N-CSRS 1 lp1327.htm SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT lp1327.htm - Generated by SEC Publisher for SEC Filing

 

 

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

FORM N-CSR

CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED MANAGEMENT
INVESTMENT COMPANIES

Investment Company Act file number

811-7502

 

 

 

Dreyfus International Funds, Inc.

 

 

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in charter)

 

 

 

 

 

 

c/o The Dreyfus Corporation

200 Park Avenue

New York, New York 10166

 

 

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

 

 

 

 

 

John Pak, Esq.

200 Park Avenue

New York, New York 10166

 

 

(Name and address of agent for service)

 

 

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (212) 922-6000

 

 

 

 

Date of fiscal year end:

 

5/31

 

Date of reporting period:

11/30/2014

 

             

 

 


 

 

 

FORM N-CSR

Item 1.       Reports to Stockholders.

 


 

Dreyfus 
Emerging Markets Fund 

 

SEMIANNUAL REPORT November 30, 2014



 

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

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



 

 

Contents

 

THE FUND

2     

A Letter from the President

3     

Discussion of Fund Performance

6     

Understanding Your Fund’s Expenses

6     

Comparing Your Fund’s Expenses With Those of Other Funds

7     

Statement of Investments

13     

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

14     

Statement of Operations

15     

Statement of Changes in Net Assets

17     

Financial Highlights

21     

Notes to Financial Statements

34     

Information About the Renewal of the Fund’s Management Agreement

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION

 

Back Cover


 

Dreyfus
Emerging Markets Fund

The Fund

A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

Dear Shareholder:

We are pleased to present this semiannual report for Dreyfus Emerging Markets Fund, covering the six-month period from June 1, 2014, through November 30, 2014. For information about how the fund performed during the reporting period, as well as general market perspectives, we provide a Discussion of Fund Performance on the pages that follow.

International stock markets generally lost value over the six-month reporting period as investors reacted negatively to renewed concerns regarding falling oil and commodity prices worldwide, intensifying geopolitical tensions and persistently sluggish growth in Europe, the dampening impact of higher consumption taxes in Japan, and economic slowdowns in the emerging markets. A strengthening U.S. dollar against most other major currencies also helped dampen returns for U.S. investors.

We believe some forces appear likely to support international stock prices over the foreseeable future: Low inflation has enabled the European Central Bank to reduce short-term interest rates further, China’s economic slowdown appears increasingly unlikely to devolve into a more severe financial crisis, and India’s stock market has surged after the election of a more business-friendly government.Yet, some countries are faring better economically than others and monetary policies have begun to diverge, affecting currency exchange rates and capital flows. Consequently, selectivity and a long-term perspective seem poised to become more important determinants of investment success.As always, we urge you to talk regularly with your financial advisor to assess the potential impact of these and other developments on your investments.

Thank you for your continued confidence and support.


J. Charles Cardona
President
The Dreyfus Corporation
December 15, 2014

2


 

DISCUSSION OF FUND PERFORMANCE

For the period of June 1, 2014, through November 30, 2014, as provided by D. Kirk Henry, Portfolio Manager

Fund and Market Performance Overview

For the six-month period ended November 30, 2014, Dreyfus Emerging Markets Fund’s Class A shares produced a total return of –3.86%, Class C shares returned –4.25%, Class I shares returned –3.65%, and ClassY shares returned –3.00%.1 In comparison, the fund’s benchmark, the Morgan Stanley Capital International Emerging Markets Index (“MSCI EM Index”), achieved a –0.82% total return for the same period.2

Although individual developing countries produced widely divergent returns over the reporting period, the MSCI EM Index lost a degree of value overall amid falling commodity prices and renewed concerns about the global economy.The fund produced lower returns than its benchmark, largely due to shortfalls in Russia and Brazil.

The Fund’s Investment Approach

The fund seeks long-term capital growth. In seeking this objective, the fund invests at least 80% of its assets in the stocks of companies organized, or with a majority of assets or business, in emerging market countries.The fund considers emerging market countries to be generally all companies represented by the MSCI EM Index. Normally, the fund will not invest more than 25% of its total assets in any single emerging market country. We identify potential investments through quantitative and fundamental research, using a value-oriented, research-driven approach that emphasizes individual stock selection over economic and industry trends. We assess how a stock is valued relative to its intrinsic worth, the company’s efficiency and profitability, and the presence of a catalyst that could trigger an increase in the stock’s price in the near- or mid-term.

Emerging Markets Struggled with Economic Headwinds

Investors were relatively optimistic over the first half of the reporting period when economic growth accelerated in the United States, a key export market for developing nations. However, a variety of headwinds during the second half undermined investor confidence in emerging equity markets, including intensifying conflicts in the Middle

The Fund 3


 

DISCUSSION OF FUND PERFORMANCE (continued)

East, the spread of Ebola in West Africa, and disappointing economic data from Europe and Japan. Falling energy and commodity prices put pressure on exporters of natural resources, such as Brazil and Russia. Russia’s economy also suffered from sanctions over its involvement in Ukrainian political instability, and many investors were disappointed in the outcome of Brazil’s presidential election.The end of quantitative easing in the United States and a strengthening U.S. dollar also contributed to investors’ relatively cautious attitudes toward the emerging markets.

Mixed Returns from Countries and Sectors

Local stock market returns varied widely in this environment, with China posting double-digit gains and Russia falling particularly sharply. In Brazil, a relatively heavy position in oil producer Petroleo Brasileiro, ADR undermined relative performance when oil prices plummeted and election results portended continued government intervention in the company’s operations. Steelmaker Gerdau, ADR and smelting products producer Magnesita Refratarios also were hurt by falling commodity prices amid weak global demand. In Russia, we attempted to take advantage of attractive valuations in some companies after bouts of market weakness, but these purchases proved ill-timed as prices continued to fall in response to new economic sanctions. Natural gas supplier Gazprom, ADR and financial institution Sberbank of Russia were particularly hard hit by these developments.

From an industry group perspective, results lagged market averages in the information technology sector, where underweighted exposure to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing hurt relative performance. Positions in electronics assembler Compal Electronics and Radiant Opto-Electronics also proved disappointing.Among materials producers, Indian iron ore producer NMDC and India Cements gave back some of the impressive gains achieved prior to the reporting period.

The fund produced better relative performance through overweighted exposure to China, which ranked as one of the stronger emerging equity markets during the reporting period. Lower input costs particularly helped Chinese industrial companies, such as airport operator Beijing Capital International Airport, Cl. H, engineering contractor China Railway Construction, and infrastructure construction company China Railway Group. Supermarket chain WuMart Stores, Cl. H gained value when wage and competitive pressures abated. Although South Korea’s stock market was generally hurt by competition from a weak Japanese yen, a number of strong stock

4


 

selections lifted the fund’s results in the country, including Tonyang Life Insurance and utility Korea Electric Power.

Finding Value Opportunities in Volatile Markets

As of the end of the reporting period, we have continued to identify ample investment opportunities among companies we believe are attractive valuations and solid business fundamentals.We continue to expect wide divergence in the performance of individual markets over the coming months, an environment that we believe is well suited to our research-driven investment approach.

We have increased the fund’s exposure to China, where we expect economic conditions to stabilize, but we reduced positions in Brazil, which is struggling with low commodity prices. From an industry group perspective, we have increased weightings in the consumer discretionary, consumer staples, and materials sectors, but we have trimmed exposure to the information technology, industrials, and utilities sectors.

December 15, 2014

Please note, the position in any security highlighted with italicized typeface was sold during the reporting period. Equity funds are subject generally to market, market sector, market liquidity, issuer, and investment style risks, among other factors, to varying degrees, all of which are more fully described in the fund’s prospectus.

Emerging markets tend to be more volatile than the markets of more mature economies and generally have less diverse and less mature economic structures and less stable political systems than those of developed countries.The securities of companies located in emerging markets are often subject to rapid and large changes in price. An investment in this fund should be considered only as a supplement to a complete investment program for those investors willing to accept the greater risks associated with investing in emerging market countries.

Investing internationally involves special risks, including changes in currency exchange rates, political, economic, and social instability, a lack of comprehensive company information, differing auditing and legal standards, and less market liquidity.These risks generally are greater with emerging market countries than with more economically and politically established foreign countries.

1 Total return includes reinvestment of dividends and any capital gains paid and does not take into consideration the 
maximum initial sales charge in the case of Class A shares, or the applicable contingent deferred sales charge imposed 
on redemptions in the case of Class C shares. Had these charges been reflected, returns would have been lower. Past 
performance is no guarantee of future results. Share price, yield, and investment return fluctuate such that upon 
redemption, fund shares may be worth more or less than their original cost. Return figures for the fund provided reflect 
the absorption of certain fund expenses by The Dreyfus Corporation pursuant to an undertaking in effect through 
October 1, 2015, 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. — Reflects reinvestment of net dividends and, where applicable, capital gain distributions. 
The Morgan Stanley Capital International Emerging Markets (MSCI EM) Index is a market capitalization- 
weighted index composed of companies representative of the market structure of select designated emerging market 
countries in Europe, Latin America, and the Pacific Basin. Investors cannot invest directly in any index. 

 

The Fund 5


 

UNDERSTANDING YOUR FUND’S EXPENSES (Unaudited)

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

Review your fund’s expenses

The table below shows the expenses you would have paid on a $1,000 investment in Dreyfus Emerging Markets Fund from June 1, 2014 to November 30, 2014. It also shows how much a $1,000 investment would be worth at the close of the period, assuming actual returns and expenses.

Expenses and Value of a $1,000 Investment
assuming actual returns for the six months ended November 30, 2014

    Class A    Class C    Class I    Class Y 
Expenses paid per $1,000  $ 8.60  $ 11.92  $ 6.74  $ 6.02 
Ending value (after expenses)  $ 961.40  $ 957.50  $ 963.50  $ 970.00 

 

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

Using the SEC’s method to compare expenses

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

Expenses and Value of a $1,000 Investment
assuming a hypothetical 5% annualized return for the six months ended November 30, 2014

    Class A    Class C    Class I    Class Y 
Expenses paid per $1,000  $  8.85  $ 12.26  $  6.93  $  6.17 
Ending value (after expenses)  $  1,016.29  $ 1,012.89  $  1,018.20  $  1,018.95 

 

† Expenses are equal to the fund’s annualized expense ratio of 1.75% for Class A, 2.43% for Class C, 1.37% for 
Class I and 1.22% for ClassY, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 183/365 (to 
reflect the one-half year period). 

 

6


 

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS

November 30, 2014 (Unaudited)

Common Stocks—96.4%  Shares   Value ($) 
Brazil—10.8%       
BM&FBovespa  1,307,100   5,352,721 
Brasil Insurance Participacoes e Administracao  783,900   1,675,130 
Cia de Saneamento Basico do       
   Estado de Sao Paulo, ADR  571,130   4,226,362 
Cia Hering  324,800   3,099,343 
Duratex  758,100   2,500,687 
EDP—Energias do Brasil  1,226,500   4,736,736 
Fibria Celulose, ADR  17,959 a  212,096 
Gerdau, ADR  1,286,270   5,363,746 
Grupo BTG Pactual  327,600   3,780,294 
Itau Unibanco Holding, ADR  574,102   8,645,976 
Magnesita Refratarios  2,801,600   3,026,050 
Oi, ADR  4,297,680 a  2,235,223 
Petroleo Brasileiro, ADR  1,633,781   15,880,351 
Telefonica Brasil, ADR  277,160   5,698,410 
Vale, ADR  993,300   7,717,941 
      74,151,066 
Chile—1.5%       
Cencosud  1,815,660   4,711,218 
ENTEL Chile  490,534   5,457,141 
      10,168,359 
China—18.2%       
Air China, Cl. H  1,984,000   1,522,169 
Anhui Conch Cement, Cl. H  3,553,000   12,026,208 
Baoxin Auto Group  2,504,500   1,708,366 
Beijing Capital International Airport, Cl. H  8,640,000   6,751,349 
China Communications Services, Cl. H  16,854,000   8,214,838 
China Construction Bank, Cl. H  24,709,399   18,734,569 
China Life Insurance, Cl. H  2,600,000   9,035,170 
China Machinery Engineering, Cl. H  1,902,000   1,400,396 
China Railway Construction, Cl. H  2,770,500   3,183,025 
China ZhengTong Auto Services Holdings  2,725,500   1,370,614 
CNOOC  6,553,000   9,582,028 
Dongfang Electric, Cl. H  1,837,000   3,325,680 

 

The Fund 7


 

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)

Common Stocks (continued)  Shares   Value ($) 
China (continued)       
Guangzhou Automobile Group, Cl. H  4,869,603   4,608,863 
Industrial & Commercial Bank of China, Cl. H  21,373,590   14,496,642 
Lianhua Supermarket Holdings, Cl. H  10,346,000 a  5,603,069 
Ping An Insurance Group Company of China, Cl. H  1,104,000   9,260,204 
Weichai Power, Cl. H  1,421,000   5,386,983 
Weiqiao Textile, Cl. H  277,100   165,433 
West China Cement  23,202,000   2,363,506 
Wumart Stores, Cl. H  6,803,000   6,386,105 
      125,125,217 
Greece—.5%       
National Bank of Greece  1,421,405 a  3,393,514 
Hong Kong—7.6%       
China Mobile  545,500   6,720,934 
China Mobile, ADR  67,910   4,191,405 
China Resources Power Holdings  1,789,000   5,213,423 
COSCO Pacific  7,595,832   10,323,338 
Global Bio-Chem Technology Group  33,916,980 a  1,312,027 
iShares FTSE A50 China Index ETF  1,760,700   2,383,850 
NWS Holdings  1,324,188   2,451,931 
Parkson Retail Group  32,939,500   9,046,921 
Shanghai Industrial Holdings  3,476,000   10,712,279 
      52,356,108 
Hungary—1.7%       
OTP Bank  362,664   5,834,713 
Richter Gedeon  360,231   5,604,138 
      11,438,851 
India—11.8%       
Bank of India  1,178,753   5,457,229 
Bharat Heavy Electricals  689,115   3,144,748 
ICICI Bank  134,361   3,798,613 
IDFC  1,201,892   3,020,164 
India Cements  5,279,852 a  8,160,997 
Jubilant Life Sciences  95,487   206,269 
NMDC  2,258,576   5,093,670 
NTPC  1,685,921   3,863,544 
Oriental Bank of Commerce  311,413   1,532,350 

 

8


 

Common Stocks (continued)  Shares   Value ($) 
India (continued)       
Power Grid Corporation of India  1,777,291   4,026,950 
Punjab National Bank  277,763   4,799,698 
Reliance Industries  1,048,890   16,746,111 
Rolta India  1,620,076   2,793,459 
Sesa Sterlite  869,430   3,241,361 
South Indian Bank  1,694,651   753,724 
State Bank of India  1,796,276   9,065,742 
Steel Authority of India  3,392,870   4,866,815 
      80,571,444 
Indonesia—.1%       
Aneka Tambang Persero  7,396,500   593,950 
Indosat  200,000 a  57,194 
      651,144 
Malaysia—.8%       
CIMB Group Holdings  3,330,755   5,740,813 
Mexico—1.6%       
Alpek  1,328,040   2,071,259 
Consorcio ARA  4,679,900 a  2,132,502 
Controladora Vuela       
   Compania de Aviacion, ADR  612,875 a  4,927,515 
Grupo Financiero Banorte, Ser. O  369,500   2,084,985 
      11,216,261 
Poland—1.1%       
Powszechna Kasa Oszczednosci Bank Polski  698,997   7,799,753 
Qatar—.5%       
Commercial Bank of Qatar  175,235   3,556,630 
Russia—5.3%       
Gazprom, ADR  2,345,371   13,708,693 
JKX Oil & Gas  1,322,961 a  578,615 
Lukoil, ADR  69,082   3,215,076 
Mobile Telesystems  734,321 a,b  3,699,487 
Moscow Exchange MICEX-RTS  2,485,960 b  2,985,340 
Rosneft, GDR  1,068,983   5,061,635 
Sberbank of Russia  205,195 a  297,568 
Sberbank of Russia, ADR  1,126,450   6,928,794 
      36,475,208 

 

The Fund 9


 

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)

Common Stocks (continued)  Shares   Value ($) 
South Africa—2.2%       
Aveng  1,505,298 a  2,312,027 
Barclays Africa Group  29,297   471,937 
Standard Bank Group  683,818   8,409,762 
Truworths International  495,388   3,556,139 
      14,749,865 
South Korea—20.6%       
E-Mart  20,619   4,094,210 
Hite Jinro  173,835   3,961,671 
Hyundai Engineering & Construction  97,448   3,940,314 
Hyundai Mobis  25,904   5,774,889 
Hyundai Motor  75,597   12,213,424 
KB Financial Group  454,988   15,974,578 
Korea Electric Power  271,683   11,279,767 
Korean Reinsurance  97,546   1,008,079 
KT  52,559   1,544,109 
KT, ADR  324,782   4,793,782 
LG Chem  36,600   6,821,517 
LG Electronics  118,490   6,801,718 
Lotte Shopping  22,149   5,997,292 
Mirae Asset Securities  21,805   979,104 
NongShim  18,738   4,490,220 
POSCO  28,406   7,755,598 
POSCO, ADR  18,330   1,246,440 
Samsung Electronics  20,735   24,085,875 
Shinhan Financial Group  166,260   7,443,022 
Shinsegae  41,308   7,363,446 
Tongyang Life Insurance  352,667   3,660,518 
      141,229,573 
Taiwan—8.0%       
Advanced Semiconductor Engineering  2,151,840   2,610,925 
Compal Electronics  9,791,000   6,264,215 
First Financial Holding  5,442,939   3,306,479 

 

10


 

Common Stocks (continued)  Shares   Value ($) 
Taiwan (continued)       
Hon Hai Precision Industry  3,586,277   11,240,613 
Nan Ya Printed Circuit Board  2,722,020 a  3,557,822 
Radiant Opto-Electronics  1,612,570   5,288,823 
Shin Kong Financial Holding  23,243,763   6,917,362 
Simplo Technology  539,000   2,769,238 
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing  1,830,638   8,370,152 
United Microelectronics  10,865,845   4,827,704 
      55,153,333 
Thailand—2.9%       
Bangkok Bank  1,598,960   9,836,757 
PTT Global Chemical  3,539,900   6,926,712 
Thai Oil  2,597,400   3,421,275 
      20,184,744 
Turkey—.7%       
Turkiye Halk Bankasi  643,510   4,577,050 
Turkiye Sise ve Cam Fabrikalari  1   1 
      4,577,051 
United Arab Emirates—.5%       
Emaar Properties  1,072,616   3,139,250 
Total Common Stocks       
   (cost $677,937,037)      661,678,184 
 
Preferred Stocks—2.3%       
Brazil       
Banco do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Cl. B  902,900   5,153,315 
Gerdau  731,300   3,108,409 
Itau Unibanco Holding  2,700   40,755 
Itausa—Investimentos Itau  998,600   4,073,860 
Metalurgica Gerdau  132,600   664,597 
Randon Participacoes  1,164,100   2,546,384 
Total Preferred Stocks       
(cost $16,803,908)      15,587,320 

 

The Fund 11


 

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)

Other Investment—.9%  Shares   Value ($) 
Registered Investment Company;       
Dreyfus Institutional Preferred       
    Plus Money Market Fund       
(cost $6,400,000)  6,400,000 c  6,400,000 
Total Investments (cost $701,140,945)  99.6 %  683,665,504 
Cash and Receivables (Net)  .4 %  2,544,938 
Net Assets  100.0 %  686,210,442 

 

ADR—American Depository Receipts 
ETF—Exchange-Traded Fund 
GDR—Global Depository Receipts 
MICEX—Moscow Interbank Currency Exchange 
RTS—Russian Trading System 

 

a Non-income producing security. 
b The valuation of these securities has been determined in good faith by management under the direction of the Board 
of Directors.At November 30, 2014, the value of these securities amounted to $6,684,827 or 1.0% of net assets. 
c Investment in affiliated money market mutual fund. 

 

Portfolio Summary (Unaudited)     
 
  Value (%)    Value (%) 
Financial  31.0  Utilities  4.9 
Materials  12.2  Consumer Staples  4.5 
Information Technology  11.5  Money Market Investment  .9 
Energy  9.9  Health Care  .8 
Consumer Discretionary  8.7  Exchange-Traded Funds  .3 
Industrial  8.7     
Telecommunications  6.2    99.6 
 
† Based on net assets.       
See notes to financial statements.       

 

12


 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

November 30, 2014 (Unaudited)

  Cost  Value  
Assets ($):       
Investments in securities—See Statement of Investments:       
Unaffiliated issuers  694,740,945  677,265,504  
Affiliated issuers  6,400,000  6,400,000  
Cash denominated in foreign currencies  2,070,255  2,025,860  
Receivable for investment securities sold    2,943,210  
Dividends receivable    660,332  
Receivable for shares of Common Stock subscribed    259,564  
Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign       
currency exchange contracts—Note 4    121  
Prepaid expenses    64,062  
    689,618,653  
Liabilities ($):       
Due to The Dreyfus Corporation and affiliates—Note 3(c)    1,075,262  
Cash overdraft due to Custodian    140,210  
Payable for investment securities purchased    1,647,682  
Payable for shares of Common Stock redeemed    263,804  
Interest payable—Note 2    2,532  
Accrued expenses    278,721  
    3,408,211  
Net Assets ($)    686,210,442  
Composition of Net Assets ($):       
Paid-in capital    878,724,439  
Accumulated undistributed investment income—net    6,279,356  
Accumulated net realized gain (loss) on investments    (181,239,719 ) 
Accumulated net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)       
on investments and foreign currency transactions    (17,553,634 )a 
Net Assets ($)    686,210,442  

 

Net Asset Value Per Share         
  Class A  Class C  Class I  Class Y 
Net Assets ($)  100,715,844  12,697,985  497,371,099  75,425,514 
Shares Outstanding  10,102,084  1,308,787  49,574,886  7,510,463 
Net Asset Value Per Share ($)  9.97  9.70  10.03  10.04 
 
a Net of $475,446 deferred capital gains tax.       
See notes to financial statements.         

 

The Fund 13


 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Six Months Ended November 30, 2014 (Unaudited)

Investment Income ($):     
Income:     
Cash dividends (net of $1,229,091 foreign taxes withheld at source):     
Unaffiliated issuers  10,333,773  
Affiliated issuers  7,166  
Total Income  10,340,939  
Expenses:     
Management fee—Note 3(a)  4,925,271  
Shareholder servicing costs—Note 3(c)  807,305  
Custodian fees—Note 3(c)  412,245  
Professional fees  81,314  
Distribution fees—Note 3(b)  52,928  
Registration fees  51,662  
Prospectus and shareholders’ reports  47,628  
Directors’ fees and expenses—Note 3(d)  28,767  
Interest expense—Note 2  6,989  
Loan commitment fees—Note 2  3,828  
Miscellaneous  25,069  
Total Expenses  6,443,006  
Less—reduction in expenses due to undertaking—Note 3(a)  (788,043 ) 
Less—reduction in fees due to earnings credits—Note 3(c)  (44 ) 
Net Expenses  5,654,919  
Investment Income—Net  4,686,020  
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments—Note 4 ($):     
Net realized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency transactions  23,614,669  
Net realized gain (loss) on forward foreign currency exchange contracts  (65,909 ) 
Net Realized Gain (Loss)  23,548,760  
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on     
investments and foreign currency transactions  (56,743,961 ) 
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on     
forward foreign currency exchange contracts  (147 ) 
Net Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)  (56,744,108 ) 
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments  (33,195,348 ) 
Net (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations  (28,509,328 ) 
 
See notes to financial statements.     

 

14


 

STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

  Six Months Ended      
  November 30, 2014   Year Ended  
  (Unaudited)   May 31, 2014a  
Operations ($):         
Investment income—net  4,686,020   6,990,430  
Net realized gain (loss) on investments  23,548,760   (67,493,750 ) 
Net unrealized appreciation         
(depreciation) on investments  (56,744,108 )  117,193,151  
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets         
Resulting from Operations  (28,509,328 )  56,689,831  
Dividends to Shareholders from ($):         
Investment income—net:         
Class A    (1,153,540 ) 
Class I    (5,555,399 ) 
Class Y    (13 ) 
Total Dividends    (6,708,952 ) 
Capital Stock Transactions ($):         
Net proceeds from shares sold:         
Class A  8,815,763   37,245,685  
Class C  744,650   2,099,066  
Class I  140,164,925   231,807,662  
Class Y  124,074,926   1,000  
Dividends reinvested:         
Class A    1,114,977  
Class I    4,948,194  
Cost of shares redeemed:         
Class A  (57,750,934 )  (117,181,880 ) 
Class C  (1,933,057 )  (8,707,748 ) 
Class I  (257,204,078 )  (259,935,104 ) 
Class Y  (43,462,342 )   
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets         
from Capital Stock Transactions  (86,550,147 )  (108,608,148 ) 
Total Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets  (115,059,475 )  (58,627,269 ) 
Net Assets ($):         
Beginning of Period  801,269,917   859,897,186  
End of Period  686,210,442   801,269,917  
Undistributed investment income—net  6,279,356   1,593,336  

 

The Fund 15


 

STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (continued)

  Six Months Ended      
  November 30, 2014   Year Ended  
  (Unaudited)   May 31, 2014a  
Capital Share Transactions:         
Class A         
Shares sold  822,905   3,893,821  
Shares issued for dividends reinvested    114,357  
Shares redeemed  (5,488,512 )  (12,337,990 ) 
Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares Outstanding  (4,665,607 )  (8,329,812 ) 
Class C         
Shares sold  71,276   228,071  
Shares redeemed  (186,588 )  (941,334 ) 
Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares Outstanding  (115,312 )  (713,263 ) 
Class Ib         
Shares sold  13,075,848   24,024,214  
Shares issued for dividends reinvested    505,950  
Shares redeemed  (24,353,811 )  (27,286,303 ) 
Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares Outstanding  (11,277,963 )  (2,756,139 ) 
Class Yb         
Shares sold  11,458,166   110.62  
Shares redeemed  (3,947,814 )   
Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares Outstanding  7,510,352   110.62  

 

a Effective July 1, 2013, the fund commenced offering ClassY shares. 
b During the period ended November 30, 2014, 10,967,201 Class I shares representing $118,833,049, were 
exchanged for 10,957,089 ClassY shares. 

 

See notes to financial statements.

16


 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

The following tables describe the performance for each share class for the fiscal periods indicated. All information (except portfolio turnover rate) reflects financial results for a single fund share.Total return shows how much your investment in the fund would have increased (or decreased) during each period, assuming you had reinvested all dividends and distributions.These figures have been derived from the fund’s financial statements.

Six Months Ended                      
November 30, 2014       Year Ended May 31,      
Class A Shares  (Unaudited)   2014   2013   2012   2011   2010  
Per Share Data ($):                         
Net asset value,                         
beginning of period  10.37   9.65   8.88   13.36   10.89   9.16  
Investment Operations:                         
Investment income—neta  .05   .08   .07   .10   .08   .09  
Net realized and unrealized                         
gain (loss) on investments  (.45 )  .70   .79   (3.39 )  2.44   1.76  
Total from Investment Operations  (.40 )  .78   .86   (3.29 )  2.52   1.85  
Distributions:                         
Dividends from                         
investment income—net    (.06 )  (.09 )  (.12 )  (.05 )  (.12 ) 
Dividends from net realized                         
gain on investments        (1.07 )     
Total Distributions    (.06 )  (.09 )  (1.19 )  (.05 )  (.12 ) 
Net asset value, end of period  9.97   10.37   9.65   8.88   13.36   10.89  
Total Return (%)b  (3.86 )c  8.17   9.59   (24.70 )  24.54   20.14  
Ratios/Supplemental Data (%):                         
Ratio of total expenses                         
to average net assets  1.95 d  1.87   1.82   1.78   1.78   1.77  
Ratio of net expenses                         
to average net assets  1.75 d  1.67   1.75   1.78   1.78   1.76  
Ratio of net investment income                         
to average net assets  .90 d  .80   .75   .92   .63   .79  
Portfolio Turnover Rate  33.08 c  52.45   42.43   45.73   68.19   70.17  
Net Assets, end of period                         
($ x 1,000)  100,716   153,122   222,808   331,575   586,912   508,118  

 

a  Based on average shares outstanding. 
b  Exclusive of sales charge. 
c  Not annualized. 
d  Annualized. 

 

See notes to financial statements.

The Fund 17


 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

Six Months Ended                      
November 30, 2014       Year Ended May 31,      
Class C Shares  (Unaudited)   2014   2013   2012   2011   2010  
Per Share Data ($):                         
Net asset value,                         
beginning of period  10.13   9.43   8.68   13.07   10.70   9.06  
Investment Operations:                         
Investment income (loss)—neta  .01   (.00 )b  (.00 )b  .01   (.02 )  .01  
Net realized and unrealized                         
gain (loss) on investments  (.44 )  .70   .75   (3.31 )  2.39   1.74  
Total from Investment Operations  (.43 )  .70   .75   (3.30 )  2.37   1.75  
Distributions:                         
Dividends from                         
investment income—net      (.00 )b  (.02 )    (.11 ) 
Dividends from net realized                         
gain on investments        (1.07 )     
Total Distributions      (.00 )b  (1.09 )    (.11 ) 
Net asset value, end of period  9.70   10.13   9.43   8.68   13.07   10.70  
Total Return (%)c  (4.25 )d  7.42   8.67   (25.30 )  23.54   19.25  
Ratios/Supplemental Data (%):                         
Ratio of total expenses                         
to average net assets  2.63 e  2.65   2.62   2.57   2.56   2.56  
Ratio of net expenses                         
to average net assets  2.43 e  2.46   2.55   2.57   2.56   2.56  
Ratio of net investment income                         
(loss) to average net assets  .22 e  (.02 )  (.04 )  .14   (.12 )  .09  
Portfolio Turnover Rate  33.08 d  52.45   42.43   45.73   68.19   70.17  
Net Assets, end of period                         
($ x 1,000)  12,698   14,420   20,161   25,292   38,507   20,054  

 

a  Based on average shares outstanding. 
b  Amount represents less than $.01 per share. 
c  Exclusive of sales charge. 
d  Not annualized. 
e  Annualized. 

 

See notes to financial statements.

18


 

Six Months Ended                      
November 30, 2014       Year Ended May 31,      
Class I Shares  (Unaudited)   2014   2013   2012   2011   2010  
Per Share Data ($):                         
Net asset value,                         
beginning of period  10.41   9.70   8.93   13.45   10.97   9.23  
Investment Operations:                         
Investment income—neta  .07   .10   .10   .12   .11   .13  
Net realized and unrealized                         
gain (loss) on investments  (.45 )  .71   .79   (3.42 )  2.46   1.75  
Total from Investment Operations  (.38 )  .81   .89   (3.30 )  2.57   1.88  
Distributions:                         
Dividends from                         
investment income—net    (.10 )  (.12 )  (.15 )  (.09 )  (.14 ) 
Dividends from net realized                         
gain on investments        (1.07 )     
Total Distributions    (.10 )  (.12 )  (1.22 )  (.09 )  (.14 ) 
Net asset value, end of period  10.03   10.41   9.70   8.93   13.45   10.97  
Total Return (%)  (3.65 )b  8.42   9.89   (24.59 )  24.90   20.30  
Ratios/Supplemental Data (%):                         
Ratio of total expenses                         
to average net assets  1.57 c  1.60   1.57   1.56   1.57   1.61  
Ratio of net expenses                         
to average net assets  1.37 c  1.41   1.50   1.56   1.57   1.61  
Ratio of net investment income                         
to average net assets  1.37 c  1.03   .99   1.15   .83   1.12  
Portfolio Turnover Rate  33.08 b  52.45   42.43   45.73   68.19   70.17  
Net Assets, end of period                         
($ x 1,000)  497,371   633,727   616,929   634,118   758,093   318,028  

 

a  Based on average shares outstanding. 
b  Not annualized. 
c  Annualized. 

 

See notes to financial statements.

The Fund 19


 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

  Six Months Ended      
  November 30, 2014   Year Ended  
Class Y Shares  (Unaudited)   May 31, 2014a  
Per Share Data ($):         
Net asset value, beginning of period  10.42   9.04  
Investment Operations:         
Investment income—netb  .01   .09  
Net realized and unrealized         
gain (loss) on investments  (.39 )  1.41  
Total from Investment Operations  (.38 )  1.50  
Distributions:         
Dividends from investment income—net    (.12 ) 
Net asset value, end of period  10.04   10.42  
Total Return (%)c  (3.00 )  15.84  
Ratios/Supplemental Data (%):         
Ratio of total expenses to average net assetsd  1.42   2.01  
Ratio of net expenses to average net assetsd  1.22   1.04  
Ratio of net investment income         
to average net assetsd  .16   .96  
Portfolio Turnover Rate  33.08 c  52.45  
Net Assets, end of period ($ x 1,000)  75,426   1  

 

a  From July 1, 2013 (commencement of initial offering) to May 31, 2014. 
b  Based on average shares outstanding. 
c  Not annualized. 
d  Annualized. 

 

See notes to financial statements.

20


 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

NOTE 1—Significant Accounting Policies:

Dreyfus Emerging Markets Fund (the “fund”) is the sole series of Dreyfus International Funds, Inc. (the “Company”), which is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Act”), as a non-diversified open-end management investment company. The fund’s investment objective is to seek long-term capital growth. The Dreyfus Corporation (the “Manager” or “Dreyfus”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (“BNY Mellon”), serves as the fund’s investment adviser.

MBSC Securities Corporation (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Manager, is the distributor of the fund’s shares. The fund is authorized to issue 100 million shares of $.001 par value Common Stock in each of the following classes of shares: Class A, Class C, Class I and Class Y. Class A shares generally are subject to a sales charge imposed at the time of purchase. Class C shares are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”) imposed on Class C shares redeemed within one year of purchase. Class I and ClassY shares are sold at net asset value per share generally to institutional investors. Other differences between the classes include the services offered to and the expenses borne by each class, the allocation of certain transfer agency costs, and certain voting rights. Income, expenses (other than expenses attributable to a specific class), and realized and unrealized gains or losses on investments are allocated to each class of shares based on its relative net assets.

The 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 Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”)

The Fund 21


 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)

under authority of federal laws are also sources of authoritative GAAP for SEC registrants. The fund’s financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP, which may require the use of management estimates and assumptions. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

The 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.

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).

22


 

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

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

Investments in securities are valued at the last sales price on the securities exchange or national securities market on which such securities are primarily traded. Securities listed on the National Market System for which market quotations are available are valued at the official closing price or, if there is no official closing price that day, at the last sales price. 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, except for open short positions, where the asked price is 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.

Fair valuing of securities may be determined with the assistance of a pricing service using calculations based on indices of domestic securities and other appropriate indicators, such as prices of relevant ADRs and financial futures. Utilizing these techniques may result in transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

When market quotations or official closing prices are not readily available, or are determined not to reflect accurately fair value, such as when the value of a security has been significantly affected by events after the close of the exchange or market on which the security is principally traded (for example, a foreign exchange or market), but before the fund calculates its net asset value, the fund may value these investments at fair value as determined in accordance with the procedures approved by the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”). Certain factors may be considered when fair valuing investments such as: fundamental analytical

The Fund 23


 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)

data, the nature and duration of restrictions on disposition, an evaluation of the forces that influence the market in which the securities are purchased and sold, and public trading in similar securities of the issuer or comparable issuers.These securities are either categorized within Level 2 or 3 of the fair value hierarchy depending on the relevant inputs used.

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

Investments denominated in foreign currencies are translated to U.S. dollars at the prevailing rates of exchange.

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts (“forward contracts”) are valued at the forward rate and are generally categorized within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

The following is a summary of the inputs used as of November 30, 2014 in valuing the fund’s investments:

    Level 2—Other   Level 3—   
  Level 1—  Significant   Significant   
  Unadjusted  Observable   Unobservable   
  Quoted Prices  Inputs   Inputs  Total 
Assets ($)           
Investments in Securities:         
Equity Securities—           
Foreign           
Common Stocks  652,609,507  6,684,827 ††    659,294,334 
Equity Securities—           
Foreign Preferred           
Stocks  15,587,320      15,587,320 
Exchange-Traded           
Funds  2,383,850      2,383,850 
Mutual Funds  6,400,000      6,400,000 
Other Financial           
Instruments:           
Forward Foreign           
Currency Exchange           
Contracts†††    121     121 

 

  See Statement of Investments for additional detailed categorizations. 
††  Securities classified within Level 2 at period end as the values were determined pursuant to the 
  fund’s fair valuation procedures. See note above for additional information. 
†††  Amount shown represents unrealized appreciation at period end. 

 

24


 

At May 31, 2014, no exchange traded foreign equity securities were classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

(b) Foreign currency transactions: The fund does not isolate that portion of the results of operations resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates on investments from the fluctuations arising from changes in the market prices of securities held. Such fluctuations are included with the net realized and unrealized gain or loss on investments.

Net realized foreign exchange gains or losses arise from sales of foreign currencies, currency gains or losses realized on securities transactions between trade and settlement date, and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the fund’s books and the U.S. dollar equivalent of the amounts actually received or paid. Net unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses arise from changes in the value of assets and liabilities other than investments resulting from changes in exchange rates. Foreign currency gains and losses on foreign currency transactions are also included with net realized and unrealized gain or loss on investments.

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

(d) Affiliated issuers: Investments in other investment companies advised by Dreyfus are defined as “affiliated” under the Act. Investments in affiliated investment companies during the period ended November 30, 2014 were as follows:

Affiliated               
Investment  Value       Value   Net 
Company  5/31/2014 ($)  Purchases ($)  Sales ($)  11/30/2014 ($)  Assets (%) 
Dreyfus               
Institutional               
Preferred               
Plus Money               
Market               
Fund  67,300,000   132,385,000 193,285,000   6,400,000   .9 

 

The Fund 25


 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)

Certain affiliated investment companies may also invest in the fund.At November 30, 2014, Dreyfus Diversified International Fund, an affiliate of the fund, held 2,216,568 Class Y shares.

(e) Risk: Investing in foreign markets may involve special risks and considerations not typically associated with investing in the U.S.These risks include revaluation of currencies, high rates of inflation, repatriation restrictions on income and capital, and adverse political and economic developments. Moreover, securities issued in these markets may be less liquid, subject to government ownership controls and delayed settlements, and their prices may be more volatile than those of comparable securities in the U.S.

The fund follows an investment policy of investing primarily in emerging market countries. Because the fund’s investments are concentrated in emerging market countries, the fund’s performance is expected to be closely tied to social, political and economic conditions within such countries and to be more volatile than the performance of more geographically diversified funds.

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

(g) Federal income taxes: It is the policy of the fund to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company, if such qualification is in the

26


 

best interests of its shareholders, by complying with the applicable provisions of the Code, and to make distributions of taxable income sufficient to relieve it from substantially all federal income and excise taxes.

As of and during the period ended November 30, 2014, 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, 2014, the fund did not incur any interest or penalties.

Each tax year in the three-year period ended May 31, 2014 remains subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service and state taxing authorities.

Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010 (the “2010 Act”), the fund is permitted to carry forward capital losses incurred in taxable years beginning after December 22, 2010 (“post-enactment losses”) for an unlimited period. Furthermore, post-enactment capital loss carryovers retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses rather than short-term as they were under previous statute.

The fund has an unused capital loss carryover of $181,855,164 available for federal income tax purposes to be applied against future net realized capital gains, if any, realized subsequent to May 31, 2014.These post-enactment long-term capital losses can be carried forward for an unlimited period.

The tax character of distributions paid to shareholders during the fiscal year ended May 31, 2014 was as follows: ordinary income $6,708,952. The tax character of current year distributions, if any, will be determined at the end of the current fiscal year.

The Fund 27


 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)

NOTE 2—Bank Lines of Credit:

The fund participates with other Dreyfus-managed funds in a $430 million unsecured credit facility led by Citibank, N.A. and a $300 million unsecured credit facility provided by The Bank of New York Mellon (each, a “Facility”), each to be utilized primarily for temporary or emergency purposes, including the financing of redemptions. Prior to October 8, 2014, the unsecured credit facility with Citibank, N.A. was $265 million. In connection therewith, the fund has agreed to pay its pro rata portion of commitment fees for each Facility. Interest is charged to the fund based on rates determined pursuant to the terms of the respective Facility at the time of borrowing.

The average amount of borrowings outstanding under the Facilities during the period ended November 30, 2014 was approximately $1,278,000 with a related weighted average annualized interest rate of 1.09%.

NOTE 3—Management Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates:

(a) Pursuant to a management agreement with the Manager, the management fee is computed at the annual rate of 1.25% of the value of the fund’s average daily net assets and is payable monthly.The Manager has agreed, from June 1, 2014 through October 1, 2015, to waive receipt of a portion of the fund’s management fee in the amount of .20% of the value of the fund’s average daily net assets.The reduction in expenses, pursuant to the undertaking, amounted to $788,043 during the period ended November 30, 2014.

During the period ended November 30, 2014, the Distributor retained $4,072 from commissions earned on sales of the fund’s Class A shares and $1,256 from CDSCs on redemptions of the fund’s Class C 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

28


 

assets. During the period ended November 30, 2014, Class C shares were charged $52,928 pursuant to the Distribution Plan.

(c) Under the Shareholder Services Plan, Class A and Class C shares pay the Distributor at an annual rate of .25% of the value of their average daily net assets for the provision of certain services. The services provided may include personal services relating to shareholder accounts, such as answering shareholder inquiries regarding the fund and providing reports and other information, and services related to the maintenance of shareholder accounts. The Distributor may make payments to Service Agents (securities dealers, financial institutions or other industry professionals) with respect to these services. The Distributor determines the amounts to be paid to Service Agents. During the period ended November 30, 2014, Class A and Class C shares were charged $141,960 and $17,643, respectively, pursuant to the Shareholder Services Plan.

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

The fund compensates Dreyfus Transfer, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Manager, under a transfer agency agreement for providing transfer agency and cash management services for the fund.The majority of transfer agency fees are comprised of amounts paid on a per account basis, while cash management fees are related to fund subscriptions and redemptions. During the period ended November 30, 2014, the fund was charged $55,523 for transfer agency services and $1,159 for cash management services. These fees are included in Shareholder servicing costs in the Statement of Operations. Cash management fees were partially offset by earnings credits of $44.

The Fund 29


 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)

The fund compensates The Bank of NewYork Mellon under a custody agreement for providing custodial services for the fund.These fees are determined based on net assets, geographic region and transaction activity. During the period ended November 30, 2014, the fund was charged $412,245 pursuant to the custody agreement.

During the period ended November 30, 2014, the fund was charged $3,616 for services performed by the Chief Compliance Officer and his staff.

The components of “Due to The Dreyfus Corporation and affiliates” in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities consist of: management fees $710,327, Distribution Plan fees $7,881, Shareholder Services Plan fees $23,479, custodian fees $368,978, Chief Compliance Officer fees $1,234 and transfer agency fees $76,612, which are offset against an expense reimbursement currently in effect in the amount of $113,249.

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

(e) A 2% redemption fee is charged and retained by the fund on certain shares redeemed within sixty days following the date of issuance subject to certain exceptions, including redemptions made through use of the fund’s exchange privilege. During the period ended November 30, 2014, redemption fees charged and retained by the fund amounted to $37,262.

NOTE 4—Securities Transactions:

The aggregate amount of purchases and sales of investment securities, excluding short-term securities and forward contracts, during the period ended November 30, 2014, amounted to $248,840,442 and $292,300,510, respectively.

Derivatives: A derivative is a financial instrument whose performance is derived from the performance of another asset. Each type of deriv-

30


 

ative instrument that was held by the fund during the period ended November 30, 2014 is discussed below.

Master Netting Arrangements: The fund enters into International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. Master Agreements or similar agreements (collectively,“Master Agreements”) with its over-the counter (“OTC”) derivative contract counterparties in order to, among other things, reduce its credit risk to counterparties. Master Agreements include provisions for general obligations, representations, collateral and events of default or termination. Under a Master Agreement, the fund may offset with the counterparty certain derivative financial instrument’s payables and/or receivables with collateral held and/or posted and create one single net payment in the event of default or termination.

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts: The fund enters into forward contracts in order to hedge its exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates on its foreign portfolio holdings, to settle foreign currency transactions or as a part of its investment strat-egy.When executing forward contracts, the fund is obligated to buy or sell a foreign currency at a specified rate on a certain date in the future. With respect to sales of forward contracts, the fund incurs a loss if the value of the contract increases between the date the forward contract is opened and the date the forward contract is closed.The fund realizes a gain if the value of the contract decreases between those dates.With respect to purchases of forward contracts, the fund incurs a loss if the value of the contract decreases between the date the forward contract is opened and the date the forward contract is closed.The fund realizes a gain if the value of the contract increases between those dates. Any realized or unrealized gains or losses which occurred during the period are reflected in the Statement of Operations. The fund is exposed to foreign currency risk as a result of changes in value of underlying financial instruments. The fund is also exposed to credit risk associated with counterparty nonperformance on these forward

The Fund 31


 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)

contracts, which is generally limited to the unrealized gain on each open contract. This risk is mitigated by Master Agreements between the fund and the counterparty.The following summarizes open forward contracts at November 30, 2014:

    Foreign       
Forward Foreign Currency   Currency      Unrealized 
Exchange Contracts   Amounts  Proceeds ($)  Value ($)  Appreciation ($) 
Sales:          
Hong Kong Dollar,          
Expiring          
    12/1/2014a  6,442,520  830,851  830,730  121 
Counterparty;          
a Bank of America          

 

The provisions of ASC Topic 210 “Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities” require disclosure on the offsetting of financial assets and liabilities. These disclosures are required for certain investments, including derivative financial instruments subject to Master Agreements which are eligible for offsetting in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities and require the fund to disclose both gross and net information with respect to such investments. For financial reporting purposes, the fund does not offset derivative assets and derivative liabilities that are subject to Master Agreements in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

At November 30, 2014, derivative assets (by type) on a gross basis are as follows:

Derivative Financial Instruments:  Assets ($) 
Forward contracts  121 
Total gross amount of derivative assets   
in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities  121 
Derivatives not subject to Master Agreements   
Total gross amount of assets   
subject to Master Agreements  121 

 

32


 

The following table presents derivative assets net of amounts available for offsetting under Master Agreements and net of related collateral received or pledged, if any, as of November 30, 2014:

    Financial     
    Instruments     
    and     
    Derivatives     
  Gross Amount of  Available  Collateral  Net Amount of 
Counterparty  Assets ($)1  for Offset ($)  Received ($)  Assets ($) 
Bank of America  121      121 

 

1  Absent a default event or early termination, OTC derivative assets are presented at gross amounts 
  and are not offset in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. 

 

The following summarizes the average market value of derivatives outstanding during the period ended November 30, 2014:

  Average Market Value ($) 
Forward contracts  3,044,905 

 

At November 30, 2014, accumulated net unrealized depreciation on investments was $17,475,441, consisting of $75,204,575 gross unrealized appreciation and $92,680,016 gross unrealized depreciation.

At November 30, 2014, the cost of investments for federal income tax purposes was substantially the same as the cost for financial reporting purposes (see the Statement of Investments).

The Fund 33


 

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

At a meeting of the fund’s Board of Directors held on September 23, 2014, the Board considered the renewal of the fund’s Management Agreement pursuant to which Dreyfus provides the fund with investment advisory and administrative services (the “Agreement”).The Board members, none of whom are “interested persons” (as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended) of the fund, were assisted in their review by independent legal counsel and met with counsel in executive session separate from Dreyfus representatives. In considering the renewal of the Agreement, the Board considered all factors that it believed to be relevant, including those discussed below. The Board did not identify any one factor as dispositive, and each Board member may have attributed different weights to the factors considered.

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

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

34


 

and practices (including policies and practices regarding soft dollars) and the standards applied in seeking best execution.

Comparative Analysis of the Fund’s Performance and Management Fee and Expense Ratio. The Board reviewed reports prepared by Lipper, Inc. (“Lipper”), an independent provider of investment company data, which included information comparing (1) the fund’s performance with the performance of a group of comparable funds (the “Performance Group”) and with a broader group of funds (the “Performance Universe”), all for various periods ended August 31, 2014, and (2) the fund’s actual and contractual management fees and total expenses with those of a group of comparable funds (the “Expense Group”) and with a broader group of funds (the “Expense Universe”), the information for which was derived in part from fund financial statements available to Lipper as of the date of its analysis. Dreyfus previously had furnished the Board with a description of the methodology Lipper used to select the Performance Group and Performance Universe and the Expense Group and Expense Universe.

Dreyfus representatives stated that the usefulness of performance comparisons may be affected by a number of factors, including different investment limitations that may be applicable to the fund and comparison funds. The Board discussed the results of the comparisons and noted that the fund’s total return performance was below the Performance Group and Performance Universe medians for all periods, except for the one- and two-year periods when the fund’s performance was above the Performance Group and Performance Universe medians. Dreyfus also provided a comparison of the fund’s calendar year total returns to the returns of the fund’s benchmark index.The Board noted that the fund’s performance was improving in recent periods and ranked in the first quartile in the Performance Group and Performance Universe for the one-year period.

The Board also reviewed the range of actual and contractual management fees and total expenses of the Expense Group and Expense

The Fund 35


 

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

Universe funds and discussed the results of the comparisons. The Board noted that the fund’s contractual management fee was above the Expense Group median, the fund’s actual management fee was at the Expense Group median and above the Expense Universe median and the fund’s total expense ratio was below the Expense Group and Expense Universe medians.

Dreyfus representatives noted that Dreyfus has contractually agreed, until October 1, 2015, to waive receipt of a portion of the fund’s management fee in the amount of .20% of the value of the fund’s average daily total assets.

Dreyfus representatives reviewed with the Board the management or investment advisory fees (1) paid by funds advised or administered by Dreyfus that are in the same Lipper category as the fund and (2) paid to Dreyfus or the Dreyfus affiliated primary employer of the fund’s primary portfolio manager(s) for advising any separate accounts and/or other types of client portfolios that are considered to have similar investment strategies and policies as the fund (the “Similar Clients”), and explained the nature of the Similar Clients. They discussed differences in fees paid and the relationship of the fees paid in light of any differences in the services provided and other relevant factors. The Board considered the relevance of the fee information provided for the Similar Clients to evaluate the appropriateness and reasonableness of the fund’s management fee.

Analysis of Profitability and Economies of Scale. Dreyfus representatives reviewed the expenses allocated and profit received by Dreyfus and its affiliates and the resulting profitability percentage for managing the fund and the aggregate profitability percentage to Dreyfus and its affiliates for managing the funds in the Dreyfus fund complex, and the method used to determine the expenses and profit. The Board concluded that the profitability results were not unreasonable, given the services rendered and service levels provided by Dreyfus. The Board also noted the fee waiver arrangement and its effect on the profitability of Dreyfus and its affiliates. The Board also had been provided with information prepared by an independent consulting firm regarding

36


 

Dreyfus’ approach to allocating costs to, and determining the profitability of, individual funds and the entire Dreyfus fund complex.The consulting firm also had analyzed where any economies of scale might emerge in connection with the management of a fund.

The Board considered on the advice of its counsel the profitability analysis (1) as part of its evaluation of whether the fees under the Agreement bear a reasonable relationship to the mix of services provided by Dreyfus, including the nature, extent and quality of such services, and (2) in light of the relevant circumstances for the fund and the extent to which economies of scale would be realized if the fund grows and whether fee levels reflect these economies of scale for the benefit of fund shareholders. Dreyfus representatives also noted that, as a result of shared and allocated costs among funds in the Dreyfus fund complex, the extent of economies of scale could depend substantially on the level of assets in the complex as a whole, so that increases and decreases in complex-wide assets can affect potential economies of scale in a manner that is disproportionate to, or even in the opposite direction from, changes in the fund’s asset level.The Board also considered potential benefits to Dreyfus from acting as investment adviser and noted the soft dollar arrangements in effect for trading the fund’s investments.

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

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

  • The Board generally was satisfied with the fund’s improved perfor- mance and determined to approve renewal of the Agreement only through March 30, 2015.

  • The Board concluded that the fee paid to Dreyfus was reasonable in light of the considerations described above.

The Fund 37


 

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

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

In evaluating the Agreement, the Board considered these conclusions and determinations and also relied on its previous knowledge, gained through meetings and other interactions with Dreyfus and its affiliates, of the fund and the services provided to the fund by Dreyfus.The Board also relied on information received on a routine and regular basis throughout the year relating to the operations of the fund and the investment management and other services provided under the Agreement, including information on the investment performance of the fund in comparison to similar mutual funds and benchmark performance indices; general market outlook as applicable to the fund; and compliance reports. In addition, the Board’s consideration of the contractual fee arrangements for this fund had the benefit of a number of years of reviews of prior or similar agreements during which lengthy discussions took place between the Board and Dreyfus representatives. Certain aspects of the arrangements may receive greater scrutiny in some years than in others, and the Board’s conclusions may be based, in part, on their consideration of the same or similar arrangements in prior years. The Board determined to renew the Agreement through March 30, 2015.

38


 


 

NOTES


 


 

For More Information


Telephone Call your financial representative or 1-800-DREYFUS

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

The fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The fund’s Forms N-Q are available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov and may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330.

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 http://www.dreyfus.com and on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. The description of the policies and procedures is also available without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-DREYFUS.



 

 

 

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.  [CLOSED END FUNDS ONLY]

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

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

Item 11.     Controls and Procedures.

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

 


 

 

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

Item 12.     Exhibits.

(a)(1)   Not applicable.

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

(a)(3)   Not applicable.

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

 


 

 

 

SIGNATURES

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

Dreyfus International Funds, Inc.

By:       _/s/ Bradley J. Skapyak_____

            Bradley J. Skapyak,

            President

 

Date:    January 22, 2015

 

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

 

By:       _/s/ Bradley J. Skapyak_____

            Bradley J. Skapyak,

            President

 

Date:    January 22, 2015

 

By:       _/s/ James Windels ________

            James Windels,

            Treasurer

 

Date:    January 22, 2015

 

 

 

EXHIBIT INDEX

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

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