The right choice for the long term®
Capital World Growth and Income Fund
Building on a global footprint
[photo of a wooden post with wooden arrows with city names written on them attached to the wooden post]
Annual report for the year ended November 30, 2009
Capital World Growth and Income FundSM seeks long-term growth of capital while providing current income. It invests on a global basis in a diversified portfolio consisting primarily of common stocks and other equity securities.
This fund is one of the 30 American Funds. American Funds is one of the nation’s largest mutual fund families. For nearly 80 years, Capital Research and Management Company,SM the American Funds adviser, has invested with a long-term focus based on thorough research and attention to risk.
Fund results shown in this report, unless otherwise indicated, are for Class A shares at net asset value. If a sales charge (maximum 5.75%) had been deducted, the results would have been lower. Results are for past periods and are not predictive of results for future periods. Current and future results may be lower or higher than those shown. Share prices and returns will vary, so investors may lose money. Investing for short periods makes losses more likely. Investments are not FDIC-insured, nor are they deposits of or guaranteed by a bank or any other entity, so they may lose value. For current information and month-end results, visit americanfunds.com.
Here are the average annual total returns on a $1,000 investment with all distributions reinvested for periods ended December 31, 2009 (the most recent calendar quarter-end): |
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Class A shares | | 1 year | | | 5 years | | | 10 years | |
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Reflecting 5.75% maximum sales charge | | | 24.65 | % | | | 4.85 | % | | | 6.53 | % |
The total annual fund operating expense ratio was 0.83% for Class A shares as of November 30, 2009.
Investment results assume all distributions are reinvested and reflect applicable fees and expenses. The fund’s investment adviser waived a portion of its management fees from September 1, 2004, through December 31, 2008. Fund results shown reflect the waiver, without which they would have been lower. See the Financial Highlights table on pages 27 and 28 for details.
Results for other share classes can be found on page 5.
The fund’s 30-day yield for Class A shares as of December 31, 2009, reflecting the 5.75% maximum sales charge and calculated in accordance with the Securities and Exchange Commission formula, was 2.26%.
Equity investments are subject to market fluctuations. Investing outside the United States may be subject to additional risks, such as currency fluctuations and political instability. See the prospectus and the Risk Factors section of this report for more information on these and other risks associated with investing in the fund.
In this report |
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Special feature |
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6 | Building on a global footprint |
| Capital World Growth and Income Fund has always provided its shareholders a global footprint, largely by investing in established companies that also have a global footprint. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what that means for the fund and its prospects in the wake of the recent downturn in markets worldwide. |
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Contents | |
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1 | Letter to shareholders |
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4 | The value of a long-term perspective |
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12 | Summary investment portfolio |
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17 | Financial statements |
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34 | Board of directors and other officers |
Fellow shareholders:
[photo of a wooden post with wooden arrows with city names written on them attached to the wooden post]
The downturn in global markets that marred 2008 gave way to a rebound in early 2009 that lasted through the end of the recent fiscal year. As a result, Capital World Growth and Income Fund recorded a total return of 37.5% for the 12 months ended November 30, 2009.
Fund results compared favorably with its benchmarks for the same period. The MSCI World Index, a broad measure of global developed stock markets, rose 32.6%, while the fund’s peer group, as measured by the Lipper Global Funds Index, returned 33.1%. Results for longer time periods are shown in the table below.
The fund’s total return includes the reinvestment of any dividends paid. For the fiscal year, Capital World Growth and Income Fund paid quarterly dividends totaling $1.00 a share, which includes a special dividend of 15 cents a share paid in December 2008. These dividends represent an income return of nearly 4.0% for those who reinvested them or about 3.9% for those who took them in cash.
A look at global markets
The recent fiscal year began December 1, 2008, amid some of the most challenging market conditions in recent history. The severe global selloff that erupted in 2008 coincided with a global recession that affected developed and developing markets alike. One year later, however, the outlook is much different. Most stock markets have recorded extraordinary gains, boosted by government and central bank interventions, stronger-than-expected corporate profits, and signs of stability and recovery in economies throughout the world.
Europe is home to the largest number of companies in the fund’s portfolio, representing about 46.7% of its holdings. The strain of the financial crisis and its economic repercussions varied considerably throughout the region, with the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Spain and Ireland among the hardest hit. Nonetheless, most stock markets reported solid gains for the fiscal year in local currency terms (excepting Ireland and Finland), reflecting the broader global rebound that began in March. In general, markets were buoyed by intensive government interventions and strong export ties to Asia and other developing markets. Additionally, the fund’s returns on most European holdings were boosted significantly — in some cases doubled — by a strengthening of local currencies against the U.S. dollar. Topping the list of regional returns were Norway (up 88.5%), Sweden (77.5%), Belgium (76.0%) and Spain (67.5%).*
| *Country returns are based on MSCI indexes, expressed in U.S. dollars (except where noted), and assume the reinvestment of dividends. |
[Begin Sidebar]
Results at a glance | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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For periods ended November 30, 2009, with all distributions reinvested | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Total returns | | | Average annual total returns | |
| | 1 year | | | 5 years | | | 10 years | | | Lifetime | |
| | | | | | | | | | | (since 3/26/93) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Capital World Growth and Income Fund (Class A shares) | | | 37.48 | % | | | 6.58 | % | | | 8.01 | % | | | 11.64 | % |
MSCI World Index* | | | 32.63 | | | | 2.97 | | | | 0.83 | | | | 6.93 | |
Lipper Global Funds Index† | | | 33.07 | | | | 3.40 | | | | 1.83 | | | | 6.93 | |
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*The MSCI World Index is weighted by market capitalization and is designed to measure global developed-market equity results. The index consists of more than 20 developed-country indexes, including the United States. The index is unmanaged and includes reinvested dividends and/or distributions, but does not reflect the effect of sales charges, commissions, expenses or taxes. |
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† Lipper Global Funds Index is an equally weighted index of funds that invest at least 25% of their portfolios in securities traded outside the United States and that may own U.S. securities as well. The results of the underlying funds in the index include the reinvestment of dividends and capital gain distributions, as well as brokerage commissions paid by the funds for portfolio transactions, but do not reflect the effect of sales charges or taxes. |
[End Sidebar]
The United States accounts for 24.6% of portfolio holdings, whereas it represents 48.1% of the MSCI World Index of stock markets. The downturn here was the most severe since the Great Depression of the 1930s, by most accounts. Yet here, too, stocks surprised on the upside, despite the lingering effects of a housing market slump, high unemployment and mounting government debt concerns. For the fiscal year, U.S. stocks gained 26.2%.
The developed markets in other regions initially reacted in a similar fashion to those of the U.S. and Europe, reflecting the global nature of markets. Initial GDP numbers from Hong Kong and Singapore, for example, were worse than many European countries, reflecting the export intensity of these countries; but as the year wore on and the global economy showed signs of stabilization, the financial strength of these economies shone through. Hong Kong and Singapore recorded gains of 62.9% and 76.1%, respectively. Japan, whose industrial production fell 30% peak to trough in a period of extraordinarily strong Yen, saw more modest gains of 14.2%. As in Europe, stronger local currencies versus the U.S. dollar greatly enhanced returns for the fund. The U.S. dollar return of 84.8% from Australia, for example, was more than double the local currency return.
Some of the highest returns for the fiscal year were provided by developing countries, where currency fluctuations also bolstered results. The fund has direct exposure to several of these markets, most prominently Brazil (up 129.2%), China (78.9%) and Taiwan (74.3%).
The fund’s portfolio
While the fund invests mainly in developed markets, it has a significant and growing exposure to developing markets through the companies it holds. In building the portfolio, we focus mainly on individual companies rather than the countries in which they are domiciled. We do consider countries and markets, but mainly at the corporate level by analyzing where each company produces and sells its goods and services.
This “bottom up” perspective means that the fund may have a greater (or lesser) exposure to a given country or market than can be readily quantified in the chart on page 3. To learn more about the global reach of the fund’s holdings and the implications for growth and income, please read our feature article, “Building on a global footprint,” beginning on page 6.
The fund’s largest holdings at the close of the fiscal year are shown in the table below. All but AT&T posted healthy gains for the reporting period, contributing to the fund’s strong return. Nonetheless, AT&T provided the fund with an above-average dividend yield. Strong results from the other companies within the portfolio helped the fund deliver higher returns than either of its benchmarks, as noted in the table on page 1. While strength was evident in a variety of sectors, some of the best returns were from the financial sector, the largest weighting in the portfolio, as detailed on page 12.
[Begin Sidebar]
Largest equity holdings | | | | | | | |
(as of November 30, 2009) | | | | | | | |
Company | Country | | Percent of net assets | | | 12-month return | |
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Microsoft | United States | | | 2.8 | % | | | 58.03 | % |
Banco Santander | Spain | | | 2.6 | | | | 137.90 | |
Bayer | Germany | | | 2.3 | | | | 59.02 | |
Novartis | Switzerland | | | 2.0 | | | | 22.69 | |
GDF Suez | France | | | 1.8 | | | | 17.71 | |
AT&T | United States | | | 1.7 | | | | –0.07 | |
Merck | United States | | | 1.4 | | | | 45.71 | |
BNP Paribas | France | | | 1.3 | | | | 66.62 | |
Telefónica | Spain | | | 1.3 | | | | 49.32 | |
América Móvil | Mexico | | | 1.3 | | | | 68.10 | |
[End Sidebar]
Looking ahead
While we are certainly pleased with the rebound in stock prices this year, we are also mindful of the various challenges facing some of the larger, developed economies. These include high unemployment, weak real estate markets, rising government debt burdens and sluggish consumer demand. These headwinds may serve to limit stock advances generally in the months ahead, even as the pace of economic recovery improves. On the other hand, valuation levels remain modest by historical standards and relative to both long- and short-term interest rates. In particular, shares of global blue chip companies, the lifeblood of this fund, remain attractive.
More importantly for our shareholders, we are encouraged by the signs of stability and growth that we have seen, especially in the latter half of 2009. We expect that the resilience of developing economies will continue to bolster companies doing business in those markets, and we expect gradual, but steady improvements among developed countries in the year ahead.
As always, Capital World Growth and Income Fund will continue to offer its shareholders a means to participate in the global recovery and expansion through its portfolio of established, brand name companies and its international research efforts.
We look forward to reporting to you again in six months.
Cordially,
/s/ Gina H. Despres
Gina H. Despres
Vice Chairman of the Board
/s/ Mark E. Denning
Mark E. Denning
President
January 8, 2010
For current information about the fund, visit americanfunds.com.
[Begin Sidebar]
We take this opportunity to thank Steve Bepler for his many years of leadership and service as President of Capital World Growth and Income Fund. Steve will continue to serve as a portfolio counselor on the fund, but Mark Denning has assumed the responsibilities of President beginning with the 2010 fiscal year. Both Steve and Mark have been with the fund since its inception.
[End Sidebar]
[Begin Sidebar]
Where the fund’s assets were invested* | | | | | | |
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| | Capital World Growth and Income Fund | | | MSCI World Index† | |
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Europe | | | 46.7 | % | | | 31.7 | % |
France | | | 9.7 | | | | 5.1 | |
United Kingdom | | | 7.7 | | | | 10.1 | |
Germany | | | 6.8 | | | | 3.9 | |
Switzerland | | | 6.0 | | | | 3.7 | |
Spain | | | 4.8 | | | | 2.3 | |
Sweden | | | 2.5 | | | | 1.2 | |
Netherlands | | | 1.6 | | | | 1.2 | |
Finland | | | 1.4 | | | | .5 | |
Italy | | | 1.4 | | | | 1.7 | |
Belgium | | | 1.1 | | | | .5 | |
Austria | | | .7 | | | | .1 | |
Czech Republic | | | .7 | | | | — | |
Russia | | | .7 | | | | — | |
Greece | | | .5 | | | | .3 | |
Other Europe | | | 1.1 | | | | 1.1 | |
| | | | | | | | |
The Americas | | | 31.0 | | | | 52.9 | |
United States | | | 24.6 | | | | 48.1 | |
Brazil | | | 3.9 | | | | — | |
Mexico | | | 1.5 | | | | — | |
Canada | | | 1.0 | | | | 4.8 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Asia/Pacific | | | 16.0 | | | | 15.4 | |
Taiwan | | | 3.1 | | | | — | |
Japan | | | 2.8 | | | | 9.7 | |
Australia | | | 2.7 | | | | 3.9 | |
China | | | 2.5 | | | | — | |
Hong Kong | | | 1.5 | | | | 1.1 | |
Singapore | | | 1.5 | | | | .7 | |
Other Asia/Pacific | | | 1.9 | | | | — | |
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Other | | | .8 | | | | — | |
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Bonds, short-term securities | | | | | | | | |
& other assets less liabilities | | | 5.5 | | | | — | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total | | | 100.0 | % | | | 100.0 | % |
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*Percent of net assets by country as of November 30, 2009. | | | | | | | | |
† The MSCI World Index is weighted by market capitalization. | | | | | | | | |
[End Sidebar]
The value of a long-term perspective
How a $10,000 investment has grown since March 26, 1993
Fund results shown are for Class A shares and are not predictive of results for future periods. Current and future results may be lower or higher than those shown. Share prices and returns will vary, so investors may lose money. For current information and month-end results, visit americanfunds.com. Fund figures reflect deduction of the maximum sales charge of 5.75% on the $10,000 investment.1 Thus, the net amount invested was $9,425.
[begin mountain chart]
| | Capital World Growth and Income Fund, with dividends reinvested1,2 | | | Capital World Growth and Income Fund, with dividends excluded1,3 | | | MSCl World Index, with dividends reinvested4 | | | U.S. Consumer Price Index (inflation)5 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
3/26/1993 | | $ | 9,425 | | | $ | 9,425 | | | $ | 10,000 | | | $ | 10,000 | |
5/31/1993 | | | 9,719 | | | | 9,719 | | | | 10,837 | | | | 10,042 | |
8/31/1993 | | | 10,401 | | | | 10,313 | | | | 11,475 | | | | 10,084 | |
11/30/1993 | | | 10,782 | | | | 10,625 | | | | 10,924 | | | | 10,153 | |
2/28/1994 | | | 11,615 | | | | 11,388 | | | | 12,062 | | | | 10,216 | |
5/31/1994 | | | 11,315 | | | | 11,044 | | | | 11,936 | | | | 10,272 | |
8/31/1994 | | | 12,038 | | | | 11,656 | | | | 12,501 | | | | 10,376 | |
11/30/1994 | | | 11,592 | | | | 11,131 | | | | 11,982 | | | | 10,425 | |
2/28/1995 | | | 11,860 | | | | 11,293 | | | | 12,097 | | | | 10,508 | |
5/31/1995 | | | 12,788 | | | | 12,094 | | | | 13,242 | | | | 10,599 | |
8/31/1995 | | | 13,412 | | | | 12,557 | | | | 13,598 | | | | 10,648 | |
11/30/1995 | | | 13,841 | | | | 12,850 | | | | 14,260 | | | | 10,696 | |
2/29/1996 | | | 14,700 | | | | 13,553 | | | | 15,042 | | | | 10,787 | |
5/31/1996 | | | 15,327 | | | | 14,031 | | | | 15,673 | | | | 10,905 | |
8/31/1996 | | | 15,414 | | | | 13,947 | | | | 15,379 | | | | 10,954 | |
11/30/1996 | | | 17,118 | | | | 15,362 | | | | 17,004 | | | | 11,045 | |
2/28/1997 | | | 17,849 | | | | 15,936 | | | | 17,136 | | | | 11,114 | |
5/31/1997 | | | 18,908 | | | | 16,782 | | | | 18,427 | | | | 11,149 | |
8/31/1997 | | | 19,755 | | | | 17,380 | | | | 18,892 | | | | 11,198 | |
11/30/1997 | | | 19,917 | | | | 17,414 | | | | 19,212 | | | | 11,247 | |
2/28/1998 | | | 21,881 | | | | 19,050 | | | | 21,351 | | | | 11,274 | |
5/31/1998 | | | 22,801 | | | | 19,763 | | | | 22,198 | | | | 11,337 | |
8/31/1998 | | | 19,885 | | | | 17,104 | | | | 19,671 | | | | 11,379 | |
11/30/1998 | | | 23,007 | | | | 19,676 | | | | 23,138 | | | | 11,421 | |
2/28/1999 | | | 23,904 | | | | 20,375 | | | | 24,151 | | | | 11,455 | |
5/31/1999 | | | 25,004 | | | | 21,214 | | | | 25,203 | | | | 11,574 | |
8/31/1999 | | | 26,177 | | | | 22,063 | | | | 26,263 | | | | 11,636 | |
11/30/1999 | | | 27,396 | | | | 23,014 | | | | 28,141 | | | | 11,720 | |
2/29/2000 | | | 29,908 | | | | 25,027 | | | | 28,765 | | | | 11,825 | |
5/31/2000 | | | 30,124 | | | | 25,119 | | | | 28,718 | | | | 11,943 | |
8/31/2000 | | | 31,516 | | | | 26,121 | | | | 29,799 | | | | 12,033 | |
11/30/2000 | | | 29,142 | | | | 24,016 | | | | 26,067 | | | | 12,124 | |
2/28/2001 | | | 30,810 | | | | 25,334 | | | | 24,728 | | | | 12,242 | |
5/31/2001 | | | 31,113 | | | | 25,404 | | | | 24,514 | | | | 12,375 | |
8/31/2001 | | | 29,274 | | | | 23,786 | | | | 22,316 | | | | 12,361 | |
11/30/2001 | | | 28,613 | | | | 23,111 | | | | 21,975 | | | | 12,354 | |
2/28/2002 | | | 28,826 | | | | 23,225 | | | | 21,266 | | | | 12,382 | |
5/31/2002 | | | 30,788 | | | | 24,700 | | | | 21,514 | | | | 12,521 | |
8/31/2002 | | | 26,985 | | | | 21,503 | | | | 18,550 | | | | 12,584 | |
11/30/2002 | | | 27,405 | | | | 21,693 | | | | 18,697 | | | | 12,625 | |
2/28/2003 | | | 25,681 | | | | 20,237 | | | | 16,961 | | | | 12,751 | |
5/31/2003 | | | 29,144 | | | | 22,806 | | | | 19,487 | | | | 12,779 | |
8/31/2003 | | | 31,622 | | | | 24,576 | | | | 20,680 | | | | 12,855 | |
11/30/2003 | | | 35,220 | | | | 27,230 | | | | 22,391 | | | | 12,848 | |
2/29/2004 | | | 39,110 | | | | 30,063 | | | | 24,603 | | | | 12,967 | |
5/31/2004 | | | 37,996 | | | | 29,064 | | | | 24,197 | | | | 13,169 | |
8/31/2004 | | | 38,489 | | | | 29,275 | | | | 24,018 | | | | 13,196 | |
11/30/2004 | | | 43,044 | | | | 32,485 | | | | 26,414 | | | | 13,301 | |
2/28/2005 | | | 45,627 | | | | 34,128 | | | | 27,680 | | | | 13,357 | |
5/31/2005 | | | 44,120 | | | | 32,857 | | | | 27,074 | | | | 13,538 | |
8/31/2005 | | | 47,417 | | | | 35,102 | | | | 28,507 | | | | 13,677 | |
11/30/2005 | | | 49,405 | | | | 36,422 | | | | 29,519 | | | | 13,760 | |
2/28/2006 | | | 53,238 | | | | 38,938 | | | | 31,500 | | | | 13,837 | |
5/31/2006 | | | 54,442 | | | | 39,665 | | | | 32,097 | | | | 14,102 | |
8/31/2006 | | | 56,740 | | | | 41,006 | | | | 33,164 | | | | 14,199 | |
11/30/2006 | | | 60,955 | | | | 43,831 | | | | 35,678 | | | | 14,032 | |
2/28/2007 | | | 62,462 | | | | 44,658 | | | | 36,674 | | | | 14,171 | |
5/31/2007 | | | 69,460 | | | | 49,420 | | | | 40,162 | | | | 14,481 | |
8/31/2007 | | | 69,153 | | | | 48,779 | | | | 38,979 | | | | 14,479 | |
11/30/2007 | | | 73,901 | | | | 51,855 | | | | 40,406 | | | | 14,636 | |
2/29/2008 | | | 68,239 | | | | 47,576 | | | | 36,661 | | | | 14,742 | |
5/31/2008 | | | 72,079 | | | | 50,003 | | | | 38,897 | | | | 15,086 | |
8/31/2008 | | | 62,945 | | | | 43,205 | | | | 34,468 | | | | 15,257 | |
11/30/2008 | | | 43,044 | | | | 29,332 | | | | 23,053 | | | | 14,793 | |
2/28/2009 | | | 37,793 | | | | 25,467 | | | | 19,517 | | | | 14,777 | |
5/31/2009 | | | 48,929 | | | | 32,760 | | | | 25,525 | | | | 14,892 | |
8/31/2009 | | | 54,724 | | | | 36,119 | | | | 28,731 | | | | 15,030 | |
11/30/2009 | | | 59,179 | | | | 38,880 | | | | 30,576 | | | | 15,065 | |
[end mountain chart]
Year ended | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
November 30 | | | 1993 | 6 | | | 1994 | | | | 1995 | | | | 1996 | | | | 1997 | | | | 1998 | | | | 1999 | | | | 2000 | |
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Total value | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
reinvested | | $ | 144 | | | | 295 | | | | 421 | | | | 506 | | | | 488 | | | | 478 | | | | 440 | | | | 577 | |
Value at year-end1 | | $ | 10,782 | | | | 11,592 | | | | 13,841 | | | | 17,118 | | | | 19,917 | | | | 23,007 | | | | 27,396 | | | | 29,142 | |
WGI total return | | | 7.8 | % | | | 7.5 | | | | 19.4 | | | | 23.7 | | | | 16.4 | | | | 15.5 | | | | 19.1 | | | | 6.4 | |
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Year ended | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
November 30 | | | 2001 | | | | 2002 | | | | 2003 | | | | 2004 | | | | 2005 | | | | 2006 | | | | 2007 | | | | 2008 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total value | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
reinvested | | | 578 | | | | 569 | | | | 679 | | | | 914 | | | | 1,043 | | | | 1,315 | | | | 1,633 | | | | 1,918 | |
Value at year-end1 | | | 28,613 | | | | 27,405 | | | | 35,220 | | | | 43,044 | | | | 49,405 | | | | 60,955 | | | | 73,901 | | | | 43,044 | |
WGI total return | | | (1.8 | ) | | | (4.2 | ) | | | 28.5 | | | | 22.2 | | | | 14.8 | | | | 23.4 | | | | 21.2 | | | | (41.8 | ) |
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Year ended | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
November 30 | | | 2009 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total value | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends | | | | | | | | | | Average | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
reinvested | | | 1,711 | | | | | | | annual total return for | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Value at year-end1 | | | 59,179 | | | | | fund’s lifetime | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
WGI total return | | | 37.5 | | | | | | | | 11.2 | %2 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 1As outlined in the prospectus, the sales charge is reduced for accounts (and aggregated investments) of $25,000 or more and is eliminated for purchases of $1 million or more. There is no sales charge on dividends or capital gain distributions that are reinvested in additional shares. |
| 2Includes reinvested dividends of $13,710 and reinvested capital gain distributions of $20,534. |
| 3Results calculated with capital gains reinvested. |
| 4The MSCI World Index is unmanaged and its results include reinvested dividends, but does not reflect the effect of sales charges, commissions or expenses. |
| 5Computed from data supplied by the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. |
| 6For the period March 26, 1993 (when the fund began operations), through November 30, 1993. |
The results shown are before taxes on fund distributions and sale of fund shares.
Average annual total returns based on a $1,000 investment (for periods ended November 30, 2009)* | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | 1 year | | | 5 years | | | 10 years | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Class A shares | | | 29.56 | % | | | 5.32 | % | | | 7.37 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
*Assumes reinvestment of all distributions and payment of the maximum 5.75% sales charge. | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Investment results assume all distributions are reinvested and reflect applicable fees and expenses. The fund’s investment adviser waived a portion of its management fees from September 1, 2004, through December 31, 2008. Fund results shown reflect the waiver, without which they would have been lower. See the Financial Highlights table on pages 27 and 28 for details.
Other share class results
Classes B, C, F and 529
Fund results shown are for past periods and are not predictive of results for future periods. Current and future results may be lower or higher than those shown. Share prices and returns will vary, so investors may lose money. For current information and month-end results, visit americanfunds.com.
Average annual total returns for periods ended December 31, 2009 (the most recent calendar quarter-end): | | | | |
| | 1 year | | | 5 years | | | Life of class | |
Class B shares1 — first sold 3/15/00 | | | | | | | | | |
Reflecting applicable contingent deferred sales charge | | | | | | | | | |
(CDSC), maximum of 5%, payable only if shares are | | | | | | | | | |
sold within six years of purchase | | | 26.29 | % | | | 4.95 | % | | | 6.61 | % |
Not reflecting CDSC | | | 31.29 | | | | 5.28 | | | | 6.61 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class C shares — first sold 3/15/01 | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Reflecting CDSC, maximum of 1%, payable only | | | | | | | | | | | | |
if shares are sold within one year of purchase | | | 30.26 | | | | 5.23 | | | | 7.45 | |
Not reflecting CDSC | | | 31.26 | | | | 5.23 | | | | 7.45 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class F-1 shares2 — first sold 3/15/01 | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Not reflecting annual asset-based fee charged | | | | | | | | | | | | |
by sponsoring firm | | | 32.29 | | | | 6.08 | | | | 8.30 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class F-2 shares2 — first sold 8/1/08 | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Not reflecting annual asset-based fee charged | | | | | | | | | | | | |
by sponsoring firm | | | 32.65 | | | | — | | | | −4.48 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class 529-A shares3 — first sold 2/15/02 | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Reflecting 5.75% maximum sales charge | | | 24.60 | | | | 4.79 | | | | 8.91 | |
Not reflecting maximum sales charge | | | 32.21 | | | | 6.04 | | | | 9.73 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class 529-B shares1,3 — first sold 2/21/02 | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Reflecting applicable CDSC, maximum of 5%, payable | | | | | | | | | | | | |
only if shares are sold within six years of purchase | | | 26.15 | | | | 4.82 | | | | 9.03 | |
Not reflecting CDSC | | | 31.15 | | | | 5.15 | | | | 9.03 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class 529-C shares3 — first sold 2/22/02 | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Reflecting CDSC, maximum of 1%, payable only | | | | | | | | | | | | |
if shares are sold within one year of purchase | | | 30.13 | | | | 5.16 | | | | 9.03 | |
Not reflecting CDSC | | | 31.13 | | | | 5.16 | | | | 9.03 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class 529-E shares2,3 — first sold 3/4/02 | | | 31.80 | | | | 5.70 | | | | 8.99 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class 529-F-1 shares2,3 — first sold 9/17/02 | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Not reflecting annual asset-based fee charged | | | | | | | | | | | | |
by sponsoring firm | | | 32.48 | | | | 6.21 | | | | 12.17 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
1 These shares are not available for purchase. | | | | | | | | | | | | |
2 These shares are sold without any initial or contingent deferred sales charge. | | | | | | | | | | | | |
3 Results shown do not reflect the $10 account setup fee and an annual $10 account maintenance fee. | | | | | |
Investment results assume all distributions are reinvested and reflect applicable fees and expenses. The fund’s investment adviser waived a portion of its management fees from September 1, 2004, through December 31, 2008. Fund results shown reflect the waiver, without which they would have been lower. See the Financial Highlights table on pages 27 and 28 for details that include expense ratios for all share classes.
For information regarding the differences among the various share classes, refer to the fund’s prospectus.
[Begin Sidebar]
[photo of a storefront - racks of postcards and a baskets out in front of the store]
“On the surface, the deep, synchronous market downturn we experienced might suggest that every country and region was suddenly facing the same set of problems, but in reality the situation varied from country to country and region to region.”
– Gina Despres, vice chairman
[End Sidebar]
Building on a global footprint
Capital World Growth and Income Fund has always provided its shareholders a global footprint, largely by investing in established companies that also have a global footprint. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what that means for the fund and its prospects in the wake of the recent downturn in markets worldwide.
Distinctions in global markets
For many investors, the past year has been one of unusual volatility. The sharp selloffs that rattled markets in 2008 continued into the first few months of 2009, but then gave way to a remarkable rebound that extended through the close of the fund’s fiscal year. Like the downturn, the rebound has been global in scope. It has been fueled, in part, by the economic resilience of developing countries and better-than-expected corporate profits. In many instances, these two factors are related.
Gina Despres, vice chairman of Capital World Growth and Income Fund, notes, “On the surface, the deep, synchronous market downturn we experienced might suggest that every country and region was suddenly facing the same set of problems, but in reality the situation varied from country to country and region to region.”
The United States was and remains the epicenter of the financial crisis that precipitated the downturn. The prominence of its economy and the interconnectedness of global financial markets mean that its problems can and often do lead to financial and economic pressures around the world. Yet many economies and markets, especially in Asia and South America, have rebounded quickly this past year, owing to their inherent strengths and an arm’s length exposure to the mortgage and debt problems that fostered the downturn. It used to be said that when the United States sneezed, the rest of the world caught pneumonia. That was not the case this time.
The portfolio counselors and analysts of Capital World Growth and Income Fund pay close attention to the distinctions of local economies and variations among markets. So do many of the companies in which the fund invests. These variances often give rise to opportunities for savvy investors and businesses alike. Gina adds, “The locus of opportunity is constantly shifting. That’s why our approach is not strictly about seeking a geographically diverse mix of companies, but rather about identifying companies that seek opportunity on a global basis. Diversification invariably results, but that is not the sole objective.”
Shared troubles, shared gains
Though globalization of trade and finance contributed to the synchronous downturn, it also served as part of the safety net helping to diffuse some of the economic damage and buoy companies with international operations. The swift and coordinated efforts of central banks and governments also helped limit damage locally and globally. Portfolio counselor Steve Bepler, who has been with the fund since its inception, offers this perspective: “You really can’t avoid the globalization of world economies. A company like Coca-Cola or Boeing, for example, has more of its sales outside the United States than it does in the United States. So as industries have gotten more global, the idea that you could protect yourself from unanticipated economic cycles and profit cycles by sticking to companies that are domiciled in the U.S. is just not true any more.
“A better thing to do, I would think, would be to try and make it your friend in a certain way — to invest in global companies at a time when, for example, the currency relations are favorable for them to be profitable and where the markets that they’re strong in outside their home market tend to be doing well — rather than focusing on the idea that there’s more risk once you invest outside the United States.”
The company as portal
The portfolio holdings of Capital World Growth and Income Fund are primarily blue chip companies domiciled in the major developed markets of the world. These markets were among the hardest hit during the recent downturn, which was broadly indiscriminate in lowering share prices. Strong companies as well as weak companies suffered severe declines. Yet one year later, many of these larger established companies have rebounded sharply.
Portfolio counselors and analysts give careful consideration to the expected resilience of a company before it becomes a portfolio holding. Their evaluations take into account the quality of its management, its competitive position, the sustainability of its revenues, and prospects for continued growth and income. In a globalized economy, a company’s revenues and prospects are increasingly determined by where it sells its products, rather than where it is domiciled.
To this point (and echoing Steve’s insight), many of the larger holdings in the fund’s portfolio derive a significant amount of their sales from markets outside their home country. This is certainly the case with the fund’s top holding, Microsoft, which derived about 43% of its revenues from outside the U.S., according to a recent filing. Similarly, all of the fund’s top holdings, except AT&T, reported significant sales outside their home country.
Portfolio counselor Jeanne Carroll notes, “Most of the growth in global consumption will likely come from developing countries, and it’s important for investors to participate in that growth. Companies with good products, good technology and good brands have the potential to do well over the long term.”
A company’s global footprint, however, does not rely on sales only. In many instances, thriving businesses diversify operations to be nearer to their end markets (customers) or to access lower cost materials and labor that can be found elsewhere, particularly in developing countries. This decentralization can offer greater business flexibility and a more competitive product, and allows a company to take advantage of variances in economic cycles and currency fluctuations.
Gina adds, “As developing countries’ economies have strengthened and expanded, so have developed-world companies that do business in those places. Developing-country markets represent a steadily growing share of business for companies domiciled in the developed world, and I expect that trend to continue.”
Seeking income amid uncertainty
Growth prospects are not the only criteria governing the selection of companies for the fund’s portfolio. Income is also one of the fund’s objectives, and companies that offer reliable, attractive dividends have prominence in the portfolio.
Last year’s downturn in global markets created a new set of challenges and opportunities for income-oriented investors. On one hand, the sharp decline in share prices elevated the dividend yield on many stocks; on the other hand, some companies were compelled to reduce or eliminate dividends to conserve cash during the recession. Reductions were especially prevalent among financial institutions, the hardest hit sector in many developed markets. Yet discrepancies persist even among financials, which retain a large weighting in the portfolio and count among its largest holdings.
Portfolio counselor David Riley notes, “I was very nervous about dividend stability at the beginning of the year, when we really didn’t know if stocks were going to fall further or not. At this point, however, a sense of normalcy has returned. This makes it possible for chief executives and corporate boards to once again revisit the idea of dividends.”
[Begin Sidebar]
[photo of international postage stamps]
Measuring a global footprint
Percentage of sales and operations outside home economy
[begin bar chart]
Europe | Linde AG (Germany) | | | 89 | % |
Europe | Nestle (Switzerland) | | | 83 | |
Japan | Honda (Japan) | | | 82 | |
Europe | British Petroleum (United Kingdom) | | | 80 | |
Europe | Roche (Switzerland) | | | 80 | |
U.S. | Coca Cola (United States) | | | 78 | |
Europe | Volvo (Sweden) | | | 77 | |
Europe | Novartis (Switzerland) | | | 71 | |
Europe | Royal Dutch Shell (United Kingdom/Netherlands) | | | 70 | |
Europe | GDF Suez (France) | | | 69 | |
Europe | Telefonica (Spain) | | | 69 | |
Europe | Siemens (Germany) | | | 66 | |
Europe | Bayer (Germany) | | | 55 | |
Europe | Eni SpA (Italy) | | | 53 | |
Europe | France Telecom (France) | | | 52 | |
Emerging markets | America Movil (Mexico) | | | 48 | |
U.S. | Conoco Phillips (United States) | | | 43 | |
[end bar chart]
Source: United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, World Investment Report 2008. Figures based on Transnationality Index (TNI), as of 2006. TNI percentage represents the average of three ratios: foreign sales to total sales, foreign assets to total assets, and foreign employment to total employment.
Determining how much of a company’s business (sales and operations) takes place outside its home economy can be a challenge. Corporate disclosures and reporting standards vary considerably from country to country, and even among industries. Thus, most attempts to measure this data are incomplete, at best.
In the United States, for example, Standard & Poor’s recently issued a report attempting to quantify the status of known foreign sales among its S&P 500 companies. Unfortunately, quantifiable data was available from only 253 companies, or 50.6% of that index. Yet among those 253 companies, some 47.9% of their 2008 sales came from outside the United States, up from 45.8% in 2007 and 43.6% in 2006.
In a similar endeavor, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTD) has developed a Transnationality Index, which attempts to measure the global footprint of major multinational companies. This index assesses a company’s foreign exposure to sales, assets and employees. Four of the fund’s top holdings (Bayer, Novartis, GDF Suez and Telefónica) were ranked among the world’s top 100 non-financial transnational companies (TNCs) in developed countries. América Móvil placed in the top 100 for developing countries, and Banco Santander and BNP Paribas were named in its list of the top 50 financial TNCs.
The table above details some of the fund’s largest holdings that were ranked in the UNCTD report. This listing, while illuminating, is not the final word. Dozens more of the fund’s holdings not in that report have significant global footprints (e.g. Microsoft, Merck and Akzo Nobel) that are well-known to the fund’s analysts. Indeed, we believe that the best way to ascertain a company’s global footprint is to examine it closely wherever it does business, and to look beyond corporate filings to its people, products and operations. These are the kinds of measurements we require before adding a company to the fund’s portfolio.
[End Sidebar]
Companies that have maintained their dividends throughout the downturn are generally well-established businesses with predictable cash flows — the types of companies favored by the fund. Not surprisingly, many of these companies belong to industries that have a tradition of paying attractive dividends and that have a significant weighting in the portfolio. Pharmaceutical companies are a good example and are well represented in the fund’s top holdings. Telecommunications companies, like AT&T, are another.
Additionally, a scattering of companies have actually increased dividends during the past year. Portfolio counselor Joyce Gordon observes, “When you’re looking for stocks that are paying dividends, the turnaround in the markets is pretty evident. There are a few companies — not as many as we’d like, but some — that are increasing their dividends, and that’s encouraging.
“The companies that are increasing dividends are the ones that didn’t run into huge problems as a result of the downturn. They tend to be good companies with a long-term focus and a history of a strong commitment to the dividend. Their businesses aren’t as cyclical, meaning that they weather the boom-and-bust cycle of the marketplace better than others.”
In identifying which companies are most likely to deliver sustainable dividends, portfolio counselors often look overseas first. Many developed markets overseas currently provide higher dividend yields than are generally available in the United States. It has become a part of the culture in many markets, particularly in Europe, where the fund has a significant presence. In many instances, international companies pay dividends annually as a percentage of profits, rather than as a quarterly fixed dividend, which is common in the United States. Thus, while international dividend amounts may fluctuate depending on earnings, the yields tend to be higher.
Research from the ground up
The fund’s 10 counselors build the portfolio one company at a time, with each counselor responsible for only a portion of the fund’s assets. This allows each of them to focus on their highest conviction investment ideas. These ideas are generated by the fund’s investment analysts who, like the portfolio counselors, are based in a variety of offices around the world.
“Like the companies in which we invest, we have long recognized the importance of a global mindset,” explains Gina. “We opened our first office outside the United States in Geneva in 1962, and now have research professionals located around the globe. Our colleagues travel the world, visiting companies and gathering the kind of data and insight that we believe can only be obtained on the ground.”
[Begin Sidebar]
[illistration of a world map]
Dividend yields for developed-world markets | | | |
| | | |
THE AMERICAS | | | |
Canada | | | 2.5 | % |
USA | | | 1.9 | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
EUROPE | | | | |
Austria | | | 3.7 | % |
Belgium | | | 2.1 | |
Denmark | | | 1.1 | |
Finland | | | 4.6 | |
France | | | 3.7 | |
Germany | | | 3.6 | |
Greece | | | 2.3 | |
Ireland | | | 2.4 | |
Italy | | | 3.7 | % |
Netherlands | | | 2.9 | |
Norway | | | 1.9 | |
Portugal | | | 3.7 | |
Spain | | | 4.7 | |
Sweden | | | 2.7 | |
Switzerland | | | 2.3 | |
United Kingdom | | | 3.6 | |
| | | | |
ASIA/PACIFIC | | | | |
Australia | | | 4.0 | % |
Hong Kong | | | 2.6 | |
Japan | | | 1.8 | |
New Zealand | | | 5.3 | |
Singapore | | | 3.1 | |
| | | | |
MSCI World Index | | | 2.5 | % |
| | | | |
Source: MSCI Country Index yields as of 11/30/09 | | | | |
[End Sidebar]
Jeanne adds, “Our analysts have first-hand experience of companies they cover because many of them live in the same countries. They have strong relationships with local companies and a solid knowledge base, which helps us as portfolio counselors to know these companies better and understand local markets better. Because of this, we are less inclined to impose an ‘American’ perspective on the companies we evaluate. Instead, we gain insights that are truly global.”
Maintaining a long-term global view
Despite the strong rebound in global stock markets, financial and economic difficulties persist in many countries, particularly the United States. Yet many other markets and economies around the world have already shown signs of resilience and recovery, and companies that have business interests in these flourishing economies are more likely to thrive as well.
Capital World Growth and Income Fund offers its shareholders the opportunity to participate in thriving economies and markets through its portfolio of established companies and a broad global footprint. The fund, of course, is not immune to global downturns, such as we experienced last year. Nonetheless, its global reach affords shareholders the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of strengthening markets around the globe. n
[Begin Sidebar]
[photo of international travel stickers]
Finding income
Dividend income is an important part of the fund’s investment objective. While not every portfolio holding pays a dividend, most do and many pay a dividend that is well in excess of the MSCI World Index yield of 2.5%. The first table below shows the dividend yield as of fiscal year-end for the fund’s top holdings.
Microsoft | | | 1.8 | % |
Banco Santander | | | 5.6 | |
Bayer | | | 2.7 | |
Novartis | | | 3.6 | |
GDF Suez | | | 5.0 | |
AT&T | | | 6.1 | |
Merck | | | 4.2 | |
BNP Paribas | | | 1.8 | |
Telefónica | | | 5.2 | |
América Móvil | | | 2.4 | |
| | | | |
Source: MSCI as of 11/30/09 | | | | |
This second table shows the dividend yields for the 10 sectors of the MSCI World Index. While the fund has exposure to all of these sectors, it generally has greater exposure to the companies and industries within those sectors that offer attractive yields. Examples of this are holdings in banks (Financials), pharmaceuticals (Health care), and food, beverage & tobacco (Consumer staples). Of course, the most important determination is the quality of the company itself and its ability to maintain or grow its dividend.
Energy | | | 3.0 | % |
Materials | | | 1.8 | |
Industrials | | | 2.3 | |
Consumer discretionary | | | 1.9 | |
Consumer staples | | | 2.9 | |
Health care | | | 2.5 | |
Financials | | | 2.4 | |
Information technology | | | 1.1 | |
Telecommunication services | | | 5.3 | |
Utilities | | | 4.7 | |
| | | | |
Source: MSCI as of 11/30/09 | | | | |
[End Sidebar]
Notes to financial statements
1. Organization and significant accounting policies
Organization – Capital World Growth and Income Fund, Inc. (the "fund") is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as an open-end, diversified management investment company. The fund seeks long-term growth of capital while providing current income. It invests on a global basis in a diversified portfolio consisting primarily of common stocks and other equity securities.
On November 24, 2009, shareholders approved a proposal to reorganize the fund from a Maryland corporation to a Delaware statutory trust. The reorganization is expected to be completed in 2010; however, the fund reserves the right to delay the implementation. Shareholders also approved amendments to the fund’s Investment Advisory and Service Agreement and amendments to and elimination of certain fundamental investment policies of the fund.
The fund has 16 share classes consisting of five retail share classes, five 529 college savings plan share classes and six retirement plan share classes. The 529 college savings plan share classes (529-A, 529-B, 529-C, 529-E and 529-F-1) can be used to save for college education. The six retirement plan share classes (R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5 and R-6) are generally offered only through eligible employer-sponsored retirement plans. The fund’s share classes are described below:
Share class | Initial sales charge | Contingent deferred sales charge upon redemption | Conversion feature |
Classes A and 529-A | Up to 5.75% | None (except 1% for certain redemptions within one year of purchase without an initial sales charge) | None |
Classes B and 529-B* | None | Declines from 5% to 0% for redemptions within six years of purchase | Classes B and 529-B convert to Classes A and 529-A, respectively, after eight years |
Class C | None | 1% for redemptions within one year of purchase | Class C converts to Class F-1 after 10 years |
Class 529-C | None | 1% for redemptions within one year of purchase | None |
Class 529-E | None | None | None |
Classes F-1, F-2 and 529-F-1 | None | None | None |
Classes R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5 and R-6 | None | None | None |
*Effective April 21, 2009, Class B and 529-B shares of the fund are not available for purchase.
On May 1, 2009, the fund made an additional retirement plan share class (Class R-6) available for sale pursuant to an amendment to its registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Refer to the fund’s retirement plan prospectus for more details.
Holders of all share classes have equal pro rata rights to assets, dividends and liquidation proceeds. Each share class has identical voting rights, except for the exclusive right to vote on matters affecting only its class. Share classes have different fees and expenses ("class-specific fees and expenses"), primarily due to different arrangements for distribution, administrative and shareholder services. Differences in class-specific fees and expenses will result in differences in net investment income and, therefore, the payment of different per-share dividends by each class.
Significant accounting policies – The financial statements have been prepared to comply with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These principles require management to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts and disclosures. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The following is a summary of the significant accounting policies followed by the fund:
Net asset value – The fund generally determines its net asset value as of approximately 4:00 p.m. New York time each day the New York Stock Exchange is open.
Security valuation – Equity securities are valued at the official closing price of, or the last reported sale price on, the exchange or market on which such securities are traded, as of the close of business on the day the securities are being valued or, lacking any sales, at the last available bid price. Prices for each security are taken from the principal exchange or market in which the security trades. Fixed-income securities, including short-term securities purchased with more than 60 days left to maturity, are valued at prices obtained from one or more independent pricing vendors when such prices are available. However, where the investment adviser deems it appropriate to do so, such securities will be valued in good faith at the mean quoted bid and asked prices that are reasonably and timely available (or bid prices, if asked prices are not available) or at prices for securities of comparable maturity, quality and type. Vendors base bond prices on, among other things, valuation matrices that incorporate dealer-supplied valuations, proprietary pricing models and evaluations of the yield curve as of approximately 3:00 p.m. New York time. Securities with both fixed-income and equity characteristics, or equity securities traded principally among fixed-income dealers, are valued in the manner described above for either equity or fixed-income securities, depending on which method is deemed most appropriate by the investment adviser. Short-term securities purchased within 60 days to maturity are valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value. The value of short-term securities originally purchased with maturities greater than 60 days is determined based on an amortized value to par when they reach 60 days or less remaining to maturity.
Securities and other assets for which representative market quotations are not readily available or are considered unreliable by the investment adviser are fair valued as determined in good faith under guidelines adopted by authority of the fund's board of directors. Market quotations may be considered unreliable if events occur that materially affect the value of securities (particularly securities outside the U.S.) between the close of trading in those securities and the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange. Various factors may be reviewed in order to make a good faith determination of a security’s fair value. These factors include, but are not limited to, the type and cost of the security; contractual or legal restrictions on resale of the security; relevant financial or business developments of the issuer; actively traded similar or related securities; conversion or exchange rights on the security; related corporate actions; significant events occurring after the close of trading in the security; and changes in overall market conditions. Fair valuations and valuations of investments that are not actively trading involve judgment and may differ materially from valuations that would have been used had greater market activity occurred.
Security transactions and related investment income – Security transactions are recorded by the fund as of the date the trades are executed with brokers. Realized gains and losses from security transactions are determined based on the specific identified cost of the securities. In the event a security is purchased with a delayed payment date, the fund will segregate liquid assets sufficient to meet its payment obligations. Dividend income is recognized on the ex-dividend date and interest income is recognized on an accrual basis. Market discounts, premiums and original issue discounts on fixed-income securities are amortized daily over the expected life of the security.
Class allocations – Income, fees and expenses (other than class-specific fees and expenses) and realized and unrealized gains and losses are allocated daily among the various share classes based on their relative net assets. Class-specific fees and expenses, such as distribution, administrative and shareholder services, are charged directly to the respective share class.
Dividends and distributions to shareholders – Dividends and distributions paid to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date.
Currency translation – Assets and liabilities, including investment securities, denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates in effect on the valuation date. Purchases and sales of investment securities and income and expenses are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates on the dates of such transactions. On the accompanying financial statements, the effects of changes in exchange rates on investment securities are included with the net realized gain or loss and net unrealized appreciation or depreciation on investments. The realized gain or loss and unrealized appreciation or depreciation resulting from all other transactions denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars are disclosed separately.
2. Risk factors
Investing in the fund may involve certain risks including, but not limited to, those described below.
The fund is subject to risks, including the possibility that the fund's income and the value of its portfolio holdings may fluctuate in response to events specific to the companies or markets in which the fund invests, as well as economic, political or social events in the U.S. or abroad.
The prices of, and the income generated by, the common stocks and other securities held by the fund may decline in response to certain events taking place around the world, including those directly involving the issuers whose securities are owned by the fund; conditions affecting the general economy; overall market changes; local, regional or global political, social or economic instability; governmental or governmental agency responses to economic conditions; and currency, interest rate and commodity price fluctuations. Investments in securities issued by entities based outside the U.S. may be subject to the risks described above to a greater extent. These investments may also be affected by currency controls; different accounting, auditing, financial reporting, disclosure and regulatory and legal standards and practices; expropriation; changes in tax policy; greater market volatility; different securities market structures; higher transaction costs; and various administrative difficulties, such as delays in clearing and settling portfolio transactions or in receiving payment of dividends. These risks may be heightened in connection with investments in developing countries. Investments in securities issued by entities domiciled in the U.S. may also be subject to many of these risks.
3. Taxation and distributions
Federal income taxation – The fund complies with the requirements under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to mutual funds and intends to distribute substantially all of its net taxable income and net capital gains each year. The fund is not subject to income taxes to the extent such distributions are made. Therefore, no federal income tax provision is required.
As of and during the period ended November 30, 2009, the fund did not have a liability for any unrecognized tax benefits. The fund recognizes interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense in the statement of operations. During the period, the fund did not incur any interest or penalties.
The fund is not subject to examination by U.S. federal tax authorities for tax years before 2005, by state tax authorities for tax years before 2004 and by tax authorities outside the U.S. for tax years before 2002.
Non-U.S. taxation – Dividend and interest income is recorded net of non-U.S. taxes paid. Gains realized by the fund on the sale of securities in certain countries are subject to non-U.S. taxes. The fund records a liability based on unrealized gains to provide for potential non-U.S. taxes payable upon the sale of these securities.
Distributions – Distributions paid to shareholders are based on net investment income and net realized gains determined on a tax basis, which may differ from net investment income and net realized gains for financial reporting purposes. These differences are due primarily to different treatment for items such as currency gains and losses; short-term capital gains and losses; capital losses related to sales of certain securities within 30 days of purchase; unrealized appreciation of certain investments in securities outside the U.S.; net capital losses; and income on certain investments. The fiscal year in which amounts are distributed may differ from the year in which the net investment income and net realized gains are recorded by the fund for financial reporting purposes.
During the year ended November 30, 2009, the fund reclassified $54,446,000 from accumulated net realized loss to undistributed net investment income; and reclassified $1,430,000 from undistributed net investment income to capital paid in on shares of capital stock to align financial reporting with tax reporting.
As of November 30, 2009, the tax basis components of distributable earnings, unrealized appreciation (depreciation) and cost of investment securities were as follows:
| | (dollars in thousands) | |
Undistributed ordinary income | | | | | $ | 794,862 | |
Capital loss carryforwards*: | | | | | | | |
Expiring 2016 | | $ | (2,728,750 | ) | | | | |
Expiring 2017 | | | (13,178,426 | ) | | | (15,907,176 | ) |
Post-October capital loss deferrals (realized during the period November 1, 2009, through November 30, 2009)† | | | | | | | (362,906 | ) |
Gross unrealized appreciation on investment securities | | | | | | | 13,260,201 | |
Gross unrealized depreciation on investment securities | | | | | | | (4,463,213 | ) |
Net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investment securities | | | | | | | 8,796,988 | |
Cost of investment securities | | | | | | | 72,211,283 | |
*The capital loss carryforwards will be used to offset any capital gains realized by the fund in future years through the expiration dates. The fund will not make distributions from capital gains while capital loss carryforwards remain. | |
†These deferrals are considered incurred in the subsequent year. | | | | | | | | |
The tax character of distributions paid to shareholders was as follows (dollars in thousands):
| | Year ended November 30, 2009 | | | Year ended November 30, 2008 | |
| | Ordinary income | | | Long-term capital gains | | | Total distributions paid | | | Ordinary income | | | Long-term capital gains | | | Total distributions paid | |
Share class | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class A | | $ | 1,709,423 | | | $ | - | | | $ | 1,709,423 | | | $ | 2,322,238 | | | | 5,599,974 | | | $ | 7,922,212 | |
Class B | | | 76,151 | | | | - | | | | 76,151 | | | | 97,747 | | | | 321,740 | | | | 419,487 | |
Class C | | | 158,321 | | | | - | | | | 158,321 | | | | 205,388 | | | | 677,948 | | | | 883,336 | |
Class F-1 | | | 130,498 | | | | - | | | | 130,498 | | | | 189,626 | | | | 436,957 | | | | 626,583 | |
Class F-2* | | | 20,416 | | | | - | | | | 20,416 | | | | 429 | | | | - | | | | 429 | |
Class 529-A | | | 49,808 | | | | - | | | | 49,808 | | | | 53,323 | | | | 122,145 | | | | 175,468 | |
Class 529-B | | | 4,336 | | | | - | | | | 4,336 | | | | 4,497 | | | | 14,634 | | | | 19,131 | |
Class 529-C | | | 10,753 | | | | - | | | | 10,753 | | | | 10,913 | | | | 34,438 | | | | 45,351 | |
Class 529-E | | | 2,049 | | | | - | | | | 2,049 | | | | 2,148 | | | | 5,602 | | | | 7,750 | |
Class 529-F-1 | | | 1,373 | | | | - | | | | 1,373 | | | | 1,396 | | | | 2,907 | | | | 4,303 | |
Class R-1 | | | 4,509 | | | | - | | | | 4,509 | | | | 3,840 | | | | 10,685 | | | | 14,525 | |
Class R-2 | | | 27,566 | | | | - | | | | 27,566 | | | | 27,134 | | | | 85,402 | | | | 112,536 | |
Class R-3 | | | 55,202 | | | | - | | | | 55,202 | | | | 52,031 | | | | 129,495 | | | | 181,526 | |
Class R-4 | | | 49,554 | | | | - | | | | 49,554 | | | | 47,281 | | | | 104,313 | | | | 151,594 | |
Class R-5 | | | 55,468 | | | | - | | | | 55,468 | | | | 65,469 | | | | 134,604 | | | | 200,073 | |
Class R-6† | | | 6,858 | | | | - | | | | 6,858 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
Total | | $ | 2,362,285 | | | $ | - | | | $ | 2,362,285 | | | $ | 3,083,460 | | | $ | 7,680,844 | | | $ | 10,764,304 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
*Class F-2 was offered beginning August 1, 2008. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
†Class R-6 was offered beginning May 1, 2009. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
4. Fees and transactions with related parties
Capital Research and Management Company ("CRMC"), the fund’s investment adviser, is the parent company of American Funds Distributors,® Inc. ("AFD"), the principal underwriter of the fund’s shares, and American Funds Service Company® ("AFS"), the fund’s transfer agent.
Investment advisory services - The Investment Advisory and Service Agreement with CRMC provides for monthly fees accrued daily. These fees are based on a declining series of annual rates beginning with 0.600% on the first $500 million of daily net assets and decreasing to 0.350% on such assets in excess of $115 billion. CRMC waived a portion of its investment advisory services fee commencing on September 1, 2004, and terminating on December 31, 2008. During the year ended November 30, 2009, total investment advisory services fees waived by CRMC were $2,084,000. As a result, the fee shown on the accompanying financial statements of $258,073,000, which was equivalent to an annualized rate of 0.379%, was reduced to $255,989,000, or 0.376% of average daily net assets.
Class-specific fees and expenses – Expenses that are specific to individual share classes are accrued directly to the respective share class. The principal class-specific fees and expenses are described below:
Distribution services – The fund has adopted plans of distribution for all share classes, except Classes F-2, R-5 and R-6. Under the plans, the board of directors approves certain categories of expenses that are used to finance activities primarily intended to sell fund shares and service existing accounts. The plans provide for payments, based on an annualized percentage of average daily net assets, ranging from 0.30% to 1.00% as noted below. In some cases, the board of directors has limited the amounts that may be paid to less than the maximum allowed by the plans. All share classes with a plan may use up to 0.25% of average daily net assets to pay service fees, or to compensate AFD for paying service fees, to firms that have entered into agreements with AFD to provide certain shareholder services. The remaining amounts available to be paid under each plan are paid to dealers to compensate them for their sales activities.
For Classes A and 529-A, the board of directors has also approved the reimbursement of dealer and wholesaler commissions paid by AFD for certain shares sold without a sales charge. These classes reimburse AFD for amounts billed within the prior 15 months but only to the extent that the overall annual expense limit of 0.30% is not exceeded. As of November 30, 2009, there were no unreimbursed expenses subject to reimbursement for Classes A or 529-A.
Share class | Currently approved limits | Plan limits |
Class A | 0.30% | 0.30% |
Class 529-A | 0.30 | 0.50 |
Classes B and 529-B | 1.00 | 1.00 |
Classes C, 529-C and R-1 | 1.00 | 1.00 |
Class R-2 | 0.75 | 1.00 |
Classes 529-E and R-3 | 0.50 | 0.75 |
Classes F-1, 529-F-1 and R-4 | 0.25 | 0.50 |
Transfer agent services – The fund has a transfer agent agreement with AFS for Classes A and B. Under this agreement, these share classes compensate AFS for transfer agent services including shareholder recordkeeping, communications and transaction processing. AFS is also compensated for certain transfer agent services provided to all other share classes from the administrative services fees paid to CRMC as described below.
Administrative services – The fund has an administrative services agreement with CRMC to provide transfer agent and other related shareholder services for all share classes other than Classes A and B. Each relevant share class pays CRMC annual fees up to 0.15% (0.10% for Class R-5 and 0.05% for Class R-6) based on its respective average daily net assets. Each relevant share class also pays AFS additional amounts for certain transfer agent services. CRMC and AFS may use these fees to compensate third parties for performing these services. Each 529 share class is subject to an additional administrative services fee payable to the Commonwealth of Virginia for the maintenance of the 529 college savings plan. The quarterly fee is based on a declining series of annual rates beginning with 0.10% on the first $30 billion of the net assets invested in Class 529 shares of the American Funds and decreasing to 0.06% on such assets between $120 billion and $150 billion. The fee for any given calendar quarter is accrued and calculated on the basis of the average net assets of Class 529 shares of the American Funds for the last month of the prior calendar quarter. Although these amounts are included with administrative services fees on the accompanying financial statements, the Commonwealth of Virginia is not considered a related party.
Expenses under the agreements described on the previous page for the year ended November 30, 2009, were as follows (dollars in thousands):
Share class | Distribution services | Transfer agent services | Administrative services |
CRMC administrative services | Transfer agent services | Commonwealth of Virginia administrative services |
Class A | $105,943 | $81,750 | Not applicable | Not applicable | Not applicable |
Class B | 26,470 | 4,635 | Not applicable | Not applicable | Not applicable |
Class C | 54,942 | Included in administrative services | $8,247 | $1,583 | Not applicable |
Class F-1 | 8,736 | 4,684 | 533 | Not applicable |
Class F-2 | Not applicable | 756 | 44 | Not applicable |
Class 529-A | 2,725 | 1,696 | 291 | $1,426 |
Class 529-B | 1,570 | 188 | 64 | 157 |
Class 529-C | 3,902 | 465 | 134 | 391 |
Class 529-E | 319 | 76 | 13 | 64 |
Class 529-F-1 | - | 45 | 8 | 38 |
Class R-1 | 1,609 | 198 | 60 | Not applicable |
Class R-2 | 7,550 | 1,502 | 3,376 | Not applicable |
Class R-3 | 8,547 | 2,531 | 996 | Not applicable |
Class R-4 | 3,537 | 2,081 | 68 | Not applicable |
Class R-5 | Not applicable | 1,406 | 27 | Not applicable |
Class R-6* | Not applicable | 114 | 1 | Not applicable |
Total | $225,850 | $86,385 | $23,989 | $7,198 | $2,076 |
*Class R-6 was offered beginning May 1, 2009.
Directors’ deferred compensation – Since the adoption of the deferred compensation plan in 1993, directors who are unaffiliated with CRMC may elect to defer the cash payment of part or all of their compensation. These deferred amounts, which remain as liabilities of the fund, are treated as if invested in shares of the fund or other American Funds. These amounts represent general, unsecured liabilities of the fund and vary according to the total returns of the selected funds. Directors’ compensation of $915,000, shown on the accompanying financial statements, includes $671,000 in current fees (either paid in cash or deferred) and a net increase of $244,000 in the value of the deferred amounts.
Affiliated officers and directors – Officers and certain directors of the fund are or may be considered to be affiliated with CRMC, AFS and AFD. No affiliated officers or directors received any compensation directly from the fund.
5. Disclosure of fair value measurements
The fund classifies its assets and liabilities into three levels based on the method used to value the assets or liabilities. Level 1 values are based on quoted prices in active markets for identical securities. Level 2 values are based on significant observable market inputs, such as quoted prices for similar securities and quoted prices in inactive markets. Level 3 values are based on significant unobservable inputs that reflect the fund’s determination of assumptions that market participants might reasonably use in valuing the securities. The valuation levels are not necessarily an indication of the risk or liquidity associated with the underlying investment. For example, U.S. government securities are generally high-quality and liquid; however, they are reflected as Level 2 because the inputs used to determine fair value may not always be quoted prices in an active market. The following table presents the fund’s valuation levels as of November 30, 2009 (dollars in thousands):
Investment securities: | | Level 1 | | | Level 2 | | | Level 3 | | | Total | |
Common stocks: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Financials | | $ | 14,275,045 | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | 14,275,045 | |
Information technology | | | 8,386,551 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 8,386,551 | |
Telecommunication services | | | 7,612,518 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 7,612,518 | |
Health care | | | 7,143,973 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 7,143,973 | |
Consumer staples | | | 7,067,723 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 7,067,723 | |
Industrials | | | 6,997,912 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 6,997,912 | |
Consumer discretionary | | | 6,629,325 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 6,629,325 | |
Energy | | | 5,842,982 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 5,842,982 | |
Utilities | | | 5,310,440 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 5,310,440 | |
Materials | | | 3,193,931 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 3,193,931 | |
Miscellaneous | | | 3,548,417 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 3,548,417 | |
Preferred stocks | | | - | | | | 240,672 | | | | - | | | | 240,672 | |
Rights | | | 38,159 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 38,159 | |
Convertible securities | | | 226,421 | | | | 67,944 | | | | - | | | | 294,365 | |
Bonds & notes | | | - | | | | 715,412 | | | | - | | | | 715,412 | |
Short-term securities | | | - | | | | 3,710,846 | | | | - | | | | 3,710,846 | |
Total | | $ | 76,273,397 | | | $ | 4,734,874 | | | $ | - | | | $ | 81,008,271 | |
The following table reconciles the valuation of the fund's Level 3 investment securities and related transactions for the year ended November 30, 2009 (dollars in thousands): |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Beginning value at 12/1/2008 | | | Net purchases | | | Net unrealized depreciation (*) | | | Net transfers out of Level 3 | | | Ending value at 11/30/2009 |
Investment securities | | $ | - | | | $ | 63,750 | | | $ | (38,740 | ) | | $ | (25,010 | ) | | $ | - | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(*) Net unrealized depreciation are included in the related amounts on investments in the statement of operations. |
6. Capital share transactions
Capital share transactions in the fund were as follows (dollars and shares in thousands):
Share class | | Sales(1) | | | Reinvestments of dividends and distributions | | | Repurchases(1) | | | Net (decrease) increase | |
| | Amount | | | Shares | | | Amount | | | Shares | | | Amount | | | Shares | | | Amount | | | Shares | |
Year ended November 30, 2009 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class A | | $ | 5,634,311 | | | | 202,086 | | | $ | 1,632,579 | | | | 60,039 | | | $ | (10,857,239 | ) | | | (407,937 | ) | | $ | (3,590,349 | ) | | | (145,812 | ) |
Class B | | | 146,474 | | | | 5,569 | | | | 73,743 | | | | 2,731 | | | | (572,222 | ) | | | (21,521 | ) | | | (352,005 | ) | | | (13,221 | ) |
Class C | | | 663,023 | | | | 23,791 | | | | 149,763 | | | | 5,564 | | | | (1,340,195 | ) | | | (51,270 | ) | | | (527,409 | ) | | | (21,915 | ) |
Class F-1 | | | 1,062,501 | | | | 38,240 | | | | 114,839 | | | | 4,234 | | | | (1,703,989 | ) | | | (63,851 | ) | | | (526,649 | ) | | | (21,377 | ) |
Class F-2 | | | 983,737 | | | | 34,325 | | | | 13,832 | | | | 487 | | | | (153,120 | ) | | | (5,313 | ) | | | 844,449 | | | | 29,499 | |
Class 529-A | | | 245,229 | | | | 8,767 | | | | 49,793 | | | | 1,831 | | | | (156,871 | ) | | | (5,846 | ) | | | 138,151 | | | | 4,752 | |
Class 529-B | | | 11,926 | | | | 462 | | | | 4,336 | | | | 160 | | | | (14,889 | ) | | | (562 | ) | | | 1,373 | | | | 60 | |
Class 529-C | | | 81,220 | | | | 2,922 | | | | 10,746 | | | | 397 | | | | (58,574 | ) | | | (2,176 | ) | | | 33,392 | | | | 1,143 | |
Class 529-E | | | 12,904 | | | | 465 | | | | 2,048 | | | | 75 | | | | (8,500 | ) | | | (317 | ) | | | 6,452 | | | | 223 | |
Class 529-F-1 | | | 11,134 | | | | 397 | | | | 1,373 | | | | 51 | | | | (6,695 | ) | | | (243 | ) | | | 5,812 | | | | 205 | |
Class R-1 | | | 71,826 | | | | 2,580 | | | | 4,454 | | | | 164 | | | | (31,923 | ) | | | (1,164 | ) | | | 44,357 | | | | 1,580 | |
Class R-2 | | | 359,598 | | | | 13,225 | | | | 27,535 | | | | 1,019 | | | | (256,621 | ) | | | (9,388 | ) | | | 130,512 | | | | 4,856 | |
Class R-3 | | | 677,243 | | | | 24,411 | | | | 55,047 | | | | 2,027 | | | | (438,046 | ) | | | (15,794 | ) | | | 294,244 | | | | 10,644 | |
Class R-4 | | | 618,187 | | | | 22,241 | | | | 49,529 | | | | 1,816 | | | | (418,241 | ) | | | (15,026 | ) | | | 249,475 | | | | 9,031 | |
Class R-5 | | | 597,447 | | | | 21,560 | | | | 53,891 | | | | 1,991 | | | | (852,656 | ) | | | (31,119 | ) | | | (201,318 | ) | | | (7,568 | ) |
Class R-6(2) | | | 426,564 | | | | 15,423 | | | | 6,858 | | | | 234 | | | | (11,555 | ) | | | (361 | ) | | | 421,867 | | | | 15,296 | |
Total net increase | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(decrease) | | $ | 11,603,324 | | | | 416,464 | | | $ | 2,250,366 | | | | 82,820 | | | $ | (16,881,336 | ) | | | (631,888 | ) | | $ | (3,027,646 | ) | | | (132,604 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Year ended November 30, 2008 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class A | | $ | 11,961,360 | | | | 302,293 | | | $ | 7,623,707 | | | | 181,028 | | | $ | (13,282,179 | ) | | | (385,998 | ) | | $ | 6,302,888 | | | | 97,323 | |
Class B | | | 635,434 | | | | 16,074 | | | | 404,754 | | | | 9,600 | | | | (742,987 | ) | | | (21,168 | ) | | | 297,201 | | | | 4,506 | |
Class C | | | 1,777,688 | | | | 44,751 | | | | 843,376 | | | | 20,069 | | | | (1,950,929 | ) | | | (56,716 | ) | | | 670,135 | | | | 8,104 | |
Class F-1 | | | 2,378,035 | | | | 60,886 | | | | 561,629 | | | | 13,367 | | | | (2,130,959 | ) | | | (61,949 | ) | | | 808,705 | | | | 12,304 | |
Class F-2(3) | | | 171,088 | | | | 5,477 | | | | 354 | | | | 10 | | | | (14,535 | ) | | | (513 | ) | | | 156,907 | | | | 4,974 | |
Class 529-A | | | 452,384 | | | | 11,541 | | | | 175,445 | | | | 4,183 | | | | (147,382 | ) | | | (4,159 | ) | | | 480,447 | | | | 11,565 | |
Class 529-B | | | 42,218 | | | | 1,084 | | | | 19,129 | | | | 454 | | | | (15,041 | ) | | | (427 | ) | | | 46,306 | | | | 1,111 | |
Class 529-C | | | 141,424 | | | | 3,604 | | | | 45,344 | | | | 1,077 | | | | (57,059 | ) | | | (1,607 | ) | | | 129,709 | | | | 3,074 | |
Class 529-E | | | 19,139 | | | | 497 | | | | 7,749 | | | | 185 | | | | (8,107 | ) | | | (224 | ) | | | 18,781 | | | | 458 | |
Class 529-F-1 | | | 16,196 | | | | 413 | | | | 4,303 | | | | 103 | | | | (6,204 | ) | | | (169 | ) | | | 14,295 | | | | 347 | |
Class R-1 | | | 97,956 | | | | 2,549 | | | | 14,333 | | | | 342 | | | | (41,763 | ) | | | (1,174 | ) | | | 70,526 | | | | 1,717 | |
Class R-2 | | | 500,171 | | | | 13,071 | | | | 112,394 | | | | 2,679 | | | | (314,287 | ) | | | (8,533 | ) | | | 298,278 | | | | 7,217 | |
Class R-3 | | | 968,403 | | | | 25,368 | | | | 180,882 | | | | 4,318 | | | | (514,400 | ) | | | (13,973 | ) | | | 634,885 | | | | 15,713 | |
Class R-4 | | | 884,814 | | | | 22,799 | | | | 151,547 | | | | 3,617 | | | | (442,681 | ) | | | (12,024 | ) | | | 593,680 | | | | 14,392 | |
Class R-5 | | | 920,198 | | | | 23,297 | | | | 192,108 | | | | 4,581 | | | | (467,688 | ) | | | (12,572 | ) | | | 644,618 | | | | 15,306 | |
Total net increase | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(decrease) | | $ | 20,966,508 | | | | 533,704 | | | $ | 10,337,054 | | | | 245,613 | | | $ | (20,136,201 | ) | | | (581,206 | ) | | $ | 11,167,361 | | | | 198,111 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(1)Includes exchanges between share classes of the fund. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(2)Class R-6 was offered beginning May 1, 2009. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(3)Class F-2 was offered beginning August 1, 2008. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
7. Investment transactions
The fund made purchases and sales of investment securities, excluding short-term securities and U.S. government obligations, if any, of $27,108,069,000 and $27,129,984,000, respectively, during the year ended November 30, 2009.
8. Subsequent events
As of January 8, 2010, the date the financial statements were available to be issued, no subsequent events or transactions had occurred that would have materially impacted the financial statements as presented.
Financial highlights(1)
| | | | | Income (loss) from investment operations(2) | | | Dividends and distributions | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Net asset value, beginning of period | | | Net investment income(3) | | | Net gains (losses) on securities (both realized and unrealized) | | | Total from investment operations | | | Dividends (from net investment income) | | | Distributions (from capital gains) | | | Total dividends and distributions | | | Net asset value, end of period | | | Total return(4) (5) | | | Net assets, end of period (in millions) | | | Ratio of expenses to average net assets before reimbursements/ waivers | | | Ratio of expenses to average net assets after reimbursements/ waivers(5) | | | Ratio of net income to average net assets(3) (5) | |
Class A: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Year ended 11/30/2009 | | $ | 25.50 | | | $ | .78 | | | $ | 8.52 | | | $ | 9.30 | | | $ | (1.00 | ) | | $ | - | | | $ | (1.00 | ) | | $ | 33.80 | | | | 37.48 | % | | $ | 56,058 | | | | .83 | % | | | .83 | % | | | 2.80 | % |
Year ended 11/30/2008 | | | 48.56 | | | | 1.27 | | | | (19.81 | ) | | | (18.54 | ) | | | (1.18 | ) | | | (3.34 | ) | | | (4.52 | ) | | | 25.50 | | | | (41.75 | ) | | | 46,011 | | | | .75 | | | | .71 | | | | 3.28 | |
Year ended 11/30/2007 | | | 42.82 | | | | 1.24 | | | | 7.40 | | | | 8.64 | | | | (1.10 | ) | | | (1.80 | ) | | | (2.90 | ) | | | 48.56 | | | | 21.23 | | | | 82,899 | | | | .73 | | | | .69 | | | | 2.75 | |
Year ended 11/30/2006 | | | 36.99 | | | | .96 | | | | 7.26 | | | | 8.22 | | | | (.95 | ) | | | (1.44 | ) | | | (2.39 | ) | | | 42.82 | | | | 23.38 | | | | 60,265 | | | | .73 | | | | .69 | | | | 2.44 | |
Year ended 11/30/2005 | | | 33.80 | | | | .84 | | | | 3.95 | | | | 4.79 | | | | (.80 | ) | | | (.80 | ) | | | (1.60 | ) | | | 36.99 | | | | 14.78 | | | | 39,841 | | | | .76 | | | | .73 | | | | 2.41 | |
Class B: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Year ended 11/30/2009 | | | 25.34 | | | | .57 | | | | 8.46 | | | | 9.03 | | | | (.79 | ) | | | - | | | | (.79 | ) | | | 33.58 | | | | 36.43 | | | | 2,999 | | | | 1.61 | | | | 1.61 | | | | 2.04 | |
Year ended 11/30/2008 | | | 48.27 | | | | .96 | | | | (19.69 | ) | | | (18.73 | ) | | | (.86 | ) | | | (3.34 | ) | | | (4.20 | ) | | | 25.34 | | | | (42.21 | ) | | | 2,598 | | | | 1.52 | | | | 1.48 | | | | 2.51 | |
Year ended 11/30/2007 | | | 42.58 | | | | .89 | | | | 7.36 | | | | 8.25 | | | | (.76 | ) | | | (1.80 | ) | | | (2.56 | ) | | | 48.27 | | | | 20.29 | | | | 4,731 | | | | 1.50 | | | | 1.46 | | | | 1.98 | |
Year ended 11/30/2006 | | | 36.79 | | | | .64 | | | | 7.24 | | | | 7.88 | | | | (.65 | ) | | | (1.44 | ) | | | (2.09 | ) | | | 42.58 | | | | 22.40 | | | | 3,443 | | | | 1.53 | | | | 1.49 | | | | 1.65 | |
Year ended 11/30/2005 | | | 33.63 | | | | .56 | | | | 3.93 | | | | 4.49 | | | | (.53 | ) | | | (.80 | ) | | | (1.33 | ) | | | 36.79 | | | | 13.91 | | | | 2,158 | | | | 1.55 | | | | 1.52 | | | | 1.62 | |
Class C: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Year ended 11/30/2009 | | | 25.25 | | | | .56 | | | | 8.43 | | | | 8.99 | | | | (.79 | ) | | | - | | | | (.79 | ) | | | 33.45 | | | | 36.42 | | | | 6,428 | | | | 1.61 | | | | 1.61 | | | | 2.01 | |
Year ended 11/30/2008 | | | 48.11 | | | | .95 | | | | (19.63 | ) | | | (18.68 | ) | | | (.84 | ) | | | (3.34 | ) | | | (4.18 | ) | | | 25.25 | | | | (42.23 | ) | | | 5,405 | | | | 1.56 | | | | 1.52 | | | | 2.47 | |
Year ended 11/30/2007 | | | 42.46 | | | | .87 | | | | 7.32 | | | | 8.19 | | | | (.74 | ) | | | (1.80 | ) | | | (2.54 | ) | | | 48.11 | | | | 20.22 | | | | 9,910 | | | | 1.55 | | | | 1.51 | | | | 1.94 | |
Year ended 11/30/2006 | | | 36.69 | | | | .62 | | | | 7.22 | | | | 7.84 | | | | (.63 | ) | | | (1.44 | ) | | | (2.07 | ) | | | 42.46 | | | | 22.35 | | | | 6,572 | | | | 1.58 | | | | 1.54 | | | | 1.60 | |
Year ended 11/30/2005 | | | 33.54 | | | | .54 | | | | 3.93 | | | | 4.47 | | | | (.52 | ) | | | (.80 | ) | | | (1.32 | ) | | | 36.69 | | | | 13.83 | | | | 3,781 | | | | 1.61 | | | | 1.57 | | | | 1.56 | |
Class F-1: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Year ended 11/30/2009 | | | 25.46 | | | | .79 | | | | 8.50 | | | | 9.29 | | | | (1.01 | ) | | | - | | | | (1.01 | ) | | | 33.74 | | | | 37.49 | | | | 4,152 | | | | .82 | | | | .81 | | | | 2.83 | |
Year ended 11/30/2008 | | | 48.48 | | | | 1.27 | | | | (19.78 | ) | | | (18.51 | ) | | | (1.17 | ) | | | (3.34 | ) | | | (4.51 | ) | | | 25.46 | | | | (41.76 | ) | | | 3,677 | | | | .76 | | | | .72 | | | | 3.30 | |
Year ended 11/30/2007 | | | 42.76 | | | | 1.23 | | | | 7.38 | | | | 8.61 | | | | (1.09 | ) | | | (1.80 | ) | | | (2.89 | ) | | | 48.48 | | | | 21.22 | | | | 6,406 | | | | .75 | | | | .71 | | | | 2.73 | |
Year ended 11/30/2006 | | | 36.94 | | | | .94 | | | | 7.26 | | | | 8.20 | | | | (.94 | ) | | | (1.44 | ) | | | (2.38 | ) | | | 42.76 | | | | 23.35 | | | | 4,174 | | | | .76 | | | | .72 | | | | 2.41 | |
Year ended 11/30/2005 | | | 33.75 | | | | .81 | | | | 3.95 | | | | 4.76 | | | | (.77 | ) | | | (.80 | ) | | | (1.57 | ) | | | 36.94 | | | | 14.72 | | | | 2,445 | | | | .82 | | | | .78 | | | | 2.35 | |
Class F-2: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Year ended 11/30/2009 | | | 25.51 | | | | .72 | | | | 8.64 | | | | 9.36 | | | | (1.08 | ) | | | - | | | | (1.08 | ) | | | 33.79 | | | | 37.80 | | | | 1,165 | | | | .58 | | | | .58 | | | | 2.42 | |
Period from 8/1/2008 to 11/30/2008 | | | 38.34 | | | | .23 | | | | (12.79 | ) | | | (12.56 | ) | | | (.27 | ) | | | - | | | | (.27 | ) | | | 25.51 | | | | (32.95 | ) | | | 127 | | | | .18 | | | | .17 | | | | .83 | |
Class 529-A: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Year ended 11/30/2009 | | | 25.45 | | | | .77 | | | | 8.49 | | | | 9.26 | | | | (.99 | ) | | | - | | | | (.99 | ) | | | 33.72 | | | | 37.41 | | | | 1,796 | | | | .87 | | | | .86 | | | | 2.75 | |
Year ended 11/30/2008 | | | 48.46 | | | | 1.24 | | | | (19.76 | ) | | | (18.52 | ) | | | (1.15 | ) | | | (3.34 | ) | | | (4.49 | ) | | | 25.45 | | | | (41.77 | ) | | | 1,235 | | | | .80 | | | | .77 | | | | 3.23 | |
Year ended 11/30/2007 | | | 42.75 | | | | 1.21 | | | | 7.37 | | | | 8.58 | | | | (1.07 | ) | | | (1.80 | ) | | | (2.87 | ) | | | 48.46 | | | | 21.13 | | | | 1,791 | | | | .80 | | | | .76 | | | | 2.69 | |
Year ended 11/30/2006 | | | 36.93 | | | | .93 | | | | 7.26 | | | | 8.19 | | | | (.93 | ) | | | (1.44 | ) | | | (2.37 | ) | | | 42.75 | | | | 23.33 | | | | 1,089 | | | | .79 | | | | .75 | | | | 2.39 | |
Year ended 11/30/2005 | | | 33.75 | | | | .81 | | | | 3.94 | | | | 4.75 | | | | (.77 | ) | | | (.80 | ) | | | (1.57 | ) | | | 36.93 | | | | 14.68 | | | | 585 | | | | .83 | | | | .80 | | | | 2.33 | |
Class 529-B: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Year ended 11/30/2009 | | | 25.35 | | | | .54 | | | | 8.46 | | | | 9.00 | | | | (.77 | ) | | | - | | | | (.77 | ) | | | 33.58 | | | | 36.29 | | | | 188 | | | | 1.70 | | | | 1.69 | | | | 1.95 | |
Year ended 11/30/2008 | | | 48.28 | | | | .92 | | | | (19.70 | ) | | | (18.78 | ) | | | (.81 | ) | | | (3.34 | ) | | | (4.15 | ) | | | 25.35 | | | | (42.26 | ) | | | 140 | | | | 1.62 | | | | 1.58 | | | | 2.41 | |
Year ended 11/30/2007 | | | 42.59 | | | | .84 | | | | 7.37 | | | | 8.21 | | | | (.72 | ) | | | (1.80 | ) | | | (2.52 | ) | | | 48.28 | | | | 20.15 | | | | 214 | | | | 1.61 | | | | 1.58 | | | | 1.87 | |
Year ended 11/30/2006 | | | 36.80 | | | | .60 | | | | 7.23 | | | | 7.83 | | | | (.60 | ) | | | (1.44 | ) | | | (2.04 | ) | | | 42.59 | | | | 22.25 | | | | 142 | | | | 1.64 | | | | 1.60 | | | | 1.53 | |
Year ended 11/30/2005 | | | 33.64 | | | | .51 | | | | 3.93 | | | | 4.44 | | | | (.48 | ) | | | (.80 | ) | | | (1.28 | ) | | | 36.80 | | | | 13.71 | | | | 81 | | | | 1.70 | | | | 1.67 | | | | 1.46 | |
Class 529-C: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Year ended 11/30/2009 | | | 25.34 | | | | .54 | | | | 8.47 | | | | 9.01 | | | | (.78 | ) | | | - | | | | (.78 | ) | | | 33.57 | | | | 36.32 | | | | 491 | | | | 1.69 | | | | 1.68 | | | | 1.93 | |
Year ended 11/30/2008 | | | 48.27 | | | | .92 | | | | (19.69 | ) | | | (18.77 | ) | | | (.82 | ) | | | (3.34 | ) | | | (4.16 | ) | | | 25.34 | | | | (42.27 | ) | | | 342 | | | | 1.61 | | | | 1.58 | | | | 2.42 | |
Year ended 11/30/2007 | | | 42.59 | | | | .84 | | | | 7.36 | | | | 8.20 | | | | (.72 | ) | | | (1.80 | ) | | | (2.52 | ) | | | 48.27 | | | | 20.17 | | | | 503 | | | | 1.61 | | | | 1.57 | | | | 1.88 | |
Year ended 11/30/2006 | | | 36.80 | | | | .60 | | | | 7.24 | | | | 7.84 | | | | (.61 | ) | | | (1.44 | ) | | | (2.05 | ) | | | 42.59 | | | | 22.27 | | | | 304 | | | | 1.63 | | | | 1.59 | | | | 1.54 | |
Year ended 11/30/2005 | | | 33.63 | | | | .51 | | | | 3.94 | | | | 4.45 | | | | (.48 | ) | | | (.80 | ) | | | (1.28 | ) | | | 36.80 | | | | 13.73 | | | | 162 | | | | 1.69 | | | | 1.65 | | | | 1.47 | |
Class 529-E: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Year ended 11/30/2009 | | | 25.41 | | | | .68 | | | | 8.49 | | | | 9.17 | | | | (.91 | ) | | | - | | | | (.91 | ) | | | 33.67 | | | | 37.03 | | | | 80 | | | | 1.18 | | | | 1.17 | | | | 2.43 | |
Year ended 11/30/2008 | | | 48.40 | | | | 1.12 | | | | (19.74 | ) | | | (18.62 | ) | | | (1.03 | ) | | | (3.34 | ) | | | (4.37 | ) | | | 25.41 | | | | (41.97 | ) | | | 55 | | | | 1.11 | | | | 1.07 | | | | 2.92 | |
Year ended 11/30/2007 | | | 42.69 | | | | 1.07 | | | | 7.38 | | | | 8.45 | | | | (.94 | ) | | | (1.80 | ) | | | (2.74 | ) | | | 48.40 | | | | 20.76 | | | | 83 | | | | 1.10 | | | | 1.07 | | | | 2.38 | |
Year ended 11/30/2006 | | | 36.89 | | | | .81 | | | | 7.23 | | | | 8.04 | | | | (.80 | ) | | | (1.44 | ) | | | (2.24 | ) | | | 42.69 | | | | 22.92 | | | | 53 | | | | 1.11 | | | | 1.08 | | | | 2.06 | |
Year ended 11/30/2005 | | | 33.71 | | | | .69 | | | | 3.94 | | | | 4.63 | | | | (.65 | ) | | | (.80 | ) | | | (1.45 | ) | | | 36.89 | | | | 14.31 | | | | 30 | | | | 1.17 | | | | 1.13 | | | | 1.99 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class 529-F-1: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Year ended 11/30/2009 | | $ | 25.47 | | | $ | .82 | | | $ | 8.50 | | | $ | 9.32 | | | $ | (1.04 | ) | | $ | - | | | $ | (1.04 | ) | | $ | 33.75 | | | | 37.68 | % | | $ | 49 | | | | .68 | % | | | .67 | % | | | 2.93 | % |
Year ended 11/30/2008 | | | 48.50 | | | | 1.31 | | | | (19.76 | ) | | | (18.45 | ) | | | (1.24 | ) | | | (3.34 | ) | | | (4.58 | ) | | | 25.47 | | | | (41.66 | ) | | | 31 | | | | .61 | | | | .57 | | | | 3.44 | |
Year ended 11/30/2007 | | | 42.78 | | | | 1.31 | | | | 7.36 | | | | 8.67 | | | | (1.15 | ) | | | (1.80 | ) | | | (2.95 | ) | | | 48.50 | | | | 21.36 | | | | 43 | | | | .60 | | | | .57 | | | | 2.89 | |
Year ended 11/30/2006 | | | 36.95 | | | | 1.00 | | | | 7.27 | | | | 8.27 | | | | (1.00 | ) | | | (1.44 | ) | | | (2.44 | ) | | | 42.78 | | | | 23.55 | | | | 22 | | | | .61 | | | | .58 | | | | 2.56 | |
Year ended 11/30/2005 | | | 33.75 | | | | .83 | | | | 3.94 | | | | 4.77 | | | | (.77 | ) | | | (.80 | ) | | | (1.57 | ) | | | 36.95 | | | | 14.74 | | | | 12 | | | | .76 | | | | .73 | | | | 2.40 | |
Class R-1: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Year ended 11/30/2009 | | | 25.31 | | | | .57 | | | | 8.45 | | | | 9.02 | | | | (.81 | ) | | | - | | | | (.81 | ) | | | 33.52 | | | | 36.45 | | | | 217 | | | | 1.58 | | | | 1.58 | | | | 2.02 | |
Year ended 11/30/2008 | | | 48.22 | | | | .96 | | | | (19.67 | ) | | | (18.71 | ) | | | (.86 | ) | | | (3.34 | ) | | | (4.20 | ) | | | 25.31 | | | | (42.21 | ) | | | 124 | | | | 1.52 | | | | 1.48 | | | | 2.54 | |
Year ended 11/30/2007 | | | 42.55 | | | | .87 | | | | 7.34 | | | | 8.21 | | | | (.74 | ) | | | (1.80 | ) | | | (2.54 | ) | | | 48.22 | | | | 20.20 | | | | 153 | | | | 1.56 | | | | 1.52 | | | | 1.93 | |
Year ended 11/30/2006 | | | 36.78 | | | | .62 | | | | 7.21 | | | | 7.83 | | | | (.62 | ) | | | (1.44 | ) | | | (2.06 | ) | | | 42.55 | | | | 22.31 | | | | 86 | | | | 1.60 | | | | 1.56 | | | | 1.58 | |
Year ended 11/30/2005 | | | 33.63 | | | | .53 | | | | 3.93 | | | | 4.46 | | | | (.51 | ) | | | (.80 | ) | | | (1.31 | ) | | | 36.78 | | | | 13.78 | | | | 44 | | | | 1.63 | | | | 1.58 | | | | 1.54 | |
Class R-2: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Year ended 11/30/2009 | | | 25.25 | | | | .55 | | | | 8.43 | | | | 8.98 | | | | (.78 | ) | | | - | | | | (.78 | ) | | | 33.45 | | | | 36.34 | | | | 1,270 | | | | 1.66 | | | | 1.66 | | | | 1.95 | |
Year ended 11/30/2008 | | | 48.11 | | | | .93 | | | | (19.62 | ) | | | (18.69 | ) | | | (.83 | ) | | | (3.34 | ) | | | (4.17 | ) | | | 25.25 | | | | (42.24 | ) | | | 836 | | | | 1.59 | | | | 1.55 | | | | 2.45 | |
Year ended 11/30/2007 | | | 42.46 | | | | .86 | | | | 7.33 | | | | 8.19 | | | | (.74 | ) | | | (1.80 | ) | | | (2.54 | ) | | | 48.11 | | | | 20.18 | | | | 1,246 | | | | 1.59 | | | | 1.53 | | | | 1.93 | |
Year ended 11/30/2006 | | | 36.70 | | | | .62 | | | | 7.20 | | | | 7.82 | | | | (.62 | ) | | | (1.44 | ) | | | (2.06 | ) | | | 42.46 | | | | 22.34 | | | | 793 | | | | 1.70 | | | | 1.54 | | | | 1.59 | |
Year ended 11/30/2005 | | | 33.55 | | | | .54 | | | | 3.93 | | | | 4.47 | | | | (.52 | ) | | | (.80 | ) | | | (1.32 | ) | | | 36.70 | | | | 13.83 | | | | 437 | | | | 1.79 | | | | 1.57 | | | | 1.56 | |
Class R-3: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Year ended 11/30/2009 | | | 25.37 | | | | .69 | | | | 8.48 | | | | 9.17 | | | | (.93 | ) | | | - | | | | (.93 | ) | | | 33.61 | | | | 37.07 | | | | 2,208 | | | | 1.13 | | | | 1.13 | | | | 2.47 | |
Year ended 11/30/2008 | | | 48.32 | | | | 1.12 | | | | (19.70 | ) | | | (18.58 | ) | | | (1.03 | ) | | | (3.34 | ) | | | (4.37 | ) | | | 25.37 | | | | (41.95 | ) | | | 1,397 | | | | 1.09 | | | | 1.05 | | | | 2.95 | |
Year ended 11/30/2007 | | | 42.63 | | | | 1.07 | | | | 7.36 | | | | 8.43 | | | | (.94 | ) | | | (1.80 | ) | | | (2.74 | ) | | | 48.32 | | | | 20.77 | | | | 1,901 | | | | 1.10 | | | | 1.07 | | | | 2.39 | |
Year ended 11/30/2006 | | | 36.83 | | | | .80 | | | | 7.24 | | | | 8.04 | | | | (.80 | ) | | | (1.44 | ) | | | (2.24 | ) | | | 42.63 | | | | 22.86 | | | | 1,138 | | | | 1.13 | | | | 1.09 | | | | 2.05 | |
Year ended 11/30/2005 | | | 33.67 | | | | .69 | | | | 3.94 | | | | 4.63 | | | | (.67 | ) | | | (.80 | ) | | | (1.47 | ) | | | 36.83 | | | | 14.34 | | | | 628 | | | | 1.15 | | | | 1.12 | | | | 2.00 | |
Class R-4: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Year ended 11/30/2009 | | | 25.46 | | | | .78 | | | | 8.50 | | | | 9.28 | | | | (1.01 | ) | | | - | | | | (1.01 | ) | | | 33.73 | | | | 37.46 | | | | 1,840 | | | | .83 | | | | .83 | | | | 2.76 | |
Year ended 11/30/2008 | | | 48.48 | | | | 1.23 | | | | (19.75 | ) | | | (18.52 | ) | | | (1.16 | ) | | | (3.34 | ) | | | (4.50 | ) | | | 25.46 | | | | (41.77 | ) | | | 1,159 | | | | .79 | | | | .76 | | | | 3.25 | |
Year ended 11/30/2007 | | | 42.76 | | | | 1.21 | | | | 7.38 | | | | 8.59 | | | | (1.07 | ) | | | (1.80 | ) | | | (2.87 | ) | | | 48.48 | | | | 21.13 | | | | 1,509 | | | | .81 | | | | .77 | | | | 2.69 | |
Year ended 11/30/2006 | | | 36.94 | | | | .92 | | | | 7.26 | | | | 8.18 | | | | (.92 | ) | | | (1.44 | ) | | | (2.36 | ) | | | 42.76 | | | | 23.28 | | | | 860 | | | | .82 | | | | .78 | | | | 2.35 | |
Year ended 11/30/2005 | | | 33.76 | | | | .79 | | | | 3.96 | | | | 4.75 | | | | (.77 | ) | | | (.80 | ) | | | (1.57 | ) | | | 36.94 | | | | 14.68 | | | | 435 | | | | .84 | | | | .81 | | | | 2.29 | |
Class R-5: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Year ended 11/30/2009 | | | 25.51 | | | | .88 | | | | 8.51 | | | | 9.39 | | | | (1.09 | ) | | | - | | | | (1.09 | ) | | | 33.81 | | | | 37.89 | | | | 1,598 | | | | .53 | | | | .53 | | | | 3.18 | |
Year ended 11/30/2008 | | | 48.58 | | | | 1.35 | | | | (19.80 | ) | | | (18.45 | ) | | | (1.28 | ) | | | (3.34 | ) | | | (4.62 | ) | | | 25.51 | | | | (41.61 | ) | | | 1,399 | | | | .50 | | | | .46 | | | | 3.54 | |
Year ended 11/30/2007 | | | 42.84 | | | | 1.36 | | | | 7.38 | | | | 8.74 | | | | (1.20 | ) | | | (1.80 | ) | | | (3.00 | ) | | | 48.58 | | | | 21.49 | | | | 1,921 | | | | .50 | | | | .47 | | | | 3.01 | |
Year ended 11/30/2006 | | | 37.01 | | | | 1.04 | | | | 7.26 | | | | 8.30 | | | | (1.03 | ) | | | (1.44 | ) | | | (2.47 | ) | | | 42.84 | | | | 23.63 | | | | 1,023 | | | | .52 | | | | .48 | | | | 2.64 | |
Year ended 11/30/2005 | | | 33.81 | | | | .91 | | | | 3.96 | | | | 4.87 | | | | (.87 | ) | | | (.80 | ) | | | (1.67 | ) | | | 37.01 | | | | 15.06 | | | | 541 | | | | .54 | | | | .50 | | | | 2.63 | |
Class R-6: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Period from 5/1/2009 to 11/30/2009 | | | 26.05 | | | | .51 | | | | 7.85 | | | | 8.36 | | | | (.59 | ) | | | - | | | | (.59 | ) | | | 33.82 | | | | 32.50 | | | | 517 | | | | .49 | (6) | | | .49 | (6) | | | 2.84 | (6) |
| | Year ended November 30 | |
| | 2009 | | | 2008 | | | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | 2005 | |
Portfolio turnover rate for all classes of shares | | | 44 | % | | | 37 | % | | | 30 | % | | | 30 | % | | | 26 | % |
Expense example
unaudited
As a shareholder of the fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, such as initial sales charges on purchase payments and contingent deferred sales charges on redemptions (loads), and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees, distribution and service (12b-1) fees, and other expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the fund so you can compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. The example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period (June 1, 2009, through November 30, 2009).
Actual expenses:
The first line of each share class in the table on the next page provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this line, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first line under the heading entitled "Expenses paid during period" to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.
Hypothetical example for comparison purposes:
The second line of each share class in the table on the next page provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the actual expense ratio for the share class and an assumed rate of return of 5.00% per year before expenses, which is not the actual return of the share class. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5.00% hypothetical example with the 5.00% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.
Notes:
There are some account fees that are charged to certain types of accounts, such as individual retirement accounts and 529 college savings plan accounts (generally, a $10 fee is charged to set up the account and an additional $10 fee is charged to the account annually), that would increase the amount of expenses paid on your account. In addition, retirement plan participants may be subject to certain fees charged by the plan sponsor, and Class F-1, F-2 and 529-F-1 shareholders may be subject to fees charged by financial intermediaries, typically ranging from 0.75% to 1.50% of assets annually depending on services offered. You can estimate the impact of these fees by adding the amount of the fees to the total estimated expenses you paid on your account during the period as calculated above. In addition, your ending account value would be lower by the amount of these fees.
Note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads). Therefore, the second line of each share class in the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.
| | Beginning account value 6/1/2009 | | | Ending account value 11/30/2009 | | | Expenses paid during period* | | | Annualized expense ratio | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class A -- actual return | | $ | 1,000.00 | | | $ | 1,209.47 | | | $ | 4.54 | | | | .82 | % |
Class A -- assumed 5% return | | | 1,000.00 | | | | 1,020.96 | | | | 4.15 | | | | .82 | |
Class B -- actual return | | | 1,000.00 | | | | 1,204.48 | | | | 8.84 | | | | 1.60 | |
Class B -- assumed 5% return | | | 1,000.00 | | | | 1,017.05 | | | | 8.09 | | | | 1.60 | |
Class C -- actual return | | | 1,000.00 | | | | 1,204.27 | | | | 8.95 | | | | 1.62 | |
Class C -- assumed 5% return | | | 1,000.00 | | | | 1,016.95 | | | | 8.19 | | | | 1.62 | |
Class F-1 -- actual return | | | 1,000.00 | | | | 1,209.21 | | | | 4.49 | | | | .81 | |
Class F-1 -- assumed 5% return | | | 1,000.00 | | | | 1,021.01 | | | | 4.10 | | | | .81 | |
Class F-2 -- actual return | | | 1,000.00 | | | | 1,210.56 | | | | 3.21 | | | | .58 | |
Class F-2 -- assumed 5% return | | | 1,000.00 | | | | 1,022.16 | | | | 2.94 | | | | .58 | |
Class 529-A -- actual return | | | 1,000.00 | | | | 1,209.03 | | | | 4.76 | | | | .86 | |
Class 529-A -- assumed 5% return | | | 1,000.00 | | | | 1,020.76 | | | | 4.36 | | | | .86 | |
Class 529-B -- actual return | | | 1,000.00 | | | | 1,204.04 | | | | 9.34 | | | | 1.69 | |
Class 529-B -- assumed 5% return | | | 1,000.00 | | | | 1,016.60 | | | | 8.54 | | | | 1.69 | |
Class 529-C -- actual return | | | 1,000.00 | | | | 1,204.26 | | | | 9.28 | | | | 1.68 | |
Class 529-C -- assumed 5% return | | | 1,000.00 | | | | 1,016.65 | | | | 8.49 | | | | 1.68 | |
Class 529-E -- actual return | | | 1,000.00 | | | | 1,207.27 | | | | 6.47 | | | | 1.17 | |
Class 529-E -- assumed 5% return | | | 1,000.00 | | | | 1,019.20 | | | | 5.92 | | | | 1.17 | |
Class 529-F-1 -- actual return | | | 1,000.00 | | | | 1,210.41 | | | | 3.71 | | | | .67 | |
Class 529-F-1 -- assumed 5% return | | | 1,000.00 | | | | 1,021.71 | | | | 3.40 | | | | .67 | |
Class R-1 -- actual return | | | 1,000.00 | | | | 1,204.84 | | | | 8.79 | | | | 1.59 | |
Class R-1 -- assumed 5% return | | | 1,000.00 | | | | 1,017.10 | | | | 8.04 | | | | 1.59 | |
Class R-2 -- actual return | | | 1,000.00 | | | | 1,204.33 | | | | 9.01 | | | | 1.63 | |
Class R-2 -- assumed 5% return | | | 1,000.00 | | | | 1,016.90 | | | | 8.24 | | | | 1.63 | |
Class R-3 -- actual return | | | 1,000.00 | | | | 1,207.17 | | | | 6.25 | | | | 1.13 | |
Class R-3 -- assumed 5% return | | | 1,000.00 | | | | 1,019.40 | | | | 5.72 | | | | 1.13 | |
Class R-4 -- actual return | | | 1,000.00 | | | | 1,209.32 | | | | 4.65 | | | | .84 | |
Class R-4 -- assumed 5% return | | | 1,000.00 | | | | 1,020.86 | | | | 4.26 | | | | .84 | |
Class R-5 -- actual return | | | 1,000.00 | | | | 1,210.84 | | | | 2.94 | | | | .53 | |
Class R-5 -- assumed 5% return | | | 1,000.00 | | | | 1,022.41 | | | | 2.69 | | | | .53 | |
Class R-6 -- actual return | | | 1,000.00 | | | | 1,211.53 | | | | 2.72 | | | | .49 | |
Class R-6 -- assumed 5% return | | | 1,000.00 | | | | 1,022.61 | | | | 2.48 | | | | .49 | |
*The “expenses paid during period” are equal to the “annualized expense ratio,” multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days in the period, and divided by 365 (to reflect the one-half year period).
Tax information
unaudited
We are required to advise you within 60 days of the fund’s fiscal year-end regarding the federal tax status of certain distributions received by shareholders during such fiscal year. The fund hereby designates the following amounts for the fund’s fiscal year ended November 30, 2009:
Foreign taxes | | $0.09 per share | |
Foreign source income | | $0.84 per share | |
Qualified dividend income | | | 100 | % |
Corporate dividends received deduction | | $ | 836,029,000 | |
U.S. government income that may be exempt from state taxation | | $ | 8,431,000 | |
Individual shareholders should refer to their Form 1099 or other tax information, which will be mailed in January 2010, to determine the calendar year amounts to be included on their 2009 tax returns. Shareholders should consult their tax advisers.
Approval of Investment Advisory and Service Agreement
The fund’s board has approved the fund’s Investment Advisory and Service Agreement (the “agreement”) with Capital Research and Management Company (“CRMC”) for an additional one-year term through October 31, 2010. The board approved the agreement following the recommendation of the fund’s Contracts Committee (the “committee”), which is composed of all of the fund’s independent board members. The board and the committee determined that the fund’s advisory fee structure was fair and reasonable in relation to the services provided and that approving the agreement was in the best interests of the fund and its shareholders.
In reaching this decision, the board and the committee took into account information furnished to them throughout the year, as well as information prepared specifically in connection with their review of the agreement, and were advised by their independent counsel. They considered the factors discussed below, among others, but did not identify any single issue or particular piece of information that, in isolation, was the controlling factor.
1. Nature, extent and quality of services
The board and the committee considered the depth and quality of CRMC’s investment management process, including its global research capabilities; the experience, capability and integrity of its senior management and other personnel; the low turnover rates of its key personnel; the overall financial strength and stability of its organization; and the ongoing evolution of CRMC’s organizational structure designed to maintain and strengthen these qualities. The board and the committee considered, among other things, the impact of current market conditions on the fund and CRMC. The board and the committee also considered the nature, extent and quality of administrative, compliance and shareholder services provided by CRMC to the fund under the agreement and other agreements, as well as the benefits to fund shareholders from investing in a fund that is part of a large family of funds. The board and the committee concluded that the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by CRMC have benefited and should continue to benefit the fund and its shareholders.
2. Investment results
The board and the committee considered the investment results of the fund in light of its objective of providing long-term growth of capital with current income. They compared the fund’s total returns with those of other relevant funds (including the other funds that are the basis of the Lipper index for the category in which the fund is included) and market data such as relevant market indices, in each case as available at the time of the related meetings. In addition to the information reviewed by the board and the committee, this report, including the letter to shareholders and related disclosures, contains certain information about the fund’s investment results. The board and the committee concluded that the fund’s long-term results have been satisfactory and that CRMC’s record in managing the fund indicated that its continued management should benefit the fund and its shareholders.
3. Advisory fees and total expenses
The board and the committee compared the advisory fees and total expense levels of the fund to those of other relevant funds. They observed that the fund’s advisory fees and expenses remain significantly below those of most other relevant funds. The board and the committee also noted the breakpoint discounts in the fund’s advisory fee structure that reduce the level of fees charged by CRMC to the fund as fund assets increase. In addition, they reviewed information regarding the advisory fees paid by institutional clients of an affiliate of CRMC with investment mandates similar to those of the fund. They noted that, although the fees paid by those clients generally were lower than those paid by the fund, the differences appropriately reflected the significant investment, operational and regulatory differences between advising mutual funds and institutional clients. The board and the committee concluded that the fund’s cost structure was fair and reasonable in relation to the services provided, and that the shareholders receive reasonable value in return for the advisory fees and other amounts paid to CRMC by the fund.
4. Ancillary benefits
The board and the committee considered a variety of other benefits received by CRMC and its affiliates as a result of CRMC’s relationship with the fund and the other American Funds, including fees for administrative services provided to certain share classes; fees paid to CRMC’s affiliated transfer agent; sales charges and distribution fees received and retained by the fund’s principal underwriter, an affiliate of CRMC; and possible ancillary benefits to CRMC’s institutional management affiliates. The board and the committee reviewed CRMC’s portfolio trading practices, noting that while CRMC receives the benefit of research provided by broker-dealers executing portfolio transactions on behalf of the fund, it does not obtain third-party research or other services in return for allocating brokerage to such broker-dealers. The board and the committee took these ancillary benefits into account in evaluating the reasonableness of the advisory fees and other amounts paid to CRMC by the fund.
5. Adviser financial information
The board and the committee reviewed information regarding CRMC’s costs of providing services to the American Funds, including personnel, systems and resources of investment, compliance, trading, accounting and other administrative operations. They considered CRMC’s costs and willingness to invest in technology, infrastructure and staff to maintain and expand services and capabilities, respond to industry and regulatory developments, and attract and retain qualified personnel. They noted information previously received regarding the compensation structure for CRMC’s investment professionals. The board and the committee also compared CRMC’s profitability to the reported results of several large, publicly held investment management companies. The board and the committee noted the competitiveness and cyclicality of both the mutual fund industry and the capital markets, and the importance in that environment of CRMC’s long-term profitability for maintaining its independence, company culture and management continuity. They further considered the breakpoint discounts in the fund’s advisory fee structure and the termination of CRMC’s 10% advisory fee waiver effective December 31, 2008. The board and the committee concluded that the fund’s advisory fee structure reflected a reasonable sharing of benefits between CRMC and the fund’s shareholders.
Board of directors and other officers
“Independent” directors | | |
| | |
| Year first | |
| elected a | |
| director of | |
Name and age | the fund1 | Principal occupation(s) during past five years |
| | |
Joseph C. Berenato, 63 | 2005 | Chairman, Ducommun Incorporated (aerospace |
| | components manufacturer) |
| | |
H. Frederick Christie, 76 | 1993 | Private investor; former President and CEO, |
Chairman of the Board | | The Mission Group (non-utility holding company, |
(Independent and | | subsidiary of Southern California Edison Company) |
Non-Executive) | | |
| | |
Robert J. Denison, 68 | 2005 | Chair, First Security Management (private investment) |
| | |
Mary Anne Dolan,4 62 | 2010 | Founder and President, MAD Ink (communications |
| | company); former Editor-in-Chief, The Los Angeles |
| | Herald Examiner |
| | |
R. Clark Hooper,4 63 | 2010 | Private investor; former President, Dumbarton Group, |
| | LLC (securities industry consulting); former Executive |
| | Vice President — Policy and Oversight, NASD |
| | |
Koichi Itoh, 69 | 2005 | Executive Chairman of the Board, Itoh Building Co., |
| | Ltd. (building management); former President, |
| | Autosplice KK (electronics) |
| | |
Merit E. Janow, 51 | 2001 | Professor, Columbia University, School of |
| | International and Public Affairs; former Member, |
| | World Trade Organization Appellate Body |
| | |
Leonade D. Jones,4 62 | 2010 | Co-founder, VentureThink LLC (developed and |
| | managed e-commerce businesses) and Versura Inc. |
| | (education loan exchange); former Treasurer, The |
| | Washington Post Company |
| | |
Gail L. Neale, 74 | 1993 | President, The Lovejoy Consulting Group, Inc. (a pro |
| | bono consulting group advising nonprofit |
| | organizations) |
| | |
Robert J. O’Neill, Ph.D., 73 | 1993 | Member of the Board of Directors, The Lowy Institute |
| | for International Policy Studies, Sydney, Australia; |
| | Chairman, Academic Advisory Committee, United |
| | States Studies Centre, University of Sydney, |
| | Australia; Chairman of Directors, Forty Seven Friends |
| | Pty Ltd (a not-for-profit supporting a local art and craft |
| | center in Australia); former Planning Director and |
| | acting CEO, United States Studies Centre, University |
| | of Sydney, Australia; former Deputy Chairman of the |
| | Council and Chairman of the International Advisory |
| | Panel, Graduate School of Government, University of |
| | Sydney, Australia; former Chairman of the Council, |
| | Australian Strategic Policy Institute; former Chichele |
| | Professor of the History of War and Fellow, All Souls |
| | College, University of Oxford; former Chairman of the |
| | Council, International Institute for Strategic Studies |
| | |
Donald E. Petersen, 83 | 1993 | Retired; former Chairman of the Board and CEO, Ford Motor Company |
| | |
Stefanie Powers, 67 | 1993–1996 | Actor, Producer; Co-founder and President of The |
| 1997 | William Holden Wildlife Foundation; conservation |
| | consultant to Land Rover and Jaguar North America; |
| | author of The Jaguar Conservation Trust |
| | |
Christopher E. Stone, 53 | 2009 | Daniel and Florence Guggenheim Professor of the |
| | Practice of Criminal Justice, John F. Kennedy School |
| | of Government, Harvard University |
| | |
Steadman Upham, Ph.D., 60 | 2001 | President and Professor of Anthropology, The |
| | University of Tulsa; former President and Professor of |
| | Archaeology, Claremont Graduate University |
| | |
Charles Wolf, Jr., Ph.D., 85 | 1993 | Senior Economic Adviser and Corporate Chair in |
| | International Economics, The RAND Corporation; |
| | former Dean, The RAND Graduate School |
| | |
| | |
“Independent” directors | | |
| | |
| Number of | |
| portfolios | |
| in fund | |
| complex2 | |
| overseen by | |
Name and age | director | Other directorships3 held by director |
| | |
Joseph C. Berenato, 63 | 6 | None |
| | |
H. Frederick Christie, 76 | 3 | AECOM Technology Corporation; |
Chairman of the Board | | DineEquity, Inc.; |
(Independent and | | Ducommun Incorporated; |
Non-Executive) | | SouthWest Water Company |
| | |
Robert J. Denison, 68 | 8 | None |
| | |
Mary Anne Dolan,4 62 | 9 | None |
| | |
R. Clark Hooper,4 63 | 44 | JPMorgan Value Opportunities Fund, Inc.; |
| | The Swiss Helvetia Fund, Inc. |
| | |
Koichi Itoh, 69 | 6 | None |
| | |
Merit E. Janow, 51 | 41 | The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC; |
| | Trimble Navigation Limited |
| | |
Leonade D. Jones,4 62 | 9 | None |
| | |
Gail L. Neale, 74 | 5 | None |
| | |
Robert J. O’Neill, Ph.D., 73 | 3 | None |
| | |
Donald E. Petersen, 83 | 2 | None |
| | |
Stefanie Powers, 67 | 3 | None |
| | |
Christopher E. Stone, 53 | 6 | None |
| | |
Steadman Upham, Ph.D., 60 | 41 | None |
| | |
Charles Wolf, Jr., Ph.D., 85 | 2 | None |
Mary Myers Kauppila retired from the board in September 2009. The directors thank Mrs. Kauppila for her dedication and service to the fund.
“Interested” directors5 | | |
| | |
| Year first | |
| elected a | |
| director or | Principal occupation(s) during past five years and |
Name, age and | officer of | positions held with affiliated entities or the |
position with fund | the fund1 | principal underwriter of the fund |
| | |
Gina H. Despres, 68 | 1999 | Senior Vice President, Capital Research and |
Vice Chairman of the Board | | Management Company; Senior Vice President, |
| | Capital Strategy Research, Inc.6 |
| | |
Mark E. Denning,4 52 | 1993 | Senior Vice President — Capital Research Global |
President | | Investors, Capital Research Company;6 Director, |
| | Capital Research and Management Company; |
| | Director, Capital International Limited6 |
| | |
| | |
“Interested” directors5 | | |
| | |
| Number of | |
| portfolios | |
| in fund | |
| complex2 | |
Name, age and | overseen by | |
position with fund | director | Other directorships3 held by director |
| | |
Gina H. Despres, 68 | 4 | None |
Vice Chairman of the Board | | |
| | |
Mark E. Denning,4 52 | 1 | None |
President | | |
Other officers | | |
| | |
| Year first | |
| elected | Principal occupation(s) during past five years and |
Name, age and | an officer | positions held with affiliated entities or the |
position with fund | of the fund1 | principal underwriter of the fund |
| | |
Stephen E. Bepler, 67 | 1993 | Senior Vice President — Capital Research Global |
Senior Vice President | | Investors, Capital Research Company6 |
| | |
Michael J. Thawley, 59 | 2007 | Senior Vice President, Capital Research and |
Senior Vice President | | Management Company; Senior Vice President, |
| | Capital Strategy Research, Inc.;6 former Australian |
| | Ambassador to the United States |
| | |
Jeanne K. Carroll, 61 | 2001 | Senior Vice President — Capital Research Global |
Vice President | | Investors, Capital Research Company6 |
| | |
Sung Lee, 43 | 2008 | Senior Vice President — Capital Research Global |
Vice President | | Investors, Capital Research Company;6 Director, The |
| | Capital Group Companies, Inc.6 |
| | |
Jesper Lyckeus, 42 | 2008 | Senior Vice President — Capital Research Global |
Vice President | | Investors, Capital Research Company6 |
| | |
David M. Riley, 42 | 2007 | Senior Vice President — Capital Research Global |
Vice President | | Investors, Capital Research and Management |
| | Company |
| | |
Donald H. Rolfe, 37 | 2008 | Associate Counsel — Fund Business Management |
Vice President | | Group, Capital Research and Management Company |
| | |
Vincent P. Corti, 53 | 1993 | Vice President — Fund Business Management |
Secretary | | Group, Capital Research and Management Company |
| | |
Jeffrey P. Regal, 38 | 2003 | Vice President — Fund Business Management |
Treasurer | | Group, Capital Research and Management Company |
| | |
Tanya Schneider, 37 | 2008 | Assistant Vice President — Fund Business |
Assistant Secretary | | Management Group, Capital Research and |
| | Management Company |
| | |
Neal F. Wellons, 38 | 2008 | Vice President — Fund Business Management |
Assistant Treasurer | | Group, Capital Research and Management Company |
The fund’s statement of additional information includes additional information about fund directors and is available without charge upon request by calling American Funds Service Company at 800/421-0180. The address for all directors and officers of the fund is 333 South Hope Street, Los Angeles, CA 90071, Attention: Secretary.
| 1Directors and officers of the fund serve until their resignation, removal or retirement. |
| 2Capital Research and Management Company manages the American Funds, consisting of 30 funds. Capital Research and Management Company also manages American Funds Insurance Series,® which is composed of 16 funds and serves as the underlying investment vehicle for certain variable insurance contracts; American Funds Target Date Retirement Series,® Inc., which is composed of nine funds and is available through tax-deferred retirement plans and IRAs; and Endowments, which is composed of two portfolios and is available to certain nonprofit organizations. |
| 3This includes all directorships (other than those in the American Funds or other funds managed by Capital Research and Management Company) that are held by each director as a director of a public company or a registered investment company. |
| 4Mary Anne Dolan, R. Clark Hooper, Leonade D. Jones and Mark E. Denning were elected to the board by the fund’s shareholders effective January 1, 2010. Paul G. Haaga, Jr. retired from the board on December 31, 2009. |
| 5“Interested persons” within the meaning of the 1940 Act, as amended, on the basis of their affiliation with the fund’s investment adviser, Capital Research and Management Company, or affiliated entities (including the fund’s principal underwriter). |
| 6Company affiliated with Capital Research and Management Company. |
Offices
Offices of the fund and of the
investment adviser
Capital Research and Management Company
333 South Hope Street
Los Angeles, CA 90071-1406
6455 Irvine Center Drive
Irvine, CA 92618
Custodian of assets
JPMorgan Chase Bank
270 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10017-2070
Transfer agent for shareholder accounts
American Funds Service Company
(Write to the address near you.)
P.O. Box 6007
Indianapolis, IN 46206-6007
P.O. Box 2280
Norfolk, VA 23501-2280
Counsel
O’Melveny & Myers LLP
400 South Hope Street
Los Angeles, CA 90071-2899
Independent registered public accounting firm
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
350 South Grand Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90071-2889
Principal underwriter
American Funds Distributors, Inc.
333 South Hope Street
Los Angeles, CA 90071-1406
Investors should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the American Funds. This and other important information is contained in the fund’s summary prospectus and prospectus, which can be obtained from your financial professional and should be read carefully before investing. You may also call American Funds Service Company (AFS) at 800/421-0180 or visit the American Funds website at americanfunds.com.
“American Funds Proxy Voting Procedures and Principles” — which describes how we vote proxies relating to portfolio securities — is available on the American Funds website or upon request by calling AFS. The fund files its proxy voting record with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for the 12 months ended June 30 by August 31. The proxy voting record is available free of charge on the SEC website at sec.gov and on the American Funds website.
A complete November 30, 2009, portfolio of Capital World Growth and Income Fund’s investments is available free of charge by calling AFS or visiting the SEC website (where it is part of Form N-CSR).
Capital World Growth and Income Fund files a complete list of its portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. This filing is available free of charge on the SEC website. You may also review or, for a fee, copy this filing at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. Additional information regarding the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling the SEC’s Office of Investor Education and Advocacy at 800/SEC-0330. Additionally, the list of portfolio holdings is available by calling AFS.
This report is for the information of shareholders of Capital World Growth and Income Fund, but it also may be used as sales literature when preceded or accompanied by the current summary prospectus or prospectus, which gives details about charges, expenses, investment objectives and operating policies of the fund. If used as sales material after March 31, 2010, this report must be accompanied by an American Funds statistical update for the most recently completed calendar quarter.
Results of meeting of shareholders (held November 24, 2009)
Shares outstanding (all classes) on record date (August 28, 2009): 2,412,373,940
Total shares voting on November 24, 2009: 1,561,542,903 (64.7% of shares outstanding)
Election of board members | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | Percent of | | | | | | Percent of | |
| | | | | shares | | | Votes | | | shares | |
Director* | | Votes for | | | voting for | | | withheld | | | withheld | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Joseph C. Berenato | | | 1,518,161,801 | | | | 97.2 | % | | | 43,381,102 | | | | 2.8 | % |
Robert J. Denison | | | 1,518,198,699 | | | | 97.2 | | | | 43,344,204 | | | | 2.8 | |
Mark E. Denning | | | 1,518,230,796 | | | | 97.2 | | | | 43,312,107 | | | | 2.8 | |
Gina H. Despres | | | 1,518,233,687 | | | | 97.2 | | | | 43,309,216 | | | | 2.8 | |
Mary Anne Dolan | | | 1,518,115,410 | | | | 97.2 | | | | 43,427,493 | | | | 2.8 | |
R. Clark Hooper | | | 1,518,018,947 | | | | 97.2 | | | | 43,523,956 | | | | 2.8 | |
Koichi Itoh | | | 1,518,118,119 | | | | 97.2 | | | | 43,424,784 | | | | 2.8 | |
Merit E. Janow | | | 1,518,029,040 | | | | 97.2 | | | | 43,513,863 | | | | 2.8 | |
Leonade D. Jones | | | 1,518,074,599 | | | | 97.2 | | | | 43,468,304 | | | | 2.8 | |
Gail L. Neale | | | 1,518,111,818 | | | | 97.2 | | | | 43,431,085 | | | | 2.8 | |
Robert J. O’Neill | | | 1,518,042,638 | | | | 97.2 | | | | 43,500,265 | | | | 2.8 | |
Stefanie Powers | | | 1,517,865,374 | | | | 97.2 | | | | 43,677,529 | | | | 2.8 | |
Christopher E. Stone | | | 1,518,190,275 | | | | 97.2 | | | | 43,352,628 | | | | 2.8 | |
Steadman Upham | | | 1,517,704,383 | | | | 97.2 | | | | 43,838,520 | | | | 2.8 | |
| | Votes for | | | Percent of outstanding shares voting for | | | Votes against | | | Percent of outstanding shares voting against | | | Votes abstaining | | | Percent of outstanding shares abstaining | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
To approve an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization | | | 1,208,997,979 | | | | 50.1 | % | | | 33,660,154 | | | | 1.4 | % | | | 318,884,770 | † | | | 13.2 | % |
| | | | | Percent of | | | | | | Percent of | | | | | | Percent of | |
| | | | | shares | | | Votes | | | shares voting | | | Votes | | | shares | |
| | Votes for | | | voting for | | | against | | | against | | | abstaining | | | abstaining | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
To update the fund’s fundamental investment policies regarding: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Borrowing | | | 1,205,674,138 | | | | 77.2 | % | | | 37,279,713 | | | | 2.4 | % | | | 318,589,052 | † | | | 20.4 | % |
Issuance of senior securities | | | 1,205,041,912 | | | | 77.2 | | | | 36,861,096 | | | | 2.3 | | | | 319,639,895 | † | | | 20.5 | |
Underwriting | | | 1,206,304,054 | | | | 77.2 | | | | 35,334,050 | | | | 2.3 | | | | 319,904,799 | † | | | 20.5 | |
Investments in real estate or commodities | | | 1,203,334,597 | | | | 77.1 | | | | 39,124,460 | | | | 2.5 | | | | 319,083,846 | † | | | 20.4 | |
Lending | | | 1,202,424,198 | | | | 77.0 | | | | 39,709,861 | | | | 2.5 | | | | 319,408,844 | † | | | 20.5 | |
Industry concentration | | | 1,207,425,199 | | | | 77.3 | | | | 34,455,702 | | | | 2.2 | | | | 319,662,002 | † | | | 20.5 | |
Elimination of certain policies | | | 1,200,840,247 | | | | 76.9 | | | | 39,051,329 | | | | 2.5 | | | | 321,651,327 | † | | | 20.6 | |
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To approve a policy allowing CRMC to appoint subsidiary advisers for the fund's day-to-day investment management without additional shareholder approval | | | 1,193,586,063 | | | | 76.4 | | | | 47,324,721 | | | | 3.1 | | | | 320,632,119 | † | | | 20.5 | |
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To approve amendments to the fund's Investment Advisory and Service Agreement with CRMC | | | 1,198,359,722 | | | | 76.7 | | | | 40,898,011 | | | | 2.7 | | | | 322,285,170 | † | | | 20.6 | |
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To approve a form of Subsidiary Agreement and appointment of one or more subsidiary advisers for the fund | | | 1,194,675,410 | | | | 76.5 | | | | 45,562,675 | | | | 2.9 | | | | 321,304,818 | † | | | 20.6 | |
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To consider a shareholder proposal regarding genocide-free investing (broker non-votes = 283,061,290) | | | 143,389,799 | | | | 11.2 | | | | 1,068,221,303 | | | | 83.6 | | | | 66,870,511 | | | | 5.2 | |
| *H. Frederick Christie, Donald E. Petersen and Charles Wolf, Jr. did not stand for election at the meeting of shareholders because they plan to retire in December 2010. |
| †Includes broker non-votes. |
[logo - American Funds®]
The right choice for the long term®
What makes American Funds different?
For nearly 80 years, we have followed a consistent philosophy to benefit our investors. Our 30 carefully conceived, broadly diversified funds, in addition to the target date retirement series, offer opportunities that have attracted over 50 million shareholder accounts.
Our unique combination of strengths includes these five factors:
| •A long-term, value-oriented approach |
| We seek to buy securities at reasonable prices relative to their prospects and hold them for the long term. |
| •An extensive global research effort |
| Our investment professionals travel the world to find the best investment opportunities and gain a comprehensive understanding of companies and markets. |
| •The multiple portfolio counselor system |
| Our unique approach to portfolio management, developed 50 years ago, blends teamwork with individual accountability and has provided American Funds with a sustainable method of achieving fund objectives. |
| •Experienced investment professionals |
| American Funds portfolio counselors have an average of 25 years of investment experience, providing a depth of knowledge and broad perspective that few organizations have. |
| •A commitment to low management fees |
| The American Funds provide exceptional value for shareholders, with management fees that are among the lowest in the mutual fund industry. |
American Funds span a range of investment objectives
| Emphasis on long-term growth through stocks |
| The Growth Fund of America® |
| Emphasis on long-term growth and dividends through stocks |
| >Capital World Growth and Income FundSM |
| International Growth and Income FundSM |
| The Investment Company of America® |
| Washington Mutual Investors FundSM |
| Emphasis on above-average income and growth through stocks and/or bonds |
| The Income Fund of America® |
| Emphasis on long-term growth and current income through stocks and bonds |
| Emphasis on current income through bonds |
| American High-Income TrustSM |
| The Bond Fund of AmericaSM |
| Intermediate Bond Fund of America® |
| Short-Term Bond Fund of AmericaSM |
| U.S. Government Securities FundSM |
| Emphasis on tax-exempt current income through municipal bonds |
| American Funds Short-Term Tax-Exempt Bond FundSM |
| American High-Income Municipal Bond Fund® |
| Limited Term Tax-Exempt Bond Fund of AmericaSM |
| The Tax-Exempt Bond Fund of America® |
| State-specific tax-exempt funds |
| The Tax-Exempt Fund of California® |
| The Tax-Exempt Fund of Maryland® |
| The Tax-Exempt Fund of Virginia® |
| American Funds Money Market FundSM |
| •American Funds Target Date Retirement Series® |
The Capital Group Companies
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