08/28/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/28/2024 12:20
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 811-03081
BNY Mellon Appreciation Fund, 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: 12/31
Date of reporting period: 06/30/24
FORM N-CSR
Item 1. Reports to Stockholders.
BNY Mellon Appreciation Fund, Inc. |
SEMI-ANNUAL JUNE 30, 2024 |
Investor Shares - DGAGX
This semi-annual shareholder report contains important information about BNY Mellon Appreciation Fund, Inc. (the "Fund") for the period of January 1, 2024 to June 30, 2024. You can find additional information about the Fund at im.bnymellon.com/literaturecenter. You can also request this information by calling 1-800-373-9387 (inside the U.S. only) or by sending an e-mail request to [email protected].
What were the Fund's costs for the last six months?
(based on a hypothetical $10,000 investment)
Share Class |
Costs of a $10,000 investment |
Costs paid as a percentage of a $10,000 investment |
Investor Shares |
$46 |
0.87%* |
* |
Annualized |
KEY FUND STATISTICS (AS OF 6/30/24)
Fund Size (Millions) |
Number of Holdings |
Portfolio Turnover |
$2,292 |
49 |
10.40% |
Portfolio Holdings (as of 6/30/24)
Top Ten Holdings (Based on Net Assets)*
* Excludes money market funds or other short-term securities held for the investment of cash and cash collateral for securities loaned, if any.
Not FDIC Insured. Not Bank-Guaranteed. May Lose Value |
Sector Allocation (Based on Net Assets)
For additional information about the Fund, including its prospectus, financial information, portfolio holdings and proxy voting information, please visit im.bnymellon.com/literaturecenter.
© 2024 BNY Mellon Securities Corporation, Distributor, |
BNY Mellon Appreciation Fund, Inc. |
SEMI-ANNUAL JUNE 30, 2024 |
Class I - DGIGX
This semi-annual shareholder report contains important information about BNY Mellon Appreciation Fund, Inc. (the "Fund") for the period of January 1, 2024 to June 30, 2024. You can find additional information about the Fund at im.bnymellon.com/literaturecenter. You can also request this information by calling 1-800-373-9387 (inside the U.S. only) or by sending an e-mail request to [email protected].
What were the Fund's costs for the last six months?
(based on a hypothetical $10,000 investment)
Share Class |
Costs of a $10,000 investment |
Costs paid as a percentage of a $10,000 investment |
Class I |
$34 |
0.65%* |
* |
Annualized |
KEY FUND STATISTICS (AS OF 6/30/24)
Fund Size (Millions) |
Number of Holdings |
Portfolio Turnover |
$2,292 |
49 |
10.40% |
Portfolio Holdings (as of 6/30/24)
Top Ten Holdings (Based on Net Assets)*
* Excludes money market funds or other short-term securities held for the investment of cash and cash collateral for securities loaned, if any.
Not FDIC Insured. Not Bank-Guaranteed. May Lose Value |
Sector Allocation (Based on Net Assets)
For additional information about the Fund, including its prospectus, financial information, portfolio holdings and proxy voting information, please visit im.bnymellon.com/literaturecenter.
© 2024 BNY Mellon Securities Corporation, Distributor, |
BNY Mellon Appreciation Fund, Inc. |
SEMI-ANNUAL JUNE 30, 2024 |
Class Y - DGYGX
This semi-annual shareholder report contains important information about BNY Mellon Appreciation Fund, Inc. (the "Fund") for the period of January 1, 2024 to June 30, 2024. You can find additional information about the Fund at im.bnymellon.com/literaturecenter. You can also request this information by calling 1-800-373-9387 (inside the U.S. only) or by sending an e-mail request to [email protected].
What were the Fund's costs for the last six months?
(based on a hypothetical $10,000 investment)
Share Class |
Costs of a $10,000 investment |
Costs paid as a percentage of a $10,000 investment |
Class Y |
$30 |
0.58%* |
* |
Annualized |
KEY FUND STATISTICS (AS OF 6/30/24)
Fund Size (Millions) |
Number of Holdings |
Portfolio Turnover |
$2,292 |
49 |
10.40% |
Portfolio Holdings (as of 6/30/24)
Top Ten Holdings (Based on Net Assets)*
* Excludes money market funds or other short-term securities held for the investment of cash and cash collateral for securities loaned, if any.
Not FDIC Insured. Not Bank-Guaranteed. May Lose Value |
Sector Allocation (Based on Net Assets)
For additional information about the Fund, including its prospectus, financial information, portfolio holdings and proxy voting information, please visit im.bnymellon.com/literaturecenter.
© 2024 BNY Mellon Securities Corporation, Distributor, |
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.
Not applicable.
BNY Mellon Appreciation Fund, Inc.
SEMI-ANNUAL FINANCIALS AND OTHER INFORMATION June 30, 2024 |
Class |
Ticker |
Investor |
DGAGX |
I |
DGIGX |
Y |
DGYGX |
IMPORTANT NOTICE - CHANGES TO ANNUAL AND SEMI-ANNUAL REPORTS The Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") has adopted rule and form amendments which have resulted in changes to the design and delivery of annual and semi-annual fund reports ("Reports"). Reports are now streamlined to highlight key information. Certain information previously included in Reports, including financial statements, no longer appear in the Reports but will be available online within the Semi-Annual and Annual Financials and Other Information, delivered free of charge to shareholders upon request, and filed with the SEC. |
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
T H E F U N D
Please note the Semi-Annual Financials and Other Information only contains Items 7-11 required in
Form N-CSR. All other required items will be filed with the SEC.
Item 7. Financial Statements and Financial Highlights for Open-End Management |
3 |
Statement of Investments |
3 |
Statement of Assets and Liabilities |
6 |
Statement of Operations |
7 |
Statement of Changes in Net Assets |
8 |
Financial Highlights |
9 |
Notes to Financial Statements |
12 |
Item 8. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants for |
17 |
Item 9. Proxy Disclosures for Open-End Management Investment Companies |
18 |
Item 10. Remuneration Paid to Directors, Officers, and Others of |
19 |
Item 11. Statement Regarding Basis for Approval of Investment Advisory Contract |
20 |
Item 7. Financial Statements and Financial Highlights for Open-End Management Investment Companies.
BNY Mellon Appreciation Fund, Inc.
Statement of Investments
June 30, 2024 (Unaudited)
Description |
Shares |
Value ($) |
|||||
Common Stocks - 99.8% |
|||||||
Capital Goods - 2.4% |
|||||||
BAE Systems PLC |
2,747,000 |
45,836,771 |
|||||
Otis Worldwide Corp. |
93,120 |
8,963,731 |
|||||
54,800,502 |
|||||||
Commercial & Professional Services - 1.3% |
|||||||
Automatic Data Processing, Inc. |
66,910 |
15,970,748 |
|||||
Verisk Analytics, Inc. |
52,850 |
14,245,718 |
|||||
30,216,466 |
|||||||
Consumer Discretionary Distribution & Retail - 6.0% |
|||||||
Amazon.com, Inc. |
655,165 |
a |
126,610,636 |
||||
The Home Depot, Inc. |
30,000 |
10,327,200 |
|||||
136,937,836 |
|||||||
Consumer Durables & Apparel - 3.7% |
|||||||
Hermes International SCA |
8,420 |
19,297,234 |
|||||
LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE |
61,205 |
46,774,692 |
|||||
NIKE, Inc., Cl. B |
238,495 |
17,975,368 |
|||||
84,047,294 |
|||||||
Consumer Services - 2.6% |
|||||||
Marriott International, Inc., Cl. A |
111,835 |
27,038,348 |
|||||
McDonald's Corp. |
127,835 |
32,577,471 |
|||||
59,615,819 |
|||||||
Energy - 4.4% |
|||||||
Chevron Corp. |
411,695 |
64,397,332 |
|||||
Exxon Mobil Corp. |
321,775 |
37,042,738 |
|||||
101,440,070 |
|||||||
Financial Services - 14.5% |
|||||||
Berkshire Hathaway, Inc., Cl. A |
79 |
a |
48,367,039 |
||||
BlackRock, Inc. |
61,905 |
48,739,045 |
|||||
CME Group, Inc. |
122,500 |
24,083,500 |
|||||
Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. |
283,880 |
38,860,333 |
|||||
Mastercard, Inc., Cl. A |
77,930 |
34,379,599 |
|||||
S&P Global, Inc. |
125,362 |
55,911,452 |
|||||
Visa, Inc., Cl. A |
308,070 |
b |
80,859,133 |
||||
331,200,101 |
|||||||
Food, Beverage & Tobacco - 2.5% |
|||||||
PepsiCo, Inc. |
204,540 |
33,734,782 |
|||||
The Coca-Cola Company |
375,545 |
23,903,439 |
|||||
57,638,221 |
|||||||
Health Care Equipment & Services - 6.3% |
|||||||
Abbott Laboratories |
313,200 |
32,544,612 |
|||||
Intuitive Surgical, Inc. |
89,800 |
a |
39,947,530 |
||||
UnitedHealth Group, Inc. |
143,065 |
72,857,282 |
|||||
145,349,424 |
|||||||
Household & Personal Products - .6% |
|||||||
The Procter & Gamble Company |
78,020 |
12,867,058 |
|||||
Insurance - 2.0% |
|||||||
The Progressive Corp. |
217,470 |
45,170,694 |
3
Statement of Investments (Unaudited) (continued)
Description |
Shares |
Value ($) |
|||||
Common Stocks - 99.8% (continued) |
|||||||
Materials - 1.1% |
|||||||
The Sherwin-Williams Company |
88,130 |
26,300,636 |
|||||
Media & Entertainment - 4.9% |
|||||||
Alphabet, Inc., Cl. C |
581,415 |
106,643,139 |
|||||
Comcast Corp., Cl. A |
161,785 |
6,335,501 |
|||||
112,978,640 |
|||||||
Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology & Life Sciences - 8.6% |
|||||||
AstraZeneca PLC, ADR |
355,000 |
27,686,450 |
|||||
Eli Lilly & Co. |
25,000 |
22,634,500 |
|||||
Novo Nordisk A/S, ADR |
890,920 |
127,169,921 |
|||||
Zoetis, Inc. |
118,600 |
20,560,496 |
|||||
198,051,367 |
|||||||
Real Estate Management & Development - 1.0% |
|||||||
CoStar Group, Inc. |
295,000 |
a |
21,871,300 |
||||
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment - 10.7% |
|||||||
ASML Holding NV |
80,700 |
82,534,311 |
|||||
NVIDIA Corp. |
420,000 |
51,886,800 |
|||||
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd., ADR |
210,500 |
36,587,005 |
|||||
Texas Instruments, Inc. |
379,225 |
73,770,639 |
|||||
244,778,755 |
|||||||
Software & Services - 16.2% |
|||||||
Adobe, Inc. |
74,445 |
a |
41,357,175 |
||||
Gartner, Inc. |
29,620 |
a |
13,301,157 |
||||
Intuit, Inc. |
83,150 |
54,647,011 |
|||||
Microsoft Corp. |
509,825 |
227,866,284 |
|||||
ServiceNow, Inc. |
44,650 |
a |
35,124,816 |
||||
372,296,443 |
|||||||
Technology Hardware & Equipment - 7.3% |
|||||||
Apple, Inc. |
789,650 |
166,316,083 |
|||||
Transportation - 3.7% |
|||||||
Canadian Pacific Kansas City Ltd. |
395,245 |
31,117,639 |
|||||
Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc. |
100,000 |
17,660,000 |
|||||
Union Pacific Corp. |
156,985 |
35,519,426 |
|||||
84,297,065 |
|||||||
Total Common Stocks (cost $816,198,016) |
2,286,173,774 |
||||||
1-Day |
|||||||
Investment Companies - .6% |
|||||||
Registered Investment Companies - .6% |
|||||||
Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Government Plus Money Market Fund, Institutional Shares |
5.42 |
14,026,840 |
c |
14,026,840 |
|||
Total Investments (cost $830,224,856) |
100.4% |
2,300,200,614 |
|||||
Liabilities, Less Cash and Receivables |
(.4%) |
(8,245,626) |
|||||
Net Assets |
100.0% |
2,291,954,988 |
ADR-American Depositary Receipt
a Non-income producing security.
b Security, or portion thereof, on loan. At June 30, 2024, the value of the fund's securities on loan was $25,592,400 and the value of the collateral was $26,531,868, consisting of U.S. Government & Agency securities. In addition, the value of collateral may include pending sales that are also on loan.
c Investment in affiliated issuer. The investment objective of this investment company is publicly available and can be found within the investment company's prospectus.
4
Affiliated Issuers |
||||||
Description |
Value ($) |
Purchases ($)† |
Sales ($) |
Value ($) |
Dividends/ |
|
Registered Investment Companies - .6% |
||||||
Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Government Plus Money Market Fund, Institutional Shares - .6% |
10,476,361 |
148,386,543 |
(144,836,064) |
14,026,840 |
293,485 |
|
Investment of Cash Collateral for Securities Loaned - .0% |
||||||
Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Government Plus Money Market Fund, Institutional Shares - .0% |
- |
18,708,764 |
(18,708,764) |
- |
51,200 |
†† |
Total - .6% |
10,476,361 |
167,095,307 |
(163,544,828) |
14,026,840 |
344,685 |
† Includes reinvested dividends/distributions.
†† Represents securities lending income earned from the reinvestment of cash collateral from loaned securities, net of fees and collateral investment expenses, and other payments to and from borrowers of securities.
See notes to financial statements.
5
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
June 30, 2024 (Unaudited)
Cost |
Value |
|||||
Assets ($): |
||||||
Investments in securities-See Statement of Investments |
||||||
Unaffiliated issuers |
816,198,016 |
2,286,173,774 |
||||
Affiliated issuers |
14,026,840 |
14,026,840 |
||||
Tax reclaim receivable-Note 1(b) |
789,647 |
|||||
Dividends and securities lending income receivable |
560,674 |
|||||
Receivable for shares of Common Stock subscribed |
472,389 |
|||||
Prepaid expenses |
86,035 |
|||||
2,302,109,359 |
||||||
Liabilities ($): |
||||||
Due to BNY Mellon Investment Adviser, Inc. and affiliates-Note 3(b) |
1,056,961 |
|||||
Due to Fayez Sarofim & Co., LLC |
409,879 |
|||||
Cash overdraft due to Custodian |
218,422 |
|||||
Payable for shares of Common Stock redeemed |
8,239,874 |
|||||
Directors' fees and expenses payable |
4,223 |
|||||
Other accrued expenses |
225,012 |
|||||
10,154,371 |
||||||
Net Assets ($) |
2,291,954,988 |
|||||
Composition of Net Assets ($): |
||||||
Paid-in capital |
596,832,996 |
|||||
Total distributable earnings (loss) |
1,695,121,992 |
|||||
Net Assets ($) |
2,291,954,988 |
Net Asset Value Per Share |
Investor Shares |
Class I |
Class Y |
|
Net Assets ($) |
1,763,521,347 |
341,796,880 |
186,636,761 |
|
Shares Outstanding |
40,111,148 |
7,845,455 |
4,269,765 |
|
Net Asset Value Per Share ($) |
43.97 |
43.57 |
43.71 |
|
See notes to financial statements. |
6
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
Six Months Ended June 30, 2024 (Unaudited)
Investment Income ($): |
||||||
Income: |
||||||
Cash dividends (net of $395,426 foreign taxes withheld at source): |
||||||
Unaffiliated issuers |
14,356,407 |
|||||
Affiliated issuers |
293,485 |
|||||
Income from securities lending-Note 1(c) |
51,200 |
|||||
Total Income |
14,701,092 |
|||||
Expenses: |
||||||
Management fee-Note 3(a) |
3,751,443 |
|||||
Shareholder servicing costs-Note 3(b) |
2,726,389 |
|||||
Sub-advisory fee-Note 3(a) |
2,453,951 |
|||||
Directors' fees and expenses-Note 3(c) |
90,209 |
|||||
Prospectus and shareholders' reports |
78,516 |
|||||
Professional fees |
51,006 |
|||||
Registration fees |
40,380 |
|||||
Loan commitment fees-Note 2 |
25,681 |
|||||
Custodian fees-Note 3(b) |
21,628 |
|||||
Chief Compliance Officer fees-Note 3(b) |
12,813 |
|||||
Miscellaneous |
20,079 |
|||||
Total Expenses |
9,272,095 |
|||||
Less-reduction in fees due to earnings credits-Note 3(b) |
(64,939) |
|||||
Net Expenses |
9,207,156 |
|||||
Net Investment Income |
5,493,936 |
|||||
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments-Note 4 ($): |
||||||
Net realized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency transactions |
223,870,458 |
|||||
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments |
949,257 |
|||||
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments |
224,819,715 |
|||||
Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations |
230,313,651 |
|||||
See notes to financial statements. |
7
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
Six Months Ended |
Year Ended |
||||||||
Operations ($): |
|||||||||
Net investment income |
5,493,936 |
14,985,566 |
|||||||
Net realized gain (loss) on investments |
223,870,458 |
157,264,542 |
|||||||
Net change in unrealized appreciation |
949,257 |
237,875,852 |
|||||||
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets |
230,313,651 |
410,125,960 |
|||||||
Distributions ($): |
|||||||||
Distributions to shareholders: |
|||||||||
Investor Shares |
(44,926,254) |
(121,615,237) |
|||||||
Class I |
(9,324,732) |
(25,700,094) |
|||||||
Class Y |
(5,263,328) |
(14,068,717) |
|||||||
Total Distributions |
(59,514,314) |
(161,384,048) |
|||||||
Capital Stock Transactions ($): |
|||||||||
Net proceeds from shares sold: |
|||||||||
Investor Shares |
14,074,270 |
29,456,355 |
|||||||
Class I |
31,166,931 |
87,145,211 |
|||||||
Class Y |
11,733,583 |
31,820,723 |
|||||||
Distributions reinvested: |
|||||||||
Investor Shares |
42,608,801 |
115,411,147 |
|||||||
Class I |
8,272,997 |
22,538,093 |
|||||||
Class Y |
4,806,982 |
12,791,961 |
|||||||
Cost of shares redeemed: |
|||||||||
Investor Shares |
(114,216,178) |
(158,943,511) |
|||||||
Class I |
(64,551,790) |
(109,275,002) |
|||||||
Class Y |
(31,916,638) |
(44,800,150) |
|||||||
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets |
(98,021,042) |
(13,855,173) |
|||||||
Total Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets |
72,778,295 |
234,886,739 |
|||||||
Net Assets ($): |
|||||||||
Beginning of Period |
2,219,176,693 |
1,984,289,954 |
|||||||
End of Period |
2,291,954,988 |
2,219,176,693 |
|||||||
Capital Share Transactions (Shares): |
|||||||||
Investor Sharesa |
|||||||||
Shares sold |
332,958 |
754,993 |
|||||||
Shares issued for distributions reinvested |
1,002,712 |
2,925,897 |
|||||||
Shares redeemed |
(2,682,803) |
(4,053,037) |
|||||||
Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares Outstanding |
(1,347,133) |
(372,147) |
|||||||
Class Ia |
|||||||||
Shares sold |
745,172 |
2,253,926 |
|||||||
Shares issued for distributions reinvested |
196,320 |
576,481 |
|||||||
Shares redeemed |
(1,551,152) |
(2,832,387) |
|||||||
Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares Outstanding |
(609,660) |
(1,980) |
|||||||
Class Y |
|||||||||
Shares sold |
278,966 |
819,654 |
|||||||
Shares issued for distributions reinvested |
113,669 |
326,167 |
|||||||
Shares redeemed |
(749,492) |
(1,144,583) |
|||||||
Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares Outstanding |
(356,857) |
1,238 |
|||||||
a |
During the period ended June 30, 2024, 34,822 Investor shares representing $1,483,782 were exchanged for 35,136 Class I shares and during the period ended December 31, 2023, 11,336 Investor shares representing $460,697 were exchanged for 11,428 Class I shares. |
||||||||
See notes to financial statements. |
8
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The following tables describe the performance for each share class for the fiscal periods indicated. All information (except portfolio turnover rate) reflects financial results for a single fund share. Net asset value total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption at net asset value on the last day of the period. Net asset value total return includes adjustments in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and as such, the net asset value for financial reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions.
Six Months Ended |
|||||||||
Investor Shares |
June 30, 2024 |
Year Ended December 31, |
|||||||
(Unaudited) |
2023 |
2022 |
2021 |
2020 |
2019 |
||||
Per Share Data ($): |
|||||||||
Net asset value, |
40.76 |
36.20 |
48.09 |
39.40 |
33.69 |
27.72 |
|||
Investment Operations: |
|||||||||
Net investment incomea |
.09 |
.25 |
.22 |
.17 |
.23 |
.31 |
|||
Net realized and unrealized |
4.22 |
7.34 |
(8.79) |
10.40 |
7.56 |
9.20 |
|||
Total from Investment Operations |
4.31 |
7.59 |
(8.57) |
10.57 |
7.79 |
9.51 |
|||
Distributions: |
|||||||||
Dividends from |
(.09) |
(.26) |
(.23) |
(.16) |
(.23) |
(.32) |
|||
Dividends from net realized |
(1.01) |
(2.77) |
(3.09) |
(1.72) |
(1.85) |
(3.22) |
|||
Total Distributions |
(1.10) |
(3.03) |
(3.32) |
(1.88) |
(2.08) |
(3.54) |
|||
Net asset value, end of period |
43.97 |
40.76 |
36.20 |
48.09 |
39.40 |
33.69 |
|||
Total Return (%) |
10.69b |
21.40 |
(17.95) |
27.03 |
24.01 |
35.14 |
|||
Ratios/Supplemental Data (%): |
|||||||||
Ratio of total expenses |
.88c |
.89 |
.88 |
.88 |
.89 |
.89 |
|||
Ratio of net expenses |
.87c |
.87 |
.88 |
.88 |
.89 |
.89 |
|||
Ratio of net investment income |
.43c |
.65 |
.55 |
.37 |
.66 |
.97 |
|||
Portfolio Turnover Rate |
10.40b |
3.76 |
9.01 |
4.43 |
9.52 |
4.73 |
|||
Net Assets, |
1,763,521 |
1,690,039 |
1,514,145 |
2,025,070 |
1,695,878 |
1,527,482 |
a Based on average shares outstanding.
b Not annualized.
c Annualized.
See notes to financial statements.
9
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)
Six Months Ended |
|||||||||||
Class I Shares |
June 30, 2024 |
Year Ended December 31, |
|||||||||
(Unaudited) |
2023 |
2022 |
2021 |
2020 |
2019 |
||||||
Per Share Data ($): |
|||||||||||
Net asset value, |
40.40 |
35.90 |
47.74 |
39.12 |
33.47 |
27.55 |
|||||
Investment Operations: |
|||||||||||
Net investment incomea |
.14 |
.34 |
.31 |
.26 |
.30 |
.39 |
|||||
Net realized and unrealized |
4.18 |
7.28 |
(8.74) |
10.34 |
7.52 |
9.15 |
|||||
Total from Investment Operations |
4.32 |
7.62 |
(8.43) |
10.60 |
7.82 |
9.54 |
|||||
Distributions: |
|||||||||||
Dividends from |
(.14) |
(.35) |
(.32) |
(.26) |
(.32) |
(.40) |
|||||
Dividends from net realized |
(1.01) |
(2.77) |
(3.09) |
(1.72) |
(1.85) |
(3.22) |
|||||
Total Distributions |
(1.15) |
(3.12) |
(3.41) |
(1.98) |
(2.17) |
(3.62) |
|||||
Net asset value, end of period |
43.57 |
40.40 |
35.90 |
47.74 |
39.12 |
33.47 |
|||||
Total Return (%) |
10.80b |
21.69 |
(17.77) |
27.34 |
24.30 |
35.50 |
|||||
Ratios/Supplemental Data (%): |
|||||||||||
Ratio of total expenses |
.65c |
.66 |
.66 |
.65 |
.66 |
.65 |
|||||
Ratio of net expenses |
.65c |
.66 |
.66 |
.65 |
.66 |
.65 |
|||||
Ratio of net investment income |
.66c |
.88 |
.77 |
.59 |
.88 |
1.21 |
|||||
Portfolio Turnover Rate |
10.40b |
3.76 |
9.01 |
4.43 |
9.52 |
4.73 |
|||||
Net Assets, |
341,797 |
341,607 |
303,603 |
423,979 |
291,289 |
131,573 |
a Based on average shares outstanding.
b Not annualized.
c Annualized.
See notes to financial statements.
10
Six Months Ended |
|||||||||||
Class Y Shares |
June 30, 2024 |
Year Ended December 31, |
|||||||||
(Unaudited) |
2023 |
2022 |
2021 |
2020 |
2019 |
||||||
Per Share Data ($): |
|||||||||||
Net asset value, |
40.53 |
36.01 |
47.87 |
39.23 |
33.55 |
27.61 |
|||||
Investment Operations: |
|||||||||||
Net investment incomea |
.15 |
.37 |
.34 |
.29 |
.32 |
.41 |
|||||
Net realized and unrealized |
4.20 |
7.29 |
(8.76) |
10.36 |
7.55 |
9.17 |
|||||
Total from Investment Operations |
4.35 |
7.66 |
(8.42) |
10.65 |
7.87 |
9.58 |
|||||
Distributions: |
|||||||||||
Dividends from |
(.16) |
(.37) |
(.35) |
(.29) |
(.34) |
(.42) |
|||||
Dividends from net realized |
(1.01) |
(2.77) |
(3.09) |
(1.72) |
(1.85) |
(3.22) |
|||||
Total Distributions |
(1.17) |
(3.14) |
(3.44) |
(2.01) |
(2.19) |
(3.64) |
|||||
Net asset value, end of period |
43.71 |
40.53 |
36.01 |
47.87 |
39.23 |
33.55 |
|||||
Total Return (%) |
10.83b |
21.76 |
(17.70) |
27.40 |
24.41 |
35.58 |
|||||
Ratios/Supplemental Data (%): |
|||||||||||
Ratio of total expenses |
.59c |
.59 |
.59 |
.59 |
.59 |
.59 |
|||||
Ratio of net expenses |
.58c |
.59 |
.59 |
.59 |
.59 |
.59 |
|||||
Ratio of net investment income |
.72c |
.94 |
.85 |
.66 |
.92 |
1.28 |
|||||
Portfolio Turnover Rate |
10.40b |
3.76 |
9.01 |
4.43 |
9.52 |
4.73 |
|||||
Net Assets, |
186,637 |
187,530 |
166,542 |
217,653 |
152,396 |
58,929 |
a Based on average shares outstanding.
b Not annualized.
c Annualized.
See notes to financial statements.
11
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
NOTE 1-Significant Accounting Policies:
BNY Mellon Appreciation Fund, Inc. (the "fund"), which is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "Act"), is a diversified open-end management investment company. The fund's investment objective is to seek long-term capital growth consistent with the preservation of capital. Its secondary goal is current income. BNY Mellon Investment Adviser, Inc. (the "Adviser"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation ("BNY"), serves as the fund's investment adviser. Fayez Sarofim & Co., LLC (the "Sub-Adviser"), serves as the fund's sub-adviser.
BNY Mellon Securities Corporation (the "Distributor"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, is the distributor of the fund's shares, which are sold without a sales charge. The fund is authorized to issue 500 million shares of $.001 par value Common Stock. The fund currently has authorized three classes of shares: Investor (300 million shares authorized), Class I (100 million shares authorized) and Class Y (100 million shares authorized). Investor shares are sold primarily to retail investors through financial intermediaries and bear Shareholder Services Plan fees. Class I shares are sold primarily to bank trust departments and other financial service providers (including BNY and its affiliates), acting on behalf of customers having a qualified trust or an investment account or relationship at such institution, and bear no Shareholder Services Plan fees. Class Y shares are sold at net asset value per share generally to institutional investors, and bear no Shareholder Services Plan fees. Other differences between the classes include the services offered to and the expenses borne by each class, the allocation of certain transfer agency costs and certain voting rights. Income, expenses (other than expenses attributable to a specific class), and realized and unrealized gains or losses on investments are allocated to each class of shares based on its relative net assets.
The Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") is the exclusive reference of authoritative U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") recognized by the FASB to be applied by nongovernmental entities. Rules and interpretive releases of the 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 fund enters into contracts that contain a variety of indemnifications. The fund's maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. The fund does not anticipate recognizing any loss related to these arrangements.
(a) Portfolio valuation:The fair value of a financial instrument is the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (i.e., the exit price). GAAP establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs of valuation techniques used to measure fair value. This hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements).
Additionally, GAAP provides guidance on determining whether the volume and activity in a market has decreased significantly and whether such a decrease in activity results in transactions that are not orderly. GAAP requires enhanced disclosures around valuation inputs and techniques used during annual and interim periods.
Various inputs are used in determining the value of the fund's investments relating to fair value measurements. These inputs are summarized in the three broad levels listed below:
Level 1-unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical investments.
Level 2-other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar investments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.).
Level 3-significant unobservable inputs (including the fund's own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).
The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.
Changes in valuation techniques may result in transfers in or out of an assigned level within the disclosure hierarchy. Valuation techniques used to value the fund's investments are as follows:
12
The fund's Board of Directors (the "Board") has designated the Adviser as the fund's valuation designee 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 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 (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 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.
Investments denominated in foreign currencies are translated to U.S. dollars at the prevailing rates of exchange.
The following is a summary of the inputs used as of June 30, 2024 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 |
2,286,173,774 |
- |
- |
2,286,173,774 |
||
Investment Companies |
14,026,840 |
- |
- |
14,026,840 |
† See Statement of Investments for additional detailed categorizations, if any.
(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.
13
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
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 June 30, 2024, if any, are disclosed in the fund's Statement of Assets and Liabilities.
(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, 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. Any non-cash collateral received cannot be sold or re-pledged by the fund, except in the event of borrower default. The securities on loan, if any, are also disclosed in the fund's Statement of Investments. 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 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 June 30, 2024, BNY earned $6,981 from the lending of the fund's portfolio securities, pursuant to the securities lending agreement.
For financial reporting purposes, the fund elects not to offset assets and liabilities subject to a securities lending agreement, if any, in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Therefore, all qualifying transactions are presented on a gross basis in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. As of June 30, 2024, the fund had securities lending and the impact of netting of assets and liabilities and the offsetting of collateral pledged or received, if any, based on contractual netting/set-off provisions in the securities lending agreement are detailed in the following table:
Assets ($) |
Liabilities ($) |
|||||
Securities Lending |
25,592,400 |
- |
||||
Total gross amount of assets and |
25,592,400 |
- |
||||
Collateral (received)/posted not offset |
(25,592,400) |
1 |
- |
|||
Net amount |
- |
- |
||||
1 |
The value of the related collateral received by the fund normally exceeded the value of the securities loaned by the fund pursuant to the securities lending agreement. In addition, the value of collateral may include pending sales that are also on loan. See Statement of Investments for detailed information regarding collateral received for open securities lending. |
(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. In addition, turbulence in financial markets and reduced liquidity in equity, credit and/or fixed-income markets may negatively affect many issuers, which could adversely affect the fund. Global economies and financial markets are becoming increasingly interconnected, and conditions and events in one country, region or financial market may adversely impact issuers in a different country, region or financial market. These risks may be magnified if certain events or developments adversely interrupt the global supply chain; in these and other circumstances, such risks might affect companies world-wide.
Foreign Investment Risk: To the extent the fund invests in foreign securities, the fund's performance will be influenced by political, social and economic factors affecting investments in foreign issuers. Special risks associated with investments in foreign
14
issuers include exposure to currency fluctuations, less liquidity, less developed or less efficient trading markets, lack of comprehensive company information, political and economic instability and differing auditing and legal standards.
(f) Dividends and distributions to shareholders: Dividends and distributions are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Dividends from net investment income are normally declared and paid quarterly. 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 June 30, 2024, 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 June 30, 2024, the fund did not incur any interest or penalties.
Each tax year in the three-year period ended December 31, 2023 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 December 31, 2023 was as follows: ordinary income $15,092,159 and long-term capital gains $146,291,889. The tax character of current year distributions will be determined at the end of the current fiscal year.
NOTE 2-Bank Lines of Credit:
The fund participates with other long-term open-end funds managed by the Adviser in a $738 million unsecured credit facility led by Citibank, N.A. (the "Citibank Credit Facility") and a $300 million unsecured credit facility provided by BNY (the "BNY 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 $618 million and is available to all long-term open-ended funds, including the fund, and (ii) Tranche B is an amount equal to $120 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 BNY Credit Facility. Interest is charged to the fund based on rates determined pursuant to the terms of the respective Facility at the time of borrowing. During the period ended June 30, 2024, the fund did not borrow under the Facilities.
NOTE 3-Management Fee, Sub-Advisory Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates:
(a) Pursuant to an investment advisory agreement with the Adviser, the management fee is computed at the annual rate of .3325% of the value of the fund's average daily net assets. Pursuant to a sub-investment advisory agreement with the Sub-Adviser, the fund pays the Sub-Adviser a monthly sub-advisory fee at the annual rate of .2175% of the value of the fund's average daily net assets. Both fees are payable monthly.
(b) Under the Shareholder Services Plan, Investor shares pay the Distributor at an annual rate of .25% of the value of its 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 June 30, 2024, the fund was charged $2,158,264 pursuant to the Shareholder Services Plan.
The fund has an arrangement with BNY Mellon Transfer, Inc., (the "Transfer Agent"), a subsidiary of BNY and an affiliate of the 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.
15
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
The fund has an arrangement with The Bank of New York Mellon (the "Custodian"), a subsidiary of BNY 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 June 30, 2024, the fund was charged $124,329 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 $64,939.
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 June 30, 2024, the fund was charged $21,628 pursuant to the custody agreement.
During the period ended June 30, 2024, the fund was charged $12,813 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 $626,597, Shareholder Services Plan fees of $361,960, Custodian fees of $21,270, Chief Compliance Officer fees of $3,773 and Transfer Agent fees of $43,361.
(c)Each board member of the fund also serves as a board member of other funds in the BNY Mellon Family of Funds complex. Annual retainer fees and meeting attendance fees are allocated to each fund based on net assets.
NOTE 4-Securities Transactions:
The aggregate amount of purchases and sales of investment securities, excluding short-term securities during the period ended June 30, 2024, amounted to $233,695,192 and $377,947,922, respectively.
At June 30, 2024, accumulated net unrealized appreciation on investments was $1,469,975,758, consisting of $1,475,990,900 gross unrealized appreciation and $6,015,142 gross unrealized depreciation.
At June 30, 2024, 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).
16
Item 8. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants for Open-End Management Investment
Companies. (Unaudited)
N/A
17
Item 9. Proxy Disclosures for Open-End Management Investment Companies. (Unaudited)
N/A
18
Item 10. Remuneration Paid to Directors, Officers, and Others of Open-End Management Investment Companies. (Unaudited)
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. Directors fees paid by the fund are within Item 7. Statement of Operations as Directors' fees and expenses.
19
Item 11. Statement Regarding Basis for Approval of Investment Advisory Contract. (Unaudited)
At a meeting of the fund's Board of Directors (the "Board") held on March 5-6, 2024, the Board considered the renewal of the fund's Investment Advisory Agreement, pursuant to which the Adviser provides the fund with investment advisory and administrative services, and the Sub-Investment Advisory Agreement (together with the Investment Advisory Agreement, the "Agreements"), pursuant to which Fayez Sarofim & Co., LLC (the "Sub-Adviser") provides day-to-day management of the fund's investments. 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-Adviser. 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 activities over the Sub-Adviser. 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 Investor shares with the performance of a group of retail no-load large-cap core 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 large-cap core funds (the "Performance Universe"), all for various periods ended December 31, 2023, 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 funds consisting of all retail no-load large-cap core 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.
Performance Comparisons. Representatives of the Adviser stated that the usefulness of performance comparisons may be affected by a number of factors, including different investment limitations and policies that may be applicable to the fund and comparison funds and the end date selected. The Board considered the fund's performance in light of overall financial market conditions. The Board also considered that performance generally should be considered over longer periods of time, although it is possible that long-term performance can be adversely affected by even one period of significant underperformance so that a single investment decision or theme has the ability to affect disproportionately long-term performance. The Board discussed with representatives of the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser the results of the comparisons and considered that the fund's total return performance was below the Performance Group median for all periods, except for the four- and five-year periods when the fund's total return performance was above the Performance Group median, and was below the Performance Universe median for all periods, except for the four-, five- and ten-year periods when the fund's total return performance was above the Performance Universe median. The Board discussed with representatives of the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser the reasons for the fund's underperformance versus the Performance Group and Performance Universe during certain periods under review and noted that the portfolio managers are very experienced with an impressive long-term track record and continued to apply a consistent investment strategy. The Adviser 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
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had a four-star overall rating from Morningstar and a four-star rating for each of the three- and five-year periods based on Morningstar's risk-adjusted return measures.
Management Fee and Expense Ratio Comparisons. The Board reviewed and considered the contractual management fee rate (i.e., the aggregate investment advisory fee payable to the Adviser and the sub-investment advisory fee payable to the Sub-Adviser) payable by the fund in light of the nature, extent and quality of the management services and the sub-advisory services provided by the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser, 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.
The Board considered that the fund's contractual management fee was lower than the Expense Group median contractual management fee, the fund's actual management fee was lower than the Expense Group median and lower 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 reviewed with the Board the management or investment advisory fees (1) paid by funds advised by the Adviser that are in the same Lipper category as the fund and (2) paid to the Adviser or the Sub-Adviser for advising any separate accounts and/or other types of client portfolios that are considered to have similar investment strategies and policies as the fund (the "Similar Clients"), and explained the nature of the Similar Clients. They discussed differences in fees paid and the relationship of the fees paid in light of any differences in the services provided and other relevant factors. The Board considered the relevance of the fee information provided for the Similar Clients to evaluate the appropriateness of the fund's management fee.
The Board considered the fee payable to the Sub-Adviser by the fund in relation to the fee payable to the Adviser by the fund and the respective services provided by the Sub-Adviser and the Adviser.
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 also received and considered a profitability analysis of the Sub-Adviser in providing services to the fund and concluded that the profitability results were not excessive, given the services and service levels provided by the Sub-Adviser.
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-Adviser, 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. Representatives of the Adviser 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 the 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-Adviser are adequate and appropriate.
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· The Board was generally satisfied with the fund's long-term performance.
· The Board concluded that the fees paid to the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser continued to be appropriate under the circumstances and in light of the factors and the totality of the services provided as discussed above.
· The Board determined that the economies of scale which may accrue to the Adviser and its affiliates in connection with the management of the fund had been adequately considered by the Adviser in connection with the fee rates charged to the fund pursuant to the Agreements 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-Adviser, of the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser and the services provided to the fund by the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser. The Board also relied on information received on a routine and regular basis throughout the year relating to the operations of the fund and the investment management and other services provided under the 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 determined to renew the Agreements.
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© 2024 BNY Mellon Securities Corporation Code-0141NCSRSA0624 |
Item 12. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.
Not applicable.
Item 13. Portfolio Managers for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.
Not applicable.
Item 14. Purchases of Equity Securities By Closed-End Management Investment Companies and Affiliated Purchasers.
Not applicable.
Item 15. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.
There have been no materials changes to the procedures applicable to Item 15.
Item 16. 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 17. Disclosure of Securities Lending Activities for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.
Not applicable.
Item 18. Recovery of Erroneously Awarded Compensation.
Not applicable.
Item 19. 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 Appreciation Fund, Inc.
By: /s/ David J. DiPetrillo
David J. DiPetrillo
President (Principal Executive Officer)
Date: August 16, 2024
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: August 16, 2024
By: /s/ James Windels
James Windels
Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer)
Date: August 16, 2024
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)