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 |
811-04813 |
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Dreyfus Investment Funds |
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(Exact name of Registrant as specified in charter) |
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c/o The Dreyfus Corporation 200 Park Avenue New York, New York 10166 |
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(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code) |
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John Pak, Esq. 200 Park Avenue New York, New York 10166 |
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(Name and address of agent for service) |
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Registrant's telephone number, including area code: |
(212) 922-6000 |
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Date of fiscal year end:
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9/30 |
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Date of reporting period: |
3/31/2014 |
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The following N-CSR relates only to the Registrant’s series listed below and does not affect the other series of the Registrant, which have a different fiscal year end and, therefore, different N-CSR reporting requirements. Separate N-CSR Forms will be filed for those series, as appropriate.
-Dreyfus Diversified Emerging Markets Fund
-Dreyfus/Newton International Equity Fund
-Dreyfus Tax Sensitive Total Return Bond Fund
-Dreyfus/The Boston Company Small Cap Growth Fund
-Dreyfus/The Boston Company Small Cap Value Fund
-Dreyfus/The Boston Company Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund
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Dreyfus |
Diversified Emerging |
Markets Fund |
SEMIANNUAL REPORT March 31, 2014
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The views expressed in this report reflect those of the portfolio manager only through the end of the period covered and do not necessarily represent the views of Dreyfus or any other person in the Dreyfus organization. Any such views are subject to change at any time based upon market or other conditions and Dreyfus disclaims any responsibility to update such views.These views may not be relied on as investment advice and, because investment decisions for a Dreyfus fund are based on numerous factors, may not be relied on as an indication of trading intent on behalf of any Dreyfus fund.
Contents | |
THE FUND | |
2 |
A Letter from the President |
3 |
Discussion of Fund Performance |
6 |
Understanding Your Fund’s Expenses |
6 |
Comparing Your Fund’s Expenses With Those of Other Funds |
7 |
Statement of Investments |
16 |
Statement of Assets and Liabilities |
17 |
Statement of Operations |
18 |
Statement of Changes in Net Assets |
20 |
Financial Highlights |
24 |
Notes to Financial Statements |
40 |
Proxy Results |
41 |
Information About the Renewal of the Fund’s Investment Advisory and Fund Accounting and Administration Services Agreements and the Approval of the Fund’s Sub-Advisory Agreement |
FOR MORE INFORMATION | |
Back Cover |
Dreyfus |
Diversified Emerging |
Markets Fund |
The Fund
A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
Dear Shareholder:
This semiannual report for Dreyfus Diversified Emerging Markets Fund covers the six-month period from October 1, 2013, through March 31, 2014. For information about how the fund performed during the reporting period, as well as general market perspectives, we provide a Discussion of Fund Performance on the pages that follow.
The past six months produced generally favorable results for international equities. Stocks in the world’s developed markets advanced, on average, as Europe appeared to put its sovereign debt and banking crises behind it, while Japanese equities appreciated more modestly in the wake of previous robust gains as the country endeavored to reflate its long-stagnant domestic economy. In contrast, the emerging markets mostly continued to struggle with local economic slowdowns and depreciating currencies, causing their stock markets to lag global market averages.
Looking forward, we anticipate a pickup in the global economy, led by developed nations amid ongoing monetary stimulus and reduced headwinds related to fiscal austerity and deleveraging.We also expect the U.S. economic recovery to continue to gain traction on its way to producing a 3% annualized growth rate over the next several years. As always, we encourage you to discuss our observations with your financial advisor to assess their potential impact on your investments.
Thank you for your continued confidence and support.
J. Charles Cardona
President
The Dreyfus Corporation
April 15, 2014
2
DISCUSSION OF FUND PERFORMANCE
For the period of October 1, 2013, through March 31, 2014, as provided by Elizabeth Slover; MichelleY. Chan, CFA; Gaurav Patankar;Warren Chiang, CFA; Ronald P. Gala, CFA; Peter D. Goslin, CFA; Robert Marshall-Lee; and Sophia Whitbread, CFA, Portfolio Managers
Fund and Market Performance Overview
For the six-month period ended March 31, 2014, Dreyfus Diversified Emerging Markets Fund’s Class A shares produced a total return of 0.91%, Class C shares returned 0.51%, and Class I shares returned 0.94%. From its inception on January 31, 2014, through March 31, 2014, the fund’s Class Y shares returned 6.67%.1 In comparison, the fund’s benchmark, the Morgan Stanley Capital International Emerging Markets Index (the “MSCI EM Index”), produced a total return of 1.39% for the six-month reporting period.2 Emerging-markets equities eked out modest gains, on average, amid heightened market volatility stemming from various economic and geopolitical concerns. The fund produced lower returns than its benchmark, mainly due to shortfalls in its security selection strategies.
The fund adopted a new name, investment objective, and investment strategy as of January 31, 2014.
The Fund’s Investment Approach
The fund seeks long-term capital growth.To pursue its goal, the fund invests at least 80% of its assets in equity securities (or other instruments with similar economic characteristics) of companies located, organized, or with a majority of assets or business, in countries considered to be emerging markets including other investment companies that invest in such securities.
From the start of the reporting period through January 31, 2014, the fund employed a “bottom-up” investment approach, which emphasized individual stock selection.As of January 31, 2014, the fund uses a “manager of managers” approach by selecting one or more experienced investment managers to serve as subadvisers to the fund.The fund also uses a “fund of funds” approach by investing in one or more underlying funds.The fund currently allocates its assets among emerging market equity strategies employed by The Boston Company Asset Management, LLC (the TBCAM Strategy) and Mellon Capital Management Corporation (the Mellon Capital Strategy), each an affiliate of Dreyfus, and one affiliated underlying fund, Dreyfus Global Emerging Markets Fund, which is sub-advised by Newton Capital Management Limited (the Newton Fund), an affiliate of Dreyfus. Currently, one-third of the fund’s total assets is allocated to each of the TBCAM Strategy, the Mellon Capital Strategy and the Newton Fund.
TBCAM Strategy TBCAM’s strategy is a largely fundamental, bottom-up research-driven investment process that looks to capture both strategic and opportunistic stock ideas leveraged to the growth potential of emerging markets. Top-down, quantitative analysis is used to manage/optimize country allocations and macro risks.
Mellon Cap Strategy Mellon Cap’s strategy employs a systematic, quantitative investment approach that seeks alpha generation via bottom-up stock selection within a measured (model-driven) framework of EM country and currency allocation
The Fund 3
DISCUSSION OF FUND PERFORMANCE (continued)
decisions.A proprietary valuation model is used to rank stocks within the EM universe based on three main criteria – (1) valuation; (2) earnings sustainability; and (3) behavioral factors – and the highest ranked stocks are emphasized in the portfolio.
Newton Fund This underlying fund principally invests in common stocks and other equity securities (or derivative or other strategic instruments with similar economic characteristics) of companies organized or with their principal place of business, or majority of assets or business, in emerging market countries.The Newton Fund also may invest in companies organized or with their principal place of business, or majority of assets or business, in developed markets and frontier markets. Newton employs a fundamental bottom-up investment process that emphasizes quality, return on capital employed and governance.
Macroeconomic Concerns Weighed on Emerging Markets
Emerging equity markets proved volatile over the reporting period as investors responded to disappointing economic data and political developments. Most emerging markets rallied early in the reporting period when investors regained confidence in the wake of earlier market weakness sparked by the Federal Reserve Board’s unexpected plans to begin backing away from its massive quantitative easing program. Although most emerging markets gained a degree of value over the final months of 2013 as investment capital flowed back into their financial markets, they gave back a significant portion of those gains over the first three months of 2014 when concerns resurfaced regarding sluggish economic growth, the health of certain banking systems, and intensifying geopolitical turmoil in some countries.
Sub-Adviser Strategies Produced Mixed Results
Over the first four months of the reporting period, the fund was managed by its previous portfolio management team, which produced results that were roughly in line with the benchmark. Gains in India and China were largely balanced by shortfalls in Turkey and Brazil.
After its transition to a multi-strategy approach on January 31, 2014, the fund’s underlying portfolio management teams produced mixed results. The TBCAM Strategy achieved strong relative performance in India, Indonesia, and Brazil, but exposure to South Africa and a higher-than-usual cash position proved counterproductive. From a market sector perspective, the TBCAM Strategy experienced relative success in the financials sector, but investments in the information technology sector lagged market averages. The Mellon Capital Strategy fared well in the utilities and consumer discretionary sectors, but experienced shortfalls in the materials and telecommunications services sectors. Colombia, Indonesia, and South Africa proved to be winners for the Mellon Capital Strategy, but Russia and Hungary fared relatively poorly. Finally, the Newton Fund achieved particularly strong relative results in China, but experienced more disappointing performance in Russia and Hong Kong. From an industry group perspective, the Newton Fund’s relative performance benefited from the industrials, health care, and consumer discretionary sectors, but lagged in the energy, information technology, and financials sectors.
Maintaining a Multi-Strategy Approach
Although investor sentiment generally has continued to weigh on the emerging markets, we have begun to see signs of progress in some countries, such as India and
4
Indonesia, where current account trends have improved and regulators are taking steps to shore up their economies and currency values.
The TBCAM Strategy has identified opportunities in which its research analysts have a high degree of conviction or have identified a strong near-term catalyst for earnings growth or share price appreciation.The Mellon Capital Strategy employs a quantitative-based process, which favors companies with attractive valuations and improving business fundamentals. Finally, the Newton Fund relies on a fundamental, bottom-up investment process that emphasizes quality, return on capital, and governance.
April 15, 2014
Equity funds 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 fund’s performance will be influenced by political, social, and economic factors affecting investments in foreign companies.These special risks include exposure to currency fluctuations, less liquidity, less developed or less efficient trading markets, lack of comprehensive company information, political instability, and differing auditing and legal standards. Investments in foreign currencies are subject to the risk that those currencies will decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar, or, in the case of hedged positions, that the U.S. dollar will decline relative to the currency being hedged. Emerging markets tend to be more volatile than the markets of more mature economies, and generally have less diverse and less mature economic structures and less stable political systems than those of developed countries.
The ability of the fund to achieve its investment goal depends, in part, on the ability of Dreyfus to allocate effectively the fund’s assets among investment strategies, subadvisers and underlying funds.There can be no assurance that the actual allocations will be effective in achieving the fund’s investment goal or that an investment strategy, subadviser or underlying fund will achieve its particular investment objective.
Each subadviser makes investment decisions independently and it is possible that the investment styles of the subadvisers may not complement one another. As a result, the fund’s exposure to a given stock, industry, sector, market capitalization, geographic area or investment style could unintentionally be greater or smaller than it would have been if the fund had a single adviser or investment strategy.
The risks of investing in other investment companies, including ETFs, typically reflect the risks associated with the types of instruments in which the investment companies and ETFs invest.When the fund or an underlying fund invests in another investment company or ETF, shareholders of the fund will bear indirectly their proportionate share of the expenses of the other investment company or ETF (including management fees) in addition to the expenses of the fund. ETFs are exchange-traded investment companies that are, in many cases, designed to provide investment results corresponding to an index.The value of the underlying securities can fluctuate in response to activities of individual companies or in response to general market and/or economic conditions.
1 Total return includes reinvestment of dividends and any capital gains paid, and does not take into consideration the |
maximum initial sales charge in the case of Class A shares, or the applicable contingent deferred sales charge imposed on |
redemptions in the case of Class C shares. Had these charges been reflected, returns would have been lower. 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.The fund’s returns reflect the absorption of certain fund expenses |
byThe Dreyfus Corporation pursuant to an agreement in effect through February 1, 2015, at which time it may be |
extended, terminated, or modified. Had these expenses not been absorbed, the fund’s returns would have been lower. |
The fund changed its investment strategy on January 31, 2014. Prior to that date, the fund invested in individual |
securities using a bottom-up investment approach which emphasized individual stock selection through the use of |
proprietary computer models and fundamental analysis.The fund did not use a “manager of managers” or “fund of |
funds” approach. Different investment strategies may lead to different performance results.The fund’s performance for |
periods prior to January 31, 2014, reflects the investment strategy in effect prior to that date. |
2 SOURCE: LIPPER INC. – Reflects reinvestment of net dividends and, where applicable, capital gain distributions. |
The Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) Emerging Markets Index is a free float-adjusted market |
capitalization weighted index that is designed to measure the equity performance in global emerging markets.The |
index consists of select designated MSCI emerging market national indices. MSCI Indices reflect investable |
opportunities for global investors by taking into account local market restrictions on share ownership by foreigners. |
Investors cannot invest directly in any index. |
The Fund 5
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 Dreyfus Diversified Emerging Markets Fund from October 1, 2013 to March 31, 2014. 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
assuming actual returns for the six months ended March 31, 2014 †
Class A | Class C | Class I | Class Y | |||||
Expenses paid per $1,000†† | $ | 8.01 | $ | 11.75 | $ | 6.76 | $ | 2.29 |
Ending value (after expenses) | $ | 1,009.10 | $ | 1,005.10 | $ | 1,009.40 | $ | 1,066.70 |
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 March 31, 2014
Class A | Class C | Class I | Class Y | |||||
Expenses paid per $1,000†††† | $ | 8.05 | $ | 11.80 | $ | 6.79 | $ | 6.79 |
Ending value (after expenses) | $ | 1,016.95 | $ | 1,013.21 | $ | 1,018.20 | $ | 1,018.20 |
† | From the close of business on January 31, 2014 (commencement of initial offering) to March 31, 2014 for |
ClassY shares. | |
†† | Expenses are equal to the fund’s annualized expense ratio of 1.60% for Class A, 2.35% for Class C and |
1.35% for Class I, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 182/365 (to reflect the | |
one-half year period). Expenses are equal to the fund’s annualized expense ratio of 1.35% for ClassY, multiplied | |
by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 60/365 (to reflect the actual days in the period). | |
††† | Please note that while ClassY shares commenced operations on January 31, 2014, the hypothetical expenses paid |
during the period reflect projected activitity for the full six month period for purposes of comparability.This projection | |
assumes that annualized expense ratios were in effect during the period October 1, 2013 to March 31, 2014. | |
†††† | Expenses are equal to the fund’s annualized expense ratio of 1.60% for Class A, 2.35% for Class C, 1.35% for |
Class I and 1.35% for ClassY, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 182/365 | |
(to reflect the one-half year period). |
6
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS
March 31, 2014 (Unaudited)
Common Stocks—58.7% | Shares | Value ($) | |
Brazil—2.5% | |||
AMBEV | 24,100 | 180,033 | |
BM&FBovespa | 61,700 | 305,917 | |
BR Malls Participacoes | 3,800 | 32,792 | |
CCR | 43,800 | 336,270 | |
Cia de Saneamento | |||
Basico do Estado de Sao Paulo | 60,300 | 560,744 | |
Grupo BTG Pactual | 18,000 | 227,598 | |
JBS | 100,600 | 344,053 | |
Multiplus | 16,500 | 181,798 | |
Porto Seguro | 4,500 | 63,167 | |
Ultrapar Participacoes | 15,800 | 382,361 | |
Via Varejo | 22,300 | a | 233,418 |
2,848,151 | |||
Chile—.6% | |||
Banco Santander Chile | 5,052,600 | 296,683 | |
Enersis | 887,095 | 277,108 | |
ENTEL Chile | 7,791 | 95,431 | |
669,222 | |||
China—10.5% | |||
Agile Property Holdings | 20,000 | 16,447 | |
Agricultural Bank of China, Cl. H | 688,000 | 300,036 | |
Anhui Conch Cement, Cl. H | 214,500 | 920,497 | |
Bank of China, Cl. H | 1,062,000 | 471,344 | |
Bank of Communications, Cl. H | 145,000 | 94,979 | |
BBMG, Cl. H | 208,500 | 162,546 | |
China BlueChemical, Cl. H | 114,000 | 58,956 | |
China CITIC Bank, Cl. H | 533,000 | 308,014 | |
China Communications Construction, Cl. H | 451,000 | 316,211 | |
China Construction Bank, Cl. H | 1,738,000 | 1,217,656 | |
China Life Insurance, Cl. H | 153,000 | 433,441 | |
China Merchants Bank, Cl. H | 170,500 | 309,282 | |
China Minsheng Banking, Cl. H | 272,500 | 273,519 | |
China National Building Material, Cl. H | 176,000 | 176,669 |
The Fund 7
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
Common Stocks (continued) | Shares | Value ($) | |
China (continued) | |||
China Oilfield Services, Cl. H | 106,000 | 250,165 | |
China Railway Construction, Cl. H | 34,000 | 28,877 | |
China Shenhua Energy, Cl. H | 148,000 | 427,888 | |
China ZhengTong Auto Services Holdings | 646,500 | a | 360,183 |
CNOOC | 499,000 | 754,307 | |
Country Garden Holdings | 42,000 | 17,544 | |
CSR, Cl. H | 768,000 | 647,908 | |
Evergrande Real Estate Group | 56,000 | 26,482 | |
Great Wall Motor, Cl. H | 98,750 | 497,649 | |
Industrial & Commercial Bank of China, Cl. H | 109,000 | 67,082 | |
Jiangsu Expressway, Cl. H | 114,000 | 130,006 | |
Longfor Properties | 10,000 | 13,839 | |
New China Life Insurance, Cl. H | 24,800 | a | 75,041 |
People’s Insurance Company Group of China, Cl. H | 566,000 | 233,690 | |
PetroChina, Cl. H | 546,000 | 590,770 | |
PICC Property & Casualty, Cl. H | 258,000 | 353,247 | |
Ping An Insurance Group Company of China, Cl. H | 14,500 | 120,325 | |
Sino-Ocean Land Holdings | 31,500 | 17,257 | |
Sinopec Engineering Group, Cl. H | 32,500 | 35,366 | |
Sinopharm Group, Cl. H | 53,200 | 146,769 | |
Tencent Holdings | 25,400 | 1,768,500 | |
Weichai Power, Cl. H | 85,000 | 324,634 | |
Zhejiang Expressway, Cl. H | 130,000 | 118,523 | |
12,065,649 | |||
Colombia—.3% | |||
Ecopetrol | 183,561 | 375,139 | |
Czech Republic—.5% | |||
Komercni Banka | 2,400 | 573,240 | |
Hong Kong—1.7% | |||
China Mobile | 34,000 | 308,937 | |
China Overseas Land & Investment | 126,000 | 326,881 | |
China Resources Land | 22,000 | 48,320 | |
China Resources Power Holdings | 200,000 | 520,988 |
8
Common Stocks (continued) | Shares | Value ($) |
Hong Kong (continued) | ||
China Unicom Hong Kong | 418,000 | 549,490 |
Geely Automobile Holdings | 360,000 | 141,559 |
Shimao Property Holdings | 14,000 | 30,823 |
1,926,998 | ||
Hungary—.2% | ||
Richter Gedeon | 9,510 | 166,018 |
India—5.0% | ||
Axis Bank | 11,760 | 287,588 |
Cairn India | 50,494 | 281,490 |
HCL Technologies | 809 | 18,874 |
Infosys | 864 | 47,537 |
ITC | 71,330 | 421,306 |
Larsen & Toubro | 21,220 | 451,378 |
LIC Housing Finance | 93,879 | 370,941 |
Maruti Suzuki India | 7,820 | 257,943 |
Oil & Natural Gas | 81,440 | 434,282 |
Power Finance | 71,699 | 231,745 |
Reliance Capital | 51,304 | 298,096 |
Reliance Industries | 47,930 | 748,040 |
Rural Electrification | 35,327 | 136,161 |
State Bank of India | 9,546 | 306,199 |
Tata Motors | 52,240 | 349,913 |
Tata Steel | 97,683 | 648,168 |
Tech Mahindra | 16,170 | 486,787 |
5,776,448 | ||
Indonesia—1.5% | ||
Bank Negara Indonesia Persero | 1,368,700 | 602,429 |
Bank Rakyat Indonesia Persero | 543,700 | 462,765 |
Indocement Tunggal Prakarsa | 128,500 | 267,195 |
Telekomunikasi Indonesia Persero | 2,068,600 | 405,125 |
1,737,514 | ||
Macau—.1% | ||
Sands China | 22,000 | 165,189 |
The Fund 9
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
Common Stocks (continued) | Shares | Value ($) | |
Malaysia—1.7% | |||
AirAsia | 452,300 | 353,121 | |
British American Tobacco Malaysia | 3,800 | 68,803 | |
CIMB Group Holdings | 193,400 | 423,388 | |
DiGi.Com | 45,300 | 74,784 | |
Hong Leong Financial Group | 4,000 | 19,234 | |
IJM | 131,200 | 246,917 | |
Malayan Banking | 118,000 | 349,757 | |
MISC | 59,500 | a | 125,701 |
Tenaga Nasional | 65,700 | 240,513 | |
1,902,218 | |||
Mexico—1.9% | |||
Alfa, Cl. A | 113,900 | 287,902 | |
America Movil, Ser. L | 234,100 | 233,463 | |
Coca-Cola Femsa, Ser. L | 21,100 | 221,885 | |
Fibra Uno Administracion | 17,000 | 55,002 | |
Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacifico, Cl. B | 56,800 | 332,564 | |
Grupo Financiero Inbursa, Cl. O | 108,200 | 279,544 | |
Grupo Lala | 217,300 | 449,397 | |
Kimberly-Clark de Mexico, Cl. A | 141,000 | 376,382 | |
2,236,139 | |||
Peru—.2% | |||
Credicorp | 2,040 | 281,357 | |
Philippines—1.0% | |||
Ayala Land | 465,600 | 310,473 | |
Metropolitan Bank & Trust | 332,038 | a | 573,819 |
SM Prime Holdings | 61,100 | 19,924 | |
Universal Robina | 71,140 | 225,428 | |
1,129,644 | |||
Poland—.5% | |||
PGE | 33,496 | 208,839 | |
Powszechny Zaklad Ubezpieczen | 2,438 | 346,333 | |
555,172 | |||
Russia—2.3% | |||
Gazprom, ADR | 74,256 | 571,771 | |
Lukoil, ADR | 4,200 | 233,352 |
10
Common Stocks (continued) | Shares | Value ($) | |
Russia (continued) | |||
Magnit | 2,140 | b | 492,812 |
Rosneft, GDR | 36,205 | 241,089 | |
Sberbank of Russia, ADR | 37,670 | 367,378 | |
Sberbank of Russia, ADR | 45,198 | 441,584 | |
Severstal, GDR | 7,200 | 54,504 | |
Sistema, GDR | 8,215 | 184,920 | |
Tatneft, ADR | 2,200 | 75,372 | |
2,662,782 | |||
South Africa—3.5% | |||
African Rainbow Minerals | 8,167 | 161,837 | |
Barloworld | 15,974 | 167,329 | |
Bidvest Group | 18,920 | 500,377 | |
FirstRand | 95,812 | 328,562 | |
Growthpoint Properties | 16,405 | 38,038 | |
Imperial Holdings | 17,500 | 313,356 | |
Kumba Iron Ore | 579 | 20,719 | |
Liberty Holdings | 10,466 | 123,692 | |
Mediclinic International | 46,540 | 330,059 | |
MTN Group | 26,910 | 550,999 | |
Redefine Properties | 28,501 | 25,842 | |
RMB Holdings | 43,707 | 198,217 | |
Sasol | 9,045 | 506,563 | |
Steinhoff International Holdings | 7,872 | 38,137 | |
Vodacom Group | 24,237 | 299,272 | |
Woolworths Holdings | 60,428 | 421,217 | |
4,024,216 | |||
South Korea—8.9% | |||
AMOREPACIFIC Group | 316 | 151,817 | |
BS Financial Group | 10,440 | 148,121 | |
Coway | 2,670 | 187,319 | |
DGB Financial Group | 7,960 | 115,114 | |
Dongbu Insurance | 314 | 16,317 | |
E-Mart | 3,381 | 778,296 | |
Halla Visteon Climate Control | 3,440 | 157,292 | |
Hana Financial Group | 12,750 | 465,225 |
The Fund 11
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
Common Stocks (continued) | Shares | Value ($) | |
South Korea (continued) | |||
Hankook Tire | 6,090 | 346,351 | |
Hanwha | 10,330 | 312,195 | |
Hanwha Life Insurance Co. | 10,940 | 71,823 | |
Hyundai Mobis | 993 | 294,554 | |
Hyundai Motor | 4,547 | 1,074,754 | |
Hyundai Steel | 23 | 1,491 | |
Industrial Bank of Korea | 26,430 | 336,073 | |
Kia Motors | 8,198 | 457,789 | |
Korea Investment Holdings | 320 | 11,043 | |
Korea Zinc | 533 | 165,588 | |
LG Display | 19,260 | a | 483,480 |
Lotte Shopping | 1,030 | 324,069 | |
NAVER | 654 | 476,121 | |
Samsung Electronics | 1,534 | 1,939,848 | |
Samsung Life Insurance | 6,305 | 595,104 | |
SK Hynix | 29,280 | a | 993,696 |
SK Telecom | 1,880 | 381,394 | |
10,284,874 | |||
Taiwan—7.5% | |||
Advanced Semiconductor Engineering | 399,000 | 441,294 | |
Asustek Computer | 31,000 | 306,362 | |
Catcher Technology | 107,000 | 775,466 | |
Chailease Holding | 103,000 | 248,139 | |
Cheng Uei Precision Industry Co. | 66,000 | 139,859 | |
Compal Electronics | 482,000 | 341,013 | |
Delta Electronics | 90,000 | 557,840 | |
E.Sun Financial Holding | 842,000 | 508,192 | |
Hon Hai Precision Industry | 7,000 | 19,849 | |
Inventec | 276,000 | 272,993 | |
Lite-On Technology | 167,000 | 249,132 | |
Mega Financial Holding | 365,000 | 282,954 | |
Pou Chen | 190,000 | 268,181 | |
Radiant Opto-Electronics | 143,000 | 578,049 | |
Realtek Semiconductor | 87,000 | 262,449 |
12
Common Stocks (continued) | Shares | Value ($) | |
Taiwan (continued) | |||
Ruentex Industries | 105,000 | 251,502 | |
SinoPac Financial Holdings | 332,000 | 159,979 | |
Taishin Financial Holdings | 400,000 | 181,529 | |
Taiwan Cement | 187,000 | 288,045 | |
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing | 317,000 | 1,238,634 | |
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, ADR | 53,750 | 1,076,075 | |
Zhen Ding Technology Holding | 92,000 | 236,125 | |
8,683,661 | |||
Thailand—1.6% | |||
Advanced Info Service | 35,200 | 245,929 | |
Kasikornbank | 71,200 | 407,215 | |
PTT Exploration & Production, NVDR | 60,400 | 292,880 | |
PTT Global Chemical | 225,443 | 503,112 | |
PTT Global Chemical, NVDR | 191,600 | 427,588 | |
1,876,724 | |||
Turkey—1.7% | |||
Emlak Konut Gayrimenkul Yatirim Ortakligi | 203,944 | 240,156 | |
Enka Insaat ve Sanayi | 76,020 | 227,001 | |
Eregli Demir ve Celik Fabrikalari | 225,509 | 290,633 | |
Turkcell Iletisim Hizmetleri | 53,845 | a | 298,711 |
Turkiye Garanti Bankasi | 192,310 | 657,023 | |
Turkiye Halk Bankasi | 35,690 | 220,675 | |
1,934,199 | |||
United States—5.0% | |||
Global X FTSE Colombia 20 ETF | 28,030 | 522,199 | |
iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF | 40,870 | 1,676,079 | |
iShares MSCI Indonesia ETF | 17,370 | 480,107 | |
iShares MSCI Philippines ETF | 23,340 | 795,661 | |
Market Vectors Gold Miners ETF | 12,710 | 300,020 | |
Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF | 27,600 | 1,120,008 | |
WisdomTree India Earnings Fund | 46,490 | 881,450 | |
5,775,524 | |||
Total Common Stocks | |||
(cost $64,255,862) | 67,650,078 |
The Fund 13
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
Preferred Stocks—4.9% | Shares | Value ($) | ||
Brazil—4.8% | ||||
AES Tiete | 14,500 | 115,284 | ||
Banco do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Cl. B | 44,600 | 257,890 | ||
Bradespar | 30,800 | 267,141 | ||
Cia Brasileira de Distribuicao Grupo Pao de Acucar | 18,900 | 830,884 | ||
Cia Energetica de Minas Gerais | 46,800 | 314,544 | ||
Cia Energetica de Sao Paulo, Cl. B | 20,900 | 245,476 | ||
Cia Paranaense de Energia, Cl. B | 12,200 | 160,283 | ||
Itau Unibanco Holding | 37,400 | 558,775 | ||
Itausa—Investimentos Itau | 91,200 | 371,794 | ||
Metalurgica Gerdau | 32,300 | 247,837 | ||
Petroleo Brasileiro | 116,000 | 806,734 | ||
Suzano Papel e Celulose, Cl. A | 132,200 | 488,249 | ||
Telefonica Brasil | 24,700 | 522,847 | ||
Usinas Siderurgicas de Minas Gerais, Cl. A | 68,800 | a | 310,191 | |
5,497,929 | ||||
Chile—.1% | ||||
Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile, Cl. B | 4,831 | 153,112 | ||
Colombia—.0% | ||||
Grupo Aval Acciones y Valores | 36,321 | 24,037 | ||
Total Preferred Stocks | ||||
(cost $5,084,949) | 5,675,078 | |||
Number of | ||||
Rights—.0% | Rights | Value ($) | ||
Taiwan | ||||
Taishin Financial Holdings | ||||
(cost $884) | 11,193 | a | 669 |
14
Other Investment—32.6% | Shares | Value ($) | |
Registered Investment Company; | |||
Dreyfus Global Emerging Markets Fund, Cl. Y | |||
(cost $35,667,333) | 2,758,927 | a,c | 37,604,173 |
Total Investments (cost $105,009,028) | 96.2 | % | 110,929,998 |
Cash and Receivables (Net) | 3.8 | % | 4,421,863 |
Net Assets | 100.0 | % | 115,351,861 |
ADR—American Depository Receipts
ETF—Exchange-Traded Funds
GDR—Global Depository Receipts
NVDR—Non-Voting Depository Receipts
a Non-income producing security. |
b The valuation of this security has been determined in good faith by management under the direction of the Board of |
Trustees.At March 31, 2014, the value of this security amounted to $492,812 or .4% of net assets. |
c Investment in affiliated mutual fund. |
Portfolio Summary (Unaudited)† | |||
Value (%) | Value (%) | ||
Mutual Funds: Domestic | 32.6 | Industrial | 4.0 |
Financial | 16.5 | Consumer Staples | 3.9 |
Information Technology | 11.0 | Telecommunication Services | 3.6 |
Energy | 6.0 | Utilities | 2.3 |
Consumer Discretionary | 5.5 | Health Care | .6 |
Materials | 5.2 | ||
Exchange-Traded Funds | 5.0 | 96.2 | |
† Based on net assets. | |||
See notes to financial statements. |
The Fund 15
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
March 31, 2014 (Unaudited)
Cost | Value | ||
Assets ($): | |||
Investments in securities—See Statement of Investments: | |||
Unaffiliated issuers | 69,341,695 | 73,325,825 | |
Affiliated issuers | 35,667,333 | 37,604,173 | |
Cash | 4,442,081 | ||
Cash denominated in foreign currencies | 345,007 | 346,045 | |
Receivable for shares of Beneficial Interest subscribed | 2,005,641 | ||
Receivable for investment securities sold | 1,698,887 | ||
Dividends receivable | 53,444 | ||
Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign | |||
currency exchange contracts—Note 4 | 2,840 | ||
Prepaid expenses | 50,417 | ||
119,529,353 | |||
Liabilities ($): | |||
Due to The Dreyfus Corporation and affiliates—Note 3(c) | 120,402 | ||
Payable for investment securities purchased | 3,958,451 | ||
Payable for shares of Beneficial Interest redeemed | 52,958 | ||
Unrealized depreciation on forward foreign | |||
currency exchange contracts—Note 4 | 7,397 | ||
Accrued expenses | 38,284 | ||
4,177,492 | |||
Net Assets ($) | 115,351,861 | ||
Composition of Net Assets ($): | |||
Paid-in capital | 110,518,643 | ||
Accumulated investment (loss)—net | (52,308 | ) | |
Accumulated net realized gain (loss) on investments | (1,028,046 | ) | |
Accumulated net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) | |||
on investments and foreign currency transactions | 5,913,572 | ||
Net Assets ($) | 115,351,861 |
Net Asset Value Per Share | ||||
Class A | Class C | Class I | Class Y | |
Net Assets ($) | 99,390 | 74,073 | 619,711 | 114,558,687 |
Shares Outstanding | 4,854 | 3,762 | 30,557 | 5,642,583 |
Net Asset Value Per Share ($) | 20.48 | 19.69 | 20.28 | 20.30 |
See notes to financial statements. |
16
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
Six Months Ended March 31, 2014 (Unaudited)
Investment Income ($): | ||
Income: | ||
Cash dividends (net of $15,256 foreign taxes withheld at source): | ||
Unaffiliated issuers | 139,598 | |
Affiliated issuers | 4 | |
Total Income | 139,602 | |
Expenses: | ||
Investment advisory fee—Note 3(a) | 99,670 | |
Custodian fees—Note 3(c) | 60,820 | |
Professional fees | 48,383 | |
Registration fees | 38,746 | |
Administration fees—Note 3(a) | 9,065 | |
Prospectus and shareholders’ reports | 4,820 | |
Trustees’ fees and expenses—Note 3(d) | 1,779 | |
Shareholder servicing costs—Note 3(c) | 993 | |
Distribution fees—Note 3(b) | 249 | |
Loan commitment fees—Note 2 | 70 | |
Miscellaneous | 14,651 | |
Total Expenses | 279,246 | |
Less—reduction in expenses due to undertaking—Note 3(a) | (89,032 | ) |
Less—reduction in fees due to earnings credits—Note 3(c) | (1 | ) |
Net Expenses | 190,213 | |
Investment (Loss)—Net | (50,611 | ) |
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments—Note 4 ($): | ||
Net realized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency transactions | (100,396 | ) |
Net realized gain (loss) on forward foreign currency exchange contracts | (20,414 | ) |
Net Realized Gain (Loss) | (120,810 | ) |
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on | ||
investments and foreign currency transactions: | ||
Unaffiliated issuers | 3,570,666 | |
Affiliated issuers | 1,936,841 | |
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on | ||
forward foreign currency exchange contracts | (4,557 | ) |
Net Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) | 5,502,950 | |
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments | 5,382,140 | |
Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations | 5,331,529 | |
See notes to financial statements. |
The Fund 17
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
Six Months Ended | ||||
March 31, 2014 | Year Ended | |||
(Unaudited)a | September 30, 2013 | |||
Operations ($): | ||||
Investment income (loss)—net | (50,611 | ) | 54,479 | |
Net realized gain (loss) on investments | (120,810 | ) | 280,434 | |
Net unrealized appreciation | ||||
(depreciation) on investments | 5,502,950 | (195,305 | ) | |
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets | ||||
Resulting from Operations | 5,331,529 | 139,608 | ||
Dividends to Shareholders from ($): | ||||
Investment income—net: | ||||
Class A | (1,321 | ) | — | |
Class I | (38,708 | ) | — | |
Total Dividends | (40,029 | ) | — | |
Beneficial Interest Transactions ($): | ||||
Net proceeds from shares sold: | ||||
Class A | 19,646 | 58,085 | ||
Class C | 57,645 | 5,942 | ||
Class I | 1,400,103 | 8,530 | ||
Class Y | 114,295,551 | — | ||
Dividends reinvested: | ||||
Class A | 1,321 | — | ||
Class I | 7,091 | — | ||
Cost of shares redeemed: | ||||
Class A | (53,303 | ) | (36,590 | ) |
Class C | (61,062 | ) | (26,219 | ) |
Class I | (5,939,696 | ) | (1,074,296 | ) |
Class Y | (3,232,151 | ) | — | |
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from | ||||
Beneficial Interest Transactions | 106,495,145 | (1,064,548 | ) | |
Total Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets | 111,786,645 | (924,940 | ) | |
Net Assets ($): | ||||
Beginning of Period | 3,565,216 | 4,490,156 | ||
End of Period | 115,351,861 | 3,565,216 | ||
Undistributed investment income (loss)—net | (52,308 | ) | 38,332 |
18
Six Months Ended | ||||
March 31, 2014 | Year Ended | |||
(Unaudited)a | September 30, 2013 | |||
Capital Share Transactions: | ||||
Class Ab | ||||
Shares sold | 982 | 2,745 | ||
Shares issued for dividends reinvested | 65 | — | ||
Shares redeemed | (2,516 | ) | (1,856 | ) |
Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares Outstanding | (1,469 | ) | 889 | |
Class Cb | ||||
Shares sold | 2,947 | 309 | ||
Shares redeemed | (3,042 | ) | (1,258 | ) |
Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares Outstanding | (95 | ) | (949 | ) |
Class I | ||||
Shares sold | 72,559 | 398 | ||
Shares issued for dividends reinvested | 350 | — | ||
Shares redeemed | (206,656 | ) | (55,065 | ) |
Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares Outstanding | (133,747 | ) | (54,667 | ) |
Class Y | ||||
Shares sold | 5,805,627 | — | ||
Shares redeemed | (163,044 | ) | — | |
Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares Outstanding | 5,642,583 | — |
a Effective January 31, 2014, the fund commenced offering ClassY shares. |
b During the period ended September 30, 2013, 1,256 Class C shares representing $26,182 were exchanged for |
1,200 Class A shares. |
See notes to financial statements.
The Fund 19
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The following tables describe the performance for each share class for the fiscal periods indicated. All information (except portfolio turnover rate) reflects financial results for a single fund share.Total return shows how much your investment in the fund would have increased (or decreased) during each period, assuming you had reinvested all dividends and distributions.These figures have been derived from the fund’s financial statements.
Six Months Ended | ||||||||||
March 31, 2014 | Year Ended September 30, | |||||||||
Class A Shares | (Unaudited) | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | a | |||
Per Share Data ($): | ||||||||||
Net asset value, | ||||||||||
beginning of period | 20.58 | 19.78 | 21.86 | 26.99 | 22.70 | 13.55 | ||||
Investment Operations: | ||||||||||
Investment income (loss)—netb | (.06 | ) | .23 | .07 | .09 | .17 | .14 | |||
Net realized and unrealized | ||||||||||
gain (loss) on investments | .24 | .57 | 2.15 | (5.14 | ) | 4.12 | 9.01 | |||
Total from Investment Operations | .18 | .80 | 2.22 | (5.05 | ) | 4.29 | 9.15 | |||
Distributions: | ||||||||||
Dividends from | ||||||||||
investment income—net | (.28 | ) | — | (.08 | ) | (.08 | ) | — | — | |
Dividends from net realized | ||||||||||
gain on investments | — | — | (4.22 | ) | — | — | — | |||
Total Distributions | (.28 | ) | — | (4.30 | ) | (.08 | ) | — | — | |
Net asset value, end of period | 20.48 | 20.58 | 19.78 | 21.86 | 26.99 | 22.70 | ||||
Total Return (%)c | .91 | d | 3.99 | 12.48 | (18.77 | ) | 18.85 | 67.60 | d | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data (%): | ||||||||||
Ratio of total expenses | ||||||||||
to average net assets | 9.00 | e,f | 6.20 | 5.55 | 3.66 | 3.69 | 11.21 | f | ||
Ratio of net expenses | ||||||||||
to average net assets | 1.60 | e,f | 1.60 | 2.25 | 2.25 | 2.25 | 2.00 | f | ||
Ratio of net investment income | ||||||||||
(loss) to average net assets | (.64 | )e,f | 1.10 | .36 | .30 | .71 | 1.56 | f | ||
Portfolio Turnover Rate | 161.37 | d | 67.74 | 70.79 | 75.59 | 102.30 | 157.45 | |||
Net Assets, end of period | ||||||||||
($ x 1,000) | 99 | 130 | 107 | 158 | 152 | 25 |
a | From March 31, 2009 (commencement of initial offering) to September 30, 2009. |
b | Based on average shares outstanding at each month end. |
c | Exclusive of sales charge. |
d | Not annualized. |
e | Amount does not include the expenses of the underlying fund. |
f | Annualized. |
See notes to financial statements.
20
Six Months Ended | |||||||||||
March 31, 2014 | Year Ended September 30, | ||||||||||
Class C Shares | (Unaudited) | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | a | ||||
Per Share Data ($): | |||||||||||
Net asset value, | |||||||||||
beginning of period | 19.60 | 18.98 | 21.23 | 26.36 | 22.62 | 13.55 | |||||
Investment Operations: | |||||||||||
Investment income (loss)—netb | (.14 | ) | .04 | (.14 | ) | (.16 | ) | (.13 | ) | (.03 | ) |
Net realized and unrealized | |||||||||||
gain (loss) on investments | .23 | .58 | 2.14 | (4.97 | ) | 4.17 | 9.10 | ||||
Total from Investment Operations | .09 | .62 | 2.00 | (5.13 | ) | 4.04 | 9.07 | ||||
Distributions: | |||||||||||
Dividends from | |||||||||||
investment income—net | — | — | (.03 | ) | — | (.30 | ) | — | |||
Dividends from net realized | |||||||||||
gain on investments | — | — | (4.22 | ) | — | — | — | ||||
Total Distributions | — | — | (4.25 | ) | — | (.30 | ) | — | |||
Net asset value, end of period | 19.69 | 19.60 | 18.98 | 21.23 | 26.36 | 22.62 | |||||
Total Return (%)c | .51 | d | 3.21 | 11.63 | (19.43 | ) | 17.95 | 66.94 | d | ||
Ratios/Supplemental Data (%): | |||||||||||
Ratio of total expenses | |||||||||||
to average net assets | 9.23 | e,f | 6.62 | 5.79 | 3.92 | 4.18 | 3.80 | f | |||
Ratio of net expenses | |||||||||||
to average net assets | 2.35 | e,f | 2.35 | 3.00 | 3.00 | 3.00 | 2.75 | f | |||
Ratio of net investment income | |||||||||||
(loss) to average net assets | (1.46 | )e,f | .22 | (.69 | ) | (.58 | ) | (.57 | ) | (.35 | )f |
Portfolio Turnover Rate | 161.37 | d | 67.74 | 70.79 | 75.59 | 102.30 | 157.45 | ||||
Net Assets, end of period | |||||||||||
($ x 1,000) | 74 | 76 | 91 | 157 | 258 | 178 |
a | From March 31, 2009 (commencement of initial offering) to September 30, 2009. |
b | Based on average shares outstanding at each month end. |
c | Exclusive of sales charge. |
d | Not annualized. |
e | Amount does not include the expenses of the underlying fund. |
f | Annualized. |
See notes to financial statements.
The Fund 21
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)
Six Months Ended | |||||||||||
March 31, 2014 | Year Ended September 30, | ||||||||||
Class I Shares | (Unaudited) | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | a | ||||
Per Share Data ($): | |||||||||||
Net asset value, | |||||||||||
beginning of period | 20.45 | 19.60 | 21.82 | 26.79 | 22.67 | 21.33 | |||||
Investment Operations: | |||||||||||
Investment income (loss)—netb | (.22 | ) | .26 | .24 | .25 | .18 | .24 | ||||
Net realized and unrealized | |||||||||||
gain (loss) on investments | .39 | .59 | 2.10 | (5.11 | ) | 4.26 | 2.21 | ||||
Total from Investment Operations | .17 | .85 | 2.34 | (4.86 | ) | 4.44 | 2.45 | ||||
Distributions: | |||||||||||
Dividends from | |||||||||||
investment income—net | (.34 | ) | — | (.34 | ) | (.11 | ) | (.32 | ) | (.26 | ) |
Dividends from net realized | |||||||||||
gain on investments | — | — | (4.22 | ) | — | — | (.85 | ) | |||
Total Distributions | (.34 | ) | — | (4.56 | ) | (.11 | ) | (.32 | ) | (1.11 | ) |
Net asset value, end of period | 20.28 | 20.45 | 19.60 | 21.82 | 26.79 | 22.67 | |||||
Total Return (%) | .94 | c | 4.23 | 13.36 | (18.27 | ) | 19.73 | 14.90 | |||
Ratios/Supplemental Data (%): | |||||||||||
Ratio of total expenses | |||||||||||
to average net assets | 3.77 | d,e | 5.39 | 4.66 | 2.83 | 3.07 | 3.50 | ||||
Ratio of net expenses | |||||||||||
to average net assets | 1.35 | d,e | 1.35 | 1.50 | 1.50 | 1.50 | 1.43 | ||||
Ratio of net investment income | |||||||||||
(loss) to average net assets | (.79 | )d,e | 1.27 | 1.19 | .90 | .75 | 1.43 | ||||
Portfolio Turnover Rate | 161.37 | c | 67.74 | 70.79 | 75.59 | 102.30 | 157.45 | ||||
Net Assets, end of period | |||||||||||
($ x 1,000) | 620 | 3,359 | 4,291 | 8,090 | 15,978 | 16,585 |
a The fund commenced offering three classes of shares on March 31, 2009.The existing shares were redesignated as |
Class I shares. |
b Based on average shares outstanding at each month end. |
c Not annualized. |
d Amount does not include the expenses of the underlying fund. |
e Annualized. |
See notes to financial statements.
22
Period Ended | ||
Class Y Shares | March 31, 2014a | |
Per Share Data ($): | ||
Net asset value, beginning of period | 19.03 | |
Investment Operations: | ||
Investment (loss)—netb | (.00 | )c |
Net realized and unrealized | ||
gain (loss) on investments | 1.27 | |
Total from Investment Operations | 1.27 | |
Net asset value, end of period | 20.30 | |
Total Return (%) | 6.67 | d |
Ratios/Supplemental Data (%): | ||
Ratio of total expenses to average net assetse | 1.38 | f |
Ratio of net expenses to average net assetse | 1.35 | f |
Ratio of net investment (loss) to average net assetse | (.22 | )f |
Portfolio Turnover Rate | 161.37 | d |
Net Assets, end of period ($ x 1,000) | 114,559 |
a From the close of business on January 31, 2014 (commencement of initial offering) to March 31, 2014. |
b Based on average shares outstanding at each month end. |
c Amount represents less than $.01 per share. |
d Not annualized. |
e Amount does not include the expenses of the underlying fund. |
f Annualized. |
See notes to financial statements.
The Fund 23
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
NOTE 1—Significant Accounting Policies:
Dreyfus Diversified Emerging Markets Fund (the “fund”) is a separate diversified series of Dreyfus Investment Funds (the “Trust”), 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 seven series, including the fund.The fund’s investment objective is to seek long-term growth of capital.The Dreyfus Corporation (the “Manager” or “Dreyfus”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (“BNY Mellon”), serves as the fund’s investment adviser.
At a meeting held on October 30-31, 2013, the Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”) approved, effective January 31, 2014 (the “Effective Date”), a change in the fund’s name from “Dreyfus/The Boston Company Emerging Markets Core Equity Fund” to “Dreyfus Diversified Emerging Markets Fund”.
The Board also approved, subject to shareholder approval, various other changes.As of the Effective Date, the fund uses a “manager of managers” approach by selecting one or more experienced investment managers to serve as subadvisers to the fund. The fund also uses a “fund of funds” approach by investing in one or more underlying funds. As of the Effective Date, the fund allocates its assets among emerging market equity strategies employed byThe Boston Company Asset Management, LLC (“TBCAM”) and Mellon Capital Management Corporation (“Mellon Capital”), each a sub-adviser to the fund and an affiliate of Dreyfus, and one affiliated underlying fund. Shareholders approved these changes and additional changes to the fund. See “Proxy Results–Results of ShareholderVote” on page 40.
At a meeting held on November 21, 2013, the Board also approved, as of the Effective Date, for the fund to offer ClassY shares.
MBSC Securities Corporation (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Manager, is the distributor of the fund’s shares. The fund is authorized to issue an unlimited number of $.001 par value shares of Beneficial Interest in each of the following classes of shares:
24
Class A, Class C, Class I and ClassY. Class A and Class C shares are sold primarily to retail investors through financial intermediaries and bear Distribution and/or Shareholder Services Plan fees. Class A shares generally are subject to a sales charge imposed at the time of purchase. Class C shares are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”) imposed on Class C shares redeemed within one year of purchase. Class I shares are sold primarily to bank trust departments and other financial service providers (including The Bank of NewYork Mellon, a subsidiary of BNY Mellon and an affiliate of Dreyfus, and its affiliates), acting on behalf of customers having a qualified trust or an investment account or relationship at such institution, and bear no Distribution or Shareholder Services Plan fees. Class I shares are offered without a front-end sales charge or CDSC. Class Y shares are offered at net asset value 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 Trust accounts separately for the assets, liabilities and operations of each series. Expenses directly attributable to each series are charged to 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 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 Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) under authority of federal laws are also sources of authoritative GAAP for SEC registrants. The fund’s financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP, which may require the use of management estimates and assumptions.Actual results could differ from those estimates.
The Fund 25
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
(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.).
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 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 clos-
26
ing price or, if there is no official closing price that day, at the last sales price. 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, except for open short positions, where the asked price is 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 categorized within Level 1 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 financial 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 reflect accurately 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 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.
For restricted securities where observable inputs are limited, assumptions about market activity and risk are used and are categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
Investments denominated in foreign currencies are translated to U.S. dollars at the prevailing rates of exchange.
The Fund 27
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts (“forward contracts”) are valued at the forward rate and are generally categorized within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
The following is a summary of the inputs used as of March 31, 2014 in valuing the fund’s investments:
Level 2—Other | Level 3— | |||||
Level 1— | Significant | Significant | ||||
Unadjusted | Observable | Unobservable | ||||
Quoted Prices | Inputs | Inputs | Total | |||
Assets ($) | ||||||
Investments in Securities: | ||||||
Equity Securities— | ||||||
Foreign | ||||||
Common Stocks† | 3,447,612 | 58,426,942 | †† | — | 61,874,554 | |
Equity Securities— | ||||||
Foreign Preferred | ||||||
Stocks† | — | 5,675,078 | †† | — | 5,675,078 | |
Exchange-Traded | ||||||
Funds | 5,775,524 | — | — | 5,775,524 | ||
Mutual Funds | 37,604,173 | — | — | 37,604,173 | ||
Rights† | 669 | — | — | 669 | ||
Other Financial | ||||||
Instruments: | ||||||
Forward Foreign | ||||||
Currency Exchange | ||||||
Contracts††† | — | 2,840 | — | 2,840 | ||
Liabilities ($) | ||||||
Other Financial | ||||||
Instruments: | ||||||
Forward Foreign | ||||||
Currency Exchange | ||||||
Contracts††† | — | (7,397 | ) | — | (7,397 | ) |
† | See Statement of Investments for additional detailed categorizations. |
†† | Securities classified within Level 2 at period end as the values were determined pursuant to the |
fund’s fair valuation procedures. See note above for additional information. | |
††† | Amount shown represents unrealized appreciation (depreciation) at period end. |
At September 30, 2013, $2,904,942 of exchange traded foreign equity securities were classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy pursuant to the fund’s fair valuation procedures.
28
(b) Foreign currency transactions: The fund does not isolate that portion of the results of operations resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates on investments from the fluctuations arising from changes in the market prices of securities held. Such fluctuations are included with the net realized and unrealized gain or loss on investments.
Net realized foreign exchange gains or losses arise from sales of foreign currencies, currency gains or losses realized on securities transactions between trade and settlement date, and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the fund’s books and the U.S. dollar equivalent of the amounts actually received or paid. Net unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses arise from changes in the value of assets and liabilities other than investments resulting from changes in exchange rates. Foreign currency gains and losses on foreign currency transactions are also included with net realized and unrealized gain or loss on investments.
(c) Securities transactions and investment income: Securities transactions are recorded on a trade date basis. Realized gains and losses from securities transactions are recorded on the identified cost basis. Dividend income is recognized on the ex-dividend date and interest income, including, where applicable, accretion of discount and amortization of premium on investments, is recognized on the accrual basis.
(d) Affiliated issuers: Investments in other investment companies advised by Dreyfus are defined as “affiliated” under the Act. Investments in affiliated investment companies during the period ended March 31, 2014 were as follows:
Affiliated | |||||
Investment | Value | Net Realized | |||
Company | 9/30/2013 | ($) | Purchases ($)† | Sales ($) | Gain (Loss) ($) |
Dreyfus | |||||
Institutional | |||||
Preferred | |||||
Plus Money | |||||
Market | |||||
Fund | 15,470 | 380,632 | 396,102 | — |
The Fund 29
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
Affiliated | ||||||
Investment | Value | Net Realized | ||||
Company | 9/30/2013 | ($) | Purchases ($)† | Sales ($) | Gain (Loss) ($) | |
Dreyfus | ||||||
Global | ||||||
Emerging | ||||||
Markets | ||||||
Fund, Cl. Y | — | 35,667,332 | — | — | ||
Total | 15,470 | 36,047,964 | 396,102 | — | ||
† Includes reinvested dividends/distributions. | ||||||
Change in Net | ||||||
Affiliated | Unrealized | |||||
Investment | Appreciation | Value | Net | Dividends/ | ||
Company | (Depreciation) ($) | 3/31/2014 | ($) | Assets (%) | Distributions ($) | |
Dreyfus | ||||||
Institutional | ||||||
Preferred | ||||||
Plus Money | ||||||
Market | ||||||
Fund | — | — | — | 4 | ||
Dreyfus | ||||||
Global | ||||||
Emerging | ||||||
Markets | ||||||
Fund, Cl. Y | 1,936,841 | 37,604,173 | 32.6 | — | ||
Total | 1,936,841 | 37,604,173 | 32.6 | 4 |
(e) Risk: Investing in foreign markets may involve special risks and considerations not typically associated with investing in the U.S. These risks include revaluation of currencies, high rates of inflation, repatriation restrictions on income and capital, and adverse political and economic developments. Moreover, securities issued in these markets may be less liquid, subject to government ownership controls and delayed settlements, and their prices may be more volatile than those of comparable securities in the U.S.
(f) Dividends to shareholders: Dividends 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
30
net realized capital gains can be offset by capital loss carryovers, it is the policy of the fund not to distribute such gains. Income and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with income tax regulations, which may differ from GAAP.
(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 sufficient to relieve it from substantially all federal income and excise taxes.
As of and during the period ended March 31, 2014, 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 March 31, 2014, the fund did not incur any interest or penalties.
Each tax year in the three-year period ended September 30, 2013 remains subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service and state taxing authorities.
Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010 (the “2010 Act”), the fund is permitted to carry forward capital losses incurred in taxable years beginning after December 22, 2010 (“post-enactment losses”) for an unlimited period. Furthermore, post-enactment capital loss carryovers retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses rather than short-term as they were under previous statute.
The fund has an unused capital loss carryover of $759,912 available for federal income tax purposes to be applied against future net realized capital gains, if any, realized subsequent to September 30, 2013.The fund has $650,204 of post-enactment short-term capital losses and $109,708 of post-enactment long-term capital losses which can be carried forward for an unlimited period.
The tax character of current year distributions will be determined at the end of the current fiscal year.
The Fund 31
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
NOTE 2—Bank Lines of Credit:
The fund participates with other Dreyfus-managed funds in a $265 million unsecured credit facility led by Citibank, N.A. and a $300 million unsecured credit facility provided by The Bank of New York Mellon (each, a “Facility”), each to be utilized primarily for temporary or emergency purposes, including the financing of redemptions. Prior to October 9, 2013, the unsecured credit facility with Citibank, N.A. was $210 million. In connection therewith, the fund has agreed to pay its pro rata portion of commitment fees for each 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 March 31, 2014, the fund did not borrow under the Facilities.
NOTE 3—Investment Advisory Fee, Sub-Investment Advisory Fee, Administration Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates:
(a) Pursuant to an investment advisory agreement with the Manager, the fund has agreed to pay an investment advisory fee at the annual rate of 1.10% of the value of the fund’s average daily net assets other than assets allocated to investments in other investment companies (other underlying funds, which may consist of affiliated funds, mutual funds and exchange traded funds) and is payable monthly. The Manager has contractually agreed, from October 1, 2013 through February 1, 2015 for Class A, Class C and Class I shares and from January 31, 2014 through February 1, 2015 for ClassY shares, to waive receipt of its fees and/or assume the expenses of the fund so that the direct expenses of the fund (excluding Rule 12b-1 Distribution Plan fees, Shareholder Services Plan fees, taxes, interest expense, brokerage commissions, commitment fees on borrowings, acquired fund fees and expenses of the underlying fund and extraordinary expenses) do not exceed 1.35% of the fund’s average daily net assets.The reduction in expenses, pursuant to the undertaking, amounted to $89,032 during the period ended March 31, 2014.
Pursuant to separate sub-investment advisory agreements between Dreyfus and TBCAM and Dreyfus and Mellon Capital, TBCAM and
32
Mellon Capital serve as the fund’s sub-advisers responsible for the day-to-day management of a portion of the fund’s portfolio. Dreyfus has obtained an exemptive order from the SEC, upon which the fund may rely, to use a manager of managers approach that permits Dreyfus, subject to certain conditions and approval by the Board, to enter into and materially amend sub-investment advisory agreements with one or more subadvisers who are either unaffiliated with Dreyfus or are wholly-owned subsidiaries (as defined in the Act) of Dreyfus’ ultimate parent company, BNY Mellon, without obtaining shareholder approval. The order also relieves the fund from disclosing the sub-investment advisory fee paid by Dreyfus to an unaffiliated subadviser 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 Dreyfus separately to a subadviser 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 Dreyfus. Dreyfus has ultimate responsibility (subject to oversight by the Board) to supervise any subadviser and recommend the hiring, termination, and replacement of any subadviser to the Board.
The fund has an Accounting and Administration Agreement (the “Administration Agreement”) with Dreyfus, whereby Dreyfus performs administrative, accounting and recordkeeping services for the fund.The fund has agreed to compensate Dreyfus for providing accounting services, administration, compliance monitoring, regulatory and shareholder reporting, as well as related facilities, equipment and clerical help. The fee is based on the fund’s average daily net assets and computed at the following annual rates: .10% of the first $500 million, .065% of the next $500 million and .02% in excess of $1 billion.
In addition, after applying any expense limitations or fee waivers that reduce the fees paid to Dreyfus for this service, Dreyfus has contractually agreed in writing to waive any remaining fees for this service to the extent that they exceed both Dreyfus’ costs in providing these services and a reasonable allocation of the costs incurred by Dreyfus
The Fund 33
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
and its affiliates related to the support and oversight of these services. The fund also reimburses Dreyfus for the out-of-pocket expenses incurred in performing this service for the fund. Pursuant to the Administration Agreement, the fund was charged $9,065 during the period ended March 31, 2014.
During the period ended March 31, 2014, the Distributor retained $37 from commissions earned on sales of the fund’s Class A shares.
(b) Under the Distribution Plan adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Act, Class C shares pay the Distributor for distributing its shares at an annual rate of .75% of the value of its average daily net assets. During the period ended March 31, 2014, Class C shares were charged $249 pursuant to the Distribution Plan.
(c) Under the Shareholder Services Plan, Class A and Class C shares pay the Distributor at the 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 providing reports and other information, 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 March 31, 2014, Class A and Class C shares were charged $128 and $83, respectively, pursuant to the Shareholder Services Plan.
Under its terms, the Distribution Plan and Shareholder Services Plan shall remain in effect from year to year, provided such continuance is approved annually by a vote of a majority of those Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Trust and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of or in any agreement related to the Distribution Plan or Shareholder Services Plan.
The fund has arrangements with the transfer agent and the custodian whereby the fund may receive earnings credits when positive cash
34
balances are maintained, which are used to offset transfer agency and custody fees. For financial reporting purposes, the fund includes net earnings credits as an expense offset in the Statement of Operations.
The fund compensates DreyfusTransfer, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Manager, under a transfer agency agreement for providing transfer agency and cash management services for the fund. The majority of transfer agency fees are comprised of amounts paid on a per account basis, while cash management fees are related to fund subscriptions and redemptions. During the period ended March 31, 2014, the fund was charged $488 for transfer agency services and $16 for cash management services. These fees are included in Shareholder servicing costs in the Statement of Operations. Cash management fees were partially offset by earnings credits of $1.
The fund compensates The Bank of NewYork 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 March 31, 2014, the fund was charged $60,820 pursuant to the custody agreement.
During the period ended March 31, 2014, the fund was charged $4,547 for services performed by the Chief Compliance Officer and his staff.
The components of “Due to The Dreyfus Corporation and affiliates” in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities consist of: investment advisory fees $69,293, Distribution Plan fees $42, Shareholder Services Plan fees $34, custodian fees $43,288, Chief Compliance Officer fees $2,285, administration fees $5,240 and transfer agency fees $220.
(d) Each Board member also serves as a Board member of other funds within the Dreyfus complex. Annual retainer fees and attendance fees are allocated to each fund based on net assets.
(e) A 2% redemption fee is charged and retained by the fund on certain shares redeemed within sixty days following the date of issuance subject
The Fund 35
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
to certain exceptions, including redemptions made through use of the fund’s exchange privilege. During the period ended March 31, 2014, redemption fees charged and retained by the fund amounted to $4,591.
NOTE 4—Securities Transactions:
The aggregate amount of purchases and sales of investment securities, excluding short-term securities and forward contracts, during the period ended March 31, 2014, amounted to $148,675,604 and $46,838,728, respectively.
Derivatives: A derivative is a financial instrument whose performance is derived from the performance of another asset. Each type of derivative instrument that was held by the fund during the period ended March 31, 2014 is discussed below.
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts: The fund enters into forward contracts in order to hedge its exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates on its foreign portfolio holdings, to settle foreign currency transactions or as a part of its investment strategy. When executing forward contracts, the fund is obligated to buy or sell a foreign currency at a specified rate on a certain date in the future. With respect to sales of forward contracts, the fund incurs a loss if the value of the contract increases between the date the forward contract is opened and the date the forward contract is closed.The fund realizes a gain if the value of the contract decreases between those dates. With respect to purchases of forward contracts, the fund incurs a loss if the value of the contract decreases between the date the forward contract is opened and the date the forward contract is closed.The fund realizes a gain if the value of the contract increases between those dates. Any realized or unrealized gains or losses which occurred during the period are reflected in the Statement of Operations. The fund is exposed to foreign currency risk as a result of changes in value of underlying finan-
36
cial instruments.The fund is also exposed to credit risk associated with counterparty nonperformance on these forward contracts, which is generally limited to the unrealized gain on each open contract. The following summarizes open forward contracts at March 31, 2014:
Foreign | Unrealized | |||||
Forward Foreign Currency | Currency | Appreciation | ||||
Exchange Contracts | Amounts | Cost ($) | Value ($) | (Depreciation) ($) | ||
Purchases: | ||||||
Indian Rupee, | ||||||
Expiring | ||||||
4/2/2014a | 17,253,562 | 289,465 | 288,896 | (569 | ) | |
Indonesian Rupiah, | ||||||
Expiring | ||||||
4/1/2014a | 414,874,646 | 36,457 | 36,521 | 64 | ||
Malaysian Ringgit, | ||||||
Expiring | ||||||
4/2/2014b | 1,518,470 | 465,578 | 465,004 | (574 | ) | |
Mexican New Peso, | ||||||
Expiring | ||||||
4/1/2014c | 2,255,523 | 172,403 | 172,764 | 361 | ||
South African Rand, | ||||||
Expiring | ||||||
4/2/2014d | 474,392 | 44,922 | 45,060 | 138 | ||
South Korean Won, | ||||||
Expiring | ||||||
4/1/2014b | 743,353,404 | 696,570 | 698,345 | 1,775 | ||
Sales: | Proceeds ($) | |||||
Chilean Peso, | ||||||
Expiring | ||||||
4/2/2014e | 141,970,741 | 255,113 | 258,893 | (3,780 | ) | |
Hong Kong Dollar, | ||||||
Expiring | ||||||
4/1/2014f | 5,085,730 | 655,555 | 655,673 | (118 | ) | |
Indian Rupee, | ||||||
Expiring | ||||||
4/3/2014a | 17,116,414 | 284,243 | 286,599 | (2,356 | ) |
The Fund 37
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
Foreign | Unrealized | |||||
Forward Foreign Currency | Currency | Appreciation | ||||
Exchange Contracts | Amounts | Proceeds ($) | Value ($) | (Depreciation) ($) | ||
Sales (continued): | ||||||
Indonesian Rupiah, | ||||||
Expiring | ||||||
4/3/2014a | 1,290,095,112 | 114,067 | 113,565 | 502 | ||
Gross Unrealized | ||||||
Appreciation | 2,840 | |||||
Gross Unrealized | ||||||
Depreciation | (7,397 | ) |
Counterparties:
a | Deutsche Bank |
b | HSBC |
c | Credit Suisse |
d | JP Morgan Chase Bank |
e | Bank of Boston |
f | UBS |
In December 2011, with clarification in January 2013, FASB issued guidance that expands disclosure requirements with respect to the offsetting of certain assets and liabilities.The fund adopted these disclosure provisions during the current reporting period.These disclosures are required for certain investments, including derivative financial instruments subject to master netting arrangements (“MNA”) or similar agreements which are eligible for offsetting in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities and require the fund to disclose both gross and net information with respect to such investments. For financial reporting purposes, the fund does not offset derivative assets and derivative liabilities that are subject to MNA in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.
At March 31, 2014, derivative assets and liabilities (by type) on a gross basis are as follows:
Derivative Financial Instruments: | Assets ($) | Liabilities ($) | |
Forward contracts | 2,840 | (7,397 | ) |
Total gross amount of derivative | |||
assets and liabilities in the | |||
Statement of Assets and Liabilities | 2,840 | (7,397 | ) |
Derivatives not subject to | |||
MNA or similar agreements | 361 | — | |
Total gross amount of assets and | |||
liabilities subject to MNA or | |||
similar agreements | 2,479 | (7,397 | ) |
38
The following tables present derivative assets and liabilities net of amounts available for offsetting under MNA and net of related collateral received or pledged, if any, as of March 31, 2014:
Financial | ||||||||
Instruments | ||||||||
and | ||||||||
Derivatives | Securities | Cash | ||||||
Gross Amount of | Available | Collateral | Collateral | Net Amount | ||||
Counterparties | Assets ($)1 | for Offset ($) | Received ($)2 | Received ($)2 | of Assets ($) | |||
Credit Suisse | 361 | — | — | — | 361 | |||
Deutsche Bank | 566 | (566 | ) | — | — | — | ||
HSBC | 1,775 | (574 | ) | — | — | 1,201 | ||
JP Morgan | ||||||||
Chase Bank | 138 | — | — | — | 138 | |||
Total | 2,840 | (1,140 | ) | — | — | 1,700 | ||
Financial | ||||||||
Instruments | ||||||||
and | ||||||||
Derivatives | Securities | Cash | ||||||
Gross Amount of | Available | Collateral | Collateral | Net Amount of | ||||
Counterparties | Liabilities ($)1 | for Offset ($) | Pledged ($)2 | Pledged ($)2 | Liabilities ($) | |||
Bank of Boston | (3,780 | ) | — | — | — | (3,780 | ) | |
Deutsche Bank | (2,925 | ) | 566 | — | — | (2,359 | ) | |
HSBC | (574 | ) | 574 | — | — | — | ||
UBS | (118 | ) | — | — | — | (118 | ) | |
Total | (7,397 | ) | 1,140 | — | — | (6,257 | ) |
1 | Absent a default event or early termination, over-the-counter derivative assets and liabilities are |
presented at gross amounts and are not offset in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. | |
2 | In some instances, the actual collateral received and/or pledged may be more than the amount |
shown due to overcollateralization. |
The following summarizes the average market value of derivatives outstanding during the period ended March 31, 2014:
Average Market Value ($) | |
Forward contracts | 499,923 |
At March 31, 2014, accumulated net unrealized appreciation on investments was $5,920,970, consisting of $6,443,052 gross unrealized appreciation and $522,082 gross unrealized depreciation.
At March 31, 2014, the cost of investments for federal income tax purposes was substantially the same as the cost for financial reporting purposes (see the Statement of Investments).
The Fund 39
PROXY RESULTS (Unaudited)
Dreyfus Diversified Emerging Markets Fund held a special meeting of shareholders on January 23, 2014. The proposals considered at the meeting and the results are as follows:
Shares | |||||
For | Against | ||||
1 | . | To approve a sub-investment advisory agreement | |||
for the fund between Dreyfus and The Boston | |||||
Company Asset Management, LLC. | 92,965 | 531 | |||
2 | . | To approve a sub-investment advisory agreement | |||
for the fund between Dreyfus and Mellon Capital | |||||
Management Corporation. | 93,039 | 457 | |||
3 | . | To approve the implementation of a “manager of | |||
managers” arrangement whereby Dreyfus the | |||||
fund’s investment adviser, under certain | |||||
circumstances, would be able to hire and | |||||
replace affiliated and unaffiliated sub-advisers | |||||
for the fund without obtaining shareholder approval. | 92,965 | 531 | |||
4 | . | To approve revising the fund’s fundamental | |||
investment restriction on investing in derivatives. | 92,965 | 531 | |||
5 | . | To approve revising the fund’s fundamental | |||
investment restriction on borrowing. | 92,965 | 531 | |||
6 | . | To approve revising the fund’s fundamental | |||
investment restriction on making loans. | 92,965 | 531 | |||
7 | . | To approve removing the fund’s fundamental | |||
investment restriction on margin. | 92,965 | 531 |
40
INFORMATION ABOUT THE RENEWAL OF THE FUND’S
INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND FUND ACCOUNTING
AND ADMINISTRATION SERVICES AGREEMENTS
AND THE APPROVAL OF THE FUND’S
SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT (Unaudited)
At a meeting of the fund’s Board of Trustees held on October 30-31, 2013 (the “October Board Meeting”), Dreyfus recommended the appointment of The Boston Company Asset Management, Inc. (“TBCAM”), an affiliate of Dreyfus, to serve as a sub-adviser for the fund. The recommendation of TBCAM was based on, among other information, Dreyfus’ review and due diligence report relating to TBCAM and its investment advisory services.The Board members also noted that investment personnel of TBCAM currently serve as dual employees of Dreyfus and TBCAM in managing (as Dreyfus employees) the fund and certain other funds in the Dreyfus Family of Funds for which they serve as Board members and that TBCAM currently serves as sub-adviser to certain other funds in the Dreyfus Family of Funds.
At the October Board Meeting, the Board, all of whose members are not “interested persons” (as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”)) of the fund (“Independent Trustees”), considered and approved the Sub-Investment Advisory Agreement between Dreyfus and TBCAM (the “TBCAM Sub-Advisory Agreement”) for the fund. In determining whether to approve the TBCAM Sub-Advisory Agreement, the Board considered the materials prepared by Dreyfus and other information received in advance of the October Board Meeting, which included: (i) a copy of the TBCAM Sub-Advisory Agreement between Dreyfus and TBCAM; (ii) information regarding the process by which Dreyfus selected and recommended TBCAM for Board approval; (iii) information regarding the nature, extent and quality of the services TBCAM would provide to the fund; (iv) information regarding TBCAM’s investment process, reputation, investment management business, personnel and operations; (v) information regardingTBCAM’s brokerage and trading policies and practices; (vi) information regarding the level of sub-investment advisory fee to be charged by TBCAM; (vii) information regarding TBCAM’s compliance program; and (viii) information regarding TBCAM’s financial condition.The Board also considered the substance
The Fund 41
INFORMATION ABOUT THE RENEWAL OF THE FUND’S INVESTMENT
ADVISORY AND FUND ACCOUNTING AND ADMINISTRATION SERVICES
AGREEMENTS AND THE APPROVAL OF THE FUND’S SUB-ADVISORY
AGREEMENT (Unaudited) (continued)
of discussions with representatives of Dreyfus at the October Board Meeting. Additionally, the Board reviewed materials supplied by counsel that were prepared for use by the Board in fulfilling its duties under the 1940 Act.
Nature, Extent and Quality of Services to be Provided by TBCAM. In examining the nature, extent and quality of the services to be provided by TBCAM to the fund, the Board considered (i) TBCAM’s organization, history, reputation, qualification and background, as well as the qualifications of its personnel; (ii) its expertise in providing portfolio management services to other investment portfolios; (iii) its proposed investment strategies for the fund; and (iv) its compliance program.The Board specifically took into account TBCAM’s investment processes and research resources and capabilities, evaluating how TBCAM would complement the other proposed investment strategies for the fund. The Board also discussed the acceptability of the terms of the TBCAM Sub-Advisory Agreement. The Board also considered the review process undertaken by Dreyfus, and Dreyfus’ favorable assessment of the nature and quality of the sub-investment advisory services expected to be provided to the fund by TBCAM. The Board concluded that the fund will benefit from the quality and experience of TBCAM’s investment professionals. Based on their consideration and review of the foregoing information, the Board concluded that the nature, extent and quality of the sub-investment advisory services to be provided by TBCAM were adequate and appropriate in light of TBCAM’s portfolio management and research resources to be applied in managing a portion of the fund’s portfolio, and Dreyfus’ recommendation to engage TBCAM, and supported a decision to approve the TBCAM Sub-Advisory Agreement.
Investment Performance of TBCAM. Because TBCAM would be a new sub-adviser for the fund, the Board could not consider TBCAM’s investment performance in managing the portion of the fund’s portfolio to be allocated toTBCAM as a factor in evaluating theTBCAM Sub-Advisory Agreement during the October Board Meeting. In addition, there were no relevant historical returns for the investment process to be used by the
42
team of portfolio managers at TBCAM managing the portion of the fund’s portfolio to be allocated to TBCAM which is different than the investment process currently used by the fund’s current portfolio managers. The Board discussed with representatives of Dreyfus the investment strategies to be employed by TBCAM in the management of its portion of the fund’s assets.The Board noted TBCAM’s reputation and experience, each portfolio manager’s experience, and Dreyfus’ experience in selecting, evaluating, and overseeing investment managers. Based on these factors, the Board supported a decision to approve the TBCAM Sub-Advisory Agreement.
Costs of Services to be Provided. The Board considered the proposed fee payable under the TBCAM Sub-Advisory Agreement, noting that the proposed fee would be paid by Dreyfus, and not the fund, and, thus, would not impact the fees paid by the fund. The Board concluded that the proposed fee payable to TBCAM by Dreyfus with respect to the assets to be allocated to TBCAM in its capacity as sub-adviser was reasonable and appropriate.
Profitability and Economies of Scale to be Realized. The Board recognized that, because TBCAM’s fee would be paid by Dreyfus, and not the fund, an analysis of profitability and economies of scale was more appropriate in the context of the Board’s consideration of the Investment Advisory Agreement for the fund pursuant to which Dreyfus provides the fund with investment advisory services (the “Investment Advisory Agreement”). Accordingly, considerations of profitability and economies of scale with respect to TBCAM were not relevant to the Board’s determination to approve the TBCAM Sub-Advisory Agreement.
The Board also considered whether there were any ancillary benefits that may accrue to TBCAM and its affiliates as a result of TBCAM’s relationship with the fund. The Board concluded that TBCAM may direct fund brokerage transactions to certain brokers to obtain research and other services. However, the Board noted that TBCAM is required to select brokers who meet the fund’s requirements for seeking best
The Fund 43
INFORMATION ABOUT THE RENEWAL OF THE FUND’S INVESTMENT
ADVISORY AND FUND ACCOUNTING AND ADMINISTRATION SERVICES
AGREEMENTS AND THE APPROVAL OF THE FUND’S SUB-ADVISORY
AGREEMENT (Unaudited) (continued)
execution, and that Dreyfus will monitor and evaluate TBCAM’s trade execution with respect to fund brokerage transactions on a quarterly basis and will provide reports to the Board on these matters. In addition, the Board recognized that, because TBCAM is a subsidiary of The Bank of NewYork Mellon Corporation (“BNY Mellon”), BNY Mellon will benefit from the sub-investment advisory fee paid by Dreyfus to TBCAM.The Board concluded that the benefits that were expected to accrue to TBCAM and its affiliates by virtue of its relationship with the fund were reasonable.
In considering the materials and information described above, the Independent Trustees received assistance from, and met separately with, their independent legal counsel, and were provided with a written description of their statutory responsibilities and the legal standards that are applicable to the approval of investment advisory and sub-investment advisory agreements.
After full consideration of the factors discussed above, with no single factor identified as being of paramount importance, the Board, all of whose members are Independent Trustees, with the assistance of independent legal counsel, concluded that the initial approval of the TBCAM Sub-Advisory Agreement was in the best interests of the fund, and approved the TBCAM Sub-Advisory Agreement for the fund.
———————
At the October Board Meeting, Dreyfus also recommended the appointment of Mellon Capital Management Corporation (“Mellon Capital”), an affiliate of Dreyfus, to serve as a sub-adviser for the fund.The recommendation of Mellon Capital was based on, among other information, Dreyfus’ review and due diligence report relating to Mellon Capital and its investment advisory services. The Board members also noted that investment personnel of Mellon Capital currently serve as dual employees of Dreyfus and Mellon Capital in managing (as Dreyfus employees) certain other funds in the Dreyfus Family of Funds for which they serve as Board members and that Mellon Capital currently serves as sub-adviser to certain other funds in the Dreyfus Family of Funds.
44
At the October Board Meeting, the Board, all of whose members are Independent Trustees, considered and approved the Sub-Investment Advisory Agreement between Dreyfus and Mellon Capital (the “Mellon Capital Sub-Advisory Agreement”). In determining whether to approve the Mellon Capital Sub-Advisory Agreement, the Board considered the materials prepared by Dreyfus and other information received in advance of the October Board Meeting, which included: (i) a copy of the Mellon Capital Sub-Advisory Agreement between Dreyfus and Mellon Capital; (ii) information regarding the process by which Dreyfus selected and recommended Mellon Capital for Board approval; (iii) information regarding the nature, extent and quality of the services Mellon Capital would provide to the fund; (iv) information regarding Mellon Capital’s investment process, reputation, investment management business, personnel and operations; (v) information regarding Mellon Capital’s brokerage and trading policies and practices; (vi) information regarding the level of sub-investment advisory fee to be charged by Mellon Capital; (vii) information regarding Mellon Capital’s compliance program; and (viii) information regarding Mellon Capital’s financial condition.The Board also considered the substance of discussions with representatives of Dreyfus at the October Board Meeting. Additionally, the Board reviewed materials supplied by counsel that were prepared for use by the Board in fulfilling its duties under the 1940 Act.
Nature, Extent and Quality of Services to be Provided by Mellon Capital. In examining the nature, extent and quality of the services to be provided by Mellon Capital to the fund, the Board considered (i) Mellon Capital’s organization, history, reputation, qualification and background, as well as the qualifications of its personnel; (ii) its expertise in providing portfolio management services to other investment portfolios; (iii) its proposed investment strategy for the fund; and (iv) its compliance pro-gram.The Board specifically took into account Mellon Capital’s investment process and research resources and capabilities, evaluating how
The Fund 45
INFORMATION ABOUT THE RENEWAL OF THE FUND’S INVESTMENT
ADVISORY AND FUND ACCOUNTING AND ADMINISTRATION SERVICES
AGREEMENTS AND THE APPROVAL OF THE FUND’S SUB-ADVISORY
AGREEMENT (Unaudited) (continued)
Mellon Capital would complement the other proposed investment strategies for the fund.The Board also discussed the acceptability of the terms of the Mellon Capital Sub-Advisory Agreement.The Board also considered the review process undertaken by Dreyfus, and Dreyfus’ favorable assessment of the nature and quality of the sub-investment advisory services expected to be provided to the fund by Mellon Capital. The Board concluded that the fund will benefit from the quality and experience of Mellon Capital’s investment professionals. Based on their consideration and review of the foregoing information, the Board concluded that the nature, extent and quality of the sub-investment advisory services to be provided by Mellon Capital were adequate and appropriate in light of Mellon Capital’s portfolio management and research resources to be applied in managing a portion of the fund’s portfolio, and Dreyfus’ recommendation to engage Mellon Capital, and supported a decision to approve the Mellon Capital Sub-Advisory Agreement.
Investment Performance of Mellon Capital. Because Mellon Capital would be a new sub-adviser for the fund, the Board could not consider Mellon Capital’s investment performance in managing a portion of the fund’s portfolio as a factor in evaluating the Mellon Capital Sub-Advisory Agreement during the October Board Meeting. In addition, there were no relevant historical returns for the investment process to be used by Mellon Capital managing the portion of the fund’s portfolio to be allocated to Mellon Capital.The Board discussed with representatives of Dreyfus the investment strategies to be employed by Mellon Capital in the management of its portion of the fund’s assets.The Board noted Mellon Capital’s reputation and experience, each portfolio manager’s experience, and Dreyfus’ experience in selecting, evaluating, and overseeing investment managers. Based on these factors, the Board supported a decision to approve the Mellon Capital Sub-Advisory Agreement.
Costs of Services to be Provided. The Board considered the proposed fee payable under the Mellon Capital Sub-Advisory Agreement, noting that the proposed fee would be paid by Dreyfus, and not the fund, and, thus, would not impact the fees paid by the fund.The Board concluded
46
that the proposed fee payable to Mellon Capital by Dreyfus with respect to the assets to be allocated to Mellon Capital in its capacity as sub-adviser was reasonable and appropriate.
Profitability and Economies of Scale to be Realized.The Board recognized that, because Mellon Capital’s fee would be paid by Dreyfus, and not the fund, an analysis of profitability and economies of scale was more appropriate in the context of the Board’s consideration of the Investment Advisory Agreement. Accordingly, considerations of profitability and economies of scale with respect to Mellon Capital were not relevant to the Board’s determination to approve the Mellon Capital Sub-Advisory Agreement.
The Board also considered whether there were any ancillary benefits that may accrue to Mellon Capital and its affiliates as a result of Mellon Capital’s relationship with the fund.The Board concluded that Mellon Capital may direct fund brokerage transactions to certain brokers to obtain research and other services. However, the Board noted that Mellon Capital is required to select brokers who meet the fund’s requirements for seeking best execution, and that Dreyfus will monitor and evaluate Mellon Capital’s trade execution with respect to fund brokerage transactions on a quarterly basis and will provide reports to the Board on these matters. In addition, the Board recognized that, because Mellon Capital is a subsidiary of BNY Mellon, BNY Mellon will benefit from the sub-investment advisory fee paid by Dreyfus to Mellon Capital. The Board concluded that the benefits that were expected to accrue to Mellon Capital and its affiliates by virtue of its relationship with the fund were reasonable.
In considering the materials and information described above, the Independent Trustees received assistance from, and met separately with, their independent legal counsel, and were provided with a written description of their statutory responsibilities and the legal standards that are applicable to the approval of investment advisory and sub-investment advisory agreements.
The Fund 47
INFORMATION ABOUT THE RENEWAL OF THE FUND’S INVESTMENT
ADVISORY AND FUND ACCOUNTING AND ADMINISTRATION SERVICES
AGREEMENTS AND THE APPROVAL OF THE FUND’S SUB-ADVISORY
AGREEMENT (Unaudited) (continued)
After full consideration of the factors discussed above, with no single factor identified as being of paramount importance, the Board, all of whose members are Independent Trustees, with the assistance of independent legal counsel, concluded that the initial approval of the Mellon Capital Sub-Advisory Agreement was in the best interests of the fund, and approved the Mellon Capital Sub-Advisory Agreement for the fund.
———————
At the October Board Meeting, in connection with the engagement of TBCAM and Mellon Capital as sub-advisers for the fund, the Board considered the approval of amendment of the Investment Advisory Agreement and the fund’s Administration Agreement, pursuant to which Dreyfus provides the fund with administrative services (the “Administration Agreement” and together with the Investment Advisory Agreement, the “Agreement”). Dreyfus proposed to amend the Agreement so that no investment advisory fee or administration fee would be applied to the portion of the fund’s average daily net assets allocated to affiliated and unaffiliated open-end and closed-end funds (“Underlying Funds”), effective January 31, 2014 (the “Effective Date”), and to clarify Dreyfus’ ability to engage sub-investment advisers for the day-to-day management of all or a portion of the fund’s assets. The Board members, all of whom are Independent Trustees, were assisted in their review of the Agreement by independent legal counsel and met with counsel in executive session separate from representatives of Dreyfus. Since the Board had renewed the Agreement at a Board meeting earlier in the year (the “2013 15(c) Meeting”), since which there had been no material changes in the information presented other than as discussed below, and would again consider renewal of the Agreement at a Board meeting on February 19-20, 2014 (the “February 2014 Board Meeting”), certain matters normally considered in connection with approval or renewal of an advisory or administration agreement or amendment thereof were not considered.
48
Analysis of Nature, Extent, and Quality of Services Provided to the Fund. The Board considered information available to them at the October Board Meeting and in previous presentations from Dreyfus representatives regarding the nature, extent and quality of services provided to funds in the Dreyfus Family of Funds and that, other than as discussed at the October Board Meeting regarding the engagement of TBCAM and Mellon Capital and investment in Underlying Funds and other changes to the fund’s investment strategies, there would be no material change to the services provided.The Board discussed with representatives of Dreyfus the portfolio management team and the investment strategies to be employed in the management of the fund’s assets under the amended Agreement.
The Board also considered that Dreyfus would continue to provide oversight of day-to-day fund operations, including fund accounting and administration and assistance in meeting legal and regulatory requirements and would supervise TBCAM and Mellon Capital.The Board also considered Dreyfus’ extensive administrative, accounting, and compliance infrastructures.
Comparative Analysis of the Fund’s Performance and Management Fee and Expense Ratio. A Dreyfus representative noted that, as considered at the October Board Meeting, a Special Meeting of Shareholders is proposed for January 23, 2014, and shareholders of the fund would vote on several proposals with respect to the fund to become effective on the Effective Date, including the approval of the TBCAM Sub-Advisory Agreement and the Mellon Capital Sub-Advisory Agreement. Dreyfus representatives further noted that, as of the Effective Date, Dreyfus would allocate one-third of the fund’s total assets toTBCAM, one-third of the fund’s total assets to Mellon Capital and one-third of the fund’s total assets to Underlying Funds. The Board noted that the one-third being managed by TBCAM would be managed by a portfolio man-
The Fund 49
INFORMATION ABOUT THE RENEWAL OF THE FUND’S INVESTMENT
ADVISORY AND FUND ACCOUNTING AND ADMINISTRATION SERVICES
AGREEMENTS AND THE APPROVAL OF THE FUND’S SUB-ADVISORY
AGREEMENT (Unaudited) (continued)
agement team atTBCAM using a different investment process than the one currently used by the fund’s prior portfolio managers who were dual employees of Dreyfus and TBCAM and who not serve as portfolio managers of the fund.
The Board noted that there were no relevant historical returns for the investment process to be used by the fund, which is different than the investment process currently used by the fund’s portfolio managers.The Board also discussed with representatives of Dreyfus the investment strategies to be employed by each of TBCAM and Mellon Capital in the management of its respective portion of the fund’s assets and Dreyfus’ allocation methodology and noted Dreyfus’ experience in selecting, evaluating, and overseeing investment managers.
Dreyfus representatives stated that Dreyfus has contractually agreed to waive receipt of its fees and/or assume the expenses of the fund, until February 1, 2015, so that annual direct fund operating expenses of each of the fund’s share classes (excluding fees and expenses of the Underlying Funds, Rule 12b-1 Distribution Plan fees, shareholder services fees, taxes, interest expense, brokerage commissions, commitment fees on borrowings and extraordinary expenses) do not exceed 1.35% of the fund’s average daily net assets.
Analysis of Profitability and Economies of Scale.The Board had considered profitability, economies of scale and potential benefits to Dreyfus of the Agreement at the 2013 15(c) Meeting. Dreyfus representatives noted that the amendments were anticipated to result in a reduction in Dreyfus’ fee (and therefor negatively impacting profitability and economies of scale) and that potential benefits would not change materially as a result of the amendments from those considered at the 2013 15(c) Meeting (noting that Dreyfus’ fees from Underlying Funds were anticipated to be less than the fees on corresponding assets paid under the Agreement currently).
50
At the conclusion of these discussions, the Board agreed that it had been furnished with sufficient information to make an informed business decision with respect to amendment of the Agreement. Based on the discussions and considerations as described above, the Board concluded and determined as follows.
The Board concluded that the nature, extent and quality of the services to be provided by Dreyfus continue to be adequate and appropriate.
The Board concluded that the fees to be paid to Dreyfus are reason- able in light of the considerations described above.
In evaluating the Agreement, the Board considered these conclusions and determinations and also relied on its previous knowledge, gained through meetings and other interactions with Dreyfus and its affiliates, of the fund and the services provided to the fund by Dreyfus.The Board also relied on information received on a routine and regular basis throughout the year relating to the operations of the fund and the investment management and other services provided under the Agreement, including information on the investment performance of the fund in comparison to similar mutual funds and benchmark performance indices; general market outlook as applicable to the fund; and compliance reports. In addition, the Board’s consideration of the contractual fee arrangements for this fund had the benefit of a number of years of reviews of prior or similar agreements during which lengthy discussions took place between the Board and Dreyfus representatives.
The Fund 51
NOTES
Dreyfus/Newton |
International Equity Fund |
SEMIANNUAL REPORT March 31, 2014
Save time. Save paper. View your next shareholder report online as soon as it’s available. Log into www.dreyfus.com and sign up for Dreyfus eCommunications. It’s simple and only takes a few minutes.
The views expressed in this report reflect those of the portfolio manager only through the end of the period covered and do not necessarily represent the views of Dreyfus or any other person in the Dreyfus organization. Any such views are subject to change at any time based upon market or other conditions and Dreyfus disclaims any responsibility to update such views.These views may not be relied on as investment advice and, because investment decisions for a Dreyfus fund are based on numerous factors, may not be relied on as an indication of trading intent on behalf of any Dreyfus fund.
Not FDIC-Insured • Not Bank-Guaranteed • May Lose Value |
Contents | |
THE FUND | |
2 |
A Letter from the President |
3 |
Discussion of Fund Performance |
6 |
Understanding Your Fund’s Expenses |
6 |
Comparing Your Fund’s Expenses With Those of Other Funds |
7 |
Statement of Investments |
11 |
Statement of Assets and Liabilities |
12 |
Statement of Operations |
13 |
Statement of Changes in Net Assets |
15 |
Financial Highlights |
19 |
Notes to Financial Statements |
35 |
Information About the Renewal of the Fund’s Investment Advisory, Administration and Sub-Investment Advisory Agreements |
FOR MORE INFORMATION | |
Back Cover |
Dreyfus/Newton
International Equity Fund
The Fund
A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
Dear Shareholder:
This semiannual report for Dreyfus/Newton International Equity Fund covers the six-month period from October 1, 2013, through March 31, 2014. For information about how the fund performed during the reporting period, as well as general market perspectives, we provide a Discussion of Fund Performance on the pages that follow.
The past six months produced generally favorable results for international equities. Stocks in the world’s developed markets advanced, on average, as Europe appeared to put its sovereign debt and banking crises behind it, while Japanese equities appreciated more modestly in the wake of previous robust gains as the country endeavored to reflate its long-stagnant domestic economy. In contrast, the emerging markets mostly continued to struggle with local economic slowdowns and depreciating currencies, causing their stock markets to lag global market averages.
Looking forward, we anticipate a pickup in the global economy, led by developed nations amid ongoing monetary stimulus and reduced headwinds related to fiscal austerity and deleveraging.We also expect the U.S. economic recovery to continue to gain traction on its way to producing a 3% annualized growth rate over the next several years. As always, we encourage you to discuss our observations with your financial advisor to assess their potential impact on your investments.
Thank you for your continued confidence and support.
J. Charles Cardona
President
The Dreyfus Corporation
April 15, 2014
2
DISCUSSION OF FUND PERFORMANCE
For the period of October 1, 2013, through March 31, 2014, as provided by Paul Markham, Lead Portfolio Manager of Newton Capital Management Limited, Sub-Investment Adviser
Fund and Market Performance Overview
For the six-month period ended March 31, 2014, Dreyfus/Newton International Equity Fund’s Class A shares produced a total return of 2.27%, Class C shares returned 1.87%, Class I shares returned 2.49%, and Class Y shares returned 2.47%.1 In comparison, the fund’s benchmark, the Morgan Stanley Capital International Europe, Australasia, Far East Index (“MSCI EAFE Index”), produced a total return of 6.41% for the same period.2
Evidence of economic improvement helped support international stock market gains over the reporting period. The fund underperformed its benchmark, mainly due to overweighted exposure to Japan and security selection shortfalls in the financials sector.
The Fund’s Investment Approach
The fund normally invests at least 80% of its assets in common stocks, securities convertible into common stocks of foreign companies, and in depositary receipts evidencing ownership in such securities. The process of selecting investments begins with Newton’s core list of global investment themes.These themes are based on observable economic, industrial, or social trends (typically global) that Newton believes will positively or negatively affect certain sectors or industries. The list of themes is discussed and updated on a regular basis. For instance, Newton’s Debt Burden theme asserts that excessive debt is weighing on economic activity, and that the way in which deleveraging occurs is critical to the outlook for economics and financial markets. Elsewhere, Newton’s Net Effects theme focuses upon the opportunities and risks inherent in the growth of information technology networks around the world.
Signs of Strength in Developed Markets
Investors in the world’s more developed markets generally responded positively to improving global economic data over the reporting period. After several years of economic weakness in Europe, investors began warming to the equity markets’ opportunities as growth picked up in core countries, such as Germany, and long-
The Fund 3
DISCUSSION OF FUND PERFORMANCE (continued)
awaited signs of recovery emerged in some of the region’s more troubled economies. Investors responded particularly positively in November 2013 to a surprise reduction in short-term interest rates by the European Central Bank. However, the Japanese stock market pulled back during the reporting period as it digested earlier gains stemming from President Shinzo Abe’s aggressively stimulative monetary and fiscal policies.The world’s emerging markets also generally struggled due to declining economic growth, widespread political uncertainty, military intervention in Eastern Europe, and a natural disaster in the Philippines.
In this environment, traditionally defensive market segments fared best, including the health care, telecommunications services and utilities sectors. The consumer discretionary, consumer staples and industrials sectors lagged market averages.
Allocation and Selection Strategies Weighed on Results
The fund’s overweighted allocation to Japan proved disadvantageous during the reporting period amid concerns regarding domestic economic conditions and an impending sales tax increase, which particularly affected the fund’s consumer-related holdings. For example, Japan Tobacco and retailer Don Quijote Holdings struggled in anticipation of the tax increase. Japan Tobacco also was hurt by a lack of pricing power and a Chinese ban on smoking in public places. Disappointing stock selections in Europe, including underweighted exposure to rallying financial institutions, weighed on relative results.Among individual holdings, the fund was hurt by Japanese bank Nomura Holdings, which suffered amid investor disenchantment with the government’s stimulus plans; Toyota Motor, which was swept up in the general investor backlash against Japan; and Chinese footwear retailer Belle International Holdings, which faced intensifying pressure from online competition.
The fund achieved better results through successful stock selections in the energy and industrials sectors. The fund’s top individual performers included diversified consumer staples company Associated British Foods, which successfully expanded its discount clothing subsidiary. Japanese building materials provider LIXIL Group recovered from previous concerns over its acquisition activity. Investment manager Aberdeen Asset Management, which was sold during the reporting period, benefited from rallying financial markets. Swiss pharmaceutical developer Actelion reported positive research-and-development news and strong financial results. Swiss insurer
4
Zurich Insurance Group was boosted by positive financial results and the appointment of a new chief financial officer.
Maintaining a Cautious Approach
As of the reporting period’s end, we have maintained a relatively defensive investment posture as we remain wary of the risks associated with chasing market momentum. Nevertheless, changes in market fundamentals and corrections in valuations may provide buying opportunities among securities where we have long-term conviction in their growth potential.
This positioning is reflected in the fund’s overweighted exposure to the health care and consumer discretionary sectors. Conversely, we have identified fewer opportunities in the materials and industrials sectors.Although we have reduced the fund’s underweighted position in the financials sector, we remain cautious regarding European banks. From a country perspective, we have maintained a significantly overweighted position in Japan, as central bank support, positive earnings, and higher inflation could produce gains for fundamentally sound companies with strong competitive positions.
April 15, 2014
Equity funds 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.
Investing internationally involves special risks, including changes in currency exchange rates, political, economic and social instability, a lack of comprehensive company information, differing auditing and legal standards and less market liquidity. The use of derivatives involves risks different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in the underlying assets. Derivatives can be highly volatile, illiquid, and difficult to value and there is the risk that changes in the value of a derivative held by the fund will not correlate with the underlying instruments or the fund’s other investments.
1 Total return includes reinvestment of dividends and any capital gains paid, and does not take into consideration the |
maximum initial sales charge in the case of Class A shares, or the applicable contingent deferred sales charge imposed |
on redemptions in the case of Class C shares. Had these charges been reflected, returns would have been lower. Past |
performance is no guarantee of future results. Share price, yield and investment return fluctuate such that upon |
redemption, fund shares may be worth more or less than their original cost. |
2 SOURCE: LIPPER INC. — Reflects reinvestment of net dividends and, where applicable, capital gain |
distributions.The Morgan Stanley Capital International Europe,Australasia, Far East (MSCI EAFE) Index is an |
unmanaged index composed of a sample of companies representative of the market structure of European and Pacific |
Basin countries.The Index does not take into account fees and expenses to which the fund is subject. Investors cannot |
invest directly in any index. |
The Fund 5
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 Dreyfus/Newton International Equity Fund from October 1, 2013 to March 31, 2014. 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
assuming actual returns for the six months ended March 31, 2014
Class A | Class C | Class I | Class Y | |||||
Expenses paid per $1,000† | $ | 6.56 | $ | 10.32 | $ | 5.10 | $ | 5.10 |
Ending value (after expenses) | $ | 1,022.70 | $ | 1,018.70 | $ | 1,024.90 | $ | 1,024.70 |
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 March 31, 2014
Class A | Class C | Class I | Class Y | |||||
Expenses paid per $1,000† | $ | 6.54 | $ | 10.30 | $ | 5.09 | $ | 5.09 |
Ending value (after expenses) | $ | 1,018.45 | $ | 1,014.71 | $ | 1,019.90 | $ | 1,019.90 |
† Expenses are equal to the fund’s annualized expense ratio of 1.30% for Class A, 2.05% for Class C, 1.01% for |
Class I and 1.01% for ClassY, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 182/365 (to |
reflect the one-half year period). |
6
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS |
March 31, 2014 (Unaudited) |
Common Stocks—96.1% | Shares | Value ($) | |
Australia—.8% | |||
Dexus Property Group | 5,958,988 | 5,858,950 | |
Belgium—1.0% | |||
Anheuser-Busch InBev | 70,272 | 7,386,274 | |
Brazil—.3% | |||
International Meal Company Holdings | 269,558 | a | 2,045,742 |
China—.8% | |||
Sun Art Retail Group | 4,723,000 | 5,937,685 | |
Finland—1.0% | |||
Nokia | 953,463 | a | 7,020,175 |
France—6.8% | |||
Air Liquide | 90,436 | 12,266,843 | |
Sanofi | 130,422 | 13,629,175 | |
Total | 332,838 | 21,860,896 | |
47,756,914 | |||
Germany—8.8% | |||
Bayer | 96,080 | 12,993,611 | |
Brenntag | 53,222 | 9,883,277 | |
Deutsche Bank | 126,056 | 5,638,606 | |
Gerry Weber International | 180,762 | 8,945,214 | |
LEG Immobilien | 212,303 | a | 13,932,458 |
SAP | 132,131 | 10,695,234 | |
62,088,400 | |||
Hong Kong—4.7% | |||
AIA Group | 2,111,912 | 10,034,010 | |
Belle International Holdings | 4,613,255 | 4,603,098 | |
Jardine Matheson Holdings | 172,800 | 10,962,497 | |
Man Wah Holdings | 4,532,800 | 7,675,370 | |
33,274,975 | |||
Israel—1.1% | |||
Bank Hapoalim | 1,317,529 | 7,517,267 |
The Fund 7
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
Common Stocks (continued) | Shares | Value ($) |
Japan—25.7% | ||
Don Quijote Holdings | 245,200 | 12,646,968 |
FANUC | 50,300 | 8,856,456 |
Japan Airlines | 141,493 | 6,955,743 |
Japan Display | 358,200 | 2,502,177 |
Japan Tobacco | 289,600 | 9,080,781 |
Lawson | 135,200 | 9,556,611 |
LIXIL Group | 361,800 | 9,959,955 |
M3 | 452,000 | 7,411,621 |
Makita | 174,200 | 9,618,362 |
Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group | 1,953,800 | 10,717,901 |
NGK Spark Plug | 419,000 | 9,397,075 |
Nissan Motor | 974,700 | 8,674,735 |
Nomura Holdings | 1,954,000 | 12,513,007 |
Sawai Pharmaceutical | 93,600 | 5,732,435 |
Sugi Holdings | 306,700 | 13,663,606 |
Suntory Beverage & Food | 269,600 | 9,279,020 |
Tokyo Electron | 115,900 | 7,115,716 |
TOPCON | 647,900 | 10,593,739 |
Toyota Motor | 306,500 | 17,249,443 |
181,525,351 | ||
Mexico—1.4% | ||
Grupo Financiero Santander Mexico, Cl. B, ADR | 803,041 | 9,869,374 |
Netherlands—3.1% | ||
Reed Elsevier | 401,048 | 8,678,624 |
Wolters Kluwer | 476,291 | 13,452,747 |
22,131,371 | ||
Norway—2.0% | ||
DNB | 820,349 | 14,276,131 |
Philippines—2.5% | ||
Energy Development | 74,735,800 | 9,448,223 |
8
Common Stocks (continued) | Shares | Value ($) | |
Philippines (continued) | |||
LT Group | 22,056,700 | 8,577,931 | |
18,026,154 | |||
Sweden—1.4% | |||
TeliaSonera | 1,289,401 | 9,732,317 | |
Switzerland—14.4% | |||
Actelion | 77,340 | a | 7,333,409 |
Credit Suisse Group | 401,133 | a | 12,989,438 |
Nestle | 267,056 | 20,122,365 | |
Novartis | 218,046 | 18,519,827 | |
Roche Holding | 65,818 | 19,784,004 | |
Swisscom | 12,847 | 7,888,973 | |
Zurich Insurance Group | 49,127 | a | 15,096,794 |
101,734,810 | |||
United Kingdom—20.3% | |||
Associated British Foods | 172,798 | 8,012,995 | |
Barclays | 3,193,827 | 12,457,844 | |
British American Tobacco | 148,648 | 8,275,777 | |
Centrica | 2,287,414 | 12,596,388 | |
GlaxoSmithKline | 552,532 | 14,719,160 | |
Imagination Technologies Group | 677,192 | a | 2,292,181 |
Merlin Entertainments | 1,160,731 | b | 7,298,668 |
Prudential | 891,945 | 18,895,011 | |
Royal Dutch Shell, Cl. B | 513,432 | 20,030,577 | |
SSE | 393,156 | 9,640,177 | |
Vodafone Group | 5,014,044 | 18,459,367 | |
Wolseley | 194,277 | 11,078,082 | |
143,756,227 | |||
Total Common Stocks | |||
(cost $571,762,814) | 679,938,117 |
The Fund 9
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
Other Investment—3.8% | Shares | Value ($) | |
Registered Investment Company; | |||
Dreyfus Institutional Preferred | |||
Plus Money Market Fund | |||
(cost $27,222,874) | 27,222,874 | c | 27,222,874 |
Total Investments (cost $598,985,688) | 99.9 | % | 707,160,991 |
Cash and Receivables (Net) | .1 | % | 589,057 |
Net Assets | 100.0 | % | 707,750,048 |
ADR—American Depository Receipts
a Non-income producing security. |
b Security exempt from registration pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933.This security may be |
resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers.At March 31, 2014, this |
security was valued at $7,298,668 or 1.0% of net assets. |
c Investment in affiliated money market mutual fund. |
Portfolio Summary (Unaudited)† | |||
Value (%) | Value (%) | ||
Financial | 22.7 | Telecommunication Services | 5.1 |
Health Care | 15.7 | Utilities | 4.5 |
Consumer Discretionary | 15.1 | Information Technology | 3.8 |
Consumer Staples | 13.3 | Money Market Investment | 3.8 |
Industrial | 8.3 | Materials | 1.7 |
Energy | 5.9 | 99.9 | |
† Based on net assets. | |||
See notes to financial statements. |
10
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES |
March 31, 2014 (Unaudited) |
Cost | Value | |||
Assets ($): | ||||
Investments in securities—See Statement of Investments: | ||||
Unaffiliated issuers | 571,762,814 | 679,938,117 | ||
Affiliated issuers | 27,222,874 | 27,222,874 | ||
Cash | 1,502,881 | |||
Cash denominated in foreign currencies | 477,922 | 478,494 | ||
Dividends receivable | 3,788,346 | |||
Receivable for investment securities sold | 1,795,024 | |||
Receivable for shares of Beneficial Interest subscribed | 1,741,405 | |||
Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign | ||||
currency exchange contracts—Note 4 | 1,012,750 | |||
Prepaid expenses | 39,616 | |||
717,519,507 | ||||
Liabilities ($): | ||||
Due to The Dreyfus Corporation and affiliates—Note 3(c) | 706,127 | |||
Payable for investment securities purchased | 7,938,195 | |||
Unrealized depreciation on forward foreign | ||||
currency exchange contracts—Note 4 | 550,483 | |||
Payable for shares of Beneficial Interest redeemed | 541,154 | |||
Accrued expenses | 33,500 | |||
9,769,459 | ||||
Net Assets ($) | 707,750,048 | |||
Composition of Net Assets ($): | ||||
Paid-in capital | 585,536,379 | |||
Accumulated undistributed investment income—net | 9,668,828 | |||
Accumulated net realized gain (loss) on investments | 3,869,124 | |||
Accumulated net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) | ||||
on investments and foreign currency transactions | 108,675,717 | |||
Net Assets ($) | 707,750,048 | |||
Net Asset Value Per Share | ||||
Class A | Class C | Class I | Class Y | |
Net Assets ($) | 9,768,783 | 1,246,967 | 688,915,579 | 7,818,719 |
Shares Outstanding | 481,393 | 62,211 | 34,077,022 | 386,937 |
Net Asset Value Per Share ($) | 20.29 | 20.04 | 20.22 | 20.21 |
See notes to financial statements. |
The Fund 11
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS | ||
Six Months Ended March 31, 2014 (Unaudited) | ||
Investment Income ($): | ||
Income: | ||
Cash dividends (net of $503,734 foreign taxes withheld of source): | ||
Unaffiliated issuers | 12,630,228 | |
Affiliated issuers | 9,143 | |
Income from securities lending—Note 1(c) | 11,716 | |
Total Income | 12,651,087 | |
Expenses: | ||
Investment advisory fee—Note 3(a) | 2,374,981 | |
Shareholder servicing costs—Note 3(c) | 325,413 | |
Custodian fees—Note 3(c) | 97,308 | |
Administration fees— Note 3(a) | 91,029 | |
Registration fees | 39,752 | |
Professional fees | 32,857 | |
Trustees’ fees and expenses—Note 3(d) | 19,321 | |
Prospectus and shareholders’ reports | 6,484 | |
Distribution fees—Note 3(b) | 4,516 | |
Loan commitment fees—Note 2 | 2,982 | |
Miscellaneous | 21,798 | |
Total Expenses | 3,016,441 | |
Less—reduction in fees due to earnings credits—Note 3(c) | (4 | ) |
Net Expenses | 3,016,437 | |
Investment Income—Net | 9,634,650 | |
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments—Note 4 ($): | ||
Net realized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency transactions | 19,446,566 | |
Net realized gain (loss) on forward foreign currency exchange contracts | 166,584 | |
Net Realized Gain (Loss) | 19,613,150 | |
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on | ||
investments and foreign currency transactions | (15,140,266 | ) |
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on | ||
forward foreign currency exchange contracts | 1,043,889 | |
Net Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) | (14,096,377 | ) |
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments | 5,516,773 | |
Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations | 15,151,423 | |
See notes to financial statements. |
12
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
Six Months Ended | ||||
March 31, 2014 | Year Ended | |||
(Unaudited) | September 30, 2013a | |||
Operations ($): | ||||
Investment income—net | 9,634,650 | 6,725,897 | ||
Net realized gain (loss) on investments | 19,613,150 | 32,104,423 | ||
Net unrealized appreciation | ||||
(depreciation) on investments | (14,096,377 | ) | 49,773,557 | |
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets | ||||
Resulting from Operations | 15,151,423 | 88,603,877 | ||
Dividends to Shareholders from ($): | ||||
Investment income—net: | ||||
Class A | (142,170 | ) | (88,183 | ) |
Class C | (13,199 | ) | (880 | ) |
Class I | (9,907,582 | ) | (6,512,959 | ) |
Class Y | (20 | ) | — | |
Total Dividends | (10,062,971 | ) | (6,602,022 | ) |
Beneficial Interest Transactions ($): | ||||
Net proceeds from shares sold: | ||||
Class A | 897,513 | 2,287,145 | ||
Class C | 341,088 | 223,635 | ||
Class I | 169,160,940 | 109,529,721 | ||
Class Y | 7,787,350 | 1,000 | ||
Dividends reinvested: | ||||
Class A | 141,362 | 87,532 | ||
Class C | 13,199 | 880 | ||
Class I | 4,475,491 | 2,853,477 | ||
Cost of shares redeemed: | ||||
Class A | (753,661 | ) | (1,685,573 | ) |
Class C | (96,034 | ) | (101,618 | ) |
Class I | (24,955,371 | ) | (87,866,516 | ) |
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets | ||||
from Beneficial Interest Transactions | 157,011,877 | 25,329,683 | ||
Total Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets | 162,100,329 | 107,331,538 | ||
Net Assets ($): | ||||
Beginning of Period | 545,649,719 | 438,318,181 | ||
End of Period | 707,750,048 | 545,649,719 | ||
Undistributed investment income—net | 9,668,828 | 10,097,149 |
The Fund 13
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (continued)
Six Months Ended | ||||
March 31, 2014 | Year Ended | |||
(Unaudited) | September 30, 2013a | |||
Capital Share Transactions: | ||||
Class A | ||||
Shares sold | 44,442 | 122,017 | ||
Shares issued for dividends reinvested | 7,216 | 5,089 | ||
Shares redeemed | (37,034 | ) | (90,839 | ) |
Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares Outstanding | 14,624 | 36,267 | ||
Class C | ||||
Shares sold | 17,075 | 11,768 | ||
Shares issued for dividends reinvested | 680 | 52 | ||
Shares redeemed | (4,760 | ) | (5,821 | ) |
Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares Outstanding | 12,995 | 5,999 | ||
Class I | ||||
Shares sold | 8,463,721 | 5,861,410 | ||
Shares issued for dividends reinvested | 229,512 | 166,675 | ||
Shares redeemed | (1,240,051 | ) | (4,836,153 | ) |
Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares Outstanding | 7,453,182 | 1,191,932 | ||
Class Y | ||||
Shares sold | 386,884 | 52.85 | ||
a Effective July 1, 2013, the fund commenced offering ClassY shares. | ||||
See notes to financial statements. |
14
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.Total return shows how much your investment in the fund would have increased (or decreased) during each period, assuming you had reinvested all dividends and distributions.These figures have been derived from the fund’s financial statements.
Six Months Ended | ||||||||||||
March 31, 2014 | Year Ended September 30, | |||||||||||
Class A Shares | (Unaudited) | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | ||||||
Per Share Data ($): | ||||||||||||
Net asset value, | ||||||||||||
beginning of period | 20.15 | 16.96 | 14.74 | 16.80 | 16.27 | 18.18 | ||||||
Investment Operations: | ||||||||||||
Investment income—neta | .28 | .21 | .18 | .19 | .21 | .29 | ||||||
Net realized and unrealized | ||||||||||||
gain (loss) on investments | .17 | 3.19 | 2.52 | (1.82 | ) | .44 | (1.57 | ) | ||||
Total from Investment Operations | .45 | 3.40 | 2.70 | (1.63 | ) | .65 | (1.28 | ) | ||||
Distributions: | ||||||||||||
Dividends from | ||||||||||||
investment income—net | (.31 | ) | (.21 | ) | (.23 | ) | (.17 | ) | (.12 | ) | (.16 | ) |
Dividends from net realized | ||||||||||||
gain on investments | — | — | (.25 | ) | (.26 | ) | — | (.47 | ) | |||
Total Distributions | (.31 | ) | (.21 | ) | (.48 | ) | (.43 | ) | (.12 | ) | (.63 | ) |
Net asset value, end of period | 20.29 | 20.15 | 16.96 | 14.74 | 16.80 | 16.27 | ||||||
Total Return (%)b | 2.27 | c | 20.24 | 18.92 | (10.10 | ) | 3.99 | (6.33 | ) | |||
Ratios/Supplemental Data (%): | ||||||||||||
Ratio of total expenses | ||||||||||||
to average net assets | 1.30 | d | 1.34 | 1.32 | 1.32 | 1.32 | 1.52 | |||||
Ratio of net expenses | ||||||||||||
to average net assets | 1.30 | d | 1.34 | 1.32 | 1.32 | 1.32 | 1.26 | |||||
Ratio of net investment income | ||||||||||||
to average net assets | 2.73 | d | 1.11 | 1.14 | 1.06 | 1.29 | 2.27 | |||||
Portfolio Turnover Rate | 25.73 | c | 55.27 | 57.88 | 63.28 | 64.45 | 115.69 | |||||
Net Assets, end of period | ||||||||||||
($ x 1,000) | 9,769 | 9,404 | 7,300 | 9,766 | 18,901 | 16,864 |
a | Based on average shares outstanding at each month end. |
b | Exclusive of sales charge. |
c | Not annualized. |
d | Annualized. |
See notes to financial statements.
The Fund 15
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)
Six Months Ended | ||||||||||||
March 31, 2014 | Year Ended September 30, | |||||||||||
Class C Shares | (Unaudited) | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | ||||||
Per Share Data ($): | ||||||||||||
Net asset value, | ||||||||||||
beginning of period | 19.90 | 16.70 | 14.54 | 16.59 | 16.17 | 18.14 | ||||||
Investment Operations: | ||||||||||||
Investment income—neta | .21 | .05 | .07 | .05 | .08 | .26 | ||||||
Net realized and unrealized | ||||||||||||
gain (loss) on investments | .16 | 3.17 | 2.47 | (1.79 | ) | .45 | (1.59 | ) | ||||
Total from Investment Operations | .37 | 3.22 | 2.54 | (1.74 | ) | .53 | (1.33 | ) | ||||
Distributions: | ||||||||||||
Dividends from | ||||||||||||
investment income—net | (.23 | ) | (.02 | ) | (.13 | ) | (.05 | ) | (.11 | ) | (.17 | ) |
Dividends from net realized | ||||||||||||
gain on investments | — | — | (.25 | ) | (.26 | ) | — | (.47 | ) | |||
Total Distributions | (.23 | ) | (.02 | ) | (.38 | ) | (.31 | ) | (.11 | ) | (.64 | ) |
Net asset value, end of period | 20.04 | 19.90 | 16.70 | 14.54 | 16.59 | 16.17 | ||||||
Total Return (%)b | 1.87 | c | 19.31 | 17.92 | (10.79 | ) | 3.20 | (6.67 | ) | |||
Ratios/Supplemental Data (%): | ||||||||||||
Ratio of total expenses | ||||||||||||
to average net assets | 2.05 | d | 2.13 | 2.16 | 2.07 | 2.11 | 1.83 | |||||
Ratio of net expenses | ||||||||||||
to average net assets | 2.05 | d | 2.13 | 2.16 | 2.07 | 2.11 | 1.42 | |||||
Ratio of net investment income | ||||||||||||
to average net assets | 2.08 | d | .28 | .42 | .31 | .52 | 2.07 | |||||
Portfolio Turnover Rate | 25.73 | c | 55.27 | 57.88 | 63.28 | 64.45 | 115.69 | |||||
Net Assets, end of period | ||||||||||||
($ x 1,000) | 1,247 | 979 | 722 | 924 | 1,345 | 1,191 |
a | Based on average shares outstanding at each month end. |
b | Exclusive of sales charge. |
c | Not annualized. |
d | Annualized. |
See notes to financial statements.
16
Six Months Ended | ||||||||||||
March 31, 2014 | Year Ended September 30, | |||||||||||
Class I Shares | (Unaudited) | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | ||||||
Per Share Data ($): | ||||||||||||
Net asset value, | ||||||||||||
beginning of period | 20.10 | 16.92 | 14.77 | 16.84 | 16.27 | 18.21 | ||||||
Investment Operations: | ||||||||||||
Investment income—neta | .32 | .26 | .24 | .26 | .25 | .30 | ||||||
Net realized and unrealized | ||||||||||||
gain (loss) on investments | .17 | 3.18 | 2.49 | (1.86 | ) | .45 | (1.59 | ) | ||||
Total from Investment Operations | .49 | 3.44 | 2.73 | (1.60 | ) | .70 | (1.29 | ) | ||||
Distributions: | ||||||||||||
Dividends from | ||||||||||||
investment income—net | (.37 | ) | (.26 | ) | (.33 | ) | (.21 | ) | (.13 | ) | (.18 | ) |
Dividends from net realized | ||||||||||||
gain on investments | — | — | (.25 | ) | (.26 | ) | — | (.47 | ) | |||
Total Distributions | (.37 | ) | (.26 | ) | (.58 | ) | (.47 | ) | (.13 | ) | (.65 | ) |
Net asset value, end of period | 20.22 | 20.10 | 16.92 | 14.77 | 16.84 | 16.27 | ||||||
Total Return (%) | 2.49 | b | 20.62 | 19.27 | (9.90 | ) | 4.31 | (6.32 | ) | |||
Ratios/Supplemental Data (%): | ||||||||||||
Ratio of total expenses | ||||||||||||
to average net assets | 1.01 | c | 1.01 | 1.04 | 1.05 | 1.07 | 1.16 | |||||
Ratio of net expenses | ||||||||||||
to average net assets | 1.01 | c | 1.01 | 1.04 | 1.05 | 1.07 | 1.13 | |||||
Ratio of net investment income | ||||||||||||
to average net assets | 3.25 | c | 1.42 | 1.54 | 1.48 | 1.57 | 2.41 | |||||
Portfolio Turnover Rate | 25.73 | b | 55.27 | 57.88 | 63.28 | 64.45 | 115.69 | |||||
Net Assets, end of period | ||||||||||||
($ x 1,000) | 688,916 | 535,265 | 430,297 | 484,349 | 500,811 | 331,986 |
a | Based on average shares outstanding at each month end. |
b | Not annualized. |
c | Annualized. |
See notes to financial statements.
The Fund 17
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)
Six Months Ended | |||
March 31, 2014 | Period Ended | ||
Class Y Shares | (Unaudited) | September 30, 2013a | |
Per Share Data ($): | |||
Net asset value, beginning of period | 20.11 | 18.74 | |
Investment Operations: | |||
Investment income—netb | .37 | .06 | |
Net realized and unrealized | |||
gain (loss) on investments | .11 | 1.31 | |
Total from Investment Operations | .48 | 1.37 | |
Distributions: | |||
Dividends from investment income—net | (.38 | ) | — |
Net asset value, end of period | 20.21 | 20.11 | |
Total Return (%)c | 2.47 | 6.29 | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data (%): | |||
Ratio of total expenses to average net assetsd | 1.01 | .94 | |
Ratio of net expenses to average net assetsd | 1.01 | .94 | |
Ratio of net investment income | |||
to average net assetsd | 5.17 | 1.19 | |
Portfolio Turnover Rate | 25.73 | c | 55.27 |
Net Assets, end of period ($ x 1,000) | 7,819 | 1 |
a From the close of business on July 1, 2013 (commencement of initial offering) to September 30, 2013. b Based on average shares outstanding at each month end. c Not annualized. d Annualized.
See notes to financial statements.
18
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
NOTE 1—Significant Accounting Policies:
Dreyfus/Newton International Equity Fund (the “fund”) is a separate diversified series of Dreyfus Investment Funds (the “Trust”), 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 seven series, including the fund.The fund’s investment objective is to seek long-term growth of capital. The Dreyfus Corporation (the “Manager” or “Dreyfus”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (“BNY Mellon”), serves as the fund’s investment adviser. Newton Capital Management Limited (“Newton”) serves as the fund’s sub-investment adviser.
MBSC Securities Corporation (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dreyfus, is the distributor of the fund’s shares.The fund is authorized to issue an unlimited number of $.001 par value shares of Beneficial Interest in the following classes of shares: Class A, Class C, Class I and ClassY. Class A and Class C shares are sold primarily to retail investors through financial intermediaries and bear Distribution and/or Shareholder Services Plan fees. Class A shares generally are subject to a sales charge imposed at the time of purchase. Class C shares are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”) imposed on Class C shares redeemed within one year of purchase. Class I shares are sold primarily to bank trust departments and other financial services providers (including The Bank of NewYork Mellon, a subsidiary of BNY Mellon and an affiliate of Dreyfus, and its affiliates), acting on behalf of customers having a qualified trust or an investment account or relationship at such institution, and bear no Distribution or Shareholder Services Plan fees. Class I shares are offered without a front-end sales charge or CDSC. ClassY shares are offered at net asset value generally to institutional investors. Other differences
The Fund 19
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
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 Trust accounts separately for the assets, liabilities and operations of each series. Expenses directly attributable to each series are charged to 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 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 Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) under authority of federal laws are also sources of authoritative GAAP for SEC registrants. 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.
(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.
20
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.).
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 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. 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, except for open short positions, where the asked price is 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 categorized within Level 1 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
The Fund 21
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
and financial 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 reflect accurately 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 Trust’s Board of Trustees (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.
For restricted securities where observable inputs are limited, assumptions about market activity and risk are used and are categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
Investments denominated in foreign currencies are translated to U.S. dollars at the prevailing rates of exchange.
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts (“forward contracts”) are valued at the forward rate and are generally categorized within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
The following is a summary of the inputs used as of March 31, 2014 in valuing the fund’s investments:
Level 2—Other | Level 3— | |||
Level 1— | Significant | Significant | ||
Unadjusted | Observable | Unobservable | ||
Quoted Prices | Inputs | Inputs | Total | |
Assets ($) | ||||
Investments in Securities: | ||||
Equity Securities— | ||||
Foreign | ||||
Common Stocks† 9,869,374 | 670,068,743 | †† | — | 679,938,117 |
22
Level 2—Other | Level 3— | ||||
Level 1— | Significant | Significant | |||
Unadjusted | Observable | Unobservable | |||
Quoted Prices | Inputs | Inputs | Total | ||
Assets ($) (continued) | |||||
Investments in Securities | |||||
(continued): | |||||
Mutual Funds | 27,222,874 | — | — | 27,222,874 | |
Other Financial | |||||
Instruments: | |||||
Forward Foreign | |||||
Currency Exchange | |||||
Contracts††† | — | 1,012,750 | — | 1,012,750 | |
Liabilities ($) | |||||
Other Financial | |||||
Instruments: | |||||
Forward Foreign | |||||
Currency Exchange | |||||
Contracts††† | — | (550,483) | — | (550,483 | ) |
† | See Statement of Investments for additional detailed categorizations. |
†† | Securities classified within Level 2 at period end as the values were determined pursuant to the |
fund’s fair valuation procedures. | |
††† | Amount shown represents unrealized appreciation (depreciation) at period end. |
At September 30, 2013, $522,098,678 of exchange traded foreign equity securities were classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy pursuant to the fund’s fair valuation procedures.
(b) Foreign currency transactions: The fund does not isolate that portion of the results of operations resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates on investments from the fluctuations arising from changes in the market prices of securities held. Such fluctuations are included with the net realized and unrealized gain or loss on investments.
Net realized foreign exchange gains or losses arise from sales of foreign currencies, currency gains or losses realized on securities transactions between trade and settlement date, and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the fund’s books and the U.S. dollar equivalent of the amounts actu-
The Fund 23
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
ally received or paid. Net unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses arise from changes in the value of assets and liabilities other than investments resulting from changes in exchange rates. Foreign currency gains and losses on foreign currency transactions are also included with net realized and unrealized gain or loss on investments.
(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, 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 Dreyfus or U.S. Government and Agency securities.The fund is entitled to receive all dividends, interest and distributions on 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 NewYork 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. During the period ended March 31, 2014, The Bank of New York Mellon earned $2,322 from lending portfolio securities, pursuant to the securities lending agreement.
24
(d) Affiliated issuers: Investments in other investment companies advised by Dreyfus are defined as “affiliated” under the Act. Investments in affiliated investment companies during the period ended March 31, 2014 were as follows:
Affiliated | |||||
Investment | Value | Value | Net | ||
Company | 9/30/2013 ($) | Purchases ($) | Sales ($) | 3/31/2014 (%) | Assets ($) |
Dreyfus | |||||
Institutional | |||||
Preferred | |||||
Plus Money | |||||
Market | |||||
Fund | 10,666,351 | 181,076,551 | 164,520,028 | 27,222,874 | 3.8 |
Dreyfus | |||||
Institutional | |||||
Cash | |||||
Advantage | |||||
Fund | — | 9,322,774 | 9,322,774 | — | — |
Total | 10,666,351 | 190,399,325 | 173,842,802 | 27,222,874 | 3.8 |
(e) Risk: Investing in foreign markets may involve special risks and considerations not typically associated with investing in the U.S.These risks include revaluation of currencies, high rates of inflation, repatriation restrictions on income and capital, and adverse political and economic developments. Moreover, securities issued in these markets may be less liquid, subject to government ownership controls and delayed settlements, and their prices may be more volatile than those of comparable securities in the U.S.
(f) Dividends to shareholders: Dividends 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
The Fund 25
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”).To the extent that net realized capital gains can be offset by capital loss carryovers, it is the policy of the fund not to distribute such gains. Income and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with income tax regulations, which may differ from GAAP.
(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 sufficient to relieve it from substantially all federal income and excise taxes.
As of and during the period ended March 31, 2014, 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 March 31, 2014, the fund did not incur any interest or penalties.
Each tax year in the three-year period ended September 30, 2013 remains subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service and state taxing authorities.
Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010 (the “2010 Act”), the fund is permitted to carry forward capital losses incurred in taxable years beginning after December 22, 2010 (“post-enactment losses”) for an unlimited period. Furthermore, post-enactment capital loss carryovers retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses rather than short-term as they were under previous statute.
The fund has an unused capital loss carryover of $11,348,310 available for federal income tax purposes to be applied against future net realized capital gains, if any, realized subsequent to September 30, 2013. The fund has $6,709,345 of post-enactment short-term capital losses and $4,638,965 post-enactment long-term capital losses which can be carried forward for an unlimited period.
26
The tax character of distributions paid to shareholders during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2013 was as follows: ordinary income $6,602,022. The tax character of current year distributions will be determined at the end of the current fiscal year.
NOTE 2—Bank Lines of Credit:
The fund participates with other Dreyfus-managed funds in a $265 million unsecured credit facility led by Citibank, N.A. and a $300 million unsecured credit facility provided by The Bank of New York Mellon (each, a “Facility”), each to be utilized primarily for temporary or emergency purposes, including the financing of redemptions. Prior to October 9, 2013, the unsecured credit facility with Citibank, N.A. was $210 million. In connection therewith, the fund has agreed to pay its pro rata portion of commitment fees for each 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 March 31, 2014, the fund did not borrow under the Facilities.
NOTE 3—Investment Advisory Fee, Sub-Investment Advisory Fee, Administration Fee and Other Transactions With Affiliates:
(a) Pursuant to an investment advisory agreement with Dreyfus, the investment advisory fee is computed at the annual rate of .80% of the value of the fund’s average daily net assets and is payable monthly.
Pursuant to a sub-investment advisory agreement between Dreyfus and Newton, Dreyfus pays Newton a monthly fee at an annual percentage rate of the value of the fund’s average daily net assets.
The fund has an Accounting and Administration Agreement (the “Administration Agreement”) with Dreyfus, whereby Dreyfus performs administrative and accounting services for the fund. The fund has agreed to compensate Dreyfus for providing accounting services,
The Fund 27
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
administration, compliance monitoring, regulatory and shareholder reporting, as well as related facilities and equipment. The fee is based on the fund’s average daily net assets and computed at the following annual rates: .10% of the first $500 million, .065% of the next $500 million and .02% in excess of $1 billion.
In addition, after applying any expense limitations or fee waivers that reduce the fees paid to Dreyfus for this service, Dreyfus has contractually agreed in writing to waive any remaining fees for this service to the extent that they exceed both Dreyfus’ costs in providing these services and a reasonable allocation of the costs incurred by Dreyfus and its affiliates related to the support and oversight of these services.The fund also reimburses Dreyfus for the out-of-pocket expenses incurred in performing this service for the fund. Pursuant to the Administration Agreement, the fund was charged $91,029 during the period ended March 31, 2014.
(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. During the period ended March 31, 2014, Class C shares were charged $4,516 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 providing reports and other information, 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 March 31, 2014, Class A and Class C shares were charged $11,835 and $1,506, respectively, pursuant to the Shareholder Services Plan.
Under its terms, the Distribution Plan and Shareholder Services Plan shall remain in effect from year to year, provided such continuance is
28
approved annually by a vote of a majority of those Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Trust and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of or in any agreement related to the Distribution Plan or Shareholder Services Plan.
The fund has arrangements with the transfer agent and the custodian whereby the fund may receive earnings credits when positive cash balances are maintained, which are used to offset transfer agency and custody fees. For financial reporting purposes, the fund includes net earnings credits as an expense offset in the Statement of Operations.
The fund compensates DreyfusTransfer, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dreyfus, under a transfer agency agreement for providing transfer agency and cash management services for the fund. The majority of transfer agency fees are comprised of amounts paid on a per account basis, while cash management fees are related to fund subscriptions and redemptions. During the period ended March 31, 2014, the fund was charged $1,628 for transfer agency services and $47 for cash management services.These fees are included in Shareholder servicing costs in the Statement of Operations. Cash management fees were partially offset by earnings credits of $4.
The fund compensates The Bank of NewYork 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 March 31, 2014, the fund was charged $97,308 pursuant to the custody agreement.
During the period ended March 31, 2014, the fund was charged $4,547 for services performed by the Chief Compliance Officer and his staff.
The components of “Due to The Dreyfus Corporation and affiliates” in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities consist of: investment advisory fees $462,137, Distribution Plan fees $785, Shareholder Services Plan fees $2,313, custodian fees $75,868, Chief Compliance Officer fees $2,285, administration fees $15,170 and transfer agency fees $147,569.
The Fund 29
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
(d) Each Board member also serves as a Board member of other funds within the Dreyfus 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 and forward contracts, during the period ended March 31, 2014, amounted to $295,973,176 and $149,246,785, respectively.
Derivatives: A derivative is a financial instrument whose performance is derived from the performance of another asset. Each type of derivative instrument that was held by the fund during the period ended March 31, 2014 is discussed below.
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts: The fund enters into forward contracts in order to hedge its exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates on its foreign portfolio holdings, to settle foreign currency transactions or as a part of its investment strategy.When executing forward contracts, the fund is obligated to buy or sell a foreign currency at a specified rate on a certain date in the future. With respect to sales of forward contracts, the fund incurs a loss if the value of the contract increases between the date the forward contract is opened and the date the forward contract is closed.The fund realizes a gain if the value of the contract decreases between those dates.With respect to purchases of forward contracts, the fund incurs a loss if the value of the contract decreases between the date the forward contract is opened and the date the forward contract is closed. The fund realizes a gain if the value of the contract increases between those dates. Any realized or unrealized gains or losses which occurred during the period are reflected in the Statement of Operations.The fund is exposed to foreign currency risk as a result of changes in value of underlying financial instruments. The fund is also exposed to credit risk associated with counterparty nonperformance on these forward contracts, which is generally limited
30
to the unrealized gain on each open contract.The following summarizes open forward contracts at March 31, 2014:
Foreign | Unrealized | ||||||
Forward Foreign Currency | Currency | Appreciation | |||||
Exchange Contracts | Amounts | Cost ($) | Value ($) | (Depreciation) ($) | |||
Purchases: | |||||||
Australian Dollar, | |||||||
Expiring | |||||||
5/15/2014 a | 12,522,756 | 11,160,903 | 11,577,577 | 416,674 | |||
British Pound, | |||||||
Expiring | |||||||
4/1/2014 a | 1,063,829 | 1,767,924 | 1,773,551 | 5,627 | |||
Euro, | |||||||
Expiring: | |||||||
4/1/2014 b | 703,809 | 970,718 | 969,607 | (1,111 | ) | ||
6/13/2014 c | 3,841,237 | 5,274,178 | 5,291,290 | 17,112 | |||
Hong Kong Dollar, | |||||||
Expiring | |||||||
4/1/2014 b | 2,165,505 | 279,164 | 279,186 | 22 | |||
Japanese Yen, | |||||||
Expiring: | |||||||
4/1/2014 b | 284,970 | 2,788 | 2,761 | (27 | ) | ||
4/2/2014 d | 219,996,201 | 2,149,863 | 2,131,436 | (18,427 | ) | ||
4/3/2014 b | 52,648,370 | 510,103 | 510,084 | (19 | ) | ||
5/15/2014 b | 510,636,000 | 5,018,289 | 4,948,512 | (69,777 | ) | ||
5/15/2014 d | 1,123,166,000 | 11,037,944 | 10,884,467 | (153,477 | ) | ||
6/13/2014 d | 541,319,000 | 5,319,827 | 5,246,650 | (73,177 | ) | ||
Norwegian Krone, | |||||||
Expiring | |||||||
4/1/2014 d | 1,183,830 | 197,247 | 197,707 | 460 | |||
Philippine Peso, | |||||||
Expiring | |||||||
4/2/2014 e | 10,894,953 | 243,028 | 242,947 | (81 | ) | ||
Swedish Krona, | |||||||
Expiring: | |||||||
4/1/2014 c | 845,335 | 130,368 | 130,608 | 240 | |||
5/15/2014 d | 33,059,176 | 5,066,773 | 5,104,135 | 37,362 | |||
Swiss Franc, | |||||||
Expiring | |||||||
4/1/2014 b | 1,214,526 | 1,368,234 | 1,373,821 | 5,587 |
The Fund 31
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
Foreign | Unrealized | ||||||
Forward Foreign Currency | Currency | Appreciation | |||||
Exchange Contracts | Amounts | Proceeds ($) | Value ($) | (Depreciation) ($) | |||
Sales: | |||||||
Australian Dollar, | |||||||
Expiring | |||||||
5/15/2014 d | 12,192,119 | 11,037,944 | 11,271,895 | (233,951 | ) | ||
British Pound, | |||||||
Expiring | |||||||
4/2/2014 b | 100,028 | 166,324 | 166,760 | (436 | ) | ||
Euro, | |||||||
Expiring | |||||||
6/13/2014 d | 3,840,986 | 5,319,827 | 5,290,945 | 28,882 | |||
Japanese Yen, | |||||||
Expiring: | |||||||
5/15/2014 a | 1,123,166,000 | 11,160,903 | 10,884,467 | 276,436 | |||
5/15/2014 d | 510,636,000 | 5,066,773 | 4,948,512 | 118,261 | |||
6/13/2014 c | 541,319,000 | 5,274,178 | 5,246,650 | 27,528 | |||
Swedish Krona, | |||||||
Expiring | |||||||
5/15/2014 b | 31,994,336 | 5,018,289 | 4,939,730 | 78,559 | |||
Gross Unrealized | |||||||
Appreciation | 1,012,750 | ||||||
Gross Unrealized | |||||||
Depreciation | (550,483 | ) |
Counterparties: | |
a | UBS |
b | Royal Bank of Scotland |
c | Barclays Bank |
d | JP Morgan Chase Bank |
e | Deutsche Bank |
In December 2011, with clarification in January 2013, FASB issued guidance that expands disclosure requirements with respect to the offsetting of certain assets and liabilities.The fund adopted these disclosure provisions during the current reporting period.These disclosures are required for certain investments, including derivative financial instruments subject to master netting arrangements (“MNA”) or similar agreements which are eligible for offsetting in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities and require the fund to disclose both gross and net information with respect to such investments. For financial reporting purposes, the fund does not offset derivative assets and derivative liabilities that are subject to MNA in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.
32
At March 31, 2014, derivative assets and liabilities (by type) on a gross basis are as follows:
Derivative Financial Instruments: | Assets ($) | Liabilities ($) | |
Forward contracts | 1,012,750 | (550,483 | ) |
Total gross amount of derivative | |||
assets and liabilities in the | |||
Statement of Assets and Liabilities | 1,012,750 | (550,483 | ) |
Derivatives not subject to | |||
MNA or similar agreements | — | — | |
Total gross amount of assets and | |||
liabilities subject to MNA or | |||
similar agreements | 1,012,750 | (550,483 | ) |
The following tables present derivative assets and liabilities net of amounts available for offsetting under MNA and net of related collateral received or pledged, if any, as of March 31, 2014:
Financial | ||||||||
Instruments | ||||||||
and | ||||||||
Derivatives | Securities | Cash | ||||||
Gross Amount of | Available | Collateral | Collateral | Net Amount | ||||
Counterparties | Assets ($)1 | for Offset ($) | Received ($)2 | Received ($)2 | of Assets ($) | |||
Barclays Bank | 44,880 | — | — | — | 44,880 | |||
JP Morgan | ||||||||
Chase Bank | 184,965 | (184,965 | ) | — | — | — | ||
Royal Bank of | ||||||||
Scotland | 84,168 | (71,370 | ) | — | — | 12,798 | ||
UBS | 698,737 | — | — | — | 698,737 | |||
Total | 1,012,750 | (256,335 | ) | — | — | 756,415 | ||
Financial | ||||||||
Instruments | ||||||||
and | ||||||||
Derivatives | Securities | Cash | ||||||
Gross Amount of | Available | Collateral | Collateral | Net Amount of | ||||
Counterparties | Liabilities ($)1 | for Offset ($) | Pledged ($)2 | Pledged ($)2 | Liabilities ($) | |||
Deutsche Bank | (81 | ) | — | — | — | (81 | ) | |
JP Morgan | ||||||||
Chase Bank | (479,032 | ) | 184,965 | — | — | (294,067 | ) | |
Royal Bank of | ||||||||
Scotland | (71,370 | ) | 71,370 | — | — | — | ||
Total | (550,483 | ) | 256,335 | — | — | (294,148 | ) |
1 | Absent a default event or early termination, over-the-counter derivative assets and liabilities are |
presented at gross amounts and are not offset in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. | |
2 | In some instances, the actual collateral received and/or pledged may be more than the amount |
shown due to overcollateralization. |
The Fund 33
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
The following summarizes the average market value of derivatives outstanding during the period ended March 31, 2014:
Average Market Value ($) | |
Forward contracts | 43,894,602 |
At March 31, 2014, accumulated net unrealized appreciation on investments was $108,175,303, consisting of $124,977,920 gross unrealized appreciation and $16,802,617 gross unrealized depreciation.
At March 31, 2014, the cost of investments for federal income tax purposes was substantially the same as the cost for financial reporting purposes (see the Statement of Investments).
34
INFORMATION ABOUT THE RENEWAL OF THE FUND’S |
INVESTMENT ADVISORY, ADMINISTRATION AND |
SUB-INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENTS (Unaudited) |
At a meeting of the fund’s Board of Trustees held on February 19-20, 2014, the Board considered the renewal of the fund’s Investment Advisory Agreement and Administration Agreement, pursuant to which Dreyfus provides the fund with investment advisory services and administrative services (together, the “Agreement”), and the Sub-Investment Advisory Agreement (together, the “Agreements”), pursuant to which Newton Capital Management Limited (the “Sub-Adviser”) provides day-to-day management of the fund’s investments.The Board members, none of whom are “interested persons” (as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended) of the fund, were assisted in their review by independent legal counsel and met with counsel in executive session separate from representatives of Dreyfus and the Sub-Adviser. In considering the renewal of the Agreements, the Board considered all factors that it believed to be relevant, including those discussed below. The Board did not identify any one factor as dispositive, and each Board member may have attributed different weights to the factors considered.
Analysis of Nature, Extent, and Quality of Services Provided to the Fund. The Board considered information provided to them at the meeting and in previous presentations from Dreyfus representatives regarding the nature, extent, and quality of the services provided to funds in the Dreyfus fund complex. Dreyfus provided the number of open accounts in the fund, the fund’s asset size and the allocation of fund assets among distribution channels. Dreyfus also had previously provided information regarding the diverse intermediary relationships and distribution channels of funds in the Dreyfus fund complex (such as retail direct or intermediary, in which intermediaries typically are paid by the fund and/or Dreyfus) and Dreyfus’ corresponding need for broad, deep, and diverse resources to be able to provide ongoing shareholder services to each intermediary or distribution channel, as applicable to the fund.
The Board also considered research support available to, and portfolio management capabilities of, the fund’s portfolio management personnel and that Dreyfus also provides oversight of day-to-day fund operations,
The Fund 35
INFORMATION ABOUT THE RENEWAL OF THE FUND’S INVESTMENT |
ADVISORY, ADMINISTRATION AND SUB-INVESTMENT ADVISORY |
AGREEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued) |
including fund accounting and administration and assistance in meeting legal and regulatory requirements. The Board also considered Dreyfus’ extensive administrative, accounting, and compliance infrastructures, as well as Dreyfus’ supervisory activities over the Sub-Adviser.The Board also considered portfolio management’s brokerage policies and practices (including policies and practices regarding soft dollars) and the standards applied in seeking best execution.
Comparative Analysis of the Fund’s Performance and Management Fee and Expense Ratio. The Board reviewed reports prepared by Lipper, Inc. (“Lipper”), an independent provider of investment company data, which included information comparing (1) the fund’s performance with the performance of a group of comparable funds (the “Performance Group”) and with a broader group of funds (the “Performance Universe”), all for various periods ended December 31, 2013, and (2) the fund’s actual and contractual management fees and total expenses with those of a group of comparable funds (the “Expense Group”) and with a broader group of funds (the “Expense Universe”), the information for which was derived in part from fund financial statements available to Lipper as of the date of its analysis. Dreyfus previously had furnished the Board with a description of the methodology Lipper used to select the Performance Group and Performance Universe and the Expense Group and Expense Universe.
Dreyfus representatives stated that the usefulness of performance comparisons may be affected by a number of factors, including different investment limitations that may be applicable to the fund and comparison funds.The Board discussed the results of the comparisons and noted that the fund’s total return performance was below the Performance Group medians for the various periods, except the two-year period when the fund’s performance was above the Performance Group median and the fund’s total return performance was below the Performance Universe medians for the various periods, except the two- and three-year periods when the fund’s performance was above the Performance Universe medians.The Board discussed with represen-
36
tatives of Dreyfus and the Sub-Adviser the investment strategy employed in the management of the fund’s assets and how that strategy affected the fund’s relative performance. A representative of the Sub-Adviser reminded the Board members that high quality, low-beta stocks have been out of favor, which affected the fund’s one-year relative total return performance. Dreyfus also provided a comparison of the fund’s calendar year total returns to the returns of the fund’s benchmark index.
The Board also reviewed the range of actual and contractual management fees and total expenses of the Expense Group and Expense Universe funds and discussed the results of the comparisons.The Board noted that the fund’s contractual management fee was below the Expense Group median, the fund’s actual management fee was below the Expense Group median and above the Expense Universe median and the fund’s total expenses were below the Expense Group and Expense Universe medians.
Dreyfus representatives noted that, in connection with the Administration Agreement and its related fees, Dreyfus has contractually agreed to waive any fees to the extent that such fees exceed Dreyfus’ costs in providing the services contemplated under the Administration Agreement.
Dreyfus representatives reviewed with the Board the management or investment advisory fees (1) paid by funds advised or administered by Dreyfus that are in the same Lipper category as the fund and (2) paid to Dreyfus or the Sub-Adviser or its affiliates for advising any separate accounts and/or other types of client portfolios that are considered to have similar investment strategies and policies as the fund (the “Similar Clients”), and explained the nature of the Similar Clients.They discussed differences in fees paid and the relationship of the fees paid in light of any differences in the services provided and other relevant factors.The Board considered the relevance of the fee information provided for the Similar Clients to evaluate the appropriateness and reasonableness of the fund’s management fee.
The Fund 37
INFORMATION ABOUT THE RENEWAL OF THE FUND’S INVESTMENT |
ADVISORY, ADMINISTRATION AND SUB-INVESTMENT ADVISORY |
AGREEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued) |
The Board considered the fee to the Sub-Adviser in relation to the fee paid to Dreyfus by the fund and the respective services provided by the Sub-Adviser and Dreyfus.The Board also noted the Sub-Adviser’s fee is paid by Dreyfus (out of its fee from the fund) and not the fund.
Analysis of Profitability and Economies of Scale. Dreyfus representatives reviewed the expenses allocated and profit received by Dreyfus and the resulting profitability percentage for managing the fund and the aggregate profitability percentage to Dreyfus of managing the funds in the Dreyfus fund complex, and the method used to determine the expenses and profit. The Board concluded that the profitability results were not unreasonable, given the services rendered and service levels provided by Dreyfus.The Board also noted the fee waiver in effect pursuant to the Administration Agreement. The Board also had been provided with information prepared by an independent consulting firm regarding Dreyfus’ approach to allocating costs to, and determining the profitability of, individual funds and the entire Dreyfus fund complex.The consulting firm also had analyzed where any economies of scale might emerge in connection with the management of a fund.
The Board considered on the advice of its counsel the profitability analysis (1) as part of its evaluation of whether the fees under the Agreements bear a reasonable relationship to the mix of services provided by Dreyfus and the Sub-Adviser, including the nature, extent and quality of such services, and (2) in light of the relevant circumstances for the fund and the extent to which economies of scale would be realized if the fund grows and whether fee levels reflect these economies of scale for the benefit of fund shareholders. Since Dreyfus, and not the fund, pays the Sub-Adviser pursuant to the Sub-Investment Advisory Agreement, the Board did not consider the Sub-Adviser’s profitability to be relevant to its deliberations. Dreyfus representatives also noted that, as a result of shared and allocated costs among funds in the Dreyfus fund complex, the extent of economies of scale could depend substantially on the level of assets in the complex as a whole, so that increases and
38
decreases in complex-wide assets can affect potential economies of scale in a manner that is disproportionate to, or even in the opposite direction from, changes in the fund’s asset level.The Board also considered potential benefits to Dreyfus and the Sub-Adviser from acting as investment adviser and sub-investment adviser, respectively, and noted the soft dollar arrangements in effect for trading the fund’s investments.
At the conclusion of these discussions, the Board agreed that it had been furnished with sufficient information to make an informed business decision with respect to the renewal of the Agreements. Based on the discussions and considerations as described above, the Board concluded and determined as follows.
The Board concluded that the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by Dreyfus and the Sub-Adviser are adequate and appropriate.
The Board was generally satisfied with the fund’s performance, in light of the considerations described above.
The Board concluded that the fees paid to Dreyfus and the Sub- Adviser were reasonable in light of the considerations described above.
The Board determined that the economies of scale which may accrue to Dreyfus and its affiliates in connection with the management of the fund had been adequately considered by Dreyfus in connection with the fee rate charged to the fund pursuant to the Agreement and that, to the extent in the future it were determined that material economies of scale had not been shared with the fund, the Board would seek to have those economies of scale shared with the fund.
In evaluating the Agreements, the Board considered these conclusions and determinations and also relied on its previous knowledge, gained through meetings and other interactions with Dreyfus and its affiliates and the Sub-Adviser, of the fund and the services provided to the fund by Dreyfus and the Sub-Adviser.The Board also relied on information received on a routine and regular basis throughout the year relating to
The Fund 39
INFORMATION ABOUT THE RENEWAL OF THE FUND’S INVESTMENT |
ADVISORY, ADMINISTRATION AND SUB-INVESTMENT ADVISORY |
AGREEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued) |
the operations of the fund and the investment management and other services provided under the Agreements, including information on the investment performance of the fund in comparison to similar mutual funds and benchmark performance indices; general market outlook as applicable to the fund; and compliance reports. In addition, the Board’s consideration of the contractual fee arrangements for this fund had the benefit of a number of years of reviews of prior or similar agreements during which lengthy discussions took place between the Board and Dreyfus representatives. Certain aspects of the arrangements may receive greater scrutiny in some years than in others, and the Board’s conclusions may be based, in part, on their consideration of the same or similar arrangements in prior years.The Board determined that renewal of the Agreements was in the best interests of the fund and its shareholders.
40
For More Information
Telephone Call your financial representative or 1-800-DREYFUS
Mail The Dreyfus Family of Funds, 144 Glenn Curtiss Boulevard, Uniondale, NY 11556-0144
The fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The fund’s Forms N-Q are available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov and may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330.
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 http://www.dreyfus.com and on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. The description of the policies and procedures is also available without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-DREYFUS.
Dreyfus |
Tax Sensitive |
Total Return Bond Fund |
SEMIANNUAL REPORT March 31, 2014
The views expressed in this report reflect those of the portfolio manager only through the end of the period covered and do not necessarily represent the views of Dreyfus or any other person in the Dreyfus organization. Any such views are subject to change at any time based upon market or other conditions and Dreyfus disclaims any responsibility to update such views.These views may not be relied on as investment advice and, because investment decisions for a Dreyfus fund are based on numerous factors, may not be relied on as an indication of trading intent on behalf of any Dreyfus fund.
Contents | |
THE FUND | |
2 |
A Letter from the President |
3 |
Discussion of Fund Performance |
6 |
Understanding Your Fund’s Expenses |
6 |
Comparing Your Fund’s Expenses With Those of Other Funds |
7 |
Statement of Investments |
19 |
Statement of Assets and Liabilities |
20 |
Statement of Operations |
21 |
Statement of Changes in Net Assets |
23 |
Financial Highlights |
27 |
Notes to Financial Statements |
38 |
Proxy Results |
39 |
Information About the Renewal of the Fund’s Investment Advisory and Fund Accounting and Administrative Services Agreements and the Approval of the Fund’s Sub-Advisory Agreement |
FOR MORE INFORMATION | |
Back Cover |
Dreyfus |
Tax Sensitive |
Total Return Bond Fund |
The Fund
A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
Dear Shareholder:
This semiannual report for Dreyfus Tax Sensitive Total Return Bond Fund covers the six-month period from October 1, 2013, through March 31, 2014. For information about how the fund performed during the reporting period, as well as general market perspectives, we provide a Discussion of Fund Performance on the pages that follow.
Municipal bonds generally stabilized over the past six months in the wake of previously heightened volatility, enabling them to post positive total returns, on average, for the reporting period. Investors generally took the Federal Reserve Board’s gradual shift to a more moderately accommodative monetary policy in stride, investor demand rebounded while the supply of newly issued securities ebbed, and most states and municipalities saw improved credit conditions in the recovering U.S. economy.
We remain cautiously optimistic regarding the municipal bond market’s prospects over the months ahead.We expect the domestic economy to continue to strengthen over the next year, which could support higher tax revenues for most states and municipalities. We also anticipate rising demand for a limited supply of securities as more income-oriented investors seek the tax advantages of municipal bonds. However, municipal bonds could prove sensitive to rising long-term interest rates as the economic recovery gains additional traction.As always, we encourage you to discuss our observations with your financial advisor to assess their potential impact on your investments.
Thank you for your continued confidence and support.
J. Charles Cardona
President
The Dreyfus Corporation
April 15, 2014
2
DISCUSSION OF FUND PERFORMANCE
For the period of October 1, 2013, through March 31, 2014, as provided by Christine L. Todd,Thomas Casey, Daniel Rabasco and Jeffrey Burger, Portfolio Managers
Fund and Market Performance Overview
For the six-month period ended March 31, 2014, Dreyfus Tax Sensitive Total Return Bond Fund’s Class A shares produced a total return of 2.04%, Class C shares returned 1.62%, Class I shares returned 2.17%, and Class Y shares returned 2.20%.1 In comparison, the fund’s benchmark, the Barclays 3-, 5-, 7-, 10-Year Municipal Bond Index (the “Index”), provided a total return of 2.02% for the same period.2
Despite heightened volatility early in the reporting period, municipal bonds fared relatively well as investor demand rebounded and credit conditions improved. The fund’s Class A, Class I, and ClassY shares outperformed the benchmark, mainly due to an emphasis on revenue-backed bonds and intermediate-term securities.
Effective February 21, 2014 (the “Effective Date”), the fund changed its name, investment objective, investment strategy and certain fundamental investment policies, and Jeffrey Burger and Daniel Rabasco became portfolio managers.
The Fund’s Investment Approach
As of the Effective Date, the fund seeks high after-tax total return.To pursue its goal, the fund normally invests at least 80% of its net assets, plus any borrowings for investment purposes, in bonds.The fund normally invests at least 65% of its net assets in municipal bonds that provide income exempt from federal personal income tax.The fund may invest up to 35% of its net assets in taxable bonds.The fund invests principally in bonds rated investment grade at the time of purchase or, if unrated, determined to be of comparable quality.3 The fund may invest up to 25% of its assets in bonds rated below investment grade.
We seek relative value opportunities among municipal bonds and to invest selectively in taxable securities with the potential to enhance after-tax total return and/or reduce volatility. We use a combination of fundamental credit analysis and macroeconomic and quantitative inputs to identify undervalued sectors and securities, and we select municipal bonds using fundamental credit analysis to estimate the relative value and attractiveness of various sectors and securities and to exploit pricing inefficiencies.
The Fund 3
DISCUSSION OF FUND PERFORMANCE (continued)
Municipal Bonds Rebounded from Earlier Weakness
After struggling with rising long-term interest rates in a recovering U.S. economy, municipal bonds stabilized over the fourth quarter of 2013, and the first three months of 2014 witnessed a market recovery. Uncertainty regarding changes in U.S. monetary policy was largely resolved in December when the Federal Reserve Board (the “Fed”) began to taper its quantitative easing program, helping buoy investor demand. Demand was particularly robust for higher yielding securities when investors sought to reinvest interest payments in municipal bonds with higher coupon rates. Demand from nontraditional investors, such as banks, also proved strong. Meanwhile, the supply of newly issued municipal bonds declined due to less refinancing activity in the rising interest rate environment.
The economic rebound resulted in better underlying credit conditions for most issuers, as improving tax revenues and reduced spending enabled many states to balance their budgets and replenish reserves. However, credit concerns lingered with regard to the fiscal problems of two major issuers:The City of Detroit filed for bankruptcy protection during the summer of 2013, and in September, municipal bonds issued by Puerto Rico lost value after media reports detailed the U.S. territory’s economic challenges.
Revenue Bonds Boosted Relative Performance
The fund’s relative performance during the reporting period was buoyed by an overweighted position in revenue-backed municipal bonds, particularly those backed by hospitals, airports, and the states’ settlement of litigation with U.S. tobacco companies. The fund also benefited from our interest rate strategies, including underweighted exposure to municipal bonds with maturities in the zero- to five-year range and overweighted positions in 10-year maturities. We maintained a slightly long average duration compared to the benchmark, which enabled the fund to participate more fully in gains among longer-dated securities.
After the Effective Date, we reallocated approximately 5% of the fund’s assets to taxable bonds, including shorter term commercial mortgage-backed securities, asset-backed bonds secured by automobile loan receivables, and bonds backed by student loans from Sallie Mae.
4
Although disappointments proved relatively mild during the reporting period, even light exposure to Puerto Rico bonds weighed on relative performance. Higher quality essential-services revenue bonds also lagged market averages.
Staying Focused on Income
We believe that recently improved market trends have been driven, in part, by investors returning their focus to market and issuer fundamentals now that the Fed is tapering its quantitative easing program, and we expect this positive trend to continue. However, we are cautious regarding municipal bonds in the wake of recent market gains. Moreover, we remain watchful for stronger-than-expected economic data, which could drive longer term interest rates higher and cause yield differences to widen along the market’s maturity spectrum. Therefore, we have continued to emphasize income-oriented municipal bonds, which we believe are likely to hold up relatively well in a rising interest rate environment. We are also looking for taxable bond opportunities that will enhance total return and minimize portfolio return volatility.
April 15, 2014
Bond funds are subject generally to interest rate, credit, liquidity, and market risks, to varying degrees, all of which are more fully described in the fund’s prospectus. Generally, all other factors being equal, bond prices are inversely related to interest-rate changes, and rate increases can cause price declines.
The use of derivatives involves risks different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in the underlying assets. Derivatives can be highly volatile, illiquid, and difficult to value, and there is the risk that changes in the value of a derivative held by the fund will not correlate with the underlying instruments of the fund’s other investments.
1 Total return includes reinvestment of dividends and any capital gains paid, and does not take into consideration the |
maximum initial sales charge in the case of Class A shares or the applicable contingent deferred sales charge imposed |
on redemptions in the case of Class C shares. Had these charges been reflected, returns would have been lower. |
Neither Class I nor ClassY shares are subject to any initial or deferred sales charge. Past performance is no guarantee |
of future results. Share price, yield and investment return fluctuate such that upon redemption, fund shares may be |
worth more or less than their original cost. Income may be subject to state and local taxes, and some income may be |
subject to the federal alternative minimum tax (AMT) for certain investors. Capital gains, if any, are taxable.The |
total return figures presented for ClassY shares of the fund reflect the performance since 7/1/13 (the inception date |
for ClassY shares). Return figures provided reflect the absorption of certain fund expenses by The Dreyfus |
Corporation, pursuant to an agreement in effect through February 21, 2015, at which time it may be extended, |
modified or terminated. Had these expenses not been absorbed, the fund’s returns would have been lower. |
2 Source: Lipper Inc. |
3 The fund may continue to own investment-grade bonds (at the time of purchase), which are subsequently downgraded |
to below investment grade. |
The Fund 5
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 Dreyfus Tax Sensitive Total Return Bond Fund from October 1, 2013 to March 31, 2014. 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
assuming actual returns for the six months ended March 31, 2014
Class A | Class C | Class I | Class Y | |||||
Expenses paid per $1,000† | $ | 3.53 | $ | 7.29 | $ | 2.27 | $ | 2.27 |
Ending value (after expenses) | $ | 982.10 | $ | 978.30 | $ | 983.30 | $ | 1,005.00 |
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 March 31, 2014
Class A | Class C | Class I | Class Y | |||||
Expenses paid per $1,000† | $ | 3.53 | $ | 7.29 | $ | 2.27 | $ | 2.27 |
Ending value (after expenses) | $ | 1,021.44 | $ | 1,017.70 | $ | 1,022.69 | $ | 1,022.69 |
† Expenses are equal to the fund’s annualized expense ratio of .70% for Class A, 1.45% for Class C, .45% for |
Class I and .45% for Class Y multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 182/365 (to |
reflect the one-half year period). |
6
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS
March 31, 2014 (Unaudited)
Coupon | Maturity | Principal | ||
Corporate Bonds—1.9% | Rate (%) | Date | Amount ($) | Value ($) |
Consumer Finance; | ||||
SLM, | ||||
Sr. Unscd. Notes | ||||
(cost $2,882,716) | 4.88 | 6/17/19 | 2,800,000 | 2,855,692 |
Long-Term Municipal | ||||
Investments—92.1% | ||||
Alabama—.8% | ||||
Birmingham Water Works Board, | ||||
Water Revenue (Insured; | ||||
Assured Guaranty Municipal Corp.) | 5.00 | 1/1/17 | 1,000,000 | 1,110,380 |
Arizona—.3% | ||||
Pima County Industrial Development | ||||
Authority, Education Revenue | ||||
(American Charter Schools | ||||
Foundation Project) | 5.13 | 7/1/15 | 375,000 | 376,841 |
California—14.0% | ||||
California, | ||||
Economic Recovery Bonds | 5.00 | 7/1/18 | 1,500,000 | 1,748,010 |
California, | ||||
GO (Insured; AMBAC) | 6.00 | 4/1/16 | 1,000,000 | 1,111,870 |
California, | ||||
GO (Insured; AMBAC) | 6.00 | 2/1/17 | 1,000,000 | 1,149,320 |
California, | ||||
GO (Various Purpose) | 5.00 | 9/1/22 | 1,000,000 | 1,186,300 |
California, | ||||
GO (Various Purpose) | 5.00 | 10/1/24 | 1,000,000 | 1,130,190 |
California Health Facilities | ||||
Financing Authority, Revenue | ||||
(Sutter Health) | 5.00 | 8/15/18 | 1,030,000 | 1,199,353 |
California Housing Finance Agency, | ||||
Home Mortgage Revenue | ||||
(Insured; Assured Guaranty | ||||
Municipal Corp.) | 5.13 | 8/1/18 | 1,250,000 | 1,280,087 |
California State Public Works | ||||
Board, LR (Judicial Council of | ||||
California) (Various Judicial | ||||
Council Projects) | 5.00 | 12/1/17 | 1,015,000 | 1,163,555 |
California State University | ||||
Trustees, Systemwide Revenue | 5.00 | 11/1/22 | 1,000,000 | 1,180,250 |
The Fund 7
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
Long-Term Municipal | Coupon | Maturity | Principal | |
Investments (continued) | Rate (%) | Date | Amount ($) | Value ($) |
California (continued) | ||||
Golden State Tobacco | ||||
Securitization Corporation, | ||||
Enhanced Tobacco Settlement | ||||
Asset-Backed Bonds | ||||
(Insured; AMBAC) | 4.60 | 6/1/23 | 750,000 | 776,835 |
Los Angeles Department of Water | ||||
and Power, Power System Revenue | 5.00 | 7/1/20 | 1,000,000 | 1,196,200 |
Los Angeles Department of Water | ||||
and Power, Power System Revenue | 5.00 | 7/1/23 | 1,000,000 | 1,214,060 |
Sacramento County, | ||||
Airport System Senior Revenue | 5.00 | 7/1/22 | 1,275,000 | 1,436,415 |
Southern California Public Power | ||||
Authority, Revenue (Canyon | ||||
Power Project) | 5.00 | 7/1/22 | 2,000,000 | 2,280,540 |
Southern California Public Power | ||||
Authority, Revenue (Windy | ||||
Point/Windy Flats Project) | 5.00 | 7/1/23 | 1,000,000 | 1,153,810 |
Stockton Unified School District, | ||||
GO (Insured; Assured Guaranty | ||||
Municipal Corp.) | 4.00 | 7/1/16 | 500,000 | 534,035 |
Tuolumne Wind Project Authority, | ||||
Revenue (Tuolumne | ||||
Company Project) | 5.00 | 1/1/18 | 1,000,000 | 1,138,320 |
Colorado—.6% | ||||
City and County of Denver, | ||||
Airport System | ||||
Subordinate Revenue | 5.00 | 11/15/22 | 720,000 | 827,129 |
Connecticut—.8% | ||||
Connecticut, | ||||
GO | 5.00 | 10/15/21 | 1,000,000 | 1,183,610 |
District of Columbia—.8% | ||||
Metropolitan Washington | ||||
Airports Authority, Airport | ||||
System Revenue | 5.00 | 10/1/24 | 1,000,000 | 1,137,010 |
Florida—9.2% | ||||
Citizens Property Insurance | ||||
Corporation, Personal Lines | ||||
Account/Commercial Lines | ||||
Account Senior Secured Revenue | 5.00 | 6/1/20 | 1,500,000 | 1,709,580 |
8
Long-Term Municipal | Coupon | Maturity | Principal | |
Investments (continued) | Rate (%) | Date | Amount ($) | Value ($) |
Florida (continued) | ||||
Florida Department of | ||||
Transportation, | ||||
Turnpike Revenue | 5.00 | 7/1/25 | 1,000,000 | 1,169,730 |
Lakeland, | ||||
Energy System Revenue | ||||
(Insured; Assured Guaranty | ||||
Municipal Corp.) | 5.00 | 10/1/17 | 1,000,000 | 1,135,930 |
Miami-Dade County, | ||||
Aviation Revenue (Miami | ||||
International Airport) | 5.25 | 10/1/23 | 1,000,000 | 1,130,400 |
Miami-Dade County, | ||||
Seaport Revenue | 5.00 | 10/1/22 | 2,000,000 | 2,283,640 |
Miami-Dade County, | ||||
Water and Sewer System Revenue | ||||
(Insured; Assured Guaranty | ||||
Municipal Corp.) | 5.25 | 10/1/19 | 2,000,000 | 2,359,140 |
Orlando Utilities Commission, | ||||
Utility System Revenue | 5.00 | 10/1/14 | 100,000 | 102,449 |
Orlando-Orange County | ||||
Expressway Authority, | ||||
Revenue (Insured; Assured | ||||
Guaranty Municipal Corp.) | 5.00 | 7/1/18 | 1,000,000 | 1,153,160 |
South Miami Health Facilities | ||||
Authority, HR (Baptist Health | ||||
South Florida Obligated Group) | 5.00 | 8/15/18 | 750,000 | 842,040 |
Tampa, | ||||
Capital Improvement Cigarette | ||||
Tax Allocation Revenue (H. Lee | ||||
Moffitt Cancer Center Project) | 5.00 | 9/1/23 | 500,000 | 568,100 |
Tampa, | ||||
Health System Revenue (BayCare | ||||
Health System Issue) | 5.00 | 11/15/18 | 1,000,000 | 1,151,380 |
Georgia—7.8% | ||||
Atlanta, | ||||
Airport General Revenue | 5.00 | 1/1/16 | 1,000,000 | 1,078,580 |
Atlanta, | ||||
Airport General Revenue | 5.00 | 1/1/22 | 1,000,000 | 1,134,740 |
Atlanta, | ||||
Water and Wastewater Revenue | 6.00 | 11/1/20 | 1,000,000 | 1,216,110 |
The Fund 9
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
Long-Term Municipal | Coupon | Maturity | Principal | |
Investments (continued) | Rate (%) | Date | Amount ($) | Value ($) |
Georgia (continued) | ||||
DeKalb County, | ||||
Water and Sewerage Revenue | 5.00 | 10/1/21 | 2,380,000 | 2,784,172 |
Georgia State Road and Tollway | ||||
Authority, Guaranteed Revenue | 5.00 | 3/1/19 | 1,175,000 | 1,380,742 |
Municipal Electric Authority of | ||||
Georgia, GO (Project One | ||||
Subordinated Bonds) | 5.00 | 1/1/21 | 1,000,000 | 1,158,060 |
Private Colleges and Universities | ||||
Authority, Revenue | ||||
(Emory University) | 5.00 | 9/1/16 | 2,500,000 | 2,772,750 |
Illinois—8.4% | ||||
Chicago, | ||||
Customer Facility Charge | ||||
Senior Lien Revenue (Chicago | ||||
O’Hare International Airport) | 5.25 | 1/1/24 | 1,500,000 | 1,698,105 |
Chicago, | ||||
General Airport Third Lien | ||||
Revenue (Chicago O’Hare | ||||
International Airport) | ||||
(Insured; Assured Guaranty | ||||
Municipal Corp.) | 5.00 | 1/1/20 | 1,000,000 | 1,097,380 |
Chicago, | ||||
GO (Insured; Assured Guaranty | ||||
Municipal Corp.) | 5.50 | 1/1/19 | 2,000,000 | 2,310,220 |
Chicago, | ||||
GO (Project and Refunding Series) | 5.00 | 1/1/25 | 1,000,000 | 1,072,090 |
Cook County Community High School | ||||
District Number 219, GO School | ||||
Bonds (Insured; FGIC) | ||||
(Escrowed to Maturity) | 7.88 | 12/1/14 | 100,000 | 105,153 |
Cook County Community High School | ||||
District Number 219, GO School | ||||
Bonds (Insured; National | ||||
Public Finance Guarantee Corp.) | 7.88 | 12/1/14 | 650,000 | 681,954 |
Illinois, | ||||
GO | 5.00 | 7/1/22 | 900,000 | 1,012,464 |
Illinois, | ||||
GO | 5.00 | 8/1/22 | 500,000 | 562,600 |
Illinois Finance Authority, | ||||
Revenue (DePaul University) | 5.00 | 10/1/16 | 1,000,000 | 1,062,800 |
10
Long-Term Municipal | Coupon | Maturity | Principal | |
Investments (continued) | Rate (%) | Date | Amount ($) | Value ($) |
Illinois (continued) | ||||
Northern Illinois University Board | ||||
of Trustees, Auxiliary | ||||
Facilities System Revenue | ||||
(Insured; Assured Guaranty | ||||
Municipal Corp.) | 5.00 | 4/1/17 | 1,500,000 | 1,646,280 |
Railsplitter Tobacco Settlement | ||||
Authority, Tobacco Settlement | ||||
Revenue | 5.00 | 6/1/17 | 1,000,000 | 1,114,400 |
Indiana—2.2% | ||||
Indianapolis Local Public | ||||
Improvement Bond Bank, Revenue | 5.00 | 6/1/17 | 1,625,000 | 1,809,210 |
Knox County, | ||||
EDR (Good Samaritan | ||||
Hospital Project) | 5.00 | 4/1/23 | 1,300,000 | 1,422,707 |
Kansas—2.0% | ||||
Kansas Department of | ||||
Transportation, Highway Revenue | 5.00 | 9/1/18 | 1,415,000 | 1,651,659 |
Kansas Development Finance | ||||
Authority, Revolving Funds | ||||
Revenue (Kansas Department of | ||||
Health and Environment) | 5.00 | 3/1/21 | 1,150,000 | 1,345,155 |
Kentucky—.8% | ||||
Louisville and Jefferson County | ||||
Metropolitan Sewer District, | ||||
Sewer and Drainage | ||||
System Revenue | 5.00 | 5/15/23 | 1,000,000 | 1,168,780 |
Louisiana—1.6% | ||||
Louisiana, | ||||
State Highway | ||||
Improvement Revenue | 5.00 | 6/15/25 | 1,000,000 | 1,179,360 |
Tobacco Settlement Financing | ||||
Corporation of Louisiana, | ||||
Tobacco Settlement | ||||
Asset-Backed Bonds | 5.00 | 5/15/20 | 1,000,000 | 1,139,860 |
Maryland—.7% | ||||
Maryland Economic | ||||
Development Corporation, | ||||
EDR (Transportation | ||||
Facilities Project) | 5.13 | 6/1/20 | 1,000,000 | 1,072,750 |
The Fund 11
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
Long-Term Municipal | Coupon | Maturity | Principal | |
Investments (continued) | Rate (%) | Date | Amount ($) | Value ($) |
Michigan—2.6% | ||||
Detroit, | ||||
Sewage Disposal System Senior | ||||
Lien Revenue (Insured; Assured | ||||
Guaranty Municipal Corp.) | 5.25 | 7/1/19 | 1,000,000 | 1,018,030 |
Michigan Finance Authority, | ||||
Unemployment Obligation | ||||
Assessment Revenue | 5.00 | 7/1/21 | 1,500,000 | 1,708,335 |
Wayne County Airport Authority, | ||||
Airport Revenue (Detroit | ||||
Metropolitan Wayne | ||||
County Airport) | 5.00 | 12/1/16 | 1,000,000 | 1,096,640 |
New Jersey—4.0% | ||||
New Jersey Economic Development | ||||
Authority, Water Facilities | ||||
Revenue (New Jersey—American | ||||
Water Company, Inc. Project) | 5.10 | 6/1/23 | 1,000,000 | 1,115,310 |
New Jersey Educational Facilities | ||||
Authority, Revenue (Rowan | ||||
University Issue) | 5.00 | 7/1/18 | 1,225,000 | 1,420,878 |
New Jersey Health Care Facilities | ||||
Financing Authority, Revenue | ||||
(Virtua Health Issue) | 5.00 | 7/1/25 | 1,000,000 | 1,130,020 |
New Jersey Higher Education | ||||
Student Assistance Authority, | ||||
Senior Student Loan Revenue | 5.00 | 12/1/18 | 1,000,000 | 1,108,490 |
New Jersey Transportation | ||||
Trust Fund Authority | ||||
(Transportation System) | 5.00 | 12/15/16 | 1,000,000 | 1,116,650 |
New York—11.2% | ||||
Metropolitan Transportation | ||||
Authority, Dedicated Tax | ||||
Fund Revenue | 5.00 | 11/15/24 | 2,000,000 | 2,344,440 |
New York City, | ||||
GO | 5.00 | 8/1/16 | 1,300,000 | 1,437,449 |
New York City, | ||||
GO | 5.00 | 8/1/21 | 2,000,000 | 2,323,500 |
12
Long-Term Municipal | Coupon | Maturity | Principal | ||
Investments (continued) | Rate (%) | Date | Amount ($) | Value ($) | |
New York (continued) | |||||
New York City, | |||||
GO | 5.00 | 3/1/25 | 1,000,000 | 1,160,230 | |
New York City Health and Hospitals | |||||
Corporation, Health | |||||
System Revenue | 5.00 | 2/15/19 | 1,000,000 | 1,152,910 | |
New York City Transitional Finance | |||||
Authority, Future Tax Secured | |||||
Subordinate Revenue | 5.00 | 11/1/18 | 1,000,000 | 1,165,930 | |
New York State Dormitory | |||||
Authority, Revenue (New York | |||||
State Department of Health) | 5.00 | 7/1/17 | 1,000,000 | 1,127,750 | |
New York State Urban Development | |||||
Corporation, State Personal | |||||
Income Tax Revenue | |||||
(General Purpose) | 5.00 | 3/15/19 | 1,475,000 | 1,724,083 | |
Tobacco Settlement Financing | |||||
Corporation of New York, | |||||
Asset-Backed Revenue (State | |||||
Contingency Contract Secured) | 5.00 | 6/1/20 | 1,500,000 | 1,628,655 | |
Triborough Bridge and Tunnel | |||||
Authority, General Revenue | |||||
(MTA Bridges and Tunnels) | 5.00 | 11/15/24 | 2,150,000 | 2,515,672 | |
North Carolina—.6% | |||||
Wake County Industrial Facilities | |||||
and Pollution Control | |||||
Financing Authority, PCR | |||||
(Carolina Power and Light | |||||
Company Project) | |||||
(Insured; AMBAC) | 0.07 | 10/1/22 | 1,000,000 | a | 913,750 |
Ohio—2.8% | |||||
Ohio Air Quality Development | |||||
Authority, Air Quality | |||||
Development Revenue (The | |||||
Cincinnati Gas and Electric | |||||
Company Project) | |||||
(Insured; AMBAC) | 0.31 | 9/1/37 | 1,325,000 | a | 1,212,375 |
The Fund 13
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
Long-Term Municipal | Coupon | Maturity | Principal | |
Investments (continued) | Rate (%) | Date | Amount ($) | Value ($) |
Ohio (continued) | ||||
Ohio Higher Educational Facility | ||||
Commission, Higher Educational | ||||
Facility Revenue (Case Western | ||||
Reserve University Project) | 5.00 | 12/1/23 | 1,500,000 | 1,761,735 |
University of Toledo, | ||||
General Receipts Bonds | 5.00 | 6/1/17 | 1,050,000 | 1,177,775 |
Pennsylvania—2.9% | ||||
Pennsylvania Economic | ||||
Development Financing | ||||
Authority, Unemployment | ||||
Compensation Revenue | 5.00 | 7/1/22 | 2,000,000 | 2,186,860 |
Pennsylvania Intergovernmental | ||||
Cooperation Authority, Special | ||||
Tax Revenue (City of | ||||
Philadelphia Funding Program) | 5.00 | 6/15/17 | 1,000,000 | 1,131,390 |
Philadelphia School District, | ||||
GO | 5.00 | 9/1/14 | 1,000,000 | 1,018,960 |
Rhode Island—.6% | ||||
Rhode Island Health and | ||||
Educational Building | ||||
Corporation, Higher Education | ||||
Facilities Revenue (Brown | ||||
University Issue) | 5.00 | 9/1/21 | 700,000 | 836,339 |
South Dakota—1.8% | ||||
South Dakota Conservancy District, | ||||
Revenue (State Revolving | ||||
Fund Program) | 5.00 | 8/1/17 | 2,370,000 | 2,694,050 |
Tennessee—.8% | ||||
Metropolitan Government of | ||||
Nashville and Davidson County, | ||||
GO | 5.00 | 7/1/22 | 1,000,000 | 1,194,380 |
Texas—9.8% | ||||
Corpus Christi, | ||||
Utility System Junior Lien | ||||
Revenue (Insured; Assured | ||||
Guaranty Municipal Corp.) | 5.00 | 7/15/23 | 1,725,000 | 2,001,259 |
14
Long-Term Municipal | Coupon | Maturity | Principal | ||
Investments (continued) | Rate (%) | Date | Amount ($) | Value ($) | |
Texas (continued) | |||||
Houston, | |||||
Combined Utility System First | |||||
Lien Revenue | 5.00 | 11/15/18 | 1,355,000 | 1,581,678 | |
Houston Convention and | |||||
Entertainment Facilities | |||||
Department, Hotel Occupancy | |||||
Tax and Special Revenue | 5.00 | 9/1/20 | 1,000,000 | 1,125,730 | |
Love Field Airport Modernization | |||||
Corporation, Special | |||||
Facilities Revenue | |||||
(Southwest Airlines | |||||
Company—Love Field | |||||
Modernization Program Project) | 5.00 | 11/1/15 | 1,000,000 | 1,053,900 | |
Sam Rayburn Municipal Power | |||||
Agency, Power Supply | |||||
System Revenue | 5.00 | 10/1/20 | 1,210,000 | 1,384,385 | |
Stafford Economic Development | |||||
Corporation, Sales Tax Revenue | |||||
(Insured; National Public | |||||
Finance Guarantee Corp.) | 6.00 | 9/1/15 | 525,000 | 550,909 | |
Tarrant Regional Water District, | |||||
Water Transmission Facilities | |||||
Contract Revenue (City of | |||||
Dallas Project) | 5.00 | 9/1/18 | 1,000,000 | 1,166,780 | |
Texas, | |||||
GO (College Student Loan) | 5.00 | 8/1/17 | 1,000,000 | 1,132,020 | |
Texas Municipal Power Agency, | |||||
Revenue (Insured; National | |||||
Public Finance Guarantee Corp.) | |||||
(Escrowed to Maturity) | 0.00 | 9/1/16 | 10,000 | b | 9,854 |
Texas Transportation Commission, | |||||
State Highway Fund | |||||
First Tier Revenue | 5.00 | 4/1/16 | 1,000,000 | 1,091,860 | |
Texas Transportation Commission, | |||||
State Highway Fund | |||||
First Tier Revenue | 5.00 | 4/1/20 | 1,905,000 | 2,143,144 |
The Fund 15
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
Long-Term Municipal | Coupon | Maturity | Principal | |
Investments (continued) | Rate (%) | Date | Amount ($) | Value ($) |
Texas (continued) | ||||
West Travis County Public Utility | ||||
Agency, Revenue | 5.00 | 8/15/23 | 1,140,000 | 1,281,280 |
Utah—.0% | ||||
Utah Housing Finance Agency, | ||||
SMFR (Collateralized; FHA) | 5.40 | 7/1/20 | 5,000 | 5,009 |
Virginia—1.6% | ||||
Virginia Public School Authority, | ||||
School Financing Bonds | 5.00 | 8/1/24 | 2,000,000 | 2,346,160 |
Washington—1.2% | ||||
Energy Northwest, | ||||
Electric Revenue (Columbia | ||||
Generating Station) | 5.00 | 7/1/19 | 1,500,000 | 1,765,305 |
West Virginia—.9% | ||||
West Virginia University Board of | ||||
Governors, University | ||||
Improvement Revenue (West | ||||
Virginia University Projects) | 5.00 | 10/1/17 | 1,135,000 | 1,290,960 |
Wyoming—.4% | ||||
Wyoming Community Development | ||||
Authority, Housing Revenue | 5.50 | 12/1/17 | 625,000 | 657,925 |
U.S. Related—.9% | ||||
Puerto Rico Sales Tax Financing | ||||
Corporation, Sales Tax Revenue | ||||
(First Subordinate Series) | 5.50 | 8/1/22 | 1,500,000 | 1,384,515 |
Total Long-Term Municipal Investments | ||||
(cost $130,618,244) | 136,193,009 |
16
Short-Term Municipal | Coupon | Maturity | Principal | |||
Investment—1.3% | Rate (%) | Date | Amount ($) | Value ($) | ||
Michigan; | ||||||
University of Michigan Regents, | ||||||
General Revenue | ||||||
(cost $1,900,000) | 0.04 | 4/1/14 | 1,900,000 | c | 1,900,000 | |
Total Investments (cost $135,400,960) | 95.3 | % | 140,948,701 | |||
Cash and Receivables (Net) | 4.7 | % | 6,994,960 | |||
Net Assets | 100.0 | % | 147,943,661 |
a Variable rate security—interest rate subject to periodic change. |
b Security issued with a zero coupon. Income is recognized through the accretion of discount. |
c Variable rate demand note—rate shown is the interest rate in effect at March 31, 2014. Maturity date represents the |
next demand date, or the ultimate maturity date if earlier. |
Portfolio Summary (Unaudited)† | |||
Value (%) | Value (%) | ||
Transportation Services | 19.9 | Housing | 1.3 |
Utility-Water and Sewer | 14.1 | Industrial | 1.1 |
Education | 12.6 | County | .8 |
Utility-Electric | 9.2 | Lease | .8 |
State/Territory | 6.9 | Pollution Control | .6 |
Special Tax | 6.5 | Prerefunded | .6 |
Health Care | 5.1 | Other | 9.8 |
City | 4.1 | ||
Consumer Finance | 1.9 | 95.3 |
† | Based on net assets. |
The Fund 17
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
Summary of Abbreviations | |||
ABAG | Association of Bay Area | ACA | American Capital Access |
Governments | |||
AGC | ACE Guaranty Corporation | AGIC | Asset Guaranty Insurance Company |
AMBAC | American Municipal Bond | ARRN | Adjustable Rate |
Assurance Corporation | Receipt Notes | ||
BAN | Bond Anticipation Notes | BPA | Bond Purchase Agreement |
CIFG | CDC Ixis Financial Guaranty | COP | Certificate of Participation |
CP | Commercial Paper | DRIVERS | Derivative Inverse |
Tax-Exempt Receipts | |||
EDR | Economic Development | EIR | Environmental Improvement |
Revenue | Revenue | ||
FGIC | Financial Guaranty | FHA | Federal Housing |
Insurance Company | Administration | ||
FHLB | Federal Home | FHLMC | Federal Home Loan Mortgage |
Loan Bank | Corporation | ||
FNMA | Federal National | GAN | Grant Anticipation Notes |
Mortgage Association | |||
GIC | Guaranteed Investment | GNMA | Government National Mortgage |
Contract | Association | ||
GO | General Obligation | HR | Hospital Revenue |
IDB | Industrial Development Board | IDC | Industrial Development Corporation |
IDR | Industrial Development | LIFERS | Long Inverse Floating |
Revenue | Exempt Receipts | ||
LOC | Letter of Credit | LOR | Limited Obligation Revenue |
LR | Lease Revenue | MERLOTS | Municipal Exempt Receipts |
Liquidity Option Tender | |||
MFHR | Multi-Family Housing Revenue | MFMR | Multi-Family Mortgage Revenue |
PCR | Pollution Control Revenue | PILOT | Payment in Lieu of Taxes |
P-FLOATS | Puttable Floating Option | PUTTERS | Puttable Tax-Exempt Receipts |
Tax-Exempt Receipts | |||
RAC | Revenue Anticipation Certificates | RAN | Revenue Anticipation Notes |
RAW | Revenue Anticipation Warrants | RIB | Residual Interest Bonds |
ROCS | Reset Options Certificates | RRR | Resources Recovery Revenue |
SAAN | State Aid Anticipation Notes | SBPA | Standby Bond Purchase Agreement |
SFHR | Single Family Housing Revenue | SFMR | Single Family Mortgage Revenue |
SONYMA | State of New York | SPEARS | Short Puttable Exempt |
Mortgage Agency | Adjustable Receipts | ||
SWDR | Solid Waste Disposal Revenue | TAN | Tax Anticipation Notes |
TAW | Tax Anticipation Warrants | TRAN | Tax and Revenue Anticipation Notes |
XLCA | XL Capital Assurance | ||
See notes to financial statements. |
18
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
March 31, 2014 (Unaudited)
Cost | Value | |
Assets ($): | ||
Investments in securities—See Statement of Investments | 135,400,960 | 140,948,701 |
Cash | 5,734,019 | |
Interest receivable | 1,717,540 | |
Receivable for shares of Beneficial Interest subscribed | 26,499 | |
Prepaid expenses | 45,928 | |
148,472,687 | ||
Liabilities ($): | ||
Due to The Dreyfus Corporation and affiliates—Note 3(c) | 55,788 | |
Payable for shares of Beneficial Interest redeemed | 427,189 | |
Accrued expenses | 46,049 | |
529,026 | ||
Net Assets ($) | 147,943,661 | |
Composition of Net Assets ($): | ||
Paid-in capital | 142,353,357 | |
Accumulated undistributed investment income—net | 3,369 | |
Accumulated net realized gain (loss) on investments | 39,194 | |
Accumulated net unrealized appreciation | ||
(depreciation) on investments | 5,547,741 | |
Net Assets ($) | 147,943,661 |
Net Asset Value Per Share | ||||
Class A | Class C | Class I | Class Y | |
Net Assets ($) | 5,977,290 | 1,502,671 | 140,462,692 | 1,008 |
Shares Outstanding | 262,443 | 65,960 | 6,164,566 | 44.25 |
Net Asset Value Per Share ($) | 22.78 | 22.78 | 22.79 | 22.78 |
See notes to financial statements. |
The Fund 19
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
Six Months Ended March 31, 2014 (Unaudited)
Investment Income ($): | ||
Interest Income | 2,023,490 | |
Expenses: | ||
Investment advisory fee—Note 3(a) | 289,586 | |
Professional fees | 51,914 | |
Administration fee—Note 3(a) | 43,438 | |
Shareholder servicing costs—Note 3(c) | 43,252 | |
Registration fees | 31,708 | |
Prospectus and shareholders’ reports | 7,756 | |
Distribution fees—Note 3(b) | 6,255 | |
Custodian fees—Note 3(c) | 5,176 | |
Trustees’ fees and expenses—Note 3(d) | 5,030 | |
Loan commitment fees—Note 2 | 997 | |
Miscellaneous | 20,344 | |
Total Expenses | 505,456 | |
Less—reduction in expenses due to undertaking—Note 3(a) | (162,451 | ) |
Less—reduction in fees due to earnings credits—Note 3(c) | (12 | ) |
Net Expenses | 342,993 | |
Investment Income—Net | 1,680,497 | |
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments—Note 4($): | ||
Net realized gain (loss) on investments | 69,959 | |
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments | 1,181,474 | |
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments | 1,251,433 | |
Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations | 2,931,930 | |
See notes to financial statements. |
20
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
Six Months Ended | ||||
March 31, 2014 | Year Ended | |||
(Unaudited) | September 30, 2013a | |||
Operations ($): | ||||
Investment income—net | 1,680,497 | 3,299,250 | ||
Net realized gain (loss) on investments | 69,959 | (43,405 | ) | |
Net unrealized appreciation | ||||
(depreciation) on investments | 1,181,474 | (4,388,106 | ) | |
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets | ||||
Resulting from Operations | 2,931,930 | (1,132,261 | ) | |
Dividends to Shareholders from ($): | ||||
Investment income—net: | ||||
Class A | (66,574 | ) | (145,558 | ) |
Class C | (11,356 | ) | (28,239 | ) |
Class I | (1,599,186 | ) | (3,139,673 | ) |
Class Y | (12 | ) | (6 | ) |
Net realized gain on investments: | ||||
Class A | — | (34,521 | ) | |
Class C | — | (11,026 | ) | |
Class I | — | (667,647 | ) | |
Total Dividends | (1,677,128 | ) | (4,026,670 | ) |
Beneficial Interest Transactions ($): | ||||
Net proceeds from shares sold: | ||||
Class A | 923,482 | 3,511,221 | ||
Class C | 36,232 | 717,609 | ||
Class I | 59,425,543 | 36,460,867 | ||
Class Y | — | 1,000 | ||
Dividends reinvested: | ||||
Class A | 63,786 | 170,617 | ||
Class C | 11,217 | 38,746 | ||
Class I | 1,347,770 | 3,459,905 | ||
Cost of shares redeemed: | ||||
Class A | (1,972,915 | ) | (3,175,829 | ) |
Class C | (390,517 | ) | (901,716 | ) |
Class I | (45,019,160 | ) | (39,761,232 | ) |
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from | ||||
Beneficial Interest Transactions | 14,425,438 | 521,188 | ||
Total Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets | 15,680,240 | (4,637,743 | ) | |
Net Assets ($): | ||||
Beginning of Period | 132,263,421 | 136,901,164 | ||
End of Period | 147,943,661 | 132,263,421 | ||
Undistributed investment income—net | 3,369 | — |
The Fund 21
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (continued)
Six Months Ended | ||||
March 31, 2014 | Year Ended | |||
(Unaudited) | September 30, 2013a | |||
Capital Share Transactions: | ||||
Class Ab | ||||
Shares sold | 40,736 | 152,431 | ||
Shares issued for dividends reinvested | 2,807 | 7,391 | ||
Shares redeemed | (87,270 | ) | (136,871 | ) |
Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares Outstanding | (43,727 | ) | 22,951 | |
Class Cb | ||||
Shares sold | 1,600 | 31,424 | ||
Shares issued for dividends reinvested | 494 | 1,674 | ||
Shares redeemed | (17,248 | ) | (39,187 | ) |
Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares Outstanding | (15,154 | ) | (6,089 | ) |
Class I | ||||
Shares sold | 2,622,881 | 1,581,246 | ||
Shares issued for dividends reinvested | 59,301 | 149,780 | ||
Shares redeemed | (1,990,222 | ) | (1,725,344 | ) |
Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares Outstanding | 691,960 | 5,682 | ||
Class Y | ||||
Shares sold | — | 44.25 |
a Effective July 1, 2013, the fund commenced offering ClassY shares. |
b During the period ended September 30, 2013, 2,712 Class C shares representing $63,079 were exchanged for |
2,714 Class A shares. |
See notes to financial statements.
22
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The following tables describe the performance for each share class for the fiscal periods indicated.All information (except portfolio turnover rate) reflects financial results for a single fund share.Total return shows how much your investment in the fund would have increased (or decreased) during each period, assuming you had reinvested all dividends and distributions.These figures have been derived from the fund’s financial statements.
Six Months Ended | ||||||||||||
March 31, 2014 | Year Ended September 30, | |||||||||||
Class A Shares | (Unaudited) | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | a | |||||
Per Share Data ($): | ||||||||||||
Net asset value, | ||||||||||||
beginning of period | 22.56 | 23.44 | 23.05 | 22.95 | 22.45 | 21.07 | ||||||
Investment Operations: | ||||||||||||
Investment income—netb | .24 | .51 | .53 | .61 | .61 | .32 | ||||||
Net realized and unrealized | ||||||||||||
gain (loss) on investments | .22 | (.76 | ) | .64 | .14 | .54 | 1.42 | |||||
Total from Investment Operations | .46 | (.25 | ) | 1.17 | .75 | 1.15 | 1.74 | |||||
Distributions: | ||||||||||||
Dividends from | ||||||||||||
investment income—net | (.24 | ) | (.51 | ) | (.52 | ) | (.62 | ) | (.65 | ) | (.36 | ) |
Dividends from net realized | ||||||||||||
gain on investments | — | (.12 | ) | (.26 | ) | (.03 | ) | — | — | |||
Total Distributions | (.24 | ) | (.63 | ) | (.78 | ) | (.65 | ) | (.65 | ) | (.36 | ) |
Net asset value, end of period | 22.78 | 22.56 | 23.44 | 23.05 | 22.95 | 22.45 | ||||||
Total Return (%)c | 2.04 | d | (1.10 | ) | 5.19 | 3.38 | 5.24 | 8.30 | d | |||
Ratios/Supplemental Data (%): | ||||||||||||
Ratio of total expenses | ||||||||||||
to average net assets | .93 | e | .89 | .90 | .98 | .96 | .96 | e | ||||
Ratio of net expenses | ||||||||||||
to average net assets | .70 | e | .70 | .80 | .80 | .80 | .80 | e | ||||
Ratio of net investment income | ||||||||||||
to average net assets | 2.12 | e | 2.20 | 2.25 | 2.72 | 2.80 | 3.31 | e | ||||
Portfolio Turnover Rate | 6.86 | d | 35.03 | 21.97 | 27.67 | 32.07 | 22.49 | |||||
Net Assets, end of period | ||||||||||||
($ x 1,000) | 5,977 | 6,908 | 6,639 | 4,760 | 1,665 | 55 | c |
a | From March 31, 2009 (commencement of initial offering) to September 30, 2009. |
b | Based on average shares outstanding at each month end. |
c | Exclusive of sales charge. |
d | Not annualized. |
e | Annualized. |
See notes to financial statements.
The Fund 23
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)
Six Months Ended | ||||||||||||
March 31, 2014 | Year Ended September 30, | |||||||||||
Class C Shares | (Unaudited) | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | a | |||||
Per Share Data ($): | ||||||||||||
Net asset value, | ||||||||||||
beginning of period | 22.57 | 23.45 | 23.05 | 22.95 | 22.45 | 21.07 | ||||||
Investment Operations: | ||||||||||||
Investment income-netb | .15 | .33 | .35 | .45 | .40 | .27 | ||||||
Net realized and unrealized | ||||||||||||
gain (loss) on investments | .21 | (.75 | ) | .66 | .13 | .59 | 1.39 | |||||
Total from Investment Operations | .36 | (.42 | ) | 1.01 | .58 | .99 | 1.66 | |||||
Distributions: | ||||||||||||
Dividends from | ||||||||||||
investment income—net | (.15 | ) | (.34 | ) | (.35 | ) | (.45 | ) | (.49 | ) | (.28 | ) |
Dividends from net realized | ||||||||||||
gain on investments | — | (.12 | ) | (.26 | ) | (.03 | ) | — | — | |||
Total Distributions | (.15 | ) | (.46 | ) | (.61 | ) | (.48 | ) | (.49 | ) | (.28 | ) |
Net asset value, end of period | 22.78 | 22.57 | 23.45 | 23.05 | 22.95 | 22.45 | ||||||
Total Return (%)c | 1.62 | d | (1.80 | ) | 4.39 | 2.60 | 4.46 | 7.91 | d | |||
Ratios/Supplemental Data (%): | ||||||||||||
Ratio of total expenses | ||||||||||||
to average net assets | 1.71 | e | 1.65 | 1.67 | 1.73 | 1.74 | 1.72 | e | ||||
Ratio of net expenses | ||||||||||||
to average net assets | 1.45 | e | 1.45 | 1.55 | 1.55 | 1.55 | 1.55 | e | ||||
Ratio of net investment income | ||||||||||||
to average net assets | 1.37 | e | 1.45 | 1.48 | 1.99 | 1.94 | 2.59 | e | ||||
Portfolio Turnover Rate | 6.86 | d | 35.03 | 21.97 | 27.67 | 32.07 | 22.49 | |||||
Net Assets, end of period | ||||||||||||
($ x 1,000) | 1,503 | 1,831 | 2,045 | 719 | 480 | 16 |
a | From March 31, 2009 (commencement of initial offering) to September 30, 2009. |
b | Based on average shares outstanding at each month end. |
c | Exclusive of sales charge. |
d | Not annualized. |
e | Annualized. |
See notes to financial statements.
24
Six Months Ended | ||||||||||||
March 31, 2014 | Year Ended September 30, | |||||||||||
Class I Shares | (Unaudited) | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | a | |||||
Per Share Data ($): | ||||||||||||
Net asset value, | ||||||||||||
beginning of period | 22.57 | 23.45 | 23.06 | 22.95 | 22.45 | 20.85 | ||||||
Investment Operations: | ||||||||||||
Investment income—netb | .26 | .57 | .60 | .70 | .73 | .79 | ||||||
Net realized and unrealized | ||||||||||||
gain (loss) on investments | .23 | (.76 | ) | .65 | .14 | .50 | 1.60 | |||||
Total from Investment Operations | .49 | (.19 | ) | 1.25 | .84 | 1.23 | 2.39 | |||||
Distributions: | ||||||||||||
Dividends from | ||||||||||||
investment income—net | (.27 | ) | (.57 | ) | (.60 | ) | (.70 | ) | (.73 | ) | (.79 | ) |
Dividends from net realized | ||||||||||||
gain on investments | — | (.12 | ) | (.26 | ) | (.03 | ) | — | — | |||
Total Distributions | (.27 | ) | (.69 | ) | (.86 | ) | (.73 | ) | (.73 | ) | (.79 | ) |
Net asset value, end of period | 22.79 | 22.57 | 23.45 | 23.06 | 22.95 | 22.45 | ||||||
Total Return (%) | 2.17 | c | (.85 | ) | 5.54 | 3.79 | 5.61 | 11.73 | ||||
Ratios/Supplemental Data (%): | ||||||||||||
Ratio of total expenses | ||||||||||||
to average net assets | .68 | d | .61 | .61 | .63 | .64 | .67 | |||||
Ratio of net expenses | ||||||||||||
to average net assets | .45 | d | .45 | .45 | .45 | .45 | .45 | |||||
Ratio of net investment income | ||||||||||||
to average net assets | 2.34 | d | 2.45 | 2.61 | 3.10 | 3.26 | 3.74 | |||||
Portfolio Turnover Rate | 6.86 | c | 35.03 | 21.97 | 27.67 | 32.07 | 22.49 | |||||
Net Assets, end of period | ||||||||||||
($ x 1,000) | 140,463 | 123,524 | 128,217 | 128,398 | 109,470 | 106,900 |
a The fund commenced offering three classes of shares on March 31, 2009.The existing shares were redesignated as |
Class I shares. |
b Based on average shares outstanding at each month end. |
c Not annualized. |
d Annualized. |
See notes to financial statements.
The Fund 25
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)
Six Months Ended | ||||
March 31, 2014 | Year Ended | |||
Class Y Shares | (Unaudited) | September 30, 2013a | ||
Per Share Data ($): | ||||
Net asset value, beginning of period | 22.57 | 22.60 | ||
Investment Operations: | ||||
Investment income—netb | .28 | .14 | ||
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments | .20 | (.03 | ) | |
Total from Investment Operations | .48 | .11 | ||
Distributions: | ||||
Dividends from investment income—net | (.27 | ) | (.14 | ) |
Dividends from net realized gain on investments | — | — | ||
Total Distributions | (.27 | ) | (.14 | ) |
Net asset value, end of period | 22.78 | 22.57 | ||
Total Return (%)c | 2.20 | .50 | ||
Ratios/Supplemental Data (%): | ||||
Ratio of total expenses to average net assetsd | .56 | .58 | ||
Ratio of net expenses to average net assetsd | .45 | .45 | ||
Ratio of net investment income to average net assetsd | 2.43 | 2.57 | ||
Portfolio Turnover Rate | 6.86 | c | 35.03 | |
Net Assets, end of period ($ x 1,000) | 1 | 1 |
a | Effective July 1, 2013, the fund commenced offering ClassY shares. |
b | Based on average shares outstanding at each month end. |
c | Not annualized. |
d | Annualized. |
See notes to financial statements.
26
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
NOTE 1—Significant Accounting Policies:
DreyfusTax SensitiveTotal Return Bond Fund (the “fund”) is a separate non-diversified series of Dreyfus Investment Funds (the “Trust”), 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 seven series, including the fund.The fund’s investment objective is to seek a high after-tax total return. Prior to February 21, 2014, the fund’s investment objective was to seek a high level of interest income exempt from federal income tax, while preserving shareholders’ capital. The Dreyfus Corporation (the “Manager” or “Dreyfus”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (“BNY Mellon”), serves as the fund’s investment adviser.
At a meeting held on October 30-31, 2013, the Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”) approved, effective February 21, 2014 (the “Effective Date”), a proposal to change the name of the fund from “Dreyfus/Standish Intermediate Tax Exempt Bond Fund” to “Dreyfus Tax Sensitive Total Return Bond Fund”.
The Board also approved, subject to shareholder approval, various other changes.As of the Effective Date, the fund normally invests at least 80% of its net assets, plus any borrowings for investment purposes, in bonds (or other instruments with similar economic characteristics).The fund normally invests at least 65% of its net assets in municipal bonds that provide income exempt from federal personal income tax. The fund may invest up to 35% of its net assets in taxable bonds and may invest, without limitation, in municipal bonds, the income from which is subject to the federal alternative minimum tax.As of the Effective Date, the fund uses a “manager of managers” approach by selecting one or more experienced investment managers to serve as subadvisers to the fund and Standish Mellon Asset Management Company LLC (“Standish”), an affiliate of Dreyfus, is a sub-adviser to the fund. Shareholders approved these changes and additional changes to the fund. See “Proxy Results–Results of Shareholder Vote ” on page 38.
The Fund 27
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
MBSC Securities Corporation (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dreyfus, is the distributor of the fund’s shares.The fund is authorized to issue an unlimited number of $.001 par value shares of Beneficial Interest in each of the following classes of shares: Class A, Class C, Class I and ClassY. Class A and Class C shares are sold primarily to retail investors through financial intermediaries and bear a Distribution and/or Shareholder Service Plan fees. Class A shares generally are subject to a sales charge imposed at the time of purchase. Class C shares are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”) imposed on Class C shares redeemed within one year of purchase. Class I shares are sold primarily to bank trust departments and other financial service providers (including The Bank of NewYork Mellon, a subsidiary of BNY Mellon and an affiliate of Dreyfus, and its affiliates), acting on behalf of customers having a qualified trust or an investment account or relationship at such institution, and bear no Distribution or Shareholder Services Plan fees. Class I shares are offered without a front-end sales charge or CDSC. Class I and ClassY shares are offered at net asset value 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.
As of March 31, 2014, MBC Investments Corp., an indirect subsidiary of BNY Mellon, held all of the outstanding ClassY shares of the fund.
The Trust accounts separately for the assets, liabilities and operations of each series. Expenses directly attributable to each series are charged to 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 is the exclusive reference of authoritative U.S.
28
generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) recognized by the FASB to be applied by nongovernmental entities. Rules and interpretive releases of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) under authority of federal laws are also sources of authoritative GAAP for SEC registrants. 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.
(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.).
Level 3—significant unobservable inputs (including the fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).
The Fund 29
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
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 securities are valued each business day by an independent pricing service (the “Service”) approved by the Board. Investments for which quoted bid prices are readily available and are representative of the bid side of the market in the judgment of the Service are valued at the mean between the quoted bid prices (as obtained by the Service from dealers in such securities) and asked prices (as calculated by the Service based upon its evaluation of the market for such securities). Other investments (which constitute a majority of the portfolio securities) are carried at fair value as determined by the Service, based on methods which include consideration of the following: yields or prices of municipal securities of comparable quality, coupon, maturity and type; indications as to values from dealers; and general market conditions. All of the preceding securities are categorized within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
The Service’s procedures are reviewed by Dreyfus under the general supervision of the Board.
When market quotations or official closing prices are not readily available, or are determined not to reflect accurately fair value, such as when the value of a security has been significantly affected by events after the close of the exchange or market on which the security is principally traded, but before the fund calculates its net asset value, the fund may value these investments at fair value as determined in accordance with the procedures approved by the Board. Certain factors may be considered when fair valuing investments such as: fundamental analytical data, the nature and duration of restrictions on disposition, an evaluation of the forces that influence the market in which the securities are purchased and sold, and public trading in similar securities of the issuer or comparable issuers.These securities are either categorized within Level 2 or 3 of the fair value hierarchy depending on the relevant inputs used.
30
For restricted securities where observable inputs are limited, assumptions about market activity and risk are used and are categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
The following is a summary of the inputs used as of March 31, 2014 in valuing the fund’s investments:
Level 2—Other | Level 3— | |||
Level 1— | Significant | Significant | ||
Unadjusted | Observable | Unobservable | ||
Quoted Prices | Inputs | Inputs | Total | |
Assets ($) | ||||
Corporate Bonds† | — | 2,855,692 | — | 2,855,692 |
Municipal Bonds† | — | 138,093,009 | — | 138,093,009 |
† | See Statement of Investments for additional detailed categorizations. |
At March 31, 2014, there were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
(b) Securities transactions and investment income: Securities transactions are recorded on a trade date basis. Realized gains and losses from securities transactions are recorded on the identified cost basis. Interest income, adjusted for accretion of discount and amortization of premium on investments, is earned from settlement date and recognized on the accrual basis. Securities purchased or sold on a when issued or delayed delivery basis may be settled a month or more after the trade date.
(c) Dividends to shareholders: It is the policy of the fund to declare dividends daily from investment income-net. Such dividends are paid monthly. Dividends from net realized capital gains, if any, are normally declared and paid annually, but the fund may make distributions on a more frequent basis to comply with the distribution requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”).To the extent that net realized capital gains can be offset by capital loss carryovers, it is the policy of the fund not to distribute such gains. Income and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with income tax regulations, which may differ from GAAP.
The Fund 31
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
(f) Federal income taxes: It is the policy of the fund to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company, which can distribute tax-exempt dividends, by complying with the applicable provisions of the Code, and to make distributions of income and net realized capital gain sufficient to relieve it from substantially all federal income and excise taxes.
As of and during the period ended March 31, 2014, 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 March 31, 2014, the fund did not incur any interest or penalties.
Each tax year in the three-year period ended September 30, 2013 remains subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service and state taxing authorities.
Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010 (the “2010 Act”), the fund is permitted to carry forward capital losses incurred in taxable years beginning after December 22, 2010 (“post-enactment losses”) for an unlimited period. Furthermore, post-enactment capital loss carryovers retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses rather than short-term as they were under previous statute.
The fund has an unused capital loss carryover of $43,405 available for federal income tax purposes to be applied against future net realized capital gains, if any, realized subsequent to September 30, 2013.These post-enactment short-term capital losses can be carried forward for an unlimited period.
The tax character of distributions paid to shareholders during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2013 was as follows:: tax-exempt income $3,313,701, ordinary income $208,429 and long-term capital gains $504,540, respectively. The tax character of current year distributions will be determined at the end of the current fiscal year.
32
NOTE 2—Bank Lines of Credit:
The fund participates with other Dreyfus-managed funds in a $265 million unsecured credit facility led by Citibank, N.A. and a $300 million unsecured credit facility provided by The Bank of New York Mellon (each, a “Facility”), each to be utilized primarily for temporary or emergency purposes, including the financing of redemptions. Prior to October 9, 2013, the unsecured credit facility with Citibank, N.A. was $210 million. In connection therewith, the fund has agreed to pay its pro rata portion of commitment fees for each 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 March 31, 2014, the fund did not borrow under the Facilities.
NOTE 3—Investment Advisory Fee, Sub-Investment Advisory Fee, Administration Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates:
(a) Pursuant to an investment advisory agreement with Dreyfus, the fund has agreed to pay an investment advisory fee at the annual rate of .40% of the value of the fund’s average daily net assets and is payable monthly. Dreyfus has agreed from October 1, 2013 through February 1, 2015, for Class A, Class C, Class I and ClassY shares to waive receipt of its fees and assume the expenses of the fund so that the direct expenses of none of the classes (excluding Rule 12b-1 Distribution Plan fees, Shareholder Services Plan fees, taxes, interest expense, brokerage commissions, commitment fees on borrowings and extraordinary expenses) exceed .45% of the value of the fund’s average daily net assets. The reduction in expenses, pursuant to the undertaking, amounted to $162,451 during the year ended March 31, 2014.
Pursuant to a sub-investment advisory agreement between Dreyfus and Standish, Standish serves as the fund’s sub-adviser responsible for the day-to–day management of the fund’s portfolio. Dreyfus has obtained an exemptive order from the SEC, upon which the fund may rely, to
The Fund 33
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
use a manager of managers approach that permits Dreyfus, subject to certain conditions and approval by the Board, to enter into and materially amend sub-investment advisory agreements with one or more subadvisers who are either unaffiliated with Dreyfus or are wholly-owned subsidiaries (as defined in the Act) of Dreyfus’ ultimate parent company, BNY Mellon, without obtaining shareholder approval. The order also relieves the fund from disclosing the sub-investment advisory fee paid by Dreyfus to an unaffiliated subadviser 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 Dreyfus separately to a subadviser 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 Dreyfus. Dreyfus has ultimate responsibility (subject to oversight by the Board) to supervise any subadviser and recommend the hiring, termination, and replacement of any subadviser to the Board.
The fund has an Accounting and Administration Agreement (the “Administration Agreement”) with Dreyfus, whereby Dreyfus performs administrative and accounting services for the fund. The fund has agreed to compensate Dreyfus for providing accounting services, administration, compliance monitoring, regulatory and shareholder reporting, as well as for related facilities and equipment. The fee is based on the fund’s average daily net assets and computed at the following annual rates: .06% of the first $500 million, .04% of the next $500 million and .02% in excess of $1 billion.
In addition, after applying any expense limitations or fee waivers that reduce the fees paid to Dreyfus for this service, Dreyfus has contractually agreed in writing to waive any remaining fees for this service to the extent that they exceed both Dreyfus’ costs in providing these services and a reasonable allocation of the costs incurred by Dreyfus and
34
its affiliates related to the support and oversight of these services.The fund also reimburses Dreyfus for the out-of-pocket expenses incurred in performing this service for the fund. Pursuant to the Administration Agreement, the fund was charged $43,438 during the period ended March 31, 2014.
(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. During the period ended March 31, 2014, Class C shares were charged $6,255 pursuant to the Distribution Plan.
(c) Under the Shareholder Services Plan, Class A and Class C shares pay the Distributor at the 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 providing reports and other information, 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 March 31, 2014, Class A and Class C shares were charged $7,872 and $2,085, respectively, pursuant to the Shareholder Services Plan.
Under its terms, the Distribution Plan and Shareholder Services Plan shall remain in effect from year to year, provided such continuance is approved annually by a vote of a majority of those Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Trust and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of or in any agreement related to the Distribution Plan or Shareholder Services Plan.
The Fund 35
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
The fund has arrangements with the transfer agent and the custodian whereby the fund may receive earnings credits when positive cash balances are maintained, which are used to offset transfer agency and custody fees. For financial reporting purposes, the fund includes net earnings credits as an expense offset in the Statement of Operations.
The fund compensates DreyfusTransfer, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dreyfus, under a transfer agency agreement for providing transfer agency and cash management services for the fund. The majority of transfer agency fees are comprised of amounts paid on a per account basis, while cash management fees are related to fund subscriptions and redemptions. During the period ended March 31, 2014, the fund was charged $4,231 for transfer agency services and $142 for cash management services.These fees are included in Shareholder servicing costs in the Statement of Operations. Cash management fees were partially offset by earnings credits of $12.
The fund compensates The Bank of NewYork 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 March 31, 2014, the fund was charged $5,176 pursuant to the custody agreement.
During the period ended March 31, 2014, the fund was charged $4,547 for services performed by the Chief Compliance Officer and his staff.
The components of “Due to The Dreyfus Corporation and affiliates” in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities consist of: investment advisory fees $48,344, administration fees $7,252, Distribution Plan fees $958, Shareholder Services Plan fees $1,601, custodian fees $4,994, Chief Compliance Officer fees $2,285 and transfer agency fees $1,656, which are offset against an expense reimbursement currently in effect in the amount of $11,302.
36
(d) Each Board member also serves as a Board member of other funds within the Dreyfus 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 March 31, 2014, amounted to $19,654,539 and $9,238,175, respectively.
At March 31, 2014, accumulated net unrealized appreciation on investments was $5,547,741, consisting of $5,789,802 gross unrealized appreciation and $242,061 gross unrealized depreciation.
At March 31, 2014, the cost of investments for federal income tax purposes was substantially the same as the cost for financial reporting purposes (see the Statement of Investments).
The Fund 37
PROXY RESULTS (Unaudited)
Dreyfus Tax Sensitive Total Return Bond Fund held a special meeting of shareholders on February 13, 2014. The proposals considered at the meeting and the results are as follows:
Shares | |||||
For | Against | Abstained | |||
1 | . | To approve changing the fund’s | |||
investment objective. | 3,036,761 | 1,361,786 | 47,121 | ||
2 | . | To approve removing the fund’s | |||
fundamental investment policy to | |||||
invest, under normal circumstances, | |||||
at least 80% of its net assets in | |||||
municipal bonds that provide income | |||||
exempt from federal income tax. | 3,487,559 | 911,309 | 46,800 | ||
3 | . | To approve removing the fund’s | |||
fundamental investment policy to | |||||
invest at least 65% of its net assets | |||||
in general obligation bonds and | |||||
revenue bonds. | 3,488,131 | 911,308 | 46,229 | ||
4 | . | To approve revising the fund’s | |||
fundamental investment restriction on | |||||
borrowings, issuing senior securities | |||||
and pledging assets. | 3,502,252 | 888,211 | 55,205 | ||
5 | . | To approve revising the fund’s | |||
fundamental investment restriction | |||||
on making loans. | 3,499,598 | 901,197 | 44,873 | ||
6 | . | To approve revising the fund’s | |||
fundamental investment restriction on | |||||
investing in derivatives. | 4,193,911 | 204,989 | 46,768 | ||
7 | . | To approve removing the fund’s | |||
fundamental investment restriction | |||||
regarding issuer diversification. | 3,503,780 | 897,015 | 44,873 | ||
8 | . | To approve removing the fund’s | |||
fundamental investment restriction | |||||
on margin. | 3,497,452 | 901,987 | 46,229 | ||
9 | . | To approve revising the fund’s | |||
fundamental investment restriction | |||||
on investing in real estate and | |||||
real estate related securities. | 4,007,526 | 392,730 | 45,412 | ||
10. To approve changing the fund’s | |||||
fundamental investment restriction | |||||
with respect to investing in | |||||
certain restricted or illiquid securities | |||||
to a non-fundamental policy. | 3,498,158 | 901,282 | 46,228 | ||
11. To approve a sub-investment advisory | |||||
Agreement for the fund between Dreyfus | |||||
and Standish Mellon Asset | |||||
Management Company LLC. | 4,340,856 | 39,502 | 65,310 | ||
12. To approve the implementation of a | |||||
“manager of managers” arrangement | |||||
whereby Dreyfus, the fund’s investment | |||||
adviser, under certain circumstances, | |||||
would be able to hire and replace affiliated | |||||
and unaffiliated sub-advisers for the fund | |||||
without obtaining shareholder approval. | 4,200,234 | 196,445 | 48,989 |
38
INFORMATION ABOUT THE RENEWAL OF THE
FUND’S INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND FUND
ACCOUNTING AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
AGREEMENTS AND THE APPROVAL OF THE
FUND’S SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT (Unaudited)
At a meeting of the fund’s Board of Trustees held on October 30-31, 2013 (the “October Board Meeting”), Dreyfus recommended the appointment of Standish Mellon Asset Management Company LLC (“Standish”) to serve as a sub-adviser for the fund.The recommendation of Standish was based on, among other information, Dreyfus’ review and due diligence report relating to Standish and its investment advisory services. The Board members also noted that investment personnel of Standish currently serve as dual employees of Dreyfus and Standish in managing (as Dreyfus employees) the fund and certain other funds in the Dreyfus Family of Funds for which they serve as Board members and that Standish currently serves as sub-adviser to another fund in the Dreyfus Family of Funds for which they serve as Board members.
At the October Board Meeting, the Board, all of whose members are “interested persons” (as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”) of the fund (“Independent Trustees”), considered and approved the Sub-Investment Advisory Agreement between Dreyfus and Standish (the “Standish Sub-Advisory Agreement”) for the fund. In determining whether to approve the Standish Sub-Advisory Agreement, the Board considered the due diligence materials prepared by Dreyfus and other information received in advance of the October Board Meeting, which was comprised of: (i) a copy of the Standish Sub-Advisory Agreement between Dreyfus and Standish; (ii) information regarding the process by which Dreyfus selected and recommended Standish for Board approval; (iii) information regarding the nature, extent and quality of the services Standish would provide to the fund; (iv) information regarding Standish’s investment process, reputation, investment management business, personnel and operations; (v) information regarding Standish’s brokerage and trading policies and practices; (vi) information regarding the level of sub-investment advisory fee to be charged by Standish; (vii) information regarding Standish’s compliance program; (viii) information regarding historical performance returns of
The Fund 39
INFORMATION ABOUT THE RENEWAL OF THE FUND’S INVESTMENT
ADVISORY AND FUND ACCOUNTING AND ADMINISTRATIVE
SERVICES AGREEMENTS AND THE APPROVAL OF THE FUND’S
SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT (Unaudited) (continued)
the fund, with such performance compared to relevant indices (there were no relevant historical returns for the new investment strategy approved by the Board for the fund (the “New Bond Fund Strategy”); and (ix) information regarding Standish’s financial condition. The Board also considered the substance of discussions with representatives of Dreyfus at the October Board Meeting. Additionally, the Board reviewed materials supplied by counsel that were prepared for use by the Board in fulfilling its duties under the 1940 Act.
Nature, Extent and Quality of Services to be Provided by Standish. In examining the nature, extent and quality of the services to be provided by Standish to the fund, the Board considered (i) Standish’s organization, history, reputation, qualification and background, as well as the qualifications of its personnel; (ii) its expertise in providing portfolio management services to other similar investment portfolios; (iii) its proposed New Bond Strategy for the fund; (iv) its long- and short-term performance relative to unmanaged indices; and (v) its compliance program.The Board specifically took into account Standish’s investment process and research resources and capabilities. The Board also discussed the acceptability of the terms of the Standish Sub-Advisory Agreement. The Board also considered the review process undertaken by Dreyfus, and Dreyfus’ favorable assessment of the nature and quality of the sub-investment advisory services expected to be provided to the fund by Standish.The Board concluded that the fund will benefit from the quality and experience of Standish’s investment professionals. Based on their consideration and review of the foregoing information, the Board concluded that the nature, extent and quality of the sub-investment advisory services to be provided by Standish were adequate and appropriate in light of Standish’s experience in managing fixed-income assets, Standish’s portfolio management and research resources to be applied in managing the fund’s portfolio, and Dreyfus’ recommendation to engage Standish, and supported a decision to approve the Standish Sub-Advisory Agreement.
Investment Performance of Standish.The Board considered the investment performance of the fund, which is managed by dual employees of Dreyfus and Standish, as a factor in evaluating the Standish Sub-
40
Advisory Agreement during the October Board Meeting (there were no relevant historical returns for the New Bond Fund Strategy). The Board also discussed with representatives of Dreyfus the investment strategies to be employed by Standish in the management of the fund’s assets. The Board noted Standish’s reputation and experience with respect to fixed-income investing, each portfolio manager’s experience, and Dreyfus’ experience in selecting, evaluating, and overseeing investment managers. Based on these factors, the Board supported a decision to approve the Standish Sub-Advisory Agreement.
Costs of Services to be Provided. The Board considered the proposed fees payable under the Standish Sub-Advisory Agreement, noting that the proposed fee would be paid by Dreyfus, and not the fund, and, thus, would not impact the fee paid by the fund.The Board concluded that the proposed fees payable to Standish by Dreyfus in its capacity as sub-adviser were reasonable and appropriate.
Profitability and Economies of Scale to be Realized.The Board recognized that, because Standish’s fees would be paid by Dreyfus, and not the fund, an analysis of profitability and economies of scale was more appropriate in the context of the Board’s consideration of the Investment Advisory Agreement for the fund pursuant to which Dreyfus provides the fund with investment advisory services (the “Investment Advisory Agreement”). Accordingly, considerations of profitability and economies of scale with respect to Standish were not relevant to the Board’s determination to approve the Standish Sub-Advisory Agreement.
The Board also considered whether there were any ancillary benefits that may accrue to Standish and its affiliates as a result of Standish’s relationship with the fund. The Board recognized that, because Standish is a subsidiary of The Bank of NewYork Mellon Corporation (“BNY Mellon”), BNY Mellon will benefit from the sub-investment advisory fees paid by Dreyfus to Standish. The Board concluded that the benefits that were expected to accrue to Standish and its affiliates by virtue of its relationship with the fund were reasonable.
The Fund 41
INFORMATION ABOUT THE RENEWAL OF THE FUND’S INVESTMENT
ADVISORY AND FUND ACCOUNTING AND ADMINISTRATIVE
SERVICES AGREEMENTS AND THE APPROVAL OF THE FUND’S
SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT (Unaudited) (continued)
In considering the materials and information described above, the Independent Trustees received assistance from, and met separately with, their independent legal counsel, and were provided with a written description of their statutory responsibilities and the legal standards that are applicable to the approval of investment advisory and sub-investment advisory agreements.
After full consideration of the factors discussed above, with no single factor identified as being of paramount importance, the Board, all of whose members are Independent Trustees, with the assistance of independent legal counsel, concluded that the initial approval of the Standish Sub-Advisory Agreement was in the best interests of the fund and approved the Standish Sub-Advisory Agreement.
———————
At a meeting of the fund’s Board of Trustees held on February 19-20, 2014 (the “February 2014 Board Meeting”), the Board considered the renewal of the fund’s Investment Advisory Agreement and Administration Agreement, pursuant to which Dreyfus provides the fund with investment advisory services and administrative services (together, the “Agreement”). The Board members, all of whom are Independent Trustees, were assisted in their review by independent legal counsel and met with counsel in executive session separate from Dreyfus representatives. In considering the renewal of the Agreement, the Board considered all factors that it believed to be relevant, including those discussed below.The Board did not identify any one factor as dispositive, and each Board member may have attributed different weights to the factors considered.
Analysis of Nature, Extent, and Quality of Services Provided to the Fund. The Board considered information provided to them at the February 2014 Board Meeting and in previous presentations from Dreyfus representatives regarding the nature, extent, and quality of the services provided to funds in the Dreyfus fund complex. Dreyfus provided the number of open accounts in the fund, the fund’s asset size and the allocation of fund assets among distribution channels. Dreyfus also
42
had previously provided information regarding the diverse intermediary relationships and distribution channels of funds in the Dreyfus fund complex (such as retail direct or intermediary, in which intermediaries typically are paid by the fund and/or Dreyfus) and Dreyfus’ corresponding need for broad, deep, and diverse resources to be able to provide ongoing shareholder services to each intermediary or distribution channel, as applicable to the fund.
The Board also considered research support available to, and portfolio management capabilities of, the fund’s portfolio management personnel and that Dreyfus also provides oversight of day-to-day fund operations, including fund accounting and administration and assistance in meeting legal and regulatory requirements.The Board also considered Dreyfus’ extensive administrative, accounting, and compliance infrastructures.
Comparative Analysis of the Fund’s Performance and Management Fee and Expense Ratio. The Board reviewed reports prepared by Lipper, Inc. (“Lipper”), an independent provider of investment company data, which included information comparing (1) the fund’s performance with the performance of a group of comparable funds (the “Performance Group”) and with a broader group of funds (the “Performance Universe”), all for various periods ended December 31, 2013, and (2) the fund’s actual and contractual management fees and total expenses with those of a group of comparable funds (the “Expense Group”) and with a broader group of funds (the “Expense Universe”), the information for which was derived in part from fund financial statements available to Lipper as of the date of its analysis. Dreyfus previously had furnished the Board with a description of the methodology Lipper used to select the Performance Group and Performance Universe and the Expense Group and Expense Universe.
Dreyfus representatives stated that the usefulness of performance comparisons may be affected by a number of factors, including different investment limitations that may be applicable to the fund and comparison funds. They also noted that performance generally should
The Fund 43
INFORMATION ABOUT THE RENEWAL OF THE FUND’S INVESTMENT
ADVISORY AND FUND ACCOUNTING AND ADMINISTRATIVE
SERVICES AGREEMENTS AND THE APPROVAL OF THE FUND’S
SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT (Unaudited) (continued)
be considered over longer periods of time, although it is possible that long-term performance can be adversely affected by even one period of significant underperformance so that a single investment decision or theme has the ability to affect disproportionately long-term performance. The Board discussed the results of the comparisons and noted that the fund’s total return performance was below the Performance Group Universe median for the various periods, except the one- and ten-year periods when the fund’s performance was above the Performance Group median (ranking highest in the Performance Group in the ten-year period), and the fund’s performance was above the Performance Universe median for each of the various periods.
The Board also noted that the fund’s yield performance was at or below the Performance Group medians for all ten one-year periods ended December 31st and above the Performance Universe medians for seven of the ten one-year periods ended December 31st. Dreyfus also provided a comparison of the fund’s calendar year total returns to the returns of the fund’s Lipper category average, and the Board noted that the fund’s performance was above the category average in eight of the ten one-year periods.
A Dreyfus representative reminded the Board members that a Special Meeting of Shareholders had been held on February 13, 2014, and shareholders of the fund had approved several proposals with respect to the fund which would became effective on or about February 21, 2014 (the “Effective Date”), including the approval of changes to the fund’s investment objective and investment strategy and the approval of the Standish Sub-Advisory Agreement. Dreyfus representatives further noted that the Standish Sub-Advisory Agreement was not being considered for renewal by the Board at the February 2014 Board Meeting and that the performance information provided for the fund was based on the fund’s investment objective and investment strategies and portfolio management team in place prior to the Effective Date and that, as of the Effective Date, the fund would undergo certain changes to its portfolio management team and be managed pursuant to different investment objective and strategies.
44
The Board noted that there were no relevant historical returns for the New Bond Fund Strategy that was to be used by the fund as of the Effective Date, which is different than the investment process used by the fund prior to the Effective Date.The Board discussed with representatives of Standish the investment strategies to be employed by Standish in the management of the fund’s assets.
The Board also reviewed the range of actual and contractual management fees and total expenses of the Expense Group and Expense Universe funds and discussed the results of the comparisons.The Board noted that the fund’s contractual management fee was below the Expense Group median, the fund’s actual management fee was above the Expense Group median and below the Expense Universe median and the fund’s total expenses were below the Expense Group and Expense Universe medians.
Dreyfus representatives noted that Dreyfus has contractually agreed to waive receipt of its fees and/or assume the expenses of the fund, until February 1, 2015, so that annual direct fund operating expenses (excluding Rule 12b-1 fees, shareholder services fees, taxes, interest, brokerage commissions, commitment fees on borrowings, acquired fund fees and extraordinary expenses) do not exceed .45% of the fund’s average daily net assets. Dreyfus representatives also noted that, in connection with the Administration Agreement and its related fees, Dreyfus has contractually agreed to waive any fees to the extent that such fees exceed Dreyfus’ costs in providing the services contemplated under the Administration Agreement.
Dreyfus representatives reviewed with the Board the management or investment advisory fees (1) paid by funds advised or administered by Dreyfus that are in the same Lipper category as the fund and (2) paid to Dreyfus or the Dreyfus-affiliated primary employer of the fund’s primary portfolio manager(s) for advising any separate accounts and/or other types of client portfolios that are considered to have similar investment strategies and policies as the fund (the “Similar Clients”), and explained the nature of the Similar Clients.They dis-
The Fund 45
INFORMATION ABOUT THE RENEWAL OF THE FUND’S INVESTMENT
ADVISORY AND FUND ACCOUNTING AND ADMINISTRATIVE
SERVICES AGREEMENTS AND THE APPROVAL OF THE FUND’S
SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT (Unaudited) (continued)
cussed differences in fees paid and the relationship of the fees paid in light of any differences in the services provided and other relevant factors. The Board considered the relevance of the fee information provided for the Similar Clients to evaluate the appropriateness and reasonableness of the fund’s management fee.
Analysis of Profitability and Economies of Scale. Dreyfus representatives reviewed the expenses allocated and profit received by Dreyfus and the resulting profitability percentage for managing the fund and the aggregate profitability percentage to Dreyfus of managing the funds in the Dreyfus fund complex, and the method used to determine the expenses and profit.The Board concluded that the profitability results were not unreasonable, given the services rendered and service levels provided by Dreyfus.The Board also noted the expense limitation arrangement and its effect on Dreyfus’ profitability. The Board also had been provided with information prepared by an independent consulting firm regarding Dreyfus’ approach to allocating costs to, and determining the profitability of, individual funds and the entire Dreyfus fund complex. The consulting firm also had analyzed where any economies of scale might emerge in connection with the management of a fund.
The Board considered on the advice of its counsel the profitability analysis (1) as part of its evaluation of whether the fees under the Agreement bear a reasonable relationship to the mix of services provided by Dreyfus, including the nature, extent and quality of such services, and (2) in light of the relevant circumstances for the fund and the extent to which economies of scale would be realized if the fund grows and whether fee levels reflect these economies of scale for the benefit of fund shareholders. Dreyfus representatives also noted that, as a result of shared and allocated costs among funds in the Dreyfus fund complex, the extent of economies of scale could depend substantially on the level of assets in the complex as a whole, so that increases and decreases in complex-wide assets can affect potential economies of scale in a manner that is disproportionate to, or even in the opposite
46
direction from, changes in the fund’s asset level.The Board also considered potential benefits to Dreyfus from acting as investment adviser and noted that there were no soft dollar arrangements in effect for trading the fund’s investments.
At the conclusion of these discussions, the Board agreed that it had been furnished with sufficient information to make an informed business decision with respect to the renewal of the Agreement. Based on the discussions and considerations as described above, the Board concluded and determined as follows.
The Board concluded that the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by Dreyfus are adequate and appropriate.
The Board noted the recent changes to the fund and agreed to closely monitor performance.
The Board concluded that the fees paid to Dreyfus were reasonable in light of the considerations described above.
The Board determined that the economies of scale which may accrue to Dreyfus and its affiliates in connection with the management of the fund had been adequately considered by Dreyfus in connection with the fee rate charged to the fund pursuant to the Agreement and that, to the extent in the future it were determined that material economies of scale had not been shared with the fund, the Board would seek to have those economies of scale shared with the fund.
In evaluating the Agreement, the Board considered these conclusions and determinations and also relied on its previous knowledge, gained through meetings and other interactions with Dreyfus and its affiliates, of the fund and the services provided to the fund by Dreyfus.The Board also relied on information received on a routine and regular basis throughout the year relating to the operations of the fund and the investment management and other services provided under the Agreement, including information on the investment performance of the fund in comparison to similar mutual funds and benchmark performance
The Fund 47
INFORMATION ABOUT THE RENEWAL OF THE FUND’S INVESTMENT
ADVISORY AND FUND ACCOUNTING AND ADMINISTRATIVE
SERVICES AGREEMENTS AND THE APPROVAL OF THE FUND’S
SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT (Unaudited) (continued)
indices; general market outlook as applicable to the fund; and compliance reports. In addition, the Board’s consideration of the contractual fee arrangements for this fund had the benefit of a number of years of reviews of prior or similar agreements during which lengthy discussions took place between the Board and Dreyfus representatives. Certain aspects of the arrangements may receive greater scrutiny in some years than in others, and the Board’s conclusions may be based, in part, on their consideration of the same or similar arrangements in prior years.The Board determined that renewal of the Agreement was in the best interests of the fund and its shareholders.
48
For More Information
Telephone Call your Financial Representative or 1-800-DREYFUS
Mail The Dreyfus Family of Funds, 144 Glenn Curtiss Boulevard, Uniondale, NY 11556-0144
E-mail Send your request to info@dreyfus.com
Internet Information can be viewed online or downloaded at: http://www.dreyfus.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-Q. The fund’s Forms N-Q are available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov and may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330.
Information regarding how the fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities for the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov and without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-DREYFUS.
Dreyfus/The Boston |
Company Small Cap |
Growth Fund |
SEMIANNUAL REPORT March 31, 2014
Save time. Save paper. View your next shareholder report online as soon as it’s available. Log into www.dreyfus.com and sign up for Dreyfus eCommunications. It’s simple and only takes a few minutes.
The views expressed in this report reflect those of the portfolio manager only through the end of the period covered and do not necessarily represent the views of Dreyfus or any other person in the Dreyfus organization. Any such views are subject to change at any time based upon market or other conditions and Dreyfus disclaims any responsibility to update such views.These views may not be relied on as investment advice and, because investment decisions for a Dreyfus fund are based on numerous factors, may not be relied on as an indication of trading intent on behalf of any Dreyfus fund.
Not FDIC-Insured • Not Bank-Guaranteed • May Lose Value |
Contents | |
THE FUND | |
2 |
A Letter from the President |
3 |
Discussion of Fund Performance |
6 |
Understanding Your Fund’s Expenses |
6 |
Comparing Your Fund’s Expenses With Those of Other Funds |
7 |
Statement of Investments |
12 |
Statement of Assets and Liabilities |
13 |
Statement of Operations |
14 |
Statement of Changes in Net Assets |
15 |
Financial Highlights |
17 |
Notes to Financial Statements |
26 |
Information About the Renewal of the Fund’s Investment Advisory and Administration Agreements |
FOR MORE INFORMATION | |
Back Cover |
Dreyfus/The Boston
Company Small Cap
Growth Fund
The Fund
A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
Dear Shareholder:
This semiannual report for Dreyfus/The Boston Company Small Cap Growth Fund covers the six-month period from October 1, 2013, through March 31, 2014. For information about how the fund performed during the reporting period, as well as general market perspectives, we provide a Discussion of Fund Performance on the pages that follow.
The past six months have produced outstanding returns for U.S. equities. Despite periodic bouts of heightened volatility, stocks generally gained substantial value in light of a sustained U.S. economic recovery, waning concerns regarding global economic conditions, low inflation, and rising corporate earnings. Indeed, several broad measures of stock market performance reached record highs over the course of the reporting period. Companies in economically sensitive businesses generally fared best in the constructive market environment, and small-cap stocks produced higher returns than their larger counterparts, on average.
Looking forward, we expect the U.S. economic recovery to continue to gain traction on its way to producing a 3% annualized growth rate over the next several years. We also anticipate a pickup in the global economy, led by developed nations amid ongoing monetary stimulus and reduced headwinds related to fiscal austerity and deleveraging. As always, we encourage you to discuss our observations with your financial advisor to assess their potential impact on your investments.
Thank you for your continued confidence and support.
J. Charles Cardona
President
The Dreyfus Corporation
April 15, 2014
2
DISCUSSION OF FUND PERFORMANCE
For the period of October 1, 2013, through March 31, 2014, as provided by Todd W. Wakefield, CFA, and Robert C. Zeuthen, CFA, Primary Portfolio Managers
Fund and Market Performance Overview
For the six-month period ended March 31, 2014, Dreyfus/The Boston Company Small Cap Growth Fund’s Class I shares produced a total return of 10.41%, and Class Y shares returned 10.42%.1 In comparison, the fund’s benchmark, the Russell 2000 Growth Index (the “Index”), produced a total return of 8.70% for the same period.2
Improved economic conditions helped support U.S. stock market gains over the reporting period.The fund produced higher returns than its benchmark, mainly due to the success of our security selection strategy in the health care, materials, financials, and industrials sectors.
The Fund’s Investment Approach
The fund seeks long-term growth of capital. To pursue its goal, the fund normally invests at least 80% of its net assets in equity securities of small-cap U.S. companies with total market capitalizations equal to or less than that of the largest company in the Index. When choosing stocks, we seek to identify high-quality, small-cap companies that are experiencing or are expected to experience rapid current or expected earnings or revenue growth.We employ fundamental research to identify companies with attractive characteristics, such as strong business and competitive positions, solid cash flows and balance sheets, high-quality management and high sustainable growth. We also may invest in companies that our research indicates will experience accelerating revenues and expanding operating margins.
Recovering Economy Fueled Market’s Gains
Stocks climbed over the reporting period during a sustained economic recovery fueled by falling unemployment, rebounding housing markets, and low short-term interest rates. After several months of economic uncertainty and market weakness over the summer of 2013, investors were relieved and stocks rallied in the fall when the Federal Reserve Board (the “Fed”) refrained from tapering its quantitative easing
The Fund 3
DISCUSSION OF FUND PERFORMANCE (continued)
program. Stocks continued to advance over the final months of the year amid new releases of encouraging economic data. In December, investors took the Fed’s first reduction of its bond purchasing program in stride.The market gave back some of its gains in January 2014 amid concerns regarding economic slowdowns in the emerging markets, but stocks rebounded in February and maintained their value in March when those worries proved to be overblown.
In this environment, companies that tend to be more sensitive to economic conditions fared better than their more traditionally defensive counterparts. From a market capitalization perspective, small-cap stocks lagged large-cap stocks, on average, and growth stocks generally trailed their more value-oriented counterparts.
Stock Selections Bolstered Fund Results
The fund participated more than fully in the market’s gains over the reporting period, and its relative performance was particularly buoyed by strong stock selections in the health care sector. Spine disorders specialist LDR Holding reported better-than-expected revenues and earnings through its focus on a fast-growing market niche. Medical devices maker Globus Medical, which also specializes in spine disorders, advanced after posting robust quarterly sales. Diabetes management solutions provider Insulet benefited from rising sales of new products and greater adoption of its products among patients. Salix Pharmaceuticals exceeded expectations on the strength of robust sales of a gastrointestinal drug. Investors responded positively when Pacira Pharmaceuticals preannounced strong sales of its EXPAREL liposome injection anesthetic followed by positive data supporting EXPAREL’s expanded use. Medical billing and technology services provider athenahealth benefited from impressive physician additions to its platform, a modest revenue beat, and solid fourth quarter gross margins.
Results in the materials sector were driven by gains in the metals-and-mining industry, where Netherlands-based aluminum specialty products manufacturer Constellium benefited from greater use of aluminum by carmakers and aircraft producers. Minerals and technology products developer AMCOL International was acquired at a premium to its stock price at the time. Chemicals maker Flowtek Industries rose as the company reported earnings ahead of expectations driven by strong results in their chemical business. In the financials sector, winners included PrivateBancorp, which reported higher profit margins stemming from solidly positive business trends. In the industrials
4
sector, Spirit Airlines was rewarded for its strong operations, and building products maker Trex benefited from a recovering U.S. housing market.
Disappointments during the reporting period were concentrated primarily in the information technology and energy sectors. Most notably, software developer Infoblox lost value after reporting delays in the signing of key customer contracts, and seismic services provider Geospace Technologies was hurt by lower revenues and margins impacted by pricing pressures.
Finding Growth Opportunities Across Market Sectors
Although valuations have grown richer after recent market rallies, we have continued to identify ample opportunities among small-cap growth stocks. Better weather is expected to unlock pent up consumer demand, and improved business conditions could cause corporations to spend more freely on capital expenditures and mergers-and-acquisitions activity.As of the reporting period’s end, the fund was positioned to participate in a constructive market environment through overweighted exposure to the health care, information technology, and consumer discretionary sectors.We have identified fewer opportunities meeting our growth criteria in the materials, financials, and industrials sectors.
April 15, 2014
Please note, the position in any security highlighted with italicized typeface was sold during the reporting period. Equity funds 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.
1 Total return includes reinvestment of dividends and any capital gains paid. 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.The fund’s returns reflect the absorption of certain expenses by The Dreyfus Corporation |
pursuant to an agreement in effect through February 1, 2015. Had these expenses not been absorbed, returns would |
have been lower. |
2 SOURCE: LIPPER INC. — Reflects the reinvestment of dividends and, where applicable, capital gain |
distributions.The Russell 2000 Growth Index is an unmanaged index, which measures the performance of those |
Russell 2000 companies with higher price-to-book ratios and higher forecasted growth values. Investors cannot invest |
directly in any index. |
The Fund 5
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 Dreyfus/The Boston Company Small Cap Growth Fund from October 1, 2013 to March 31, 2014. 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
assuming actual returns for the six months ended March 31, 2014
Class I | Class Y | |||
Expenses paid per $1,000† | $ | 4.98 | $ | 4.93 |
Ending value (after expenses) | $ | 1,104.10 | $ | 1,104.20 |
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 March 31, 2014
Class I | Class Y | |||
Expenses paid per $1,000† | $ | 4.78 | $ | 4.73 |
Ending value (after expenses) | $ | 1,020.19 | $ | 1,020.24 |
† Expenses are equal to the fund’s annualized expense ratio of .95% for Class I and .94% for ClassY, multiplied by |
the average account value over the period, multiplied by 182/365 (to reflect the one-half year period). |
6
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS
March 31, 2014 (Unaudited)
Common Stocks—98.8% | Shares | Value ($) | |
Automobiles & Components—1.5% | |||
Drew Industries | 7,270 | 394,034 | |
Tenneco | 7,560 | a | 439,009 |
833,043 | |||
Banks—3.6% | |||
Boston Private Financial Holdings | 56,450 | 763,768 | |
PrivateBancorp | 22,780 | 695,018 | |
Prosperity Bancshares | 8,170 | 540,446 | |
1,999,232 | |||
Capital Goods—7.1% | |||
Apogee Enterprises | 20,990 | 697,498 | |
CIRCOR International | 9,850 | 722,300 | |
Crane | 9,090 | 646,753 | |
Hexcel | 9,450 | a | 411,453 |
Primoris Services | 13,270 | 397,835 | |
Sun Hydraulics | 11,010 | 476,843 | |
Trex | 8,760 | a | 640,882 |
3,993,564 | |||
Commercial & Professional Services—3.9% | |||
Corporate Executive Board | 6,771 | 502,611 | |
Interface | 39,860 | 819,123 | |
MiX Telematics, ADR | 21,965 | b | 236,783 |
On Assignment | 15,940 | a | 615,125 |
2,173,642 | |||
Consumer Durables & Apparel—5.7% | |||
Arctic Cat | 7,790 | 372,284 | |
Malibu Boats, Cl. A | 20,220 | 449,288 | |
Oxford Industries | 5,320 | 416,024 | |
Steven Madden | 16,200 | a | 582,876 |
Tumi Holdings | 28,750 | a | 650,613 |
Wolverine World Wide | 25,780 | b | 736,019 |
3,207,104 | |||
Consumer Services—3.3% | |||
Bally Technologies | 10,340 | a | 685,232 |
Cheesecake Factory | 10,460 | 498,210 | |
Del Frisco’s Restaurant Group | 12,100 | a | 337,590 |
The Fund 7
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
Common Stocks (continued) | Shares | Value ($) | |
Consumer Services (continued) | |||
Papa John’s International | 6,210 | 323,603 | |
1,844,635 | |||
Energy—5.0% | |||
Bill Barrett | 20,500 | a,b | 524,800 |
Dril-Quip | 3,610 | a | 404,681 |
Geospace Technologies | 7,760 | a | 513,479 |
Navigator Holdings | 18,354 | a | 477,204 |
PDC Energy | 8,820 | a | 549,133 |
Tesco | 16,800 | a | 310,800 |
2,780,097 | |||
Exchange-Traded Funds—1.8% | |||
iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF | 7,640 | b | 1,039,498 |
Food & Staples Retailing—1.3% | |||
United Natural Foods | 10,380 | a | 736,150 |
Food, Beverage & Tobacco—2.0% | |||
TreeHouse Foods | 7,350 | a | 529,127 |
WhiteWave Foods, Cl. A | 19,960 | a | 569,658 |
1,098,785 | |||
Health Care Equipment & Services—11.2% | |||
Acadia Healthcare | 6,970 | a | 314,486 |
Align Technology | 16,320 | a | 845,213 |
athenahealth | 3,910 | a | 626,538 |
Catamaran | 7,550 | a | 337,938 |
Centene | 8,580 | a | 534,105 |
Endologix | 21,600 | a | 277,992 |
Globus Medical, Cl. A | 22,240 | a | 591,362 |
HealthStream | 20,910 | a | 558,297 |
HeartWare International | 5,280 | a | 495,158 |
Insulet | 11,180 | a | 530,156 |
LDR Holding | 12,073 | 414,466 | |
Spectranetics | 15,900 | a | 481,929 |
Tandem Diabetes Care | 12,030 | 265,743 | |
6,273,383 | |||
Household & Personal Products—1.2% | |||
Inter Parfums | 18,880 | 683,645 |
8
Common Stocks (continued) | Shares | Value ($) | |
Materials—3.4% | |||
Constellium, Cl. A | 32,360 | 949,766 | |
Flotek Industries | 15,090 | a | 420,256 |
Scotts Miracle-Gro, Cl. A | 8,830 | 541,102 | |
1,911,124 | |||
Media—2.2% | |||
IMAX | 30,960 | a,b | 846,137 |
Lions Gate Entertainment | 14,680 | 392,396 | |
1,238,533 | |||
Pharmaceuticals, Biotech & | |||
Life Sciences—12.9% | |||
Alkermes | 11,320 | a | 499,099 |
Anacor Pharmaceuticals | 38,920 | a | 778,789 |
Auspex Pharmaceuticals | 19,270 | 592,745 | |
Cepheid | 8,850 | a | 456,483 |
KYTHERA Biopharmaceuticals | 19,080 | a,b | 758,621 |
Nektar Therapeutics | 62,630 | a | 759,076 |
NPS Pharmaceuticals | 19,139 | a | 572,830 |
Pacira Pharmaceuticals | 5,450 | a | 381,446 |
PAREXEL International | 7,620 | a | 412,166 |
Salix Pharmaceuticals | 6,610 | a | 684,862 |
Vanda Pharmaceuticals | 39,210 | a,b | 637,163 |
WuXi PharmaTech, ADR | 18,470 | a | 680,804 |
7,214,084 | |||
Retailing—4.3% | |||
HomeAway | 11,820 | a | 445,259 |
Lumber Liquidators Holdings | 4,470 | a | 419,286 |
Restoration Hardware Holdings | 8,720 | a | 641,705 |
Tractor Supply | 3,690 | 260,625 | |
Vitamin Shoppe | 13,820 | a | 656,726 |
2,423,601 | |||
Semiconductors & Semiconductor | |||
Equipment—5.2% | |||
LTX-Credence | 75,100 | a | 669,141 |
Mellanox Technologies | 17,980 | a | 703,557 |
Photronics | 49,100 | a | 418,823 |
The Fund 9
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
Common Stocks (continued) | Shares | Value ($) | |
Semiconductors & Semiconductor | |||
Equipment (continued) | |||
Power Integrations | 6,780 | 445,988 | |
Silicon Laboratories | 12,650 | a | 660,963 |
2,898,472 | |||
Software & Services—16.6% | |||
Allot Communications | 42,310 | a,b | 569,493 |
Brightcove | 46,260 | a | 454,736 |
BroadSoft | 21,700 | a | 580,041 |
CommVault Systems | 11,510 | a | 747,574 |
comScore | 13,980 | a | 458,404 |
FleetMatics Group | 15,830 | a,b | 529,514 |
Gigamon | 13,560 | 412,088 | |
Imperva | 9,610 | a | 535,277 |
LogMeIn | 20,770 | a | 932,365 |
MAXIMUS | 19,260 | 864,004 | |
Proofpoint | 17,330 | a | 642,596 |
Q2 Holdings | 877 | b | 13,620 |
Sapient | 32,330 | a | 551,550 |
ServiceSource International | 66,790 | a | 563,708 |
Shutterstock | 3,140 | a,b | 227,995 |
SolarWinds | 14,550 | a | 620,267 |
SS&C Technologies Holdings | 14,530 | a | 581,491 |
9,284,723 | |||
Technology Hardware & | |||
Equipment—5.6% | |||
Coherent | 7,780 | a | 508,423 |
Littelfuse | 9,150 | 856,806 | |
Measurement Specialties | 8,980 | a | 609,293 |
RADWARE | 26,930 | a | 476,122 |
Sonus Networks | 197,820 | a | 666,653 |
3,117,297 | |||
Transportation—1.0% | |||
Spirit Airlines | 9,600 | a | 570,240 |
Total Common Stocks | |||
(cost $41,252,568) | 55,320,852 |
10
Other Investment—2.4% | Shares | Value ($) | ||
Registered Investment Company; | ||||
Dreyfus Institutional Preferred | ||||
Plus Money Market Fund | ||||
(cost $1,341,870) | 1,341,870 | c | 1,341,870 | |
Investment of Cash Collateral | ||||
for Securities Loaned—7.5% | ||||
Registered Investment Company; | ||||
Dreyfus Institutional Cash Advantage Fund | ||||
(cost $4,176,442) | 4,176,442 | c | 4,176,442 | |
Total Investments (cost $46,770,880) | 108.7 | % | 60,839,164 | |
Liabilities, Less Cash and Receivables | (8.7 | %) | (4,857,838 | ) |
Net Assets | 100.0 | % | 55,981,326 |
ADR—American Depository Receipts
ETF—Exchange-Traded Funds
a Non-income producing security. |
b Security, or portion thereof, on loan.At March 31, 2014, the value of the fund’s securities on loan was $4,166,159 |
and the value of the collateral held by the fund was $4,176,442. |
c Investment in affiliated money market mutual fund. |
Portfolio Summary (Unaudited)† | |||
Value (%) | Value (%) | ||
Software & Services | 16.6 | Commercial & Professional Services | 3.9 |
Pharmaceuticals, | Banks | 3.6 | |
Biotech & Life Sciences | 12.9 | Materials | 3.4 |
Health Care Equipment & Services | 11.2 | Consumer Services | 3.3 |
Money Market Investments | 9.9 | Media | 2.2 |
Capital Goods | 7.1 | Food, Beverage & Tobacco | 2.0 |
Consumer Durables & Apparel | 5.7 | Exchange-Traded Funds | 1.8 |
Technology Hardware & Equipment | 5.6 | Automobiles & Components | 1.5 |
Semiconductors & | Food & Staples Retailing | 1.3 | |
Semiconductor Equipment | 5.2 | Household & Personal Products | 1.2 |
Energy | 5.0 | Transportation | 1.0 |
Retailing | 4.3 | 108.7 | |
† Based on net assets. | |||
See notes to financial statements. |
The Fund 11
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES |
March 31, 2014 (Unaudited) |
Cost | Value | ||
Assets ($): | |||
Investments in securities—See Statement of Investments (including | |||
securities on loan, valued at $4,166,159)—Note 1(b): | |||
Unaffiliated issuers | 41,252,568 | 55,320,852 | |
Affiliated issuers | 5,518,312 | 5,518,312 | |
Cash | 1,809 | ||
Receivable for investment securities sold | 98,519 | ||
Dividends and securities lending income receivable | 9,908 | ||
Prepaid expenses | 21,456 | ||
60,970,856 | |||
Liabilities ($): | |||
Due to The Dreyfus Corporation and affiliates—Note 3(b) | 59,157 | ||
Liability for securities on loan—Note 1(b) | 4,176,442 | ||
Payable for investment securities purchased | 715,272 | ||
Interest payable—Note 2 | 209 | ||
Accrued expenses | 38,450 | ||
4,989,530 | |||
Net Assets ($) | 55,981,326 | ||
Composition of Net Assets ($): | |||
Paid-in capital | 22,084,773 | ||
Accumulated investment (loss)—net | (216,657 | ) | |
Accumulated net realized gain (loss) on investments | 20,044,926 | ||
Accumulated net unrealized appreciation | |||
(depreciation) on investments | 14,068,284 | ||
Net Assets ($) | 55,981,326 | ||
Net Asset Value Per Share | |||
Class I | Class Y | ||
Net Assets ($) | 55,980,430 | 896.45 | |
Shares Outstanding | 975,079 | 15.615 | |
Net Asset Value Per Share ($) | 57.41 | 57.41 | |
See notes to financial statements. |
12
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS | ||
Six Months Ended March 31, 2014 (Unaudited) | ||
Investment Income ($): | ||
Income: | ||
Cash dividends (net of $300 foreign taxes withheld at source): | ||
Unaffiliated issuers | 168,232 | |
Affiliated issuers | 702 | |
Income from securities lending—Note 1(b) | 11,795 | |
Total Income | 180,729 | |
Expenses: | ||
Investment advisory fee—Note 3(a) | 339,767 | |
Shareholder servicing costs—Note 3(b) | 26,734 | |
Professional fees | 26,633 | |
Administration fees—Note 3(a) | 25,483 | |
Registration fees | 19,071 | |
Custodian fees—Note 3(b) | 18,568 | |
Prospectus and shareholders’ reports | 8,103 | |
Trustees’ fees and expenses—Note 3(c) | 3,083 | |
Loan commitment fees—Note 2 | 640 | |
Interest expense—Note 2 | 270 | |
Miscellaneous | 9,500 | |
Total Expenses | 477,852 | |
Less—reduction in expenses due to undertaking—Note 3(a) | (73,416 | ) |
Less—reduction in fees due to earnings credits—Note 3(b) | (53 | ) |
Net Expenses | 404,383 | |
Investment (Loss)—Net | (223,654 | ) |
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments—Note 4 ($): | ||
Net realized gain (loss) on investments | 23,969,940 | |
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments | (14,617,031 | ) |
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments | 9,352,909 | |
Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations | 9,129,255 | |
See notes to financial statements. |
The Fund 13
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
Six Months Ended | ||||
March 31, 2014 | Year Ended | |||
(Unaudited) | September 30, 2013a | |||
Operations ($): | ||||
Investment (loss)—net | (223,654 | ) | (251,275 | ) |
Net realized gain (loss) on investments | 23,969,940 | 25,579,315 | ||
Net unrealized appreciation | ||||
(depreciation) on investments | (14,617,031 | ) | 3,939,088 | |
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets | ||||
Resulting from Operations | 9,129,255 | 29,267,128 | ||
Dividends to Shareholders from ($): | ||||
Net realized gain on investments: | ||||
Class I | (27,698,814 | ) | (12,618,690 | ) |
Class Y | (309 | ) | — | |
Total Dividends | (27,699,123 | ) | (12,618,690 | ) |
Beneficial Interest Transactions ($): | ||||
Net proceeds from shares sold: | ||||
Class I | 3,013,259 | 6,120,054 | ||
Class Y | — | 1,000 | ||
Dividends reinvested: | ||||
Class I | 14,378,737 | 7,458,872 | ||
Cost of shares redeemed: | ||||
Class I | (43,885,275 | ) | (62,875,666 | ) |
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from | ||||
Beneficial Interest Transactions | (26,493,279 | ) | (49,295,740 | ) |
Total Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets | (45,063,147 | ) | (32,647,302 | ) |
Net Assets ($): | ||||
Beginning of Period | 101,044,473 | 133,691,775 | ||
End of Period | 55,981,326 | 101,044,473 | ||
Undistributed investment income (loss)—net | (216,657 | ) | 6,997 | |
Capital Share Transactions (Shares): | ||||
Class I | ||||
Shares sold | 46,471 | 100,619 | ||
Shares issued for dividends reinvested | 263,733 | 143,993 | ||
Shares redeemed | (761,725 | ) | (1,025,281 | ) |
Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares Outstanding | (451,521 | ) | (780,669 | ) |
Class Y | ||||
Shares sold | — | 15.615 | ||
a Effective July 1, 2013, the fund commenced offering ClassY shares. | ||||
See notes to financial statements. |
14
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.Total return shows how much your investment in the fund would have increased (or decreased) during each period, assuming you had reinvested all dividends and distributions.These figures have been derived from the fund’s financial statements.
Six Months Ended | ||||||||||||
March 31, 2014 | Year Ended September 30, | |||||||||||
Class I Shares | (Unaudited) | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | a | |||||
Per Share Data ($): | ||||||||||||
Net asset value, | ||||||||||||
beginning of period | 70.83 | 60.57 | 47.21 | 47.68 | 43.36 | 49.89 | ||||||
Investment Operations: | ||||||||||||
Investment (loss)—netb | (.16 | ) | (.13 | ) | (.16 | ) | (.18 | ) | (.13 | ) | (.12 | ) |
Net realized and unrealized | ||||||||||||
gain (loss) on investments | 6.49 | 16.26 | 14.57 | (.29 | ) | 4.45 | (6.41 | ) | ||||
Total from | ||||||||||||
Investment Operations | 6.33 | 16.13 | 14.41 | (.47 | ) | 4.32 | (6.53 | ) | ||||
Distributions: | ||||||||||||
Dividends from net realized | ||||||||||||
gain on investments | (19.75 | ) | (5.87 | ) | (1.05 | ) | — | — | — | |||
Net asset value, end of period | 57.41 | 70.83 | 60.57 | 47.21 | 47.68 | 43.36 | ||||||
Total Return (%) | 10.41 | c | 30.20 | 30.86 | (.99 | ) | 9.96 | (13.14 | ) | |||
Ratios/Supplemental Data (%): | ||||||||||||
Ratio of total expenses | ||||||||||||
o average net assets | 1.13 | d | 1.04 | 1.02 | .97 | .94 | 1.00 | |||||
Ratio of net expenses | ||||||||||||
to average net assets | .95 | d | .98 | .96 | .96 | .94 | 1.00 | |||||
Ratio of net investment (loss) | ||||||||||||
to average net assets | (.53 | )d | (.22 | ) | (.29 | ) | (.33 | ) | (.29 | ) | (.34 | ) |
Portfolio Turnover Rate | 70.34 | c | 121.73 | 154.49 | 176.06 | 181.09 | 271 | |||||
Net Assets, end of period | ||||||||||||
($ x 1,000) | 55,980 | 101,043 | 133,692 | 142,906 | 219,144 | 299,563 |
a | Effective September 1, 2009, the fund’s shares were redesignated as Class I shares. |
b | Based on average shares outstanding at each month end. |
c | Not annualized. |
d | Annualized. |
See notes to financial statements.
The Fund 15
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)
Six Months Ended | ||||
March 31, 2014 | Year Ended | |||
Class Y Shares | (Unaudited) | September 30, 2013a | ||
Per Share Data ($): | ||||
Net asset value, beginning of period | 70.83 | 64.04 | ||
Investment Operations: | ||||
Investment (loss)—netb | (.17 | ) | (.10 | ) |
Net realized and unrealized | ||||
gain (loss) on investments | 6.50 | 6.89 | ||
Total from Investment Operations | 6.33 | 6.79 | ||
Distributions: | ||||
Dividends from net realized | ||||
gain on investments | (19.75 | ) | — | |
Net asset value, end of period | 57.41 | 70.83 | ||
Total Return (%)c | 10.42 | 10.59 | ||
Ratios/Supplemental Data (%): | ||||
Ratio of total expenses to average net assetsd | 1.03 | 1.07 | ||
Ratio of net expenses to average net assetsd | .94 | .95 | ||
Ratio of net investment (loss) | ||||
to average net assetsd | (.53 | ) | (.57 | ) |
Portfolio Turnover Rate | 70.34 | c | 121.73 | |
Net Assets, end of period ($ x 1,000) | 1 | 1 |
a | From July 1, 2013 (commencement of initial offering) to September 30, 2013. |
b | Based on average shares outstanding at each month end. |
c | Not annualized. |
d | Annualized. |
See notes to financial statements.
16
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
NOTE 1—Significant Accounting Policies:
Dreyfus/The Boston Company Small Cap Growth Fund (the “fund”) is a separate diversified series of Dreyfus Investment Funds (the “Trust”), 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 seven series, including the fund.The fund’s investment objective is to seek long-term growth of capital. The Dreyfus Corporation (the “Manager” or “Dreyfus”), a wholly-owned subsidiary ofThe Bank of NewYork Mellon Corporation (“BNY Mellon”), serves as the fund’s investment adviser.
MBSC Securities Corporation (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Manager, is the distributor of the fund’s shares. The fund is authorized to issue an unlimited number of $.001 par value shares of Beneficial Interest in each of the following classes of shares: Class I and ClassY. Class I shares are sold primarily to bank trust departments and other financial service providers (includingThe Bank of New York Mellon, a subsidiary of BNY Mellon and an affiliate of Dreyfus, and its affiliates), acting on behalf of customers having a qualified trust or an investment account or relationship at such institution, and bear no Distribution or Shareholder Services Plan fees. Class I shares are offered without a front-end sales charge or a contingent deferred sales charge. Class Y shares are offered at net asset value 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.
As of March 31, 2014, MBC Investments Corp., an indirect subsidiary of BNY Mellon, held all of the outstanding ClassY shares of the fund.
The Trust accounts separately for the assets, liabilities and operations of each series. Expenses directly attributable to each series are charged to that series’ operations; expenses which are applicable to all series are allocated among them on a pro rata basis.
The Fund 17
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
The Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification 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 Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) under authority of federal laws are also sources of authoritative GAAP for SEC registrants. 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.
(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.).
Level 3—significant unobservable inputs (including the fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).
18
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 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. 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, except for open short positions, where the asked price is 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 categorized within Level 1 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 financial 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 reflect accurately 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 Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”). Certain factors may be considered when fair valuing investments such as: fundamental analytical data,
The Fund 19
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
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.
For restricted securities where observable inputs are limited, assumptions about market activity and risk are used and are categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
The following is a summary of the inputs used as of March 31, 2014 in valuing the fund’s investments:
Level 2—Other | Level 3— | |||
Level 1— | Significant | Significant | ||
Unadjusted | Observable | Unobservable | ||
Quoted Prices | Inputs | Inputs | Total | |
Assets ($) | ||||
Investments in Securities: | ||||
Equity Securities— | ||||
Domestic | ||||
Common Stocks† | 49,515,531 | — | — | 49,515,531 |
Equity Securities— | ||||
Foreign | ||||
Common Stocks† | 4,765,823 | — | — | 4,765,823 |
Exchange-Traded | ||||
Funds | 1,039,498 | — | — | 1,039,498 |
Mutual Funds | 5,518,312 | — | — | 5,518,312 |
† See Statement of Investments for additional detailed categorizations. |
At March 31, 2014, there were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
(b) Securities transactions and investment income: Securities transactions are recorded on a trade date basis. Realized gains and losses from securities transactions are recorded on the identified cost basis. 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.
20
Pursuant to a securities lending agreement with The Bank of New York Mellon, 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 Manager or U.S. Government and Agency securities.The fund is entitled to receive all dividends, interest and distributions on 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 NewYork 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. During the period ended March 31, 2014,The Bank of New York Mellon earned $3,003 from lending portfolio securities, pursuant to the securities lending agreement.
(c) Affiliated issuers: Investments in other investment companies advised by Dreyfus are defined as “affiliated” under the Act. Investments in affiliated investment companies during the period ended March 31, 2014 were as follows:
Affiliated | |||||
Investment | Value | Value | Net | ||
Company | 9/30/2013 ($) | Purchases ($) | Sales ($) | 3/31/2014 ($) | Assets (%) |
Dreyfus | |||||
Institutional | |||||
Preferred | |||||
Plus Money | |||||
Market Fund | 2,948,535 | 22,951,559 | 24,558,224 | 1,341,870 | 2.4 |
Dreyfus | |||||
Institutional | |||||
Cash Advantage | |||||
Fund | 6,506,553 | 35,084,713 | 37,414,824 | 4,176,442 | 7.5 |
Total | 9,455,088 | 58,036,272 | 61,973,048 | 5,518,312 | 9.9 |
The Fund 21
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
(d) Dividends to shareholders: Dividends 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 gains. Income and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with income tax regulations, which may differ from GAAP.
(e) Federal income taxes: It is the policy of the fund to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company, 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 sufficient to relieve it from substantially all federal income and excise taxes.
As of and during the period ended March 31, 2014, 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 March 31, 2014, the fund did not incur any interest or penalties.
Each tax year in the three-year period ended September 30, 2013 remains subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service and state taxing authorities.
The tax character of distributions paid to shareholders during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2013 was as follows: long-term capital gains $12,618,690. The tax character of current year distributions will be determined at the end of the current fiscal year.
NOTE 2—Bank Lines of Credit:
The fund participates with other Dreyfus-managed funds in a $265 million unsecured credit facility led by Citibank, N.A. and a $300 million unsecured credit facility provided by The Bank of New York Mellon (each, a “Facility”), each to be utilized primarily for temporary
22
or emergency purposes, including the financing of redemptions. Prior to October 9, 2013, the unsecured credit facility with Citibank, N.A. was $210 million. In connection therewith, the fund has agreed to pay its pro rata portion of commitment fees for each Facility. Interest is charged to the fund based on rates determined pursuant to the terms of the respective Facility at the time of borrowing.
The average amount of borrowings outstanding under the Facilities during the period ended March 31, 2014 was approximately $49,500 with a related weighted average annualized interest rate of 1.10%.
NOTE 3—Investment Advisory Fee, Administration Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates:
(a) Pursuant to an investment advisory agreement with the Manager, the investment advisory fee is computed at the annual rate of .80% of the value of the fund’s average daily net assets and is payable monthly. The Manager has contractually agreed, from October 1, 2013 through February 1, 2015, to waive receipt of its fees and/or assume the expenses of the fund, so that the direct annual fund’s operating expenses (excluding taxes, interest expense, brokerage commissions, commitment fees on borrowings and extraordinary expenses) do not exceed .95% of the value of the average daily net assets.The reduction in expenses, pursuant to the undertaking, amounted to $73,416 during the period ended March 31, 2014.
The fund has an Accounting and Administration Agreement (the “Administration Agreement”) with Dreyfus, whereby Dreyfus performs administrative and accounting services for the fund. The fund has agreed to compensate Dreyfus for providing accounting services, administration, compliance monitoring, regulatory and shareholder reporting, as well as related facilities and equipment. The fee is based on the fund’s average daily net assets and computed at the following annual rates: .06% of the first $500 million, .04% of the next $500 million and .02% in excess of $1 billion.
The Fund 23
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
In addition, after applying any expense limitations or fee waivers that reduce the fees paid to Dreyfus for this service, Dreyfus has contractually agreed in writing to waive any remaining fees for this service to the extent that they exceed both Dreyfus’ costs in providing these services and a reasonable allocation of the costs incurred by Dreyfus and its affiliates related to the support and oversight of these services.The fund also reimburses Dreyfus for the out-of-pocket expenses incurred in performing this service for the fund. Pursuant to the Administration Agreement, the fund was charged $25,483 during the period ended March 31, 2014.
(b) The fund has arrangements with the transfer agent and the custodian whereby the fund may receive earnings credits when positive cash balances are maintained, which are used to offset transfer agency and custody fees. For financial reporting purposes, the fund includes net earnings credits as an expense offset in the Statement of Operations.
The fund compensates DreyfusTransfer, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Manager, under a transfer agency agreement for providing transfer agency and cash management services for the fund.The majority of transfer agency fees are comprised of amounts paid on a per account basis, while cash management fees are related to fund subscriptions and redemptions. During the period ended March 31, 2014, the fund was charged $39,661 for transfer agency services and $645 for cash management services.These fees are included in Shareholder servicing costs in the Statement of Operations. Cash management fees were partially offset by earnings credits of $53.
The fund compensates The Bank of NewYork 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 March 31, 2014, the fund was charged $18,568 pursuant to the custody agreement.
24
During the period ended March 31, 2014, the fund was charged $4,547 for services performed by the Chief Compliance Officer and his staff.
The components of “Due to The Dreyfus Corporation and affiliates” in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities consist of: investment advisory fees $39,014, custodian fees $12,216, Chief Compliance Officer fees $2,285, administration fees $2,926 and transfer agency fees $3,818, which are offset against an expense reimbursement currently in effect in the amount of $1,102.
(c) Each Board member also serves as a Board member of other funds within the Dreyfus 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 March 31, 2014, amounted to $60,418,331 and $115,849,050, respectively.
At March 31, 2014, accumulated net unrealized appreciation on investments was $14,068,284, consisting of $14,813,349 gross unrealized appreciation and $745,065 gross unrealized depreciation.
At March 31, 2014, the cost of investments for federal income tax purposes was substantially the same as the cost for financial reporting purposes (see the Statement of Investments).
The Fund 25
INFORMATION ABOUT THE RENEWAL OF THE |
FUND’S INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND |
ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENTS (Unaudited) |
At a meeting of the fund’s Board of Trustees held on February 19-20, 2014, the Board considered the renewal of the fund’s Investment Advisory Agreement and Administration Agreement pursuant to which Dreyfus provides the fund with investment advisory services and administrative services (together, the “Agreement”). The Board members, none of whom are “interested persons” (as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended) of the fund, were assisted in their review by independent legal counsel and met with counsel in executive session separate from Dreyfus representatives. In considering the renewal of the Agreement, the Board considered all factors that it believed to be relevant, including those discussed below.The Board did not identify any one factor as dispositive, and each Board member may have attributed different weights to the factors considered.
Analysis of Nature, Extent, and Quality of Services Provided to the Fund. The Board considered information provided to them at the meeting and in previous presentations from Dreyfus representatives regarding the nature, extent, and quality of the services provided to funds in the Dreyfus fund complex. Dreyfus provided the number of open accounts in the fund, the fund’s asset size and the allocation of fund assets among distribution channels. Dreyfus also had previously provided information regarding the diverse intermediary relationships and distribution channels of funds in the Dreyfus fund complex (such as retail direct or intermediary, in which intermediaries typically are paid by the fund and/or Dreyfus) and Dreyfus’ corresponding need for broad, deep, and diverse resources to be able to provide ongoing shareholder services to each intermediary or distribution channel, as applicable to the fund.
The Board also considered research support available to, and portfolio management capabilities of, the fund’s portfolio management personnel and that Dreyfus also provides oversight of day-to-day fund operations, including fund accounting and administration and assistance in meeting legal and regulatory requirements. The Board also considered Dreyfus’ extensive administrative, accounting, and compliance infrastructures.The Board also considered portfolio management’s brokerage policies and practices (including policies and practices regarding soft dollars) and the standards applied in seeking best execution.
26
Comparative Analysis of the Fund’s Performance and Management Fee and Expense Ratio. The Board reviewed reports prepared by Lipper, Inc. (“Lipper”), an independent provider of investment company data, which included information comparing (1) the fund’s performance with the performance of a group of comparable funds (the “Performance Group”) and with a broader group of funds (the “Performance Universe”), all for various periods ended December 31, 2013, and (2) the fund’s actual and contractual management fees and total expenses with those of a group of comparable funds (the “Expense Group”) and with a broader group of funds (the “Expense Universe”), the information for which was derived in part from fund financial statements available to Lipper as of the date of its analysis. Dreyfus previously had furnished the Board with a description of the methodology Lipper used to select the Performance Group and Performance Universe and the Expense Group and Expense Universe.
Dreyfus representatives stated that the usefulness of performance comparisons may be affected by a number of factors, including different investment limitations that may be applicable to the fund and comparison funds.The Board discussed the results of the comparisons and noted that the fund’s total return performance was below the Performance Group Universe medians for the various periods, except for the one- and ten-year periods when the fund’s performance was above the Performance Group median, and the fund’s performance was variously above and below the Performance Universe medians (above in the three most recent periods) for the various periods. Dreyfus also provided a comparison of the fund’s calendar year total returns to the returns of the fund’s benchmark index.
Dreyfus representatives reminded the Board of the portfolio management changes in April 2013, when Todd Wakefield and Robert Zeuthen became the primary portfolio managers of the fund, and discussed with the Board the investment style and strategy being used by the fund’s portfolio managers to identify, select and sell stocks and the role of fundamental analysis in selecting and selling stocks. Dreyfus
The Fund 27
INFORMATION ABOUT THE RENEWAL OF THE FUND’S INVESTMENT ADVISORY |
AND ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued) |
representatives noted that the fund’s performance for the one-year period ended December 31, 2013 ranked in the first quartile of the fund’s Performance Group and Performance Universe. The Board noted the recent portfolio manager changes and the improved short-term performance and that it was expected to take some time for the new portfolio managers to favorably affect longer-term performance.
The Board also reviewed the range of actual and contractual management fees and total expenses of the Expense Group and Expense Universe funds and discussed the results of the comparisons.The Board noted that the fund’s contractual management fee was below the Expense Group median, the fund’s actual management fee was below the Expense Group median and at the Expense Universe median and the fund’s total expenses were below the Expense Group and Expense Universe medians.
Dreyfus representatives noted that Dreyfus had contractually agreed to waive receipt of its fees and/or assume the expenses of the fund, until February 1, 2015, so that the direct annual fund’s operating expenses (excluding taxes, interest expense, brokerage commissions, commitment fees on borrowings and extraordinary expenses) do not exceed .95% of the value of the fund’s average daily net assets. Dreyfus representatives also noted that, in connection with the Administration Agreement and its related fees, Dreyfus has contractually agreed to waive any fees to the extent that such fees exceed Dreyfus’ costs in providing the services contemplated under the Administration Agreement.
Dreyfus representatives reviewed with the Board the management or investment advisory fees (1) paid by funds advised or administered by Dreyfus that are in the same Lipper category as the fund and (2) paid to Dreyfus or the Dreyfus-affiliated primary employer of the fund’s primary portfolio manager(s) for advising any separate accounts and/or other types of client portfolios that are considered to have similar investment strategies and policies as the fund (the “Similar Clients”), and explained the nature of the Similar Clients.They discussed differences in fees paid and the relationship of the fees paid in light of any differences
28
in the services provided and other relevant factors.The Board considered the relevance of the fee information provided for the Similar Clients to evaluate the appropriateness and reasonableness of the fund’s management fee.
Analysis of Profitability and Economies of Scale. Dreyfus representatives reviewed the expenses allocated and profit received by Dreyfus and the resulting profitability percentage for managing the fund and the aggregate profitability percentage to Dreyfus of managing the funds in the Dreyfus fund complex, and the method used to determine the expenses and profit.The Board concluded that the profitability results were not unreasonable, given the services rendered and service levels provided by Dreyfus.The Board also noted the expense limitation arrangement and the fee waiver in effect pursuant to the Administration Agreement. The Board also had been provided with information prepared by an independent consulting firm regarding Dreyfus’ approach to allocating costs to, and determining the profitability of, individual funds and the entire Dreyfus fund complex. The consulting firm also had analyzed where any economies of scale might emerge in connection with the management of a fund.
The Board considered on the advice of its counsel the profitability analysis (1) as part of its evaluation of whether the fees under the Agreement bear a reasonable relationship to the mix of services provided by Dreyfus, including the nature, extent and quality of such services, and (2) in light of the relevant circumstances for the fund and the extent to which economies of scale would be realized if the fund grows and whether fee levels reflect these economies of scale for the benefit of fund shareholders. Dreyfus representatives noted that a discussion of economies of scale is predicated on a fund having achieved a substantial size with increasing assets and that, if a fund’s assets had been stable or decreasing, the possibility that Dreyfus may have realized any economies of scale would be less. Dreyfus representatives also noted that, as a result of shared and allocated costs among funds in the Dreyfus fund complex,
The Fund 29
INFORMATION ABOUT THE RENEWAL OF THE FUND’S INVESTMENT ADVISORY |
AND ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued) |
the extent of economies of scale could depend substantially on the level of assets in the complex as a whole, so that increases and decreases in complex-wide assets can affect potential economies of scale in a manner that is disproportionate to, or even in the opposite direction from, changes in the fund’s asset level. The Board also considered potential benefits to Dreyfus from acting as investment adviser and noted the soft dollar arrangements in effect for trading the fund’s investments.
At the conclusion of these discussions, the Board agreed that it had been furnished with sufficient information to make an informed business decision with respect to the renewal of the Agreement. Based on the discussions and considerations as described above, the Board concluded and determined as follows.
The Board concluded that the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by Dreyfus are adequate and appropriate.
The Board was satisfied with the fund’s improved performance, in light of the considerations described above.
The Board concluded that the fees paid to Dreyfus were reasonable in light of the considerations described above.
The Board determined that the economies of scale which may accrue to Dreyfus and its affiliates in connection with the management of the fund had been adequately considered by Dreyfus in connection with the fee rate charged to the fund pursuant to the Agreement and that, to the extent in the future it were determined that material economies of scale had not been shared with the fund, the Board would seek to have those economies of scale shared with the fund.
30
In evaluating the Agreement, the Board considered these conclusions and determinations and also relied on its previous knowledge, gained through meetings and other interactions with Dreyfus and its affiliates, of the fund and the services provided to the fund by Dreyfus.The Board also relied on information received on a routine and regular basis throughout the year relating to the operations of the fund and the investment management and other services provided under the Agreement, including information on the investment performance of the fund in comparison to similar mutual funds and benchmark performance indices; general market outlook as applicable to the fund; and compliance reports. In addition, the Board’s consideration of the contractual fee arrangements for this fund had the benefit of a number of years of reviews of prior or similar agreements during which lengthy discussions took place between the Board and Dreyfus representatives. Certain aspects of the arrangements may receive greater scrutiny in some years than in others, and the Board’s conclusions may be based, in part, on their consideration of the same or similar arrangements in prior years.The Board determined that renewal of the Agreement was in the best interests of the fund and its shareholders.
The Fund 31
NOTES
For More Information
Telephone 1-800-DREYFUS
Mail The Dreyfus Family of Funds, 144 Glenn Curtiss Boulevard, Uniondale, NY 11556-0144 E-mail Send your request to info@dreyfus.com Internet Information can be viewed online or downloaded at: http://www.dreyfus.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-Q. The fund’s Forms N-Q are available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov and may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330.
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 http://www.dreyfus.com and on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.
The description of the policies and procedures is also available without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-DREYFUS.
Dreyfus/The Boston |
Company Small Cap |
Value Fund |
SEMIANNUAL REPORT March 31, 2014
Save time. Save paper. View your next shareholder report online as soon as it’s available. Log into www.dreyfus.com and sign up for Dreyfus eCommunications. It’s simple and only takes a few minutes.
The views expressed in this report reflect those of the portfolio manager only through the end of the period covered and do not necessarily represent the views of Dreyfus or any other person in the Dreyfus organization. Any such views are subject to change at any time based upon market or other conditions and Dreyfus disclaims any responsibility to update such views.These views may not be relied on as investment advice and, because investment decisions for a Dreyfus fund are based on numerous factors, may not be relied on as an indication of trading intent on behalf of any Dreyfus fund.
Not FDIC-Insured • Not Bank-Guaranteed • May Lose Value |
Contents | |
THE FUND | |
2 |
A Letter from the President |
3 |
Discussion of Fund Performance |
6 |
Understanding Your Fund’s Expenses |
6 |
Comparing Your Fund’s Expenses With Those of Other Funds |
7 |
Statement of Investments |
13 |
Statement of Assets and Liabilities |
14 |
Statement of Operations |
15 |
Statement of Changes in Net Assets |
16 |
Financial Highlights |
17 |
Notes to Financial Statements |
26 |
Information About the Renewal of the Fund’s Investment Advisory and Administration Agreements |
FOR MORE INFORMATION | |
Back Cover |
Dreyfus/The Boston
Company Small Cap
Value Fund
The Fund
A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
Dear Shareholder:
This semiannual report for Dreyfus/The Boston Company Small Cap Value Fund covers the six-month period from October 1, 2013, through March 31, 2014. For information about how the fund performed during the reporting period, as well as general market perspectives, we provide a Discussion of Fund Performance on the pages that follow.
The past six months have produced outstanding returns for U.S. equities. Despite periodic bouts of heightened volatility, stocks generally gained substantial value in light of a sustained U.S. economic recovery, waning concerns regarding global economic conditions, low inflation, and rising corporate earnings. Indeed, several broad measures of stock market performance reached record highs over the course of the reporting period. Companies in economically sensitive businesses generally fared best in the constructive market environment, and small-cap stocks produced higher returns than their larger counterparts, on average.
Looking forward, we expect the U.S. economic recovery to continue to gain traction on its way to producing a 3% annualized growth rate over the next several years. We also anticipate a pickup in the global economy, led by developed nations amid ongoing monetary stimulus and reduced headwinds related to fiscal austerity and deleveraging. As always, we encourage you to discuss our observations with your financial advisor to assess their potential impact on your investments.
Thank you for your continued confidence and support.
J. Charles Cardona
President
The Dreyfus Corporation
April 15, 2014
2
DISCUSSION OF FUND PERFORMANCE
For the period of October 1, 2013, through March 31, 2014, as provided by Joseph M. Corrado, CFA, and Stephanie K. Brandaleone, CFA, Portfolio Managers
Fund and Market Performance Overview
For the six-month period ended March 31, 2014, Dreyfus/The Boston Company Small CapValue Fund produced a total return of 10.93%.1 In comparison, the fund’s benchmark, the Russell 2000 Value Index (the “Index”), produced a total return of 11.24% for the same period.2
Improved economic conditions helped support stock market gains over the reporting period.The fund produced modestly lower returns than its benchmark, partly due to shortfalls in the energy and consumer discretionary sectors.
The Fund’s Investment Approach
The fund seeks long-term growth of capital. To pursue its goal, the fund normally invests at least 80% of its net assets in equity securities of small-cap U.S. companies with market capitalizations that are equal to or less than the total market capitalization of the largest company in the Index.We use fundamental research and qualitative analysis to select stocks and look for companies with strong competitive positions, high-quality management, and financial strength. We use a consistent three-step fundamental research process to evaluate the stocks, consisting of valuation, which is to identify small-cap companies that are considered to be attractively priced relative to their earnings potential; fundamentals, which is to verify the strength of the underlying business position; and catalyst, which is to identify a specific event that has the potential to cause the stocks to appreciate in value.
Recovering Economy Fueled Market’s Gains
Stocks climbed over the reporting period during a sustained economic recovery fueled by falling unemployment, rebounding housing markets, and low short-term interest rates.After several months of market weakness over the summer of 2013, investors were relieved and stocks rallied in the fall when the Federal Reserve Board (the “Fed”) refrained from tapering its quantitative easing program. Stocks continued to advance over the final months of the year amid new releases of encouraging economic data. In
The Fund 3
DISCUSSION OF FUND PERFORMANCE (continued)
December, investors took the Fed’s first reduction of its bond purchasing program in stride.The market gave back some of its gains in January 2014 amid concerns regarding economic slowdowns in the emerging markets, but stocks rebounded in February and maintained their value in March when those worries proved to be overblown.
In this environment, small-cap stocks lagged large-cap stocks, on average, but value stocks generally outperformed their more growth-oriented counterparts.
Fund Strategies Produced Mixed Results
The fund participated to a substantial degree in the market’s gains over the reporting period, but its relative performance was undermined by disappointing security selections in the energy sector. Drilling services provider Geospace Technologies was hurt by delays in orders for seismic equipment. Helix Energy Solutions Group reported weaker-than-expected earnings stemming from a pause in demand for robotics operations. Offshore drilling engineer McDermott International encountered higher operating costs on engineering and construction projects.
The fund’s relative results also were hurt by overweighted exposure to the lagging consumer discretionary sector, where specialty retailers suffered as harsh winter weather kept consumers away from stores. Apparel and accessories seller Express issued disappointing guidance due to higher expenses and challenging sales trends. Office Depot saw weaker demand for office supplies amid intensifying competitive pressures. Clothing retailer Guess? struggled with anemic holiday sales. In other areas, investors responded negatively to the potential impact of regulatory changes on media enterprise The E.W. Scripps Company, and health care services provider Hanger issued disappointing guidance to analysts.
The fund achieved better relative results in the information technology sector. Diversified technology company GT Advanced Technologies traded higher as investors reacted positively to the firm’s raised 2016 EPS target, which provided enhanced visibility into the firm’s sapphire supply deal with electronics giant Apple Inc. Security intelligence specialist Verint Systems reported earnings above consensus due to positive momentum in its security business. Motion tracking systems developer InvenSense advanced on its strong new product pipeline. Among financial companies, the fund benefited from a lack of consumer finance companies as well as strong stock selections in the capital markets industry, where E*TRADE Financial benefited from
4
lower loan delinquencies and higher equity trading volumes. Finally, in the health care sector, diagnostic equipment maker Natus Medical posted gains in its neurology and neonatal divisions, medical transport provider Air Methods traded higher on increased payer mix and volume growth, and information services provider Allscripts Healthcare Solutions reported stronger than anticipated bookings.
Finding Value Opportunities Across Market Sectors
As we head into the second quarter, pent-up demand and warmer weather should help boost consumer spending impacted by first quarter weakness. Consumer confidence continues to rise, and despite some slowing housing data, house prices are up just over 13% year-over-year according to Case-Schiller. Coupled with relatively tame gasoline prices, rising household net worth, an improved household balance sheet, and accommodative mortgage rates, we believe consumer spending should grow in 2014. We believe solid corporate profits should also support continued growth in the U.S. and overall domestic capital expenditures, which are moving higher.
Within this environment, we are finding attractive opportunities in the health care, consumer discretionary, and information technology sectors, and those areas are emphasized in the portfolio with overweight positions versus the Index. Conversely, we have maintained underweight exposure to REITs and utilities as we have found fewer opportunities meeting our investment criteria within these segments.
April 15, 2014
Please note, the position in any security highlighted with italicized typeface was sold during the reporting period. Equity funds 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.
Small companies carry additional risks because their earnings and revenues tend to be less predictable, and their share prices more volatile than those of larger, more established companies.The shares of smaller companies tend to trade less frequently than those of larger, more established companies, which can adversely affect the pricing of these securities and the fund’s ability to sell these securities.
1 Total return includes reinvestment of dividends and any capital gains paid. 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. |
2 SOURCE: LIPPER INC. — Reflects the reinvestment of dividends and, where applicable, capital gain |
distributions.The Russell 2000 Value Index is an unmanaged index, which measures the performance of those |
Russell 2000 companies with lower price-to-book ratios and lower forecasted growth values. Investors cannot invest |
directly in any index. |
The Fund 5
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 Dreyfus/The Boston Company Small CapValue Fund from October 1, 2013 to March 31, 2014. 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
assuming actual returns for the six months ended March 31, 2014
Expenses paid per $1,000† | $ | 5.10 |
Ending value (after expenses) | $ | 1,109.30 |
COMPARING YOUR FUND’S EXPENSES
WITH THOSE OF OTHER FUNDS (Unaudited)
Using the SEC’s method to compare expenses
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has established guidelines to help investors assess fund expenses. Per these guidelines, the table below shows your fund’s expenses based on a $1,000 investment, assuming a hypothetical 5% annualized return. You can use this information to compare the ongoing expenses (but not transaction expenses or total cost) of investing in the fund with those of other funds.All mutual fund shareholder reports will provide this information to help you make this comparison. Please note that you cannot use this information to estimate your actual ending account balance and expenses paid during the period.
Expenses and Value of a $1,000 Investment
assuming a hypothetical 5% annualized return for the six months ended March 31, 2014
Expenses paid per $1,000† | $ | 4.89 |
Ending value (after expenses) | $ | 1,020.09 |
† Expenses are equal to the fund’s annualized expense ratio of .97% for Class I, multiplied by the average account |
value over the period, multiplied by 182/365 (to reflect the one-half year period). |
6
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS |
March 31, 2014 (Unaudited) |
Common Stocks—99.7% | Shares | Value ($) | |
Automobiles & Components—2.2% | |||
Drew Industries | 31,580 | 1,711,636 | |
Tenneco | 50,110 | a | 2,909,888 |
Thor Industries | 52,460 | 3,203,208 | |
7,824,732 | |||
Banks—15.8% | |||
Banc of California | 78,580 | 964,177 | |
Bancorp | 104,880 | a | 1,972,793 |
Boston Private Financial Holdings | 315,550 | 4,269,391 | |
Brookline Bancorp | 202,120 | 1,903,970 | |
Cardinal Financial | 100,040 | 1,783,713 | |
CoBiz Financial | 160,470 | 1,848,614 | |
CVB Financial | 248,500 | 3,951,150 | |
First Horizon National | 360,220 | 4,445,115 | |
First Midwest Bancorp | 147,070 | 2,511,956 | |
Hancock Holding | 124,647 | 4,568,313 | |
MB Financial | 96,200 | 2,978,352 | |
Provident Financial Services | 12,490 | 229,441 | |
Square 1 Financial, Cl. A | 8,652 | a | 173,905 |
Synovus Financial | 1,595,360 | 5,408,270 | |
UMB Financial | 71,640 | 4,635,108 | |
United Community Banks | 157,160 | a | 3,050,476 |
Valley National Bancorp | 344,140 | b | 3,582,497 |
Washington Trust Bancorp | 26,390 | 988,833 | |
Webster Financial | 106,420 | 3,305,405 | |
Wintrust Financial | 76,000 | 3,698,160 | |
56,269,639 | |||
Capital Goods—7.0% | |||
Aerovironment | 98,650 | a | 3,970,662 |
American Woodmark | 52,310 | a | 1,760,755 |
Apogee Enterprises | 61,020 | 2,027,695 | |
Armstrong World Industries | 62,440 | a | 3,324,930 |
Astec Industries | 49,060 | 2,154,225 | |
Comfort Systems USA | 100,040 | 1,524,610 | |
FreightCar America | 63,790 | 1,482,480 | |
Global Power Equipment Group | 47,110 | 937,018 |
The Fund 7
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
Common Stocks (continued) | Shares | Value ($) | |
Capital Goods (continued) | |||
Granite Construction | 39,140 | 1,562,860 | |
Lindsay | 8,430 | 743,357 | |
Mueller Industries | 55,900 | 1,676,441 | |
Regal-Beloit | 49,980 | 3,634,046 | |
24,799,079 | |||
Commercial & Professional Services—6.2% | |||
Clean Harbors | 25,400 | a | 1,391,666 |
Herman Miller | 106,660 | 3,426,986 | |
Interface | 166,920 | 3,430,206 | |
Knoll | 114,300 | 2,079,117 | |
Korn/Ferry International | 137,800 | a | 4,102,306 |
McGrath RentCorp | 65,150 | 2,277,644 | |
Steelcase, Cl. A | 151,230 | 2,511,930 | |
TrueBlue | 101,990 | a | 2,984,227 |
22,204,082 | |||
Consumer Durables & Apparel—4.6% | |||
Cavco Industries | 17,572 | a | 1,378,523 |
Ethan Allen Interiors | 99,510 | b | 2,532,529 |
Oxford Industries | 28,360 | 2,217,752 | |
Skechers USA, Cl. A | 76,530 | a | 2,796,406 |
Standard Pacific | 394,320 | a | 3,276,799 |
Taylor Morrison Home, Cl. A | 75,410 | 1,772,135 | |
Vera Bradley | 93,780 | a,b | 2,531,122 |
16,505,266 | |||
Consumer Services—1.7% | |||
Cheesecake Factory | 73,580 | 3,504,615 | |
Orient-Express Hotels, Cl. A | 171,080 | a | 2,465,263 |
5,969,878 | |||
Diversified Financials—.9% | |||
Piper Jaffray | 68,080 | a | 3,118,064 |
Energy—7.0% | |||
Bill Barrett | 118,750 | a | 3,040,000 |
C&J Energy Services | 23,910 | a | 697,216 |
Geospace Technologies | 48,540 | a | 3,211,892 |
Gulf Island Fabrication | 54,460 | 1,176,881 | |
Helix Energy Solutions Group | 63,010 | a | 1,447,970 |
8
Common Stocks (continued) | Shares | Value ($) | |
Energy (continued) | |||
Key Energy Services | 431,760 | a | 3,989,462 |
McDermott International | 339,090 | a,b | 2,651,684 |
PDC Energy | 43,360 | a | 2,699,594 |
Synergy Resources | 253,650 | a | 2,726,737 |
Tesco | 179,880 | a | 3,327,780 |
24,969,216 | |||
Exchange-Traded Funds—.1% | |||
iShares Russell 2000 Value ETF | 5,220 | b | 526,385 |
Food & Staples Retailing—1.0% | |||
Casey’s General Stores | 52,823 | 3,570,307 | |
Food, Beverage & Tobacco—1.1% | |||
Dean Foods | 153,745 | 2,376,898 | |
Fresh Del Monte Produce | 61,170 | 1,686,457 | |
4,063,355 | |||
Health Care Equipment & Services—10.2% | |||
Air Methods | 67,280 | a | 3,594,770 |
Allscripts Healthcare Solutions | 265,750 | a | 4,791,472 |
AmSurg | 64,390 | a | 3,031,481 |
Centene | 39,940 | a | 2,486,265 |
Computer Programs & Systems | 38,640 | 2,496,144 | |
Globus Medical, Cl. A | 98,570 | a | 2,620,976 |
Hanger | 95,700 | a | 3,223,176 |
HealthSouth | 96,320 | 3,460,778 | |
ICU Medical | 28,720 | a | 1,719,754 |
LifePoint Hospitals | 65,830 | a | 3,591,027 |
Natus Medical | 108,130 | a | 2,789,754 |
Omnicell | 90,310 | a | 2,584,672 |
36,390,269 | |||
Household & Personal Products—.4% | |||
Elizabeth Arden | 47,500 | a | 1,401,725 |
Insurance—2.1% | |||
First American Financial | 25,680 | 681,804 | |
Protective Life | 71,890 | 3,780,695 | |
RLI | 44,150 | 1,953,196 | |
Safety Insurance Group | 22,070 | 1,188,469 | |
7,604,164 |
The Fund 9
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
Common Stocks (continued) | Shares | Value ($) | |
Materials—5.9% | |||
Allied Nevada Gold | 590,950 | a,b | 2,546,994 |
Carpenter Technology | 55,560 | 3,669,182 | |
Cytec Industries | 35,920 | 3,506,151 | |
Haynes International | 33,030 | 1,783,620 | |
KapStone Paper and Packaging | 105,400 | a | 3,039,736 |
Louisiana-Pacific | 140,910 | a | 2,377,152 |
Schnitzer Steel Industries, Cl. A | 41,640 | 1,201,314 | |
Stillwater Mining | 184,720 | a | 2,735,703 |
20,859,852 | |||
Media—2.7% | |||
E.W. Scripps, Cl. A | 180,470 | a | 3,197,928 |
New York Times, Cl. A | 365,410 | 6,255,819 | |
9,453,747 | |||
Real Estate—6.4% | |||
Acadia Realty Trust | 97,890 | c | 2,582,338 |
American Assets Trust | 36,380 | c | 1,227,461 |
Corporate Office Properties Trust | 132,390 | c | 3,526,870 |
EastGroup Properties | 38,080 | c | 2,395,613 |
Getty Realty | 102,140 | c | 1,929,425 |
Healthcare Trust of America, Cl. A | 261,350 | 2,976,776 | |
National Health Investors | 43,190 | c | 2,611,267 |
Pebblebrook Hotel Trust | 117,110 | c | 3,954,805 |
Urstadt Biddle Properties, Cl. A | 75,500 | c | 1,559,830 |
22,764,385 | |||
Retailing—4.2% | |||
Children’s Place Retail Stores | 56,890 | 2,833,691 | |
Express | 130,270 | a | 2,068,688 |
Guess? | 109,520 | 3,022,752 | |
Office Depot | 646,206 | a | 2,668,831 |
PEP Boys-Manny Moe & Jack | 215,030 | a | 2,735,182 |
Zumiez | 73,340 | a | 1,777,762 |
15,106,906 | |||
Semiconductors & Semiconductor | |||
Equipment—6.0% | |||
Advanced Energy Industries | 91,870 | a | 2,250,815 |
Brooks Automation | 191,340 | 2,091,346 | |
GT Advanced Technologies | 256,320 | a,b | 4,370,256 |
10
Common Stocks (continued) | Shares | Value ($) | |
Semiconductors & Semiconductor | |||
Equipment (continued) | |||
Hittite Microwave | 29,340 | 1,849,594 | |
MKS Instruments | 91,330 | 2,729,854 | |
Nanometrics | 52,344 | a | 940,622 |
Teradyne | 217,900 | b | 4,334,031 |
Veeco Instruments | 65,470 | a | 2,745,157 |
21,311,675 | |||
Software & Services—4.5% | |||
Conversant | 12,710 | a | 357,786 |
CoreLogic | 182,580 | a | 5,484,703 |
CSG Systems International | 84,220 | 2,193,089 | |
Monotype Imaging Holdings | 81,880 | 2,467,863 | |
NetScout Systems | 96,200 | a | 3,615,196 |
NeuStar, Cl. A | 62,360 | a | 2,027,324 |
16,145,961 | |||
Technology Hardware & | |||
Equipment—4.2% | |||
Brocade Communications Systems | 220,680 | a | 2,341,415 |
FARO Technologies | 45,610 | a | 2,417,330 |
FEI | 25,830 | 2,661,007 | |
Ixia | 184,030 | a | 2,300,375 |
Lexmark International, Cl. A | 23,150 | 1,071,613 | |
Vishay Intertechnology | 279,770 | 4,162,978 | |
14,954,718 | |||
Transportation—1.6% | |||
Con-way | 60,810 | 2,498,075 | |
Landstar System | 55,060 | 3,260,653 | |
5,758,728 | |||
Utilities—3.9% | |||
Chesapeake Utilities | 33,930 | 2,143,019 | |
El Paso Electric | 69,700 | 2,490,381 | |
Hawaiian Electric Industries | 124,500 | b | 3,164,790 |
NorthWestern | 51,250 | 2,430,787 | |
Portland General Electric | 111,880 | 3,618,199 | |
13,847,176 | |||
Total Common Stocks | |||
(cost $261,536,947) | 355,419,309 |
The Fund 11
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
Other Investment—1.0% | Shares | Value ($) | ||
Registered Investment Company; | ||||
Dreyfus Institutional Preferred | ||||
Plus Money Market Fund | ||||
(cost $3,747,680) | 3,747,680 | d | 3,747,680 | |
Investment of Cash Collateral | ||||
for Securities Loaned—6.5% | ||||
Registered Investment Company; | ||||
Dreyfus Institutional Cash Advantage Fund | ||||
(cost $23,087,176) | 23,087,176 | d | 23,087,176 | |
Total Investments (cost $288,371,803) | 107.2 | % | 382,254,165 | |
Liabilities, Less Cash and Receivables | (7.2 | %) | (25,836,411 | ) |
Net Assets | 100.0 | % | 356,417,754 |
ETF—Exchange-Traded Fund
a Non-income producing security. |
b Security, or portion thereof, on loan.At March 31, 2014, the value of the fund’s securities on loan was $21,780,793 |
and the value of the collateral held by the fund was $23,087,176. |
c Investment in real estate investment trust. |
d Investment in affiliated money market mutual fund. |
Portfolio Summary (Unaudited)† | |||
Value (%) | Value (%) | ||
Banks | 15.8 | Technology Hardware & Equipment | 4.2 |
Health Care Equipment & Services | 10.2 | Utilities | 3.9 |
Money Market Investments | 7.5 | Media | 2.7 |
Capital Goods | 7.0 | Automobiles & Components | 2.2 |
Energy | 7.0 | Insurance | 2.1 |
Real Estate | 6.4 | Consumer Services | 1.7 |
Commercial & Professional Services | 6.2 | Transportation | 1.6 |
Semiconductors & | Food, Beverage & Tobacco | 1.1 | |
Semiconductor Equipment | 6.0 | Food & Staples Retailing | 1.0 |
Materials | 5.9 | Diversified Financials | .9 |
Consumer Durables & Apparel | 4.6 | Household & Personal Products | .4 |
Software & Services | 4.5 | Exchange-Traded Funds | .1 |
Retailing | 4.2 | 107.2 | |
† Based on net assets. | |||
See notes to financial statements. |
12
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES |
March 31, 2014 (Unaudited) |
Cost | Value | |
Assets ($): | ||
Investments in securities—See Statement of Investments (including | ||
securities on loan, valued at $21,780,793)—Note 1(b): | ||
Unaffiliated issuers | 261,536,947 | 355,419,309 |
Affiliated issuers | 26,834,856 | 26,834,856 |
Cash | 110,319 | |
Receivable for investment securities sold | 2,529,028 | |
Dividends and securities lending income receivable | 450,420 | |
Receivable for shares of Beneficial Interest subscribed | 597 | |
Prepaid expenses | 22,075 | |
385,366,604 | ||
Liabilities ($): | ||
Due to The Dreyfus Corporation and affiliates—Note 3(c) | 286,837 | |
Liability for securities on loan—Note 1(b) | 23,087,176 | |
Payable for investment securities purchased | 4,818,722 | |
Payable for shares of Beneficial Interest redeemed | 688,129 | |
Accrued expenses | 67,986 | |
28,948,850 | ||
Net Assets ($) | 356,417,754 | |
Composition of Net Assets ($): | ||
Paid-in capital | 229,769,067 | |
Accumulated undistributed investment income—net | 963,563 | |
Accumulated net realized gain (loss) on investments | 31,802,762 | |
Accumulated net unrealized appreciation | ||
(depreciation) on investments | 93,882,362 | |
Net Assets ($) | 356,417,754 | |
Class I Shares Outstanding | ||
(unlimited number of $.001 par value shares of Beneficial Interest authorized) | 11,802,016 | |
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share ($) | 30.20 | |
See notes to financial statements. |
The Fund 13
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS | ||
Six Months Ended March 31, 2014 (Unaudited) | ||
Investment Income ($): | ||
Income: | ||
Cash dividends: | ||
Unaffiliated issuers | 2,304,528 | |
Affiliated issuers | 1,186 | |
Income from securities lending—Note 1(b) | 69,504 | |
Total Income | 2,375,218 | |
Expenses: | ||
Investment advisory fee—Note 3(a) | 1,479,724 | |
Shareholder servicing costs—Note 3(b) | 150,511 | |
Administration fees—Note 3(a) | 71,910 | |
Custodian fees—Note 3(b) | 25,983 | |
Trustees’ fees and expenses—Note 3(c) | 15,233 | |
Prospectus and shareholders’ reports | 12,442 | |
Professional fees | 11,815 | |
Registration fees | 11,437 | |
Interest expense—Note 2 | 2,867 | |
Loan commitment fees—Note 2 | 2,193 | |
Miscellaneous | 11,697 | |
Total Expenses | 1,795,812 | |
Less—reduction in fees due to earnings credits—Note 3(b) | (6 | ) |
Net Expenses | 1,795,806 | |
Investment Income—Net | 579,412 | |
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments—Note 4 ($): | ||
Net realized gain (loss) on investments | 41,424,334 | |
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments | (3,514,573 | ) |
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments | 37,909,761 | |
Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations | 38,489,173 | |
See notes to financial statements. |
14
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
Six Months Ended | ||||
March 31, 2014 | Year Ended | |||
(Unaudited) | September 30, 2013 | |||
Operations ($): | ||||
Investment income—net | 579,412 | 3,921,209 | ||
Net realized gain (loss) on investments | 41,424,334 | 54,164,714 | ||
Net unrealized appreciation | ||||
(depreciation) on investments | (3,514,573 | ) | 53,938,616 | |
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets | ||||
Resulting from Operations | 38,489,173 | 112,024,539 | ||
Dividends to Shareholders from ($): | ||||
Investment income—net | (1,005,684 | ) | (3,800,963 | ) |
Net realized gain on investments | (62,752,734 | ) | (3,803,209 | ) |
Total Dividends | (63,758,418 | ) | (7,604,172 | ) |
Beneficial Interest Transactions ($): | ||||
Net proceeds from shares sold | 14,331,513 | 50,443,835 | ||
Dividends reinvested | 62,714,198 | 7,356,146 | ||
Cost of shares redeemed | (81,104,884 | ) | (233,654,485 | ) |
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from | ||||
Beneficial Interest Transactions | (4,059,173 | ) | (175,854,504 | ) |
Total Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets | (29,328,418 | ) | (71,434,137 | ) |
Net Assets ($): | ||||
Beginning of Period | 385,746,172 | 457,180,309 | ||
End of Period | 356,417,754 | 385,746,172 | ||
Undistributed investment income—net | 963,563 | 1,389,835 | ||
Capital Share Transactions (Shares): | ||||
Shares sold | 459,330 | 1,770,305 | ||
Shares issued for dividends reinvested | 2,192,804 | 289,490 | ||
Shares redeemed | (2,625,542 | ) | (8,107,284 | ) |
Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares Outstanding | 26,592 | (6,047,489 | ) | |
See notes to financial statements. |
The Fund 15
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The following table describes the performance for the fiscal periods indicated. Total return shows how much your investment in the fund would have increased (or decreased) during each period, assuming you had reinvested all dividends and distributions.These figures have been derived from the fund’s financial statements.
Six Months Ended | ||||||||||||
March 31, 2014 | Year Ended September 30, | |||||||||||
Class I Shares | (Unaudited) | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | a | |||||
Per Share Data ($): | ||||||||||||
Net asset value, | ||||||||||||
beginning of period | 32.76 | 25.65 | 18.81 | 20.57 | 18.54 | 19.85 | ||||||
Investment Operations: | ||||||||||||
Investment income—netb | .05 | .26 | .14 | .13 | .10 | .11 | ||||||
Net realized and unrealized | ||||||||||||
gain (loss) on investments | 3.20 | 7.29 | 6.79 | (1.79 | ) | 1.99 | (1.31 | ) | ||||
Total from Investment Operations | 3.25 | 7.55 | 6.93 | (1.66 | ) | 2.09 | (1.20 | ) | ||||
Distributions: | ||||||||||||
Dividends from | ||||||||||||
investment income—net | (.09 | ) | (.22 | ) | (.09 | ) | (.10 | ) | (.06 | ) | (.11 | ) |
Dividends from net realized | ||||||||||||
gain on investments | (5.72 | ) | (.22 | ) | — | — | — | — | ||||
Total Distributions | (5.81 | ) | (.44 | ) | (.09 | ) | (.10 | ) | (.06 | ) | (.11 | ) |
Net asset value, end of period | 30.20 | 32.76 | 25.65 | 18.81 | 20.57 | 18.54 | ||||||
Total Return (%) | 10.93 | c | 29.92 | 36.95 | (8.14 | ) | 11.27 | (5.83 | ) | |||
Ratios/Supplemental Data (%): | ||||||||||||
Ratio of total expenses | ||||||||||||
to average net assets | .97 | d | .99 | .98 | .96 | .93 | .97 | |||||
Ratio of net expenses | ||||||||||||
to average net assets | .97 | d | .99 | .98 | .96 | .93 | .97 | |||||
Ratio of net investment income | ||||||||||||
to average net assets | .31 | d | .90 | .59 | .57 | .52 | .76 | |||||
Portfolio Turnover Rate | 36.36 | c | 76.63 | 88.54 | 66.51 | 79.47 | 82.04 | |||||
Net Assets, end of period | ||||||||||||
($ x 1,000) | 356,418 | 385,746 | 457,180 | 372,176 | 492,393 | 458,499 |
a | Effective September 1, 2009, the fund’s shares were redesignated as Class I shares. |
b | Based on average shares outstanding at each month end. |
c | Not annualized. |
d | Annualized. |
See notes to financial statements.
16
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
NOTE 1—Significant Accounting Policies:
Dreyfus/The Boston Company Small Cap Value Fund (the “fund”) is a separate diversified series of Dreyfus Investment Funds (the “Trust”), 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 seven series, including the fund.The fund’s investment objective is to seek long-term growth of capital. The Dreyfus Corporation (the “Manager” or “Dreyfus”), a wholly-owned subsidiary ofThe Bank of NewYork Mellon Corporation (“BNY Mellon”), serves as the fund’s investment adviser. MBSC Securities Corporation (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Manager, is the distributor of the fund’s shares.
Class I shares are sold primarily to bank trust departments and other financial service providers (including The Bank of NewYork Mellon, a subsidiary of BNY Mellon and an affiliate of Dreyfus, and its affiliates), acting on behalf of customers having a qualified trust or an investment account or relationship at such institution, and bear no Distribution or Shareholder Service Plan fees. Class I shares are offered without a front-end sales charge or a contingent deferred sales charge.
The Trust accounts separately for the assets, liabilities and operations of each series. Expenses directly attributable to each series are charged to 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 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 Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) under authority of federal laws are also sources of authoritative GAAP for SEC registrants. The fund’s financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP, which may require the use of management estimates and assumptions.Actual results could differ from those estimates.
The Fund 17
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
(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.).
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 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
18
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. 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, except for open short positions, where the asked price is 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 categorized within Level 1 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 American Depository Receipts and financial 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 reflect accurately 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 Trust’s Board of Trustees (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.
For restricted securities where observable inputs are limited, assumptions about market activity and risk are used and are categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
The Fund 19
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
The following is a summary of the inputs used as of March 31, 2014 in valuing the fund's investments:
Level 2—Other | Level 3— | |||
Level 1— | Significant | Significant | ||
Unadjusted | Observable | Unobservable | ||
Quoted Prices | Inputs | Inputs | Total | |
Assets ($) | ||||
Investments in Securities: | ||||
Equity Securities— | ||||
Domestic | ||||
Common Stocks† | 352,427,661 | — | — | 352,427,661 |
Equity Securities— | ||||
Foreign | ||||
Common Stocks† | 2,465,263 | — | — | 2,465,263 |
Exchange-Traded | ||||
Funds | 526,385 | — | — | 526,385 |
Mutual Funds | 26,834,856 | — | — | 26,834,856 |
† See Statement of Investments for additional detailed categorizations. |
At March 31, 2014, there were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
(b) Securities transactions and investment income: Securities transactions are recorded on a trade date basis. Realized gains and losses from securities transactions are recorded on the identified cost basis. 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, 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 Manager or U.S. Government and Agency securities.The fund is entitled to receive all dividends, interest and distributions on securities loaned, in addition to
20
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. During the period ended March 31, 2014,The Bank of NewYork Mellon earned $16,872 from lending portfolio securities, pursuant to the securities lending agreement.
(c) Affiliated issuers: Investments in other investment companies advised by Dreyfus are defined as “affiliated” under the Act. Investments in affiliated investment companies during the period ended March 31, 2014 were as follows:
Affiliated | |||||
Investment | Value | Value | Net | ||
Company | 9/30/2013 ($) | Purchases ($) | Sales ($) | 3/31/2014 ($) | Assets (%) |
Dreyfus | |||||
Institutional | |||||
Preferred | |||||
Plus Money | |||||
Market | |||||
Fund | 2,887,568 | 65,724,948 | 64,864,836 | 3,747,680 | 1.0 |
Dreyfus | |||||
Institutional | |||||
Cash | |||||
Advantage | |||||
Fund | 22,653,083 | 83,183,220 | 82,749,127 | 23,087,176 | 6.5 |
Total | 25,540,651 | 148,908,168 | 147,613,963 | 26,834,856 | 7.5 |
(d) Dividends to shareholders: Dividends 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 gains. Income and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with income tax regulations, which may differ from GAAP.
The Fund 21
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
(e) 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 sufficient to relieve it from substantially all federal income and excise taxes.
As of and during the period ended March 31, 2014, 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 March 31, 2014, the fund did not incur any interest or penalties.
Each tax year in the three-year period ended September 30, 2013 remains subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service and state taxing authorities.
The tax character of distributions paid to shareholders during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2013 was as follows: ordinary income $3,868,537 and long-term capital gains $3,735,635.The tax character of current year distributions will be determined at the end of the current fiscal year.
NOTE 2—Bank Lines of Credit:
The fund participates with other Dreyfus-managed funds in a $265 million unsecured credit facility led by Citibank, N.A. and a $300 million unsecured credit facility provided by The Bank of New York Mellon (each, a “Facility”), each to be utilized primarily for temporary or emergency purposes, including the financing of redemptions. Prior to October 9, 2013, the unsecured credit facility with Citibank, N.A. was $210 million. In connection therewith, the fund has agreed to pay its pro rata portion of commitment fees for each Facility. Interest is charged to the fund based on rates determined pursuant to the terms of the respective Facility at the time of borrowing.
The average amount of borrowings outstanding under the Facilities during the period ended March 31, 2014 was approximately $522,000 with a related weighted average annualized interest rate of 1.10%.
22
NOTE 3—Investment Advisory Fee, Administration Fee and Other Transactions With Affiliates:
(a) Pursuant to an investment advisory agreement with the Manager, the investment advisory fee is computed at the annual rate of .80% of the fund’s average daily net assets and is payable monthly.
The fund has an Accounting and Administration Agreement (the “Administration Agreement”) with Dreyfus, whereby Dreyfus performs administrative and accounting services for the fund. The fund has agreed to compensate Dreyfus for providing accounting services, administration, compliance monitoring, regulatory and shareholder reporting, as well as related facilities and equipment. The fee is based on the fund’s average daily net assets and computed at the following annual rates: .06% of the first $500 million, .04% of the next $500 million and .02% in excess of $1 billion.
In addition, after applying any expense limitations or fee waivers that reduce the fees paid to Dreyfus for this service, Dreyfus has contractually agreed in writing to waive any remaining fees for this service to the extent that they exceed both Dreyfus’ costs in providing these services and a reasonable allocation of the costs incurred by Dreyfus and its affiliates related to the support and oversight of these services.The fund also reimburses Dreyfus for the out-of-pocket expenses incurred in performing this service for the fund. Pursuant to the Administration Agreement, the fund was charged $71,910 during the period ended March 31, 2014.
(b) The fund has arrangements with the transfer agent and the custodian whereby the fund may receive earnings credits when positive cash balances are maintained, which are used to offset transfer agency and custody fees. For financial reporting purposes, the fund includes net earnings credits as an expense offset in the Statement of Operations.
The fund compensates Dreyfus Transfer, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Manager, under a transfer agency agreement for providing transfer agency and cash management services for the fund. The
The Fund 23
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
majority of transfer agency fees are comprised of amounts paid on a per account basis, while cash management fees are related to fund subscriptions and redemptions. During the period ended March 31, 2014, the fund was charged $12,076 for transfer agency services and $74 for cash management services.These fees are included in Shareholder servicing costs in the Statement of Operations. Cash management fees were partially offset by earnings credits of $6.
The fund compensates The Bank of NewYork 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 March 31, 2014, the fund was charged $25,983 pursuant to the custody agreement.
During the period ended March 31, 2014, the fund was charged $4,547 for services performed by the Chief Compliance Officer and his staff.
The components of “Due to The Dreyfus Corporation and affiliates” in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities consist of: investment advisory fees $243,740, custodian fees $21,253, Chief Compliance Officer fees $2,285, administration fees $12,248 and transfer agency fees $7,311.
(c) Each Board member also serves as a Board member of other funds within the Dreyfus 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 March 31, 2014, amounted to $134,230,946 and $201,536,354, respectively.
24
At March 31, 2014, accumulated net unrealized appreciation on investments was $93,882,362, consisting of $96,689,864 gross unrealized appreciation and $2,807,502 gross unrealized depreciation.
At March 31, 2014, the cost of investments for federal income tax purposes was substantially the same as the cost for financial reporting purposes (see the Statement of Investments).
The Fund 25
INFORMATION ABOUT THE RENEWAL OF THE |
FUND’S INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND |
ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENTS (Unaudited) |
At a meeting of the fund’s Board of Trustees held on February 19-20, 2014, the Board considered the renewal of the fund’s Investment Advisory Agreement and Administration Agreement pursuant to which Dreyfus provides the fund with investment advisory services and administrative services (together, the “Agreement”).The Board members, none of whom are “interested persons” (as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended) of the fund, were assisted in their review by independent legal counsel and met with counsel in executive session separate from Dreyfus representatives. In considering the renewal of the Agreement, the Board considered all factors that it believed to be relevant, including those discussed below.The Board did not identify any one factor as dispositive, and each Board member may have attributed different weights to the factors considered.
Analysis of Nature, Extent, and Quality of Services Provided to the Fund. The Board considered information provided to them at the meeting and in previous presentations from Dreyfus representatives regarding the nature, extent, and quality of the services provided to funds in the Dreyfus fund complex. Dreyfus provided the number of open accounts in the fund, the fund’s asset size and the allocation of fund assets among distribution channels. Dreyfus also had previously provided information regarding the diverse intermediary relationships and distribution channels of funds in the Dreyfus fund complex (such as retail direct or intermediary, in which intermediaries typically are paid by the fund and/or Dreyfus) and Dreyfus’ corresponding need for broad, deep, and diverse resources to be able to provide ongoing shareholder services to each intermediary or distribution channel, as applicable to the fund.
The Board also considered research support available to, and portfolio management capabilities of, the fund’s portfolio management personnel and that Dreyfus also provides oversight of day-to-day fund operations, including fund accounting and administration and assistance in meeting legal and regulatory requirements. The Board also considered Dreyfus’ extensive administrative, accounting, and compliance infrastructures.The
26
Board also considered portfolio management’s brokerage policies and practices (including policies and practices regarding soft dollars) and the standards applied in seeking best execution.
Comparative Analysis of the Fund’s Performance and Management Fee and Expense Ratio. The Board reviewed reports prepared by Lipper, Inc. (“Lipper”), an independent provider of investment company data, which included information comparing (1) the fund’s performance with the performance of a group of comparable funds (the “Performance Group”) and with a broader group of funds (the “Performance Universe”), all for various periods ended December 31, 2013, and (2) the fund’s actual and contractual management fees and total expenses with those of a group of comparable funds (the “Expense Group”) and with a broader group of funds (the “Expense Universe”), the information for which was derived in part from fund financial statements available to Lipper as of the date of its analysis. Dreyfus previously had furnished the Board with a description of the methodology Lipper used to select the Performance Group and Performance Universe and the Expense Group and Expense Universe.
Dreyfus representatives stated that the usefulness of performance comparisons may be affected by a number of factors, including different investment limitations that may be applicable to the fund and comparison funds.They also noted that performance generally should be considered over longer periods of time, although it is possible that long-term performance can be adversely affected by even one period of significant underperformance so that a single investment decision or theme has the ability to affect disproportionately long-term performance. The Board discussed the results of the comparisons and noted that the fund’s total return performance was above the Performance Group and Performance Universe medians for the various periods (ranking highest in the Performance Group in the ten-year period), except the one- and four-year periods when the fund’s perfor-
The Fund 27
INFORMATION ABOUT THE RENEWAL OF THE FUND’S INVESTMENT |
ADVISORY AND ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued) |
mance was below the Performance Universe median. Dreyfus also provided a comparison of the fund’s calendar year total returns to the returns of the fund’s benchmark index.
The Board also reviewed the range of actual and contractual management fees and total expenses of the Expense Group and Expense Universe funds and discussed the results of the comparisons. The Board noted that the fund’s contractual management fee was above the Expense Group median, the fund’s actual management fee was below the Expense Group median and above the Expense Universe median, and the fund’s total expenses were below the Expense Group and Expense Universe medians.
Dreyfus representatives noted that, in connection with the Administration Agreement and its related fees, Dreyfus has contractually agreed to waive any fees to the extent that such fees exceed Dreyfus’ costs in providing the services contemplated under the Administration Agreement.
Dreyfus representatives reviewed with the Board the management or investment advisory fees (1) paid by funds advised or administered by Dreyfus that are in the same Lipper category as the fund and (2) paid to Dreyfus or the Dreyfus-affiliated primary employer of the fund’s primary portfolio manager(s) for advising any separate accounts and/or other types of client portfolios that are considered to have similar investment strategies and policies as the fund (the “Similar Clients”), and explained the nature of the Similar Clients.They discussed differences in fees paid and the relationship of the fees paid in light of any differences in the services provided and other relevant factors. The Board considered the relevance of the fee information provided for the Similar Clients to evaluate the appropriateness and reasonableness of the fund’s management fee.
Analysis of Profitability and Economies of Scale. Dreyfus representatives reviewed the expenses allocated and profit received by Dreyfus and the resulting profitability percentage for managing the fund and the aggregate profitability percentage to Dreyfus of managing the
28
funds in the Dreyfus fund complex, and the method used to determine the expenses and profit.The Board also noted the fee waiver in effect pursuant to the Administration Agreement.The Board concluded that the profitability results were not unreasonable, given the services rendered and service levels provided by Dreyfus.The Board also had been provided with information prepared by an independent consulting firm regarding Dreyfus’ approach to allocating costs to, and determining the profitability of, individual funds and the entire Dreyfus fund complex.The consulting firm also had analyzed where any economies of scale might emerge in connection with the management of a fund.
The Board considered on the advice of its counsel the profitability analysis (1) as part of its evaluation of whether the fees under the Agreement bear a reasonable relationship to the mix of services provided by Dreyfus, including the nature, extent and quality of such services, and (2) in light of the relevant circumstances for the fund and the extent to which economies of scale would be realized if the fund grows and whether fee levels reflect these economies of scale for the benefit of fund shareholders. Dreyfus representatives noted that a discussion of economies of scale is predicated on a fund having achieved a substantial size with increasing assets and that, if a fund’s assets had been stable or decreasing, the possibility that Dreyfus may have realized any economies of scale would be less. In addition, Dreyfus representatives noted that the fund had been generally closed to new investors since August 31, 2006. Dreyfus representatives also noted that, as a result of shared and allocated costs among funds in the Dreyfus fund complex, the extent of economies of scale could depend substantially on the level of assets in the complex as a whole, so that increases and decreases in complex-wide assets can affect potential economies of scale in a manner that is disproportionate to, or even in the opposite direction from, changes in the fund’s asset level.The Board also considered potential benefits to Dreyfus from acting as investment adviser and noted the soft dollar arrangements in effect for trading the fund’s investments.
The Fund 29
INFORMATION ABOUT THE RENEWAL OF THE FUND’S INVESTMENT |
ADVISORY AND ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued) |
At the conclusion of these discussions, the Board agreed that it had been furnished with sufficient information to make an informed business decision with respect to the renewal of the Agreement. Based on the discussions and considerations as described above, the Board concluded and determined as follows.
The Board concluded that the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by Dreyfus are adequate and appropriate.
The Board was satisfied with the fund’s performance.
The Board concluded that the fees paid to Dreyfus were reasonable in light of the considerations described above.
The Board determined that the economies of scale which may accrue to Dreyfus and its affiliates in connection with the management of the fund had been adequately considered by Dreyfus in connection with the fee rate charged to the fund pursuant to the Agreement and that, to the extent in the future it were determined that material economies of scale had not been shared with the fund, the Board would seek to have those economies of scale shared with the fund.
In evaluating the Agreement, the Board considered these conclusions and determinations and also relied on its previous knowledge, gained through meetings and other interactions with Dreyfus and its affiliates, of the fund and the services provided to the fund by Dreyfus. The Board also relied on information received on a routine and regular basis throughout the year relating to the operations of the fund and the investment management and other services provided under the Agreement, including information on the investment performance of the fund in comparison to similar mutual funds and benchmark performance indices; general market outlook as applicable to the fund; and
30
compliance reports. In addition, the Board’s consideration of the contractual fee arrangements for this fund had the benefit of a number of years of reviews of prior or similar agreements during which lengthy discussions took place between the Board and Dreyfus representatives. Certain aspects of the arrangements may receive greater scrutiny in some years than in others, and the Board’s conclusions may be based, in part, on their consideration of the same or similar arrangements in prior years.The Board determined that renewal of the Agreement was in the best interests of the fund and its shareholders.
The Fund 31
NOTES
For More Information
Ticker Symbol: STSVX
Telephone 1-800-DREYFUS
Mail The Dreyfus Family of Funds, 144 Glenn Curtiss Boulevard, Uniondale, NY 11556-0144 E-mail Send your request to info@dreyfus.com Internet Information can be viewed online or downloaded at: http://www.dreyfus.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-Q. The fund’s Forms N-Q are available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov and may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330.
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 http://www.dreyfus.com and on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. The description of the policies and procedures is also available without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-DREYFUS.
Dreyfus/The Boston |
Company Small/Mid Cap |
Growth Fund |
SEMIANNUAL REPORT March 31, 2014
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The views expressed in this report reflect those of the portfolio manager only through the end of the period covered and do not necessarily represent the views of Dreyfus or any other person in the Dreyfus organization. Any such views are subject to change at any time based upon market or other conditions and Dreyfus disclaims any responsibility to update such views.These views may not be relied on as investment advice and, because investment decisions for a Dreyfus fund are based on numerous factors, may not be relied on as an indication of trading intent on behalf of any Dreyfus fund.
Not FDIC-Insured Not Bank-Guaranteed May Lose Value |
Contents |
|
THE FUND |
|
2 |
A Letter from the President |
3 |
Discussion of Fund Performance |
6 |
Understanding Your Funds Expenses |
6 |
Comparing Your Funds Expenses With Those of Other Funds |
7 |
Statement of Investments |
12 |
Statement of Assets and Liabilities |
13 |
Statement of Operations |
14 |
Statement of Changes in Net Assets |
16 |
Financial Highlights |
20 |
Notes to Financial Statements |
31 |
Proxy Results |
32 |
Information About the Renewal of the Funds Investment Advisory and Fund Accounting and Administrative Services Agreements and the Approval of the Funds Sub-Advisory Agreement |
FOR MORE INFORMATION |
|
Back Cover |
Dreyfus/The Boston
Company Small/Mid Cap
Growth Fund
The Fund
A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
Dear Shareholder:
This semiannual report for Dreyfus/The Boston Company Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund covers the six-month period from October 1, 2013, through March 31, 2014. For information about how the fund performed during the reporting period, as well as general market perspectives, we provide a Discussion of Fund Performance on the pages that follow.
The past six months have produced outstanding returns for U.S. equities. Despite periodic bouts of heightened volatility, stocks generally gained substantial value in light of a sustained U.S. economic recovery, waning concerns regarding global economic conditions, low inflation, and rising corporate earnings. Indeed, several broad measures of stock market performance reached record highs over the course of the reporting period. Companies in economically sensitive businesses generally fared best in the constructive market environment, and small-cap stocks produced higher returns than their larger counterparts, on average.
Looking forward, we expect the U.S. economic recovery to continue to gain traction on its way to producing a 3% annualized growth rate over the next several years. We also anticipate a pickup in the global economy, led by developed nations amid ongoing monetary stimulus and reduced headwinds related to fiscal austerity and deleveraging. As always, we encourage you to discuss our observations with your financial advisor to assess their potential impact on your investments.
Thank you for your continued confidence and support.
J. Charles Cardona
President
The Dreyfus Corporation
April 15, 2014
2
DISCUSSION OF FUND PERFORMANCE
For the period of October 1, 2013, through March 31, 2014, as provided by Todd W. Wakefield, CFA, and Robert C. Zeuthen, CFA, Primary Portfolio Managers
Fund and Market Performance Overview
For the six-month period ended March 31, 2014, Dreyfus/The Boston Company Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund’s Class A shares produced a total return of 7.50%, Class C shares returned 7.12%, Class I shares returned 7.68%, and Class Y shares returned 7.73%.1 In comparison, the fund’s benchmark, the Russell 2500 Growth Index (the “Index”), produced a total return of 9.62% for the same period.2
Improved economic conditions helped support U.S. stock market gains over the reporting period. The fund produced lower returns than its benchmark, mainly due to security selection shortfalls in the information technology and consumer discretionary sectors.
The Fund’s Investment Approach
The fund seeks long-term growth of capital. To pursue its goal, the fund normally invests at least 80% of its net assets in equity securities of small-cap and midcap U.S. companies with market capitalizations equal to or less than the total market capitalization of the largest company in the Index.When choosing stocks, we seek to identify high-quality small-cap and midcap companies with rapid current or expected earnings or revenue growth.We employ fundamental research to identify companies with attractive characteristics, such as strong business and competitive positions, solid cash flows and balance sheets, high-quality management and high sustainable growth. We also may invest in companies that our research indicates will experience accelerating revenues and expanding operating margins.
Recovering Economy Fueled Market’s Gains
Stocks climbed over the reporting period during a sustained economic recovery driven by falling unemployment, rebounding housing markets, and low short-term interest rates. After several months of economic uncertainty and market weakness, investors were relieved and stocks rallied during the fall of 2013 when the Federal Reserve Board refrained from tapering its quantitative easing program. Stocks continued to advance
The Fund 3
DISCUSSION OF FUND PERFORMANCE (continued)
over the final months of the year amid new releases of encouraging economic data.The market gave back some of its gains in January 2014 amid concerns regarding economic slowdowns in the emerging markets, but stocks rebounded in February and maintained their value in March when those worries proved to be overblown.
In this environment, companies that tend to be more sensitive to economic conditions fared better than their more traditionally defensive counterparts. From a market capitalization perspective, small- and midcap stocks lagged large-cap stocks, on average, and growth stocks generally trailed their more value-oriented counterparts.
Stock Selections Weighed on Results
Although the fund participated to a significant degree in the market’s gains over the reporting period, its relative performance was dampened by disappointing stock selections in the information technology sector.A number of software companies saw similar issues in the fourth quarter; weak earnings and guidance due to a soft CAPEX environment, weaker consumer spending, and smaller deals.These companies included automated network controller Infoblox, VOIP software developer BroadSoft, data management specialist CommVault Systems, and fleet management solutions provider FleetMatics Group.
Results in the consumer discretionary sector also fell short of sector averages, in part due to harsh winter weather that kept consumers away from stores.This development weighed on footwear and apparel maker Wolverine World Wide, footwear and accessories seller Steven Madden, and apparel manufacturer PVH. In addition, film producer Lions Gate Entertainment declined sharply when investors took profits after the success of the latest installment in the Hunger Games franchise, and automobile parts manufacturer LKQ lagged after posting weaker-than-expected quarterly earnings.Among industrial companies, logistics specialist J.B. Hunt Transport Services was hurt by bad weather, and metalworking tools and materials provider Kennametal missed analysts’ earnings estimates and reduced future guidance.
The fund achieved better relative results in the health care sector, where Salix Pharmaceuticals exceeded expectations on the strength of robust sales of a gastrointestinal drug. Investors responded positively when Pacira Pharmaceuticals preannounced strong sales of its EXPAREL liposome injection anesthetic followed by positive data supporting EXPAREL’s expanded use. Medical billing and technology services
4
provider athenahealth benefited from impressive physician additions to its platform, a modest revenue beat, and solid fourth quarter gross margins. Biotechnology firms Alkermes and Cepheid also fared well. In the financials sector, investment manager Waddell & Reed Financial benefited from rising equity markets, and real estate manager CBRE Group prospered in the recovering real estate sector. In other areas, packaged food and beverages producer WhiteWave Foods reported strong sales of organic products.
Finding Growth Opportunities Across Market Sectors
Although valuations have grown richer after recent market rallies, we have continued to identify ample opportunities among small- and midcap stocks. Better weather is expected to unlock pent up consumer demand, and improved business conditions could cause corporations to spend more freely on capital expenditures and mergers-and-acquisitions activity.As of the reporting period’s end, the fund was positioned to participate in a constructive market environment through overweighted exposure to heath care companies and, to a lesser extent, energy companies. We have identified fewer opportunities meeting our growth criteria in the financials and consumer discretionary sectors.
April 15, 2014
Please note, the position in any security highlighted with italicized typeface was sold during the reporting period. Equity funds 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.
Small and midsize companies carry additional risks because their earnings and revenues tend to be less predictable, and their share prices more volatile, than those of larger more established companies.
1 Total return includes reinvestment of dividends and any capital gains paid, and does not take into consideration the |
maximum initial sales charge in the case of Class A shares, or the applicable contingent deferred sales charge imposed |
on redemptions in the case of Class C shares. Had these charges been reflected, returns would have been lower. 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. |
2 SOURCE: LIPPER INC. — The Russell 2500 Growth Index is an unmanaged index that measures the |
performance of those Russell 2500 companies (the 2,500 smallest companies in the Russell 3000 Index, which is |
composed of the 3,000 largest U. S. companies based on total market capitalization) with higher price-to-book ratios |
and higher forecasted growth values. The total return figure cited for this index assumes change in security prices and |
reinvestment of dividends, but does not reflect the costs of managing a mutual fund. Investors cannot invest directly |
in any index. |
The Fund 5
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 Dreyfus/The Boston Company Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund from October 1, 2013 to March 31, 2014. 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
assuming actual returns for the six months ended March 31, 2014
Class A | Class C | Class I | Class Y | |||||
Expenses paid per $1,000† | $ | 5.28 | $ | 9.55 | $ | 4.09 | $ | 4.09 |
Ending value (after expenses) | $ | 1,075.00 | $ | 1,071.20 | $ | 1,076.80 | $ | 1,077.30 |
COMPARING YOUR FUND’S EXPENSES
WITH THOSE OF OTHER FUNDS (Unaudited)
Using the SEC’s method to compare expenses
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has established guidelines to help investors assess fund expenses. Per these guidelines, the table below shows your fund’s expenses based on a $1,000 investment, assuming a hypothetical 5% annualized return. You can use this information to compare the ongoing expenses (but not transaction expenses or total cost) of investing in the fund with those of other funds.All mutual fund shareholder reports will provide this information to help you make this comparison. Please note that you cannot use this information to estimate your actual ending account balance and expenses paid during the period.
Expenses and Value of a $1,000 Investment
assuming a hypothetical 5% annualized return for the six months ended March 31, 2014
Class A | Class C | Class I | Class Y | |||||
Expenses paid per $1,000† | $ | 5.14 | $ | 9.30 | $ | 3.98 | $ | 3.98 |
Ending value (after expenses) | $ | 1,019.85 | $ | 1,015.71 | $ | 1,020.99 | $ | 1,020.99 |
† Expenses are equal to the fund’s annualized expense ratio of 1.02% for Class A, 1.85% for Class C, .79% for |
Class I and .79 for ClassY, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 182/365 (to |
reflect the one-half year period). |
6
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS |
March 31, 2014 (Unaudited) |
Common Stocks—98.2% | Shares | Value ($) | ||
Automobiles & Components—.8% | ||||
Tenneco | 132,620 | a | 7,701,243 | |
Banks—2.4% | ||||
First Republic Bank | 159,770 | 8,625,982 | ||
Prosperity Bancshares | 231,930 | 15,342,169 | ||
23,968,151 | ||||
Capital Goods—13.7% | ||||
AMETEK | 186,534 | 9,604,636 | ||
B/E Aerospace | 127,893 | a | 11,099,833 | |
Crane | 215,360 | 15,322,864 | ||
Donaldson | 362,180 | 15,356,432 | ||
Fortune Brands Home & Security | 273,250 | 11,498,360 | ||
Hexcel | 179,690 | a | 7,823,703 | |
ITT | 296,230 | 12,666,795 | ||
Jacobs Engineering Group | 240,520 | a | 15,273,020 | |
Owens Corning | 294,310 | 12,705,363 | ||
Sensata Technologies Holding | 376,530 | a | 16,055,239 | |
United Rentals | 111,230 | a | 10,560,176 | |
137,966,421 | ||||
Commercial & Professional Services—5.6% | ||||
Copart | 430,130 | a | 15,652,431 | |
Corporate Executive Board | 131,912 | 9,791,828 | ||
IHS, Cl. A | 118,530 | a | 14,401,395 | |
On Assignment | 219,840 | a | 8,483,626 | |
Towers Watson & Co., Cl. A | 68,901 | 7,858,159 | ||
56,187,439 | ||||
Consumer Durables & Apparel—6.4% | ||||
Jarden | 283,230 | a | 16,945,651 | |
PVH | 79,790 | 9,955,398 | ||
Steven Madden | 294,470 | a | 10,595,031 | |
Tempur Sealy International | 249,160 | a | 12,624,937 | |
Wolverine World Wide | 480,910 | 13,729,981 | ||
63,850,998 |
The Fund | 7 |
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
Common Stocks (continued) | Shares | Value ($) | |
Consumer Services—.9% | |||
Cheesecake Factory | 188,710 | 8,988,257 | |
Diversified Financials—1.8% | |||
Affiliated Managers Group | 38,930 | a | 7,787,946 |
Waddell & Reed Financial, Cl. A | 139,150 | 10,244,223 | |
18,032,169 | |||
Energy—5.2% | |||
Exterran Holdings | 260,820 | 11,444,782 | |
Gulfport Energy | 191,140 | a | 13,605,345 |
Helmerich & Payne | 123,790 | 13,314,852 | |
Laredo Petroleum | 547,700 | a | 14,163,522 |
52,528,501 | |||
Exchange-Traded Funds—1.5% | |||
iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF | 107,990 | b | 14,693,119 |
Food & Staples Retailing—2.2% | |||
United Natural Foods | 187,177 | a | 13,274,593 |
Whole Foods Market | 164,570 | 8,345,345 | |
21,619,938 | |||
Food, Beverage & Tobacco—1.7% | |||
TreeHouse Foods | 89,904 | a | 6,472,189 |
WhiteWave Foods, Cl. A | 354,630 | a | 10,121,140 |
16,593,329 | |||
Health Care Equipment & Services—9.9% | |||
Acadia Healthcare | 157,840 | a | 7,121,741 |
Align Technology | 239,110 | a | 12,383,507 |
AmerisourceBergen | 111,170 | 7,291,640 | |
athenahealth | 54,496 | a,b | 8,732,439 |
Catamaran | 213,194 | a | 9,542,563 |
Centene | 155,220 | a | 9,662,445 |
Cooper | 157,910 | 21,690,518 | |
Endologix | 381,590 | a | 4,911,063 |
MEDNAX | 124,040 | a | 7,687,999 |
Universal Health Services, Cl. B | 117,380 | 9,633,377 | |
98,657,292 |
8
Common Stocks (continued) | Shares | Value ($) | |
Materials—5.5% | |||
Airgas | 174,490 | 18,584,930 | |
Constellium, Cl. A | 405,290 | 11,895,261 | |
Flotek Industries | 256,940 | a | 7,155,779 |
Scotts Miracle-Gro, Cl. A | 284,190 | 17,415,163 | |
55,051,133 | |||
Media—3.2% | |||
IMAX | 443,900 | a,b | 12,131,787 |
Interpublic Group of Cos. | 574,720 | 9,850,701 | |
Lions Gate Entertainment | 364,355 | 9,739,209 | |
31,721,697 | |||
Pharmaceuticals, Biotech & | |||
Life Sciences—8.9% | |||
Alkermes | 368,720 | a | 16,256,865 |
Bruker | 458,570 | a | 10,450,810 |
Cepheid | 160,090 | a | 8,257,442 |
Nektar Therapeutics | 884,664 | a | 10,722,128 |
NPS Pharmaceuticals | 338,110 | a | 10,119,632 |
Pacira Pharmaceuticals | 107,920 | a | 7,553,321 |
PAREXEL International | 133,900 | a | 7,242,651 |
Salix Pharmaceuticals | 177,190 | a | 18,358,656 |
88,961,505 | |||
Real Estate—1.5% | |||
CBRE Group, Cl. A | 562,170 | a | 15,420,323 |
Retailing—4.0% | |||
GNC Holdings, Cl. A | 165,020 | 7,264,180 | |
HomeAway | 212,080 | a | 7,989,054 |
LKQ | 515,620 | a | 13,586,587 |
Williams-Sonoma | 166,050 | 11,065,572 | |
39,905,393 | |||
Semiconductors & Semiconductor | |||
Equipment—4.5% | |||
Mellanox Technologies | 314,030 | a,b | 12,287,994 |
Microchip Technology | 390,560 | b | 18,653,146 |
The Fund | 9 |
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
Common Stocks (continued) | Shares | Value ($) | |
Semiconductors & Semiconductor | |||
Equipment (continued) | |||
Teradyne | 697,220 | b | 13,867,706 |
44,808,846 | |||
Software & Services—15.1% | |||
ANSYS | 155,220 | a | 11,955,044 |
BroadSoft | 315,510 | a | 8,433,582 |
CommVault Systems | 160,860 | a | 10,447,857 |
FleetMatics Group | 283,360 | a,b | 9,478,392 |
Imperva | 165,730 | a | 9,231,161 |
Informatica | 370,320 | a | 13,990,690 |
LogMeIn | 219,520 | a | 9,854,253 |
MAXIMUS | 305,640 | 13,711,010 | |
Proofpoint | 313,970 | a | 11,642,008 |
Q2 Holdings | 14,894 | a | 231,304 |
Sapient | 594,060 | a | 10,134,664 |
SolarWinds | 264,660 | a | 11,282,456 |
SS&C Technologies Holdings | 255,250 | a | 10,215,105 |
Synopsys | 555,320 | a | 21,329,841 |
151,937,367 | |||
Technology Hardware & | |||
Equipment—1.0% | |||
Commscope Holding | 393,670 | 9,715,776 | |
Transportation—2.4% | |||
J.B. Hunt Transport Services | 190,250 | 13,682,780 | |
Spirit Airlines | 168,800 | a | 10,026,720 |
23,709,500 | |||
Total Common Stocks | |||
(cost $813,137,015) | 982,018,397 | ||
Other Investment—1.8% | |||
Registered Investment Company; | |||
Dreyfus Institutional Preferred | |||
Plus Money Market Fund | |||
(cost $18,334,830) | 18,334,830 | c | 18,334,830 |
10
Investment of Cash Collateral | ||||
for Securities Loaned—5.5% | Shares | Value ($) | ||
Registered Investment Company; | ||||
Dreyfus Institutional Cash Advantage Fund | ||||
(cost $55,467,672) | 55,467,672 | c | 55,467,672 | |
Total Investments (cost $886,939,517) | 105.5 | % | 1,055,820,899 | |
Liabilities, Less Cash and Receivables | (5.5 | %) | (55,263,384 | ) |
Net Assets | 100.0 | % | 1,000,557,515 |
ETF—Exchange-Traded Fund
a Non-income producing security. |
b Security, or portion thereof, on loan.At March 31, 2014, the value of the fund’s securities on loan was |
$55,456,811 and the value of the collateral held by the fund was $55,520,558, consisting of cash collateral of |
$55,467,672 and U.S. Government & Agency securities valued at $52,886. |
c Investment in affiliated money market mutual fund. |
Portfolio Summary (Unaudited)† | |||
Value (%) | Value (%) | ||
Software & Services | 15.1 | Media | 3.2 |
Capital Goods | 13.7 | Banks | 2.4 |
Health Care Equipment & Services | 9.9 | Transportation | 2.4 |
Pharmaceuticals, | Food & Staples Retailing | 2.2 | |
Biotech & Life Sciences | 8.9 | Diversified Financials | 1.8 |
Money Market Investments | 7.3 | Food, Beverage & Tobacco | 1.7 |
Consumer Durables & Apparel | 6.4 | Exchange-Traded Funds | 1.5 |
Commercial & Professional Services | 5.6 | Real Estate | 1.5 |
Materials | 5.5 | Technology Hardware & Equipment | 1.0 |
Energy | 5.2 | Consumer Services | .9 |
Semiconductors & | Automobiles & Components | .8 | |
Semiconductor Equipment | 4.5 | ||
Retailing | 4.0 | 105.5 | |
† Based on net assets. | |||
See notes to financial statements. |
The Fund 11
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES |
March 31, 2014 (Unaudited) |
Cost | Value | ||||
Assets ($): | |||||
Investments in securities—See Statement of Investments (including | |||||
securities on loan, valued at $55,456,811)—Note 1(b): | |||||
Unaffiliated issuers | 813,137,015 | 982,018,397 | |||
Affiliated issuers | 73,802,502 | 73,802,502 | |||
Cash | 829,125 | ||||
Receivable for investment securities sold | 9,927,595 | ||||
Receivable for shares of Beneficial Interest subscribed | 1,212,294 | ||||
Dividends and securities lending income receivable | 202,307 | ||||
Prepaid expenses | 146,672 | ||||
1,068,138,892 | |||||
Liabilities ($): | |||||
Due to The Dreyfus Corporation and affiliates—Note 3(c) | 647,098 | ||||
Liability for securities on loan—Note 1(b) | 55,467,672 | ||||
Payable for investment securities purchased | 10,194,882 | ||||
Payable for shares of Beneficial Interest redeemed | 1,093,157 | ||||
Accrued expenses | 178,568 | ||||
67,581,377 | |||||
Net Assets ($) | 1,000,557,515 | ||||
Composition of Net Assets ($): | |||||
Paid-in capital | 786,406,860 | ||||
Accumulated Investment (loss)—net | (1,343,370 | ) | |||
Accumulated net realized gain (loss) on investments | 46,612,643 | ||||
Accumulated net unrealized appreciation | |||||
(depreciation) on investments | 168,881,382 | ||||
Net Assets ($) | 1,000,557,515 | ||||
Net Asset Value Per Share | |||||
Class A | Class C | Class I | Class Y | ||
Net Assets ($) | 239,214,610 | 24,627,500 | 628,416,684 | 108,298,721 | |
Shares Outstanding | 13,308,855 | 1,453,208 | 34,399,815 | 5,926,248 | |
Net Asset Value Per Share ($) | 17.97 | 16.95 | 18.27 | 18.27 | |
See notes to financial statements. |
12
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS | ||
Six Months Ended March 31, 2014 (Unaudited) | ||
Investment Income ($): | ||
Income: | ||
Cash dividends (net of $5,194 foreign taxes withheld at source): | ||
Unaffiliated issuers | 2,289,752 | |
Affiliated issuers | 8,790 | |
Income from securities lending—Note 1(b) | 223,287 | |
Total Income | 2,521,829 | |
Expenses: | ||
Investment advisory fee—Note 3(a) | 2,689,383 | |
Shareholder servicing costs—Note 3(c) | 782,486 | |
Administration fee—Note 3(a) | 72,298 | |
Registration fees | 71,803 | |
Prospectus and shareholders’ reports | 64,073 | |
Distribution fees—Note 3(b) | 57,462 | |
Custodian fees—Note 3(c) | 41,984 | |
Trustees’ fees and expenses—Note 3(d) | 41,923 | |
Professional fees | 26,488 | |
Loan commitment fees—Note 2 | 4,592 | |
Miscellaneous | 15,145 | |
Total Expenses | 3,867,637 | |
Less—reduction in fees due to earnings credits—Note 3(c) | (258 | ) |
Net Expenses | 3,867,379 | |
Investment (Loss)—Net | (1,345,550 | ) |
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments—Note 4 ($): | ||
Net realized gain (loss) on investments | 75,659,166 | |
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments | (10,840,288 | ) |
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments | 64,818,878 | |
Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations | 63,473,328 | |
See notes to financial statements. |
The Fund 13
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
Six Months Ended | ||||
March 31, 2014 | Year Ended | |||
(Unaudited) | September 30, 2013a | |||
Operations ($): | ||||
Investment (loss)—net | (1,345,550 | ) | (910,979 | ) |
Net realized gain (loss) on investments | 75,659,166 | 105,195,638 | ||
Net unrealized appreciation | ||||
(depreciation) on investments | (10,840,288 | ) | 80,229,259 | |
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets | ||||
Resulting from Operations | 63,473,328 | 184,513,918 | ||
Dividends to Shareholders from ($): | ||||
Net realized gain on investments: | ||||
Class A | (22,918,565 | ) | (10,591,811 | ) |
Class C | (1,334,731 | ) | (165,811 | ) |
Class I | (68,005,735 | ) | (39,569,772 | ) |
Class Y | (122 | ) | — | |
Total Dividends | (92,259,153 | ) | (50,327,394 | ) |
Beneficial Interest Transactions ($): | ||||
Net proceeds from shares sold: | ||||
Class A | 52,992,140 | 35,575,263 | ||
Class C | 17,444,752 | 5,126,829 | ||
Class I | 139,777,630 | 167,413,489 | ||
Class Y | 113,548,555 | 1,000 | ||
Dividends reinvested: | ||||
Class A | 22,257,399 | 10,214,754 | ||
Class C | 1,312,211 | 149,491 | ||
Class I | 57,620,213 | 33,795,640 | ||
Cost of shares redeemed: | ||||
Class A | (21,994,267 | ) | (19,101,349 | ) |
Class C | (598,428 | ) | (911,306 | ) |
Class I | (154,586,186 | ) | (212,027,715 | )b |
Class Y | (4,597,056 | ) | — | |
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from | ||||
Beneficial Interest Transactions | 223,176,963 | 20,236,096 | ||
Total Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets | 194,391,138 | 154,422,620 | ||
Net Assets ($): | ||||
Beginning of Period | 806,166,377 | 651,743,757 | ||
End of Period | 1,000,557,515 | 806,166,377 | ||
Undistributed investment income (loss)—net | (1,343,370 | ) | 2,180 |
14
Six Months Ended | ||||
March 31, 2014 | Year Ended | |||
(Unaudited) | September 30, 2013a | |||
Capital Share Transactions: | ||||
Class Ac | ||||
Shares sold | 2,921,208 | 2,197,409 | ||
Shares issued for dividends reinvested | 1,296,296 | 729,625 | ||
Shares redeemed | (1,223,770 | ) | (1,202,638 | ) |
Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares Outstanding | 2,993,734 | 1,724,396 | ||
Class Cc | ||||
Shares sold | 1,016,363 | 315,189 | ||
Shares issued for dividends reinvested | 80,851 | 11,123 | ||
Shares redeemed | (35,279 | ) | (59,075 | ) |
Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares Outstanding | 1,061,935 | 267,237 | ||
Class I | ||||
Shares sold | 7,583,249 | 10,187,123 | ||
Shares issued for dividends reinvested | 3,303,911 | 2,386,698 | ||
Shares redeemed | (8,351,664 | ) | (12,878,782 | ) |
Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares Outstanding | 2,535,496 | (304,961 | ) | |
Class Y | ||||
Shares sold | 6,179,445 | 58.28 | ||
Shares redeemed | (253,255 | ) | — | |
Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares Outstanding | 5,926,190 | 58.28 |
a Effective July 1, 2013, the fund commenced offering ClassY shares. |
b Includes redemption-in-kind amounting to $71,300,269. |
c During the period ended September 30, 2013, 6,859 Class C shares representing $110,285 were exchanged for |
6,557 Class A shares. |
See notes to financial statements.
The Fund 15
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The following tables describe the performance for each share class for the fiscal periods indicated. All information (except portfolio turnover rate) reflects financial results for a single fund share.Total return shows how much your investment in the fund would have increased (or decreased) during each period, assuming you had reinvested all dividends and distributions.These figures have been derived from the fund’s financial statements.
Six Months Ended | ||||||||||||
March 31, 2014 | Year Ended September 30, | |||||||||||
Class A Shares | (Unaudited) | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | a | |||||
Per Share Data ($): | ||||||||||||
Net asset value, | ||||||||||||
beginning of period | 18.76 | 15.82 | 12.95 | 12.26 | 11.10 | 8.36 | ||||||
Investment Operations: | ||||||||||||
Investment (loss)—netb | (.04 | ) | (.06 | ) | (.06 | ) | (.06 | ) | (.04 | ) | (.02 | ) |
Net realized and unrealized | ||||||||||||
gain (loss) on investments | 1.35 | 4.20 | 4.08 | .75 | 1.20 | 2.76 | ||||||
Total from | ||||||||||||
Investment Operations | 1.31 | 4.14 | 4.02 | .69 | 1.16 | 2.74 | ||||||
Distributions: | ||||||||||||
Dividends from net realized | ||||||||||||
gain on investments | (2.10 | ) | (1.20 | ) | (1.15 | ) | — | — | — | |||
Net asset value, end of period | 17.97 | 18.76 | 15.82 | 12.95 | 12.26 | 11.10 | ||||||
Total Return (%)c | 7.50 | d | 28.73 | 32.36 | 5.63 | 10.45 | 32.78 | |||||
Ratios/Supplemental Data (%): | ||||||||||||
Ratio of total expenses | ||||||||||||
to average net assets | 1.02 | e | 1.02 | 1.08 | 1.09 | 1.12 | 1.26 | |||||
Ratio of net expenses | ||||||||||||
to average net assets | 1.02 | e | 1.02 | 1.08 | 1.09 | 1.12 | 1.25 | |||||
Ratio of net investment (loss) | ||||||||||||
to average net assets | (.46 | )e | (.34 | ) | (.37 | ) | (.45 | ) | (.35 | ) | (.37 | ) |
Portfolio Turnover Rate | 75.83 | d | 124.25 | 153.75 | 180.82 | 191.46 | 278.73 | |||||
Net Assets, end of period | ||||||||||||
($ x 1,000) | 239,215 | 193,470 | 135,904 | 107,696 | 107,796 | 186 |
a | From March 31, 2009 (commencement of initial offering) to September 30, 2009. |
b | Based on average shares outstanding at each month end. |
c | Exclusive of sales charge. |
d | Not annualized. |
e | Annualized. |
See notes to financial statements.
16
Six Months Ended | ||||||||||||
March 31, 2014 | Year Ended September 30, | |||||||||||
Class C Shares | (Unaudited) | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | a | |||||
Per Share Data ($): | ||||||||||||
Net asset value, | ||||||||||||
beginning of period | 17.87 | 15.26 | 12.63 | 12.06 | 11.05 | 8.36 | ||||||
Investment Operations: | ||||||||||||
Investment (loss)—netb | (.11 | ) | (.20 | ) | (.18 | ) | (.18 | ) | (.13 | ) | (.06 | ) |
Net realized and unrealized | ||||||||||||
gain (loss) on investments | 1.29 | 4.01 | 3.96 | .75 | 1.14 | 2.75 | ||||||
Total from | ||||||||||||
Investment Operations | 1.18 | 3.81 | 3.78 | .57 | 1.01 | 2.69 | ||||||
Distributions: | ||||||||||||
Dividends from net realized | ||||||||||||
gain on investments | (2.10 | ) | (1.20 | ) | (1.15 | ) | — | — | — | |||
Net asset value, end of period | 16.95 | 17.87 | 15.26 | 12.63 | 12.06 | 11.05 | ||||||
Total Return (%)c | 7.12 | d | 27.54 | 31.21 | 4.73 | 9.14 | 32.18 | |||||
Ratios/Supplemental Data (%): | ||||||||||||
Ratio of total expenses | ||||||||||||
to average net assets | 1.85 | e | 1.92 | 1.97 | 1.95 | 1.99 | 2.16 | |||||
Ratio of net expenses | ||||||||||||
to average net assets | 1.85 | e | 1.92 | 1.97 | 1.95 | 1.99 | 2.00 | |||||
Ratio of net investment (loss) | ||||||||||||
to average net assets | (1.27 | )e | (1.29 | ) | (1.24 | ) | (1.31 | ) | (1.21 | ) | (1.20 | ) |
Portfolio Turnover Rate | 75.83 | d | 124.25 | 153.75 | 180.82 | 191.46 | 278.73 | |||||
Net Assets, end of period | ||||||||||||
($ x 1,000) | 24,628 | 6,991 | 1,893 | 1,124 | 1,091 | 13 |
a | From March 31, 2009 (commencement of initial offering) to September 30, 2009. |
b | Based on average shares outstanding at each month end. |
c | Exclusive of sales charge. |
d | Not annualized. |
e | Annualized. |
See notes to financial statements.
The Fund 17
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)
Six Months Ended | ||||||||||||
March 31, 2014 | Year Ended September 30, | |||||||||||
Class I Shares | (Unaudited) | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | a | |||||
Per Share Data ($): | ||||||||||||
Net asset value, | ||||||||||||
beginning of period | 19.01 | 15.98 | 13.03 | 12.29 | 11.10 | 11.97 | ||||||
Investment Operations: | ||||||||||||
Investment (loss)—netb | (.02 | ) | (.01 | ) | (.01 | ) | (.02 | ) | (.01 | ) | (.00 | )c |
Net realized and unrealized | ||||||||||||
gain (loss) on investments | 1.38 | 4.24 | 4.11 | .76 | 1.20 | (.87 | ) | |||||
Total from | ||||||||||||
Investment Operations | 1.36 | 4.23 | 4.10 | .74 | 1.19 | (.87 | ) | |||||
Distributions: | ||||||||||||
Dividends from net realized | ||||||||||||
gain on investments | (2.10 | ) | (1.20 | ) | (1.15 | ) | — | — | — | |||
Net asset value, end of period | 18.27 | 19.01 | 15.98 | 13.03 | 12.29 | 11.10 | ||||||
Total Return (%) | 7.68 | d | 29.03 | 32.81 | 6.02 | 10.72 | (7.27 | ) | ||||
Ratios/Supplemental Data (%): | ||||||||||||
Ratio of total expenses | ||||||||||||
to average net assets | .79 | e | .75 | .78 | .77 | .81 | .93 | |||||
Ratio of net expenses | ||||||||||||
to average net assets | .79 | e | .75 | .78 | .77 | .81 | .93 | |||||
Ratio of net investment (loss) | ||||||||||||
to average net assets | (.23 | )e | (.06 | ) | (.07 | ) | (.14 | ) | (.05 | ) | (.01 | ) |
Portfolio Turnover Rate | 75.83 | d | 124.25 | 153.75 | 180.82 | 191.46 | 278.73 | |||||
Net Assets, end of period | ||||||||||||
($ x 1,000) | 628,417 | 605,704 | 513,947 | 341,406 | 293,126 | 168,631 |
a The fund changed to a multiple class fund on March 31, 2009.The existing shares were redesignated as Class I shares. |
b Based on average shares outstanding at each month end. |
c Amount represents less than $.01 per share. |
d Not annualized. |
e Annualized. |
See notes to financial statements.
18
Six Months Ended | ||||
March 31, 2014 | Year Ended | |||
Class Y Shares | (Unaudited) | September 30, 2013a | ||
Per Share Data ($): | ||||
Net asset value, beginning of period | 19.01 | 17.16 | ||
Investment Operations: | ||||
Investment (loss)—netb | (.01 | ) | (.01 | ) |
Net realized and unrealized | ||||
gain (loss) on investments | 1.37 | 1.86 | ||
Total from Investment Operations | 1.36 | 1.85 | ||
Distributions: | ||||
Dividends from net realized gain on investments | (2.10 | ) | — | |
Net asset value, end of period | 18.27 | 19.01 | ||
Total Return (%)c | 7.73 | 10.78 | ||
Ratios/Supplemental Data (%): | ||||
Ratio of total expenses to average net assetsd | .79 | .72 | ||
Ratio of net expenses to average net assetsd | .79 | .72 | ||
Ratio of net investment (loss) | ||||
to average net assetsd | (.16 | ) | (.26 | ) |
Portfolio Turnover Rate | 75.83 | c | 124.25 | |
Net Assets, end of period ($ x 1,000) | 108,299 | 1 |
a | From July 1, 2013 (commencement of initial offering) to September 30, 2013. |
b | Based on average shares outstanding at each month end. |
c | Not annualized. |
d | Annualized. |
See notes to financial statements.
The Fund 19
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
NOTE 1—Significant Accounting Policies:
Dreyfus/The Boston Company Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund (the “fund”) is a separate diversified series of Dreyfus Investment Funds (the “Trust”), 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 seven series, including the fund.The fund’s investment objective is to seek long-term growth of capital. The Dreyfus Corporation (the “Manager” or “Dreyfus”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (“BNY Mellon”), serves as the fund’s investment adviser.
MBSC Securities Corporation (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Manager, is the distributor of the fund’s shares. The fund is authorized to issue an unlimited number of $.001 par value shares of Beneficial Interest in each of the following classes of shares: Class A, Class C, Class I and ClassY. Class A and Class C shares are sold primarily to retail investors through financial intermediaries and bear a Distribution and/or Shareholder Services Plan fees. Class A shares generally are subject to a sales charge imposed at the time of purchase. Class C shares are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”) imposed on Class C shares redeemed within one year of purchase. Class I shares are sold primarily to bank trust departments and other financial service providers (including The Bank of NewYork Mellon, a subsidiary of BNY Mellon and an affiliate of Dreyfus, and its affiliates), acting on behalf of customers having a qualified trust or an investment account or relationship at such institution, and bear no Distribution or Shareholder Services Plan fees. Class I shares are offered without a front-end sales charge or CDSC. Class I and ClassY shares are offered at net asset value 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.
20
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 Trust accounts separately for the assets, liabilities and operations of each series. Expenses directly attributable to each series are charged to 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 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 Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) under authority of federal laws are also sources of authoritative GAAP for SEC registrants. 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.
(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.
The Fund 21
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
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.).
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 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. 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, except for open short positions, where the asked price is 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 categorized within Level 1 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 American Depository Receipts and financial futures. Utilizing these techniques may result in transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
22
When market quotations or official closing prices are not readily available, or are determined not to reflect accurately 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 Trust’s Board of Trustees. 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.
For restricted securities where observable inputs are limited, assumptions about market activity and risk are used and are categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
The following is a summary of the inputs used as of March 31, 2014 in valuing the fund’s investments:
Level 2—Other | Level 3— | |||
Level 1— | Significant | Significant | ||
Unadjusted | Observable | Unobservable | ||
Quoted Prices | Inputs | Inputs | Total | |
Assets ($) | ||||
Investments in Securities: | ||||
Equity Securities— | ||||
Domestic | ||||
Common Stocks† | 933,819,838 | — | — | 933,819,838 |
Equity Securities— | ||||
Foreign | ||||
Common Stocks† | 33,505,440 | — | — | 33,505,440 |
Exchange-Traded | ||||
Funds | 14,693,119 | — | — | 14,693,119 |
Mutual Funds | 73,802,502 | — | — | 73,802,502 |
† | See Statement of Investments for additional detailed categorizations. |
The Fund 23
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
At March 31, 2014, there were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
(b) Securities transactions and investment income: Securities transactions are recorded on a trade date basis. Realized gains and losses from securities transactions are recorded on the identified cost basis. 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, 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 Manager or U.S. Government and Agency securities.The fund is entitled to receive all dividends, interest and distributions on 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 NewYork 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. During the period ended March 31, 2014, The Bank of New York Mellon earned $51,186 from lending portfolio securities, pursuant to the securities lending agreement.
(c) Affiliated issuers: Investments in other investment companies advised by Dreyfus are defined as “affiliated” under the Act. Investments
24
in affiliated investment companies during the period ended March 31, 2014 were as follows:
Affiliated | |||||
Investment | Value | Value | Net | ||
Company | 9/30/2013 ($) | Purchases ($) | Sales ($) | 3/31/2014 ($) | Assets (%) |
Dreyfus | |||||
Institutional | |||||
Preferred | |||||
Plus Money | |||||
Market | |||||
Fund | 28,903,661 | 240,304,326 | 250,873,157 | 18,334,830 | 1.8 |
Dreyfus | |||||
Institutional | |||||
Cash | |||||
Advantage | |||||
Fund | 54,771,773 | 356,802,757 | 356,106,858 | 55,467,672 | 5.5 |
Total | 83,675,434 | 597,107,083 | 606,980,015 | 73,802,502 | 7.3 |
(d) Dividends to shareholders: Dividends 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 gains. Income and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with income tax regulations, which may differ from GAAP.
(e) Federal income taxes: It is the policy of the fund to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company, 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 sufficient to relieve it from substantially all federal income and excise taxes.
The Fund 25
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
As of and during the period ended March 31, 2014, 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 March 31, 2014, the fund did not incur any interest or penalties.
Each tax year in the three-year period ended September 30, 2013 remains subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service and state taxing authorities.
Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010 (the “2010 Act”), the fund is permitted to carry forward capital losses incurred in taxable years beginning after December 22, 2010 (“post-enactment losses”) for an unlimited period. Furthermore, post-enactment capital loss carryovers retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses rather than short-term as they were under previous statute.The 2010 Act requires post-enactment losses to be utilized before the utilization of losses incurred in taxable years prior to the effective date of the 2010 Act (“pre-enactment losses”).As a result of this ordering rule, pre-enactment losses may be more likely to expire unused.
The fund has an unused capital loss carryover of $16,952,800 available for federal income tax purposes to be applied against future net realized capital gains, if any, realized subsequent to September 30, 2013. As a result of the fund’s April 29, 2010 merger with Dreyfus Discovery Fund, capital losses of $16,952,800 are available to offset future gains, if any. Based on certain provisions in the Code, the amount of losses which can be utilized in subsequent years is subject to an annual limitation. This acquired capital loss will expire in fiscal year 2016.
The tax character of distributions paid to shareholders during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2013 was as follows: ordinary income $16,761,795 and long-term capital gains $33,565,599.The tax character of current year distributions will be determined at the end of the current fiscal year.
26
NOTE 2—Bank Lines of Credit:
The fund participates with other Dreyfus-managed funds in a $265 million unsecured credit facility led by Citibank, N.A. and a $300 million unsecured credit facility provided by The Bank of New York Mellon (each, a “Facility”), each to be utilized primarily for temporary or emergency purposes, including the financing of redemptions. Prior to October 9, 2013, the unsecured credit facility with Citibank, N.A. was $210 million. In connection therewith, the fund has agreed to pay its pro rata portion of commitment fees for each 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 March 31, 2014, the fund did not borrow under the Facilities.
NOTE 3—Investment Advisory Fee, Administration Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates:
(a) Pursuant to an investment advisory agreement with the Manager, the investment advisory fee is computed at the annual rate of .60% of the value of the fund’s average daily net assets and is payable monthly.
The fund has an Accounting and Administration Agreement (the “Administration Agreement”) with Dreyfus, whereby Dreyfus performs administrative and accounting services for the fund. The fund has agreed to compensate Dreyfus for providing accounting services, administration, compliance monitoring, regulatory and shareholder reporting, as well as for related facilities and equipment. The fee is based on the fund’s average daily net assets and computed at the following annual rates: .06% of the first $500 million, .04% of the next $500 million and .02% in excess of $1 billion.
In addition, after applying any expense limitations or fee waivers that reduce the fees paid to Dreyfus for this service, Dreyfus has contractually agreed in writing to waive any remaining fees for this service to the extent that they exceed both Dreyfus’ costs in providing these services
The Fund 27
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
and a reasonable allocation of the costs incurred by Dreyfus and its affiliates related to the support and oversight of these services.The fund also reimburses Dreyfus for the out-of-pocket expenses incurred in performing this service for the fund. Pursuant to the Administration Agreement, the fund was charged $72,298 during the period ended March 31, 2014.
During the period ended March 31, 2014, the Distributor retained $36,418 from commissions earned on sales of the fund’s Class A shares and $282 from CDSCs 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. During the period ended March 31, 2104, Class C shares were charged $57,462 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 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 providing reports and other information, 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 March 31, 2014, Class A and Class C shares were charged $272,862 and $19,154, respectively, pursuant to the Shareholder Services Plan.
Under its terms, the Distribution Plan and Shareholder Services Plan shall remain in effect from year to year, provided such continuance is approved annually by a vote of a majority of those Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Trust and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of or in any agreement related to the Distribution Plan or Shareholder Services Plan.
28
The fund has arrangements with the transfer agent and the custodian whereby the fund may receive earnings credits when positive cash balances are maintained, which are used to offset transfer agency and custody fees. For financial reporting purposes, the fund includes net earnings credits as an expense offset in the Statement of Operations.
The fund compensates DreyfusTransfer, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Manager, under a transfer agency agreement for providing transfer agency and cash management services for the fund. The majority of transfer agency fees are comprised of amounts paid on a per account basis, while cash management fees are related to fund subscriptions and redemptions. During the period ended March 31, 2014, the fund was charged $57,596 for transfer agency services and $3,148 for cash management services.These fees are included in Shareholder servicing costs in the Statement of Operations. Cash management fees were partially offset by earnings credits of $258.
The fund compensates The Bank of NewYork 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 March 31, 2014, the fund was charged $41,984 pursuant to the custody agreement.
During the period ended March 31, 2014, the fund was charged $4,547 for services performed by the Chief Compliance Officer and his staff.
The components of “Due to The Dreyfus Corporation and affiliates” in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities consist of: investment advisory fees $501,604, Distribution Plan fees $14,908, Shareholder Services Plan fees $55,811, custodian fees $33,585, Chief Compliance Officer fees $2,285, administration fees $12,624 and transfer agency fees $26,281.
The Fund 29
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
(d) Each Board member also serves as a Board member of other funds within the Dreyfus 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 March 31, 2014, amounted to $809,991,634 and $667,287,017, respectively.
At March 31, 2014, accumulated net unrealized appreciation on investments was $168,881,382, consisting of $177,858,495 gross unrealized appreciation and $8,977,113 gross unrealized depreciation.
At March 31, 2014, the cost of investments for federal income tax purposes was substantially the same as the cost for financial reporting purposes (see the Statement of Investments).
30
PROXY RESULTS (Unaudited)
Dreyfus/The Boston Company Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund held a special meeting of shareholders on April 15, 2014. The proposals considered at the meeting, which became effective as of May 1, 2014, and the results are as follows:
Shares | ||||||
For | Against | Abstain Uninstructed | ||||
1 | . | To approve revising the fund’s | ||||
fundamental investment restriction | ||||||
on borrowing issuing senior | ||||||
securities and pledging assets. | 18,578,452 | 3,730,341 | 1,685,759 | 662,759 | ||
2 | . | To approve revising the fund’s | ||||
fundamental investment restriction | ||||||
on making loans. | 18,551,304 | 3,751,989 | 1,691,259 | 662,759 | ||
3 | . | To approve revising the fund’s | ||||
fundamental investment restriction | ||||||
on investing in derivatives. | 18,464,018 | 3,861,003 | 1,669,531 | 662,759 | ||
4 | . | To approve removing the fund’s | ||||
fundamental investment restriction | ||||||
regarding issuer diversification. | 18,652,262 | 3,623,074 | 1,719,216 | 662,759 | ||
5 | . | To approve removing the fund’s | ||||
fundamental investment | ||||||
restriction on margin. | 18,289,686 | 4,024,182 | 1,680,684 | 662,759 | ||
6 | . | To approve revising the fund’s | ||||
Fundamental investment restriction | ||||||
on investing in real estate and | ||||||
real estate-related securities. | 18,723,794 | 3,529,205 | 1,741,553 | 662,759 | ||
7 | . | To approve removing the fund’s | ||||
fundamental investment restriction | ||||||
with respect to purchasing | ||||||
additional securities if the fund’s | ||||||
borrowings exceed 5% of | ||||||
it’s net assets. | 16,606,596 | 3,838,790 | 3,549,166 | 662,759 | ||
8 | . | To approve a sub-investment | ||||
Advisory Agreement for the fund | ||||||
between Dreyfus and The Boston | ||||||
Company Asset Management LLC. | 20,841,889 | 1,402,402 | 1,750,261 | 662,759 | ||
9 | . | To approve the implementation | ||||
of a “manager of managers” | ||||||
arrangement whereby Dreyfus, | ||||||
the fund’s investment adviser, | ||||||
under certain circumstances | ||||||
would be able to hire and replace | ||||||
affiliated and unaffiliated | ||||||
Sub-Advisers for the fund without | ||||||
obtaining shareholder approval. | 18,486,749 | 3,818,604 | 1,689,199 | 662,759 |
The Fund 31
INFORMATION ABOUT THE RENEWAL OF THE |
FUND’S INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND FUND |
ACCOUNTING AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES |
AGREEMENTS AND THE APPROVAL OF THE |
FUND’S SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT (Unaudited) |
At a meeting of the fund’s Board of Trustees held on October 30-31, 2013 (the “October Board Meeting”), Dreyfus recommended the appointment of The Boston Company Asset Management LLC (“TBCAM”) to serve as a sub-adviser for the fund.The recommendation of TBCAM was based on, among other information, Dreyfus’ review and due diligence report relating toTBCAM and its investment advisory services.The Board members also noted that investment personnel of TBCAM currently serve as dual employees of Dreyfus and TBCAM in managing (as Dreyfus employees) the fund and certain other funds in the Dreyfus Family of Funds for which they serve as Board members and that TBCAM currently serves as sub-adviser to certain other funds in the Dreyfus Family of Funds.
At the October Board Meeting, the Board, all of whose members are not “interested persons” (as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”) of the fund (“Independent Trustees”), considered and approved the Sub-Investment Advisory Agreement between Dreyfus and TBCAM (the “TBCAM Sub-Advisory Agreement”) for the fund. In determining whether to approve the TBCAM Sub-Advisory Agreement, the Board considered the materials prepared by Dreyfus and other information received in advance of the October Board Meeting, which included: (i) a copy of the TBCAM Sub-Advisory Agreement between Dreyfus and TBCAM; (ii) information regarding the process by which Dreyfus selected and recommended TBCAM for Board approval; (iii) information regarding the nature, extent and quality of the services TBCAM would provide to the fund; (iv) information regarding TBCAM’s investment process, reputation, investment management business, personnel and operations; (v) information regarding TBCAM’s brokerage and trading policies and practices; (vi) information regarding the level of sub-investment advisory fee to be charged by TBCAM; (vii) information regarding TBCAM ‘s compliance program; (viii) information regarding the historical performance returns of the fund, with such
32
performance compared to relevant indices; and (ix) information regarding TBCAM ‘s financial condition. The Board also considered the substance of discussions with representatives of Dreyfus at the October Board Meeting. Additionally, the Board reviewed materials supplied by counsel that were prepared for use by the Board in fulfilling its duties under the 1940 Act.
Nature, Extent and Quality of Services to be Provided by TBCAM. In examining the nature, extent and quality of the services to be provided by TBCAM to the fund, the Board considered (i) TBCAM’s organization, history, reputation, qualification and background, as well as the qualifications of its personnel; (ii) its expertise in providing portfolio management services to other similar investment portfolios; (iii) its investment strategy for the fund; (iv) its long- and short-term performance relative to unmanaged indices; and (v) its compliance program. The Board specifically took into account TBCAM ‘s investment process and research resources and capabilities.The Board also discussed the acceptability of the terms of the TBCAM Sub-Advisory Agreement.The Board also considered the review process undertaken by Dreyfus, and Dreyfus’ favorable assessment of the nature and quality of the sub-investment advisory services expected to be provided to the fund by TBCAM.The Board concluded that the fund will benefit from the quality and experience of TBCAM’s investment professionals. Based on their consideration and review of the foregoing information, the Board concluded that the nature, extent and quality of the sub-investment advisory services to be provided by TBCAM were adequate and appropriate in light of TBCAM’s experience in managing small/mid cap equity assets, TBCAM’s portfolio management and research resources to be applied in managing the fund’s portfolio, and Dreyfus’ recommendation to engage TBCAM, and supported a decision to approve the TBCAM Sub-Advisory Agreement.
The Fund 33
INFORMATION ABOUT THE RENEWAL OF THE FUND’S INVESTMENT |
ADVISORY AND FUND ACCOUNTING AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES |
AGREEMENTS AND THE APPROVAL OF THE FUND’S SUB-ADVISORY |
AGREEMENT (Unaudited) (continued) |
Investment Performance of TBCAM.The Board considered the investment performance of the fund, which is managed by dual employees of Dreyfus and TBCAM, as a factor in evaluating the TBCAM Sub-Advisory Agreement during the October Board Meeting. The Board also discussed with representatives of Dreyfus the investment strategies employed by TBCAM in the management of the fund’s assets. The Board noted TBCAM’s reputation and experience with respect to small/mid cap equity investing, each portfolio manager’s experience, and Dreyfus’ experience in selecting, evaluating, and overseeing investment managers. Based on these factors, the Board supported a decision to approve the TBCAM Sub-Advisory Agreement.
Costs of Services to be Provided. The Board considered the proposed fee payable under the TBCAM Sub-Advisory Agreement, noting that the proposed fee would be paid by Dreyfus, and not the fund, and, thus, would not impact the fee paid by the fund.The Board concluded that the proposed fee payable to TBCAM by Dreyfus in its capacity as sub-adviser was reasonable and appropriate.
Profitability and Economies of Scale to be Realized. The Board recognized that, becauseTBCAM’s fee would be paid by Dreyfus, and not the fund, an analysis of profitability and economies of scale was more appropriate in the context of the Board’s consideration of the Investment Advisory Agreement for the fund pursuant to which Dreyfus provides the fund with investment advisory services (the “Investment Advisory Agreement”).Accordingly, considerations of profitability and economies of scale with respect to TBCAM were not relevant to the Board’s determination to approve the TBCAM Sub-Advisory Agreement.
The Board also considered whether there were any ancillary benefits that may accrue to TBCAM and its affiliates as a result of TBCAM’s relationship with the fund. The Board concluded that TBCAM may direct fund brokerage transactions to certain brokers to obtain research and other services. However, the Board noted that TBCAM is required to select brokers who meet the fund’s requirements for seeking best execution, and that Dreyfus will monitor and evaluate TBCAM’s trade
34
execution with respect to fund brokerage transactions on a quarterly basis and will provide reports to the Board on these matters. In addition, the Board recognized that, because TBCAM is a subsidiary of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (“BNY Mellon”), BNY Mellon will benefit from the sub-investment advisory fee paid by Dreyfus to TBCAM.The Board concluded that the benefits that were expected to accrue to TBCAM and its affiliates by virtue of its relationship with the fund were reasonable.
In considering the materials and information described above, the Independent Trustees received assistance from, and met separately with, their independent legal counsel, and were provided with a written description of their statutory responsibilities and the legal standards that are applicable to the approval of investment advisory and sub-investment advisory agreements.
After full consideration of the factors discussed above, with no single factor identified as being of paramount importance, the Board, all of whose members are Independent Trustees, with the assistance of independent legal counsel, concluded that the initial approval of the TBCAM Sub-Advisory Agreement was in the best interests of the fund, and approved the TBCAM Sub-Advisory Agreement.
———————
At a meeting of the fund’s Board of Trustees held on February 19-20, 2014 (the “February 2014 Board Meeting”), the Board considered the renewal of the fund’s Investment Advisory Agreement and Administration Agreement, pursuant to which Dreyfus provides the fund with investment advisory services and administrative services (together, the “Agreement”). A Dreyfus representative reminded the Board members that the TBCAM Sub-Advisory Agreement was not being considered for renewal by the Board at the February 2014 Board Meeting.The Board members, all of whom are Independent Trustees were assisted in their review by independent legal counsel and met with counsel in executive session separate from Dreyfus representa-
The Fund 35
INFORMATION ABOUT THE RENEWAL OF THE FUND’S INVESTMENT |
ADVISORY AND FUND ACCOUNTING AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES |
AGREEMENTS AND THE APPROVAL OF THE FUND’S SUB-ADVISORY |
AGREEMENT (Unaudited) (continued) |
tives. In considering the renewal of the Agreement, the Board considered all factors that it believed to be relevant, including those discussed below. The Board did not identify any one factor as dispositive, and each Board member may have attributed different weights to the factors considered.
Analysis of Nature, Extent, and Quality of Services Provided to the Fund. The Board considered information provided to them at the February 2014 Board Meeting and in previous presentations from Dreyfus representatives regarding the nature, extent, and quality of the services provided to funds in the Dreyfus fund complex. Dreyfus provided the number of open accounts in the fund, the fund’s asset size and the allocation of fund assets among distribution channels. Dreyfus also had previously provided information regarding the diverse intermediary relationships and distribution channels of funds in the Dreyfus fund complex (such as retail direct or intermediary, in which intermediaries typically are paid by the fund and/or Dreyfus) and Dreyfus’ corresponding need for broad, deep, and diverse resources to be able to provide ongoing shareholder services to each intermediary or distribution channel, as applicable to the fund.
The Board also considered research support available to, and portfolio management capabilities of, the fund’s portfolio management personnel and that Dreyfus also provides oversight of day-to-day fund operations, including fund accounting and administration and assistance in meeting legal and regulatory requirements. The Board also considered Dreyfus’ extensive administrative, accounting, and compliance infrastructures.
Comparative Analysis of the Fund’s Performance and Management Fee and Expense Ratio. The Board reviewed reports prepared by Lipper, Inc. (“Lipper”), an independent provider of investment company data, which included information comparing (1) the fund’s performance with the performance of a group of comparable funds (the “Performance Group”) and with a broader group of funds (the “Performance Universe”), all for various periods ended December 31, 2013, and (2) the fund’s actual and contractual management fees and total expenses with those of a group of comparable funds (the
36
“Expense Group”) and with a broader group of funds (the “Expense Universe”), the information for which was derived in part from fund financial statements available to Lipper as of the date of its analysis. Dreyfus previously had furnished the Board with a description of the methodology Lipper used to select the Performance Group and Performance Universe and the Expense Group and Expense Universe.
Dreyfus representatives stated that the usefulness of performance comparisons may be affected by a number of factors, including different investment limitations that may be applicable to the fund and comparison funds.The Board discussed the results of the comparisons and noted that the fund’s total return performance was above the Performance Group and Performance Universe medians for the various periods (ranking highest in the Performance Group in the three-, four- and ten-year periods), except the five-year period when the fund’s performance was at the Performance Group median. Dreyfus also provided a comparison of the fund’s calendar year total returns to the returns of the fund’s benchmark index.
The Board also reviewed the range of actual and contractual management fees and total expenses of the Expense Group and Expense Universe funds and discussed the results of the comparisons.The Board noted that the fund’s contractual management fee was below the Expense Group median and the fund’s actual management fee (lowest in the Expense Group) and total expenses were below the Expense Group and Expense Universe medians.
Dreyfus representatives noted that, in connection with the Administration Agreement and its related fees, Dreyfus has contractually agreed to waive any fees to the extent that such fees exceed Dreyfus’ costs in providing the services contemplated under the Administration Agreement.
Dreyfus representatives reviewed with the Board the management or investment advisory fees (1) paid by funds advised or administered by Dreyfus that are in the same Lipper category as the fund and (2) paid to Dreyfus or the Dreyfus-affiliated primary employer of the fund’s
The Fund 37
INFORMATION ABOUT THE RENEWAL OF THE FUND’S INVESTMENT |
ADVISORY AND FUND ACCOUNTING AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES |
AGREEMENTS AND THE APPROVAL OF THE FUND’S SUB-ADVISORY |
AGREEMENT (Unaudited) (continued) |
primary portfolio manager(s) for advising any separate accounts and/or other types of client portfolios that are considered to have similar investment strategies and policies as the fund (the “Similar Clients”), and explained the nature of the Similar Clients.They discussed differences in fees paid and the relationship of the fees paid in light of any differences in the services provided and other relevant factors. The Board considered the relevance of the fee information provided for the Similar Clients to evaluate the appropriateness and reasonableness of the fund’s management fee.
Analysis of Profitability and Economies of Scale. Dreyfus representatives reviewed the expenses allocated and profit received by Dreyfus and the resulting profitability percentage for managing the fund and the aggregate profitability percentage to Dreyfus of managing the funds in the Dreyfus fund complex, and the method used to determine the expenses and profit. The Board concluded that the profitability results were not unreasonable, given the services rendered and service levels provided by Dreyfus.The Board also noted the fee waiver in effect pursuant to the Administration Agreement. The Board also had been provided with information prepared by an independent consulting firm regarding Dreyfus’ approach to allocating costs to, and determining the profitability of, individual funds and the entire Dreyfus fund complex.The consulting firm also had analyzed where any economies of scale might emerge in connection with the management of a fund.
The Board considered on the advice of its counsel the profitability analysis (1) as part of its evaluation of whether the fees under the Agreement bear a reasonable relationship to the mix of services provided by Dreyfus, including the nature, extent and quality of such services, and (2) in light of the relevant circumstances for the fund and the extent to which economies of scale would be realized if the fund grows and whether fee levels reflect these economies of scale for the benefit of fund shareholders. Dreyfus representatives also noted that, as a result of shared and allocated costs among funds in the Dreyfus fund complex, the extent of economies of scale could depend substantially on the level of assets in
38
the complex as a whole, so that increases and decreases in complex-wide assets can affect potential economies of scale in a manner that is disproportionate to, or even in the opposite direction from, changes in the fund’s asset level.The Board also considered potential benefits to Dreyfus from acting as investment adviser and noted the soft dollar arrangements in effect for trading the fund’s investments.
At the conclusion of these discussions, the Board agreed that it had been furnished with sufficient information to make an informed business decision with respect to the renewal of the Agreement. Based on the discussions and considerations as described above, the Board concluded and determined as follows.
The Board concluded that the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by Dreyfus are adequate and appropriate.
The Board was satisfied with the fund’s performance.
The Board concluded that the fees paid to Dreyfus were reasonable in light of the considerations described above.
The Board determined that the economies of scale which may accrue to Dreyfus and its affiliates in connection with the management of the fund had been adequately considered by Dreyfus in connection with the fee rate charged to the fund pursuant to the Agreement and that, to the extent in the future it were determined that material economies of scale had not been shared with the fund, the Board would seek to have those economies of scale shared with the fund.
In evaluating the Agreement, the Board considered these conclusions and determinations and also relied on its previous knowledge, gained through meetings and other interactions with Dreyfus and its affiliates, of the fund and the services provided to the fund by Dreyfus.The Board also relied on information received on a routine and regular basis throughout the year relating to the operations of the fund and the investment management and other services provided under the Agreement, including information on the investment performance of the fund in
The Fund 39
INFORMATION ABOUT THE RENEWAL OF THE FUND’S INVESTMENT |
ADVISORY AND FUND ACCOUNTING AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES |
AGREEMENTS AND THE APPROVAL OF THE FUND’S SUB-ADVISORY |
AGREEMENT (Unaudited) (continued) |
comparison to similar mutual funds and benchmark performance indices; general market outlook as applicable to the fund; and compliance reports. In addition, the Board’s consideration of the contractual fee arrangements for this fund had the benefit of a number of years of reviews of prior or similar agreements during which lengthy discussions took place between the Board and Dreyfus representatives. Certain aspects of the arrangements may receive greater scrutiny in some years than in others, and the Board’s conclusions may be based, in part, on their consideration of the same or similar arrangements in prior years. The Board determined that renewal of the Agreement was in the best interests of the fund and its shareholders.
40
For More Information
Telephone Call your financial representative or 1-800-DREYFUS
Mail The Dreyfus Family of Funds, 144 Glenn Curtiss Boulevard, Uniondale, NY 11556-0144
The fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The funds Forms N-Q are available on the SECs website at http://www.sec.gov and may be reviewed and copied at the SECs Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330.
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 http://www.dreyfus.com and on the SECs website at http://www.sec.gov. The description of the policies and procedures is also available without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-DREYFUS.
Item 2. Code of Ethics.
Not applicable.
Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.
Not applicable.
Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.
Not applicable.
Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.
Not applicable.
Item 6. 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 second fiscal quarter of 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. Exhibits.
(a)(1) Not applicable.
(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.
Dreyfus Investment Funds
By: /s/ Bradley J. Skapyak | |
Bradley J. Skapyak, President
| |
Date: |
May 22, 2014 |
| |
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/ Bradley J. Skapyak | |
Bradley J. Skapyak, President
| |
Date: |
May 22, 2014 |
| |
By: /s/ James Windels | |
James Windels, Treasurer
| |
Date: |
May 22, 2014 |
|
|
EXHIBIT INDEX
(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)
[EX-99.CERT]—Exhibit (a)(2)
SECTION 302 CERTIFICATION
I, Bradley J. Skapyak, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this report on Form N-CSR of Dreyfus Investment Funds;
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations, changes in net assets, and cash flows (if the financial statements are required to include a statement of cash flows) of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4. The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) for the registrant and have:
(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this report based on such evaluation; and
(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the second fiscal quarter of the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting;
5. The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize, and report financial information; and
(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.
By: /s/ Bradley J. Skapyak |
Bradley J. Skapyak, |
President |
Date: May 22, 2014 |
SECTION 302 CERTIFICATION
I, James Windels, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this report on Form N-CSR of Dreyfus Investment Funds;
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations, changes in net assets, and cash flows (if the financial statements are required to include a statement of cash flows) of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4. The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) for the registrant and have:
(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this report based on such evaluation; and
(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the second fiscal quarter of the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting;
5. The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize, and report financial information; and
(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.
By: /s/ James Windels |
James Windels, |
Treasurer |
Date: May 22, 2014 |
[EX-99.906CERT]
Exhibit (b)
SECTION 906 CERTIFICATIONS
In connection with this report on Form N-CSR for the Registrant as furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), the undersigned hereby certify, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:
(1) the Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as applicable; and
(2) the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Registrant.
By: /s/Bradley J. Skapyak |
Bradley J. Skapyak, |
President |
|
Date: May 22, 2014 |
|
By: /s/James Windels |
James Windels, |
Treasurer |
|
Date: May 22, 2014 |
|
This certificate is furnished pursuant to the requirements of Form N-CSR and shall not be deemed "filed" for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or otherwise subject to the liability of that section, and shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
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