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 811-3940
Strategic Funds, Inc.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in charter)
c/o The Dreyfus Corporation
200 Park Avenue
New York, New York 10166
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)
Michael A. Rosenberg, Esq.
200 Park Avenue
New York, New York 10166
(Name and address of agent for service)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: | (212) 922-6000 | |
Date of fiscal year end: | 8/31 | |
Date of reporting period: | 2/28/10 |
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 different fiscal year ends and, therefore, different N-CSR reporting requirements. Separate N-CSR Forms will be filed for these series, as appropriate.
Dreyfus Conservative Allocation Fund
Dreyfus Growth Allocation Fund
Dreyfus Moderate Allocation Fund
FORM N-CSR
Item 1. Reports to Stockholders.
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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 Chairman and CEO |
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 |
8 | Statement of Assets and Liabilities |
9 | Statement of Operations |
10 | Statement of Changes in Net Assets |
11 | Financial Highlights |
12 | Notes to Financial Statements |
22 | Information About the Review and Approval of the Fund’s Management Agreement |
FOR MORE INFORMATION | |
Back Cover |
Dreyfus
Conservative
Allocation Fund
The Fund
A LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN AND CEO
Dear Shareholder:
We are pleased to present this semiannual report for Dreyfus Conservative Allocation Fund, covering from the fund’s inception, October 1, 2009, through February 28, 2010.
Equity markets began the reporting period in the midst of a broad-based rebound in security prices, as global credit markets showed improvements and an economic recovery gained momentum in the United States and around the world.The “risk trade,” in which assets are shifted from conservative to more aggressive investments to take advantage of improving market conditions, profited the most in this more constructive environment.
According to our Chief Economist, sustained global and U.S. economic expansion should proceed at an above-trend pace in 2010, the result of macroeconomic stimulation adopted by nearly every country in the world over the last year.As for the stock market, investors probably will need to be more selective as the risk trade runs its course. Instead, positive returns over the foreseeable future are more likely to be delivered through a selective security evaluation process that favors active investors.And while the magnitude of returns, in all likelihood, should moderate this year relative to the extraordinary rebound since March 2009, we believe there will be many opportunities for investors over the months to come.As always, your financial advisor can help you identify those opportunities and recommend appropriate ways for you to align them with your current needs, future goals and attitude toward risk.
For information about how the fund performed during the reporting period, as well as market perspectives, we have provided a Discussion of Fund Performance.
Thank you for your continued confidence and support.
Jonathan R. Baum
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
The Dreyfus Corporation
March 15, 2010
2
DISCUSSION OF FUND PERFORMANCE
For the period of the fund’s inception, October 1, 2009, through February 28, 2010, as provided by Phillip N. Maisano, Richard B. Hoey,A. Paul Disdier, William J. Reilly, CFA, Christopher E. Sheldon, CFA, and Keith L. Stransky, CFA, Portfolio Managers
Fund and Market Performance Overview
For the period between the fund’s inception on October 1, 2009, and February 28, 2010, Dreyfus Conservative Allocation Fund produced a total return of 3.46%.1 In comparison, the fund’s benchmark, the Standard & Poor’s 500 Composite Stock Price Index produced a total return of 5.39% for the same period. The secondary customized blended index composed of 40% Standard and Poor’s 500 Composite Stock Price Index and 60% Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Bond Index, achieved 3.43% for the same period.2
The fund began operations in the midst of sustained rallies in the U.S. stock and bond markets as economic and market conditions continued to improve in the wake of a severe recession and financial crisis. The fund produced a lower return than its benchmark, primarily due to the higher-quality biases of the fund’s underlying investments during a time when lower-quality securities led the rebound.
The Fund’s Investment Approach
Dreyfus Conservative Allocation Fund seeks current income with some consideration for capital appreciation. In pursuing its goal, the fund normally allocates 40% of its assets to equity securities and 60% of its assets to fixed-income securities.
The fund achieves its targeted asset allocation mix by investing in other mutual funds that are advised by The Dreyfus Corporation (Dreyfus). In turn, the underlying funds invest in a wide range of equity and fixed income securities, including U.S. large-, mid- and small-cap equities; international, global and emerging-market equities; and U.S. and international fixed-income securities.
The fund’s portfolio managers, who comprise the Dreyfus Investment Committee, select the underlying funds based on their investment objectives and management policies, portfolio holdings, risk/reward profiles,
The Fund 3
DISCUSSION OF FUND PERFORMANCE (continued)
historical performance, and other factors. As of February 28, 2010, the fund may invest in any of 33 underlying funds identified by the Dreyfus Investment Committee, which generally will select only certain, and not all, of the underlying funds for investment at any given time.
Economic Recovery Fueled Market Gains
The reporting period saw the continuation of an economic recovery that had begun earlier in 2009.Although unemployment and foreclosure rates remained high, improved manufacturing activity and an apparent bottoming of residential housing prices helped boost confidence among businesses, consumers and investors. In addition, a banking crisis that led to the failures of major global financial institutions continued to ease, helping to support improved investor sentiment.
Stocks and bonds in the United States and international markets generally rallied during the economic recovery. As was the case since the market rallies began earlier in 2009, U.S. investors generally continued to search for bargains among lower-quality stocks and higher yielding bonds that had been severely punished during the downturn. Similarly, international investors typically favored the emerging markets over slower growing developed markets. In contrast, traditional safe havens such as U.S.Treasury securities, and other sovereign bonds in developed foreign markets, lagged market averages.
However, over the first two months of 2010, we began to detect a shift in global market sentiment as investors appeared to pay more attention to the underlying fundamentals of individual companies and issuers, and less to bargain-hunting. In our view, this may suggest the beginning of a change in their focus toward higher-quality securities in the stock and bond markets.
More Aggressive Underlying Funds Outperformed
As might be expected during the early and middle stages of an economic recovery, the underlying funds investing in small- and midcap stocks generally produced the most attractive absolute returns, followed by funds investing in international equities and those investing in high yield bonds. Among underlying funds, above-average performers included Dreyfus Alpha Growth Fund, Dreyfus Midcap Value Fund, International Stock Fund, Dreyfus Emerging Markets Fund, Dreyfus Global Real Estate Securities Fund and Dreyfus High Yield Fund.
4
Strong relative results from these winners were offset to a degree by lagging results from Dreyfus StrategicValue Fund, Dreyfus S&P STARS Opportunities Fund, and Emerging Markets Opportunity Fund.
In November 2009, the Dreyfus Investment Committee made a change to the way assets are allocated among each of the funds’ underlying investments, shifting 5% of developed international equity assets from Newton International Equity Fund to Dreyfus International Stock Index Fund. The impact of this change on the fund’s performance was negligible.
Positioned for the Next Phase of the Economic Cycle
The current economic recovery has been weaker than most rebounds since World War II. In our judgment, investors are likely to become increasingly selective as a subpar recovery matures, favoring stocks of companies with the ability to produce steady revenues and earnings growth and bonds that can reliably generate competitive levels of income in today’s low interest-rate environment.
Therefore, unlike the bargain-hunting rally of 2009, we believe that the financial markets over the remainder of 2010 will be driven by the fundamental strengths and weaknesses of individual securities. If investors favor fundamentally sound stocks and bonds, as we expect them to do, the market environment may prove to be especially well suited to the active portfolio management styles provided by each of the underlying funds.
March 15, 2010
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. Return figure provided reflects the absorption of certain fund expenses by The Dreyfus Corporation pursuant to an agreement in effect through January 1, 2011, at which time it may be extended, terminated or modified. Had these expenses not been absorbed, the fund’s return would have been lower. |
2 | SOURCE: LIPPER INC. — Reflects reinvestment of dividends and, where applicable, capital gain distributions.The Standard & Poor’s 500 Composite Stock Price Index is a widely accepted, unmanaged index of U.S. stock market performance.The Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Bond Index is a widely accepted, unmanaged total return index of corporate, U.S. government and U.S. government agency debt instruments, mortgage-backed securities and asset-backed securities with an average maturity of 1-10 years. |
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 Conservative Allocation Fund from October 1, 2009 (commencement to operations) to February 28, 2010. 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 February 28, 2010 | |
Expenses paid per $1,000† | $2.90 |
Ending value (after expenses) | $1,034.60 |
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 February 28, 2010†† | |
Expenses paid per $1,000††† | $3.46 |
Ending value (after expenses) | $1,021.37 |
† | Expenses are equal to the fund’s annualized expense ratio of .69%, multiplied by the average account value over the |
period, multiplied by 151/365 (to reflect the actual days in the period). | |
†† | Please note that while the fund commenced operations on October 1, 2009, the Hypothetical expenses paid during |
the period reflect projected activity for the full six month period for purposes of comparability.This projection assumes | |
that annualized expense ratios were in effect during the period September 1, 2009 to February 28, 2010. | |
††† | Expenses are equal to the fund’s annualized expense ratio of .69%, multiplied by the average account value over the |
period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period). |
6
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS
February 28, 2010 (Unaudited)
Common Stocks—98.9% | Shares | Value ($) |
Registered Investment Company; | ||
Dreyfus Alpha Growth Fund, Cl. I | 19,601 a | 327,731 |
Dreyfus Appreciation Fund | 4,883 a | 162,803 |
Dreyfus Bond Market Index Fund | 80,465 a | 840,051 |
Dreyfus Emerging Markets Debt Local Currency Fund, Cl. I | 17,812 a | 238,686 |
Dreyfus Emerging Markets Fund, Cl. I | 5,210 a | 58,201 |
Dreyfus Global Absolute Return Fund, Cl. I | 4,394 a,b | 53,076 |
Dreyfus Global Real Estate Securities Fund, Cl. I | 4,136 a | 26,053 |
Dreyfus High Yield Fund, Cl. I | 38,257 a | 244,080 |
Dreyfus International Bond Fund, Cl. I | 14,789 a | 236,488 |
Dreyfus International Stock Index Fund | 4,156 a | 56,063 |
Dreyfus International Value Fund, Cl. I | 6,266 a | 68,927 |
Dreyfus Midcap Value Fund, Cl. I | 2,292 a | 62,836 |
Dreyfus Newton International Equity Fund, Cl. I | 3,647 a | 57,977 |
Dreyfus S&P Stars Opportunities Fund, Cl. I | 3,195 a,b | 60,699 |
Dreyfus Select Managers Small Cap Value Fund, Cl. I | 3,719 a,b | 63,267 |
Dreyfus Strategic Value Fund, Cl. I | 12,725 a | 316,478 |
Dreyfus Total Return Advantage Fund, Cl. I | 62,914 a | 843,054 |
Dreyfus U.S. Equity Fund, Cl. I | 13,943 a | 165,775 |
Dreyfus/The Boston Co. Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund | 5,307 a,b | 61,238 |
Emerging Markets Opportunity Fund, Cl. I | 1,860 a | 17,857 |
International Stock Fund, Cl. I | 3,969 a | 47,234 |
Total Investments (cost $3,986,335) | 98.9% | 4,008,574 |
Cash and Receivables (Net) | 1.1% | 45,232 |
Net Assets | 100.0% | 4,053,806 |
a | Investment in affiliated mutual fund. |
b | Non-income producing security. |
Portfolio Summary (Unaudited)† | |||
Value (%) | Value (%) | ||
Mutual Funds: Domestic | 77.7 | Mutual Funds: Foreign | 21.2 |
98.9 | |||
† Based on net assets. | |||
See notes to financial statements. |
The Fund 7
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES |
February 28, 2010 (Unaudited) |
Cost | Value | |
Assets ($): | ||
Investments in affiliated issuers—See Statement of Investments | 3,986,335 | 4,008,574 |
Cash | 48,726 | |
Prepaid expenses | 24,322 | |
Due from The Dreyfus Corporation and affiliates—Note 3(b) | 4,314 | |
4,085,936 | ||
Liabilities ($): | ||
Accrued expenses | 32,130 | |
Net Assets ($) | 4,053,806 | |
Composition of Net Assets ($): | ||
Paid-in capital | 4,033,979 | |
Accumulated distributions in excess of investment income—net | (2,645) | |
Accumulated net realized gain (loss) on investments | 233 | |
Accumulated net unrealized appreciation | ||
(depreciation) on investments in affiliated issuers | 22,239 | |
Net Assets ($) | 4,053,806 | |
Shares Outstanding | ||
(100 million shares of $.001 par value Common Stock authorized) | 316,577 | |
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share ($) | 12.81 | |
See notes to financial statements. |
8
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS |
From October 1, 2009 (commencement of operations) |
to February 28, 2010 (Unaudited) |
Investment Income ($): | |
Income: | |
Cash dividends from affiliated issuers | 34,779 |
Expenses: | |
Legal fees | 12,806 |
Auditing fees | 12,500 |
Registration fees | 9,141 |
Shareholder servicing costs—Note 3(b) | 3,452 |
Prospectus and shareholders’ reports | 1,004 |
Directors’ fees and expenses—Note 3(c) | 636 |
Custodian fees—Note 3(b) | 409 |
Loan commitment fees—Note 2 | 1 |
Miscellaneous | 4,411 |
Total Expenses | 44,360 |
Less—expense reimbursement from The Dreyfus | |
Corporation due to undertaking—Note 3(a) | (36,997) |
Less—reduction in fees due to earnings credits—Note 1(b) | (33) |
Net Expenses | 7,330 |
Investment Income—Net | 27,449 |
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments—Note 4 ($): | |
Net realized gain (loss) on investments from affiliated issuers | (13,458) |
Capital gain distributions from affiliated issuers | 13,691 |
Net Realized Gain (Loss) | 233 |
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments from affiliated issuers | 22,239 |
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments | 22,472 |
Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations | 49,921 |
See notes to financial statements. |
The Fund 9
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS |
From October 1, 2009 (commencement of operations) |
to February 28, 2010 (Unaudited) |
Operations ($): | |
Investment income—net | 27,449 |
Net realized gain (loss) on investments from affiliated issuers | 233 |
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) | |
on investments from affiliated issuers | 22,239 |
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets | |
Resulting from Operations | 49,921 |
Dividends to Shareholders from ($): | |
Investment income—net | (30,094) |
Capital Stock Transactions ($): | |
Net proceeds from shares sold | 4,503,055 |
Dividends reinvested | 26,747 |
Cost of shares redeemed | (495,823) |
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets | |
from Capital Stock Transactions | 4,033,979 |
Total Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets | 4,053,806 |
Net Assets ($): | |
Beginning of Period | — |
End of Period | 4,053,806 |
Distributions in excess of investment income—net | (2,645) |
Capital Share Transactions (Shares): | |
Shares sold | 353,236 |
Shares issued for dividends reinvested | 2,103 |
Shares redeemed | (38,762) |
Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares Outstanding | 316,577 |
See notes to financial statements. |
10
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The following table describes the performance for the fiscal period from October 1, 2009 (commencement of operations) to February 28, 2010.Total return shows how much your investment in the fund would have increased (or decreased) during the period assuming you had reinvested all dividends and distributions.These figures have been derived from the fund’s financial statements.
Per Share Data ($): | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | 12.50 |
Investment Operations: | |
Investment income—neta | .12 |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments | .31 |
Total from Investment Operations | .43 |
Distributions: | |
Dividends from investment income—net | (.12) |
Net asset value, end of period | 12.81 |
Total Return (%)b | 3.46 |
Ratios/Supplemental Data (%): | |
Ratio of total expenses to average net assetsc,d | 4.18 |
Ratio of net expenses to average net assetsc,d | .69 |
Ratio of net investment income to average net assetsc,d | 2.58 |
Portfolio Turnover Rateb | 18.91 |
Net Assets, end of period ($ x 1,000) | 4,054 |
a | Based on average shares outstanding at each month end. |
b | Not annualized. |
c | Annualized. |
d | Amounts do not include the activity of the underlying funds. |
See notes to financial statements.
The Fund 11
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
NOTE 1—Significant Accounting Policies:
Dreyfus Conservative Allocation Fund (the “fund”) is a separate diversified series of Strategic Funds, Inc. (the “Company”) which is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Act”), as a open-end management investment company and operates as a series company currently offering nine series, including the fund, which commenced operations on October 1, 2009.The fund’s investment objective seeks current income with some consideration for capital appreciation. 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, which are sold to the public without a sales charge.
As of February 28, 2010, MBC Investments Corp., an indirect subsidiary of BNY Mellon, held 40,381 shares of the fund.
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”) has become 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 ASC has superseded all existing non-SEC accounting and reporting standards. 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.
12
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: Investments are valued at the net asset value of each underlying fund determined as of the close of the New York Stock Exchange (generally 4 p.m., Eastern time) on the valuation date.
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 13
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.
The following is a summary of the inputs used as of February 28, 2010 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: | ||||
Mutual Funds | 4,008,574 | — | — | 4,008,574 |
In January 2010, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2010-06 “Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements”. ASU 2010-06 will require reporting entities to make new disclosures about amounts and reasons for significant transfers in and out of Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements as well as inputs and valuation techniques used to measure fair value for both recurring and nonrecurring fair value measurements that fall in either Level 2 or Level 3, and information on purchases, sales, issuances and settlements on a gross basis in the reconciliation of activity in Level 3 fair value measurements. The new and revised disclosures are required to be implemented for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2009 except for the disclosures surrounding purchases,sales,issuances and settlements on a gross basis in the reconciliation of Level 3 fair value measurements, which are effective f or fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010. Management is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of ASU No. 2010-06 may have on the fund’s financial statement disclosures.
(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.
The fund has arrangements with the custodian and cash management bank whereby the fund may receive earnings credits when positive cash
14
balances are maintained, which are used to offset custody and cash management fees. For financial reporting purposes, the fund includes net earnings credits as an expense offset in the Statement of Operations.
(c) Affiliated issuers: Investments in other investment companies advised by the Manager are defined as “affiliated” in the Act.
(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 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 February 28, 2010, 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, the fund did not incur any interest or penalties.
NOTE 2—Bank Lines of Credit:
The fund participates with other Dreyfus-managed funds in a $225 million unsecured credit facility led by Citibank, N.A. and a $300 million unsecured credit facility provided by The Bank of New York Mellon, a subsidiary of BNY Mellon and an affiliate of Dreyfus, (each, a “Facility”), each to be utilized primarily for temporary or emergency purposes, including the financing of redemptions. In connection
The Fund 15
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
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 February 28, 2010, the fund did not borrow under the Facilities.
NOTE 3—Management Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates:
(a) Pursuant to a management agreement with the Manager, there is no management fee paid to the Manager. The fund invests in other mutual funds advised by the Manager. All fees and expenses of the underlying funds are reflected in the underlying funds’ net asset value.
The Manager has contractually agreed, until January 1, 2011, to assume the expenses of the fund so that the total annual fund and underlying funds operating expenses (excluding taxes, interest, brokerage commissions, commitment fees on borrowings and extraordinary expenses) do not exceed 1.40% of the value of the fund’s average daily net assets. The expense reimbursement, pursuant to the undertaking, amounted to $36,997 during the period ended February 28, 2010.
(b) Under the Shareholder Services Plan, the fund pays the Distributor at an annual rate of .25% of the value of the fund’s average daily net assets for the provision of certain service. The services provided may include personal services relating to shareholder accounts, such as answering shareholder inquiries regarding the fund’s shares and providing reports and other information, and services related to the maintenance of shareholder accounts.The Distributor may make payments to Service Agents (a securities dealer, financial institution or other industry professional) in respect of these services.The Distributor determines the amounts to be paid to Service Agents. During the period ended February 28, 2010, the fund was charged $2,656 pursuant to the Shareholder Services Plan.
The fund compensates DreyfusTransfer, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Manager, under a transfer agency agreement for providing per-
16
sonnel and facilities to perform transfer agency services for the fund. During the period ended February 28, 2010, the fund was charged $386 pursuant to the transfer agency agreement, which is included in Shareholder servicing costs in the Statement of Operations.
The fund compensates The Bank of New York Mellon under a cash management agreement for performing cash management services related to fund subscriptions and redemptions. During the period ended February 28, 2010, the fund was charged $33 pursuant to the cash management agreement, which is included in Shareholder servicing costs in the Statement of Operations. These fees were offset by earnings credits pursuant to the cash management agreement.
The fund also compensates The Bank of New York Mellon under a custody agreement for providing custodial services for the fund. During the period ended February 28, 2010, the fund was charged $409 pursuant to the custody agreement.
During the period ended February 28, 2010, the fund was charged $2,874 for services performed by the Chief Compliance Officer.
The components of “Due fromThe Dreyfus Corporation and affiliates” in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities consist of: shareholder services plan fees $744, custodian fees $344, chief compliance officer fees $2,874 and transfer agency per account fees $216, which are offset against an expense reimbursement currently in effect in the amount of $8,492.
(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 February 28, 2010, amounted to $4,543,130 and $543,337, respectively.
The Fund 17
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
The fund may invest in shares of certain affiliated investment companies also advised or managed by the adviser. Investments in affiliated investment companies for the period ended February 28, 2010 were as follows:
Affiliated | ||||
Investment | Value | |||
Company | 8/31/2009 ($) | Purchases ($) | Sales ($) | DIvidends ($) |
Dreyfus Alpha | ||||
Growth | ||||
Fund, Cl. I | — | 355,999 | 41,118 | 1,940 |
Dreyfus Appreciation | ||||
Fund | — | 184,650 | 21,181 | 2,256 |
Dreyfus Bond | ||||
Market Index Fund | — | 947,037 | 109,022 | 8,246 |
Dreyfus Emerging | ||||
Markets Debt Local | ||||
Currency Fund, Cl. I | — | 269,234 | 31,149 | 1,009 |
Dreyfus Emerging | ||||
Markets Fund, Cl. I | — | 68,990 | 8,023 | 353 |
Dreyfus Global | ||||
Absolute Return | ||||
Fund, Cl. I | — | 59,904 | 6,957 | — |
Dreyfus Global Real | ||||
Estate Securities | ||||
Fund, Cl. I | — | 30,576 | 3,426 | 1,072 |
Dreyfus High Yield | ||||
Fund, Cl. I | — | 275,110 | 31,149 | 6,884 |
Dreyfus International | ||||
Bond Fund, Cl. I | — | 272,325 | 31,149 | 4,099 |
Dreyfus International | ||||
Stock Index Fund | — | 67,788 | 7,787 | 1,265 |
Dreyfus International | ||||
Value Fund, Cl. I | — | 81,207 | 9,345 | 740 |
Dreyfus Midcap | ||||
Value Fund, Cl. I | — | 67,244 | 7,787 | 188 |
Dreyfus Newton | ||||
International | ||||
Equity Fund, Cl. I | — | 73,462 | 13,316 | 344 |
Dreyfus S&P Stars | ||||
Opportunities | ||||
Fund, Cl. I | — | 67,056 | 7,787 | — |
Dreyfus Select | ||||
Managers Small | ||||
Cap Value Fund, Cl. I | — | 67,148 | 7,787 | 91 |
Dreyfus Strategic | ||||
Value Fund, Cl. I | — | 355,359 | 41,118 | 1,300 |
18
Affiliated | ||||
Investment | Value | |||
Company | 8/31/2009 ($) | Purchases ($) | Sales ($) DIvidends ($) | |
Dreyfus Total Return | ||||
Advantage Fund, Cl. I | — | 956,400 | 109,022 | 17,563 |
Dreyfus U.S. Equity | ||||
Fund, Cl. I | — | 182,849 | 21,181 | 456 |
Dreyfus/The Boston | ||||
Co. Small/Mid Cap | ||||
Growth Fund | — | 67,056 | 7,787 | — |
Emerging Markets | ||||
Opportunity Fund,Cl. I | — | 39,719 | 21,016 | 292 |
International Stock | ||||
Fund, Cl. I | — | 54,017 | 6,230 | 372 |
Total | — | 4,543,130 | 543,337 | 48,470 |
Change in Net | ||||
Affiliated | Unrealized | |||
Investment | Net Realized | Appreciation | Value | % of Net |
Company | Gain (Loss) ($) | (Depreciation) ($) | 2/28/2010 ($) | Assets |
Dreyfus Alpha | ||||
Growth Fund, Cl. I | (806) | 13,656 | 327,731 | 8.1 |
Dreyfus | ||||
Appreciation Fund | (769) | 103 | 162,803 | 4.0 |
Dreyfus Bond Market | ||||
Index Fund | (1,161) | 3,197 | 840,051 | 20.7 |
Dreyfus Emerging | ||||
Markets Debt Local | ||||
Currency Fund, Cl. I | (794) | 1,395 | 238,686 | 5.9 |
Dreyfus Emerging | ||||
Markets Fund, Cl. I | (448) | (2,318) | 58,201 | 1.4 |
Dreyfus Global Absolute | ||||
Return Fund, Cl. I | (168) | 297 | 53,076 | 1.3 |
Dreyfus Global Real | ||||
Estate Securities | ||||
Fund, Cl. I | (259) | (838) | 26,053 | 0.6 |
Dreyfus High Yield | ||||
Fund, Cl. I | (315) | 434 | 244,080 | 6.0 |
Dreyfus International | ||||
Bond Fund, Cl. I | (1,076) | (3,612) | 236,488 | 5.8 |
Dreyfus International | ||||
Stock Index Fund | (464) | (3,474) | 56,063 | 1.4 |
Dreyfus International | ||||
Value Fund, Cl. I | (384) | (2,551) | 68,927 | 1.7 |
Dreyfus Midcap | ||||
Value Fund, Cl. I | (249) | 3,628 | 62,836 | 1.6 |
The Fund 19
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
Change in Net | ||||
Affiliated | Unrealized | |||
Investment | Net Realized | Appreciation | Value | % of Net |
Company | Gain (Loss) ($) | (Depreciation) ($) | 2/28/2010 ($) | Assets |
Dreyfus Newton | ||||
International Equity | ||||
Fund, Cl. I | (349) | (1,820) | 57,977 | 1.4 |
Dreyfus S&P Stars | ||||
Opportunities | ||||
Fund, Cl. I | (190) | 1,620 | 60,699 | 1.5 |
Dreyfus Select | ||||
Managers Small Cap | ||||
Value Fund, Cl. I | (191) | 4,097 | 63,267 | 1.6 |
Dreyfus Strategic | ||||
Value Fund, Cl. I | (1,419) | 3,656 | 316,478 | 7.8 |
Dreyfus Total Return | ||||
Advantage Fund, Cl. I | (3,547) | (777) | 843,054 | 20.8 |
Dreyfus U.S. Equity | ||||
Fund, Cl. I | (436) | 4,543 | 165,775 | 4.1 |
Dreyfus/The Boston Co. | ||||
Small/Mid Cap | ||||
Growth Fund | (187) | 2,156 | 61,238 | 1.5 |
Emerging Markets | ||||
Opportunity Fund, Cl. I | (54) | (792) | 17,857 | 0.5 |
International Stock | ||||
Fund, Cl. I | (192) | (361) | 47,234 | 1.2 |
Total | (13,458) | 22,239 | 4,008,574 | 98.9 |
The fund adopted the provisions of ASC Topic 815 “Derivatives and Hedging” which requires qualitative disclosures about objectives and strategies for using derivatives, quantitative disclosures about fair value amounts of gains and losses on derivative instruments and disclosures about credit-risk-related contingent features in derivative agreements. The fund held no derivatives during the period ended February 28, 2010.These disclosures did not impact the notes to the financial statements.
20
At February 28, 2010, accumulated net unrealized appreciation on investments was $22,239, consisting of $38,781 gross unrealized appreciation and $16,542 gross unrealized depreciation.
At February 28, 2010, 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).
NOTE 5—Subsequent Events Evaluation
Dreyfus has evaluated the need for disclosures and/or adjustments resulting from subsequent events through the date of issuance of the financial statements. This evaluation did not result in any subsequent events that necessitated disclosures and/or adjustments.
The Fund 21
INFORMATION ABOUT THE REVIEW AND APPROVAL |
OF THE FUND’S MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT (Unaudited) |
At a meeting of the fund’s Board held on July 20, 2009, the Board unanimously approved the fund’s Management Agreement, pursuant to which Dreyfus will provide the fund with investment management services.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. In approving the Management Agreement, the Board members considered all factors that they believed to be relevant, including, among other things, the factors discussed below.
Analysis of Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided to the Fund.The Board members considered information previously provided to them in a presentation from representatives of Dreyfus regarding services provided to other funds in the Dreyfus fund complex, and representatives of Dreyfus confirmed that there had been no material changes in this information.The Board also discussed the nature, extent and quality of the services to be provided to the fund pursuant to the Management Agreement. The Board members also referenced information provided and discussions at previous meetings regarding the relationships Dreyfus has with various intermediaries and the different needs of each, the diversity of distribution among the funds in the Dreyfus fund complex, and Dreyfus’ corresponding need for broad, deep, and diverse resources to be able to provide ongoin g shareholder services to the different distribution channels.
The Board members also considered Dreyfus’ research and portfolio management capabilities and Dreyfus’ oversight of day-to-day fund operations, including fund accounting and administration and assistance in meeting legal and regulatory requirements.The Board members also considered Dreyfus’ extensive administrative, accounting, and compliance infrastructure.
22
Comparative Analysis of the Fund’s Performance and Management Fee and Expense Ratio. As the fund had not yet commenced operations, the Board members were not able to review the fund’s performance. The Board discussed with representatives of Dreyfus the investment strategies to be employed in the management of the fund’s assets. The Board members noted the reputation and experience of Dreyfus and Dreyfus’ investment committee responsible for managing the fund’s assets.
The Board members noted that the fund will not pay Dreyfus a management fee, but that the fund will bear its proportionate share of the fees and expenses of the funds in which the Fund will invest (the “Underlying Funds”). Representatives of Dreyfus informed the Board that Dreyfus will contractually agree, until at least January 1, 2011, to assume the expenses of the fund so that the direct expenses of the fund (including indirect fees and expenses of the Underlying Funds, but excluding fund taxes, interest, expenses, brokerage commissions, commitment fees on borrowings, and extraordinary expenses) do not exceed 1.15%.
Representatives of Dreyfus stated that there were no other funds or other accounts managed by Dreyfus with similar investment objectives, policies, and strategies as the fund.
Analysis of Profitability and Economies of Scale. Dreyfus would not have direct profits from the fund’s management fee, since the fund would pay no direct management fee. Similarly, potential economies of scale were not relevant.The Board members considered potential benefits to Dreyfus from acting as investment adviser.
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 approving the fund’s Management
The Fund 23
INFORMATION ABOUT THE REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF THE |
FUND’S MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT (Unaudited) (continued) |
Agreement. Based on the discussions and considerations as described above, the Board made the following conclusions and determinations.
The Board concluded that the nature, extent and quality of the services to be provided by Dreyfus are adequate and appropriate.
The Board concluded that, since the fund had not commenced operations, it had no performance to measure and this performance was not a factor.
The Board noted that no management fee was payable to the fund under the Management Agreement
The Board members considered these conclusions and determinations, and, without any one factor being dispositive, the Board determined that approval of the fund’s Management Agreement was in the best interests of the fund and its prospective shareholders.
24
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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 Chairman and CEO |
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 |
8 | Statement of Assets and Liabilities |
9 | Statement of Operations |
10 | Statement of Changes in Net Assets |
11 | Financial Highlights |
12 | Notes to Financial Statements |
21 �� | Information About the Review and Approval of the Fund’s Management Agreement |
FOR MORE INFORMATION | |
Back Cover |
The Fund
Dreyfus
Growth Allocation Fund
A LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN AND CEO
Dear Shareholder:
We are pleased to present this semiannual report for Dreyfus Growth Allocation Fund, covering from the fund’s inception, October 1, 2009, through February 28, 2010.
Equity markets began the reporting period in the midst of a broad-based rebound in security prices, as global credit markets showed improvements and an economic recovery gained momentum in the United States and around the world.The “risk trade,” in which assets are shifted from conservative to more aggressive investments to take advantage of improving market conditions, profited the most in this more constructive environment.
According to our Chief Economist, sustained global and U.S. economic expansion should proceed at an above-trend pace in 2010, the result of macroeconomic stimulation adopted by nearly every country in the world over the last year.As for the stock market, investors probably will need to be more selective as the risk trade runs its course. Instead, positive returns over the foreseeable future are more likely to be delivered through a selective security evaluation process that favors active investors.And while the magnitude of returns, in all likelihood, should moderate this year relative to the extraordinary rebound since March 2009, we believe there will be many opportunities for investors over the months to come.As always, your financial advisor can help you identify those opportunities and recommend appropriate ways for you to align them with your current needs, future goals and attitude toward risk.
For information about how the fund performed during the reporting period, as well as market perspectives, we have provided a Discussion of Fund Performance.
Thank you for your continued confidence and support.
Jonathan R. Baum
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
The Dreyfus Corporation
March 15, 2010
2
DISCUSSION OF FUND PERFORMANCE
For the period of the fund’s inception, October 1, 2009, through February 28, 2010, as provided by Phillip N. Maisano, Richard B. Hoey, A. Paul Disdier, William J. Reilly, CFA, Christopher E. Sheldon, CFA, and Keith L. Stransky, CFA, Portfolio Managers
Fund and Market Performance Overview
For the period between the fund’s inception on October 1, 2009, and February 28, 2010, Dreyfus Growth Allocation Fund produced a total return of 4.64%.1 In comparison, the fund’s benchmark, the Standard & Poor’s 500 Composite Stock Price Index produced a total return of 5.39% for the same period.The secondary customized blended index composed of 80% Standard & Poor’s 500 Composite Stock Price Index and 20% Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Bond Index achieved 4.74% for the same period.2
The fund began operations in the midst of sustained rallies in the U.S. stock and bond markets as economic and market conditions continued to improve in the wake of a severe recession and financial crisis. The fund produced a lower return than its benchmark, primarily due to the higher-quality biases of the fund’s underlying investments during a time when lower-quality securities led the rebound.
The Fund’s Investment Approach
Dreyfus Growth Allocation Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation with some consideration for current income. In pursuing its goal, the fund normally allocates 80% of its assets to equity securities and 20% of its assets to fixed-income securities.
The fund achieves its targeted asset allocation mix by investing in other mutual funds that are advised by The Dreyfus Corporation (Dreyfus). In turn, the underlying funds invest in a wide range of equity and fixed income securities, including U.S. large-, mid- and small-cap equities; international, global and emerging-market equities; and U.S. and international fixed-income securities.
The fund’s portfolio managers, who comprise the Dreyfus Investment Committee, select the underlying funds based on their investment objec-
The Fund 3
DISCUSSION OF FUND PERFORMANCE (continued)
tives and management policies, portfolio holdings, risk/reward profiles, historical performance, and other factors. As of February 28, 2010, the fund may invest in any of 33 underlying funds identified by the Dreyfus Investment Committee, which generally will select only certain, and not all, of the underlying funds for investment at any given time.
Economic Recovery Fueled Market Gains
The reporting period saw the continuation of an economic recovery that had begun earlier in 2009.Although unemployment and foreclosure rates remained high, improved manufacturing activity and an apparent bottoming of residential housing prices helped boost confidence among businesses, consumers and investors. In addition, a banking crisis that led to the failures of major global financial institutions continued to ease, helping to support improved investor sentiment.
Stocks and bonds in the United States and international markets generally rallied during the economic recovery. As was the case since the market rallies began earlier in 2009, U.S. investors generally continued to search for bargains among lower-quality stocks and higher yielding bonds that had been severely punished during the downturn. Similarly, international investors typically favored the emerging markets over slower growing developed markets. In contrast, traditional safe havens such as U.S.Treasury securities, and other sovereign bonds in developed foreign markets, lagged market averages.
However, over the first two months of 2010, we began to detect a shift in global market sentiment as investors appeared to pay more attention to the underlying fundamentals of individual companies and issuers, and less to bargain-hunting. In our view, this may suggest the beginning of a change in their focus toward higher-quality securities in the stock and bond markets.
More Aggressive Underlying Funds Outperformed
As might be expected during the early and middle stages of an economic recovery, the underlying funds investing in small- and midcap stocks generally produced the most attractive absolute returns, followed by funds investing in international equities and those investing in high yield bonds. Among underlying funds, above-average performers included Dreyfus Alpha Growth Fund, Dreyfus Midcap Value Fund, International Stock Fund, Dreyfus Emerging Markets Fund, Dreyfus
4
Global Real Estate Securities Fund and Dreyfus High Yield Fund. Strong relative results from these winners were offset to a degree by lagging results from Dreyfus StrategicValue Fund, Dreyfus S&P STARS Opportunities Fund and Emerging Markets Opportunity Fund.
In November 2009, the Dreyfus Investment Committee made a change to the way assets are allocated among each of the funds’ underlying investments, shifting 5% of developed international equity assets from Newton International Equity Fund to Dreyfus International Stock Index Fund. The impact of this change on the fund’s performance was negligible.
Positioned for the Next Phase of the Economic Cycle
The current economic recovery has been weaker than most rebounds since World War II. In our judgment, investors are likely to become increasingly selective as a subpar recovery matures, favoring stocks of companies with the ability to produce steady revenues and earnings growth and bonds that can reliably generate competitive levels of income in today’s low interest-rate environment.
Therefore, unlike the bargain-hunting rally of 2009, we believe that the financial markets over the remainder of 2010 will be driven by the fundamental strengths and weaknesses of individual securities. If investors favor fundamentally sound stocks and bonds, as we expect them to do, the market environment may prove to be especially well suited to the active portfolio management styles provided by each of the underlying funds.
March 15, 2010
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. Return figure provided reflects the absorption of certain fund expenses by The Dreyfus Corporation pursuant to an agreement in effect through January 1, 2011, at which time it may be extended, terminated or modified. Had these expenses not been absorbed, the fund’s return would have been lower. |
2 | SOURCE: LIPPER INC. — Reflects reinvestment of dividends and, where applicable, capital gain distributions.The Standard & Poor’s 500 Composite Stock Price Index is a widely accepted, unmanaged index of U.S. stock market performance.The Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Bond Index is a widely accepted, unmanaged total return index of corporate, U.S. government and U.S. government agency debt instruments, mortgage-backed securities and asset-backed securities with an average maturity of 1-10 years. |
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 Growth Allocation Fund from October 1, 2009 (commencement of operations) to February 28, 2010. 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 February 28, 2010
Expenses paid per $1,000† | $2.41 |
Ending value (after expenses) | $1,046.40 |
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 February 28, 2010†† |
Expenses paid per $1,000††† | $2.86 |
Ending value (after expenses) | $1,021.97 |
† | Expenses are equal to the fund’s annualized expense ratio of .57% ,multiplied by the average account value over |
the period, multiplied by 151/365 (to reflect the actual days in the period). | |
†† | Please note that while shares commenced operations on October 1, 2009, the Hypothetical expenses paid during the |
period reflect projected activity for the full six months period for purposes of comparability.This projection assumes | |
that annualized expense ratios were in effect during the period September 1, 2009 to February 28, 2010. | |
††† | Expenses are equal to the fund’s annualized expense ratio of .57% ,multiplied by the average account value over |
the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period). |
6
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS
February 28, 2010 (Unaudited)
Other Investment—100.6% | Shares | Value ($) |
Registered Investment Company: | ||
Dreyfus Alpha Growth Fund, Cl. I | 27,294 a | 456,360 |
Dreyfus Appreciation Fund | 6,826 a | 227,581 |
Dreyfus Bond Market Index Fund | 22,304 a | 232,854 |
Dreyfus Emerging Markets Debt Local Currency Fund, Cl. I | 4,954 a | 66,382 |
Dreyfus Emerging Markets Fund, Cl. I | 9,189 a | 102,644 |
Dreyfus Global Absolute Return Fund, Cl. I | 25,623 a,b | 309,529 |
Dreyfus Global Real Estate Securities Fund, Cl. I | 24,224 a | 152,613 |
Dreyfus High Yield Fund, Cl. I | 10,567 a | 67,418 |
Dreyfus International Bond Fund, Cl. I | 4,118 a | 65,843 |
Dreyfus International Stock Index Fund | 7,019 a | 94,690 |
Dreyfus International Value Fund, Cl. I | 10,480 a | 115,284 |
Dreyfus Midcap Value Fund, Cl. I | 3,179 a | 87,181 |
Dreyfus Newton International Equity Fund, Cl. I | 6,036 a | 95,969 |
Dreyfus S&P Stars Opportunities Fund, Cl. I | 4,437 a,b | 84,303 |
Dreyfus Select Managers Small Cap Value Fund, Cl. I | 5,132 a,b | 87,300 |
Dreyfus Strategic Value Fund, Cl. I | 17,699 a | 440,172 |
Dreyfus Total Return Advantage Fund, Cl. I | 17,490 a | 234,372 |
Dreyfus U.S. Equity Fund, Cl. I | 19,465 a | 231,437 |
Dreyfus/The Boston Co. Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund, Cl. I | 7,345 a,b | 84,756 |
Emerging Markets Opportunity Fund, Cl. I | 2,552 a | 24,499 |
International Stock Fund, Cl. I | 6,641 a | 79,025 |
Total Investments (cost $3,321,869) | 100.6% | 3,340,212 |
Liabilities, Less Cash and Receivables | (.6%) | (18,494) |
Net Assets | 100.0% | 3,321,718 |
a | Investment in affiliated mutual fund. |
b | Non-income producing security. |
Portfolio Summary (Unaudited)† | |||
Value (%) | Value (%) | ||
Mutual Funds: Domestic | 67.3 | Mutual Funds: Foreign | 33.3 |
100.6 | |||
† Based on net assets. | |||
See notes to financial statements. |
The Fund 7
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
February 28, 2010 (Unaudited)
Cost | Value | |
Assets ($): | ||
Investments in affiliated issuers—See Statement of Investments | 3,321,869 | 3,340,212 |
Cash | 26,155 | |
Dividends receivable | 1,233 | |
Prepaid expenses | 25,436 | |
Due from The Dreyfus Corporation and affiliates—Note 3(b) | 6,430 | |
3,399,466 | ||
Liabilities ($): | ||
Payable for shares of Common Stock redeemed | 41,027 | |
Accrued expenses | 36,721 | |
77,748 | ||
Net Assets ($) | 3,321,718 | |
Composition of Net Assets ($): | ||
Paid-in capital | 3,303,202 | |
Accumulated distributions in excess of investment income—net | (2,230) | |
Accumulated net realized gain (loss) on investments | 2,403 | |
Accumulated net unrealized appreciation | ||
(depreciation) on investments in affiliated issuers | 18,343 | |
Net Assets ($) | 3,321,718 | |
Shares Outstanding | ||
(100 million shares of $.001 par value Common Stock authorized) | 256,458 | |
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share ($) | 12.95 | |
See notes to financial statements. |
8
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
From October 1, 2009 (commencement of operations)
to February 28, 2010 (Unaudited)
Investment Income ($): | |
Income: | |
Cash dividends form affiliated issuers | 26,421 |
Expenses: | |
Auditing fees | 14,250 |
Legal fees | 11,793 |
Registration fees | 8,711 |
Prospectus and shareholders’ reports | 4,428 |
Shareholder servicing costs—Note 3(b) | 3,489 |
Directors’ fees and expenses—Note 3(c) | 617 |
Custodian fees—Note 3(b) | 202 |
Loan commitment fees—Note 2 | 1 |
Miscellaneous | 3,334 |
Total Expenses | 46,825 |
Less—expense reimbursement from The Dreyfus | |
Corporation due to undertaking—Note 3(a) | (41,622) |
Less—reduction in fees due to earnings credits—Note 1(b) | (52) |
Net Expenses | 5,151 |
Investment Income—Net | 21,270 |
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments—Note 4 ($): | |
Net realized gain (loss) on investments in affiliated issuers | (1,549) |
Capital gain distributions from affiliated issuers | 3,952 |
Net Realized Gain (Loss) | 2,403 |
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments in affiliated issuers | 18,343 |
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments | 20,746 |
Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations | 42,016 |
See notes to financial statements. |
The Fund 9
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
From October 1, 2009 (commencement of operations)
to February 28, 2010 (Unaudited)
Operations ($): | |
Investment income—net | 21,270 |
Net realized gain (loss) on investments in affiliated issuers | 2,403 |
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) | |
on investments in affiliated issuers | 18,343 |
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets | |
Resulting from Operations | 42,016 |
Dividends to Shareholders from ($): | |
Investment income—net | (23,500) |
Capital Stock Transactions ($): | |
Net proceeds from shares sold | 3,423,468 |
Dividends reinvested | 23,217 |
Cost of shares redeemed | (143,483) |
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets | |
from Capital Stock Transactions | 3,303,202 |
Total Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets | 3,321,718 |
Net Assets ($): | |
Beginning of period | — |
End of Period | 3,321,718 |
Distributions in excess of investment income—net | (2,230) |
Capital Share Transactions (Shares): | |
Shares sold | 265,720 |
Shares issued for dividends reinvested | 1,789 |
Shares redeemed | (11,051) |
Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares Outstanding | 256,458 |
See notes to financial statements. |
10
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The following table describes the performance for the fiscal period from October 1, 2009 (commencement of operations) to February 28, 2010.Total return shows how much your investment in the fund would have increased (or decreased) during the period assuming you had reinvested all dividends and distributions.These figures have been derived from the fund’s financial statements.
Per Share Data ($): | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | 12.50 |
Investment Operations: | |
Investment income—neta | .13 |
Net realized and unrealized | |
gain (loss) on investments | .33 |
Total from Investment Operations | .46 |
Distributions: | |
Dividends from investment income—net | (.01) |
Net asset value, end of period | 12.95 |
Total Return (%)b | 4.64 |
Ratios/Supplemental Data (%): | |
Ratio of total expenses to average net assetsc,d | 5.18 |
Ratio of net expenses to average net assetsc,d | .57 |
Ratio of net investment income | |
to average net assetsc,d | 2.35 |
Portfolio Turnover Rate b | 5.59 |
Net Assets, end of period ($ x 1,000) | 3,322 |
a | Based on average shares outstanding at each month end. |
b | Not annualized. |
d | Annualized. |
c | Amounts do not include the activity of the underlying funds. |
See notes to financial statements.
The Fund 11
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
NOTE 1—Significant Accounting Policies:
Dreyfus Growth Allocation Fund (the “fund”) is a separate diversified series of Dreyfus Strategic Funds, Inc. (the “Company”), which is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Act”), as an open-end management investment company and operates as a series company currently offering nine series, including the fund, which commenced operations on October 1, 2009. The fund’s investment objective seeks long-term capital appreciation with some consideration for current income. 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, which are sold to the public without a sales charge.The fiscal year end of the fund is August 31.
As of February 28, 2010, MBC Investments Corp., an indirect subsidiary of BNY Mellon, held 40,401 shares of the fund.
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”) has become 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 ASC has superseded all existing non-SEC accounting and reporting standards. The fund’s financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP, which may require the use of management estimates and assumptions.Actual results could differ from those estimates.
The company enters into contracts that contain a variety of indem-nifications.The fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements
12
is unknown.The fund does not anticipate recognizing any loss related to these arrangements.
(a) Portfolio valuation: Investments are valued at the net asset value of each underlying fund determined as of the close of the New York Stock Exchange (generally 4 p.m., Eastern time) on the valuation date.
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.
The Fund 13
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
The following is a summary of the inputs used as of February 28, 2010 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: | ||||
Mutual Funds | 3,340,212 | — | — | 3,340,212 |
In January 2010, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2010-06 “Improving Disclosures about FairValue Measurements”. ASU 2010-06 will require reporting entities to make new disclosures about amounts and reasons for significant transfers in and out of Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements as well as inputs and valuation techniques used to measure fair value for both recurring and nonrecurring fair value measurements that fall in either Level 2 or Level 3, and information on purchases, sales, issuances and settlements on a gross basis in the reconciliation of activity in Level 3 fair value measurements.The new and revised disclosures are required to be implemented for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2009 except for the disclosures surrounding purchases, sales, issuances and settlements on a gross basis in the reconciliation of Level 3 fair value measurements, which are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010. Management is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of ASU No. 2010-06 may have on the fund’s financial statement disclosures.
(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.
The fund has arrangements with the custodian and cash management bank whereby the fund may receive earnings credits when positive cash balances are maintained, which are used to offset custody and cash
14
management fees. For financial reporting purposes, the fund includes net earnings credits as an expense offset in the Statement of Operations.
(c) Affiliated issuers: Investments in other investment companies advised by the Manager are defined as “affiliated” in the Act.
(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 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 February 28, 2010, 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, the fund did not incur any interest or penalties.
The tax character of current year distributions will be determined at the end of the current fiscal year.
NOTE 2—Bank Line of Credit:
The fund participates with other Dreyfus-managed funds in a $225 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. In
The Fund 15
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
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 on February 28, 2010, the fund did not borrow under the Facilities.
NOTE 3—Management Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates:
(a) Pursuant to a Management Agreement (“Agreement”) with the Manager, there is no management fee paid to the Manager.The fund invests in other mutual funds advised by the Manager. All fees and expenses of the underlying funds are reflected in the underlying fund’s net asset value.
Dreyfus has contractually agreed , until January 1, 2011, to assume the expenses of the fund, so that the total annual fund and underlying funds operating expenses (excluding taxes, interest, brokerage commissions, commitment fees on borrowing and extraordinary expenses) exceed 1.50% of the value of the fund’s average daily net assets. The expense reimbursement, pursuant to the undertaking, amounted to $41,622 during the period ended February 28, 2010.
(b) Under the Shareholder Services Plan, the fund pays 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 shares and providing reports and other information, and services related to the maintenance of shareholder accounts.The Distributor may make payments to Service Agents (a securities dealer, financial institution or other industry professional) in respect of these services.The Distributor determines the amounts to be paid to Service Agents. During the period ended February 28, 2010, the fund was charged $2,259 pursuant to the Shareholder Services Plan.
The fund compensates DreyfusTransfer, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Manager, under a transfer agency agreement for providing per-
16
sonnel and facilities to perform transfer agency services for the fund. During the period ended February 28, 2010, the fund was charged $458 pursuant to the transfer agency agreement, which is included in Shareholder servicing costs in the Statement of Operations.
The fund compensates The Bank of New York Mellon under a cash management agreement for performing cash management services related to fund subscriptions and redemptions. During the period ended February 28, 2010, the fund was charged $52 pursuant to the cash management agreement, which is included in Shareholder servicing costs in the Statement of Operations. These fees were offset by earnings credits pursuant to the cash management agreement.
The fund also compensates The Bank of New York Mellon under a custody agreement for providing custodial services for the fund. During the period ended February 28, 2010, the fund was charged $202 pursuant to the custody agreement.
During the period ended February 28, 2010, the fund was charged $2,874 for services performed by the Chief Compliance Officer.
The components of “Due from The Dreyfus Corporation and affiliates” in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities consist of: chief compliance officer fees $ 2,874, shareholder services plan fees $614, custodian fees $140 and transfer agency per account fees $232, which are offset against an expense reimbursement currently in effect in the amount of $10,290.
(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 February 28, 2010, amounted to $3,440,182 and $116,763, respectively.
The Fund 17
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
The fund may invest in shares of certain affiliated investment companies also advised or managed by the adviser. Investments in affiliated investment companies for the period ended February 28, 2010 were as follows:
Affiliated Investment | Value | ||||
Company | 8/31/2009 ($) | Purchases ($) | Sales ($) | Dividends ($) | |
Dreyfus Alpha | |||||
Growth Fund, Cl. I | — | 448,003 | 10,265 | 2,894 | |
Dreyfus Appreciation Fund | — | 232,252 | 5,288 | 2,953 | |
Dreyfus Bond Market Index Fund | — | 237,701 | 5,444 | 2,338 | |
Dreyfus Emerging Markets | |||||
Debt Local Currency Fund, Cl. I | — | 67,718 | 1,555 | 277 | |
Dreyfus Emerging | |||||
Markets Fund, Cl. I | — | 109,077 | 1,933 | 552 | |
Dreyfus Global Absolute | |||||
Return Fund, Cl. I | — | 316,297 | 7,294 | — | |
Dreyfus Global Real Estate | |||||
Securities Fund, Cl. I | — | 161,512 | 3,593 | 5,729 | |
Dreyfus High Yield Fund, Cl. I | — | 68,825 | 1,555 | 1,937 | |
Dreyfus International | |||||
Bond Fund, Cl. I | — | 68,555 | 1,555 | 1,106 | |
Dreyfus International | |||||
Stock Index Fund | — | 103,346 | 2,333 | 1,999 | |
Dreyfus International | |||||
Value Fund, Cl. I | — | 122,720 | 2,800 | 1,326 | |
Dreyfus Midcap Value Fund, Cl. I | — | 84,591 | 1,944 | 290 | |
Dreyfus Newton International | |||||
Equity Fund, Cl. I | — | 112,863 | 13,682 | 539 | |
Dreyfus S&P Stars | |||||
Opportunities Fund, Cl. I | — | 84,301 | 1,944 | — | |
Dreyfus Select Managers | |||||
Small Cap Value Fund, Cl. I | — | 84,416 | 1,944 | 115 | |
Dreyfus Strategic | |||||
Value Fund, Cl. I | — | 447,051 | 10,265 | 1,942 | |
Dreyfus Total Return | |||||
Advantage Fund, Cl. I | — | 240,861 | 5,444 | 4,819 | |
Dreyfus U.S. Equity Fund, Cl. I | — | 229,883 | 5,288 | 584 | |
Dreyfus/The Boston Co. | |||||
Small/Mid Cap | |||||
Growth Fund, Cl. I | — | 84,301 | 1,944 | — | |
Emerging Markets | |||||
Opportunity Fund, Cl. I | — | 54,463 | 28,828 | 456 | |
International Stock Fund, Cl. I | — | 81,446 | 1,866 | 517 | |
— | 3,440,182 | 116,764 | 30,373 |
18
Change in Net | |||||
Net | Unrealized | % of | |||
Affiliated Investment | Realized | Appreciation | Value | Net | |
Company | Gain/(Loss) ($) | (Depreciation) ($) 2/28/2010 ($) Assets | |||
Dreyfus Alpha | |||||
Growth Fund, Cl. I | (44) | 18,666 | 456,360 | 13.7% | |
Dreyfus Appreciation Fund | (105) | 722 | 227,581 | 6.8% | |
Dreyfus Bond Market | |||||
Index Fund | (76) | 673 | 232,854 | 7.0% | |
Dreyfus Emerging Markets | |||||
Debt Local Currency | |||||
Fund, Cl. I | (25) | 244 | 66,382 | 2.0% | |
Dreyfus Emerging | |||||
Markets Fund, Cl. I | (57) | (4,443) | 102,644 | 3.1% | |
Dreyfus Global Absolute | |||||
Return Fund, Cl. I | (150) | 676 | 309,529 | 9.3% | |
Dreyfus Global Real Estate | |||||
Securities Fund, Cl. I | (195) | (5,111) | 152,613 | 4.6% | |
Dreyfus High Yield | |||||
Fund, Cl. I | (10) | 158 | 67,418 | 2.0% | |
Dreyfus International | |||||
Bond Fund, Cl. I | (53) | (1,104) | 65,843 | 2.0% | |
Dreyfus International | |||||
Stock Index Fund | (113) | (6,210) | 94,690 | 2.9% | |
Dreyfus International | |||||
Value Fund, Cl. I | (82) | (4,554) | 115,284 | 3.5% | |
Dreyfus Midcap | |||||
Value Fund, Cl. I | (11) | 4,545 | 87,181 | 2.6% | |
Dreyfus Newton International | |||||
Equity Fund, Cl. I | (105) | (3,107) | 95,969 | 2.9% | |
Dreyfus S&P Stars | |||||
Opportunities Fund, Cl. I | (5) | 1,951 | 84,303 | 2.5% | |
Dreyfus Select Managers | |||||
Small Cap Value Fund, Cl. I | (11) | 4,839 | 87,300 | 2.6% | |
Dreyfus Strategic | |||||
Value Fund, Cl. I | (98) | 3,484 | 440,172 | 13.3% | |
Dreyfus Total Return | |||||
Advantage Fund, Cl. I | (190) | (855) | 234,372 | 7.1% | |
Dreyfus U.S. Equity | |||||
Fund, Cl. I | (28) | 6,870 | 231,437 | 7.0% | |
Dreyfus/The Boston Co. | |||||
Small/Mid Cap | |||||
Growth Fund, Cl. I | (8) | 2,407 | 84,756 | 2.6% | |
Emerging Markets | |||||
Opportunity Fund, Cl. I | (157) | (979) | 24,499 | 0.7% | |
International Stock | |||||
Fund, Cl. I | (26) | (529) | 79,025 | 2.4% | |
(1,549) | 18,343 | 3,340,212 100.6% |
The Fund 19
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
The fund adopted the provisions of ASC Topic 815 “Derivatives and Hedging” which requires qualitative disclosures about objectives and strategies for using derivatives, quantitative disclosures about fair value amounts of gains and losses on derivative instruments and disclosures about credit-risk-related contingent features in derivative agreements. The fund held no derivatives during the period ended February 28, 2010.These disclosures did not impact the notes to the financial statements.
At February 28, 2010, accumulated net unrealized appreciation on investments was $18,343, consisting of $45,238 gross unrealized appreciation and $26,895 gross unrealized depreciation.
NOTE 5—Subsequent Events Evaluation:
Dreyfus has evaluated the need for disclosures and/or adjustments resulting from subsequent events through the date the financial statements were issued. This evaluation did not result in any subsequent events that necessitated disclosures and/or adjustments.
20
INFORMATION ABOUT THE REVIEW AND APPROVAL
OF THE FUND’S MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT (Unaudited)
At a meeting of the fund’s Board held on July 20, 2009, the Board unanimously approved the fund’s Management Agreement, pursuant to which Dreyfus will provide the fund with investment management services.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. In approving the Management Agreement, the Board members considered all factors that they believed to be relevant, including, among other things, the factors discussed below.
Analysis of Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided to the Fund.The Board members considered information previously provided to them in a presentation from representatives of Dreyfus regarding services provided to other funds in the Dreyfus fund complex, and representatives of Dreyfus confirmed that there had been no material changes in this information.The Board also discussed the nature, extent and quality of the services to be provided to the fund pursuant to the Management Agreement. The Board members also referenced information provided and discussions at previous meetings regarding the relationships Dreyfus has with various intermediaries and the different needs of each, the diversity of distribution among the funds in the Dreyfus fund complex, and Dreyfus’ corresponding need for broad, deep, and diverse resources to be able to provide ongoing shareholder services to the different distribution channels.
The Board members also considered Dreyfus’ research and portfolio management capabilities and Dreyfus’ oversight of day-to-day fund operations, including fund accounting and administration and assistance in meeting legal and regulatory requirements.The Board members also considered Dreyfus’ extensive administrative, accounting, and compliance infrastructure.
The Fund 21
INFORMATION ABOUT THE REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF THE
FUND’S MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT (Unaudited) (continued)
Comparative Analysis of the Fund’s Performance and Management Fee and Expense Ratio. As the fund had not yet commenced operations, the Board members were not able to review the fund’s performance. The Board discussed with representatives of Dreyfus the investment strategies to be employed in the management of the fund’s assets. The Board members noted the reputation and experience of Dreyfus and Dreyfus’ investment committee responsible for managing the fund’s assets.
The Board members noted that the fund will not pay Dreyfus a management fee, but that the fund will bear its proportionate share of the fees and expenses of the funds in which the fund will invest (the “Underlying Funds”). Representatives of Dreyfus informed the Board that Dreyfus will contractually agree, until at least January 1, 2011, to assume the expenses of the fund so that the direct expenses of the fund (including indirect fees and expenses of the Underlying Funds, but excluding fund taxes, interest, expenses, brokerage commissions, commitment fees on borrowings, and extraordinary expenses) do not exceed 1.25%.
Representatives of Dreyfus stated that there were no other funds or other accounts managed by Dreyfus with similar investment objectives, policies, and strategies as the fund.
Analysis of Profitability and Economies of Scale. Dreyfus would not have direct profits from the fund’s management fee, since the fund would pay no direct management fee. Similarly, potential economies of scale were not relevant.The Board members considered potential benefits to Dreyfus from acting as investment adviser.
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 approving the fund’s Management
22
Agreement. Based on the discussions and considerations as described above, the Board made the following conclusions and determinations.
The Board concluded that the nature, extent and quality of the services to be provided by Dreyfus are adequate and appropriate.
The Board concluded that, since the fund had not commenced operations, it had no performance to measure and this performance was not a factor.
The Board noted that no management fee was payable to the fund under the Management Agreement
The Board members considered these conclusions and determinations, and, without any one factor being dispositive, the Board determined that approval of the fund’s Management Agreement was in the best interests of the fund and its prospective shareholders.
The Fund 23
NOTES
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 Chairman and CEO |
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 |
8 | Statement of Assets and Liabilities |
9 | Statement of Operations |
10 | Statement of Changes in Net Assets |
11 | Financial Highlights |
12 | Notes to Financial Statements |
21 | Information About the Review and Approval of the Fund’s Management Agreement |
FOR MORE INFORMATION | |
Back Cover |
The Fund
Dreyfus
Moderate Allocation Fund
A LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN AND CEO
Dear Shareholder:
We are pleased to present this semiannual report for Dreyfus Moderate Allocation Fund, covering from the fund’s inception, October 1, 2009, through February 28, 2010.
Equity markets began the reporting period in the midst of a broad-based rebound in security prices, as global credit markets showed improvements and an economic recovery gained momentum in the United States and around the world. The “risk trade,” in which assets are shifted from conservative to more aggressive investments to take advantage of improving market conditions, profited the most in this more constructive environment.
According to our Chief Economist, sustained global and U.S. economic expansion should proceed at an above-trend pace in 2010, the result of macroeconomic stimulation adopted by nearly every country in the world over the last year.As for the stock market, investors probably will need to be more selective as the risk trade runs its course. Instead, positive returns over the foreseeable future are more likely to be delivered through a selective security evaluation process that favors active investors.And while the magnitude of returns, in all likelihood, should moderate this year relative to the extraordinary rebound since March 2009, we believe there will be many opportunities for investors over the months to come.As always, your financial advisor can help you identify those opportunities and recommend appropriate ways for you to align them with your current needs, future goals and attitude toward risk.
For information about how the fund performed during the reporting period, as well as market perspectives, we have provided a Discussion of Fund Performance.
Thank you for your continued confidence and support.
Jonathan R. Baum
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
The Dreyfus Corporation
March 15, 2010
2
DISCUSSION OF FUND PERFORMANCE
For the period of the fund’s inception, October 1, 2009, through February 28, 2010, as provided by Phillip N. Maisano, Richard B. Hoey,A. Paul Disdier, William J. Reilly, CFA, Christopher E. Sheldon, CFA, and Keith L. Stransky, CFA, Portfolio Managers
Fund and Market Performance Overview
For the period between the fund’s inception on October 1, 2009, and February 28, 2010, Dreyfus Moderate Allocation Fund produced a total return of 4.43%.1 In comparison, the fund’s benchmark, the Standard & Poor’s 500 Composite Stock Price Index produced a return of 5.39% for the same period. The secondary customized blended index, composed of 60% Standard & Poor’s 500 Composite Stock Price Index and 40% Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Bond Index achieved 4.08% for the same period.2
The fund began operations in the midst of sustained rallies in the U.S. stock and bond markets as economic and market conditions continued to improve in the wake of a severe recession and financial crisis. The fund produced a lower return than its benchmark, primarily due to the higher-quality biases of the fund’s underlying investments during a time when lower-quality securities led the rebound.
The Fund’s Investment Approach
Dreyfus Moderate Allocation Fund seeks a balance of current income and capital appreciation. In pursuing its goal, the fund normally allocates 60% of its assets to equity securities and 40% of its assets to fixed-income securities.
The fund achieves its targeted asset allocation mix by investing in other mutual funds that are advised by The Dreyfus Corporation (Dreyfus). In turn, the underlying funds invest in a wide range of equity and fixed income securities, including U.S. large-, mid- and small-cap equities; international, global and emerging-market equities; and U.S. and international fixed-income securities.
The fund’s portfolio managers, who comprise the Dreyfus Investment Committee, select the underlying funds based on their investment objec-
The Fund 3
DISCUSSION OF FUND PERFORMANCE (continued)
tives and management policies, portfolio holdings, risk/reward profiles, historical performance, and other factors. As of February 28, 2010, the fund may invest in any of 33 underlying funds identified by the Dreyfus Investment Committee, which generally will select only certain, and not all, of the underlying funds for investment at any given time.
Economic Recovery Fueled Market Gains
The reporting period saw the continuation of an economic recovery that had begun earlier in 2009.Although unemployment and foreclosure rates remained high, improved manufacturing activity and an apparent bottoming of residential housing prices helped boost confidence among businesses, consumers and investors. In addition, a banking crisis that led to the failures of major global financial institutions continued to ease, helping to support improved investor sentiment.
Stocks and bonds in the United States and international markets generally rallied during the economic recovery. As was the case since the market rallies began earlier in 2009, U.S. investors generally continued to search for bargains among lower-quality stocks and higher yielding bonds that had been severely punished during the downturn. Similarly, international investors typically favored the emerging markets over slower growing developed markets. In contrast, traditional safe havens such as U.S.Treasury securities, and other sovereign bonds in developed foreign markets, lagged market averages.
However, over the first two months of 2010, we began to detect a shift in global market sentiment as investors appeared to pay more attention to the underlying fundamentals of individual companies and issuers, and less to bargain-hunting. In our view, this may suggest the beginning of a change in their focus toward higher-quality securities in the stock and bond markets.
More Aggressive Underlying Funds Outperformed
As might be expected during the early and middle stages of an economic recovery, the underlying funds investing in small- and midcap stocks generally produced the most attractive absolute returns,followed by funds investing in international equities and those investing in high yield bonds. Among underlying funds, above-average performers included Dreyfus Alpha Growth Fund, Dreyfus Midcap Value Fund, International Stock
4
Fund, Dreyfus Emerging Markets Fund, Dreyfus Global Real Estate Securities Fund and Dreyfus HighYield Fund.Strong relative results from these winners were offset to a degree by lagging results from Dreyfus Strategic Value Fund, Dreyfus S&P STARS Opportunities Fund, and Emerging Markets Opportunity Fund.
In November 2009, the Dreyfus Investment Committee made a change to the way assets are allocated among each of the funds’ underlying investments, shifting 5% of developed international equity assets from Newton International Equity Fund to Dreyfus International Stock Index Fund. The impact of this change on the fund’s performance was negligible.
Positioned for the Next Phase of the Economic Cycle
The current economic recovery has been weaker than most rebounds since World War II. In our judgment, investors are likely to become increasingly selective as a subpar recovery matures, favoring stocks of companies with the ability to produce steady revenues and earnings growth and bonds that can reliably generate competitive levels of income in today’s low interest-rate environment.
Therefore, unlike the bargain-hunting rally of 2009, we believe that the financial markets over the remainder of 2010 will be driven by the fundamental strengths and weaknesses of individual securities. If investors favor fundamentally sound stocks and bonds, as we expect them to do, the market environment may prove to be especially well suited to the active portfolio management styles provided by each of the underlying funds.
March 15, 2010
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. Return figure provided reflects the absorption of certain fund expenses by The Dreyfus Corporation pursuant to an agreement in effect through January 1, 2011, at which time it may be extended, terminated or modified. Had these expenses not been absorbed, the fund’s return would have been lower. |
2 | SOURCE: LIPPER INC. — Reflects reinvestment of dividends and, where applicable, capital gain distributions.The Standard & Poor’s 500 Composite Stock Price Index is a widely accepted, unmanaged index of U.S. stock market performance.The Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Bond Index is a widely accepted, unmanaged total return index of corporate, U.S. government and U.S. government agency debt instruments, mortgage-backed securities and asset-backed securities with an average maturity of 1-10 years. |
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 Moderate Allocation Fund from October 1, 2009 (commencement of operations) to February 28, 2010. 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 February 28, 2010
Expenses paid per $1,000† | $2.66 |
Ending value (after expenses) | $1,044.30 |
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 February 28, 2010†† |
Expenses paid per $1,000††† | $ 3.16 |
Ending value (after expenses) | $1,021.67 |
† | Expenses are equal to the fund’s annualized expense ratio of .63%, multiplied by the average account value over the |
period, multiplied by 151/365 (to reflect the actual days in the period). | |
†† | Please note that while the fund commenced operations on October 1, 2009, the Hypothetical expenses paid during the |
period reflect projected activity for the full six month period for purposes of comparability.This projection assumes that | |
annualized expense ratios were in effect during the period September 1, 2009 to February 28, 2010. | |
††† Expenses are equal to the fund’s annualized expense ratio of .63%, multiplied by the average account value over the | |
period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period). | |
6 |
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS
February 28, 2010 (Unaudited)
Other Investment—98.8% | Shares | Value ($) |
Registered Investment Company; | ||
Dreyfus Alpha Growth Fund, Cl. I | 39,434 a | 659,339 |
Dreyfus Appreciation Fund | 9,889 a | 329,705 |
Dreyfus Bond Market Index Fund | 81,545 a | 851,325 |
Dreyfus Emerging Markets Debt | ||
Local Currency Fund, Cl. I | 18,033 a | 241,643 |
Dreyfus Emerging Markets Fund, Cl. I | 12,084 a | 134,980 |
Dreyfus Global Absolute Return Fund, Cl. I | 26,707 a,b | 322,619 |
Dreyfus Global Real Estate Securities Fund, Cl. I | 25,077 a | 157,984 |
Dreyfus High Yield Fund, Cl. I | 38,538 a | 245,875 |
Dreyfus International Bond Fund, Cl. I | 14,974 a | 239,430 |
Dreyfus International Stock Index Fund | 9,559 a | 128,953 |
Dreyfus International Value Fund, Cl. I | 14,293 a | 157,221 |
Dreyfus Midcap Value Fund, Cl. I | 4,584 a | 125,681 |
Dreyfus Newton International Equity Fund, Cl. I | 8,238 a | 130,988 |
Dreyfus S&P Stars Opportunities Fund, Cl. I | 6,445 a,b | 122,450 |
Dreyfus Select Managers Small Cap Value Fund, Cl. I | 7,437 a,b | 126,502 |
Dreyfus Strategic Value Fund, Cl. I | 25,690 a | 638,923 |
Dreyfus Total Return Advantage Fund, Cl. I | 63,739 a | 854,100 |
Dreyfus U.S. Equity Fund, Cl. I | 28,141 a | 334,602 |
Dreyfus/The Boston Co. Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund | 10,666 a,b | 123,093 |
Emerging Markets Opportunity Fund, Cl. I | 3,936 a | 37,789 |
International Stock Fund, Cl. I | 9,034 a | 107,501 |
Total Investments (cost $6,052,395) | 98.8% | 6,070,703 |
Cash and Receivables (Net) | 1.2% | 70,705 |
Net Assets | 100.0% | 6,141,408 |
a | Investment in affiliated mutual fund. |
b | Non-income producing security. |
Portfolio Summary (Unaudited)† | |||
Value (%) | Value (%) | ||
Mutual Funds: Domestic | 71.8 | Mutual Funds: Foreign | 27.0 |
98.8 | |||
† Based on net assets. | |||
See notes to financial statements. |
The Fund 7
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
February 28, 2010 (Unaudited)
Cost | Value | |
Assets ($): | ||
Investments in affiliated issuers—See Statement of Investments | 6,052,395 | 6,070,703 |
Cash | 74,240 | |
Prepaid expenses | 24,322 | |
Due from The Dreyfus Corporation and affiliates—Note 3(b) | 3,339 | |
6,172,604 | ||
Liabilities ($): | ||
Accrued expenses | 31,196 | |
Net Assets ($) | 6,141,408 | |
Composition of Net Assets ($): | ||
Paid-in capital | 6,123,474 | |
Accumulated distributions in excess of investment income—net | (2,676) | |
Accumulated net realized gain (loss) on investments | 2,302 | |
Accumulated net unrealized appreciation | ||
(depreciation) on investments in affiliated issuers | 18,308 | |
Net Assets ($) | 6,141,408 | |
Shares Outstanding | ||
(100 million shares of $.001 par value Common Stock authorized) | 475,092 | |
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share ($) | 12.93 | |
See notes to financial statements. |
8
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
From October 1, 2009 (commencement of operations) to
February 28, 2010 (Unaudited)
Investment Income ($): | |
Income: | |
Cash dividends from affiliated issuers | 43,096 |
Expenses: | |
Legal fees | 13,412 |
Auditing fees | 12,500 |
Registration fees | 9,290 |
Shareholder servicing costs—Note 3(b) | 5,029 |
Prospectus and shareholders’ reports | 1,004 |
Directors’ fees and expenses—Note 3(c) | 544 |
Custodian fees—Note 3(b) | 408 |
Loan commitment fees—Note 2 | 2 |
Miscellaneous | 3,549 |
Total Expenses | 45,738 |
Less—expense reimbursement from The Dreyfus | |
Corporation due to undertaking—Note 3(a) | (36,442) |
Less—reduction in fees due to earnings credits—Note 1(b) | (65) |
Net Expenses | 9,231 |
Investment Income—Net | 33,865 |
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments—Note 4 ($): | |
Net realized gain (loss) on investments from affiliated issuers | (9,219) |
Capital gain distributions from affiliated issuers | 11,521 |
Net Realized Gain (Loss) | 2,302 |
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments from affiliated issuers | 18,308 |
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments | 20,610 |
Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations | 54,475 |
See notes to financial statements. |
The Fund 9
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
From October 1, 2009 (commencement of operations) to
February 28, 2010 (Unaudited)
Operations ($): | |
Investment income—net | 33,865 |
Net realized gain (loss) on investments from affiliated issuers | 2,302 |
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) | |
on investments from affiliated issuers | 18,308 |
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets | |
Resulting from Operations | 54,475 |
Dividends to Shareholders from ($): | |
Investment income—net | (36,541) |
Capital Stock Transactions ($): | |
Net proceeds from shares sold | 6,375,379 |
Dividends reinvested | 35,929 |
Cost of shares redeemed | (287,834) |
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets | |
from Capital Stock Transactions | 6,123,474 |
Total Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets | 6,141,408 |
Net Assets ($): | |
Beginning of Period | — |
End of Period | 6,141,408 |
Distributions in excess of investment income—net | (2,676) |
Capital Share Transactions (Shares): | |
Shares sold | 494,768 |
Shares issued for dividends reinvested | 2,783 |
Shares redeemed | (22,459) |
Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares Outstanding | 475,092 |
See notes to financial statements. |
10
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The following table describes the performance for the fiscal period from October 1, 2009 (commencement of operations) to February 28, 2010.Total return shows how much your investment in the fund would have increased (or decreased) during the period assuming you had reinvested all dividends and distributions.These figures have been derived from the fund’s financial statements.
Per Share Data ($): | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | 12.50 |
Investment Operations: | |
Investment income—neta | .13 |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments | .42 |
Total from Investment Operations | .55 |
Distributions: | |
Dividends from investment income—net | (.12) |
Net asset value, end of period | 12.93 |
Total Return (%)b | 4.43 |
Ratios/Supplemental Data (%): | |
Ratio of total expenses to average net assetsc,d | 3.12 |
Ratio of net expenses to average net assetsc,d | .63 |
Ratio of net investment income to average net assetsc,d | 2.31 |
Portfolio Turnover Rateb | 6.95 |
Net Assets, end of period ($ x 1,000) | 6,141 |
a | Based on average shares outstanding at each month end. |
b | Not annualized. |
c | Annualized. |
d | Amounts do not include the activity of the underlying funds. |
See notes to financial statements.
The Fund 11
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
NOTE 1—Significant Accounting Policies:
Dreyfus Moderate Allocation Fund (the “fund”) is a separate diversified series of Strategic Funds, Inc. (the “Company”) which is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Act”), as a open-end management investment company and operates as a series company currently offering nine series, including the fund, which commenced operations on October 1, 2009.The fund’s investment objective seeks a balance of current income and capital appreciation. 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, which are sold to the public without a sales charge.
As of February 28, 2010, MBC Investments Corp., an indirect subsidiary of BNY Mellon, held 40,384 shares of the fund.
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”) has become 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 ASC has superseded all existing non-SEC accounting and reporting standards. 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.
12
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: Investments are valued at the net asset value of each underlying fund determined as of the close of the New York Stock Exchange (generally 4 p.m., Eastern time) on the valuation date.
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 13
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.
The following is a summary of the inputs used as of February 28, 2010 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: | ||||
Mutual Funds | 6,070,703 | — | — | 6,070,703 |
In January 2010, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2010-06 “Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements”. ASU 2010-06 will require reporting entities to make new disclosures about amounts and reasons for significant transfers in and out of Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements as well as inputs and valuation techniques used to measure fair value for both recurring and nonrecurring fair value measurements that fall in either Level 2 or Level 3, and information on purchases, sales, issuances and settlements on a gross basis in the reconciliation of activity in Level 3 fair value measurements. The new and revised disclosures are required to be implemented for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2009 except for the disclosures surrounding purchases,sales,issuances and settlements on a gross basis in the reconciliation of Level 3 fair value measurements, which are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010. Management is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of ASU No. 2010-06 may have on the fund’s financial statement disclosures.
(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.
The fund has arrangements with the custodian and cash management bank whereby the fund may receive earnings credits when positive cash
14
balances are maintained, which are used to offset custody and cash management fees. For financial reporting purposes, the fund includes net earnings credits as an expense offset in the Statement of Operations.
(c) Affiliated issuers: Investments in other investment companies advised by the Manager are defined as “affiliated” in the Act.
(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 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 February 28, 2010, 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, the fund did not incur any interest or penalties.
NOTE 2—Bank Lines of Credit:
The fund participates with other Dreyfus-managed funds in a $225 million unsecured credit facility led by Citibank, N.A. and a $300 million unsecured credit facility provided by The Bank of New York Mellon, a subsidiary of BNY Mellon and an affiliate of Dreyfus, (each, a “Facility”), each to be utilized primarily for temporary or emergency purposes, including the financing of redemptions. In connection
The Fund 15
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
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 February 28, 2010, the fund did not borrow under the Facilities.
NOTE 3—Management Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates:
(a) Pursuant to a management agreement with the Manager, there is no management fee paid to the Manager. The fund invests in other mutual funds advised by the Manager. All fees and expenses of the underlying funds are reflected in the underlying funds’ net asset value.
The Manager has contractually agreed, until January 1, 2011, to assume the expenses of the fund so that the total annual fund and underlying funds operating expenses (excluding taxes, interest, brokerage commissions, commitment fees on borrowings and extraordinary expenses) do not exceed 1.45% of the value of the fund’s average daily net assets. The expense reimbursement, pursuant to the undertaking, amounted to $36,442 during the period ended February 28, 2010.
(b) Under the Shareholder Services Plan, the fund pays the Distributor at an annual rate of .25% of the value of the fund’s average daily net assets for the provision of certain service. The services provided may include personal services relating to shareholder accounts, such as answering shareholder inquiries regarding the fund’s shares and providing reports and other information, and services related to the maintenance of shareholder accounts.The Distributor may make payments to Service Agents (a securities dealer, financial institution or other industry professional) in respect of these services. The Distributor determines the amounts to be paid to Service Agents. During the period ended February 28, 2010, the fund was charged $3,663 pursuant to the Shareholder Services Plan.
The fund compensates DreyfusTransfer, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Manager, under a transfer agency agreement for providing per-
16
sonnel and facilities to perform transfer agency services for the fund. During the period ended February 28, 2010, the fund was charged $770 pursuant to the transfer agency agreement, which is included in Shareholder servicing costs in the Statement of Operations.
The fund compensates The Bank of New York Mellon under a cash management agreement for performing cash management services related to fund subscriptions and redemptions. During the period ended February 28, 2010, the fund was charged $65 pursuant to the cash management agreement, which is included in Shareholder servicing costs in the Statement of Operations. These fees were offset by earnings credits pursuant to the cash management agreement.
The fund also compensates The Bank of New York Mellon under a custody agreement for providing custodial services for the fund. During the period ended February 28, 2010, the fund was charged $408 pursuant to the custody agreement.
During the period ended February 28, 2010, the fund was charged $2,874 for services performed by the Chief Compliance Officer.
The components of “Due from The Dreyfus Corporation and affiliates” in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities consist of: shareholder services plan fees $1,081, custodian fees $329, chief compliance officer fees $2,874 and transfer agency per account fees $442, which are offset against an expense reimbursement currently in effect in the amount of $8,065.
(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 February 28, 2010, amounted to $6,337,862 and $276,248, respectively.
The Fund 17
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
The fund may invest in shares of certain affiliated investment companies also advised or managed by the adviser. Investments in affiliated investment companies for the period ended February 28, 2010 were as follows:
Affiliated Investment | Value | ||||
Company | 8/31/2009 ($) | Purchases ($) | Sales ($) | Dividends ($) | |
Dreyfus Alpha Growth | |||||
Fund, Cl. I | — | 661,152 | 23,722 | 3,093 | |
Dreyfus Appreciation Fund | — | 342,740 | 12,220 | 3,740 | |
Dreyfus Bond Market | |||||
Index Fund | — | 880,007 | 31,445 | 7,582 | |
Dreyfus Emerging Markets | |||||
Debt Local Currency Fund, Cl. I | — | 250,106 | 8,986 | 842 | |
Dreyfus Emerging | |||||
Markets Fund, Cl. I | — | 148,022 | 6,739 | 645 | |
Dreyfus Global Absolute | |||||
Return Fund, Cl. I | — | 334,014 | 12,041 | — | |
Dreyfus Global Real Estate | |||||
Securities Fund, Cl. I | — | 169,705 | 5,931 | 5,190 | |
Dreyfus High Yield | |||||
Fund, Cl. I | — | 255,577 | 8,986 | 6,313 | |
Dreyfus International | |||||
Bond Fund, Cl. I | — | 252,717 | 8,986 | 3.453 | |
Dreyfus International | |||||
Stock Index Fund | — | 142,486 | 5,055 | 2,379 | |
Dreyfus International | |||||
Value Fund, Cl. I | — | 169,583 | 6,065 | 1,329 | |
Dreyfus Midcap | |||||
Value Fund, Cl. I | — | 124,987 | 4,493 | 356 | |
Dreyfus Newton International | |||||
Equity Fund, Cl. I | — | 152,189 | 16,301 | 628 | |
Dreyfus S&P Stars | |||||
Opportunities Fund, Cl. I | — | 124,632 | 4,493 | — | |
Dreyfus Select Managers | |||||
Small Cap Value Fund, Cl. I | — | 124,778 | 4,493 | 146 | |
Dreyfus Strategic | |||||
Value Fund, Cl. I | — | 660,149 | 23,722 | 2,092 | |
Dreyfus Total Return | |||||
Advantage Fund, Cl. I | — | 887,386 | 31,450 | 14,932 | |
Dreyfus U.S. | |||||
Equity Fund, Cl. I | — | 339,738 | 12,221 | 738 | |
Dreyfus/The Boston Co. | |||||
Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund | — | 124,632 | 4,493 | — | |
Emerging Markets | |||||
Opportunity Fund, Cl. I | — | 80,468 | 40,362 | 534 | |
International Stock | |||||
Fund, Cl. I | — | 112,794 | 4,044 | 625 | |
Total | — | 6,337,862 | 276,248 | 54,617 |
18
Change in Net | |||||
Unrealized | % of | ||||
Affiliated Investment | Net Realized | Appreciation | Value | Net | |
Company | Gain (Loss) ($) | (Depreciation) ($) | 2/28/2010 ($) | Assets | |
Dreyfus Alpha Growth | |||||
Fund, Cl. I | (816) | 22,725 | 659,339 | 10.7 | |
Dreyfus Appreciation Fund | (570) | (245) | 329,705 | 5.4 | |
Dreyfus Bond Market | |||||
Index Fund | (238) | 3,001 | 851,325 | 13.9 | |
Dreyfus Emerging | |||||
Markets Debt Local | |||||
Currency Fund, Cl. I | (267) | 790 | 241,643 | 3.9 | |
Dreyfus Emerging | |||||
Markets Fund, Cl. I | (609) | (5,694) | 134,980 | 2.2 | |
Dreyfus Global Absolute | |||||
Return Fund, Cl. I | (282) | 928 | 322,619 | 5.2 | |
Dreyfus Global Real Estate | |||||
Securities Fund, Cl. I | (619) | (5,171) | 157,984 | 2.6 | |
Dreyfus High Yield Fund, Cl. I | (199) | (517) | 245,875 | 4.0 | |
Dreyfus International | |||||
Bond Fund, Cl. I | (324) | (3,977) | 239,430 | 3.9 | |
Dreyfus International | |||||
Stock Index Fund | (408) | (8,070) | 128,953 | 2.1 | |
Dreyfus International | |||||
Value Fund, Cl. I | (347) | (5,950) | 157,221 | 2.6 | |
Dreyfus Midcap | |||||
Value Fund, Cl. I | (273) | 5,460 | 125,681 | 2.0 | |
Dreyfus Newton International | |||||
Equity Fund, Cl. I | (381) | (4,519) | 130,988 | 2.1 | |
Dreyfus S&P Stars | |||||
Opportunities Fund, Cl. I | (198) | 2,509 | 122,450 | 2.0 | |
Dreyfus Select Managers | |||||
Small Cap Value Fund, Cl. I | (192) | 6,409 | 126,502 | 2.1 | |
Dreyfus Strategic | |||||
Value Fund, Cl. I | (1,387) | 3,883 | 638,923 | 10.4 | |
Dreyfus Total Return | |||||
Advantage Fund, Cl. I | (824) | (1,012) | 854,100 | 13.9 | |
Dreyfus U.S. | |||||
Equity Fund, Cl. I | (411) | 7,496 | 334,602 | 5.4 | |
Dreyfus/The Boston Co. | |||||
Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund | (199) | 3,153 | 123,093 | 2.0 | |
Emerging Markets | |||||
Opportunity Fund, Cl. I | (476) | (1,841) | 37,789 | 0.6 | |
International | |||||
Stock Fund, Cl. I | (199) | (1,050) | 107,501 | 1.8 | |
Total | (9,219) | 18,308 | 6,070,703 | 98.8 |
The Fund 19
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
The fund adopted the provisions of ASC Topic 815 “Derivatives and Hedging” which requires qualitative disclosures about objectives and strategies for using derivatives, quantitative disclosures about fair value amounts of gains and losses on derivative instruments and disclosures about credit-risk-related contingent features in derivative agreements. The fund held no derivatives during the period ended February 28, 2010.These disclosures did not impact the notes to the financial statements.
At February 28, 2010, accumulated net unrealized appreciation on investments was $18,308, consisting of $56,357 gross unrealized appreciation and $38,049 gross unrealized depreciation.
At February 28, 2010, 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).
NOTE 5—Subsequent Events Evaluation
Dreyfus has evaluated the need for disclosures and/or adjustments resulting from subsequent events through the date of issuance of the financial statements. This evaluation did not result in any subsequent events that necessitated disclosures and/or adjustments.
20
INFORMATION ABOUT THE REVIEW AND APPROVAL
OF THE FUND’S MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT (Unaudited)
At a meeting of the fund’s Board held on July 20, 2009, the Board unanimously approved the fund’s Management Agreement, pursuant to which Dreyfus will provide the fund with investment management services.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. In approving the Management Agreement, the Board members considered all factors that they believed to be relevant, including, among other things, the factors discussed below.
Analysis of Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided to the Fund. The Board members considered information previously provided to them in a presentation from representatives of Dreyfus regarding services provided to other funds in the Dreyfus fund complex, and representatives of Dreyfus confirmed that there had been no material changes in this information. The Board also discussed the nature, extent and quality of the services to be provided to the fund pursuant to the Management Agreement. The Board members also referenced information provided and discussions at previous meetings regarding the relationships Dreyfus has with various intermediaries and the different needs of each, the diversity of distribution among the funds in the Dreyfus fund complex, and Dreyfus’ corresponding need for broad, deep, and diverse resources to be able to provide ongoing shareholder services to the different distribution channels.
The Board members also considered Dreyfus’ research and portfolio management capabilities and Dreyfus’ oversight of day-to-day fund operations, including fund accounting and administration and assistance in meeting legal and regulatory requirements.The Board members also considered Dreyfus’ extensive administrative, accounting, and compliance infrastructure.
The Fund 21
INFORMATION ABOUT THE REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF THE
FUND’S MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT (Unaudited) (continued)
Comparative Analysis of the Fund’s Performance and Management Fee and Expense Ratio. As the fund had not yet commenced operations, the Board members were not able to review the fund’s perfor-mance.The Board discussed with representatives of Dreyfus the investment strategies to be employed in the management of the fund’s assets. The Board members noted the reputation and experience of Dreyfus and Dreyfus’ investment committee responsible for managing the fund’s assets.
The Board members noted that the fund will not pay Dreyfus a management fee, but that the fund will bear its proportionate share of the fees and expenses of the funds in which the fund will invest (the “Underlying Funds”). Representatives of Dreyfus informed the Board that Dreyfus will contractually agree, until at least January 1, 2011, to assume the expenses of the fund so that the direct expenses of the fund (including indirect fees and expenses of the Underlying Funds, but excluding fund taxes, interest, expenses, brokerage commissions, commitment fees on borrowings, and extraordinary expenses) do not exceed 1.20%.
Representatives of Dreyfus stated that there were no other funds or other accounts managed by Dreyfus with similar investment objectives, policies, and strategies as the fund.
Analysis of Profitability and Economies of Scale. Dreyfus would not have direct profits from the fund’s management fee, since the fund would pay no direct management fee. Similarly, potential economies of scale were not relevant.The Board members considered potential benefits to Dreyfus from acting as investment adviser.
22
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 approving the fund’s Management Agreement. Based on the discussions and considerations as described above, the Board made the following conclusions and determinations.
The Board concluded that the nature, extent and quality of the ser- vices to be provided by Dreyfus are adequate and appropriate.
The Board concluded that, since the fund had not commenced operations, it had no performance to measure and this performance was not a factor.
The Board noted that no management fee was payable to the fund under the Management Agreement
The Board members considered these conclusions and determinations, and, without any one factor being dispositive, the Board determined that approval of the fund’s Management Agreement was in the best interests of the fund and its prospective shareholders.
The Fund 23
NOTES
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. [CLOSED END FUNDS ONLY] | |
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.
Strategic Funds, Inc.;
By: | /s/ Bradley J. Skapyak |
Bradley J. Skapyak, | |
President | |
Date: | April 22, 2010 |
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: | April 22, 2010 |
By: | /s/ James Windels |
James Windels, | |
Treasurer | |
Date: | April 22, 2010 |
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)