0000737520-23-000005.txt : 20230125 0000737520-23-000005.hdr.sgml : 20230125 20230125151400 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000737520-23-000005 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: N-CSRS PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 5 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20221130 FILED AS OF DATE: 20230125 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20230125 EFFECTIVENESS DATE: 20230125 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: BNY Mellon Strategic Funds, Inc. CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000737520 IRS NUMBER: 133272460 STATE OF INCORPORATION: NY FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: N-CSRS SEC ACT: 1940 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 811-03940 FILM NUMBER: 23552301 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: C/O BNY MELLON INVESTMENT ADVISER, INC. STREET 2: 240 GREENWICH STREET CITY: NEW YORK STATE: NY ZIP: 10166 BUSINESS PHONE: 2129226400 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: C/O BNY MELLON INVESTMENT ADVISER, INC. STREET 2: 240 GREENWICH STREET CITY: NEW YORK STATE: NY ZIP: 10166 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: Strategic Funds, Inc. DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 20060518 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: DREYFUS PREMIER NEW LEADERS FUND INC DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 20021213 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: DREYFUS NEW LEADERS FUND INC DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19920703 0000737520 S000029388 BNY Mellon Select Managers Small Cap Growth Fund C000090268 Class A DSGAX C000090269 Class C DSGCX C000090270 Class I DSGIX C000130444 Class Y DSGYX N-CSRS 1 lp1-6289.htm SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

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 811-03940
   
  BNY Mellon Strategic Funds, Inc.  
  (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)  
     
 

Deirdre Cunnane, 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:

 

05/31  
Date of reporting period:

11/30/22

 

 
             

 

 

 

The following N-CSR relates only to the Registrant's series listed below and does not relate to any series of the Registrant with a different fiscal year end and, therefore, different N-CSR reporting requirements. A separate N-CSR will be filed for any series with a different fiscal year end, as appropriate.

 

BNY Mellon Select Managers Small Cap Growth Fund

 
 

 

FORM N-CSR

Item 1.Reports to Stockholders.

 

 

BNY Mellon Select Managers Small Cap Growth Fund

 

SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

November 30, 2022

 

 

 

Save time. Save paper. View your next shareholder report online as soon as it’s available. Log into www.im.bnymellon.com and sign up for eCommunications. It’s simple and only takes a few minutes.

 

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

  

Discussion of Fund Performance

2

Understanding Your Fund’s Expenses

5

Comparing Your Fund’s Expenses
With Those of Other Funds

5

Statement of Investments

6

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

18

Statement of Operations

19

Statement of Changes in Net Assets

20

Financial Highlights

22

Notes to Financial Statements

26

Information About the Renewal of
the Fund’s Management and
Sub-Investment Advisory
Agreements

36

FOR MORE INFORMATION

 

Back Cover

 

DISCUSSION OF FUND PERFORMANCE (Unaudited)

For the period from June 1, 2022, through November 30, 2022, as provided by portfolio allocation manager, Elena Goncharova.

Market and Fund Performance Overview

For the six-month period ended November 30, 2022, BNY Mellon Select Managers Small Cap Growth Fund’s (the “fund”) Class A, Class C, Class I and Class Y shares at NAV produced total returns of −.55%, −.96%, −.47% and −.38%, respectively.1 In comparison, the Russell 2000® Growth Index (the “Index”), the fund’s benchmark, returned 4.64% for the same period.2

Small-cap growth stocks lost ground over the reporting period as markets responded to high inflation and rising interest rates. The fund lagged the Index due to both unfavorable asset allocation and stock selection decisions.

The Fund’s Investment Approach

The fund seeks capital appreciation. To pursue its goal, the fund normally invests at least 80% of its assets in the stocks of small-cap companies. The fund’s portfolio is constructed to have a growth tilt.

The fund uses a “multi-manager” approach by selecting various sub-advisers to manage its assets. We may hire, terminate or replace sub-advisers and modify material terms and conditions of sub-advisory arrangements without shareholder approval.

The fund’s assets are currently allocated to six sub-advisers, each acting independently and using its own methodology to select portfolio investments. At the end of the reporting period, 13% of the fund’s assets were under the management of Redwood Investments, LLC, which employs a blend of quantitative and qualitative research to build growth and core equity portfolios; approximately 24% of the fund’s assets were under the management of Geneva Capital Management, LLC, which employs bottom-up fundamental analysis supplemented by top-down considerations to identify companies with a consistent, sustainable record of growth; approximately 10% of the fund’s assets were under the management of Nicholas Investment Partners, L.P., which uses a bottom-up approach to security selection, combining rigorous fundamental analysis with the discipline and objectivity of quantitative analytics; EAM Investors, LLC, which managed 19% of the fund’s assets, chooses investments through bottom-up fundamental analysis using a blend of a quantitative discovery process and a qualitative analysis process; approximately 15% of the fund’s assets were managed by Granite Investment Partners, LLC, which seeks attractively valued, small-cap companies with catalysts for growth; and 19% of the fund’s assets were managed by Rice Hall James & Associates LLC, which seeks growing companies with high earnings growth, high or improving returns on invested capital and sustainable competitive advantages. The percentages of the fund’s assets allocated to the various sub-advisers can change over time, within ranges described in the prospectus.

Inflation, Monetary Tightening and Concerns about Growth Weigh on Markets

The reporting period was defined by an ongoing shift in investor sentiment from positive to negative. This was precipitated earlier in the year by an increase in high inflation, which resulted in dramatically tightening monetary policy from the Federal Reserve (the “Fed”). Geopolitical events, including the Russia-Ukraine War, added to the transition in the market’s mood.

Inflation largely remained high around the world, worrying consumers and investors alike. In response to this persistent pricing pressure, the Fed continued on track with monetary tightening, raising interest rates and reducing its balance sheet.

2

 

As 2022 progressed, inflation data and central bank monetary tightening policies dominated the market narrative. Slower growth prospects, supply-chain concerns and expectations that interest rates would be higher for a longer period negatively impacted stock valuations. Across Europe, a broad monetary tightening effort by the Bank of England and the European Central Bank was implemented. In the EU, high inflation readings dampened the growth outlook, while soaring energy prices became a focus for European policymakers.

In contrast to monetary normalization and reopening trends worldwide, China continued to implement more accommodative monetary policies to address lackluster economic growth stemming from a weak macroeconomic environment and strict COVID-19 lockdown policies.

Political leadership in the world’s leading economies also dominated headlines and drove market sentiment. In the UK, Rishi Sunak calmed capital markets after taking over as the new prime minister after a short stint by Liz Truss, who took over for Boris Johnson. In Italy, Giorgia Meloni took the helm of prime minister, while the country continued to struggle economically. In China, Xi Jinping secured an unprecedented third term as president, rattling markets as his Zero-COVID-19 policies and technology sector crackdowns could go unchecked, given his consolidation of power.

As the reporting period progressed, markets responded in rollercoaster fashion to tightening monetary policy, mixed economic data and geopolitical uncertainties. Midway through the year, the market appeared to reach a bottom and begin to rebound before descending again late in the period.

Asset Allocation and Security Selection Hindered Returns

The fund’s relative performance versus the Index was mainly the result of favorable asset allocation and stock selections by the fund’s underlying portfolio managers. Positioning in the health care and industrial sectors were the primary drivers of relative performance. In the Index, defensive sectors, including health care and consumer staples, performed best. As a result, our large underweight to the health care sector hurt performance. Stock selections in this sector also detracted. An underweight to the consumer staples sector produced a drag on performance as well. In the industrial sector, stock selection was the primary hindrance. In this sector, the aerospace and defense industry performed well, but our selections lagged. Selections in the electrical components industry also harmed relative returns.

On a more positive note, the fund’s stock selections, especially in the information technology sector, were beneficial. Although our overweight to this sector detracted, our selections in this sector outweighed this underperformance. Positions in the software industry in particular produced beneficial returns. For example, shares of Agilysys, a maker of point-of-sale, property management and travel-related software added to performance. Our position in FICO (formerly Fair Isaac and Company), which offers data analytics related to consumer credit scoring, was also advantageous.

Volatility Likely to Ease, but Recession Odds Are High

Volatility is likely to remain over the near term, given a number of uncertainties on the horizon. These include the prospect of a recession, or at least a slowdown, as well as ongoing geopolitical factors. The uncertain trajectory of the war in Ukraine continues to affect the outlook for oil supplies and prices, and, as of this date, the direction of China’s Zero-COVID policy and its effect on the global economy are also unclear.

3

 

DISCUSSION OF FUND PERFORMANCE (Unaudited) (continued)

Nevertheless, we believe the Fed is nearing the end of its tightening phase, and this is likely to reduce the volatility seen in the market in 2022. In the coming months, volatility is more likely to stem from weakening economic growth than from central bank policy. Worldwide, a broad consensus among central banks in developed markets on the need to raise policy rates may dissolve if an economic slowdown materializes.

Factors supporting the market in the near term include an easing of inflation and a buoyant job market. Any additional good news that occurs is likely to further support market performance in the near term.

December 15, 2022

1 Total return includes reinvestment of dividends and any capital gains paid and does not take into consideration the maximum initial sales charge in the case of Class A shares, or the applicable contingent deferred sales charge imposed on redemptions in the case of Class C shares. Had these charges been reflected, returns would have been lower. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Share price and investment return fluctuate such that upon redemption, fund shares may be worth more or less than their original cost. Return figures provided reflect the absorption of certain fund expenses by BNY Mellon Investment Adviser, Inc. pursuant to an undertaking in effect through September 30, 2023, at which time it may be extended, terminated or modified. Had these expenses not been absorbed, the fund’s returns would have been lower.

2 Source: Lipper Inc. — The Russell 2000® Growth Index measures the performance of the small-cap growth segment of the U.S. equity universe. It includes those Russell 2000 companies with higher growth earning potential as defined by Russell’s leading style methodology. The Russell 2000® Growth Index is constructed to provide a comprehensive and unbiased barometer for the small-cap growth segment. The index is completely reconstituted annually to ensure larger stocks do not distort the performance and characteristics of the true small-cap opportunity set, and that the represented companies continue to reflect growth characteristics. Investors cannot invest directly in any index.

Equities are subject generally to market, market sector, market liquidity, issuer and investment style risks, among other factors, to varying degrees, all of which are more fully described in the fund’s prospectus.

The prices of small company stocks tend to be more volatile than the prices of large company stocks, mainly because these companies have less established and more volatile earnings histories. They also tend to be less liquid than larger company stocks.

Multi-manager risk means each sub-adviser makes investment decisions independently, and it is possible that the investment styles of the sub-advisers may not complement one another. Consequently, the fund’s exposure to a given stock, industry or investment style could be greater or smaller than if the fund had a single adviser.

Investing in foreign denominated and/or domiciled securities involves special risks, including changes in currency exchange rates, political, economic, and social instability, limited company information, differing auditing and legal standards, and less market liquidity. These risks generally are greater with emerging market countries.

References to specific securities, asset classes and financial markets are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be and should not be interpreted as recommendations.

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

 

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 Select Managers Small Cap Growth Fund from June 1, 2022 to November 30, 2022. 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, 2022

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Class A

Class C

Class I

Class Y

 

Expenses paid per $1,000

$6.50

$10.23

$5.25

$4.90

 

Ending value (after expenses)

$994.50

$990.40

$995.30

$996.20

 

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

Using the SEC’s method to compare expenses

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

       

Expenses and Value of a $1,000 Investment

 

Assuming a hypothetical 5% annualized return for the six months ended November 30, 2022

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Class A

Class C

Class I

Class Y

 

Expenses paid per $1,000

$6.58

$10.35

$5.32

$4.96

 

Ending value (after expenses)

$1,018.55

$1,014.79

$1,019.80

$1,020.16

 

Expenses are equal to the fund’s annualized expense ratio of 1.30% for Class A, 2.05% for Class C, 1.05% for Class I and .98% for Class Y, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 183/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

5

 

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS

November 30, 2022 (Unaudited)

        
 

Description

   

Shares

 

Value ($)

 

Common Stocks - 96.1%

     

Automobiles & Components - 2.5%

     

Dorman Products Inc.

   

10,937

a 

980,393

 

Fox Factory Holding Corp.

   

30,078

a 

3,191,276

 

LCI Industries

   

12,422

b 

1,228,039

 

Modine Manufacturing Co.

   

20,653

a 

437,224

 

Visteon Corp.

   

9,390

a 

1,378,452

 

XPEL Inc.

   

4,243

a,b 

290,858

 
    

7,506,242

 

Banks - 4.0%

     

Axos Financial Inc.

   

74,473

a 

2,987,112

 

Bank OZK

   

19,010

 

877,311

 

Cullen/Frost Bankers Inc.

   

2,780

 

403,295

 

CVB Financial Corp.

   

13,590

 

389,761

 

Eastern Bankshares Inc.

   

35,373

 

693,664

 

Enterprise Financial Services Corp.

   

7,644

 

400,087

 

F.N.B. Corp.

   

29,594

 

417,275

 

Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corp., Cl. C

   

4,826

 

607,352

 

First Financial Bankshares Inc.

   

15,305

 

565,520

 

Heritage Commerce Corp.

   

57,089

 

811,235

 

National Bank Holdings Corp., Cl. A

   

17,563

 

816,855

 

NBT Bancorp Inc.

   

8,660

 

399,746

 

Pacific Premier Bancorp Inc.

   

21,696

 

801,667

 

Texas Capital Bancshares Inc.

   

11,990

a 

719,280

 

United Bankshares Inc.

   

10,193

 

437,178

 

Wintrust Financial Corp.

   

9,365

 

856,242

 
    

12,183,580

 

Capital Goods - 12.0%

     

AAON Inc.

   

20,348

 

1,612,782

 

AeroVironment Inc.

   

9,698

a 

892,119

 

Alamo Group Inc.

   

6,140

 

924,070

 

Albany International Corp., Cl. A

   

6,516

 

660,527

 

Ameresco Inc., Cl. A

   

6,010

a,b 

393,775

 

Applied Industrial Technologies Inc.

   

4,533

 

600,577

 

Arcosa Inc.

   

9,642

 

589,126

 

Armstrong World Industries Inc.

   

13,648

 

1,042,844

 

Array Technologies Inc.

   

14,693

a 

307,671

 

Barnes Group Inc.

   

12,256

 

521,983

 

Chart Industries Inc.

   

11,902

a,b 

1,701,868

 

Comfort Systems USA Inc.

   

4,851

 

614,913

 

Construction Partners Inc., Cl. A

   

45,569

a 

1,303,273

 

Curtiss-Wright Corp.

   

2,543

 

449,221

 

6

 

        
 

Description

   

Shares

 

Value ($)

 

Common Stocks - 96.1% (continued)

     

Capital Goods - 12.0% (continued)

     

Donaldson Co.

   

13,426

 

817,912

 

Dycom Industries Inc.

   

7,288

a 

664,228

 

EMCOR Group Inc.

   

4,213

 

652,594

 

Energy Recovery Inc.

   

8,572

a 

198,699

 

EnPro Industries Inc.

   

3,639

 

432,313

 

ESCO Technologies Inc.

   

16,171

 

1,520,236

 

Evoqua Water Technologies Corp.

   

32,533

a 

1,414,860

 

Federal Signal Corp.

   

9,836

 

477,931

 

Fluor Corp.

   

37,756

a 

1,268,979

 

Griffon Corp.

   

14,647

 

517,186

 

Hudson Technologies Inc.

   

34,102

a 

385,012

 

Kornit Digital Ltd.

   

10,777

a 

276,322

 

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions Inc.

   

38,784

a 

369,224

 

Masonite International Corp.

   

23,505

a 

1,769,221

 

MSC Industrial Direct Co., Cl. A

   

3,302

 

283,411

 

NOW Inc.

   

35,160

a 

438,797

 

NV5 Global Inc.

   

7,192

a 

1,039,316

 

Parsons Corp.

   

8,862

a 

438,669

 

PGT Innovations Inc.

   

32,402

a 

641,236

 

RBC Bearings Inc.

   

13,021

a 

3,085,587

 

Regal Rexnord Corp.

   

4,533

 

594,322

 

Rush Enterprises Inc., Cl. A

   

18,296

 

942,793

 

Shoals Technologies Group Inc., Cl. A

   

15,033

a 

435,506

 

SiteOne Landscape Supply Inc.

   

9,454

a 

1,186,761

 

SPX Technologies Inc.

   

6,009

a 

402,002

 

Standex International Corp.

   

1,593

 

167,345

 

Sterling Infrastructure Inc.

   

12,852

a 

420,903

 

Symbotic Inc.

   

20,916

a,b 

231,122

 

The AZEK Company

   

35,253

a 

681,793

 

Titan Machinery Inc.

   

5,242

a 

230,805

 

Trex Co.

   

21,597

a 

991,086

 

Valmont Industries Inc.

   

1,616

 

547,275

 

WillScot Mobile Mini Holdings Corp.

   

37,381

a 

1,802,138

 
    

36,940,333

 

Commercial & Professional Services - 4.2%

     

CACI International Inc., Cl. A

   

3,517

a 

1,098,359

 

Casella Waste Systems Inc., Cl. A

   

15,668

a 

1,348,859

 

CBIZ Inc.

   

35,378

a 

1,756,518

 

Clean Harbors Inc.

   

6,370

a 

764,400

 

Exponent Inc.

   

25,604

 

2,647,710

 

Franklin Covey Co.

   

10,012

a 

520,223

 

FTI Consulting Inc.

   

4,160

a 

718,931

 

Heritage-Crystal Clean Inc.

   

3,008

a 

95,053

 

7

 

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)

        
 

Description

   

Shares

 

Value ($)

 

Common Stocks - 96.1% (continued)

     

Commercial & Professional Services - 4.2% (continued)

     

Huron Consulting Group Inc.

   

7,585

a 

590,568

 

IAA Inc.

   

22,280

a 

832,604

 

ICF International Inc.

   

5,579

 

604,596

 

Montrose Environmental Group Inc.

   

16,941

a 

781,997

 

The Brink's Company

   

15,025

 

897,744

 

Willdan Group Inc.

   

17,502

a,b 

306,985

 
    

12,964,547

 

Consumer Durables & Apparel - .9%

     

Crocs Inc.

   

6,257

a 

631,957

 

Deckers Outdoor Corp.

   

1,128

a 

449,937

 

Skyline Champion Corp.

   

15,861

a 

824,613

 

Taylor Morrison Home Corp.

   

9,515

a 

289,161

 

Topgolf Callaway Brands Corp.

   

28,921

a 

605,895

 
    

2,801,563

 

Consumer Services - 4.1%

     

ADT Inc.

   

55,489

 

518,267

 

Bowlero Corp.

   

21,934

a,b 

306,199

 

Boyd Gaming Corp.

   

12,279

 

753,071

 

Bright Horizons Family Solutions Inc.

   

10,944

a 

812,045

 

Century Casinos Inc.

   

52,893

a 

395,111

 

European Wax Center Inc., Cl. A

   

30,549

a 

442,960

 

Hilton Grand Vacations Inc.

   

20,875

a 

918,917

 

Jack in the Box Inc.

   

7,049

b 

509,643

 

Kura Sushi USA Inc., Cl. A

   

4,424

a 

290,657

 

Strategic Education Inc.

   

2,660

 

217,588

 

Stride Inc.

   

58,820

a 

2,082,816

 

Sweetgreen Inc., Cl. A

   

16,982

a,b 

243,352

 

Target Hospitality Corp.

   

27,182

a 

393,052

 

Texas Roadhouse Inc.

   

31,021

 

3,081,005

 

Vail Resorts Inc.

   

3,956

 

1,018,828

 

Wingstop Inc.

   

4,361

 

721,789

 
    

12,705,300

 

Diversified Financials - 1.6%

     

Donnelley Financial Solutions Inc.

   

49,251

a 

1,880,403

 

FirstCash Holdings Inc.

   

6,189

 

580,900

 

Hercules Capital Inc.

   

30,159

b 

427,051

 

Interactive Brokers Group Inc., Cl. A

   

5,497

 

441,409

 

Moelis & Co., Cl. A

   

6,585

 

284,604

 

PJT Partners Inc., Cl. A

   

11,344

 

873,601

 

StoneX Group Inc.

   

5,122

a 

519,729

 
    

5,007,697

 

Energy - 5.1%

     

Cactus Inc., Cl. A

   

13,478

 

733,068

 

8

 

        
 

Description

   

Shares

 

Value ($)

 

Common Stocks - 96.1% (continued)

     

Energy - 5.1% (continued)

     

ChampionX Corp.

   

37,239

 

1,148,451

 

Chesapeake Energy Corp.

   

12,202

b 

1,262,906

 

Comstock Resources Inc.

   

16,812

 

308,500

 

DHT Holdings Inc.

   

36,912

 

373,919

 

Earthstone Energy Inc., Cl. A

   

47,670

a 

755,093

 

Enviva Inc.

   

4,723

b 

268,030

 

Helix Energy Solutions Group Inc.

   

65,220

a 

416,104

 

Helmerich & Payne Inc.

   

31,125

 

1,589,865

 

HF Sinclair Corp.

   

6,125

 

381,832

 

International Seaways Inc.

   

8,577

b 

369,497

 

Matador Resources Co.

   

17,935

 

1,190,166

 

Murphy Oil Corp.

   

11,206

 

528,923

 

Noble Corp. PLC

   

25,468

a 

945,627

 

Northern Oil & Gas Inc.

   

13,396

 

487,480

 

NOV Inc.

   

20,449

 

459,285

 

Par Pacific Holdings Inc.

   

18,624

a 

436,360

 

PBF Energy Inc., Cl. A

   

10,025

 

398,694

 

Permian Resources Corp.

   

42,948

 

436,352

 

Ranger Oil Corp., Cl. A

   

21,959

 

956,754

 

Scorpio Tankers Inc.

   

8,952

 

456,731

 

TechnipFMC PLC

   

76,309

a 

946,232

 

Teekay Tankers Ltd., Cl. A

   

12,277

a 

414,226

 

Tidewater Inc.

   

14,088

a 

428,275

 
    

15,692,370

 

Food & Staples Retailing - 1.2%

     

BJ's Wholesale Club Holdings Inc.

   

24,135

a 

1,815,918

 

Grocery Outlet Holding Corp.

   

4,730

a 

143,177

 

Performance Food Group Co.

   

27,725

a 

1,690,670

 
    

3,649,765

 

Food, Beverage & Tobacco - 2.9%

     

Celsius Holdings Inc.

   

10,110

a 

1,125,647

 

Freshpet Inc.

   

38,062

a 

2,550,915

 

Hostess Brands Inc.

   

16,114

a 

425,410

 

J&J Snack Foods Corp.

   

7,972

 

1,307,567

 

MGP Ingredients Inc.

   

21,236

 

2,655,774

 

Post Holdings Inc.

   

3,191

a 

298,709

 

TreeHouse Foods Inc.

   

8,994

a 

444,573

 
    

8,808,595

 

Health Care Equipment & Services - 8.7%

     

Acadia Healthcare Co.

   

6,114

a 

544,513

 

Addus HomeCare Corp.

   

8,844

a 

975,316

 

AMN Healthcare Services Inc.

   

11,336

a 

1,402,263

 

AtriCure Inc.

   

14,704

a 

669,914

 

9

 

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)

        
 

Description

   

Shares

 

Value ($)

 

Common Stocks - 96.1% (continued)

     

Health Care Equipment & Services - 8.7% (continued)

     

Axonics Inc.

   

22,114

a 

1,514,367

 

Certara Inc.

   

54,564

a 

926,496

 

Cross Country Healthcare Inc.

   

12,541

a 

448,717

 

Cutera Inc.

   

5,554

a,b 

264,259

 

Doximity Inc., Cl. A

   

27,068

a,b 

920,041

 

Establishment Labs Holdings Inc.

   

7,019

a,b 

447,531

 

Globus Medical Inc., Cl. A

   

26,405

a 

1,951,065

 

Haemonetics Corp.

   

7,890

a 

673,096

 

HealthEquity Inc.

   

28,292

a 

1,795,976

 

HealthStream Inc.

   

12,386

a 

314,604

 

Inari Medical Inc.

   

12,408

a 

912,981

 

Inmode Ltd.

   

25,989

a 

997,718

 

Inspire Medical Systems Inc.

   

5,620

a 

1,357,623

 

Insulet Corp.

   

1,181

a 

353,556

 

Lantheus Holdings Inc.

   

5,414

a 

336,101

 

LeMaitre Vascular Inc.

   

16,696

 

782,208

 

LHC Group Inc.

   

574

a 

93,797

 

Masimo Corp.

   

5,653

a 

819,346

 

Mesa Laboratories Inc.

   

3,638

b 

615,440

 

Neogen Corp.

   

30,412

a 

503,623

 

Omnicell Inc.

   

18,313

a 

945,134

 

Premier Inc., Cl. A

   

44,467

 

1,482,974

 

PROCEPT BioRobotics Corp.

   

6,697

a 

287,301

 

Shockwave Medical Inc.

   

3,177

 

805,688

 

STAAR Surgical Co.

   

17,533

a,b 

1,001,310

 

Tandem Diabetes Care Inc.

   

12,678

a 

533,110

 

The Ensign Group Inc.

   

9,755

 

926,725

 

TransMedics Group Inc.

   

12,137

a 

750,917

 

UFP Technologies Inc.

   

3,984

a 

478,279

 
    

26,831,989

 

Household & Personal Products - 1.2%

     

e.l.f. Beauty Inc.

   

10,206

a 

560,922

 

Inter Parfums Inc.

   

12,593

 

1,199,987

 

Medifast Inc.

   

11,843

 

1,492,810

 

WD-40 Co.

   

3,348

 

560,790

 
    

3,814,509

 

Insurance - 2.4%

     

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

   

768

 

51,126

 

Kinsale Capital Group Inc.

   

16,829

 

5,186,866

 

Palomar Holdings Inc.

   

14,372

a 

901,699

 

Reinsurance Group of America Inc.

   

2,933

 

423,525

 

RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.

   

2,338

b 

441,672

 

10

 

        
 

Description

   

Shares

 

Value ($)

 

Common Stocks - 96.1% (continued)

     

Insurance - 2.4% (continued)

     

Unum Group

   

10,024

 

422,812

 
    

7,427,700

 

Materials - 2.6%

     

Aspen Aerogels Inc.

   

29,432

a 

354,950

 

Balchem Corp.

   

13,873

a 

1,953,318

 

Carpenter Technology Corp.

   

21,528

 

883,940

 

Ingevity Corp.

   

18,502

a 

1,448,152

 

Kaiser Aluminum Corp.

   

3,133

 

283,223

 

Livent Corp.

   

58,394

a,b 

1,634,448

 

LSB Industries Inc.

   

11,830

a 

182,537

 

Methanex Corp.

   

18,946

 

739,083

 

Silgan Holdings Inc.

   

8,262

 

437,060

 
    

7,916,711

 

Media & Entertainment - 2.5%

     

Shutterstock Inc.

   

17,061

 

918,223

 

TechTarget Inc.

   

34,425

a 

1,571,846

 

World Wrestling Entertainment Inc., Cl. A

   

35,117

b 

2,805,146

 

Ziff Davis Inc.

   

24,376

a 

2,248,930

 
    

7,544,145

 

Pharmaceuticals Biotechnology & Life Sciences - 11.9%

     

ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc.

   

44,773

a 

697,563

 

Akero Therapeutics Inc.

   

9,266

a 

430,869

 

Albireo Pharma Inc.

   

19,005

a 

419,630

 

Amicus Therapeutics Inc.

   

32,406

a 

392,113

 

Amylyx Pharmaceuticals Inc.

   

10,300

a,b 

395,211

 

Apellis Pharmaceuticals Inc.

   

3,677

a 

183,593

 

Arcellx Inc.

   

22,578

a,b 

450,205

 

Arcus Biosciences Inc.

   

2,296

a 

80,750

 

argenx SE, ADR

   

1,515

a 

602,925

 

Ascendis Pharma A/S, ADR

   

8,783

a,b 

1,080,836

 

Avid Bioservices Inc.

   

79,242

a,b 

1,240,930

 

Axsome Therapeutics Inc.

   

3,911

a 

282,726

 

Azenta Inc.

   

14,071

a 

847,215

 

Biohaven Ltd.

   

2,063

a 

32,637

 

BioLife Solutions Inc.

   

28,909

a,b 

612,004

 

Bio-Techne Corp.

   

18,836

 

1,600,872

 

Catalyst Pharmaceuticals Inc.

   

21,823

a 

365,972

 

Chinook Therapeutics Inc.

   

31,024

a 

702,693

 

Cogent Biosciences Inc.

   

24,751

a 

311,368

 

CryoPort Inc.

   

67,080

a 

1,324,830

 

Cytokinetics Inc.

   

8,947

a 

380,247

 

Day One Biopharmaceuticals Inc.

   

12,555

a,b 

266,543

 

11

 

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)

        
 

Description

   

Shares

 

Value ($)

 

Common Stocks - 96.1% (continued)

     

Pharmaceuticals Biotechnology & Life Sciences - 11.9% (continued)

     

DICE Therapeutics Inc.

   

8,655

a 

301,281

 

Fate Therapeutics Inc.

   

9,067

a 

188,775

 

Gossamer Bio Inc.

   

765

a 

6,548

 

Halozyme Therapeutics Inc.

   

64,992

a 

3,721,441

 

Harmony Biosciences Holdings Inc.

   

7,135

a 

426,459

 

Inhibrx Inc.

   

9,911

a,b 

297,132

 

Insmed Inc.

   

10,737

a 

198,527

 

Intra-Cellular Therapies Inc.

   

7,653

a 

414,946

 

Iovance Biotherapeutics Inc.

   

62,319

a 

398,842

 

IVERIC bio Inc.

   

16,028

a 

378,581

 

Karuna Therapeutics Inc.

   

4,377

a 

1,029,952

 

Kiniksa Pharmaceuticals Ltd., CI. A

   

27,562

a 

463,868

 

Krystal Biotech Inc.

   

11,426

a,b 

888,258

 

Legend Biotech Corp., ADR

   

5,742

a 

295,770

 

Ligand Pharmaceuticals Inc.

   

12,063

a 

879,393

 

Medpace Holdings Inc.

   

13,222

a 

2,775,166

 

Neurocrine Biosciences Inc.

   

11,476

a 

1,458,141

 

OmniAb Inc.

   

64,429

a 

228,079

 

Optinose Inc.

   

26,762

a 

47,369

 

Pacira Biosciences Inc.

   

16,569

a 

799,454

 

Pliant Therapeutics Inc.

   

13,983

a 

257,008

 

Prestige Consumer Healthcare Inc.

   

34,647

a 

2,129,405

 

Prometheus Biosciences Inc.

   

9,780

a 

402,055

 

Prothena Corp. PLC

   

7,362

a 

460,199

 

Provention Bio Inc.

   

40,265

a,b 

363,996

 

PTC Therapeutics Inc.

   

23,305

a 

966,924

 

Puma Biotechnology Inc.

   

11,411

a 

51,578

 

Repligen Corp.

   

1,752

a 

313,328

 

Revance Therapeutics Inc.

   

44,931

a 

975,452

 

Rhythm Pharmaceuticals Inc.

   

13,884

a 

371,675

 

Sarepta Therapeutics Inc.

   

2,545

a 

312,551

 

SpringWorks Therapeutics Inc.

   

8,294

a 

200,549

 

Supernus Pharmaceuticals Inc.

   

22,880

a 

840,154

 

Vaxcyte Inc.

   

11,147

a 

513,431

 

Ventyx Biosciences Inc.

   

10,112

a 

293,147

 
    

36,351,166

 

Real Estate - .7%

     

Retail Opportunity Investments Corp.

   

46,821

c 

714,020

 

Tanger Factory Outlet Centers Inc.

   

34,855

c 

677,930

 

Terreno Realty Corp.

   

12,936

c 

758,567

 
    

2,150,517

 

12

 

        
 

Description

   

Shares

 

Value ($)

 

Common Stocks - 96.1% (continued)

     

Retailing - 2.7%

     

Academy Sports & Outdoors Inc.

   

12,278

 

619,794

 

American Eagle Outfitters Inc.

   

53,429

a,b 

845,246

 

Boot Barn Holdings Inc.

   

3,539

a 

238,352

 

Dick's Sporting Goods Inc.

   

4,356

b 

520,891

 

Dillard's Inc., Cl. A

   

1,150

b 

413,655

 

Funko Inc., Cl. A

   

22,889

a,b 

217,445

 

Leslie's Inc.

   

59,974

a 

875,620

 

Murphy USA Inc.

   

1,416

 

418,867

 

Ollie's Bargain Outlet Holdings Inc.

   

27,051

a 

1,647,406

 

Overstock.com Inc.

   

24,173

a 

643,485

 

Pool Corp.

   

2,217

 

730,302

 

Signet Jewelers Ltd.

   

5,334

b 

346,710

 

Sleep Number Corp.

   

8,635

a 

252,574

 

Urban Outfitters Inc.

   

14,746

a 

426,749

 
    

8,197,096

 

Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment - 3.1%

     

Aehr Test Systems

   

14,949

a,b 

389,720

 

Allegro MicroSystems Inc.

   

13,731

a 

427,583

 

Amkor Technology Inc.

   

15,671

 

439,101

 

CEVA Inc.

   

22,767

a 

618,579

 

Impinj Inc.

   

4,076

a 

519,894

 

Lattice Semiconductor Corp.

   

15,959

a 

1,162,294

 

Monolithic Power Systems Inc.

   

1,865

 

712,355

 

Onto Innovation Inc.

   

37,514

a 

2,999,244

 

Rambus Inc.

   

15,302

a 

587,291

 

Semtech Corp.

   

40,754

a 

1,252,778

 

Silicon Motion Technology Corp., ADR

   

5,393

 

340,298

 
    

9,449,137

 

Software & Services - 13.7%

     

A10 Networks Inc.

   

24,626

 

460,752

 

ACI Worldwide Inc.

   

84,844

a 

1,773,240

 

Agilysys Inc.

   

23,657

a 

1,570,825

 

Alarm.com Holdings Inc.

   

23,866

a 

1,190,913

 

Bill.com Holdings Inc.

   

6,373

a 

767,437

 

Blackbaud Inc.

   

16,681

a 

988,683

 

BlackLine Inc.

   

15,781

a 

1,068,216

 

Box Inc., Cl. A

   

2,405

a 

66,017

 

Consensus Cloud Solutions Inc.

   

7,497

a 

425,755

 

CyberArk Software Ltd.

   

1,175

a 

175,157

 

Digital Turbine Inc.

   

74,888

a 

1,367,455

 

DoubleVerify Holdings Inc.

   

52,089

a 

1,364,732

 

Elastic NV

   

7,816

a 

478,261

 

Envestnet Inc.

   

20,086

a 

1,185,476

 

13

 

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)

        
 

Description

   

Shares

 

Value ($)

 

Common Stocks - 96.1% (continued)

     

Software & Services - 13.7% (continued)

     

Euronet Worldwide Inc.

   

22,752

a 

2,114,798

 

Evo Payments Inc., Cl. A

   

36,235

a 

1,221,482

 

ExlService Holdings Inc.

   

18,275

a 

3,421,080

 

Fair Isaac Corp.

   

4,894

a 

3,032,910

 

Five9 Inc.

   

11,688

a 

749,318

 

I3 Verticals Inc., Cl. A

   

34,491

a 

906,768

 

MAXIMUS Inc.

   

13,075

 

919,172

 

Model N Inc.

   

11,611

a 

451,436

 

nCino Inc.

   

17,356

a 

453,339

 

Nutanix Inc., Cl. A

   

22,112

a 

624,885

 

Paycor HCM Inc.

   

25,780

a 

745,558

 

Perficient Inc.

   

23,851

a 

1,694,614

 

Q2 Holdings Inc.

   

14,440

a 

392,768

 

Qualys Inc.

   

5,590

a 

689,359

 

Rackspace Technology Inc.

   

55,857

a,b 

272,582

 

SolarWinds Corp.

   

7,327

a 

64,038

 

Sprout Social Inc., Cl. A

   

26,519

a 

1,572,576

 

SPS Commerce Inc.

   

8,468

a 

1,204,658

 

The Descartes Systems Group Inc.

   

45,189

a 

3,138,377

 

Tyler Technologies Inc.

   

1,794

a 

614,876

 

Verra Mobility Corp.

   

32,075

a,b 

508,389

 

Wix.com Ltd.

   

6,956

a 

629,448

 

WNS Holdings Ltd., ADR

   

32,159

a 

2,711,647

 

Workiva Inc.

   

11,548

a 

930,307

 
    

41,947,304

 

Technology Hardware & Equipment - 5.1%

     

Arlo Technologies Inc.

   

108,980

a 

416,304

 

Badger Meter Inc.

   

4,562

 

528,371

 

Belden Inc.

   

17,557

 

1,412,285

 

Calix Inc.

   

37,068

a 

2,642,947

 

Cambium Networks Corp.

   

26,516

a 

564,526

 

Clearfield Inc.

   

11,529

a,b 

1,517,447

 

Digi International Inc.

   

19,026

a 

808,034

 

ePlus Inc.

   

28,717

a 

1,426,086

 

Extreme Networks Inc.

   

28,835

a 

604,670

 

Fabrinet

   

3,260

a 

434,917

 

Harmonic Inc.

   

31,151

a 

477,856

 

Ituran Location & Control Ltd.

   

5,356

 

125,170

 

Napco Security Technologies Inc.

   

11,425

a 

301,391

 

Novanta Inc.

   

12,171

a 

1,919,975

 

Plexus Corp.

   

4,307

a 

474,718

 

Radware Ltd.

   

38,449

a 

793,203

 

Sanmina Corp.

   

10,301

a 

680,793

 

14

 

        
 

Description

   

Shares

 

Value ($)

 

Common Stocks - 96.1% (continued)

     

Technology Hardware & Equipment - 5.1% (continued)

     

Super Micro Computer Inc.

   

6,390

a 

576,570

 
    

15,705,263

 

Telecommunication Services - .4%

     

Iridium Communications Inc.

   

24,246

a 

 1,287,462

 

Transportation - 2.1%

     

Air Transport Services Group Inc.

   

23,914

a 

670,549

 

Allegiant Travel Co.

   

6,830

a,b 

564,226

 

GXO Logistics Inc.

   

6,274

a 

294,000

 

Marten Transport Ltd.

   

96,416

 

2,054,625

 

RXO Inc.

   

17,079

a 

324,501

 

Saia Inc.

   

3,882

a 

945,616

 

TFI International Inc.

   

9,028

 

979,989

 

XPO Logistics Inc.

   

17,124

a,b 

661,329

 
    

6,494,835

 

Utilities - .5%

     

California Water Service Group

   

12,144

 

788,510

 

Portland General Electric Co.

   

13,336

b 

656,531

 
    

1,445,041

 

Total Common Stocks (cost $221,191,339)

   

294,822,867

 
        

Exchange-Traded Funds - .2%

     

Registered Investment Companies - .2%

     

iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF
(cost $572,662)

   

2,564

 

 588,361

 
  

1-Day
Yield (%)

     

Investment Companies - 3.7%

     

Registered Investment Companies - 3.7%

     

Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Government Plus Money Market Fund, Institutional Shares
(cost $11,579,924)

 

3.94

 

11,579,924

d 

 11,579,924

 

15

 

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)

        
 

Description

 

1-Day
Yield (%)

 

Shares

 

Value ($)

 

Investment of Cash Collateral for Securities Loaned - 1.7%

     

Registered Investment Companies - 1.7%

     

Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Government Plus Money Market Fund, SL Shares
(cost $5,138,932)

 

3.94

 

5,138,932

d 

 5,138,932

 

Total Investments (cost $238,482,857)

 

101.7%

 

312,130,084

 

Liabilities, Less Cash and Receivables

 

(1.7%)

 

(5,304,396)

 

Net Assets

 

100.0%

 

306,825,688

 

ADR—American Depository Receipt

ETF—Exchange-Traded Fund

a Non-income producing security.

b Security, or portion thereof, on loan. At November 30, 2022, the value of the fund’s securities on loan was $19,323,287 and the value of the collateral was $19,666,704, consisting of cash collateral of $5,138,932 and U.S. Government & Agency securities valued at $14,527,772. In addition, the value of collateral may include pending sales that are also on loan.

c Investment in real estate investment trust within the United States.

d Investment in affiliated issuer. The investment objective of this investment company is publicly available and can be found within the investment company’s prospectus.

  

Portfolio Summary (Unaudited)

Value (%)

Information Technology

21.8

Health Care

20.6

Industrials

18.4

Consumer Discretionary

10.2

Financials

8.0

Investment Companies

5.6

Consumer Staples

5.3

Energy

5.1

Communication Services

2.9

Materials

2.6

Real Estate

.7

Utilities

.5

 

101.7

 Based on net assets.

See notes to financial statements.

16

 

       

Affiliated Issuers

   

Description

Value ($) 5/31/2022

Purchases ($)

Sales ($)

Value ($) 11/30/2022

Dividends/
Distributions ($)

 

Registered Investment Companies - 3.7%

  

Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Government Plus Money Market Fund, Institutional Shares - 3.7%

14,691,745

152,645,378

(155,757,199)

11,579,924

150,068

 

Investment of Cash Collateral for Securities Loaned - 1.7%

  

Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Government Plus Money Market Fund, SL Shares - 1.7%

8,481,909

41,984,448

(45,327,425)

5,138,932

89,658

†† 

Total - 5.4%

23,173,654

194,629,826

(201,084,624)

16,718,856

239,726

 

 Includes reinvested dividends/distributions.

†† Represents securities lending income earned from the reinvestment of cash collateral from loaned securities, net of fees and collateral investment expenses, and other payments to and from borrowers of securities.

See notes to financial statements.

17

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

November 30, 2022 (Unaudited)

       

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost

 

Value

 

Assets ($):

 

 

 

 

Investments in securities—See Statement of Investments
(including securities on loan, valued at $19,323,287)—Note 1(c):

 

 

 

Unaffiliated issuers

221,764,001

 

295,411,228

 

Affiliated issuers

 

16,718,856

 

16,718,856

 

Cash

 

 

 

 

11,994

 

Receivable for investment securities sold

 

2,797,851

 

Dividends and securities lending income receivable

 

172,234

 

Receivable for shares of Common Stock subscribed

 

78,353

 

Tax reclaim receivable—Note 1(b)

 

4,524

 

Prepaid expenses

 

 

 

 

36,387

 

 

 

 

 

 

315,231,427

 

Liabilities ($):

 

 

 

 

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

 

262,192

 

Liability for securities on loan—Note 1(c)

 

5,138,932

 

Payable for shares of Common Stock redeemed

 

1,627,896

 

Payable for investment securities purchased

 

1,301,651

 

Directors’ fees and expenses payable

 

6,991

 

Interest payable—Note 2

 

892

 

Other accrued expenses

 

 

 

 

67,185

 

 

 

 

 

 

8,405,739

 

Net Assets ($)

 

 

306,825,688

 

Composition of Net Assets ($):

 

 

 

 

Paid-in capital

 

 

 

 

227,925,796

 

Total distributable earnings (loss)

 

 

 

 

78,899,892

 

Net Assets ($)

 

 

306,825,688

 

      

Net Asset Value Per Share

Class A

Class C

Class I

Class Y

 

Net Assets ($)

1,691,500

213,778

11,710,239

293,210,171

 

Shares Outstanding

77,090

11,471

501,808

12,525,161

 

Net Asset Value Per Share ($)

21.94

18.64

23.34

23.41

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

 

 

 

18

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Six Months Ended November 30, 2022 (Unaudited)

       

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investment Income ($):

 

 

 

 

Income:

 

 

 

 

Cash dividends (net of $1,945 foreign taxes withheld at source):

 

Unaffiliated issuers

 

 

984,425

 

Affiliated issuers

 

 

150,068

 

Income from securities lending—Note 1(c)

 

 

89,658

 

Total Income

 

 

1,224,151

 

Expenses:

 

 

 

 

Management fee—Note 3(a)

 

 

1,602,520

 

Custodian fees—Note 3(c)

 

 

46,691

 

Professional fees

 

 

36,494

 

Registration fees

 

 

32,871

 

Directors’ fees and expenses—Note 3(d)

 

 

17,204

 

Chief Compliance Officer fees—Note 3(c)

 

 

15,075

 

Shareholder servicing costs—Note 3(c)

 

 

7,847

 

Prospectus and shareholders’ reports

 

 

4,939

 

Loan commitment fees—Note 2

 

 

3,027

 

Interest expense—Note 2

 

 

892

 

Distribution fees—Note 3(b)

 

 

801

 

Miscellaneous

 

 

24,705

 

Total Expenses

 

 

1,793,066

 

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

 

 

(33,531)

 

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

 

 

(145)

 

Net Expenses

 

 

1,759,390

 

Net Investment (Loss)

 

 

(535,239)

 

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

 

 

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

(7,783,156)

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

3,095,947

 

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments

 

 

(4,687,209)

 

Net (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations

 

(5,222,448)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

     

19

 

STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

          

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
November 30, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

Year Ended
May 31, 2022

 

Operations ($):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment (loss)

 

 

(535,239)

 

 

 

(2,579,715)

 

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

 

(7,783,156)

 

 

 

40,696,884

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation
(depreciation) on investments

 

3,095,947

 

 

 

(162,171,451)

 

Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
Resulting from Operations

(5,222,448)

 

 

 

(124,054,282)

 

Distributions ($):

 

Distributions to shareholders:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Class A

 

 

-

 

 

 

(332,673)

 

Class C

 

 

-

 

 

 

(70,262)

 

Class I

 

 

-

 

 

 

(3,161,020)

 

Class Y

 

 

-

 

 

 

(112,382,784)

 

Total Distributions

 

 

-

 

 

 

(115,946,739)

 

Capital Stock Transactions ($):

 

Net proceeds from shares sold:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Class A

 

 

278,731

 

 

 

314,626

 

Class C

 

 

-

 

 

 

100,100

 

Class I

 

 

3,262,912

 

 

 

14,107,360

 

Class Y

 

 

13,961,191

 

 

 

54,228,948

 

Distributions reinvested:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Class A

 

 

-

 

 

 

332,673

 

Class C

 

 

-

 

 

 

68,374

 

Class I

 

 

-

 

 

 

2,456,946

 

Class Y

 

 

-

 

 

 

50,024,995

 

Cost of shares redeemed:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Class A

 

 

(155,191)

 

 

 

(331,163)

 

Class C

 

 

(16,756)

 

 

 

(78,344)

 

Class I

 

 

(4,941,761)

 

 

 

(14,099,945)

 

Class Y

 

 

(121,927,735)

 

 

 

(193,744,784)

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
from Capital Stock Transactions

(109,538,609)

 

 

 

(86,620,214)

 

Total Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets

(114,761,057)

 

 

 

(326,621,235)

 

Net Assets ($):

 

Beginning of Period

 

 

421,586,745

 

 

 

748,207,980

 

End of Period

 

 

306,825,688

 

 

 

421,586,745

 

20

 

          

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
November 30, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

Year Ended
May 31, 2022

 

Capital Share Transactions (Shares):

 

Class Aa,b

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares sold

 

 

12,738

 

 

 

11,465

 

Shares issued for distributions reinvested

 

 

-

 

 

 

12,132

 

Shares redeemed

 

 

(7,254)

 

 

 

(12,041)

 

Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares Outstanding

5,484

 

 

 

11,556

 

Class Cb

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares sold

 

 

-

 

 

 

3,072

 

Shares issued for distributions reinvested

 

 

-

 

 

 

2,915

 

Shares redeemed

 

 

(881)

 

 

 

(3,628)

 

Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares Outstanding

(881)

 

 

 

2,359

 

Class Ia

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares sold

 

 

142,715

 

 

 

445,197

 

Shares issued for distributions reinvested

 

 

-

 

 

 

84,460

 

Shares redeemed

 

 

(219,442)

 

 

 

(469,657)

 

Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares Outstanding

(76,727)

 

 

 

60,000

 

Class Ya

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares sold

 

 

626,645

 

 

 

1,735,389

 

Shares issued for distributions reinvested

 

 

-

 

 

 

1,715,534

 

Shares redeemed

 

 

(5,377,451)

 

 

 

(6,994,218)

 

Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares Outstanding

(4,750,806)

 

 

 

(3,543,295)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

a

During the period ended November 30, 2022, 140,552 Class Y shares representing $3,224,201 were exchanged for 140,971 Class I shares. During the period ended May 31, 2022, 414,308 Class Y shares representing $13,133,764 were exchanged for 415,311 Class I shares, 1,331 Class A shares representing $28,076 were exchanged for 1,253 Class I shares and 1,696 Class Y shares representing $48,480 were exchanged for 1,804 Class A shares.

 

b

During the period ended May 31, 2022, 194 Class C shares representing $5,247 were automatically converted to 169 Class A shares.

 

See notes to financial statements.

        

21

 

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.

       

Six Months Ended

 

November 30, 2022

Year Ended May 31,

Class A Shares

(Unaudited)

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

Per Share Data ($):

      

Net asset value, beginning of period

22.07

33.26

23.63

23.18

28.94

24.54

Investment Operations:

      

Net investment (loss)a

(.07)

(.21)

(.25)

(.16)

(.18)

(.15)

Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss) on investments

(.06)

(5.45)

12.38

1.87

(1.28)

6.36

Total from Investment Operations

(.13)

(5.66)

12.13

1.71

(1.46)

6.21

Distributions:

      

Dividends from net realized
gain on investments

-

(5.53)

(2.50)

(1.26)

(4.30)

(1.81)

Net asset value, end of period

21.94

22.07

33.26

23.63

23.18

28.94

Total Return (%)b

(.55)c

(20.28)

52.22

7.19

(3.11)

26.05

Ratios/Supplemental Data (%):

      

Ratio of total expenses
to average net assets

1.43d

1.35

1.37

1.39

1.40

1.29

Ratio of net expenses
to average net assets

1.30d

1.30

1.30

1.30

1.30

1.28

Ratio of net investment (loss)
to average net assets

(.62)d

(.72)

(.82)

(.68)

(.68)

(.56)

Portfolio Turnover Rate

45.98c

98.16

112.92

105.26

101.14

95.50

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

1,692

1,581

1,998

1,326

1,630

2,090

a Based on average shares outstanding.

b Exclusive of sales charge.

c Not annualized.

d Annualized.

See notes to financial statements.

22

 

       

Six Months Ended

 

November 30, 2022

Year Ended May 31,

Class C Shares

(Unaudited)

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

Per Share Data ($):

      

Net asset value, beginning of period

18.82

29.38

21.24

21.10

26.95

23.13

Investment Operations:

      

Net investment (loss)a

(.12)

(.37)

(.40)

(.31)

(.35)

(.33)

Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss) on investments

(.06)

(4.66)

11.04

1.71

(1.20)

5.96

Total from Investment Operations

(.18)

(5.03)

10.64

1.40

(1.55)

5.63

Distributions:

      

Dividends from net realized
gain on investments

-

(5.53)

(2.50)

(1.26)

(4.30)

(1.81)

Net asset value, end of period

18.64

18.82

29.38

21.24

21.10

26.95

Total Return (%)b

(.96)c

(20.84)

50.99

6.41

(3.71)

25.11

Ratios/Supplemental Data (%):

      

Ratio of total expenses
to average net assets

2.31d

2.22

2.31

2.16

2.33

2.23

Ratio of net expenses
to average net assets

2.05d

2.05

2.05

2.05

2.05

2.05

Ratio of net investment (loss)
to average net assets

(1.36)d

(1.47)

(1.56)

(1.43)

(1.43)

(1.37)

Portfolio Turnover Rate

45.98c

98.16

112.92

105.26

101.14

95.50

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

214

232

294

460

479

587

a Based on average shares outstanding.

b Exclusive of sales charge.

c Not annualized.

d Annualized.

See notes to financial statements.

23

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

       

Six Months Ended

 

November 30, 2022

Year Ended May 31,

Class I Shares

(Unaudited)

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

Per Share Data ($):

      

Net asset value, beginning of period

23.45

34.89

24.63

24.05

29.76

25.12

Investment Operations:

      

Net investment (loss)a

(.04)

(.13)

(.16)

(.09)

(.10)

(.07)

Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss) on investments

(.07)

(5.78)

12.92

1.93

(1.31)

6.52

Total from Investment Operations

(.11)

(5.91)

12.76

1.84

(1.41)

6.45

Distributions:

      

Dividends from net realized
gain on investments

-

(5.53)

(2.50)

(1.26)

(4.30)

(1.81)

Net asset value, end of period

23.34

23.45

34.89

24.63

24.05

29.76

Total Return (%)

(.47)b

(20.01)

52.63

7.52

(2.88)

26.42

Ratios/Supplemental Data (%):

      

Ratio of total expenses
to average net assets

1.05c

.99

1.00

1.01

.98

.99

Ratio of net expenses
to average net assets

1.05c

.99

1.00

1.01

.98

.98

Ratio of net investment (loss)
to average net assets

(.36)c

(.41)

(.52)

(.37)

(.35)

(.26)

Portfolio Turnover Rate

45.98b

98.16

112.92

105.26

101.14

95.50

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

11,710

13,564

18,091

8,826

12,949

16,532

a Based on average shares outstanding.

b Not annualized.

c Annualized.

See notes to financial statements.

24

 

       

Six Months Ended

 

November 30, 2022

Year Ended May 31,

Class Y Shares

(Unaudited)

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

Per Share Data ($):

      

Net asset value, beginning of period

23.51

34.96

24.66

24.07

29.77

25.12

Investment Operations:

      

Net investment (loss)a

(.03)

(.12)

(.15)

(.08)

(.09)

(.06)

Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss) on investments

(.07)

(5.80)

12.95

1.93

(1.31)

6.52

Total from Investment Operations

(.10)

(5.92)

12.80

1.85

(1.40)

6.46

Distributions:

      

Dividends from net realized
gain on investments

-

(5.53)

(2.50)

(1.26)

(4.30)

(1.81)

Net asset value, end of period

23.41

23.51

34.96

24.66

24.07

29.77

Total Return (%)

(.38)b

(20.00)

52.73

7.56

(2.84)

26.46

Ratios/Supplemental Data (%):

      

Ratio of total expenses
to average net assets

1.00c

.96

.96

.97

.95

.95

Ratio of net expenses
to average net assets

.98c

.96

.96

.97

.95

.94

Ratio of net investment (loss)
to average net assets

(.30)c

(.38)

(.48)

(.34)

(.34)

(.21)

Portfolio Turnover Rate

45.98b

98.16

112.92

105.26

101.14

95.50

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

293,210

406,209

727,826

462,795

519,312

798,000

a Based on average shares outstanding.

b Not annualized.

c Annualized.

See notes to financial statements.

25

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

NOTE 1—Significant Accounting Policies:

BNY Mellon Select Managers Small Cap Growth Fund (the “fund”) is a separate diversified series of BNY Mellon Strategic Funds, Inc. (the “Company”), which is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Act”), as an open-end management investment company and operates as a series company currently offering six series, including the fund. The fund’s investment objective is to seek capital appreciation. 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 and the fund’s portfolio allocation manager. Geneva Capital Management LLC (“Geneva”), Nicholas Investment Partners, L.P. (“Nicholas”), EAM Investors, LLC (“EAM”), Granite Investment Partners, LLC (“Granite”), Rice Hall James & Associates, LLC (“Rice Hall”) and Redwood Investments, LLC (“Redwood”), serve as the fund’s sub-advisers (collectively the “Sub-Advisers”), each managing an allocated portion of the fund’s portfolio.

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 425 million shares of $.001 par value Common Stock. The fund currently has authorized four classes of shares: Class A (75 million shares authorized), Class C (75 million shares authorized), Class I (75 million shares authorized) and Class Y (200 million shares authorized). Class A and Class C shares are sold primarily to retail investors through financial intermediaries and bear Distribution and/or Shareholder Services Plan fees. Class A shares generally are subject to a sales charge imposed at the time of purchase. Class 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 eight years after the date of purchase, without the imposition of a sales charge. Class I shares are sold primarily to bank trust departments and other financial service providers (including BNY Mellon and its affiliates), acting on behalf of customers having a qualified trust or an investment account or relationship at such institution, and bear no Distribution or Shareholder Services Plan fees. Class Y shares are sold at net asset value per share generally to institutional investors, and bear no Distribution or Shareholder Services Plan fees. Class I and Class Y shares are offered without a front-end sales charge or CDSC.

26

 

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 Company accounts separately for the assets, liabilities and operations of each series. Expenses directly attributable to each series are charged to that series’ operations; expenses which are applicable to all series are allocated among them on a pro rata basis.

The Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 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 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-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 Company enters into contracts that contain a variety of indemnifications. The fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. The fund does not anticipate recognizing any loss related to these arrangements.

(a) Portfolio valuation: 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.

27

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) has designated the Adviser as the fund’s valuation designee, effective September 8, 2022, to make all fair value determinations with respect to the fund’s portfolio investments, subject to the Board’s oversight and pursuant to Rule 2a-5 under the Act.

Investments in equity securities are valued at the last sales price on the securities exchange or national securities market on which such securities are primarily traded. Securities listed on the National Market System for which market quotations are available are valued at the official closing price or, if there is no official closing price that day, at the last sales price. For open short positions, asked prices are used for valuation purposes. Bid price is used when no asked price is available. Registered investment companies that are not traded on an exchange are valued at their net asset value. All of the preceding securities are generally categorized within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.

Securities not listed on an exchange or the national securities market, or securities for which there were no transactions, are valued at the average of the most recent bid and asked prices. These securities are generally categorized within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Fair valuing of securities may be determined with the assistance of a pricing service using calculations based on indices of domestic securities and other appropriate indicators, such as prices of relevant ADRs and

28

 

futures. Utilizing these techniques may result in transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

When market quotations or official closing prices are not readily available, or are determined not to 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, 2022 in valuing the fund’s investments:

       
 

Level 1-Unadjusted Quoted Prices

Level 2- Other Significant Observable Inputs

 

Level 3-Significant Unobservable Inputs

Total

 

Assets ($)

  

Investments in Securities:

  

Equity Securities - Common Stocks

294,822,867

-

 

-

294,822,867

 

Exchange-Traded Funds

588,361

-

 

-

588,361

 

Investment Companies

16,718,856

-

 

-

16,718,856

 

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

(b) Foreign taxes: The fund may be subject to foreign taxes (a portion of which may be reclaimable) on income, stock dividends, realized and unrealized capital gains on investments or certain foreign currency transactions. Foreign taxes are recorded in accordance with the applicable foreign tax regulations and rates that exist in the foreign jurisdictions in which the fund invests. These foreign taxes, if any, are paid by the fund and are reflected in the Statement of Operations, if applicable. Foreign taxes payable or deferred or those subject to reclaims as of November 30, 2022, if any, are disclosed in the fund’s Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

29

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)

(c) Securities transactions and investment income: Securities transactions are recorded on a trade date basis. Realized gains and losses from securities transactions are recorded on the identified cost basis. Dividend income is recognized on the ex-dividend date and interest income, including, where applicable, accretion of discount and amortization of premium on investments, is recognized on the accrual basis.

Pursuant to a securities lending agreement with BNY Mellon, the fund may lend securities to qualified institutions. It is the fund’s policy that, at origination, all loans are secured by collateral of at least 102% of the value of U.S. securities loaned and 105% of the value of foreign securities loaned. Collateral equivalent to at least 100% of the market value of securities on loan is maintained at all times. Collateral is either in the form of cash, which can be invested in certain money market mutual funds managed by the Adviser, or U.S. Government and Agency securities. The fund is entitled to receive all dividends, interest and distributions on securities loaned, in addition to income earned as a result of the lending transaction. Should a borrower fail to return the securities in a timely manner, BNY Mellon is required to replace the securities for the benefit of the fund or credit the fund with the market value of the unreturned securities and is subrogated to the fund’s rights against the borrower and the collateral. Additionally, the contractual maturity of security lending transactions are on an overnight and continuous basis. During the period ended November 30, 2022, BNY Mellon earned $12,219 from the lending of the fund’s portfolio securities, pursuant to the securities lending agreement.

(d) Affiliated issuers: Investments in other investment companies advised by the Adviser are considered “affiliated” under the Act.

(e) Market Risk: The value of the securities in which the fund invests may be affected by political, regulatory, economic and social developments, and developments that impact specific economic sectors, industries or segments of the market. The value of a security may also decline due to general market conditions that are not specifically related to a particular company or industry, such as real or perceived adverse economic conditions, changes in the general outlook for corporate earnings, changes in interest or currency rates, changes to inflation, adverse changes to credit markets or adverse investor sentiment generally. 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,

30

 

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.

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

(g) Federal income taxes: It is the policy of the fund to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company, if such qualification is in the best interests of its shareholders, by complying with the applicable provisions of the Code, and to make distributions of taxable income 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, 2022, 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, 2022, the fund did not incur any interest or penalties.

Each tax year for the three-year period ended May 31, 2022 remains subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service and state taxing authorities.

The tax character of distributions paid to shareholders during the fiscal year ended May 31, 2022 was as follows: ordinary income $50,342,193 and long-term capital gains $65,604,546. The tax character of current year distributions will be determined at the end of the current fiscal year.

31

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)

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 BNY Mellon (the “BNYM Credit Facility”), 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. 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.

The average amount of borrowings outstanding under the Facilities during the period ended November 30, 2022 was approximately $81,967 with a related weighted average annualized interest rate of 2.17%.

NOTE 3—Management Fee, Sub-Advisory 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 .90% of the value of the fund’s average daily net assets and is payable monthly. The Adviser has contractually agreed, from June 1, 2022 through September 30, 2023, to waive receipt of its fees and/or assume the direct expenses of the fund, so that the direct expenses of Class A, C, I and Y shares (excluding Rule 12b-1 Distribution Plan fees, Shareholder Services Plan fees, taxes, interest expense, brokerage commissions, commitment fees on borrowings and extraordinary expenses) do not exceed 1.05%, 1.05%, 1.05% and .98% of the value of the respective class’ average daily net assets. On or after September 30, 2023, the Adviser may terminate these expense limitations at any time. The reduction in expenses, pursuant to the undertaking, amounted to $33,531 during the period ended November 30, 2022.

Pursuant to separate sub-investment advisory agreements between the Adviser and the Sub-Advisers, each serves as the fund’s sub-adviser responsible for the day-to-day management of a portion of the fund’s portfolio. The Adviser pays each sub-adviser a monthly fee at an annual percentage of the value of the fund’s average daily net assets. The Adviser has obtained an exemptive order from the SEC (the “Order”), upon which

32

 

the fund may rely, to use a manager of managers approach that permits the Adviser, subject to certain conditions and approval by the Board, to enter into and materially amend sub-investment advisory agreements with one or more sub-advisers who are either unaffiliated with the Adviser or are wholly-owned subsidiaries (as defined under the Act) of the Adviser’s ultimate parent company, BNY Mellon, without obtaining shareholder approval. The Order also allows the fund to disclose the sub-advisory fee paid by the Adviser to any unaffiliated sub-adviser in the aggregate with other unaffiliated sub-advisers in documents filed with the SEC and provided to shareholders. In addition, pursuant to the Order, it is not necessary to disclose the sub-advisory fee payable by the Adviser separately to a sub-adviser that is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BNY Mellon in documents filed with the SEC and provided to shareholders; such fees are to be aggregated with fees payable to the Adviser. The Adviser has ultimate responsibility (subject to oversight by the Board) to supervise any sub-adviser and recommend the hiring, termination, and replacement of any sub-adviser to the Board.

During the period ended November 30, 2022, the Distributor retained $26 from commissions earned on sales of the fund’s Class A shares.

(b) Under the Distribution Plan adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Act, Class C shares pay the Distributor for distributing its shares at an annual rate of .75% of the value of its average daily net assets. The Distributor may pay one or more Service Agents in respect of advertising, marketing and other distribution services, and determines the amounts, if any, to be paid to Service Agents and the basis on which such payments are made. During the period ended November 30, 2022, Class C shares were charged $801 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 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, 2022, Class A and Class C shares were charged $2,030 and $267, respectively, pursuant to the Shareholder Services Plan.

The fund has an arrangement with BNY Mellon Transfer, Inc., (the “Transfer Agent”), a subsidiary of BNY Mellon and an affiliate of the

33

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)

Adviser, whereby the fund may receive earnings credits when positive cash balances are maintained, which are used to offset Transfer Agent fees. For financial reporting purposes, the fund includes transfer agent net earnings credits, if any, as an expense offset in the Statement of Operations.

The fund has an arrangement with The Bank of New York Mellon (the “Custodian”), a subsidiary of BNY Mellon and an affiliate of the Adviser, whereby the fund will receive interest income or be charged overdraft fees when cash balances are maintained. For financial reporting purposes, the fund includes this interest income and overdraft fees, if any, as interest income in the Statement of Operations.

The fund compensates the Transfer Agent, under a transfer agency agreement, for providing transfer agency and cash management services for the fund. The majority of Transfer Agent 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, 2022, the fund was charged $3,032 for transfer agency services. These fees are included in Shareholder servicing costs in the Statement of Operations. These fees were partially offset by earnings credits of $145.

The fund compensates the Custodian, 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, 2022, the fund was charged $46,691 pursuant to the custody agreement.

During the period ended November 30, 2022, the fund was charged $15,075 for services performed by the fund’s 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 fee of $232,386, Distribution Plan fees of $129, Shareholder Services Plan fees of $378, Custodian fees of $33,600, Chief Compliance Officer fees of $5,443 and Transfer Agent fees of $1,539, which are offset against an expense reimbursement currently in effect in the amount of 11,283.

(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.

34

 

NOTE 4—Securities Transactions:

The aggregate amount of purchases and sales of investment securities, excluding short-term securities, during the period ended November 30, 2022, amounted to $157,428,688 and $265,814,210, respectively.

At November 30, 2022, accumulated net unrealized appreciation on investments was $73,647,227, consisting of $88,053,250 gross unrealized appreciation and $14,406,023 gross unrealized depreciation.

At November 30, 2022, the cost of investments for federal income tax purposes was substantially the same as the cost for financial reporting purposes (see the Statement of Investments).

35

 

INFORMATION ABOUT THE RENEWAL OF THE FUND’S MANAGEMENT AND SUB-INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENTS (Unaudited)

At a meeting of the fund’s Board of Directors held on October 31-November 1, 2022, the Board considered the renewal of (a) the fund’s Management Agreement, pursuant to which the Adviser provides the fund with investment management and administrative services and is responsible for evaluating and recommending sub-advisers to provide the fund with day-to-day portfolio management services, recommending the percentage of fund assets to be allocated to each sub-adviser, monitoring and evaluating the performance of the sub-advisers, and recommending whether a sub-adviser should be terminated and (b) the separate Sub-Investment Advisory Agreements (together with the Management Agreement, the “Agreements”) between the Adviser and each of EAM Investors, LLC, Geneva Capital Management LLC, Granite Investment Partners, LLC, Nicholas Investment Partners, L.P., Redwood Investments, LLC, and Rice Hall James & Associates, LLC (each, a “Sub-Adviser” and collectively, the “Sub-Advisers”), pursuant to which each Sub-Adviser serves as a sub-investment adviser and provides day-to-day management of the fund’s investments with respect to the portion of the fund’s assets allocated to the Sub-Adviser. 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 and the Sub-Advisers. In considering the renewal of the Agreements, 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, as well as the Adviser’s supervisory, evaluation and other responsibilities in respect of the Sub-Advisers. As part of its review, the Board considered information regarding the process by which the Adviser selected and recommended the Sub-

36

 

Advisers for Board approval. The Board considered each Sub-Adviser’s specific responsibilities in the day-to-day management of the portion of the fund’s assets allocated to it, as well as the qualifications, experience and responsibilities of the persons serving as the portfolio managers for the segment of the fund’s assets managed by the respective Sub-Adviser, and other key personnel at the Sub-Adviser. The Board specifically took into account each Sub-Adviser’s investment process and capabilities, evaluating how the Sub-Adviser complemented each of the other Sub-Advisers to the fund, noting the Adviser’s favorable assessment of the nature and quality of the sub-advisory services provided to the fund by the Sub-Advisers. The Board also considered portfolio management’s brokerage policies and practices (including policies and practices regarding soft dollars) and the standards applied in seeking best execution.

Comparative Analysis of the Fund’s Performance and Management Fee and Expense Ratio. The Board reviewed reports prepared by Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (“Broadridge”), an independent provider of investment company data based on classifications provided by Thomson Reuters Lipper (“Lipper”), which included information comparing (1) the performance of the fund’s Class I shares with the performance of a group of institutional small-cap growth 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 small-cap growth funds (the “Performance Universe”), all for various periods ended September 30, 2022, 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 institutional small-cap growth 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 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. The Board also reviewed performance information provided by the Adviser with respect to each Sub-Adviser for various periods ended September 30, 2022.

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, noting that the funds included in the Performance Group and the Performance Universe were not limited to funds that engage multiple sub-advisers like the fund. The Board also considered the fund’s performance in light of overall market conditions. 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 and was above the Performance Universe median for all periods, except the four- and ten-year periods when the fund’s total return performance was below the Performance Universe 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 five of the ten calendar years shown. With respect to the performance of each Sub-Adviser, the Board noted that, depending on the period under review, some

37

 

INFORMATION ABOUT THE RENEWAL OF THE FUND’S MANAGEMENT AND SUB-INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)

Sub-Advisers outperformed, while others underperformed, the fund’s benchmark index and/or the median performance of the funds in the Performance Group and Performance Universe. The Board discussed with representatives of the Adviser the portfolio management strategies of the fund’s Sub-Advisers, and noted that the Sub-Advisers’ strategies continued to complement each other and were applied consistently.

Management Fee and Expense Ratio Comparisons. 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 and the sub-advisory services provided by the Adviser and the Sub-Advisers, respectively. In addition, the Board reviewed and considered the actual management fee rate paid by the fund over the fund’s last fiscal year. 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. It was noted that, as in the case of the funds included in the Performance Group and the Performance Universe, the funds included in the Expense Group and the Expense Universe were not limited to funds that engage multiple sub-advisers like the fund.

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 higher than the Expense Universe median actual management fee and the fund’s total expenses were higher than the Expense Group median and slightly higher than the Expense Universe median total expenses.

Representatives of the Adviser stated that the Adviser has contractually agreed, until September 30, 2023, to waive receipt of its fees and/or assume the direct expenses of the fund so that the direct expenses of Class A, Class C, Class I and Class Y shares of the fund (excluding Rule 12b-1 fees, shareholder services fees, taxes, interest, brokerage commissions, commitment fees on borrowings and extraordinary expenses) do not exceed 1.05%, 1.05%, 1.05%, and .98% of the fund’s average daily net assets, respectively.

Representatives of the Adviser reviewed with the Board the management or investment advisory fees paid by the one fund advised by the Adviser that is in the same Lipper category as the fund (the “Similar Fund”), and explained the nature of the Similar Fund. They discussed differences in 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 Fund to 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.

The Board considered the fees payable to the Sub-Advisers in relation to the fee payable to the Adviser by the fund and the respective services provided by the Sub-Advisers and

38

 

the Adviser. The Board also took into consideration that the Sub-Advisers’ fees are paid by the Adviser, out of its fee from the fund, and not 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 Agreements, considered in relation to the mix of services provided by the Adviser and the Sub-Advisers, including the nature, extent and quality of such services, supported the renewal of the Agreements and (2) in light of the relevant circumstances for the fund and the extent to which economies of scale would be realized if the fund grows and whether fee levels reflect these economies of scale for the benefit of fund shareholders. Since the Adviser, and not the fund, pays the Sub-Advisers pursuant to the respective Sub-Investment Advisory Agreements, the Board did not consider any Sub-Adviser’s profitability to be relevant to its deliberations. 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 and each Sub-Adviser from acting as investment adviser and sub-investment adviser, respectively, and took into consideration the soft dollar arrangements in effect for trading the fund’s investments.

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

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

39

 

INFORMATION ABOUT THE RENEWAL OF THE FUND’S MANAGEMENT AND SUB-INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)

· The Board generally was satisfied with the fund’s overall performance and with the manner in which the Adviser monitors and evaluates the performance of each Sub-Adviser.

· The Board concluded that the fees paid to the Adviser and the Sub-Advisers 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 Management Agreement and that, to the extent in the future it were determined that material economies of scale had not been shared with the fund, the Board would seek to have those economies of scale shared with the fund.

In evaluating the Agreements, the Board considered these conclusions and determinations and also relied on its previous knowledge, gained through meetings and other interactions with the Adviser and its affiliates and the Sub-Advisers, of the Adviser and the Sub-Advisers and the services provided to the fund by the Adviser and the Sub-Advisers. The Board also relied on information received on a routine and regular basis throughout the year relating to the operations of the fund and the investment management and other services provided under the Agreements, including information on the investment performance of the fund in comparison to similar mutual funds and benchmark performance indices; general market outlook as applicable to the fund; and compliance reports. In addition, the Board’s consideration of the contractual fee arrangements for the fund had the benefit of a number of years of reviews of the Agreements 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 its consideration of the fund’s arrangements, or substantially similar arrangements for other BNY Mellon funds that the Board oversees, in prior years. The Board also noted that the Adviser continued to believe that the Sub-Advisers complemented each other’s specific style of investing and that the Adviser recommended that the Board approve each Sub-Investment Advisory Agreement. The Board determined to renew the Agreements.

40

 

This page intentionally left blank.

41

 

For More Information

BNY Mellon Select Managers Small Cap Growth Fund

240 Greenwich Street

New York, NY 10286

Adviser

BNY Mellon Investment Adviser, Inc.

240 Greenwich Street

New York, NY 10286

Sub-Advisers

Geneva Capital
Management LLC

411 E Wisconsin Avenue,

Suite 2320

Milwaukee, WI 53202

 

Nicholas Investment Partners, L.P.

6451 El Sicomoro
Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067

 

EAM Investors, LLC

215 Highway 101, Suite 216
Solana Beach, CA 92075

 

Granite Investment Partners, LLC

2121 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 2360

El Segundo, CA 90245

 

Rice Hall James & Associates

600 West Broadway, Suite 1000

San Diego, CA 92101

 

Redwood Investments, LLC

One Gateway Center, Suite 802

Newton, MA 02458

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: DSGAX         Class C: DSGCX        Class I: DSGIX       Class Y: DSGYX

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.

  

© 2023 BNY Mellon Securities Corporation
6289SA1122

 

 
 

 

Item 2.Code of Ethics.

Not applicable.

Item 3.Audit Committee Financial Expert.

Not applicable.

Item 4.Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

Not applicable.

Item 5.Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.

Not applicable.

Item 6.Investments.

(a)        Not applicable.

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

Not applicable.

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

Not applicable.

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

Not applicable.

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

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

Item 11.Controls and Procedures.

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

(b)       There were no changes to the Registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the 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) Not applicable.

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

(a)(3) Not applicable.

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

 
 

 

SIGNATURES

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

BNY Mellon Strategic Funds, Inc.

By: /s/ David J. DiPetrillo

        David J. DiPetrillo

        President (Principal Executive Officer)

 

Date: January 21, 2023

 

 

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 J. DiPetrillo

        David J. DiPetrillo

        President (Principal Executive Officer)

 

Date: January 21, 2023

 

 

By: /s/ James Windels

        James Windels

       Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer)

 

Date: January 20, 2023

 

 

 

 
 

EXHIBIT INDEX

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

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

EX-99.CERT 2 exh-302_6289.htm CERTIFICATION REQUIRED BY RULE 30A-2

[EX-99.CERT]—Exhibit (a)(2)

SECTION 302 CERTIFICATION

 

I, David J. DiPetrillo, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this report on Form N-CSR of BNY Mellon Strategic Funds, Inc.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations, changes in net assets, and cash flows (if the financial statements are required to include a statement of cash flows) of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) for the registrant and have:

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this report based on such evaluation; and

(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize, and report financial information; and

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

By:       /s/ David J. DiPetrillo

David J. DiPetrillo

President (Principal Executive Officer)

Date:       January 21, 2023

 
 

SECTION 302 CERTIFICATION

I, James Windels, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this report on Form N-CSR of BNY Mellon Strategic Funds, Inc.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations, changes in net assets, and cash flows (if the financial statements are required to include a statement of cash flows) of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) for the registrant and have:

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this report based on such evaluation; and

(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize, and report financial information; and

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

By:       /s/ James Windels

James Windels

Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer)

Date:       January 20, 2023

EX-99.906 CERT 3 exh-906_6289.htm CERTIFICATION REQUIRED BY SECTION 906

[EX-99.906CERT]

Exhibit (b)

 

 

SECTION 906 CERTIFICATIONS

In connection with this report on Form N-CSR for the Registrant as furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), the undersigned hereby certify, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

 

(1)       the Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as applicable; and

 

(2)       the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Registrant.

 

By:       /s/ David J. DiPetrillo

David J. DiPetrillo

President (Principal Executive Officer)

Date:       January 21, 2023

 

By:       /s/ James Windels

James Windels

Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer)

 

Date:       January 20, 2023

 

 

This certificate is furnished pursuant to the requirements of Form N-CSR and shall not be deemed "filed" for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or otherwise subject to the liability of that section, and shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 

 

GRAPHIC 5 img_7e56a5d363554.jpg GRAPHIC begin 644 img_7e56a5d363554.jpg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end GRAPHIC 6 img_a103c1b20e3c4.jpg GRAPHIC begin 644 img_a103c1b20e3c4.jpg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end