UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM N-CSR
CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED MANAGEMENT
INVESTMENT COMPANIES
Investment Company Act file number | 811-04813 |
| |
| Dreyfus Investment Funds | |
| (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) | |
| | |
| John Pak, 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: | 9/30 | |
Date of reporting period: | 3/31/2015 | |
| | | | | | |
The following N-CSR relates only to the Registrant’s series listed below and does not affect the other series of the Registrant, which have a different fiscal year end and, therefore, different N-CSR reporting requirements. Separate N-CSR Forms will be filed for those series, as appropriate.
-Dreyfus Diversified Emerging Markets Fund
-Dreyfus/Newton International Equity Fund
-Dreyfus Tax Sensitive Total Return Bond Fund
-Dreyfus/The Boston Company Small Cap Growth Fund
-Dreyfus/The Boston Company Small Cap Value Fund
-Dreyfus/The Boston Company Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund
FORM N-CSR
Item 1. Reports to Stockholders.
|
Dreyfus |
Diversified Emerging |
Markets Fund |

Save time. Save paper. View your next shareholder report online as soon as it’s available. Log into www.dreyfus.com and sign up for Dreyfus eCommunications. It’s simple and only takes a few minutes.
The views expressed in this report reflect those of the portfolio manager only through the end of the period covered and do not necessarily represent the views of Dreyfus or any other person in the Dreyfus organization. Any such views are subject to change at any time based upon market or other conditions and Dreyfus disclaims any responsibility to update such views.These views may not be relied on as investment advice and, because investment decisions for a Dreyfus fund are based on numerous factors, may not be relied on as an indication of trading intent on behalf of any Dreyfus fund.
|
Not FDIC-Insured • Not Bank-Guaranteed • May Lose Value |
| Contents |
| THE FUND |
2 | A Letter from the President |
3 | Discussion of Fund Performance |
6 | Understanding Your Fund’s Expenses |
6 | Comparing Your Fund’s Expenses With Those of Other Funds |
7 | Statement of Investments |
17 | Statement of Assets and Liabilities |
18 | Statement of Operations |
19 | Statement of Changes in Net Assets |
21 | Financial Highlights |
25 | Notes to Financial Statements |
41 | Information About the Renewal of the Fund’s Investment Advisory, Administration and Sub-Investment Advisory Agreements |
| FOR MORE INFORMATION |
| Back Cover |
Dreyfus
Diversified Emerging
Markets Fund
The Fund
A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
Dear Shareholder:
This semiannual report for Dreyfus Diversified Emerging Markets Fund covers the six-month period from October 1, 2014, through March 31, 2015. For information about how the fund performed during the reporting period, as well as general market perspectives, we provide a Discussion of Fund Performance on the pages that follow.
International stock markets continued to encounter bouts of heightened volatility on their way to posting a slight gain, on average, for the reporting period overall. Investors remained concerned that persistent economic weakness and deflationary pressures in Europe, Japan, and China might undermine corporate profits for non-U.S. and multinational companies. However, investor sentiment was buoyed to a degree by increasingly accommodative monetary policies from major central banks. Indeed, aggressive monetary stimulus measures caused most local currencies to depreciate against the U.S. dollar, making foreign exports more attractive to U.S. consumers in a recovering domestic economy.
We remain optimistic regarding the long-term outlook for the global economy generally and for international equities in particular. Despite ongoing geopolitical head-winds, energy prices appear to have stabilized, and aggressively accommodative monetary policies from the world’s major central banks seem likely to address economic and deflation issues. Therefore, we currently expect the pace of global economic growth to improve gradually in the months ahead. As always, we urge you to discuss these observations with your financial advisor, who can help you assess their implications for your investment portfolio.
Thank you for your continued confidence and support.

J. Charles Cardona
President
The Dreyfus Corporation
April 15, 2015
2
DISCUSSION OF FUND PERFORMANCE
For the period of October 1, 2014, through March 31, 2015, as provided by Elizabeth Slover, Michelle Y. Chan, CFA, Gaurav Patankar, William S. Cazalet, CAIA, Ronald P. Gala, CFA, and Peter D. Goslin, CFA, Portfolio Managers
Fund and Market Performance Overview
For the six-month period ended March 31, 2015, Dreyfus Diversified Emerging Markets Fund’s Class A shares produced a total return of –2.29%, Class C shares returned –2.58%, Class I shares returned –1.89%, and ClassY shares returned –1.92%.1 In comparison, the fund’s benchmark, the Morgan Stanley Capital International Emerging Markets Index (the “MSCI EM Index”), produced a total return of –2.37% for the same period.2
Emerging-markets equities declined amid volatile trading in response to a variety of economic and geopolitical headwinds and a strengthening U.S. dollar. The fund’s Class A, Class I and ClassY shares produced modestly higher returns than its benchmark, largely due to favorable results in Mexico, China and the Philippines.
The Fund’s Investment Approach
The fund seeks long-term capital growth.To pursue its goal, the fund invests at least 80% of its assets in equity securities (or other instruments with similar economic characteristics) of companies located, organized or with a majority of assets or business in countries considered to be emerging markets, including other investment companies that invest in such securities.
The fund uses a “manager of managers” approach by selecting one or more experienced investment managers to serve as subadvisers to the fund.The fund also uses a “fund of funds” approach by investing in one or more underlying funds. The fund currently allocates its assets among emerging market equity strategies employed by The Boston Company Asset Management, LLC (the TBCAM Strategy) and Mellon Capital Management Corporation (the Mellon Capital Strategy), each an affiliate of Dreyfus, and one affiliated underlying fund, Dreyfus Global Emerging Markets Fund (the Newton Fund), which is sub-advised by Newton Capital Management Limited, an affiliate of Dreyfus.
Markets Undermined by Global Trends
Declining commodity prices and sluggish global economic growth put downward pressure on stock prices in many emerging markets during the reporting period. Russian equities were particularly hard hit by a sharp drop in petroleum prices and geopolitical tensions surrounding the conflict in Ukraine. In Brazil, investors’ hopes for a more business-friendly national government were dashed when elections
The Fund 3
DISCUSSION OF FUND PERFORMANCE (continued)
returned the incumbent to power. On the other hand, markets in some countries bucked the negative trend. Indian equities consolidated their gains after the election of pro-business government leadership. Chinese companies also posted relatively strong returns, as investor sentiment was bolstered by new economic stimulus measures from the country’s central bank.
Returns from emerging-markets equities for U.S. residents were further dampened by changing foreign currency exchange rates. The U.S. dollar gained value against most other currencies when global investors favored U.S. Treasury securities and other domestic investments over lower yielding European and Japanese sovereign bonds. Foreign exchange influences were particularly troublesome in Brazil, where economic and political concerns sent the local currency sharply lower.
Underlying Strategies Produced Mixed Results
The fund’s diversified approach proved effective over the reporting period, as above-average results from two of its underlying strategies balanced shortfalls from the third.
The TBCAM Strategy benefited from its country allocations, particularly a lack of exposure to the Malaysian stock market and overweighted positions in the Chinese and Filipino markets. Underweighted exposure to Mexico also aided relative results, as did strong security selections in Mexico, China, India, and Indonesia. Light holdings of Taiwanese semiconductor manufacturers and disappointments among Greek financial institutions weighed on the strategy’s results.
The Mellon Capital Strategy scored successful stock selections in the industrials and financials sectors, where the earnings quality and analyst revisions factors considered by its quantitative process worked particularly well. From a country perspective, the strategy fared well in China and Brazil. Laggards included the information technology and utilities sectors, as well as Russia and Thailand.
Dreyfus Global Emerging Markets Fund generally underperformed market averages over the reporting period, mainly due to overweighted exposure to India and underweighted positions in Chinese banks and insurance companies. By market sector, the fund’s greatest detractor was the information technology segment. In contrast, the fund achieved better relative results from individual holdings in South Africa, China, and Hong Kong.
Finding Opportunities despite Ongoing Headwinds
As of the reporting period’s end, we have seen few signs of sustained economic improvement in the emerging markets, and the U.S. dollar seems likely to stay strong if, as expected, interest rates remain low in Europe and Japan. However, we have continued to find opportunities among companies that may benefit from reduced borrowing costs, more competitive export prices, restructuring programs, and intensifying mergers-and-acquisitions activity.
4
Consequently, the fund has maintained overweighted exposure to China, where have identified a number of attractively valued companies with catalysts for future growth.We also have continued to find companies with strong underlying business fundamentals in India and the Philippines, but we recently trimmed exposure these countries after valuations increased. We generally have retained an under weighted position in Brazil, but we are watchful for value-oriented opportunities should local economic fundamentals improve.
April 15, 2015
|
Equity funds are subject generally to market, market sector, market liquidity, issuer, and investment style risks, among |
other factors, to varying degrees, all of which are more fully described in the fund’s prospectus. |
The fund’s performance will be influenced by political, social, and economic factors affecting investments in foreign |
companies.These special risks include exposure to currency fluctuations, less liquidity, less developed or less efficient trading |
markets, lack of comprehensive company information, political instability, and differing auditing and legal standards. |
Investments in foreign currencies are subject to the risk that those currencies will decline in value relative to the U.S. |
dollar, or, in the case of hedged positions, that the U.S. dollar will decline relative to the currency being hedged. |
Emerging markets tend to be more volatile than the markets of more mature economies, and generally have less diverse |
and less mature economic structures and less stable political systems than those of developed countries. |
The ability of the fund to achieve its investment goal depends, in part, on the ability of Dreyfus to allocate effectively |
the fund’s assets among investment strategies, subadvisers, and underlying funds.There can be no assurance that the |
actual allocations will be effective in achieving the fund’s investment goal or that an investment strategy, subadviser, or |
underlying fund will achieve its particular investment objective. |
Each subadviser makes investment decisions independently, and it is possible that the investment styles of the |
subadvisers may not complement one another.As a result, the fund’s exposure to a given stock, industry, sector, market |
capitalization, geographic area, or investment style could unintentionally be greater or smaller than it would have been |
if the fund had a single adviser or investment strategy. |
The risks of investing in other investment companies, including ETFs, typically reflect the risks associated with the |
types of instruments in which the investment companies and ETFs invest.When the fund or an underlying fund |
invests in another investment company or ETF, shareholders of the fund will bear indirectly their proportionate share |
of the expenses of the other investment company or ETF (including management fees) in addition to the expenses of |
the fund. ETFs are exchange-traded investment companies that are, in many cases, designed to provide investment |
results corresponding to an index.The value of the underlying securities can fluctuate in response to activities of |
individual companies or in response to general market and/or economic conditions. |
1 Total return includes reinvestment of dividends and any capital gains paid, and does not take into consideration the |
maximum initial sales charge in the case of Class A shares, or the applicable contingent deferred sales charge imposed on |
redemptions in the case of Class C shares. Had these charges been reflected, returns would have been lower. Past |
performance is no guarantee of future results. Share price and investment return fluctuate such that upon redemption, fund |
shares may be worth more or less than their original cost.The fund’s returns reflect the absorption of certain fund expenses |
by The Dreyfus Corporation pursuant to an agreement in effect through February 1, 2016, at which time it may be |
extended, terminated, or modified. Had these expenses not been absorbed, the fund’s returns would have been lower. |
The fund changed its investment strategy on January 31, 2014. Prior to that date, the fund invested in individual |
securities using a bottom-up investment approach which emphasized individual stock selection through the use of |
proprietary computer models and fundamental analysis.The fund did not use a “manager of managers” or “fund of |
funds” approach. Different investment strategies may lead to different performance results.The fund’s performance for |
periods prior to January 31, 2014, reflects the investment strategy in effect prior to that date. |
2 SOURCE: LIPPER INC. — Reflects reinvestment of net dividends and, where applicable, capital gain |
distributions.The Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) Emerging Markets Index is a free float-adjusted |
market capitalization weighted index that is designed to measure the equity performance in global emerging markets. |
The index consists of select designated MSCI emerging market national indices. MSCI Indices reflect investable |
opportunities for global investors by taking into account local market restrictions on share ownership by foreigners. |
Investors cannot invest directly in any index. |
The Fund 5
UNDERSTANDING YOUR FUND’S EXPENSES (Unaudited)
As a mutual fund investor, you pay ongoing expenses, such as management fees and other expenses. Using the information below, you can estimate how these expenses affect your investment and compare them with the expenses of other funds.You also may pay one-time transaction expenses, including sales charges (loads) and redemption fees, which are not shown in this section and would have resulted in higher total expenses. For more information, see your fund’s prospectus or talk to your financial adviser.
Review your fund’s expenses
The table below shows the expenses you would have paid on a $1,000 investment in Dreyfus Diversified Emerging Markets Fund from October 1, 2014 to March 31, 2015. It also shows how much a $1,000 investment would be worth at the close of the period, assuming actual returns and expenses.
Expenses and Value of a $1,000 Investment
assuming actual returns for the six months ended March 31, 2015
| | | | | | | | |
| | Class A | | Class C | | Class I | | Class Y |
Expenses paid per $1,000† | $ | 7.89 | $ | 10.53 | $ | 4.89 | $ | 4.64 |
Ending value (after expenses) | $ | 977.10 | $ | 974.20 | $ | 981.10 | $ | 980.80 |
COMPARING YOUR FUND’S EXPENSES
WITH THOSE OF OTHER FUNDS (Unaudited)
Using the SEC’s method to compare expenses
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has established guidelines to help investors assess fund expenses. Per these guidelines, the table below shows your fund’s expenses based on a $1,000 investment, assuming a hypothetical 5% annualized return. You can use this information to compare the ongoing expenses (but not transaction expenses or total cost) of investing in the fund with those of other funds. All mutual fund shareholder reports will provide this information to help you make this comparison. Please note that you cannot use this information to estimate your actual ending account balance and expenses paid during the period.
Expenses and Value of a $1,000 Investment
assuming a hypothetical 5% annualized return for the six months ended March 31, 2015
| | | | | | | | |
| | Class A | | Class C | | Class I | | Class Y |
Expenses paid per $1,000† | $ | 8.05 | $ | 10.75 | $ | 4.99 | $ | 4.73 |
Ending value (after expenses) | $ | 1,016.95 | $ | 1,014.26 | $ | 1,020.00 | $ | 1,020.24 |
|
† Expenses are equal to the fund’s annualized expense ratio of 1.60% for Class A, 2.14% for Class C, .99% for |
Class I and .94% for Class Y, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 182/365 (to |
reflect the one-half year period). |
6
|
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS |
March 31, 2015 (Unaudited) |
| | | |
Common Stocks—61.8% | Shares | | Value ($) |
Brazil—1.8% | | | |
Banco Bradesco | 7,800 | | 73,636 |
Banco do Brasil | 6,400 | | 45,941 |
BM&FBovespa | 127,000 | | 444,085 |
BR Malls Participacoes | 5,500 | | 29,193 |
Cia de Saneamento Basico do Estado de Sao Paulo | 42,200 | | 234,169 |
EcoRodovias Infraestrutura e Logistrica | 49,200 | | 138,587 |
Embraer, ADR | 19,960 | | 613,770 |
Gol Linhas Aereas Inteligentes, ADR | 49,214 | | 119,590 |
Grupo BTG Pactual | 37,100 | | 296,772 |
JBS | 155,100 | | 690,078 |
Kroton Educacional | 12,600 | | 40,624 |
M Dias Branco | 1,200 | | 32,377 |
Qualicorp | 46,100 | a | 329,332 |
Tim Participacoes | 113,100 | | 377,053 |
Ultrapar Participacoes | 4,700 | | 95,471 |
| | | 3,560,678 |
British Virgin Islands—.1% | | | |
Atlas Mara | 39,630 | a | 277,355 |
Chile—.2% | | | |
Cia Cervecerias Unidas | 5,697 | | 59,251 |
Enersis | 295,250 | | 96,451 |
ENTEL Chile | 31,768 | | 322,563 |
| | | 478,265 |
China—12.5% | | | |
Agricultural Bank of China, Cl. H | 1,018,000 | | 504,390 |
Anhui Conch Cement, Cl. H | 100,000 | | 378,768 |
ANTA Sports Products | 380,000 | | 694,929 |
Bank of China, Cl. H | 1,567,000 | | 905,808 |
Beijing Capital International Airport, Cl. H | 552,000 | | 537,114 |
China CITIC Bank, Cl. H | 785,000 | | 591,534 |
China Construction Bank, Cl. H | 3,756,000 | | 3,121,296 |
China Everbright Bank, Cl. H | 805,000 | | 443,542 |
China Merchants Bank, Cl. H | 330,500 | | 807,960 |
China Minsheng Banking, Cl. H | 322,800 | | 394,455 |
China National Building Material, Cl. H | 60,000 | | 59,771 |
The Fund 7
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
| | | |
Common Stocks (continued) | Shares | | Value ($) |
China (continued) | | | |
China Oilfield Services, Cl. H | 206,000 | | 342,454 |
China Petroleum & Chemical, Cl. H | 852,000 | | 679,612 |
China Shenhua Energy, Cl. H | 49,000 | | 125,245 |
China Vanke, Cl. H | 22,300 | a | 52,940 |
Chongqing Rural Commercial Bank, Cl. H | 145,000 | | 93,760 |
CNOOC | 711,000 | | 1,006,769 |
Country Garden Holdings | 60,000 | | 24,239 |
CSR, Cl. H | 690,000 | b | 912,957 |
Evergrande Real Estate Group | 82,000 | | 41,386 |
Great Wall Motor, Cl. H | 62,500 | | 439,390 |
Huaneng Power International, Cl. H | 468,000 | | 551,683 |
Industrial & Commercial Bank of China, Cl. H | 3,732,000 | | 2,754,886 |
Jiangsu Expressway, Cl. H | 166,000 | | 223,035 |
Jiangxi Copper, Cl. H | 366,000 | | 678,415 |
Lenovo Group | 620,000 | | 903,076 |
Longfor Properties | 15,000 | | 21,159 |
New China Life Insurance, Cl. H | 45,600 | | 253,463 |
PetroChina, Cl. H | 248,000 | | 275,472 |
Ping An Insurance Group Company of China, Cl. H | 6,500 | | 78,188 |
Shanghai Pharmaceuticals Holding, Cl. H | 177,200 | | 471,022 |
Sihuan Pharmaceutical Holdings Group | 690,000 | b | 392,738 |
Sino-Ocean Land Holdings | 46,500 | | 28,140 |
Sinopharm Group, Cl. H | 40,000 | | 162,918 |
Tencent Holdings | 211,000 | | 3,988,878 |
Vipshop Holdings, ADS | 15,200 | a | 447,488 |
Weichai Power, Cl. H | 104,000 | | 401,537 |
WuXi PharmaTech, ADR | 12,180 | a | 472,340 |
Zhejiang Expressway, Cl. H | 344,000 | | 455,016 |
Zhuzhou CSR Times Electric, Cl. H | 75,000 | | 491,377 |
| | | 25,209,150 |
Colombia—.0% | | | |
Cemex Latam Holdings | 2,600 | a | 13,500 |
Czech Republic—.2% | | | |
Komercni banka | 2,019 | | 436,147 |
8
| | | |
Common Stocks (continued) | Shares | | Value ($) |
Hong Kong—2.5% | | | |
China Mobile | 168,000 | | 2,189,874 |
China Overseas Land & Investment | 60,000 | | 194,080 |
China Resources Cement Holdings | 696,000 | | 392,811 |
China Resources Land | 34,000 | | 95,829 |
China Singyes Solar Technologies Holdings | 244,000 | a | 333,215 |
China Unicom Hong Kong | 300,000 | | 456,877 |
COSCO Pacific | 328,685 | | 431,128 |
Orient Overseas International | 76,000 | | 464,181 |
Shimao Property Holdings | 20,500 | | 43,133 |
Sino Biopharmaceutical | 476,000 | | 480,980 |
| | | 5,082,108 |
Hungary—.3% | | | |
OTP Bank | 26,310 | | 499,340 |
India—7.1% | | | |
Bank of Baroda | 182,857 | | 481,175 |
Bharat Petroleum | 39,100 | | 494,991 |
Bharti Infratel | 143,205 | | 865,805 |
Cairn India | 30,592 | | 104,664 |
Coal India | 67,150 | | 388,847 |
DCB Bank | 175,063 | a | 297,719 |
Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories | 10,610 | | 585,930 |
Grasim Industries | 9,730 | | 554,013 |
HCL Technologies | 70,724 | | 1,084,006 |
ICICI Bank | 11,000 | | 55,416 |
Idea Cellular | 180,700 | | 524,447 |
IDFC | 141,320 | | 363,503 |
Infosys | 13,000 | | 452,739 |
Ion Exchange (India) | 69,738 | | 285,520 |
IRB Infrastructure Developers | 135,877 | | 529,408 |
ITC | 94,140 | | 489,684 |
Jindal Steel & Power | 24,900 | | 62,157 |
JM Financial | 499,110 | | 361,983 |
LIC Housing Finance | 60,074 | | 419,850 |
Mahindra & Mahindra | 22,884 | | 433,979 |
The Fund 9
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
| | | |
Common Stocks (continued) | Shares | | Value ($) |
India (continued) | | | |
Max India | 60,830 | | 394,610 |
Oil & Natural Gas | 117,530 | | 575,093 |
Power Finance | 131,922 | | 566,487 |
Praj Industries | 306,640 | | 307,233 |
Rural Electrification | 62,826 | | 331,900 |
Sesa Sterlite | 109,500 | | 333,560 |
State Bank of India | 201,785 | | 858,408 |
Tata Consultancy Services | 1,500 | | 61,170 |
Tata Motors | 150,951 | | 1,301,319 |
Tata Steel | 13,154 | | 66,497 |
Unichem Laboratories | 85,240 | | 277,413 |
UPL | 66,410 | | 446,773 |
| | | 14,356,299 |
Indonesia—1.4% | | | |
Bank Mandiri | 351,200 | | 334,694 |
Bank Negara Indonesia | 2,839,400 | | 1,566,995 |
Bank Rakyat Indonesia | 802,000 | | 813,360 |
| | | 2,715,049 |
Malaysia—1.3% | | | |
British American Tobacco Malaysia | 9,800 | | 181,684 |
DiGi.Com | 418,700 | | 710,579 |
Hong Leong Financial Group | 22,300 | | 102,076 |
IJM | 195,700 | | 380,482 |
Telekom Malaysia | 330,400 | | 645,462 |
Tenaga Nasional | 134,000 | | 518,827 |
| | | 2,539,110 |
Mexico—2.6% | | | |
America Movil, Ser. L | 702,800 | | 719,226 |
Arca Continental | 131,400 | a | 808,032 |
Coca-Cola Femsa, Ser. L | 10,400 | | 82,854 |
Controladora Vuela Compania de Aviacion, ADR | 55,040 | a | 613,146 |
Fibra Uno Administracion | 25,100 | | 66,479 |
Gruma, Cl. B | 47,800 | | 608,221 |
Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacifico, Cl. B | 38,200 | | 251,010 |
Grupo Financiero Banorte, Ser. O | 83,900 | | 486,453 |
Grupo Financiero Inbursa, Ser. O | 180,500 | | 454,874 |
10
| | | |
Common Stocks (continued) | Shares | | Value ($) |
Mexico (continued) | | | |
Hoteles City Express | 208,200 | a | 316,664 |
OHL Mexico | 162,600 | a | 307,323 |
PLA Administradora Industrial | 187,500 | a | 379,831 |
Qualitas Controladora | 120,000 | a | 217,131 |
| | | 5,311,244 |
Philippines—1.1% | | | |
Ayala Land | 724,700 | | 623,414 |
Globe Telecom | 2,200 | | 98,879 |
Metropolitan Bank & Trust | 242,959 | | 530,000 |
SM Prime Holdings | 89,300 | | 39,878 |
Universal Robina | 196,310 | | 991,589 |
| | | 2,283,760 |
Poland—2.0% | | | |
Energa | 78,502 | | 515,220 |
KGHM Polska Miedz | 36,685 | | 1,160,542 |
Orange Polska | 163,609 | | 410,909 |
PGE | 119,102 | | 654,872 |
Polski Koncern Naftowy Orlen | 31,000 | | 484,595 |
Powszechna Kasa Oszczednosci Bank Polski | 40,690 | | 364,530 |
Powszechny Zaklad Ubezpieczen | 3,586 | | 462,704 |
| | | 4,053,372 |
Russia—2.5% | | | |
Gazprom, ADR | 110,116 | | 523,491 |
Lukoil, ADR | 23,486 | | 1,086,690 |
Magnit, GDR | 11,370 | | 579,953 |
MMC Norilsk Nickel, ADR | 46,291 | | 821,665 |
Rosneft, GDR | 53,872 | | 231,624 |
Rosneft, GDR | 82,420 | | 352,363 |
Sberbank of Russia, ADR | 63,717 | | 278,443 |
Sberbank of Russia, ADR | 106,510 | | 467,444 |
Severstal, GDR | 10,469 | | 117,560 |
Sistema, GDR | 12,207 | | 90,332 |
Tatneft, ADR | 14,825 | | 441,036 |
| | | 4,990,601 |
South Africa—3.3% | | | |
African Rainbow Minerals | 6,515 | | 53,051 |
The Fund 11
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
| | | |
Common Stocks (continued) | Shares | | Value ($) |
South Africa (continued) | | | |
Barclays Africa Group | 37,756 | | 574,898 |
Barloworld | 23,636 | | 180,856 |
FirstRand | 141,177 | | 648,969 |
Growthpoint Properties | 32,864 | | 77,564 |
Kumba Iron Ore | 3,836 | | 49,163 |
Liberty Holdings | 15,375 | | 212,796 |
Mediclinic International | 112,419 | | 1,130,784 |
MTN Group | 60,420 | | 1,018,259 |
Naspers, Cl. N | 2,500 | | 383,848 |
Redefine Properties | 39,233 | | 40,111 |
Resilient Property Income Fund | 4,300 | | 36,811 |
Sasol | 15,930 | | 539,167 |
Standard Bank Group | 30,100 | | 415,692 |
Steinhoff International Holdings | 86,734 | | 543,714 |
Telkom | 90,300 | a | 589,409 |
Tsogo Sun Holdings | 23,600 | | 53,704 |
| | | 6,548,796 |
South Korea—9.2% | | | |
AMOREPACIFIC Group | 570 | | 769,570 |
BGF Retail | 4,008 | | 408,127 |
BS Financial Group | 3,708 | | 50,699 |
CJ | 2,700 | | 428,388 |
Coway | 12,086 | | 994,465 |
DGB Financial Group | 11,620 | | 126,660 |
Dongbu Insurance | 8,174 | | 364,300 |
E-Mart | 1,833 | | 384,181 |
Halla Visteon Climate Control | 1,072 | | 37,006 |
Hankook Tire | 15,761 | | 642,971 |
Hanwha | 8,900 | | 290,835 |
Hanwha Life Insurance | 16,172 | | 107,442 |
Hyosung | 4,800 | | 374,153 |
Hyundai Steel | 10,034 | | 660,022 |
Hyundai Wia | 2,435 | | 309,898 |
Industrial Bank of Korea | 39,572 | | 475,356 |
KB Financial Group | 19,790 | | 698,851 |
Kia Motors | 11,653 | | 473,383 |
12
| | | |
Common Stocks (continued) | Shares | | Value ($) |
South Korea (continued) | | | |
Korea Electric Power | 12,867 | | 529,893 |
Korea Investment Holdings | 483 | | 27,266 |
KT | 12,537 | a | 327,625 |
LG Display | 33,810 | | 958,512 |
LG Electronics | 1,500 | | 79,602 |
Lotte Shopping | 1,887 | | 403,278 |
Mirae Asset Securities | 3,045 | | 143,405 |
Samsung Electronics | 4,764 | | 6,175,585 |
Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance | 620 | | 149,456 |
Shinhan Financial Group | 13,963 | | 526,117 |
SK Hynix | 24,506 | | 1,001,939 |
SK Telecom | 2,182 | | 537,124 |
| | | 18,456,109 |
Taiwan—5.8% | | | |
Advanced Semiconductor Engineering | 684,000 | | 927,779 |
AU Optronics | 335,000 | | 168,904 |
Catcher Technology | 59,000 | | 617,149 |
Cathay Financial Holding | 289,000 | | 460,643 |
Chailease Holding | 167,700 | | 417,401 |
China Development Financial Holding | 1,965,000 | | 680,627 |
CTBC Financial Holding | 233,000 | | 154,580 |
Foxconn Technology | 183,000 | | 490,671 |
Hon Hai Precision Industry | 397,360 | | 1,161,602 |
Mega Financial Holding | 894,000 | | 740,653 |
Pegatron | 477,000 | | 1,288,331 |
Pou Chen | 284,000 | | 397,019 |
Ruentex Industries | 111,000 | | 242,796 |
Siliconware Precision Industries | 257,000 | | 423,404 |
SinoPac Financial Holdings | 972,834 | | 405,171 |
Taishin Financial Holdings | 648,606 | | 275,095 |
Taiwan Cement | 427,000 | | 601,338 |
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing | 466,000 | | 2,161,923 |
Zhen Ding Technology Holding | 31,000 | | 100,841 |
| | | 11,715,927 |
Thailand—1.8% | | | |
Bangkok Bank | 112,700 | | 642,453 |
The Fund 13
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
| | | |
Common Stocks (continued) | Shares | | Value ($) |
Thailand (continued) | | | |
Jasmine Broadband Internet Infrastructure Fund, Cl. F | 1,006,700 | a | 281,530 |
PTT | 47,600 | | 472,880 |
PTT Exploration & Production, NVDR | 88,900 | | 298,344 |
PTT Global Chemical | 209,343 | | 335,695 |
PTT Global Chemical, NVDR | 348,400 | | 558,671 |
Siam Cement, NVDR | 6,500 | | 102,232 |
Thai Beverage | 639,000 | | 355,427 |
Thai Union Frozen Products, NVDR | 929,100 | | 573,556 |
| | | 3,620,788 |
Turkey—1.5% | | | |
Emlak Konut Gayrimenkul Yatirim Ortakligi | 374,216 | | 423,714 |
Eregli Demir ve Celik Fabrikalari | 364,223 | | 565,711 |
Tofas Turk Otomobil Fabrikasi | 39,300 | | 237,709 |
Tupras Turkiye Petrol Rafinerileri | 24,066 | | 570,382 |
Turk Hava Yollari | 96,900 | a | 319,604 |
Turkiye Halk Bankasi | 105,486 | | 519,939 |
Turkiye Is Bankasi, Cl. C | 205,636 | | 463,378 |
| | | 3,100,437 |
United Arab Emirates—.7% | | | |
Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank | 30,900 | | 54,256 |
Dubai Islamic Bank | 312,700 | | 527,248 |
Emaar Properties | 320,034 | | 571,598 |
First Gulf Bank | 43,800 | | 173,721 |
| | | 1,326,823 |
United Kingdom—.1% | | | |
Standard Chartered | 15,693 | | 254,096 |
United States—3.8% | | | |
Global X MSCI Colombia ETF | 39,190 | | 411,103 |
iShares Global Materials ETF | 8,470 | | 481,435 |
iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF | 33,600 | | 1,348,368 |
14
| | |
Common Stocks (continued) | Shares | Value ($) |
United States (continued) | | |
iShares MSCI Indonesia ETF | 44,402 | 1,232,156 |
iShares MSCI Philippines ETF | 15,018 | 624,749 |
Market Vectors Vietnam ETF | 31,649 | 534,235 |
Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF | 72,780 | 2,974,519 |
| | 7,606,565 |
Total Common Stocks | | |
(cost $121,176,671) | | 124,435,519 |
|
Preferred Stocks—2.7% | | |
Brazil—2.6% | | |
AES Tiete | 12,900 | 69,521 |
Banco Bradesco | 43,920 | 408,299 |
Banco do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Cl. B | 54,700 | 188,529 |
Cia Brasileira de Distribuicao | 29,800 | 894,032 |
Cia Energetica de Minas Gerais | 71,100 | 285,599 |
Cia Energetica de Sao Paulo, Cl. B | 44,400 | 329,152 |
Cia Paranaense de Energia, Cl. B | 21,400 | 225,630 |
Itau Unibanco Holding | 159,770 | 1,767,630 |
Metalurgica Gerdau | 47,100 | 159,531 |
Suzano Papel e Celulose, Cl. A | 123,800 | 573,703 |
Telefonica Brasil | 21,400 | 331,774 |
| | 5,233,400 |
Chile—.1% | | |
Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile, Cl. B | 6,713 | 122,006 |
Colombia—.0% | | |
Grupo Aval Acciones y Valores | 248,613 | 111,398 |
South Korea—.0% | | |
Samsung Electronics | 120 | 119,130 |
Total Preferred Stocks | | |
(cost $7,120,679) | | 5,585,934 |
The Fund 15
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
| | | |
Other Investment—34.3% | Shares | | Value ($) |
Registered Investment Company; | | | |
Dreyfus Global Emerging Markets Fund, Cl. Y | | | |
(cost $64,746,654) | 4,828,628 | c,d | 69,049,380 |
Total Investments (cost $193,044,004) | 98.8 | % | 199,070,833 |
Cash and Receivables (Net) | 1.2 | % | 2,338,343 |
Net Assets | 100.0 | % | 201,409,176 |
ADR—American Depository Receipts
ADS—American Depository Shares
ETF—Exchange-Traded Fund
GDR—Global Depository Receipts
NVDR—Non-Voting Depository Receipts
|
a Non-income producing security. |
b The valuation of these securities has been determined in good faith by management under the direction of the Board |
of Trustees.At March 31, 2015, the value of these securities amounted to $1,305,695 or .6% of net assets. |
c Investment in affiliated money market mutual fund. |
d The fund’s investment in the Dreyfus Global Emerging Markets Fund represents 34.3% of the fund’s total investments. |
The Dreyfus Global Emerging Markets Fund seeks to provide long-term capital appreciation. |
| | | |
Portfolio Summary (Unaudited)† | | |
|
| Value (%) | | Value (%) |
Mutual Fund: Foreign | 34.3 | Consumer Discretionary | 4.2 |
Financial | 18.9 | Consumer Staples | 3.9 |
Information Technology | 11.0 | Exchange-Traded Funds | 3.8 |
Telecommunications | 5.1 | Health Care | 2.1 |
Materials | 4.7 | Utilities | 2.0 |
Energy | 4.5 | | |
Industrial | 4.3 | | 98.8 |
|
† Based on net assets. | | | |
See notes to financial statements. | | | |
16
|
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES |
March 31, 2015 (Unaudited) |
| | | | | |
| | | Cost | Value | |
Assets ($): | | | | | |
Investments in securities—See Statement of Investments: | | | | |
Unaffiliated issuers | | | 128,297,350 | 130,021,453 | |
Affiliated issuers | | | 64,746,654 | 69,049,380 | |
Cash | | | | 2,283,765 | |
Cash denominated in foreign currencies | | | 793,567 | 776,960 | |
Receivable for investment securities sold | | | | 932,250 | |
Receivable for shares of Beneficial Interest subscribed | | | 272,011 | |
Dividends receivable | | | | 244,900 | |
Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign | | | | | |
currency exchange contracts—Note 4 | | | | 4,150 | |
Prepaid expenses | | | | 40,227 | |
| | | | 203,625,096 | |
Liabilities ($): | | | | | |
Due to The Dreyfus Corporation and affiliates—Note 3(c) | | | 171,507 | |
Payable for investment securities purchased | | | | 1,590,653 | |
Payable for shares of Beneficial Interest redeemed | | | 402,687 | |
Unrealized depreciation on forward foreign | | | | | |
currency exchange contracts—Note 4 | | | | 4,699 | |
Accrued expenses | | | | 46,374 | |
| | | | 2,215,920 | |
Net Assets ($) | | | | 201,409,176 | |
Composition of Net Assets ($): | | | | | |
Paid-in capital | | | | 198,441,475 | |
Accumulated distributions in excess of investment income—net | | (882,146 | ) |
Accumulated net realized gain (loss) on investments | | | (2,153,315 | ) |
Accumulated net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) | | | | |
on investments and foreign currency transactions | | | 6,003,162 | |
Net Assets ($) | | | | 201,409,176 | |
|
|
Net Asset Value Per Share | | | | | |
| Class A | Class C | Class I | Class Y | |
Net Assets ($) | 172,515 | 99,177 | 2,062,426 | 199,075,058 | |
Shares Outstanding | 8,408 | 5,031 | 101,183 | 9,754,365 | |
Net Asset Value Per Share ($) | 20.52 | 19.71 | 20.38 | 20.41 | |
See notes to financial statements. | | | | | |
The Fund 17
|
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS |
Six Months Ended March 31, 2015 (Unaudited) |
| | |
Investment Income ($): | | |
Income: | | |
Cash dividends (net of $73,322 foreign taxes withheld at source): | | |
Unaffiliated issuers | 792,397 | |
Affiliated issuers | 205,369 | |
Total Income | 997,766 | |
Expenses: | | |
Investment advisory fee—Note 3(a) | 656,225 | |
Custodian fees—Note 3(c) | 79,724 | |
Administration fees—Note 3(a) | 55,726 | |
Registration fees | 31,911 | |
Professional fees | 23,705 | |
Prospectus and shareholders’ reports | 12,570 | |
Trustees’ fees and expenses—Note 3(d) | 5,540 | |
Shareholder servicing costs—Note 3(c) | 1,640 | |
Loan commitment fees—Note 2 | 1,307 | |
Distribution fees—Note 3(b) | 266 | |
Miscellaneous | 28,885 | |
Total Expenses | 897,499 | |
Less—reduction in expenses due to undertaking—Note 3(a) | (9 | ) |
Less—reduction in fees due to earnings credits—Note 3(c) | (2 | ) |
Net Expenses | 897,488 | |
Investment Income—Net | 100,278 | |
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments—Note 4 ($): | | |
Net realized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency transactions: | | |
Unaffiliated issuers | (1,659,674 | ) |
Affiliated issuers | (246,286 | ) |
Net realized gain (loss) on forward foreign currency exchange contracts | (74,027 | ) |
Capital gain distributions from affiliated issuers | 526,094 | |
Net Realized Gain (Loss) | (1,453,893 | ) |
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments and | | |
foreign currency transactions: | | |
Unaffiliated issuers | (1,162,583 | ) |
Affiliated issuers | (1,374,059 | ) |
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on forward foreign | | |
currency exchange contracts | 3,183 | |
Net Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) | (2,533,459 | ) |
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments | (3,987,352 | ) |
Net (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations | (3,887,074 | ) |
|
See notes to financial statements. | | |
18
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
| | | | |
| Six Months Ended | | | |
| March 31, 2015 | | Year Ended | |
| (Unaudited) | | September 30, 2014a | |
Operations ($): | | | | |
Investment income—net | 100,278 | | 984,444 | |
Net realized gain (loss) on investments | (1,453,893 | ) | 1,584,567 | |
Net unrealized appreciation | | | | |
(depreciation) on investments | (2,533,459 | ) | 8,125,999 | |
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets | | | | |
Resulting from Operations | (3,887,074 | ) | 10,695,010 | |
Dividends to Shareholders from ($): | | | | |
Investment income—net: | | | | |
Class A | (1,232 | ) | (1,321 | ) |
Class I | (16,426 | ) | (38,708 | ) |
Class Y | (1,538,438 | ) | — | |
Net realized gain on investments: | | | | |
Class A | (1,947 | ) | — | |
Class C | (674 | ) | — | |
Class I | (18,838 | ) | — | |
Class Y | (1,764,369 | ) | — | |
Total Dividends | (3,341,924 | ) | (40,029 | ) |
Beneficial Interest Transactions ($): | | | | |
Net proceeds from shares sold: | | | | |
Class A | 91,062 | | 129,686 | |
Class C | 32,568 | | 84,928 | |
Class I | 2,312,933 | | 1,802,991 | |
Class Y | 49,848,072 | | 186,859,039 | |
Dividends reinvested: | | | | |
Class A | 3,179 | | 1,321 | |
Class C | 674 | | — | |
Class I | 27,489 | | 7,090 | |
Class Y | 1,232,674 | | — | |
Cost of shares redeemed: | | | | |
Class A | (122,213 | ) | (53,303 | ) |
Class C | (166 | ) | (95,379 | ) |
Class I | (954,641 | ) | (4,484,417 | ) |
Class Y | (32,737,545 | ) | (9,568,065 | ) |
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from | | | | |
Beneficial Interest Transactions | 19,734,086 | | 174,683,891 | |
Total Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets | 12,505,088 | | 185,338,872 | |
Net Assets ($): | | | | |
Beginning of Period | 188,904,088 | | 3,565,216 | |
End of Period | 201,409,176 | | 188,904,088 | |
Undistributed (distributions in excess of) | | | | |
investment income—net | (882,146 | ) | 573,672 | |
The Fund 19
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (continued)
| | | | |
| Six Months Ended | | | |
| March 31, 2015 | | Year Ended | |
| (Unaudited) | | September 30, 2014a | |
Capital Share Transactions: | | | | |
Class A | | | | |
Shares sold | 4,301 | | 5,929 | |
Shares issued for dividends reinvested | 157 | | 64 | |
Shares redeemed | (5,851 | ) | (2,515 | ) |
Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares Outstanding | (1,393 | ) | 3,478 | |
Class C | | | | |
Shares sold | 1,650 | | 4,201 | |
Shares issued for dividends reinvested | 35 | | — | |
Shares redeemed | (9 | ) | (4,703 | ) |
Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares Outstanding | 1,676 | | (502 | ) |
Class Ib | | | | |
Shares sold | 111,046 | | 90,912 | |
Shares issued for dividends reinvested | 1,371 | | 350 | |
Shares redeemed | (46,569 | ) | (220,231 | ) |
Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares Outstanding | 65,848 | | (128,969 | ) |
Class Yb | | | | |
Shares sold | 2,425,653 | | 9,318,728 | |
Shares issued for dividends reinvested | 61,388 | | — | |
Shares redeemed | (1,593,324 | ) | (458,080 | ) |
Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares Outstanding | 893,717 | | 8,860,648 | |
|
a Effective January 31, 2014, the fund commenced offering ClassY shares. |
b During the period ended September 30, 2014, 12,340 Class I shares representing $272,093 were exchanged for |
12,317 ClassY shares. |
See notes to financial statements.
20
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The following tables describe the performance for each share class for the fiscal periods indicated. All information (except portfolio turnover rate) reflects financial results for a single fund share.Total return shows how much your investment in the fund would have increased (or decreased) during each period, assuming you had reinvested all dividends and distributions.These figures have been derived from the fund's financial statements.
| | | | | | | | | | |
Six Months Ended | | | | | | | | | |
March 31, 2015 | | | | Year Ended September 30, | | |
Class A Shares | (Unaudited) | | 2014 | | 2013 | 2012 | | 2011 | | 2010 |
Per Share Data ($): | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, | | | | | | | | | | |
beginning of period | 21.34 | | 20.58 | | 19.78 | 21.86 | | 26.99 | | 22.70 |
Investment Operations: | | | | | | | | | | |
Investment income (loss)—neta | (.05 | ) | .05 | | .23 | .07 | | .09 | | .17 |
Net realized and unrealized | | | | | | | | | | |
gain (loss) on investments | (.44 | ) | .98 | | .57 | 2.15 | | (5.14 | ) | 4.12 |
Total from Investment Operations | (.49 | ) | 1.03 | | .80 | 2.22 | | (5.05 | ) | 4.29 |
Distributions: | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends from | | | | | | | | | | |
investment income—net | (.13 | ) | (.28 | ) | — | (.08 | ) | (.08 | ) | — |
Dividends from net realized | | | | | | | | | | |
gain on investments | (.20 | ) | — | | — | (4.22 | ) | — | | — |
Total Distributions | (.33 | ) | (.28 | ) | — | (4.30 | ) | (.08 | ) | — |
Proceeds from redemption feesb | — | | .01 | | — | — | | — | | — |
Net asset value, end of period | 20.52 | | 21.34 | | 20.58 | 19.78 | | 21.86 | | 26.99 |
Total Return (%)c | (2.29 | )d | 5.14 | | 3.99 | 12.48 | | (18.77 | ) | 18.85 |
Ratios/Supplemental Data (%): | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratio of total expenses | | | | | | | | | | |
to average net assets | 1.61 | e,f | 4.80 | e | 6.20 | 5.55 | | 3.66 | | 3.69 |
Ratio of net expenses | | | | | | | | | | |
to average net assets | 1.60 | e,f | 1.60 | e | 1.60 | 2.25 | | 2.25 | | 2.25 |
Ratio of net investment income | | | | | | | | | | |
(loss) to average net assets | (.51 | )e,f | .22 | e | 1.10 | .36 | | .30 | | .71 |
Portfolio Turnover Rate | 31.71 | d | 128.76 | | 67.74 | 70.79 | | 75.59 | | 102.30 |
Net Assets, end of period | | | | | | | | | | |
($ x 1,000) | 173 | | 209 | | 130 | 107 | | 158 | | 152 |
| |
a | Based on average shares outstanding. |
b | See Note 3(e). |
c | Exclusive of sales charge. |
d | Not annualized. |
e | Amount does not include the expenses of the underlying fund. |
f | Annualized. |
See notes to financial statements.
The Fund 21
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Six Months Ended | | | | | | | | | | |
March 31, 2015 | | | | Year Ended September 30, | | | |
Class C Shares | (Unaudited) | | 2014 | | 2013 | 2012 | | 2011 | | 2010 | |
Per Share Data ($): | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, | | | | | | | | | | | |
beginning of period | 20.44 | | 19.60 | | 18.98 | 21.23 | | 26.36 | | 22.62 | |
Investment Operations: | | | | | | | | | | | |
Investment income (loss)—neta | (.10 | ) | (.16 | ) | .04 | (.14 | ) | (.16 | ) | (.13 | ) |
Net realized and unrealized | | | | | | | | | | | |
gain (loss) on investments | (.43 | ) | .99 | | .58 | 2.14 | | (4.97 | ) | 4.17 | |
Total from Investment Operations | (.53 | ) | .83 | | .62 | 2.00 | | (5.13 | ) | 4.04 | |
Distributions: | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends from | | | | | | | | | | | |
investment income—net | — | | — | | — | (.03 | ) | — | | (.30 | ) |
Dividends from net realized | | | | | | | | | | | |
gain on investments | (.20 | ) | — | | — | (4.22 | ) | — | | — | |
Total Distributions | (.20 | ) | — | | — | (4.25 | ) | — | | (.30 | ) |
Proceeds from redemption feesb | — | | .01 | | — | — | | — | | — | |
Net asset value, end of period | 19.71 | | 20.44 | | 19.60 | 18.98 | | 21.23 | | 26.36 | |
Total Return (%)c | (2.58 | )d | 4.34 | | 3.21 | 11.63 | | (19.43 | ) | 17.95 | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data (%): | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratio of total expenses | | | | | | | | | | | |
to average net assets | 2.14 | e,f | 6.10 | e | 6.62 | 5.79 | | 3.92 | | 4.18 | |
Ratio of net expenses | | | | | | | | | | | |
to average net assets | 2.14 | e,f | 2.35 | e | 2.35 | 3.00 | | 3.00 | | 3.00 | |
Ratio of net investment income | | | | | | | | | | | |
(loss) to average net assets | (1.10 | )e,f | (.77 | )e | .22 | (.69 | ) | (.58 | ) | (.57 | ) |
Portfolio Turnover Rate | 31.71 | d | 128.76 | | 67.74 | 70.79 | | 75.59 | | 102.30 | |
Net Assets, end of period | | | | | | | | | | | |
($ x 1,000) | 99 | | 69 | | 76 | 91 | | 157 | | 258 | |
| |
a | Based on average shares outstanding. |
b | See Note 3(e). |
c | Exclusive of sales charge. |
d | Not annualized. |
e | Amount does not include the expenses of the underlying fund. |
f | Annualized. |
See notes to financial statements.
22
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Six Months Ended | | | | | | | | | | |
March 31, 2015 | | | | Year Ended September 30, | | | |
Class I Shares | (Unaudited) | | 2014 | | 2013 | 2012 | | 2011 | | 2010 | |
Per Share Data ($): | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, | | | | | | | | | | | |
beginning of period | 21.16 | | 20.45 | | 19.60 | 21.82 | | 26.79 | | 22.67 | |
Investment Operations: | | | | | | | | | | | |
Investment income (loss)—neta | .01 | | (.30 | ) | .26 | .24 | | .25 | | .18 | |
Net realized and unrealized | | | | | | | | | | | |
gain (loss) on investments | (.41 | ) | 1.34 | | .59 | 2.10 | | (5.11 | ) | 4.26 | |
Total from Investment Operations | (.40 | ) | 1.04 | | .85 | 2.34 | | (4.86 | ) | 4.44 | |
Distributions: | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends from | | | | | | | | | | | |
investment income—net | (.18 | ) | (.34 | ) | — | (.34 | ) | (.11 | ) | (.32 | ) |
Dividends from net realized | | | | | | | | | | | |
gain on investments | (.20 | ) | — | | — | (4.22 | ) | — | | — | |
Total Distributions | (.38 | ) | (.34 | ) | — | (4.56 | ) | (.11 | ) | (.32 | ) |
Proceeds from redemption feesb | — | | .01 | | — | — | | — | | — | |
Net asset value, end of period | 20.38 | | 21.16 | | 20.45 | 19.60 | | 21.82 | | 26.79 | |
Total Return (%) | (1.89 | )c | 5.32 | | 4.23 | 13.36 | | (18.27 | ) | 19.73 | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data (%): | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratio of total expenses | | | | | | | | | | | |
to average net assets | .99 | d,e | 3.57 | d | 5.39 | 4.66 | | 2.83 | | 3.07 | |
Ratio of net expenses | | | | | | | | | | | |
to average net assets | .99 | d,e | 1.35 | d | 1.35 | 1.50 | | 1.50 | | 1.50 | |
Ratio of net investment income | | | | | | | | | | | |
(loss) to average net assets | .11 | d,e | (.63 | )d | 1.27 | 1.19 | | .90 | | .75 | |
Portfolio Turnover Rate | 31.71 | c | 128.76 | | 67.74 | 70.79 | | 75.59 | | 102.30 | |
Net Assets, end of period | | | | | | | | | | | |
($ x 1,000) | 2,062 | | 748 | | 3,359 | 4,291 | | 8,090 | | 15,978 | |
| |
a | Based on average shares outstanding. |
b | See Note 3(e). |
c | Not annualized. |
d | Amount does not include the expenses of the underlying fund. |
e | Annualized. |
See notes to financial statements.
The Fund 23
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)
| | | |
| Six Months Ended | | |
| March 31, 2015 | | Year Ended |
Class Y Shares | (Unaudited) | | September 30, 2014a |
Per Share Data ($): | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | 21.20 | | 19.03 |
Investment Operations: | | | |
Investment income—netb | .01 | | .14 |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments | (.42 | ) | 2.02 |
Total from Investment Operations | (.41 | ) | 2.16 |
Distributions: | | | |
Dividends from investment income—net | (.18 | ) | — |
Dividends from net realized gain on investments | (.20 | ) | — |
Total Distributions | (.38 | ) | — |
Proceeds from redemption feesc | — | | .01 |
Net asset value, end of period | 20.41 | | 21.20 |
Total Return (%)d | (1.92 | ) | 11.40 |
Ratios/Supplemental Data (%): | | | |
Ratio of total expenses | | | |
to average net assetse,f | .94 | | 1.29 |
Ratio of net expenses | | | |
to average net assetse,f | .94 | | 1.29 |
Ratio of net investment income | | | |
to average net assetse,f | .11 | | 1.03 |
Portfolio Turnover Rate | 31.71 | d | 128.76 |
Net Assets, end of period ($ x 1,000) | 199,075 | | 187,879 |
|
a From the close of business on January 31, 2014 (commencement of initial offering) to September 30, 2014. |
b Based on average shares outstanding. |
c See Note 3(e). |
d Not annualized. |
e Amount does not include the expenses of the underlying fund. |
f Annualized. |
See notes to financial statements.
24
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
NOTE 1—Significant Accounting Policies:
Dreyfus Diversified Emerging Markets Fund (the “fund”) is a separate diversified series of Dreyfus Investment Funds (the “Trust”), which is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Act”), as an open-end management investment company and operates as a series company currently offering seven series, including the fund.The fund’s investment objective is to seek long-term growth of capital. The Dreyfus Corporation (the “Manager” or “Dreyfus”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (“BNY Mellon”), serves as the fund’s investment adviser. Mellon Capital Management Corporation (“Mellon Capital”) and The Boston Company Asset Management, LLC (“TBCAM”), each a wholly-owned subsidiary of BNY Mellon and an affiliate of Dreyfus, serve as the fund’s sub-investment advisers.
MBSC Securities Corporation (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dreyfus, is the distributor of the fund’s shares. The fund is authorized to issue an unlimited number of $.001 par value shares of Beneficial Interest in each of the following classes of shares: Class A, Class C, Class I and Class Y. Class A and Class C shares are sold primarily to retail investors through financial intermediaries and bear Distribution and/or Shareholder Services Plan fees. Class A shares generally are subject to a sales charge imposed at the time of purchase. Class C shares are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”) imposed on Class C shares redeemed within one year of purchase. Class I shares are sold primarily to bank trust departments and other financial service providers (including The Bank of NewYork Mellon, a subsidiary of BNY Mellon and an affiliate of Dreyfus, and its affiliates), acting on behalf of customers having a qualified trust or an investment account or relationship at such institution, and bear no Distribution or Shareholder Services Plan fees. Class Y shares are sold at net asset value per share generally to institutional investors and bear no Distribution or Shareholder Services Plan fees. Class I and Class Y shares are offered without a front-end sales charge or CDSC. Other
The Fund 25
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
differences between the classes include the services offered to and the expenses borne by each class, the allocation of certain transfer agency costs, and certain voting rights. Income, expenses (other than expenses attributable to a specific class), and realized and unrealized gains or losses on investments are allocated to each class of shares based on its relative net assets.
The Trust accounts separately for the assets, liabilities and operations of each series. Expenses directly attributable to each series are charged to that series’ operations; expenses which are applicable to all series are allocated among them on a pro rata basis.
The Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) is the exclusive reference of authoritative U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) recognized by the FASB to be applied by nongovernmental entities. Rules and interpretive releases of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) under authority of federal laws are also sources of authoritative GAAP for SEC registrants. The fund’s financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP, which may require the use of management estimates and assumptions. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
(a) Portfolio valuation: The fair value of a financial instrument is the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (i.e., the exit price). GAAP establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs of valuation techniques used to measure fair value. This hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements).
Additionally, GAAP provides guidance on determining whether the volume and activity in a market has decreased significantly and
26
whether such a decrease in activity results in transactions that are not orderly. GAAP requires enhanced disclosures around valuation inputs and techniques used during annual and interim periods.
Various inputs are used in determining the value of the fund’s investments relating to fair value measurements. These inputs are summarized in the three broad levels listed below:
Level 1—unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical investments.
Level 2—other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar investments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.).
Level 3—significant unobservable inputs (including the fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).
The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.
Changes in valuation techniques may result in transfers in or out of an assigned level within the disclosure hierarchy. Valuation techniques used to value the fund’s investments are as follows:
Investments in securities are valued at the last sales price on the securities exchange or national securities market on which such securities are primarily traded. Securities listed on the National Market System for which market quotations are available are valued at the official closing price or, if there is no official closing price that day, at the last sales price. For open short positions, asked prices are used for valuation purposes. Bid price is used when no asked price is available. Registered investment companies that are not traded on an exchange are valued at their net asset value.All of the preceding securities are generally categorized within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.
The Fund 27
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
Securities not listed on an exchange or the national securities market, or securities for which there were no transactions, are valued at the average of the most recent bid and asked prices. These securities are generally categorized within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
Fair valuing of securities may be determined with the assistance of a pricing service using calculations based on indices of domestic securities and other appropriate indicators, such as prices of relevant ADRs and financial futures. Utilizing these techniques may result in transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
When market quotations or official closing prices are not readily available, or are determined not to reflect accurately fair value, such as when the value of a security has been significantly affected by events after the close of the exchange or market on which the security is principally traded (for example, a foreign exchange or market), but before the fund calculates its net asset value, the fund may value these investments at fair value as determined in accordance with the procedures approved by the Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”). Certain factors may be considered when fair valuing investments such as: fundamental analytical data, the nature and duration of restrictions on disposition, an evaluation of the forces that influence the market in which the securities are purchased and sold, and public trading in similar securities of the issuer or comparable issuers.These securities are either categorized within Level 2 or 3 of the fair value hierarchy depending on the relevant inputs used.
For restricted securities where observable inputs are limited, assumptions about market activity and risk are used and are generally categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
Investments denominated in foreign currencies are translated to U.S. dollars at the prevailing rates of exchange.
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts (“forward contracts”) are valued at the forward rate and are generally categorized within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
28
The following is a summary of the inputs used as of March 31, 2015 in valuing the fund’s investments:
| | | | | | |
| | Level 2—Other | | Level 3— | | |
| Level 1— | Significant | | Significant | | |
| Unadjusted | Observable | | Unobservable | | |
| Quoted Prices | Inputs | | Inputs | Total | |
Assets ($) | | | | | | |
Investments in Securities: | | | | | |
Equity Securities— | | | | | | |
Foreign | | | | | | |
Common Stocks† | 5,857,175 | 110,971,779 | †† | — | 116,828,954 | |
Equity Securities— | | | | | | |
Foreign Preferred | | | | | | |
Stocks† | — | 5,585,934 | †† | — | 5,585,934 | |
Exchange-Traded | | | | | | |
Funds | 7,606,565 | — | | — | 7,606,565 | |
Mutual Funds | 69,049,380 | — | | — | 69,049,380 | |
Other Financial | | | | | | |
Instruments: | | | | | | |
Forward Foreign | | | | | | |
Currency Exchange | | | | | | |
Contracts††† | — | 4,150 | | — | 4,150 | |
Liabilities ($) | | | | | | |
Other Financial | | | | | | |
Instruments: | | | | | | |
Forward Foreign | | | | | | |
Currency Exchange | | | | | | |
Contracts††† | — | (4,699 | ) | — | (4,699 | ) |
| |
† | See Statement of Investments for additional detailed categorizations. |
†† | Securities classified within Level 2 at period end as the values were determined pursuant to the |
| fund’s fair valuation procedures. See note above for additional information. |
††† | Amount shown represents unrealized appreciation (depreciation) at period end. |
At September 30, 2014, no exchange traded foreign equity securities were classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
(b) Foreign currency transactions: The fund does not isolate that portion of the results of operations resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates on investments from the fluctuations arising from changes
The Fund 29
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
in the market prices of securities held. Such fluctuations are included with the net realized and unrealized gain or loss on investments.
Net realized foreign exchange gains or losses arise from sales of foreign currencies, currency gains or losses realized on securities transactions between trade and settlement date, and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the fund’s books and the U.S. dollar equivalent of the amounts actually received or paid. Net unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses arise from changes in the value of assets and liabilities other than investments resulting from changes in exchange rates. Foreign currency gains and losses on foreign currency transactions are also included with net realized and unrealized gain or loss on investments.
(c) Securities transactions and investment income: Securities transactions are recorded on a trade date basis. Realized gains and losses from securities transactions are recorded on the identified cost basis. Dividend income is recognized on the ex-dividend date and interest income, including, where applicable, accretion of discount and amortization of premium on investments, is recognized on the accrual basis.
(d) Affiliated issuers: Investments in other investment companies advised by Dreyfus are defined as “affiliated” under the Act. Investments in affiliated investment companies during the period ended March 31, 2015 were as follows:
| | | | | | |
Affiliated | | | | | | |
Investment | Value | | | | Net Realized | |
Company | 9/30/2014 | ($) | Purchases ($)† | Sales ($) | Gain (Loss) ($) | |
Dreyfus | | | | | | |
Global | | | | | | |
Emerging | | | | | | |
Markets | | | | | | |
Fund, Cl. Y | 64,803,821 | | 10,916,604 | 5,050,700 | (246,286 | ) |
| |
† | Includes reinvested dividends/distributions. |
30
| | | | | | |
| Change in Net | | | | | |
Affiliated | Unrealized | | | | | |
Investment | Appreciation | | Value | | Net | Dividends/ |
Company | (Depreciation) ($) | | 3/31/2015 | ($) | Assets (%) | Distributions ($) |
Dreyfus | | | | | | |
Global | | | | | | |
Emerging | | | | | | |
Markets | | | | | | |
Fund, Cl. Y | (1,374,059 | ) | 69,049,380 | | 34.3 | 731,463 |
(e) Risk: Investing in foreign markets may involve special risks and considerations not typically associated with investing in the U.S.These risks include revaluation of currencies, high rates of inflation, repatriation restrictions on income and capital, and adverse political and economic developments. Moreover, securities issued in these markets may be less liquid, subject to government ownership controls and delayed settlements, and their prices may be more volatile than those of comparable securities in the U.S.
(f) Dividends to shareholders: Dividends are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Dividends from investment income-net and dividends from net realized capital gains, if any, are normally declared and paid annually, but the fund may make distributions on a more frequent basis to comply with the distribution requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). To the extent that net realized capital gains can be offset by capital loss carryovers, it is the policy of the fund not to distribute such gains. Income and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with income tax regulations, which may differ from GAAP.
(g) Federal income taxes: It is the policy of the fund to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company, if such qualification is in the best interests of its shareholders, by complying with the applicable provisions of the Code, and to make distributions of taxable income sufficient to relieve it from substantially all federal income and excise taxes.
The Fund 31
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
As of and during the period ended March 31, 2015, the fund did not have any liabilities for any uncertain tax positions.The fund recognizes interest and penalties, if any, related to uncertain tax positions as income tax expense in the Statement of Operations. During the period ended March 31, 2015, the fund did not incur any interest or penalties.
Each tax year in the three-year period ended September 30, 2014 remains subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service and state taxing authorities.
The tax character of distributions paid to shareholders during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014 was as follows: ordinary income $40,029.The tax character of current year distributions will be determined at the end of the current fiscal year.
NOTE 2—Bank Lines of Credit:
The fund participates with other Dreyfus-managed funds in a $430 million unsecured credit facility led by Citibank, N.A. and a $300 million unsecured credit facility provided by The Bank of New York Mellon (each, a “Facility”), each to be utilized primarily for temporary or emergency purposes, including the financing of redemptions. Prior to October 8, 2014, the unsecured credit facility with Citibank, N.A. was $265 million. In connection therewith, the fund has agreed to pay its pro rata portion of commitment fees for each Facility. Interest is charged to the fund based on rates determined pursuant to the terms of the respective Facility at the time of borrowing. During the period ended March 31, 2015, the fund did not borrow under the Facilities.
NOTE 3—Investment Advisory Fee, Sub-Investment Advisory Fee, Administration Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates:
(a) Pursuant to an investment advisory agreement with Dreyfus, the fund has agreed to pay an investment advisory fee at the annual rate of 1.10% of the value of the fund’s average daily net assets other than assets allocated to investments in other investment companies (other underlying funds, which may consist of affiliated funds, mutual funds
32
and exchange traded funds) and is payable monthly. Dreyfus had contractually agreed, from October 1, 2014 through October 31, 2014 to waive receipt of its fees and/or assume the expenses of the fund so that the direct expenses of the fund (excluding Rule 12b-1 Distribution Plan fees, Shareholder Services Plan fees, taxes, interest expense, brokerage commissions, commitment fees on borrowings, acquired fund fees and expenses of the underlying fund and extraordinary expenses) did not exceed 1.35% of the fund’s average daily net assets. Dreyfus has also contractually agreed, from November 1, 2014 through February 1, 2016, to waive receipt of its fees and/or assume the direct expenses of the fund, so that the expenses of Class A, C, I and Y shares (excluding certain expenses as described above) do not exceed 1.35%, 1.35%, 1.35% and 1.30% of the value of the respective class’ average daily net assets. The reduction in expenses, pursuant to the undertaking, amounted to $9 during the period ended March 31, 2015.
Pursuant to separate sub-investment advisory agreements between Dreyfus, TBCAM and Mellon Capital, each serve as the fund’s sub-investment advisers responsible for the day to day management of a portion of the fund’s portfolio. Dreyfus pays each sub-investment adviser a monthly fee at an annual percentage of the value of the fund’s average daily net assets. Dreyfus has obtained an exemptive order from the SEC (the “Order”), upon which the fund may rely, to use a manager of managers approach that permits Dreyfus, subject to certain conditions and approval by the Board, to enter into and materially amend sub-investment advisory agreements with one or more sub-investment advisers who are either unaffiliated with Dreyfus or are wholly-owned subsidiaries (as defined under the Act) of Dreyfus’ ultimate parent company, BNY Mellon, without obtaining shareholder approval. The Order also allows the fund to disclose the sub-investment advisory fee paid by Dreyfus to any unaffiliated sub-investment adviser in the aggregate with other unaffiliated sub-investment advisers in documents filed with the SEC and provided to shareholders. In addition, pursuant to the Order, it is not necessary to disclose the sub-investment advisory
The Fund 33
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
fee payable by Dreyfus separately to a sub-investment adviser that is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BNY Mellon in documents filed with the SEC and provided to shareholders; such fees are to be aggregated with fees payable to Dreyfus. Dreyfus has ultimate responsibility (subject to oversight by the Board) to supervise any sub-investment adviser and recommend the hiring, termination, and replacement of any sub-investment adviser to the Board.
The fund has a Fund Accounting and Administrative Services Agreement (the “Administration Agreement”) with Dreyfus, whereby Dreyfus performs administrative, accounting and recordkeeping services for the fund.The fund has agreed to compensate Dreyfus for providing accounting services, administration, compliance monitoring, regulatory and shareholder reporting, as well as related facilities, equipment and clerical help.The fee is based on the fund’s average daily net assets and computed at the following annual rates: .10% of the first $500 million, .065% of the next $500 million and .02% in excess of $1 billion.
In addition, after applying any expense limitations or fee waivers that reduce the fees paid to Dreyfus for this service, Dreyfus has contractually agreed in writing to waive any remaining fees for this service to the extent that they exceed both Dreyfus’ costs in providing these services and a reasonable allocation of the costs incurred by Dreyfus and its affiliates related to the support and oversight of these services. The fund also reimburses Dreyfus for the out-of-pocket expenses incurred in performing this service for the fund. Pursuant to the Administration Agreement, the fund was charged $55,726 during the period ended March 31, 2015.
During the period ended March 31, 2015, the Distributor retained $161 from commissions earned on sales of the fund’s Class A shares.
(b) Under the Distribution Plan adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Act, Class C shares pay the Distributor for distributing its shares at an annual rate of .75% of the value of its average daily net assets. During the period ended March 31, 2015, Class C shares were charged $266 pursuant to the Distribution Plan.
34
(c) Under the Shareholder Services Plan, Class A and Class C shares pay the Distributor at the annual rate of .25% of the value of their average daily net assets for the provision of certain services. The services provided may include personal services relating to shareholder accounts, such as answering shareholder inquiries regarding the fund and providing reports and other information, and services related to the maintenance of shareholder accounts. The Distributor may make payments to Service Agents (securities dealers, financial institutions or other industry professionals) with respect to these services. The Distributor determines the amounts to be paid to Service Agents. During the period ended March 31, 2015, Class A and Class C shares were charged $236 and $89, respectively, pursuant to the Shareholder Services Plan.
Under its terms, the Distribution Plan and Shareholder Services Plan shall remain in effect from year to year, provided such continuance is approved annually by a vote of a majority of those Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Trust and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of or in any agreement related to the Distribution Plan or Shareholder Services Plan.
The fund has arrangements with the transfer agent and the custodian whereby the fund may receive earnings credits when positive cash balances are maintained, which are used to offset transfer agency and custody fees. For financial reporting purposes, the fund includes net earnings credits as an expense offset in the Statement of Operations.
The fund compensates Dreyfus Transfer, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dreyfus, under a transfer agency agreement for providing transfer agency and cash management services for the fund. The majority of transfer agency fees are comprised of amounts paid on a per account basis, while cash management fees are related to fund subscriptions and redemptions. During the period ended March 31, 2015, the fund was charged $939 for transfer agency services and $33 for cash management services. These fees are included in Shareholder servicing
The Fund 35
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
costs in the Statement of Operations. Cash management fees were partially offset by earnings credits of $2.
The fund compensates The Bank of New York Mellon under a custody agreement for providing custodial services for the fund. These fees are determined based on net assets, geographic region and transaction activity. During the period ended March 31, 2015, the fund was charged $79,724 pursuant to the custody agreement.
During the period ended March 31, 2015, the fund was charged $5,657 for services performed by the Chief Compliance Officer and his staff.
The components of “Due to The Dreyfus Corporation and affiliates” in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities consist of: investment advisory fees $114,037, Distribution Plan fees $50, Shareholder Services Plan fees $50, custodian fees $45,461, Chief Compliance Officer fees $2,867, administration fees $8,700 and transfer agency fees $342.
(d) Each Board member also serves as a Board member of other funds within the Dreyfus complex. Annual retainer fees and attendance fees are allocated to each fund based on net assets.
(e) A 2% redemption fee is charged and retained by the fund on certain shares redeemed within sixty days following the date of issuance subject to certain exceptions, including redemptions made through use of the fund’s exchange privilege. During the period ended March 31, 2015, redemption fees charged and retained by the fund amounted to $29,277.
NOTE 4—Securities Transactions:
The aggregate amount of purchases and sales of investment securities, excluding short-term securities and forward contracts, during the period ended March 31, 2015, amounted to $77,291,492 and $60,375,092, respectively.
36
Derivatives: A derivative is a financial instrument whose performance is derived from the performance of another asset. Each type of derivative instrument that was held by the fund during the period ended March 31, 2015 is discussed below.
Master Netting Arrangements: The fund enters into International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. Master Agreements or similar agreements (collectively, “Master Agreements”) with its over-the counter (“OTC”) derivative contract counterparties in order to, among other things, reduce its credit risk to counterparties. Master Agreements include provisions for general obligations, representations, collateral and events of default or termination. Under a Master Agreement, the fund may offset with the counterparty certain derivative financial instrument’s payables and/or receivables with collateral held and/or posted and create one single net payment in the event of default or termination.
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts: The fund enters into forward contracts in order to hedge its exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates on its foreign portfolio holdings, to settle foreign currency transactions or as a part of its investment strat-egy.When executing forward contracts, the fund is obligated to buy or sell a foreign currency at a specified rate on a certain date in the future. With respect to sales of forward contracts, the fund incurs a loss if the value of the contract increases between the date the forward contract is opened and the date the forward contract is closed.The fund realizes a gain if the value of the contract decreases between those dates.With respect to purchases of forward contracts, the fund incurs a loss if the value of the contract decreases between the date the forward contract is opened and the date the forward contract is closed.The fund realizes a gain if the value of the contract increases between those dates. Any realized or unrealized gains or losses which occurred during the period are reflected in the Statement of Operations. The fund is
The Fund 37
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
exposed to foreign currency risk as a result of changes in value of underlying financial instruments. The fund is also exposed to credit risk associated with counterparty nonperformance on these forward contracts, which is generally limited to the unrealized gain on each open contract. The risk is mitigated by Master Agreements between the fund and the counterparty and the posting of collateral, if any, by the counterparty to the fund to cover the fund’s exposure to the coun-terparty. The following summarizes open forward contracts at March 31, 2015:
| | | | | | |
| | Foreign | | | Unrealized | |
Forward Foreign Currency | | Currency | | | Appreciation | |
Exchange Contracts | | Amounts | Cost ($) | Value ($) | (Depreciation) ($) | |
Purchases: | | | | | | |
South African Rand, | | | | | | |
Expiring | | | | | | |
4/1/2015 a | | 1,798,050 | 152,649 | 148,244 | (4,405 | ) |
Taiwan Dollar, | | | | | | |
Expiring | | | | | | |
4/1/2015 b | | 14,376,262 | 459,746 | 459,452 | (294 | ) |
Turkish Lira, | | | | | | |
Expiring | | | | | | |
4/1/2015 c | | 385,213 | 147,794 | 148,224 | 430 | |
Sales: | | | Proceeds ($) | | | |
Indian Rupee, | | | | | | |
Expiring | | | | | | |
4/6/2015 c | | 58,341,358 | 935,970 | 932,250 | 3,720 | |
Gross Unrealized Appreciation | | | 4,150 | |
Gross Unrealized Depreciation | | | (4,699 | ) |
Counterparties:
| |
a | Bank of America |
b | HSBC |
c | Deutsche Bank |
The provisions of ASC Topic 210 “Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities” require disclosure on the offsetting of financial assets and liabilities.These disclosures are required for certain investments, including derivative financial instruments subject to Master Agreements which are eligible for offsetting in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities and
38
require the fund to disclose both gross and net information with respect to such investments. For financial reporting purposes, the fund does not offset derivative assets and derivative liabilities that are subject to Master Agreements in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.
At March 31, 2015, derivative assets and liabilities (by type) on a gross basis are as follows:
| | | |
Derivative Financial Instruments: | Assets ($) | Liabilities ($) | |
Forward contracts | 4,150 | (4,699 | ) |
Total gross amount of derivative | | | |
assets and liabilities in the | | | |
Statement of Assets and Liabilities | 4,150 | (4,699 | ) |
Derivatives not subject to | | | |
Master Agreements | — | — | |
Total gross amount of assets and | | | |
liabilities subject to Master Agreements | 4,150 | (4,699 | ) |
The following tables present derivative assets and liabilities net of amounts available for offsetting under Master Agreements and net of related collateral received or pledged, if any, as of March 31, 2015:
| | | | | | |
| | | Financial | | | |
| | | Instruments | | | |
| | | and | | | |
| | | Derivatives | | | |
| Gross Amount of | | Available | Collateral | Net Amount | |
Counterparty | Assets ($)1 | | for Offset ($) | Received ($) | of Assets ($) | |
Deutsche Bank | 4,150 | | — | — | 4,150 | |
|
|
| | | Financial | | | |
| | | Instruments | | | |
| | | and | | | |
| | | Derivatives | | | |
| Gross Amount of | | Available | Collateral | Net Amount | |
Counterparty | Liabilities ($)1 | | for Offset ($) | Pledged ($) | of Liabilities ($) | |
Bank of America | (4,405 | ) | — | — | (4,405 | ) |
HSBC | (294 | ) | — | — | (294 | ) |
Total | (4,699 | ) | — | — | (4,699 | ) |
| |
1 | Absent a default event or early termination, OTC derivative assets and liabilities are presented at |
| gross amounts and are not offset in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. |
The Fund 39
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
The following summarizes the average market value of derivatives outstanding during the period ended March 31, 2015:
| |
| Average Market Value ($) |
Forward contracts | 391,963 |
At March 31, 2015, accumulated net unrealized appreciation on investments was $6,026,829, consisting of $16,396,600 gross unrealized appreciation and $10,369,771 gross unrealized depreciation.
At March 31, 2015, 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).
40
|
INFORMATION ABOUT THE RENEWAL OF |
THE FUND’S INVESTMENT ADVISORY, |
ADMINISTRATION AND SUB-INVESTMENT |
ADVISORY AGREEMENTS (Unaudited) |
At a meeting of the fund’s Board of Trustees held on February 25-26, 2015, the Board considered the renewal of the fund’s Investment Advisory Agreement and Administration Agreement, pursuant to which Dreyfus provides the fund with investment advisory services and administrative services (together, the “Management Agreement”) and Dreyfus’ separate Sub-Investment Advisory Agreements (the “Sub-Investment Advisory Agreements” and, collectively with the Management Agreement, the “Agreements”) with each of The Boston Company Asset Management, LLC (“TBCAM”) and Mellon Capital Management Corporation (“Mellon Capital,” and, together with TBCAM, the “Sub-investment advisers”) pursuant to which each Sub-investment adviser serves as a sub-investment adviser and provides day-to-day management of a portion of the fund’s investments. The Board members, none of whom are “interested persons” (as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended) of the fund, were assisted in their review by independent legal counsel and met with counsel in executive session separate from representatives of Dreyfus and the Sub-investment advisers. In considering the renewal of the Agreements, the Board considered all factors that it believed to be relevant, including those discussed below.The Board did not identify any one factor as dispositive, and each Board member may have attributed different weights to the factors considered.
A representative of Dreyfus reminded the Board that, effective January 31, 2014 (the “Effective Date”), the fund uses a “manager of managers” approach by selecting one or more experienced investment managers to serve as sub-investment advisers to the fund. The fund also uses a “fund of funds” approach by investing in one or more underlying funds. The fund currently allocates its assets among emerging market equity strategies employed by TBCAM and Mellon Capital, each an affiliate of Dreyfus, and one affiliated underlying fund, Dreyfus Global Emerging Markets Fund (the “Newton Fund”), which is sub-advised by Newton Capital Management Limited, an affiliate of Dreyfus.
The Fund 41
|
INFORMATION ABOUT THE RENEWAL OF THE FUND’S INVESTMENT |
ADVISORY, ADMINISTRATION AND SUB-INVESTMENT |
ADVISORY AGREEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued) |
Analysis of Nature, Extent, and Quality of Services Provided to the Fund. The Board considered information provided to them at the meeting and in previous presentations from Dreyfus representatives regarding the nature, extent, and quality of the services provided to funds in the Dreyfus fund complex. Dreyfus provided the number of open accounts in the fund, the fund’s asset size and the allocation of fund assets among distribution channels. Dreyfus also had previously provided information regarding the diverse intermediary relationships and distribution channels of funds in the Dreyfus fund complex (such as retail direct or intermediary, in which intermediaries typically are paid by the fund and/or Dreyfus) and Dreyfus’ corresponding need for broad, deep, and diverse resources to be able to provide ongoing shareholder services to each intermediary or distribution channel, as applicable to the fund.
The Board also considered research support available to, and portfolio management capabilities of, the fund’s portfolio management personnel and that Dreyfus also provides oversight of day-to-day fund operations, including fund accounting and administration and assistance in meeting legal and regulatory requirements.The Board also considered Dreyfus’ extensive administrative, accounting, and compliance infrastructures, as well as Dreyfus’ supervisory activities over the Sub-investment advisers. The Board also considered portfolio management’s brokerage policies and practices (including policies and practices regarding soft dollars) and the standards applied in seeking best execution.
Comparative Analysis of the Fund’s Performance and Management Fee and Expense Ratio. The Board reviewed reports prepared by Lipper, Inc. (“Lipper”), an independent provider of investment company data, which included information comparing (1) the fund’s performance with the performance of a group of comparable funds (the “Performance Group”) and with a broader group of funds (the “Performance Universe”), all for various periods ended December 31, 2014, and (2) the fund’s actual and contractual management fees and total expenses with those of a group of comparable funds (the
42
“Expense Group”) and with a broader group of funds (the “Expense Universe”), the information for which was derived in part from fund financial statements available to Lipper as of the date of its analysis. Dreyfus previously had furnished the Board with a description of the methodology Lipper used to select the Performance Group and Performance Universe and the Expense Group and Expense Universe.
The Board was reminded that, prior to the Effective Date, the fund did not use a “manager of managers” or “fund of funds” approach and the fund’s investment strategies were different than the strategies currently in place.The board noted that different investment strategies may lead to different performance results and that the fund’s performance for periods prior to the Effective Date reflects the investment strategy in effect prior to that date.
Dreyfus representatives stated that the usefulness of performance comparisons may be affected by a number of factors, including different investment limitations that may be applicable to the fund and comparison funds. The Board discussed the results of the comparisons and noted that the fund’s total return performance was at or above the Performance Group and Performance Universe medians for the one-, two- and three-year periods but below the Performance Group and Performance Universe medians for the four- and five-year periods. Dreyfus also provided a comparison of the fund’s calendar year total returns to the returns of the fund’s benchmark index.
The Board also reviewed the range of actual and contractual management fees and total expenses of the Expense Group and Expense Universe funds and discussed the results of the comparisons. The Board noted that the fund’s contractual management fee was above the Expense Group median and that the fund did not pay a management fee during the period and, as such, the fund’s actual management fee was below the Expense Group and the Expense Universe medians. The Board also noted that the fund’s total expenses were at the Expense Group and Expense Universe medians. The Board was reminded that, as of the Effective Date, no investment advisory fee or
The Fund 43
|
INFORMATION ABOUT THE RENEWAL OF THE FUND’S INVESTMENT |
ADVISORY, ADMINISTRATION AND SUB-INVESTMENT |
ADVISORY AGREEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued) |
administration fee would be applied to the portion of the fund’s average daily net assets allocated to affiliated and unaffiliated open-end and closed-end funds, including the Newton Fund.
Dreyfus representatives noted that Dreyfus has contractually agreed to waive receipt of its fees and/or assume the direct expenses of the fund so that the expenses of Class A, Class C, Class I and Class Y shares (excluding Rule 12b-1 fees, shareholder services fees, acquired fund fees and expenses incurred by underlying funds, taxes, interest, brokerage commissions, commitment fees on borrowings and extraordinary expenses) do not exceed 1.35%, 1.35%, 1.35% and 1.30%, respectively. Dreyfus representatives also noted that, in connection with the Administration Agreement and its related fees, Dreyfus has contractually agreed to waive any fees to the extent that such fees exceed Dreyfus’ costs in providing the services contemplated under the Administration Agreement.
Dreyfus representatives reviewed with the Board the management or investment advisory fees (1) paid by funds advised or administered by Dreyfus that are in the same Lipper category as the fund and (2) paid to Dreyfus or the Sub-investment advisers or its affiliates for advising any separate accounts and/or other types of client portfolios that are considered to have similar investment strategies and policies as the fund (the “Similar Clients”), and explained the nature of the Similar Clients.They discussed differences in fees paid and the relationship of the fees paid in light of any differences in the services provided and other relevant factors. The Board considered the relevance of the fee information provided for the Similar Clients to evaluate the appropriateness and reasonableness of the fund’s management fee.
The Board considered the fee to the Sub-investment advisers in relation to the fee paid to Dreyfus by the fund and the respective services provided by the Sub-investment advisers and Dreyfus.The Board also noted each Sub-investment adviser’s fee is paid by Dreyfus (out of its fee from the fund) and not the fund.
44
Analysis of Profitability and Economies of Scale. Dreyfus representatives reviewed the expenses allocated and profit received by Dreyfus and its affiliates and the resulting profitability percentage for managing the fund (which was zero) and the aggregate profitability percentage to Dreyfus and its affiliates for managing the funds in the Dreyfus fund complex, and the method used to determine the expenses and profit. The Board also noted the expense limitation arrangement and the fee waiver in effect pursuant to the Administration Agreement and their effect on the profitability of Dreyfus and its affiliates. The Board also had been provided with information prepared by an independent consulting firm regarding Dreyfus’ approach to allocating costs to, and determining the profitability of, individual funds and the entire Dreyfus fund complex. The consulting firm also had analyzed where any economies of scale might emerge in connection with the management of a fund.
The Board considered on the advice of its counsel the profitability analysis (1) as part of its evaluation of whether the fees under the Agreements bear a reasonable relationship to the mix of services provided by Dreyfus and the Sub-investment advisers, including the nature, extent and quality of such services, and (2) in light of the relevant circumstances for the fund and the extent to which economies of scale would be realized if the fund grows and whether fee levels reflect these economies of scale for the benefit of fund shareholders. Since Dreyfus, and not the fund, pays the Sub-investment advisers pursuant to the Sub-Investment Advisory Agreements, the Board did not consider the Sub-investment advisers’ profitability to be relevant to its deliberations. Dreyfus representatives also noted that, as a result of shared and allocated costs among funds in the Dreyfus fund complex, the extent of economies of scale could depend substantially on the level of assets in the complex as a whole, so that increases and decreases in complex-wide assets can affect potential economies of scale in a manner that is disproportionate to, or even in the opposite direction
The Fund 45
|
INFORMATION ABOUT THE RENEWAL OF THE FUND’S INVESTMENT |
ADVISORY, ADMINISTRATION AND SUB-INVESTMENT |
ADVISORY AGREEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued) |
from, changes in the fund’s asset level. The Board also considered potential benefits to Dreyfus and the Sub-investment advisers from acting as investment adviser and sub-investment adviser, respectively, and noted the soft dollar arrangements in effect for trading the fund’s investments.
At the conclusion of these discussions, the Board agreed that it had been furnished with sufficient information to make an informed business decision with respect to the renewal of the Agreements. Based on the discussions and considerations as described above, the Board concluded and determined as follows.
The Board concluded that the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by Dreyfus and the Sub-investment advisers are adequate and appropriate.
The Board generally was satisfied with the fund’s performance.
The Board concluded that the fees paid to Dreyfus and the Sub- investment advisers were reasonable in light of the considerations described above.
The Board determined that the fee charged by Dreyfus under the Agreements was for services in addition to, and not duplicative of, services provided under the advisory contracts of the underlying funds in which the fund invests or may invest in the future.
The Board determined that the economies of scale which may accrue to Dreyfus and its affiliates in connection with the manage- ment of the fund had been adequately considered by Dreyfus in connection with the fee rate charged to the fund pursuant to the Agreements and that, to the extent in the future it were determined that material economies of scale had not been shared with the fund, the Board would seek to have those economies of scale shared with the fund.
46
In evaluating the Agreements, the Board considered these conclusions and determinations and also relied on its previous knowledge, gained through meetings and other interactions with Dreyfus and its affiliates and the Sub-investment advisers, of the fund and the services provided to the fund by Dreyfus and the Sub-investment advisers. The Board also relied on information received on a routine and regular basis throughout the year relating to the operations of the fund and the investment management and other services provided under the Agreements, including information on the investment performance of the fund in comparison to similar mutual funds and benchmark performance indices; general market outlook as applicable to the fund; and compliance reports. In addition, the Board’s consideration of the contractual fee arrangements for this fund had the benefit of a number of years of reviews of prior or similar agreements during which lengthy discussions took place between the Board and Dreyfus representatives. Certain aspects of the arrangements may receive greater scrutiny in some years than in others, and the Board’s conclusions may be based, in part, on their consideration of the same or similar arrangements in prior years.The Board determined to renew the Agreements.
The Fund 47
For More Information

|
Telephone Call your financial representative or 1-800-DREYFUS |
Mail The Dreyfus Family of Funds, 144 Glenn Curtiss Boulevard, Uniondale, NY 11556-0144 |
The fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The fund’s Forms N-Q are available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov and may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330.

|
Dreyfus/Newton |
International Equity Fund |
SEMIANNUAL REPORT March 31, 2015

Save time. Save paper. View your next shareholder report online as soon as it’s available. Log into www.dreyfus.com and sign up for Dreyfus eCommunications. It’s simple and only takes a few minutes.
The views expressed in this report reflect those of the portfolio manager only through the end of the period covered and do not necessarily represent the views of Dreyfus or any other person in the Dreyfus organization. Any such views are subject to change at any time based upon market or other conditions and Dreyfus disclaims any responsibility to update such views.These views may not be relied on as investment advice and, because investment decisions for a Dreyfus fund are based on numerous factors, may not be relied on as an indication of trading intent on behalf of any Dreyfus fund.
|
Not FDIC-Insured • Not Bank-Guaranteed • May Lose Value |
| Contents |
| THE FUND |
2 | A Letter from the President |
3 | Discussion of Fund Performance |
6 | Understanding Your Fund’s Expenses |
6 | Comparing Your Fund’s Expenses With Those of Other Funds |
7 | Statement of Investments |
11 | Statement of Assets and Liabilities |
12 | Statement of Operations |
13 | Statement of Changes in Net Assets |
15 | Financial Highlights |
19 | Notes to Financial Statements |
33 | Information About the Renewal of the Fund’s Investment Advisory, Administration and Sub-Investment Advisory Agreements |
| FOR MORE INFORMATION |
| Back Cover |
Dreyfus/Newton
International Equity Fund
The Fund
A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
Dear Shareholder:
This semiannual report for Dreyfus/Newton International Equity Fund covers the six-month period from October 1, 2014, through March 31, 2015. For information about how the fund performed during the reporting period, as well as general market perspectives, we provide a Discussion of Fund Performance on the pages that follow.
International stock markets continued to encounter bouts of heightened volatility on their way to posting a slight gain, on average, for the reporting period overall. Investors remained concerned that persistent economic weakness and deflationary pressures in Europe, Japan, and China might undermine corporate profits for non-U.S. and multinational companies. However, investor sentiment was buoyed to a degree by increasingly accommodative monetary policies from major central banks. Indeed, aggressive monetary stimulus measures caused most local currencies to depreciate against the U.S. dollar, making foreign exports more attractive to U.S. consumers in a recovering domestic economy.
We remain optimistic regarding the long-term outlook for the global economy generally and for international equities in particular. Despite ongoing geopolitical head-winds, energy prices appear to have stabilized, and aggressively accommodative monetary policies from the world’s major central banks seem likely to address economic and deflation issues. Therefore, we currently expect the pace of global economic growth to improve gradually in the months ahead.As always, we urge you to discuss these observations with your financial advisor, who can help you assess their implications for your investment portfolio.
Thank you for your continued confidence and support.

J. Charles Cardona
President
The Dreyfus Corporation
April 15, 2015
2
DISCUSSION OF FUND PERFORMANCE
For the period of October 1, 2014, through March 31, 2015, as provided by Paul Markham, Lead Portfolio Manager of Newton Capital Management Limited, Sub-Investment Adviser
Fund and Market Performance Overview
For the six-month period ended March 31, 2015, Dreyfus/Newton International Equity Fund’s Class A shares produced a total return of 2.67%, Class C shares returned 2.19%, Class I shares returned 2.76%, and Class Y shares returned 2.80%.1 In comparison, the fund’s benchmark, the Morgan Stanley Capital International Europe, Australasia, Far East Index (“MSCI EAFE Index”), produced a total return of 1.13% for the same period.2
Developed equity markets produced flat returns, on average, amid heightened market volatility. Successful sector allocation and security selection strategies in the energy, consumer discretionary and industrials sectors enabled the fund to outperform its benchmark.
The Fund’s Investment Approach
The fund normally invests at least 80% of its assets in common stocks, securities convertible into common stocks of foreign companies, and in depositary receipts evidencing ownership in such securities. The process of selecting investments begins with Newton’s core list of global investment themes.These themes are based on observable economic, industrial or social trends (typically global) that Newton believes will positively or negatively affect certain sectors or industries.The list of themes is discussed and updated on a regular basis. For instance, Newton’s Debt Burden theme asserts that excessive debt is weighing on economic activity, and that the way in which delever-aging occurs is critical to the outlook for economics and financial markets. Elsewhere, Newton’s Net Effects theme focuses upon the opportunities and risks inherent in the growth of information technology networks around the world.
Volatile Shifts Affected International Markets
Volatility returned to international equity markets during the final quarter of 2014 when plunging oil prices and other deflationary pressures sent stock prices sharply lower.These losses were recouped in early 2015 after several central banks “doubled
The Fund 3
DISCUSSION OF FUND PERFORMANCE (continued)
down” on already aggressively accommodative monetary policies by further reducing interest rates and implementing more quantitative easing. Investors also were encouraged by the realization that lower oil prices could boost earnings in certain industry groups.
The aggressively loose monetary policies of European and Japanese central banks sent yields of non-U.S. sovereign bonds lower, sparking a surge in global demand for U.S. Treasury securities. The resulting supply-and-demand imbalance caused the U.S. dollar to appreciate sharply against most foreign currencies, eroding international equity returns for U.S. investors.The fund successfully used currency forward contracts to hedge its yen exposure, enabling Japanese equities to produce relatively robust returns. In contrast, local returns from unhedged European equities were dampened by a weaker euro.
Security Selections Bolstered Relative Performance
The fund’s relative performance was buoyed by underweighted exposure to struggling energy producers, helping to cushion the impact of the sector’s pronounced weakness. Conversely, overweighted exposure to the consumer discretionary sector helped boost participation in a top performing market sector. Favorable stock selections included Japanese discount retailer Don Quijote Holdings, which reported strong same-store sales growth and market share gains. The industrials sector also aided relative results, as an underweighted position in the lagging sector was complemented by strong stock picks such as Japanese factory automation equipment manufacturer FANUC and German chemicals company Brenntag. In the consumer staples sector, Japanese drugstore chain Sugi Holdings performed well on the strength of rising sales and an expanding pharmacy business. In other areas, Dutch enterprise software developer Wolters Kluwer and Italian tire manufacturer Pirelli & C. contributed positively to relative performance.
On a more negative note, stock selections within the health care and telecommunications services sectors weighed to a degree on relative performance. Among telecommunications companies, Sweden’s TeliaSonera reported lower-than-expected revenues and earnings, and Japan’s SoftBank disappointed due to its stakes in other companies even as its core domestic business remained fundamentally strong. In the information technology sector, electronic components producer Tokyo Electron declined amid fears that an announced merger might be delayed, and Finland’s
4
Nokia issued conservative guidance for its networking business and reported increased spending in the technologies division. Elsewhere, U.K. electric utility Centrica struggled when its new chief executive pared back earnings guidance and cut the dividend.
A Cautious Investment Posture
We believe that ultra-loose monetary policies throughout the world have supported inflated asset values, and we are concerned that cheap credit could lead to future capacity and demand imbalances. We also are wary of the risks of an increasingly financialized global economy, in which financial services providers no longer serve the real economy but become primary drivers of economic activity.
Therefore, we have maintained a generally cautious investment posture, including reduced exposure to an energy sector struggling with long-term pricing pressures. We also have trimmed positions in the financials sector, where banks appear to lack pricing discipline and effective risk controls. Conversely, we have identified ample opportunities in the consumer discretionary and information technology sectors, leading us to establish new positions in both areas.
April 15, 2015
Please note, the position in any security highlighted with italicized typeface was sold during the reporting period. Equity funds are subject generally to market, market sector, market liquidity, issuer and investment style risks, among other factors, to varying degrees, all of which are more fully described in the fund’s prospectus.
Investing internationally involves special risks, including changes in currency exchange rates, political, economic and social instability, a lack of comprehensive company information, differing auditing and legal standards, and less market liquidity.
The use of derivatives involves risks different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in the underlying assets. Derivatives can be highly volatile, illiquid, and difficult to value and there is the risk that changes in the value of a derivative held by the fund will not correlate with the underlying instruments or the fund’s other investments.
|
1 Total return includes reinvestment of dividends and any capital gains paid, and does not take into consideration the |
maximum initial sales charge in the case of Class A shares, or the applicable contingent deferred sales charge imposed |
on redemptions in the case of Class C shares. Had these charges been reflected, returns would have been lower. Past |
performance is no guarantee of future results. Share price, yield, and investment return fluctuate such that upon |
redemption, fund shares may be worth more or less than their original cost. |
2 SOURCE: LIPPER INC. — Reflects reinvestment of net dividends and, where applicable, capital gain |
distributions.The Morgan Stanley Capital International Europe,Australasia, Far East (MSCI EAFE) Index is an |
unmanaged index composed of a sample of companies representative of the market structure of European and Pacific |
Basin countries.The Index does not take into account fees and expenses to which the fund is subject. Investors cannot |
invest directly in any index. |
The Fund 5
UNDERSTANDING YOUR FUND’S EXPENSES (Unaudited)
As a mutual fund investor, you pay ongoing expenses, such as management fees and other expenses. Using the information below, you can estimate how these expenses affect your investment and compare them with the expenses of other funds.You also may pay one-time transaction expenses, including sales charges (loads) and redemption fees, which are not shown in this section and would have resulted in higher total expenses. For more information, see your fund’s prospectus or talk to your financial adviser.
Review your fund’s expenses
The table below shows the expenses you would have paid on a $1,000 investment in Dreyfus/Newton International Equity Fund from October 1, 2014 to March 31, 2015. It also shows how much a $1,000 investment would be worth at the close of the period, assuming actual returns and expenses.
Expenses and Value of a $1,000 Investment
assuming actual returns for the six months ended March 31, 2015
| | | | | | | | |
| | Class A | | Class C | | Class I | | Class Y |
Expenses paid per $1,000† | $ | 5.71 | $ | 10.28 | $ | 4.55 | $ | 4.50 |
Ending value (after expenses) | $ | 1,026.70 | $ | 1,021.90 | $ | 1,027.60 | $ | 1,028.00 |
COMPARING YOUR FUND’S EXPENSES
WITH THOSE OF OTHER FUNDS (Unaudited)
Using the SEC’s method to compare expenses
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has established guidelines to help investors assess fund expenses. Per these guidelines, the table below shows your fund’s expenses based on a $1,000 investment, assuming a hypothetical 5% annualized return. You can use this information to compare the ongoing expenses (but not transaction expenses or total cost) of investing in the fund with those of other funds. All mutual fund shareholder reports will provide this information to help you make this comparison. Please note that you cannot use this information to estimate your actual ending account balance and expenses paid during the period.
Expenses and Value of a $1,000 Investment assuming a hypothetical 5% annualized return for the six months ended March 31, 2015
| | | | | | | | |
| | Class A | | Class C | | Class I | | Class Y |
Expenses paid per $1,000† | $ | 5.69 | $ | 10.25 | $ | 4.53 | $ | 4.48 |
Ending value (after expenses) | $ | 1,019.30 | $ | 1,014.76 | $ | 1,020.44 | $ | 1,020.49 |
|
† Expenses are equal to the fund’s annualized expense ratio of 1.13% for Class A, 2.04% for Class C, .90% for |
Class I and .89% for Class Y, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 182/365 (to |
reflect the one-half year period). |
6
|
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS |
March 31, 2015 (Unaudited) |
| | | |
Common Stocks—97.1% | Shares | | Value ($) |
Australia—.8% | | | |
Dexus Property Group | 1,207,257 | | 6,949,257 |
Belgium—1.8% | | | |
Anheuser-Busch InBev | 122,507 | | 14,985,672 |
Brazil—.1% | | | |
International Meal Company Holdings | 548,116 | | 1,133,482 |
Finland—1.5% | | | |
Nokia | 1,657,141 | | 12,658,779 |
France—4.7% | | | |
Air Liquide | 111,568 | | 14,350,931 |
Sanofi | 137,392 | | 13,519,461 |
Vivendi | 490,510 | a | 12,195,693 |
| | | 40,066,085 |
Germany—11.7% | | | |
Bayer | 97,686 | | 14,677,772 |
Brenntag | 237,330 | | 14,228,020 |
Commerzbank | 1,053,387 | a | 14,523,986 |
Continental | 35,319 | | 8,365,635 |
Infineon Technologies | 1,098,269 | | 13,150,142 |
LEG Immobilien | 243,453 | a | 19,354,988 |
SAP | 119,648 | | 8,688,280 |
Telefonica Deutschland Holding | 1,028,636 | a | 5,945,980 |
| | | 98,934,803 |
Hong Kong—6.0% | | | |
AIA Group | 2,524,112 | | 15,819,884 |
Belle International Holdings | 11,293,255 | | 13,171,539 |
Jardine Matheson Holdings | 158,400 | | 9,998,056 |
Man Wah Holdings | 12,113,000 | | 11,617,606 |
| | | 50,607,085 |
Ireland—1.8% | | | |
CRH | 600,125 | | 15,562,923 |
Israel—.9% | | | |
Bank Hapoalim | 1,488,672 | | 7,167,911 |
The Fund 7
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
| | |
Common Stocks (continued) | Shares | Value ($) |
Italy—1.9% | | |
Pirelli & C | 968,927 | 15,995,094 |
Japan—27.5% | | |
Don Quijote Holdings | 268,800 | 21,891,674 |
FANUC | 60,200 | 13,155,306 |
Japan Airlines | 455,886 | 14,209,537 |
Japan Tobacco | 676,400 | 21,371,475 |
LIXIL Group | 346,200 | 8,212,507 |
M3 | 310,200 | 6,591,667 |
NGK Spark Plug | 284,000 | 7,640,399 |
Nomura Holdings | 1,583,400 | 9,310,148 |
Recruit Holdings | 268,139 | 8,377,346 |
Sawai Pharmaceutical | 119,700 | 7,090,867 |
Skylark | 671,100 | 8,837,326 |
SoftBank | 440,700 | 25,617,678 |
Stanley Electric | 330,900 | 7,483,572 |
Sugi Holdings | 316,300 | 15,652,239 |
Suntory Beverage & Food | 192,600 | 8,244,286 |
Tokyo Electron | 168,800 | 11,769,736 |
TOPCON | 462,500 | 11,347,710 |
Toyota Motor | 366,300 | 25,564,648 |
| | 232,368,121 |
Macau—.8% | | |
Sands China | 1,692,800 | 6,992,790 |
Mexico—.6% | | |
Grupo Financiero Santander Mexico, Cl. B, ADR | 471,417 | 5,147,874 |
Netherlands—3.4% | | |
Reed Elsevier | 503,639 | 12,556,153 |
Wolters Kluwer | 495,979 | 16,210,028 |
| | 28,766,181 |
Norway—1.1% | | |
DNB | 564,726 | 9,089,633 |
8
| | | |
Common Stocks (continued) | Shares | | Value ($) |
Philippines—1.3% | | | |
Energy Development | 39,274,800 | | 7,454,075 |
LT Group | 8,834,000 | | 3,216,006 |
| | | 10,670,081 |
Portugal—.6% | | | |
Galp Energia | 478,125 | | 5,164,340 |
Russia—.5% | | | |
TBC Bank, GDR | 403,013 | | 4,634,649 |
Switzerland—12.2% | | | |
Actelion | 60,792 | a | 7,038,905 |
Credit Suisse Group | 576,215 | a | 15,512,705 |
Nestle | 301,180 | | 22,738,918 |
Novartis | 213,485 | | 21,111,352 |
Roche Holding | 60,895 | | 16,791,352 |
Zurich Insurance Group | 60,091 | a | 20,353,119 |
| | | 103,546,351 |
United Kingdom—17.9% | | | |
Associated British Foods | 202,790 | | 8,472,159 |
Barclays | 4,385,961 | | 15,737,582 |
British American Tobacco | 268,343 | | 13,863,919 |
Centrica | 3,037,323 | | 11,392,600 |
GlaxoSmithKline | 617,341 | | 14,137,001 |
Imagination Technologies Group | 873,705 | a | 2,731,947 |
Just Eat | 1,086,425 | | 7,024,695 |
Merlin Entertainments | 1,669,447 | b | 10,921,580 |
Next | 84,810 | | 8,836,384 |
Prudential | 1,106,213 | | 27,389,944 |
Vodafone Group | 5,655,290 | | 18,481,648 |
Wolseley | 211,096 | | 12,485,824 |
| | | 151,475,283 |
Total Common Stocks | | | |
(cost $692,024,438) | | | 821,916,394 |
The Fund 9
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
| | | |
Other Investment—2.9% | Shares | | Value ($) |
Registered Investment Company; | | | |
Dreyfus Institutional Preferred | | | |
Plus Money Market Fund | | | |
(cost $24,233,831) | 24,233,831 | c | 24,233,831 |
Total Investments (cost $716,258,269) | 100.0 | % | 846,150,225 |
Cash and Receivables (Net) | .0 | % | 45,877 |
Net Assets | 100.0 | % | 846,196,102 |
ADR —American Depository Receipts
GDR —Global Depository Receipts
|
a Non-income producing security. |
b Security exempt from registration pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933.This security maybe |
resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers.At March 31, 2015, this |
security was valued at $10,921,580 or 1.3% of net assets. |
c Investment in affiliated money market mutual fund. |
| | | |
Portfolio Summary (Unaudited)† | | |
|
| Value (%) | | Value (%) |
Consumer Discretionary | 21.8 | Information Technology | 5.8 |
Financial | 21.4 | Materials | 3.5 |
Health Care | 13.3 | Money Market Investment | 2.9 |
Consumer Staples | 12.8 | Utilities | 2.2 |
Industrial | 8.3 | Energy | .6 |
Telecommunication Services | 7.4 | | 100.0 |
|
† Based on net assets. | | | |
See notes to financial statements. | | | |
10
|
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES |
March 31, 2015 (Unaudited) |
| | | | | |
| | | Cost | Value | |
Assets ($): | | | | | |
Investments in securities—See Statement of Investments: | | | | |
Unaffiliated issuers | | | 692,024,438 | 821,916,394 | |
Affiliated issuers | | | 24,233,831 | 24,233,831 | |
Cash | | | | 1,858,491 | |
Cash denominated in foreign currencies | | | 63,631 | 63,587 | |
Dividends receivable | | | | 4,420,312 | |
Receivable for shares of Beneficial Interest subscribed | | | 562,313 | |
Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign | | | | |
currency exchange contracts—Note 4 | | | | 213,538 | |
Prepaid expenses | | | | 37,029 | |
| | | | 853,305,495 | |
Liabilities ($): | | | | | |
Due to The Dreyfus Corporation and affiliates—Note 3(c) | | | 660,746 | |
Payable for investment securities purchased | | | 4,799,729 | |
Payable for shares of Beneficial Interest redeemed | | | 1,250,134 | |
Unrealized depreciation on forward foreign | | | | |
currency exchange contracts—Note 4 | | | | 336,046 | |
Accrued expenses | | | | 62,738 | |
| | | | 7,109,393 | |
Net Assets ($) | | | | 846,196,102 | |
Composition of Net Assets ($): | | | | | |
Paid-in capital | | | | 735,627,858 | |
Accumulated distributions in excess of investment income—net | | (3,048,733 | ) |
Accumulated net realized gain (loss) on investments | | | (15,956,908 | ) |
Accumulated net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) | | | | |
on investments and foreign currency transactions | | | 129,573,885 | |
Net Assets ($) | | | | 846,196,102 | |
|
|
Net Asset Value Per Share | | | | | |
| Class A | Class C | Class I | Class Y | |
Net Assets ($) | 3,714,937 | 969,394 | 32,949,242 | 808,562,529 | |
Shares Outstanding | 184,267 | 49,050 | 1,649,692 | 40,668,374 | |
Net Asset Value Per Share ($) | 20.16 | 19.76 | 19.97 | 19.88 | |
See notes to financial statements. | | | | | |
The Fund 11
|
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS |
Six Months Ended March 31, 2015 (Unaudited) |
| | |
Investment Income ($): | | |
Income: | | |
Cash dividends (net of $483,757 foreign taxes withheld at source): | | |
Unaffiliated issuers | 7,485,652 | |
Affiliated issuers | 6,842 | |
Interest | 15,384 | |
Total Income | 7,507,878 | |
Expenses: | | |
Investment advisory fee—Note 3(a) | 3,149,460 | |
Custodian fees—Note 3(c) | 139,524 | |
Administration fee—Note 3(a) | 90,979 | |
Registration fees | 33,301 | |
Professional fees | 27,453 | |
Trustees’ fees and expenses—Note 3(d) | 23,370 | |
Shareholder servicing costs—Note 3(c) | 7,750 | |
Loan commitment fees—Note 2 | 5,458 | |
Distribution fees—Note 3(b) | 3,814 | |
Prospectus and shareholders’ reports | 3,231 | |
Interest expense—Note 2 | 2,268 | |
Miscellaneous | 24,403 | |
Total Expenses | 3,511,011 | |
Less—reduction in fees due to earnings credits—Note 3(c) | (2 | ) |
Net Expenses | 3,511,009 | |
Investment Income—Net | 3,996,869 | |
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments—Note 4 ($): | | |
Net realized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency transactions | (17,236,021 | ) |
Net realized gain (loss) on forward foreign currency exchange contracts | 7,956,937 | |
Net Realized Gain (Loss) | (9,279,084 | ) |
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on | | |
investments and foreign currency transactions | 31,070,984 | |
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on | | |
forward foreign currency exchange contracts | (4,083,097 | ) |
Net Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) | 26,987,887 | |
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments | 17,708,803 | |
Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations | 21,705,672 | |
|
See notes to financial statements. | | |
12
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
| | | | |
| Six Months Ended | | | |
| March 31, 2015 | | Year Ended | |
| (Unaudited) | | September 30, 2014 | |
Operations ($): | | | | |
Investment income—net | 3,996,869 | | 17,247,820 | |
Net realized gain (loss) on investments | (9,279,084 | ) | 23,673,501 | |
Net unrealized appreciation | | | | |
(depreciation) on investments | 26,987,887 | | (20,186,096 | ) |
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets | | | | |
Resulting from Operations | 21,705,672 | | 20,735,225 | |
Dividends to Shareholders from ($): | | | | |
Investment income—net: | | | | |
Class A | (45,244 | ) | (142,170 | ) |
Class C | (19,617 | ) | (13,199 | ) |
Class I | (826,604 | ) | (9,907,582 | ) |
Class Y | (24,124,094 | ) | (20 | ) |
Net realized gain on investments: | | | | |
Class A | (41,569 | ) | — | |
Class C | (18,505 | ) | — | |
Class I | (540,048 | ) | — | |
Class Y | (13,319,218 | ) | — | |
Total Dividends | (38,934,899 | ) | (10,062,971 | ) |
Beneficial Interest Transactions ($): | | | | |
Net proceeds from shares sold: | | | | |
Class A | 1,612,432 | | 1,547,595 | |
Class C | 103,698 | | 393,985 | |
Class I | 9,839,904 | | 262,132,680 | |
Class Y | 121,135,936 | | 806,497,402 | |
Dividends reinvested: | | | | |
Class A | 84,769 | | 141,362 | |
Class C | 38,122 | | 13,199 | |
Class I | 1,248,485 | | 4,475,491 | |
Class Y | 19,737,631 | | — | |
Cost of shares redeemed: | | | | |
Class A | (292,298 | ) | (8,997,862 | ) |
Class C | (402,805 | ) | (142,573 | ) |
Class I | (7,118,114 | ) | (802,856,212 | ) |
Class Y | (79,047,193 | ) | (23,042,278 | ) |
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from | | | | |
Beneficial Interest Transactions | 66,940,567 | | 240,162,789 | |
Total Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets | 49,711,340 | | 250,835,043 | |
Net Assets ($): | | | | |
Beginning of Period | 796,484,762 | | 545,649,719 | |
End of Period | 846,196,102 | | 796,484,762 | |
Undistributed (distributions in excess of) | | | | |
investment income—net | (3,048,733 | ) | 17,969,957 | |
The Fund 13
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (continued)
| | | | |
| Six Months Ended | | | |
| March 31, 2015 | | Year Ended | |
| (Unaudited) | | September 30, 2014 | |
Capital Share Transactions: | | | | |
Class A | | | | |
Shares sold | 80,775 | | 75,834 | |
Shares issued for dividends reinvested | 4,536 | | 7,216 | |
Shares redeemed | (14,876 | ) | (435,987 | ) |
Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares Outstanding | 70,435 | | (352,937 | ) |
Class C | | | | |
Shares sold | 5,240 | | 19,615 | |
Shares issued for dividends reinvested | 2,073 | | 680 | |
Shares redeemed | (20,736 | ) | (7,038 | ) |
Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares Outstanding | (13,423 | ) | 13,257 | |
Class Ia | | | | |
Shares sold | 500,972 | | 12,979,452 | |
Shares issued for dividends reinvested | 67,340 | | 229,512 | |
Shares redeemed | (365,819 | ) | (38,385,605 | ) |
Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares Outstanding | 202,493 | | (25,176,641 | ) |
Class Ya | | | | |
Shares sold | 6,233,352 | | 38,558,130 | |
Shares issued for dividends reinvested | 1,070,951 | | — | |
Shares redeemed | (4,089,541 | ) | (1,104,571 | ) |
Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares Outstanding | 3,214,762 | | 37,453,559 | |
|
a During the period ended September 30, 2014, 35,884,139 Class I shares representing $751,546,493 were |
exchanged for 35,901,286 ClassY shares. |
See notes to financial statements.
14
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The following tables describe the performance for each share class for the fiscal periods indicated. All information (except portfolio turnover rate) reflects financial results for a single fund share.Total return shows how much your investment in the fund would have increased (or decreased) during each period, assuming you had reinvested all dividends and distributions.These figures have been derived from the fund’s financial statements.
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Six Months Ended | | | | | | | | | | | |
March 31, 2015 | | | | Year Ended September 30, | | | |
Class A Shares | (Unaudited) | | 2014 | | 2013 | | 2012 | | 2011 | | 2010 | |
Per Share Data ($): | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, | | | | | | | | | | | | |
beginning of period | 20.41 | | 20.15 | | 16.96 | | 14.74 | | 16.80 | | 16.27 | |
Investment Operations: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Investment income—neta | .09 | | .47 | | .21 | | .18 | | .19 | | .21 | |
Net realized and unrealized | | | | | | | | | | | | |
gain (loss) on investments | .39 | | .10 | | 3.19 | | 2.52 | | (1.82 | ) | .44 | |
Total from Investment Operations | .48 | | .57 | | 3.40 | | 2.70 | | (1.63 | ) | .65 | |
Distributions: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends from | | | | | | | | | | | | |
investment income—net | (.38 | ) | (.31 | ) | (.21 | ) | (.23 | ) | (.17 | ) | (.12 | ) |
Dividends from net realized | | | | | | | | | | | | |
gain on investments | (.35 | ) | — | | — | | (.25 | ) | (.26 | ) | — | |
Total Distributions | (.73 | ) | (.31 | ) | (.21 | ) | (.48 | ) | (.43 | ) | (.12 | ) |
Net asset value, end of period | 20.16 | | 20.41 | | 20.15 | | 16.96 | | 14.74 | | 16.80 | |
Total Return (%)b | 2.67 | c | 2.88 | | 20.24 | | 18.92 | | (10.10 | ) | 3.99 | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data (%): | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratio of total expenses | | | | | | | | | | | | |
to average net assets | 1.13 | d | 1.30 | | 1.34 | | 1.32 | | 1.32 | | 1.32 | |
Ratio of net expenses | | | | | | | | | | | | |
to average net assets | 1.13 | d | 1.30 | | 1.34 | | 1.32 | | 1.32 | | 1.32 | |
Ratio of net investment income | | | | | | | | | | | | |
to average net assets | .92 | d | 2.22 | | 1.11 | | 1.14 | | 1.06 | | 1.29 | |
Portfolio Turnover Rate | 23.48 | c | 39.45 | | 55.27 | | 57.88 | | 63.28 | | 64.45 | |
Net Assets, end of period | | | | | | | | | | | | |
($ x 1,000) | 3,715 | | 2,324 | | 9,404 | | 7,300 | | 9,766 | | 18,901 | |
| |
a | Based on average shares outstanding. |
b | Exclusive of sales charge. |
c | Not annualized. |
d | Annualized. |
See notes to financial statements.
The Fund 15
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Six Months Ended | | | | | | | | | | | |
March 31, 2015 | | | | Year Ended September 30, | | | |
Class C Shares | (Unaudited) | | 2014 | | 2013 | | 2012 | | 2011 | | 2010 | |
Per Share Data ($): | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, | | | | | | | | | | | | |
beginning of period | 20.10 | | 19.90 | | 16.70 | | 14.54 | | 16.59 | | 16.17 | |
Investment Operations: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Investment income (loss)—neta | (.02 | ) | .29 | | .05 | | .07 | | .05 | | .08 | |
Net realized and unrealized | | | | | | | | | | | | |
gain (loss) on investments | .40 | | .14 | | 3.17 | | 2.47 | | (1.79 | ) | .45 | |
Total from Investment Operations | .38 | | .43 | | 3.22 | | 2.54 | | (1.74 | ) | .53 | |
Distributions: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends from | | | | | | | | | | | | |
investment income—net | (.37 | ) | (.23 | ) | (.02 | ) | (.13 | ) | (.05 | ) | (.11 | ) |
Dividends from net realized | | | | | | | | | | | | |
gain on investments | (.35 | ) | — | | — | | (.25 | ) | (.26 | ) | — | |
Total Distributions | (.72 | ) | (.23 | ) | (.02 | ) | (.38 | ) | (.31 | ) | (.11 | ) |
Net asset value, end of period | 19.76 | | 20.10 | | 19.90 | | 16.70 | | 14.54 | | 16.59 | |
Total Return (%)b | 2.19 | c | 2.18 | | 19.31 | | 17.92 | | (10.79 | ) | 3.20 | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data (%): | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratio of total expenses | | | | | | | | | | | | |
to average net assets | 2.04 | d | 2.04 | | 2.13 | | 2.16 | | 2.07 | | 2.11 | |
Ratio of net expenses | | | | | | | | | | | | |
to average net assets | 2.04 | d | 2.04 | | 2.13 | | 2.16 | | 2.07 | | 2.11 | |
Ratio of net investment income | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(loss) to average net assets | (.25 | )d | 1.43 | | .28 | | .42 | | .31 | | .52 | |
Portfolio Turnover Rate | 23.48 | c | 39.45 | | 55.27 | | 57.88 | | 63.28 | | 64.45 | |
Net Assets, end of period | | | | | | | | | | | | |
($ x 1,000) | 969 | | 1,256 | | 979 | | 722 | | 924 | | 1,345 | |
| |
a | Based on average shares outstanding. |
b | Exclusive of sales charge. |
c | Not annualized. |
d | Annualized. |
See notes to financial statements.
16
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Six Months Ended | | | | | | | | | | | |
March 31, 2015 | | | | Year Ended September 30, | | | |
Class I Shares | (Unaudited) | | 2014 | | 2013 | | 2012 | | 2011 | | 2010 | |
Per Share Data ($): | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, | | | | | | | | | | | | |
beginning of period | 20.37 | | 20.10 | | 16.92 | | 14.77 | | 16.84 | | 16.27 | |
Investment Operations: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Investment income—neta | .10 | | .61 | | .26 | | .24 | | .26 | | .25 | |
Net realized and unrealized | | | | | | | | | | | | |
gain (loss) on investments | .39 | | .03 | | 3.18 | | 2.49 | | (1.86 | ) | .45 | |
Total from Investment Operations | .49 | | .64 | | 3.44 | | 2.73 | | (1.60 | ) | .70 | |
Distributions: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends from | | | | | | | | | | | | |
investment income—net | (.54 | ) | (.37 | ) | (.26 | ) | (.33 | ) | (.21 | ) | (.13 | ) |
Dividends from net realized | | | | | | | | | | | | |
gain on investments | (.35 | ) | — | | — | | (.25 | ) | (.26 | ) | — | |
Total Distributions | (.89 | ) | (.37 | ) | (.26 | ) | (.58 | ) | (.47 | ) | (.13 | ) |
Net asset value, end of period | 19.97 | | 20.37 | | 20.10 | | 16.92 | | 14.77 | | 16.84 | |
Total Return (%) | 2.76 | b | 3.25 | | 20.62 | | 19.27 | | (9.90 | ) | 4.31 | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data (%): | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratio of total expenses | | | | | | | | | | | | |
to average net assets | .90 | c | .96 | | 1.01 | | 1.04 | | 1.05 | | 1.07 | |
Ratio of net expenses | | | | | | | | | | | | |
to average net assets | .90 | c | .96 | | 1.01 | | 1.04 | | 1.05 | | 1.07 | |
Ratio of net investment income | | | | | | | | | | | | |
to average net assets | .99 | c | 2.95 | | 1.42 | | 1.54 | | 1.48 | | 1.57 | |
Portfolio Turnover Rate | 23.48 | b | 39.45 | | 55.27 | | 57.88 | | 63.28 | | 64.45 | |
Net Assets, end of period | | | | | | | | | | | | |
($ x 1,000) | 32,949 | | 29,479 | | 535,265 | | 430,297 | | 484,349 | | 500,811 | |
| |
a | Based on average shares outstanding. |
b | Not annualized. |
c | Annualized. |
See notes to financial statements.
The Fund 17
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)
| | | | | | |
| Six Months Ended | | | | | |
| March 31, 2015 | | Year Ended September 30, | |
Class Y Shares | (Unaudited) | | 2014 | | 2013 | a |
Per Share Data ($): | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | 20.38 | | 20.11 | | 18.74 | |
Investment Operations: | | | | | | |
Investment income—netb | .10 | | .22 | | .06 | |
Net realized and unrealized | | | | | | |
gain (loss) on investments | .39 | | .43 | | 1.31 | |
Total from Investment Operations | .49 | | .65 | | 1.37 | |
Distributions: | | | | | | |
Dividends from investment income—net | (.64 | ) | (.38 | ) | — | |
Dividends from net realized gain on investments | (.35 | ) | — | | | |
Total Distributions | (.99 | ) | (.38 | ) | — | |
Net asset value, end of period | 19.88 | | 20.38 | | 20.11 | |
Total Return (%) | 2.80 | c | 3.33 | | 6.29 | c |
Ratios/Supplemental Data (%): | | | | | | |
Ratio of total expenses | | | | | | |
to average net assets | .89 | d | .91 | | .94 | d |
Ratio of net expenses | | | | | | |
to average net assets | .89 | d | .91 | | .94 | d |
Ratio of net investment income | | | | | | |
to average net assets | 1.02 | d | 1.10 | | 1.19 | d |
Portfolio Turnover Rate | 23.48 | c | 39.45 | | 55.27 | |
Net Assets, end of period ($ x 1,000) | 808,563 | | 763,426 | | 1 | |
| |
a | From July 1, 2013 (commencement of initial offering) to September 30, 2013. |
b | Based on average shares outstanding. |
c | Not annualized. |
d | Annualized. |
See notes to financial statements.
18
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
NOTE 1—Significant Accounting Policies:
Dreyfus/Newton International Equity Fund (the “fund”) is a separate diversified series of Dreyfus Investment Funds (the “Trust”), which is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Act”), as an open-end management investment company and operates as a series company currently offering seven series, including the fund.The fund’s investment objective is to seek long-term growth of capital. The Dreyfus Corporation (the “Manager” or “Dreyfus”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (“BNY Mellon”), serves as the fund’s investment adviser. Newton Capital Management Limited (“Newton”), serves as the fund’s sub-investment adviser.
MBSC Securities Corporation (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dreyfus, is the distributor of the fund’s shares. The fund is authorized to issue an unlimited number of $.001 par value shares of Beneficial Interest in each of the following classes of shares: Class A, Class C, Class I and Class Y. Class A and Class C shares are sold primarily to retail investors through financial intermediaries and bear Distribution and/or Shareholder Services Plan fees. Class A shares generally are subject to a sales charge imposed at the time of purchase. Class C shares are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”) imposed on Class C shares redeemed within one year of purchase. Class I shares are sold primarily to bank trust departments and other financial service providers (including The Bank of NewYork Mellon, a subsidiary of BNY Mellon and an affiliate of Dreyfus, and its affiliates), acting on behalf of customers having a qualified trust or an investment account or relationship at such institution, and bear no Distribution or Shareholder Services Plan fees. Class Y shares are sold at net asset value per share generally to institutional investors, and bear no Distribution or Shareholder Services Plan fees. Class I and Class Y shares are offered without a front-end sales charge or CDSC. Other differences between the classes include the services offered to and the
The Fund 19
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
expenses borne by each class, the allocation of certain transfer agency costs, and certain voting rights. Income, expenses (other than expenses attributable to a specific class), and realized and unrealized gains or losses on investments are allocated to each class of shares based on its relative net assets.
The Trust accounts separately for the assets, liabilities and operations of each series. Expenses directly attributable to each series are charged to that series’ operations; expenses which are applicable to all series are allocated among them on a pro rata basis.
The Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) is the exclusive reference of authoritative U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) recognized by the FASB to be applied by nongovernmental entities. Rules and interpretive releases of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) under authority of federal laws are also sources of authoritative GAAP for SEC registrants.The fund’s financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP, which may require the use of management estimates and assumptions. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
(a) Portfolio valuation: The fair value of a financial instrument is the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (i.e., the exit price). GAAP establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs of valuation techniques used to measure fair value. This hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements).
Additionally, GAAP provides guidance on determining whether the volume and activity in a market has decreased significantly and
20
whether such a decrease in activity results in transactions that are not orderly. GAAP requires enhanced disclosures around valuation inputs and techniques used during annual and interim periods.
Various inputs are used in determining the value of the fund’s investments relating to fair value measurements. These inputs are summarized in the three broad levels listed below: Level 1—unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical investments.
Level 2—other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar investments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.).
Level 3—significant unobservable inputs (including the fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).
The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.
Changes in valuation techniques may result in transfers in or out of an assigned level within the disclosure hierarchy. Valuation techniques used to value the fund’s investments are as follows:
Investments in securities are valued at the last sales price on the securities exchange or national securities market on which such securities are primarily traded. Securities listed on the National Market System for which market quotations are available are valued at the official closing price or, if there is no official closing price that day, at the last sales price. For open short positions, asked prices are used for valuation purposes. Bid price is used when no asked price is available. Registered investment companies that are not traded on an exchange are valued at their net asset value.All of the preceding securities are generally categorized within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.
The Fund 21
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
Securities not listed on an exchange or the national securities market, or securities for which there were no transactions, are valued at the average of the most recent bid and asked prices. These securities are generally categorized within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
Fair valuing of securities may be determined with the assistance of a pricing service using calculations based on indices of domestic securities and other appropriate indicators, such as prices of relevant ADRs and financial futures. Utilizing these techniques may result in transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
When market quotations or official closing prices are not readily available, or are determined not to reflect accurately fair value, such as when the value of a security has been significantly affected by events after the close of the exchange or market on which the security is principally traded (for example, a foreign exchange or market), but before the fund calculates its net asset value, the fund may value these investments at fair value as determined in accordance with the procedures approved by the Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”). Certain factors may be considered when fair valuing investments such as: fundamental analytical data, the nature and duration of restrictions on disposition, an evaluation of the forces that influence the market in which the securities are purchased and sold, and public trading in similar securities of the issuer or comparable issuers.These securities are either categorized within Level 2 or 3 of the fair value hierarchy depending on the relevant inputs used.
For restricted securities where observable inputs are limited, assumptions about market activity and risk are used and are generally categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
Investments denominated in foreign currencies are translated to U.S. dollars at the prevailing rates of exchange.
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts (“forward contracts”) are valued at the forward rate and are generally categorized within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
22
The following is a summary of the inputs used as of March 31, 2015 in valuing the fund’s investments:
| | | | | | |
| | Level 2—Other | | Level 3— | | |
| Level 1— | Significant | | Significant | | |
| Unadjusted | Observable | | Unobservable | | |
| Quoted Prices | Inputs | | Inputs | Total | |
Assets ($) | | | | | | |
Investments in Securities: | | | | | |
Equity Securities— | | | | | | |
Foreign | | | | | | |
Common Stocks† | 9,782,523 | 812,133,871 | †† | — | 821,916,394 | |
Mutual Funds | 24,233,831 | — | | — | 24,233,831 | |
Other Financial | | | | | | |
Instruments: | | | | | | |
Forward Foreign | | | | | | |
Currency Exchange | | | | | | |
Contracts††† | — | 213,538 | | — | 213,538 | |
Liabilities ($) | | | | | | |
Other Financial | | | | | | |
Instruments: | | | | | | |
Forward Foreign | | | | | | |
Currency Exchange | | | | | | |
Contracts††† | — | (336,046 | ) | — | (336,046 | ) |
| |
† | See Statement of Investments for additional detailed categorizations. |
†† | Securities classified within Level 2 at period end as the values were determined pursuant to the |
| fund’s fair valuation procedures. See note above for additional information. |
††† Amount shown represents unrealized appreciation (depreciation) at period end. |
At September 30, 2014, $5,632,642 of exchange traded foreign equity securities were classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy pursuant to the fund’s fair valuation procedures.
(b) Foreign currency transactions: The fund does not isolate that portion of the results of operations resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates on investments from the fluctuations arising from changes in the market prices of securities held. Such fluctuations are included with the net realized and unrealized gain or loss on investments.
The Fund 23
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
Net realized foreign exchange gains or losses arise from sales of foreign currencies, currency gains or losses realized on securities transactions between trade and settlement date, and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the fund’s books and the U.S. dollar equivalent of the amounts actually received or paid. Net unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses arise from changes in the value of assets and liabilities other than investments resulting from changes in exchange rates. Foreign currency gains and losses on foreign currency transactions are also included with net realized and unrealized gain or loss on investments.
(c) Securities transactions and investment income: Securities transactions are recorded on a trade date basis. Realized gains and losses from securities transactions are recorded on the identified cost basis. Dividend income is recognized on the ex-dividend date and interest income, including, where applicable, accretion of discount and amortization of premium on investments, is recognized on the accrual basis.
(d) Affiliated issuers: Investments in other investment companies advised by Dreyfus are defined as “affiliated” under the Act. Investments in affiliated investment companies during the period ended March 31, 2015 were as follows:
| | | | | |
Affiliated | | | | | |
Investment | Value | | | Value | Net |
Company | 9/30/2014 ($) | Purchases ($) | Sales ($) | 3/31/2015 ($) | Assets (%) |
Dreyfus | | | | | |
Institutional | | | | | |
Preferred | | | | | |
Plus Money | | | | | |
Market | | | | | |
Fund | 9,880,074 | 164,692,349 | 150,338,592 | 24,233,831 | 2.9 |
(e) Risk: Investing in foreign markets may involve special risks and considerations not typically associated with investing in the U.S.These risks include revaluation of currencies, high rates of inflation, repatriation restrictions on income and capital, and adverse political and economic developments. Moreover, securities issued in these markets may be less liquid, subject to government ownership controls and delayed settlements, and their prices may be more volatile than those of comparable securities in the U.S.
24
(f) Dividends to shareholders: Dividends are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Dividends from investment income-net and dividends from net realized capital gains, if any, are normally declared and paid annually, but the fund may make distributions on a more frequent basis to comply with the distribution requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). To the extent that net realized capital gains can be offset by capital loss carryovers, it is the policy of the fund not to distribute such gains. Income and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with income tax regulations, which may differ from GAAP.
(g) Federal income taxes: It is the policy of the fund to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company, if such qualification is in the best interests of its shareholders, by complying with the applicable provisions of the Code, and to make distributions of taxable income sufficient to relieve it from substantially all federal income and excise taxes.
As of and during the period ended March 31, 2015, the fund did not have any liabilities for any uncertain tax positions.The fund recognizes interest and penalties, if any, related to uncertain tax positions as income tax expense in the Statement of Operations. During the period ended March 31, 2015, the fund did not incur any interest or penalties.
Each tax year in the three-year period ended September 30, 2014 remains subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service and state taxing authorities.
The tax character of distributions paid to shareholders during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014 was as follows: ordinary income $10,062,971. The tax character of current year distributions will be determined at the end of the current fiscal year.
NOTE 2—Bank Lines of Credit:
The fund participates with other Dreyfus-managed funds in a $430 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
The Fund 25
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
or emergency purposes, including the financing of redemptions. Prior to October 8, 2014, the unsecured credit facility with Citibank, N.A. was $265 million. In connection therewith, the fund has agreed to pay its pro rata portion of commitment fees for each Facility. Interest is charged to the fund based on rates determined pursuant to the terms of the respective Facility at the time of borrowing.
The average amount of borrowings outstanding under the Facilities during the period ended March 31, 2015 was approximately $413,700 with a related weighted average annualized interest rate of 1.10%.
NOTE 3—Investment Advisory Fee, Sub-Investment Advisory Fee, Administration Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates:
(a) Pursuant to an investment advisory agreement with Dreyfus, the investment advisory fee is computed at the annual rate of .80% of the value of the fund’s average daily net assets and is payable monthly.
Pursuant to a sub-investment advisory agreement between Dreyfus and Newton, Dreyfus pays Newton a monthly fee at an annual percentage rate of the value of the fund’s average daily net assets.
The fund has a Fund Accounting and Administrative Services Agreement (the “Administration Agreement”) with Dreyfus, whereby Dreyfus performs administrative, accounting and recordkeeping services for the fund.The fund has agreed to compensate Dreyfus for providing accounting services, administration, compliance monitoring, regulatory and shareholder reporting, as well as related facilities, equipment and clerical help.The fee is based on the fund’s average daily net assets and computed at the following annual rates: .10% of the first $500 million, .065% of the next $500 million and .02% in excess of $1 billion.
In addition, after applying any expense limitations or fee waivers that reduce the fees paid to Dreyfus for this service, Dreyfus has contractually agreed in writing to waive any remaining fees for this service to the extent that they exceed both Dreyfus’ costs in providing these services and a reasonable allocation of the costs incurred by Dreyfus and its affil-
26
iates related to the support and oversight of these services.The fund also reimburses Dreyfus for the out-of-pocket expenses incurred in performing this service for the fund. Pursuant to the Administration Agreement, the fund was charged $90,979 during the period ended March 31, 2015.
During the period ended March 31, 2015, the Distributor retained $158 from commissions earned on sales of the fund’s Class A shares.
(b) Under the Distribution Plan adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Act, Class C shares pay the Distributor for distributing its shares at an annual rate of .75% of the value of its average daily net assets. During the period ended March 31, 2015, Class C shares were charged $3,814 pursuant to the Distribution Plan.
(c) Under the Shareholder Services Plan, Class A and Class C shares pay the Distributor at an annual rate of .25% of the value of their average daily net assets for the provision of certain services. The services provided may include personal services relating to shareholder accounts, such as answering shareholder inquiries regarding the fund and providing reports and other information, and services related to the maintenance of shareholder accounts. The Distributor may make payments to Service Agents (securities dealers, financial institutions or other industry professionals) with respect to these services. The Distributor determines the amounts to be paid to Service Agents. During the period ended March 31, 2015, Class A and Class C shares were charged $3,163 and $1,271, respectively, pursuant to the Shareholder Services Plan.
Under its terms, the Distribution Plan and Shareholder Services Plan shall remain in effect from year to year, provided such continuance is approved annually by a vote of a majority of those Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Trust and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of or in any agreement related to the Distribution Plan or Shareholder Services Plan.
The Fund 27
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
The fund has arrangements with the transfer agent and the custodian whereby the fund may receive earnings credits when positive cash balances are maintained, which are used to offset transfer agency and custody fees. For financial reporting purposes, the fund includes net earnings credits as an expense offset in the Statement of Operations.
The fund compensates Dreyfus Transfer, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dreyfus, under a transfer agency agreement for providing transfer agency and cash management services for the fund. The majority of transfer agency fees are comprised of amounts paid on a per account basis, while cash management fees are related to fund subscriptions and redemptions. During the period ended March 31, 2015, the fund was charged $1,653 for transfer agency services and $50 for cash management services.These fees are included in Shareholder servicing costs in the Statement of Operations. Cash management fees were partially offset by earnings credits of $2.
The fund compensates The Bank of New York Mellon under a custody agreement for providing custodial services for the fund. These fees are determined based on net assets, geographic region and transaction activity. During the period ended March 31, 2015, the fund was charged $139,524 pursuant to the custody agreement.
During the period ended March 31, 2015, the fund was charged $5,657 for services performed by the Chief Compliance Officer and his staff.
The components of “Due to The Dreyfus Corporation and affiliates” in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities consist of: investment advisory fees $567,811, administration fees $15,160, Distribution Plan fees $598, Shareholder Services Plan fees $882, custodian fees $72,351, Chief Compliance Officer fees $2,867 and transfer agency fees $1,077.
(d) Each Board member also serves as a Board member of other funds within the Dreyfus complex. Annual retainer fees and attendance fees are allocated to each fund based on net assets.
28
NOTE 4—Securities Transactions:
The aggregate amount of purchases and sales of investment securities, excluding short-term securities and forward contracts, during the period ended March 31, 2015, amounted to $202,608,508 and $183,754,549, respectively.
Derivatives: A derivative is a financial instrument whose performance is derived from the performance of another asset. Each type of derivative instrument that was held by the fund during the period ended March 31, 2015 is discussed below.
Master Netting Arrangements: The fund enters into International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. Master Agreements or similar agreements (collectively, “Master Agreements”) with its over-the-counter (“OTC”) derivative contract counterparties in order to, among other things, reduce its credit risk to counterparties. Master Agreements include provisions for general obligations, representations, collateral and events of default or termination. Under a Master Agreement, the fund may offset with the counterparty certain derivative financial instrument’s payables and/or receivables with collateral held and/or posted and create one single net payment in the event of default or termination.
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts: The fund enters into forward contracts in order to hedge its exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates on its foreign portfolio holdings, to settle foreign currency transactions or as a part of its investment strat-egy.When executing forward contracts, the fund is obligated to buy or sell a foreign currency at a specified rate on a certain date in the future. With respect to sales of forward contracts, the fund incurs a loss if the value of the contract increases between the date the forward contract is opened and the date the forward contract is closed.The fund realizes a gain if the value of the contract decreases between those dates.With
The Fund 29
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
respect to purchases of forward contracts, the fund incurs a loss if the value of the contract decreases between the date the forward contract is opened and the date the forward contract is closed.The fund realizes a gain if the value of the contract increases between those dates. Any realized or unrealized gains or losses which occurred during the period are reflected in the Statement of Operations. The fund is exposed to foreign currency risk as a result of changes in value of underlying financial instruments. The fund is also exposed to credit risk associated with counterparty nonperformance on these forward contracts, which is generally limited to the unrealized gain on each open contract. This risk is mitigated by Master Agreements between the fund and the counterparty. The following summarizes open forward contracts at March 31, 2015:
| | | | | | | |
| | | Foreign | | | Unrealized | |
Forward Foreign Currency | Currency | | | Appreciation | |
Exchange Contracts | | | Amounts | Cost ($) | Value ($) | (Depreciation) ($) | |
Purchases: | | | | | | | |
Japanese Yen, | | | | | | | |
Expiring: | | | | | | | |
4/1/2015 a | | 545,424,966 | 4,570,963 | 4,547,671 | (23,292 | ) |
4/17/2015 a | | 1,801,199,000 | 15,334,861 | 15,022,107 | (312,754 | ) |
Sales: | | | | Proceeds ($) | | | |
Japanese Yen, | | | | | | | |
Expiring: | | | | | | | |
4/2/2015 b | | | 5,203,350 | 43,398 | 43,385 | 13 | |
4/17/2015 c | | 7,154,675,000 | 59,883,943 | 59,670,418 | 213,525 | |
Gross Unrealized Appreciation | | | 213,538 | |
Gross Unrealized Depreciation | | | (336,046 | ) |
Counterparties:
| |
a | JP Morgan Chase Bank |
b | UBS |
c | Royal Bank of Scotland |
The provisions of ASC Topic 210 “Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities” require disclosure on the offsetting of financial assets and liabilities. These disclosures are required for certain investments, including derivative financial instruments subject to Master Agreements which are eligible for offsetting in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities and require the fund to disclose both gross and net
30
information with respect to such investments. For financial reporting purposes, the fund does not offset derivative assets and derivative liabilities that are subject to Master Agreements in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.
At March 31, 2015, derivative assets and liabilities (by type) on a gross basis are as follows:
| | | |
Derivative Financial Instruments: | Assets ($) | Liabilities ($) | |
Forward contracts | 213,538 | (336,046 | ) |
Total gross amount of derivative | | | |
assets and liabilities in the | | | |
Statement of Assets and Liabilities | 213,538 | (336,046 | ) |
Derivatives not subject to | | | |
Master Agreements | — | — | |
Total gross amount of assets | | | |
and liabilities subject to | | | |
Master Agreements | 213,538 | (336,046 | ) |
The following tables present derivative assets and liabilities net of amounts available for offsetting under Master Agreements and net of related collateral received or pledged, if any, as of March 31, 2015:
| | | | | | |
| | | Financial | | | |
| | | Instruments | | | |
| | | and | | | |
| | | Derivatives | | | |
| Gross Amount of | | Available | Collateral | Net Amount | |
Counterparty | Assets ($)1 | | for Offset ($) | Received ($) | of Assets ($) | |
Royal Bank of Scotland | 213,525 | | — | — | 213,525 | |
UBS | 13 | | — | — | 13 | |
Total | 213,538 | | — | — | 213,538 | |
|
|
| | | Financial | | | |
| | | Instruments | | | |
| | | and | | | |
| | | Derivatives | | | |
| Gross Amount of | | Available | Collateral | Net Amount | |
Counterparty | Liabilities ($)1 | | for Offset ($) | Pledged ($) | of Liabilities ($) | |
JP Morgan Chase Bank | (336,046 | ) | — | — | (336,046 | ) |
| |
1 | Absent a default event or early termination, OTC derivative assets and liabilities are presented at |
| gross amounts and are not offset in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. |
The Fund 31
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
The following summarizes the average market value of derivatives outstanding during the period ended March 31, 2015:
| |
| Average Market Value ($) |
Forward contracts | 49,597,741 |
At March 31, 2015, accumulated net unrealized appreciation on investments was $129,891,956, consisting of $164,773,279 gross unrealized appreciation and $34,881,323 gross unrealized depreciation.
At March 31, 2015, 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).
32
|
INFORMATION ABOUT THE RENEWAL OF THE FUND’S |
INVESTMENT ADVISORY, ADMINISTRATION AND |
SUB-INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENTS (Unaudited) |
At a meeting of the fund’s Board of Trustees held on February 25-26, 2015, the Board considered the renewal of the fund’s Investment Advisory Agreement and Administration Agreement, pursuant to which Dreyfus provides the fund with investment advisory services and administrative services (together, the “Management Agreement”), and the Sub-Investment Advisory Agreement (together with the Management Agreement, the “Agreements”), pursuant to which Newton Capital Management Limited (the “Subadviser”) provides day-to-day management of the fund’s investments. The Board members, none of whom are “interested persons” (as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended) of the fund, were assisted in their review by independent legal counsel and met with counsel in executive session separate from representatives of Dreyfus and the Subadviser. In considering the renewal of the Agreements, the Board considered all factors that it believed to be relevant, including those discussed below. The Board did not identify any one factor as dispositive, and each Board member may have attributed different weights to the factors considered.
Analysis of Nature, Extent, and Quality of Services Provided to the Fund.The Board considered information provided to them at the meeting and in previous presentations from Dreyfus representatives regarding the nature, extent, and quality of the services provided to funds in the Dreyfus fund complex. Dreyfus provided the number of open accounts in the fund, the fund’s asset size and the allocation of fund assets among distribution channels. Dreyfus also had previously provided information regarding the diverse intermediary relationships and distribution channels of funds in the Dreyfus fund complex (such as retail direct or intermediary, in which intermediaries typically are paid by the fund and/or Dreyfus) and Dreyfus’ corresponding need for broad, deep, and diverse resources to be able to provide ongoing shareholder services to each intermediary or distribution channel, as applicable to the fund.
The Board also considered research support available to, and portfolio management capabilities of, the fund’s portfolio management personnel and that Dreyfus also provides oversight of day-to-day fund operations,
The Fund 33
|
INFORMATION ABOUT THE RENEWAL OF THE FUND’S INVESTMENT |
ADVISORY, ADMINISTRATION AND SUB-INVESTMENT ADVISORY |
AGREEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued) |
including fund accounting and administration and assistance in meeting legal and regulatory requirements. The Board also considered Dreyfus’ extensive administrative, accounting, and compliance infrastructures, as well as Dreyfus’ supervisory activities over the Subadviser. The Board also considered portfolio management’s brokerage policies and practices (including policies and practices regarding soft dollars) and the standards applied in seeking best execution.
Comparative Analysis of the Fund’s Performance and Management Fee and Expense Ratio. The Board reviewed reports prepared by Lipper, Inc. (“Lipper”), an independent provider of investment company data, which included information comparing (1) the fund’s performance with the performance of a group of comparable funds (the “Performance Group”) and with a broader group of funds (the “Performance Universe”), all for various periods ended December 31, 2014, and (2) the fund’s actual and contractual management fees and total expenses with those of a group of comparable funds (the “Expense Group”) and with a broader group of funds (the “Expense Universe”), the information for which was derived in part from fund financial statements available to Lipper as of the date of its analysis. Dreyfus previously had furnished the Board with a description of the methodology Lipper used to select the Performance Group and Performance Universe and the Expense Group and Expense Universe.
Dreyfus representatives stated that the usefulness of performance comparisons may be affected by a number of factors, including different investment limitations that may be applicable to the fund and comparison funds. The Board discussed the results of the comparisons and noted that the fund’s total return performance was above the Performance Group and Performance Universe medians for the various periods, except for the two- and five-year periods when the fund’s performance was below the Performance Universe medians. Dreyfus also provided a comparison of the fund’s calendar year total returns to the returns of the fund’s benchmark index.
The Board also reviewed the range of actual and contractual management fees and total expenses of the Expense Group and Expense
34
Universe funds and discussed the results of the comparisons. The Board noted that the fund’s contractual management fee was at the Expense Group median, the fund’s actual management fee was below the Expense Group median and above the Expense Universe median and the fund’s total expenses were below the Expense Group and Expense Universe medians.
Dreyfus representatives noted that, in connection with the Administration Agreement and its related fees, Dreyfus has contractually agreed to waive any fees to the extent that such fees exceed Dreyfus’ costs in providing the services contemplated under the Administration Agreement.
Dreyfus representatives reviewed with the Board the management or investment advisory fees (1) paid by funds advised or administered by Dreyfus that are in the same Lipper category as the fund and (2) paid to Dreyfus or the Subadviser or its affiliates for advising any separate accounts and/or other types of client portfolios that are considered to have similar investment strategies and policies as the fund (the “Similar Clients”), and explained the nature of the Similar Clients.They discussed differences in fees paid and the relationship of the fees paid in light of any differences in the services provided and other relevant factors. The Board considered the relevance of the fee information provided for the Similar Clients to evaluate the appropriateness and reasonableness of the fund’s management fee.
The Board considered the fee to the Subadviser in relation to the fee paid to Dreyfus by the fund and the respective services provided by the Subadviser and Dreyfus. The Board also noted the Subadviser’s fee is paid by Dreyfus (out of its fee from the fund) and not the fund.
Analysis of Profitability and Economies of Scale. Dreyfus representatives reviewed the expenses allocated and profit received by Dreyfus and its affiliates and the resulting profitability percentage for managing the fund and the aggregate profitability percentage to Dreyfus and its affiliates for managing the funds in the Dreyfus fund complex, and the
The Fund 35
|
INFORMATION ABOUT THE RENEWAL OF THE FUND’S INVESTMENT |
ADVISORY, ADMINISTRATION AND SUB-INVESTMENT ADVISORY |
AGREEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued) |
method used to determine the expenses and profit. The Board concluded that the profitability results were not unreasonable, given the services rendered and service levels provided by Dreyfus. The Board also had been provided with information prepared by an independent consulting firm regarding Dreyfus’ approach to allocating costs to, and determining the profitability of, individual funds and the entire Dreyfus fund complex. The consulting firm also had analyzed where any economies of scale might emerge in connection with the management of a fund.
The Board considered, on the advice of its counsel, the profitability analysis (1) as part of its evaluation of whether the fees under the Agreements bear a reasonable relationship to the mix of services provided by Dreyfus and the Subadviser, including the nature, extent and quality of such services, and (2) in light of the relevant circumstances for the fund and the extent to which economies of scale would be realized if the fund grows and whether fee levels reflect these economies of scale for the benefit of fund shareholders. Since Dreyfus, and not the fund, pays the Subadviser pursuant to the Sub-Investment Advisory Agreement, the Board did not consider the Subadviser’s profitability to be relevant to its deliberations. Dreyfus representatives also noted that, as a result of shared and allocated costs among funds in the Dreyfus fund complex, the extent of economies of scale could depend substantially on the level of assets in the complex as a whole, so that increases and decreases in complex-wide assets can affect potential economies of scale in a manner that is disproportionate to, or even in the opposite direction from, changes in the fund’s asset level. The Board also considered potential benefits to Dreyfus and the Subadviser from acting as investment adviser and sub-investment adviser, respectively, and noted the soft dollar arrangements in effect for trading the fund’s investments.
At the conclusion of these discussions, the Board agreed that it had been furnished with sufficient information to make an informed business decision with respect to the renewal of the Agreements. Based on the discussions and considerations as described above, the Board concluded and determined as follows.
36
The Board concluded that the nature, extent and quality of the ser- vices provided by Dreyfus and the Subadviser are adequate and appropriate.
The Board was satisfied with the fund’s performance.
The Board concluded that the fees paid to Dreyfus and the Subadviser were reasonable in light of the considerations described above.
The Board determined that the economies of scale which may accrue to Dreyfus and its affiliates in connection with the management of the fund had been adequately considered by Dreyfus in connection with the fee rate charged to the fund pursuant to the Agreement and that, to the extent in the future it were determined that material economies of scale had not been shared with the fund, the Board would seek to have those economies of scale shared with the fund.
In evaluating the Agreements, the Board considered these conclusions and determinations and also relied on its previous knowledge, gained through meetings and other interactions with Dreyfus and its affiliates and the Subadviser, of the fund and the services provided to the fund by Dreyfus and the Subadviser.The Board also relied on information received on a routine and regular basis throughout the year relating to the operations of the fund and the investment management and other services provided under the Agreements, including information on the investment performance of the fund in comparison to similar mutual funds and benchmark performance indices; general market outlook as applicable to the fund; and compliance reports. In addition, the Board’s consideration of the contractual fee arrangements for this fund had the benefit of a number of years of reviews of prior or similar agreements during which lengthy discussions took place between the Board and Dreyfus representatives. Certain aspects of the arrangements may receive greater scrutiny in some years than in others, and the Board’s conclusions may be based, in part, on their consideration of the same or similar arrangements in prior years.The Board determined to renew the Agreements.
The Fund 37
For More Information

Telephone Call your financial representative or 1-800-DREYFUS
Mail The Dreyfus Family of Funds, 144 Glenn Curtiss Boulevard, Uniondale, NY 11556-0144
The fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The fund’s Forms N-Q are available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov and may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330.

|
Dreyfus |
Tax Sensitive |
Total Return Bond Fund |

The views expressed in this report reflect those of the portfolio manager only through the end of the period covered and do not necessarily represent the views of Dreyfus or any other person in the Dreyfus organization. Any such views are subject to change at any time based upon market or other conditions and Dreyfus disclaims any responsibility to update such views.These views may not be relied on as investment advice and, because investment decisions for a Dreyfus fund are based on numerous factors, may not be relied on as an indication of trading intent on behalf of any Dreyfus fund.
|
Not FDIC-Insured • Not Bank-Guaranteed • May Lose Value |
| Contents |
| THE FUND |
2 | A Letter from the President |
3 | Discussion of Fund Performance |
6 | Understanding Your Fund’s Expenses |
6 | Comparing Your Fund’s Expenses With Those of Other Funds |
7 | Statement of Investments |
21 | Statement of Assets and Liabilities |
22 | Statement of Operations |
23 | Statement of Changes in Net Assets |
25 | Financial Highlights |
29 | Notes to Financial Statements |
43 | Information About the Renewal of the Fund’s Investment Advisory, Administration and Sub-Investment Advisory Agreements |
| FOR MORE INFORMATION |
| Back Cover |
Dreyfus
Tax Sensitive
Total Return Bond Fund
The Fund
A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
Dear Shareholder:
This semiannual report for Dreyfus Tax Sensitive Total Return Bond Fund covers the six-month period from October 1, 2014, through March 31, 2015. For information about how the fund performed during the reporting period, as well as general market perspectives, we provide a Discussion of Fund Performance on the pages that follow.
Municipal bonds continued to gain a degree of value over the reporting period in an environment of falling long-term interest rates and favorable supply-and-demand dynamics. Bond yields trended lower despite a sustained U.S. economic recovery, in part due to robust demand from investors seeking relatively safe havens in the midst of disappointing global growth and intensifying geopolitical conflicts. A generally stable supply of newly issued securities and improving credit conditions for many municipal issuers also supported the market’s performance.
We remain optimistic regarding the long-term outlook for the U.S. economy generally and the municipal bond asset class in particular.We believe the domestic economic recovery has continued at a sustainable pace, energy prices appear to have stabilized, and aggressively accommodative monetary policies from the world’s major central banks seem likely to address global economic weakness.While monetary policymak-ers currently appear prepared to begin raising short-term interest rates later this year, any potential rate hikes are expected to be gradual and modest. As always, we urge you to discuss these observations with your financial adviser, who can help you assess their implications for your investment portfolio.
Thank you for your continued confidence and support.

J. Charles Cardona
President
The Dreyfus Corporation
April 15, 2015
2
DISCUSSION OF FUND PERFORMANCE
For the period of October 1, 2014, through March 31, 2015, as provided by Christine L. Todd,Thomas Casey, Daniel Rabasco, and Jeffrey Burger, Portfolio Managers
Fund and Market Performance Overview
For the six-month period ended March 31, 2015, Dreyfus Tax Sensitive Total Return Bond Fund’s Class A shares produced a total return of 1.91%, Class C shares returned 1.48%, Class I shares returned 2.03%, and Class Y shares returned 1.99%.1 In comparison, the fund’s benchmark, the Barclays 3-, 5-, 7-, 10-Year Municipal Bond Index (the “Index”), provided a total return of 1.43% for the same period.2
Fixed-income securities generally rallied over the reporting period as long-term interest rates continued to fall. Our interest-rate and security selection strategies enabled the fund to produce modestly higher returns than its benchmark.
The Fund’s Investment Approach
The fund seeks high after-tax total return. To pursue its goal, the fund normally invests at least 80% of its net assets, plus any borrowings for investment purposes, in bonds. The fund normally invests at least 65% of its net assets in municipal bonds that provide income exempt from federal personal income tax.The fund may invest up to 35% of its net assets in taxable bonds. The fund invests principally in bonds rated investment grade at the time of purchase or, if unrated, determined to be of comparable quality.3 The fund may invest up to 25% of its assets in bonds rated below investment grade.
We seek relative value opportunities among municipal bonds and invest selectively in taxable securities with the potential to enhance after-tax total return and/or reduce volatility. We use a combination of fundamental credit analysis and macroeconomic and quantitative inputs to identify undervalued sectors and securities, and we select municipal bonds using fundamental credit analysis to estimate the relative value and attractiveness of various sectors and securities and to exploit pricing inefficiencies.
Falling Long-Term Rates Supported Bond Prices
A sustained U.S. economic recovery persisted over the reporting period, yet long-term interest rates fell, defying expectations that stronger economic growth would drive bonds yields higher. Global investors seeking more competitive yields from
The Fund 3
DISCUSSION OF FUND PERFORMANCE (continued)
sovereign bonds than were available in Europe and Japan flocked to U.S. Treasury securities, and the resulting supply-and-demand imbalance put downward pressure on yields of U.S. fixed-income securities. February 2015 proved to be a notable exception to this trend, as longer term interest rates climbed after stronger-than-expected employment data sparked concerns that short-term interest rates might rise sooner than previously forecast. Nonetheless, the rally resumed in March when it became clearer that short-term rate hikes were not imminent.
Municipal bonds continued to benefit from favorable supply-and-demand dynamics during most of the reporting period amid robust demand from individual investors seeking competitive levels of tax-exempt income. Despite greater-than-expected issuance volumes over the first quarter of 2015, the supply of newly issued municipal securities generally remained stable for the reporting period overall.
The economic rebound resulted in better underlying credit conditions for most tax-exempt bond issuers. Tax revenues have climbed beyond pre-recession levels for most state and local governments, enabling them to achieve balanced budgets and replenish reserves.
Interest Rate and Selection Strategies Boosted Returns
In this market environment, the fund’s focus on longer maturities captured more of the benefits of falling long-term interest rates and narrowing yield differences along the market’s maturity spectrum. Our security selection strategy also proved effective, including overweighted exposure to higher yielding revenue-backed bonds and an underweighted position in lower yielding general obligation and escrowed bonds. The fund achieved especially strong results through an emphasis on revenue bonds backed by hospitals, essential municipal services, and the states’ settlement of litigation with U.S. tobacco companies. Allocations to taxable high yield corporate bonds, mortgage-backed securities, and asset-backed securities also made modestly positive contributions to relative performance.
On the other hand, laggards for the reporting period included overweighted exposure to higher quality municipal bonds backed by education providers and special tax districts.
A Generally Constructive Investment Posture
We are cautiously optimistic regarding the prospects for municipal bonds.The U.S. economic recovery has proven persistent, and credit conditions generally have
4
continued to improve. Although the supply of newly issued municipal bonds recently began to increase significantly, we expect investor demand to absorb additional issuance. Finally, we anticipate that the Federal Reserve Board will begin to raise short-term interest rates over the intermediate term.While we expect market volatility to increase as the inflection point approaches, we note that inflation has remained subdued and tax-exempt bonds historically have tended to be less sensitive than U.S.Treasury securities to rising interest rates.
Therefore, as of the reporting period’s end, we have maintained a moderately constructive interest-rate positioning, and we have retained our focus on A-rated revenue bonds from fundamentally sound issuers. We also have continued to diversify the fund’s holdings among taxable bonds with attractive income characteristics. Conversely, we generally have avoided municipal issuers that are struggling with unfunded pension liabilities.
April 15, 2015
Bond funds are subject generally to interest rate, credit, liquidity, and market risks, to varying degrees, all of which are more fully described in the fund’s prospectus. Generally, all other factors being equal, bond prices are inversely related to interest-rate changes, and rate increases can cause price declines.
The use of derivatives involves risks different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in the underlying assets. Derivatives can be highly volatile, illiquid, and difficult to value, and there is the risk that changes in the value of a derivative held by the fund will not correlate with the underlying instruments of the fund’s other investments.
|
1 Total return includes reinvestment of dividends and any capital gains paid, and does not take into consideration the |
maximum initial sales charge in the case of Class A shares or the applicable contingent deferred sales charge imposed |
on redemptions in the case of Class C shares. Had these charges been reflected, returns would have been lower. |
Neither Class I nor ClassY shares are subject to any initial or deferred sales charge. Past performance is no guarantee |
of future results. Share price, yield, and investment return fluctuate such that upon redemption, fund shares may be |
worth more or less than their original cost. Dividends paid by the fund will be exempt from federal income tax to the |
extent such dividends are derived from interest paid on principal obligations.The fund also may invest a portion of its |
assets in securities that generate income that is not exempt from federal or state income tax. Income may be subject to |
state and local taxes, and some income may be subject to the federal alternative minimum tax (AMT) for certain |
investors. Capital gains, if any, are taxable. Return figures provided reflect the absorption of certain fund expenses by |
The Dreyfus Corporation, pursuant to an agreement in effect through February 1, 2016, at which time it may be |
extended, modified, or terminated. Had these expenses not been absorbed, the fund’s returns would have been lower. |
2 Source: Lipper Inc. |
3 The fund may continue to own investment-grade bonds (at the time of purchase), which are subsequently downgraded |
to below investment grade. |
The Fund 5
UNDERSTANDING YOUR FUND’S EXPENSES (Unaudited)
As a mutual fund investor, you pay ongoing expenses, such as management fees and other expenses. Using the information below, you can estimate how these expenses affect your investment and compare them with the expenses of other funds.You also may pay one-time transaction expenses, including sales charges (loads) and redemption fees, which are not shown in this section and would have resulted in higher total expenses. For more information, see your fund’s prospectus or talk to your financial adviser.
Review your fund’s expenses
The table below shows the expenses you would have paid on a $1,000 investment in Dreyfus Tax Sensitive Total Return Bond Fund from October 1, 2014 to March 31, 2015. It also shows how much a $1,000 investment would be worth at the close of the period, assuming actual returns and expenses.
Expenses and Value of a $1,000 Investment
assuming actual returns for the six months ended March 31, 2015
| | | | | | | | |
| | Class A | | Class C | | Class I | | Class Y |
Expenses paid per $1,000† | $ | 3.52 | $ | 7.28 | $ | 2.27 | $ | 2.28 |
Ending value (after expenses) | $ | 1,019.10 | $ | 1,014.80 | $ | 1,020.30 | $ | 1,019.90 |
COMPARING YOUR FUND’S EXPENSES
WITH THOSE OF OTHER FUNDS (Unaudited)
Using the SEC’s method to compare expenses
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has established guidelines to help investors assess fund expenses. Per these guidelines, the table below shows your fund’s expenses based on a $1,000 investment, assuming a hypothetical 5% annualized return. You can use this information to compare the ongoing expenses (but not transaction expenses or total cost) of investing in the fund with those of other funds. All mutual fund shareholder reports will provide this information to help you make this comparison. Please note that you cannot use this information to estimate your actual ending account balance and expenses paid during the period.
Expenses and Value of a $1,000 Investment
assuming a hypothetical 5% annualized return for the six months ended March 31, 2015
| | | | | | | | |
| | Class A | | Class C | | Class I | | Class Y |
Expenses paid per $1,000† | $ | 3.53 | $ | 7.29 | $ | 2.27 | $ | 2.27 |
Ending value (after expenses) | $ | 1,021.44 | $ | 1,017.70 | $ | 1,022.69 | $ | 1,022.69 |
|
† Expenses are equal to the fund’s annualized expense ratio of .70% for Class A, 1.45% for Class C, .45% for |
Class I and .45% for Class Y, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 183/365 (to |
reflect the one-half year period). |
6
|
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS |
March 31, 2015 (Unaudited) |
| | | | | | |
| | Coupon | Maturity | Principal | | |
Bonds and Notes—11.8% | | Rate (%) | Date | Amount ($)a | Value ($) |
Asset-Backed Certificates—.6% | | | | | | |
OneMain Financial Issuance Trust, | | | | | | |
Ser. 2014-1A, Cl. B | | 3.24 | 6/18/24 | 1,180,000 | b | 1,191,454 |
Asset-Backed Ctfs./ | | | | | | |
Auto Receivables—1.0% | | | | | | |
Capital Auto Receivables Asset | | | | | | |
Trust, Ser. 2014-2, Cl. D | | 2.81 | 8/20/19 | 240,000 | | 240,957 |
DT Auto Owner Trust, | | | | | | |
Ser. 2014-2A, Cl. D | | 3.68 | 4/15/21 | 1,500,000 | b | 1,508,270 |
| | | | | | 1,749,227 |
Commercial Mortgage | | | | | | |
Pass-Through Ctfs.—.7% | | | | �� | | |
Wachovia Bank Commercial Mortgage | | | | | |
Trust, Ser. 2006-C24, Cl. AJ | | 5.66 | 3/15/45 | 1,250,000 | c | 1,272,470 |
Consumer Discretionary—.5% | | | | | | |
iHeartCommunications, | | | | | | |
Sr. Scd. Notes | | 9.00 | 3/1/21 | 875,000 | | 841,094 |
Energy—.5% | | | | | | |
California Resources, | | | | | | |
Gtd. Notes | | 6.00 | 11/15/24 | 950,000 | b | 838,375 |
Financial—2.8% | | | | | | |
Army Hawaii Family Housing, | | | | | | |
Notes | | 0.62 | 6/15/50 | 3,000,000 | b,c | 2,795,100 |
Denali Borrower, | | | | | | |
Sr. Scd. Notes | | 5.63 | 10/15/20 | 800,000 | b | 847,600 |
Hub Holdings, | | | | | | |
Sr. Unscd. Notes | | 8.13 | 7/15/19 | 750,000 | b | 748,125 |
HUB International, | | | | | | |
Sr. Unscd. Notes | | 7.88 | 10/1/21 | 750,000 | b | 770,625 |
| | | | | | 5,161,450 |
Foreign/Governmental—2.9% | | | | | | |
Australian Government, | | | | | | |
Sr. Unscd. Bonds, Ser. 137 | AUD | 2.75 | 4/21/24 | 1,950,000 | | 1,543,989 |
Australian Government, | | | | | | |
Sr. Unscd. Bonds, Ser. 143 | AUD | 2.75 | 10/21/19 | 3,600,000 | | 2,855,632 |
Portuguese Government, | | | | | | |
Sr. Unscd. Bonds | EUR | 2.88 | 10/15/25 | 850,000 | b | 1,018,443 |
| | | | | | 5,418,064 |
The Fund 7
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
| | | | | |
| Coupon | Maturity | Principal | | |
Bonds and Notes (continued) | Rate (%) | Date | Amount ($)a | Value ($) |
Health Care—.4% | | | | | |
Dignity Health, | | | | | |
Unscd. Bonds | 2.64 | 11/1/19 | 760,000 | | 774,996 |
Industrial—.4% | | | | | |
AECOM, | | | | | |
Gtd. Notes | 5.75 | 10/15/22 | 795,000 | b | 824,812 |
Telecommunications—2.0% | | | | | |
Digicel, | | | | | |
Sr. Unscd. Notes | 6.00 | 4/15/21 | 925,000 | b | 881,063 |
Frontier Communications, | | | | | |
Sr. Unscd. Notes | 8.75 | 4/15/22 | 370,000 | | 412,550 |
Intelsat Jackson Holdings, | | | | | |
Gtd. Notes | 7.25 | 4/1/19 | 750,000 | | 780,188 |
T-Mobile USA, | | | | | |
Gtd. Bonds | 6.13 | 1/15/22 | 750,000 | | 776,250 |
West, | | | | | |
Gtd. Notes | 5.38 | 7/15/22 | 900,000 | b | 882,000 |
| | | | | 3,732,051 |
Total Bonds and Notes | | | | | |
(cost $22,144,833) | | | | | 21,803,993 |
|
Long-Term Municipal | | | | | |
Investments—82.6% | | | | | |
Alabama—1.5% | | | | | |
Alabama Public School and | | | | | |
College Authority, Capital | | | | | |
Improvement Revenue | 5.00 | 1/1/19 | 1,000,000 | | 1,141,290 |
Alabama Public School and | | | | | |
College Authority, Capital | | | | | |
Improvement Revenue | 5.00 | 1/1/26 | 1,250,000 | | 1,533,237 |
Arizona—.1% | | | | | |
Pima County Industrial Development | | | | | |
Authority, Education Revenue | | | | | |
(American Charter Schools | | | | | |
Foundation Project) | 5.13 | 7/1/15 | 190,000 | | 190,405 |
Arkansas—1.2% | | | | | |
Arkansas Development Finance | | | | | |
Authority, HR (Washington | | | | | |
Regional Medical Center) | 5.00 | 2/1/25 | 1,835,000 | | 2,140,179 |
8
| | | | |
Long-Term Municipal | Coupon | Maturity | Principal | |
Investments (continued) | Rate (%) | Date | Amount ($)a | Value ($) |
California—11.0% | | | | |
California, | | | | |
Economic Recovery Bonds | 5.00 | 7/1/18 | 340,000 | 385,951 |
California, | | | | |
Economic Recovery Bonds | | | | |
(Escrowed to Maturity) | 5.00 | 7/1/18 | 1,160,000 | 1,312,981 |
California, | | | | |
GO (Insured; AMBAC) | 6.00 | 2/1/17 | 1,000,000 | 1,100,940 |
California, | | | | |
GO (Various Purpose) | 5.00 | 9/1/22 | 1,000,000 | 1,218,890 |
California Health Facilities | | | | |
Financing Authority, Revenue | | | | |
(Sutter Health) | 5.00 | 8/15/18 | 1,030,000 | 1,167,206 |
California Housing Finance Agency, | | | | |
Home Mortgage Revenue | | | | |
(Insured; Assured Guaranty | | | | |
Municipal Corp.) | 5.13 | 8/1/18 | 410,000 | 422,300 |
California State Public Works | | | | |
Board, LR (Judicial Council of | | | | |
California) (New Stockton | | | | |
Courthouse) | 5.00 | 10/1/26 | 1,000,000 | 1,211,420 |
California State Public Works | | | | |
Board, LR (Judicial Council of | | | | |
California) (Various Judicial | | | | |
Council Projects) | 5.00 | 12/1/17 | 1,015,000 | 1,126,518 |
California State University | | | | |
Trustees, Systemwide Revenue | 5.00 | 11/1/22 | 1,000,000 | 1,211,280 |
Golden State Tobacco | | | | |
Securitization Corporation, | | | | |
Enhanced Tobacco Settlement | | | | |
Asset-Backed Bonds | | | | |
(Insured; AMBAC) | 4.60 | 6/1/23 | 750,000 | 816,592 |
Jurupa Public Financing Authority, | | | | |
Special Tax Revenue | 5.00 | 9/1/29 | 1,060,000 | 1,217,760 |
Los Angeles Community | | | | |
Facilities District Number 4, | | | | |
Special Tax Revenue | | | | |
(Playa Vista-Phase 1) | 5.00 | 9/1/28 | 1,000,000 | 1,154,400 |
Los Angeles Department of Water | | | | |
and Power, Power System Revenue | 5.00 | 7/1/23 | 1,000,000 | 1,244,750 |
The Fund 9
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
| | | | |
Long-Term Municipal | Coupon | Maturity | Principal | |
Investments (continued) | Rate (%) | Date | Amount ($)a | Value ($) |
California (continued) | | | | |
Sacramento County, | | | | |
Airport System Senior Revenue | 5.00 | 7/1/22 | 1,275,000 | 1,438,812 |
Southern California Public Power | | | | |
Authority, Revenue (Canyon | | | | |
Power Project) | 5.00 | 7/1/22 | 2,000,000 | 2,336,740 |
Southern California Public Power | | | | |
Authority, Revenue (Windy | | | | |
Point/Windy Flats Project) | 5.00 | 7/1/23 | 1,000,000 | 1,191,380 |
Stockton Unified School District, | | | | |
GO (Insured; Assured Guaranty | | | | |
Municipal Corp.) | 4.00 | 7/1/16 | 500,000 | 523,385 |
Tuolumne Wind Project | | | | |
Authority, Revenue (Tuolumne | | | | |
Company Project) | 5.00 | 1/1/18 | 1,000,000 | 1,109,080 |
Colorado—.5% | | | | |
City and County of Denver, | | | | |
Airport System | | | | |
Subordinate Revenue | 5.00 | 11/15/22 | 720,000 | 854,856 |
Connecticut—.6% | | | | |
Connecticut, | | | | |
Special Tax Obligation | | | | |
Revenue (Transportation | | | | |
Infrastructure Purposes) | 5.00 | 9/1/33 | 1,000,000 | 1,168,350 |
District of Columbia—.6% | | | | |
Metropolitan Washington Airports | | | | |
Authority, Airport | | | | |
System Revenue | 5.00 | 10/1/24 | 1,000,000 | 1,193,110 |
Florida—8.0% | | | | |
Citizens Property Insurance | | | | |
Corporation, Personal Lines | | | | |
Account/Commercial Lines | | | | |
Account Senior Secured Revenue | 5.00 | 6/1/20 | 1,500,000 | 1,747,650 |
Florida Department of | | | | |
Transportation, | | | | |
Turnpike Revenue | 5.00 | 7/1/25 | 1,000,000 | 1,208,930 |
Lakeland, | | | | |
Energy System Revenue | | | | |
(Insured; Assured Guaranty | | | | |
Municipal Corp.) | 5.00 | 10/1/17 | 1,000,000 | 1,101,900 |
10
| | | | |
Long-Term Municipal | Coupon | Maturity | Principal | |
Investments (continued) | Rate (%) | Date | Amount ($)a | Value ($) |
Florida (continued) | | | | |
Lee County, | | | | |
Transportation Facilities | | | | |
Revenue (Insured; Assured | | | | |
Guaranty Municipal Corp.) | 5.00 | 10/1/25 | 1,000,000 | 1,207,890 |
Miami-Dade County, | | | | |
Aviation Revenue (Miami | | | | |
International Airport) | 5.25 | 10/1/23 | 1,000,000 | 1,176,450 |
Miami-Dade County, | | | | |
Seaport Revenue | 5.00 | 10/1/22 | 2,000,000 | 2,361,000 |
Orlando-Orange County Expressway | | | | |
Authority, Revenue (Insured; | | | | |
Assured Guaranty Municipal Corp.) | 5.00 | 7/1/18 | 1,000,000 | 1,127,580 |
Palm Beach County School Board, | | | | |
COP (Master Lease Purchase | | | | |
Agreement with Palm Beach | | | | |
School Board Leasing Corporation) | 5.00 | 8/1/21 | 1,845,000 | 2,187,967 |
South Miami Health Facilities | | | | |
Authority, HR (Baptist Health | | | | |
South Florida Obligated Group) | 5.00 | 8/15/18 | 750,000 | 825,765 |
Tampa, | | | | |
Capital Improvement Cigarette | | | | |
Tax Allocation Revenue (H. Lee | | | | |
Moffitt Cancer Center Project) | 5.00 | 9/1/23 | 500,000 | 585,360 |
Tampa, | | | | |
Health System Revenue (BayCare | | | | |
Health System Issue) | 5.00 | 11/15/18 | 1,000,000 | 1,135,050 |
Georgia—2.8% | | | | |
Atlanta, | | | | |
Airport General Revenue | 5.00 | 1/1/22 | 1,000,000 | 1,159,800 |
DeKalb County, | | | | |
Water and Sewerage Revenue | 5.00 | 10/1/21 | 2,380,000 | 2,836,365 |
Municipal Electric Authority of | | | | |
Georgia, GO (Project One | | | | |
Subordinated Bonds) | 5.00 | 1/1/21 | 1,000,000 | 1,177,620 |
Illinois—5.9% | | | | |
Chicago, | | | | |
Customer Facility Charge | | | | |
Senior Lien Revenue (Chicago | | | | |
O’Hare International Airport) | 5.25 | 1/1/24 | 1,500,000 | 1,757,790 |
The Fund 11
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
| | | | |
Long-Term Municipal | Coupon | Maturity | Principal | |
Investments (continued) | Rate (%) | Date | Amount ($)a | Value ($) |
Illinois (continued) | | | | |
Chicago, | | | | |
General Airport Third Lien | | | | |
Revenue (Chicago O’Hare | | | | |
International Airport) | | | | |
(Insured; Assured Guaranty | | | | |
Municipal Corp.) | 5.00 | 1/1/20 | 1,000,000 | 1,107,350 |
Chicago, | | | | |
Second Lien Water Revenue | 5.00 | 11/1/26 | 1,000,000 | 1,172,140 |
Chicago Park District, | | | | |
Limited Tax GO | 5.00 | 1/1/28 | 2,500,000 | 2,834,825 |
Illinois Finance Authority, | | | | |
Revenue (Rush University | | | | |
Medical Center Obligated Group) | 5.00 | 11/15/26 | 1,000,000 | 1,201,890 |
Northern Illinois University Board | | | | |
of Trustees, Auxiliary | | | | |
Facilities System Revenue | | | | |
(Insured; Assured Guaranty | | | | |
Municipal Corp.) | 5.00 | 4/1/17 | 1,500,000 | 1,608,000 |
Railsplitter Tobacco Settlement | | | | |
Authority, Tobacco | | | | |
Settlement Revenue | 5.00 | 6/1/17 | 1,000,000 | 1,084,380 |
Indiana—1.8% | | | | |
Indianapolis Local Public | | | | |
Improvement Bond Bank, Revenue | 5.00 | 6/1/17 | 1,625,000 | 1,774,662 |
Knox County, | | | | |
EDR (Good Samaritan | | | | |
Hospital Project) | 5.00 | 4/1/23 | 1,300,000 | 1,485,341 |
Kansas—1.6% | | | | |
Kansas Department of | | | | |
Transportation, Highway Revenue | 5.00 | 9/1/18 | 1,415,000 | 1,606,478 |
Kansas Development Finance | | | | |
Authority, Revolving Funds | | | | |
Revenue (Kansas Department of | | | | |
Health and Environment) | 5.00 | 3/1/21 | 1,150,000 | 1,348,559 |
Kentucky—.7% | | | | |
Louisville and Jefferson County | | | | |
Metropolitan Sewer District, | | | | |
Sewer and Drainage | | | | |
System Revenue | 5.00 | 5/15/23 | 1,000,000 | 1,207,930 |
12
| | | | |
Long-Term Municipal | Coupon | Maturity | Principal | |
Investments (continued) | Rate (%) | Date | Amount ($)a | Value ($) |
Louisiana—1.3% | | | | |
Louisiana, | | | | |
State Highway Improvement | | | | |
Revenue | 5.00 | 6/15/25 | 1,000,000 | 1,233,950 |
Tobacco Settlement Financing | | | | |
Corporation of Louisiana, | | | | |
Tobacco Settlement | | | | |
Asset-Backed Bonds | 5.00 | 5/15/20 | 1,000,000 | 1,163,080 |
Maryland—.6% | | | | |
Maryland Economic Development | | | | |
Corporation, EDR (Transportation | | | | |
Facilities Project) | 5.13 | 6/1/20 | 1,000,000 | 1,111,590 |
Michigan—4.1% | | | | |
Detroit, | | | | |
Sewage Disposal System Senior | | | | |
Lien Revenue (Insured; Assured | | | | |
Guaranty Municipal Corp.) | 5.25 | 7/1/19 | 1,000,000 | 1,140,520 |
Michigan Finance Authority, | | | | |
HR (Beaumont Health Credit Group) | 5.00 | 8/1/25 | 1,000,000 | 1,191,710 |
Michigan Finance Authority, | | | | |
Local Government Loan Program | | | | |
Revenue (Detroit Water and | | | | |
Sewerage Department, Sewage | | | | |
Disposal System Revenue Senior | | | | |
Lien Local Project Bonds) | | | | |
(Insured; Assured Guaranty | | | | |
Municipal Corp.) | 5.00 | 7/1/30 | 1,000,000 | 1,129,410 |
Michigan Finance Authority, | | | | |
Local Government Loan Program | | | | |
Revenue (School District of | | | | |
the City of Detroit State | | | | |
Qualified Unlimoted Tax GO | | | | |
Local Project Bonds) | 5.00 | 5/1/20 | 1,125,000 | 1,293,817 |
Michigan Finance Authority, | | | | |
Unemployment Obligation | | | | |
Assessment Revenue | 5.00 | 7/1/21 | 1,500,000 | 1,682,460 |
Wayne County Airport Authority, | | | | |
Airport Revenue (Detroit | | | | |
Metropolitan Wayne | | | | |
County Airport) | 5.00 | 12/1/16 | 1,000,000 | 1,067,710 |
The Fund 13
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
| | | | | |
Long-Term Municipal | Coupon | Maturity | Principal | | |
Investments (continued) | Rate (%) | Date | Amount ($)a | | Value ($) |
Minnesota—.7% | | | | | |
Western Minnesota Municipal Power | | | | | |
Agency, Power Supply Revenue | 5.00 | 1/1/29 | 1,120,000 | | 1,325,262 |
Missouri—2.6% | | | | | |
Missouri Development Finance | | | | | |
Board, Infrastructure | | | | | |
Facilities Revenue (Branson | | | | | |
Landing Project) | 5.00 | 6/1/28 | 1,000,000 | | 1,140,050 |
Missouri Joint Municipal Electric | | | | | |
Utility Commission, Power | | | | | |
Project Revenue (Prairie | | | | | |
State Project) | 5.00 | 12/1/29 | 3,120,000 | | 3,660,197 |
Nebraska—.6% | | | | | |
Nebraska Public Power District, | | | | | |
General Revenue | 5.00 | 1/1/30 | 1,000,000 | | 1,182,790 |
New Jersey—3.9% | | | | | |
New Jersey Economic | | | | | |
Development Authority, | | | | | |
Cigarette Tax Revenue | 5.00 | 6/15/18 | 1,250,000 | | 1,381,800 |
New Jersey Economic | | | | | |
Development Authority, | | | | | |
Water Facilities Revenue | | | | | |
(New Jersey—American | | | | | |
Water Company, Inc. Project) | 5.10 | 6/1/23 | 1,000,000 | | 1,130,440 |
New Jersey Educational Facilities | | | | | |
Authority, Revenue (Rowan | | | | | |
University Issue) | 5.00 | 7/1/18 | 1,225,000 | | 1,367,100 |
New Jersey Health Care Facilities | | | | | |
Financing Authority, Revenue | | | | | |
(Virtua Health Issue) | 5.00 | 7/1/25 | 1,000,000 | | 1,195,370 |
New Jersey Higher Education | | | | | |
Student Assistance Authority, | | | | | |
Senior Student Loan Revenue | 5.00 | 12/1/18 | 1,000,000 | | 1,116,600 |
Tobacco Settlement Financing | | | | | |
Corporation of New Jersey, | | | | | |
Tobacco Settlement | | | | | |
Asset-Backed Bonds | 4.50 | 6/1/23 | 1,000,000 | | 1,003,220 |
New Mexico—1.1% | | | | | |
New Mexico Municipal Energy | | | | | |
Acquisition Authority, Gas | | | | | |
Supply Revenue | 0.87 | 8/1/19 | 1,000,000 | c | 1,004,480 |
14
| | | | | |
Long-Term Municipal | Coupon | Maturity | Principal | | |
Investments (continued) | Rate (%) | Date | Amount ($)a | | Value ($) |
New Mexico (continued) | | | | | |
New Mexico Municipal Energy | | | | | |
Acquisition Authority, Gas | | | | | |
Supply Revenue (SPBA; Royal | | | | | |
Bank of Canada) | 0.77 | 2/1/19 | 1,000,000 | c | 1,000,350 |
New York—7.9% | | | | | |
Metropolitan Transportation | | | | | |
Authority, Dedicated Tax | | | | | |
Fund Revenue | 5.00 | 11/15/24 | 2,000,000 | | 2,446,160 |
Metropolitan Transportation | | | | | |
Authority, Transportation | | | | | |
Revenue | 5.00 | 11/15/26 | 1,205,000 | | 1,439,577 |
New York City, | | | | | |
GO | 5.00 | 8/1/21 | 2,000,000 | | 2,314,380 |
New York City, | | | | | |
GO | 5.00 | 3/1/25 | 1,000,000 | | 1,214,000 |
New York City Health and | | | | | |
Hospitals Corporation, Health | | | | | |
System Revenue | 5.00 | 2/15/19 | 1,000,000 | | 1,134,610 |
New York City Transitional Finance | | | | | |
Authority, Future Tax Secured | | | | | |
Subordinate Revenue | 5.00 | 11/1/18 | 1,000,000 | | 1,137,960 |
Onondaga Civic Development | | | | | |
Corporation, Revenue (Saint | | | | | |
Joseph’s Hospital Health | | | | | |
Center Project) | 5.00 | 7/1/25 | 1,000,000 | | 1,082,110 |
Port Authority of New York and New | | | | | |
Jersey (Consolidated Bonds, | | | | | |
185th Series) | 5.00 | 9/1/30 | 1,000,000 | | 1,160,320 |
Triborough Bridge and Tunnel | | | | | |
Authority, General Revenue | | | | | |
(MTA Bridges and Tunnels) | 5.00 | 11/15/24 | 2,150,000 | | 2,608,939 |
Ohio—2.1% | | | | | |
Ohio Higher Educational Facility | | | | | |
Commission, Higher Educational | | | | | |
Facility Revenue (Case Western | | | | | |
Reserve University Project) | 5.00 | 12/1/23 | 1,500,000 | | 1,829,475 |
Southeastern Ohio Port Authority, | | | | | |
Hospital Facilities Improvement | | | | | |
Revenue (Memorial Health System | | | | | |
Obligated Group Project) | 5.50 | 12/1/29 | 820,000 | | 893,046 |
The Fund 15
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
| | | | |
Long-Term Municipal | Coupon | Maturity | Principal | |
Investments (continued) | Rate (%) | Date | Amount ($)a | Value ($) |
Ohio (continued) | | | | |
University of Toledo, | | | | |
General Receipts Bonds | 5.00 | 6/1/17 | 1,050,000 | 1,141,948 |
Pennsylvania—1.7% | | | | |
Pennsylvania Economic Development | | | | |
Financing Authority, | | | | |
Unemployment | | | | |
Compensation Revenue | 5.00 | 7/1/22 | 2,000,000 | 2,116,560 |
Pennsylvania Intergovernmental | | | | |
Cooperation Authority, Special | | | | |
Tax Revenue (City of | | | | |
Philadelphia Funding Program) | 5.00 | 6/15/17 | 1,000,000 | 1,095,780 |
Rhode Island—1.1% | | | | |
Rhode Island Health and | | | | |
Educational Building | | | | |
Corporation, Higher | | | | |
Education Facilities | | | | |
Revenue (Brown | | | | |
University Issue) | 5.00 | 9/1/21 | 700,000 | 847,742 |
Tobacco Settlement Financing | | | | |
Corporation of Rhode Island, | | | | |
Tobacco Settlement | | | | |
Asset-Backed Bonds | 5.00 | 6/1/26 | 1,000,000 | 1,181,480 |
South Carolina—.6% | | | | |
South Carolina Public Service | | | | |
Authority, Revenue Obligations | | | | |
(Santee Cooper) | 5.00 | 12/1/21 | 1,000,000 | 1,194,890 |
South Dakota—1.4% | | | | |
South Dakota Conservancy | | | | |
District, Revenue (State Revolving | | | | |
Fund Program) | 5.00 | 8/1/17 | 2,370,000 | 2,611,408 |
Tennessee—.7% | | | | |
Metropolitan Government of | | | | |
Nashville and Davidson County, | | | | |
GO | 5.00 | 7/1/22 | 1,000,000 | 1,216,960 |
16
| | | | |
Long-Term Municipal | Coupon | Maturity | Principal | |
Investments (continued) | Rate (%) | Date | Amount ($)a | Value ($) |
Texas—11.8% | | | | |
Arlington Independent | | | | |
School District, Unlimited | | | | |
Tax School Building Bonds | | | | |
(Permament School Fund | | | | |
Guarantee Program) | 5.00 | 2/15/27 | 1,400,000 | 1,664,502 |
Corpus Christi, | | | | |
Utility System Junior Lien | | | | |
Revenue (Insured; Assured | | | | |
Guaranty Municipal Corp.) | 5.00 | 7/15/23 | 1,725,000 | 2,056,407 |
Harris County-Houston Sports | | | | |
Authority, Senior Lien Revenue | 5.00 | 11/15/29 | 750,000 | 867,750 |
Houston, | | | | |
Airport System Special Facilities | | | | |
Revenue (United Airlines, Inc. | | | | |
Terminal E Project) | 4.75 | 7/1/24 | 1,000,000 | 1,100,160 |
Houston, | | | | |
Combined Utility System First | | | | |
Lien Revenue | 5.00 | 11/15/18 | 1,355,000 | 1,542,925 |
Houston, | | | | |
Public Improvement GO | 5.00 | 3/1/24 | 2,000,000 | 2,472,120 |
Houston Convention and | | | | |
Entertainment Facilities | | | | |
Department, Hotel Occupancy | | | | |
Tax and Special Revenue | 5.00 | 9/1/20 | 1,000,000 | 1,164,410 |
North Texas Tollway Authority, | | | | |
First Tier System Revenue | 5.00 | 1/1/22 | 1,000,000 | 1,192,690 |
Sam Rayburn Municipal Power | | | | |
Agency, Power Supply | | | | |
System Revenue | 5.00 | 10/1/20 | 1,210,000 | 1,404,665 |
Stafford Economic Development | | | | |
Corporation, Sales Tax Revenue | | | | |
(Insured; National Public | | | | |
Finance Guarantee Corp.) | | | | |
(Escrowed to Maturity) | 6.00 | 9/1/15 | 270,000 | 276,539 |
The Fund 17
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
| | | | | |
Long-Term Municipal | Coupon | Maturity | Principal | | |
Investments (continued) | Rate (%) | Date | Amount ($)a | | Value ($) |
Texas (continued) | | | | | |
Tarrant Regional Water District, | | | | | |
Water Transmission Facilities | | | | | |
Contract Revenue (City of | | | | | |
Dallas Project) | 5.00 | 9/1/18 | 1,000,000 | | 1,137,370 |
Texas, | | | | | |
GO (College Student Loan) | 5.00 | 8/1/17 | 1,000,000 | | 1,102,600 |
Texas Municipal Power Agency, | | | | | |
Revenue (Insured; National | | | | | |
Public Finance Guarantee | | | | | |
Corp.) (Escrowed to Maturity) | 0.00 | 9/1/16 | 10,000 | d | 9,940 |
Texas Transportation Commission, | | | | | |
State Highway Fund | | | | | |
First Tier Revenue | 5.00 | 4/1/20 | 1,905,000 | | 2,071,345 |
Trinity River Authority, | | | | | |
Revenue (Tarrant County | | | | | |
Water Project) | 5.00 | 2/1/23 | 1,940,000 | | 2,349,127 |
West Travis County Public Utility | | | | | |
Agency, Revenue | 5.00 | 8/15/23 | 1,140,000 | | 1,315,275 |
Virginia—1.6% | | | | | |
Virginia College Building | | | | | |
Authority, Educational | | | | | |
Facilities Revenue (Marymount | | | | | |
University Project) | 5.00 | 7/1/19 | 425,000 | | 468,541 |
Virginia Public School Authority, | | | | | |
School Financing Bonds | 5.00 | 8/1/24 | 2,000,000 | | 2,406,180 |
West Virginia—.7% | | | | | |
West Virginia University Board of | | | | | |
Governors, University | | | | | |
Improvement Revenue (West | | | | | |
Virginia University Projects) | 5.00 | 10/1/17 | 1,135,000 | | 1,253,937 |
Wisconsin—1.8% | | | | | |
Public Finance Authority of | | | | | |
Wisconsin, Senior Living | | | | | |
Revenue (Rose Villa Project) | 4.25 | 11/15/20 | 1,000,000 | | 1,008,580 |
Wisconsin Health and Educational | | | | | |
Facilities Authority, Health | | | | | |
Facilities Revenue | | | | | |
(UnityPoint Health) | 5.00 | 12/1/23 | 1,000,000 | | 1,208,040 |
18
| | | | | |
Long-Term Municipal | Coupon | Maturity | Principal | | |
Investments (continued) | Rate (%) | Date | Amount ($)a | | Value ($) |
Wisconsin (continued) | | | | | |
Wisconsin Health and Educational | | | | | |
Facilities Authority, Revenue | | | | | |
(ProHealth Care, Inc. | | | | | |
Obligated Group) | 5.00 | 8/15/33 | 1,000,000 | | 1,131,310 |
Total Long-Term Municipal Investments | | | | |
(cost $144,555,236) | | | | | 151,834,148 |
|
Total Investments (cost $166,700,069) | | | 94.4 | % | 173,638,141 |
Cash and Receivables (Net) | | | 5.6 | % | 10,210,015 |
Net Assets | | | 100.0 | % | 183,848,156 |
|
a Principal amount stated in U.S. Dollars unless otherwise noted. |
AUD—Australian Dollar |
EUR—Euro |
b Securities exempt from registration pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933.These securities may be |
resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers.At March 31, 2015, these |
securities were valued at $12,305,867 or 6.7% of net assets. |
c Variable rate security—interest rate subject to periodic change. |
d Security issued with a zero coupon. Income is recognized through the accretion of discount. |
| | | |
Portfolio Summary (Unaudited)† | | |
|
| Value (%) | | Value (%) |
Transportation Services | 17.1 | Telecommunications | 2.0 |
Utility-Water and Sewer | 11.4 | Industrial | 1.1 |
Utility-Electric | 10.3 | Asset-Backed Ctfs./Auto Recievables | 1.0 |
Health Care | 9.9 | Prerefunded | .9 |
Education | 7.3 | Commercial Mortagage | .7 |
Special Tax | 6.3 | County | .7 |
City | 4.4 | Asset-Backed Certificates | .6 |
Foreign/Governmental | 2.9 | Consumer Discretionary | .5 |
Financial | 2.8 | Energy | .5 |
Lease | 2.5 | Housing | .2 |
Asset-Backed/Tobacco | 2.2 | Other | 7.0 |
State/Territory | 2.1 | | 94.4 |
The Fund 19
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
| | | |
Summary of Abbreviations | | |
|
ABAG | Association of Bay Area | ACA | American Capital Access |
| Governments | | |
AGC | ACE Guaranty Corporation | AGIC | Asset Guaranty Insurance Company |
AMBAC | American Municipal Bond | ARRN | Adjustable Rate |
| Assurance Corporation | | Receipt Notes |
BAN | Bond Anticipation Notes | BPA | Bond Purchase Agreement |
CIFG | CDC Ixis Financial Guaranty | COP | Certificate of Participation |
CP | Commercial Paper | DRIVERS | Derivative Inverse |
| | | Tax-Exempt Receipts |
EDR | Economic Development | EIR | Environmental Improvement |
| Revenue | | Revenue |
FGIC | Financial Guaranty | FHA | Federal Housing |
| Insurance Company | | Administration |
FHLB | Federal Home | FHLMC | Federal Home Loan Mortgage |
| Loan Bank | | Corporation |
FNMA | Federal National | GAN | Grant Anticipation Notes |
| Mortgage Association | | |
GIC | Guaranteed Investment | GNMA | Government National Mortgage |
| Contract | | Association |
GO | General Obligation | HR | Hospital Revenue |
IDB | Industrial Development Board | IDC | Industrial Development Corporation |
IDR | Industrial Development | LIFERS | Long Inverse Floating |
| Revenue | | Exempt Receipts |
LOC | Letter of Credit | LOR | Limited Obligation Revenue |
LR | Lease Revenue | MERLOTS | Municipal Exempt Receipts |
| | | Liquidity Option Tender |
MFHR | Multi-Family Housing Revenue | MFMR | Multi-Family Mortgage Revenue |
PCR | Pollution Control Revenue | P-FLOATS Puttable Floating Option |
| | | Tax-Exempt Receipts |
PILOT | Payment in Lieu of Taxes | PUTTERS | Puttable Tax-Exempt Receipts |
RAC | Revenue Anticipation Certificates | RAN | Revenue Anticipation Notes |
RAW | Revenue Anticipation Warrants | RIB | Residual Interest Bonds |
ROCS | Reset Option Certificates | RRR | Resources Recovery Revenue |
SAAN | State Aid Anticipation Notes | SBPA | Standby Bond Purchase Agreement |
SFHR | Single Family Housing Revenue | SFMR | Single Family Mortgage Revenue |
SONYMA | State of New York | SPEARS | Short Puttable Exempt |
| Mortgage Agency | | Adjustable Receipts |
SWDR | Solid Waste Disposal Revenue | TAN | Tax Anticipation Notes |
TAW | Tax Anticipation Warrants | TRAN | Tax and Revenue Anticipation Notes |
XLCA | XL Capital Assurance | | |
|
See notes to financial statements. | | |
20
|
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES |
March 31, 2015 (Unaudited) |
| | | | |
| | | Cost | Value |
Assets ($): | | | | |
Investments in securities—See Statement of Investments | 166,700,069 | 173,638,141 |
Cash | | | | 16,792,376 |
Cash denominated in foreign currencies | | | 3 | 3 |
Interest receivable | | | | 1,941,174 |
Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign | | | | |
currency exchange contracts—Note 4 | | | | 186,448 |
Receivable for shares of Beneficial Interest subscribed | | | 168,255 |
Prepaid expenses | | | | 40,249 |
| | | | 192,766,646 |
Liabilities ($): | | | | |
Due to The Dreyfus Corporation and affiliates—Note 3(c) | | | 51,213 |
Payable for investment securities purchased | | | 8,602,304 |
Payable for shares of Beneficial Interest redeemed | | | 225,975 |
Accrued expenses | | | | 38,998 |
| | | | 8,918,490 |
Net Assets ($) | | | 183,848,156 |
Composition of Net Assets ($): | | | | |
Paid-in capital | | | | 175,856,582 |
Accumulated undistributed investment income—net | | | 11,281 |
Accumulated net realized gain (loss) on investments | | | 859,272 |
Accumulated net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) | | | |
on investments and foreign currency transactions | | | 7,121,021 |
Net Assets ($) | | | 183,848,156 |
|
|
Net Asset Value Per Share | | | | |
| Class A | Class C | Class I | Class Y |
Net Assets ($) | 6,933,977 | 939,972 | 174,793,583 | 1,180,624 |
Shares Outstanding | 299,562 | 40,590 | 7,548,275 | 50,991 |
Net Asset Value Per Share ($) | 23.15 | 23.16 | 23.16 | 23.15 |
See notes to financial statements. | | | | |
The Fund 21
|
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS |
Six Months Ended March 31, 2015 (Unaudited) |
| | |
Investment Income ($): | | |
Interest Income | 2,422,398 | |
Expenses: | | |
Investment advisory fee—Note 3(a) | 328,357 | |
Administration fee—Note 3(a) | 49,254 | |
Registration fees | 30,434 | |
Professional fees | 21,710 | |
Prospectus and shareholders’ reports | 21,284 | |
Shareholder servicing costs—Note 3(c) | 19,332 | |
Custodian fees—Note 3(c) | 7,193 | |
Trustees’ fees and expenses—Note 3(d) | 5,461 | |
Distribution fees—Note 3(b) | 3,963 | |
Loan commitment fees—Note 2 | 1,752 | |
Miscellaneous | 15,378 | |
Total Expenses | 504,118 | |
Less—reduction in expenses due to undertaking—Note 3(a) | (121,067 | ) |
Less—reduction in fees due to earnings credits—Note 3(c) | (10 | ) |
Net Expenses | 383,041 | |
Investment Income—Net | 2,039,357 | |
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments—Note 4 ($): | | |
Net realized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency transactions | 1,071,195 | |
Net realized gain (loss) on forward foreign currency exchange contracts | 475,586 | |
Net Realized Gain (Loss) | 1,546,781 | |
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments | | |
and foreign currency transactions | (602,606 | ) |
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on forward | | |
foreign currency exchange contracts | 186,448 | |
Net Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) | (416,158 | ) |
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments | 1,130,623 | |
Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations | 3,169,980 | |
|
See notes to financial statements. | | |
22
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
| | | | |
| Six Months Ended | | | |
| March 31, 2015 | | Year Ended | |
| (Unaudited) | | September 30, 2014 | |
Operations ($): | | | | |
Investment income—net | 2,039,357 | | 3,553,171 | |
Net realized gain (loss) on investments | 1,546,781 | | 549,300 | |
Net unrealized appreciation | | | | |
(depreciation) on investments | (416,158 | ) | 3,170,912 | |
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets | | | | |
Resulting from Operations | 3,169,980 | | 7,273,383 | |
Dividends to Shareholders from ($): | | | | |
Investment income—net: | | | | |
Class A | (75,363 | ) | (132,161 | ) |
Class C | (7,827 | ) | (20,494 | ) |
Class I | (1,932,104 | ) | (3,380,066 | ) |
Class Y | (14,766 | ) | (4,424 | ) |
Net realized gain on investments: | | | | |
Class A | (52,563 | ) | — | |
Class C | (8,122 | ) | — | |
Class I | (1,149,149 | ) | — | |
Class Y | (9,155 | ) | — | |
Total Dividends | (3,249,049 | ) | (3,537,145 | ) |
Beneficial Interest Transactions ($): | | | | |
Net proceeds from shares sold: | | | | |
Class A | 1,322,021 | | 1,665,136 | |
Class C | 93,478 | | 68,355 | |
Class I | 42,645,779 | | 80,162,182 | |
Class Y | 276,000 | | 1,017,447 | |
Dividends reinvested: | | | | |
Class A | 122,516 | | 125,735 | |
Class C | 15,920 | | 20,208 | |
Class I | 2,504,952 | | 2,764,779 | |
Class Y | 19,150 | | 3,142 | |
Cost of shares redeemed: | | | | |
Class A | (680,077 | ) | (2,677,697 | ) |
Class C | (170,400 | ) | (955,844 | ) |
Class I | (15,775,531 | ) | (64,499,441 | ) |
Class Y | (140,244 | ) | — | |
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from | | | | |
Beneficial Interest Transactions | 30,233,564 | | 17,694,002 | |
Total Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets | 30,154,495 | | 21,430,240 | |
Net Assets ($): | | | | |
Beginning of Period | 153,693,661 | | 132,263,421 | |
End of Period | 183,848,156 | | 153,693,661 | |
Undistributed investment income—net | 11,281 | | 1,984 | |
The Fund 23
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (continued)
| | | | |
| Six Months Ended | | | |
| March 31, 2015 | | Year Ended | |
| (Unaudited) | | September 30, 2014 | |
Capital Share Transactions: | | | | |
Class A | | | | |
Shares sold | 56,916 | | 72,867 | |
Shares issued for dividends reinvested | 5,295 | | 5,490 | |
Shares redeemed | (29,310 | ) | (117,866 | ) |
Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares Outstanding | 32,901 | | (39,509 | ) |
Class C | | | | |
Shares sold | 4,022 | | 3,000 | |
Shares issued for dividends reinvested | 688 | | 883 | |
Shares redeemed | (7,356 | ) | (41,761 | ) |
Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares Outstanding | (2,646 | ) | (37,878 | ) |
Class Ia | | | | |
Shares sold | 1,836,759 | | 3,523,025 | |
Shares issued for dividends reinvested | 108,196 | | 120,645 | |
Shares redeemed | (678,653 | ) | (2,834,303 | ) |
Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares Outstanding | 1,266,302 | | 809,367 | |
Class Ya | | | | |
Shares sold | 11,876 | | 44,122 | |
Shares issued for dividends reinvested | 827 | | 136 | |
Shares redeemed | (6,014 | ) | — | |
Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares Outstanding | 6,689 | | 44,258 | |
|
a During the period ended September 30, 2014, 31,115 Class I shares representing $716,584 were exchanged for |
31,115 ClassY shares. |
See notes to financial statements.
24
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The following tables describe the performance for each share class for the fiscal periods indicated. All information (except portfolio turnover rate) reflects financial results for a single fund share.Total return shows how much your investment in the fund would have increased (or decreased) during each period, assuming you had reinvested all dividends and distributions.These figures have been derived from the fund’s financial statements.
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Six Months Ended | | | | | | | | | | | |
March 31, 2015 | | | | Year Ended September 30, | | | |
Class A Shares | (Unaudited) | | 2014 | | 2013 | | 2012 | | 2011 | | 2010 | |
Per Share Data ($): | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, | | | | | | | | | | | | |
beginning of period | 23.15 | | 22.56 | | 23.44 | | 23.05 | | 22.95 | | 22.45 | |
Investment Operations: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Investment income—neta | .26 | | .49 | | .51 | | .53 | | .61 | | .61 | |
Net realized and unrealized | | | | | | | | | | | | |
gain (loss) on investments | .18 | | .59 | | (.76 | ) | .64 | | .14 | | .54 | |
Total from Investment Operations | .44 | | 1.08 | | (.25 | ) | 1.17 | | .75 | | 1.15 | |
Distributions: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends from | | | | | | | | | | | | |
investment income—net | (.26 | ) | (.49 | ) | (.51 | ) | (.52 | ) | (.62 | ) | (.65 | ) |
Dividends from net realized | | | | | | | | | | | | |
gain on investments | (.18 | ) | — | | (.12 | ) | (.26 | ) | (.03 | ) | — | |
Total Distributions | (.44 | ) | (.49 | ) | (.63 | ) | (.78 | ) | (.65 | ) | (.65 | ) |
Net asset value, end of period | 23.15 | | 23.15 | | 22.56 | | 23.44 | | 23.05 | | 22.95 | |
Total Return (%)b | 1.91 | c | 4.84 | | (1.10 | ) | 5.19 | | 3.38 | | 5.24 | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data (%): | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratio of total expenses | | | | | | | | | | | | |
to average net assets | .90 | d | .95 | | .89 | | .90 | | .98 | | .96 | |
Ratio of net expenses | | | | | | | | | | | | |
to average net assets | .70 | d | .70 | | .70 | | .80 | | .80 | | .80 | |
Ratio of net investment income | | | | | | | | | | | | |
to average net assets | 2.26 | d | 2.15 | | 2.20 | | 2.25 | | 2.72 | | 2.80 | |
Portfolio Turnover Rate | 18.97 | c | 26.01 | | 35.03 | | 21.97 | | 27.67 | | 32.07 | |
Net Assets, end of period | | | | | | | | | | | | |
($ x 1,000) | 6,934 | | 6,173 | | 6,908 | | 6,639 | | 4,760 | | 1,665 | |
| |
a | Based on average shares outstanding. |
b | Exclusive of sales charge. |
c | Not annualized. |
d | Annualized. |
See notes to financial statements.
The Fund 25
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Six Months Ended | | | | | | | | | | | |
March 31, 2015 | | | | Year Ended September 30, | | | |
Class C Shares | (Unaudited) | | 2014 | | 2013 | | 2012 | | 2011 | | 2010 | |
Per Share Data ($): | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, | | | | | | | | | | | | |
beginning of period | 23.16 | | 22.57 | | 23.45 | | 23.05 | | 22.95 | | 22.45 | |
Investment Operations: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Investment income-neta | .18 | | .32 | | .33 | | .35 | | .45 | | .40 | |
Net realized and unrealized | | | | | | | | | | | | |
gain (loss) on investments | .17 | | .59 | | (.75 | ) | .66 | | .13 | | .59 | |
Total from Investment Operations | .35 | | .91 | | (.42 | ) | 1.01 | | .58 | | .99 | |
Distributions: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends from | | | | | | | | | | | | |
investment income—net | (.17 | ) | (.32 | ) | (.34 | ) | (.35 | ) | (.45 | ) | (.49 | ) |
Dividends from net realized | | | | | | | | | | | | |
gain on investments | (.18 | ) | — | | (.12 | ) | (.26 | ) | (.03 | ) | — | |
Total Distributions | (.35 | ) | (.32 | ) | (.46 | ) | (.61 | ) | (.48 | ) | (.49 | ) |
Net asset value, end of period | 23.16 | | 23.16 | | 22.57 | | 23.45 | | 23.05 | | 22.95 | |
Total Return (%)b | 1.48 | c | 4.07 | | (1.80 | ) | 4.39 | | 2.60 | | 4.46 | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data (%): | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratio of total expenses | | | | | | | | | | | | |
to average net assets | 1.68 | d | 1.75 | | 1.65 | | 1.67 | | 1.73 | | 1.74 | |
Ratio of net expenses | | | | | | | | | | | | |
to average net assets | 1.45 | d | 1.45 | | 1.45 | | 1.55 | | 1.55 | | 1.55 | |
Ratio of net investment income | | | | | | | | | | | | |
to average net assets | 1.51 | d | 1.40 | | 1.45 | | 1.48 | | 1.99 | | 1.94 | |
Portfolio Turnover Rate | 18.97 | c | 26.01 | | 35.03 | | 21.97 | | 27.67 | | 32.07 | |
Net Assets, end of period | | | | | | | | | | | | |
($ x 1,000) | 940 | | 1,001 | | 1,831 | | 2,045 | | 719 | | 480 | |
| |
a | Based on average shares outstanding. |
b | Exclusive of sales charge. |
c | Not annualized. |
d | Annualized. |
See notes to financial statements.
26
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Six Months Ended | | | | | | | | | | | |
March 31, 2015 | | | | Year Ended September 30, | | | |
Class I Shares | (Unaudited) | | 2014 | | 2013 | | 2012 | | 2011 | | 2010 | |
Per Share Data ($): | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, | | | | | | | | | | | | |
beginning of period | 23.16 | | 22.57 | | 23.45 | | 23.06 | | 22.95 | | 22.45 | |
Investment Operations: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Investment income—neta | .29 | | .55 | | .57 | | .60 | | .70 | | .73 | |
Net realized and unrealized | | | | | | | | | | | | |
gain (loss) on investments | .18 | | .59 | | (.76 | ) | .65 | | .14 | | .50 | |
Total from Investment Operations | .47 | | 1.14 | | (.19 | ) | 1.25 | | .84 | | 1.23 | |
Distributions: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends from | | | | | | | | | | | | |
investment income—net | (.29 | ) | (.55 | ) | (.57 | ) | (.60 | ) | (.70 | ) | (.73 | ) |
Dividends from net realized | | | | | | | | | | | | |
gain on investments | (.18 | ) | — | | (.12 | ) | (.26 | ) | (.03 | ) | — | |
Total Distributions | (.47 | ) | (.55 | ) | (.69 | ) | (.86 | ) | (.73 | ) | (.73 | ) |
Net asset value, end of period | 23.16 | | 23.16 | | 22.57 | | 23.45 | | 23.06 | | 22.95 | |
Total Return (%) | 2.03 | b | 5.11 | | (.85 | ) | 5.54 | | 3.79 | | 5.61 | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data (%): | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratio of total expenses | | | | | | | | | | | | |
to average net assets | .59 | c | .68 | | .61 | | .61 | | .63 | | .64 | |
Ratio of net expenses | | | | | | | | | | | | |
to average net assets | .45 | c | .45 | | .45 | | .45 | | .45 | | .45 | |
Ratio of net investment income | | | | | | | | | | | | |
to average net assets | 2.50 | c | 2.40 | | 2.45 | | 2.61 | | 3.10 | | 3.26 | |
Portfolio Turnover Rate | 18.97 | b | 26.01 | | 35.03 | | 21.97 | | 27.67 | | 32.07 | |
Net Assets, end of period | | | | | | | | | | | | |
($ x 1,000) | 174,794 | | 145,493 | | 123,524 | | 128,217 | | 128,398 | | 109,470 | |
| |
a | Based on average shares outstanding. |
b | Not annualized. |
c | Annualized. |
See notes to financial statements.
The Fund 27
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)
| | | | | | |
| Six Months Ended | | | | | |
| March 31, 2015 | | Year Ended September 30, | |
Class Y Shares | (Unaudited) | | 2014 | | 2013 | a |
Per Share Data ($): | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | 23.16 | | 22.57 | | 22.60 | |
Investment Operations: | | | | | | |
Investment income—netb | .29 | | .47 | | .14 | |
Net realized and unrealized | | | | | | |
gain (loss) on investments | .17 | | .68 | | (.03 | ) |
Total from Investment Operations | .46 | | 1.15 | | .11 | |
Distributions: | | | | | | |
Dividends from investment income—net | (.29 | ) | (.56 | ) | (.14 | ) |
Dividends from net realized | | | | | | |
gain on investments | (.18 | ) | — | | — | |
Total Distributions | (.47 | ) | (.56 | ) | (.14 | ) |
Net asset value, end of period | 23.15 | | 23.16 | | 22.57 | |
Total Return (%) | 1.99 | c | 5.13 | | .50 | c |
Ratios/Supplemental Data (%): | | | | | | |
Ratio of total expenses | | | | | | |
to average net assets | .60 | d | .66 | | .58 | d |
Ratio of net expenses | | | | | | |
to average net assets | .45 | d | .45 | | .45 | d |
Ratio of net investment income | | | | | | |
to average net assets | 2.50 | d | 2.40 | | 2.57 | d |
Portfolio Turnover Rate | 18.97 | c | 26.01 | | 35.03 | |
Net Assets, end of period ($ x 1,000) | 1,181 | | 1,026 | | 1 | |
| |
a | From July 1, 2013 (commencement of initial offering) to September 30, 2013. |
b | Based on average shares outstanding. |
c | Not annualized. |
d | Annualized. |
See notes to financial statements.
28
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
NOTE 1—Significant Accounting Policies:
Dreyfus Tax Sensitive Total Return Bond Fund (the “fund”) is a separate non-diversified series of Dreyfus Investment Funds (the “Trust”), which is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Act”), as an open-end management investment company and operates as a series company currently offering seven series, including the fund.The fund’s investment objective is to seek a high after-tax total return. 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. Standish Mellon Asset Management Company LLC (“Standish”), an affiliate of Dreyfus, serves as the fund’s sub-investment adviser.
MBSC Securities Corporation (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dreyfus, is the distributor of the fund’s shares. The fund is authorized to issue an unlimited number of $.001 par value shares of Beneficial Interest in each of the following classes of shares: Class A, Class C, Class I and Class Y. Class A and Class C shares are sold primarily to retail investors through financial intermediaries and bear Distribution and/or Shareholder Service Plan fees. Class A shares generally are subject to a sales charge imposed at the time of purchase. Class C shares are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”) imposed on Class C shares redeemed within one year of purchase. Class I shares are sold primarily to bank trust departments and other financial service providers (including The Bank of NewYork Mellon, a subsidiary of BNY Mellon and an affiliate of Dreyfus, and its affiliates), acting on behalf of customers having a qualified trust or an investment account or relationship at such institution, and bear no Distribution or Shareholder Services Plan fees. Class Y shares are sold at net asset value per share generally to institutional investors, and bear no Distribution or Shareholder Services Plan fees. Class I and Class Y shares are offered without a front-end sales charge or CDSC. Other differences between the classes include the services offered to and the expenses borne by each class, the allocation of certain transfer agency costs, and certain voting rights. Income, expenses (other than expenses
The Fund 29
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
attributable to a specific class), and realized and unrealized gains or losses on investments are allocated to each class of shares based on its relative net assets.
The Trust accounts separately for the assets, liabilities and operations of each series. Expenses directly attributable to each series are charged to that series’ operations; expenses which are applicable to all series are allocated among them on a pro rata basis.
The Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) is the exclusive reference of authoritative U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) recognized by the FASB to be applied by nongovernmental entities. Rules and interpretive releases of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) under authority of federal laws are also sources of authoritative GAAP for SEC registrants. The fund’s financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP, which may require the use of management estimates and assumptions. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
(a) Portfolio valuation: The fair value of a financial instrument is the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (i.e., the exit price). GAAP establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs of valuation techniques used to measure fair value. This hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements).
Additionally, GAAP provides guidance on determining whether the volume and activity in a market has decreased significantly and whether such a decrease in activity results in transactions that are not orderly. GAAP requires enhanced disclosures around valuation inputs and techniques used during annual and interim periods.
30
Various inputs are used in determining the value of the fund’s investments relating to fair value measurements. These inputs are summarized in the three broad levels listed below:
Level 1—unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical investments.
Level 2—other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar investments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.).
Level 3—significant unobservable inputs (including the fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).
The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.
Changes in valuation techniques may result in transfers in or out of an assigned level within the disclosure hierarchy. Valuation techniques used to value the fund’s investments are as follows:
Registered investment companies that are not traded on an exchange are valued at their net asset value and are generally categorized within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.
Investments in securities, excluding short-term investments (other than U.S.Treasury Bills) and forward foreign currency exchange contracts (“forward contracts”), are valued each business day by an independent pricing service (the “Service”) approved by the Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”). Investments for which quoted bid prices are readily available and are representative of the bid side of the market in the judgment of the Service are valued at the mean between the quoted bid prices (as obtained by the Service from dealers in such securities) and asked prices (as calculated by the Service based upon its evaluation of the market for such securities). Other investments (which constitute a majority of the portfolio securities) are valued as
The Fund 31
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
determined by the Service, based on methods which include consideration of the following: yields or prices of securities of comparable quality, coupon, maturity and type; indications as to values from dealers; and general market conditions.These securities are generally categorized within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
The Service’s procedures are reviewed by Dreyfus under the general supervision of the Board.
When market quotations or official closing prices are not readily available, or are determined not to reflect accurately fair value, such as when the value of a security has been significantly affected by events after the close of the exchange or market on which the security is principally traded (for example, a foreign exchange or market), but before the fund calculates its net asset value, the fund may value these investments at fair value as determined in accordance with the procedures approved by the Board. Certain factors may be considered when fair valuing investments such as: fundamental analytical data, the nature and duration of restrictions on disposition, an evaluation of the forces that influence the market in which the securities are purchased and sold, and public trading in similar securities of the issuer or comparable issuers. These securities are either categorized within Level 2 or 3 of the fair value hierarchy depending on the relevant inputs used.
For restricted securities where observable inputs are limited, assumptions about market activity and risk are used and are generally categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
Investments denominated in foreign currencies are translated to U.S. dollars at the prevailing rates of exchange.
Forward contracts are valued at the forward rate and are generally categorized within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
32
The following is a summary of the inputs used as of March 31, 2015 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: | | | |
Asset-Backed | — | 2,940,681 | — | 2,940,681 |
Commercial | | | | |
Mortgage-Backed | — | 1,272,470 | — | 1,272,470 |
Corporate Bonds† | — | 12,172,778 | — | 12,172,778 |
Foreign Government | — | 5,418,064 | — | 5,418,064 |
Municipal Bonds† | — | 151,834,148 | — | 151,834,148 |
Other Financial Instruments: | | | |
Forward Foreign | | | | |
Currency Exchange | | | |
Contracts†† | — | 186,448 | — | 186,448 |
| |
† | See Statement of Investments for additional detailed categorizations. |
†† | Amount shown represents unrealized appreciation at period end. |
At March 31, 2015, there were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
(b) Foreign currency transactions: The fund does not isolate that portion of the results of operations resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates on investments from the fluctuations arising from changes in the market prices of securities held. Such fluctuations are included with the net realized and unrealized gain or loss on investments.
Net realized foreign exchange gains or losses arise from sales of foreign currencies, currency gains or losses realized on securities transactions between trade and settlement date, and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest and foreign withholding taxes recorded
The Fund 33
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
on the fund’s books and the U.S. dollar equivalent of the amounts actually received or paid. Net unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses arise from changes in the value of assets and liabilities other than investments resulting from changes in exchange rates. Foreign currency gains and losses on foreign currency transactions are also included with net realized and unrealized gain or loss on investments.
(c) Securities transactions and investment income: Securities transactions are recorded on a trade date basis. Realized gains and losses from securities transactions are recorded on the identified cost basis. Interest income, adjusted for accretion of discount and amortization of premium on investments, is earned from settlement date and recognized on the accrual basis. Securities purchased or sold on a when issued or delayed delivery basis may be settled a month or more after the trade date.
(d) Risk: The fund invests primarily in debt securities. Failure of an issuer of the debt securities to make timely interest or principal payments, or a decline or the perception of a decline in the credit quality of a debt security, can cause the debt security’s price to fall, potentially lowering the fund’s share price. In addition, the value of debt securities may decline due to general market conditions that are not specifically related to a particular issuer, such as real or perceived adverse economic conditions, changes in outlook for corporate earnings, changes in interest or currency rates or adverse investor sentiment. They may also decline because of factors that affect a particular industry.
(e) Dividends to shareholders: It is the policy of the fund to declare dividends daily from investment income-net. Such dividends are paid monthly. Dividends from net realized capital gains, if any, are normally declared and paid annually, but the fund may make distributions on a more frequent basis to comply with the distribution requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”).To the extent that net realized capital gains can be offset by capital loss carryovers, it is the policy of the fund not to distribute such gains. Income and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with income tax regulations, which may differ from GAAP.
34
(f) Federal income taxes: It is the policy of the fund to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company, which can distribute tax-exempt dividends, by complying with the applicable provisions of the Code, and to make distributions of income and net realized capital gain sufficient to relieve it from substantially all federal income and excise taxes.
As of and during the period ended March 31, 2015, the fund did not have any liabilities for any uncertain tax positions.The fund recognizes interest and penalties, if any, related to uncertain tax positions as income tax expense in the Statement of Operations. During the period ended March 31, 2015, the fund did not incur any interest or penalties.
Each tax year in the three-year period ended September 30, 2014 remains subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service and state taxing authorities.
The tax character of distributions paid to shareholders during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014 was as follows: tax-exempt income $3,424,477 and ordinary income $112,668. The tax character of current year distributions will be determined at the end of the current fiscal year.
NOTE 2—Bank Lines of Credit:
The fund participates with other Dreyfus-managed funds in a $430 million unsecured credit facility led by Citibank, N.A. and a $300 million unsecured credit facility provided by The Bank of New York Mellon (each, a “Facility”), each to be utilized primarily for temporary or emergency purposes, including the financing of redemptions. Prior to October 8, 2014, the unsecured credit facility with Citibank, N.A. was $265 million. In connection therewith, the fund has agreed to pay its pro rata portion of commitment fees for each Facility. Interest is charged to the fund based on rates determined pursuant to the terms of the respective Facility at the time of borrowing. During the period ended March 31, 2015, the fund did not borrow under the Facilities.
The Fund 35
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
NOTE 3—Investment Advisory Fee, Sub-Investment Advisory Fee, Administration Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates:
(a) Pursuant to an investment advisory agreement with Dreyfus, the fund has agreed to pay an investment advisory fee at the annual rate of .40% of the value of the fund’s average daily net assets and is payable monthly. Dreyfus has contractually agreed, from October 1, 2014 through February 1, 2016, to waive receipt of its fees and assume the direct expenses of the fund so that the expenses of none of the classes (excluding Rule 12b-1 Distribution Plan fees, Shareholder Services Plan fees, taxes, interest expense, brokerage commissions, commitment fees on borrowings and extraordinary expenses) exceed .45% of the value of the fund’s average daily net assets.The reduction in expenses, pursuant to the undertaking, amounted to $121,067 during the year ended March 31, 2015.
Pursuant to separate Sub-Investment Advisory Agreements between Dreyfus and Standish, Standish serves as the fund’s sub-adviser responsible for the day-to-day management of a portion of the fund’s portfolio, Dreyfus pays the sub-Investment adviser a monthly fee at an annual percentage of the value of the fund’s average daily net assets. Dreyfus has obtained an exemptive order from the SEC (the “Order”), upon which the fund may rely, to use a manager of managers approach that permits Dreyfus, subject to certain conditions and approval by the Board, to enter into and materially amend sub-investment advisory agreements with one or more sub-investment advisers who are either unaffiliated with Dreyfus or are wholly-owned subsidiaries (as defined under the Act) of Dreyfus’ ultimate parent company, BNY Mellon, without obtaining shareholder approval.The Order also allows the fund to disclose the sub-investment advisory fee paid by Dreyfus to any unaffiliated sub-investment adviser in the aggregate with other unaffiliated sub-investment advisers in documents filed with the SEC and provided to shareholders. In addition, pursuant to the Order, it is not necessary to disclose the sub-investment advisory fee payable by Dreyfus separately to a sub-investment adviser that is a wholly-owned subsidiary of
36
BNY Mellon in documents filed with the SEC and provided to shareholders; such fees are to be aggregated with fees payable to Dreyfus. Dreyfus has ultimate responsibility (subject to oversight by the Board) to supervise any sub-investment adviser and recommend the hiring, termination, and replacement of any sub-investment adviser to the Board.
The fund has a Fund Accounting and Administrative Services Agreement (the “Administration Agreement”) with Dreyfus, whereby Dreyfus performs administrative, accounting and recordkeeping services for the fund. The fund has agreed to compensate Dreyfus for providing accounting services, administration, compliance monitoring, regulatory and shareholder reporting, as well as related facilities, equipment and clerical help. The fee is based on the fund’s average daily net assets and computed at the following annual rates: .06% of the first $500 million, .04% of the next $500 million and .02% in excess of $1 billion.
In addition, after applying any expense limitations or fee waivers that reduce the fees paid to Dreyfus for this service, Dreyfus has contractually agreed in writing to waive any remaining fees for this service to the extent that they exceed both Dreyfus’ costs in providing these services and a reasonable allocation of the costs incurred by Dreyfus and its affiliates related to the support and oversight of these services. The fund also reimburses Dreyfus for the out-of-pocket expenses incurred in performing this service for the fund. Pursuant to the Administration Agreement, the fund was charged $49,254 during the period ended March 31, 2015.
(b) Under the Distribution Plan adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Act, Class C shares pay the Distributor for distributing its shares at an annual rate of .75% of the value of its average daily net assets. During the period ended March 31, 2015, Class C shares were charged $3,963 pursuant to the Distribution Plan.
The Fund 37
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
(c) Under the Shareholder Services Plan, Class A and Class C shares pay the Distributor at the annual rate of .25% of the value of their average daily net assets for the provision of certain services. The services provided may include personal services relating to shareholder accounts, such as answering shareholder inquiries regarding the fund and providing reports and other information, and services related to the maintenance of shareholder accounts. The Distributor may make payments to Service Agents (securities dealers, financial institutions or other industry professionals) with respect to these services. The Distributor determines the amounts to be paid to Service Agents. During the period ended March 31, 2015, Class A and Class C shares were charged $8,397 and $1,321, respectively, pursuant to the Shareholder Services Plan.
Under its terms, the Distribution Plan and Shareholder Services Plan shall remain in effect from year to year, provided such continuance is approved annually by a vote of a majority of those Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Trust and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of or in any agreement related to the Distribution Plan or Shareholder Services Plan.
The fund has arrangements with the transfer agent and the custodian whereby the fund may receive earnings credits when positive cash balances are maintained, which are used to offset transfer agency and custody fees. For financial reporting purposes, the fund includes net earnings credits as an expense offset in the Statement of Operations.
The fund compensates Dreyfus Transfer, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dreyfus, under a transfer agency agreement for providing transfer agency and cash management services for the fund. The majority of transfer agency fees are comprised of amounts paid on a per account basis, while cash management fees are related to fund subscriptions and redemptions. During the period ended March 31, 2015, the fund was charged $4,221 for transfer agency services and $201 for cash management services.These fees are included in Shareholder servicing costs in the Statement of Operations. Cash management fees were partially offset by earnings credits of $10.
38
The fund compensates The Bank of New York Mellon under a custody agreement for providing custodial services for the fund. These fees are determined based on net assets, geographic region and transaction activity. During the period ended March 31, 2015, the fund was charged $7,193 pursuant to the custody agreement.
During the period ended March 31, 2015, the fund was charged $5,657 for services performed by the Chief Compliance Officer and his staff.
The components of “Due to The Dreyfus Corporation and affiliates” in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities consist of: investment advisory fees $60,608, administration fees $9,091, Distribution Plan fees $667, Shareholder Services Plan fees $1,703, custodian fees $3,077, Chief Compliance Officer fees $2,867 and transfer agency fees $1,442, which are offset against an expense reimbursement currently in effect in the amount of $28,242.
(d) Each Board member also serves as a Board member of other funds within the Dreyfus complex. Annual retainer fees and attendance fees are allocated to each fund based on net assets.
NOTE 4—Securities Transactions:
The aggregate amount of purchases and sales of investment securities, excluding short-term securities and forward contracts, during the period ended March 31, 2015, amounted to $54,268,296 and $30,423,568, respectively.
Derivatives: A derivative is a financial instrument whose performance is derived from the performance of another asset. Each type of derivative instrument that was held by the fund during the period ended March 31, 2015 is discussed below.
Master Netting Arrangements: The fund enters into International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. Master Agreements or similar agreements (collectively, “Master Agreements”) with its over-the counter (“OTC”) derivative contract counterparties in order to,
The Fund 39
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
among other things, reduce its credit risk to counterparties. Master Agreements include provisions for general obligations, representations, collateral and events of default or termination. Under a Master Agreement, the fund may offset with the counterparty certain derivative financial instrument’s payables and/or receivables with collateral held and/or posted and create one single net payment in the event of default or termination.
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts: The fund enters into forward contracts in order to hedge its exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates on its foreign portfolio holdings, to settle foreign currency transactions or as a part of its investment strat-egy.When executing forward contracts, the fund is obligated to buy or sell a foreign currency at a specified rate on a certain date in the future. With respect to sales of forward contracts, the fund incurs a loss if the value of the contract increases between the date the forward contract is opened and the date the forward contract is closed.The fund realizes a gain if the value of the contract decreases between those dates.With respect to purchases of forward contracts, the fund incurs a loss if the value of the contract decreases between the date the forward contract is opened and the date the forward contract is closed.The fund realizes a gain if the value of the contract increases between those dates. Any realized or unrealized gains or losses which occurred during the period are reflected in the Statement of Operations. The fund is exposed to foreign currency risk as a result of changes in value of underlying financial instruments. The fund is also exposed to credit risk associated with counterparty nonperformance on these forward contracts, which is generally limited to the unrealized gain on each open contract. The risk is mitigated by Master Agreements between the fund and the counterparty and the posting of collateral, if any, by
40
the counterparty to the fund to cover the fund’s exposure to the coun-terparty. The following summarizes open forward contracts at March 31, 2015:
| | | | | |
| | Foreign | | | |
Forward Foreign Currency | | Currency | | | Unrealized |
Exchange Contracts | | Amounts | Proceeds ($) | Value ($) | Appreciation ($) |
Sales: | | | | | |
Australian Dollar, | | | | | |
Expiring | | | | | |
4/30/2015 a | | 8,090,000 | 6,325,571 | 6,150,501 | 175,070 |
Euro, | | | | | |
Expiring: | | | | | |
4/30/2015 a | | 238,000 | 259,167 | 256,016 | 3,151 |
4/30/2015 b | | 294,000 | 320,292 | 316,254 | 4,038 |
4/30/2015 c | | 182,000 | 198,167 | 195,777 | 2,390 |
4/30/2015 d | | 136,000 | 148,094 | 146,295 | 1,799 |
Gross Unrealized Appreciation | | | 186,448 |
Counterparties:
| |
a | Goldman Sachs International |
b | Credit Suisse International |
c | JPMorgan Chase Bank |
d | UBS |
The provisions of ASC Topic 210 “Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities” require disclosure on the offsetting of financial assets and liabilities. These disclosures are required for certain investments, including derivative financial instruments subject to Master Agreements which are eligible for offsetting in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities and require the fund to disclose both gross and net information with respect to such investments. For financial reporting purposes, the fund does not offset derivative assets and derivative liabilities that are subject to Master Agreements in the Statement of Asset and Liabilities.
The Fund 41
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
At March 31, 2015, derivative assets (by type) on a gross basis are as follows:
| | |
Derivative Financial Instruments: | Assets ($) | |
Forward contracts | 186,448 | |
Total gross amount of derivative | | |
assets in the Statement of | | |
Assets and Liabilities | 186,448 | |
Derivatives not subject to | | |
Master Agreements | (4,038 | ) |
Total gross amount of assets | | |
subject to Master Agreements | 182,410 | |
The following table presents derivative assets net of amounts available for offsetting under Master Agreements and net of related collateral received or pledged, if any, as of March 31, 2015:
| | | | |
| | Financial | | |
| | Instruments | | |
| | and | | |
| | Derivatives | | |
Gross Amount of | Available | Collateral | Net Amount |
Counterparty | Assets ($)1 | for Offset ($) | Received ($) | of Assets ($) |
Goldman Sachs International | 178,221 | — | — | 178,221 |
JPMorgan Chase Bank | 2,390 | — | — | 2,390 |
UBS | 1,799 | — | — | 1,799 |
Total | 182,410 | — | — | 182,410 |
| |
1 | Absent a default event or early termination, OTC derivative assets and liabilities are presented at |
| gross amounts and are not offset in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. |
The following summarizes the average market value of derivatives outstanding during the period ended March 31, 2015:
| |
| Average Market Value ($) |
Forward contracts | 4,740,236 |
At March 31, 2015, accumulated net unrealized appreciation on investments was $6,938,072, consisting of $7,451,451 gross unrealized appreciation and $513,379 gross unrealized depreciation.
At March 31, 2015, 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).
42
|
INFORMATION ABOUT THE RENEWAL OF |
THE FUND’S INVESTMENT ADVISORY, |
ADMINISTRATION AND SUB-INVESTMENT |
ADVISORY AGREEMENTS (Unaudited) |
At a meeting of the fund’s Board of Trustees held on February 25-26, 2015, the Board considered the renewal of the fund’s Investment Advisory Agreement and Administration Agreement, pursuant to which Dreyfus provides the fund with investment advisory services and administrative services (together, the “Management Agreement”), and the Sub-Investment Advisory Agreement (together with the Management Agreement, the “Agreements”), pursuant to which Standish Mellon Asset Management Company LLC (the “Sub-investment adviser”) provides day-to-day management of the fund’s invest-ments.The Board members, none of whom are “interested persons” (as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended) of the fund, were assisted in their review by independent legal counsel and met with counsel in executive session separate from representatives of Dreyfus and the Sub-investment adviser. In considering the renewal of the Agreements, the Board considered all factors that it believed to be relevant, including those discussed below. The Board did not identify any one factor as dispositive, and each Board member may have attributed different weights to the factors considered.
Analysis of Nature, Extent, and Quality of Services Provided to the Fund.The Board considered information provided to them at the meeting and in previous presentations from Dreyfus representatives regarding the nature, extent, and quality of the services provided to funds in the Dreyfus fund complex. Dreyfus provided the number of open accounts in the fund, the fund’s asset size and the allocation of fund assets among distribution channels. Dreyfus also had previously provided information regarding the diverse intermediary relationships and distribution channels of funds in the Dreyfus fund complex (such as retail direct or intermediary, in which intermediaries typically are paid by the fund and/or Dreyfus) and Dreyfus’ corresponding need for broad, deep, and diverse resources to be able to provide ongoing shareholder services to each intermediary or distribution channel, as applicable to the fund.
The Fund 43
|
INFORMATION ABOUT THE RENEWAL OF THE FUND’S |
INVESTMENT ADVISORY, ADMINISTRATION AND |
SUB-INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued) |
The Board also considered research support available to, and portfolio management capabilities of, the fund’s portfolio management personnel and that Dreyfus also provides oversight of day-to-day fund operations, including fund accounting and administration and assistance in meeting legal and regulatory requirements. The Board also considered Dreyfus’ extensive administrative, accounting, and compliance infrastructures, as well as Dreyfus’ supervisory activities over the Sub-investment adviser.
Comparative Analysis of the Fund’s Performance and Management Fee and Expense Ratio. The Board reviewed reports prepared by Lipper, Inc. (“Lipper”), an independent provider of investment company data, which included information comparing (1) the fund’s performance with the performance of a group of comparable funds (the “Performance Group”) and with a broader group of funds (the “Performance Universe”), all for various periods ended December 31, 2014, and (2) the fund’s actual and contractual management fees and total expenses with those of a group of comparable funds (the “Expense Group”) and with a broader group of funds (the “Expense Universe”), the information for which was derived in part from fund financial statements available to Lipper as of the date of its analysis. Dreyfus previously had furnished the Board with a description of the methodology Lipper used to select the Performance Group and Performance Universe and the Expense Group and Expense Universe.
Dreyfus representatives stated that the usefulness of performance comparisons may be affected by a number of factors, including different investment limitations that may be applicable to the fund and comparison funds. The Board discussed the results of the comparisons and noted that the fund’s total return performance was variously above and below the Performance Group and Performance Universe medians for the various periods.
The Board also noted that the fund’s yield performance was at or above the Performance Group medians for six of the ten one-year periods ended December 31st and at or above the Performance
44
Universe medians for eight of the ten one-year periods ended December 31st. Dreyfus also provided a comparison of the fund’s calendar year total returns to the returns of the fund’s Lipper category average, and the Board noted that the fund’s performance was at or above the category average in eight of the ten one-year periods.
The Board also reviewed the range of actual and contractual management fees and total expenses of the Expense Group and Expense Universe funds and discussed the results of the comparisons. The Board noted that the fund’s contractual management fee was below the Expense Group median and the fund’s actual management fee and the fund’s total expenses were below the Expense Group and Expense Universe medians.
Dreyfus representatives noted that Dreyfus has contractually agreed to waive receipt of its fees and/or assume the expenses of the fund, until February 1, 2016, so that annual direct fund operating expenses (excluding Rule 12b-1 fees, shareholder services fees, taxes, interest, brokerage commissions, commitment fees on borrowings and extraordinary expenses) do not exceed .45% of the fund’s average daily net assets. Dreyfus representatives also noted that, in connection with the Administration Agreement and its related fees, Dreyfus has contractually agreed to waive any fees to the extent that such fees exceed Dreyfus’ costs in providing the services contemplated under the Administration Agreement.
Dreyfus representatives reviewed with the Board the management or investment advisory fees (1) paid by funds advised or administered by Dreyfus that are in the same Lipper category as the fund and (2) paid to Dreyfus or the Sub-investment adviser or its affiliates for advising any separate accounts and/or other types of client portfolios that are considered to have similar investment strategies and policies as the fund (the “Similar Clients”), and explained the nature of the Similar Clients.They discussed differences in fees paid and the relationship of the fees paid in light of any differences in the services provided and other relevant factors. The Board considered the relevance of the fee
The Fund 45
|
INFORMATION ABOUT THE RENEWAL OF THE FUND’S |
INVESTMENT ADVISORY, ADMINISTRATION AND |
SUB-INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued) |
information provided for the Similar Clients to evaluate the appropriateness and reasonableness of the fund’s management fee.
The Board considered the fee to the Sub-investment adviser in relation to the fee paid to Dreyfus by the fund and the respective services provided by the Sub-investment adviser and Dreyfus. The Board also noted the Sub-investment adviser’s fee is paid by Dreyfus (out of its fee from the fund) and not the fund.
Analysis of Profitability and Economies of Scale. Dreyfus representatives reviewed the expenses allocated and profit received by Dreyfus and its affiliates and the resulting profitability percentage for managing the fund and the aggregate profitability percentage to Dreyfus and its affiliates for managing the funds in the Dreyfus fund complex, and the method used to determine the expenses and profit. The Board concluded that the profitability results were not unreasonable, given the services rendered and service levels provided by Dreyfus. The Board also noted the expense limitation arrangement and the fee waiver in effect pursuant to the Administration Agreement and their effect on the profitability of Dreyfus and its affiliates. The Board also had been provided with information prepared by an independent consulting firm regarding Dreyfus’ approach to allocating costs to, and determining the profitability of, individual funds and the entire Dreyfus fund complex.The consulting firm also had analyzed where any economies of scale might emerge in connection with the management of a fund.
The Board considered, on the advice of its counsel, the profitability analysis (1) as part of its evaluation of whether the fees under the Agreements bear a reasonable relationship to the mix of services provided by Dreyfus and the Sub-investment adviser, including the nature, extent and quality of such services, and (2) in light of the relevant circumstances for the fund and the extent to which economies of scale would be realized if the fund grows and whether fee levels reflect these economies of scale for the benefit of fund shareholders. Since Dreyfus, and not the fund, pays the Sub-investment adviser pursuant to the Sub-Investment Advisory Agreement, the Board did not con-
46
sider the Sub-investment adviser’s profitability to be relevant to its deliberations. Dreyfus representatives also noted that, as a result of shared and allocated costs among funds in the Dreyfus fund complex, the extent of economies of scale could depend substantially on the level of assets in the complex as a whole, so that increases and decreases in complex-wide assets can affect potential economies of scale in a manner that is disproportionate to, or even in the opposite direction from, changes in the fund’s asset level. The Board also considered potential benefits to Dreyfus and the Sub-investment adviser from acting as investment adviser and sub-investment adviser, respectively, and noted the soft dollar arrangements in effect for trading the fund’s investments.
At the conclusion of these discussions, the Board agreed that it had been furnished with sufficient information to make an informed business decision with respect to the renewal of the Agreements. Based on the discussions and considerations as described above, the Board concluded and determined as follows.
The Board concluded that the nature, extent and quality of the ser- vices provided by Dreyfus and the Sub-investment adviser are ade- quate and appropriate.
The Board generally was satisfied with the fund’s overall performance.
The Board concluded that the fees paid to Dreyfus and the Sub- investment adviser were reasonable in light of the considerations described above.
The Board determined that the economies of scale which may accrue to Dreyfus and its affiliates in connection with the management of the fund had been adequately considered by Dreyfus in connection with the fee rate charged to the fund pursuant to the Agreement and that, to the extent in the future it were determined that material economies of scale had not been shared with the fund, the Board would seek to have those economies of scale shared with the fund.
The Fund 47
|
INFORMATION ABOUT THE RENEWAL OF THE FUND’S |
INVESTMENT ADVISORY, ADMINISTRATION AND |
SUB-INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued) |
In evaluating the Agreements, the Board considered these conclusions and determinations and also relied on its previous knowledge, gained through meetings and other interactions with Dreyfus and its affiliates and the Sub-investment adviser, of the fund and the services provided to the fund by Dreyfus and the Sub-investment adviser.The Board also relied on information received on a routine and regular basis throughout the year relating to the operations of the fund and the investment management and other services provided under the Agreements, including information on the investment performance of the fund in comparison to similar mutual funds and benchmark performance indices; general market outlook as applicable to the fund; and compliance reports. In addition, the Board’s consideration of the contractual fee arrangements for this fund had the benefit of a number of years of reviews of prior or similar agreements during which lengthy discussions took place between the Board and Dreyfus representatives. Certain aspects of the arrangements may receive greater scrutiny in some years than in others, and the Board’s conclusions may be based, in part, on their consideration of the same or similar arrangements in prior years.The Board determined to renew the Agreements.
48
For More Information

|
Telephone Call your Financial Representative or 1-800-DREYFUS |
Mail The Dreyfus Family of Funds, 144 Glenn Curtiss Boulevard, Uniondale, NY 11556-0144 |
E-mail Send your request to info@dreyfus.com |
Internet Information can be viewed online or downloaded at: http://www.dreyfus.com |
The fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The fund’s Forms N-Q are available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov and may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330.
Information regarding how the fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities for the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov and without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-DREYFUS.

|
Dreyfus/The Boston |
Company Small Cap |
Growth Fund |

Save time. Save paper. View your next shareholder report online as soon as it’s available. Log into www.dreyfus.com and sign up for Dreyfus eCommunications. It’s simple and only takes a few minutes.
The views expressed in this report reflect those of the portfolio manager only through the end of the period covered and do not necessarily represent the views of Dreyfus or any other person in the Dreyfus organization. Any such views are subject to change at any time based upon market or other conditions and Dreyfus disclaims any responsibility to update such views.These views may not be relied on as investment advice and, because investment decisions for a Dreyfus fund are based on numerous factors, may not be relied on as an indication of trading intent on behalf of any Dreyfus fund.
|
Not FDIC-Insured • Not Bank-Guaranteed • May Lose Value |
| Contents |
| THE FUND |
2 | A Letter from the President |
3 | Discussion of Fund Performance |
6 | Understanding Your Fund’s Expenses |
6 | Comparing Your Fund’s Expenses With Those of Other Funds |
7 | Statement of Investments |
12 | Statement of Assets and Liabilities |
13 | Statement of Operations |
14 | Statement of Changes in Net Assets |
15 | Financial Highlights |
17 | Notes to Financial Statements |
26 | Information About the Renewal of the Fund’s Investment Advisory and Administration Agreements |
| FOR MORE INFORMATION |
| Back Cover |
Dreyfus/The Boston
Company Small Cap
Growth Fund
The Fund
A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
Dear Shareholder:
This semiannual report for Dreyfus/The Boston Company Small Cap Growth Fund covers the six-month period from October 1, 2014, through March 31, 2015. For information about how the fund performed during the reporting period, as well as general market perspectives, we provide a Discussion of Fund Performance on the pages that follow.
The U.S. stock market encountered bouts of heightened volatility on its way to posting moderate gains for the reporting period overall. Investors were confounded to a degree by divergent economic trends in domestic and international markets. On one hand, U.S. corporate fundamentals benefited from a sustained economic recovery fueled by strengthening labor markets, intensifying manufacturing activity, and greater consumer and business confidence. On the other hand, investors worried that persistent economic weakness in overseas markets and a strengthening U.S. dollar might derail growth in the United States and undermine corporate profits. In the end, risk taking was mostly rewarded during the reporting period, and small-cap stocks significantly outperformed their larger counterparts.
We remain optimistic regarding the long-term outlook for the U.S. economy generally and the U.S. equities asset class in particular. We believe the domestic economic recovery has continued at a sustainable pace, energy prices appear to have stabilized, and aggressively accommodative monetary policies from the world’s major central banks seem likely to address global economic weakness. While monetary policymakers currently appear prepared to begin raising short-term interest rates later this year, any potential rate hikes are expected to be gradual and modest. As always, we urge you to discuss these observations with your financial adviser, who can help you assess their implications for your investment portfolio.
Thank you for your continued confidence and support.

J. Charles Cardona
President
The Dreyfus Corporation
April 15, 2015
2
DISCUSSION OF FUND PERFORMANCE
For the period of October 1, 2014, through March 31, 2015, as provided by Todd W. Wakefield, CFA, and Robert C. Zeuthen, CFA, Primary Portfolio Managers
Fund and Market Performance Overview
For the six-month period ended March 31, 2015, Dreyfus/The Boston Company Small Cap Growth Fund’s Class I shares produced a total return of 18.77%, and Class Y shares returned 18.80%.1 In comparison, the fund’s benchmark, the Russell 2000® Growth Index (the “Index”), produced a total return of 17.36% for the same period.2
A sustained U.S. economic recovery generally helped support small-cap stock prices over the reporting period, and small-cap growth stocks fared better than their more value-oriented counterparts.The fund produced higher returns than its benchmark, mainly due to favorable stock selections in the information technology, health care, and energy sectors.
The Fund’s Investment Approach
The fund seeks long-term growth of capital. To pursue its goal, the fund normally invests at least 80% of its net assets in equity securities of small-cap U.S. companies with total market capitalizations equal to or less than that of the largest company in the Index.When choosing stocks, we seek to identify high-quality, small-cap companies that are experiencing or are expected to experience rapid current or expected earnings or revenue growth. We employ fundamental research to identify companies with attractive characteristics, such as strong business and competitive positions, solid cash flows and balance sheets, high-quality management and high sustainable growth.We also may invest in companies that our research indicates will experience accelerating revenues and expanding operating margins.
Small-Cap Growth Stocks Climbed Amid Volatility
The reporting period began in the wake of a rally that sent several broad measures of U.S. stock market performance to new record highs.The advance was interrupted in early October 2014, when stock prices fell sharply due to renewed concerns regarding the sustainability of the U.S. economic recovery, ongoing headwinds in international markets, and fears that an outbreak of the Ebola virus would spread beyond Western Africa.
The Fund 3
DISCUSSION OF FUND PERFORMANCE (continued)
Stocks soon rebounded when these fears proved overblown, as evidenced by a steadily declining U.S. unemployment rate and the creation of hundreds of thousands of new jobs. These positive developments, together with rising corporate earnings, helped support greater consumer and business confidence. Nonetheless, equities continued to encounter bouts of heightened volatility stemming from global economic instability and plummeting oil prices. Small-cap companies proved less vulnerable than large-cap stocks to these global concerns, largely because small companies tend to derive most of their revenues from domestic markets.
Small-cap stocks produced higher returns, on average, than large- and midcap stocks. Within the small-cap asset class, investors favored relatively speculative companies with strong earnings growth, and companies with attractive valuations generally fell out of favor.
Security Selections Buoyed Fund Results
The fund outperformed the Russell 2000 Growth Index on the strength of a successful stock selection strategy, which produced above-average results across several of the benchmark’s economic sectors. Relative performance was especially robust in the information technology sector, where security software developer Proofpoint and network security solutions provider Barracuda Networks reported higher sales and earnings in the wake of highly publicized attacks on corporate computer systems. Transportation management specialist FleetMatics Group exceeded analysts’ earnings targets after expanding its customer base, and cloud-based banking services provider Q2 Holdings, digital media analytics developer comScore, and business process services company MAXIMUS also posted better-than-expected financial results.
In the health care sector, several holdings announced progress in new product development and market expansion, including Auspex Pharmaceuticals, Anacor Pharmaceuticals, and Celldex Therapeutics.The fund further benefited from underweighted exposure to the struggling energy sector, where we especially avoided hard-hit exploration-and-production firms. Among consumer staples companies, grocery distributor United Natural Foods reduced its operating expenses and successfully integrated a recent acquisition, fragrances producer Interparfums benefited from rising disposable income among consumers, and food-and-beverage producer WhiteWave Foods achieved growth in all of its business segments.
4
Disappointments during the reporting period included the consumer staples sector, where dining chain Del Frisco’s Restaurant Group, personalized products retailer Shutterfly, and consumer robotics maker iRobot fell short of quarterly earnings expectations. In other areas, materials producer Flotek Industries was hurt by its exposure to the energy production industry, and National Bank Holdings reduced its future earnings guidance after reporting a quarterly earnings shortfall.
Growth Fundamentals Remain Attractive
Business fundamentals for domestically-focused small-cap companies have continued to improve in the recovering U.S. economy.Therefore, we have positioned the fund constructively, including overweighted exposure to software developers and internet software and services companies in the information technology sector; building products manufacturers in the industrials sector; and textile/apparel and media companies in the consumer discretionary sector. We slightly increased the fund’s exposure to energy companies as oil prices began to stabilize. In contrast, we have identified relatively few opportunities in the financials sector.
April 15, 2015
Please note, the position in any security highlighted with italicized typeface was sold during the reporting period. Equity funds are subject generally to market, market sector, market liquidity, issuer, and investment style risks, among other factors, to varying degrees, all of which are more fully described in the fund’s prospectus.
The prices of small company stocks tend to be more volatile than the prices of large company stocks, mainly because these companies have less established and more volatile earnings histories.They also tend to be less liquid than larger company stocks.
|
1 Total return includes reinvestment of dividends and any capital gains paid. Past performance is no guarantee of future |
results. Share price and investment return fluctuate such that upon redemption, fund shares may be worth more or less |
than their original cost.The fund’s returns reflect the absorption of certain expenses by The Dreyfus Corporation |
pursuant to an agreement in effect through February 1, 2016. Had these expenses not been absorbed, returns would |
have been lower. |
2 SOURCE: LIPPER INC. — Reflects the reinvestment of dividends and, where applicable, capital gain |
distributions.The Russell 2000 Growth Index is an unmanaged index, which measures the performance of those |
Russell 2000 companies with higher price-to-book ratios and higher forecasted growth values. Investors cannot invest |
directly in any index. |
UNDERSTANDING YOUR FUND’S EXPENSES (Unaudited)
As a mutual fund investor, you pay ongoing expenses, such as management fees and other expenses. Using the information below, you can estimate how these expenses affect your investment and compare them with the expenses of other funds.You also may pay one-time transaction expenses, including sales charges (loads) and redemption fees, which are not shown in this section and would have resulted in higher total expenses. For more information, see your fund’s prospectus or talk to your financial adviser.
Review your fund’s expenses
The table below shows the expenses you would have paid on a $1,000 investment in Dreyfus/The Boston Company Small Cap Growth Fund from October 1, 2014 to March 31, 2015. It also shows how much a $1,000 investment would be worth at the close of the period, assuming actual returns and expenses.
Expenses and Value of a $1,000 Investment
assuming actual returns for the six months ended March 31, 2015
| | | | |
| | Class I | | Class Y |
Expenses paid per $1,000† | $ | 5.18 | $ | 4.91 |
Ending value (after expenses) | $ | 1,187.70 | $ | 1,188.00 |
COMPARING YOUR FUND’S EXPENSES
WITH THOSE OF OTHER FUNDS (Unaudited)
Using the SEC’s method to compare expenses
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has established guidelines to help investors assess fund expenses. Per these guidelines, the table below shows your fund’s expenses based on a $1,000 investment, assuming a hypothetical 5% annualized return. You can use this information to compare the ongoing expenses (but not transaction expenses or total cost) of investing in the fund with those of other funds. All mutual fund shareholder reports will provide this information to help you make this comparison. Please note that you cannot use this information to estimate your actual ending account balance and expenses paid during the period.
Expenses and Value of a $1,000 Investment
assuming a hypothetical 5% annualized return for the six months ended March 31, 2015
| | | | |
| | Class I | | Class Y |
Expenses paid per $1,000† | $ | 4.78 | $ | 4.53 |
Ending value (after expenses) | $ | 1,020.19 | $ | 1,020.44 |
|
† Expenses are equal to the fund’s annualized expense ratio of .95% for Class I and .90% for Class Y, multiplied by |
the average account value over the period, multiplied by 182/365 (to reflect the one-half year period). |
6
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS
March 31, 2015 (Unaudited)
| | | |
Common Stocks—98.2% | Shares | | Value ($) |
Automobiles & Components—1.4% | | | |
Motorcar Parts of America | 14,364 | a | 399,176 |
Banks—3.1% | | | |
ConnectOne Bancorp | 6,433 | | 125,186 |
National Bank Holdings, Cl. A | 18,262 | | 343,508 |
PrivateBancorp | 11,795 | | 414,830 |
| | | 883,524 |
Capital Goods—10.1% | | | |
American Woodmark | 5,434 | a | 297,403 |
Beacon Roofing Supply | 16,059 | a | 502,647 |
Comfort Systems USA | 19,389 | | 407,945 |
EnerSys | 7,643 | | 490,986 |
PGT | 30,580 | a | 341,732 |
Trex | 6,782 | a | 369,822 |
Watsco | 3,373 | | 423,986 |
| | | 2,834,521 |
Commercial & Professional Services—4.4% | | | |
Advisory Board | 6,828 | a | 363,796 |
Corporate Executive Board | 5,659 | | 451,928 |
TrueBlue | 16,992 | a | 413,755 |
| | | 1,229,479 |
Consumer Durables & Apparel—5.8% | | | |
Malibu Boats, Cl. A | 17,512 | a | 408,905 |
Oxford Industries | 7,348 | | 554,407 |
Steven Madden | 8,094 | a | 307,572 |
Wolverine World Wide | 10,661 | b | 356,610 |
| | | 1,627,494 |
Consumer Services—3.0% | | | |
2U | 16,362 | | 418,540 |
Capella Education | 2,159 | | 140,076 |
Red Robin Gourmet Burgers | 3,458 | a | 300,846 |
| | | 859,462 |
Energy—3.3% | | | |
Earthstone Energy | 249 | a | 5,864 |
Forum Energy Technologies | 14,697 | a | 288,061 |
The Fund 7
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
| | | |
Common Stocks (continued) | Shares | | Value ($) |
Energy (continued) | | | |
Oasis Petroleum | 20,217 | a,b | 287,486 |
Patterson-UTI Energy | 18,762 | | 352,257 |
| | | 933,668 |
Food & Staples Retailing—1.2% | | | |
United Natural Foods | 4,378 | a | 337,281 |
Food, Beverage & Tobacco—.8% | | | |
WhiteWave Foods | 5,304 | a | 235,179 |
Health Care Equipment & Services—9.8% | | | |
Align Technology | 4,622 | a | 248,594 |
Endologix | 21,668 | a | 369,873 |
Globus Medical, Cl. A | 12,249 | a | 309,165 |
HealthStream | 10,983 | a | 276,772 |
HeartWare International | 3,466 | a,b | 304,211 |
LDR Holding | 8,014 | a | 293,633 |
Medidata Solutions | 9,131 | a | 447,784 |
Spectranetics | 14,665 | a,b | 509,755 |
| | | 2,759,787 |
Household & Personal Products—2.2% | | | |
Inter Parfums | 18,648 | | 608,298 |
Materials—2.1% | | | |
Flotek Industries | 20,495 | a | 302,096 |
Scotts Miracle-Gro, Cl. A | 4,234 | | 284,398 |
| | | 586,494 |
Media—4.0% | | | |
IMAX | 12,112 | a,b | 408,296 |
Lions Gate Entertainment | 11,148 | b | 378,140 |
MDC Partners, Cl. A | 12,554 | | 355,906 |
| | | 1,142,342 |
Pharmaceuticals, Biotech & | | | |
Life Sciences—14.9% | | | |
ACADIA Pharmaceuticals | 12,756 | a,b | 415,718 |
Anacor Pharmaceuticals | 6,304 | a | 364,686 |
BioDelivery Sciences International | 31,530 | a,b | 331,065 |
8
| | | |
Common Stocks (continued) | Shares | | Value ($) |
Pharmaceuticals, Biotech & | | | |
Life Sciences (continued) | | | |
Celldex Therapeutics | 14,434 | a | 402,276 |
Cepheid | 6,735 | a | 383,222 |
KYTHERA Biopharmaceuticals | 11,396 | a,b | 571,509 |
Ligand Pharmaceuticals | 2,584 | a | 199,252 |
Nektar Therapeutics | 20,768 | a | 228,448 |
Pacira Pharmaceuticals | 3,021 | a | 268,416 |
Paratek Pharmaceuticals | 7,047 | | 220,289 |
WuXi PharmaTech, ADR | 12,809 | a | 496,733 |
ZS Pharma | 7,559 | b | 318,083 |
| | | 4,199,697 |
Retailing—3.9% | | | |
Core-Mark Holding Company | 4,291 | | 275,997 |
Kirkland’s | 17,947 | a | 426,241 |
Restoration Hardware Holdings | 3,985 | a | 395,272 |
| | | 1,097,510 |
Semiconductors & Semiconductor | | | |
Equipment—5.3% | | | |
Inphi | 19,416 | a | 346,187 |
Integrated Device Technology | 16,608 | a | 332,492 |
MaxLinear, Cl. A | 51,486 | a,b | 418,581 |
Mellanox Technologies | 8,820 | a | 399,899 |
| | | 1,497,159 |
Software & Services—18.0% | | | |
Barracuda Networks | 9,407 | a | 361,887 |
comScore | 8,330 | a | 426,496 |
Constant Contact | 7,262 | a | 277,481 |
Demandware | 4,433 | a | 269,970 |
FleetMatics Group | 8,280 | a,b | 371,358 |
HubSpot | 7,833 | b | 312,537 |
LogMeIn | 7,492 | a | 419,477 |
MAXIMUS | 4,333 | | 289,271 |
Mentor Graphics | 20,742 | | 498,430 |
The Fund 9
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
| | | |
Common Stocks (continued) | Shares | | Value ($) |
Software & Services (continued) | | | |
Perficient | 22,013 | a | 455,449 |
Proofpoint | 7,898 | a | 467,720 |
Q2 Holdings | 13,562 | | 286,701 |
Rally Software Development | 20,621 | a | 323,543 |
SS&C Technologies Holdings | 4,855 | | 302,466 |
| | | 5,062,786 |
Technology Hardware & Equipment—3.9% | | | |
Infinera | 23,725 | a | 466,671 |
Littelfuse | 2,958 | | 293,996 |
RADWARE | 16,841 | a | 352,145 |
| | | 1,112,812 |
Transportation—1.0% | | | |
Forward Air | 5,364 | | 291,265 |
Total Common Stocks | | | |
(cost $21,595,198) | | | 27,697,934 |
|
Other Investment—.2% | | | |
Registered Investment Company; | | | |
Dreyfus Institutional Preferred | | | |
Plus Money Market Fund | | | |
(cost $45,091) | 45,091 | c | 45,091 |
10
| | | | |
Investment of Cash Collateral | | | | |
for Securities Loaned—11.8% | Shares | | Value ($) | |
Registered Investment Company; | | | | |
Dreyfus Institutional Cash | | | | |
Advantage Fund | | | | |
(cost $3,325,146) | 3,325,146 | c | 3,325,146 | |
Total Investments (cost $24,965,435) | 110.2 | % | 31,068,171 | |
Liabilities, Less Cash and Receivables | (10.2 | %) | (2,878,330 | ) |
Net Assets | 100.0 | % | 28,189,841 | |
ADR—American Depository Receipts
|
a Non-income producing security. |
b Security, or portion thereof, on loan.At March 31, 2015, the value of the fund’s securities on loan was $3,119,412 |
and the value of the collateral held by the fund was $3,325,146. |
c Investment in affiliated money market mutual fund. |
| | | |
Portfolio Summary (Unaudited)† | | |
|
| Value (%) | | Value (%) |
Software & Services | 18.0 | Technology Hardware & Equipment | 3.9 |
Pharmaceuticals, Biotech & | | Energy | 3.3 |
Life Sciences | 14.9 | Banks | 3.1 |
Money Market Investments | 12.0 | Consumer Services | 3.0 |
Capital Goods | 10.1 | Household & Personal Products | 2.2 |
Health Care Equipment & Services | 9.8 | Materials | 2.1 |
Consumer Durables & Apparel | 5.8 | Automobiles & Components | 1.4 |
Semiconductors & Semiconductor | | Food & Staples Retailing | 1.2 |
Equipment | 5.3 | Transportation | 1.0 |
Commercial & Professional Services | 4.4 | Food, Beverage & Tobacco | .8 |
Media | 4.0 | | |
Retailing | 3.9 | | 110.2 |
|
† Based on net assets. | | | |
See notes to financial statements. | | | |
The Fund 11
|
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES |
March 31, 2015 (Unaudited) |
| | | |
| Cost | Value | |
Assets ($): | | | |
Investments in securities—See Statement of Investments (including | | | |
securities on loan, valued at $3,119,412)—Note 1(b): | | | |
Unaffiliated issuers | 21,595,198 | 27,697,934 | |
Affiliated issuers | 3,370,237 | 3,370,237 | |
Cash | | 31,660 | |
Receivable for investment securities sold | | 1,542,684 | |
Receivable for shares of Beneficial Interest subscribed | | 27,193 | |
Dividends and securities lending income receivable | | 6,571 | |
Prepaid expenses | | 17,071 | |
| | 32,693,350 | |
Liabilities ($): | | | |
Due to The Dreyfus Corporation and affiliates—Note 3(b) | | 18,658 | |
Liability for securities on loan—Note 1(b) | | 3,325,146 | |
Payable for investment securities purchased | | 1,120,811 | |
Payable for shares of Beneficial Interest redeemed | | 3,491 | |
Accrued expenses | | 35,403 | |
| | 4,503,509 | |
Net Assets ($) | | 28,189,841 | |
Composition of Net Assets ($): | | | |
Paid-in capital | | 8,808,353 | |
Accumulated investment (loss)—net | | (84,009 | ) |
Accumulated net realized gain (loss) on investments | | 13,362,761 | |
Accumulated net unrealized appreciation | | | |
(depreciation) on investments | | 6,102,736 | |
Net Assets ($) | | 28,189,841 | |
|
|
Net Asset Value Per Share | | | |
| Class I | Class Y | |
Net Assets ($) | 28,099,561 | 90,280 | |
Shares Outstanding | 716,623 | 2,302 | |
Net Asset Value Per Share ($) | 39.21 | 39.22 | |
|
See notes to financial statements. | | | |
12
|
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS |
Six Months Ended March 31, 2015 (Unaudited) |
| | |
Investment Income ($): | | |
Income: | | |
Cash dividends (net of $594 foreign taxes withheld at source): | | |
Unaffiliated issuers | 73,136 | |
Affiliated issuers | 246 | |
Income from securities lending—Note 1(b) | 14,020 | |
Total Income | 87,402 | |
Expenses: | | |
Investment advisory fee—Note 3(a) | 143,699 | |
Professional fees | 25,859 | |
Registration fees | 14,875 | |
Custodian fees—Note 3(b) | 12,133 | |
Shareholder servicing costs—Note 3(b) | 11,448 | |
Administration fees—Note 3(a) | 10,777 | |
Prospectus and shareholders’ reports | 5,709 | |
Trustees’ fees and expenses—Note 3(c) | 852 | |
Interest expense—Note 2 | 431 | |
Loan commitment fees—Note 2 | 365 | |
Miscellaneous | 9,333 | |
Total Expenses | 235,481 | |
Less—reduction in expenses due to undertaking—Note 3(a) | (64,048 | ) |
Less—reduction in fees due to earnings credits—Note 3(b) | (22 | ) |
Net Expenses | 171,411 | |
Investment (Loss)—Net | (84,009 | ) |
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments—Note 4 ($): | | |
Net realized gain (loss) on investments | 5,861,571 | |
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments | 259,291 | |
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments | 6,120,862 | |
Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations | 6,036,853 | |
|
See notes to financial statements. | | |
The Fund 13
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
| | | | |
| Six Months Ended | | | |
| March 31, 2015 | | Year Ended | |
| (Unaudited) | | September 30, 2014 | |
Operations ($): | | | | |
Investment (loss)—net | (84,009 | ) | (351,066 | ) |
Net realized gain (loss) on investments | 5,861,571 | | 27,905,318 | |
Net unrealized appreciation | | | | |
(depreciation) on investments | 259,291 | | (22,841,870 | ) |
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets | | | | |
Resulting from Operations | 6,036,853 | | 4,712,382 | |
Dividends to Shareholders from ($): | | | | |
Net realized gain on investments: | | | | |
Class I | (16,086,915 | ) | (27,698,814 | ) |
Class Y | (48,130 | ) | (309 | ) |
Total Dividends | (16,135,045 | ) | (27,699,123 | ) |
Beneficial Interest Transactions ($): | | | | |
Net proceeds from shares sold: | | | | |
Class I | 2,653,601 | | 3,063,509 | |
Class Y | — | | 158,032 | |
Dividends reinvested: | | | | |
Class I | 6,200,108 | | 14,378,737 | |
Cost of shares redeemed: | | | | |
Class I | (16,974,913 | ) | (49,211,819 | ) |
Class Y | (36,954 | ) | — | |
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from | | | | |
Beneficial Interest Transactions | (8,158,158 | ) | (31,611,541 | ) |
Total Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets | (18,256,350 | ) | (54,598,282 | ) |
Net Assets ($): | | | | |
Beginning of Period | 46,446,191 | | 101,044,473 | |
End of Period | 28,189,841 | | 46,446,191 | |
Undistributed investment (loss)—net | (84,009 | ) | — | |
Capital Share Transactions (Shares): | | | | |
Class Ia | | | | |
Shares sold | 59,077 | | 47,416 | |
Shares issued for dividends reinvested | 177,349 | | 263,733 | |
Shares redeemed | (397,122 | ) | (860,430 | ) |
Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares Outstanding | (160,696 | ) | (549,281 | ) |
Class Ya | | | | |
Shares sold | — | | 2,936 | |
Shares redeemed | (650 | ) | — | |
Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares Outstanding | (650 | ) | 2,936 | |
|
a During the period ended September 30, 2014, 2,936 Class I shares representing $158,032 were exchanged for |
2,936 ClassY shares. |
See notes to financial statements.
14
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The following tables describe the performance for each share class for the fiscal periods indicated. All information (except portfolio turnover rate) reflects financial results for a single fund share.Total return shows how much your investment in the fund would have increased (or decreased) during each period, assuming you had reinvested all dividends and distributions.These figures have been derived from the fund’s financial statements.
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Six Months Ended | | | | | | | | | | | |
March 31, 2015 | | | | Year Ended September 30, | | | |
Class I Shares | (Unaudited) | | 2014 | | 2013 | | 2012 | | 2011 | | 2010 | |
Per Share Data ($): | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, | | | | | | | | | | | | |
beginning of period | 52.76 | | 70.83 | | 60.57 | | 47.21 | | 47.68 | | 43.36 | |
Investment Operations: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Investment (loss)—neta | (.10 | ) | (.30 | ) | (.13 | ) | (.16 | ) | (.18 | ) | (.13 | ) |
Net realized and unrealized | | | | | | | | | | | | |
gain (loss) on investments | 7.46 | | 1.98 | | 16.26 | | 14.57 | | (.29 | ) | 4.45 | |
Total from Investment Operations | 7.36 | | 1.68 | | 16.13 | | 14.41 | | (.47 | ) | 4.32 | |
Distributions: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends from net realized | | | | | | | | | | | | |
gain on investments | (20.91 | ) | (19.75 | ) | (5.87 | ) | (1.05 | ) | — | | — | |
Net asset value, end of period | 39.21 | | 52.76 | | 70.83 | | 60.57 | | 47.21 | | 47.68 | |
Total Return (%) | 18.77 | b | 1.46 | | 30.20 | | 30.86 | | (.99 | ) | 9.96 | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data (%): | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratio of total expenses | | | | | | | | | | | | |
to average net assets | 1.31 | c | 1.15 | | 1.04 | | 1.02 | | .97 | | .94 | |
Ratio of net expenses | | | | | | | | | | | | |
to average net assets | .95 | c | .95 | | .98 | | .96 | | .96 | | .94 | |
Ratio of net investment (loss) | | | | | | | | | | | | |
to average net assets | (.47 | )c | (.52 | ) | (.22 | ) | (.29 | ) | (.33 | ) | (.29 | ) |
Portfolio Turnover Rate | 83.21 | b | 138.15 | | 121.73 | | 154.49 | | 176.06 | | 181.09 | |
Net Assets, end of period | | | | | | | | | | | | |
($ x 1,000) | 28,100 | | 46,290 | | 101,043 | | 133,692 | | 142,906 | | 219,144 | |
| |
a | Based on average shares outstanding. |
b | Not annualized. |
c | Annualized. |
See notes to financial statements.
The Fund 15
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)
| | | | | | |
| Six Months Ended | | | | | |
| March 31, 2015 | | Year Ended September 30, | |
Class Y Shares | (Unaudited) | | 2014 | | 2013 | a |
Per Share Data ($): | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | 52.76 | | 70.83 | | 64.04 | |
Investment Operations: | | | | | | |
Investment (loss)—netb | (.09 | ) | (.19 | ) | (.10 | ) |
Net realized and unrealized | | | | | | |
gain (loss) on investments | 7.46 | | 1.87 | | 6.89 | |
Total from Investment Operations | 7.37 | | 1.68 | | 6.79 | |
Distributions: | | | | | | |
Dividends from net realized gain on investments | (20.91 | ) | (19.75 | ) | — | |
Net asset value, end of period | 39.22 | | 52.76 | | 70.83 | |
Total Return (%) | 18.80 | c | 1.48 | | 10.59 | c |
Ratios/Supplemental Data (%): | | | | | | |
Ratio of total expenses | | | | | | |
to average net assets | 1.33 | d | 1.11 | | 1.07 | d |
Ratio of net expenses | | | | | | |
to average net assets | .90 | d | .95 | | .95 | d |
Ratio of net investment (loss) | | | | | | |
to average net assets | (.42 | )d | (.38 | ) | (.57 | )d |
Portfolio Turnover Rate | 83.21 | c | 138.15 | | 121.73 | |
Net Assets, end of period ($ x 1,000) | 90 | | 156 | | 1 | |
| |
a | From July 1, 2013 (commencement of initial offering) to September 30, 2013. |
b | Based on average shares outstanding. |
c | Not annualized. |
d | Annualized. |
See notes to financial statements.
16
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
NOTE 1—Significant Accounting Policies:
Dreyfus/The Boston Company Small Cap Growth Fund (the “fund”) is a separate diversified series of Dreyfus Investment Funds (the “Trust”), which is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Act”), as an open-end management investment company and operates as a series company currently offering seven series, including the fund. The fund’s investment objective is to seek long-term growth of capital. The Dreyfus Corporation (the “Manager” or “Dreyfus”), a wholly-owned subsidiary 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 Dreyfus, is the distributor of the fund’s shares. The fund is authorized to issue an unlimited number of $.001 par value shares of Beneficial Interest in each of the following classes of shares: Class I and Class Y. Class I shares are sold primarily to bank trust departments and other financial service providers (including The Bank of NewYork Mellon, a subsidiary of BNY Mellon and an affiliate of Dreyfus, and its affiliates), acting on behalf of customers having a qualified trust or an investment account or relationship at such institution, and bear no Distribution or Shareholder Services Plan fees. Class Y shares are sold at net asset value per share generally to institutional investors, and bear no Distribution or Shareholder Services Plan fees. Class I and Class Y shares are offered without a front-end sales charge or a contingent deferred sales charge. Other differences between the classes include the services offered to and the expenses borne by each class, the allocation of certain transfer agency costs, and certain voting rights. Income, expenses (other than expenses attributable to a specific class), and realized and unrealized gains or losses on investments are allocated to each class of shares based on its relative net assets.
The Trust accounts separately for the assets, liabilities and operations of each series. Expenses directly attributable to each series are charged to that series’ operations; expenses which are applicable to all series are allocated among them on a pro rata basis.
The Fund 17
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
The Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) is the exclusive reference of authoritative U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) recognized by the FASB to be applied by nongovernmental entities. Rules and interpretive releases of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) under authority of federal laws are also sources of authoritative GAAP for SEC registrants.The fund’s financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP, which may require the use of management estimates and assumptions. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
(a) Portfolio valuation: The fair value of a financial instrument is the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (i.e., the exit price). GAAP establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs of valuation techniques used to measure fair value. This hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements).
Additionally, GAAP provides guidance on determining whether the volume and activity in a market has decreased significantly and whether such a decrease in activity results in transactions that are not orderly. GAAP requires enhanced disclosures around valuation inputs and techniques used during annual and interim periods.
Various inputs are used in determining the value of the fund’s investments relating to fair value measurements. These inputs are summarized in the three broad levels listed below:
Level 1—unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical investments.
Level 2—other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar investments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.).
Level 3—significant unobservable inputs (including the fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).
18
The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.
Changes in valuation techniques may result in transfers in or out of an assigned level within the disclosure hierarchy. Valuation techniques used to value the fund’s investments are as follows:
Investments in securities are valued at the last sales price on the securities exchange or national securities market on which such securities are primarily traded. Securities listed on the National Market System for which market quotations are available are valued at the official closing price or, if there is no official closing price that day, at the last sales price. For open short positions, asked prices are used for valuation purposes. Bid price is used when no asked price is available. Registered investment companies that are not traded on an exchange are valued at their net asset value.All of the preceding securities are generally categorized within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.
Securities not listed on an exchange or the national securities market, or securities for which there were no transactions, are valued at the average of the most recent bid and asked prices. These securities are generally categorized within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
Fair valuing of securities may be determined with the assistance of a pricing service using calculations based on indices of domestic securities and other appropriate indicators, such as prices of relevant ADRs and financial futures. Utilizing these techniques may result in transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
When market quotations or official closing prices are not readily available, or are determined not to reflect accurately fair value, such as when the value of a security has been significantly affected by events after the close of the exchange or market on which the security is principally traded (for example, a foreign exchange or market), but before the fund calculates its net asset value, the fund may value these investments at fair value as determined in accordance with the procedures approved by the Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”). Certain factors may be consid-
The Fund 19
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
ered when fair valuing investments such as: fundamental analytical data, the nature and duration of restrictions on disposition, an evaluation of the forces that influence the market in which the securities are purchased and sold, and public trading in similar securities of the issuer or comparable issuers.These securities are either categorized within Level 2 or 3 of the fair value hierarchy depending on the relevant inputs used.
For restricted securities where observable inputs are limited, assumptions about market activity and risk are used and are generally categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
The following is a summary of the inputs used as of March 31, 2015 in valuing the fund’s investments:
| | | | |
| | Level 2—Other | Level 3— | |
| Level 1— | Significant | Significant | |
| Unadjusted | Observable | Unobservable | |
| Quoted Prices | Inputs | Inputs | Total |
Assets ($) | | | | |
Investments in Securities: | | | |
Equity Securities— | | | | |
Domestic | | | | |
Common Stocks† | 25,713,496 | — | — | 25,713,496 |
Equity Securities— | | | | |
Foreign | | | | |
Common Stocks† | 1,984,438 | — | — | 1,984,438 |
Mutual Funds | 3,370,237 | — | — | 3,370,237 |
|
† See Statement of Investments for additional detailed categorizations. | |
At March 31, 2015, there were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
(b) Securities transactions and investment income: Securities transactions are recorded on a trade date basis. Realized gains and losses from securities transactions are recorded on the identified cost basis. Dividend income is recognized on the ex-dividend date and interest income, including, where applicable, accretion of discount and amortization of premium on investments, is recognized on the accrual basis.
Pursuant to a securities lending agreement with The Bank of NewYork Mellon, the fund may lend securities to qualified institutions. It is the fund’s policy that, at origination, all loans are secured by collateral of at
20
least 102% of the value of U.S. securities loaned and 105% of the value of foreign securities loaned. Collateral equivalent to at least 100% of the market value of securities on loan is maintained at all times. Collateral is either in the form of cash, which can be invested in certain money market mutual funds managed by Dreyfus or U.S. Government and Agency securities.The fund is entitled to receive all dividends, interest and distributions on securities loaned, in addition to income earned as a result of the lending transaction. Should a borrower fail to return the securities in a timely manner, The Bank of New York Mellon is required to replace the securities for the benefit of the fund or credit the fund with the market value of the unreturned securities and is subrogated to the fund’s rights against the borrower and the collateral. During the period ended March 31, 2015,The Bank of New York Mellon earned $3,070 from lending portfolio securities, pursuant to the securities lending agreement.
(c) Affiliated issuers: Investments in other investment companies advised by Dreyfus are defined as “affiliated” under the Act. Investments in affiliated investment companies during the period ended March 31, 2015 were as follows:
| | | | | |
Affiliated | | | | | |
Investment | Value | | | Value | Net |
Company | 9/30/2014 ($) | Purchases ($) | Sales ($) | 3/31/2015 ($) | Assets (%) |
Dreyfus | | | | | |
Institutional | | | | | |
Preferred | | | | | |
Plus Money | | | | | |
Market Fund | 845,754 | 10,123,096 | 10,923,759 | 45,091 | .2 |
Dreyfus | | | | | |
Institutional | | | | | |
Cash Advantage | | | | | |
Fund | 6,881,565 | 24,641,023 | 28,197,442 | 3,325,146 | 11.8 |
Total | 7,727,319 | 34,764,119 | 39,121,201 | 3,370,237 | 12.0 |
(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
The Fund 21
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). To the extent that net realized capital gains can be offset by capital loss carryovers, it is the policy of the fund not to distribute such gains. Income and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with income tax regulations, which may differ from GAAP.
(e) Federal income taxes: It is the policy of the fund to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company, if such qualification is in the best interests of its shareholders, by complying with the applicable provisions of the Code, and to make distributions of taxable income sufficient to relieve it from substantially all federal income and excise taxes.
As of and during the period ended March 31, 2015, the fund did not have any liabilities for any uncertain tax positions.The fund recognizes interest and penalties, if any, related to uncertain tax positions as income tax expense in the Statement of Operations. During the period ended March 31, 2015, the fund did not incur any interest or penalties.
Each tax year in the three-year period ended September 30, 2014 remains subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service and state taxing authorities.
The tax character of distributions paid to shareholders during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014 was as follows: ordinary income $4,850,061 and long-term capital gains $22,849,062.The tax character of current year distributions will be determined at the end of the current fiscal year.
NOTE 2—Bank Lines of Credit:
The fund participates with other Dreyfus-managed funds in a $430 million unsecured credit facility led by Citibank, N.A. and a $300 million unsecured credit facility provided by The Bank of New York Mellon (each, a “Facility”), each to be utilized primarily for temporary or emergency purposes, including the financing of redemptions. Prior to October 8, 2014, the unsecured credit facility with Citibank, N.A. was $265 million. In connection therewith, the fund has agreed to pay its pro rata portion of commitment fees for each Facility. Interest is
22
charged to the fund based on rates determined pursuant to the terms of the respective Facility at the time of borrowing.
The average amount of borrowings outstanding under the Facilities during the period ended March 31, 2015 was approximately $79,100 with a related weighted average annualized interest rate of 1.09%.
NOTE 3—Investment Advisory Fee, Administration Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates:
(a) Pursuant to an investment advisory agreement with Dreyfus, the investment advisory fee is computed at the annual rate of .80% of the value of the fund’s average daily net assets and is payable monthly. Dreyfus had contractually agreed, from October 1, 2014 through October 31, 2014, to waive receipt of its fees and/or assume the expenses of the fund, so that the direct annual fund’s operating expenses (excluding taxes, interest expense, brokerage commissions, commitment fees on borrowings and extraordinary expenses) did not exceed .95% of the value of the fund’s average daily net assets. Dreyfus has also contractually agreed, from November 1, 2014 through February 1, 2016, to waive receipt of its fees and/or assume the direct expenses of the fund so that the expenses of Class I and Y shares (excluding certain expenses as described above) do not exceed .95% and .90% of the value of the respective class’ average daily net assets. The reduction in expenses, pursuant to the undertaking, amounted to $64,048 during the period ended March 31, 2015.
The fund has a Fund Accounting and Administrative Services Agreement (the “Administration Agreement”) with Dreyfus, whereby Dreyfus performs administrative, accounting and recordkeeping services for the fund.The fund has agreed to compensate Dreyfus for providing accounting services, administration, compliance monitoring, regulatory and shareholder reporting, as well as related facilities, equipment and clerical help.The fee is based on the fund’s average daily net assets and computed at the following annual rates: .06% of the first $500 million, .04% of the next $500 million and .02% in excess of $1 billion.
The Fund 23
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
In addition, after applying any expense limitations or fee waivers that reduce the fees paid to Dreyfus for this service, Dreyfus has contractually agreed in writing to waive any remaining fees for this service to the extent that they exceed both Dreyfus’ costs in providing these services and a reasonable allocation of the costs incurred by Dreyfus and its affiliates related to the support and oversight of these services. The fund also reimburses Dreyfus for the out-of-pocket expenses incurred in performing this service for the fund. Pursuant to the Administration Agreement, the fund was charged $10,777 during the period ended March 31, 2015.
(b) The fund has arrangements with the transfer agent and the custodian whereby the fund may receive earnings credits when positive cash balances are maintained, which are used to offset transfer agency and custody fees. For financial reporting purposes, the fund includes net earnings credits as an expense offset in the Statement of Operations.
The fund compensates Dreyfus Transfer, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dreyfus, under a transfer agency agreement for providing transfer agency and cash management services for the fund. The majority of transfer agency fees are comprised of amounts paid on a per account basis, while cash management fees are related to fund subscriptions and redemptions. During the period ended March 31, 2015, the fund was charged $9,962 for transfer agency services and $484 for cash management services.These fees are included in Shareholder servicing costs in the Statement of Operations. Cash management fees were partially offset by earnings credits of $22.
The fund compensates The Bank of New York Mellon under a custody agreement for providing custodial services for the fund. These fees are determined based on net assets, geographic region and transaction activity. During the period ended March 31, 2015, the fund was charged $12,133 pursuant to the custody agreement.
During the period ended March 31, 2015, the fund was charged $5,657 for services performed by the Chief Compliance Officer and his staff.
24
The components of “Due to The Dreyfus Corporation and affiliates” in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities consist of: investment advisory fees $19,315, custodian fees $6,000, Chief Compliance Officer fees $2,867, administration fees $1,449 and transfer agency fees $2,747, which are offset against an expense reimbursement currently in effect in the amount of $13,720.
(c) Each Board member also serves as a Board member of other funds within the Dreyfus complex. Annual retainer fees and attendance fees are allocated to each fund based on net assets.
NOTE 4—Securities Transactions:
The aggregate amount of purchases and sales of investment securities, excluding short-term securities, during the period ended March 31, 2015, amounted to $30,385,653 and $54,554,018, respectively.
At March 31, 2015, accumulated net unrealized appreciation on investments was $6,102,736, consisting of $6,496,912 gross unrealized appreciation and $394,176 gross unrealized depreciation.
At March 31, 2015, the cost of investments for federal income tax purposes was substantially the same as the cost for financial reporting purposes (see the Statement of Investments).
The Fund 25
|
INFORMATION ABOUT THE RENEWAL OF THE |
FUND’S INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND |
ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENTS (Unaudited) |
At a meeting of the fund’s Board of Trustees held on February 25-26, 2015, the Board considered the renewal of the fund’s Investment Advisory Agreement and Administration Agreement pursuant to which Dreyfus provides the fund with investment advisory services and administrative services (together, the “Agreement”).The Board members, none of whom are “interested persons” (as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended) of the fund, were assisted in their review by independent legal counsel and met with counsel in executive session separate from Dreyfus representatives. In considering the renewal of the Agreement, the Board considered all factors that it believed to be relevant, including those discussed below.The Board did not identify any one factor as dispositive, and each Board member may have attributed different weights to the factors considered.
Analysis of Nature, Extent, and Quality of Services Provided to the Fund. The Board considered information provided to them at the meeting and in previous presentations from Dreyfus representatives regarding the nature, extent, and quality of the services provided to funds in the Dreyfus fund complex. Dreyfus provided the number of open accounts in the fund, the fund’s asset size and the allocation of fund assets among distribution channels. Dreyfus also had previously provided information regarding the diverse intermediary relationships and distribution channels of funds in the Dreyfus fund complex (such as retail direct or intermediary, in which intermediaries typically are paid by the fund and/or Dreyfus) and Dreyfus’ corresponding need for broad, deep, and diverse resources to be able to provide ongoing shareholder services to each intermediary or distribution channel, as applicable to the fund.
The Board also considered research support available to, and portfolio management capabilities of, the fund’s portfolio management personnel and that Dreyfus also provides oversight of day-to-day fund operations, including fund accounting and administration and assistance in meeting legal and regulatory requirements. The Board also considered Dreyfus’ extensive administrative, accounting, and compliance infra-structures.The Board also considered portfolio management’s broker-
26
age policies and practices (including policies and practices regarding soft dollars) and the standards applied in seeking best execution.
Comparative Analysis of the Fund’s Performance and Management Fee and Expense Ratio. The Board reviewed reports prepared by Lipper, Inc. (“Lipper”), an independent provider of investment company data, which included information comparing (1) the fund’s performance with the performance of a group of comparable funds (the “Performance Group”) and with a broader group of funds (the “Performance Universe”), all for various periods ended December 31, 2014, and (2) the fund’s actual and contractual management fees and total expenses with those of a group of comparable funds (the “Expense Group”) and with a broader group of funds (the “Expense Universe”), the information for which was derived in part from fund financial statements available to Lipper as of the date of its analysis. Dreyfus previously had furnished the Board with a description of the methodology Lipper used to select the Performance Group and Performance Universe and the Expense Group and Expense Universe.
Dreyfus representatives stated that the usefulness of performance comparisons may be affected by a number of factors, including different investment limitations that may be applicable to the fund and comparison funds. The Board discussed the results of the comparisons and noted that the fund’s total return performance was variously above and below the Performance Group and Performance Universe medians for the various periods. The Dreyfus representatives noted the proximity to the median for certain of the periods when the fund’s performance was below the Performance Group and/or Performance Universe medians. Dreyfus also provided a comparison of the fund’s calendar year total returns to the returns of the fund’s benchmark index and noted that the fund’s return was above the return of the index in six of the past ten calendar years.
The Board also reviewed the range of actual and contractual management fees and total expenses of the Expense Group and Expense Universe funds and discussed the results of the comparisons. The
Th eFund 27
|
INFORMATION ABOUT THE RENEWAL OF THE FUND’S INVESTMENT ADVISORY |
AND ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued) |
Board noted that the fund’s contractual management fee was below the Expense Group median and the fund’s actual management fee and total expenses were below the Expense Group and Expense Universe medians.
Dreyfus representatives noted that Dreyfus has contractually agreed to waive receipt of its fees and/or assume the expenses of the fund, until February 1, 2016, so that annual direct fund operating expenses (excluding taxes, interest, brokerage commissions, commitment fees on borrowings, acquired fund fees and extraordinary expenses) do not exceed 0.95% and .90% of the average daily net assets of the fund’s Class I and Class Y shares, respectively. Dreyfus representatives also noted that, in connection with the Administration Agreement and its related fees, Dreyfus has contractually agreed to waive any fees to the extent that such fees exceed Dreyfus’ costs in providing the services contemplated under the Administration Agreement.
Dreyfus representatives reviewed with the Board the management or investment advisory fees (1) paid by funds advised or administered by Dreyfus that are in the same Lipper category as the fund and (2) paid to Dreyfus or the Dreyfus-affiliated primary employer of the fund’s primary portfolio manager(s) for advising any separate accounts and/or other types of client portfolios that are considered to have similar investment strategies and policies as the fund (the “Similar Clients”), and explained the nature of the Similar Clients.They discussed differences in fees paid and the relationship of the fees paid in light of any differences in the services provided and other relevant factors.The Board considered the relevance of the fee information provided for the Similar Clients to evaluate the appropriateness and reasonableness of the fund’s management fee.
Analysis of Profitability and Economies of Scale. Dreyfus representatives reviewed the expenses allocated and profit received by Dreyfus and its affiliates and the resulting profitability percentage for managing the fund and the aggregate profitability percentage to Dreyfus and its affiliates of managing the funds in the Dreyfus fund complex, and the
28
method used to determine the expenses and profit. The Board concluded that the profitability results were not unreasonable, given the services rendered and service levels provided by Dreyfus. The Board also had been provided with information prepared by an independent consulting firm regarding Dreyfus’ approach to allocating costs to, and determining the profitability of, individual funds and the entire Dreyfus fund complex. The consulting firm also had analyzed where any economies of scale might emerge in connection with the management of a fund.
The Board considered, on the advice of its counsel, the profitability analysis (1) as part of its evaluation of whether the fees under the Agreement bear a reasonable relationship to the mix of services provided by Dreyfus, including the nature, extent and quality of such services, and (2) in light of the relevant circumstances for the fund and the extent to which economies of scale would be realized if the fund grows and whether fee levels reflect these economies of scale for the benefit of fund shareholders. Dreyfus representatives noted that a discussion of economies of scale is predicated on a fund having achieved a substantial size with increasing assets and that, if a fund’s assets had been stable or decreasing, the possibility that Dreyfus may have realized any economies of scale would be less. Dreyfus representatives also noted that, as a result of shared and allocated costs among funds in the Dreyfus fund complex, the extent of economies of scale could depend substantially on the level of assets in the complex as a whole, so that increases and decreases in complex-wide assets can affect potential economies of scale in a manner that is disproportionate to, or even in the opposite direction from, changes in the fund’s asset level. The Board also considered potential benefits to Dreyfus from acting as investment adviser and noted the soft dollar arrangements in effect for trading the fund’s investments.
At the conclusion of these discussions, the Board agreed that it had been furnished with sufficient information to make an informed business decision with respect to the renewal of the Agreement. Based on
The Fund 29
|
INFORMATION ABOUT THE RENEWAL OF THE FUND’S INVESTMENT ADVISORY |
AND ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued) |
the discussions and considerations as described above, the Board concluded and determined as follows.
The Board concluded that the nature, extent and quality of the ser- vices provided by Dreyfus are adequate and appropriate.
The Board generally was satisfied with the fund’s performance.
The Board concluded that the fees paid to Dreyfus were reasonable in light of the considerations described above.
The Board determined that the economies of scale which may accrue to Dreyfus and its affiliates in connection with the manage- ment of the fund had been adequately considered by Dreyfus in connection with the fee rate charged to the fund pursuant to the Agreement and that, to the extent in the future it were determined that material economies of scale had not been shared with the fund, the Board would seek to have those economies of scale shared with the fund.
In evaluating the Agreement, the Board considered these conclusions and determinations and also relied on its previous knowledge, gained through meetings and other interactions with Dreyfus and its affiliates, of the fund and the services provided to the fund by Dreyfus. The Board also relied on information received on a routine and regular basis throughout the year relating to the operations of the fund and the investment management and other services provided under the Agreement, including information on the investment performance of the fund in comparison to similar mutual funds and benchmark performance indices; general market outlook as applicable to the fund; and compliance reports. In addition, the Board’s consideration of the contractual fee arrangements for this fund had the benefit of a number of years of reviews of prior or similar agreements during which lengthy discussions took place between the Board and Dreyfus representatives. Certain aspects of the arrangements may receive greater scrutiny in some years than in others, and the Board’s conclusions may be based, in part, on their consideration of the same or similar arrangements in prior years.The Board determined to renew the Agreement.
30
For More Information

|
Telephone 1-800-DREYFUS |
Mail The Dreyfus Family of Funds, 144 Glenn Curtiss Boulevard, Uniondale, NY 11556-0144 |
E-mail Send your request to info@dreyfus.com |
Internet Information can be viewed online or downloaded at: http://www.dreyfus.com |
The fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The fund’s Forms N-Q are available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov and may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330.

|
Dreyfus/The Boston |
Company Small Cap |
Value Fund |

Save time. Save paper. View your next shareholder report online as soon as it’s available. Log into www.dreyfus.com and sign up for Dreyfus eCommunications. It’s simple and only takes a few minutes.
The views expressed in this report reflect those of the portfolio manager only through the end of the period covered and do not necessarily represent the views of Dreyfus or any other person in the Dreyfus organization. Any such views are subject to change at any time based upon market or other conditions and Dreyfus disclaims any responsibility to update such views.These views may not be relied on as investment advice and, because investment decisions for a Dreyfus fund are based on numerous factors, may not be relied on as an indication of trading intent on behalf of any Dreyfus fund.
|
Not FDIC-Insured • Not Bank-Guaranteed • May Lose Value |
| Contents |
| THE FUND |
2 | A Letter from the President |
3 | Discussion of Fund Performance |
6 | Understanding Your Fund’s Expenses |
6 | Comparing Your Fund’s Expenses With Those of Other Funds |
7 | Statement of Investments |
13 | Statement of Assets and Liabilities |
14 | Statement of Operations |
15 | Statement of Changes in Net Assets |
16 | Financial Highlights |
17 | Notes to Financial Statements |
26 | Information About the Renewal of the Fund’s Investment Advisory and Administration Agreements |
| FOR MORE INFORMATION |
| Back Cover |
Dreyfus/The Boston
Company Small Cap
Value Fund
The Fund
A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
Dear Shareholder:
This semiannual report for Dreyfus/The Boston Company Small Cap Value Fund covers the six-month period from October 1, 2014, through March 31, 2015. For information about how the fund performed during the reporting period, as well as general market perspectives, we provide a Discussion of Fund Performance on the pages that follow.
The U.S. stock market encountered bouts of heightened volatility on its way to posting moderate gains for the reporting period overall. Investors were confounded to a degree by divergent economic trends in domestic and international markets. On one hand, U.S. corporate fundamentals benefited from a sustained economic recovery fueled by strengthening labor markets, intensifying manufacturing activity, and greater consumer and business confidence. On the other hand, investors worried that persistent economic weakness in overseas markets and a strengthening U.S. dollar might derail growth in the United States and undermine corporate profits. In the end, risk taking was mostly rewarded during the reporting period, and small-cap stocks significantly outperformed their larger counterparts.
We remain optimistic regarding the long-term outlook for the U.S. economy generally and the U.S. equities asset class in particular. We believe the domestic economic recovery has continued at a sustainable pace, energy prices appear to have stabilized, and aggressively accommodative monetary policies from the world’s major central banks seem likely to address global economic weakness.While monetary policymak-ers currently appear prepared to begin raising short-term interest rates later this year, any potential rate hikes are expected to be gradual and modest. As always, we urge you to discuss these observations with your financial adviser, who can help you assess their implications for your investment portfolio.
Thank you for your continued confidence and support.

J. Charles Cardona
President
The Dreyfus Corporation
April 15, 2015
2
DISCUSSION OF FUND PERFORMANCE
For the period of October 1, 2014, through March 31, 2015, as provided by Joseph M. Corrado, CFA, and Stephanie K. Brandaleone, CFA, Portfolio Managers
Fund and Market Performance Overview
For the six-month period ended March 31, 2015, Dreyfus/The Boston Company Small Cap Value Fund produced a total return of 9.02%.1 In comparison, the fund’s benchmark, the Russell 2000® Value Index (the “Index”), produced a total return of 11.56% for the same period.2
A sustained U.S. economic recovery generally helped support small-cap stock prices over the reporting period, but small-cap value stocks lagged their more growth-oriented counterparts, on average.The fund produced lower returns than its benchmark, mainly due to shortfalls in the hard-hit materials and energy sectors.
The Fund’s Investment Approach
The fund seeks long-term growth of capital. To pursue its goal, the fund normally invests at least 80% of its net assets in equity securities of small-cap U.S. companies with market capitalizations that are equal to or less than the total market capitalization of the largest company in the Index.We use fundamental research and qualitative analysis to select stocks and look for companies with strong competitive positions, high-quality management, and financial strength. We use a consistent three-step fundamental research process to evaluate the stocks, consisting of valuation, which is to identify small-cap companies that are considered to be attractively priced relative to their earnings potential; fundamentals, which is to verify the strength of the underlying business position; and catalyst, which is to identify a specific event that has the potential to cause the stocks to appreciate in value.
Small-Cap Value Stocks Climbed Despite Volatility
The reporting period began in the wake of a rally that sent several broad measures of U.S. stock market performance to new record highs.The advance was interrupted in early October 2014, when stock prices fell sharply due to renewed concerns regarding the sustainability of the U.S. economic recovery, ongoing headwinds in international markets, and fears that an outbreak of the Ebola virus would spread beyond Western Africa.
The Fund 3
DISCUSSION OF FUND PERFORMANCE (continued)
Stocks soon rebounded when these fears proved overblown. A steadily declining U.S. unemployment rate, the creation of hundreds of thousands of new jobs, and rising corporate earnings helped support greater consumer and business confidence. Nonetheless, equities generally continued to encounter bouts of heightened volatility stemming from global economic instability, geopolitical concerns, and plummeting oil prices. Small-cap companies proved less vulnerable than large-cap stocks to global influences, largely because small companies tend to derive most of their revenues from domestic markets.
As a result, small-cap stocks produced higher returns, on average, than large- and midcap stocks. Within the small-cap asset class, investors favored relatively speculative companies with strong earnings growth, and more seasoned companies with attractive valuations mostly fell out of favor.
Energy and Materials Stocks Dampened Fund Results
Although the fund participated to a significant degree in the Russell 2000 Value Index’s gains over the reporting period, its relative performance was constrained by investments in the energy sector, which lost considerable value when commodity prices plunged. Exploration-and-production companies were especially hard hit when capital expenditures were slashed by major oil producers, undermining results from seismic services specialist Geospace Technologies, drilling equipment provider Dril-Quip, independent oil-and-gas producer Bill Barrett. Coal producer Cloud Peak Energy was hurt by lower coal prices, and well servicing contractor Key Energy Services encountered operational problems in Mexico. In the materials sector, steelmaker Timkensteel, specialty metals producer Carpenter Technology, and chemicals maker Flotek Industries lost value amid flagging demand from customers in the energy industry, while gold mining company Allied Nevada Gold struggled with production shortfalls.
On a more positive note, the fund’s relative results were buoyed by favorable stock selections in other areas. In the consumer discretionary sector, retailer Office Depot received an acquisition offer, specialty apparel seller Children’s Place reported better-than-expected quarterly results, and media company E.W. Scripps unlocked shareholder value by reorganizing and divesting its newspaper holdings. Among financial institutions, the fund achieved relative success with data center operator CyrusOne, which beat earnings forecasts and raised its dividend. Real estate invest-
4
ment trust (REIT) Summit Hotel Properties benefited from a broadening lodging recovery, regional bank Synovus Financial achieved better-than-expected loan growth, and bank holding company Webster Financial reported strong growth of health savings accounts sold through its national network.
Business Fundamentals Remain Attractive
As we move into the second quarter, economic data has taken longer to firm up for the U.S. economy than many had expected after a challenging first quarter but we have begun to see positive signs.We believe we should see improved growth as better employment and consumer spending data emerge, while the impact from the slowdown in the energy sector and the shock from the strong dollar pass. Company earnings may be less robust, but are better than expected. Overall, we remain optimistic regarding U.S. small cap equities and continue to focus on the strategy’s disciplined, research-driven investment approach.
Within this environment, we are finding attractive opportunities in the Consumer Discretionary, Industrials and Health Care sectors, which are emphasized in the portfolio with overweight positions versus the index. Conversely, we have maintained underweight exposure to REITs, Insurance and Utilities, where we have found fewer opportunities meeting our investment criteria.
April 15, 2015
Please note, the position in any security highlighted with italicized typeface was sold during the reporting period. Equity funds are subject generally to market, market sector, market liquidity, issuer, and investment style risks, among other factors, to varying degrees, all of which are more fully described in the fund’s prospectus.
Small companies carry additional risks because their earnings and revenues tend to be less predictable, and their share prices more volatile than those of larger, more established companies.The shares of smaller companies tend to trade less frequently than those of larger, more established companies, which can adversely affect the pricing of these securities and the fund’s ability to sell these securities.
|
1 Total return includes reinvestment of dividends and any capital gains paid. Past performance is no guarantee of future |
results. Share price and investment return fluctuate such that upon redemption, fund shares may be worth more or less |
than their original cost. |
2 SOURCE: LIPPER INC. — Reflects the reinvestment of dividends and, where applicable, capital gain |
distributions.The Russell 2000 Value Index is an unmanaged index, which measures the performance of those |
Russell 2000 companies with lower price-to-book ratios and lower forecasted growth values. Investors cannot invest |
directly in any index. |
The Fund 5
UNDERSTANDING YOUR FUND’S EXPENSES (Unaudited)
As a mutual fund investor, you pay ongoing expenses, such as management fees and other expenses. Using the information below, you can estimate how these expenses affect your investment and compare them with the expenses of other funds.You also may pay one-time transaction expenses, including sales charges (loads) and redemption fees, which are not shown in this section and would have resulted in higher total expenses. For more information, see your fund’s prospectus or talk to your financial adviser.
Review your fund’s expenses
The table below shows the expenses you would have paid on a $1,000 investment in Dreyfus/The Boston Company Small Cap Value Fund from October 1, 2014 to March 31, 2015. It also shows how much a $1,000 investment would be worth at the close of the period, assuming actual returns and expenses.
Expenses and Value of a $1,000 Investment
assuming actual returns for the six months ended March 31, 2015
| | |
Expenses paid per $1,000† | $ | 5.00 |
Ending value (after expenses) | $ | 1,090.20 |
COMPARING YOUR FUND’S EXPENSES
WITH THOSE OF OTHER FUNDS (Unaudited)
Using the SEC’s method to compare expenses
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has established guidelines to help investors assess fund expenses. Per these guidelines, the table below shows your fund’s expenses based on a $1,000 investment, assuming a hypothetical 5% annualized return. You can use this information to compare the ongoing expenses (but not transaction expenses or total cost) of investing in the fund with those of other funds. All mutual fund shareholder reports will provide this information to help you make this comparison. Please note that you cannot use this information to estimate your actual ending account balance and expenses paid during the period.
Expenses and Value of a $1,000 Investment
assuming a hypothetical 5% annualized return for the six months ended March 31, 2015
| | |
Expenses paid per $1,000† | $ | 4.84 |
Ending value (after expenses) | $ | 1,020.14 |
|
† Expenses are equal to the fund’s annualized expense ratio of .96% for Class I; multiplied by the average account value |
over the period, multiplied by 182/365 (to reflect the one-half year period). |
6
|
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS |
March 31, 2015 (Unaudited) |
| | | |
Common Stocks—99.2% | Shares | | Value ($) |
Automobiles & Components—2.2% | | | |
Tenneco | 38,862 | a | 2,231,456 |
Thor Industries | 45,798 | | 2,894,892 |
Winnebago Industries | 78,766 | b | 1,674,565 |
| | | 6,800,913 |
Banks—16.1% | | | |
Bank of Hawaii | 49,547 | | 3,032,772 |
Boston Private Financial Holdings | 119,309 | | 1,449,604 |
Brookline Bancorp | 170,885 | | 1,717,394 |
Cardinal Financial | 83,299 | | 1,664,314 |
Central Pacific Financial | 55,864 | | 1,283,196 |
CoBiz Financial | 123,125 | | 1,516,900 |
Columbia Banking System | 99,196 | | 2,873,708 |
CVB Financial | 169,405 | | 2,700,316 |
First Horizon National | 360,609 | | 5,153,103 |
First Midwest Bancorp | 154,864 | | 2,689,988 |
Seacoast Banking | 91,749 | a | 1,309,258 |
Square 1 Financial, Cl. A | 12,178 | | 326,005 |
Synovus Financial | 236,527 | | 6,625,121 |
UMB Financial | 43,167 | | 2,283,103 |
United Community Banks | 161,161 | | 3,042,720 |
Valley National Bancorp | 307,640 | | 2,904,122 |
Washington Trust Bancorp | 30,608 | | 1,168,920 |
Webster Financial | 115,098 | | 4,264,381 |
Wintrust Financial | 69,914 | | 3,333,500 |
| | | 49,338,425 |
Capital Goods—8.3% | | | |
AeroVironment | 82,150 | a | 2,177,796 |
American Woodmark | 36,419 | a | 1,993,212 |
Apogee Enterprises | 56,325 | | 2,433,240 |
Astec Industries | 50,137 | | 2,149,875 |
Chart Industries | 44,948 | a | 1,576,551 |
Comfort Systems USA | 87,221 | | 1,835,130 |
EnerSys | 28,330 | | 1,819,919 |
FreightCar America | 56,117 | | 1,763,757 |
Granite Construction | 60,758 | | 2,135,036 |
Great Lakes Dredge and Dock | 227,740 | a | 1,368,717 |
The Fund 7
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
| | | |
Common Stocks (continued) | Shares | | Value ($) |
Capital Goods (continued) | | | |
Lindsay | 29,980 | b | 2,285,975 |
Mueller Industries | 66,520 | | 2,403,368 |
Simpson Manufacturing | 41,037 | | 1,533,553 |
| | | 25,476,129 |
Commercial & Professional Services—6.1% | | | |
ABM Industries | 54,436 | | 1,734,331 |
FTI Consulting | 55,740 | a | 2,088,020 |
Interface | 141,635 | | 2,943,175 |
Knoll | 112,818 | | 2,643,326 |
Korn/Ferry International | 83,001 | | 2,728,243 |
McGrath RentCorp | 54,291 | | 1,786,717 |
Steelcase, Cl. A | 153,156 | | 2,900,775 |
TrueBlue | 79,540 | a | 1,936,799 |
| | | 18,761,386 |
Consumer Durables & Apparel—5.7% | | | |
Cavco Industries | 20,977 | a | 1,574,534 |
Deckers Outdoor | 19,385 | a | 1,412,585 |
Ethan Allen Interiors | 95,940 | | 2,651,782 |
iRobot | 46,290 | a,b | 1,510,443 |
Oxford Industries | 35,812 | | 2,702,015 |
Standard Pacific | 178,069 | a | 1,602,621 |
Universal Electronics | 31,458 | a | 1,775,490 |
Vera Bradley | 82,335 | a | 1,336,297 |
WCI Communities | 74,195 | a | 1,776,970 |
William Lyon Homes, Cl. A | 49,329 | a | 1,273,675 |
| | | 17,616,412 |
Consumer Services—2.6% | | | |
Belmond, Cl. A | 189,303 | a | 2,324,641 |
Capella Education | 22,457 | | 1,457,010 |
Cheesecake Factory | 82,868 | | 4,087,878 |
| | | 7,869,529 |
Diversified Financials—.7% | | | |
Piper Jaffray | 39,739 | a | 2,084,708 |
Energy—3.5% | | | |
Bill Barrett | 126,462 | a,b | 1,049,635 |
Cloud Peak Energy | 155,154 | a | 902,996 |
8
| | | |
Common Stocks (continued) | Shares | | Value ($) |
Energy (continued) | | | |
Dril-Quip | 21,782 | a | 1,489,671 |
Geospace Technologies | 65,545 | a,b | 1,082,148 |
Gulf Island Fabrication | 45,275 | | 672,787 |
Natural Gas Services Group | 52,587 | a | 1,010,722 |
Patterson-UTI Energy | 125,973 | | 2,365,143 |
Synergy Resources | 182,908 | a | 2,167,460 |
| | | 10,740,562 |
Exchange-Traded Funds—1.3% | | | |
iShares Russell 2000 Value ETF | 38,544 | b | 3,978,126 |
Food & Staples Retailing—2.4% | | | |
Casey’s General Stores | 53,723 | | 4,840,442 |
Fresh Market | 61,066 | a,b | 2,481,722 |
| | | 7,322,164 |
Food, Beverage & Tobacco—1.6% | | | |
Dean Foods | 179,874 | | 2,973,317 |
Fresh Del Monte Produce | 47,666 | b | 1,854,684 |
| | | 4,828,001 |
Health Care Equipment & Services—7.7% | | | |
Air Methods | 57,176 | a | 2,663,830 |
Computer Programs & Systems | 36,466 | b | 1,978,645 |
Globus Medical, Cl. A | 101,162 | a | 2,553,329 |
Hanger | 86,453 | a | 1,961,619 |
HMS Holdings | 99,774 | a | 1,541,508 |
LifePoint Hospitals | 42,597 | a | 3,128,750 |
Meridian Bioscience | 87,118 | | 1,662,211 |
Natus Medical | 39,474 | a | 1,558,039 |
Omnicell | 74,417 | a | 2,612,037 |
Select Medical Holdings | 56,262 | | 834,365 |
WellCare Health Plans | 33,232 | a | 3,039,399 |
| | | 23,533,732 |
Insurance—.5% | | | |
Safety Insurance Group | 25,737 | | 1,537,786 |
Materials—5.5% | | | |
Calgon Carbon | 58,520 | | 1,233,016 |
Carpenter Technology | 50,938 | | 1,980,469 |
Cytec Industries | 38,668 | | 2,089,619 |
The Fund 9
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
| | | |
Common Stocks (continued) | Shares | | Value ($) |
Materials (continued) | | | |
Flotek Industries | 123,469 | a | 1,819,933 |
Haynes International | 30,166 | | 1,345,705 |
Intrepid Potash | 126,826 | a,b | 1,464,840 |
Louisiana-Pacific | 174,793 | a,b | 2,885,832 |
Stillwater Mining | 172,573 | a | 2,229,643 |
TimkenSteel | 68,584 | | 1,815,418 |
| | | 16,864,475 |
Media—3.8% | | | |
E.W. Scripps, Cl. A | 190,410 | a | 5,415,260 |
Morningstar | 6,567 | | 491,934 |
New York Times, Cl. A | 221,861 | | 3,052,807 |
Time | 122,380 | | 2,746,207 |
| | | 11,706,208 |
Pharmaceuticals, Biotech & | | | |
Life Sciences—1.0% | | | |
Horizon Pharma | 124,708 | a | 3,238,667 |
Real Estate—7.7% | | | |
Acadia Realty Trust | 67,237 | c | 2,345,227 |
American Assets Trust | 55,540 | c | 2,403,771 |
Corporate Office Properties Trust | 125,052 | c | 3,674,028 |
CyrusOne | 77,858 | c | 2,422,941 |
EPR Properties | 39,015 | c | 2,342,070 |
Healthcare Trust of America, Cl. A | 85,516 | | 2,382,476 |
Kite Realty Group Trust | 82,990 | | 2,337,828 |
Pebblebrook Hotel Trust | 44,520 | c | 2,073,296 |
Summit Hotel Properties | 164,060 | c | 2,308,324 |
Urstadt Biddle Properties, Cl. A | 62,857 | c | 1,449,482 |
| | | 23,739,443 |
Retailing—5.5% | | | |
American Eagle Outfitters | 284,196 | b | 4,854,068 |
Express | 194,760 | a | 3,219,383 |
Guess? | 71,483 | | 1,328,869 |
PEP Boys-Manny Moe & Jack | 190,487 | a | 1,832,485 |
The Children’s Place | 46,384 | | 2,977,389 |
Vitamin Shoppe | 68,696 | a,b | 2,829,588 |
| | | 17,041,782 |
10
| | | |
Common Stocks (continued) | Shares | | Value ($) |
Semiconductors & Semiconductor | | | |
Equipment—3.2% | | | |
Brooks Automation | 220,789 | | 2,567,776 |
MKS Instruments | 51,771 | | 1,750,378 |
Nanometrics | 64,973 | a | 1,092,846 |
PDF Solutions | 84,266 | a | 1,510,047 |
Teradyne | 148,992 | | 2,808,499 |
| | | 9,729,546 |
Software & Services—4.9% | | | |
Acxiom | 138,198 | a | 2,555,281 |
Constant Contact | 49,361 | a | 1,886,084 |
CSG Systems International | 92,271 | | 2,804,116 |
Mentor Graphics | 134,976 | | 3,243,473 |
Monotype Imaging Holdings | 90,793 | | 2,963,484 |
TiVo | 158,977 | a | 1,686,746 |
| | | 15,139,184 |
Technology Hardware & | | | |
Equipment—3.0% | | | |
DTS | 17,748 | a | 604,674 |
Electronics For Imaging | 19,246 | a | 803,520 |
FARO Technologies | 25,526 | a | 1,585,930 |
Knowles | 90,248 | a,b | 1,739,079 |
ScanSource | 38,240 | a | 1,554,456 |
Vishay Intertechnology | 213,609 | | 2,952,076 |
| | | 9,239,735 |
Transportation—.5% | | | |
Marten Transport | 68,795 | | 1,596,044 |
Utilities—5.4% | | | |
California Water Service Group | 66,902 | | 1,639,768 |
Chesapeake Utilities | 47,293 | | 2,393,499 |
El Paso Electric | 70,923 | | 2,740,465 |
Hawaiian Electric Industries | 100,102 | | 3,215,276 |
NorthWestern | 47,758 | | 2,568,903 |
Portland General Electric | 107,094 | b | 3,972,116 |
| | | 16,530,027 |
Total Common Stocks | | | |
(cost $245,492,895) | | | 304,712,984 |
The Fund 11
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
| | | | |
Other Investment—2.1% | Shares | | Value ($) | |
Registered Investment Company; | | | | |
Dreyfus Institutional Preferred | | | | |
Plus Money Market Fund | | | | |
(cost $6,360,109) | 6,360,109 | d | 6,360,109 | |
|
Investment of Cash Collateral for | | | | |
Securities Loaned—5.5% | | | | |
Registered Investment Company; | | | | |
Dreyfus Institutional Cash Advantage Fund | | | | |
(cost $16,940,324) | 16,940,324 | d | 16,940,324 | |
Total Investments (cost $268,793,328) | 106.8 | % | 328,013,417 | |
Liabilities, Less Cash and Receivables | (6.8 | %) | (20,917,198 | ) |
Net Assets | 100.0 | % | 307,096,219 | |
ETF—Exchange-Traded Fund
|
a Non-income producing security. |
b Security, or portion thereof, on loan.At March 31, 2015, the value of the fund’s securities on loan was |
$20,122,687 and the value of the collateral held by the fund was $20,561,367, consisting of cash collateral of |
$16,940,324 and U.S. Government & Agency securities valued at $3,621,043. |
c Investment in real estate investment trust. |
d Investment in affiliated money market mutual fund. |
| | | |
Portfolio Summary (Unaudited)† | | |
|
| Value (%) | Value (%) |
Banks | 16.1 | Semiconductors & | |
Capital Goods | 8.3 | Semiconductor Equipment | 3.2 |
Health Care Equipment & Services | 7.7 | Technology Hardware & Equipment | 3.0 |
Real Estate | 7.7 | Consumer Services | 2.6 |
Money Market Investments | 7.6 | Food & Staples Retailing | 2.4 |
Commercial & Professional Services | 6.1 | Automobiles & Components | 2.2 |
Consumer Durables & Apparel | 5.7 | Food, Beverage & Tobacco | 1.6 |
Materials | 5.5 | Exchange-Traded Funds | 1.3 |
Retailing | 5.5 | Pharmaceuticals, Biotech & Life Sciences | 1.0 |
Utilities | 5.4 | Diversified Financials | .7 |
Software & Services | 4.9 | Insurance | .5 |
Media | 3.8 | Transportation | .5 |
Energy | 3.5 | 106.8 |
|
† Based on net assets. | | | |
See notes to financial statements. | | | |
12
|
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES |
March 31, 2015 (Unaudited) |
| | |
| Cost | Value |
Assets ($): | | |
Investments in securities—See Statement of Investments (including | | |
securities on loan, valued at $20,122,687)—Note 1(b): | | |
Unaffiliated issuers | 245,492,895 | 304,712,984 |
Affiliated issuers | 23,300,433 | 23,300,433 |
Cash | | 21,305 |
Receivable for investment securities sold | | 1,026,233 |
Dividends and securities lending income receivable | | 381,404 |
Prepaid expenses | | 20,587 |
| | 329,462,946 |
Liabilities ($): | | |
Due to The Dreyfus Corporation and affiliates—Note 3(b) | | 236,565 |
Liability for securities on loan—Note 1(b) | | 16,940,324 |
Payable for investment securities purchased | | 4,990,369 |
Payable for shares of Beneficial Interest redeemed | | 142,995 |
Accrued expenses | | 56,474 |
| | 22,366,727 |
Net Assets ($) | | 307,096,219 |
Composition of Net Assets ($): | | |
Paid-in capital | | 238,584,831 |
Accumulated undistributed investment income—net | | 826,717 |
Accumulated net realized gain (loss) on investments | | 8,464,582 |
Accumulated net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments | 59,220,089 |
Net Assets ($) | | 307,096,219 |
Class I Shares Outstanding | | |
(unlimited number of $.001 par value shares of Beneficial Interest authorized) | 12,572,201 |
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share ($) | | 24.43 |
|
See notes to financial statements. | | |
The Fund 13
|
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS |
Six Months Ended March 31, 2015 (Unaudited) |
| | |
Investment Income ($): | | |
Income: | | |
Cash dividends (net of $259 foreign taxes withheld at source): | | |
Unaffiliated issuers | 2,311,097 | |
Affiliated issuers | 1,714 | |
Income from securities lending—Note 1(b) | 35,073 | |
Total Income | 2,347,884 | |
Expenses: | | |
Investment advisory fee—Note 3(a) | 1,242,642 | |
Shareholder servicing costs—Note 3(b) | 89,855 | |
Administration fees—Note 3(a) | 71,919 | |
Custodian fees—Note 3(b) | 25,301 | |
Professional fees | 21,672 | |
Registration fees | 13,185 | |
Prospectus and shareholders’ reports | 12,085 | |
Trustees’ fees and expenses—Note 3(c) | 8,341 | |
Loan commitment fees—Note 2 | 1,277 | |
Interest expense—Note 2 | 1,005 | |
Miscellaneous | 11,562 | |
Total Expenses | 1,498,844 | |
Less—reduction in fees due to earnings credits—Note 3(b) | (3 | ) |
Net Expenses | 1,498,841 | |
Investment Income—Net | 849,043 | |
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments—Note 4 ($): | | |
Net realized gain (loss) on investments | 10,710,585 | |
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments | 15,259,401 | |
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments | 25,969,986 | |
Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations | 26,819,029 | |
See notes to financial statements. | | |
14
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
| | | | |
| Six Months Ended | | | |
| March 31, 2015 | | Year Ended | |
| (Unaudited) | | September 30, 2014 | |
Operations ($): | | | | |
Investment income—net | 849,043 | | 1,308,141 | |
Net realized gain (loss) on investments | 10,710,585 | | 67,923,008 | |
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on | | | | |
investments | 15,259,401 | | (53,436,247 | ) |
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting | | | | |
from Operations | 26,819,029 | | 15,794,902 | |
Dividends to Shareholders from ($): | | | | |
Investment income—net | (1,400,392 | ) | (1,005,685 | ) |
Net realized gain on investments | (60,861,664 | ) | (62,752,734 | ) |
Total Dividends | (62,262,056 | ) | (63,758,419 | ) |
Beneficial Interest Transactions ($): | | | | |
Net proceeds from shares sold | 13,793,929 | | 23,641,959 | |
Dividends reinvested | 61,197,900 | | 62,714,198 | |
Cost of shares redeemed | (50,828,670 | ) | (105,762,725 | ) |
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from | | | | |
Beneficial Interest Transactions | 24,163,159 | | (19,406,568 | ) |
Total Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets | (11,279,868 | ) | (67,370,085 | ) |
Net Assets ($): | | | | |
Beginning of Period | 318,376,087 | | 385,746,172 | |
End of Period | 307,096,219 | | 318,376,087 | |
Undistributed investment income—net | 826,717 | | 1,378,066 | |
Capital Share Transactions (Shares): | | | | |
Shares sold | 546,204 | | 777,169 | |
Shares issued for dividends reinvested | 2,685,296 | | 2,192,804 | |
Shares redeemed | (1,944,085 | ) | (3,460,611 | ) |
Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares Outstanding | 1,287,415 | | (490,638 | ) |
See notes to financial statements. | | | | |
The Fund 15
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The following table describes the performance for the fiscal periods indicated.Total return shows how much your investment in the fund would have increased (or decreased) during each period, assuming you had reinvested all dividends and dis-tributions.These figures have been derived from the fund’s financial statements.
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Six Months Ended | | | | | | | | | | | |
March 31, 2015 | | | | Year Ended September 30, | | | |
Class I Shares | (Unaudited) | | 2014 | | 2013 | | 2012 | | 2011 | | 2010 | |
Per Share Data ($): | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, | | | | | | | | | | | | |
beginning of period | 28.21 | | 32.76 | | 25.65 | | 18.81 | | 20.57 | | 18.54 | |
Investment Operations: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Investment income—neta | .07 | | .11 | | .26 | | .14 | | .13 | | .10 | |
Net realized and unrealized | | | | | | | | | | | | |
gain (loss) on investments | 2.05 | | 1.15 | | 7.29 | | 6.79 | | (1.79 | ) | 1.99 | |
Total from Investment Operations | 2.12 | | 1.26 | | 7.55 | | 6.93 | | (1.66 | ) | 2.09 | |
Distributions: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends from | | | | | | | | | | | | |
investment income—net | (.13 | ) | (.09 | ) | (.22 | ) | (.09 | ) | (.10 | ) | (.06 | ) |
Dividends from net realized | | | | | | | | | | | | |
gain on investments | (5.77 | ) | (5.72 | ) | (.22 | ) | — | | — | | — | |
Total Distributions | (5.90 | ) | (5.81 | ) | (.44 | ) | (.09 | ) | (.10 | ) | (.06 | ) |
Net asset value, end of period | 24.43 | | 28.21 | | 32.76 | | 25.65 | | 18.81 | | 20.57 | |
Total Return (%) | 9.02 | b | 3.62 | | 29.92 | | 36.95 | | (8.14 | ) | 11.27 | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data (%): | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratio of total expenses | | | | | | | | | | | | |
to average net assets | .96 | c | .96 | | .99 | | .98 | | .96 | | .93 | |
Ratio of net expenses | | | | | | | | | | | | |
to average net assets | .96 | c | .96 | | .99 | | .98 | | .96 | | .93 | |
Ratio of net investment income | | | | | | | | | | | | |
to average net assets | .55 | c | .37 | | .90 | | .59 | | .57 | | .52 | |
Portfolio Turnover Rate | 41.31 | b | 68.43 | | 76.63 | | 88.54 | | 66.51 | | 79.47 | |
Net Assets, end of period | | | | | | | | | | | | |
($ x 1,000) | 307,096 | | 318,376 | | 385,746 | | 457,180 | | 372,176 | | 492,393 | |
| |
a | Based on average shares outstanding. |
b | Not annualized. |
c | Annualized. |
See notes to financial statements.
16
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
NOTE 1—Significant Accounting Policies:
Dreyfus/The Boston Company Small Cap Value Fund (the “fund”) is a separate diversified series of Dreyfus Investment Funds (the “Trust”), which is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Act”), as an open-end management investment company and operates as a series company currently offering seven series, including the fund. The fund’s investment objective is to seek long-term growth of capital. The Dreyfus Corporation (the “Manager” or “Dreyfus”), a wholly-owned subsidiary 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 Dreyfus, is the distributor of the fund’s shares.
Class I shares are sold primarily to bank trust departments and other financial service providers (including The Bank of New York Mellon, a subsidiary of BNY Mellon and an affiliate of Dreyfus, and its affiliates), acting on behalf of customers having a qualified trust or an investment account or relationship at such institution, and bear no Distribution or Shareholder Service Plan fees. Class I shares are offered without a front-end sales charge or a contingent deferred sales charge.
The Trust accounts separately for the assets, liabilities and operations of each series. Expenses directly attributable to each series are charged to that series’ operations; expenses which are applicable to all series are allocated among them on a pro rata basis.
The Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) is the exclusive reference of authoritative U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) recognized by the FASB to be applied by nongovernmental entities. Rules and interpretive releases of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) under authority of federal laws are also sources of authoritative GAAP for SEC registrants.The fund’s financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP, which may require the use of management estimates and assumptions. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
The Fund 17
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
(a) Portfolio valuation: The fair value of a financial instrument is the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (i.e., the exit price). GAAP establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs of valuation techniques used to measure fair value. This hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements).
Additionally, GAAP provides guidance on determining whether the volume and activity in a market has decreased significantly and whether such a decrease in activity results in transactions that are not orderly. GAAP requires enhanced disclosures around valuation inputs and techniques used during annual and interim periods.
Various inputs are used in determining the value of the fund’s investments relating to fair value measurements. These inputs are summarized in the three broad levels listed below:
Level 1—unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical investments.
Level 2—other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar investments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.).
Level 3—significant unobservable inputs (including the fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).
The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.
Changes in valuation techniques may result in transfers in or out of an assigned level within the disclosure hierarchy. Valuation techniques used to value the fund’s investments are as follows:
Investments in securities are valued at the last sales price on the securities exchange or national securities market on which such securities are primarily traded. Securities listed on the National Market System
18
for which market quotations are available are valued at the official closing price or, if there is no official closing price that day, at the last sales price. For open short positions, asked prices are used for valuation purposes. Bid price is used when no asked price is available. Registered investment companies that are not traded on an exchange are valued at their net asset value. All of the preceding securities are generally categorized within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.
Securities not listed on an exchange or the national securities market, or securities for which there were no transactions, are valued at the average of the most recent bid and asked prices. These securities are generally categorized within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
Fair valuing of securities may be determined with the assistance of a pricing service using calculations based on indices of domestic securities and other appropriate indicators, such as prices of relevant American Depository Receipts and financial futures. Utilizing these techniques may result in transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
When market quotations or official closing prices are not readily available, or are determined not to reflect accurately fair value, such as when the value of a security has been significantly affected by events after the close of the exchange or market on which the security is principally traded (for example, a foreign exchange or market), but before the fund calculates its net asset value, the fund may value these investments at fair value as determined in accordance with the procedures approved by the Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”). Certain factors may be considered when fair valuing investments such as: fundamental analytical data, the nature and duration of restrictions on disposition, an evaluation of the forces that influence the market in which the securities are purchased and sold, and public trading in similar securities of the issuer or comparable issuers.These securities are either categorized within Level 2 or 3 of the fair value hierarchy depending on the relevant inputs used.
The Fund 19
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
For restricted securities where observable inputs are limited, assumptions about market activity and risk are used and are generally categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
The following is a summary of the inputs used as of March 31, 2015 in valuing the fund’s investments:
| | | | |
| | Level 2—Other | Level 3— | |
| Level 1— | Significant | Significant | |
| Unadjusted | Observable | Unobservable | |
| Quoted Prices | Inputs | Inputs | Total |
Assets ($) | | | | |
Investments in Securities: | | | |
Equity Securities— | | | | |
Domestic | | | | |
Common Stocks† | 298,410,217 | — | — | 298,410,217 |
Equity Securities— | | | | |
Foreign | | | | |
Common Stocks† | 2,324,641 | — | — | 2,324,641 |
Exchange-Traded | | | | |
Funds | 3,978,126 | — | — | 3,978,126 |
Mutual Funds | 23,300,433 | — | — | 23,300,433 |
|
† See Statement of Investments for additional detailed categorizations. | |
At March 31, 2015, there were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
(b) Securities transactions and investment income: Securities transactions are recorded on a trade date basis. Realized gains and losses from securities transactions are recorded on the identified cost basis. Dividend income is recognized on the ex-dividend date and interest income, including, where applicable, accretion of discount and amortization of premium on investments, is recognized on the accrual basis.
Pursuant to a securities lending agreement with The Bank of New York Mellon, the fund may lend securities to qualified institutions. It is the fund’s policy that, at origination, all loans are secured by collateral of at least 102% of the value of U.S. securities loaned and 105% of the value of foreign securities loaned. Collateral equivalent to at least 100% of the market value of securities on loan is maintained at all
20
times. Collateral is either in the form of cash, which can be invested in certain money market mutual funds managed by Dreyfus or U.S. Government and Agency securities.The fund is entitled to receive all dividends, interest and distributions on securities loaned, in addition to income earned as a result of the lending transaction. Should a borrower fail to return the securities in a timely manner, The Bank of New York Mellon is required to replace the securities for the benefit of the fund or credit the fund with the market value of the unreturned securities and is subrogated to the fund’s rights against the borrower and the collateral. During the period ended March 31, 2015,The Bank of NewYork Mellon earned $11,690 from lending portfolio securities, pursuant to the securities lending agreement.
(c) Affiliated issuers: Investments in other investment companies advised by Dreyfus are defined as “affiliated” under the Act. Investments in affiliated investment companies during the period ended March 31, 2015 were as follows:
| | | | | |
Affiliated | | | | | |
Investment | Value | | | Value | Net |
Company | 9/30/2014 ($) | Purchases ($) | Sales ($) | 3/31/2015 ($) | Assets (%) |
Dreyfus | | | | | |
Institutional | | | | | |
Preferred | | | | | |
Plus Money | | | | | |
Market | | | | | |
Fund | 4,863,755 | 54,025,685 | 52,529,331 | 6,360,109 | 2.1 |
Dreyfus | | | | | |
Institutional | | | | | |
Cash | | | | | |
Advantage | | | | | |
Fund | — | 86,256,879 | 69,316,555 | 16,940,324 | 5.5 |
Total | 4,863,755 | 140,282,564 | 121,845,886 | 23,300,433 | 7.6 |
(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 real-
The Fund 21
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
ized capital gains can be offset by capital loss carryovers, it is the policy of the fund not to distribute such gains. Income and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with income tax regulations, which may differ from GAAP.
(e) Federal income taxes: It is the policy of the fund to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company, if such qualification is in the best interests of its shareholders, by complying with the applicable provisions of the Code, and to make distributions of taxable income sufficient to relieve it from substantially all federal income and excise taxes.
As of and during the period ended March 31, 2015, the fund did not have any liabilities for any uncertain tax positions.The fund recognizes interest and penalties, if any, related to uncertain tax positions as income tax expense in the Statement of Operations. During the period ended March 31, 2015, the fund did not incur any interest or penalties.
Each tax year in the three-year period ended September 30, 2014 remains subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service and state taxing authorities.
The tax character of distributions paid to shareholders during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014 was as follows: ordinary income $23,808,510 and long-term capital gains $39,949,909.The tax character of current year distributions will be determined at the end of the current fiscal year.
NOTE 2—Bank Lines of Credit:
The fund participates with other Dreyfus-managed funds in a $430 million unsecured credit facility led by Citibank, N.A. and a $300 million unsecured credit facility provided by The Bank of New York Mellon (each, a “Facility”), each to be utilized primarily for temporary or emergency purposes, including the financing of redemptions. Prior to October 8, 2014, the unsecured credit facility with Citibank, N.A. was $265 million. In connection therewith, the fund has agreed to pay its pro rata portion of commitment fees for each Facility. Interest is
22
charged to the fund based on rates determined pursuant to the terms of the respective Facility at the time of borrowing.
The average amount of borrowings outstanding under the Facilities during the period ended March 31, 2015 was approximately $184,000 with a related weighted average annualized interest rate of 1.10%.
NOTE 3—Investment Advisory Fee, Administration Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates:
(a) Pursuant to an investment advisory agreement with Dreyfus, the investment advisory fee is computed at the annual rate of .80% of the value of the fund’s average daily net assets and is payable monthly.
The fund has a Fund Accounting and Administrative Services Agreement (the “Administration Agreement”) with Dreyfus, whereby Dreyfus performs administrative, accounting and recordkeeping services for the fund.The fund has agreed to compensate Dreyfus for providing accounting services, administration, compliance monitoring, regulatory and shareholder reporting, as well as related facilities, equipment and clerical help.The fee is based on the fund’s average daily net assets and computed at the following annual rates: .06% of the first $500 million, .04% of the next $500 million and .02% in excess of $1 billion.
In addition, after applying any expense limitations or fee waivers that reduce the fees paid to Dreyfus for this service, Dreyfus has contractually agreed in writing to waive any remaining fees for this service to the extent that they exceed both Dreyfus’ costs in providing these services and a reasonable allocation of the costs incurred by Dreyfus and its affiliates related to the support and oversight of these services. The fund also reimburses Dreyfus for the out-of-pocket expenses incurred in performing this service for the fund. Pursuant to the Administration Agreement, the fund was charged $71,919 during the period ended March 31, 2015.
(b) The fund has arrangements with the transfer agent and the custodian whereby the fund may receive earnings credits when positive cash balances are maintained, which are used to offset transfer agency and
The Fund 23
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
custody fees. For financial reporting purposes, the fund includes net earnings credits as an expense offset in the Statement of Operations.
The fund compensates Dreyfus Transfer, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dreyfus, under a transfer agency agreement for providing transfer agency and cash management services for the fund. The majority of transfer agency fees are comprised of amounts paid on a per account basis, while cash management fees are related to fund subscriptions and redemptions. During the period ended March 31, 2015, the fund was charged $2,423 for transfer agency services and $65 for cash management services.These fees are included in Shareholder servicing costs in the Statement of Operations. Cash management fees were partially offset by earnings credits of $3.
The fund compensates The Bank of New York Mellon under a custody agreement for providing custodial services for the fund. These fees are determined based on net assets, geographic region and transaction activity. During the period ended March 31, 2015, the fund was charged $25,301 pursuant to the custody agreement.
During the period ended March 31, 2015, the fund was charged $5,657 for services performed by the Chief Compliance Officer and his staff.
The components of “Due to The Dreyfus Corporation and affiliates” in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities consist of: investment advisory fees $206,917, custodian fees $13,500, Chief Compliance Officer fees $2,867, administration fees $12,253 and transfer agency fees $1,028.
(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.
24
NOTE 4—Securities Transactions:
The aggregate amount of purchases and sales of investment securities, excluding short-term securities, during the period ended March 31, 2015, amounted to $128,261,955 and $166,536,746, respectively.
At March 31, 2015, accumulated net unrealized appreciation on investments was $59,220,089, consisting of $72,426,765 gross unrealized appreciation and $13,206,676 gross unrealized depreciation.
At March 31, 2015, the cost of investments for federal income tax purposes was substantially the same as the cost for financial reporting purposes (see the Statement of Investments).
The Fund 25
|
INFORMATION ABOUT THE RENEWAL OF THE |
FUND’S INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND |
ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENTS (Unaudited) |
At a meeting of the fund’s Board of Trustees held on February 25-26, 2015, the Board considered the renewal of the fund’s Investment Advisory Agreement and Administration Agreement pursuant to which Dreyfus provides the fund with investment advisory services and administrative services (together, the “Agreement”).The Board members, none of whom are “interested persons” (as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended) of the fund, were assisted in their review by independent legal counsel and met with counsel in executive session separate from Dreyfus representatives. In considering the renewal of the Agreement, the Board considered all factors that it believed to be relevant, including those discussed below.The Board did not identify any one factor as dispositive, and each Board member may have attributed different weights to the factors considered.
Analysis of Nature, Extent, and Quality of Services Provided to the Fund. The Board considered information provided to them at the meeting and in previous presentations from Dreyfus representatives regarding the nature, extent, and quality of the services provided to funds in the Dreyfus fund complex. Dreyfus provided the number of open accounts in the fund, the fund’s asset size and the allocation of fund assets among distribution channels. Dreyfus also had previously provided information regarding the diverse intermediary relationships and distribution channels of funds in the Dreyfus fund complex (such as retail direct or intermediary, in which intermediaries typically are paid by the fund and/or Dreyfus) and Dreyfus’ corresponding need for broad, deep, and diverse resources to be able to provide ongoing shareholder services to each intermediary or distribution channel, as applicable to the fund.
The Board also considered research support available to, and portfolio management capabilities of, the fund’s portfolio management personnel and that Dreyfus also provides oversight of day-to-day fund operations, including fund accounting and administration and assistance in meeting legal and regulatory requirements. The Board also considered Dreyfus’ extensive administrative, accounting, and compliance infrastructures. The Board also considered portfolio management’s brokerage policies
26
and practices (including policies and practices regarding soft dollars) and the standards applied in seeking best execution.
Comparative Analysis of the Fund’s Performance and Management Fee and Expense Ratio.The Board reviewed reports prepared by Lipper, Inc. (“Lipper”), an independent provider of investment company data, which included information comparing (1) the fund’s performance with the performance of a group of comparable funds (the “Performance Group”) and with a broader group of funds (the “Performance Universe”), all for various periods ended December 31, 2014, and (2) the fund’s actual and contractual management fees and total expenses with those of a group of comparable funds (the “Expense Group”) and with a broader group of funds (the “Expense Universe”), the information for which was derived in part from fund financial statements available to Lipper as of the date of its analysis. Dreyfus previously had furnished the Board with a description of the methodology Lipper used to select the Performance Group and Performance Universe and the Expense Group and Expense Universe.
Dreyfus representatives stated that the usefulness of performance comparisons may be affected by a number of factors, including different investment limitations that may be applicable to the fund and comparison funds. The Board discussed the results of the comparisons and noted that the fund’s total return performance was below the Performance Group median for all periods except the four-year period, and the fund’s total return performance was below the Performance Universe median for all periods except the three and ten-year periods. Dreyfus also provided a comparison of the fund’s calendar year total returns to the returns of the fund’s benchmark index and noted that the fund’s return was below the return of the index in six of the past ten calendar years.
The Board also reviewed the range of actual and contractual management fees and total expenses of the Expense Group and Expense Universe funds and discussed the results of the comparisons. The Board noted that the fund’s contractual management fee was below
The Fund 27
|
INFORMATION ABOUT THE RENEWAL OF THE FUND’S INVESTMENT |
ADVISORY AND ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued) |
the Expense Group median, the fund’s actual management fee was below the Expense Group median and above the Expense Universe median, and the fund’s total expenses were below the Expense Group and Expense Universe medians.
Dreyfus representatives noted that, in connection with the Administration Agreement and its related fees, Dreyfus has contractually agreed to waive any fees to the extent that such fees exceed Dreyfus’ costs in providing the services contemplated under the Administration Agreement.
Dreyfus representatives reviewed with the Board the management or investment advisory fees (1) paid by funds advised or administered by Dreyfus that are in the same Lipper category as the fund and (2) paid to Dreyfus or the Dreyfus-affiliated primary employer of the fund’s primary portfolio manager(s) for advising any separate accounts and/or other types of client portfolios that are considered to have similar investment strategies and policies as the fund (the “Similar Clients”), and explained the nature of the Similar Clients.They discussed differences in fees paid and the relationship of the fees paid in light of any differences in the services provided and other relevant factors.The Board considered the relevance of the fee information provided for the Similar Clients to evaluate the appropriateness and reasonableness of the fund’s management fee.
Analysis of Profitability and Economies of Scale. Dreyfus representatives reviewed the expenses allocated and profit received by Dreyfus and its affiliates and the resulting profitability percentage for managing the fund and the aggregate profitability percentage to Dreyfus and its affiliates of managing the funds in the Dreyfus fund complex, and the method used to determine the expenses and profit. The Board concluded that the profitability results were not unreasonable, given the services rendered and service levels provided by Dreyfus. The Board also had been provided with information prepared by an independent consulting firm regarding Dreyfus’ approach to allocating costs to, and determining the profitability of, individual funds and the entire
28
Dreyfus fund complex. The consulting firm also had analyzed where any economies of scale might emerge in connection with the management of a fund.
The Board considered, on the advice of its counsel, the profitability analysis (1) as part of its evaluation of whether the fees under the Agreement bear a reasonable relationship to the mix of services provided by Dreyfus, including the nature, extent and quality of such services, and (2) in light of the relevant circumstances for the fund and the extent to which economies of scale would be realized if the fund grows and whether fee levels reflect these economies of scale for the benefit of fund shareholders. Dreyfus representatives noted that a discussion of economies of scale is predicated on a fund having achieved a substantial size with increasing assets and that, if a fund’s assets had been stable or decreasing, the possibility that Dreyfus may have realized any economies of scale would be less. In addition, Dreyfus representatives noted that the fund had been generally closed to new investors since August 31, 2006. Dreyfus representatives also noted that, as a result of shared and allocated costs among funds in the Dreyfus fund complex, the extent of economies of scale could depend substantially on the level of assets in the complex as a whole, so that increases and decreases in complex-wide assets can affect potential economies of scale in a manner that is disproportionate to, or even in the opposite direction from, changes in the fund’s asset level. The Board also considered potential benefits to Dreyfus from acting as investment adviser and noted the soft dollar arrangements in effect for trading the fund’s investments.
At the conclusion of these discussions, the Board agreed that it had been furnished with sufficient information to make an informed business decision with respect to the renewal of the Agreement. Based on the discussions and considerations as described above, the Board concluded and determined as follows.
The Fund 29
|
INFORMATION ABOUT THE RENEWAL OF THE FUND’S INVESTMENT |
ADVISORY AND ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued) |
The Board noted the fund’s relative underperformance and agreed to closely monitor performance.
The Board concluded that the fees paid to Dreyfus were reasonable in light of the considerations described above.
The Board determined that the economies of scale which may accrue to Dreyfus and its affiliates in connection with the manage- ment of the fund had been adequately considered by Dreyfus in connection with the fee rate charged to the fund pursuant to the Agreement and that, to the extent in the future it were determined that material economies of scale had not been shared with the fund, the Board would seek to have those economies of scale shared with the fund.
In evaluating the Agreement, the Board considered these conclusions and determinations and also relied on its previous knowledge, gained through meetings and other interactions with Dreyfus and its affiliates, of the fund and the services provided to the fund by Dreyfus. The Board also relied on information received on a routine and regular basis throughout the year relating to the operations of the fund and the investment management and other services provided under the Agreement, including information on the investment performance of the fund in comparison to similar mutual funds and benchmark performance indices; general market outlook as applicable to the fund; and compliance reports. In addition, the Board’s consideration of the contractual fee arrangements for this fund had the benefit of a number of years of reviews of prior or similar agreements during which lengthy discussions took place between the Board and Dreyfus representatives. Certain aspects of the arrangements may receive greater scrutiny in some years than in others, and the Board’s conclusions may be based, in part, on their consideration of the same or similar arrangements in prior years.The Board determined to renew the Agreement.
30
For More Information

|
Telephone 1-800-DREYFUS |
Mail The Dreyfus Family of Funds, 144 Glenn Curtiss Boulevard, Uniondale, NY 11556-0144 |
E-mail Send your request to info@dreyfus.com |
Internet Information can be viewed online or downloaded at: http://www.dreyfus.com
The fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The fund’s Forms N-Q are available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov and may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330.

|
Dreyfus/The Boston |
Company Small/Mid Cap |
Growth Fund |

Save time. Save paper. View your next shareholder report online as soon as it’s available. Log into www.dreyfus.com and sign up for Dreyfus eCommunications. It’s simple and only takes a few minutes.
The views expressed in this report reflect those of the portfolio manager only through the end of the period covered and do not necessarily represent the views of Dreyfus or any other person in the Dreyfus organization. Any such views are subject to change at any time based upon market or other conditions and Dreyfus disclaims any responsibility to update such views.These views may not be relied on as investment advice and, because investment decisions for a Dreyfus fund are based on numerous factors, may not be relied on as an indication of trading intent on behalf of any Dreyfus fund.
|
Not FDIC-Insured • Not Bank-Guaranteed • May Lose Value |
| Contents |
| THE FUND |
2 | A Letter from the President |
3 | Discussion of Fund Performance |
6 | Understanding Your Fund’s Expenses |
6 | Comparing Your Fund’s Expenses With Those of Other Funds |
7 | Statement of Investments |
12 | Statement of Assets and Liabilities |
13 | Statement of Operations |
14 | Statement of Changes in Net Assets |
16 | Financial Highlights |
20 | Notes to Financial Statements |
32 | Information About the Renewal of the Fund’s Investment Advisory,Administration and Sub-Investment Advisory Agreements |
| FOR MORE INFORMATION |
| Back Cover |
Dreyfus/The Boston
Company Small/Mid Cap
Growth Fund
The Fund
A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
Dear Shareholder:
This semiannual report for Dreyfus/The Boston Company Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund covers the six-month period from October 1, 2014, through March 31, 2015. For information about how the fund performed during the reporting period, as well as general market perspectives, we provide a Discussion of Fund Performance on the pages that follow.
The U.S. stock market encountered bouts of heightened volatility on its way to posting moderate gains for the reporting period overall. Investors were confounded to a degree by divergent economic trends in domestic and international markets. On one hand, U.S. corporate fundamentals benefited from a sustained economic recovery fueled by strengthening labor markets, intensifying manufacturing activity, and greater consumer and business confidence. On the other hand, investors worried that persistent economic weakness in overseas markets and a strengthening U.S. dollar might derail growth in the United States and undermine corporate profits. In the end, risk taking was mostly rewarded during the reporting period, and small-cap stocks significantly outperformed their larger counterparts.
We remain optimistic regarding the long-term outlook for the U.S. economy generally and the U.S. equities asset class in particular. We believe the domestic economic recovery has continued at a sustainable pace, energy prices appear to have stabilized, and aggressively accommodative monetary policies from the world’s major central banks seem likely to address global economic weakness. While monetary policymakers currently appear prepared to begin raising short-term interest rates later this year, any potential rate hikes are expected to be gradual and modest. As always, we urge you to discuss these observations with your financial adviser, who can help you assess their implications for your investment portfolio.
Thank you for your continued confidence and support.

J. Charles Cardona
President
The Dreyfus Corporation
April 15, 2015
2
DISCUSSION OF FUND PERFORMANCE
For the period of October 1, 2014, through March 31, 2015, as provided by Todd W. Wakefield, CFA, and Robert C. Zeuthen, CFA, Primary Portfolio Managers
Fund and Market Performance Overview
For the six-month period ended March 31, 2015, Dreyfus/The Boston Company Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund’s Class A shares produced a total return of 12.10%, Class C shares returned 11.65%, Class I shares returned 12.23%, and Class Y shares returned 12.34%.1 In comparison, the fund’s benchmark, the Russell 2500® Growth Index (the “Index”), produced a total return of 15.48% for the same period.2
A sustained U.S. economic recovery helped support small- and mid-cap stock prices over the reporting period.The fund underperformed its benchmark, mainly due to shortfalls in the consumer discretionary, industrials, and health care sectors.
The Fund’s Investment Approach
The fund seeks long-term growth of capital. To pursue its goal, the fund normally invests at least 80% of its net assets in equity securities of small-cap and mid-cap U.S. companies with market capitalizations equal to or less than the total market capitalization of the largest company in the Index.When choosing stocks, we seek to identify high-quality small-cap and mid-cap companies with rapid current or expected earnings or revenue growth.We employ fundamental research to identify companies with attractive characteristics, such as strong business and competitive positions, solid cash flows and balance sheets, high-quality management and high sustainable growth.We also may invest in companies that our research indicates will experience accelerating revenues and expanding operating margins.
Growth Stocks Climbed Amid Volatility
The reporting period began in the wake of a rally that sent several broad measures of U.S. stock market performance to new highs. However, the advance was interrupted in early October 2014, when stock prices fell sharply due to renewed concerns regarding the sustainability of the U.S. economic recovery and ongoing headwinds in international markets.
The Fund 3
DISCUSSION OF FUND PERFORMANCE (continued)
Equities soon rebounded when these fears proved overblown. A steadily declining U.S. unemployment rate, the creation of hundreds of thousands of new jobs, and rising corporate earnings helped support greater consumer and business confidence. Nonetheless, stocks generally continued to encounter bouts of heightened volatility stemming from global economic instability and plummeting oil prices.
Small- and mid-cap companies proved less vulnerable than large-cap stocks to these global concerns, largely because smaller companies tend to derive most of their revenues from domestic markets. Investors favored relatively speculative companies with strong earnings growth, and more seasoned companies with attractive valuations typically fell out of favor.
Security Selections Undermined Fund Results
The fund’s relative performance was constrained by security selection shortfalls in a handful of market segments. Most notably, in the consumer discretionary sector, apparel maker Deckers Outdoor reported weaker-than-expected sales of its Uggs footwear brand. Both Deckers Outdoor and apparel producer PVH were further hurt by the impact of a strengthening U.S. dollar on overseas revenues. Casual dining chain Panera Bread missed analysts’ quarterly earnings targets and reduced future guidance. Building materials provider Lumber Liquidators Holdings struggled with a safety-related scandal surrounding a Chinese supplier, and retailer Vitamin Shoppe faced headwinds from slumping sales and industry-wide regulatory scrutiny.
In the industrials sector, the fund’s relative performance was hurt by underweighted exposure to airlines, which generally benefited from lower fuel costs. In addition, fund holding Spirit Airlines underperformed its peers after posting strong gains in previous reporting periods. Railcar equipment manufacturers Greenbrier Companies and Trinity Industries were harmed by the impact of plummeting oil prices on domestic energy production and rail transportation services, and industrial conglomerate ITT struggled with slumping commodity prices and adverse foreign exchange movements. Among health care companies, Salix Pharmaceuticals encountered inventory-related issues, and our elimination of the fund’s position caused it to miss a later rally after the company received an acquisition offer. Finally, Pacira Pharmaceuticals was hurt by weaker sales of a postsurgical pain management product.
4
The fund achieved above-average results in the materials sector, where construction aggregates supplier Vulcan Materials posted better-than-expected earnings and revenues. Strong stock selections in the information technology sector included security software developer Proofpoint, which reported higher sales and earnings in the wake of highly publicized attacks on corporate computer systems. Transportation management specialist FleetMatics Group exceeded earnings targets after expanding its customer base, business services provider MAXIMUS posted better-than-expected financial results, and laser specialist IPG Photonics saw strong order volumes across its geographic regions. In the consumer staples sector, household goods provider Church & Dwight’s branding strategy produced strong organic sales growth.
Growth Fundamentals Remain Attractive
Business fundamentals for small- and mid-cap companies have continued to improve in the recovering U.S. economy.Therefore, we have positioned the fund constructively, including overweighted exposure to drug developers and service providers in the health care sector, and companies poised to benefit from rising consumer spending in the consumer discretionary sector. We slightly increased the fund’s exposure to energy companies as oil prices began to stabilize. In contrast, we have identified relatively few opportunities in the financials sector.
April 15, 2015
Please note, the position in any security highlighted with italicized typeface was sold during the reporting period. Equity funds are subject generally to market, market sector, market liquidity, issuer, and investment style risks, among other factors, to varying degrees, all of which are more fully described in the fund’s prospectus.
Small and midsize companies carry additional risks because their earnings and revenues tend to be less predictable, and their share prices more volatile, than those of larger more established companies.
|
1 Total return includes reinvestment of dividends and any capital gains paid, and does not take into consideration the |
maximum initial sales charge in the case of Class A shares, or the applicable contingent deferred sales charge imposed |
on redemptions in the case of Class C shares. Had these charges been reflected, returns would have been lower. Past |
performance is no guarantee of future results. Share price and investment return fluctuate such that upon redemption, |
fund shares may be worth more or less than their original cost. |
2 SOURCE: LIPPER INC. — The Russell 2500 Growth Index is an unmanaged index that measures the |
performance of those Russell 2500 companies (the 2,500 smallest companies in the Russell 3000 Index, which is |
composed of the 3,000 largest U.S. companies based on total market capitalization) with higher price-to-book ratios |
and higher forecasted growth values.The total return figure cited for this index assumes change in security prices and |
reinvestment of dividends, but does not reflect the costs of managing a mutual fund. Investors cannot invest directly in |
any index. |
The Fund 5
UNDERSTANDING YOUR FUND’S EXPENSES (Unaudited)
As a mutual fund investor, you pay ongoing expenses, such as management fees and other expenses. Using the information below, you can estimate how these expenses affect your investment and compare them with the expenses of other funds.You also may pay one-time transaction expenses, including sales charges (loads) and redemption fees, which are not shown in this section and would have resulted in higher total expenses. For more information, see your fund’s prospectus or talk to your financial adviser.
Review your fund’s expenses
The table below shows the expenses you would have paid on a $1,000 investment in Dreyfus/The Boston Company Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund from October 1, 2014 to March 31, 2015. It also shows how much a $1,000 investment would be worth at the close of the period, assuming actual returns and expenses.
Expenses and Value of a $1,000 Investment
assuming actual returns for the six months ended March 31, 2015
| | | | | | | | |
| | Class A | | Class C | | Class I | | Class Y |
Expenses paid per $1,000† | $ | 5.50 | $ | 9.81 | $ | 4.23 | $ | 3.71 |
Ending value (after expenses) | $ | 1,121.00 | $ | 1,116.50 | $ | 1,122.30 | $ | 1,123.40 |
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 March 31, 2015
| | | | | | | | |
| | Class A | | Class C | | Class I | | Class Y |
Expenses paid per $1,000† | $ | 5.24 | $ | 9.35 | $ | 4.03 | $ | 3.53 |
Ending value (after expenses) | $ | 1,019.75 | $ | 1,015.66 | $ | 1,020.94 | $ | 1,021.44 |
|
† Expenses are equal to the fund’s annualized expense ratio of 1.04% for Class A, 1.86% for Class C, .80% for |
Class I and .70% for ClassY, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 182/365 (to |
reflect the one-half year period). |
6
|
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS |
March 31, 2015 (Unaudited) |
| | | |
Common Stocks—98.2% | Shares | | Value ($) |
Automobiles & Components—1.3% | | | |
Gentex | 659,307 | | 12,065,318 |
Banks—1.5% | | | |
SVB Financial Group | 115,327 | a | 14,651,142 |
Capital Goods—9.7% | | | |
A.O. Smith | 224,465 | | 14,738,372 |
B/E Aerospace | 183,684 | | 11,685,976 |
Carlisle | 151,165 | | 14,002,414 |
EnerSys | 111,104 | | 7,137,321 |
ITT | 283,140 | | 11,300,117 |
Sensata Technologies Holding | 202,674 | a | 11,643,621 |
Snap-on | 34,833 | | 5,122,541 |
Watsco | 129,054 | | 16,222,088 |
| | | 91,852,450 |
Commercial & Professional Services—4.1% | | | |
Advisory Board | 252,508 | a | 13,453,626 |
Corporate Executive Board | 185,815 | | 14,839,186 |
Towers Watson & Co., Cl. A | 81,967 | | 10,834,808 |
| | | 39,127,620 |
Consumer Durables & Apparel—5.5% | | | |
Jarden | 279,266 | a | 14,773,171 |
Polaris Industries | 62,984 | | 8,887,042 |
PVH | 88,479 | | 9,428,322 |
Steven Madden | 265,601 | a | 10,092,838 |
Wolverine World Wide | 283,542 | | 9,484,480 |
| | | 52,665,853 |
Consumer Services—1.3% | | | |
Panera Bread, Cl. A | 78,045 | a | 12,486,810 |
Diversified Financials—1.0% | | | |
CBOE Holdings | 172,033 | | 9,875,554 |
Energy—3.3% | | | |
Forum Energy Technologies | 420,484 | a | 8,241,486 |
Patterson-UTI Energy | 497,077 | | 9,332,621 |
The Fund 7
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
| | | |
Common Stocks (continued) | Shares | | Value ($) |
Energy (continued) | | | |
Range Resources | 261,445 | | 13,605,598 |
| | | 31,179,705 |
Exchange-Traded Funds—4.7% | | | |
iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF | 294,471 | b | 44,627,080 |
Food & Staples Retailing—1.4% | | | |
United Natural Foods | 175,277 | a | 13,503,340 |
Food, Beverage & Tobacco—1.5% | | | |
WhiteWave Foods | 320,171 | a | 14,196,382 |
Health Care Equipment & Services—12.6% | | | |
Acadia Healthcare | 146,906 | a | 10,518,470 |
Align Technology | 256,355 | a | 13,788,054 |
athenahealth | 113,417 | a,b | 13,540,856 |
Brookdale Senior Living | 376,019 | a | 14,198,477 |
Catamaran | 285,334 | a | 16,988,786 |
Cooper | 71,125 | | 13,330,248 |
Endologix | 691,632 | a,b | 11,806,158 |
Medidata Solutions | 301,810 | a | 14,800,762 |
MEDNAX | 149,261 | a | 10,822,915 |
| | | 119,794,726 |
Household & Personal Products—.8% | | | |
Church & Dwight | 83,632 | | 7,143,845 |
Materials—2.0% | | | |
Headwaters | 140,896 | a | 2,584,033 |
Scotts Miracle-Gro, Cl. A | 140,819 | | 9,458,812 |
Vulcan Materials | 83,561 | | 7,044,192 |
| | | 19,087,037 |
Media—2.2% | | | |
IMAX | 321,232 | a,b | 10,828,731 |
Lions Gate Entertainment | 309,539 | b | 10,499,563 |
| | | 21,328,294 |
Pharmaceuticals, Biotech & | | | |
Life Sciences—12.6% | | | |
ACADIA Pharmaceuticals | 313,465 | a,b | 10,215,824 |
8
| | | |
Common Stocks (continued) | Shares | | Value ($) |
Pharmaceuticals, Biotech & | | | |
Life Sciences (continued) | | | |
Alkermes | 191,349 | a | 11,666,549 |
Anacor Pharmaceuticals | 166,583 | a | 9,636,827 |
Celldex Therapeutics | 474,444 | a | 13,222,754 |
Cepheid | 186,210 | a | 10,595,349 |
Jazz Pharmaceuticals | 105,006 | a | 18,143,987 |
KYTHERA Biopharmaceuticals | 190,065 | a,b | 9,531,760 |
Ligand Pharmaceuticals | 57,295 | a | 4,418,017 |
Nektar Therapeutics | 820,992 | a | 9,030,912 |
Pacira Pharmaceuticals | 100,310 | a | 8,912,544 |
Receptos | 86,387 | a | 14,244,352 |
| | | 119,618,875 |
Real Estate—2.3% | | | |
CBRE Group, Cl. A | 324,150 | a | 12,547,847 |
Realogy Holdings | 211,027 | a | 9,597,508 |
| | | 22,145,355 |
Retailing—7.5% | | | |
Dick’s Sporting Goods | 159,192 | | 9,072,352 |
HSN | 174,773 | | 11,924,762 |
LKQ | 370,901 | a | 9,480,230 |
Ulta Salon, Cosmetics & Fragrance | 82,645 | a | 12,466,998 |
Urban Outfitters | 124,247 | a | 5,671,876 |
Vitamin Shoppe | 244,166 | a | 10,057,198 |
Williams-Sonoma | 160,245 | | 12,773,129 |
| | | 71,446,545 |
Semiconductors & Semiconductor | | | |
Equipment—3.5% | | | |
Integrated Device Technology | 576,953 | a | 11,550,599 |
Mellanox Technologies | 283,844 | a | 12,869,487 |
Microchip Technology | 180,104 | b | 8,807,086 |
| | | 33,227,172 |
Software & Services—13.4% | | | |
Akamai Technologies | 211,466 | a | 15,023,602 |
The Fund 9
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
| | | |
Common Stocks (continued) | Shares | | Value ($) |
Software & Services (continued) | | | |
ANSYS | 82,063 | a | 7,237,136 |
Demandware | 148,139 | a | 9,021,665 |
FleetMatics Group | 275,914 | a,b | 12,374,743 |
HomeAway | 251,469 | a | 7,586,820 |
Jack Henry & Associates | 106,540 | | 7,446,081 |
LogMeIn | 250,483 | a | 14,024,543 |
MAXIMUS | 147,595 | | 9,853,442 |
Proofpoint | 134,414 | a | 7,959,997 |
ServiceNow | 102,766 | a | 8,095,905 |
SS&C Technologies Holdings | 159,876 | | 9,960,275 |
Synopsys | 407,959 | a | 18,896,661 |
| | | 127,480,870 |
Technology Hardware & Equipment—4.3% | | | |
F5 Networks | 70,773 | a | 8,134,649 |
Infinera | 655,974 | a | 12,903,009 |
IPG Photonics | 97,159 | a,b | 9,006,639 |
Palo Alto Networks | 73,450 | a | 10,729,576 |
| | | 40,773,873 |
Telecommunication Services—.5% | | | |
Level 3 Communications | 85,975 | a | 4,628,894 |
Transportation—1.2% | | | |
Spirit Airlines | 141,865 | a | 10,974,676 |
Total Common Stocks | | | |
(cost $745,947,389) | | | 933,881,416 |
|
Other Investment—2.3% | | | |
Registered Investment Company; | | | |
Dreyfus Institutional Preferred | | | |
Plus Money Market Fund | | | |
(cost $21,916,774) | 21,916,774 | c | 21,916,774 |
10
| | | | |
Investment of Cash Collateral | | | | |
for Securities Loaned—5.9% | Shares | | Value ($) | |
Registered Investment Company; | | | | |
Dreyfus Institutional Cash | | | | |
Advantage Fund | | | | |
(cost $56,263,349) | 56,263,349 | c | 56,263,349 | |
Total Investments (cost $824,127,512) | 106.4 | % | 1,012,061,539 | |
Liabilities, Less Cash and Receivables | (6.4 | %) | (60,893,717 | ) |
Net Assets | 100.0 | % | 951,167,822 | |
ETF—Exchange-Traded Fund
|
a Non-income producing security. |
b Security, or portion thereof, on loan.At March 31, 2015, the value of the fund’s securities on loan was |
$61,346,813 and the value of the collateral held by the fund was $63,427,061, consisting of cash collateral of |
$56,263,349 and U.S. Government & Agency securities valued at $7,163,712. |
c Investment in affiliated money market mutual fund. |
| | | |
Portfolio Summary (Unaudited)† | | |
|
| Value (%) | | Value (%) |
Software & Services | 13.4 | Real Estate | 2.3 |
Health Care Equipment & Services | 12.6 | Media | 2.2 |
Pharmaceuticals, Biotech & | | Materials | 2.0 |
Life Sciences | 12.6 | Banks | 1.5 |
Capital Goods | 9.7 | Food, Beverage & Tobacco | 1.5 |
Money Market Investments | 8.2 | Food & Staples Retailing | 1.4 |
Retailing | 7.5 | Automobiles & Components | 1.3 |
Consumer Durables & Apparel | 5.5 | Consumer Services | 1.3 |
Exchange-Traded Funds | 4.7 | Transportation | 1.2 |
Technology Hardware & Equipment | 4.3 | Diversified Financials | 1.0 |
Commercial & Professional Services | 4.1 | Household & Personal Products | .8 |
Semiconductors & Semiconductor | | Telecommunication Services | .5 |
Equipment | 3.5 | | |
Energy | 3.3 | | 106.4 |
|
† Based on net assets. | | | |
See notes to financial statements. | | | |
The Fund 11
|
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES |
March 31, 2015 (Unaudited) |
| | | | | |
| | | Cost | Value | |
Assets ($): | | | | | |
Investments in securities—See Statement of Investments (including | | | |
securities on loan, valued at $61,346,813)—Note 1(b): | | | |
Unaffiliated issuers | | | 745,947,389 | 933,881,416 | |
Affiliated issuers | | | 78,180,123 | 78,180,123 | |
Cash | | | | 832,865 | |
Receivable for investment securities sold | | | 5,086,066 | |
Receivable for shares of Beneficial Interest subscribed | | 442,781 | |
Dividends and securities lending income receivable | | | 136,774 | |
Prepaid expenses | | | | 76,411 | |
| | | | 1,018,636,436 | |
Liabilities ($): | | | | | |
Due to The Dreyfus Corporation and affiliates—Note 3(c) | | 616,158 | |
Liability for securities on loan—Note 1(b) | | | 56,263,349 | |
Payable for investment securities purchased | | | 9,504,329 | |
Payable for shares of Beneficial Interest redeemed | | | 915,412 | |
Accrued expenses | | | | 169,366 | |
| | | | 67,468,614 | |
Net Assets ($) | | | | 951,167,822 | |
Composition of Net Assets ($): | | | | | |
Paid-in capital | | | | 743,272,904 | |
Accumulated investment (loss)—net | | | (808,742 | ) |
Accumulated net realized gain (loss) on investments | | | 20,769,633 | |
Accumulated net unrealized appreciation | | | | |
(depreciation) on investments | | | | 187,934,027 | |
Net Assets ($) | | | | 951,167,822 | |
|
|
Net Asset Value Per Share | | | | | |
| Class A | Class C | Class I | Class Y | |
Net Assets ($) | 248,199,743 | 36,191,324 | 555,825,521 | 110,951,234 | |
Shares Outstanding | 13,931,241 | 2,187,661 | 30,562,346 | 6,091,119 | |
Net Asset Value Per Share ($) | 17.82 | 16.54 | 18.19 | 18.22 | |
See notes to financial statements. | | | | | |
12
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
Six Months Ended March 31, 2015 (Unaudited)
| | |
Investment Income ($): | | |
Income: | | |
Cash dividends (net of $6,951 foreign taxes withheld at source): | | |
Unaffiliated issuers | 3,149,953 | |
Affiliated issuers | 8,845 | |
Income from securities lending—Note 1(b) | 188,267 | |
Total Income | 3,347,065 | |
Expenses: | | |
Investment advisory fee—Note 3(a) | 2,804,055 | |
Shareholder servicing costs—Note 3(c) | 788,150 | |
Prospectus and shareholders’ reports | 182,314 | |
Distribution fees—Note 3(b) | 123,914 | |
Administration fee—Note 3(a) | 71,459 | |
Custodian fees—Note 3(c) | 45,420 | |
Registration fees | 42,768 | |
Trustees’ fees and expenses—Note 3(d) | 35,088 | |
Professional fees | 28,013 | |
Interest expense—Note 2 | 11,532 | |
Loan commitment fees—Note 2 | 8,400 | |
Miscellaneous | 14,841 | |
Total Expenses | 4,155,954 | |
Less—reduction in fees due to earnings credits—Note 3(c) | (147 | ) |
Net Expenses | 4,155,807 | |
Investment (Loss)—Net | (808,742 | ) |
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments—Note 4 ($): | | |
Net realized gain (loss) on investments | 35,651,895 | |
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments | 72,634,946 | |
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments | 108,286,841 | |
Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations | 107,478,099 | |
|
See notes to financial statements. | | |
The Fund 13
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
| | | | |
| Six Months Ended | | | |
| March 31, 2015 | | Year Ended | |
| (Unaudited) | | September 30, 2014 | |
Operations ($): | | | | |
Investment (loss)—net | (808,742 | ) | (2,955,479 | ) |
Net realized gain (loss) on investments | 35,651,895 | | 112,428,209 | |
Net unrealized appreciation | | | | |
(depreciation) on investments | 72,634,946 | | (64,422,589 | ) |
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets | | | | |
Resulting from Operations | 107,478,099 | | 45,050,141 | |
Dividends to Shareholders from ($): | | | | |
Net realized gain on investments: | | | | |
Class A | (23,322,566 | ) | (22,918,565 | ) |
Class C | (3,481,028 | ) | (1,334,731 | ) |
Class I | (58,554,617 | ) | (68,005,735 | ) |
Class Y | (9,955,724 | ) | (122 | ) |
Total Dividends | (95,313,935 | ) | (92,259,153 | ) |
Beneficial Interest Transactions ($): | | | | |
Net proceeds from shares sold: | | | | |
Class A | 21,161,979 | | 77,706,564 | |
Class C | 5,551,585 | | 26,705,891 | |
Class I | 75,334,340 | | 233,650,640 | |
Class Y | 6,851,117 | | 120,463,624 | |
Dividends reinvested: | | | | |
Class A | 22,529,055 | | 22,257,399 | |
Class C | 3,465,315 | | 1,312,211 | |
Class I | 48,779,707 | | 57,620,214 | |
Class Y | 9,955,724 | | — | |
Cost of shares redeemed: | | | | |
Class A | (24,744,860 | ) | (56,417,187 | ) |
Class C | (4,359,758 | ) | (2,572,766 | ) |
Class I | (180,233,052 | ) | (258,869,361 | ) |
Class Y | (8,878,125 | ) | (17,223,963 | ) |
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from | | | | |
Beneficial Interest Transactions | (24,586,973 | ) | 204,633,266 | |
Total Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets | (12,422,809 | ) | 157,424,254 | |
Net Assets ($): | | | | |
Beginning of Period | 963,590,631 | | 806,166,377 | |
End of Period | 951,167,822 | | 963,590,631 | |
Accumulated investment (loss)—net | (808,742 | ) | — | |
14
| | | | |
| Six Months Ended | | | |
| March 31, 2015 | | Year Ended | |
| (Unaudited) | | September 30, 2014 | |
Capital Share Transactions: | | | | |
Class A | | | | |
Shares sold | 1,216,456 | | 4,314,496 | |
Shares issued for dividends reinvested | 1,371,215 | | 1,296,296 | |
Shares redeemed | (1,430,659 | ) | (3,151,684 | ) |
Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares Outstanding | 1,157,012 | | 2,459,108 | |
Class C | | | | |
Shares sold | 343,125 | | 1,571,228 | |
Shares issued for dividends reinvested | 226,639 | | 80,851 | |
Shares redeemed | (272,238 | ) | (153,217 | ) |
Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares Outstanding | 297,526 | | 1,498,862 | |
Class Ia | | | | |
Shares sold | 4,291,328 | | 12,766,341 | |
Shares issued for dividends reinvested | 2,910,484 | | 3,303,911 | |
Shares redeemed | (10,381,718 | ) | (14,192,319 | ) |
Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares Outstanding | (3,179,906 | ) | 1,877,933 | |
Class Ya | | | | |
Shares sold | 386,309 | | 6,564,764 | |
Shares issued for dividends reinvested | 593,309 | | — | |
Shares redeemed | (502,301 | ) | (951,020 | ) |
Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares Outstanding | 477,317 | | 5,613,744 | |
|
a During the period ended September 30, 2014, 245,559 Class I shares representing $4,385,685 were exchanged |
for 245,422 ClassY shares. |
See notes to financial statements.
The Fund 15
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The following tables describe the performance for each share class for the fiscal periods indicated. All information (except portfolio turnover rate) reflects financial results for a single fund share.Total return shows how much your investment in the fund would have increased (or decreased) during each period, assuming you had reinvested all dividends and distributions.These figures have been derived from the fund’s financial statements.
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Six Months Ended | | | | | | | | | | | |
March 31, 2015 | | | | Year Ended September 30, | | | |
Class A Shares | (Unaudited) | | 2014 | | 2013 | | 2012 | | 2011 | | 2010 | |
Per Share Data ($): | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, | | | | | | | | | | | | |
beginning of period | 17.65 | | 18.76 | | 15.82 | | 12.95 | | 12.26 | | 11.10 | |
Investment Operations: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Investment (loss)—neta | (.03 | ) | (.09 | ) | (.06 | ) | (.06 | ) | (.06 | ) | (.04 | ) |
Net realized and unrealized | | | | | | | | | | | | |
gain (loss) on investments | 2.01 | | 1.08 | | 4.20 | | 4.08 | | .75 | | 1.20 | |
Total from Investment Operations | 1.98 | | .99 | | 4.14 | | 4.02 | | .69 | | 1.16 | |
Distributions: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends from net realized | | | | | | | | | | | | |
gain on investments | (1.81 | ) | (2.10 | ) | (1.20 | ) | (1.15 | ) | — | | — | |
Net asset value, end of period | 17.82 | | 17.65 | | 18.76 | | 15.82 | | 12.95 | | 12.26 | |
Total Return (%)b | 12.10 | c | 5.59 | | 28.73 | | 32.36 | | 5.63 | | 10.45 | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data (%): | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratio of total expenses | | | | | | | | | | | | |
to average net assets | 1.04 | d | 1.04 | | 1.02 | | 1.08 | | 1.09 | | 1.12 | |
Ratio of net expenses | | | | | | | | | | | | |
to average net assets | 1.04 | d | 1.04 | | 1.02 | | 1.08 | | 1.09 | | 1.12 | |
Ratio of net investment (loss) | | | | | | | | | | | | |
to average net assets | (.32 | )d | (.48 | ) | (.34 | ) | (.37 | ) | (.45 | ) | (.35 | ) |
Portfolio Turnover Rate | 72.57 | c | 139.37 | | 124.25 | | 153.75 | | 180.82 | | 191.46 | |
Net Assets, end of period | | | | | | | | | | | | |
($ x 1,000) | 248,200 | | 225,427 | | 193,470 | | 135,904 | | 107,696 | | 107,796 | |
| |
a | Based on average shares outstanding. |
b | Exclusive of sales charge. |
c | Not annualized. |
d | Annualized. |
See notes to financial statements.
16
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Six Months Ended | | | | | | | | | | | |
March 31, 2015 | | | | Year Ended September 30, | | | |
Class C Shares | (Unaudited) | | 2014 | | 2013 | | 2012 | | 2011 | | 2010 | |
Per Share Data ($): | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, | | | | | | | | | | | | |
beginning of period | 16.58 | | 17.87 | | 15.26 | | 12.63 | | 12.06 | | 11.05 | |
Investment Operations: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Investment (loss)—neta | (.09 | ) | (.22 | ) | (.20 | ) | (.18 | ) | (.18 | ) | (.13 | ) |
Net realized and unrealized | | | | | | | | | | | | |
gain (loss) on investments | 1.86 | | 1.03 | | 4.01 | | 3.96 | | .75 | | 1.14 | |
Total from Investment Operations | 1.77 | | .81 | | 3.81 | | 3.78 | | .57 | | 1.01 | |
Distributions: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends from net realized | | | | | | | | | | | | |
gain on investments | (1.81 | ) | (2.10 | ) | (1.20 | ) | (1.15 | ) | — | | — | |
Net asset value, end of period | 16.54 | | 16.58 | | 17.87 | | 15.26 | | 12.63 | | 12.06 | |
Total Return (%)b | 11.65 | c | 4.72 | | 27.54 | | 31.21 | | 4.73 | | 9.14 | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data (%): | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratio of total expenses | | | | | | | | | | | | |
to average net assets | 1.86 | d | 1.83 | | 1.92 | | 1.97 | | 1.95 | | 1.99 | |
Ratio of net expenses | | | | | | | | | | | | |
to average net assets | 1.86 | d | 1.83 | | 1.92 | | 1.97 | | 1.95 | | 1.99 | |
Ratio of net investment (loss) | | | | | | | | | | | | |
to average net assets | (1.14 | )d | (1.26 | ) | (1.29 | ) | (1.24 | ) | (1.31 | ) | (1.21 | ) |
Portfolio Turnover Rate | 72.57 | c | 139.37 | | 124.25 | | 153.75 | | 180.82 | | 191.46 | |
Net Assets, end of period | | | | | | | | | | | | |
($ x 1,000) | 36,191 | | 31,329 | | 6,991 | | 1,893 | | 1,124 | | 1,091 | |
| |
a | Based on average shares outstanding. |
b | Exclusive of sales charge. |
c | Not annualized. |
d | Annualized. |
See notes to financial statements.
The Fund 17
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Six Months Ended | | | | | | | | | | | |
March 31, 2015 | | | | Year Ended September 30, | | | |
Class I Shares | (Unaudited) | | 2014 | | 2013 | | 2012 | | 2011 | | 2010 | |
Per Share Data ($): | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, | | | | | | | | | | | | |
beginning of period | 17.96 | | 19.01 | | 15.98 | | 13.03 | | 12.29 | | 11.10 | |
Investment Operations: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Investment (loss)—neta | (.01 | ) | (.04 | ) | (.01 | ) | (.01 | ) | (.02 | ) | (.01 | ) |
Net realized and unrealized | | | | | | | | | | | | |
gain (loss) on investments | 2.05 | | 1.09 | | 4.24 | | 4.11 | | .76 | | 1.20 | |
Total from Investment Operations | 2.04 | | 1.05 | | 4.23 | | 4.10 | | .74 | | 1.19 | |
Distributions: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends from net realized | | | | | | | | | | | | |
gain on investments | (1.81 | ) | (2.10 | ) | (1.20 | ) | (1.15 | ) | — | | — | |
Net asset value, end of period | 18.19 | | 17.96 | | 19.01 | | 15.98 | | 13.03 | | 12.29 | |
Total Return (%) | 12.23 | b | 5.85 | | 29.03 | | 32.81 | | 6.02 | | 10.72 | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data (%): | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratio of total expenses | | | | | | | | | | | | |
to average net assets | .80 | c | .80 | | .75 | | .78 | | .77 | | .81 | |
Ratio of net expenses | | | | | | | | | | | | |
to average net assets | .80 | c | .80 | | .75 | | .78 | | .77 | | .81 | |
Ratio of net investment (loss) | | | | | | | | | | | | |
to average net assets | (.09 | )c | (.24 | ) | (.06 | ) | (.07 | ) | (.14 | ) | (.05 | ) |
Portfolio Turnover Rate | 72.57 | b | 139.37 | | 124.25 | | 153.75 | | 180.82 | | 191.46 | |
Net Assets, end of period | | | | | | | | | | | | |
($ x 1,000) | 555,826 | | 605,932 | | 605,704 | | 513,947 | | 341,406 | | 293,126 | |
| |
a | Based on average shares outstanding. |
b | Not annualized. |
c | Annualized. |
See notes to financial statements.
18
| | | | | | |
| Six Months Ended | | | | | |
| March 31, 2015 | | Year Ended September 30, | |
Class Y Shares | (Unaudited) | | 2014 | | 2013 | a |
Per Share Data ($): | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | 17.97 | | 19.01 | | 17.16 | |
Investment Operations: | | | | | | |
Investment income (loss)—netb | .00 | c | (.03 | ) | (.01 | ) |
Net realized and unrealized | | | | | | |
gain (loss) on investments | 2.06 | | 1.09 | | 1.86 | |
Total from Investment Operations | 2.06 | | 1.06 | | 1.85 | |
Distributions: | | | | | | |
Dividends from net realized | | | | | | |
gain on investments | (1.81 | ) | (2.10 | ) | — | |
Net asset value, end of period | 18.22 | | 17.97 | | 19.01 | |
Total Return (%) | 12.34 | d | 5.90 | | 10.78 | d |
Ratios/Supplemental Data (%): | | | | | | |
Ratio of total expenses | | | | | | |
to average net assets | .70 | e | .72 | | .72 | e |
Ratio of net expenses | | | | | | |
to average net assets | .70 | e | .72 | | .72 | e |
Ratio of net investment income (loss) | | | | | | |
to average net assets | .03 | e | (.15 | ) | (.26 | )e |
Portfolio Turnover Rate | 72.57 | d | 139.37 | | 124.25 | |
Net Assets, end of period ($ x 1,000) | 110,951 | | 100,902 | | 1 | |
| |
a | From July 1, 2013 (commencement of initial offering) to September 30, 2013. |
b | Based on average shares outstanding. |
c | Amount represents less than $.01 per share. |
d | Not annualized. |
e | Annualized. |
See notes to financial statements.
Th eFund 19
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
NOTE 1—Significant Accounting Policies:
Dreyfus/The Boston Company Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund (the “fund”) is a separate non-diversified series of Dreyfus Investment Funds (the “Trust”), which is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Act”), as an open-end management investment company and operates as a series company currently offering seven series, including the fund. The fund’s investment objective is to seek long-term growth of capital.The Dreyfus Corporation (the “Manager” or “Dreyfus”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (“BNY Mellon”), serves as the fund’s investment adviser. The Boston Company Asset Management, LLC (“TBCAM”), an affiliate of Dreyfus, serves as the fund’s sub-investment adviser.
MBSC Securities Corporation (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dreyfus, is the distributor of the fund’s shares. The fund is authorized to issue an unlimited number of $.001 par value shares of Beneficial Interest in each of the following classes of shares: Class A, Class C, Class I and Class Y. Class A and Class C shares are sold primarily to retail investors through financial intermediaries and bear Distribution and/or Shareholder Services Plan fees. Class A shares generally are subject to a sales charge imposed at the time of purchase. Class C shares are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”) imposed on Class C shares redeemed within one year of purchase. Class I shares are sold primarily to bank trust departments and other financial service providers (including The Bank of NewYork Mellon, a subsidiary of BNY Mellon and an affiliate of Dreyfus, and its affiliates), acting on behalf of customers having a qualified trust or an investment account or relationship at such institution, and bear no Distribution or Shareholder Services Plan fees. Class Y shares are sold at net asset value per share generally to institutional investors, and bear no Distribution or Shareholder Services Plan fees. Class I and Class Y shares are offered without a front-end sales charge or CDSC. Other differences between the classes include the services offered to and the expenses borne by each class, the allocation of certain transfer agency
20
costs, and certain voting rights. Income, expenses (other than expenses attributable to a specific class), and realized and unrealized gains or losses on investments are allocated to each class of shares based on its relative net assets.
The Trust accounts separately for the assets, liabilities and operations of each series. Expenses directly attributable to each series are charged to that series’ operations; expenses which are applicable to all series are allocated among them on a pro rata basis.
The Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) is the exclusive reference of authoritative U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) recognized by the FASB to be applied by nongovernmental entities. Rules and interpretive releases of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) under authority of federal laws are also sources of authoritative GAAP for SEC registrants. The fund’s financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP, which may require the use of management estimates and assumptions. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
(a) Portfolio valuation: The fair value of a financial instrument is the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (i.e., the exit price). GAAP establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs of valuation techniques used to measure fair value. This hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements).
Additionally, GAAP provides guidance on determining whether the volume and activity in a market has decreased significantly and whether such a decrease in activity results in transactions that are not orderly. GAAP requires enhanced disclosures around valuation inputs and techniques used during annual and interim periods.
The Fund 21
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
Various inputs are used in determining the value of the fund’s investments relating to fair value measurements. These inputs are summarized in the three broad levels listed below:
Level 1—unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical investments.
Level 2—other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar investments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.).
Level 3—significant unobservable inputs (including the fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).
The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.
Changes in valuation techniques may result in transfers in or out of an assigned level within the disclosure hierarchy. Valuation techniques used to value the fund’s investments are as follows:
Investments in securities are valued at the last sales price on the securities exchange or national securities market on which such securities are primarily traded. Securities listed on the National Market System for which market quotations are available are valued at the official closing price or, if there is no official closing price that day, at the last sales price. For open short positions, asked prices are used for valuation purposes. Bid price is used when no asked price is available. Registered investment companies that are not traded on an exchange are valued at their net asset value. All of the preceding securities are generally categorized within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.
Securities not listed on an exchange or the national securities market, or securities for which there were no transactions, are valued at the average of the most recent bid and asked prices. These securities are generally categorized within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
Fair valuing of securities may be determined with the assistance of a pricing service using calculations based on indices of domestic securities and other appropriate indicators, such as prices of relevant American Depository Receipts and financial futures. Utilizing these
22
techniques may result in transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
When market quotations or official closing prices are not readily available, or are determined not to reflect accurately fair value, such as when the value of a security has been significantly affected by events after the close of the exchange or market on which the security is principally traded (for example, a foreign exchange or market), but before the fund calculates its net asset value, the fund may value these investments at fair value as determined in accordance with the procedures approved by the Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”). Certain factors may be considered when fair valuing investments such as: fundamental analytical data, the nature and duration of restrictions on disposition, an evaluation of the forces that influence the market in which the securities are purchased and sold, and public trading in similar securities of the issuer or comparable issuers.These securities are either categorized within Level 2 or 3 of the fair value hierarchy depending on the relevant inputs used.
For restricted securities where observable inputs are limited, assumptions about market activity and risk are used and are generally categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
The following is a summary of the inputs used as of March 31, 2015 in valuing the fund’s investments:
| | | | |
| Level 1— | Significant | Significant | |
| Unadjusted | Observable | Unobservable | |
| Quoted Prices | Inputs | Inputs | Total |
Assets ($) | | | | |
Investments in Securities: | | | |
Equity Securities— | | | | |
Domestic | | | | |
Common Stocks† | 866,050,862 | — | — | 866,050,862 |
Equity Securities— | | | | |
Foreign | | | | |
Common Stocks† | 23,203,474 | — | — | 23,203,474 |
Exchange-Traded | | | | |
Funds | 44,627,080 | — | — | 44,627,080 |
Mutual Funds | 78,180,123 | — | — | 78,180,123 |
| |
† | See Statement of Investments for additional detailed categorizations. |
The Fund 23
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
At March 31, 2015, there were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
(b) Securities transactions and investment income: Securities transactions are recorded on a trade date basis. Realized gains and losses from securities transactions are recorded on the identified cost basis. Dividend income is recognized on the ex-dividend date and interest income, including, where applicable, accretion of discount and amortization of premium on investments, is recognized on the accrual basis.
Pursuant to a securities lending agreement with The Bank of New York Mellon, the fund may lend securities to qualified institutions. It is the fund’s policy that, at origination, all loans are secured by collateral of at least 102% of the value of U.S. securities loaned and 105% of the value of foreign securities loaned. Collateral equivalent to at least 100% of the market value of securities on loan is maintained at all times. Collateral is either in the form of cash, which can be invested in certain money market mutual funds managed by Dreyfus or U.S. Government and Agency securities.The fund is entitled to receive all dividends, interest and distributions on securities loaned, in addition to income earned as a result of the lending transaction. Should a borrower fail to return the securities in a timely manner, The Bank of New York Mellon is required to replace the securities for the benefit of the fund or credit the fund with the market value of the unreturned securities and is subrogated to the fund’s rights against the borrower and the collateral. During the period ended March 31, 2015,The Bank of NewYork Mellon earned $40,908 from lending portfolio securities, pursuant to the securities lending agreement.
(c) Affiliated issuers: Investments in other investment companies advised by Dreyfus are defined as “affiliated” under the Act.
24
Investments in affiliated investment companies during the period ended March 31, 2015 were as follows:
| | | | | |
Affiliated | | | | | |
Investment | Value | | | Value | Net |
Company | 9/30/2014 ($) | Purchases ($) | Sales ($) | 3/31/2015 ($) | Assets (%) |
Dreyfus | | | | | |
Institutional | | | | | |
Preferred | | | | | |
Plus Money | | | | | |
Market | | | | | |
Fund | 18,843,868 | 211,153,852 | 208,080,946 | 21,916,774 | 2.3 |
Dreyfus | | | | | |
Institutional | | | | | |
Cash | | | | | |
Advantage | | | | | |
Fund | 74,662,549 | 312,017,807 | 330,417,007 | 56,263,349 | 5.9 |
Total | 93,506,417 | 523,171,659 | 538,497,953 | 78,180,123 | 8.2 |
(d) Dividends to shareholders: Dividends are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Dividends from investment income-net and dividends from net realized capital gains, if any, are normally declared and paid annually, but the fund may make distributions on a more frequent basis to comply with the distribution requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). To the extent that net realized capital gains can be offset by capital loss carryovers, it is the policy of the fund not to distribute such gains. Income and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with income tax regulations, which may differ from GAAP.
(e) Federal income taxes: It is the policy of the fund to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company, if such qualification is in the best interests of its shareholders, by complying with the applicable provisions of the Code, and to make distributions of taxable income sufficient to relieve it from substantially all federal income and excise taxes.
The Fund 25
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
As of and during the period ended March 31, 2015, the fund did not have any liabilities for any uncertain tax positions.The fund recognizes interest and penalties, if any, related to uncertain tax positions as income tax expense in the Statement of Operations. During the period ended March 31, 2015, the fund did not incur any interest or penalties.
Each tax year in the three-year period ended September 30, 2014 remains subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service and state taxing authorities.
Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010 (the “2010 Act”), the fund is permitted to carry forward capital losses incurred in taxable years beginning after December 22, 2010 (“post-enactment losses”) for an unlimited period. Furthermore, post-enactment capital loss carryovers retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses rather than short-term as they were under previous statute.The 2010 Act requires post-enactment losses to be utilized before the utilization of losses incurred in taxable years prior to the effective date of the 2010 Act (“pre-enactment losses”).As a result of this ordering rule, pre-enactment losses may be more likely to expire unused.
The fund has an unused capital loss carryover of $11,998,619 available for federal income tax purposes to be applied against future net realized capital gains, if any, realized subsequent to September 30, 2014.As a result of the fund’s April 29, 2010 merger with Dreyfus Discovery Fund, capital losses of $11,998,619 are available to offset future gains, if any. Based on certain provisions in the Code, the amount of losses which can be utilized in subsequent years is subject to an annual lim-itation.This acquired capital loss will expire in fiscal year 2016.
The tax character of distributions paid to shareholders during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014 was as follows: ordinary income $22,995,578 and long-term capital gains $69,263,575.The tax character of current year distributions will be determined at the end of the current fiscal year.
26
NOTE 2—Bank Lines of Credit:
The fund participates with other Dreyfus-managed funds in a $430 million unsecured credit facility led by Citibank, N.A. and a $300 million unsecured credit facility provided by The Bank of New York Mellon (each, a “Facility”), each to be utilized primarily for temporary or emergency purposes, including the financing of redemptions. Prior to October 8, 2014, the unsecured credit facility with Citibank, N.A. was $265 million. In connection therewith, the fund has agreed to pay its pro rata portion of commitment fees for each Facility. Interest is charged to the fund based on rates determined pursuant to the terms of the respective Facility at the time of borrowing.
The average amount of borrowings outstanding under the Facilities during the period ended March 31, 2015 was approximately $2,101,000 with a related weighted average annualized interest rate of 1.10%.
NOTE 3—Investment Advisory Fee, Sub-Investment Advisory fee, Administration Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates:
(a) Pursuant to an investment advisory agreement with Dreyfus, the investment advisory fee is computed at the annual rate of .60% of the value of the fund’s average daily net assets and is payable monthly.
Pursuant to Sub-Investment Advisory Agreement between Dreyfus and TBCAM,TBCAM serves as the fund’s sub-adviser responsible for the day-to–day management of a portion of the fund’s portfolio. Dreyfus pays TBCAM a monthly fee at an annual percentage of the value of the fund’s average daily net assets. Dreyfus has obtained an exemptive order from the SEC, upon which the fund may rely, to use a manager of managers approach that permits Dreyfus, subject to certain conditions and approval by the Board, to enter into and materially amend sub-investment advisory agreements with one or more sub-advisers who are either unaffiliated with Dreyfus or are wholly-owned subsidiaries (as defined under the Act) of Dreyfus’ ultimate parent com-
The Fund 27
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
pany, BNY Mellon, without obtaining shareholder approval. The order also relieves the fund from disclosing the sub-investment advisory fee paid by Dreyfus to an unaffiliated sub-adviser in documents filed with the SEC and provided to shareholders. In addition, pursuant to the order, it is not necessary to disclose the sub-investment advisory fee payable by Dreyfus separately to a sub-adviser that is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BNY Mellon in documents filed with the SEC and provided to shareholders; such fees are to be aggregated with fees payable to Dreyfus. Dreyfus has ultimate responsibility (subject to oversight by the Board) to supervise any sub-adviser and recommend the hiring, termination, and replacement of any sub-adviser to the Board.
The fund has a Fund Accounting and Administrative Services Agreement (the “Administration Agreement”) with Dreyfus, whereby Dreyfus performs administrative, accounting and recordkeeping services for the fund.The fund has agreed to compensate Dreyfus for providing accounting services, administration, compliance monitoring, regulatory and shareholder reporting, as well as for related facilities, equipment and clerical help.The fee is based on the fund’s average daily net assets and computed at the following annual rates: .06% of the first $500 million, .04% of the next $500 million and .02% in excess of $1 billion.
In addition, after applying any expense limitations or fee waivers that reduce the fees paid to Dreyfus for this service, Dreyfus has contractually agreed in writing to waive any remaining fees for this service to the extent that they exceed both Dreyfus’ costs in providing these services and a reasonable allocation of the costs incurred by Dreyfus and its affiliates related to the support and oversight of these services. The fund also reimburses Dreyfus for the out-of-pocket expenses incurred in performing this service for the fund. Pursuant to the Administration Agreement, the fund was charged $71,459 during the period ended March 31, 2015.
During the period ended March 31, 2015, the Distributor retained $6,067 from commissions earned on sales of the fund’s Class A shares and $9,088 from CDSCs on redemptions of the fund’s Class C shares.
28
(b) Under the Distribution Plan adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Act, Class C shares pay the Distributor for distributing its shares at an annual rate of .75% of the value of its average daily net assets. During the period ended March 31, 2015, Class C shares were charged $123,914 pursuant to the Distribution Plan.
(c) Under the Shareholder Services Plan, Class A and Class C shares pay the Distributor at an annual rate of .25% of their average daily net assets for the provision of certain services. The services provided may include personal services relating to shareholder accounts, such as answering shareholder inquiries regarding the fund and providing reports and other information, and services related to the maintenance of shareholder accounts. The Distributor may make payments to Service Agents (securities dealers, financial institutions or other industry professionals) with respect to these services.The Distributor determines the amounts to be paid to Service Agents. During the period ended March 31, 2015, Class A and Class C shares were charged $293,043 and $41,304, respectively, pursuant to the Shareholder Services Plan.
Under its terms, the Distribution Plan and Shareholder Services Plan shall remain in effect from year to year, provided such continuance is approved annually by a vote of a majority of those Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Trust and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of or in any agreement related to the Distribution Plan or Shareholder Services Plan.
The fund has arrangements with the transfer agent and the custodian whereby the fund may receive earnings credits when positive cash balances are maintained, which are used to offset transfer agency and custody fees. For financial reporting purposes, the fund includes net earnings credits as an expense offset in the Statement of Operations.
The fund compensates Dreyfus Transfer, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dreyfus, under a transfer agency agreement for providing transfer agency and cash management services for the fund. The
The Fund 29
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
majority of transfer agency fees are comprised of amounts paid on a per account basis, while cash management fees are related to fund subscriptions and redemptions. During the period ended March 31, 2015, the fund was charged $55,653 for transfer agency services and $3,076 for cash management services. These fees are included in Shareholder servicing costs in the Statement of Operations. Cash management fees were partially offset by earnings credits of $147.
The fund compensates The Bank of New York Mellon under a custody agreement for providing custodial services for the fund. These fees are determined based on net assets, geographic region and transaction activity. During the period ended March 31, 2015, the fund was charged $45,420 pursuant to the custody agreement.
During the period ended March 31, 2015, the fund was charged $5,657 for services performed by the Chief Compliance Officer and his staff.
The components of “Due to The Dreyfus Corporation and affiliates” in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities consist of: investment advisory fees $478,690, Distribution Plan fees $22,533, Shareholder Services Plan fees $59,689, custodian fees $21,405, Chief Compliance Officer fees $2,867, administration fees $11,471 and transfer agency fees $19,503.
(d) Each Board member also serves as a Board member of other funds within the Dreyfus complex. Annual retainer fees and attendance fees are allocated to each fund based on net assets.
30
NOTE 4—Securities Transactions:
The aggregate amount of purchases and sales of investment securities, excluding short-term securities, during the period ended March 31, 2015, amounted to $673,184,207 and $789,003,402, respectively.
At March 31, 2015, accumulated net unrealized appreciation on investments was $187,934,027, consisting of $195,464,346 gross unrealized appreciation and $7,530,319 gross unrealized depreciation.
At March 31, 2015, the cost of investments for federal income tax purposes was substantially the same as the cost for financial reporting purposes (see the Statement of Investments).
The Fund 31
|
INFORMATION ABOUT THE RENEWAL OF THE FUND’S |
INVESTMENT ADVISORY, ADMINISTRATION AND |
SUB-INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENTS (Unaudited) |
At a meeting of the fund’s Board of Trustees held on February 25-26, 2015, the Board considered the renewal of the fund’s Investment Advisory Agreement and Administration Agreement, pursuant to which Dreyfus provides the fund with investment advisory services and administrative services (together, the “Management Agreement”), and the Sub-Investment Advisory Agreement (together with the Management Agreement, the “Agreements”), pursuant to which The Boston Company Asset Management, LLC (the “Subadviser”) provides day-to-day management of the fund’s investments. The Board members, none of whom are “interested persons” (as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended) of the fund, were assisted in their review by independent legal counsel and met with counsel in executive session separate from representatives of Dreyfus and the Subadviser. In considering the renewal of the Agreements, the Board considered all factors that it believed to be relevant, including those discussed below. The Board did not identify any one factor as dispositive, and each Board member may have attributed different weights to the factors considered.
Analysis of Nature, Extent, and Quality of Services Provided to the Fund.The Board considered information provided to them at the meeting and in previous presentations from Dreyfus representatives regarding the nature, extent, and quality of the services provided to funds in the Dreyfus fund complex. Dreyfus provided the number of open accounts in the fund, the fund’s asset size and the allocation of fund assets among distribution channels. Dreyfus also had previously provided information regarding the diverse intermediary relationships and distribution channels of funds in the Dreyfus fund complex (such as retail direct or intermediary, in which intermediaries typically are paid by the fund and/or Dreyfus) and Dreyfus’ corresponding need for broad, deep, and diverse resources to be able to provide ongoing shareholder services to each intermediary or distribution channel, as applicable to the fund.
The Board also considered research support available to, and portfolio management capabilities of, the fund’s portfolio management person-
32
nel and that Dreyfus also provides oversight of day-to-day fund operations, including fund accounting and administration and assistance in meeting legal and regulatory requirements.The Board also considered Dreyfus’ extensive administrative, accounting, and compliance infrastructures, as well as Dreyfus’ supervisory activities over the Subadviser. The Board also considered portfolio management’s brokerage policies and practices (including policies and practices regarding soft dollars) and the standards applied in seeking best execution.
Comparative Analysis of the Fund’s Performance and Management Fee and Expense Ratio. The Board reviewed reports prepared by Lipper, Inc. (“Lipper”), an independent provider of investment company data, which included information comparing (1) the fund’s performance with the performance of a group of comparable funds (the “Performance Group”) and with a broader group of funds (the “Performance Universe”), all for various periods ended December 31, 2014, and (2) the fund’s actual and contractual management fees and total expenses with those of a group of comparable funds (the “Expense Group”) and with a broader group of funds (the “Expense Universe”), the information for which was derived in part from fund financial statements available to Lipper as of the date of its analysis. Dreyfus previously had furnished the Board with a description of the methodology Lipper used to select the Performance Group and Performance Universe and the Expense Group and Expense Universe.
Dreyfus representatives stated that the usefulness of performance comparisons may be affected by a number of factors, including different investment limitations that may be applicable to the fund and comparison funds.They also noted that performance generally should be considered over longer periods of time, although it is possible that long-term performance can be adversely affected by even one period of significant underperformance so that a single investment decision or theme has the ability to affect disproportionately long-term perfor-mance.The Board discussed the results of the comparisons and noted
The Fund 33
|
INFORMATION ABOUT THE RENEWAL OF THE FUND’S INVESTMENT |
ADVISORY, ADMINISTRATION AND SUB-INVESTMENT |
ADVISORY AGREEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued) |
that the fund’s total return performance was below the Performance Group median for the one-, two- and three-year periods but above the Performance Group median for the four-, five- and ten-year periods, and the fund’s total return performance was above the Performance Universe median for the various periods, except the one-year period when the fund’s performance was below the Performance Universe median. Dreyfus also provided a comparison of the fund’s calendar year total returns to the returns of the fund’s benchmark index.
The Board also reviewed the range of actual and contractual management fees and total expenses of the Expense Group and Expense Universe funds and discussed the results of the comparisons. The Board noted that the fund’s contractual management fee was below the Expense Group median and the fund’s actual management fee and the fund’s total expenses were below the Expense Group and Expense Universe medians.
Dreyfus representatives noted that, in connection with the Administration Agreement and its related fees, Dreyfus has contractually agreed to waive any fees to the extent that such fees exceed Dreyfus’ costs in providing the services contemplated under the Administration Agreement.
Dreyfus representatives reviewed with the Board the management or investment advisory fees (1) paid by funds advised or administered by Dreyfus that are in the same Lipper category as the fund and (2) paid to Dreyfus or the Subadviser or its affiliates for advising any separate accounts and/or other types of client portfolios that are considered to have similar investment strategies and policies as the fund (the “Similar Clients”), and explained the nature of the Similar Clients. They discussed differences in fees paid and the relationship of the fees paid in light of any differences in the services provided and other relevant factors. The Board considered the relevance of the fee information provided for the Similar Clients to evaluate the appropriateness and reasonableness of the fund’s management fee.
34
The Board considered the fee to the Subadviser in relation to the fee paid to Dreyfus by the fund and the respective services provided by the Subadviser and Dreyfus. The Board also noted the Subadviser’s fee is paid by Dreyfus (out of its fee from the fund) and not the fund.
Analysis of Profitability and Economies of Scale. Dreyfus representatives reviewed the expenses allocated and profit received by Dreyfus and its affiliates and the resulting profitability percentage for managing the fund and the aggregate profitability percentage to Dreyfus and its affiliates for managing the funds in the Dreyfus fund complex, and the method used to determine the expenses and profit. The Board concluded that the profitability results were not unreasonable, given the services rendered and service levels provided by Dreyfus. The Board also had been provided with information prepared by an independent consulting firm regarding Dreyfus’ approach to allocating costs to, and determining the profitability of, individual funds and the entire Dreyfus fund complex. The consulting firm also had analyzed where any economies of scale might emerge in connection with the management of a fund.
The Board considered, on the advice of its counsel, the profitability analysis (1) as part of its evaluation of whether the fees under the Agreements bear a reasonable relationship to the mix of services provided by Dreyfus and the Subadviser, including the nature, extent and quality of such services, and (2) in light of the relevant circumstances for the fund and the extent to which economies of scale would be realized if the fund grows and whether fee levels reflect these economies of scale for the benefit of fund shareholders. Since Dreyfus, and not the fund, pays the Subadviser pursuant to the Sub-Investment Advisory Agreement, the Board did not consider the Subadviser’s profitability to be relevant to its deliberations. Dreyfus representatives also noted that, as a result of shared and allocated costs among funds in the Dreyfus fund complex, the extent of economies of scale could depend substantially on the level of assets in the complex as a whole,
The Fund 35
|
INFORMATION ABOUT THE RENEWAL OF THE FUND’S INVESTMENT |
ADVISORY, ADMINISTRATION AND SUB-INVESTMENT |
ADVISORY AGREEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued) |
so that increases and decreases in complex-wide assets can affect potential economies of scale in a manner that is disproportionate to, or even in the opposite direction from, changes in the fund’s asset level. The Board also considered potential benefits to Dreyfus and the Subadviser from acting as investment adviser and sub-investment adviser, respectively, and noted the soft dollar arrangements in effect for trading the fund’s investments.
At the conclusion of these discussions, the Board agreed that it had been furnished with sufficient information to make an informed business decision with respect to the renewal of the Agreements. Based on the discussions and considerations as described above, the Board concluded and determined as follows.
The Board concluded that the nature, extent and quality of the ser- vices provided by Dreyfus and the Subadviser are adequate and appropriate.
The Board noted the fund’s relative underperformance in recent periods and agreed to closely monitor the trend of performance.
The Board concluded that the fees paid to Dreyfus and the Subadviser were reasonable in light of the considerations described above.
The Board determined that the economies of scale which may accrue to Dreyfus and its affiliates in connection with the manage- ment of the fund had been adequately considered by Dreyfus in connection with the fee rate charged to the fund pursuant to the Agreement and that, to the extent in the future it were determined that material economies of scale had not been shared with the fund, the Board would seek to have those economies of scale shared with the fund.
36
In evaluating the Agreements, the Board considered these conclusions and determinations and also relied on its previous knowledge, gained through meetings and other interactions with Dreyfus and its affiliates and the Subadviser, of the fund and the services provided to the fund by Dreyfus and the Subadviser. The Board also relied on information received on a routine and regular basis throughout the year relating to the operations of the fund and the investment management and other services provided under the Agreements, including information on the investment performance of the fund in comparison to similar mutual funds and benchmark performance indices; general market outlook as applicable to the fund; and compliance reports. In addition, the Board’s consideration of the contractual fee arrangements for this fund had the benefit of a number of years of reviews of prior or similar agreements during which lengthy discussions took place between the Board and Dreyfus representatives. Certain aspects of the arrangements may receive greater scrutiny in some years than in others, and the Board’s conclusions may be based, in part, on their consideration of the same or similar arrangements in prior years.The Board determined to renew the Agreements.
The Fund 37
For More Information

|
Telephone 1-800-DREYFUS |
Mail The Dreyfus Family of Funds, 144 Glenn Curtiss Boulevard, Uniondale, NY 11556-0144 |
E-Mail Send your request to info@dreyfus.com |
Internet Information can be viewed online or download at http://www.dreyfus.com |
The fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The fund’s Forms N-Q are available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov and may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330.

Item 2. Code of Ethics.
Not applicable.
Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.
Not applicable.
Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.
Not applicable.
Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.
Not applicable.
Item 6. Investments.
(a) Not applicable.
Item 7. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.
Not applicable.
Item 8. Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies.
Not applicable.
Item 9. Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Companies and Affiliated Purchasers.
Not applicable.
Item 10. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.
There have been no material changes to the procedures applicable to Item 10.
Item 11. Controls and Procedures.
(a) The Registrant's principal executive and principal financial officers have concluded, based on their evaluation of the Registrant's disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of this report, that the Registrant's disclosure controls and procedures are reasonably designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Registrant on Form N-CSR is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the required time periods and that information required to be disclosed by the Registrant in the reports that it files or submits on Form N-CSR is accumulated and communicated to the Registrant's management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
(b) There were no changes to the Registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the second fiscal quarter of the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant's internal control over financial reporting.
Item 12. Exhibits.
(a)(1) Not applicable.
(a)(2) Certifications of principal executive and principal financial officers as required by Rule 30a-2(a) under the Investment Company Act of 1940.
(a)(3) Not applicable.
(b) Certification of principal executive and principal financial officers as required by Rule 30a-2(b) under the Investment Company Act of 1940.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
Dreyfus Investment Funds
By: /s/ Bradley J. Skapyak
Bradley J. Skapyak,
President
Date: May 19, 2015
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this Report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
By: /s/ Bradley J. Skapyak
Bradley J. Skapyak,
President
Date: May 19, 2015
By: /s/ James Windels
James Windels,
Treasurer
Date: May 19, 2015
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)