N-CSR 1 lp10856289.htm ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

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

FORM N-CSR

CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED MANAGEMENT
INVESTMENT COMPANIES

Investment Company Act file number 811-03940
   
  BNY Mellon Strategic Funds, Inc.  
  (Exact name of Registrant as specified in charter)  
     
 

 

c/o BNY Mellon Investment Adviser, Inc.

240 Greenwich Street

New York, New York 10286

 
  (Address of principal executive offices)        (Zip code)  
     
 

Deirdre Cunnane, Esq.

240 Greenwich Street

New York, New York 10286

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

Date of fiscal year end:

 

05/31  
Date of reporting period:

05/31/2021

 

 

 

 
             

 

 

The following N-CSR relates only to the Registrant's series listed below and does not relate to any series of the Registrant with a different fiscal year end and, therefore, different N-CSR reporting requirements.  A separate N-CSR will be filed for any series with a different fiscal year end, as appropriate.

 

BNY Mellon Select Managers Small Cap Growth Fund

 

 

 
 

FORM N-CSR

Item 1. Reports to Stockholders.

BNY Mellon Select Managers Small Cap Growth Fund

 

ANNUAL REPORT

May 31, 2021

 

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Contents

THE FUND

  

Discussion of Fund Performance

2

Fund Performance

5

Understanding Your Fund’s Expenses

8

Comparing Your Fund’s Expenses
With Those of Other Funds

8

Statement of Investments

9

Statement of Investments
in Affiliated Issuers

21

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

22

Statement of Operations

23

Statement of Changes in Net Assets

24

Financial Highlights

26

Notes to Financial Statements

30

Report of Independent Registered
Public Accounting Firm

39

Important Tax Information

40

Liquidity Risk Management Program

41

Board Members Information

42

Officers of the Fund

46

FOR MORE INFORMATION

 

Back Cover

 

DISCUSSION OF FUND PERFORMANCE (Unaudited)

For the period from June 1, 2020 through May 31, 2021, as provided by portfolio allocation managers Stephen Kolano and Elena Goncharova

Market and Fund Performance Overview

For the 12-month period ended May 31, 2021, BNY Mellon Select Managers Small Cap Growth Fund’s Class A shares, Class C shares, Class I shares and Class Y shares at NAV produced total returns of 52.22%, 50.99%, 52.63% and 52.73%, respectively.1 In comparison, the Russell 2000® Growth Index (the “Index”), the fund’s benchmark, returned 50.14% for the same period.2

Small-cap growth stocks gained ground over the reporting period as markets began to anticipate the end of the pandemic and the economic recovery resulting from the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines. The fund outperformed the Index, mainly due to favorable asset allocation and stock selection decisions.

The Fund’s Investment Approach

The fund seeks capital appreciation. To pursue its goal, the fund normally invests at least 80% of its assets in the stocks of small-cap companies. The fund’s portfolio is constructed to have a growth tilt.

The fund uses a “multi-manager” approach by selecting various subadvisors to manage its assets. We may hire, terminate or replace subadvisors and modify material terms and conditions of subadvisory arrangements without shareholder approval.

The fund’s assets are currently allocated to six subadvisors, each acting independently and using its own methodology to select portfolio investments. At the end of the reporting period, 13% of the fund’s assets were under the management of Redwood Investments, LLC, which employs a blend of quantitative and qualitative research to build growth and core equity portfolios; approximately 18% of the fund’s assets were under the management of Geneva Capital Management, which employs bottom-up fundamental analysis supplemented by top-down considerations to identify companies with a consistent, sustainable record of growth; approximately 13% of the fund’s assets were under the management of Nicholas Investment Partners, L.P., which uses a bottom-up approach to security selection, combining rigorous fundamental analysis with the discipline and objectivity of quantitative analytics; EAM Investors, LLC, which managed 21% of the fund’s assets, chooses investments through bottom-up fundamental analysis using a blend of a quantitative discovery process and a qualitative analysis process; approximately 10% of the fund’s assets were managed by Granite Investment Partners, LLC, which seeks attractively valued, small-cap companies with catalysts for growth; and 25% of the fund’s assets were managed by Rice Hall James & Associates LLC, which seeks growing companies with high earnings growth, high or improving returns on invested capital and sustainable competitive advantages. The percentages of the fund’s assets allocated to the various subadvisors can change over time, within ranges described in the prospectus.

Stocks Rebound on Vaccine Approvals and Economic Recovery

Early in the reporting period, markets continued to respond positively to policies implemented by the federal government and the Federal Reserve (the “Fed”). Relief and

2

 

stimulus packages passed by Congress kept small businesses afloat and provided help to households. Steps were also taken to provide relief to employees who had lost their jobs as a result of government-mandated business shutdowns. The Fed initiated various programs to ease liquidity concerns in certain markets.

The economy also began to show signs of recovery and continued to improve during the reporting period. Retail sales rebounded, the outlook for manufacturing improved and job creation surged, beating economists’ expectations. Markets rebounded as relief programs took effect, government shutdowns began to ease and hope for a COVID-19 vaccine or effective therapy took hold.

Midway through the reporting period, markets benefited from a number of factors. With the approval of multiple COVID-19 vaccines in November 2020, investor sentiment improved, and the global economic outlook brightened. Returns were also boosted by interest rates, which remained low, and by the stimulus package approved by Congress, which provided support to consumers, small businesses and the economy generally.

Uncertainty surrounding the November 2020 election also eased, and investors began to factor the likelihood of additional stimulus and infrastructure spending into their calculations. With the end of the pandemic in view and continued economic rebound likely, investors began to shift away from growth-oriented stocks and into value-oriented stocks.

As the end of the pandemic became more likely, government lockdowns were eased, and businesses that had been hard hit by the pandemic began to show signs of recovery. Businesses also became more confident and increased their capital spending. In addition, inventory shortages began to appear, providing another catalyst to economic growth.

Toward the end of the reporting period, the economic rebound continued, but combined with the Federal Reserve’s indications that it would tolerate higher inflation rates until the economy fully recovered, this led to a rise in inflation expectations. As a result, yields at the long end of the Treasury yield curve began to increase. These higher interest rates weighed on the market and especially slowed the momentum of technology and other growth-oriented stocks.

Asset Allocation and Security Selections Benefited Fund Performance

The fund’s relative performance versus the Index was mainly the result of favorable asset allocation and stock selections by the fund’s underlying portfolio managers. Overweight positions in the energy, consumer discretionary and industrial sectors contributed positively to returns. Stock selection also was beneficial, especially in the consumer staples and health care sectors. In the consumer staples sector, stock selection was successful in all industries, but positions in Medifast, a health products company, Freshpet, a pet food producer, and Celsius Holdings, a maker of energy drinks, were particularly noteworthy.

On a less positive note, the fund’s underweight position in the communication services sector detracted from returns versus the Index as this sector performed well. In addition, stock selections in the industrial sector also hindered returns, particularly in the building products industry, including Cornerstone OnDemand and Builders FirstSource. In addition, the fund’s 3% allocation to cash, which was necessary to meet redemptions, was also a drag on performance.

3

 

DISCUSSION OF FUND PERFORMANCE (Unaudited) (continued)

A Positive Backdrop

Our outlook for the coming months reflects ongoing optimism about the economic recovery. Although the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines has been uneven globally, the economies of developed countries are increasingly opening up, which is benefiting stocks. Inflation, which remains somewhat of a concern, is being driven by supply chain issues and worker shortages, which are producing a supply/demand imbalance. However, we believe that though higher inflation is likely to be transitory, it may persist for several quarters, and we will continue to monitor it as the recovery proceeds.

June 15, 2021

1 DUE TO RECENT MARKET VOLATILITY, CURRENT PERFORMANCE MAY BE DIFFERENT THAN THE FIGURES SHOWN. Investors should note that the fund’s short-term performance is highly unusual, in part to unusually favorable market conditions, and is unlikely to be repeated or consistently achieved in the future. Total return includes reinvestment of dividends and any capital gains paid and does not take into consideration the maximum initial sales charge in the case of Class A shares, or the applicable contingent deferred sales charge imposed on redemptions in the case of Class C shares. Had these charges been reflected, returns would have been lower. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Share price and investment return fluctuate such that upon redemption, fund shares may be worth more or less than their original cost. Return figures provided reflect the absorption of certain fund expenses by BNY Mellon Investment Adviser, Inc. pursuant to an undertaking in effect through September 30, 2021, at which time it may be extended, terminated or modified. Had these expenses not been absorbed, the fund’s returns would have been lower.

2 Source: Lipper Inc. — The Russell 2000® Growth Index measures the performance of the small-cap growth segment of the U.S. equity universe. It includes those Russell 2000 companies with higher growth earning potential as defined by Russell’s leading style methodology. The Russell 2000® Growth Index is constructed to provide a comprehensive and unbiased barometer for the small-cap growth segment. The index is completely reconstituted annually to ensure larger stocks do not distort the performance and characteristics of the true small-cap opportunity set, and that the represented companies continue to reflect growth characteristics. Investors cannot invest directly in any index.

Please note: the position in any security highlighted with italicized typeface was sold during the reporting period.

Equities are subject generally to market, market sector, market liquidity, issuer and investment style risks, among other factors, to varying degrees, all of which are more fully described in the fund’s prospectus.

The prices of small company stocks tend to be more volatile than the prices of large company stocks, mainly because these companies have less established and more volatile earnings histories. They also tend to be less liquid than larger company stocks.

Investing in foreign denominated and/or domiciled securities involves special risks, including changes in currency exchange rates, political, economic, and social instability, limited company information, differing auditing and legal standards, and less market liquidity. These risks generally are greater with emerging market countries.

References to specific securities, asset classes and financial markets are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be and should not be interpreted as recommendations.

Multi-manager risk means each sub adviser makes investment decisions independently, and it is possible that the investment styles of the sub advisers may not complement one another. Consequently, the fund’s exposure to a given stock, industry or investment style could be greater or smaller than if the fund had a single adviser.

Recent market risks include pandemic risks related to COVID-19. The effects of COVID-19 have contributed to increased volatility in global markets and will likely affect certain countries, companies, industries and market sectors more dramatically than others. To the extent the fund may overweight its investments in certain countries, companies, industries or market sectors, such positions will increase the fund’s exposure to risk of loss from adverse developments affecting those countries, companies, industries or sectors.

4

 

FUND PERFORMANCE (Unaudited)

Comparison of change in value of a $10,000 investment in Class A shares, Class C shares and Class I shares of BNY Mellon Select Managers Small Cap Growth Fund with a hypothetical investment of $10,000 in the Russell 2000® Growth Index (the “Index”)

 Source: Lipper Inc.

Past performance is not predictive of future performance.

The above graph compares a hypothetical $10,000 investment made in Class A shares, Class C shares and Class I shares of BNY Mellon Select Managers Small Cap Growth Fund on 5/31/11 to a hypothetical investment of $10,000 made in the Index on that date. All dividends and capital gain distributions are reinvested.

The fund’s performance shown in the line graph above takes into account the maximum initial sales charge on Class A shares and all other applicable fees and expenses on all classes. The Index measures the performance of the small-cap growth segment of the U.S. equity universe. It includes those Russell 2000 companies with higher growth earning potential as defined by Russell’s leading style methodology. The Index is constructed to provide a comprehensive and unbiased barometer for the small-cap growth segment. The Index is completely reconstituted annually to ensure larger stocks do not distort the performance and characteristics of the true small-cap opportunity set and that the represented companies continue to reflect growth characteristics. Unlike a mutual fund, the Index is not subject to charges, fees and other expenses. Investors cannot invest directly in any index. Further information relating to fund performance, including expense reimbursements, if applicable, is contained in the Financial Highlights section of the prospectus and elsewhere in this report.

5

 

FUND PERFORMANCE (Unaudited) (continued)

Comparison of change in value of a $1,000,000 investment in Class Y shares of BNY Mellon Select Managers Small Cap Growth Fund with a hypothetical investment of $1,000,000 in the Russell 2000® Growth Index (the “Index”)

 Source: Lipper Inc.

†† The total return figures presented for Class Y shares of the fund reflect the performance of the fund’s Class A shares for the period prior to 7/1/13 (the inception date for Class Y shares), not reflecting the applicable sales load for Class A shares.

Past performance is not predictive of future performance.

The above graph compares a hypothetical $1,000,000 investment made in Class Y shares of BNY Mellon Select Managers Small Cap Growth Fund on 5/31/11 to a hypothetical investment of $1,000,000 made in the Index on that date. All dividends and capital gain distributions are reinvested.

The fund’s performance shown in the line graph above takes into account all applicable fees and expenses of the fund’s Class Y shares. The Index measures the performance of the small-cap growth segment of the U.S. equity universe. It includes those Russell 2000 companies with higher growth earning potential as defined by Russell’s leading style methodology. The Index is constructed to provide a comprehensive and unbiased barometer for the small-cap growth segment. The Index is completely reconstituted annually to ensure larger stocks do not distort the performance and characteristics of the true small-cap opportunity set and that the represented companies continue to reflect growth characteristics. Unlike a mutual fund, the Index is not subject to charges, fees and other expenses. Investors cannot invest directly in any index. Further information relating to fund performance, including expense reimbursements, if applicable, is contained in the Financial Highlights section of the prospectus and elsewhere in this report.

6

 

     

Average Annual Total Returns as of 5/31/2021

 

Inception Date

1 Year

5 Years

10 Years

Class A shares

    

with maximum sales charge (5.75%)

7/1/10

43.47%

17.69%

11.86%

without sales charge

7/1/10

52.22%

19.10%

12.52%

Class C shares

    

with applicable redemption charge

7/1/10

49.99%

18.22%

11.70%

without redemption

7/1/10

50.99%

18.22%

11.70%

Class I shares

7/1/10

52.63%

19.42%

12.85%

Class Y shares

7/1/13

52.73%

19.47%

12.90%††

Russell 2000® Growth Index

6/30/10

50.14%

17.57%

12.76%

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

†† The total return performance figures presented for Class Y shares of the fund reflect the performance of the fund’s Class A shares for the period prior to 7/1/13 (the inception date for Class Y shares), not reflecting the applicable sales load for Class A shares.

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

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

7

 

UNDERSTANDING YOUR FUND’S EXPENSES (Unaudited)

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

Review your fund’s expenses

The table below shows the expenses you would have paid on a $1,000 investment in BNY Mellon Select Managers Small Cap Growth Fund from December 1, 2020 to May 31, 2021. It also shows how much a $1,000 investment would be worth at the close of the period, assuming actual returns and expenses.

       

Expenses and Value of a $1,000 Investment

 

Assume actual returns for the six months ended May 31, 2021

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Class A

Class C

Class I

Class Y

 

Expenses paid per $1,000

$7.00

$11.02

$5.34

$5.12

 

Ending value (after expenses)

$1,160.60

$1,156.00

$1,162.40

$1,162.80

 

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

Using the SEC’s method to compare expenses

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

       

Expenses and Value of a $1,000 Investment

 

Assuming a hypothetical 5% annualized return for the six months ended May 31, 2021

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Class A

Class C

Class I

Class Y

 

Expenses paid per $1,000

$6.54

$10.30

$4.99

$4.78

 

Ending value (after expenses)

$1,018.45

$1,014.71

$1,020.00

$1,020.19

 

Expenses are equal to the fund’s annualized expense ratio of 1.30% for Class A, 2.05% for Class C, .99% for Class I and .95% for Class Y, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 182/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

8

 

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS

May 31, 2021

        
 

Description

   

Shares

 

Value ($)

 

Common Stocks - 97.9%

     

Automobiles & Components - 2.6%

     

Dorman Products

   

18,515

a 

1,895,566

 

Fox Factory Holding

   

72,872

a 

11,330,139

 

Harley-Davidson

   

25,104

 

1,216,791

 

LCI Industries

   

22,557

 

3,362,121

 

Visteon

   

14,107

a 

1,727,543

 
    

19,532,160

 

Banks - 3.9%

     

Axos Financial

   

106,729

a 

5,060,021

 

Bank OZK

   

31,158

 

1,330,758

 

BankUnited

   

25,599

 

1,223,376

 

Central Pacific Financial

   

50,245

 

1,392,289

 

Columbia Banking System

   

27,456

 

1,185,001

 

Federal Agricultural Mortgage, Cl. C

   

7,926

 

804,172

 

First Citizens Bancshares, Cl. A

   

1,545

b 

1,329,627

 

First Financial Bankshares

   

35,814

 

1,803,235

 

National Bank Holdings, Cl. A

   

34,731

 

1,375,348

 

Pacific Premier Bancorp

   

41,767

 

1,920,029

 

PacWest Bancorp

   

27,519

 

1,243,033

 

Pinnacle Financial Partners

   

10,353

 

941,295

 

Popular

   

16,469

 

1,344,035

 

Signature Bank

   

4,990

 

1,246,252

 

Texas Capital Bancshares

   

37,215

a 

2,563,369

 

Triumph Bancorp

   

12,259

a 

1,026,691

 

Western Alliance Bancorp

   

31,803

 

3,180,618

 
    

28,969,149

 

Capital Goods - 12.5%

     

AAON

   

35,063

b 

2,322,924

 

Acuity Brands

   

6,391

 

1,187,128

 

Advanced Drainage Systems

   

15,278

 

1,732,831

 

AeroVironment

   

22,659

a 

2,484,106

 

AGCO

   

5,835

 

807,389

 

Ameresco, Cl. A

   

24,727

a 

1,329,324

 

Armstrong World Industries

   

22,407

 

2,382,984

 

Astec Industries

   

37,798

 

2,590,297

 

Atkore

   

24,030

a 

1,855,116

 

Barnes Group

   

23,594

 

1,260,391

 

Beacon Roofing Supply

   

32,259

a 

1,827,150

 

Boise Cascade

   

18,025

 

1,189,470

 

Builders FirstSource

   

21,045

a 

937,344

 

Chart Industries

   

19,631

a 

2,864,948

 

Donaldson

   

25,847

 

1,591,917

 

9

 

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

        
 

Description

   

Shares

 

Value ($)

 

Common Stocks - 97.9% (continued)

     

Capital Goods - 12.5% (continued)

     

EMCOR Group

   

10,830

 

1,365,771

 

Encore Wire

   

15,874

 

1,304,843

 

Energy Recovery

   

31,797

a 

604,461

 

ESCO Technologies

   

25,942

 

2,455,151

 

Evoqua Water Technologies

   

33,111

a 

1,030,414

 

Federal Signal

   

30,827

 

1,309,531

 

H&E Equipment Services

   

58,778

 

2,198,297

 

Herc Holdings

   

12,328

a 

1,417,967

 

John Bean Technologies

   

7,283

 

1,048,970

 

Kornit Digital

   

48,159

a 

5,018,168

 

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions

   

76,356

a 

1,909,664

 

Masonite International

   

49,055

a 

5,864,526

 

MasTec

   

13,281

a,b 

1,544,979

 

McGrath RentCorp

   

17,657

 

1,513,735

 

Moog, Cl. A

   

14,282

 

1,288,236

 

MSC Industrial Direct, Cl. A

   

5,416

 

511,270

 

Oshkosh

   

11,029

 

1,449,652

 

PGT Innovations

   

56,123

a 

1,355,932

 

Plug Power

   

23,890

a,b 

733,423

 

Proto Labs

   

9,462

a 

845,808

 

Quanta Services

   

13,673

 

1,303,721

 

RADA Electronic Industries

   

91,560

a 

1,080,408

 

RBC Bearings

   

18,051

a 

3,534,205

 

Regal Beloit

   

11,020

 

1,567,375

 

Simpson Manufacturing

   

25,779

 

2,895,497

 

SiteOne Landscape Supply

   

37,290

a,b 

6,415,372

 

Terex

   

22,311

 

1,168,427

 

The Middleby

   

4,879

a 

801,522

 

The Shyft Group

   

25,451

 

992,080

 

Trex

   

45,961

a,b 

4,477,061

 

Univar Solutions

   

58,237

a 

1,577,640

 

Valmont Industries

   

3,824

 

948,352

 

Vicor

   

18,647

a 

1,679,722

 

WESCO International

   

11,248

a 

1,198,699

 

WillScot Mobile Mini Holdings

   

79,983

a 

2,319,507

 
    

93,093,705

 

Commercial & Professional Services - 2.6%

     

CACI International, Cl. A

   

3,315

a 

845,192

 

CBIZ

   

52,448

a 

1,741,798

 

Exponent

   

57,091

 

5,208,412

 

Franklin Covey

   

13,701

a 

424,731

 

FTI Consulting

   

9,771

a 

1,344,001

 

IAA

   

26,403

a 

1,504,179

 

10

 

        
 

Description

   

Shares

 

Value ($)

 

Common Stocks - 97.9% (continued)

     

Commercial & Professional Services - 2.6% (continued)

     

KBR

   

31,924

 

1,300,584

 

Robert Half International

   

14,951

 

1,327,499

 

Tetra Tech

   

16,317

 

1,949,392

 

The Brink's Company

   

35,050

 

2,643,120

 

Willdan Group

   

28,789

a 

1,046,768

 
    

19,335,676

 

Consumer Durables & Apparel - 3.8%

     

Brunswick

   

11,895

 

1,216,026

 

Callaway Golf

   

98,990

 

3,654,711

 

Capri Holdings

   

49,624

a 

2,814,177

 

Century Communities

   

19,032

 

1,548,824

 

Clarus

   

35,512

 

841,279

 

Cricut, Cl. A

   

34,270

a 

1,157,298

 

Crocs

   

16,044

a 

1,624,295

 

Deckers Outdoor

   

8,845

a 

2,966,966

 

Helen of Troy

   

5,981

a 

1,258,881

 

Kontoor Brands

   

44,370

 

2,840,568

 

M.D.C. Holdings

   

20,334

 

1,178,355

 

Skyline Champion

   

31,308

a 

1,585,750

 

Sonos

   

23,065

a 

853,405

 

Steven Madden

   

53,655

 

2,221,317

 

Toll Brothers

   

18,079

 

1,179,474

 

TopBuild

   

8,762

a,b 

1,735,314

 
    

28,676,640

 

Consumer Services - 5.8%

     

BJ's Restaurants

   

22,964

a,b 

1,269,450

 

Boyd Gaming

   

57,117

a 

3,677,764

 

Bright Horizons Family Solutions

   

21,068

a 

2,912,230

 

Century Casinos

   

87,280

a 

1,221,047

 

Chegg

   

16,387

a,b 

1,260,324

 

Chuy's Holdings

   

26,531

a 

1,099,710

 

Everi Holdings

   

61,864

a 

1,282,441

 

Golden Entertainment

   

11,854

a 

505,455

 

Hilton Grand Vacations

   

50,042

a 

2,288,421

 

International Game Technology

   

53,197

b 

1,290,559

 

Lindblad Expeditions Holdings

   

26,086

a 

443,984

 

Marriott Vacations Worldwide

   

4,653

a 

801,665

 

Monarch Casino & Resort

   

6,536

a 

466,409

 

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings

   

31,557

a,b 

1,006,668

 

Red Rock Resorts, Cl. A

   

94,294

a 

4,219,656

 

Scientific Games

   

17,730

a 

1,286,134

 

SeaWorld Entertainment

   

20,890

a 

1,137,043

 

Strategic Education

   

16,583

 

1,174,740

 

11

 

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

        
 

Description

   

Shares

 

Value ($)

 

Common Stocks - 97.9% (continued)

     

Consumer Services - 5.8% (continued)

     

Stride

   

88,763

a 

2,385,949

 

Texas Roadhouse

   

58,715

 

5,913,188

 

The Cheesecake Factory

   

48,948

a 

2,879,121

 

Travel + Leisure

   

17,630

 

1,148,594

 

Vail Resorts

   

6,481

a 

2,118,509

 

WW International

   

48,154

a 

1,892,452

 
    

43,681,513

 

Diversified Financials - 1.5%

     

Cowen, Cl. A

   

32,229

b 

1,267,567

 

Donnelley Financial Solutions

   

71,138

a 

2,120,624

 

Evercore, Cl. A

   

15,576

 

2,271,915

 

LPL Financial Holdings

   

9,245

 

1,367,151

 

OneMain Holdings

   

23,410

 

1,354,034

 

PJT Partners, Cl. A

   

35,056

 

2,552,778

 
    

10,934,069

 

Energy - .9%

     

Antero Resources

   

100,039

a 

1,291,503

 

Denbury

   

23,154

a 

1,551,781

 

Diamondback Energy

   

10,148

 

812,550

 

DMC Global

   

25,543

a,b 

1,353,013

 

Range Resources

   

85,430

a,b 

1,158,431

 

Texas Pacific Land

   

532

 

773,060

 
    

6,940,338

 

Food & Staples Retailing - .7%

     

BJ's Wholesale Club Holdings

   

54,316

a 

2,432,814

 

Performance Food Group

   

40,602

a 

2,035,378

 

Sprouts Farmers Market

   

33,794

a 

898,920

 
    

5,367,112

 

Food, Beverage & Tobacco - 1.1%

     

Darling Ingredients

   

11,378

a 

778,938

 

Freshpet

   

16,061

a 

2,839,906

 

J&J Snack Foods

   

15,347

 

2,694,626

 

Primo Water

   

39,091

 

676,665

 

SunOpta

   

66,542

a 

831,775

 
    

7,821,910

 

Health Care Equipment & Services - 11.6%

     

Acadia Healthcare

   

22,871

a 

1,471,978

 

Addus HomeCare

   

20,165

a 

1,939,268

 

AMN Healthcare Services

   

19,891

a 

1,764,332

 

AtriCure

   

18,476

a 

1,380,711

 

BioLife Solutions

   

36,811

a 

1,226,174

 

Castle Biosciences

   

23,160

a 

1,387,979

 

CryoPort

   

107,669

a,b 

6,020,850

 

12

 

        
 

Description

   

Shares

 

Value ($)

 

Common Stocks - 97.9% (continued)

     

Health Care Equipment & Services - 11.6% (continued)

     

Establishment Labs Holdings

   

3,996

a 

318,881

 

Globus Medical, Cl. A

   

45,236

a 

3,259,706

 

Guardant Health

   

5,863

a 

727,716

 

HealthEquity

   

29,097

a 

2,418,543

 

HealthStream

   

36,121

a 

945,648

 

Inmode

   

22,858

a 

1,951,159

 

Inovalon Holdings, Cl. A

   

121,532

a 

3,811,244

 

Inspire Medical Systems

   

11,372

a 

2,209,579

 

Insulet

   

2,267

a 

611,342

 

LeMaitre Vascular

   

32,141

b 

1,645,941

 

LHC Group

   

28,430

a 

5,596,446

 

Masimo

   

12,862

a 

2,773,047

 

MEDNAX

   

41,048

a 

1,312,715

 

Neogen

   

29,274

a 

2,702,283

 

Oak Street Health

   

10,944

a,b 

660,908

 

Omnicell

   

62,528

a 

8,691,392

 

Owens & Minor

   

26,847

 

1,200,329

 

PAVmed

   

170,834

a,b 

905,420

 

PetIQ

   

46,819

a,b 

1,924,261

 

Premier, Cl. A

   

72,804

 

2,402,532

 

Progyny

   

19,150

a 

1,226,366

 

Schrodinger

   

10,887

a,b 

764,050

 

Select Medical Holdings

   

44,322

 

1,775,983

 

Shockwave Medical

   

9,431

 

1,696,637

 

Simulations Plus

   

20,836

b 

1,099,724

 

STAAR Surgical

   

36,658

a 

5,353,168

 

Surgery Partners

   

28,956

a,b 

1,694,795

 

Tabula Rasa HealthCare

   

38,586

a,b 

1,667,301

 

Tactile Systems Technology

   

51,680

a,b 

2,778,834

 

Talis Biomedical

   

44,819

a 

436,537

 

Tandem Diabetes Care

   

15,800

a 

1,349,162

 

Tenet Healthcare

   

19,709

a 

1,318,729

 

The Ensign Group

   

9,551

 

794,643

 

U.S. Physical Therapy

   

12,707

 

1,478,587

 

Vocera Communications

   

69,225

a 

2,334,267

 
    

87,029,167

 

Household & Personal Products - 1.6%

     

Central Garden & Pet, Cl. A

   

22,347

a 

1,127,406

 

Inter Parfums

   

29,586

 

2,262,737

 

Medifast

   

21,066

 

6,999,179

 

WD-40

   

6,445

b 

1,577,736

 
    

11,967,058

 

13

 

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

        
 

Description

   

Shares

 

Value ($)

 

Common Stocks - 97.9% (continued)

     

Insurance - .9%

     

Goosehead Insurance, Cl. A

   

16,368

 

1,470,992

 

Kinsale Capital Group

   

24,236

 

4,034,325

 

Palomar Holdings

   

12,425

a 

907,025

 
    

6,412,342

 

Materials - 4.9%

     

Alcoa

   

30,848

a 

1,223,740

 

Amyris

   

42,715

a,b 

607,834

 

Arconic

   

35,291

a 

1,276,475

 

Balchem

   

23,772

 

3,114,132

 

Commercial Metals

   

32,841

 

1,033,506

 

Eagle Materials

   

8,543

 

1,253,771

 

Element Solutions

   

164,077

 

3,837,761

 

H.B. Fuller

   

18,055

 

1,247,962

 

Ingevity

   

30,407

a 

2,502,800

 

Kaiser Aluminum

   

8,514

 

1,101,626

 

Livent

   

88,824

a,b 

1,732,956

 

Louisiana-Pacific

   

23,759

 

1,596,842

 

Materion

   

18,917

 

1,491,605

 

Methanex

   

49,249

 

1,750,802

 

Olin

   

91,618

 

4,479,204

 

Ranpak Holdings

   

45,046

a 

994,616

 

Reliance Steel & Aluminum

   

8,137

 

1,367,586

 

Sealed Air

   

20,988

 

1,193,378

 

Summit Materials, Cl. A

   

34,489

a 

1,200,907

 

Tronox Holdings, Cl. A

   

53,109

 

1,246,999

 

U.S. Concrete

   

24,648

a,b 

1,404,690

 

Valvoline

   

39,182

 

1,293,006

 
    

36,952,198

 

Media & Entertainment - 1.0%

     

Cardlytics

   

6,955

a,b 

741,055

 

iHeartMedia, Cl. A

   

61,431

a 

1,425,813

 

Lions Gate Entertainment, Cl. A

   

122,747

a,b 

2,391,112

 

Vimeo

   

15,346

a 

644,532

 

World Wrestling Entertainment, Cl. A

   

46,246

b 

2,582,377

 
    

7,784,889

 

Pharmaceuticals Biotechnology & Life Sciences - 10.6%

     

ACADIA Pharmaceuticals

   

23,856

a 

532,943

 

Aerie Pharmaceuticals

   

52,427

a,b 

854,036

 

Affimed

   

127,658

a 

1,132,326

 

Albireo Pharma

   

20,027

a 

669,903

 

Aldeyra Therapeutics

   

70,685

a,b 

884,976

 

ALX Oncology Holdings

   

12,089

a,b 

683,754

 

Amicus Therapeutics

   

52,810

a 

489,021

 

14

 

        
 

Description

   

Shares

 

Value ($)

 

Common Stocks - 97.9% (continued)

     

Pharmaceuticals Biotechnology & Life Sciences - 10.6% (continued)

     

Annovis Bio

   

15,506

a,b 

699,321

 

Arena Pharmaceuticals

   

30,599

a 

1,869,905

 

argenx, ADR

   

2,487

a 

693,848

 

Avantor

   

29,353

a 

943,699

 

Berkeley Lights

   

19,808

a,b 

861,648

 

BioCryst Pharmaceuticals

   

77,727

a,b 

1,225,755

 

Biohaven Pharmaceutical Holding

   

30,826

a 

2,681,862

 

Bio-Techne

   

12,166

 

5,034,656

 

Bridgebio Pharma

   

26,068

a 

1,543,226

 

CareDx

   

58,830

a 

4,729,932

 

Coherus Biosciences

   

94,161

a 

1,239,159

 

Collegium Pharmaceutical

   

38,239

a,b 

913,530

 

Curis

   

61,803

a 

889,963

 

DermTech

   

21,759

a,b 

890,378

 

Emergent BioSolutions

   

22,572

a,b 

1,368,992

 

Fate Therapeutics

   

18,217

a 

1,395,422

 

Global Blood Therapeutics

   

19,269

a,b 

740,508

 

Halozyme Therapeutics

   

119,179

a 

4,935,202

 

Insmed

   

16,338

a 

401,915

 

Instil Bio

   

60,964

a,b 

1,085,159

 

Intra-Cellular Therapies

   

24,777

a,b 

976,462

 

Iovance Biotherapeutics

   

38,850

a,b 

721,444

 

KalVista Pharmaceuticals

   

30,977

a 

836,379

 

Karyopharm Therapeutics

   

64,344

a,b 

597,112

 

Kiniksa Pharmaceuticals, CI. A

   

39,462

a,b 

537,867

 

Krystal Biotech

   

13,593

a 

886,807

 

LAVA Therapeutics

   

25,288

a,b 

286,513

 

Ligand Pharmaceuticals

   

24,296

a,b 

2,859,639

 

Medpace Holdings

   

34,887

a 

5,828,222

 

Mirati Therapeutics

   

8,300

a 

1,312,645

 

Nektar Therapeutics

   

27,126

a 

490,167

 

NeoGenomics

   

113,338

a,b 

4,650,259

 

Optinose

   

44,930

a,b 

143,327

 

Organogenesis Holdings

   

48,179

a 

859,032

 

Pacira Biosciences

   

14,281

a 

866,428

 

Prestige Consumer Healthcare

   

56,846

a,b 

2,834,910

 

PTC Therapeutics

   

47,509

a 

1,865,678

 

Puma Biotechnology

   

18,438

a,b 

194,521

 

Reata Pharmaceuticals, Cl. A

   

6,444

a,b 

881,153

 

Reneo Pharmaceuticals

   

3,810

a,b 

38,290

 

Repligen

   

8,662

a 

1,581,768

 

Revance Therapeutics

   

39,005

a 

1,154,938

 

15

 

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

        
 

Description

   

Shares

 

Value ($)

 

Common Stocks - 97.9% (continued)

     

Pharmaceuticals Biotechnology & Life Sciences - 10.6% (continued)

     

Rubius Therapeutics

   

36,364

a,b 

888,373

 

Singular Genomics Systems

   

14,817

a 

400,059

 

Supernus Pharmaceuticals

   

37,351

a,b 

1,114,927

 

TG Therapeutics

   

39,035

a,b 

1,361,150

 

Turning Point Therapeutics

   

8,822

a 

583,840

 

Twist Bioscience

   

6,580

a 

706,100

 

United Therapeutics

   

6,044

a 

1,123,580

 

Veracyte

   

39,550

a,b 

1,544,427

 

Vericel

   

15,868

a 

896,542

 

Werewolf Therapeutics

   

8,501

a,b 

126,495

 

Zogenix

   

22,198

a 

389,575

 
    

78,929,668

 

Real Estate - 1.5%

     

American Assets Trust

   

31,203

c 

1,140,470

 

Apple Hospitality REIT

   

55,324

c 

877,992

 

Innovative Industrial Properties

   

9,591

c 

1,728,586

 

Potlatchdeltic

   

19,928

c 

1,199,666

 

QTS Realty Trust, Cl. A

   

30,459

c 

1,930,491

 

Retail Opportunity Investments

   

92,407

c 

1,650,389

 

Terreno Realty

   

19,481

c 

1,239,381

 

The Macerich Company

   

92,810

b,c 

1,476,607

 
    

11,243,582

 

Retailing - 4.7%

     

Academy Sports & Outdoors

   

38,384

a 

1,402,168

 

American Eagle Outfitters

   

29,464

b 

1,043,910

 

Boot Barn Holdings

   

17,093

a 

1,305,734

 

Dick's Sporting Goods

   

14,923

 

1,455,440

 

Funko, Cl. A

   

52,353

a 

1,374,266

 

Leslie's

   

104,866

a 

3,057,893

 

Lithia Motors, Cl. A

   

5,998

 

2,111,236

 

Ollie's Bargain Outlet Holdings

   

33,185

a,b 

2,868,511

 

Overstock.com

   

43,575

a 

3,722,612

 

Party City Holdco

   

115,413

a 

1,065,262

 

Penske Automotive Group

   

15,329

 

1,312,009

 

Points International

   

22,845

a 

401,387

 

Pool

   

6,109

 

2,666,884

 

Rent-A-Center

   

20,818

 

1,286,761

 

Revolve Group

   

38,190

a,b 

2,117,254

 

Shutterstock

   

36,250

 

3,289,687

 

Signet Jewelers

   

41,549

a,b 

2,517,038

 

The Children's Place

   

17,073

a,b 

1,587,618

 

16

 

        
 

Description

   

Shares

 

Value ($)

 

Common Stocks - 97.9% (continued)

     

Retailing - 4.7% (continued)

     

Urban Outfitters

   

22,596

a 

884,859

 
    

35,470,529

 

Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment - 4.9%

     

Advanced Energy Industries

   

28,671

 

2,924,729

 

Axcelis Technologies

   

23,992

a 

994,228

 

Brooks Automation

   

40,000

 

4,083,600

 

CEVA

   

37,146

a 

1,666,741

 

Ichor Holdings

   

19,431

a 

1,093,188

 

Lattice Semiconductor

   

61,192

a 

3,247,459

 

Monolithic Power Systems

   

15,965

 

5,477,911

 

Onto Innovation

   

80,175

a 

5,754,160

 

Semtech

   

46,222

a 

2,911,986

 

Silicon Motion Technology, ADR

   

45,677

 

3,013,312

 

Synaptics

   

35,774

a,b 

4,519,329

 

Ultra Clean Holdings

   

18,503

a 

1,042,274

 
    

36,728,917

 

Software & Services - 13.2%

     

ACI Worldwide

   

96,220

a 

3,681,377

 

Agilysys

   

31,950

a 

1,622,740

 

Alarm.com Holdings

   

42,040

a 

3,442,235

 

Bill.com Holdings

   

6,353

a 

946,089

 

Blackbaud

   

19,675

a 

1,390,826

 

BlackLine

   

30,380

a,b 

3,158,609

 

Bottomline Technologies

   

36,811

a 

1,375,995

 

Cardtronics, Cl. A

   

11,906

a 

463,501

 

Cerence

   

37,210

a,b 

3,539,787

 

Commvault Systems

   

17,967

a 

1,368,546

 

Cornerstone OnDemand

   

16,561

a 

728,187

 

Coupa Software

   

3,621

a 

862,522

 

E2open Parent Holdings

   

79,247

a 

1,009,607

 

Elastic

   

15,321

a 

1,811,095

 

Envestnet

   

38,668

a 

2,782,936

 

Euronet Worldwide

   

16,278

a 

2,435,840

 

Everbridge

   

28,655

a,b 

3,366,962

 

Evo Payments, Cl. A

   

69,758

a 

1,997,869

 

ExlService Holdings

   

27,622

a 

2,816,892

 

Fair Isaac

   

9,421

a 

4,767,591

 

Five9

   

8,763

a 

1,551,927

 

I3 Verticals, Cl. A

   

66,399

a 

2,063,017

 

J2 Global

   

43,497

a,b 

5,416,681

 

LivePerson

   

85,801

a,b 

4,714,765

 

Manhattan Associates

   

7,259

a 

987,079

 

MAXIMUS

   

21,494

 

1,991,849

 

17

 

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

        
 

Description

   

Shares

 

Value ($)

 

Common Stocks - 97.9% (continued)

     

Software & Services - 13.2% (continued)

     

Medallia

   

47,170

a 

1,210,854

 

Mimecast

   

18,549

a 

927,264

 

Perficient

   

36,574

a 

2,618,333

 

Q2 Holdings

   

24,154

a,b 

2,292,939

 

QAD, Cl. A

   

18,679

 

1,334,801

 

Qualys

   

9,132

a,b 

882,882

 

Rackspace Technology

   

57,416

a,b 

1,158,655

 

Rapid7

   

28,006

a 

2,342,702

 

Shift4 Payments, Cl. A

   

9,692

a 

904,167

 

Smartsheet, Cl. A

   

19,236

a 

1,136,463

 

SolarWinds

   

24,067

b 

398,309

 

Sprout Social, Cl. A

   

22,349

a 

1,551,468

 

Squarespace, Cl. A

   

16,109

a,b 

847,817

 

The Descartes Systems Group

   

85,617

a 

5,003,457

 

TTEC Holdings

   

35,042

 

3,798,903

 

Tyler Technologies

   

5,120

a 

2,064,179

 

Wix.com

   

7,406

a 

1,924,523

 

WNS Holdings, ADR

   

56,350

a 

4,198,075

 

Workiva

   

41,148

a 

3,904,945

 
    

98,795,260

 

Technology Hardware & Equipment - 3.9%

     

908 Devices

   

13,737

a,b 

578,740

 

Avid Technology

   

44,958

a 

1,388,303

 

Calix

   

117,867

a 

5,222,687

 

CommScope Holding

   

61,566

a 

1,250,405

 

EMCORE

   

113,761

a 

1,103,482

 

ePlus

   

21,573

a 

2,040,159

 

Insight Enterprises

   

27,511

a 

2,874,349

 

Ituran Location & Control

   

8,811

 

213,314

 

Jabil

   

22,888

 

1,292,028

 

Knowles

   

53,376

a 

1,096,343

 

NCR

   

27,118

a 

1,307,088

 

Novanta

   

19,634

a 

2,728,537

 

PAR Technology

   

13,555

a,b 

907,643

 

Radware

   

60,899

a 

1,778,251

 

Rogers

   

14,716

a 

2,757,042

 

Sanmina

   

29,714

a 

1,251,257

 

SYNNEX

   

9,905

 

1,253,973

 
    

29,043,601

 

Telecommunication Services - .1%

     

Gogo

   

41,068

a,b 

559,346

 

Transportation - 3.5%

     

Air Transport Services Group

   

80,338

a 

1,995,596

 

18

 

        
 

Description

   

Shares

 

Value ($)

 

Common Stocks - 97.9% (continued)

     

Transportation - 3.5% (continued)

     

Allegiant Travel

   

16,682

a 

3,694,396

 

ArcBest

   

13,949

 

1,085,790

 

Avis Budget Group

   

17,769

a 

1,560,474

 

Echo Global Logistics

   

43,062

a 

1,470,998

 

Forward Air

   

12,425

 

1,203,858

 

Hub Group, Cl. A

   

18,990

a 

1,325,692

 

Kirby

   

26,226

a 

1,713,345

 

Marten Transport

   

179,422

 

3,060,940

 

Saia

   

7,666

a,b 

1,764,407

 

SkyWest

   

23,990

a 

1,176,230

 

TFI International

   

37,717

 

3,616,306

 

XPO Logistics

   

16,193

a 

2,379,237

 
    

26,047,269

 

Utilities - .1%

     

California Water Service Group

   

17,923

 

1,018,743

 

Total Common Stocks (cost $499,612,110)

   

732,334,841

 
  

1-Day
Yield (%)

     

Investment Companies - 2.6%

     

Registered Investment Companies - 2.6%

     

Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Government Plus Money Market Fund, Institutional Shares
(cost $19,191,519)

 

0.04

 

19,191,519

d 

19,191,519

 
        

Investment of Cash Collateral for Securities Loaned - .9%

     

Registered Investment Companies - .9%

     

Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Government Plus Money Market Fund, SL Shares
(cost $7,000,373)

 

0.01

 

7,000,373

d 

7,000,373

 

Total Investments (cost $525,804,002)

 

101.4%

 

758,526,733

 

Liabilities, Less Cash and Receivables

 

(1.4%)

 

(10,318,753)

 

Net Assets

 

100.0%

 

748,207,980

 

ADR—American Depository Receipt

a Non-income producing security.

b Security, or portion thereof, on loan. At May 31, 2021, the value of the fund’s securities on loan was $84,410,698 and the value of the collateral was $86,937,680, consisting of cash collateral of $7,000,373 and U.S. Government & Agency securities valued at $79,937,307.

c Investment in real estate investment trust within the United States.

d Investment in affiliated issuer. The investment objective of this investment company is publicly available and can be found within the investment company’s prospectus.

19

 

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

  

Portfolio Summary (Unaudited)

Value (%)

Health Care

22.1

Information Technology

22.0

Industrials

18.5

Consumer Discretionary

17.0

Financials

6.2

Materials

5.0

Investment Companies

3.5

Consumer Staples

3.4

Real Estate

1.5

Communication Services

1.1

Energy

.9

Utilities

.1

Consumer, Non-cyclical

.1

 

101.4

 Based on net assets.

See notes to financial statements.

20

 

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS IN AFFILIATED ISSUERS

       

Investment Companies

Value
5/31/20($)

Purchases($)

Sales($)

Value
5/31/21($)

Net
Assets(%)

Dividends/

Distributions($)

Registered Investment Companies:

    

Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Government Plus Money Market Fund, Institutional Shares

16,250,223

357,585,127

(354,643,831)

19,191,519

2.6

24,039

Investment of Cash Collateral for Securities Loaned; ††

   

Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Government Plus Money Market Fund, Institutional Shares

13,516,196

60,637,828

(74,154,024)

-

-

151,351†††

Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Government Plus Money Market Fund, SL Shares

-

791,459,554

(784,459,181)

7,000,373

.9

188,627†††

Total

29,766,419

1,209,682,509

(1,213,257,036)

26,191,892

3.5

364,017

 Includes reinvested dividends/distributions.

††  Effective November 9, 2020, cash collateral for securities lending was transferred from Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Government Plus Money Market Fund, Institutional Shares to Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Government Plus Money Market Fund, SL Shares.

†††  Represents securities lending income earned from reinvestment of cash collateral from loaned securities, net of fees and collateral investment expenses, and other payments to and from borrowers of securities.

See notes to financial statements.

21

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

May 31, 2021

       

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost

 

Value

 

Assets ($):

 

 

 

 

Investments in securities—See Statement of Investments
(including securities on loan, valued at $84,410,698)—Note 1(c):

 

 

 

Unaffiliated issuers

499,612,110

 

732,334,841

 

Affiliated issuers

 

26,191,892

 

26,191,892

 

Cash

 

 

 

 

181,677

 

Receivable for investment securities sold

 

2,069,934

 

Dividends and securities lending income receivable

 

280,246

 

Receivable for shares of Common Stock subscribed

 

268,978

 

Tax reclaim receivable—Note 1(b)

 

1,528

 

Prepaid expenses

 

 

 

 

49,332

 

 

 

 

 

 

761,378,428

 

Liabilities ($):

 

 

 

 

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

 

600,263

 

Liability for securities on loan—Note 1(c)

 

7,000,373

 

Payable for investment securities purchased

 

5,462,143

 

Directors’ fees and expenses payable

 

11,301

 

Payable for shares of Common Stock redeemed

 

4,335

 

Other accrued expenses

 

 

 

 

92,033

 

 

 

 

 

 

13,170,448

 

Net Assets ($)

 

 

748,207,980

 

Composition of Net Assets ($):

 

 

 

 

Paid-in capital

 

 

 

 

420,911,215

 

Total distributable earnings (loss)

 

 

 

 

327,296,765

 

Net Assets ($)

 

 

748,207,980

 

      

Net Asset Value Per Share

Class A

Class C

Class I

Class Y

 

Net Assets ($)

1,997,534

293,644

18,090,590

727,826,212

 

Shares Outstanding

60,050

9,993

518,535

20,819,262

 

Net Asset Value Per Share ($)

33.26

29.38

34.89

34.96

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

 

 

 

22

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Year Ended May 31, 2021

       

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investment Income ($):

 

 

 

 

Income:

 

 

 

 

Cash dividends (net of $7,897 foreign taxes withheld at source):

 

Unaffiliated issuers

 

 

2,703,936

 

Affiliated issuers

 

 

22,281

 

Income from securities lending—Note 1(c)

 

 

339,978

 

Total Income

 

 

3,066,195

 

Expenses:

 

 

 

 

Management fee—Note 3(a)

 

 

5,725,523

 

Professional fees

 

 

114,317

 

Registration fees

 

 

66,472

 

Custodian fees—Note 3(c)

 

 

55,563

 

Directors’ fees and expenses—Note 3(d)

 

 

53,905

 

Chief Compliance Officer fees—Note 3(c)

 

 

30,436

 

Loan commitment fees—Note 2

 

 

20,794

 

Shareholder servicing costs—Note 3(c)

 

 

16,717

 

Prospectus and shareholders’ reports

 

 

7,242

 

Distribution fees—Note 3(b)

 

 

2,192

 

Miscellaneous

 

 

38,281

 

Total Expenses

 

 

6,131,442

 

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

 

 

(1,893)

 

Net Expenses

 

 

6,129,549

 

Investment (Loss)—Net

 

 

(3,063,354)

 

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

 

 

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

153,793,515

 

Capital gain distributions from affiliated issuers

1,758

 

Net Realized Gain (Loss)

 

 

153,795,273

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

103,798,676

 

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments

 

 

257,593,949

 

Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations

 

254,530,595

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

     

23

 

STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

          

 

 

 

 

Year Ended May 31,

 

 

 

 

2021

 

2020

 

Operations ($):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investment (loss)—net

 

 

(3,063,354)

 

 

 

(1,777,995)

 

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

 

153,795,273

 

 

 

24,126,802

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation
(depreciation) on investments

 

103,798,676

 

 

 

7,549,955

 

Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
Resulting from Operations

254,530,595

 

 

 

29,898,762

 

Distributions ($):

 

Distributions to shareholders:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Class A

 

 

(131,718)

 

 

 

(78,901)

 

Class C

 

 

(26,197)

 

 

 

(24,727)

 

Class I

 

 

(1,045,357)

 

 

 

(711,853)

 

Class Y

 

 

(48,153,829)

 

 

 

(25,636,220)

 

Total Distributions

 

 

(49,357,101)

 

 

 

(26,451,701)

 

Capital Stock Transactions ($):

 

Net proceeds from shares sold:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Class A

 

 

334,206

 

 

 

88,660

 

Class C

 

 

7,150

 

 

 

59,800

 

Class I

 

 

12,084,948

 

 

 

8,585,625

 

Class Y

 

 

133,815,728

 

 

 

65,152,293

 

Distributions reinvested:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Class A

 

 

131,718

 

 

 

78,191

 

Class C

 

 

25,345

 

 

 

24,297

 

Class I

 

 

811,542

 

 

 

563,828

 

Class Y

 

 

21,548,837

 

 

 

11,372,693

 

Cost of shares redeemed:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Class A

 

 

(335,637)

 

 

 

(504,396)

 

Class C

 

 

(291,221)

 

 

 

(110,403)

 

Class I

 

 

(7,687,411)

 

 

 

(12,409,117)

 

Class Y

 

 

(90,817,009)

 

 

 

(137,311,989)

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
from Capital Stock Transactions

69,628,196

 

 

 

(64,410,518)

 

Total Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets

274,801,690

 

 

 

(60,963,457)

 

Net Assets ($):

 

Beginning of Period

 

 

473,406,290

 

 

 

534,369,747

 

End of Period

 

 

748,207,980

 

 

 

473,406,290

 

24

 

          

 

 

 

 

Year Ended May 31,

 

 

 

 

2021

 

2020

 

Capital Share Transactions (Shares):

 

Class Aa,b

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares sold

 

 

11,032

 

 

 

3,973

 

Shares issued for distributions reinvested

 

 

4,278

 

 

 

3,189

 

Shares redeemed

 

 

(11,380)

 

 

 

(21,374)

 

Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares Outstanding

3,930

 

 

 

(14,212)

 

Class Ca

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares sold

 

 

281

 

 

 

2,945

 

Shares issued for distributions reinvested

 

 

928

 

 

 

1,099

 

Shares redeemed

 

 

(12,870)

 

 

 

(5,066)

 

Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares Outstanding

(11,661)

 

 

 

(1,022)

 

Class Ib

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares sold

 

 

382,577

 

 

 

348,117

 

Shares issued for distributions reinvested

 

 

25,164

 

 

 

22,093

 

Shares redeemed

 

 

(247,604)

 

 

 

(550,314)

 

Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares Outstanding

160,137

 

 

 

(180,104)

 

Class Yb

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares sold

 

 

4,371,820

 

 

 

2,883,667

 

Shares issued for distributions reinvested

 

 

666,941

 

 

 

445,115

 

Shares redeemed

 

 

(2,985,307)

 

 

 

(6,141,532)

 

Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares Outstanding

2,053,454

 

 

 

(2,812,750)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

a

During the period ended May 31, 2021, 788 Class C shares representing $22,425 were automatically converted to 699 Class A shares and during the period ended May 31, 2020, 88 Class C shares representing $1,953 were automatically converted to 80 Class A shares.

 

b

During the period ended May 31, 2021, 330,551 Class Y shares representing $10,495,865 were exchanged for 331,131 Class I shares. During the period ended May 31, 2020, 338,269 Class Y shares representing $8,350,393 were exchanged for 338,644 Class I shares and 350 Class Y shares representing $9,247 were exchanged for 364 Class A shares.

 

See notes to financial statements.

        

25

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

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

       
  
 

Year Ended May 31,

Class A Shares

 

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

Per Share Data ($):

      

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

23.63

23.18

28.94

24.54

20.41

Investment Operations:

      

Investment (loss)—neta

 

(.25)

(.16)

(.18)

(.15)

(.13)

Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss) on investments

 

12.38

1.87

(1.28)

6.36

4.26

Total from Investment Operations

 

12.13

1.71

(1.46)

6.21

4.13

Distributions:

      

Dividends from net realized
gain on investments

 

(2.50)

(1.26)

(4.30)

(1.81)

-

Net asset value, end of period

 

33.26

23.63

23.18

28.94

24.54

Total Return (%)b

 

52.22

7.19

(3.11)

26.05

20.24

Ratios/Supplemental Data (%):

      

Ratio of total expenses
to average net assets

 

1.37

1.39

1.40

1.29

1.28

Ratio of net expenses
to average net assets

 

1.30

1.30

1.30

1.28

1.28

Ratio of net investment (loss)
to average net assets

 

(.82)

(.68)

(.68)

(.56)

(.60)

Portfolio Turnover Rate

 

112.92

105.26

101.14

95.50

138.00

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

 

1,998

1,326

1,630

2,090

2,819

a Based on average shares outstanding.

b Exclusive of sales charge.

See notes to financial statements.

26

 

       
  
 

Year Ended May 31,

Class C Shares

 

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

Per Share Data ($):

      

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

21.24

21.10

26.95

23.13

19.39

Investment Operations:

      

Investment (loss)—neta

 

(.40)

(.31)

(.35)

(.33)

(.31)

Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss) on investments

 

11.04

1.71

(1.20)

5.96

4.05

Total from Investment Operations

 

10.64

1.40

(1.55)

5.63

3.74

Distributions:

      

Dividends from net realized
gain on investments

 

(2.50)

(1.26)

(4.30)

(1.81)

-

Net asset value, end of period

 

29.38

21.24

21.10

26.95

23.13

Total Return (%)b

 

50.99

6.41

(3.71)

25.11

19.29

Ratios/Supplemental Data (%):

      

Ratio of total expenses
to average net assets

 

2.31

2.16

2.33

2.23

2.27

Ratio of net expenses
to average net assets

 

2.05

2.05

2.05

2.05

2.05

Ratio of net investment (loss)
to average net assets

 

(1.56)

(1.43)

(1.43)

(1.37)

(1.39)

Portfolio Turnover Rate

 

112.92

105.26

101.14

95.50

138.00

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

 

294

460

479

587

323

a Based on average shares outstanding.

b Exclusive of sales charge.

See notes to financial statements.

27

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

       
  
 

Year Ended May 31,

Class I Shares

 

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

Per Share Data ($):

      

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

24.63

24.05

29.76

25.12

20.84

Investment Operations:

      

Investment (loss)—neta

 

(.16)

(.09)

(.10)

(.07)

(.08)

Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss) on investments

 

12.92

1.93

(1.31)

6.52

4.36

Total from Investment Operations

 

12.76

1.84

(1.41)

6.45

4.28

Distributions:

      

Dividends from net realized
gain on investments

 

(2.50)

(1.26)

(4.30)

(1.81)

-

Net asset value, end of period

 

34.89

24.63

24.05

29.76

25.12

Total Return (%)

 

52.63

7.52

(2.88)

26.42

20.54

Ratios/Supplemental Data (%):

      

Ratio of total expenses
to average net assets

 

1.00

1.01

.98

.99

1.03

Ratio of net expenses
to average net assets

 

1.00

1.01

.98

.98

1.01

Ratio of net investment (loss)
to average net assets

 

(.52)

(.37)

(.35)

(.26)

(.33)

Portfolio Turnover Rate

 

112.92

105.26

101.14

95.50

138.00

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

 

18,091

8,826

12,949

16,532

11,777

a Based on average shares outstanding.

See notes to financial statements.

28

 

       
  
 

Year Ended May 31,

Class Y Shares

 

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

Per Share Data ($):

      

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

24.66

24.07

29.77

25.12

20.83

Investment Operations:

      

Investment (loss)—neta

 

(.15)

(.08)

(.09)

(.06)

(.07)

Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss) on investments

 

12.95

1.93

(1.31)

6.52

4.36

Total from Investment Operations

 

12.80

1.85

(1.40)

6.46

4.29

Distributions:

      

Dividends from net realized
gain on investments

 

(2.50)

(1.26)

(4.30)

(1.81)

-

Net asset value, end of period

 

34.96

24.66

24.07

29.77

25.12

Total Return (%)

 

52.73

7.56

(2.84)

26.46

20.60

Ratios/Supplemental Data (%):

      

Ratio of total expenses
to average net assets

 

.96

.97

.95

.95

.96

Ratio of net expenses
to average net assets

 

.96

.97

.95

.94

.96

Ratio of net investment (loss)
to average net assets

 

(.48)

(.34)

(.34)

(.21)

(.28)

Portfolio Turnover Rate

 

112.92

105.26

101.14

95.50

138.00

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

 

727,826

462,795

519,312

798,000

624,947

a Based on average shares outstanding.

See notes to financial statements.

29

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 1—Significant Accounting Policies:

BNY Mellon Select Managers Small Cap Growth Fund (the “fund”) is a separate non-diversified series of BNY Mellon Strategic Funds, Inc. (the “Company”), which is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Act”), as an open-end management investment company and operates as a series company currently offering six series, including the fund. The fund’s investment objective is to seek capital appreciation. BNY Mellon Investment Adviser, Inc. (the “Adviser”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (“BNY Mellon”), serves as the fund’s investment adviser and the fund’s portfolio allocation manager. Geneva Capital Management LLC (“Geneva”), Nicholas Investment Partners, L.P. (“Nicholas”), EAM Investors, LLC (“EAM”), Granite Investment Partners, LLC (“Granite”), Rice Hall James & Associates (“Rice Hall”) and Redwood Investments, LLC (“Redwood”), serve as the fund’s sub-investment advisers, each managing an allocated portion of the fund’s portfolio.

BNY Mellon Securities Corporation (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, is the distributor of the fund’s shares. The fund is authorized to issue 425 million shares of $.001 par value Common Stock. The fund currently has authorized four classes of shares: Class A (75 million shares authorized), Class C (75 million shares authorized), Class I (75 million shares authorized) and Class Y (200 million shares authorized). Class A shares generally are subject to a sales charge imposed at the time of purchase. Class A shares bought without an initial sales charge as part of an investment of $1 million or more may be charged a contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”) of 1.00% if redeemed within one year. Class C shares are subject to a CDSC imposed on Class C shares redeemed within one year of purchase. Class C shares automatically convert to Class A shares eight years after the date of purchase, without the imposition of a sales charge. Class I and Class Y shares are sold at net asset value per share generally to institutional investors. Other differences between the classes include the services offered to and the expenses borne by each class, the allocation of certain transfer agency costs and certain voting rights. Income, expenses (other than expenses attributable to a specific class), and realized and unrealized gains or losses on investments are allocated to each class of shares based on its relative net assets.

The Company accounts separately for the assets, liabilities and operations of each series. Expenses directly attributable to each series are charged to

30

 

that series’ operations; expenses which are applicable to all series are allocated among them on a pro rata basis.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

31

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

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

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

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

Investments in equity securities are valued at the last sales price on the securities exchange or national securities market on which such securities are primarily traded. Securities listed on the National Market System for which market quotations are available are valued at the official closing price or, if there is no official closing price that day, at the last sales price. For open short positions, asked prices are used for valuation purposes. Bid price is used when no asked price is available. Registered investment companies that are not traded on an exchange are valued at their net asset value. All of the preceding securities are generally categorized within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.

Securities not listed on an exchange or the national securities market, or securities for which there were no transactions, are valued at the average of the most recent bid and asked prices. These securities are generally categorized within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Fair valuing of securities may be determined with the assistance of a pricing service using calculations based on indices of domestic securities and other appropriate indicators, such as prices of relevant ADRs and futures. Utilizing these techniques may result in transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

When market quotations or official closing prices are not readily available, or are determined not to accurately reflect fair value, such as when the value of a security has been significantly affected by events after the close of the exchange or market on which the security is principally traded (for example, a foreign exchange or market), but before the fund calculates its net asset value, the fund may value these investments at fair value as determined in accordance with the procedures approved by the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”). Certain factors may be considered when fair valuing investments such as: fundamental analytical data, the nature and duration of restrictions on disposition, an evaluation of the forces that influence the market in which the securities are purchased and sold, and public trading in similar securities of the issuer or comparable issuers. These securities are either categorized within Level 2 or 3 of the fair value hierarchy depending on the relevant inputs used.

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

The following is a summary of the inputs used as of May 31, 2021 in valuing the fund’s investments:

       
 

Level 1-Unadjusted Quoted Prices

Level 2- Other Significant Observable Inputs

 

Level 3-Significant Unobservable Inputs

Total

 

Assets ($)

  

Investments In Securities:

  

Equity Securities - Common Stocks

732,334,841

-

 

-

732,334,841

 

Investment Companies

26,191,892

-

 

-

26,191,892

 

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

(b) Foreign taxes: The fund may be subject to foreign taxes (a portion of which may be reclaimable) on income, stock dividends, realized and unrealized capital gains on investments or certain foreign currency transactions. Foreign taxes are recorded in accordance with the applicable foreign tax regulations and rates that exist in the foreign jurisdictions in which the fund invests. These foreign taxes, if any, are paid by the fund and are reflected in the Statement of Operations, if applicable. Foreign taxes payable or deferred or those subject to reclaims as of May 31, 2021, if any, are disclosed in the fund’s Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

(c) Securities transactions and investment income: Securities transactions are recorded on a trade date basis. Realized gains and losses from securities transactions are recorded on the identified cost basis. Dividend income is recognized on the ex-dividend date and interest income, including, where applicable, accretion of discount and amortization of premium on investments, is recognized on the accrual basis.

Pursuant to a securities lending agreement with The Bank of New York Mellon, a subsidiary of BNY Mellon and an affiliate of the Adviser, the fund may lend securities to qualified institutions. It is the fund’s policy that, at origination, all loans are secured by collateral of at least 102% of the value of U.S. securities loaned and 105% of the value of foreign securities loaned. Collateral equivalent to at least 100% of the market value of securities on loan is maintained at all times. Collateral is either in the form of cash, which can be invested in certain money market mutual funds managed by the Adviser, or U.S. Government and Agency securities. The fund is entitled to receive all dividends, interest and distributions on

33

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

securities loaned, in addition to income earned as a result of the lending transaction. Should a borrower fail to return the securities in a timely manner, The Bank of New York Mellon is required to replace the securities for the benefit of the fund or credit the fund with the market value of the unreturned securities and is subrogated to the fund’s rights against the borrower and the collateral. Additionally, the contractual maturity of security lending transactions are on an overnight and continuous basis. During the period ended May 31, 2021, The Bank of New York Mellon earned $51,205 from the lending of the fund’s portfolio securities, pursuant to the securities lending agreement.

(d) Affiliated issuers: Investments in other investment companies advised by the Adviser are considered “affiliated” under the Act.

(e) Risk: Certain events particular to the industries in which the fund’s investments conduct their operations, as well as general economic, political and public health conditions, may have a significant negative impact on the investee’s operations and profitability. In addition, turbulence in financial markets and reduced liquidity in equity, credit and/or fixed income markets may negatively affect many issuers, which could adversely affect the fund. Global economies and financial markets are becoming increasingly interconnected, and conditions and events in one country, region or financial market may adversely impact issuers in a different country, region or financial market. These risks may be magnified if certain events or developments adversely interrupt the global supply chain; in these and other circumstances, such risks might affect companies world-wide.  Recent examples include pandemic risks related to COVID-19 and aggressive measures taken world-wide in response by governments, including closing borders, restricting international and domestic travel, and the imposition of prolonged quarantines of large populations, and by businesses, including changes to operations and reducing staff. To the extent the fund may overweight its investments in certain countries, companies, industries or market sectors, such positions will increase the fund’s exposure to risk of loss from adverse developments affecting those countries, companies, industries or sectors.

(f) Dividends and distributions to shareholders: Dividends and distributions are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Dividends from investment income-net and dividends from net realized capital gains, if any, are normally declared and paid annually, but the fund may make distributions on a more frequent basis to comply with the distribution requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). To the extent that net realized capital gains can be offset by capital loss carryovers, it is the policy of the fund not to distribute such

34

 

gains. Income and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with income tax regulations, which may differ from GAAP.

(g) Federal income taxes: It is the policy of the fund to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company, if such qualification is in the best interests of its shareholders, by complying with the applicable provisions of the Code, and to make distributions of taxable income and net realized capital gain sufficient to relieve it from substantially all federal income and excise taxes.

As of and during the period ended May 31, 2021, the fund did not have any liabilities for any uncertain tax positions. The fund recognizes interest and penalties, if any, related to uncertain tax positions as income tax expense in the Statement of Operations. During the period ended May 31, 2021, the fund did not incur any interest or penalties.

Each tax year for the four-year period ended May 31, 2021 remains subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service and state taxing authorities.

At May 31, 2021, the components of accumulated earnings on a tax basis were as follows: undistributed ordinary income $50,342,193, undistributed capital gains $51,850,326 and unrealized appreciation $225,104,246.

The tax character of distributions paid to shareholders during the fiscal periods ended May 31, 2021 and May 31, 2020 were as follows: ordinary income $20,200,883 and $0, and long-term capital gains $29,156,218 and $26,451,701, respectively.

NOTE 2—Bank Lines of Credit:

The fund participates with other long-term open-end funds managed by the Adviser in a $823.5 million unsecured credit facility led by Citibank, N.A. (the “Citibank Credit Facility”) and a $300 million unsecured credit facility provided by The Bank of New York Mellon (the “BNYM Credit Facility”), each to be utilized primarily for temporary or emergency purposes, including the financing of redemptions (each, a “Facility”). The Citibank Credit Facility is available in two tranches: (i) Tranche A is in an amount equal to $688.5 million and is available to all long-term open-ended funds, including the fund, and (ii) Tranche B is an amount equal to $135 million and is available only to BNY Mellon Floating Rate Income Fund, a series of BNY Mellon Investment Funds IV, Inc. Prior to September 30, 2020, the Citibank Credit Facility was $927 million with Tranche A available in an amount equal to $747 million and Tranche B available in an amount equal to $180 million. In connection therewith, the fund has agreed to pay its pro rata portion of commitment fees for

35

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

Tranche A of the Citibank Credit Facility and the BNYM Credit Facility. Interest is charged to the fund based on rates determined pursuant to the terms of the respective Facility at the time of borrowing. During the period ended May 31, 2021, the fund did not borrow under the Facilities.

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

(a) Pursuant to a management agreement with the Adviser, the management fee is computed at the annual rate of .90% of the value of the fund’s average daily net assets and is payable monthly. The Adviser has contractually agreed, from June 1, 2020 through September 30, 2021, to waive receipt of its fees and/or assume the direct expenses of the fund, so that the direct expenses of Class A, Class C, Class I and Class Y shares (excluding Rule 12b-1 Distribution Plan fees, Shareholder Services Plan fees, taxes, interest expense, brokerage commissions, commitment fees on borrowings and extraordinary expenses) do not exceed 1.05%, 1.05%, 1.05% and .98% of the value of the respective class’ average daily net assets. On or after September 30, 2021, the Adviser may terminate these expense limitations at any time. The reduction in expenses, pursuant to the undertaking, amounted to $1,893 during the period ended May 31, 2021.

Pursuant to separate sub-investment advisory agreements between the Adviser and Geneva, Nicholas, EAM, Granite, Rice Hall and Redwood, each serves as the fund’s sub-investment adviser responsible for the day-to-day management of a portion of the fund’s portfolio. The Adviser pays each sub-investment adviser a monthly fee at an annual percentage of the value of the fund’s average daily net assets. The Adviser has obtained an exemptive order from the SEC (the “Order”), upon which the fund may rely, to use a manager of managers approach that permits the Adviser, subject to certain conditions and approval by the Board, to enter into and materially amend sub-investment advisory agreements with one or more sub-investment advisers who are either unaffiliated with the Adviser or are wholly-owned subsidiaries (as defined under the Act) of the Adviser’s ultimate parent company, BNY Mellon, without obtaining shareholder approval. The Order also allows the fund to disclose the sub-investment advisory fee paid by the Adviser to any unaffiliated sub-investment adviser in the aggregate with other unaffiliated sub-investment advisers in documents filed with the SEC and provided to shareholders. In addition, pursuant to the Order, it is not necessary to disclose the sub-investment advisory fee payable by the Adviser separately to a sub-investment adviser that is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BNY Mellon in documents filed with the SEC and provided to shareholders; such fees are to be aggregated with fees payable to the Adviser. The Adviser has ultimate responsibility

36

 

(subject to oversight by the Board) to supervise any sub-investment adviser and recommend the hiring, termination, and replacement of any sub-investment adviser to the Board.

During the period ended May 31, 2021, the Distributor retained $264 from commissions earned on sales of the fund’s Class A shares and $16 from CDSC fees on redemptions of the fund’s Class C shares.

(b) Under the Distribution Plan adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Act, Class C shares pay the Distributor for distributing its shares at an annual rate of .75% of the value of its average daily net assets. The Distributor may pay one or more Service Agents in respect of advertising, marketing and other distribution services, and determines the amounts, if any, to be paid to Service Agents and the basis on which such payments are made. During the period ended May 31, 2021, Class C shares were charged $2,192 pursuant to the Distribution Plan.

(c) Under the Shareholder Services Plan, Class A and Class C shares pay the Distributor at an annual rate of .25% of the value of their average daily net assets for the provision of certain services. The services provided may include personal services relating to shareholder accounts, such as answering shareholder inquiries regarding the fund, and services related to the maintenance of shareholder accounts. The Distributor may make payments to Service Agents (securities dealers, financial institutions or other industry professionals) with respect to these services. The Distributor determines the amounts to be paid to Service Agents. During the period ended May 31, 2021, Class A and Class C shares were charged $4,295 and $731, respectively, pursuant to the Shareholder Services Plan.

The fund has an arrangement with the transfer agent whereby the fund may receive earnings credits when positive cash balances are maintained, which are used to offset transfer agency fees. For financial reporting purposes, the fund includes net earnings credits, if any, as shareholder servicing costs in the Statement of Operations.

The fund has an arrangement with the custodian whereby the fund will receive interest income or be charged an overdraft fees when cash balances are maintained. For financial reporting purposes, the fund includes this interest income and overdraft fees, if any, as interest income in the Statement of Operations.

The fund compensates BNY Mellon Transfer, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, under a transfer agency agreement for providing transfer agency and cash management services inclusive of earnings credits, if any, for the fund. The majority of transfer agency fees are comprised of amounts paid on a per account basis, while cash management fees are

37

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

related to fund subscriptions and redemptions. During the period ended May 31, 2021, the fund was charged $6,303 for transfer agency services, inclusive of earnings credit, if any. These fees are included in Shareholder servicing costs in the Statement of Operations.

The fund compensates The Bank of New York Mellon under a custody agreement for providing custodial services for the fund. These fees are determined based on net assets, geographic region and transaction activity. During the period ended May 31, 2021, the fund was charged $55,563 pursuant to the custody agreement.

During the period ended May 31, 2021, the fund was charged $30,436 for services performed by the Chief Compliance Officer and his staff. These fees are included in Chief Compliance Officer fees in the Statement of Operations.

The components of “Due to BNY Mellon Investment Adviser, Inc. and affiliates” in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities consist of: management fees of $563,854, Distribution Plan fees of $187, Shareholder Services Plan fees of $480, custodian fees of $21,642, Chief Compliance Officer fees of $13,104 and transfer agency fees of $1,114, which are offset against an expense reimbursement currently in effect in the amount of $118.

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

NOTE 4—Securities Transactions:

The aggregate amount of purchases and sales of investment securities, excluding short-term securities, during the period ended May 31, 2021, amounted to $703,943,474 and $686,956,390, respectively.

At May 31, 2021, the cost of investments for federal income tax purposes was $533,422,487; accordingly, accumulated net unrealized appreciation on investments was $225,104,246, consisting of $243,228,681 gross unrealized appreciation and $18,124,435 gross unrealized depreciation.

38

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of BNY Mellon Select Managers Small Cap Growth Fund

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of BNY Mellon Select Managers Small Cap Growth Fund (the “Fund”) (one of the funds constituting BNY Mellon Strategic Funds, Inc.), including the statements of investments and investments in affiliated issuers, as of May 31, 2021, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Fund (one of the funds constituting BNY Mellon Strategic Funds, Inc.) at May 31, 2021, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended and its financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

Basis for Opinion

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

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

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of May 31, 2021, by correspondence with the custodian and others or by other appropriate auditing procedures where replies from others were not received. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

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

New York, New York
July 23, 2021

39

 

IMPORTANT TAX INFORMATION (Unaudited)

The fund hereby reports 3.15% of the ordinary dividends paid during the fiscal year ended May 31, 2021 as qualifying for the corporate dividends received deduction. For the fiscal year ended May 31, 2021, certain dividends paid by the fund may be subject to a maximum tax rate of 15%, as provided for by the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003. Of the distributions paid during the fiscal year, $652,999 represents the maximum amount that may be considered qualified dividend income. Shareholders will receive notification in early 2022 of the percentage applicable to the preparation of their 2021 income tax returns. The fund hereby reports $1.0223 per share as a short-term capital gain distribution and $1.4755 per share as a long-term capital gain distribution paid on December 17, 2020.

40

 

LIQUIDITY RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM (Unaudited)

Effective June 1, 2019, the fund adopted a liquidity risk management program (the “Liquidity Risk Management Program”) pursuant to the requirements of Rule 22e-4 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. Rule 22e-4 requires registered open-end funds, including mutual funds and exchange-traded funds but not money market funds, to establish liquidity risk management programs in order to effectively manage fund liquidity and shareholder redemptions. The rule is designed to mitigate the risk that a fund could not meet redemption requests without significantly diluting the interests of remaining investors.

The rule requires the fund to assess, manage and review their liquidity risk at least annually considering applicable factors such as investment strategy and liquidity during normal and foreseeable stressed conditions, including whether the strategy is appropriate for an open-end fund and whether the fund has a relatively concentrated portfolio or large positions in particular issuers. The fund must also assess its use of borrowings and derivatives, short-term and long-term cash flow projections in normal and stressed conditions, holdings of cash and cash equivalents, and borrowing arrangements and other funding sources.

The rule also requires the fund to classify its investments as highly liquid, moderately liquid, less liquid or illiquid based on the number of days the fund expects it would take to liquidate the investment, and to review these classifications at least monthly or more often under certain conditions. The periods range from three or fewer business days for a highly liquid investment to greater than seven calendar days for settlement of a less liquid investment. Illiquid investments are those a fund does not expect to be able to sell or dispose of within seven calendar days without significantly changing the market value. The fund is prohibited from acquiring an investment if, after the acquisition, its holdings of illiquid assets will exceed 15% of its net assets. In addition, if a fund permits redemptions in-kind, the rule requires the fund to establish redemption in-kind policies and procedures governing how and when it will engage in such redemptions.

Pursuant to the rule’s requirements, the Liquidity Risk Management Program has been reviewed and approved by the Board. Furthermore, the Board has received a written report prepared by the Program’s Administrator that addresses the operation of the Program, assesses its adequacy and effectiveness and describes any material changes made to the Program.

Assessment of Program

In the opinion of the Program Administrator, the Program approved by the Board continues to be adequate for the fund and the Program has been implemented effectively. The Program Administrator has monitored the fund’s liquidity risk and the liquidity classification of the securities held by the fund and has determined that the Program is operating effectively.

During the period from January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020, there were no material changes to the Program and no material liquidity events that impacted the fund. During the period, the fund held sufficient highly liquid assets to meet fund redemptions.

Under normal expected foreseeable fund redemption forecasts and foreseeable stressed fund redemption forecasts, the Program Administrator believes that the fund maintains sufficient highly liquid assets to meet expected fund redemptions.

41

 

BOARD MEMBERS INFORMATION (Unaudited)

INDEPENDENT BOARD MEMBERS

Joseph S. DiMartino (77)

Chairman of the Board (1995)

Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years:

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

Other Public Company Board Memberships During Past 5 Years:

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

No. of Portfolios for which Board Member Serves: 98

———————

Joni Evans (79)

Board Member (2006)

Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years:

· Chief Executive Officer, www.wowOwow.com, an online community dedicated to women’s conversations and publications (2007-2019)

· Principal, Joni Evans Ltd. (publishing) (2006-2019)

No. of Portfolios for which Board Member Serves: 18

———————

Joan Gulley (73)

Board Member (2017)

Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years:

· Chair (June 2018-Present) and Director (2015-Present), Nantucket Atheneum

· Governor, Orchard Island Club (2016-Present)

No. of Portfolios for which Board Member Serves: 43

———————

42

 

Alan H. Howard (61)

Board Member (2018)

Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years:

· Managing Partner of Heathcote Advisors LLC, a financial advisory services firm (2008-Present)

· President of Dynatech/MPX Holdings LLC (2012 – 2019), a global supplier and service provider of military aircraft parts, including Board Member of two operating subsidiaries, Dynatech International LLC and Military Parts Exchange LLC (2012-2019); Chief Executive Officer of an operating subsidiary, Dynatech International LLC (2013-2019)

· Senior Advisor, Rossoff & Co., an independent investment banking firm (2013-June 2021)

Other Public Company Board Memberships During Past 5 Years:

· Movado Group, Inc., a public company that designs, sources, markets and distributes watches, Director (1997-Present)

· Diamond Offshore Drilling, Inc., a public company that provides contract drilling services, Director (March 2020-April 2021)

No. of Portfolios for which Board Member Serves: 18

———————

Robin A. Melvin (57)

Board Member (1995)

Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years:

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

· Co-chairman, Mentor Illinois, a non-profit organization dedicated to increasing the quality of mentoring services in Illinois (2014–2020); Board member, Mentor Illinois (2013-2020)

No. of Portfolios for which Board Member Serves: 77

———————

Burton N. Wallack (70)

Board Member (2006)

Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years:

President and Co-owner of Wallack Management Company, a real estate management company (1987-Present)

Mount Sinai Hospital Urology Board Member (2017-Present)

No. of Portfolios for which Board Member Serves: 18

———————

43

 

BOARD MEMBERS INFORMATION (Unaudited) (continued)
INDEPENDENT BOARD MEMBERS (continued)

Benaree Pratt Wiley (75)

Board Member (2003)

Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years:

· Principal, The Wiley Group, a firm specializing in strategy and business development (2005-Present)

Other Public Company Board Memberships During Past 5 Years:

· CBIZ, Inc., a public company providing professional business services, products and solutions, Director (2008-Present)

· Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Director (2004-Present)

No. of Portfolios for which Board Member Serves: 63

———————

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INTERESTED BOARD MEMBER

Gordon J. Davis (79)

Board Member (2006)

Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years:

· Partner in the law firm of Venable LLP (2012-Present)

No. of Portfolios for which Board Member Serves: 48

Gordon J. Davis is deemed to be an “interested person” (as defined under the Act) of the Company as a result of his affiliation with Venable LLP, which provides legal services to the Company.

———————

Once elected all Board Members serve for an indefinite term, but achieve Emeritus status upon reaching age 80. The address of the Board Members and Officers is c/o BNY Mellon Investment Adviser, Inc. 240 Greenwich Street, New York, New York 10286. Additional information about the Board Members is available in the fund’s Statement of Additional Information which can be obtained from the Adviser free of charge by calling this toll free number: 1-800-373-9387.

William Hodding Carter III, Emeritus Board Member
Ehud Houminer, Emeritus Board Member
Hans C. Mautner, Emeritus Board Member

45

 

OFFICERS OF THE FUND (Unaudited)

DAVID DIPETRILLO, President since January 2021.

Vice President and Director of the Adviser since February 2021, Head of North America Product, BNY Mellon Investment Management since January 2018, Director of Product Strategy, BNY Mellon Investment Management from January 2016 to December 2017; He is an officer of 56 investment companies (comprised of 106 portfolios) managed by the Adviser or an affiliate of the Adviser. He is 43 years old and has been an employee of BNY Mellon since 2005.

JAMES WINDELS, Treasurer since November 2001.

Vice President of the Adviser since September 2020, Director-BNY Mellon Fund Administration, and an officer of 57 investment companies (comprised of 129 portfolios) managed by the Adviser or an affiliate of the Adviser. He is 62 years old and has been an employee of the Adviser since April 1985.

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

Chief Legal Officer of the Adviser since July 2021; Associate General Counsel of BNY Mellon since July 2021; Senior Managing Counsel of BNY Mellon from December 2020 to July 2021; Managing Counsel of BNY Mellon from March 2009 to December 2020, and an officer of 57 investment companies (comprised of 129 portfolios) managed by the Adviser or an affiliate of the Adviser. He is 53 years old and has been an employee of BNY Mellon since April 2004.

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

Senior Managing Counsel of BNY Mellon since December 2019; Managing Counsel of BNY Mellon from April 2014 to December 2019; Secretary of the Adviser, and an officer of 57 investment companies (comprised of 129 portfolios) managed by the Adviser or an affiliate of the Adviser. He is 54 years old and has been an employee of the Adviser since December 1996.

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

Counsel of BNY Mellon since August 2018; Senior Regulatory Specialist at BNY Mellon Investment Management Services from February 2016 to August 2018. She is an officer of 57 investment companies (comprised of 129 portfolios) managed by the Adviser or an affiliate of the Adviser. She is 30 years old and has been an employee of the Adviser since August 2018.

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

Managing Counsel of BNY Mellon since December 2017, Senior Counsel of BNY Mellon from March 2013 to December 2017. She is an officer of 57 investment companies (comprised of 129 portfolios) managed by the Adviser or an affiliate of the Adviser. She is 45 years old and has been an employee of the Adviser since March 2013.

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

Senior Managing Counsel of BNY Mellon, and an officer of 57 investment companies (comprised of 129 portfolios) managed by the Adviser or an affiliate of the Adviser. He is 56 years old and has been an employee of the Adviser since October 1990.

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

Counsel of BNY Mellon since June 2019; Regulatory Administration Manager at BNY Mellon Investment Management Services from September 2018 to May 2019; Senior Regulatory Specialist at BNY Mellon Investment Management Services from April 2015 to August 2018. She is an officer of 57 investment companies (comprised of 129 portfolios) managed by the Adviser or an affiliate of the Adviser. She is 36 years old and has been an employee of the Adviser since June 2019.

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

Managing Counsel of BNY Mellon since December 2019; Counsel of BNY Mellon from May 2016 to December 2019; Assistant Secretary of the Adviser since 2018; Attorney at Wildermuth Endowment Strategy Fund/Wildermuth Advisory, LLC from November 2015 to May 2016. She is an officer of 57 investment companies (comprised of 129 portfolios) managed by the Adviser or an affiliate of the Adviser. She is 36 years old and has been an employee of the Adviser since May 2016.

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GAVIN C. REILLY, Assistant Treasurer since December 2005.

Tax Manager-BNY Mellon Fund Administration, and an officer of 57 investment companies (comprised of 129 portfolios) managed by the Adviser or an affiliate of the Adviser. He is 52 years old and has been an employee of the Adviser since April 1991.

ROBERT SALVIOLO, Assistant Treasurer since July 2007.

Senior Accounting Manager–BNY Mellon Fund Administration, and an officer of 57 investment companies (comprised of 129 portfolios) managed by the Adviser or an affiliate of the Adviser. He is 53 years old and has been an employee of the Adviser since June 1989.

ROBERT SVAGNA, Assistant Treasurer since August 2005.

Senior Accounting Manager–BNY Mellon Fund Administration, and an officer of 57 investment companies (comprised of 129 portfolios) managed by the Adviser or an affiliate of the Adviser. He is 54 years old and has been an employee of the Adviser since November 1990.

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

Chief Compliance Officer of the BNY Mellon Family of Funds and BNY Mellon Funds Trust (56 investment companies, comprised of 121 portfolios). He also served as Chief Compliance Officer of the the Adviser from 2004 to June 2021. He is 64 years old.

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

Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer of the BNY Mellon Family of Funds and BNY Mellon Funds Trust. She is an officer of 50 investment companies (comprised of 122 portfolios) managed by the Adviser or an affiliate of the Adviser. She is 52 years old and has been an employee of the Distributor since 1997.

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For More Information

BNY Mellon Select Managers Small Cap Growth Fund

240 Greenwich Street

New York, NY 10286

Adviser

BNY Mellon Investment Adviser, Inc.

240 Greenwich Street

New York, NY 10286

Sub-Advisers

Geneva Capital
Management LLC

100 East Wisconsin Avenue,

Suite 2550

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Nicholas Investment Partners, L.P.

6451 El Sicomoro
Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067

EAM Investors, LLC

2533 South Coast Highway 101,
Suite 240
Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA 92007

Granite Investment Partners, LLC

2121 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 2360

El Segundo, CA 90245

Rice Hall James & Associates

600 West Broadway, Suite 1000

San Diego, CA 92101

Redwood Investments, LLC

One Gateway Center, Suite 802

Newton, MA 02458

Custodian

The Bank of New York Mellon

240 Greenwich Street

New York, NY 10286

Transfer Agent &
Dividend Disbursing Agent

BNY Mellon Transfer, Inc.

240 Greenwich Street

New York, NY 10286

Distributor

BNY Mellon Securities Corporation

240 Greenwich Street

New York, NY 10286

  

Ticker Symbols:

Class A: DSGAX Class C: DSGCX Class I: DSGIX Class Y: DSGYX

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

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

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

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

The fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-PORT. The fund’s Forms N-PORT are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

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

  

© 2021 BNY Mellon Securities Corporation
6289AR0521

 

 
 

 

Item 2. Code of Ethics.

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

Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.

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

Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

 

(a) Audit Fees. The aggregate fees billed for each of the last two fiscal years (the "Reporting Periods") for professional services rendered by the Registrant's principal accountant (the "Auditor") for the audit of the Registrant's annual financial statements or services that are normally provided by the Auditor in connection with the statutory and regulatory filings or engagements for the Reporting Periods, were $34,853 in 2020 and $34,853 in 2021.

 

(b) Audit-Related Fees. The aggregate fees billed in the Reporting Periods for assurance and related services by the Auditor that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit of the Registrant's financial statements and are not reported under paragraph (a) of this Item 4 were $7,544 in 2020 and $7,027 in 2021. These services consisted of one or more of the following: (i) agreed upon procedures related to compliance with Internal Revenue Code section 817(h), (ii) security counts required by Rule 17f-2 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, (iii) advisory services as to the accounting or disclosure treatment of Registrant transactions or events and (iv) advisory services to the accounting or disclosure treatment of the actual or potential impact to the Registrant of final or proposed rules, standards or interpretations by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Financial Accounting Standards Boards or other regulatory or standard-setting bodies.

 

The aggregate fees billed in the Reporting Periods for non-audit assurance and related services by the Auditor to the Registrant's investment adviser (not including any sub-investment adviser whose role is primarily portfolio management and is subcontracted with or overseen by another investment adviser), and any entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with the investment adviser that provides ongoing services to the Registrant ("Service Affiliates"), that were reasonably related to the performance of the annual audit of the Service Affiliate, which required pre-approval by the Audit Committee were $0 in 2020 and $0 in 2021.

 

(c) Tax Fees. The aggregate fees billed in the Reporting Periods for professional services rendered by the Auditor for tax compliance, tax advice, and tax planning ("Tax Services") were $2,482 in 2020 and $5,147 in 2021. These services consisted of: (i) review or preparation of U.S. federal, state, local and excise tax returns; (ii) U.S. federal, state and local tax planning, advice and assistance regarding statutory, regulatory or administrative developments; (iii) tax advice regarding tax qualification matters and/or treatment of various financial instruments held or proposed to be acquired or held, and (iv) determination of Passive Foreign Investment Companies. The aggregate fees billed in the Reporting Periods for Tax Services by the Auditor to Service Affiliates, which required pre-approval by the Audit Committee were $0 in 2020 and $0 in 2021.

 

(d) All Other Fees. The aggregate fees billed in the Reporting Periods for products and services provided by the Auditor, other than the services reported in paragraphs (a) through (c) of this Item, were $56 in 2020 and $66 in 2021. These services consisted of a review of the Registrant's anti-money laundering program.

 
 

 

The aggregate fees billed in the Reporting Periods for Non-Audit Services by the Auditor to Service Affiliates, other than the services reported in paragraphs (b) through (c) of this Item, which required pre-approval by the Audit Committee, were $0 in 2020 and $0 in 2021.

 

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

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

 

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

Non-Audit Fees. The aggregate non-audit fees billed by the Auditor for services rendered to the Registrant, and rendered to Service Affiliates, for the Reporting Periods were $751,270 in 2020 and $2,686,546 in 2021.

 

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

 

Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.

Not applicable.

Item 6. Investments.

(a) Not applicable.

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

Not applicable.

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

Not applicable.

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

Not applicable.

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

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

 
 
Item 11.Controls and Procedures.

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

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

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

Not applicable.

Item 13.Exhibits.

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

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

(a)(3) Not applicable.

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

 
 

SIGNATURES

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

BNY Mellon Strategic Funds, Inc.

By: /s/ David DiPetrillo

David DiPetrillo

President (Principal Executive Officer)

 

Date: July 21, 2021

 

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

 

By: /s/ David DiPetrillo

David DiPetrillo

President (Principal Executive Officer)

 

Date: July 21, 2021

 

By: /s/ James Windels

James Windels

Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer)

 

Date: July 21, 2021

 

 

 
 

 

EXHIBIT INDEX

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

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

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