We are pleased to present this semiannual report for Dreyfus/The Boston Company Small Cap Value Fund, covering the six-month period from October 1, 2016 through March 31, 2017. 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.
Stocks advanced solidly but bonds lost a degree of value over the reporting period amid heightened market volatility stemming from various economic and political developments. After previously rallying in response to stabilizing commodity prices, improving global economic data, and better-than-expected corporate earnings, stocks and corporate-backed bonds generally gave back a portion of their gains in October due to uncertainty in advance of U.S. elections. Meanwhile, prices of U.S. government securities began to decline in anticipation of higher inflation and short-term interest-rate hikes from U.S. monetary policymakers. After the election in early November, equity markets rallied to a series of new highs as investors revised their expectations for U.S. fiscal, regulatory, and tax policies. In the bond market, yields surged higher and prices fell after the election, while lower rated corporate-backed bonds continued to advance in anticipation of a more business-friendly political climate.
Some asset classes and industry groups seem likely to continue to benefit from a changing economic and geopolitical landscape, while others probably will face challenges as conditions evolve. Consequently, selectivity seems likely to be an important determinant of investment success in the months ahead. As always, we encourage you to discuss the implications of our observations with your financial advisor.
Thank you for your continued confidence and support.
DISCUSSION OF FUND PERFORMANCE
For the period from October 1, 2016 through March 31, 2017, as provided by Joseph M. Corrado, CFA, Stephanie K. Brandaleone, CFA, and Jonathan Piskorowski, CFA, Portfolio Managers
Market and Fund Performance Overview
For the six-month period ended March 31, 2017, Dreyfus/The Boston Company Small Cap Value Fund’s Class A shares achieved a total return of 14.07%, Class C shares returned 13.59%, Class I shares returned 14.24%, and Class Y shares returned 14.19%.1 In comparison, the fund’s benchmark, the Russell 2000® Value Index (the “Index”), produced a total return of 13.93% for the same period.2
Small-cap stocks achieved solid gains over the reporting period amid expectations of greater economic growth and changing U.S. fiscal, tax, and regulatory policies. The fund’s relative performance as compared to the Index was mainly due to favorable results in the real estate, utilities, health care, and consumer discretionary sectors.
The Fund’s Investment Approach
The fund seeks long-term growth of capital. To pursue its goal, the fund normally invests at least 80% of its net assets in equity securities of small-cap U.S. companies with market capitalizations that are equal to or less than the total market capitalization of the largest company in the Index. We use fundamental research and qualitative analysis to select stocks and look for companies with strong competitive positions, high-quality management, and financial strength. We use a consistent three-step fundamental research process to evaluate the stocks, consisting of valuation, which is to identify small-cap companies that are considered to be attractively priced relative to their earnings potential; fundamentals, which is to verify the strength of the underlying business position; and catalyst, which is to identify a specific event that has the potential to cause the stocks to appreciate in value.
Economic and Political Developments Drove Stocks Higher
U.S. stocks across all capitalization ranges fared well over the reporting period as investors’ risk appetites expanded in anticipation of more business-friendly policies from a newly elected U.S. president. Although the Index declined moderately before the vote in November, the election’s widely unexpected outcome sparked a robust rally that persisted through February. The rally paused in March, however, when investors began to recognize that the new administration’s proposals would take time, political capital, and cooperation from Congress to enact.
Investors also generally responded positively to good economic news, including continued robust job growth and higher levels of consumer and business confidence.
In this environment, small-cap stocks generally produced higher returns than mid- and large-cap stocks. Small-cap value stocks outperformed their more growth-oriented counterparts, on average, but this trend appeared to moderate later in the reporting period.
Security Selections Bolstered Fund Results
The fund’s relative results were buoyed by underweighted exposure to some of the Index’s weaker market segments, including the utilities and real estate sectors, which were hurt by rising interest rates and investors’ preference for riskier stocks over their traditionally defensive counterparts. Our security selection strategy proved particularly effective in the health care sector, where medical emergency transport services company Air Methods received an acquisition offer at a substantial premium to its stock price at the time. In addition, home and hospice care provider Amedisys and life sciences company Cambrex reported better-than-expected quarterly results and provided solid future earnings guidance to securities analysts.
Among consumer discretionary companies, media company E.W. Scripps advanced amid expectations of reduced regulatory pressures, apparel retailer The Children’s Place achieved improved inventory
3
DISCUSSION OF FUND PERFORMANCE (continued)
management and higher profit margins, and consumer robots producer iRobot and automotive components maker Gentherm announced strong financial results. In other areas, banking institution Webster Financial climbed in expectation of greater adoption of health savings accounts under the new presidential administration, and employment services company Korn/Ferry International benefited from strong results across its various business units.
Disappointments during the reporting period included the information technology sector, where photovoltaic semiconductor producer First Solar was hurt by weak bookings and concerns regarding a major restructuring plan. Meanwhile, a short report was released questioning digital printer Electronics for Imaging’s accounting practices, and supercomputer manufacturer Cray announced weaker-than-expected financial results. In the energy sector, oil-and-gas producer Callon Petroleum fell short of earnings and production targets, energy transport provider SemGroup issued EBITDA guidance that was below consensus estimates, seismic equipment specialist Geospace Technologies encountered a decline in exploration spending, and energy services company Oil States International reduced its forecast for offshore production activity.
Positioned for Economic Growth
Looking forward, investors continue to focus on the potential impacts of policy changes in Washington, increasing geopolitical pressures and the future actions of the Federal Reserve. While volatility measures have been tepid to start the year, markets could be thrown off balance until visibility improves on a number of these issues. Within this environment, the investment team remains focused on the strategy’s disciplined, research-driven investment approach and driving returns with strong stock selection.
The team is finding the most compelling combinations of fundamentals, valuation and catalysts for change within information technology, consumer discretionary and health care; the strategy has overweight positions versus the Index within these sectors. Conversely, we remain underweight within the banks and insurance segments, where we are finding fewer opportunities meeting our investment criteria.
April 17, 2017
Please note: the position in any security highlighted with italicized typeface was sold during the reporting period.
Equities are subject generally to market, market sector, market liquidity, issuer, and investment style risks, among other factors, to varying degrees, all of which are more fully described in the fund’s prospectus.
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, 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. 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 return reflects the absorption of certain fund expenses by The Dreyfus Corporation pursuant to an agreement in effect through February 1, 2018, at which time it may be extended, modified, or terminated. Had these expenses not been absorbed, returns would have been lower.
2 Source: Lipper Inc. — The Russell 2000®Value Index measures the performance of the small-cap value segment of the U.S. equity universe. It includes those Russell 2000 companies that are considered more value-oriented relative to the overall market as defined by Russell’s leading style methodology. The Russell 2000® Value Index is constructed to provide a comprehensive and unbiased barometer for the small-cap value segment. The index is completely reconstituted annually to ensure larger stocks do not distort the performance and characteristics of the true small-cap opportunity set and that the represented companies continue to reflect value characteristics. Investors cannot invest directly in any index.
4
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, 2016 to March 31, 2017. 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, 2017 |
| | | | Class A | Class C | Class I | Class Y |
Expenses paid per $1,000† | | $7.04 | | $11.88 | | $5.50 | | $5.34 |
Ending value (after expenses) | | $1,140.70 | | $1,135.90 | | $1,142.40 | | $1,141.90 |
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, 2017 |
| | Class A | | Class C | | Class I | | Class Y |
Expenses paid per $1,000† | | $6.64 | | $11.20 | | $5.19 | | $5.04 |
Ending value (after expenses) | | $1,018.35 | | $1,013.81 | | $1,019.80 | | $1,019.95 |
† Expenses are equal to the fund’s annualized expense ratio of 1.32% for Class A, 2.23% for Class C, 1.03% for Class I and 1.00% for Class Y, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 182/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).
5
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS
March 31, 2017 (Unaudited)
| | | | | |
|
Common Stocks - 98.6% | | Shares | | Value ($) | |
Automobiles & Components - 1.0% | | | | | |
Gentherm | | 55,830 | a | 2,191,327 | |
Banks - 17.0% | | | | | |
Associated Banc-Corp | | 101,489 | | 2,476,332 | |
Banner | | 30,990 | | 1,724,284 | |
Brookline Bancorp | | 86,810 | | 1,358,576 | |
Bryn Mawr Bank | | 25,519 | | 1,008,000 | |
Capital Bank Financial, Cl. A | | 26,158 | | 1,135,257 | |
Central Pacific Financial | | 48,973 | | 1,495,635 | |
CoBiz Financial | | 45,955 | | 772,044 | |
CVB Financial | | 59,538 | | 1,315,194 | |
FCB Financial Holdings, Cl. A | | 29,282 | a | 1,450,923 | |
First Horizon National | | 118,539 | b | 2,192,971 | |
First Midwest Bancorp | | 75,797 | | 1,794,873 | |
Fulton Financial | | 114,481 | | 2,043,486 | |
Hancock Holding | | 66,749 | | 3,040,417 | |
IBERIABANK | | 5,690 | | 450,079 | |
Old National Bancorp | | 74,739 | | 1,296,722 | |
Seacoast Banking Corporation of Florida | | 49,971 | a | 1,198,305 | |
South State | | 12,032 | | 1,075,059 | |
Synovus Financial | | 49,556 | | 2,032,787 | |
UMB Financial | | 30,538 | | 2,299,817 | |
Umpqua Holdings | | 144,225 | | 2,558,551 | |
United Community Banks | | 76,035 | | 2,105,409 | |
Webster Financial | | 87,927 | b | 4,399,867 | |
| | | | 39,224,588 | |
Capital Goods - 9.4% | | | | | |
Aerojet Rocketdyne Holdings | | 15,732 | a | 341,384 | |
Aerovironment | | 53,269 | a | 1,493,130 | |
Apogee Enterprises | | 14,097 | b | 840,322 | |
Astec Industries | | 20,261 | | 1,245,950 | |
Atkore International Group | | 32,242 | | 847,320 | |
Chart Industries | | 40,796 | a | 1,425,412 | |
Comfort Systems USA | | 32,086 | | 1,175,952 | |
EMCOR Group | | 30,643 | | 1,928,977 | |
EnerSys | | 26,649 | | 2,103,672 | |
Granite Construction | | 38,572 | b | 1,935,929 | |
Kennametal | | 53,939 | b | 2,116,027 | |
6
| | | | | |
|
Common Stocks - 98.6% (continued) | | Shares | | Value ($) | |
Capital Goods - 9.4% (continued) | | | | | |
Lindsay | | 24,990 | b | 2,202,119 | |
Teledyne Technologies | | 8,928 | a | 1,129,035 | |
Trinity Industries | | 54,380 | | 1,443,789 | |
Valmont Industries | | 9,727 | | 1,512,548 | |
| | | | 21,741,566 | |
Commercial & Professional Services - 2.5% | | | | | |
Interface | | 72,387 | | 1,378,972 | |
Knoll | | 34,310 | | 816,921 | |
Korn/Ferry International | | 59,672 | | 1,879,071 | |
LSC Communications | | 53,360 | | 1,342,538 | |
McGrath RentCorp | | 12,609 | | 423,284 | |
| | | | 5,840,786 | |
Consumer Durables & Apparel - 4.0% | | | | | |
Cavco Industries | | 9,596 | a | 1,116,974 | |
Deckers Outdoor | | 31,828 | a,b | 1,901,086 | |
Ethan Allen Interiors | | 35,302 | | 1,082,006 | |
Kate Spade & Company | | 88,772 | a | 2,062,174 | |
Oxford Industries | | 20,925 | b | 1,198,165 | |
Vera Bradley | | 63,607 | a | 592,181 | |
William Lyon Homes, Cl. A | | 66,931 | a,b | 1,380,117 | |
| | | | 9,332,703 | |
Consumer Services - 1.8% | | | | | |
Belmond, Cl. A | | 134,779 | a | 1,630,826 | |
Cheesecake Factory | | 41,411 | | 2,623,801 | |
| | | | 4,254,627 | |
Diversified Financials - 1.3% | | | | | |
Cohen & Steers | | 40,005 | | 1,599,000 | |
Morningstar | | 18,742 | | 1,473,121 | |
| | | | 3,072,121 | |
Energy - 6.8% | | | | | |
Callon Petroleum | | 117,726 | a | 1,549,274 | |
Dril-Quip | | 19,123 | a,b | 1,043,160 | |
Geospace Technologies | | 41,232 | a | 669,195 | |
Natural Gas Services Group | | 33,081 | a | 861,760 | |
Newpark Resources | | 71,615 | a | 580,082 | |
Oasis Petroleum | | 130,466 | a | 1,860,445 | |
Oceaneering International | | 42,220 | | 1,143,318 | |
Oil States International | | 28,050 | a | 929,858 | |
PDC Energy | | 26,413 | a | 1,646,851 | |
7
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
| | | | | |
|
Common Stocks - 98.6% (continued) | | Shares | | Value ($) | |
Energy - 6.8% (continued) | | | | | |
RPC | | 108,628 | b | 1,988,979 | |
SemGroup, Cl. A | | 51,587 | b | 1,857,132 | |
SRC Energy | | 174,307 | a,b | 1,471,151 | |
| | | | 15,601,205 | |
Exchange-Traded Funds - .3% | | | | | |
iShares Russell 2000 Value ETF | | 4,831 | b | 570,831 | |
Food & Staples Retailing - 2.9% | | | | | |
Sprouts Farmers Market | | 94,431 | a,b | 2,183,245 | |
United Natural Foods | | 105,797 | a | 4,573,604 | |
| | | | 6,756,849 | |
Food, Beverage & Tobacco - 2.0% | | | | | |
Boston Beer, Cl. A | | 18,544 | a,b | 2,682,390 | |
Hain Celestial Group | | 50,003 | a | 1,860,112 | |
| | | | 4,542,502 | |
Health Care Equipment & Services - 5.6% | | | | | |
Allscripts Healthcare Solutions | | 145,174 | a | 1,840,806 | |
Amedisys | | 29,810 | a | 1,522,993 | |
AMN Healthcare Services | | 42,088 | a | 1,708,773 | |
Analogic | | 14,149 | | 1,073,909 | |
Globus Medical, Cl. A | | 85,409 | a,b | 2,529,815 | |
Natus Medical | | 24,632 | a,b | 966,806 | |
Omnicell | | 52,578 | a | 2,137,296 | |
Tivity Health | | 42,679 | a,b | 1,241,959 | |
| | | | 13,022,357 | |
Insurance - 1.0% | | | | | |
Safety Insurance Group | | 12,325 | | 863,983 | |
Selective Insurance Group | | 30,662 | b | 1,445,713 | |
| | | | 2,309,696 | |
Materials - 3.3% | | | | | |
Calgon Carbon | | 59,179 | | 864,013 | |
Carpenter Technology | | 41,821 | | 1,559,923 | |
Commercial Metals | | 78,936 | | 1,510,046 | |
Haynes International | | 18,405 | | 701,599 | |
Louisiana-Pacific | | 96,696 | a | 2,399,995 | |
Stillwater Mining | | 38,876 | a | 671,389 | |
| | | | 7,706,965 | |
Media - 2.6% | | | | | |
E.W. Scripps, Cl. A | | 120,586 | a | 2,826,536 | |
New York Times, Cl. A | | 134,144 | b | 1,931,674 | |
8
| | | | | |
|
Common Stocks - 98.6% (continued) | | Shares | | Value ($) | |
Media - 2.6% (continued) | | | | | |
Scholastic | | 31,745 | | 1,351,385 | |
| | | | 6,109,595 | |
Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology & Life Sciences - 2.2% | | | | | |
Cambrex | | 53,893 | a | 2,966,810 | |
Supernus Pharmaceuticals | | 63,632 | a | 1,991,682 | |
| | | | 4,958,492 | |
Real Estate - 8.1% | | | | | |
Agree Realty | | 24,735 | b,c | 1,186,291 | |
American Assets Trust | | 11,804 | c | 493,879 | |
CareTrust | | 86,008 | c | 1,446,655 | |
CBL & Associates Properties | | 47,944 | c | 457,386 | |
CyrusOne | | 37,912 | b,c | 1,951,331 | |
Healthcare Trust of America, Cl. A | | 31,822 | b,c | 1,001,120 | |
LaSalle Hotel Properties | | 49,597 | b,c | 1,435,833 | |
Outfront Media | | 36,344 | c | 964,933 | |
Parkway | | 65,514 | c | 1,303,073 | |
Pebblebrook Hotel Trust | | 80,511 | b,c | 2,351,726 | |
Potlatch | | 24,981 | c | 1,141,632 | |
Retail Opportunity Investments | | 31,031 | b,c | 652,582 | |
STAG Industrial | | 68,927 | c | 1,724,554 | |
STORE Capital | | 33,221 | c | 793,317 | |
Tanger Factory Outlet Centers | | 32,062 | c | 1,050,672 | |
Washington Prime Group | | 80,362 | c | 698,346 | |
| | | | 18,653,330 | |
Retailing - 4.2% | | | | | |
Dillard's, Cl. A | | 31,275 | b | 1,633,806 | |
Express | | 113,013 | a | 1,029,548 | |
RH | | 56,034 | a,b | 2,592,133 | |
Shutterfly | | 23,902 | a | 1,154,228 | |
The Children's Place | | 15,167 | b | 1,820,798 | |
Urban Outfitters | | 61,931 | a | 1,471,481 | |
| | | | 9,701,994 | |
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment - 3.6% | | | | | |
Brooks Automation | | 69,034 | | 1,546,362 | |
Cirrus Logic | | 31,000 | a,b | 1,881,390 | |
First Solar | | 15,131 | a,b | 410,050 | |
Integrated Device Technology | | 53,799 | a | 1,273,422 | |
Nanometrics | | 26,768 | a | 815,353 | |
Photronics | | 109,377 | a | 1,170,334 | |
9
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
| | | | | |
|
Common Stocks - 98.6% (continued) | | Shares | | Value ($) | |
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment - 3.6% (continued) | | | | | |
Semtech | | 33,255 | a | 1,124,019 | |
| | | | 8,220,930 | |
Software & Services - 6.4% | | | | | |
Acxiom | | 64,947 | a | 1,849,041 | |
CSG Systems International | | 35,347 | | 1,336,470 | |
DST Systems | | 20,958 | | 2,567,355 | |
MicroStrategy, Cl. A | | 8,844 | a | 1,660,903 | |
Qualys | | 34,705 | a | 1,315,319 | |
Teradata | | 60,070 | a | 1,869,378 | |
Verint Systems | | 53,692 | a | 2,328,890 | |
WebMD Health | | 33,057 | a | 1,741,443 | |
| | | | 14,668,799 | |
Technology Hardware & Equipment - 6.0% | | | | | |
CalAmp | | 60,735 | a,b | 1,019,741 | |
Ciena | | 57,642 | a | 1,360,928 | |
Cray | | 64,747 | a | 1,417,959 | |
Electronics For Imaging | | 31,901 | a | 1,557,726 | |
FARO Technologies | | 23,200 | a | 829,400 | |
Methode Electronics | | 15,428 | | 703,517 | |
NETGEAR | | 21,210 | a | 1,050,955 | |
NetScout Systems | | 59,994 | a | 2,276,772 | |
Plantronics | | 23,836 | | 1,289,766 | |
Tech Data | | 18,453 | a | 1,732,737 | |
Vishay Intertechnology | | 35,998 | b | 592,167 | |
| | | | 13,831,668 | |
Transportation - 2.0% | | | | | |
Kirby | | 27,051 | a,b | 1,908,448 | |
Knight Transportation | | 47,047 | | 1,474,923 | |
Marten Transport | | 55,767 | | 1,307,736 | |
| | | | 4,691,107 | |
Utilities - 4.6% | | | | | |
American States Water | | 25,317 | | 1,121,543 | |
Chesapeake Utilities | | 26,109 | | 1,806,743 | |
Hawaiian Electric Industries | | 55,362 | b | 1,844,108 | |
Portland General Electric | | 35,642 | | 1,583,218 | |
Vectren | | 27,327 | | 1,601,635 | |
WGL Holdings | | 31,301 | | 2,583,272 | |
| | | | 10,540,519 | |
Total Common Stocks (cost $181,803,563) | | | | 227,544,557 | |
10
| | | | | |
|
Other Investment - 1.1% | | Shares | | Value ($) | |
Registered Investment Company; | | | | | |
Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Government Plus Money Market Fund (cost $2,516,044) | | 2,516,044 | d | 2,516,044 | |
Investment of Cash Collateral for Securities Loaned - 9.0% | | | | | |
Registered Investment Company; | | | | | |
Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Money Market Fund, Hamilton Shares (cost $20,914,956) | | 20,914,956 | d | 20,914,956 | |
Total Investments (cost $205,234,563) | | 108.7% | | 250,975,557 | |
Liabilities, Less Cash and Receivables | | (8.7%) | | (20,119,154) | |
Net Assets | | 100.0% | | 230,856,403 | |
ETF—Exchange-Traded Fund
aNon-income producing security.
bSecurity, or portion thereof, on loan. At March 31, 2017, the value of the fund’s securities on loan was $44,945,291 and the value of the collateral held by the fund was $46,586,264, consisting of cash collateral of $20,914,956 and U.S. Government & Agency securities valued at $25,671,308.
cInvestment in real estate investment trust.
dInvestment in affiliated money market mutual fund.
11
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
| |
Portfolio Summary (Unaudited) † | Value (%) |
Banks | 17.0 |
Money Market Investments | 10.1 |
Capital Goods | 9.4 |
Real Estate | 8.1 |
Energy | 6.8 |
Software & Services | 6.4 |
Technology Hardware & Equipment | 6.0 |
Health Care Equipment & Services | 5.6 |
Utilities | 4.6 |
Retailing | 4.2 |
Consumer Durables & Apparel | 4.0 |
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment | 3.6 |
Materials | 3.3 |
Food & Staples Retailing | 2.9 |
Media | 2.6 |
Commercial & Professional Services | 2.5 |
Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology & Life Sciences | 2.2 |
Transportation | 2.0 |
Food, Beverage & Tobacco | 2.0 |
Consumer Services | 1.8 |
Diversified Financials | 1.3 |
Insurance | 1.0 |
Automobiles & Components | 1.0 |
Exchange-Traded Funds | .3 |
| 108.7 |
† Based on net assets.
See notes to financial statements.
12
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
March 31, 2017 (Unaudited)
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | | Cost | | Value | |
Assets ($): | | | | |
Investments in securities—See Statement of Investments (including securities on loan, valued at $44,945,291)—Note 1(b): | | | | |
Unaffiliated issuers | | 181,803,563 | | 227,544,557 | |
Affiliated issuers | | 23,431,000 | | 23,431,000 | |
Cash | | | | | 96,487 | |
Receivable for investment securities sold | | | | | 3,671,076 | |
Dividends and securities lending income receivable | | | | | 273,993 | |
Prepaid expenses | | | | | 38,784 | |
| | | | | 255,055,897 | |
Liabilities ($): | | | | |
Due to The Dreyfus Corporation and affiliates—Note 3(c) | | | | | 191,169 | |
Liability for securities on loan—Note 1(b) | | | | | 20,914,956 | |
Payable for investment securities purchased | | | | | 3,037,761 | |
Payable for shares of Beneficial Interest redeemed | | | | | 6,894 | |
Accrued expenses | | | | | 48,714 | |
| | | | | 24,199,494 | |
Net Assets ($) | | | 230,856,403 | |
Composition of Net Assets ($): | | | | |
Paid-in capital | | | | | 171,779,792 | |
Accumulated undistributed investment income—net | | | | | 736,334 | |
Accumulated net realized gain (loss) on investments | | | | | 12,599,283 | |
Accumulated net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments | | | | 45,740,994 | |
Net Assets ($) | | | 230,856,403 | |
| | | | | |
Net Asset Value Per Share | Class A | Class C | Class I | Class Y | |
Net Assets ($) | 117,779 | 50,288 | 223,496,658 | 7,191,678 | |
Shares Outstanding | 4,821 | 2,068 | 9,132,706 | 294,140 | |
Net Asset Value Per Share ($) | 24.43 | 24.32 | 24.47 | 24.45 | |
| | | | | |
See notes to financial statements. | | | | | |
13
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
Six Months Ended March 31, 2017 (Unaudited)
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Investment Income ($): | | | | |
Income: | | | | |
Cash dividends: | | | | |
Unaffiliated issuers | | | 1,933,275 | |
Affiliated issuers | | | 7,868 | |
Income from securities lending—Note 1(b) | | | 69,283 | |
Total Income | | | 2,010,426 | |
Expenses: | | | | |
Investment advisory fee—Note 3(a) | | | 881,077 | |
Administration fee—Note 3(a) | | | 66,081 | |
Shareholder servicing costs—Note 3(c) | | | 49,894 | |
Professional fees | | | 42,964 | |
Registration fees | | | 42,881 | |
Custodian fees—Note 3(c) | | | 18,288 | |
Prospectus and shareholders’ reports | | | 9,334 | |
Trustees’ fees and expenses—Note 3(d) | | | 7,639 | |
Loan commitment fees—Note 2 | | | 3,503 | |
Interest expense—Note 2 | | | 530 | |
Distribution fees—Note 3(b) | | | 120 | |
Miscellaneous | | | 12,409 | |
Total Expenses | | | 1,134,720 | |
Less—reduction in fees due to earnings credits—Note 3(c) | | | (87) | |
Net Expenses | | | 1,134,633 | |
Investment Income—Net | | | 875,793 | |
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments—Note 4 ($): | | |
Net realized gain (loss) on investments | 18,293,394 | |
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments | | | 9,351,457 | |
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments | | | 27,644,851 | |
Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations | | 28,520,644 | |
| | | | | | |
See notes to financial statements. | | | | | |
14
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | Six Months Ended March 31, 2017 (Unaudited) | | | | Year Ended September 30, 2016a | |
Operations ($): | | | | | | | | |
Investment income—net | | | 875,793 | | | | 1,368,152 | |
Net realized gain (loss) on investments | | 18,293,394 | | | | 16,248,204 | |
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments | | 9,351,457 | | | | 13,645,153 | |
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations | 28,520,644 | | | | 31,261,509 | |
Distributions to Shareholders from ($): | | | | | | | | |
Investment income—net: | | | | | | | | |
Class A | | | (68) | | | | - | |
Class C | | | (86) | | | | - | |
Class I | | | (910,192) | | | | (1,900,456) | |
Class Y | | | (49) | | | | - | |
Net realized gain on investments: | | | | | | | | |
Class A | | | (1,374) | | | | - | |
Class C | | | (2,600) | | | | - | |
Class I | | | (16,890,205) | | | | (20,323,088) | |
Class Y | | | (840) | | | | - | |
Total Distributions | | | (17,805,414) | | | | (22,223,544) | |
Beneficial Interest Transactions ($): | | | | | | | | |
Net proceeds from shares sold: | | | | | | | | |
Class A | | | 105,479 | | | | 10,000 | |
Class C | | | 38,301 | | | | 10,000 | |
Class I | | | 22,148,320 | | | | 21,354,015 | |
Class Y | | | 7,060,569 | | | | 10,000 | |
Distributions reinvested: | | | | | | | | |
Class A | | | 561 | | | | - | |
Class C | | | 1,818 | | | | - | |
Class I | | | 17,276,112 | | | | 21,820,149 | |
Cost of shares redeemed: | | | | | | | | |
Class I | | | (31,859,432) | | | | (101,891,572) | |
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Beneficial Interest Transactions | 14,771,728 | | | | (58,687,408) | |
Total Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets | 25,486,958 | | | | (49,649,443) | |
Net Assets ($): | | | | | | | | |
Beginning of Period | | | 205,369,445 | | | | 255,018,888 | |
End of Period | | | 230,856,403 | | | | 205,369,445 | |
Undistributed investment income—net | 736,334 | | | | 770,936 | |
15
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (continued)
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | Six Months Ended March 31, 2017 (Unaudited) | | | | Year Ended September 30, 2016a | |
Capital Share Transactions (Shares): | | | | | | | | |
Class A | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | | 4,359 | | | | 439.17 | |
Shares issued for distributions reinvested | | | 23 | | | | - | |
Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares Outstanding | 4,382 | | | | 439.17 | |
Class C | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | | 1,554 | | | | 439.17 | |
Shares issued for distributions reinvested | | | 75 | | | | - | |
Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares Outstanding | 1,629 | | | | 439.17 | |
Class I | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | | 906,108 | | | | 998,157 | |
Shares issued for distributions reinvested | | | 712,417 | | | | 1,055,644 | |
Shares redeemed | | | (1,334,767) | | | | (4,821,491) | |
Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares Outstanding | 283,758 | | | | (2,767,690) | |
Class Y | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | | 293,701 | | | | 439.17 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
aEffective August 1, 2016, the fund commenced offering Class A, Class C and Class Y shares. | |
See notes to financial statements. | | | | | | | | |
16
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The following tables describe the performance for each share class for the fiscal periods indicated. All information (except portfolio turnover rate) reflects financial results for a single fund share. Total return shows how much your investment in the fund would have increased (or decreased) during each period, assuming you had reinvested all dividends and distributions. These figures have been derived from the fund’s financial statements.
| | | | | | |
| |
| |
Class A Shares | | | | Six Months Ended March 31, 2017 (Unaudited) | Year Ended September 30, 2016a |
Per Share Data ($): | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | | | | 23.19 | 22.77 |
Investment Operations: | | | | | | |
Investment income—netb | | | | | .03 | .02 |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments | | | | | 3.21 | .40 |
Total from Investment Operations | | | | | 3.24 | .42 |
Distributions: | | | | | | |
Dividends from investment income—net | | | | | (.09) | - |
Dividends from net realized gain on investments | | | | | (1.91) | - |
Total Distributions | | | | | (2.00) | - |
Net asset value, end of period | | | | | 24.43 | 23.19 |
Total Return (%)c,d | | | | | 14.07 | 1.84 |
Ratios/Supplemental Data (%): | | | | | | |
Ratio of total expenses to average net assetse | | | | | 1.32 | 1.37 |
Ratio of net expenses to average net assetse | | | | | 1.32 | 1.37 |
Ratio of net investment income to average net assetse | | | | | .26 | .46 |
Portfolio Turnover Ratec | | | | | 41.39 | 78.56 |
Net Assets, end of period ($ x 1,000) | | | | | 118 | 10 |
a From August 1, 2016 (commencement of initial offering) to September 30, 2016.
b Based on average shares outstanding.
c Not annualized.
d Exclusive of sales charge.
e Annualized.
See notes to financial statements.
17
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)
| | | | | | |
| |
| |
Class C Shares | | | | Six Months Ended March 31, 2017 (Unaudited) | Year Ended September 30, 2016a |
Per Share Data ($): | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | | | | 23.16 | 22.77 |
Investment Operations: | | | | | | |
Investment (loss)—netb | | | | | (.07) | (.01) |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments | | | | | 3.20 | .40 |
Total from Investment Operations | | | | | 3.13 | .39 |
Distributions: | | | | | | |
Dividends from investment income—net | | | | | (.06) | - |
Dividends from net realized gain on investments | | | | | (1.91) | - |
Total Distributions | | | | | (1.97) | - |
Net asset value, end of period | | | | | 24.32 | 23.16 |
Total Return (%)c,d | | | | | 13.59 | 1.71 |
Ratios/Supplemental Data (%): | | | | | | |
Ratio of total expenses to average net assetse | | | | | 2.23 | 2.13 |
Ratio of net expenses to average net assetse | | | | | 2.23 | 2.13 |
Ratio of net investment (loss) to average net assetse | | | | | (.59) | (.30) |
Portfolio Turnover Ratec | | | | | 41.39 | 78.56 |
Net Assets, end of period ($ x 1,000) | | | | | 50 | 10 |
a From August 1, 2016 (commencement of initial offering) to September 30, 2016.
b Based on average shares outstanding.
c Not annualized.
d Exclusive of sales charge.
e Annualized.
See notes to financial statements.
18
| | | | | | | |
| |
Six Months Ended March 31, 2017 | Year Ended September 30, |
Class I Shares | (Unaudited) | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 |
Per Share Data ($): | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | 23.20 | 21.95 | 28.21 | 32.76 | 25.65 | 18.81 |
Investment Operations: | | | | | | |
Investment income—neta | .10 | .14 | .15 | .11 | .26 | .14 |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments | 3.18 | 3.11 | (.51) | 1.15 | 7.29 | 6.79 |
Total from Investment Operations | 3.28 | 3.25 | (.36) | 1.26 | 7.55 | 6.93 |
Distributions: | | | | | | |
Dividends from investment income—net | (.10) | (.17) | (.13) | (.09) | (.22) | (.09) |
Dividends from net realized gain on investments | (1.91) | (1.83) | (5.77) | (5.72) | (.22) | - |
Total Distributions | (2.01) | (2.00) | (5.90) | (5.81) | (.44) | (.09) |
Net asset value, end of period | 24.47 | 23.20 | 21.95 | 28.21 | 32.76 | 25.65 |
Total Return (%) | 14.24b | 15.91 | (2.05) | 3.62 | 29.92 | 36.95 |
Ratios/Supplemental Data (%): | | | | | | |
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets | 1.03c | 1.00 | .97 | .96 | .99 | .98 |
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets | 1.03c | 1.00 | .97 | .96 | .99 | .98 |
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets | .80c | .63 | .62 | .37 | .90 | .59 |
Portfolio Turnover Rate | 41.39b | 78.56 | 76.23 | 68.43 | 76.63 | 88.54 |
Net Assets, end of period ($ x 1,000) | 223,497 | 205,339 | 255,019 | 318,376 | 385,746 | 457,180 |
a Based on average shares outstanding.
b Not annualized.
c Annualized.
See notes to financial statements.
19
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)
| | | | | | |
| |
| |
Class Y Shares | | | | Six Months Ended March 31, 2017 (Unaudited) | Year Ended September 30, 2016a |
Per Share Data ($): | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | | | | 23.20 | 22.77 |
Investment Operations: | | | | | | |
Investment income—netb | | | | | .03 | .03 |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments | | | | | 3.24 | .40 |
Total from Investment Operations | | | | | 3.27 | .43 |
Distributions: | | | | | | |
Dividends from investment income—net | | | | | (.11) | - |
Dividends from net realized gain on investments | | | | | (1.91) | - |
Total Distributions | | | | | (2.02) | - |
Net asset value, end of period | | | | | 24.45 | 23.20 |
Total Return (%)c | | | | | 14.19 | 1.89 |
Ratios/Supplemental Data (%): | | | | | | |
Ratio of total expenses to average net assetsd | | | | | 1.00 | 1.12 |
Ratio of net expenses to average net assetsd | | | | | 1.00 | 1.12 |
Ratio of net investment income to average net assetsd | | | | | .29 | .72 |
Portfolio Turnover Ratec | | | | | 41.39 | 78.56 |
Net Assets, end of period ($ x 1,000) | | | | | 7,192 | 10 |
a From August 1, 2016 (commencement of initial offering) to September 30, 2016.
b Based on average shares outstanding.
c Not annualized.
d Annualized.
See notes to financial statements.
20
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.
Effective March 31, 2017, the fund authorized the issuance of Class T shares, but, as of the date of this report, the fund did not offer Class T shares for purchase.
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, Class Y and Class T. Class A, Class C and Class T shares are sold primarily to retail investors through financial intermediaries and bear Distribution and/or Shareholder Services Plan fees. Class A and Class T 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 New York Mellon, a subsidiary of BNY Mellon and an affiliate of Dreyfus, and its affiliates), acting on behalf of customers having a qualified trust or an investment account or relationship at such institution, and bear no Distribution or Shareholder Services Plan fees. Class 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 attributable to a specific class), and realized and unrealized gains or losses on investments are allocated to each class of shares based on its relative net assets.
As of March 31, 2017, MBC Investments Corp., an indirect subsidiary of BNY Mellon, held 439 Class A and Class C shares of the fund.
21
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
The Trust accounts separately for the assets, liabilities and operations of each series. Expenses directly attributable to each series are charged to that series’ operations; expenses which are applicable to all series are allocated among them on a pro rata basis.
The Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification is the exclusive reference of authoritative U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) recognized by the FASB to be applied by nongovernmental entities. Rules and interpretive releases of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) under authority of federal laws are also sources of authoritative GAAP for SEC registrants. The fund’s financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP, which may require the use of management estimates and assumptions. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
(a) Portfolio valuation: The fair value of a financial instrument is the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (i.e., the exit price). GAAP establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs of valuation techniques used to measure fair value. This hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements).
Additionally, GAAP provides guidance on determining whether the volume and activity in a market has decreased significantly and whether such a decrease in activity results in transactions that are not orderly. GAAP requires enhanced disclosures around valuation inputs and techniques used during annual and interim periods.
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.
22
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 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.
23
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
The following is a summary of the inputs used as of March 31, 2017 in valuing the fund’s investments:
| | | | |
| Level 1 - Unadjusted Quoted Prices | Level 2 - Other Significant Observable Inputs | Level 3 -Significant Unobservable Inputs | Total |
Assets ($) | | | | |
Investments in Securities: | | |
Equity Securities-Domestic Common Stocks† | 225,342,900 | - | - | 225,342,900 |
Equity Securities-Foreign Common Stocks† | 1,630,826 | - | - | 1,630,826 |
Exchange-Traded Funds | 570,831 | - | - | 570,831 |
Registered Investment Companies | 23,431,000 | - | - | 23,431,000 |
† See Statement of Investments for additional detailed categorizations.
At March 31, 2017, there were no transfers between levels 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
24
against the borrower and the collateral. Additionally, the contractual maturity of security lending transactions are on an overnight and continuous basis. During the period ended March 31, 2017, The Bank of New York Mellon earned $14,282 from lending portfolio securities, pursuant to the securities lending agreement.
(c) Affiliated issuers: Investments in other investment companies advised by Dreyfus are defined as “affiliated” under the Act. Investments in affiliated investment companies during the period ended March 31, 2017 were as follows:
| | | | | |
Affiliated Investment Company | Value 9/30/2016($) | Purchases($) | Sales($) | Value 3/31/2017($) | Net Assets(%) |
Dreyfus Institutional Cash Advantage Fund, Institutional Shares† | 14,807,111 | - | 14,807,111 | - | - |
Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Government Plus Money Market Fund | 2,846,520 | 43,561,348 | 43,891,824 | 2,516,044 | 1.1 |
Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Money Market Fund, Hamilton Shares† | - | 91,559,934 | 70,644,978 | 20,914,956 | 9.0 |
Total | 17,653,631 | 135,121,282 | 129,343,913 | 23,431,000 | 10.1 |
† During the period ended March 31, 2017, Dreyfus Institutional Cash Advantage Fund was acquired by Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Money Market Fund.
(d) Dividends and distributions to shareholders: Dividends and distributions are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Dividends from investment income-net and dividends from net realized capital gains, if any, are normally declared and paid annually, but the fund may make distributions on a more frequent basis to comply with the distribution requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). To the extent that net realized capital gains can be offset by capital loss carryovers, it is the policy of the fund not to distribute such gains. Income and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with income tax regulations, which may differ from GAAP.
(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
25
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
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, 2017, 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, 2017, the fund did not incur any interest or penalties.
Each tax year in the three-year period ended September 30, 2016 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, 2016 was as follows: ordinary income $1,900,456 and long-term capital gains $20,323,088. 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 an $810 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 5, 2016, the unsecured credit facility with Citibank, N.A. was $555 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, 2017 was approximately $70,900 with a related weighted average annualized interest rate of 1.50%.
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 has contractually agreed, from March 23, 2017 through February 1, 2018, to waive receipt of its fees and/or assume the direct expenses of the fund so that the annual fund operating expenses for Class Y shares (excluding taxes, interest, brokerage commissions, commitment fees on borrowings and extraordinary expenses) do not exceed 1.00% of the value of Class Y shares average daily net assets. On or after February 1, 2018, Dreyfus may
26
terminate this expense limitation at any time. During the period ended March 31, 2017, there was no expense reimbursement, pursuant to the undertaking.
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 and recordkeeping 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 $66,081 during the period ended March 31, 2017.
(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, 2017, Class C shares were charged $120 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, 2017, Class A and Class C shares were charged $86 and $40, respectively, pursuant to the Shareholder Services Plan.
27
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
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, 2017, the fund was charged $1,329 for transfer agency services and $61 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 $56.
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, 2017, the fund was charged $18,288 pursuant to the custody agreement. These fees were partially offset by earnings credit of $31.
During the period ended March 31, 2017, the fund was charged $5,777 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 $154,883, administration fees $11,616, Distribution Plan fees $32, Shareholder Services Plan fees $35, custodian fees $17,999, Chief Compliance Officer fees $5,777 and transfer agency fees $827.
(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.
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NOTE 4—Securities Transactions:
The aggregate amount of purchases and sales of investment securities, excluding short-term securities, during the period ended March 31, 2017, amounted to $89,950,011 and $94,500,354, respectively.
At March 31, 2017, accumulated net unrealized appreciation on investments was $45,740,994, consisting of $50,258,492 gross unrealized appreciation and $4,517,498 gross unrealized depreciation.
At March 31, 2017, 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).
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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 22-23, 2017, 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 and administrative services (together, the “Agreement”). The Board members, none of whom are “interested persons” (as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended) of the fund, were assisted in their review by independent legal counsel and met with counsel in executive session separate from Dreyfus representatives. In considering the renewal of the Agreement, the Board considered all factors that it believed to be relevant, including those discussed below. The Board did not identify any one factor as dispositive, and each Board member may have attributed different weights to the factors considered.
Analysis of Nature, Extent, and Quality of Services Provided to the Fund. The Board considered information provided to them at the meeting and in previous presentations from Dreyfus representatives regarding the nature, extent, and quality of the services provided to funds in the Dreyfus fund complex. Dreyfus provided the number of open accounts in the fund, the fund’s asset size and the allocation of fund assets among distribution channels. Dreyfus also had previously provided information regarding the diverse intermediary relationships and distribution channels of funds in the Dreyfus fund complex (such as retail direct or intermediary, in which intermediaries typically are paid by the fund and/or Dreyfus) and Dreyfus’ corresponding need for broad, deep, and diverse resources to be able to provide ongoing shareholder services to each intermediary or distribution channel, as applicable to the fund.
The Board also considered research support available to, and portfolio management capabilities of, the fund’s portfolio management personnel and that Dreyfus also provides oversight of day-to-day fund operations, including fund accounting and administration and assistance in meeting legal and regulatory requirements. The Board also considered Dreyfus’ extensive administrative, accounting and compliance infrastructures. The Board also considered portfolio management’s brokerage policies and practices (including policies and practices regarding soft dollars) and the standards applied in seeking best execution.
Comparative Analysis of the Fund’s Performance and Management Fee and Expense Ratio. The Board reviewed reports prepared by Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (“Broadridge”), 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, 2016, 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 Broadridge as of the date of its analysis. Dreyfus previously had furnished the Board with a description of the methodology Broadridge used to select
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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 considered that performance generally should be considered over longer periods of time, although it is possible that long-term performance can be adversely affected by even one period of significant underperformance so that a single investment decision or theme has the ability to affect disproportionately long-term performance. The Board discussed with representatives of Dreyfus and/or its affiliates the results of the comparisons and considered that the fund’s total return performance was variously above the Performance Group and Performance Universe medians for the one year and two year periods and below the medians for the three, four, five 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 performance was above the return of the index in six of the ten calendar years shown.
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 considered that the fund’s contractual management fee was below the Expense Group median, the fund’s actual management fee was below the Expense Group median and above the Expense Universe median and the fund’s total expenses were below the Expense Group median and the Expense Universe median.
Dreyfus representatives stated that Dreyfus has contractually agreed, until February 1, 2018, to waive receipt of its fees and/or assume the direct expenses of the fund so that the annual fund operating expenses for Class Y shares (excluding taxes, interest, brokerage commissions, commitment fees on borrowings and extraordinary expenses) do not exceed 1.00%.
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 Broadridge 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 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 for managing the funds in the Dreyfus fund complex, and the method used to determine the expenses and profit. The Board concluded that the
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INFORMATION ABOUT THE RENEWAL OF THE FUND’S INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
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, considered in relation to the mix of services provided by Dreyfus, including the nature, extent and quality of such services, supported the renewal of the Agreement 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 stated 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 stated 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 took into consideration the soft dollar arrangements in effect for trading the fund’s investments.
At the conclusion of these discussions, the Board agreed that it had been furnished with sufficient information to make an informed business decision with respect to the renewal of the Agreement. Based on the discussions and considerations as described above, the Board concluded and determined as follows.
· The Board concluded that the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by Dreyfus are adequate and appropriate.
· The Board generally was satisfied with the fund’s improved performance.
· The Board concluded that the fee paid to Dreyfus supported the renewal of the Agreement 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.
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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 Dreyfus 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 the Agreement for the fund, or substantially similar agreements for other Dreyfus funds that the Board oversees, 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 fund’s arrangements, or similar arrangements for other Dreyfus funds that the Board oversees, in prior years. The Board determined to renew the Agreement.
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Dreyfus/The Boston Company Small Cap Value Fund
200 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10166
Manager
The Dreyfus Corporation
200 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10166
Custodian
The Bank of New York Mellon
225 Liberty Street
New York, NY 10286
Transfer Agent &
Dividend Disbursing Agent
Dreyfus Transfer, Inc.
200 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10166
Distributor
MBSC Securities Corporation
200 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10166
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Ticker Symbols: | Class A: RUDAX Class C: BOSCX Class I: STSVX Class Y: BOSYX |
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 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 www.sec.gov and may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. (phone 1-800-SEC-0330 for information).
A description of the policies and procedures that the fund uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities and information regarding how the fund voted these proxies for the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available at www.dreyfus.com and on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-DREYFUS.
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