We are pleased to present this semiannual report for BNY Mellon Investment Portfolios, Technology Growth Portfolio, covering the six-month period from January 1, 2020 through June 30, 2020. 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.
After a positive end to 2019, investors were optimistic. Expectations for robust economic growth, accommodative policies from the U.S. Federal Reserve (the “Fed”) and healthy U.S. consumer spending helped support equity valuations in the U.S. well into January and February of 2020. However, the euphoria was short-lived, as concerns over the spread of COVID-19 began to roil markets. Early signs of market turmoil began in China and adjacent areas of the Pacific Rim, which were heavily affected by the virus early in 2020. As the virus spread across the globe, concerns about the economic effects of a widespread quarantine worked to depress equity valuations. U.S. stocks began to show signs of volatility in March 2020 and posted historic losses during that month. Global central banks and governments worked to enact emergency stimulus measures to support their respective economies, and equity valuations began to rebound, trending upward in April, May and June 2020.
In fixed-income markets, interest rates were heavily influenced by changes in Fed policy and investor concern over COVID-19. When the threat posed by COVID-19 began to emerge, a flight-to-quality ensued and rates fell significantly. March 2020 brought extreme volatility and risk-asset spread widening. The Fed cut rates twice in March, resulting in an overnight lending target rate of nearly zero, and the government launched a large stimulus package. Both actions worked to support bond valuations throughout April, May and June 2020.
We believe the near-term outlook for the U.S. will be challenging, as the country contends with the spread of COVID-19 and determines a path forward for recovery. However, we are confident that once the economic effects of the virus have been mitigated, the economy will rebound. As always, we will monitor relevant data for signs of change. We encourage you to discuss the risks and opportunities in today’s investment environment with your financial advisor.
Thank you for your continued confidence and support.
DISCUSSION OF FUND PERFORMANCE (Unaudited)
For the period from January 1, 2020 through June 30, 2020, as provided by Erik A. Swords, Matthew Griffin, CFA, Portfolio Managers
Market and Fund Performance Overview
For the six-month period ended June 30, 2020, BNY Mellon Investment Portfolios, Technology Growth Portfolio’s Initial shares produced a total return of 24.48%, and its Service shares produced a total return of 24.37%.1 The fund’s benchmarks, the NYSE® Technology Index and the S&P 500® Index, produced total returns of 22.40% and -3.07%, respectively, over the same period.2,3
Technology stocks gained ground even as broader market indexes posted slight losses. The fund outperformed its benchmarks due to favorable individual stock selections.
The Fund’s Investment Approach
The fund seeks capital appreciation. To pursue its goal, the fund normally invests at least 80% of its net assets in the stocks of growth companies of any size that BNY Mellon Investment Adviser Inc. believes to be leading producers or beneficiaries of technological innovation. Up to 25% of the fund’s assets may be invested in foreign securities.
In choosing stocks, the fund looks for technology companies with the potential for strong earnings or revenue growth rates, although some of the fund’s investments may currently be experiencing losses. The fund’s investment process centers on a multi-dimensional approach that looks for opportunities across emerging-growth, cyclical or stable-growth companies. The fund’s investment approach seeks companies that appear to have strong earnings momentum, positive earnings revisions, favorable growth, product, or market cycles and/or favorable valuations.
Technology Stocks Outperform as Broader Market Begins to Rebound
Prior to the reporting period, stocks rallied in response to three interest rate cuts late in 2019 and to an announcement of a “Phase One” U.S.-China trade agreement. Stocks also benefited from the approval of a new U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement by the U.S. House of Representatives, potentially reducing trade uncertainty with America’s neighbors.
However, early in 2020, markets experienced a sharp correction amid growing concerns about COVID-19 in China, erasing gains that occurred late in 2019 and early in 2020. In response, the Federal Reserve (the “Fed”) reduced the federal funds target rate by 50 basis points early in March 2020, bringing the target rate down to 1.00–1.25%. The Fed made another cut in mid-March 2020, bringing the federal funds target rate to 0.0-0.25%.
In addition, the Fed and other central banks initiated various programs to ease liquidity concerns in certain markets, and government authorities introduced programs to keep small businesses afloat. Steps were also taken to provide relief to employees who had lost their jobs as a result of government-mandated business shutdowns.
At the end of the reporting period, the economy began to show signs of recovery. Retail sales rebounded by 17.7% in May 2020 versus the previous month. Manufacturing also
3
DISCUSSION OF FUND PERFORMANCE (Unaudited) (continued)
improved dramatically, as indicated by the June 2020 Purchasing Managers Index, which rose by 9.5% over May 2020. Job creation also surged in May and June 2020, beating economist expectations, as nonfarm payrolls rose by more than 2.7 million and 4.8 million, respectively. Unemployment fell from 14.7% in April to 13.3% in May and to 11.1% in June 2020. Markets also began to rebound as relief programs took effect, as government shutdowns began to ease, and economic data improved.
While many sectors of the economy have suffered from the economic downturn resulting from COVID-19 and efforts to contain the virus, many technology companies have been beneficiaries. Social distancing and the adoption of work-from-home policies, in particular, have accelerated the adoption of certain online video and collaborative work technologies. In addition, technology stocks continue to benefit from an ongoing uptrend in outsourcing. This spending encompasses a number of themes across a wide range of industries, including artificial intelligence, blockchain technology, 5G, mobility, e-commerce, cybersecurity, social media and voice interfacing.
Stock Selection Drove Returns
The fund outperformed its benchmarks primarily due to stock selection decisions. Many stocks benefited from the acceleration of the digital transformation of the economy that has occurred during the pandemic. Twilio, a cloud communications company, gained 123%, while Everbridge, a software company focused on enabling companies to provide mass notifications, rose 77%. In addition, the fund’s position in Amazon.com contributed positively to performance, rising 49% during the reporting period. Certain holdings in the semiconductor industry, including Advanced Micro Devices and NVIDIA, also were additive to performance. The fund also added exposure to the communication services industry, where its positions in Facebook and Snap, maker of Snapchat, contributed positively to performance.
On a less positive note, the fund’s underweighted position in Tesla versus its benchmarks detracted from relative performance. This holding was reduced because it had become quite large versus other positions and represented a risk. Although the stock gained 158% during the period, the underweight position lagged versus its benchmarks. In addition, shares of Shopify, a firm that assists companies with e-commerce, rose 139% during the reporting period. Though this position contributed positively to absolute performance, the timing of the fund’s purchases resulted in a drag on performance versus the benchmarks. In addition, certain positions in the cyclical semiconductor industry, including Microchip Technology and Broadcom, hindered performance. Microchip Technology was hurt by exposure to the home appliance industry and other industries affected by COVID-19 shutdowns, while Broadcom’s efforts to smooth out its revenues by acquiring companies with exposure to a range of industries was ignored by the market.
Positioning the Fund for Continued Digital Transformation of the Economy
The fund continues to position itself to capitalize on a secular shift in technology that is resulting in digitization across all sectors of the economy. Although corporate spending on technology may decline in the short term, artificial intelligence, e-commerce, collaborative
4
work technologies, mobility and other trends will continue to be disruptive technologies, and we continue to position the fund to benefit from this generational shift.
July 15, 2020
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 performance does not reflect the deduction of additional charges and expenses imposed in connection with investing in variable insurance contracts, which will reduce returns.
2 Source: Bloomberg L.P. — The NYSE® Technology Index is an equal-dollar-weighted index designed to objectively represent the technology sector by holding 35 of the leading U.S., technology-related companies. Investors cannot invest directly in any index.
3 Source: Lipper Inc. — The S&P 500® Index is widely regarded as the best single gauge of large-cap U.S. equities. The index includes 500 leading companies and captures approximately 80% coverage of available market capitalization. Investors cannot invest directly in any index.
Please note: the position in any security highlighted with italicized typeface was sold during the reporting period.
The technology sector has been among the most volatile sectors of the stock market. Technology companies involve greater risk because their revenue and/or earnings tend to be less predictable, and some companies may be experiencing significant losses.
Equities are subject generally to market, market sector, market liquidity, issuer and investment style risks, among other factors, to varying degrees, all of which are more fully described in the fund’s prospectus.
The fund is only available as a funding vehicle under variable life insurance policies or variable annuity contracts issued by insurance companies. Individuals may not purchase shares of the fund directly. A variable annuity is an insurance contract issued by an insurance company that enables investors to accumulate assets on a tax-deferred basis for retirement or other long-term goals. The investment objective and policies of BNY Mellon Investment Portfolios, Technology Growth Portfolio made available through insurance products may be similar to those of other funds managed or advised by BNY Mellon Investment Adviser, Inc. However, the investment results of the fund may be higher or lower than, and may not be comparable to, those of any other BNY Mellon fund.
Recent market risks include pandemic risks related to COVID-19. The effects of COVID-19 have contributed to increased volatility in global markets and will likely affect certain countries, companies, industries and market sectors more dramatically than others. To the extent the fund may overweight its investments in certain countries, companies, industries or market sectors, such positions will increase the fund’s exposure to risk of loss from adverse developments affecting those countries, companies, industries or sectors.
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), redemption fees and expenses associated with variable annuity or insurance contracts, which are not shown in this section and would have resulted in higher total expenses. For more information, see your fund’s prospectus or talk to your financial adviser.
Review your fund’s expenses
The table below shows the expenses you would have paid on a $1,000 investment in BNY Mellon Investment Portfolios, Technology Growth Portfolio from January 1, 2020 to June 30, 2020. It also shows how much a $1,000 investment would be worth at the close of the period, assuming actual returns and expenses.
| | | | |
Expenses and Value of a $1,000 Investment | |
Assume actual returns for the six months ended June 30, 2020 | |
| | | | |
| | Initial Shares | Service Shares | |
Expense paid per $1,000† | $4.35 | $5.75 | |
Ending value (after expenses) | $1,244.80 | $1,243.70 | |
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 June 30, 2020 | |
| | | | |
| | Initial Shares | Service Shares | |
Expense paid per $1,000† | $3.92 | $5.17 | |
Ending value (after expenses) | $1,020.98 | $1,019.74 | |
†Expenses are equal to the fund’s annualized expense ratio of .78% for Initial Shares and 1.03% for Service Shares, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 182/366 (to reflect the one-half year period). |
6
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS
June 30, 2020 (Unaudited)
| | | | | | | |
|
Description | | | | Shares | | Value ($) | |
Common Stocks - 97.6% | | | | | |
Alternative Carriers - 1.0% | | | | | |
Bandwidth, Cl. A | | | | 58,541 | a,b | 7,434,707 | |
Application Software - 17.8% | | | | | |
Adobe | | | | 63,379 | b | 27,589,513 | |
Everbridge | | | | 45,285 | a,b | 6,265,633 | |
HubSpot | | | | 31,875 | b | 7,151,156 | |
OneConnect Financial Technology | | | | 492,998 | a,b | 9,002,143 | |
salesforce.com | | | | 164,817 | b | 30,875,169 | |
Slack Technologies, Cl. A | | | | 629,866 | a,b | 19,582,534 | |
Splunk | | | | 138,303 | a,b | 27,480,806 | |
Zoom Video Communications, CI. A | | | | 16,635 | a,b | 4,217,638 | |
| | | | 132,164,592 | |
Automobile Manufacturers - 3.0% | | | | | |
Tesla | | | | 20,921 | b | 22,590,705 | |
Construction Machinery & Heavy - .7% | | | | | |
Nikola | | | | 71,020 | a,b | 4,795,981 | |
Data Processing & Outsourced Services - 1.3% | | | | | |
Square, Cl. A | | | | 91,430 | b | 9,594,664 | |
Electronic Equipment & Instruments - .9% | | | | | |
Cognex | | | | 117,515 | | 7,017,996 | |
Interactive Media & Services - 9.8% | | | | | |
Alphabet, Cl. C | | | | 17,607 | b | 24,889,431 | |
Facebook, Cl. A | | | | 141,232 | b | 32,069,550 | |
Snap, Cl. A | | | | 368,909 | b | 8,665,672 | |
Twitter | | | | 240,757 | b | 7,172,151 | |
| | | | 72,796,804 | |
Internet & Direct Marketing Research - 12.1% | | | | | |
Alibaba Group Holding, ADR | | | | 109,836 | b | 23,691,625 | |
Amazon.com | | | | 12,079 | b | 33,323,787 | |
JD.com, ADR | | | | 545,960 | b | 32,855,873 | |
| | | | 89,871,285 | |
Internet Services & Infrastructure - 6.5% | | | | | |
Shopify, Cl. A | | | | 40,011 | b | 37,978,441 | |
Twilio, Cl. A | | | | 47,044 | b | 10,322,394 | |
| | | | 48,300,835 | |
Semiconductor Equipment - 8.5% | | | | | |
Applied Materials | | | | 473,325 | | 28,612,496 | |
KLA | | | | 95,786 | | 18,628,461 | |
Teradyne | | | | 187,858 | | 15,875,880 | |
| | | | 63,116,837 | |
Semiconductors - 21.9% | | | | | |
Advanced Micro Devices | | | | 537,658 | b | 28,286,187 | |
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STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
| | | | | | | |
|
Description | | | | Shares | | Value ($) | |
Common Stocks - 97.6% (continued) | | | | | |
Semiconductors - 21.9% (continued) | | | | | |
Diodes | | | | 105,381 | b | 5,342,817 | |
Micron Technology | | | | 632,993 | b | 32,611,799 | |
NVIDIA | | | | 96,882 | | 36,806,441 | |
NXP Semiconductors | | | | 187,324 | | 21,362,429 | |
Semtech | | | | 255,294 | b | 13,331,453 | |
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, ADR | | | | 432,844 | | 24,572,554 | |
| | | | 162,313,680 | |
Systems Software - 9.8% | | | | | |
Microsoft | | | | 146,741 | | 29,863,261 | |
Proofpoint | | | | 58,255 | b | 6,473,296 | |
Rapid7 | | | | 137,653 | a,b | 7,023,056 | |
ServiceNow | | | | 71,949 | b | 29,143,662 | |
| | | | 72,503,275 | |
Technology Hardware, Storage & Equipment - 4.3% | | | | | |
Apple | | | | 87,263 | | 31,833,542 | |
Total Common Stocks (cost $446,103,799) | | | | 724,334,903 | |
| | 1-Day Yield (%) | | | | | |
Investment Companies - 2.2% | | | | | |
Registered Investment Companies - 2.2% | | | | | |
Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Government Plus Money Market Fund (cost $15,976,040) | | 0.22 | | 15,976,040 | c | 15,976,040 | |
| | | | | | | |
Investment of Cash Collateral for Securities Loaned - 2.7% | | | | | |
Registered Investment Companies - 2.7% | | | | | |
Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Government Plus Money Market Fund (cost $19,944,571) | | 0.22 | | 19,944,571 | c | 19,944,571 | |
Total Investments (cost $482,024,410) | | 102.5% | | 760,255,514 | |
Liabilities, Less Cash and Receivables | | (2.5%) | | (18,347,106) | |
Net Assets | | 100.0% | | 741,908,408 | |
ADR—American Depository Receipt
a Security, or portion thereof, on loan. At June 30, 2020, the value of the fund’s securities on loan was $59,701,205 and the value of the collateral was $60,170,642, consisting of cash collateral of $19,944,571 and U.S. Government & Agency securities valued at $40,226,071.
b Non-income producing security.
c Investment in affiliated issuer. The investment objective of this investment company is publicly available and can be found within the investment company’s prospectus.
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| |
Portfolio Summary (Unaudited) † | Value (%) |
Information Technology | 71.0 |
Consumer Discretionary | 15.1 |
Communication Services | 10.8 |
Investment Companies | 4.9 |
Industrials | .7 |
| 102.5 |
† Based on net assets.
See notes to financial statements.
9
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS IN AFFILIATED ISSUERS (Unaudited)
| | | | | | |
Investment Companies | Value 12/31/19($) | Purchases($)† | Sales($) | Value 6/30/20($) | Net Assets(%) | Dividends/ Distributions($) |
Registered Investment Companies; |
Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Government Plus Money Market Fund | 4,705,932 | 85,206,344 | (73,936,236) | 15,796,040 | 2.2 | 25,425 |
Investment of Cash Collateral for Securities Loaned; |
Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Government Plus Money Market Fund | 8,597,487 | 61,411,7760 | (50,064,692) | 19,944,571 | 2.7 | - |
Total | 13,303,419 | 146,618,120 | (124,000,928) | 35,920,611 | 4.9 | 25,425 |
† Includes reinvested dividends/distributions.
See notes to financial statements.
10
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
June 30, 2020 (Unaudited)
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | | Cost | | Value | |
Assets ($): | | | | |
Investments in securities—See Statement of Investments (including securities on loan, valued at $59,701,205)—Note 1(c): | | | |
Unaffiliated issuers | 446,103,799 | | 724,334,903 | |
Affiliated issuers | | 35,920,611 | | 35,920,611 | |
Cash denominated in foreign currency | | | 53,100 | | 53,622 | |
Dividends and securities lending income receivable | | 1,373,956 | |
Receivable for shares of Beneficial Interest subscribed | | 888,996 | |
Prepaid expenses | | | | | 8,174 | |
| | | | | 762,580,262 | |
Liabilities ($): | | | | |
Due to BNY Mellon Investment Adviser, Inc. and affiliates—Note 3(b) | | 564,898 | |
Liability for securities on loan—Note 1(c) | | 19,944,571 | |
Payable for shares of Beneficial Interest redeemed | | 127,382 | |
Trustees’ fees and expenses payable | | 1,198 | |
Other accrued expenses | | | | | 33,805 | |
| | | | | 20,671,854 | |
Net Assets ($) | | | 741,908,408 | |
Composition of Net Assets ($): | | | | |
Paid-in capital | | | | | 457,266,301 | |
Total distributable earnings (loss) | | | | | 284,642,107 | |
Net Assets ($) | | | 741,908,408 | |
| | | |
Net Asset Value Per Share | Initial Shares | Service Shares | |
Net Assets ($) | 169,344,434 | 572,563,974 | |
Shares Outstanding | 6,301,128 | 22,993,255 | |
Net Asset Value Per Share ($) | 26.88 | 24.90 | |
| | | |
See notes to financial statements. | | | |
11
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 (Unaudited)
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Investment Income ($): | | | | |
Income: | | | | |
Cash dividends (net of $88,354 foreign taxes withheld at source): | |
Unaffiliated issuers | | | 1,696,914 | |
Affiliated issuers | | | 23,231 | |
Income from securities lending—Note 1(c) | | | 1,215,186 | |
Total Income | | | 2,935,331 | |
Expenses: | | | | |
Management fee—Note 3(a) | | | 2,339,852 | |
Distribution fees—Note 3(b) | | | 602,259 | |
Professional fees | | | 48,630 | |
Trustees’ fees and expenses—Note 3(c) | | | 19,984 | |
Chief Compliance Officer fees—Note 3(b) | | | 8,595 | |
Prospectus and shareholders’ reports | | | 5,997 | |
Custodian fees—Note 3(b) | | | 5,926 | |
Loan commitment fees—Note 2 | | | 5,504 | |
Shareholder servicing costs—Note 3(b) | | | 553 | |
Interest expense—Note 2 | | | 342 | |
Miscellaneous | | | 7,680 | |
Total Expenses | | | 3,045,322 | |
Investment (Loss)—Net | | | (109,991) | |
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments—Note 4 ($): | | |
Net realized gain (loss) on investments | 6,661,475 | |
Capital gain distributions from affiliated issuers | 2,194 | |
Net Realized Gain (Loss) | | | 6,663,669 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments and foreign currency transactions | 138,328,307 | |
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments | | | 144,991,976 | |
Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations | | 144,881,985 | |
| | | | | | |
See notes to financial statements. | | | | | |
12
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 (Unaudited) | | Year Ended December 31, 2019 | |
Operations ($): | | | | | | | | |
Investment income (loss)—net | | | (109,991) | | | | 786,901 | |
Net realized gain (loss) on investments | | 6,663,669 | | | | 76,581,455 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments | | 138,328,307 | | | | 50,852,574 | |
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations | 144,881,985 | | | | 128,220,930 | |
Distributions ($): | |
Distributions to shareholders: | | | | | | | | |
Initial Shares | | | (17,108,961) | | | | (15,372,855) | |
Service Shares | | | (60,123,345) | | | | (53,178,634) | |
Total Distributions | | | (77,232,306) | | | | (68,551,489) | |
Beneficial Interest Transactions ($): | |
Net proceeds from shares sold: | | | | | | | | |
Initial Shares | | | 7,803,920 | | | | 5,520,702 | |
Service Shares | | | 31,398,963 | | | | 34,966,237 | |
Distributions reinvested: | | | | | | | | |
Initial Shares | | | 17,108,961 | | | | 15,372,855 | |
Service Shares | | | 60,123,345 | | | | 53,178,634 | |
Cost of shares redeemed: | | | | | | | | |
Initial Shares | | | (12,394,278) | | | | (14,531,490) | |
Service Shares | | | (45,520,988) | | | | (46,058,388) | |
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Beneficial Interest Transactions | 58,519,923 | | | | 48,448,550 | |
Total Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets | 126,169,602 | | | | 108,117,991 | |
Net Assets ($): | |
Beginning of Period | | | 615,738,806 | | | | 507,620,815 | |
End of Period | | | 741,908,408 | | | | 615,738,806 | |
Capital Share Transactions (Shares): | |
Initial Shares | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | | 328,509 | | | | 226,629 | |
Shares issued for distributions reinvested | | | 900,946 | | | | 647,824 | |
Shares redeemed | | | (494,999) | | | | (604,414) | |
Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares Outstanding | 734,456 | | | | 270,039 | |
Service Shares | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | | 1,471,988 | | | | 1,548,688 | |
Shares issued for distributions reinvested | | | 3,416,099 | | | | 2,390,051 | |
Shares redeemed | | | (2,001,384) | | | | (2,044,014) | |
Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares Outstanding | 2,886,703 | | | | 1,894,725 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
See notes to financial statements. | | | | | | | | |
13
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. The fund’s total returns do not reflect expenses associated with variable annuity or insurance contracts. These figures have been derived from the fund’s financial statements.
| | | | | | | |
| | |
Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 | Year Ended December 31, |
Initial Shares | (Unaudited) | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
Per Share Data ($): | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | 25.26 | 22.56 | 23.95 | 17.69 | 17.78 | 18.65 |
Investment Operations: | | | | | | |
Investment income (loss)—neta | .02 | .08 | .04 | (.01) | .01 | (.04) |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments | 4.83 | 5.55 | (.11) | 7.29 | .77 | 1.12 |
Total from Investment Operations | 4.85 | 5.63 | (.07) | 7.28 | .78 | 1.08 |
Distributions: | | | | | | |
Dividends from investment income—net | (.08) | - | - | - | - | - |
Dividends from net realized gain on investments | (3.15) | (2.93) | (1.32) | (1.02) | (.87) | (1.95) |
Total Distributions | (3.23) | (2.93) | (1.32) | (1.02) | (.87) | (1.95) |
Net asset value, end of period | 26.88 | 25.26 | 22.56 | 23.95 | 17.69 | 17.78 |
Total Return (%) | 24.48b | 25.82 | (.98) | 42.64 | 4.72 | 6.16 |
Ratios/Supplemental Data (%): | | | | | | |
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets | .78c | .79 | .79 | .82 | .83 | .83 |
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets | .16c | .33 | .14 | (.05) | .07 | (.22) |
Portfolio Turnover Rate | 38.72b | 77.56 | 55.34 | 42.07 | 64.26 | 70.33 |
Net Assets, end of period ($ x 1,000) | 169,344 | 140,591 | 119,470 | 122,670 | 87,243 | 96,422 |
a Based on average shares outstanding.
b Not annualized.
c Annualized.
See notes to financial statements.
14
| | | | | | | |
| | |
Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 | Year Ended December 31, |
Service Shares | (Unaudited) | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
Per Share Data ($): | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | 23.63 | 21.31 | 22.75 | 16.88 | 17.06 | 18.01 |
Investment Operations: | | | | | | |
Investment income (loss)—neta | (.01) | .02 | (.03) | (.06) | (.03) | (.08) |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments | 4.45 | 5.23 | (.09) | 6.95 | .72 | 1.08 |
Total from Investment Operations | 4.44 | 5.25 | (.12) | 6.89 | .69 | 1.00 |
Distributions: | | | | | | |
Dividends from investment income—net | (.02) | - | - | - | - | - |
Dividends from net realized gain on investments | (3.15) | (2.93) | (1.32) | (1.02) | (.87) | (1.95) |
Total Distributions | (3.17) | (2.93) | (1.32) | (1.02) | (.87) | (1.95) |
Net asset value, end of period | 24.90 | 23.63 | 21.31 | 22.75 | 16.88 | 17.06 |
Total Return (%) | 24.37b | 25.51 | (1.27) | 42.36 | 4.38 | 5.92 |
Ratios/Supplemental Data (%): | | | | | | |
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets | 1.03c | 1.04 | 1.04 | 1.07 | 1.08 | 1.08 |
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets | (.09)c | .08 | (.11) | (.30) | (.18) | (.47) |
Portfolio Turnover Rate | 38.72b | 77.56 | 55.34 | 42.07 | 64.26 | 70.33 |
Net Assets, end of period ($ x 1,000) | 572,564 | 475,148 | 388,151 | 365,231 | 225,801 | 217,006 |
a Based on average shares outstanding.
b Not annualized.
c Annualized.
See notes to financial statements.
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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
NOTE 1—Significant Accounting Policies:
Technology Growth Portfolio (the “fund”) is a separate diversified series of BNY Mellon Investment Portfolios (the “Company”), which is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Act”), as an open-end management investment company and operates as a series company currently offering three series, including the fund. The fund is only offered to separate accounts established by insurance companies to fund variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies. The fund’s investment objective is to seek capital appreciation. BNY Mellon Investment Adviser, Inc. (the “Adviser”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (“BNY Mellon”), serves as the fund’s investment adviser.
BNY Mellon Securities Corporation (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, is the distributor of the fund’s shares, which are sold without a sales charge. 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: Initial and Service. Each class of shares has identical rights and privileges, except with respect to the Distribution Plan, and the expenses borne by each class, the allocation of certain transfer agency costs, and certain voting rights. Income, expenses (other than expenses attributable to a specific class), and realized and unrealized gains or losses on investments are allocated to each class of shares based on its relative net assets.
The Company accounts separately for the assets, liabilities and operations of each series. Expenses directly attributable to each series are charged to that series’ operations; expenses which are applicable to all series are allocated among them on a pro rata basis.
The Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) is the exclusive reference of authoritative U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) recognized by the FASB to be applied by nongovernmental entities. Rules and interpretive releases of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) under authority of federal laws are also sources of authoritative GAAP for SEC registrants. The fund is an investment company and applies the accounting and reporting guidance of the FASB ASC Topic 946 Financial Services-Investment Companies. The fund’s financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP, which may require the use of management estimates and assumptions. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
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The Company enters into contracts that contain a variety of indemnifications. The fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. The fund does not anticipate recognizing any loss related to these arrangements.
(a) Portfolio valuation: The fair value of a financial instrument is the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (i.e., the exit price). GAAP establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs of valuation techniques used to measure fair value. This hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements).
Additionally, GAAP provides guidance on determining whether the volume and activity in a market has decreased significantly and whether such a decrease in activity results in transactions that are not orderly. GAAP requires enhanced disclosures around valuation inputs and techniques used during annual and interim periods.
Various inputs are used in determining the value of the fund’s investments relating to fair value measurements. These inputs are summarized in the three broad levels listed below:
Level 1—unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical investments.
Level 2—other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar investments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.).
Level 3—significant unobservable inputs (including the fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).
The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.
Changes in valuation techniques may result in transfers in or out of an assigned level within the disclosure hierarchy. Valuation techniques used to value the fund’s investments are as follows:
Investments in equity securities are valued at the last sales price on the securities exchange or national securities market on which such securities are primarily traded. Securities listed on the National Market System for which market quotations are available are valued at the official closing price or, if there is no official closing price that day, at the last sales price. For open short positions, asked prices are used for valuation purposes. Bid
17
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
price is used when no asked price is available. Registered investment companies that are not traded on an exchange are valued at their net asset value. All of the preceding securities are generally categorized within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.
Securities not listed on an exchange or the national securities market, or securities for which there were no transactions, are valued at the average of the most recent bid and asked prices. These securities are generally categorized within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
Fair valuing of securities may be determined with the assistance of a pricing service using calculations based on indices of domestic securities and other appropriate indicators, such as prices of relevant ADRs and futures. Utilizing these techniques may result in transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
When market quotations or official closing prices are not readily available, or are determined not to accurately reflect fair value, such as when the value of a security has been significantly affected by events after the close of the exchange or market on which the security is principally traded (for example, a foreign exchange or market), but before the fund calculates its net asset value, the fund may value these investments at fair value as determined in accordance with the procedures approved by the Company’s Board of 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 securities where observable inputs are limited, assumptions about market activity and risk are used and such securities are generally categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
Investments denominated in foreign currencies are translated to U.S. dollars at the prevailing rates of exchange.
The following is a summary of the inputs used as of June 30, 2020 in valuing the fund’s investments:
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| | | | |
Assets ($) | Level 1 - Unadjusted Quoted Prices | Level 2 - Other Significant Observable Inputs | Level 3 -Significant Unobservable Inputs | Total |
Investments in Securities:† | | | |
Equity Securities - Common Stocks | 724,334,903 | - | - | 724,334,903 |
Investment Companies | 35,920,611 | - | - | 35,920,611 |
† See Statement of Investments for additional detailed categorizations, if any.
(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.
Foreign Taxes: The fund may be subject to foreign taxes (a portion of which may be reclaimable) on income, stock dividends, realized and unrealized capital gains on investments or certain foreign currency transactions. Foreign taxes are recorded in accordance with the fund’s understanding of the applicable foreign tax regulations and rates that exist in the foreign jurisdictions in which the fund invests. These foreign taxes, if any, are paid by the fund and are reflected in the Statements of Operations. Foreign taxes payable or deferred as of June 30, 2020, if any, are disclosed in the fund’s Statements of Assets and Liabilities.
(c) Securities transactions and investment income: Securities transactions are recorded on a trade date basis. Realized gains and losses from securities transactions are recorded on the identified cost basis. Dividend income is recognized on the ex-dividend date and interest income, including, where applicable, accretion of discount and amortization of premium on investments, is recognized on the accrual basis.
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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
Pursuant to a securities lending agreement with The Bank of New York Mellon, a subsidiary of BNY Mellon and an affiliate of the Adviser, the fund may lend securities to qualified institutions. It is the fund’s policy that, at origination, all loans are secured by collateral of at least 102% of the value of U.S. securities loaned and 105% of the value of foreign securities loaned. Collateral equivalent to at least 100% of the market value of securities on loan is maintained at all times. Collateral is either in the form of cash, which can be invested in certain money market mutual funds managed by the Adviser, or U.S. Government and Agency securities. The fund is entitled to receive all dividends, interest and distributions on securities loaned, in addition to income earned as a result of the lending transaction. Should a borrower fail to return the securities in a timely manner, The Bank of New York Mellon is required to replace the securities for the benefit of the fund or credit the fund with the market value of the unreturned securities and is subrogated to the fund’s rights against the borrower and the collateral. Additionally, the contractual maturity of security lending transactions are on an overnight and continuous basis. During the period ended June 30, 2020, The Bank of New York Mellon earned $216,526 from the lending of the fund’s portfolio securities, pursuant to the securities lending agreement.
(d) Affiliated issuers: Investments in other investment companies advised by the Adviser are considered “affiliated” under the Act.
(e) Risk: Certain events particular to the industries in which the fund’s investments conduct their operations, as well as general economic, political and public health conditions, may have a significant negative impact on the investee’s operations and profitability. In addition, turbulence in financial markets and reduced liquidity in equity, credit and/or fixed income markets may negatively affect many issuers, which could adversely affect the fund. Global economies and financial markets are becoming increasingly interconnected, and conditions and events in one country, region or financial market may adversely impact issuers in a different country, region or financial market. These risks may be magnified if certain events or developments adversely interrupt the global supply chain; in these and other circumstances, such risks might affect companies worldwide. Recent examples include pandemic risks related to COVID-19 and aggressive measures taken world-wide in response by governments, including closing borders, restricting international and domestic travel, and the imposition of prolonged quarantines of large populations, and by businesses, including changes to operations and reducing staff. To the extent the fund may overweight its investments in certain countries, companies, industries or market sectors, such positions will increase the
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fund’s exposure to risk of loss from adverse developments affecting those countries, companies, industries or sectors.
(f) Dividends and distributions to shareholders: Dividends and distributions are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Dividends from investment income-net and dividends from net realized capital gains, if any, are normally declared and paid annually, but the fund may make distributions on a more frequent basis to comply with the distribution requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). To the extent that net realized capital gains can be offset by capital loss carryovers, it is the policy of the fund not to distribute such gains. Income and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with income tax regulations, which may differ from GAAP.
(g) Federal income taxes: It is the policy of the fund to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company, if such qualification is in the best interests of its shareholders, by complying with the applicable provisions of the Code, and to make distributions of taxable income and net realized capital gain sufficient to relieve it from substantially all federal income and excise taxes.
As of and during the period ended June 30, 2020, 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 June 30, 2020, the fund did not incur any interest or penalties.
Each tax year in the three-year period ended December 31, 2019 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 December 31, 2019 was as follows: long-term capital gains $68,551,489. 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 long-term open-end funds managed by the Adviser in a $927 million unsecured credit facility led by Citibank, N.A. (the “Citibank Credit Facility”) and a $300 million unsecured credit facility provided by The Bank of New York Mellon (the “BNYM Credit Facility”), each to be utilized primarily for temporary or emergency purposes, including the financing of redemptions (each, a “Facility”). The Citibank Credit Facility is available in two tranches: (i) Tranche A is in an amount equal to $747 million and is available to all long-term open-ended funds,
21
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
including the fund, and (ii) Tranche B is an amount equal to $180 million and is available only to BNY Mellon Floating Rate Income Fund, a series of BNY Mellon Investment Funds IV, Inc. Prior to March 11, 2020, the Citibank Credit Facility was $1.030 billion with Tranche A available in an amount equal to $830 million and Tranche B available in an amount equal to $200 million. In connection therewith, the fund has agreed to pay its pro rata portion of commitment fees for Tranche A of the Citibank Credit Facility and the BNYM Credit Facility. Interest is charged to the fund based on rates determined pursuant to the terms of the respective Facility at the time of borrowing.
The average amount of borrowings outstanding under the Facilities during the period ended June 30, 2020 was approximately $29,121 with a related weighted average annualized interest rate of 2.36%.
NOTE 3—Management Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates:
(a) Pursuant to a management agreement with the Adviser, the management fee is computed at the annual rate of .75% of the value of the fund’s average daily net assets and is payable monthly.
(b) Under the Distribution Plan adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Act, Service shares pay the Distributor for distributing its shares, for servicing and/or maintaining Service shares’ shareholder accounts and for advertising and marketing for Service shares. The Distribution Plan provides for payments to be made at an annual rate of .25% of the value of the Service shares’ average daily net assets. The Distributor may make payments to Participating Insurance Companies and to brokers and dealers acting as principal underwriter for their variable insurance products. The fees payable under the Distribution Plan are payable without regard to actual expenses incurred. During the period ended June 30, 2020, Service shares were charged $602,259 pursuant to the Distribution Plan.
The fund has an arrangement with the transfer agent whereby the fund may receive earnings credits when positive cash balances are maintained, which are used to offset transfer agency fees. For financial reporting purposes, the fund includes net earnings credits, if any, as an expense offset in the Statement of Operations.
The fund has an arrangement with the custodian whereby the fund will receive interest income or be charged an overdraft fees when cash balances are maintained. For financial reporting purposes, the fund includes this interest income and overdraft fees, if any, as interest income in the Statements of Operations.
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The fund compensates BNY Mellon Transfer, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, under a transfer agency agreement for providing transfer agency and cash management services 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 June 30, 2020, the fund was charged $478 for transfer agency services. These fees are included in Shareholder servicing costs in the Statement of Operations.
The fund compensates The Bank of New York Mellon under a custody agreement for providing custodial services for the fund. These fees are determined based on net assets, geographic region and transaction activity. During the period ended June 30, 2020, the fund was charged $5,926 pursuant to the custody agreement.
During the period ended June 30, 2020, the fund was charged $8,595 for services performed by the Chief Compliance Officer and his staff. These fees are included in Chief Compliance Officer fees in the Statement of Operations.
The components of “Due to BNY Mellon Investment Adviser, Inc. and affiliates” in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities consist of: management fees of $441,705, Distribution Plan fees of $113,890, custodian fees of $4,400, Chief Compliance Officer fees of $4,695 and transfer agency fees of $208.
(c) Each Board member also serves as a Board member of other funds in the BNY Mellon Family of Funds complex. Annual retainer fees and attendance fees are allocated to each fund based on net assets.
NOTE 4—Securities Transactions:
The aggregate amount of purchases and sales of investment securities, excluding short-term securities, during the period ended June 30, 2020, amounted to $241,263,166 and $273,202,549, respectively.
At June 30, 2020, accumulated net unrealized appreciation on investments was $278,231,104, consisting of $281,335,219 gross unrealized appreciation and $3,104,115 gross unrealized depreciation.
At June 30, 2020, 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).
23
LIQUIDITY RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM (Unaudited)
Effective June 1, 2019, the fund adopted a liquidity risk management program (the “Liquidity Risk Management Program”) pursuant to the requirements of Rule 22e-4 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. Rule 22e-4 requires registered open-end funds, including mutual funds and exchange-traded funds but not money market funds, to establish liquidity risk management programs in order to effectively manage fund liquidity and shareholder redemptions. The rule is designed to mitigate the risk that a fund could not meet redemption requests without significantly diluting the interests of remaining investors.
The rule requires the funds to assess, manage and review their liquidity risk at least annually considering applicable factors such as investment strategy and liquidity during normal and foreseeable stressed conditions, including whether the strategy is appropriate for an open-end fund and whether the fund has a relatively concentrated portfolio or large positions in particular issuers. The fund must also assess its use of borrowings and derivatives, short-term and long-term cash flow projections in normal and stressed conditions, holdings of cash and cash equivalents, and borrowing arrangements and other funding sources.
The rule also requires the fund to classify its investments as highly liquid, moderately liquid, less liquid or illiquid based on the number of days the fund expects it would take to liquidate the investment, and to review these classifications at least monthly or more often under certain conditions. The periods range from three or fewer business days for a highly liquid investment to greater than seven calendar days for settlement of a less liquid investment. Illiquid investments are those a fund does not expect to be able to sell or dispose of within seven calendar days without significantly changing the market value. The fund is prohibited from acquiring an investment if, after the acquisition, its holdings of illiquid assets will exceed 15% of its net assets. In addition, if a fund permits redemptions in-kind, the rule requires the fund to establish redemption in-kind policies and procedures governing how and when it will engage in such redemptions.
Pursuant to the rule’s requirements, the Liquidity Risk Management Program has been reviewed and approved by the fund’s board. Furthermore, the board has received a written report prepared by the Program’s Administrator that addresses the operation of the Program, assesses its adequacy and effectiveness and describes any material changes made to the Program.
Assessment of Program
In the opinion of the Program Administrator, the Program approved by the fund board continues to be adequate for the fund and the Program has been implemented effectively. The Program Administrator has monitored the fund’s liquidity risk and the liquidity classification of the securities held by the fund and has determined that the Program is operating effectively.
During the period from June 1, 2019 to March 31, 2020, there were no material changes to the Program and no material liquidity events that impacted the fund. During the period, the fund held sufficient highly liquid assets to meet fund redemptions.
24
Under normal expected foreseeable fund redemption forecasts and foreseeable stressed fund redemption forecasts, the Program Administrator believes that the fund maintains sufficient highly liquid assets to meet expected fund redemptions.
25
BNY Mellon Investment Portfolios, Technology Growth Portfolio
240 Greenwich Street
New York, NY 10286
Adviser
BNY Mellon Investment Adviser, Inc.
240 Greenwich Street
New York, NY 10286
Custodian
The Bank of New York Mellon
240 Greenwich Street
New York, NY 10286
Transfer Agent &
Dividend Disbursing Agent
BNY Mellon Transfer, Inc.
240 Greenwich Street
New York, NY 10286
Distributor
BNY Mellon Securities Corporation
240 Greenwich Street
New York, NY 10286
Telephone 1-800-258-4260 or 1-800-258-4261
Mail The BNY Mellon Family of Funds, 144 Glenn Curtiss Boulevard, Uniondale, NY 11556-0144 Attn: Institutional Services Department
E-mail Send your request to info@bnymellon.com
Internet Information can be viewed online or downloaded at www.bnymellonim.com/us
The fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-PORT. The fund’s Forms N-PORT are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.
A description of the policies and procedures that the fund uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities and information regarding how the fund voted these proxies for the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available at www.bnymellonim.com/us and on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-373-9387.
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