N-CSR 1 lp1-021.htm ANNUAL REPORT lp1-021.htm - Generated by SEC Publisher for SEC Filing

 

 

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C.  20549

FORM N-CSR

CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED MANAGEMENT
INVESTMENT COMPANIES

Investment Company Act file number

811-04765

 

 

 

BNY Mellon New York AMT-Free Municipal Bond Fund

 

 

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in charter)

 

 

 

 

 

 

c/o BNY Mellon Investment Adviser, Inc.

240 Greenwich Street

New York, New York  10286

 

 

(Address of principal executive offices)        (Zip code)

 

 

 

 

 

Bennett A. MacDougall, Esq.

240 Greenwich Street

New York, New York  10286

 

 

(Name and address of agent for service)

 

 

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: 

(212) 922-6400

 

 

Date of fiscal year end:

 

11/30

 

Date of reporting period:

11/30/2020

 

 

 

 

             

 

 


 

FORM N-CSR

Item 1.             Reports to Stockholders.

 

 


 

BNY Mellon New York AMT-Free Municipal Bond Fund

 

ANNUAL REPORT

November 30, 2020

 

 

 

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The views expressed in this report reflect those of the portfolio manager(s) only through the end of the period covered and do not necessarily represent the views of BNY Mellon Investment Adviser, Inc. or any other person in the BNY Mellon Investment Adviser, Inc. organization. Any such views are subject to change at any time based upon market or other conditions and BNY Mellon Investment Adviser, Inc. disclaims any responsibility to update such views. These views may not be relied on as investment advice and, because investment decisions for a fund in the BNY Mellon Family of Funds are based on numerous factors, may not be relied on as an indication of trading intent on behalf of any fund in the BNY Mellon Family of Funds.

 

Not FDIC-Insured • Not Bank-Guaranteed • May Lose Value

 

Contents

THE FUND

FOR MORE INFORMATION

 

Back Cover

 

DISCUSSION OF FUND PERFORMANCE (Unaudited)

For the period from December 1, 2019 through November 30, 2020, as provided by Thomas Casey and Daniel Rabasco, Portfolio Managers

Market and Fund Performance Overview

For the 12-month period ended November 30, 2020, BNY Mellon New York AMT-Free Municipal Bond Fund’s Class A shares produced a total return of 3.09%, Class C shares returned 2.30%, Class I shares returned 3.41% and Class Y shares returned 3.37%.1 In comparison, the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Municipal Bond Index (the “Index”), the fund’s benchmark index, which is composed of bonds issued nationally and not solely within New York, provided a total return of 4.89% for the same period.2

Municipal bonds during the reporting period encountered bouts of volatility stemming from the COVID-19-related government shutdown and changing supply-and-demand dynamics. The fund underperformed the Index mainly due to weak performance among New York bonds generally, as well as unfavorable security selection in some segments.

The Fund’s Investment Approach

The fund seeks to maximize current income exempt from federal, New York State and New York City income taxes to the extent consistent with the preservation of capital. To pursue its goal, the fund normally invests at least 80% of its net assets, plus any borrowings for investment purposes, in municipal bonds that provide income exempt from federal, New York State and New York City income taxes, and the federal alternative minimum tax. The fund invests at least 70% of its assets in municipal bonds rated, at the time of purchase, investment grade (i.e., Baa/BBB or higher) or the unrated equivalent as determined by the BNY Mellon Investment Adviser, Inc.. For additional yield, the fund may invest up to 30% of its assets in municipal bonds rated below investment grade (“high-yield” or “junk” bonds) or the unrated equivalent as determined by The BNY Mellon Investment Adviser, Inc. The dollar-weighted average maturity of the fund’s portfolio normally exceeds ten years, but the fund may invest without regard to maturity. A bond’s maturity is the length of time until the principal must be fully repaid with interest. Dollar-weighted, average maturity is an average of the stated maturities of the securities held by the fund, based on their dollar-weighted proportions in the fund.

We focus on identifying undervalued sectors and securities. To select municipal bonds for the fund, we estimate and analyze the relative value of various sectors and securities and may actively trade among sectors and securities based on this analysis.

Market Continues to Recover

Early in the reporting period, the municipal bond market benefited from strong demand resulting from concerns about economic momentum. Demand was also driven by investors in states with high income-tax rates who moved into municipal bonds as a way to reduce their federal income tax liability, which rose as a result of the cap on the federal deductibility of state and local taxes in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.

Actions by the Federal Reserve (the “Fed”) prior to the period, including an October 2019 rate cut, also helped the municipal bond market. This contributed to a decline in yields across the municipal bond yield curve.

2

 

The municipal bond market experienced unprecedented volatility later in the reporting period as the COVID-19 virus spread, and government shutdowns caused the economy to slow dramatically. Yields on municipal bonds had reached record lows when the pandemic hit, but large outflows from municipal bond mutual funds, combined with illiquidity, caused yields to soar.

In response to COVID-19, the Fed made two emergency reductions in March 2020 and also launched a $500 billion Municipal Liquidity Facility (MLF) to purchase short-term municipal securities. This, combined with the $2 trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, dramatically changed investor sentiment, which helped the municipal bond market to bounce back relatively quickly.

While new issuance dried up during the height of the crisis in the first quarter of 2020, it rebounded along with the market, as issuers sought to take advantage of record-low funding costs. Much of the new issuance was in taxable bonds as low yields have made taxable issuance attractive. Late in the reporting period, issuers sought to secure financing ahead of the November 2020 election. The market softened somewhat as a result, before recovering late in the period on robust reinvestment demand.

For the entire period, with the pandemic and its economic slowdown as a backdrop, higher-quality bonds outperformed; the investment-grade market outperformed the high-yield market; general obligation bonds outperformed revenue bonds; and AAA and AA rated bonds outperformed those with lower ratings. Demand remained strong late in the period as both retail and institutional investors continued to find the yields attractive.

New York Bonds Lagged the Index, and Security Selection Hindered Relative Performance

The fund’s performance versus the Index was hindered by both the underperformance of New York bonds generally, as well as by certain security selections. New York bonds lagged the Index due to the impact of COVID-19, especially on New York City. The city has been hurt not only by lower tax revenues but also by the cost of responding to the pandemic. The fund’s position in the Metropolitan Transportation Authority bonds was particularly detrimental to performance. In addition, bonds issued by the Monroe County Hospital and the New York University Langone Medical Center also hindered returns as pandemic-related expenses and the postponement of highly profitable elective surgeries hurt their financial health. The fund’s overweight of A rated and BBB rated bonds also detracted from performance as higher- rated bonds were favored by investors during the period.

On a more positive note, the fund’s longer duration versus the Index proved beneficial as interest rates declined. In addition, the fund’s overweight position to the intermediate-to-long portion of the municipal bond curve was advantageous. Ten-year bonds, in particular, contributed positively to performance. The fund did not make use of derivatives during the reporting period.

An Optimistic Investment Posture

We are relatively optimistic about the municipal bond market in the short-to-medium term. Despite the pandemic, credit quality remains relatively strong, and we believe that the economic climate and technical factors will be supportive in the coming months. Further

3

 

DISCUSSION OF FUND PERFORMANCE (Unaudited) (continued)

out, we believe that widespread distribution of vaccines will lead to further opening of the economy, which will support continued recovery in the market over the long term.

The election results could also support the market. An increase in infrastructure spending could be beneficial, and states and municipalities are likely to receive more financial support under a Biden administration. In addition, if individual and corporate tax rates are raised, the tax-exempt income offered by municipal bonds could become even more attractive. Nevertheless, given the extent of the harm caused by the pandemic, recovery in the New York market will extend over the intermediate term. We expect to target the fund’s duration to approximate that of the Index, and we will continue to overweight revenue bonds and focus on security selection.

December 15, 2020

1  Total return includes reinvestment of dividends and any capital gains paid and does not take into consideration the maximum initial sales charge in the case of Class A shares, or the applicable contingent deferred sales charge imposed on redemptions in the case of Class C shares. Had these charges been reflected, returns would have been lower. Class I and Class Y are not subject to any initial or deferred sales charge. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Share price, yield and investment return fluctuate such that upon redemption, fund shares may be worth more or less than their original cost. Income may be subject to state and local taxes for non-New York residents. Capital gains, if any, are fully taxable.

The fund’s returns reflect the absorption of certain fund expenses by BNY Mellon Investment Adviser, Inc. pursuant to an agreement in effect through March 31, 2021, at which time it may be extended, modified or terminated. Had these expenses not been absorbed, returns would have been lower.

2  Source: Lipper Inc. — The Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Municipal Bond Index covers the U.S. dollar-denominated, long-term, tax-exempt bond market. Investors cannot invest directly in any index.

Bonds are subject generally to interest-rate, credit, liquidity and market risks, to varying degrees, all of which are more fully described in the fund’s prospectus. Generally, all other factors being equal, bond prices are inversely related to interest-rate changes, and rate increases can cause price declines.

The amount of public information available about municipal securities is generally less than that for corporate equities or bonds. Special factors, such as legislative changes, and state and local economic and business developments, may adversely affect the yield and/or value of the fund’s investments in municipal securities. Other factors include the general conditions of the municipal securities market, the size of the particular offering, the maturity of the obligation and the rating of the issue. Changes in economic, business or political conditions relating to a particular municipal project, municipality or state in which the fund invests may have an impact on the fund’s share price.

Recent market risks include pandemic risks related to COVID-19. The effects of COVID-19 have contributed to increased volatility in global markets and will likely affect certain countries, companies, industries and market sectors more dramatically than others. To the extent the fund may overweight its investments in certain countries, companies, industries or market sectors, such positions will increase the fund's exposure to risk of loss from adverse developments affecting those countries, companies, industries or sectors.

4

 

FUND PERFORMANCE (Unaudited)

Comparison of change in value of a $10,000 investment in Class A shares, Class C shares, and Class I shares of BNY Mellon New York AMT-Free Municipal Bond Fund with a hypothetical investment of $10,000 in the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Municipal Bond Index (the “Index”)

 Source: Lipper Inc.

Past performance is not predictive of future performance.

The above graph compares a hypothetical investment of $10,000 made in each of the Class A shares, Class C shares, and Class I shares of BNY Mellon New York AMT-Free Municipal Bond Fund on 11/30/10 to a hypothetical investment $10,000 made in the Index on that date. All dividends and capital gain distributions are reinvested.

The fund invests primarily in New York municipal securities and the fund’s performance shown in the line graph above takes into account the maximum initial sales charge on Class A shares and all other applicable fees and expenses on all classes. The Index is not limited to investments principally in New York municipal obligations and does not take into account charges, fees and other expenses. The Index covers the U.S. dollar-denominated long-term tax-exempt bond market. Unlike a mutual fund, the Index is not subject to charges, fees and other expenses. Investors cannot invest directly in any index. Further information relating to fund performance, including expense reimbursements, if applicable, is contained in the Financial Highlights section of the prospectus and elsewhere in this report.

5

 

FUND PERFORMANCE (Unaudited) (continued)

Comparison of change in value of a $1,000,000 investment in Class Y shares of BNY Mellon New York AMT-Free Municipal Bond Fund with a hypothetical investment of $1,000,000 in the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Municipal Bond Index (the “Index”)

 Source: Lipper Inc.

††  The total return figures presented for Class Y shares of the fund reflect the performance of the fund’s Class A shares for the period prior to 7/1/13 (the inception date for Class Y shares), not reflecting the applicable sales charges for Class A shares.

Past performance is not predictive of future performance.

The above graph compares a hypothetical investment of $1,000,000 made in Class Y shares of BNY Mellon New York AMT-Free Municipal Bond Fund on 11/30/10 to a hypothetical investment $1,000,000 made in the Index on that date. All dividends and capital gain distributions are reinvested.

The fund invests primarily in New York municipal securities and the fund’s performance shown in the line graph above takes into account of Class Y shares. The Index is not limited to investments principally in New York municipal obligations and does not take into account charges, fees and other expenses. The Index covers the U.S. dollar-denominated long-term tax-exempt bond market. Unlike a mutual fund, the Index is not subject to charges, fees and other expenses. Investors cannot invest directly in any index. Further information relating to fund performance, including expense reimbursements, if applicable, is contained in the Financial Highlights section of the prospectus and elsewhere in this report.

6

 

               

Average Annual Total Returns as of 11/30/2020

               

 

Inception
Date

 

1 Year

5 Years

10 Years 

Class A shares

             

with maximum sales charge (4.5%)

12/31/86

 

-1.52%

2.15%

 

3.17%

 

without sales charge

12/31/86

 

3.09%

3.09%

 

3.64%

 

Class C shares

             

with applicable redemption charge

9/11/95

 

1.30%

2.31%

 

2.86%

 

without redemption

9/11/95

 

2.30%

2.31%

 

2.86%

 

Class I shares

12/15/08

 

3.41%

3.34%

 

3.90%

 

Class Y shares

7/1/13

 

3.37%

3.33%

 

3.81%

††

Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Municipal Bond Index

   

4.89%

3.93%

 

4.36%

 

 The maximum contingent deferred sales charge for Class C shares is 1% for shares redeemed within one year of the date of purchase.

††  The total return performance figures presented for Class Y shares of the fund reflect the performance of the fund’s Class A shares for the period prior to 7/1/13 (the inception date for Class Y shares), not reflecting the applicable sales charges for Class A shares.

The performance data quoted represents past performance, which is no guarantee of future results. Share price and investment return fluctuate and an investor’s shares may be worth more or less than original cost upon redemption. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance quoted. Go to www.im.bnymellon.com for the fund’s most recent month-end returns.

The fund’s performance shown in the graphs and table does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares. In addition to the performance of Class A shares shown with and without a maximum sales charge, the fund’s performance shown in the table takes into account all other applicable fees and expenses on all classes.

7

 

UNDERSTANDING YOUR FUND’S EXPENSES (Unaudited)

As a mutual fund investor, you pay ongoing expenses, such as management fees and other expenses. Using the information below, you can estimate how these expenses affect your investment and compare them with the expenses of other funds. You also may pay one-time transaction expenses, including sales charges (loads) and redemption fees, which are not shown in this section and would have resulted in higher total expenses. For more information, see your fund’s prospectus or talk to your financial adviser.

Review your fund’s expenses

The table below shows the expenses you would have paid on a $1,000 investment in BNY Mellon New York AMT-Free Municipal Bond Fund from June 1, 2020 to November 30, 2020. It also shows how much a $1,000 investment would be worth at the close of the period, assuming actual returns and expenses.

             

Expenses and Value of a $1,000 Investment

 

Assume actual returns for the six months ended November 30, 2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Class A

Class C

Class I

Class Y

 

Expense paid per $1,000

$4.33

$8.23

$3.11

$3.01

 

Ending value (after expenses)

$1,037.20

$1,033.20

$1,038.50

$1,038.70

 

COMPARING YOUR FUND’S EXPENSES
WITH THOSE OF OTHER FUNDS
(Unaudited)

Using the SEC’s method to compare expenses

The Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) has established guidelines to help investors assess fund expenses. Per these guidelines, the table below shows your fund’s expenses based on a $1,000 investment, assuming a hypothetical 5% annualized return. You can use this information to compare the ongoing expenses (but not transaction expenses or total cost) of investing in the fund with those of other funds. All mutual fund shareholder reports will provide this information to help you make this comparison. Please note that you cannot use this information to estimate your actual ending account balance and expenses paid during the period.

             

Expenses and Value of a $1,000 Investment

 

Assuming a hypothetical 5% annualized return for the six months ended November 30, 2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Class A

Class C

Class I

Class Y

 

Expense paid per $1,000

$4.29

$8.17

$3.08

$2.98

 

Ending value (after expenses)

$1,020.75

$1,016.90

$1,021.95

$1,022.05

 

Expenses are equal to the fund’s annualized expense ratio of .85% for Class A, 1.62% for Class C, .61% for Class I and .59% for Class Y, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 183/366 (to reflect the one-half year period).

8

 

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS

November 30, 2020

                   
 

Description

Coupon
Rate (%)

 

Maturity
Date

 

Principal
Amount ($)

 

Value ($)

 

Long-Term Municipal Investments - 100.6%

         

New York - 99.7%

         

Brookhaven Local Development Corp., Revenue Bonds (Jefferson's Ferry Project) Ser. B

 

4.00

 

11/1/2045

 

590,000

 

613,110

 

Broome County Local Development Corp., Revenue Bonds, Refunding (United Health Services Hospitals Obligated Group) (Insured; Assured Guaranty Municipal Corp.)

 

4.00

 

4/1/2050

 

1,000,000

 

1,132,840

 

Build New York City Resource Corp., Revenue Bonds, Refunding (New York Methodist Hospital Project)

 

5.00

 

7/1/2029

 

650,000

 

730,275

 

Build New York City Resource Corp., Revenue Bonds, Refunding (YMCA of Greater New York Project)

 

5.00

 

8/1/2040

 

1,000,000

 

1,101,890

 

Dutchess County Local Development Corp., Revenue Bonds (Health QuestSystems Obligated Group) Ser. B

 

4.00

 

7/1/2041

 

2,585,000

 

2,799,762

 

Dutchess County Local Development Corp., Revenue Bonds (Health QuestSystems Obligated Group) Ser. B

 

5.00

 

7/1/2032

 

1,000,000

 

1,167,130

 

Dutchess County Local Development Corp., Revenue Bonds (Health QuestSystems Obligated Group) Ser. B

 

5.00

 

7/1/2035

 

2,000,000

 

2,318,280

 

Glen Cove Local Economic Assistance Corp., Revenue Bonds (Garvies Point Public Improvement Project) Ser. B

 

0.00

 

1/1/2045

 

6,000,000

a

1,997,040

 

Hempstead Town Local Development Corp., Revenue Bonds, Refunding (Molloy College Project)

 

5.00

 

7/1/2034

 

810,000

 

929,613

 

Hudson Yards Infrastructure Corp., Revenue Bonds

 

5.75

 

2/15/2047

 

940,000

 

950,096

 

Hudson Yards Infrastructure Corp., Revenue Bonds, Refunding, Ser. A

 

5.00

 

2/15/2039

 

2,000,000

 

2,387,200

 

Long Island Power Authority, Revenue Bonds

 

5.00

 

9/1/2047

 

1,000,000

 

1,214,610

 

Long Island Power Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding, Ser. A

 

5.00

 

9/1/2036

 

1,500,000

 

2,001,915

 

Long Island Power Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding, Ser. A

 

5.00

 

9/1/2034

 

1,500,000

 

1,734,570

 

9

 

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

                   
 

Description

Coupon
Rate (%)

 

Maturity
Date

 

Principal
Amount ($)

 

Value ($)

 

Long-Term Municipal Investments - 100.6% (continued)

         

New York - 99.7% (continued)

         

Long Island Power Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding, Ser. B

 

5.00

 

9/1/2036

 

1,000,000

 

1,209,400

 

Long Island Power Authority, Revenue Bonds, Ser. B

 

5.00

 

9/1/2037

 

1,700,000

 

2,008,006

 

Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding, Ser. A

 

5.00

 

11/15/2027

 

2,000,000

 

2,147,540

 

Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding, Ser. B

 

5.00

 

11/15/2037

 

1,750,000

 

1,936,463

 

Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding, Ser. C

 

5.00

 

11/15/2041

 

965,000

 

1,003,542

 

Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding, Ser. C

 

5.00

 

11/15/2028

 

1,785,000

 

1,867,770

 

Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding, Ser. C1

 

5.00

 

11/15/2034

 

2,260,000

 

2,466,564

 

Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Revenue Bonds, Ser. C

 

5.00

 

11/15/2030

 

5,000,000

 

5,412,150

 

Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Revenue Bonds, Ser. D1

 

5.25

 

11/15/2044

 

2,000,000

 

2,174,340

 

Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Revenue Bonds, Ser. E

 

5.00

 

11/15/2043

 

6,210,000

 

6,569,186

 

Metropolitan Transportation Authority Hudson Rail Yards Trust, Revenue Bonds, Refunding, Ser. A

 

5.00

 

11/15/2051

 

5,000,000

 

5,178,950

 

Monroe County Industrial Development Corp., Revenue Bonds (The Rochester General Hospital)

 

5.00

 

12/1/2035

 

1,150,000

 

1,343,131

 

Monroe County Industrial Development Corp., Revenue Bonds (The Rochester General Hospital)

 

5.00

 

12/1/2034

 

1,100,000

 

1,287,858

 

Monroe County Industrial Development Corp., Revenue Bonds, Refunding (Rochester Regional Health Obligated Group)

 

4.00

 

12/1/2046

 

555,000

 

620,629

 

Monroe County Industrial Development Corp., Revenue Bonds, Refunding (University of Rochester Project) Ser. A

 

4.00

 

7/1/2050

 

2,000,000

 

2,330,760

 

10

 

                   
 

Description

Coupon
Rate (%)

 

Maturity
Date

 

Principal
Amount ($)

 

Value ($)

 

Long-Term Municipal Investments - 100.6% (continued)

         

New York - 99.7% (continued)

         

Monroe County Industrial Development Corp., Revenue Bonds, Refunding (University of Rochester Project) Ser. A

 

5.00

 

7/1/2036

 

1,000,000

 

1,224,090

 

New York City, GO, Refunding, Ser. A1

 

4.00

 

8/1/2034

 

1,000,000

 

1,216,110

 

New York City, GO, Refunding, Ser. C

 

5.00

 

8/1/2033

 

12,240,000

 

14,159,232

 

New York City, GO, Refunding, Ser. J

 

5.00

 

8/1/2031

 

4,000,000

 

4,599,360

 

New York City, GO, Ser. A1

 

5.00

 

8/1/2037

 

3,500,000

 

4,152,960

 

New York City, GO, Ser. AA1

 

4.00

 

8/1/2037

 

1,500,000

 

1,769,595

 

New York City, GO, Ser. C

 

4.00

 

8/1/2039

 

3,500,000

 

4,170,005

 

New York City Educational Construction Fund, Revenue Bonds, Ser. A

 

6.50

 

4/1/2025

 

3,960,000

 

4,042,645

 

New York City Housing Development Corp., Revenue Bonds, Ser. B2

 

5.00

 

7/1/2026

 

2,000,000

 

2,216,600

 

New York City Housing Development Corp., Revenue Bonds, Ser. C1A

 

4.00

 

11/1/2053

 

2,500,000

 

2,684,400

 

New York City Industrial Development Agency, Revenue Bonds, Refunding (Yankee Stadium Project) (Insured; Assured Guaranty Municipal Corp.)

 

4.00

 

3/1/2032

 

1,750,000

 

2,144,257

 

New York City Industrial Development Agency, Revenue Bonds, Refunding (Yankee Stadium Project) (Insured; Assured Guaranty Municipal Corp.)

 

4.00

 

3/1/2045

 

1,000,000

 

1,168,560

 

New York City Transitional Finance Authority, Revenue Bonds (Insured; State Aid Withholding)

 

5.00

 

7/15/2040

 

3,000,000

 

3,562,440

 

New York City Transitional Finance Authority, Revenue Bonds (Insured; State Aid Withholding) Ser. S1

 

5.00

 

7/15/2043

 

5,000,000

 

5,808,900

 

New York City Transitional Finance Authority, Revenue Bonds (Insured; State Aid Withholding) Ser. S3

 

5.00

 

7/15/2043

 

2,000,000

 

2,464,460

 

New York City Transitional Finance Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding (Insured; State Aid Withholding) Ser. S2A

 

5.00

 

7/15/2034

 

4,000,000

 

5,047,480

 

11

 

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

                   
 

Description

Coupon
Rate (%)

 

Maturity
Date

 

Principal
Amount ($)

 

Value ($)

 

Long-Term Municipal Investments - 100.6% (continued)

         

New York - 99.7% (continued)

         

New York City Transitional Finance Authority, Revenue Bonds, Ser. E1

 

5.00

 

2/1/2040

 

4,000,000

 

4,739,200

 

New York City Water & Sewer System, Revenue Bonds, Refunding, Ser. CC

 

4.00

 

6/15/2041

 

2,000,000

 

2,397,060

 

New York City Water & Sewer System, Revenue Bonds, Refunding, Ser. CC1

 

5.00

 

6/15/2038

 

3,595,000

 

4,409,303

 

New York City Water & Sewer System, Revenue Bonds, Refunding, Ser. GG

 

5.00

 

6/15/2031

 

3,000,000

 

3,579,300

 

New York City Water & Sewer System, Revenue Bonds, Ser. DD1

 

4.00

 

6/15/2050

 

2,500,000

 

2,959,350

 

New York Convention Center Development Corp., Revenue Bonds, Refunding

 

5.00

 

11/15/2040

 

1,250,000

 

1,413,250

 

New York Convention Center Development Corp., Revenue Bonds, Ser. B

 

0.00

 

11/15/2046

 

4,000,000

a

1,570,280

 

New York Liberty Development Corp., Revenue Bonds, Refunding

 

2.80

 

9/15/2069

 

1,000,000

 

970,750

 

New York Liberty Development Corp., Revenue Bonds, Refunding (4 World Trade Center Project)

 

5.00

 

11/15/2044

 

3,000,000

 

3,112,920

 

New York Liberty Development Corp., Revenue Bonds, Refunding (7 World Trade Center Project)

 

5.00

 

9/15/2040

 

2,000,000

 

2,100,560

 

New York Liberty Development Corp., Revenue Bonds, Refunding (Class 1-3 World Trade Center Project)

 

5.00

 

11/15/2044

 

5,000,000

b

5,182,900

 

New York Liberty Development Corp., Revenue Bonds, Refunding (Goldman Sachs Headquarters)

 

5.25

 

10/1/2035

 

2,000,000

 

2,889,520

 

New York State Dormitory Authority, Revenue Bonds (Fordham University)

 

4.00

 

7/1/2046

 

1,000,000

 

1,140,810

 

New York State Dormitory Authority, Revenue Bonds (Rochester Institute of Technology) Ser. A

 

5.00

 

7/1/2049

 

1,000,000

 

1,239,110

 

New York State Dormitory Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding

 

5.00

 

5/15/2030

 

2,000,000

 

2,123,940

 

New York State Dormitory Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding (Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai) Ser. A

 

5.00

 

7/1/2040

 

1,000,000

 

1,142,980

 

12

 

                   
 

Description

Coupon
Rate (%)

 

Maturity
Date

 

Principal
Amount ($)

 

Value ($)

 

Long-Term Municipal Investments - 100.6% (continued)

         

New York - 99.7% (continued)

         

New York State Dormitory Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding (Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center)

 

5.00

 

7/1/2042

 

500,000

 

609,595

 

New York State Dormitory Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding (Montefiore Obligated Group) Ser. A

 

4.00

 

9/1/2050

 

1,000,000

 

1,094,620

 

New York State Dormitory Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding (Montefiore Obligated Group) Ser. A

 

5.00

 

8/1/2034

 

1,010,000

 

1,205,294

 

New York State Dormitory Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding (Montefiore Obligated Group) Ser. A

 

5.00

 

8/1/2035

 

2,800,000

 

3,333,148

 

New York State Dormitory Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding (New York University) Ser. A

 

5.00

 

7/1/2045

 

3,540,000

 

4,087,886

 

New York State Dormitory Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding (NYU Langone Hospitals Obligated Group)

 

5.00

 

7/1/2034

 

2,500,000

 

2,809,675

 

New York State Dormitory Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding (NYU Langone Hospitals Obligation Group)

 

5.00

 

7/1/2032

 

500,000

 

595,255

 

New York State Dormitory Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding (Orange Regional Medical Center Obligated Group)

 

5.00

 

12/1/2036

 

3,400,000

b

3,948,794

 

New York State Dormitory Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding (Orange Regional Medical Center Obligation Group)

 

5.00

 

12/1/2045

 

1,400,000

b

1,557,248

 

New York State Dormitory Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding, Ser. A

 

5.00

 

7/1/2041

 

1,000,000

 

1,173,210

 

New York State Dormitory Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding, Ser. A

 

5.00

 

5/1/2043

 

1,300,000

 

1,465,880

 

New York State Dormitory Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding, Ser. C

 

5.00

 

3/15/2031

 

2,500,000

 

2,838,425

 

New York State Dormitory Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding, Ser. D

 

4.00

 

2/15/2038

 

1,500,000

 

1,783,680

 

13

 

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

                   
 

Description

Coupon
Rate (%)

 

Maturity
Date

 

Principal
Amount ($)

 

Value ($)

 

Long-Term Municipal Investments - 100.6% (continued)

         

New York - 99.7% (continued)

         

New York State Dormitory Authority, Revenue Bonds, Ser. A

 

5.00

 

3/15/2044

 

5,000,000

 

6,041,000

 

New York State Dormitory Authority, Revenue Bonds, Ser. A

 

5.00

 

3/15/2044

 

3,000,000

 

3,355,230

 

New York State Dormitory Authority, Revenue Bonds, Ser. A

 

5.00

 

2/15/2034

 

3,700,000

 

4,504,306

 

New York State Dormitory Authority, Revenue Bonds, Ser. F

 

5.00

 

2/15/2039

 

2,000,000

 

2,323,540

 

New York State Mortgage Agency, Revenue Bonds, Ser. 223rd

 

3.50

 

4/1/2049

 

890,000

 

956,100

 

New York State Mortgage Agency, Revenue Bonds, Ser. 39th

 

5.00

 

4/1/2028

 

10,000

 

10,138

 

New York State Thruway Authority, Revenue Bonds, Ser. A

 

5.00

 

1/1/2041

 

1,000,000

 

1,171,260

 

New York State Urban Development Corp., Revenue Bonds (Personal Income Tax) Ser. A

 

5.00

 

3/15/2037

 

2,500,000

 

3,285,375

 

New York State Urban Development Corp., Revenue Bonds, Refunding (State of New York Personal Income Tax)

 

4.00

 

3/15/2037

 

1,500,000

 

1,809,660

 

New York Transportation Development Corp., Revenue Bonds (Delta Air Lines)

 

4.00

 

1/1/2036

 

1,960,000

 

2,110,058

 

New York Transportation Development Corp., Revenue Bonds, Refunding (JFK International Air Terminal) Ser. A

 

5.00

 

12/1/2033

 

1,450,000

 

1,792,722

 

Niagara Area Development Corp., Revenue Bonds, Refunding (Covanta Holding Project) Ser. B

 

3.50

 

11/1/2024

 

3,250,000

b

3,327,870

 

Niagara Tobacco Asset Securitization Corp., Revenue Bonds, Refunding

 

5.25

 

5/15/2040

 

1,750,000

 

1,850,503

 

Niagara Tobacco Asset Securitization Corp., Revenue Bonds, Refunding

 

5.25

 

5/15/2034

 

2,000,000

 

2,125,580

 

Oneida County Local Development Corp., Revenue Bonds, Refunding (Mohawk Valley Health System Obligated Group) (Insured; Assured Guaranty Municipal Corp.)

 

4.00

 

12/1/2049

 

1,000,000

 

1,136,060

 

Onondaga Civic Development Corp., Revenue Bonds, Refunding (Syracuse University Project) Ser. A

 

5.00

 

12/1/2028

 

2,000,000

 

2,648,380

 

14

 

                   
 

Description

Coupon
Rate (%)

 

Maturity
Date

 

Principal
Amount ($)

 

Value ($)

 

Long-Term Municipal Investments - 100.6% (continued)

         

New York - 99.7% (continued)

         

Oyster Bay, GO, Refunding (Insured; Assured Guaranty Municipal Corp.) Ser. B

 

4.00

 

2/1/2033

 

3,000,000

 

3,371,220

 

Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, Revenue Bonds, Refunding, Ser. 195th

 

5.00

 

4/1/2036

 

4,000,000

 

4,772,320

 

Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, Revenue Bonds, Refunding, Ser. 197th

 

5.00

 

11/15/2033

 

4,000,000

 

4,817,040

 

Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, Revenue Bonds, Ser. 184th

 

5.00

 

9/1/2032

 

3,000,000

 

3,432,000

 

Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, Revenue Bonds, Ser. 184th

 

5.00

 

9/1/2036

 

2,500,000

 

2,827,500

 

Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, Revenue Bonds, Ser. 184th

 

5.00

 

9/1/2039

 

2,000,000

 

2,256,520

 

Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, Revenue Bonds, Ser. 214th

 

5.00

 

9/1/2036

 

2,000,000

 

2,521,600

 

Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, Revenue Bonds, Ser. 218th

 

4.00

 

11/1/2041

 

1,000,000

 

1,150,600

 

Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, Revenue Bonds, Ser. 218th

 

4.00

 

11/1/2047

 

1,000,000

 

1,136,220

 

Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, Revenue Bonds, Ser. 93rd

 

6.13

 

6/1/2094

 

1,955,000

 

2,230,538

 

Sales Tax Asset Receivable Corp., Revenue Bonds, Refunding, Ser. A

 

5.00

 

10/15/2031

 

1,000,000

 

1,168,050

 

Suffolk Tobacco Asset Securitization Corp., Revenue Bonds, Ser. B

 

6.00

 

6/1/2048

 

4,690,000

 

4,696,472

 

Tender Option Bond Trust Receipts (Series 2016-XM0382), (New York City Transitional Finance Authority, Revenue Bonds) Non-recourse, Underlying Coupon Rate (%) 5.00

 

17.91

 

5/1/2042

 

10,000,000

b,c,d

10,914,050

 

The New York City Cultural Resources Trust, Revenue Bonds, Refunding (The American Museum of Natural History) Ser. A

 

5.00

 

7/1/2032

 

4,210,000

 

4,899,724

 

Triborough Bridge & Tunnel Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding (MTA Bridges & Tunnels) Ser. C2

 

5.00

 

11/15/2042

 

2,000,000

 

2,452,480

 

Triborough Bridge & Tunnel Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding, Ser. A

 

5.00

 

11/15/2046

 

3,500,000

 

4,045,230

 

Triborough Bridge & Tunnel Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding, Ser. A

 

5.25

 

11/15/2045

 

1,500,000

 

1,752,045

 

15

 

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

                   
 

Description

Coupon
Rate (%)

 

Maturity
Date

 

Principal
Amount ($)

 

Value ($)

 

Long-Term Municipal Investments - 100.6% (continued)

         

New York - 99.7% (continued)

         

Triborough Bridge & Tunnel Authority, Revenue Bonds, Ser. A

 

5.00

 

11/15/2049

 

1,000,000

 

1,287,730

 

Triborough Bridge & Tunnel Authority, Revenue Bonds, Ser. A

 

5.00

 

11/15/2042

 

3,000,000

 

3,632,310

 

TSASC, Revenue Bonds, Refunding, Ser. A

 

5.00

 

6/1/2041

 

2,500,000

 

2,851,750

 

TSASC, Revenue Bonds, Refunding, Ser. B

 

5.00

 

6/1/2045

 

1,220,000

 

1,285,270

 

Utility Debt Securitization Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding

 

5.00

 

12/15/2035

 

6,500,000

 

7,900,620

 

Westchester County Local Development Corp., Revenue Bonds, Refunding (Miriam Osborn Memorial Home Association Obligated Group)

 

5.00

 

7/1/2029

 

250,000

 

284,250

 

Westchester County Local Development Corp., Revenue Bonds, Refunding (Miriam Osborn Memorial Home Association Obligated Group)

 

5.00

 

7/1/2027

 

270,000

 

308,316

 

Westchester Tobacco Asset Securitization Corp., Revenue Bonds, Refunding, Ser. B

 

5.00

 

6/1/2041

 

1,500,000

 

1,751,490

 

Western Nassau County Water Authority, Revenue Bonds, Ser. A

 

5.00

 

4/1/2040

 

1,000,000

 

1,156,820

 

Yonkers Economic Development Corp., Revenue Bonds (Charter School of Educational Excellence Project) Ser. A

 

5.00

 

10/15/2039

 

420,000

 

471,752

 
 

304,361,356

 

U.S. Related - .9%

         

Puerto Rico Highway & Transportation Authority, Revenue Bonds, Refunding (Insured; Assured Guaranty Municipal Corp.) Ser. CC

 

5.25

 

7/1/2033

 

2,405,000

 

2,832,320

 

Total Investments (cost $288,561,078)

 

100.6%

307,193,676

 

Liabilities, Less Cash and Receivables

 

(0.6%)

(1,820,965)

 

Net Assets

 

100.0%

305,372,711

 

a Security issued with a zero coupon. Income is recognized through the accretion of discount.

b Security exempt from registration pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At November 30, 2020, these securities were valued at $24,930,862 or 8.16% of net assets.

c The Variable Rate shall be determined by the Remarketing Agent in its sole discretion based on prevailing market conditions and may, but need not, be established by reference to one or more financial indices.

d Collateral for floating rate borrowings. The coupon rate given represents the current interest rate for the inverse floating rate security.

 

16

 

   

Portfolio Summary (Unaudited)

Value (%)

General

24.2

Transportation

23.3

General Obligation

11.0

Medical

9.9

Development

7.0

Education

7.0

Tobacco Settlement

4.8

Water

4.7

Utilities

2.7

Power

2.6

Multifamily Housing

1.6

Pollution

1.1

Nursing Homes

.4

Single Family Housing

.3

 

100.6

 Based on net assets.

See notes to financial statements.

17

 

       
 

Summary of Abbreviations (Unaudited)

 

ABAG

Association of Bay Area Governments

AGC

ACE Guaranty Corporation

AGIC

Asset Guaranty Insurance Company

AMBAC

American Municipal Bond Assurance Corporation

BAN

Bond Anticipation Notes

CIFG

CDC Ixis Financial Guaranty

COP

Certificate of Participation

CP

Commercial Paper

DRIVERS

Derivative Inverse Tax-Exempt Receipts

FGIC

Financial Guaranty Insurance Company

FHA

Federal Housing Administration

FHLB

Federal Home Loan Bank

FHLMC

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation

FNMA

Federal National Mortgage Association

GAN

Grant Anticipation Notes

GIC

Guaranteed Investment Contract

GNMA

Government National Mortgage Association

GO

General Obligation

IDC

Industrial Development Corporation

LIBOR

London Interbank Offered Rate

LOC

Letter of Credit

LR

Lease Revenue

NAN

Note Anticipation Notes

MFHR

Multi-Family Housing Revenue

MFMR

Multi-Family Mortgage Revenue

MUNIPSA

Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association Municipal Swap Index Yield

PILOT

Payment in Lieu of Taxes

PRIME

Prime Lending Rate

PUTTERS

Puttable Tax-Exempt Receipts

RAC

Revenue Anticipation Certificates

RAN

Revenue Anticipation Notes

RIB

Residual Interest Bonds

SFHR

Single Family Housing Revenue

SFMR

Single Family Mortgage Revenue

SOFR

Secured Overnight Financing Rate

TAN

Tax Anticipation Notes

TRAN

Tax and Revenue Anticipation Notes

U.S. T-Bill

U.S. Treasury Bill Money Market Yield

XLCA

XL Capital Assurance

   

See notes to financial statements.

18

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

November 30, 2020

             

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost

 

Value

 

Assets ($):

 

 

 

 

Investments in securities—See Statement of Investments

288,561,078

 

307,193,676

 

Cash

 

 

 

 

4,432,884

 

Interest receivable

 

3,366,041

 

Receivable for shares of Beneficial Interest subscribed

 

66,209

 

Prepaid expenses

 

 

 

 

31,095

 

 

 

 

 

 

315,089,905

 

Liabilities ($):

 

 

 

 

Due to BNY Mellon Investment Adviser, Inc. and affiliates—Note 3(c)

 

179,156

 

Payable for floating rate notes issued—Note 4

 

7,500,000

 

Payable for investment securities purchased

 

1,780,499

 

Payable for shares of Beneficial Interest redeemed

 

165,099

 

Interest and expense payable related to
floating rate notes issued—Note 4

 

4,685

 

Trustees’ fees and expenses payable

 

4,149

 

Other accrued expenses

 

 

 

 

83,606

 

 

 

 

 

 

9,717,194

 

Net Assets ($)

 

 

305,372,711

 

Composition of Net Assets ($):

 

 

 

 

Paid-in capital

 

 

 

 

284,312,428

 

Total distributable earnings (loss)

 

 

 

 

21,060,283

 

Net Assets ($)

 

 

305,372,711

 

           

Net Asset Value Per Share

Class A

Class C

Class I

Class Y

 

Net Assets ($)

233,774,355

9,745,411

61,536,160

316,785

 

Shares Outstanding

15,363,194

640,330

4,044,130

20,811

 

Net Asset Value Per Share ($)

15.22

15.22

15.22

15.22

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

 

 

 

19

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Year Ended November 30, 2020

             

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investment Income ($):

 

 

 

 

Interest Income

 

 

10,229,491

 

Expenses:

 

 

 

 

Management fee—Note 3(a)

 

 

1,690,412

 

Shareholder servicing costs—Note 3(c)

 

 

732,426

 

Interest and expense related to floating rate notes issued—Note 4

 

 

131,437

 

Professional fees

 

 

103,203

 

Distribution fees—Note 3(b)

 

 

98,731

 

Registration fees

 

 

59,038

 

Prospectus and shareholders’ reports

 

 

25,621

 

Trustees’ fees and expenses—Note 3(d)

 

 

22,535

 

Chief Compliance Officer fees—Note 3(c)

 

 

14,124

 

Loan commitment fees—Note 2

 

 

10,904

 

Custodian fees—Note 3(c)

 

 

5,769

 

Miscellaneous

 

 

31,395

 

Total Expenses

 

 

2,925,595

 

Less—reduction in expenses due to undertaking—Note 3(a)

 

 

(307,347)

 

Less—reduction in fees due to earnings credits—Note 3(c)

 

 

(5,769)

 

Net Expenses

 

 

2,612,479

 

Investment Income—Net

 

 

7,617,012

 

Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments—Note 4 ($):

 

 

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

2,293,684

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

(830,415)

 

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments

 

 

1,463,269

 

Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations

 

9,080,281

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

         

20

 

STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

                   

 

 

 

 

Year Ended November 30,

 

 

 

 

2020

 

2019

 

Operations ($):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investment income—net

 

 

7,617,012

 

 

 

8,100,936

 

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

 

2,293,684

 

 

 

856,824

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation
(depreciation) on investments

 

(830,415)

 

 

 

16,424,508

 

Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
Resulting from Operations

9,080,281

 

 

 

25,382,268

 

Distributions ($):

 

Distributions to shareholders:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Class A

 

 

(6,192,689)

 

 

 

(6,184,725)

 

Class C

 

 

(255,684)

 

 

 

(312,921)

 

Class I

 

 

(1,763,226)

 

 

 

(1,612,046)

 

Class Y

 

 

(9,168)

 

 

 

(2,604)

 

Total Distributions

 

 

(8,220,767)

 

 

 

(8,112,296)

 

Beneficial Interest Transactions ($):

 

Net proceeds from shares sold:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Class A

 

 

11,464,980

 

 

 

13,033,293

 

Class C

 

 

343,882

 

 

 

1,606,038

 

Class I

 

 

15,988,349

 

 

 

15,434,945

 

Class Y

 

 

-

 

 

 

317,845

 

Distributions reinvested:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Class A

 

 

5,064,665

 

 

 

5,010,736

 

Class C

 

 

220,975

 

 

 

264,427

 

Class I

 

 

1,744,617

 

 

 

1,594,027

 

Cost of shares redeemed:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Class A

 

 

(21,898,248)

 

 

 

(36,165,897)

 

Class C

 

 

(7,017,913)

 

 

 

(5,582,187)

 

Class I

 

 

(17,333,633)

 

 

 

(20,834,865)

 

Class Y

 

 

-

 

 

 

(278)

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
from Beneficial Interest Transactions

(11,422,326)

 

 

 

(25,321,916)

 

Total Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets

(10,562,812)

 

 

 

(8,051,944)

 

Net Assets ($):

 

Beginning of Period

 

 

315,935,523

 

 

 

323,987,467

 

End of Period

 

 

305,372,711

 

 

 

315,935,523

 

21

 

STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (continued)

                   

 

 

 

 

Year Ended November 30,

 

 

 

 

2020

 

2019

 

Capital Share Transactions (Shares):

 

Class Aa

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares sold

 

 

760,478

 

 

 

883,653

 

Shares issued for distributions reinvested

 

 

336,109

 

 

 

335,432

 

Shares redeemed

 

 

(1,459,955)

 

 

 

(2,441,394)

 

Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares Outstanding

(363,368)

 

 

 

(1,222,309)

 

Class C

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares sold

 

 

22,768

 

 

 

108,418

 

Shares issued for distributions reinvested

 

 

14,660

 

 

 

17,716

 

Shares redeemed

 

 

(466,902)

 

 

 

(377,075)

 

Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares Outstanding

(429,474)

 

 

 

(250,941)

 

Class Ia

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares sold

 

 

1,065,496

 

 

 

1,041,366

 

Shares issued for distributions reinvested

 

 

115,764

 

 

 

106,642

 

Shares redeemed

 

 

(1,165,309)

 

 

 

(1,422,093)

 

Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares Outstanding

15,951

 

 

 

(274,085)

 

Class Ya

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares sold

 

 

-

 

 

 

20,760

 

Shares redeemed

 

 

-

 

 

 

(18)

 

Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares Outstanding

-

 

 

 

20,742

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

aDuring the period ended November 30, 2019, 4,148 Class A shares representing $62,098 were exchanged for 4,148 Class I shares and 20,756 Class A shares representing $317,844 were exchanged for 20,761 Class Y shares.

 

See notes to financial statements.

               

22

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

The following tables describe the performance for each share class for the fiscal periods indicated. All information (except portfolio turnover rate) reflects financial results for a single fund share. Net asset value total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption at net asset value on the last day of the period. Net asset value total return includes adjustments in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and as such, the net asset value for financial reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions. These figures have been derived from the fund’s financial statements.

               
       
     

Class A Shares

 

Year Ended November 30,

 

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

Per Share Data ($):

           

Net asset value,
beginning of period

 

15.16

14.35

14.81

14.44

14.93

Investment Operations:

           

Investment incomeneta

 

.37

.38

.39

.40

.42

Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss) on investments

 

.09

.81

(.46)

.37

(.49)

Total from Investment Operations

 

.46

1.19

(.07)

.77

(.07)

Distributions:

           

Dividends from
investment income
net

 

(.37)

(.38)

(.39)

(.40)

(.42)

Dividends from net realized
gain on investments

 

(.03)

-

-

-

-

Total Distributions

 

(.40)

(.38)

(.39)

(.40)

(.42)

Net asset value, end of period

 

15.22

15.16

14.35

14.81

14.44

Total Return (%)b

 

3.09

8.37

(.49)

5.33

(.58)

Ratios/Supplemental Data (%):

           

Ratio of total expenses
to average net assets

 

.97

.98

.98

.93

.92

Ratio of net expenses
to average net assets

 

.87

.96

.98

.93

.92

Ratio of interest and expense related
to floating rate notes issued
to average net assets

 

.04

.07

.06

.03

.02

Ratio of net investment income
to average net assets

 

2.46

2.56

2.67

2.68

2.76

Portfolio Turnover Rate

 

13.63

9.24

15.32

9.08

12.48

Net Assets, end of period ($ x 1,000)

 

233,774

238,353

243,275

269,220

326,281

a Based on average shares outstanding.

b Exclusive of sales charge.

See notes to financial statements.

23

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

               
       
     

Class C Shares

 

Year Ended November 30,

 

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

Per Share Data ($):

           

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

15.16

14.36

14.81

14.44

14.93

Investment Operations:

           

Investment incomeneta

 

.26

.27

.28

.28

.30

Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss) on investments

 

.08

.80

(.45)

.37

(.49)

Total from Investment Operations

 

.34

1.07

(.17)

.65

(.19)

Distributions:

           

Dividends from
investment income
net

 

(.25)

(.27)

(.28)

(.28)

(.30)

Dividends from net realized
gain on investments

 

(.03)

-

-

-

-

Total Distributions

 

(.28)

(.27)

(.28)

(.28)

(.30)

Net asset value, end of period

 

15.22

15.16

14.36

14.81

14.44

Total Return (%)b

 

2.30

7.48

(1.17)

4.54

(1.33)

Ratios/Supplemental Data (%):

           

Ratio of total expenses
to average net assets

 

1.73

1.75

1.73

1.69

1.68

Ratio of net expenses
to average net assets

 

1.63

1.72

1.73

1.69

1.68

Ratio of interest and expense related
to floating rate notes issued
to average net assets

 

.04

.07

.06

.03

.02

Ratio of net investment income
to average net assets

 

1.70

1.80

1.90

1.92

1.99

Portfolio Turnover Rate

 

13.63

9.24

15.32

9.08

12.48

Net Assets, end of period ($ x 1,000)

 

9,745

16,217

18,960

26,001

30,526

a Based on average shares outstanding.

b Exclusive of sales charge.

See notes to financial statements.

24

 

               
       
     

Class I Shares

 

Year Ended November 30,

 

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

Per Share Data ($):

           

Net asset value,
beginning of period

 

15.16

14.35

14.81

14.44

14.93

Investment Operations:

           

Investment incomeneta

 

.41

.42

.43

.43

.45

Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss) on investments

 

.09

.81

(.47)

.37

(.48)

Total from Investment Operations

 

.50

1.23

(.04)

.80

(.03)

Distributions:

           

Dividends from
investment income
net

 

(.41)

(.42)

(.42)

(.43)

(.46)

Dividends from net realized
gain on investments

 

(.03)

-

-

-

-

Total Distributions

 

(.44)

(.42)

(.42)

(.43)

(.46)

Net asset value, end of period

 

15.22

15.16

14.35

14.81

14.44

Total Return (%)

 

3.41

8.56

(.25)

5.58

(.33)

Ratios/Supplemental Data (%):

           

Ratio of total expenses
to average net assets

 

.72

.75

.72

.69

.67

Ratio of net expenses
to average net assets

 

.62

.72

.72

.69

.67

Ratio of interest and expense related
to floating rate notes issued
to average net assets

 

.04

.07

.06

.03

.02

Ratio of net investment income
to average net assets

 

2.70

2.79

2.90

2.90

2.99

Portfolio Turnover Rate

 

13.63

9.24

15.32

9.08

12.48

Net Assets, end of period ($ x 1,000)

 

61,536

61,051

61,751

89,520

54,714

a Based on average shares outstanding.

See notes to financial statements.

25

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

               
       
     

Class Y Shares

 

Year Ended November 30,

 

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

Per Share Data ($):

           

Net asset value,
beginning of period

 

15.16

14.36

14.81

14.44

14.93

Investment Operations:

           

Investment incomeneta

 

.41

.43

.43

.43

.46

Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss) on investments

 

.09

.78

(.46)

.37

(.49)

Total from Investment Operations

 

.50

1.21

(.03)

.80

(.03)

Distributions:

           

Dividends from
investment income
net

 

(.41)

(.41)

(.42)

(.43)

(.46)

Dividends from net realized
gain on investments

 

(.03)

-

-

-

-

Total Distributions

 

(.44)

(.41)

(.42)

(.43)

(.46)

Net asset value, end of period

 

15.22

15.16

14.36

14.81

14.44

Total Return (%)

 

3.37

8.48

(.17)

5.55

(.30)

Ratios/Supplemental Data (%):

           

Ratio of total expenses
to average net assets

 

.70

.76

.71

.65

.61

Ratio of net expenses
to average net assets

 

.60

.68

.71

.65

.61

Ratio of interest and expense related
to floating rate notes issued
to average net assets

 

.04

.07

.06

.03

.02

Ratio of net investment income
to average net assets

 

2.74

2.90

2.94

2.91

3.04

Portfolio Turnover Rate

 

13.63

9.24

15.32

9.08

12.48

Net Assets, end of period ($ x 1,000)

 

317

316

1

1

1

a Based on average shares outstanding.

See notes to financial statements.

26

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 1—Significant Accounting Policies:

BNY Mellon New York AMT-Free Municipal Bond Fund (the “fund”), which is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Act”), is a non-diversified open–end management investment company. The fund’s investment objective is to seek to maximize current income exempt from federal, New York state and New York city income taxes to the extent consistent with the preservation of capital. BNY Mellon Investment Adviser, Inc. (the “Adviser”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (“BNY Mellon”), serves as the fund’s investment adviser.

The fund’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”) approved, effective December 31, 2019 (the “Effective Date”), the termination of the fund’s authorized Class T shares. Prior to the Effective Date, the fund did not offer such Class T shares for purchase.

BNY Mellon Securities Corporation (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, is the distributor of the fund’s shares. The fund is authorized to issue an unlimited number of $.001 par value shares of Beneficial Interest in each of the following classes of shares: Class A, Class C, Class I and Class Y. Class A shares generally are subject to a sales charge imposed at the time of purchase. Class A shares bought without an initial sales charge as part of an investment of $1 million or more may be charged a contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”) of 1.00% if redeemed within one year. Class C shares are subject to a CDSC imposed on Class C shares redeemed within one year of purchase. Class C shares automatically convert to Class A shares ten years after the date of purchase, without the imposition of a sales charge. Class I and Class Y shares are sold at net asset value per share generally to institutional investors. Other differences between the classes include the services offered to and the expenses borne by each class, the allocation of certain transfer agency costs, and certain voting rights. Income, expenses (other than expenses attributable to a specific class), and realized and unrealized gains or losses on investments are allocated to each class of shares based on its relative net assets.

The Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) is the exclusive reference of authoritative U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) recognized by the FASB to be applied by nongovernmental entities. Rules and interpretive releases of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) under authority of federal laws are also sources of authoritative GAAP for SEC registrants. The fund is an investment company and applies the accounting and reporting guidance of the FASB ASC Topic 946 Financial Services-

27

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

Investment Companies. The fund’s financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP, which may require the use of management estimates and assumptions. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

The fund enters into contracts that contain a variety of indemnifications. The fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. The fund does not anticipate recognizing any loss related to these arrangements.

(a) Portfolio valuation: The fair value of a financial instrument is the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (i.e., the exit price). GAAP establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs of valuation techniques used to measure fair value. This hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements).

Additionally, GAAP provides guidance on determining whether the volume and activity in a market has decreased significantly and whether such a decrease in activity results in transactions that are not orderly. GAAP requires enhanced disclosures around valuation inputs and techniques used during annual and interim periods.

Various inputs are used in determining the value of the fund’s investments relating to fair value measurements. These inputs are summarized in the three broad levels listed below:

Level 1—unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical investments.

Level 2—other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar investments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.).

Level 3—significant unobservable inputs (including the fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).

The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.

Changes in valuation techniques may result in transfers in or out of an assigned level within the disclosure hierarchy. Valuation techniques used to value the fund’s investments are as follows:

Investments in securities are valued each business day by an independent pricing service (the “Service”) approved by the Board. Investments for

28

 

which quoted bid prices are readily available and are representative of the bid side of the market in the judgment of the Service are valued at the mean between the quoted bid prices (as obtained by the Service from dealers in such securities) and asked prices (as calculated by the Service based upon its evaluation of the market for such securities). Debt investments (which constitute a majority of the portfolio securities) are carried at fair value as determined by the Service, based on methods which include consideration of the following: yields or prices of municipal securities of comparable quality, coupon, maturity and type; indications as to values from dealers; and general market conditions. All of the preceding securities are generally categorized within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

The Service is engaged under the general oversight of the Board.

When market quotations or official closing prices are not readily available, or are determined not to accurately reflect fair value, such as when the value of a security has been significantly affected by events after the close of the exchange or market on which the security is principally traded, but before the fund calculates its net asset value, the fund may value these investments at fair value as determined in accordance with the procedures approved by the Board. Certain factors may be considered when fair valuing investments such as: fundamental analytical data, the nature and duration of restrictions on disposition, an evaluation of the forces that influence the market in which the securities are purchased and sold, and public trading in similar securities of the issuer or comparable issuers. These securities are either categorized within Level 2 or 3 of the fair value hierarchy depending on the relevant inputs used.

For securities where observable inputs are limited, assumptions about market activity and risk are used and such securities are generally categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

The following is a summary of the inputs used as of November 30, 2020 in valuing the fund’s investments:

29

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

           
 

Level 1 - Unadjusted Quoted Prices

Level 2 - Other Significant Observable Inputs

Level 3 -Significant Unobservable Inputs

Total

Assets ($)

 

 

 

 

Investments in Securities:

       

Municipal Securities

307,193,676

307,193,676

Liabilities ($)

 

 

 

 

Floating Rate Notes††

(7,500,000)

(7,500,000)

 See Statement of Investments for additional detailed categorizations, if any.

††  Certain of the fund’s liabilities are held at carrying amount, which approximates fair value for financial reporting purposes.

(b) Securities transactions and investment income: Securities transactions are recorded on a trade date basis. Realized gains and losses from securities transactions are recorded on the identified cost basis. Interest income, adjusted for accretion of discount and amortization of premium on investments, is earned from settlement date and recognized on the accrual basis. Securities purchased or sold on a when issued or delayed delivery basis may be settled a month or more after the trade date.

The fund follows an investment policy of investing primarily in municipal obligations of one state. Economic changes affecting the state and certain of its public bodies and municipalities may affect the ability of issuers within the state to pay interest on, or repay principal of, municipal obligations held by the fund.

(c) Risk: Certain events particular to the industries in which the fund’s investments conduct their operations, as well as general economic, political and public health conditions, may have a significant negative impact on the investee’s operations and profitability. In addition, turbulence in financial markets and reduced liquidity in equity, credit and/or fixed income markets may negatively affect many issuers, which could adversely affect the fund. Global economies and financial markets are becoming increasingly interconnected, and conditions and events in one country, region or financial market may adversely impact issuers in a different country, region or financial market. These risks may be magnified if certain events or developments adversely interrupt the global supply chain; in these and other circumstances, such risks might affect companies world-wide.  Recent examples include pandemic risks related to COVID-19 and aggressive measures taken world-wide in response by governments, including closing borders, restricting international and domestic travel, and the imposition of prolonged quarantines of large populations, and by businesses, including changes to operations and reducing staff. To the

30

 

extent the fund may overweight its investments in certain countries, companies, industries or market sectors, such positions will increase the fund’s exposure to risk of loss from adverse developments affecting those countries, companies, industries or sectors.

(d) Dividends and distributions to shareholders: It is the policy of the fund to declare dividends daily from investment income-net. Such dividends are paid monthly. Dividends from net realized capital gains, if any, are normally declared and paid annually, but the fund may make distributions on a more frequent basis to comply with the distribution requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). To the extent that net realized capital gains can be offset by capital loss carryovers, it is the policy of the fund not to distribute such gains. Income and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with income tax regulations, which may differ from GAAP.

(e) Federal income taxes: It is the policy of the fund to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company, which can distribute tax-exempt dividends, by complying with the applicable provisions of the Code, and to make distributions of income and net realized capital gain sufficient to relieve it from substantially all federal income and excise taxes.

As of and during the period ended November 30, 2020, the fund did not have any liabilities for any uncertain tax positions. The fund recognizes interest and penalties, if any, related to uncertain tax positions as income tax expense in the Statement of Operations. During the period ended November 30, 2020, the fund did not incur any interest or penalties.

Each tax year in the four-year period ended November 30, 2020 remains subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service and state taxing authorities.

At November 30, 2020, the components of accumulated earnings on a tax basis were as follows: undistributed tax-exempt income $150,289, undistributed ordinary income $10,727, undistributed capital gains $2,266,478 and unrealized appreciation $18,632,789.

The tax character of distributions paid to shareholders during the fiscal periods ended November 30, 2020 and November 30, 2019 were as follows: tax-exempt income $7,597,059 and $8,112,296, ordinary income $90 and $0 and long-term capital gains $623,618 and $0, respectively.

During the period ended November 30, 2020, as a result of permanent book to tax differences, primarily due to the tax treatment for amortization adjustments, the fund increased total distributable earnings (loss) by

31

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

$128,449 and decreased paid-in capital by the same amount. Net assets and net asset value per share were not affected by this reclassification.

(f) New Accounting Pronouncements: In March 2020, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848)-Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting (“ASU 2020-04”), which provides optional, temporary relief with respect to the financial reporting of contracts subject to certain types of modifications due to the planned discontinuation of the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) and other interbank offered rates as of the end of 2021. The temporary relief provided by ASU 2020-04 is effective for certain reference rate-related contract modifications that occur during the period from March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. Management is evaluating the impact of ASU 2020-04 on the fund’s investments, derivatives, debt and other contracts that will undergo reference rate-related modifications as a result of the reference rate reform. Management is also currently actively working with other financial institutions and counterparties to modify contracts as required by applicable regulation and within the regulatory deadlines.

NOTE 2—Bank Lines of Credit:

The fund participates with other long-term open-end funds managed by the Adviser in a $823.5 million unsecured credit facility led by Citibank, N.A. (the “Citibank Credit Facility”) and a $300 million unsecured credit facility provided by The Bank of New York Mellon (the “BNYM Credit Facility”), a subsidiary of BNY Mellon and an affiliate of the Adviser, each to be utilized primarily for temporary or emergency purposes, including the financing of redemptions (each, a “Facility”). The Citibank Credit Facility is available in two tranches: (i) Tranche A is in an amount equal to $688.5 million and is available to all long-term open-ended funds, including the fund, and (ii) Tranche B is an amount equal to $135 million and is available only to BNY Mellon Floating Rate Income Fund, a series of BNY Mellon Investment Funds IV, Inc. Prior to September 30, 2020, the Citibank Credit Facility was $927 million with Tranche A available in an amount equal to $747 million and Tranche B available in an amount equal to $180 million. Prior to March 11, 2020, the Citibank Credit Facility was $1.030 billion with Tranche A available in an amount equal to $830 million and Tranche B available in an amount equal to $200 million. In connection therewith, the fund has agreed to pay its pro rata portion of commitment fees for Tranche A of the Citibank Credit Facility and the BNYM Credit Facility. Interest is charged to the fund based on rates determined pursuant to the terms of the respective Facility at the time of borrowing. During the

32

 

period ended November 30, 2020, the fund did not borrow under the Facilities.

NOTE 3—Management Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates:

(a) Pursuant to a management agreement with the Adviser, the management fee is computed at the annual rate of .55% of the value of the fund’s average daily net assets and is payable monthly. The Adviser has contractually agreed, from December 1, 2019 through March 31, 2021, to waive receipt of a portion of its management fee, in the amount of .10% of the value of the fund’s average daily net assets. On or after March 31, 2021, the Adviser may terminate this waiver agreement at any time. In addition, the Adviser has contractually agreed, from April 1, 2020 through March 31, 2021, to assume the direct expenses of Class Y so that the direct expenses of Class Y do not exceed the direct expenses of Class I. On or after March 31, 2021, the Adviser may terminate this expense limitation agreement for Class Y at any time. The reduction in expenses, pursuant to the undertaking, amounted to $307,347 during the period ended November 30, 2020.

During the period ended November 30, 2020, the Distributor retained $2,525 from commissions earned on sales of the fund’s Class A shares and $2 and $339 from CDSC fees on redemptions of the fund’s Class A and Class C shares, respectively.

(b) Under the Distribution Plan adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Act, Class C shares pay the Distributor for distributing its shares at an annual rate of .75% of the value of its average daily net assets. During the period ended November 30, 2020, Class C shares were charged $98,731 pursuant to the Distribution Plan.

(c) Under the Shareholder Services Plan, Class A and Class C shares pay the Distributor at an annual rate of .25% of the value of their average daily net assets for the provision of certain services. The services provided may include personal services relating to shareholder accounts, such as answering shareholder inquiries regarding the fund and providing reports and other information, and services related to the maintenance of shareholder accounts. The Distributor may make payments to Service Agents (securities dealers, financial institutions or other industry professionals) with respect to these services. The Distributor determines the amounts to be paid to Service Agents. During the period ended November 30, 2020, Class A and Class C shares were charged $582,273 and $32,910, respectively, pursuant to the Shareholder Services Plan.

33

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

The fund has arrangements with the transfer agent and the custodian whereby the fund may receive earnings credits when positive cash balances are maintained, which are used to offset transfer agency and custody fees. For financial reporting purposes, the fund includes transfer agent net earnings credits, if any, as shareholder servicing costs and includes custody net earnings credits, if any, as an expense offset in the in the Statement of Operations.

The fund compensates BNY Mellon Transfer, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, under a transfer agency agreement for providing transfer agency and cash management services inclusive of earnings credits, if any, for the fund. The majority of transfer agency fees are comprised of amounts paid on a per account basis, while cash management fees are related to fund subscriptions and redemptions. During the period ended November 30, 2020, the fund was charged $49,839 for transfer agency services offset of any earnings credits, if any. These fees are included in Shareholder servicing costs in the Statement of Operations.

The fund compensates The Bank of New York Mellon under a custody agreement for providing custodial services for the fund. These fees are determined based on net assets, geographic region and transaction activity. During the period ended November 30, 2020, the fund was charged $5,769 pursuant to the custody agreement. These fees were offset by earnings credits of $5,769.

The fund compensates The Bank of New York Mellon under a shareholder redemption draft processing agreement for providing certain services related to the fund’s check writing privilege. During the period ended November 30, 2020, the fund was charged $2,607 pursuant to the agreement, which is included in Shareholder servicing costs in the Statement of Operations.

During the period ended November 30, 2020, the fund was charged $14,124 for services performed by the Chief Compliance Officer and his staff. These fees are included in Chief Compliance Officer fees in the Statement of Operations.

The components of “Due to BNY Mellon Investment Adviser, Inc. and affiliates” in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities consist of: management fees of $136,564, Distribution Plan fees of $5,960, Shareholder Services Plan fees of $49,503, custodian fees of $1,959, Chief Compliance Officer fees of $1,935 and transfer agency fees of $8,845, which are offset against an expense reimbursement currently in effect in the amount of $25,610.

34

 

(d) Each Board member also serves as a Board member of other funds in the BNY Mellon Family of Funds complex. Annual retainer fees and attendance fees are allocated to each fund based on net assets.

NOTE 4—Securities Transactions:

The aggregate amount of purchases and sales of investment securities, excluding short-term securities, during the period ended November 30, 2020, amounted to $41,403,804 and $52,721,803, respectively.

Inverse Floater Securities: The fund participates in secondary inverse floater structures in which fixed-rate, tax-exempt municipal bonds are transferred to a trust (the “Inverse Floater Trust”). The Inverse Floater Trust typically issues two variable rate securities that are collateralized by the cash flows of the fixed-rate, tax-exempt municipal bonds. One of these variable rate securities pays interest based on a short-term floating rate set by a remarketing agent at predetermined intervals (“Trust Certificates”). A residual interest tax-exempt security is also created by the Inverse Floater Trust, which is transferred to the fund, and is paid interest based on the remaining cash flows of the Inverse Floater Trust, after payment of interest on the other securities and various expenses of the Inverse Floater Trust. An Inverse Floater Trust may be collapsed without the consent of the fund due to certain termination events such as bankruptcy, default or other credit event.

The fund accounts for the transfer of bonds to the Inverse Floater Trust as secured borrowings, with the securities transferred remaining in the fund’s investments, and the Trust Certificates reflected as fund liabilities in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

The fund may invest in inverse floater securities on either a non-recourse or recourse basis. These securities are typically supported by a liquidity facility provided by a bank or other financial institution (the “Liquidity Provider”) that allows the holders of the Trust Certificates to tender their certificates in exchange for payment from the Liquidity Provider of par plus accrued interest on any business day prior to a termination event. When the fund invests in inverse floater securities on a non-recourse basis, the Liquidity Provider is required to make a payment under the liquidity facility due to a termination event to the holders of the Trust Certificates. When this occurs, the Liquidity Provider typically liquidates all or a portion of the municipal securities held in the Inverse Floater Trust. A liquidation shortfall occurs if the Trust Certificates exceed the proceeds of the sale of the bonds in the Inverse Floater Trust (“Liquidation Shortfall”). When a fund invests in inverse floater securities on a recourse basis, the fund typically enters into a reimbursement agreement with the Liquidity

35

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

Provider where the fund is required to repay the Liquidity Provider the amount of any Liquidation Shortfall. As a result, a fund investing in a recourse inverse floater security bears the risk of loss with respect to any Liquidation Shortfall.

The average amount of borrowings outstanding under the inverse floater structure during the period ended November 30, 2020 was approximately $9,254,098, with a related weighted average annualized interest rate of 1.42%.

At November 30, 2020, the cost of investments for federal income tax purposes was $281,060,887; accordingly, accumulated net unrealized appreciation on investments was $18,632,789, consisting of $18,817,010 gross unrealized appreciation and $184,221 gross unrealized depreciation.

36

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Shareholders and the Board of Trustees of BNY Mellon New York AMT-Free Municipal Bond Fund

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of BNY Mellon New York AMT-Free Municipal Bond Fund (the “Fund”), including the statement of investments, as of November 30, 2020, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Fund at November 30, 2020, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended and its financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Fund’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Fund’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Fund in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Fund is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of the Fund’s internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Fund’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of November 30, 2020, by correspondence with the custodian and others or by other appropriate auditing procedures where replies from others were not received. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

We have served as the auditor of one or more investment companies in the BNY Mellon Family of Funds since at least 1957, but we are unable to determine the specific year.

New York, New York
January 27, 2021

37

 

IMPORTANT TAX INFORMATION (Unaudited)

In accordance with federal tax law, the fund hereby reports all the dividends paid from investment income-net during its fiscal year ended November 30, 2020 as “exempt-interest dividends” (not subject to regular federal income tax, and for individuals who are New York residents, New York State and New York City personal income taxes), except $90 that is being reported as an ordinary income distribution for reporting purposes. Where required by federal tax law rules, shareholders will receive notification of their portion of the fund’s taxable ordinary dividends (if any), capital gains distributions (if any) and tax-exempt dividends paid for the 2020 calendar year on Form 1099-DIV, which will be mailed in early 2021. Also, the fund hereby reports $.0300 per share as a long-term capital gain distribution paid on December 27, 2019.

38

 

INFORMATION ABOUT THE RENEWAL OF THE FUND’S MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT (Unaudited)

At a meeting of the fund’s Board of Trustees held on July 30, 2020, the Board considered the renewal of the fund’s Management Agreement pursuant to which the Adviser provides the fund with investment advisory and administrative services (the “Agreement”). The Board members, none of whom are “interested persons” (as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended) of the fund, were assisted in their review by independent legal counsel and met with counsel in executive session separate from representatives of the Adviser. In considering the renewal of the Agreement, the Board considered several factors that it believed to be relevant, including those discussed below. The Board did not identify any one factor as dispositive, and each Board member may have attributed different weights to the factors considered.

Analysis of Nature, Extent, and Quality of Services Provided to the Fund. The Board considered information provided to it at the meeting and in previous presentations from representatives of the Adviser regarding the nature, extent, and quality of the services provided to funds in the BNY Mellon fund complex, including the fund. The Adviser provided the number of open accounts in the fund, the fund’s asset size and the allocation of fund assets among distribution channels. The Adviser also had previously provided information regarding the diverse intermediary relationships and distribution channels of funds in the BNY Mellon fund complex (such as retail direct or intermediary, in which intermediaries typically are paid by the fund and/or the Adviser) and the Adviser’s corresponding need for broad, deep, and diverse resources to be able to provide ongoing shareholder services to each intermediary or distribution channel, as applicable to the fund.

The Board also considered research support available to, and portfolio management capabilities of, the fund’s portfolio management personnel and that the Adviser also provides oversight of day-to-day fund operations, including fund accounting and administration and assistance in meeting legal and regulatory requirements. The Board also considered the Adviser’s extensive administrative, accounting and compliance infrastructures.

Comparative Analysis of the Fund’s Performance and Management Fee and Expense Ratio. The Board reviewed reports prepared by Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (“Broadridge”), an independent provider of investment company data based on classifications provided by Thomson Reuters Lipper, which included information comparing (1) the performance of the fund’s Class I shares with the performance of a group of institutional New York municipal debt funds selected by Broadridge as comparable to the fund (the “Performance Group”) and with a broader group of funds consisting of all retail and institutional New York municipal debt funds (the “Performance Universe”), all for various periods ended June 30, 2020, and (2) the fund’s actual and contractual management fees and total expenses with those of the same group of funds in the Performance Group (the “Expense Group”) and with a broader group of all other institutional New York municipal debt funds, excluding outliers (the “Expense Universe”), the information for which was derived in part from fund financial statements available to Broadridge as of the date of its analysis. The Adviser previously

39

 

INFORMATION ABOUT THE RENEWAL OF THE FUND’S MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT (Unaudited) (continued)

had furnished the Board with a description of the methodology Broadridge used to select the Performance Group and Performance Universe and the Expense Group and Expense Universe.

Performance Comparisons. Representatives of the Adviser stated that the usefulness of performance comparisons may be affected by a number of factors, including different investment limitations and policies that may be applicable to the fund and comparison funds and the end date selected. The Board discussed with representatives of the Adviser the results of the comparisons and considered that the fund’s total return performance was below the Performance Group median for all periods except the one- and ten-year periods, when it was above the Performance Group median, and at or above the Performance Universe median for all periods except the three- and four-year periods, when it was were below the median. The Board also considered that the fund’s yield performance was below the Performance Group medians for all of the ten one-year periods, and below the Performance Universe medians for six of the ten one-year periods, ended June 30, 2020. The Board considered the relative proximity of the fund’s performance to the Performance Group and/or Performance Universe medians in certain periods when performance was below median. The Adviser also provided a comparison of the fund’s calendar year total returns to the returns of the fund’s benchmark index, and it was noted that the fund’s returns were above the returns of the index in three of the ten calendar years shown.

Management Fee and Expense Ratio Comparison. The Board reviewed and considered the contractual management fee rate payable by the fund to the Adviser in light of the nature, extent and quality of the management services provided by the Adviser. In addition, the Board reviewed and considered the actual management fee rate paid by the fund over the fund’s last fiscal year which included reductions for a fee waiver arrangement in place that reduced the management fee paid to the Adviser. The Board also reviewed the range of actual and contractual management fees and total expenses as a percentage of average net assets of the Expense Group and Expense Universe funds and discussed the results of the comparisons. The Board considered that the fund’s contractual management fee was higher than the Expense Group median contractual management fee, the fund’s actual management fee was higher than the Expense Group median and the Expense Universe median actual management fee and the fund’s total expenses were higher than the Expense Group median and the Expense Universe median total expenses.

Representatives of the Adviser stated that the Adviser has contractually agreed, until March 31, 2021, to waive receipt of its management fees in the amount of 10% of the value of the fund’s average daily net assets.

Representatives of the Adviser reviewed with the Board the management or investment advisory fees paid by funds advised or administered by the Adviser that are in the same Lipper category as the fund (the “Similar Funds”) and explained the nature of the Similar Funds. They discussed differences in fees paid and the relationship of the fees paid in light of any differences in the services provided and other relevant factors. The Board considered the relevance of the fee information provided for the Similar Funds to

40

 

evaluate the appropriateness of the fund’s management fee. Representatives of the Adviser noted that there were no separate accounts and/or other types of client portfolios advised by the Adviser that are considered to have similar investment strategies and policies as the fund.

Analysis of Profitability and Economies of Scale. Representatives of the Adviser reviewed the expenses allocated and profit received by the Adviser and its affiliates and the resulting profitability percentage for managing the fund and the aggregate profitability percentage to the Adviser and its affiliates for managing the funds in the BNY Mellon fund complex, and the method used to determine the expenses and profit. The Board concluded that the profitability results were not excessive, given the services rendered and service levels provided by the Adviser and its affiliates. The Board also had been provided with information prepared by an independent consulting firm regarding the Adviser’s approach to allocating costs to, and determining the profitability of, individual funds and the entire BNY Mellon fund complex. The consulting firm also had analyzed where any economies of scale might emerge in connection with the management of a fund.

The Board considered, on the advice of its counsel, the profitability analysis (1) as part of its evaluation of whether the fees under the Agreement, considered in relation to the mix of services provided by the Adviser, including the nature, extent and quality of such services, supported the renewal of the Agreement and (2) in light of the relevant circumstances for the fund and the extent to which economies of scale would be realized if the fund grows and whether fee levels reflect these economies of scale for the benefit of fund shareholders. Representatives of the Adviser stated that a discussion of economies of scale is predicated on a fund having achieved a substantial size with increasing assets and that, if a fund’s assets had been stable or decreasing, the possibility that the Adviser may have realized any economies of scale would be less. Representatives of the Adviser also stated that, as a result of shared and allocated costs among funds in the BNY Mellon fund complex, the extent of economies of scale could depend substantially on the level of assets in the complex as a whole, so that increases and decreases in complex-wide assets can affect potential economies of scale in a manner that is disproportionate to, or even in the opposite direction from, changes in the fund’s asset level. The Board also considered potential benefits to the Adviser from acting as investment adviser and took into consideration that there were no soft dollar arrangements in effect for trading the fund’s investments.

At the conclusion of these discussions, the Board agreed that it had been furnished with sufficient information to make an informed business decision with respect to the renewal of the Agreement. Based on the discussions and considerations as described above, the Board concluded and determined as follows.

· The Board concluded that the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Adviser are adequate and appropriate.

· The Board was satisfied with the fund’s improved performance.

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INFORMATION ABOUT THE RENEWAL OF THE FUND’S MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT (Unaudited) (continued)

· The Board concluded that the fee paid to the Adviser continued to be appropriate under the circumstances and in light of the factors and the totality of the services provided as discussed above.

· The Board determined that the economies of scale which may accrue to the Adviser and its affiliates in connection with the management of the fund had been adequately considered by the Adviser in connection with the fee rate charged to the fund pursuant to the Agreement and that, to the extent in the future it were determined that material economies of scale had not been shared with the fund, the Board would seek to have those economies of scale shared with the fund.

In evaluating the Agreement, the Board considered these conclusions and determinations and also relied on its previous knowledge, gained through meetings and other interactions with the Adviser and its affiliates, of the Adviser and the services provided to the fund by the Adviser. The Board also relied on information received on a routine and regular basis throughout the year relating to the operations of the fund and the investment management and other services provided under the Agreement, including information on the investment performance of the fund in comparison to similar mutual funds and benchmark performance indices; general market outlook as applicable to the fund; and compliance reports. In addition, the Board’s consideration of the contractual fee arrangements for the fund had the benefit of a number of years of reviews of the Agreement for the fund, or substantially similar agreements for other BNY Mellon funds that the Board oversees, during which lengthy discussions took place between the Board and representatives of the Adviser. Certain aspects of the arrangements may receive greater scrutiny in some years than in others, and the Board’s conclusions may be based, in part, on their consideration of the fund’s arrangements, or substantially similar arrangements for other BNY Mellon funds that the Board oversees, in prior years. The Board determined to renew the Agreement.

42

 

BOARD MEMBERS INFORMATION (Unaudited)

INDEPENDENT BOARD MEMBERS

Joseph S. DiMartino (77)

Chairman of the Board (1995)

Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years:

· Director or Trustee of funds in the BNY Mellon Family of Funds and certain other entities (as described in the fund’s Statement of Additional Information) (1995-Present)

Other Public Company Board Memberships During Past 5 Years:

· CBIZ, Inc., a public company providing professional business services, products and solutions, Director (1997-Present)

No. of Portfolios for which Board Member Serves: 110

———————

Francine J. Bovich (69)

Board Member (2012)

Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years:

· Trustee, The Bradley Trusts, private trust funds (2011-Present)

Other Public Company Board Memberships During Past 5 Years:

· Annaly Capital Management, Inc., a real estate investment trust, Director (2014-Present)

No. of Portfolios for which Board Member Serves: 67

———————

Peggy C. Davis (77)

Board Member (1990)

Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years:

· Shad Professor of Law, New York University School of Law (1983-present)

No. of Portfolios for which Board Member Serves: 39

———————

Nathan Leventhal (77)

Board Member (1989)

Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years:

· President Emeritus of Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts (2001-Present)

· President of the Palm Beach Opera (2016-Present)

Other Public Company Board Memberships During Past 5 Years:

· Movado Group, Inc., a public company that designs, markets and distributes watches, Director (2003-2020)

No. of Portfolios for which Board Member Serves: 45

———————

43

 

BOARD MEMBERS INFORMATION (Unaudited) (continued)
INDEPENDENT BOARD MEMBERS (continued)

Robin A. Melvin (57)

Board Member (2012)

Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years:

· Trustee, Westover School, a private girls’ boarding school in Middlebury, Connecticut (2019 – Present)

· Co-chairman, Mentor Illinois, a non-profit organization dedicated to increasing the quality of mentoring services in Illinois (2014 – 2020); Board member, Mentor Illinois (2013 – 2020)

No. of Portfolios for which Board Member Serves: 88

———————

Once elected all Board Members serve for an indefinite term, but achieve Emeritus status upon reaching age 80. The address of the Board Members and Officers is c/o BNY Mellon Investment Adviser, Inc. 240 Greenwich Street, New York, New York 10286. Additional information about the Board Member is available in the fund’s Statement of Additional Information which can be obtained from the Adviser free of charge by calling this toll free number: 1-800-373-9387.

Clifford L. Alexander, Jr., Emeritus Board Member
Diane Dunst, Emeritus Board Member
Ernest Kafka, Emeritus Board Member

44

 

OFFICERS OF THE FUND (Unaudited)

DAVID DIPETRILLO, President since January 2021.

Head of North America Product, BNY Mellon Investment Management since January 2018, Director of Product Strategy, BNY Mellon Investment Management from January 2016 to December 2017; Head of US Retail Product and Channel Marketing, BNY Mellon Investment Management from January 2014 to December 2015. He is an officer of 62 investment companies (comprised of 118 portfolios) managed by the Adviser or an affiliate of the Adviser. He is 42 years old and has been an employee of BNY Mellon since 2005.

JAMES WINDELS, Treasurer since November 2001.

Director-BNY Mellon Fund Administration, and an officer of 63 investment companies (comprised of 141 portfolios) managed by the Adviser or an affiliate of the Adviser. He is 62 years old and has been an employee of the Adviser since April 1985.

BENNETT A. MACDOUGALL, Chief Legal Officer since October 2015.

Chief Legal Officer of the Adviser and Associate General Counsel and Managing Director of BNY Mellon since June 2015; Director and Associate General Counsel of Deutsche Bank–Asset & Wealth Management Division from June 2005 to June 2015, and as Chief Legal Officer of Deutsche Investment Management Americas Inc. from June 2012 to May 2015. He is an officer of 63 investment companies (comprised of 141 portfolios) managed by the Adviser or an affiliate of the Adviser. He is 49 years old and has been an employee of the Adviser since June 2015.

JAMES BITETTO, Vice President since August 2005 and Secretary since February 2018.

Senior Managing Counsel of BNY Mellon since December 2019; Managing Counsel of BNY Mellon from April 2014 to December 2019; Secretary of the Adviser, and an officer of 63 investment companies (comprised of 141 portfolios) managed by the Adviser or an affiliate of the Adviser. He is 54 years old and has been an employee of the Adviser since December 1996.

DEIRDRE CUNNANE, Vice President and Assistant Secretary since March 2019.

Counsel of BNY Mellon since August 2018; Senior Regulatory Specialist at BNY Mellon Investment Management Services from February 2016 to August 2018; Trustee Associate at BNY Mellon Trust Company (Ireland) Limited from August 2013 to February 2016. She is an officer of 63 investment companies (comprised of 141 portfolios) managed by the Adviser or an affiliate of the Adviser. She is 30 years old and has been an employee of the Adviser since August 2018.

SARAH S. KELLEHER, Vice President and Assistant Secretary since April 2014.

Managing Counsel of BNY Mellon since December 2017, Senior Counsel of BNY Mellon from March 2013 to December 2017. She is an officer of 63 investment companies (comprised of 141 portfolios) managed by the Adviser or an affiliate of the Adviser. She is 45 years old and has been an employee of the Adviser since March 2013.

JEFF PRUSNOFSKY, Vice President and Assistant Secretary since August 2005.

Senior Managing Counsel of BNY Mellon, and an officer of 63 investment companies (comprised of 141 portfolios) managed by the Adviser or an affiliate of the Adviser. He is 55 years old and has been an employee of the Adviser since October 1990.

AMANDA QUINN, Vice President and Assistant Secretary since March 2020.

Counsel of BNY Mellon since June 2019; Regulatory Administration Manager at BNY Mellon Investment Management Services from September 2018 to May 2019; Senior Regulatory Specialist at BNY Mellon Investment Management Services from April 2015 to August 2018. She is an officer of 63 investment companies (comprised of 141 portfolios) managed by the Adviser or an affiliate of the Adviser. She is 35 years old and has been an employee of the Adviser since June 2019.

PETER M. SULLIVAN, Vice President and Assistant Secretary since March 2019.

Managing Counsel of BNY Mellon since March 2009, Senior Counsel of BNY Mellon from April 2004 to March 2009, and an officer of 63 investment companies (comprised of 141 portfolios) managed by the Adviser or an affiliate of the Adviser. He is 52 years old and has been an employee of the Adviser since January 2019.

45

 

OFFICERS OF THE FUND (Unaudited) (continued)

NATALYA ZELENSKY, Vice President and Assistant Secretary since March 2017.

Managing Counsel of BNY Mellon since December 2019; Counsel of BNY Mellon from May 2016 to December 2019; Attorney at Wildermuth Endowment Strategy Fund/Wildermuth Advisory, LLC from November 2015 to May 2016 and Assistant General Counsel at RCS Advisory Services from July 2014 to November 2015. She is an officer of 63 investment companies (comprised of 141 portfolios) managed by the Adviser or an affiliate of the Adviser. She is 35 years old and has been an employee of the Adviser since May 2016.

GAVIN C. REILLY, Assistant Treasurer since December 2005.

Tax Manager-BNY Mellon Fund Administration, and an officer of 63 investment companies (comprised of 141 portfolios) managed by the Adviser or an affiliate of the Adviser. He is 52 years old and has been an employee of the Adviser since April 1991.

ROBERT S. ROBOL, Assistant Treasurer since August 2003.

Senior Accounting Manager-BNY Mellon Fund Administration, and an officer of 63 investment companies (comprised of 141 portfolios) managed by the Adviser or an affiliate of the Adviser. He is 56 years old and has been an employee of the Adviser since October 1988.

ROBERT SALVIOLO, Assistant Treasurer since May 2007.

Senior Accounting Manager–BNY Mellon Fund Administration, and an officer of 63 investment companies (comprised of 141 portfolios) managed by the Adviser or an affiliate of the Adviser. He is 53 years old and has been an employee of the Adviser since June 1989.

ROBERT SVAGNA, Assistant Treasurer since August 2005.

Senior Accounting Manager–BNY Mellon Fund Administration, and an officer of 63 investment companies (comprised of 141 portfolios) managed by the Adviser or an affiliate of the Adviser. He is 53 years old and has been an employee of the Adviser since November 1990.

JOSEPH W. CONNOLLY, Chief Compliance Officer since October 2004.

Chief Compliance Officer of the Adviser, the BNY Mellon Family of Funds and BNY Mellon Funds Trust (62 investment companies, comprised of 133 portfolios). He is 63 years old and has served in various capacities with the Adviser since 1980, including manager of the firm’s Fund Accounting Department from 1997 through October 2001.

CARIDAD M. CAROSELLA, Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer since January 2016.

Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer of the BNY Mellon Family of Funds and BNY Mellon Funds Trust since January 2016; from May 2015 to December 2015, Interim Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer of the BNY Mellon Family of Funds and BNY Mellon Funds Trust and the Distributor; from January 2012 to May 2015, AML Surveillance Officer of the Distributor. She is an officer of 56 investment companies (comprised of 134 portfolios) managed by the Adviser or an affiliate of the Adviser. She is 52 years old and has been an employee of the Distributor since 1997.

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For More Information

BNY Mellon New York AMT-Free Municipal Bond Fund

240 Greenwich Street

New York, NY 10286

Adviser

BNY Mellon Investment Adviser, Inc.

240 Greenwich Street

New York, NY 10286

Custodian

The Bank of New York Mellon

240 Greenwich Street

New York, NY 10286

Transfer Agent &
Dividend Disbursing Agent

BNY Mellon Transfer, Inc.

240 Greenwich Street

New York, NY 10286

Distributor

BNY Mellon Securities Corporation

240 Greenwich Street

New York, NY 10286

 

   

Ticker Symbols:

Class A: PSNYX           Class C: PNYCX           Class I: DNYIX           Class Y: DNYYX

Telephone Call your financial representative or 1-800-373-9387

Mail The BNY Mellon Family of Funds, 144 Glenn Curtiss Boulevard, Uniondale, NY 11556-0144

E-mail Send your request to info@bnymellon.com

Internet Information can be viewed online or downloaded at www.im.bnymellon.com

The fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-PORT. The fund’s Forms N-PORT are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

A description of the policies and procedures that the fund uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities and information regarding how the fund voted these proxies for the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available at www.im.bnymellon.com and on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-373-9387.

   

© 2021 BNY Mellon Securities Corporation
0021AR1120

 


 

 

Item 2.             Code of Ethics.

The Registrant has adopted a code of ethics that applies to the Registrant's principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions.  There have been no amendments to, or waivers in connection with, the Code of Ethics during the period covered by this Report.

Item 3.             Audit Committee Financial Expert.

The Registrant's Board has determined that Joseph S. DiMartino, a member of the Audit Committee of the Board, is an audit committee financial expert as defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC").  Mr. DiMartino is "independent" as defined by the SEC for purposes of audit committee financial expert determinations.

Item 4.             Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

 

(a)  Audit Fees.  The aggregate fees billed for each of the last two fiscal years (the "Reporting Periods") for professional services rendered by the Registrant's principal accountant (the "Auditor") for the audit of the Registrant's annual financial statements or services that are normally provided by the Auditor in connection with the statutory and regulatory filings or engagements for the Reporting Periods, were $36,970 in 2019 and $35,495 in 2020.

 

(b)  Audit-Related Fees.  The aggregate fees billed in the Reporting Periods for assurance and related services by the Auditor that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit of the Registrant's financial statements and are not reported under paragraph (a) of this Item 4 were $9,880 in 2019 and $10,141 in 2020.  These services consisted of one or more of the following: (i) agreed upon procedures related to compliance with Internal Revenue Code section 817(h), (ii) security counts required by Rule 17f-2 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, (iii) advisory services as to the accounting or disclosure treatment of Registrant transactions or events and (iv) advisory services to the accounting or disclosure treatment of the actual or potential impact to the Registrant of final or proposed rules, standards or interpretations by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Financial Accounting Standards Boards or other regulatory or standard-setting bodies.

 

The aggregate fees billed in the Reporting Periods for non-audit assurance and related services by the Auditor to the Registrant's investment adviser (not including any sub-investment adviser whose role is primarily portfolio management and is subcontracted with or overseen by another investment adviser), and any entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with the investment adviser that provides ongoing services to the Registrant ("Service Affiliates"), that were reasonably related to the performance of the annual audit of the Service Affiliate, which required pre-approval by the Audit Committee were $0 in 2019 and $0 in 2020.

 

(c)  Tax Fees.  The aggregate fees billed in the Reporting Periods for professional services rendered by the Auditor for tax compliance, tax advice, and tax planning ("Tax Services") were $3,653 in 2019 and $6,444 in 2020.  These services consisted of: (i) review or preparation of U.S. federal, state, local and excise tax returns; (ii) U.S. federal, state and local tax planning, advice and assistance regarding statutory, regulatory or administrative developments; and (iii) tax advice regarding tax qualification matters and/or treatment of various financial instruments held or proposed to be acquired or held.  The aggregate fees billed in the Reporting Periods for Tax Services by the Auditor to Service Affiliates, which required pre-approval by the Audit Committee were $0 in 2019 and $0 in 2020.

 


 

(d)  All Other Fees.  The aggregate fees billed in the Reporting Periods for products and services provided by the Auditor, other than the services reported in paragraphs (a) through (c) of this Item, were $702 in 2019 and $0 in 2020.  These services consisted of a review of the Registrant's anti-money laundering program.

 

The aggregate fees billed in the Reporting Periods for Non-Audit Services by the Auditor to Service Affiliates, other than the services reported in paragraphs (b) through (c) of this Item, which required pre-approval by the Audit Committee, were $0 in 2019 and $0 in 2020.

 

(e)(1)  Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures.  The Registrant's Audit Committee has established policies and procedures (the "Policy") for pre-approval (within specified fee limits) of the Auditor's engagements for non-audit services to the Registrant and Service Affiliates without specific case-by-case consideration.  The pre-approved services in the Policy can include pre-approved audit services, pre-approved audit-related services, pre-approved tax services and pre-approved all other services.  Pre-approval considerations include whether the proposed services are compatible with maintaining the Auditor's independence.  Pre-approvals pursuant to the Policy are considered annually.

(e)(2)  Note.  None of the services described in paragraphs (b) through (d) of this Item 4 were approved by the Audit Committee pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(i)(C) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X.

 

(f)  None of the hours expended on the principal accountant's engagement to audit the registrant's financial statements for the most recent fiscal year were attributed to work performed by persons other than the principal accountant's full-time, permanent employees.

Non-Audit Fees.  The aggregate non-audit fees billed by the Auditor for services rendered to the Registrant, and rendered to Service Affiliates, for the Reporting Periods were $700,014 in 2019 and $1,174,149 in 2020.

 

Auditor Independence.  The Registrant's Audit Committee has considered whether the provision of non-audit services that were rendered to Service Affiliates, which were not pre-approved (not requiring pre-approval), is compatible with maintaining the Auditor's independence.

 

Item 5.             Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.

                        Not applicable.

Item 6.             Investments.

(a)                    Not applicable.

Item 7.             Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

                        Not applicable.

Item 8.             Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

Not applicable.

Item 9.             Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Companies and Affiliated Purchasers.

                        Not applicable.


 

Item 10.           Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

There have been no material changes to the procedures applicable to Item 10.

Item 11.           Controls and Procedures.

(a)        The Registrant's principal executive and principal financial officers have concluded, based on their evaluation of the Registrant's disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of this report, that the Registrant's disclosure controls and procedures are reasonably designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Registrant on Form N-CSR is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the required time periods and that information required to be disclosed by the Registrant in the reports that it files or submits on Form N-CSR is accumulated and communicated to the Registrant's management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

(b)        There were no changes to the Registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the second fiscal quarter of the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Item 12.           Disclosure of Securities Lending Activities for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

Not applicable.

Item 13.           Exhibits.

(a)(1)    Code of ethics referred to in Item 2.

(a)(2)    Certifications of principal executive and principal financial officers as required by Rule 30a-2(a) under the Investment Company Act of 1940.

(a)(3)    Not applicable.

(b)        Certification of principal executive and principal financial officers as required by Rule 30a-2(b) under the Investment Company Act of 1940.


 

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

BNY Mellon New York AMT-Free Municipal Bond Fund

 

By:       /s/ David  DiPetrillo

            David  DiPetrillo

            President (Principal Executive Officer)

 

Date:    January 26, 2021

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this Report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

By:       /s/ David  DiPetrillo

            David  DiPetrillo

            President (Principal Executive Officer)

 

Date:    January 26, 2021

 

By:       /s/ James Windels

            James Windels

            Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer)

 

Date:    January 26, 2021

 

 

 


 

EXHIBIT INDEX

(a)(1)    Code of ethics referred to in Item 2.

(a)(2)    Certifications of principal executive and principal financial officers as required by Rule 30a-2(a) under the Investment Company Act of 1940.  (EX-99.CERT)

(b)        Certification of principal executive and principal financial officers as required by Rule 30a-2(b) under the Investment Company Act of 1940.  (EX-99.906CERT)