UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM N-CSR
CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED
MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES
Investment Company Act File Number: 811-00696
T. Rowe Price Small-Cap Stock Fund, Inc. |
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter) |
100 East Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD 21202 |
(Address of principal executive offices) |
David Oestreicher |
100 East Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD 21202 |
(Name and address of agent for service) |
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (410) 345-2000
Date of fiscal year end: December 31
Date of reporting period: June 30, 2021
![]() |
Small-Cap Stock Fund | June 30, 2021 |
OTCFX | Investor Class |
PASSX | Advisor Class |
OTIIX | I Class |
TRZZX | Z Class |
T. ROWE PRICE SMALL-CAP STOCK FUND |
HIGHLIGHTS
■ | The Small-Cap Stock Fund returned 14.58% in the first half of 2021, underperforming the Russell 2000 Index amid a challenging environment that favored nonearning, highly speculative, and expensive stocks that do not meet our investment criteria. |
■ | Compared with the benchmark, the consumer discretionary and health care sectors were the largest detractors from performance, while holdings in financials added value. |
■ | Sector weights are driven by bottom-up stock selection, as opposed to the macroeconomic environment or specific sector themes. While it’s unclear how long this challenging market environment will persist, we intend to stay the course and focus on reasonably valued, quality companies. |
■ | Although we’ve seen a return to some level of normalcy, significant market uncertainty remains. Regardless of the environment, we remain focused on seeking out opportunities for relative value within our investment universe and believe that our fundamental and patient approach will provide strong long-term results. |
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSRS/0001206774-21-002308/srscs_ncsrsx2x1.jpg)
Log in to your account at troweprice.com for more information.
*Certain mutual fund accounts that are assessed an annual account service fee can also save money by switching to e-delivery.
CIO Market Commentary
Dear Shareholder
Global stock markets produced strong returns during the first half of 2021, while rising yields weighed on returns in some bond sectors. Investor sentiment was buoyed by the reopening of developed market economies, unprecedented fiscal and monetary stimulus, and expectations that the economy would benefit from a release of pent-up demand.
All major global and regional equity benchmarks recorded positive results during the period. Developed market stocks generally outperformed emerging markets, while in the U.S., small-cap equities outpaced large-caps and value performed better than growth. The large-cap S&P 500 Index returned 15% and finished the period at a record high. The energy sector, which was the worst performer in 2020, was the leader for the six-month period amid a sharp increase in oil prices. Financial stocks also produced strong results as banks benefited from an increase in long-term interest rates, while the real estate sector was helped by a rollback in many pandemic-related restrictions. Utilities underperformed with slight gains.
Fiscal and monetary support remained a key factor in providing a positive backdrop for markets. President Joe Biden signed the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act into law in March, and the Federal Reserve kept its short-term lending rates near zero. However, as a result of strong economic growth, central bank policymakers revised their outlook in a somewhat less dovish direction near the end of the period and indicated that rate hikes could commence in 2023, which was earlier than previously expected.
The economic recovery was evident in a variety of indicators. According to the latest estimate, U.S. gross domestic product grew at an annualized rate of 6.4% in the first quarter of 2021 following 4.3% growth in the fourth quarter of 2020. Weekly jobless claims declined throughout the period to new pandemic-era lows, although the monthly nonfarm payroll report disappointed at times as employers struggled to fill positions. Meanwhile, overall profits for companies in the S&P 500 rose by nearly 53% year over year in the first quarter, according to FactSet—the best showing since late 2009.
However, less favorably, inflation concerns led to some volatility in the equity market and caused a sharp rise in longer-term Treasury yields in the first quarter. (Bond prices and yields move in opposite directions.) While inflation measures were above the Fed’s 2% long-term inflation target toward the end of our reporting period—core consumer prices, for example, recorded their largest annual increase (3.8%) since 1992 in May—investors seemed to accept the Fed’s determination that rising price pressures were due to transitory factors arising from the reopening of the global economy.
Longer-term Treasury yields trended lower as inflation expectations began to wane later in the period, but they still finished significantly higher than they were at the end of 2020. Rising yields were a headwind for many fixed income investors; however, high yield bonds, which are less sensitive to interest rate changes, produced solid results, and investment-grade corporate bonds also performed well amid solid corporate fundamentals.
As we look ahead, the central question for investors—assuming the economy’s recovery from the pandemic continues apace—is whether the returns on financial assets will be as robust. Valuations are elevated in nearly all asset classes, and, in some areas, there are clear signs of speculation. That said, a transformed global economic landscape is generating potential opportunities as well as risks. Post-pandemic trends have the potential to create both winners and losers, giving active portfolio managers greater scope to seek excess returns. It is not an easy environment to invest in, but our investment teams remain rooted in company fundamentals and focused on the long term, and they will continue to apply strong fundamental analysis as they seek out the best investments for your portfolio.
Thank you for your continued confidence in T. Rowe Price.
Sincerely,
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSRS/0001206774-21-002308/srscs_ncsrsx4x1.jpg)
Robert Sharps
Group Chief Investment Officer
Management’s Discussion of Fund Performance
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The fund seeks to provide long-term capital growth by investing primarily in stocks of small companies.
FUND COMMENTARY
How did the fund perform in the last six months?
The Small-Cap Stock Fund returned 14.58% for the six-month period ended June 30, 2021. The fund underperformed the Russell 2000 Index but outperformed the Lipper Small-Cap Growth Funds Index. (Returns for the Advisor, I, and Z Class shares varied slightly, reflecting their different fee structures. Past performance cannot guarantee future results.)
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSRS/0001206774-21-002308/srscs_ncsrsx5x1.jpg)
What factors influenced the fund’s performance?
It was not surprising that we trailed the Russell benchmark during a period that favored nonearning, highly speculative, and expensive stocks that do not meet our investment criteria. For example, the consumer discretionary and communication services sectors were significant detractors from relative results; both sectors were hurt by “meme-based” stock investing. Retail investors were driven to invest in certain names based on social media mentions rather than company fundamentals. GameStop in the consumer discretionary sector and AMC Entertainment Holdings in the communication services sector were beneficiaries of this movement, and not holding those stocks weighed on relative returns.
Other stocks held by the fund, also within those two sectors, hindered relative performance. In consumer discretionary, our holdings in Ollie’s Bargain Outlet Holdings and Bright Horizons Family Solutions detracted. Ollie’s was a strong performer in 2020, benefiting from stimulus payments to citizens, its designation as an essential business, and a coronavirus-driven shift in consumer shopping habits. Shares pulled back on the prospect of more challenging comparable sales in the year ahead. We continue to like Ollie’s for its position within the attractive closeout retail industry, its strong customer value proposition, and its long runway for unit growth. Bright Horizons is a work site child-care services company. Shares were pressured by the global disruption of operations brought about by the coronavirus pandemic and, more recently, the perception that a shift to a work-from-home/hybrid work model would decrease demand for on-site child-care. We believe that the growing complexity in child-care given new work dynamics benefits an industry leader like Bright Horizons, especially its fast-growing backup care segment, and we maintain a favorable view. (Please refer to the portfolio of investments for a complete list of holdings and the amount each represents in the portfolio.)
Within communication services, Cable One was a notable detractor. The company lagged sector peers with more cyclical upside. We believe the company stands to benefit from recent acquisitions, broadband price increases, and a mix shift to high-speed data/commercial services.
Stock choices in health care also hurt relative performance. IRhythm Technologies develops monitoring and diagnostic solutions. The inability of the company to provide its Zio Service to Medicare patients following a lower-than-expected reimbursement rate significantly reduced its addressable market, sending shares lower. Shares of Quidel declined as investors questioned the durability of COVID-19 diagnostic names as we enter the recovery phase of the pandemic. We believe that Quidel has a strong pipeline that has only been enhanced by its COVID-19 diagnostic tests and maintain a favorable view.
On the positive side, our holdings in the financials sector, particularly banks, added value. Shares of Signature Bank benefited from solid results. Notably, deposit growth far exceeded expectations. We have a positive view of the company’s growth-oriented focus and unique culture. A renewed emphasis on commercial and industrial loans and an extension to the West Coast support longer-term growth prospects. Shares of Western Alliance Bancorp were boosted by exceptionally strong loan growth. We believe that there are ample opportunities for the company to grow market share in its desirable locations with attractive demographics. The acquisition of Aris Mortgage Holding, the parent company of AmeriHome Mortgage, completed during the period, should also generate meaningful synergies.
How is the fund positioned?
Sector weights are driven by bottom-up stock selection, as opposed to the macroeconomic environment or specific sector themes. While it’s unclear how long this challenging market environment will persist, we intend to stay the course and focus on reasonably valued, quality companies. We like the names we hold, and sought occasions to increase existing positions as well as to add new companies that fit our investment criteria. Sales, on the other hand, included the elimination of companies that were acquired and trims to strong performers. Trades spanned the various sectors, but some of the largest purchases and sales took place within the consumer discretionary and industrials and business services sectors.
The consumer discretionary sector has an eclectic assortment of businesses, including retailers, media companies, homebuilders, hotels, and restaurants. Across these diverse businesses, we are interested in companies with solid management teams, differentiated products with the ability to gain market share, geographic expansion opportunities, and strong balance sheets. We believe these companies have a stronger chance to weather slow economic times than competitors and should outperform during economic expansions. During the period, we expanded our allocation to makers of textiles, apparel, and luxury goods with a new position in Skechers and an increase to Capri Holdings. Footwear designer Skechers executed well through the pandemic, capitalizing on the shift to online shopping, and we believe it can continue to grow market share, particularly in international markets, as coronavirus restrictions ease and consumer trends normalize. We like Capri Holdings—the global fashion and accessories group that owns the Michael Kors, Versace, and Jimmy Choo brands—for its diversified portfolio, with exposure to both affordable luxury and true luxury segments. Sales within the sector included the elimination of crafts retailer Michaels, which agreed to be acquired by a private-equity firm.
The industrials and business services sector has been an investment focus for multiple years. Generally, we look for companies with durable businesses and strong management teams, a history of strong execution, quality lean production, and a focus on shareholder value. We tend to find opportunities in companies with niche products that service growing end markets, like Shoals Technologies. We initiated a position in the company, a leading provider of electronic balance of system solutions for solar farms. With a large addressable market boosted by secular solar tailwinds, we believe the company to be capable of generating significant long-term growth. We also added to our stake in Upwork, the largest global online marketplace for freelancers. We believe this is a best-in-class company in the early innings of the adoption of freelance labor in the business world. Sales included a trim to Chart Industries following strong performance, and the elimination of Cubic upon the announcement that it would be acquired.
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSRS/0001206774-21-002308/srscs_ncsrsx8x1.jpg)
What is portfolio management’s outlook?
U.S. stocks produced robust returns, lifted by the continued rollout of coronavirus vaccines, reduced local restrictions, favorable economic growth, and additional fiscal stimulus as Congress passed a $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief bill in March. Nevertheless, there were periods of volatility driven by a marked factor rotation as investors ping-ponged between favoring growth and value stocks, as well as concerns about increasing inflation and potential tightening of the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy.
There’s a great deal of uncertainty in the markets, and while we’ve seen a return to some level of normalcy in recent months, we recognize that “normal” will appear different for many industries post-recovery. Although we are monitoring inflation, monetary and fiscal policy, and the threat of coronavirus variants, we offer no unique insight into the short-term direction of individual companies, the stock market, or the overall economy. Instead, we remain focused on seeking out opportunities for relative value within our investment universe and believe that our fundamental and patient approach will provide strong long-term results regardless of the environment.
The views expressed reflect the opinions of T. Rowe Price as of the date of this report and are subject to change based on changes in market, economic, or other conditions. These views are not intended to be a forecast of future events and are no guarantee of future results.
RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE SMALL-CAP STOCK FUND
Stocks generally fluctuate in value more than bonds and may decline significantly over short time periods. There is a chance that stock prices overall will decline because stock markets tend to move in cycles, with periods of rising and falling prices. The value of a stock in which the fund invests may decline due to general weakness in the U.S. stock market, such as when the U.S. financial markets decline, or because of factors that affect a particular company or industry.
Because the fund may hold stocks with either growth or value characteristics, it could underperform other stock funds that take a strictly growth or value approach to investing when one style is currently in favor. Growth stocks tend to be more volatile than the overall stock market and can have sharp price declines as a result of earnings disappointments. Value stocks carry the risk that the market will not recognize their intrinsic value or that they are actually appropriately priced at a low level.
Because the fund invests primarily in securities issued by small-cap companies, it is likely to be more volatile than a fund that focuses on securities issued by larger companies. Small companies often have less experienced management, narrower product lines, more limited financial resources, and less publicly available information than larger companies. In addition, smaller companies are typically more sensitive to changes in overall economic conditions, and their securities may be difficult to trade.
BENCHMARK INFORMATION
Note: Lipper, a Thomson Reuters Company, is the source for all Lipper content reflected in these materials. Copyright 2021 © Refinitiv. All rights reserved. Any copying, republication or redistribution of Lipper content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Lipper. Lipper shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.
Note: Frank Russell Company (Russell) is the source and owner of the Russell index data contained or reflected in these materials and all trademarks and copyrights related thereto. Russell® is a registered trademark of Russell. Russell is not responsible for the formatting or configuration of these materials or for any inaccuracy in T. Rowe Price Associates’ presentation thereof.
Note: ©2021, S&P Global Market Intelligence. Reproduction of any information, data or material, including ratings (Content) in any form is prohibited except with the prior written permission of the relevant party. Such party, its affiliates and suppliers (Content Providers) do not guarantee the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, timeliness or availability of any Content and are not responsible for any errors or omissions (negligent or otherwise), regardless of the cause, or for the results obtained from the use of such Content. In no event shall Content Providers be liable for any damages, costs, expenses, legal fees, or losses (including lost income or lost profit and opportunity costs) in connection with any use of the Content.
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSRS/0001206774-21-002308/srscs_ncsrsx11x1.jpg)
GROWTH OF $10,000
This chart shows the value of a hypothetical $10,000 investment in the fund over the past 10 fiscal year periods or since inception (for funds lacking 10-year records). The result is compared with benchmarks, which include a broad-based market index and may also include a peer group average or index. Market indexes do not include expenses, which are deducted from fund returns as well as mutual fund averages and indexes.
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSRS/0001206774-21-002308/srscs_ncsrsx12x1.jpg)
AVERAGE ANNUAL COMPOUND TOTAL RETURN
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSRS/0001206774-21-002308/srscs_ncsrsx13x1.jpg)
EXPENSE RATIO
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSRS/0001206774-21-002308/srscs_ncsrsx14x1.jpg)
FUND EXPENSE EXAMPLE
As a mutual fund shareholder, you may incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, such as redemption fees or sales loads, and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees, distribution and service (12b-1) fees, and other fund expenses. The following example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the fund and to 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 most recent six-month period and held for the entire period.
Please note that the fund has four share classes: The original share class (Investor Class) charges no distribution and service (12b-1) fee, Advisor Class shares are offered only through unaffiliated brokers and other financial intermediaries and charge a 0.25% 12b-1 fee, I Class shares are available to institutionally oriented clients and impose no 12b-1 or administrative fee payment, and Z Class shares are offered only to funds advised by T. Rowe Price and other advisory clients of T. Rowe Price or its affiliates that are subject to a contractual fee for investment management services and impose no 12b-1 fee or administrative fee payment. Each share class is presented separately in the table.
Actual Expenses
The first line of the following table (Actual) provides information about actual account values and expenses based on the fund’s actual returns. You may use the information on this line, together with your account balance, 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 on the first line under the heading “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.
Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes
The information on the second line of the table (Hypothetical) is based on hypothetical account values and expenses derived from the fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed 5% per year rate of return before expenses (not the fund’s actual return). You may compare the ongoing costs of investing in the fund with other funds by contrasting this 5% hypothetical example and the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period.
Note: T. Rowe Price charges an annual account service fee of $20, generally for accounts with less than $10,000. The fee is waived for any investor whose T. Rowe Price mutual fund accounts total $50,000 or more; accounts electing to receive electronic delivery of account statements, transaction confirmations, prospectuses, and shareholder reports; or accounts of an investor who is a T. Rowe Price Personal Services or Enhanced Personal Services client (enrollment in these programs generally requires T. Rowe Price assets of at least $250,000). This fee is not included in the accompanying table. If you are subject to the fee, keep it in mind when you are estimating the ongoing expenses of investing in the fund and when comparing the expenses of this fund with other funds.
You should also be aware that the expenses shown in the table highlight only your ongoing costs and do not reflect any transaction costs, such as redemption fees or sales loads. Therefore, the second line of the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. To the extent a fund charges transaction costs, however, the total cost of owning that fund is higher.
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSRS/0001206774-21-002308/srscs_ncsrsx16x1.jpg)
Unaudited
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSRS/0001206774-21-002308/srscs_ncsrsx17x1.jpg)
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSRS/0001206774-21-002308/srscs_ncsrsx18x1.jpg)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Unaudited
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSRS/0001206774-21-002308/srscs_ncsrsx19x1.jpg)
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSRS/0001206774-21-002308/srscs_ncsrsx20x1.jpg)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Unaudited
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSRS/0001206774-21-002308/srscs_ncsrsx21x1.jpg)
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSRS/0001206774-21-002308/srscs_ncsrsx22x1.jpg)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Unaudited
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSRS/0001206774-21-002308/srscs_ncsrsx23x1.jpg)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
June 30, 2021 (Unaudited)
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSRS/0001206774-21-002308/srscs_ncsrsx24x1.jpg)
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSRS/0001206774-21-002308/srscs_ncsrsx25x1.jpg)
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSRS/0001206774-21-002308/srscs_ncsrsx26x1.jpg)
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSRS/0001206774-21-002308/srscs_ncsrsx27x1.jpg)
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSRS/0001206774-21-002308/srscs_ncsrsx28x1.jpg)
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSRS/0001206774-21-002308/srscs_ncsrsx29x1.jpg)
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSRS/0001206774-21-002308/srscs_ncsrsx30x1.jpg)
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSRS/0001206774-21-002308/srscs_ncsrsx31x1.jpg)
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSRS/0001206774-21-002308/srscs_ncsrsx32x1.jpg)
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSRS/0001206774-21-002308/srscs_ncsrsx33x1.jpg)
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSRS/0001206774-21-002308/srscs_ncsrsx34x1.jpg)
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSRS/0001206774-21-002308/srscs_ncsrsx35x1.jpg)
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSRS/0001206774-21-002308/srscs_ncsrsx36x1.jpg)
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSRS/0001206774-21-002308/srscs_ncsrsx37x1.jpg)
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSRS/0001206774-21-002308/srscs_ncsrsx38x1.jpg)
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSRS/0001206774-21-002308/srscs_ncsrsx39x1.jpg)
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSRS/0001206774-21-002308/srscs_ncsrsx40x1.jpg)
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSRS/0001206774-21-002308/srscs_ncsrsx41x1.jpg)
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSRS/0001206774-21-002308/srscs_ncsrsx42x1.jpg)
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSRS/0001206774-21-002308/srscs_ncsrsx43x1.jpg)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
June 30, 2021 (Unaudited)
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSRS/0001206774-21-002308/srscs_ncsrsx44x1.jpg)
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSRS/0001206774-21-002308/srscs_ncsrsx45x1.jpg)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Unaudited
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSRS/0001206774-21-002308/srscs_ncsrsx46x1.jpg)
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSRS/0001206774-21-002308/srscs_ncsrsx47x1.jpg)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Unaudited
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSRS/0001206774-21-002308/srscs_ncsrsx48x1.jpg)
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSRS/0001206774-21-002308/srscs_ncsrsx49x1.jpg)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Unaudited
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
T. Rowe Price Small-Cap Stock Fund, Inc. (the fund) is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the 1940 Act) as a diversified, open-end management investment company. The fund seeks to provide long-term capital growth by investing primarily in stocks of small companies. The fund has four classes of shares: the Small-Cap Stock Fund (Investor Class), the Small-Cap Stock Fund–Advisor Class (Advisor Class), the Small-Cap Stock Fund–I Class (I Class), and the Small-Cap Stock Fund–Z Class (Z Class). Advisor Class shares are sold only through various brokers and other financial intermediaries. I Class shares require a $1 million initial investment minimum, although the minimum generally is waived for retirement plans, financial intermediaries, and certain other accounts. The Z Class is only available to funds advised by T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. and its affiliates and other clients that are subject to a contractual fee for investment management services. The Advisor Class operates under a Board-approved Rule 12b-1 plan pursuant to which the class compensates financial intermediaries for distribution, shareholder servicing, and/or certain administrative services; the Investor, I and Z Classes do not pay Rule 12b-1 fees. Each class has exclusive voting rights on matters related solely to that class; separate voting rights on matters that relate to all classes; and, in all other respects, the same rights and obligations as the other classes.
NOTE 1 - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Preparation The fund is an investment company and follows accounting and reporting guidance in the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946 (ASC 946). The accompanying financial statements were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP), including, but not limited to, ASC 946. GAAP requires the use of estimates made by management. Management believes that estimates and valuations are appropriate; however, actual results may differ from those estimates, and the valuations reflected in the accompanying financial statements may differ from the value ultimately realized upon sale or maturity.
Investment Transactions, Investment Income, and Distributions Investment transactions are accounted for on the trade date basis. Income and expenses are recorded on the accrual basis. Realized gains and losses are reported on the identified cost basis. Income tax-related interest and penalties, if incurred, are recorded as income tax expense. Dividends received from mutual fund investments are reflected as dividend income; capital gain distributions are reflected as realized gain/loss. Dividend income and capital gain distributions are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Distributions from REITs are initially recorded as dividend income and, to the extent such represent a return of capital or capital gain for tax purposes, are reclassified when such information becomes available. Non-cash dividends, if any, are recorded at the fair market value of the asset received. Distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Income distributions, if any, are declared and paid by each class annually. A capital gain distribution may also be declared and paid by the fund annually.
Currency Translation Assets, including investments, and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollar values each day at the prevailing exchange rate, using the mean of the bid and asked prices of such currencies against U.S. dollars as provided by an outside pricing service. Purchases and sales of securities, income, and expenses are translated into U.S. dollars at the prevailing exchange rate on the respective date of such transaction. The effect of changes in foreign currency exchange rates on realized and unrealized security gains and losses is not bifurcated from the portion attributable to changes in market prices.
Class Accounting Shareholder servicing, prospectus, and shareholder report expenses incurred by each class are charged directly to the class to which they relate. Expenses common to all classes, investment income, and realized and unrealized gains and losses are allocated to the classes based upon the relative daily net assets of each class. The Advisor Class pays Rule 12b-1 fees, in an amount not exceeding 0.25% of the class’s average daily net assets.
In-Kind Redemptions In accordance with guidelines described in the fund’s prospectus, and when considered to be in the best interest of all shareholders, the fund may distribute portfolio securities rather than cash as payment for a redemption of fund shares (in-kind redemption). Gains and losses realized on in-kind redemptions are not recognized for tax purposes and are reclassified from undistributed realized gain (loss) to paid-in capital. During the six months ended June 30, 2021, the fund realized $200,914,000 of net gain on $355,929,000 of in-kind redemptions. Capital Transactions Each investor’s interest in the net assets of the fund is represented by fund shares. The fund’s net asset value (NAV) per share is computed at the close of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), normally 4 p.m. ET, each day the NYSE is open for business. However, the NAV per share may be calculated at a time other than the normal close of the NYSE if trading on the NYSE is restricted, if the NYSE closes earlier, or as may be permitted by the SEC. Purchases and redemptions of fund shares are transacted at the next-computed NAV per share, after receipt of the transaction order by T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc., or its agents.
Indemnification In the normal course of business, the fund may provide indemnification in connection with its officers and directors, service providers, and/or private company investments. The fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown; however, the risk of material loss is currently considered to be remote.
NOTE 2 - VALUATION
Fair Value The fund’s financial instruments are valued at the close of the NYSE and are reported at fair value, which GAAP defines as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The T. Rowe Price Valuation Committee (the Valuation Committee) is an internal committee that has been delegated certain responsibilities by the fund’s Board of Directors (the Board) to ensure that financial instruments are appropriately priced at fair value in accordance with GAAP and the 1940 Act. Subject to oversight by the Board, the Valuation Committee develops and oversees pricing-related policies and procedures and approves all fair value determinations. Specifically, the Valuation Committee establishes policies and procedures used in valuing financial instruments, including those which cannot be valued in accordance with normal procedures or using pricing vendors; determines pricing techniques, sources, and persons eligible to effect fair value pricing actions; evaluates the services and performance of the pricing vendors; oversees the pricing process to ensure policies and procedures are being followed; and provides guidance on internal controls and valuation-related matters. The Valuation Committee provides periodic reporting to the Board on valuation matters.
Various valuation techniques and inputs are used to determine the fair value of financial instruments. GAAP establishes the following fair value hierarchy that categorizes the inputs used to measure fair value:
Level 1 – quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical financial instruments that the fund can access at the reporting date
Level 2 – inputs other than Level 1 quoted prices that are observable, either directly or indirectly (including, but not limited to, quoted prices for similar financial instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar financial instruments in inactive markets, interest rates and yield curves, implied volatilities, and credit spreads)
Level 3 – unobservable inputs (including the fund’s own assumptions in determining fair value)
Observable inputs are developed using market data, such as publicly available information about actual events or transactions, and reflect the assumptions that market participants would use to price the financial instrument. Unobservable inputs are those for which market data are not available and are developed using the best information available about the assumptions that market participants would use to price the financial instrument. GAAP requires valuation techniques to maximize the use of relevant observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. When multiple inputs are used to derive fair value, the financial instrument is assigned to the level within the fair value hierarchy based on the lowest-level input that is significant to the fair value of the financial instrument. Input levels are not necessarily an indication of the risk or liquidity associated with financial instruments at that level but rather the degree of judgment used in determining those values.
Valuation Techniques Equity securities, including exchange-traded funds, listed or regularly traded on a securities exchange or in the over-the-counter (OTC) market are valued at the last quoted sale price or, for certain markets, the official closing price at the time the valuations are made. OTC Bulletin Board securities are valued at the mean of the closing bid and asked prices. A security that is listed or traded on more than one exchange is valued at the quotation on the exchange determined to be the primary market for such security. Listed securities not traded on a particular day are valued at the mean of the closing bid and asked prices for domestic securities and the last quoted sale or closing price for international securities.
The last quoted prices of non-U.S. equity securities may be adjusted to reflect the fair value of such securities at the close of the NYSE, if the fund determines that developments between the close of a foreign market and the close of the NYSE will affect the value of some or all of its portfolio securities. Each business day, the fund uses information from outside pricing services to evaluate and, if appropriate, decide whether it is necessary to adjust quoted prices to reflect fair value by reviewing a variety of factors, including developments in foreign markets, the performance of U.S. securities markets, and the performance of instruments trading in U.S. markets that represent foreign securities and baskets of foreign securities. The fund uses outside pricing services to provide it with quoted prices and information to evaluate or adjust those prices. The fund cannot predict how often it will use quoted prices and how often it will determine it necessary to adjust those prices to reflect fair value.
Investments in mutual funds are valued at the mutual fund’s closing NAV per share on the day of valuation. Assets and liabilities other than financial instruments, including short-term receivables and payables, are carried at cost, or estimated realizable value, if less, which approximates fair value.
Investments for which market quotations or market-based valuations are not readily available or deemed unreliable are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the Valuation Committee, in accordance with fair valuation policies and procedures. The objective of any fair value pricing determination is to arrive at a price that could reasonably be expected from a current sale. Financial instruments fair valued by the Valuation Committee are primarily private placements, restricted securities, warrants, rights, and other securities that are not publicly traded. Factors used in determining fair value vary by type of investment and may include market or investment specific considerations. The Valuation Committee typically will afford greatest weight to actual prices in arm’s length transactions, to the extent they represent orderly transactions between market participants, transaction information can be reliably obtained, and prices are deemed representative of fair value. However, the Valuation Committee may also consider other valuation methods such as market-based valuation multiples; a discount or premium from market value of a similar, freely traded security of the same issuer; discounted cash flows; yield to maturity; or some combination. Fair value determinations are reviewed on a regular basis and updated as information becomes available, including actual purchase and sale transactions of the investment. Because any fair value determination involves a significant amount of judgment, there is a degree of subjectivity inherent in such pricing decisions, and fair value prices determined by the Valuation Committee could differ from those of other market participants.
Valuation Inputs The following table summarizes the fund’s financial instruments, based on the inputs used to determine their fair values on June 30, 2021 (for further detail by category, please refer to the accompanying Portfolio of Investments):
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSRS/0001206774-21-002308/srscs_ncsrsx54x1.jpg)
Following is a reconciliation of the fund’s Level 3 holdings for the six months ended June 30, 2021. Gain (loss) reflects both realized and change in unrealized gain/loss on Level 3 holdings during the period, if any, and is included on the accompanying Statement of Operations. The change in unrealized gain/loss on Level 3 instruments held at June 30, 2021, totaled $263,274,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2021. During the six months, transfers out of Level 3 were because observable market data became available for the security.
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSRS/0001206774-21-002308/srscs_ncsrsx55x1.jpg)
In accordance with GAAP, the following table provides quantitative information about significant unobservable inputs used to determine the fair valuations of the fund’s Level 3 assets, by class of financial instrument. Because the Valuation Committee considers a wide variety of factors and inputs, both observable and unobservable, in determining fair values, the unobservable inputs presented do not reflect all inputs significant to the fair value determination.
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSRS/0001206774-21-002308/srscs_ncsrsx56x1.jpg)
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSRS/0001206774-21-002308/srscs_ncsrsx57x1.jpg)
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSRS/0001206774-21-002308/srscs_ncsrsx58x1.jpg)
NOTE 3 - OTHER INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS
Consistent with its investment objective, the fund engages in the following practices to manage exposure to certain risks and/or to enhance performance. The investment objective, policies, program, and risk factors of the fund are described more fully in the fund’s prospectus and Statement of Additional Information.
Restricted Securities The fund invests in securities that are subject to legal or contractual restrictions on resale. Prompt sale of such securities at an acceptable price may be difficult and may involve substantial delays and additional costs.
Private Investments Issued by Special Purpose Acquisition Companies Special purpose acquisition companies (SPACs) are shell companies that have no operations but are formed to raise capital with the intention of merging with or acquiring a company with the proceeds of the SPAC’s initial public offering (“IPO”). The fund may enter into a contingent commitment with a SPAC to purchase private investments in public equity (PIPE) if and when the SPAC completes its merger or acquisition. The fund maintains liquid assets sufficient to settle its commitment to purchase the PIPE. However, if the commitment expires, then no shares are purchased. Purchased PIPE shares will be restricted from trading until the registration statement for the shares is declared effective. Upon registration, the shares can be freely sold; however, in certain circumstances, the issuer may have the right to temporarily suspend trading of the shares in the first year after the merger or acquisition. The securities issued by a SPAC may be considered illiquid, more difficult to value, and/or be subject to restrictions on resale.
Other Purchases and sales of portfolio securities other than short-term securities aggregated $994,558,000 and $2,021,968,000, respectively, for the six months ended June 30, 2021.
NOTE 4 - FEDERAL INCOME TAXES
No provision for federal income taxes is required since the fund intends to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code and distribute to shareholders all of its taxable income and gains. Distributions determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations may differ in amount or character from net investment income and realized gains for financial reporting purposes. Financial reporting records are adjusted for permanent book/tax differences to reflect tax character but are not adjusted for temporary differences. The amount and character of tax-basis distributions and composition of net assets are finalized at fiscal year-end; accordingly, tax-basis balances have not been determined as of the date of this report.
At June 30, 2021, the cost of investments for federal income tax purposes was $6,607,696,000. Net unrealized gain aggregated $5,330,001,000 at period-end, of which $5,559,787,000 related to appreciated investments and $229,786,000 related to depreciated investments.
NOTE 5 - RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The fund is managed by T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. (Price Associates), a wholly owned subsidiary of T. Rowe Price Group, Inc. (Price Group). The investment management agreement between the fund and Price Associates provides for an annual investment management fee, which is computed daily and paid monthly. The fee consists of an individual fund fee, equal to 0.45% of the fund’s average daily net assets, and a group fee. The group fee rate is calculated based on the combined net assets of certain mutual funds sponsored by Price Associates (the group) applied to a graduated fee schedule, with rates ranging from 0.48% for the first $1 billion of assets to 0.260% for assets in excess of $845 billion. The fund’s group fee is determined by applying the group fee rate to the fund’s average daily net assets. The fee is computed daily and paid monthly. At June 30, 2021, the effective annual group fee rate was 0.28%.
The I Class is subject to an operating expense limitation (I Class Limit) pursuant to which Price Associates is contractually required to pay all operating expenses of the I Class, excluding management fees; interest; expenses related to borrowings, taxes, and brokerage; and other non-recurring expenses permitted by the investment management agreement, to the extent such operating expenses, on an annualized basis, exceed the I Class Limit. This agreement will continue through the expense limitation date indicated in the table below, and may be renewed, revised, or revoked only with approval of the fund’s Board. The I Class is required to repay Price Associates for expenses previously paid to the extent the class’s net assets grow or expenses decline sufficiently to allow repayment without causing the class’s operating expenses (after the repayment is taken into account) to exceed the lesser of: (1) the I Class Limit in place at the time such amounts were paid; or (2) the current I Class Limit. However, no repayment will be made more than three years after the date of a payment or waiver.
The Z Class is also subject to a contractual expense limitation agreement whereby Price Associates has agreed to waive and/or bear all of the Z Class’ expenses (excluding interest; expenses related to borrowings, taxes, and brokerage; and nonrecurring expenses) in their entirety. This fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement arrangement is expected to remain in place indefinitely, and the agreement may only be amended or terminated with approval by the fund’s Board. Expenses of the fund waived/paid by the manager are not subject to later repayment by the fund.
Pursuant to these agreements, expenses were waived/paid by and/or repaid to Price Associates during the six months ended June 30, 2021 as indicated in the table below. At June 30, 2021, there were no amounts subject to repayment by the fund. Any repayment of expenses previously waived/paid by Price Associates during the period would be included in the net investment income and expense ratios presented on the accompanying Financial Highlights.
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSRS/0001206774-21-002308/srscs_ncsrsx60x1.jpg)
In addition, the fund has entered into service agreements with Price Associates and two wholly owned subsidiaries of Price Associates, each an affiliate of the fund (collectively, Price). Price Associates provides certain accounting and administrative services to the fund. T. Rowe Price Services, Inc. provides shareholder and administrative services in its capacity as the fund’s transfer and dividend-disbursing agent. T. Rowe Price Retirement Plan Services, Inc. provides subaccounting and recordkeeping services for certain retirement accounts invested in the Investor Class and Advisor Class. For the six months ended June 30, 2021, expenses incurred pursuant to these service agreements were $35,000 for Price Associates; $904,000 for T. Rowe Price Services, Inc.; and $312,000 for T. Rowe Price Retirement Plan Services, Inc. All amounts due to and due from Price, exclusive of investment management fees payable, are presented net on the accompanying Statement of Assets and Liabilities.
Additionally, the fund is one of several mutual funds in which certain college savings plans managed by Price Associates may invest. As approved by the fund’s Board of Directors, shareholder servicing costs associated with each college savings plan are borne by the fund in proportion to the average daily value of its shares owned by the college savings plan. For the six months ended June 30, 2021, the fund was charged $256,000 for shareholder servicing costs related to the college savings plans, of which $151,000 was for services provided by Price. All amounts due to and due from Price, exclusive of investment management fees payable, are presented net on the accompanying Statement of Assets and Liabilities. At June 30, 2021, approximately 3% and 17% of the outstanding shares of the Investor Class and I Class, respectively, were held by the college savings plans.
Mutual funds, trusts, and other accounts managed by Price Associates or its affiliates (collectively, Price Funds and accounts) may invest in the fund. No Price fund or account may invest for the purpose of exercising management or control over the fund. At June 30, 2021, approximately 100% of the Z Class’s outstanding shares were held by Price Funds and accounts.
The fund may invest its cash reserves in certain open-end management investment companies managed by Price Associates and considered affiliates of the fund: the T. Rowe Price Government Reserve Fund or the T. Rowe Price Treasury Reserve Fund, organized as money market funds, or the T. Rowe Price Short-Term Fund, a short-term bond fund (collectively, the Price Reserve Funds). The Price Reserve Funds are offered as short-term investment options to mutual funds, trusts, and other accounts managed by Price Associates or its affiliates and are not available for direct purchase by members of the public. Cash collateral from securities lending is invested in the T. Rowe Price Short-Term Fund. The Price Reserve Funds pay no investment management fees.
The fund may participate in securities purchase and sale transactions with other funds or accounts advised by Price Associates (cross trades), in accordance with procedures adopted by the fund’s Board and Securities and Exchange Commission rules, which require, among other things, that such purchase and sale cross trades be effected at the independent current market price of the security. During the six months ended June 30, 2021, the fund had no purchases or sales cross trades with other funds or accounts advised by Price Associates.
Effective January 1, 2020, Price Associates has voluntarily agreed to reimburse the fund from its own resources on a monthly basis for the cost of investment research embedded in the cost of the fund’s securities trades. This agreement may be rescinded at any time. For the six months ended June 30, 2021, this reimbursement amounted to $144,000, which is included in Net realized gain (loss) on Securities in the Statement of Operations.
NOTE 6 - OTHER MATTERS
Unpredictable events such as environmental or natural disasters, war, terrorism, pandemics, outbreaks of infectious diseases, and similar public health threats may significantly affect the economy and the markets and issuers in which a fund invests. Certain events may cause instability across global markets, including reduced liquidity and disruptions in trading markets, while some events may affect certain geographic regions, countries, sectors, and industries more significantly than others, and exacerbate other pre-existing political, social, and economic risks. During 2020, a novel strain of coronavirus (COVID-19) resulted in disruptions to global business activity and caused significant volatility and declines in global financial markets.
These types of events, such as the global pandemic caused by COVID-19, may also cause widespread fear and uncertainty, and result in, among other things: enhanced health screenings, quarantines, cancellations, and travel restrictions, including border closings; disruptions to business operations and supply chains and customer activity; exchange trading suspensions and closures, and overall reduced liquidity of securities, derivatives, and commodities trading markets; reductions in consumer demand and economic output; and significant challenges in healthcare service preparation and delivery. The fund could be negatively impacted if the value of a portfolio holding were harmed by such political or economic conditions or events. In addition, the operations of the fund, its investment advisers, and the fund’s service providers may be significantly impacted, or even temporarily halted, as a result of any impairment to their information technology and other operation systems, extensive employee illnesses or unavailability, government quarantine measures, and restrictions on travel or meetings and other factors related to public emergencies.
Governmental and quasi-governmental authorities and regulators have in the past responded to major economic disruptions with a variety of significant fiscal and monetary policy changes, including but not limited to, direct capital infusions into companies, new monetary programs, and dramatically lower interest rates. An unexpected or quick reversal of these policies, or the ineffectiveness of these policies, could negatively impact overall investor sentiment and further increase volatility in securities markets.
INFORMATION ON PROXY VOTING POLICIES, PROCEDURES, AND RECORDS
A description of the policies and procedures used by T. Rowe Price funds to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities is available in each fund’s Statement of Additional Information. You may request this document by calling 1-800-225-5132 or by accessing the SEC’s website, sec.gov.
The description of our proxy voting policies and procedures is also available on our corporate website. To access it, please visit the following Web page:
https://www.troweprice.com/corporate/en/utility/policies.html
Scroll down to the section near the bottom of the page that says, “Proxy Voting Policies.” Click on the Proxy Voting Policies link in the shaded box.
Each fund’s most recent annual proxy voting record is available on our website and through the SEC’s website. To access it through T. Rowe Price, visit the website location shown above, and scroll down to the section near the bottom of the page that says, “Proxy Voting Records.” Click on the Proxy Voting Records link in the shaded box.
HOW TO OBTAIN QUARTERLY PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS
The fund files a complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year as an exhibit to its reports on Form N-PORT. The fund’s reports on Form N-PORT are available electronically on the SEC’s website (sec.gov). In addition, most T. Rowe Price funds disclose their first and third fiscal quarter-end holdings on troweprice.com.
APPROVAL OF INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT
Each year, the fund’s Board of Directors (Board) considers the continuation of the investment management agreement (Advisory Contract) between the fund and its investment advisor, T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. (Advisor). In that regard, at a meeting held on March 8–9, 2021 (Meeting), the Board, including all of the fund’s independent directors, approved the continuation of the fund’s Advisory Contract. At the Meeting, the Board considered the factors and reached the conclusions described below relating to the selection of the Advisor and the approval of the Advisory Contract. The independent directors were assisted in their evaluation of the Advisory Contract by independent legal counsel from whom they received separate legal advice and with whom they met separately.
In providing information to the Board, the Advisor was guided by a detailed set of requests for information submitted by independent legal counsel on behalf of the independent directors. In considering and approving the Advisory Contract, the Board considered the information it believed was relevant, including, but not limited to, the information discussed below. The Board considered not only the specific information presented in connection with the Meeting but also the knowledge gained over time through interaction with the Advisor about various topics. The Board meets regularly and, at each of its meetings, covers an extensive agenda of topics and materials and considers factors that are relevant to its annual consideration of the renewal of the T. Rowe Price funds’ advisory contracts, including performance and the services and support provided to the funds and their shareholders.
Services Provided by the Advisor
The Board considered the nature, quality, and extent of the services provided to the fund by the Advisor. These services included, but were not limited to, directing the fund’s investments in accordance with its investment program and the overall management of the fund’s portfolio, as well as a variety of related activities such as financial, investment operations, and administrative services; compliance; maintaining the fund’s records and registrations; and shareholder communications. The Board also reviewed the background and experience of the Advisor’s senior management team and investment personnel involved in the management of the fund, as well as the Advisor’s compliance record. The Board concluded that it was satisfied with the nature, quality, and extent of the services provided by the Advisor.
Investment Performance of the Fund
The Board took into account discussions with the Advisor and reports that it receives throughout the year relating to fund performance. In connection with the Meeting, the Board reviewed the fund’s net annualized total returns for the 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-, and 10-year periods as of September 30, 2020, and compared these returns with the performance of a peer group of funds with similar investment programs and a wide variety of other previously agreed-upon comparable performance measures and market data, including those supplied by Broadridge, which is an independent provider of mutual fund data.
On the basis of this evaluation and the Board’s ongoing review of investment results, and factoring in the relative market conditions during certain of the performance periods, the Board concluded that the fund’s performance was satisfactory.
Costs, Benefits, Profits, and Economies of Scale
The Board reviewed detailed information regarding the revenues received by the Advisor under the Advisory Contract and other direct and indirect benefits that the Advisor (and its affiliates) may have realized from its relationship with the fund. In considering soft-dollar arrangements pursuant to which research may be received from broker-dealers that execute the fund’s portfolio transactions, the Board noted that the Advisor bears the cost of research services for all client accounts that it advises, including the T. Rowe Price funds. The Board received information on the estimated costs incurred and profits realized by the Advisor from managing the T. Rowe Price funds. The Board also reviewed estimates of the profits realized from managing the fund in particular, and the Board concluded that the Advisor’s profits were reasonable in light of the services provided to the fund.
The Board also considered whether the fund benefits under the fee levels set forth in the Advisory Contract from any economies of scale realized by the Advisor. Under the Advisory Contract, the fund pays a fee to the Advisor for investment management services composed of two components—a group fee rate based on the combined average net assets of most of the T. Rowe Price funds (including the fund) that declines at certain asset levels and an individual fund fee rate based on the fund’s average daily net assets—and the fund pays its own expenses of operations. The Board concluded that the advisory fee structure for the fund continued to provide for a reasonable sharing of benefits from any economies of scale with the fund’s investors.
Fees and Expenses
The Board was provided with information regarding industry trends in management fees and expenses. Among other things, the Board reviewed data for peer groups that were compiled by Broadridge, which compared: (i) contractual management fees, total expenses, actual management fees, and nonmanagement expenses of the Investor Class of the fund with a group of competitor funds selected by Broadridge (Investor Class Expense Group); (ii) total expenses and actual management fees of the Advisor Class of the fund with a group of competitor funds selected by Broadridge (Advisor Class Expense Group); and (iii) total expenses, actual management fees, and nonmanagement expenses of the Investor Class of the fund with a broader set of funds within the Lipper investment classification (Expense Universe). The Board considered the fund’s contractual management fee rate, actual management fee rate (which reflects the management fees actually received from the fund by the Advisor after any applicable waivers, reductions, or reimbursements), operating expenses, and total expenses (which reflect the net total expense ratio of the fund after any waivers, reductions, or reimbursements) in comparison with the information for the Broadridge peer groups. Broadridge generally constructed the peer groups by seeking the most comparable funds based on similar investment classifications and objectives, expense structure, asset size, and operating components and attributes and ranked funds into quintiles, with the first quintile representing the funds with the lowest relative expenses and the fifth quintile representing the funds with the highest relative expenses. The information provided to the Board in comparison to other small-cap growth funds indicated that the fund’s contractual management fee ranked in the third quintile (Investor Class Expense Group), the fund’s actual management fee rate ranked in the second quintile (Investor Class Expense Group and Expense Universe) and third quintile (Advisor Class Expense Group), and the fund’s total expenses ranked in the second quintile (Investor Class Expense Group) and first quintile (Expense Universe and Advisor Class Expense Group). In addition, at the request of the Advisor, Broadridge compared the fund against peer groups consisting of small-cap core funds. That information provided to the Board indicated that the fund’s contractual management fee ranked in the second quintile (Expense Group), the fund’s actual management fee rate ranked in the second quintile (Investor Class Expense Group and Expense Universe) and first quintile (Advisor Class Expense Group), and the fund’s total expenses ranked in the first and second quintiles (Investor Class Expense Group) and first quintile (Expense Universe and Advisor Class Expense Group).
The Board also reviewed the fee schedules for other investment portfolios with similar mandates that are advised or subadvised by the Advisor and its affiliates, including separately managed accounts for institutional and individual investors; subadvised funds; and other sponsored investment portfolios, including collective investment trusts and pooled vehicles organized and offered to investors outside the United States. Management provided the Board with information about the Advisor’s responsibilities and services provided to subadvisory and other institutional account clients, including information about how the requirements and economics of the institutional business are fundamentally different from those of the proprietary mutual fund business. The Board considered information showing that the Advisor’s mutual fund business is generally more complex from a business and compliance perspective than its institutional account business and considered various relevant factors, such as the broader scope of operations and oversight, more extensive shareholder communication infrastructure, greater asset flows, heightened business risks, and differences in applicable laws and regulations associated with the Advisor’s proprietary mutual fund business. In assessing the reasonableness of the fund’s management fee rate, the Board considered the differences in the nature of the services required for the Advisor to manage its mutual fund business versus managing a discrete pool of assets as a subadvisor to another institution’s mutual fund or for an institutional account and that the Advisor generally performs significant additional services and assumes greater risk in managing the fund and other T. Rowe Price funds than it does for institutional account clients, including subadvised funds.
On the basis of the information provided and the factors considered, the Board concluded that the fees paid by the fund under the Advisory Contract are reasonable.
Approval of the Advisory Contract
As noted, the Board approved the continuation of the Advisory Contract. No single factor was considered in isolation or to be determinative to the decision. Rather, the Board concluded, in light of a weighting and balancing of all factors considered, that it was in the best interests of the fund and its shareholders for the Board to approve the continuation of the Advisory Contract (including the fees to be charged for services thereunder).
Item 1. (b) Notice pursuant to Rule 30e-3.
Not applicable.
Item 2. Code of Ethics.
A code of ethics, as defined in Item 2 of Form N-CSR, applicable to its principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions is filed as an exhibit to the registrant’s annual Form N-CSR. No substantive amendments were approved or waivers were granted to this code of ethics during the registrant’s most recent fiscal half-year.
Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.
Disclosure required in registrant’s annual Form N-CSR.
Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.
Disclosure required in registrant’s annual Form N-CSR.
Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.
Not applicable.
Item 6. Investments.
(a) Not applicable. The complete schedule of investments is included in Item 1 of this Form N-CSR.
(b) Not applicable.
Item 7. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.
Not applicable.
Item 8. Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies.
Not applicable.
Item 9. Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers.
Not applicable.
Item 10. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.
There has been no change to the procedures by which shareholders may recommend nominees to the registrant’s board of directors.
Item 11. Controls and Procedures.
(a) The registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer have evaluated the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures within 90 days of this filing and have concluded that the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective, as of that date, in ensuring that information required to be disclosed by the registrant in this Form N-CSR was recorded, processed, summarized, and reported timely.
(b) The registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer are aware of no change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
Item 12. Disclosure of Securities Lending Activities for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.
Not applicable.
Item 13. Exhibits.
(a)(1) The registrant’s code of ethics pursuant to Item 2 of Form N-CSR is filed with the registrant’s annual Form N-CSR.
(3) Written solicitation to repurchase securities issued by closed-end companies: not applicable.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
T. Rowe Price Small-Cap Stock Fund, Inc.
By | /s/ David Oestreicher | |||||
David Oestreicher | ||||||
Principal Executive Officer | ||||||
Date | August 17, 2021 |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
By | /s/ David Oestreicher | |||||
David Oestreicher | ||||||
Principal Executive Officer | ||||||
Date | August 17, 2021 | |||||
By | /s/ Alan S. Dupski | |||||
Alan S. Dupski | ||||||
Principal Financial Officer | ||||||
Date | August 17, 2021 |