Fundamental InvestorsSM
[photo of a photo lens in a person's hand]
Semi-annual report for the six months ended June 30, 2012
Fundamental Investors seeks long-term growth of capital and income.
This fund is one of more than 40 offered by American Funds, which is one of the nation’s largest mutual fund families. For more than 80 years, Capital Research and Management Company,SM the American Funds adviser, has invested with a long-term focus based on thorough research and attention to risk.
Fund results shown in this report, unless otherwise indicated, are for Class A shares at net asset value. If a sales charge (maximum 5.75%) had been deducted, the results would have been lower. Results are for past periods and are not predictive of results for future periods. Current and future results may be lower or higher than those shown. Share prices and returns will vary, so investors may lose money. Investing for short periods makes losses more likely. Investments are not FDIC-insured, nor are they deposits of or guaranteed by a bank or any other entity, so they may lose value. For current information and month-end results, visit americanfunds.com.
Here are the average annual total returns on a $1,000 investment with all distributions reinvested for periods ended June 30, 2012: | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Class A shares | | 1 year | | | 5 years | | | 10 years | |
Reflecting 5.75% maximum sales charge | | | –6.31 | % | | | –1.41 | % | | | 6.23 | % |
The total annual fund operating expense ratio was 0.63% for Class A shares as of the prospectus dated March 1, 2012.
Investment results assume all distributions are reinvested and reflect applicable fees and expenses. When applicable, investment results reflect fee waivers, without which results would have been lower. Visit americanfunds.com for more information.
Results for other share classes can be found on page 6.
Investing outside the United States may be subject to risks, such as currency fluctuations, periods of illiquidity and price volatility. These risks may be heightened in connection with investments in developing countries. Refer to the fund prospectus and the Risk Factors section of this report for more information on these and other risks associated with investing in the fund.
Fellow investors:
[photo of a photo lens in a person's hand]
For the six months ended June 30, 2012, Fundamental Investors gained 7.5%. This return includes quarterly dividends totaling 25 cents a share paid during the period.
Fund results trailed those of its primary benchmark, the unmanaged Standard & Poor’s 500 Composite Index, which advanced 9.5%. Fundamental Investors’ results were roughly in line with those of its category peers, as measured by the Lipper Growth and Income Funds Index, which notched a 7.9% gain.
Because the fund is able to invest up to 35% of its assets in companies domiciled abroad, we feel it’s also important to look at global equity markets as gauged by the unmanaged MSCI World Index. A measure of stock markets in more than 20 developed nations, the index lagged the fund with a return of 6.3%.
As shown below, the fund continues to outpace all its indexes for the 10-year and lifetime periods, and all but the S&P 500 for the five-year time frame.
[Begin Sidebar]
Results at a glance | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
For periods ended June 30, 2012, with all distributions reinvested | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Total returns | | | Average annual total returns | |
| | 6 months | | | 12 months | | | 5 years | | | 10 years | | | Lifetime* | |
Fundamental Investors | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(Class A shares) | | | 7.5 | % | | | –0.6 | % | | | –0.2 | % | | | 6.9 | % | | | 12.1 | % |
Standard & Poor’s 500 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Composite Index† | | | 9.5 | | | | 5.4 | | | | 0.2 | | | | 5.3 | | | | 11.2 | |
Lipper Growth and | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income Funds Index | | | 7.9 | | | | 0.6 | | | | –1.2 | | | | 4.8 | | | | 10.4 | |
MSCI World Index† | | | 6.3 | | | | –4.4 | | | | –2.4 | | | | 5.7 | | | | 10.0 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
*Since Capital Research and Management Company began managing the fund on August 1, 1978. | | | | | | | | | | | | |
† The market indexes are unmanaged and, therefore, have no expenses. | | | | | | | | | | | | |
[End Sidebar]
Two different quarters
Equity markets rallied in the early part of the six-month period as perceived progress on the European debt crisis coupled with improving economic data in the United States bolstered investor confidence. However, optimism waned and stocks began retreating in April on renewed worries about euro-zone instability and fears of slowing growth in the U.S. and China. A late-in-the-period stock surge, precipitated by still another turnabout of investor sentiment related to Europe’s fiscal woes, boosted results toward period-end.
Generally speaking, more economically sensitive areas of the market registered the best overall returns. These included the consumer discretionary, information technology and financial sectors. Underscoring the duality of the period, all nonetheless relinquished significant portions of the gains they had registered early in the period as investors became more defensive in the spring.
An area of weakness
Economic woes in Europe and their reverberations throughout the world economy, particularly in China, helped soften demand for energy and caused share price declines for many companies involved in finding and extracting oil and gas. The energy picture in the United States, where energy use has declined alongside both rising oil and gas supplies and increased estimates of our natural gas reserves, also weighed on share prices.
The sector’s downturn was reflected in results for the fund’s energy holdings which, as a group, lost value. Among larger positions whose share prices declined were ConocoPhillips (–23.3%), Crescent Point Energy (–15.3%), Occidental Petroleum (–8.5%) and Royal Dutch Shell (–7.9%). Chevron (–0.9%) fell slightly while Kinder Morgan (0.2%) and longtime fund holding Suncor Energy (0.3%) edged into positive territory.
Substantial fund holdings outside the energy sector that also lagged the broader market included Texas Instruments (–1.4%), machinery manufacturer Parker Hannifin (0.8%), drug maker Roche (1.9%) and Citigroup (4.2%).
[Begin Sidebar]
Fundamental Investors’ 10 largest holdings | | (as of June 30, 2012) | |
| | | |
Company | | Percent of net assets | |
Home Depot | | | 3.3 | % |
Merck | | | 3.3 | |
Apple | | | 2.3 | |
Verizon | | | 1.8 | |
Bristol-Myers Squibb | | | 1.6 | |
Microsoft | | | 1.6 | |
Dow Chemical | | | 1.5 | |
Wells Fargo | | | 1.5 | |
Amazon | | | 1.5 | |
Union Pacific | | | 1.4 | |
[End Sidebar]
Investing abroad takes a toll
The fund’s ability to invest in companies domiciled abroad expands the investment options for the fund’s portfolio counselors and analysts. As a group, however, fund investments in non-U.S. companies were hurt by heightened economic difficulties beyond our shores and a dollar that strengthened against most major currencies.
Our approach in action
The fund’s research-driven, company-by-company approach to building its portfolio was perhaps best evidenced by its top 10 holdings. Drawn from seven different sectors, stock prices for all but one outpaced the wider market. The diverse group included Apple (44.2%), Amazon (31.9%), Home Depot (26.1%), Wells Fargo (21.3%), Microsoft (17.8%), Union Pacific (12.6%), Merck (10.7%), Verizon Communications (10.8%) and Dow Chemical (9.5%). Only Bristol-Myers Squibb lagged, gaining 2.0%.
Other sizable holdings that helped results included Comcast (34.8%), American Express (23.4%), data storage giant EMC (19.0%), agricultural products manufacturer Syngenta (16.6%), General Electric (16.4%) and Starbucks (15.9%).
The fund’s buying and selling during the period included additions to its investments in financial companies. Despite the challenging environment, we also increased our holdings among select energy companies, many of which were attractively valued in the wake of recent share price declines. Conversely, we trimmed a handful of positions in the tobacco and specialty retail areas.
Navigating the challenges
A review of the portfolio reveals significant holdings among large U.S. companies that we believe to be of high quality. Many offer healthy dividends and have a global footprint that provides exposure to countries and regions that continue to feature promising economic growth. Though we remain dedicated to seeking opportunities around the world, with so many countries and regions facing difficult conditions, we believe that accessing global growth through well-established American firms is currently one prudent approach to pursuing the fund’s capital growth and income objectives.
The current challenges facing the global economy are not insurmountable, but neither are they easily navigable. We recognize that difficult conditions may be with us for some time, but our commitment to maintaining a long-term perspective enables us to be patient and opportunistic in our quest for appealing investment opportunities.
We appreciate your trust and look forward to reporting to you again in six months.
Sincerely,
/s/ James F. Rothenberg
James F. Rothenberg
Vice Chairman
/s/ Dina N. Perry
Dina N. Perry
President
August 13, 2012
For current information about the fund, visit americanfunds.com.
The fund’s 30-day yield for Class A shares as of July 31, 2012, calculated in accordance with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) formula, was 1.58%. The fund’s distribution rate for Class A shares as of that date was 1.53%. Both reflect the 5.75% maximum sales charge. The SEC yield reflects the rate at which the fund is earning income on its current portfolio of securities while the distribution rate reflects the fund’s past dividends paid to shareholders. Accordingly, the fund’s SEC yield and distribution rate may differ.
Other share class results
unaudited
Classes B, C, F and 529
Fund results shown are for past periods and are not predictive of results for future periods. Current and future results may be lower or higher than those shown. Share prices and returns will vary, so investors may lose money. For current information and month-end results, visit americanfunds.com.
Average annual total returns for periods ended June 30, 2012: | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | 10 years/ | |
| | 1 year | | | 5 years | | | Life of class1 | |
Class B shares2 | | | | | | | | | |
Reflecting applicable contingent deferred sales charge | | | | | | | | | |
(CDSC), maximum of 5%, payable only if shares | | | | | | | | | |
are sold within six years of purchase | | | –6.26 | % | | | –1.35 | % | | | 6.21 | % |
Not reflecting CDSC | | | –1.38 | | | | –0.99 | | | | 6.21 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class C shares | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Reflecting CDSC, maximum of 1%, payable only | | | | | | | | | | | | |
if shares are sold within one year of purchase | | | –2.38 | | | | –1.02 | | | | 5.99 | |
Not reflecting CDSC | | | –1.40 | | | | –1.02 | | | | 5.99 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class F-1 shares3 | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Not reflecting annual asset-based fee charged | | | | | | | | | | | | |
by sponsoring firm | | | –0.61 | | | | –0.23 | | | | 6.83 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class F-2 shares3 — first sold 8/1/08 | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Not reflecting annual asset-based fee charged | | | | | | | | | | | | |
by sponsoring firm | | | –0.38 | | | | — | | | | 2.56 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class 529-A shares4 | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Reflecting 5.75% maximum sales charge | | | –6.42 | | | | –1.46 | | | | 6.16 | |
Not reflecting maximum sales charge | | | –0.70 | | | | –0.29 | | | | 6.79 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class 529-B shares2,4 | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Reflecting applicable CDSC, maximum of 5%, payable | | | | | | | | | | | | |
only if shares are sold within six years of purchase | | | –6.37 | | | | –1.45 | | | | 6.07 | |
Not reflecting CDSC | | | –1.48 | | | | –1.09 | | | | 6.07 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class 529-C shares4 | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Reflecting CDSC, maximum of 1%, payable only | | | | | | | | | | | | |
if shares are sold within one year of purchase | | | –2.45 | | | | –1.09 | | | | 5.91 | |
Not reflecting CDSC | | | –1.48 | | | | –1.09 | | | | 5.91 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class 529-E shares3,4 | | | –0.95 | | | | –0.57 | | | | 6.45 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class 529-F-1 shares3,4 — first sold 9/23/02 | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Not reflecting annual asset-based fee charged | | | | | | | | | | | | |
by sponsoring firm | | | –0.49 | | | | –0.08 | | | | 9.08 | |
| 1Applicable to Class F-2 and 529-F-1 shares only. All other share classes reflect 10-year results. |
| 2These shares are not available for purchase. |
| 3These shares are sold without any initial or contingent deferred sales charge. |
| 4Results shown do not reflect the $10 account setup fee and an annual $10 account maintenance fee. |
Investment results assume all distributions are reinvested and reflect applicable fees and expenses. When applicable, investment results reflect fee waivers, without which results would have been lower. Visit americanfunds.com for more information.
For information regarding the differences among the various share classes, refer to the fund prospectus.
Summary investment portfolio June 30, 2012
unaudited
The following summary investment portfolio is designed to streamline the report and help investors better focus on the fund’s principal holdings. See the inside back cover for details on how to obtain a complete schedule of portfolio holdings.
[begin pie chart]
Industry sector diversification | | (percent of net assets) | |
Information technology | | | 14.69 | |
Consumer discretionary | | | 12.57 | |
Energy | | | 12.35 | |
Financials | | | 11.71 | |
Industrials | | | 11.61 | |
Other industries | | | 30.51 | |
Convertible securities and warrants | | | 0.06 | |
Short-term securities & other assets less liabilities | | | 6.50 | |
[end pie chart]
Country diversification | | (percent of net assets) | |
United States | | | 74.8 | % |
Euro zone* | | | 4.4 | |
United Kingdom | | | 4.2 | |
Canada | | | 4.2 | |
Switzerland | | | 2.4 | |
Taiwan | | | 1.1 | |
Other countries | | | 2.4 | |
Short-term securities & other assets less liabilities | | | 6.5 | |
| | | | |
* Countries using the euro as a common currency; those represented in the fund's portfolio are France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, and Spain. |
| | | | | | | | Percent | |
| | | | | Value | | | of net | |
Common stocks - 93.44% | | Shares | | | | (000 | ) | | assets | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Information technology - 14.69% | | | | | | | | | | |
Apple Inc. (1) | | | 1,917,500 | | | $ | 1,119,820 | | | | 2.27 | % |
Microsoft Corp. | | | 25,460,000 | | | | 778,821 | | | | 1.58 | |
Texas Instruments Inc. | | | 20,270,300 | | | | 581,555 | | | | 1.18 | |
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd. (ADR) (1) | | | 25,234,400 | | | | 352,272 | | | | | |
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd. (1) (2) | | | 71,285,000 | | | | 195,117 | | | | 1.11 | |
Google Inc., Class A (1) | | | 869,800 | | | | 504,545 | | | | 1.02 | |
Oracle Corp. | | | 16,887,950 | | | | 501,572 | | | | 1.02 | |
EMC Corp. (1) | | | 15,810,000 | | | | 405,210 | | | | .82 | |
Avago Technologies Ltd. | | | 9,555,000 | | | | 343,024 | | | | .69 | |
Maxim Integrated Products, Inc. | | | 12,687,000 | | | | 325,295 | | | | .66 | |
Other securities | | | | | | | 2,153,519 | | | | 4.34 | |
| | | | | | | 7,260,750 | | | | 14.69 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Consumer discretionary - 12.57% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Home Depot, Inc. | | | 31,128,000 | | | | 1,649,473 | | | | 3.34 | |
Amazon.com, Inc. (1) | | | 3,242,800 | | | | 740,493 | | | | 1.50 | |
Comcast Corp., Class A | | | 13,999,000 | | | | 447,548 | | | | .91 | |
Time Warner Inc. | | | 10,860,000 | | | | 418,110 | | | | .85 | |
Starbucks Corp. | | | 7,000,000 | | | | 373,240 | | | | .75 | |
Walt Disney Co. | | | 7,000,000 | | | | 339,500 | | | | .69 | |
Virgin Media Inc. | | | 13,385,000 | | | | 326,460 | | | | .66 | |
Other securities | | | | | | | 1,919,152 | | | | 3.87 | |
| | | | | | | 6,213,976 | | | | 12.57 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Energy - 12.35% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Royal Dutch Shell PLC, Class B (ADR) | | | 6,362,700 | | | | 444,944 | | | | | |
Royal Dutch Shell PLC, Class A (ADR) | | | 3,690,000 | | | | 248,817 | | | | 1.40 | |
Suncor Energy Inc. | | | 19,735,832 | | | | 570,693 | | | | 1.15 | |
Enbridge Inc. | | | 9,638,689 | | | | 384,942 | | | | .78 | |
Chevron Corp. | | | 3,547,763 | | | | 374,289 | | | | .76 | |
FMC Technologies, Inc. (1) | | | 8,830,000 | | | | 346,401 | | | | .70 | |
ConocoPhillips | | | 6,000,000 | | | | 335,280 | | | | .68 | |
Occidental Petroleum Corp. | | | 3,790,000 | | | | 325,068 | | | | .66 | |
Kinder Morgan, Inc. | | | 10,010,645 | | | | 322,543 | | | | .65 | |
Other securities | | | | | | | 2,749,594 | | | | 5.57 | |
| | | | | | | 6,102,571 | | | | 12.35 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Financials - 11.71% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Wells Fargo & Co. | | | 22,195,200 | | | | 742,207 | | | | 1.50 | |
Citigroup Inc. | | | 21,826,000 | | | | 598,251 | | | | 1.21 | |
American Express Co. | | | 9,770,000 | | | | 568,712 | | | | 1.15 | |
PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. | | | 6,600,000 | | | | 403,326 | | | | .82 | |
ACE Ltd. | | | 5,300,000 | | | | 392,889 | | | | .79 | |
Other securities | | | | | | | 3,082,218 | | | | 6.24 | |
| | | | | | | 5,787,603 | | | | 11.71 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Industrials - 11.61% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Union Pacific Corp. | | | 5,905,000 | | | | 704,526 | | | | 1.42 | |
General Electric Co. | | | 28,500,000 | | | | 593,940 | | | | 1.20 | |
Lockheed Martin Corp. | | | 6,558,200 | | | | 571,088 | | | | 1.15 | |
Parker Hannifin Corp. | | | 6,350,000 | | | | 488,188 | | | | .99 | |
Deere & Co. | | | 4,815,000 | | | | 389,389 | | | | .79 | |
Schneider Electric SA (2) | | | 6,233,764 | | | | 347,338 | | | | .70 | |
Other securities | | | | | | | 2,643,688 | | | | 5.36 | |
| | | | | | | 5,738,157 | | | | 11.61 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Health care - 11.46% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Merck & Co., Inc. | | | 39,451,664 | | | | 1,647,107 | | | | 3.33 | |
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. | | | 22,350,000 | | | | 803,483 | | | | 1.63 | |
Roche Holding AG (2) | | | 3,180,000 | | | | 548,955 | | | | 1.11 | |
Baxter International Inc. | | | 10,236,755 | | | | 544,084 | | | | 1.10 | |
Pfizer Inc | | | 21,220,000 | | | | 488,060 | | | | .99 | |
Other securities | | | | | | | 1,632,644 | | | | 3.30 | |
| | | | | | | 5,664,333 | | | | 11.46 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Materials - 8.04% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dow Chemical Co. | | | 24,139,900 | | | | 760,407 | | | | 1.54 | |
LyondellBasell Industries NV, Class A | | | 13,155,000 | | | | 529,752 | | | | 1.07 | |
Syngenta AG (2) | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 341,383 | | | | .69 | |
FMC Corp. | | | 6,178,000 | | | | 330,399 | | | | .67 | |
Other securities | | | | | | | 2,011,633 | | | | 4.07 | |
| | | | | | | 3,973,574 | | | | 8.04 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Consumer staples - 4.80% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Philip Morris International Inc. | | | 4,650,000 | | | | 405,759 | | | | .82 | |
Costco Wholesale Corp. | | | 3,930,000 | | | | 373,350 | | | | .76 | |
Other securities | | | | | | | 1,596,048 | | | | 3.22 | |
| | | | | | | 2,375,157 | | | | 4.80 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Telecommunication services - 2.76% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Verizon Communications Inc. | | | 19,600,000 | | | | 871,024 | | | | 1.76 | |
Other securities | | | | | | | 493,476 | | | | 1.00 | |
| | | | | | | 1,364,500 | | | | 2.76 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Utilities - 2.59% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
PG&E Corp. | | | 7,301,000 | | | | 330,516 | | | | .67 | |
Other securities | | | | | | | 952,003 | | | | 1.92 | |
| | | | | | | 1,282,519 | | | | 2.59 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Miscellaneous - 0.86% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Other common stocks in initial period of acquisition | | | | | | | 426,017 | | | | .86 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total common stocks (cost: $36,515,883,000) | | | | | | | 46,189,157 | | | | 93.44 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | Percent | |
| | | | | | Value | | | of net | |
Warrants - 0.02% | | | | | | | (000 | ) | | assets | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Energy - 0.02% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Other securities | | | | | | | 10,990 | | | | .02 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total warrants (cost: $9,820,000) | | | | | | | 10,990 | | | | .02 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | Percent | |
| | | | | | Value | | | of net | |
Convertible securities - 0.04% | | | | | | | (000 | ) | | assets | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Industrials - 0.04% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Other securities | | | | | | | 18,059 | | | | .04 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total convertible securities (cost: $12,275,000) | | | | | | | 18,059 | | | | .04 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Principal | | | | | | | Percent | |
| | amount | | | Value | | | of net | |
Short-term securities - 6.15% | | | (000 | ) | | | (000 | ) | | assets | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
U.S. Treasury Bills 0.063%-0.145% due 7/19-11/29/2012 | | $ | 798,200 | | | | 798,072 | | | | 1.61 | |
Freddie Mac 0.07%-0.18% due 7/23/2012-3/15/2013 | | | 685,300 | | | | 685,044 | | | | 1.39 | |
Merck & Co. Inc. 0.13% due 7/10-8/3/2012 (3) | | | 90,100 | | | | 90,095 | | | | .18 | |
General Electric Capital Corp. 0.16% due 7/27/2012 | | | 25,000 | | | | 24,997 | | | | .05 | |
Texas Instruments Inc. 0.11% due 7/17/2012 (3) | | | 9,900 | | | | 9,899 | | | | .02 | |
Other securities | | | | | | | 1,432,875 | | | | 2.90 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total short-term securities (cost: $3,040,952,000) | | | | | | | 3,040,982 | | | | 6.15 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment securities (cost: $39,578,930,000) | | | | | | | 49,259,188 | | | | 99.65 | |
Other assets less liabilities | | | | | | | 171,570 | | | | .35 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets | | | | | | $ | 49,430,758 | | | | 100.00 | % |
As permitted by U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") regulations, "Miscellaneous" securities include holdings in their first year of acquisition that have not previously been publicly disclosed. |
|
|
"Other securities" includes all issues that are not disclosed separately in the summary investment portfolio. |
Investments in affiliates | | | | | | |
A company is considered to be an affiliate of the fund under the Investment Company Act of 1940 if the fund’s holdings in that company represent 5% or more of the outstanding voting shares. The value of the fund’s affiliated company holdings is included in “Other securities” under the respective industry sector in the summary investment portfolio. Further details on such holdings and related transactions during the six months ended June 30, 2012, appear below. |
| | Beginning shares | | | Additions | | | Reductions | | | Ending shares | | | Dividend income (000) | | | Value of affiliate at 6/30/2012 (000) | |
Grafton Group PLC, units (2) | | | 15,037,000 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 15,037,000 | | | $ | 934 | | | $ | 53,361 | |
The following footnotes apply to either the individual securities noted or one or more of the securities aggregated and listed as a single line item. |
|
(1) Security did not produce income during the last 12 months. |
(2) Valued under fair value procedures adopted by authority of the board of trustees. The total value of all such securities, including those in “Other securities,” was $5,337,740,000, which represented 10.80% of the net assets of the fund. This entire amount relates to certain securities trading outside the U.S. whose values were adjusted as a result of significant market movements following the close of local trading. |
(3) Acquired in a transaction exempt from registration under section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933. May be resold in the U.S. in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. The total value of all such securities, including those in "Other securities," was $648,889,000, which represented 1.31% of the net assets of the fund. |
|
Key to abbreviation |
ADR = American Depositary Receipts |
|
See Notes to Financials Statements |
Financial statements
Statement of assets and liabilities | | | | | unaudited | |
at June 30, 2012 | | (dollars in thousands) | |
| | | | | | |
Assets: | | | | | | |
Investment securities, at value: | | | | | | |
Unaffiliated issuers (cost: $39,416,147) | | $ | 49,205,827 | | | | |
Affiliated issuer (cost: $162,783) | | | 53,361 | | | $ | 49,259,188 | |
Cash | | | | | | | 546 | |
Receivables for: | | | | | | | | |
Sales of investments | | | 303,308 | | | | | |
Sales of fund's shares | | | 69,593 | | | | | |
Dividends and interest | | | 92,683 | | | | 465,584 | |
| | | | | | | 49,725,318 | |
Liabilities: | | | | | | | | |
Payables for: | | | | | | | | |
Purchases of investments | | | 175,041 | | | | | |
Repurchases of fund's shares | | | 87,067 | | | | | |
Investment advisory services | | | 9,943 | | | | | |
Services provided by related parties | | | 19,056 | | | | | |
Trustees' deferred compensation | | | 2,999 | | | | | |
Other | | | 454 | | | | 294,560 | |
Net assets at June 30, 2012 | | | | | | $ | 49,430,758 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net assets consist of: | | | | | | | | |
Capital paid in on shares of beneficial interest | | | | | | $ | 42,524,829 | |
Undistributed net investment income | | | | | | | 213,592 | |
Accumulated net realized loss | | | | | | | (2,987,154 | ) |
Net unrealized appreciation | | | | | | | 9,679,491 | |
Net assets at June 30, 2012 | | | | | | $ | 49,430,758 | |
| (dollars and shares in thousands, except per-share amounts) | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Shares of beneficial interest issued and outstanding (no stated par value) - | | | | | | | | | |
unlimited shares authorized (1,308,022 total shares outstanding) | | | | | | | | | |
| | Net assets | | | Shares outstanding | | | Net asset value per share | |
Class A | | $ | 31,425,768 | | | | 831,206 | | | $ | 37.81 | |
Class B | | | 497,803 | | | | 13,198 | | | | 37.72 | |
Class C | | | 1,822,898 | | | | 48,389 | | | | 37.67 | |
Class F-1 | | | 4,398,131 | | | | 116,392 | | | | 37.79 | |
Class F-2 | | | 1,057,087 | | | | 27,962 | | | | 37.80 | |
Class 529-A | | | 1,088,956 | | | | 28,828 | | | | 37.77 | |
Class 529-B | | | 44,369 | | | | 1,174 | | | | 37.78 | |
Class 529-C | | | 300,070 | | | | 7,949 | | | | 37.75 | |
Class 529-E | | | 46,274 | | | | 1,226 | | | | 37.75 | |
Class 529-F-1 | | | 44,282 | | | | 1,173 | | | | 37.75 | |
Class R-1 | | | 153,848 | | | | 4,085 | | | | 37.66 | |
Class R-2 | | | 608,956 | | | | 16,168 | | | | 37.66 | |
Class R-3 | | | 2,297,312 | | | | 60,881 | | | | 37.73 | |
Class R-4 | | | 2,255,718 | | | | 59,761 | | | | 37.75 | |
Class R-5 | | | 1,531,303 | | | | 40,489 | | | | 37.82 | |
Class R-6 | | | 1,857,983 | | | | 49,141 | | | | 37.81 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
See Notes to Financial Statements | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Statement of operations | | | | | unaudited | |
for the six months ended June 30, 2012 | | (dollars in thousands) | |
| | | | | | |
Investment income: | | | | | | |
Income: | | | | | | |
Dividends (net of non-U.S. taxes of $21,618; | | | | | | |
also includes $934 from affiliate) | | $ | 538,054 | | | | |
Interest | | | 2,113 | | | $ | 540,167 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Fees and expenses*: | | | | | | | | |
Investment advisory services | | | 62,401 | | | | | |
Distribution services | | | 69,028 | | | | | |
Transfer agent services | | | 33,227 | | | | | |
Administrative services | | | 5,913 | | | | | |
Reports to shareholders | | | 1,566 | | | | | |
Registration statement and prospectus | | | 492 | | | | | |
Trustees' compensation | | | 318 | | | | | |
Auditing and legal | | | 35 | | | | | |
Custodian | | | 689 | | | | | |
Other | | | 876 | | | | 174,545 | |
Net investment income | | | | | | | 365,622 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net realized gain and unrealized appreciation | | | | | | | | |
on investments and currency: | | | | | | | | |
Net realized gain on: | | | | | | | | |
Investments | | | 893,977 | | | | | |
Currency transactions | | | 816 | | | | 894,793 | |
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on: | | | | | | | | |
Investments | | | 2,257,235 | | | | | |
Currency translations | | | (742 | ) | | | 2,256,493 | |
Net realized gain and unrealized appreciation | | | | | | | | |
on investments and currency | | | | | | | 3,151,286 | |
Net increase in net assets resulting | | | | | | | | |
from operations | | | | | | $ | 3,516,908 | |
| | | | | | | | |
(*) Additional information related to class-specific fees and expenses is included | | | | | | | | |
in the Notes to Financial Statements. | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
See Notes to Financial Statements | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Statements of changes in net assets | | | | | | | | |
| | | (dollars in thousands) | |
| | Six months ended June 30, 2012* | | | Year ended December 31, 2011 | |
Operations: | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | $ | 365,622 | | | $ | 779,259 | |
Net realized gain on investments and currency transactions | | | 894,793 | | | | 780,549 | |
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments and currency translations | | | 2,256,493 | | | | (2,563,150 | ) |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations | | | 3,516,908 | | | | (1,003,342 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Dividends paid to shareholders from net investment income | | | (316,501 | ) | | | (797,863 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Net capital share transactions | | | (690,124 | ) | | | (1,098,878 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Total increase (decrease) in net assets | | | 2,510,283 | | | | (2,900,083 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Net assets: | | | | | | | | |
Beginning of period | | | 46,920,475 | | | | 49,820,558 | |
End of period (including undistributed | | | | | | | | |
net investment income: $213,592 and $164,471, respectively) | | $ | 49,430,758 | | | $ | 46,920,475 | |
| | | | | | | | |
*Unaudited. | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
See Notes to Financial Statements | | | | | | | | |
Notes to financial statements
unaudited
American Funds Fundamental Investors® (the “trust”) is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as an open-end, diversified management investment company and has initially issued one series of shares, Fundamental Investors (the “fund”). The fund seeks long-term growth of capital and income.
The fund has 16 share classes consisting of five retail share classes (Classes A, B and C, as well as two F share classes, F-1 and F-2), five 529 college savings plan share classes (Classes 529-A, 529-B, 529-C, 529-E and 529-F-1) and six retirement plan share classes (Classes R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5 and R-6). The 529 college savings plan share classes can be used to save for college education. The retirement plan share classes are generally offered only through eligible employer-sponsored retirement plans. The fund’s share classes are described below:
Share class | Initial sales charge | Contingent deferred sales charge upon redemption | Conversion feature |
Classes A and 529-A | Up to 5.75% | None (except 1% for certain redemptions within one year of purchase without an initial sales charge) | None |
Classes B and 529-B* | None | Declines from 5% to 0% for redemptions within six years of purchase | Classes B and 529-B convert to Classes A and 529-A, respectively, after eight years |
Class C | None | 1% for redemptions within one year of purchase | Class C converts to Class F-1 after 10 years |
Class 529-C | None | 1% for redemptions within one year of purchase | None |
Class 529-E | None | None | None |
Classes F-1, F-2 and 529-F-1 | None | None | None |
Classes R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5 and R-6 | None | None | None |
*Class B and 529-B shares of the fund are not available for purchase.
Holders of all share classes have equal pro rata rights to assets, dividends and liquidation proceeds. Each share class has identical voting rights, except for the exclusive right to vote on matters affecting only its class. Share classes have different fees and expenses ("class-specific fees and expenses"), primarily due to different arrangements for distribution, administrative and shareholder services. Differences in class-specific fees and expenses will result in differences in net investment income and, therefore, the payment of different per-share dividends by each class.
2. | Significant accounting policies |
The financial statements have been prepared to comply with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These principles require management to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts and disclosures. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The fund follows the significant accounting policies described below, as well as the valuation policies described in the next section on valuation.
Security transactions and related investment income – Security transactions are recorded by the fund as of the date the trades are executed with brokers. Realized gains and losses from security transactions are determined based on the specific identified cost of the securities. Dividend income is recognized on the ex-dividend date and interest income is recognized on an accrual basis. Market discounts, premiums and original issue discounts on fixed-income securities are amortized daily over the expected life of the security.
Class allocations – Income, fees and expenses (other than class-specific fees and expenses) and realized and unrealized gains and losses are allocated daily among the various share classes based on their relative net assets. Class-specific fees and expenses, such as distribution, administrative and shareholder services, are charged directly to the respective share class.
Dividends and distributions to shareholders – Dividends and distributions paid to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date.
Currency translation – Assets and liabilities, including investment securities, denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates supplied by one or more pricing vendors on the valuation date. Purchases and sales of investment securities and income and expenses are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates on the dates of such transactions. On the accompanying financial statements, the effects of changes in exchange rates on investment securities are included with the net realized gain or loss and net unrealized appreciation or depreciation on investments. The realized gain or loss and unrealized appreciation or depreciation resulting from all other transactions denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars are disclosed separately.
Capital Research and Management Company (“CRMC”), the fund’s investment adviser, values the fund’s investments at fair value as defined by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The net asset value of each share class of the fund is generally determined as of approximately 4:00 p.m. New York time each day the New York Stock Exchange is open.
Methods and inputs – The fund’s investment adviser uses the following methods and inputs to establish the fair value of the fund’s assets and liabilities. Use of particular methods and inputs may vary over time based on availability and relevance as market and economic conditions evolve.
Equity securities are generally valued at the official closing price of, or the last reported sale price on, the exchange or market on which such securities are traded, as of the close of business on the day the securities are being valued or, lacking any sales, at the last available bid price. Prices for each security are taken from the principal exchange or market on which the security trades.
Fixed-income securities, including short-term securities purchased with more than 60 days left to maturity, are generally valued at prices obtained from one or more pricing vendors. Vendors value such securities based on one or more of the inputs described in the following table. The table provides examples of inputs that are commonly relevant for valuing particular classes of fixed-income securities in which the fund is authorized to invest. However, these classifications are not exclusive, and any of the inputs may be used to value any other class of fixed-income security.
Fixed-income class | Examples of standard inputs |
All | Benchmark yields, transactions, bids, offers, quotations from dealers and trading systems, new issues, spreads and other relationships observed in the markets among comparable securities; and proprietary pricing models such as yield measures calculated using factors such as cash flows, financial or collateral performance and other reference data (collectively referred to as “standard inputs”) |
Corporate bonds & notes; convertible securities | Standard inputs and underlying equity of the issuer |
Bonds & notes of governments & government agencies | Standard inputs and interest rate volatilities |
Mortgage-backed; asset-backed obligations | Standard inputs and cash flows, prepayment information, default rates, delinquency and loss assumptions, collateral characteristics, credit enhancements and specific deal information |
When the fund’s investment adviser deems it appropriate to do so (such as when vendor prices are unavailable or not deemed to be representative), fixed-income securities will be valued in good faith at the mean quoted bid and ask prices that are reasonably and timely available (or bid prices, if ask prices are not available) or at prices for securities of comparable maturity, quality and type.
Securities with both fixed-income and equity characteristics, or equity securities traded principally among fixed-income dealers, are generally valued in the manner described above for either equity or fixed-income securities, depending on which method is deemed most appropriate by the fund’s investment adviser. Short-term securities purchased within 60 days to maturity are valued at amortized cost, which approximates fair value. The value of short-term securities originally purchased with maturities greater than 60 days is determined based on an amortized value to par when they reach 60 days.
Securities and other assets for which representative market quotations are not readily available or are considered unreliable by the fund’s investment adviser are fair valued as determined in good faith under fair value guidelines adopted by authority of the fund’s board of trustees as further described below. The investment adviser follows fair valuation guidelines, consistent with U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) rules and guidance, to consider relevant principles and factors when making fair value determinations. The investment adviser considers relevant indications of value that are reasonably and timely available to it in determining the fair value to be assigned to a particular security, such as the type and cost of the security; contractual or legal restrictions on resale of the security; relevant financial or business developments of the issuer; actively traded similar or related securities; conversion or exchange rights on the security; related corporate actions; significant events occurring after the close of trading in the security; and changes in overall market conditions. In addition, the closing prices of equity securities that trade in markets outside U.S. time zones may be adjusted to reflect significant events that occur after the close of local trading but before the net asset value of each share class of the fund is determined. Fair valuations and valuations of investments that are not actively trading involve judgment and may differ materially from valuations that would have been used had greater market activity occurred.
Processes and structure– The fund’s board of trustees has delegated authority to the fund’s investment adviser to make fair value determinations, subject to board oversight. The investment adviser has established a Joint Fair Valuation Committee (the “Fair Valuation Committee”) to administer, implement and oversee the fair valuation process, and to make fair value decisions. The Fair Valuation Committee regularly reviews its own fair value decisions, as well as decisions made under its standing instructions to the investment adviser’s valuation teams. The Fair Valuation Committee reviews changes in fair value measurements from period to period and may, as deemed appropriate, update the fair valuation guidelines to better reflect the results of back testing and address new or evolving issues. The Fair Valuation Committee reports any changes to the fair valuation guidelines to the board of trustees with supplemental information to support the changes. The fund’s board and audit committee also regularly review reports that describe fair value determinations and methods.
The fund’s investment adviser has also established a Fixed-Income Pricing Review Group to administer and oversee the fixed-income valuation process, including the use of fixed-income pricing vendors. This group regularly reviews pricing vendor information and market data. Pricing decisions, processes and controls over security valuation are also subject to additional internal reviews, including an annual control self-evaluation program facilitated by the investment adviser’s compliance group.
Classifications – The fund’s investment adviser classifies the fund’s assets and liabilities into three levels based on the inputs used to value the assets or liabilities. Level 1 values are based on quoted prices in active markets for identical securities. Level 2 values are based on significant observable market inputs, such as quoted prices for similar securities and quoted prices in inactive markets. Certain securities trading outside the U.S. may transfer between Level 1 and Level 2 due to valuation adjustments resulting from significant market movements following the close of local trading. Level 3 values are based on significant unobservable inputs that reflect the investment adviser’s determination of assumptions that market participants might reasonably use in valuing the securities. The valuation levels are not necessarily an indication of the risk or liquidity associated with the underlying investment. For example, U.S. government securities are reflected as Level 2 because the inputs used to determine fair value may not always be quoted prices in an active market. The following table presents the fund’s valuation levels as of June 30, 2012 (dollars in thousands):
| | | Investment securities | |
| | | Level 1 | | | Level 2* | | | Level 3 | | | Total | |
Assets: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Common stocks: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Information technology | | $ | 6,455,618 | | | $ | 805,132 | | | $ | - | | | $ | 7,260,750 | |
| Consumer discretionary | | | 5,787,211 | | | | 426,765 | | | | - | | | | 6,213,976 | |
| Energy | | | 5,882,838 | | | | 219,733 | | | | - | | | | 6,102,571 | |
| Financials | | | 5,383,756 | | | | 403,847 | | | | - | | | | 5,787,603 | |
| Industrials | | | 4,625,144 | | | | 1,113,013 | | | | - | | | | 5,738,157 | |
| Health care | | | 4,981,281 | | | | 683,052 | | | | - | | | | 5,664,333 | |
| Materials | | | 3,523,672 | | | | 449,902 | | | | - | | | | 3,973,574 | |
| Consumer staples | | | 1,723,745 | | | | 651,412 | | | | - | | | | 2,375,157 | |
| Telecommunication services | | | 1,022,650 | | | | 341,850 | | | | - | | | | 1,364,500 | |
| Utilities | | | 1,039,485 | | | | 243,034 | | | | - | | | | 1,282,519 | |
| Miscellaneous | | | 426,017 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 426,017 | |
Warrants | | | 10,990 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 10,990 | |
Convertible securities | | | - | | | | 18,059 | | | | - | | | | 18,059 | |
Short-term securities | | | - | | | | 3,040,982 | | | | - | | | | 3,040,982 | |
Total | | | $ | 40,862,407 | | | $ | 8,396,781 | | | $ | - | | | $ | 49,259,188 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
*Securities with a market value of $4,696,997,000, which represented 9.50% of the net assets of the fund, transferred from Level 1 to Level 2 since the prior fiscal year-end, primarily due to significant market movements following the close of local trading. |
Investing in the fund may involve certain risks including, but not limited to, those described below.
Market conditions — The prices of, and the income generated by, the common stocks and other securities held by the fund may decline due to market conditions and other factors, including those directly involving the issuers of securities held by the fund.
Investing in growth-oriented stocks — Growth-oriented stocks may involve larger price swings and greater potential for loss than other types of investments.
Investing in income-oriented stocks — Income provided by the fund may be reduced by changes in the dividend policies of, and the capital resources available at, the companies in which the fund invests.
Investing outside the U.S.— Securities of issuers domiciled outside the U.S., or with significant operations outside the U.S., may lose value because of political, social, economic or market developments or instability in the countries or regions in which the issuer operates. These securities may also lose value due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates against the U.S. dollar and/or currencies of other countries. Securities markets in certain countries may be more volatile and/or less liquid than those in the U.S. Investments outside the U.S. may also be subject to different settlement and accounting practices and different regulatory, legal and reporting standards, and may be more difficult to value, than those in the U.S. The risks of investing outside the U.S. may be heightened in connection with investments in emerging and developing countries.
Management — The investment adviser to the fund actively manages the fund’s investments. Consequently, the fund is subject to the risk that the methods and analyses employed by the investment adviser in this process may not produce the desired results.
This could cause the fund to lose value or its investment results to lag relevant benchmarks or other funds with similar objectives.
5. | Taxation and distributions |
Federal income taxation – The fund complies with the requirements under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to mutual funds and intends to distribute substantially all of its net taxable income and net capital gains each year. The fund is not subject to income taxes to the extent such distributions are made. Therefore, no federal income tax provision is required.
As of and during the period ended June 30, 2012, the fund did not have a liability for any unrecognized tax benefits. The fund recognizes interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense in the statement of operations. During the period, the fund did not incur any interest or penalties.
The fund is not subject to examination by U.S. federal tax authorities for tax years before 2008, by state tax authorities for tax years before 2007 and by tax authorities outside the U.S. for tax years before 2005.
Non-U.S. taxation –Dividend income is recorded net of non-U.S. taxes paid. Gains realized by the fund on the sale of securities in certain countries are subject to non-U.S. taxes. The fund records a liability based on unrealized gains to provide for potential non-U.S. taxes payable upon the sale of these securities.
Distributions – Distributions paid to shareholders are based on net investment income and net realized gains determined on a tax basis, which may differ from net investment income and net realized gains for financial reporting purposes. These differences are due primarily to different treatment for items such as currency gains and losses; short-term capital gains and losses; and net capital losses. The fiscal year in which amounts are distributed may differ from the year in which the net investment income and net realized gains are recorded by the fund for financial reporting purposes.
The components of distributable earnings on a tax basis are reported as of the fund’s most recent year-end. As of December 31, 2011, the components of distributable earnings on a tax basis were as follows:
| | (dollars in thousands) | |
Undistributed ordinary income | | | | | $ | 213,030 | |
Capital loss carryforward*: | | | | | | | |
Expiring 2016 | | $ | (689,800 | ) | | | | |
Expiring 2017 | | | (3,190,744 | ) | | | (3,880,544 | ) |
Post-October capital loss deferral† | | | | | | | (37,363 | ) |
| |
*The capital loss carryforward will be used to offset any capital gains realized by the fund in the current year or in subsequent years through the expiration dates. The fund will not make distributions from capital gains while a capital loss carryforward remains. |
†This deferral is considered incurred in the subsequent year. | | | | | | | | |
Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010 (the “Act”), net capital losses recognized after December 31, 2010 may be carried forward indefinitely, and their character is retained as short-term and/or long-term losses. Previously, net capital losses were carried forward for eight years and treated as short-term losses. As a transition rule, the Act requires that post-enactment net capital losses be used before pre-enactment net capital losses.
As of June 30, 2012, the tax basis unrealized appreciation (depreciation) and cost of investment securities were as follows:
(dollars in thousands) | |
Gross unrealized appreciation on investment securities | | $ | 11,784,368 | |
Gross unrealized depreciation on investment securities | | | (2,113,730 | ) |
Net unrealized appreciation on investment securities | | | 9,670,638 | |
Cost of investment securities | | | 39,588,550 | |
Tax-basis distributions paid to shareholders from ordinary income were as follows (dollars in thousands):
Share class | | Six months ended June 30, 2012 | | | Year ended December 31, 2011 | |
Class A | | $ | 209,042 | | | $ | 536,252 | |
Class B | | | 1,418 | | | | 5,513 | |
Class C | | | 4,917 | | | | 16,898 | |
Class F-1 | | | 29,302 | | | | 74,047 | |
Class F-2 | | | 8,205 | | | | 17,995 | |
Class 529-A | | | 6,684 | | | | 15,775 | |
Class 529-B | | | 93 | | | | 420 | |
Class 529-C | | | 678 | | | | 2,269 | |
Class 529-E | | | 228 | | | | 577 | |
Class 529-F-1 | | | 313 | | | | 733 | |
Class R-1 | | | 444 | | | | 1,316 | |
Class R-2 | | | 1,776 | | | | 5,655 | |
Class R-3 | | | 11,722 | | | | 30,098 | |
Class R-4 | | | 14,953 | | | | 36,531 | |
Class R-5 | | | 12,214 | | | | 27,595 | |
Class R-6 | | | 14,512 | | | | 26,189 | |
Total | | $ | 316,501 | | | $ | 797,863 | |
6. | Fees and transactions with related parties |
CRMC, the fund’s investment adviser, is the parent company of American Funds Distributors,® Inc. ("AFD"), the principal underwriter of the fund’s shares, and American Funds Service Company® ("AFS"), the fund’s transfer agent.
Investment advisory services – The fund has an investment advisory and service agreement with CRMC that provides for monthly fees accrued daily. These fees are based on a series of decreasing annual rates beginning with 0.390% on the first $1 billion of daily net assets and decreasing to 0.232% on such assets in excess of $55 billion. For the six months ended June 30, 2012, the investment advisory services fee was $62,401,000, which was equivalent to an annualized rate of 0.252% of average daily net assets.
Class-specific fees and expenses – Expenses that are specific to individual share classes are accrued directly to the respective share class. The principal class-specific fees and expenses are described below:
Distribution services – The fund has plans of distribution for all share classes, except Classes F-2, R-5 and R-6. Under the plans, the board of trustees approves certain categories of expenses that are used to finance activities primarily intended to sell fund shares and service existing accounts. The plans provide for payments, based on an annualized percentage of average daily net assets, ranging from 0.25% to 1.00% as noted below. In some cases, the board of trustees has limited the amounts that may be paid to less than the maximum allowed by the plans. All share classes with a plan may use up to 0.25% of average daily net assets to pay service fees, or to compensate AFD for paying service fees, to firms that have entered into agreements with AFD to provide certain shareholder services. The remaining amounts available to be paid under each plan are paid to dealers to compensate them for their sales activities.
For Classes A and 529-A, distribution-related expenses include the reimbursement of dealer and wholesaler commissions paid by AFD for certain shares sold without a sales charge. These classes reimburse AFD for amounts billed within the prior 15 months but only to the extent that the overall annual expense limit of 0.25% is not exceeded. As of June 30, 2012, there were no unreimbursed expenses subject to reimbursement for Classes A or 529-A.
Share class | Currently approved limits | Plan limits |
Class A | 0.25% | 0.25% |
Class 529-A | 0.25 | 0.50 |
Classes B and 529-B | 1.00 | 1.00 |
Classes C, 529-C and R-1 | 1.00 | 1.00 |
Class R-2 | 0.75 | 1.00 |
Classes 529-E and R-3 | 0.50 | 0.75 |
Classes F-1, 529-F-1 and R-4 | 0.25 | 0.50 |
Transfer agent services – The fund has a shareholder services agreement with AFS under which the fund compensates AFS for providing transfer agent services to each of the fund’s share classes. These services include recordkeeping, shareholder communications and transaction processing. In addition, the fund reimburses AFS for amounts paid to third parties for performing transfer agent services on behalf of fund shareholders.
Administrative services – The board of trustees approved an amended administrative services agreement with CRMC effective January 1, 2012. Under this agreement, Class A shares pay an annual fee of 0.01% and Class C, F, R and 529 shares pay an annual fee of 0.05% of their respective average daily net assets to compensate CRMC for providing administrative services. These services include, but are not limited to, coordinating, monitoring, assisting and overseeing third parties that provide services to fund shareholders.
529 plan services – Each 529 share class is subject to service fees to compensate the Commonwealth of Virginia for the maintenance of the 529 college savings plan. The quarterly fee is based on a series of decreasing annual rates beginning with 0.10% on the first $30 billion of the net assets invested in Class 529 shares of the American Funds and decreasing to 0.06% on such assets between $120 billion and $150 billion. The fee for any given calendar quarter is accrued and calculated on the basis of the average net assets of Class 529 shares of the American Funds for the last month of the prior calendar quarter. The fee is included in other expenses on the accompanying financial statements. The Commonwealth of Virginia is not considered a related party.
Class-specific expenses under the agreements described above for the six months ended June 30, 2012, were as follows (dollars in thousands):
Share class | | Distribution services | | | Transfer agent services | | | Administrative services | | | 529 plan services | |
Class A | | $ | 37,067 | | | $ | 23,715 | | | $ | 1,580 | | | Not applicable | |
Class B | | | 2,663 | | | | 403 | | | Not applicable | | | Not applicable | |
Class C | | | 9,278 | | | | 1,320 | | | | 465 | | | Not applicable | |
Class F-1 | | | 5,543 | | | | 2,088 | | | | 1,117 | | | Not applicable | |
Class F-2 | | Not applicable | | | | 468 | | | | 256 | | | Not applicable | |
Class 529-A | | | 1,100 | | | | 602 | | | | 265 | | | $ | 528 | |
Class 529-B | | | 235 | | | | 32 | | | | 12 | | | | 23 | |
Class 529-C | | | 1,462 | | | | 181 | | | | 73 | | | | 146 | |
Class 529-E | | | 113 | | | | 16 | | | | 11 | | | | 23 | |
Class 529-F-1 | | | - | | | | 25 | | | | 11 | | | | 21 | |
Class R-1 | | | 760 | | | | 83 | | | | 38 | | | Not applicable | |
Class R-2 | | | 2,289 | | | | 1,075 | | | | 154 | | | Not applicable | |
Class R-3 | | | 5,691 | | | | 1,730 | | | | 571 | | | Not applicable | |
Class R-4 | | | 2,827 | | | | 1,117 | | | | 567 | | | Not applicable | |
Class R-5 | | Not applicable | | | | 365 | | | | 374 | | | Not applicable | |
Class R-6 | | Not applicable | | | | 7 | | | | 419 | | | Not applicable | |
Total class-specific expenses | | $ | 69,028 | | | $ | 33,227 | | | $ | 5,913 | | | $ | 741 | |
Trustees’ deferred compensation – Trustees who are unaffiliated with CRMC may elect to defer the cash payment of part or all of their compensation. These deferred amounts, which remain as liabilities of the fund, are treated as if invested in shares of the fund or other American Funds. These amounts represent general, unsecured liabilities of the fund and vary according to the total returns of the selected funds. Trustees’ compensation of $318,000, shown on the accompanying financial statements, includes $208,000 in current fees (either paid in cash or deferred) and a net increase of $110,000 in the value of the deferred amounts.
Affiliated officers and trustees – Officers and certain trustees of the fund are or may be considered to be affiliated with CRMC, AFS and AFD. No affiliated officers or trustees received any compensation directly from the fund.
7. | Capital share transactions |
Capital share transactions in the fund were as follows (dollars and shares in thousands):
| | Sales(*) | | | Reinvestments of dividends | | | Repurchases(*) | | | Net (decrease) increase | |
Share class | | Amount | | | Shares | | | Amount | | | Shares | | | Amount | | | Shares | | | Amount | | | Shares | |
Six months ended June 30, 2012 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class A | | $ | 1,345,640 | | | | 35,548 | | | $ | 203,455 | | | | 5,376 | | | $ | (2,357,502 | ) | | | (62,388 | ) | | $ | (808,407 | ) | | | (21,464 | ) |
Class B | | | 9,005 | | | | 238 | | | | 1,400 | | | | 37 | | | | (94,717 | ) | | | (2,521 | ) | | | (84,312 | ) | | | (2,246 | ) |
Class C | | | 117,537 | | | | 3,112 | | | | 4,793 | | | | 127 | | | | (225,757 | ) | | | (6,006 | ) | | | (103,427 | ) | | | (2,767 | ) |
Class F-1 | | | 440,372 | | | | 11,664 | | | | 29,024 | | | | 768 | | | | (647,397 | ) | | | (17,184 | ) | | | (178,001 | ) | | | (4,752 | ) |
Class F-2 | | | 184,564 | | | | 4,853 | | | | 6,976 | | | | 184 | | | | (111,047 | ) | | | (2,932 | ) | | | 80,493 | | | | 2,105 | |
Class 529-A | | | 90,442 | | | | 2,394 | | | | 6,683 | | | | 177 | | | | (51,941 | ) | | | (1,378 | ) | | | 45,184 | | | | 1,193 | |
Class 529-B | | | 983 | | | | 26 | | | | 93 | | | | 2 | | | | (7,811 | ) | | | (209 | ) | | | (6,735 | ) | | | (181 | ) |
Class 529-C | | | 27,184 | | | | 719 | | | | 677 | | | | 18 | | | | (19,101 | ) | | | (508 | ) | | | 8,760 | | | | 229 | |
Class 529-E | | | 4,146 | | | | 110 | | | | 228 | | | | 6 | | | | (3,115 | ) | | | (82 | ) | | | 1,259 | | | | 34 | |
Class 529-F-1 | | | 5,150 | | | | 136 | | | | 312 | | | | 8 | | | | (4,135 | ) | | | (109 | ) | | | 1,327 | | | | 35 | |
Class R-1 | | | 20,279 | | | | 537 | | | | 443 | | | | 12 | | | | (18,545 | ) | | | (493 | ) | | | 2,177 | | | | 56 | |
Class R-2 | | | 83,421 | | | | 2,212 | | | | 1,775 | | | | 47 | | | | (105,667 | ) | | | (2,804 | ) | | | (20,471 | ) | | | (545 | ) |
Class R-3 | | | 276,082 | | | | 7,297 | | | | 11,718 | | | | 310 | | | | (282,626 | ) | | | (7,487 | ) | | | 5,174 | | | | 120 | |
Class R-4 | | | 306,764 | | | | 8,133 | | | | 14,946 | | | | 395 | | | | (334,913 | ) | | | (8,863 | ) | | | (13,203 | ) | | | (335 | ) |
Class R-5 | | | 204,859 | | | | 5,418 | | | | 12,184 | | | | 322 | | | | (173,470 | ) | | | (4,616 | ) | | | 43,573 | | | | 1,124 | |
Class R-6 | | | 448,566 | | | | 11,941 | | | | 14,512 | | | | 385 | | | | (126,593 | ) | | | (3,339 | ) | | | 336,485 | | | | 8,987 | |
Total net increase | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(decrease) | | $ | 3,564,994 | | | | 94,338 | | | $ | 309,219 | | | | 8,174 | | | $ | (4,564,337 | ) | | | (120,919 | ) | | $ | (690,124 | ) | | | (18,407 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Year ended December 31, 2011 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class A | | $ | 3,392,073 | | | | 91,758 | | | $ | 520,075 | | | | 14,599 | | | $ | (5,677,711 | ) | | | (155,320 | ) | | $ | (1,765,563 | ) | | | (48,963 | ) |
Class B | | | 32,613 | | | | 874 | | | | 5,458 | | | | 155 | | | | (217,857 | ) | | | (5,953 | ) | | | (179,786 | ) | | | (4,924 | ) |
Class C | | | 281,376 | | | | 7,592 | | | | 16,389 | | | | 467 | | | | (503,457 | ) | | | (13,829 | ) | | | (205,692 | ) | | | (5,770 | ) |
Class F-1 | | | 1,330,230 | | | | 36,472 | | | | 71,899 | | | | 2,024 | | | | (1,281,303 | ) | | | (35,390 | ) | | | 120,826 | | | | 3,106 | |
Class F-2 | | | 334,821 | | | | 9,069 | | | | 15,306 | | | | 430 | | | | (284,649 | ) | | | (7,845 | ) | | | 65,478 | | | | 1,654 | |
Class 529-A | | | 181,896 | | | | 4,948 | | | | 15,772 | | | | 444 | | | | (99,997 | ) | | | (2,745 | ) | | | 97,671 | | | | 2,647 | |
Class 529-B | | | 2,972 | | | | 80 | | | | 420 | | | | 12 | | | | (17,040 | ) | | | (467 | ) | | | (13,648 | ) | | | (375 | ) |
Class 529-C | | | 51,372 | | | | 1,398 | | | | 2,269 | | | | 65 | | | | (35,520 | ) | | | (977 | ) | | | 18,121 | | | | 486 | |
Class 529-E | | | 7,960 | | | | 217 | | | | 577 | | | | 16 | | | | (5,556 | ) | | | (153 | ) | | | 2,981 | | | | 80 | |
Class 529-F-1 | | | 11,461 | | | | 309 | | | | 733 | | | | 21 | | | | (7,219 | ) | | | (198 | ) | | | 4,975 | | | | 132 | |
Class R-1 | | | 40,549 | | | | 1,102 | | | | 1,313 | | | | 38 | | | | (32,388 | ) | | | (890 | ) | | | 9,474 | | | | 250 | |
Class R-2 | | | 178,515 | | | | 4,861 | | | | 5,649 | | | | 161 | | | | (203,444 | ) | | | (5,569 | ) | | | (19,280 | ) | | | (547 | ) |
Class R-3 | | | 602,532 | | | | 16,398 | | | | 30,079 | | | | 850 | | | | (582,412 | ) | | | (15,920 | ) | | | 50,199 | | | | 1,328 | |
Class R-4 | | | 799,484 | | | | 21,675 | | | | 36,518 | | | | 1,028 | | | | (672,841 | ) | | | (18,555 | ) | | | 163,161 | | | | 4,148 | |
Class R-5 | | | 436,104 | | | | 12,043 | | | | 27,512 | | | | 772 | | | | (435,283 | ) | | | (12,089 | ) | | | 28,333 | | | | 726 | |
Class R-6 | | | 646,485 | | | | 17,551 | | | | 26,179 | | | | 738 | | | | (148,792 | ) | | | (4,016 | ) | | | 523,872 | | | | 14,273 | |
Total net increase | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(decrease) | | $ | 8,330,443 | | | | 226,347 | | | $ | 776,148 | | | | 21,820 | | | $ | (10,205,469 | ) | | | (279,916 | ) | | $ | (1,098,878 | ) | | | (31,749 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
* Includes exchanges between share classes of the fund. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
8. | Investment transactions |
The fund made purchases and sales of investment securities, excluding short-term securities and U.S. government obligations, if any, of $5,777,955,000 and $6,966,253,000, respectively, during the six months ended June 30, 2012.
| | | | | | Income (loss) from investment operations(1) | | | Dividends and distributions | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Net asset value, beginning of period | | | Net investment income(2)(3) | | | Net gains (losses) on securities (both realized and unrealized) | | | Total from investment operations | | | Dividends (from net investment income) | | | Distributions (from capital gains) | | | Total dividends and distributions | | | Net asset value, end of period | | | Total return(4)(5) | | | Net assets, end of period (in millions) | | | Ratio of expenses to average net assets before reimbursements/ waivers | | | Ratio of expenses to average net assets after reimbursements/ waivers(5) | | | Ratio of net income to average net assets(2)(3)(5) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class A: | Six months ended 6/30/2012(6)(7) | | $ | 35.39 | | | $ | .29 | | | $ | 2.38 | | | $ | 2.67 | | | $ | (.25 | ) | | $ | - | | | $ | (.25 | ) | | $ | 37.81 | | | | 7.55 | % | | $ | 31,426 | | | | .66 | %(8) | | | .66 | %(8) | | | 1.52 | %(8) |
| Year ended 12/31/2011 | | | 36.70 | | | | .60 | | | | (1.29 | ) | | | (.69 | ) | | | (.62 | ) | | | - | | | | (.62 | ) | | | 35.39 | | | | (1.89 | ) | | | 30,176 | | | | .63 | �� | | | .63 | | | | 1.62 | |
| Year ended 12/31/2010 | | | 32.73 | | | | .59 | | | | 3.95 | | | | 4.54 | | | | (.57 | ) | | | - | | | | (.57 | ) | | | 36.70 | | | | 14.05 | | | | 33,089 | | | | .64 | | | | .64 | | | | 1.78 | |
| Year ended 12/31/2009 | | | 24.98 | | | | .44 | | | | 7.79 | | | | 8.23 | | | | (.48 | ) | | | - | | | | (.48 | ) | | | 32.73 | | | | 33.36 | | | | 30,954 | | | | .69 | | | | .69 | | | | 1.60 | |
| Year ended 12/31/2008 | | | 42.45 | | | | .60 | | | | (17.23 | ) | | | (16.63 | ) | | | (.58 | ) | | | (.26 | ) | | | (.84 | ) | | | 24.98 | | | | (39.70 | ) | | | 24,443 | | | | .63 | | | | .61 | | | | 1.70 | |
| Year ended 12/31/2007 | | | 40.05 | | | | 1.03 | | | | 4.39 | | | | 5.42 | | | | (.95 | ) | | | (2.07 | ) | | | (3.02 | ) | | | 42.45 | | | | 13.55 | | | | 38,877 | | | | .60 | | | | .57 | | | | 2.40 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B: | Six months ended 6/30/2012(6)(7) | | | 35.30 | | | | .14 | | | | 2.38 | | | | 2.52 | | | | (.10 | ) | | | - | | | | (.10 | ) | | | 37.72 | | | | 7.15 | | | | 498 | | | | 1.42 | (8) | | | 1.42 | (8) | | | .77 | (8) |
| Year ended 12/31/2011 | | | 36.60 | | | | .31 | | | | (1.28 | ) | | | (.97 | ) | | | (.33 | ) | | | - | | | | (.33 | ) | | | 35.30 | | | | (2.64 | ) | | | 545 | | | | 1.40 | | | | 1.40 | | | | .85 | |
| Year ended 12/31/2010 | | | 32.64 | | | | .33 | | | | 3.94 | | | | 4.27 | | | | (.31 | ) | | | - | | | | (.31 | ) | | | 36.60 | | | | 13.18 | | | | 746 | | | | 1.41 | | | | 1.41 | | | | 1.01 | |
| Year ended 12/31/2009 | | | 24.92 | | | | .23 | | | | 7.76 | | | | 7.99 | | | | (.27 | ) | | | - | | | | (.27 | ) | | | 32.64 | | | | 32.30 | | | | 897 | | | | 1.46 | | | | 1.46 | | | | .85 | |
| Year ended 12/31/2008 | | | 42.35 | | | | .34 | | | | (17.20 | ) | | | (16.86 | ) | | | (.31 | ) | | | (.26 | ) | | | (.57 | ) | | | 24.92 | | | | (40.14 | ) | | | 924 | | | | 1.39 | | | | 1.37 | | | | .94 | |
| Year ended 12/31/2007 | | | 39.96 | | | | .70 | | | | 4.38 | | | | 5.08 | | | | (.62 | ) | | | (2.07 | ) | | | (2.69 | ) | | | 42.35 | | | | 12.70 | | | | 1,667 | | | | 1.36 | | | | 1.33 | | | | 1.63 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class C: | Six months ended 6/30/2012(6)(7) | | | 35.26 | | | | .14 | | | | 2.37 | | | | 2.51 | | | | (.10 | ) | | | - | | | | (.10 | ) | | | 37.67 | | | | 7.12 | | | | 1,823 | | | | 1.46 | (8) | | | 1.46 | (8) | | | .73 | (8) |
| Year ended 12/31/2011 | | | 36.56 | | | | .30 | | | | (1.28 | ) | | | (.98 | ) | | | (.32 | ) | | | - | | | | (.32 | ) | | | 35.26 | | | | (2.67 | ) | | | 1,804 | | | | 1.44 | | | | 1.44 | | | | .82 | |
| Year ended 12/31/2010 | | | 32.61 | | | | .32 | | | | 3.94 | | | | 4.26 | | | | (.31 | ) | | | - | | | | (.31 | ) | | | 36.56 | | | | 13.13 | | | | 2,081 | | | | 1.44 | | | | 1.44 | | | | .98 | |
| Year ended 12/31/2009 | | | 24.90 | | | | .22 | | | | 7.75 | | | | 7.97 | | | | (.26 | ) | | | - | | | | (.26 | ) | | | 32.61 | | | | 32.26 | | | | 1,925 | | | | 1.48 | | | | 1.48 | | | | .81 | |
| Year ended 12/31/2008 | | | 42.31 | | | | .32 | | | | (17.17 | ) | | | (16.85 | ) | | | (.30 | ) | | | (.26 | ) | | | (.56 | ) | | | 24.90 | | | | (40.16 | ) | | | 1,468 | | | | 1.43 | | | | 1.41 | | | | .90 | |
| Year ended 12/31/2007 | | | 39.92 | | | | .70 | | | | 4.36 | | | | 5.06 | | | | (.60 | ) | | | (2.07 | ) | | | (2.67 | ) | | | 42.31 | | | | 12.65 | | | | 2,053 | | | | 1.41 | | | | 1.38 | | | | 1.62 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class F-1: | Six months ended 6/30/2012(6)(7) | | | 35.37 | | | | .29 | | | | 2.38 | | | | 2.67 | | | | (.25 | ) | | | - | | | | (.25 | ) | | | 37.79 | | | | 7.55 | | | | 4,398 | | | | .66 | (8) | | | .66 | (8) | | | 1.53 | (8) |
| Year ended 12/31/2011 | | | 36.68 | | | | .59 | | | | (1.29 | ) | | | (.70 | ) | | | (.61 | ) | | | - | | | | (.61 | ) | | | 35.37 | | | | (1.92 | ) | | | 4,285 | | | | .67 | | | | .67 | | | | 1.60 | |
| Year ended 12/31/2010 | | | 32.72 | | | | .59 | | | | 3.93 | | | | 4.52 | | | | (.56 | ) | | | - | | | | (.56 | ) | | | 36.68 | | | | 14.01 | | | | 4,330 | | | | .66 | | | | .66 | | | | 1.77 | |
| Year ended 12/31/2009 | | | 24.97 | | | | .45 | | | | 7.79 | | | | 8.24 | | | | (.49 | ) | | | - | | | | (.49 | ) | | | 32.72 | | | | 33.40 | | | | 3,868 | | | | .67 | | | | .67 | | | | 1.61 | |
| Year ended 12/31/2008 | | | 42.43 | | | | .60 | | | | (17.22 | ) | | | (16.62 | ) | | | (.58 | ) | | | (.26 | ) | | | (.84 | ) | | | 24.97 | | | | (39.69 | ) | | | 2,932 | | | | .62 | | | | .60 | | | | 1.72 | |
| Year ended 12/31/2007 | | | 40.03 | | | | 1.06 | | | | 4.36 | | | | 5.42 | | | | (.95 | ) | | | (2.07 | ) | | | (3.02 | ) | | | 42.43 | | | | 13.55 | | | | 3,235 | | | | .61 | | | | .58 | | | | 2.45 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class F-2: | Six months ended 6/30/2012(6)(7) | | | 35.39 | | | | .34 | | | | 2.37 | | | | 2.71 | | | | (.30 | ) | | | - | | | | (.30 | ) | | | 37.80 | | | | 7.65 | | | | 1,057 | | | | .41 | (8) | | | .41 | (8) | | | 1.78 | (8) |
| Year ended 12/31/2011 | | | 36.70 | | | | .68 | | | | (1.29 | ) | | | (.61 | ) | | | (.70 | ) | | | - | | | | (.70 | ) | | | 35.39 | | | | (1.67 | ) | | | 915 | | | | .42 | | | | .42 | | | | 1.85 | |
| Year ended 12/31/2010 | | | 32.73 | | | | .67 | | | | 3.95 | | | | 4.62 | | | | (.65 | ) | | | - | | | | (.65 | ) | | | 36.70 | | | | 14.32 | | | | 888 | | | | .40 | | | | .40 | | | | 2.03 | |
| Year ended 12/31/2009 | | | 24.98 | | | | .49 | | | | 7.81 | | | | 8.30 | | | | (.55 | ) | | | - | | | | (.55 | ) | | | 32.73 | | | | 33.72 | | | | 641 | | | | .43 | | | | .43 | | | | 1.69 | |
| Period from 8/1/2008 to 12/31/2008(6) | | | 37.09 | | | | .23 | | | | (11.97 | ) | | | (11.74 | ) | | | (.37 | ) | | | - | | | | (.37 | ) | | | 24.98 | | | | (31.78 | ) | | | 92 | | | | .17 | | | | .16 | | | | .88 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class 529-A: | Six months ended 6/30/2012(6)(7) | | | 35.36 | | | | .27 | | | | 2.38 | | | | 2.65 | | | | (.24 | ) | | | - | | | | (.24 | ) | | | 37.77 | | | | 7.48 | | | | 1,089 | | | | .74 | (8) | | | .74 | (8) | | | 1.45 | (8) |
| Year ended 12/31/2011 | | | 36.67 | | | | .57 | | | | (1.29 | ) | | | (.72 | ) | | | (.59 | ) | | | - | | | | (.59 | ) | | | 35.36 | | | | (1.97 | ) | | | 977 | | | | .71 | | | | .71 | | | | 1.55 | |
| Year ended 12/31/2010 | | | 32.71 | | | | .58 | | | | 3.93 | | | | 4.51 | | | | (.55 | ) | | | - | | | | (.55 | ) | | | 36.67 | | | | 13.98 | | | | 916 | | | | .69 | | | | .69 | | | | 1.74 | |
| Year ended 12/31/2009 | | | 24.97 | | | | .43 | | | | 7.78 | | | | 8.21 | | | | (.47 | ) | | | - | | | | (.47 | ) | | | 32.71 | | | | 33.30 | | | | 723 | | | | .73 | | | | .73 | | | | 1.55 | |
| Year ended 12/31/2008 | | | 42.42 | | | | .58 | | | | (17.21 | ) | | | (16.63 | ) | | | (.56 | ) | | | (.26 | ) | | | (.82 | ) | | | 24.97 | | | | (39.71 | ) | | | 485 | | | | .68 | | | | .65 | | | | 1.66 | |
| Year ended 12/31/2007 | | | 40.02 | | | | 1.03 | | | | 4.36 | | | | 5.39 | | | | (.92 | ) | | | (2.07 | ) | | | (2.99 | ) | | | 42.42 | | | | 13.49 | | | | 643 | | | | .66 | | | | .64 | | | | 2.37 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class 529-B: | Six months ended 6/30/2012(6)(7) | | | 35.36 | | | | .12 | | | | 2.38 | | | | 2.50 | | | | (.08 | ) | | | - | | | | (.08 | ) | | | 37.78 | | | | 7.06 | | | | 45 | | | | 1.55 | (8) | | | 1.55 | (8) | | | .64 | (8) |
| Year ended 12/31/2011 | | | 36.66 | | | | .27 | | | | (1.28 | ) | | | (1.01 | ) | | | (.29 | ) | | | - | | | | (.29 | ) | | | 35.36 | | | | (2.74 | ) | | | 48 | | | | 1.51 | | | | 1.51 | | | | .74 | |
| Year ended 12/31/2010 | | | 32.69 | | | | .30 | | | | 3.95 | | | | 4.25 | | | | (.28 | ) | | | - | | | | (.28 | ) | | | 36.66 | | | | 13.09 | | | | 63 | | | | 1.50 | | | | 1.50 | | | | .92 | |
| Year ended 12/31/2009 | | | 24.96 | | | | .20 | | | | 7.77 | | | | 7.97 | | | | (.24 | ) | | | - | | | | (.24 | ) | | | 32.69 | | | | 32.16 | | | | 71 | | | | 1.55 | | | | 1.55 | | | | .74 | |
| Year ended 12/31/2008 | | | 42.41 | | | | .30 | | | | (17.22 | ) | | | (16.92 | ) | | | (.27 | ) | | | (.26 | ) | | | (.53 | ) | | | 24.96 | | | | (40.20 | ) | | | 54 | | | | 1.50 | | | | 1.47 | | | | .84 | |
| Year ended 12/31/2007 | | | 40.01 | | | | .66 | | | | 4.38 | | | | 5.04 | | | | (.57 | ) | | | (2.07 | ) | | | (2.64 | ) | | | 42.41 | | | | 12.57 | | | | 80 | | | | 1.48 | | | | 1.46 | | | | 1.53 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class 529-C: | Six months ended 6/30/2012(6)(7) | | | 35.34 | | | | .12 | | | | 2.38 | | | | 2.50 | | | | (.09 | ) | | | - | | | | (.09 | ) | | | 37.75 | | | | 7.06 | | | | 300 | | | | 1.53 | (8) | | | 1.53 | (8) | | | .65 | (8) |
| Year ended 12/31/2011 | | | 36.64 | | | | .28 | | | | (1.28 | ) | | | (1.00 | ) | | | (.30 | ) | | | - | | | | (.30 | ) | | | 35.34 | | | | (2.72 | ) | | | 273 | | | | 1.51 | | | | 1.51 | | | | .76 | |
| Year ended 12/31/2010 | | | 32.69 | | | | .31 | | | | 3.93 | | | | 4.24 | | | | (.29 | ) | | | - | | | | (.29 | ) | | | 36.64 | | | | 13.05 | | | | 265 | | | | 1.49 | | | | 1.49 | | | | .94 | |
| Year ended 12/31/2009 | | | 24.95 | | | | .20 | | | | 7.78 | | | | 7.98 | | | | (.24 | ) | | | - | | | | (.24 | ) | | | 32.69 | | | | 32.22 | | | | 215 | | | | 1.55 | | | | 1.55 | | | | .74 | |
| Year ended 12/31/2008 | | | 42.40 | | | | .30 | | | | (17.22 | ) | | | (16.92 | ) | | | (.27 | ) | | | (.26 | ) | | | (.53 | ) | | | 24.95 | | | | (40.21 | ) | | | 147 | | | | 1.49 | | | | 1.47 | | | | .85 | |
| Year ended 12/31/2007 | | | 40.00 | | | | .67 | | | | 4.37 | | | | 5.04 | | | | (.57 | ) | | | (2.07 | ) | | | (2.64 | ) | | | 42.40 | | | | 12.58 | | | | 195 | | | | 1.48 | | | | 1.45 | | | | 1.56 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class 529-E: | Six months ended 6/30/2012(6)(7) | | $ | 35.34 | | | $ | .22 | | | $ | 2.38 | | | $ | 2.60 | | | $ | (.19 | ) | | $ | - | | | $ | (.19 | ) | | $ | 37.75 | | | | 7.36 | % | | $ | 46 | | | | .99 | %(8) | | | .99 | %(8) | | | 1.20 | %(8) |
| Year ended 12/31/2011 | | | 36.65 | | | | .47 | | | | (1.29 | ) | | | (.82 | ) | | | (.49 | ) | | | - | | | | (.49 | ) | | | 35.34 | | | | (2.23 | ) | | | 42 | | | | .98 | | | | .98 | | | | 1.29 | |
| Year ended 12/31/2010 | | | 32.69 | | | | .48 | | | | 3.94 | | | | 4.42 | | | | (.46 | ) | | | - | | | | (.46 | ) | | | 36.65 | | | | 13.66 | | | | 41 | | | | .98 | | | | .98 | | | | 1.45 | |
| Year ended 12/31/2009 | | | 24.95 | | | | .34 | | | | 7.78 | | | | 8.12 | | | | (.38 | ) | | | - | | | | (.38 | ) | | | 32.69 | | | | 32.89 | | | | 32 | | | | 1.04 | | | | 1.04 | | | | 1.24 | |
| Year ended 12/31/2008 | | | 42.40 | | | | .48 | | | | (17.21 | ) | | | (16.73 | ) | | | (.46 | ) | | | (.26 | ) | | | (.72 | ) | | | 24.95 | | | | (39.90 | ) | | | 21 | | | | .98 | | | | .96 | | | | 1.36 | |
| Year ended 12/31/2007 | | | 40.00 | | | | .88 | | | | 4.38 | | | | 5.26 | | | | (.79 | ) | | | (2.07 | ) | | | (2.86 | ) | | | 42.40 | | | | 13.14 | | | | 29 | | | | .97 | | | | .95 | | | | 2.05 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class 529-F-1: | Six months ended 6/30/2012(6)(7) | | | 35.33 | | | | .31 | | | | 2.38 | | | | 2.69 | | | | (.27 | ) | | | - | | | | (.27 | ) | | | 37.75 | | | | 7.60 | | | | 44 | | | | .53 | (8) | | | .53 | (8) | | | 1.65 | (8) |
| Year ended 12/31/2011 | | | 36.65 | | | | .65 | | | | (1.30 | ) | | | (.65 | ) | | | (.67 | ) | | | - | | | | (.67 | ) | | | 35.33 | | | | (1.75 | ) | | | 40 | | | | .50 | | | | .50 | | | | 1.77 | |
| Year ended 12/31/2010 | | | 32.69 | | | | .65 | | | | 3.93 | | | | 4.58 | | | | (.62 | ) | | | - | | | | (.62 | ) | | | 36.65 | | | | 14.22 | | | | 37 | | | | .48 | | | | .48 | | | | 1.95 | |
| Year ended 12/31/2009 | | | 24.95 | | | | .48 | | | | 7.78 | | | | 8.26 | | | | (.52 | ) | | | - | | | | (.52 | ) | | | 32.69 | | | | 33.56 | | | | 27 | | | | .54 | | | | .54 | | | | 1.74 | |
| Year ended 12/31/2008 | | | 42.39 | | | | .64 | | | | (17.19 | ) | | | (16.55 | ) | | | (.63 | ) | | | (.26 | ) | | | (.89 | ) | | | 24.95 | | | | (39.59 | ) | | | 20 | | | | .48 | | | | .46 | | | | 1.84 | |
| Year ended 12/31/2007 | | | 40.00 | | | | 1.13 | | | | 4.33 | | | | 5.46 | | | | (1.00 | ) | | | (2.07 | ) | | | (3.07 | ) | | | 42.39 | | | | 13.69 | | | | 20 | | | | .47 | | | | .45 | | | | 2.62 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class R-1: | Six months ended 6/30/2012(6)(7) | | | 35.26 | | | | .14 | | | | 2.37 | | | | 2.51 | | | | (.11 | ) | | | - | | | | (.11 | ) | | | 37.66 | | | | 7.14 | | | | 154 | | | | 1.42 | (8) | | | 1.42 | (8) | | | .76 | (8) |
| Year ended 12/31/2011 | | | 36.56 | | | | .31 | | | | (1.28 | ) | | | (.97 | ) | | | (.33 | ) | | | - | | | | (.33 | ) | | | 35.26 | | | | (2.65 | ) | | | 142 | | | | 1.43 | | | | 1.43 | | | | .84 | |
| Year ended 12/31/2010 | | | 32.62 | | | | .33 | | | | 3.93 | | | | 4.26 | | | | (.32 | ) | | | - | | | | (.32 | ) | | | 36.56 | | | | 13.13 | | | | 138 | | | | 1.43 | | | | 1.43 | | | | 1.01 | |
| Year ended 12/31/2009 | | | 24.90 | | | | .22 | | | | 7.76 | | | | 7.98 | | | | (.26 | ) | | | - | | | | (.26 | ) | | | 32.62 | | | | 32.30 | | | | 98 | | | | 1.47 | | | | 1.47 | | | | .80 | |
| Year ended 12/31/2008 | | | 42.31 | | | | .32 | | | | (17.18 | ) | | | (16.86 | ) | | | (.29 | ) | | | (.26 | ) | | | (.55 | ) | | | 24.90 | | | | (40.16 | ) | | | 61 | | | | 1.43 | | | | 1.41 | | | | .91 | |
| Year ended 12/31/2007 | | | 39.93 | | | | .72 | | | | 4.33 | | | | 5.05 | | | | (.60 | ) | | | (2.07 | ) | | | (2.67 | ) | | | 42.31 | | | | 12.62 | | | | 57 | | | | 1.44 | | | | 1.42 | | | | 1.67 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class R-2: | Six months ended 6/30/2012(6)(7) | | | 35.26 | | | | .15 | | | | 2.36 | | | | 2.51 | | | | (.11 | ) | | | - | | | | (.11 | ) | | | 37.66 | | | | 7.12 | | | | 609 | | | | 1.41 | (8) | | | 1.41 | (8) | | | .78 | (8) |
| Year ended 12/31/2011 | | | 36.56 | | | | .31 | | | | (1.28 | ) | | | (.97 | ) | | | (.33 | ) | | | - | | | | (.33 | ) | | | 35.26 | | | | (2.64 | ) | | | 589 | | | | 1.41 | | | | 1.41 | | | | .85 | |
| Year ended 12/31/2010 | | | 32.61 | | | | .33 | | | | 3.93 | | | | 4.26 | | | | (.31 | ) | | | - | | | | (.31 | ) | | | 36.56 | | | | 13.15 | | | | 631 | | | | 1.42 | | | | 1.42 | | | | 1.00 | |
| Year ended 12/31/2009 | | | 24.89 | | | | .21 | | | | 7.76 | | | | 7.97 | | | | (.25 | ) | | | - | | | | (.25 | ) | | | 32.61 | | | | 32.22 | | | | 550 | | | | 1.52 | | | | 1.52 | | | | .77 | |
| Year ended 12/31/2008 | | | 42.30 | | | | .30 | | | | (17.17 | ) | | | (16.87 | ) | | | (.28 | ) | | | (.26 | ) | | | (.54 | ) | | | 24.89 | | | | (40.19 | ) | | | 366 | | | | 1.49 | | | | 1.47 | | | | .85 | |
| Year ended 12/31/2007 | | | 39.92 | | | | .70 | | | | 4.34 | | | | 5.04 | | | | (.59 | ) | | | (2.07 | ) | | | (2.66 | ) | | | 42.30 | | | | 12.61 | | | | 471 | | | | 1.46 | | | | 1.40 | | | | 1.62 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class R-3: | Six months ended 6/30/2012(6)(7) | | | 35.32 | | | | .23 | | | | 2.37 | | | | 2.60 | | | | (.19 | ) | | | - | | | | (.19 | ) | | | 37.73 | | | | 7.37 | | | | 2,297 | | | | .97 | (8) | | | .97 | (8) | | | 1.22 | (8) |
| Year ended 12/31/2011 | | | 36.63 | | | | .48 | | | | (1.29 | ) | | | (.81 | ) | | | (.50 | ) | | | - | | | | (.50 | ) | | | 35.32 | | | | (2.22 | ) | | | 2,146 | | | | .96 | | | | .96 | | | | 1.30 | |
| Year ended 12/31/2010 | | | 32.67 | | | | .49 | | | | 3.94 | | | | 4.43 | | | | (.47 | ) | | | - | | | | (.47 | ) | | | 36.63 | | | | 13.69 | | | | 2,177 | | | | .96 | | | | .96 | | | | 1.47 | |
| Year ended 12/31/2009 | | | 24.94 | | | | .36 | | | | 7.77 | | | | 8.13 | | | | (.40 | ) | | | - | | | | (.40 | ) | | | 32.67 | | | | 32.93 | | | | 1,707 | | | | .99 | | | | .99 | | | | 1.29 | |
| Year ended 12/31/2008 | | | 42.38 | | | | .48 | | | | (17.20 | ) | | | (16.72 | ) | | | (.46 | ) | | | (.26 | ) | | | (.72 | ) | | | 24.94 | | | | (39.89 | ) | | | 1,058 | | | | .98 | | | | .95 | | | | 1.37 | |
| Year ended 12/31/2007 | | | 39.98 | | | | .92 | | | | 4.34 | | | | 5.26 | | | | (.79 | ) | | | (2.07 | ) | | | (2.86 | ) | | | 42.38 | | | | 13.17 | | | | 1,157 | | | | .97 | | | | .94 | | | | 2.12 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class R-4: | Six months ended 6/30/2012(6)(7) | | | 35.33 | | | | .29 | | | | 2.38 | | | | 2.67 | | | | (.25 | ) | | | - | | | | (.25 | ) | | | 37.75 | | | | 7.56 | | | | 2,256 | | | | .66 | (8) | | | .66 | (8) | | | 1.52 | (8) |
| Year ended 12/31/2011 | | | 36.64 | | | | .59 | | | | (1.30 | ) | | | (.71 | ) | | | (.60 | ) | | | - | | | | (.60 | ) | | | 35.33 | | | | (1.92 | ) | | | 2,123 | | | | .66 | | | | .66 | | | | 1.60 | |
| Year ended 12/31/2010 | | | 32.68 | | | | .59 | | | | 3.93 | | | | 4.52 | | | | (.56 | ) | | | - | | | | (.56 | ) | | | 36.64 | | | | 14.02 | | | | 2,050 | | | | .66 | | | | .66 | | | | 1.77 | |
| Year ended 12/31/2009 | | | 24.95 | | | | .44 | | | | 7.77 | | | | 8.21 | | | | (.48 | ) | | | - | | | | (.48 | ) | | | 32.68 | | | | 33.31 | | | | 1,545 | | | | .69 | | | | .69 | | | | 1.58 | |
| Year ended 12/31/2008 | | | 42.39 | | | | .58 | | | | (17.19 | ) | | | (16.61 | ) | | | (.57 | ) | | | (.26 | ) | | | (.83 | ) | | | 24.95 | | | | (39.70 | ) | | | 942 | | | | .67 | | | | .65 | | | | 1.68 | |
| Year ended 12/31/2007 | | | 39.99 | | | | 1.05 | | | | 4.34 | | | | 5.39 | | | | (.92 | ) | | | (2.07 | ) | | | (2.99 | ) | | | 42.39 | | | | 13.51 | | | | 879 | | | | .66 | | | | .64 | | | | 2.42 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class R-5: | Six months ended 6/30/2012(6)(7) | | | 35.40 | | | | .34 | | | | 2.39 | | | | 2.73 | | | | (.31 | ) | | | - | | | | (.31 | ) | | | 37.82 | | | | 7.70 | | | | 1,531 | | | | .36 | (8) | | | .36 | (8) | | | 1.82 | (8) |
| Year ended 12/31/2011 | | | 36.71 | | | | .70 | | | | (1.30 | ) | | | (.60 | ) | | | (.71 | ) | | | - | | | | (.71 | ) | | | 35.40 | | | | (1.62 | ) | | | 1,394 | | | | .36 | | | | .36 | | | | 1.89 | |
| Year ended 12/31/2010 | | | 32.74 | | | | .69 | | | | 3.94 | | | | 4.63 | | | | (.66 | ) | | | - | | | | (.66 | ) | | | 36.71 | | | | 14.37 | | | | 1,419 | | | | .36 | | | | .36 | | | | 2.06 | |
| Year ended 12/31/2009 | | | 24.99 | | | | .52 | | | | 7.79 | | | | 8.31 | | | | (.56 | ) | | | - | | | | (.56 | ) | | | 32.74 | | | | 33.75 | | | | 1,269 | | | | .39 | | | | .39 | | | | 1.92 | |
| Year ended 12/31/2008 | | | 42.46 | | | | .69 | | | | (17.23 | ) | | | (16.54 | ) | | | (.67 | ) | | | (.26 | ) | | | (.93 | ) | | | 24.99 | | | | (39.53 | ) | | | 1,077 | | | | .37 | | | | .35 | | | | 1.98 | |
| Year ended 12/31/2007 | | | 40.06 | | | | 1.18 | | | | 4.34 | | | | 5.52 | | | | (1.05 | ) | | | (2.07 | ) | | | (3.12 | ) | | | 42.46 | | | | 13.81 | | | | 1,014 | | | | .37 | | | | .34 | | | | 2.73 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class R-6: | Six months ended 6/30/2012(6)(7) | | | 35.39 | | | | .35 | | | | 2.38 | | | | 2.73 | | | | (.31 | ) | | | - | | | | (.31 | ) | | | 37.81 | | | | 7.73 | | | | 1,858 | | | | .32 | (8) | | | .32 | (8) | | | 1.88 | (8) |
| Year ended 12/31/2011 | | | 36.70 | | | | .72 | | | | (1.30 | ) | | | (.58 | ) | | | (.73 | ) | | | - | | | | (.73 | ) | | | 35.39 | | | | (1.57 | ) | | | 1,421 | | | | .31 | | | | .31 | | | | 1.97 | |
| Year ended 12/31/2010 | | | 32.74 | | | | .71 | | | | 3.93 | | | | 4.64 | | | | (.68 | ) | | | - | | | | (.68 | ) | | | 36.70 | | | | 14.39 | | | | 950 | | | | .32 | | | | .32 | | | | 2.13 | |
| Period from 5/1/2009 to 12/31/2009(6) | | | 25.63 | | | | .37 | | | | 7.17 | | | | 7.54 | | | | (.43 | ) | | | - | | | | (.43 | ) | | | 32.74 | | | | 29.60 | | | | 596 | | | | .35 | (8) | | | .35 | (8) | | | 1.87 | (8) |
| | | | | Year ended December 31 | |
| | 2012(6)(7) | | | 2011 | | | 2010 | | | 2009 | | | 2008 | | | 2007 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio turnover rate for all share classes | | | 12 | % | | | 28 | % | | | 32 | % | | | 30 | % | | | 29 | % | | | 27 | % |
(1)Based on average shares outstanding. | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(2)For the year ended December 31, 2007, this column reflects the impact of a corporate action event that resulted in a one-time increase to net investment income. If the corporate action event had not occurred, the Class A net investment income per share and ratio of net income to average net assets would have been lower by $.39 and .90 percentage points, respectively. The impact to the other share classes would have been similar. |
(3)For the year ended December 31, 2010, this column reflects the impact of a corporate action event that resulted in a one-time increase to net investment income. If the corporate action event had not occurred, the Class A net investment income per share and ratio of net income to average net assets would have been lower by $.07 and .21 percentage points, respectively. The impact to the other share classes would have been similar. |
(4)Total returns exclude any applicable sales charges, including contingent deferred sales charges. | | | | | | |
(5)This column reflects the impact, if any, of certain reimbursements/waivers from CRMC. During some of the periods shown, CRMC reduced fees for investment advisory services. In addition, during some of the periods shown, CRMC paid a portion of the fund's transfer agent fees for certain retirement plan share classes. |
(6)Based on operations for the period shown and, accordingly, is not representative of a full year. | | | | | | | |
(7)Unaudited. | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(8)Annualized. | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
See Notes to Financial Statements | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expense example
unaudited
As a shareholder of the fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, such as initial sales charges on purchase payments and contingent deferred sales charges on redemptions (loads), and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees, distribution and service (12b-1) fees, and other expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the fund so you can compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. The example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire six-month period (January 1, 2012, through June 30, 2012).
Actual expenses:
The first line of each share class in the table on the next page provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this line, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first line under the heading entitled "Expenses paid during period" to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.
Hypothetical example for comparison purposes:
The second line of each share class in the table on the next page provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the actual expense ratio for the share class and an assumed rate of return of 5.00% per year before expenses, which is not the actual return of the share class. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5.00% hypothetical example with the 5.00% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.
Notes:
There are some account fees that are charged to certain types of accounts, such as individual retirement accounts and 529 college savings plan accounts (generally, a $10 fee is charged to set up the account and an additional $10 fee is charged to the account annually), that would increase the amount of expenses paid on your account. In addition, retirement plan participants may be subject to certain fees charged by the plan sponsor, and Class F-1, F-2 and 529-F-1 shareholders may be subject to fees charged by financial intermediaries, typically ranging from 0.75% to 1.50% of assets annually depending on services offered. You can estimate the impact of these fees by adding the amount of the fees to the total estimated expenses you paid on your account during the period as calculated above. In addition, your ending account value would be lower by the amount of these fees.
Note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads). Therefore, the second line of each share class in the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.
| | Beginning account value 1/1/2012 | | | Ending account value 6/30/2012 | | | Expenses paid during period* | | | Annualized expense ratio | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class A -- actual return | | $ | 1,000.00 | | | $ | 1,075.47 | | | $ | 3.41 | | | | .66 | % |
Class A -- assumed 5% return | | | 1,000.00 | | | | 1,021.58 | | | | 3.32 | | | | .66 | |
Class B -- actual return | | | 1,000.00 | | | | 1,071.47 | | | | 7.31 | | | | 1.42 | |
Class B -- assumed 5% return | | | 1,000.00 | | | | 1,017.80 | | | | 7.12 | | | | 1.42 | |
Class C -- actual return | | | 1,000.00 | | | | 1,071.18 | | | | 7.52 | | | | 1.46 | |
Class C -- assumed 5% return | | | 1,000.00 | | | | 1,017.60 | | | | 7.32 | | | | 1.46 | |
Class F-1 -- actual return | | | 1,000.00 | | | | 1,075.47 | | | | 3.41 | | | | .66 | |
Class F-1 -- assumed 5% return | | | 1,000.00 | | | | 1,021.58 | | | | 3.32 | | | | .66 | |
Class F-2 -- actual return | | | 1,000.00 | | | | 1,076.51 | | | | 2.12 | | | | .41 | |
Class F-2 -- assumed 5% return | | | 1,000.00 | | | | 1,022.82 | | | | 2.06 | | | | .41 | |
Class 529-A -- actual return | | | 1,000.00 | | | | 1,074.82 | | | | 3.82 | | | | .74 | |
Class 529-A -- assumed 5% return | | | 1,000.00 | | | | 1,021.18 | | | | 3.72 | | | | .74 | |
Class 529-B -- actual return | | | 1,000.00 | | | | 1,070.61 | | | | 7.98 | | | | 1.55 | |
Class 529-B -- assumed 5% return | | | 1,000.00 | | | | 1,017.16 | | | | 7.77 | | | | 1.55 | |
Class 529-C -- actual return | | | 1,000.00 | | | | 1,070.63 | | | | 7.88 | | | | 1.53 | |
Class 529-C -- assumed 5% return | | | 1,000.00 | | | | 1,017.26 | | | | 7.67 | | | | 1.53 | |
Class 529-E -- actual return | | | 1,000.00 | | | | 1,073.57 | | | | 5.10 | | | | .99 | |
Class 529-E -- assumed 5% return | | | 1,000.00 | | | | 1,019.94 | | | | 4.97 | | | | .99 | |
Class 529-F-1 -- actual return | | | 1,000.00 | | | | 1,075.95 | | | | 2.74 | | | | .53 | |
Class 529-F-1 -- assumed 5% return | | | 1,000.00 | | | | 1,022.23 | | | | 2.66 | | | | .53 | |
Class R-1 -- actual return | | | 1,000.00 | | | | 1,071.45 | | | | 7.31 | | | | 1.42 | |
Class R-1 -- assumed 5% return | | | 1,000.00 | | | | 1,017.80 | | | | 7.12 | | | | 1.42 | |
Class R-2 -- actual return | | | 1,000.00 | | | | 1,071.16 | | | | 7.26 | | | | 1.41 | |
Class R-2 -- assumed 5% return | | | 1,000.00 | | | | 1,017.85 | | | | 7.07 | | | | 1.41 | |
Class R-3 -- actual return | | | 1,000.00 | | | | 1,073.68 | | | | 5.00 | | | | .97 | |
Class R-3 -- assumed 5% return | | | 1,000.00 | | | | 1,020.04 | | | | 4.87 | | | | .97 | |
Class R-4 -- actual return | | | 1,000.00 | | | | 1,075.57 | | | | 3.41 | | | | .66 | |
Class R-4 -- assumed 5% return | | | 1,000.00 | | | | 1,021.58 | | | | 3.32 | | | | .66 | |
Class R-5 -- actual return | | | 1,000.00 | | | | 1,077.04 | | | | 1.86 | | | | .36 | |
Class R-5 -- assumed 5% return | | | 1,000.00 | | | | 1,023.07 | | | | 1.81 | | | | .36 | |
Class R-6 -- actual return | | | 1,000.00 | | | | 1,077.32 | | | | 1.65 | | | | .32 | |
Class R-6 -- assumed 5% return | | | 1,000.00 | | | | 1,023.27 | | | | 1.61 | | | | .32 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
*The “expenses paid during period” are equal to the “annualized expense ratio,” multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days in the period, and divided by 366 (to reflect the one-half year period). |
Office of the fund
One Market
Steuart Tower, Suite 2000
Mailing address: P.O. Box 7650
San Francisco, CA 94120-7650
Investment adviser
Capital Research and Management Company
333 South Hope Street
Los Angeles, CA 90071-1406
6455 Irvine Center Drive
Irvine, CA 92618
Transfer agent for shareholder accounts
American Funds Service Company
(Write to the address near you.)
P.O. Box 6007
Indianapolis, IN 46206-6007
P.O. Box 2280
Norfolk, VA 23501-2280
Custodian of assets
State Street Bank and Trust Company
One Lincoln Street
Boston, MA 02111
Counsel
K&L Gates LLP
Four Embarcadero Center, Suite 1200
San Francisco, CA 94111-5994
Independent registered public accounting firm
Deloitte & Touche LLP
695 Town Center Drive
Suite 1200
Costa Mesa, CA 92626-7188
Principal underwriter
American Funds Distributors, Inc.
333 South Hope Street
Los Angeles, CA 90071-1406
Investors should carefully consider investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses. This and other important information is contained in the fund prospectus and summary prospectus, which can be obtained from your financial professional and should be read carefully before investing. You may also call American Funds Service Company (AFS) at 800/421-4225 or visit the American Funds website at americanfunds.com.
“American Funds Proxy Voting Procedures and Principles” — which describes how we vote proxies relating to portfolio securities — is available on the American Funds website or upon request by calling AFS. The fund files its proxy voting record with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for the 12 months ended June 30 by August 31. The proxy voting record is available free of charge on the SEC website at sec.gov and on the American Funds website.
A complete June 30, 2012, portfolio of Fundamental Investors’ investments is available free of charge by calling AFS or visiting the SEC website (where it is part of Form N-CSR).
Fundamental Investors files a complete list of its portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. This filing is available free of charge on the SEC website. You may also review or, for a fee, copy this filing at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. Additional information regarding the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling the SEC’s Office of Investor Education and Advocacy at 800/SEC-0330. Additionally, the list of portfolio holdings is available by calling AFS.
This report is for the information of shareholders of Fundamental Investors, but it also may be used as sales literature when preceded or accompanied by the current prospectus or summary prospectus, which gives details about charges, expenses, investment objectives and operating policies of the fund. If used as sales material after September 30, 2012, this report must be accompanied by an American Funds statistical update for the most recently completed calendar quarter.
The American Funds difference
Since 1931, American Funds has helped investors pursue long-term investment success. Our consistent approach — in combination with a proven system — has resulted in a superior long-term track record.
Consistent approach
We base our decisions on a long-term perspective because we believe it is the best way to achieve superior long-term investment results. Our portfolio counselors average 25 years of investment experience, including 21 years at our company, reflecting a career commitment to our long-term approach.1
Proven system
Our system combines individual accountability with teamwork. Each fund is divided into portions that are managed by investment professionals with varied backgrounds, ages and investment styles. An extensive global research effort is the backbone of our system.
Superior long-term track record
Our equity funds have beaten their Lipper peer indexes in 91% of 10-year periods and 96% of 20-year periods. Our fixed-income funds have beaten their Lipper indexes in 60% of 10-year periods and 67% of 20-year periods.2 Our fund management fees have been among the lowest in the industry.3
| 2Based on Class A share results for periods through 12/31/11. Periods covered are the shorter of the fund’s lifetime or since the comparable Lipper index inception date. |
| 3Based on management fees for the 20-year period ended 12/31/11 versus comparable Lipper categories, excluding funds of funds. |
American Funds span a range of investment objectives
| The Growth Fund of America® |
| Capital World Growth and Income Fund® |
| International Growth and Income FundSM |
| The Investment Company of America® |
| Washington Mutual Investors FundSM |
| The Income Fund of America® |
| American Funds Global Balanced FundSM |
| American Funds Mortgage Fund® |
| American High-Income Trust® |
| The Bond Fund of America® |
| Intermediate Bond Fund of America® |
| Short-Term Bond Fund of America® |
| U.S. Government Securities Fund® |
| American Funds Short-Term Tax-Exempt Bond Fund® |
| American High-Income Municipal Bond Fund® |
| Limited Term Tax-Exempt Bond Fund of America® |
| The Tax-Exempt Bond Fund of America® |
| State-specific tax-exempt funds |
| American Funds Tax-Exempt Fund of New York® |
| The Tax-Exempt Fund of California® |
| The Tax-Exempt Fund of Maryland® |
| The Tax-Exempt Fund of Virginia® |
| American Funds Money Market Fund® |
| •American Funds Portfolio SeriesSM |
| American Funds Global Growth PortfolioSM |
| American Funds Growth PortfolioSM |
| American Funds Growth and Income PortfolioSM |
| American Funds Balanced PortfolioSM |
| American Funds Income PortfolioSM |
| American Funds Tax-Advantaged Income PortfolioSM |
| American Funds Preservation PortfolioSM |
| American Funds Tax-Exempt Preservation PortfolioSM |
| •American Funds Target Date Retirement Series® |
The Capital Group Companies
American Funds Capital Research and Management Capital International Capital Guardian Capital Bank and Trust
Lit. No. MFGESR-910-0812P
Litho in USA KBDA/ALD/8083-S33501
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Printed with inks containing soy and/or vegetable oil
ITEM 2 – Code of Ethics