10.76 + 9.87
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
International equities (MSCI Europe, Australasia, Far East Index) +12.17 +21.07
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fixed income (Lehman Brothers Aggregate Bond Index) + 3.66 + 5.54
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tax-exempt fixed income (Lehman Brothers Municipal Bond Index) + 2.89 + 4.96
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
High yield bonds (Credit Suisse High Yield Index) + 8.62 +12.36
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If the recent market movements are any guide, 2007 could be a year of enhanced
market volatility. As you navigate the uncertainties of the financial markets,
we encourage you to review your investment goals with your financial
professional and to make portfolio changes, as needed. We thank you for trusting
BlackRock with your investment assets, and we look forward to continuing to
serve you in the months and years ahead.
Sincerely,
/s/ Robert C. Doll, Jr.
Robert C. Doll, Jr.
Fund President and Director
BLACKROCK MUNIVEST FUND, INC. FEBRUARY 28, 2007 3
A Discussion With Your Fund's Portfolio Manager
The Fund continued to offer shareholders an above-average level of income,
as we remained committed to protecting the portfolio's underlying value and
enhancing yield in a historically low interest rate environment.
Describe the recent market environment relative to municipal bonds.
Long-term bond yields moved slightly lower during the six-month period, as their
prices correspondingly increased. The municipal bond market's strong technical
position allowed long-term tax-exempt bond yields to decline more than taxable
yields.
Bond prices began to improve early in the period as economic growth softened and
the Federal Reserve Board (the Fed) opted to refrain from raising its target
interest rate after 17 consecutive increases since mid-2004. Bond prices found
additional support from moderating oil prices, and by the end of November,
30-year U.S. Treasury bond yields had declined 32 basis points (.32%) to 4.56%.
In December 2006 and January 2007, however, economic releases were generally
stronger than expected. The more positive economic environment, coupled with
year-end profit-taking, helped push bond yields higher (and prices lower). By
the end of January, long-term U.S. Treasury bond yields had risen to 4.93%
before falling again in February as softer economic news, particularly relating
to employment and housing, allowed bond prices to rally once again.
At the end of February 2007, 30-year U.S. Treasury bond yields stood at 4.68%, a
decline of 20 basis points over the past six months. Ten-year U.S. Treasury note
yields declined 18 basis points during the period to 4.56%. Longer-maturity
tax-exempt issues outperformed comparable U.S. Treasury issues as investor
demand outstripped a resurgent new-issue calendar. As reported by Municipal
Market Data, yields on AAA-rated municipal issues maturing in 30 years declined
28 basis points to 3.97%, while yields on 10-year, AAA-rated issues declined
eight basis points to 3.67%.
Investor demand for municipal product remained strong throughout the six-month
period. According to the Investment Company Institute, long-term municipal bond
funds had net new cash flows of over $15 billion in 2006, a 200% increase
compared to flows in 2005. This positive trend continued into 2007, with net
cash flows in January exceeding $2.8 billion. Weekly fund flows, as reported by
AMG Data, also have supported tax-exempt bond prices. Weekly average cash flows
into long-term tax-exempt funds averaged more than $420 million over the past
six months and more than $487 million in February. These flows represent a
considerable improvement from weekly levels of $230 million - $250 million in
the middle of 2006.
New issuance in the municipal market has surged in recent months as
municipalities have rushed to take advantage of low market yields and solid
investor demand. During the six-month period, more than $206 billion in new
long-term tax-exempt bonds was issued, an increase of 19.5% versus the same
period a year ago. During the last three months, more than $115 billion in new
long-term municipal bonds was underwritten, an increase of over 50% compared to
the same period a year earlier. The recent increase in issuance has made the
municipal market's outperformance even more impressive. In the past three
months, we saw more than 10 underwritings that were greater than $750 million in
size. Investor demand has been so strong that these issues were well
oversubscribed and saw their initial offering yields reduced by as much as 10
basis points.
Looking ahead, the tax-exempt bond market's technical position is likely to
remain supportive, leading to continued outperformance relative to taxable
issues. We believe recent stock market volatility and a benign inflationary
environment should foster continued retail demand for municipal product in the
coming months.
How did the Fund perform during the period?
For the six-month period ended February 28, 2007, the Common Stock of BlackRock
MuniVest Fund, Inc. had net annualized yields of 5.27% and 5.32%, based on a
period-end per share net asset value of $10.02 and a per share market price of
$9.94, respectively, and $.262 per share income dividends. Over the same period,
the total investment return on the Fund's Common Stock was +3.61%, based on a
change in per share net asset value from $9.93 to $10.02, and assuming
reinvestment of all distributions.
For the same six-month period, the Fund's comparable Lipper category of General
Municipal Debt Funds (Leveraged) posted an average return of +3.77%. (Funds in
this Lipper category invest primarily in municipal debt issues rated in the top
four credit-rating categories. These funds can be leveraged via use of debt,
preferred equity and/or reverse repurchase agreements.) While its total return
has been fairly similar to the Lipper category average, the Fund has
4 BLACKROCK MUNIVEST FUND, INC. FEBRUARY 28, 2007
continued to distribute an above-average dividend yield to shareholders.
The Fund's recent performance has largely reflected our neutral interest rate
exposure, meaning we have not taken any strong bias toward either the short or
long end of the curve. For the most part, we have maintained the Fund's
above-average exposure to the intermediate maturity range, which was realized as
bond holdings were prerefunded. Although this exposure has detracted somewhat
from total return performance given the relative flatness of the yield curve, we
have chosen to maintain the portfolio's positions in prerefunded bonds and
issues with shorter calls, as they were purchased at yields well above those
presently available in the market. In addition, the sale of these bonds would
result in both a decline in the Fund's distribution yield and material capital
gains, which can mean a tax consequence for shareholders.
For a description of the Fund's total investment return based on a change in the
per share market value of the Fund's Common Stock (as measured by the trading
price of the Fund's shares on the American Stock Exchange), and assuming
reinvestment of distributions, please refer to the Financial Highlights section
of this report. As a closed-end fund, the Fund's shares may trade in the
secondary market at a premium or discount to the Fund's net asset value. As a
result, total investment returns based on changes in the market value of the
Fund's Common Stock can vary significantly from total investment returns based
on changes in the Fund's net asset value.
What changes were made to the portfolio during the period?
Overall portfolio activity has been fairly limited despite the recent increase
in municipal bond issuance. This is because few of the new issues brought to
market have met our desired investment characteristics in terms of maturity and
coupon structure. For the most part, we have continued to focus on adding
A-rated hospital revenue bonds to the portfolio whenever they have been
attractively priced. The Fund's credit-quality profile remained essentially
unchanged throughout the six months, with more than 70% of portfolio holdings
rated A or higher.
For the six-month period ended February 28, 2007, the Fund's Auction Market
Preferred Stock had average yields as follows: Series A, 3.49%; Series B, 3.63%;
Series C, 3.59%; Series D, 3.50%; Series E, 3.42%; and Series F, 3.50%. The Fed
kept its target short-term interest rate unchanged at 5.25% throughout the
period. Consequently, the interest rate the Fund pays its Preferred Stock
shareholders has remained relatively stable. Despite its flatness on a
historical basis, the municipal yield curve has remained positively sloped
(particularly relative to the U.S. Treasury curve), and this has continued to
generate an income benefit to the holders of Common Stock from the leveraging of
Preferred Stock. However, should the spread between short-term and long-term
interest rates narrow, the benefits of leverage will decline and, as a result,
reduce the yield on the Fund's Common Stock. For a more complete explanation of
the benefits and risks of leveraging, see page 6 of this report to shareholders.
How would you characterize the Fund's position at the close of the period?
Generally speaking, we expect tax-exempt bond yields to be little changed
through mid-year. We believe the current financial environment is well balanced
with modest economic activity and minimal inflationary pressures. Such an
environment should allow the Fed to remain on the sidelines, awaiting further
economic developments to guide its interest rate decisions.
Against this backdrop, we expect to maintain our current neutral market posture.
Should economic activity soften, triggered perhaps by additional equity or
housing market declines, we would look to adopt a more constructive posture for
the Fund. Meanwhile, given the current low investment rates available in the
market, we would expect portfolio trading activity to remain fairly limited. As
such, we intend to remain fully invested in an effort to maintain the Fund's
already attractive dividend yield.
Fred K. Stuebe
Vice President and Portfolio Manager
March 9, 2007
BLACKROCK MUNIVEST FUND, INC. FEBRUARY 28, 2007 5
The Benefits and Risks of Leveraging
BlackRock MuniVest Fund, Inc. utilizes leveraging to seek to enhance the yield
and net asset value of its Common Stock. However, these objectives cannot be
achieved in all interest rate environments. To leverage, the Fund issues
Preferred Stock, which pays dividends at prevailing short-term interest rates,
and invests the proceeds in long-term municipal bonds. The interest earned on
these investments, net of dividends to Preferred Stock, is paid to Common Stock
shareholders in the form of dividends, and the value of these portfolio holdings
is reflected in the per share net asset value of the Fund's Common Stock.
However, in order to benefit Common Stock shareholders, the yield curve must be
positively sloped; that is, short-term interest rates must be lower than
long-term interest rates. At the same time, a period of generally declining
interest rates will benefit Common Stock shareholders. If either of these
conditions change, then the risks of leveraging will begin to outweigh the
benefits.
To illustrate these concepts, assume a fund's Common Stock capitalization of
$100 million and the issuance of Preferred Stock for an additional $50 million,
creating a total value of $150 million available for investment in long-term
municipal bonds. If prevailing short-term interest rates are approximately 3%
and long-term interest rates are approximately 6%, the yield curve has a
strongly positive slope. The fund pays dividends on the $50 million of Preferred
Stock based on the lower short-term interest rates. At the same time, the fund's
total portfolio of $150 million earns the income based on long-term interest
rates. Of course, increases in short-term interest rates would reduce (and even
eliminate) the dividends on the Common Stock.
In this case, the dividends paid to Preferred Stock shareholders are
significantly lower than the income earned on the fund's long-term investments,
and therefore the Common Stock shareholders are the beneficiaries of the
incremental yield. However, if short-term interest rates rise, narrowing the
differential between short-term and long-term interest rates, the incremental
yield pickup on the Common Stock will be reduced or eliminated completely. At
the same time, the market value of the fund's Common Stock (that is, its price
as listed on the American Stock Exchange) may, as a result, decline.
Furthermore, if long-term interest rates rise, the Common Stock's net asset
value will reflect the full decline in the price of the portfolio's investments,
since the value of the fund's Preferred Stock does not fluctuate. In addition to
the decline in net asset value, the market value of the fund's Common Stock may
also decline.
As of February 28, 2007, the Fund's leverage amount, due to Auction Market
Preferred Stock, was 35.10%, before the deduction of Preferred Stock.
As a part of its investment strategy, the Fund may invest in certain securities
whose potential income return is inversely related to changes in a floating
interest rate ("inverse floaters"). In general, income on inverse floaters will
decrease when short-term interest rates increase and increase when short-term
interest rates decrease. Investments in inverse floaters may be characterized as
derivative securities and may subject the Fund to the risks of reduced or
eliminated interest payments and losses of invested principal. In addition,
inverse floaters have the effect of providing investment leverage and, as a
result, the market value of such securities will generally be more volatile than
that of fixed rate, tax-exempt securities. To the extent the Fund invests in
inverse floaters, the market value of the Fund's portfolio and the net asset
value of the Fund's shares may also be more volatile than if the Fund did not
invest in these securities.
Swap Agreements
The Fund may invest in swap agreements, which are over-the-counter contracts in
which one party agrees to make periodic payments based on the change in market
value of a specified bond, basket of bonds or index in return for periodic
payments based on a fixed or variable interest rate or the change in market
value of a different bond, basket of bonds or index. Swap agreements may be used
to obtain or reduce exposure to a bond or market without owning or taking
physical custody of securities. Swap agreements involve the risk that the party
with whom the Fund has entered into the swap will default on its obligation to
pay the Fund and the risk that the Fund will not be able to meet its obligations
to pay the other party to the agreement.
6 BLACKROCK MUNIVEST FUND, INC. FEBRUARY 28, 2007
Schedule of Investments as of February 28, 2007 (Unaudited) (in Thousands)
Face
Amount Municipal Bonds Value
==========================================================================================
Alabama -- 6.4%
$15,020 Birmingham, Alabama, Special Care Facilities Financing
Authority, Revenue Refunding Bonds (Ascension
Health Credit), Series C-2, 5% due 11/15/2036 $ 15,762
2,550 Camden, Alabama, IDB, Exempt Facilities Revenue
Bonds (Weyerhaeuser Company), Series A, 6.125%
due 12/01/2024 2,801
Huntsville, Alabama, Health Care Authority
Revenue Bonds:
3,500 Series A, 5.75% due 6/01/2031 3,740
5,000 Series B, 5.75% due 6/01/2032 5,405
6,500 Prattville, Alabama, IDB, Environmental Improvement
Revenue Bonds (International Paper Company
Projects), AMT, Series A, 4.75% due 12/01/2030 6,552
5,000 Selma, Alabama, IDB, Environmental Improvement
Revenue Refunding Bonds (International Paper
Company Project), Series B, 5.50% due 5/01/2020 5,324
==========================================================================================
Arizona -- 1.9%
4,100 Maricopa County, Arizona, IDA, Education Revenue
Bonds (Arizona Charter Schools Project 1), Series A,
6.75% due 7/01/2029 4,193
Pima County, Arizona, IDA, Education Revenue Bonds
(Arizona Charter Schools Project):
2,100 Series E, 7.25% due 7/01/2031 2,345
500 Series I, 6.10% due 7/01/2024 536
1,000 Series I, 6.30% due 7/01/2031 1,079
Pima County, Arizona, IDA, Education Revenue
Refunding Bonds:
1,545 (Arizona Charter Schools Project), Series O, 5%
due 7/01/2026 1,556
1,565 (Arizona Charter Schools Project II), Series A,
6.75% due 7/01/2021 1,690
==========================================================================================
California -- 18.0%
18,850 California Health Facilities Financing Authority Revenue
Bonds (Kaiser Permanente), Series A, 5.25%
due 4/01/2039 20,154
California State, GO:
11,650 5.50% due 4/01/2014 (a) 13,028
560 5.50% due 4/01/2030 615
California State Public Works Board, Lease
Revenue Bonds:
5,000 (Department of Corrections), Series C, 5.50%
due 6/01/2022 5,515
6,000 (Department of Corrections), Series C, 5.50%
due 6/01/2023 6,614
11,075 (Department of Mental Health -- Coalinga
State Hospital), Series A, 5.125% due 6/01/2029 11,738
11,250 California State, Various Purpose, GO, 5.50%
due 11/01/2033 12,291
5,240 California Statewide Communities Development
Authority, Health Facility Revenue Bonds
(Memorial Health Services), Series A, 6%
due 10/01/2023 5,831
1,250 Chula Vista, California, IDR (San Diego Gas and Electric
Company), AMT, Series B, 5% due 12/01/2027 1,327
Golden State Tobacco Securitization Corporation of
California, Tobacco Settlement Revenue Bonds:
10,725 Series A-3, 7.875% due 6/01/2042 13,048
3,750 Series A-4, 7.80% due 6/01/2042 4,547
1,425 Series A-5, 7.875% due 6/01/2042 1,734
13,900 Series B, 5.375% due 6/01/2010 (a) 14,651
==========================================================================================
Colorado -- 1.1%
Colorado HFA, Revenue Refunding Bonds:
2,500 (Adventist Health System/Sunbelt Obligor Group),
Series D, 5.125% due 11/15/2029 2,650
625 (S/F Program), AMT, Senior Series A-2, 6.60%
due 5/01/2028 642
225 (S/F Program), AMT, Senior Series A-2, 7.50%
due 4/01/2031 228
3,000 Colorado Health Facilities Authority Revenue Bonds
(Lutheran Medical Center), Series A, 5.25%
due 6/01/2034 3,147
==========================================================================================
Connecticut -- 0.5%
2,810 Mohegan Tribe Indians Gaming Authority, Connecticut,
Public Improvement Revenue Refunding Bonds
(Priority Distribution), 6.25% due 1/01/2031 2,996
==========================================================================================
Florida -- 5.1%
Highlands County, Florida, Health Facilities Authority,
Hospital Revenue Bonds (Adventist Health System):
6,000 Series C, 5.25% due 11/15/2036 6,409
6,000 Series D, 5.375% due 11/15/2013 (a) 6,577
6,590 Highlands County, Florida, Health Facilities Authority,
Hospital Revenue Refunding Bonds (Adventist
Health System), Series G, 5.125% due 11/15/2032 6,959
10,320 Orange County, Florida, Health Facilities Authority,
Hospital Revenue Bonds (Adventist Health System),
5.625% due 11/15/2012 (a) 11,395
==========================================================================================
Georgia -- 3.4%
1,100 Gainesville, Georgia, Redevelopment Authority,
Educational Facilities Revenue Refunding Bonds
(Riverside Military Academy), 5.125% due 3/01/2037 1,139
Georgia Municipal Electric Authority, Power Revenue
Refunding Bonds:
4,600 Series W, 6.60% due 1/01/2018 5,352
250 Series W, 6.60% due 1/01/2018 (e) 289
250 Series Y,10% due 1/01/2010 (e) 292
Milledgeville-Baldwin County, Georgia, Development
Authority Revenue Bonds (Georgia College and
State University Foundation):
4,390 5.50% due 9/01/2024 4,754
3,500 5.625% due 9/01/2030 3,813
4,785 Monroe County, Georgia, Development Authority, PCR,
Refunding (Oglethorpe Power Corporation -- Scherer),
Series A, 6.80% due 1/01/2011 5,275
Portfolio Abbreviations
To simplify the listings of BlackRock MuniVest Fund, Inc.'s portfolio holdings
in the Schedule of Investments, we have abbreviated the names of many of the
securities according to the list at right.
AMT Alternative Minimum Tax (subject to)
DRIVERS Derivative Inverse Tax-Exempt Receipts
EDA Economic Development Authority
GO General Obligation Bonds
HDA Housing Development Authority
HFA Housing Finance Agency
IDA Industrial Development Authority
IDB Industrial Development Board
IDR Industrial Development Revenue Bonds
M/F Multi-Family
PCR Pollution Control Revenue Bonds
RIB Residual Interest Bonds
S/F Single-Family
VRDN Variable Rate Demand Notes
BLACKROCK MUNIVEST FUND, INC. FEBRUARY 28, 2007 7
Schedule of Investments (Continued) (in Thousands)
Face
Amount Municipal Bonds Value
==========================================================================================
Idaho -- 0.1%
$ 390 Idaho Housing Agency, S/F Mortgage Revenue
Refunding Bonds, AMT, Series E-2, 6.90%
due 1/01/2027 $ 400
==========================================================================================
Illinois -- 12.7%
5,000 Chicago, Illinois, O'Hare International Airport, General
Airport Revenue Refunding Bonds, Third Lien, AMT,
Series A, 5.75% due 1/01/2019 (c) 5,372
11,200 Chicago, Illinois, O'Hare International Airport Revenue
Bonds, AMT, Third Lien, Series B-2, 6%
due 1/01/2029 (n) 12,600
75 Chicago, Illinois, S/F Mortgage Revenue Bonds, AMT,
Series C, 7% due 3/01/2032 (d)(k) 77
10,000 Hodgkins, Illinois, Environmental Improvement
Revenue Bonds (Metro Biosolids Management LLC
Project), AMT, 6% due 11/01/2023 10,385
2,140 Illinois Development Finance Authority Revenue Bonds
(Community Rehabilitation Providers Facilities),
Series A, 6.50% due 7/01/2022 2,337
1,365 Illinois Development Finance Authority, Revenue
Refunding Bonds (Community Rehabilitation
Providers Facilities), Series A, 6% due 7/01/2015 1,386
455 Illinois HDA, Revenue Refunding Bonds (M/F Program),
Series 5, 6.75% due 9/01/2023 460
2,695 Illinois State Finance Authority, Revenue Bonds
(Community Rehabilitation Providers Facilities),
4.625% due 7/01/2027 2,712
13 Kane and De Kalb Counties, Illinois, Community Unit
School District Number 302, GO, DRIVERS,
Series 283, 7.494% due 2/01/2018 (f)(m) 15
McLean and Woodford Counties, Illinois, Community
Unit, School District Number 005, GO, Refunding (i):
5,000 6.25% due 12/01/2014 5,542
4,000 6.375% due 12/01/2016 4,459
18,550 Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority, Illinois,
Dedicated State Tax Revenue Refunding Bonds
(McCormick Place Expansion Project), Series B,
5.75% due 6/15/2023 (c) 20,337
Regional Transportation Authority, Illinois,
Revenue Bonds:
3,500 Series A, 7.20% due 11/01/2020 (h) 4,361
4,000 Series C, 7.75% due 6/01/2020 (f) 5,521
Will County, Illinois, School District Number 122 (New
Lenox Elementary), GO, Series A (i):
1,870 6.50% due 11/01/2010 (a) 2,048
505 6.50% due 11/01/2013 551
==========================================================================================
Indiana -- 11.6%
16,350 Indiana Health and Educational Facilities Financing
Authority, Hospital Revenue Bonds (Clarian Health
Obligation), Series A, 5.25% due 2/15/2040 17,345
6,500 Indiana Health and Educational Facilities Financing
Authority, Hospital Revenue Refunding Bonds
(Clarian Health Obligation), Series B, 5%
due 2/15/2033 6,728
15,150 Indiana Health and Educational Facility Financing
Authority, Revenue Refunding Bonds (Ascension
Health Credit), Series B-5, 5% due 11/15/2036 15,898
4,290 Indiana State HFA, S/F Mortgage Revenue Refunding
Bonds, Series A, 6.80% due 1/01/2017 (j) 4,394
8,195 Indiana Transportation Finance Authority, Highway
Revenue Bonds, Series A, 6.80% due 12/01/2016 9,686
15,335 Indianapolis, Indiana, Local Public Improvement Bond
Bank, Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series D, 6.75%
due 2/01/2014 17,369
==========================================================================================
Kansas -- 0.6%
3,805 Sedgwick and Shawnee Counties, Kansas, S/F
Mortgage Revenue Bonds (Mortgage-Backed
Securities Program), AMT, Series A-4, 5.95%
due 12/01/2033 (d) 3,871
==========================================================================================
Kentucky -- 3.5%
20,350 Louisville and Jefferson County, Kentucky,
Metropolitan Government Health System, Revenue
Refunding Bonds (Norton Healthcare, Inc.), 5.25%
due 10/01/2036 21,642
==========================================================================================
Louisiana -- 5.1%
10,575 Louisiana Local Government, Environmental Facilities,
Community Development Authority Revenue Bonds
(Capital Projects and Equipment Acquisition),
Series A, 6.30% due 7/01/2030 (h) 12,841
Louisiana Public Facilities Authority, Hospital Revenue
Bonds (Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health
System, Inc.), Series A:
6,220 5% due 8/15/2033 6,472
11,660 5.25% due 8/15/2036 12,388
==========================================================================================
Maine -- 0.3%
Portland, Maine, Housing Development Corporation,
Senior Living Revenue Bonds (Avesta Housing
Development Corporation Project), Series A:
775 5.70% due 8/01/2021 815
1,190 6% due 2/01/2034 1,262
==========================================================================================
Massachusetts -- 7.5%
2,035 Boston, Massachusetts, Water and Sewer Commission
Revenue Bonds, 9.25% due 1/01/2011 (e) 2,383
3,010 Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, Revenue
Refunding Bonds (General Transportation System),
Series A, 7% due 3/01/2019 3,728
30,000 Massachusetts State Water Resource Authority
Revenue Bonds, Series A, 6.50% due 7/15/2019 (e) 35,974
3,480 Massachusetts State Water Resource Authority,
Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series A, 6%
due 8/01/2010 (a)(f) 3,774
==========================================================================================
Michigan -- 6.4%
2,500 Delta County, Michigan, Economic Development
Corporation, Environmental Improvement Revenue
Refunding Bonds (Mead Westvaco-Escanaba),
Series A, 6.25% due 4/15/2012 (a) 2,794
Macomb County, Michigan, Hospital Finance Authority,
Hospital Revenue Bonds (Mount Clemens General
Hospital), Series B:
3,715 5.75% due 11/15/2025 3,902
4,250 5.875% due 11/15/2034 4,519
1,900 Michigan State Hospital Finance Authority, Hospital
Revenue Refunding Bonds (Crittenton Hospital),
Series A, 5.625% due 3/01/2027 2,045
Michigan State Hospital Finance Authority,
Revenue Bonds, Series A:
3,650 (Mid-Michigan Obligor Group), 5% due 4/15/2036 3,796
6,500 (Trinity Health Credit Group), 5% due 12/01/2031 6,886
8 BLACKROCK MUNIVEST FUND, INC. FEBRUARY 28, 2007
Schedule of Investments (Continued) (in Thousands)
Face
Amount Municipal Bonds Value
==========================================================================================
Michigan (concluded)
Michigan State Hospital Finance Authority, Revenue
Refunding Bonds:
$ 3,000 (Henry Ford Health System), Series A, 5.25%
due 11/15/2032 $ 3,227
10,600 (Henry Ford Health System), Series A, 5%
due 11/15/2038 11,072
1,000 (Sinai Hospital), 6.70% due 1/01/2026 1,011
==========================================================================================
Minnesota -- 1.5%
7,235 Minneapolis, Minnesota, Health Care System Revenue
Bonds (Allina Health System), Series A, 5.75%
due 11/15/2032 7,841
1,405 Saint Cloud, Minnesota, Health Care Revenue
Refunding Bonds (Saint Cloud Hospital Obligation
Group), Series A, 6.25% due 5/01/2017 (i) 1,516
==========================================================================================
Mississippi -- 6.1%
Lowndes County, Mississippi, Solid Waste Disposal and
PCR, Refunding (Weyerhaeuser Company Project):
9,160 Series A, 6.80% due 4/01/2022 11,236
4,500 Series B, 6.70% due 4/01/2022 5,473
20,705 Mississippi Business Finance Corporation, Mississippi,
PCR, Refunding (System Energy Resources Inc.
Project), 5.875% due 4/01/2022 20,930
==========================================================================================
Missouri -- 0.5%
2,600 Missouri State Development Finance Board,
Infrastructure Facilities Revenue Refunding Bonds
(Branson), Series A, 5.50% due 12/01/2032 2,753
220 Missouri State Housing Development Commission, S/F
Mortgage Revenue Bonds (Homeowner Loan), AMT,
Series A, 7.50% due 3/01/2031 (d) 230
==========================================================================================
Montana -- 1.0%
6,000 Forsyth, Montana, PCR, Refunding (Portland General
Electric Company), Series A, 5.20% due 5/01/2033 6,148
==========================================================================================
Nebraska -- 0.0%
285 Nebraska Investment Finance Authority, S/F Housing
Revenue Bonds, AMT, Series C, 6.30%
due 9/01/2028 (d)(k) 288
==========================================================================================
Nevada -- 0.2%
Nevada Housing Division Revenue Bonds, AMT:
1,175 (Multi-Unit Housing), Issue B, 7.45%
due 10/01/2017 (b) 1,177
15 (S/F Program), Series A, 6.55%
due 10/01/2012 (j) 15
==========================================================================================
New Hampshire -- 0.5%
2,675 New Hampshire Health and Education Facilities
Authority, Revenue Refunding Bonds (Elliot Hospital),
Series B, 5.60% due 10/01/2022 2,894
==========================================================================================
New Jersey -- 6.5%
New Jersey EDA, Cigarette Tax Revenue Bonds:
9,080 5.50% due 6/15/2024 9,592
2,885 5.75% due 6/15/2029 3,130
2,855 5.50% due 6/15/2031 3,035
6,695 5.75% due 6/15/2034 7,220
5,980 Tobacco Settlement Financing Corporation of New
Jersey, Asset-Backed Revenue Bonds, 7%
due 6/01/2013 (a) 7,069
10,000 Tobacco Settlement Financing Corporation of New
Jersey, Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series 1A,
5% due 6/01/2029 9,946
==========================================================================================
New Mexico -- 0.5%
3,300 Farmington, New Mexico, PCR, Refunding (Public
Service Company of New Mexico -- San Juan
Project), Series A, 5.80% due 4/01/2022 3,333
==========================================================================================
New York -- 1.9%
400 Metropolitan Transportation Authority, New York,
Dedicated Tax Fund, Revenue Refunding Bonds,
VRDN, Series B, 3.63% due 11/01/2022 (i)(l) 400
1,125 New York City, New York, City Transitional Finance
Authority Revenue Bonds, RIB, Series 283, 8.55%
due 11/15/2015 (m) 1,326
New York City, New York, GO:
6,480 Series F, 5.25% due 1/15/2033 6,893
360 Series I, 6.25% due 4/15/2007 (a)(n) 365
20 Series I, 6.25% due 4/15/2017 (n) 20
965 New York City, New York, GO, Refunding, Series A,
6.375% due 5/15/2014 (f) 1,050
400 New York State Local Government Assistance
Corporation, Revenue Refunding Bonds, Sub-Lien,
VRDN, Series 4V, 3.60% due 4/01/2022 (i)(l) 400
1,200 Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority, New York,
General Purpose Revenue Refunding Bonds, VRDN,
Series C, 3.60% due 1/01/2032 (h)(l) 1,200
==========================================================================================
North Carolina -- 0.7%
4,105 Gaston County, North Carolina, Industrial Facilities and
Pollution Control Financing Authority, Revenue Bonds
(National Gypsum Company Project), AMT, 5.75%
due 8/01/2035 4,424
==========================================================================================
Ohio -- 0.2%
1,000 Richland County, Ohio, Hospital Facilities Revenue
Refunding Bonds (MedCentral Health System),
5.25% due 11/15/2036 1,063
==========================================================================================
Pennsylvania -- 4.0%
2,440 Pennsylvania State Higher Education Assistance
Agency Revenue Bonds, Capital Acquisition, 6.125%
due 12/15/2010 (a)(c) 2,653
6,250 Pennsylvania State Higher Educational Facilities
Authority Revenue Bonds (University of Pennsylvania
Medical Center Health System), Series A, 6%
due 1/15/2031 6,765
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Authority for Industrial
Development, Senior Living Revenue Bonds:
1,000 (Arbor House Inc. Project), Series E, 6.10%
due 7/01/2033 1,066
1,355 (Rieder House Project), Series A, 6.10%
due 7/01/2033 1,444
9,280 Sayre, Pennsylvania, Health Care Facilities Authority,
Revenue Bonds (Guthrie Healthcare System),
Series B, 7.125% due 12/01/2031 11,028
1,750 Sayre, Pennsylvania, Health Care Facilities Authority,
Revenue Refunding Bonds (Guthrie Healthcare
System), Series A, 6.25% due 12/01/2018 1,926
==========================================================================================
South Carolina -- 2.1%
1,000 Georgetown County, South Carolina, Environmental
Improvement Revenue Refunding Bonds
(International Paper Company Project), AMT,
Series A, 5.55% due 12/01/2029 1,056
3,500 Lexington County, South Carolina, Health Services
District Inc., Hospital Revenue Refunding and
Improvement Bonds, 5.50% due 11/01/2032 3,729
BLACKROCK MUNIVEST FUND, INC. FEBRUARY 28, 2007 9
Schedule of Investments (Continued) (in Thousands)
Face
Amount Municipal Bonds Value
==========================================================================================
South Carolina (concluded)
$ 2,450 Medical University Hospital Authority, South Carolina,
Hospital Facilities Revenue Refunding Bonds, 6.50%
due 8/15/2012 (a) $ 2,790
5,000 Richland County, South Carolina, Environmental
Improvement Revenue Refunding Bonds
(International Paper), AMT, 6.10% due 4/01/2023 5,448
==========================================================================================
Tennessee -- 1.5%
2,000 McMinn County, Tennessee, IDB, Solid Waste Revenue
Bonds (Recycling Facility -- Calhoun Newsprint),
AMT, 7.40% due 12/01/2022 2,028
6,500 Shelby County, Tennessee, Health, Educational and
Housing Facility Board, Hospital Revenue Refunding
Bonds (Methodist Healthcare), 6.50%
due 9/01/2012 (a) 7,410
==========================================================================================
Texas -- 14.0%
7,290 Austin, Texas, Convention Center Revenue Bonds
(Convention Enterprises, Inc.), First Tier, Series A,
6.70% due 1/01/2011 (a) 8,060
3,055 Brazos River Authority, Texas, PCR, Refunding (Texas
Utility Company), AMT, Series A,
7.70% due 4/01/2033 3,508
11,460 Brazos River, Texas, Harbor Navigation District,
Brazoria County Environmental Revenue Refunding
Bonds (Dow Chemical Company Project), AMT,
Series A-7, 6.625% due 5/15/2033 12,858
3,000 Gregg County, Texas, Health Facilities Development
Corporation, Hospital Revenue Bonds (Good
Shepherd Medical Center Project), 6.875%
due 10/01/2010 (a)(g) 3,343
10,250 Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority, Texas, Sewage and
Solid Waste Disposal Facility Revenue Bonds
(E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company Project),
AMT, 6.40% due 4/01/2026 10,467
6,000 Gulf Coast Waste Disposal Authority, Texas, Revenue
Refunding Bonds (International Paper Company),
AMT, Series A, 6.10% due 8/01/2024 6,478
5,500 Harris County-Houston Sports Authority, Texas,
Revenue Refunding Bonds, Senior Lien, Series G,
5.75% due 11/15/2020 (c) 5,927
1,790 Houston, Texas, Industrial Development Corporation
Revenue Bonds (Air Cargo), AMT, 6.375%
due 1/01/2023 1,923
Mansfield, Texas, Independent School District,
GO, Refunding:
1,875 6.625% due 2/15/2010 (a) 2,030
155 6.625% due 2/15/2015 167
9,355 Matagorda County, Texas, Navigation District
Number 1, Revenue Refunding Bonds (Centerpoint
Energy Project), 5.60% due 3/01/2027 9,977
5,225 Midway, Texas, Independent School District, GO,
Refunding, 6.125% due 8/15/2014 5,616
2,700 Port Corpus Christi, Texas, Revenue Refunding Bonds
(Celanese Project), Series A, 6.45% due 11/01/2030 2,919
5,000 Red River Authority, Texas, PCR, Refunding (Celanese
Project), AMT, Series B, 6.70% due 11/01/2030 5,479
7,280 Sabine River Authority, Texas, PCR, Refunding (TXU
Electric Company Project/TXU Energy Company LLC),
Series C, 5.20% due 5/01/2028 7,463
==========================================================================================
Vermont -- 0.2%
1,000 Vermont Educational and Health Buildings Financing
Agency, Developmental and Mental Health Revenue
Bonds (Howard Center for Human Services), Series A,
6.375% due 6/15/2022 1,069
==========================================================================================
Virginia -- 0.2%
1,425 Chesterfield County, Virginia, IDA, PCR (Virginia
Electric and Power Company), Series A, 5.875%
due 6/01/2017 1,532
==========================================================================================
Washington -- 3.4%
3 Energy Northwest, Washington, Electric Revenue
Refunding Bonds, DRIVERS, Series 255, 7.992%
due 7/01/2018 (h)(m) 3
2,370 Seattle, Washington, Housing Authority Revenue Bonds
(Replacement Housing Project), 6.125%
due 12/01/2032 2,441
408 Washington State, GO, Trust Receipts, Class R, Series 6,
8.018% due 1/01/2014 (i)(m) 460
14,320 Washington State Public Power Supply System,
Revenue Refunding Bonds (Nuclear Project
Number 1), Series B, 7.125% due 7/01/2016 17,983
==========================================================================================
Wisconsin -- 1.7%
1,765 Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Revenue Bonds (Air Cargo),
AMT, 6.50% due 1/01/2025 1,907
5,000 Wisconsin State Health and Educational Facilities
Authority, Mortgage Revenue Bonds (Hudson
Memorial Hospital), 5.70% due 1/15/2029 (j) 5,366
3,040 Wisconsin State Health and Educational Facilities
Authority Revenue Bonds (Synergyhealth Inc.),
6% due 11/15/2032 3,320
==========================================================================================
U.S. Virgin Islands -- 1.5%
8,000 Virgin Islands Government Refinery Facilities, Revenue
Refunding Bonds (Hovensa Coker Project), AMT,
6.50% due 7/01/2021 9,048
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Municipal Bonds
(Cost -- $756,497) -- 132.4% 816,032
==========================================================================================
==========================================================================================
Municipal Bonds Held in Trust (q)
==========================================================================================
Illinois -- 7.4%
14,000 Chicago, Illinois, O'Hare International Airport, General
Airport Revenue Refunding Bonds, Third Lien, AMT,
Series A, 5.75% due 1/01/2020 (c) 15,042
17,080 Chicago, Illinois, O'Hare International Airport Revenue
Bonds, Third Lien, AMT, Series B-2, 6%
due 1/01/2027 (c) 19,226
Kane and De Kalb Counties, Illinois, Community Unity
School District Number 302, GO (f):
2,975 5.75% due 2/01/2018 3,318
2,710 5.75% due 2/01/2019 3,022
4,780 5.75% due 2/01/2021 5,331
==========================================================================================
10 BLACKROCK MUNIVEST FUND, INC. FEBRUARY 28, 2007
Schedule of Investments (Concluded) (in Thousands)
Face
Amount Municipal Bonds Held in Trust (q) Value
==========================================================================================
Massachusetts -- 3.5%
$20,000 Massachusetts State School Building Authority,
Dedicated Sales Tax Revenue Bonds, Series A, 5%
due 8/15/2030 (i) $ 21,365
==========================================================================================
New York -- 7.1%
13,500 New York City, New York, City Transitional Finance
Authority Revenue Bonds, Future Tax Secured,
Series B, 6.25% due 11/15/2018 14,705
26,750 New York State Dormitory Authority, State University
Educational Facilities Revenue Refunding Bonds,
Series 1989, 6% due 5/15/2010 (a)(c) 28,944
==========================================================================================
Oregon -- 1.1%
6,610 Portland, Oregon, Sewer System Revenue Bonds,
Series A, 5.75% due 8/01/2010 (a)(f) 7,061
==========================================================================================
Texas -- 6.3%
20,970 Harris County, Texas, Health Facilities Development
Corporation, Revenue Refunding Bonds (School Health
Care System), Series B, 5.75% due 7/01/2027 (e) 25,577
12,500 San Antonio, Texas, Electric and Gas Revenue Bonds,
Series A, 5.75% due 2/01/2010 (a) 13,230
==========================================================================================
Washington -- 8.6%
11,660 Energy Northwest, Washington, Electric Revenue
Refunding Bonds (Columbia Generating Station),
Series A, 5.75% due 7/01/2018 (c) 12,761
7,015 Energy Northwest, Washington, Electric Revenue
Refunding Bonds (Columbia Generating Station),
Series B, 6% due 7/01/2018 (h) 7,761
14,700 Energy Northwest, Washington, Electric Revenue
Refunding Bonds (Project Number 1), Series B, 6%
due 7/01/2017 (c) 16,227
15,385 Washington State, Various Purpose, GO, Series B, 6%
due 1/01/2010 (a)(i) 16,356
==========================================================================================
Total Municipal Bonds Held in Trust
(Cost -- $199,417) -- 34.0% 209,926
==========================================================================================
==========================================================================================
Shares
Held Short-Term Securities
==========================================================================================
8,119 Merrill Lynch Institutional Tax-Exempt
Fund, 3.46% (o)(p) 8,119
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Short-Term Securities
(Cost -- $8,119) -- 1.3% 8,119
==========================================================================================
Total Investments (Cost -- $964,033*) -- 167.7% 1,034,077
Other Assets Less Liabilities -- 2.4% 14,957
Liability for Trust Certificates, Including
Interest Expense Payable -- (15.9%) (98,206)
Preferred Stock, at Redemption Value -- (54.2%) (334,290)
----------
Net Assets Applicable to Common Stock -- 100.0% $ 616,538
==========
* The cost and unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments as of
February 28, 2007, as computed for federal income tax purposes, were as
follows:
Aggregate cost ............................................. $ 868,309
==========
Gross unrealized appreciation .............................. $ 68,453
Gross unrealized depreciation .............................. (343)
----------
Net unrealized appreciation ................................ $ 68,110
==========
(a) Prerefunded.
(b) FNMA Collateralized.
(c) MBIA Insured.
(d) FNMA/GNMA Collateralized.
(e) Escrowed to maturity.
(f) FGIC Insured.
(g) Radian Insured.
(h) AMBAC Insured.
(i) FSA Insured.
(j) FHA Insured.
(k) FHLMC Collateralized.
(l) Security may have a maturity of more than one year at time of issuance,
but has variable rate and demand features that qualify it as a short-term
security. The rate disclosed is that currently in effect. This rate
changes periodically based upon prevailing market rates.
(m) The rate disclosed is that currently in effect. This rate changes
periodically and inversely based upon prevailing market rates.
(n) XL Capital Insured.
(o) Investments in companies considered to be an affiliate of the Fund, for
purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, were as
follows:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Dividend
Affiliate Activity Income
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Merrill Lynch Institutional Tax-Exempt Fund 7,697 $167
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
(p) Represents the current yield as of February 28, 2007.
(q) Securities represent underlying bonds transferred to a separate
securitization trust established in a tender option bond transaction in
which the Fund may have acquired the residual interest certificates. These
securities serve as collateral in a financing transaction. See Note 1(c)
to Financial Statements for details of Municipal Bonds Held in Trust.
o Forward interest rate swaps outstanding as of February 28, 2007 were as
follows:
Unrealized
Notional Appreciation
Amounts (Depreciation)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pay a fixed rate of 3.59% and receive
a floating rate based on a 1-week Bond
Market Association rate
Broker, JPMorgan Chase Expires March 2017 $17,250 $ 34
Pay a fixed rate of 3.677% and receive
a floating rate based on a 1-week Bond
Market Association rate
Broker, JPMorgan Chase Expires April 2017 $25,000 (114)
Pay a fixed rate of 3.881% and receive
a floating rate based on a 1-week Bond
Market Association rate
Broker, JPMorgan Chase
Expires March 2027 $25,000 (184)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total $(264)
=====
See Notes to Financial Statements.
BLACKROCK MUNIVEST FUND, INC. FEBRUARY 28, 2007 11
Statement of Net Assets
As of February 28, 2007 (Unaudited)
===================================================================================================================================
Assets
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investments in unaffiliated securities, at value (identified cost -- $955,914,185) ...... $1,025,958,270
Investments in affiliated securities, at value (identified cost -- $8,119,167) .......... 8,119,167
Cash .................................................................................... 35,473
Unrealized appreciation on forward interest rate swaps .................................. 33,931
Receivables:
Securities sold ..................................................................... $ 18,697,266
Interest ............................................................................ 12,853,681 31,550,947
------------
Prepaid expenses ........................................................................ 7,639
--------------
Total assets ............................................................................ 1,065,705,427
--------------
===================================================================================================================================
Liabilities
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trust certificates ...................................................................... 97,658,020
Unrealized depreciation on forward interest rate swaps .................................. 297,750
Payables:
Securities purchased ................................................................ 13,210,883
Dividends to Common Stock shareholders .............................................. 2,645,794
Interest expense .................................................................... 548,153
Investment adviser .................................................................. 361,864
Other affiliates .................................................................... 7,550 16,774,244
------------
Accrued expenses ........................................................................ 147,866
--------------
Total liabilities ....................................................................... 114,877,880
--------------
===================================================================================================================================
Preferred Stock
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Preferred Stock, at redemption value, par value $.025 per share; 10,000,000 shares
authorized (2,000 Series A Shares, 2,000 Series B Shares, 2,000 Series C Shares,
2,000 Series D Shares and 3,000 Series E Shares) and $.10 per share (2,360 Series
F Shares) of AMPS* authorized, issued and outstanding at $25,000 per share
liquidation preference) ............................................................... 334,289,770
--------------
===================================================================================================================================
Net Assets Applicable to Common Stock
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets applicable to Common Stock ................................................... $ 616,537,777
==============
===================================================================================================================================
Analysis of Net Assets Applicable to Common Stock
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Common Stock, par value $.10 per share; 150,000,000 shares authorized (61,530,086 shares
issued and outstanding) ............................................................... $ 6,153,009
Paid-in capital in excess of par ........................................................ 566,265,764
Undistributed investment income -- net .................................................. $ 3,586,308
Accumulated realized capital losses -- net .............................................. (29,247,570)
Unrealized appreciation -- net .......................................................... 69,780,266
------------
Total accumulated earnings -- net ....................................................... 44,119,004
--------------
Total -- Equivalent to $10.02 net asset value per share of Common Stock
(market price -- $9.94) ............................................................... $ 616,537,777
==============
* Auction Market Preferred Stock.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
12 BLACKROCK MUNIVEST FUND, INC. FEBRUARY 28, 2007
Statement of Operations
For the Six Months Ended February 28, 2007 (Unaudited)
=================================================================================================================================
Investment Income
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interest ................................................................................ $ 26,150,987
Dividends from affiliates ............................................................... 167,126
------------
Total income ............................................................................ 26,318,113
------------
=================================================================================================================================
Expenses
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investment advisory fees ................................................................ $ 2,348,233
Interest expense and fees ............................................................... 2,093,060
Commission fees ......................................................................... 416,917
Accounting services ..................................................................... 127,985
Transfer agent fees ..................................................................... 68,533
Professional fees ....................................................................... 28,215
Printing and shareholder reports ........................................................ 25,905
Custodian fees .......................................................................... 22,155
Pricing fees ............................................................................ 15,712
Directors' fees and expenses ............................................................ 14,679
Listing fees ............................................................................ 13,324
Other ................................................................................... 30,504
-----------
Total expenses before reimbursement ..................................................... 5,205,222
Reimbursement of expenses ............................................................... (9,594)
-----------
Total expenses after reimbursement ...................................................... 5,195,628
------------
Investment income -- net ................................................................ 21,122,485
------------
=================================================================================================================================
Realized & Unrealized Gain (Loss) -- Net
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Realized gain (loss) on:
Investments -- net .................................................................. 4,539,219
Forward interest rate swaps -- net .................................................. (2,488,034) 2,051,185
-----------
Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on:
Investments -- net .................................................................. 4,123,494
Forward interest rate swaps -- net .................................................. 551,356 4,674,850
-------------------------------
Total realized and unrealized gain -- net ............................................... 6,726,035
------------
=================================================================================================================================
Dividends to Preferred Stock Shareholders
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investment income -- net .................................... (5,815,620)
------------
Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations ........ $ 22,032,900
============
See Notes to Financial Statements.
BLACKROCK MUNIVEST FUND, INC. FEBRUARY 28, 2007 13
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
For the Six
Months Ended For the
February 28, Year Ended
2007 August 31,
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets: (Unaudited) 2006
=================================================================================================================================
Operations
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investment income -- net $ 21,122,485 $ 43,135,016
Realized gain -- net 2,051,185 5,325,206
Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation -- net 4,674,850 (19,895,286)
Dividends to Preferred Stock shareholders (5,815,620) (10,449,162)
-------------------------------
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations 22,032,900 18,115,774
-------------------------------
=================================================================================================================================
Dividends to Common Stock Shareholders
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investment income -- net (16,227,218) (36,781,273)
-------------------------------
Net decrease in net assets resulting from dividends to Common Stock shareholders (16,227,218) (36,781,273)
-------------------------------
=================================================================================================================================
Capital Stock Transactions
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Value of shares issued to Common Stock shareholders in reinvestment of dividends 1,120,097 715,039
-------------------------------
Net increase in net assets resulting from capital stock transactions 1,120,097 715,039
-------------------------------
=================================================================================================================================
Net Assets Applicable to Common Stock
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total increase (decrease) in net assets applicable to Common Stock 6,925,779 (17,950,460)
Beginning of period 609,611,998 627,562,458
-------------------------------
End of period* $616,537,777 $609,611,998
===============================
* Undistributed investment income -- net $ 3,586,308 $ 4,506,661
===============================
See Notes to Financial Statements.
14 BLACKROCK MUNIVEST FUND, INC. FEBRUARY 28, 2007
Financial Highlights
(As Restated for 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003 and 2002. See Note 6)
For the Six
Months Ended
The following per share data and ratios have February 28, For the Year Ended August 31,
been derived from information provided in the 2007 -------------------------------------------------------------
financial statements. (Unaudited) 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002
=================================================================================================================================
Per Share Operating Performance
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, beginning of period $ 9.93 $ 10.23 $ 9.91 $ 9.54 $ 9.76 $ 9.71
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investment income -- net .34+ .70+ .74+ .72+ .72+ .69
Realized and unrealized gain (loss) -- net .10 (.23) .35 .36 (.26) .02
Less dividends to Preferred Stock shareholders
from investment income -- net (.09) (.17) (.10) (.04) (.05) (.07)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total from investment operations .35 .30 .99 1.04 .41 .64
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less dividends to Common Stock shareholders
from investment income -- net (.26) (.60) (.67) (.66) (.63) (.59)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Offering costs resulting from the issuance of
Preferred Stock -- -- --+++ (.01) -- --
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of period $ 10.02 $ 9.93 $ 10.23 $ 9.91 $ 9.54 $ 9.76
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Market price per share, end of period $ 9.94 $ 9.66 $ 10.15 $ 9.30 $ 8.80 $ 9.11
==========================================================================
=================================================================================================================================
Total Investment Return++
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Based on net asset value per share 3.61%@ 3.27% 10.64% 11.60% 4.79% 7.28%
==========================================================================
Based on market price per share 5.65%@ 1.26% 16.97% 13.53% 3.56% 4.55%
=================================================================================================================================
Ratios Based on Average Net Assets Applicable to Common Stock
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses, net of reimbursement and excluding
interest expense and fees* 1.02%*** 1.04% 1.02% .94% .95% .95%
==========================================================================
Expenses, net of reimbursement* 1.71%*** 1.60% 1.45% 1.23% 1.24% 1.29%
==========================================================================
Total expenses* 1.71%*** 1.60% 1.45% 1.23% 1.24% 1.29%
==========================================================================
Total investment income -- net* 6.95%*** 7.11% 7.38% 7.37% 7.33% 7.33%
==========================================================================
Amount of dividends to Preferred Stock
shareholders 1.91%*** 1.72% 1.02% .43% .50% .75%
==========================================================================
Investment income -- net, to Common Stock
shareholders 5.04%*** 5.39% 6.36% 6.94% 6.83% 6.58%
==========================================================================
=================================================================================================================================
Ratios Based on Average Net Assets Applicable to Preferred Stock
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dividends to Preferred Stock shareholders 3.51%*** 3.13% 1.90% .95% 1.11% 1.59%
==========================================================================
=================================================================================================================================
Supplemental Data
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets applicable to Common Stock, end of
period (in thousands) $616,538 $609,612 $627,562 $607,842 $585,022 $598,816
===========================================================================
Preferred Stock outstanding at liquidation
preference, end of period (in thousands) $334,000 $334,000 $334,000 $334,000 $275,000 $275,000
===========================================================================
Portfolio turnover 18% 56% 49% 40% 38% 61%
===========================================================================
=================================================================================================================================
Leverage
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Asset coverage per $1,000 $ 2,846 $ 2,825 $ 2,879 $ 2,820 $ 3,127 $ 3,178
===========================================================================
=================================================================================================================================
Dividends Per Share on Preferred Stock Outstanding
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Series A -- Investment income -- net $ 432 $ 750 $ 477 $ 244 $ 266 $ 388
===========================================================================
Series B -- Investment income -- net $ 450 $ 822 $ 458 $ 238 $ 278 $ 394
===========================================================================
Series C -- Investment income -- net $ 445 $ 803 $ 485 $ 239 $ 269 $ 391
===========================================================================
Series D -- Investment income -- net $ 434 $ 773 $ 478 $ 242 $ 306 $ 445
===========================================================================
Series E -- Investment income -- net $ 423 $ 770 $ 464 $ 229 $ 269 $ 372
===========================================================================
Series F** -- Investment income -- net $ 434 $ 781 $ 485 -- -- --
===========================================================================
* Do not reflect the effect of dividends to Preferred Stock shareholders.
** Series F was issued on August 31, 2004.
*** Annualized.
+ Based on average shares outstanding.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
++ Total investment returns based on market value, which can be significantly
greater or lesser than the net asset value, may result in substantially
different returns. Total investment returns exclude the effects of sales
charges.
+++ Amount is less than $(.01) per share.
@ Aggregate total investment return.
BLACKROCK MUNIVEST FUND, INC. FEBRUARY 28, 2007 15
Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited)
1. Significant Accounting Policies:
BlackRock MuniVest Fund, Inc. (the "Fund") is registered under the Investment
Company Act of 1940, as amended, as a non-diversified, closed-end management
investment company. The Fund's financial statements are prepared in conformity
with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, which may require the use of
management accruals and estimates. Actual results may differ from these
estimates. These unaudited financial statements reflect all adjustments, which
are, in the opinion of management, necessary to present a fair statement of the
results for the interim period. All such adjustments are of a normal, recurring
nature. The Fund determines and makes available for publication the net asset
value of its Common Stock on a daily basis. The Fund's Common Stock shares are
listed on the American Stock Exchange under the symbol MVF. The following is a
summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Fund.
(a) Valuation of investments -- Municipal bonds are traded primarily in the
over-the-counter ("OTC") markets and are valued at the last available bid price
in the OTC market or on the basis of values as obtained by a pricing service.
Pricing services use valuation matrixes that incorporate both dealer-supplied
valuations and valuation models. The procedures of the pricing service and its
valuations are reviewed by the officers of the Fund under the general direction
of the Board of Directors. Such valuations and procedures are reviewed
periodically by the Board of Directors of the Fund. Financial futures contracts
and options thereon, which are traded on exchanges, are valued at their closing
prices as of the close of such exchanges. Options written or purchased are
valued at the last sale price in the case of exchange-traded options. Options
traded in the OTC market are valued at the last asked price (options written) or
the last bid price (options purchased). Swap agreements are valued by quoted
fair values received daily by the Fund's pricing service. Short-term investments
with a remaining maturity of 60 days or less are valued at amortized cost, which
approximates market value, under which method the investment is valued at cost
and any premium or discount is amortized on a straight line basis to maturity.
Investments in open-end investment companies are valued at their net asset value
each business day. Securities and other assets for which market quotations are
not readily available are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by or
under the direction of the Board of Directors of the Fund.
(b) Derivative financial instruments -- The Fund may engage in various portfolio
investment strategies both to increase the return of the Fund and to hedge, or
protect, its exposure to interest rate movements and movements in the securities
markets. Losses may arise due to changes in the value of the contract or if the
counterparty does not perform under the contract.
o Financial futures contracts -- The Fund may purchase or sell financial
futures contracts and options on such financial futures contracts.
Financial futures contracts are contracts for delayed delivery of
securities at a specific future date and at a specific price or yield.
Upon entering into a contract, the Fund deposits and maintains as
collateral such initial margin as required by the exchange on which the
transaction is effected. Pursuant to the contract, the Fund agrees to
receive from or pay to the broker an amount of cash equal to the daily
fluctuation in value of the contract. Such receipts or payments are known
as variation margin and are recorded by the Fund as unrealized gains or
losses. When the contract is closed, the Fund records a realized gain or
loss equal to the difference between the value of the contract at the time
it was opened and the value at the time it was closed.
o Options -- The Fund may purchase and write call and put options. When the
Fund writes an option, an amount equal to the premium received by the Fund
is reflected as an asset and an equivalent liability. The amount of the
liability is subsequently marked-to-market to reflect the current market
value of the option written. When a security is purchased or sold through
an exercise of an option, the related premium paid (or received) is added
to (or deducted from) the basis of the security acquired or deducted from
(or added to) the proceeds of the security sold. When an option expires
(or the Fund enters into a closing transaction), the Fund realizes a gain
or loss on the option to the extent of the premiums received or paid (or
gain or loss to the extent the cost of the closing transaction exceeds the
premium paid or received).
Written and purchased options are non-income producing investments.
o Forward interest rate swaps -- The Fund may enter into forward interest
rate swaps. In a forward interest rate swap, the Fund and the counterparty
agree to make periodic net payments on a specified notional contract
amount, commencing on a specified future effective date, unless terminated
earlier. When the agreement is closed, the Fund records a realized gain or
loss in an amount equal to the value of the agreement.
o Swaps -- The Fund may enter into swap agreements, which are OTC contracts
in which the Fund and a
16 BLACKROCK MUNIVEST FUND, INC. FEBRUARY 28, 2007
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
counterparty agree to make periodic net payments on a specified notional
amount. The net payments can be made for a set period of time or may be
triggered by a predetermined credit event. The net periodic payments may
be based on a fixed or variable interest rate; the change in market value
of a specified security, basket of securities, or index; or the return
generated by a security. These periodic payments received or made by the
Fund are recorded in the accompanying Statement of Operations as realized
gains or losses, respectively. Gains or losses are also realized upon
termination of the swap agreements. Swaps are marked-to-market daily and
changes in value are recorded as unrealized appreciation (depreciation).
Risks include changes in the returns of the underlying instruments,
failure of the counterparties to perform under the contracts' terms and
the possible lack of liquidity with respect to the swap agreements.
(c) Municipal bonds held in trust -- The Fund invests in leveraged residual
certificates ("TOB Residuals") issued by tender option bond trusts ("TOBs"). A
TOB is established by a third party sponsor forming a special purpose entity,
into which a Fund, or an agent on behalf of the Fund, transfers municipal
securities. A TOB typically issues two classes of beneficial interests:
short-term floating rate certificates, which are sold to third party investors,
and residual certificates, which are generally issued to the Fund which made the
transfer or to affiliates of the Fund. The transfer of the municipal securities
to a TOB does not qualify for sale treatment under Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 140 "Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of
Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities," therefore the municipal
securities deposited into a TOB are presented in the Fund's schedule of
investments and the proceeds from the transaction are reported as a liability
for trust certificates of the Fund. Similarly, proceeds from residual
certificates issued to affiliates, if any, from the transaction are included in
the liability for trust certificates. Interest income from the underlying
security is recorded by the Fund on an accrual basis. Interest expense incurred
on the secured borrowing and other expenses related to remarketing,
administration and trustee services to a TOB are reported as expenses of the
Fund. The floating rate certificates have interest rates that generally reset
weekly and their holders have the option to tender certificates to the TOB for
redemption at par at each reset date. The residual interests held by the Fund
include the right of the Fund (1) to cause the holders of a proportional share
of the floating rate certificates to tender their certificates at par, and (2)
to transfer a corresponding share of the municipal securities from the TOB to
the Fund. At February 28, 2007, the aggregate value of the underlying municipal
securities transferred to TOBs was $209,925,502, the related liability for trust
certificates was $97,658,020 and the range of interest rates on the liability
for trust certificates was 3.68% to 3.75%.
Financial transactions executed through TOBs generally will underperform the
market for fixed rate municipal bonds in a rising interest rate environment, but
tend to outperform the market for fixed rate bonds when interest rates decline
or remain relatively stable. Should short-term interest rates rise, the Fund's
investments in TOB Residuals likely will adversely affect the Fund's investment
income -- net and distributions to shareholders. Fluctuations in the market
value of municipal securities deposited into the TOB may adversely affect the
Fund's net asset value per share.
While the Fund's investment policies and restrictions expressly permit
investments in inverse floating rate securities such as TOB Residuals, they
generally do not allow the Fund to borrow money for purposes of making
investments. The Fund's management believes that the Fund's restrictions on
borrowings do not apply to the secured borrowings deemed to have occurred for
accounting purposes.
(d) Income taxes -- It is the Fund's policy to comply with the requirements of
the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to
distribute substantially all of its taxable income to its shareholders.
Therefore, no federal income tax provision is required.
(e) Security transactions and investment income -- Security transactions are
recorded on the dates the transactions are entered into (the trade dates).
Realized gains and losses on security transactions are determined on the
identified cost basis. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend dates.
Interest income is recognized on the accrual basis. The Fund amortizes all
premiums and discounts on debt securities.
(f) Dividends and distributions -- Dividends from net investment income are
declared and paid monthly. Distributions of capital gains are recorded on the
ex-dividend dates.
(g) Offering costs -- Direct expenses relating to the public offering of the
Fund's Preferred Stock were charged to capital.
(h) Recent accounting pronouncements -- In July 2006, the Financial Accounting
Standards Board ("FASB") issued Interpretation No. 48 ("FIN 48"), "Accounting
for Uncertainty in Income Taxes -- an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109."
FIN 48 prescribes the minimum recognition threshold a tax position must meet in
connection with
BLACKROCK MUNIVEST FUND, INC. FEBRUARY 28, 2007 17
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
accounting for uncertainties in income tax positions taken or expected to be
taken by an entity including mutual funds before being measured and recognized
in the financial statements. Adoption of FIN 48 is required for the last net
asset value calculation in the first required financial statement reporting
period for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. The impact on the
Fund's financial statements, if any, is currently being assessed.
In September 2006, Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, "Fair
Value Measurements" ("FAS 157"), was issued and is effective for fiscal years
beginning after November 15, 2007. FAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a
framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value
measurements. At this time, management is evaluating the implications of FAS 157
and its impact on the Fund's financial statements, if any, has not been
determined.
In addition, in February 2007, FASB issued "Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial
Liabilities" ("FAS 159"), which is effective for fiscal years beginning after
November 15, 2007. Early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of a fiscal
year that begins on or before November 15, 2007, provided the entity also elects
to apply the provisions of FAS 157. FAS 159 permits entities to choose to
measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value that
are not currently required to be measured at fair value. FAS 159 also
establishes presentation and disclosure requirements designed to facilitate
comparisons between entities that choose different measurement attributes for
similar types of assets and liabilities. At this time, management is evaluating
the implications of FAS 159 and its impact on the Fund's financial statements,
if any, has not been determined.
2. Investment Advisory Agreement and Transactions with Affiliates:
On September 29, 2006, BlackRock, Inc. and Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. ("Merrill
Lynch") combined Merrill Lynch's investment management business, Merrill Lynch
Investment Managers, L.P. ("MLIM"), and its affiliates, including Fund Asset
Management, L.P. ("FAM"), with BlackRock, Inc. to create a new independent
company. Merrill Lynch has a 49.8% economic interest and a 45% voting interest
in the combined company and The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. has
approximately a 34% economic and voting interest. The new company operates under
the BlackRock name and is governed by a board of directors with a majority of
independent members.
The Investment Advisory Agreement between the Fund and BlackRock Advisors, LLC
(the "Manager"), an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of BlackRock Inc. became
effective on September 29, 2006. Prior to September 29, 2006, FAM was the Fund's
manager. The general partner of FAM is Princeton Services, Inc. ("PSI"), an
indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Merrill Lynch, which is the limited
partner.
The Manager is responsible for the management of the Fund's portfolio and
provides the necessary personnel, facilities, equipment and certain other
services necessary to the operations of the Fund. For such services, the Fund
pays a monthly fee at an annual rate of .50% of the Fund's average daily net
assets, including net assets acquired from the sale of Preferred Stock. The
Manager (and formerly FAM) has agreed to reimburse its management fee by the
amount of management fees the Fund pays to the Manager and/or FAM indirectly
through its investment in the Merrill Lynch Institutional Tax-Exempt Fund. For
the period September 1, 2006 to September 29, 2006, FAM reimbursed the Fund in
the amount of $1,469. For the period September 30, 2006 to February 28, 2007,
the Manager reimbursed the Fund in the amount of $8,125.
In addition, the Manager has entered into a Sub-Advisory Agreement with
BlackRock Investment Management, LLC, an affiliate of the Manager, under which
the Manager pays the Sub-Adviser for services it provides a monthly fee at an
annual rate equal to a percentage of the management fee paid by the Fund to the
Manager.
For the six months ended February 28, 2007, the Fund reimbursed FAM and the
Manager $1,447 and $7,233, respectively, for certain accounting services.
Prior to September 29, 2006, certain officers and/or directors of the Fund were
officers and/or directors of FAM, PSI, Merrill Lynch, and/or MLIM.
Commencing September 29, 2006, certain officers and/or directors of the Fund are
officers and/or directors of BlackRock, Inc. or its affiliates.
3. Investments:
Purchases and sales of investments, excluding short-term securities, for the six
months ended February 28, 2007 were $191,083,667 and $196,835,344, respectively.
18 BLACKROCK MUNIVEST FUND, INC. FEBRUARY 28, 2007
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
4. Capital Stock Transactions:
Common Stock
At February 28, 2007, the Fund had one class of shares of Common Stock, par
value $.10 per share, of which 150,000,000 shares were authorized.
Shares issued and outstanding for the six months ended February 28, 2007 and for
the year ended August 31, 2006 increased by 112,154 and 71,644, respectively, as
a result of dividend reinvestment.
Preferred Stock
Auction Market Preferred Stock are redeemable shares of Preferred Stock of the
Fund with a liquidation preference of $25,000 per share plus accrued and unpaid
dividends, that entitle their holders to receive cash dividends at an annual
rate that may vary for the successive dividend periods for each series. The Fund
is authorized to issue 10,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock. The yields in
effect at February 28, 2007 were as follows: Series A, 3.62%; Series B, 3.65%;
Series C, 3.62%; Series D, 3.59%; Series E, 3.54%; and Series F, 3.55%.
The Fund pays commissions to certain broker-dealers at the end of each auction
at an annual rate ranging from .25% to .375% calculated on the proceeds of each
auction. For the six months ended February 28, 2007, Merrill Lynch, Pierce,
Fenner & Smith Incorporated, an affiliate of the Manager, received $162,501 as
commissions.
5. Capital Loss Carryforward:
On August 31, 2006, the Fund had a net capital loss carryforward of $17,328,178,
all of which expires in 2009. This amount will be available to offset like
amounts of any future taxable gains.
6. Restatement Information:
During the six months ended February 28, 2007, the Fund determined that the
criteria for sale accounting in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No.
140 had not been met for certain transfers of municipal bonds and that these
transfers should have been accounted for as secured borrowings rather than as
sales. Accordingly, the Fund has restated the Financial Highlights for the years
ended August 31, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003 and 2002 to give effect to recording the
transfers of the municipal bonds as secured borrowings including recording
interest on the bonds as interest income and interest on the secured borrowings
as interest expense.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Financial Highlights
For the Years Ended August 31, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003 and 2002
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2006 2005 2004 2003 2002
--------------------- --------------------- --------------------- --------------------- ---------------------
Previously Previously Previously Previously Previously
Institutional Reported Restated Reported Restated Reported Restated Reported Restated Reported Restated
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses,
net of
reimbursement.. 1.04% 1.60% 1.02% 1.45% .94% 1.23% .95% 1.24% .95% 1.29%
Expenses......... 1.04% 1.60% 1.02% 1.45% .95% 1.23% .96% 1.24% .95% 1.29%
Portfolio
turnover....... 63.00% 56% 59.14% 49% 45.33% 40% 44.30% 38% 74.00% 61%
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Do not reflect the effect of dividends to Preferred Stock shareholders.
BLACKROCK MUNIVEST FUND, INC. FEBRUARY 28, 2007 19
Notes to Financial Statements (concluded)
While the Statements of Net Assets as of August 31, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003 and
2002, not presented herein, have not been reissued to give effect to the
restatement, the principal effects of the restatement would be to increase
investments and liability for trust certificates by corresponding amounts at
each year, with no effect on previously reported net assets. The Statements of
Operations for the years ended August 31, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003 and 2002, not
presented herein, have not been reissued to give effect to the restatement.
However, the principal effects of the restatement would be to increase interest
income and interest expense and fees by corresponding amounts each year, and,
where applicable, to revise realized gain on investments -- net, and the change
in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments -- net, by corresponding
and offsetting amounts. The Statements of Changes in Net Assets for the years
ended August 31, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003 and 2002, not presented herein, have not
been reissued to give effect to the restatement, but the principal effects of a
restatement, where applicable, would be to revise previously reported realized
gain (loss) -- net, and change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation -- net,
by corresponding and offsetting amounts.
7. Subsequent Event:
The Fund paid a tax-exempt income dividend to holders of Common Stock in the
amount of $.043000 per share on April 2, 2007 to shareholders of record on March
15, 2007.
Dividend Policy
The Fund's dividend policy is to distribute all or a portion of its net
investment income to its shareholders on a monthly basis. In order to provide
shareholders with a more stable level of dividend distributions, the Fund may at
times pay out less than the entire amount of net investment income earned in any
particular month and may at times in any particular month pay out such
accumulated but undistributed income in addition to net investment income earned
in that month. As a result, the dividends paid by the Fund for any particular
month may be more or less than the amount of net investment income earned by the
Fund during such month. The Fund's current accumulated but undistributed net
investment income, if any, is disclosed in the Statement of Net Assets, which
comprises part of the financial information included in this report.
20 BLACKROCK MUNIVEST FUND, INC. FEBRUARY 28, 2007
Officers and Directors
Robert C. Doll, Jr., President and Director
Ronald W. Forbes, Director
Cynthia A. Montgomery, Director
Jean Margo Reid, Director
Roscoe S. Suddarth, Director
Richard R. West, Director
Donald C. Burke, Vice President and Treasurer
John M. Loffredo, Senior Vice President
Fred K. Stuebe, Vice President
Jeffrey Hiller, Fund Chief Compliance Officer
Alice A. Pellegrino, Secretary
Custodian
The Bank of New York
100 Church Street
New York, NY 10286
Transfer Agents
Common Stock:
The Bank of New York
101 Barclay Street -- 11 East
New York, NY 10286
Preferred Stock:
The Bank of New York
101 Barclay Street -- 7 West
New York, NY 10286
Amex Symbol
MVF
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Effective January 1, 2007, Edward D. Zinbarg retired as a Director of BlackRock
MuniVest Fund, Inc. The Fund's Board of Directors wishes Mr. Zinbarg well in his
retirement.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Effective April 13, 2007, Jeffrey Hiller resigned his position as Chief
Compliance Officer of the Fund. Also effective April 13, 2007, Karen Clark was
appointed Chief Compliance Officer of the Fund. Ms. Clark has been a Managing
Director of BlackRock, Inc. since 2007. She was a Director thereof from 2005 to
2007. Prior to that, Ms. Clark was a principal and senior compliance officer at
State Street Global Advisors from 2001 to 2005. Ms. Clark was a principal
consultant with PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP from 1998 to 2001. From 1993 to
1998, Ms. Clark was Branch Chief, Division of Investment Management and Office
of Compliance Examinations, with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Availability of Quarterly Schedule of Investments
The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities
and Exchange Commission ("SEC") for the first and third quarters of each fiscal
year on Form N-Q. The Fund's Forms N-Q are available on the SEC's Web site at
http://www.sec.gov. The Fund's Forms N-Q may also be reviewed and copied at the
SEC's Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. Information on the operation of
the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330.
BLACKROCK MUNIVEST FUND, INC. FEBRUARY 28, 2007 21
Electronic Delivery
Electronic copies of most financial reports and prospectuses are available on
the Fund's Web site. Shareholders can sign up for e-mail notifications of
quarterly statements, annual and semi-annual reports and prospectuses by
enrolling in the Fund's electronic delivery program.
To enroll:
Shareholders Who Hold Accounts with Investment Advisers, Banks or Brokerages:
Please contact your financial advisor. Please note that not all investment
advisers, banks or brokerages may offer this service.
22 BLACKROCK MUNIVEST FUND, INC. FEBRUARY 28, 2007
BlackRock Privacy Principles
BlackRock is committed to maintaining the privacy of its current and former fund
investors and individual clients (collectively, "Clients") and to safeguarding
their nonpublic personal information. The following information is provided to
help you understand what personal information BlackRock collects, how we protect
that information and why in certain cases we share such information with select
parties.
If you are located in a jurisdiction where specific laws, rules or regulations
require BlackRock to provide you with additional or different privacy-related
rights beyond what is set forth below, then BlackRock will comply with those
specific laws, rules or regulations.
BlackRock obtains or verifies personal nonpublic information from and about you
from different sources, including the following: (i) information we receive from
you or, if applicable, your financial intermediary, on applications, forms or
other documents; (ii) information about your transactions with us, our
affiliates, or others; (iii) information we receive from a consumer reporting
agency; and (iv) from visits to our Web sites.
BlackRock does not sell or disclose to nonaffiliated third parties any nonpublic
personal information about its Clients, except as permitted by law or as is
necessary to service Client accounts. These nonaffiliated third parties are
required to protect the confidentiality and security of this information and to
use it only for its intended purpose.
We may share information with our affiliates to service your account or to
provide you with information about other BlackRock products or services that may
be of interest to you. In addition, BlackRock restricts access to nonpublic
personal information about its Clients to those BlackRock employees with a
legitimate business need for the information. BlackRock maintains physical,
electronic and procedural safeguards that are designed to protect the nonpublic
personal information of its Clients, including procedures relating to the proper
storage and disposal of such information.
BLACKROCK MUNIVEST FUND, INC. FEBRUARY 28, 2007 23
BlackRock MuniVest Fund, Inc. seeks to provide shareholders with as high a level
of current income exempt from federal income taxes as is consistent with its
investment policies and prudent investment management by investing primarily in
a portfolio of long-term, investment grade municipal obligations, the interest
on which is exempt from federal income taxes in the opinion of bond counsel to
the issuer.
This report, including the financial information herein, is transmitted to the
shareholders of BlackRock MuniVest Fund, Inc. for their information. It is not a
prospectus, circular or representation intended for use in the purchase of
shares of the Fund or any securities mentioned in the report. Past performance
results shown in this report should not be considered a representation of future
performance. The Fund has leveraged its Common Stock and intends to remain
leveraged by issuing Preferred Stock to provide the Common Stock shareholders
with a potentially higher rate of return. Leverage creates risks for Common
Stock shareholders, including the likelihood of greater volatility of net asset
value and market price of shares of the Common Stock, and the risk that
fluctuations in the short-term dividend rates of the Preferred Stock may affect
the yield to Common Stock shareholders. Statements and other information herein
are as dated and are subject to change.
A description of the policies and procedures that the Fund uses to determine how
to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities is available (1) without
charge, upon request, by calling toll-free 1-800-441-7762; (2) at
www.blackrock.com; and (3) on the Securities and Exchange Commission's Web site
at http://www.sec.gov. Information about how the Fund voted proxies relating to
securities held in the Fund's portfolio during the most recent 12-month period
ended June 30 is available (1) at www.blackrock.com and (2) on the Securities
and Exchange Commission's Web site at http://www.sec.gov.
BlackRock MuniVest Fund, Inc.
P.O. Box 9011
Princeton, NJ 08543-9011
BLACKROCK
#10787-2/07
Item 2 - Code of Ethics - Not Applicable to this semi-annual report
Item 3 - Audit Committee Financial Expert - Not Applicable to this semi-annual
report
Item 4 - Principal Accountant Fees and Services - Not Applicable to this
semi-annual report
Item 5 - Audit Committee of Listed Registrants - Not Applicable to this
semi-annual report
Item 6 - Schedule of Investments - Not Applicable
Item 7 - Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End
Management Investment Companies - Not Applicable to this semi-annual
report
Item 8 - Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies - as
of February 28, 2007.
(a)(1) BlackRock MuniVest Fund, Inc. is managed by a team of investment
professionals comprised of Fred K. Stuebe, Director at BlackRock,
Theodore R. Jaeckel, Jr., CFA, Managing Director at BlackRock, and
Walter O'Connor, Managing Director at BlackRock. Each is a member of
BlackRock's municipal tax-exempt management group. Mr. Jaeckel and Mr.
O'Connor are responsible for setting the Fund's overall investment
strategy and overseeing the management of the Fund. Mr. Stuebe is the
Fund's lead portfolio manager and is responsible for the day-to-day
management of the Fund's portfolio and the selection of its
investments. Messrs. Jaeckel and O'Connor have been members of the
Fund's management team since 2006 and Mr. Stuebe has been the Fund's
portfolio manager since 1989.
Mr. Jaeckel joined BlackRock in 2006. Prior to joining BlackRock, he
was a Managing Director (Municipal Tax-Exempt Fund Management) of
Merrill Lynch Investment Managers, L.P. (""MLIM") from 2005 to 2006 and
a Director of MLIM from 1997 to 2005. He has been a portfolio manager
with BlackRock or MLIM since 1991.
Mr. O'Connor joined BlackRock in 2006. Prior to joining BlackRock, he
was a Managing Director (Municipal Tax-Exempt Fund Management) of MLIM
from 2003 to 2006 and was a Director of MLIM from 1997 to 2002. He has
been a portfolio manager with BlackRock or MLIM since 1991.
Mr. Stuebe joined BlackRock in 2006. Prior to joining BlackRock, he was
a Director (Municipal Tax-Exempt Fund Management) of MLIM from 2000 to
2006. He has 25 years of experience investing in Municipal Bonds as a
portfolio manager on behalf of registered investment companies.
(a)(2) As of February 28, 2007:
(iii) Number of Other Accounts and
(ii) Number of Other Accounts Managed Assets for Which Advisory Fee is
and Assets by Account Type Performance-Based
Other Other
(i) Name of Registered Other Pooled Registered Other Pooled
Portfolio Investment Investment Other Investment Investment Other
Manager Companies Vehicles Accounts Companies Vehicles Accounts
-------------------- --------------
Fred Stuebe 7 0 0 0 0 0
$ 2,303,435,415 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0
Theodore R.
Jaeckel, Jr. 80 0 0 0 1 0
$28,818,208,939 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $28,165,980 $ 0
Walter
O'Connor 80 0 0 0 0 0
$28,818,208,939 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0
(iv) Potential Material Conflicts of Interest
BlackRock has built a professional working environment, firm-wide compliance
culture and compliance procedures and systems designed to protect against
potential incentives that may favor one account over another. BlackRock has
adopted policies and procedures that address the allocation of investment
opportunities, execution of portfolio transactions, personal trading by
employees and other potential conflicts of interest that are designed to ensure
that all client accounts are treated equitably over time. Nevertheless,
BlackRock furnishes investment management and advisory services to numerous
clients in addition to the Fund, and BlackRock may, consistent with applicable
law, make investment recommendations to other clients or accounts (including
accounts which are hedge funds or have performance or higher fees paid to
BlackRock, or in which portfolio managers have a personal interest in the
receipt of such fees), which may be the same as or different from those made to
the Fund. In addition, BlackRock, its affiliates and any officer, director,
stockholder or employee may or may not have an interest in the securities whose
purchase and sale BlackRock recommends to the Fund. BlackRock, or any of its
affiliates, or any officer, director, stockholder, employee or any member of
their families may take different actions than those recommended to the Fund by
BlackRock with respect to the same securities. Moreover, BlackRock may refrain
from rendering any advice or services concerning securities of companies of
which any of BlackRock's (or its affiliates') officers, directors or employees
are directors or officers, or companies as to which BlackRock or any of its
affiliates or the officers, directors and employees of any of them has any
substantial economic interest or possesses material non-public information. Each
portfolio manager also may manage accounts whose investment strategies may at
times be opposed to the strategy utilized for the Fund. In this connection, it
should be noted that certain portfolio managers currently manage certain
accounts that are subject to performance fees. In addition, certain portfolio
managers assist in managing certain hedge funds and may be entitled to receive a
portion of any incentive fees earned on such funds and a portion of such
incentive fees may be voluntarily or involuntarily deferred. Additional
portfolio managers may in the future manage other such accounts or funds and may
be entitled to receive incentive fees.
As a fiduciary, BlackRock owes a duty of loyalty to its clients and must treat
each client fairly. When BlackRock purchases or sells securities for more than
one account, the trades must be allocated in a manner consistent with its
fiduciary duties. BlackRock attempts to allocate investments in a fair and
equitable manner among client accounts, with no account receiving preferential
treatment. To this end, BlackRock has adopted a policy that is intended to
ensure that investment opportunities are allocated fairly and equitably among
client accounts over time. This policy also seeks to achieve reasonable
efficiency in client transactions and provide BlackRock with sufficient
flexibility to allocate investments in a manner that is consistent with the
particular investment discipline and client base.
(a)(3) As of February 28, 2007:
Compensation Program
The elements of total compensation for portfolio managers on BlackRock's
municipal team include a fixed base salary, annual performance-based cash and
stock compensation (cash and stock bonus) and other benefits. BlackRock has
balanced these components of pay to provide these portfolio managers with a
powerful incentive to achieve consistently superior investment performance. By
design, compensation levels for these portfolio managers fluctuate--both up and
down--with the relative investment performance of the portfolios that they
manage.
Base compensation
Like that of many asset management firms, base salaries represent a
relatively small portion of a portfolio manager's total compensation. This
approach serves to enhance the motivational value of the performance-based (and
therefore variable) compensation elements of the compensation program.
Performance-Based Compensation
BlackRock believes that the best interests of investors are served by
recruiting and retaining exceptional asset management talent and managing their
compensation within a consistent and disciplined framework that emphasizes pay
for performance in the context of an intensely competitive market for talent. To
that end, BlackRock and its affiliates portfolio manager incentive compensation
is based on a formulaic compensation program. BlackRock's formulaic portfolio
manager compensation program includes: investment performance relative to a
subset of general, leveraged municipal debt funds over 1-, 3- and 5-year
performance periods and a measure of operational efficiency. Portfolio managers
are compensated based on the pre-tax performance of the products they manage. If
a portfolio manager's tenure is less than 5 years, performance periods will
reflect time in position. Portfolio managers are compensated based on products
they manage. A discretionary element of portfolio manager compensation may
include consideration of: financial results, expense control, profit margins,
strategic planning and implementation, quality of client service, market share,
corporate reputation, capital allocation, compliance and risk control,
leadership, workforce diversity, supervision, technology and innovation. All
factors are considered collectively by BlackRock management.
Long-Term Retention and Incentive Plan (LTIP)
The LTIP is a long-term incentive plan that seeks to reward certain key
employees. The plan provides for the grant of awards that are expressed as an
amount of cash that, if properly vested and subject to the attainment of certain
performance goals, will be settled in cash and/or in BlackRock, Inc. common
stock.
Cash Bonus
Performance-based compensation is distributed to portfolio managers in a
combination of cash and stock. Typically, the cash bonus, when combined with
base salary, represents more than 60% of total compensation for portfolio
managers.
Stock Bonus
A portion of the dollar value of the total annual performance-based bonus
is paid in restricted shares of BlackRock stock. Paying a portion of annual
bonuses in stock puts compensation earned by a portfolio manager for a given
year "at risk" based on the company's ability to sustain and improve its
performance over future periods. The ultimate value of stock bonuses is
dependent on future BlackRock stock price performance. As such, the stock bonus
aligns each portfolio manager's financial interests with those of the BlackRock
shareholders and encourages a balance between short-term goals and long-term
strategic objectives. Management strongly believes that providing a significant
portion of competitive performance-based compensation in stock is in the best
interests of investors and shareholders. This approach ensures that portfolio
managers participate as shareholders in both the "downside risk" and "upside
opportunity" of the company's performance. Portfolio managers therefore have a
direct incentive to protect BlackRock's reputation for integrity.
Other Compensation Programs
Portfolio managers who meet relative investment performance and financial
management objectives during a performance year are eligible to participate in a
deferred cash program. Awards under this program are in the form of deferred
cash that may be benchmarked to a menu of BlackRock mutual funds (including
their own fund) during a five-year vesting period. The deferred cash program
aligns the interests of participating portfolio managers with the investment
results of BlackRock products and promotes continuity of successful portfolio
management teams.
Other Benefits
Portfolio managers are also eligible to participate in broad-based plans
offered generally to employees of BlackRock and its affiliates, including
broad-based retirement, 401(k), health, and other employee benefit plans.
(a)(4) Beneficial Ownership of Securities. As of February 28, 2007, Mr.
Stuebe beneficially owns stock issued by the Fund valued in the
range $100,001-$500,000. As of February 28, 2007, neither of
Messrs. Jaeckel or O'Connor beneficially owns any stock issued by
the Fund.
Item 9 - Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment
Company and Affiliated Purchasers - Not Applicable
Item 10 - Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders - Not Applicable
Item 11 - Controls and Procedures
11(a) - The Registrant's principal executive and principal financial officers
have evaluated the Registrant's disclosure controls and procedures,
including internal control over financial reporting, within 90 days of
this filing. Such principal officers have concluded that as of April,
2007 the Registrant's disclosure controls and procedures were
effective in design and operation to reasonably ensure that
information required to be disclosed by the Registrant in this Form
N-CSR was recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the
required time periods, and were sufficient to form the basis of the
certifications required by Rule 30a-2 of the Investment Company Act of
1940, as amended. Prior to reaching that conclusion, such principal
officers had become aware of matters relating to the Registrant's
participation in certain inverse floater structures that necessitated
adjustments to financial information included in Item 1 of this
filing. As a result, management of the Registrant had reevaluated
certain disclosure controls and procedures determined not to be
effective, as discussed more fully below.
Management of the Registrant is responsible for establishing and
maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting. In
fulfilling this responsibility, estimates and judgments by management
are required to assess the expected benefits and related costs of
controls. The Registrant's internal control over financial reporting
is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the
reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial
statements for external purposes in accordance with U.S. generally
accepted accounting principles. Such internal control includes
policies and procedures that provide reasonable assurance regarding
prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or
disposition of a registrant's assets that could have a material effect
on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial
reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections
of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to
the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in
conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or
procedures may deteriorate.
A control deficiency exists when the design or operation of a control
does not allow management or employees, in the normal course of
performing their assigned functions, to prevent or detect
misstatements on a timely basis. A significant deficiency is a control
deficiency, or combination of control deficiencies, that adversely
affects the Registrant's ability to initiate, authorize, record,
process or report financial data reliably in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles such that there is more than a remote
likelihood that a misstatement of the Registrant's annual or interim
financial statements that is more than inconsequential will not be
prevented or detected. A material weakness is a significant
deficiency, or combination of significant deficiencies, that results
in more than a remote likelihood that a material misstatement of the
annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or
detected.
Prior to the filing of the Registrant's Form N-CSR, the Registrant
identified the following control deficiency, that was determined to be
a material weakness, as defined above, in the Registrant's internal
control over financial reporting at February 28, 2007. The
Registrant's controls related to the review and analysis of relevant
terms and conditions of transfers of certain assets pertaining to
inverse floater structures were not operating effectively to
appropriately determine whether the transfers of assets qualified for
sale accounting under the provisions of Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 140, "Accounting for Transfers and Servicing
of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities" ("SFAS 140").
As a result, these controls did not detect that certain transfers were
not appropriately recorded as borrowings. Accordingly, the
Registrant's financial statements as of and for the period ended
February 28, 2007, including prior periods where applicable, were
adjusted prior to being issued to appropriately reflect transfers of
such securities as secured borrowings and to report the related income
and expense. These adjustments had no impact on net assets, net asset
value per share or total return.
Prior to the evaluation of the design and operation of the
Registrant's disclosure controls and procedures at April, 2007, the
Registrant's disclosure controls and procedures were modified to
enhance the review and analysis of the relevant terms and conditions
of transfers of securities in connection with inverse floater
structures in light of SFAS 140.
11(b) - There have been no changes in the Registrant's internal control over
financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Investment
Company Act of 1940, as amended) that occurred during the second half
of the Registrant's fiscal year that have materially affected, or are
reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant's internal
control over financial reporting. However, as discussed above, as of
April 2007, the Registrant has enhanced controls related to the
application of SFAS 140.
Item 12 - Exhibits attached hereto
12(a)(1) - Code of Ethics - Not Applicable to this semi-annual report
12(a)(2) - Certifications - Attached hereto
12(a)(3) - Not Applicable
12(b) - Certifications - Attached hereto
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.
BlackRock MuniVest Fund, Inc.
By: /s/ Robert C. Doll, Jr.
---------------------------
Robert C. Doll, Jr.,
Chief Executive Officer of
BlackRock MuniVest Fund, Inc.
Date: April 23, 2007
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the
Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the
following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the
dates indicated.
By: /s/ Robert C. Doll, Jr.
---------------------------
Robert C. Doll, Jr.,
Chief Executive Officer of
BlackRock MuniVest Fund, Inc.
Date: April 23, 2007
By: /s/ Donald C. Burke
---------------------------
Donald C. Burke,
Chief Financial Officer of
BlackRock MuniVest Fund, Inc.
Date: April 23, 2007