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 811-06110
Western Asset Funds, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)
620 Eighth Avenue, 49th Floor, New York, NY 10018
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)
Robert I. Frenkel, Esq.
Legg Mason & Co., LLC
100 First Stamford Place
Stamford, CT 06902
(Name and address of agent for service)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: 1-877-721-1926
Date of fiscal year end: May 31
Date of reporting period: May 31, 2014
ITEM 1. REPORT TO STOCKHOLDERS.
The Annual Report to Stockholders is filed herewith.
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Annual Report | | May 31, 2014 |
WESTERN ASSET
GLOBAL
GOVERNMENT
BOND FUND
![LOGO](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSR/0001193125-14-275626/g737084g72d11.jpg)
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INVESTMENT PRODUCTS: NOT FDIC INSURED • NO BANK GUARANTEE • MAY LOSE VALUE |
Fund objective
The Fund seeks to maximize total return, consisting of current income and capital appreciation.
Letter from the president
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Dear Shareholder,
At a meeting held in May 2014, the Fund’s Board of Directors approved a recommendation from Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisor, LLC, the Fund’s investment manager, to change the fiscal year-end of the Fund from December 31 to May 31. As a result of this change, shareholders are being provided with a short-period annual report for the five-month period from January 1, 2014 through May 31, 2014. Please read on for a more detailed look at the prevailing economic and market conditions during the Fund’s abbreviated reporting period and to learn how those conditions have affected Fund performance.
As always, we remain committed to providing you with excellent service and a full spectrum of investment choices. We also remain committed to supplementing the support you receive from your financial advisor. One way we accomplish this is through our website, www.leggmason.com/individualinvestors. Here you can gain immediate access to market and investment information, including:
Ÿ | | Fund prices and performance, |
Ÿ | | Market insights and commentaries from our portfolio managers, and |
Ÿ | | A host of educational resources. |
We look forward to helping you meet your financial goals.
Sincerely,
![LOGO](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSR/0001193125-14-275626/g737084g58a01.jpg)
Kenneth D. Fuller
President and Chief Executive Officer
June 27, 2014
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II | | Western Asset Global Government Bond Fund |
Investment commentary
Economic review
After generally expanding at a moderate pace since the end of the Great Recession, the U.S. economy experienced a setback toward the end of the period from January 1, 2014 through May 31, 2014 (the “reporting period”). Looking back, U.S. gross domestic product (“GDP”)i growth, as reported by the U.S. Department of Commerce, was 4.1% during the third quarter of 2013, its best reading since the fourth quarter of 2011. The economy then moderated during the fourth quarter of 2013, as GDP growth was 2.6%. Slower growth was due to several factors, including a deceleration in private inventory investment, declining federal government spending and less residential fixed investments. The Commerce Department’s final reading for first quarter 2014 GDP growth, released after the reporting period ended, was -2.9%. This represented the first negative reading for GDP growth since the first quarter of 2011. The contraction was partially attributed to severe winter weather in the U.S., as well as slower growth overseas. In particular, the Commerce Department reported that moderating growth “primarily reflected negative contributions from private inventory investment, exports, state and local government spending, nonresidential fixed investment, and residential fixed investment that were partly offset by a positive contribution from personal consumption expenditures.”
The U.S. job market improved during the reporting period. When the period began, unemployment, as reported by the U.S. Department of Labor, was 6.7%. Unemployment was as low as 6.6% in January 2014, before ticking up to 6.7% in February and holding steady in March 2014. Unemployment then fell to 6.3% in April and was unchanged in May, the lowest level since September 2008. However, falling unemployment during the period was partially due to a decline in the workforce participation rate, which was 62.8% in both April and May 2014, matching the lowest level since 1978. The number of longer-term unemployed remained elevated, as roughly 34.6% of the 9.8 million Americans looking for work in May 2014 had been out of work for more than six months.
Sales of existing-homes fluctuated during the reporting period given changing mortgage rates and weather-related factors. According to the National Association of Realtors (“NAR”), after three consecutive monthly declines, existing-home sales rose 1.3% on a seasonally adjusted basis in April 2014 versus the previous month’s sales. Sales then rose 4.9% in May versus the previous month. The NAR reported that the median existing-home price for all housing types was $213,400 in May 2014, up 5.1% from May 2013. The inventory of homes available for sale in May 2014 was 2.2% higher than the previous month at a 5.6 month supply at the current sales pace and 6.0% higher than in May 2013.
The manufacturing sector continued to expand during the reporting period. Based on revised figures for the Institute for Supply Management’s Purchasing Managers’ Index (“PMI”)ii, manufacturing expanded during all five months of the reporting period (a reading below 50 indicates a contraction, whereas a reading above 50 indicates an expansion). After a reading of 56.5 in December 2013, the PMI fell to 51.3 in January 2014, its weakest reading since May 2013. However, the PMI moved up the next four months and was 55.4 in May 2014. During May, seventeen of the eighteen industries within the PMI expanded.
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Western Asset Global Government Bond Fund | | III |
Investment commentary (cont’d)
Growth outside the U.S. generally improved in developed countries. In its April 2014 World Economic Outlook Update, released after the reporting period ended, the International Monetary Fund (“IMF”) stated that “Global activity has broadly strengthened and is expected to improve further in 2014–15, with much of the impetus coming from advanced economies.” From a regional perspective, the IMF anticipates 2014 growth will be 1.2% in the Eurozone, versus -0.5% in 2013. Economic activity in Japan is expected to be relatively stable, with growth of 1.4% in 2014, compared to 1.5% in 2013. After moderating in 2013, the IMF projects that overall growth in emerging market countries will improve somewhat in 2014, with growth of 4.9% versus 4.7% in 2013. For example, GDP growth in India is projected to move from 4.4% in 2013 to 5.4% in 2014. However, the IMF now projects that growth in China will dip from 7.7% in 2013 to 7.5% in 2014.
The Federal Reserve Board (“Fed”)iii took a number of actions as it sought to meet its dual mandate of fostering maximum employment and price stability. As has been the case since December 2008, the Fed kept the federal funds rateiv at a historically low range between zero and 0.25%. At its meeting in December 2012, prior to the beginning of the reporting period, the Fed announced that it would continue purchasing $40 billion per month of agency mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”), as well as initially purchasing $45 billion per month of longer-term Treasuries. At a press conference following its meeting that ended on June 19, 2013, then Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke said “…the Committee currently anticipates that it would be appropriate to moderate the monthly pace of purchases later this year.” In a surprise to many investors, at its meeting that ended on September 18, 2013, the Fed did not taper its asset purchase program. Then, at its meeting that concluded on December 18, 2013, the Fed announced that it would begin reducing its monthly asset purchases, saying “Beginning in January 2014, the Committee will add to its holdings of agency MBS at a pace of $35 billion per month rather than $40 billion per month, and will add to its holdings of longer-term Treasury securities at a pace of $40 billion per month rather than $45 billion per month.”
At each of the Fed’s next three meetings (January, March and May 2014), it announced further $10 billion tapering of its asset purchases. Finally, at its meeting that ended on June 18, 2014, after the reporting period ended, the Fed again cut its monthly asset purchases. Beginning in July, it will buy a total of $35 billion per month ($15 billion per month of agency MBS and $20 billion per month of longer-term Treasuries).
Given the economic challenges in the Eurozone, the European Central Bank (“ECB”)v took a number of actions to stimulate growth. In May 2013, before the beginning of the reporting period, the ECB cut rates from 0.75% to 0.50%. The ECB then lowered the rates to a new record low of 0.25% in November 2013. On June 5, 2014, after the reporting period ended, the ECB made a number of additional moves in an attempt to support the region’s economy and ward off deflation. First, the ECB reduced rates to a new low of 0.15%. Second, it will now charge commercial banks 0.10% to keep money at the ECB. This “negative deposit rate” is aimed at encouraging commercial banks to lend some of their incremental cash which, in turn, may help to spur growth. In other developed countries, the
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IV | | Western Asset Global Government Bond Fund |
Bank of England kept rates on hold at 0.50% during the reporting period, as did Japan at a range of zero to 0.10%, its lowest level since 2006. Elsewhere, the People’s Bank of China kept rates on hold at 6.0%.
As always, thank you for your confidence in our stewardship of your assets.
Sincerely,
![LOGO](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSR/0001193125-14-275626/g737084g58a01.jpg)
Kenneth D. Fuller
President and Chief Executive Officer
June 27, 2014
All investments are subject to risk including the possible loss of principal. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Forecasts and predictions are inherently limited and should not be relied upon as an indication of actual or future performance.
i | Gross domestic product (“GDP”) is the market value of all final goods and services produced within a country in a given period of time. |
ii | The Institute for Supply Management’s PMI is based on a survey of purchasing executives who buy the raw materials for manufacturing at more than 350 companies. It offers an early reading on the health of the manufacturing sector. |
iii | The Federal Reserve Board (“Fed”) is responsible for the formulation of policies designed to promote economic growth, full employment, stable prices and a sustainable pattern of international trade and payments. |
iv | The federal funds rate is the rate charged by one depository institution on an overnight sale of immediately available funds (balances at the Federal Reserve) to another depository institution; the rate may vary from depository institution to depository institution and from day to day. |
v | The European Central Bank (“ECB”) is responsible for the monetary system of the European Union and the euro currency. |
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Western Asset Global Government Bond Fund | | V |
Fund overview
Q. What is the Fund’s investment strategy?
A. The Fund’s investment objective is to maximize total return, consisting of current income and capital appreciation. Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets in the debt and fixed-income securities issued by the U.S. government and non-U.S. governments and related agencies and instrumentalities (collectively, “Global Sovereign Issuers”). These securities can be denominated in either U.S. dollars or non-U.S. currencies. Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests in issuers located in at least three countries and no more than 25% of the Fund’s total assets may be invested in issuers located in any single non-U.S. country. The Fund may invest up to 35% of its total assets in debt and fixed income securities that are rated below investment grade at the time of purchase. Securities that are not rated in the Baa or BBB categories or above by one or more Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organization (“NRSROs”) or, if unrated, securities that we determine are of comparable quality at the time of purchase, are considered below investment grade. Global Sovereign Issuers may include, without limit, governments and related agencies and instrumentalities of emerging market countries.
The Fund may also enter into various exchange-traded and over-the-counter derivative transactions for both hedging and non-hedging purposes, including for purposes of enhancing returns. These derivative transactions include, but are not limited to, futures, options, and swaps. In particular, the Fund may use interest rate swaps, credit default swaps (including buying and selling credit default swaps on individual securities and/or baskets of securities), options (including options on credit default swaps), futures contracts and/or mortgage-backed securities to a significant extent, although the amounts invested in these instruments may change from time to time. Other instruments may also be used to a significant extent from time to time.
The Fund may use currency related transactions involving options, futures contracts, options on futures contracts, forward contracts, swaps, caps, floors, collars, structured notes, indexed securities and other derivatives instruments. These instruments may be used without limit, for either hedging purposes, or to implement a currency investment strategy. The Fund will normally maintain a dollar-weighted average effective durationi between zero and ten years.
At Western Asset Management Company (“Western Asset”), the Fund’s subadviser, we utilize a fixed-income team approach, with decisions derived from interaction among various investment management sector specialists. The sector teams are comprised of Western Asset’s senior portfolio management personnel, research analysts and an in-house economist. Under this team approach, management of client fixed-income portfolios will reflect a consensus of interdisciplinary views within the Western Asset organization.
Q. What were the overall market conditions during the Fund’s reporting period?
A. During the five-month reporting period from January 1, 2014 through May 31, 2014, the spread sectors (non-Treasuries) experienced several periods of volatility but largely outperformed equal-durationii Treasuries. Risk aversion was prevalent at
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Western Asset Global Government Bond Fund 2014 Annual Report | | 1 |
Fund overview (cont’d)
times given mixed economic data, shifting monetary policy by the Federal Reserve Board (“Fed”)iii and several geopolitical issues.
Both short- and long-term Treasury yields declined during the reporting period. Two-year Treasury yields fell from 0.38% at the beginning of the period to 0.37% at the end of the period. Their peak of 0.47% occurred in March and early April 2014, and they were as low as 0.30% in early February 2014. Ten-year Treasury yields were 3.04% at the beginning of the period, their peak for the five months ended May 31, 2014. They reached a low of 2.44% on May 28, 2014 and ended the reporting period at 2.48%.
In Europe, the European Central Bank (“ECB”)iv maintained its official lending rate at a new record low of 0.25%. On June 5, 2014, after the reporting period ended, the ECB reduced rates to a new low of 0.15%. It also announced that it will now charge commercial banks 0.10% to keep money at the ECB. In other developed countries, the Bank of England kept rates on hold at 0.50% during the reporting period, as did Japan at a range of zero to 0.10%, its lowest level since 2006.
All told, the global government bond market, as measured by the Citigroup World Government Bond Index (Unhedged),v returned 4.16% during the reporting period.
Q. How did we respond to these changing market conditions?
A. A number of adjustments were made to the Fund during the reporting period. We increased our exposure to Italian and Polish government bonds. We eliminated the Fund’s positions in Canadian and Swedish government bonds. We also liquidated our position in Brazil nominal bonds, while initiating a position in Brazilian inflation-linked securities. Elsewhere, we moved to a short duration stance in Europe while, in the U.S., we moved from a short duration position to a long one.
From a currency perspective, we increased the Fund’s short exposure to the euro. We closed out our short positions in the Turkish lira and South African rand and initiated long position in both currencies. Our short Australian dollar, Japanese yen and Swedish Krona currency positions were all reduced during the reporting period. The Fund’s long position in the Norwegian krone was also reduced. Finally, the Fund initiated a long position in the Chilean peso.
The Fund employed interest rate futures during the reporting period to manage its yield curvevi positioning and duration. The use of these instruments detracted from performance. We also used foreign exchange contracts and options to manage the Fund’s currency exposure. The use of these instruments detracted from performance. The loss however was offset by the increase in value of the cash bonds associated with the currency hedges.
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2 | | Western Asset Global Government Bond Fund 2014 Annual Report |
Performance review
For the five-month period from January 1, 2014 through May 31, 2014, Class I shares of Western Asset Global Government Bond Fund returned 5.08%. The Fund’s unmanaged benchmark, the Citigroup World Government Bond Index (Unhedged) returned 4.16% for the same period. The Lipper International Income Funds Category Average1 returned 4.11% over the same time frame.
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Performance Snapshot as of May 31, 2014 (unaudited) | |
(excluding sales charges) | | 5 months | |
Western Asset Global Government Bond Fund: | | | | |
Class A | | | 5.06 | % |
Class C | | | 4.73 | % |
Class R | | | 4.81 | % |
Class I | | | 5.08 | % |
Citigroup World Government Bond Index (Unhedged) | | | 4.16 | % |
Lipper International Income Funds Category Average1 | | | 4.11 | % |
The performance shown represents past performance. Past performance is no guarantee of future results and current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown above. Principal value, investment returns and yields will fluctuate and investors’ shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. To obtain performance data current to the most recent month-end, please visit our website at www.leggmason.com/individualinvestors.
All share class returns assume the reinvestment of all distributions, at net asset value and the deduction of all Fund expenses. Returns have not been adjusted to include sales charges that may apply or the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions. If sales charges were reflected, the performance quoted would be lower. Performance figures for periods shorter than one year represent cumulative figures and are not annualized.
Fund performance figures reflect fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements, without which the performance would have been lower.
The 30-Day SEC Yields for the period ended May 31, 2014 for Class A, Class C, Class R and Class I shares were 4.27%, 3.72%, 4.22% and 4.75%, respectively. Absent fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements, the 30-Day SEC Yields for Class A, Class C, Class R and Class I shares would have been 2.88%, 2.43%, 2.88% and 3.66%, respectively. The 30-Day SEC Yield is subject to change and is based on the yield to maturity of the Fund’s investments over a 30-day period and not on the dividends paid by the Fund, which may differ.
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Total Annual Operating Expenses (unaudited) |
As of the Fund’s current prospectus dated May 1, 2014, the gross total annual operating expense ratios for Class A, Class C, Class R and Class I shares were 1.49%, 2.50%, 1.92% and 1.03%, respectively.
Actual expenses may be higher. For example, expenses may be higher than those shown if average net assets decrease. Net assets are more likely to decrease and Fund expense ratios are more likely to increase when markets are volatile.
As a result of expense limitation arrangements, the ratio of expenses, other than interest, brokerage commissions, taxes,
1 | Lipper, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Reuters, provides independent insight on global collective investments. Returns are based on the five-month period ended May 31, 2014, including the reinvestment of all distributions, including returns of capital, if any, calculated among the 139 funds in the Fund’s Lipper category and excluding sales charges. |
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Western Asset Global Government Bond Fund 2014 Annual Report | | 3 |
Fund overview (cont’d)
extraordinary expenses and deferred organizational expenses, to average net assets is not expected to exceed 0.95% for Class A shares, 1.70% for Class C shares, 1.20% for Class R shares and 0.65% for Class I shares. These expense limitation arrangements cannot be terminated prior to December 31, 2015 without the Board of Directors’ consent.
The manager is permitted to recapture amounts waived or reimbursed to a class within two years after the fiscal year in which the manager earned the fee or incurred the expense if the class’ total annual operating expenses have fallen to a level below the expense limitation (“expense cap”) in effect at the time the fees were earned or the expenses incurred. In no case will the manager recapture any amount that would result, on any particular business day of the Fund, in the class’ total annual operating expenses exceeding the expense cap or any other lower limit then in effect.
Q. What were the leading contributors to performance?
A. The largest contributor to the Fund’s relative performance during the reporting period was its positioning in a number of countries. In particular, exposures to Sweden, Italy, Poland, South Korea, Mexico, Turkey and Brazil, as well as U.S. dollar-denominated Hungarian, Russian and South African sovereign bonds, were beneficial for results.
In term of currency positioning, shorts in the Swedish krona, Turkish lira and the euro were additive for performance. In addition, long positions in the Norwegian krone, Polish zloty, Hungarian forint, Mexican peso, Indian rupee, Brazilian real and South African rand contributed to results.
Q. What were the leading detractors from performance?
A. The largest detractor from relative performance for the period was the Fund’s short exposure in ten-year U.S. Treasuries. This was negative for results as U.S. government bond yields fell sharply in January 2014.
In the currency market, the Fund’s short positions in the Japanese yen and Australian dollar detracted from performance as they appreciated versus the U.S. dollar. Elsewhere, our exposure to local emerging market South African bonds was a drag on results.
Thank you for your investment in Western Asset Global Government Bond Fund. As always, we appreciate that you have chosen us to manage your assets and we remain focused on achieving the Fund’s investment goals.
Sincerely,
Western Asset Management Company
June 17, 2014
RISKS: Fixed-income securities involve interest rate, credit, inflation and reinvestment risks. As interest rates rise, the value of fixed-income securities falls. Derivatives, such as options, futures and swaps, can be illiquid, may disproportionately increase losses, and have a potentially large impact on Fund performance. International investments are subject to special risks including currency fluctuations and social, economic and political uncertainties, which could increase volatility. These risks are magnified in emerging markets. The use of leverage may increase volatility and possibility of loss. Asset-backed, mortgage-backed or mortgage-related securities are subject to prepayment and
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4 | | Western Asset Global Government Bond Fund 2014 Annual Report |
extension risks. The Fund is “non-diversified,” which means that it is permitted to invest a higher percentage of its assets in any one issuer than a diversified fund. This may magnify the Fund’s losses from events affecting a particular issuer. Please see the Fund’s prospectus for a more complete discussion of these and other risks, and the Fund’s investment strategies.
All investments are subject to risk including the possible loss of principal. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. All index performance reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes. Please note that an investor cannot invest directly in an index.
The information provided is not intended to be a forecast of future events, a guarantee of future results or investment advice. Views expressed may differ from those of the firm as a whole.
i | Effective duration measures the expected sensitivity of market price to changes in interest rates, taking into account the effects of structural complexities. (For example, some bonds can be prepaid by the issuer.) |
ii | Duration is the measure of the price sensitivity of a fixed-income security to an interest rate change of 100 basis points. Calculation is based on the weighted average of the present values for all cash flows. |
iii | The Federal Reserve Board (“Fed”) is responsible for the formulation of policies designed to promote economic growth, full employment, stable prices, and a sustainable pattern of international trade and payments. |
iv | The European Central Bank is responsible for the monetary system of the European Union and the euro currency. |
v | The Citigroup World Government Bond Index (“WGBI”) (Unhedged) is a market-capitalization-weighted index consisting of the government bond markets of 23 countries, which includes Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States. |
vi | The yield curve is the graphical depiction of the relationship between the yield on bonds of the same credit quality but different maturities. |
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Western Asset Global Government Bond Fund 2014 Annual Report | | 5 |
Fund at a glance† (unaudited)
Investment breakdown (%) as a percent of total investments
![LOGO](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSR/0001193125-14-275626/g737084g15m26.jpg)
† | The bar graph above represents the composition of the Fund’s investments as of May 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 and does not include derivatives such as futures contracts and forward foreign currency contracts. The Fund is actively managed. As a result, the composition of the Fund’s investments is subject to change at any time. |
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6 | | Western Asset Global Government Bond Fund 2014 Annual Report |
Fund expenses (unaudited)
Example
As a shareholder of the Fund, you may incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including front-end and back-end sales charges (loads) on purchase payments; and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees; service and/or distribution (12b-1) fees; and other Fund expenses. This 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.
This example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested on December 1, 2013 and held for the six months ended May 31, 2014, unless otherwise noted.
Actual expenses
The table below titled “Based on Actual Total Return” provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information provided in this table, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. To estimate the expenses you paid on your account, divide your ending account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 ending account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During the Period”.
Hypothetical example for comparison purposes
The table below titled “Based on Hypothetical Total Return” provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5.00% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. 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 the information provided in this table to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Fund and other funds. To do so, compare the 5.00% hypothetical example relating to the Fund with the 5.00% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.
Please note that the expenses shown in the table below are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as front-end or back-end sales charges (loads). Therefore, 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 transaction costs were included, your costs would have been higher.
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Based on actual total return1 | | | | | | | | Based on hypothetical total return4 | |
| | Actual Total Return Without Sales Charge2 | | | Beginning Account Value | | | Ending Account Value | | | Annualized Expense Ratio | | | Expenses Paid During the Period3 | | | | | | | Hypothetical Annualized Total Return | | | Beginning Account Value | | | Ending Account Value | | | Annualized Expense Ratio | | | Expenses Paid During the Period5 | |
Class A | | | 5.06 | % | | $ | 1,000.00 | | | $ | 1,050.60 | | | | 0.95 | % | | $ | 4.03 | | | | | Class A | | | 5.00 | % | | $ | 1,000.00 | | | $ | 1,020.19 | | | | 0.95 | % | | $ | 4.78 | |
Class C | | | 4.73 | | | | 1,000.00 | | | | 1,047.30 | | | | 1.70 | | | | 7.20 | | | | | Class C | | | 5.00 | | | | 1,000.00 | | | | 1,016.45 | | | | 1.70 | | | | 8.55 | |
Class R | | | 4.81 | | | | 1,000.00 | | | | 1,048.10 | | | | 1.20 | | | | 5.08 | | | | | Class R | | | 5.00 | | | | 1,000.00 | | | | 1,018.95 | | | | 1.20 | | | | 6.04 | |
Class I | | | 5.08 | | | | 1,000.00 | | | | 1,050.80 | | | | 0.65 | | | | 2.76 | | | | | Class I | | | 5.00 | | | | 1,000.00 | | | | 1,021.69 | | | | 0.65 | | | | 3.28 | |
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Western Asset Global Government Bond Fund 2014 Annual Report | | 7 |
Fund expenses (unaudited) (cont’d)
1 | For the period January 1, 2014 through May 31, 2014. |
2 | Assumes the reinvestment of all distributions, including returns of capital, if any, at net asset value and does not reflect the deduction of the applicable sales charge with respect to Class A shares or the applicable contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”) with respect to Class C shares. Total return is not annualized, as it may not be representative of the total return for the year. Performance figures may reflect compensating balance arrangements, fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements. In the absence of compensating balance arrangements, fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements, the total return would have been lower. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. |
3 | Expenses (net of compensating balance arrangements, fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements) are equal to each class’ respective annualized expense ratio multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days in the most recent fiscal period (151), then divided by 365. |
4 | For the six months ended May 31, 2014. |
5 | Expenses (net of compensating balance arrangements, fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements) are equal to each class’ respective annualized expense ratio multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days in the most recent fiscal half-year (182), then divided by 365. |
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8 | | Western Asset Global Government Bond Fund 2014 Annual Report |
Fund performance (unaudited)
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Average annual total returns | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Without sales charges1 | | Class A | | | Class C | | | Class R | | | Class I | |
Twelve Months Ended 5/31/14 | | | 0.01 | % | | | -0.83 | % | | | -0.21 | % | | | 0.36 | % |
Five Years Ended 5/31/14 | | | N/A | | | | N/A | | | | N/A | | | | 4.21 | |
Ten Years Ended 5/31/14 | | | N/A | | | | N/A | | | | N/A | | | | 4.45 | |
Inception* through 5/31/14 | | | 1.46 | | | | 0.61 | | | | 1.18 | | | | 5.55 | |
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With sales charges2 | | Class A | | | Class C | | | Class R | | | Class I | |
Twelve Months Ended 5/31/14 | | | -4.20 | % | | | -1.80 | % | | | -0.21 | % | | | 0.36 | % |
Five Years Ended 5/31/14 | | | N/A | | | | N/A | | | | N/A | | | | 4.21 | |
Ten Years Ended 5/31/14 | | | N/A | | | | N/A | | | | N/A | | | | 4.45 | |
Inception* through 5/31/14 | | | -0.60 | | | | 0.61 | | | | 1.18 | | | | 5.55 | |
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Cumulative total returns | |
Without sales charges1 | | | |
Class A (Inception date of 4/30/12 through 5/31/14) | | | 3.08 | % |
Class C (Inception date of 4/30/12 through 5/31/14) | | | 1.29 | |
Class R (Inception date of 4/30/12 through 5/31/14) | | | 2.48 | |
Class I (5/31/04 through 5/31/14) | | | 54.61 | |
All figures represent past performance and are not a guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Performance figures may reflect compensating balance arrangements, fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements. In the absence of compensating balance arrangements, fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements, the total return would have been lower.
1 | Assumes the reinvestment of all distributions, including returns of capital, if any, at net asset value and does not reflect the deduction of the applicable sales charge with respect to Class A shares or the applicable contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”) with respect to Class C shares. |
2 | Assumes the reinvestment of all distributions, including returns of capital, if any, at net asset value. In addition, Class A shares reflect the deduction of the maximum initial sales charge of 4.25%. Class C shares reflect the deduction of a 1.00% CDSC, which applies if shares are redeemed within one year from purchase payment. |
* | Inception dates for Class A, C, R and I shares are April 30, 2012, April 30, 2012, April 30, 2012 and July 15, 1998, respectively. |
| | |
Western Asset Global Government Bond Fund 2014 Annual Report | | 9 |
Fund performance (unaudited) (cont’d)
Historical performance
Value of $1,000,000 invested in
Class I Shares of Western Asset Global Government Bond Fund vs. Citigroup World Government Bond Index (Unhedged) †‡ — May 2004 - May 2014
![LOGO](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSR/0001193125-14-275626/g737084g54t61.jpg)
All figures represent past performance and are not a guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Performance figures may reflect compensating balance arrangements, fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements. In the absence of compensating balance arrangements, fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements, the total return would have been lower.
† | Hypothetical illustration of $1,000,000 invested in Class I shares of Western Asset Global Government Bond Fund on May 31, 2004, assuming the reinvestment of all distributions, including returns of capital, if any, at net asset value through May 31, 2014. The hypothetical illustration also assumes a $1,000,000 investment in the Citigroup World Government Bond Index (Unhedged). The Citigroup World Government Bond Index (Unhedged) includes the 23 government bond markets of Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States. The Index is unmanaged and not subject to the same management and trading expenses as a mutual fund. Please note that an investor cannot invest directly in an index. The performance of the Fund’s other classes may be greater or less than Class I shares performance indicated on this chart, depending on whether greater or lesser sales charges and fees were incurred by shareholders investing in the other classes. |
‡ | Prior to August 1, 2012, the Fund followed different investment strategies under the name Western Asset Non-U.S. Opportunity Bond Fund. |
| | |
10 | | Western Asset Global Government Bond Fund 2014 Annual Report |
Spread duration (unaudited)
Economic exposure — May 31, 2014
![LOGO](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSR/0001193125-14-275626/g737084g37i22.jpg)
Spread duration measures the sensitivity to changes in spreads. The spread over Treasuries is the annual risk-premium demanded by investors to hold non-Treasury securities. Spread duration is quantified as the % change in price resulting from a 100 basis points change in spreads. For a security with positive spread duration, an increase in spreads would result in a price decline and a decline in spreads would result in a price increase. This chart highlights the market sector exposure of the Fund’s sectors relative to the selected benchmark sectors as of the end of the reporting period.
| | |
Benchmark | | — Citigroup World Government Bond Index (Unhedged) |
EM | | — Emerging Markets |
WA Global Govt. | | — Western Asset Global Government Bond Fund |
| | |
Western Asset Global Government Bond Fund 2014 Annual Report | | 11 |
Effective duration (unaudited)
Interest rate exposure — May 31, 2014
![LOGO](https://capedge.com/proxy/N-CSR/0001193125-14-275626/g737084g91r63.jpg)
Effective duration measures the sensitivity to changes in relevant interest rates. Effective duration is quantified as the % change in price resulting from a 100 basis points change in interest rates. For a security with positive effective duration, an increase in interest rates would result in a price decline and a decline in interest rates would result in a price increase. This chart highlights the interest rate exposure of the Fund’s sectors relative to the selected benchmark sectors as of the end of the reporting period.
| | |
Benchmark | | — Citigroup World Government Bond Index (Unhedged) |
EM | | — Emerging Markets |
WA Global Govt. | | — Western Asset Global Government Bond Fund |
| | |
12 | | Western Asset Global Government Bond Fund 2014 Annual Report |
Schedule of investments
May 31, 2014
Western Asset Global Government Bond Fund
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Security | | Rate | | | Maturity Date | | | Face Amount† | | | Value | |
Sovereign Bonds — 83.0% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Brazil — 8.5% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Federative Republic of Brazil, Notes | | | 10.000 | % | | | 1/1/21 | | | | 5,086,000 | BRL | | $ | 2,077,471 | |
Hungary — 3.6% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Hungary Government Bond, Senior Notes | | | 5.375 | % | | | 2/21/23 | | | | 820,000 | | | | 874,103 | |
Italy — 9.3% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Italy Buoni Poliennali Del Tesoro, Senior Bonds | | | 3.750 | % | | | 5/1/21 | | | | 830,000 | EUR | | | 1,232,812 | |
Italy Buoni Poliennali Del Tesoro, Senior Bonds | | | 4.500 | % | | | 3/1/24 | | | | 680,000 | EUR | | | 1,047,871 | |
Total Italy | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 2,280,683 | |
Malaysia — 5.6% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Federation of Malaysia, Senior Bonds | | | 4.012 | % | | | 9/15/17 | | | | 4,300,000 | MYR | | | 1,355,864 | |
Mexico — 15.5% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
United Mexican States, Bonds | | | 8.000 | % | | | 6/11/20 | | | | 29,820,000 | MXN | | | 2,646,267 | |
United Mexican States, Bonds | | | 8.500 | % | | | 11/18/38 | | | | 12,160,000 | MXN | | | 1,134,866 | |
Total Mexico | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 3,781,133 | |
Poland — 9.7% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Republic of Poland, Bonds | | | 4.000 | % | | | 10/25/23 | | | | 7,000,000 | PLN | | | 2,366,057 | |
Russia — 3.4% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Russian Foreign Bond - Eurobond, Senior Bonds | | | 4.875 | % | | | 9/16/23 | | | | 800,000 | | | | 823,200 | (a) |
South Africa — 4.4% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Republic of South Africa, Bonds | | | 10.500 | % | | | 12/21/26 | | | | 3,630,000 | ZAR | | | 399,873 | |
Republic of South Africa, Senior Notes | | | 5.875 | % | | | 9/16/25 | | | | 600,000 | | | | 675,000 | |
Total South Africa | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 1,074,873 | |
South Korea — 20.6% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Republic of Korea, Senior Bonds | | | 5.750 | % | | | 9/10/18 | | | | 3,452,210,000 | KRW | | | 3,752,764 | |
Republic of Korea, Senior Bonds | | | 4.250 | % | | | 6/10/21 | | | | 1,221,790,000 | KRW | | | 1,277,004 | |
Total South Korea | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 5,029,768 | |
Turkey — 2.4% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Republic of Turkey, Bonds | | | 9.500 | % | | | 1/12/22 | | | | 1,190,000 | TRY | | | 585,809 | |
Total Sovereign Bonds (Cost — $20,118,919) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 20,248,961 | |
Corporate Bond & Notes — 0.4% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Energy — 0.4% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 0.4% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ecopetrol SA, Senior Notes (Cost — $82,240) | | | 5.875 | % | | | 9/18/23 | | | | 83,000 | | | | 92,649 | |
Non-U.S. Treasury Inflation Protected Securities — 7.0% | | | | | | | | | |
Brazil — 7.0% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Federative Republic of Brazil, Notes (Cost — $1,660,132) | | | 6.000 | % | | | 8/15/50 | | | | 3,786,023 | BRL | | | 1,699,633 | |
Total Investments — 90.4% (Cost — $21,861,291#) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 22,041,243 | |
Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities — 9.6% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 2,347,502 | |
Total Net Assets — 100.0% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 24,388,745 | |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
| | |
Western Asset Global Government Bond Fund 2014 Annual Report | | 13 |
Schedule of investments (cont’d)
May 31, 2014
Western Asset Global Government Bond Fund
† | Face amount denominated in U.S. dollars, unless otherwise noted. |
(a) | Security is exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. This security may be resold in transactions that are exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. This security has been deemed liquid pursuant to guidelines approved by the Board of Directors, unless otherwise noted. |
# | Aggregate cost for federal income tax purposes is $22,424,604. |
| | |
Abbreviations used in this schedule: |
BRL | | — Brazilian Real |
EUR | | — Euro |
KRW | | — South Korean Won |
MXN | | — Mexican Peso |
MYR | | — Malaysian Ringgit |
PLN | | — Polish Zloty |
TRY | | — Turkish Lira |
ZAR | | — South African Rand |
| | | | |
Summary of Investments by Country* (unaudited) | |
South Korea | | | 22.8 | % |
Mexico | | | 17.2 | |
Brazil | | | 17.1 | |
Poland | | | 10.7 | |
Italy | | | 10.3 | |
Malaysia | | | 6.2 | |
South Africa | | | 4.9 | |
Hungary | | | 4.0 | |
Russia | | | 3.7 | |
Turkey | | | 2.7 | |
Colombia | | | 0.4 | |
| | | 100.0 | % |
* | As a percentage of total investments. Please note that the Fund holdings are as of May 31, 2014 and are subject to change. |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
| | |
14 | | Western Asset Global Government Bond Fund 2014 Annual Report |
Statement of assets and liabilities
May 31, 2014
| | | | |
| |
Assets: | | | | |
Investments, at value (Cost — $21,861,291) | | $ | 22,041,243 | |
Foreign currency, at value (Cost — $84,967) | | | 88,516 | |
Receivable for securities sold | | | 2,793,358 | |
Interest receivable | | | 477,413 | |
Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency contracts | | | 391,369 | |
Foreign currency collateral for open futures contracts, at value (Cost — $200,334) | | | 199,154 | |
Deposits with brokers for open futures contracts | | | 98,010 | |
Receivable for Fund shares sold | | | 18,040 | |
Receivable from investment manager | | | 14,282 | |
Prepaid expenses | | | 49,576 | |
Total Assets | | | 26,170,961 | |
| |
Liabilities: | | | | |
Due to custodian | | | 1,248,124 | |
Unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency contracts | | | 412,792 | |
Payable to broker — variation margin on open futures contracts | | | 33,352 | |
Directors’ fees payable | | | 158 | |
Payable for securities purchased | | | 135 | |
Service and/or distribution fees payable | | | 35 | |
Accrued expenses | | | 87,620 | |
Total Liabilities | | | 1,782,216 | |
Total Net Assets | | $ | 24,388,745 | |
| |
Net Assets: | | | | |
Par value (Note 7) | | $ | 2,752 | |
Paid-in capital in excess of par value | | | 26,851,030 | |
Overdistributed net investment income | | | (334,829) | |
Accumulated net realized loss on investments, futures contracts and foreign currency transactions | | | (2,239,767) | |
Net unrealized appreciation on investments, futures contracts and foreign currencies | | | 109,559 | |
Total Net Assets | | $ | 24,388,745 | |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
| | |
Western Asset Global Government Bond Fund 2014 Annual Report | | 15 |
Statement of assets and liabilities (cont’d)
| | | | |
| |
Shares Outstanding: | | | | |
Class A | | | 11,879 | |
Class C | | | 1,154 | |
Class R | | | 1,256 | |
Class I | | | 2,737,377 | |
| |
Net Asset Value: | | | | |
Class A (and redemption price) | | | $8.86 | |
Class C* | | | $8.78 | |
Class R (and redemption price) | | | $8.85 | |
Class I (and redemption price) | | | $8.86 | |
Maximum Public Offering Price Per Share: | | | | |
Class A (based on maximum initial sales charge of 4.25%) | | | $9.25 | |
* | Redemption price per share is NAV of Class C shares reduced by a 1.00% CDSC, if shares are redeemed within one year from purchase payment (See Note 2). |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
| | |
16 | | Western Asset Global Government Bond Fund 2014 Annual Report |
Statements of operations
For the Period Ended May 31, 2014
and the Year Ended December 31, 2013
| | | | | | | | |
| | 2014† | | | 2013 | |
| | |
Investment Income: | | | | | | | | |
Interest | | $ | 582,204 | | | $ | 2,088,979 | |
Less: Foreign taxes withheld | | | (12,570) | | | | (43,449) | |
Total Investment Income | | | 569,634 | | | | 2,045,530 | |
| | |
Expenses: | | | | | | | | |
Investment management fee (Note 2) | | | 50,444 | | | | 215,492 | |
Audit and tax | | | 30,010 | | | | 47,561 | �� |
Registration fees | | | 27,512 | | | | 85,687 | |
Custody fees | | | 14,082 | | | | 68,692 | |
Shareholder reports | | | 12,228 | | | | 25,772 | |
Fund accounting fees | | | 7,537 | | | | 19,240 | |
Transfer agent fees (Note 5) | | | 2,151 | | | | 1,916 | |
Insurance | | | 901 | | | | 3,232 | |
Directors’ fees | | | 806 | | | | 2,469 | |
Legal fees | | | 383 | | | | 16,404 | |
Service and/or distribution fees (Notes 2 and 5) | | | 178 | | | | 636 | |
Fees recaptured by investment manager (Note 2) | | | — | | | | 1,218 | |
Miscellaneous expenses | | | 1,814 | | | | 5,699 | |
Total Expenses | | | 148,046 | | | | 494,018 | |
Less: Fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements (Notes 2 and 5) | | | (74,978) | | | | (182,041) | |
Net Expenses | | | 73,068 | | | | 311,977 | |
Net Investment Income | | | 496,566 | | | | 1,733,553 | |
| | |
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments, Futures Contracts, Written Options and Foreign Currency Transactions (Notes 1, 3 and 4): | | | | | | | | |
Net Realized Gain (Loss) From: | | | | | | | | |
Investment transactions | | | (1,289,477) | | | | (971,755) | |
Futures contracts | | | (167,032) | | | | (150,081) | |
Written options | | | — | | | | 28,059 | |
Foreign currency transactions | | | 122,146 | | | | (595,020) | |
Net Realized Loss | | | (1,334,363) | | | | (1,688,797) | |
Change in Net Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) From: | | | | | | | | |
Investments | | | 2,539,503 | | | | (3,777,985) | |
Futures contracts | | | (146,604) | | | | 120,881 | |
Foreign currencies | | | (287,794) | | | | 744,446 | |
Change in Net Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) | | | 2,105,105 | | | | (2,912,658) | |
Net Gain (Loss) on Investments, Futures Contracts, Written Options and Foreign Currency Transactions | | | 770,742 | | | | (4,601,455) | |
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations | | $ | 1,267,308 | | | $ | (2,867,902) | |
† | For the period January 1, 2014 through May 31, 2014. |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
| | |
Western Asset Global Government Bond Fund 2014 Annual Report | | 17 |
Statements of changes in net assets
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
For the Period Ended May 31, 2014 and the Years Ended December 31, | | 2014† | | | 2013 | | | 2012 | |
| | | |
Operations: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | $ | 496,566 | | | $ | 1,733,553 | | | $ | 2,143,890 | |
Net realized gain (loss) | | | (1,334,363) | | | | (1,688,797) | | | | 6,533,889 | |
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) | | | 2,105,105 | | | | (2,912,658) | | | | (1,436,364) | |
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets From Operations | | | 1,267,308 | | | | (2,867,902) | | | | 7,241,415 | |
| | | |
Distributions to Shareholders From (Notes 1 and 6): | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | | (57,042) | | | | (1,355,101) | | | | (6,069,218) | |
Net realized gains | | | — | | | | (323,669) | | | | — | |
Decrease in Net Assets From Distributions to Shareholders | | | (57,042) | | | | (1,678,770) | | | | (6,069,218) | |
| | | |
Fund Share Transactions (Note 7): | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net proceeds from sale of shares | | | 1,378,567 | | | | 9,916,856 | | | | 26,288,266 | |
Reinvestment of distributions | | | 39,814 | | | | 1,029,783 | | | | 2,866,500 | |
Cost of shares repurchased | | | (8,893,753) | | | | (42,034,784) | | | | (53,505,376) | |
Decrease in Net Assets From Fund Share Transactions | | | (7,475,372) | | | | (31,088,145) | | | | (24,350,610) | |
Decrease in Net Assets | | | (6,265,106) | | | | (35,634,817) | | | | (23,178,413) | |
| | | |
Net Assets: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Beginning of period | | | 30,653,851 | | | | 66,288,668 | | | | 89,467,081 | |
End of period* | | $ | 24,388,745 | | | $ | 30,653,851 | | | $ | 66,288,668 | |
*Includesoverdistributed net investment income of: | | | $(334,829) | | | | $(774,353) | | | | $(285,064) | |
† | For the period January 1, 2014 through May 31, 2014. |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
| | |
18 | | Western Asset Global Government Bond Fund 2014 Annual Report |
Financial highlights
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
For a share of each class of capital stock outstanding throughout each year ended May 31, unless otherwise noted: | |
Class A Shares1 | | 20142 | | | 20133 | | | 20124 | |
| | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | | $8.45 | | | | $9.32 | | | | $9.56 | |
| | | |
Income (loss) from operations: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | | 0.15 | | | | 0.29 | | | | 0.16 | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | | | 0.28 | | | | (0.88) | | | | 0.28 | |
Total income (loss) from operations | | | 0.43 | | | | (0.59) | | | | 0.44 | |
| | | |
Less distributions from: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | | (0.02) | | | | (0.22) | | | | (0.68) | |
Net realized gains | | | — | | | | (0.06) | | | | — | |
Total distributions | | | (0.02) | | | | (0.28) | | | | (0.68) | |
| | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | | $8.86 | | | | $8.45 | | | | $9.32 | |
Total return5 | | | 5.06 | % | | | (6.34) | % | | | 4.77 | % |
| | | |
Net assets, end of period (000s) | | | $105 | | | | $134 | | | | $11 | |
| | | |
Ratios to average net assets: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Gross expenses | | | 1.92 | %6 | | | 1.49 | % | | | 1.35 | %6 |
Net expenses7,8,9 | | | 0.95 | 6 | | | 0.95 | | | | 0.95 | 6 |
Net investment income | | | 4.12 | 6 | | | 3.38 | | | | 2.45 | 6 |
| | | |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 59 | % | | | 97 | % | | | 219 | % |
1 | Per share amounts have been calculated using the average shares method. |
2 | For the period January 1, 2014 through May 31, 2014. |
3 | For the year ended December 31. |
4 | For the period April 30, 2012 (inception date) to December 31, 2012. |
5 | Performance figures, exclusive of sales charges, may reflect compensating balance arrangements, fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements. In the absence of compensating balance arrangements, fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements, the total return would have been lower. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Total returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized. |
7 | Reflects fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements. |
8 | The impact of compensating balance arrangements, if any, was less than 0.01%. |
9 | As a result of an expense limitation arrangement, the ratio of expenses, other than interest, brokerage commissions, taxes, extraordinary expenses and deferred organizational expenses, to average net assets of Class A shares did not exceed 0.95%. This expense limitation arrangement cannot be terminated prior to December 31, 2015 without the Board of Directors’ consent. |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
| | |
Western Asset Global Government Bond Fund 2014 Annual Report | | 19 |
Financial highlights (cont’d)
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
For a share of each class of capital stock outstanding throughout each year ended May 31, unless otherwise noted: | |
Class C Shares1 | | 20142 | | | 20133 | | | 20124 | |
| | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | | $8.40 | | | | $9.29 | | | | $9.56 | |
| | | |
Income (loss) from operations: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | | 0.12 | | | | 0.23 | | | | 0.14 | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | | | 0.28 | | | | (0.90) | | | | 0.26 | |
Total income (loss) from operations | | | 0.40 | | | | (0.67) | | | | 0.40 | |
| | | |
Less distributions from: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | | (0.02) | | | | (0.16) | | | | (0.67) | |
Net realized gains | | | — | | | | (0.06) | | | | — | |
Total distributions | | | (0.02) | | | | (0.22) | | | | (0.67) | |
| | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | | $8.78 | | | | $8.40 | | | | $9.29 | |
Total return5 | | | 4.73 | % | | | (7.24) | % | | | 4.26 | % |
| | | |
Net assets, end of period (000s) | | | $10 | | | | $10 | | | | $43 | |
| | | |
Ratios to average net assets: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Gross expenses | | | 2.78 | %6 | | | 2.50 | % | | | 2.18 | %6 |
Net expenses7,8,9 | | | 1.70 | 6 | | | 1.70 | | | | 1.69 | 6 |
Net investment income | | | 3.39 | 6 | | | 2.48 | | | | 2.20 | 6 |
| | | |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 59 | % | | | 97 | % | | | 219 | % |
1 | Per share amounts have been calculated using the average shares method. |
2 | For the period January 1, 2014 through May 31, 2014. |
3 | For the year ended December 31. |
4 | For the period April 30, 2012 (inception date) to December 31, 2012. |
5 | Performance figures, exclusive of CDSC, may reflect compensating balance arrangements, fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements. In the absence of compensating balance arrangements, fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements, the total return would have been lower. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Total returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized. |
7 | Reflects fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements. |
8 | The impact of compensating balance arrangements, if any, was less than 0.01%. |
9 | As a result of an expense limitation arrangement, the ratio of expenses, other than interest, brokerage commissions, taxes, extraordinary expenses and deferred organizational expenses, to average net assets of Class C shares did not exceed 1.70%. This expense limitation arrangement cannot be terminated prior to December 31, 2015 without the Board of Directors’ consent. |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
| | |
20 | | Western Asset Global Government Bond Fund 2014 Annual Report |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
For a share of each class of capital stock outstanding throughout each year ended May 31, unless otherwise noted: | |
Class R Shares1 | | 20142 | | | 20133 | | | 20124 | |
| | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | | $8.46 | | | | $9.32 | | | | $9.56 | |
| | | |
Income (loss) from operations: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | | 0.14 | | | | 0.27 | | | | 0.14 | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | | | 0.27 | | | | (0.87) | | | | 0.29 | |
Total income (loss) from operations | | | 0.41 | | | | (0.60) | | | | 0.43 | |
| | | |
Less distributions from: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | | (0.02) | | | | (0.20) | | | | (0.67) | |
Net realized gains | | | — | | | | (0.06) | | | | — | |
Total distributions | | | (0.02) | | | | (0.26) | | | | (0.67) | |
| | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | | $8.85 | | | | $8.46 | | | | $9.32 | |
Total return5 | | | 4.81 | % | | | (6.53) | % | | | 4.60 | % |
| | | |
Net assets, end of period (000s) | | | $11 | | | | $10 | | | | $10 | |
| | | |
Ratios to average net assets: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Gross expenses | | | 2.11 | %6 | | | 1.92 | % | | | 1.60 | %6 |
Net expenses7,8,9 | | | 1.20 | 6 | | | 1.20 | | | | 1.19 | 6 |
Net investment income | | | 3.89 | 6 | | | 3.07 | | | | 2.21 | 6 |
| | | |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 59 | % | | | 97 | % | | | 219 | % |
1 | Per share amounts have been calculated using the average shares method. |
2 | For the period January 1, 2014 through May 31, 2014. |
3 | For the year ended December 31. |
4 | For the period April 30, 2012 (inception date) to December 31, 2012. |
5 | Performance figures may reflect compensating balance arrangements, fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements. In the absence of compensating balance arrangements, fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements, the total return would have been lower. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Total returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized. |
7 | Reflects fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements. |
8 | The impact of compensating balance arrangements, if any, was less than 0.01%. |
9 | As a result of an expense limitation arrangement, the ratio of expenses, other than interest, brokerage commissions, taxes, extraordinary expenses and deferred organizational expenses, to average net assets of Class R shares did not exceed 1.20%. This expense limitation arrangement cannot be terminated prior to December 31, 2015 without the Board of Directors’ consent. |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
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Western Asset Global Government Bond Fund 2014 Annual Report | | 21 |
Financial highlights (cont’d)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
For a share of each class of capital stock outstanding throughout each year ended May 31, unless otherwise noted: | |
Class I Shares1,2 | | 20143 | | | 20134 | | | 20124 | | | 20114 | | | 20104 | | | 20094 | |
| | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | | $8.45 | | | | $9.32 | | | | $9.25 | | | | $9.60 | | | | $9.14 | | | | $8.77 | |
| | | | | | |
Income (loss) from operations: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | | 0.16 | | | | 0.33 | | | | 0.23 | | | | 0.24 | | | | 0.25 | | | | 0.23 | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | | | 0.27 | | | | (0.89) | | | | 0.54 | | | | (0.14) | | | | 0.33 | | | | 0.20 | |
Total income (loss) from operations | | | 0.43 | | | | (0.56) | | | | 0.77 | | | | 0.10 | | | | 0.58 | | | | 0.43 | |
| | | | | | |
Less distributions from: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | | (0.02) | | | | (0.25) | | | | (0.70) | | | | (0.45) | | | | (0.11) | | | | — | |
Net realized gains | | | — | | | | (0.06) | | | | — | | | | (0.00) | 5 | | | (0.01) | | | | (0.06) | |
Total distributions | | | (0.02) | | | | (0.31) | | | | (0.70) | | | | (0.45) | | | | (0.12) | | | | (0.06) | |
| | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | | $8.86 | | | | $8.45 | | | | $9.32 | | | | $9.25 | | | | $9.60 | | | | $9.14 | |
Total return6 | | | 5.08 | % | | | (6.03) | % | | | 8.51 | % | | | 1.03 | % | | | 6.28 | % | | | 4.95 | % |
| | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000s) | | | $24,263 | | | | $30,500 | | | | $66,225 | | | | $89,467 | | | | $76,609 | | | | $80,305 | |
| | | | | | |
Ratios to average net assets: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Gross expenses | | | 1.32 | %7 | | | 1.03 | %8 | | | 0.76 | % | | | 0.76 | % | | | 0.78 | % | | | 0.70 | % |
Net expenses9,10 | | | 0.65 | 7,11 | | | 0.65 | 8,11 | | | 0.67 | 11 | | | 0.72 | | | | 0.74 | | | | 0.66 | |
Net investment income | | | 4.43 | 7 | | | 3.62 | | | | 2.38 | | | | 2.48 | | | | 2.59 | | | | 2.70 | |
| | | | | | |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 59 | % | | | 97 | % | | | 219 | % | | | 132 | % | | | 92 | % | | | 87 | % |
1 | In April 2010, Institutional Class shares were renamed Class I shares. |
2 | Per share amounts have been calculated using the average shares method. |
3 | For the period January 1, 2014 through May 31, 2014. |
4 | For the year ended December 31. |
5 | Amount represents less than $0.01 per share. |
6 | Performance figures may reflect compensating balance arrangements, fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements. In the absence of compensating balance arrangements, fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements, the total return would have been lower. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Total returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized. |
8 | Reflects recapture of expenses waived/reimbursed from prior fiscal years. |
9 | Reflects fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements. |
10 | The impact of compensating balance arrangements, if any, was less than 0.01%. |
11 | Effective May 1, 2012, as a result of an expense limitation arrangement, the ratio of expenses, other than interest, brokerage commissions, taxes, extraordinary expenses and deferred organizational expenses, to average net assets of Class I shares did not exceed 0.65%. This expense limitation arrangement cannot be terminated prior to December 31, 2015 without the Board of Directors’ consent. Prior to May 1, 2012, the investment manager had contractually agreed to waive fees and/or reimburse operating expenses at an annual rate of 0.04%. |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
| | |
22 | | Western Asset Global Government Bond Fund 2014 Annual Report |
Notes to financial statements
1. Organization and significant accounting policies
Western Asset Global Government Bond Fund (the “Fund”) is a separate non-diversified investment series of Western Asset Funds, Inc. (the “Corporation”). The Corporation, a Maryland corporation, is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company. At a meeting held in May 2014, the Fund’s Board of Directors approved changing the Fund’s fiscal year-end from December 31st to May 31st. This change resulted in a short-period annual report for the five-month period from January 1, 2014 through May 31, 2014.
The following are significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Fund and are in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). Estimates and assumptions are required to be made regarding assets, liabilities and changes in net assets resulting from operations when financial statements are prepared. Changes in the economic environment, financial markets and any other parameters used in determining these estimates could cause actual results to differ. Subsequent events have been evaluated through the date the financial statements were issued.
(a) Investment valuation. The valuations for fixed income securities (which may include, but are not limited to, corporate, government, municipal, mortgage-backed, collateralized mortgage obligations and asset-backed securities) and certain derivative instruments are typically the prices supplied by independent third party pricing services, which may use market prices or broker/dealer quotations or a variety of valuation techniques and methodologies. The independent third party pricing services use inputs that are observable such as issuer details, interest rates, yield curves, prepayment speeds, credit risks/spreads, default rates and quoted prices for similar securities. Short-term fixed income securities that will mature in 60 days or less are valued at amortized cost, unless it is determined that using this method would not reflect an investment’s fair value. Futures contracts are valued daily at the settlement price established by the board of trade or exchange on which they are traded. Equity securities for which market quotations are available are valued at the last reported sales price or official closing price on the primary market or exchange on which they trade. When the Fund holds securities or other assets that are denominated in a foreign currency, the Fund will normally use the currency exchange rates as of 4:00 p.m. (Eastern Time). If independent third party pricing services are unable to supply prices for a portfolio investment, or if the prices supplied are deemed by the manager to be unreliable, the market price may be determined by the manager using quotations from one or more broker/dealers or at the transaction price if the security has recently been purchased and no value has yet been obtained from a pricing service or pricing broker. When reliable prices are not readily available, such as when the value of a security has been significantly affected by events after the close of the exchange or market on which the security is principally traded, but before the Fund calculates its net asset value, the Fund values these securities as determined in accordance with procedures approved by the Fund’s Board of Directors.
The Board of Directors is responsible for the valuation process and has delegated the supervision of the daily valuation process to the Legg Mason North American Fund Valuation
| | |
Western Asset Global Government Bond Fund 2014 Annual Report | | 23 |
Notes to financial statements (cont’d)
Committee (the “Valuation Committee”). The Valuation Committee, pursuant to the policies adopted by the Board of Directors, is responsible for making fair value determinations, evaluating the effectiveness of the Fund’s pricing policies, and reporting to the Board of Directors. When determining the reliability of third party pricing information for investments owned by the Fund, the Valuation Committee, among other things, conducts due diligence reviews of pricing vendors, monitors the daily change in prices and reviews transactions among market participants.
The Valuation Committee will consider pricing methodologies it deems relevant and appropriate when making fair value determinations. Examples of possible methodologies include, but are not limited to, multiple of earnings; discount from market of a similar freely traded security; discounted cash-flow analysis; book value or a multiple thereof; risk premium/yield analysis; yield to maturity; and/or fundamental investment analysis. The Valuation Committee will also consider factors it deems relevant and appropriate in light of the facts and circumstances. Examples of possible factors include, but are not limited to, the type of security; the issuer’s financial statements; the purchase price of the security; the discount from market value of unrestricted securities of the same class at the time of purchase; analysts’ research and observations from financial institutions; information regarding any transactions or offers with respect to the security; the existence of merger proposals or tender offers affecting the security; the price and extent of public trading in similar securities of the issuer or comparable companies; and the existence of a shelf registration for restricted securities.
For each portfolio security that has been fair valued pursuant to the policies adopted by the Board of Directors, the fair value price is compared against the last available and next available market quotations. The Valuation Committee reviews the results of such back testing monthly and fair valuation occurrences are reported to the Board of Directors quarterly.
The Fund uses valuation techniques to measure fair value that are consistent with the market approach and/or income approach, depending on the type of security and the particular circumstance. The market approach uses prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable securities. The income approach uses valuation techniques to discount estimated future cash flows to present value.
GAAP establishes a disclosure hierarchy that categorizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to value assets and liabilities at measurement date. These inputs are summarized in the three broad levels listed below:
Ÿ | | Level 1 — quoted prices in active markets for identical investments |
Ÿ | | Level 2 — other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar investments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.) |
Ÿ | | Level 3 — significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments) |
| | |
24 | | Western Asset Global Government Bond Fund 2014 Annual Report |
The inputs or methodologies used to value securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.
The following is a summary of the inputs used in valuing the Fund’s assets and liabilities carried at fair value:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
ASSETS | |
Description | | Quoted Prices (Level 1) | | | Other Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) | | | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | | | Total | |
Long-term investments†: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Sovereign bonds | | | — | | | $ | 20,248,961 | | | | — | | | $ | 20,248,961 | |
Corporate bond & notes | | | — | | | | 92,649 | | | | — | | | | 92,649 | |
Non-U.S. Treasury inflation protected securities | | | — | | | | 1,699,633 | | | | — | | | | 1,699,633 | |
Total investments | | | — | | | $ | 22,041,243 | | | | — | | | $ | 22,041,243 | |
Other financial instruments: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Futures contracts | | $ | 7,479 | | | | — | | | | — | | | $ | 7,479 | |
Forward foreign currency contracts | | | — | | | $ | 391,369 | | | | — | | | | 391,369 | |
Total other financial instruments | | $ | 7,479 | | | $ | 391,369 | | | | — | | | $ | 398,848 | |
Total | | $ | 7,479 | | | $ | 22,432,612 | | | | — | | | $ | 22,440,091 | |
|
LIABILITIES | |
Description | | Quoted Prices (Level 1) | | | Other Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) | | | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | | | Total | |
Other financial instruments: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Futures contracts | | $ | 40,422 | | | | — | | | | — | | | $ | 40,422 | |
Forward foreign currency contracts | | | — | | | $ | 412,792 | | | | — | | | | 412,792 | |
Total | | $ | 40,422 | | | $ | 412,792 | | | | — | | | $ | 453,214 | |
† | See Schedule of Investments for additional detailed categorizations. |
(b) Repurchase agreements. The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements with institutions that its investment adviser has determined are creditworthy. Each repurchase agreement is recorded at cost. Under the terms of a typical repurchase agreement, the Fund acquires a debt security subject to an obligation of the seller to repurchase, and of the Fund to resell, the security at an agreed-upon price and time, thereby determining the yield during the Fund’s holding period. When entering into repurchase agreements, it is the Fund’s policy that its custodian or a third party custodian, acting on the Fund’s behalf, take possession of the underlying collateral securities, the market value of which, at all times, at least equals the principal amount of the repurchase transaction, including accrued interest. To the extent that any repurchase transaction maturity exceeds one business day, the value of the collateral is marked-to-market and measured against the value of the agreement in an effort to ensure the adequacy of the collateral. If the counterparty defaults, the Fund generally has the right to use the collateral to satisfy the terms of the repurchase transaction. However, if the market value of the collateral declines during the period in which
| | |
Western Asset Global Government Bond Fund 2014 Annual Report | | 25 |
Notes to financial statements (cont’d)
the Fund seeks to assert its rights or if bankruptcy proceedings are commenced with respect to the seller of the security, realization of the collateral by the Fund may be delayed or limited.
(c) Forward foreign currency contracts. The Fund enters into a forward foreign currency contract to hedge exposure of bond positions or in an attempt to increase the Fund’s return. A forward foreign currency contract is an agreement between two parties to buy and sell a currency at a set price with delivery and settlement at a future date. The contract is marked-to-market daily and the change in value is recorded by the Fund as an unrealized gain or loss. When a forward foreign currency contract is closed, through either delivery or offset by entering into another forward foreign currency contract, the Fund recognizes a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the value of the contract at the time it was opened and the value of the contract at the time it is closed.
Forward foreign currency contracts involve elements of market risk in excess of the amounts reflected on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. The Fund bears the risk of an unfavorable change in the foreign exchange rate underlying the forward foreign currency contract. Risks may also arise upon entering into these contracts from the potential inability of the counterparties to meet the terms of their contracts.
(d) Futures contracts. The Fund uses futures contracts generally to gain exposure to, or hedge against, changes in interest rates or gain exposure to, or hedge against, changes in certain asset classes. A futures contract represents a commitment for the future purchase or sale of an asset at a specified price on a specified date.
Upon entering into a futures contract, the Fund is required to deposit cash or cash equivalents with a broker in an amount equal to a certain percentage of the contract amount. This is known as the ‘‘initial margin’’ and subsequent payments (‘‘variation margin’’) are made or received by the Fund each day, depending on the daily fluctuation in the value of the contract. For certain futures, including foreign denominated futures, variation margin is not settled daily, but is recorded as a net variation margin payable or receivable. Futures contracts are valued daily at the settlement price established by the board of trade or exchange on which they are traded. The daily changes in contract value are recorded as unrealized gains or losses in the Statements of Operations and the Fund recognizes a realized gain or loss when the contract is closed.
Futures contracts involve, to varying degrees, risk of loss in excess of the amounts reflected in the financial statements. In addition, there is the risk that the Fund may not be able to enter into a closing transaction because of an illiquid secondary market.
(e) Purchased options. When the Fund purchases an option, an amount equal to the premium paid by the Fund is recorded as an investment on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities, the value of which is marked-to-market to reflect the current market value of the option purchased. If the purchased option expires, the Fund realizes a loss equal to the amount of premium paid. When an instrument is purchased or sold through the exercise of an option, the related premium paid is added to the basis of the instrument acquired or deducted from the proceeds of the instrument sold. The risk associated with purchasing put and call options is limited to the premium paid.
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26 | | Western Asset Global Government Bond Fund 2014 Annual Report |
(f) Inflation-indexed bonds. Inflation-indexed bonds are fixed-income securities whose principal value or interest rate is periodically adjusted according to the rate of inflation. As the index measuring inflation changes, the principal value or interest rate of inflation-indexed bonds will be adjusted accordingly. Inflation adjustments to the principal amount of inflation-indexed bonds are reflected as an increase or decrease to investment income on the Statements of Operations. Repayment of the original bond principal upon maturity (as adjusted for inflation) is guaranteed in the case of U.S. Treasury inflation-indexed bonds. For bonds that do not provide a similar guarantee, the adjusted principal value of the bond repaid at maturity may be less than the original principal.
(g) Foreign currency translation. Investment securities and other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollar amounts based upon prevailing exchange rates on the date of valuation. Purchases and sales of investment securities and income and expense items denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollar amounts based upon prevailing exchange rates on the respective dates of such transactions.
The Fund does not isolate that portion of the results of operations resulting from fluctuations in foreign exchange rates on investments from the fluctuations arising from changes in market prices of securities held. Such fluctuations are included with the net realized and unrealized gain or loss on investments.
Net realized foreign exchange gains or losses arise from sales of foreign currencies, including gains and losses on forward foreign currency contracts, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on securities transactions, and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest, and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the Fund’s books and the U.S. dollar equivalent of the amounts actually received or paid. Net unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses arise from changes in the values of assets and liabilities, other than investments in securities, on the date of valuation, resulting from changes in exchange rates.
Foreign security and currency transactions may involve certain considerations and risks not typically associated with those of U.S. dollar denominated transactions as a result of, among other factors, the possibility of lower levels of governmental supervision and regulation of foreign securities markets and the possibility of political or economic instability.
(h) Credit and market risk. The Fund invests in high-yield and emerging market instruments that are subject to certain credit and market risks. The yields of high-yield and emerging market debt obligations reflect, among other things, perceived credit and market risks. The Fund’s investments in securities rated below investment grade typically involve risks not associated with higher rated securities including, among others, greater risk related to timely and ultimate payment of interest and principal, greater market price volatility and less liquid secondary market trading. The consequences of political, social, economic or diplomatic changes may have disruptive effects on the market prices of investments held by the Fund. The Fund’s investments in non-U.S. dollar denominated secu-
| | |
Western Asset Global Government Bond Fund 2014 Annual Report | | 27 |
Notes to financial statements (cont’d)
rities may also result in foreign currency losses caused by devaluations and exchange rate fluctuations.
(i) Counterparty risk and credit-risk-related contingent features of derivative instruments. The Fund may invest in certain securities or engage in other transactions, where the Fund is exposed to counterparty credit risk in addition to broader market risks. The Fund may invest in securities of issuers, which may also be considered counterparties as trading partners in other transactions. This may increase the risk of loss in the event of default or bankruptcy by the counterparty or if the counterparty otherwise fails to meet its contractual obligations. The Fund’s investment manager attempts to mitigate counterparty risk by (i) periodically assessing the creditworthiness of its trading partners, (ii) monitoring and/or limiting the amount of its net exposure to each individual counterparty based on its assessment and (iii) requiring collateral from the counterparty for certain transactions. Market events and changes in overall economic conditions may impact the assessment of such counterparty risk by the investment manager. In addition, declines in the values of underlying collateral received may expose the Fund to increased risk of loss.
The Fund has entered into master agreements with certain of its derivative counterparties that provide for general obligations, representations, agreements, collateral, events of default or termination and credit related contingent features. The credit related contingent features include, but are not limited to, a percentage decrease in the Fund’s net assets or NAV over a specified period of time. If these credit related contingent features were triggered, the derivatives counterparty could terminate the positions and demand payment or require additional collateral.
Collateral requirements differ by type of derivative. Collateral or margin requirements are set by the broker or exchange clearing house for exchange traded derivatives while collateral terms are contract specific for over-the-counter traded derivatives. Cash collateral that has been pledged to cover obligations of the Fund under derivative contracts, if any, will be reported separately in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Securities pledged as collateral, if any, for the same purpose are noted in the Schedule of Investments.
Absent an event of default by the counterparty or a termination of the agreement, the terms of the master agreements do not result in an offset of reported amounts of financial assets and financial liabilities in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities across transactions between the Fund and the applicable counterparty. The enforceability of the right to offset may vary by jurisdiction.
As of May 31, 2014, the Fund held forward foreign currency contracts with credit related contingent features which had a liability position of $412,792. If a contingent feature in the master agreements would have been triggered, the Fund would have been required to pay this amount to its derivatives counterparties.
(j) Foreign investment risks. The Fund’s investments in foreign securities may involve risks not present in domestic investments. Since securities may be denominated in foreign currencies, may require settlement in foreign currencies or pay interest or dividends in foreign currencies, changes in the relationship of these foreign currencies to the U.S. dollar
| | |
28 | | Western Asset Global Government Bond Fund 2014 Annual Report |
can significantly affect the value of the investments and earnings of the Fund. Foreign investments may also subject the Fund to foreign government exchange restrictions, expropriation, taxation or other political, social or economic developments, all of which affect the market and/or credit risk of the investments.
(k) Security transactions and investment income. Security transactions are accounted for on a trade date basis. Interest income, adjusted for amortization of premium and accretion of discount, is recorded on the accrual basis. The cost of investments sold is determined by use of the specific identification method. To the extent any issuer defaults or a credit event occurs that impacts the issuer, the Fund may halt any additional interest income accruals and consider the realizability of interest accrued up to the date of default or credit event.
(l) Distributions to shareholders. Distributions from net investment income of the Fund, if any, are declared and paid on a quarterly basis. Distributions to shareholders of the Fund are recorded on the ex-dividend date and are determined in accordance with income tax regulations, which may differ from GAAP.
(m) Compensating balance arrangements. The Fund has an arrangement with its custodian bank whereby a portion of the custodian’s fees is paid indirectly by credits earned on the Fund’s cash on deposit with the bank.
(n) Share class accounting. Investment income, common expenses and realized/unrealized gains (losses) on investments are allocated to the various classes of the Fund on the basis of daily net assets of each class. Fees relating to a specific class are charged directly to that share class.
(o) Federal and other taxes. It is the Fund’s policy to comply with the federal income and excise tax requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “Code”), as amended, applicable to regulated investment companies. Accordingly, the Fund intends to distribute its taxable income and net realized gains, if any, to shareholders in accordance with timing requirements imposed by the Code. Therefore, no federal or state income tax provision is required in the Fund’s financial statements.
Management has analyzed the Fund’s tax positions taken on income tax returns for all open tax years and has concluded that as of May 31, 2014, no provision for income tax is required in the Fund’s financial statements. The Fund’s federal and state income and federal excise tax returns for tax years for which the applicable statutes of limitations have not expired are subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service and state departments of revenue.
Under the applicable foreign tax laws, a withholding tax may be imposed on interest, dividends and capital gains at various rates.
(p) Reclassification. GAAP requires that certain components of net assets be reclassified to reflect permanent differences between financial and tax reporting. These reclassifications have no effect on net assets or net asset values per share. During the current period, the Fund had no reclassifications.
| | |
Western Asset Global Government Bond Fund 2014 Annual Report | | 29 |
Notes to financial statements (cont’d)
2. Investment management agreement and other transactions with affiliates
The Fund has an investment management agreement with Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisor, LLC (“LMPFA”). Western Asset Management Company Limited (“Western Asset Limited”) is the subadviser. Western Asset Management Company Pte. Ltd. (“Western Singapore”) and Western Asset Management Company Ltd (“Western Japan”) share advisory responsibilities with Western Asset Limited. LMPFA, Western Asset Limited, Western Singapore and Western Japan are wholly owned subsidiaries of Legg Mason, Inc. (“Legg Mason”).
LMPFA provides the Fund with management and administrative services for which the Fund pays a fee calculated daily and paid monthly, at an annual rate of 0.45% of the Fund’s average daily net assets.
The investment manager has agreed to waive fees and/or reimburse operating expenses (other than interest, brokerage commissions, taxes, extraordinary expenses and deferred organizational expenses) so that total operating expenses are not expected to exceed 0.95%, 1.70%, 1.20% and 0.65% for Class A, Class C, Class R and Class I shares, respectively. These arrangements cannot be terminated prior to December 31, 2015 without the Board of Directors’ consent.
During the year ended December 31, 2013, fees waived and/or expenses reimbursed amounted to $182,041.
During the period ended May 31, 2014, fees waived and/or expenses reimbursed amounted to $74,978.
The investment manager is permitted to recapture amounts waived and/or reimbursed to a class within two years after the fiscal year in which the investment manager earned the fee or incurred the expense if the class’ total annual operating expenses have fallen to a level below the limits described above. In no case will the investment manager recapture any amount that would result, on any particular business day of the Fund, in the class’ total annual operating expenses exceeding this limit or any other lower limit then in effect.
Pursuant to these arrangements, at December 31, 2013, the Fund had remaining fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements subject to recapture by LMPFA and respective dates of expiration as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Class A | | | Class C | | | Class R | | | Class I | |
Expires December 31, 2014 | | $ | 27 | | | $ | 83 | | | $ | 28 | | | $ | 71,626 | |
Expires December 31, 2015 | | | 575 | | | | 256 | | | | 74 | | | | 181,136 | |
Total fee waivers/expense reimbursements subject to recapture | | $ | 602 | | | $ | 339 | | | $ | 102 | | | $ | 252,762 | |
For the year ended December 31, 2013, LMPFA recaptured $1,218 for Class I shares.
| | |
30 | | Western Asset Global Government Bond Fund 2014 Annual Report |
Pursuant to these arrangements, at May 31, 2014, the Fund had remaining fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements subject to recapture by LMPFA and respective dates of expiration as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Class A | | | Class C | | | Class R | | | Class I | |
Expires May 31, 2015 | | $ | 575 | | | $ | 256 | | | $ | 74 | | | $ | 181,136 | |
Expires May 31, 2016 | | | 447 | | | | 44 | | | | 40 | | | | 74,447 | |
Total fee waivers/expense reimbursements subject to recapture | | $ | 1,022 | | | $ | 300 | | | $ | 114 | | | $ | 255,583 | |
For the period ended May 31, 2014, LMPFA did not recapture any fees.
Legg Mason Investor Services, LLC (“LMIS”), a wholly-owned broker dealer subsidiary of Legg Mason, serves as the Fund’s sole and exclusive distributor.
There is a maximum initial sales charge of 4.25% for Class A shares. There is a contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”) of 1.00% on Class C shares, which applies if redemption occurs within 12 months from purchase payment. In certain cases, Class A shares have a 1.00% CDSC, which applies if redemption occurs within 18 months from purchase payment. This CDSC only applies to those purchases of Class A shares, which, when combined with current holdings of other shares of funds sold by LMIS, equal or exceed $1,000,000 in the aggregate. These purchases do not incur an initial sales charge.
For the year ended December 31, 2013, LMIS and its affiliates retained sales charges of $251 on sales of the Fund’s Class A shares. In addition, for the year ended December 31, 2013, CDSCs paid to LMIS and its affiliates were $286 for Class C shares.
For the period ended May 31, 2014, LMIS and its affiliates did not retained any sales charges on sales of the Fund’s Class A shares. In addition, there were no CDSCs paid to LMIS and its affiliates for the period ended May 31, 2014.
All officers of the Corporation are employees of Legg Mason or its affiliates and do not receive compensation from the Corporation.
3. Investments
During the period ended May 31, 2014, the aggregate cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investments (excluding short-term investments) were as follows:
| | | | |
Purchases | | $ | 15,153,227 | |
Sales | | | 24,356,285 | |
At May 31, 2014, the aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments for federal income tax purposes were as follows:
| | | | |
Gross unrealized appreciation | | $ | 578,000 | |
Gross unrealized depreciation | | | (961,361) | |
Net unrealized depreciation | | $ | (383,361) | |
| | |
Western Asset Global Government Bond Fund 2014 Annual Report | | 31 |
Notes to financial statements (cont’d)
At May 31, 2014, the Fund had the following open futures contracts:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Number of Contracts | | | Expiration Date | | | Basis Value | | | Market Value | | | Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) | |
Contracts to Buy: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Euro BTP | | | 5 | | | | 6/14 | | | $ | 845,778 | | | $ | 853,127 | | | $ | 7,349 | |
U.S. Treasury 10-Year Notes | | | 1 | | | | 9/14 | | | | 125,386 | | | | 125,516 | | | | 130 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 7,479 | |
Contracts to Sell: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Euro-Bund | | | 20 | | | | 6/14 | | | $ | 3,962,058 | | | $ | 4,002,480 | | | | (40,422) | |
Net unrealized depreciation on open futures contracts | | | | | | | $ | (32,943) | |
At May 31, 2014, the Fund had the following open forward foreign currency contracts:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Foreign Currency | | Counterparty | | Local Currency | | | Market Value | | | Settlement Date | | | Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) | |
Contracts to Buy: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Chilean Peso | | Deutsche Bank AG | | | 73,560,000 | | | $ | 133,141 | | | | 7/25/14 | | | $ | 505 | |
Indian Rupee | | Deutsche Bank AG | | | 117,139,095 | | | | 1,959,232 | | | | 7/25/14 | | | | 52,361 | |
Indian Rupee | | JPMorgan Chase & Co. | | | 7,850,000 | | | | 131,297 | | | | 7/25/14 | | | | (1,350) | |
Indonesian Rupiah | | Deutsche Bank AG | | | 1,063,400,000 | | | | 90,242 | | | | 7/25/14 | | | | (1,588) | |
Philippine Peso | | JPMorgan Chase & Co. | | | 7,625,945 | | | | 174,171 | | | | 7/25/14 | | | | 2,878 | |
Yuan Renminbi | | HSBC Bank USA, N.A. | | | 10,060,000 | | | | 1,605,938 | | | | 7/25/14 | | | | (14,787) | |
Euro | | JPMorgan Chase & Co. | | | 230,000 | | | | 313,517 | | | | 8/8/14 | | | | 512 | |
Australian Dollar | | Deutsche Bank AG | | | 407,548 | | | | 377,402 | | | | 8/14/14 | | | | (673) | |
Australian Dollar | | JPMorgan Chase & Co. | | | 1,150,000 | | | | 1,064,937 | | | | 8/14/14 | | | | (9,849) | |
Australian Dollar | | JPMorgan Chase & Co. | | | 170,000 | | | | 157,425 | | | | 8/14/14 | | | | 176 | |
Canadian Dollar | | Deutsche Bank AG | | | 3,100,326 | | | | 2,854,292 | | | | 8/14/14 | | | | 12,063 | |
Canadian Dollar | | JPMorgan Chase & Co. | | | 590,000 | | | | 543,179 | | | | 8/14/14 | | | | (171) | |
Euro | | Credit Suisse London | | | 50,000 | | | | 68,156 | | | | 8/14/14 | | | | 69 | |
Euro | | Deutsche Bank AG | | | 1,781,541 | | | | 2,428,466 | | | | 8/14/14 | | | | (53,032) | |
Euro | | JPMorgan Chase & Co. | | | 984,110 | | | | 1,341,466 | | | | 8/14/14 | | | | (28,850) | |
Euro | | JPMorgan Chase & Co. | | | 180,000 | | | | 245,363 | | | | 8/14/14 | | | | 294 | |
Euro | | Citibank, N.A. | | | 180,000 | | | | 245,363 | | | | 8/14/14 | | | | 327 | |
Hungarian Forint | | Deutsche Bank AG | | | 70,710,000 | | | | 317,334 | | | | 8/14/14 | | | | 35 | |
Japanese Yen | | Credit Suisse London | | | 27,480,000 | | | | 270,064 | | | | 8/14/14 | | | | (926) | |
Japanese Yen | | JPMorgan Chase & Co. | | | 46,600,000 | | | | 457,969 | | | | 8/14/14 | | | | 588 | |
Japanese Yen | | JPMorgan Chase & Co. | | | 24,840,000 | | | | 244,119 | | | | 8/14/14 | | | | (675) | |
Mexican Peso | | Deutsche Bank AG | | | 11,000,000 | | | | 850,748 | | | | 8/14/14 | | | | (398) | |
Norwegian Krone | | JPMorgan Chase & Co. | | | 23,606,809 | | | | 3,937,610 | | | | 8/14/14 | | | | (34,428) | |
Polish Zloty | | JPMorgan Chase & Co. | | | 1,260,000 | | | | 413,414 | | | | 8/14/14 | | | | 1,325 | |
Polish Zloty | | JPMorgan Chase & Co. | | | 995,588 | | | | 326,659 | | | | 8/14/14 | | | | (1,053) | |
Polish Zloty | | JPMorgan Chase & Co. | | | 824,312 | | | | 270,462 | | | | 8/14/14 | | | | 726 | |
South African Rand | | JPMorgan Chase & Co. | | | 8,350,000 | | | | 779,960 | | | | 8/14/14 | | | | (14,685) | |
South African Rand | | JPMorgan Chase & Co. | | | 510,000 | | | | 47,638 | | | | 8/14/14 | | | | (610) | |
| | |
32 | | Western Asset Global Government Bond Fund 2014 Annual Report |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Foreign Currency | | Counterparty | | Local Currency | | | Market Value | | | Settlement Date | | | Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) | |
Contracts to Buy: continued | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Swedish Krona | | JPMorgan Chase & Co. | | | 5,790,000 | | | $ | 864,257 | | | | 8/14/14 | | | $ | (10,471) | |
Swedish Krona | | JPMorgan Chase & Co. | | | 5,700,000 | | | | 850,823 | | | | 8/14/14 | | | | (16,399) | |
Swedish Krona | | JPMorgan Chase & Co. | | | 1,620,000 | | | | 241,813 | | | | 8/14/14 | | | | (2,146) | |
Turkish Lira | | JPMorgan Chase & Co. | | | 1,670,000 | | | | 782,994 | | | | 8/14/14 | | | | (1,337) | |
Turkish Lira | | JPMorgan Chase & Co. | | | 280,000 | | | | 131,280 | | | | 8/14/14 | | | | (256) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (121,825) | |
Contracts to Sell: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Brazilian Real | | Barclays Bank PLC | | | 270,000 | | | | 118,793 | | | | 7/25/14 | | | | 438 | |
Brazilian Real | | Barclays Bank PLC | | | 1,180,000 | | | | 519,171 | | | | 7/25/14 | | | | (3,188) | |
Brazilian Real | | Citibank, N.A. | | | 6,124,246 | | | | 2,694,515 | | | | 7/25/14 | | | | (15,375) | |
Indian Rupee | | Deutsche Bank AG | | | 12,820,000 | | | | 214,423 | | | | 7/25/14 | | | | 1,638 | |
Malaysian Ringgit | | JPMorgan Chase & Co. | | | 4,432,694 | | | | 1,374,414 | | | | 7/25/14 | | | | (14,191) | |
Philippine Peso | | JPMorgan Chase & Co. | | | 7,600,000 | | | | 173,578 | | | | 7/25/14 | | | | (457) | |
South Korean Won | | Deutsche Bank AG | | | 5,330,949,071 | | | | 5,211,508 | | | | 7/25/14 | | | | (102,788) | |
Yuan Renminbi | | HSBC Bank USA, N.A. | | | 760,000 | | | | 121,323 | | | | 7/25/14 | | | | 1,412 | |
Yuan Renminbi | | HSBC Bank USA, N.A. | | | 1,360,000 | | | | 217,105 | | | | 7/25/14 | | | | 2,516 | |
Australian Dollar | | JPMorgan Chase & Co. | | | 1,998,174 | | | | 1,850,372 | | | | 8/14/14 | | | | (3,081) | |
British Pound | | Credit Suisse London | | | 40,000 | | | | 67,011 | | | | 8/14/14 | | | | 881 | |
Canadian Dollar | | Barclays Bank PLC | | | 553,685 | | | | 509,746 | | | | 8/14/14 | | | | (5,058) | |
Canadian Dollar | | JPMorgan Chase & Co. | | | 3,162,234 | | | | 2,911,288 | | | | 8/14/14 | | | | (28,620) | |
Euro | | Citibank, N.A. | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 1,363,127 | | | | 8/14/14 | | | | 4,433 | |
Euro | | Citibank, N.A. | | | 1,784,595 | | | | 2,432,628 | | | | 8/14/14 | | | | 53,142 | |
Euro | | Credit Suisse London | | | 1,370,000 | | | | 1,867,484 | | | | 8/14/14 | | | | 40,668 | |
Euro | | Deutsche Bank AG | | | 100,000 | | | | 136,313 | | | | 8/14/14 | | | | 828 | |
Euro | | UBS AG London | | | 2,570,000 | | | | 3,503,235 | | | | 8/14/14 | | | | 73,965 | |
Hungarian Forint | | Deutsche Bank AG | | | 70,710,000 | | | | 317,334 | | | | 8/14/14 | | | | 3,170 | |
Japanese Yen | | Credit Suisse London | | | 182,346,000 | | | | 1,792,036 | | | | 8/14/14 | | | | 3,211 | |
Japanese Yen | | Deutsche Bank AG | | | 125,638,600 | | | | 1,234,735 | | | | 8/14/14 | | | | 2,112 | |
Japanese Yen | | JPMorgan Chase & Co. | | | 12,660,000 | | | | 124,418 | | | | 8/14/14 | | | | (164) | |
Mexican Peso | | Deutsche Bank AG | | | 2,800,000 | | | | 216,554 | | | | 8/14/14 | | | | 253 | |
Mexican Peso | | Deutsche Bank AG | | | 3,140,000 | | | | 242,850 | | | | 8/14/14 | | | | (154) | |
Mexican Peso | | Deutsche Bank AG | | | 33,363,761 | | | | 2,580,377 | | | | 8/14/14 | | | | (38,938) | |
Norwegian Krone | | JPMorgan Chase & Co. | | | 1,458,391 | | | | 243,259 | | | | 8/14/14 | | | | 700 | |
Norwegian Krone | | JPMorgan Chase & Co. | | | 2,360,000 | | | | 393,647 | | | | 8/14/14 | | | | 1,760 | |
Norwegian Krone | | JPMorgan Chase & Co. | | | 5,215,742 | | | | 869,984 | | | | 8/14/14 | | | | 4,744 | |
Polish Zloty | | JPMorgan Chase & Co. | | | 1,860,000 | | | | 610,278 | | | | 8/14/14 | | | | (1,856) | |
Singapore Dollar | | Deutsche Bank AG | | | 59,000 | | | | 47,039 | | | | 8/14/14 | | | | 206 | |
South African Rand | | JPMorgan Chase & Co. | | | 1,870,000 | | | | 174,674 | | | | 8/14/14 | | | | 2,785 | |
South African Rand | | JPMorgan Chase & Co. | | | 5,133,035 | | | | 479,468 | | | | 8/14/14 | | | | 946 | |
Swedish Krona | | Deutsche Bank AG | | | 645,049 | | | | 96,285 | | | | 8/14/14 | | | | 2,904 | |
Swedish Krona | | JPMorgan Chase & Co. | | | 28,692,767 | | | | 4,282,890 | | | | 8/14/14 | | | | 116,255 | |
| | |
Western Asset Global Government Bond Fund 2014 Annual Report | | 33 |
Notes to financial statements (cont’d)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Foreign Currency | | Counterparty | | Local Currency | | | Market Value | | | Settlement Date | | | Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) | |
Contracts to Sell: continued | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Turkish Lira | | JPMorgan Chase & Co. | | | 350,000 | | | $ | 164,101 | | | | 8/14/14 | | | $ | 543 | |
Turkish Lira | | JPMorgan Chase & Co. | | | 1,504,000 | | | | 705,164 | | | | 8/14/14 | | | | (5,238) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 100,402 | |
Net unrealized depreciation on open forward foreign currency contracts | | | $ | (21,423) | |
4. Derivative instruments and hedging activities
GAAP requires enhanced disclosure about an entity’s derivative and hedging activities.
Below is a table, grouped by derivative type, that provides information about the fair value and the location of derivatives within the Statement of Assets and Liabilities at May 31, 2014.
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
ASSET DERIVATIVES1 | |
| | Interest Rate Risk | | | Foreign Exchange Risk | | | Total | |
Futures contracts2 | | $ | 7,479 | | | | — | | | $ | 7,479 | |
Forward foreign currency contracts | | | — | | | $ | 391,369 | | | | 391,369 | |
Total | | $ | 7,479 | | | $ | 391,369 | | | $ | 398,848 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
LIABILITY DERIVATIVES1 | |
| | Interest Rate Risk | | | Foreign Exchange Risk | | | Total | |
Futures contracts2 | | $ | 40,422 | | | | — | | | $ | 40,422 | |
Forward foreign currency contracts | | | — | | | $ | 412,792 | | | | 412,792 | |
Total | | $ | 40,422 | | | $ | 412,792 | | | $ | 453,214 | |
1 | Generally, the balance sheet location for asset derivatives is receivables/net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) and for liability derivatives is payables/net unrealized appreciation (depreciation). |
2 | Includes cumulative appreciation (depreciation) of futures contracts as reported in the footnotes. Only variation margin is reported within the receivables and/or payables on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. |
The following tables provide information about the effect of derivatives and hedging activities on the Fund’s Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2013. The first table provides additional detail about the amounts and sources of gains (losses) realized on derivatives during the period. The second table provides additional information about the change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) resulting from the Fund’s derivatives and hedging activities during the period.
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
AMOUNT OF REALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON DERIVATIVES RECOGNIZED | |
| | Interest Rate Risk | | | Foreign Exchange Risk | | | Total | |
Purchased options1 | | $ | (3,079) | | | $ | (169,013) | | | $ | (172,092) | |
Written options | | | — | | | | 28,059 | | | | 28,059 | |
Futures contracts | | | (150,081) | | | | — | | | | (150,081) | |
Forward foreign currency contracts2 | | | — | | | | (641,146) | | | | (641,146) | |
Total | | $ | (153,160) | | | $ | (782,100) | | | $ | (935,260) | |
1 | Net realized gain (loss) from purchased options is reported in net realized gain (loss) from investment transactions in the Statement of Operations. |
2 | Net realized gain (loss) from forward foreign currency contracts is reported in net realized gain (loss) from foreign currency transactions in the Statement of Operations. |
| | |
34 | | Western Asset Global Government Bond Fund 2014 Annual Report |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
CHANGE IN UNREALIZED APPRECIATION (DEPRECIATION) ON DERIVATIVES RECOGNIZED | |
| | Interest Rate Risk | | | Foreign Exchange Risk | | | Total | |
Purchased options1 | | $ | 2,398 | | | $ | (27,100) | | | $ | (24,702) | |
Futures contracts | | | 120,881 | | | | — | | | | 120,881 | |
Forward foreign currency contracts2 | | | — | | | | 766,875 | | | | 766,875 | |
Total | | $ | 123,279 | | | $ | 739,775 | | | $ | 863,054 | |
1 | The change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) from purchased options is reported in the change in net from investments in the Statement of Operations. |
2 | The change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) from forward foreign currency contracts is reported in the change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) from foreign currencies in the Statement of Operations. |
The following tables provide information about the effect of derivatives and hedging activities on the Fund’s Statement of Operations for the period ended May 31, 2014. The first table provides additional detail about the amounts and sources of gains (losses) realized on derivatives during the period. The second table provides additional information about the change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) resulting from the Fund’s derivatives and hedging activities during the period.
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
AMOUNT OF REALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON DERIVATIVES RECOGNIZED | |
| | Interest Rate Risk | | | Foreign Exchange Risk | | | Total | |
Purchased options1 | | | — | | | $ | (45,660) | | | $ | (45,660) | |
Futures contracts | | $ | (167,032) | | | | — | | | | (167,032) | |
Forward foreign currency contracts2 | | | — | | | | 176,490 | | | | 176,490 | |
Total | | $ | (167,032) | | | $ | 130,830 | | | $ | (36,202) | |
1 | Net realized gain (loss) from purchased options is reported in net realized gain (loss) from investment transactions in the Statement of Operations. |
2 | Net realized gain (loss) from forward foreign currency contracts is reported in net realized gain (loss) from foreign currency transactions in the Statement of Operations. |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
CHANGE IN UNREALIZED APPRECIATION (DEPRECIATION) ON DERIVATIVES RECOGNIZED | |
| | Interest Rate Risk | | | Foreign Exchange Risk | | | Total | |
Purchased options1 | | | — | | | $ | (59,621) | | | $ | (59,621) | |
Futures contracts | | $ | (146,604) | | | | — | | | | (146,604) | |
Forward foreign currency contracts2 | | | — | | | | (277,285) | | | | (277,285) | |
Total | | $ | (146,604) | | | $ | (336,906) | | | $ | (483,510) | |
1 | The change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) from purchased options is reported in the change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) from investments in the Statement of Operations. |
2 | The change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) from forward foreign currency contracts is reported in the change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) from foreign currencies in the Statement of Operations. |
| | |
Western Asset Global Government Bond Fund 2014 Annual Report | | 35 |
Notes to financial statements (cont’d)
During the period ended May 31, 2014, the volume of derivative activity for the Fund was as follows:
| | | | |
| | Average Market Value | |
Purchased options1 | | $ | 25,027 | |
Futures contracts (to buy) | | | 163,107 | |
Futures contracts (to sell) | | | 8,466,530 | |
Forward foreign currency contracts (to buy) | | | 22,158,108 | |
Forward foreign currency contracts (to sell) | | | 41,122,827 | |
1 | At May 31, 2014, there were no open positions held in this derivative. |
The following table presents by financial instrument, the Fund’s derivative assets net of the related collateral received by the Fund at May 31, 2014:
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Gross Amount of Derivative Assets in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities1 | | | Collateral Received | | | Net Amount | |
Forward foreign currency contracts | | $ | 391,369 | | | | — | | | $ | 391,369 | |
The following table presents by financial instrument, the Fund’s derivative liabilities net of the related collateral pledged by the Fund at May 31, 2014:
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Gross Amount of Derivative Liabilities in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities1 | | | Collateral Pledged2,3 | | | Net Amount | |
Futures contracts4 | | $ | 33,352 | | | $ | (33,352) | | | | — | |
Forward foreign currency contracts | | | 412,792 | | | | — | | | $ | 412,792 | |
Total | | $ | 446,144 | | | $ | (33,352) | | | $ | 412,792 | |
1 | Absent an event of default or early termination, derivative assets and liabilities are presented gross and not offset in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. |
2 | Gross amounts not offset in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. |
3 | In some instances, the actual collateral received and/or pledged may be more than the amount shown here due to overcollateralization. |
4 | Amount represents the current day’s variation margin as reported in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. It differs from the cumulative appreciation (depreciation) presented in the previous table. |
5. Class specific expenses, waivers and/or expense reimbursements
The Fund has adopted a Rule 12b-1 distribution plan and under that plan the Fund pays a service and/or distribution fee with respect to its Class A, Class C and Class R shares calculated at the annual rate of 0.25%, 1.00% and 0.50% of the average daily net assets of each respective class. Service and distribution fees are accrued daily and paid monthly.
For the year ended December 31, 2013, class specific expenses were as follows:
| | | | | | | | |
| | Service and/or Distribution Fees | | | Transfer Agent Fees | |
Class A | | $ | 267 | | | $ | 252 | |
Class C | | | 318 | | | | 135 | |
Class R | | | 51 | | | | 43 | |
Class I | | | — | | | | 1,486 | |
Total | | $ | 636 | | | $ | 1,916 | |
| | |
36 | | Western Asset Global Government Bond Fund 2014 Annual Report |
For the period ended May 31, 2014, class specific expenses were as follows:
| | | | | | | | |
| | Service and/or Distribution Fees | | | Transfer Agent Fees | |
Class A | | $ | 116 | | | $ | 171 | |
Class C | | | 40 | | | | 19 | |
Class R | | | 22 | | | | 14 | |
Class I | | | — | | | | 1,947 | |
Total | | $ | 178 | | | $ | 2,151 | |
For the year ended December 31, 2013, waivers and/or expense reimbursements by class were as follows:
| | | | |
| | Waivers/Expense Reimbursements | |
Class A | | $ | 575 | |
Class C | | | 256 | |
Class R | | | 74 | |
Class I | | | 181,136 | |
Total | | $ | 182,041 | |
For the period ended May 31, 2014, waivers and/or expense reimbursements by class were as follows:
| | | | |
| | Waivers/Expense Reimbursements | |
Class A | | $ | 447 | |
Class C | | | 44 | |
Class R | | | 40 | |
Class I | | | 74,447 | |
Total | | $ | 74,978 | |
6. Distributions to shareholders by class
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Period Ended May 31, 2014† | | | Year Ended December 31, 2013 | | | Year Ended December 31, 2012 | |
Net Investment Income: | | | | | |
Class A | | $ | 200 | | | $ | 2,791 | | | $ | 727 | ‡ |
Class C | | | 20 | | | | 682 | | | | 1,945 | ‡ |
Class R | | | 21 | | | | 229 | | | | 710 | ‡ |
Class I | | | 56,801 | | | | 1,351,399 | | | | 6,065,836 | |
Total | | $ | 57,042 | | | $ | 1,355,101 | | | $ | 6,069,218 | |
| | |
Net Realized Gains | | | | | | | | | |
Class A | | | — | | | $ | 910 | | | | — | |
Class C | | | — | | | | 310 | | | | — | |
Class R | | | — | | | | 69 | | | | — | |
Class I | | | — | | | | 322,380 | | | | — | |
Total | | | — | | | $ | 323,669 | | | | — | |
† | For the period January 1, 2014 through May 31, 2014. |
‡ | For the period April 30, 2012 (inception date) to December 31, 2012. |
| | |
Western Asset Global Government Bond Fund 2014 Annual Report | | 37 |
Notes to financial statements (cont’d)
7. Capital shares
At May 31, 2014, the Corporation had 42.7 billion shares of capital stock authorized with a par value of $0.001 per share. Transactions in shares of each class were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Period Ended May 31, 2014† | | | Year Ended December 31, 2013 | | | Year Ended December 31, 2012 | |
| | Shares | | | Amount | | | Shares | | | Amount | | | Shares | | | Amount | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | | — | | | | — | | | | 22,824 | | | $ | 208,956 | | | | 1,046 | ‡ | | $ | 10,000 | ‡ |
Shares issued on reinvestment | | | 24 | | | $ | 200 | | | | 392 | | | | 3,377 | | | | 78 | ‡ | | | 727 | ‡ |
Shares repurchased | | | (3,991) | | | | (33,708) | | | | (8,494) | | | | (72,861) | | | | — | | | | — | |
Net increase (decrease) | | | (3,967) | | | $ | (33,508) | | | | 14,722 | | | $ | 139,472 | | | | 1,124 | ‡ | | $ | 10,727 | ‡ |
| | | | | | |
Class C | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | | — | | | | — | | | | 1,627 | | | $ | 15,000 | | | | 4,418 | ‡ | | $ | 41,800 | ‡ |
Shares issued on reinvestment | | | 3 | | | $ | 20 | | | | 114 | | | | 993 | | | | 210 | ‡ | | | 1,945 | ‡ |
Shares repurchased | | | — | | | | — | | | | (5,218) | | | | (45,063) | | | | — | | | | — | |
Net increase (decrease) | | | 3 | | | $ | 20 | | | | (3,477) | | | $ | (29,070) | | | | 4,628 | ‡ | | $ | 43,745 | ‡ |
| | | | | | |
Class R | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | | 43 | | | $ | 370 | | | | 56 | | | $ | 492 | | | | 1,046 | ‡ | | $ | 10,000 | ‡ |
Shares issued on reinvestment | | | 3 | | | | 21 | | | | 34 | | | | 297 | | | | 76 | ‡ | | | 710 | ‡ |
Shares repurchased | | | (1) | | | | (4) | | | | (1) | | | | (9) | | | | — | | | | — | |
Net increase | | | 45 | | | $ | 387 | | | | 89 | | | $ | 780 | | | | 1,122 | ‡ | | $ | 10,710 | ‡ |
| | | | | | |
Class I | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | | 160,079 | | | $ | 1,378,197 | | | | 1,039,951 | | | $ | 9,692,408 | | | | 2,750,646 | | | $ | 26,226,466 | |
Shares issued on reinvestment | | | 4,601 | | | | 39,573 | | | | 116,590 | | | | 1,025,116 | | | | 307,693 | | | | 2,863,118 | |
Shares repurchased | | | (1,037,001) | | | | (8,860,041) | | | | (4,655,675) | | | | (41,916,851) | | | | (5,625,078) | | | | (53,505,376) | |
Net decrease | | | (872,321) | | | $ | (7,442,271) | | | | (3,499,134) | | | $ | (31,199,327) | | | | (2,566,739) | | | $ | (24,415,792) | |
† | For the period January 1, 2014 through May 31, 2014. |
‡ | For the period April 30, 2012 (inception date) to December 31, 2012. |
8. Income tax information and distributions to shareholders
The Fund’s tax year end is December 31 and the tax character of current year distributions and current components of accumulated earnings will be determined at the end of the current year.
The tax character of distributions paid for the period ended May 31, 2014 and the fiscal years ended December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 2014 | | | 2013 | | | 2012 | |
Distributions Paid From: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ordinary income | | $ | 57,042 | | | $ | 1,355,124 | | | $ | 6,069,218 | |
Net long-term capital gains | | | — | | | | 323,646 | | | | — | |
Total taxable distributions | | $ | 57,042 | | | $ | 1,678,770 | | | $ | 6,069,218 | |
| | |
38 | | Western Asset Global Government Bond Fund 2014 Annual Report |
As of December 31, 2013, the components of accumulated earnings on a tax basis were as follows:
| | | | |
Undistributed ordinary income — net | | $ | 57,039 | |
Deferred Capital Losses* | | | (588,007) | |
Other book/tax temporary differences(a) | | | (585,476) | |
Unrealized appreciation (depreciation)(b) | | | (2,558,859) | |
Total accumulated earnings (losses) — net | | $ | (3,675,303) | |
* | These capital losses have been deferred in the current year as either short-term or long-term losses. The losses will be deemed to occur on the first day of the next taxable year in the same character as they were originally deferred and will be available to offset future taxable capital gains. |
(a) | Other book/tax temporary differences are attributable to the tax deferral of losses on straddles, the realization for tax purposes of unrealized gains on certain futures and foreign currency contracts and book/tax differences in the timing of the deductibility of various expenses. |
(b) | The difference between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation (depreciation) is attributable to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales. |
| | |
Western Asset Global Government Bond Fund 2014 Annual Report | | 39 |
Report of independent registered public accounting firm
To the Board of Directors of Western Asset Funds, Inc. and to the Shareholders of Western Asset Global Government Bond Fund:
In our opinion, the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the schedule of investments, and the related statements of operations and of changes in net assets and the financial highlights present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Western Asset Global Government Bond Fund (one of the funds comprising Western Asset Funds, Inc., the “Fund”) at May 31, 2014, the results of its operations, the changes in its net assets and the financial highlights for each of the periods presented, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These financial statements and financial highlights (hereafter referred to as “financial statements”) are the responsibility of the Fund’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these financial statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits, which included confirmation of securities at May 31, 2014 by correspondence with the custodian and brokers, provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Baltimore, Maryland
July 17, 2014
| | |
40 | | Western Asset Global Government Bond Fund 2014 Annual Report |
Additional information (unaudited)
Information about Directors and Officers
The business and affairs of Western Asset Global Government Bond Fund (the “Fund”) are conducted by management under the supervision and subject to the direction of its Board of Directors. The business address of each Director is c/o Kenneth D. Fuller, Legg Mason, 100 International Drive, 11th Floor, Baltimore, Maryland 21202. Information pertaining to the Directors and officers of the Fund is set forth below.
The Statement of Additional Information includes additional information about Directors and is available, without charge, upon request by calling the Fund at 1-877-721-1926.
| | |
Independent Directors† | | |
Robert Abeles, Jr. | | |
Year of birth | | 1945 |
Position(s) held with Fund | | Director |
Term of office and length of time served1 | | Served since 2013 |
Principal occupations during the past five years | | Senior Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer (since 2009) of University of Southern California. |
Number of portfolios in fund complex overseen2 | | 13 |
Other directorships held during the past five years | | None |
| |
Ronald J. Arnault | | |
Year of birth | | 1943 |
Position(s) held with Fund | | Director |
Term of office and length of time served1 | | Served since 1997 |
Principal occupations during the past five years | | Retired. |
Number of portfolios in fund complex overseen2 | | 13 |
Other directorships held during the past five years | | None |
| |
Anita L. DeFrantz | | |
Year of birth | | 1952 |
Position(s) held with Fund | | Director |
Term of office and length of time served1 | | Served since 1998 |
Principal occupations during the past five years | | President (since 1987) and Director (since 1990) of LA84 (formerly Amateur Athletic Foundation of Los Angeles); Director of Kids in Sports (since 1994); Member of the International Olympic Committee (since 1986) and Member of Executive Board of International Olympic Committee (since 2014). |
Number of portfolios in fund complex overseen2 | | 13 |
Other directorships held during the past five years | | OBN Holdings, Inc. (film, television and media company) |
| | |
Western Asset Global Government Bond Fund | | 41 |
Additional information (unaudited) (cont’d)
Information about Directors and Officers
| | |
Independent Directors cont’d | | |
Avedick B. Poladian | | |
Year of birth | | 1951 |
Position(s) held with Fund | | Director |
Term of office and length of time served1 | | Served since 2007 |
Principal occupations during the past five years | | Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Lowe Enterprises, Inc. (real estate and hospitality firm) (since 2002); Partner, Arthur Andersen, LLP (1974 to 2002). |
Number of portfolios in fund complex overseen2 | | 13 |
Other directorships held during the past five years | | Occidental Petroleum Corporation and Public Storage |
| |
William E. B. Siart | | |
Year of birth | | 1946 |
Position(s) held with Fund | | Director and Chairman |
Term of office and length of time served1 | | Served since 1997 |
Principal occupations during the past five years | | Trustee of The Getty Trust (since 2005); Chairman of Walt Disney Concert Hall, Inc. (1998 to 2006); Chairman of Excellent Education Development (since 2000). |
Number of portfolios in fund complex overseen2 | | 13 |
Other directorships held during the past five years | | None |
| |
Jaynie Miller Studenmund | | |
Year of birth | | 1954 |
Position(s) held with Fund | | Director |
Term of office and length of time served1 | | Served since 2004 |
Principal occupations during the past five years | | Director of Forest Lawn (since 2002) (memorial parks); Director of Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc. (since 2012) (gaming and hospitality company). Formerly: Director of Orbitz Worldwide, Inc. (2007 to 2014) (online travel company); Director of MarketTools, Inc. (2010 to 2012) (market research software provider); Director of eHarmony, Inc. (2005 to 2011) (online dating company). |
Number of portfolios in fund complex overseen2 | | 13 |
Other directorships held during the past five years | | None |
| | |
Interested Director | | |
Ronald L. Olson3 | | |
Year of birth | | 1941 |
Position(s) held with Fund | | Director |
Term of office and length of time served1 | | Served since 2005 |
Principal occupations during the past five years | | Senior Partner of Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP (a law partnership) (since 1968). |
Number of portfolios in fund complex overseen2 | | 13 |
Other directorships held during the past five years | | Edison International, City National Corporation (financial services company), The Washington Post Company, and Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. |
| | |
42 | | Western Asset Global Government Bond Fund |
| | |
Officers4 | | |
Kenneth D. Fuller | | |
Year of birth | | 1958 |
Position(s) with Fund | | President and Chief Executive Officer |
Term of office and length of time served1 | | Since 2013 |
Principal occupation(s) during past five years | | Managing Director of Legg Mason & Co., LLC (“Legg Mason & Co.”) (since 2013); Officer and/or Trustee/Director of 169 funds associated with Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisor, LLC (“LMPFA”) or its affiliates (since 2013); President and Chief Executive Officer of LM Asset Services, LLC (“LMAS”) and Legg Mason Fund Asset Management, Inc. (“LMFAM”) (formerly registered investment advisers) (since 2013); formerly, Senior Vice President of LMPFA (2012 to 2013); formerly, Director of Legg Mason & Co. (2012 to 2013); formerly, Vice President of Legg Mason & Co. (2009 to 2012); formerly, Vice President — Equity Division of T. Rowe Price Associates (1993 to 2009), as well as Investment Analyst and Portfolio Manager for certain asset allocation accounts (2004 to 2009) |
| |
Richard F. Sennett Legg Mason 100 International Drive, 7th Floor, Baltimore, MD 21202 | | |
Year of birth | | 1970 |
Position(s) with Fund | | Principal Financial Officer and Treasurer |
Term of office and length of time served1 | | Since 2011 and since 2013 |
Principal occupation(s) during past five years | | Principal Financial Officer and Treasurer of certain mutual funds associated with Legg Mason & Co. or its affiliates (since 2011 and since 2013); Managing Director of Legg Mason & Co. and Senior Manager of the Treasury Policy group for Legg Mason & Co.’s Global Fiduciary Platform (since 2011); formerly, Chief Accountant within the SEC’s Division of Investment Management (2007 to 2011); formerly, Assistant Chief Accountant within the SEC’s Division of Investment Management (2002 to 2007) |
| |
Todd F. Kuehl Legg Mason 100 International Drive, 9th Floor, Baltimore, MD 21202 | | |
Year of birth | | 1969 |
Position(s) held with Fund | | Chief Compliance Officer |
Term of office and length of time served1 | | Served since 2007 |
Principal occupations during the past five years | | Managing Director of Legg Mason & Co. (since 2011); Chief Compliance Officer of certain mutual funds associated with Legg Mason & Co. or its affiliates (since 2006); formerly, Chief Compliance Officer of Legg Mason Private Portfolio Group (prior to 2010); Branch Chief, Division of Investment Management, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (2002 to 2006) |
| | |
Western Asset Global Government Bond Fund | | 43 |
Additional information (unaudited) (cont’d)
Information about Directors and Officers
| | |
Officers4 cont’d | | |
Robert I. Frenkel Legg Mason 100 First Stamford Place, 6th Floor, Stamford, CT 06902 | | |
Year of birth | | 1954 |
Position(s) held with Fund | | Secretary and Chief Legal Officer |
Term of office and length of time served1 | | Served since 2009 |
Principal occupations during the past five years | | Vice President and Deputy General Counsel of Legg Mason, Inc. (since 2006); Managing Director and General Counsel of Global Mutual Funds for Legg Mason & Co. (since 2006) and Legg Mason & Co. predecessors (since 1994); Secretary and Chief Legal Officer of certain mutual funds associated with Legg Mason & Co. or its affiliates (since 2006) and Legg Mason & Co. predecessors (prior to 2006). |
| |
Susan Kerr Legg Mason 620 Eighth Avenue, 49th Floor, New York, NY 10018 | | |
Year of birth | | 1949 |
Position(s) with Trust | | Chief Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer |
Term of office1 and length of time served2 | | Since 2013 |
Principal occupation(s) during past five years | | Assistant Vice President of Legg Mason & Co. and Legg Mason Investor Services, LLC (“LMIS”) (since 2010); Chief Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer of certain mutual funds associated with Legg Mason & Co. or its affiliates (since 2013) and Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer of LMIS (since 2012); Senior Compliance Officer of LMIS (since 2011); formerly, AML Consultant, DTCC (2010); formerly, AML Consultant, Rabobank Netherlands, (2009); formerly, First Vice President, Director of Marketing & Advertising Compliance and Manager of Communications Review Group at Citigroup Inc. (1996 to 2008) |
| |
Vanessa A. Williams Legg Mason 100 First Stamford Place, 6th Floor, Stamford, CT 06902 | | |
Year of birth | | 1979 |
Position(s) with Trust | | Identity Theft Prevention Officer |
Term of office1 and length of time served2 | | Since 2013 |
Principal occupation(s) during past five years | | Vice President of Legg Mason & Co. (since 2012); Identity Theft Prevention Officer of certain mutual funds associated with Legg Mason & Co. or its affiliates (since 2011); formerly, Chief Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer of certain mutual funds associated with Legg Mason & Co. or its affiliates (2011 to 2013); formerly, Senior Compliance Officer of Legg Mason & Co. (2008 to 2011); formerly, Compliance Analyst of Legg Mason & Co. (2006 to 2008) and Legg Mason & Co. predecessors (prior to 2006) |
| | |
44 | | Western Asset Global Government Bond Fund |
† | Directors who are not “interested persons” of the Fund within the meaning of section 2(a)(19) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). |
1 | Each of the Directors of the Fund holds office until his or her successor shall have been duly elected and shall qualify, subject to prior death, resignation, retirement, disqualification or removed from office and applicable law and the rules of the New York Stock Exchange. Each officer holds office until his or her respective successor is chosen and qualified, or in each case until he or she sooner dies, resigns, is removed with or without cause or becomes disqualified. |
2 | In addition to overseeing the 11 funds of the Corporation, each Director also serves as a Director of Western Asset Income Fund and a Trustee of Western Asset Premier Bond Fund (closed-end investment companies), which are considered part of the same Fund Complex as the Corporation. |
3 | Mr. Olson is an “interested person” (as defined above) of the Fund because his law firm has provided legal services to WAM. |
4 | Each officer of the Fund is an “interested person” (as defined above) of the Fund. |
| | |
Western Asset Global Government Bond Fund | | 45 |
Western Asset
Global Government Bond Fund
Directors
William E. B. Siart
Chairman
Robert Abeles
Ronald J. Arnault
Anita L. DeFrantz
Ronald L. Olson
Avedick B. Poladian
Jaynie M. Studenmund
Investment manager
Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisor, LLC
Investment advisers
Western Asset Management Company Limited
Western Asset Management Company Ltd
Western Asset Management Company Pte Ltd.
Transfer agent
Boston Financial Data Services
2000 Crown Colony Drive
Quincy, MA 02169
Custodian
State Street Bank and Trust Company
Independent registered public accounting firm
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Baltimore, MD
Legal counsel
Ropes & Gray LLP
1211 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10036
Western Asset Global Government Bond Fund
The Fund is a separate investment series of Western Asset Funds, Inc.
Western Asset Global Government Bond Fund
Legg Mason Funds
620 Eighth Avenue, 49th Floor
New York, NY 10018
The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The Fund’s Forms N-Q are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. The Fund’s Forms N-Q may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C., and information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330. To obtain information on Form N-Q, shareholders can call the Fund at 1-877-721-1926.
Information on how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the prior 12-month period ended June 30th of each year and a description of the policies and procedures that the Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies related to portfolio transactions are available (1) without charge, upon request, by calling the Fund at 1-877-721-1926, (2) on the Fund’s website at www.leggmason.com/individualinvestors and (3) on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.
This report is submitted for the general information of the shareholders of Western Asset Global Government Bond Fund. This report is not authorized for distribution to prospective investors in the Fund unless preceded or accompanied by a current prospectus.
Investors should consider the Fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses carefully before investing. The prospectus contains this and other important information about the Fund. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing.
www.leggmason.com/individualinvestors
© 2014 Legg Mason Investor Services, LLC
Member FINRA, SIPC
Legg Mason Funds Privacy and Security Notice
Your Privacy and the Security of Your Personal Information is Very Important to the Legg Mason Funds
This Privacy and Security Notice (the “Privacy Notice”) addresses the Legg Mason Funds’ privacy and data protection practices with respect to nonpublic personal information the Funds receive. The Legg Mason Funds include any funds sold by the Funds’ distributor, Legg Mason Investor Services, LLC, as well as Legg Mason-sponsored closed-end funds and certain closed-end funds managed or sub-advised by Legg Mason or its affiliates. The provisions of this Privacy Notice apply to your information both while you are a shareholder and after you are no longer invested with the Funds.
The Type of Nonpublic Personal Information the Funds Collect About You
The Funds collect and maintain nonpublic personal information about you in connection with your shareholder account. Such information may include, but is not limited to:
Ÿ | | Personal information included on applications or other forms; |
Ÿ | | Account balances, transactions, and mutual fund holdings and positions; |
Ÿ | | Online account access user IDs, passwords, security challenge question responses; and |
Ÿ | | Information received from consumer reporting agencies regarding credit history and creditworthiness (such as the amount of an individual’s total debt, payment history, etc.). |
How the Funds Use Nonpublic Personal Information About You
The Funds do not sell or share your nonpublic personal information with third parties or with affiliates for their marketing purposes, or with other financial institutions or affiliates for joint marketing purposes, unless you have authorized the Funds to do so. The Funds do not disclose any nonpublic personal information about you except as may be required to perform transactions or services you have authorized or as permitted or required by law. The Funds may disclose information about you to:
Ÿ | | Employees, agents, and affiliates on a “need to know” basis to enable the Funds to conduct ordinary business or comply with obligations to government regulators; |
Ÿ | | Service providers, including the Funds’ affiliates, who assist the Funds as part of the ordinary course of business (such as printing, mailing services, or processing or servicing your account with us) or otherwise perform services on the Funds’ behalf, including companies that may perform marketing services solely for the Funds; |
Ÿ | | The Funds’ representatives such as legal counsel, accountants and auditors; and |
Ÿ | | Fiduciaries or representatives acting on your behalf, such as an IRA custodian or trustee of a grantor trust. |
|
NOT PART OF THE ANNUAL REPORT |
Legg Mason Funds Privacy and Security Notice (cont’d)
Except as otherwise permitted by applicable law, companies acting on the Funds’ behalf are contractually obligated to keep nonpublic personal information the Funds provide to them confidential and to use the information the Funds share only to provide the services the Funds ask them to perform.
The Funds may disclose nonpublic personal information about you when necessary to enforce their rights or protect against fraud, or as permitted or required by applicable law, such as in connection with a law enforcement or regulatory request, subpoena, or similar legal process. In the event of a corporate action or in the event a Fund service provider changes, the Funds may be required to disclose your nonpublic personal information to third parties. While it is the Funds’ practice to obtain protections for disclosed information in these types of transactions, the Funds cannot guarantee their privacy policy will remain unchanged.
Keeping You Informed of the Funds’ Privacy and Security Practices
The Funds will notify you annually of their privacy policy as required by federal law. While the Funds reserve the right to modify this policy at any time they will notify you promptly if this privacy policy changes.
The Funds’ Security Practices
The Funds maintain appropriate physical, electronic and procedural safeguards designed to guard your nonpublic personal information. The Funds’ internal data security policies restrict access to your nonpublic personal information to authorized employees, who may use your nonpublic personal information for Fund business purposes only.
Although the Funds strive to protect your nonpublic personal information, they cannot ensure or warrant the security of any information you provide or transmit to them, and you do so at your own risk. In the event of a breach of the confidentiality or security of your nonpublic personal information, the Funds will attempt to notify you as necessary so you can take appropriate protective steps. If you have consented to the Funds using electronic communications or electronic delivery of statements, they may notify you under such circumstances using the most current email address you have on record with them.
In order for the Funds to provide effective service to you, keeping your account information accurate is very important. If you believe that your account information is incomplete, not accurate or not current, or if you have questions about the Funds’ privacy practices, write the Funds using the contact information on your account statements, email the Funds by clicking on the Contact Us section of the Funds’ website at www.leggmason.com, or contact the Fund at 1-877-721-1926.
Revised April 2011
|
NOT PART OF THE ANNUAL REPORT |
Western Asset Management Company
Legg Mason, Inc. Subsidiaries
www.leggmason.com/individualinvestors
© 2014 Legg Mason Investor Services, LLC Member FINRA, SIPC
WASX013145 7/14 SR14-2253
The registrant has adopted a code of ethics that applies to the registrant’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller.
ITEM 3. | AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT. |
The Board of Directors of the registrant has determined that Mr. Ronald J. Arnault possesses the technical attributes identified in Instruction 2(b) of Item 3 to Form N-CSR to qualify as “audit committee financial expert,” and have designated Mr. Arnault as the Audit Committee’s financial expert. Mr. Arnault is “independent” Directors pursuant to paragraph (a) (2) of Item 3 to Form N-CSR.
ITEM 4. | PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES |
a) Audit Fees. The aggregate fees billed in the previous fiscal years ending December 31, 2012, December 31, 2013 and May 31, 2014 (the “Reporting Periods”) for professional services rendered by the Registrant’s principal accountant (the “Auditor”) for the audit of the Registrant’s annual financial statements, or services that are normally provided by the Auditor in connection with the statutory and regulatory filings or engagements for the Reporting Periods, were $354,434 in December 31, 2012, $278,264 in December 31, 2013 and $88,856 for the five month period ended May 31, 2014.
b) Audit-Related Fees. The aggregate fees billed in the Reporting Period for assurance and related services by the Auditor that are reasonably related to the performance of the Registrant’s financial statements were $0 in December 31, 2012, $0 in December 31, 2013 and $0 for the five month period ended May 31, 2014.
In addition, there were no Audit-Related Fees billed in the Reporting Period for assurance and related services by the Auditor to the Registrant’s investment adviser (not including any sub-adviser whose role is primarily portfolio management and is subcontracted with or overseen by another investment adviser), and any entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with the investment adviser that provides ongoing services to the Western Asset Funds, Inc. (“service affiliates”), that were reasonably related to the performance of the annual audit of the service affiliates. Accordingly, there were no such fees that required pre-approval by the Audit Committee for the Reporting Periods.
(c) Tax Fees. The aggregate fees billed in the Reporting Periods for professional services rendered by the Auditor for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning (“Tax Services”) were $57,000 in December 31, 2012, $27,645 in December 31, 2013 and $0 for the five month period ended May 31, 2014. These services consisted of (i) review or preparation of U.S. federal, state, local and excise tax returns; (ii) U.S. federal, state and local tax planning, advice and assistance regarding statutory, regulatory or administrative developments, and (iii) tax advice regarding tax qualification matters and/or treatment of various financial instruments held or proposed to be acquired or held.
There were no fees billed for tax services by the Auditors to service affiliates during the Reporting Periods that required pre-approval by the Audit Committee.
d) All Other Fees. The aggregate other fees billed in the Reporting Periods for products and services provided by the Auditor were $13,130 December 31, 2012, $1,860 in December 31, 2013 and $1,065 for the five month period ended May 31, 2014, other than the services reported in paragraphs (a) through (c) for the Item for the Western Asset Funds, Inc.
All Other Fees. There were no other non-audit services rendered by the Auditor to Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisors, LLC (“LMPFA”), and any entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with LMPFA that provided ongoing services to Western Asset Funds, Inc. requiring pre-approval by the Audit Committee in the Reporting Period.
(e) Audit Committee’s pre–approval policies and procedures described in paragraph (c)(7) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X.
(1) The Charter for the Audit Committee (the “Committee”) of the Board of each registered investment company (the “Fund”) advised by LMPFA or one of their affiliates (each, an “Adviser”) requires that the Committee shall approve (a) all audit and permissible non-audit services to be provided to the Fund and (b) all permissible non-audit services to be provided by the Fund’s independent auditors to the Adviser and any Covered Service Providers if the engagement relates directly to the operations and financial reporting of the Fund. The Committee may implement policies and procedures by which such services are approved other than by the full Committee.
The Committee shall not approve non-audit services that the Committee believes may impair the independence of the auditors. As of the date of the approval of this Audit Committee Charter, permissible non-audit services include any professional services (including tax services), that are not prohibited services as described below, provided to the Fund by the independent auditors, other than those provided to the Fund in connection with an audit or a review of the financial statements of the Fund. Permissible non-audit services may not include: (i) bookkeeping or other services related to the accounting records or financial statements of the Fund; (ii) financial information systems design and implementation; (iii) appraisal or valuation services, fairness opinions or contribution-in-kind reports; (iv) actuarial services; (v) internal audit outsourcing services; (vi) management functions or human resources; (vii) broker or dealer, investment adviser or investment banking services; (viii) legal services and expert services unrelated to the audit; and (ix) any other service the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board determines, by regulation, is impermissible.
Pre-approval by the Committee of any permissible non-audit services is not required so long as: (i) the aggregate amount of all such permissible non-audit services provided to the Fund, the Adviser and any service providers controlling, controlled by or under common control with the Adviser that provide ongoing services to the Fund (“Covered Service Providers”) constitutes not more than 5% of the total amount of revenues paid to the independent auditors during the fiscal year in which the permissible non-audit services are provided to (a) the Fund, (b) the Adviser and (c) any entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with the Adviser that provides ongoing services to the Fund during the fiscal year in which the services are provided that would have to be approved by the Committee; (ii) the permissible non-audit services were not recognized by the Fund at the time of the engagement to be non-audit services; and (iii) such services are promptly brought to the attention of the Committee and approved by the Committee (or its delegate(s)) prior to the completion of the audit.
(2) For the Western Asset Funds, Inc., the percentage of fees that were approved by the audit committee, with respect to: Audit-Related Fees were 100%, 100% and 100% for December 31, 2012, December 31, 2013 and for the five month period ended May 31, 2014; Tax Fees were 100%, 100% and 100% for December 31, 2012, December 31, 2013 and for the five month period ended May 31, 2014; and Other Fees were 100%, 100% and 100% for December 31, 2012, December 31, 2013 and for the five month period May 31, 2014.
(f) N/A
(g) Non-audit fees billed by the Auditor for services rendered to Western Asset Funds, Inc., LMPFA and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with LMPFA that provides ongoing services to Western Asset Funds, Inc. during the reporting period were $256,353 in December 31, 2012, $240,000 in December 31, 2013 and $15,000 for the five month period ended May 31, 2014.
(h) Yes. Western Asset Funds, Inc.’s Audit Committee has considered whether the provision of non-audit services that were rendered to Service Affiliates, which were not pre-approved (not requiring pre-approval), is compatible with maintaining the Accountant’s independence. All services provided by the Auditor to the Western Asset Funds, Inc. or to Service Affiliates, which were required to be pre-approved, were pre-approved as required.
ITEM 5. | AUDIT COMMITTEE OF LISTED REGISTRANTS. |
| a) | The independent board members are acting as the registrant’s audit committee as specified in Section 3(a)(58)(B) of the Exchange Act. The Audit Committee consists of the following Board members: |
Robert Abeles, Jr.
Ronald J. Arnault
Anita L. DeFrantz
Avedick B. Poladian
William E.B. Siart
Jaynie Miller Studenmund
ITEM 6. | SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS. |
Included herein under Item 1.
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. |
Not applicable.
ITEM 11. | CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES. |
| (a) | The registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a- 3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”)) are effective as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of this report that includes the disclosure required by this paragraph, based on their evaluation of the disclosure controls and procedures required by Rule 30a-3(b) under the 1940 Act and 15d-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. |
| (b) | There were no changes in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the 1940 Act) that occurred during the second fiscal quarter of the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are likely to materially affect the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting. |
(a) (1) Code of Ethics attached hereto.
Exhibit 99.CODE ETH
(a) (2) Certifications pursuant to section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 attached hereto.
Exhibit 99.CERT
(b) Certifications pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 attached hereto.
Exhibit 99.906CERT
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, there unto duly authorized.
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Western Asset Funds, Inc. |
| |
By: | | /s/ Kenneth D. Fuller |
| | Kenneth D. Fuller |
| | Chief Executive Officer |
Date: July 22, 2014
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/ Kenneth D. Fuller |
| | Kenneth D. Fuller |
| | Chief Executive Officer |
Date: July 22, 2014
| | |
By: | | /s/ Richard F. Sennett |
| | Richard F. Sennett |
| | Principal Financial Officer |
Date: July 22, 2014