File No . 333-26513
811-08211
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM N-1A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 [X]
Pre-Effective Amendment No. [__]
Post-Effective Amendment No. 23 [X]
and/or
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 [X]
Amendment No. 23 [X]
(Check appropriate box or boxes.)
Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Money Market 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)
Registrant's Telephone Number, including Area Code: (212) 922-6000
Janette Farragher, Esq.
200 Park Avenue
New York, New York 10166
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
Approximate Date of Proposed Public Offering August 1, 2012
It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box)
__ immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)
X on August 1, 2012 pursuant to paragraph (b)
____ days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
__ on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
____ days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2)
__ on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of Rule 485
If appropriate, check the following box:
__ this post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a previously filed post-effective amendment.
Dreyfus Institutional Preferred
Money Market Fund
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Prospectus August 1, 2012 |
Prime Shares |
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As with all mutual funds, the Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved
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Contents
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Fund Summary |
See back cover.
The fund is designed for institutional investors. Shares of the fund may not be
purchased by individuals. See "Buying and Selling Shares" for more information.
Fund Summary
The fund seeks as high a level of current income as is consistent with the preservation of capital and the maintenance of liquidity.
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund.
The Dreyfus Corporation has agreed to pay all of the fund's expenses, except management fees and certain other expenses, including the fees and expenses of the non-interested board members and their counsel. The Dreyfus Corporation has agreed to reduce its fees in an amount equal to the fund's allocable portion of the fees and expenses of the non-interested board members and their counsel (in the amount of less than .01% for the past fiscal year).
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Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) |
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Management fees |
0.10 |
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Other expenses |
0.00 |
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Total annual fund operating expenses |
0.10 |
Example
The Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund's operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
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1 Year |
3 Years |
5 Years |
10 Years |
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$10 |
$32 |
$56 |
$128 |
As a money market fund, the fund is subject to the maturity, quality, liquidity and diversification requirements of Rule 2a-7 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, which are designed to help money market funds maintain a stable share price of $1.00. To pursue its goal, the fund normally invests in a diversified portfolio of high quality, short-term, dollar-denominated debt securities, including: securities issued or guaranteed as to principal and interest by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities; certificates of deposit, time deposits, bankers' acceptances and other short-term securities issued by domestic or foreign banks or thrifts or their subsidiaries or branches; repurchase agreements, including tri-party repurchase agreements; asset-backed securities; and domestic and foreign commercial paper, and other short-term corporate obligations, including those with floating or variable rates of interest. Normally, the fund invests at least 25% of its assets in domestic or dollar-denominated foreign bank obligations.
An investment in the fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or any other government agency. Although the fund seeks to preserve the value of your investment at $1.00 per share, it is possible to lose money by investing in the fund.
The fund's yield will fluctuate as the short-term securities in its portfolio mature and the proceeds are reinvested in securities with different interest rates. Additionally, while the fund has maintained a constant share price since inception, and will continue to try to do so, neither The Dreyfus Corporation nor its affiliates are required to make a capital infusion, enter into a capital support agreement or take other actions to prevent the fund's share price from falling below $1.00. The following are the principal risks that could reduce the fund's income level and/or share price:
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· Interest rate risk. This risk refers to the decline in the prices of fixed-income securities that may accompany a rise in the overall level of interest rates. A sharp and unexpected rise in interest rates could cause a money market fund's share price to drop below a dollar.
· Credit risk. Failure of an issuer to make timely interest or principal payments, or a decline or perception of a decline in the credit quality of a security, can cause the security's price to fall, potentially lowering the fund's share price. Although the fund invests only in high-quality debt securities, any of the fund's holdings could have its credit rating downgraded or could default. The credit quality of the securities held by the fund can change rapidly in certain market environments, and the default of a single holding could have the potential to cause significant deterioration of the fund's net asset value.
· Liquidity risk. When there is little or no active trading market for specific types of securities, it can become more difficult to sell the securities at or near their perceived value. In such a market, the value of such securities may fall dramatically, potentially lowering the fund's share price, even during periods of declining interest rates. Also, during such periods, redemptions by a few large investors in the fund may have a significant adverse effect on the fund's net asset value and remaining fund shareholders.
· Banking industry risk. The risks generally associated with concentrating investments in the banking industry, such as interest rate risk, credit risk, and regulatory developments relating to the banking industry.
· Foreign investment risk. The risks generally associated with dollar-denominated foreign investments, such as economic and political developments, seizure or nationalization of deposits, imposition of taxes or other restrictions on payment of principal and interest.
· Government securities risk . Not all obligations of the U.S. government, its agencies and instrumentalities are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury. Some obligations are backed only by the credit of the issuing agency or instrumentality, and in some cases there may be some risk of default by the issuer. Any guarantee by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities of a security held by the fund does not apply to the market value of such security or to shares of the fund itself.
· Repurchase agreement counterparty risk . The risk that a counterparty in a repurchase agreement could fail to honor the terms of its agreement.
The following bar chart and table provide some indication of the risks of investing in the fund. The bar chart shows changes in the performance of the fund's Prime shares from year to year. The table shows the average annual total returns of the fund's Prime shares over time. The fund's past performance (before and after taxes) is no guarantee of future results. More recent performance information may be available at www.dreyfus.com .
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Year-by-Year Total Returns as of 12/31 each year (%) |
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Best Quarter
Worst Quarter
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The year-to-date total return as of 6/30/12 was 0.09% for Prime shares.
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Average Annual Total Returns as of 12/31/11 |
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1 Year |
5 Years |
10 Years |
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0.16% |
1.83% |
2.17% |
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For the current yield of the fund's Prime shares, call toll free 1-800-346-3621. |
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The fund's investment adviser is The Dreyfus Corporation.
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In general, the fund's minimum initial investment is $1 billion and there is no minimum subsequent investment. You may sell (redeem) your shares on any business day by calling 1-800-346-3621 or by visiting www.dreyfus.com .
Dividends and other distributions paid by the fund are subject to federal income tax, and may be subject to state and local taxes, in the calendar year earned, except when your investment is through a tax-advantaged investment plan (in which case you may be taxed upon withdrawal of your investment from such account).
If you purchase shares through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary's website for more information.
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Fund Details
The fund seeks as high a level of current income as is consistent with the preservation of capital and the maintenance of liquidity. As a money market fund, the fund is subject to the maturity, quality, liquidity and diversification requirements of Rule 2a-7 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, which are designed to help money market funds maintain a stable share price of $1.00.
To pursue its goal, the fund invests in a diversified portfolio of high quality, short-term, dollar-denominated debt securities, including:
· securities issued or guaranteed as to principal and interest by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities
· certificates of deposit, time deposits, bankers' acceptances and other short-term securities issued by domestic or foreign banks or thrifts or their subsidiaries or branches
· repurchase agreements, including tri-party repurchase agreements
· asset-backed securities
· domestic and foreign commercial paper, and other short-term corporate obligations, including those with floating or variable rates of interest
Normally, the fund invests at least 25% of its assets in domestic or dollar-denominated foreign bank obligations.
While the fund generally invests solely in securities with the highest credit rating or the unrated equivalent as determined by The Dreyfus Corporation, it may invest up to 3% of its assets in securities with the second-highest credit rating that mature in 45 days or less.
The fund is required to hold at least 30% of its assets in cash, U.S. Treasury securities, certain other government securities with remaining maturities of 60 days or less, or securities that can readily be converted into cash within five business days. In addition, the fund is required to hold at least 10% of its assets in cash, U.S. Treasury securities, or securities that can readily be converted into cash within one business day. The maximum weighted average maturity of the fund's portfolio is 60 days and the maximum weighted average life to maturity of the fund's portfolio is 120 days.
In response to liquidity needs or unusual market conditions, the fund may hold all or a significant portion of its total assets in cash for temporary defensive purposes. This may result in a lower current yield and prevent the fund from achieving its investment objective.
An investment in the fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or any other government agency. Although the fund seeks to preserve the value of your investment at $1.00 per share, it is possible to lose money by investing in the fund.
The fund's yield will fluctuate as the short-term securities in its portfolio mature and the proceeds are reinvested in securities with different interest rates. Additionally, while the fund has maintained a constant share price since inception, and will continue to try to do so, neither The Dreyfus Corporation nor its affiliates are required to make a capital infusion, enter into a capital support agreement or take other actions to prevent the fund's share price from falling below $1.00. The following are the principal risks that could reduce the fund's income level and/or share price:
· Interest rate risk. This risk refers to the decline in the prices of fixed-income securities that may accompany a rise in the overall level of interest rates. The fund's yield will vary; it is not fixed for a specific period like the yield on a bank certificate of deposit. A sharp and unexpected rise in interest rates could cause a money market fund's share price to drop below a dollar. However, the extremely short maturities of the securities held in money market portfolios - a means of achieving an overall fund objective of principal safety - reduces their potential for price fluctuation. A low interest rate environment may prevent the fund from providing a positive yield or paying fund expenses out of fund assets and could impair the fund's ability to maintain a stable net asset value.
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· Credit risk. Failure of an issuer to make timely interest or principal payments, or a decline or perception of a decline in the credit quality of a security, can cause the security's price to fall, potentially lowering the fund's share price. Although the fund invests only in high-quality debt securities, any of the fund's holdings could have its credit rating downgraded or could default. The credit quality of the securities held by the fund can change rapidly in certain market environments, and the default of a single holding could have the potential to cause significant deterioration of the fund's net asset value.
· Liquidity risk. When there is little or no active trading market for specific types of securities, it can become more difficult to sell the securities at or near their perceived value. In such a market, the value of such securities may fall dramatically, potentially lowering the fund's share price, even during periods of declining interest rates. Also, during such periods, redemptions by a few large investors in the fund may have a significant adverse effect on the fund's net asset value and remaining fund shareholders.
· Banking industry risk. The risks generally associated with concentrating investments in the banking industry, such as interest rate risk, credit risk, and regulatory developments relating to the banking industry.
· Foreign investment risk. The risks generally associated with dollar-denominated foreign investments, such as economic and political developments, seizure or nationalization of deposits, imposition of taxes or other restrictions on payment of principal and interest.
· Government securities risk. Not all obligations of the U.S. government, its agencies and instrumentalities are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury. Some obligations are backed only by the credit of the issuing agency or instrumentality, and in some cases there may be some risk of default by the issuer. Any guarantee by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities of a security held by the fund does not apply to the market value of such security or to shares of the fund itself. A security backed by the U.S. Treasury or the full faith and credit of the United States is guaranteed only as to the timely payment of interest and principal when held to maturity. In addition, because many types of U.S. government securities trade actively outside the United States, their prices may rise and fall as changes in global economic conditions affect the demand for these securities.
· Repurchase agreement counterparty risk. The risk that a counterparty in a repurchase agreement could fail to honor the terms of its agreement.
The investment adviser for the fund is The Dreyfus Corporation (Dreyfus), 200 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10166. Founded in 1947, Dreyfus manages approximately $264 billion in 183 mutual fund portfolios. For the past fiscal year, the fund paid Dreyfus a management fee at an annual rate of .10% of the fund's average daily net assets. A discussion regarding the basis for the board's approving the fund's management agreement with Dreyfus is available in the fund's semi-annual report for the six-month period ended September 30, 2011. Dreyfus is the primary mutual fund business of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (BNY Mellon), a global financial services company focused on helping clients manage and service their financial assets, operating in 36 countries and serving more than 100 markets. BNY Mellon is a leading provider of financial services for institutions, corporations and high-net-worth individuals, offering investment management and investment services through a worldwide client-focused team. It has $26.6 trillion in assets under custody and administration and $1.3 trillion in assets under management, services $11.9 trillion in outstanding debt and processes global payments averaging $1.4 trillion per day. BNY Mellon is the corporate brand of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation. BNY Mellon Asset Management is the umbrella organization for BNY Mellon's affiliated investment management firms and global distribution companies. Additional information is available at www.bnymellon.com .
The Dreyfus asset management philosophy is based on the belief that discipline and consistency are important to investment success. For each fund, Dreyfus seeks to establish clear guidelines for portfolio management and to be systematic in making decisions. This approach is designed to provide each fund with a distinct, stable identity.
MBSC Securities Corporation (MBSC), a wholly owned subsidiary of Dreyfus, serves as distributor of the fund and of the other funds in the Dreyfus Family of Funds. Rule 12b-1 fees and shareholder services fees, as applicable, are paid to MBSC for financing the sale and distribution of fund shares and for providing shareholder account service and maintenance, respectively. Dreyfus or MBSC may provide cash payments out of its own resources to financial intermediaries that sell shares of funds in the Dreyfus Family of Funds or provide other services. Such payments are separate from any sales charges, 12b-1 fees and/or shareholder services fees or other expenses that may be paid by a fund to those intermediaries. Because those payments are not made by fund shareholders or the fund, the fund's total expense ratio will not be affected by any such payments. These payments may be made to intermediaries, including affiliates, that provide shareholder servicing, sub-administration, recordkeeping and/or sub-transfer agency services, marketing support and/or access to sales meetings, sales representatives and management representatives of the financial
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intermediary. Cash compensation also may be paid from Dreyfus' or MBSC's own resources to intermediaries for inclusion of a fund on a sales list, including a preferred or select sales list or in other sales programs. These payments sometimes are referred to as "revenue sharing." From time to time, Dreyfus or MBSC also may provide cash or non-cash compensation to financial intermediaries or their representatives in the form of occasional gifts; occasional meals, tickets or other entertainment; support for due diligence trips; educational conference sponsorships; support for recognition programs; and other forms of cash or non-cash compensation permissible under broker-dealer regulations. In some cases, these payments or compensation may create an incentive for a financial intermediary or its employees to recommend or sell shares of the fund to you. Please contact your financial representative for details about any payments they or their firm may receive in connection with the sale of fund shares or the provision of services to the fund.
The fund, Dreyfus and MBSC have each adopted a code of ethics that permits its personnel, subject to such code, to invest in securities, including securities that may be purchased or held by the fund. Each code of ethics restricts the personal securities transactions of employees, and requires portfolio managers and other investment personnel to comply with the code's preclearance and disclosure procedures. The primary purpose of the respective codes is to ensure that personal trading by employees does not disadvantage any fund managed by Dreyfus or its affiliates.
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Shareholder Guide
This fund is designed for institutional investors. Fund shares will not be sold to individuals . The fund offers another class of shares which is described in a separate prospectus.
Investors pay no sales charges to invest in the fund. The price for shares is the net asset value per share (NAV), which is generally calculated as of 5:00 p.m. on days the New York Stock Exchange or the fund's transfer agent is open for regular business. Orders in proper form will be priced at the NAV next calculated after the orders and Federal Funds are received by the fund's custodian or other authorized entity.
Orders in proper form placed prior to 5:00 p.m., and payments for which are received in or converted into Federal Funds by the fund's custodian by 6:00 p.m., will become effective at the price determined at 5:00 p.m., and the shares so purchased will receive the dividend declared on that day. Investors whose orders are placed in proper form after 5:00 p.m., or whose payments are received in or converted into Federal Funds after 6:00 p.m. by the fund's custodian, will begin to accrue dividends on the following business day.
All times are Eastern time.
The fund's portfolio securities are valued at amortized cost, which does not take into account unrealized gains or losses. As a result, portfolio securities are valued at their acquisition cost, adjusted over time based on the discounts or premiums reflected in their purchase price. The fund uses the amortized cost method of valuation pursuant to Rule 2a-7 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 in order to be able to price its shares at $1.00 per share. In accordance with Rule 2a-7, the fund is subject to certain maturity, quality, liquidity and diversification requirements to help it maintain the $1.00 per share price.
When calculating its NAV, the fund compares the NAV using amortized cost to its NAV using available market quotations or market equivalents, which generally are provided by an independent pricing service approved by the fund's board. The pricing service's procedures are reviewed under the general supervision of the board.
The minimum initial investment is $1 billion, unless: (a) the investor has invested at least $1 billion in Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Plus Money Market Fund, in which case there would be no minimum initial investment amount for the fund's Prime shares; or (b) the investor has, in the opinion of Dreyfus Investments Division, adequate intent and availability of assets to reach a future aggregate level of investment of $1 billion in the fund's Prime shares or in shares of Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Plus Money Market Fund.
To open an account, make additional investments, or sell shares please call 1-800-346-3621.
Investors may sell (redeem) shares at any time and the shares will be sold at the next determined NAV. If a request for redemption is received in proper form, and transmitted to the fund's custodian by 5:00 p.m., Eastern time, the proceeds of the redemption, if transfer by wire is requested, ordinarily will be transmitted in Federal Funds on the same day, and the shares will not receive the dividend declared on that day. If the request is received later that day, the shares will receive the dividend declared on that day, and the proceeds of redemption, if wire transfer is requested, ordinarily will be transmitted in Federal Funds on the next business day. Any certificates representing fund shares being sold must be returned with the redemption request.
The processing of redemptions and the delivery of the proceeds may be delayed beyond the same or next business day, depending on the circumstances, for any period: (i) during which the New York Stock Exchange is closed (other than on holidays or weekends), or during which trading on the New York Stock Exchange is restricted; (ii) when an emergency exists that makes difficult the disposal of securities owned by the fund or the determination of the fair value of the fund's net assets; or (iii) as permitted by order of the Securities and Exchange Commission for the protection of fund shareholders. For these purposes, the Securities and Exchange Commission determines the conditions under which trading shall be deemed to be restricted and an emergency shall be deemed to exist.
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Unless you decline teleservice privileges on the application, you may be responsible for any fraudulent telephone or online order as long as Dreyfus takes reasonable measures to verify the order.
Money market funds generally are used by investors for short-term investments, often in place of bank checking or savings accounts, or for cash management purposes. Investors value the ability to add and withdraw their funds quickly, without restriction. For this reason, although Dreyfus discourages excessive trading and other abusive trading practices, the fund has not adopted policies and procedures, or imposed redemption fees or other restrictions such as minimum holding periods, to deter frequent purchases and redemptions of fund shares. Dreyfus also believes that money market funds, such as the fund, are not targets of abusive trading practices, because money market funds seek to maintain a $1.00 per share price and typically do not fluctuate in value based on market prices. However, frequent purchases and redemptions of the fund's shares could increase the fund's transaction costs, such as market spreads and custodial fees, and may interfere with the efficient management of the fund's portfolio, which could detract from the fund's performance. Accordingly, the fund reserves the right to refuse any purchase or exchange request.
The fund also reserves the right to:
· change its minimum or maximum investment amounts
· "redeem in kind," or make payments in securities rather than cash, if the amount redeemed is deemed by Dreyfus to be large enough to affect fund operations. Investors are urged to call Dreyfus Investments Division before effecting any large transaction.
The fund may also process purchase and sale orders and calculate its NAV on days the fund's primary trading markets are open and the fund's management determines to do so.
The fund earns dividends, interest and other income from its investments, and distributes this income (less expenses) to shareholders as dividends. The fund also realizes capital gains from its investments, and distributes these gains (less any losses) to shareholders as capital gain distributions. The fund normally pays dividends once a month and capital gain distributions, if any, annually. Fund dividends and capital gain distributions will be reinvested in the fund unless you instruct the fund otherwise. There are no fees or sales charges on reinvestments.
Distributions paid by the fund are subject to federal income tax, and may also be subject to state or local taxes (unless you are investing through a tax-advantaged retirement account). For federal tax purposes, in general, certain fund distributions, including distributions of short-term capital gains, are taxable to you as ordinary income. The tax status of any distribution generally is the same regardless of how long you have been in the fund and whether you reinvest your distributions or take them in cash.
If you buy shares of a fund when the fund has realized but not yet distributed income or capital gains, you will be "buying a dividend" by paying the full price for the shares and then receiving a portion back in the form of a taxable distribution.
Your sale of shares, including exchanges into other funds, may result in a capital gain or loss for tax purposes. A capital gain or loss on your investment in the fund generally is the difference between the cost of your shares and the amount you receive when you sell them.
The tax status of your distributions will be detailed in your annual tax statement from the fund. Because everyone's tax situation is unique, please consult your tax adviser before investing.
An investor may purchase, in exchange for Prime shares of the fund, shares of Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Plus Money Market Fund. An exchange may be requested in writing or by telephone. Be sure to read the current prospectus for the fund into which you are exchanging before investing. Any new account established through an exchange will have the same privileges as the original account (as long as they are available). There is currently no fee for exchanges.
Dreyfus Auto-Exchange Privilege
Dreyfus Auto-Exchange privilege enables an investor to invest regularly (on a monthly, semi-monthly, quarterly or annual basis), in exchange for Prime shares of the fund, in shares of Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Plus Money Market Fund, if the investor is a shareholder in such fund. There is currently no fee for this privilege.
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Account statements
Every Dreyfus Fund investor automatically receives regular account statements. Each investor will also be sent a yearly statement detailing the tax characteristics of any dividends and distributions the investor has received.
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These financial highlights describe the performance of the fund's Prime shares for the fiscal periods indicated. "Total return" shows how much your investment in the fund would have increased (or decreased) during each period, assuming you had reinvested all dividends and distributions. These financial highlights have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, whose report, along with the fund's financial statements, is included in the annual report, which is available upon request.
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NOTES
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NOTES
12
NOTES
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For More Information
Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Money Market Fund
A
series of Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Money Market Funds
SEC file number: 811-08211
More information on this fund is available free upon request, including the following:
Annual/Semiannual Report
Describes the fund's performance, lists portfolio holdings and contains a letter from the fund's manager discussing recent market conditions, economic trends and fund strategies that significantly affected the fund's performance during the last fiscal year. The fund's most recent annual and semiannual reports are available at www.dreyfus.com .
Statement of Additional Information (SAI)
Provides more details about the fund and its policies. A current SAI is available at www.dreyfus.com and is on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The SAI is incorporated by reference (and is legally considered part of this prospectus).
Portfolio Holdings
Dreyfus funds generally disclose their complete schedule of portfolio holdings monthly with a 30-day lag at www.dreyfus.com under Products and Performance. Complete holdings as of the end of the calendar quarter are disclosed 15 days after the end of such quarter. Dreyfus money market funds generally disclose their complete schedule of holdings daily. The schedule of holdings for a fund will remain on the website until the fund files its Form N-Q or Form N-CSR for the period that includes the dates of the posted holdings.
A complete description of the fund's policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of the fund's portfolio securities is available in the fund's SAI.
To Obtain Information
By telephone. Call 1-800-346-3621
By mail. Write to:
The Dreyfus Family of Funds
144 Glenn Curtiss Boulevard
Uniondale, NY 11556-0144
By E-mail Access Dreyfus Investments Division at www.dreyfus.com . Investors can obtain product information and E-mail requests for information or literature.
On the Internet. Certain fund documents can be viewed online or downloaded from:
SEC: http://www.sec.gov
Dreyfus: http://www.dreyfus.com
You can also obtain copies, after paying a duplicating fee, by visiting the SEC's Public Reference Room in Washington, DC (for information, call 1-202-551-8090) or by E-mail request to publicinfo@sec.gov, or by writing to the SEC's Public Reference Section, Washington, DC 20549-1520.
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© 2012 MBSC Securities Corporation
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Dreyfus Institutional Preferred
Money Market Fund
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Prospectus August 1, 2012 |
Reserve Shares |
Ticker Symbol: DRSXX
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As with all mutual funds, the Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved
|
|
Contents
|
Fund Summary |
See back cover.
The fund is designed for institutional investors. Shares of the fund may not be purchased
by individuals. See "Buying and Selling Shares" for more information.
Fund Summary
The fund seeks as high a level of current income as is consistent with the preservation of capital and the maintenance of liquidity.
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund.
The Dreyfus Corporation has agreed to pay all of the fund's expenses, except management fees, Rule 12b-1 fees and certain other expenses, including the fees and expenses of the non-interested board members and their counsel. The Dreyfus Corporation has agreed to reduce its fees in an amount equal to the fund's allocable portion of the fees and expenses of the non-interested board members and their counsel (in the amount of less than .01% for the past fiscal year).
Example
The Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund's operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
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1 Year |
3 Years |
5 Years |
10 Years |
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$16 |
$52 |
$90 |
$205 |
As a money market fund, the fund is subject to the maturity, quality, liquidity and diversification requirements of Rule 2a-7 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, which are designed to help money market funds maintain a stable share price of $1.00. To pursue its goal, the fund normally invests in a diversified portfolio of high quality, short-term, dollar-denominated debt securities, including: securities issued or guaranteed as to principal and interest by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities; certificates of deposit, time deposits, bankers' acceptances and other short-term securities issued by domestic or foreign banks or thrifts or their subsidiaries or branches; repurchase agreements, including tri-party repurchase agreements; asset-backed securities; and domestic and foreign commercial paper, and other short-term corporate obligations, including those with floating or variable rates of interest. Normally, the fund invests at least 25% of its assets in domestic or dollar-denominated foreign bank obligations.
An investment in the fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or any other government agency. Although the fund seeks to preserve the value of your investment at $1.00 per share, it is possible to lose money by investing in the fund.
The fund's yield will fluctuate as the short-term securities in its portfolio mature and the proceeds are reinvested in securities with different interest rates. Additionally, while the fund has maintained a constant share price since inception, and will continue to try to do so, neither The Dreyfus Corporation nor its affiliates are required to make a capital
1
infusion, enter into a capital support agreement or take other actions to prevent the fund's share price from falling below $1.00. The following are the principal risks that could reduce the fund's income level and/or share price:
· Interest rate risk. This risk refers to the decline in the prices of fixed-income securities that may accompany a rise in the overall level of interest rates. A sharp and unexpected rise in interest rates could cause a money market fund's share price to drop below a dollar.
· Credit risk. Failure of an issuer to make timely interest or principal payments, or a decline or perception of a decline in the credit quality of a security, can cause the security's price to fall, potentially lowering the fund's share price. Although the fund invests only in high-quality debt securities, any of the fund's holdings could have its credit rating downgraded or could default. The credit quality of the securities held by the fund can change rapidly in certain market environments, and the default of a single holding could have the potential to cause significant deterioration of the fund's net asset value.
· Liquidity risk. When there is little or no active trading market for specific types of securities, it can become more difficult to sell the securities at or near their perceived value. In such a market, the value of such securities may fall dramatically, potentially lowering the fund's share price, even during periods of declining interest rates. Also, during such periods, redemptions by a few large investors in the fund may have a significant adverse effect on the fund's net asset value and remaining fund shareholders.
· Banking industry risk. The risks generally associated with concentrating investments in the banking industry, such as interest rate risk, credit risk, and regulatory developments relating to the banking industry.
· Foreign investment risk. The risks generally associated with dollar-denominated foreign investments, such as economic and political developments, seizure or nationalization of deposits, imposition of taxes or other restrictions on payment of principal and interest.
· Government securities risk . Not all obligations of the U.S. government, its agencies and instrumentalities are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury. Some obligations are backed only by the credit of the issuing agency or instrumentality, and in some cases there may be some risk of default by the issuer. Any guarantee by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities of a security held by the fund does not apply to the market value of such security or to shares of the fund itself.
· Repurchase agreement counterparty risk . The risk that a counterparty in a repurchase agreement could fail to honor the terms of its agreement.
The following bar chart and table provide some indication of the risks of investing in the fund. The bar chart shows changes in the performance of the fund's Reserve shares from year to year. The table shows the average annual total returns of the fund's Reserve shares over time. The fund's past performance (before and after taxes) is no guarantee of future results. More recent performance information may be available at www.dreyfus.com .
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Year-by-Year Total Returns as of 12/31 each year (%) |
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|
|
Best Quarter
Worst Quarter
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The year-to-date total return as of 6/30/12 was 0.06% for Reserve shares.
|
Average Annual Total Returns as of 12/31/11 |
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|
1 Year |
Since Inception
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|
0.10% |
0.98% |
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|
For the current yield of the fund's Reserve shares, call toll free 1-800-346-3621. |
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2
The fund's investment adviser is The Dreyfus Corporation.
In general, the fund's minimum initial investment is $1 billion and there is no minimum subsequent investment. You may sell (redeem) your shares on any business day by calling 1-800-346-3621 or by visiting www.dreyfus.com .
Dividends and other distributions paid by the fund are subject to federal income tax, and may be subject to state and local taxes, in the calendar year earned, except when your investment is through a tax-advantaged investment plan (in which case you may be taxed upon withdrawal of your investment from such account).
If you purchase shares through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary's website for more information.
3
Fund Details
The fund seeks as high a level of current income as is consistent with the preservation of capital and the maintenance of liquidity. As a money market fund, the fund is subject to the maturity, quality, liquidity and diversification requirements of Rule 2a-7 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, which are designed to help money market funds maintain a stable share price of $1.00.
To pursue its goal, the fund invests in a diversified portfolio of high quality, short-term, dollar-denominated debt securities, including:
· securities issued or guaranteed as to principal and interest by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities
· certificates of deposit, time deposits, bankers' acceptances and other short-term securities issued by domestic or foreign banks or thrifts or their subsidiaries or branches
· repurchase agreements, including tri-party repurchase agreements
· asset-backed securities
· domestic and foreign commercial paper, and other short-term corporate obligations, including those with floating or variable rates of interest
Normally, the fund invests at least 25% of its assets in domestic or dollar-denominated foreign bank obligations.
While the fund generally invests solely in securities with the highest credit rating or the unrated equivalent as determined by The Dreyfus Corporation, it may invest up to 3% of its assets in securities with the second-highest credit rating that mature in 45 days or less.
The fund is required to hold at least 30% of its assets in cash, U.S. Treasury securities, certain other government securities with remaining maturities of 60 days or less, or securities that can readily be converted into cash within five business days. In addition, the fund is required to hold at least 10% of its assets in cash, U.S. Treasury securities, or securities that can readily be converted into cash within one business day. The maximum weighted average maturity of the fund's portfolio is 60 days and the maximum weighted average life to maturity of the fund's portfolio is 120 days.
In response to liquidity needs or unusual market conditions, the fund may hold all or a significant portion of its total assets in cash for temporary defensive purposes. This may result in a lower current yield and prevent the fund from achieving its investment objective.
An investment in the fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or any other government agency. Although the fund seeks to preserve the value of your investment at $1.00 per share, it is possible to lose money by investing in the fund.
The fund's yield will fluctuate as the short-term securities in its portfolio mature and the proceeds are reinvested in securities with different interest rates. Additionally, while the fund has maintained a constant share price since inception, and will continue to try to do so, neither The Dreyfus Corporation nor its affiliates are required to make a capital infusion, enter into a capital support agreement or take other actions to prevent the fund's share price from falling below $1.00. The following are the principal risks that could reduce the fund's income level and/or share price:
· Interest rate risk. This risk refers to the decline in the prices of fixed-income securities that may accompany a rise in the overall level of interest rates. The fund's yield will vary; it is not fixed for a specific period like the yield on a bank certificate of deposit. A sharp and unexpected rise in interest rates could cause a money market fund's share price to drop below a dollar. However, the extremely short maturities of the securities held in money market portfolios - a means of achieving an overall fund objective of principal safety - reduces their potential for price fluctuation. A low interest rate environment may prevent the fund from providing a positive yield or paying fund expenses out of fund assets and could impair the fund's ability to maintain a stable net asset value.
4
· Credit risk. Failure of an issuer to make timely interest or principal payments, or a decline or perception of a decline in the credit quality of a security, can cause the security's price to fall, potentially lowering the fund's share price. Although the fund invests only in high-quality debt securities, any of the fund's holdings could have its credit rating downgraded or could default. The credit quality of the securities held by the fund can change rapidly in certain market environments, and the default of a single holding could have the potential to cause significant deterioration of the fund's net asset value.
· Liquidity risk. When there is little or no active trading market for specific types of securities, it can become more difficult to sell the securities at or near their perceived value. In such a market, the value of such securities may fall dramatically, potentially lowering the fund's share price, even during periods of declining interest rates. Also, during such periods, redemptions by a few large investors in the fund may have a significant adverse effect on the fund's net asset value and remaining fund shareholders.
· Banking industry risk. The risks generally associated with concentrating investments in the banking industry, such as interest rate risk, credit risk, and regulatory developments relating to the banking industry.
· Foreign investment risk. The risks generally associated with dollar-denominated foreign investments, such as economic and political developments, seizure or nationalization of deposits, imposition of taxes or other restrictions on payment of principal and interest.
· Government securities risk. Not all obligations of the U.S. government, its agencies and instrumentalities are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury. Some obligations are backed only by the credit of the issuing agency or instrumentality, and in some cases there may be some risk of default by the issuer. Any guarantee by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities of a security held by the fund does not apply to the market value of such security or to shares of the fund itself. A security backed by the U.S. Treasury or the full faith and credit of the United States is guaranteed only as to the timely payment of interest and principal when held to maturity. In addition, because many types of U.S. government securities trade actively outside the United States, their prices may rise and fall as changes in global economic conditions affect the demand for these securities.
· Repurchase agreement counterparty risk. The risk that a counterparty in a repurchase agreement could fail to honor the terms of its agreement.
The investment adviser for the fund is The Dreyfus Corporation (Dreyfus), 200 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10166. Founded in 1947, Dreyfus manages approximately $264 billion in 183 mutual fund portfolios. For the past fiscal year, the fund paid Dreyfus a management fee at an annual rate of .10% of the fund's average daily net assets. A discussion regarding the basis for the board's approving the fund's management agreement with Dreyfus is available in the fund's semi-annual report for the six-month period ended September 30, 2011. Dreyfus is the primary mutual fund business of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (BNY Mellon), a global financial services company focused on helping clients manage and service their financial assets, operating in 36 countries and serving more than 100 markets. BNY Mellon is a leading provider of financial services for institutions, corporations and high-net-worth individuals, offering investment management and investment services through a worldwide client-focused team. It has $26.6 trillion in assets under custody and administration and $1.3 trillion in assets under management, services $11.9 trillion in outstanding debt and processes global payments averaging $1.4 trillion per day. BNY Mellon is the corporate brand of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation. BNY Mellon Asset Management is the umbrella organization for BNY Mellon's affiliated investment management firms and global distribution companies. Additional information is available at www.bnymellon.com .
The Dreyfus asset management philosophy is based on the belief that discipline and consistency are important to investment success. For each fund, Dreyfus seeks to establish clear guidelines for portfolio management and to be systematic in making decisions. This approach is designed to provide each fund with a distinct, stable identity.
MBSC Securities Corporation (MBSC), a wholly owned subsidiary of Dreyfus, serves as distributor of the fund and of the other funds in the Dreyfus Family of Funds. Rule 12b-1 fees and shareholder services fees, as applicable, are paid to MBSC for financing the sale and distribution of fund shares and for providing shareholder account service and maintenance, respectively. Dreyfus or MBSC may provide cash payments out of its own resources to financial intermediaries that sell shares of funds in the Dreyfus Family of Funds or provide other services. Such payments are separate from any sales charges, 12b-1 fees and/or shareholder services fees or other expenses that may be paid by a fund to those intermediaries. Because those payments are not made by fund shareholders or the fund, the fund's total expense ratio will not be affected by any such payments. These payments may be made to intermediaries, including affiliates, that provide shareholder servicing, sub-administration, recordkeeping and/or sub-transfer agency services, marketing support and/or access to sales meetings, sales representatives and management representatives of the financial
5
intermediary. Cash compensation also may be paid from Dreyfus' or MBSC's own resources to intermediaries for inclusion of a fund on a sales list, including a preferred or select sales list or in other sales programs. These payments sometimes are referred to as "revenue sharing." From time to time, Dreyfus or MBSC also may provide cash or non-cash compensation to financial intermediaries or their representatives in the form of occasional gifts; occasional meals, tickets or other entertainment; support for due diligence trips; educational conference sponsorships; support for recognition programs; and other forms of cash or non-cash compensation permissible under broker-dealer regulations. In some cases, these payments or compensation may create an incentive for a financial intermediary or its employees to recommend or sell shares of the fund to you. Please contact your financial representative for details about any payments they or their firm may receive in connection with the sale of fund shares or the provision of services to the fund.
The fund, Dreyfus and MBSC have each adopted a code of ethics that permits its personnel, subject to such code, to invest in securities, including securities that may be purchased or held by the fund. Each code of ethics restricts the personal securities transactions of employees, and requires portfolio managers and other investment personnel to comply with the code's preclearance and disclosure procedures. The primary purpose of the respective codes is to ensure that personal trading by employees does not disadvantage any fund managed by Dreyfus or its affiliates.
6
Shareholder Guide
This fund is designed for institutional investors. Fund shares will not be sold to individuals. The fund offers another class of shares which is described in a separate prospectus. Reserve shares are subject to an annual Rule 12b-1 fee of .06% of the value of the fund's average daily net assets attributable to Reserve shares paid to the fund's distributor for distributing Reserve shares, for advertising and marketing related to Reserve shares, and for providing account services and maintenance. Because the Rule 12b-1 fee is paid on an ongoing basis out of the fund's assets attributable to Reserve shares, over time it will increase the cost of an investor's investment in Reserve shares and may cost investors more than paying other types of sales charges.
Investors pay no sales charges to invest in the fund. The price for shares is the net asset value per share (NAV), which is generally calculated as of 5:00 p.m. on days the New York Stock Exchange or the fund's transfer agent is open for regular business. Orders in proper form will be priced at the NAV next calculated after the orders and Federal Funds are received by the fund's custodian or other authorized entity.
Orders in proper form placed prior to 5:00 p.m., and payments for which are received in or converted into Federal Funds by the fund's custodian by 6:00 p.m., will become effective at the price determined at 5:00 p.m., and the shares so purchased will receive the dividend declared on that day. Investors whose orders are placed in proper form after 5:00 p.m., or whose payments are received in or converted into Federal Funds after 6:00 p.m. by the fund's custodian, will begin to accrue dividends on the following business day.
All times are Eastern time.
The fund's portfolio securities are valued at amortized cost, which does not take into account unrealized gains or losses. As a result, portfolio securities are valued at their acquisition cost, adjusted over time based on the discounts or premiums reflected in their purchase price. The fund uses the amortized cost method of valuation pursuant to Rule 2a-7 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 in order to be able to price its shares at $1.00 per share. In accordance with Rule 2a-7, the fund is subject to certain maturity, quality, liquidity and diversification requirements to help it maintain the $1.00 per share price.
When calculating its NAV, the fund compares the NAV using amortized cost to its NAV using available market quotations or market equivalents, which generally are provided by an independent pricing service approved by the fund's board. The pricing service's procedures are reviewed under the general supervision of the board.
The minimum initial investment is $1 billion, unless the investor has, in the opinion of Dreyfus Investments Division, adequate intent and availability of assets to reach a future aggregate level of investment of $1 billion in the fund.
To open an account, make additional investments, or sell shares please call 1-800-346-3621.
Investors may sell (redeem) shares at any time and the shares will be sold at the next determined NAV. If a request for redemption is received in proper form, and transmitted to the fund's custodian by 5:00 p.m., Eastern time, the proceeds of the redemption, if transfer by wire is requested, ordinarily will be transmitted in Federal Funds on the same day, and the shares will not receive the dividend declared on that day. If the request is received later that day, the shares will receive the dividend declared on that day, and the proceeds of redemption, if wire transfer is requested, ordinarily will be transmitted in Federal Funds on the next business day. Any certificates representing fund shares being sold must be returned with the redemption request.
The processing of redemptions and the delivery of the proceeds may be delayed beyond the same or next business day, depending on the circumstances, for any period: (i) during which the New York Stock Exchange is closed (other than on holidays or weekends), or during which trading on the New York Stock Exchange is restricted; (ii) when an emergency exists that makes difficult the disposal of securities owned by the fund or the determination of the fair value of the fund's net assets; or (iii) as permitted by order of the Securities and Exchange Commission for the protection of fund shareholders. For these purposes, the Securities and Exchange Commission determines the conditions under which trading shall be deemed to be restricted and an emergency shall be deemed to exist.
7
Unless you decline teleservice privileges on the application, you may be responsible for any fraudulent telephone or online order as long as Dreyfus takes reasonable measures to verify the order.
Money market funds generally are used by investors for short-term investments, often in place of bank checking or savings accounts, or for cash management purposes. Investors value the ability to add and withdraw their funds quickly, without restriction. For this reason, although Dreyfus discourages excessive trading and other abusive trading practices, the fund has not adopted policies and procedures, or imposed redemption fees or other restrictions such as minimum holding periods, to deter frequent purchases and redemptions of fund shares. Dreyfus also believes that money market funds, such as the fund, are not targets of abusive trading practices, because money market funds seek to maintain a $1.00 per share price and typically do not fluctuate in value based on market prices. However, frequent purchases and redemptions of the fund's shares could increase the fund's transaction costs, such as market spreads and custodial fees, and may interfere with the efficient management of the fund's portfolio, which could detract from the fund's performance. Accordingly, the fund reserves the right to refuse any purchase or exchange request.
The fund also reserves the right to:
· change its minimum or maximum investment amounts
· "redeem in kind," or make payments in securities rather than cash, if the amount redeemed is deemed by Dreyfus to be large enough to affect fund operations. Investors are urged to call Dreyfus Investments Division before effecting any large transaction.
The fund may also process purchase and sale orders and calculate its NAV on days the fund's primary trading markets are open and the fund's management determines to do so.
The fund earns dividends, interest and other income from its investments, and distributes this income (less expenses) to shareholders as dividends. The fund also realizes capital gains from its investments, and distributes these gains (less any losses) to shareholders as capital gain distributions. The fund normally pays dividends once a month and capital gain distributions, if any, annually. Fund dividends and capital gain distributions will be reinvested in the fund unless you instruct the fund otherwise. There are no fees or sales charges on reinvestments.
Distributions paid by the fund are subject to federal income tax, and may also be subject to state or local taxes (unless you are investing through a tax-advantaged retirement account). For federal tax purposes, in general, certain fund distributions, including distributions of short-term capital gains, are taxable to you as ordinary income. The tax status of any distribution generally is the same regardless of how long you have been in the fund and whether you reinvest your distributions or take them in cash.
If you buy shares of a fund when the fund has realized but not yet distributed income or capital gains, you will be "buying a dividend" by paying the full price for the shares and then receiving a portion back in the form of a taxable distribution.
Your sale of shares, including exchanges into other funds, may result in a capital gain or loss for tax purposes. A capital gain or loss on your investment in the fund generally is the difference between the cost of your shares and the amount you receive when you sell them.
The tax status of your distributions will be detailed in your annual tax statement from the fund. Because everyone's tax situation is unique, please consult your tax adviser before investing.
8
These financial highlights describe the performance of the fund's Reserve shares for the fiscal periods indicated. "Total return" shows how much your investment in the fund would have increased (or decreased) during each period, assuming you had reinvested all dividends and distributions. These financial highlights have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, whose report, along with the fund's financial statements, is included in the annual report, which is available upon request.
9
For More Information
Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Money Market Fund
A
series of Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Money Market Funds
SEC file number: 811-08211
More information on this fund is available free upon request, including the following:
Annual/Semiannual Report
Describes the fund's performance, lists portfolio holdings and contains a letter from the fund's manager discussing recent market conditions, economic trends and fund strategies that significantly affected the fund's performance during the last fiscal year. The fund's most recent annual and semiannual reports are available at www.dreyfus.com .
Statement of Additional Information (SAI)
Provides more details about the fund and its policies. A current SAI is available at www.dreyfus.com and is on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The SAI is incorporated by reference (and is legally considered part of this prospectus).
Portfolio Holdings
Dreyfus funds generally disclose their complete schedule of portfolio holdings monthly with a 30-day lag at www.dreyfus.com under Products and Performance. Complete holdings as of the end of the calendar quarter are disclosed 15 days after the end of such quarter. Dreyfus money market funds generally disclose their complete schedule of holdings daily. The schedule of holdings for a fund will remain on the website until the fund files its Form N-Q or Form N-CSR for the period that includes the dates of the posted holdings.
A complete description of the fund's policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of the fund's portfolio securities is available in the fund's SAI.
To Obtain Information
By telephone. Call 1-800-346-3621
By mail. Write to:
The Dreyfus Family of Funds
144 Glenn Curtiss Boulevard
Uniondale, NY 11556-0144
By E-mail Access Dreyfus Investments Division at www.dreyfus.com . Investors can obtain product information and E-mail requests for information or literature.
On the Internet. Certain fund documents can be viewed online or downloaded from:
SEC: http://www.sec.gov
Dreyfus: http://www.dreyfus.com
You can also obtain copies, after paying a duplicating fee, by visiting the SEC's Public Reference Room in Washington, DC (for information, call 1-202-551-8090) or by E-mail request to publicinfo@sec.gov, or by writing to the SEC's Public Reference Section, Washington, DC 20549-1520.
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© 2012 MBSC Securities Corporation
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Dreyfus Institutional Preferred
Plus Money Market Fund
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Prospectus August 1, 2012 |
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As with all mutual funds, the Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved
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Contents
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Fund Summary |
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Buying and Selling Shares |
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General Policies |
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Distributions and Taxes |
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Services for Fund Investors |
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Financial Highlights |
See back cover.
The fund is designed for institutional investors. Shares of the fund may not be
purchased by individuals. See "Buying and Selling shares" for more information.
Fund Summary
The fund seeks as high a level of current income as is consistent with the preservation of capital and the maintenance of liquidity.
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund.
The Dreyfus Corporation has agreed to pay all of the fund's expenses, except management fees and certain other expenses, including the fees and expenses of the non-interested board members and their counsel. The Dreyfus Corporation has agreed to reduce its fees in an amount equal to the fund's allocable portion of the fees and expenses of the non-interested board members and their counsel (in the amount of less than .01% for the past fiscal year).
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Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) |
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Management fees |
0.10 |
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Other expenses |
0.00 |
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Total annual fund operating expenses |
0.10 |
Example
The Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund's operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
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1 Year |
3 Years |
5 Years |
10 Years |
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$10 |
$32 |
$56 |
$128 |
As a money market fund, the fund is subject to the maturity, quality, liquidity and diversification requirements of Rule 2a-7 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, which are designed to help money market funds maintain a stable share price of $1.00. To pursue its goal, the fund normally invests in a diversified portfolio of high quality, short-term, dollar-denominated debt securities, including: securities issued or guaranteed as to principal and interest by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities; certificates of deposit, time deposits, bankers' acceptances and other short-term securities issued by domestic or foreign banks or thrifts or their subsidiaries or branches; repurchase agreements, including tri-party repurchase agreements; asset-backed securities; domestic and foreign commercial paper, and other short-term corporate obligations, including those with floating or variable rates of interest; and obligations issued or guaranteed by one or more foreign governments or any of their political subdivisions or agencies. Normally, the fund invests at least 25% of its assets in domestic or dollar-denominated foreign bank obligations.
An investment in the fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or any other government agency. Although the fund seeks to preserve the value of your investment at $1.00 per share, it is possible to lose money by investing in the fund.
The fund's yield will fluctuate as the short-term securities in its portfolio mature and the proceeds are reinvested in securities with different interest rates. Additionally, while the fund has maintained a constant share price since inception, and will continue to try to do so, neither The Dreyfus Corporation nor its affiliates are required to make a capital
1
infusion, enter into a capital support agreement or take other actions to prevent the fund's share price from falling below $1.00. The following are the principal risks that could reduce the fund's income level and/or share price:
· Interest rate risk. This risk refers to the decline in the prices of fixed-income securities that may accompany a rise in the overall level of interest rates. A sharp and unexpected rise in interest rates could cause a money market fund's share price to drop below a dollar.
· Credit risk. Failure of an issuer to make timely interest or principal payments, or a decline or perception of a decline in the credit quality of a security, can cause the security's price to fall, potentially lowering the fund's share price. Although the fund invests only in high-quality debt securities, any of the fund's holdings could have its credit rating downgraded or could default. The credit quality of the securities held by the fund can change rapidly in certain market environments, and the default of a single holding could have the potential to cause significant deterioration of the fund's net asset value.
· Liquidity risk. When there is little or no active trading market for specific types of securities, it can become more difficult to sell the securities at or near their perceived value. In such a market, the value of such securities may fall dramatically, potentially lowering the fund's share price, even during periods of declining interest rates. Also, during such periods, redemptions by a few large investors in the fund may have a significant adverse effect on the fund's net asset value and remaining fund shareholders.
· Banking industry risk. The risks generally associated with concentrating investments in the banking industry, such as interest rate risk, credit risk, and regulatory developments relating to the banking industry.
· Foreign investment risk. The risks generally associated with dollar-denominated foreign investments, such as economic and political developments, seizure or nationalization of deposits, imposition of taxes or other restrictions on payment of principal and interest.
· Government securities risk . Not all obligations of the U.S. government, its agencies and instrumentalities are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury. Some obligations are backed only by the credit of the issuing agency or instrumentality, and in some cases there may be some risk of default by the issuer. Any guarantee by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities of a security held by the fund does not apply to the market value of such security or to shares of the fund itself.
· Repurchase agreement counterparty risk . The risk that a counterparty in a repurchase agreement could fail to honor the terms of its agreement.
The following bar chart and table provide some indication of the risks of investing in the fund. The bar chart shows changes in the performance of the fund's shares from year to year. The table shows the average annual total returns of the fund's shares over time. The fund's past performance (before and after taxes) is no guarantee of future results. More recent performance information may be available at www.dreyfus.com .
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Year-by-Year Total Returns as of 12/31 each year (%) |
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Best Quarter
Worst Quarter
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The fund's year-to-date total return as of 6/30/12 was 0.05%.
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Average Annual Total Returns as of 12/31/11 |
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1 Year |
5 Years |
10 Years |
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0.10% |
1.58% |
2.04% |
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For the current yield, call toll free 1-800-346-3621. |
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The fund's investment adviser is The Dreyfus Corporation.
2
In general, the fund's minimum initial investment is $1 billion and there is no minimum subsequent investment. You may sell (redeem) your shares on any business day by calling 1-800-346-3621 or by visiting www.dreyfus.com .
Dividends and other distributions paid by the fund are subject to federal income tax, and may be subject to state and local taxes, except when your investment is through a tax-advantaged investment plan (in which case you may be taxed upon withdrawal of your investment from such account).
If you purchase shares through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary's website for more information.
3
Fund Details
The fund seeks as high a level of current income as is consistent with the preservation of capital and the maintenance of liquidity. As a money market fund, the fund is subject to the maturity, quality, liquidity and diversification requirements of Rule 2a-7 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, which are designed to help money market funds maintain a stable share price of $1.00.
To pursue its goal, the fund invests in a diversified portfolio of high quality, short-term, dollar-denominated debt securities, including:
· securities issued or guaranteed as to principal and interest by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities
· certificates of deposit, time deposits, bankers' acceptances and other short-term securities issued by domestic or foreign banks or thrifts or their subsidiaries or branches
· repurchase agreements, including tri-party repurchase agreements
· asset-backed securities
· domestic and foreign commercial paper, and other short-term corporate obligations, including those with floating or variable rates of interest
· obligations issued or guaranteed by one or more foreign governments or any of their political subdivisions or agencies
Normally, the fund invests at least 25% of its assets in domestic or dollar-denominated foreign bank obligations.
While the fund generally invests solely in securities with the highest credit rating or the unrated equivalent as determined by The Dreyfus Corporation, it may invest up to 3% of its assets in securities with the second-highest credit rating that mature in 45 days or less.
The fund is required to hold at least 30% of its assets in cash, U.S. Treasury securities, certain other government securities with remaining maturities of 60 days or less, or securities that can readily be converted into cash within five business days. In addition, the fund is required to hold at least 10% of its assets in cash, U.S. Treasury securities, or securities that can readily be converted into cash within one business day. The maximum weighted average maturity of the fund's portfolio is 60 days and the maximum weighted average life to maturity of the fund's portfolio is 120 days.
In response to liquidity needs or unusual market conditions, the fund may hold all or a significant portion of its total assets in cash for temporary defensive purposes. This may result in a lower current yield and prevent the fund from achieving its investment objective.
An investment in the fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or any other government agency. Although the fund seeks to preserve the value of your investment at $1.00 per share, it is possible to lose money by investing in the fund.
The fund's yield will fluctuate as the short-term securities in its portfolio mature and the proceeds are reinvested in securities with different interest rates. Additionally, while the fund has maintained a constant share price since inception, and will continue to try to do so, neither The Dreyfus Corporation nor its affiliates are required to make a capital infusion, enter into a capital support agreement or take other actions to prevent the fund's share price from falling below $1.00. The following are the principal risks that could reduce the fund's income level and/or share price:
· Interest rate risk. This risk refers to the decline in the prices of fixed-income securities that may accompany a rise in the overall level of interest rates. The fund's yield will vary; it is not fixed for a specific period like the yield on a bank certificate of deposit. A sharp and unexpected rise in interest rates could cause a money market fund's share price to drop below a dollar. However, the extremely short maturities of the securities held in money market portfolios - a means of achieving an overall fund objective of principal safety - reduces their potential for price fluctuation. A low
4
interest rate environment may prevent the fund from providing a positive yield or paying fund expenses out of fund assets and could impair the fund's ability to maintain a stable net asset value.
· Credit risk. Failure of an issuer to make timely interest or principal payments, or a decline or perception of a decline in the credit quality of a security, can cause the security's price to fall, potentially lowering the fund's share price. Although the fund invests only in high-quality debt securities, any of the fund's holdings could have its credit rating downgraded or could default. The credit quality of the securities held by the fund can change rapidly in certain market environments, and the default of a single holding could have the potential to cause significant deterioration of the fund's net asset value.
· Liquidity risk. When there is little or no active trading market for specific types of securities, it can become more difficult to sell the securities at or near their perceived value. In such a market, the value of such securities may fall dramatically, potentially lowering the fund's share price, even during periods of declining interest rates. Also, during such periods, redemptions by a few large investors in the fund may have a significant adverse effect on the fund's net asset value and remaining fund shareholders.
· Banking industry risk. The risks generally associated with concentrating investments in the banking industry, such as interest rate risk, credit risk, and regulatory developments relating to the banking industry.
· Foreign investment risk. The risks generally associated with dollar-denominated foreign investments, such as economic and political developments, seizure or nationalization of deposits, imposition of taxes or other restrictions on payment of principal and interest.
· Government securities risk. Not all obligations of the U.S. government, its agencies and instrumentalities are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury. Some obligations are backed only by the credit of the issuing agency or instrumentality, and in some cases there may be some risk of default by the issuer. Any guarantee by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities of a security held by the fund does not apply to the market value of such security or to shares of the fund itself. A security backed by the U.S. Treasury or the full faith and credit of the United States is guaranteed only as to the timely payment of interest and principal when held to maturity. In addition, because many types of U.S. government securities trade actively outside the United States, their prices may rise and fall as changes in global economic conditions affect the demand for these securities.
· Repurchase agreement counterparty risk. The risk that a counterparty in a repurchase agreement could fail to honor the terms of its agreement.
The investment adviser for the fund is The Dreyfus Corporation (Dreyfus), 200 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10166. Founded in 1947, Dreyfus manages approximately $264 billion in 183 mutual fund portfolios. For the past fiscal year, the fund did not pay Dreyfus a management fee due to an undertaking in effect. A discussion regarding the basis for the board's approving the fund's management agreement with Dreyfus is available in the fund's semi-annual report for the six-month period ended September 30, 2011. Dreyfus is the primary mutual fund business of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (BNY Mellon), a global financial services company focused on helping clients manage and service their financial assets, operating in 36 countries and serving more than 100 markets. BNY Mellon is a leading provider of financial services for institutions, corporations and high-net-worth individuals, offering investment management and investment services through a worldwide client-focused team. It has $26.6 trillion in assets under custody and administration and $1.3 trillion in assets under management, services $11.9 trillion in outstanding debt and processes global payments averaging $1.4 trillion per day. BNY Mellon is the corporate brand of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation. BNY Mellon Asset Management is the umbrella organization for BNY Mellon's affiliated investment management firms and global distribution companies. Additional information is available at www.bnymellon.com .
The Dreyfus asset management philosophy is based on the belief that discipline and consistency are important to investment success. For each fund, Dreyfus seeks to establish clear guidelines for portfolio management and to be systematic in making decisions. This approach is designed to provide each fund with a distinct, stable identity.
MBSC Securities Corporation (MBSC), a wholly owned subsidiary of Dreyfus, serves as distributor of the fund and of the other funds in the Dreyfus Family of Funds. Rule 12b-1 fees and shareholder services fees, as applicable, are paid to MBSC for financing the sale and distribution of fund shares and for providing shareholder account service and maintenance, respectively. Dreyfus or MBSC may provide cash payments out of its own resources to financial intermediaries that sell shares of funds in the Dreyfus Family of Funds or provide other services. Such payments are separate from any sales charges, 12b-1 fees and/or shareholder services fees or other expenses that may be paid by a fund to those intermediaries. Because those payments are not made by fund shareholders or the fund, the fund's total expense ratio will not be affected by any such payments. These payments may be made to intermediaries, including
5
affiliates, that provide shareholder servicing, sub-administration, recordkeeping and/or sub-transfer agency services, marketing support and/or access to sales meetings, sales representatives and management representatives of the financial intermediary. Cash compensation also may be paid from Dreyfus' or MBSC's own resources to intermediaries for inclusion of a fund on a sales list, including a preferred or select sales list or in other sales programs. These payments sometimes are referred to as "revenue sharing." From time to time, Dreyfus or MBSC also may provide cash or non-cash compensation to financial intermediaries or their representatives in the form of occasional gifts; occasional meals, tickets or other entertainment; support for due diligence trips; educational conference sponsorships; support for recognition programs; and other forms of cash or non-cash compensation permissible under broker-dealer regulations. In some cases, these payments or compensation may create an incentive for a financial intermediary or its employees to recommend or sell shares of the fund to you. Please contact your financial representative for details about any payments they or their firm may receive in connection with the sale of fund shares or the provision of services to the fund.
The fund, Dreyfus and MBSC have each adopted a code of ethics that permits its personnel, subject to such code, to invest in securities, including securities that may be purchased or held by the fund. Each code of ethics restricts the personal securities transactions of employees, and requires portfolio managers and other investment personnel to comply with the code's preclearance and disclosure procedures. The primary purpose of the respective codes is to ensure that personal trading by employees does not disadvantage any fund managed by Dreyfus or its affiliates.
6
Shareholder Guide
This fund is designed for institutional investors. Fund shares will not be sold to individuals .
Investors pay no sales charges to invest in the fund. The price for shares is the net asset value per share (NAV), which is generally calculated as of 5:00 p.m. on days the New York Stock Exchange or the fund's transfer agent is open for regular business. Orders in proper form will be priced at the NAV next calculated after the orders and Federal Funds are received by the fund's custodian or other authorized entity.
Orders in proper form placed prior to 5:00 p.m., and payments for which are received in or converted into Federal Funds by the fund's custodian by 6:00 p.m., will become effective at the price determined at 5:00 p.m., and the shares so purchased will receive the dividend declared on that day. Investors whose orders are placed in proper form after 5:00 p.m., or whose payments are received in or converted into Federal Funds after 6:00 p.m. by the fund's custodian, will begin to accrue dividends on the following business day.
All times are Eastern time.
The fund's portfolio securities are valued at amortized cost, which does not take into account unrealized gains or losses. As a result, portfolio securities are valued at their acquisition cost, adjusted over time based on the discounts or premiums reflected in their purchase price. The fund uses the amortized cost method of valuation pursuant to Rule 2a-7 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 in order to be able to price its shares at $1.00 per share. In accordance with Rule 2a-7, the fund is subject to certain maturity, quality, liquidity and diversification requirements to help it maintain the $1.00 per share price.
When calculating its NAV, the fund compares the NAV using amortized cost to its NAV using available market quotations or market equivalents, which generally are provided by an independent pricing service approved by the fund's board. The pricing service's procedures are reviewed under the general supervision of the board.
The minimum initial investment is $1 billion, unless: (a) the investor has invested at least $1 billion in Prime shares of Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Money Market Fund, in which case there would be no minimum initial investment amount for the fund; or (b) the investor has, in the opinion of Dreyfus Investments Division, adequate intent and availability of assets to reach a future aggregate level of investment of $1 billion in the fund or in Prime shares of Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Money Market Fund.
To open an account, make additional investments, or sell shares please call 1-800-346-3621.
Investors may sell (redeem) shares at any time and the shares will be sold at the next determined NAV. If a request for redemption is received in proper form, and transmitted to the fund's custodian by 5:00 p.m., Eastern time, the proceeds of the redemption, if transfer by wire is requested, ordinarily will be transmitted in Federal Funds on the same day, and the shares will not receive the dividend declared on that day. If the request is received later that day, the shares will receive the dividend declared on that day, and the proceeds of redemption, if wire transfer is requested, ordinarily will be transmitted in Federal Funds on the next business day. Any certificates representing fund shares being sold must be returned with the redemption request.
The processing of redemptions and the delivery of the proceeds may be delayed beyond the same or next business day, depending on the circumstances, for any period: (i) during which the New York Stock Exchange is closed (other than on holidays or weekends), or during which trading on the New York Stock Exchange is restricted; (ii) when an emergency exists that makes difficult the disposal of securities owned by the fund or the determination of the fair value of the fund's net assets; or (iii) as permitted by order of the Securities and Exchange Commission for the protection of fund shareholders. For these purposes, the Securities and Exchange Commission determines the conditions under which trading shall be deemed to be restricted and an emergency shall be deemed to exist.
Unless you decline teleservice privileges on the application, you may be responsible for any fraudulent telephone or online order as long as Dreyfus takes reasonable measures to verify the order.
7
Money market funds generally are used by investors for short-term investments, often in place of bank checking or savings accounts, or for cash management purposes. Investors value the ability to add and withdraw their funds quickly, without restriction. For this reason, although Dreyfus discourages excessive trading and other abusive trading practices, the fund has not adopted policies and procedures, or imposed redemption fees or other restrictions such as minimum holding periods, to deter frequent purchases and redemptions of fund shares. Dreyfus also believes that money market funds, such as the fund, are not targets of abusive trading practices, because money market funds seek to maintain a $1.00 per share price and typically do not fluctuate in value based on market prices. However, frequent purchases and redemptions of the fund's shares could increase the fund's transaction costs, such as market spreads and custodial fees, and may interfere with the efficient management of the fund's portfolio, which could detract from the fund's performance. Accordingly, the fund reserves the right to refuse any purchase or exchange request.
The fund also reserves the right to:
· change its minimum or maximum investment amounts
· "redeem in kind," or make payments in securities rather than cash, if the amount redeemed is deemed by Dreyfus to be large enough to affect fund operations. Investors are urged to call Dreyfus Investments Division before effecting any large transaction.
The fund may also process purchase and sale orders and calculate its NAV on days the fund's primary trading markets are open and the fund's management determines to do so.
The fund earns dividends, interest and other income from its investments, and distributes this income (less expenses) to shareholders as dividends. The fund also realizes capital gains from its investments, and distributes these gains (less any losses) to shareholders as capital gain distributions. The fund normally pays dividends once a month and capital gain distributions, if any, annually. Fund dividends and capital gain distributions will be reinvested in the fund unless you instruct the fund otherwise. There are no fees or sales charges on reinvestments.
Distributions paid by the fund are subject to federal income tax, and may also be subject to state or local taxes (unless you are investing through a tax-advantaged retirement account). For federal tax purposes, in general, certain fund distributions, including distributions of short-term capital gains, are taxable to you as ordinary income. The tax status of any distribution generally is the same regardless of how long you have been in the fund and whether you reinvest your distributions or take them in cash.
If you buy shares of a fund when the fund has realized but not yet distributed income or capital gains, you will be "buying a dividend" by paying the full price for the shares and then receiving a portion back in the form of a taxable distribution.
Your sale of shares, including exchanges into other funds, may result in a capital gain or loss for tax purposes. A capital gain or loss on your investment in the fund generally is the difference between the cost of your shares and the amount you receive when you sell them.
The tax status of your distributions will be detailed in your annual tax statement from the fund. Because everyone's tax situation is unique, please consult your tax adviser before investing.
An investor may purchase, in exchange for shares of the fund, Prime shares of Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Money Market Fund. An exchange may be requested in writing or by telephone. Be sure to read the current prospectus for the fund into which you are exchanging before investing. Any new account established through an exchange will have the same privileges as the original account (as long as they are available). There is currently no fee for exchanges.
Dreyfus Auto-Exchange Privilege
Dreyfus Auto-Exchange privilege enables an investor to invest regularly (on a monthly, semi-monthly, quarterly or annual basis), in exchange for shares of the fund, in Prime shares of Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Money Market Fund, if the investor is a shareholder in such fund. There is currently no fee for this privilege.
Account statements
Every Dreyfus Fund investor automatically receives regular account statements. Each investor will also be sent a yearly statement detailing the tax characteristics of any dividends and distributions the investor has received.
8
These financial highlights describe the performance of the fund's shares for the fiscal periods indicated. "Total return" shows how much your investment in the fund would have increased (or decreased) during each period, assuming you had reinvested all dividends and distributions. These financial highlights have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, whose report, along with the fund's financial statements, is included in the annual report, which is available upon request.
|
Year Ended March 31, |
|||||
|
2012 |
2011 |
2010 |
2009 |
2008 |
|
|
Per Share Data ($): |
|||||
|
Net asset value, beginning of period |
1.00 |
1.00 |
1.00 |
1.00 |
1.00 |
|
Investment Operations: |
|||||
|
Investment income--net |
.001 |
.002 |
.001 |
.015 |
.046 |
|
Distributions: |
|||||
|
Dividends from investment income--net |
(.001) |
(.002) |
(.001) |
(.015) |
(.046) |
|
Net asset value, end of period |
1.00 |
1.00 |
1.00 |
1.00 |
1.00 |
|
Total Return (%) |
.08 |
.21 |
.14 |
1.50 |
4.73 |
|
Ratios/Supplemental Data (%): |
|||||
|
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets |
.10 |
.10 |
.12 |
.12 |
.10 |
|
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets |
.00 |
.00 |
.02 |
.02 |
.00 |
|
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets |
.08 |
.20 |
.14 |
1.59 |
4.68 |
|
Net Assets, end of period ($ x 1,000) |
1,311,439 |
952,020 |
739,015 |
725,259 |
710,716 |
9
For More Information
Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Plus Money Market Fund
A series of Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Money Market Funds
SEC file number:
811-08211
More information on this fund is available free upon request, including the following:
Annual/Semiannual Report
Describes the fund's performance, lists portfolio holdings and contains a letter from the fund's manager discussing recent market conditions, economic trends and fund strategies that significantly affected the fund's performance during the last fiscal year. The fund's most recent annual and semiannual reports are available at www.dreyfus.com .
Statement of Additional Information (SAI)
Provides more details about the fund and its policies. A current SAI is available at www.dreyfus.com and is on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The SAI is incorporated by reference (and is legally considered part of this prospectus).
Portfolio Holdings
Dreyfus funds generally disclose their complete schedule of portfolio holdings monthly with a 30-day lag at www.dreyfus.com under Products and Performance. Complete holdings as of the end of the calendar quarter are disclosed 15 days after the end of such quarter. Dreyfus money market funds generally disclose their complete schedule of holdings daily. The schedule of holdings for a fund will remain on the website until the fund files its Form N-Q or Form N-CSR for the period that includes the dates of the posted holdings.
A complete description of the fund's policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of the fund's portfolio securities is available in the fund's SAI.
To Obtain Information
By telephone. Call 1-800-346-3621
By mail. Write to:
The Dreyfus Family of Funds
144 Glenn Curtiss Boulevard
Uniondale, NY 11556-0144
By E-mail Access Dreyfus Investments Division at www.dreyfus.com. Investors can obtain product information and E-mail requests for information or literature.
On the Internet. Certain fund documents can be viewed online or downloaded from:
SEC: http://www.sec.gov
Dreyfus: http://www.dreyfus.com
You can also obtain copies, after paying a duplicating fee, by visiting the SEC's Public Reference Room in Washington, DC (for information, call 1-202-551-8090) or by E-mail request to publicinfo@sec.gov, or by writing to the SEC's Public Reference Section, Washington, DC 20549-1520.
|
© 2012 MBSC Securities Corporation
|
|
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
September 1, 2011, as revised or amended October 1, 2011, December 1, 2011, February 1, 2012, March 1, 2012, April 1, 2012, May 1, 2012 and August 1, 2012
This Statement of Additional Information (SAI), which is not a prospectus, supplements and should be read in conjunction with the current prospectus of each fund listed below, as such prospectuses may be revised from time to time. To obtain a copy of a fund's prospectus, please call your financial adviser, or write to the fund at 144 Glenn Curtiss Boulevard, Uniondale, New York 11556-0144, visit www.dreyfus.com , or call 1-800-DREYFUS (1-516-794-5452 outside the U.S.).
The most recent annual report and semi-annual report to shareholders for each fund are separate documents supplied with this SAI, and the financial statements, accompanying notes and report of the independent registered public accounting firm appearing in the annual report are incorporated by reference into this SAI. All classes of a fund have the same fiscal year end and prospectus date. Capitalized but undefined terms used in this SAI are defined in the Glossary at the end of this SAI.
|
Fund |
Abbreviation |
Share Class/Ticker |
Fiscal Year End* |
Prospectus Date |
|
Dreyfus Institutional Cash Advantage Funds |
ICAF |
|||
|
Dreyfus Institutional Cash Advantage Fund |
DICAF |
Administrative Advantage/DDTXX |
April 30 th |
September 1 st |
|
Participant Advantage/DPTXX |
||||
|
Institutional Advantage/DADXX |
||||
|
Investor Advantage/DIVXX |
||||
|
Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Money Market Funds |
IPMMF |
|||
|
Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Money Market Fund |
DIPMMF |
Prime/N/A |
March 31 st |
August 1 st |
|
Reserve/DRSXX |
||||
|
Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Plus Money Market Fund |
DIPPMMF |
N/A |
March 31 st |
August 1 st |
|
Dreyfus Institutional Reserves Funds |
IRF |
|||
|
Dreyfus Institutional Reserves Money Fund |
DIRMF |
Institutional/DSVXX |
December 31 st |
May 1 st |
|
Hamilton/DSHXX |
||||
|
Agency/DRGXX |
||||
|
Premier/DERXX |
||||
|
Classic/DLSXX |
||||
|
Dreyfus Institutional Reserves Treasury Fund |
DIRTF |
Institutional/DNSXX |
December 31 st |
May 1 st |
|
Hamilton/DHLXX |
||||
|
Agency/DGYXX |
||||
|
Premier/DRRXX |
||||
|
Classic/DSSXX |
||||
|
Dreyfus Institutional Reserves Treasury Prime Fund |
DIRTPF |
Institutional/DUPXX |
December 31 st |
May 1 st |
|
Hamilton/DHMXX |
||||
|
Agency/DANXX |
||||
|
Premier/DMEXX |
|
|
|
Fund |
Abbreviation |
Share Class/Ticker |
Fiscal Year End* |
Prospectus Date |
|
Dreyfus Investment Grade Funds, Inc. |
DIGF |
|||
|
Dreyfus Inflation Adjusted Securities Fund |
DIASF |
Institutional/DIASX |
July 31 st |
December 1 st |
|
Investor/DIAVX |
||||
|
Dreyfus Intermediate Term Income Fund |
DITIF |
Class A/DRITX |
July 31 st |
December 1 st |
|
Class C/DTECX |
||||
|
Class I/DITIX |
||||
|
Dreyfus Short Term Income Fund |
DSTIF |
Class P/DSHPX |
July 31 st |
December 1 st |
|
Class D/DSTIX |
||||
|
Dreyfus Lifetime Portfolios, Inc. |
DLP |
|||
|
Growth and Income Portfolio |
GIP |
Investor/DGIIX |
September 30 th |
February 1 st |
|
Restricted/DGIRX |
||||
|
Dreyfus Liquid Assets, Inc. |
DLA |
Class 1/DLAXX |
December 31 st |
May 1 st |
|
Class 2/DLATX |
||||
|
Dreyfus Opportunity Funds |
DOF |
|||
|
Dreyfus Natural Resources Fund |
DNRF |
Class A/DNLAX |
September 30 th |
February 1 st |
|
Class C/DLDCX |
||||
|
Class I/DLDRX |
||||
|
Dreyfus Premier Short-Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund |
PSIMBF |
|||
|
Dreyfus Short-Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund |
DSIMBF |
Class A/DMBAX |
March 31 st |
August 1 st |
|
Class D/DSIBX |
||||
|
Class I/DIMIX |
||||
|
Dreyfus Short-Intermediate Government Fund |
SIGF |
DSIGX |
November 30 th |
April 1 st |
|
Dreyfus Worldwide Dollar Money Market Fund, Inc. |
WDMMF |
DWDXX |
October 31 st |
March 1 st |
|
The Dreyfus Fund Incorporated |
DF |
DREVX |
December 31 st |
May 1 st |
|
The Dreyfus Third Century Fund, Inc. |
DTCF |
Class A/DTCAX |
May 31 st |
October 1 st |
|
Class C/DTCCX |
||||
|
Class I/DRTCX |
||||
|
Class Z/DRTHX |
* Certain information provided in this SAI is indicated to be as of the end of a fund's last fiscal year or during a fund's last fiscal year. The term "last fiscal year" means the most recently completed fiscal year, except that for funds with fiscal years ended April 30 th , May 31 st and July 31 st , "last fiscal year" means the fiscal year ended in the immediately preceding calendar year.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I
|
BOARD INFORMATION |
|
|
Information About Each Board Member's Experience, Qualifications, Attributes or Skills |
|
|
Committee Meetings |
|
|
Board Members' and Officers' Fund Share Ownership |
|
|
Board Members' Compensation |
|
|
OFFICERS |
|
|
CERTAIN PORTFOLIO MANAGER INFORMATION |
|
|
MANAGER'S AND SUB-ADVISERS' COMPENSATION |
|
|
SALES LOADS, CDSCS AND DISTRIBUTOR'S COMPENSATION |
|
|
OFFERING PRICE |
|
|
RATINGS OF MUNICIPAL BONDS |
|
|
RATINGS OF CORPORATE DEBT SECURITIES |
|
|
SECURITIES OF REGULAR BROKERS OR DEALERS |
|
|
COMMISSIONS |
|
|
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER VARIATION |
|
|
SHARE OWNERSHIP |
PART II
|
HOW TO BUY SHARES |
|
|
Investment Minimums |
|
|
Purchase of Institutional Money Funds |
|
|
Dreyfus TeleTransfer Privilege |
|
|
Reopening an Account |
|
|
Information Regarding the Offering of Share Classes |
|
|
Class A |
|
|
Right of Accumulation |
|
|
HOW TO REDEEM SHARES |
|
|
Wire Redemption Privilege |
|
|
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES |
|
|
DISTRIBUTION PLANS, SERVICE PLANS AND SHAREHOLDER SERVICES PLANS |
|
|
INVESTMENTS, INVESTMENT TECHNIQUES AND RISKS |
|
|
Funds other than Money Market Funds |
|
|
Money Market Funds |
|
|
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS |
|
|
Fundamental Policies |
|
|
Nonfundamental Policies |
|
|
Policies Related to Fund Names |
|
|
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS |
|
|
INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUNDS' ORGANIZATION AND STRUCTURE |
|
CERTAIN EXPENSE ARRANGEMENTS AND OTHER DISCLOSURES |
|
|
COUNSEL AND INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM |
PART III
|
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT HOW TO BUY SHARES |
|
|
Investment Minimums |
|
|
Purchase of Institutional Money Funds and Cash Management Funds |
|
|
In-Kind Purchases |
|
|
Information Pertaining to Purchase Orders |
|
|
Federal Funds |
|
|
Dreyfus TeleTransfer Privilege |
|
|
Reopening an Account |
|
|
Multi-Class Funds |
|
|
Converting Shares |
|
|
Taxpayer ID Number |
|
|
Frequent Purchases and Exchanges (non-money market funds only) |
|
|
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT HOW TO REDEEM SHARES |
|
|
Redemption Fee |
|
|
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge - Multi-Class Funds |
|
|
Class C |
|
|
Waiver of CDSC |
|
|
Redemption Through an Authorized Entity |
|
|
Checkwriting Privilege |
|
|
Wire Redemption Privilege |
|
|
Redemption through Compatible Automated Facilities |
|
|
Dreyfus TeleTransfer Privilege |
|
|
Reinvestment Privilege |
|
|
Share Certificates; Medallion Signature Guarantees |
|
|
Redemption Commitment |
|
|
Suspension of Redemptions |
|
|
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT SHAREHOLDER SERVICES |
|
|
Exchanges |
|
|
Fund Exchanges |
|
|
Dreyfus Auto-Exchange Privilege |
|
|
Dreyfus Automatic Asset Builder ® |
|
|
Dreyfus Government Direct Deposit Privilege |
|
|
Dreyfus Payroll Savings Plan |
|
|
Dreyfus Dividend Options |
|
|
Dreyfus Dividend Sweep |
|
|
Dreyfus Dividend ACH |
|
|
Automatic Withdrawal Plan |
|
|
Letter of Intent - Class A Shares |
|
|
Corporate Pension/Profit-Sharing and Retirement Plans |
|
|
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT DISTRIBUTION PLANS, SERVICE PLANS AND SHAREHOLDER SERVICES PLANS |
|
|
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT INVESTMENTS, |
|
|
INVESTMENT TECHNIQUES AND RISKS |
|
|
All Funds other than Money Market Funds |
|
|
Equity Securities |
|
|
Common Stock |
|
|
Preferred Stock |
|
|
Convertible Securities |
|
Warrants |
|
|
IPOs |
|
|
Fixed-Income Securities |
|
|
U.S. Government Securities |
|
|
Corporate Debt Securities |
|
|
Ratings of Securities |
|
|
High Yield and Lower-Rated Securities |
|
|
Zero Coupon, Pay-In-Kind and Step-Up Securities |
|
|
Inflation-Indexed Securities |
|
|
Variable and Floating Rate Securities |
|
|
Participation Interests and Assignments |
|
|
Mortgage-Related Securities |
|
|
Asset-Backed Securities |
|
|
Collateralized Debt Obligations |
|
|
Municipal Securities |
|
|
Taxable Investments (municipal or other tax-exempt funds only) |
|
|
Funding Agreements |
|
|
Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) |
|
|
Money Market Instruments |
|
|
Bank Obligations |
|
|
Repurchase Agreements |
|
|
Commercial Paper |
|
|
Foreign Securities |
|
|
Emerging Markets |
|
|
Brazil |
|
|
Certain Asian Emerging Market Countries |
|
|
India |
|
|
Depositary Receipts and New York Shares |
|
|
Sovereign Debt Obligations |
|
|
Eurodollar and Yankee Dollar Investments |
|
|
Investment Companies |
|
|
Private Investment Funds |
|
|
Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) |
|
|
Exchange-Traded Notes |
|
|
Derivatives |
|
|
Futures Transactions |
|
|
Options |
|
|
Swap Transactions |
|
|
Credit Linked Securities |
|
|
Credit Derivatives |
|
|
Structured Securities and Hybrid Instruments |
|
|
Participatory Notes |
|
|
Custodial Receipts |
|
|
Combined Transactions |
|
|
Future Developments |
|
|
Foreign Currency Transactions |
|
|
Commodities |
|
|
Short-Selling |
|
|
Lending Portfolio Securities |
|
|
Borrowing Money |
|
|
Borrowing Money for Leverage |
|
|
Reverse Repurchase Agreements |
|
|
Forward Commitments |
|
|
Forward Roll Transactions |
|
|
Illiquid Securities |
|
|
Illiquid Securities Generally |
|
Section 4(2) Paper and Rule 144A Securities |
|
|
Non-Diversified Status |
|
|
Investments in the Technology Sector |
|
|
Investments in the Real Estate Sector |
|
|
Investments in the Natural Resources Sector |
|
|
Money Market Funds |
|
|
Ratings of Securities |
|
|
Treasury Securities |
|
|
U.S. Government Securities |
|
|
Repurchase Agreements |
|
|
Bank Obligations |
|
|
Bank Securities |
|
|
Floating and Variable Rate Obligations |
|
|
Participation Interests |
|
|
Asset-Backed Securities |
|
|
Commercial Paper |
|
|
Investment Companies |
|
|
Foreign Securities |
|
|
Municipal Securities |
|
|
Derivative Products |
|
|
Stand-By Commitments |
|
|
Taxable Investments (municipal or other tax-exempt funds only) |
|
|
Illiquid Securities |
|
|
Borrowing Money |
|
|
Reverse Repurchase Agreements |
|
|
Forward Commitments |
|
|
Interfund Borrowing and Lending Program |
|
|
Lending Portfolio Securities |
|
|
RATING CATEGORIES |
|
|
S&P |
|
|
Long-Term Issue Credit Ratings |
|
|
Short-Term Issue Credit Ratings |
|
|
Municipal Short-Term Note Ratings Definitions |
|
|
Moody's |
|
|
Long-Term Obligation Ratings and Definitions |
|
|
Short-Term Ratings |
|
|
U.S. Municipal Short-Term Debt and Demand Obligation Ratings |
|
|
Fitch |
|
|
Corporate Finance Obligations — Long-Term Rating Scales |
|
|
Structured, Project & Public Finance Obligations — Long-Term Rating Scales |
|
|
Short-Term Ratings Assigned to Obligations in Corporate, Public and Structured Finance |
|
|
DBRS |
|
|
Long Term Obligations |
|
|
Commercial Paper and Short Term Debt |
|
|
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE BOARD |
|
|
Boards' Oversight Role in Management |
|
|
Board Composition and Leadership Structure |
|
|
Additional Information About the Boards and Their Committees |
|
|
MANAGEMENT ARRANGEMENTS |
|
|
The Manager |
|
|
Sub-Advisers |
|
|
Portfolio Allocation Manager |
|
|
Portfolio Managers and Portfolio Manager Compensation |
|
|
Certain Conflicts of Interest with Other Accounts |
|
Code of Ethics |
|
|
Distributor |
|
|
Transfer and Dividend Disbursing Agent and Custodian |
|
|
DETERMINATION OF NAV |
|
|
Valuation of Portfolio Securities (funds other than money market funds) |
|
|
Valuation of Portfolio Securities (money market funds only) |
|
|
Calculation of NAV |
|
|
Expense Allocations |
|
|
NYSE and Transfer Agent Closings |
|
|
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS |
|
|
Funds Other Than Money Market Funds |
|
|
Money Market Funds |
|
|
TAXATION |
|
|
Taxation of the Funds |
|
|
Taxation of Fund Distributions (Funds Other Than Municipal or Other Tax-Exempt Funds) |
|
|
Sale, Exchange or Redemption of Shares |
|
|
PFICs |
|
|
Non-U.S. Taxes |
|
|
Foreign Currency Transactions |
|
|
Financial Products |
|
|
Payments with Respect to Securities Loans |
|
|
Securities Issued or Purchased at a Discount and Payment-in-Kind Securities |
|
|
Inflation-Indexed Treasury Securities |
|
|
Certain Higher-Risk and High Yield Securities |
|
|
Funds Investing in Municipal Securities (Municipal or Other Tax-Exempt Funds) |
|
|
Investing in Mortgage Entities |
|
|
Tax-Exempt Shareholders |
|
|
Backup Withholding |
|
|
Foreign (Non-U.S.) Shareholders |
|
|
The Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment Act |
|
|
Possible Legislative Changes |
|
|
Other Tax Matters |
|
|
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS |
|
|
Trading the Funds' Portfolio Securities |
|
|
Soft Dollars |
|
|
IPO Allocations |
|
|
Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings |
|
|
SUMMARY OF THE PROXY VOTING POLICY, PROCEDURES AND GUIDELINES OF THE DREYFUS FAMILY OF FUNDS |
|
|
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUNDS' STRUCTURE; FUND SHARES |
|
|
AND VOTING RIGHTS |
|
|
Massachusetts Business Trusts |
|
|
Fund Shares and Voting Rights |
|
|
GLOSSARY |
PART I
Information About Each Board Member's Experience, Qualifications, Attributes or Skills
Board members for the funds, together with information as to their positions with the funds, principal occupations and other board memberships during the past five years, are shown below. The address of each board member is 200 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10166.
|
Name
|
Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years |
Other Public Company Board Memberships During Past 5 Years |
|
Joseph S. DiMartino
|
Corporate Director and Trustee |
CBIZ (formerly, Century Business Services,
Inc.), a provider of outsourcing functions for small and medium size companies,
Director
|
|
Clifford L. Alexander, Jr.
|
President of Alexander & Associates, Inc., a management consulting firm (1981 - present) |
N/A |
|
Whitney I. Gerard
|
Partner of Chadbourne & Parke LLP |
N/A
|
|
Nathan Leventhal
|
Chairman of the Avery Fisher Artist Program (1997 - present)
|
Movado Group, Inc., Director (2003 - present) |
|
George L. Perry
|
Economist and Senior Fellow at The Brookings Institution |
N/A |
|
Benaree Pratt Wiley
|
Principal, The Wiley Group, a firm specializing in strategy and business development (2005 - present) |
CBIZ (formerly, Century Business Services, Inc.), a provider of outsourcing functions for small and medium size companies, Director (2008 - present) |
I-1
The following table shows the year each board member joined each fund's board.
|
Fund |
Joseph S. DiMartino |
Clifford L. Alexander |
Whitney I. Gerard |
Nathan Leventhal |
George L. Perry |
Benaree Pratt Wiley |
|
ICAF |
2002 |
2002 |
2003 |
2009 |
2003 |
2009 |
|
IPMMF |
1997 |
1997 |
2003 |
2009 |
2003 |
2009 |
|
IRF |
2008 |
2008 |
2008 |
2009 |
2008 |
2009 |
|
DIGF |
1995 |
2003 |
1993 |
2009 |
1992 |
2009 |
|
DLP |
1995 |
2003 |
1993 |
2009 |
1992 |
2009 |
|
DLA |
1995 |
2003 |
1973 |
2009 |
1989 |
2009 |
|
DOF |
2000 |
2000 |
2003 |
2009 |
2003 |
2009 |
|
PSIMBF |
1995 |
2003 |
1989 |
2009 |
1990 |
2009 |
|
SIGF |
1995 |
2003 |
1989 |
2009 |
1990 |
2009 |
|
WDMMF |
1995 |
2003 |
1989 |
2009 |
1990 |
2009 |
|
DF |
1995 |
2003 |
1973 |
2009 |
1989 |
2009 |
|
DTCF |
1995 |
1981 |
2003 |
2009 |
2003 |
2009 |
Each board member has been a Dreyfus Family of Funds board member for over ten years. Additional information about each board member follows (supplementing the information provided in the table above) that describes some of the specific experiences, qualifications, attributes or skills that each board member possesses which the board believes has prepared them to be effective board members. The board believes that the significance of each board member's experience, qualifications, attributes or skills is an individual matter (meaning that experience that is important for one board member may not have the same value for another) and that these factors are best evaluated at the board level, with no single board member, or particular factor, being indicative of board effectiveness. However, the board believes that board members need to have the ability to critically review, evaluate, question and discuss information provided to them, and to interact effectively with fund management, service providers and counsel, in order to exercise effective business judgment in the performance of their duties; the board believes that its members satisfy this standard. Experience relevant to having this ability may be achieved through a board member's educational background; business, professional training or practice ( e.g. , medicine, accounting or law), public service or academic positions; experience from service as a board member (including the board for the funds) or as an executive of investment funds, public companies or significant private or not-for-profit entities or other organizations; and/or other life experiences. The charter for the board's nominating committee contains certain other factors considered by the committee in identifying and evaluating potential board member nominees. To assist them in evaluating matters under federal and state law, the board members are counseled by their independent legal counsel, who participates in board meetings and interacts with the Manager, and also may benefit from information provided by the Manager's counsel; counsel to the funds and to the board have significant experience advising funds and fund board members. The board and its committees have the ability to engage other experts as appropriate. The board evaluates its performance on an annual basis.
· Joseph S. DiMartino – Mr. DiMartino has been the Chairman of the Board of the funds in the Dreyfus Family of Funds for over 15 years. From 1971 through 1994, Mr. DiMartino served in various roles as an employee of Dreyfus (prior to its acquisition by a predecessor of BNY Mellon in August 1994 and related management changes), including portfolio manager, President, Chief Operating Officer and a director. He ceased being an employee or director of Dreyfus by the end of 1994. From July 1995 to November 1997, Mr. DiMartino served as Chairman of the Board of The Noel Group, a public buyout firm; in that capacity, he helped manage, acquire, take public and liquidate a number of operating companies. From 1986 to 2010, Mr. DiMartino served as a Director of the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
· Clifford L. Alexander – Mr. Alexander is the President of Alexander & Associates, Inc. a management consulting firm. Prior to forming Alexander & Associates, Inc., Mr. Alexander served as chairman of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission from 1967 to 1969 and as Secretary of the Army from 1977 through 1981 and before that was a partner in the law firm of Verner, Liipfert, Bernhard, McPherson, and Alexander. Mr. Alexander has been a Director of Mutual of America Life Insurance Company since 1989.
I-2
· Whitney I. Gerard – Mr. Gerard is a partner in the law firm of Chadbourne & Parke LLP, where his practice focuses on the representation and counseling of international companies and individuals doing business and/or engaged in litigation in the United States.
· Nathan Leventhal – Mr. Leventhal was previously a Commissioner of the New York City Planning Commission. Previously, Mr. Leventhal served in a number of senior positions in New York City Government, including Fiscal Director of the Human Resources Administration and Chief of Staff to Mayor John V. Lindsay, Deputy Mayor to Mayor Ed Koch, and Transition Chairman for both Mayors David Dinkins and Michael Bloomberg. Mr. Leventhal is a former partner in the law firm Poletti Freidin Prashker Feldman & Gartner. In the not-for-profit sector, Mr. Leventhal served for 17 years as President of Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, where he is now President Emeritus and Chairman of the Avery Fisher Artist Program.
· George L. Perry – Dr. Perry is an Economist and Senior Fellow at The Brookings Institution. Dr. Perry was the founder and long time director of the Brookings Panel on Economic Activity and editor of its journal, the Brookings Papers. Dr. Perry is a Director Emeritus of and a consultant to the State Farm Mutual Automobile Association and State Farm Life Insurance Company. Prior to joining the Brookings Institution, Dr. Perry served as the Senior Economist to the President's Council of Economic Advisers and was a professor of economics at the University of Minnesota.
· Benaree Pratt Wiley – Ms. Wiley is a Principal of The Wiley Group, a firm specializing in personnel strategy, talent management and leadership development primarily for global insurance and consulting firms. Prior to that, Ms. Wiley served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of The Partnership, Inc., a talent management organization for multicultural professionals in the greater Boston region. Ms. Wiley currently serves on the board of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts and is chair of the advisory board of PepsiCo African-American, and she has served on the boards of several public companies and charitable organizations.
The boards' audit, nominating, compensation and pricing committees met during the funds' last fiscal years as indicated below:
Board Members' and Officers' Fund Share Ownership
The table below indicates the dollar range of each board member's ownership of fund shares and shares of other funds in the Dreyfus Family of Funds for which he or she is a board member, in each case as of December 31, 2011.
I-3
|
Fund |
Joseph S. DiMartino |
Clifford L. Alexander |
Whitney I. Gerard |
Nathan Leventhal |
George L. Perry |
Benaree Pratt Wiley |
|
DICAF |
None |
None |
None |
None |
None |
None |
|
DIPMMF |
None |
None |
None |
None |
None |
None |
|
DIRMF |
None |
None |
None |
None |
None |
None |
|
DIRTF |
None |
None |
None |
None |
None |
None |
|
DIRTPF |
None |
None |
None |
None |
None |
None |
|
DIASF |
None |
None |
None |
None |
None |
None |
|
DITIF |
None |
None |
None |
None |
None |
None |
|
DSTIF |
None |
None |
None |
None |
None |
None |
|
GIP |
None |
None |
None |
None |
None |
None |
|
DLA |
None |
None |
$50,001-$100,000 |
None |
None |
None |
|
DNRF |
None |
None |
None |
None |
None |
None |
|
DSIMBF |
None |
None |
None |
None |
None |
None |
|
SIGF |
None |
None |
None |
None |
None |
None |
|
WDMMF |
None |
None |
$1,001-$10,000 |
None |
None |
None |
|
DF |
None |
None |
$1,001-$10,000 |
$1,001-$10,000 |
None |
None |
|
DTCF |
None |
None |
None |
None |
None |
None |
|
Aggregate holdings of funds in the Dreyfus Family of Funds for which responsible as a board member |
Over $100,000 |
None |
Over $100,000 |
Over $100,000 |
None |
$50,001-$100,000 |
Board members and officers, as a group, owned less than 1% of each class of each fund's voting securities outstanding on July 3, 2012.
As of December 31, 2011, none of the board members or their immediate family members owned securities of the Manager, any Sub-Advisers, the Distributor or any person (other than a registered investment company) directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by or under common control with the Manager, any Sub-Advisers or the Distributor.
Annual retainer fees and meeting attendance fees are allocated among the funds on the basis of net assets, with the Chairman of the Boards, Joseph S. DiMartino, receiving an additional 25% of such compensation. The funds reimburse board members for their expenses. The funds do not have a bonus, pension, profit-sharing or retirement plan. Each emeritus board member is entitled to receive an annual retainer of one-half the amount paid as a retainer at the time the board member became emeritus and a per meeting attended fee of one-half the amount paid to board members.
The aggregate amount of fees and expenses* received from the funds by each current board member for the funds' last fiscal years, and by all funds in the Dreyfus Family of Funds for which such person was a board member (the number of portfolios of such funds is set forth in parentheses under each board member's total compensation) during 2011, were as follows:
I-4
|
Fund |
Joseph S. DiMartino |
Clifford L. Alexander |
Lucy Wilson Benson+ |
David W. Burke++ |
Whitney I. Gerard |
|
ICAF |
$115,466 |
$92,373 |
N/A |
$92,373 |
$92,373 |
|
IPMMF |
$40,038 |
$32,030 |
$14,207 |
$29,727 |
$32,030 |
|
IRF |
$24,843 |
$19,875 |
$8,723 |
$19,875 |
$19,875 |
|
DIGF |
$4,764 |
$3,876 |
$1,610 |
$3,811 |
$3,811 |
|
DLP |
$204 |
$161 |
$69 |
$161 |
$161 |
|
DLA |
$14,820 |
$12,230 |
$5,197 |
$12,230 |
$12,230 |
|
DOF |
$87 |
$72 |
$34 |
$72 |
$72 |
|
PSIMBF |
$2,017 |
$1,614 |
$708 |
$1,614 |
$1,614 |
|
SIGF |
$551 |
$441 |
$191 |
$441 |
$441 |
|
WDMMF |
$1,522 |
$1,232 |
$519 |
$1,215 |
$1,215 |
|
DF |
$3,280 |
$2,626 |
$1,151 |
$2,626 |
$2,626 |
|
DTCF |
$763 |
$597 |
$268 |
$597 |
$612 |
|
Total compensation from the funds and fund complex (**) |
$1,062,187.50
|
$346,500
|
$85,250
|
$484,500
|
$192,500
|
|
Fund |
Arthur A. Hartman+++ |
Nathan Leventhal |
George L. Perry |
Benaree Pratt Wiley |
|
ICAF |
N/A |
$92,373 |
$92,373 |
$92,373 |
|
IPMMF |
$11,126 |
$32,030 |
$32,030 |
$32,030 |
|
IRF |
$6,801 |
$19,875 |
$19,875 |
$19,875 |
|
DIGF |
$1,404 |
$3,811 |
$3,876 |
$3,811 |
|
DLP |
$61 |
$161 |
$161 |
$161 |
|
DLA |
$4,078 |
$12,230 |
$12,230 |
$12,230 |
|
DOF |
$28 |
$72 |
$72 |
$72 |
|
PSIMBF |
$564 |
$1,614 |
$1,614 |
$1,614 |
|
SIGF |
$149 |
$441 |
$441 |
$441 |
|
WDMMF |
$416 |
$1,215 |
$1,215 |
$1,215 |
|
DF |
$895 |
$2,626 |
$2,626 |
$2,626 |
|
DTCF |
$202 |
$602 |
$597 |
$602 |
|
Total compensation from the funds and fund complex (**) |
$58,000
|
$322,500
|
$168,500
|
$349,500
|
* Amounts shown do not include the cost of office space, secretarial services and health benefits for the Chairman of the Boards and expenses reimbursed to board members for attending board meetings.
** Represents the number of separate portfolios comprising the investment companies in the fund complex, including the funds, for which the board member served in 2011.
+ Emeritus board member since August 25, 2007.
++ Emeritus board member since July 1, 2012.
+++ Emeritus board member since March 12, 2006.
I-5
|
Name
|
Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years |
Number of Other Investment Companies
(Portfolios) for which serves as an Officer
|
|
Bradley J. Skapyak
|
Chief Operating Officer and a director of the Manager since June 2009; from April 2003 to June 2009, head of the Investment Accounting and Support Department of the Manager |
72 (156) |
|
J. Charles Cardona
2
|
Vice Chair and a Director of the Manager, Executive Vice President of the Distributor, President of Dreyfus Institutional Services Division |
12 (19) |
|
James Windels
3
|
Director – Mutual Fund Accounting of the Manager |
73 (183) |
|
Janette E. Farragher
|
Assistant General Counsel of BNY Mellon |
73 (183) |
|
Kiesha Astwood
|
Counsel of BNY Mellon |
73 (183) |
|
James Bitetto
|
Senior Counsel of BNY Mellon |
73 (183) |
|
Joni Lacks Charatan
|
Senior Counsel of BNY Mellon |
73 (183) |
|
Joseph M. Chioffi
|
Senior Counsel of BNY Mellon |
73 (183) |
|
Kathleen DeNicholas
|
Managing Counsel of BNY Mellon |
73 (183) |
|
John B. Hammalian
|
Senior Managing Counsel of BNY Mellon |
73 (183) |
|
Robert M. Mullery
|
Managing Counsel of BNY Mellon |
73 (183) |
I-6
|
Name
|
Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years |
Number of Other Investment Companies
(Portfolios) for which serves as an Officer
|
|
Jeff Prusnofsky
|
Senior Managing Counsel of BNY Mellon |
73 (183) |
|
Richard S. Cassaro
|
Senior Accounting Manager – Money Market and Municipal Bond Funds of the Manager |
73 (183) |
|
Gavin C. Reilly
|
Tax Manager of the Investment Accounting and Support Department of the Manager |
73 (183) |
|
Robert S. Robol
4
|
Senior Accounting Manager – Fixed Income Funds of the Manager |
73 (183) |
|
Robert Salviolo
|
Senior Accounting Manager – Equity Funds of the Manager |
73 (183) |
|
Robert Svagna
5
|
Senior Accounting Manager – Equity Funds of the Manager |
73 (183) |
|
Matthew D. Connolly
|
Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer of the Distributor since October 2011; from March 2010 to September 2011, Global Head, KYC Reviews and Director, UBS Investment Bank; until March 2010, AML Compliance Officer and Senior Vice President, Citi Global Wealth Management |
69 (179) |
|
Joseph W. Connolly
|
Chief Compliance Officer of the Manager and the Dreyfus Family of Funds |
73 (183) |
1 With respect to IRF, each officer has held his or her respective position with the fund since 2008, except for Bradley Skapyak and Matthew Connolly and Mmes. Farragher, Astwood and DeNicholas, whose dates are as shown above.
2 Mr. Cardona is an officer with respect to IRF, IPMMF and ICAF only, a position he has held since 2000 with respect to IPMMF, 2002 with respect to ICAF, and 2008 with respect to IRF.
3 With respect to ICAF, Mr. Windels has held the position with the fund since 2002.
4 Mr. Robol has held this position since 2002 with respect to DF and DLA, 2003 with respect to WDMMF, DICAF and DLP, and 2005 with respect to DTCF, DOF, SIGF, DF, DIGF, IPMMF and PSIMBF.
5 Mr. Svagna has held this position since 2002 with respect to DLP, DOF, PSIMBF, DTCF and DF, and 2005 with respect to WDMMF, IPMMF, DIGF, DLA and SIGF.
The address of each officer is 200 Park Avenue,
New York, New York 10166.
I-7
CERTAIN PORTFOLIO MANAGER INFORMATION
(not applicable to money market funds)
The following table lists the funds' portfolio managers, if any, who are in addition to the primary portfolio managers listed in the prospectus. See the prospectus for a list of, and certain other information regarding, the primary portfolio manager(s) for your fund.
|
Fund |
Additional Portfolio Managers |
|
DITIF |
N/A |
|
DIASF |
N/A |
|
DSTIF |
N/A |
|
DLP |
Dawn Guffey and Nancy Rogers |
|
DNRF |
N/A |
|
DSIMBF |
N/A |
|
SIGF |
N/A |
|
DF |
N/A |
|
DTCF |
N/A |
The following table lists the number and types of accounts (including the funds) advised by each fund's primary portfolio manager(s) and assets under management in those accounts as of end of the last fiscal year of the funds they manage, unless otherwise indicated:
|
Primary
|
Registered Investment Companies |
Total Assets Managed |
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles |
Total Assets Managed |
Other Accounts |
Total Assets Managed |
|
Theodore W. Bair, Jr |
1 |
$165.9M |
0 |
N/A |
0 |
N/A |
|
Robert Bayston |
5 |
$1.2B |
4 |
$135.0B |
49 |
$4.3B |
|
C. Wesley Boggs |
13 |
$1.6B |
11 |
$639.0M |
64 |
$6.8B |
|
David Bowser |
6 |
$2.3B |
3 |
$1.2B |
161 |
$17.7B |
|
Jeffrey Burger |
3 |
$2.0B |
0 |
$0 |
69 |
$905.2M |
|
Thomas Casey |
6 |
$3.1B |
0 |
$0 |
181 |
$2.3B |
|
Warren Chiang |
13 |
$1.6B |
11 |
$639.0M |
64 |
$6.8B |
|
Sean P. Fitzgibbon |
18 |
$4.7B |
4 |
$309.8M |
15 |
$1.3B |
|
Ronald Gala |
13 |
$1.6B |
11 |
$639.0M |
64 |
$6.8B |
|
Dawn Guffey |
2 |
$2.5B |
0 |
N/A |
0 |
N/A |
|
David Horsfall |
7 |
$2.3B |
5 |
$1.5B |
162 |
$17.9B |
|
Barry K. Mills |
10 |
$3.1B |
2 |
$13.2M |
9 |
$545.1M |
|
Nate Pearson 1 |
5 |
$1.3B |
4 |
$88.6M |
52 |
$4.9B |
|
Jocelin A. Reed 2 |
13 |
$1.6B |
11 |
$639.0M |
64 |
$6.8B |
|
David Sealy |
10 |
$3.1B |
2 |
$13.2M |
9 |
$545.1M |
|
Elizabeth Slover |
7 |
$1.2B |
2 |
$12.5M |
9 |
$1.8B |
|
Peter Vaream |
6 |
$2.3B |
3 |
$1.2B |
161 |
$17.7B |
|
Robin Webhe |
7 |
$1.2B |
2 |
$12.5M |
9 |
$1.8B |
1 Mr. Pearson became a portfolio manager of DIASF effective July 20, 2012. As a result, his information is as of May 31, 2012.
2 Since Ms. Reed is a primary portfolio manager for multiple funds, information is only provided for the relevant funds' most recent fiscal year end (October 31, 2011).
The following table provides information on accounts
managed (included within the table above) by each primary portfolio manager that are subject to performance-based
advisory fees:
I-8
|
Primary
|
Type of Account |
Number of Accounts |
Total Assets of Accounts |
|
Theodore W. Bair, Jr |
None |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Robert Bayston |
None |
N/A |
N/A |
|
C. Wesley Boggs |
Other Accounts |
10 |
$1.4B |
|
David Bowser |
None |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Jeffrey Burger |
None |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Thomas Casey |
None |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Warren Chiang |
Other Accounts |
10 |
$1.4B |
|
Sean P. Fitzgibbon |
Other Accounts |
3 |
$40.8M |
|
Ronald Gala |
Other Accounts |
10 |
$1.4B |
|
Dawn Guffey |
None |
N/A |
N/A |
|
David Horsfall |
None |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Barry K. Mills |
None |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Nate Pearson 1 |
None |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Jocelin A. Reed 2 |
Other Accounts |
10 |
$1.4B |
|
David Sealy |
None |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Elizabeth Slover |
None |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Peter Vaream |
None |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Robin Webhe |
None |
N/A |
N/A |
1 Mr. Pearson became a portfolio manager of DIASF effective July 20, 2012. As a result, his information is as of May 31, 2012.
2 Since Ms. Reed is a primary portfolio manager for multiple funds, information is only provided for the relevant funds' most recent fiscal year end (October 31, 2011).
The following table lists the dollar range of fund shares beneficially owned by the primary portfolio manager(s) as of the end of the fund's last fiscal year:
|
Primary Portfolio Manager |
Fund |
Dollar Range of Fund Shares Beneficially Owned |
||||||||
|
Theodore W. Bair, Jr |
SIGF |
None |
||||||||
|
Robert Bayston |
DIASF |
None |
||||||||
|
C. Wesley Boggs |
GIP |
None |
||||||||
|
David Bowser |
DSTIF |
None |
||||||||
|
DITIF |
None |
|||||||||
|
Jeffrey Burger |
DSIMBF |
None |
||||||||
|
Thomas Casey |
DSIMBF |
None |
||||||||
|
Warren Chiang |
GIP |
None |
||||||||
|
Sean P. Fitzgibbon |
DF |
$10,001-$50,000 |
||||||||
|
Ronald Gala |
GIP |
None |
||||||||
|
Dawn Guffey |
SIGF |
None |
||||||||
|
David Horsfall |
DIASF |
None |
||||||||
|
|
DITIF |
None |
||||||||
|
|
DSTIF |
None |
||||||||
|
Barry K. Mills |
DF |
None |
||||||||
|
Nate Pearson 1 |
DIASF |
None |
||||||||
|
Jocelin A. Reed |
GIP |
None |
||||||||
|
|
DTCF |
None |
||||||||
|
David Sealy |
DF |
$1-10,000 |
||||||||
|
Elizabeth Slover |
DNRF |
None |
||||||||
|
Peter Vaream |
DSTIF |
None |
||||||||
|
|
DIASF |
None |
||||||||
I-9
|
Primary Portfolio Manager |
Fund |
Dollar Range of Fund Shares Beneficially Owned |
||
|
DITIF |
None |
|||
|
Robin Webhe |
DNRF |
None |
||
1 Mr. Pearson became a portfolio manager of DIASF effective July 20, 2012. As a result, his information is as of May 31, 2012.
MANAGER'S AND SUB-ADVISERS' COMPENSATION
For each fund's last three fiscal years, the management fees payable by a fund, the reduction, if any, in the amount of the fee paid due to fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements waived by the Manager and the net fees paid by a fund were as follows:
|
2012 Fiscal Year |
2011 Fiscal Year |
2010 Fiscal Year |
|||||||
|
Fund |
Fee payable |
Reduction in Fee |
Net fee paid |
Fee payable |
Reduction in Fee |
Net fee paid |
Fee payable |
Reduction in Fee |
Net fee paid |
|
DIPMMF |
$10,147,226 |
$268,964 |
$9,878,262 |
$10,653,595 |
$176,822 |
$10,476,773 |
$8,776,757 |
$0 |
$8,776,757 |
|
DIPPMMF |
$1,158,101 |
$1,158,101 |
$0 |
$944,691 |
$944,691 |
$0 |
$799,200 |
$799,200 |
$0 |
|
DSIMBF |
$2,739,028 |
$0 |
$2,739,028 |
$2,942,552 |
$0 |
$2,942,552 |
$2,118,502 |
$0 |
$2,118,502 |
|
2011 Fiscal Year |
2010 Fiscal Year |
2009 Fiscal Year |
|||||||
|
Fund |
Fee payable |
Reduction in Fee |
Net fee paid |
Fee payable |
Reduction in Fee |
Net fee paid |
Fee payable |
Reduction in Fee |
Net fee paid |
|
DICAF |
$52,249,752 |
$1,211,381 |
$51,038,371 |
$36,970,123 |
$589,263 |
$36,380,860 |
$35,387,296 |
$4,041,546 |
$31,345,750 |
|
DIRMF |
$7,199,375 |
$85,530 |
$7,113,845 |
$12,486,379 |
$2,228,349 |
$10,258,030 |
$14,863,855 |
$1,502,790 |
$13,361,065 |
|
DIRTF |
$2,021,092 |
$676,757 |
$1,344,335 |
$2,865,093 |
$2,865,093 |
$0 |
$4,261,123 |
$4,261,123 |
$0 |
|
DIRTPF |
$1,360,273 |
$768,729 |
$591,544 |
$1,346,866 |
$1,047,107 |
$299,759 |
$1,784,544 |
$1,146,518 |
$638,026 |
|
DIASF |
$585,505 |
$0 |
$585,505 |
$303,723 |
$46,265 |
$257,458 |
$137,665 |
$136,797 |
$868 |
|
DITIF |
$5,353,661 |
$0 |
$5,353,661 |
$5,595,822 |
$0 |
$5,595,822 |
$5,463,037 |
$0 |
$5,463,037 |
|
DSTIF |
$1,287,343 |
$0 |
$1,287,343 |
$1,168,097 |
$0 |
$1,168,097 |
$962,503 |
$0 |
$962,503 |
|
DLP |
$523,457 |
$0 |
$523,457 |
$518,353 |
$0 |
$518,353 |
$516,192 |
$0 |
$516,192 |
|
DLA 1 |
$22,019,827 |
$20,153,414 |
$1,866,413 |
$21,671,729 |
$18,859,815 |
$2,811,914 |
$24,062,398 |
$9,077,457 |
$14,984,941 |
|
DNRF |
$231,609 |
$5,819 |
$225,790 |
$210,386 |
$0 |
$210,386 |
$188,314 |
$0 |
$188,314 |
|
SIGF |
$871,236 |
$0 |
$871,236 |
$1,033,639 |
$0 |
$1,033,639 |
$1,109,789 |
$0 |
$1,109,789 |
|
WDMMF |
$2,218,759 |
$2,218,759 |
$0 |
$2,860,037 |
$2,860,037 |
$0 |
$3,225,415 |
$1,114,521 |
$2,110,894 |
|
DF 2 |
$6,637,722 |
$0 |
$6,637,722 |
$6,295,298 |
$0 |
$6,295,298 |
$5,420,371 |
$0 |
$5,420,371 |
|
DTCF |
$1,859,300 |
$0 |
$1,859,300 |
$1,783,604 |
$0 |
$1,783,604 |
$1,898,710 |
$0 |
$1,898,710 |
1 As compensation for its services to the fund, the fund has agreed to pay the Manager a monthly management fee, as a percentage of the fund's average daily net assets, at the following annual rate: .50 of 1% up to $1.5 billion; .48 of 1% between $1.5 billion and $2 billion; .47 of 1% between $2 billion and $2.5 billion; and .45 of 1% over $2.5 billion.
2
As compensation for its services to the fund, the fund has agreed to pay the Manager a monthly management fee, as a percentage of the fund's average daily net assets, at the following annual rate: .65 of 1% up to $1.5 billion; .625 of 1% between $1.5 billion and $2 billion; .60 of 1% between $2 billion and $2.5 billion; and .55 of 1% over $2.5 billion.
I-10
The contractual fee rates paid by the Manager to the fund's Sub-Adviser(s), if any, and the effective rate paid in the last fiscal year, are as follows (expressed as an annual rate as a percentage of the fund's average daily net assets):
|
Fund |
Sub-Adviser |
Fee Rate |
Effective Fee Rate for the Last Fiscal Year |
|
DLP |
Mellon Capital |
0.28% up to $600M
|
0.28% |
For a fund's last three fiscal years, the fees payable by the Manager to the fund's Sub-Adviser(s), if any, the reduction, if any, in the amount of the fee paid due to fee waivers by the Sub-Adviser and the net fees paid were as follows:
|
2011 Fiscal Year |
2010 Fiscal Year |
2009 Fiscal Year |
|||||||
|
Fund/Sub-Adviser |
Fee payable |
Reduction in Fee |
Net fee paid |
Fee payable |
Reduction in Fee |
Net fee paid |
Fee payable |
Reduction in Fee |
Net fee paid |
|
DLP |
$251,259 |
$0 |
$251,259 |
$248,810 |
$0 |
$248,810 |
$247,772 |
$0 |
$247,772 |
SALES LOADS, CDSCS AND DISTRIBUTOR'S COMPENSATION
The following table lists, for each of the three last fiscal years, the total commissions on sales of Class A shares (sales loads) and the total CDSCs on redemptions of all classes of shares (as applicable), along with corresponding amounts of each retained by the Distributor.
|
Fund |
2012 Fiscal Year |
2011 Fiscal Year |
2010 Fiscal Year |
|
|
DSIMBF |
Total commissions (A shares) |
$5,584 |
$20,483 |
$78,054 |
|
Commission amount retained |
$2,951 |
$19,165 |
$14,976 |
|
|
Total CDSCs |
$0 |
$27 |
$3,271 |
|
|
CDSC amount retained |
$0 |
$27 |
$159 |
|
Fund |
2011 Fiscal Year |
2010 Fiscal Year |
2009 Fiscal Year |
|
|
DITIF |
Total commissions (A shares) |
$34,158 |
$39,818 |
$44,178 |
|
Commission amount retained |
$337 |
$11,669 |
$13,779 |
|
|
Total CDSCs |
$21,042 |
$31,947 |
$77,247 |
|
|
CDSC amount retained |
$21,042 |
$31,947 |
$77,247 |
|
|
DSTIF |
Total commissions (A shares) |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Commission amount retained |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|
|
Total CDSCs |
$976 |
$2,918 |
$8,767 |
|
|
CDSC amount retained |
$976 |
$2,918 |
$8,767 |
|
|
DNRF |
Total commissions (A shares) |
$12,221 |
$17,806 |
$59,744 |
|
Commission amount retained |
$9,480 |
$6,639 |
$2,040 |
|
|
Total CDSCs |
$1,254 |
$2,154 |
$11,070 |
|
|
CDSC amount retained |
$1,254 |
$2,154 |
$11,070 |
|
|
DTCF |
Total commissions (A shares) |
$2,815 |
$3,881 |
$267 |
|
Commission amount retained |
$2,332 |
$3,070 |
$233 |
|
|
Total CDSCs |
$3,231 |
$3,271 |
$1,579 |
|
|
CDSC amount retained |
$3,231 |
$3,271 |
$1,579 |
I-11
The amounts paid by each fund to the Distributor under the fund's Plan or Plans, as applicable, for services described in Part II of this SAI under "Distribution Plans, Service Plans and Shareholder Services Plans" for the fund's last fiscal year were as follows:
|
Fund |
Plan |
Class |
Amount |
|
DICAF |
Service Plan (12b-1) |
Administrative Advantage |
$487,978 |
|
Investor Advantage |
$60,039 |
||
|
Participant Advantage |
$1,227,767 |
||
|
DIPMMF |
Service Plan (12b-1) |
Reserve |
$545,676 |
|
DIPPMMF |
None |
N/A |
N/A |
|
DIRMF |
Service Plan (12b-1) |
Hamilton |
$716,645 |
|
Agency |
$13,443 |
||
|
Premier |
$744,096 |
||
|
Classic |
$629,830 |
||
|
DIRTF |
Service Plan (12b-1) |
Hamilton |
$0 |
|
Agency |
$0 |
||
|
Premier |
$0 |
||
|
Classic |
$0 |
||
|
DIRTPF |
Service Plan (12b-1) |
Hamilton |
$0 |
|
Agency |
$0 |
||
|
Premier |
$0 |
||
|
DIASF |
Shareholder Services Plan |
Investor |
$108,215 |
|
DITIF |
Distribution Plan |
Class C |
$325,000 |
|
Shareholder Services Plan |
Class A |
$2,783,914 |
|
|
Class C |
$108,333 |
||
|
DSTIF |
None |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Shareholder Services Plan |
Class D |
$509,307 |
|
|
Class P |
$3,230 |
||
|
GIP |
Shareholder Services Plan |
Investor |
$152,911 |
|
DLA |
Shareholder Services Plan |
Class 1 |
$2,335,576 |
|
DNRF |
Distribution Plan |
Class C |
$41,771 |
|
Shareholder Services Plan |
Class A |
$53,122 |
|
|
Class B |
$2,730 |
||
|
Class C |
$13,924 |
||
|
DSIMBF |
Service Plan (12b-1) |
Class D |
$471,918 |
|
Shareholder Services Plan |
Class A |
$109,375 |
|
|
SIGF |
Shareholder Services Plan |
$165,680 |
|
|
WDMMF |
Shareholder Services Plan |
$857,312 |
I-12
|
Fund |
Plan |
Class |
Amount |
|
DTCF |
Distribution Plan |
Class C |
$21,513 |
|
Shareholder Services Plan |
Class A |
$34,775 |
|
|
Class C |
$7,171 |
||
|
Shareholder Services Plan |
Class Z |
$215,801 |
OFFERING PRICE
(Class A shares only)
Set forth below is an example of the method of computing the offering price of each fund's Class A shares, if applicable. The example assumes a purchase of Class A shares aggregating less than $50,000 subject to the schedule of sales charges set forth in the fund's prospectus at a price based upon the NAV of a Class A share at the close of business on the last business day of the fund's last fiscal year. Certain purchases are not subject to a sales charge or are subject to a different sales charge than the one shown below. See the prospectus and "How to Buy Shares" in Part II of this SAI.
|
Fund |
NAV Per Share |
Sales Charge as a Percentage of Offering Price and NAV Per Share |
Per Share Sales Charge |
Per Share Offering Price to Public |
|
DITIF |
$13.44 |
4.50% of offering price (4.71% of NAV per share) |
$0.63 |
$14.07 |
|
DNRF |
$22.19 |
5.75% of offering price (6.10% of NAV per share) |
$1.35 |
$23.54 |
|
DSIMBF |
$13.28 |
2.5% of offering price (2.6% of NAV per share) |
$0.34 |
$13.62 |
|
DTCF |
$10.61 |
5.75% of offering price (6.10% of NAV per share) |
$0.65 |
$11.26 |
RATINGS OF MUNICIPAL BONDS
The average distribution of investments (at value) in Municipal Bonds (including notes) by ratings for the last fiscal year, computed on a monthly basis, for each fund that focuses its investments in Municipal Bonds was as follows:
|
Fitch |
Moody's |
S&P |
DSIMBF |
|
AAA |
Aaa |
AAA |
20.0% |
|
AA |
Aa |
AA |
46.2% |
|
A |
A |
A |
27.0% |
|
BBB |
Baa |
BBB |
5.3% |
|
B |
B |
B |
0.1% |
|
F-1 |
MIG 1/P-1 |
SP-1/A-1 |
1.2% |
|
Not Rated |
Not Rated |
Not Rated |
0.2% 1 |
|
Total |
100.0% |
||
1 Those securities which are not rated have been determined by the Manager to be of comparable quality to
securities in the rating category BBB/Baa (0.2%).
RATINGS OF CORPORATE DEBT SECURITIES
The average distribution of investments (at value) in corporate debt securities (excluding any preferred stock, convertible preferred stock or convertible bonds) by ratings for the last fiscal year, computed on a monthly basis, for each fund that focuses its investments in corporate debt securities was as follows:
I-13
|
Fitch |
Moody's |
DITIF |
DSTIF |
|
AAA |
Aaa |
73.0% |
59.0% |
|
AA |
Aa |
4.7% |
5.5% |
|
A |
A |
14.8% |
16.4% |
|
BBB |
Baa |
19.5% |
15.0% |
|
BB |
Ba |
5.8% |
3.0% |
|
B |
B |
1.9% |
0.6% |
|
CCC |
Caa |
0.7% |
0.0% |
|
Not Rated |
Not Rated |
0.0% |
0.0% |
|
Total |
120.4% |
99.5% |
|
SECURITIES OF REGULAR BROKERS OR DEALERS
A fund may acquire securities issued by one or more of its "regular brokers or dealers," as defined in Rule 10b-1 under the 1940 Act. Rule 10b-1 provides that a "regular broker or dealer" is one of the ten brokers or dealers that, during the fund's last fiscal year: (1) received the greatest dollar amount of brokerage commissions from participating, either directly or indirectly, in the fund's portfolio transactions, (2) engaged as principal in the largest dollar amount of the fund's portfolio transactions or (3) sold the largest dollar amount of the fund's securities. The following is a list of the issuers of the securities, and the aggregate value per issuer, of a fund's regular brokers or dealers held by such fund as of the end of its last fiscal year:
|
Fund |
Regular Broker or Dealer |
Aggregate Value Per Issuer* |
|
DICAF |
Credit Agricole Cheuvreux North America, Inc. |
$2,400,000,000 |
|
Cowen & Company, LLC |
$1,704,884,000 |
|
|
Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. |
$1,339,947,000 |
|
|
Credit Suisse (USA) Inc. |
$700,000,000 |
|
|
TD Wealth Management Services |
$150,000,000 |
|
|
HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. |
$100,000,000 |
|
|
DIPMMF |
Bank of Tokyo |
$450,000,000 |
|
Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. |
$450,000,000 |
|
|
Bank of Nova Scotia |
$400,000,000 |
|
|
Barclays Capital Inc. |
$400,000,000 |
|
|
J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. |
$350,000,000 |
|
|
DIPPMMF |
RBS Securities Inc. |
$200,000,000 |
|
Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. |
$50,000,000 |
|
|
Barclays Capital Inc. |
$50,000,000 |
|
|
CIBC World Markets Corp. |
$50,000,000 |
|
|
HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. |
$4,998,000 |
|
|
DIRMF |
Barclays Capital Inc. |
$273,000,000 |
|
Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. |
$100,000,000 |
|
|
DIRTF |
Bank of America NA |
$140,000,000 |
|
BNP Paribas Prime Brokerage Inc. |
$140,000,000 |
|
|
Citigroup Inc. |
$120,000,000 |
|
|
Barclays Capital Inc. |
$82,000,000 |
|
|
DIRTPF |
N/A |
N/A |
I-14
|
Fund |
Regular Broker or Dealer |
Aggregate Value Per Issuer* |
|
DIASF |
N/A |
N/A |
|
DITIF |
Citigroup Inc. |
$22,557,000 |
|
Goldman, Sachs & Co. |
$20,007,000 |
|
|
J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. |
$10,266,000 |
|
|
Bank of America NA |
$8,181,000 |
|
|
UBS Securities LLC |
$5,805,000 |
|
|
Credit Suisse (USA) Inc. |
$2,796,000 |
|
|
DSTIF |
Citigroup Inc. |
$5,742,000 |
|
Bank of America NA |
$3,660,000 |
|
|
J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. |
$3,446,000 |
|
|
Goldman, Sachs & Co. |
$2,915,000 |
|
|
Credit Suisse (USA) Inc. |
$1,412,000 |
|
|
GIP |
J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. |
$313,000 (D) |
|
Citigroup Inc. |
$284,000 (D) |
|
|
Bank of America NA |
$225,000 (D) |
|
|
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney |
$165,000 (D) |
|
|
Credit Suisse (USA) Inc. |
$135,000 (D) |
|
|
BNP Paribas Prime Brokerage Inc. |
$39,000 (D) |
|
|
Jefferies & Company, Inc. |
$28,000 (D) |
|
|
J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. |
$552,000 (E) |
|
|
DLA |
UBS Securities LLC |
$465,958,000 |
|
Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. |
$394,994,000 |
|
|
J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. |
$205,000,000 |
|
|
RBC Capital Markets Corp. |
$200,000,000 |
|
|
Barclays Capital Inc. |
$135,000,000 |
|
|
HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. |
$75,000,000 |
|
|
DNRF |
N/A |
N/A |
|
DSIMBF |
N/A |
N/A |
|
SIGF |
N/A |
N/A |
|
WDMMF |
Barclays Capital Inc. |
$50,000,000 |
|
Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. |
$50,000,000 |
|
|
Credit Suisse (USA) Inc. |
$15,000,000 |
|
|
J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. |
$15,000,000 |
|
|
DF |
Citigroup Inc. |
$10,213,000 |
|
J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. |
$6,248,000 |
|
|
Bank of America NA |
$4,422,000 |
|
|
DTCF |
N/A |
N/A |
* (D) and (E) represents whether such security is debt or equity.
I-15
The aggregate amounts of commissions paid by each fund for brokerage commissions and spreads or concessions on principal transactions (none of which were paid to affiliates) for its last three fiscal years were as follows:
|
Fund |
2012 Fiscal Year |
2011 Fiscal Year |
2010 Fiscal Year |
|||
|
Commissions |
Spreads/ Concessions |
Commissions |
Spreads/
|
Commissions |
Spreads/
|
|
|
DIPMMF |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
|
DIPPMMF |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
|
DSIMBF |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
|
Fund |
2011 Fiscal Year |
2010 Fiscal Year |
2009 Fiscal Year |
||||
|
Commissions |
Spreads/ Concessions |
Commissions |
Spreads/
|
Commissions |
Spreads/
|
||
|
DICAF |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
|
|
DIRMF |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
|
|
DIRTF |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
|
|
DIRTPF |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
|
|
DIASF |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
|
|
DITIF |
$51,411 |
$0 |
$87,442 |
$0 |
$134,276 |
$0 |
|
|
DSTIF |
$14,025 |
$0 |
$13,023 |
$0 |
$9,997 |
$0 |
|
|
GIP |
$27,014 |
$0 |
$41,747 |
$0 |
$50,130 |
$0 |
|
|
DLA |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
|
|
DNRF |
$15,949 |
$10,660 |
$14,675 |
$10,181 |
$23,446 |
$0 |
|
|
SIGF |
$258 |
$0 |
$332 |
$0 |
$1,905 |
$0 |
|
|
WDMMF |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
|
|
DF |
$1,176,427 |
$311,543 |
$1,107,850 |
$137,392 |
$1,774,957 |
$414,832 |
|
|
DTCF |
$123,920 |
$0 |
$82,163 |
$0 |
$149,368 |
$0 |
|
The following table provides an explanation of any material difference in the commissions or spreads/concessions paid by a fund in either of the two fiscal years preceding the last fiscal year.
|
Fund |
Reason for Any Material Difference in Commissions or Spreads/Concessions |
|
DICAF |
N/A |
|
DIPMMF |
N/A |
|
DIPPMMF |
N/A |
|
DIRMF |
N/A |
|
DIRTF |
N/A |
|
DIRTPF |
N/A |
|
DIASF |
N/A |
|
DITIF |
The fund's assets have declined over the last three fiscal years. |
|
DSTIF |
N/A |
|
GIP |
N/A |
|
DLA |
N/A |
|
DNRF |
N/A |
|
DSIMBF |
N/A |
|
SIGF |
N/A |
|
DF |
The fund decreased trading activity between 2009 and 2011. |
|
DTCF |
N/A |
I-16
The aggregate amount of transactions during each fund's last fiscal year in securities effected on an agency basis through a broker-dealer for, among other things, research services and the commissions and concessions related to such transactions were as follows:
|
Fund |
Transactions |
Related Commissions/Concessions |
|
DIASF |
$0 |
$0 |
|
DITIF |
$0 |
$0 |
|
DSTIF |
$0 |
$0 |
|
GIP |
$31,102,293 |
$13,354 |
|
DNRF |
$13,220,470 |
$7,053 |
|
SIGF |
$0 |
$0 |
|
DF |
$1,082,020,422 |
$1,025,558 |
|
DTCF |
$132,053,154 |
$60,366 |
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER VARIATION (not applicable to money market funds)
Each fund's portfolio turnover rate for up to five fiscal years is shown in the prospectus. The following table provides an explanation of any significant variation in a fund's portfolio turnover rates over the last two fiscal years (or any anticipated variation in the portfolio turnover rate from that reported for the last fiscal year).
|
Fund |
Reason for Any Significant Portfolio Turnover Rate Variation, or Anticipated Variation |
|
DIASF |
The fund's assets have increased significantly over the last three fiscal years. |
|
DITIF |
N/A |
|
DSTIF |
N/A |
|
GIP |
N/A |
|
DNRF |
N/A |
|
DSIMBF |
N/A |
|
SIGF |
N/A |
|
DF |
N/A |
|
DTCF |
N/A |
I-17
The following persons are known by each fund to own of record 5% or more of the indicated class of the fund's outstanding voting securities. A shareholder who beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, more than 25% of a fund's voting securities may be deemed to "control" (as defined in the 1940 Act) the fund. All information for a fund is as of the date indicated for the first listed class.
I-18
|
Date |
Fund |
Class |
Name & Address |
Percent Owned |
|
Investor Advantage |
Banc of America Securities LLC
|
14.9401% |
||
|
Hare & Co
|
49.8178% |
|||
|
Wells Fargo Bank FBO
|
22.2147% |
|||
|
Mid Atlantic Trust Company FBO
|
8.1316% |
|||
|
Participant Advantage |
Jefferies & Company Inc
|
72.6625% |
||
|
Hare & Co
|
17.8506% |
|||
|
Wilmington Trust
|
5.4248% |
|||
|
July 3, 2012 |
DIPMMF |
Prime |
Bost & Co
|
22.9116% |
|
UT System Board of Regents
|
16.7649% |
|||
|
Kuwait Investment Authority
|
12.9353% |
|||
I-19
I-20
|
Date |
Fund |
Class |
Name & Address |
Percent Owned |
|
Bost & Co
|
38.9879% |
|||
|
Hamilton |
Bost & Co
|
36.0521% |
||
|
Hare & Co
|
34.3364% |
|||
|
M&T Trust Company of Delaware
|
23.4572% |
|||
|
Premier |
Hare & Co
|
57.1548% |
||
|
Bost & Co
|
14.2986% |
|||
|
BNY OCS Nominess Limited
|
13.2927% |
|||
|
Mac & Co
|
10.4237% |
|||
|
Classic |
The Bank of New York Mellon As Agent For
|
24.2046% |
||
I-21
|
Date |
Fund |
Class |
Name & Address |
Percent Owned |
|
The Bank of New York Mellon As Agent For
|
7.3480% |
|||
|
The Bank of New York Mellon As Agent For
|
6.1688% |
|||
|
April 3, 2012 |
DIRTF |
Agency |
Hare & Co
|
100% |
|
Hamilton |
Bost & Co
|
51.9972% |
||
|
Hare & Co
|
19.0223% |
|||
|
Suecia Holding Corporation
|
16.7263% |
|||
|
Bank of New York As Trustee For
|
8.6731% |
|||
|
Premier |
Hare & Co
|
87.2037% |
||
|
Mac & Co
|
8.7554% |
|||
I-22
I-23
|
Date |
Fund |
Class |
Name & Address |
Percent Owned |
|
April 3, 2012 |
DIRTPF |
Agency |
BNY Mellon Corporation
|
100% |
|
Hamilton |
Hare & Co
|
48.3520% |
||
|
Bost & Co
|
43.5182% |
|||
|
David Blank
|
5.9122% |
|||
|
Premier |
Mac & Co
|
74.1621% |
||
|
Hare & Co
|
25.7229% |
|||
|
Institutional |
Mac & Co
|
71.4806% |
||
|
Hare & Co
|
14.2792% |
|||
|
October 31, 2011 |
DIASF |
Investor |
American Enterprise Investment Services
|
26.0938% |
|
Charles Schwab & Company
Inc.
|
25.9522% |
|||
|
National Financial Services
|
12.1697% |
I-24
|
Date |
Fund |
Class |
Name & Address |
Percent Owned |
|
Institutional |
SEI Private Trust Company
|
80.5273% |
||
|
October 31, 2011 |
DITIF |
Class A |
Wells Fargo Bank
|
10.7794% |
|
National Financial Services
|
9.1095% |
|||
|
Charles Schwab & Company Inc.
|
8.3351% |
|||
|
PIMS/Prudential Retirement
|
6.2702% |
|||
|
First Clearing, LLC
|
6.6014% |
|||
|
Class C |
Merrill Lynch
|
26.7605% |
||
|
National Financial Services
|
18.4244% |
|||
|
First Clearing, LLC
|
9.8961% |
|||
|
Pershing LLC
|
6.8073% |
|||
|
American Enterprise Investment
Services
|
5.5771% |
|||
I-25
|
Date |
Fund |
Class |
Name & Address |
Percent Owned |
|
Class I |
Merrill Lynch
|
25.1521% |
||
|
SEI Private Trust Company
|
11.9399% |
|||
|
First Clearing, LLC
|
11.2554% |
|||
|
LPL Financial
|
7.0451% |
|||
|
Mac & Co.
|
5.3129% |
|||
|
October 31, 2011 |
DSTIF |
Class D |
National Financial Services
|
11.7405% |
|
Pershing LLC
|
7.4252% |
|||
|
Charles Schwab & Company
Inc.
|
6.8522% |
|||
|
American Enterprise Investment Services
|
6.4620% |
|||
|
Class P |
Raymond James & Associates Inc.
|
21.7264% |
||
|
National Financial Services
|
17.4585% |
|||
|
Wendling Living Trust
|
13.9083% |
|||
I-26
|
Date |
Fund |
Class |
Name & Address |
Percent Owned |
|
First Clearing, LLC
|
12.7865% |
|||
|
TD Ameritrade Clearing Inc.
|
12.6999% |
|||
|
Crowell, Weedon & Co.
|
12.2055% |
|||
|
Merrill Lynch
|
6.2151% |
|||
|
December 31, 2011 |
GIP |
Investor |
Charles Schwab & Company Inc.
|
9.4768% |
|
National Financial Services
|
7.8766% |
|||
|
Prudential Retirement Ins.
& Ann. Co.
|
5.1619% |
|||
|
Restricted |
Hartford Life Insurance Company
|
48.7661% |
||
|
Pershing LLC
|
7.8830% |
|||
|
April 3, 2012 |
DLA |
Class 1 |
None |
N/A |
|
Class 2 |
Citigroup Global Markets Incorporated
|
97.6107% |
||
|
December 31, 2011 |
DNRF |
Class A |
American Enterprise Investment Services
|
11.6755% |
I-27
|
Date |
Fund |
Class |
Name & Address |
Percent Owned |
|
Pershing LLC
|
10.1898% |
|||
|
First Clearing, LLC
|
10.1446% |
|||
|
Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith
|
6.3392% |
|||
|
UBS WM USA
|
5.3143% |
|||
|
Class C |
Merrill Lynch
|
15.0885% |
||
|
First Clearing, LLC
|
13.7005% |
|||
|
American Enterprise Investment
Services
|
12.0834% |
|||
|
Pershing LLC
|
9.2129% |
|||
|
Daniel Mckeown & Louise L. Mckeown
|
9.1201% |
|||
|
Brian K. Murray & Anne J. Murray
|
6.0122% |
|||
|
Class I |
First Clearing, LLC
|
55.4097% |
||
|
Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith
|
11.5950% |
|||
|
Pershing LLC
|
7.8031% |
|||
I-28
|
Date |
Fund |
Class |
Name & Address |
Percent Owned |
|
SEI Private Trust Company
|
7.4754% |
|||
|
July 3, 2012 |
DSIMBF |
Class A |
Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith
|
26.2877% |
|
UBS WM USA
|
20.4952% |
|||
|
American Enterprise Investment Services
|
13.1311% |
|||
|
American Enterprise Investment
Services
|
9.5195% |
|||
|
Morgan Stanley & Company
|
7.1032% |
|||
|
First Clearing, LLC
|
6.4617% |
|||
|
Class D |
Pershing LLC
|
9.2006% |
||
|
First Clearing, LLC
|
5.1942% |
|||
|
Class I |
Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner
& Smith
|
44.5933% |
||
|
First Clearing, LLC
|
40.9320% |
|||
I-29
|
Date |
Fund |
Class |
Name & Address |
Percent Owned |
|
March 2, 2012 |
SIGF |
Charles Schwab & Company Inc.
|
13.1104% |
|
|
National Financial Services
|
9.9675% |
|||
|
Pershing LLC
|
7.4334% |
|||
|
February 3, 2012 |
WDMMF |
First Clearing, LLC
|
8.5370% |
|
|
April 3, 2012 |
DF |
None |
N/A |
|
|
September 6, 2011 |
DTCF |
Class A |
Pershing LLC
|
10.9668% |
|
Charles Schwab & Company Inc.
|
8.6419% |
|||
|
National Financial Services
|
8.1437% |
|||
|
First Clearing, LLC
|
6.7566% |
|||
|
Hartford Life Insurance Company
|
5.6001% |
|||
|
Class C |
Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner
& Smith
|
38.5294% |
||
|
Morgan Stanley & Company
|
14.3300% |
|||
I-30
|
Date |
Fund |
Class |
Name & Address |
Percent Owned |
|
Citigroup Global Markets, Inc.
|
7.2137% |
|||
|
First Clearing, LLC
|
6.6519% |
|||
|
Class I |
SEI Private Trust Company
|
61.8232% |
||
|
Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner
& Smith
|
24.2913% |
|||
|
First Clearing, LLC
|
7.8114% |
I-31
PART II
See "Additional Information About How to Buy Shares" in Part III of this SAI for general information about the purchase of fund shares.
The minimum initial investment for each fund, except Dreyfus Inflation Adjusted Securities Fund (Institutional shares), Dreyfus Liquid Assets (Class 2), Dreyfus Short Term Income Fund (Class P) and the Institutional Money Funds, is $1,000 for full-time or part-time employees of the Manager or any of its affiliates, directors of the Manager, board members of a fund advised by the Manager, or the spouse or minor child of any of the foregoing. The minimum initial investment for each fund, except Dreyfus Inflation Adjusted Securities Fund (Institutional shares), Dreyfus Liquid Assets (Class 2), Dreyfus Short-Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund (Class A), Dreyfus Short Term Income Fund (Class P) and the Institutional Money Funds, is $50 for full-time or part-time employees of the Manager or any of its affiliates who elect to have a portion of their pay directly deposited into their fund accounts.
Shares of each fund, except Dreyfus Inflation Adjusted Securities Fund (Institutional shares), Dreyfus Liquid Assets (Class 2), Dreyfus Short Term Income Fund (Class P) and the Institutional Money Funds, are offered without regard to the minimum initial or subsequent investment requirements to investors purchasing fund shares through wrap fee accounts or other fee based programs.
Shares of each fund, except Dreyfus Inflation Adjusted Securities Fund (Institutional shares), Dreyfus Liquid Assets (Class 2), Dreyfus Short-Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund (Class A), Dreyfus Short Term Income Fund (Class P) and the Institutional Money Funds, are offered without regard to the minimum initial investment requirements to fund board members who elect to have all or a portion of their compensation for serving in that capacity automatically invested in the fund.
Each fund, except Dreyfus Liquid Assets (Class 2), Dreyfus Short-Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund and the Institutional Money Funds, reserves the right to offer fund shares without regard to minimum purchase requirements to government-sponsored programs or to employees participating in certain Retirement Plans or other programs where contributions or account information can be transmitted in a manner and form acceptable to the fund.
Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Money Market Fund's and Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Plus Money Market Fund's minimum initial investment requirement will be waived in connection with investments in the fund by other funds managed by the Manager.
Purchase of Institutional Money Funds
Holders of Classic shares of Dreyfus Institutional Reserves Money Fund or Classic shares of Dreyfus Institutional Reserves Treasury who received their shares in exchange for Classic shares of the relevant BNY Hamilton Fund in connection with the reorganization of BNY Hamilton Funds may purchase additional Classic shares of the relevant fund by check, wire or Dreyfus TeleTransfer Privilege or through Dreyfus Automatic Asset Builder, the Dreyfus Payroll Savings Plan or Dreyfus Government Direct Deposit Privilege, as described under "Shareholder Services" in Part III of this SAI.
Dreyfus TeleTransfer Privilege
You may purchase shares of each fund except Dreyfus Liquid Assets (Class 2) and the Institutional Money Funds (excluding Classic shares) by telephone or online if you have checked the appropriate box and supplied the necessary information on the Account Application or have filed a Shareholder Services Form with the Transfer Agent. The proceeds will be transferred between the bank account designated in one of these documents and your fund account. Only a bank account maintained in a domestic financial institution which is an ACH member may be so designated.
II-1
You may reopen an account in each fund, except in Dreyfus Inflation Adjusted Securities Fund (Institutional shares), Dreyfus Liquid Assets (Class 2), and the Institutional Money Funds, with a minimum investment of $100 without filing a new Account Application during the calendar year the account is closed or during the following calendar year, provided the information on the old Account Application is still applicable.
Information Regarding the Offering of Share Classes
The share classes of each fund with more than one class are offered as described in the relevant fund's prospectus and as follows:
On March 13, 2012, outstanding Class B shares of Dreyfus Intermediate Term Income Fund, Dreyfus Natural Resources Fund and The Dreyfus Third Century Fund converted to Class A shares.
On March 13, 2012, outstanding Class B shares of Dreyfus Short-Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund and Dreyfus Short Term Income Fund converted to Class D shares.
Class I shares of Dreyfus Natural Resources Fund and Institutional shares of Dreyfus Inflation Adjusted Securities Fund are offered to certain other funds in The Dreyfus Family of Funds.
Holders of Class I shares of The Dreyfus Third Century Fund who have held their shares since June 5, 2003 may continue to purchase Class I shares of the fund for their existing accounts, whether or not they would otherwise be eligible to do so.
Class Z shares of The Dreyfus Third Century Fund are offered to those shareholders of the fund whose fund account existed on August 30, 1999 and continues to exist at the time of purchase of the Class Z shares. In addition, certain broker-dealers and other financial institutions maintaining accounts in the fund on August 30, 1999 may open new accounts in Class Z shares of the fund on behalf of Retirement Plans and "wrap accounts" or similar programs. Class Z shares generally are not available for new accounts.
Class 2 shares of Dreyfus Liquid Assets and Restricted Class shares of Growth and Income Portfolio are offered only to clients of certain Service Agents that have entered into an agreement with the Distributor. Class 2 shares and Restricted Class shares may not be purchased directly by individuals, although Service Agents may purchase shares for accounts maintained by individuals.
Restricted Class shares of Growth and Income Portfolio also may be purchased by investors who held Restricted Class shares (formerly, Retail Class shares) in a fund account on August 31, 1997 and who are purchasing the shares for that account.
Prior to February 4, 2009, Dreyfus Natural Resources Fund and The Dreyfus Third Century Fund offered Class T shares.
General information about the public offering price of Class A shares of the Multi-Class Funds can be found in Part III of this SAI under "Additional Information About How to Buy Shares—Class A." The public offering price for Class A shares of each of Dreyfus Short-Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund and Dreyfus Intermediate Term Income Fund is the net asset value per share of that class, plus a sales load as shown below:
II-2
|
Dreyfus Short-Intermediate
Municipal Bond Fund
|
|||
|
Amount of Transaction |
As a % of offering price per share |
As a % of net asset value per share |
Dealers' reallowance as a % of offering price |
|
Less than $100,000 |
2.50 |
2.60 |
2.25 |
|
$100,000 to less than $250,000 |
2.00 |
2.10 |
1.75 |
|
$250,000 to less than $500,000 |
1.50 |
1.50 |
1.25 |
|
$500,000 to less than $1,000,000 |
1.00 |
1.00 |
0.75 |
|
$1,000,000 or more |
-0- |
-0- |
-0- |
* Due to rounding, the actual sales load you pay may be more or less than that calculated using these percentages.
* Due to rounding, the actual sales load you pay may be more or less than that calculated using these percentages.
Class A shares of Multi-Class Funds, including Dreyfus Short-Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund and Dreyfus Intermediate Term Income Fund, purchased without an initial sales load as part of an investment of $1,000,000 or more may be assessed at the time of redemption a 1% CDSC if redeemed within one year of purchase. The Distributor may pay Service Agents an up-front commission of up to 1% of the net asset value of Class A shares purchased by their clients as part of a $1,000,000 or more investment in Class A shares that are subject to a CDSC. If the Service Agent waives receipt of such commission, the CDSC applicable to such Class A shares will not be assessed at the time of redemption.
Dreyfus Short-Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund . Reduced sales loads apply to any purchase of Class A shares of the fund by you and any related Purchaser where the aggregate investment including such purchase is $100,000 or more. If, for example, you previously purchased and still hold Eligible Shares, or combination thereof, with an aggregate current value of $90,000 and subsequently purchase Class A shares of the fund having a current value of $20,000, the sales load applicable to the subsequent purchase would be reduced to 2.0% of the offering price. All present holdings of Eligible Shares may be combined to determine the current offering price of the aggregate investment in ascertaining the sales load applicable to each subsequent purchase.
See "Additional Information About How to Redeem Shares" in Part III of this SAI for general information about the redemption of fund shares.
II-3
1 Investors beneficially owning Institutional shares as of the date such shares were redesignated Class I shares and who continuously held fund shares since that date also are eligible for the Checkwriting Privilege.
Institutional Money Funds. Each fund ordinarily will make payment for shares on the same or next business day after receipt by Dreyfus Investments Division or other authorized entity of a redemption request in proper form.
Institutional Money Funds (excluding Classic shares). By using this privilege the investor authorizes the Transfer Agent to act on telephone redemption instructions from any person representing himself or herself to be an
II-4
authorized representative of the investor, and reasonably believed by the Transfer Agent to be genuine. Redemption proceeds will be transferred by Federal Reserve wire only to a bank that is a member of the Federal Reserve System.
Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Money Market Fund and Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Plus Money Market Fund . The fund reserves the right to refuse any request made by telephone and may limit the amount involved or the number of telephone redemptions. This privilege may be modified or terminated at any time by the Transfer Agent or the fund. Shares for which certificates have been issued may not be redeemed by telephone.
Dreyfus Natural Resources Fund, Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Money Market Fund, Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Plus Money Market Fund, Dreyfus Inflation Adjusted Securities Fund, Dreyfus Intermediate Term Income Fund, Dreyfus Short Term Income Fund, Dreyfus Short-Intermediate Government Fund, Dreyfus Short-Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund, Growth and Income Portfolio, The Dreyfus Fund Incorporated and The Dreyfus Third Century Fund. Ordinarily, the fund will initiate payment for shares redeemed pursuant to this Privilege on the same business day if the Transfer Agent or other authorized entity receives a redemption request in proper form prior to 4:00 pm, Eastern time, on such day, and the shares will not receive the dividend declared on that day; otherwise, each fund will initiate payment on the next business day, and the shares will receive the dividend on that day.
Dreyfus Institutional Cash Advantage Fund, Dreyfus Institutional Reserves Money Fund, Dreyfus Institutional Reserves Treasury Fund, Dreyfus Liquid Assets and Dreyfus Worldwide Dollar Money Market Fund. Ordinarily, the fund will initiate payment for shares redeemed pursuant to this Privilege on the same business day if the Transfer Agent or other authorized entity receives a redemption request in proper form prior to 5:00 pm, Eastern time, on such day, and the shares will not receive the dividend declared on that day; otherwise, each fund will initiate payment on the next business day, and the shares will receive the dividend on that day.
Dreyfus Institutional Reserves Treasury Prime Fund. Ordinarily, the fund will initiate payment for shares redeemed pursuant to this Privilege on the same business day if the Transfer Agent or other authorized entity receives a redemption request in proper form prior to 3:00 pm, Eastern time, on such day, and the shares will not receive the dividend declared on that day; otherwise, each fund will initiate payment on the next business day, and the shares will receive the dividend on that day.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
The following shareholder services apply to the funds. See "Additional Information About Shareholder Services" in Part III of this SAI for more information.
II-5
|
Fund |
Services |
|
Growth and Income Portfolio
|
Fund Exchanges
3
|
|
Dreyfus
Liquid Assets
|
Fund Exchanges
5
|
|
Dreyfus
Institutional Reserves Money Fund
|
Fund Exchanges
|
|
Dreyfus Inflation Adjusted Securities Fund |
Fund Exchanges
9
|
|
Dreyfus Short-Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund |
Fund Exchanges
10
|
1 Prime shares of Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Money Market Fund may be exchanged for shares of Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Plus Money Market Fund, and shares of Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Plus Money Market Fund may be exchanged for Prime shares of Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Money Market Fund. For holders of Dreyfus Institutional Cash Advantage Fund, shares may be exchanged for shares of a corresponding class of any of the Dreyfus Cash Management Funds.
2 For holders of shares of both Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Money Market Fund and Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Plus Money Market Fund, the privilege operates between Prime shares of Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Money Market Fund and shares of Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Plus Money Market Fund (or vice versa). Holders of shares of Dreyfus Institutional Cash Advantage Fund may purchase, in exchange for shares of one class of the fund, shares of a corresponding class of any of the Dreyfus Cash Management Funds.
3 For Dreyfus Short Term Income Fund, Class D and Class P shares may be exchanged for shares of any class of another fund in the Dreyfus Family of Funds open to direct investment by individuals.
4 Dreyfus Short Term Income Fund, applies only to Class D shares.
II-6
5 Holders of Class 2 shares of Dreyfus Liquid Assets should contact their Service Agent for information.
6 For Dreyfus Liquid Assets, applies only to Class 1 shares.
7 Holders of Classic shares may purchase, in exchange for Classic shares, shares of certain funds in the Dreyfus Family of Funds of which the investor is a shareholder.
8 Applies only to Classic shares received in exchange for Classic shares of the relevant BNY Hamilton Fund in connection with the reorganization of such BNY Hamilton Fund.
9 Investor shares and Institutional shares may be exchanged for shares of any class of another fund in the Dreyfus Family of Funds open to direct investment by individuals.
10 Class D shares may be exchanged for shares of any class of another fund in the Dreyfus Family of Funds open to direct investment by individuals.
DISTRIBUTION PLANS, SERVICE PLANS AND SHAREHOLDER SERVICES PLANS
The following Plans apply to the funds. See "Additional Information About Distribution Plans, Service Plans and Shareholder Services Plans" in Part III of this SAI for more information about the Plans.
|
Fund |
Class(es) 1 |
Plan (12b-1 or servicing) 2 |
Key Features 3 |
|
Dreyfus Intermediate Term Income Fund
|
Class C |
Distribution Plan
|
The fund pays the Distributor 0.75% for distributing these shares. The Distributor may pay one or more Service Agents in respect of advertising, marketing and other distribution services, and determines the amounts, if any, to be paid to Service Agents and the basis on which such payments are made. |
|
Dreyfus
Inflation Adjusted Securities Fund
|
Class A
|
Shareholder Services Plan (servicing) |
The fund pays the Distributor 0.25% for the provision of certain services to the shareholders of these classes. Services 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. Pursuant to the Plan, the Distributor may make payments to certain Service Agents in respect of these services. |
II-7
|
Fund |
Class(es) 1 |
Plan (12b-1 or servicing) 2 |
Key Features 3 |
|
The Dreyfus Third Century Fund |
Class Z |
Shareholder Services Plan (servicing) |
The fund reimburses the Distributor an amount not to exceed 0.25% for certain allocated expenses of providing personal services and/or maintaining shareholder accounts; these services 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. |
|
Dreyfus
Worldwide Dollar Money Market Fund
|
N/A |
Shareholder Services Plan (servicing) |
The fund reimburses the Distributor an amount not to exceed 0.25% for certain allocated expenses of providing personal services and/or maintaining shareholder accounts; these services 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. |
|
Dreyfus Short Term Income Fund |
Class D |
Shareholder Services Plan (servicing) |
The fund pays the Distributor 0.20% for the provision of certain services to the shareholders of this class. Services 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 certain Service Agents in respect of these services. |
II-8
|
Fund |
Class(es) 1 |
Plan (12b-1 or servicing) 2 |
Key Features 3 |
|
Dreyfus Short-Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund |
Class D |
Service Plan
|
The fund pays the Distributor 0.10% for distributing these shares, servicing shareholder accounts and advertising and marketing. The Distributor may pay one or more Service Agents in respect of shares owned by shareholders with whom the Service Agent has a servicing relationship or for whom the Service Agent is the dealer or holder of record and determines the amounts, if any, to be paid to Service Agents and the basis on which such payments are made. Pursuant to the Plan, Class D shares bear (i) the costs of preparing, printing and distributing prospectuses and SAIs used other than for regulatory purposes or distribution to existing shareholders, and (ii) the costs associated with implementing and operating the Plan (such as costs of printing and mailing service agreements), the aggregate of such amounts not to exceed in any fiscal year of the fund the greater of $100,000 or .005%. |
II-9
|
Fund |
Class(es) 1 |
Plan (12b-1 or servicing) 2 |
Key Features 3 |
|
Dreyfus Institutional Cash Advantage Fund
|
Administrative Advantage
|
Service Plan
|
The fund pays the Distributor fees as disclosed in the prospectus for distributing these shares, for advertising and marketing and for providing certain services to shareholders of these classes. Services include 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 certain Service Agents in respect of these services. Generally, the Service Agent will provide (1) holders of Administrative Advantage, Investor Advantage or Participant Advantage shares with a consolidated statement; (2) holders of Investor Advantage or Participant Advantage shares checkwriting privileges; and (3) holders of Participant Advantage shares with automated teller machine access and bill paying services. Generally, the Service Agent may provide holders of Reserve, Hamilton, Agency, Premier or Classic shares a consolidated statement, checkwriting privileges, automated teller machine access and bill paying services. |
1 As applicable to the funds listed (not all funds have all classes shown).
2 The parenthetical indicates whether the Plan is pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act or is a type of servicing plan not adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1.
3 Amounts expressed as an annual rate as a percentage of the value of the average daily net assets attributable to the indicated class of fund shares or the fund, as applicable.
INVESTMENTS, INVESTMENT TECHNIQUES AND RISKS
The following charts, which supplement and should be read together with the information in the prospectus, indicate some of the specific investments and investment techniques applicable to your fund. Additional policies and restrictions are described in the prospectus and below in the next section (see "Investment Restrictions"). See "Additional Information About Investments, Investment Techniques and Risks" in Part III of this SAI for more information, including important risk disclosure, about the investments and investment techniques applicable to your fund.
II-10
Funds other than Money Market Funds
|
Fund |
Equity Securities 1 |
IPOs |
U.S. Government Securities 2 |
Corporate Debt Securities |
High Yield and Lower-Rated Securities 3 |
Zero Coupon, Pay-in-Kind and Step-Up Securities |
Inflation-Indexed Securities (other than TIPS) |
|
Dreyfus Inflation Adjusted Securities Fund |
ü |
ü |
ü |
ü |
|||
|
Dreyfus Intermediate Term Income Fund |
ü |
ü |
ü |
ü |
ü |
ü |
|
|
Dreyfus Natural Resources Fund |
ü |
ü |
ü |
||||
|
Dreyfus Short- Intermediate Government Fund |
ü |
ü |
|||||
|
Dreyfus Short-Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund |
ü |
ü (municipal securities only) |
|||||
|
Dreyfus Short Term Income Fund |
ü |
ü |
ü |
ü |
ü |
ü |
|
|
Growth and Income Portfolio |
ü |
ü |
ü |
ü |
ü |
||
|
The Dreyfus Fund Incorporated |
ü |
ü |
ü |
ü |
|||
|
The Dreyfus Third Century Fund |
ü |
ü |
1
Except as otherwise noted, (1) includes common and preferred stock,
convertible securities and warrants and (2) each fund is limited to investing 5% of its net assets in
warrants, except that this limitation does not apply to warrants purchased by a fund that are sold in
units with, or attached to, other securities. The Dreyfus Fund Incorporated is not subject to (2).
For Growth and Income Portfolio, includes common and preferred stock.
For The
Dreyfus Fund Incorporated, includes common stock and convertible securities.
2 For Dreyfus Natural Resources Fund and Dreyfus Short-Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund, see "Money Market Instruments" below.
3 Each of Dreyfus Intermediate Term Income Fund and Dreyfus Short Term Income Fund may invest up to 20% of its assets in fixed income securities rated below investment grade and as low as Caa by Moody's or CCC by S&P or Fitch or the unrated equivalent as determined by the Adviser.
II-11
|
Fund |
Variable
|
Participation Interests and Assignments |
Mortgage-Related Securities |
Asset-
|
Collateralized Debt Obligations |
|
Dreyfus Inflation Adjusted Securities Fund |
ü |
ü |
ü |
||
|
Dreyfus Intermediate Term Income Fund |
ü |
ü (municipal securities only) |
ü |
ü |
ü |
|
Dreyfus Natural Resources Fund |
|||||
|
Dreyfus Short- Intermediate Government Fund |
ü
(up to 35%
|
||||
|
Dreyfus Short-Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund |
ü |
ü (municipal securities only) |
|||
|
Dreyfus Short Term Income Fund |
ü |
ü (municipal securities only) |
ü |
ü |
ü |
|
Growth and Income Portfolio |
|||||
|
The Dreyfus Fund Incorporated |
|||||
|
The Dreyfus Third Century Fund |
II-12
|
Fund |
Municipal Securities 4 |
Funding Agreements |
REITs |
Money Market Instruments 5 |
Foreign
|
Emerging Markets |
Depositary Receipts |
Sovereign Debt Obligations and Brady Bonds |
|
Dreyfus Inflation Adjusted Securities Fund |
ü |
ü |
ü |
ü |
||||
|
Dreyfus Intermediate Term Income Fund |
ü |
ü |
ü |
ü |
ü |
|||
|
Dreyfus Natural Resources Fund |
ü |
ü |
ü (up to 45% of assets) |
ü |
ü |
|||
|
Dreyfus Short-Intermediate Government Fund |
ü |
|||||||
|
Dreyfus Short-Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund |
ü |
ü |
||||||
|
Dreyfus Short Term Income Fund |
ü |
ü |
ü |
ü |
ü |
|||
|
Growth and Income Portfolio |
ü |
ü (up to 15% of assets) |
ü |
|||||
|
The Dreyfus Fund Incorporated |
ü |
ü (up to 20% of assets) |
ü |
ü |
||||
|
The Dreyfus Third Century Fund |
ü |
ü 6 |
ü |
4
Dreyfus
Intermediate Term Income Fund and Dreyfus Short Term Income Fund each currently intends to invest no
more than 25% of its assets in municipal securities; however, this percentage may be varied from time
to time without shareholder approval.
5
Includes short-term U.S. Government
securities, bank obligations, repurchase agreements and commercial paper. Except for Dreyfus Short-Intermediate
Municipal Bond Fund, generally (1) when the Adviser determines that adverse market conditions exist,
a fund may adopt a temporary defensive position and invest up to 100% of its assets in money market instruments,
and (2) a fund also may purchase money market instruments when it has cash reserves or in anticipation
of taking a market position. The Dreyfus Third Century Fund also may invest in corporate bonds under
such circumstances but is limited to bank obligations issued in this country and those issued in dollar
denominations by the foreign branches of U.S. banks. In addition, Dreyfus Inflation Adjusted Securities
Fund, Dreyfus Intermediate Term Income Fund, Dreyfus Short-Intermediate Government Fund, Dreyfus Short
Term Income Fund and Growth and Income Portfolio each may invest in money market instruments as part
of its investment strategy.
For Dreyfus Short-Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund, from time to time, on a temporary basis other than for temporary defensive purposes (but not to exceed 20% of the value of the fund's net assets) or for temporary defensive purposes, the fund may invest in taxable short-term investments ("Taxable Investments") consisting of: notes of issuers having, at the time of purchase, a quality rating within the two highest grades of a Rating Agency; obligations of the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities; commercial paper rated not lower than P-1 by Moody's, A-1 by S&P or F-1 by Fitch; certificates of deposit of U.S. domestic banks, including foreign branches or domestic banks, with assets of $1 billion or more; time deposits; bankers' acceptances and other short-term obligations and repurchase agreements in respect of any of the foregoing. Under normal market conditions, the fund anticipates that not more than
II-13
5% of the value of its total assets will be invested in any one category of Taxable
Investments.
6 Does not include foreign government obligations and securities of supranational entities.
II-14
|
Fund |
Eurodollar and Yankee Dollar Investments |
Investment Companies |
ETFs |
Exchange-Traded
|
Futures Transactions |
Options Transactions 7 |
|
Dreyfus Inflation Adjusted Securities Fund |
ü |
ü |
ü |
|||
|
Dreyfus Intermediate Term Income Fund |
ü |
ü |
ü |
|||
|
Dreyfus Natural Resources Fund |
ü |
ü |
ü 8 |
ü |
||
|
Dreyfus Short- Intermediate Government Fund |
ü |
ü |
ü |
|||
|
Dreyfus Short-Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund |
ü |
ü |
ü |
|||
|
Dreyfus Short Term Income Fund |
ü |
ü |
ü |
|||
|
Growth and Income Portfolio |
ü |
ü |
ü |
|||
|
The Dreyfus Fund Incorporated |
ü |
ü |
ü |
ü |
||
|
The Dreyfus Third Century Fund |
ü |
ü |
7 Each of Dreyfus Intermediate Term Income Fund, Dreyfus Short-Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund, Growth and Income Portfolio and The Dreyfus Fund Incorporated (1) is limited to investing 5% of its assets, represented by the premium paid, in the purchase of call and put options and (2) may write ( i.e. , sell) covered call and put option contracts to the extent of 20% of the value of its net assets at the time such option contracts are written.
Dreyfus Natural Resources Fund also may purchase and sell options in respect of specific commodities (or baskets of specific commodities) or commodity indices. An option on a commodity index is similar to an option in respect of specific commodities, except that settlement does not occur by delivery of the commodities comprising the index. Instead, the option holder receives an amount of cash if the closing level of the index upon which the option is based is greater than in the case of a call, or less than in the case of a put, the exercise price of the option. Thus, the effectiveness of purchasing or writing index options will depend upon price movements in the level of the index rather than the price of a particular commodity. The fund also may purchase cash-settled options on commodity index swaps in pursuit of its investment objective. Index swaps involve the exchange by the fund with another party of cash flows based upon the performance of an index or a portion of an index of securities, which usually includes dividends, or commodities. A cash-settled option on a swap gives the purchaser the right, but not the obligation, in return for the premium paid, to receive an amount of cash equal to the value of the underlying swap as of the exercise date.
The
Dreyfus Third Century Fund may only write (
i.e.
,
sell) covered call option contracts on securities owned by the fund to the extent of 20% of the value
of its net assets at the time such option contracts are written and may purchase call options only to
close out open positions.
8 Dreyfus Natural Resources Fund may invest in commodity futures contracts and options thereon. A commodity futures contract is an agreement between two parties, in which one party agrees to buy a commodity, such as an energy, agricultural or metal commodity, from the other party at a later date at a price and quantity agreed-upon when the contract is made. The commodities which underlie commodity futures contracts may be subject to additional economic and non-economic variables, such as drought, floods, weather, livestock disease, embargoes, tariffs, and international economic, political and regulatory developments. These factors may have a larger impact on commodity prices and commodity-linked instruments, including futures contracts than on traditional securities. Certain commodities are also subject to limited pricing flexibility because of supply and demand factors. Others are subject to broad price fluctuations as a result of the volatility of the prices for certain raw materials and the instability of supplies of other materials. These additional variables may create additional investment risks which subject the fund's investments to greater volatility than investments in traditional securities. Dreyfus Natural Resources Fund currently intends to limit
II-15
the amount of its assets invested in commodity futures and options thereon to no more than 10% of its assets, represented by the liquidation value of the contract.
|
Fund |
Swap Transactions |
Credit Linked Securities |
Credit Derivatives |
Structured Securities and Hybrid Instruments 9 |
Participatory Notes |
Custodial Receipts |
|
Dreyfus Inflation Adjusted Securities Fund |
ü |
ü |
ü |
ü |
||
|
Dreyfus Intermediate Term Income Fund |
ü |
ü |
ü |
ü |
ü (municipal securities only) |
|
|
Dreyfus Natural Resources Fund |
ü 10 |
ü 11 |
||||
|
Dreyfus Short- Intermediate Government Fund |
ü |
ü |
ü |
|||
|
Dreyfus Short-Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund |
ü |
ü |
ü |
ü (municipal securities only) |
||
|
Dreyfus Short Term Income Fund |
ü |
ü |
ü |
ü |
ü (municipal securities only) |
|
|
Growth and Income Portfolio |
||||||
|
The Dreyfus Fund Incorporated |
||||||
|
The Dreyfus Third Century Fund |
9 For Dreyfus Inflation Adjusted Securities Fund, Dreyfus Intermediate Term Income Fund and Dreyfus Short Term Income Fund, structured notes only.
10 To a limited extent, the fund may gain exposure to the commodity markets by investing in commodity swap agreements, including swap agreements on commodity indexes and specific commodities. For example, an investment in a commodity swap agreement may involve the exchange of floating-rate interest payments for the total return on a commodity index. In a total return commodity swap, the fund will receive the price appreciation of a commodity index, a portion of the index, or a single commodity in exchange for paying an agreed-upon fee. If the commodity swap is for one period, the fund may pay a fixed fee, established at the outset of the swap. However, if the term of the commodity swap is more than one period, with interim swap payments, the fund may pay an adjustable or floating fee. With a "floating" rate, the fee may be pegged to a base rate, such as LIBOR, and is adjusted each period. Therefore, if interest rates increase over the term of the swap contract, the fund may be required to pay a higher fee at each swap reset date.
11 The fund also may invest in structured securities or hybrid instruments whose return is based on, or otherwise determined by reference to, a commodity, commodity index or commodity-related instrument.
II-16
|
Fund |
Foreign Currency Transactions |
Commodities |
Short-Selling 12 |
Lending Portfolio Securities |
Borrowing Money 13 |
|
Dreyfus Inflation Adjusted Securities Fund |
ü |
ü |
ü |
ü |
|
|
Dreyfus Intermediate Term Income Fund |
ü |
ü |
ü |
ü |
|
|
Dreyfus Natural Resources Fund |
ü |
ü |
ü |
ü |
|
|
Dreyfus Short- Intermediate Government Fund |
ü |
ü |
ü |
||
|
Dreyfus Short-Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund |
ü |
ü |
|||
|
Dreyfus Short Term Income Fund |
ü |
ü |
ü |
||
|
Growth and Income Portfolio |
ü |
ü |
ü |
||
|
The Dreyfus Fund Incorporated |
ü |
ü |
ü |
ü |
|
|
The Dreyfus Third Century Fund |
ü |
ü |
12
Dreyfus Natural Resources Fund, Dreyfus Short-Intermediate Government
Fund and The Dreyfus Fund Incorporated (1) will not sell securities short if, after effect is given to
any such short sale, the total market value of all securities sold short would exceed 25% of the value
of the fund's net assets (also applies to Dreyfus Inflation Adjusted Securities Fund and Dreyfus Intermediate
Term Income Fund) and (2) at no time will more than 15% of the value of the fund's net assets be in deposits
on short sales against the box. Additionally, Dreyfus Natural Resources Fund, Dreyfus Short-Intermediate
Government Fund and The Dreyfus Fund Incorporated may not make a short sale which results in the fund
having sold short in the aggregate more than 5% of the outstanding securities of any class of issuer.
13
Dreyfus Short-Intermediate Government Fund, Dreyfus Short-Intermediate
Municipal Bond Fund, The Dreyfus Fund Incorporated and The Dreyfus Third Century Fund each currently
intends to borrow money only for temporary or emergency (not leveraging) purposes in an amount up to
15% of the value of its total assets (including the amount borrowed) valued at the lesser of cost or
market, less liabilities (not including the amount borrowed) at the time the borrowing is made.
Dreyfus Inflation Adjusted Securities Fund currently intends to borrow money only for temporary or emergency (not leveraging) purposes; however, the fund, along with Dreyfus Intermediate Term Income Fund, Dreyfus Natural Resources Fund, Dreyfus Short-Intermediate Government Fund, Dreyfus Short Term Income Fund and Growth and Income Portfolio, may borrow for investment purposes on a secured basis through entering into reverse repurchase agreements.
II-17
|
Fund |
Borrowing Money for Leverage 13 |
Reverse Repurchase Agreements |
Forward Commitments |
Forward Roll Transactions |
Illiquid Securities |
|
Dreyfus Inflation Adjusted Securities Fund |
ü |
ü |
ü |
ü |
|
|
Dreyfus Intermediate Term Income Fund |
ü |
ü |
ü |
ü |
ü |
|
Dreyfus Natural Resources Fund |
ü |
ü |
ü |
ü |
|
|
Dreyfus Short- Intermediate Government Fund |
ü |
ü |
ü |
ü |
|
|
Dreyfus Short-Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund |
ü |
ü |
|||
|
Dreyfus Short Term Income Fund |
ü |
ü |
ü |
ü |
ü |
|
Growth and Income Portfolio |
ü |
ü |
ü |
ü |
|
|
The Dreyfus Fund Incorporated |
ü |
||||
|
The Dreyfus Third Century Fund |
ü |
Growth and Income Portfolio
Investment Approach
. The following information supplements and should be read in conjunction with the fund's prospectus.
I. Asset Allocation Baseline . Mellon Capital will establish an asset allocation baseline (the "Fund Baseline"). The Fund Baseline describes target levels or relative weights for the fund's asset classes: Level One describes the relative weighting of total assets between international assets, domestic assets, and money market instruments; Level Two describes the relative weighting of international and domestic assets between common stock and fixed-income assets; and Level Three describes the relative weighting of domestic common stock assets between large and small capitalization stocks. The following table illustrates this hierarchy:
* Not held as an asset class. Money market instruments held for transactional and liquidity purposes only.
Mellon Capital will attempt to maintain relative asset class weights consistent with the Fund Baseline as adjusted by the Active Allocation Overlay described below. At any given time, however, actual weights will not equal the Fund Baseline because of fluctuations in market values, money market instruments held for transactional and liquidity purposes, and Mellon Capital's active allocation overlay decisions.
II. Active Allocation Overlay. Mellon Capital will establish two active allocation ranges ("Fund Overlay One" and "Fund Overlay Two"). Fund Overlay One describes the amount of over/under weighting to the Fund Baseline for the relative weighting between international and domestic assets. Fund Overlay Two describes the
II-18
amount of over/under weighting to the Fund Baseline for the relative weighting of domestic assets between common stock and fixed-income assets. The following table illustrates these ranges:
|
Fund Overlay One |
Fund Overlay Two |
|
|
Range for Relative Weighting of International and Domestic Assets |
Range of Relative Weighting of Domestic Assets Between Equity Assets and Fixed-Income Assets |
|
|
+/- 5% of Fund Baseline |
+/- 15% of Fund Baseline |
The following examples illustrate Mellon Capital's allocation overlay process:
Example 1: Given the Level One Fund Baseline for the Fund of 10% of total assets in international securities and 90% of total assets in domestic securities, under Fund Overlay One, Mellon Capital could invest as much as 15% of the fund's total assets in international securities and 85% of its total assets in domestic securities or as little as 5% of its total assets in international securities and 95% of its total assets in domestic securities.
Example 2: Given the Level Two Fund Baseline for the Fund of 50% of domestic assets in equity securities and 50% of domestic assets in fixed-income securities, under Fund Overlay Two, Mellon Capital could invest as much as 65% of the fund's assets invested in domestic assets in equity securities and 35% of such domestic assets in fixed-income securities or as little as 35% of the fund's assets invested in domestic assets in equity securities and 65% of such domestic assets in fixed-income securities.
Under normal circumstances, Mellon Capital expects to maintain relative asset class weights consistent with the Fund Baseline adjusted by Fund Overlay One and Fund Overlay Two as described above. At any given time, however, actual weights may not fall within the ranges suggested by the Fund Baseline adjusted by the Active Allocation Overlay because of fluctuations in market values, cash and cash-equivalents held for transactional and liquidity purposes, and fund rebalancing.
Mellon Capital reserves the right to vary the relative asset class weights and the percentage of assets invested in any asset class from the Fund Baseline adjusted by the Active Allocation Overlay as the risk and return characteristics of either asset classes or markets, as assessed by Mellon Capital, vary over time. The fund will not be managed as a balanced portfolio, which would require that at least 25% of the fund's total assets be invested in fixed-income securities.
III. Implementing the Active Allocation Overlay. To implement Fund Overlay One, Mellon Capital will employ a proprietary country asset allocation model (the "Country Model"). The Country Model evaluates the return and risk characteristics of individual capital markets and their correlation across countries, incorporates expected movements in currency markets to determine expected U.S. dollar returns, and then employs an international correlation model to recommend appropriate relative weightings.
To implement Fund Overlay Two, Mellon Capital will employ a proprietary domestic asset allocation model (the "Domestic Model"). The Domestic Model evaluates the return and risk characteristics of the domestic equity and fixed-income markets by comparing the valuation of equity and fixed-income assets relative to their current market prices and long-term values in the context of the current economic environment. Once this analysis is completed, the Domestic Model recommends appropriate relative weightings.
Mellon Capital will compare the fund's relative asset class weights from time to time to that suggested by the Country Model and the Domestic Model. Recommended changes will be implemented subject to Mellon Capital's assessment of current economic conditions and investment opportunities. From time to time, Mellon Capital may change the criteria and methods used to implement the recommendations of the asset allocation models.
IV. Asset Class Benchmarks. For each asset class, other than money market instruments, a market-based index is designated as a benchmark or reference for the respective asset class (the "Asset Class Benchmark"). A brief description of each Asset Class Benchmark listed in the table below is contained in Section VI. The Asset
II-19
Class Benchmarks are used in the investment management process as described in the following section. The Asset Class Benchmarks are listed in the following table:
|
Asset Class |
Asset Class Benchmark |
|
|
Domestic Large Cap Equity |
S&P 500 Index |
|
|
Domestic Small Cap Equity |
Russell 2000 ® Index |
|
|
International Equity |
Morgan Stanley Capital International Europe, Australasia, Far East (Free) ® Index ("EAFE Index") * |
|
|
Domestic Fixed-Income |
Barclays Capital Intermediate U.S. Government/Credit Index ("Barclays Government/Credit Index") |
|
|
International Fixed-Income |
J.P. Morgan Non-US Government Bond Index – Hedged ("J.P. Morgan Global Index") |
* In U.S. dollars.
Under normal circumstances, Mellon Capital expects to use the Asset Class Benchmarks as described below. Mellon Capital, however, reserves the right to substitute another suitable Asset Class Benchmark if the then-existing Asset Class Benchmark is no longer calculated, suffers a material change in formula or content, fails to adequately reflect the return characteristics of the asset class, or for any other reason, in the judgment of Mellon Capital, is inappropriate.
V. Asset Class Investment Management. When constructing portfolios for each asset class, Mellon Capital seeks to select securities, which, in the aggregate, have approximately the same investment characteristics as those of the Asset Class Benchmark with expected returns equal to or better than that of the Asset Class Benchmark. Some of the asset classes will be managed on an indexed basis and Mellon Capital reserves the right, in its judgment, to manage asset classes either actively or on an indexed basis consistent with the Fund's investment objective.
For asset classes managed on an indexed basis, a statistically based "sampling" technique will be used to construct portfolios. The sampling technique is expected to be an effective means of substantially duplicating the investment performance of the Asset Class Benchmark. It will not, however, provide investment performance relative to the Asset Class Benchmark with the same degree of accuracy that complete or full replication would provide.
If possible, Mellon Capital will seek to fully replicate the holdings of an Asset Class Benchmark when managing an indexed portfolio. Such a strategy is limited by the number of securities in the Asset Class Benchmark and will not provide investment performance equal to that of the Asset Class Benchmark owing to certain factors, including Asset Class Benchmark changes, calculation rules which assume dividends are reinvested into the Asset Class Benchmark on ex-dividend dates and transaction costs of rebalancing.
For asset classes that are actively managed, Mellon Capital will employ proprietary valuation models to assist in the selection of stocks and in the construction of portfolios that maintain the investment characteristics of the Asset Class Benchmark consistent with the Fund's investment objective. In its active investment process, Mellon Capital concentrates on fundamental factors such as relative price/earnings ratios, relative book to price ratios, earnings growth rates and momentum, and consensus earnings expectations and changes in that consensus to value and rank stocks based on expected relative performance to the Asset Class Benchmark.
Mellon Capital will seek to manage each asset class consistent with the descriptions above and with the fund's investment objective.
Mellon Capital may choose to combine Asset Class Benchmarks proportionately if the amount of investable assets in the fund is deemed low in the judgment of Mellon Capital. For example, the domestic equity large cap and small cap Asset Class Benchmarks could be combined proportionately according to the Fund Baseline in order to create
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more efficient portfolio management as deemed appropriate by Mellon Capital. Mellon Capital would continue to provide investment management services as described above, but would manage to the combined Asset Class Benchmark.
VI. Description of Asset Class Benchmarks.
Common Stocks . The S&P 500 Index is composed of 500 common stocks, most of which are listed on the New York Stock Exchange. The weightings of stocks in the S&P 500 Index are based on each stock's relative total market capitalization; that is, its market price per share times the number of shares outstanding.
The Russell 2000 ® Index is an unmanaged index and is composed of the smallest companies in the Russell 3000 ® Index. The Russell 3000 ® Index is composed of 3,000 of the largest U.S. companies by market capitalization.
The EAFE Index is a broadly diversified international index composed of the equity securities of approximately 1,000 companies located outside the United States. The weightings of stocks in the EAFE Index are based on each stock's market capitalization relative to the total market capitalization of all stocks in the Index.
Fixed Income Securities . The Barclays Government/Credit Index is composed of approximately 5,000 fixed-income securities, including U.S. Government securities and investment grade corporate bonds, with an average outstanding market value of more than $600 million and maturities of less than ten years and greater than one year.
The J.P. Morgan Global Index is composed of traded, fixed-rate government bonds from twelve countries with maturities of greater than one year. The twelve countries are Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom.
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|
Fund |
U.S. Government Securities 14 |
Repurchase Agreements |
Bank Obligations 15 |
Participation
|
Floating and Variable Rate Obligations |
|
Dreyfus Institutional Cash Advantage Fund |
ü |
ü |
ü |
ü |
|
|
Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Money Market Fund |
ü |
ü |
ü |
ü |
|
|
Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Plus Money Market Fund |
ü |
ü |
ü |
ü |
|
|
Dreyfus Institutional Reserves Money Fund |
ü |
ü 16 |
ü |
ü (municipal securities only) |
ü |
|
Dreyfus Institutional Reserves Treasury Fund |
ü |
ü |
|||
|
Dreyfus Institutional Reserves Treasury Prime Fund |
ü |
||||
|
Dreyfus Liquid Assets |
ü |
ü |
ü |
ü |
|
|
Dreyfus Worldwide Dollar Money Market Fund |
ü |
ü |
ü |
ü |
ü |
14
Dreyfus
Institutional Reserves Treasury Fund normally invests only in U.S. Treasury securities backed by the
full faith and credit of the U.S. Government and in repurchase agreements, including tri-party repurchase
agreements, collateralized by U.S. Treasury securities and other securities issued or guaranteed as to
principal and interest by the U.S. Government.
Dreyfus Institutional Reserves Treasury Prime Fund normally invests only in U.S. Treasury securities backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government.
15 Normally, Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Money Market Fund and Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Plus Money Market Fund each will invest at least 25% of its net assets in domestic or dollar-denominated foreign bank obligations.
Normally, Dreyfus Liquid Assets invests at least 25% of its assets in bank obligations. Additionally, the fund may only purchase certificates of deposit, time deposits, bankers' acceptances and other short-term obligations issued by domestic banks and foreign branches of domestic banks.
16 Up to 20% of the value of the fund's net assets may consist of repurchase agreements collateralized by U.S. Government securities other than U.S. Treasury securities.
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|
Fund |
Asset-Backed Securities |
Commercial Paper |
Investment Companies |
Municipal Securities |
Foreign Securities 17 |
|
Dreyfus Institutional Cash Advantage Fund |
ü |
ü |
ü |
ü |
|
|
Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Money Market Fund |
ü |
ü |
ü |
ü |
|
|
Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Plus Money Market Fund |
ü |
ü |
ü |
ü |
|
|
Dreyfus Institutional Reserves Money Fund |
ü |
ü |
ü |
ü (up to 25% of assets) |
ü |
|
Dreyfus Institutional Reserves Treasury Fund |
ü |
||||
|
Dreyfus Institutional Reserves Treasury Prime Fund |
ü |
||||
|
Dreyfus Liquid Assets |
ü |
ü |
ü |
ü |
|
|
Dreyfus Worldwide Dollar Money Market Fund |
ü |
ü |
ü |
ü |
17 Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Money Market Fund may invest only in securities issued by foreign branches of domestic banks, domestic and foreign branches of foreign banks and commercial paper issued by foreign issuers. Dreyfus Liquid Assets may invest only in securities issued by foreign branches of domestic banks.
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|
Fund |
Illiquid Securities |
Borrowing Money 18 |
Reverse Repurchase Agreements |
Forward Commitments |
Interfund Borrowing and Lending Program |
Lending Portfolio Securities 19 |
|
Dreyfus Institutional Cash Advantage Fund |
ü |
ü |
ü |
ü |
ü |
|
|
Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Money Market Fund |
ü |
ü |
ü |
ü |
ü |
ü |
|
Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Plus Money Market Fund |
ü |
ü |
ü |
ü |
ü |
ü |
|
Dreyfus Institutional Reserves Money Fund |
ü |
ü |
ü |
ü |
ü |
ü |
|
Dreyfus Institutional Reserves Treasury Fund |
ü |
ü |
ü |
ü |
||
|
Dreyfus Institutional Reserves Treasury Prime Fund |
ü |
ü |
ü |
ü |
||
|
Dreyfus Liquid Assets |
ü |
ü |
ü |
|||
|
Dreyfus Worldwide Dollar Money Market Fund |
ü |
ü |
ü |
ü |
ü |
ü |
18 Dreyfus Institutional Cash Advantage Fund, Dreyfus Institutional Reserves Money Fund, Dreyfus Institutional Reserves Treasury Fund and Dreyfus Institutional Reserves Treasury Prime Fund each currently intends to borrow for temporary or emergency (not leveraging) purposes.
Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Money Market Fund and Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Plus Money Market Fund each currently intends to borrow only for temporary or emergency (not leveraging) purposes in an amount up to 15% of the value of its total assets (including the amount borrowed) at the time the borrowing is made; however, these funds, along with Dreyfus Institutional Cash Advantage Fund and Dreyfus Institutional Reserves Money Fund, each may borrow for investment purposes on a secured basis through entering into reverse repurchase agreements.
Dreyfus Liquid Assets and Dreyfus Worldwide Dollar Money Market Fund each currently intends to borrow from banks only for temporary or emergency (not leveraging) purposes in an amount up to 15% of the value of its total assets (including the amount borrowed) valued at the lesser of cost or market, less liabilities (not including the amount borrowed) at the time the borrowing is made.
19 Other than pursuant to the Interfund Borrowing and Lending Program.
"Fundamental Policies" may not be changed without approval of the holders of a majority of the fund's outstanding voting securities (as defined in the 1940 Act). "Nonfundamental Policies" may be changed at any time, without shareholder approval, by a vote of a majority of the board members and in compliance with applicable law and regulatory policy.
Except as may be otherwise disclosed in the prospectus, each fund's investment objective is a Fundamental Policy. Dreyfus Short-Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund's policy with respect to the investment of at least 80% of its net assets is a Fundamental Policy (see "Policies Related to Fund Names" below). Additionally, as a matter of Fundamental Policy, each fund, as indicated, may not (with respect to Dreyfus Institutional Reserves Money Fund, Dreyfus Institutional Reserves Treasury Fund and Dreyfus Institutional Reserves Treasury Prime Fund, except as described below or as otherwise permitted by the 1940 Act, or interpretations or modifications by, or exemptive or
II-24
other relief from, the SEC or other authority with appropriate jurisdiction, and disclosed to investors, each fund, as indicated, may not):
1. Borrowing
Dreyfus Institutional Cash Advantage Fund, Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Money Market Fund, Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Plus Money Market Fund, Dreyfus Institutional Reserves Money Fund, Dreyfus Institutional Reserves Treasury Fund, Dreyfus Institutional Reserves Treasury Prime Fund, Dreyfus Liquid Assets, Dreyfus Worldwide Dollar Money Market Fund and The Dreyfus Third Century Fund. Borrow money, except to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act (which currently limits borrowing to no more than 33-1/3% of the value of the fund's total assets).
Dreyfus Natural Resources Fund, Dreyfus Short-Intermediate Government Fund, Dreyfus Short-Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund, Growth and Income Portfolio and The Dreyfus Fund Incorporated . Borrow money, except to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act (which currently limits borrowing to no more than 33-1/3% of the value of the fund's total assets). For purposes of this Fundamental Policy, the entry into options, forward contracts, futures contracts, including those relating to indices, and options on futures contracts or indices shall not constitute borrowing.
Dreyfus Inflation Adjusted Securities Fund, Dreyfus Intermediate Term Income Fund and Dreyfus Short Term Income Fund. Borrow money, except to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act (which currently limits borrowing to no more than 33-1/3% of the value of the fund's total assets). For purposes of this Fundamental Policy, the entry into options, futures contracts, including those relating to indices, and options on futures contracts or indices shall not constitute borrowing.
2. Commodities
Dreyfus Institutional Reserves Money Fund, Dreyfus Institutional Reserves Treasury Fund and Dreyfus Institutional Reserves Treasury Prime Fund . Invest in physical commodities or physical commodities contracts.
Dreyfus Institutional Cash Advantage Fund, Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Money Market Fund and Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Plus Money Market Fund . Invest in commodities.
Dreyfus Inflation Adjusted Securities Fund, Dreyfus Intermediate Term Income Fund and Dreyfus Short Term Income Fund. Invest in commodities, except that the fund may purchase and sell futures contracts, including those relating to indices, and options on futures contracts or indices.
Dreyfus Natural Resources Fund. Invest in commodities, except that the fund may purchase and sell options, forward contracts, futures contracts, including those relating to indices, and options on futures contracts or indices. (This restriction shall not prohibit the fund, subject to restrictions described in its prospectus and this SAI, from purchasing, selling or entering into futures contracts, options on futures contracts, foreign currency forward contracts, foreign currency options, or any interest rate, securities-related or foreign currency-related hedging instrument, including swap agreements and other derivative instruments, subject to compliance with any applicable provisions of the federal securities or commodities law.)
Growth and Income Portfolio. Invest in commodities, except that the fund may purchase and sell options, forward contracts, futures contracts, including those relating to indices, and options on futures contracts or indices.
The Dreyfus Fund Incorporated. Purchase and sell commodities, except that the fund may purchase and sell options, forward contracts, futures contracts, including those relating to indices, and options on futures contracts or indices.
3. Issuer Diversification
II-25
Dreyfus Institutional Reserves Money Fund, Dreyfus Institutional Reserves Treasury Fund and Dreyfus Institutional Reserves Treasury Prime Fund . Invest more than 5% of its assets in the obligations of any single issuer, except that up to 25% of the value of the fund's total assets may be invested, and securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, or its agencies or instrumentalities and securities of other investment companies may be purchased, without regard to any such limitation.
Dreyfus Inflation Adjusted Securities Fund, Dreyfus Intermediate Term Income Fund and Growth and Income Portfolio. Invest more than 5% of its assets in the obligations of any single issuer, except that up to 25% of the value of the fund's total assets may be invested, and securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, or its agencies or instrumentalities may be purchased, without regard to any such limitation.
The Dreyfus Fund Incorporated. Invest more than 5% of the market value of its net assets in the securities of any one issuer, except that up to 25% of the value of the fund's total assets may be invested, and securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, or its agencies or instrumentalities may be purchased, without regard to such limitation.
Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Money Market Fund and Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Plus Money Market Fund. Invest more than 5% of its assets in the obligations of any one issuer, except that up to 25% of the value of the fund's total assets may be invested without regard to any such limitation.
Dreyfus Institutional Cash Advantage Fund. Invest more than 5% of its assets in the obligations of any single issuer, except that up to 25% of the value of the fund's total assets may be invested, and securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities may be purchased, without regard to any such limitation.
The Dreyfus Third Century Fund. Purchase the securities of any issuer if such purchase would cause more than 5% of the value of its total assets to be invested in securities of such issuer (except securities of the U.S. Government or any instrumentality thereof).
Dreyfus Worldwide Dollar Money Market Fund. Invest more than 15% of its assets in the obligations of any one bank, or invest more than 5% of its assets in the obligations of any other issuer, except that up to 25% of the value of the fund's total assets may be invested without regard to any such limitations. Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent required by the rules of the SEC, the fund will not invest more than 5% of its assets in the obligations of any one bank.
Dreyfus Inflation Adjusted Securities Fund, Dreyfus Institutional Cash Advantage Fund, Dreyfus Institutional Reserves Money Fund, Dreyfus Institutional Reserves Treasury Fund, Dreyfus Institutional Reserves Treasury Prime Fund, Dreyfus Intermediate Term Income Fund, Growth and Income Portfolio and The Dreyfus Fund Incorporated . Hold more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of any single issuer. This Fundamental Policy applies only with respect to 75% of the fund's total assets.
The Dreyfus Third Century Fund. Purchase the securities of any issuer if such purchase would cause the fund to hold more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer.
4. Industry Concentration
Dreyfus Institutional Reserves Treasury Fund and Dreyfus Institutional Reserves Treasury Prime Fund. Invest more than 25% of the value of its total assets in the securities of issuers in any single industry, provided that there shall be no limitation on the purchase of obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities or as otherwise permitted by the SEC.
Dreyfus Institutional Reserves Money Fund . Invest more than 25% of the value of its total assets in the securities of issuers in any single industry, provided that there shall be no limitation on the purchase of obligations issued by banks or issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities or as otherwise permitted by the SEC.
II-26
Dreyfus Inflation Adjusted Securities Fund, Dreyfus Intermediate Term Income Fund, Dreyfus Short-Intermediate Government Fund, Dreyfus Short Term Income Fund and The Dreyfus Fund Incorporated . Invest more than 25% of the value of its total assets in the securities of issuers in any single industry, provided that there shall be no limitation on the purchase of obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities.
Growth and Income Portfolio. Invest more than 25% of the value of its assets in the securities of issuers in any single industry, provided that, there shall be no limitation on the purchase of obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities.
Dreyfus Natural Resources Fund. Invest more than 25% of the value of its total assets in the securities of issuers in any single industry, provided that there shall be no limitation on the purchase of obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities. The natural resources sector, in general, is not considered an industry for purposes of this Fundamental Policy.
Dreyfus Short-Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund. Invest more than 25% of its assets in the securities of issuers in any single industry; provided that there shall be no such limitation on the purchase of Municipal Bonds and, for temporary defensive purposes, securities issued by banks and obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities. For purposes of this Fundamental Policy, industrial development bonds, where the payment of principal and interest is the ultimate responsibility of companies with the same industry, are grouped together as an "industry."
Dreyfus Liquid Assets. Invest more than 15% of its assets in the obligations of any one bank or invest more than 5% of its assets in the obligations of any one issuer, except that up to 25% of the value of the fund's total assets may be invested without regard to any such limitation. Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent required by rules of the SEC, the fund will not invest more than 5% of its assets in the obligations of any one bank.
Dreyfus Worldwide Dollar Money Market Fund. Invest less than 25% of its total assets in securities issued by banks or invest more than 25% of its assets in the securities of issuers in any other industry, provided that there shall be no limitation on the purchase of obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities. Notwithstanding the foregoing, for temporary defensive purposes the fund may invest less than 25% of its assets in bank obligations.
Dreyfus Institutional Cash Advantage Fund. Invest less than 25% of its total assets in securities issued by banks or invest more than 25% of its total assets in the securities of issuers in any other industry, provided that there shall be no limitation on the purchase of obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities. Notwithstanding the foregoing, for temporary defensive purposes the fund may invest less than 25% of its assets in bank obligations.
Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Money Market Fund and Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Plus Money Market Fund. Invest less than 25% of its total assets in securities issued by banks or invest more than 25% in the securities of issuers in any other industry, provided that there shall be no limitation on the purchase of obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities. Notwithstanding the foregoing, for temporary defensive purposes the fund may invest less than 25% of its assets in bank obligations.
Dreyfus Liquid Assets. Invest less than 25% of its assets in obligations issued by banks or invest more than 25% of its assets in the securities of issuers in any other industry, provided that there shall be no limitation on the purchase of obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities. Notwithstanding the foregoing, for temporary defensive purposes the fund may invest less than 25% of its assets in bank obligations.
The Dreyfus Third Century Fund. Concentrate its investments in any particular industry or industries, except that the fund may invest up to 25% of the value of its total assets in a single industry.
II-27
5. Loans
Dreyfus Institutional Reserves Money Fund, Dreyfus Institutional Reserves Treasury Fund and Dreyfus Institutional Reserves Treasury Prime Fund. Lend any securities or make loans to others, except to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act (which currently limits such loans to no more than 33-1/3% of the value of the fund's total assets). For purposes of this Fundamental Policy, the purchase of debt obligations (including acquisitions of loans, loan participations or other forms of debt instruments) and the entry into repurchase agreements shall not constitute loans by the fund. Any loans of portfolio securities will be made according to guidelines established by the SEC and the board.
Dreyfus Intermediate Term Income Fund, Dreyfus Short-Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund, Dreyfus Short Term Income Fund, Growth and Income Portfolio and The Dreyfus Fund Incorporated . Make loans to others, except through the purchase of debt obligations and the entry into repurchase agreements; however, the fund may lend its portfolio securities in an amount not to exceed 33-1/3% of the value of its total assets. Any loans of portfolio securities will be made according to guidelines established by the SEC and the board.
Dreyfus Inflation Adjusted Securities Fund and The Dreyfus Third Century Fund. Lend any securities or make loans to others, except to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act (which currently limits such loans to no more than 33-1/3% of the value of the fund's total assets) or as otherwise permitted by the SEC. For purposes of this Fundamental Policy, the purchase of debt obligations (including acquisitions of loans, loan participations or other forms of debt instruments) and the entry into repurchase agreements shall not constitute loans by the fund. Any loans of portfolio securities will be made according to guidelines established by the SEC and the board.
Dreyfus Natural Resources Fund. Lend any securities or make loans to others, if, as a result, more than 33-1/3% of its total assets would be lent to others, except that this limitation does not apply to the purchase of debt obligations and the entry into repurchase agreements. However, the fund may lend its portfolio securities in an amount not to exceed 33-1/3% of the value of the fund's total assets. Any loans of portfolio securities will be made according to guidelines established by the SEC and the board.
Dreyfus Institutional Cash Advantage Fund, Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Money Market Fund and Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Plus Money Market Fund . Lend any securities or make loans to others, except to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act (which currently limits such loans to no more than 33-1/3% of the value of the fund's total assets), and except as otherwise permitted by interpretations or modifications by, or exemptive or other relief from, the SEC or other authority with appropriate jurisdiction, and disclosed to investors. For purposes of this Fundamental Policy, the purchase of debt obligations (including acquisitions of loans, loan participations or other forms of debt instruments) and the entry into repurchase agreements shall not constitute loans by the fund. Any loans of portfolio securities will be made according to guidelines established by the SEC and the board.
Dreyfus Worldwide Dollar Money Market Fund. Lend securities or make loans to others, except to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act (which currently limits such loans to no more than 33-1/3% of the value of the fund's total assets), or interpretations or modifications by, or exemptive or other relief from, the SEC or other authority with appropriate jurisdiction, and disclosed to investors. For purposes of this Fundamental Policy, the purchase of debt obligations (including acquisitions of loans, loan participations or other forms of debt instruments) and the entry into repurchase agreements shall not constitute loans by the fund. Any loans of portfolio securities will be made according to guidelines established by the SEC and the board.
Dreyfus Short-Intermediate Government Fund . Make loans to others except through the purchase of debt obligations and the entry into repurchase agreements referred to in the fund's prospectus. However, the fund may lend its portfolio securities in an amount not to exceed 33-1/3% of the value of its total assets. Any loans of portfolio securities will be made according to guidelines established by the SEC and the board.
Dreyfus Liquid Assets. Make loans to others or lend any securities, except as otherwise permitted by the 1940 Act (which currently limits such loans to no more than 33-1/3% of the value of the fund's total assets), or interpretations or modifications by, or exemptive or other relief from, the SEC or other authority with
II-28
appropriate jurisdiction, and disclosed to investors. For purposes of this Fundamental Policy, the purchase of debt obligations (including acquisitions of loans, loan participations or other forms of debt instruments) and the entry into repurchase agreements shall not constitute loans by the fund. Any loans of portfolio securities will be made according to guidelines established by the SEC and the board.
6. Margin
Dreyfus Natural Resources Fund, Growth and Income Portfolio and The Dreyfus Fund Incorporated. Purchase securities on margin, but the fund may make margin deposits in connection with transactions in options, forward contracts, futures contracts, including those related to indices, and options on futures contracts or indices.
Dreyfus Short-Intermediate Government Fund. Purchase securities on margin, but the fund may make margin deposits in connection with transactions in options, forward contracts, futures contracts, and options on futures contracts.
Dreyfus Liquid Assets and Dreyfus Worldwide Dollar Money Market Fund . Purchase securities on margin.
Dreyfus Institutional Cash Advantage Fund, Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Money Market Fund and Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Plus Money Market Fund. Purchase or sell securities on margin.
The Dreyfus Third Century Fund. Purchase securities on margin, but the fund may obtain such short-term credit as may be necessary for the clearance of purchases and sales of securities.
7. Real Estate
Dreyfus Institutional Reserves Treasury Fund and Dreyfus Institutional Reserves Treasury Prime Fund . Purchase, hold or deal in real estate, or oil, gas or other mineral leases or exploration or development programs.
Dreyfus Institutional Reserves Money Fund. Purchase, hold or deal in real estate, or oil, gas or other mineral leases or exploration or development programs, but the fund may purchase and sell securities that are secured by real estate or issued by companies that invest or deal in real estate or real estate investment trusts and may acquire and hold real estate or interests therein through exercising rights or remedies with regard to such securities.
Dreyfus Liquid Assets and Dreyfus Worldwide Dollar Money Market Fund. Purchase or sell real estate, real estate investment trust securities, commodities, or oil and gas interests.
Dreyfus Short-Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund. Purchase or sell real estate, commodities or commodity contracts, or oil and gas interests, but this shall not prevent the fund from purchasing and selling options, forward contracts, futures contracts, including those relating to indices, and options on futures contracts or indices.
Dreyfus Inflation Adjusted Securities Fund, Dreyfus Intermediate Term Income Fund and Dreyfus Short Term Income Fund. Purchase, hold or deal in real estate, or oil, gas or other mineral leases or exploration or development programs, but the fund may purchase and sell securities that are secured by real estate or issued by companies that invest or deal in real estate. In particular, the fund may purchase mortgage-backed securities and real estate investment trust securities.
Dreyfus Institutional Cash Advantage Fund, Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Money Market Fund, Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Plus Money Market Fund and Growth and Income Portfolio . Purchase, hold or deal in real estate, or oil, gas or other mineral leases or exploration or development programs, but the fund may purchase and sell securities that are secured by real estate or issued by companies that invest in or deal in real estate.
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Dreyfus Short-Intermediate Government Fund. Purchase or sell real estate, real estate investment trust securities, commodities or commodity contracts, or oil and gas interests, except that the fund may purchase and sell options, forward contracts, futures contracts, including those relating to indices, and options on futures contracts or indices.
The Dreyfus Third Century Fund. Purchase, hold or deal in commodities or commodity contracts, in oil, gas, or other mineral exploration or development programs, or in real estate but this shall not prohibit the fund from investing, consistent with Nonfundamental Policy No. 5 below, in securities of companies engaged in oil, gas or mineral investments or activities. This limitation shall not prevent the fund from investing in securities issued by a real estate investment trust, provided that such trust is not permitted to invest in real estate or in interests other than mortgages or other security interests.
The Dreyfus Fund Incorporated. Purchase, hold or deal in real estate, but the fund may purchase and sell securities that are secured by real estate or issued by companies that invest or deal in real estate or real estate investment trusts.
8. Senior Securities
Dreyfus Institutional Reserves Money Fund, Dreyfus Institutional Reserves Treasury Fund and Dreyfus Institutional Reserves Treasury Prime Fund . Issue any senior security (as such term is defined in Section 18(f) of the 1940 Act), except insofar as the fund may be deemed to have issued a senior security by reason of borrowing money in accordance with the fund's borrowing policies.
Dreyfus Short-Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund. Issue any senior security (as such term is defined in Section 18(f) of the 1940 Act), except to the extent the activities permitted by Fundamental Policy Nos. 1 and 8 and Nonfundamental Policy No. 3 may be deemed to give rise to a senior security.
Dreyfus Natural Resources Fund and Growth and Income Portfolio. Issue any senior security (as such term is defined in Section 18(f) of the 1940 Act), except to the extent the activities permitted by Fundamental Policy Nos. 1 and 2 and Nonfundamental Policy Nos. 3 and 8 may be deemed to give rise to a senior security.
Dreyfus Inflation Adjusted Securities Fund, Dreyfus Intermediate Term Income Fund and Dreyfus Short Term Income Fund. Issue any senior security (as such term is defined in Section 18(f) of the 1940 Act), except to the extent the activities permitted by Fundamental Policy Nos. 1 and 2 and Nonfundamental Policy No. 3 may be deemed to give rise to a senior security.
Dreyfus Institutional Cash Advantage Fund, Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Money Market Fund and Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Plus Money Market Fund . Issue any senior security (as such term is defined in Section 18(f) of the 1940 Act).
9. Short Sales
Dreyfus Short-Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund. Sell securities short or purchase securities on margin, but the fund may make margin deposits in connection with transactions in options, forward contracts, futures contracts, including those relating to indices, and options on futures contracts or indices.
The Dreyfus Third Century Fund. Sell any security short or engage in the purchase and sale of put, call, straddle, or spread options or combinations thereof, or in writing such options, except that the fund may write and sell covered call option contracts on securities owned by the fund up to, but not in excess of, 20% of the market value of its net assets at the time such option contracts are written. The fund may also purchase call options for the purpose of terminating its outstanding obligations with respect to securities upon which covered call option contracts have been written. In connection with the writing of covered call options, the fund may pledge assets to an extent not greater than 20% of the market value of its total net assets at the time such options are written.
10. Underwriting
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Dreyfus Inflation Adjusted Securities Fund, Dreyfus Institutional Cash Advantage Fund, Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Money Market Fund, Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Plus Money Market Fund, Dreyfus Institutional Reserves Money Fund, Dreyfus Institutional Reserves Treasury Fund, Dreyfus Institutional Reserves Treasury Prime Fund, Dreyfus Intermediate Term Income Fund, Dreyfus Liquid Assets, Dreyfus Natural Resources Fund, Dreyfus Short Term Income Fund, Dreyfus Worldwide Dollar Money Market Fund, Growth and Income Portfolio and The Dreyfus Fund Incorporated . Act as an underwriter of securities of other issuers, except to the extent the fund may be deemed an underwriter under the Securities Act by virtue of disposing of portfolio securities.
Dreyfus Short-Intermediate Government Fund. Underwrite the securities of other issuers.
Dreyfus Short-Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund. Underwrite the securities of other issuers, except that the fund may bid separately or as part of a group for the purchase of Municipal Bonds directly from an issuer for its own portfolio to take advantage of the lower purchase price available, and except to the extent the fund may be deemed an underwriter under the Securities Act by virtue of disposing of portfolio securities.
The Dreyfus Third Century Fund. Act as an underwriter of securities of other issuers.
11. Investing for Control
The Dreyfus Third Century Fund. Invest in the securities of a company for the purpose of exercising management or control, but the fund will vote the securities it owns in its portfolio as a shareholder in accordance with its views.
Dreyfus Short-Intermediate Government Fund. Invest in companies for the purpose of exercising control.
12. Other
Dreyfus Short-Intermediate Government Fund. Purchase common stocks, preferred stocks, warrants or other equity securities, or purchase corporate bonds or debentures, state bonds, Municipal Bonds or industrial revenue bonds.
The Dreyfus Third Century Fund. Purchase securities of any company having less than three years' continuous operating history (including that of any predecessors) if such purchase would cause the value of the fund's investments in all such securities to exceed 5% of the value of its net assets.
In addition to the Fundamental Policies described above, the following Fundamental Policies also apply to The Dreyfus Third Century Fund:
· The fund's special considerations described in the prospectus will not be changed without shareholder approval. The board may from time to time without shareholder approval adopt additional criteria or restrictions governing the fund's investments if the board determines that the new criteria or restrictions are consistent with the fund's objective of investing in a socially responsible manner. Any such new criteria or restrictions would not be fundamental policies of the fund and could be subsequently terminated or changed by the board at any time without shareholder approval.
· The fund may not purchase or retain the securities of any issuer if officers or board members of the fund or of the Manager, who own beneficially more than 1/2 of 1% of the securities of such issuer, together own beneficially more than 5% of the securities of such issuer.
· The fund may not purchase from or sell to any of its officers or board members, or firms of which any of them are members, any securities (other than capital stock of the fund), but such persons or firms may act as brokers for the fund for customary commissions.
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· The fund may not purchase warrants in excess of 2% of the value of its net assets. Such warrants shall be valued at fair market value, except that warrants acquired by the fund in units or attached to securities shall be deemed to be without value, for purposes of this restriction only.
As a Nonfundamental Policy, which may be changed at any time, without shareholder approval, by a vote of a majority of the board members and in compliance with applicable law and regulatory policy, each fund, as indicated, may not:
1. Investing for Control
Dreyfus Inflation Adjusted Securities Fund, Dreyfus Intermediate Term Income Fund, Dreyfus Short Term Income Fund and Growth and Income Portfolio . Invest in the securities of a company for the purpose of exercising management or control, but the fund will vote the securities it owns in its portfolio as a shareholder in accordance with its views.
Dreyfus Liquid Assets, Dreyfus Institutional Reserves Money Fund, Dreyfus Institutional Reserves Treasury Fund, Dreyfus Institutional Reserves Treasury Prime Fund , Dreyfus Short-Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund and Dreyfus Worldwide Dollar Money Market Fund. Invest in companies for the purpose of exercising control.
The Dreyfus Fund Incorporated. Invest in the securities of a company for the purpose of management or the exercise of control, but the fund votes the securities it owns in its portfolio as a shareholder in accordance with its own views.
2. Margin
Dreyfus Institutional Reserves Money Fund, Dreyfus Institutional Reserves Treasury Fund and Dreyfus Institutional Reserves Treasury Prime Fund . Purchase securities on margin, except for use of short-term credit necessary for clearance of purchases and sales of portfolio securities.
Dreyfus Inflation Adjusted Securities Fund, Dreyfus Intermediate Term Income Fund and Dreyfus Short Term Income Fund. Purchase securities on margin, but the fund may make margin deposits in connection with transactions in futures, including those relating to indices, and options on futures or indices.
3. Pledging Assets
Dreyfus Natural Resources Fund and Growth and Income Portfolio. Pledge, mortgage or hypothecate its assets, except to the extent necessary to secure permitted borrowings and to the extent related to the purchase of securities on a when-issued or forward commitment basis and the deposit of assets in escrow in connection with writing covered put and call options and collateral and initial or variation margin arrangements with respect to options, forward contracts, futures contracts, including those related to indices, and options on futures contracts or indices.
Dreyfus Short-Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund. Pledge, hypothecate, mortgage or otherwise encumber its assets, except to the extent necessary to secure permitted borrowings and to the extent related to the deposit of assets in escrow in connection with the purchase of securities on a when-issued or delayed-delivery basis and collateral and initial or variation margin arrangements with respect to options, forward contracts, futures contracts, including those related to indices, and options on futures contracts or indices.
Dreyfus Inflation Adjusted Securities Fund, Dreyfus Intermediate Term Income Fund and Dreyfus Short Term Income Fund. Pledge, mortgage or hypothecate its assets, except to the extent necessary to secure permitted borrowings and to the extent related to the purchase of securities on a when-issued or forward commitment basis and the deposit of assets in escrow in connection with writing covered put and call options and collateral
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and initial or variation margin arrangements with respect to options, futures contracts, including those relating to indices, and options on futures contracts or indices.
Dreyfus Institutional Reserves Money Fund, Dreyfus Institutional Reserves Treasury Fund and Dreyfus Institutional Reserves Treasury Prime Fund . Pledge, hypothecate, mortgage or otherwise encumber its assets, except to the extent necessary to secure permitted borrowings and to the extent related to the purchase of securities on a when-issued, forward commitment or delayed-delivery basis and the deposit of assets in escrow in connection with collateral and initial or variation margin arrangements with respect to permitted transactions.
Dreyfus Liquid Assets and Dreyfus Worldwide Dollar Money Market Fund. Pledge, hypothecate, mortgage or otherwise encumber its assets, except to the extent necessary to secure permitted borrowings and in connection with the purchase of securities on a when-issued or forward commitment basis.
Dreyfus Short-Intermediate Government Fund. Pledge, mortgage, hypothecate or otherwise encumber its assets, except to the extent necessary to secure permitted borrowings and to the extent related to the purchase of securities on a when-issued or forward commitment basis and in connection with writing covered put and call options and margin arrangements with respect to options, forward contracts, futures contracts, including those relating to indices, and options on futures contracts or indices.
Dreyfus Institutional Cash Advantage Fund, Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Money Market Fund and Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Plus Money Market Fund . Pledge, mortgage, hypothecate or otherwise encumber its assets, except to the extent necessary to secure permitted borrowings and to the extent related to the deposit of assets in escrow in connection with the purchase of securities on a when-issued or forward commitment basis.
The Dreyfus Third Century Fund. Pledge, mortgage, hypothecate or otherwise encumber its assets, except to the extent necessary to secure permitted borrowings.
The Dreyfus Fund Incorporated. Pledge, mortgage, hypothecate or otherwise encumber its assets, except to the extent necessary to secure permitted borrowings and to the extent related to the purchase of securities on a when-issued or forward commitment basis and the deposit of assets in escrow in connection with writing covered put and call options and collateral and initial or variation margin arrangements with respect to options, forward contracts, futures contracts, including those relating to indices, and options on futures contracts or indices.
4. Purchase Securities of Other Investment Companies
Dreyfus Liquid Assets, Dreyfus Institutional Reserves Money Fund, Dreyfus Institutional Reserves Treasury Fund, Dreyfus Institutional Reserves Treasury Prime Fund, Dreyfus Short-Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund and Dreyfus Worldwide Dollar Money Market Fund . Invest in securities of other investment companies, except to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act.
Dreyfus Inflation Adjusted Securities Fund, Dreyfus Intermediate Term Income Fund, Dreyfus Natural Resources Fund, Dreyfus Short-Intermediate Government Fund, Dreyfus Short Term Income Fund, Growth and Income Portfolio and The Dreyfus Third Century Fund. Purchase securities of other investment companies, except to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act.
The Dreyfus Fund Incorporated. Purchase any securities issued by any investment company, except to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act.
5. Illiquid Investments
Dreyfus Liquid Assets, Dreyfus Institutional Cash Advantage Fund, Dreyfus Institutional Reserves Money Fund, Dreyfus Institutional Reserves Treasury Fund, Dreyfus Institutional Reserves Treasury Prime Fund and Dreyfus Worldwide Dollar Money Market Fund. Enter into repurchase agreements providing for settlement in
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more than seven days after notice or purchase securities which are illiquid if, in the aggregate, more than 5% of the value of the fund's total assets would be so invested.
Dreyfus Inflation Adjusted Securities Fund, Dreyfus Intermediate Term Income Fund, Dreyfus Natural Resources Fund, Dreyfus Short-Intermediate Government Fund, Dreyfus Short Term Income Fund, Growth and Income Portfolio, The Dreyfus Fund Incorporated and The Dreyfus Third Century Fund . Enter into repurchase agreements providing for settlement in more than seven days after notice or purchase securities which are illiquid if, in the aggregate, more than 15% of the value of the fund's net assets would be so invested.
Dreyfus Short-Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund. Enter into repurchase agreements providing for settlement in more than seven days after notice or purchase securities which are illiquid (which securities could include participation interests (including municipal lease/purchase agreements) that are not subject to the demand feature described in the fund's prospectus, and floating and variable rate demand obligations as to which the fund cannot exercise the demand feature described in the fund's prospectus on less than seven days' notice and as to which there is no secondary market), if, in the aggregate, more than 15% of its net assets would be so invested.
Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Money Market Fund and Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Plus Money Market Fund. Enter into repurchase agreements providing for settlement in more than seven days after notice or purchase securities which are illiquid if, in the aggregate, more than 5% of the value of the fund's net assets would be so invested.
6. Short Sales
Dreyfus Liquid Assets, Dreyfus Institutional Reserves Money Fund, Dreyfus Institutional Reserves Treasury Fund, Dreyfus Institutional Reserves Treasury Prime Fund and Dreyfus Worldwide Dollar Money Market Fund. Sell securities short.
7. Investment in Other than Municipal Bonds
Dreyfus Short-Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund. Purchase securities other than Municipal Bonds and taxable investments and those arising out of transactions in futures and options or as otherwise provided in the fund's prospectus.
8. Puts/Calls
Dreyfus Inflation Adjusted Securities Fund, Dreyfus Intermediate Term Income, Dreyfus Natural Resources Fund and Dreyfus Short Term Income Fund. Purchase, sell or write puts, calls or combinations thereof, except as described in its prospectus and this SAI.
Growth and Income Portfolio. Purchase, sell or write puts, calls or combinations thereof, except as may be described in the prospectus and this SAI.
Dreyfus Liquid Assets and Dreyfus Worldwide Dollar Money Market Fund . Write or purchase put or call options or combinations thereof.
9. Other
Dreyfus Liquid Assets and Dreyfus Worldwide Dollar Money Market Fund. Purchase common stocks, preferred stocks, warrants, corporate bonds or debentures, state bonds, municipal bonds or industrial revenue bonds (except through the purchase of debt obligations referred to in the prospectus and this SAI).
Growth and Income Portfolio. Purchase securities of any company having less than three years' continuous operations (including operations of any predecessors) if such purchase would cause the value of the fund's investments in all such companies to exceed 5% of the value of its total assets.
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With respect to each fund, if a percentage restriction is adhered to at the time of investment, a later change in percentage resulting from a change in values or assets will not constitute a violation of such restriction. With respect to the funds' policies pertaining to borrowing, however, if borrowings exceed 33-1/3% of the value of a fund's total assets as a result of a change in values or assets, the fund must take steps to reduce such borrowings within three days (not including Sundays and holidays) thereafter at least to the extent of such excess.
Dreyfus Inflation Adjusted Securities Fund, Dreyfus Natural Resources Fund and Dreyfus Short-Intermediate Government Fund have adopted policies prohibiting them from operating as funds-of-funds in reliance on Section 12(d)(1)(F) or Section 12(d)(1)(G) of the 1940 Act.
Policies Related to Fund Names
Each of the following funds invests, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of its net assets, plus any borrowings for investment purposes (for funds that may borrow for investment purposes) in the instruments (or other instruments with similar economic characteristics) described below. Each fund has adopted a policy to provide its shareholders with at least 60 days' prior notice of any change in its policy to so invest its assets (except for certain funds that have adopted such policy as a Fundamental Policy as indicated above).
|
Fund |
Investment |
|
Dreyfus Inflation Adjusted Securities Fund |
Two separate tests: (1) inflation-indexed securities and (2) investment grade securities |
|
Dreyfus
Intermediate Term Income Fund
|
Fixed-income securities of U.S. and foreign issuers rated investment grade or the unrated equivalent as determined by the Manager |
|
Dreyfus Natural Resources Fund |
Stocks issued by companies in natural resources and natural resources related sectors |
|
Dreyfus Short-Intermediate Government Fund |
Securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or its agencies or instrumentalities, and in repurchase agreements collateralized by such securities |
|
Dreyfus Short-Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund |
Municipal Bonds |
Dreyfus Inflation Adjusted Securities Fund, Dreyfus Institutional Cash Advantage Fund, Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Money Market Fund, Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Plus Money Market Fund, Dreyfus Intermediate Term Income Fund, Dreyfus Liquid Assets, Dreyfus Short-Intermediate Government Fund, Dreyfus Short-Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund, Dreyfus Short Term Income Fund and Dreyfus Worldwide Dollar Money Market Fund
Each fund ordinarily declares dividends from its net investment income on each business day, which is every day the NYSE or, with respect to Dreyfus Institutional Cash Advantage Fund, Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Money Market Fund, Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Plus Money Market Fund, Dreyfus Liquid Assets and Dreyfus Worldwide Dollar Money Market Fund only, the Transfer Agent is open for business.
INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUNDS' ORGANIZATION AND STRUCTURE
Each fund is an open-end management investment company. Listed below are the forms of organization of each fund company, its corresponding fund series (if any), the dates of organization and each fund's subclassification as "diversified" or "non-diversified" under the 1940 Act. The fund companies (in bold) listed below are either Maryland corporations or Massachusetts business trusts. If one or more funds are listed in italics thereunder, then such fund company is a "series" company, and investments are made through, and shareholders invest in, the fund series shown. References in this SAI to a "fund" generally refer to the series of a series company; if no such funds are listed under a bold fund company name, then it is not organized as a series company and the term "fund" refers to such fund company.
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|
Name |
State of Organization |
Date of Organization* |
Diversification Classification |
|
Dreyfus Institutional Cash Advantage Funds |
Massachusetts |
May 21, 1993 |
|
|
Dreyfus Institutional Cash Advantage Fund |
Diversified |
||
|
Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Money Market Funds |
Massachusetts |
May 21, 1993 |
|
|
Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Money Market Fund |
Diversified |
||
|
Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Plus Money Market Fund |
Diversified |
||
|
Dreyfus Institutional Reserves Funds |
Massachusetts |
January 10, 2008** |
|
|
Dreyfus Institutional Reserves Money Fund |
Diversified |
||
|
Dreyfus Institutional Reserves Treasury Fund |
Diversified |
||
|
Dreyfus Institutional Reserves Treasury Prime Fund |
Diversified |
||
|
Dreyfus Investment Grade Funds, Inc. |
Maryland |
June 26, 1992 |
|
|
Dreyfus Inflation Adjusted Securities Fund |
Diversified |
||
|
Dreyfus Intermediate Term Income Fund |
Diversified |
||
|
Dreyfus Short Term Income Fund |
Non-diversified |
||
|
Dreyfus LifeTime Portfolios, Inc. |
Maryland |
July 15, 1993 |
|
|
Growth and Income Portfolio |
Diversified |
||
|
Dreyfus Liquid Assets, Inc. |
Maryland |
September 6, 1973 |
Diversified |
|
Dreyfus Opportunity Funds |
Massachusetts |
May 21, 1993 |
|
|
Dreyfus Natural Resources Fund |
Non-diversified |
||
|
Dreyfus Premier Short-Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund |
Massachusetts |
October 29, 1986 |
|
|
Dreyfus Short-Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund |
Non-diversified |
||
|
Dreyfus Short-Intermediate Government Fund |
Massachusetts |
September 19, 1986 |
Diversified |
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|
Name |
State of Organization |
Date of Organization* |
Diversification Classification |
|
Dreyfus Worldwide Dollar Money Market Fund, Inc. |
Maryland |
February 2, 1989 |
Diversified |
|
The Dreyfus Fund Incorporated |
Maryland |
January 2, 1947 |
Diversified |
|
The Dreyfus Third Century Fund, Inc. |
Delaware
|
May 6, 1971
|
Diversified |
* As a result of legal requirements relating to the formation of Massachusetts business trusts, there may have been a significant period of time between the dates of organization and commencement of operations for funds organized in this structure, during which time no business or other activities were conducted.
** Prior to Dreyfus Institutional Reserves Funds commencing operations, the fund participated in a tax-free reorganization where each series of the fund received the assets of a corresponding series of BNY Hamilton Funds.
CERTAIN EXPENSE ARRANGEMENTS AND OTHER DISCLOSURES
Dreyfus Inflation Adjusted Securities Fund, Dreyfus Intermediate Term Income Fund, Dreyfus Short Term Income Fund, Dreyfus Worldwide Dollar Money Market Fund and Growth and Income Portfolio. The Manager has agreed that if in any fiscal year the aggregate expenses of the fund, exclusive of taxes, brokerage, interest on borrowings and (with the prior written consent of the necessary state securities commissions) extraordinary expenses, but including the management fee, exceed the expense limitation of any state having jurisdiction over the fund, the fund may deduct from the payment to be made to the Manager under the fund's agreement with the Manager, or the Manager will bear, such excess expense to the extent required by state law. Such deduction or payment, if any, will be estimated daily, and reconciled and effected or paid, as the case may be, on a monthly basis.
Dreyfus Liquid Assets. The Manager has agreed that if in any fiscal year the fund's aggregate expenses, exclusive of taxes, brokerage, interest and (with the prior written consent of the necessary state securities commissions) extraordinary expenses, but including the management fee, exceed 1% of the value of the fund's average net assets for the fiscal year, the Manager will refund to the fund, or bear, the excess over 1%. Such expense reimbursement, if any, will be estimated, reconciled and paid on a monthly basis.
Dreyfus Short-Intermediate Government Fund. The Manager has agreed that if in any fiscal year the aggregate expenses of the fund, exclusive of taxes, brokerage, interest on borrowings and (with the prior written consent of the necessary state securities commissions) extraordinary expenses, but including the management fee, exceed 1-1/2% of the average value of the fund's net assets for the fiscal year, the fund may deduct from the payment to be made to the Manager under the fund's agreement with the Manager, or the Manager will bear, such excess expense. Such deduction or payment, if any, will be estimated daily, and reconciled and effected or paid, as the case may be, on a monthly basis.
Dreyfus Short-Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund. The Manager has agreed that if in any fiscal year the aggregate expenses of the fund, exclusive of taxes, brokerage, interest on borrowings and (with the prior written consent of the necessary state securities commissions) extraordinary expenses, but including the management fee, exceed, with respect to Class D shares, 1-1/2% of the value of the fund's average net assets attributable to Class D shares for the fiscal year, the fund may deduct from the payment to be made to the Manager under the fund's agreement with the Manager, or the Manager will bear, such excess expense. Such deduction or payment, if any, will be estimated daily, and reconciled and effected or paid, as the case may be, on a monthly basis.
The Dreyfus Fund Incorporated. The Manager has agreed that if the aggregate expenses of the fund, exclusive of taxes and brokerage commissions but including the management fee, exceed 1% of the value of the fund's average daily net assets for any full fiscal year, the Manager will bear such expenses or refund to the fund the amount of such excess.
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The Dreyfus Third Century Fund. The Manager has agreed that if, in any fiscal year, the aggregate expenses of the fund, exclusive of taxes, brokerage, interest and (with the prior written consent of the necessary state securities commissions) extraordinary expenses, but including the management fee, exceed, with respect to Class Z of the fund, 1-1/2% of the average value of the fund's net assets attributable to its Class Z shares, the fund may deduct from the fees to be paid to the Manager, or the Manager will bear, the excess expense. For each fiscal year of the fund, the Manager will pay or bear such excess on a pro rata basis in proportion to the relative fees otherwise payable pursuant to the fund's agreement with the Manager. Such deduction or payment, if any, will be estimated, reconciled and effected or paid, as the case may be, on a monthly basis and will be limited to the amount of fees otherwise payable to the Manager under the fund's agreement with the Manager.
COUNSEL AND INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Except for The Dreyfus Third Century Fund, Stroock & Stroock & Lavan LLP, 180 Maiden Lane, New York, New York 10038-4982, as counsel for the funds, has rendered its opinion as to certain legal matters regarding the due authorization and valid issuance of the shares being sold pursuant to the funds' prospectuses. For The Dreyfus Third Century Fund, Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P., 666 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York 10103-3198, as counsel for the fund, has rendered its opinion as to certain legal matters regarding the due authorization and valid issuance of the shares being sold pursuant to the fund's prospectus.
Ernst & Young LLP, 5 Times Square, New York, New York 10036-6530, an independent registered public accounting firm, has been selected to serve as the independent registered public accounting firm for the funds.
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PART III
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT HOW TO BUY SHARES
See the prospectus and "How to Buy Shares" in Part II of this SAI to determine which sections of the discussion below apply to your fund.
Except as may be otherwise described in "How to Buy Shares—Information Regarding the Offering of Share Classes" in Part II of this SAI, fund shares may be purchased through the Distributor or Service Agents that have entered into service agreements with the Distributor. The initial investment must be accompanied by the Account Application. Subsequent purchases may be sent directly to the Transfer Agent or your Service Agent. You will be charged a fee if a check used to purchase fund shares is returned unpayable. Effective July 1, 2011 the funds issue shares in book entry form only and no longer issue share certificates.
Each fund reserves the right to reject any purchase order. No fund will establish an account for a "foreign financial institution," as that term is defined in Treasury rules implementing Section 312 of the USA PATRIOT Act. Foreign financial institutions include: foreign banks (including foreign branches of U.S. depository institutions); foreign offices of U.S. securities broker-dealers, futures commission merchants and mutual funds; non-U.S. entities that, if they were located in the United States, would be securities broker-dealers, futures commission merchants or mutual funds; and non-U.S. entities engaged in the business of currency dealer or exchanger or money transmitter. No fund will accept cash, travelers' checks or money orders as payment for shares.
Service Agents may impose certain conditions on their clients which are different from those described in the prospectus and this SAI and, to the extent permitted by applicable regulatory authority, may charge their clients direct fees. You should consult your Service Agent in this regard. As discussed under "Management Arrangements — Distributor" in Part III of this SAI, Service Agents may receive revenue sharing payments from Dreyfus or the Distributor. The receipt of such payments could create an incentive for a Service Agent to recommend or sell fund shares instead of other mutual funds where such payments are not received. Please contact your Service Agent for details about any payments it may receive in connection with the sale of fund shares or the provision of services to a fund.
The Code imposes various limitations on the amount that may be contributed to certain Retirement Plans or government sponsored programs. These limitations apply with respect to participants at the Retirement Plan level and, therefore, do not directly affect the amount that may be invested in a fund by a Retirement Plan or government sponsored programs. Participants and plan sponsors should consult their tax advisors for details.
Each fund reserves the right to vary further the initial and subsequent investment minimum requirements at any time.
Except as may be otherwise described in "How to Buy Shares—Investment Minimums" in Part II of this SAI, shares of each fund are offered without regard to the minimum initial investment requirements to fund board members who elect to have all or a portion of their compensation for serving in that capacity automatically invested in the fund.
Purchase of Institutional Money Funds and Cash Management Funds
In addition to the purchase information which may be described in "How to Buy Shares — Purchase of Institutional Money Funds" in Part II of this SAI, shares may be purchased by wire, by telephone or through a compatible automated interface or trading system. All payments should be made in U.S. dollars and, to avoid fees and delays, should be drawn only on U.S. banks. To place an order by telephone or to determine whether their automated facilities are compatible with the fund, investors should call Dreyfus Investments Division at 1-800-346-3621.
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Certain funds may, at their discretion, permit the purchases of shares through an "in-kind" exchange of securities. Any securities exchanged must meet the investment objective, policies and limitations of the fund, must have a readily ascertainable market value, must be liquid and must not be subject to restrictions on resale. The market value of any securities exchanged, plus any cash, must be at least equal to the fund's minimum initial investment. Shares purchased in exchange for securities generally cannot be redeemed for fifteen days following the exchange in order to allow time for the transfer to settle.
Securities accepted by a fund will be valued in the same manner as the fund values its assets. Any interest earned on the securities following their delivery to the fund and prior to the exchange will be considered in valuing the securities. All interest, dividends, subscription or other rights attached to the securities become the property of the fund, along with the securities. The exchange of securities for fund shares may be a taxable transaction to the shareholder. For further information about "in-kind" purchases, call 1-800-DREYFUS (516-794-5452 outside the U.S.).
Information Pertaining to Purchase Orders
For certain institutions that have entered into agreements with the Distributor, payment for the purchase of fund shares may be transmitted, and must be received by the Transfer Agent, within three business days after the order is placed. If such payment is not received within three business days after the order is placed, the order may be canceled and the institution could be held liable for resulting fees and/or losses.
Federal Funds (money market funds only) . Shares of each fund are sold on a continuous basis at the NAV per share next determined after an order and Federal Funds are received by the Transfer Agent or other entity authorized to receive orders on behalf of the fund. If you do not remit Federal Funds, your payment must be converted into Federal Funds. This usually occurs within one day of receipt of a bank wire and within two business days of receipt of a check drawn on a member bank of the Federal Reserve System. Checks drawn on banks which are not members of the Federal Reserve System may take considerably longer to convert into Federal Funds. Prior to receipt of Federal Funds, your money will not be invested in the fund.
Dreyfus TeleTransfer Privilege . Except as may be otherwise described in "How to Buy Shares—Dreyfus TeleTransfer Privilege" in Part II of this SAI, you may purchase fund shares by telephone or online if you have checked the appropriate box and supplied the necessary information on the Account Application or have filed a Shareholder Services Form with the Transfer Agent. The proceeds will be transferred between the bank account designated in one of these documents and your fund account. Only a bank account maintained in a domestic financial institution which is an ACH member may be so designated.
Dreyfus TeleTransfer purchase orders may be made at any time. If purchase orders are received by 4:00 p.m., Eastern time, on any day the Transfer Agent and the NYSE are open for regular business, fund shares will be purchased at the public offering price determined on that day. If purchase orders are made after 4:00 p.m., Eastern time, on any day the Transfer Agent and the NYSE are open for regular business, or made on Saturday, Sunday or any fund holiday ( e.g. , when the NYSE is not open for business) fund shares will be purchased at the public offering price determined on the next bank business day following such purchase order. To qualify to use the Dreyfus TeleTransfer Privilege, the initial payment for purchase of shares must be drawn on, and redemption proceeds paid to, the same bank and account as are designated on the Account Application or Shareholder Services Form on file. If the proceeds of a particular redemption are to be sent to an account at any other bank, the request must be in writing and signature-guaranteed as described below under "Additional Information About How to Redeem Shares —Share Certificates; Medallion Signature Guarantees." See "Additional Information About How to Redeem Shares—Dreyfus TeleTransfer Privilege" below for more information. Dreyfus TeleTransfer Privilege enables investors to make regularly scheduled investments and may provide investors with a convenient way to invest for long-term financial goals, but does not guarantee a profit and will not protect an investor against loss in a declining market.
Reopening an Account . Except as may be otherwise described in "How to Buy Shares—Reopening An Account" in Part II of this SAI, you may reopen an account with a minimum investment of $100 without filing a new Account
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Application during the calendar year the account is closed or during the following calendar year, provided the information on the old Account Application is still applicable.
Multi-Class Funds . When purchasing shares of a Multi-Class Fund, you must specify which class is being purchased. In many cases, neither the Distributor nor the Transfer Agent will have the information necessary to determine whether a quantity discount or reduced sales charge is applicable to a purchase. You or your Service Agent must notify the Distributor whenever a quantity discount or reduced sales charge is applicable to a purchase and must provide the Distributor with sufficient information at the time of purchase to verify that each purchase qualifies for the privilege or discount.
Service Agents may receive different levels of compensation for selling different classes of shares of the Multi-Class Funds.
Class A . Except as may be otherwise described in "How to Buy Shares — Class A" in Part II of this SAI, and as described below with respect to: (a) Class A shares of a Multi-Class Fund that is an equity fund purchased by shareholders who owned Class A shares of such fund on November 30, 1996; and (b) Class T shares exchanged for Class A shares, the public offering price for Class A shares of each Multi-Class Fund that is an equity fund is the NAV per share of that class plus a sales load as shown below:
|
Total Sales
Load*—Class A Shares
|
|||
|
Amount of Transaction |
As a % of offering price per share |
As a % of NAV
|
Dealers' reallowance as a % of offering price |
|
Less than $50,000 |
5.75 |
6.10 |
5.00 |
|
$50,000 to less than $100,000 |
4.50 |
4.71 |
3.75 |
|
$100,000 to less than $250,000 |
3.50 |
3.63 |
2.75 |
|
$250,000 to less than $500,000 |
2.50 |
2.56 |
2.25 |
|
$500,000 to less than $1,000,000 |
2.00 |
2.04 |
1.75 |
|
$1,000,000 or more |
-0- |
-0- |
-0- |
____________________________
* Due to rounding, the actual sales load you pay may be more or less than that calculated using these percentages.
The public offering price for Class A shares of a Dreyfus Multi-Class Fund that is an equity fund purchased by shareholders who beneficially owned Class A shares of such fund on November 30, 1996 is the NAV per share of that class plus a sales load as shown below:
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|
Total Sales
Load*
—
Class A Shares
|
|||
|
Amount of Transaction |
As
a % of offering
|
As a % of NAV
|
Dealers' reallowance as a %
|
|
Less than $50,000 |
4.50 |
4.71 |
4.25 |
|
$50,000 to less than $100,000 |
4.00 |
4.17 |
3.75 |
|
$100,000 to less than $250,000 |
3.00 |
3.09 |
2.75 |
|
$250,000 to less than $500,000 |
2.50 |
2.56 |
2.25 |
|
$500,000 to less than $1,000,000 |
2.00 |
2.04 |
1.75 |
|
$1,000,000 or more |
-0- |
-0- |
-0- |
____________________________
* Due to rounding, the actual sales
load you pay may be more or less than that calculated using these percentages.
Effective February 4, 2009 (the "Exchange Date"), Class T shares are no longer offered by any Multi-Class Fund. Holders of Class T shares of a Multi-Class Fund as of the Exchange Date received automatically, in exchange for their Class T shares of a fund, Class A shares of the fund having an aggregate NAV equal to the aggregate value of the shareholder's Class T shares. For shareholders of a Multi-Class Fund who received Class A shares of the fund in exchange for their Class T shares of the fund on the Exchange Date, the public offering price for Class A shares of the fund is the NAV per share of Class A of the fund plus a sales load as shown below:
|
Total Sales
Load*—Class A Shares
|
|||
|
Amount of Transaction |
As a % of offering
|
As a % of NAV
|
Dealers'
reallowance as a %
|
|
Less than $50,000 |
4.50 |
4.71 |
4.00 |
|
$50,000 to less than $100,000 |
4.00 |
4.17 |
3.50 |
|
$100,000 to less than $250,000 |
3.00 |
3.09 |
2.50 |
|
$250,000 to less than $500,000 |
2.00 |
2.04 |
1.75 |
|
$500,000 to less than $1,000,000 |
1.50 |
1.52 |
1.25 |
|
$1,000,000 or more |
-0- |
-0- |
-0- |
___________________________
* Due to rounding, the actual sales load you pay may be more or less than that calculated using these percentages.
The public offering price for Class A shares of each Multi-Class Fund that is a bond fund is the NAV per share of that class plus a sales load as shown below:
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|
Total Sales
Load*—Class A Shares
|
|||
|
Amount of Transaction |
As a % of offering
|
As a % of NAV
|
Dealers'
reallowance as a %
|
|
Less than $50,000 |
4.50 |
4.71 |
4.25 |
|
$50,000 to less than $100,000 |
4.00 |
4.17 |
3.75 |
|
$100,000 to less than $250,000 |
3.00 |
3.09 |
2.75 |
|
$250,000 to less than $500,000 |
2.50 |
2.56 |
2.25 |
|
$500,000 to less than $1,000,000 |
2.00 |
2.04 |
1.75 |
|
$1,000,000 or more |
-0- |
-0- |
-0- |
___________________________
* Due to rounding,
the actual
sales load you pay may be more or less than that calculated using these percentages.
Class A shares of a Multi-Class Fund purchased without an initial sales load as part of an investment of $1,000,000 or more may be assessed at the time of redemption a 1% CDSC if redeemed within one year of purchase. The Distributor may pay Service Agents an up-front commission of up to 1% of the NAV of Class A shares purchased by their clients as part of a $1,000,000 or more investment in Class A shares that are subject to a CDSC. If the Service Agent waives receipt of such commission, the CDSC applicable to such Class A shares will not be assessed at the time of redemption.
The scale of sales loads applies to purchases of Class A shares made by any Purchaser.
· Class A Shares Offered at NAV . Full-time employees of member firms of FINRA and full-time employees of other financial institutions which have entered into an agreement with the Distributor pertaining to the sale of fund shares (or which otherwise have a brokerage-related or clearing arrangement with a FINRA member firm or financial institution with respect to the sale of such shares) may purchase Class A shares for themselves directly or pursuant to an employee benefit plan or other program (if fund shares are offered to such plans or programs), or for their spouses or minor children, at NAV without a sales load, provided they have furnished the Distributor with such information as it may request from time to time in order to verify eligibility for this privilege. This privilege also applies to full-time employees of financial institutions affiliated with FINRA member firms whose full-time employees are eligible to purchase Class A shares at NAV. In addition, Class A shares are offered at NAV to full-time or part-time employees of Dreyfus or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries, directors of Dreyfus, board members of a fund advised by Dreyfus or its affiliates, or the spouse or minor child of any of the foregoing. Further, a charitable organization investing $50,000 or more in fund shares and a charitable remainder trust (each as defined in Section 501(c)(3) of the Code) may purchase Class A shares at NAV without payment of a sales charge, provided that such Class A shares are purchased directly through the Distributor. Any such charitable organization or charitable remainder trust that held Class A shares of a fund as of July 15, 2011, and continues to hold such Class A shares, may purchase additional Class A shares of the fund at NAV without a sales load whether or not purchasing such shares directly through the Distributor. Additional information about purchasing Class A shares at NAV is in the prospectus.
A shareholder purchasing fund shares through a Service Agent may no longer be eligible to purchase fund shares at NAV without a sales load, if the nature of the shareholder's relationship, and/or the services the shareholder receives from, the Service Agent changes. Please consult your Service Agent for further details.
· Dealer Reallowance . The dealer reallowance provided with respect to Class A shares may be changed from time to time but will remain the same for all dealers. The Distributor, at its own expense, may provide additional promotional incentives to dealers that sell shares of funds advised or administered by
III-5
Dreyfus which are sold with a sales load, such as Class A shares. In some instances, these incentives may be offered only to certain dealers who have sold or may sell significant amounts of such shares. See "Management Arrangements—Distributor" below.
· Right of Accumulation . Except as may be otherwise described in "How to Buy Shares—Right of Accumulation" in Part II of this SAI, reduced sales loads apply to any purchase of Class A shares by you and any related Purchaser where the aggregate investment including such purchase is $50,000 or more. If, for example, you previously purchased and still hold Eligible Shares, or combination thereof, with an aggregate current market value of $40,000 and subsequently purchase Class A shares of such fund having a current value of $20,000, the sales load applicable to the subsequent purchase would be the sales load in effect for a transaction in the range of $50,000 to less than $100,000. All present holdings of Eligible Shares may be combined to determine the current offering price of the aggregate investment in ascertaining the sales load applicable to each subsequent purchase.
To qualify for reduced sales loads, at the time of purchase you or your Service Agent must notify the Distributor if orders are made by wire or the Transfer Agent if orders are made by mail. The reduced sales load is subject to confirmation of your holdings through a check of appropriate records.
· Conversion of All Class B Shares . Effective on or about the Effective Date (March 13, 2012), each Multi-Class Fund offering Class B shares converted its outstanding Class B shares to Class A shares of the fund (or, for certain funds, Class D shares of the fund—see "How to Buy Shares" in Part II of this SAI). Class B shares are no longer offered by the funds and have been terminated as a separately designated class of each fund. On the Effective Date, holders of Class B shares of a fund received Class A shares (or, as applicable, Class D shares) of the fund having an aggregate NAV equal to the aggregate NAV of the shareholder's Class B shares. Each fund's Class A shares (or, as applicable, Class D shares) have a lower total annual expense ratio than the fund's Class B shares. No front-end sales load or CDSC was imposed in connection with the conversion. Any subsequent investments in a fund's Class A shares by holders of Class A shares that were converted from Class B shares will be subject to the front-end sales load applicable to the fund's Class A shares.
Class C . The public offering price for Class C shares is the NAV per share of that class. No initial sales charge is imposed at the time of purchase. A CDSC is imposed, however, on redemptions of Class C shares made within the first year of purchase. See "Additional Information About How to Redeem Shares — Contingent Deferred Sales Charge—Multi-Class Funds — Class C" below.
Class I . The public offering price for Class I shares is the NAV per share of that class.
Shareholders who received Class I shares of a fund in exchange for Class Y shares of a corresponding Acquired Fund as a result of the reorganization of such series may continue to purchase Class I shares of any fund in the Dreyfus Family of Funds whether or not they would otherwise be eligible to do so. Additional information about eligibility to purchase Class I shares is in the prospectus and may be in Part II of this SAI.
Institutions effecting transactions in Class I shares for the accounts of their clients may charge their clients direct fees in connection with such transactions.
All Other Share Classes . The public offering price is the NAV per share of the class.
Under certain circumstances, shares of a fund with more than one class may be converted from one class of shares to another class of shares of the same fund. The aggregate dollar value of the shares of the class received upon any such conversion will equal the aggregate dollar value of the converted shares on the date of the conversion. An investor whose fund shares are converted from one class to another class will not realize taxable gain or loss as a result of the conversion.
III-6
Federal regulations require that you provide a certified taxpaper identification number ("TIN") upon opening or reopening an account. See the Account Application for further information concerning this requirement. Failure to furnish a certified TIN could subject you to a $50 penalty imposed by the IRS.
Frequent Purchases and Exchanges (non-money market funds only)
The funds are intended to be long-term investment vehicles and are not designed to provide investors with a means of speculating on short-term market movements. A pattern of frequent purchases and exchanges can be disruptive to efficient portfolio management and, consequently, can be detrimental to a fund's performance and its shareholders. If fund management determines that an investor is following an abusive investment strategy, it may reject any purchase request, or terminate the investor's exchange privilege, with or without prior notice. Such investors also may be barred from purchasing shares of other funds in the Dreyfus Family of Funds. Accounts under common ownership or control may be considered as one account for purposes of determining a pattern of excessive or abusive trading. In addition, a fund may refuse or restrict purchase or exchange requests for fund shares by any person or group if, in the judgment of fund management, the fund would be unable to invest the money effectively in accordance with its investment objective and policies or could otherwise be adversely affected or if the fund receives or anticipates receiving simultaneous orders that may significantly affect the fund. If an exchange request is refused, the fund will take no other action with respect to the fund shares until it receives further instructions from the investor. While a fund will take reasonable steps to prevent excessive short-term trading deemed to be harmful to the fund, it may not be able to identify excessive trading conducted through certain financial intermediaries or omnibus accounts.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT HOW TO REDEEM SHARES
See the prospectus or "How to Redeem Shares" in Part II of this SAI for fund-specific and other information about the redemption of fund shares.
Except as may be otherwise described in "How to Redeem Shares" in Part II of this SAI, each fund ordinarily will make payment for all shares redeemed within seven days after receipt by the Transfer Agent of a redemption request in proper form, except as provided by the rules of the SEC. However, if you have purchased fund shares by check, by Dreyfus TeleTransfer Privilege or through Dreyfus Automatic Asset Builder ® , and subsequently submit a written redemption request to the Transfer Agent, you will receive proceeds from the redemption once a sufficient period of time has passed to reasonably ensure that the purchase check (including a certified or cashier's check) has cleared (normally eight business days). For a money market fund, the fund may delay the redemption of such shares for such period; for a fund other than a money market fund, the fund may delay sending the redemption proceeds for such period. In addition, the fund will not honor redemption checks under the Checkwriting Privilege, and will reject requests to redeem shares by wire or telephone, online or pursuant to the Dreyfus TeleTransfer Privilege, for eight business days after receipt by the Transfer Agent of the purchase check, the Dreyfus TeleTransfer purchase or the Dreyfus Automatic Asset Builder order against which such redemption is requested. These procedures will not apply if your shares were purchased by wire payment, or if you otherwise have a sufficient collected balance in your account to cover the redemption request. Fund shares will not be redeemed until the Transfer Agent has received your Account Application.
If you hold shares of more than one class of a fund with more than one class, any request for redemption must specify the class of shares being redeemed. If you fail to specify the class of shares to be redeemed or if you own fewer shares of the class than specified to be redeemed, the redemption request may be delayed until the Transfer Agent receives further instructions from you or your Service Agent.
Except as may be otherwise described in "How to Redeem Shares" in Part II of this SAI, the Wire Redemption Privilege, Dreyfus TeleTransfer Privilege and the Telephone Exchange Privilege authorize the Transfer Agent to act on telephone (including over the Dreyfus Express voice response system), letter or online instructions from any person representing himself or herself to be you, or a representative or your Service Agent, and reasonably believed by the Transfer Agent to be genuine. The fund will require the Transfer Agent to employ reasonable procedures, such as requiring a form of personal identification, to confirm that instructions are genuine and, if it does not follow
III-7
such procedures, the fund or the Transfer Agent may be liable for any losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent instructions. Neither the fund nor the Transfer Agent will be liable for following telephonic instructions reasonably believed to be genuine.
During times of drastic economic or market conditions, you may experience difficulty in contacting the Transfer Agent by telephone or online to request a redemption or exchange of fund shares. In such cases, you should consider using the other redemption procedures described herein. Use of these other redemption procedures may result in your redemption request being processed at a later time than it would have been if telephonic redemption had been used. During the delay the NAV of non-money market funds may fluctuate.
Certain funds will deduct a redemption fee as described in the relevant funds' prospectuses. Subject to the exceptions described in a fund's prospectus, shares held for less than the 60-day holding period will be subject to the fund's redemption fee, whether held directly in your name or indirectly through an intermediary, such as a broker, bank, investment adviser, recordkeeper for Retirement Plan participants or any other third party. If you hold your shares through an intermediary's omnibus account, the intermediary is responsible for imposing the fee and remitting the fee to the fund.
The redemption fee will be charged and retained by a fund on shares sold before the end of the required holding period. The fund will use the "first-in, first-out" method to determine the holding period for the shares sold. Under this method, shares held the longest will be redeemed or exchanged first. The holding period commences on the day after your purchase order is effective. For example, the holding period for shares purchased on October 31 (trade date) begins on November 1 and ends on the 59 th day, which is December 29. Thus, if you redeemed these shares on December 29, you would be assessed the fee, but you would not be assessed the fee if you redeemed on or after December 30.
A redemption fee generally is collected by deduction from the redemption proceeds, but may be imposed by billing you if the fee is not imposed as part of the redemption transaction.
A fund may postpone the effective date of the assessment of the redemption fee on the underlying shareholder accounts within an omnibus account if an intermediary requires additional time to collect the fund's redemption fee.
The fund may impose the redemption fee at the plan level for employee benefit plans that hold shares on behalf of a limited number of employees. Plan sponsors of such benefit plans that opt to impose redemption fees at the employee account level, rather than at the plan level, must enter into agreements with Dreyfus that obligate the sponsor to collect and remit redemption fees at the employee level and to provide to the fund, at its request, shareholder identity and transaction information.
The funds' prospectuses contain information on transactions for which the redemption fee is waived. The funds reserve the right to exempt additional transactions from the redemption fee.
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge—Multi-Class Funds
Class C . A CDSC of 1% payable to the Distributor is imposed on any redemption of Class C shares within one year of the date of purchase. No CDSC will be imposed to the extent that the NAV of the Class C shares redeemed does not exceed (i) the current NAV of Class C shares of the fund acquired through reinvestment of fund dividends or capital gain distributions, plus (ii) increases in the NAV of your Class C shares above the dollar amount of all your payments for the purchase of Class C shares held by you at the time of redemption.
If the aggregate value of Class C shares redeemed has declined below their original cost as a result of the fund's performance, a CDSC may be applied to the then-current NAV rather than the purchase price.
In determining whether a CDSC is applicable to a redemption, the calculation will be made in a manner that results in the lowest possible rate. It will be assumed that the redemption is made first of amounts representing Class C shares acquired pursuant to the reinvestment of dividends and distributions; then of amounts representing the
III-8
increase in NAV of Class C shares above the total amount of payments for the purchase of Class C shares made during the preceding year; and finally, of amounts representing the cost of shares held for the longest period.
For example, assume an investor purchased 100 shares of the fund at $10 per share for a cost of $1,000. Subsequently, the shareholder acquired five additional shares through the reinvestment of fund dividends. Within a year after the purchase the investor decided to redeem $500 of the investment. Assuming at the time of the redemption the NAV had appreciated to $12 per share, the value of the investor's shares would be $1,260 (105 shares at $12 per share). The CDSC would not be applied to the value of the reinvested dividend shares and the amount which represents appreciation ($260). Therefore, $240 of the $500 redemption proceeds ($500 minus $260) would be charged at a rate of 1% for a total CDSC of $2.40.
Waiver of CDSC . The CDSC may be waived in connection with (a) redemptions made within one year after the death or disability, as defined in Section 72(m)(7) of the Code, of the shareholder, (b) redemptions by employees participating in Retirement Plans or other programs, (c) redemptions as a result of a combination of any investment company with the fund by merger, acquisition of assets or otherwise, (d) a distribution following retirement under a tax-deferred retirement plan or upon attaining age 70½ in the case of an IRA or Keogh plan or custodial account pursuant to Section 403(b) of the Code and (e) redemptions pursuant to the Automatic Withdrawal Plan, as described under "Additional Information About Shareholder Services — Automatic Withdrawal Plan" in Part III of this SAI. If a fund's board determines to discontinue the waiver of the CDSC, the disclosure herein will be revised appropriately. Any fund shares subject to a CDSC which were purchased prior to the termination of such waiver will have the CDSC waived as provided in the fund's prospectus or this SAI at the time of the purchase of such shares.
To qualify for a waiver of the CDSC, at the time of redemption you must notify the Transfer Agent or your Service Agent must notify the Distributor. Any such qualification is subject to confirmation of your entitlement.
Redemption Through an Authorized Entity
Except as may be otherwise described in "How to Redeem Shares—Redemption Through an Authorized Entity" in Part II of this SAI, repurchase orders received by an Authorized Entity by the close of trading on the floor of the NYSE on any business day and transmitted to the Distributor or its designee in accordance with the Authorized Entity's agreement with the Distributor are effected at the price determined as of the close of trading on the floor of the NYSE on that day. Otherwise, the shares will be redeemed at the next determined NAV. It is the responsibility of the Authorized Entity to transmit orders on a timely basis. The Authorized Entity may charge the shareholder a fee for executing the order. This repurchase arrangement is discretionary and may be withdrawn at any time.
Certain funds provide redemption checks ("Checks") automatically upon opening an account, unless you specifically refuse the Checkwriting Privilege by checking the applicable "No" box on the Account Application. Checks will be sent only to the registered owner(s) of the account and only to the address of record. The Checkwriting Privilege may be established for an existing account by a separate signed Shareholder Services Form. The Account Application or Shareholder Services Form must be manually signed by the registered owner(s). Checks are drawn on your fund account and, except as may be otherwise described in "How to Redeem Shares—Checkwriting Privilege" in Part II of this SAI, may be made payable to the order of any person in the amount of $500 or more. When a Check is presented to the Transfer Agent for payment, the Transfer Agent, as your agent, will cause the fund to redeem a sufficient number of shares in your account to cover the amount of the Check. Dividends are earned until the Check clears. After clearance, a copy of the Check will be returned to you. You generally will be subject to the same rules and regulations that apply to checking accounts, although the election of this privilege creates only a shareholder-transfer agent relationship with the Transfer Agent.
Except as may be otherwise described in "How to Redeem Shares—Checkwriting Privilege" in Part II of this SAI, Checks are free but the Transfer Agent will impose a fee for stopping payment of a Check upon your request or if the Transfer Agent cannot honor a Check due to insufficient funds or other valid reason. If the amount of the Check is greater than the value of the shares in your account, the check will be returned marked "insufficient funds." Checks should not be used to close your account.
III-9
You should date your Checks with the current date when you write them. Please do not postdate your Checks. If you do, the Transfer Agent will honor, upon presentment, even if presented before the date of the check, all postdated Checks which are dated within six months of presentment of payment if they are otherwise in good order. If you hold shares in a Dreyfus sponsored IRA account, you may be permitted to make withdrawals from your IRA account using checks furnished to you for this purpose.
Except with respect to money market funds, the Checkwriting Privilege will be terminated immediately, without notice, with respect to any account which is, or becomes, subject to backup withholding on redemptions. Any check written on an account which has become subject to backup withholding on redemptions will not be honored by the Transfer Agent.
Except as may be otherwise described under "How to Redeem Shares—Wire Redemption Privilege" in Part II of this SAI, by using this privilege, you authorize the Transfer Agent to act on telephone, letter or online redemption instructions from any person representing himself or herself to be you, or a representative of your Service Agent, and reasonably believed by the Transfer Agent to be genuine. Ordinarily, a fund will initiate payment for shares redeemed pursuant to the Wire Redemption Privilege on the same business day if the Transfer Agent receives a redemption request in proper form prior to the time as of which the fund calculates its NAV on such day (as described in the prospectus), and, for a money market fund, the shares will not receive the dividend declared on that day; otherwise, the fund will initiate payment on the next business day, and, for a money market fund, the shares will receive the dividend declared on that day.
Except as may be otherwise described under "How to Redeem Shares – Wire Redemption Privilege" in Part II of this SAI, redemption proceeds ($1,000 minimum) will be transferred by Federal Reserve wire only to the commercial bank account specified by you on the Account Application or Shareholder Services Form, or to a correspondent bank if your bank is not a member of the Federal Reserve System. Fees ordinarily are imposed by such bank and borne by the investor. Immediate notification by the correspondent bank to your bank is necessary to avoid a delay in crediting the funds to your bank account.
To change the commercial bank or account designated to receive redemption proceeds, a written request must be sent to the Transfer Agent. This request must be signed by each shareholder, with each signature guaranteed as described below under "Share Certificates; Medallion Signature Guarantees."
Redemption through Compatible Automated Facilities
Certain funds make available to institutions the ability to redeem shares through compatible automated interface or trading system facilities. Investors desiring to redeem shares in this manner should call Dreyfus Investments Division at 1-800-346-3621 to determine whether their computer facilities are compatible and to receive instructions for redeeming shares in this manner.
Dreyfus TeleTransfer Privilege
Except as may be otherwise described in "How to Redeem Shares—Dreyfus TeleTransfer Privilege" in Part II of this SAI, you may request by telephone (for regular accounts or IRAs) or online (for regular accounts only) that redemption proceeds (minimum $500) be transferred between your fund account and your bank account. Except as may be otherwise described in "How to Redeem Shares—Transaction Fees" in Part II of this SAI or in the prospectus, transaction fees do not apply to Dreyfus TeleTransfer redemptions. Only a bank account maintained in a domestic financial institution which is an ACH member may be designated. You should be aware that if you have selected the Dreyfus TeleTransfer Privilege, any request for a Dreyfus TeleTransfer transaction will be effected through the ACH system unless more prompt transmittal specifically is requested. Redemption proceeds will be on deposit in your account at an ACH member bank ordinarily two business days after receipt of the redemption request. Shares held in an Education Savings Account may not be redeemed through the Dreyfus TeleTransfer Privilege. See "Additional Information About How to Buy Shares — Dreyfus TeleTransfer Privilege" above.
III-10
Upon written request, you may reinvest up to the number of Class A shares of a Multi-Class Fund you have redeemed, within 45 days of redemption, at the then-prevailing NAV without a sales load, or reinstate your account for the purpose of exercising Fund Exchanges. Upon reinstatement, if such shares were subject to a CDSC, your account will be credited with an amount equal to the CDSC previously paid upon redemption of the shares reinvested. The Reinvestment Privilege may be exercised only once.
Share Certificates; Medallion Signature Guarantees
Effective July 1, 2011 each fund issues shares in book entry form only and no longer issues share certificates. Any certificates representing fund shares to be redeemed must be submitted with the redemption request. Written redemption requests must be signed by each shareholder, including each holder of a joint account, and each signature must be guaranteed. Signatures on endorsed certificates submitted for redemption also must be guaranteed as described below.
The Transfer Agent has adopted standards and procedures pursuant to which signature-guarantees in proper form generally will be accepted from participants in the NYSE Medallion Signature Program, the Securities Transfer Agents Medallion Program (STAMP) or the Stock Exchanges Medallion Program (SEMP). Guarantees must be signed by an authorized signatory of the guarantor. No other types of signature guarantees will be accepted. The Transfer Agent may request additional documentation from corporations, executors, administrators, trustees or guardians, and may accept other suitable verification arrangements from foreign investors, such as consular verification. For more information with respect to signature-guarantees, please call one of the telephone numbers listed on the cover.
Each fund has committed itself to pay in cash all redemption requests by any fund shareholder of record, limited in amount during any 90-day period to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the value of the fund's net assets at the beginning of such period. Such commitment is irrevocable without the prior approval of the SEC. In the case of requests for redemption from the fund in excess of such amount, the fund's board reserves the right to make payments in whole or in part in securities or other assets of the fund in case of an emergency or any time a cash distribution would impair the liquidity of the fund to the detriment of the existing shareholders. In such event, the securities would be valued in the same manner as the fund's portfolio is valued. If the recipient sells such securities, brokerage charges would be incurred.
The right of redemption may be suspended or the date of payment postponed (a) during any period when the NYSE is closed (other than customary weekend and holiday closings), (b) when the SEC determines that trading in the markets the fund ordinarily utilizes is restricted, or when an emergency exists as determined by the SEC so that disposal of the fund's investments or determination of its NAV is not reasonably practicable, or (c) for such other periods as the SEC by order may permit to protect the fund's shareholders.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
See "Shareholder Services" in Part II of this SAI to determine which sections of the discussion below apply to your fund.
Dreyfus Automatic Asset Builder, the Dreyfus Payroll Savings Plan and Dreyfus Government Direct Deposit Privilege enable investors to make regularly scheduled investments and may provide these investors with a convenient way to invest for long-term financial goals, but do not guarantee a profit and will not protect an investor against loss in a declining market.
Shareholder Services Forms and prospectuses of the funds may be obtained by visiting www.dreyfus.com or by calling 1-800-DREYFUS (516-794-5452 outside the U.S.). To modify or terminate your participation in a service,
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call 1-800-DREYFUS (516-794-5452 outside the U.S.). Except as otherwise stated, the shareholder services described below may be modified or terminated at any time.
You should obtain and review the prospectus of the fund and class, if applicable, into which an exchange is being made. Upon exchanging into a new account, the following shareholder services and privileges, as applicable, will be automatically carried over to the fund into which the exchange is made: Fund Exchanges, Checkwriting Privilege, Dreyfus TeleTransfer Privilege, Wire Redemption Privilege and the dividends and distributions payment options (except Dreyfus Dividend Sweep) selected by you.
The funds reserve the right to reject any exchange request in whole or in part. Fund Exchanges and the Dreyfus Auto-Exchange Privilege are available to investors resident in any state in which shares of the fund being acquired may legally be sold. Shares may be exchanged only between accounts having certain identical identifying designations. The Fund Exchanges service or the Dreyfus Auto-Exchange Privilege may be modified or terminated at any time upon notice to shareholders.
Fund Exchanges . Except as may be otherwise described in "Shareholder Services" in Part II of this SAI, you or clients of certain Service Agents may purchase, in exchange for shares of a fund, shares of the same class of another fund in the Dreyfus Family of Funds, or shares of certain other funds in the Dreyfus Family of Funds. Fund exchanges are subject to any redemption fee applicable to the fund from which you are exchanging, as described in such fund's prospectus. You should review carefully the current prospectus of the fund from which your shares were exchanged and, if applicable, into which shares are exchanged to determine the sales load or CDSC chargeable upon the redemption of the shares and for information on conversion features. Shares of funds purchased by exchange will be purchased on the basis of relative NAV per share as follows:
A. Exchanges for shares of funds offered without a sales load will be made without a sales load.
B. Shares of funds purchased without a sales load may be exchanged for shares of other funds sold with a sales load, and the applicable sales load will be deducted.
C. Shares of funds purchased with a sales load may be exchanged without a sales load for shares of other funds sold without a sales load.
D. Shares of funds purchased with a sales load, shares of funds acquired by a previous exchange from shares purchased with a sales load and additional shares acquired through reinvestment of dividends or distributions of any such funds (collectively referred to herein as "Purchased Shares") may be exchanged for shares of other funds sold with a sales load (referred to herein as "Offered Shares"), but if the sales load applicable to the Offered Shares exceeds the maximum sales load that could have been imposed in connection with the Purchased Shares (at the time the Purchased Shares were acquired), without giving effect to any reduced loads, the difference may be deducted.
E. Shares of funds subject to a CDSC that are exchanged for shares of another fund will be subject to the higher applicable CDSC of the two funds, and, for purposes of calculating CDSC rates and conversion periods, if any, will be deemed to have been held since the date the shares being exchanged were initially purchased.
To accomplish an exchange under item D above, you or your Service Agent acting on your behalf must notify the Transfer Agent of your prior ownership of fund shares and your account number. Any such exchange is subject to confirmation of your holdings through a check of appropriate records.
You also may exchange your Class A or Class C shares of a Multi-Class Fund that are subject to a CDSC for shares of the Worldwide Dollar Fund. The shares so purchased will be held in an Exchange Account. Exchanges of shares from an Exchange Account only can be made into certain other funds managed or administered by Dreyfus. No CDSC is charged when an investor exchanges into an Exchange Account; however, the applicable CDSC will be imposed when shares are redeemed from an Exchange Account or other applicable fund account. Upon redemption, the applicable CDSC will be calculated without regard to the time such shares were held in an Exchange Account. See "How to Redeem Shares" in Part II of this SAI. Redemption proceeds for Exchange Account shares are paid by federal wire or check only. Exchange Account shares also are eligible for the Dreyfus Auto-Exchange Privilege and the Automatic Withdrawal Plan, each of which is described below.
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As of the Effective Date, holders of Class A shares of a fund or the General Fund received by conversion from Class B shares, and holders of shares of the Worldwide Dollar Fund received in a prior exchange for a fund's Class B shares, may exchange such shares for Class A shares or no-load shares or classes of other funds managed or administered by Dreyfus, without the imposition of a front-end sales load or CDSC.
Except as may be otherwise described in "Shareholder Services" in Part II of this SAI , to request an exchange, you, or a Service Agent acting on your behalf, may give exchange instructions to the Transfer Agent in writing, by telephone or online. The ability to issue exchange instructions by telephone or online is given to all fund shareholders automatically, unless you check the applicable "No" box on the Account Application, indicating that you specifically refuse this privilege. Except as may be otherwise described in "Shareholder Services" in Part II of this SAI, by using this privilege, you authorize the Transfer Agent to act on telephonic and online instructions (including over the Dreyfus Express ® voice response telephone system) from any person representing himself or herself to be you or a representative of your Service Agent and reasonably believed by the Transfer Agent to be genuine. Exchanges may be subject to limitations as to the amount involved or the number of exchanges permitted. Shares issued in certificate form are not eligible for telephone or online exchange. Unless otherwise stated in the prospectus, no fees currently are charged to shareholders directly in connection with exchanges, although the fund reserves the right, upon not less than 60 days' written notice, to charge shareholders a nominal administrative fee in accordance with rules promulgated by the SEC.
Exchanges of Class I or Class R shares held by a Retirement Plan may be made only between the investor's Retirement Plan account in one fund and such investor's Retirement Plan account in another fund.
When establishing a new account by exchange, the shares being exchanged must have a value of at least the minimum initial investment required for the fund into which the exchange is being made. For the BASIC funds, the shares being exchanged must have a current value of at least $1,000.
During times of drastic economic or market conditions, Fund Exchanges may be temporarily suspended without notice, and exchange requests may be treated based on their separate components ¾ redemption orders with a simultaneous request to purchase the other fund's shares. In such a case, the redemption request would be processed at the fund's next determined NAV, but the purchase order would be effective only at the NAV next determined after the fund being purchased receives the proceeds of the redemption, which may result in the purchase being delayed.
Dreyfus Auto-Exchange Privilege . Dreyfus Auto-Exchange Privilege, which is available for existing accounts only, permits you to purchase (on a semi-monthly, monthly, quarterly or annual basis), in exchange for shares of a fund, shares of the same class of another fund in the Dreyfus Family of Funds or shares of certain other funds in the Dreyfus Family of Funds of which you are a shareholder. The amount you designate, which can be expressed either in terms of a specific dollar or share amount ($100 minimum), will be exchanged automatically on the first and/or fifteenth day of the month according to the schedule you have selected. With respect to Class I or Class R shares held by a Retirement Plan, exchanges may be made only between the investor's Retirement Plan account in one fund and such investor's Retirement Plan account in another fund. Shares will be exchanged on the basis of relative NAV as described above under "Fund Exchanges." Enrollment in or modification or cancellation of this privilege is effective three business days following notification by you. Shares held under IRAs and Retirement Plans are eligible for this privilege. Exchanges of IRA shares may be made between IRA accounts and from regular accounts to IRA accounts, but not from IRA accounts to regular accounts. With respect to Retirement Plan accounts, exchanges may be made only among those accounts. Shares in certificate form are not eligible for this privilege.
Dreyfus Automatic Asset Builder ®
Dreyfus Automatic Asset Builder ® permits you to purchase fund shares (minimum of $100 and a maximum of $150,000 per transaction) at regular intervals selected by you. Fund shares are purchased by transferring funds from the bank account designated by you.
Dreyfus Government Direct Deposit Privilege
Dreyfus Government Direct Deposit Privilege enables you to purchase fund shares (minimum of $100 and maximum of $50,000 per transaction) by having federal salary, Social Security, or certain veterans', military or other
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payments from the U.S. Government automatically deposited into your fund account. When selecting this service for a fund other than a money market fund, you should consider whether Direct Deposit of your entire payment into a fund with a fluctuating NAV may be appropriate for you.
Dreyfus Payroll Savings Plan permits you to purchase fund shares (minimum of $100 per transaction) automatically on a regular basis. Depending upon your employer's direct deposit program, you may have part or all of your paycheck transferred to your existing Dreyfus account electronically through the ACH system at each pay period. To establish a Dreyfus Payroll Savings Plan account, you must file an authorization form with your employer's payroll department. It is the sole responsibility of your employer to arrange for transactions under the Dreyfus Payroll Savings Plan. Shares held through a Retirement Plan are not eligible for this privilege.
Dreyfus Dividend Sweep . Dreyfus Dividend Sweep allows you to invest automatically your dividends or dividends and capital gain distributions, if any, from a fund in shares of the same class (if applicable) of another fund in the Dreyfus Family of Funds or shares of certain other funds in the Dreyfus Family of Funds of which you are a shareholder. Shares held through a Retirement Plan are not eligible for this privilege. Identically registered existing IRA accounts are eligible for this privilege. Shares of the other funds purchased pursuant to this privilege will be purchased on the basis of relative NAV per share as follows:
A. Dividends and distributions paid by a fund may be invested without a sales load in shares of other funds offered without a sales load.
B. Dividends and distributions paid by a fund that does not charge a sales load may be invested in shares of other funds sold with a sales load, and the applicable sales load will be deducted.
C. Dividends and distributions paid by a fund that charges a sales load may be invested in shares of other funds sold with a sales load (Offered Shares), but if the sales load applicable to the Offered Shares exceeds the maximum sales load charged by the fund from which dividends or distributions are being swept (without giving effect to any reduced loads), the difference may be deducted.
D. Dividends and distributions paid by a fund may be invested in shares of other funds that impose a CDSC and the applicable CDSC, if any, will be imposed upon redemption of such shares.
Dreyfus Dividend ACH . Dreyfus Dividend ACH permits you to transfer electronically dividends or dividends and capital gain distributions, if any, from a fund to a designated bank account. Only an account maintained at a domestic financial institution which is an ACH member may be so designated. Banks may charge a fee for this service.
The Automatic Withdrawal Plan permits you to request withdrawal of a specified dollar amount (minimum of $50) on a specific day each month, quarter or semi-annual or annual period if you have a $5,000 minimum account. Automatic Withdrawal Plan transactions that fall on a non-business day generally will be processed on the next business day. However, when the next business day is part of a new month, the transaction will be processed on the previous business day. For example, if you request that Automatic Withdrawal Plan transactions be processed on the 30 th day of each month, and June 30 th falls on a Sunday, the transaction will be processed on June 28 th .
Withdrawal payments are the proceeds from sales of fund shares, not the yield on the shares. If withdrawal payments exceed reinvested dividends and distributions, your shares will be reduced and eventually may be depleted. The Automatic Withdrawal Plan may be established by filing an Automatic Withdrawal Plan application with the Transfer Agent or by oral request from any of the authorized signatories on the account by calling 1-800-DREYFUS (516-794-5452 outside the U.S.). The Automatic Withdrawal Plan may be terminated at any time by you, the fund or the Transfer Agent. Shares for which share certificates have been issued may not be redeemed through the Automatic Withdrawal Plan.
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No CDSC with respect to Class C shares will be imposed on withdrawals made under the Automatic Withdrawal Plan, provided that any amount withdrawn under the plan does not exceed on an annual basis 12% of the greater of (1) the account value at the time of the first withdrawal under the Automatic Withdrawal Plan or (2) the account value at the time of the subsequent withdrawal. Withdrawals with respect to Class C shares under the Automatic Withdrawal Plan that exceed such amounts will be subject to a CDSC. Withdrawals of Class A shares subject to a CDSC under the Automatic Withdrawal Plan will be subject to any applicable CDSC. Purchases of additional Class A shares where the sales load is imposed concurrently with withdrawals of Class A shares generally are undesirable.
Certain Retirement Plans, including Dreyfus-sponsored retirement plans, may permit certain participants to establish an automatic withdrawal plan from such Retirement Plans. Participants should consult their Retirement Plan sponsor and tax advisor for details. Such a withdrawal plan is different than the Automatic Withdrawal Plan.
Letter of Intent - Class A Shares
By submitting a Letter of Intent form, you become eligible for the reduced sales load on purchases of Class A shares based on the total number of shares of Eligible Shares purchased by you and any related Purchaser within a period of up to 13-months pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth in the Letter of Intent. Eligible Shares purchased within 90 days prior to the submission of the Letter of Intent ("Pre-LOI Purchases") may be used to equal or exceed the amount specified in the Letter of Intent. A minimum initial purchase of $5,000 is required. You can obtain a Letter of Intent form by calling 1-800-DREYFUS (516-794-5452 outside the U.S.).
Each purchase you make from the date you submit the Letter of Intent until the earlier of (i) the date you fulfill the terms of the Letter of Intent by purchasing the minimum investment specified in the Letter of Intent (the "LOI Purchase Commitment") or (ii) the end of the 13-month period following the date you submit the Letter of Intent will be at the public offering price applicable to a single transaction in the amount of the LOI Purchase Commitment. The Transfer Agent will hold in escrow 5% of the minimum amount indicated in the Letter of Intent, which may be used for payment of a higher sales load if you do not fulfill the LOI Purchase Commitment. When you fulfill the LOI Purchase Commitment, the escrowed amount will be released and additional shares representing such amount will be credited to your account. In addition, when you fulfill the LOI Purchase Commitment, the Pre-LOI Purchases will be adjusted to reflect the sales load applicable to the LOI Purchase Commitment. The adjustment will be made in the form of additional shares credited to your account at the then-current offering price applicable to a single purchase in the amount of the LOI Purchase Commitment. If, however, total purchases at the end of the 13-month period are less than the LOI Purchase Commitment, the offering price of the shares you purchased (including shares representing the escrowed amount) during the 13-month period will be adjusted to reflect the sales load applicable to the aggregate purchases you actually made (which will reduce the number of shares in your account), unless you have redeemed the shares in your account, in which case the Transfer Agent, as attorney-in-fact pursuant to the terms of the Letter of Intent, will redeem an appropriate number of Class A shares of the fund held in escrow to realize the difference between the sales load actually paid and the sales load applicable to the aggregate purchases actually made and any remaining shares will be credited to your account. Submitting a Letter of Intent does not bind you to purchase, or the fund to sell, the full amount indicated at the sales load in effect at the time of signing, but you must complete the intended purchase to obtain the reduced sales load. At the time you purchase Class A shares, you must indicate your intention to do so under a Letter of Intent. Purchases pursuant to a Letter of Intent will be made at the then-current NAV plus the applicable sales load in effect at the time such Letter of Intent was submitted.
Corporate Pension/Profit-Sharing and Retirement Plans
A fund may make available to corporations a variety of prototype pension and profit-sharing plans, including a 401(k) Salary Reduction Plan. In addition, certain funds make available Keogh Plans, IRAs (including regular IRAs, spousal IRAs for a non-working spouse, Roth IRAs, SEP-IRAs and rollover IRAs), Education Savings Accounts and 403(b)(7) Plans. Plan support services also are available.
If you wish to purchase fund shares in conjunction with a Keogh Plan, a 403(b)(7) Plan, an IRA, including a SEP-IRA, or an Education Savings Account, you may request from the Distributor forms for adoption of such plans. Shares may be purchased in connection with these plans only by direct remittance to the entity acting as custodian.
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Such purchases will be effective when payments received by the Transfer Agent are converted into Federal Funds. Purchases for these plans may not be made in advance of receipt of funds.
The entity acting as custodian for Keogh Plans, 403(b)(7) Plans, IRAs or Education Savings Accounts may charge a fee, payment of which could require the liquidation of shares. All fees charged are described in the appropriate form. You should read the prototype retirement plan and the appropriate form of custodial agreement for further details on eligibility, service fees and tax implications, and should consult a tax advisor.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT DISTRIBUTION PLANS, SERVICE PLANS AND SHAREHOLDER SERVICES PLANS
See "Distribution Plans, Service Plans and Shareholder Services Plans" in Part II of this SAI for more information about the Plan(s) adopted by your fund.
Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, which is applicable to certain Plans, provides, among other things, that an investment company may bear expenses of distributing its shares only pursuant to a plan adopted in accordance with the Rule. For each fund that has adopted a Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1, the board believes that there is a reasonable likelihood that the Plan will benefit the fund and the class(es) of fund shares to which the Plan applies.
A quarterly report of the amounts expended under a fund's Plan, and the purposes for which such expenditures were incurred, must be made to the fund's board for its review. For a Plan adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1, the Plan provides that it may not be amended to increase materially the costs that holders of the fund's applicable class(es) of shares may bear pursuant to the Plan without the approval of the holders of such shares; other material amendments of the Plan must be approved by the board and by the board members who are not "interested persons" (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the fund and have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Plan or in any agreements entered into in connection with the Plan, by vote cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of considering such amendments. For a Plan not adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1, the Plan provides that material amendments to the Plan must be approved by the board and by the board members who are not "interested persons" (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the fund and have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Plan or in any agreements entered into in connection with the Plan, by vote cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of considering such amendments. Each Plan is subject to annual approval by such vote of the board members cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on the Plan. As to the relevant class of fund shares (if applicable), the Plan is generally terminable at any time by vote of a majority of the board members who are not "interested persons" with respect to the fund and have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Plan or any agreements related to the Plan or, for a Plan adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1, by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of such class.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT INVESTMENTS, INVESTMENT TECHNIQUES AND RISKS
See the prospectus and "Investments, Investment Techniques and Risks" and "Investment Restrictions" in Part II of this SAI to determine which policies and risks apply to your fund.
The Funds of Funds invest all or substantially all of their investable assets in Underlying Funds and, therefore, the following descriptions of investments, investment techniques and risks apply primarily to the Underlying Funds, as applicable. To the extent a Fund of Fund's Underlying Funds invest as described below, the effect of investment risks generally would be experienced similarly for the Fund of Funds.
All Funds other than Money Market Funds
Equity securities include common stocks and certain preferred stocks, convertible securities and warrants. Equity securities fluctuate in value, often based on factors unrelated to the value of the issuer of the securities, and such fluctuations can be pronounced. Changes in the value of a fund's investments will result in changes in the value of its shares and thus the fund's total return to investors.
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Investing in equity securities poses risks specific to an issuer as well as to the particular type of company issuing the equity securities. For example, equity securities of small- or mid-capitalization companies tend to have more abrupt or erratic price swings than equity securities of larger, more established companies because, among other reasons, they trade less frequently and in lower volumes and their issuers typically are more subject to changes in earnings and prospects in that they are more susceptible to changes in economic conditions, may be more reliant on singular products or services and are more vulnerable to larger competitors. Equity securities of these types of companies may have a higher potential for gains, but also may be subject to greater risk of loss. If a fund, together with other investment companies and other clients advised by the Adviser and its affiliates, owns significant positions in portfolio companies, depending on market conditions, the fund's ability to dispose of some or all positions at a desirable time may be adversely affected.
An investment in securities of companies that have no earnings or have experienced losses is generally based on a belief that actual or anticipated products or services will produce future earnings. If the anticipated event is delayed or does not occur, or if investor perception about the company changes, the company's stock price may decline sharply and its securities may become less liquid.
Investing in equity securities also poses risks specific to a particular industry, market or sector, such as technology, financial services, consumer goods or natural resources ( e.g. , oil and gas). To some extent, the prices of equity securities tend to move by industry, market or sector. When market conditions favorably affect, or are expected to favorably affect, an industry, the share prices of the equity securities of companies in that industry tend to rise. Conversely, negative news or a poor outlook for a particular industry can cause the share prices of such securities of companies in that industry to decline quickly.
Common Stock . Stocks represent shares of ownership in a company. After other claims are satisfied, common stockholders participate in company profits on a pro-rata basis; profits may be paid out in dividends or reinvested in the company to help it grow. Increases and decreases in earnings are usually reflected in a company's stock price, so common stocks generally have the greatest appreciation and depreciation potential of all corporate securities. Common stock may be received upon the conversion of convertible securities.
Preferred Stock . Preferred stock is a form of equity ownership in a corporation. Generally, preferred stock has a specified dividend and ranks after bonds and before common stocks in its claim on income for dividend payments and on assets should the company be liquidated. The market value of preferred stock generally increases when interest rates decline and decreases when interest rates rise, but, as with debt securities, also is affected by the issuer's ability or perceived ability to make payments on the preferred stock. While most preferred stocks pay a dividend, a fund may purchase preferred stock where the issuer has omitted, or is in danger of omitting, payment of its dividend. Such investments would be made primarily for their capital appreciation potential. Certain classes of preferred stock are convertible, meaning the preferred stock is convertible into shares of common stock of the issuer. Holding convertible preferred stock can provide a steady stream of dividends and the option to convert the preferred stock to common stock.
Certain convertible preferred stocks may offer enhanced yield features. These preferred stocks may feature a mandatory conversion date and may have a capital appreciation limit expressed in terms of a stated price. Other types of convertible securities may be designed to provide the investor with high current income with some prospect of future capital appreciation and may have some built-in call protection. Investors may have the right to convert such securities into shares of common stock at a preset conversion ratio or hold them until maturity. Upon maturity they may convert into either cash or a specified number of shares of common stock.
Trust preferred securities are preferred stocks issued by a special purpose trust subsidiary backed by subordinated debt of the corporate parent. These securities typically bear a market rate coupon comparable to interest rates available on debt of a similarly rated company. Holders of trust preferred securities have limited voting rights to control the activities of the trust and no voting rights with respect to the parent company.
Convertible Securities . Convertible securities include bonds, debentures, notes, preferred stocks or other securities that may be converted or exchanged (by the holder or by the issuer) into shares of the underlying common stock (or cash or securities of equivalent value) at a stated exchange ratio or predetermined price (the conversion price). Convertible securities have characteristics similar to both equity and fixed-income securities. Convertible securities
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generally are subordinated to other similar but non-convertible securities of the same issuer, although convertible bonds, as corporate debt obligations, enjoy seniority in right of payment to all equity securities, and convertible preferred stock is senior to common stock of the same issuer. Because of the subordination feature, however, convertible securities typically have lower ratings than similar non-convertible securities.
Although to a lesser extent than with fixed-income securities, the market value of convertible securities tends to decline as interest rates increase and, conversely, tends to increase as interest rates decline. In addition, because of the conversion feature, the market value of convertible securities tends to vary with fluctuations in the market value of the underlying common stock. A unique feature of convertible securities is that as the market price of the underlying common stock declines, convertible securities tend to trade increasingly on a yield basis, and so may not experience market value declines to the same extent as the underlying common stock. When the market price of the underlying common stock increases, the prices of the convertible securities tend to rise as a reflection of the value of the underlying common stock. While no securities investments are without risk, investments in convertible securities generally entail less risk than investments in common stock of the same issuer.
Convertible securities provide for a stable stream of income with generally higher yields than common stocks, but there can be no assurance of current income because the issuers of the convertible securities may default on their obligations. A convertible security, in addition to providing fixed-income, offers the potential for capital appreciation through the conversion feature, which enables the holder to benefit from increases in the market price of the underlying common stock. There can be no assurance of capital appreciation, however, because securities prices fluctuate. Convertible securities generally offer lower interest or dividend yields than non-convertible securities of similar quality because of the potential for capital appreciation.
So-called "synthetic convertible securities" are comprised of two or more different securities, each with its own market value, whose investment characteristics, taken together, resemble those of convertible securities. An example is a non-convertible debt security and a warrant or option. The "market value" of a synthetic convertible is the combined value of its fixed-income component and its convertible component. For this reason, the values of a synthetic convertible and a true convertible security may respond differently to market fluctuations.
Warrants . A warrant is a form of derivative that gives the holder the right to subscribe to a specified amount of the issuing corporation's securities at a set price for a specified period of time. Warrants are subject to the same market risk as stocks, but may be more volatile in price. A fund's investment in warrants will not entitle it to receive dividends or exercise voting rights and will become worthless if the warrants cannot be profitably exercised before the expiration dates. Warrants or other non-income producing equity securities may be received in connection with a fund's investments in corporate debt securities (further described below), or restructuring of investments. Bonds with warrants attached to purchase equity securities have many characteristics of convertible bonds and their prices may, to some degree, reflect the performance of the underlying stock.
IPOs . An IPO is a corporation's first offering of stock to the public. Shares are given a market value reflecting expectations for the corporation's future growth. Special rules of FINRA apply to the distribution of IPOs. Corporations offering IPOs generally have limited operating histories and may involve greater investment risk. Special risks associated with IPOs may include a limited number of shares available for trading, unseasoned trading, lack of investor knowledge of the company, and limited operating history, all of which may contribute to price volatility. The limited number of shares available for trading in some IPOs may make it more difficult for a fund to buy or sell significant amounts of shares without an unfavorable impact on prevailing prices. In addition, some IPOs are involved in relatively new industries or lines of business, which may not be widely understood by investors. Some of the companies involved in new industries may be regarded as developmental stage companies, without revenues or operating income, or the near-term prospects of such. Foreign IPOs are subject to foreign political and currency risks. Many IPOs are issued by undercapitalized companies of small or microcap size. The prices of these companies' securities can be very volatile, rising and falling rapidly, sometimes based solely on investor perceptions rather than economic reasons.
Fixed-income securities include interest-bearing securities, such as corporate debt securities. Interest-bearing securities are investments which promise a stable stream of income, although the prices of such securities are
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inversely affected by changes in interest rates and, therefore, are subject to interest rate risk, as well as the risk of unrelated market price fluctuations. Fixed-income securities may have various interest rate payment and reset terms, including fixed rate, adjustable rate, zero coupon, contingent, deferred, payment in kind and auction rate features. Certain securities, such as those with interest rates that fluctuate directly or indirectly based on multiples of a stated index, are designed to be highly sensitive to changes in interest rates and can subject the holders thereof to extreme reductions of yield and possibly loss of principal. Certain fixed-income securities may be issued at a discount from their face value or purchased at a price less than their stated face amount or at a price less than their issue price plus the portion of "original issue discount" previously accrued thereon, i.e. , purchased at a "market discount." The amount of original issue discount and/or market discount on certain obligations may be significant, and accretion of market discount together with original issue discount, will cause a fund to realize income prior to the receipt of cash payments with respect to these securities. To maintain its qualification as a regulated investment company and avoid liability for federal income taxes, a fund may be required to distribute such income accrued with respect to these securities and may have to dispose of portfolio securities under disadvantageous circumstances in order to generate cash to satisfy these distribution requirements.
Failure of an issuer to make timely interest or principal payments, or a decline or perception of a decline in the credit quality of a fixed-income security (known as credit risk), can cause the security's price to fall, potentially lowering a fund's share price. The values of fixed-income securities also may be affected by changes in the credit rating of the issuer. Once the rating of a portfolio security has been changed, a fund will consider all circumstances deemed relevant in determining whether to continue to hold the security. Fixed-income securities rated below investment grade by the Rating Agencies may be subject to greater risks with respect to the issuing entity and to greater market fluctuations than certain lower yielding, higher-rated fixed-income securities. See "High Yield and Lower-Rated Securities" below for a discussion of those securities and see "Rating Categories" below for a general description of the Rating Agencies' ratings.
As a measure of a fixed-income security's cash flow, duration is an alternative to the concept of "term to maturity" in assessing the price volatility associated with changes in interest rates (known as interest rate risk). Generally, the longer the duration, the more volatility an investor should expect. For example, the market price of a bond with a duration of three years would be expected to decline 3% if interest rates rose 1%. Conversely, the market price of the same bond would be expected to increase 3% if interest rates fell 1%. The market price of a bond with a duration of six years would be expected to increase or decline twice as much as the market price of a bond with a three-year duration. Duration is a way of measuring a security's maturity in terms of the average time required to receive the present value of all interest and principal payments as opposed to its term to maturity. The maturity of a security measures only the time until final payment is due; it does not take account of the pattern of a security's cash flows over time, which would include how cash flow is affected by prepayments and by changes in interest rates. Incorporating a security's yield, coupon interest payments, final maturity and option features into one measure, duration is computed by determining the weighted average maturity of a bond's cash flows, where the present values of the cash flows serve as weights. In computing the duration of a fund, the Adviser will estimate the duration of obligations that are subject to features such as prepayment or redemption by the issuer, put options retained by the investor or other imbedded options, taking into account the influence of interest rates on prepayments and coupon flows.
Average weighted maturity is the length of time, in days or years, until the securities held by a fund, on average, will mature or be redeemed by their issuers. The average maturity is weighted according to the dollar amounts invested in the various securities by the fund. In general, the longer a fund's average weighted maturity, the more its share price will fluctuate in response to changing interest rates. For purposes of calculating average effective portfolio maturity, a security that is subject to redemption at the option of the issuer on a particular date (the "call date") which is prior to the security's stated maturity may be deemed to mature on the call date rather than on its stated maturity date. The call date of a security will be used to calculate average effective portfolio maturity when the Adviser reasonably anticipates, based upon information available to it, that the issuer will exercise its right to redeem the security. The Adviser may base its conclusion on such factors as the interest rate paid on the security compared to prevailing market rates, the amount of cash available to the issuer of the security, events affecting the issuer of the security, and other factors that may compel or make it advantageous for the issuer to redeem a security prior to its stated maturity.
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When interest rates fall, the principal on certain fixed-income securities, including mortgage-backed and certain asset-backed securities (discussed below), may be prepaid. The loss of higher yielding underlying mortgages and the reinvestment of proceeds at lower interest rates can reduce a fund's potential price gain in response to falling interest rates, reduce the fund's yield, or cause the fund's share price to fall. This is known as prepayment risk. Conversely, when interest rates rise, the effective duration of a fund's mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities may lengthen due to a drop in prepayments of the underlying mortgages or other assets. This is known as extension risk and would increase the fund's sensitivity to rising interest rates and its potential for price declines.
U.S. Government Securities . U.S. Government securities are issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or its agencies or instrumentalities. U.S. Government securities include Treasury bills, Treasury notes and Treasury bonds, which differ in their interest rates, maturities and times of issuance. Treasury bills have initial maturities of one year or less; Treasury notes have initial maturities of one to ten years; and Treasury bonds generally have initial maturities of greater than ten years. Some obligations issued or guaranteed by U.S. Government agencies and instrumentalities are supported by the full faith and credit of the Treasury; others by the right of the issuer to borrow from the Treasury; others by discretionary authority of the U.S. Government to purchase certain obligations of the agency or instrumentality; and others only by the credit of the agency or instrumentality. These securities bear fixed, floating or variable rates of interest. While the U.S. Government currently provides financial support to such U.S. Government-sponsored agencies or instrumentalities, no assurance can be given that it will always do so, since it is not so obligated by law. A security backed by the Treasury or the full faith and credit of the United States is guaranteed only as to timely payment of interest and principal when held to maturity. Neither the market value nor a fund's share price is guaranteed.
TIPS are issued by the Treasury and are designed to provide investors a long-term investment vehicle that is not vulnerable to inflation. The interest rate paid by TIPS is fixed, while the principal value rises or falls semi-annually based on changes in a published Consumer Price Index. Thus, if inflation occurs, the principal and interest payments on the TIPS are adjusted accordingly to protect investors from inflationary loss. During a deflationary period, the principal and interest payments decrease, although the TIPS' principal will not drop below its face value at maturity. In exchange for the inflation protection, TIPS generally pay lower interest rates than typical Treasury securities. Only if inflation occurs will TIPS offer a higher real yield than a conventional Treasury bond of the same maturity. The secondary market for TIPS may not be as active or liquid as the secondary market for conventional Treasury securities. Principal appreciation and interest payments on TIPS will be taxed annually as ordinary interest income or original issue discount for federal income tax calculations. As a result, any appreciation in principal must be counted as income in the year the increase occurs, even though the investor will not receive such amounts until the TIPS are sold or mature. Principal appreciation and interest payments will be exempt from state and local income taxes. See also "Inflation-Indexed Securities" below.
Many states grant tax-free status to dividends paid to shareholders of a fund from interest income earned by that fund from direct obligations of the U.S. Government, subject in some states to minimum investment requirements that must be met by the fund. Investments in securities issued by the GNMA or FNMA, bankers' acceptances, commercial paper and repurchase agreements collateralized by U.S. Government securities do not generally qualify for tax-free treatment.
On August 5, 2011, S&P lowered its long-term sovereign credit rating for the United States of America to "AA+" from "AAA." The value of shares of a fund that may invest in U.S. Government obligations may be adversely affected by S&P's downgrade or any future downgrades of the U.S. Government's credit rating. While the long-term impact of the downgrade is uncertain, it could, for example, lead to increased volatility in the short-term.
Corporate Debt Securities . Corporate debt securities include corporate bonds, debentures, notes and other similar instruments, including certain convertible securities. Debt securities may be acquired with warrants attached to purchase additional fixed-income securities at the same coupon rate. A decline in interest rates would permit a fund to buy additional bonds at the favorable rate or to sell the warrants at a profit. If interest rates rise, the warrants would generally expire with no value. Corporate income-producing securities also may include forms of preferred or preference stock, which may be considered equity securities. The rate of interest on a corporate debt security may be fixed, floating or variable, and may vary inversely with respect to a reference rate such as interest rates or other financial indicators. The rate of return or return of principal on some debt obligations may be linked or indexed to the level of exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and a foreign currency or currencies. Such securities may
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include those whose principal amount or redemption price is indexed to, and thus varies directly with, changes in the market price of certain commodities, including gold bullion or other precious metals.
Ratings of Securities . Subsequent to its purchase by a fund, an issue of rated securities may cease to be rated or its rating may be reduced below any minimum that may be required for purchase by a fund. Neither event will require the sale of such securities by the fund, but the Adviser will consider such event in determining whether the fund should continue to hold the securities. In addition, it is possible that a Rating Agency might not timely change its ratings of a particular issue to reflect subsequent events. To the extent the ratings given by a Rating Agency for any securities change as a result of changes in such organizations or their rating systems, a fund will attempt to use comparable ratings as standards for its investments in accordance with its investment policies.
High Yield and Lower-Rated Securities . Fixed-income securities rated below investment grade, such as those rated Ba by Moody's or BB by S&P and Fitch, and as low as those rated Caa/CCC by Rating Agencies at the time of purchase (commonly known as "high yield" or "junk" bonds), or, if unrated, deemed to be of comparable quality by the Adviser, though higher yielding, are characterized by higher risk. See "Rating Categories" below for a general description of securities ratings. These securities may be subject to certain risks with respect to the issuing entity and to greater market fluctuations than certain lower yielding, higher-rated securities. These securities generally are considered by the Rating Agencies to be, on balance, predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer's ability to make principal and interest payments in accordance with the terms of the obligation and generally will involve more credit risk than securities in the higher rating categories. The ratings of Rating Agencies represent their opinions as to the quality of the obligations which they undertake to rate. It should be emphasized, however, that ratings are relative and subjective and are not absolute standards of quality and, although ratings may be useful in evaluating the safety or interest and principal payments, they do not evaluate the market value risk of such obligations. Although these ratings may be an initial criterion for selection of portfolio investments, the Adviser also will evaluate these securities and the ability of the issuers of such securities to pay interest and principal based upon financial and other available information. The success of a fund's investments in lower-rated securities may be more dependent on the Adviser's credit analysis than might be the case for investments in higher-rated securities.
Bond prices are inversely related to interest rate changes; however, bond price volatility also may be inversely related to coupon. Accordingly, below investment grade securities may be relatively less sensitive to interest rate changes than higher quality securities of comparable maturity, because of their higher coupon. This higher coupon is what the investor receives in return for bearing greater credit risk. The higher credit risk associated with below investment grade securities potentially can have a greater effect on the value of such securities than may be the case with higher quality issues of comparable maturity, and will be a substantial factor in a fund's relative share price volatility.
The prices of these securities can fall dramatically in response to negative news about the issuer or its industry. The market values of many of these securities also tend to be more sensitive to general economic conditions than are higher-rated securities and will fluctuate over time. Companies that issue certain of these securities often are highly leveraged and may not have available to them more traditional methods of financing. Therefore, the risk associated with acquiring the securities of such issuers generally is greater than is the case with the higher-rated securities. These securities may be particularly susceptible to economic downturns. For example, during an economic downturn or a sustained period of rising interest rates, highly leveraged issuers of these securities may not have sufficient revenues to meet their interest payment obligations. The issuer's ability to service its debt obligations also may be affected adversely by specific corporate developments, forecasts, or the unavailability of additional financing. The risk of loss because of default by the issuer is significantly greater for the holders of these securities because such securities generally are unsecured and often are subordinated to other creditors of the issuer. It is likely that an economic recession also would disrupt severely the market for such securities and have an adverse impact on their value.
Because there is no established retail secondary market for many of these securities, a fund anticipates that such securities could be sold only to a limited number of dealers or institutional investors. To the extent a secondary trading market for these securities does exist, it generally is not as liquid as the secondary market for higher-rated securities. The lack of a liquid secondary market may have an adverse impact on market price and yield and a fund's ability to dispose of particular issues when necessary to meet the fund's liquidity needs or in response to a specific economic event such as a deterioration in the creditworthiness of the issuer. The lack of a liquid secondary market
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for certain securities also may make it more difficult for a fund to obtain accurate market quotations for purposes of valuing the fund's portfolio and calculating its NAV. Adverse conditions could make it difficult at times for a fund to sell certain securities or could result in lower prices than those used in calculating the fund's NAV. Adverse publicity and investor perceptions, whether or not based on fundamental analysis, may decrease the values and liquidity of these securities. In such cases, the Adviser's judgment may play a greater role in valuation because less reliable, objective data may be available.
Certain funds may invest in these securities when their issuers will be close to, or already have entered, reorganization proceedings. As a result, it is expected that these securities will cease or will have ceased to meet their interest payment obligations, and accordingly would trade in much the same manner as an equity security. Consequently, a fund would intend to make such investments on the basis of potential appreciation in the price of these securities, rather than any expectation of realizing income. Reorganization entails a complete change in the structure of a business entity. An attempted reorganization may be unsuccessful, resulting in substantial or total loss of amounts invested. If reorganization is successful, the value of securities of the restructured entity may depend on numerous factors, including the structure of the reorganization, the market success of the entity's products or services, the entity's management, and the overall strength of the marketplace.
High yield, lower-rated securities acquired during an initial offering may involve special risks because they are new issues. A fund will not have any arrangement with any person concerning the acquisition of such securities.
Zero Coupon, Pay-In-Kind and Step-Up Securities . Zero coupon securities are issued or sold at a discount from their face value and do not entitle the holder to any periodic payment of interest prior to maturity or a specified redemption date or cash payment date. Zero coupon securities also may take the form of notes and bonds that have been stripped of their unmatured interest coupons, the coupons themselves and receipts or certificates representing interests in such stripped debt obligations and coupons. Zero coupon securities issued by corporations and financial institutions typically constitute a proportionate ownership of the issuer's pool of underlying Treasury securities. A zero coupon security pays no interest to its holders during its life and is sold at a discount to its face value at maturity. The amount of any discount varies depending on the time remaining until maturity or cash payment date, prevailing interest rates, liquidity of the security and perceived credit quality of the issuer. Pay-in-kind securities generally pay interest through the issuance of additional securities. Step-up coupon bonds are debt securities that typically do not pay interest for a specified period of time and then pay interest at a series of different rates. The amount of any discount on these securities varies depending on the time remaining until maturity or cash payment date, prevailing interest rates, liquidity of the security and perceived credit quality of the issuer. The market prices of these securities generally are more volatile and are likely to respond to a greater degree to changes in interest rates than the market prices of securities that pay cash interest periodically having similar maturities and credit qualities. In addition, unlike bonds that pay cash interest throughout the period to maturity, a fund will realize no cash until the cash payment date unless a portion of such securities are sold and, if the issuer defaults, the fund may obtain no return at all on its investment. Federal income tax law requires the holder of a zero coupon security or of certain pay-in-kind or step-up bonds to accrue income with respect to these securities prior to the receipt of cash payments. To maintain its qualification as a regulated investment company and avoid liability for federal income taxes, a fund may be required to distribute such income accrued with respect to these securities and may have to dispose of portfolio securities under disadvantageous circumstances in order to generate cash to satisfy these distribution requirements.
The credit risk factors pertaining to high-yield, lower-rated securities (discussed above) also apply to lower-rated zero coupon, pay-in-kind and step-up securities. In addition to the risks associated with the credit rating of the issuers, the market prices of these securities may be very volatile during the period no interest is paid.
Inflation-Indexed Securities . Inflation-indexed securities, such as TIPS, are fixed-income securities whose value is periodically adjusted according to the rate of inflation. Two structures are common. The Treasury and some other issuers utilize a structure that accrues inflation into the principal value of the bond. Most other issuers pay out the Consumer Price Index accruals as part of a semi-annual coupon.
Inflation-indexed securities issued by the Treasury have varying maturities and pay interest on a semi-annual basis equal to a fixed percentage of the inflation-adjusted principal amount. If the periodic adjustment rate measuring inflation falls, the principal value of inflation-index bonds will be adjusted downward, and consequently the interest
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payable on these securities (calculated with respect to a smaller principal amount) will be reduced. Repayment of the original bond principal upon maturity (as adjusted for inflation) is guaranteed in the case of Treasury inflation-indexed bonds, even during a period of deflation. However, the current market value of the bonds is not guaranteed and will fluctuate. Other inflation-related bonds may or may not provide a similar guarantee. If a guarantee of principal is not provided, the adjusted principal value of the bond repaid at maturity may be less than the original principal amount.
The periodic adjustment of U.S. inflation-indexed securities is tied to the Consumer Price Index for Urban Consumers ("CPI-U"), which is calculated monthly by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The CPI-U is a measurement of changes in the cost of living, made up of components such as housing, food, transportation and energy. Inflation-indexed securities issued by a foreign government are generally adjusted to reflect a comparable inflation index calculated by that government. There can be no assurance that the CPI-U or any foreign inflation index will accurately measure the real rate of inflation in the prices of goods and services. Moreover, there can be no assurance that the rate of inflation in a foreign country will be correlated to the rate of inflation in the United States.
The value of inflation-indexed securities is expected to change in response to changes in real interest rates. Real interest rates in turn are tied to the relationship between nominal interest rates and the rate of inflation. Therefore, if the rate of inflation rises at a faster rate than nominal interest rates, real interest rates might decline, leading to an increase in value of inflation-indexed securities. In contrast, if nominal interest rates increase at a faster rate than inflation, real interest rates might rise, leading to a decrease in value of inflation-index securities. Any increase in the principal amount of an inflation-indexed security will be considered taxable ordinary income, even though investors do not receive their principal until maturity. While these securities are expected to be protected from long-term inflationary trends, short-term increases in inflation may lead to a decline in value. If interest rates rise due to reasons other than inflation (for example, due to changes in currency exchange rates), investors in these securities may not be protected to the extent that the increase is not reflected in the security's inflation measure.
Variable and Floating Rate Securities . Variable and floating rate securities provide for adjustment in the interest rate paid on the obligations. The terms of such obligations typically provide that interest rates are adjusted based upon an interest or market rate adjustment as provided in the respective obligations. The adjustment intervals may be regular, and range from daily up to annually, or may be event-based, such as based on a change in the prime rate. Variable rate obligations typically provide for a specified periodic adjustment in the interest rate, while floating rate obligations typically have an interest rate which changes whenever there is a change in the external interest or market rate. Because of the interest rate adjustment feature, variable and floating rate securities provide a fund with a certain degree of protection against rises in interest rates, although the fund will participate in any declines in interest rates as well. Generally, changes in interest rates will have a smaller effect on the market value of variable and floating rate securities than on the market value of comparable fixed-income obligations. Thus, investing in variable and floating rate securities generally allows less opportunity for capital appreciation and depreciation than investing in comparable fixed-income securities.
Variable Rate Demand Notes. Variable rate demand notes include master demand notes, which are obligations that permit a fund to invest fluctuating amounts, at varying rates of interest, pursuant to direct arrangements between the fund, as lender, and the borrower. These obligations permit daily changes in the amounts borrowed. Because these obligations are direct lending arrangements between the lender and borrower, it is not contemplated that such instruments generally will be traded, and there generally is no established secondary market for these obligations, although they are redeemable on demand at face value, plus accrued interest. Accordingly, where these obligations are not secured by letters of credit or other credit support arrangements, the fund's right to redeem is dependent on the ability of the borrower to pay principal and interest on demand. Such obligations frequently are not rated by credit rating agencies. Changes in the credit quality of banks or other financial institutions providing any credit support or liquidity enhancements could cause losses to the fund.
Floating and Inverse Floating Rate Debt Instruments. The interest rate on a floating rate debt instrument ("floater") is a variable rate which is tied to another interest rate, such as a prime rate or Treasury bill rate. The interest rate on an inverse floating rate debt instrument resets in the opposite direction from the market rate of interest to which the inverse floater is indexed or inversely to a multiple of the
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applicable index. An inverse floating rate debt instrument may exhibit greater price volatility than a fixed rate obligation of similar credit quality, and investing in these instruments involves leveraging which may magnify gains or losses.
Participation Interests and Assignments . Short-term corporate or sovereign obligations denominated in U.S. and foreign currencies may be originated, negotiated and structured by a syndicate of lenders ("Co-Lenders"), consisting of commercial banks, thrift institutions, insurance companies, financial companies or other financial institutions one or more of which administers the security on behalf of the syndicate (the "Agent Bank"). Co-Lenders may sell such securities to third parties called "Participants." A fund investing in such securities may participate as a Co-Lender at origination or acquire an interest in the security from a Co-Lender or a Participant (collectively, "participation interests"). Co-Lenders and Participants interposed between a fund and the borrower (the "Borrower"), together with Agent Banks, are referred herein as "Intermediate Participants." A participation interest gives a fund an undivided interest in the security in the proportion that the fund's participation interest bears to the total principal amount of the security. These instruments may have fixed, floating or variable rates of interest.
A fund also may purchase a participation interest in a portion of the rights of an Intermediate Participant, which would not establish any direct relationship between the fund and the Borrower. The fund would be required to rely on the Intermediate Participant that sold the participation interest not only for the enforcement of the fund's rights against the Borrower but also for the receipt and processing of payments due to the fund under the security. The fund would have the right to receive payments of principal, interest and any fees to which it is entitled only from the Intermediate Participant and only upon receipt of the payments from the Borrower. The fund generally will have no right to enforce compliance by the Borrower with the terms of the loan agreement nor any rights of set-off against the Borrower, and the fund may not directly benefit from any collateral supporting the obligation in which it has purchased the participation interest. Because it may be necessary to assert through an Intermediate Participant such rights as may exist against the Borrower, in the event the Borrower fails to pay principal and interest when due, the fund may be subject to delays, expenses and risks that are greater than those that would be involved if the fund would enforce its rights directly against the Borrower. Moreover, under the terms of a participation interest, a fund may be regarded as a creditor of the Intermediate Participant (rather than of the Borrower), so that the fund may also be subject to the risk that the Intermediate Participant may become insolvent. In the event of the insolvency of the Intermediate Participant, the fund may be treated as a general creditor of the Intermediate Participant and may not benefit from any set-off between the Intermediate Participant and the Borrower. Certain participation interests may be structured in a manner designed to avoid purchasers being subject to the credit risk of the Intermediate Participant, but even under such a structure, in the event of the Intermediate Participant's insolvency, the Intermediate Participant's servicing of the participation interests may be delayed and the assignability of the participation interest impaired. Similar risks may arise with respect to the Agent Bank if, for example, assets held by the Agent Bank for the benefit of a fund were determined by the appropriate regulatory authority or court to be subject to the claims of the Agent Bank's creditors. In such case, the fund might incur certain costs and delays in realizing payment in connection with the participation interest or suffer a loss of principal and/or interest. Further, in the event of the bankruptcy or insolvency of the Borrower, the obligation of the Borrower to repay the loan may be subject to certain defenses that can be asserted by such Borrower as a result of improper conduct by the Agent Bank or Intermediate Participant.
A fund also may invest in the underlying loan to the Borrower through an assignment of all or a portion of such loan ("Assignments") from a third party. When the fund purchases Assignments from Co-Lenders it will acquire direct rights against the Borrower on the loan. Because Assignments are arranged through private negotiations between potential assignees and potential assignors, however, the rights and obligations acquired by the fund as the purchaser of an Assignment may differ from, and be more limited than, those held by the assigning Co-Lender.
A fund may have difficulty disposing of participation interests and Assignments because to do so it will have to assign such securities to a third party. Because there is no established secondary market for such securities, it is anticipated that such securities could be sold only to a limited number of institutional investors. The lack of an established secondary market may have an adverse impact on the value of such securities and the fund's ability to
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dispose of particular participation interests or Assignments when necessary to meet the fund's liquidity needs or in response to a specific economic event such as a deterioration in the creditworthiness of the Borrower. The lack of an established secondary market for participation interests and Assignments also may make it more difficult for the fund to assign a value to these securities for purposes of valuing the fund's portfolio and calculating its NAV.
Mortgage-Related Securities . Mortgage-related securities are a form of derivative collateralized by pools of residential or commercial mortgages. Pools of mortgage loans are assembled as securities for sale to investors by various governmental, government-related and private organizations. These securities may include complex instruments such as collateralized mortgage obligations ("CMOs") and stripped mortgage-backed securities, mortgage pass-through securities, interests in REMICs, adjustable rate mortgage loans, or other kinds of mortgage-backed securities, including those with fixed, floating and variable interest rates; interest rates based on multiples of changes in a specified index of interest rates; interest rates that change inversely to changes in interest rates; and those that do not bear interest.
Mortgage-related securities are subject to credit, prepayment and interest rate risk, and may be more volatile and less liquid, and more difficult to price accurately, than more traditional debt securities. Although certain mortgage-related securities are guaranteed by a third party (such as a U.S. Government agency or instrumentality with respect to government-related mortgage-backed securities) or otherwise similarly secured, the market value of the security, which may fluctuate, is not secured. Mortgage-backed securities issued by private issuers, whether or not such securities are subject to guarantees, may entail greater risk than securities directly or indirectly guaranteed by the U.S. Government.
Mortgage-related securities generally are subject to credit risks associated with the performance of the underlying mortgage properties and to prepayment risk. In certain instances, the credit risk associated with mortgage-related securities can be reduced by third party guarantees or other forms of credit support. Improved credit risk does not reduce prepayment risk, which is unrelated to the rating assigned to the mortgage-related security. Prepayment risk may lead to pronounced fluctuations in value of the mortgage-related security. If a mortgage-related security is purchased at a premium, all or part of the premium may be lost if there is a decline in the market value of the security, whether resulting solely from changes in interest rates or from prepayments on the underlying mortgage collateral (the rates of which are highly dependent upon changes in interest rates, as discussed below). Mortgage loans are generally partially or completely prepaid prior to their final maturities as a result of events such as sale of the mortgaged premises, default, condemnation or casualty loss. Because these securities may be subject to extraordinary mandatory redemption in whole or in part from such prepayments of mortgage loans, a substantial portion of such securities may be redeemed prior to their scheduled maturities or even prior to ordinary call dates. Extraordinary mandatory redemption without premium could also result from the failure of the originating financial institutions to make mortgage loans in sufficient amounts within a specified time period. The ability of issuers of mortgage-backed securities to make payments depends on such factors as rental income, occupancy levels, operating expenses, mortgage default rates, taxes, government regulations and appropriation of subsidies.
Certain mortgage-related securities, such as inverse floating rate CMOs, have coupons that move inversely to a multiple of a specific index, which may result in a form of leverage. As with other interest-bearing securities, the prices of certain mortgage-related securities are inversely affected by changes in interest rates. However, although the value of a mortgage-related security may decline when interest rates rise, the converse is not necessarily true, since in periods of declining interest rates the mortgages underlying the security are more likely to be prepaid. For this and other reasons, a mortgage-related security's stated maturity may be shortened by unscheduled prepayments on the underlying mortgages, and, therefore, it is not possible to predict accurately the security's return to a fund. Moreover, with respect to certain stripped mortgage-backed securities, if the underlying mortgage securities experience greater than anticipated prepayments of principal, a fund may fail to fully recoup its initial investment even if the securities are rated in the highest rating category by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization. During periods of rapidly rising interest rates, prepayments of mortgage-related securities may occur at slower than expected rates. Slower prepayments effectively may lengthen a mortgage-related security's expected maturity, which generally would cause the value of such security to fluctuate more widely in response to changes in interest rates. Were the prepayments on a fund's mortgage-related securities to decrease broadly, the fund's effective duration, and thus sensitivity to interest rate fluctuations, would increase. Commercial real property loans, however, often contain provisions that reduce the likelihood that such securities will be prepaid. The provisions generally
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impose significant prepayment penalties on loans and in some cases there may be prohibitions on principal prepayments for several years following origination.
Residential Mortgage-Related Securities . Residential mortgage-related securities representing participation interests in pools of one- to four-family residential mortgage loans issued or guaranteed by governmental agencies or instrumentalities, such as the GNMA, the FNMA and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation ("FHLMC"), or issued by private entities, have been issued using a variety of structures, including multi-class structures featuring senior and subordinated classes. Some mortgage-related securities have structures that make their reactions to interest rate changes and other factors difficult to predict, making their value highly volatile.
Mortgage-related securities issued by GNMA include GNMA Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates (also known as "Ginnie Maes") which are guaranteed as to the timely payment of principal and interest by GNMA and such guarantee is backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government. Ginnie Maes are created by an "issuer," which is a Federal Housing Administration ("FHA") approved mortgagee that also meets criteria imposed by GNMA. The issuer assembles a pool of FHA, Farmers' Home Administration or Veterans' Administration ("VA") insured or guaranteed mortgages which are homogeneous as to interest rate, maturity and type of dwelling. Upon application by the issuer, and after approval by GNMA of the pool, GNMA provides its commitment to guarantee timely payment of principal and interest on the Ginnie Maes backed by the mortgages included in the pool. The Ginnie Maes, endorsed by GNMA, then are sold by the issuer through securities dealers. Ginnie Maes bear a stated "coupon rate" which represents the effective FHA-VA mortgage rate at the time of issuance, less GNMA's and the issuer's fees. GNMA is authorized under the National Housing Act to guarantee timely payment of principal and interest on Ginnie Maes. This guarantee is backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government. GNMA may borrow Treasury funds to the extent needed to make payments under its guarantee. When mortgages in the pool underlying a Ginnie Mae are prepaid by mortgagors or by result of foreclosure, such principal payments are passed through to the certificate holders. Accordingly, the life of the Ginnie Mae is likely to be substantially shorter than the stated maturity of the mortgages in the underlying pool. Because of such variation in prepayment rates, it is not possible to predict the life of a particular Ginnie Mae. Payments to holders of Ginnie Maes consist of the monthly distributions of interest and principal less GNMA's and the issuer's fees. The actual yield to be earned by a holder of a Ginnie Mae is calculated by dividing interest payments by the purchase price paid for the Ginnie Mae (which may be at a premium or a discount from the face value of the certificate). Monthly distributions of interest, as contrasted to semi-annual distributions which are common for other fixed interest investments, have the effect of compounding and thereby raising the effective annual yield earned on Ginnie Maes.
Mortgage-related securities issued by FNMA, including FNMA Guaranteed Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates (also known as "Fannie Maes"), are solely the obligations of FNMA and are not backed by or entitled to the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government. Fannie Maes are guaranteed as to timely payment of principal and interest by FNMA. Mortgage-related securities issued by FHLMC include FHLMC Mortgage Participation Certificates (also known as "Freddie Macs" or "PCs"). Freddie Macs are not guaranteed by the U.S. Government or by any Federal Home Loan Bank and do not constitute a debt or obligation of the U.S. Government or of any Federal Home Loan Bank. Freddie Macs entitle the holder to timely payment of interest, which is guaranteed by FHLMC. FHLMC guarantees either ultimate collection or timely payment of all principal payments on the underlying mortgage loans. When FHLMC does not guarantee timely payment of principal, FHLMC may remit the amount due on account of its guarantee of ultimate payment of principal at any time after default on an underlying mortgage, but in no event later than one year after it becomes payable.
The Treasury has historically had the authority to purchase obligations of FNMA and FHLMC. In addition, in 2008, due to capitalization concerns, Congress provided the Treasury with additional authority to lend FNMA and FHLMC emergency funds and to purchase the companies' stock, as described below. In September 2008, the Treasury and the Federal Housing Finance Agency ("FHFA") announced that FNMA and FHLMC had been placed in conservatorship. Since 2009, FNMA and FHLMC have received significant capital support through Treasury preferred stock purchases and Federal Reserve purchases of their mortgage-backed securities. While the Federal Reserve's purchases have terminated, the Treasury announced in December 2009 that it would continue its support for the entities' capital as necessary to prevent a negative net worth through at least 2012. While the Treasury is committed to offset negative equity at FNMA and FHLMC through its preferred stock purchases through 2012, no assurance can be given that the Federal Reserve, Treasury or FHFA initiatives discussed above will ensure that FNMA and FHLMC will remain successful in meeting their obligations with respect to the debt and mortgage-
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backed securities they issue beyond that date. In addition, FNMA and FHLMC also are the subject of several continuing class action lawsuits and investigations by federal regulators over certain accounting, disclosure or corporate governance matters, which (along with any resulting financial restatements) may adversely affect the guaranteeing entities. Importantly, the future of the entities is in serious question as the U.S. Government reportedly is considering multiple options, ranging on a spectrum from nationalization, privatization, consolidation or abolishment of the entities. Future legislative and regulatory action could alter the operations, ownership, structure and/or mission of these institutions, each of which may, in turn, impact the value of, and cash flows on, any mortgage-backed securities guaranteed by FNMA and FHLMC, including any such mortgage-backed securities held by a fund.
Commercial Mortgage-Related Securities . Commercial mortgage-related securities generally are multi-class debt or pass-through certificates secured by mortgage loans on commercial properties. These mortgage-related securities generally are constructed to provide protection to holders of the senior classes against potential losses on the underlying mortgage loans. This protection generally is provided by having the holders of subordinated classes of securities ("Subordinated Securities") take the first loss if there are defaults on the underlying commercial mortgage loans. Other protection, which may benefit all of the classes or particular classes, may include issuer guarantees, reserve funds, additional Subordinated Securities, cross-collateralization and over-collateralization. Commercial lending, however, generally is viewed as exposing the lender to a greater risk of loss than one- to four-family residential lending. Commercial lending, for example, typically involves larger loans to single borrowers or groups of related borrowers than residential one- to four-family mortgage loans. In addition, the repayment of loans secured by income-producing properties typically is dependent upon the successful operation of the related real estate project and the cash flow generated therefrom. Consequently, adverse changes in economic conditions and circumstances are more likely to have an adverse impact on mortgage-related securities secured by loans on certain types of commercial properties than those secured by loans on residential properties.
Subordinated Securities . Subordinated Securities, including those issued or sponsored by commercial banks, savings and loan institutions, mortgage bankers, private mortgage insurance companies and other non-governmental issuers, have no governmental guarantee, and are subordinated in some manner as to the payment of principal and/or interest to the holders of more senior mortgage-related securities arising out of the same pool of mortgages. The holders of Subordinated Securities typically are compensated with a higher stated yield than are the holders of more senior mortgage-related securities. On the other hand, Subordinated Securities typically subject the holder to greater risk than senior mortgage-related securities and tend to be rated in a lower rating category, and frequently a substantially lower rating category, than the senior mortgage-related securities issued in respect of the same pool of mortgages. Subordinated Securities generally are likely to be more sensitive to changes in prepayment and interest rates and the market for such securities may be less liquid than is the case for traditional fixed-income securities and senior mortgage-related securities.
Collateralized Mortgage Obligations (CMOs) and Multi-Class Pass-Through-Securities . CMOs are multiclass bonds backed by pools of mortgage pass-through certificates or mortgage loans. CMOs may be collateralized by: (1) Ginnie Mae, Fannie Mae, or Freddie Mac pass-through certificates; (2) unsecuritized mortgage loans insured by the FHA or guaranteed by the Department of Veterans' Affairs; (3) unsecuritized conventional mortgages; (4) other mortgage-related securities; or (5) any combination thereof.
Each class of CMOs, often referred to as a "tranche," is issued at a specific coupon rate and has a stated maturity or final distribution date. Principal prepayments on collateral underlying a CMO may cause it to be retired substantially earlier than the stated maturities or final distribution dates. The principal and interest on the underlying mortgages may be allocated among the several classes of a series of a CMO in many ways. One or more tranches of a CMO may have coupon rates which reset periodically at a specified increment over an index or market rate, such as LIBOR (or sometimes more than one index). These floating rate CMOs typically are issued with lifetime caps on the coupon rate thereon. Inverse floating rate CMOs constitute a tranche of a CMO with a coupon rate that moves in the reverse direction to an applicable index or market rate such as LIBOR. Accordingly, the coupon rate thereon will increase as interest rates decrease. Inverse floating rate CMOs are typically more volatile than fixed or floating rate tranches of CMOs.
Many inverse floating rate CMOs have coupons that move inversely to a multiple of the applicable indexes. The effect of the coupon varying inversely to a multiple of an applicable index creates a leverage factor. Inverse floating rate CMOs based on multiples of a stated index are designed to be highly sensitive to changes in interest rates and
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can subject the holders thereof to extreme reductions of yield and loss of principal. The markets for inverse floating rate CMOs with highly leveraged characteristics at times may be very thin. The ability of a fund to dispose of positions in such securities will depend on the degree of liquidity in the markets for such securities. It is impossible to predict the amount of trading interest that may exist in such securities, and therefore the future degree of liquidity.
As CMOs have evolved, some classes of CMO bonds have become more prevalent. The planned amortization class ("PAC") and targeted amortization class ("TAC"), for example, were designed to reduce prepayment risk by establishing a sinking-fund structure. PAC and TAC bonds assure to varying degrees that investors will receive payments over a predetermined period under varying prepayment scenarios. Although PAC and TAC bonds are similar, PAC bonds are better able to provide stable cash flows under various prepayment scenarios than TAC bonds because of the order in which these tranches are paid.
Stripped Mortgage-Backed Securities . Stripped mortgage-backed securities are created by segregating the cash flows from underlying mortgage loans or mortgage securities to create two or more new securities, each with a specified percentage of the underlying security's principal or interest payments. Mortgage securities may be partially stripped so that each investor class receives some interest and some principal. When securities are completely stripped, however, all of the interest is distributed to holders of one type of security, known as an interest-only security ("IO") and all of the principal is distributed to holders of another type of security known as a principal-only security ("PO"). IOs and POs can be created in a pass-through structure or as tranches of a CMO. The yields to maturity on IOs and POs are very sensitive to the rate of principal payments (including prepayments) on the related underlying mortgage assets. If the underlying mortgage assets experience greater than anticipated prepayments of principal, a fund may not fully recoup its initial investment in IOs. Conversely, if the underlying mortgage assets experience less than anticipated prepayments of principal, the yield on POs could be materially and adversely affected.
Adjustable-Rate Mortgage Loans ("ARMs") . ARMs eligible for inclusion in a mortgage pool will generally provide for a fixed initial mortgage interest rate for a specified period of time, generally for either the first three, six, twelve, thirteen, thirty-six, or sixty scheduled monthly payments. Thereafter, the interest rates are subject to periodic adjustment based on changes in an index. ARMs typically have minimum and maximum rates beyond which the mortgage interest rate may not vary over the lifetime of the loans. Certain ARMs provide for additional limitations on the maximum amount by which the mortgage interest rate may adjust for any single adjustment period. Negatively amortizing ARMs may provide limitations on changes in the required monthly payment. Limitations on monthly payments can result in monthly payments that are greater or less than the amount necessary to amortize a negatively amortizing ARM by its maturity at the interest rate in effect during any particular month.
Private Entity Securities . Mortgage-related securities may be issued by commercial banks, savings and loan institutions, mortgage bankers, private mortgage insurance companies and other non-governmental issuers. Timely payment of principal and interest on mortgage-related securities backed by pools created by non-governmental issuers often is supported partially by various forms of insurance or guarantees, including individual loan, title, pool and hazard insurance. The insurance and guarantees are issued by government entities, private insurers and the mortgage poolers. There can be no assurance that the private insurers or mortgage poolers can meet their obligations under the policies, so that if the issuers default on their obligations the holders of the security could sustain a loss. No insurance or guarantee covers a fund or the price of a fund's shares. Mortgage-related securities issued by non-governmental issuers generally offer a higher rate of interest than government-agency and government-related securities because there are no direct or indirect government guarantees of payment.
Other Mortgage-Related Securities . Other mortgage-related securities include securities other than those described above that directly or indirectly represent a participation in, or are secured by and payable from, mortgage loans on real property, including a CMO tranche which collects any cash flow from collateral remaining after obligations to the other tranches have been met. Other mortgage-related securities may be equity or debt securities issued by agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. Government or by private originators of, or investors in, mortgage loans, including savings and loan associations, homebuilders, mortgage banks, commercial banks, investment banks, partnerships, trusts and special purpose entities of the foregoing.
Asset-Backed Securities . Asset-backed securities are a form of derivative instrument. Non-mortgage asset-backed securities are securities issued by special purpose entities whose primary assets consist of a pool of loans, receivables or other assets. Payment of principal and interest may depend largely on the cash flows generated by the
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assets backing the securities and, in certain cases, supported by letters of credit, surety bonds or other forms of credit or liquidity enhancements. The value of these asset-backed securities also may be affected by the creditworthiness of the servicing agent for the pool of assets, the originator of the loans or receivables or the financial institution providing the credit support.
The securitization techniques used for asset-backed securities are similar to those used for mortgage-related securities, including the issuance of securities in senior and subordinated classes (see "Mortgage-Related Securities—Commercial Mortgage-Related Securities" and "—Subordinated Securities" above). These securities include debt securities and securities with debt-like characteristics. The collateral for these securities has included home equity loans, automobile and credit card receivables, boat loans, computer leases, airplane leases, mobile home loans, recreational vehicle loans and hospital account receivables. Other types of asset-backed securities may be developed in the future. The purchase of non-mortgage asset-backed securities raises considerations peculiar to the financing of the instruments underlying such securities.
Asset-backed securities present certain risks that are not presented by mortgage-backed securities. Primarily, these securities may provide a less effective security interest in the related collateral than do mortgage-backed securities. Therefore, there is the possibility that recoveries on the underlying collateral may not, in some cases, be available to support payments on these securities.
Collateralized Debt Obligations . Collateralized debt obligations ("CDOs") are securitized interests in pools of—generally non-mortgage—assets. Assets called collateral usually comprise loans or debt instruments. A CDO may be called a collateralized loan obligation or collateralized bond obligation if it holds only loans or bonds, respectively. Investors bear the credit risk of the collateral. Multiple tranches of securities are issued by the CDO, offering investors various maturity and credit risk characteristics. Tranches are categorized as senior, mezzanine and subordinated/equity, according to their degree of credit risk. If there are defaults or the CDO's collateral otherwise underperforms, scheduled payments to senior tranches take precedence over those of mezzanine tranches, and scheduled payments to mezzanine tranches take precedence over those to subordinated/equity tranches. Senior and mezzanine tranches are typically rated, with the former receiving ratings of A to AAA/Aaa and the latter receiving ratings of B to BBB/Baa. The ratings reflect both the credit quality of underlying collateral as well as how much protection a given tranche is afforded by tranches that are subordinate to it.
Municipal Securities Generally. "Municipal securities" are debt securities or other obligations issued by states, territories and possessions of the United States and the District of Columbia and their political subdivisions, agencies and instrumentalities, or multistate agencies and authorities, and certain other specified securities, the interest from which is, in the opinion of bond counsel to the issuer, exempt from federal and, with respect to municipal securities in which certain funds invest, the personal income taxes of a specified state (referred to in this SAI as Municipal Bonds, Municipal Obligations, State Municipal Bonds or State Municipal Obligations, as applicable—see "Glossary" below). Municipal securities generally include debt obligations issued to obtain funds for various public purposes and include certain industrial development bonds issued by or on behalf of public authorities. Municipal securities are classified as general obligation bonds, revenue bonds and notes. General obligation bonds are secured by the issuer's pledge of its full faith, credit and taxing power for the payment of principal and interest. Revenue bonds are payable from the revenue derived from a particular facility or class of facilities or, in some cases, from the proceeds of a special excise or other specific revenue source, but not from the general taxing power. Tax-exempt industrial development bonds, in most cases, are revenue bonds that do not carry the pledge of the credit of the issuing municipality, but generally are guaranteed by the corporate entity on whose behalf they are issued. Notes are short-term instruments which are obligations of the issuing municipalities or agencies and are sold in anticipation of a bond issuance, collection of taxes or receipt of other revenues. Issues of municipal commercial paper typically represent short-term, unsecured, negotiable promissory notes. These obligations are issued by agencies of state and local governments to finance seasonal working capital needs of municipalities or to provide interim construction financing and are paid from general revenues of municipalities or are refinanced with long-term debt. In most cases, municipal commercial paper is backed by letters of credit, lending agreements, note repurchase agreements or other credit facility agreements offered by banks or other institutions. Municipal securities include municipal lease/purchase agreements which are similar to installment purchase contracts for property or equipment issued by municipalities.
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Municipal securities bear fixed, floating or variable rates of interest, which are determined in some instances by formulas under which the municipal security's interest rate will change directly or inversely to changes in interest rates or an index, or multiples thereof, in many cases subject to a maximum and minimum. Certain municipal securities are subject to redemption at a date earlier than their stated maturity pursuant to call options, which may be separated from the related municipal security and purchased and sold separately. The purchase of call options on specific municipal securities may protect a fund from the issuer of the related municipal security redeeming, or other holder of the call option from calling away, the municipal security before maturity. The sale by a fund of a call option that it owns on a specific municipal security could result in the receipt of taxable income by the fund.
For a fund that invests less than 50% of its assets in municipal securities, dividends received by shareholders on fund shares which are attributable to interest income received by the fund from municipal securities generally will be subject to federal income tax. While, in general, municipal securities are tax exempt securities having relatively low yields as compared to taxable, non-municipal securities of similar quality, certain municipal securities are taxable obligations, offering yields comparable to, and in some cases greater than, the yields available on other permissible investments.
For the purpose of diversification under the 1940 Act, the identification of the issuer of municipal securities depends on the terms and conditions of the security. When the assets and revenues of an agency, authority, instrumentality or other political subdivision are separate from those of the government creating the subdivision and the security is backed only by the assets and revenues of the subdivision, such subdivision would be deemed to be the sole issuer. Similarly, in the case of an industrial development bond, if the bond is backed only by the assets and revenues of the non-governmental user, then such non-governmental user would be deemed to be the sole issuer. If, however, in either case, the creating government or some other entity guarantees a security, such a guaranty would be considered a separate security and would be treated as an issue of such government or other entity.
Municipal securities include certain private activity bonds (a type of revenue bond issued by or on behalf of public authorities to raise money to finance various privately operated or public facilities), the income from which is subject to AMT. Taxable municipal securities also may include remarketed certificates of participation. Certain funds may invest in these municipal securities if the Adviser determines that their purchase is consistent with a fund's investment objective. A municipal or other tax-exempt fund that invests substantially all of its assets in Municipal Bonds may invest more than 25% of the value of the fund's total assets in Municipal Bonds which are related in such a way that an economic, business or political development or change affecting one such security also would affect the other securities ( e.g ., securities the interest upon which is paid from revenues of similar types of projects, or securities whose issuers are located in the same state). A fund that so invests its assets may be subject to greater risk as compared to municipal or other tax-exempt funds that do not follow this practice.
An investment in a fund that focuses its investments in securities issued by a particular state or entities within that state may involve greater risk than investments in certain other types of municipal funds. You should consider carefully the special risks inherent in a fund's investment in such municipal securities. If applicable, you should review the information in "Risks of Investing in State Municipal Securities" in Part II of this SAI, which provides a brief summary of special investment considerations and risk factors relating to investing in municipal securities of a specific state.
The yields on municipal securities are dependent on a variety of factors, including general economic and monetary conditions, money market factors, conditions in the municipal securities market, size of a particular offering, maturity of the obligation and rating of the issue. The achievement of the investment objective of a municipal or other tax-exempt fund is dependent in part on the continuing ability of the issuers of municipal securities in which the fund invests to meet their obligations for the payment of principal and interest when due. Municipal securities historically have not been subject to registration with the SEC, although there have been proposals which would require registration in the future. Issuers of municipal securities, like issuers of corporate securities, may declare bankruptcy, and obligations of issuers of municipal securities are subject to the provisions of bankruptcy, insolvency and other laws affecting the rights and remedies of creditors. Many such bankruptcies historically have been of smaller villages, towns, cities and counties, but in November 2011 Jefferson County, Alabama (the state's most populous county) became the subject of the largest municipal bankruptcy ever in the U.S., at over $5 billion in total indebtedness, surpassing in size the 1994 bankruptcy of Orange County, California. In addition, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania (the state's capital) filed for bankruptcy in October 2011. The obligations of municipal issuers may
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become subject to laws enacted in the future by Congress or state legislatures, or referenda extending the time for payment of principal and/or interest, or imposing other constraints upon enforcement of such obligations or upon the ability of municipalities to levy taxes. There is also the possibility that, as a result of litigation or other conditions, the ability of any municipal issuer to pay, when due, the principal of and interest on its municipal securities may be materially affected.
Certain provisions in the Code relating to the issuance of municipal securities may reduce the volume of municipal securities qualifying for federal tax exemption. One effect of these provisions could be to increase the cost of the municipal securities available for purchase by a fund and thus reduce available yield. Shareholders should consult their tax advisors concerning the effect of these provisions on an investment in such a fund. Proposals that may restrict or eliminate the income tax exemption for interest on municipal securities may be introduced in the future. If any such proposal were enacted that would reduce the availability of municipal securities for investment by a fund so as to adversely affect fund shareholders, the fund would reevaluate its investment objective and policies and submit possible changes in the fund's structure to shareholders for their consideration. If legislation were enacted that would treat a type of municipal securities as taxable, a fund would treat such security as a permissible Taxable Investment or, with respect to a money market fund, Money Fund Taxable Investment (in each case, as discussed below), within the applicable limits set forth herein.
Instruments Related to Municipal Securities. The following is a description of certain types of investments related to municipal securities in which some funds may invest. A fund's use of certain of the investment techniques described below may give rise to taxable income.
· Floating and Variable Rate Demand Notes and Bonds . Floating and variable rate demand notes and bonds are tax exempt obligations ordinarily having stated maturities in excess of one year, but which permit the holder to demand payment of principal at any time, or at specified intervals. Variable rate demand notes include master demand notes. See "Fixed-Income Securities—Variable and Floating Rate Securities" above.
· Tax Exempt Participation Interests . A participation interest in municipal securities (such as industrial development bonds and municipal lease/purchase agreements) purchased from a financial institution gives a fund an undivided interest in the municipal security in the proportion that the fund's participation interest bears to the total principal amount of the municipal security. These instruments are frequently backed by an irrevocable letter of credit or guarantee of a bank. For certain participation interests, a fund will have the right to demand payment, on not more than seven days' notice, for all or any part of the fund's participation interest in the municipal security, plus accrued interest. As to these instruments, a fund intends to exercise its right to demand payment only upon a default under the terms of the municipal security, as needed to provide liquidity to meet redemptions, or to maintain or improve the quality of its investment portfolio. See also "Fixed-Income Securities—Participation Interests and Assignments" above.
· Municipal Lease Obligations . Municipal lease obligations or installment purchase contract obligations (collectively, "lease obligations") have special risks not ordinarily associated with general obligation or revenue bonds. Leases and installment purchase or conditional sale contracts (which normally provide for title to the leased asset to pass eventually to the government issuer) have evolved as a means for governmental issuers to acquire property and equipment without meeting the constitutional and statutory requirements for the issuance of debt. Although lease obligations do not constitute general obligations of the municipality for which the municipality's taxing power is pledged, a lease obligation ordinarily is backed by the municipality's covenant to budget for, appropriate and make the payments due under the lease obligation. However, lease obligations in which a fund may invest may contain "non-appropriation" clauses which provide that the municipality has no obligation to make lease or installment purchase payments in future years unless money is appropriated for such purpose on a yearly basis. Although "non-appropriation" lease obligations are secured by the leased property, disposition of the property in the event of foreclosure might prove difficult. Certain lease obligations may be considered illiquid. Determination as to the liquidity of such securities is made in accordance with guidelines established by the board. Pursuant to such guidelines, the board has directed the Adviser to monitor carefully a fund's investment in such securities with particular regard to: (1) the frequency of trades and quotes for the lease obligation; (2) the number of dealers willing to purchase or sell the lease obligation and the number of other potential
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buyers; (3) the willingness of dealers to undertake to make a market in the lease obligation; (4) the nature of the marketplace trades, including the time needed to dispose of the lease obligation, the method of soliciting offers and the mechanics of transfer; and (5) such other factors concerning the trading market for the lease obligation as the Adviser may deem relevant. In addition, in evaluating the liquidity and credit quality of a lease obligation that is unrated, the board has directed the Adviser to consider: (1) whether the lease can be canceled; (2) what assurance there is that the assets represented by the lease can be sold; (3) the strength of the lessee's general credit ( e.g ., its debt, administrative, economic and financial characteristics); (4) the likelihood that the municipality will discontinue appropriating funding for the leased property because the property is no longer deemed essential to the operations of the municipality ( e.g ., the potential for an "event of non-appropriation"); (5) the legal recourse in the event of failure to appropriate; and (6) such other factors concerning credit quality as the Adviser may deem relevant.
· Tender Option Bonds . A tender option bond is a municipal security (generally held pursuant to a custodial arrangement) having a relatively long maturity and bearing interest at a fixed rate substantially higher than prevailing short-term tax exempt rates, that has been coupled with the agreement of a third party, such as a bank, broker-dealer or other financial institution, pursuant to which such institution grants the security holders the option, at periodic intervals, to tender their securities to the institution and receive the face value thereof. As consideration for providing the option, the financial institution receives periodic fees equal to the difference between the municipal security's fixed coupon rate and the rate, as determined by a remarketing or similar agent at or near the commencement of such period, that would cause the securities, coupled with the tender option, to trade at par on the date of such determination. Thus, after payment of this fee, the security holder effectively holds a demand obligation that bears interest at the prevailing short-term tax exempt rate. In certain instances and for certain tender option bonds, the option may be terminable in the event of a default in payment of principal or interest on the underlying municipal security and for other reasons. The funds expect to be able to value tender option bonds at par; however, the value of the instrument will be monitored to assure that it is valued at fair value.
· Pre-Refunded Municipal Securities . The principal and interest on pre-refunded municipal securities are no longer paid from the original revenue source for the securities. Instead, the source of such payments is typically an escrow fund consisting of U.S. Government securities. The assets in the escrow fund are derived from the proceeds of refunding bonds issued by the same issuer as the pre-refunded municipal securities. Issuers of municipal securities use this advance refunding technique to obtain more favorable terms with respect to bonds that are not yet subject to call or redemption by the issuer. For example, advance refunding enables an issuer to refinance debt at lower market interest rates, restructure debt to improve cash flow or eliminate restrictive covenants in the indenture or other governing instrument for the pre-refunded municipal securities. However, except for a change in the revenue source from which principal and interest payments are made, the pre-refunded municipal securities remain outstanding on their original terms until they mature or are redeemed by the issuer.
· Mortgage-Related and Asset-Backed Municipal Securities . Mortgage-backed municipal securities are municipal securities of issuers that derive revenues from mortgage loans on multiple family residences, retirement housing or housing projects for low- to moderate-income families. Certain of such securities may be single family mortgage revenue bonds issued for the purpose of acquiring from originating financial institutions notes secured by mortgages on residences located within the issuer's boundaries. Non-mortgage asset-based securities are securities issued by special purpose entities whose primary assets consist of a pool of loans, receivables or other assets. See "Fixed-Income Securities—Mortgage-Related Securities" and "Fixed-Income Securities—Asset-Backed Securities" above.
· Custodial Receipts . Custodial receipts represent the right to receive certain future principal and/or interest payments on municipal securities which underlie the custodial receipts. A number of different arrangements are possible. A fund also may purchase directly from issuers, and not in a private placement, municipal securities having characteristics similar to custodial receipts. These securities may be issued as part of a multi-class offering and the interest rate on certain classes may be subject to a cap or floor. See "Derivatives — Custodial Receipts" below.
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· Indexed and Inverse Floating Rate Municipal Securities . Indexed rate municipal securities are securities that pay interest or whose principal amount payable upon maturity is based on the value of an index of interest rates. Interest and principal payable on certain securities also may be based on relative changes among particular indexes. So-called "inverse floating obligations" or "residual interest bonds" ("inverse floaters") are derivative instruments created by depositing municipal securities in a trust which divides the bond's income stream into two parts: (1) a short-term variable rate demand note; and (2) a residual interest bond (the inverse floater) which receives interest based on the remaining cash flow of the trust after payment of interest on the note and various trust expenses. The interest rate on the inverse floater varies inversely with a floating rate (which may be reset periodically by a "Dutch" auction, a remarketing agent or by reference a short-term tax-exempt interest rate index), usually moving in the opposite direction as the interest on the variable rate demand note.
A fund may either participate in structuring an inverse floater or purchase an inverse floater in the secondary market. When structuring an inverse floater, a fund will transfer to a trust fixed rate municipal securities held in the fund's portfolio. The trust then typically issues the inverse floaters and the variable rate demand notes that are collateralized by the cash flows of the fixed rate municipal securities. In return for the transfer of the municipal securities to the trust, the fund receives the inverse floaters and cash associated with the sale of the notes from the trust. For accounting purposes, a fund treats these transfers as part of a secured borrowing or financing transaction (not a sale), and the interest payments and related expenses due on the notes issued by the trusts and sold to third parties as expenses and liabilities of the fund. Inverse floaters purchased in the secondary market are treated as the purchase of a security and not as a secured borrowing or financing transaction. Synthetically created inverse floating rate bonds evidenced by custodial or trust receipts are securities that have the effect of providing a degree of investment leverage, since they may increase or decrease in value in response to changes in market interest rates at a rate that is a multiple of the rate at which fixed rate securities increase or decrease in response to such changes.
An investment in inverse floaters may involve greater risk than an investment in a fixed rate municipal security. Because changes in the interest rate on the other security or index inversely affect the residual interest paid on the inverse floater, the value of an inverse floater is generally more volatile than that of a fixed rate municipal security. Inverse floaters have interest rate adjustment formulas which generally reduce or, in the extreme, eliminate the interest paid to a fund when short-term interest rates rise, and increase the interest paid to the fund when short-term interest rates fall. Investing in inverse floaters involves leveraging which may magnify the fund's gains or losses. Although volatile, inverse floaters typically offer the potential for yields exceeding the yields available on fixed rate municipal securities with comparable credit quality, coupon, call provisions and maturity. These securities usually permit the investor to convert the floating rate to a fixed rate (normally adjusted downward), and this optional conversion feature may provide a partial hedge against rising rates if exercised at an opportune time. Investments in inverse floaters may be illiquid.
· Zero Coupon, Pay-In-Kind and Step-Up Municipal Securities . Zero coupon municipal securities are issued or sold at a discount from their face value and do not entitle the holder to any periodic payment of interest prior to maturity or a specified redemption date or cash payment date. Zero coupon securities also may take the form of municipal securities that have been stripped of their unmatured interest coupons, the coupons themselves and receipts or certificates representing interest in such stripped debt obligations and coupons. Pay-in-kind municipal securities generally pay interest through the issuance of additional securities. Step-up municipal securities typically do not pay interest for a specified period of time and then pay interest at a series of different rates. See "Fixed-Income Securities — Zero Coupon, Pay-In-Kind and Step-Up Securities."
· Special Taxing Districts . Some municipal securities may be issued in connection with special taxing districts. Special taxing districts are organized to plan and finance infrastructure development to induce residential, commercial and industrial growth and redevelopment. The bond financing methods, such as tax increment finance, tax assessment, special services district and Mello-Roos bonds, generally are payable solely from taxes or other revenues attributable to the specific projects financed by the bonds without recourse to the credit or taxing power of related or overlapping municipalities. They often are exposed to
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real estate development-related risks and can have more taxpayer concentration risk than general tax-supported bonds, such as general obligation bonds. Further, the fees, special taxes or tax allocations and other revenues that are established to secure such financings generally are limited as to the rate or amount that may be levied or assessed and are not subject to increase pursuant to rate covenants or municipal or corporate guarantees. The bonds could default if development failed to progress as anticipated or if larger taxpayers failed to pay the assessments, fees and taxes as provided in the financing plans of the districts.
· Stand-By Commitments . Under a stand-by commitment, a fund obligates a broker, dealer or bank to repurchase, at the fund's option, specified securities at a specified price prior to such securities' maturity date and, in this respect, stand-by commitments are comparable to put options. The exercise of a stand-by commitment, therefore, is subject to the ability of the seller to make payment on demand. The funds will acquire stand-by commitments solely to facilitate portfolio liquidity and do not intend to exercise their rights thereunder for trading purposes. A fund may pay for stand-by commitments if such action is deemed necessary, thus increasing to a degree the cost of the underlying municipal security and similarly decreasing such security's yield to investors. Gains realized in connection with stand-by commitments will be taxable. For a fund that focuses its investments in New Jersey Municipal Bonds, the fund will acquire stand-by commitments only to the extent consistent with the requirements for a "qualified investment fund" under the New Jersey Gross Income Tax Act.
· Structured Notes . Structured notes typically are purchased in privately negotiated transactions from financial institutions and, therefore, may not have an active trading market. When a fund purchases a structured note, it will make a payment of principal to the counterparty. Some structured notes have a guaranteed repayment of principal while others place a portion (or all) or the principal at risk. The possibility of default by the counterparty or its credit provider may be greater for structured notes than for other types of money market instruments.
Taxable Investments (municipal or other tax-exempt funds only) . From time to time, on a temporary basis other than for temporary defensive purposes (but not to exceed 20% of the value of the fund's net assets) or for temporary defensive purposes, a fund may invest in taxable short-term investments (Taxable Investments, as defined in Part II of this SAI under "Investments, Investments Techniques and Risks"). Dividends paid by a fund that are attributable to income earned by the fund from Taxable Investments will be taxable to investors.
Funding Agreements . In a funding agreement (sometimes referred to as a Guaranteed Interest Contract or "GIC"), a fund contributes cash to a deposit fund of an insurance company's general account, and the insurance company then credits the fund, on a monthly basis, guaranteed interest that is based on an index. This guaranteed interest will not be less than a certain minimum rate. Because the principal amount of a funding agreement may not be received from the insurance company on seven days notice or less, the agreement is considered to be an illiquid investment.
Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)
A REIT is a corporation, or a business trust that would otherwise be taxed as a corporation, which meets the definitional requirements of the Code. The Code permits a qualifying REIT to deduct dividends paid, thereby effectively eliminating corporate level federal income tax and making the REIT a pass-through vehicle for federal income tax purposes. To meet the definitional requirements of the Code, a REIT must, among other things, invest substantially all of its assets in interests in real estate (including mortgages and other REITs) or cash and government securities, derive most of its income from rents from real property or interest on loans secured by mortgages on real property, and distribute to shareholders annually a substantial portion of its otherwise taxable income.
REITs are characterized as equity REITs, mortgage REITs and hybrid REITs. Equity REITs, which may include operating or finance companies, own real estate directly and the value of, and income earned by, the REITs depends upon the income of the underlying properties and the rental income they earn. Equity REITs also can realize capital gains (or losses) by selling properties that have appreciated (or depreciated) in value. Mortgage REITs can make construction, development or long-term mortgage loans and are sensitive to the credit quality of the borrower. Mortgage REITs derive their income from interest payments on such loans. Hybrid REITs combine the characteristics of both equity and mortgage REITs, generally by holding both ownership interests and mortgage
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interests in real estate. The value of securities issued by REITs is affected by tax and regulatory requirements and by perceptions of management skill. They also are subject to heavy cash flow dependency, defaults by borrowers or tenants, self-liquidation and the possibility of failing to qualify for tax-free status under the Code or to maintain exemption from the 1940 Act.
When the Adviser determines that adverse market conditions exist, a fund may adopt a temporary defensive position and invest up to 100% of its assets in money market instruments, including U.S. Government securities, bank obligations, repurchase agreements and commercial paper. A fund also may purchase money market instruments when it has cash reserves or in anticipation of taking a market position.
Investing in money market instruments is subject to certain risks. Money market instruments (other than certain U.S. Government securities) are not backed or insured by the U.S. Government, its agencies or its instrumentalities. Accordingly, only the creditworthiness of an issuer, or guarantees of that issuer, support such instruments.
Bank Obligations . See "Bank Obligations" below under "Money Market Funds."
Repurchase Agreements . See "Repurchase Agreements" below under "Money Market Funds."
Commercial Paper . Commercial paper represents short-term, unsecured promissory notes issued in bearer form by banks or bank holding companies, corporations and finance companies used to finance short-term credit needs and may consist of U.S. dollar-denominated obligations of domestic issuers and foreign currency-denominated obligations of domestic or foreign issuers. Commercial paper may be backed only by the credit of the issuer or may be backed by some form of credit enhancement, typically in the form of a guarantee by a commercial bank. Commercial paper backed by guarantees of foreign banks may involve additional risk due to the difficulty of obtaining and enforcing judgments against such banks and the generally less restrictive regulations to which such banks are subject.
Foreign securities include the securities of companies organized under the laws of countries other than the United States and those issued or guaranteed by governments other than the U.S. Government or by foreign supranational entities. They also include securities of companies whose principal trading market is in a country other than the United States or of companies (including those that are located in the United States or organized under U.S. law) that derive a significant portion of their revenue or profits from foreign businesses, investments or sales, or that have a majority of their assets outside the United States. They may be traded on foreign securities exchanges or in the foreign over-the-counter markets. Supranational entities include international organizations designated or supported by governmental entities to promote economic reconstruction or development and international banking institutions and related government agencies. Examples include the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (the World Bank), the European Coal and Steel Community, the Asian Development Bank and the InterAmerican Development Bank. Obligations of the World Bank and certain other supranational organizations are supported by subscribed but unpaid commitments of member countries. There is no assurance that these commitments will be undertaken or complied with in the future.
Investing in the securities of foreign issuers, as well as instruments that provide investment exposure to foreign securities and markets, involves risks that are not typically associated with investing in U.S. dollar-denominated securities of domestic issuers. Investments in foreign issuers may be affected by changes in currency rates ( i.e. , affecting the value of assets as measured in U.S. dollars), changes in foreign or U.S. laws or restrictions applicable to such investments and in exchange control regulations ( e.g. , currency blockage). A decline in the exchange rate of the currency ( i.e. , weakening of the currency against the U.S. dollar) in which a portfolio security is quoted or denominated relative to the U.S. dollar would reduce the value of the portfolio security. A change in the value of such foreign currency against the U.S. dollar also will result in a change in the amount of income available for distribution. If a portion of a fund's investment income may be received in foreign currencies, such fund will be required to compute its income in U.S. dollars for distribution to shareholders, and therefore the fund will absorb the cost of currency fluctuations. After the fund has distributed income, subsequent foreign currency losses may result
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in the fund having distributed more income in a particular fiscal period than was available from investment income, which could result in a return of capital to shareholders. In addition, if the exchange rate for the currency in which a fund receives interest payments declines against the U.S. dollar before such income is distributed as dividends to shareholders, the fund may have to sell portfolio securities to obtain sufficient cash to enable the fund to pay such dividends. Commissions on transactions in foreign securities may be higher than those for similar transactions on domestic stock markets, and foreign custodial costs are higher than domestic custodial costs. In addition, clearance and settlement procedures may be different in foreign countries and, in certain markets, such procedures have on occasion been unable to keep pace with the volume of securities transactions, thus making it difficult to conduct such transactions.
Foreign securities markets generally are not as developed or efficient as those in the United States. Securities of some foreign issuers are less liquid and more volatile than securities of comparable U.S. issuers. Similarly, volume and liquidity in most foreign securities markets are less than in the United States and, at times, volatility of price can be greater than in the United States.
Because evidences of ownership of foreign securities usually are held outside the United States, additional risks of investing in foreign securities include possible adverse political and economic developments, seizure or nationalization of foreign deposits and adoption of governmental restrictions that might adversely affect or restrict the payment of principal and interest on the foreign securities to investors located outside the country of the issuer, whether from currency blockage, exchange control regulations or otherwise. Foreign securities held by a fund may trade on days when the fund does not calculate its NAV and thus may affect the fund's NAV on days when shareholders have no access to the fund.
Emerging Markets . The risks associated with investing in foreign securities are often heightened for investments in emerging market countries. These heightened risks include: (1) greater risks of expropriation, confiscatory taxation and nationalization, and less social, political and economic stability; (2) the small size of the markets for securities of emerging market issuers and a low or nonexistent volume of trading, resulting in lack of liquidity and in price volatility; (3) certain national policies which may restrict the investment opportunities including restrictions on investing in issuers or industries deemed sensitive to relevant national interests; and (4) the absence of developed legal structures governing private or foreign investment and private property. The purchase and sale of portfolio securities in certain emerging market countries may be constrained by limitations as to daily changes in the prices of listed securities, periodic trading or settlement volume and/or limitations on aggregate holdings of foreign investors. In certain cases, such limitations may be computed based upon the aggregate trading by or holdings of a fund, its Adviser and its affiliates and their respective clients and other service providers. A fund may not be able to sell securities in circumstances where price, trading or settlement volume limitations have been reached. These limitations may have a negative impact on the fund's performance and may adversely affect the liquidity of the fund's investment to the extent that it invests in certain emerging market countries. In addition, some emerging market countries may have fixed or managed currencies which are not free-floating against the U.S. dollar. Further, certain emerging market countries' currencies may not be internationally traded. Certain of these currencies have experienced a steady devaluation relative to the U.S. dollar. If a fund does not hedge the U.S. dollar value of securities it owns denominated in currencies that are devalued, the fund's NAV will be adversely affected. Many emerging market countries have experienced substantial, and in some periods extremely high, rates of inflation for many years. Inflation and rapid fluctuations in inflation rates have had, and may continue to have, adverse effects on the economies and securities markets of certain of these countries.
Brazil . A fund that invests significantly in Brazilian securities or currency will be subject to certain political, economic, legal and currency risks which have contributed to a high level of price volatility in the Brazilian equity and currency markets and could adversely affect investments in the fund. Brazil is dependent upon commodity prices and international trade and suffers from high inflation rates. Brazil continues to suffer from chronic structural public sector deficits. Disparities of wealth, the pace and success of democratization and capital market development, and ethnic and racial disaffection have led to social and labor unrest, and violence. Unanticipated political or social developments may result in sudden and significant investment losses.
The Brazilian government has exercised, and continues to exercise, significant influence over the Brazilian economy, which may have significant effects on Brazilian companies and on market conditions and prices of Brazilian securities. The Brazilian economy has been characterized by frequent, and occasionally drastic, intervention by the Brazilian government. The Brazilian government has often changed monetary, taxation, credit,
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tariff and other policies to influence the core of Brazil's economy. The Brazilian government's actions to control inflation and affect other economic policies have often involved, among others, the setting of wage and price controls, blocking access to bank accounts, fluctuation of the base interest rates, imposing exchange controls and limiting imports into Brazil.
Brazil has historically experienced high rates of inflation and may continue to do so in the future. An increase in prices for commodities, the depreciation of the Brazilian currency (the real ) and future government measures seeking to maintain the value of the real in relation to the U.S. dollar may trigger increases in inflation in Brazil and may slow the rate of growth of the Brazilian economy. Inflationary pressures also may limit the ability of certain Brazilian issuers to access foreign financial markets and may lead to further government intervention in the economy, including the introduction of government policies that may adversely affect the overall performance of the Brazilian economy, which in turn could adversely affect a fund's investments. Furthermore, the depreciation of the real relative to the U.S. dollar could create additional inflationary pressures in Brazil and lead to increases in interest rates, which may adversely affect the Brazilian economy as a whole. Conversely, appreciation of the real relative to the U.S. dollar may lead to the deterioration of Brazil's current account and balance of payments as well as limit the growth of exports.
The market for Brazilian securities is influenced by the flow of international capital, and economic and market conditions of certain countries, especially emerging market countries in Central and South America. Adverse economic conditions or developments in other emerging market countries have at times significantly affected the availability of credit in the Brazilian economy and resulted in considerable outflows of funds and declines in the amount of foreign currency invested in Brazil. Crises in other emerging market countries also may increase investors' risk aversion, which may adversely impact the market value of the securities issued by Brazilian companies, including securities in which a fund may invest.
Investments in Brazilian securities may be subject to certain restrictions on foreign investment. Brazilian law provides that whenever a serious imbalance in Brazil's balance of payments exists or is anticipated, the Brazilian government may impose temporary restrictions on the remittance to foreign investors of the proceeds of their investment in Brazil and on the conversion of Brazilian currency into foreign currency. The likelihood of such restrictions may be affected by the extent of Brazil's foreign currency reserves, the availability of sufficient foreign currency in the foreign exchange markets on the date a payment is due, the size of Brazil's debt service burden relative to the economy as a whole and political constraints to which Brazil may be subject.
Certain Asian Emerging Market Countries . The performance of a fund that concentrates its investments in Asian emerging market countries is expected to be closely tied to social, political and economic conditions within Asia and to be more volatile than the performance of more geographically diversified funds. Many Asian economies are characterized by over-extension of credit, frequent currency fluctuation, devaluations and restrictions, rising unemployment, rapid fluctuations in inflation, reliance on exports and less efficient markets. Currency devaluation in one Asian country can have a significant effect on the entire region. The legal systems in many Asian countries are still developing, making it more difficult to obtain and/or enforce judgments.
Furthermore, increased political and social unrest in some Asian countries could cause economic and market uncertainty throughout the region. The auditing and reporting standards in some Asian emerging market countries many not provide the same degree of shareholder protection or information to investors as those in developed countries. In particular, valuation of assets, depreciation, exchange differences, deferred taxation, contingent liability and consolidation may be treated differently than under the auditing and reporting standards of developed countries.
Certain Asian emerging market countries are undergoing a period of growth and change which may result in trading volatility and difficulties in the settlement and recording of securities transactions, and in interpreting and applying the relevant law and regulations. The securities industries in these countries are comparatively underdeveloped. Stockbrokers and other intermediaries in Asian emerging market countries may not perform as well as their counterparts in the United States and other more developed securities markets. Certain Asian emerging market countries may require substantial withholding on dividends paid on portfolio securities and on realized capital gains. There can be no assurance that repatriation of the fund's income, gains or initial capital from these countries can occur.
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India . Investments in India involve certain risks and special considerations. Such risks include but are not limited to: (a) social, economic and political uncertainty, including war; (b) the ability to sustain strong economic growth; (c) greater price fluctuations and market volatility; (d) less liquidity and smaller capitalization of securities markets; (e) currency exchange rate fluctuations; (f) interest rate fluctuations; (g) government involvement in and control over the economy; (h) government decisions to discontinue support of economic reform programs; (i) differences in accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards; and (j) the availability and effectiveness of the Indian legal system. A fund that invests predominantly in the securities of Indian issuers may be subject to increased liquidity risks. This could inhibit the fund's ability to meet a large number of shareholder redemption requests in the event of economic, political or religious turmoil in India or neighboring regions or deterioration in relations between the United States and India.
Political, economic and social factors, changes in Indian law or regulations and the status of India's relations with other countries may adversely affect the value of a fund's assets. Certain developments (such as the possibility of nationalization, expropriations or taxation amounting to confiscation, political changes, governmental regulation, social instability, diplomatic disputes or other similar developments), which are beyond the control of a fund and the Adviser, could adversely affect the fund's performance.
India's political, social and economic stability is related to its developing status. Although India has experienced significant growth and is projected to undergo significant growth in the future, there can be no assurance that such growth will continue. Future actions of the Indian central government or the respective Indian state governments could have a significant effect on the Indian economy, which could adversely affect private sector companies, market conditions and prices and the performance of a fund's investments in India. The occurrence of social unrest or external tensions could adversely affect India's political and economic stability and, consequently, adversely affect a fund's performance.
India is a country that comprises diverse religious and ethnic groups. It is the world's most populous democracy and has a well-developed political system. Ethnic issues and border disputes, however, have given rise to ongoing tension in the relations between India and Pakistan, particularly over the region of Kashmir. In addition, cross-border terrorism could weaken regional stability in South Asia, thereby hurting investor sentiment. The Indian government has confronted separatist movements in several Indian states. If the Indian government is unable to control the violence and disruption associated with these tensions, the results could destabilize the economy and, consequently, adversely affect a fund's investments.
While fiscal and legislative reforms have led to economic liberalization and stabilization in India over the past fifteen years, the possibility that these reforms may be halted or reversed could significantly and adversely affect the value of investments in India. A fund's investments in India could also be adversely affected by changes in laws and regulations or the interpretations thereof, including those governing foreign direct investment, anti-inflationary measures, laws governing rates and methods of taxation, and restrictions on currency conversion, imports and sources of supplies.
Although the Indian primary and secondary equity markets have grown rapidly over the last few years and the clearing, settlement and registration systems available to effect trades on the Indian stock markets have improved, these processes may still not be on par with those in more developed markets. The securities markets in India are substantially smaller, less liquid and more volatile than the major securities markets in the United States. The securities industry in India is comparatively underdeveloped, which may result in difficulties relating to settlement and recording of transactions and in interpreting and applying relevant securities laws and regulations. The Indian stock exchanges have been subject to broker defaults, failed trades and settlement delays in the past.
Foreign investment in the securities of issuers in India is usually restricted or controlled to some degree. In addition, the availability of financial instruments with exposure to Indian financial markets may be substantially limited by the restrictions on Foreign Institutional Investors ("FIIs"), such as Dreyfus, and sub-accounts. Only registered FIIs and sub-accounts and non-Indian mutual funds that comply with certain statutory conditions may make direct portfolio investments in exchange-traded Indian securities. FIIs and their sub-accounts are required to register with and be approved by the Securities and Exchange Board of India ("SEBI"), and must continue to satisfy certain requirements imposed by SEBI. There can be no guarantee that Dreyfus or a fund will satisfy these requirements to continue their FII and sub-account status, respectively. FIIs and their sub-accounts are required to observe certain investment restrictions which may limit a fund's ability to invest in issuers or to fully pursue its investment
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objective. Income, gains and initial capital with respect to such investments are freely repatriable, subject to payment of applicable Indian taxes. India's guidelines under which foreign investors may invest in Indian securities are new and evolving. There can be no assurance that these foreign investment or exchange control regimes will not change in a way that makes it more difficult or impossible for a fund to implement its investment strategy or repatriate its income, gains and initial capital from India.
The Adviser will take into account the effects on returns of local taxation. India may require withholding on dividends paid on portfolio securities and on realized capital gains. In the past, these taxes have sometimes been substantial. There can be no assurance that restrictions on repatriation of a fund's income, gains or initial capital from India will not occur.
A high proportion of the shares of many Indian issuers are held by a limited number of persons and financial institutions, which may limit the number of shares available for investment. In addition, further issuances, or the perception that such issuances may occur, of securities by Indian issuers in which a fund has invested could dilute the earnings per share of the fund's investment and could adversely affect the market price of such securities. Sales of securities by such issuer's major shareholders, or the perception that such sales may occur, may also significantly and adversely affect the market price of such securities and, in turn, a fund's investment. Moreover, a limited number of issuers represent a disproportionately large percentage of market capitalization and trading value in India.
The ability of a fund to invest in Indian securities, exchange Indian rupees into U.S. dollars and repatriate investment income, capital and proceeds of sales realized from their investments in Indian securities is subject to the Indian Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999, and the rules, regulations and notifications issued thereunder. There can be no assurance that the Indian government in the future, whether for purposes of managing its balance of payments or for other reasons, will not impose restrictions on foreign capital remittances abroad or otherwise modify the exchange control regime applicable to foreign institutional investors in such a way that may adversely affect the ability of a fund to repatriate its income and capital. If for any reason a fund is unable, through borrowing or otherwise, to distribute an amount equal to substantially all of its investment company taxable income (as defined for U.S. tax purposes, without regard to the deduction for dividends paid) within the applicable time periods, the fund would cease to qualify for the favorable tax treatment afforded to regulated investment companies under the Code.
Depositary Receipts and New York Shares . Securities of foreign issuers in the form of ADRs, EDRs and GDRs and other forms of depositary receipts may not necessarily be denominated in the same currency as the securities into which they may be converted. ADRs are receipts typically issued by a U.S. bank or trust company which evidence ownership of underlying securities issued by a foreign corporation. EDRs are receipts issued in Europe, and GDRs are receipts issued outside the United States typically by non-U.S. banks and trust companies that evidence ownership of either foreign or domestic securities. Generally, ADRs in registered form are designed for use in the U.S. securities markets, EDRs in bearer form are designed for use in Europe, and GDRs in bearer form are designed for use outside the United States. New York Shares are securities of foreign companies that are issued for trading in the United States. New York Shares are traded in the United States on national securities exchanges or in the over-the-counter market.
Depositary receipts may be purchased through "sponsored" or "unsponsored" facilities. A sponsored facility is established jointly by the issuer of the underlying security and a depositary. A depositary may establish an unsponsored facility without participation by the issuer of the deposited security. Holders of unsponsored depositary receipts generally bear all the costs of such facilities, and the depositary of an unsponsored facility frequently is under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications received from the issuer of the deposited security or to pass through voting rights to the holders of such receipts in respect of the deposited securities. Purchases or sales of certain ADRs may result, indirectly, in fees being paid to the Depositary Receipts Division of The Bank of New York Mellon, an affiliate of the Manager, by brokers executing the purchases or sales.
Securities of foreign issuers that are represented by ADRs or that are listed on a U.S. securities exchange or traded in the U.S. over-the-counter markets are not subject to many of the special considerations and risks discussed in the prospectus and this SAI that apply to foreign securities traded and held abroad. A U.S. dollar investment in ADRs or shares of foreign issuers traded on U.S. exchanges may be impacted differently by currency fluctuations than would an investment made in a foreign currency on a foreign exchange in shares of the same issuer.
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Sovereign Debt Obligations . Investments in sovereign debt obligations involve special risks which are not present in corporate debt obligations. The foreign issuer of the sovereign debt or the foreign governmental authorities that control the repayment of the debt may be unable or unwilling to repay principal or interest when due, and a fund may have limited recourse in the event of a default. During periods of economic uncertainty, the market prices of sovereign debt, and the NAV of a fund, to the extent it invests in such securities, may be more volatile than prices of U.S. debt issuers. In the past, certain foreign countries have encountered difficulties in servicing their debt obligations, withheld payments of principal and interest and declared moratoria on the payment of principal and interest on their sovereign debt.
A sovereign debtor's willingness or ability to repay principal and pay interest in a timely manner may be affected by, among other factors, its cash flow situation, the extent of its foreign currency reserves, the availability of sufficient foreign exchange, the relative size of the debt service burden, the sovereign debtor's policy toward principal international lenders and local political constraints. Sovereign debtors may also be dependent on expected disbursements from foreign governments, multilateral agencies and other entities to reduce principal and interest arrearages on their debt. The failure of a sovereign debtor to implement economic reforms, achieve specified levels of economic performance or repay principal or interest when due may result in the cancellation of third party commitments to lend funds to the sovereign debtor, which may further impair such debtor's ability or willingness to service its debts.
Moreover, no established secondary markets may exist for many of the sovereign debt obligations in which a fund may invest. Reduced secondary market liquidity may have an adverse effect on the market price and a fund's ability to dispose of particular instruments when necessary to meet its liquidity requirements or in response to specific economic events such as a deterioration in the creditworthiness of the issuer. Reduced secondary market liquidity for certain sovereign debt obligations also may make it more difficult for a fund to obtain accurate market quotations for purposes of valuing its portfolio. Market quotations are generally available on many sovereign debt obligations only from a limited number of dealers and may not necessarily represent firm bids of those dealers or prices of actual sales.
Sovereign Debt Obligations of Emerging Market Countries. Investing in foreign government obligations and the sovereign debt of emerging market countries creates exposure to the direct or indirect consequences of political, social or economic changes in the countries that issue the securities or in which the issuers are located. The ability and willingness of sovereign obligors in emerging market countries or the governmental authorities that control repayment of their external debt to pay principal and interest on such debt when due may depend on general economic and political conditions within the relevant country. Certain countries in which a fund may invest have historically experienced, and may continue to experience, high rates of inflation, high interest rates, exchange rate trade difficulties and extreme poverty and unemployment. Many of these countries also are characterized by political uncertainty or instability. Additional factors which may influence the ability or willingness to service debt include a country's cash flow situation, the availability of sufficient foreign exchange on the date a payment is due, the relative size of its debt service burden to the economy as a whole and its government's policy towards the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and other international agencies. The ability of a foreign sovereign obligor to make timely payments on its external debt obligations also will be strongly influenced by the obligor's balance of payments, including export performance, its access to international credits and investments, fluctuations in interest rates and the extent of its foreign reserves. A governmental obligor may default on its obligations. If such an event occurs, a fund may have limited legal recourse against the issuer and/or guarantor. In some cases, remedies must be pursued in the courts of the defaulting party itself, and the ability of the holder of foreign sovereign debt securities to obtain recourse may be subject to the political climate in the relevant country. In addition, no assurance can be given that the holders of commercial bank debt will not contest payments to the holders of other foreign sovereign debt obligations in the event of default under their commercial bank loan agreements. Sovereign obligors in emerging market countries are among the world's largest debtors to commercial banks, other governments, international financial organizations and other financial institutions. These obligors, in the past, have experienced substantial difficulties in servicing their external debt obligations, which led to defaults on certain obligations and the restructuring of certain indebtedness. Restructuring arrangements have included, among other things, reducing and rescheduling interest and principal payments by negotiating new or amended credit agreements or converting outstanding principal and unpaid interest to Brady Bonds (discussed below), and obtaining new credit to finance interest payments. Holders of certain foreign sovereign debt securities may be requested to participate in the restructuring of such obligations and to extend further loans to their issuers. There
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can be no assurance that the Brady Bonds and other foreign sovereign debt securities in which a fund may invest will not be subject to similar restructuring arrangements or to requests for new credit which may adversely affect the fund's holdings. Obligations of the World Bank and certain other supranational organizations are supported by subscribed but unpaid commitments of member countries. There is no assurance that these commitments will be undertaken or complied with in the future.
Brady Bonds . "Brady Bonds" are securities created through the exchange of existing commercial bank loans to public and private entities in certain emerging markets for new bonds in connection with debt restructurings. In light of the history of defaults of countries issuing Brady Bonds on their commercial bank loans, investments in Brady Bonds may be viewed as speculative. Brady Bonds may be fully or partially collateralized or uncollateralized, are issued in various currencies (but primarily in U.S. dollars) and are actively traded in over-the-counter secondary markets. Brady Bonds with no or limited collateralization of interest or principal payment obligations have increased credit risk, and the holders of such bonds rely on the willingness and ability of the foreign government to make payments in accordance with the terms of such Brady Bonds. U.S. dollar-denominated collateralized Brady Bonds, which may be fixed rate bonds or floating rate bonds, generally are collateralized by Treasury zero coupon bonds having the same maturity as the Brady Bonds. One or more classes of securities ("structured securities") may be backed by, or represent interests in, Brady Bonds. The cash flow on the underlying instruments may be apportioned among the newly-issued structured securities to create securities with different investment characteristics such as varying maturities, payment priorities and interest rate provisions, and the extent of the payments made with respect to structured securities is dependent on the extent of the cash flow on the underlying instruments. See "Derivatives—Structured Securities" below.
Eurodollar and Yankee Dollar Investments . Eurodollar instruments are bonds of foreign corporate and government issuers that pay interest and principal in U.S. dollars generally held in banks outside the United States, primarily in Europe. Yankee Dollar instruments are U.S. dollar-denominated bonds typically issued in the United States by foreign governments and their agencies and foreign banks and corporations. Eurodollar Certificates of Deposit are U.S. dollar-denominated certificates of deposit issued by foreign branches of domestic banks; Eurodollar Time Deposits are U.S. dollar-denominated deposits in a foreign branch of a U.S. bank or in a foreign bank; and Yankee Certificates of Deposit are U.S. dollar-denominated certificates of deposit issued by a U.S. branch of a foreign bank and held in the United States. These investments involve risks that are different from investments in securities issued by U.S. issuers, including potential unfavorable political and economic developments, foreign withholding or other taxes, seizure of foreign deposits, currency controls, interest limitations or other governmental restrictions which might affect payment of principal or interest.
The 1940 Act, subject to a fund's own more restrictive limitations, if applicable, limits a fund's investment in securities issued by registered and unregistered investment companies, including exchange-traded funds (discussed below), subject to certain exceptions (including those that apply for a Fund of Funds' investment in Underlying Funds), currently is limited to: (1) 3% of the total voting stock of any one investment company; (2) 5% of the fund's total assets with respect to any one investment company; and (3) 10% of the fund's total assets in the aggregate. As a shareholder of another investment company, a fund would bear, along with other shareholders, its pro rata portion of the other investment company's expenses, including advisory fees. These expenses would be in addition to the advisory fees and other expenses that the fund bears directly in connection with its own operations. A fund also may invest its uninvested cash reserves or cash it receives as collateral from borrowers of its portfolio securities in connection with the fund's securities lending program, in shares of one or more money market funds advised by the Manager. Such investments will not be subject to the limitations described above.
Private Investment Funds . As with investments in registered investment companies, if a fund invests in a private investment fund, such as a "hedge fund" or private equity fund, the fund will be charged its proportionate share of the advisory fees, including any incentive compensation and other operating expenses, of the private investment fund. These fees, which can be substantial, would be in addition to the advisory fees and other operating expenses incurred by the fund. In addition, private investment funds are not registered with the SEC and may not be registered with any other regulatory authority. Accordingly, they are not subject to certain regulatory requirements and oversight to which registered issuers are subject. There may be very little public information available about their investments and performance. Moreover, because sales of shares of private investment funds are generally restricted
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to certain qualified purchasers, such shares may be illiquid and it could be difficult for the fund to sell its shares at an advantageous price and time. Finally, because shares of private investment funds are not publicly traded, a fair value for the fund's investment in these companies typically will have to be determined under policies approved by the board.
Most ETFs are designed to provide investment results that generally correspond to the price and yield performance of the component securities or commodities of a benchmark index. These may include S&P Depositary Receipts ("SPDRs"), DIAMONDS, Nasdaq-100 Index Tracking Stock (also referred to as "Nasdaq-100 Shares") and iShares exchange-traded funds ("iShares"), such as iShares Russell 2000 Growth Index Fund. ETFs usually are units of beneficial interest in an investment trust or represent undivided ownership interests in a portfolio of securities or commodities. For an ETF with a securities index benchmark, the ETF's portfolio typically consists of all or substantially all of the component securities of, and in substantially the same weighting as, the relevant benchmark index. The benchmark indexes of SPDRs, DIAMONDS and Nasdaq-100 Shares are the S&P 500 Stock Index, the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the Nasdaq-100 Index, respectively. The benchmark index for iShares varies, generally corresponding to the name of the particular iShares fund. ETFs are listed on an exchange and trade in the secondary market on a per-share basis.
The values of ETFs are subject to change as the values of their respective component securities or commodities fluctuate according to market volatility. Investments in ETFs that are designed to correspond to an index of securities involve certain inherent risks generally associated with investments in a portfolio of such securities, including the risk that the general level of securities prices may decline, thereby adversely affecting the value of ETFs invested in by a fund. Similarly, investments in ETFs that are designed to correspond to commodity returns involve certain inherent risks generally associated with investment in commodities. Moreover, investments in ETFs designed to correspond to indexes of securities may not exactly match the performance of a direct investment in the respective indexes to which they are intended to correspond due to the temporary unavailability of certain index securities in the secondary market or other extraordinary circumstances, such as discrepancies with respect to the weighting of securities.
Exchange-traded notes ("ETNs") are senior, unsecured, unsubordinated debt securities whose returns are linked to the performance of a particular market benchmark or strategy minus applicable fees. ETNs are traded on an exchange ( e.g. , the NYSE) during normal trading hours. However, investors can also hold the ETN until maturity. At maturity, the issuer pays to the investor a cash amount equal to the principal amount, subject to adjustment for the market benchmark or strategy factor.
ETNs do not make periodic coupon payments or provide principal protection. ETNs are subject to credit risk, and the value of the ETN may drop due to a downgrade in the issuer's credit rating, despite the underlying market benchmark or strategy remaining unchanged. The value of an ETN may also be influenced by time to maturity, level of supply and demand for the ETN, volatility and lack of liquidity in underlying assets, changes in the applicable interest rates, changes in the issuer's credit rating and economic, legal, political or geographic events that affect the referenced underlying asset. When a fund invests in an ETN, it will bear its proportionate share of any fees and expenses borne by the ETN. These fees and expenses generally reduce the return realized at maturity or upon redemption from an investment in an ETN; therefore, the value of the index underlying the ETN must increase significantly in order for an investor in an ETN to receive at least the principal amount of the investment at maturity or upon redemption. A fund's decision to sell ETN holdings may be limited by the availability of a secondary market.
Depending on the fund, derivatives may be used for a variety of reasons, including to (1) hedge to seek to mitigate certain market, interest rate or currency risks; (2) to manage the maturity or the interest rate sensitivity (sometimes called duration) of fixed-income securities; (3) to provide a substitute for purchasing or selling particular securities to reduce portfolio turnover, to seek to obtain a particular desired return at a lower cost to a fund than if the fund had
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invested directly in an instrument yielding the desired return, such as when a fund "equitizes" available cash balances by using a derivative instrument to gain exposure to relevant equity investments or markets consistent with its investment objective and policies, or for other reasons; or (4) to seek to increase potential returns. Generally, a derivative is a financial contract whose value depends upon, or is derived from, the value of an underlying asset, reference rate or index, and may relate to stocks, bonds, interest rates, currencies or currency exchange rates and related indexes. Derivatives may provide a cheaper, quicker or more specifically focused way to invest than "traditional" securities would. Examples of derivative instruments include options contracts, futures contracts, options on futures contracts, forward contracts, swap agreements, credit derivatives, structured securities and participatory notes. Whether or not a fund may use some or all of these derivatives varies by fund. In addition, a fund's portfolio managers may decide not to employ some or all of these strategies, and there is no assurance that any derivatives strategy used by the fund will succeed.
Derivatives can be volatile and involve various types and degrees of risk, depending upon the characteristics of the particular derivative and the portfolio as a whole. Derivatives permit a fund to increase or decrease the level of risk, or change the character of the risk, to which its portfolio is exposed in much the same way as the fund can increase or decrease the level of risk, or change the character of the risk, of its portfolio by making investments in specific securities. However, derivatives may entail investment exposures that are greater than their cost would suggest, meaning that a small investment in derivatives could have a large potential impact on the fund's performance. Derivatives involve greater risks than if a fund had invested in the reference obligation directly.
An investment in derivatives at inopportune times or when market conditions are judged incorrectly may lower return or result in a loss. A fund could experience losses if its derivatives were poorly correlated with underlying instruments or the fund's other investments or if the fund were unable to liquidate its position because of an illiquid secondary market. The market for many derivatives is, or suddenly can become, illiquid. Changes in liquidity may result in significant, rapid and unpredictable changes in the prices for derivatives.
Derivatives may be purchased on established exchanges or through privately negotiated transactions referred to as over-the-counter derivatives. Exchange-traded derivatives, primarily futures contracts and options, generally are guaranteed by the clearing agency that is the issuer or counterparty to such derivatives. This guarantee usually is supported by a variation margin payment system operated by the clearing agency in order to reduce overall credit risk. As a result, unless the clearing agency defaults, there is relatively little counterparty credit risk associated with derivatives purchased on an exchange. In contrast, no clearing agency guarantees over-the-counter derivatives. Therefore, each party to an over-the-counter derivative bears the risk that the counterparty will default. Accordingly, the Adviser will consider the creditworthiness of counterparties to over-the-counter derivatives in the same manner as it would review the credit quality of a security to be purchased by a fund. Over-the-counter derivatives are less liquid than exchange-traded derivatives since the other party to the transaction may be the only investor with sufficient understanding of the derivative to be interested in bidding for it. Derivatives that are considered illiquid will be subject to a fund's limit on illiquid investments.
Some derivatives may involve leverage ( e.g. , an instrument linked to the value of a securities index may return income calculated as a multiple of the price movement of the underlying index). This economic leverage will increase the volatility of these instruments as they may increase or decrease in value more quickly than the underlying security, index, futures contract, currency or other economic variable. Pursuant to regulations and/or published positions of the SEC, a fund may be required to segregate permissible liquid assets, or engage in other measures approved by the SEC or its staff, to "cover" the fund's obligations relating to its transactions in derivatives. For example, in the case of futures contracts or forward contracts that are not contractually required to cash settle, a fund must set aside liquid assets equal to such contracts' full notional value (generally, the total numerical value of the asset underlying a future or forward contract at the time of valuation) while the positions are open. With respect to futures contracts or forward contracts that are contractually required to cash settle, however, a fund is permitted to set aside liquid assets in an amount equal to the fund's daily marked-to-market net obligation ( i.e. , the fund's daily net liability) under the contracts, if any, rather than such contracts' full notional value. By setting aside assets equal to only its net obligations under cash-settled futures and forward contracts, a fund may employ leverage to a greater extent than if the fund were required to segregate assets equal to the full notional value of such contracts. To maintain required cover during market movements, a fund may have to sell securities at disadvantageous prices or times since it may not be possible to liquidate a derivative position at a reasonable price.
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Successful use of certain derivatives may be a highly specialized activity that requires skills that may be different than the skills associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. If the Adviser is incorrect in its forecasts of market factors, or a counterparty defaults, investment performance would diminish compared with what it would have been if derivatives were not used. Successful use of derivatives by a fund also is subject to the Adviser's ability to predict correctly movements in the direction of the relevant market and, to the extent the transaction is entered into for hedging purposes, to ascertain the appropriate correlation between the securities or position being hedged and the price movements of the corresponding derivative position. For example, if a fund enters into a derivative position to hedge against the possibility of a decline in the market value of securities held in its portfolio and the prices of such securities instead increase, the fund will lose part or all of the benefit of the increased value of securities which it has hedged because it will have offsetting losses in the derivative position.
It is possible that developments in the derivatives markets, including potential government regulation, could adversely affect the ability to terminate existing derivatives positions or to realize amounts to be received in such transactions.
The funds have claimed exclusions from the definition of the term "commodity pool operator" under the CEA and, therefore, are not subject to registration or regulation as a pool operator under the CEA. On February 9, 2012, the CFTC adopted amendments to its rules that may affect the ability of the funds to continue to claim this exclusion. The funds may be limited in their ability to use futures or options thereon or engage in swaps transactions and potentially certain types of forward transactions if the funds continued to claim the exclusion. If the funds were no longer able to claim the exclusion, the Manager would likely become subject to registration and regulation as a commodity pool operator. The funds and the Manager are continuing to analyze the effect of these rule changes on the funds.
Futures Transactions . A futures contract is an agreement between two parties to buy and sell a security or other asset for a set price on a future date. When a fund sells a futures contract, it incurs an obligation to deliver a specified amount of the obligation underlying the futures contract at a specified time in the future for an agreed upon price. An option on a futures contract gives the holder of the option the right to buy from or sell to the writer of the option a position in a futures contract at a specified price on or before a specified expiration date. When a fund writes an option on a futures contract, it becomes obligated, in return for the premium paid, to assume a position in a futures contract at a specified exercise price at any time during the term of the option. If the fund has written a call option, it assumes a short futures position. If the fund has written a put option, it assumes a long futures position. When a fund purchases an option on a futures contract, it acquires the right, in return for the premium it pays, to assume a position in a futures contract (a long position if the option is a call and a short position if the option is a put). The purchase of futures or call options on futures can serve as a long hedge, and the sale of futures or the purchase of put options on futures can serve as a short hedge. Writing call options on futures contracts can serve as a limited short hedge, using a strategy similar to that used for writing call options on securities or indexes. Similarly, writing put options on futures contracts can serve as a limited long hedge.
These contracts are traded on exchanges, so that, in most cases, either party can close out its position on the exchange for cash, without delivering the security or other asset. Although some futures contracts call for making or taking delivery of the underlying securities or other asset, generally these obligations are closed out before delivery by offsetting purchases or sales of matching futures contracts (same exchange, underlying asset, and delivery month). Closing out a futures contract sale is effected by purchasing a futures contract for the same aggregate amount of the specific type of financial instrument with the same delivery date. If an offsetting purchase price is less than the original sale price, a fund realizes a capital gain, or if it is more, a fund realizes a capital loss. Conversely, if an offsetting sale price is more than the original purchase price, a fund realizes a capital gain, or if it is less, a fund realizes a capital loss. Transaction costs also are included in these calculations.
Engaging in these transactions involves risk of loss to a fund which could adversely affect the value of the fund's net assets. No assurance can be given that a liquid market will exist for any particular contract at any particular time. Many futures exchanges and boards of trade limit the amount of fluctuation permitted in futures contract prices during a single trading day. Once the daily limit has been reached in a particular contract, no trades may be made that day at a price beyond that limit or trading may be suspended for specified periods during the trading day. Futures contract prices could move to the limit for several consecutive trading days with little or no trading, thereby preventing prompt liquidation of futures positions and potentially leading to substantial losses.
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A fund may engage in futures transactions in foreign markets to the extent consistent with applicable law and the fund's ability to invest in foreign securities. Foreign futures markets may offer advantages such as trading opportunities or arbitrage possibilities not available in the United States. Foreign markets, however, may have greater risk potential than domestic markets. For example, some foreign exchanges are principal markets so that no common clearing facility exists and an investor may look only to the broker for performance of the contract. In addition, any profits that a fund might realize in trading could be eliminated by adverse changes in the currency exchange rate, or the fund could incur losses as a result of those changes.
Futures contracts and options on futures contracts include those with respect to securities, securities indexes, interest rates and foreign currencies and Eurodollar contracts, to the extent a fund can invest in the underlying reference security, instrument or asset.
Security Futures Contract . A security future obligates a fund to purchase or sell an amount of a specific security at a future date at a specific price.
Index Futures Contract . An index future obligates a fund to pay or receive an amount of cash based upon the change in value of the index based on the prices of the securities that comprise the index.
Interest Rate Futures Contract . An interest rate future obligates a fund to purchase or sell an amount of a specific debt security at a future date at a specific price.
Foreign Currency Futures Contract . A foreign currency future obligates a fund to purchase or sell an amount of a specific currency at a future date at a specific price.
Eurodollar Contracts . A Eurodollar contract is a U.S. dollar-denominated futures contract or option thereon which is linked to the LIBOR, although foreign currency-denominated instruments are available from time to time. Eurodollar futures contracts enable purchasers to obtain a fixed rate for the lending of funds and sellers to obtain a fixed rate for borrowings. Certain funds might use Eurodollar futures contracts and options thereon to hedge against changes in LIBOR, to which many interest rate swaps and fixed-income instruments are linked.
Options . A call option gives the purchaser of the option the right to buy, and obligates the writer to sell, the underlying security, securities or other asset at the exercise price at any time during the option period, or at a specific date. Conversely, a put option gives the purchaser of the option the right to sell, and obligates the writer to buy, the underlying security, securities or other asset at the exercise price at any time during the option period, or at a specific date. A fund receives a premium from writing an option which it retains whether or not the option is exercised.
A covered call option written by a fund is a call option with respect to which the fund owns the underlying security or otherwise covers the transaction such as by segregating permissible liquid assets. The principal reason for writing covered call options is to realize, through the receipt of premiums, a greater return than would be realized on the underlying securities alone.
Options may be traded on U.S. or, to the extent a fund may invest in foreign securities, foreign securities exchanges or in the over-the-counter market. There is no assurance that sufficient trading interest to create a liquid secondary market on a securities exchange will exist for any particular option or at any particular time, and for some options no such secondary market may exist. A liquid secondary market in an option may cease to exist for a variety of reasons. In the past, for example, higher than anticipated trading activity or order flow, or other unforeseen events, at times have rendered certain of the clearing facilities inadequate and resulted in the institution of special procedures, such as trading rotations, restrictions on certain types of orders or trading halts or suspensions in one or more options. There can be no assurance that similar events, or events that may otherwise interfere with the timely execution of customers' orders, will not recur. In such event, it might not be possible to effect closing transactions in particular options. If, as a covered call option writer, a fund is unable to effect a closing purchase transaction in a secondary market, it will not be able to sell the underlying security until the option expires or it delivers the underlying security upon exercise or it otherwise covers its position.
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Call and put options in which a fund may invest include the following, in each case, to the extent that a fund can invest in such securities or instruments (or securities underlying an index, in the case of options on securities indexes).
Options on Securities . Call and put options on specific securities (or groups or "baskets" of specific securities), including equity securities (including convertible securities), U.S. Government securities, municipal securities, mortgage-related securities, asset-backed securities, foreign sovereign debt, corporate debt securities or Eurodollar instruments, convey the right to buy or sell, respectively, the underlying securities at prices which are expected to be lower or higher than the current market prices of the securities at the time the options are exercised.
Options on Securities Indexes . An option on an index is similar to an option in respect of specific securities, except that settlement does not occur by delivery of the securities comprising the index. Instead, the option holder receives an amount of cash if the closing level of the index upon which the option is based is greater in the case of a call, or less, in the case of a put, than the exercise price of the option. Thus, the effectiveness of purchasing or writing index options will depend upon price movements in the level of the index rather than the price of a particular security.
Foreign Currency Options . Call and put options on foreign currency convey the right to buy or sell the underlying currency at a price which is expected to be lower or higher than the spot price of the currency at the time the option is exercised or expires.
Swap Transactions . Swap agreements are over-the-counter contracts in which each party agrees to make a periodic interest payment based on an index or the value of an asset in return for a periodic payment from the other party based on a different index or asset. Swap agreements are two party contracts entered into primarily by institutional investors for periods ranging from a few weeks to more than one year. In a standard "swap" transaction, two parties agree to exchange the returns (or differentials in rates of return) earned or realized on particular predetermined investments or instruments. The gross returns to be exchanged or "swapped" between the parties are generally calculated with respect to a "notional amount," i.e ., the return on or increase in value of a particular dollar amount invested at a particular interest rate, in a particular foreign currency, or in a "basket" of credit default swaps or securities representing a particular index. The "notional amount" of the swap agreement is only used as a basis upon which to calculate the obligations that the parties to a swap agreement have agreed to exchange.
Swap agreements will tend to shift investment exposure from one type of investment to another. For example, if a fund agreed to exchange payments in U.S. dollars for payments in a foreign currency, the swap agreement would tend to decrease the fund's exposure to U.S. interest rates and increase its exposure to foreign currency and interest rates. Depending on how they are used, swap agreements may increase or decrease the overall volatility of a fund's investments and its share price and yield.
Most swap agreements entered into are cash settled and calculate the obligations of the parties to the agreement on a "net basis." Thus, a fund's current obligations (or rights) under a swap agreement generally will be equal only to the net amount to be paid or received under the agreement based on the relative values of the positions held by each party to the agreement (the "net amount"). A fund's current obligations under a swap agreement will be accrued daily (offset against any amounts owed to the fund) and any accrued but unpaid net amounts owed to a swap counterparty will be covered by the segregation of permissible liquid assets of the fund. A fund will enter into swap agreements only with counterparties that meet certain standards of creditworthiness (generally, such counterparties would have to be eligible counterparties under the terms of the Manager's repurchase agreement guidelines).
A swap option is a contract (sometimes called "swaptions") that gives a counterparty the right (but not the obligation) in return for payment of a premium, to enter into a new swap agreement or to shorten, extend, cancel or otherwise modify an existing swap agreement, at some designated future time on specified terms. A cash-settled option on a swap gives the purchaser the right, in return for the premium paid, to receive an amount of cash equal to the value of the underlying swap as of the exercise date. These options typically are entered into with institutions, including securities brokerage firms. Depending on the terms of the particular option agreement, a fund generally will incur a greater degree of risk when it writes a swap option than it will incur when it purchases a swap option. When a fund purchases a swap option, it risks losing only the amount of the premium it has paid should it decide to let the option expire unexercised. However, when a fund writes a swap option, upon exercise of the option the fund will become obligated according to the terms of the underlying agreement.
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The swaps market has been an evolving and largely unregulated market. It is possible that developments in the swaps market, including new regulatory requirements, could affect a fund's ability to terminate existing swap agreements or to realize amounts to be received under such agreements or otherwise affect how swaps are transacted. In particular, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, enacted on July 21, 2010 (the "Dodd-Frank Act"), will result in new clearing and exchange-trading requirements for swaps and other over-the-counter derivatives. The Dodd-Frank Act also requires the CFTC and/or the SEC, in consultation with banking regulators, to establish capital requirements for swap dealers and major swap participants as well as requirements for margin on uncleared derivatives in certain circumstances that will be clarified by rules proposed by the CFTC or SEC. In addition, the CFTC and the SEC are reviewing the current regulatory requirements applicable to derivatives, and it is not certain at this time how the regulators may change these requirements. Any such changes may, among various possible effects, increase the cost of entering into derivatives transactions, require more assets of a fund to be used for collateral in support of those derivatives than is currently the case, or restrict the ability of the fund to enter into certain types of derivative transactions.
Specific swap agreements (and options thereon) include currency swaps; index swaps; interest rate swaps (including interest rate locks, caps, floors and collars); credit default swaps; and total return swaps (including equity swaps), in each case, to the extent that a fund can invest in the underlying reference security, instrument or asset (or fixed-income securities, in the case of interest rate swaps, or securities underlying an index, in the case of index swaps).
Currency Swap Transactions . A currency swap agreement involves the exchange of principal and interest in one currency for the same in another currency.
Index Swap Transactions . An index swap agreement involves the exchange of cash flows associated with a securities or other index.
Interest Rate Swap Transactions . An interest rate swap agreement involves the exchange of cash flows based on interest rate specifications and a specified principal amount, often a fixed payment for a floating payment that is linked to an interest rate. An interest rate lock specifies a future interest rate to be paid. In an interest rate cap one party receives payments at the end of each period in which a specified interest rate on a specified principal amount exceeds an agreed rate; conversely, in an interest rate floor one party may receive payments if a specified interest rate on a specified principal amount falls below an agreed rate. Caps and floors have an effect similar to buying or writing options. Interest rate collars involve selling a cap and purchasing a floor, or vice versa, to protect a fund against interest rate movements exceeding given minimum or maximum levels.
Credit Default Swap Transactions . Credit default swap agreements and similar agreements may have as reference obligations debt securities that are or are not currently held by a fund. The protection "buyer" in a credit default contract may be obligated to pay the protection "seller" an up front payment or a periodic stream of payments over the term of the contract provided generally that no credit event on a reference obligation has occurred. If a credit event occurs, the seller generally must pay the buyer the "par value" (full notional value) of the swap in exchange for an equal face amount of deliverable obligations of the reference entity described in the swap, or the seller may be required to deliver the related net cash amount, if the swap is cash settled.
Total Return Swap Transactions . In a total return swap agreement one party makes payments based on a set rate, either fixed or variable, while the other party makes payments based on the return of an underlying asset, which includes both the income it generates and any capital gains, and recovers any capital losses from the first party. The underlying reference asset of a total return swap may include an equity index, loans or bonds.
Credit Linked Securities . Credit linked securities are issued by a limited purpose trust or other vehicle that, in turn, invests in a derivative instrument or basket of derivative instruments, such as credit default swaps or interest rate swaps, to obtain exposure to certain fixed-income markets or to remain fully invested when more traditional income producing securities are not available. Like an investment in a bond, an investment in these credit linked securities represents the right to receive periodic income payments (in the form of distributions) and payment of principal at the end of the term of the security. However, these payments are conditioned on the issuer's receipt of payments from, and the issuer's potential obligations to, the counterparties to certain derivative instruments entered into by the issuer of the credit linked security. For example, the issuer may sell one or more credit default swaps entitling the issuer to receive a stream of payments over the term of the swap agreements provided that no event of default has
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occurred with respect to the referenced debt obligation upon which the swap is based. If a default occurs, the stream of payments may stop and the issuer would be obligated to pay the counterparty the par (or other agreed upon value) of the referenced debt obligation.
Credit Derivatives . Credit derivative transactions include those involving default price risk derivatives and credit spread derivatives. Default price risk derivatives are linked to the price of reference securities or loans after a default by the issuer or borrower, respectively. Credit spread derivatives are based on the risk that changes in credit spreads and related market factors can cause a decline in the value of a security, loan or index. Credit derivatives may take the form of options, swaps, credit-linked notes and other over-the-counter instruments. The risk of loss in a credit derivative transaction varies with the form of the transaction. For example, if a fund purchases a default option on a security, and if no default occurs with respect to the security, the fund's loss is limited to the premium it paid for the default option. In contrast, if there is a default by the grantor of a default option, a fund's loss will include both the premium it paid for the option and the decline in value of any underlying security that the default option hedged (if the option was entered into for hedging purposes). If a fund is a buyer of credit protection in a credit default swap agreement and no credit event occurs, the fund recovers nothing if the swap is held through its termination date. However, if a credit event occurs, the fund may elect to receive the full notional value of the swap in exchange for an equal face amount of deliverable obligations of the reference entity that may have little or no value. As a seller of credit protection, a fund generally receives an upfront payment or a fixed rate of income throughout the term of the swap, which typically is between six months and three years, provided that there is no credit event. If a credit event occurs, generally the seller must pay the buyer the full notional value of the swap in exchange for an equal face amount of deliverable obligations of the reference entity that may have little or no value. Unlike credit default swaps, credit-linked notes are funded balance sheet assets that offer synthetic credit exposure to a reference entity in a structure designed to resemble a synthetic corporate bond or loan. Credit-linked notes are frequently issued by special purpose vehicles that would hold some form of collateral securities financed through the issuance of notes or certificates to a fund. The fund receives a coupon and par redemption, provided there has been no credit event of the reference entity. The vehicle enters into a credit swap with a third party in which it sells default protection in return for a premium that subsidizes the coupon to compensate the fund for the reference entity default risk. A fund will enter into credit derivative transactions only with counterparties that meet certain standards of creditworthiness (generally, such counterparties would have to be eligible counterparties under the terms of the Manager's repurchase agreement guidelines).
Structured Securities and Hybrid Instruments
Structured Securities. Structured securities are securities whose cash flow characteristics depend upon one or more indexes or that have embedded forwards or options or securities where a fund's investment return and the issuer's payment obligations are contingent on, or highly sensitive to, changes in the value of underlying assets, indexes, interest rates or cash flows ("embedded index"). When a fund purchases a structured security, it will make a payment of principal to the counterparty. Some structured securities have a guaranteed repayment of principal while others place a portion (or all) of the principal at risk. Guarantees are subject to the risk of default by the counterparty or its credit provider. The terms of such structured securities normally provide that their principal and/or interest payments are to be adjusted upwards or downwards (but not ordinarily below zero) to reflect changes in the embedded index while the structured securities are outstanding. As a result, the interest and/or principal payments that may be made on a structured security may vary widely, depending upon a variety of factors, including the volatility of the embedded index and the effect of changes in the embedded index on principal and/or interest payments. The rate of return on structured securities may be determined by applying a multiplier to the performance or differential performance of the embedded index. Application of a multiplier involves leverage that will serve to magnify the potential for gain and the risk of loss. Structured securities may be issued in subordinated and unsubordinated classes, with subordinated classes typically having higher yields and greater risks than an unsubordinated class. Structured securities may not have an active trading market.
Hybrid Instruments. A hybrid instrument can combine the characteristics of securities, futures, and options. For example, the principal amount or interest rate of a hybrid instrument could be tied (positively or negatively) to the price of a benchmark, e.g. , currency, securities index or another interest rate. The interest rate or the principal amount payable at maturity of a hybrid security may be increased or decreased, depending on changes in the value of the benchmark.
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Hybrids can be used as an efficient means of pursuing a variety of investment strategies, including currency hedging, duration management, and increased total return. Hybrids may not bear interest or pay dividends. The value of a hybrid or its interest rate may be a multiple of a benchmark and, as a result, may be leveraged and move (up or down) more steeply and rapidly than the benchmark. These benchmarks may be sensitive to economic and political events, such as currency devaluations, which cannot be readily foreseen by the purchaser of a hybrid. Under certain conditions, the redemption value of a hybrid could be zero. Thus, an investment in a hybrid may entail significant market risks that are not associated with a similar investment in a traditional, U.S. dollar-denominated bond that has a fixed principal amount and pays a fixed rate or floating rate of interest.
Participatory Notes . Participatory notes are issued by banks or broker-dealers and are designed to replicate the performance of certain securities or markets. Participatory notes are a type of equity-linked derivative which generally are traded over-the-counter. The performance results of participatory notes will not replicate exactly the performance of the securities or markets that the notes seek to replicate due to transaction costs and other expenses. Investments in participatory notes involve the same risks associated with a direct investment in the shares of the companies the notes seek to replicate. Participatory notes constitute general unsecured contractual obligations of the banks or broker-dealers that issue them, and a fund is relying on the creditworthiness of such banks or broker-dealers and has no rights under a participatory note against the issuers of the securities underlying such participatory notes.
Custodial Receipts . Custodial receipts, which may be underwritten by securities dealers or banks, represent the right to receive certain future principal and/or interest payments on a basket of securities which underlie the custodial receipts, or, in some cases, the payment obligation of a third party that has entered into an interest rate swap or other arrangement with the custodian. Underlying securities may include U.S. Government securities, municipal securities or other types of securities in which a fund may invest. A number of different arrangements are possible. In a typical custodial receipt arrangement, an issuer or a third party owner of securities deposits such securities obligations with a custodian in exchange for custodial receipts. These custodial receipts are typically sold in private placements and are designed to provide investors with pro rata ownership of a portfolio of underlying securities. For certain securities law purposes, custodial receipts may not be considered obligations of the underlying securities held by the custodian. As a holder of custodial receipts, a fund will bear its proportionate share of the fees and expenses charged to the custodial account. Although under the terms of a custodial receipt a fund typically would be authorized to assert its rights directly against the issuer of the underlying obligation, the fund could be required to assert through the custodian bank those rights as may exist against the underlying issuers. Thus, in the event an underlying issuer fails to pay principal and/or interest when due, the fund may be subject to delays, expenses and risks that are greater than those that would have been involved if the fund had purchased a direct obligation of the issuer. In addition, in the event that the custodial account in which the underlying securities have been deposited is determined to be an association taxable as a corporation, instead of a non-taxable entity, the yield on the underlying securities would be reduced in recognition of any taxes paid.
Certain custodial receipts may be synthetic or derivative instruments that have interest rates that reset inversely to changing short-term rates and/or have embedded interest rate floors and caps that require the issuer to pay an adjusted interest rate if market rates fall below or rise above a specified rate. Because some of these instruments represent relatively recent innovations, and the trading market for these instruments is less developed than the markets for more traditional types of instruments, it is uncertain how these instruments will perform under different economic and interest-rate scenarios. Also, because these instruments may be leveraged, their market values may be more volatile than other types of fixed-income instruments and may present greater potential for capital gain or loss. The possibility of default by an issuer or the issuer's credit provider may be greater for these derivative instruments than for other types of instruments.
Combined Transactions . Certain funds may enter into multiple transactions, including multiple options, futures, swap, currency and/or interest rate transactions, and any combination of options, futures, swaps, currency and/or interest rate transactions ("combined transactions"), instead of a single transaction, as part of a single or combined strategy when, in the opinion of the Adviser, it is in the best interests of the fund to do so. A combined transaction will usually contain elements of risk that are present in each of its component transactions. Although combined transactions are normally entered into based on the Adviser's judgment that the combined strategies will reduce risk or otherwise more effectively achieve the desired portfolio management goal, it is possible that the combination will instead increase such risks or hinder achievement of the portfolio management objective.
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Future Developments . A fund may take advantage of opportunities in derivatives transactions which are not presently contemplated for use by the fund or which are not currently available but which may be developed, to the extent such opportunities are both consistent with the fund's investment objective and legally permissible for the fund. Before a fund enters into such transactions or makes any such investment, the fund will provide appropriate disclosure in its prospectus or this SAI.
Investments in foreign currencies, including investing directly in foreign currencies, holding financial instruments that provide exposure to foreign currencies, or investing in securities that trade in, or receive revenues in, foreign currencies, are subject to the risk that those currencies will decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar.
Depending on the fund, foreign currency transactions could be entered into for a variety of purposes, including: (1) to fix in U.S. dollars, between trade and settlement date, the value of a security a fund has agreed to buy or sell; (2) to hedge the U.S. dollar value of securities the fund already owns, particularly if it expects a decrease in the value of the currency in which the foreign security is denominated; or (3) to gain or reduce exposure to the foreign currency for investment purposes. Foreign currency transactions may involve, for example, a fund's purchase of foreign currencies for U.S. dollars or the maintenance of short positions in foreign currencies. A short position would involve the fund agreeing to exchange an amount of a currency it did not currently own for another currency at a future date in anticipation of a decline in the value of the currency sold relative to the currency the fund contracted to receive. A fund may engage in cross currency hedging against price movements between currencies, other than the U.S. dollar, caused by currency exchange rate fluctuations. In addition, a fund might seek to hedge against changes in the value of a particular currency when no derivative instruments on that currency are available or such derivative instruments are more expensive than certain other derivative instruments. In such cases, the fund may hedge against price movements in that currency by entering into transactions using derivative instruments on another currency or a basket of currencies, the values of which the Adviser believes will have a high degree of positive correlation to the value of the currency being hedged. The risk that movements in the price of the derivative instrument will not correlate perfectly with movements in the price of the currency being hedged is magnified when this strategy is used.
The cost of engaging in foreign currency exchange contracts for the purchase or sale of a specified currency at a specified future date ("forward contracts") varies with factors such as the currency involved, the length of the contract period and the market conditions then prevailing. Because forward contracts are usually entered into on a principal basis, no fees or commissions are involved. Generally, secondary markets do not exist for forward contracts, with the result that closing transactions can be made for forward contracts only by negotiating directly with the counterparty to the contract. As with other over-the-counter derivatives transactions, forward contracts are subject to the credit risk of the counterparty.
Currency exchange rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time. They generally are determined by the forces of supply and demand in the foreign exchange markets and the relative merits of investments in different countries, actual or perceived changes in interest rates and other complex factors, as seen from an international perspective. Currency exchange rates also can be affected unpredictably by intervention, or failure to intervene, by U.S. or foreign governments or central banks, or by currency controls or political developments in the United States or abroad.
The value of derivative instruments on foreign currencies depends on the value of the underlying currency relative to the U.S. dollar. Because foreign currency transactions occurring in the interbank market might involve substantially larger amounts than those involved in the use of foreign currency derivative instruments, a fund could be disadvantaged by having to deal in the odd lot market (generally consisting of transactions of less than $1 million) for the underlying foreign currencies at prices that are less favorable than for round lots.
There is no systematic reporting of last sale information for foreign currencies or any regulatory requirement that quotations available through dealers or other market sources be firm or revised on a timely basis. Quotation information generally is representative of very large transactions in the interbank market and thus might not reflect odd-lot transactions where rates might be less favorable. The interbank market in foreign currencies is a global, round-the-clock market.
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Settlement of transactions involving foreign currencies might be required to take place within the country issuing the underlying currency. Thus, a fund might be required to accept or make delivery of the underlying foreign currency in accordance with any U.S. or foreign regulations regarding the maintenance of foreign banking arrangements by U.S. residents and might be required to pay any fees, taxes and charges associated with such delivery assessed in the issuing country.
Commodities are assets that have tangible properties, such as oil, metals, livestock or agricultural products. Historically, commodity investments have had a relatively high correlation with changes in inflation and a relatively low correlation to stock and bond returns. Commodity-related instruments provide exposure, which may include long and/or short exposure, to the investment returns of physical commodities that trade in commodities markets, without investing directly in physical commodities. A fund may invest in commodity-related securities and other instruments, such as certain ETFs, that derive value from the price movement of commodities, or some other readily measurable economic variable dependent upon changes in the value of commodities or the commodities markets. However, the ability of a fund to invest directly in commodities and certain commodity-related securities and other instruments is subject to significant limitations in order to enable the fund to maintain its status as a regulated investment company under the Code.
The value of commodity-related instruments may be affected by changes in overall market movements, volatility of the underlying benchmark, changes in interest rates or factors affecting a particular industry or commodity, such as drought, floods, weather, livestock disease, acts of terrorism, embargoes, tariffs and international economic, political and regulatory developments. The value of commodity-related instruments will rise or fall in response to changes in the underlying commodity or related index. Investments in commodity-related instruments may be subject to greater volatility than non-commodity based investments. A liquid secondary market may not exist for certain commodity-related instruments, and there can be no assurance that one will develop. Commodity-related instruments also are subject to credit and interest rate risks that in general affect the values of debt securities.
In these transactions, a fund sells a security it does not own in anticipation of a decline in the market value of the security. A fund may make short sales to hedge positions, for duration and risk management, to maintain portfolio flexibility or to seek to enhance returns. To complete a short sale transaction, a fund must borrow the security to make delivery to the buyer. The fund is obligated to replace the security borrowed by purchasing it subsequently at the market price at the time of replacement. The price at such time may be more or less than the price at which the security was sold by the fund, which would result in a loss or gain, respectively. A fund also may make short sales "against the box," in which the fund enters into a short sale of a security it owns or has the immediate and unconditional right to acquire at no additional cost at the time of the sale.
Until a fund closes its short position or replaces the borrowed security, the fund will: (1) segregate permissible liquid assets in an amount that, together with the amount provided as collateral, always equals the current value of the security sold short; or (2) otherwise cover its short position through offsetting positions.
Fund portfolio securities may be lent to brokers, dealers and other financial institutions needing to borrow securities to complete certain transactions. In connection with such loans, a fund would remain the owner of the loaned securities and continue to be entitled to payments in amounts equal to the interest, dividends or other distributions payable on the loaned securities. A fund also has the right to terminate a loan at any time. A fund may call the loan to vote proxies if a material issue affecting the fund's investment is to be voted upon. Subject to a fund's own more restrictive limitations, if applicable, an investment company is limited in the amount of portfolio securities it may loan to 33-1/3% of its total assets (including the value of all assets received as collateral for the loan). A fund will receive collateral consisting of cash or cash equivalents or, to the extent a permissible investment for the fund, U.S. Government securities or irrevocable letters of credit, which will be maintained at all times in an amount equal to at least 100% of the current market value of the loaned securities. If the collateral consists of a letter of credit or securities, the borrower will pay the fund a loan premium fee. If the collateral consists of cash, the fund will
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reinvest the cash and pay the borrower a pre-negotiated fee or "rebate" from any return earned on the investment. A fund may participate in a securities lending program operated by the Lending Agent. The Lending Agent will receive a percentage of the total earnings of the fund derived from lending its portfolio securities. Should the borrower of the securities fail financially, the fund may experience delays in recovering the loaned securities or exercising its rights in the collateral. Loans are made only to borrowers that are deemed by the Adviser to be of good financial standing. In a loan transaction, a fund will also bear the risk of any decline in value of securities acquired with cash collateral. A fund will minimize this risk by limiting the investment of cash collateral to money market funds advised by the Manager, repurchase agreements or other high quality instruments with short maturities, in each case to the extent it is a permissible investment for the fund.
The 1940 Act, subject to a fund's own more restrictive limitations, if applicable, permits an investment company to borrow in an amount up to 33-1/3% of the value of its total assets. Such borrowings may be for temporary or emergency purposes or for leveraging. If borrowings are for temporary or emergency (not leveraging) purposes, when such borrowings exceed 5% of the value of a fund's total assets the fund will not make any additional investments.
Borrowing Money for Leverage . Leveraging (buying securities using borrowed money) exaggerates the effect on NAV of any increase or decrease in the market value of a fund's investments. These borrowings will be subject to interest costs which may or may not be recovered by appreciation of the securities purchased; in certain cases, interest costs may exceed the return received on the securities purchased. For borrowings for investment purposes, the 1940 Act requires a fund to maintain continuous asset coverage (total assets including borrowings, less liabilities exclusive of borrowings) of 300% of the amount borrowed. If the required coverage should decline as a result of market fluctuations or other reasons, the fund may be required to sell some of its portfolio securities within three days to reduce the amount of its borrowings and restore the 300% asset coverage, even though it may be disadvantageous from an investment standpoint to sell securities at that time. A fund also may be required to maintain minimum average balances in connection with such borrowing or pay a commitment or other fee to maintain a line of credit; either of these requirements would increase the cost of borrowing over the stated interest rate.
Reverse Repurchase Agreements . Reverse repurchase agreements may be entered into with banks, broker/dealers or other financial institutions. This form of borrowing involves the transfer by a fund of an underlying debt instrument in return for cash proceeds based on a percentage of the value of the security. The fund retains the right to receive interest and principal payments on the security. At an agreed upon future date, the fund repurchases the security at principal plus accrued interest. As a result of these transactions, the fund is exposed to greater potential fluctuations in the value of its assets and its NAV per share. These borrowings will be subject to interest costs which may or may not be recovered by appreciation of the securities purchased; in certain cases, interest costs may exceed the return received on the securities purchased. To the extent a fund enters into a reverse repurchase agreement, the fund will segregate permissible liquid assets at least equal to the aggregate amount of its reverse repurchase obligations, plus accrued interest, in certain cases, in accordance with SEC guidance. The SEC views reverse repurchase transactions as collateralized borrowings by a fund.
Forward Commitments . The purchase or sale of securities on a forward commitment (including "TBA" (to be announced)), when-issued or delayed-delivery basis, means delivery and payment take place at a future date at a predetermined price and/or yield. Typically, no interest accrues to the purchaser until the security is delivered. When purchasing a security on a forward commitment basis, a fund assumes the risks of ownership of the security, including the risk of price and yield fluctuations, and takes such fluctuations into account when determining its NAV. Purchasing securities on a forward commitment, when-issued or delayed-delivery basis can involve the additional risk that the yield available in the market when the delivery takes place actually may be higher than that obtained in the transaction itself.
Debt securities purchased on a forward commitment, when-issued or delayed-delivery basis are subject to changes in value based upon the perception of the creditworthiness of the issuer and changes, real or anticipated, in the level
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of interest rates ( i.e. , appreciating when interest rates decline and depreciating when interest rates rise). Securities purchased on a forward commitment, when-issued or delayed-delivery basis may expose a fund to risks because they may experience declines in value prior to their actual delivery. A fund will make commitments to purchase such securities only with the intention of actually acquiring the securities, but the fund may sell these securities or dispose of the commitment before the settlement date if it is deemed advisable as a matter of investment strategy. A fund would engage in forward commitments to increase its portfolio's financial exposure to the types of securities in which it invests. If the fund is fully or almost fully invested when forward commitment purchases are outstanding, such purchases may result in a form of leverage. Leveraging the portfolio in this manner will increase the fund's exposure to changes in interest rates and may result in greater potential fluctuation in the value of the fund's net assets and its NAV per share. A fund will segregate permissible liquid assets at least equal at all times to the amount of the fund's purchase commitments.
Forward Roll Transactions . In a forward roll transaction, a fund sells a security, such as a mortgage-related security, to a bank, broker-dealer or other financial institution and simultaneously agrees to purchase a similar security from the institution at a later date at an agreed upon price. During the period between the sale and purchase, the fund will not be entitled to receive interest and principal payments on the securities sold by the fund. Proceeds of the sale typically will be invested in short-term instruments, particularly repurchase agreements, and the income from these investments, together with any additional fee income received on the sale, will be expected to generate income for the fund exceeding the yield on the securities sold. Forward roll transactions involve the risk that the market value of the securities sold by the fund may decline below the purchase price of those securities. A fund will segregate permissible liquid assets at least equal to the amount of the repurchase price (including accrued interest).
Illiquid Securities Generally . The 1940 Act, subject to a fund's own more restrictive limitations, if applicable, limits funds other than money market funds to 15% of net assets in illiquid securities. Illiquid securities, which are securities that cannot be sold or disposed of in the ordinary course of business within seven days at approximately the value ascribed to them by a fund, may include securities that are not readily marketable, such as securities that are subject to legal or contractual restrictions on resale that do not have readily available market quotations, repurchase agreements providing for settlement in more than seven days after notice and certain privately negotiated derivatives transactions and securities used to cover such derivatives transactions. As to these securities, there is a risk that, should a fund desire to sell them, a ready buyer will not be available at a price the fund deems representative of their value, which could adversely affect the value of a fund's net assets.
Section 4(2) Paper and Rule 144A Securities . "Section 4(2) paper" consists of commercial obligations issued in reliance on the so-called "private placement" exemption from registration afforded by Section 4(2) of the Securities Act. Section 4(2) paper is restricted as to disposition under the federal securities laws, and generally is sold to institutional investors that agree that they are purchasing the paper for investment and not with a view to public distribution. Any resale by the purchaser must be pursuant to registration or an exemption therefrom. Section 4(2) paper normally is resold to other institutional investors through or with the assistance of the issuer or investment dealers who make a market in the Section 4(2) paper, thus providing liquidity. "Rule 144A securities" are securities that are not registered under the Securities Act but that can be sold to qualified institutional buyers in accordance with Rule 144A under the Securities Act. Rule 144A securities generally must be sold to other qualified institutional buyers. If a particular investment in Section 4(2) paper or Rule 144A securities is not determined to be liquid, that investment will be included within the percentage limitation on investment in illiquid securities. Investing in Rule 144A securities could have the effect of increasing the level of fund illiquidity to the extent that qualified institutional buyers become, for a time, uninterested in purchasing these securities from a fund or other holders. Liquidity determinations with respect to Section 4(2) paper and Rule 144A securities will be made by the fund's board or by the Adviser pursuant to guidelines established by the board. The fund's board or the Adviser will consider availability of reliable price information and other relevant information in making such determinations.
A fund's classification as a "non-diversified" investment company means that the proportion of the fund's assets that may be invested in the securities of a single issuer is not limited by the 1940 Act. The 1940 Act generally requires a "diversified" investment company, with respect to 75% of its total assets, to invest not more than 5% of such assets
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in securities of a single issuer. Since a relatively high percentage of a fund's assets may be invested in the securities of a limited number of issuers or industries, the fund may be more sensitive to changes in the market value of a single issuer or industry. However, to meet federal tax requirements, at the close of each quarter a fund may not have more than 25% of its total assets invested in any one issuer and, with respect to 50% of its total assets, not more than 5% of its total assets invested in any one issuer. These limitations do not apply to U.S. Government securities or investments in certain other investment companies.
Investments in the Technology Sector
The technology sector has been among the most volatile sectors of the stock market. Many technology companies involve greater risks because their revenues and earnings tend to be less predictable (and some companies may be experiencing significant losses) and their share prices tend to be more volatile. Certain technology companies may have limited product lines, markets or financial resources, or may depend on a limited management group. In addition, these companies are strongly affected by worldwide technological developments, and their products and services may not be economically successful or may quickly become outdated. Investor perception may play a greater role in determining the day-to-day value of technology stocks than it does in other sectors. Investments made in anticipation of future products and services may decline dramatically in value if the anticipated products or services are delayed or cancelled.
Investments in the Real Estate Sector
An investment in securities of real estate companies may be susceptible to adverse economic or regulatory occurrences affecting that sector. An investment in real estate companies, while not an investment in real estate directly, involves risks associated with the direct ownership of real estate. These risks include: declines in the value of real estate; risks related to general and local economic conditions; possible lack of availability of mortgage funds; overbuilding; extended vacancies of properties; increased competition; increases in property taxes and operating expenses; changes in zoning laws; losses due to costs resulting from the clean-up of environmental problems; liability to third parties for damages resulting from environmental problems; casualty or condemnation losses; limitations on rents; changes in neighborhood values and the appeal of properties to tenants; changes in interest rates; financial condition of tenants, buyers and sellers of real estate; and quality of maintenance, insurance and management services.
An economic downturn could have a material adverse effect on the real estate markets and on real estate companies.
Real property investments are subject to varying degrees of risk. The yields available from investments in real estate depend on the amount of income and capital appreciation generated by the related properties. Income and real estate values may also be adversely affected by such factors as applicable laws ( e.g. , the Americans with Disabilities Act and tax laws), interest rate levels and the availability of financing. If the properties do not generate sufficient income to meet operating expenses, including, where applicable, debt service, ground lease payments, tenant improvements, third party leasing commissions and other capital expenditures, the income and ability of the real estate company to make payments of any interest and principal on its debt securities will be adversely affected. In addition, real property may be subject to the quality of credit extended and defaults by borrowers and tenants. The performance of the economy in each of the regions and countries in which the real estate owned by a portfolio company is located affects occupancy, market rental rates and expenses and, consequently, has an impact on the income from such properties and their underlying values.
The financial results of major local employers also may have an impact on the cash flow and value of certain properties. In addition, certain real estate investments are relatively illiquid and, therefore, the ability of real estate companies to vary their portfolios promptly in response to changes in economic or other conditions is limited. A real estate company may also have joint venture investments in certain of its properties and, consequently, its ability to control decisions relating to such properties may be limited.
Investments in the Natural Resources Sector
Many companies in the natural resources sector may experience more price volatility than securities of companies in other industries. Some of the commodities that these industries use or provide are subject to limited pricing flexibility because of supply and demand factors. Others are subject to broad price fluctuations as a result of the
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volatility of the prices for certain raw materials and the instability of supplies of other materials. These factors can affect the profitability of companies in the natural resources sector and, as a result, the value of their securities. To the extent a fund invests in the securities of companies with substantial natural resource assets, the fund will be exposed to the price movements of natural resources.
The money market funds attempt to increase yields by trading to take advantage of short-term market variations. This policy is expected to result in high portfolio turnover but should not adversely affect a fund since the funds usually do not pay brokerage commissions when purchasing short-term obligations. The value of the portfolio securities held by a fund will vary inversely to changes in prevailing interest rates and, therefore, are subject to the risk of market price fluctuations. Thus, if interest rates have increased from the time a security was purchased, such security, if sold, might be sold at a price less than its cost. Similarly, if interest rates have declined from the time a security was purchased, such security, if sold, might be sold at a price greater than its purchase cost. In any event, if a security was purchased at face value and held to maturity and was paid in full, no gain or loss would be realized. The values of fixed-income securities also may be affected by changes in the credit rating or financial condition of the issuing entities.
If, subsequent to its purchase by a fund, (a) a portfolio security ceases to be rated in the highest rating category by at least two rating organizations (or one rating organization if the instrument was rated by only one such organization) or the board determines that it is no longer of comparable quality or (b) the Adviser becomes aware that any portfolio security not so highly rated or any unrated security has been given a rating by any rating organization below the rating organization's second highest rating category, the board will reassess promptly whether such security continues to present minimal credit risks and will cause the fund to take such action as it determines is in the best interest of the fund and its shareholders; provided that the reassessments required by clauses (a) and (b) are not required if the portfolio security is disposed of or matures within five business days of the specified event and, in the case of events specified in clause (b), the board is subsequently notified of the Adviser's actions. To the extent the ratings given by a Rating Agency for securities change as a result of changes in such organizations or their rating systems, a fund will attempt to use comparable ratings as standards for its investments in accordance with the investment policies described in such fund's prospectus and this SAI. The ratings of the Rating Agencies represent their opinions as to the quality of the securities which they undertake to rate. It should be emphasized, however, that ratings are relative and subjective and are not absolute standards of quality. Although these ratings may be an initial criterion for selection of portfolio investments, the Adviser also will evaluate these securities and the creditworthiness of the issuers of such securities based upon financial and other available information.
Treasury securities include Treasury bills, Treasury notes and Treasury bonds that differ in their interest rates, maturities and times of issuance. Treasury bills have initial maturities of one year or less; Treasury notes have initial maturities of one to ten years; and Treasury bonds generally have initial maturities of greater than ten years.
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U.S. Government securities are issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or its agencies or instrumentalities. Some obligations issued or guaranteed by U.S. Government agencies and instrumentalities are supported by the full faith and credit of the Treasury; others by the right of the issuer to borrow from the Treasury; others by discretionary authority of the U.S. Government to purchase certain obligations of the agency or instrumentality; and others only by the credit of the agency or instrumentality. These securities bear fixed, floating or variable rates of interest. Interest may fluctuate based on generally recognized reference rates or the relationship of rates. While the U.S. Government currently provides financial support to such U.S. Government-sponsored agencies or instrumentalities, no assurance can be given that it will always do so, since it is not so obligated by law. A security backed by the Treasury or the full faith and credit of the United States is guaranteed only as to timely payment of interest and principal when held to maturity. Neither the market value nor a fund's share price is guaranteed.
Many states grant tax-free status to dividends paid to shareholders of a fund from interest income earned by that fund from direct obligations of the U.S. Government, subject in some states to minimum investment requirements that must be met by the fund. Investments in securities issued by the GNMA or FNMA, bankers' acceptances, commercial paper and repurchase agreements collateralized by U.S. Government securities do not generally qualify for tax-free treatment.
A repurchase agreement is a contract under which a fund would acquire a security for a relatively short period subject to the obligation of the seller, typically a bank, broker/dealer or other financial institution, to repurchase and the fund to resell such security at a fixed time and at a price higher than the purchase price (representing the fund's cost plus interest). The repurchase agreement thereby determines the yield during the purchaser's holding period, while the seller's obligation to repurchase is secured by the value of the underlying security. The fund's custodian or sub-custodian engaged in connection with tri-party repurchase agreement transactions will have custody of, and will segregate, securities acquired by the fund under a repurchase agreement. In connection with its third-party repurchase transactions, a fund will engage only eligible sub-custodians that meet the requirements set forth in Section 17(f) of the 1940 Act. The value of the underlying securities (or collateral) will be at least equal at all times to the total amount of the repurchase obligation, including the interest factor. The fund bears a risk of loss if the other party to the repurchase agreement defaults on its obligations and the fund is delayed or prevented from exercising its rights to dispose of the collateral securities. This risk includes the risk of procedural costs or delays in addition to a loss on the securities if their value should fall below their repurchase price. Repurchase agreements are considered by the staff of the SEC to be loans by the fund that enters into them. Repurchase agreements could involve risks in the event of a default or insolvency of the other party to the agreement, including possible delays or restrictions upon a fund's ability to dispose of the underlying securities. A fund may engage in repurchase agreement transactions that are collateralized by U.S. Government securities (which are deemed to be "collateralized fully" pursuant to the 1940 Act) or, for certain funds, to the extent consistent with the fund's investment policies, collateralized by securities other than U.S. Government securities ("credit collateral"). Transactions that are collateralized fully enable the fund to look to the collateral for diversification purposes under the 1940 Act. Conversely, transactions secured with credit collateral require the fund to look to the counterparty to the repurchase agreement for determining diversification. Because credit collateral is subject to certain credit and liquidity risks that U.S. Government securities are not subject to, the amount of collateral posted in excess of the principal value of the repurchase agreement is expected to be higher in the case of repurchase agreements secured with credit collateral compared to repurchase agreements secured with U.S. Government securities. In an attempt to reduce the risk of incurring a loss on a repurchase agreement, a fund will require that additional securities be deposited with it if the value of the securities purchased should decrease below resale price. See "Fixed-Income Securities—High Yield and Lower-Rated Securities" above under "All Funds other than Money Market Funds" for a discussion of certain risks of credit collateral rated below investment grade.
Bank obligations include certificates of deposit ("CDs"), time deposits ("TDs"), bankers' acceptances and other short-term obligations issued by domestic banks, foreign subsidiaries or foreign branches of domestic banks, domestic and foreign branches of foreign banks, domestic savings and loan associations and other banking
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institutions. CDs are negotiable certificates evidencing the obligation of a bank to repay funds deposited with it for a specified period of time. TDs are non-negotiable deposits maintained in a banking institution for a specified period of time (in no event longer than seven days) at a stated interest rate. Bankers' acceptances are credit instruments evidencing the obligation of a bank to pay a draft drawn on it by a customer. These instruments reflect the obligation both of the bank and the drawer to pay the face amount of the instrument upon maturity. The other short-term obligations may include uninsured, direct obligations bearing fixed, floating or variable interest rates. TDs and CDs may be issued by domestic banks, foreign subsidiaries or foreign branches of domestic banks, and domestic and foreign branches of foreign banks. A fund may purchase CDs issued by banks, savings and loan associations and similar institutions with less than $1 billion in assets, the deposits of which are insured by the FDIC, provided the fund purchases any such CD in a principal amount of no more than an amount that would be fully insured by the Deposit Insurance Fund administered by the FDIC. Interest payments on such a CD are not insured by the FDIC. A fund would not own more than one such CD per such issuer.
Domestic commercial banks organized under federal law are supervised and examined by the Comptroller of the Currency and are required to be members of the Federal Reserve System and to have their deposits insured by the FDIC. Domestic banks organized under state law are supervised and examined by state banking authorities but are members of the Federal Reserve System only if they elect to join. In addition, state banks whose CDs may be purchased by a fund are insured by the FDIC (although such insurance may not be of material benefit to the fund, depending on the principal amount of the CDs of each bank held by the fund) and are subject to federal examination and to a substantial body of federal law and regulation. As a result of federal and state laws and regulations, domestic branches of domestic banks whose CDs may be purchased by the fund generally, among other things, are required to maintain specified levels of reserves and are subject to other supervision and regulation designed to promote financial soundness. However, not all of such laws and regulations apply to the foreign branches of domestic banks.
Obligations of foreign branches and foreign subsidiaries of domestic banks, and domestic and foreign branches of foreign banks may be general obligations of the parent banks in addition to the issuing branch, or may be limited by the terms of a specific obligation and governmental regulation. Such obligations are subject to different risks than are those of domestic banks. These risks include foreign economic and political developments, foreign governmental restrictions that may adversely affect payment of principal and interest on the obligations, foreign exchange controls, seizure of assets, declaration of a moratorium and foreign withholding and other taxes on interest income. Foreign branches and subsidiaries are not necessarily subject to the same or similar regulatory requirements that apply to domestic banks, such as mandatory reserve requirements, loan limitations, and accounting, auditing and financial recordkeeping requirements. In addition, less information may be publicly available about a foreign branch of a domestic bank or about a foreign bank than about a domestic bank.
Obligations of U.S. branches of foreign banks may be general obligations of the parent bank in addition to the issuing branch, or may be limited by the terms of a specific obligation or by federal or state regulation as well as governmental action in the country in which the foreign bank has its head office. A domestic branch of a foreign bank with assets in excess of $1 billion may or may not be subject to reserve requirements imposed by the Federal Reserve System or by the state in which the branch is located if the branch is licensed in that state. In addition, federal branches licensed by the Comptroller of the Currency and branches licensed by certain states may be required to: (1) pledge to the regulator, by depositing assets with a designated bank within the state, a certain percentage of their assets as fixed from time to time by the appropriate regulatory authority; and (2) maintain assets within the state in an amount equal to a specified percentage of the aggregate amount of liabilities of the foreign bank payable at or through all of its agencies or branches within the state.
In view of the foregoing factors associated with the purchase of CDs and TDs issued by foreign branches or foreign subsidiaries of domestic banks, or by foreign branches or domestic branches of foreign banks, the Adviser carefully evaluates such investments on a case-by-case basis.
To the extent a money market fund's investments are concentrated in the banking industry, the fund will have correspondingly greater exposure to the risk factors which are characteristic of such investments. Sustained increases in interest rates can adversely affect the availability or liquidity and cost of capital funds for a bank's
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lending activities, and a deterioration in general economic conditions could increase the exposure to credit losses. In addition, the value of and the investment return on the fund's shares could be affected by economic or regulatory developments in or related to the banking industry, which industry also is subject to the effects of competition within the banking industry as well as with other types of financial institutions. A fund, however, will seek to minimize its exposure to such risks by investing only in debt securities which are determined to be of the highest quality.
Floating and Variable Rate Obligations
Floating and variable rate demand notes and bonds are obligations ordinarily having stated maturities in excess of 397 days but which permit the holder to demand payment of principal at any time, or at specified intervals not exceeding 397 days, in each case upon not more than 30 days' notice. Frequently these obligations are secured by letters of credit or other credit support arrangements secured by banks. Variable rate demand notes include master demand notes (see "Fixed-Income Securities—Variable and Floating Rate Securities " above under "All Funds other than Money Market Funds").
A participation interest purchased from a financial institution gives a fund an undivided interest in a security in the proportion that the fund's participation interest bears to the total principal amount of the security. If the participation interest is unrated, or has been given a rating below that which is permissible for purchase by the fund, the participation interest will be backed by an irrevocable letter of credit or guarantee of a bank, or the payment obligation otherwise will be collateralized by U.S. Government securities, or, in the case of unrated participation interests, the Adviser must have determined that the instrument is of comparable quality to those instruments in which the fund may invest. See "Fixed-Income Securities—Participation Interests and Assignments" above under "All Funds other than Money Market Funds."
A fund may purchase asset-backed securities, which are securities issued by special purpose entities whose primary assets consist of a pool of mortgages, loans, receivables or other assets. Payment of principal and interest may depend largely on the cash flows generated by the assets backing the securities and, in certain cases, supported by letters of credit, surety bonds or other forms of credit or liquidity enhancements. The value of these asset-backed securities also may be affected by the creditworthiness of the servicing agent for the pool of assets, the originator of the loans or receivables or the financial institution providing the credit support.
Commercial paper represents short-term, unsecured promissory notes issued to finance short-term credit needs. The commercial paper purchased by a fund will consist only of direct obligations issued by domestic and foreign entities. The other corporate obligations in which a fund may invest consist of high quality, U.S. dollar-denominated short-term bonds and notes (which may include variable amount master demand notes).
See "Investment Companies" above under "All Funds other than Money Market Funds."
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Foreign securities may include U.S. dollar-denominated securities issued by foreign subsidiaries or foreign branches of domestic banks, domestic and foreign branches of foreign banks, foreign government obligations and commercial paper issued by foreign issuers. Foreign government obligations may include securities issued or guaranteed by foreign governments or any of their political subdivisions, agencies or instrumentalities and debt obligations of supranational entities. Supranational entities include organizations designated or supported by governmental entities to promote economic reconstruction or development and international banking institutions and related government agencies. Examples include the International Bank of Reconstruction and Development (the World Bank), the European Coal and Steel Community, the Asian Development Bank and the InterAmerican Development Bank.
A fund investing in foreign securities, including foreign government obligations, may be subject to additional investment risks with respect to these securities or obligations that are different in some respects from those incurred by a money market fund which invests only in debt obligations of U.S. domestic issuers. See, as applicable, "Foreign Securities" and "Foreign Securities—Sovereign Debt Obligations" above under "All Funds other than Money Market Funds."
See "Fixed-Income Securities —Municipal Securities—Municipal Securities Generally" above under "All Funds other than Money Market Funds."
Derivative Products . The value of certain derivative products is tied to underlying municipal securities. A fund investing in derivative products will purchase only those derivative products that are consistent with its investment objective and policies and comply with the quality, maturity, liquidity and diversification standards of Rule 2a-7 under the 1940 Act. The principal types of derivative products include tax exempt participation interests, tender option bonds and custodial receipts (see " Fixed-Income Securities—Municipal Securities—Instruments Related to Municipal Securities" above under "All Funds other than Money Market Funds") and structured notes (see "Derivative Instruments—Structured Securities and Hybrid Instruments—Structured Securities" above under "All Funds other than Money Market Funds").
Stand-By Commitments . See "Fixed-Income Securities—Municipal Securities—Stand-By Commitments" above under "All Funds other than Money Market Funds."
Taxable Investments (municipal or other tax-exempt funds only)
From time to time, on a temporary basis other than for temporary defensive purposes (but not to exceed 20% of the value of the fund's net assets) or for temporary defensive purposes, a fund may invest in taxable short-term investments (Money Fund Taxable Investments, as defined in Part II of this SAI). Dividends paid by a fund that are attributable to income earned by the fund from Money Fund Taxable Investments will be taxable to investors. If a fund purchases Money Fund Taxable Investments, it will value them using the amortized cost method and comply with the provisions of Rule 2a-7 relating to purchases of taxable instruments.
The 1940 Act, subject to a fund's own more restrictive limitations, if applicable, limits money market funds to 5% of total assets in illiquid securities. Illiquid securities, which are securities that cannot be sold or disposed of in the ordinary course of business within seven days at approximately the value ascribed to them by a fund, may include securities that are not readily marketable, such as securities that are subject to legal or contractual restrictions on resale that do not have readily available market quotations, and repurchase agreements providing for settlement in more than seven days after notice. As to these securities, there is a risk that, should a fund desire to sell them, a ready buyer will not be available at a price the fund deems representative of their value, which could adversely affect the value of a fund's net assets. See "Illiquid Securities—Section 4(2) Paper and Rule 144A Securities" above under "All Funds other than Money Market Funds."
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The 1940 Act, subject to a fund's own more restrictive limitations, if applicable, permits an investment company to borrow in an amount up to 33-1/3% of the value of its total assets. Such borrowings may be for temporary or emergency purposes or for leveraging. If borrowings are for temporary or emergency (not leveraging) purposes, when such borrowings exceed 5% of the value of a fund's total assets the fund will not make any additional investments.
Reverse Repurchase Agreements . See "Borrowing Money—Reverse Repurchase Agreements" above under "All Funds other than Money Market Funds."
Forward Commitments . The purchase of portfolio securities on a forward commitment (including "TBA" (to be announced)), when-issued or delayed-delivery basis means that delivery and payment take place in the future after the date of the commitment to purchase. See "Borrowing Money—Forward Commitments" above under "All Funds other than Money Market Funds."
Interfund Borrowing and Lending Program . Pursuant to an exemptive order issued by the SEC, a fund may lend money to, and/or borrow money from, certain other funds advised by the Manager or its affiliates. All interfund loans and borrowings must comply with the conditions set forth in the exemptive order, which are designed to ensure fair and equitable treatment of all participating funds. A fund's participation in the Interfund Borrowing and Lending Program must be consistent with its investment policies and limitations. A fund will borrow through the Interfund Borrowing and Lending Program only when the costs are equal to or lower than the costs of bank loans, and will lend through the Program only when the returns are higher than those available from an investment in repurchase agreements. Interfund loans and borrowings are normally expected to extend overnight, but can have a maximum duration of seven days. Loans may be called on one day's notice. Any delay in repayment to a lending fund could result in a lost investment opportunity or additional borrowing costs.
See "Lending Portfolio Securities" above under "All Funds other than Money Market Funds."
The following is a description of certain ratings assigned by S&P, Moody's, Fitch and DBRS.
An S&P issue credit rating is a forward-looking opinion about the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to a specific financial obligation, a specific class of financial obligations or a specific financial program (including ratings on medium-term note programs and commercial paper programs). It takes into consideration the creditworthiness of guarantors, insurers or other forms of credit enhancement on the obligation and takes into account the currency in which the obligation is denominated. The opinion reflects S&P's view of the obligor's capacity and willingness to meet its financial commitments as they come due, and may assess terms, such as collateral security and subordination, which could affect ultimate payment in the event of default.
Issue credit ratings can be either long-term or short-term. Short-term ratings are generally assigned to those obligations considered short-term in the relevant market. In the U.S., for example, that means obligations with an original maturity of no more than 365 days ¾ including commercial paper. Short-term ratings also are used to indicate the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to put features on long-term obligations. The result is a dual rating, in which the short-term rating addresses the put feature, in addition to the usual long-term rating. Medium-term notes are assigned long-term ratings.
Long-Term Issue Credit Ratings . Issue credit ratings are based, in varying degrees, on S&P's analysis of the following considerations: likelihood of payment - capacity and willingness of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on an obligation in accordance with the terms of the obligation; nature of and provisions of the
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obligation; and protection afforded by, and relative position of, the obligation in the event of bankruptcy, reorganization or other arrangement under the laws of bankruptcy and other laws affecting creditors' rights.
Issue ratings are an assessment of default risk, but may incorporate an assessment of relative seniority or ultimate recovery in the event of default. Junior obligations are typically rated lower than senior obligations, to reflect the lower priority in bankruptcy, as noted above. (Such differentiation may apply when an entity has both senior and subordinated obligations, secured and unsecured obligations, or operating company and holding company obligations.)
An obligation rated " AAA " has the highest rating assigned by S&P. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is extremely strong.
An obligation rated " AA " differs from the highest-rated obligations only to a small degree. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is very strong.
An obligation rated " A " is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher-rated categories. However, the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is still strong.
An obligation rated " BBB " exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
Obligations rated " BB ," " B ," " CCC ," " CC " and " C " are regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. "BB" indicates the least degree of speculation and "C" the highest. While such obligations will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these may be outweighed by large uncertainties or major exposures to adverse conditions.
An obligation rated " BB " is less vulnerable to nonpayment than other speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial or economic conditions which could lead to the obligor's inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
An obligation rated " B " is more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations rated "BB," but the obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. Adverse business, financial or economic conditions will likely impair the obligor's capacity or willingness to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
An obligation rated " CCC " is currently vulnerable to nonpayment, and is dependent upon favorable business, financial and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. In the event of adverse business, financial or economic conditions, the obligor is not likely to have the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
An obligation rated " CC " is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment.
A " C " rating is assigned to obligations that are currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment, obligations that have payment arrearages allowed by the terms of the documents or obligations of an issuer that is the subject of a bankruptcy petition or similar action which have not experienced a payment default. Among others, the "C" rating may be assigned to subordinated debt, preferred stock or other obligations on which cash payments have been suspended in accordance with the instrument's terms or when preferred stock is the subject of a distressed exchange offer, whereby some or all of the issue is either repurchased for an amount of cash or replaced by other instruments having a total value that is less than par.
An obligation rated " D " is in payment default. The "D" rating category is used when payments on an obligation, including a regulatory capital instrument, are not made on the date due even if the applicable grace period has not expired, unless S&P believes that such payments will be made during such grace period. The "D" rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of similar action if payments on an obligation are jeopardized. An obligation's rating is lowered to "D" upon completion of a distressed exchange offer, whereby some
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or all of the issue is either repurchased for an amount of cash or replaced by other instruments having a total value that is less than par.
Note: The ratings from "AA" to "CCC" may be modified by the addition of a plus ( + ) or minus (-) sign to show relative standing within the major rating categories.
An " NR " indicates that no rating has been requested, that there is insufficient information on which to base a rating, or that S&P does not rate a particular obligation as a matter of policy.
Short-Term Issue Credit Ratings . A short-term obligation rated " A-1 " is rated in the highest category by S&P. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is strong. Within this category, certain obligations are designated with a plus sign (+). This indicates that the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on these obligations is extremely strong.
A short-term obligation rated " A-2 " is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher rating categories. However, the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is satisfactory.
A short-term obligation rated " A-3 " exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
A short-term obligation rated " B " is regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. Ratings of "B-1," "B-2," and "B-3" may be assigned to indicate finer distinctions within the "B" category. The obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation; however, it faces major ongoing uncertainties which could lead to the obligor's inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
A short-term obligation rated " B-1 " is regarded as having significant speculative characteristics, but the obligor has a relatively stronger capacity to meet its financial commitments over the short-term compared to other speculative-grade obligors.
A short-term obligation rated " B-2 " is regarded as having significant speculative characteristics, and the obligor has an average speculative-grade capacity to meet its financial commitments over the short-term compared to other speculative-grade obligors.
A short-term obligation rated " B-3 " is regarded as having significant speculative characteristics, and the obligor has a relatively weaker capacity to meet its financial commitments over the short-term compared to other speculative-grade obligors.
A short-term obligation rated " C " is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon favorable business, financial and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
A short-term obligation rated " D " is in payment default. The "D" rating category is used when payments on an obligation, including a regulatory capital instrument, are not made on the date due even if the applicable grace period has not expired, unless S&P believes that such payments will be made during such grace period. The "D" rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action if payments on an obligation are jeopardized.
Municipal Short-Term Note Ratings Definitions . An S&P U.S. municipal note rating reflects S&P's opinion about the liquidity factors and market access risks unique to the notes. Notes due in three years or less will likely receive a note rating. Notes with an original maturity of more than three years will most likely receive a long-term debt rating. In determining which type of rating, if any, to assign, S&P analysis will review the following considerations: amortization schedule ¾ the larger the final maturity relative to other maturities, the more likely it will be treated as a note; and source of payment ¾ the more dependent the issue is on the market for its refinancing, the more likely it will be treated as a note.
Note rating symbols are as follows:
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SP-1 Strong capacity to pay principal and interest. An issue determined to possess a very strong capacity to pay debt service is given a plus (+) designation.
SP-2 Satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest, with some vulnerability to adverse financial and economic changes over the term of the notes.
SP-3 Speculative capacity to pay principal and interest.
Long-Term Obligation Ratings and Definitions . Moody's long-term obligation ratings are opinions of the relative credit risk of fixed-income obligations with an original maturity of one year or more. They address the possibility that a financial obligation will not be honored as promised. Such ratings reflect both the likelihood of default and any financial loss suffered in the event of default.
Obligations rated " Aaa " are judged to be of the highest quality, with minimal credit risk.
Obligations rated " Aa " are judged to be of high quality and are subject to very low credit risk.
Obligations rated " A " are considered upper-medium grade and are subject to low credit risk.
Obligations rated " Baa " are subject to moderate credit risk. They are considered medium-grade and as such may possess certain speculative characteristics.
Obligations rated " Ba " are judged to have speculative elements and are subject to substantial credit risk.
Obligations rated " B " are considered speculative and are subject to high credit risk.
Obligations rated " Caa " are judged to be of poor standing and are subject to very high credit risk.
Obligations rated " Ca " are highly speculative and are likely in, or very near, default, with some prospect of recovery of principal and interest.
Obligations rated " C " are the lowest rated class of bonds and are typically in default, with little prospect for recovery of principal or interest.
Note: Moody's appends numerical modifiers 1, 2, and 3 to each generic rating classification from Aa through Caa. The modifier 1 indicates that the obligation ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking and the modifier 3 indicates a ranking in the lower end of that generic rating category.
Short-Term Ratings . Moody's short-term ratings are opinions of the ability of issuers to honor short-term financial obligations. Ratings may be assigned to issuers, short-term programs or to individual short-term debt instruments. Such obligations generally have an original maturity not exceeding thirteen months, unless explicitly noted.
Moody's employs the following designations to indicate the relative repayment ability of rated issuers:
|
P-1 |
Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-1 have a superior ability to repay short-term debt obligations. |
|
P-2 |
Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-2 have a strong ability to repay short-term debt obligations. |
|
P-3 |
Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-3 have an acceptable ability to repay short-term debt obligations. |
|
NP |
Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Not Prime do not fall within any of the Prime rating categories. |
U.S. Municipal Short-Term Debt and Demand Obligation Ratings .
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Short-Term Obligation Ratings . There are three rating categories for short-term municipal obligations that are considered investment grade. These ratings are designated as Municipal Investment Grade ("MIG") and are divided into three levels—MIG 1 through MIG 3. In addition, those short-term obligations that are of speculative quality are designated SG, or speculative grade. MIG ratings expire at the maturity of the obligation.
|
MIG 1 |
This designation denotes superior credit quality. Excellent protection is afforded by established cash flows, highly reliable liquidity support, or demonstrated broad-based access to the market for refinancing. |
|
MIG 2 |
This designation denotes strong credit quality. Margins of protection are ample, although not as large as in the preceding group. |
|
MIG 3 |
This designation denotes acceptable credit quality. Liquidity and cash flow protection may be narrow, and market access for refinancing is likely to be less well-established. |
|
SG |
This designation denotes speculative-grade credit quality. Debt instruments in this category may lack sufficient margins of protection. |
Demand Obligation Ratings
. In the case of variable rate
demand obligations ("VRDOs"), a two-component rating is assigned; a long- or short-term debt rating and
a demand obligation rating. The first element represents Moody's evaluation of the degree of risk associated
with scheduled principal and interest payments. The second element represents Moody's evaluation of
the degree of risk associated with the ability to receive purchase price upon demand ("demand feature"),
using a variation of the MIG rating scale, the Variable Municipal Investment Grade or VMIG rating.
When either the long- or short-term aspect of a VRDO is not rated, that piece is designated NR, e.g. , Aaa/NR or NR/VMIG 1.
VMIG rating expirations are a function of each issue's specific structural or credit features.
|
VMIG 1 |
This designation denotes superior credit quality. Excellent protection is afforded by the superior short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand. |
|
VMIG 2 |
This designation denotes strong credit quality. Good protection is afforded by the strong short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand. |
|
VMIG 3 |
This designation denotes acceptable credit quality. Adequate protection is afforded by the satisfactory short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand. |
|
SG |
This designation denotes speculative-grade credit quality. Demand features rated in this category may be supported by a liquidity provider that does not have an investment grade short-term rating or may lack the structural and/or legal protections necessary to ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand. |
Corporate Finance Obligations — Long-Term Rating Scales . Ratings of individual securities or financial obligations of a corporate issuer address relative vulnerability to default on an ordinal scale. In addition, for financial obligations in corporate finance, a measure of recovery given default on that liability also is included in the rating assessment. This notably applies to covered bond ratings, which incorporate both an indication of the probability of default and of the recovery given a default of this debt instrument.
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The relationship between issuer scale and obligation scale assumes an historical average recovery of between 30%–50% on the senior, unsecured obligations of an issuer. As a result, individual obligations of entities, such as corporations, are assigned ratings higher, lower or the same as that entity's issuer rating.
Highest credit quality: " AAA " ratings denote the lowest expectation of credit risk. They are assigned only in cases of exceptionally strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is highly unlikely to be adversely affected by foreseeable events.
Very high credit quality: " AA " ratings denote expectations of very low credit risk. They indicate very strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable events.
High credit quality: " A " ratings denote expectations of low credit risk. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered strong. This capacity may, nevertheless, be more vulnerable to adverse business or economic conditions than is the case for higher ratings.
Good credit quality: " BBB " ratings indicate that expectations of credit risk are currently low. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered adequate but adverse business or economic conditions are more likely to impair this capacity.
Speculative: " BB " ratings indicate an elevated vulnerability to credit risk, particularly in the event of adverse changes in business or economic conditions over time; however, business or financial alternatives may be available to allow financial commitments to be met.
Highly speculative: " B " ratings indicate that material credit risk is present.
Substantial credit risk: " CCC " ratings indicate that substantial credit risk is present.
Very high levels of credit risk: " CC " ratings indicate very high levels of credit risk.
Exceptionally high levels of credit risk: " C " indicates exceptionally high levels of credit risk.
Defaulted obligations typically are not assigned "D" ratings, but are instead rated in the "B" to "C" rating categories, depending upon their recovery prospects and other relevant characteristics. This approach better aligns obligations that have comparable overall expected loss but varying vulnerability to default and loss.
Note: The modifiers "+" or "-" may be appended to a rating to denote relative status within major rating categories. Such suffixes are not added to the "AAA" obligation rating category, or to corporate finance obligation ratings in the categories below "B."
Structured, Project & Public Finance Obligations — Long-Term Rating Scales . Ratings of structured finance, project finance and public finance obligations on the long-term scale, including the financial obligations of sovereigns, consider the obligations' relative vulnerability to default. These ratings are typically assigned to an individual security or tranche in a transaction and not to an issuer.
Highest credit quality: " AAA " ratings denote the lowest expectation of default risk. They are assigned only in cases of exceptionally strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is highly unlikely to be adversely affected by foreseeable events.
Very high credit quality: " AA " ratings denote expectations of very low default risk. They indicate very strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable events.
High credit quality: " A " ratings denote expectations of low default risk. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered strong. This capacity may, nevertheless, be more vulnerable to adverse business or economic conditions than is the case for higher ratings.
Good credit quality: " BBB " ratings indicate that expectations of default risk are currently low. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered adequate but adverse business or economic conditions are more likely to impair this capacity.
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Speculative: " BB " ratings indicate an elevated vulnerability to default risk, particularly in the event of adverse changes in business or economic conditions over time.
Highly speculative: " B " ratings indicate that material default risk is present, but a limited margin of safety remains. Financial commitments are currently being met; however, capacity for continued payment is vulnerable to deterioration in the business and economic environment.
Substantial credit risk: " CCC " indicates that default is a real possibility.
Very high levels of credit risk: " CC " indicates that default of some kind appears probable.
Exceptionally high levels of credit risk: " C " indicates that default appears imminent or inevitable.
Default: " D " indicates a default. Default generally is defined as one of the following:
· failure to make payment of principal and/or interest under the contractual terms of the rated obligation;
· the bankruptcy filings, administration, receivership, liquidation or other winding-up or cessation of the business of an issuer/obligor; or
· the coercive exchange of an obligation, where creditors were offered securities with diminished structural or economic terms compared with the existing obligation.
Short-Term Ratings Assigned to Obligations in Corporate, Public and Structured Finance . A short-term issuer or obligation rating is based in all cases on the short-term vulnerability to default of the rated entity or security stream and relates to the capacity to meet financial obligations in accordance with the documentation governing the relevant obligation. Short-term ratings are assigned to obligations whose initial maturity is viewed as "short-term" based on market convention. Typically, this means up to 13 months for corporate, sovereign and structured obligations, and up to 36 months for obligations in U.S. public finance markets.
Highest short-term credit quality: " F1 " indicates the strongest intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments; may have an added "+" to denote any exceptionally strong credit feature.
Good short-term credit quality: " F2 " indicates good intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments.
Fair short-term credit quality: " F3 " indicates that the intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is adequate.
Speculative short-term credit quality: " B " indicates minimal capacity for timely payment of financial commitments, plus heightened vulnerability to near term adverse changes in financial and economic conditions.
High short-term default risk: " C " indicates that default is a real possibility.
Restricted default: " RD " indicates an entity that has defaulted on one or more of its financial commitments, although it continues to meet other financial obligations. Applicable to entity ratings only.
Default: " D " indicates a broad-based default event for an entity, or the default of a specific short-term obligation.
Long Term Obligations . The DBRS long-term rating scale provides an opinion on the risk of default. That is, the risk that an issuer will fail to satisfy its financial obligations in accordance with the terms under which an obligation has been issued. Ratings are based on quantitative and qualitative considerations relevant to the issuer, and the relative ranking of claims. All ratings categories other than AAA and D also contain subcategories "(high)" and "(low)." The absence of either a "(high)" or "(low)" designation indicates the rating is in the middle of the category.
Long-term debt rated " AAA" is considered to be of the highest credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is exceptionally high and unlikely to be adversely affected by future events.
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Long-term debt rated " AA " is considered to be of superior credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is considered high. Credit quality differs from AAA only to a small degree. Unlikely to be significantly vulnerable to future events.
Long-term debt rated " A " is considered to be of good credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is substantial, but of lesser credit quality than AA. May be vulnerable to future events, but qualifying negative factors are considered manageable.
Long-term debt rated " BBB " is considered to be of adequate credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is considered acceptable. May be vulnerable to future events.
Long-term debt rated " BB " is considered to be of speculative, non-investment-grade credit quality. The capacity for the payment of future obligations is uncertain. Vulnerable to future events.
Long-term debt rated " B " is considered to be of highly speculative credit quality. There is a high level of uncertainty as to the capacity to meet financial obligations.
Long-term debt rated " CCC ," " CC " or " C " is of very highly speculative credit quality. In danger of defaulting on financial obligations. There is little difference between these three categories, although CC and C ratings are normally applied to obligations that are seen as highly likely to default, or subordinated to obligations rated in the CCC to B range. Obligations in respect of which default has not technically taken place but is considered inevitable may be rated in the C category.
A " D " rating implies a financial obligation has not been met or it is clear that a financial obligation will not met in the near future or a debt instrument has been subject to a distressed exchange. A downgrade to D may not immediately follow an insolvency or restructuring filing as grace periods or extenuating circumstances may exist.
Commercial Paper and Short Term Debt . The DBRS short-term debt rating scale provides an opinion on the risk that an issuer will not meet its short-term financial obligations in a timely manner. Ratings are based on quantitative and qualitative considerations relevant to the issuer and the relative ranking of claims. The R-1 and R-2 rating are further denoted by the subcategories "(high)," "(middle)" and "(low)."
Short-term debt rated " R-1 (high) " is considered to be of the highest credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is exceptionally high. Unlikely to be adversely affected by future events.
Short-term debt rated " R-1 (middle) " is considered to be of superior credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is very high. Differs from R-1 (high) by a relatively modest degree. Unlikely to be significantly vulnerable to future events.
Short-term debt rated " R-1 (low) " is considered to be of good credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is substantial. Overall strength is not as favorable as higher rating categories. May be vulnerable to future events, but qualifying negative factors are considered manageable.
Short-term debt rated " R-2 (high) " is considered to be at the upper end of adequate credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is acceptable. May be vulnerable to future events.
Short-term debt rated " R-2 (middle) " is considered to be of adequate credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is acceptable. May be vulnerable to future events or may be exposed to other factors that could reduce credit quality.
Short-term debt rated " R-2 (low) " is considered to be at the lower end of adequate credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is acceptable. May be vulnerable to future events. A number of challenges are present that could affect the issuer's ability to meet such obligations.
Short-term debt rated " R-3 " is considered to be at the lowest end of adequate credit quality. There is a capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due. May be vulnerable to future events and the certainty of meeting such obligations could be impacted by a variety of developments.
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Short-term debt rated " R-4 " is considered to be of speculative credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is uncertain.
Short-term debt rated " R-5 " is considered to be of highly speculative credit quality. There is a high level of uncertainty as to the capacity to meet short-term financial obligations as they fall due.
A security rated " D " implies that a financial obligation has not been met or it is clear that a financial obligation will not met in the near future, or a debt instrument has been subject to a distressed exchange. A downgrade to D may not immediately follow an insolvency or restructuring filing as grace periods, other procedural considerations or extenuating circumstances may exist.
Boards' Oversight Role in Management
The boards' role in management of the funds is oversight. As is the case with virtually all investment companies (as distinguished from operating companies), service providers to the funds, primarily the Manager and its affiliates, have responsibility for the day-to-day management of the funds, which includes responsibility for risk management (including management of investment risk, valuation risk, issuer and counterparty credit risk, compliance risk and operational risk). As part of their oversight, the boards, acting at their scheduled meetings, or the Chairman, acting between board meetings, regularly interacts with and receives reports from senior personnel of service providers, including the Manager's Chief Investment Officer (or a senior representative of his office), the funds' and the Manager's Chief Compliance Officer and portfolio management personnel. The boards' audit committee (which consists of all Independent board members) meets during its regularly scheduled and special meetings, and between meetings the audit committee chair is available to the funds' independent registered public accounting firm and the funds' Chief Financial Officer. The boards also receive periodic presentations from senior personnel of Dreyfus and its affiliates regarding risk management generally, as well as periodic presentations regarding specific operational, compliance or investment areas, such as business continuity, anti-money laundering, personal trading, valuation, credit, investment research and securities lending. As warranted, the boards also receive informational reports from the boards' independent legal counsel (and, if applicable, separate counsel to the fund) regarding regulatory compliance and governance matters. The boards have adopted policies and procedures designed to address certain risks to the funds. In addition, the Manager and other service providers to the funds have adopted a variety of policies, procedures and controls designed to address particular risks to the funds. Different processes, procedures and controls are employed with respect to different types of risks. However, it is not possible to eliminate all of the risks applicable to the funds, and the board's risk management oversight is subject to inherent limitations.
Board Composition and Leadership Structure
The 1940 Act requires that at least 40% of the board members be Independent Board Members and as such not affiliated with the Manager. To rely on certain exemptive rules under the 1940 Act, a majority of the funds' board members must be Independent Board Members, and for certain important matters, such as the approval of investment advisory agreements or transactions with affiliates, the 1940 Act or the rules thereunder require the approval of a majority of the Independent Board Members. Currently, except as noted in Part I of this SAI, all of the funds' board members, including the Chairman of the Boards, are Independent Board Members. The boards have determined that their leadership structure, in which the Chairman of the Boards is not affiliated with the Manager, is appropriate in light of the specific characteristics and circumstances of the funds, including, but not limited to: (i) services that the Manager and its affiliates provide to the funds and potential conflicts of interest that could arise from these relationships; (ii) the extent to which the day-to-day operations of the funds are conducted by fund officers and employees of the Manager and its affiliates; and (iii) the boards' oversight role in management of the funds.
Additional Information About the Boards and Their Committees
Board members are elected to serve for an indefinite term. The boards have standing audit, nominating and compensation committees, each comprised of Independent Board Members. The functions of the audit committees are (i) to oversee the funds' accounting and financial reporting processes and the audits of the funds' financial
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statements and (ii) to assist in the boards' oversight of the integrity of the funds' financial statements, the funds' compliance with legal and regulatory requirements and the independent registered public accounting firm's qualifications, independence and performance. The nominating committees are responsible for selecting and nominating persons as members of the boards for election or appointment by the boards and for election by shareholders. In evaluating potential nominees, including any nominees recommended by shareholders, a committee takes into consideration various factors listed in the nominating committee charter. The nominating committees will consider recommendations for nominees from shareholders submitted to the Secretary of the Dreyfus Family of Funds, c/o The Dreyfus Corporation Legal Department, 200 Park Avenue, 8 th Floor East, New York, New York 10166, which include information regarding the recommended nominee as specified in the nominating committee charter. The function of the compensation committees is to establish appropriate compensation for serving on the boards. The boards also have standing pricing committees comprised of any one board member. The function of the pricing committee is to assist in valuing fund investments.
The Manager is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BNY Mellon. Dreyfus is the primary mutual fund business of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation, a global financial services company focused on helping clients manage and service their financial assets, operating in 36 countries and serving more than 100 markets. BNY Mellon is a leading provider of financial services for institutions, corporations and high-net-worth individuals, providing investment management and investment services through a worldwide client-focused team. BNY Mellon Asset Management is the umbrella organization for BNY Mellon's affiliated investment management firms and global distribution companies. Additional information is available at www.bnymellon.com.
The Manager generally maintains office facilities on behalf of the funds, and furnishes statistical and research data, clerical help, data processing, bookkeeping and internal auditing and certain other required services to the funds (including, when a fund does not have a separate administration agreement, accounting and administration services). Dreyfus may pay the Distributor for shareholder services from Dreyfus' own assets, including past profits but not including the management fee paid by the funds. The Distributor may use part or all of such payments to pay Service Agents. Dreyfus also may make such advertising and promotional expenditures, using its own resources, as it from time to time deems appropriate.
See the prospectus to determine if any of the information about Sub-Advisers (below and elsewhere in this SAI) applies to your fund.
For funds with one or more Sub-Advisers, the Manager has entered into a Sub-Advisory Agreement with each Sub-Adviser. A Sub-Adviser provides day-to-day investment management of a fund's portfolio (or a portion thereof allocated by the Manager), and certain related services.
The following is a list of persons (to the extent known by the fund) who are deemed to control each Sub-Adviser by virtue of ownership of stock or other interests of the Sub-Adviser. Companies listed are in the asset management or other financial services business. For BNY Mellon ARX, Mellon Capital, Newton, Standish, TBCAM, Urdang and Walter Scott, which are all wholly-owned subsidiaries of BNY Mellon, see "The Manager" above for ownership information.
CCM : Andrew S. Cupps
Geneva : Amy S. Croen, William A. Priebe, Linda J. Priebe and Priebe Living Trust dated 04/01/98 (William A. Priebe and Linda J. Priebe, Trustees)
Hamon : Hamon Investment Holdings Ltd. and Simon Associates Ltd.; Hamon also is an affiliate of BNY Mellon
Iridian : David L. Cohen and Harold J. Levy
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King : Roger E. King
Lombardia : George G. Castro, Alvin W. Marley and Lombardia Capital Partners, Inc.
Neuberger Berman : Neuberger Berman Group LLC and NBSH Acquisition, LLC
Nicholas : Catherine C. Nicholas and Arthur E. Nicholas
Riverbridge : Mark A. Thompson
Sarofim & Co. : Fayez S. Sarofim
TS&W : OM Group (UK) Limited, Old Mutual plc and Old Mutual (US) Holdings, Inc.
Walthausen : John B. Walthausen
EACM, a wholly-owned subsidiary of BNY Mellon, has been engaged as the Portfolio Allocation Manager for certain funds as described in the prospectus. EACM is responsible for evaluating and recommending Sub-Advisers for these funds. It is expected that differences in investment returns among the portions of a fund managed by different Sub-Advisers will cause the actual percentage of the fund's assets managed by each Sub-Adviser to vary over time.
Portfolio Managers and Portfolio Manager Compensation
See the prospectus to determine which portions of the information provided below apply to your fund.
For funds other than money market funds, an Affiliated Entity or the Sub-Adviser(s), as applicable, provide the funds with portfolio managers who are authorized by the board to execute purchases and sales of securities. For the TBCAM Stock Funds, portfolio managers are employed by the Manager. Portfolio managers are compensated by the company that employs them, and are not compensated by the funds. Each fund's portfolio managers are listed in Part I of this SAI.
The following provides information about the compensation policies for portfolio managers.
BNY Mellon ARX . A portfolio manager's cash compensation is comprised primarily of a market-based base salary and variable incentives paid (biannually) from BNY Mellon ARX's profits. The primary objectives of BNY Mellon ARX's compensation structure are to motivate and reward continued growth and profitability and to attract and retain high-performing individuals. BNY Mellon ARX evaluates portfolio managers not only for their direct performance results, but also for their contribution to BNY Mellon ARX.
CCM . Through Andrew Cupps' ownership of the firm, he participates directly in the revenue of the firm, which is determined by the performance of the firm's accounts, including the relevant funds, and the assets under management by the firm. He also is compensated with a base salary.
EACM . Employees at EACM, including investment professionals ( e.g ., portfolio managers), generally receive two forms of compensation: a base salary and a discretionary annual bonus (based on the firm's profitability and their performance). The discretionary bonus is based upon an individual's overall performance, with as much emphasis (for the relevant personnel) on contribution to the risk monitoring and quality control areas as there is on generating superior performance. Personal performance and firm performance are roughly equally weighted. As part of EACM's retention plan for key management personnel, a portion of each annual bonus pool also is invested in an offshore fund of hedge funds managed by EACM and vests over a period of three years.
Geneva . Total compensation for the portfolio management team, in which each member is a principal of the firm, includes a base salary plus a fixed percentage of Geneva's profits based on ownership. Geneva believes that its compensation plan allows for the portfolio management team to focus on delivering long-term performance for its
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clients. Geneva also offers eligible employees the opportunity to participate in a company sponsored 401(k) retirement plan.
Hamon . Portfolio manager compensation is comprised of a market-based salary and an annual incentive plan. Under the annual incentive plan, portfolio managers may receive a bonus of up to two times their annual salary, at the discretion of management. In determining the amount of the bonus, significant consideration is given to the portfolio manager's investment portfolio performance over a one-year period (weighted 75%) and a three-year period (weighted 25%) compared to peer groups and relevant indexes. Other factors considered are individual qualitative performance, asset size and revenue growth of the product and funds managed by the portfolio manager.
Iridian . Iridian's compensation structure includes the following components: base salary, 401(k) retirement plan, and annual bonus if warranted by the overall financial success of the firm. Bonuses are based on performance.
King . Total compensation for the portfolio management team, of which each member is a principal of King, includes a fixed annual salary and may include a discretionary annual bonus.
Lombardia . Lombardia's compensation packages for its portfolio managers are comprised of base salaries and performance bonuses. For performance bonuses, each investment professional is evaluated by Lombardia's compensation committee using a combination of quantitative and subjective factors. The quantitative weight is 65% and the subjective weight is 35%. The quantitative measure is based on an internal attribution report broken down by analyst and focused on stock selection. Given that each of Lombardia's products has a stock picking strategy, Lombardia believes that this is the best measure of added value. Lombardia's compensation committee then considers three factors: (i) new idea generation, (ii) teamwork and (iii) work ethic. New idea generation is intended to capture the quality and frequency of new idea generation. This factor credits or penalizes ideas that do not make it into the portfolios. Teamwork and work ethic will be measured both within individual teams and across the organization. The compensation of Alvin W. Marley, a 25% owner of the firm, also is based on overall firm profitability.
Mellon Capital . The primary objectives of the Mellon Capital compensation plans are to:
· Motivate and reward superior investment and business performance
· Motivate and reward continued growth and profitability
· Attract and retain high-performing individuals critical to the on-going success of Mellon Capital
· Create an ownership mentality for all plan participants
Cash compensation is comprised primarily of a market-based base salary and (variable) incentives (cash and deferred). Base salary is determined by the employees' experience and performance in the role, taking into account the ongoing compensation benchmark analyses. Base salary is generally a fixed amount that may change as a result of an annual review, upon assumption of new duties, or when a market adjustment of the position occurs. Funding for the Mellon Capital Annual and Long Term Incentive Plan is through a pre-determined fixed percentage of overall Mellon Capital profitability. Therefore, all bonus awards are based initially on Mellon Capital's financial performance. Annual incentive opportunities are pre-established for each individual, expressed as a percentage of base salary ("target awards"). These targets are derived based on a review of competitive market data for each position annually. Annual awards are determined by applying multiples to this target award. Awards are 100% discretionary. Factors considered in awards include individual performance, team performance, investment performance of the associated portfolio(s) (including both short and long term returns) and qualitative behavioral factors. Other factors considered in determining the award are the asset size and revenue growth/retention of the products managed (if applicable). Awards are paid partially in cash with the balance deferred through the Long Term Incentive Plan.
Participants in the Long Term Incentive Plan have a high level of accountability and a large impact on the success of the business due to the position's scope and overall responsibility. This plan provides for an annual award, payable in cash after a three-year cliff vesting period, as well as a grant of BNY Mellon Restricted Stock for senior level roles.
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The same methodology described above is used to determine portfolio manager compensation with respect to the management of mutual funds and other accounts. Mutual fund portfolio managers are also eligible for the standard retirement benefits and health and welfare benefits available to all Mellon Capital employees. Certain portfolio managers may be eligible for additional retirement benefits under several supplemental retirement plans that Mellon Capital provides to restore dollar-for-dollar the benefits of management employees that had been cut back solely as a result of certain limits due to tax laws. These plans are structured to provide the same retirement benefits as the standard retirement benefits. In addition, mutual fund portfolio managers whose compensation exceeds certain limits may elect to defer a portion of their salary and/or bonus under the BNY Mellon Deferred Compensation Plan for Employees.
Neuberger Berman . Neuberger Berman's compensation philosophy is one that focuses on rewarding performance and incentivizing its employees. Neuberger Berman also is focused on creating a compensation process that is fair, transparent, and competitive with the market. Compensation for portfolio managers is more heavily weighted on the variable portion of total compensation and reflects individual performance, overall contribution to the team, collaboration with colleagues across Neuberger Berman and, most importantly, overall investment performance. The bonus for a portfolio manager is determined by using a formula which may or may not contain a discretionary component. The discretionary component is determined on the basis of a variety of criteria including investment performance (including the pre-tax three-year track record in order to emphasize long-term performance), utilization of central resources (including research, sales and operations/support), business building to further the longer term sustainable success of the investment team, effective team/people management and overall contribution to the success of Neuberger Berman. In addition, compensation of portfolio managers at other comparable firms is considered, with an eye toward remaining competitive with the market. The terms of long-term retention incentives at Neuberger Berman are as follows:
Employee-Owned Equity . An integral part of the management buyout of Neuberger Berman in 2009 was implementing an equity ownership structure which embodies the importance of incentivizing and retaining key investment professionals. The senior portfolio managers on the mutual fund teams are key shareholders in the equity ownership structure. On a yearly basis over the subsequent five years, the equity ownership allocations will be re-evaluated and re-allocated based on performance and other key metrics. A set percentage of employee equity and preferred stock is subject to vesting.
Contingent Compensation Plan . Neuberger Berman also has established the Neuberger Berman Group Contingent Compensation Plan pursuant to which a certain percentage of an employee's compensation is deemed contingent and vests over a three-year period. Under the plan, most participating employees who are members of mutual fund investment teams will receive a cash return on their contingent compensation with a portion of such return being determined based on the team's investment performance, as well as the performance of a portfolio of other investment funds managed by Neuberger Berman Group investment professionals.
Restrictive Covenants . Portfolio managers who have received equity interests have agreed to certain restrictive covenants, which impose obligations and restrictions with respect to confidential information and employee and client solicitation.
Certain portfolio managers may manage products other than mutual funds, such as high-net-worth separate accounts. For the management of these accounts, a portfolio manager may generally receive a percentage of pre-tax revenue determined on a monthly basis less certain deductions ( e.g. , a "finder's fee" or "referral fee" paid to a third party). The percentage of revenue a portfolio manager receives will vary based on certain revenue thresholds.
Newton . Portfolio manager compensation is primarily comprised of a market-based salary, annual cash bonus and participation in the Newton Long Term Incentive Plan. The level of variable compensation (annual cash bonus and Newton Long Term Incentive Plan) ranges from 0% of base salary to in excess of 200% of base salary, depending upon corporate profits, team performance and individual performance. The annual cash bonus is discretionary. Portfolio manager awards are heavily weighted towards their investment performance relative to both benchmarks and peer comparisons and individual qualitative performance. Awards also are reviewed against market data from industry compensation consultants such as McLagan Partners to ensure comparability with competitors. The portfolio managers also are eligible to participate, at the discretion of management, in the Newton Long Term Incentive Plan. This plan provides for an annual cash award that vests after four years. The value of the award may change during the vesting period based upon changes in Newton's operating income. Portfolio managers also are
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eligible to join the BNY Mellon Group Personal Pension Plan. Employer contributions are invested in individual member accounts. The value of the fund is not guaranteed and fluctuates based on market factors.
Nicholas . Portfolio managers are partners of the firm. Nicholas' compensation structure for its portfolio managers specifically aligns their goals with that of Nicholas' clients, rewards investment performance and promotes teamwork through their partnership in the firm. Portfolio managers typically receive a base salary and, as partners of the firm, proportionately share in the aggregate profits of Nicholas. In addition to cash compensation, portfolio managers receive a benefit package.
Riverbridge . Riverbridge has three levels of compensation for investment team members. Investment team members are compensated with a base compensation believed to be industry competitive relative to their level of responsibility. The second level of compensation is predicated on the overall performance of the investment team and individual contributions to the team. The chief investment officer makes a qualitative evaluation of the performance of the individual team member that contemplates contributions made for the current year and considers contributions made during the course of the last several years. Evaluation factors include, but are not limited to, the performance of the relevant funds and other accounts managed relative to expectations for how those funds and accounts should have performed, given their objective, policies, strategies and limitations, and the market environment during the measurement period. This performance factor is not based on the value of assets held in the portfolio strategy. Additional factors considered include quality of research conducted, contributions made to the overall betterment of the investment team and contribution to the betterment of the firm. The actual variable compensation may be more or less than the target amount, based on how well the individual satisfies the objectives stated above. Multi-year time periods are used to evaluate the individual performance of investment team members. Riverbridge stresses superior long-term performance and accordingly benchmarks portfolio managers' performance against comparable peer managers and the appropriate strategy benchmark. The third level of compensation is ownership in the firm. Riverbridge also has adopted a 401(k) Safe Harbor Plan that allows employees to contribute the maximum amount allowed by law. Generally, all employees are eligible to participate in the plan. Riverbridge matches annually the employee's contribution in an amount equal to 100% of the first 3% of each employee's contribution and 50% of the next 2%.
Sarofim & Co . The portfolio managers are compensated through (i) payment of a fixed annual salary and discretionary annual bonus that may be based on a number of factors, including fund performance, the performance of other accounts and the overall performance of Sarofim & Co. over various time frames, including one-year, two-year and three-year periods, and (ii) the possible issuance of stock options and incentive stock options. The fixed annual salary amounts and the discretionary annual bonus amounts constitute the largest component of the portfolio managers' compensation, and these amounts are determined annually through a comprehensive review process pursuant to which executive officers and the members of Sarofim & Co.'s board of directors review and consider the accomplishments and development of each portfolio manager, especially with respect to those client accounts involving the portfolio manager. A lesser component of the portfolio managers' compensation results from the possible issuance of stock options and incentive stock options. Portfolio managers are sometimes granted stock options and incentive stock options to acquire shares of the capital stock of The Sarofim Group, Inc., the ultimate corporate parent of Sarofim & Co. The decisions as to whether to issue such options and to whom the options are to be issued are made in conjunction with the annual salary and bonus review process, and the options are issued pursuant to a stock option plan adopted by The Sarofim Group, Inc. The options are not based on the particular performance or asset value of any particular client account or of all client accounts as a group, but rather the performance and accomplishments of the individual to whom the option is to be granted. There are various aspects of the review process that are designed to provide objectivity, but, in the final analysis, the evaluation is a subjective one that is based upon a collective overall assessment. There are, however, no specified formulas or benchmarks tied to the particular performance or asset value of any particular client account or of all client accounts as a group.
Standish . The portfolio managers' compensation is comprised primarily of a market-based salary and an incentive compensation plan (annual and long-term). Funding for the Standish Incentive Plan is through a pre-determined fixed percentage of overall company profitability. Therefore, all bonus awards are based initially on Standish's overall performance as opposed to the performance of a single product or group. All investment professionals are eligible to receive incentive awards. Cash awards are payable in the February month end pay of the following year. Most of the awards granted have some portion deferred for three years in the form of deferred cash, BNY Mellon equity, investment vehicle (consisting of investments in a range of Standish products), or a combination of the
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above. Individual awards for portfolio managers are discretionary, based on both individual and multi-sector product risk adjusted performance relative to both benchmarks and peer comparisons over one year, three year and five year periods. Also considered in determining individual awards are team participation and general contributions to Standish. Individual objectives and goals are also established at the beginning of each calendar year and are taken into account. Portfolio managers whose compensation exceeds certain levels may elect to defer portions of their base salaries and/or incentive compensation pursuant to BNY Mellon's Elective Deferred Compensation Plan.
TBCAM .
Investment Professionals
. With the exception of the most senior portfolio managers of TBCAM, investment professionals' cash compensation is comprised primarily of a market-based salary and incentive compensation, including both annual and long-term incentive awards. Annual cash and long-term incentive opportunities are pre-established for each individual based upon competitive industry compensation benchmarks. Incentive pools are distributed to the respective product teams (in the aggregate) based upon product performance relative to firm-wide financial performance. Further allocations are made to individual team members by the product portfolio manager based upon individual contribution, individual investment performance, and other qualitative factors.
Select Senior Portfolio Managers
. Select senior portfolio managers participate in a more formal structured compensation plan. This plan is designed to compensate TBCAM's investment professionals for superior investment performance and business results. It is a two stage model: an opportunity range is determined based on the level of current business (assets under management, revenue) and an assessment of long-term business value (growth, retention, development). A significant portion of the opportunity awarded is structured and based upon the one-year, three-year and five-year (three-year and five-year weighted more heavily) pre-tax performance of a portfolio manager's accounts relative to the performance of the appropriate peer groups. Other factors considered in determining the award are individual qualitative performance based on discretionary factors ( e.g. , leadership, teamwork, etc.) and the asset size and revenue growth or retention of the products managed. In addition, awards for portfolio managers that manage alternative strategies are partially based on a portion of the fund's realized performance fee.
Incentive compensation awards are generally subject to management discretion and pool funding availability. Funding for The Boston Company Annual Incentive Plan and Long Term Retention Incentive Plan is through a pre-determined fixed percentage of overall TBCAM profitability. Awards are generally paid in cash on an annual basis, however many investment professionals receive a portion of their annual incentive award in deferred vehicles.
TS&W . For each portfolio manager, TS&W's compensation structure includes the following components: base salary, annual bonus, deferred profit sharing and the ability to participate in a voluntary income deferral plan.
Base Salary . Each portfolio manager is paid a fixed base salary, which varies among portfolio managers depending on the experience and responsibilities of the portfolio manager as well as the strength or weakness of the employment market at the time the portfolio manager is hired or upon any renewal period .
Bonus . Each portfolio manager is eligible to receive an annual bonus. Targeted bonus amounts vary among portfolio managers based on the experience level and responsibilities of the portfolio manager. Bonus amounts are discretionary and tied to overall performance versus individual objectives. Performance versus peer groups and benchmarks are taken into consideration. For capacity constrained products, like small cap value, the small cap portfolio manager has an incentive program tied to the revenue generated in that product area.
Deferred Profit Sharing . All employees are eligible to receive annual profit sharing contributions under a qualified profit sharing plan, subject to IRS limitations. Discretionary contributions are made on an annual basis at the sole discretion of TS&W.
Deferred Compensation Plan . Portfolio managers meeting certain requirements also are eligible to participate in a voluntary, nonqualified deferred compensation plan that allows participants to defer a portion of their income on a pre-tax basis and potentially earn tax-deferred returns.
Equity Plan . Key employees may be awarded deferred TS&W equity grants. In addition, key employees may purchase TS&W equity directly.
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Urdang . The portfolio managers' compensation is comprised of a market-based salary and incentive compensation, including both annual and long-term retention incentive awards. Portfolio managers' incentive opportunities are 100% discretionary and are pre-established for each individual based upon competitive industry compensation benchmarks.
In addition to annual incentives, portfolio managers also are eligible to participate in Urdang's Long Term Incentive Cash Award Plan. This plan provides for an annual award, payable to participants (generally senior level executives) 50% in deferred cash and 50% in BNY Mellon Restricted Stock. These awards have a three-year cliff vest, with the participant becoming 100% vested on the third anniversary of the grant date, provided the employee remains an employee of the company. The deferred cash portion is generally invested by Urdang in affiliated mutual funds.
Walter Scott . Compensation generally consists of base salary, bonus, and various long-term incentive compensation vehicles, if eligible. In addition, portfolio managers are eligible for the standard retirement benefits and health and welfare benefits available to all BNY Mellon employees and those of its affiliated sub-advisers.
In the case of portfolio managers responsible for managing a fund and managed accounts, the method used to determine their compensation is generally the same for all funds and investment accounts. A portfolio manager's base salary is determined by the portfolio manager's experience and performance in the role, taking into account BNY Mellon's analysis of current industry compensation norms and market data to ensure that the portfolio managers are paid a competitive base salary. A portfolio manager's base salary is generally a fixed amount that may change as a result of periodic reviews, upon assumption of new duties, or when a market adjustment of the position occurs.
A portfolio manager's bonus, which varies from year to year, is determined by a number of factors. One factor is gross, pre-tax performance of the fund(s) managed by the portfolio manager relative to expectations for how the fund(s) should have performed, given its/their objectives, policies, strategies and limitations, and the market environment during the measurement period. This performance factor is not based on the value of assets held in the portfolio(s) of the fund(s). For each fund, the performance factor depends on how the portfolio manager performs relative to the fund's benchmark and the fund's peer group, over one-year and three-year time periods. While the performance of other accounts managed by a portfolio manager is taken into consideration, because all accounts managed by the portfolio manager are managed in a similar manner, performance of the fund(s) managed by the portfolio manager is considered to be the most reliable proxy for a portfolio manager's overall performance. Additional factors include the portfolio manager's contributions to the investment management functions within his or her specialty, contributions to the development of other investment professionals and supporting staff, and overall contributions to strategic planning and decisions for the investment group. The bonus is paid on an annual basis.
Walthausen . All members of Walthausen have common stock ownership in the firm. This is a founding principle of the firm, which Walthausen believes maximizes the alignment of goals for the firm and its clients. As the firm grows, Walthausen intends to expand ownership to new team members after an initial review period. Walthausen's compensation structure consists of base salary, bonus and profit sharing. Each member of the investment team receives a base salary which is commensurate with past experience and role within the firm. Bonuses are similarly awarded for performance. As the firm grows, Walthausen intends to allocate profits across ownership levels.
Certain Conflicts of Interest with Other Accounts
Portfolio managers may manage multiple accounts for a diverse client base, including mutual funds, separate accounts (assets managed on behalf of institutions such as pension funds, insurance companies and foundations), bank common trust accounts and wrap fee programs ("Other Accounts").
Potential conflicts of interest may arise because of an Adviser's management of a fund and Other Accounts. For example, conflicts of interest may arise with both the aggregation and allocation of securities transactions and allocation of limited investment opportunities, as an Adviser may be perceived as causing accounts it manages to participate in an offering to increase the Adviser's overall allocation of securities in that offering, or to increase the Adviser's ability to participate in future offerings by the same underwriter or issuer. Allocations of bunched trades, particularly trade orders that were only partially filled due to limited availability, and allocation of investment opportunities generally, could raise a potential conflict of interest, as an Adviser may have an incentive to allocate
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securities that are expected to increase in value to preferred accounts. IPOs, in particular, are frequently of very limited availability. Additionally, portfolio managers may be perceived to have a conflict of interest if there are a large number of Other Accounts, in addition to the fund, that they are managing on behalf of an Adviser. The Advisers periodically review each portfolio manager's overall responsibilities to ensure that he or she is able to allocate the necessary time and resources to effectively manage the fund. In addition, an Adviser could be viewed as having a conflict of interest to the extent that the Adviser or its affiliates and/or portfolio managers have a materially larger investment in Other Accounts than their investment in the fund.
Other Accounts may have investment objectives, strategies and risks that differ from those of the relevant fund. For these or other reasons, the portfolio managers may purchase different securities for the fund and the Other Accounts, and the performance of securities purchased for the fund may vary from the performance of securities purchased for Other Accounts. The portfolio managers may place transactions on behalf of Other Accounts that are directly or indirectly contrary to investment decisions made for the fund, which could have the potential to adversely impact the fund, depending on market conditions.
A potential conflict of interest may be perceived to arise if transactions in one account closely follow related transactions in another account, such as when a purchase increases the value of securities previously purchased by the other account, or when a sale in one account lowers the sale price received in a sale by a second account.
BNY Mellon and its affiliates, including the Manager, Sub-Advisers affiliated with the Manager and others involved in the management, sales, investment activities, business operations or distribution of the funds, are engaged in businesses and have interests other than that of managing the funds. These activities and interests include potential multiple advisory, transaction, financial and other interests in securities, instruments and companies that may be directly or indirectly purchased or sold by the funds or the funds' service providers, which may cause conflicts that could disadvantage the funds.
BNY Mellon and its affiliates may have deposit, loan and commercial banking or other relationships with the issuers of securities purchased by the funds. BNY Mellon has no obligation to provide to the Manager or the funds, or effect transaction on behalf of the funds in accordance with, any market or other information, analysis, or research in its possession. Consequently, BNY Mellon (including, but not limited to, BNY Mellon's central Risk Management Department) may have information that could be material to the management of the funds and may not share that information with relevant personnel of the Manager. Accordingly, the Manager has informed management of the funds that in making investment decisions it does not obtain or use material inside information that BNY Mellon or its affiliates may possess with respect to such issuers.
Code of Ethics . The funds, the Manager, the Sub-Advisers and the Distributor each have adopted a Code of Ethics that permits its personnel, subject to such respective Code of Ethics, to invest in securities, including securities that may be purchased or held by a fund. The Code of Ethics subjects the personal securities transactions of employees to various restrictions to ensure that such trading does not disadvantage any fund. In that regard, portfolio managers and other investment personnel employed by the Manager or an Affiliated Entity must preclear and report their personal securities transactions and holdings, which are reviewed for compliance with the Code of Ethics and also are subject to the oversight of BNY Mellon's Investment Ethics Committee. Portfolio managers and other investment personnel may be permitted to purchase, sell or hold securities which also may be or are held in fund(s) they manage or for which they otherwise provide investment advice.
The Distributor, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dreyfus, located at 200 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10166, serves as each fund's distributor on a best efforts basis pursuant to an agreement, renewable annually, with the fund or the corporation or trust of which it is a part. The Distributor also serves as distributor for the other funds in the Dreyfus Family of Funds and BNY Mellon Funds Trust.
Depending on your fund's distribution arrangements and share classes offered, not all of the language below may be applicable to your fund (see the prospectus and "How to Buy Shares" in Part II of this SAI to determine your fund's arrangements and share classes).
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The Distributor compensates from its own assets certain Service Agents for selling Class A shares subject to a CDSC and Class C shares at the time of purchase. The proceeds of the CDSCs and fees pursuant to a fund's 12b-1 Plan, in part, are used to defray the expenses incurred by the Distributor in connection with the sale of the applicable class of a fund's shares. The Distributor also may act as a Service Agent and retain sales loads and CDSCs and 12b-1 Plan fees. For purchases of Class A shares subject to a CDSC and Class C shares, the Distributor generally will pay Service Agents on new investments made through such Service Agents a commission of up to 1% of the NAV of such shares purchased by their clients.
The Distributor may pay Service Agents that have entered into agreements with the Distributor a fee based on the amount invested in fund shares through such Service Agents by employees participating in Retirement Plans, or other programs. Generally, the Distributor may pay such Service Agents a fee of up to 1% of the amount invested through the Service Agents. The Distributor, however, may pay Service Agents a higher fee and reserves the right to cease paying these fees at any time. The Distributor will pay such fees from its own funds, other than amounts received from a fund, including past profits or any other source available to it. Sponsors of such Retirement Plans or the participants therein should consult their Service Agent for more information regarding any such fee payable to the Service Agent.
Dreyfus or the Distributor may provide additional cash payments out of its own resources to financial intermediaries that sell shares of a fund or provide other services. Such payments are separate from any sales charges, 12b-1 fees and/or shareholder services fees or other expenses paid by the fund to those intermediaries. Because those payments are not made by you or the fund, the fund's total expense ratio will not be affected by any such payments. These additional payments may be made to Service Agents, including affiliates, that provide shareholder servicing, sub-administration, recordkeeping and/or sub-transfer agency services, marketing support and/or access to sales meetings, sales representatives and management representatives of the Service Agent. Cash compensation also may be paid from Dreyfus' or the Distributor's own resources to Service Agents for inclusion of a fund on a sales list, including a preferred or select sales list or in other sales programs. These payments sometimes are referred to as "revenue sharing." From time to time, Dreyfus or the Distributor also may provide cash or non-cash compensation to Service Agents in the form of: occasional gifts; occasional meals, tickets or other entertainment; support for due diligence trips; educational conference sponsorships; support for recognition programs; and other forms of cash or non-cash compensation permissible under broker-dealer regulations. In some cases, these payments or compensation may create an incentive for a Service Agent to recommend or sell shares of a fund to you. In addition, the Distributor may provide additional and differing compensation from its own assets to certain of its employees who promote the sale of select funds to certain Service Agents, who in turn may recommend such funds to their clients. In some cases, these payments may create an incentive for the employees of the Distributor to promote a fund for which the Distributor provides a higher level of compensation. Please contact your Service Agent for details about any payments it may receive in connection with the sale of fund shares or the provision of services to a fund.
Transfer and Dividend Disbursing Agent and Custodian
The Transfer Agent, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dreyfus, located at 200 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10166, is each fund's transfer and dividend disbursing agent. Pursuant to transfer agency agreements with each fund, or the corporation or trust of which it is a part, the Transfer Agent arranges for the maintenance of shareholder account records for the funds, the handling of certain communications between shareholders and the funds and the payment of dividends and distributions payable by the funds. For these services, the Transfer Agent receives a monthly fee computed on the basis of the number of shareholder accounts it maintains for each fund during the month, and is reimbursed for certain out-of-pocket expenses. The funds, other than the Index Funds, also may make payments to certain financial intermediaries, including affiliates, who provide sub-administration, recordkeeping and/or sub-transfer agency services to beneficial owners of fund shares.
The Custodian, an affiliate of the Manager, located at One Wall Street, New York, New York 10286, serves as custodian for the investments of the funds. The Custodian has no part in determining the investment policies of the funds or which securities are to be purchased or sold by the funds. Pursuant to a custody agreement applicable to each fund, the Custodian holds each fund's securities and keeps all necessary accounts and records. For its custody services, the Custodian receives a monthly fee based on the market value of each fund's assets held in custody and receives certain securities transaction charges.
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See the prospectus and "Investments, Investment Techniques and Risks" in Part II of this SAI to determine which sections of the discussion below apply to your fund.
Valuation of Portfolio Securities (funds other than money market funds)
A fund's equity securities, including option contracts (but not including investments in other open-end registered investment companies), generally are valued at the last sale price on the day of valuation on the securities exchange or national securities market on which such securities primarily are traded. Securities listed on NASDAQ markets generally will be valued at the official closing price. If there are no transactions in a security, or no official closing prices for a NASDAQ market-listed security on that day, the security will be valued at the average of the most recent bid and asked prices. Bid price is used when no asked price is available. Open short positions for which there is no sale price on a given day are valued at the lowest asked price. Investments in other open-end investment companies are valued at their reported NAVs each day, except that shares of ETFs generally are valued at the last sale price on the day of valuation on the securities exchange on which the shares are primarily traded.
Substantially all of a fund's debt securities and instruments, including interest rate, credit default and total return swaps and options thereon, are valued by one or more independent pricing services (the "Service") approved by the board. When, in the judgment of the Service, quoted bid prices for investments are readily available and are representative of the bid side of the market, these investments 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). The value of other debt securities and instruments is determined by the Service based on methods which include consideration of: yields or prices of securities of comparable quality, coupon, maturity and type; indications as to values from dealers; and general market conditions. The Service's procedures are reviewed by fund officers under the general supervision of the board. Overnight and certain other short-term debt securities and instruments (excluding Treasury bills) will be valued by the amortized cost method, which approximates value, unless a Service provides a valuation for such security or, in the opinion of the board or a committee or other persons designated by the board, the amortized cost method would not represent fair value.
Market quotations of foreign securities in foreign currencies and any fund assets or liabilities initially expressed in terms of foreign currency are translated into U.S. dollars and foreign currency forward contracts are valued at the average of the most recent bid and asked quotations obtained from a Service approved by the board. If a fund has to obtain prices as of the close of trading on various exchanges throughout the world, the calculation of the fund's NAV may not take place contemporaneously with the determination of prices of certain of the fund's portfolio securities. Fair value of foreign equity securities may be determined with the assistance of a pricing service using correlations between the movement of prices of foreign securities and indexes of domestic securities and other appropriate indicators, such as closing market prices of relevant ADRs and futures contracts. The valuation of a security based on this fair value process may differ from the security's most recent closing price and from the prices used by other mutual funds to calculate their NAVs. Foreign securities held by a fund may trade on days that the fund is not open for business, thus affecting the value of the fund's assets on days when fund investors have no access to the fund.
Generally, over-the-counter option contracts will be valued by the Service at the average of the most recent bid and asked quotations obtained from the Service. Futures contracts will be valued at the most recent settlement price. Restricted securities, as well as securities or other assets for which recent market quotations or official closing prices are not readily available or are determined by a fund not to reflect accurately fair value (such as when the value of a security has been materially affected by events occurring 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 NAV), or which are not valued by the Service, are valued at fair value as determined in good faith based on procedures approved by the board. Fair value of investments may be determined by the board or its pricing committee or the fund's valuation committee using such information as it deems appropriate. The factors that may be considered when fair valuing a security include 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. The valuation of a security based on fair value procedures may differ from the prices used by other mutual funds to calculate their NAVs.
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Valuation of Portfolio Securities (money market funds only)
In the case of a money market fund that uses amortized cost pricing to value its portfolio securities, the valuation of the fund's portfolio securities is based upon their amortized cost which does not take into account unrealized gains or losses. This involves valuing an instrument at its cost and thereafter assuming a constant amortization to maturity of any discount or premium, regardless of the impact of fluctuating interest rates on the market value of the instrument. While this method provides certainty in valuation, it may result in periods during which value, as determined by amortized cost, is higher or lower than the price the fund would receive if it sold the instrument. Boards overseeing money market funds have established, as a particular responsibility within the overall duty of care owed to fund investors, procedures reasonably designed to stabilize the funds' price per share as computed for the purpose of purchases and redemptions at $1.00. Such procedures include review of the funds' portfolio holdings by the board, at such intervals as it may deem appropriate, to determine whether the funds' NAV calculated by using available market quotations or market equivalents (including valuations obtained from a Service) deviates from $1.00 per share based on amortized cost. Other investments and assets will be valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the board.
Fund shares are sold on a continuous basis. Except as otherwise described in the prospectus, NAV per share of each fund and each class of a Multi-Class Fund is determined as of the close of trading on the floor of the NYSE (usually 4:00 p.m., Eastern time) on each day the NYSE is open for regular business. For purposes of determining NAV, certain options and futures contracts may be valued 15 minutes after the close of trading on the floor of the NYSE. The NAV per share of a fund is computed by dividing the value of the fund's net assets ( i.e ., the value of its assets less liabilities) by the total number of shares of such fund outstanding.
Fund expenses and fees, including management fees and fees pursuant to Plans (reduced by the fund's expense limitation, if any), are accrued daily and taken into account for the purpose of determining the NAV of a fund's shares. For funds with more than one class of shares, because of the differences in operating expenses incurred by each class of shares of a fund, the per share NAV of each class of shares of the fund will differ. The NAV of each class of a fund with more than one class of shares is computed by dividing the value of the fund's net assets represented by such class ( i.e ., the value of its assets less liabilities) by the total number of shares of such class outstanding.
Except as may be otherwise described in "Certain Expense Arrangements and Other Disclosures" in Part II of this SAI, all expenses incurred in the operation of the series of a fund company are borne by the fund company. Expenses attributable to a particular series of a fund company are charged against the assets of that series; other expenses of the fund company are allocated among the series on the basis determined by the board, including, but not limited to, proportionately in relation to the net assets of each series. In addition, each class of shares of a fund with more than one class bears any class specific expenses allocated to such class, such as expenses related to the distribution and/or shareholder servicing of such class.
NYSE and Transfer Agent Closings
The holidays (as observed) on which both the NYSE and the Transfer Agent are closed currently are: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. In addition, the NYSE is closed on Good Friday.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
Dividends automatically are reinvested in additional shares of the fund from which they were paid at NAV without a sales load (if applicable), or, at your option, paid in cash. If a fund investor elects to receive dividends and distributions in cash, and the investor's dividend or distribution check is returned to the fund as undeliverable or remains uncashed for six months, the fund reserves the right to reinvest such dividends or distributions and all future dividends and distributions payable to you in additional fund shares at NAV. No interest will accrue on amounts represented by uncashed distribution or redemption checks.
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For a fund that declares dividends each business day, if you redeem all shares in your account at any time during a month, all dividends to which you are entitled will be paid to you along with the proceeds of the redemption. If an omnibus accountholder indicates in a partial redemption request that a portion of any accrued dividends to which such account is entitled belongs to an underlying accountholder who has redeemed all shares in his or her account, such portion of the accrued dividends will be paid to the omnibus accountholder along with the proceeds of the redemption.
Dividends and distributions among share classes in the same fund may vary due to the different expenses of such share classes.
Funds Other Than Money Market Funds
Any dividend or distribution paid shortly after an investor's purchase of fund shares may have the effect of reducing the aggregate NAV of the shares below the cost of the investment. Such a dividend or distribution would be a return of capital in an economic sense, although taxable as stated in the prospectus and this SAI. In addition, the Code provides that if a shareholder holds shares of a fund for six months or less and has (or is deemed to have) received a capital gain distribution with respect to such shares, any loss incurred on the sale of such shares will be treated as long-term capital loss to the extent of the capital gain distribution received or deemed to have been received. The Code further provides that if a shareholder holds shares of a municipal or other tax-exempt fund for six months or less and has received an exempt-interest dividend with respect to such shares, any loss incurred on the sale of such shares generally will be disallowed to the extent of the exempt-interest dividend received.
A fund may make distributions on a more frequent basis than is described in its prospectus to comply with the distribution requirements of the Code, in all events in a manner consistent with the provisions of the 1940 Act. A fund may not make distributions from net realized securities gains unless capital loss carryovers, if any, have been utilized or have expired.
For a bond fund that declares dividends daily (see Part II of this SAI under "Dividends and Distributions"), dividends accrue beginning one day after the date of purchase and through the date a redemption is effective. When determining a fund's dividend rate on a weekend or holiday, the fund will use the dividend rate on the business day following the weekend or holiday. All expenses are accrued daily and deducted before declaration of dividends to shareholders.
Dividends accrue beginning on the date of purchase and through the day prior to the date a redemption is effective. A fund's earnings for Saturdays, Sundays and holidays are declared as dividends on the preceding business day. Dividends usually are paid on the last calendar day of each month. All expenses are accrued daily and deducted before declaration of dividends to shareholders.
Dividends from net realized short-term capital gains, if any, generally are declared and paid once a year, but the funds may make distributions on a more frequent basis to comply with the distribution requirements of the Code, in all events in a manner consistent with the provisions of the 1940 Act. A fund will not make distributions from net realized capital gains unless capital loss carryovers, if any, have been utilized or have expired. The funds do not expect to realize any long-term capital gains or losses.
See the prospectus and "Investment Policies and Restrictions" in Part II of this SAI to determine which sections of the discussion below apply to your funds.
The following is only a general summary of some of the important federal income tax considerations generally affecting the funds and their shareholders. No attempt is made to present a complete explanation of the federal tax treatment of the funds' activities or, except to the extent specifically addressed herein, to discuss state and local tax matters affecting the funds or their shareholders. Shareholders are urged to consult their own tax advisors for more detailed information concerning the tax implications of investments in the funds.
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Each fund intends to qualify for treatment as a regulated investment company ("RIC") under Subchapter M of the Code and intends to continue to so qualify if such qualification is in the best interests of its shareholders. As a RIC, a fund will pay no federal income tax on its net investment income and net realized capital gains to the extent that such income and gains are distributed to shareholders in accordance with applicable provisions of the Code. To qualify as a RIC, a fund must, among other things: (a) derive in each taxable year (the "gross income test") at least 90% of its gross income from (i) dividends, interest, payments with respect to securities loans and gains from the sale or other disposition of stocks, securities or foreign currencies or other income (including but not limited to gains from options, futures or forward contracts) derived with respect to its business of investing in such stocks, securities or currencies, and (ii) net income from interests in "qualified publicly traded partnerships" ("QPTPs," as defined below); (b) diversify its holdings (the "asset diversification test") so that, at the end of each quarter of the taxable year, (i) at least 50% of the market value of the fund's assets is represented by cash and cash items (including receivables), U.S. Government securities, the securities of other RICs and other securities, with such other securities of any one issuer limited for the purposes of this calculation to an amount not greater than 5% of the value of the fund's total assets and not greater than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer, and (ii) not more than 25% of the value of its total assets is invested in the securities (other than U.S. Government securities or the securities of other RICs) of a single issuer, two or more issuers that the fund controls and that are engaged in the same, similar or related trades or businesses or one or more QPTPs; and (c) distribute with respect to each taxable year at least 90% of the sum of its investment company taxable income (determined without regard to the dividends paid deduction) and net tax-exempt interest income, if any, for such year.
In general, for purposes of the gross income test described above, income derived from a partnership will be treated as qualifying income only to the extent such income is attributable to items of income of the partnership that would be qualifying income if realized by a RIC. However, as noted above, 100% of the net income derived from an interest in a QPTP is qualifying income for purposes of the gross income test. A QPTP is defined as a partnership (i) interests in which are traded on an established securities market or readily tradable on a secondary market or the substantial equivalent thereof and (ii) that derives at least 90% of its gross income from certain enumerated passive income sources described in Code section 7704(d), but does not include a partnership that derives 90% of its gross income from sources described in Code section 851(b)(2)(A). Although income from a QPTP is qualifying income for purposes of the gross income test, investment in QPTPs cannot exceed 25% of a fund's assets.
Gains from foreign currencies (including foreign currency options, foreign currency swaps, foreign currency futures and foreign currency forward contracts) currently constitute qualifying income for purposes of the gross income test. However, the Treasury Department has the authority to issue regulations (possibly with retroactive effect) treating a RIC's foreign currency gains as non-qualifying income for purposes of the gross income test to the extent that such income is not directly related to the RIC's principal business of investing in stock or securities.
Pursuant to the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010 (the "Modernization Act"), a RIC that fails the gross income test for a taxable year shall nevertheless be considered to have satisfied the test for such year if (i) the RIC satisfies certain procedural requirements, and (ii) the RIC's failure to satisfy the gross income test is due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect. However, in such case, a tax is imposed on the RIC for the taxable year in which, absent the application of the above cure provision, it would have failed the gross income test equal to the amount by which (x) the RIC's non-qualifying gross income exceeds (y) one-ninth of the RIC's qualifying gross income, each as determined for purposes of applying the gross income test for such year.
Also pursuant to the Modernization Act, a RIC that fails the asset diversification test as of the end of a quarter shall nevertheless be considered to have satisfied the test as of the end of such quarter in the following circumstances. If the RIC's failure to satisfy the asset diversification test at the end of the quarter is due to the ownership of assets the total value of which does not exceed the lesser of (i) one percent of the total value of the RIC's assets at the end of such quarter and (ii) $10,000,000 (a " de minimis failure"), the RIC shall be considered to have satisfied the asset diversification test as of the end of such quarter if, within six months of the last day of the quarter in which the RIC identifies that it failed the asset diversification test (or such other prescribed time period), the RIC either disposes of assets in order to satisfy the asset diversification test, or otherwise satisfies the asset diversification test.
In the case of a failure to satisfy the asset diversification test at the end of a quarter under circumstances that do not constitute a de minimis failure, a RIC shall nevertheless be considered to have satisfied the asset diversification test
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as of the end of such quarter if (i) the RIC satisfies certain procedural requirements; (ii) the RIC's failure to satisfy the asset diversification test is due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect; and (iii) within six months of the last day of the quarter in which the RIC identifies that it failed the asset diversification test (or such other prescribed time period), the RIC either disposes of the assets that caused the asset diversification failure, or otherwise satisfies the asset diversification test. However, in such case, a tax is imposed on the RIC, at the current rate of 35%, on the net income generated by the assets that caused the RIC to fail the asset diversification test during the period for which the asset diversification test was not met. In all events, however, such tax will not be less than $50,000.
If a fund were to fail to qualify as a RIC in any taxable year, the fund would be subject to tax on its taxable income at corporate rates, and all distributions from current or accumulated earnings and profits, including any distributions of net tax-exempt income and net long-term capital gains, would be taxable to shareholders as ordinary income. Some portions of such distributions may be eligible for the dividends received deduction in the case of corporate shareholders and, for taxable years beginning before January 1, 2013 (unless such date is extended by future legislation), may be eligible for a 15% preferential maximum tax rate in the case of shareholders taxed as individuals, provided in both cases, the shareholder meets certain holding period and other requirements in respect of the fund's shares (as described below). In addition, a fund could be required to recognize unrealized gains, pay substantial taxes and interest and make substantial distributions before requalifying as a RIC that is accorded special tax treatment.
A nondeductible excise tax at a rate of 4% will be imposed on the excess, if any, of a fund's "required distribution" over its actual distributions in any calendar year. Generally, the required distribution is 98% of a fund's ordinary income for the calendar year plus 98.2% of its capital gain net income, determined under prescribed rules for this purpose, recognized during the one-year period ending on October 31 st of such year (or December 31 st of that year if the fund is permitted to so elect and so elects) plus undistributed amounts from prior years. Each fund generally intends to make distributions sufficient to avoid imposition of the excise tax, although there can be no assurance that it will be able to do so.
Although in general the passive loss rules of the Code do not apply to RICs, such rules do apply to a RIC with respect to items attributable to an interest in a QPTP. A fund's investments in partnerships, including in QPTPs, may result in a fund being subject to state, local or foreign income, franchise or withholding tax liabilities.
Taxation of Fund Distributions (Funds Other Than Municipal or Other Tax-Exempt Funds)
For federal income tax purposes, distributions of investment income generally are taxable as ordinary income to the extent of the distributing fund's earnings and profits, regardless of whether you receive your distributions in cash or have them reinvested in additional fund shares. Taxes on distributions of capital gains are determined by how long a fund owned the investments that generated them, rather than how long a shareholder has owned his or her shares. In general, a fund will recognize long-term capital gain or loss on assets it has owned (or is deemed to have owned) for more than one year, and short-term capital gain or loss on investments it has owned (or is deemed to have owned) for one year or less. Distributions of "net capital gains," that is, the excess of net long-term capital gains over net short-term capital losses, that are properly characterized by the fund as capital gain dividends ("capital gain dividends") will generally be taxable to a shareholder receiving such distributions as long-term capital gain. Long-term capital gain rates applicable to individuals have been temporarily reduced, in general to 15%, with lower rates applying to taxpayers in the 10% and 15% rate brackets, for taxable years beginning before January 1, 2013.
Distributions of net short-term capital gains that exceed net long-term capital losses will generally be taxable as ordinary income. The determination of whether a distribution is from capital gains is generally made taking into account available net capital loss carryforwards, if any. Under the Modernization Act, if a RIC has a "net capital loss" (that is, capital losses in excess of capital gains) for a taxable year, that portion of the RIC's net capital loss consisting of the excess (if any) of the RIC's net short-term capital losses over its net long-term capital gains is treated as a short-term capital loss arising on the first day of the RIC's next taxable year, and that portion of the RIC's net capital loss consisting of the excess (if any) of the RIC's net long-term capital losses over its net short-term capital gains is treated as a long-term capital loss arising on the first day of the RIC's next taxable year. Any such capital losses of a RIC may be carried forward to succeeding taxable years of the RIC without limitation. Net capital loss carryforwards of a RIC arising in taxable years of the RIC beginning on or before December 22, 2010
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(the date of enactment of the Modernization Act) may be applied against any net realized capital gains of the RIC in each succeeding year, or until their respective expiration dates, whichever is first.
Distributions are taxable to shareholders even if they are paid from income or gains earned by a fund before a shareholder's investment (and thus were included in the price the shareholder paid for his or her shares). Distributions are taxable regardless of whether shareholders receive them in cash or in additional shares. Distributions declared and payable by a fund during October, November or December to shareholders of record on a date in any such month and paid by the fund during the following January generally will be treated for federal tax purposes as paid by the fund and received by shareholders on December 31 st of the year in which the distributions are declared rather than the calendar year in which they are received.
A fund may elect to retain its net capital gain or a portion thereof for investment and be taxed at corporate rates on the amount retained. In such case, the fund may designate its retained amount as undistributed capital gains in a notice to its shareholders who will be treated as if each received a distribution of his or her pro rata share of such gain, with the result that each shareholder in the fund will (i) be required to report his or her pro rata share of such gain on his or her tax return as long-term capital gain, (ii) receive a refundable tax credit for his or her pro rata share of the tax paid by the fund on the gain and (iii) increase the tax basis for his or her shares in the fund by an amount equal to the deemed distribution less the tax credit.
In general, dividends (other than capital gain dividends) paid by a fund to U.S. individual shareholders may be eligible for the 15% preferential maximum tax rate to the extent that the fund's income consists of dividends paid by U.S. corporations and certain "qualified foreign corporations" on shares that have been held by the fund for at least 61 days during the 121-day period commencing 60 days before the shares become ex-dividend. Dividends paid on shares held by a fund will not be taken into account in determining the applicability of the preferential maximum tax rate to the extent that the fund is under an obligation (pursuant to a short sale or otherwise) to make related payments with respect to positions in substantially similar or related property. Dividends paid by REITs are not generally eligible for the preferential maximum tax rate. Further, a "qualified foreign corporation" does not include any foreign corporation, which for its taxable year in which its dividend was paid, or the preceding taxable year, is a passive foreign investment company ("PFIC," discussed below). Unless extended, this favorable provision will expire on December 31, 2012, and ordinary dividends will again be taxed at tax rates applicable to ordinary income. In order to be eligible for the preferential rate, the shareholder in the fund must have held his or her shares in the fund for at least 61 days during the 121-day period commencing 60 days before the fund shares become ex-dividend. Additional restrictions on a shareholder's qualification for the preferential rate may apply.
In general, dividends (other than capital gain dividends) paid by a fund to U.S. corporate shareholders may be eligible for the dividends received deduction to the extent that the fund's income consists of dividends paid by U.S. corporations (other than REITs) on shares that have been held by the fund for at least 46 days during the 91-day period commencing 45 days before the shares become ex-dividend. Dividends paid on shares held by a fund will not be taken into account for this purpose if the stock on which the dividend is paid is considered to be "debt-financed" (generally, acquired with borrowed funds), or to the extent that the fund is under an obligation (pursuant to a short sale or otherwise) to make related payments with respect to positions in substantially similar or related property. Moreover, the dividend received deduction may be disallowed or reduced if the corporate shareholder fails to satisfy the foregoing holding period and other requirements with respect to its shares of the fund or by application of the Code.
If a fund makes a distribution that is or is considered to be in excess of its current and accumulated "earnings and profits" for the relevant period, the excess distribution will be treated as a return of capital to the extent of a shareholder's tax basis in his or her shares, and thereafter as capital gain. A return of capital is not taxable, but it reduces a shareholder's basis in his or her shares, thus reducing any loss or increasing any gain on a subsequent taxable disposition by the shareholder of such shares.
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For taxable years beginning after December 31, 2012, an additional 3.8% Medicare tax will be imposed on certain net investment income (including ordinary dividends and capital gain distributions received from a RIC and net gains from redemptions or other taxable dispositions of RIC shares) of U.S. individuals, estates and trusts. The tax applies to the lesser of (i) such net investment income (or, in the case of an estate or trust, its undistributed net investment income), and (ii) the excess, if any, of such person's "modified adjusted gross income" (or, in the case of an estate or trust, its "adjusted gross income") over a threshold amount.
Sale, Exchange or Redemption of Shares
A sale, exchange or redemption of shares in a fund will give rise to a gain or loss. Any gain or loss realized upon a taxable disposition of shares will be treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the shares have been held for more than 12 months. Otherwise, the gain or loss on the taxable disposition of fund shares will be treated as short-term capital gain or loss.
However, any loss realized upon a taxable disposition of fund shares held for six months or less will be treated as long-term, rather than short-term, to the extent of any capital gain dividends received (or deemed received) by the shareholder with respect to the shares. Further, all or a portion of any loss realized upon a taxable disposition of fund shares will be disallowed if other substantially identical shares of the fund are purchased (including by means of a dividend reinvestment plan) within 30 days before or after the disposition. In such a case, the basis of the newly purchased shares will be adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss.
As discussed below under "Funds Investing in Municipal Securities," any loss realized upon a taxable disposition of shares in a municipal or other tax-exempt fund that have been held for six months or less will be disallowed to the extent of any exempt-interest dividends received (or deemed received) by the shareholder with respect to the shares. Under the Modernization Act, this loss disallowance rule, however, does not apply with respect to a regular dividend paid by a RIC which declares exempt-interest dividends on a daily basis in an amount equal to at least 90% of its net tax-exempt interest and distributes such dividends on a monthly or more frequent basis.
Generally, if a shareholder sells or redeems shares of a fund within 90 days of their original acquisition, the shareholder cannot claim a loss on the original shares attributable to the amount of their load charge if the load charge is reduced or waived on a future purchase of shares of any fund (on account of the prior load charge), but instead is required to reduce the basis of the original shares by the amount of their load charge and carry over that amount to increase the basis of the newly acquired fund shares. Under the Modernization Act, this rule applies only if the acquisition of the new fund shares occurs on or before January 31 of the calendar year following the year in which the original shares were sold or redeemed.
If a shareholder recognizes a loss with respect to a fund's shares of $2 million or more for an individual shareholder or $10 million or more for a corporate shareholder, the shareholder must file with the IRS a disclosure statement on Form 8886. Direct shareholders of portfolio securities are in many cases excepted from this reporting requirement, but under current guidance, shareholders of a RIC are not excepted. Future guidance may extend the current exception from this reporting requirement to shareholders of most or all RICs. The fact that a loss is reportable under these regulations does not affect the legal determination of whether the taxpayer's treatment of the loss is proper. Shareholders should consult their tax advisors to determine the applicability of the applicable regulations in light of their individual circumstances.
Legislation passed by Congress in 2008 requires the funds (or their administrative agent) to report to the IRS and furnish to fund shareholders the cost basis information and holding period for fund shares purchased on or after January 1, 2012, and redeemed on or after that date. The funds will permit fund shareholders to elect from among several IRS-accepted cost basis methods, including average cost. In the absence of an election by a shareholder, the funds will use the average cost method with respect to that shareholder. The cost basis method a shareholder elects may not be changed with respect to a redemption of shares after the settlement date of the redemption. Fund shareholders should consult with their tax advisors to determine the best IRS-accepted cost basis method for their tax situation and to obtain more information about how the new cost basis reporting rules apply to them.
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Funds that invest in foreign securities may own shares in certain foreign entities that are treated as PFICs for U.S. federal income tax purposes. A fund that owns shares of a PFIC may be subject to U.S. federal income tax (including interest charges) on distributions received from the PFIC or gains from a disposition of shares in the PFIC. To avoid this treatment, each fund owning PFIC shares may make an election to mark the gains (and to a limited extent losses) in a PFIC "to market" as though it had sold and repurchased its holdings in the PFIC on the last day of the fund's taxable year. Such gains and losses are treated as ordinary income and loss. Alternatively, a fund may in certain cases elect to treat a PFIC as a "qualified electing fund" (a "QEF"), in which case the fund will be required to include in its income annually its share of the QEF's income and net capital gains, regardless of whether the fund receives any distribution from the QEF. If the QEF incurs a loss for a taxable year, the loss will not pass through to the fund and, accordingly, cannot offset other income and/or gains of the fund. A fund may not be able to make the QEF election with respect to many PFICs because of certain requirements that the PFICs would have to satisfy.
The mark-to-market and QEF elections may accelerate the recognition of income (without the receipt of cash) and increase the amount required to be distributed by a fund to avoid taxation. Making either of these elections therefore may require a fund to liquidate investments (including when it is not advantageous to do so) to meet its distribution requirements, which also may accelerate the recognition of gain and affect the fund's total return. Dividends paid by PFICs generally will not be eligible to be treated as qualified dividend income.
Investment income that may be received by a fund from sources within foreign countries may be subject to foreign withholding and other taxes. Tax treaties between the United States and certain countries may reduce or eliminate such taxes. If more than 50% of the value of a fund's total assets at the close of its taxable year consists of stock or securities of foreign corporations, or, as provided in the Modernization Act, if at least 50% of the value of a fund's total assets at the close of each quarter of its taxable year is represented by interests in other RICs (as is the case for a Fund of Funds), that fund may elect to "pass through" to its shareholders the amount of foreign taxes paid or deemed paid by that fund. If that fund so elects, each of its shareholders would be required to include in gross income, even though not actually received, his or her pro rata share of the foreign taxes paid or deemed paid by that fund, but would be treated as having paid his or her pro rata share of such foreign taxes and would therefore be allowed to either deduct such amount in computing taxable income or use such amount (subject to various Code limitations) as a foreign tax credit against federal income tax (but not both). For purposes of the foreign tax credit limitation rules of the Code, each shareholder would treat as foreign source income his or her pro rata share of such foreign taxes plus the portion of dividends received from the fund representing income derived from foreign sources. No deduction for foreign taxes could be claimed by an individual shareholder who does not itemize deductions. In certain circumstances, a shareholder that (i) has held shares of the fund for less than a specified minimum period during which it is not protected from risk of loss or (ii) is obligated to make payments related to the dividends will not be allowed a foreign tax credit for foreign taxes deemed imposed on dividends paid on such shares. Additionally, the fund must also meet this holding period requirement with respect to its foreign stocks and securities in order for "creditable" taxes to flow-through. Each shareholder should consult his or her own tax advisor regarding the potential application of foreign tax credits.
Gains or losses attributable to fluctuations in exchange rates between the time a fund accrues income or receivables or expenses or other liabilities denominated in a foreign currency and the time that fund actually collects such income or receivables or pays such liabilities are generally treated as ordinary income or loss. Similarly, gains or losses on foreign currency forward contracts and the disposition of debt securities denominated in a foreign currency, to the extent attributable to fluctuations in exchange rates between the acquisition and disposition dates, also are treated as ordinary income or loss.
A fund's investments in options, futures contracts, forward contracts, swaps and derivatives, as well as any of its other hedging, short sale or similar transactions, may be subject to one or more special tax rules (including notional principal contract, constructive sale, straddle, wash sale, short sale and other rules), the effect of which may be to accelerate income to the fund (including, potentially, without a corresponding receipt of cash with which to make
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required distributions), defer fund losses, cause adjustments in the holding periods of fund securities, convert capital gains into ordinary income, render dividends that would otherwise be eligible for the dividends received deduction or a preferential rate of taxation ineligible for such treatment, convert long-term capital gains into short-term capital gains and convert short-term capital losses into long-term capital losses. These rules could therefore affect the amount, timing and character of distributions to shareholders of a fund. In addition, because the tax rules applicable to derivative financial instruments are in some cases uncertain under current law, an adverse determination or future guidance by the IRS with respect to these rules (which determination or guidance could be retroactive) may affect whether a fund has made sufficient distributions, and otherwise satisfied the applicable requirements, to maintain its qualification as a RIC and avoid fund-level taxation.
Payments with Respect to Securities Loans
A fund's participation in loans of securities may affect the amount, timing and character of distributions to shareholders. With respect to any security subject to a securities loan, any (i) amounts received by a fund in place of dividends earned on the security during the period that such security was not directly held by a fund may not give rise to qualified dividend income and (ii) withholding taxes accrued on dividends during the period that such security was not directly held by a fund will not qualify as a foreign tax paid by such fund and therefore cannot be passed through to shareholders even if the fund meets the requirements described in "Non-U.S. Taxes," above.
Securities Issued or Purchased at a Discount and Payment-in-Kind Securities
A fund's investments, if any, in securities issued or purchased at a discount, as well as certain other securities (including zero coupon obligations and certain redeemable preferred stock), may require the fund to accrue and distribute income not yet received. Similarly, a fund's investment in payment-in-kind securities will give rise to income which is required to be distributed even though the fund receives no payment in cash on the security during the year. In order to generate sufficient cash to make its requisite distributions, a fund may be required to borrow money or sell securities in its portfolio that it otherwise would have continued to hold.
Inflation-Indexed Treasury Securities
The taxation of inflation-indexed Treasury securities is similar to the taxation of conventional bonds. Both interest payments and the difference between original principal and the inflation-adjusted principal will be treated as interest or original issue discount income subject to taxation. Interest payments generally are taxable when received or accrued. The inflation adjustment to the principal generally is subject to tax in the year the adjustment is made, not at maturity of the security when the cash from the repayment of principal is received. Accordingly, as in the case of securities issued or purchased at a discount and zero coupon obligations, a fund's investments in inflation-indexed Treasury securities may require the fund to accrue and distribute income not yet received. Decreases in the indexed principal in a given year generally (i) will reduce the amount of interest income otherwise includible in income for that year in respect of the Treasury security, (ii) to the extent not treated as an offset to current income under (i), will constitute an ordinary loss to the extent of prior year inclusions of interest, original issue discount and market discount in respect of the security that exceed ordinary losses in respect of the security in such prior years, and (iii) to the extent not treated as an offset to current income under (i) or an ordinary loss under (ii), can be carried forward as an ordinary loss to reduce interest, original issue discount and market discount in respect of the security in subsequent taxable years. If inflation-indexed Treasury securities are sold prior to maturity, capital losses or gains are realized in the same manner as traditional debt instruments.
Certain Higher-Risk and High Yield Securities
A fund may invest in lower-quality fixed-income securities, including debt obligations of issuers not currently paying interest or that are in default. Investments in debt obligations that are at risk of or are in default present special tax issues for a fund. Tax rules are not entirely clear on the treatment of such debt obligations, including as to whether and to what extent a fund should recognize market discount on such a debt obligation, when a fund may cease to accrue interest, original issue discount or market discount, when and to what extent a fund may take deductions for bad debts or worthless securities and how a fund shall allocate payments received on obligations in default between principal and interest. These and other related issues would be addressed by each fund if it invests in such securities as part of the fund's efforts to ensure that it distributes sufficient income to preserve its status as a RIC and does not become subject to U.S. federal income or excise tax.
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Funds Investing in Municipal Securities (Municipal or Other Tax-Exempt Funds)
It is anticipated that substantially all of the ordinary dividends to be paid by municipal or other tax-exempt funds that invest substantially all of their assets in U.S. municipal securities will constitute "exempt-interest dividends." Such exempt-interest dividends will be exempt from federal income taxes. It is possible, however, that a portion of the income dividends from such funds will not be exempt from federal income taxes. Municipal or other tax-exempt funds may realize capital gains from the sale or other disposition of municipal securities or other securities. Distributions by such funds of capital gains will be treated in the same manner as described under "Taxation of Fund Distributions." Recipients of Social Security and/or certain railroad retirement benefits who receive dividends from municipal bond or other tax-exempt funds may have to pay taxes on a portion of their benefits. Shareholders will receive a Form 1099-DIV, Form 1099-INT or other IRS forms, as required, reporting the taxability of all dividends. Certain municipal or other tax-exempt funds may invest in municipal securities the income from which is subject to AMT. Such funds will advise shareholders of the percentage of dividends, if any, which should be included in the computation of AMT.
Because the ordinary dividends of municipal or other tax-exempt funds are expected to be exempt-interest dividends, any interest on money a shareholder of such a fund borrows that is directly or indirectly used to purchase shares in the fund will not be deductible. Further, entities or persons that are "substantial users" (or persons related to "substantial users") of facilities financed by private activity bonds or industrial development bonds should consult their tax advisors before purchasing shares of these funds. The income from such bonds may not be tax-exempt for such substantial users. There also may be collateral federal income tax consequences regarding the receipt of exempt-interest dividends by shareholders such as S corporations, financial institutions and property and casualty insurance companies. A shareholder falling into any such category should consult its tax advisor concerning its investment in a fund that is intended to generate exempt-interest dividends.
As a general rule, any loss realized upon a taxable disposition of shares in a municipal or other tax-exempt fund that have been held for six months or less will be disallowed to the extent of any exempt-interest dividends received (or deemed received) by the shareholder with respect to the shares. Under the Modernization Act, this loss disallowance rule, however, does not apply with respect to a regular dividend paid by a RIC which declares exempt-interest dividends on a daily basis in an amount equal to at least 90% of its net tax-exempt interest and distributes such dividends on a monthly or more frequent basis.
Under the Modernization Act, if at least 50% of the value of a fund's total assets at the close of each quarter of its taxable year is represented by interests in other RICs (such as a Fund of Funds), the fund may pass through to its shareholders its exempt interest income in the form of dividends that are exempt from federal income tax.
Proposals have been and may be introduced before Congress that would restrict or eliminate the federal income tax exemption of interest on municipal securities. If such a proposal were enacted, the availability of such securities for investment by a fund that would otherwise invest in tax-exempt securities and the value of such a fund's portfolio would be affected. In that event, such a fund would reevaluate its investment objective and policies.
The treatment under state and local tax law of dividends from a fund that invests in municipal securities may differ from the federal income tax treatment of such dividends under the Code.
Investing in Mortgage Entities
Special tax rules may apply to the investments by a fund in entities which invest in or finance mortgage debt. Such investments include residual interests in REMICs and interests in a REIT which qualifies as a taxable mortgage pool under the Code or has a qualified REIT subsidiary that is a taxable mortgage pool under the Code. Although it is the practice of each fund not to make such investments, there is no guarantee that a fund will be able to avoid an inadvertent investment in REMIC residual interests or a taxable mortgage pool.
Such investments may result in a fund receiving excess inclusion income ("EII") in which case a portion of its distributions will be characterized as EII and shareholders receiving such distributions, including shares held through nominee accounts, will be deemed to have received EII. This can result in the funds being required to pay tax on the portion of its EII that is allocated to disqualified organizations, including certain cooperatives, agencies or instrumentalities of a government or international organization, and tax-exempt organizations that are not subject to
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tax on unrelated business taxable income ("UBTI"). In addition, such amounts generally cannot be offset by net operating losses, will be treated as UBTI to tax-exempt organizations that are not disqualified organizations, and will be subject to a 30% withholding tax for shareholders who are not U.S. persons, notwithstanding any otherwise applicable exemptions or rate reductions in any relevant tax treaties.
Special tax consequences also apply where charitable remainder trusts invest in RICs that invest directly or indirectly in residual interests in REMICs or in taxable mortgage pools. Furthermore, any investment in residual interests of a REMIC can create complex tax consequences to both a fund and its shareholders, especially if a fund has state or local governments or other tax-exempt organizations as shareholders.
Under current law, each fund serves to "block" (that is, prevent the attribution to shareholders of) UBTI from being realized by its tax-exempt shareholders (including, among others, individual retirement accounts, 401(k) accounts, Keogh plans, pension plans and certain charitable entities). Notwithstanding the foregoing, a tax-exempt shareholder could realize UBTI by virtue of its investment in a fund if shares in the fund constitute debt-financed property in the hands of the tax-exempt shareholder within the meaning of Section 514(b) of the Code. As noted above, a tax-exempt shareholder may also recognize UBTI if a fund recognizes EII derived from direct or indirect investments in residual interests in REMICs or taxable mortgage pools. If a charitable remainder annuity trust or a charitable remainder unitrust (each as defined in Section 664 of the Code) has UBTI for a taxable year, a 100% excise tax on the UBTI is imposed on the trust.
Each fund generally is required to withhold and remit to the Treasury a percentage of the taxable distributions and redemption proceeds paid to certain shareholders who fail to properly furnish the fund with a correct taxpayer identification number, who has under-reported dividend or interest income, or who fails to certify to the applicable fund that he or she is not subject to such withholding. Corporate shareholders, certain foreign persons and other shareholders specified in the Code and applicable regulations are generally exempt from backup withholding, but may need to provide documentation to the fund to establish such exemption.
Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld may be credited against the shareholder's U.S. federal income tax liability, provided the appropriate information is furnished to the IRS.
Foreign (Non-U.S.) Shareholders
Dividends paid by a fund to non-U.S. shareholders are generally subject to withholding tax at a 30% rate or a reduced rate specified by an applicable income tax treaty, if any, to the extent derived from investment income and short-term capital gains. In order to obtain a reduced rate of withholding, a non-U.S. shareholder will be required to provide an IRS Form W-8BEN or other applicable tax form certifying its entitlement to benefits under a treaty. The withholding tax does not apply to regular dividends paid to a non-U.S. shareholder who provides a Form W-8ECI, certifying that the dividends are effectively connected with the non-U.S. shareholder's conduct of a trade or business within the United States. Instead, the effectively connected dividends will be subject to regular U.S. income tax as if the non-U.S. shareholder were a U.S. shareholder. A non-U.S. corporation receiving effectively connected dividends may also be subject to additional "branch profits tax" imposed at a rate of 30% (or, if applicable, a lower treaty rate). A non-U.S. shareholder who fails to provide an IRS Form W-8BEN or other applicable form may be subject to backup withholding at the appropriate rate. All non-U.S. shareholders should consult their tax advisors to determine the appropriate tax forms to provide to a fund to claim a reduced rate or exemption from U.S. federal withholding taxes, and the proper completion of those forms.
In general, and subject to the exceptions described below, U.S. withholding tax will not apply to any gain or income realized by a non-U.S. shareholder in respect of any distributions of net long-term capital gains over net short-term capital losses, exempt-interest dividends or upon the sale or other disposition of shares of a fund.
For non-U.S. shareholders of a fund, a distribution by a fund that is attributable to the fund's receipt of certain capital gain distributions from a REIT and, for calendar years before 2012, gains from sales or exchanges of "United States real property interests" ("USRPIs") generally will be treated as "effectively connected" real property gain that
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is subject to tax in the hands of the non-U.S. shareholder at the graduated rates applicable to U.S. shareholders (subject to a special AMT in the case of nonresident alien individuals), a potential 30% branch profits tax in the hands of a non-U.S. shareholder that is a corporation and a 35% withholding tax (which can be credited against the non-U.S. shareholder's direct U.S. tax liabilities) if the fund is a "United States real property holding corporation" (as such term is defined in the Code, and referred to herein as a "USRPHC") or would be but for the operation of certain exclusions. An exception to such treatment is provided if the non-U.S. shareholder has not owned more than 5% of the class of stock of the fund in respect of which the distribution was made at any time during the one-year period ending on the date of the distribution. In that case, the distribution generally is treated as an ordinary dividend subject to U.S. withholding tax at the rate of 30% (or lower treaty rate). In addition, non-U.S. shareholders may be subject to certain tax filing requirements if the fund is a USRPHC.
Gains from the disposition of fund shares by a non-U.S. shareholder will be subject to withholding tax and treated as income effectively connected to a U.S. trade or business if at any time during the five-year period ending on the date of disposition (or if shorter, the non-U.S. shareholder's holding period for the shares), the fund was a USRPHC and the foreign shareholder actually or constructively held more than 5% of the outstanding shares of the fund. Notwithstanding the foregoing, gains recognized upon a disposition of fund shares in calendar years before 2012 will not be subject to U.S. income or withholding taxes if the fund is "domestically controlled" (as such term is defined in the Code).
Non-U.S. shareholders that engage in certain "wash sale" and/or substitute dividend payment transactions the effect of which is to avoid the receipt of distributions from a fund that would be treated as gain effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business generally will be treated as having received such distributions. All shareholders of a fund should consult their tax advisors regarding the application of the foregoing rule.
For calendar years before 2012, a distribution of a USRPI in redemption of a non-U.S. shareholder's shares of a fund generally will cause that fund to recognize gain if the fund is considered "domestically controlled." If a fund is required to recognize gain, the amount of gain recognized will equal a percentage of the excess of the fair market value of the distributed USRPI over the fund's adjusted basis in the distributed USRPI, with such percentage based on the greatest foreign ownership percentage of the fund during the five-year period ending on the date of the redemption.
For taxable years of a fund beginning before January 1, 2012, properly reported dividends are generally exempt from U.S. withholding tax where they (i) are paid in respect of a fund's "qualified net interest income" (generally, the fund's U.S. source interest income, other than certain contingent interest and interest from obligations of a corporation or partnership in which the fund is at least a 10% shareholder, reduced by expenses that are allocable to such income) or (ii) are paid in respect of a fund's "qualified short-term capital gains" (generally, the excess of the fund's net short-term capital gain over the fund's long-term capital loss for such taxable year). However, depending on its circumstances, a fund may report all, some or none of its potentially eligible dividends as such qualified net interest income or as qualified short-term capital gains and/or treat such dividends, in whole or in part, as ineligible for this exemption from withholding. In order to qualify for this exemption from withholding, a non-U.S. shareholder will need to comply with applicable certification requirements relating to its non-U.S. status (including, in general, furnishing an IRS Form W-8BEN or other applicable form). In the case of shares of a fund held through an intermediary, the intermediary may withhold even if a fund designates the payment as qualified net interest income or qualified short-term capital gain. Non-U.S. shareholders should contact their intermediaries with respect to the application of these rules to their accounts.
The Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment Act
Under provisions of The Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment Act, P.L. 111-147 (the "HIRE Act"), certain payments of U.S. source interest, dividends, and other fixed or determinable annual or periodical gains, profits and income, as well as gross proceeds from the sale or disposition of property of a type that can produce U.S. source dividends or interest (all such payments, "withholdable payments"), which are made to a "foreign financial institution," which term may include certain non-U.S. shareholders of a fund, may be subject to a 30% withholding tax, if the foreign financial institution does not, among other things, comply, under an agreement with the Secretary of the Treasury or his/her delegate, with prescribed due diligence requirements necessary to determine which of its accounts (including equity interests in the foreign financial institution) are held by specified United States persons or United States owned foreign entities (such accounts, "United States accounts"), and prescribed reporting
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requirements in respect of its United States accounts. Further, a 30% withholding tax may apply in respect of "passthru payments" made by a foreign financial institution to certain accountholders that do not comply with reasonable information requests aimed at enabling the foreign financial institution to identify its United States accounts and meet applicable reporting obligations. The HIRE Act will further impose a 30% withholding tax on certain payments to non-financial foreign entities. The scope of the applicable HIRE Act provisions is not entirely clear and no assurance can be given that some or all of the income of a fund, and/or certain of the fund's shareholders will not be subject to any of the above described withholding taxes or that information will not be required to be reported to the IRS in respect of a shareholder's interest in the fund. To comply with the requirements of the HIRE Act, a fund may, in appropriate circumstances, require shareholders to provide information and tax documentation regarding their direct and indirect owners, and direct and indirect owners of certain entity shareholders will be required to waive the application of any non-US laws which, but for such waiver, would prevent such entity from reporting information in respect of United States accounts in accordance with the applicable provisions of the HIRE Act or any agreement described in Section 1471(b) of the Code. While the withholding tax provisions of the HIRE Act were to have been fully effective beginning in 2013, the Treasury and the IRS have indicated that future regulatory guidance will provide for a phased-in implementation of these provisions.
The HIRE Act also imposes information reporting requirements on individuals (and, to the extent provided in future regulations, certain domestic entities) that hold any interest in a "specified foreign financial asset" if the aggregate value of all such assets held by such individual exceeds $50,000. Significant penalties can apply upon a failure to make the required disclosure and in respect of understatements of tax attributable to undisclosed foreign financial assets. The scope of this reporting requirement is not entirely clear and all shareholders should consult their own tax advisors as to whether reporting may be required in respect of their indirect interests in certain investments of a fund.
All non-U.S. shareholders are advised to consult their own tax advisors with respect to the particular tax consequences to them of an investment in a fund.
The tax consequences described herein may be affected (possibly with retroactive effect) by various legislative bills and proposals that may be initiated in Congress. Several provisions of the Code relating to the taxation of RICs and their non-U.S. shareholders expired at the end of 2011, and it is possible that those provisions could be legislatively extended (possibly with retroactive effect). Similarly, several preferential tax provisions discussed herein (including the taxation to individuals of qualified dividend income at capital gains rates, as well as certain preferential tax rates) are set to expire at the end of 2012, but may, through legislative action, be extended or otherwise modified. Prospective investors should consult their own tax advisors regarding the status of any proposed legislation and the effect, if any, on their investment in a fund.
Special tax rules apply to investments through defined contribution plans and other tax-qualified plans. Shareholders should consult their tax advisors to determine the suitability of shares of a fund as an investment through such plans and the precise effect of such an investment in their particular tax situation.
Dividends, distributions and gains from the sale of fund shares may be subject to state, local and foreign taxes. Many states grant tax-free status to dividends paid to shareholders of a fund from interest income earned by that fund from direct obligations of the U.S. Government, subject in some states to minimum investment requirements that must be met by the fund. Investments in securities issued by the GNMA or FNMA, bankers' acceptances, commercial paper and repurchase agreements collateralized by U.S. Government securities do not generally qualify for tax-free treatment. Shareholders are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding specific questions as to federal, state, local and, where applicable, non-U.S. taxes.
Shareholders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the state, local and non-U.S. tax consequences of an investment in shares and the particular tax consequences to them of an investment in a fund.
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This section, other than "Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings," does not apply to the Funds of Funds' investments in Underlying Funds. The Funds of Funds will not pay brokerage commissions or sales loads to buy and sell shares of Underlying Funds.
The Manager assumes general supervision over the placement of securities purchase and sale orders on behalf of the funds it manages. The funds, except for the money market funds and the TBCAM Stock Funds, are managed by dual employees of Dreyfus and an Affiliated Entity or employ a Sub-Adviser. Those funds use the research facilities, and are subject to the internal policies and procedures, of the applicable Affiliated Entity or Sub-Adviser and execute portfolio transactions through the trading desk of the Affiliated Entity or Sub-Adviser, as applicable (collectively with Dreyfus' trading desk (for the money market funds only), the "Trading Desk"). All portfolio transactions of the money market funds and the TBCAM Stock Funds are placed on behalf of each fund by the Manager.
Trading the Funds' Portfolio Securities
In managing money market funds, the Manager will draw upon BNY Mellon Cash Investment Strategies ("CIS"). CIS is a division of the Manager that provides investment and credit risk management services and approves all money market fund eligible securities for the fund and for other investment companies and accounts managed by the Manager or its affiliates that invest primarily in money market instruments. CIS, through a team of professionals who contribute a combination of industry analysis and fund-specific expertise, monitors all issuers approved for investment by such investment companies and other accounts by analyzing third party inputs, such as financial statements and media sources, ratings releases and company meetings, as well as internal research. CIS investment and credit professionals also utilize inputs and guidance from BNY Mellon's central Risk Management Department (the "Risk Department") as part of the investment process. These inputs and guidance focus primarily on concentration levels and market and credit risks and are based upon independent analysis done by the Risk Department relating to fundamental characteristics such as the sector, sovereign, tenor and rating of investments or potential investment. The Risk Department also may perform stress and scenario testing on various money market type portfolios advised by CIS or BNY Mellon and its other affiliates, and provides various periodic and ad-hoc reporting to the investment and credit professionals at CIS. In the event a security is removed from the "approved" credit list after being purchased by the fund, the fund is not required to sell that security.
Debt securities purchased and sold by a fund generally are traded on a net basis ( i.e ., without a commission) through dealers acting for their own account and not as brokers, or otherwise involve transactions directly with the issuer of the instrument. This means that a dealer makes a market for securities by offering to buy at one price and sell at a slightly higher price. The difference between the prices is known as a "spread." Other portfolio transactions may be executed through brokers acting as agents, which are typically paid a commission.
The Trading Desk generally has the authority to select brokers (for equity securities) or dealers (for fixed-income securities) and the commission rates or spreads to be paid. Allocation of brokerage transactions is made in the best judgment of the Trading Desk and in a manner deemed fair and reasonable. In choosing brokers or dealers, the Trading Desk evaluates the ability of the broker or dealer to execute the transaction at the best combination of price and quality of execution.
In general, brokers or dealers involved in the execution of portfolio transactions on behalf of a fund are selected on the basis of their professional capability and the value and quality of their services. The Trading Desk seeks to obtain best execution by choosing brokers or dealers to execute transactions based on a variety of factors, which may include, but are not limited to, the following: (i) price; (ii) liquidity; (iii) the nature and character of the relevant market for the security to be purchased or sold; (iv) the quality and efficiency of the broker's or dealer's execution; (v) the broker's or dealer's willingness to commit capital; (vi) the reliability of the broker or dealer in trade settlement and clearance; (vii) the level of counterparty risk ( i.e ., the broker's or dealer's financial condition); (viii) the commission rate or the spread; (ix) the value of research provided; (x) the availability of electronic trade entry and reporting links; and (xi) the size and type of order ( e.g ., foreign or domestic security, large block, illiquid security). In selecting brokers or dealers no factor is necessarily determinative; however, at various times and for
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various reasons, certain factors will be more important than others in determining which broker or dealer to use. Seeking to obtain best execution for all trades takes precedence over all other considerations.
Investment decisions for one fund or account are made independently from those for other funds or accounts managed by the portfolio managers. Under the Trading Desk's procedures, portfolio managers and their corresponding Trading Desks may, but are not required to, seek to aggregate (or "bunch") orders that are placed or received concurrently for more than one fund or account, and available investments or opportunities for sales will be allocated equitably to each. In some cases, this policy may adversely affect the size of the position obtained or sold or the price paid or received by a fund. When transactions are aggregated, but it is not possible to receive the same price or execution on the entire volume of securities purchased or sold, the various prices may be averaged, and the fund will be charged or credited with the average price.
The portfolio managers will make investment decisions for the funds as they believe are in the best interests of the funds. Investment decisions made for a fund may differ from, and may conflict with, investment decisions made for other funds and accounts advised by the Manager and its Affiliated Entities or a Sub-Adviser. Actions taken with respect to such other funds or accounts may adversely impact a fund, and actions taken by a fund may benefit the Manager or its Affiliated Entities or a Sub-Adviser or other funds or accounts advised by the Manager or an Affiliated Entity or Sub-Adviser. Funds and accounts managed by the Manager, an Affiliated Entity or a Sub-Adviser may own significant positions in an issuer of securities which, depending on market conditions, may affect adversely the ability to dispose of some or all of such positions. Regulatory restrictions (including, but not limited to, those related to the aggregation of positions among other funds and accounts) and internal BNY Mellon policies, guidance or limitations (including, but not limited to, those related to the aggregation of positions among all fiduciary accounts managed or advised by BNY Mellon and all its affiliates (including the Manager and its Affiliated Entities) and the aggregated exposure of such accounts) may restrict investment activities of the funds. While the allocation of investment opportunities among a fund and other funds and accounts advised by the Manager and its Affiliated Entities may raise potential conflicts because of financial, investment or other interests of BNY Mellon or its personnel (or, with respect to a fund advised by a Sub-Adviser, the Sub-Adviser and its affiliates), the portfolio managers will make allocation decisions consistent with the interests of the fund and other funds and accounts and not solely based on such other interests.
Portfolio managers may deem it appropriate for one fund or account they manage to sell a security while another fund or account they manage is purchasing the same security. Under such circumstances, the portfolio managers may arrange to have the purchase and sale transactions effected directly between the funds and/or accounts ("cross transactions"). Cross transactions will be effected in accordance with procedures adopted pursuant to Rule 17a-7 under the 1940 Act.
The Manager, an Affiliated Entity or a Sub-Adviser may buy for a fund securities of issuers in which other funds or accounts advised by the Manager, the Affiliated Entity or the Sub-Adviser may have, or are making, an investment in the same issuer that are subordinate or senior to the securities purchased for the fund. For example, a fund may invest in debt securities of an issuer at the same time that other funds or accounts are investing, or currently have an investment, in equity securities of the same issuer. To the extent that the issuer experiences financial or operational challenges which may impact the price of its securities and its ability to meet its obligations, decisions by the Manager, an Affiliated Entity or a Sub-Adviser relating to what actions are to be taken may raise conflicts of interests, and the Manager, the Affiliated Entity or the Sub-Adviser, as applicable, may take actions for certain funds or accounts that have negative impacts on other funds or accounts.
Portfolio turnover may vary from year to year as well as within a year. In periods in which extraordinary market conditions prevail, portfolio managers will not be deterred from changing a fund's investment strategy as rapidly as needed, in which case higher turnover rates can be anticipated which would result in greater brokerage expenses. The overall reasonableness of brokerage commissions paid is evaluated by the Trading Desk based upon its knowledge of available information as to the general level of commissions paid by other institutional investors for comparable services. Higher portfolio turnover rates usually generate additional brokerage commissions and transaction costs, and any short-term gains realized from these transactions are taxable to shareholders as ordinary income.
To the extent that a fund invests in foreign securities, certain of such fund's transactions in those securities may not benefit from the negotiated commission rates available to funds for transactions in securities of domestic issuers. For
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funds that permit foreign exchange transactions, such transactions are made with banks or institutions in the interbank market at prices reflecting a mark-up or mark-down and/or commission.
The Manager (and, where applicable, an Affiliated Entity or a Sub-Adviser) may utilize the services of an affiliate to effect certain client transactions when it determines that the use of such affiliate is consistent with its fiduciary obligations, including its obligation to obtain best execution, and the transactions are in the best interests of its clients. Procedures have been adopted in conformity with Rule 17e-1 under the 1940 Act to provide that all brokerage commissions paid by the funds to the Manager (or, where applicable, an Affiliated Entity or a Sub-Adviser) are reasonable and fair.
For funds that invest in municipal securities, portfolio securities are purchased from and sold to parties acting as either principal or agent. Newly-issued securities ordinarily are purchased directly from the issuer or from an underwriter; other purchases and sales usually are placed with those dealers from which it appears that the best price or execution will be obtained. Usually no brokerage commissions as such are paid by a fund for such purchases and sales, although the price paid usually includes an undisclosed compensation to the dealer acting as agent. The prices paid to underwriters of newly-issued securities usually include a concession paid by the issuer to the underwriter and purchases of after-market securities from dealers ordinarily are executed at a price between the bid and asked price.
The term "soft dollars" is commonly understood to refer to arrangements where an investment adviser uses client (or fund) brokerage commissions to pay for research and brokerage services to be used by the investment adviser. Section 28(e) of the Exchange Act provides a "safe harbor" that permits investment advisers to enter into soft dollar arrangements if the investment adviser determines in good faith that the amount of the commission is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided. Eligible products and services under Section 28(e) include those that provide lawful and appropriate assistance to the investment adviser in the performance of its investment decision-making responsibilities.
Subject to the policy of seeking best execution, the funds may execute transactions with brokerage firms that provide research services and products, as defined in Section 28(e). Any and all research products and services received in connection with brokerage commissions will be used to assist the applicable Affiliated Entity or Sub-Adviser in its investment decision-making responsibilities, as contemplated under Section 28(e). Under certain conditions, higher brokerage commissions may be paid in connection with certain transactions in return for research products and services.
The products and services provided under these arrangements permit the Trading Desk to supplement its own research and analysis activities, and provide it with information from individuals and research staff of many securities firms. Such services and products may include, but are not limited to, the following: fundamental research reports (which may discuss, among other things, the value of securities, or the advisability of investing in, purchasing or selling securities, or the availability of securities or the purchasers or sellers of securities, or issuers, industries, economic factors and trends, portfolio strategy and performance); current market data and news; statistical data; technical and portfolio analyses; economic forecasting and interest rate projections; and historical information on securities and companies. The Trading Desk also may use client brokerage commission arrangements to defray the costs of certain services and communication systems that facilitate trade execution (such as on-line quotation systems, direct data feeds from stock exchanges and on-line trading systems) or functions related thereto (such as clearance and settlement). Some of the research products or services received by the Trading Desk may have both a research function and a non-research or administrative function (a "mixed use"). If the Trading Desk determines that any research product or service has a mixed use, the Trading Desk will allocate in good faith the cost of such service or product accordingly. The portion of the product or service that the Trading Desk determines will assist it in the investment decision-making process may be paid for in soft dollars. The non-research portion is paid for by the Trading Desk in hard dollars.
The Trading Desk generally considers the amount and nature of research, execution and other services provided by brokerage firms, as well as the extent to which such services are relied on, and attempts to allocate a portion of the brokerage business of its clients on the basis of that consideration. Neither the services nor the amount of brokerage given to a particular brokerage firm are made pursuant to any agreement or commitment with any of the selected firms that would bind the Trading Desk to compensate the selected brokerage firm for research provided. The
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Trading Desk endeavors, but is not legally obligated, to direct sufficient commissions to broker/dealers that have provided it with research and other services to ensure continued receipt of research the Trading Desk believes is useful. Actual commissions received by a brokerage firm may be more or less than the suggested allocations.
There may be no correlation between the amount of brokerage commissions generated by a particular fund or account and the indirect benefits received by that fund or client. The Affiliated Entity or Sub-Adviser may receive a benefit from the research services and products that is not passed on to a fund in the form of a direct monetary benefit. Further, research services and products may be useful to the Affiliated Entity or Sub-Adviser in providing investment advice to any of the funds or other accounts it advises. Information made available to the Affiliated Entity or Sub-Adviser from brokerage firms effecting securities transactions for another fund or account may be utilized on behalf of a fund. Thus, there may be no correlation between the amount of brokerage commissions generated by a particular fund and the indirect benefits received by that fund. Information so received is in addition to, and not in lieu of, services required to be performed by the Affiliated Entity or Sub-Adviser and fees are not reduced as a consequence of the receipt of such supplemental information. Although the receipt of such research services does not reduce the normal independent research activities of the Affiliated Entity or Sub-Adviser, it enables it to avoid the additional expenses that might otherwise be incurred if it were to attempt to develop comparable information through its own staff.
Certain funds may participate in IPOs. In deciding whether to purchase an IPO, a fund's portfolio manager(s) generally consider the capitalization characteristics of the security, as well as other characteristics of the security, and identifies funds and accounts with investment objectives and strategies consistent with such a purchase. Generally, as more IPOs involve small- and mid-cap companies, the funds and accounts with a small- and mid-cap focus may participate in more IPOs than funds and accounts with a large-cap focus. The Affiliated Entity or Sub-Adviser (as applicable), when consistent with the fund's and/or account's investment guidelines, generally will allocate shares of an IPO on a pro rata basis. In the case of "hot" IPOs, where the Affiliated Entity or Sub-Adviser only receives a partial allocation of the total amount requested, those shares will be distributed fairly and equitably among participating funds or accounts managed by the Affiliated Entity or Sub-Adviser. "Hot" IPOs raise special allocation concerns because opportunities to invest in such issues are limited as they are often oversubscribed. The distribution of the partial allocation among funds and/or accounts will be based on relative NAVs. Shares will be allocated on a pro rata basis to all appropriate funds and accounts, subject to a minimum allocation based on trading, custody and other associated costs. International hot IPOs may not be allocated on a pro rata basis due to transaction costs, market liquidity and other factors unique to international markets.
Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings
The funds have adopted policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of fund portfolio holdings and any ongoing arrangements to make available information about fund portfolio holdings. It is the policy of the Manager to protect the confidentiality of fund portfolio holdings and prevent the selective disclosure of non-public information about such holdings. The policy requires that consideration always be given as to whether disclosure of information about fund portfolio holdings is in the best interests of fund shareholders, and that any conflicts of interest between the interests of fund shareholders and those of the Manager or its affiliates be addressed in a manner that places the interests of fund shareholders first.
Each fund, or its duly authorized service providers, publicly discloses its portfolio holdings in accordance with regulatory requirements, such as periodic portfolio disclosure in filings with the SEC. Each non-money market fund, or its duly authorized service providers, may publicly disclose its complete schedule of portfolio holdings at month-end, with a one-month lag at www.dreyfus.com. In addition, fifteen days following the end of each calendar quarter, each non-money market fund, or its duly authorized service providers, may publicly disclose on the website its complete schedule of portfolio holdings as of the end of such quarter. Each money market fund will disclose daily, on www.dreyfus.com, the fund's complete schedule of holdings as of the end of the previous business day. The schedule of holdings will remain on the website until the fund files its Form N-Q or Form N-CSR for the period that includes the date of the posted holdings.
If a fund's portfolio holdings are released pursuant to an ongoing arrangement with any party, such fund must have a legitimate business purpose for doing so, and neither the fund, nor the Manager or its affiliates may receive any
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compensation in connection with an arrangement to make available information about the fund's portfolio holdings. Funds may distribute portfolio holdings to mutual fund evaluation services such as S&P, Morningstar or Lipper Analytical Services; due diligence departments of broker-dealers and wirehouses that regularly analyze the portfolio holdings of mutual funds before their public disclosure; and broker-dealers that may be used by the fund, for the purpose of efficient trading and receipt of relevant research, provided that: (a) the recipient does not distribute the portfolio holdings to persons who are likely to use the information for purposes of purchasing or selling fund shares or fund portfolio holdings before the portfolio holdings become public information; and (b) the recipient signs a written confidentiality agreement.
A fund may also disclose any and all portfolio holdings information to its service providers and others who generally need access to such information in the performance of their contractual duties and responsibilities and are subject to duties of confidentiality, including a duty not to trade on non-public information, imposed by law and/or contract. These service providers include the fund's custodian, independent registered public accounting firm, investment adviser, administrator, and each of their respective affiliates and advisors.
Disclosure of portfolio holdings may be authorized only by the Chief Compliance Officer for the fund, and any exceptions to this policy are reported quarterly to the board.
SUMMARY OF THE PROXY VOTING POLICY, PROCEDURES AND GUIDELINES OF THE DREYFUS FAMILY OF FUNDS
The boards have delegated to Dreyfus the authority to vote proxies of companies held in a fund's portfolio. Dreyfus, through its participation in BNY Mellon's Proxy Policy Committee (the "PPC"), applies BNY Mellon's Proxy Voting Policy, related procedures and voting guidelines when voting proxies on behalf of a fund.
Dreyfus recognizes that an investment adviser is a fiduciary that owes its clients a duty of utmost good faith and full and fair disclosure of all material facts. Dreyfus further recognizes that the right to vote proxies is an asset, just as the economic investment represented by the shares is an asset. An investment adviser's duty of loyalty precludes an adviser from subrogating its clients' interests to its own. Accordingly, in voting proxies, Dreyfus seeks to act solely in the best financial and economic interests of the funds.
Dreyfus seeks to avoid material conflicts of interest through its participation in the PPC, which applies detailed, pre-determined proxy voting guidelines in an objective and consistent manner across client accounts, based on internal and external research and recommendations provided by third party vendors, and without consideration of any client relationship factors. Further, Dreyfus and its affiliates engage a third party as an independent fiduciary to vote all proxies for BNY Mellon securities and proxies of mutual funds sponsored by Dreyfus or its affiliates (including the Dreyfus Family of Funds), and may engage an independent fiduciary to vote proxies of other issuers in Dreyfus' and its affiliates' discretion.
Each proxy is reviewed, categorized and analyzed in accordance with the PPC's written guidelines in effect from time to time. The guidelines are reviewed periodically and updated as necessary to reflect new issues and changes to the PPC's policies on specific issues. Items that can be categorized will be voted in accordance with any applicable guidelines or referred to the PPC, if the applicable guidelines so require. Proposals for which a guideline has not yet been established are referred to the PPC for discussion and vote. Additionally, the PPC may elect to review any proposal where it has identified a particular issue for special scrutiny in light of new information. The PPC will also consider specific interests and issues raised by a fund, which interests and issues may require that a vote for a fund be cast differently from the collective vote in order to act in the best interests of such fund.
Dreyfus believes that a shareholder's role in the governance of a publicly-held company is generally limited to monitoring the performance of the company and its managers and voting on matters which properly come to a shareholder vote. Dreyfus carefully reviews proposals that would limit shareholder control or could affect shareholder values.
Dreyfus generally opposes proposals that seem designed to insulate management unnecessarily from the wishes of a majority of the shareholders and that would lead to a determination of a company's future by a minority of its shareholders. Dreyfus generally supports proposals that seem to have as their primary purpose providing
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management with temporary or short-term insulation from outside influences so as to enable them to bargain effectively with potential suitors and otherwise achieve identified long-term goals to the extent such proposals are discrete and not bundled with other proposals.
On questions of social responsibility where economic performance does not appear to be an issue, Dreyfus attempts to ensure that management reasonably responds to the social issues. Responsiveness is measured by management's efforts to address the particular social issue including, where appropriate, assessment of the implications of the proposal to the ongoing operations of the company. Dreyfus pays particular attention to repeat issues where management has failed in its commitment to take specific actions. With respect to a fund having investment policies that require proxies to be cast in a certain manner on particular social responsibility issues, Dreyfus votes such issues in accordance with those investment policies.
Information regarding how Dreyfus voted proxies for the funds during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 th is available on Dreyfus' website, by the following August 31 st , at http://www.dreyfus.com and on the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov on a fund's Form N-PX.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUNDS' STRUCTURE; FUND SHARES AND VOTING RIGHTS
If a fund is a series of a fund company organized as an unincorporated business trust under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, shareholders of the fund could, under certain circumstances, be held personally liable for the obligations of the fund. However, the fund company's Agreement and Declaration of Trust (the "Trust Agreement") disclaims shareholder liability for acts or obligations of the fund company and requires that notice of such disclaimer be given in each agreement, obligation or instrument entered into or executed by the fund company or a board member. The Trust Agreement provides for indemnification from a fund's property for all losses and expenses of any shareholder held personally liable for the obligations of the fund. Thus, the risk of a shareholder incurring financial loss on account of shareholder liability is limited to circumstances in which the fund itself would be unable to meet its obligations, a possibility which management believes is remote. Upon payment of any liability incurred by a fund, the shareholder paying such liability will be entitled to reimbursement from the general assets of the fund. The fund companies intend to conduct their operations in such a way so as to avoid, as far as possible, ultimate liability of the shareholders for liabilities of a fund.
Fund shares have equal rights as to dividends and in liquidation. Shares have no preemptive, subscription rights or, except as described in the prospectus or this SAI, conversion rights and are freely transferable. Each fund share has one vote and, when issued and paid for in accordance with the terms of its offering, is fully paid and non-assessable.
Unless otherwise required by the 1940 Act, ordinarily it will not be necessary for a fund to hold annual meetings of shareholders. As a result, shareholders may not consider each year the election of board members or the appointment of an independent registered public accounting firm. However, for a fund that is organized as a Massachusetts business trust or a series of a Massachusetts business trust, the holders of at least 30% of the fund's shares outstanding and entitled to vote may require the fund to hold a special meeting of shareholders for purposes of removing a board member from office. In addition, the board will call a meeting of shareholders for the purpose of electing board members if, at any time, less than a majority of the board members then holding office have been elected by shareholders.
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Rule 18f-2 under the 1940 Act provides that any matter required to be submitted under the provisions of the 1940 Act or applicable state law or otherwise to the holders of the outstanding voting securities of an investment company will not be deemed to have been effectively acted upon unless approved by the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of each series, if any, affected by such matter. Rule 18f-2 further provides that a series shall be deemed to be affected by a matter unless it is clear that the interests of each series in the matter are identical or that the matter does not affect any interest of such series. Rule 18f-2 exempts the selection of the independent registered public accounting firm and the election of board members from the separate voting requirements of the rule.
|
Term |
Meaning |
|
12b-1 Plan |
A Plan adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act |
|
1940 Act |
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended |
|
ACH |
Automated Clearing House |
|
Acquired Fund |
Former series of The Bear Stearns Funds |
|
ADRs |
American Depositary Receipts and American Depositary Shares |
|
Adviser |
The Manager and/or one or more Sub-Advisers, as applicable to the relevant fund or funds |
|
Affiliated Entity |
An affiliate of Dreyfus that, along with Dreyfus, employs fund portfolio managers who are dual employees of the Dreyfus and such affiliate; for the TBCAM Stock Funds, references to an Affiliated Entity shall be deemed to refer to TBCAM as Manager of the TBCAM Stock Funds |
|
AMT |
Alternative Minimum Tax |
|
Authorized Entity |
A bank, broker-dealer, financial adviser or Retirement Plan that has entered into an agreement with the Distributor to receive orders to buy and sell fund shares by the close of trading on the NYSE and transmit such orders to the Distributor or its designee in accordance with the agreement with the Distributor |
|
BNY Hamilton Funds |
The BNY Hamilton Funds, Inc. |
|
BNY Mellon |
The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation; BNY Mellon is the corporate brand of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation. |
|
BNY Mellon ARX |
BNY Mellon ARX Investimentos Ltda. |
|
Cash Management Funds |
Dreyfus California AMT-Free Municipal Cash Management, Dreyfus Cash Management, Dreyfus Government Cash Management, Dreyfus Government Prime Cash Management, Dreyfus Municipal Cash Management Plus, Dreyfus New York AMT-Free Municipal Cash Management, Dreyfus New York Municipal Cash Management, Dreyfus Tax Exempt Cash Management, Dreyfus Treasury & Agency Cash Management and Dreyfus Treasury Prime Cash Management |
|
CCM |
Cupps Capital Management, LLC |
|
CDSC |
Contingent deferred sales charge |
|
CEA |
Commodities Exchange Act |
|
CFTC |
Commodity Futures Trading Commission |
|
Code |
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended |
|
Custodian |
The Bank of New York Mellon |
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|
Term |
Meaning |
|
Distributor |
MBSC Securities Corporation |
|
Dreyfus |
The Dreyfus Corporation |
|
EACM |
EACM Advisors LLC |
|
Effective Date |
March 13, 2012 |
|
Eligible Shares |
Shares of a Multi-Class Fund or shares of certain other funds advised by the Manager that are subject to a front-end sales load or a CDSC, or shares acquired by a previous exchange of such shares |
|
ETFs |
Exchange traded funds |
|
Exchange Account |
A special account in the General Fund created solely for the purpose of purchasing shares by exchange from Class B shares of a Multi-Class Fund; prior to June 1, 2006, such accounts were created in the Worldwide Dollar Fund |
|
Exchange Act |
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended |
|
FDIC |
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation |
|
Federal Funds |
Monies of member banks within the Federal Reserve System which are held on deposit at a Federal Reserve Bank |
|
FINRA |
Financial Industry Regulatory Authority |
|
Fitch |
Fitch Ratings |
|
FNMA |
Federal National Mortgage Association |
|
Fund of Funds |
Dreyfus Conservative Allocation Fund, Dreyfus Diversified International Fund, Dreyfus Diversified Large Cap Fund, Dreyfus Growth Allocation Fund, Dreyfus Moderate Growth Allocation Fund and Dreyfus Satellite Alpha Fund, which each invests all or substantially all of its investable assets in Underlying Funds |
|
General Fund |
General Money Market Fund, Inc., a money market fund advised by the Manager into which certain fund shares may be exchanged |
|
General Funds |
General California Municipal Money Market Fund General Government Securities Money Market Funds, Inc. General Government Securities Money Market Fund General Treasury Prime Money Market Fund General Municipal Money Market Funds, Inc. General Municipal Money Market Fund General New York Municipal Money Market Fund |
|
Geneva |
Geneva Capital Management Ltd. |
|
GNMA |
Government National Mortgage Association |
|
Hamon |
Hamon Asian Advisors Limited |
|
Independent Board Member |
A board member who is not an "interested person" (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the relevant fund |
|
Index |
The benchmark index of an Index Fund |
|
Index Funds |
Dreyfus International Stock Index Fund, Dreyfus Midcap Index Fund, Inc., Dreyfus S&P 500 Index Fund and Dreyfus Smallcap Stock Index Fund |
|
Institutional Money Funds |
Dreyfus Institutional Cash Advantage Fund, Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Money Market Fund, Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Plus Money Market Fund, Dreyfus Institutional Reserves Money Fund, Dreyfus Institutional Reserves Treasury Prime Fund and |
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|
Term |
Meaning |
|
|
Dreyfus Institutional Reserves Treasury Fund |
|
Interested Board Member |
A board member who is considered to be an "interested person" (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the relevant fund |
|
IPO |
Initial public offering |
|
IRA |
Individual retirement account |
|
Iridian |
Iridian Asset Management LLC |
|
IRS |
Internal Revenue Service |
|
King |
King Investment Advisors, Inc. |
|
Lending Agent |
The Bank of New York Mellon |
|
LIBOR |
London Interbank Offered Rate |
|
Lombardia |
Lombardia Capital Partners, LLC |
|
Manager |
The Dreyfus Corporation; when used for the TBCAM Stock Funds only, the Manager refers to TBCAM |
|
Mellon Capital |
Mellon Capital Management Corporation |
|
Moody's |
Moody's Investors Service, Inc. |
|
Multi-Class Fund |
A fund that issues multiple classes of shares, one or more of which is subject to a sales load |
|
Municipal Bonds Municipal Obligations |
Debt obligations or other securities issued by states, territories and possessions of the United States and the District of Columbia and their political subdivisions, agencies and instrumentalities, or multi-state agencies or authorities, and certain other specified securities, the interest from which is, in the opinion of bond counsel to the issuer, exempt from federal income tax |
|
NASDAQ |
The Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc. |
|
NAV |
Net asset value |
|
Neuberger Berman |
Neuberger Berman Management LLC |
|
Newton |
Newton Capital Management Ltd. |
|
NFA |
National Futures Association |
|
Nicholas |
Nicholas Investment Partners, L.P. |
|
NYSE |
New York Stock Exchange |
|
Plans |
Distribution Plans, Service Plans and Shareholder Services Plans as described in "Distribution Plans, Service Plans and Shareholder Services Plans" in Part II of this SAI |
|
Purchaser |
An individual and/or spouse purchasing securities for his, her or their own account or for the account of any minor children, or a trustee or other fiduciary purchasing securities for a single trust estate or a single fiduciary account (including a pension, profit-sharing, or other employee benefit trust created pursuant to a plan qualified under Section 401 of the Code) although more than one beneficiary is involved; or a group of accounts established by or on behalf of the employees of an employer or affiliated employers pursuant to an employee benefit plan or other program (including accounts established pursuant to Sections 403(b), 408(k) and 457 of the Code); or an organized group which has been in existence for more than six months, provided that it is not organized for the purpose of buying redeemable securities of a registered investment company and |
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|
Term |
Meaning |
|
Underlying Funds |
Dreyfus funds in which a Fund of Funds invest all or substantially all of their investable assets |
|
Urdang |
Urdang Securities Management, Inc. |
|
USA PATRIOT Act |
Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 |
|
Walter Scott |
Walter Scott & Partners Limited |
|
Walthausen |
Walthausen & Co., LLC |
|
Worldwide Dollar Fund |
Dreyfus Worldwide Dollar Money Market Fund, Inc., a money market fund advised by the Manager into which certain fund shares may be exchanged |
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DREYFUS INSTITUTIONAL PREFERRED MONEY MARKET FUNDS
PART C. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 28. Exhibits
(a)(1) Registrant's Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (1) of Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed on June 5, 1997 ("Pre-Effective Amendment No.1").
(a)(2) Registrant's Articles of Amendment are incorporated by reference to Exhibit (a)(2) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 7 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed on October 12, 2000 ("Post-Effective Amendment No. 7").
(b) Form of Amended and Restated By-Laws is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (b) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 21 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed on July 28, 2011 ("Post-Effective Amendment No. 21").
(d) Amended Management Agreement is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (d) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 10 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed on July 24, 2003 ("Post-Effective Amendment No. 10").
(e) Form of Amended Distribution Agreement is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (e) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 20 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed on July 29, 2010.
(g) Form of Custody Agreement is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (g) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 21.
(h) Form of Transfer Agency Agreement.*
(i) Opinion and Consent of Registrant's counsel is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (10) of Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1.
(j) Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting firm.*
(p)(i) Code of Ethics is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (p) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 17 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed on July 29, 2008.
(p)(ii) Code of Ethics for the Non-management Board Members of the Dreyfus Family of Funds is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (p)(ii) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 19 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed on May 28, 2010.
Other Exhibits
(a) Power of Attorney of certain officers of Registrant, dated November 2, 2009 is incorporated by reference to Other Exhibit (a) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 19 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed on May 28, 2010.
____________
*Filed herewith.
(b) Certificate of Assistant Secretary is incorporated by reference to Other Exhibit (b) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 21.
(c) Notification of Election pursuant to Rule 18f-1 is incorporated by reference to Other Exhibit (c) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 7.
Item 29. Persons Controlled by or under Common Control with Registrant.
Not Applicable
Item 30. Indemnification
The Registrant's charter documents set forth the circumstances under which indemnification shall be provided to any past or present Board member or officer of the Registrant. The Registrant also has entered into a separate agreement with each of its Board members that describes the conditions and manner in which the Registrant indemnifies each of its Board members against all liabilities incurred by them (including attorneys' fees and other litigation expenses, settlements, fines and penalties), or which may be threatened against them, as a result of being or having been a Board member of the Registrant. These indemnification provisions are subject to applicable state law and to the limitation under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, that no board member or officer of a fund may be protected against liability for willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard for the duties of his or her office. Reference is hereby made to the following:
Article EIGHTH of the Registrant's Agreement and Declaration of Trust and any amendments thereto, Article 10 of Registrant's Amended and Restated Bylaws and Section 1.10 of the Amended Distribution Agreement.
Item 31. Business and Other Connections of Investment Adviser.
The Dreyfus Corporation ("Dreyfus") and subsidiary companies comprise a financial service organization whose business consists primarily of providing investment management services as the investment adviser, manager and distributor for sponsored investment companies registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 and as an investment adviser to institutional and individual accounts. Dreyfus also serves as sub-investment adviser to and/or administrator of other investment companies. MBSC Securities Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dreyfus, serves primarily as a registered broker-dealer of shares of investment companies sponsored by Dreyfus and of other investment companies for which Dreyfus acts as investment adviser, sub-investment adviser or administrator.
Item 31.
Business and Other Connections of Investment Adviser (continued)
Officers and Directors of Investment Adviser
|
Name and Position
|
Other Businesses |
Position Held |
Dates |
|
Jonathan Baum
|
MBSC Securities Corporation ++ |
Chief Executive Officer
|
3/08 - Present
|
|
J. Charles Cardona
|
MBSC Securities Corporation ++ |
Director
|
6/07 – Present
|
|
Universal Liquidity Funds plc+ |
Director |
4/06 - Present |
|
|
Diane P. Durnin
|
None |
||
|
Robert G. Capone
|
MBSC Securities Corporation ++ |
Executive Vice President Director |
4/07 - Present
|
|
The Bank of New York Mellon***** |
Vice President |
2/06 - Present |
|
|
Mitchell E. Harris
|
Standish Mellon Asset Management Company LLC
|
Chairman
|
2/05 – Present
|
|
Alcentra NY, LLC ++ |
Manager |
1/08 - Present |
|
|
Alcentra US, Inc. ++ |
Director |
1/08 - Present |
|
|
Alcentra, Inc. ++ |
Director |
1/08 - Present |
|
|
BNY Alcentra Group Holdings, Inc. ++ |
Director |
10/07 - Present |
|
|
Pareto New York LLC ++ |
Manager |
11/07 - Present |
|
|
Standish Ventures LLC
|
President
|
12/05 - Present
|
|
|
Palomar Management
|
Director |
12/97 - Present |
|
|
Name and Position
|
Other Businesses |
Position Held |
Dates |
|
Palomar Management Holdings Limited
|
Director |
12/97 - Present |
|
|
Pareto Investment Management Limited
|
Director |
9/04 - Present |
|
|
Christopher E. Sheldon
|
Mellon Global Investing Corp.
+
|
Senior Vice President |
5/08 - Present |
|
BNY Mellon, National Association + |
Managing Director |
7/09 – Present |
|
|
The Bank of New York Mellon ***** |
Managing Director |
7/09 - Present |
|
|
Bradley J. Skapyak
|
MBSC Securities Corporation ++ |
Executive Vice President |
6/07 - Present |
|
The Bank of New York Mellon **** |
Senior Vice President |
4/07 - Present |
|
|
The Dreyfus Family of Funds ++ |
President |
1/10 - Present |
|
|
Dreyfus Transfer, Inc. ++ |
Chairman Director Senior Vice President |
5/11 - Present
5/10 - Present
|
|
|
Dwight Jacobsen
|
MBSC Securities Corporation ++ |
Executive Vice President
|
6/08 – Present
|
|
Cynthia Fryer Steer Director |
None |
||
|
Patrice M. Kozlowski
|
None |
||
|
Gary Pierce
|
The Bank of New York Mellon ***** |
Vice President |
7/08 - Present |
|
BNY Mellon, National Association + |
Vice President |
7/08 - Present |
|
|
Laurel Capital Advisors, LLP + |
Chief Financial Officer |
5/07 - Present |
|
|
Name and Position
|
Other Businesses |
Position Held |
Dates |
|
MBSC Securities Corporation ++ |
Director
|
6/07 – Present
|
|
|
Founders Asset Management, LLC**** |
Assistant Treasurer |
7/06 - 12/09
|
|
|
Dreyfus Consumer Credit
|
Treasurer |
7/05 - 8/10 |
|
|
Dreyfus Transfer, Inc. ++ |
Chief Financial Officer
|
7/05 - Present
|
|
|
Dreyfus Service
|
Treasurer |
7/05 – Present |
|
|
Seven Six Seven Agency, Inc. ++ |
Treasurer |
4/99 - Present |
|
|
Joseph W. Connolly
|
The Dreyfus Family of Funds ++ |
Chief Compliance Officer |
10/04 - Present |
|
Laurel Capital Advisors, LLP + |
Chief Compliance Officer |
4/05 - Present |
|
|
BNY Mellon Funds Trust ++ |
Chief Compliance Officer |
10/04 - Present |
|
|
MBSC Securities Corporation ++ |
Chief Compliance Officer |
6/07 – Present |
|
|
Christopher O'Connor
|
MBSC Securities Corporation ++ |
Executive Vice President
|
12/11 – Present
|
|
Gary E. Abbs
|
The Bank of New York Mellon + |
First Vice President and Manager of Tax Compliance |
12/96 - Present |
|
Dreyfus Service Organization ++ |
Vice President – Tax |
1/09 - Present |
|
|
Dreyfus Consumer Credit Corporation ++ |
Chairman
|
1/09 – 8/10
|
|
|
MBSC Securities Corporation ++ |
Vice President – Tax |
1/09 - Present |
|
|
Name and Position
|
Other Businesses |
Position Held |
Dates |
|
Jill Gill
|
MBSC Securities Corporation ++ |
Vice President |
6/07 – Present |
|
The Bank of New York Mellon ***** |
Vice President |
7/08 – Present |
|
|
BNY Mellon, National Association + |
Vice President |
7/08 - Present |
|
|
Joanne S. Huber
|
The Bank of New York Mellon + |
State & Local Compliance Manager |
7/07 - Present |
|
Dreyfus Service Organization ++ |
Vice President – Tax |
1/09 – Present |
|
|
Dreyfus Consumer Credit Corporation ++ |
Vice President – Tax |
1/09 – 8/10 |
|
|
MBSC Securities Corporation ++ |
Vice President – Tax |
1/09 – Present |
|
|
Anthony Mayo
|
None |
||
|
John E. Lane
|
A P Colorado, Inc. + |
Vice President – Real Estate and Leases |
8/07 - Present |
|
A P East, Inc. + |
Vice President– Real Estate and Leases |
8/07 - Present |
|
|
A P Management, Inc. + |
Vice President– Real Estate and Leases |
8/07 - Present |
|
|
A P Properties, Inc. + |
Vice President – Real Estate and Leases |
8/07 - Present |
|
|
Allomon Corporation + |
Vice President– Real Estate and Leases |
8/07 - Present |
|
|
AP Residential Realty, Inc. + |
Vice President– Real Estate and Leases |
8/07 - Present |
|
|
AP Wheels, Inc. + |
Vice President– Real Estate and Leases |
8/07 - Present |
|
|
BNY Mellon, National Association + |
Vice President – Real Estate and Leases |
7/08 - Present |
|
|
Citmelex Corporation + |
Vice President– Real Estate and Leases |
8/07 - Present |
|
Name and Position
|
Other Businesses |
Position Held |
Dates |
|
Eagle Investment Systems LLC
|
Vice President– Real Estate and Leases |
8/07 - Present |
|
|
East Properties Inc. + |
Vice President– Real Estate and Leases |
8/07 - Present |
|
|
FSFC, Inc. + |
Vice President– Real Estate and Leases |
8/07 - Present |
|
|
Holiday Properties, Inc. + |
Vice President– Real Estate and Leases |
8/07 - Present |
|
|
MBC Investments Corporation + |
Vice President– Real Estate and Leases |
8/07 - Present |
|
|
MBSC Securities Corporation ++ |
Vice President– Real Estate and Leases |
8/07 - Present |
|
|
MELDEL Leasing Corporation Number 2, Inc. + |
Vice President– Real Estate and Leases |
7/07 - Present |
|
|
Mellon Bank Community Development Corporation + |
Vice President– Real Estate and Leases |
11/07 - Present |
|
|
Mellon Capital Management Corporation + |
Vice President– Real Estate and Leases |
8/07 - Present |
|
|
Mellon Financial Services Corporation #1 + |
Vice President– Real Estate and Leases |
8/07 - Present |
|
|
Mellon Financial Services Corporation #4 + |
Vice President – Real Estate and Leases |
7/07 - Present |
|
|
Mellon Funding Corporation + |
Vice President– Real Estate and Leases |
12/07 - Present |
|
|
Mellon Holdings, LLC + |
Vice President– Real Estate and Leases |
12/07 - Present |
|
|
Mellon International Leasing Company + |
Vice President– Real Estate and Leases |
7/07 - Present |
|
|
Mellon Leasing Corporation + |
Vice President– Real Estate and Leases |
7/07 - Present |
|
|
Mellon Ventures, Inc. + |
Vice President– Real Estate and Leases |
8/07 - Present |
|
|
Melnamor Corporation + |
Vice President– Real Estate and Leases |
8/07 - Present |
|
|
MFS Leasing Corp. + |
Vice President– Real Estate and Leases |
7/07 - Present |
|
|
MMIP, LLC + |
Vice President– Real Estate and Leases |
8/07 - Present |
|
Name and Position
|
Other Businesses |
Position Held |
Dates |
|
Pareto New York LLC ++ |
Vice President– Real Estate and Leases |
10/07 - Present |
|
|
Pontus, Inc. + |
Vice President– Real Estate and Leases |
7/07 - Present |
|
|
Promenade, Inc. + |
Vice President– Real Estate and Leases |
8/07 - Present |
|
|
RECR, Inc. + |
Vice President– Real Estate and Leases |
8/07 - Present |
|
|
Technology Services Group, Inc.***** |
Senior Vice President |
6/06 - Present |
|
|
Tennesee Processing Center LLC***** |
Managing Director |
5/08 - Present |
|
|
Texas AP, Inc. + |
Vice President– Real Estate and Leases |
8/07 - Present |
|
|
The Bank of New York Mellon***** |
Vice President – Real Estate and Leases |
7/08 - Present |
|
|
The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation***** |
Executive Vice President |
8/07 - Present |
|
|
Trilem, Inc. + |
Vice President– Real Estate and Leases |
8/07 - Present |
|
|
Kathleen Geis
|
BNY Mellon, National Association + |
Managing Director |
7/09 - Present |
|
BNY Mellon Distributors Holdings, Inc. + |
Vice President -
|
7/11 - Present |
|
|
BNY Mellon Investment
|
Vice President -
|
7/11 - Present |
|
|
BNY Mellon Performance & Risk Analytics, LLC + |
Vice President -
|
7/11 - Present |
|
|
BNY Mellon Trust Company of Illinois + |
Vice President -
|
7/11 - Present |
|
|
BNY Mellon Trust of Delaware + |
Vice President -
|
7/11 - Present |
|
|
Eagle Investment Systems LLC + |
Vice President -
|
7/11 - Present |
|
|
Ivy Asset Management LLC + |
Vice President -
|
7/11 - Present |
|
Name and Position
|
Other Businesses |
Position Held |
Dates |
|
Mellon Capital Management Corporation *** |
Vice President -
|
7/11 - Present |
|
|
Mellon Financial Services Corporation #1 + |
Vice President -
|
7/11 - Present |
|
|
Mellon Holdings LLC + |
Vice President -
|
7/11 - Present |
|
|
Mellon Investor Services LLC + |
Vice President -
|
7/11 - Present |
|
|
Pareto New York LLC ***** |
Vice President -
|
7/11 - Present |
|
|
SourceNet Solutions, Inc. + |
Vice President -
|
7/11 - Present |
|
|
Technology Services Group, Inc. + |
Vice President -
|
7/11 - Present |
|
|
Tennessee Processing Center LLC + |
Vice President -
|
7/11 - Present |
|
|
The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, National Association + |
7/11 - Present |
||
|
Alcentra US, Inc. ++ |
Vice President -
|
7/11 - Present |
|
|
BNY Mellon Capital Markets LLC ++ |
Vice President -
|
7/11 - Present |
|
|
Pershing LLC ***** |
Vice President -
|
7/11 - Present |
|
|
The Bank of New York Mellon + |
Managing Director |
7/09 - Present |
|
|
MBNA Institutional PA Services, LLC + |
Managing Director
|
7/09 - Present
|
|
|
Dean M. Steigauf
|
BNY Mellon, National Association + |
Vice President |
7/09 - Present |
|
BNY Mellon Distributors Holdings, Inc. + |
Vice President -
|
7/11 - Present |
|
|
BNY Mellon Investment
|
Vice President -
|
7/11 - Present |
|
|
BNY Mellon Performance & Risk Analytics, LLC + |
Vice President -
|
7/11 - Present |
|
|
BNY Mellon Trust Company of Illinois + |
Vice President -
|
7/11 - Present |
|
Name and Position
|
Other Businesses |
Position Held |
Dates |
|
BNY Mellon Trust of Delaware + |
Vice President -
|
7/11 - Present |
|
|
Eagle Investment Systems LLC + |
Vice President -
|
7/11 - Present |
|
|
Ivy Asset Management LLC + |
Vice President -
|
7/11 - Present |
|
|
Mellon Capital Management Corporation *** |
Vice President -
|
7/11 - Present |
|
|
Mellon Financial Services Corporation #1 + |
Vice President -
|
7/11 - Present |
|
|
Mellon Holdings LLC + |
Vice President -
|
7/11 - Present |
|
|
Mellon Investor Services LLC + |
Vice President -
|
7/11 - Present |
|
|
Pareto New York LLC ***** |
Vice President -
|
7/11 - Present |
|
|
SourceNet Solutions, Inc. + |
Vice President -
|
7/11 - Present |
|
|
Technology Services Group, Inc. + |
Vice President -
|
7/11 - Present |
|
|
Tennessee Processing Center LLC + |
Vice President -
|
7/11 - Present |
|
|
The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, National Association + |
Vice President -
|
7/11 - Present |
|
|
Alcentra US, Inc. ++ |
Vice President -
|
7/11 - Present |
|
|
BNY Mellon Capital Markets LLC ++ |
Vice President -
|
7/11 - Present |
|
|
Pershing LLC ***** |
Vice President -
|
7/11 - Present |
|
|
The Bank of New York Mellon + |
Vice President |
12/02 - Present |
|
|
James Bitetto
|
The Dreyfus Family of Funds ++ |
Vice President and Assistant Secretary |
8/05 - Present |
|
MBSC Securities Corporation ++ |
Assistant Secretary |
6/07 - Present |
|
|
Dreyfus Service Organization, Inc. ++ |
Secretary |
8/05 - Present |
|
|
Name and Position
|
Other Businesses |
Position Held |
Dates |
|
The Dreyfus Consumer Credit Corporation ++ |
Vice President |
2/02 - 8/10 |
|
|
Founders Asset Management LLC**** |
Assistant Secretary |
3/09 - 12/09 |
|
* |
The address of the business so indicated is One Boston Place, Boston, Massachusetts, 02108. |
|
** |
The address of the business so indicated is One Bush Street, Suite 450, San Francisco, California 94104. |
|
*** |
The address of the business so indicated is 50 Fremont Street, Suite 3900, San Francisco, California 94104. |
|
**** |
The address of the business so indicated is 210 University Blvd., Suite 800, Denver, Colorado 80206. |
|
***** |
The address of the business so indicated is One Wall Street, New York, New York 10286. |
|
+ |
The address of the business so indicated is One Mellon Bank Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15258. |
|
++ |
The address of the business so indicated is 200 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10166. |
|
+++ |
The address of the business so indicated is 144 Glenn Curtiss Boulevard, Uniondale, New York 11556-0144. |
|
++++ |
The address of the business so indicated is White Clay Center, Route 273, Newark, Delaware 19711. |
|
+++++ |
The address of the business so indicated is 4005 Kennett Pike, Greenville, DE 19804. |
|
Item 32. Principal Underwriters |
||
|
(a) Other investment companies for which Registrant's principal underwriter (exclusive distributor) acts as principal underwriter or exclusive distributor: |
||
|
1. |
Advantage Funds, Inc. |
|
|
2. |
BNY Mellon Funds Trust |
|
|
3. |
CitizensSelect Funds |
|
|
4. |
Dreyfus Appreciation Fund, Inc. |
|
|
5. |
Dreyfus BASIC Money Market Fund, Inc. |
|
|
6. |
Dreyfus BASIC U.S. Mortgage Securities Fund |
|
|
7. |
Dreyfus Bond Funds, Inc. |
|
|
8. |
Dreyfus Cash Management |
|
|
9. |
Dreyfus Funds, Inc. |
|
|
10. |
The Dreyfus Fund Incorporated |
|
|
11. |
Dreyfus Government Cash Management Funds |
|
|
12. |
Dreyfus Growth and Income Fund, Inc. |
|
|
13. |
Dreyfus Index Funds, Inc. |
|
|
14. |
Dreyfus Institutional Cash Advantage Funds |
|
15. |
Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Money Market Funds |
|
16. |
Dreyfus Institutional Reserves Funds |
|
17. |
Dreyfus Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund, Inc. |
|
18. |
Dreyfus International Funds, Inc. |
|
19. |
Dreyfus Investment Funds |
|
20. |
Dreyfus Investment Grade Funds, Inc. |
|
21. |
Dreyfus Investment Portfolios |
|
22. |
The Dreyfus/Laurel Funds, Inc. |
|
23. |
The Dreyfus/Laurel Funds Trust |
|
24. |
The Dreyfus/Laurel Tax-Free Municipal Funds |
|
25. |
Dreyfus LifeTime Portfolios, Inc. |
|
26. |
Dreyfus Liquid Assets, Inc. |
|
27. |
Dreyfus Manager Funds I |
|
28. |
Dreyfus Manager Funds II |
|
29. |
Dreyfus Massachusetts Municipal Money Market Fund |
|
30. |
Dreyfus Midcap Index Fund, Inc. |
|
31. |
Dreyfus Money Market Instruments, Inc. |
|
32. |
Dreyfus Municipal Bond Opportunity Fund |
|
33. |
Dreyfus Municipal Cash Management Plus |
|
34. |
Dreyfus Municipal Funds, Inc. |
|
35. |
Dreyfus Municipal Money Market Fund, Inc. |
|
36. |
Dreyfus New Jersey Municipal Bond Fund, Inc. |
|
37. |
Dreyfus New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund, Inc. |
|
38. |
Dreyfus New York AMT-Free Municipal Bond Fund |
|
39. |
Dreyfus New York AMT-Free Municipal Money Market Fund |
|
40. |
Dreyfus New York Municipal Cash Management |
|
41. |
Dreyfus New York Tax Exempt Bond Fund, Inc. |
|
42. |
Dreyfus Opportunity Funds |
|
43. |
Dreyfus Pennsylvania Municipal Money Market Fund |
|
44. |
Dreyfus Premier California AMT-Free Municipal Bond Fund, Inc. |
|
45. |
Dreyfus Premier GNMA Fund, Inc. |
|
46. |
Dreyfus Premier Investment Funds, Inc. |
|
47. |
Dreyfus Premier Short-Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund |
|
48. |
Dreyfus Premier Worldwide Growth Fund, Inc. |
|
49. |
Dreyfus Research Growth Fund, Inc. |
|
50. |
Dreyfus State Municipal Bond Funds |
|
51. |
Dreyfus Stock Funds |
|
52. |
Dreyfus Short-Intermediate Government Fund |
|
53. |
The Dreyfus Socially Responsible Growth Fund, Inc. |
|
54. |
Dreyfus Stock Index Fund, Inc. |
|
55. |
Dreyfus Tax Exempt Cash Management Funds |
|
56. |
The Dreyfus Third Century Fund, Inc. |
|
57. |
Dreyfus Treasury & Agency Cash Management |
|
58. |
Dreyfus Treasury Prime Cash Management |
|
59. |
Dreyfus U.S. Treasury Intermediate Term Fund |
|
60. |
Dreyfus U.S. Treasury Long Term Fund |
|
61. |
Dreyfus 100% U.S. Treasury Money Market Fund |
|
62. |
Dreyfus Variable Investment Fund |
|
63. |
Dreyfus Worldwide Dollar Money Market Fund, Inc. |
|
64. |
General California Municipal Money Market Fund |
|
65. |
General Government Securities Money Market Funds, Inc. |
|
66. |
General Money Market Fund, Inc. |
|
67. |
General Municipal Money Market Funds, Inc. |
|
68. |
General New York Municipal Money Market Fund |
|
69. |
Strategic Funds, Inc. |
|
(b) |
||
|
Positions and offices with the Distributor |
Positions and Offices with Registrant |
|
|
Jon R. Baum* |
Chairman of the Board |
None |
|
Ken Bradle** |
Chief Executive Officer, President and Director |
None |
|
Robert G. Capone**** |
Executive Vice President and Director |
None |
|
J. Charles Cardona* |
Executive Vice President and Director |
Executive Vice President (Money Market Funds Only) |
|
Sue Ann Cormack** |
Executive Vice President |
None |
|
John M. Donaghey*** |
Executive Vice President and Director |
None |
|
Dwight D. Jacobsen* |
Executive Vice President and Director |
None |
|
(b) |
||
|
Name and principal
|
Positions and offices with the Distributor |
Positions and Offices with Registrant |
|
Mark A. Keleher***** |
Executive Vice President |
None |
|
James D. Kohley*** |
Executive Vice President |
None |
|
William H. Maresca* |
Executive Vice President and Director |
None |
|
Timothy M. McCormick* |
Executive Vice President |
None |
|
David K. Mossman*** |
Executive Vice President |
None |
|
Christopher D. O'Connor* |
Executive Vice President and Director |
None |
|
Irene Papadoulis** |
Executive Vice President |
None |
|
Matthew Perrone** |
Executive Vice President |
None |
|
Bradley J. Skapyak* |
Executive Vice President |
President |
|
Bill E. Sappingon* |
Executive Vice President and Director |
None |
|
Gary Pierce* |
Chief Financial Officer and Director |
None |
|
Tracy Hopkins* |
Senior Vice President |
None |
|
Mercedez Katz** |
Senior Vice President |
None |
|
Mary T. Lomasney**** |
Senior Vice President |
None |
|
Barbara A. McCann**** |
Senior Vice President |
None |
|
Christine Carr Smith***** |
Senior Vice President |
None |
|
Kathleen DeNicholas* |
Chief Legal Officer and Secretary |
None |
|
Joseph W. Connolly* |
Chief Compliance Officer (Investment Advisory Business) |
Chief Compliance Officer |
|
Stephen Storen* |
Chief Compliance Officer |
Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer |
|
Matthew D. Connolly* |
Anti-Money Laundering Officer |
None |
|
Maria Georgopoulos* |
Vice President – Facilities Management |
None |
|
Stewart Rosen* |
Vice President – Facilities Management |
None |
|
Karin L. Waldmann* |
Privacy Officer |
None |
|
Gary E. Abbs*** |
Vice President – Tax |
None |
|
Timothy I. Barrett** |
Vice President |
None |
|
Gina DiChiara* |
Vice President |
None |
|
Jill Gill* |
Vice President |
None |
|
Joanne S. Huber*** |
Vice President – Tax |
None |
|
John E. Lane****** |
Vice President |
None |
|
Kathleen Geis****** |
Vice President |
None |
|
(b) |
||
|
Name and principal
|
Positions and offices with the Distributor |
Positions and Offices with Registrant |
|
Dean M. Steigauf****** |
Vice President |
None |
|
Donna M. Impagliazzo** |
Vice President – Compliance |
None |
|
Anthony Nunez* |
Vice President – Finance |
None |
|
Claudine Orloski*** |
Vice President – Tax |
None |
|
William Schalda* |
Vice President |
None |
|
John Shea* |
Vice President – Finance |
None |
|
Christopher A. Stallone** |
Vice President |
None |
|
Susan Verbil* |
Vice President – Finance |
None |
|
William Verity* |
Vice President – Finance |
None |
|
James Windels* |
Vice President |
Treasurer |
|
James Bitetto* |
Assistant Secretary |
Vice President and
|
|
James D. Muir* |
Assistant Secretary |
None |
|
Barbara J. Parrish*** |
Assistant Secretary |
None |
|
Cristina Rice*** |
Assistant Secretary |
None |
|
* |
Principal business address is 200 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10166. |
|
** |
Principal business address is 144 Glenn Curtiss Blvd., Uniondale, NY 11556-0144. |
|
*** |
Principal business address is One Mellon Bank Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15258. |
|
**** |
Principal business address is One Boston Place, Boston, MA 02108. |
|
***** |
Principal business address is 50 Fremont Street, Suite 3900, San Francisco, CA 94104. |
|
****** |
Principal business address is 101 Barclay Street, New York 10286. |
Item 33. Location of Accounts and Records
1.
The Bank of New York Mellon
One Wall Street
New York, New York 10286
2.
The Bank of New York Mellon
One Mellon Bank Center
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15258
3.
DST Systems, Inc.
1055 Broadway
Kansas City, MO 64105
4.
The Dreyfus Corporation
200 Park Avenue
New York, New York 10166
Item 34. Management Services
Not Applicable
Item 35. Undertakings
None
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 the Registrant, Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Money Market Funds, certifies that it meets all of the requirements for effectiveness of this Amendment to the Registration Statement pursuant to Rule 485(b) under the Securities Act of 1933 and has duly caused this Amendment to the Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of New York, and State of New York on the 27th of July, 2012.
Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Money Market Funds
|
BY: |
/s/ Bradley J. Skapyak * |
|
Bradley J. Skapyak, PRESIDENT |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Amendment to the Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated.
|
Signatures |
Title |
Date |
||
|
/s/ Bradley J. Skapyak * |
President (Principal Executive Officer) |
7/27/12 |
||
|
Bradley J. Skapyak |
||||
|
/s/ James Windels * |
Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer and Accounting Officer) |
7/27/12 |
||
|
James Windels |
||||
|
/s/ Joseph S. DiMartino * |
Chairman of the Board |
7/27/12 |
||
|
Joseph S. DiMartino |
||||
|
/s/ Clifford L. Alexander * |
Board Member |
7/27/12 |
||
|
Clifford L. Alexander |
||||
|
/s/ Whitney Gerard * |
Board Member |
7/27/12 |
||
|
Whitney Gerard |
||||
|
/s/ Nathan Leventhal * |
Board Member |
7/27/12 |
||
|
Nathan Leventhal |
||||
|
/s/ Benaree Pratt Wiley * |
Board Member |
7/27/12 |
||
|
Benaree Pratt Wiley |
|
* BY: |
/s/ Kiesha Astwood |
|
Kiesha Astwood
|
INDEX OF EXHIBITS
Exhibits
((h)(ii) Form of Transfer Agency Agreement.
(j) Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.