N-CSR 1 d441260dncsr.htm AMG FUNDS AMG Funds

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM N-CSR

 

 

CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED

MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES

Investment Company Act file number: 811-09521

 

 

AMG FUNDS

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

 

 

680 Washington Boulevard, Suite 500, Stamford, Connecticut 06901

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

 

 

AMG Funds LLC

680 Washington Boulevard, Suite 500, Stamford, Connecticut 06901

(Name and address of agent for service)

 

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (203) 299-3500

Date of fiscal year end: DECEMBER 31

Date of reporting period: JANUARY 1, 2022 – DECEMBER 31, 2022

(Annual Shareholder Report)

 

 

 


Item 1.

Reports to Shareholders


LOGO    ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

    

AMG Funds

 

December 31, 2022

 
     LOGO
 
     AMG GW&K Small Cap Core Fund
 
     Class N: GWETX    |    Class I: GWEIX    |    Class Z: GWEZX
 
     AMG GW&K Small Cap Value Fund
 
     Class N: SKSEX     |    Class I: SKSIX       |    Class Z: SKSZX
 
     AMG GW&K Small/Mid Cap Fund
 
     Class N: GWGVX    |    Class I: GWGIX     |    Class Z: GWGZX
 
     AMG GW&K Global Allocation Fund
 
     Class N: MBEAX   |    Class I: MBESX      |    Class Z: MBEYX
 
    
 
    

 

 

 

 

 

 

amgfunds.com           123122            AR089



    

    

AMG Funds

Annual Report — December 31, 2022

 

 

 

    

         
       TABLE OF CONTENTS    PAGE  
 

 

 
   

LETTER TO SHAREHOLDERS

     2  
 
   

ABOUT YOUR FUND’S EXPENSES

     3  
 
    PORTFOLIO MANAGER’S COMMENTS, FUND SNAPSHOTS AND SCHEDULES OF PORTFOLIO INVESTMENTS   
 
   

AMG GW&K Small Cap Core Fund

     4  
 
   

AMG GW&K Small Cap Value Fund

     10  
 
   

AMG GW&K Small/Mid Cap Fund

     16  
 
   

AMG GW&K Global Allocation Fund

     22  
 
    FINANCIAL STATEMENTS   
 
   

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

     33  
 
   

Balance sheets, net asset value (NAV) per share computations
and cumulative distributable earnings (loss)

  
 
   

Statement of Operations

     35  
 
   

Detail of sources of income, expenses, and realized and
unrealized gains (losses) during the fiscal year

  
 
   

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

     36  
 
   

Detail of changes in assets for the past two fiscal years

  
 
   

Financial Highlights

     38  
 
   

Historical net asset values per share, distributions, total returns, income
and expense ratios, turnover ratios and net assets

  
 
   

Notes to Financial Statements

     50  
 
   

Accounting and distribution policies, details of agreements and
transactions with Fund management and affiliates, and descriptions of
certain investment risks

  
 
    REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM      60  
 
    OTHER INFORMATION      61  
 
    TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS      62  
   

    

  

Nothing contained herein is to be considered an offer, sale or solicitation of an offer to buy shares of any series of the AMG Funds Family of Funds. Such offering is made only by prospectus, which includes details as to offering price and other material information.

 

 


LOGO   Letter to Shareholders

 

Dear Shareholder:

We are pleased to provide this annual report for your investment with AMG Funds. Our foremost goal is to provide investment solutions that help our shareholders successfully achieve their long-term investment goals. We appreciate the privilege of providing you with investment tools.

The past year was a challenging period for investors, as uncertainties about high inflation, tighter financial conditions, and the Russian invasion of Ukraine led to significant volatility. Global equity and bond markets fell in tandem amid sharply higher interest rates and eroding investor confidence as worries of an impending recession lingered most of the year. A global commodity shock caused by the war in Ukraine only made matters worse. The S&P 500® Index slipped into a bear market with the Index falling more than (24)% from its peak earlier in the year. The abrupt shift in markets this year has reset expectations around future growth, as the U.S. Federal Reserve (the Fed) and other global central banks have taken aggressive policy action to bring down inflation. While the outlook is uncertain given recent negative returns across many asset classes, global stock and bond valuations are now far more attractive entering 2023 compared to a year ago.

There was very wide dispersion in S&P 500® Index sector performance. Energy significantly outperformed all other sectors with a gain of 65.72% as the price of oil surged during the period. The defensive-oriented sectors also outperformed, although utilities was the only other sector with a positive return, gaining 1.54%. Consumer staples and health care were slightly negative with returns of (0.62)% and (1.95)%, respectively. High-growth technology and mega cap internet-related companies underperformed during the period, and real estate was impacted by higher interest rates. Communications services fell the most with a (39.93)% return during the year, followed by declines of (37.03)% for consumer discretionary, (28.14)% for information technology and (26.13)% for real estate. Value stocks held up much better than growth stocks as the Russell 1000® Value Index returned (7.54)% compared to the (29.14)% return for the Russell 1000® Growth Index. Small cap stocks struggled as the Russell 2000® Index lost (20.44)%. Outside the U.S., foreign developed markets were negative with a (14.45)% return for the MSCI EAFE Index, however a very strong fourth quarter rally drove international equity returns ahead of their U.S. counterparts for the year.

The 10-year Treasury yield more than doubled during the year, surging to the highest levels since before the Great Financial Crisis. Rapidly rising rates from a very low base led to historic negative performance for bonds as the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index, a broad measure of U.S. bond market performance, lost (13.01)% over the period. Investment-grade corporate bonds underperformed, returning (15.76)% for the year. High yield bonds held up better with a (11.19)% return as measured by the return of the Bloomberg U.S. Corporate High Yield Bond

Index. Municipal bonds were also negative, but outperformed the broader market with a (8.53)% return for the Bloomberg Municipal Bond Index.

AMG Funds provides access to a distinctive array of actively managed return-oriented investment strategies. You can rest assured that under all market conditions our team is focused on delivering excellent investment management services for your benefit. For more information about AMG Funds’ wide range of products and resources, please visit www.amgfunds.com. We thank you for your investment and continued trust in AMG Funds.

Respectfully,

 

LOGO

Keitha Kinne

President

AMG Funds

 

        Periods ended  
Average Annual Total Returns   December 31, 2022*  
Stocks:        1 Year     3 Years     5 Years  

Large Cap

  (S&P 500® Index)     (18.11 )%      7.66     9.42

Small Cap

  (Russell 2000® Index)     (20.44 )%      3.10     4.13

International

  (MSCI ACWI ex USA)     (16.00 )%      0.07     0.88

Bonds:

                           

Investment Grade

  (Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index)     (13.01 )%      (2.71 )%      0.02

High Yield

  (Bloomberg U.S. Corporate High Yield Bond Index)     (11.19 )%      0.05     2.31

Tax-exempt

  (Bloomberg Municipal Bond Index)     (8.53 )%      (0.77 )%      1.25

Treasury Bills

  (ICE BofAML U.S. 6-Month Treasury Bill Index)     1.34     0.82     1.39

*Source: FactSet. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

 

 

 

2


    

    

About Your Fund’s Expenses

   

    

 

     

 

As a shareholder of a Fund, you may incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, which may include sales charges (loads) on purchase payments; redemption fees; and exchange fees; and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution (12b-1) fees; and other Fund expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. The example is based on $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period as indicated below.

 

ACTUAL EXPENSES

 

The first line of the following table provides information about the 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 the Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

 

HYPOTHETICAL EXAMPLE FOR COMPARISON PURPOSES

 

The second line of the following table provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed annual rate of return of 5% before expenses, which is not the Fund’s

      

actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Fund and other funds by comparing this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of other funds.

 

Please 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), redemption fees, or exchange fees. Therefore, the second line of the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds.

         

 

 

 

  Six Months Ended

  December 31, 2022

   Expense
Ratio for
the Period
  Beginning
Account
Value
07/01/22
   Ending
Account
Value
12/31/22
     Expenses
Paid
During
the Period*

AMG GW&K Small Cap Core Fund

Based on Actual Fund Return

Class N

   1.30%   $1,000      $1,055      $6.73

Class I

   0.95%   $1,000      $1,057      $4.93

Class Z

   0.90%   $1,000      $1,057      $4.67

Based on Hypothetical 5% Annual Return

Class N

   1.30%   $1,000      $1,019      $6.61

Class I

   0.95%   $1,000      $1,020      $4.84

Class Z

   0.90%   $1,000      $1,021      $4.58

AMG GW&K Small Cap Value Fund

Based on Actual Fund Return

Class N

   1.15%   $1,000      $1,035      $5.90

Class I

   0.95%   $1,000      $1,036      $4.88

Class Z

   0.90%   $1,000      $1,036      $4.62

Based on Hypothetical 5% Annual Return

Class N

   1.15%   $1,000      $1,019      $5.85

Class I

   0.95%   $1,000      $1,020      $4.84

Class Z

   0.90%   $1,000      $1,021      $4.58

AMG GW&K Small/Mid Cap Fund

Based on Actual Fund Return

Class N

   1.07%   $1,000      $1,040      $5.50

Class I

   0.87%   $1,000      $1,041      $4.48

Class Z

   0.82%   $1,000      $1,042      $4.22

Based on Hypothetical 5% Annual Return

Class N

   1.07%   $1,000      $1,020      $5.45

Class I

   0.87%   $1,000      $1,021      $4.43

Class Z

   0.82%   $1,000      $1,021      $4.18

  Six Months Ended

  December 31, 2022

   Expense
Ratio for
the Period
  Beginning
Account
Value
07/01/22
   Ending
Account
Value
12/31/22
    Expenses
Paid
During
the Period*

AMG GW&K Global Allocation Fund

Based on Actual Fund Return

Class N

   1.08%   $1,000      $1,005      $5.46

Class I

   0.89%   $1,000      $1,006     $4.50

Class Z

   0.83%   $1,000      $1,007     $4.20

Based on Hypothetical 5% Annual Return

Class N

   1.08%   $1,000      $1,020     $5.50

Class I

   0.89%   $1,000        $1,021     $4.53

Class Z

   0.83%   $1,000        $1,021     $4.23

 

  *

Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days in the most recent fiscal half-year (184), then divided by 365.

 

 

 

3


    

    

AMG GW&K Small Cap Core Fund

Portfolio Manager’s Comments (unaudited)

 

   

    

 

      

 

 

THE YEAR IN REVIEW

 

For the year ended December 31, 2022, AMG GW&K Small Cap Core Fund (the “Fund”) Class N shares returned (16.58)%, compared to the Fund’s benchmark, the Russell 2000® Index (the “Index”), which returned (20.44)%.

 

It is starting to become an unwelcome tagline for this decade: 202x was a challenging year for investors to navigate. So far, each year in this nascent decade has been uncertain and confounding for investors. 2022 fit that mold as well, but this year the pain was felt in our wallets too as stocks and asset values of all kinds declined sharply. The Index dropped (20.44)% and finished just a bit above its June lows. The simple mathematical determinants of stock prices tell us they can fall because investors: 1) lower their accepted valuation levels, 2) lower their earnings expectations, or 3) lower both. For 2022, reason 1 was dominant for small cap stocks as rising inflation and interest rates led to a significant de-rating in valuations. However, late in the year analysts began to more actively mark down earnings estimates as well. There were myriad factors contributing to the uncertainty and subsequent estimate revisions. A list of prominent factors would likely include changing consumer spending preferences (services versus goods), lower end demand in housing and other related industries, uncertainty about the duration of the U.S. Federal Reserve’s (the Fed) tightening campaign, lingering supply-chain challenges (inflation and availability), a very uncertain reopening in China, and Russia’s war on Ukraine. To keep investors more off balance, small-cap stocks rallied in the final quarter of the year. Short-term oriented investors will ask whether expectations have fallen enough for stocks to have bottomed. We are skeptical that anyone can answer this correctly with high confidence, so it may not be the best question to ponder to maximize long-term returns.

 

The Fund outperformed the Index during the year. Within the benchmark, style factors indicated a preference for higher-quality attributes in the selloff

  

of 2022. Broadly speaking, the lower quality the stock the more poorly it performed over the course of the year. This was most evident in characteristics such as low return-on-equity (ROE), non-earners, high beta, and negative equity, which all meaningfully underperformed the Index. During 2022, the benchmark had only one sector in positive territory, but it was a noteworthy one with energy up an impressive 53.2%. Utilities and consumer staples were next best sectors given their relatively stable cash flows, finishing down single digits. Five sectors dropped more than 25% on the year, each having significantly more exposure to the weaker factors mentioned above.

 

The strong relative outperformance of the Fund in 2022 came from a combination of allocation toward higher-quality companies and strong stock selection. On the factor side, averaging the allocation impact for the six quality factors we follow implies about 150 basis points of positive impact to relative performance. The impact was greater for earnings-specific factors. The strong stock selection came prominently from health care, with six other sectors also making positive contributions. Health care benefited from an underweight to Biotechnology, but also suffered from an overweight in Life Science Tools/Service. While the health care portion of the benchmark dropped 28.7%, eight of our holdings were up, of which ChemoCentryx Inc., LHC Group Inc., and Covetrus, Inc. were the beneficiaries of takeout bids. The remaining five are still in the Fund and each finished in the black based on improved long-term cash flow outlooks. Energy was the poorest relative performing sector. Our underweight position was responsible for 85% of the deficit. The materials sector was hurt by our lack of exposure to relatively strong industries such as metals & mining, as well as a (38.2)% decline in our largest position in the sector, Avient Corp, due to weak earnings results.

 

Whether the June lows for the Index turn out to be THE lows or not will depend on the answers to several other important and complex questions. It

  

appears that inflation has peaked, but will the stickiest elements (especially labor costs) recede quickly enough for the Fed to pause their interest rate increases and avoid further compression of end demand and corporate profits? Is there some part of our economic system that “breaks” due to the dramatic tightening actions of the Fed and other central banks? Will China’s new COVID policies result in a public health policy challenge that lasts months or much longer? Could more strains emerge that defy current vaccines? Finally, is there an acceptable end game for Russia’s war against Ukraine, or is there a further serious escalation? Instead of trying to correctly answer all these questions, a fool’s errand if there ever was one, we think it is best to focus on what opportunities exist today in the small cap market. Two years ago, investors were convinced energy stocks were a black hole while Amazon and Tesla would grow to the sky. Since then, small cap energy stocks are up 156% while Amazon and Tesla are off their highs for the year by (40)% or more. What do investors collectively think they know with high confidence today? Which stocks in the Index and in our Fund reflect excessive optimism? What segments of the market are investors too fearful to own? Fear today can often be the fuel for tomorrow’s returns. Sometimes, that tomorrow can be slower than we would like to arrive. We believe our best course is to continue to look for stocks priced at reasonable valuations relative to the strength of their long-term business outlook. And be patient. The 2020s still have seven more years to go.

 

The views expressed represent the opinions of GW&K Investment Management, LLC as of December 31, 2022, and are not intended as a forecast or guarantee of future results, and are subject to change without notice.

 

 

4


   

    

AMG GW&K Small Cap Core Fund

Portfolio Manager’s Comments (continued)

 

 

CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN PERFORMANCE

AMG GW&K Small Cap Core Fund’s cumulative total return is based on the daily change in net asset value (NAV), and assumes that all dividends and distributions were reinvested. The graph compares a hypothetical $10,000 investment made in the AMG GW&K Small Cap Core Fund’s Class N shares on December 31, 2012, to a $10,000 investment made in the Russell 2000® Index for the same time period. The graph and table do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on a Fund distribution or redemption of shares. The listed returns for the Fund are net of expenses and the returns for the index exclude expenses. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced.

 

LOGO

The table below shows the average annual total returns for the AMG GW&K Small Cap Core Fund and the Russell 2000® Index for the same time periods ended December 31, 2022.

 

     One     Five     Ten      Since     Inception  
  Average Annual Total Returns1    Year     Years     Years      Inception     Date  

  AMG GW&K Small Cap Core Fund2, 3, 4, 5, 6

 

Class N

     (16.58 %)      5.94     10.20%        8.08     12/10/96  

Class I

     (16.27 %)      6.30     10.62%        12.31     07/27/09  

Class Z

     (16.25 %)      6.35     —         7.93     02/24/17  

Russell 2000® Index7

     (20.44 %)      4.13     9.01%        7.68      12/10/96  

The performance data shown represents past performance. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.

 

Investors should carefully consider the Fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses before investing. For performance information through the most recent month end, current net asset values per share for the Fund and other information, please call 800.548.4539 or visit our website at amgfunds.com for a free prospectus. Read it carefully before investing or sending money.

Distributed by AMG Distributors, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC.

 

 

Date reflects the inception date of the Fund, not the index.

 

1 

Total return equals income yield plus share price change and assumes reinvestment of all dividends and capital gain distributions. Returns are net of fees and may reflect offsets of Fund expenses as described in the prospectus. No adjustment has been made for taxes payable by shareholders on their reinvested dividends and

    capital gain distributions. Returns for periods greater than one year are annualized. The listed returns on the Fund are net of expenses and based on the published NAV as of December 31, 2022. All returns are in U.S. Dollars ($).

 

2  From time to time, the Fund’s investment manager has waived its fees and/or absorbed Fund expenses, which has resulted in higher returns.

 

3  Market prices of investments held by the Fund may fall rapidly or unpredictably due to a variety of economic or political factors, market conditions, disasters or public health issues, or in response to events that affect particular industries or companies.

 

4  The Fund invests in growth stocks, which may be more sensitive to market movements because their prices tend to reflect future investor expectations rather than just current profits. Growth stocks may underperform value stocks during given periods.

 

5  The Fund is subject to risks associated with investments in small-capitalization companies, such as erratic earnings patterns, competitive conditions, limited earnings history, and a reliance on one or a limited number of products.

 

6  The Fund invests in value stocks, which may perform differently from the market as a whole and may be undervalued by the market for a long period of time.

 

7  The Russell 2000® Index is composed of the 2,000 smallest stocks in the Russell 3000® Index and is widely regarded in the industry as the premier measure of small-cap stock performance. Unlike the Fund, the Russell 2000® Index is unmanaged, is not available for investment and does not incur expenses.

 

The Russell Indices are trademarks of the London Stock Exchange Group companies.

 

Not FDIC insured, nor bank guaranteed. May lose value.

 
 
 

 

 

5


   

AMG GW&K Small Cap Core Fund

Fund Snapshots (unaudited)

December 31, 2022

 

 

PORTFOLIO BREAKDOWN

 

    Sector    % of
Net Assets
 

Health Care

   19.6
 

Financials

   17.4
 

Industrials

   15.1
 

Consumer Discretionary

   12.8
 

Information Technology

   11.7
 

Materials

     5.2
 

Real Estate

     5.1
 

Energy

     4.8
 

Consumer Staples

     3.8
 

Utilities

     2.7
 

Short-Term Investments

     2.0
 

Other Assets, less Liabilities

     (0.2)

 

TOP TEN HOLDINGS

 

    Security Name   

% of

Net Assets

 

Performance Food Group Co.

   2.6
 

SPX Technologies, Inc.

   2.2
 

Matador Resources Co.

   2.2
 

Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc.

   2.0
 

MACOM Technology Solutions Holdings, Inc.

   2.0
 

Texas Roadhouse, Inc.

   2.0
 

RBC Bearings, Inc.

   1.9
 

Globus Medical, Inc., Class A

   1.9
 

Seacoast Banking Corp. of Florida

   1.7
 

Ameris Bancorp

   1.7
    

 

 

Top Ten as a Group

       20.2    
  

 

 

 

 

Because a fund’s strategy may result in multiple investments in particular sectors of the economy, its performance may depend on the performance of those sectors and may fluctuate more widely than investments diversified across more sectors. For additional information on these and other risk considerations, please see the Fund’s prospectus.

Any sectors, industries, or securities discussed should not be perceived as investment recommendations. Mention of a specific security should not be considered a recommendation to buy or solicitation to sell that security. Specific securities mentioned in this report may have been sold from the Fund’s portfolio of investments by the time you receive this report.

 

 

6


   

AMG GW&K Small Cap Core Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments

December 31, 2022

 

 

          
Shares
     Value  

Common Stocks - 98.2%

 

  

Consumer Discretionary - 12.8%

 

  

Boot Barn Holdings, Inc.*

     82,568        $5,162,151  

Churchill Downs, Inc.

     46,372        9,804,432  

Chuy’s Holdings, Inc.*

     141,824        4,013,619  

Five Below, Inc.*

     32,250        5,704,058  

Grand Canyon Education, Inc.*

     103,089        10,892,384  

Helen of Troy, Ltd.*

     46,330        5,138,460  

Lithia Motors, Inc., Class A1

     34,160        6,993,918  

Oxford Industries, Inc.

     87,680        8,170,022  

Patrick Industries, Inc.1

     76,735        4,650,141  

Revolve Group, Inc.*,1

     76,441        1,701,577  

Skyline Champion Corp.*

     141,260        7,276,303  

Texas Roadhouse, Inc.

     142,303        12,942,458  

Wolverine World Wide, Inc.

     203,928        2,228,933  

Total Consumer Discretionary

        84,678,456  

Consumer Staples - 3.8%

     

Central Garden & Pet Co., Class A*

     222,609        7,969,402  

Performance Food Group Co.*

     292,289        17,066,755  

Total Consumer Staples

        25,036,157  

Energy - 4.8%

     

ChampionX Corp.

     139,958        4,057,382  

Magnolia Oil & Gas Corp., Class A1

     431,517        10,119,074  

Matador Resources Co.1

     249,377        14,274,340  

Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc.

     196,482        3,308,757  

Total Energy

        31,759,553  

Financials - 17.4%

     

Ameris Bancorp

     242,138        11,414,385  

AMERISAFE, Inc.

     106,723        5,546,394  

Cathay General Bancorp

     237,022        9,668,127  

Cohen & Steers, Inc.1

     136,806        8,832,195  

Glacier Bancorp, Inc.

     151,804        7,502,154  

Horace Mann Educators Corp.

     251,174        9,386,372  

Houlihan Lokey, Inc.

     116,309        10,137,493  

Independent Bank Corp.

     88,812        7,498,397  

OceanFirst Financial Corp.

     360,300        7,656,375  

Pacific Premier Bancorp, Inc.

     268,100        8,461,236  

Seacoast Banking Corp. of Florida

     367,860        11,473,554  

Stifel Financial Corp.

     157,726        9,206,467  

Veritex Holdings, Inc.

     284,291        7,982,891  

Total Financials

        114,766,040  

Health Care - 19.6%

     

Arcutis Biotherapeutics, Inc.*

 

    

 

251,328

 

 

 

    

 

3,719,654

 

 

 

          
Shares
     Value  

Artivion, Inc.*

     264,636        $3,207,388  

AtriCure, Inc.*

     179,231        7,954,272  

Azenta, Inc.

     103,364        6,017,852  

BioCryst Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*,1

     291,366        3,344,882  

Castle Biosciences, Inc.*

     93,190        2,193,693  

CryoPort, Inc.*

     148,604        2,578,279  

Globus Medical, Inc., Class A*

     171,470        12,735,077  

Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc.*,1

     234,021        13,315,795  

HealthEquity, Inc.*

     150,700        9,289,148  

ICU Medical, Inc.*,1

     34,297        5,401,092  

Insmed, Inc.*

     184,678        3,689,866  

Integra LifeSciences Holdings Corp.*

     136,764        7,668,357  

Intra-Cellular Therapies, Inc.*

     126,421        6,690,199  

Medpace Holdings, Inc.*

     42,784        9,087,749  

Phreesia, Inc.*

     334,214        10,815,165  

Progyny, Inc.*

     170,591        5,313,910  

Supernus Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*,1

     264,556        9,436,713  

Syneos Health, Inc.*

     64,793        2,376,607  

Veracyte, Inc.*

     183,894        4,363,805  

Total Health Care

        129,199,503  

Industrials - 15.1%

     

Alamo Group, Inc.

     68,502        9,699,883  

Allegiant Travel Co.*,1

     44,496        3,025,283  

Heartland Express, Inc.

     177,672        2,725,488  

Helios Technologies, Inc.

     120,426        6,555,991  

ICF International, Inc.

     92,202        9,132,608  

ITT, Inc.

     89,625        7,268,588  

Primoris Services Corp.

     326,956        7,173,415  

RBC Bearings, Inc.*,1

     60,880        12,745,228  

Shoals Technologies Group, Inc.,
Class A*

     94,089        2,321,176  

The Shyft Group, Inc.

     271,399        6,746,979  

SPX Technologies, Inc.*

     223,437        14,668,639  

Terex Corp.

     177,479        7,581,903  

UFP Industries, Inc.

     128,453        10,179,900  

Total Industrials

        99,825,081  

Information Technology - 11.7%

     

The Descartes Systems Group, Inc. (Canada)*

     130,116        9,062,580  

Endava PLC, ADR (United Kingdom)*

     48,128        3,681,792  

Flywire Corp.*

     433,563        10,609,287  

MACOM Technology Solutions Holdings, Inc.*

     210,121        13,233,421  

Novanta, Inc.*

     71,938        9,774,216  

Paycor HCM, Inc.*

     287,138        7,026,267  

Rapid7, Inc.*

     105,031        3,568,953  
 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

7


   

    

AMG GW&K Small Cap Core Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments (continued)

 

 

 

          
Shares
     Value  

Information Technology - 11.7% (continued)

 

  

Silicon Laboratories, Inc.*,1

     58,624        $7,953,518  

Thoughtworks Holding, Inc.*,1

     600,086        6,114,876  

Viavi Solutions, Inc.*

     632,438        6,646,923  

Total Information Technology

        77,671,833  

Materials - 5.2%

     

Avient Corp.

     305,162        10,302,269  

Balchem Corp.

     65,410        7,987,215  

Minerals Technologies, Inc.

     140,057        8,504,261  

Silgan Holdings, Inc.

     141,653        7,343,292  

Total Materials

        34,137,037  

Real Estate - 5.1%

     

Agree Realty Corp., REIT

     115,823        8,215,325  

National Health Investors, Inc., REIT

     98,117        5,123,670  

Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc., REIT

     111,710        9,135,644  

STAG Industrial, Inc., REIT

     348,059        11,245,786  

Total Real Estate

        33,720,425  

Utilities - 2.7%

     

IDACORP, Inc.

     74,083        7,989,852  

NorthWestern Corp.

     170,238        10,101,923  

Total Utilities

        18,091,775  

Total Common Stocks

 

  

(Cost $534,382,503)

        648,885,860  
     Principal
Amount
        

Short-Term Investments - 2.0%

 

  

Joint Repurchase Agreements - 0.3%2

 

  

Citigroup Global Markets, Inc., dated 12/30/22, due 01/03/23, 4.250% total to be received $248,899 (collateralized by various U.S. Treasuries, 0.000% - 4.500%, 04/11/23 - 10/31/29, totaling $253,758)

 

    

 

$248,782

 

 

 

    

 

248,782

 

 

 

     

Principal

Amount

     Value  

National Bank Financial, dated 12/30/22, due 01/03/23, 4.340% total to be received $1,000,482 (collateralized by various U.S. Treasuries, 0.000% - 4.435%, 01/03/23 - 09/09/49, totaling $1,020,000)

     $1,000,000        $1,000,000  

RBC Dominion Securities, Inc., dated 12/30/22, due 01/03/23, 4.300% total to be received $1,000,478 (collateralized by various U.S. Government Agency Obligations, 2.000% - 6.000%, 09/01/24 - 10/20/52, totaling $1,020,000)

     1,000,000        1,000,000  

Total Joint Repurchase Agreements

 

     2,248,782  

Repurchase Agreements - 1.7%

     

Fixed Income Clearing Corp., dated 12/30/22 due 01/03/23, 4.150% total to be received $10,903,025 (collateralized by a U.S. Treasury, 0.125%, 01/15/32, totaling $11,116,004)

     10,898,000        10,898,000  

Total Short-Term Investments

 

  

(Cost $13,146,782)

        13,146,782  

Total Investments - 100.2%

 

  

(Cost $547,529,285)

        662,032,642  

Other Assets, less Liabilities - (0.2)%

 

     (1,492,527

Net Assets - 100.0%

 

 

    

 

$660,540,115

 

 

 

 

 

*

Non-income producing security.

 

1 

Some of these securities, amounting to $30,453,990 or 4.6% of net assets, were out on loan to various borrowers and are collateralized by cash and various U.S. Treasury Obligations. See Note 4 of Notes to Financial Statements.

 

2 

Cash collateral received for securities lending activity was invested in these joint repurchase agreements.

ADR     American Depositary Receipt
REIT    Real Estate Investment Trust
 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

8


   

    

AMG GW&K Small Cap Core Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments (continued)

 

 

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments by the fair value hierarchy levels as of December 31, 2022:

 

     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

  Investments in Securities

           

Common Stocks

   $ 648,885,860                    $ 648,885,860  

Short-Term Investments

           

Joint Repurchase Agreements

          $ 2,248,782               2,248,782  

Repurchase Agreements

            10,898,000               10,898,000  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

  Total Investments in Securities

   $ 648,885,860      $ 13,146,782             $ 662,032,642  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

All common stocks held in the Fund are Level 1 securities. For a detailed breakout of common stocks by major industry classification, please refer to the Fund’s Schedule of Portfolio Investments.

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, there were no transfers in or out of Level 3.

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

9


   

    

AMG GW&K Small Cap Value Fund

Portfolio Manager’s Comments (unaudited)

 

 

 

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, AMG GW&K Small Cap Value Fund (the “Fund”) Class N shares returned (15.33)%, compared to a (14.48)% return for the Russell 2000® Value Index (the “Index”), the Fund’s benchmark.

 

It is starting to become an unwelcome tagline for this decade: 202x was a challenging year for investors to navigate. So far, each year in this nascent decade has been uncertain and confounding for investors. 2022 fit that mold as well, but this year the pain was felt in our wallets too as stocks and asset values of all kinds declined sharply. The Index dropped (20.48)% and finished just a bit above its June lows. The simple mathematical determinants of stock prices tell us they can fall because investors: 1) lower their accepted valuation levels, 2) lower their earnings expectations, or 3) lower both. For 2022, reason number 1 was dominant for small cap stocks as rising inflation and interest rates led to a significant de-rating in valuations. However, late in the year analysts began to more actively mark down earnings estimates as well. There were myriad factors contributing to the uncertainty and subsequent estimate revisions. A list of prominent factors would likely include changing consumer spending preferences (services versus goods), lower end demand in housing and other related industries, uncertainty about the duration of the U.S. Federal Reserve’s (the Fed) tightening campaign, lingering supply-chain challenges (inflation and availability), a very uncertain reopening in China, and Russia’s war on Ukraine. To keep investors more off balance, small-cap stocks rallied in the final quarter of the year. Short-term oriented investors will ask whether expectations have fallen enough for stocks to have bottomed. We are skeptical that anyone can answer this correctly with high confidence, so it may not be the best question to ponder to maximize long-term returns.

 

The Fund underperformed the Index during the year. In 2022, the benchmark had only one sector in positive territory, but it was a noteworthy one with

    

energy up an impressive 60.5%. Utilities and consumer staples were the next best sectors given their relatively stable cash flows, finishing down single digits. Not surprisingly, style factors indicated a preference for higher-quality attributes in the selloff of 2022. Broadly speaking, within the Index, the lower quality the stock, the more poorly it performed over the course of the year. This was most evident in characteristics such as low return-on-equity (ROE), non-earners, high beta, and negative equity, which all meaningfully underperformed the Index. Five sectors dropped more than 24% on the year, each having significantly more exposure to the weaker factors mentioned above.

 

The Fund benefited in 2022 from a combination of allocation toward higher-quality stocks and stock selection. On the factor side, averaging the allocation impact for the six quality factors we follow implies about 130 basis points of positive impact. The impact was greater for earnings specific factors. The positive stock selection came primarily from industrials with financials, health care, real estate, and communication services also making positive contributions. Industrials benefited from an overweight in the professional services industry, with two names, CBIZ, Inc. and CACI International up double digits in a sector that was down 12.8%. CACI International was sold during the period. Strong stock selection in banking drove the relative outperformance in financials. In health care, the Fund benefited from an underweight position in Biotechnology and good stock selection across other industries. Energy was the poorest relative performing sector, with our underweight position to this strong performing area was a significant detractor from relative results. The consumer discretionary sector was also a significant headwind, due to our overweight exposure and weak stock selection in the specialty retail and the hotel restaurants and leisure industries.

      

Whether the June lows for the Index turn out to be THE lows or not will depend on the answers to several other important and complex questions. It appears that inflation has peaked, but will the stickiest elements (especially labor costs) recede quickly enough for the Fed to pause their interest rate increases and avoid further compression of end demand and corporate profits? Is there some part of our economic system that “breaks” due to the dramatic tightening actions of the Fed and other central banks? Will China’s new COVID policies result in a public health policy challenge that lasts months or much longer? Could more strains emerge that defy current vaccines? Finally, is there an acceptable end game for Russia’s war against Ukraine, or is there a further serious escalation? Instead of trying to correctly answer all these questions, a fool’s errand if there ever was one, we think it is best to focus on what opportunities exist today in the small cap market. Two years ago, investors were convinced energy stocks were a black hole while Amazon and Tesla would grow to the sky. Since then, small cap energy stocks are up 156% while Amazon and Tesla are off their highs for the year by (40)% or more. What do investors collectively think they know with high confidence today? Which stocks in the Index and in our Fund reflect excessive optimism? What segments of the market are investors too fearful to own? Fear today can often be the fuel for tomorrow’s returns. Sometimes that tomorrow can be slower than we would like to arrive. We believe our best course is to continue to look for stocks priced at reasonable valuations relative to the strength of their long-term business outlook. And be patient. The 2020s still have seven more years to go.

 

The views expressed represent the opinions of GW&K Investment Management, LLC as of December 31, 2022, and are not intended as a forecast or guarantee of future results, and are subject to change without notice.

 

 

10


    

AMG GW&K Small Cap Value Fund

Portfolio Manager’s Comments (continued)

 

 

 

CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN PERFORMANCE

AMG GW&K Small Cap Value Fund’s cumulative total return is based on the daily change in net asset value (NAV), and assumes that all dividends and distributions were reinvested. The graph compares a hypothetical $10,000 investment made in the AMG GW&K Small Cap Value Fund’s Class N shares on December 31, 2012, to a $10,000 investment made in the Russell 2000® Value Index for the same time period. The graph and table do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on a Fund distribution or redemption of shares. The listed returns for the Fund are net of expenses and the returns for the index exclude expenses. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced.

 

LOGO

The table below shows the average annual total returns for the AMG GW&K Small Cap Value Fund and the Russell 2000® Value Index for the same time periods ended December 31, 2022.

 

    One     Five     Ten       Since     Inception  
  Average Annual Total Returns1   Year     Years     Years       Inception     Date  

AMG GW&K Small Cap Value Fund2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

 

   

Class N

    (15.33 %)      3.91     8.97%       10.94%       04/23/87  

Class I

    (15.19 %)      4.09           4.81%       02/24/17  

Class Z

    (15.16 %)      4.16           4.88%       02/24/17  

Russell 2000® Value Index9

    (14.48 %)      4.13     8.48%              

The performance data shown represents past performance. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.

 

Investors should carefully consider the Fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses before investing. For performance information through the most recent month end, current net asset values per share for the Fund and other information, please call 800.548.4539 or visit our website at amgfunds.com for a free prospectus. Read it carefully before investing or sending money.

Distributed by AMG Distributors, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC.

 

1 

Total return equals income yield plus share price change and assumes reinvestment of all dividends and capital gain distributions. Returns are net of fees and may reflect offsets of Fund expenses as described in the prospectus. No adjustment has been made for taxes payable by shareholders on their reinvested dividends and capital gain distributions. Returns for periods greater than one year are annualized. The listed returns on the Fund are net of expenses and based on the published NAV as of December 31, 2022. All returns are in U.S. Dollars ($).

2  From time to time, the Fund’s investment manager has waived its fees and/or absorbed Fund expenses, which has resulted in higher returns.

 

3  As of December 4, 2020, the Fund’s subadvisor was changed to GW&K Investment Management, LLC. Prior to December 4, 2020, the Fund was known as the AMG Managers Skyline Special Equities Fund, and had different principal investment strategies and corresponding risks. Performance shown for periods prior to December 4, 2020 reflects the performance and investment strategies of the Fund’s previous subadvisor, Skyline Asset Management, L.P. The Fund’s past performance would have been different if the Fund were managed by the current subadvisor and strategy, and the Fund’s prior performance record might be less pertinent for investors considering whether to purchase shares of the Fund.

 

4  The Fund is subject to risks associated with investments in small-capitalization companies, such as erratic earnings patterns, competitive conditions, limited earnings history and a reliance on one or a limited number of products.

 

5  Companies that are in similar industry sectors may be similarly affected by particular economic or market events; to the extent the Fund has substantial holdings within a particular sector, the risks associated with that sector increase.

 

6  Market prices of investments held by the Fund may fall rapidly or unpredictably due to a variety of economic or political factors, market conditions, disasters or public health issues, or in response to events that affect particular industries or companies.

 

7  The Fund is subject to special risk considerations similar to those associated with the direct ownership of real estate. Real estate valuations may be subject to factors such as changing general and local economic, financial, competitive, and environmental conditions.

 

8  The Fund invests in value stocks, which may perform differently from the market as a whole and may be undervalued by the market for a long period of time.

 

9  The Russell 2000® Value Index is an unmanaged, market-value weighted, value-oriented index comprised of small stocks that have relatively low price-to-book ratios and lower forecasted growth values. Unlike the Fund, the Russell 2000® Value Index is unmanaged, is not available for investment and does not incur expenses.

 

The Russell Indices are trademarks of the London Stock Exchange Group companies.

 

Not FDIC insured, nor bank guaranteed. May lose value.

 

 

 

11


   

AMG GW&K Small Cap Value Fund

Fund Snapshots (unaudited)

December 31, 2022

 

 

PORTFOLIO BREAKDOWN

 

    Sector   

% of

Net Assets

 

Financials

       28.5
 

Industrials

       15.0
 

Health Care

       11.2
 

Real Estate

       10.3
 

Consumer Discretionary

       10.0
 

Energy

       5.5
 

Information Technology

       4.5
 

Materials

       4.4
 

Utilities

       3.8
 

Communication Services

       2.8
 

Consumer Staples

       2.6
 

Short-Term Investments

       4.4
 

Other Assets, less Liabilities

       (3.0 )

 

TOP TEN HOLDINGS

 

    Security Name   

% of

Net Assets

 

Selective Insurance Group, Inc.

       2.3    
 

Group 1 Automotive, Inc.

       2.3    
 

Independence Realty Trust, Inc.

       2.2    
 

Ameris Bancorp

       2.0    
 

First Interstate BancSystem, Inc., Class A

       2.0    
 

Tenet Healthcare Corp.

       1.9    
 

CBIZ, Inc.

       1.9    
 

Atlantic Union Bankshares Corp.

       1.8    
 

ICF International, Inc.

       1.8    
 

Piper Sandler Cos.

       1.8    
      

 

 

 
 

Top Ten as a Group

           20.0    
    

 

 

 
 

 

Because a fund’s strategy may result in multiple investments in particular sectors of the economy, its performance may depend on the performance of those sectors and may fluctuate more widely than investments diversified across more sectors. For additional information on these and other risk considerations, please see the Fund’s prospectus.

Any sectors, industries, or securities discussed should not be perceived as investment recommendations. Mention of a specific security should not be considered a recommendation to buy or solicitation to sell that security. Specific securities mentioned in this report may have been sold from the Fund’s portfolio of investments by the time you receive this report.

 

 

12


   

AMG GW&K Small Cap Value Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments

December 31, 2022

 

 

          
Shares
     Value  

Common Stocks - 98.6%

     

Communication Services - 2.8%

 

  

Gray Television, Inc.

     252,726        $2,828,004  

IMAX Corp. (Canada)*

     153,235        2,246,425  

Ziff Davis, Inc.*

     24,200        1,914,220  

Total Communication Services

        6,988,649  

Consumer Discretionary - 10.0%

     

Academy Sports & Outdoors, Inc.

     66,425        3,489,969  

Boot Barn Holdings, Inc.*

     67,612        4,227,102  

First Watch Restaurant Group, Inc.*

     258,011        3,490,889  

Group 1 Automotive, Inc.

     31,794        5,734,684  

Helen of Troy, Ltd.*

     24,300        2,695,113  

Leslie’s, Inc.*

     205,955        2,514,711  

Topgolf Callaway Brands Corp.*,1

     151,684        2,995,759  

Total Consumer Discretionary

        25,148,227  

Consumer Staples - 2.6%

     

Central Garden & Pet Co.*

     113,080        4,234,846  

Hostess Brands, Inc.*

     108,600        2,436,984  

Total Consumer Staples

        6,671,830  

Energy - 5.5%

     

Earthstone Energy, Inc., Class A*,1

     191,553        2,725,799  

Magnolia Oil & Gas Corp., Class A

     116,685        2,736,263  

Matador Resources Co.1

     64,371        3,684,596  

ProPetro Holding Corp.*

     249,914        2,591,608  

Solaris Oilfield Infrastructure, Inc., Class A

     214,865        2,133,610  

Total Energy

        13,871,876  

Financials - 28.5%

     

Ameris Bancorp

     108,536        5,116,387  

Atlantic Union Bankshares Corp.

     129,829        4,562,191  

Cathay General Bancorp

     83,722        3,415,020  

City Holding Co.1

     37,149        3,458,200  

Community Bank System, Inc.

     60,600        3,814,770  

Enterprise Financial Services Corp.

     72,040        3,527,078  

Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corp., Class C

     34,265        3,862,008  

First Financial Bancorp

     135,954        3,294,166  

First Interstate BancSystem, Inc., Class A

     127,615        4,932,320  

International Bancshares Corp.

     83,563        3,823,843  

OceanFirst Financial Corp.

     203,268        4,319,445  

Pacific Premier Bancorp, Inc.

     137,124        4,327,634  

Piper Sandler Cos.

     34,072        4,435,834  

PJT Partners, Inc., Class A

     36,321        2,676,495  

Selective Insurance Group, Inc.1

     65,075        5,766,296  

Stifel Financial Corp.

 

    

 

61,835

 

 

 

    

 

3,609,309

 

 

 

          
Shares
     Value  

Walker & Dunlop, Inc.

     54,280        $4,259,894  

WesBanco, Inc.

     68,733        2,541,746  

Total Financials

        71,742,636  

Health Care - 11.2%

     

Albireo Pharma, Inc.*

     119,200        2,575,912  

Arcutis Biotherapeutics, Inc.*

     169,827        2,513,440  

BioCryst Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*,1

     207,809        2,385,647  

Integer Holdings Corp.*,1

     51,449        3,522,199  

Ligand Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

     27,445        1,833,326  

NeoGenomics, Inc.*

     309,348        2,858,376  

OmniAb, Inc.*

     135,707        488,545  

OmniAb, Inc.*,2,3

     10,502        0  

OmniAb, Inc.*,2,3

     10,502        0  

SeaSpine Holdings Corp.*

     383,738        3,204,212  

Supernus Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

     115,006        4,102,264  

Tenet Healthcare Corp.*

     98,333        4,797,667  

Total Health Care

        28,281,588  

Industrials - 15.0%

     

Atkore, Inc.*

     30,306        3,437,307  

CBIZ, Inc.*

     99,304        4,652,392  

Columbus McKinnon Corp.

     102,102        3,315,252  

Comfort Systems USA, Inc.

     31,053        3,573,579  

Herc Holdings, Inc.

     21,360        2,810,335  

Hillenbrand, Inc.

     67,241        2,869,173  

ICF International, Inc.

     45,073        4,464,481  

Primoris Services Corp.

     123,020        2,699,059  

RBC Bearings, Inc.*

     14,615        3,059,650  

Terex Corp.

     85,160        3,638,035  

UFP Industries, Inc.

     41,387        3,279,920  

Total Industrials

        37,799,183  

Information Technology - 4.5%

     

American Software, Inc., Class A

     213,708        3,137,233  

Power Integrations, Inc.

     46,305        3,320,995  

Silicon Laboratories, Inc.*,1

     18,157        2,463,360  

Viavi Solutions, Inc.*

     221,560        2,328,596  

Total Information Technology

        11,250,184  

Materials - 4.4%

     

Minerals Technologies, Inc.

     43,121        2,618,307  

Orion Engineered Carbons, S.A. (Luxembourg)

     208,251        3,708,950  

Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc., Class A

     67,510        2,069,182  

Worthington Industries, Inc.1

     54,218        2,695,177  

Total Materials

 

       

 

11,091,616

 

 

 

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

13


   

    

AMG GW&K Small Cap Value Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments (continued)

 

 

 

 

      Shares      Value  

Real Estate - 10.3%

     

Agree Realty Corp., REIT

     49,370        $3,501,814  

Four Corners Property Trust, Inc., REIT 1

     151,003        3,915,508  

Getty Realty Corp., REIT 1

     124,607        4,217,947  

Independence Realty Trust, Inc., REIT

     323,197        5,449,101  

LXP Industrial Trust, REIT

     172,384        1,727,288  

STAG Industrial, Inc., REIT

     94,640        3,057,818  

Summit Hotel Properties, Inc., REIT

     222,335        1,605,259  

Xenia Hotels & Resorts, Inc., REIT

     189,036        2,491,494  

Total Real Estate

        25,966,229  

Utilities - 3.8%

     

IDACORP, Inc.

     37,411        4,034,776  

NorthWestern Corp.

     52,943        3,141,638  

Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc.

     40,684        2,517,526  

Total Utilities

        9,693,940  

Total Common Stocks
(Cost $224,336,717)

        248,505,958  
     Principal
Amount
        

Short-Term Investments - 4.4%

 

  

Joint Repurchase Agreements - 3.4%4

 

  

Cantor Fitzgerald Securities, Inc., dated 12/30/22, due 01/03/23, 4.300% total to be received $2,004,257 (collateralized by various U.S. Government Agency Obligations, 0.000% - 9.000%, 01/15/23 - 11/20/72, totaling $2,043,366)

     $2,003,300        2,003,300  

Citadel Securities LLC, dated 12/30/22, due 01/03/23, 4.410% total to be received $2,004,282 (collateralized by various U.S. Treasuries, 0.125% - 6.250%, 04/15/23 - 11/15/52, totaling $2,044,367)

     2,003,300        2,003,300  
      Principal
Amount
     Value  

Citigroup Global Markets, Inc., dated 12/30/22, due 01/03/23, 4.250% total to be received $420,901 (collateralized by various U.S. Treasuries, 0.000% - 4.500%, 04/11/23 - 10/31/29, totaling $429,116)

     $420,702        $420,702  

National Bank Financial, dated 12/30/22, due 01/03/23, 4.340% total to be received $2,004,241 (collateralized by various U.S. Treasuries, 0.000% - 4.435%, 01/03/23 - 09/09/49, totaling $2,043,341)

     2,003,275        2,003,275  

RBC Dominion Securities, Inc., dated 12/30/22, due 01/03/23, 4.300% total to be received $2,004,232 (collateralized by various U.S. Government Agency Obligations, 2.000% - 6.000%, 09/01/24 - 10/20/52, totaling $2,043,341)

     2,003,275        2,003,275  

Total Joint Repurchase Agreements

        8,433,852  

Repurchase Agreements - 1.0%

     

Fixed Income Clearing Corp., dated 12/30/22 due 01/03/23, 4.150% total to be received $2,574,186 (collateralized by a U.S. Treasury, 0.125%, 01/15/32, totaling $2,624,509)

     2,573,000        2,573,000  

Total Short-Term Investments
(Cost $11,006,852)

        11,006,852  

Total Investments - 103.0%

     

(Cost $235,343,569)

        259,512,810  

Other Assets, less Liabilities - (3.0)%

 

     (7,601,504

Net Assets - 100.0%

 

     $251,911,306  

 

 

 

*

Non-income producing security.

 

1 

Some of these securities, amounting to $18,116,821 or 7.2% of net assets, were out on loan to various borrowers and are collateralized by cash and various U.S. Treasury Obligations. See Note 4 of Notes to Financial Statements.

 

2 

Security’s value was determined by using significant unobservable inputs.

 

3 

These securities are restricted and are not available for re-sale. Ligand Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (“Ligand”) completed a spin-off of OmniAb, Inc on November 2,2022. Ligand shareholders received OmniAb common stock and two new holdings of OmniAb earn-out shares. The market value of OmniAb common stock and earn-out shares were $327,055 and $0, respectively on the date of the spin-off, which equates to $2.41 and $0 per share, respectively. At December 31, 2022, the cost of OmniAb, Inc. common shares was $576,806 and market value was $488,545 which equates to less than 1% of net assets. For each holding of OmniAb earn-out shares the cost was $19,190 and the market value of each was $0 which has no impact on total net assets. The total value of restricted securities held is $0, which represents 0% of net assets.

4 

Cash collateral received for securities lending activity was invested in these joint repurchase agreements.

REIT    Real Estate Investment Trust

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

14


   

    

AMG GW&K Small Cap Value Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments (continued)

 

 

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments by the fair value hierarchy levels as of December 31, 2022:

 

     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

  Investments in Securities

           

Common Stocks

           

Financials

     $71,742,636                      $71,742,636  

Industrials

     37,799,183                      37,799,183  

Health Care

     28,281,588               $0        28,281,588  

Real Estate

     25,966,229                      25,966,229  

Consumer Discretionary

     25,148,227                      25,148,227  

Energy

     13,871,876                      13,871,876  

Information Technology

     11,250,184                      11,250,184  

Materials

     11,091,616                      11,091,616  

Utilities

     9,693,940                      9,693,940  

Communication Services

     6,988,649                      6,988,649  

Consumer Staples

     6,671,830                      6,671,830  

Short-Term Investments

           

Joint Repurchase Agreements

            $8,433,852               8,433,852  

Repurchase Agreements

            2,573,000               2,573,000  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities

     $248,505,958        $11,006,852        $0        $259,512,810  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

At December 31, 2022, the Level 3 common stocks were received as a result of a corporate action. The security’s value was determined by using significant unobservable inputs, which generated a change in unrealized depreciation of $38,380.

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, there were no transfers in or out of Level 3. The Fund did not have any purchases and sales of Level 3 securities for the same period.

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

15


   

    

AMG GW&K Small/Mid Cap Fund

Portfolio Manager’s Comments (unaudited)

 

 

 

THE YEAR IN REVIEW

 

For the year ended December 31, 2022, AMG GW&K Small/Mid Cap Fund (the “Fund”) Class I shares returned (18.01)%, compared to the Fund’s benchmark, the Russell 2500® Index (the “Index”), which returned (18.37)%.

 

It is starting to become an unwelcome tagline for this decade: 202x was a challenging year for investors to navigate. So far, each year in this nascent decade has been uncertain and confounding for investors. 2022 fit that mold as well, but this year the pain was felt in our wallets too as stocks and asset values of all kinds declined sharply. The Index dropped (18.37)% and finished just a bit above the lows it made in June and September. The simple mathematical determinants of stock prices tell us they can fall because investors: 1) lower their accepted valuation levels, 2) lower their earnings expectations, or 3) lower both. For 2022, reason number 1 was dominant for small/mid cap stocks as rising inflation and interest rates led to a significant de-rating in valuations. However, late in the year analysts began to more actively mark down earnings estimates as well. There were myriad factors contributing to the uncertainty and subsequent estimate revisions. A list of prominent factors would likely include changing consumer spending preferences (services versus goods), lower end demand in housing and other related industries, uncertainty about the duration of the U.S. Federal Reserve’s (the Fed) tightening campaign, lingering supply-chain challenges (inflation and availability), a very uncertain reopening in China, and Russia’s war on Ukraine. To keep investors more off balance, small- and mid-cap stocks rallied in the final quarter of the year. Short-term oriented investors will ask whether expectations have fallen enough for stocks to have bottomed. We are skeptical that anyone can answer this correctly with high confidence, so it may not be the best question to ponder to maximize long-term returns.

 

The Fund modestly outperformed the Index during the year. Within the benchmark, style factors indicated a preference for higher-quality attributes in

      

the selloff of 2022. Broadly speaking, the lower quality the stock the more poorly it performed over the course of the year. This was most evident in characteristics such as low return-on-equity (ROE), non-earners, high beta, and negative equity, which all meaningfully underperformed the Index. During 2022, the benchmark had only one sector in positive territory, but it was a noteworthy one with energy up an impressive 50.0%. Utilities and consumer staples were next best sectors given their relatively stable cash flows, finishing down single digits. Five sectors dropped more than 25% on the year, each having significantly more exposure to the weaker factors mentioned above.

 

The relative outperformance of the Fund in 2022 came from a combination of allocation toward higher-quality companies and strong stock selection. On the factor side, averaging the allocation impact for the six quality factors we follow implies about 100 basis points of positive impact to relative performance. The impact was greater for earnings-specific factors. The good stock selection came prominently from health care, with three other sectors also making positive contributions. Health care benefited from an underweight to Biotechnology, but also suffered from an overweight in Life Science Tools & Service. While the health care portion of the benchmark dropped 28.2%, nine of our holdings were up on the year, of which Biohaven Pharmaceutical Holding Co. Ltd. and Horizon Therapeutics PLC were the beneficiaries of takeout bids. The remaining seven are still in the Fund and each finished in the black based on improved long-term cash flow outlooks. The Fund also had its share of weaker performers, led by information technology, financials, and energy. Within information technology, we had two holdings with weakening fundamentals—Cerence Inc. and Rapid7, Inc.—which were responsible for about half the relative loss. Cerence was sold during the period. The financials sector was hit mostly by two poorly performing Bank holdings—Signature Bank and Western Alliance Bancorp. The Fund continued to be underweight energy, which drove the majority of sector underperformance.

    

Whether the September lows for the Index turn out to be THE lows or not will depend on the answers to several other important and complex questions. It appears that inflation has peaked, but will the stickiest elements (especially labor costs) recede quickly enough for the Fed to pause their interest rate increases and avoid further compression of end demand and corporate profits? Is there some part of our economic system that “breaks” due to the dramatic tightening actions of the Fed and other central banks? Will China’s new COVID policies result in a public health policy challenge that lasts months or much longer? Could more strains emerge that defy current vaccines? Finally, is there an acceptable end game for Russia’s war against Ukraine, or is there a further serious escalation? Instead of trying to correctly answer all these questions, a fool’s errand if there ever was one, we think it is best to focus on what opportunities exist today in the small and mid-cap market. Two years ago, investors were convinced energy stocks were a black hole while Amazon and Tesla would grow to the sky. Since then, small/mid cap energy stocks are up 172% while Amazon and Tesla are off their highs for the year by (40)% or more. What do investors collectively think they know with high confidence today? Which stocks in the Index and in our Fund reflect excessive optimism? What segments of the market are investors too fearful to own? Fear today can often be the fuel for tomorrow’s returns. Sometimes, that tomorrow can be slower than we would like to arrive. We believe our best course is to continue to look for stocks priced at reasonable valuations relative to the strength of their long-term business outlook. And be patient. The 2020s still have seven more years to go.

 

The views expressed represent the opinions of GW&K Investment Management, LLC as of December 31, 2022, and are not intended as a forecast or guarantee of future results, and are subject to change without notice.

 

 

16


    

AMG GW&K Small/Mid Cap Fund

Portfolio Manager’s Comments (continued)

 

 

 

CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN PERFORMANCE

AMG GW&K Small/Mid Cap Fund’s cumulative total return is based on the daily change in net asset value (NAV), and assumes that all dividends and distributions were reinvested. The graph compares a hypothetical $10,000 investment made in the AMG GW&K Small/Mid Cap Fund’s Class I shares on June 30, 2015, to a $10,000 investment made in the Russell 2500® Index for the same time period. The graph and table do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on a Fund distribution or redemption of shares. The listed returns for the Fund are net of expenses and the returns for the index exclude expenses. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced.

 

LOGO

The table below shows the average annual total returns for the AMG GW&K Small/Mid Cap Fund and the Russell 2500® Index for the same time periods ended December 31, 2022.

 

     One   Five   Since   Inception  
  Average Annual Total Returns1    Year   Years   Inception   Date  

AMG GW&K Small/Mid Cap Fund2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

 

Class N

   (18.15%)   8.70%   9.01%     02/24/17  

Class I

   (18.01%)   8.88%   7.59%     06/30/15  

Class Z

   (17.94%)   8.98%   9.28%     02/24/17  

Russell 2500® Index9

   (18.37%)   5.89%   7.27%      06/30/15  

The performance data shown represents past performance. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.

 

Investors should carefully consider the Fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses before investing. For performance information through the most recent month end, current net asset values per share for the Fund and other information, please call 800.548.4539 or visit our website at amgfunds.com for a free prospectus. Read it carefully before investing or sending money.

Distributed by AMG Distributors, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC.

 

 

Date reflects the inception date of the Fund, not the index

 

1 

Total return equals income yield plus share price change and assumes reinvestment of all dividends and capital gain distributions. Returns are net of fees and may reflect offsets of Fund expenses as described in the prospectus. No adjustment has been made for taxes payable by shareholders on their reinvested dividends and

capital gain distributions. Returns for periods greater than one year are annualized. The listed returns on the Fund are net of expenses and based on the published NAV as of December 31, 2022. All returns are in U.S. Dollars ($).

 

2  From time to time, the Fund’s investment manager has waived its fees and/or absorbed Fund expenses, which has resulted in higher returns.

 

3  The Fund is subject to risks associated with investments in small-capitalization companies, such as erratic earnings patterns, competitive conditions, limited earnings history, and a reliance on one or a limited number of products.

 

4  The Fund is subject to risks associated with investments in mid-capitalization companies such as greater price volatility, lower trading volume, and less liquidity than the stocks of larger, more established companies.

 

5  The Fund is subject to special risk considerations similar to those associated with the direct ownership of real estate. Real estate valuations may be subject to factors such as changing general and local economic, financial, competitive, and environmental conditions.

 

6  The Fund invests in growth stocks, which may be more sensitive to market movements because their prices tend to reflect future investor expectations rather than just current profits. Growth stocks may underperform value stocks during given periods.

 

7  The Fund invests in value stocks, which may perform differently from the market as a whole and may be undervalued by the market for a long period of time.

 

8  Market prices of investments held by the Fund may fall rapidly or unpredictably due to a variety of economic or political factors, market conditions, disasters or public health issues, or in response to events that affect particular industries or companies.

 

9  The Russell 2500® Index is composed of the 2,500 smallest stocks in the Russell 3000® Index and is widely regarded in the industry as the premier measure of small/mid cap stock performance. Unlike the Fund, the Russell 2500® Index is unmanaged, is not available for investment and does not incur expenses.

 

The Russell Indices are trademarks of the London Stock Exchange Group companies.

 

Not FDIC insured, nor bank guaranteed. May lose value.

 

 

 

 

17


   

AMG GW&K Small/Mid Cap Fund

Fund Snapshots (unaudited)

December 31, 2022

 

 

PORTFOLIO BREAKDOWN

 

    Sector   

% of

Net Assets

 

Industrials

       19.3
 

Health Care

       17.2
 

Consumer Discretionary

       13.7
 

Information Technology

       13.2
 

Financials

       11.6
 

Real Estate

       6.4
 

Materials

       6.1
 

Consumer Staples

       5.1
 

Energy

       4.1
 

Utilities

       2.3
 

Short-Term Investments

       2.2
 

Other Assets, less Liabilities

       (1.2 )

TOP TEN HOLDINGS

 

    Security Name  

% of

Net Assets

 
 

Horizon Therapeutics Plc

    2.4      
 

BJ’s Wholesale Club Holdings, Inc.

    2.1      
 

Manhattan Associates, Inc.

    1.9      
 

Nordson Corp.

    1.8      
 

Ingersoll Rand, Inc.

    1.8      
 

Voya Financial, Inc.

    1.7      
 

RBC Bearings, Inc.

    1.7      
 

Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corp.

    1.7      
 

Performance Food Group Co.

    1.6      
 

Element Solutions, Inc.

    1.6      
   

 

 

 
 

Top Ten as a Group

        18.3      
 

 

 

 
 

 

Because a fund’s strategy may result in multiple investments in particular sectors of the economy, its performance may depend on the performance of those sectors and may fluctuate more widely than investments diversified across more sectors. For additional information on these and other risk considerations, please see the Fund’s prospectus.

Any sectors, industries, or securities discussed should not be perceived as investment recommendations. Mention of a specific security should not be considered a recommendation to buy or solicitation to sell that security. Specific securities mentioned in this report may have been sold from the Fund’s portfolio of investments by the time you receive this report.

 

 

18


   

AMG GW&K Small/Mid Cap Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments

December 31, 2022

 

 

          
Shares
     Value  

Common Stocks - 99.0%

     

Consumer Discretionary - 13.7%

 

  

Bright Horizons Family Solutions, Inc.*

     45,269        $2,856,474  

Burlington Stores, Inc.*

     36,579        7,416,758  

Carter’s, Inc.1

     72,127        5,381,395  

Cavco Industries, Inc.*

     32,730        7,405,163  

Dorman Products, Inc.*

     71,359        5,770,802  

Five Below, Inc.*

     50,431        8,919,731  

Gentherm, Inc.*

     81,254        5,305,074  

Grand Canyon Education, Inc.*

     38,915        4,111,759  

Krispy Kreme Inc.

     179,515        1,852,595  

Lithia Motors, Inc., Class A

     32,158        6,584,029  

Polaris, Inc.

     73,981        7,472,081  

Texas Roadhouse, Inc.

     96,061        8,736,748  

Vail Resorts, Inc.

     22,278        5,309,961  

Total Consumer Discretionary

        77,122,570  

Consumer Staples - 5.1%

     

BJ’s Wholesale Club Holdings, Inc.*

     176,461        11,674,659  

Lancaster Colony Corp.

     41,951        8,276,932  

Performance Food Group Co.*

     153,727        8,976,120  

Total Consumer Staples

        28,927,711  

Energy - 4.1%

     

ChampionX Corp.

     121,726        3,528,837  

Magnolia Oil & Gas Corp., Class A

     248,661        5,831,100  

Ovintiv, Inc.

     108,670        5,510,656  

ProPetro Holding Corp.*

     272,233        2,823,056  

SM Energy Co.

     149,136        5,194,407  

Total Energy

        22,888,056  

Financials - 11.6%

     

Artisan Partners Asset Management, Inc., Class A

     65,869        1,956,309  

Atlantic Union Bankshares Corp.

     178,251        6,263,740  

Glacier Bancorp, Inc.

     95,590        4,724,058  

Kinsale Capital Group, Inc.

     30,957        8,095,875  

MarketAxess Holdings, Inc.

     17,880        4,986,553  

Pinnacle Financial Partners, Inc.

     119,611        8,779,447  

Piper Sandler Cos.

     56,761        7,389,715  

Signature Bank

     45,230        5,211,401  

Voya Financial, Inc.1

     158,232        9,729,686  

Western Alliance Bancorp.

     135,458        8,067,878  

Total Financials

        65,204,662  

Health Care - 17.2%

     

Acadia Healthcare Co., Inc.*

     88,572        7,291,247  

Azenta, Inc.

     55,756        3,246,114  
          
Shares
     Value  

Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., Class A*

     16,516        $6,944,813  

Catalent, Inc.*

     144,812        6,517,988  

Globus Medical, Inc., Class A*

     111,701        8,296,033  

Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc.*

     122,565        6,973,949  

Hologic, Inc.*

     72,878        5,452,003  

Horizon Therapeutics PLC.*

     117,816        13,407,461  

Integer Holdings Corp.*,1

     75,174        5,146,412  

Intra-Cellular Therapies, Inc.*

     104,835        5,547,868  

Jazz Pharmaceuticals PLC (Ireland)*

     49,042        7,812,881  

Molina Healthcare, Inc.*

     19,972        6,595,154  

Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc.*

     74,284        8,872,481  

Syneos Health, Inc.*

     55,502        2,035,813  

Vericel Corp.*

     120,002        3,160,853  

Total Health Care

        97,301,070  

Industrials - 19.3%

     

Atkore, Inc.*

     57,079        6,473,900  

Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corp.

     89,243        9,327,678  

Columbus McKinnon Corp.

     139,363        4,525,117  

Comfort Systems USA, Inc.

     65,293        7,513,919  

Exponent, Inc.

     62,901        6,232,860  

Federal Signal Corp.

     173,006        8,039,589  

Gates Industrial Corp. PLC*

     502,820        5,737,176  

Gibraltar Industries, Inc.*

     118,685        5,445,268  

Hexcel Corp.

     107,305        6,314,899  

Ingersoll Rand, Inc.

     191,457        10,003,628  

Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc.

     51,497        7,440,802  

Nordson Corp.

     42,743        10,160,866  

RBC Bearings, Inc.*

     44,952        9,410,701  

Schneider National, Inc., Class B

     159,069        3,722,215  

The Toro Co.

     74,972        8,486,830  

Total Industrials

        108,835,448  

Information Technology - 13.2%

 

  

Cognex Corp.

     173,369        8,167,414  

CyberArk Software, Ltd. (Israel)*

     49,223        6,381,762  

Entegris, Inc.

     90,824        5,957,146  

Globant SA (Uruguay)*

     46,729        7,857,949  

HubSpot, Inc.*

     25,075        7,249,935  

Manhattan Associates, Inc.*

     88,040        10,688,056  

Paylocity Holding Corp.*

     41,241        8,011,477  

Power Integrations, Inc.

     56,542        4,055,192  

Rapid7, Inc.*

     88,426        3,004,715  

Silicon Laboratories, Inc.*

     48,787        6,618,932  
 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

19


   

    

AMG GW&K Small/Mid Cap Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments (continued)

 

 

 

     

    

Shares

     Value  

Information Technology - 13.2%
(continued)

     

Zebra Technologies Corp., Class A*

     24,728        $6,340,506  

Total Information Technology

        74,333,084  

Materials - 6.1%

     

AptarGroup, Inc.

     35,988        3,957,960  

Eagle Materials, Inc.

     61,723        8,199,900  

Element Solutions, Inc.

     492,968        8,967,088  

Quaker Chemical Corp.1

     34,374        5,737,021  

RPM International, Inc.

     80,166        7,812,177  

Total Materials

        34,674,146  

Real Estate - 6.4%

     

Agree Realty Corp., REIT

     96,226        6,825,310  

Easterly Government Properties, Inc., REIT 1

     304,612        4,346,813  

EastGroup Properties, Inc., REIT

     38,558        5,708,898  

National Storage Affiliates Trust, REIT

     82,819        2,991,422  

Physicians Realty Trust, REIT

     325,932        4,716,236  

Summit Hotel Properties, Inc., REIT

     457,668        3,304,363  

Sun Communities, Inc., REIT

     57,994        8,293,142  

Total Real Estate

        36,186,184  

Utilities - 2.3%

     

IDACORP, Inc.

     68,498        7,387,509  

Portland General Electric Co.1

     115,069        5,638,381  

Total Utilities

        13,025,890  

Total Common Stocks
(Cost $533,089,996)

        558,498,821  
     Principal
Amount
        

Short-Term Investments - 2.2%

 

  

Joint Repurchase Agreements - 1.7%2

 

  

Cantor Fitzgerald Securities, Inc., dated 12/30/22,due 01/03/23, 4.300% total to be received $2,268,884 (collateralized by various U.S. Government Agency Obligations, 0.000% - 9.000%, 01/15/23 - 11/20/72, totaling $2,313,156)

     $2,267,800        2,267,800  

 

      Principal
Amount
     Value  

Citadel Securities LLC, dated 12/30/22, due 01/03/23, 4.410% total to be received $2,268,911 (collateralized by various U.S. Treasuries, 0.125% - 6.250%, 04/15/23 - 11/15/52, totaling $2,314,289)

     $2,267,800        $2,267,800  

Citigroup Global Markets, Inc., dated 12/30/22,due 01/03/23, 4.250% total to be received $476,555 (collateralized by various U.S. Treasuries, 0.000% - 4.500%, 04/11/23 - 10/31/29, totaling $485,857)

     476,330        476,330  

National Bank Financial, dated 12/30/22, due 01/03/23, 4.340% total to be received $2,268,900 (collateralized by various U.S. Treasuries, 0.000% - 4.435%, 01/03/23 - 09/09/49, totaling $2,313,162)

     2,267,806        2,267,806  

RBC Dominion Securities, Inc., dated 12/30/22,due 01/03/23, 4.300% total to be received $2,268,890 (collateralized by various U.S. Government Agency Obligations, 2.000% - 6.000%, 09/01/24 - 10/20/52, totaling $2,313,162)

     2,267,806        2,267,806  

Total Joint Repurchase Agreements

 

     9,547,542  

Repurchase Agreements - 0.5%

 

  

Fixed Income Clearing Corp., dated 12/30/22 due 01/03/23, 4.150% total to be received $2,762,273 (collateralized by a U.S. Treasury, 0.125%, 01/15/32, totaling $2,816,240)

     2,761,000        2,761,000  

Total Short-Term Investments
(Cost $12,308,542)

        12,308,542  

Total Investments - 101.2%
(Cost $545,398,538)

        570,807,363  

Other Assets, less Liabilities - (1.2)%

 

     (6,653,243

Net Assets - 100.0%

      $ 564,154,120  
 

 

* 

Non-income producing security.

 

1 

Some of these securities, amounting to $29,481,147 or 5.2% of net assets, were out on loan to various borrowers and are collateralized by cash and various U.S. Treasury Obligations. See Note 4 of Notes to Financial Statements.

2 

Cash collateral received for securities lending activity was invested in these joint repurchase agreements.

REIT    Real Estate Investment Trust

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

20


   

    

AMG GW&K Small/Mid Cap Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments (continued)

 

 

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments by the fair value hierarchy levels as of December 31, 2022:

 

     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

  Investments in Securities

           

Common Stocks

  

$

558,498,821

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

$558,498,821

 

Short-Term Investments

           

Joint Repurchase Agreements

            $9,547,542               9,547,542  

Repurchase Agreements

            2,761,000               2,761,000  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

  Total Investments in Securities

  

$

558,498,821

 

  

$

12,308,542

 

  

 

 

  

$

570,807,363

 

  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

All common stocks held in the Fund are Level 1 securities. For a detailed breakout of common stocks by major industry classification, please refer to the Fund’s Schedule of Portfolio Investments.

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, there were no transfers in or out of Level 3.

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

21


   

    

AMG GW&K Global Allocation Fund

Portfolio Manager’s Comments (unaudited)

 

 

 

THE YEAR IN REVIEW

 

For the year ended December 31, 2022, AMG GW&K Global Allocation Fund (the “Fund”) Class N shares returned (20.04)%, compared to the (17.22)% return for its blended benchmark which consists of 60% the MSCI All Country World (ACWI) Index (“MSCI ACWI Index”) and 40% the Bloomberg Barclays Global Aggregate Bond Index.

 

ASSET ALLOCATION

 

The asset allocation framework for the Fund continues to favor equities over fixed income. At the end of the year, the equity/fixed income asset allocation stood at 65%/35%, where it has remained since early March 2022. For the full year, the 60% MSCI ACWI Index/40% Barclays Global Aggregate Index benchmark lost (17.22)% following the sharp weakness of equity and bond markets in the first three quarters of 2022. The current very modest tilt toward equities reflects our judgment that global equities should outperform global fixed income over the coming quarters, albeit with significant volatility along the way.

 

The continued tilt toward equities is based on both quantitative and qualitative judgments. First, relative asset-class valuations continue to support a significant allocation to equities, despite the rise in most developed market government bond yields last year. Second, we expect the global economy to continue to expand for the next several years, although recession risks are significant for both the U.S. and Europe. Inflation continues to be a challenge for global central banks, with the U.S. Federal Reserve (the Fed) projecting that it will hike the upper range of the Fed funds rate to 5.25% by the end of this year compared to its current level of 4.5%. With the exception of the Bank of Japan and the People’s Bank of China, most other major central banks are also hiking rates to curb inflation. Rising rates provided headwinds to global equity and bond markets last year. Fortunately, those headwinds appear to be moderating as reflected in softer inflation reports and more resilient growth reports in recent months in both the U.S. and Europe. Notably, recession fears for Europe have started to ease in response to an 80% drop in natural gas prices since last August thanks to warm weather and aggressive efforts to diversify gas supplies away from Russia. China is also expected to post stronger growth this year thanks to policy support and a recent pivot away from extreme COVID suppression measures. In short, we remain cautiously optimistic that the global economy has sufficient momentum to continue to

      

expand despite higher rates and that a positive tailwind of corporate earnings growth should still favor equities over fixed income.

 

A key valuation metric for global equities is the Long-term Earnings Yield MSCI ACWI. That stood at 5.1% at the end of 2022, and is based on the inverse of the corresponding Shiller Price/Earning (PE) ratio of 19.6 times. By way of comparison, the Long-term Earnings Yield of MSCI ACWI has averaged 5.1% since 2005, corresponding to an average Shiller PE ratio of 19.8 times. Those figures suggest that equities fairly valued relative to their own history.

 

For asset allocation purposes, however, a relevant comparison of the Long-term Earnings Yield is to the real yield of U.S. Treasuries. At the end of September, the yield on 10-Year US Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS) stood at 1.6%. The gap between the Long-term Earnings Yield of 5.1 for global equities and 1.6% for TIPS securities suggests the potential for global equities to outperform bonds by about 3.5% per annum in inflation-adjusted terms over the next five-to-ten years.

 

In short, investors continue to have reasonable incentive to favor equities over fixed income, notwithstanding the potential for greater volatility in equities. Key risks would be if the ongoing expansion that is evident in global economic data gives way to pronounced weakness or if major central banks significantly accelerate their rate hiking agendas beyond what is currently priced into markets. Those risks will be monitored carefully, but we currently view such risks to be sufficiently discounted by markets to justify a significant tilt toward equities.

 

EQUITY

 

It was a disappointing year for global equity markets as Russia invaded Ukraine amid a challenging inflationary backdrop and the long-awaited liftoff in U.S. interest rates. Markets finished off the lows, however, thanks to a fourth-quarter rally prompted by softer inflation readings in several countries, receding energy shortage fears in Europe, and the abrupt end to China’s zero-COVID policy. The MSCI ACWI Index declined (18.4)%, with all regions down on the year. Sector performance was broadly negative, aside from energy which rose sharply on surging crude oil and gas prices. The U.S. dollar gained 7.9%, as the Fed aggressively tightened monetary policy.

 

The Fund’s equity sleeve underperformed the benchmark during the year. Stock selection in the health care and information technology (IT) sectors

      

were main detractors, along with an overweight allocation to the underperforming consumer discretionary sector, though strong stock selection more than offset this allocation impact. Two U.S. holdings were the main culprits within health care. Avantor, Inc., a Biopharma and healthcare supplier, was plagued by some headwinds that are non-core to their fundamentals such as China lockdowns, foreign currency headwinds, and fading COVID tailwinds. IDEXX Laboratories, Inc., a leader in companion animal health diagnostics, experienced slowing growth against tough comparisons and its relatively high multiple contracted due to higher U.S. interest rates. Within technology two European holdings and one U.S. were the main detractors. Payment processing companies Adyen N.V. (Netherlands) and PayPal, Inc. (U.S.) were victims of the selloff in high multiple growth stocks, and in the case of Paypal disappointing earnings results also weighed on the stock. Paypal was sold during the period. Halma PLC (UK), a company focused on safety and environmental products, returned (45)% despite reporting solid results throughout the year.

 

Consumer discretionary was by far the top contributing sector, due entirely to stock selection, mostly in China. Trip.com Group Ltd., Yum China Holding, Inc. and H World Group Ltd. all rallied towards the end of the year as the market began to price in the benefits these travel and restaurant-oriented companies will enjoy as China moves away from a zero-COVID policy and begins to reopen their economy.

 

On a geographic level, Asia, most notably China, was the equity sleeve’s top regional contributor due entirely to stock selection, (key contributors noted above) while the overweight allocation was a very modest drag. India also contributed to results, due to a combination of allocation and security selection; the Indian market held up well with only an (8.0)% decline and the Fund’s holdings delivered a positive return of 3%.

 

Western Europe and North America were the two biggest detractors. In addition to the detractors mentioned above Infineon Technologies AG (Germany) and Goosehead Insurance, Inc. (U.S.) were also weak. Goosehead was sold during the period. Semiconductor stocks in general were weak on concerns related to excess inventory from over ordering while higher rates impacted the homeowners and auto insurance business at Goosehead.

 

 

22


   

    

AMG GW&K Global Allocation Fund

Portfolio Manager’s Comments (continued)

 

 

 

“The only function of economic forecasting is to make astrology look respectable.” This quote is attributed to Ezra Solomon in a 1985 Readers’ Digest piece, as noted by Bloomberg in “What Will Happen in 2023: All the Latest Predictions for Next Year.” The same can obviously be said for market forecasting, so we will refrain from making any bold 2023 predictions. Strategists’ views vary, but many are calling for relatively better results in Asia thanks to China’s zero-COVID pivot and renewed focus on economic expansion, a mild economic and earnings recession in the U.S., and a demanding year for Europe, which is still facing energy security risks but should also benefit from policy changes in China. What we do know is that equities have proven resilient over the long-term, despite some notable bouts of macro weakness and market volatility. Regardless of how the numerous forecasts play out this year, our focus will remain on finding good companies that can adeptly manage various business cycles, particularly those that are the most challenging.

 

FIXED INCOME

 

For 2022, the fixed income sleeve finished ahead of its benchmark. Currency effect was the largest positive contributor to relative performance as the

      

Fund’s holdings are primarily dollar-denominated during a period when the dollar depreciated. Our overweight to U.S. rates was the largest detractor for the year amid the sharp selloff in U.S. rates. Our overweight to U.S. markets and overweight to spread product also detracted. This was somewhat offset by our overweight to higher coupon mortgage-backed securities (MBS) within securitized as well as our allocation and selection within Government-Related. Security selection within corporates had minimal impact.

 

The disconnect between the Fed’s projections and market pricing has widened following the most recent Summary of Economic Projections (SEP). The median estimate of Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) participants for the overnight rate at the end of 2023 is 5.125%, up from 4.625% in September; the Fed funds futures market sees a terminal rate of nearly 5.00% in June of 2023 and then two cuts by year end. There has also been a small but not insignificant chorus of economists calling for the FOMC to raise its target inflation to 3% from 2%, prompting objections that this would undermine the Fed’s hard-earned credibility. These are just two sources of tension in the rates market, and their resolution could have significant implications for both the level and the shape of the yield curve. We

      

don’t believe investors are being sufficiently compensated for these risks. Our fundamental view of credit is broadly constructive, and we believe balance sheets in general are sound and liquidity is sufficient. But we recognize the potential for macroeconomic forces to alter this landscape and we don’t believe all these risks are adequately reflected in valuations. Within the space, we see the best value at the front end, where higher quality credits in less rate-sensitive sectors offer attractive yields and compelling breakevens. We have also been able to identify names that we believe can improve their credit profiles independently of a challenging macro backdrop. In the mortgage sector, we believe the benefits of lower originations and potentially lower rate volatility are offset by event risks surrounding quantitative tightening and middling spread levels.

 

The views expressed represent the opinions of GW&K Investment Management, LLC as of December 31, 2022, and are not intended as a forecast or guarantee of future results, and are subject to change without notice.

 

 

23


    

AMG GW&K Global Allocation Fund

Portfolio Manager’s Comments (continued)

 

 

 

CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN PERFORMANCE

AMG GW&K Global Allocation Fund’s cumulative total return is based on the daily change in net asset value (NAV), and assumes that all dividends and distributions were reinvested. The graph compares a hypothetical $10,000 investment made in the AMG GW&K Global Allocation Fund’s Class N shares on December 31, 2012, to a $10,000 investment made in the 60% MSCI ACWI/40% Bloomberg Global Aggregate Bond Index for the same time period. The graph and table do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on a Fund distribution or redemption of shares. The listed returns for the Fund are net of expenses and the returns for the indexes exclude expenses. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced.

 

LOGO

The table below shows the average annual total returns for the AMG GW&K Global Allocation Fund and the 60% MSCI ACWI/40% Bloomberg Global Aggregate Bond Index for the same time periods ended December 31, 2022.

 

     One   Five   Ten
  Average Annual Total Returns1    Year   Years   Years

AMG GW&K Global Allocation Fund2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

Class N

   (20.04%)   2.04%   5.79%

Class I

   (19.91%)   2.20%   5.97%

Class Z

   (19.85%)   2.30%   6.06%

60% MSCI ACWI/40% Bloomberg Global Aggregate Bond Index13, 14

   (17.22%)   2.79%   4.81%

MSCI ACWI Index 13

   (18.36%)   5.23%   7.98%

Bloomberg Global Aggregate Bond Index14

   (16.25%)   (1.66%)   (0.44%)

The performance data shown represents past performance. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.

 

Investors should carefully consider the Fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses before investing. For performance information through the most recent month end, current net asset values per share for the Fund and other information, please call 800.548.4539 or visit our website at amgfunds.com for a free prospectus. Read it carefully before investing or sending money.

Distributed by AMG Distributors, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC.

 

1 

Total return equals income yield plus share price change and assumes reinvestment of all dividends and capital gain distributions. Returns are net of fees and may reflect offsets of Fund expenses as described in the prospectus. No adjustment has been made for taxes payable by shareholders on their reinvested dividends and capital gain

distributions. Returns for periods greater than one year are annualized. The listed returns on the Fund are net of expenses and based on the published NAV as of December 31, 2022. All returns are in U.S. Dollars ($).

 

2  From time to time, the Fund’s investment manager has waived its fees and/or absorbed Fund expenses, which has resulted in higher returns.

 

3  As of April 17, 2020, the Fund’s subadvisor was changed to GW&K Investment Management, LLC. Prior to April 17, 2020, the Fund was known as the AMG Chicago Equity Partners Balanced Fund, and had different principal investment strategies and corresponding risks. Performance shown for periods prior to April 17, 2020 reflects the performance and investment strategies of the Fund’s previous subadvisor, Chicago Equity Partners, LLC. The Fund’s past performance would have been different if the Fund were managed by the current subadvisor and strategy, and the Fund’s prior performance record might be less pertinent for investors considering whether to purchase shares of the Fund.

 

4  To the extent that the Fund invests in asset-backed or mortgage-backed securities, its exposure to prepayment and extension risks may be greater than investments in other fixed income securities.

 

5  The Fund is subject to the risks associated with investments in debt securities, such as default risk and fluctuations in the perception of the debtor’s ability to pay its creditors. Changing interest rates may adversely affect the value of an investment. An increase in interest rates typically causes the value of bonds and other fixed income securities to fall.

 

6  The Fund invests in value stocks, which may perform differently from the market as a whole and may be undervalued by the market for a long period of time.

 

7  Investments in international securities are subject to certain risks of overseas investing including currency fluctuations and changes in political and economic conditions, which could result in significant market fluctuations. These risks are magnified in emerging markets.

 

8  The Fund is subject to the risks associated with investments in emerging markets, such as erratic earnings patterns, economic and political instability, changing exchange controls, limitations on repatriation of foreign capital and changes in local governmental attitudes toward private investment, possibly leading to nationalization or confiscation of investor assets.

 

9  The Fund invests in growth stocks, which may be more sensitive to market movements because their prices tend to reflect future investor expectations rather than just current profits. Growth stocks may underperform value stocks during given periods.

 

 

 

24


   

    

AMG GW&K Global Allocation Fund

Portfolio Manager’s Comments (continued)

 

 

 

10 Market prices of investments held by the Fund may fall rapidly or unpredictably due to a variety of economic or political factors, market conditions, disasters or public health issues, or in response to events that affect particular industries or companies.

 

11 The Fund’s investments may not be allocated in the best performing asset classes.

 

12 The Fund is subject to currency risk resulting from fluctuations in exchange rates that may affect the total loss or gain on a non-U.S. Dollar investment when converted back to U.S. Dollars.

 

13 The MSCI All Country World Index (ACWI) is a free-float adjusted market capitalization weighted index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed and emerging markets. Please go to msci.com for most current list of countries represented by the Index. Unlike the Fund, the ACWI is unmanaged, is not available for investment and does not incur expenses.

  

14 The Bloomberg Global Aggregate Bond Index provides a broad-based measure of the global investment-grade fixed income markets. The three major components of this index are the U.S. Aggregate, the Pan-European Aggregate, and the Asian-Pacific Aggregate Indices. The Index also includes Eurodollar and Euro-Yen corporate bonds, Canadian government, agency and corporate securities, and USD investment grade 144A securities. Unlike the Fund, the Bloomberg Global Aggregate Bond Index is unmanaged, is not available for investment and does not incur expenses.

 

All MSCI data is provided “as is”. The products described herein are not sponsored or endorsed and have not been reviewed or passed on by MSCI. In no event shall MSCI, its affiliates or any MSCI data provider have any liability of any kind in connection with the MSCI data or the products described herein. Copying or redistributing the MSCI data is strictly prohibited. All holdings and sector/region allocations are subject to review and adjustment in accordance

  

with the Portfolio’s investment strategy and may vary in the future, and should not be considered recommendations to buy or sell any security.

 

“Bloomberg®” and any Bloomberg index described herein are service marks of Bloomberg Finance L.P. and its affiliates, including Bloomberg Index Services Limited (“BISL”), the administrator of the index (collectively, “Bloomberg”) and have been licensed for use for certain purposes by AMG Funds LLC. Bloomberg is not affiliated with AMG Funds LLC, and Bloomberg does not approve, endorse, review, or recommend the fund described herein. Bloomberg does not guarantee the timeliness, accurateness, or completeness of any data or information relating to such fund.

 

Not FDIC insured, nor bank guaranteed. May lose value.

 

 

25


   

AMG GW&K Global Allocation Fund

Fund Snapshots (unaudited)

December 31, 2022

 

 

PORTFOLIO BREAKDOWN

 

    Sector    % of 
Net Assets 
 

Consumer Discretionary

   15.1
 

Industrials

   14.5
 

U.S. Government and Agency Obligations

   13.3
 

Information Technology

   13.2
 

Financials

   10.4
 

Health Care

     9.3
 

Foreign Government Obligations

     8.1
 

Energy

     4.4
 

Communication Services

     3.6
 

Utilities

     2.8
 

Real Estate

     1.9
 

Municipal Bonds

     0.9
 

Short-Term Investments

     4.4
 

Other Assets, less Liabilities

     (1.9)

 

TOP TEN HOLDINGS

 

    Security Name   % of 
Net Assets 
 

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

  3.7
 

The Charles Schwab Corp.

  2.9
 

Hess Corp.

  2.6
 

AIA Group, Ltd. (Hong Kong)

  2.4
 

NextEra Energy, Inc.

  2.3
 

Infineon Technologies AG (Germany)

  2.3
 

HDFC Bank, Ltd., ADR (India)

  2.2
 

H World Group Ltd., ADR (China)

  2.2
 

STERIS PLC

  2.2
 

Yum China Holdings, Inc. (China)

  2.1
   

 

 

Top Ten as a Group

  24.9
 

 

 

 

    Rating   % of Market Value1
 

U.S. Government and Agency Obligations

      39.2
 

Aaa/AAA

      13.6
 

Aa/AA

      14.5
 

A

      3.0
 

Baa/BBB

      19.6
 

Ba/BB

      9.1
 

B

      1.0
 

 

1 

Includes market value of long-term fixed-income securities only.

 

Credit quality ratings shown above reflect the highest rating assigned by either Standard & Poor’s (“S&P”), Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”) or Fitch. These rating agencies are independent, nationally recognized statistical rating organizations and are widely used. Investment grade ratings are credit ratings of BBB- or higher. Below investment grade ratings are credit ratings of BB+ or lower. Investments designated N/R are not rated by any of the rating agencies. Unrated investments do not necessarily indicate low credit quality. Credit quality ratings are subject to change.

Because a fund’s strategy may result in multiple investments in particular sectors of the economy, its performance may depend on the performance of those sectors and may fluctuate more widely than investments diversified across more sectors. For additional information on these and other risk considerations, please see the Fund’s prospectus.

Any sectors, industries, or securities discussed should not be perceived as investment recommendations. Mention of a specific security should not be considered a recommendation to buy or solicitation to sell that security. Specific securities mentioned in this report may have been sold from the Fund’s portfolio of investments by the time you receive this report.

 

 

26


   

AMG GW&K Global Allocation Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments

December 31, 2022

 

 

 

      Shares      Value  

Common Stocks - 63.6%

     

Communication Services - 3.6%

 

  

Alphabet, Inc., Class A*

     9,520        $839,950  

Tencent Holdings, Ltd. (China)

     14,600        619,045  

Total Communication Services

        1,458,995  

Consumer Discretionary - 15.1%

 

  

Alibaba Group Holding, Ltd. (China)*

     52,500        576,078  

Amazon.com, Inc.*

     6,633        557,172  

H World Group Ltd., ADR (China)

     21,035        892,305  

JD.com, Inc., Class A (China)

     880        24,567  

LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE (France)

     919        668,750  

MakeMyTrip, Ltd. (India)*

     30,251        834,020  

Moncler SpA (Italy)1

     12,596        669,312  

Sands China, Ltd. (Macau)*

     85,600        280,788  

Trip.com Group, Ltd. (China)*

     24,100        831,199  

Yum China Holdings, Inc. (China)

     15,700        876,686  

Total Consumer Discretionary

        6,210,877  

Energy - 4.4%

 

  

Canadian Natural Resources, Ltd. (Canada)1

     13,046        724,467  

Hess Corp.

     7,620        1,080,669  

Total Energy

        1,805,136  

Financials - 7.5%

 

  

AIA Group, Ltd. (Hong Kong)

     88,500        977,340  

The Charles Schwab Corp.

     14,103        1,174,216  

HDFC Bank, Ltd., ADR (India)

     13,494        923,125  

Total Financials

        3,074,681  

Health Care - 9.3%

 

  

Avantor, Inc.*

     32,300        681,207  

IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.*

     1,763        719,233  

STERIS PLC

     4,807        887,805  

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

     2,881        1,527,449  

Total Health Care

        3,815,694  

Industrials - 6.2%

 

  

Casella Waste Systems, Inc., Class A*

     8,807        698,483  

MISUMI Group, Inc. (Japan)

     30,650        666,157  

TransDigm Group, Inc.

     964        606,982  

Union Pacific Corp.

     2,800        579,796  

Total Industrials

        2,551,418  

Information Technology - 13.2%

 

  

Adyen, N.V. (Netherlands)*,2

     518        719,113  

Black Knight, Inc.*

     11,918        735,937  

Halma PLC (United Kingdom)

     28,111        669,462  

Infineon Technologies AG (Germany)

     30,707        933,245  
      Shares      Value  

Mastercard, Inc., Class A

     2,503        $870,368  

Microsoft Corp.

     3,361        806,035  

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd. ADR, Sponsored ADR (Taiwan)

     9,221        686,872  

Total Information Technology

        5,421,032  

Real Estate - 1.9%

 

  

American Tower Corp., REIT

     3,725        789,179  

Utilities - 2.4%

     

NextEra Energy, Inc.

     11,509        962,152  

Total Common Stocks
(Cost $20,256,428)

        26,089,164  
     Principal
Amount
        

Corporate Bonds and Notes - 11.6%

 

  

Financials - 2.9%

 

  

AerCap Ireland Capital DAC/AerCap Global Aviation Trust (Ireland) 1.650%, 10/29/24

     $280,000        258,272  

Aircastle, Ltd. (Bermuda)
5.250%, 08/11/252

     91,000        87,518  

American Tower Corp.
2.750%, 01/15/27

     160,000        145,042  

Bank of America Corp.

     

MTN, (4.330% to 03/15/49 then 3 month LIBOR + 1.520%), 4.330%, 03/15/503,4

     50,000        41,009  

Citigroup, Inc.

     

(3.875% to 02/18/26 then U.S. Treasury Yield Curve CMT 5 year + 3.417%), 3.875%, 02/18/263,4,5

     85,000        72,463  

First-Citizens Bank & Trust Co.

     

6.125%, 03/09/28

     78,000        79,269  

Landwirtschaftliche Rentenbank, EMTN (Germany)

     

1.750%, 01/14/27

     175,000        159,095  

MetLife, Inc.

     

Series G, (3.850% to 09/15/25 then U.S. Treasury Yield Curve CMT 5 year + 3.576%), 3.850%, 09/15/251,3,4,5

     163,000        151,386  

SBA Communications Corp.

     

3.875%, 02/15/27

     52,000        46,983  

Sprint Capital Corp.

     

6.875%, 11/15/28

     60,000        62,276  

Truist Financial Corp.

     

Series N, (4.800% to 09/01/24 then U.S. Treasury Yield Curve CMT 5 year + 3.003%), 4.800%, 09/01/243,4,5

     106,000        95,427  

Total Financials

        1,198,740  

Industrials - 8.3%

     

AECOM

     

5.125%, 03/15/27

     56,000        53,900  
 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

27


   

    

AMG GW&K Global Allocation Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments (continued)

 

 

 

      Principal
Amount
     Value  

Industrials - 8.3% (continued)

     

Alcoa Nederland Holding, B.V. (Netherlands)

     

4.125%, 03/31/292

     $200,000        $177,432  

Amazon.com, Inc.

     

4.600%, 12/01/251

     123,000        122,697  

Anheuser-Busch InBev Worldwide, Inc.

     

4.375%, 04/15/38

     72,000        64,362  

Ardagh Metal Packaging Finance USA LLC/Ardagh Metal Packaging Finance PLC

     

3.250%, 09/01/281,2

     185,000        157,147  

AT&T, Inc.

     

4.300%, 12/15/42

     96,000        78,758  

Ball Corp.

     

4.875%, 03/15/26

     71,000        68,773  

The Boeing Co.

     

5.805%, 05/01/50

     32,000        29,670  

Callon Petroleum Co.

     

6.375%, 07/01/26

     147,000        137,011  

Centene Corp.

     

2.500%, 03/01/31

     51,000        39,906  

3.375%, 02/15/301

     39,000        32,969  

Cisco Systems, Inc.

     

5.500%, 01/15/40

     58,000        60,355  

Cogent Communications Group, Inc.

     

3.500%, 05/01/262

     68,000        61,774  

Crown Americas LLC/Crown Americas Capital Corp. V

     

4.250%, 09/30/261

     54,000        51,493  

Dell, Inc.

     

7.100%, 04/15/28

     65,000        69,313  

Delta Air Lines, Inc.

     

7.375%, 01/15/261

     70,000        71,522  

Embraer Netherlands Finance BV (Netherlands)

     

5.050%, 06/15/25

     135,000        131,019  

HB Fuller Co.

     

4.250%, 10/15/28

     74,000        65,490  

HCA, Inc.

     

3.500%, 09/01/30

     67,000        57,786  

KB Home

     

4.000%, 06/15/311

     48,000        38,585  

Kinder Morgan, Inc.

     

4.300%, 06/01/25

     146,000        143,180  

Kraft Heinz Foods Co.

     

4.375%, 06/01/46

     71,000        57,695  

Lamar Media Corp.

     

3.750%, 02/15/28

     64,000        57,287  

MEG Energy Corp. (Canada)

     

5.875%, 02/01/292

     52,000        49,037  

Microsoft Corp.

     

2.525%, 06/01/50

     55,000        36,193  
      Principal
Amount
     Value  

Murphy Oil Corp.

     

6.375%, 07/15/281

     $90,000        $86,629  

Murphy Oil USA, Inc.

     

5.625%, 05/01/27

     57,000        55,348  

Nestle Holdings, Inc.

     

1.000%, 09/15/272

     275,000        232,986  

Newell Brands, Inc.

     

4.450%, 04/01/266

     64,000        60,211  

NuStar Logistics LP

     

5.750%, 10/01/25

     80,000        76,907  

Oracle Corp.

     

2.800%, 04/01/27

     161,000        146,509  

Pernod Ricard International Finance LLC

     

1.250%, 04/01/282

     250,000        206,300  

Silgan Holdings, Inc.

     

4.125%, 02/01/28

     69,000        63,836  

SK Hynix, Inc. (South Korea)

     

2.375%, 01/19/312

     200,000        146,633  

Smith & Nephew PLC (United Kingdom)

     

2.032%, 10/14/301

     107,000        83,634  

Teva Pharmaceutical Finance Netherlands III, B.V. (Netherlands)

     

3.150%, 10/01/26

     69,000        60,340  

Travel + Leisure Co.

     

5.650%, 04/01/246

     56,000        55,157  

United Rentals North America, Inc.

     

3.875%, 02/15/31

     56,000        46,944  

Verizon Communications, Inc.

     

3.875%, 02/08/291

     54,000        50,666  

Walmart, Inc.

     

4.050%, 06/29/48

     50,000        44,373  

Western Digital Corp.

     

4.750%, 02/15/26

     48,000        45,203  

Yum! Brands, Inc.

     

3.625%, 03/15/31

     43,000        36,055  

Total Industrials

        3,411,085  

Utilities - 0.4%

     

Dominion Energy, Inc.

     

Series B, (4.650% to 12/15/24 then U.S. Treasury Yield Curve CMT 5 year + 2.993%), 4.650%, 12/15/243,4,5

     131,000        114,625  

Northern States Power Co.

     

2.900%, 03/01/50

     63,000        43,090  

Total Utilities

        157,715  

Total Corporate Bonds and Notes
(Cost $5,417,510)

        4,767,540  

Municipal Bonds - 0.9%

     

California State General Obligation, School Improvements Build America Bonds, 7.550%, 04/01/39

     60,000        75,098  
 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

28


   

    

AMG GW&K Global Allocation Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments (continued)

 

 

 

      Principal
Amount
     Value  

Municipal Bonds - 0.9% (continued)

 

  

JobsOhio Beverage System

     

Series B, 4.532%, 01/01/35

     $130,000        $125,402  

Los Angeles Unified School District, School Improvements

     

5.750%, 07/01/34

     85,000        88,789  

New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund Authority

     

Series C, 5.754%, 12/15/28

     90,000        90,672  

Total Municipal Bonds
(Cost $460,225)

        379,961  

U.S. Government and Agency Obligations - 13.3%

 

  

Fannie Mae - 4.5%

 

  

FNMA

     

3.000%, 10/01/37 to 01/01/38

     179,589        166,640  

4.000%, 11/01/44 to 02/01/50

     636,758        608,622  

4.500%, 09/01/46 to 02/01/49

     365,321        360,970  

5.000%, 08/01/49

     259,414        261,108  

5.500%, 02/01/37

     4,970        5,074  

FNMA Pool

     

3.500%, 05/01/52

     479,755        442,829  

Total Fannie Mae

        1,845,243  

Freddie Mac - 0.8%

     

FHLMC Gold Pool

     

3.000%, 02/01/38

     74,068        68,330  

FHLMC Pool

     

4.500%, 07/01/44

     253,776        249,489  

Total Freddie Mac

        317,819  

U.S. Treasury Obligations - 8.0%

     

U.S. Treasury Bonds

     

2.250%, 05/15/41 to 02/15/52

     881,000        618,952  

3.000%, 11/15/44 to 02/15/49

     431,000        355,205  

4.375%, 02/15/38

     527,000        551,765  

4.500%, 08/15/39

     492,000        521,693  

U.S. Treasury Notes

     

1.500%, 02/15/30

     448,000        381,780  

2.250%, 02/15/27

     364,000        338,733  

2.875%, 05/15/32

     590,000        543,722  

Total U.S. Treasury Obligations

        3,311,850  

Total U.S. Government and Agency Obligations
(Cost $5,875,460)

        5,474,912  

Foreign Government Obligations - 8.1%

 

  

African Development Bank
(Côte d’Ivoire) Series GDIF

     

0.875%, 03/23/261

     135,000        120,715  

Agence Francaise de Developpement (France)

     

0.625%, 01/22/26

     200,000        177,890  

Asian Development Bank (Philippines)

     

1.750%, 09/19/29

     165,000        142,006  

BNG Bank, N.V. (Netherlands)

     

0.875%, 05/18/262

     200,000        177,581  
      Principal
Amount
     Value  

European Investment Bank (Luxembourg)

     

0.625%, 10/21/271

     $122,000        $103,484  

Finland Government International Bond (Finland)

     

0.875%, 05/20/302

     200,000        158,490  

Inter-American Development Bank

     

4.375%, 01/24/44

     310,000        303,541  

International Bank for Reconstruction & Development

     

Series GDIF

     

3.125%, 11/20/25

     275,000        265,672  

International Finance Corp.

     

2.125%, 04/07/26

     160,000        149,412  

Japan Finance Organization for Municipalities (Japan)

     

1.000%, 05/21/252

     300,000        274,041  

Kingdom of Belgium Government International Bond (Belgium)

     

1.000%, 05/28/30

     200,000        159,139  

Kommunalbanken A.S. (Norway)

     

1.125%, 10/26/262

     200,000        177,125  

The Korea Development Bank (South Korea)

     

0.500%, 10/27/23

     299,000        288,791  

1.375%, 04/25/27

     200,000        172,906  

Nederlandse Financierings-Maatschappij voor Ontwikkelingslanden, N.V. (Netherlands)

     

0.875%, 06/15/26

     300,000        265,733  

Philippine Government International Bond (Philippines)

     

1.648%, 06/10/31

     200,000        159,535  

Province of Ontario Canada (Canada)

     

1.050%, 05/21/271

     151,000        130,918  

Province of Quebec Canada (Canada)

     

1.350%, 05/28/30

     123,000        99,634  

Total Foreign Government Obligations
(Cost $3,847,388)

        3,326,613  

Short-Term Investments - 4.4%

 

  

Joint Repurchase Agreements - 3.4%7

 

  

National Bank Financial, dated 12/30/22, due 01/03/23, 4.340% total to be received $1,000,482 (collateralized by various U.S. Treasuries, 0.000% - 4.435%, 01/03/23 - 09/09/49, totaling $1,020,000)

     1,000,000        1,000,000  

Nomura Securities International, Inc., dated 12/30/22, due 01/03/23, 4.300% total to be received $405,232 (collateralized by various U.S. Government Agency Obligations, 1.973% - 9.000%, 02/01/23 - 07/01/60, totaling $413,139)

     405,038        405,038  

Total Joint Repurchase Agreements

        1,405,038  
 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

29


   

    

AMG GW&K Global Allocation Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments (continued)

 

 

 

      Principal
Amount
     Value  

Repurchase Agreements - 1.0%

 

  

Fixed Income Clearing Corp., dated 12/30/22 due 01/03/23, 4.150% total to be received $381,176 (collateralized by a U.S. Treasury, 0.125%, 01/15/32, totaling $388,645)

     $381,000        $381,000  

Total Short-Term Investments
(Cost $1,786,038)

        1,786,038  
          
    
     Value  

Total Investments - 101.9%
(Cost $37,643,049)

      $ 41,824,228  

Other Assets, less Liabilities - (1.9)%

 

     (775,084

Net Assets - 100.0%

      $ 41,049,144  
 

 

* 

Non-income producing security.

 

1 

Some of these securities, amounting to $1,896,239 or 4.6% of net assets, were out on loan to various borrowers and are collateralized by cash and various U.S. Treasury Obligations. See Note 4 of Notes to Financial Statements.

 

2 

Security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. This security may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At December 31, 2022, the value of these securities amounted to $2,625,177 or 6.4% of net assets.

 

3 

Fixed to variable rate investment. The rate shown reflects the fixed rate in effect at December 31, 2022. Rate will reset at a future date.

 

4 

Variable rate security. The rate shown is based on the latest available information as of December 31, 2022. Certain variable rate securities are not based on a published reference rate and spread but are determined by the issuer or agent and are based on current market conditions. These securities do not indicate a reference rate and spread in their description above.

5 

Perpetuity Bond. The date shown represents the next call date.

 

6 

Step Bond: A debt instrument with either deferred interest payments or an interest rate that resets at specific times during its term.

 

7 

Cash collateral received for securities lending activity was invested in these joint repurchase agreements.

 

ADR   American Depositary Receipt
CMT   Constant Maturity Treasury
EMTN   European Medium Term Note
FHLMC   Freddie Mac
FNMA   Fannie Mae
LIBOR   London Interbank Offered Rate
MTN   Medium-Term Note
REIT   Real Estate Investment Trust
 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

30


   

    

AMG GW&K Global Allocation Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments (continued)

 

 

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments by the fair value hierarchy levels as of December 31, 2022:

 

     Level 1      Level 21      Level 3      Total  

  Investments in Securities

           

Common Stocks

           

Consumer Discretionary

   $ 2,283,497      $ 3,927,380             $ 6,210,877  

Information Technology

     3,099,212        2,321,820               5,421,032  

Health Care

     3,815,694                      3,815,694  

Financials

     2,097,341        977,340               3,074,681  

Industrials

     1,885,261        666,157               2,551,418  

Energy

     1,805,136                      1,805,136  

Communication Services

     839,950        619,045               1,458,995  

Utilities

     962,152                      962,152  

Real Estate

     789,179                      789,179  

Corporate Bonds and Notes

  

 

 

  

 

4,767,540

 

  

 

 

  

 

4,767,540

 

Municipal Bonds

  

 

 

  

 

379,961

 

  

 

 

  

 

379,961

 

U.S. Government and Agency Obligations

  

 

 

  

 

5,474,912

 

  

 

 

  

 

5,474,912

 

Foreign Government Obligations

  

 

 

  

 

3,326,613

 

  

 

 

  

 

3,326,613

 

Short-Term Investments

           

Joint Repurchase Agreements

            1,405,038               1,405,038  

Repurchase Agreements

            381,000               381,000  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

  Total Investments in Securities

  

$

17,577,422

 

  

$

24,246,806

 

  

 

 

  

$

41,824,228

 

  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

All corporate bonds and notes, municipal bonds, U.S. government and agency obligations, and foreign government obligations held in the Fund are Level 2 securities. For a detailed breakout of corporate bonds and notes, municipal bonds, U.S. government and agency obligations and foreign government obligations by major industry or agency classification, please refer to the Fund’s Schedule of Portfolio Investments.

 

1 

An external pricing service is used to reflect any impact on security value due to market movements between the time the Fund valued such foreign securities and the earlier closing of foreign markets.

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, there were no transfers in or out of Level 3.

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

31


   

    

AMG GW&K Global Allocation Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments (continued)

 

 

 

The country allocation in the Schedule of Portfolio Investments at December 31, 2022, was as follows:

 

 Country    % of Long-Term
Investments

 Belgium

     0.4

 Bermuda

     0.2

 Canada

     2.5

 China

     9.5

 Côte d’Ivoire

     0.3

 Finland

     0.4

 France

     2.1

 Germany

     2.7

 Hong Kong

     2.4

 India

     4.4

 Ireland

     0.7

 Italy

     1.7

 Japan

     2.4

 Luxembourg

     0.3

 Macau

     0.7

 Netherlands

     3.8

 Norway

     0.4

 Philippines

     0.8

 South Korea

     1.5

 Taiwan

     1.7

 United Kingdom

     1.9

 United States

   59.2
  

 

     100.0
  

 

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

32


   

 

    

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

December 31, 2022

 

 

 

    AMG
GW&K Small Cap
Core Fund
  AMG
GW&K Small Cap
Value Fund
  AMG
GW&K Small/Mid
Cap Fund
  AMG
GW&K Global
Allocation Fund

 Assets:

               

 Investments at value1 (including securities on loan valued at $30,453,990, $18,116,821, $29,481,147, and $1,896,239, respectively)

      $662,032,642       $259,512,810       $570,807,363       $41,824,228  

 Cash

      961       158,555       822       560,926  

 Foreign currency2

                        1,137  

 Receivable for investments sold

      1,041,005             2,991,862       —  

 Dividend and interest receivables

      485,336       303,916       341,432       168,814  

 Securities lending income receivable

      1,793       1,503       2,896       311  

 Receivable for Fund shares sold

      231,184       718,134       636,432       396  

 Receivable from affiliate

      3,302       5,075       11,869       10,081  

 Prepaid expenses and other assets

     

 

18,759

 

 

     

 

12,180

 

 

     

 

29,483

 

 

     

 

18,146  

 

 

 Total assets

      663,814,982       260,712,173       574,822,159       42,584,039  

 Liabilities:

               

 Payable upon return of securities loaned

      2,248,782       8,433,852       9,547,542       1,405,038  

 Payable for Fund shares repurchased

      405,537       55,818       620,970       27,635  

 Accrued expenses:

                    

 Investment advisory and management fees

      401,608       153,241       303,527       21,941  

 Administrative fees

      86,059       32,837       73,434       5,485  

 Distribution fees

      1,854             11,222       5,188  

 Shareholder service fees

      19,953       38,776       10,869       —  

 Other

     

 

111,074

 

 

     

 

86,343

 

 

     

 

100,475

 

 

     

 

69,608  

 

 

 Total liabilities

      3,274,867       8,800,867       10,668,039       1,534,895  

 

                    

  Net Assets

      $660,540,115       $251,911,306       $564,154,120       $41,049,144  

  1 Investments at cost

      $547,529,285       $235,343,569       $545,398,538       $37,643,049  

  2 Foreign currency at cost

                        $1,044  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

33


   

    

    

Statement of Assets and Liabilities (continued)

 

 

 

     AMG
GW&K Small Cap
Core Fund
  AMG
GW&K Small Cap
Value Fund
   AMG
GW&K Small/Mid
Cap Fund
   AMG
GW&K Global
Allocation Fund

  Net Assets Represent:

                  

  Paid-in capital

       $546,247,805          $226,581,215        $544,114,477        $36,512,353   

  Total distributable earnings

       114,292,310       25,330,091        20,039,643        4,536,791

  Net Assets

       $660,540,115       $251,911,306        $564,154,120        $41,049,144

  Class N:

                  

  Net Assets

       $8,532,923       $162,010,756        $51,332,648        $23,430,255

  Shares outstanding

       311,060       6,297,767        3,417,086        1,681,604

  Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share

       $27.43       $25.73        $15.02        $13.93

  Class I:

                  

  Net Assets

       $433,065,845       $81,318,785        $250,023,584        $16,074,200

  Shares outstanding

       15,335,387       3,165,246        16,585,463        1,136,656

  Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share

       $28.24       $25.69        $15.07        $14.14

  Class Z:

                  

  Net Assets

       $218,941,347       $8,581,765        $262,797,888        $1,544,689

  Shares outstanding

       7,747,166       335,369        17,404,458        109,324

  Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share

       $28.26       $25.59        $15.10        $14.13

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

34


   

    

Statement of Operations

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022

 

 

     AMG
GW&K Small Cap
Core Fund
  AMG
GW&K Small Cap
Value Fund
  AMG
GW&K Small/Mid
Cap Fund
  AMG
GW&K Global
Allocation Fund

  Investment Income:

        

  Dividend income

     $7,120,891       $4,721,476       $6,189,733       $533,907  

  Interest income

     254,871       58,851       168,748       551,415  

  Securities lending income

     47,800       25,658       37,239       8,295  

  Foreign withholding tax

     (21,029     (3,581     (18,764     (33,992 )   

  Total investment income

     7,402,533       4,802,404       6,376,956       1,059,625  

  Expenses:

        

  Investment advisory and management fees

     4,826,899       2,091,338       3,562,334       438,869  

  Administrative fees

     1,034,336       448,144       861,855       109,717  

  Distribution fees - Class N

     22,782             143,033       71,624  

  Shareholder servicing fees - Class N

     13,669       453,622              

  Shareholder servicing fees - Class I

     230,145       47,390       131,987       38,535  

  Custodian fees

     73,945       53,904       60,199       35,522  

  Professional fees

     64,313       54,244       66,530       43,187  

  Registration fees

     61,540       50,094       56,783       48,600  

  Trustee fees and expenses

     48,096       20,474       40,586       4,805  

  Reports to shareholders

     34,736       23,929       39,360       15,057  

  Transfer agent fees

     25,447       27,182       28,927       5,585  

  Interest expense

     3,657       3,414       227       8,384  

  Miscellaneous

     25,281       12,916       19,674       7,360  

  Repayment of prior reimbursements

     23,921             14,991        

  Total expenses before offsets

     6,488,767       3,286,651       5,026,486       827,245  

  Expense reimbursements

     (12,500     (93,363     (39,766     (116,229

  Expense reductions

     (54,366     (40,501     (23,627      

  Net expenses

     6,421,901       3,152,787       4,963,093       711,016  

 

        

  Net investment income

     980,632       1,649,617       1,413,863       348,609  

  Net Realized and Unrealized Loss:

        

  Net realized gain on investments

     8,194,929       2,350,459       11,157,155       3,027,676  

  Net realized loss on foreign currency transactions

                       (139,806

  Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments

     (135,195,014     (58,011,614     (126,909,129     (28,079,775

  Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on foreign currency translations

                       (2,267

  Net realized and unrealized loss

     (127,000,085     (55,661,155     (115,751,974     (25,194,172

 

        

  Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

     $(126,019,453     $(54,011,538     $(114,338,111     $(24,845,563

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

35


   

    

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

For the fiscal years ended December 31,

 

 

 

     AMG
GW&K Small Cap
Core Fund
    AMG
GW&K Small Cap
Value Fund
 
     2022     2021     2022     2021

 Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting From Operations:

        

Net investment income (loss)

     $980,632       $(629,013     $1,649,617       $1,232,848  

Net realized gain on investments

     8,194,929       49,419,834       2,350,459       38,956,174  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments

     (135,195,014     79,668,547       (58,011,614     60,248,817  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

     (126,019,453     128,459,368       (54,011,538     100,437,839  

 Distributions to Shareholders:

        

Class N

     (64,594     (949,945     (2,695,354     (28,587,718

Class I

     (3,756,002     (46,514,091     (1,530,323     (12,015,888

Class Z

     (2,006,227     (15,991,224     (164,728     (1,267,238

Total distributions to shareholders

     (5,826,823     (63,455,260     (4,390,405     (41,870,844

 Capital Share Transactions:1

        

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

     34,931,383       87,562,396       (61,819,336     (23,573,512

 

        

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

     (96,914,893     152,566,504       (120,221,279     34,993,483  

 Net Assets:

        

Beginning of year

     757,455,008       604,888,504       372,132,585       337,139,102  

End of year

     $660,540,115       $757,455,008       $251,911,306       $372,132,585  

1 See Note 1(g) of the Notes to Financial Statements.

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

36


   

    

Statements of Changes in Net Assets (continued)

For the fiscal years ended December 31,

 

 

     AMG
GW&K Small/Mid
Cap Fund
    AMG
GW&K Global
Allocation Fund
 
     2022     2021     2022     2021

 Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting From Operations:

        

Net investment income (loss)

     $1,413,863       $(577,795     $348,609       $(157,875

Net realized gain on investments

     11,157,155       32,735,934       2,887,870       8,621,655  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments

     (126,909,129     63,516,205       (28,082,042     (4,403,764

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

     (114,338,111     95,674,344       (24,845,563     4,060,016  

 Distributions to Shareholders:

        

Class N

     (2,004,795     (3,691,812     (2,644,479     (999,921

Class I

     (10,257,877     (14,552,343     (1,798,913     (2,220,592

Class Z

     (10,783,979     (10,207,781     (201,039     (78,887

Total distributions to shareholders

     (23,046,651     (28,451,936     (4,644,431     (3,299,400

 Capital Share Transactions:1

        

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

     138,227,537       225,319,643       (56,032,680     (27,205,033

 

        

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

     842,775       292,542,051       (85,522,674     (26,444,417

 Net Assets:

        

Beginning of year

     563,311,345       270,769,294       126,571,818       153,016,235  

End of year

     $564,154,120       $563,311,345       $41,049,144       $126,571,818  

1 See Note 1(g) of the Notes to Financial Statements.

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

37


   

AMG GW&K Small Cap Core Fund

Financial Highlights

For a share outstanding throughout each fiscal year

 

 

     For the fiscal years ended December 31,
 Class N    2022     2021     2020     2019     2018  

 Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year

     $33.13       $29.97       $26.09       $21.03       $28.04  

 Income (loss) from Investment Operations:

          

Net investment loss1,2

     (0.06     (0.15     (0.03     (0.04     (0.04

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (5.43     6.34       4.64       6.47       (3.95

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     (5.49     6.19       4.61       6.43       (3.99

 Less Distributions to Shareholders from:

          

Net realized gain on investments

     (0.21     (3.03     (0.73     (1.37     (3.02

 Net Asset Value, End of Year

     $27.43       $33.13       $29.97       $26.09       $21.03  

 Total Return2,3

     (16.58 )%      21.01     17.73     30.66     (14.08 )% 

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets4

     1.29 %5      1.30 %5      1.29     1.29     1.28

Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets6

     1.30 %5      1.30 %5      1.30     1.31     1.28

Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets2

     (0.22 )%      (0.45 )%      (0.14 )%      (0.15 )%      (0.13 )% 

Portfolio turnover

     25     33     37     20     25

Net assets end of year (000’s) omitted

     $8,533       $11,278       $8,667       $10,239       $12,655  
                                          

 

 

 

38


   

AMG GW&K Small Cap Core Fund

Financial Highlights

For a share outstanding throughout each fiscal year

 

 

     For the fiscal years ended December 31,
 Class I    2022     2021     2020     2019     2018  

 Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year

     $34.02       $30.61       $26.57       $21.37       $28.42  

 Income (loss) from Investment Operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)1,2

     0.04       (0.03     0.05       0.05       0.06  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (5.57     6.47       4.76       6.58       (4.03

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     (5.53     6.44       4.81       6.63       (3.97

 Less Distributions to Shareholders from:

          

Net investment income

     (0.04           (0.04     (0.06     (0.06

Net realized gain on investments

     (0.21     (3.03     (0.73     (1.37     (3.02

Total distributions to shareholders

     (0.25     (3.03     (0.77     (1.43     (3.08

 Net Asset Value, End of Year

     $28.24       $34.02       $30.61       $26.57       $21.37  

 Total Return2,3

     (16.27 )%      21.38     18.16     31.13     (13.83 )% 

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets4

     0.94 %5      0.95 %5      0.94     0.94     0.95

Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets6

     0.95 %5      0.95 %5      0.95     0.96     0.95

Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets2

     0.13     (0.10 )%      0.21     0.20     0.20

Portfolio turnover

     25     33     37     20     25

Net assets end of year (000’s) omitted

     $433,066       $546,326       $470,373       $331,703       $311,252  
                                          

 

 

 

39


   

AMG GW&K Small Cap Core Fund

Financial Highlights

For a share outstanding throughout each fiscal year

 

 

     For the fiscal years ended December 31,
 Class Z    2022     2021     2020     2019     2018  

 Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year

     $34.05       $30.61       $26.57       $21.37       $28.42  

 Income (loss) from Investment Operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)1,2

     0.05       (0.02     0.07       0.06       0.07  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (5.58     6.49       4.75       6.59       (4.03

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     (5.53     6.47       4.82       6.65       (3.96

 Less Distributions to Shareholders from:

          

Net investment income

     (0.05           (0.05     (0.08     (0.07

Net realized gain on investments

     (0.21     (3.03     (0.73     (1.37     (3.02

Total distributions to shareholders

     (0.26     (3.03     (0.78     (1.45     (3.09

 Net Asset Value, End of Year

     $28.26       $34.05       $30.61       $26.57       $21.37  

 Total Return2,3

     (16.25 )%      21.48     18.21     31.13     (13.73 )% 

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets4

     0.89 %5      0.90 %5      0.89     0.89     0.90

Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets6

     0.90 %5      0.90 %5      0.90     0.91     0.90

Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets2

     0.18     (0.05 )%      0.26     0.25     0.25

Portfolio turnover

     25     33     37     20     25

Net assets end of year (000’s) omitted

     $218,941       $199,851       $125,848       $110,020       $85,009  
                                          

 

1 

Per share numbers have been calculated using average shares.

 

2 

Total returns and net investment income (loss) would have been lower had certain expenses not been offset.

 

3 

The total return is calculated using the published Net Asset Value as of fiscal year end.

 

4 

Includes reduction from broker recapture amounting to 0.01% for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, less than 0.01% for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, 0.01% for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 and less than 0.01% for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018.

 

5 

Such ratio includes recapture of waived/reimbursed fees from prior periods amounting to less than 0.01% for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, and 0.01% for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021.

 

6 

Excludes the impact of expense reimbursement or fee waivers and expense reductions such as brokerage credits, but includes expense repayments and non-reimbursable expenses, if any, such as interest, taxes, and extraordinary expenses. (See Note 1(c) and 2 in the Notes to Financial Statements.)

 

 

40


   

AMG GW&K Small Cap Value Fund

Financial Highlights

For a share outstanding throughout each fiscal year

 

 

     For the fiscal years ended December 31,
 Class N    2022     2021     2020     2019     2018  

 Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year

     $30.90       $26.71       $37.16       $30.93       $43.98  

 Income (loss) from Investment Operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)1,2

     0.13       0.09       0.08       0.07       (0.01

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (4.87     8.41       1.00       8.79       (8.40

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     (4.74     8.50       1.08       8.86       (8.41

 Less Distributions to Shareholders from:

          

Net investment income

     (0.15     (0.08     (0.08     (0.09      

Net realized gain on investments

     (0.28     (4.23     (11.45     (2.54     (4.64

Total distributions to shareholders

     (0.43     (4.31     (11.53     (2.63     (4.64

 Net Asset Value, End of Year

     $25.73       $30.90       $26.71       $37.16       $30.93  

 Total Return2,3

     (15.33 )%      32.93     3.29     28.64     (19.00 )% 

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets

     1.13 %4      1.13 %4      1.17     1.17     1.17

Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets5

     1.18     1.17     1.21     1.20     1.18

Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets2

     0.47     0.28     0.28     0.19     (0.03 )% 

Portfolio turnover

     19     41     115     20     24

Net assets end of year (000’s) omitted

     $162,011       $223,586       $243,655       $359,550       $425,540  
                                          

 

 

 

41


   

AMG GW&K Small Cap Value Fund

Financial Highlights

For a share outstanding throughout each fiscal year

 

 

     For the fiscal years ended December 31,
 Class I    2022     2021     2020     2019     2018  

 Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year

     $30.87       $26.79       $37.23       $31.05       $44.06  

 Income (loss) from Investment Operations:

          

Net investment income1,2

     0.18       0.15       0.14       0.13       0.06  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (4.87     8.42       1.02       8.83       (8.43

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     (4.69     8.57       1.16       8.96       (8.37

 Less Distributions to Shareholders from:

          

Net investment income

     (0.21     (0.26     (0.15     (0.24      

Net realized gain on investments

     (0.28     (4.23     (11.45     (2.54     (4.64

Total distributions to shareholders

     (0.49     (4.49     (11.60     (2.78     (4.64

 Net Asset Value, End of Year

     $25.69       $30.87       $26.79       $37.23       $31.05  

 Total Return2,3

     (15.19 )%      33.17     3.50     28.86     (18.88 )% 

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets

     0.93 %4      0.93 %4      0.99     1.01     1.01

Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets5

     0.98     0.97     1.03     1.04     1.02

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets2

     0.67     0.48     0.46     0.35     0.13

Portfolio turnover

     19     41     115     20     24

Net assets end of year (000’s) omitted

     $81,319       $115,837       $83,003       $122,323       $306,757  
                                          

 

 

 

42


   

AMG GW&K Small Cap Value Fund

Financial Highlights

For a share outstanding throughout each fiscal year

 

 

     For the fiscal years ended December 31,
 Class Z    2022     2021     2020     2019     2018  

 Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year

     $30.76       $26.72       $37.16       $31.10       $44.08  

 Income (loss) from Investment Operations:

          

Net investment income1,2

     0.20       0.16       0.16       0.16       0.10  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (4.87     8.41       1.02       8.84       (8.44

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     (4.67     8.57       1.18       9.00       (8.34

 Less Distributions to Shareholders from:

          

Net investment income

     (0.22     (0.30     (0.17     (0.40      

Net realized gain on investments

     (0.28     (4.23     (11.45     (2.54     (4.64

Total distributions to shareholders

     (0.50     (4.53     (11.62     (2.94     (4.64

 Net Asset Value, End of Year

     $25.59       $30.76       $26.72       $37.16       $31.10  

 Total Return2,3

     (15.16 )%      33.27     3.57     28.94     (18.80 )% 

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets

     0.88 %4      0.88 %4      0.92     0.92     0.92

Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets5

     0.93     0.92     0.96     0.95     0.93

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets2

     0.72     0.53     0.53     0.44     0.22

Portfolio turnover

     19     41     115     20     24

Net assets end of year (000’s) omitted

     $8,582       $32,710       $10,481       $11,815       $16,969  
                                          

 

1 

Per share numbers have been calculated using average shares.

 

2 

Total returns and net investment income (loss) would have been lower had certain expenses not been offset.

 

3 

The total return is calculated using the published Net Asset Value as of fiscal year end.

 

4 

Includes reduction from broker recapture amounting to 0.01% for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 and 0.02% for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021.

 

5 

Excludes the impact of expense reimbursement or fee waivers and expense reductions such as brokerage credits, but includes expense repayments and non-reimbursable expenses, if any, such as interest, taxes, and extraordinary expenses. (See Note 1(c) and 2 in the Notes to Financial Statements.)

 

 

43


   

AMG GW&K Small/Mid Cap Fund

Financial Highlights

For a share outstanding throughout each fiscal year

 

 

     For the fiscal years ended December 31,
 Class N    2022     2021     2020     2019     2018  

 Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year

     $19.08       $16.04       $13.03       $9.99       $11.15  

 Income (loss) from Investment Operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)1,2

     0.01       (0.06     (0.01     0.003       (0.01

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (3.47     4.14       3.02       3.07       (0.91

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     (3.46     4.08       3.01       3.07       (0.92

 Less Distributions to Shareholders from:

          

Net investment income

     (0.00 )4                  (0.01      

Net realized gain on investments

     (0.60     (1.04           (0.02     (0.24

Total distributions to shareholders

     (0.60     (1.04           (0.03     (0.24

 Net Asset Value, End of Year

     $15.02       $19.08       $16.04       $13.03       $9.99  

 Total Return2,5

     (18.15 )%      25.63     23.10     30.64     (8.25 )% 

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets6

     1.06 %7      1.06 %7      1.10     1.09     1.09

Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets8

     1.08 %7      1.08 %7      1.13     1.14     1.16

Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets2

     0.04     (0.32 )%      (0.07 )%      0.02     (0.09 )% 

Portfolio turnover

     25     19     29     18     53

Net assets end of year (000’s) omitted

     $51,333       $70,736       $224       $172       $89  
                                          

 

 

 

44


   

AMG GW&K Small/Mid Cap Fund

Financial Highlights

For a share outstanding throughout each fiscal year

 

 

     For the fiscal years ended December 31,
 Class I    2022     2021     2020     2019     2018  

 Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year

     $19.15       $16.06       $13.04       $9.99       $11.15  

 Income (loss) from Investment Operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)1,2

     0.04       (0.02     0.01       0.02       0.01  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (3.48     4.15       3.03       3.07       (0.92

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     (3.44     4.13       3.04       3.09       (0.91

 Less Distributions to Shareholders from:

          

Net investment income

     (0.04           (0.02     (0.02     (0.01

Net realized gain on investments

     (0.60     (1.04           (0.02     (0.24

Total distributions to shareholders

     (0.64     (1.04     (0.02     (0.04     (0.25

 Net Asset Value, End of Year

     $15.07       $19.15       $16.06       $13.04       $9.99  

 Total Return2,5

     (18.01 )%      25.91     23.31     30.86     (8.15 )% 

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets6

     0.86 %7      0.86 %7      0.92     0.94     0.94

Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets8

     0.88 %7      0.88 %7      0.95     0.99     1.01

Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets2

     0.24     (0.12 )%      0.11     0.17     0.06

Portfolio turnover

     25     19     29     18     53

Net assets end of year (000’s) omitted

     $250,024       $293,614       $165,840       $102,784       $54,376  
                                          

 

 

 

45


   

AMG GW&K Small/Mid Cap Fund

Financial Highlights

For a share outstanding throughout each fiscal year

 

 

     For the fiscal years ended December 31,
 Class Z    2022     2021     2020     2019     2018  

 Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year

     $19.18       $16.07       $13.05       $10.00       $11.15  

 Income (loss) from Investment Operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)1,2

     0.05       (0.01     0.02       0.03       0.02  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (3.48     4.16       3.03       3.07       (0.91

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     (3.43     4.15       3.05       3.10       (0.89

 Less Distributions to Shareholders from:

          

Net investment income

     (0.05           (0.03     (0.03     (0.02

Net realized gain on investments

     (0.60     (1.04           (0.02     (0.24

Total distributions to shareholders

     (0.65     (1.04     (0.03     (0.05     (0.26

 Net Asset Value, End of Year

     $15.10       $19.18       $16.07       $13.05       $10.00  

 Total Return2,5

     (17.94 )%      26.02     23.37     30.94     (7.98 )% 

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets6

     0.81 %7      0.81 %7      0.83     0.84     0.84

Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets8

     0.83 %7      0.83 %7      0.86     0.89     0.91

Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets2

     0.29     (0.07 )%      0.19     0.27     0.16

Portfolio turnover

     25     19     29     18     53

Net assets end of year (000’s) omitted

     $262,798       $198,961       $104,705       $95,884       $65,375  
                                          

 

1 

Per share numbers have been calculated using average shares.

 

2 

Total returns and net investment income (loss) would have been lower had certain expenses not been offset.

 

3 

Less than $0.005 per share.

 

4 

Less than $(0.005) per share.

 

5 

The total return is calculated using the published Net Asset Value as of fiscal year end.

 

6 

Includes reduction from broker recapture amounting to less than 0.01% for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 and 0.01% for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, 2019 and 2018.

 

7 

Such ratio includes recapture of waived/reimbursed fees from prior periods amounting to less than 0.01%.

 

8 

Excludes the impact of expense reimbursement or fee waivers and expense reductions such as brokerage credits, but includes expense repayments and non-reimbursable expenses, if any, such as interest, taxes, and extraordinary expenses. (See Note 1(c) and 2 in the Notes to Financial Statements.)

 

 

46


   

AMG GW&K Global Allocation Fund

Financial Highlights

For a share outstanding throughout each fiscal year

 

 

     For the fiscal years ended December 31,
 Class N    2022     2021     2020     2019     2018  

 Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year

     $19.50       $19.50       $17.04       $15.45       $17.03  

 Income (loss) from Investment Operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)1,2

     0.06       (0.04     0.10       0.25       0.18  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (3.94     0.51       2.93       2.35       (0.67

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     (3.88     0.47       3.03       2.60       (0.49

 Less Distributions to Shareholders from:

          

Net investment income

     (0.02     (0.00 )3      (0.09     (0.27     (0.16

Net realized gain on investments

     (1.67     (0.47     (0.48     (0.74     (0.93

Paid in capital

                 (0.00 )3             

 Total distributions to shareholders

     (1.69     (0.47     (0.57     (1.01     (1.09

 Net Asset Value, End of Year

     $13.93       $19.50       $19.50       $17.04       $15.45  

 Total Return2,4

     (20.04 )%      2.44     18.92     16.96     (2.89 )% 

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets

     1.07 %5      1.06     1.07 %6      1.08 %6      1.08 %6 

Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets7

     1.23 %5      1.10     1.19     1.16     1.15

Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets2

     0.38     (0.21 )%      0.60     1.51     1.02

Portfolio turnover

     36     36     156     123     80

Net assets end of year (000’s) omitted

     $23,430       $41,939       $51,415       $69,774       $75,271  
                               

 

 

 

47


   

AMG GW&K Global Allocation Fund

Financial Highlights

For a share outstanding throughout each fiscal year

 

 

     For the fiscal years ended December 31,
 Class I    2022     2021     2020     2019     2018  

 Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year

     $19.75       $19.71       $17.22       $15.60       $17.19  

 Income (loss) from Investment Operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)1,2

     0.09       (0.01     0.13       0.28       0.21  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (4.00     0.53       2.95       2.38       (0.68

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     (3.91     0.52       3.08       2.66       (0.47

 Less Distributions to Shareholders from:

          

Net investment income

     (0.03     (0.01     (0.11     (0.30     (0.19

Net realized gain on investments

     (1.67     (0.47     (0.48     (0.74     (0.93

Paid in capital

                 (0.00 )3             

Total distributions to shareholders

     (1.70     (0.48     (0.59     (1.04     (1.12

 Net Asset Value, End of Year

     $14.14       $19.75       $19.71       $17.22       $15.60  

 Total Return2,4

     (19.91 )%      2.60     19.08     17.17     (2.77 )% 

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets

     0.91 %5      0.91     0.92 %6      0.93 %6      0.92 %6 

Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets7

     1.07 %5      0.95     1.04     1.01     0.99

Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets2

     0.54     (0.06 )%      0.75     1.66     1.18

Portfolio turnover

     36     36     156     123     80

Net assets end of year (000’s) omitted

     $16,074       $81,515       $97,869       $173,575       $166,554  
                               

 

 

 

48


   

AMG GW&K Global Allocation Fund

Financial Highlights

For a share outstanding throughout each fiscal year

 

 

     For the fiscal years ended December 31,
 Class Z    2022     2021     2020     2019     2018  

 Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year

     $19.76       $19.71       $17.21       $15.60       $17.19  

 Income (loss) from Investment Operations:

          

Net investment income1,2

     0.10       0.01       0.14       0.30       0.22  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (3.99     0.52       2.97       2.37       (0.67

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     (3.89     0.53       3.11       2.67       (0.45

 Less Distributions to Shareholders from:

          

Net investment income

     (0.07     (0.01     (0.13     (0.32     (0.21

Net realized gain on investments

     (1.67     (0.47     (0.48     (0.74     (0.93

Paid in capital

                 (0.00 )3             

Total distributions to shareholders

     (1.74     (0.48     (0.61     (1.06     (1.14

 Net Asset Value, End of Year

     $14.13       $19.76       $19.71       $17.21       $15.60  

 Total Return2,4

     (19.85 )%      2.73     19.28     17.21     (2.68 )% 

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets

     0.82 %5      0.81     0.82 %6      0.83 %6      0.83 %6 

Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets7

     0.98 %5      0.85     0.94     0.91     0.90

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets2

     0.63     0.04     0.85     1.76     1.27

Portfolio turnover

     36     36     156     123     80

Net assets end of year (000’s) omitted

     $1,545       $3,118       $3,733       $8,358       $8,429  
                               

 

1 

Per share numbers have been calculated using average shares.

 

2 

Total returns and net investment income (loss) would have been lower had certain expenses not been offset.

 

3 

Less than $(0.005) per share.

 

4 

The total return is calculated using the published Net Asset Value as of fiscal year end.

 

5 

Includes interest expense totaling 0.01% related to participation in the interfund lending program.

 

6 

Includes reduction from broker recapture amounting to less than 0.01% for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, 0.01% for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.

 

7 

Excludes the impact of expense reimbursement or fee waivers and expense reductions such as brokerage credits, but includes expense repayments and non-reimbursable expenses, if any, such as interest, taxes, and extraordinary expenses. (See Note 1(c) and 2 in the Notes to Financial Statements.)

 

 

49


    

 

    

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2022

 

   

    

 

      

 

1. ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

AMG Funds and AMG Funds II (the “Trusts”) are open-end management investment companies, organized as Massachusetts business trusts, and registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). Currently, the Trusts consist of a number of different funds, each having distinct investment management objectives, strategies, risks, and policies. Included in this report are AMG Funds: AMG GW&K Small Cap Core Fund (“Small Cap Core”), AMG GW&K Small Cap Value (“Small Cap Value”) and GW&K Small/Mid Cap Fund (“Small/Mid Cap”) and AMG Funds II: AMG GW&K Global Allocation Fund (“Global Allocation”), each a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”.

Each Fund offers Class N shares, Class I shares and Class Z shares. Each class represents an interest in the same assets of the respective Fund. Although all share classes generally have identical voting rights, each share class votes separately when required by law. Different share classes may have different net asset values per share to the extent the share classes pay different distribution amounts and/or the expenses of such share classes differ. Each share class has its own expense structure. Please refer to a current prospectus for additional information on each share class.

Market prices of investments held by the Funds may fall rapidly or unpredictably due to a variety of economic or political factors, market conditions, disasters or public health issues, or in response to events that affect particular industries or companies.

The Funds’ financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”), including accounting and reporting guidance pursuant to Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946 applicable to investment companies. U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates and such differences could be material. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Funds in the preparation of their financial statements:

a. VALUATION OF INVESTMENTS

For the Funds, equity securities traded on a national securities exchange or reported on the NASDAQ national market system (“NMS”) are valued at the last quoted sales price on the primary exchange or, if applicable, the NASDAQ official closing price or the official closing price of the relevant exchange or, lacking any sales, at the last quoted bid price. Equity securities held by the Funds that are traded in the over-the-counter market (other than NMS securities) are valued at the bid price. Foreign equity securities (securities principally traded in markets other than U.S. markets) held by the Funds are valued at the official closing price on the primary exchange or, for markets that either do not offer an official closing price or where the official closing price may not be representative of the overall market, the last quoted sale price.

Fixed income securities purchased with a remaining maturity exceeding 60 days are valued at the evaluated bid price provided by an authorized pricing service or, if an evaluated price is not available, by reference to other securities which are considered comparable in credit rating, interest rate, due date and other features (generally referred to as “matrix pricing”) or other similar pricing methodologies.

 

Fixed income securities purchased with a remaining maturity of 60 days or less are valued at amortized cost, provided that the amortized cost value is approximately the same as the fair value of the security valued without the use of amortized cost. Investments in other open-end registered investment companies are valued at their end of day net asset value per share.

The Funds’ portfolio investments are generally valued based on independent market quotations or prices or, if none, “evaluative” or other market based valuations provided by third party pricing services approved by the Boards of Trustees of the Trusts (the “Boards”). Under certain circumstances, the value of certain Fund portfolio investments may be based on an evaluation of fair value, pursuant to procedures established by and under the general supervision of the Boards. The Valuation Committee, which is comprised of the Independent Trustees of the Boards, and the Pricing Committee, which is comprised of representatives from AMG Funds LLC (the “Investment Manager”) are the committees appointed by the Boards to make fair value determinations. Each Fund may use the fair value of a portfolio investment to calculate its net asset value (“NAV”) in the event that the market quotation, price or market based valuation for the portfolio investment is not readily available or otherwise not determinable pursuant to the Boards’ valuation procedures, if the Investment Manager or the Pricing Committee believes the quotation, price or market based valuation to be unreliable, or in certain other circumstances. When determining the fair value of an investment, the Pricing Committee and, if required under the Trusts’ securities valuation procedures, the Valuation Committee, seeks to determine the price that a Fund might reasonably expect to receive from current sale of that portfolio investment in an arms-length transaction. Fair value determinations shall be based upon consideration of all available facts and information, including, but not limited to (i) attributes specific to the investment; (ii) fundamental and analytical data relating to the investment; and (iii) the value of other comparable securities or relevant financial instruments, including derivative securities, traded on other markets or among dealers.

The values assigned to fair value portfolio investments are based on available information and do not necessarily represent amounts that might ultimately be realized in the future, since such amounts depend on future developments inherent in long-term investments. Because of the inherent uncertainty of valuation, those estimated values may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a ready market for the investments existed, and the differences could be material. The Boards will be presented with a quarterly report showing as of the most recent quarter end, all outstanding securities fair valued by the Funds, including a comparison with the prior quarter end and the percentage of the Funds that the security represents at each quarter end.

With respect to foreign equity securities and certain foreign fixed income securities, the Boards have adopted a policy that securities held in the Funds that can be fair valued by the applicable fair value pricing service are fair valued on each business day provided that each individual price exceeds a pre-established confidence level.

Effective September 8, 2022, the Funds adopted the requirements of Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act (“Rule 2a-5”), which the Funds’ Board designated the Funds’ Investment Manager as the Funds’ Valuation Designee to perform the Funds’ fair value determinations. Such determinations are subject to Board oversight and certain reporting and other requirements intended to ensure that the Board receives the information it needs to oversee the Investment Manager’s fair value determinations. Other than the designation of the Investment Manager as the Valuation Designee, the Funds’ adoption of Rule 2-a5 did not impact how the Funds determine fair value or the carrying amount of investments held in the Funds.

 

 

 

50


    

 

    

    

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

   

    

 

      

 

U.S. GAAP defines fair value as the price that a fund would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. U.S. GAAP also establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and a three level hierarchy for fair value measurements based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability. Inputs may be observable or unobservable and refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Funds.

Unobservable inputs reflect the Funds’ own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. Each investment is assigned a level based upon the observability of the inputs which are significant to the overall valuation.

The three-tier hierarchy of inputs is summarized below:

Level 1 – inputs are quoted prices in active markets for identical investments (e.g., equity securities, open-end investment companies)

Level 2 – other observable inputs (including, but not limited to: quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in markets that are active, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the assets or liabilities (such as interest rates, yield curves, volatilities, prepayment speeds, loss severities, credit risks and default rates) or other market corroborated inputs) (e.g., debt securities, government securities, foreign currency exchange contracts, foreign securities utilizing international fair value pricing, fair valued securities with observable inputs)

Level 3 – inputs are significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions used to determine the fair value of investments) (e.g., fair valued securities with unobservable inputs)

Changes in inputs or methodologies used for valuing investments may result in a transfer in or out of levels within the fair value hierarchy. The inputs or methodologies used for valuing investments may not necessarily be an indication of the risk associated with investing in those investments.

b. SECURITY TRANSACTIONS

Security transactions are accounted for as of trade date. Realized gains and losses on securities sold are determined on the basis of identified cost.

c. INVESTMENT INCOME AND EXPENSES

Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Dividends from foreign securities are recorded on the ex-dividend date, and if after the fact, as soon as the Funds become aware of the ex-dividend date. Interest income, which includes amortization of premium and accretion of discount on debt securities, is accrued as earned. Dividend and interest income on foreign securities is recorded gross of any withholding tax. Non-cash dividends included in dividend income, if any, are reported at the fair market value of the securities received. Upon notification from the issuer, distributions received from a real estate investment trust (REIT) may be redesignated as a reduction of cost of investments and/or realized gain. Other income and expenses are recorded on an accrual basis. Expenses that cannot be directly attributed to a Fund are apportioned among the funds in the Trusts and other trusts or funds within the AMG Funds Family of Funds (collectively the “AMG Funds Family”) based upon their relative average net assets or number of shareholders. Investment income, realized and unrealized capital gains and losses, the common expenses of each Fund, and certain fund level expense reductions, if any, are allocated on a pro-rata basis to each class based on the relative net assets of each class to the total net assets of each Fund.

Small Cap Core, Small Cap Value and Small/Mid Cap had certain portfolio trades directed to various brokers under a brokerage recapture program. Credits received from the brokerage recapture program are earned and paid on a monthly basis, and are recorded as expense offsets, which serve to reduce the Fund’s overall expense ratio. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, the impact on the expenses and expense ratios were as follows: Small Cap Core $54,366 or 0.01%, Small Cap Value $40,501 or 0.01% and Small/Mid Cap $23,627 or less than 0.01%.

d. DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS

Fund distributions resulting from either net investment income or realized net capital gains, if any, will normally be declared and paid at least annually in December. Distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Distributions are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from net investment income and net realized capital gains for financial statement purposes (U.S. GAAP). Differences may be permanent or temporary. Permanent differences are reclassified among capital accounts in the financial statements to reflect their tax character. Permanent book and tax basis differences, if any, relating to shareholder distributions will result in reclassifications to paid-in capital. Temporary differences arise when certain items of income, expense and gain or loss are recognized in different periods for financial statement and tax purposes; these differences will reverse at some time in the future. Permanent differences are primarily due to equalization utilized for Small/Mid Cap and Global Allocation. There were no permanent differences during the year for Small Cap Core or Small Cap Value. Temporary differences are primarily due to qualified late-year capital loss deferrals for Small/Mid Cap. In addition, temporary differences for each Fund are wash sale loss deferrals.

 

 

 

51


    

 

    

    

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

   

    

 

      

 

The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 were as follows:

 

     Small Cap Core      Small Cap Value  

  Distributions paid from:

             2022                            2021                            2022                            2021            

  Ordinary income *

     $983,753        $12,026,639        $2,858,422        $29,494,137  

  Long-term capital gains

     4,843,070        51,428,621        1,531,983        12,376,707  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     $5,826,823        $63,455,260        $4,390,405        $41,870,844  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     Small/Mid Cap      Global Allocation  

  Distributions paid from:

             2022                            2021                            2022                            2021            

  Ordinary income *

     $3,063,625        $2,786,628        $70,230         

  Long-term capital gains

     19,983,026        25,665,308        4,574,201        $3,299,400  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     $23,046,651        $28,451,936        $4,644,431        $3,299,400  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

*

For tax purposes, short-term capital gain distributions, if any, are considered ordinary income distributions.

As of December 31, 2022, the components of distributable earnings (excluding unrealized appreciation/depreciation) on a tax basis consisted of:

 

     Small Cap Core      Small Cap Value      Small/Mid Cap      Global Allocation  

  Undistributed ordinary income

     $56,600                      $23,344  

  Undistributed long-term capital gains

     3,646,467        $2,195,731               402,378  

  Late-year capital loss deferral

                   $2,964,125         

At December 31, 2022, the cost of investments and the aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation for federal income tax purposes were as follows:

 

  Fund    Cost      Appreciation      Depreciation     Net Appreciation  

  Small Cap Core

     $551,443,399        $148,476,219        $(37,886,976)       $110,589,243  

  Small Cap Value

     236,374,822        37,883,126        (14,745,138     23,137,988  

  Small/Mid Cap

     547,803,596        68,609,033        (45,605,266)       23,003,767  

  Global Allocation

     37,711,760        6,312,411        (2,201,342     4,111,069  

 

e. FEDERAL TAXES

Each Fund currently qualifies as an investment company and intends to comply with the requirements under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and to distribute substantially all of its taxable income and gains to its shareholders and to meet certain diversification and income requirements with respect to investment companies. Therefore, no provision for federal income or excise tax is included in the accompanying financial statements.

Additionally, based on each Fund’s understanding of the tax rules and rates related to income, gains and transactions for the foreign jurisdictions in which it invests, each Fund will provide for foreign taxes, and where appropriate, deferred foreign taxes.

Management has analyzed the Funds’ tax positions taken on federal income tax returns as of December 31, 2022, and for all open tax years (generally, the three

prior taxable years), and has concluded that no provision for federal income tax is required in the Funds’ financial statements. Additionally, Management is not aware of any tax position for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will change materially in the next twelve months.

f. CAPITAL LOSS CARRYOVERS AND DEFERRALS

As of December 31, 2022, the Funds had no capital loss carryovers for federal income tax purposes. Should the Funds incur net capital losses for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, such amounts may be used to offset future realized capital gains indefinitely, and retain their character as short-term and/or long-term.

 

g. CAPITAL STOCK

The Trusts’ Declaration of Trust authorizes for each Fund the issuance of an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest, without par value. Each Fund records sales and repurchases of its capital stock on the trade date.

 

 

52


    

 

    

    

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

   

    

 

      

 

For the fiscal years ended December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, the capital stock transactions by class for the Funds were as follows:

 

    Small Cap Core     Small Cap Value  
    December 31, 2022     December 31, 2021     December 31, 2022     December 31, 2021  
    Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount  

  Class N:

               

  Shares sold

    37,881       $1,067,824       84,169       $2,934,323       328,009       $9,251,175       646,059       $20,089,418  

  Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

    2,347       64,594       29,602       949,062       103,980       2,676,448       964,248       28,375,377  

  Proceeds from sale of shares issued in connection with merger1

                                        186,108       5,493,756  

  Shares redeemed

    (69,611     (2,001,608     (62,485     (2,150,775     (1,369,396     (38,000,949     (3,681,845     (115,582,183
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

  Net increase (decrease)

    (29,383     $(869,190     51,286       $1,732,610       (937,407     $(26,073,326     (1,885,430     $(61,623,632
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

  Class I:

               

  Shares sold

    4,099,105       $120,153,569       2,645,735       $91,738,088       175,101       $4,827,765       341,959       $10,607,900  

  Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

    120,360       3,408,606       1,277,694       42,061,693       58,116       1,494,168       396,269       11,704,153  

  Proceeds from sale of shares issued in connection with merger1

                                        1,824,176       53,997,408  

  Shares redeemed

    (4,942,007     (145,337,666     (3,234,127     (111,529,391     (820,535     (22,214,607     (1,908,490     (57,882,036
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

  Net increase (decrease)

    (722,542     $(21,775,491     689,302       $22,270,390       (587,318     $(15,892,674     653,914       $18,427,425  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

  Class Z:

               

  Shares sold

    3,687,440       $109,560,529       3,719,320       $134,331,474       234,844       $6,285,035       139,820       $4,232,314  

  Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

    67,660       1,917,493       441,716       14,554,549       6,435       164,728       42,709       1,267,237  

  Proceeds from sale of shares issued in connection with merger1

                                        914,333       26,987,694  

  Shares redeemed

    (1,877,449     (53,901,958     (2,402,803     (85,326,627     (969,451     (26,303,099     (425,526     (12,864,550
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

  Net increase (decrease)

    1,877,651       $57,576,064       1,758,233       $63,559,396       (728,172     $(19,853,336     671,336       $19,622,695  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

    Small/Mid Cap     Global Allocation  
    December 31, 2022     December 31, 2021     December 31, 2022     December 31, 2021  
    Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount  

  Class N:

               

  Shares sold

    79,691         $1,266,688       77,253       $1,461,251       185,281       $2,987,760       294,575       $5,879,209  

  Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

    125,984       1,906,132       188,828       3,512,206       168,475       2,382,240       47,121       910,836  

  Proceeds from sale of shares issued in connection with merger1

                3,848,331       66,278,653                          

  Shares redeemed

      (495,033     (7,984,813       (421,926         (7,905,351         (822,318         (13,591,753       (828,499       (16,567,833
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

  Net increase (decrease)

    (289,358     $(4,811,993     3,692,486       $63,346,759       (468,562     $(8,221,753     (486,803     $(9,777,788
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

53


    

 

    

    

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

   

    

 

      

 

    Small/Mid Cap     Global Allocation  
    December 31, 2022     December 31, 2021     December 31, 2022     December 31, 2021  
    Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount  

  Class I:

               

  Shares sold

    5,005,682       $81,783,320       4,826,923       $88,859,351       101,204       $1,688,772       551,511       $11,042,654  

  Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

    638,185       9,687,652       738,929       13,795,804       111,655       1,601,140       31,565       617,691  

  Proceeds from sale of shares issued in connection with merger1

                792,895       13,678,626                          

  Shares redeemed

    (4,388,574     (68,857,138     (1,355,973     (25,571,871     (3,204,309     (50,332,935     (1,420,191     (28,442,920
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

  Net increase (decrease)

    1,255,293       $22,613,834       5,002,774       $90,761,910       (2,991,450     $(47,043,023     (837,115     $(16,782,575
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

  Class Z:

               

  Shares sold

    8,639,083       $147,447,070       3,681,463       $68,683,820       8,240       $131,446       11,662       $233,192  

  Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

    666,057       10,124,070       516,351       9,655,772       13,576       194,542       3,937       77,077  

  Proceeds from sale of shares issued in connection with merger1

                780,901       13,486,545                          

  Shares redeemed

    (2,272,861     (37,145,444     (1,120,356     (20,615,163     (70,316     (1,093,892     (47,183     (954,939
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

  Net increase (decrease)

    7,032,279       $120,425,696       3,858,359       $71,210,974       (48,500     $(767,904     (31,584     $(644,670
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

1 

See Note 8 of the Notes to Financial Statements.

At December 31, 2022, certain unaffiliated shareholders of record, individually or collectively held greater than 5% of the net assets of the Funds as follows: Small/Mid Cap - one owns 10%. Transactions by this shareholder may have a material impact on the Fund.

 

h. REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS AND JOINT REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS

The Funds may enter into third-party and bilateral repurchase agreements for temporary cash management purposes and third-party or bilateral joint repurchase agreements for reinvestment of cash collateral on securities lending transactions under the securities lending program offered by The Bank of New York Mellon (“BNYM”) (the “Program”) (collectively, “Repurchase Agreements”). The value of the underlying collateral, including accrued interest, must equal or exceed the value of the Repurchase Agreements during the term of the agreement. For joint repurchase agreements, the Funds participate on a pro rata basis with other clients of BNYM in its share of the underlying collateral under such joint repurchase agreements and in its share of proceeds from any repurchase or other disposition of the underlying collateral. The underlying collateral for all Repurchase Agreements is held in safekeeping by the Funds’ custodian or at the Federal Reserve Bank. If the seller defaults and the value of the collateral declines, or if bankruptcy proceedings commence with respect to the seller of the security, realization of the collateral by the Funds may be delayed or limited. Pursuant to the Program, the Funds are indemnified for such losses by BNYM on joint repurchase agreements.

At December 31, 2022, the market value of Repurchase Agreements outstanding for Small Cap Core, Small Cap Value, Small/Mid Cap and Global Allocation were $13,146,782, $11,006,852, $12,308,542 and $1,786,038, respectively.

i. FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION

The books and records of the Funds are maintained in U.S. Dollars. The value of investments, assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than

U.S. Dollars are translated into U.S. Dollars based upon current foreign exchange rates. Purchases and sales of foreign investments, income and expenses are converted into U.S. Dollars based on currency exchange rates prevailing on the respective dates of such transactions. Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on foreign currency transactions represent: (1) foreign exchange gains and losses from the sale and holdings of foreign currencies; (2) gains and losses between trade date and settlement date on investment securities transactions and foreign currency exchange contracts; and (3) gains and losses from the difference between amounts of interest and dividends recorded and the amounts actually received.

The Funds do not isolate the net realized and unrealized gain or loss resulting from changes in exchange rates from the fluctuations in market prices of securities held. Such fluctuations are included with the net realized and unrealized gain or loss on investments.

j. SECURITIES TRANSACTED ON A WHEN ISSUED BASIS

Global Allocation may enter into To-Be-Announced (“TBA”) sale commitments to hedge their portfolio positions or to sell mortgage-backed securities they own under delayed delivery arrangements. Proceeds of TBA sale commitments are not received until the contractual settlement date. During the time a TBA sale commitment is outstanding, equivalent deliverable securities, with the same counterparty, or an offsetting TBA purchase commitment deliverable on or before the sale commitment date, are held as “cover” for the transaction. Unsettled TBA sale commitments are valued at the current market value of the underlying securities according to the procedures described under “Valuation of Investments,” in Footnote 1a above.

 

 

 

54


    

 

    

    

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

   

    

 

      

 

Each TBA contract is marked-to-market daily and the change in market value is recorded by the Fund as an unrealized gain or loss. If the TBA sale commitment is closed through the acquisition of an offsetting purchase commitment with the same broker, the Fund realizes a gain or loss. If the Fund delivers securities under the commitment, the Fund realizes a gain or a loss from the sale of the securities based upon the unit price established at the date the commitment was entered into.

During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, Global Allocation did not invest in TBA commitment transactions.

k. DELAYED DELIVERY TRANSACTIONS AND WHEN-ISSUED SECURITIES

Global Allocation may enter into securities transactions on a delayed delivery or when issued basis. Payment and delivery may take place after the customary settlement period for that security. The price of the underlying securities and the date when the securities will be delivered and paid for are fixed at the time the transaction is negotiated. During the time a delayed delivery sell is outstanding, the contract is marked to market daily and equivalent deliverable securities are held for the transaction. The value of the securities purchased on a delayed delivery or when-issued basis are identified as such in each Fund’s Schedule of Portfolio Investments. With respect to purchase commitments, the Fund identifies securities as segregated in its records with a value at least equal to the amount of the commitment. Delayed delivery or when-issued securities that have been purchased from and sold to different brokers are reflected as an investment in securities and a forward sale commitment in the Fund’s Statement of Assets and Liabilities. For financial reporting purposes, the Fund does offset the receivable and payable for delayed delivery investments purchased and sold on TBA commitments. Losses may arise due to changes in the value of the underlying securities or if the counterparty does not perform under the contract, or if the issuer does not issue the securities due to political, economic, or other factors.

During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 Global Allocation did not enter into securities transactions on a delayed delivery or when issued basis.

2. AGREEMENTS AND TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES

For each of the Funds, the Trusts have entered into an investment advisory agreement under which the Investment Manager, a subsidiary and the U.S. retail distribution arm of Affiliated Managers Group, Inc. (“AMG”), serves as investment manager to the Funds and is responsible for the Funds’ overall administration and operations. The Investment Manager selects one or more subadvisers for the Funds (subject to Board approval) and monitors each subadviser’s investment performance, security holdings and investment strategies. Each Fund’s investment portfolio is managed by GW&K Investment Management, LLC, (“GW&K”) who serves pursuant to a subadvisory agreement with the Investment Manager. AMG indirectly owns a majority interest in GW&K.

Investment management fees are paid directly by the Funds to the Investment Manager based on average daily net assets. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, the Funds’ investment management fees were paid at the following annual rates of each Fund’s respective average daily net assets:

  Small Cap Core

   0.70%    

  Small Cap Value

   0.70%    

  Small/Mid Cap

   0.62%    

  Global Allocation

   0.60%    

The fee paid to GW&K for its services as subadviser is paid out of the fee the Investment Manager receives from each Fund and does not increase the expenses of each Fund.

The Investment Manager has contractually agreed, through at least May 1, 2023, to waive management fees and/or pay or reimburse fund expenses in order to limit total annual Fund operating expenses after fee waiver and expense reimbursements (exclusive of taxes, interest (including interest incurred in connection with bank and custody overdrafts, and in connection with securities sold short), shareholder servicing fees, distribution and service (12b-1) fees, brokerage commissions and other transaction costs, dividends payable with respect to securities sold short, acquired fund fees and expenses and extraordinary expenses) of Small Cap Core, Small Cap Value, Small/Mid Cap and Global Allocation to the annual rate of 0.90%, 0.90%, 0.82% and 0.81%, respectively, of each Fund’s average daily net assets (this annual rate or such other annual rate that may be in effect from time to time, the “Expense Cap”), subject to later reimbursement by the Funds in certain circumstances.

In general, for a period of up to 36 months after the date any amounts are paid, waived or reimbursed by the Investment Manager, the Investment Manager may recover such amounts from a Fund, provided that such repayment would not cause the Fund’s total annual operating expenses after fee waiver and expense reimbursements (exclusive of the items noted in the parenthetical above) to exceed either (i) the Expense Cap in effect at the time such amounts were paid, waived or reimbursed, or (ii) the Expense Cap in effect at the time of such repayment by the Fund.

The contractual expense limitation may only be terminated in the event the Investment Manager or a successor ceases to be the investment manager of a Fund or a successor fund, by mutual agreement between the Investment Manager and the Board, or in the event of a Fund’s liquidation unless the Fund is reorganized or is a party to a merger in which the surviving entity is successor to the accounting and performance information of a Fund.

At December 31, 2022, the Funds’ expiration of reimbursements subject to recoupment is as follows:

 

  Expiration

  Period

   Small Cap Core      Small Cap Value      Small/Mid Cap      Global Allocation  

Less than 1 year

            $144,468        $48,533        $203,900  

1-2 years

     $1,488        52,722        42,690        63,131  

2-3 years

     12,500        93,363        39,766        116,229  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     $13,988        $290,553        $130,989        $383,260  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The Trusts, on behalf of the Funds, have entered into an amended and restated Administration Agreement under which the Investment Manager serves as the Funds’ administrator (the “Administrator”) and is responsible for all non-portfolio

 

 

 

55


    

 

    

    

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

   

    

 

      

 

management aspects of managing the Funds’ operations, including administration and shareholder services to each Fund. Each Fund pays a fee to the Administrator at the rate of 0.15% per annum of the Fund’s average daily net assets for this service.

The Funds are distributed by AMG Distributors, Inc. (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Investment Manager. The Distributor serves as the distributor and underwriter for each Fund and is a registered broker-dealer and member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”). Shares of each Fund will be continuously offered and will be sold directly to prospective purchasers and through brokers, dealers or other financial intermediaries who have executed selling agreements with the Distributor. Generally the Distributor bears all or a portion of the expenses of providing services pursuant to the distribution agreement, including the payment of the expenses relating to the distribution of prospectuses for sales purposes and any advertising or sales literature.

The Trusts have adopted a distribution and service plan (the “Plan”) with respect to the Class N shares of each Fund, in accordance with the requirements of Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act and the requirements of the applicable rules of FINRA regarding asset-based sales charges. Pursuant to the Plan, each Fund, except Small Cap Value, may make payments to the Distributor for its expenditures in financing any activity primarily intended to result in the sale of each Fund’s Class N shares and for maintenance and personal service provided to existing shareholders of that class. The Plan authorized payments to the Distributor up to 0.25% annually of each Fund’s, except Small Cap Value, average daily net assets attributable to the Class N shares. The portion of payments made under the plan by Class N shares of each Fund, except Small Cap Value, for shareholder servicing may not exceed an annual rate of 0.25% of the average daily net asset value of each Fund’s shares of that class owned by clients of such broker, dealer or financial intermediary.

For each of Class N and Class I shares of Small Cap Core and Small Cap Value, and for Small/Mid Cap and Global Allocation’s Class I shares, the Boards have approved reimbursement payments to the Investment Manager for shareholder servicing expenses (“shareholder servicing fees”) incurred. Shareholder servicing fees include payments to financial intermediaries, such as broker-dealers (including fund supermarket platforms), banks, and trust companies who provide shareholder recordkeeping, account servicing and other services. The Class N and Class I shares may reimburse the Investment Manager for the actual amount incurred up to a maximum annual rate of each Class’s average daily net assets as shown in the table below.

The impact on the annualized expense ratios for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, were as follows:

 

     Maximum Annual       Actual  
     Amount       Amount  
  Fund    Approved       Incurred  

  Small Cap Core

    

  Class N

     0.15%       0.15%

  Class I

     0.05%       0.05%

  Small Cap Value

    

  Class N

     0.25%       0.25%

  Class I

     0.05%       0.05%

 

     Maximum Annual       Actual  
     Amount       Amount  
  Fund    Approved       Incurred  

  Small/Mid Cap

    

  Class I

     0.05%       0.05%

  Global Allocation

    

  Class I

     0.10%       0.09%

The Boards provide supervision of the affairs of the Trusts and other trusts within the AMG Funds Family. The Trustees of the Trusts who are not affiliated with the Investment Manager receive an annual retainer and per meeting fees for regular, special and telephonic meetings, and they are reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses incurred while carrying out their duties as Board members. The Chairman of the Boards and the Audit Committee Chair receive additional annual retainers. Certain Trustees and Officers of the Funds are Officers and/or Directors of the Investment Manager, AMG and/or the Distributor.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) granted an exemptive order that permits certain eligible funds in the AMG Funds Family to lend and borrow money for certain temporary purposes directly to and from other eligible funds in the AMG Funds Family. Participation in this interfund lending program is voluntary for both the borrowing and lending funds, and an interfund loan is only made if it benefits each participating fund. The Administrator manages the program according to procedures approved by the Boards, and the Boards monitor the operation of the program. An interfund loan must comply with certain conditions set out in the exemptive order, which are designed to assure fairness and protect all participating funds. The interest earned and interest paid on interfund loans are included on the Statement of Operations as interest income and interest expense, respectively. At December 31, 2022, the Funds had no interfund loans outstanding.

The following Funds utilized the interfund loan program during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 as follows:

 

                                                                   
  Fund   Average
Lent
    Number
of Days
    Interest
Earned
    Average
Interest Rate
 

Small Cap Core

    $450,650       7       $338       3.915%      

Small Cap Value

    135,766       7       103       3.945%      

Small/Mid Cap

    6,017,674       6       2,409       2.435%      

Global Allocation

    748,895       2       49       1.193%      

 

  Fund   Average
Borrowed
    Number
of Days
    Interest
Paid
    Average
Interest Rate
 

Small Cap Core

    $7,134,943       9       $3,657       2.079%      

Small Cap Value

    10,434,077       4       3,414       2.986%      

Small/Mid Cap

    1,913,909       1       227       4.330%      

Global Allocation

    3,631,093       35       8,384       2.408%      

3. PURCHASES AND SALES OF SECURITIES

Purchases and sales of securities (excluding short-term securities and U.S. Government Obligations) for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, were as follows:

 

 

 

56


    

 

    

    

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

   

    

 

      

 

 

     Long Term Securities  
  Fund    Purchases      Sales  

  Small Cap Core

     $196,313,818        $170,006,548      

  Small Cap Value

     57,516,088        121,468,791      

  Small/Mid Cap

     274,970,475        141,527,157      

  Global Allocation

     16,802,563        74,266,069      

Global Allocation purchases and sales of U.S. Government Obligations for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 were $8,939,543 and $13,133,566, respectively.

4. PORTFOLIO SECURITIES LOANED

The Funds participate in the Program providing for the lending of securities to qualified borrowers. Securities lending income includes earnings of such temporary cash investments, plus or minus any rebate to a borrower. These earnings (after any rebate) are then divided between BNYM, as a fee for its services under the Program, and the Funds, according to agreed-upon rates. Collateral on all securities loaned is accepted in cash, U.S. Treasury Obligations or U.S. Government Agency Obligations. Collateral is maintained at a minimum level of 102% (105% in the case of certain foreign securities) of the market value, plus interest, if applicable, of investments on loan. It is the Funds’ policy to obtain additional collateral from or return excess collateral to the borrower by the end of the next business day, following the valuation date of the securities loaned. Therefore, the value of the collateral held may be temporarily less than the value of the securities on loan. Lending securities entails a risk of loss to the Funds if and to the extent that the market value of the securities loaned were to increase and the borrower did not increase the collateral accordingly, and the borrower fails to return the securities. Under the terms of the Program, the Funds are indemnified for such losses by BNYM. Cash collateral is held in separate omnibus accounts managed by BNYM, who is authorized to exclusively enter into joint repurchase agreements for that cash collateral. Securities collateral is held in separate omnibus accounts managed by BNYM and cannot be sold or pledged. BNYM bears the risk of any deficiency in the amount of the cash collateral available for return to the borrower due to any loss on the collateral invested. Loans of securities are terminable at any time and the borrower, after notice, is required to return borrowed securities as soon as practical, which is normally within three business days.

The value of securities loaned on positions held, cash collateral and securities collateral received at December 31, 2022, were as follows:

 

  Fund  

Securities

Loaned

   

Cash

Collateral

Received

   

Securities

Collateral

Received

   

Total

Collateral

Received

 

Small Cap Core

    $30,453,990       $2,248,782       $28,924,432       $31,173,214  
          Cash     Securities     Total  
    Securities     Collateral     Collateral     Collateral  
  Fund   Loaned     Received     Received     Received  

Small Cap Value

    $18,116,821       $8,433,852       $10,111,784       18,545,636  

Small/Mid Cap

    29,481,147       9,547,542       20,933,055       30,480,597  

Global Allocation

    1,896,239       1,405,038       586,168       1,991,206  

The following table summarizes the securities received as collateral for securities lending at December 31, 2022:

 

Fund  

Collateral

Type

  Coupon Range   Maturity
Date Range

Small Cap Core

 

U.S. Treasury Obligations

  0.125%-4.750%   02/28/23-11/15/51

Small Cap Value

 

U.S. Treasury Obligations

  0.125%-4.750%   02/28/23-11/15/51

Small/Mid Cap

 

U.S. Treasury Obligations

  0.000%-4.750%   11/15/51-02/15/23

Global Allocation

 

U.S. Treasury Obligations

  0.125%-4.750%   04/15/23-11/15/51

5. FOREIGN SECURITIES

Global Allocation invests in securities of foreign entities and in instruments denominated in foreign currencies which involve risks not typically associated with investments in domestic securities. Non-domestic securities carry special risks, such as exposure to currency fluctuations, less developed or less efficient trading markets, political instability, a lack of company information, differing auditing and legal standards, and, potentially, less liquidity. The Fund’s investments in emerging market countries are exposed to additional risks. The Fund’s performance will be influenced by political, social and economic factors affecting companies in emerging market countries. Emerging market countries generally have economic structures that are less diverse and mature, and political systems that are less stable, than those of developed countries. Realized gains in certain countries may be subject to foreign taxes at the Fund level and the Fund would pay such foreign taxes at the appropriate rate for each jurisdiction.

6. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Under the Trusts’ organizational documents, its Trustees and Officers are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the Trusts. In addition, in the normal course of business, the Funds may enter into contracts and agreements that contain a variety of representations and warranties, which provide general indemnifications. The maximum exposure to the Funds under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against a Fund that have not yet occurred. However, based on experience, the Funds had no prior claims or losses and expect the risks of loss to be remote.

 

 

 

57


    

 

    

    

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

   

    

 

      

 

7. MASTER NETTING AGREEMENTS

The Funds may enter into master netting agreements with their counterparties for the Program and Repurchase Agreements, which provide the right, in the event of default (including bankruptcy or insolvency) for the non-defaulting party to liquidate the collateral and calculate net exposure to the defaulting party or request additional collateral. For financial reporting purposes, the Funds do not offset financial assets and financial liabilities that are subject to master netting agreements in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. For securities lending transactions, see Note 4.

The following table is a summary of the Funds’ open Repurchase Agreements that are subject to a master netting agreement as of December 31, 2022:

 

         Gross Amount Not Offset in the        
         Statement of Assets and Liabilities        
  Fund    Gross Amounts of
Assets Presented in
the Statement of
Assets and Liabilities
 

Offset

Amount

 

Net

Asset

Balance

 

Collateral

Received

 

Net

Amount

                         

  Small Cap Core

                    

  Citigroup Global Markets, Inc.

       $248,782                                       $248,782                    $248,782                            

  National Bank Financial

       1,000,000             1,000,000       1,000,000      

  RBC Dominion Securities, Inc.

       1,000,000             1,000,000       1,000,000      

  Fixed Income Clearing Corp.

       10,898,000             10,898,000       10,898,000                   —
    

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

  Total

               $13,146,782                   —                   $13,146,782               $13,146,782      
    

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

                         

  Small Cap Value

                    

  Cantor Fitzgerald Securities, Inc.

       $2,003,300             $2,003,300       $2,003,300      

  Citadel Securities LLC

       2,003,300             2,003,300       2,003,300      

  Citigroup Global Markets, Inc.

       420,702             420,702       420,702      

  National Bank Financial

       2,003,275             2,003,275       2,003,275      

  RBC Dominion Securities, Inc.

       2,003,275             2,003,275       2,003,275      

  Fixed Income Clearing Corp.

       2,573,000             2,573,000       2,573,000      
    

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

                         

  Total

       $11,006,852             $11,006,852       $11,006,852      
    

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

                         

  Small/Mid Cap

                    

  Cantor Fitzgerald Securities, Inc.

       $2,267,800             $2,267,800       $2,267,800      

  Citadel Securities LLC

       2,267,800             2,267,800       2,267,800      

  Citigroup Global Markets, Inc.

       476,330             476,330       476,330      

  National Bank Financial

       2,267,806             2,267,806       2,267,806      

  RBC Dominion Securities, Inc.

       2,267,806             2,267,806       2,267,806      

  Fixed Income Clearing Corp.

       2,761,000             2,761,000       2,761,000      
    

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

                         

  Total

       $12,308,542             $12,308,542       $12,308,542      
    

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

                         

  Global Allocation

                    

  National Bank Financial

       $1,000,000             $1,000,000       $1,000,000      

  Nomura Securities International, Inc.

       405,038             405,038       405,038      

  Fixed Income Clearing Corp.

       381,000             381,000       381,000      
    

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

  Total

       $1,786,038             $1,786,038       $1,786,038      
    

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

58


    

 

    

    

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

   

    

 

      

 

8. FUND MERGER

On March 8, 2021, Small/Mid Cap acquired all the net assets of AMG GW&K Mid Cap Fund (“Mid Cap”), a series of AMG Funds IV, based on the respective valuations as of the close of business on March 5, 2021, pursuant to a Plan of Reorganization approved by the Board of Mid Cap on October 8, 2021.

The acquisition was accomplished by a tax-free exchange of 3,848,331 Class N shares of Small/Mid Cap at a net asset value of $17.22 per share for 2,667,192 Class N shares of Mid Cap; 792,895 Class I shares of Small/Mid Cap at a net asset value of $17.25 per share for 519,987 Class I shares of Mid Cap; and 780,901 Class Z shares of Small/Mid Cap at a net asset value of $17.27 per share for 474,356 Class Z shares of Mid Cap.

The net assets of Small/Mid Cap and Mid Cap immediately before the acquisition were $311,921,414 and $93,443,824, respectively, including unrealized appreciation of $16,703,006 for Mid Cap. Immediately after the acquisition, the combined net assets of Small/Mid Cap amounted to $405,365,238. For financial reporting purposes, assets received and shares issued by Small/Mid Cap were recorded at fair value; however, the cost basis of the investments received from Mid Cap was carried forward to align ongoing reporting of Small/Mid Cap’s realized and unrealized gains and losses with amounts distributable to shareholders for tax purposes.

On August 9, 2021, Small Cap Value acquired all the net assets of AMG GW&K Small Cap Value Fund II (“Small Cap Value II”), a series of AMG Funds IV, based on the respective valuations as of the close of business on August 6, 2021, pursuant to a Plan of Reorganization approved by the Board of Small Cap Value II on March 17-18, 2021.

The acquisition was accomplished by a tax-free exchange of 186,108 Class N shares of Small Cap Value at a net asset value of $29.52 per share for 399,433 Class N shares of Small Cap Value II; 1,824,176 Class I shares of Small Cap Value at a net asset value of $29.60 per share for 3,846,984 Class I shares of Small Cap Value II; and 914,333 Class Z shares of Small Cap Value at a net asset value of $29.52 per share for 1,924,341 Class Z shares of Small Cap Value II.

The net assets of Small Cap Value and Small Cap Value II immediately before the acquisition were $299,058,407 and $86,478,858, respectively, including unrealized appreciation of $7,179,547 for Small Cap Value II. Immediately after the acquisition, the combined net assets of Small Cap Value amounted to $385,537,265. For financial reporting purposes, assets received and shares issued by Small Cap Value were recorded at fair value; however, the cost basis of the investments received from Small Cap Value II was carried forward to align ongoing reporting of Small Cap Value’s realized and unrealized gains and losses with amounts distributable to shareholders for tax purposes.

Assuming these reorganizations had been completed on January 1, 2021, the Funds’ results of operations for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021 would have been as follows:

 

    Small/Mid Cap         Small Cap Value  

Net Investment Income

    $(381,491     $1,325,967  

Realized and Unrealized Gain on Investments

    121,546,008       140,200,795  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Increase to Net Assets from Operations

    $121,164,517       $141,526,762  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Because the combined investment portfolios have been managed as single portfolios since the reorganizations were completed, it is not practical to separate the amounts of revenue and earnings to the Funds that have been included in their statements of operations for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021.

9. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

The Funds have determined that no material events or transactions occurred through the issuance date of the Funds’ financial statements which require an additional disclosure in or adjustment of the Funds’ financial statements.

 

 

 

59


    

    

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

 

 

To the Board of Trustees of AMG Funds and AMG Funds II and Shareholders of AMG GW&K Small Cap Core Fund, AMG GW&K Small Cap Value Fund, AMG GW&K Small/Mid Cap Fund, and AMG GW&K Global Allocation Fund

Opinions on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities, including the schedules of portfolio investments, of AMG GW&K Small Cap Core Fund, AMG GW&K Small Cap Value Fund, AMG GW&K Small/Mid Cap Fund (three of the funds constituting AMG Funds), and AMG GW&K Global Allocation Fund (one of the funds constituting AMG Funds II) (hereafter collectively referred to as the “Funds”) as of December 31, 2022, the related statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2022, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2022, including the related notes, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period ended December 31, 2022 (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of each of the Funds as of December 31, 2022, the results of each of their operations for the year then ended, the changes in each of their net assets for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2022 and each of the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period ended December 31, 2022 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Basis for Opinions

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Funds’ management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Funds’ financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Funds in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits of these financial statements in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2022 by correspondence with the custodian. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Boston, Massachusetts

February 24, 2023

We have served as the auditor of one or more investment companies in the AMG Funds Family since 1993.

 

 

 

60


    

 

    

    

Other Information (unaudited)

 

   

    

 

      

 

 

 

TAX INFORMATION

 

AMG GW&K Small Cap Core Fund, AMG GW&K Small Cap Value Fund, AMG GW&K Small/Mid Cap Fund and AMG GW&K Global Allocation Fund each hereby designates the maximum amount allowable of its net taxable income as qualified dividends as provided in the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003. The 2022 Form 1099-DIV you receive for each Fund will show the tax status of all distributions paid to you during the year.

Pursuant to section 852 of the Internal Revenue Code, AMG GW&K Small Cap Core Fund, AMG GW&K Small Cap Value Fund, AMG GW&K Small/Mid Cap Fund and AMG GW&K Global Allocation Fund each hereby designates $4,843,070, $1,531,983, $20,723,675 and $6,715,846, respectively, as a capital gain distribution with respect to the taxable year ended December 31, 2022, or if subsequently determined to be different, the net capital gains of such fiscal year.

 

 

 

61


    

 

    

AMG Funds

Trustees and Officers

 

   

    

 

      

 

 

The Trustees and Officers of the Trust, their business addresses, principal occupations for the past five years and ages are listed below. The Trustees provide broad supervision over the affairs of the Trust and the Funds. The Trustees are experienced executives who meet periodically throughout the year to oversee the Funds’ activities, review contractual arrangements with companies that provide services to the Funds, and

 

  

review the Funds’ performance. Unless otherwise noted, the address of each Trustee or Officer is the address of the Trust: 680 Washington Blvd., Suite 500, Stamford, CT. 06901.

 

There is no stated term of office for Trustees. Trustees serve until their resignation, retirement or removal in

   accordance with the Trust’s organizational documents and policies adopted by the Board from time to time. The Chairman of the Trustees, President, Treasurer and Secretary of the Trust are elected by the Trustees annually. Other officers hold office at the pleasure of the Trustees.

Independent Trustees

The following Trustees are not “interested persons” of the Trust within the meaning of the 1940 Act:

Number of Funds Overseen in

Fund Complex

  Name, Age, Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years and Other Directorships Held by Trustee
 

• Trustee since 2012 - AMG Funds

• Trustee since 2012 - AMG Funds II

• Oversees 40 Funds in Fund Complex

 

Bruce B. Bingham, 74

Partner, Hamilton Partners (real estate development firm) (1987-Present); Director of The Yacktman Funds, Inc. (2 portfolios) (2000-2012).

 

• Chairman of the Audit Committee since 2021

• Trustee since 2013 - AMG Funds

• Trustee since 2013 - AMG Funds II

• Oversees 44 Funds in Fund Complex

 

Kurt A. Keilhacker, 59

Managing Partner, TechFund Europe (2000-Present); Managing Partner, TechFund Capital (1997-Present); Managing Partner, Elementum Ventures (2013-Present); Director, MetricStory, Inc. (2017-Present); Trustee, Wheaton College (2018-Present); Trustee, Gordon College (2001-2016); Board Member, 6wind SA

(2002-2019).

 

• Trustee since 2004 - AMG Funds

• Trustee since 2000 - AMG Funds II

• Oversees 40 Funds in Fund Complex

 

Steven J. Paggioli, 72

Independent Consultant (2002-Present); Trustee, Professionally Managed Portfolios (28 portfolios); Advisory Board Member, Sustainable Growth Advisors, LP; Independent Director, Muzinich BDC, Inc. (business development company) (2019-Present); Director, The Wadsworth Group; Independent Director, Chase Investment Counsel (2008–2019); Executive Vice President, Secretary and Director, Investment Company Administration, LLC and First Fund Distributors, INC. (1990-2001).

 

• Independent Chairman of the Board of Trustees since 2017

• Chairman of the Governance Committee since 2017

• Trustee since 1999 - AMG Funds

• Trustee since 2000 - AMG Funds II

• Oversees 44 Funds in Fund Complex

 

Eric Rakowski, 64

Professor of Law, University of California at Berkeley School of Law (1990-Present); Tax Attorney at Davis Polk & Wardwell and clerked for Judge Harry T. Edwards of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit and for Justice William J. Brennan Jr. of the U.S. Supreme Court; Trustee of Parnassus Funds (3 portfolios) (2021-Present); Trustee of Parnassus Income Funds (2 portfolios) (2021-Present); Director of Harding, Loevner Funds, Inc. (10 portfolios); Trustee of Third Avenue Trust (3 portfolios) (2002-2019); Trustee of Third Avenue Variable Trust (1 portfolio) (2002-2019).

 

• Trustee since 2013 - AMG Funds

• Trustee since 2013 - AMG Funds II

• Oversees 44 Funds in Fund Complex

 

Victoria L. Sassine, 57

Adjunct Professor, Babson College (2007–Present); Director, Board of Directors, PRG Group (2017-Present); CEO, Founder, Scale Smarter Partners, LLC (2018-Present); Adviser, EVOFEM Biosciences (2019-Present); Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Business Management Associates (2018-2019).

 

• Trustee since 2000 - AMG Funds II

• Trustee since 2004 - AMG Funds

• Oversees 40 Funds in Fund Complex

 

Thomas R. Schneeweis, 75*

Professor Emeritus, University of Massachusetts (2013-Present); President, TRS Associates (1982-Present); Board Member, Chartered Alternative Investment Association (“CAIA”) (2002-Present); Co-Founder and Director, Institute for Global Asset and Risk Management (Education) (2010-Present); Co-Owner, Quantitative Investment Technologies (2014-Present); Co-Owner, Yes Wealth Management (2018-Present); Director, CAIA Foundation (2010-2019); Partner, S Capital Wealth Advisors (2015-2018); Partner, S Capital Management, LLC (2007-2015); President, Alternative Investment Analytics, LLC (formerly Schneeweis Partners, LLC) (2001-2013).

 

 

 

 

 

62


    

 

    

AMG Funds

Trustees and Officers (continued)

 

   

    

 

      

 

*Mr. Schneeweis retired from the Board of Trustees of AMG Funds and AMG Funds II as of December 31, 2022.

Interested Trustee

The Trustee in the following table is an “interested person” of the Trust within the meaning of the 1940 Act.

Number of Funds Overseen in
Fund Complex
  Name, Age, Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years and Other Directorships Held by Trustee
   

• Trustee since 2021

• Oversees 44 Funds in Fund Complex

 

Garret W. Weston, 41

Affiliated Managers Group, Inc. (2008-Present): Managing Director, Co-Head of Affiliate Engagement (2021-Present), Senior Vice President, Affiliate Development (2016-2021), Vice President, Office of the CEO (2015-2016), Vice President, New Investments (2012-2015), Senior Associate, New Investments (2008-2012); Associate, Madison Dearborn Partners (2006-2008); Analyst, Merrill Lynch (2004-2006).

Officers

 

  Position(s) Held with Fund and

  Length of Time Served

  Name, Age, Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years
 

• President since 2018

• Principal Executive Officer
since 2018

• Chief Executive Officer
since 2018

• Chief Operating Officer
since 2007

 

Keitha L. Kinne, 64

Chief Operating Officer, AMG Funds LLC (2007-Present); Chief Investment Officer, AMG Funds LLC (2008-Present); President and Principal, AMG Distributors, Inc. (2018-Present); Chief Operating Officer, AMG Distributors, Inc. (2007-Present); President, Chief Executive Officer and Principal Executive Officer, AMG Funds, AMG Funds I, AMG Funds II, AMG Funds III and AMG Funds IV (2018-Present); Chief Operating Officer, AMG Funds, AMG Funds I, AMG Funds II, and AMG Funds III (2007-Present); Chief Operating Officer, AMG Funds IV (2016-Present); Chief Operating Officer and Chief Investment Officer, Aston Asset Management, LLC (2016); President and Principal Executive Officer, AMG Funds, AMG Funds I, AMG Funds II and AMG Funds III (2012-2014); Managing Partner, AMG Funds LLC (2007-2014); President and Principal, AMG Distributors, Inc. (2012-2014); Managing Director, Legg Mason & Co., LLC (2006-2007); Managing Director, Citigroup Asset Management (2004-2006).

 

• Secretary since 2015

• Chief Legal Officer since 2015

 

Mark J. Duggan, 57

Managing Director and Senior Counsel, AMG Funds LLC (2021-Present); Senior Vice President and Senior Counsel, AMG Funds LLC (2015-2021); Secretary and Chief Legal Officer, AMG Funds, AMG Funds I, AMG Funds II, AMG Funds III and AMG Funds IV (2015-Present); Attorney, K&L Gates, LLP (2009-2015).

 

• Chief Financial Officer
since 2017

• Treasurer since 2017

• Principal Financial Officer
since 2017

• Principal Accounting Officer
since 2017

 

Thomas G. Disbrow, 56

Vice President, Mutual Fund Treasurer & CFO, AMG Funds, AMG Funds LLC (2017-Present); Chief Financial Officer, Principal Financial Officer, Treasurer and Principal Accounting Officer, AMG Funds, AMG Funds I, AMG Funds II, AMG Funds III and AMG Funds IV (2017-Present); Managing Director - Global Head of Traditional Funds Product Control, UBS Asset Management (Americas), Inc. (2015-2017); Managing Director - Head of North American Funds Treasury, UBS Asset Management (Americas), Inc. (2011-2015).

 

• Deputy Treasurer since 2017

 

John A. Starace, 52

Vice President, Mutual Fund Accounting, AMG Funds LLC (2021-Present); Director, Mutual Fund Accounting, AMG Funds LLC (2017-2021); Vice President, Deputy Treasurer of Mutual Funds Services, AMG Funds LLC (2014-2017); Deputy Treasurer, AMG Funds, AMG Funds I, AMG Funds II, AMG Funds III and AMG Funds IV (2017-Present); Vice President, Citi Hedge Fund Services (2010-2014); Audit Senior Manager (2005-2010) and Audit Manager (2001-2005), Deloitte & Touche LLP.

 

• Chief Compliance Officer and Sarbanes-Oxley Code of Ethics Compliance Officer since 2019

• Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer since 2022

 

Patrick J. Spellman, 48

Vice President, Chief Compliance Officer, AMG Funds LLC (2017-Present); Chief Compliance Officer, AMG Distributors, Inc. (2010-Present); Chief Compliance Officer and Sarbanes-Oxley Code of Ethics Compliance Officer, AMG Funds, AMG Funds I, AMG Funds II, AMG Funds III and AMG Funds IV (2019-Present); Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer, AMG Funds, AMG Funds I, AMG Funds II, and AMG Funds III (2014-2019; 2022-Present); Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer, AMG Funds IV (2016-2019; 2022-Present); Senior Vice President, Chief Compliance Officer, AMG Funds LLC (2011-2017); Compliance Manager, Legal and Compliance, Affiliated Managers Group, Inc. (2005-2011).

 

• Assistant Secretary since 2016

 

Maureen M. Kerrigan, 37

Vice President, Senior Counsel, AMG Funds LLC (2021-Present); Vice President, Counsel, AMG Funds LLC (2019-2021); Director, Counsel, AMG Funds LLC (2017-2018); Vice President, Counsel, AMG Funds LLC (2015-2017); Assistant Secretary, AMG Funds, AMG Funds I, AMG Funds II, AMG Funds III and AMG Funds IV (2016-Present); Associate, Ropes & Gray LLP (2011-2015); Law Fellow, Massachusetts Appleseed Center for Law and Justice (2010-2011).

 

 

 

 

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LOGO

 

    

 

  

 

INVESTMENT MANAGER AND ADMINISTRATOR

 

AMG Funds LLC

 

680 Washington Blvd., Suite 500

Stamford, CT 06901

 

800.548.4539

 

DISTRIBUTOR

 

AMG Distributors, Inc.

 

680 Washington Blvd., Suite 500

 

Stamford, CT 06901

 

800.548.4539

 

SUBADVISER

 

GW&K Investment Management, LLC

 

222 Berkeley St.

 

Boston, MA 02116

 

CUSTODIAN

 

The Bank of New York Mellon

 

Mutual Funds Custody

 

6023 Airport Road

 

Oriskany, NY 13424

  

LEGAL COUNSEL

 

Ropes & Gray LLP

 

Prudential Tower, 800 Boylston Street

 

Boston, MA 02199-3600

 

 

TRANSFER AGENT

 

BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc.

 

Attn: AMG Funds

 

4400 Computer Drive

 

Westborough, MA 01581

 

800.548.4539

 

Effective March 9, 2023, the Transfer Agent’s

 

mailing address will change to the following:

 

BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc.

 

AMG Funds

 

Attn: 534426

 

AIM 154-0520

 

500 Ross Street

 

Pittsburgh, PA 15262

 

800.548.4539

  

This report is prepared for the Funds’ shareholders. It is authorized for distribution to prospective investors only when preceded or accompanied by an effective prospectus. To receive a free copy of the prospectus or Statement of Additional Information, which includes additional information about Fund Trustees, please contact us by calling 800.548.4539. Distributed by AMG Distributors, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC.

 

Current net asset values per share for each Fund are available on the Funds’ website at amgfunds.com.

 

A description of the policies and procedures each Fund uses to vote its proxies is available: (i) without charge, upon request, by calling 800.548.4539, or (ii) on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) website at sec.gov. For information regarding each Fund’s proxy voting record for the 12-month period ended June 30, call 800.548.4539 or visit the SEC website at sec.gov.

 

The Funds file their complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year as an exhibit to their reports on Form N-PORT. The Funds’ portfolio holdings on Form N-PORT are available on the SEC’s website at sec.gov and the Funds’ website at amgfunds.com. To review a complete list of the Funds’ portfolio holdings, or to view the most recent semiannual report or annual report, please visit amgfunds.com.

 

 

 

amgfunds.com                          


LOGO

 

   

    

 

     

 

BALANCED FUNDS

AMG GW&K Global Allocation

GW&K Investment Management, LLC

 

EQUITY FUNDS

AMG Beutel Goodman International Equity

 

Beutel, Goodman & Company Ltd.

 

 

AMG Boston Common Global Impact

 

Boston Common Asset Management, LLC

 

 

AMG Frontier Small Cap Growth

Frontier Capital Management Co., LLC

 

 

AMG GW&K Small Cap Core

 

AMG GW&K Small Cap Value

 

AMG GW&K Small/Mid Cap

 

AMG GW&K Small/Mid Cap Growth

 

AMG GW&K Emerging Markets Equity

 

AMG GW&K Emerging Wealth Equity

 

AMG GW&K International Small Cap

 

GW&K Investment Management, LLC

 

 

AMG Montrusco Bolton Large Cap Growth

 

Montrusco Bolton Investments, Inc.

 

 

AMG Renaissance Large Cap Growth

The Renaissance Group LLC

     

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

AMG River Road Dividend All Cap Value

 

AMG River Road Focused Absolute Value

 

AMG River Road International Value Equity

 

AMG River Road Large Cap Value Select

 

AMG River Road Mid Cap Value

 

AMG River Road Small-Mid Cap Value

 

AMG River Road Small Cap Value

 

 

River Road Asset Management, LLC

 

 

AMG TimesSquare Emerging Markets Small Cap

 

AMG TimesSquare Global Small Cap

 

AMG TimesSquare International Small Cap

 

AMG TimesSquare Mid Cap Growth

 

AMG TimesSquare Small Cap Growth

 

 

TimesSquare Capital Management, LLC

 

 

AMG Veritas Asia Pacific

 

AMG Veritas China

 

AMG Veritas Global Focus

 

AMG Veritas Global Real Return

 

Veritas Asset Management LLP

 

 

AMG Yacktman

 

AMG Yacktman Focused

 

AMG Yacktman Global

 

AMG Yacktman Special Opportunities

 

Yacktman Asset Management LP

 

  

FIXED INCOME FUNDS

AMG Beutel Goodman Core Plus Bond

 

Beutel, Goodman & Company Ltd.

 

AMG GW&K Core Bond ESG

AMG GW&K Enhanced Core Bond ESG

AMG GW&K ESG Bond

AMG GW&K High Income

AMG GW&K Municipal Bond

AMG GW&K Municipal Enhanced Yield

GW&K Investment Management, LLC

 

 

 

 

amgfunds.com                              123122         AR089


LOGO    ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

 

    

AMG Funds

 

December 31, 2022

 
     LOGO
 
     AMG GW&K ESG Bond Fund
 
     Class N: MGFIX       |    Class I: MGBIX
 
     AMG GW&K Enhanced Core Bond ESG Fund
 
     Class N: MFDAX     |    Class I: MFDSX    |    Class Z: MFDYX
 
     AMG GW&K High Income Fund
 
     Class N: MGGBX    |    Class I: GWHIX
 
     AMG GW&K Municipal Bond Fund
 
     Class N: GWMTX   |    Class I: GWMIX
 
     AMG GW&K Municipal Enhanced Yield Fund
 
     Class N: GWMNX   |    Class I: GWMEX    |    Class Z: GWMZX
 
    
 
    

 

 

 

 

 

 

amgfunds.com           123122            AR088



    

    

AMG Funds

Annual Report — December 31, 2022

 

 

 

    

         
       TABLE OF CONTENTS    PAGE  
 

 

 
   

LETTER TO SHAREHOLDERS

     2  
 
   

ABOUT YOUR FUND’S EXPENSES

     3  
 

PORTFOLIO MANAGER’S COMMENTS, FUND SNAPSHOTS AND SCHEDULES OF PORTFOLIO INVESTMENTS

  
 
   

AMG GW&K ESG Bond Fund

     4  
 
   

AMG GW&K Enhanced Core Bond ESG Fund

     14  
 
   

AMG GW&K High Income Fund

     23  
 
   

AMG GW&K Municipal Bond Fund

     31  
 
   

AMG GW&K Municipal Enhanced Yield Fund

     40  
 
    FINANCIAL STATEMENTS   
 
   

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

     48  
 
   

Balance sheets, net asset value (NAV) per share computations
and cumulative distributable earnings (loss)

  
 
   

Statement of Operations

     50  
 
   

Detail of sources of income, expenses, and realized and
unrealized gains (losses) during the fiscal year

  
 
   

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

     51  
 
   

Detail of changes in assets for the past two fiscal years

  
 
   

Financial Highlights

     53  
 
   

Historical net asset values per share, distributions, total returns, income
and expense ratios, turnover ratios and net assets

  
 
   

Notes to Financial Statements

     65  
 
   

Accounting and distribution policies, details of agreements and
transactions with Fund management and affiliates, and descriptions of
certain investment risks

  
 
    REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM      74  
 
    OTHER INFORMATION      75  
 
    TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS      76  
 
      
   

    

  

Nothing contained herein is to be considered an offer, sale or solicitation of an offer to buy shares of any series of the AMG Funds Family of Funds. Such offering is made only by prospectus, which includes details as to offering price and other material information.

 

 

 


LOGO   Letter to Shareholders

 

Dear Shareholder:

We are pleased to provide this annual report for your investment with AMG Funds. Our foremost goal is to provide investment solutions that help our shareholders successfully achieve their long-term investment goals. We appreciate the privilege of providing you with investment tools.

The past year was a challenging period for investors, as uncertainties about high inflation, tighter financial conditions, and the Russian invasion of Ukraine led to significant volatility. Global equity and bond markets fell in tandem amid sharply higher interest rates and eroding investor confidence as worries of an impending recession lingered most of the year. A global commodity shock caused by the war in Ukraine only made matters worse. The S&P 500® Index slipped into a bear market with the Index falling more than (24)% from its peak earlier in the year. The abrupt shift in markets this year has reset expectations around future growth, as the U.S. Federal Reserve (the Fed) and other global central banks have taken aggressive policy action to bring down inflation. While the outlook is uncertain given recent negative returns across many asset classes, global stock and bond valuations are now far more attractive entering 2023 compared to a year ago.

There was very wide dispersion in S&P 500® Index sector performance. Energy significantly outperformed all other sectors with a gain of 65.72% as the price of oil surged during the period. The defensive-oriented sectors also outperformed, although utilities was the only other sector with a positive return, gaining 1.54%. Consumer staples and health care were slightly negative with returns of (0.62)% and (1.95)%, respectively. High-growth technology and mega cap internet-related companies underperformed during the period, and real estate was impacted by higher interest rates. Communications services fell the most with a (39.93)% return during the year, followed by declines of (37.03)% for consumer discretionary, (28.14)% for information technology and (26.13)% for real estate. Value stocks held up much better than growth stocks as the Russell 1000® Value Index returned (7.54)% compared to the (29.14)% return for the Russell 1000® Growth Index. Small cap stocks struggled as the Russell 2000® Index lost (20.44)%. Outside the U.S., foreign developed markets were negative with a (14.45)% return for the MSCI EAFE Index, however a very strong fourth quarter rally drove international equity returns ahead of their U.S. counterparts for the year.

The 10-year Treasury yield more than doubled during the year, surging to the highest levels since before the Great Financial Crisis. Rapidly rising rates from a very low base led to historic negative performance for bonds as the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index, a broad measure of U.S. bond market performance, lost (13.01)% over the period. Investment-grade corporate bonds underperformed, returning (15.76)% for the year. High yield bonds held up better with a (11.19)% return as measured by the return of the Bloomberg U.S. Corporate High Yield Bond

Index. Municipal bonds were also negative, but outperformed the broader market with a (8.53)% return for the Bloomberg Municipal Bond Index.

AMG Funds provides access to a distinctive array of actively managed return-oriented investment strategies. You can rest assured that under all market conditions our team is focused on delivering excellent investment management services for your benefit. For more information about AMG Funds’ wide range of products and resources, please visit www.amgfunds.com. We thank you for your investment and continued trust in AMG Funds.

Respectfully,

 

LOGO

Keitha Kinne

President

AMG Funds

 

        Periods ended  
Average Annual Total Returns   December 31, 2022*  
Stocks:        1 Year     3 Years     5 Years  

Large Cap

  (S&P 500® Index)     (18.11 )%      7.66     9.42

Small Cap

  (Russell 2000® Index)     (20.44 )%      3.10     4.13

International

  (MSCI ACWI ex USA)     (16.00 )%      0.07     0.88

Bonds:

                           

Investment Grade

  (Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index)     (13.01 )%      (2.71 )%      0.02

High Yield

  (Bloomberg U.S. Corporate High Yield Bond Index)     (11.19 )%      0.05     2.31

Tax-exempt

  (Bloomberg Municipal Bond Index)     (8.53 )%      (0.77 )%      1.25

Treasury Bills

  (ICE BofAML U.S. 6-Month Treasury Bill Index)     1.34     0.82     1.39

* Source: FactSet. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

 

 

 

2


    

 

    

    

About Your Fund’s Expenses

 

   

    

 

     

 

As a shareholder of a Fund, you may incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, which may include sales charges (loads) on purchase payments; redemption fees; and exchange fees; and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution

(12b-1) fees; and other Fund expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. The example is based on $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period as indicated below.

 

ACTUAL EXPENSES

 

The first line of the following table provides information about the 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 the Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

 

HYPOTHETICAL EXAMPLE FOR COMPARISON PURPOSES

 

The second line of the following table provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed annual rate of return of 5% before expenses, which is not the Fund’s

      

actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Fund and other funds by comparing this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of other funds.

 

Please 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), redemption fees, or exchange fees. Therefore, the second line of the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds.

         

 

 

  Six Months Ended

  December 31, 2022

   Expense
Ratio for
the Period
  Beginning
Account
Value
07/01/22
   Ending
Account
Value
12/31/22
    Expenses
Paid
During
the Period*

AMG GW&K ESG Bond Fund

Based on Actual Fund Return

Class N

   0.68%   $1,000      $981      $3.40

Class I

   0.48%   $1,000      $982     $2.40

Based on Hypothetical 5% Annual Return

Class N

   0.68%   $1,000      $1,022     $3.47

Class I

   0.48%   $1,000      $1,023     $2.45

AMG GW&K Enhanced Core Bond ESG Fund

Based on Actual Fund Return

Class N

   0.73%   $1,000      $971     $3.63

Class I

   0.56%   $1,000      $970     $2.78

Class Z

   0.48%   $1,000      $972     $2.39

Based on Hypothetical 5% Annual Return

Class N

   0.73%   $1,000      $1,022     $3.72

Class I

   0.56%   $1,000      $1,022     $2.85

Class Z

   0.48%   $1,000      $1,023     $2.45

AMG GW&K High Income Fund

Based on Actual Fund Return

Class N

   0.87%   $1,000      $1,040     $4.47

Class I

   0.67%   $1,000      $1,041     $3.45

Based on Hypothetical 5% Annual Return

Class N

   0.87%   $1,000      $1,021     $4.43

Class I

   0.67%   $1,000      $1,022     $3.41

  Six Months Ended

  December 31, 2022

   Expense
Ratio for
the Period
  Beginning
Account
Value
07/01/22
   Ending
Account
Value
12/31/22
     Expenses
Paid
During
the Period*

AMG GW&K Municipal Bond Fund

Based on Actual Fund Return

Class N

   0.73%   $1,000      $1,016      $3.71

Class I

   0.39%   $1,000      $1,019      $1.98

Based on Hypothetical 5% Annual Return

Class N

   0.73%   $1,000      $1,022      $3.72

Class I

   0.39%   $1,000      $1,023      $1.99

AMG GW&K Municipal Enhanced Yield Fund

Based on Actual Fund Return

Class N

   0.99%   $1,000      $984      $4.95

Class I

   0.64%   $1,000      $985      $3.20

Class Z

   0.59%   $1,000      $985      $2.95

Based on Hypothetical 5% Annual Return

Class N

   0.99%   $1,000      $1,020      $5.04

Class I

   0.64%   $1,000      $1,022      $3.26

Class Z

   0.59%   $1,000      $1,022      $3.01

 

  *

Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days in the most recent fiscal half-year (184), then divided by 365.

 

 

 

3


    

 

    

AMG GW&K ESG Bond Fund

Portfolio Manager’s Comments (unaudited)

 

   

    

 

      

 

 

THE YEAR IN REVIEW

 

AMG GW&K ESG Bond Fund Class N (the “Fund”) shares returned (13.17)% for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared with the (13.01)% return for its current benchmark, the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index (the “Index”).

 

MARKET OVERVIEW

 

In the first quarter of 2022, fixed income markets experienced their worst quarter in more than four decades amid an extraordinary confluence of economic and geopolitical shocks. Core inflation jumped to 5.4%, its highest level since 1983, on a broad-based rise in consumer prices. The U.S. Federal Reserve (the Fed) responded in kind, intensifying its hawkish rhetoric and laying out an aggressive course of hikes to bring inflation back to target. And in addition to exacting a tragic human toll, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine exacerbated already strained supply chains and commodity markets, threatening acute and prolonged shortages of materials vital to the basic functioning of the global economy. But for all this uncertainty and turmoil, there was a notable divergence between the performance of rates and credit; the former extended a historically severe downdraft, while the latter continued to enjoy a remarkably benign trading environment. How this disconnect eventually would resolve itself was a central question before investors, though policy uncertainty and heightened tensions seemed unlikely to subside anytime soon.

 

More volatility followed in the second quarter, as bonds traded in a wide range and struggled to commit to a consistent narrative. The central question revolved around how persistent inflation would be and what policy measures would be necessary to quell it. A natural deceleration would allow the Fed to pursue less aggressive policy and possibly achieve a soft landing; more recalcitrant price pressure would require the Fed to mount a harsher response and invite a potential recession. The implications of these two different paths were at odds, leading to a broad lack of conviction with no clear market direction. Similarly, puzzling was a consumer with a strong proclivity to spend but a deeply pessimistic outlook and a corporate sector earning solid profits but starting to announce layoffs. Additionally, China offered a potential bright spot as it emerged from recent shutdowns, but the Ukraine conflict lingered as a major threat to global energy and commodity markets. An imminent resolution to any of these tensions seemed unlikely, so disciplined risk management and careful analysis of relative value were of particular importance for the months ahead.

       

Fixed income markets were under extraordinary pressure in the third quarter as investors continued to adapt to restrictive monetary policy after more than a decade of accommodation. Stubbornly rising prices, hawkish central banks, and various geopolitical forces combined to tighten financial conditions and raise the cost of borrowing around the world. Defying expectations that it had peaked, inflation remained elevated and manifested across a broader and more entrenched collection of goods and services. The Fed also confounded expectations, projecting a more cautious outlook and a more aggressive path of hikes than most economists had anticipated. International pressures escalated as well, as currency market dislocations, political leadership changes in Europe and Asia, and multiple energy crises collectively drove a heightened sense of uncertainty. The variety and momentum of these forces suggested no near-term end to volatility, especially against a backdrop of increasingly expensive capital.

 

Bonds rebounded in the fourth quarter amid growing confidence that central banks have succeeded in slowing inflation and will soon be able to pursue less restrictive policy. This modest rally nevertheless ended up being too little, too late to help the bond market avoid its worst annual performance on record and an unprecedented second consecutive year of losses. Sentiment among both investors and consumers may have reached an inflection point, but data continue to justify some measure of caution: inflation is still stubbornly above the Fed’s target, the labor market shows few signs of loosening and corporations have yet to see a meaningful deterioration in earnings. Only the rate-sensitive housing market really stands out as a casualty of the Fed’s tightening campaign to this point. Whether the end of the cycle is imminent is likely to remain an open question, especially as investors await the realization of the “long and variable lag” that has yet to be fully reflected across so many segments of the economy.

 

FUND REVIEW

 

The Fund slightly underperformed the Index during the fiscal year. Yield curve positioning was a relative positive, given the Fund’s shorter relative duration in a period of rising rates. Our overweight allocation to corporates had a negative impact to performance amid the heightened spread volatility. Our preference for lower-rated securities within the investment grade corporate space also had a negative effect. On

       

the positive side, being slightly underweight mortgage-backed securities (MBS) within Securitized and our bias to higher coupon mortgages were helpful to relative performance. Our out-of-benchmark allocation to high yield had little incremental impact on relative performance.

 

ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) remained an important area of focus for the corporate bond market in what could be viewed as a transition year in 2022. A growing list of companies have moved beyond publishing sustainability reports to set emissions reduction and net zero targets over the past year. Investors shook off an overall difficult market environment, from geopolitical turmoil to interest rate volatility, to demonstrate continued strong interest in ESG. This was also a landmark year for global sustainability regulation, with regulators across Europe, North America, and Asia introducing new rules and proposals related to reporting for both corporations and investors. In the U.S., the Inflation Reduction Act is poised to provide policy support for many companies of interest to ESG investors. We continue to integrate ESG as a core part of our fundamental investment process, while monitoring regulatory and policy actions that could influence the ESG investing landscape in the coming years.

 

OUTLOOK

 

The disconnect between the Fed’s projections and market pricing has widened following the most recent Summary of Economic Projections (SEP). The median estimate of Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) participants for the overnight rate at the end of 2023 is 5.125%, up from 4.625% in September; the Fed Funds futures market sees a terminal rate of nearly 5.0% in June of 2023, and then two cuts by year end. There has also been a small but not insignificant chorus of economists calling for the FOMC to raise its target inflation to 3.0% from 2.0%, prompting objections that this would undermine the Fed’s hard-earned credibility. These are just two sources of tension in the rates market, and their resolution could have significant implications for both the level and the shape of the yield curve. We don’t believe investors are being sufficiently compensated for these risks, so duration and curve positioning is positioned relatively neutral to the benchmark.

 

Our fundamental view of credit is broadly constructive, and we believe balance sheets in general are sound and liquidity is sufficient. But we recognize the potential for macroeconomic forces to

 

 

 

4


    

 

    

AMG GW&K ESG Bond Fund

Portfolio Manager’s Comments (continued)

 

   

    

 

      

 

 

alter this landscape and we don’t believe all these risks are adequately reflected in valuations. Consequently, our allocation to corporate credit is at the lower end of its historical range. Within the space, we see the best value at the front end, where higher quality credits in less rate-sensitive sectors offer attractive yields and compelling breakevens.        We have also been able to identify names that we believe can improve their credit profiles independently of a challenging macro backdrop. Our exposure to mortgages is neutral, as we believe the benefits of lower originations and potentially lower rate volatility are offset by event risks surrounding quantitative tightening and middling spread levels.        The views expressed represent the opinions of GW&K Investment Management, LLC as of December 31, 2022, and are not intended as a forecast or guarantee of future results, and are subject to change without notice.
             
             

 

 

5


   

 

    

AMG GW&K ESG Bond Fund

Portfolio Manager’s Comments (continued)

 

 

CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN PERFORMANCE

AMG GW&K ESG Bond Fund’s cumulative total return is based on the daily change in net asset value (NAV), and assumes that all dividends and distributions were reinvested. The graph compares a hypothetical $10,000 investment made in the AMG GW&K ESG Bond Fund’s Class N shares on December 31, 2012, to a $10,000 investment made in the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index for the same time period. The graph and table do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on a Fund distribution or redemption of shares. The listed returns for the Fund are net of expenses and the returns for the index exclude expenses. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced.

 

LOGO

The table below shows the average annual total returns for the AMG GW&K ESG Bond Fund and the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index for the same time periods ended December 31, 2022.

 

     One      Five      Ten      Since      Inception  
  Average Annual Total Returns1    Year      Years      Years      Inception      Date  

  AMG GW&K ESG Bond Fund2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

 

Class N

     (13.17%)        0.07%        1.66%        7.11%        06/01/84  

Class I

     (12.99%)        0.26%               1.68%        04/01/13  

Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index13

     (13.01%)        0.02%        1.06%        6.40%         06/01/84  

The performance data shown represents past performance. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.

 

Investors should carefully consider the Fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses before investing. For performance information through the most recent month end, current net asset values per share for the Fund and other information, please call 800.548.4539 or visit our website at amgfunds.com for a free prospectus. Read it carefully before investing or sending money.

Distributed by AMG Distributors, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC.

 

 

Date reflects inception date of the Fund, not the index.

 

1 

Total return equals income yield plus share price change and assumes reinvestment of all dividends and capital gain distributions. Returns are net of fees and may reflect offsets of Fund expenses as described in the prospectus. No adjustment has been made for taxes payable by shareholders on their reinvested dividends and capital gain distributions. Returns for periods greater than one year are annualized. The listed returns on the Fund are net of expenses and based on the published NAV as of December 31, 2022. All returns are in U.S. Dollars($).

2  As of March 19, 2021, the Fund’s subadvisor was changed to GW&K Investment Management, LLC. Prior to March 19, 2021, the Fund was known as the AMG Managers Loomis Sayles Bond Fund and had different principal investment strategies and corresponding risks. Performance shown for periods prior to March 19, 2021, reflects the performance and investment strategies of the Fund’s previous subadvisor, Loomis, Sayles & Company, L.P. The Fund’s past performance would have been different if the Fund were managed by the current subadvisor and strategy, and the Fund’s prior performance record might be less pertinent for investors considering whether to purchase shares of the Fund.

 

3  From time to time, the Fund’s investment manager has waived fees and/or absorbed Fund expenses, which has resulted in higher returns.

 

4  The Fund is subject to the risks associated with investments in debt securities, such as default risk and fluctuations in the perception of the debtor’s ability to pay its creditors. Changing interest rates may adversely affect the value of an investment. An increase in interest rates typically causes the value of bonds and other fixed income securities to fall.

 

5  To the extent that the Fund invests in asset-backed or mortgage-backed securities, its exposure to prepayment and extension risks may be greater than investments in other fixed income securities.

 

6  High-yield bonds (also known as “junk bonds”) may be subject to greater levels of interest rate, credit, and liquidity risk than investments in higher rated securities. These securities are considered predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer’s continuing ability to make principal and interest payments. The issuers of the Fund’s holdings may be involved in bankruptcy proceedings, reorganizations, or financial restructurings, and are not as strong financially as higher-rated issuers.

 

7  Obligations of certain government agencies are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government. If one of these agencies defaulted on a loan, there is no guarantee that the U.S. government would provide financial support. Additionally, debt securities of the U.S. government may be affected by changing interest rates and subject to prepayment risk.

 

8  Market prices of investments held by the Fund may fall rapidly or unpredictably due to a variety of economic or political factors, market conditions, disasters or public health issues, or in response to events that affect particular industries or companies.

 

9  Investments in international securities are subject to certain risks of overseas investing including currency fluctuations and changes in political and economic conditions, which could result in

 

 

 

6


    

 

    

AMG GW&K ESG Bond Fund

Portfolio Manager’s Comments (continued)

 

   

    

 

      

 

 

    significant market fluctuations. These risks are magnified in emerging markets.

 

10 Applying the Fund’s ESG investment criteria may result in the selection or exclusion of securities of certain issuers for reasons other than performance, and the Fund may underperform funds that do not utilize an ESG investment strategy. The application of his strategy may affect the Fund’s exposure to certain companies, sectors, regions, countries or types of investments, which could negatively impact the Fund’s performance depending on whether such investments are in or out of favor. Applying ESG criteria to investment decisions is qualitative and subjective by nature, and there is no guarantee that the criteria utilized by the subadviser or any judgment exercised by the

       

    subadviser will reflect the beliefs or values of any particular investor.

 

11 Because exchange-traded funds (ETFs) incur their own costs, investing in them could result in a higher cost to the investor. Additionally, the fund will be indirectly exposed to all the risks of securities held by the ETFs.

 

12 Factors unique to the municipal bond market may negatively affect the value in municipal bonds.

 

13 The Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index an index of the U.S. investment-grade fixed-rate bond market, including both government and corporate bonds. Unlike the Fund, the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index is unmanaged, is not available for investment and does not incur expenses.

      

“Bloomberg®” and any Bloomberg index described herein are service marks of Bloomberg Finance L.P. and its affiliates, including Bloomberg Index Services Limited (“BISL”), the administrator of the index (collectively, “Bloomberg”) and have been licensed for use for certain purposes by AMG Funds LLC. Bloomberg is not affiliated with AMG Funds LLC, and Bloomberg does not approve, endorse, review, or recommend the fund described herein. Bloomberg does not guarantee the timeliness, accurateness, or completeness of any data or information relating to such fund.

 

Not FDIC insured, nor bank guaranteed. May lose value.

 

 

7


   

AMG GW&K ESG Bond Fund

Fund Snapshots (unaudited)

December 31, 2022

 

 

PORTFOLIO BREAKDOWN

 

    Category    % of
Net Assets
 
 

Corporate Bonds and Notes

     51.4       
 

U.S. Government and Agency Obligations

     40.5       
 

Municipal Bonds

     5.9       
 

Foreign Government Obligations

     0.9       
 

Short-Term Investments

     2.1       
 

Other Assets, less Liabilities

     (0.8)      

 

    Rating    % of Market Value1
 

U.S. Government and Agency Obligations

   41.0
 

Aaa/AAA

   2.2
 

Aa/AA

   8.6
 

A

   7.0
 

Baa/BBB

   23.7
 

Ba/BB

   16.4
 

B

   1.1

 

1 

Includes market value of long-term fixed-income securities only.

TOP TEN HOLDINGS

 

    Security Name    % of
Net Assets
 

U.S. Treasury Bonds, 2.250%, 05/15/41

   3.0
 

FHLMC, 3.000%, 04/01/51

   3.0
 

FNMA, 3.500%, 02/01/35

   2.2
 

FNMA, 3.500%, 08/01/49

   2.1
 

FNMA, 2.000%, 04/01/51

   2.1
 

U.S. Treasury Bonds, 1.875%, 02/15/51

   2.1
 

FNMA, 3.500%, 02/01/47

   2.0
 

U.S. Treasury Bonds, 3.125%, 05/15/48

   1.9
 

FHLMC, 3.500%, 02/01/50

   1.8
 

U.S. Treasury Bonds, 5.000%, 05/15/37

   1.8
    

 

 

Top Ten as a Group

       22.0    
  

 

 

 

 

Credit quality ratings shown above reflect the highest rating assigned by either Standard & Poor’s (“S&P”), Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”) or Fitch. These rating agencies are independent, nationally recognized statistical rating organizations and are widely used. Investment grade ratings are credit ratings of BBB- or higher. Below investment grade ratings are credit ratings of BB+ or lower. Investments designated N/R are not rated by any of the rating agencies. Unrated investments do not necessarily indicate low credit quality. Credit quality ratings are subject to change.

Because a fund’s strategy may result in multiple investments in particular sectors of the economy, its performance may depend on the performance of those sectors and may fluctuate more widely than investments diversified across more sectors. For additional information on these and other risk considerations, please see the Fund’s prospectus.

Any sectors, industries, or securities discussed should not be perceived as investment recommendations. Mention of a specific security should not be considered a recommendation to buy or solicitation to sell that security. Specific securities mentioned in this report may have been sold from the Fund’s portfolio of investments by the time you receive this report.

 

 

8


   

AMG GW&K ESG Bond Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments

December 31, 2022

 

 

      Principal
Amount
     Value  

Corporate Bonds and Notes - 51.4%

 

  

Financials - 12.2%

     

AerCap Ireland Capital DAC/AerCap Global Aviation Trust (Ireland) 1.650%, 10/29/24

     $5,450,000        $5,027,082  

Aircastle, Ltd. (Bermuda)
5.250%, 08/11/251

     2,282,000        2,194,686  

American Express Co.

     

(3.550% to 09/15/26 then U.S. Treasury Yield Curve CMT 5 year + 2.854%), 3.550%, 09/15/262,3,4

     1,195,000        981,693  

American Tower Corp.
4.400%, 02/15/265

     1,900,000        1,851,418  

Bank of America Corp.

     

(3.559% to 04/23/26 then 3 month LIBOR + 1.060%), 3.559%, 04/23/272,4

     2,850,000        2,670,080  

MTN, (4.330% to 03/15/49 then 3 month LIBOR + 1.520%), 4.330%, 03/15/502,4

     2,775,000        2,276,024  

The Bank of New York Mellon Corp.

     

Series G, (4.700% to 09/20/25 then U.S. Treasury Yield Curve CMT 5 year + 4.358%), 4.700%, 09/20/252,3,4

     4,300,000        4,128,559  

The Charles Schwab Corp.

     

Series I, (4.000% to 06/01/26 then U.S. Treasury Yield Curve CMT 5 year + 3.168%), 4.000%, 06/01/262,3,4

     4,400,000        3,817,000  

Crown Castle, Inc.
4.000%, 03/01/27

     2,300,000        2,193,392  

First-Citizens Bank & Trust Co.
6.125%, 03/09/28

     2,825,000        2,870,967  

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.
6.750%, 10/01/37

     1,850,000        1,973,993  

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

     

(1.470% to 09/22/26 then SOFR + 0.765%), 1.470%, 09/22/272,4

     3,104,000        2,687,328  

Morgan Stanley
3.950%, 04/23/27

     2,200,000        2,077,664  

(4.431% to 01/23/29 then 3 month LIBOR + 1.628%), 4.431%, 01/23/302,4

     2,948,000        2,743,714  

Owl Rock Capital Corp.
4.250%, 01/15/26

     2,300,000        2,111,443  

SBA Communications Corp.
3.875%, 02/15/27

     3,700,000        3,343,000  

SLM Corp.
3.125%, 11/02/26

     3,365,000        2,861,764  

4.200%, 10/29/25

     838,000        766,733  

Starwood Property Trust, Inc.
4.750%, 03/15/25

     1,700,000        1,622,224  

Truist Financial Corp.

     

Series P, (4.950% to 12/01/25 then U.S. Treasury Yield Curve CMT 5 year + 4.605%), 4.950%, 09/01/252,3,4

     3,400,000        3,250,740  
      Principal
Amount
     Value  

VICI Properties LP/VICI Note Co., Inc.
3.500%, 02/15/251

     $1,900,000        $1,791,377  

Wells Fargo & Co., MTN

     

(2.879% to 10/30/29 then 3 Month Term SOFR + 1.432%), 2.879%, 10/30/302,4

     3,435,000        2,917,705  

Weyerhaeuser Co.
6.875%, 12/15/33

     2,600,000        2,788,953  

Wynn Las Vegas LLC/Wynn Las Vegas Capital Corp.
5.500%, 03/01/251

     1,250,000        1,186,682  

Total Financials

        60,134,221  

Industrials - 37.2%

     

Advocate Health & Hospitals Corp.
4.272%, 08/15/48

     1,700,000        1,443,252  

AECOM
5.125%, 03/15/27

     1,650,000        1,588,125  

Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
2.700%, 05/15/40

     2,450,000        1,822,883  

Alcoa Nederland Holding, B.V. (Netherlands)
4.125%, 03/31/291

     5,750,000        5,101,162  

Amazon.com, Inc.
4.600%, 12/01/255

     5,053,000        5,040,560  

Anglo American Capital PLC (United Kingdom)
2.875%, 03/17/311,5

     3,554,000        2,901,876  

Anheuser-Busch InBev Worldwide, Inc.
4.375%, 04/15/38

     2,200,000        1,966,603  

Aramark Services, Inc.
5.000%, 02/01/281,5

     3,220,000        3,004,051  

Ardagh Metal Packaging Finance USA LLC/Ardagh Metal Packaging Finance PLC
3.250%, 09/01/281

     3,500,000        2,973,058  

Ashtead Capital, Inc.
1.500%, 08/12/261

     3,536,000        3,017,590  

AT&T, Inc.
4.300%, 02/15/30

     2,200,000        2,071,513  

Ball Corp.
2.875%, 08/15/30

     3,875,000        3,092,715  

Broadcom Corp./Broadcom Cayman Finance, Ltd.
3.875%, 01/15/27

     3,019,000        2,855,642  

CCO Holdings LLC/CCO Holdings Capital Corp.
5.500%, 05/01/261

     2,000,000        1,936,201  

Celanese US Holdings LLC
6.050%, 03/15/25

     5,085,000        5,065,216  

Centene Corp.
3.375%, 02/15/305

     3,650,000        3,085,601  

Cisco Systems, Inc.
5.500%, 01/15/40

     1,650,000        1,716,999  

Clearwater Paper Corp.
4.750%, 08/15/281

     1,950,000        1,713,418  

 

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

9


   

    

AMG GW&K ESG Bond Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments (continued)

 

 

     

Principal

Amount

     Value  

Industrials - 37.2% (continued)

 

  

The Coca-Cola Co.
2.500%, 06/01/40

     $2,400,000        $1,748,822  

Cogent Communications Group, Inc.
3.500%, 05/01/261

     3,365,000        3,056,909  

CommonSpirit Health
3.347%, 10/01/29

     1,950,000        1,696,984  

Crown Americas LLC/Crown Americas Capital Corp. V
4.250%, 09/30/265

     3,350,000        3,194,493  

Dell International LLC/EMC Corp.
8.100%, 07/15/36

     972,000        1,089,241  

Dell, Inc.
7.100%, 04/15/28

     2,950,000        3,145,746  

Delta Air Lines, Inc.
7.375%, 01/15/265

     3,100,000        3,167,394  

Discovery Communications LLC
3.950%, 03/20/285

     2,047,000        1,816,889  

FMG Resources August 2006 Pty, Ltd. (Australia)
4.500%, 09/15/271

     3,000,000        2,767,500  

The Ford Foundation
Series 2020, 2.415%, 06/01/50

     2,725,000        1,714,252  

Freeport-McMoRan, Inc.
4.625%, 08/01/305

     2,961,000        2,757,859  

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.
4.875%, 03/15/275

     500,000        457,365  

Graphic Packaging International LLC
3.500%, 03/01/291

     2,850,000        2,428,279  

Hanesbrands, Inc.
4.875%, 05/15/261,5

     3,250,000        2,904,106  

Hasbro, Inc.
3.900%, 11/19/29

     3,425,000        3,043,744  

HB Fuller Co.
4.250%, 10/15/28

     3,400,000        3,009,000  

HCA, Inc.
3.500%, 09/01/30

     3,050,000        2,630,553  

Hilton Domestic Operating Co., Inc.
4.875%, 01/15/30

     3,600,000        3,262,356  

The Home Depot, Inc.
5.875%, 12/16/36

     1,600,000        1,711,065  

Howmet Aerospace, Inc.
6.875%, 05/01/25

     2,000,000        2,052,340  

KB Home
4.800%, 11/15/29

     1,222,000        1,062,639  

6.875%, 06/15/275

     1,751,000        1,761,418  

Lamar Media Corp.
4.875%, 01/15/295

     3,250,000        2,984,075  

Merck & Co., Inc.
1.900%, 12/10/28

     7,010,000        6,018,509  

Meritage Homes Corp.
6.000%, 06/01/25

     485,000        482,666  

 

     

Principal

Amount

     Value  

MGM Resorts International
5.750%, 06/15/25

     $1,175,000        $1,141,954  

Microsoft Corp.
2.525%, 06/01/50

     2,450,000        1,612,220  

MSCI, Inc.
3.250%, 08/15/331

     2,015,000        1,556,101  

Mueller Water Products, Inc.
4.000%, 06/15/291

     3,000,000        2,636,250  

Murphy Oil USA, Inc.
4.750%, 09/15/29

     3,250,000        2,973,848  

Newell Brands, Inc.
4.450%, 04/01/266

     3,400,000        3,198,704  

Novelis Corp.
3.250%, 11/15/261

     3,175,000        2,846,419  

Owens Corning
7.000%, 12/01/36

     1,800,000        1,904,913  

Parker-Hannifin Corp.
3.250%, 06/14/29

     1,900,000        1,696,696  

Penske Automotive Group, Inc.
3.500%, 09/01/255

     2,000,000        1,856,119  

Prime Security Services Borrower LLC/Prime Finance, Inc.
5.750%, 04/15/261

     3,250,000        3,128,125  

PulteGroup, Inc.
6.000%, 02/15/35

     2,050,000        1,960,131  

SK Hynix, Inc. (South Korea)
2.375%, 01/19/311

     3,000,000        2,199,494  

Sonoco Products Co.
2.850%, 02/01/32

     3,682,000        2,992,949  

Sysco Corp.
2.400%, 02/15/30

     4,475,000        3,719,568  

Teleflex, Inc.
4.250%, 06/01/281

     3,350,000        3,058,081  

Tenet Healthcare Corp.
4.875%, 01/01/261

     3,350,000        3,167,903  

Toll Brothers Finance Corp.
4.875%, 03/15/27

     3,250,000        3,103,212  

Travel + Leisure Co.
5.650%, 04/01/246

     2,700,000        2,659,368  

Twilio, Inc.
3.625%, 03/15/29

     600,000        487,440  

3.875%, 03/15/315

     2,694,000        2,137,298  

United Parcel Service, Inc.
6.200%, 01/15/38

     1,500,000        1,658,363  

United Rentals North America, Inc.
3.875%, 02/15/31

     3,650,000        3,059,759  

Verizon Communications, Inc.
3.875%, 02/08/295

     3,460,000        3,246,398  

VF Corp.
2.950%, 04/23/305

     2,100,000        1,744,175  

 

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

10


   

    

AMG GW&K ESG Bond Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments (continued)

 

 

      Principal
Amount
     Value  

Industrials - 37.2% (continued)

     

VMware, Inc.
3.900%, 08/21/27

     $3,400,000        $3,173,153  

Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.
4.800%, 11/18/44

     2,520,000        2,109,022  

Walmart, Inc.
4.050%, 06/29/48

     1,850,000        1,641,798  

WESCO Distribution, Inc.
7.125%, 06/15/251

     1,600,000        1,620,019  

Western Digital Corp.
4.750%, 02/15/26

     1,916,000        1,804,336  

Yum! Brands, Inc.
3.625%, 03/15/31

     3,550,000        2,976,675  

Total Industrials

        183,431,160  

Utilities - 2.0%

     

Dominion Energy, Inc.

     

Series B, (4.650% to 12/15/24 then U.S. Treasury Yield Curve CMT 5 year + 2.993%), 4.650%, 12/15/242,3,4

     3,950,000        3,456,250  

National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corp.
1.350%, 03/15/31

     4,750,000        3,509,956  

Northern States Power Co.
2.900%, 03/01/50

     3,800,000        2,599,065  

Total Utilities

        9,565,271  

Total Corporate Bonds and Notes

     

(Cost $288,413,877)

        253,130,652  

Municipal Bonds - 5.9%

     

California Health Facilities Financing Authority
4.190%, 06/01/37

     3,500,000        3,126,553  

California State General Obligation, School Improvements Build America Bonds,
7.550%, 04/01/39

     2,300,000        2,878,754  

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Series B,
4.110%, 07/15/31

     3,660,000        3,533,621  

Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, Series A
4.507%, 11/01/51

     1,000,000        898,819  

JobsOhio Beverage System,
Series A
2.833%, 01/01/38

     3,700,000        2,890,756  

Los Angeles Unified School District, School Improvements
5.750%, 07/01/34

     3,225,000        3,368,776  

Massachusetts School Building Authority

     

Series B, 1.753%, 08/15/30

     4,500,000        3,673,920  

New Jersey Economic Development Authority, Pension Funding, Series A (National Insured)
7.425%, 02/15/29

     3,550,000        3,821,584  

Port Authority of New York & New Jersey
6.040%, 12/01/29

     2,000,000        2,109,782  
      Principal
Amount
     Value  

University of California, Series BI
1.697%, 05/15/29

     $3,650,000        $2,996,395  

Total Municipal Bonds

     

    (Cost $34,814,883)

        29,298,960  

U.S. Government and Agency Obligations - 40.5%

 

  

Fannie Mae - 17.2%

     

FNMA

2.000%, 04/01/51

     12,427,952        10,147,515  

2.500%, 11/01/50

     5,079,053        4,326,132  

3.500%, 02/01/35 to 02/01/51

     39,894,854        37,465,019  

4.000%, 07/01/44 to 01/01/51

     24,014,213        22,930,759  

4.500%, 05/01/48 to 06/01/49

     6,969,461        6,872,502  

5.000%, 05/01/50

     3,240,435        3,248,364  

Total Fannie Mae

        84,990,291  

Freddie Mac - 8.4%

     

FHLMC

2.000%, 03/01/36

     8,784,509        7,835,185  

3.000%, 04/01/51

     16,670,090        14,676,474  

3.500%, 02/01/50

     9,647,506        8,898,566  

4.500%, 10/01/48 to 12/01/48

     10,081,490        9,887,915  

Total Freddie Mac

        41,298,140  

U.S. Treasury Obligations - 14.9%

 

  

U.S. Treasury Bonds

1.250%, 05/15/50

     4,625,000        2,489,009  

1.875%, 02/15/51

     15,912,000        10,112,822  

2.250%, 05/15/41

     19,759,000        14,853,982  

2.500%, 02/15/46

     2,096,000        1,568,234  

3.125%, 05/15/48

     11,143,000        9,364,908  

3.500%, 02/15/39

     7,852,000        7,375,052  

5.000%, 05/15/37

     7,846,000        8,762,388  

6.750%, 08/15/26

     2,579,000        2,800,431  

U.S. Treasury Notes

0.250%, 03/15/24

     5,868,000        5,562,910  

0.500%, 02/28/26

     3,270,000        2,913,749  

2.500%, 01/31/25

     3,450,000        3,319,008  

2.625%, 02/15/29

     4,763,000        4,402,054  

Total U.S. Treasury Obligations

        73,524,547  

Total U.S. Government and Agency Obligations

 

  

(Cost $237,183,222)

        199,812,978  

Foreign Government Obligation - 0.9%

 

  

The Korea Development Bank (South Korea) 0.500%, 10/27/23

     

(Cost $4,552,913)

     4,550,000        4,394,653  

Short-Term Investments - 2.1%

     

Joint Repurchase Agreements - 1.5%7

 

  

Bank of America Securities, Inc., dated 12/30/22, due 01/03/23, 4.300% total to be received $1,761,488 (collateralized by various U.S. Government Agency Obligations, 1.500% - 6.500%, 05/01/37 - 05/01/58, totaling $1,795,860)

     1,760,647        1,760,647  
 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

11


   

    

AMG GW&K ESG Bond Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments (continued)

 

 

 

      Principal
Amount
     Value  

Joint Repurchase Agreements - 1.5%7

 

  

(continued)

     

Citigroup Global Markets, Inc., dated 12/30/22, due 01/03/23, 4.250% total to be received $369,995 (collateralized by various U.S. Treasuries, 0.000% - 4.500%, 04/11/23 - 10/31/29, totaling $377,216)

     $369,820              $369,820  

MUFG Securities America, Inc., dated 12/30/22, due 01/03/23, 4.300% total to be received $1,761,488 (collateralized by various U.S. Government Agency Obligations, 2.000% - 5.500%, 08/01/24 - 01/01/53, totaling $1,795,860)

     1,760,647        1,760,647  

National Bank Financial, dated 12/30/22, due 01/03/23, 4.340% total to be received $1,761,496 (collateralized by various U.S. Treasuries, 0.000% - 4.435%, 01/03/23 - 09/09/49, totaling $1,795,860)

     1,760,647        1,760,647  

RBC Dominion Securities, Inc., dated 12/30/22, due 01/03/23, 4.300% total to be received $1,761,488 (collateralized by various U.S. Government Agency Obligations, 2.000% - 6.000%, 09/01/24 - 10/20/52, totaling $1,795,860)

     1,760,647        1,760,647  

Total Joint Repurchase Agreements

 

     7,412,408  
      Principal
Amount
     Value  

Repurchase Agreements - 0.6%

 

  

Fixed Income Clearing Corp., dated 12/30/22 due 01/03/23, 4.150% total to be received $3,071,416 (collateralized by a U.S. Treasury, 0.125%, 01/15/32, totaling $3,131,490)

     $3,070,000        $3,070,000  

Total Short-Term Investments

 

  

(Cost $10,482,408)

 

     10,482,408  

Total Investments - 100.8%

 

  

(Cost $575,447,303)

 

     497,119,651  

Other Assets, less Liabilities - (0.8)%

 

     (4,113,005

Net Assets - 100.0%

        $493,006,646  

 

 
1 

Security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. This security may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At December 31, 2022, the value of these securities amounted to $57,189,287 or 11.6% of net assets.

 

2 

Fixed to variable rate investment. The rate shown reflects the fixed rate in effect at December 31, 2022. Rate will reset at a future date.

 

3 

Perpetuity Bond. The date shown represents the next call date.

 

4 

Variable rate security. The rate shown is based on the latest available information as of December 31, 2022. Certain variable rate securities are not based on a published reference rate and spread but are determined by the issuer or agent and are based on current market conditions. These securities do not indicate a reference rate and spread in their description above.

 

5 

Some of these securities, amounting to $25,458,950 or 5.2% of net assets, were out on loan to various borrowers and are collateralized by cash and various U.S. Treasury Obligations. See Note 4 of Notes to Financial Statements.

6 

Step Bond: A debt instrument with either deferred interest payments or an interest rate that resets at specific times during its term.

 

7 

Cash collateral received for securities lending activity was invested in these joint repurchase agreements.

 

CMT    Constant Maturity Treasury
FHLMC    Freddie Mac
FNMA    Fannie Mae
LIBOR    London Interbank Offered Rate
MTN    Medium-Term Note
National Insured    National Public Finance Guarantee Corp.
SOFR    Secured Overnight Financing Rate
 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

12


   

    

AMG GW&K ESG Bond Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments (continued)

 

 

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments by the fair value hierarchy levels as of December 31, 2022:

 

     Level 1        Level 2        Level 3        Total  

 Investments in Securities

                 

Corporate Bonds and Notes

            $ 253,130,652                 $ 253,130,652  

Municipal Bonds

              29,298,960                   29,298,960  

U.S. Government and Agency Obligations

              199,812,978                   199,812,978  

Foreign Government Obligation

              4,394,653                   4,394,653  

Short-Term Investments

                 

Joint Repurchase Agreements

              7,412,408                   7,412,408  

Repurchase Agreements

              3,070,000                   3,070,000  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities

           —        $ 497,119,651                 $ 497,119,651  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

 

All corporate bonds and notes, municipal bonds, U.S. government and agency obligations and foreign government obligations held in the Fund are Level 2 securities. For a detailed breakout of corporate bonds and notes, municipal bonds, U.S. government and agency obligations and foreign government obligations by major industry or agency classification, please refer to the Fund’s Schedule of Portfolio Investments.

The following table below is a reconciliation of investments in which significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) were used in determining fair value at December 31, 2022:

 

    

Asset-Backed

Securities

 

 Balance as of December 31, 2021

     $2,475,909  

 Accrued discounts (premiums)

     2,490  

 Realized gain (loss)

     (207,677 )   

 Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation

     4,633,827  

 Sales

     (1,670,846

 Paydown

     (5,233,703

 Transfers in to Level 3

      

 Transfers out of Level 3

      

 Balance as of December 31, 2022

     $0  

    

  

 Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments still held at December 31, 2022

      

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

13


    

 

    

AMG GW&K Enhanced Core Bond ESG Fund

Portfolio Manager’s Comments (unaudited)

 

   

    

 

      

 

 

THE YEAR IN REVIEW

 

AMG GW&K Enhanced Core Bond ESG Fund (the “Fund”) Class N shares returned (14.17)% for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to the return of (13.01)% for the Fund’s benchmark, the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index.

 

MARKET OVERVIEW

 

In the first quarter of 2022 fixed income markets experienced their worst quarter in more than four decades amid an extraordinary confluence of economic and geopolitical shocks. Core inflation jumped to 5.4%, its highest level since 1983, on a broad-based rise in consumer prices. The U.S. Federal Reserve (the Fed) responded in kind, intensifying their hawkish rhetoric and laying out an aggressive course of hikes to bring inflation back to target. And—in addition to exacting a tragic human toll—Russia’s invasion of Ukraine exacerbated already strained supply chains and commodity markets, threatening acute and prolonged shortages of materials vital to the basic functioning of the global economy. But for all this uncertainty and turmoil, there was a notable divergence between the performance of rates and credit; the former extended a historically severe downdraft, while the latter continued to enjoy a remarkably benign trading environment. How this disconnect eventually would resolve itself was a central question before investors, though policy uncertainty and heightened tensions seemed unlikely to subside anytime soon.

 

More volatility followed in the second quarter, as bonds traded in a wide range and struggled to commit to a consistent narrative. The central question revolved around how persistent inflation would be and what policy measures would be necessary to quell it. A natural deceleration would allow the Fed to pursue less aggressive policy and possibly achieve a soft landing; more recalcitrant price pressure would require the Fed to mount a harsher response and invite a potential recession. The implications of these two different paths were at odds, leading to a broad lack of conviction with no clear market direction. Similarly, puzzling was a consumer with a strong proclivity to spend but a deeply pessimistic outlook and a corporate sector earning solid profits but starting to announce layoffs. Additionally, China offered a potential bright spot as it emerged from recent shutdowns, but the Ukraine conflict lingered as a major threat to global energy and commodity markets. An imminent resolution to any of these tensions seemed unlikely, so disciplined risk management and careful analysis of relative value were of particular importance for the months ahead.

    

Fixed income markets were under extraordinary pressure in the third quarter as investors continued to adapt to restrictive monetary policy after more than a decade of accommodation. Stubbornly rising prices, hawkish central banks, and various geopolitical forces combined to tighten financial conditions and raise the cost of borrowing around the world. Defying expectations that it had peaked, inflation remained elevated and manifested across a broader and more entrenched collection of goods and services. The Fed also confounded expectations, projecting a more cautious outlook and a more aggressive path of hikes than most economists had anticipated. International pressures escalated as well, as currency market dislocations, political leadership changes in Europe and Asia, and multiple energy crises collectively drove a heightened sense of uncertainty. The variety and momentum of these forces suggested no near-term end to volatility, especially against a backdrop of increasingly expensive capital.

 

Bonds rebounded in the fourth quarter amid growing confidence that central banks have succeeded in slowing inflation and will soon be able to pursue less restrictive policy. This modest rally nevertheless ended up being too little, too late to help the bond market avoid its worst annual performance on record and an unprecedented second consecutive year of losses. Sentiment among both investors and consumers may have reached an inflection point, but data continue to justify some measure of caution: inflation is still stubbornly above the Fed’s target, the labor market shows few signs of loosening, and corporations have yet to see a meaningful deterioration in earnings. Only the rate-sensitive housing market really stands out as a casualty of the Fed’s tightening campaign to this point. Whether the end of the cycle is imminent is likely to remain an open question, especially as investors await the realization of the “long and variable lag” that has yet to be fully reflected across so many segments of the economy.

 

FUND REVIEW

 

The Fund underperformed the Index during the fiscal year. Yield curve positioning was a relative positive, given the Fund’s shorter relative duration in a period of rising rates. Our overweight allocation to corporates had a negative impact on performance amid the heightened spread volatility. Our preference for lower-rated securities within the investment grade corporate space also had a negative effect. On

    

the positive side, our bias to higher coupon mortgages was helpful to relative performance. Our out-of-benchmark allocation to high yield had an incrementally positive influence on overall corporate security selection.

 

ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) remained an important area of focus for the corporate bond market in what could be viewed as a transition year in 2022. A growing list of companies have moved beyond publishing sustainability reports to set emissions reduction and net zero targets over the past year. Investors shook off an overall difficult market environment, from geopolitical turmoil to interest rate volatility, to demonstrate continued strong interest in ESG. This was also a landmark year for global sustainability regulation, with regulators across Europe, North America, and Asia introducing new rules and proposals related to reporting for both corporations and investors. In the U.S., the Inflation Reduction Act is poised to provide policy support for many companies of interest to ESG investors. We continue to integrate ESG as a core part of our fundamental investment process, while monitoring regulatory and policy actions that could influence the ESG investing landscape in the coming years.

 

OUTLOOK

 

The disconnect between the Fed’s projections and market pricing has widened following the most recent Summary of Economic Projections (SEP). The median estimate of Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) participants for the overnight rate at the end of 2023 is 5.125%, up from 4.625% in September; the Fed Funds futures market sees a terminal rate of nearly 5% in June of 2023, and then two cuts by year end. There has also been a small but not insignificant chorus of economists calling for the FOMC to raise its target inflation to 3.0% from 2.0%, prompting objections that this would undermine the Fed’s hard-earned credibility. These are just two sources of tension in the rates market, and their resolution could have significant implications for both the level and the shape of the yield curve. We don’t believe investors are being sufficiently compensated for these risks, so duration and curve positioning is relatively neutral relative to its benchmark.

 

Our fundamental view of credit is broadly constructive, and we believe balance sheets in general are sound and liquidity is sufficient. But we recognize the potential for macroeconomic forces to alter this landscape and we don’t believe all these

 

 

 

14


    

 

    

AMG GW&K Enhanced Core Bond ESG Fund

Portfolio Manager’s Comments (continued)

 

   

    

 

      

 

risks are adequately reflected in valuations. Consequently, our allocation to corporate credit is at the lower end of its historical range. Within the space, we see the best value at the front end, where higher quality credits in less rate-sensitive sectors offer attractive yields and compelling breakevens. We have also been able to identify names that we

    

believe can improve their credit profiles independently of a challenging macro backdrop. Our exposure to mortgages is neutral, as we believe the benefits of lower originations and potentially lower rate volatility are offset by event risks surrounding quantitative tightening and middling spread levels.

     The views expressed represent the opinions of GW&K Investment Management, LLC as of December 31, 2022, and are not intended as a forecast or guarantee of future results, and are subject to change without notice.

 

 

15


    

AMG GW&K Enhanced Core Bond ESG Fund

Portfolio Manager’s Comments (continued)

 

 

CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN PERFORMANCE

AMG GW&K Enhanced Core Bond ESG Fund’s cumulative total return is based on the daily change in net asset value (NAV), and assumes that all dividends and distributions were reinvested. The graph compares a hypothetical $10,000 investment made in the AMG GW&K Enhanced Core Bond ESG Fund’s Class N shares on December 31, 2012, to a $10,000 investment made in the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index for the same time period. The graph and table do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on a Fund distribution or redemption of shares. The listed returns for the Fund are net of expenses and the returns for the index exclude expenses. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced.

 

LOGO

The table below shows the average annual total returns for the AMG GW&K Enhanced Core Bond ESG Fund and the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index for the same time periods ended December 31, 2022.

 

     One        Five        Ten  
  Average Annual Total Returns1    Year        Years        Years  

AMG GW&K Enhanced Core Bond ESG Fund2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

 

Class N

   (14.17%)      0.16%        0.99%  

Class I

   (14.07%)      0.32%        1.16%  

Class Z

   (14.00%)        0.41%          1.24%  

Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index10

   (13.01%)        0.02%          1.06%  

The performance data shown represents past performance. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.

 

Investors should carefully consider the Fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses before investing. For performance information through the most recent month end, current net asset values per share for the Fund and other information, please call 800.548.4539 or visit our website at amgfunds.com for a free prospectus. Read it carefully before investing or sending money.

Distributed by AMG Distributors, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC.

 

1 

Total return equals income yield plus share price change and assumes reinvestment of all dividends and capital gain distributions. Returns are net of fees and may reflect offsets of Fund expenses as described in the prospectus. No adjustment has been made for taxes payable by shareholders on their reinvested dividends and capital gain distributions. Returns for periods greater than one year are annualized. The listed returns on the Fund are net of expenses and based on the published NAV as of December 31, 2022. All returns are in U.S. Dollars ($).

2  From time to time, the Fund’s investment manager has waived its fees and/or absorbed Fund expenses, which has resulted in higher returns.

 

3  The Fund is subject to the risks associated with investments in debt securities, such as default risk and fluctuations in the perception of the debtor’s ability to pay its creditors. Changing interest rates may adversely affect the value of an investment. An increase in interest rates typically causes the value of bonds and other fixed income securities to fall.

 

4  To the extent that the Fund invests in asset-backed or mortgage-backed securities, its exposure to prepayment and extension risks may be greater than investments in other fixed income securities.

 

5  High-yield bonds (also known as “junk bonds”) may be subject to greater levels of interest rate, credit, and liquidity risk than investments in higher rated securities. These securities are considered predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer’s continuing ability to make principal and interest payments. The issuers of the Fund’s holdings may be involved in bankruptcy proceedings, reorganizations, or financial restructurings, and are not as strong financially as higher-rated issuers.

 

6  Investments in international securities are subject to certain risks of overseas investing including currency fluctuations and changes in political and economic conditions, which could result in significant market fluctuations. These risks are magnified in emerging markets.

 

7  Market prices of investments held by the Fund may fall rapidly or unpredictably due to a variety of economic or political factors, market conditions, disasters or public health issues, or in response to events that affect particular industries or companies.

 

8  Obligations of certain government agencies are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government. If one of these agencies defaulted on a loan, there is no guarantee that the U.S. government would provide financial support. Additionally, debt securities of the U.S. government may be affected by changing interest rates and subject to prepayment risk.

 

9  Applying the Fund’s ESG investment criteria may result in the selection or exclusion of securities of certain issuers for reasons other than performance, and the Fund may underperform funds that do not utilize an ESG investment strategy. The application of this strategy may affect the Fund’s exposure to certain companies, sectors, regions, countries or types of investments, which could negatively impact the Fund’s performance depending on whether such investments are in or out of favor. Applying ESG criteria to investment decisions is qualitative and subjective by nature, and there is no guarantee that the criteria utilized by the

 

 

 

16


    

 

    

AMG GW&K Enhanced Core Bond ESG Fund

Portfolio Manager’s Comments (continued)

 

   

    

 

      

 

 

 

   Subadviser or any judgment exercised by the Subadviser will reflect the beliefs or values of any particular investor.

 

10 The Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index is an index of the U.S. investment-grade fixed-rate bond market, including both government and corporate bonds. Unlike the Fund, the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index is unmanaged, is not available for investment and does not incur expenses.

     “Bloomberg®” and any Bloomberg index described herein are service marks of Bloomberg Finance L.P. and its affiliates, including Bloomberg Index Services Limited (“BISL”), the administrator of the index (collectively, “Bloomberg”) and have been licensed for use for certain purposes by AMG Funds LLC. Bloomberg is not affiliated with AMG Funds LLC, and Bloomberg does not approve, endorse, review, or recommend the fund described herein. Bloomberg     

does not guarantee the timeliness, accurateness, or completeness of any data or information relating to such fund.

 

Not FDIC insured, nor bank guaranteed. May lose value.

 

 

17


   

 

AMG GW&K Enhanced Core Bond ESG Fund

Fund Snapshots (unaudited)

December 31, 2022

 

 

PORTFOLIO BREAKDOWN

 

    Category   

% of

Net Assets

 
 

U.S. Government and Agency Obligations

     48.3       
 

Corporate Bonds and Notes

     42.5       
 

Municipal Bonds

     6.4       
 

Foreign Government Obligations

     0.8       
 

Short-Term Investments

     3.7       
 

Other Assets, less Liabilities

     (1.7)      

 

Rating    % of Market Value1  
 

U.S. Government and Agency Obligations

     49.2              
 

Aaa/AAA

     3.3              
 

Aa/AA

     7.0              
 

A

     8.1              
 

Baa/BBB

     22.6              
 

Ba/BB

     9.3              
 

B

     0.5              

 

1 

Includes market value of long-term fixed-income securities only.

TOP TEN HOLDINGS

 

    Security Name   

% of

Net Assets

 
 

U.S. Treasury Bonds, 3.500%, 02/15/39

     3.5       
 

FNMA, 4.000%, 10/01/43

     2.2       
 

U.S. Treasury Bonds, 1.875%, 02/15/51

     2.0       
 

FNMA, 4.500%, 09/01/46

     2.0       
 

U.S. Treasury Bonds, 2.250%, 05/15/41

     2.0       
 

FNMA, 3.500%, 02/01/47

     1.9       
 

FHLMC, 3.000%, 03/01/51

     1.7       
 

U.S. Treasury Bonds, 3.125%, 05/15/48

     1.7       
 

California State General Obligation, School Improvements, , 7.550%, 04/01/39

     1.6       
 

FNMA, 3.500%, 07/01/50

     1.6       
    

 

 

 
 

Top Ten as a Group

         20.2       
  

 

 

 
        

 

 

 

Credit quality ratings shown above reflect the highest rating assigned by either Standard & Poor’s (“S&P”), Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”) or Fitch. These rating agencies are independent, nationally recognized statistical rating organizations and are widely used. Investment grade ratings are credit ratings of BBB- or higher. Below investment grade ratings are credit ratings of BB+ or lower. Investments designated N/R are not rated by any of the rating agencies. Unrated investments do not necessarily indicate low credit quality. Credit quality ratings are subject to change.

Because a fund’s strategy may result in multiple investments in particular sectors of the economy, its performance may depend on the performance of those sectors and may fluctuate more widely than investments diversified across more sectors. For additional information on these and other risk considerations, please see the Fund’s prospectus.

Any sectors, industries, or securities discussed should not be perceived as investment recommendations. Mention of a specific security should not be considered a recommendation to buy or solicitation to sell that security. Specific securities mentioned in this report may have been sold from the Fund’s portfolio of investments by the time you receive this report.

 

 

18


   

AMG GW&K Enhanced Core Bond ESG Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments

December 31, 2022

 

 

     

Principal

Amount

     Value  

Corporate Bonds and Notes - 42.5%

     

Financials - 12.0%

     

AerCap Ireland Capital DAC/AerCap Global Aviation Trust (Ireland) 1.650%, 10/29/24

     $450,000            $415,080  

Air Lease Corp.

     

2.875%, 01/15/26

     248,000        229,463  

American Express Co.

     

(3.550% to 09/15/26 then U.S. Treasury Yield Curve CMT 5 year + 2.854%), 3.550%, 09/15/261,2,3

     505,000        414,858  

American Tower Corp.

     

2.950%, 01/15/51

     265,000        164,065  

Bank of America Corp.

     

MTN, (4.330% to 03/15/49 then 3 month LIBOR + 1.520%), 4.330%, 03/15/501,3

     373,000        305,931  

The Bank of New York Mellon Corp.

     

Series G, (4.700% to 09/20/25 then U.S. Treasury Yield Curve CMT 5 year + 4.358%), 4.700%, 09/20/251,2,3

     221,000        212,189  

Boston Properties, LP

     

3.400%, 06/21/29

     473,000        407,352  

Crown Castle, Inc.

     

4.300%, 02/15/294

     325,000        306,910  

First-Citizens Bank & Trust Co.

     

6.125%, 03/09/28

     355,000        360,776  

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.

     

3.500%, 04/01/25

     211,000        202,907  

Series O, (5.300% to 11/10/26 then 3 month LIBOR + 3.834%), 5.300%, 11/10/261,2,3

     243,000        230,604  

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

     

(1.470% to 09/22/26 then SOFR + 0.765%), 1.470%, 09/22/271,3

     250,000        216,441  

Morgan Stanley

     

(4.431% to 01/23/29 then 3 month LIBOR + 1.628%), 4.431%, 01/23/301,3

     435,000        404,856  

SBA Communications Corp.

     

3.875%, 02/15/27

     205,000        185,220  

SLM Corp.

     

3.125%, 11/02/26

     260,000        221,117  

Starwood Property Trust, Inc.

     

5.500%, 11/01/235

     161,000        159,598  

Wells Fargo & Co., MTN

     

(2.879% to 10/30/29 then 3 month Term + 1.432%), 2.879%, 10/30/301,3

     475,000        403,467  

Total Financials

        4,840,834  

Industrials - 29.8%

     

AECOM

     

5.125%, 03/15/27

     204,000        196,350  

Alcoa Nederland Holding, B.V. (Netherlands)

     

4.125%, 03/31/295

     480,000        425,836  
     

Principal

Amount

     Value  

Amazon.com, Inc.

     

4.600%, 12/01/254

     $389,000            $388,042  

Anglo American Capital PLC (United Kingdom)

     

2.875%, 03/17/315

     277,000        226,173  

Aramark Services, Inc.

     

5.000%, 02/01/284,5

     212,000        197,782  

Ardagh Metal Packaging Finance USA LLC/Ardagh Metal Packaging Finance PLC

     

3.250%, 09/01/284,5

     400,000        339,778  

Ashtead Capital, Inc.

     

1.500%, 08/12/265

     508,000        433,523  

Ball Corp.

     

2.875%, 08/15/304

     203,000        162,018  

Block Financial LLC

     

3.875%, 08/15/30

     142,000        124,236  

Celanese US Holdings LLC

     

6.050%, 03/15/25

     411,000        409,401  

Centene Corp.

     

2.500%, 03/01/31

     328,000        256,651  

Charter Communications Operating LLC/Charter Communications Operating Capital

     

4.908%, 07/23/25

     427,000        418,503  

Clearwater Paper Corp.

     

4.750%, 08/15/285

     242,000        212,640  

The Coca-Cola Co.

     

2.500%, 06/01/40

     110,000        80,154  

Cogent Communications Group, Inc.

     

3.500%, 05/01/265

     312,000        283,434  

Comcast Corp.

     

4.150%, 10/15/28

     234,000        224,394  

CommonSpirit Health

     

3.347%, 10/01/29

     458,000        398,574  

Crown Americas LLC/Crown

     

Americas Capital Corp. V

     

4.250%, 09/30/264

     275,000        262,235  

Dell, Inc.

     

7.100%, 04/15/284

     379,000        404,148  

Discovery Communications LLC

     

3.950%, 03/20/28

     483,000        428,704  

Fiserv, Inc.

     

4.200%, 10/01/28

     423,000        400,137  

The Ford Foundation

     

Series 2020, 2.415%, 06/01/50

     508,000        319,574  

Freeport-McMoRan, Inc.

     

4.625%, 08/01/304

     176,000        163,925  

HCA, Inc.

     

3.500%, 09/01/30

     207,000        178,533  

Hilton Domestic Operating Co., Inc.

     

4.875%, 01/15/30

     220,000        199,366  
 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

19


    

 

    

AMG GW&K Enhanced Core Bond ESG Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments (continued)

 

   

    

 

      

 

     

Principal

Amount

     Value  

Industrials - 29.8% (continued)

     

Howmet Aerospace, Inc.

     

5.900%, 02/01/27

     $161,000            $160,095  

KB Home

     

4.800%, 11/15/29

     231,000        200,875  

Kraft Heinz Foods Co.

     

4.250%, 03/01/31

     366,000        342,157  

Merck & Co., Inc.

     

1.900%, 12/10/28

     479,000        411,250  

Microsoft Corp.

     

2.525%, 06/01/50

     486,000        319,812  

MSCI, Inc.

     

3.250%, 08/15/335

     218,000        168,352  

Murphy Oil USA, Inc.

     

4.750%, 09/15/29

     60,000        54,902  

5.625%, 05/01/27

     165,000        160,217  

Newell Brands, Inc.

     

4.450%, 04/01/266

     221,000        207,916  

Novelis Corp.

     

3.250%, 11/15/265

     210,000        188,267  

Prime Security Services Borrower LLC/Prime Finance, Inc.

     

5.750%, 04/15/265

     189,000        181,913  

PulteGroup, Inc.

     

5.000%, 01/15/274

     407,000        402,322  

Sonoco Products Co.

     

2.850%, 02/01/32

     501,000        407,243  

Sysco Corp.

     

2.400%, 02/15/30

     463,000        384,840  

Tenet Healthcare Corp.

     

4.875%, 01/01/265

     185,000        174,944  

Travel + Leisure Co.

     

5.650%, 04/01/246

     167,000        164,487  

United Rentals North America, Inc.

     

3.875%, 02/15/31

     195,000        163,467  

Verizon Communications, Inc.

     

3.875%, 02/08/294

     419,000        393,133  

Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.

     

4.800%, 11/18/44

     325,000        271,997  

WESCO Distribution, Inc.

     

7.250%, 06/15/285

     175,000        177,270  

Total Industrials

        12,069,570  

Utilities - 0.7%

     

National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corp.

     

1.350%, 03/15/31

     377,000        278,580  

Total Corporate Bonds and Notes

     

(Cost $19,554,986)

        17,188,984  
     

Principal

Amount

     Value  

Municipal Bonds - 6.4%

     

California Health Facilities Financing Authority
4.190%, 06/01/37

     $225,000            $200,993  

California State General Obligation, School Improvements Build America Bonds,
7.550%, 04/01/39

     525,000        657,107  

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Series B, 4.110%, 07/15/31

     300,000        289,641  

County of Miami-Dade FL Aviation Revenue, Series C
4.280%, 10/01/41

     455,000        401,833  

Los Angeles Unified School District, School Improvements
5.750%, 07/01/34

     390,000        407,387  

Massachusetts School Building Authority

     

Series B, 1.753%, 08/15/30

     448,000        365,759  

University of California, University & College Improvements
Series BD,
3.349%, 07/01/29

     300,000        274,097  

Total Municipal Bonds

     

(Cost $2,962,506)

        2,596,817  

U.S. Government and Agency Obligations - 48.3%

 

  

Fannie Mae - 26.6%

 

  

FNMA

     

3.000%, 06/01/38

     527,353        494,509  

3.500%, 02/01/33 to 07/01/50

     4,241,273        3,969,806  

4.000%, 10/01/43 to 03/01/50

     1,850,393        1,771,372  

4.500%, 04/01/39 to 08/01/50

     1,517,009        1,495,390  

5.000%, 07/01/47 to 08/01/50

     837,562        850,127  

FNMA Pool

     

3.000%, 06/01/33 to 05/01/50

     880,831        804,077  

3.500%, 01/01/36

     177,615        170,131  

4.000%, 05/01/47 to 06/01/49

     739,997        709,513  

4.500%, 01/01/44 to 05/01/48

     506,713        502,011  

Total Fannie Mae

        10,766,936  

Freddie Mac - 6.5%

     

FHLMC

     

3.000%, 03/01/50 to 03/01/51

     1,309,573        1,157,644  

4.000%, 07/01/48 to 09/01/50

     382,919        365,536  

4.500%, 10/01/41

     478,743        474,593  

FHLMC Gold Pool

     

3.500%, 02/01/30 to 04/01/46

     661,039        627,804  

Total Freddie Mac

        2,625,577  

U.S. Treasury Obligations - 15.2%

     

U.S. Treasury Bonds

     

1.875%, 02/15/51

     1,290,000        819,855  

2.250%, 05/15/41

     1,057,000        794,608  

2.500%, 02/15/46

     318,000        237,929  

3.125%, 05/15/48

     816,000        685,791  

3.500%, 02/15/39

     1,503,000        1,411,704  

5.000%, 05/15/37

     523,000        584,085  
 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

20


   

    

AMG GW&K Enhanced Core Bond ESG Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments (continued)

 

 

 

     

Principal

Amount

     Value  

U.S. Treasury Obligations - 15.2%

 

  

(continued)

     

U.S. Treasury Bonds

     

6.750%, 08/15/26

     $544,000            $590,708  

U.S. Treasury Notes

     

1.625%, 02/15/26

     573,000        529,935  

1.875%, 02/15/32

     297,000        251,951  

2.125%, 09/30/24

     236,000        226,477  

Total U.S. Treasury Obligations

        6,133,043  

Total U.S. Government and Agency Obligations

 

  

(Cost $22,257,041)

        19,525,556  

Foreign Government Obligation - 0.8%

 

  

The Korea Development Bank (South Korea)
0.500%, 10/27/23
(Cost $345,761)

     346,000        334,187  

Short-Term Investments - 3.7%

 

  

Joint Repurchase Agreements - 3.1%7

 

  

Citigroup Global Markets, Inc., dated 12/30/22, due 01/03/23, 4.250% total to be received $242,930 (collateralized by various U.S. Treasuries, 0.000% - 4.500%, 04/11/23 - 10/31/29, totaling $247,671)

     242,815        242,815  
     

Principal

Amount

     Value  

National Bank Financial, dated 12/30/22, due 01/03/23, 4.340% total to be received $1,000,482 (collateralized by various U.S. Treasuries, 0.000% - 4.435%, 01/03/23 - 09/09/49, totaling $1,020,000)

     $1,000,000          $1,000,000  

Total Joint Repurchase Agreements

 

     1,242,815  

Repurchase Agreements - 0.6%

 

  

Fixed Income Clearing Corp., dated 12/30/22 due 01/03/23, 4.150% total to be received $230,106 (collateralized by a U.S. Treasury, 0.125%, 01/15/32, totaling $234,600)

     230,000        230,000  

Total Short-Term Investments

 

  

(Cost $1,472,815)

        1,472,815  

Total Investments - 101.7%

     

(Cost $46,593,109)

        41,118,359  

Other Assets, less Liabilities - (1.7)%

 

     (671,486

Net Assets - 100.0%

 

     $40,446,873  

 

 

 

1 

Fixed to variable rate investment. The rate shown reflects the fixed rate in effect at December 31, 2022. Rate will reset at a future date.

 

2 

Perpetuity Bond. The date shown represents the next call date.

 

3 

Variable rate security. The rate shown is based on the latest available information as of December 31, 2022. Certain variable rate securities are not based on a published reference rate and spread but are determined by the issuer or agent and are based on current market conditions. These securities do not indicate a reference rate and spread in their description above.

 

4 

Some of these securities, amounting to $2,393,361 or 5.9% of net assets, were out on loan to various borrowers and are collateralized by cash and various U.S. Treasury Obligations. See Note 4 of Notes to Financial Statements.

 

5 

Security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. This security may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At December 31, 2022, the value of these securities amounted to $3,169,510 or 7.8% of net assets.

6 

Step Bond: A debt instrument with either deferred interest payments or an interest rate that resets at specific times during its term.

 

7 

Cash collateral received for securities lending activity was invested in these joint repurchase agreements.

 

CMT    Constant Maturity Treasury
FHLMC    Freddie Mac
FNMA    Fannie Mae
LIBOR    London Interbank Offered Rate
MTN    Medium-Term Note
SOFR    Secured Overnight Financing Rate
 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

21


   

    

AMG GW&K Enhanced Core Bond ESG Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments (continued)

 

 

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments by the fair value hierarchy levels as of December 31, 2022:

 

     Level 1        Level 2        Level 3        Total  

 Investments in Securities

                 

Corporate Bonds and Notes

            $ 17,188,984                 $ 17,188,984  

Municipal Bonds

              2,596,817                   2,596,817  

U.S. Government and Agency Obligations

              19,525,556                   19,525,556  

Foreign Government Obligation

              334,187                   334,187  

Short-Term Investments

                 

Joint Repurchase Agreements

              1,242,815                   1,242,815  

Repurchase Agreements

              230,000                   230,000  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities

             —        $ 41,118,359                  —        $ 41,118,359  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

 

All corporate bonds and notes, municipal bonds, U.S. government and agency obligations and foreign government obligation held in the Fund are Level 2 securities. For a detailed breakout of corporate bonds and notes, municipal bonds, U.S. government and agency obligations and foreign government obligation by major industry or agency classification, please refer to the Fund’s Schedule of Portfolio Investments.

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, there were no transfers in or out of Level 3.

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

22


    

 

    

AMG GW&K High Income Fund

Portfolio Manager’s Comments (unaudited)

 

   

    

 

      

 

 

 

THE YEAR IN REVIEW

 

AMG GW&K High Income Fund (the “Fund”) Class N shares returned (6.80)% during the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to the (5.30)% return for the Bloomberg U.S. High Yield 1–5 Year Ba Index (the “Index”).

 

MARKET OVERVIEW

 

In the first quarter of 2022, fixed income markets experienced their worst quarter in more than four decades amid an extraordinary confluence of economic and geopolitical shocks. Core inflation jumped to 5.4%, its highest level since 1983, on a broad-based rise in consumer prices. The U.S. Federal Reserve (the Fed) responded in kind, intensifying its hawkish rhetoric and laying out an aggressive course of hikes to bring inflation back to target. And—in addition to exacting a tragic human toll—Russia’s invasion of Ukraine exacerbated already strained supply chains and commodity markets, threatening acute and prolonged shortages of materials vital to the basic functioning of the global economy. But for all this uncertainty and turmoil, there was a notable divergence between the performance of rates and credit; the former extended a historically severe downdraft, while the latter continued to enjoy a remarkably benign trading environment. How this disconnect eventually would resolve itself was a central question before investors, though policy uncertainty and heightened tensions seemed unlikely to subside anytime soon.

 

More volatility followed in the second quarter as bonds traded in a wide range and struggled to commit to a consistent narrative. The central question revolved around how persistent inflation would be and what policy measures would be necessary to quell it. A natural deceleration would allow the Fed to pursue less aggressive policy and possibly achieve a soft landing; more recalcitrant price pressure would require the Fed to mount a harsher response and invite a potential recession. The implications of these two different paths were at odds, leading to a broad lack of conviction with no clear market direction. Similarly, puzzling was a consumer with a strong proclivity to spend but a deeply pessimistic outlook and a corporate sector earning solid profits but starting to announce layoffs.

    

Additionally, China offered a potential bright spot as it emerged from recent shutdowns, but the Ukraine conflict lingered as a major threat to global energy and commodity markets. An imminent resolution to any of these tensions seemed unlikely, so disciplined risk management and careful analysis of relative value were of particular importance for the months ahead.

 

Fixed income markets were under extraordinary pressure in the third quarter as investors continued to adapt to restrictive monetary policy after more than a decade of accommodation. Stubbornly rising prices, hawkish central banks, and various geopolitical forces combined to tighten financial conditions and raise the cost of borrowing around the world. Defying expectations that it had peaked, inflation remained elevated and manifested across a broader and more entrenched collection of goods and services. The Fed also confounded expectations, projecting a more cautious outlook and a more aggressive path of hikes than most economists had anticipated. International pressures escalated as well, as currency market dislocations, political leadership changes in Europe and Asia, and multiple energy crises collectively drove a heightened sense of uncertainty. The variety and momentum of these forces suggested no near-term end to volatility, especially against a backdrop of increasingly expensive capital.

 

Bonds rebounded in the fourth quarter amid growing confidence that central banks have succeeded in slowing inflation and will soon be able to pursue less restrictive policy. This modest rally nevertheless ended up being too little, too late to help the bond market avoid its worst annual performance on record and an unprecedented second consecutive year of losses. Sentiment among both investors and consumers may have reached an inflection point, but data continue to justify some measure of caution: inflation is still stubbornly above the Fed’s target, the labor market shows few signs of loosening, and corporations have yet to see a meaningful deterioration in earnings. Only the rate-sensitive housing market really stands out as a casualty of the Fed’s tightening campaign to this point. Whether the end of the cycle is imminent is likely to remain an open question, especially as

    

investors await the realization of the “long and variable lag” that has yet to be fully reflected across so many segments of the economy.

 

FUND REVIEW

 

The Fund underperformed the Index during the fiscal year mainly because of its longer duration in the rising rate environment. Security selection was mixed overall but our out-of-benchmark allocation to preferreds had a notable negative effect.

 

OUTLOOK

 

The disconnect between the Fed’s projections and market pricing has widened following the most recent Summary of Economic Projections (SEP). The median estimate of Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) participants for the overnight rate at the end of 2023 is 5.125%, up from 4.625% in September; the Federal Funds futures market sees a terminal rate of nearly 5.0% in June of 2023 and then two cuts by year end. There has also been a small but not insignificant chorus of economists calling for the FOMC to raise its target inflation to 3.0% from 2.0%, prompting objections that this would undermine the Fed’s hard-earned credibility. These are just two sources of tension in the rates market, and their resolution could have significant implications for both the level and the shape of the yield curve. We don’t believe investors are being sufficiently compensated for these risks.

 

Our fundamental view of credit is broadly constructive, and we believe balance sheets in general are sound and liquidity is sufficient. But we recognize the potential for macroeconomic forces to alter this landscape and we don’t believe all these risks are adequately reflected in valuations. Within the space, we see value at the front end, where quality credits offer attractive yields and compelling breakevens. We have also been able to identify names that we believe can improve their credit profiles independently of a challenging macro backdrop.

 

The views expressed represent the opinions of GW&K Investment Management, LLC as of December 31, 2022, and are not intended as a forecast or guarantee of future results, and are subject to change without notice.

 

 

 

23


    

AMG GW&K High Income Fund

Portfolio Manager’s Comments (continued)

 

 

CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN PERFORMANCE

AMG GW&K High Income Fund’s cumulative total return is based on the daily change in net asset value (NAV), and assumes that all dividends and distributions were reinvested. The graph compares a hypothetical $10,000 investment made in the AMG GW&K High Income Fund’s Class N shares on December 31, 2012, to a $10,000 investment made in the Bloomberg U.S. High Yield 1-5 Year Ba Index for the same time period. The graph and table do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on a Fund distribution or redemption of shares. The listed returns for the Fund are net of expenses and the returns for the index exclude expenses. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced.

 

LOGO

The table below shows the average annual total returns for the AMG GW&K High Income Fund and the Bloomberg U.S. High Yield 1-5 Year Ba Index for the same time periods ended December 31, 2022.

 

     One      Five      Ten      Since      Inception  
  Average Annual Total Returns1    Year      Years      Years      Inception      Date  

  AMG GW&K High Income Fund2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

 

Class N

     (6.80%)        2.26%        2.01%        4.54%        03/25/94  

Class I

     (6.63%)                      (1.79%)        03/15/21  

Bloomberg U.S. High Yield 1-5 Year Ba Index8

     (5.30%)        3.13%        3.88%                03/25/94  

The performance data shown represents past performance. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.

 

Investors should carefully consider the Fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses before investing. For performance information through the most recent month end, current net asset values per share for the Fund and other information, please call 800.548.4539 or visit our website at amgfunds.com for a free prospectus. Read it carefully before investing or sending money.

Distributed by AMG Distributors, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC.

 

 

Date reflects the inception date of the Fund, not the index.

 

1 

Total return equals income yield plus share price change and assumes reinvestment of all dividends and capital gain distributions. Returns are net of fees and may reflect offsets of Fund expenses as described in the prospectus. No adjustment has been made for taxes payable by shareholders on their reinvested dividends and capital gain distributions. Returns for periods greater than one year are annualized. The listed returns on the Fund are net of expenses and based on the published NAV as of December 31, 2022. All returns are in U.S. Dollars($).

2  From time to time the Fund’s investment manager has waived it’s fees and/or absorbed Fund expenses, which has resulted in higher returns.

 

3  As of December 4, 2020, the Fund’s subadvisor was changed to GW&K Investment Management, LLC. Prior to December 4, 2020, the Fund was known as the AMG Managers Global Income Opportunity Fund, and had different principal investment strategies and corresponding risks. Performance shown for periods prior to December 4, 2020 reflects the performance and investment strategies of the Fund’s previous subadvisor, Loomis, Sayles & Company, L.P. The Fund’s past performance would have been different if the Fund were managed by the current subadvisor and strategy, and the Fund’s prior performance record might be less pertinent for investors considering whether to purchase shares of the Fund.

 

4  The Fund is subject to the risks associated with investments in debt securities, such as default risk and fluctuations in the perception of the debtor’s ability to pay its creditors. Changing interest rates may adversely affect the value of an investment. An increase in interest rates typically causes the value of bonds and other fixed income securities to fall.

 

5  Market prices of investments held by the Fund may fall rapidly or unpredictably due to a variety of economic or political factors, market conditions, disasters or public health issues, or in response to events that affect particular industries or companies.

 

6  High-yield bonds (also known as “junk bonds”) may be subject to greater levels of interest rate, credit, and liquidity risk than investments in higher rated securities. These securities are considered predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer’s continuing ability to make principal and interest payments. The issuers of the Fund’s holdings may be involved in bankruptcy proceedings, reorganizations, or financial restructurings, and are not as strong financially as higher-rated issuers.

 

7  The issuer of the bonds may not be able to meet interest or principal payments when the bonds come due.

 

8  The Bloomberg U.S. High Yield 1-5 Year Ba Index, a subset of the Bloomberg High Yield Index, is an unmanaged index comprised of fixed rate, publicly issued, non-investment grade debt registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) where the middle rating of Moody’s, S&P and Fitch is BB and maturities range from 1 to 5 years. Unlike the Fund, the Bloomberg U.S. High Yield 1-5 Year Ba Index is unmanaged, is not available for investment and does not incur expenses.

 

 

 

24


    

 

    

AMG GW&K High Income Fund

Portfolio Manager’s Comments (continued)

 

   

    

 

      

 

 

“Bloomberg®” and any Bloomberg index described herein are service marks of Bloomberg Finance L.P. and its affiliates, including Bloomberg Index Services Limited (“BISL”), the administrator of the index (collectively, “Bloomberg”) and have been licensed

    

for use for certain purposes by AMG Funds LLC. Bloomberg is not affiliated with AMG Funds LLC, and Bloomberg does not approve, endorse, review, or recommend the fund described herein. Bloomberg does not guarantee the timeliness, accurateness, or

    

completeness of any data or information relating to such fund.

 

Not FDIC insured, nor bank guaranteed. May lose value

 

 

25


   

 

AMG GW&K High Income Fund

Fund Snapshots (unaudited)

December 31, 2022

 

 

 

PORTFOLIO BREAKDOWN

 

   Category    % of
Net Assets
 

Corporate Bonds and Notes

   97.6
 

Short-Term Investments1

     8.7
 

Other Assets, less Liabilities1

    (6.3)

 

1 

Includes reinvestment of cash collateral into joint repurchase agreements on security lending transactions.

 

   Rating    % of Market Value1
 

Baa/BBB

   28.3
 

Ba/BB

   61.1
 

B

   10.6

 

1 

Includes market value of long-term fixed-income securities only.

 

TOP TEN HOLDINGS

 

  Security Name

 

   % of
Net Assets
 

Ford Motor Co., 4.346%, 12/08/26

   1.8
 

Matador Resources Co., 5.875%, 09/15/26

   1.6
 

SM Energy Co., 5.625%, 06/01/25

   1.6
 

Southwestern Energy Co., 8.375%, 09/15/28

   1.6
 

Aircastle, Ltd., 4.250%, 06/15/26 (Bermuda)

   1.5
 

Ball Corp., 5.250%, 07/01/25

   1.5
 

NuStar Logistics LP, 5.625%, 04/28/27

   1.5
 

Western Midstream Operating LP, 4.650%, 07/01/26

   1.5
 

DCP Midstream Operating LP, 5.375%, 07/15/25

   1.4
 

Starwood Property Trust, Inc., 4.750%, 03/15/25

   1.4
    

 

 

Top Ten as a Group

   15.4
  

 

 

 

 

 

Credit quality ratings shown above reflect the highest rating assigned by either Standard & Poor’s (“S&P”), Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”) or Fitch. These rating agencies are independent, nationally recognized statistical rating organizations and are widely used. Investment grade ratings are credit ratings of BBB- or higher. Below investment grade ratings are credit ratings of BB+ or lower. Investments designated N/R are not rated by any of the rating agencies. Unrated investments do not necessarily indicate low credit quality. Credit quality ratings are subject to change.

Because a fund’s strategy may result in multiple investments in particular sectors of the economy, its performance may depend on the performance of those sectors and may fluctuate more widely than investments diversified across more sectors. For additional information on these and other risk considerations, please see the Fund’s prospectus.

Any sectors, industries, or securities discussed should not be perceived as investment recommendations. Mention of a specific security should not be considered a recommendation to buy or solicitation to sell that security. Specific securities mentioned in this report may have been sold from the Fund’s portfolio of investments by the time you receive this report.

 

 

26


   

AMG GW&K High Income Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments

December 31, 2022

 

 

      Principal
Amount
     Value  

Corporate Bonds and Notes - 97.6%

     

Financials - 15.1%

 

  

Aircastle, Ltd. (Bermuda)

     

4.250%, 06/15/26

   $ 278,000      $ 261,439  

Ally Financial, Inc.
Series B
(4.700% to 05/15/26 then U.S. Treasury Yield Curve CMT 5 year + 3.868%), 4.700%, 05/15/261,2,3,4

     187,000        125,056  

American Express Co.
(3.550% to 09/15/26 then U.S. Treasury Yield Curve CMT 5 year + 2.854%), 3.550%, 09/15/261,2,4

     186,000        152,799  

The Charles Schwab Corp.
Series I
(4.000% to 06/01/26 then U.S. Treasury Yield Curve CMT 5 year + 3.168%), 4.000%, 06/01/261,2,4

     131,000        113,643  

Citigroup, Inc.
(3.875% to 02/18/26 then U.S. Treasury Yield Curve CMT 5 year + 3.417%), 3.875%, 02/18/261,2,4

     276,000        235,290  

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.
Series U
(3.650% to 08/10/26 then U.S. Treasury Yield Curve CMT 5 year + 2.915%), 3.650%, 08/10/261,2,3,4

     155,000        125,163  

JPMorgan Chase & Co.
Series HH
(4.600% to 02/01/25 then SOFR + 3.125%), 4.600%, 02/01/251,2,4

     99,000        87,244  

MetLife, Inc.
Series G
(3.850% to 09/15/25 then U.S. Treasury Yield Curve CMT 5 year + 3.576%), 3.850%, 09/15/251,2,3,4

     136,000        126,310  

Morgan Stanley
Series M
(5.875% to 09/15/26 then 3 month LIBOR + 4.435%), 5.875%, 09/15/261,2,3,4

     194,000        189,631  

Navient Corp.

     

6.125%, 03/25/24

     180,000        176,331  

SBA Communications Corp.

     

3.875%, 02/15/27

     225,000        203,291  

SLM Corp.

     

4.200%, 10/29/25

     259,000        236,974  

Starwood Property Trust, Inc.

     

4.750%, 03/15/25

     250,000        238,562  

VICI Properties LP/VICI Note Co., Inc.

     

3.500%, 02/15/255

     27,000        25,456  

4.250%, 12/01/265

     165,000        153,932  
      Principal
Amount
     Value  

Wynn Las Vegas LLC/Wynn Las Vegas Capital Corp.

     

5.500%, 03/01/255

     $170,000        $161,389  

Total Financials

        2,612,510  

Industrials - 79.9%

     

AECOM

     

5.125%, 03/15/27

     169,000        162,663  

Alcoa Nederland Holding BV (Netherlands)

     

6.125%, 05/15/285

     200,000        197,024  

American Airlines Inc/AAdvantage Loyalty IP, Ltd.

     

5.500%, 04/20/265

     211,000        202,907  

American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.

     

6.250%, 03/15/26

     206,000        192,355  

Aramark Services, Inc.

     

5.000%, 02/01/285

     138,000        128,745  

ATI, Inc.

     

4.875%, 10/01/29

     139,000        122,838  

Avient Corp.

     

5.750%, 05/15/255

     135,000        131,625  

Ball Corp.

     

5.250%, 07/01/25

     262,000        258,580  

Bath & Body Works, Inc.

     

6.694%, 01/15/27

     123,000        122,116  

Caesars Entertainment, Inc.

     

6.250%, 07/01/255

     170,000        165,185  

Callon Petroleum Co.

     

6.375%, 07/01/26

     185,000        172,428  

CCO Holdings LLC/CCO Holdings Capital Corp.

     

5.500%, 05/01/265

     179,000        173,290  

CDW LLC/CDW Finance Corp.

     

5.500%, 12/01/24

     133,000        132,992  

Centene Corp.

     

4.250%, 12/15/27

     231,000        216,646  

Cheniere Energy Partners LP

     

4.500%, 10/01/29

     155,000        139,379  

Chord Energy Corp.

     

6.375%, 06/01/265

     177,000        172,386  

Clearwater Paper Corp.

     

5.375%, 02/01/255

     230,000        223,478  

Cleveland-Cliffs, Inc.

     

5.875%, 06/01/273

     174,000        166,226  

Cogent Communications Group, Inc.

     

3.500%, 05/01/265

     188,000        170,787  

Crown Cork & Seal Co., Inc.

     

7.375%, 12/15/26

     185,000        190,459  

Dana, Inc.

     

5.625%, 06/15/28

     123,000        111,889  

DCP Midstream Operating LP

     

5.375%, 07/15/25

     249,000        246,684  
 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

27


   

    

AMG GW&K High Income Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments (continued)

 

 

 

      Principal
Amount
     Value  

Industrials - 79.9% (continued)

     

Delta Air Lines, Inc.

     

7.375%, 01/15/263

     $225,000        $229,891  

Elanco Animal Health, Inc.

     

6.400%, 08/28/28

     126,000        119,890  

Embraer Netherlands Finance BV (Netherlands)

     

5.050%, 06/15/25

     198,000        192,161  

Encompass Health Corp.

     

4.500%, 02/01/28

     178,000        161,695  

Energy Transfer LP

     

5.250%, 04/15/29

     180,000        174,052  

EQT Corp.

     

5.700%, 04/01/28

     183,000        182,017  

FMG Resources August 2006 Pty, Ltd. (Australia)

     

4.500%, 09/15/275

     94,000        86,715  

Ford Motor Co.

     

4.346%, 12/08/263

     326,000        309,159  

5.291%, 12/08/46

     77,000        58,675  

Fortress Transportation and Infrastructure Investors LLC

     

6.500%, 10/01/255

     179,000        168,296  

General Motors Co.

     

6.800%, 10/01/273

     161,000        167,115  

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.

     

4.875%, 03/15/273

     258,000        236,000  

Hanesbrands, Inc.

     

4.875%, 05/15/265

     157,000        140,291  

HB Fuller Co.

     

4.250%, 10/15/28

     146,000        129,210  

HCA, Inc.

     

5.375%, 02/01/25

     139,000        138,832  

Hillenbrand, Inc.

     

5.000%, 09/15/266

     126,000        121,628  

Howmet Aerospace, Inc.

     

5.900%, 02/01/27

     80,000        79,550  

6.875%, 05/01/253

     114,000        116,983  

Hudbay Minerals, Inc. (Canada)

     

4.500%, 04/01/265

     97,000        88,109  

KB Home

     

4.000%, 06/15/31

     85,000        68,327  

Kraft Heinz Foods Co.

     

4.375%, 06/01/46

     76,000        61,758  

Lamar Media Corp.

     

4.875%, 01/15/293

     175,000        160,681  

Matador Resources Co.

     

5.875%, 09/15/263

     283,000        272,093  

Mattel, Inc.

     

3.375%, 04/01/265

     218,000        200,430  

MEG Energy Corp. (Canada)

     

5.875%, 02/01/295

     175,000               165,029  
      Principal
Amount
     Value  

Meritage Homes Corp.

     

6.000%, 06/01/25

     $148,000        $147,288  

Methanex Corp. (Canada)

     

5.125%, 10/15/27

     183,000        169,733  

MGM Resorts International

     

5.750%, 06/15/253

     210,000        204,094  

Mueller Water Products, Inc.

     

4.000%, 06/15/295

     183,000        160,811  

Murphy Oil Corp.

     

6.375%, 07/15/28

     170,000        163,633  

Murphy Oil USA, Inc.

     

5.625%, 05/01/27

     180,000        174,782  

Newell Brands, Inc.

     

4.450%, 04/01/266

     181,000        170,284  

Novelis Corp.

     

3.250%, 11/15/265

     189,000        169,440  

NuStar Logistics LP

     

5.625%, 04/28/27

     276,000        258,076  

Occidental Petroleum Corp.

     

7.875%, 09/15/31

     151,000        166,704  

Olin Corp.

     

5.125%, 09/15/27

     204,000        192,780  

Owens-Brockway Glass Container, Inc.

     

6.375%, 08/15/255

     198,000        194,018  

Penn Entertainment, Inc.

     

4.125%, 07/01/295

     183,000        144,571  

Penske Automotive Group, Inc.

     

3.500%, 09/01/25

     174,000        161,482  

Permian Resources Operating LLC

     

5.375%, 01/15/265

     190,000        172,954  

Prime Security Services Borrower LLC/Prime Finance, Inc.

     

5.750%, 04/15/265

     225,000        216,562  

PTC, Inc.

     

3.625%, 02/15/255

     218,000        207,630  

Sealed Air Corp.

     

5.500%, 09/15/255

     182,000        179,386  

Silgan Holdings, Inc.

     

4.125%, 02/01/28

     137,000        126,747  

Southwestern Energy Co.

     

8.375%, 09/15/28

     260,000        268,045  

Sprint LLC

     

7.125%, 06/15/24

     213,000        217,162  

Tenet Healthcare Corp.

     

4.875%, 01/01/265

     177,000        167,379  

Teva Pharmaceutical Finance Netherlands III, B.V. (Netherlands)

     

3.150%, 10/01/26

     201,000        175,775  

Toll Brothers Finance Corp.

     

4.350%, 02/15/28

     190,000               172,627  
 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

28


   

    

AMG GW&K High Income Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments (continued)

 

 

      Principal
Amount
     Value  

Industrials - 79.9% (continued)

     

TransDigm, Inc.

     

6.250%, 03/15/265

     $172,000        $169,625  

Travel + Leisure Co.

     

5.650%, 04/01/246

     97,000        95,540  

6.600%, 10/01/256

     75,000        73,691  

Trinity Industries, Inc.

     

4.550%, 10/01/24

     182,000        176,602  

United Airlines Holdings, Inc.

     

4.875%, 01/15/253

     110,000        105,050  

5.000%, 02/01/243

     157,000        154,253  

United Rentals North America, Inc.

     

4.875%, 01/15/28

     183,000        173,420  

United States Steel Corp.

     

6.875%, 03/01/293

     133,000        129,096  

Wabash National Corp.

     

4.500%, 10/15/285

     153,000        130,293  

WESCO Distribution, Inc.

     

7.250%, 06/15/285

     118,000        119,531  

Western Digital Corp.

     

4.750%, 02/15/26

     137,000        129,016  

Western Midstream Operating LP

     

4.650%, 07/01/26

     269,000        255,297  

Westlake Corp.

     

0.875%, 08/15/24

     73,000        67,782  

Total Industrials

        13,790,428  

Utilities - 2.6%

     

NRG Energy, Inc.

     

5.250%, 06/15/295

     195,000        172,134  

SM Energy Co.

     

5.625%, 06/01/25

     283,000        271,677  

Total Utilities

        443,811  

Total Corporate Bonds and Notes
(Cost $17,730,127)

          16,846,749  
      Principal
Amount
     Value  

Short-Term Investments - 8.7%

 

  

Joint Repurchase Agreements - 7.3%7

 

  

Citigroup Global Markets, Inc., dated 12/30/22,due 01/03/23, 4.250% total to be received $253,367 (collateralized by various U.S. Treasuries, 0.000% - 4.500%, 04/11/23 - 10/31/29, totaling $258,312)

     $253,247        $253,247  

National Bank Financial, dated 12/30/22, due 01/03/23, 4.340% total to be received $1,000,482 (collateralized by various U.S. Treasuries, 0.000% - 4.435%, 01/03/23 - 09/09/49, totaling $1,020,000)

     1,000,000        1,000,000  

Total Joint Repurchase Agreements

 

     1,253,247  

Repurchase Agreements - 1.4%

 

  

Fixed Income Clearing Corp., dated 12/30/22 due 01/03/23, 4.150% total to be received $248,114 (collateralized by a U.S. Treasury, 0.125%, 01/15/32, totaling $252,973)

     248,000        248,000  

Total Short-Term Investments

 

  

(Cost $1,501,247)

        1,501,247  

Total Investments - 106.3%

 

  

(Cost $19,231,374)

        18,347,996  

Other Assets, less Liabilities - (6.3)%

 

     (1,079,447

Net Assets - 100.0%

 

     $17,268,549  
 

 

1 

Fixed to variable rate investment. The rate shown reflects the fixed rate in effect at December 31, 2022. Rate will reset at a future date.

 

2 

Perpetuity Bond. The date shown represents the next call date.

 

3 

Some of these securities, amounting to $1,415,713 or 8.2% of net assets, were out on loan to various borrowers and are collateralized by cash and various U.S. Treasury Obligations. See Note 4 of Notes to Financial Statements.

 

4 

Variable rate security. The rate shown is based on the latest available information as of December 31, 2022. Certain variable rate securities are not based on a published reference rate and spread but are determined by the issuer or agent and are based on current market conditions. These securities do not indicate a reference rate and spread in their description above.

 

5 

Security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. This security may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At December 31, 2022, the value of these securities amounted to $4,959,408 or 28.7% of net assets.

6 

Step Bond: A debt instrument with either deferred interest payments or an interest rate that resets at specific times during its term.

 

7 

Cash collateral received for securities lending activity was invested in these joint repurchase agreements.

 

CMT    Constant Maturity Treasury
LIBOR    London Interbank Offered Rate
SOFR    Secured Overnight Financing Rate
 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

29


   

    

AMG GW&K High Income Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments (continued)

 

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments by the fair value hierarchy levels as of December 31, 2022:

 

     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

  Investments in Securities

           

Corporate Bonds and Notes

  

 

 

  

 

$16,846,749

 

  

 

 

  

 

$16,846,749

 

Short-Term Investments

           

Joint Repurchase Agreements

            1,253,247               1,253,247  

Repurchase Agreements

            248,000               248,000  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

  Total Investments in Securities

  

 

 

  

$

18,347,996

 

  

 

 

  

$

18,347,996

 

  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

All corporate bonds and notes held in the Fund are level 2 securities. For a detailed breakout of corporate bonds and notes by major industry classification, please refer to the Fund’s Schedule of Portfolio Investments.

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, there were no transfers in or out of Level 3.

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

30


   

    

AMG GW&K Municipal Bond Fund

Portfolio Manager’s Comments (unaudited)

 

 

 

 

THE YEAR IN REVIEW

 

For the year ended December 31, 2022, AMG GW&K Municipal Bond Fund (the “Fund”) Class N shares returned (7.80)%, compared to the (6.57)% return for its benchmark, the Bloomberg 10-Year Municipal Bond Index (the “Index”).

 

In the first quarter of 2022, municipal bonds suffered their worst quarter of performance in 40 years, getting caught in a Treasury market rout that stemmed from the mounting determination of central banks to combat sustained inflationary pressure. Coming into 2022, the U.S. Federal Reserve (the Fed) had been projecting only three quarter-point rate hikes for the calendar year, an outlook that was also reflected in the futures market. But as the quarter progressed, labor markets began to overheat and core inflation surged to a four-decade high. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine sent energy and grain prices soaring amid a humanitarian crisis with no clear endgame. In response to these developments, the Fed rhetoric grew more hawkish and policy projections turned more aggressive. At the March Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting, after lifting rates for the first time since 2018, committee members raised their forecast to seven total hikes for 2022 and by quarter-end, the futures market was pricing in nine. Short Treasury yields surged, mirroring the faster pace of hikes, while those out longer increased less, reflecting the possible damage to growth. The combination of those two dynamics led to inversions at key segments of the curve, which raised questions as to whether monetary policy can successfully tame inflation without tipping the economy into recession.

 

Going into the second quarter, municipal bonds posted more losses, adding to their worst start to any year on record. The selloff was driven by the Fed’s aggressive tightening campaign, as successive 40-year highs in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) put to rest any lingering convictions that inflation would prove “transitory.” Officials raised rates twice during the quarter, first by half a point in May and then by three-quarters of a point in June, the latter the largest such move since 1994. Interest rates responded by climbing to multi-year highs. Fed Chair Jerome Powell stepped up his hawkish rhetoric, emphasizing the tightness of the labor force and the mounting risks from continued supply chain disruptions, the war in Ukraine and China’s zero-COVID policy. The implication was clear: the long-term damage from entrenched inflation must be prioritized above all else, even at the risk of

  

slowing economic growth. Investors got the message, becoming less concerned about a price spiral and more worried about the possibility of a recession. Inflation breakeven measures plunged over the final three weeks of June while futures markets pared bets on the peak Fed Funds rate and even priced in cuts by the middle of next year. Interest rates finished well below their mid-June cyclical highs, but were still up meaningfully for the quarter.

 

Municipal bonds again posted heavy losses in the third quarter as hopes faded that the Fed would soon pull back on its aggressive tightening program. After an impressive rally in July, when it still seemed possible that a lowercase “R” recession might usher in an early-spring easing, bond yields soared over the following two months. The two major culprits were the labor market, which stayed extremely tight, and inflation, which remained broad-based and hovered near 40-year highs. Fed officials cited the data as evidence that more needed to be done, lest elevated inflation expectations become entrenched. The FOMC followed through by raising rates 150 basis points (“bps”) during the quarter, doubling the magnitude of hikes from the first half of the year. As importantly, committee members signaled more to come, forecasting a steeper policy path and higher terminal rate than traders had expected. Sentiment was also weighed down by geopolitical crosscurrents, including the ongoing war in Ukraine, COVID lockdowns in China, and a brief but dramatic crash in UK government debt, which necessitated an intervention from the Bank of England. In late September, the yield on the 10-year Treasury touched 4.00% for the first time since 2008, before declining slightly to end the quarter at 3.83%.

 

As we ended the year, municipal bonds posted their strongest quarterly performance in over a decade, partially erasing what still amounted to the worst annual loss in 40 years. With a struggling Treasury market providing little direction, returns were instead powered by a combination of scant supply and building demand. New issue volume for the fourth quarter declined 40% on a year-over-year basis, creating a scarcity premium that was turbo-charged by the need for investors to reinvest seasonally high coupon and maturity redemptions. Although mutual funds continued to experience significant outflows, likely exacerbated by year-end tax-loss selling, the bid-side remained strong and picked up steam as the quarter progressed. In fact, after a modest selloff in October, tax-exempt yields staged a breathtaking turnaround, plummeting 70-90 bps through

  

mid-December. Even with that rally, however, rates were still up 1.60% to 2.30% from January’s historically low starting point, leaving no escape from the sharply negative annual performance that materialized across the entire curve.

 

Although municipal bonds outperformed Treasuries in the fourth quarter, they were still directionally influenced by the underlying forces driving the broader market. Early in the quarter, interest rates shot up due to still-elevated inflation, tight labor markets, and hawkish saber rattling from central banks. By October 28, 2022, the yield on the 10-year Treasury had risen 40 bps for the month to close at 4.24%, its highest level since 2008. From there, however, sentiment turned as the lagged effects of contractionary policy seemed to take hold. Key prints on inflation decelerated from their peaks, creating a sense that the worst may be over. A pullback in manufacturing and a softening in unit labor costs were also contributing factors. And while the Fed continued to talk tough on keeping policy restrictive, a downshift to a 50 bp hike in December after four consecutive 75 bp increases lent further credibility to the slowdown narrative. The futures market even started pricing in a couple of rate cuts for the back half of 2023. From its October high, the 10-year Treasury yield dropped 36 bps the rest of the way, ending December more than 50 bps below the yield on the two-year, the steepest inversion of that segment of the curve since the early 1980s.

 

Amid this backdrop, the Fund underperformed the Index for the year. The Fund’s overall longer duration and overweight to longer maturities were the biggest negatives as interest rates rose. The Fund’s overweight to higher coupon structures, allocation to shorter maturities and overall security selection benefited performance.

 

OUTLOOOK

 

Don’t be fooled by all the hand-wringing over what a terrible year 2022 was for bonds. In fact, long-term investors should be grateful for what transpired. Make no mistake, ultra-low interest rates are a threat to savers, especially those artificially manufactured by well-intentioned governments. It was critical to break out of that destabilizing cycle and mark-to-market losses were a small price to pay to get there. We believe municipal bonds enter 2023 in much better shape. Yields that began the year at 1.00% are now far more attractive, in many instances topping 5.00% on a tax-equivalent basis. The technical backdrop should continue strong, with issuance remaining low due to a decline in

 

 

 

31


   

    

AMG GW&K Municipal Bond Fund

Portfolio Manager’s Comments (continued)

 

 

 

 

refunding opportunities. The outflow cycle that plagued 2022 will likely lose steam in the face of better yields and less tax-loss selling. States are better positioned to withstand the effects of a potential recession, having made prudent use of windfall tax collections to build record reserves. To be sure, challenges still exist. More economically

 

      

sensitive sectors will need closer scrutiny and a historically flat yield curve alters the risk/return calculus. But these issues are considerably less difficult to navigate than central banks pinning rates near zero. And we look forward to taking advantage of the gift handed to us by the 2022 market.

 

      

The views expressed represent the opinions of GW&K Investment Management, LLC as of December 31, 2022, and are not intended as a forecast or guarantee of future results, and are subject to change without notice.

 

 

 

32


    

AMG GW&K Municipal Bond Fund

Portfolio Manager’s Comments (continued)

 

 

CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN PERFORMANCE

AMG GW&K Municipal Bond Fund’s cumulative total return is based on the daily change in net asset value (NAV), and assumes that all dividends and distributions were reinvested. The graph compares a hypothetical $10,000 investment made in the AMG GW&K Municipal Bond Fund’s Class N shares on December 31, 2012, to a $10,000 investment made in the Bloomberg 10-Year Municipal Bond Index for the same time period. The graph and table do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on a Fund distribution or redemption of shares. The listed returns for the Fund are net of expenses and the returns for the index exclude expenses. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced.

 

LOGO

The table below shows the average annual total returns for the AMG GW&K Municipal Bond Fund and the Bloomberg 10-Year Municipal Bond Index for the same time periods ended December 31, 2022.

 

     One   Five   Ten
Average Annual Total Returns1    Year   Years   Years

AMG GW&K Municipal Bond Fund2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

Class N

   (7.80%)   0.76%   1.51%

Class I

   (7.45%)   1.09%   1.90%

Bloomberg 10-Year Municipal Bond Index8

   (6.57%)   1.70%   2.41%

The performance data shown represents past performance. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.

 

Investors should carefully consider the Fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses before investing. For performance information through the most recent month end, current net asset values per share for the Fund and other information, please call 800.548.4539 or visit our website at amgfunds.com for a free prospectus. Read it carefully before investing or sending money.

Distributed by AMG Distributors, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC.

 

1

Total return equals income yield plus share price change and assumes reinvestment of all dividends and capital gain distributions. Returns are net of fees and may reflect offsets of Fund expenses as described in the prospectus. No adjustment has been made for taxes payable by shareholders on their reinvested dividends and capital gain distributions. Returns for periods greater than one year are annualized. The listed returns on the Fund are net of expenses and based on the published NAV as of December 31, 2022. All returns are in U.S. Dollars ($).

 

2

From time to time, the Fund’s investment manager has waived its fees and/or absorbed Fund expenses, which has resulted in higher returns.

 

3

The Fund is subject to the risks associated with investments in debt securities, such as default risk and

   fluctuations in the perception of the debtor’s ability to pay its creditors. Changing interest rates may adversely affect the value of an investment. An increase in interest rates typically causes the value of bonds and other fixed income securities to fall.

 

4  Factors unique to the municipal bond market may negatively affect the value of municipal bonds.

 

5  Investment income may be subject to certain state and local taxes, and depending on your tax status, the federal alternative minimum tax. Capital gains are not exempt from federal income tax.

 

6  Market prices of investments held by the Fund may fall rapidly or unpredictably due to a variety of economic or political factors, market conditions, disasters or public health issues, or in response to events that affect particular industries or companies.

 

7  Companies that are in similar industry sectors may be similarly affected by particular economic or market events; to the extent the Fund has substantial holdings within a particular sector, the risks associated with that sector increase.

 

8  The Bloomberg 10-Year Municipal Bond Index is the 10 Year (8-12) component of the Municipal Bond index. It is a rules-based, market-value-weighted index engineered for the tax-exempt bond market. The Index tracks general obligation bonds, revenue bonds, insured bonds, and prerefunded bonds rated Baa3/BBB- or higher by at least two of the ratings agencies: Moody’s, S&P, Fitch. Unlike the Fund, the Bloomberg 10-Year Municipal Bond Index is unmanaged, is not available for investment and does not incur expenses.

 

“Bloomberg®” and any Bloomberg index described herein are service marks of Bloomberg Finance L.P. and its affiliates, including Bloomberg Index Services Limited (“BISL”), the administrator of the index (collectively, “Bloomberg”) and have been licensed for use for certain purposes by AMG Funds LLC. Bloomberg is not affiliated with AMG Funds LLC, and Bloomberg does not approve, endorse, review, or recommend the fund described herein. Bloomberg does not guarantee the timeliness, accurateness, or completeness of any data or information relating to such fund.

 

Not FDIC insured, nor bank guaranteed. May lose value.

 

 

 

33


   

AMG GW&K Municipal Bond Fund

Fund Snapshots (unaudited)

December 31, 2022

 

 

PORTFOLIO BREAKDOWN

 

    Category    % of
Net Assets
 
 

General Obligation

     41.4       
 

Transportation

     34.0       
 

Medical

     9.0       
 

Water

     6.2       
 

Education

     4.2       
 

Utilities

     2.1       
 

Power

     1.7       
 

Tobacco Settlement

     0.8       
 

Industrial Development

     0.7       
 

Short-term

     0.1       
 

Other Assets, less Liabilities

     (0.2)      

 

    Rating    % of Market Value1
 

Aaa/AAA

       25.3
 

Aa/AA

       46.0
 

A

       22.2
 

Baa/BBB

       6.5

 

1 

Includes market value of long-term fixed-income securities only.

 

TOP TEN HOLDINGS

 

    Security Name

 

  

% of

Net Assets

 

Wisconsin State Revenue, Department of Transportation, Series 2, 5.000%, 07/01/29

   2.1
 

Iowa Finance Authority, State Revolving Fund Green Bond, 5.000%, 08/01/30

   1.5
 

Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Transit Revenue, Green Bond, Series B, 5.000%, 11/15/27

   1.4
 

New York State Urban Development Corp., 5.000%, 03/15/32

   1.3
 

State of California, General Obligation, 5.000%, 11/01/30

   1.3
 

State of Maryland, Department of Transportation, 5.000%, 09/01/29

   1.2
 

State of Maryland, Department of Transportation, 5.000%, 10/01/28

   1.2
 

State of New Jersey, Series A, 5.000%, 06/01/29

   1.2
 

New York City Transitional Finance Authority Building Aid Revenue, Series 1A, 5.000%, 07/15/32

   1.2
 

Michigan Finance Authority, Henry Ford Health System, 5.000%, 11/15/29

   1.1
    

 

 

Top Ten as a Group

   13.5
  

 

 

 

Credit quality ratings shown above reflect the highest rating assigned by either Standard & Poor’s (“S&P”), Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”) or Fitch. These rating agencies are independent, nationally recognized statistical rating organizations and are widely used. Investment grade ratings are credit ratings of BBB- or higher. Below investment grade ratings are credit ratings of BB+ or lower. Investments designated N/R are not rated by any of the rating agencies. Unrated investments do not necessarily indicate low credit quality. Credit quality ratings are subject to change.

Because a fund’s strategy may result in multiple investments in particular sectors of the economy, its performance may depend on the performance of those sectors and may fluctuate more widely than investments diversified across more sectors. For additional information on these and other risk considerations, please see the Fund’s prospectus.

Any sectors, industries, or securities discussed should not be perceived as investment recommendations. Mention of a specific security should not be considered a recommendation to buy or solicitation to sell that security. Specific securities mentioned in this report may have been sold from the Fund’s portfolio of investments by the time you receive this report.

 

 

34


   

AMG GW&K Municipal Bond Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments

December 31, 2022

 

 

     

Principal

Amount

     Value  

Municipal Bonds - 100.1%

     

Alabama - 0.8%

 

  

Alabama Public School and College Authority, Series A

     

5.000%, 11/01/34

     $7,500,000        $8,573,619  

Arizona - 1.2%

 

  

Arizona Department of Transportation State Highway Fund Revenue

     

5.000%, 07/01/28

     5,040,000        5,433,712  

Arizona Industrial Development Authority

     

5.000%, 02/01/32

     1,450,000        1,677,374  

5.000%, 02/01/35

     1,700,000        1,928,284  

5.000%, 02/01/36

     1,800,000        2,010,638  

5.000%, 02/01/37

     1,905,000        2,100,342  

Total Arizona

        13,150,350  

California - 11.6%

 

  

California Municipal Finance Authority, Community Medical Centers, Series A

     

5.000%, 02/01/27

     950,000        1,007,489  

5.000%, 02/01/30

     1,630,000        1,720,520  

5.000%, 02/01/31

     900,000        949,687  

5.000%, 02/01/32

     1,855,000        1,953,142  

California State Public Works Board, Series A

     

5.000%, 02/01/30

     2,500,000        2,893,407  

5.000%, 02/01/31

     3,500,000        4,101,895  

5.000%, 02/01/32

     3,500,000        4,155,800  

5.000%, 08/01/33

     5,000,000        5,863,122  

5.000%, 08/01/34

     2,750,000        3,194,881  

5.000%, 08/01/35

     2,500,000        2,868,944  

California State Public Works Board, Series C

     

5.000%, 08/01/30

     2,785,000        3,250,783  

5.000%, 08/01/31

     2,560,000        3,020,342  

5.000%, 08/01/32

     2,750,000        3,235,555  

5.000%, 08/01/33

     3,000,000        3,517,873  

City of Los Angeles Department of Airports, Series C

     

5.000%, 05/15/30

     10,515,000        11,590,975  

San Francisco City & County Airport Commission, San Francisco International Airport, Series A

     

5.000%, 05/01/32

     3,000,000        3,270,007  

5.000%, 05/01/34

     5,010,000        5,318,966  

5.000%, 05/01/35

     5,800,000        6,119,436  

State of California

     

5.000%, 09/01/29

     4,075,000        4,410,914  

5.000%, 11/01/29

     5,000,000        5,751,735  

5.000%, 11/01/30

     11,575,000        13,540,401  

5.000%, 09/01/31

     8,000,000        9,455,470  

5.000%, 04/01/32

     5,000,000        5,953,574  

University of California, Series BM

     

5.000%, 05/15/31 1

     2,000,000        2,362,596  

5.000%, 05/15/32 1

     5,000,000        5,977,539  
     

Principal

Amount

     Value  

University of California, Series S

     

5.000%, 05/15/36

     $3,000,000        $3,453,213  

5.000%, 05/15/37

     3,000,000        3,425,656  

5.000%, 05/15/38

     3,000,000        3,410,677  

Total California

        125,774,599  

Colorado - 0.4%

     

Colorado Health Facilities Authority, Series A

     

5.000%, 08/01/33

     4,260,000        4,514,562  

Connecticut - 4.7%

     

Connecticut State Health & Educational Facilities Authority

     

5.000%, 07/01/31

     6,205,000        6,812,342  

5.000%, 07/01/33

     2,750,000        2,980,361  

5.000%, 07/01/34

     3,100,000        3,350,647  

State of Connecticut Special Tax Revenue, Series A

     

5.000%, 05/01/28

     3,000,000        3,345,715  

State of Connecticut Special Tax Revenue, Transportation Infrastructure, Series A

     

5.000%, 01/01/30

     10,180,000        11,219,614  

State of Connecticut Special Tax Revenue, Series B

     

5.000%, 10/01/35

     7,500,000        8,218,798  

State of Connecticut Special Tax Revenue, Series C

     

5.000%, 01/01/28

     1,000,000        1,108,578  

5.000%, 01/01/29

     1,000,000        1,121,404  

5.000%, 01/01/30

     1,000,000        1,139,234  

5.000%, 01/01/31

     1,000,000        1,156,600  

5.000%, 01/01/32

     1,000,000        1,162,692  

State of Connecticut, Series A

     

5.000%, 01/15/31

     7,650,000        8,659,339  

Total Connecticut

        50,275,324  

Delaware - 0.3%

     

Delaware River & Bay Authority

     

5.000%, 01/01/31

     1,000,000        1,162,820  

5.000%, 01/01/32

     1,040,000        1,223,585  

5.000%, 01/01/33

     1,100,000        1,282,892  

Total Delaware

        3,669,297  

District of Columbia - 3.4%

     

District of Columbia, Series A

     

5.000%, 06/01/30

     6,020,000        6,479,505  

District of Columbia, Series B

     

5.000%, 06/01/31

     10,080,000        11,322,300  

District of Columbia, Series C

     

5.000%, 12/01/33

     5,000,000        5,867,415  

5.000%, 12/01/34

     6,000,000        6,961,513  

Washington DC Convention & Sports Authority, Series A

     

5.000%, 10/01/27

     5,475,000        6,026,340  

Total District of Columbia

        36,657,073  
 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

35


   

    

AMG GW&K Municipal Bond Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments (continued)

 

 

 

     

Principal

Amount

     Value  

Florida - 4.3%

     

Central Florida Expressway Authority

     

5.000%, 07/01/28

     $4,460,000        $4,967,235  

Escambia County Health Facilities Authority

     

5.000%, 08/15/37

     6,000,000        6,165,401  

Florida Development Finance Corp.

     

4.000%, 11/15/33

     10,000,000        10,123,488  

Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise, Department of Transportation, Series C

     

5.000%, 07/01/28

     7,075,000        7,630,134  

Lee Memorial Health System, Series A1

     

5.000%, 04/01/34

     5,645,000        6,034,130  

Orange County Health Facilities Authority, Series A

     

5.000%, 10/01/31

     4,525,000        4,759,415  

State of Florida, Series C

     

5.000%, 06/01/31

     5,375,000        6,323,204  

Total Florida

        46,003,007  

Georgia - 1.7%

     

Private Colleges & Universities Authority, Series A

     

5.000%, 09/01/32

     5,000,000        5,979,124  

Private Colleges & Universities Authority, Series B

     

5.000%, 09/01/30

     10,365,000        12,068,283  

Total Georgia

        18,047,407  

Illinois - 8.1%

     

Chicago O’Hare International Airport, Series A

     

5.000%, 01/01/35

     5,010,000        5,479,704  

Chicago O’Hare International Airport, Series B

     

5.000%, 01/01/28

     5,670,000        5,891,816  

Chicago O’Hare International Airport, Senior Lien, Series A

     

5.000%, 01/01/36

     10,035,000        10,500,574  

5.000%, 01/01/38

     5,500,000        5,698,790  

Illinois Finance Authority

     

5.000%, 01/01/29

     2,310,000        2,610,849  

5.000%, 07/01/29

     8,755,000        9,952,332  

Illinois Finance Authority, Series A

     

4.000%, 08/15/37

     5,910,000        5,699,355  

Illinois State Finance Authority Revenue, Clean Water Initiative Revenue

     

5.000%, 07/01/27

     11,000,000        11,712,580  

Illinois State Toll Highway Authority, Series A

     

5.000%, 12/01/31

     9,735,000        10,289,406  

Illinois State Toll Highway Authority, Senior Revenue Bonds, Series A

     

5.000%, 01/01/30

     10,110,000        11,320,825  

State of Illinois, Series A

     

5.250%, 03/01/37

     8,500,000        8,685,368  

Total Illinois

        87,841,599  
     

Principal

Amount

     Value  

Indiana - 2.2%

     

Indiana Finance Authority, Series 1

     

5.000%, 10/01/28

     $1,000,000        $1,120,682  

5.000%, 10/01/29

     3,555,000        4,048,261  

Indiana Finance Authority, Series A

     

5.000%, 02/01/32

     5,000,000        5,809,909  

Indiana Finance Authority, Series B

     

5.000%, 02/01/34

     5,815,000        6,798,044  

Indiana Finance Authority, Series C

     

5.000%, 06/01/29

     4,800,000        5,476,113  

Total Indiana

        23,253,009  

Iowa - 1.5%

     

Iowa Finance Authority, State Revolving Fund Green Bond

     

5.000%, 08/01/30

     15,025,000        16,484,229  

Kentucky - 0.5%

     

Louisville/Jefferson County Metropolitan Government, Norton Healthcare Inc.,
Series A

     

5.000%, 10/01/29

     5,505,000        5,777,778  

Maine - 0.8%

     

Maine Turnpike Authority

     

5.000%, 07/01/28

     1,955,000        2,181,564  

5.000%, 07/01/29

     1,600,000        1,810,671  

5.000%, 07/01/30

     1,390,000        1,597,740  

5.000%, 07/01/31

     1,500,000        1,747,975  

5.000%, 07/01/32

     1,390,000        1,638,519  

Total Maine

        8,976,469  

Maryland - 7.1%

     

Maryland State Transportation Authority

     

5.000%, 07/01/33

     6,350,000        7,291,035  

State of Maryland, Department of Transportation

     

5.000%, 10/01/28

     12,365,000        13,413,762  

5.000%, 09/01/29

     12,205,000        13,475,583  

State of Maryland, Series C

     

4.000%, 03/01/28

     9,500,000        10,136,426  

4.000%, 03/01/29

     9,245,000        9,972,956  

State of Maryland, Series D

     

4.000%, 08/01/28

     8,000,000        8,575,709  

4.000%, 08/01/29

     6,500,000        7,042,308  

State of Maryland, State & Local Facilities Loan of 2019, 1st Series

     

5.000%, 03/15/30

     6,000,000        6,828,295  

Total Maryland

        76,736,074  

Michigan - 2.2%

     

Michigan Finance Authority, Henry Ford Health System

     

5.000%, 11/15/29

     11,450,000        12,102,170  

Michigan State Building Authority Revenue, Series I

     

5.000%, 04/15/27

     5,700,000        6,033,296  
 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

36


   

    

AMG GW&K Municipal Bond Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments (continued)

 

 

 

     

Principal

Amount

     Value  

Michigan - 2.2% (continued)

     

Wayne County Airport Authority, Series A

     

5.000%, 12/01/37

     $2,285,000        $2,504,730  

5.000%, 12/01/38

     1,405,000        1,528,144  

5.000%, 12/01/39

     1,800,000        1,948,293  

Total Michigan

        24,116,633  

New Jersey - 6.1%

     

New Jersey Economic Development Authority, Series A

     

5.250%, 11/01/40

     7,000,000        7,472,576  

New Jersey State Turnpike Authority Revenue, Series B

     

5.000%, 01/01/28

     4,010,000        4,427,633  

New Jersey State Turnpike Authority Revenue, Series D

     

5.000%, 01/01/28

     6,000,000        6,449,725  

New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund Authority, Series B

     

5.000%, 06/15/30

     6,255,000        6,892,723  

5.000%, 06/15/31

     7,615,000        8,427,835  

5.000%, 06/15/32

     5,750,000        6,337,748  

5.000%, 06/15/33

     6,000,000        6,565,123  

New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund Authority, Series BB

     

4.000%, 06/15/37

     3,000,000        2,847,361  

South Jersey Transportation Authority

     

5.000%, 11/01/39

     1,150,000        1,169,028  

5.000%, 11/01/41

     2,500,000        2,528,542  

State of New Jersey,
Series A

     

5.000%, 06/01/29

     11,500,000        12,996,644  

Total New Jersey

        66,114,938  

New Mexico - 1.3%

     

New Mexico Finance Authority, Series A

     

5.000%, 06/15/28

     4,470,000        4,984,108  

5.000%, 06/15/30

     7,500,000        8,625,814  

Total New Mexico

        13,609,922  

New York - 19.0%

     

City of New York, Series B-1

     

5.000%, 08/01/32

     3,000,000        3,539,534  

City of New York, Series C

     

5.000%, 08/01/33

     1,500,000        1,705,347  

5.000%, 08/01/34

     3,250,000        3,661,864  

City of New York, Series L-5

     

5.000%, 04/01/33

     6,500,000        7,468,024  

Long Island Power Authority

     

5.000%, 09/01/35

     5,030,000        5,464,745  

Long Island Power Authority, Series A

     

5.000%, 09/01/30

     2,275,000        2,623,262  

5.000%, 09/01/31

     3,935,000        4,594,517  
     

Principal

Amount

     Value  

Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Transit Revenue, Green Bond, Series B

     

5.000%, 11/15/27

     $14,225,000        $14,936,243  

Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Transit Revenue, Series F

     

5.000%, 11/15/28

     4,760,000        4,858,174  

New York City Transitional Finance Authority Building Aid Revenue, Series 1A

     

5.000%, 07/15/32

     10,835,000        12,552,836  

New York City Transitional Finance Authority Building Aid Revenue, Series S-3

     

5.000%, 07/15/31

     5,080,000        5,659,719  

New York City Transitional Finance Authority Future Tax Secured Revenue

     

5.000%, 11/01/31

     2,500,000        2,919,509  

5.000%, 11/01/32

     4,000,000        4,655,501  

New York City Transitional Finance Authority Future Tax Secured Revenue, Series 1

     

5.000%, 02/01/36

     1,000,000        1,127,805  

5.000%, 02/01/37

     7,000,000        7,732,156  

5.000%, 02/01/39

     4,000,000        4,392,443  

New York State Dormitory Authority, Series A

     

5.000%, 03/15/31

     7,670,000        8,592,230  

5.000%, 03/15/32

     8,000,000        9,270,206  

5.000%, 03/15/33

     3,200,000        3,747,904  

New York State Dormitory Authority, Series E

     

5.000%, 03/15/32

     8,410,000        8,875,596  

New York State Dormitory Authority, Series S

     

4.000%, 05/01/39

     2,000,000        1,930,935  

New York State Urban Development Corp.

     

5.000%, 03/15/32

     12,000,000        13,837,038  

New York Transportation Development Corp.

     

4.000%, 10/31/41

     1,250,000        1,096,980  

4.000%, 10/31/46

     1,500,000        1,262,920  

5.000%, 12/01/30

     1,000,000        1,078,518  

5.000%, 12/01/31

     1,100,000        1,183,524  

5.000%, 12/01/32

     1,450,000        1,558,211  

5.000%, 12/01/33

     1,000,000        1,069,563  

New York Transportation Development Corp.,
Series P

     

5.000%, 12/01/36

     10,000,000        10,341,972  

Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, Series 221

     

5.000%, 07/15/32

     6,545,000        7,117,845  

Triborough Bridge & Tunnel Authority

     

5.000%, 05/15/30

     10,000,000        11,522,063  

5.000%, 05/15/31

     10,000,000        11,683,516  

5.000%, 05/15/32

     5,000,000        5,908,015  

Triborough Bridge & Tunnel Authority, Series 2

     

5.000%, 11/15/32

     8,000,000        9,453,366  

Utility Debt Securitization Authority, Series TE

     

5.000%, 06/15/31

     6,800,000        7,763,986  

Total New York

        205,186,067  
 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

37


   

    

AMG GW&K Municipal Bond Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments (continued)

 

 

 

     

Principal

Amount

     Value  

North Carolina - 1.0%

     

North Carolina State Limited Obligation, Series B

     

5.000%, 05/01/28

     $10,000,000        $10,960,963  

Ohio - 0.9%

     

Ohio State General Obligation, Series T

     

5.000%, 05/01/30

     5,000,000        5,466,663  

State of Ohio, Series C

     

5.000%, 09/01/30

     3,910,000        4,549,584  

Total Ohio

        10,016,247  

Oregon - 1.9%

     

Oregon State Lottery, Series C

     

5.000%, 04/01/27

     10,000,000        10,495,567  

Oregon State Lottery, Series D

     

5.000%, 04/01/28

     9,225,000        9,682,161  

Total Oregon

        20,177,728  

Pennsylvania - 3.4%

     

Allegheny County Airport Authority, Series A

     

5.000%, 01/01/31

     1,350,000        1,467,595  

5.000%, 01/01/32

     2,215,000        2,393,738  

Allegheny County Hospital Development Authority, University Pittsburgh Medical Center

     

5.000%, 07/15/31

     5,530,000        6,095,018  

Commonwealth Financing Authority, Pennsylvania Tobacco

     

5.000%, 06/01/32

     7,910,000        8,577,054  

Hospitals & Higher Education Facilities Authority of Philadelphia

     

4.000%, 07/01/38

     2,500,000        2,418,821  

4.000%, 07/01/39

     2,000,000        1,925,957  

Pennsylvania Economic Development Financing Authority

     

5.250%, 06/30/35

     3,000,000        3,189,392  

5.750%, 06/30/48

     5,000,000        5,206,001  

Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, Series A

     

5.000%, 12/01/33

     5,000,000        5,792,940  

Total Pennsylvania

        37,066,516  

Texas - 6.8%

     

City of Corpus Christi TX Utility System Revenue, Junior Lien

     

5.000%, 07/15/29

     3,125,000        3,456,364  

City of Houston TX Airport System Revenue, Series A

     

4.000%, 07/01/35

     1,100,000        1,064,938  

4.000%, 07/01/36

     1,100,000        1,052,830  

5.000%, 07/01/34

     2,835,000        3,056,614  

City of San Antonio TX Electric & Gas Systems Revenue, Series A

     

5.000%, 02/01/37

     3,010,000        3,307,056  

5.000%, 02/01/38

     2,985,000        3,266,956  

Dallas Area Rapid Transit, Senior Lien

     

5.250%, 12/01/28

     8,865,000        10,114,763  
     

Principal

Amount

     Value  

Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, Series A

     

5.000%, 11/01/30

     $2,000,000        $2,307,434  

5.000%, 11/01/31

     3,265,000        3,751,104  

Lower Colorado River Authority,

LCRA Transmission Services Corporation

     

5.000%, 05/15/29

     3,815,000        3,908,514  

North Texas Municipal Water District Water System Revenue, Refunding and Improvement

     

5.000%, 09/01/29

     7,350,000        7,925,795  

North Texas Tollway Authority, 2nd Tier, Series B

     

5.000%, 01/01/31

     2,000,000        2,099,042  

5.000%, 01/01/32

     3,010,000        3,201,201  

North Texas Tollway Authority, Series A

     

5.250%, 01/01/38

     4,500,000        5,000,636  

State of Texas, Series A

     

5.000%, 10/01/29

     5,000,000        5,303,339  

Texas Private Activity Bond Surface Transportation Corp., Series A

     

4.000%, 12/31/37

     5,000,000        4,605,433  

4.000%, 12/31/38

     3,735,000        3,404,415  

Texas Water Development Board

     

5.000%, 08/01/38

     5,860,000        6,610,933  

Total Texas

        73,437,367  

Utah - 2.1%

     

Intermountain Power Agency, Series A

     

5.000%, 07/01/34

     5,250,000        6,023,794  

Salt Lake City Corp. Airport Revenue, Series A

     

5.000%, 07/01/29

     3,450,000        3,667,536  

5.000%, 07/01/30

     6,585,000        6,997,951  

University of Utah/The, Series B

     

5.000%, 08/01/37

     5,000,000        5,670,287  

Total Utah

        22,359,568  

Virginia - 0.5%

     

Virginia Small Business Financing Authority

     

4.000%, 01/01/37

     3,000,000        2,812,422  

4.000%, 01/01/38

     3,000,000        2,782,255  

Total Virginia

        5,594,677  

Washington - 2.5%

     

Port of Seattle, Series C

     

5.000%, 08/01/31

     5,000,000        5,492,102  

State of Washington School Improvements, Series C

     

5.000%, 02/01/28

     7,370,000        7,864,426  

State of Washington, Series C

     

5.000%, 07/01/28

     10,280,000        10,728,741  

Washington Health Care Facilities Authority, Series A

     

5.000%, 08/01/38

     3,270,000        3,381,039  

Total Washington

        27,466,308  
 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

38


   

    

AMG GW&K Municipal Bond Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments (continued)

 

 

     

Principal

Amount

     Value  

West Virginia - 0.9%

     

West Virginia Parkways Authority

     

5.000%, 06/01/37

     $1,750,000        $1,951,686  

5.000%, 06/01/38

     2,000,000        2,215,442  

5.000%, 06/01/39

     5,150,000        5,670,468  

Total West Virginia

        9,837,596  

Wisconsin - 2.9%

     

State of Wisconsin, Series 1

     

5.000%, 05/01/31

     2,700,000        3,121,279  

State of Wisconsin, Series A

     

5.000%, 05/01/31

     5,000,000        5,258,596  

Wisconsin State Revenue, Department of Transportation, Series 2

     

5.000%, 07/01/29

     20,405,000        22,486,722  

Total Wisconsin

        30,866,597  

Total Municipal Bonds

     

(Cost $1,142,894,341)

        1,082,545,523  
      Principal
Amount
     Value  

Short-Term Investments - 0.1%

 

  

Repurchase Agreements - 0.1%

 

  

Fixed Income Clearing Corp., dated 12/30/22 due 01/03/23, 4.150% total to be received $668,308 (collateralized by a U.S. Treasury, 0.125%, 01/15/32, totaling $681,377)

     $668,000        $668,000  

Total Short-Term Investments

 

  

(Cost $668,000)

        668,000  

Total Investments - 100.2%

 

  

(Cost $1,143,562,341)

        1,083,213,523  

Other Assets, less Liabilities - (0.2)%

 

     (1,951,011

Net Assets - 100.0%

 

     $1,081,262,512  

 

 
1 

All or part of a security is delayed delivery transaction. The market value for delayed delivery securities at December 31, 2022, amounted to $8,340,135, or 0.8% of net assets.

 

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments by the fair value hierarchy levels as of December 31, 2022:

 

     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

  Investments in Securities

           

Municipal Bonds

          $ 1,082,545,523             $ 1,082,545,523  

Short-Term Investments

           

Repurchase Agreements

            668,000               668,000  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities

          $ 1,083,213,523             $ 1,083,213,523  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

All municipal bonds held in the Fund are Level 2 securities. For a detailed breakout of municipal bonds by major classification, please refer to the Fund’s Schedule of Portfolio Investments.

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, there were no transfers in or out of Level 3.

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

39


   

    

AMG GW&K Municipal Enhanced Yield Fund

Portfolio Manager’s Comments (unaudited)

 

 

THE YEAR IN REVIEW

 

For the year ended December 31, 2022, AMG GW&K Municipal Enhanced Yield Fund’s (the “Fund”) Class N shares returned (18.19)%, compared to the Bloomberg U.S. Municipal Bond BAA Index (the “Index”), which returned (11.63)%.

 

In the first quarter of 2022, Municipal bonds suffered their worst quarter of performance in 40 years, getting caught in a Treasury market rout that stemmed from the mounting determination of central banks to combat sustained inflationary pressure. Coming into 2022, the U.S. Federal Reserve (the Fed) had been projecting only three quarter-point rate hikes for the calendar year, an outlook that was also reflected in the futures market. But as the quarter progressed, labor markets began to overheat and core inflation surged to a four-decade high. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine sent energy and grain prices soaring amid a humanitarian crisis with no clear endgame. In response to these developments, the Fed rhetoric grew more hawkish and policy projections turned more aggressive. At the March Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting, after lifting rates for the first time since 2018, committee members raised their forecast to seven total hikes for 2022 and by quarter-end, the futures market was pricing in nine. Short Treasury yields surged, mirroring the faster pace of hikes, while those out longer increased less, reflecting the possible damage to growth. The combination of those two dynamics led to inversions at key segments of the curve, which raised questions as to whether monetary policy can successfully tame inflation without tipping the economy into recession.

 

Going into the second quarter, municipal bonds posted more losses, adding to their worst start to any year on record. The selloff was driven by the Fed’s aggressive tightening campaign, as successive 40-year highs in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) put to rest any lingering convictions that inflation would prove “transitory.” Officials raised rates twice during the quarter, first by half a point in May and then by three-quarters of a point in June, the latter the largest such move since 1994. Interest rates responded by climbing to multi-year highs. Fed Chair Jerome Powell stepped up his hawkish rhetoric, emphasizing the tightness of the labor force and the mounting risks from continued supply chain disruptions, the war in Ukraine and China’s zero-COVID policy. The implication was clear: the long-term damage from entrenched inflation must be prioritized above all else, even at the risk of

      

slowing economic growth. Investors got the message, becoming less concerned about a price spiral and more worried about the possibility of a recession. Inflation breakeven measures plunged over the final three weeks of June while futures markets pared bets on the peak Fed Funds rate and even priced in cuts by the middle of next year. Interest rates finished well below their mid-June cyclical highs, but were still up meaningfully for the quarter.

 

Municipal bonds again posted heavy losses in the third quarter as hopes faded that the Fed would soon pull back on its aggressive tightening program. After an impressive rally in July, when it still seemed possible that a lowercase “R” recession might usher in an early-summer easing, bond yields soared over the following two months. The two major culprits were the labor market, which stayed extremely tight, and inflation, which remained broad-based and hovered near 40-year highs. The Fed officials cited the data as evidence that more needed to be done, lest elevated inflation expectations become entrenched. The FOMC followed through by raising rates 150 basis points (bps) during the quarter, doubling the magnitude of hikes from the first half of the year. As importantly, committee members signaled more to come, forecasting a steeper policy path and higher terminal rate than traders had expected. Sentiment was also weighed down by geopolitical crosscurrents, including the ongoing war in Ukraine, COVID lockdowns in China and a brief but dramatic crash in UK government debt, which necessitated an intervention from the Bank of England. In late September the yield on the 10-year Treasury touched 4.00% for the first time since 2008, before declining slightly to end the quarter at 3.83%.

 

As we ended the year, municipal bonds posted their strongest quarterly performance in over a decade, partially erasing what still amounted to the worst annual loss in 40 years. With a struggling Treasury market providing little direction, returns were instead powered by a combination of scant supply and building demand. New issue volume for the fourth quarter declined 40% on a year-over-year basis, creating a scarcity premium that was turbo-charged by the need for investors to reinvest seasonally high coupon and maturity redemptions. Although mutual funds continued to experience significant outflows, likely exacerbated by year-end tax-loss selling, the bid-side remained strong and picked up steam as the quarter progressed. In fact, after a modest selloff in October, tax-exempt yields staged a breathtaking turnaround, plummeting 70-90 bps through

      

mid-December. Even with that rally, however, rates were still up 1.60% to 2.30% from January’s historically low starting point, leaving no escape from the sharply negative annual performance that materialized across the entire curve.

 

Although municipal bonds outperformed Treasuries over the quarter, they were still directionally influenced by the underlying forces driving the broader market. Early in the quarter, interest rates shot up due to still-elevated inflation, tight labor markets, and hawkish saber rattling from central banks. By October 28, 2022, the yield on the 10-year Treasury had risen 40 bps for the month to close at 4.24%, its highest level since 2008. From there, however, sentiment turned as the lagged effects of contractionary policy seemed to take hold. Key prints on inflation decelerated from their peaks, creating a sense that the worst may be over. A pullback in manufacturing and a softening in unit labor costs were also contributing factors. And while the Fed continued to talk tough on keeping policy restrictive, a downshift to a 50 bp hike in December after four consecutive 75 bp increases lent further credibility to the slowdown narrative. The futures market even started pricing in a couple of rate cuts for the back half of 2023. From its October high, the 10-year Treasury yield dropped 36 bps the rest of the way, ending December more than 50 bps below the yield on the two-year, the steepest inversion of that segment of the curve since the early 1980s.

 

Amid this backdrop, the Fund materially underperformed the Index for the full year. The Fund’s longer duration was the biggest negative as interest rates rose. Positively contributing to performance for the year was the Fund’s higher-quality bias and its overweight to higher coupon bonds.

 

OUTLOOK

 

Don’t be fooled by all the hand-wringing over what a terrible year 2022 was for bonds. In fact, long-term investors should be grateful for what transpired. Make no mistake, ultra-low interest rates are a threat to savers, especially those artificially manufactured by well-intentioned governments. It was critical to break out of that destabilizing cycle and mark-to-market losses were a small price to pay to get there. We believe municipal bonds enter 2023 in much better shape. Yields that began the year at 1% are now far more attractive, in many instances topping 5% on a tax-equivalent basis. The technical backdrop should continue strong, with issuance remaining low due to a decline in refunding

 

 

40


   

    

AMG GW&K Municipal Enhanced Yield Fund

Portfolio Manager’s Comments (continued)

 

 

opportunities. The outflow cycle that plagued 2022 will likely lose steam in the face of better yields and less tax-loss selling. States are better positioned to withstand the effects of a potential recession, having made prudent use of windfall tax collections to build record reserves. To be sure, challenges still exist. More economically sensitive sectors will need closer        scrutiny and a historically flat yield curve alters the risk/return calculus. But these issues are considerably less difficult to navigate than central banks pinning rates near zero. And we look forward to taking advantage of the gift handed to us by the 2022 market.        The views expressed represent the opinions of GW&K Investment Management, LLC as of December 31, 2022, and are not intended as a forecast or guarantee of future results, and are subject to change without notice.

 

 

41


    

AMG GW&K Municipal Enhanced Yield Fund

Portfolio Manager’s Comments (continued)

 

 

CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN PERFORMANCE

AMG GW&K Municipal Enhanced Yield Fund’s cumulative total return is based on the daily change in net asset value (NAV), and assumes that all dividends and distributions were reinvested. The graph compares a hypothetical $10,000 investment made in the AMG GW&K Municipal Enhanced Yield Fund’s Class N shares on December 31, 2012, to a $10,000 investment made in the Bloomberg U.S. Municipal Bond BAA Index for the same time period. The graph and table do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on a Fund distribution or redemption of shares. The listed returns for the Fund are net of expenses and the returns for the index exclude expenses. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced.

 

LOGO

The table below shows the average annual total returns for the AMG GW&K Municipal Enhanced Yield Fund and the Bloomberg U.S. Municipal Bond BAA Index for the same time periods ended December 31, 2022.

 

     One     Five     Ten     Since     Inception  
  Average Annual Total Returns1    Year     Years     Years     Inception     Date  

  AMG GW&K Municipal Enhanced Yield Fund2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

 

Class N

     (18.19 %)      (0.19 %)      1.90     4.35     07/27/09  

Class I

     (17.86 %)      0.19     2.33     3.53     12/30/05  

Class Z

     (17.82 %)      0.24           1.57     02/24/17  

Bloomberg U.S. Municipal Bond BAA Index11

     (11.63 %)      1.66     2.76     4.51      07/27/09  

The performance data shown represents past performance. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.

 

Investors should carefully consider the Fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses before investing. For performance information through the most recent month end, current net asset values per share for the Fund and other information, please call 800.548.4539 or visit our website at amgfunds.com for a free prospectus. Read it carefully before investing or sending money.

Distributed by AMG Distributors, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC.

 

 

Date reflects the inception date of the Fund, not the index.

 

1 

Total return equals income yield plus share price change and assumes reinvestment of all dividends and capital gain distributions. Returns are net of fees and may reflect offsets of Fund expenses as described in the prospectus. No adjustment has been made for taxes payable by shareholders on their reinvested dividends and

capital gain distributions. Returns for periods greater than one year are annualized. The listed returns on the Fund are net of expenses and based on the published NAV as of December 31, 2022. All returns are in U.S. Dollars ($).

 

2  From time to time, the Fund’s investment manager has waived its fees and/or absorbed Fund expenses, which has resulted in higher returns.

 

3  The Fund is subject to the risks associated with investments in debt securities, such as default risk and fluctuations in the perception of the debtor’s ability to pay its creditors. Changing interest rates may adversely affect the value of an investment. An increase in interest rates typically causes the value of bonds and other fixed income securities to fall.

 

4  Companies that are in similar industry sectors may be similarly affected by particular economic or market events; to the extent the Fund has substantial holdings within a particular sector, the risks associated with that sector increase.

 

5  The Fund may invest in derivatives such as options and futures; the complexity and rapidly changing structure of derivatives markets may increase the possibility of market losses.

 

6  High-yield bonds (also known as “junk bonds”) may be subject to greater levels of interest rate, credit, and liquidity risk than investments in higher rated securities. These securities are considered predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer’s continuing ability to make principal and interest payments. The issuers of the Fund’s holdings may be involved in bankruptcy proceedings, reorganizations, or financial restructurings, and are not as strong financially as higher-rated issuers.

 

7  The use of leverage in a Fund’s strategy, such as futures and forward commitment transactions, can magnify relatively small market movements into relatively larger losses for the Fund.

 

8  Factors unique to the municipal bond market may negatively affect the value of municipal bonds.

 

9  Investment income may be subject to certain state and local taxes, and depending on your tax status, the federal alternative minimum tax. Capital gains are not exempt from federal income tax.

 

10 Market prices of investments held by the Fund may fall rapidly or unpredictably due to a variety of economic or political factors, market conditions, disasters or public health issues, or in response to events that affect particular industries or companies.

 

 

 

42


   

    

AMG GW&K Municipal Enhanced Yield Fund

Portfolio Manager’s Comments (continued)

 

 

11 The Bloomberg U.S. Municipal Bond BAA Index is a subset of the Bloomberg U.S. Municipal Bond Index with an index rating of Baa1, Baa2, or Baa3. The Bloomberg U.S. Municipal Bond Index is a rules-based, market-value-weighted index engineered for the long-term, tax-exempt bond market. Unlike the Fund, the Bloomberg U.S. Municipal Bond BAA Index is unmanaged, is not available for investment and does not incur expenses.

       “Bloomberg®” and any Bloomberg index described herein are service marks of Bloomberg Finance L.P. and its affiliates, including Bloomberg Index Services Limited (“BISL”), the administrator of the index (collectively, “Bloomberg”) and have been licensed for use for certain purposes by AMG Funds LLC. Bloomberg is not affiliated with AMG Funds LLC, and Bloomberg does not approve, endorse, review, or recommend the fund described herein. Bloomberg       

does not guarantee the timeliness, accurateness, or completeness of any data or information relating to such fund.

 

Not FDIC insured, nor bank guaranteed. May lose value.

 

 

43


   

AMG GW&K Municipal Enhanced Yield Fund

Fund Snapshots (unaudited)

December 31, 2022

 

 

PORTFOLIO BREAKDOWN

 

    Category % of
Net Assets
 

Transportation

  38.8
 

Medical

  22.6
 

General Obligation

  22.5
 

Industrial Development

  5.1
 

Education

  4.8
 

Tobacco Settlement

  4.2
 

Short-Term Investments

  0.4
 

Other Assets, less Liabilities

  1.6

 

    Rating % of Market Value1
 

Aaa/AAA

  0.9
 

Aa/AA

  6.2
 

A

  44.8
 

Baa/BBB

  48.1

 

1 

Includes market value of long-term fixed-income securities only.

TOP TEN HOLDINGS

 

    Security Name

   % of
Net Assets
 

Texas Private Activity Bond Surface Transportation Corp., 5.000%, 06/30/58

   3.4
 

Chicago O’Hare International Airport, Senior Lien, Series A, 5.000%, 01/01/48

   2.6
 

Brevard County Health Facilities Authority, Series A, 5.000%, 04/01/47

   2.4
 

Pennsylvania Economic Development Financing Authority, 5.250%, 06/30/53

   2.3
 

New York Transportation Development Corp., Revenue, 4.000%, 04/30/53

   2.2
 

Central Plains Energy Project #3, Series A, 5.000%, 09/01/42

   2.1
 

Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, Series A, 4.000%, 12/01/50

   2.1
 

Public Authority for Colorado Energy Natural Gas Purchase Revenue, 6.500%, 11/15/38

   2.0
 

Escambia County Health Facilities Authority, 4.000%, 08/15/50

   2.0
 

New York Transportation Development Corp., 5.000%, 12/01/40

   2.0
    

 

 

Top Ten as a Group

       23.1
  

 

 

 

 

Credit quality ratings shown above reflect the highest rating assigned by either Standard & Poor’s (“S&P”), Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”) or Fitch. These rating agencies are independent, nationally recognized statistical rating organizations and are widely used. Investment grade ratings are credit ratings of BBB- or higher. Below investment grade ratings are credit ratings of BB+ or lower. Investments designated N/R are not rated by any of the rating agencies. Unrated investments do not necessarily indicate low credit quality. Credit quality ratings are subject to change.

Because a fund’s strategy may result in multiple investments in particular sectors of the economy, its performance may depend on the performance of those sectors and may fluctuate more widely than investments diversified across more sectors. For additional information on these and other risk considerations, please see the Fund’s prospectus.

Any sectors, industries, or securities discussed should not be perceived as investment recommendations. Mention of a specific security should not be considered a recommendation to buy or solicitation to sell that security. Specific securities mentioned in this report may have been sold from the Fund’s portfolio of investments by the time you receive this report.

 

 

44


   

AMG GW&K Municipal Enhanced Yield Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments

December 31, 2022

 

 

     

Principal

Amount

     Value  

Municipal Bonds - 98.0%

     

California - 6.2%

     

California Municipal Finance Authority

     

5.000%, 05/15/43

     $3,000,000        $3,007,373  

5.000%, 05/15/48

     4,600,000        4,547,569  

California Municipal Finance Authority, Series A

     

4.000%, 02/01/51

     1,500,000        1,344,180  

Riverside County Transportation Commission, Series B1

     

4.000%, 06/01/46

     2,500,000        2,313,403  

Riverside County Transportation Commission, Series C

     

4.000%, 06/01/47

     3,425,000        3,146,980  

San Diego County Regional Airport Authority, Series B

     

4.000%, 07/01/51

     2,000,000        1,728,578  

Total California

 

     16,088,083  

Colorado - 3.9%

     

Colorado Health Facilities Authority, Series A

     

5.000%, 08/01/44

     5,000,000        5,008,861  

Public Authority for Colorado Energy Natural Gas Purchase Revenue

     

6.500%, 11/15/38

     4,445,000        5,207,013  

Total Colorado

 

     10,215,874  

Connecticut - 2.9%

     

Connecticut State Health & Educational Facilities Authority

     

4.000%, 07/01/39

     3,000,000        2,768,631  

4.000%, 07/01/40

     3,400,000        3,097,196  

4.000%, 07/01/42

     1,750,000        1,547,461  

Total Connecticut

 

     7,413,288  

Florida - 11.9%

     

Brevard County Health Facilities Authority

     

5.000%, 04/01/47

     6,000,000        6,181,279  

City of Tampa, Series B

     

5.000%, 07/01/50

     2,460,000        2,482,795  

County of Miami-Dade Seaport Department, Series A

     

4.000%, 10/01/45

     4,750,000        4,290,215  

Escambia County Health Facilities Authority

     

4.000%, 08/15/50

     6,050,000        5,138,584  

Florida Development Finance Corp.

     

4.000%, 02/01/52

     3,000,000        2,317,606  

5.000%, 02/01/52

     2,000,000        1,814,238  

Hillsborough County Industrial Development Authority

     

4.000%, 08/01/50

     5,000,000        4,225,508  

Miami Beach Health Facilities Authority

     

4.000%, 11/15/46

     5,000,000        4,321,604  

Total Florida

 

       30,771,829  
     

Principal

Amount

     Value  

Illinois - 10.3%

     

Chicago O’Hare International Airport, Senior Lien, Series A

     

5.000%, 01/01/48

     $6,750,000        $6,839,776  

Metropolitan Pier & Exposition Authority

     

4.000%, 12/15/42

     2,000,000        1,740,270  

4.000%, 06/15/52

     3,000,000        2,428,314  

5.000%, 06/15/50

     5,000,000        4,870,522  

State of Illinois

     

5.500%, 05/01/39

     4,000,000        4,128,331  

5.750%, 05/01/45

     3,000,000        3,115,852  

State of Illinois, Series A

     

4.000%, 03/01/40

     1,500,000        1,303,398  

5.000%, 03/01/46

     2,225,000        2,162,415  

Total Illinois

 

     26,588,878  

Massachusetts - 1.6%

     

Massachusetts Development Finance Agency

     

4.000%, 07/01/51

     5,180,000        4,190,784  

Minnesota - 0.9%

     

Duluth Economic Development Authority, Essentia Health Obligated Group, Series A

     

5.000%, 02/15/48

     2,550,000        2,477,997  

Nebraska - 2.1%

     

Central Plains Energy Project #3, Series A

     

5.000%, 09/01/42

     5,560,000        5,579,807  

New Jersey - 12.2%

     

New Jersey Economic Development Authority

     

5.000%, 11/01/44

     2,500,000        2,547,965  

New Jersey Economic Development Authority, Series QQQ

     

4.000%, 06/15/46

     1,500,000        1,300,037  

4.000%, 06/15/50

     1,500,000        1,261,590  

New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund Authority, Series AA

     

4.000%, 06/15/45

     2,000,000        1,746,511  

4.000%, 06/15/50

     2,000,000        1,682,120  

5.000%, 06/15/45

     1,000,000        1,019,723  

5.000%, 06/15/50

     1,500,000        1,517,519  

New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund Authority, Series B

     

5.250%, 06/15/46

     2,000,000        2,106,085  

5.500%, 06/15/50

     1,000,000        1,069,443  

New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund Authority, Series BB

     

5.000%, 06/15/44

     1,750,000        1,779,880  

South Jersey Transportation Authority

     

4.625%, 11/01/47

     3,500,000        3,298,105  

5.250%, 11/01/52

     4,500,000        4,567,224  

Tobacco Settlement Financing Corp.

     

Series A

     

5.000%, 06/01/46

     2,500,000        2,449,212  

5.250%, 06/01/46

     3,285,000            3,295,562  
 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

45


   

    

AMG GW&K Municipal Enhanced Yield Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments (continued)

 

 

 

     

Principal

Amount

     Value  

New Jersey - 12.2% (continued)

 

  

Tobacco Settlement Financing Corp.

     

Series B

     

5.000%, 06/01/46

     $2,050,000        $1,957,389  

Total New Jersey

 

     31,598,365  

New York - 15.6%

     

City of New York, Series B-1

     

5.250%, 10/01/47

     2,000,000        2,199,235  

Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Series C

     

4.750%, 11/15/45

     3,175,000        2,968,898  

5.000%, 11/15/50

     2,335,000        2,243,298  

5.250%, 11/15/55

     3,020,000        3,019,797  

New York City Transitional Finance Authority Future Tax Secured Revenue, Series D-1

     

5.500%, 11/01/45

     2,000,000        2,250,411  

New York State Dormitory Authority

     

5.000%, 05/01/52

     3,000,000        3,059,347  

New York State Dormitory Authority, Series A

     

4.000%, 07/01/47

     2,000,000        1,736,163  

4.000%, 07/01/52

     2,115,000        1,791,547  

New York State Thruway Authority, Series B

     

4.000%, 01/01/45

     2,000,000        1,858,731  

New York Transportation Development Corp.

     

4.000%, 12/01/39

     1,825,000        1,714,401  

4.000%, 12/01/41

     1,900,000        1,740,849  

4.000%, 04/30/53

     6,915,000        5,615,382  

5.000%, 12/01/40

     5,000,000        5,071,748  

5.000%, 12/01/41

     5,000,000        5,045,825  

Total New York

 

     40,315,632  

Pennsylvania - 11.5%

     

Allegheny County Airport Authority, Series A

     

5.000%, 01/01/51

     5,000,000        5,050,008  

Geisinger Authority

     

4.000%, 04/01/50

     3,200,000        2,869,903  

Montgomery County Higher Education and Health Authority, Series B

     

5.000%, 05/01/52

     4,750,000        4,604,557  

Pennsylvania Economic Development Financing Authority

     

5.000%, 12/31/57

     1,250,000        1,239,779  

5.250%, 06/30/53

     6,000,000        5,874,902  

Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, Series A

     

4.000%, 12/01/50

     6,050,000        5,401,398  

Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development

     

5.250%, 11/01/52

     4,615,000        4,829,516  

Total Pennsylvania

 

       29,870,063  

Rhode Island - 1.3%

     

Tobacco Settlement Financing Corp.

     

Series A

     

5.000%, 06/01/40

     3,285,000        3,304,675  
     

Principal

Amount

     Value  

Texas - 10.3%

     

Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority, Series B

     

4.000%, 01/01/51

     $2,030,000        $1,790,598  

5.000%, 01/01/45

     1,930,000        1,990,915  

City of Houston Airport System Revenue, Series A

     

4.000%, 07/01/48

     1,500,000        1,306,209  

Texas Private Activity Bond Surface Transportation Corp.

     

5.000%, 06/30/58

     9,320,000        8,889,107  

Texas Private Activity Bond Surface Transportation Corp., Senior Lien-Blueridge Transport

     

5.000%, 12/31/40

     3,955,000        3,960,894  

5.000%, 12/31/45

     3,880,000        3,828,155  

Texas Private Activity Bond Surface Transportation Corp., Series A

     

4.000%, 12/31/39

     5,500,000        4,953,546  

Total Texas

 

     26,719,424  

Virginia - 5.7%

     

Lynchburg Economic Development Authority

     

4.000%, 01/01/55

     1,500,000        1,309,025  

Virginia Small Business Financing Authority

     

4.000%, 01/01/39

     3,000,000        2,744,828  

4.000%, 01/01/40

     3,000,000        2,718,243  

5.000%, 12/31/47

     2,555,000        2,570,139  

Virginia Small Business Financing Authority, Transform 66 P3 Project

     

5.000%, 12/31/49

     2,500,000        2,376,794  

5.000%, 12/31/52

     3,170,000        2,987,148  

Total Virginia

 

     14,706,177  

West Virginia - 1.6%

     

West Virginia Hospital Finance Authority, Cabell Huntington Hospital Obligation

     

5.000%, 01/01/43

     4,000,000        4,033,344  

Total Municipal Bonds

 

  

(Cost $289,251,690)

        253,874,220  

Short-Term Investments - 0.4%

     

Repurchase Agreements - 0.4%

     

Fixed Income Clearing Corp., dated 12/30/22 due 01/03/23, 4.150% total to be received $926,427 (collateralized by a U.S. Treasury, 0.125%, 01/15/32, totaling $944,525)

     926,000        926,000  

Total Short-Term Investments

 

  

(Cost $926,000)

 

     926,000  

Total Investments - 98.4%

 

  

(Cost $290,177,690)

 

     254,800,220  

Other Assets, less Liabilities - 1.6%

 

     4,193,826  

Net Assets - 100.0%

        $258,994,046  
 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

46


   

    

AMG GW&K Municipal Enhanced Yield Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments (continued)

 

 

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments by the fair value hierarchy levels as of December 31, 2022:

 

    

Level 1

 

    

Level 2

 

  

Level 3

 

    

Total

 

  Investments in Securities

           

Municipal Bonds

  

 

 

  

$253,874,220

  

 

 

  

$253,874,220

Short-Term Investments

           

Repurchase Agreements

          926,000           926,000
  

 

 

    

 

  

 

 

    

 

Total Investments in Securities

  

 

 

  

$254,800,220

  

 

 

  

$254,800,220

  

 

 

    

 

  

 

 

    

 

 

 

All municipal bonds held in the Fund are Level 2 securities. For a detailed breakout of municipal bonds by major classification, please refer to the Fund’s Schedule of Portfolio Investments.

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, there were no transfers in or out of Level 3.

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

47


   

    

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

December 31, 2022

 

 

    AMG GW&K
ESG

Bond Fund
  AMG
GW&K Enhanced
Core Bond

ESG Fund
  AMG
GW&K High
Income Fund
  AMG
GW&K Municipal
Bond Fund
  AMG
GW&K Municipal
Enhanced

Yield Fund

Assets:

                   

Investments at value1 (including securities on loan valued at $25,458,950, $2,393,361, $1,415,713, $0, and $0, respectively)

      $497,119,651       $41,118,359       $18,347,996       $1,083,213,523       $254,800,220

Cash

      651       331,228       890,771       548       599

Dividend and interest receivables

      4,534,690       348,725       246,128       14,156,329       3,402,657

Securities lending income receivable

      2,735       645       1,737            

Receivable for Fund shares sold

      24,758       4,267       1,404       2,553,483       2,793,369

Receivable from affiliate

            13,761       9,005       67,793       20,258

Prepaid expenses and other assets

      16,467       12,312       9,884       48,865       22,853

Total assets

      501,698,952       41,829,297       19,506,925       1,100,040,541       261,039,956

Liabilities:

                   

Payable upon return of securities loaned

      7,412,408       1,242,815       1,253,247            

Payable for investments purchased

                  923,211             985,164

Payable for delayed delivery investments purchased

                        8,158,150      

Payable for Fund shares repurchased

      885,796       51,790       137       10,068,969       834,552

Accrued expenses:

                   

Investment advisory and management fees

      109,998       10,581       3,768       195,849       101,123

Administrative fees

      64,826       5,291       1,449       141,313       33,708

Distribution fees

            2,293             2,700       632

Shareholder service fees

      74,128       1,166       1,613       48,470       11,484

Other

      145,150       68,488       54,951       162,578       79,247

Total liabilities

      8,692,306       1,382,424       2,238,376       18,778,029       2,045,910
                   

 Net Assets

      $493,006,646       $40,446,873       $17,268,549       $1,081,262,512       $258,994,046

1 Investments at cost

      $575,447,303       $46,593,109       $19,231,374       $1,143,562,341       $290,177,690

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

48


   

    

Statement of Assets and Liabilities (continued)

    

 

 

     AMG GW&K
ESG

Bond Fund
     AMG
GW&K Enhanced
Core Bond

ESG Fund
   AMG
GW&K High
Income Fund
   AMG
GW&K Municipal
Bond Fund
   AMG
GW&K Municipal
Enhanced

Yield Fund

Net Assets Represent:

              

Paid-in capital

     $591,675,117         $51,134,647         $19,378,717         $1,151,923,012         $305,163,279   

Total distributable loss

     (98,668,471)        (10,687,774)        (2,110,168)        (70,660,500)        (46,169,233)  

Net Assets

     $493,006,646        $40,446,873        $17,268,549        $1,081,262,512        $258,994,046  

Class N:

 

              

Net Assets

     $301,027,605        $10,680,376        $6,528,383        $12,972,392        $2,955,237  

Shares outstanding

     14,256,971        1,197,222        324,636        1,167,150        345,097  

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share

     $21.11        $8.92        $20.11        $11.11        $8.56  

Class I:

 

              

Net Assets

     $191,979,041        $19,889,744        $10,740,166        $1,068,290,120        $255,927,964  

Shares outstanding

     9,091,124        2,221,529        534,326        95,562,700        30,828,135  

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share

     $21.12        $8.95        $20.10        $11.18        $8.30  

Class Z:

 

              

Net Assets

            $9,876,753                      $110,845  

Shares outstanding

            1,103,437                      13,355  

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share

            $8.95                      $8.30  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

49


   

    

Statement of Operations

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022

 

 

     AMG GW&K
ESG

Bond Fund
    AMG
GW&K Enhanced
Core Bond
ESG Fund
  AMG
GW&K High
Income Fund
  AMG
GW&K Municipal
Bond Fund
  AMG
GW&K Municipal
Enhanced

Yield Fund
 

 Investment Income:

          

Interest income

     $15,673,594       $1,317,282         $732,593       $24,322,772         $9,942,590      

Securities lending income

     91,026       9,143       21,484              

Foreign withholding tax

     (4,703                        

Total investment income

     15,759,917       1,326,425       754,077       24,322,772       9,942,590  

 Expenses:

          

Investment advisory and management fees

     1,363,391       146,227       72,096       2,430,930       1,325,322  

Administrative fees

     889,168       73,114       27,729       1,757,573       441,774  

Distribution fees - Class N

           29,255             35,742       10,133  

Shareholder servicing fees - Class N

     865,479             17,627       18,880       6,080  

Shareholder servicing fees - Class I

     123,293       20,774       5,718       578,709       145,173  

Professional fees

     105,299       61,295       44,119       97,306       52,581  

Registration fees

     60,338       39,079       27,739       116,005       46,918  

Reports to shareholders

     58,040       9,094       3,334       49,662       12,357  

Custodian fees

     50,336       23,888       17,097       97,442       40,199  

Trustee fees and expenses

     41,125       3,413       1,341       84,573       20,683  

Transfer agent fees

     29,706       3,321       1,253       35,800       9,340  

Interest expense

           1,340       3,009       352       164  

Miscellaneous

     24,388       4,740       2,410       40,727       13,587  

Total expenses before offsets

     3,610,563       415,540       223,472       5,343,701       2,124,311  

Expense reimbursements

     (72,842     (130,195     (88,045     (726,185     (225,094

Net expenses

     3,537,721       285,345       135,427       4,617,516       1,899,217  
          

Net investment income

     12,222,196       1,041,080       618,650       19,705,256       8,043,373  

 Net Realized and Unrealized Loss:

          

Net realized loss on investments

     (19,299,747     (2,654,300     (1,149,384     (10,312,359     (10,807,395

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments

     (84,052,548     (5,951,857     (961,928     (113,439,737     (60,592,633

Net realized and unrealized loss

     (103,352,295     (8,606,157     (2,111,312     (123,752,096     (71,400,028
          

 Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

     $(91,130,099     $(7,565,077     $(1,492,662     $(104,046,840     $(63,356,655

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

50


   

    

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

For the fiscal years ended December 31,

 

 

     AMG GW&K
ESG Bond Fund
    AMG
GW&K Enhanced
Core Bond ESG Fund
    AMG
GW&K High
Income Fund
 
     2022     2021     2022     2021     2022     2021  

 Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting From Operations:

            

Net investment income

     $12,222,196       $16,869,717       $1,041,080       $812,613       $618,650       $437,039  

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

     (19,299,747     81,364,988       (2,654,300     874,010       (1,149,384     151,347  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments

     (84,052,548     (112,045,135     (5,951,857     (2,321,289     (961,928     89,236  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

     (91,130,099     (13,810,430     (7,565,077     (634,666     (1,492,662     677,622  

 Distributions to Shareholders:

            

 From net investment income and/or realized gain on investments:

            

Class N

     (7,736,535     (53,132,625     (235,849     (211,642     (277,251     (232,178

Class I

     (5,885,301     (51,380,355     (537,618     (426,487     (410,014     (312,124

Class Z

                 (268,295     (186,240            

 From paid-in capital:

            

Class N

                       (12,304            

Class I

                       (24,795            

Class Z

                       (10,828            

Total distributions to shareholders

     (13,621,836     (104,512,980     (1,041,762     (872,296     (687,265     (544,302

 Capital Share Transactions:1

            

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

     (157,179,741     (228,559,947     (11,796,222     7,211,314       (1,875,236     10,888,534  
            

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

     (261,931,676     (346,883,357     (20,403,061     5,704,352       (4,055,163     11,021,854  

 Net Assets:

            

Beginning of year

     754,938,322       1,101,821,679       60,849,934       55,145,582       21,323,712       10,301,858  

End of year

     $493,006,646       $754,938,322       $40,446,873       $60,849,934       $17,268,549       $21,323,712  

1 See Note 1(g) of the Notes to Financial Statements.

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

51


   

    

Statements of Changes in Net Assets (continued)

For the fiscal years ended December 31,

 

 

     AMG
GW&K Municipal
Bond Fund
    AMG
GW&K Municipal
Enhanced Yield Fund
 
     2022     2021     2022     2021  

 Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting From Operations:

        

Net investment income

     $19,705,256       $17,736,073       $8,043,373       $8,074,327  

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

     (10,312,359     11,510,796       (10,807,395     5,033,099  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments

     (113,439,737     (24,090,355     (60,592,633     727,146  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

     (104,046,840     5,156,514       (63,356,655     13,834,572  

 Distributions to Shareholders:

        

Class N

     (212,610     (320,461     (79,222     (239,124

Class I

     (21,345,146     (27,948,470     (8,871,256     (12,853,713

Class Z

                 (3,685     (4,817

Total distributions to shareholders

     (21,557,756     (28,268,931     (8,954,163     (13,097,654

 Capital Share Transactions:1

        

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

     (142,203,031     66,362,378       (53,225,598     55,209,790  
        

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

     (267,807,627     43,249,961       (125,536,416     55,946,708  

 Net Assets:

        

Beginning of year

     1,349,070,139       1,305,820,178       384,530,462       328,583,754  

End of year

     $1,081,262,512       $1,349,070,139       $258,994,046       $384,530,462  

1 See Note 1(g) of the Notes to Financial Statements.

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

52


   

AMG GW&K ESG Bond Fund

Financial Highlights

For a share outstanding throughout each fiscal year

 

 

     For the fiscal years ended December 31,
 Class N    2022     2021     2020     2019     2018  

 Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year

     $24.88       $28.12       $27.14       $25.49       $26.97  

 Income (loss) from Investment Operations:

          

Net investment income1,2

     0.44       0.44       0.90       0.94       0.84  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (3.70     (0.83     1.03       1.85       (1.33

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     (3.26     (0.39     1.93       2.79       (0.49

 Less Distributions to Shareholders from:

          

Net investment income

     (0.47     (0.47     (0.88     (0.98     (0.80

Net realized gain on investments

     (0.04     (2.38     (0.07     (0.16     (0.19

Total distributions to shareholders

     (0.51     (2.85     (0.95     (1.14     (0.99

 Net Asset Value, End of Year

     $21.11       $24.88       $28.12       $27.14       $25.49  

 Total Return2,3

     (13.17 )%      (1.29 )%      7.34     11.10     (1.82 )% 

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets

     0.68     0.69 %4      0.71     0.72 %5      0.98 %4 

Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets6

     0.69     0.69 %4      0.72     0.73 %5      0.98 %4 

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets2

     1.98     1.71     3.31     3.53     3.19

Portfolio turnover

     23     186     25     20     9

Net assets end of year (000’s) omitted

     $301,028       $427,818       $555,124       $618,381       $715,468  
    

 

 

53


   

AMG GW&K ESG Bond Fund

Financial Highlights

For a share outstanding throughout each fiscal year

 

 

     For the fiscal years ended December 31,
 Class I    2022     2021     2020     2019     2018  

 Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year

     $24.89       $28.13       $27.14       $25.49       $26.97  

 Income (loss) from Investment Operations:

          

Net investment income1,2

     0.49       0.50       0.95       0.99       0.86  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (3.71     (0.83     1.05       1.85       (1.32

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     (3.22     (0.33     2.00       2.84       (0.46

 Less Distributions to Shareholders from:

          

Net investment income

     (0.51     (0.53     (0.94     (1.03     (0.83

Net realized gain on investments

     (0.04     (2.38     (0.07     (0.16     (0.19

Total distributions to shareholders

     (0.55     (2.91     (1.01     (1.19     (1.02

 Net Asset Value, End of Year

     $21.12       $24.89       $28.13       $27.14       $25.49  

 Total Return2,3

     (12.99 )%      (1.05 )%      7.57     11.32     (1.72 )% 

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets

     0.48     0.49 %4      0.50     0.52 %5      0.88 %4 

Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets6

     0.49     0.49 %4      0.51     0.53 %5      0.88 %4 

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets2

     2.18     1.91     3.52     3.73     3.29

Portfolio turnover

     23     186     25     20     9

Net assets end of year (000’s) omitted

     $191,979       $327,121       $546,698       $605,353       $1,094,820  
    

 

1 

Per share numbers have been calculated using average shares.

 

2 

Total returns and net investment income would have been lower had certain expenses not been offset.

 

3 

The total return is calculated using the published Net Asset Value as of fiscal year end.

 

4 

Ratio includes recapture of reimbursed fees from prior years amounting to less than 0.01% and 0.04% for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2018, respectively.

 

5 

Includes 0.01% of extraordinary expense related to legal expense in support of an investment held in the portfolio.

 

6 

Excludes the impact of expense reimbursement or fee waivers and expense reductions such as brokerage credits, but includes expense repayments and non-reimbursable expenses, if any, such as interest, taxes, and extraordinary expenses. (See Note 1(c) and 2 in the Notes to Financial Statements.)

 

 

54


   

AMG GW&K Enhanced Core Bond ESG Fund

Financial Highlights

For a share outstanding throughout each fiscal year

 

 

     For the fiscal years ended December 31,
 Class N    2022     2021     2020     2019     2018  

 Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year

     $10.61       $10.90       $10.15       $9.43       $9.81  

 Income (loss) from Investment Operations:

          

Net investment income1,2

     0.19       0.14       0.20       0.24       0.23  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (1.69     (0.28     0.75       0.73       (0.38

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     (1.50     (0.14     0.95       0.97       (0.15

 Less Distributions to Shareholders from:

          

Net investment income

     (0.19     (0.14     (0.20     (0.25     (0.23

Paid in capital

           (0.01                  

Total distributions to shareholders

     (0.19     (0.15     (0.20     (0.25     (0.23

 Net Asset Value, End of Year

     $8.92       $10.61       $10.90       $10.15       $9.43  

 Total Return2,3

     (14.17 )%      (1.26 )%      9.41     10.35     (1.48 )% 

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets

     0.73     0.73     0.73     0.73     0.73

Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets4

     1.00     0.93     1.06     1.16     0.99

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets2

     1.99     1.32     1.86     2.43     2.45

Portfolio turnover

     54     86     101     71     26

Net assets end of year (000’s) omitted

     $10,680       $13,736       $15,794       $14,779       $12,884  
    

 

 

 

55


   

AMG GW&K Enhanced Core Bond ESG Fund

Financial Highlights

For a share outstanding throughout each fiscal year

 

 

     For the fiscal years ended December 31,
 Class I    2022     2021     2020     2019     2018  

 Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year

     $10.65       $10.94       $10.19       $9.47       $9.85  

 Income (loss) from Investment Operations:

          

Net investment income1,2

     0.21       0.16       0.22       0.26       0.25  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (1.70     (0.28     0.75       0.73       (0.38

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     (1.49     (0.12     0.97       0.99       (0.13

 Less Distributions to Shareholders from:

          

Net investment income

     (0.21     (0.16     (0.22     (0.27     (0.25

Paid in capital

           (0.01                  

Total distributions to shareholders

     (0.21     (0.17     (0.22     (0.27     (0.25

 Net Asset Value, End of Year

     $8.95       $10.65       $10.94       $10.19       $9.47  

 Total Return2,3

     (14.07 )%      (1.07 )%      9.57     10.51     (1.27 )% 

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets

     0.56     0.56     0.55     0.55     0.54

Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets4

     0.83     0.76     0.88     0.98     0.80

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets2

     2.16     1.49     2.04     2.62     2.64

Portfolio turnover

     54     86     101     71     26

Net assets end of year (000’s) omitted

     $19,890       $33,402       $27,800       $8,502       $5,967  
    

 

 

 

56


   

AMG GW&K Enhanced Core Bond ESG Fund

Financial Highlights

For a share outstanding throughout each fiscal year

 

 

     For the fiscal years ended December 31,
 Class Z    2022     2021     2020     2019     2018  

 Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year

     $10.65       $10.93       $10.18       $9.46       $9.84  

 Income (loss) from Investment Operations:

          

Net investment income1,2

     0.21       0.17       0.22       0.27       0.26  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (1.69     (0.27     0.75       0.72       (0.38

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     (1.48     (0.10     0.97       0.99       (0.12

 Less Distributions to Shareholders from:

          

Net investment income

     (0.22     (0.17     (0.22     (0.27     (0.26

Paid in capital

           (0.01                  

Total distributions to shareholders

     (0.22     (0.18     (0.22     (0.27     (0.26

 Net Asset Value, End of Year

     $8.95       $10.65       $10.93       $10.18       $9.46  

Total Return2,3

     (14.00 )%      (0.92 )%      9.65     10.59     (1.23 )% 

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets

     0.48     0.48     0.48     0.48     0.48

Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets4

     0.75     0.68     0.81     0.91     0.74

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets2

     2.24     1.57     2.11     2.72     2.70

Portfolio turnover

     54     86     101     71     26

Net assets end of year (000’s) omitted

     $9,877       $13,712       $11,552       $10,080       $15,254  
    

 

1 

Per share numbers have been calculated using average shares.

 

2 

Total returns and net investment income would have been lower had certain expenses not been offset.

 

3 

The total return is calculated using the published Net Asset Value as of fiscal year end.

 

4 

Excludes the impact of expense reimbursement or fee waivers and expense reductions such as brokerage credits, but includes expense repayments and non-reimbursable expenses, if any, such as interest, taxes, and extraordinary expenses. (See Note 1(c) and 2 in the Notes to Financial Statements.)

 

 

57


   

AMG GW&K High Income Fund

Financial Highlights

For a share outstanding throughout each fiscal year

 

 

     For the fiscal years ended December 31,
 Class N    2022     2021     2020     2019     2018  

 Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year

     $22.46       $22.23       $21.52       $20.04       $21.06  

 Income (loss) from Investment Operations:

          

Net investment income1,2

     0.67       0.53       0.51       0.57       0.69  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (2.20     0.28       2.09       0.98       (1.57

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     (1.53     0.81       2.60       1.55       (0.88

 Less Distributions to Shareholders from:

          

Net investment income

     (0.77     (0.53     (0.48     (0.07     (0.14

Net realized gain on investments

     (0.05     (0.05     (1.41            

Total distributions to shareholders

     (0.82     (0.58     (1.89     (0.07     (0.14

 Net Asset Value, End of Year

     $20.11       $22.46       $22.23       $21.52       $20.04  

 Total Return2,3

     (6.80 )%      3.67     12.16     7.67     (4.18 )% 

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets

     0.86 %4      0.84     0.89     0.89     0.89

Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets5

     1.32     1.37     1.70     1.87     1.52

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets2

     3.22     2.36     2.28     2.70     3.34

Portfolio turnover

     74     97     157     52     60

Net assets end of year (000’s) omitted

     $6,528       $8,157       $10,302       $9,638       $10,365  
    

 

 

58


   

AMG GW&K High Income Fund

Financial Highlights

For a share outstanding throughout each fiscal period

 

 

     For the fiscal year ended December 31,   For the fiscal
period ended
December 31,
 Class I    2022   20216

 Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $22.45       $22.27    

 Income (loss) from Investment Operations:

    

Net investment income1,2

   0.71   0.46

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

   (2.20)   0.35

Total income (loss) from investment operations

   (1.49)   0.81

 Less Distributions to Shareholders from:

    

Net investment income

   (0.81)   (0.58)

Net realized gain on investments

   (0.05)   (0.05)

Total distributions to shareholders

   (0.86)   (0.63)

 Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $20.10       $22.45    

 Total Return2,3

       (6.63)%       3.68%7

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets

       0.66%4       0.64%8

Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets5

       1.12%       1.17%8

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets2

       3.42%       2.56%8

Portfolio turnover

       74%       97%

Net assets end of period (000’s) omitted

   $10,740       $13,166    
  

 

1 

Per share numbers have been calculated using average shares.

 

2 

Total returns and net investment income would have been lower had certain expenses not been offset.

 

3 

The total return is calculated using the published Net Asset Value as of fiscal year end.

 

4 

Includes interest expense totaling 0.02% related to participation in the interfund lending program.

 

5 

Excludes the impact of expense reimbursement or fee waivers and expense reductions such as brokerage credits, but includes expense repayments and non-reimbursable expenses, if any, such as interest, taxes, and extraordinary expenses. (See Note 1(c) and 2 in the Notes to Financial Statements.)

 

6 

Commencement of operations was on March 15, 2021.

 

7 

Not annualized.

 

8 

Annualized.

 

 

59


   

AMG GW&K Municipal Bond Fund

Financial Highlights

For a share outstanding throughout each fiscal year

 

 

     For the fiscal years ended December 31,
 Class N    2022     2021     2020     2019     2018  

 Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year

     $12.24       $12.45       $12.12       $11.48       $11.60  

 Income (loss) from Investment Operations:

          

Net investment income1,2

     0.15       0.13       0.15       0.19       0.17  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (1.10     (0.11     0.33       0.64       (0.11

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     (0.95     0.02       0.48       0.83       0.06  

 Less Distributions to Shareholders from:

          

Net investment income

     (0.16     (0.13     (0.15     (0.19     (0.18

Net realized gain on investments

     (0.02     (0.10                 (0.00 )3 

Total distributions to shareholders

     (0.18     (0.23     (0.15     (0.19     (0.18

 Net Asset Value, End of Year

     $11.11       $12.24       $12.45       $12.12       $11.48  

 Total Return2,4

     (7.80 )%      0.10     4.31     7.29     0.54

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets

     0.72     0.71     0.71     0.71     0.71

Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets5

     0.78     0.76     0.77     0.78     0.77

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets2

     1.35     1.01     1.25     1.59     1.53

Portfolio turnover

     20     24     17     18     35

Net assets end of year (000’s) omitted

     $12,972       $17,112       $18,153       $18,711       $17,445  
    

 

 

 

60


   

AMG GW&K Municipal Bond Fund

Financial Highlights

For a share outstanding throughout each fiscal year

 

 

     For the fiscal years ended December 31,
 Class I    2022     2021     2020     2019     2018  

 Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year

     $12.31       $12.52       $12.18       $11.54       $11.66  

 Income (loss) from Investment Operations:

          

Net investment income1,2

     0.19       0.17       0.19       0.23       0.21  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (1.11     (0.11     0.34       0.64       (0.12

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     (0.92     0.06       0.53       0.87       0.09  

 Less Distributions to Shareholders from:

          

Net investment income

     (0.19     (0.17     (0.19     (0.23     (0.21

Net realized gain on investments

     (0.02     (0.10                 (0.00 )3 

Total distributions to shareholders

     (0.21     (0.27     (0.19     (0.23     (0.21

 Net Asset Value, End of Year

     $11.18       $12.31       $12.52       $12.18       $11.54  

 Total Return2,4

     (7.45 )%      0.43     4.70     7.58     0.87

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets

     0.39     0.39     0.39     0.39     0.39

Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets5

     0.45     0.44     0.45     0.46     0.45

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets2

     1.68     1.33     1.57     1.91     1.85

Portfolio turnover

     20     24     17     18     35

Net assets end of year (000’s) omitted

     $1,068,290       $1,331,958       $1,287,667       $1,014,514       $940,553  
    

 

1 

Per share numbers have been calculated using average shares.

 

2 

Total returns and net investment income would have been lower had certain expenses not been offset.

 

3 

Less than $(0.005) per share.

 

4 

The total return is calculated using the published Net Asset Value as of fiscal year end.

 

5 

Excludes the impact of expense reimbursement or fee waivers and expense reductions such as brokerage credits, but includes expense repayments and non-reimbursable expenses, if any, such as interest, taxes, and extraordinary expenses. (See Note 1(c) and 2 in the Notes to Financial Statements.)

 

 

61


   

AMG GW&K Municipal Enhanced Yield Fund

Financial Highlights

For a share outstanding throughout each fiscal year

 

 

     For the fiscal years ended December 31,
 Class N    2022     2021     2020     2019     2018  

 Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year

     $10.74       $10.69       $10.42       $9.69       $10.02  

 Income (loss) from Investment Operations:

          

Net investment income1,2

     0.22       0.20       0.23       0.26       0.27  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (2.17     0.18       0.37       0.78       (0.33

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     (1.95     0.38       0.60       1.04       (0.06

 Less Distributions to Shareholders from:

          

Net investment income

     (0.20     (0.19     (0.21     (0.25     (0.15

Net realized gain on investments

     (0.03     (0.14     (0.12     (0.06      

Paid in capital

                             (0.12

Total distributions to shareholders

     (0.23     (0.33     (0.33     (0.31     (0.27

 Net Asset Value, End of Year

     $8.56       $10.74       $10.69       $10.42       $9.69  

 Total Return2,3

     (18.19 )%      3.59     5.95     10.92     (0.55 )% 

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets

     0.99     0.99     0.99     0.99     0.99

Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets4

     1.07     1.05     1.07     1.08     1.08

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets2

     2.39     1.85     2.17     2.56     2.79

Portfolio turnover

     45     61     81     40     89

Net assets end of year (000’s) omitted

     $2,955       $14,923       $5,015       $5,722       $7,283  
    

 

 

 

62


   

AMG GW&K Municipal Enhanced Yield Fund

Financial Highlights

For a share outstanding throughout each fiscal year

 

 

     For the fiscal years ended December 31,
 Class I    2022     2021     2020     2019     2018  

 Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year

     $10.43       $10.40       $10.15       $9.45       $10.01  

 Income (loss) from Investment Operations:

          

Net investment income1,2

     0.24       0.23       0.25       0.29       0.31  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (2.09     0.17       0.37       0.76       (0.32

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     (1.85     0.40       0.62       1.05       (0.01

 Less Distributions to Shareholders from:

          

Net investment income

     (0.25     (0.23     (0.25     (0.29     (0.31

Net realized gain on investments

     (0.03     (0.14     (0.12     (0.06      

Paid in capital

                             (0.24

Total distributions to shareholders

     (0.28     (0.37     (0.37     (0.35     (0.55

 Net Asset Value, End of Year

     $8.30       $10.43       $10.40       $10.15       $9.45  

 Total Return2,3

     (17.86 )%      3.94     6.31     11.28     (0.07 )% 

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets

     0.64     0.64     0.64     0.64     0.64

Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets4

     0.72     0.70     0.72     0.73     0.73

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets2

     2.74     2.20     2.52     2.91     3.14

Portfolio turnover

     45     61     81     40     89

Net assets end of year (000’s) omitted

     $255,928       $369,473       $323,439       $273,228       $203,867  
    

 

 

 

63


   

AMG GW&K Municipal Enhanced Yield Fund

Financial Highlights

For a share outstanding throughout each fiscal year

 

 

     For the fiscal years ended December 31,
 Class Z    2022     2021     2020     2019     2018  

 Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year

     $10.43       $10.40       $10.15       $9.44       $10.01  

 Income (loss) from Investment Operations:

          

Net investment income1,2

     0.25       0.24       0.26       0.30       0.31  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (2.10     0.17       0.37       0.76       (0.32

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     (1.85     0.41       0.63       1.06       (0.01

 Less Distributions to Shareholders from:

          

Net investment income

     (0.25     (0.24     (0.26     (0.29     (0.32

Net realized gain on investments

     (0.03     (0.14     (0.12     (0.06      

Paid in capital

                             (0.24

Total distributions to shareholders

     (0.28     (0.38     (0.38     (0.35     (0.56

 Net Asset Value, End of Year

     $8.30       $10.43       $10.40       $10.15       $9.44  

 Total Return2,3

     (17.82 )%      3.99     6.37     11.45     (0.09 )% 

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets

     0.59     0.59     0.59     0.59     0.59

Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets4

     0.67     0.65     0.67     0.68     0.68

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets2

     2.79     2.25     2.57     2.96     3.19

Portfolio turnover

     45     61     81     40     89

Net assets end of year (000’s) omitted

     $111       $135       $130       $120       $108  
    

 

1 

Per share numbers have been calculated using average shares.

 

2 

Total returns and net investment income would have been lower had certain expenses not been offset.

 

3 

The total return is calculated using the published Net Asset Value as of fiscal year end.

 

4 

Excludes the impact of expense reimbursement or fee waivers and expense reductions such as brokerage credits, but includes expense repayments and non-reimbursable expenses, if any, such as interest, taxes, and extraordinary expenses. (See Note 1(c) and 2 in the Notes to Financial Statements.)

 

 

 

64


    

    

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2022

 

 

 

1. ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

AMG Funds, AMG Funds II and AMG Funds III (the “Trusts”) are open-end management investment companies, organized as Massachusetts business trusts, and registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). Currently, the Trusts consist of a number of different funds, each having distinct investment management objectives, strategies, risks, and policies. Included in this report are AMG Funds: AMG GW&K Municipal Bond Fund (“Municipal Bond”), AMG GW&K Municipal Enhanced Yield Fund (“Municipal Enhanced”), AMG Funds II: AMG GW&K Enhanced Core Bond ESG Fund (“Enhanced Core Bond ESG”) and AMG Funds III: AMG GW&K ESG Bond Fund (“ESG Bond”) and AMG GW&K High Income Fund (“High Income”), each a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”.

Each Fund offers different classes of shares. All Funds offer Class N shares and Class I shares; and Enhanced Core Bond ESG and Municipal Enhanced offer Class Z shares. Each class represents an interest in the same assets of the respective Fund. Although all share classes generally have identical voting rights, each share class votes separately when required by law. Different share classes may have different net asset values per share to the extent the share classes pay different distribution amounts and/or the expenses of such share classes differ. Each share class has its own expense structure. Please refer to a current prospectus for additional information on each share class.

Market prices of investments held by the Funds may fall rapidly or unpredictably due to a variety of economic or political factors, market conditions, disasters or public health issues, or in response to events that affect particular industries or companies.

The Funds’ financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”), including accounting and reporting guidance pursuant to Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946 applicable to investment companies. U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates and such differences could be material. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Funds in the preparation of their financial statements:

a. VALUATION OF INVESTMENTS

Fixed income securities purchased with a remaining maturity exceeding 60 days are valued at the evaluated bid price provided by an authorized pricing service or, if an evaluated price is not available, by reference to other securities which are considered comparable in credit rating, interest rate, due date and other features (generally referred to as “matrix pricing”) or other similar pricing methodologies. Investments in certain mortgage-backed and stripped mortgage-backed securities, convertible securities, derivatives and other debt securities not traded on an organized securities market are valued on the basis of valuations provided by dealers or by a pricing service which uses information with respect to transactions in such securities and various relationships between such securities and yield to maturity in determining value.

Fixed income securities purchased with a remaining maturity of 60 days or less are valued at amortized cost, provided that the amortized cost value is

approximately the same as the fair value of the security valued without the use of amortized cost. Investments in other open-end registered investment companies are valued at their end of day net asset value per share.

The Funds’ portfolio investments are generally valued based on independent market quotations or prices or, if none, “evaluative” or other market based valuations provided by third party pricing services approved by the Boards of Trustees of the Trusts (the “Boards”). Under certain circumstances, the value of certain Fund portfolio investments may be based on an evaluation of fair value, pursuant to procedures established by and under the general supervision of the Boards. The Valuation Committee, which is comprised of the Independent Trustees of the Boards, and the Pricing Committee, which is comprised of representatives from AMG Funds LLC (the “Investment Manager”) are the committees appointed by the Boards to make fair value determinations. Each Fund may use the fair value of a portfolio investment to calculate its net asset value (“NAV”) in the event that the market quotation, price or market based valuation for the portfolio investment is not readily available or otherwise not determinable pursuant to the Boards’ valuation procedures, if the Investment Manager or the Pricing Committee believes the quotation, price or market based valuation to be unreliable, or in certain other circumstances. When determining the fair value of an investment, the Pricing Committee and, if required under the Trusts’ securities valuation procedures, the Valuation Committee, seeks to determine the price that a Fund might reasonably expect to receive from current sale of that portfolio investment in an arms-length transaction. Fair value determinations shall be based upon consideration of all available facts and information, including, but not limited to (i) attributes specific to the investment; (ii) fundamental and analytical data relating to the investment; and (iii) the value of other comparable securities or relevant financial instruments, including derivative securities, traded on other markets or among dealers.

The values assigned to fair value portfolio investments are based on available information and do not necessarily represent amounts that might ultimately be realized in the future, since such amounts depend on future developments inherent in long-term investments. Because of the inherent uncertainty of valuation, those estimated values may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a ready market for the investments existed, and the differences could be material. The Boards will be presented with a quarterly report showing as of the most recent quarter end, all outstanding securities fair valued by the Funds, including a comparison with the prior quarter end and the percentage of the Funds that the security represents at each quarter end.

With respect to foreign equity securities and certain foreign fixed income securities, the Boards have adopted a policy that securities held in the Funds that can be fair valued by the applicable fair value pricing service are fair valued on each business day provided that each individual price exceeds a pre-established confidence level.

Effective September 8, 2022, the Funds adopted the requirements of Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act (“Rule 2a-5”), which the Funds’ Board designated the Funds’ Investment Manager as the Funds’ Valuation Designee to perform the Funds’ fair value determinations. Such determinations are subject to Board oversight and certain reporting and other requirements intended to ensure that the Board receives the information it needs to oversee the Investment Manager’s fair value determinations. Other than the designation of the Investment Manager as the Valuation Designee, the Funds’ adoption of Rule 2-a5 did not impact how the Funds determine fair value or the carrying amount of investments held in the Funds.

 

 

 

65


    

 

    

    

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

   

    

 

      

 

U.S. GAAP defines fair value as the price that a fund would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. U.S. GAAP also establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and a three level hierarchy for fair value measurements based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability. Inputs may be observable or unobservable and refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Funds.

Unobservable inputs reflect the Funds’ own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. Each investment is assigned a level based upon the observability of the inputs which are significant to the overall valuation.

The three-tier hierarchy of inputs is summarized below:

Level 1 – inputs are quoted prices in active markets for identical investments (e.g., equity securities, open-end investment companies)

Level 2 – other observable inputs (including, but not limited to: quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in markets that are active, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the assets or liabilities (such as interest rates, yield curves, volatilities, prepayment speeds, loss severities, credit risks and default rates) or other market corroborated inputs) (e.g., debt securities, government securities, foreign currency exchange contracts, foreign securities utilizing international fair value pricing, fair valued securities with observable inputs)

Level 3 – inputs are significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions used to determine the fair value of investments) (e.g., fair valued securities with unobservable inputs)

Changes in inputs or methodologies used for valuing investments may result in a transfer in or out of levels within the fair value hierarchy. The inputs or methodologies used for valuing investments may not necessarily be an indication of the risk associated with investing in those investments.

b. SECURITY TRANSACTIONS

Security transactions are accounted for as of trade date. Realized gains and losses on securities sold are determined on the basis of identified cost.

c. INVESTMENT INCOME AND EXPENSES

Interest income, which includes amortization of premium and accretion of discount on debt securities, is accrued as earned. Interest income on foreign securities is recorded gross of any withholding tax. Expenses that cannot be directly attributed to a Fund are apportioned among the funds in the Trusts and other trusts or funds within the AMG Funds Family of Funds (collectively the “AMG Funds Family”) based upon their relative average net assets or number of shareholders. Investment income, realized and unrealized capital gains and losses, the common expenses of each Fund, and certain fund level expense reductions, if any, are allocated on a pro-rata basis to each class based on the relative net assets of each class to the total net assets of each Fund.

d. DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS

Fund distributions resulting from net investment income, if any, will normally be declared and paid monthly by the Funds. Fund distributions resulting from realized net capital gains, if any, will normally be declared and paid at least annually in December. Distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Distributions are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from net investment income and net realized capital gains for financial statement purposes (U.S. GAAP). Differences may be permanent or temporary. Permanent differences are reclassified among capital accounts in the financial statements to reflect their tax character. Permanent book and tax basis differences, if any, relating to shareholder distributions will result in reclassifications to paid-in capital. Temporary differences arise when certain items of income, expense and gain or loss are recognized in different periods for financial statement and tax purposes; these differences will reverse at some time in the future. There are no permanent differences during the year. Temporary differences are primarily due to; for ESG Bond, Enhanced Core Bond ESG, High Income and Municipal Enhanced Yield wash sale loss deferrals, for ESG Bond and High Income, premium amortization on callable bonds.

 

 

The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 were as follows:

 

     ESG Bond      Enhanced Core Bond ESG      High Income  

  Distributions paid from:

     2022                    2021              2022                      2021                    2022                        2021              

  Ordinary income *

     $12,655,107        $200,763        $1,041,762        $824,369        $684,311        $543,755  

  Tax-exempt income

                                         

  Long-term capital gains

     966,729        104,312,217                      2,954        547  

  Paid-in capital

                          47,927                
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
             $13,621,836                $104,512,980                $1,041,762                $872,296                $687,265                $544,302  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

66


    

 

    

    

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

   

    

 

      

 

     Municipal Bond      Municipal Enhanced  

  Distributions paid from:

     2022                2021                  2022                2021          

  Ordinary income *

     $551,119        $808,177        $207,654        $1,453,156  

  Tax-exempt income

     19,272,793        17,729,864        7,931,831        8,070,665  

  Long-term capital gains

     1,733,844        9,730,890        814,678        3,573,833  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
               $21,557,756                $28,268,931                $8,954,163                  $13,097,654  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

*

For tax purposes, short-term capital gain distributions, if any, are considered ordinary income distributions.

As of December 31, 2022, the components of distributable earnings (excluding unrealized appreciation/depreciation) on a tax basis consisted of:

 

    ESG Bond     Enhanced Core Bond ESG     High Income     Municipal Bond     Municipal Enhanced  

  Capital loss carryforward

    $19,613,061       $4,956,739       $1,188,227       $10,312,359       $10,809,353  

  Undistributed ordinary income

    31,878             4,287              

  Undistributed tax-exempt income

                      677       30,058  

At December 31, 2022, the cost of investments and the aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation for federal income tax purposes were as follows:

 

  Fund    Cost      Appreciation      Depreciation     Net Depreciation  

  ESG Bond

     $576,213,247        $926,487        $(80,013,775     $(79,087,288

  Enhanced Core Bond ESG

     46,849,394        10,494        (5,741,529     (5,731,035

  High Income

     19,273,681        35,883        (962,111     (926,228

  Municipal Bond

     1,143,562,341        2,993,902        (63,342,720     (60,348,818

  Municipal Enhanced

     290,190,158        829,496        (36,219,434     (35,389,938

 

e. FEDERAL TAXES

Each Fund currently qualifies as an investment company and intends to comply with the requirements under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and to distribute substantially all of its taxable income and gains to its shareholders and to meet certain diversification and income requirements with respect to investment companies. Therefore, no provision for federal income or excise tax is included in the accompanying financial statements.

Additionally, based on each Fund’s understanding of the tax rules and rates related to income, gains and transactions for the foreign jurisdictions in which it invests, each Fund will provide for foreign taxes, and where appropriate, deferred foreign taxes.

Management has analyzed the Funds’ tax positions taken on federal income tax returns as of December 31, 2022, and for all open tax years (generally, the three prior taxable years), and has concluded that no provision for federal income tax is required in the Funds’ financial statements. Additionally, Management is not aware of any tax position for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will change materially in the next twelve months.

f. CAPITAL LOSS CARRYOVERS AND DEFERRALS

As of December 31, 2022, the Funds had capital loss carryovers for federal income tax purposes as shown in the following chart. These amounts may be used to offset future realized capital gains indefinitely, and retain their character as short-term and/or long-term.

 

  Fund    Short-Term      Long-Term      Total  

  ESG Bond

     $7,220,366        $12,392,695        $19,613,061  

  Enhanced Core Bond ESG

     2,475,319        2,481,420        4,956,739  

  High Income

     397,484        790,743        1,188,227  

  Municipal Bond

     2,786,859        7,525,500        10,312,359  

  Municipal Enhanced

     3,966,598        6,842,755        10,809,353  

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, the Funds did not utilize capital loss carryovers.

 

 

 

67


    

 

    

    

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

   

    

 

      

 

g. CAPITAL STOCK

The Trust’s Declaration of Trust authorizes for each Fund the issuance of an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest, without par value. Each Fund records sales and repurchases of its capital stock on the trade date.

For the fiscal years ended December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, the capital stock transactions by class for the Funds were as follows:

 

    ESG Bond     Enhanced Core Bond ESG  
    December 31, 2022     December 31, 2021     December 31, 2022     December 31, 2021  
    Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount  

  Class N:

               

  Shares sold

    434,859       $9,802,580       1,452,937       $38,053,195       151,245       $1,447,268       286,260       $3,068,578  

  Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

    345,800       7,627,326       2,051,404       51,918,933       20,650       192,586       17,561       187,784  

  Shares redeemed

    (3,716,450)       (83,888,821)       (6,049,606)       (156,764,465)       (268,963)       (2,557,723)       (459,141)       (4,905,575)  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

  Net decrease

    (2,935,791)       $(66,458,915)       (2,545,265)       $(66,792,337)       (97,068)       $(917,869)       (155,320)       $(1,649,213)  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

  Class I:

               

 Shares sold

    1,292,769       $29,148,121       3,132,524       $82,409,399       1,447,204       $13,969,790       1,729,710       $18,560,256  

  Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

    256,042       5,663,172       1,959,229       49,642,039       55,346       519,860       40,944       439,321  

  Shares redeemed

    (5,602,000)       (125,532,119)       (11,383,287)       (293,819,048)       (2,416,748)       (23,744,821)       (1,177,158)       (12,618,347)  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

  Net increase (decrease)

    (4,053,189)       $(90,720,826)       (6,291,534)       $(161,767,610)       (914,198)       $(9,255,171)       593,496       $6,381,230  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

  Class Z:

               

  Shares sold

                            147,673       $1,476,721       442,744       $4,753,770  

  Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

                            27,916       261,662       17,832       191,235  

  Shares redeemed

                            (359,946)       (3,361,565)       (229,602)       (2,465,708)  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

  Net increase (decrease)

                            (184,357)       $(1,623,182)       230,974       $2,479,297  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    High Income     Municipal Bond  
    December 31, 2022     December 31, 2021     December 31, 2022     December 31, 2021  
    Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount  

  Class N:

               

  Shares sold

    18,712       $389,945       111,205       $2,494,229       647,098       $7,349,629       698,892       $8,650,727  

  Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

    13,040       267,721       9,973       224,451       16,904       188,374       23,744       292,232  

  Shares redeemed

    (70,270)       (1,469,556)       (221,405)       (4,977,229)       (895,246)       (10,012,745)       (782,262)       (9,674,017)  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

  Net decrease

    (38,518)       $(811,890)       (100,227)       $(2,258,549)       (231,244)       $(2,474,742)       (59,626)       $(731,058)  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

  Class I:

               

  Shares sold

    484,312       $9,834,594       605,743       $13,584,553       81,732,933       $917,700,640       33,594,124       $418,621,329  

  Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

    19,941       410,014       13,885       312,124       1,484,035       16,631,130       1,809,529       22,408,701  

  Shares redeemed

    (556,443)       (11,307,954)       (33,112)       (749,594)       (95,879,229)       (1,074,060,059)       (30,023,803)       (373,936,594)  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

  Net increase (decrease)

    (52,190)       $(1,063,346)       586,516       $13,147,083       (12,662,261)       $(139,728,289)       5,379,850       $67,093,436  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

68


    

 

    

    

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

   

    

 

      

 

     Municipal Enhanced  
     December 31, 2022      December 31, 2021  
     Shares      Amount      Shares      Amount  

  Class N:

           

  Shares sold

     616,950        $5,797,292        3,442,311        $37,047,081  

  Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     5,976        53,425        15,958        172,953  

  Shares redeemed

     (1,667,635)        (16,584,715)        (2,537,721)          (27,497,613)  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

  Net increase (decrease)

     (1,044,709)        $(10,733,998)        920,548        $9,722,421  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

  Class I:

           

  Shares sold

     12,933,675        $112,341,447        10,001,279        $105,402,142  

  Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     534,430        4,664,114        631,256        6,610,515  

  Shares redeemed

       (18,061,842)        (159,500,846)        (6,312,309)        (66,530,105)  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

  Net increase (decrease)

     (4,593,737)        $(42,495,285)        4,320,226        $45,482,552  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

  Class Z:

           

  Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     423        $3,685        461        $4,817  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

  Net increase

     423        $3,685        461        $4,817  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

h. REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS AND JOINT REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS

The Funds may enter into third-party and bilateral repurchase agreements for temporary cash management purposes and third-party or bilateral joint repurchase agreements for reinvestment of cash collateral on securities lending transactions under the securities lending program offered by The Bank of New York Mellon (“BNYM”) (the “Program”) (collectively, “Repurchase Agreements”). The value of the underlying collateral, including accrued interest, must equal or exceed the value of the Repurchase Agreements during the term of the agreement. For joint repurchase agreements, the Funds participate on a pro rata basis with other clients of BNYM in its share of the underlying collateral under such joint repurchase agreements and in its share of proceeds from any repurchase or other disposition of the underlying collateral. The underlying collateral for all Repurchase Agreements is held in safekeeping by the Funds’ custodian or at the Federal Reserve Bank. If the seller defaults and the value of the collateral declines, or if bankruptcy proceedings commence with respect to the seller of the security, realization of the collateral by the Funds may be delayed or limited. Pursuant to the Program, the Funds are indemnified for such losses by BNYM on joint repurchase agreements.

At December 31, 2022, the market value of Repurchase Agreements outstanding for ESG Bond, Enhanced Core Bond ESG, High Income, Municipal Bond Fund and Municipal Enhanced Yield were $10,482,408, $1,472,815, $1,501,247, $668,000 and $926,000, respectively.

i. SECURITIES TRANSACTED ON A WHEN ISSUED BASIS

The Funds may enter into To-Be-Announced (“TBA”) sale commitments to hedge their portfolio positions or to sell mortgage-backed securities they own under delayed delivery arrangements. Proceeds of TBA sale commitments are not received until the contractual settlement date. During the time a

TBA sale commitment is outstanding, equivalent deliverable securities, with the same counterparty, or an offsetting TBA purchase commitment deliverable on or before the sale commitment date, are held as “cover” for the transaction. Unsettled TBA sale commitments are valued at the current market value of the underlying securities according to the procedures described under “Valuation of Investments,” in Footnote 1a above.

Each TBA contract is marked-to-market daily and the change in market value is recorded by the Fund as an unrealized gain or loss. If the TBA sale commitment is closed through the acquisition of an offsetting purchase commitment with the same broker, the Fund realizes a gain or loss. If the Fund delivers securities under the commitment, the Fund realizes a gain or a loss from the sale of the securities based upon the unit price established at the date the commitment was entered into.

j. DELAYED DELIVERY TRANSACTIONS AND WHEN-ISSUED SECURITIES

The Funds may enter into securities transactions on a delayed delivery or when issued basis. Payment and delivery may take place after the customary settlement period for that security. The price of the underlying securities and the date when the securities will be delivered and paid for are fixed at the time the transaction is negotiated. During the time a delayed delivery sell is outstanding, the contract is marked to market daily and equivalent deliverable securities are held for the transaction. The value of the securities purchased on a delayed delivery or when-issued basis are identified as such in each Fund’s Schedule of Portfolio Investments. With respect to purchase commitments, the Fund’s identify securities as segregated in its records with a value at least equal to the amount of the commitment. Delayed delivery or when-issued securities that have been purchased from and sold to different brokers are reflected as an investment in securities and a forward sale commitment in the Fund’s Statement of Assets and Liabilities. For financial reporting purposes, the Fund does offset the receivable and payable for delayed delivery investments purchased and sold on TBA commitments. Losses may arise due to changes in the value of the underlying

 

 

 

69


    

 

    

    

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

   

    

 

      

 

securities or if the counterparty does not perform under the contract, or if the issuer does not issue the securities due to political, economic, or other factors.

2. AGREEMENTS AND TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES

For each of the Funds, the Trusts have entered into an investment advisory agreement under which the Investment Manager, a subsidiary and the U.S. retail distribution arm of Affiliated Managers Group, Inc. (“AMG”), serves as investment manager to the Funds and is responsible for the Funds’ overall administration and operations. The Investment Manager selects one or more subadvisers for the Funds (subject to the Boards approval) and monitors each subadviser’s investment performance, security holdings and investment strategies. Each Fund’s investment portfolio is managed by GW&K who serves pursuant to a subadvisory agreement with the Investment Manager. AMG indirectly owns a majority interest in GW&K. Prior to March 19, 2021, ESG Bond’s investment portfolio was managed by Loomis, Sayles & Company, L.P.

Investment management fees are paid directly by the Funds to the Investment Manager based on average daily net assets. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, the Funds’ investment management fees were paid at the following annual rates of each Fund’s respective average daily net assets:

 

  ESG Bond

   0.23%1    

  Enhanced Core Bond ESG

   0.30%    

  High Income

   0.39%    

  Municipal Bond

  

 on first $25 million

   0.35%    

 on next $25 million

   0.30%    

 on next $50 million

   0.25%    

on balance over $100 million

   0.20%    

  Municipal Enhanced

   0.45%    

 

1 

Prior to June 12, 2021, the annual rate for the investment management fees for ESG Bond was 0.26% of the Fund’s average daily net assets.

The fee paid to GW&K for its services as subadviser is paid out of the fee the Investment Manager receives from each Fund and does not increase the expenses of each Fund.

The Investment Manager has contractually agreed, through at least May 1, 2023, to waive management fees and/or pay or reimburse fund expenses in order to limit total annual Fund operating expenses after fee waiver and expense reimbursements (exclusive of taxes, interest (including interest incurred in connection with bank and custody overdrafts, and in connection with securities sold short), shareholder servicing fees, distribution and service (12b-1) fees, brokerage commissions and other transaction costs, dividends payable with respect to securities sold short, acquired fund fees and expenses and extraordinary expenses) of ESG Bond, Enhanced Core Bond ESG, High Income, Municipal Bond, and Municipal Enhanced to the annual rate of 0.43%, 0.48%. 0.59%, 0.34%, and 0.59%, respectively, of each Fund’s average daily net assets (this annual rate or such other annual rate that may be in effect from time to time, the “Expense Cap”), subject to later reimbursement by the Funds in certain circumstances. Prior to June 12, 2021, ESG Bond expense limitation was 0.46%.

In general, for a period of up to 36 months after the date any amounts are paid, waived or reimbursed by the Investment Manager, the Investment Manager may recover such amounts from a Fund, provided that such repayment would not cause the Fund’s total annual operating expenses after fee waiver and expense reimbursements (exclusive of the items noted in the parenthetical above) to exceed either (i) the Expense Cap in effect at the time such amounts were paid, waived or reimbursed, or (ii) the Expense Cap in effect at the time of such repayment by the Fund.

The contractual expense limitation may only be terminated in the event the Investment Manager or a successor ceases to be the investment manager of a Fund or a successor fund, by mutual agreement between the Investment Manager and the Boards, or in the event of a Fund’s liquidation unless the Fund is reorganized or is a party to a merger in which the surviving entity is successor to the accounting and performance information of a Fund.

At December 31, 2022, the Funds’ expiration of reimbursements subject to recoupment is as follows:

 

  Expiration

  Period

  ESG Bond     Enhanced Core
Bond ESG
    High Income  

  Less than 1 year

    $51,532       $135,792       $75,430  

  1-2 years

    19,644       113,335       94,499  

  2-3 years

    72,842       130,195       88,045  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

  Total

    $144,018       $379,322       $257,974  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

  Expiration

  Period

  Municipal Bond     Municipal Enhanced  

  Less than 1 year

    $704,935       $242,883  

  1-2 years

    706,015       230,390  

  2-3 years

    726,185       225,094  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

  Total

            $2,137,135               $698,367  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

The Trusts, on behalf of the Funds, have entered into an amended and restated Administration Agreement under which the Investment Manager serves as the Funds’ administrator (the “Administrator”) and is responsible for all non-portfolio management aspects of managing the Funds’ operations, including administration and shareholder services to each Fund. Each Fund pays a fee to the Administrator at the rate of 0.15% per annum of the Fund’s average daily net assets for this service.

The Funds are distributed by AMG Distributors, Inc. (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Investment Manager. The Distributor serves as the distributor and underwriter for each Fund and is a registered broker-dealer and member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”). Shares of each Fund will be continuously offered and will be sold directly to prospective purchasers and through brokers, dealers or other financial intermediaries who have executed selling agreements with the Distributor. Generally the Distributor bears all or a portion of the expenses of providing services pursuant to the distribution agreement, including the payment of the expenses relating to the distribution of prospectuses for sales purposes and any advertising or sales literature.

The Trusts have adopted a distribution and service plan (the “Plan”) with respect to the Class N shares, in accordance with the requirements of Rule 12b-1 under the

 

 

 

70


    

 

    

    

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

   

    

 

      

 

1940 Act and the requirements of the applicable rules of FINRA regarding asset-based sales charges. Pursuant to the Plan, Enhanced Core Bond ESG, Municipal Bond and Municipal Enhanced may make payments to the Distributor for its expenditures in financing any activity primarily intended to result in the sale of each Fund’s Class N shares and for maintenance and personal service provided to existing shareholders of that class. The Plan authorized payments to the Distributor up to 0.25% annually of Enhanced Core Bond ESG, Municipal Bond and Municipal Enhanced average daily net assets attributable to the Class N shares. The portion of payments made under the plan by Class N shares of Enhanced Core Bond ESG, Municipal Bond and Municipal Enhanced for shareholder servicing may not exceed an annual rate of 0.25% of the average daily net asset value of each Fund’s shares of that class owned by clients of such broker, dealer or financial intermediary.

For each of Class N and Class I shares of ESG Bond, High Income, Municipal Bond, Municipal Enhanced, and for Enhanced Core Bond ESG’s Class I shares, the Boards have approved reimbursement payments to the Investment Manager for shareholder servicing expenses (“shareholder servicing fees”) incurred. Shareholder servicing fees include payments to financial intermediaries, such as broker-dealers (including fund supermarket platforms), banks, and trust companies who provide shareholder recordkeeping, account servicing and other services. The Class N and Class I shares may reimburse the Investment Manager for the actual amount incurred up to a maximum annual rate of each Class’s average daily net assets as shown in the table below.

The impact on the annualized expense ratios for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, were as follows:

 

     Maximum Annual      Actual      
     Amount      Amount      
Fund    Approved      Incurred      

ESG Bond

     

Class N

     0.25%        0.25%  

Class I

     0.05%        0.05%  

Enhanced Core Bond ESG

 

Class I

     0.10%        0.08%  

High Income

 

Class N

     0.25%        0.25%  

Class I

     0.05%        0.05%  

Municipal Bond

 

Class N

     0.15%        0.13%  

Class I

     0.05%        0.05%  

Municipal Enhanced

 

Class N

     0.15%        0.15%  

Class I

    

 

0.05%

 

 

 

    

 

0.05%

 

 

 

The Boards provide supervision of the affairs of the Trusts and other trusts within the AMG Funds Family. The Trustees of the Trusts who are not affiliated with the Investment Manager receive an annual retainer and per meeting fees for regular, special and telephonic meetings, and they are reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses incurred while carrying out their duties as Board members. The Chairman of the Boards and the Audit Committee Chair receive additional annual

retainers. Certain Trustees and Officers of the Funds are Officers and/or Directors of the Investment Manager, AMG and/or the Distributor.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) granted an exemptive order that permits certain eligible funds in the AMG Funds Family to lend and borrow money for certain temporary purposes directly to and from other eligible funds in the AMG Funds Family. Participation in this interfund lending program is voluntary for both the borrowing and lending funds, and an interfund loan is only made if it benefits each participating fund. The Administrator manages the program according to procedures approved by the Boards, and the Boards monitor the operation of the program. An interfund loan must comply with certain conditions set out in the exemptive order, which are designed to assure fairness and protect all participating funds. The interest earned and interest paid on interfund loans are included on the Statement of Operations as interest income and interest expense, respectively. At December 31, 2022, the Funds had no interfund loans outstanding.

The following Funds utilized the interfund loan program during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 as follows:

 

  Fund   Average
Lent
    Number
of Days
    Interest
Earned
   

Average

Interest Rate

 

ESG Bond

    $4,329,671       4       $1,148       2.419 %     

Enhanced Core Bond ESG

    486,039       14       389       2.089 %     

High Income

    489,086       7       370       3.945 %     

Municipal Bond

    8,854,595       18       9,801       2.245 %     

Municipal Enhanced

    3,158,274       12       1,532       1.475 %     
  Fund   Average
Borrowed
   

Number

of Days

    Interest
Paid
    Average
Interest Rate
 

Enhanced Core Bond ESG

    $3,368,341       8       $1,340       1.815 %     

High Income

    4,673,444       5       3,009       4.700 %     

Municipal Bond

    2,734,196       1       352       4.700 %     

Municipal Enhanced

    1,149,132       1       164       5.210 %     

3. PURCHASES AND SALES OF SECURITIES

Purchases and sales of securities (excluding short-term securities and U.S. Government Obligations) for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, were as follows:

 

    Long Term Securities  
  Fund   Purchases     Sales  

  ESG Bond

    $65,298,623         $153,695,147      

  Enhanced Core Bond ESG

    12,514,020         18,382,332      

  High Income

    13,256,982         14,699,126      

  Municipal Bond

    233,624,424         311,059,127      

  Municipal Enhanced

    130,975,152         184,265,445      
 

 

 

71


    

 

    

    

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

   

    

 

      

 

Purchases and sales of U.S. Government Obligations for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 were as follows:

 

     U.S. Government Obligations
  Fund    Purchases        Sales

  ESG Bond

     $65,991,278        $120,991,689    

  Enhanced Core Bond ESG

     13,127,041        16,165,260

4. PORTFOLIO SECURITIES LOANED

The Funds participate in the Program providing for the lending of securities to qualified borrowers. Securities lending income includes earnings of such temporary cash investments, plus or minus any rebate to a borrower. These earnings (after any rebate) are then divided between BNYM, as a fee for its services under the Program, and the Funds, according to agreed-upon rates. Collateral on all securities loaned is accepted in cash, U.S. Treasury Obligations or U.S. Government Agency Obligations. Collateral is maintained at a minimum level of 102% (105% in the case of certain foreign securities) of the market value, plus interest, if applicable, of investments on loan. It is the Funds’ policy to obtain additional collateral from or return excess collateral to the borrower by the end of the next business day, following the valuation date of the securities loaned. Therefore, the value of the collateral held may be temporarily less than the value of the securities on loan. Lending securities entails a risk of loss to the Funds if and to the extent that the market value of the securities loaned were to increase and the borrower did not increase the collateral accordingly, and the borrower fails to return the securities. Under the terms of the Program, the Funds are indemnified for such losses by BNYM. Cash collateral is held in separate omnibus accounts managed by BNYM, who is authorized to exclusively enter into joint repurchase agreements for that cash collateral. Securities collateral is held in separate omnibus accounts managed by BNYM and cannot be sold or pledged. BNYM bears the risk of any deficiency in the amount of the cash collateral available for return to the borrower due to any loss on the collateral invested. Loans of securities are terminable at any time and the borrower, after notice, is required to return borrowed securities as soon as practical, which is normally within three business days.

The value of securities loaned on positions held, cash collateral and securities collateral received at December 31, 2022, were as follows:

 

  Fund    Securities
Loaned
     Cash
Collateral
Received
     Securities
Collateral
Received
     Total
Collateral
Received
 

ESG Bond

     $25,458,950        $7,412,408        $19,038,641        $26,451,049      

Enhanced Core Bond ESG

     2,393,361        1,242,815        1,247,494        2,490,309      

High Income

     1,415,713        1,253,247        226,879        1,480,126      

The following table summarizes the securities received as collateral for securities lending at December 31, 2022:

 

  Fund  

Collateral

Type

   Coupon
Range
  

Maturity

Date Range

ESG Bond

 

U.S. Treasury Obligations

   0.125%-4.750%    04/15/23-11/15/51    

Enhanced Core Bond ESG

 

U.S. Treasury Obligations

   0.125%-4.750%    01/31/24-11/15/51    

High Income

 

U.S. Treasury Obligations

   0.125%-3.875%    04/15/23-11/15/50    

5. FOREIGN SECURITIES

Certain Funds invest in securities of foreign entities and in instruments denominated in foreign currencies which involve risks not typically associated with investments in domestic securities. Non-domestic securities carry special risks, such as exposure to currency fluctuations, less developed or less efficient trading markets, political instability, a lack of company information, differing auditing and legal standards, and, potentially, less liquidity. Realized gains in certain countries may be subject to foreign taxes at the Fund level and the Fund would pay such foreign taxes at the appropriate rate for each jurisdiction.

6. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Under the Trusts’ organizational documents, its Trustees and Officers are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the Trusts. In addition, in the normal course of business, the Funds may enter into contracts and agreements that contain a variety of representations and warranties, which provide general indemnifications. The maximum exposure to the Funds under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against a Fund that have not yet occurred. However, based on experience, the Funds had no prior claims or losses and expect the risks of loss to be remote.

7. RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH HIGH YIELD SECURITIES

Investing in high yield securities involves greater risks and considerations not typically associated with U.S. Government and other high quality/investment grade securities. High yield securities are generally below investment grade securities and do not have an established retail secondary market. Economic downturns may disrupt the high yield market and impair the issuer’s ability to repay principal and interest. Also, an increase in interest rates would likely have an adverse impact on the value of such obligations and could cause the securities to become less liquid.

 

 

8. MASTER NETTING AGREEMENTS

The Funds may enter into master netting agreements with their counterparties for the Program and Repurchase Agreements, which provide the right, in the event of default (including bankruptcy or insolvency) for the non-defaulting party to liquidate the collateral and calculate net exposure to the defaulting party or request additional collateral. For financial reporting purposes, the Funds do not offset financial assets and financial liabilities that are subject to master netting agreements in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. For securities lending transactions, see Note 4.

 

 

72


    

 

    

    

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

   

    

 

      

 

The following table is a summary of the Funds’ open Repurchase Agreements that are subject to a master netting agreement as of December 31, 2022:

 

    Gross Amount Not Offset in the    
    Statement of Assets and Liabilities    
  Fund Gross Amounts of
Assets Presented in
the Statement of
Assets and Liabilities

Offset

Amount

Net

Asset

Balance

Collateral
Received
Net
Amount

  ESG Bond

  Bank of America Securities, Inc.

  $1,760,647     $1,760,647   $1,760,647  

  Citigroup Global Markets, Inc.

      369,820         369,820       369,820  

  MUFG Securities America, Inc.

  1,760,647     1,760,647   1,760,647  

  National Bank Financial

  1,760,647     1,760,647   1,760,647  

  RBC Dominion Securities, Inc.

  1,760,647           —           1,760,647   1,760,647           —        

  Fixed Income Clearing Corp.

  3,070,000     3,070,000   3,070,000  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Total

  $10,482,408     $10,482,408   $10,482,408  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Enhanced Core Bond ESG

  Citigroup Global Markets, Inc.

  $242,815     $242,815   $242,815  

  National Bank Financial

  1,000,000     1,000,000   1,000,000  

  Fixed Income Clearing Corp.

    230,000     230,000     230,000  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Total

  $1,472,815     $1,472,815   $1,472,815  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  High Income

  Citigroup Global Markets, Inc.

  $253,247     $253,247   $253,247  

  National Bank Financial

  1,000,000     1,000,000   1,000,000  

  Fixed Income Clearing Corp.

    248,000     248,000     248,000  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Total

  $1,501,247     $1,501,247   $1,501,247  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Municipal Bond

  Fixed Income Clearing Corp.

  $  668,000     $668,000   $668,000  

  Municipal Enhanced

  Fixed Income Clearing Corp.

  $  926,000     $926,000   $926,000  

 

9. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

The Funds have determined that no material events or transactions occurred through the issuance date of the Funds’ financial statements which require an additional disclosure in or adjustment of the Funds’ financial statements.

    

 

 

 

73


    

 

 

    

    

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

   

    

 

      

 

To the Board of Trustees of AMG Funds, AMG Funds II, and AMG Funds III and Shareholders of AMG GW&K Municipal Bond Fund, AMG GW&K Municipal Enhanced Yield Fund, AMG GW&K Enhanced Core Bond ESG Fund, AMG GW&K ESG Bond Fund, and AMG GW&K High Income Fund

Opinions on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities, including the schedules of portfolio investments, of AMG GW&K Municipal Bond Fund, AMG GW&K Municipal Enhanced Yield Fund (two of the funds constituting AMG Funds), AMG GW&K Enhanced Core Bond ESG Fund (one of the funds constituting AMG Funds II), AMG GW&K ESG Bond Fund, and AMG GW&K High Income Fund (two of the funds constituting AMG Funds III) (hereafter collectively referred to as the “Funds”) as of December 31, 2022, the related statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2022, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2022, including the related notes, and the financial highlights for each of the periods indicated therein (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of each of the Funds as of December 31, 2022, the results of each of their operations for the year then ended, the changes in each of their net assets for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2022 and each of the financial highlights for each of the periods indicated therein in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Basis for Opinions

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Funds’ management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Funds’ financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Funds in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits of these financial statements in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2022 by correspondence with the custodian and brokers; when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Boston, Massachusetts

February 24, 2023

We have served as the auditor of one or more investment companies in the AMG Funds Family since 1993.

 

 

 

74


    

 

    

    

Other Information (unaudited)

 

   

    

 

      

 

 

 

TAX INFORMATION

 

AMG GW&K ESG Bond Fund, AMG GW&K Enhanced Core Bond ESG Fund, AMG GW&K High Income Fund, AMG GW&K Municipal Bond Fund, and AMG GW&K Municipal Enhanced Yield Fund each hereby designates the maximum amount allowable of its net taxable income as qualified dividends as provided in the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003. The 2022 Form 1099-DIV you receive for each Fund will show the tax status of all distributions paid to you during the year.

Pursuant to section 852 of the Internal Revenue Code, AMG GW&K ESG Bond Fund, AMG GW&K Enhanced Core Bond ESG Fund, AMG GW&K High Income Fund, AMG GW&K Municipal Bond Fund, and AMG GW&K Municipal Enhanced Yield Fund each hereby designates $966,729, $0, $2,954, $1,733,844, and $814,678, respectively, as a capital gain distribution with respect to the taxable year ended December 31, 2022, or if subsequently determined to be different, the net capital gains of such fiscal year.

 

 

 

75


    

 

    

AMG Funds

Trustees and Officers

 

   

    

 

      

 

 

The Trustees and Officers of the Trust, their business addresses, principal occupations for the past five years and ages are listed below. The Trustees provide broad supervision over the affairs of the Trust and the Funds. The Trustees are experienced executives who meet periodically throughout the year to oversee the Funds’ activities, review contractual arrangements with companies that provide services to the Funds, and        

review the Funds’ performance. Unless otherwise noted, the address of each Trustee or Officer is the address of the Trust: 680 Washington Blvd., Suite 500, Stamford, CT. 06901.

 

There is no stated term of office for Trustees. Trustees serve until their resignation, retirement or removal in

   accordance with the Trust’s organizational documents and policies adopted by the Board from time to time. The Chairman of the Trustees, President, Treasurer and Secretary of the Trust are elected by the Trustees annually. Other officers hold office at the pleasure of the Trustees.

Independent Trustees

The following Trustees are not “interested persons” of the Trust within the meaning of the 1940 Act:

 

Number of Funds Overseen in

Fund Complex

   Name, Age, Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years and Other Directorships Held by Trustee
 

• Trustee since 2012- AMG Funds

• Trustee since 2012- AMG Funds II

• Trustee since 2012- AMG Funds III

• Oversees 40 Funds in Fund Complex

  

Bruce B. Bingham, 74

Partner, Hamilton Partners (real estate development firm) (1987-Present); Director of The Yacktman Funds, Inc. (2 portfolios) (2000-2012).

 

• Chairman of the Audit

Committee since 2021

• Trustee since 2013- AMG Funds

• Trustee since 2013- AMG Funds II

• Trustee since 2013- AMG Funds III

• Oversees 44 Funds in Fund Complex

  

Kurt A. Keilhacker, 59

Managing Partner, TechFund Europe (2000-Present); Managing Partner, TechFund Capital (1997-Present); Managing Partner, Elementum Ventures (2013-Present); Director, MetricStory, Inc. (2017-Present); Trustee, Wheaton College (2018-Present); Trustee, Gordon College (2001-2016); Board Member, 6wind SA (2002-2019).

 

• Trustee since 2004- AMG Funds

• Trustee since 2000- AMG Funds II

• Trustee since 1993- AMG Funds III

• Oversees 40 Funds in Fund Complex

  

Steven J. Paggioli, 72

Independent Consultant (2002-Present); Trustee, Professionally Managed Portfolios (28 portfolios); Advisory Board Member, Sustainable Growth Advisors, LP; Independent Director, Muzinich BDC, Inc. (business development company) (2019-Present); Director, The Wadsworth Group; Independent Director, Chase Investment Counsel (2008–2019); Executive Vice President, Secretary and Director, Investment Company Administration, LLC and First Fund Distributors, INC. (1990-2001).

 

• Independent Chairman of the Board of Trustees since 2017

• Chairman of the Governance Committee since 2017

• Trustee since 1999- AMG Funds

• Trustee since 2000- AMG Funds II

• Trustee since 1999- AMG Funds III

• Oversees 44 Funds in Fund Complex

  

Eric Rakowski, 64

Professor of Law, University of California at Berkeley School of Law (1990-Present); Tax Attorney at Davis Polk & Wardwell and clerked for Judge Harry T. Edwards of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit and for Justice William J. Brennan Jr. of the U.S. Supreme Court; Trustee of Parnassus Funds (3 portfolios) (2021-Present); Trustee of Parnassus Income Funds (2 portfolios) (2021-Present); Director of Harding, Loevner Funds, Inc. (10 portfolios); Trustee of Third Avenue Trust (3 portfolios) (2002-2019); Trustee of Third Avenue Variable Trust (1 portfolio) (2002-2019).

 

• Trustee since 2013- AMG Funds

• Trustee since 2013- AMG Funds II

• Trustee since 2013- AMG Funds III

• Oversees 44 Funds in Fund Complex

  

Victoria L. Sassine, 57

Adjunct Professor, Babson College (2007–Present); Director, Board of Directors, PRG Group (2017-Present); CEO, Founder, Scale Smarter Partners, LLC (2018-Present); Adviser, EVOFEM Biosciences (2019-Present); Chairperson of the Board of Directors, Business Management Associates (2018-2019).

 

 

76


    

 

    

AMG Funds

Trustees and Officers (continued)

 

   

    

 

      

 

Number of Funds Overseen in

Fund Complex

   Name, Age, Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years and Other Directorships Held by Trustee
 

• Trustee since 2000-AMG Funds II

• Trustee since 2004-AMG Funds

• Trustee since 1987-AMG Funds III

• Oversees 40 Funds in Fund

  

Thomas R. Schneeweis, 75*

Professor Emeritus, University of Massachusetts (2013-Present); President, TRS Associates (1982-Present); Board Member, Chartered Alternative Investment Association (“CAIA”) (2002-Present); Co-Founder and Director, Institute for Global Asset and Risk Management (Education) (2010-Present); Co-Owner, Quantitative Investment Technologies (2014-Present); Co-Owner, Yes Wealth Management (2018-Present); Director, CAIA Foundation (2010-2019); Partner, S Capital Wealth Advisors (2015-2018); Partner, S Capital Management, LLC (2007-2015); President, Alternative Investment Analytics, LLC (formerly Schneeweis Partners, LLC) (2001-2013). Complex

*Mr. Schneeweis retired from the Board of Trustees of AMG Funds, AMG Funds II and AMG Funds III as of December 31, 2022.

Interested Trustee

The Trustee in the following table is an “interested person” of the Trust within the meaning of the 1940 Act.

 

Number of Funds Overseen in Fund
Complex
   Name, Age, Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years and Other Directorships Held by Trustee
   

• Trustee since 2021

• Oversees 44 Funds in Fund Complex

  

Garret W. Weston, 41

Affiliated Managers Group, Inc. (2008-Present): Managing Director, Co-Head of Affiliate Engagement (2021-Present), Senior Vice President, Affiliate Development (2016-2021), Vice President, Office of the CEO (2015-2016), Vice President, New Investments (2012-2015), Senior Associate, New Investments (2008-2012); Associate, Madison Dearborn Partners (2006-2008); Analyst, Merrill Lynch (2004-2006).

Officers

 

 Position(s) Held with Fund and  Length of Time Served

   Name, Age, Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years
 

• President since 2018

• Principal Executive Officer since 2018

• Chief Executive Officer since 2018

• Chief Operating Officer since 2007

  

Keitha L. Kinne, 64

Chief Operating Officer, AMG Funds LLC (2007-Present); Chief Investment Officer, AMG Funds LLC (2008-Present); President and Principal, AMG Distributors, Inc. (2018-Present); Chief Operating Officer, AMG Distributors, Inc. (2007-Present); President, Chief Executive Officer and Principal Executive Officer, AMG Funds, AMG Funds I, AMG Funds II, AMG Funds III and AMG Funds IV (2018-Present); Chief Operating Officer, AMG Funds, AMG Funds I, AMG Funds II, and AMG Funds III (2007-Present); Chief Operating Officer, AMG Funds IV (2016-Present); Chief Operating Officer and Chief Investment Officer, Aston Asset Management, LLC (2016); President and Principal Executive Officer, AMG Funds, AMG Funds I, AMG Funds II and AMG Funds III (2012-2014); Managing Partner, AMG Funds LLC (2007-2014); President and Principal, AMG Distributors, Inc. (2012-2014); Managing Director, Legg Mason & Co., LLC (2006-2007); Managing Director, Citigroup Asset Management (2004-2006).

 

• Secretary since 2015

• Chief Legal Officer since 2015

  

Mark J. Duggan, 57

Managing Director and Senior Counsel, AMG Funds LLC (2021-Present); Senior Vice President and Senior Counsel, AMG Funds LLC (2015-2021); Secretary and Chief Legal Officer, AMG Funds, AMG Funds I, AMG Funds II, AMG Funds III and AMG Funds IV (2015-Present); Attorney, K&L Gates, LLP (2009-2015).

 

• Chief Financial Officer since 2017

• Treasurer since 2017

• Principal Financial Officer since 2017

• Principal Accounting Officer since 2017

  

Thomas G. Disbrow, 56

Vice President, Mutual Fund Treasurer & CFO, AMG Funds, AMG Funds LLC (2017-Present); Chief Financial Officer, Principal Financial Officer, Treasurer and Principal Accounting Officer, AMG Funds, AMG Funds I, AMG Funds II, AMG Funds III and AMG Funds IV (2017-Present); Managing Director - Global Head of Traditional Funds Product Control, UBS Asset Management (Americas), Inc. (2015-2017); Managing Director - Head of North American Funds Treasury, UBS Asset Management (Americas), Inc. (2011-2015).

 

• Deputy Treasurer since 2017

  

John A. Starace, 52

Vice President, Mutual Fund Accounting, AMG Funds LLC (2021-Present); Director, Mutual Fund Accounting, AMG Funds LLC (2017-2021); Vice President, Deputy Treasurer of Mutual Funds Services, AMG Funds LLC (2014-2017); Deputy Treasurer, AMG Funds, AMG Funds I, AMG Funds II, AMG Funds III and AMG Funds IV (2017-Present); Vice President, Citi Hedge Fund Services (2010-2014); Audit Senior Manager (2005-2010) and Audit Manager (2001-2005), Deloitte & Touche LLP.

 

• Chief Compliance Officer and Sarbanes-Oxley Code of Ethics Compliance Officer since 2019

• Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer since 2022

  

Patrick J. Spellman, 48

Vice President, Chief Compliance Officer, AMG Funds LLC (2017-Present); Chief Compliance Officer, AMG Distributors, Inc. (2010-Present); Chief Compliance Officer and Sarbanes-Oxley Code of Ethics Compliance Officer, AMG Funds, AMG Funds I, AMG Funds II, AMG Funds III and AMG Funds IV (2019-Present); Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer, AMG Funds, AMG Funds I, AMG Funds II, and AMG Funds III (2014-2019; 2022-Present); Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer, AMG Funds IV (2016-2019; 2022-Present); Senior Vice President, Chief Compliance Officer, AMG Funds LLC (2011-2017); Compliance Manager, Legal and Compliance, Affiliated Managers Group, Inc. (2005-2011).

 

 

77


    

 

 

    

AMG Funds

Trustees and Officers (continued)

 

   

    

 

      

 

Position(s) Held with Fund and Length of Time Served    Name, Age, Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years
 

• Assistant Secretary since 2016

  

Maureen M. Kerrigan, 37

Vice President, Senior Counsel, AMG Funds LLC (2021-Present); Vice President, Counsel, AMG Funds LLC (2019-2021); Director, Counsel, AMG Funds LLC (2017-2018); Vice President, Counsel, AMG Funds LLC (2015-2017); Assistant Secretary, AMG Funds, AMG Funds I, AMG Funds II, AMG Funds III and AMG Funds IV (2016-Present); Associate, Ropes & Gray LLP (2011-2015); Law Fellow, Massachusetts Appleseed Center for Law and Justice (2010-2011).

 

 

78


LOGO

 

    

 

INVESTMENT MANAGER AND

ADMINISTRATOR

AMG Funds LLC

680 Washington Blvd., Suite 500

Stamford, CT 06901

800.548.4539

 

DISTRIBUTOR

AMG Distributors, Inc.

680 Washington Blvd., Suite 500

Stamford, CT 06901

800.548.4539

 

SUBADVISER

GW&K Investment Management, LLC

222 Berkeley St.

Boston, MA 02116

 

CUSTODIAN

The Bank of New York Mellon

Mutual Funds Custody

6023 Airport Road

Oriskany, NY 13424

     

LEGAL COUNSEL

Ropes & Gray LLP

Prudential Tower, 800 Boylston Street

Boston, MA 02199-3600

 

TRANSFER AGENT

BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc.

Attn: AMG Funds

4400 Computer Drive

Westborough, MA 01581

800.548.4539

 

Effective March 9, 2023, the Transfer Agent’s mailing address will change to the following:

 

BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc.

AMG Funds

Attn: 534426

AIM 154-0520

500 Ross Street

Pittsburgh, PA 15262

800.548.4539

     

This report is prepared for the Funds’ shareholders. It is authorized for distribution to prospective investors only when preceded or accompanied by an effective prospectus. To receive a free copy of the prospectus or Statement of Additional Information, which includes additional information about Fund Trustees, please contact us by calling 800.548.4539. Distributed by AMG Distributors, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC.

 

Current net asset values per share for each Fund are available on the Funds’ website at amgfunds.com.

 

A description of the policies and procedures each Fund uses to vote its proxies is available: (i) without charge, upon request, by calling 800.548.4539, or (ii) on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) website at sec.gov. For information regarding each Fund’s proxy voting record for the 12-month period ended June 30, call 800.548.4539 or visit the SEC website at sec.gov.

 

The Funds file their complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year as an exhibit to their reports on Form N-PORT. The Funds’ portfolio holdings on Form N-PORT are available on the SEC’s website at sec.gov and the Funds’ website at amgfunds.com. To review a complete list of the Funds’ portfolio holdings, or to view the most recent semiannual report or annual report, please visit amgfunds.com.

             

 

 

 

amgfunds.com      


LOGO

 

    

 

BALANCED FUNDS

AMG GW&K Global Allocation

GW&K Investment Management, LLC

 

EQUITY FUNDS

 

AMG Beutel Goodman International Equity

Beutel, Goodman & Company Ltd.

 

AMG Boston Common Global Impact

Boston Common Asset Management, LLC

 

AMG Frontier Small Cap Growth

Frontier Capital Management Co., LLC

 

AMG GW&K Small Cap Core

AMG GW&K Small Cap Value

AMG GW&K Small/Mid Cap

AMG GW&K Small/Mid Cap Growth

AMG GW&K Emerging Markets Equity

AMG GW&K Emerging Wealth Equity

AMG GW&K International Small Cap

GW&K Investment Management, LLC

 

AMG Montrusco Bolton Large Cap Growth

Montrusco Bolton Investments, Inc.

 

AMG Renaissance Large Cap Growth

The Renaissance Group LLC

    

AMG River Road Dividend All Cap Value

AMG River Road Focused Absolute Value

AMG River Road International Value Equity

AMG River Road Large Cap Value Select

AMG River Road Mid Cap Value

AMG River Road Small-Mid Cap Value

AMG River Road Small Cap Value

River Road Asset Management, LLC

 

AMG TimesSquare Emerging Markets Small Cap

AMG TimesSquare Global Small Cap

AMG TimesSquare International Small Cap

AMG TimesSquare Mid Cap Growth

AMG TimesSquare Small Cap Growth

TimesSquare Capital Management, LLC

 

AMG Veritas Asia Pacific

AMG Veritas China

AMG Veritas Global Focus

AMG Veritas Global Real Return

Veritas Asset Management LLP

 

AMG Yacktman

AMG Yacktman Focused

AMG Yacktman Global

AMG Yacktman Special Opportunities

Yacktman Asset Management LP

    

FIXED INCOME FUNDS

AMG Beutel Goodman Core Plus Bond

Beutel, Goodman & Company Ltd.

 

AMG GW&K Core Bond ESG

AMG GW&K Enhanced Core Bond ESG

AMG GW&K ESG Bond

AMG GW&K High Income

AMG GW&K Municipal Bond

AMG GW&K Municipal Enhanced Yield

GW&K Investment Management, LLC

             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             

 

 

 

amgfunds.com       123122             AR088


LOGO    ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

    

 

 

    

AMG Funds

 

December 31, 2022

 
    

 

LOGO

 
     AMG Renaissance Large Cap Growth Fund
 
     Class N: MRLTX    |    Class I: MRLSX    |    Class Z: MRLIX
 
    
 
    

 

 

 

 

    amgfunds.com                 123122            AR024



    

    

AMG Funds

Annual Report — December 31, 2022

 

 

 

    

         
       TABLE OF CONTENTS    PAGE  
 

 

 
   

LETTER TO SHAREHOLDERS

     2  
 
   

ABOUT YOUR FUND’S EXPENSES

     3  
 
    PORTFOLIO MANAGER’S COMMENTS, FUND SNAPSHOTS AND SCHEDULE OF PORTFOLIO INVESTMENTS      4  
 
    FINANCIAL STATEMENTS   
 
   

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

     9  
 
   

Balance sheet, net asset value (NAV) per share computations
and cumulative distributable earnings (loss)

  
 
   

Statement of Operations

     11  
 
   

Detail of sources of income, expenses, and realized and
unrealized gains (losses) during the fiscal year

  
 
   

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

     12  
 
   

Detail of changes in assets for the past two fiscal years

  
 
   

Financial Highlights

     13  
 
   

Historical net asset values per share, distributions, total returns, income
and expense ratios, turnover ratios and net assets

  
 
   

Notes to Financial Statements

     16  
 
   

Accounting and distribution policies, details of agreements and
transactions with Fund management and affiliates, and descriptions of
certain investment risks

  
 
    REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM      21  
 
    OTHER INFORMATION      22  
 
    TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS      23  

 

Nothing contained herein is to be considered an offer, sale or solicitation of an offer to buy shares of any series of the AMG Funds Family of Funds. Such offering is made only by prospectus, which includes details as to offering price and other material information.

 

 


LOGO   Letter to Shareholders

 

    

Dear Shareholder:

We are pleased to provide this annual report for your investment with AMG Funds. Our foremost goal is to provide investment solutions that help our shareholders successfully achieve their long-term investment goals. We appreciate the privilege of providing you with investment tools.

The past year was a challenging period for investors, as uncertainties about high inflation, tighter financial conditions, and the Russian invasion of Ukraine led to significant volatility. Global equity and bond markets fell in tandem amid sharply higher interest rates and eroding investor confidence as worries of an impending recession lingered most of the year. A global commodity shock caused by the war in Ukraine only made matters worse. The S&P 500® Index slipped into a bear market with the Index falling more than (24)% from its peak earlier in the year. The abrupt shift in markets this year has reset expectations around future growth, as the U.S. Federal Reserve (the Fed) and other global central banks have taken aggressive policy action to bring down inflation. While the outlook is uncertain given recent negative returns across many asset classes, global stock and bond valuations are now far more attractive entering 2023 compared to a year ago.

There was very wide dispersion in S&P 500® Index sector performance. Energy significantly outperformed all other sectors with a gain of 65.72% as the price of oil surged during the period. The defensive-oriented sectors also outperformed, although utilities was the only other sector with a positive return, gaining 1.54%. Consumer staples and health care were slightly negative with returns of (0.62)% and (1.95)%, respectively. High-growth technology and mega cap internet-related companies underperformed during the period, and real estate was impacted by higher interest rates. Communications services fell the most with a (39.93)% return during the year, followed by declines of (37.03)% for consumer discretionary, (28.14)% for information technology and (26.13)% for real estate. Value stocks held up much better than growth stocks as the Russell 1000® Value Index returned (7.54)% compared to the (29.14)% return for the Russell 1000® Growth Index. Small cap stocks struggled as the Russell 2000® Index lost (20.44)%. Outside the U.S., foreign developed markets were negative with a (14.45)% return for the MSCI EAFE Index, however a very strong fourth quarter rally drove international equity returns ahead of their U.S. counterparts for the year.

The 10-year Treasury yield more than doubled during the year, surging to the highest levels since before the Great Financial Crisis. Rapidly rising rates from a very low base led to historic negative performance for bonds as the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index, a broad measure of U.S. bond market performance, lost (13.01)% over the period. Investment-grade corporate bonds underperformed, returning (15.76)% for the year. High yield bonds held up better with a (11.19)% return as measured by the return of the Bloomberg U.S. Corporate High Yield Bond

Index. Municipal bonds were also negative, but outperformed the broader market with a (8.53)% return for the Bloomberg Municipal Bond Index.

AMG Funds provides access to a distinctive array of actively managed return-oriented investment strategies. You can rest assured that under all market conditions our team is focused on delivering excellent investment management services for your benefit. For more information about AMG Funds’ wide range of products and resources, please visit www.amgfunds.com. We thank you for your investment and continued trust in AMG Funds.

Respectfully,

 

LOGO

Keitha Kinne

President

AMG Funds

 

        Periods ended  
Average Annual Total Returns   December 31, 2022*  
Stocks:        1 Year     3 Years     5 Years  

Large Cap

  (S&P 500® Index)     (18.11 )%      7.66     9.42

Small Cap

  (Russell 2000® Index)     (20.44 )%      3.10     4.13

International

  (MSCI ACWI ex USA)     (16.00 )%      0.07     0.88

Bonds:

                           

Investment Grade  

  (Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index)     (13.01 )%      (2.71 )%      0.02

High Yield

  (Bloomberg U.S. Corporate High Yield Bond Index)     (11.19 )%      0.05     2.31

Tax-exempt

  (Bloomberg Municipal Bond Index)     (8.53 )%      (0.77 )%      1.25

Treasury Bills

  (ICE BofAML U.S. 6-Month Treasury Bill Index)     1.34     0.82     1.39

*Source: FactSet. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

 

 

 

2


    

 

    

    

About Your Fund’s Expenses

 

   

    

 

     

 

As a shareholder of a Fund, you may incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, which may include sales charges (loads) on purchase payments; redemption fees; and exchange fees; and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution (12b-1) fees; and other Fund expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. The example is based on $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period as indicated below.

 

ACTUAL EXPENSES

 

The first line of the following table provides information about the 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 the Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

 

HYPOTHETICAL EXAMPLE FOR COMPARISON PURPOSES

 

The second line of the following table provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed annual rate of return of 5% before expenses, which is not the Fund’s

      

actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Fund and other funds by comparing this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of other funds.

 

Please 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), redemption fees, or exchange fees. Therefore, the second line of the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds.

         

 

 

 

  Six Months Ended
  December 31, 2022
   Expense
Ratio for
the Period
  Beginning
Account
Value
07/01/22
   Ending
Account
Value
12/31/22
     Expenses
Paid
During
the Period*

AMG Renaissance Large Cap Growth Fund

Based on Actual Fund Return

Class N

   1.00%   $1,000      $1,064      $5.20

Class I

   0.71%   $1,000      $1,065      $3.70

Class Z

   0.66%   $1,000      $1,065      $3.44

Based on Hypothetical 5% Annual Return

Class N

   1.00%   $1,000      $1,020      $5.09

Class I

   0.71%   $1,000      $1,022      $3.62

Class Z

   0.66%   $1,000      $1,022      $3.36

 

  *

Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days in the most recent fiscal half-year (184), then divided by 365.

    

 

 

 

3


    

 

    

AMG Renaissance Large Cap Growth Fund

Portfolio Manager’s Comments (unaudited)

 

   

    

 

      

 

 

AMG Renaissance Large Cap Growth Fund (the “Fund”) Class N shares returned (17.05)% for the year ending December 31, 2022, faring better than the Fund’s benchmark, the Russell 1000® Growth Index, which returned (29.14)%.

 

MARKET OVERVIEW

 

The stock market declines were catalyzed by the start of a U.S. Federal Reserve (the Fed) tightening cycle. For the year, the consumer staples, energy, and utilities sectors were among the stronger performers in the Russell 1000® Growth Index, while the communication services, consumer discretionary and information technology sectors lagged.

 

Interestingly, corporate earnings did not contribute to the stock market decline, as S&P 500® earnings for the year (incorporating consensus estimates for the fourth quarter) are likely to be around $221/share, almost exactly what analysts predicted for 2022 a year ago and about 6% higher than earnings in 2021 (Source: The Wall Street Journal, 12/25/2022). Nevertheless, the price/earnings ratio (P/E) of the S&P 500® declined meaningfully over the course of the year, dropping 23% to 17.5x, and accounting for all of the decline in the index for 2022. Currently, consensus forecasts for S&P 500® earnings for 2023 have trended downward over the past several quarters. Surging interest rates, rising labor costs, and slowing economic growth have contributed to a forecasted decline in corporate profit margins from historically high levels seen in recent years. At year end, 2023 forecasted earnings growth was in the low single digits, but the downward trend suggests that further cuts in estimates are likely to be seen over the coming months.

 

Increases in interest rates (and inflation) were among the bigger surprises of 2022, and P/Es declined over the year as interest rates rose. The Fed

      

Fund rate rose from 0.08% at the start of the year to 4.33% at the end of the year, contributing to a historically bad year for bonds. Bonds reacted negatively to the Fed’s rate increases as well as with rising inflation measures. Encouragingly, however, many inflation measures have shown a slowdown in the rate of inflation in recent months.

 

Inflation remains the focus and the Fed is unlikely to shift from its higher interest rate policy until inflation shows signs of abating. On that front, recent data points are somewhat encouraging. While recent trailing inflation (as measured by the Consumer Price Index) is still elevated at 7.1%, it is below its high point in June at 9.0%. Over the past five months, the average monthly change in inflation has been only 0.2%, which equals an annualized rate of only 2.55%.

 

Rising interest rates have also resulted in an increasingly negative consensus outlook for economic growth for 2023. Predictions for an imminent recession have reached the highest levels ever recorded, although predictions for the severity and duration of a possible recession vary widely. As baseball legend Yogi Berra is reputed to have said, “It’s tough to make predictions, especially about the future.” Making accurate predictions about the economy and financial markets certainly qualifies as challenging. However, a sustained level of higher interest rates is likely to continue to create a more complex environment for stocks than we have seen in past years.

 

PERFORMANCE REVIEW

 

For 2022, our stock selection in the information technology and the consumer discretionary sectors, along with our overweight in the health care sector,

      

made the most positive contributions to relative returns for the year. Notable performers over the period include EOG Resources (+57%), Vertex Pharmaceuticals (+32%) and Arch Capital Group (+30%). On the negative side, our stock selection in the consumer staples sector and our underweight in the materials and consumer staples sectors detracted the most from our relative returns for the year. Notable underperformers include Meta Platforms (-64%), Alphabet (-39%), and Amazon.com (-50%).

 

OUTLOOK

 

Living through periods of falling markets is always difficult, but we have successfully navigated a number of such periods in Renaissance’s 40+ year history of investment management. We are encouraged that market sentiment appears to be shifting from high momentum “growth at any price” stocks to higher-quality stocks that are selling at reasonable valuations. A focus on identifying reasonably priced growth stocks is the hallmark of our investment discipline, and we continue to find good long-term investment opportunities as we enter 2023. Market volatility is likely to continue in the months ahead, but we believe that our disciplined and patient investment approach is likely to continue to result in good long-term returns.

 

The views expressed represent the opinions of Renaissance Investment Management as of December 31, 2022, and are not intended as a forecast or guarantee of future results, and are subject to change without notice.

 

 

4


    

AMG Renaissance Large Cap Growth Fund

Portfolio Manager’s Comments (continued)

 

 

 

CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN PERFORMANCE

AMG Renaissance Large Cap Growth Fund’s cumulative total return is based on the daily change in net asset value (NAV), and assumes that all dividends and distributions were reinvested. This graph compares a hypothetical $10,000 investment made in the AMG Renaissance Large Cap Growth Fund’s Class N shares on December 31, 2012, to a $10,000 investment made in the Russell 1000® Growth Index for the same time period. The graph and table do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on a Fund distribution or redemption of shares. The listed returns for the Fund are net of expenses and the returns for the index exclude expenses. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced.

 

LOGO

The table below shows the average annual total returns for the AMG Renaissance Large Cap Growth Fund and the Russell 1000® Growth Index for the same time periods ended December 31, 2022.

 

     One     Five     Ten  
  Average Annual Total Returns1    Year     Years     Years  

  AMG Renaissance Large Cap Growth Fund2, 3, 4, 5, 6

 

Class N

     (17.05 %)      10.81     13.36

Class I

     (16.87 %)      11.07     13.70

Class Z

     (16.83 %)      11.17     13.82

Russell 1000® Growth Index7

     (29.14 %)      10.96     14.10

    

The performance data shown represents past performance. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.

 

Investors should carefully consider the Fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses before investing. For performance information through the most recent month end, current net asset values per share for the Fund and other information, please call 800.548.4539 or visit our website at amgfunds.com for a free prospectus. Read it carefully before investing or sending money.

Distributed by AMG Distributors, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC.

 

1 

Total return equals income yield plus share price change and assumes reinvestment of all dividends and capital gain distributions. Returns are net of fees and may reflect offsets of Fund expenses as described in the prospectus. No adjustment has been made for taxes payable by shareholders on their reinvested dividends and capital gain distributions. Returns for periods greater than one year are annualized. The listed returns on the Fund are net of expenses and based on the published NAV as of December 31, 2022. All returns are in U.S. Dollars ($).

2  From time to time, the Fund’s investment manager has waived its fees and/or absorbed Fund expenses, which has resulted in higher returns.

 

3  The Fund invests in growth stocks, which may be more sensitive to market movements because their prices tend to reflect future investor expectations rather than just current profits. Growth stocks may underperform value stocks during given periods.

 

4  Companies that are in similar industry sectors may be similarly affected by particular economic or market events; to the extent the Fund has substantial holdings within a particular sector, the risks associated with that sector increase.

 

5  The Fund invests in large-capitalization companies that may underperform other stock funds (such as funds that focus on small-and medium-capitalization companies) when stocks of large-capitalization companies are out of favor.

 

6  Market prices of investments held by the Fund may fall rapidly or unpredictably due to a variety of economic or political factors, market conditions, disasters or public health issues, or in response to events that affect particular industries or companies.

 

7  The Russell 1000® Growth Index is a market capitalization weighted index that measures the performance of those Russell 1000® companies with higher price-to-book ratios and higher forecasted growth values. Unlike the Fund, the Russell 1000® Growth Index is unmanaged, is not available for investment and does not incur expenses.

 

The Russell 1000® Growth Index is a trademark of the London Stock Exchange Group companies.

 

Not FDIC insured, nor bank guaranteed. May lose value.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 

5


   

AMG Renaissance Large Cap Growth Fund

Fund Snapshots (unaudited)

December 31, 2022

 

 

PORTFOLIO BREAKDOWN

 

    Sector    % of 
Net Assets 
 

Information Technology

   38.6
 

Health Care

   21.5
 

Industrials

   10.5
 

Consumer Discretionary

   10.3
 

Communication Services

     5.4
 

Consumer Staples

     5.3
 

Financials

     3.4
 

Real Estate

     1.8
 

Energy

     1.8
 

Short-Term Investments

     4.8
 

Other Assets, less Liabilities

   (3.4)

TOP TEN HOLDINGS

 

    Security Name    % of 
Net Assets 
 

Apple, Inc.

   2.8
 

Microsoft Corp.

   2.4
 

Mastercard, Inc., Class A

   1.9
 

Alphabet, Inc., Class A

   1.9
 

Horizon Therapeutics PLC.

   1.9
 

Roper Technologies, Inc.

   1.9
 

Motorola Solutions, Inc.

   1.9
 

Visa, Inc., Class A

   1.8
 

PTC, Inc.

   1.8
 

Dollar General Corp.

   1.8
    

 

 

Top Ten as a Group

       20.1    
  

 

 

 

 

Because a fund’s strategy may result in multiple investments in particular sectors of the economy, its performance may depend on the performance of those sectors and may fluctuate more widely than investments diversified across more sectors. For additional information on these and other risk considerations, please see the Fund’s prospectus.

Any sectors, industries, or securities discussed should not be perceived as investment recommendations. Mention of a specific security should not be considered a recommendation to buy or solicitation to sell that security. Specific securities mentioned in this report may have been sold from the Fund’s portfolio of investments by the time you receive this report.

 

 

6


   

AMG Renaissance Large Cap Growth Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments

December 31, 2022

 

 

 

      Shares      Value  

Common Stocks - 98.6%

     

Communication Services - 5.4%

     

Alphabet, Inc., Class A*

     22,240      $ 1,962,235  

Electronic Arts, Inc.

     15,166        1,852,982  

Meta Platforms, Inc., Class A*

     14,185        1,707,023  

Total Communication Services

        5,522,240  

Consumer Discretionary - 10.3%

     

Amazon.com, Inc.*

     20,067        1,685,628  

Dollar General Corp.

     7,700        1,896,125  

The Home Depot, Inc.

     5,579        1,762,183  

Lowe’s Cos., Inc.

     8,656        1,724,621  

O’Reilly Automotive, Inc.*

     2,155        1,818,885  

Ulta Beauty, Inc.*

     3,824        1,793,724  

Total Consumer Discretionary

        10,681,166  

Consumer Staples - 5.3%

     

Altria Group, Inc.

     40,397        1,846,547  

BJ’s Wholesale Club Holdings, Inc.*

     27,936        1,848,246  

The Procter & Gamble Co.

     11,852        1,796,289  

Total Consumer Staples

        5,491,082  

Energy - 1.8%

     

EOG Resources, Inc.

     14,035        1,817,813  

Financials - 3.4%

     

Arch Capital Group, Ltd. (Bermuda)*

     29,109        1,827,463  

Raymond James Financial, Inc.

     15,388        1,644,208  

Total Financials

        3,471,671  

Health Care - 21.5%

     

Abbott Laboratories

     16,786        1,842,935  

AmerisourceBergen Corp.

     11,184        1,853,301  

Chemed Corp.

     3,706        1,891,654  

Danaher Corp.

     6,989        1,855,020  

HCA Healthcare, Inc.

     7,871        1,888,725  

Horizon Therapeutics PLC.*

     17,143        1,950,873  

Humana, Inc.

     3,591        1,839,274  

Johnson & Johnson

     10,025        1,770,916  

McKesson Corp.

     4,828        1,811,079  

Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.

     3,358        1,849,217  

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

     3,377        1,790,418  

Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

     6,452        1,863,209  

Total Health Care

        22,206,621  

Industrials - 10.5%

     

Cintas Corp.

     4,168        1,882,352  

Illinois Tool Works, Inc.

     8,056        1,774,737  

Lockheed Martin Corp.

     3,686        1,793,202  
     

 

      Shares      Value  

Union Pacific Corp.

     8,282      $ 1,714,954  

Waste Management, Inc.

     11,754        1,843,967  

WW Grainger, Inc.

     3,316        1,844,525  

Total Industrials

        10,853,737  

Information Technology - 38.6%

 

  

Accenture PLC, Class A (Ireland)

     6,951        1,854,805  

Adobe, Inc.*

     5,093        1,713,947  

Akamai Technologies, Inc.*

     20,470        1,725,621  

Amphenol Corp., Class A

     23,643        1,800,178  

Apple, Inc.

     22,032        2,862,618  

Broadcom, Inc.

     3,246        1,814,936  

Cadence Design Systems, Inc.*

     11,516        1,849,930  

CDW Corp.

     9,904        1,768,656  

Fiserv, Inc.*

     18,325        1,852,108  

Fortinet, Inc.*

     33,294        1,627,744  

Genpact, Ltd.

     37,908        1,755,898  

KLA Corp.

     4,899        1,847,070  

Mastercard, Inc., Class A

     5,753        2,000,491  

Microsoft Corp.

     10,141        2,432,015  

Motorola Solutions, Inc.

     7,464        1,923,547  

PayPal Holdings, Inc.*

     24,545        1,748,095  

PTC, Inc.*

     15,843        1,901,794  

Roper Technologies, Inc.

     4,501        1,944,837  

ServiceNow, Inc.*

     4,290        1,665,678  

Texas Instruments, Inc.

     11,239        1,856,908  

Visa, Inc., Class A1

     9,163        1,903,705  

Total Information Technology

        39,850,581  

Real Estate - 1.8%

     

CBRE Group, Inc., Class A*

     24,325        1,872,052  

Total Common Stocks
(Cost $74,714,150)

        101,766,963  

Short-Term Investments - 4.8%

     

Other Investment Companies - 4.8%

 

  

Dreyfus Government Cash Management Fund, Institutional Shares, 4.19%2

     1,991,150        1,991,150  

Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Government Money Market Fund, Institutional Shares, 4.27%2

     2,986,724        2,986,724  

Total Short-Term Investments
(Cost $4,977,874)

        4,977,874  

Total Investments - 103.4%
(Cost $79,692,024)

        106,744,837  

Other Assets, less Liabilities - (3.4)%

        (3,509,051

Net Assets - 100.0%

      $ 103,235,786  
     
 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

7


   

    

AMG Renaissance Large Cap Growth Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments (continued)

 

 

 

* 

Non-income producing security.

 

1 

Some of this security, amounting to $1,884,591 or 1.8% of net assets, was out on loan to various borrowers and is collateralized by various U.S. Treasury Obligations. See Note 4 of Notes to Financial Statements.

2 

Yield shown represents the December 31, 2022, seven day average yield, which refers to the sum of the previous seven days’ dividends paid, expressed as an annual percentage.

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments by the fair value hierarchy levels as of December 31, 2022:

 

    

Level 1

 

    

Level 2

 

    

Level 3

 

    

Total

 

 

Investments in Securities

           

Common Stocks

  

$

101,766,963

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

$101,766,963

 

Short-Term Investments

           

Other Investment Companies

     4,977,874                      4,977,874  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities

  

$

106,744,837

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

$106,744,837

 

  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

All common stocks held in the Fund are Level 1 securities. For a detailed breakout of common stocks by major industry classification, please refer to the Fund’s Schedule of Portfolio Investments.

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, there were no transfers in or out of Level 3.

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

8


   

    

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

December 31, 2022

 

 

 

    AMG Renaissance
Large Cap

Growth Fund

Assets:

   

Investments at value1 (including securities on loan valued at $1,884,591)

      $106,744,837     

Dividend and interest receivables

      81,171

Securities lending income receivable

      82

Receivable for Fund shares sold

      426

Receivable from affiliate

      15,728

Prepaid expenses and other assets

      10,596

Total assets

      106,852,840

Liabilities:

   

Payable for investments purchased

      3,415,252

Payable for Fund shares repurchased

      70,328

Accrued expenses:

   

Investment advisory and management fees

      44,251

Administrative fees

      13,014

Distribution fees

      12,269

Shareholder service fees

      1,894

Other

      60,046

Total liabilities

      3,617,054
   

Net Assets

      $103,235,786

1 Investments at cost

      $79,692,024

 

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

9


   

    

Statement of Assets and Liabilities (continued)

 

 

 

    AMG Renaissance
Large Cap

Growth Fund

Net Assets Represent:

   

Paid-in capital

      $74,707,841     

Total distributable earnings

      28,527,945

Net Assets

      $103,235,786

Class N:

   

Net Assets

      $56,263,950

Shares outstanding

      3,940,610

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share

      $14.28

Class I:

   

Net Assets

      $25,585,355

Shares outstanding

      1,769,826

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share

      $14.46

Class Z:

   

Net Assets

      $21,386,481

Shares outstanding

      1,507,687

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share

      $14.18
 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

10


   

    

Statement of Operations

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022

 

 

    AMG Renaissance
Large Cap

Growth Fund

Investment Income:

   

Dividend income

      $1,166,333     

Securities lending income

      1,707

Total investment income

      1,168,040

Expenses:

   

Investment advisory and management fees

      496,548

Administrative fees

      144,837

Distribution fees - Class N

      155,620

Shareholder servicing fees - Class N

      54,208

Shareholder servicing fees - Class I

      10,961

Professional fees

      36,794

Registration fees

      36,531

Custodian fees

      21,931

Reports to shareholders

      18,505

Transfer agent fees

      15,061

Trustee fees and expenses

      6,878

Miscellaneous

      5,690

Total expenses before offsets

      1,003,564

Expense reimbursements

      (145,481 )

Expense reductions

      (2,803 )

Net expenses

      855,280
   

Net investment income

      312,760

Net Realized and Unrealized Loss:

   

Net realized gain on investments

      5,552,868

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments

      (24,391,584 )

Net realized and unrealized loss

      (18,838,716 )
   

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

      $(18,525,956 )
 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

11


   

    

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

For the fiscal years ended December 31,

 

 

     AMG Renaissance
Large Cap
Growth Fund
     2022   2021

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting From Operations:

        

Net investment income

       $312,760       $93,306

Net realized gain on investments

       5,552,868       10,257,941

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments

       (24,391,584 )       16,697,774

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

       (18,525,956 )       27,049,021

Distributions to Shareholders:

        

Class N

       (3,750,988 )       (5,932,775 )

Class I

       (1,502,447 )       (939,739 )

Class Z

       (1,496,106 )       (1,617,440 )

Total distributions to shareholders

       (6,749,541 )       (8,489,954 )

Capital Share Transactions:1

        

Net increase from capital share transactions

       15,701,143       81,815
        

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

       (9,574,354 )       18,640,882

Net Assets:

        

Beginning of year

       112,810,140       94,169,258

End of year

       $103,235,786       $112,810,140

1 See Note 1(g) of the Notes to Financial Statements.

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

12


   

AMG Renaissance Large Cap Growth Fund

Financial Highlights

For a share outstanding throughout each fiscal year

 

 

     For the fiscal years ended December 31,
Class N    2022   2021   2020   2019   2018

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year

       $18.41       $15.31       $13.01       $10.48       $14.03

Income (loss) from Investment Operations:

                    

Net investment income1,2

       0.03       0.00 3,4        0.01       0.06       0.06

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

       (3.16 )       4.57       3.04       3.61       (1.09 )

Total income (loss) from investment operations

       (3.13 )       4.57       3.05       3.67       (1.03 )

Less Distributions to Shareholders from:

                    

Net investment income

       (0.02 )       (0.00 )3       (0.02 )       (0.08 )       (0.07 )

Net realized gain on investments

       (0.98 )       (1.47 )       (0.73 )       (1.06 )       (2.45 )

Total distributions to shareholders

       (1.00 )       (1.47 )       (0.75 )       (1.14 )       (2.52 )

Net Asset Value, End of Year

       $14.28       $18.41       $15.31       $13.01       $10.48

Total Return2,5

       (17.05 )%       30.02 %       23.54 %       35.16 %       (7.23 )%

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets6

       1.00 %       1.00 %       1.00 %       1.00 %7       1.00 %

Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets8

       1.15 %       1.13 %       1.19 %       1.17 %       1.12 %

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets2

       0.22 %       0.00 %9       0.10 %       0.48 %       0.45 %

Portfolio turnover

       28 %       18 %       28 %       40 %       38 %

Net assets end of year (000’s) omitted

       $56,264       $79,490       $67,688       $63,900       $54,595

 

 

 

 

13


   

AMG Renaissance Large Cap Growth Fund

Financial Highlights

For a share outstanding throughout each fiscal year

 

 

 

     For the fiscal years ended December 31,
Class I    2022   2021   2020   2019   2018

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year

       $18.63       $15.48       $13.14       $10.58       $14.17

Income (loss) from Investment Operations:

                    

Net investment income1,2

       0.07       0.04 4        0.05       0.09       0.10

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

       (3.19 )       4.62       3.07       3.64       (1.11 )

Total income (loss) from investment operations

       (3.12 )       4.66       3.12       3.73       (1.01 )

Less Distributions to Shareholders from:

                    

Net investment income

       (0.07 )       (0.04 )       (0.05 )       (0.11 )       (0.13 )

Net realized gain on investments

       (0.98 )       (1.47 )       (0.73 )       (1.06 )       (2.45 )

Total distributions to shareholders

       (1.05 )       (1.51 )       (0.78 )       (1.17 )       (2.58 )

Net Asset Value, End of Year

       $14.46       $18.63       $15.48       $13.14       $10.58

Total Return2,5

       (16.87 )%       30.30 %       23.90 %       35.42 %       (7.00 )%

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets6

       0.73 %       0.75 %       0.75 %       0.75 %7       0.74 %

Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets8

       0.88 %       0.88 %       0.94 %       0.92 %       0.86 %

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets2

       0.48 %       0.25 %       0.35 %       0.73 %       0.71 %

Portfolio turnover

       28 %       18 %       28 %       40 %       38 %

Net assets end of year (000’s) omitted

       $25,585       $12,599       $9,414       $8,410       $11,247

 

 

 

 

14


   

AMG Renaissance Large Cap Growth Fund

Financial Highlights

For a share outstanding throughout each fiscal year

 

 

 

     For the fiscal years ended December 31,
Class Z    2022   2021   2020   2019   2018

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year

       $18.31       $15.22       $12.94       $10.43       $14.00

Income (loss) from Investment Operations:

                    

Net investment income1,2

       0.09       0.06 4        0.06       0.10       0.11

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

       (3.16 )       4.56       3.01       3.60       (1.09 )

Total income (loss) from investment operations

       (3.07 )       4.62       3.07       3.70       (0.98 )

Less Distributions to Shareholders from:

                    

Net investment income

       (0.08 )       (0.06 )       (0.06 )       (0.13 )       (0.14 )

Net realized gain on investments

       (0.98 )       (1.47 )       (0.73 )       (1.06 )       (2.45 )

Total distributions to shareholders

       (1.06 )       (1.53 )       (0.79 )       (1.19 )       (2.59 )

Net Asset Value, End of Year

       $14.18       $18.31       $15.22       $12.94       $10.43

Total Return2,5

       (16.83 )%       30.54 %       23.90 %       35.58 %       (6.88 )%

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets6

       0.66 %       0.66 %       0.66 %       0.66 %7       0.66 %

Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets8

       0.81 %       0.79 %       0.85 %       0.83 %       0.78 %

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets2

       0.55 %       0.34 %       0.44 %       0.82 %       0.79 %

Portfolio turnover

       28 %       18 %       28 %       40 %       38 %

Net assets end of year (000’s) omitted

       $21,386       $20,721       $17,068       $20,372       $39,149

 

 

 

1 

Per share numbers have been calculated using average shares.

 

2 

Total returns and net investment income would have been lower had certain expenses not been offset.

 

3 

Less than $0.005 or $(0.005) per share.

 

4 

Includes non-recurring dividends. Without these dividends, net investment gain (loss) per share would have been $(0.02), $0.02, and $0.04 for Class N, Class I and Class Z, respectively.

 

5 

The total return is calculated using the published Net Asset Value as of fiscal year end.

 

6 

Includes reduction from broker recapture amounting to less than 0.01% for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, and 0.01% for the fiscal years ended 2019 and 2018, respectively.

 

7 

Includes interest expense of 0.01% of average net assets.

 

8 

Excludes the impact of expense reimbursement or fee waivers and expense reductions such as brokerage credits, but includes expense repayments and non-reimbursable expenses, if any, such as interest, taxes, and extraordinary expenses. (See Note 1(c) and 2 in the Notes to Financial Statements.)

 

9 

Less than 0.005%.

 

 

15


    

 

    

    

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2022

 

   

    

 

     

 

 

1. ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

AMG Funds (the “Trust”) is an open-end management investment company, organized as a Massachusetts business trust, and registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). Currently, the Trust consists of a number of different funds, each having distinct investment management objectives, strategies, risks, and policies. Included in this report is AMG Renaissance Large Cap Growth Fund (the “Fund”).

The Fund offers Class N, Class I, and Class Z shares. Each class represents an interest in the same assets of the Fund. Although all share classes generally have identical voting rights, each share class votes separately when required by law. Different share classes may have different net asset values per share to the extent the share classes pay different distribution amounts and/or the expenses of such share classes differ. Each share class has its own expense structure. Please refer to a current prospectus for additional information on each share class.

Stocks in the information technology sector comprise a significant portion of the Fund’s portfolio at December 31, 2022. The information technology sector may be affected by technological obsolescence, short product cycles, falling prices and profits, competitive pressures and general market conditions.

Market prices of investments held by the Fund may fall rapidly or unpredictably due to a variety of economic or political factors, market conditions, disasters or public health issues, or in response to events that affect particular industries or companies.

The Fund’s financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”), including accounting and reporting guidance pursuant to Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946 applicable to investment companies. U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates and such differences could be material. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Fund in the preparation of its financial statements:

a. VALUATION OF INVESTMENTS

Equity securities traded on a national securities exchange or reported on the NASDAQ national market system (“NMS”) are valued at the last quoted sales price on the primary exchange or, if applicable, the NASDAQ official closing price or the official closing price of the relevant exchange or, lacking any sales, at the last quoted bid price. Equity securities held by the Fund that are traded in the over-the-counter market (other than NMS securities) are valued at the bid price. Foreign equity securities (securities principally traded in markets other than U.S. markets) held by the Fund are valued at the official closing price on the primary exchange or, for markets that either do not offer an official closing price or where the official closing price may not be representative of the overall market, the last quoted sale price.

Fixed income securities purchased with a remaining maturity of 60 days or less are valued at amortized cost, provided that the amortized cost value is approximately the same as the fair value of the security valued without the use of amortized cost. Investments in other open-end registered investment companies are valued at their end of day net asset value per share.

The Fund’s portfolio investments are generally valued based on independent market quotations or prices or, if none, “evaluative” or other market based valuations provided by third party pricing services approved by the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board”). Under certain circumstances, the value of certain Fund portfolio investments may be based on an evaluation of fair value, pursuant to procedures established by and under the general supervision of the Board. The Valuation Committee, which is comprised of the Independent Trustees of the Board, and the Pricing Committee, which is comprised of representatives from AMG Funds LLC (the “Investment Manager”) are the committees appointed by the Board to make fair value determinations. The Fund may use the fair value of a portfolio investment to calculate its net asset value (“NAV”) in the event that the market quotation, price or market based valuation for the portfolio investment is not readily available or otherwise not determinable pursuant to the Board’s valuation procedures, if the Investment Manager or the Pricing Committee believes the quotation, price or market based valuation to be unreliable, or in certain other circumstances. When determining the fair value of an investment, the Pricing Committee and, if required under the Trust’s securities valuation procedures, the Valuation Committee, seeks to determine the price that the Fund might reasonably expect to receive from current sale of that portfolio investment in an arms-length transaction. Fair value determinations shall be based upon consideration of all available facts and information, including, but not limited to (i) attributes specific to the investment; (ii) fundamental and analytical data relating to the investment; and (iii) the value of other comparable securities or relevant financial instruments, including derivative securities, traded on other markets or among dealers.

The values assigned to fair value portfolio investments are based on available information and do not necessarily represent amounts that might ultimately be realized in the future, since such amounts depend on future developments inherent in long-term investments. Because of the inherent uncertainty of valuation, those estimated values may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a ready market for the investments existed, and the differences could be material. The Board will be presented with a quarterly report showing as of the most recent quarter end, all outstanding securities fair valued by the Fund, including a comparison with the prior quarter end and the percentage of the Fund that the security represents at each quarter end.

With respect to foreign equity securities and certain foreign fixed income securities, the Board has adopted a policy that securities held in the Fund that can be fair valued by the applicable fair value pricing service are fair valued on each business day provided that each individual price exceeds a pre-established confidence level.

Effective September 8, 2022, the Fund adopted the requirements of Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act (“Rule 2a-5”), which the Fund’s Board designated the Fund’s Investment Manager as the Fund’s Valuation Designee to perform the Fund’s fair value determinations. Such determinations are subject to Board oversight and certain reporting and other requirements intended to ensure that the Board receives the information it needs to oversee the Investment Manager’s fair value determinations. Other than the designation of the Investment Manager as the Valuation Designee, the Fund’s adoption of Rule 2-a5 did not impact how the Fund determines fair value or the carrying amount of investments held in the Fund.

U.S. GAAP defines fair value as the price that a fund would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. U.S. GAAP also establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and a three level hierarchy for fair value measurements based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability. Inputs may be

 

 

 

16


    

 

    

    

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

   

    

 

     

 

 

observable or unobservable and refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Fund. Unobservable inputs reflect the Fund’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. Each investment is assigned a level based upon the observability of the inputs which are significant to the overall valuation.

The three-tier hierarchy of inputs is summarized below:

Level 1 – inputs are quoted prices in active markets for identical investments (e.g., equity securities, open-end investment companies)

Level 2 – other observable inputs (including, but not limited to: quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in markets that are active, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the assets or liabilities (such as interest rates, yield curves, volatilities, prepayment speeds, loss severities, credit risks and default rates) or other market corroborated inputs) (e.g., debt securities, government securities, foreign currency exchange contracts, foreign securities utilizing international fair value pricing, fair valued securities with observable inputs)

Level 3 – inputs are significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions used to determine the fair value of investments) (e.g., fair valued securities with unobservable inputs)

Changes in inputs or methodologies used for valuing investments may result in a transfer in or out of levels within the fair value hierarchy. The inputs or methodologies used for valuing investments may not necessarily be an indication of the risk associated with investing in those investments.

b. SECURITY TRANSACTIONS

Security transactions are accounted for as of trade date. Realized gains and losses on securities sold are determined on the basis of identified cost.

c. INVESTMENT INCOME AND EXPENSES

Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Interest income, which includes amortization of premium and accretion of discount on debt securities, is accrued as earned. Dividend and interest income on foreign securities is recorded gross of any withholding tax. Non-cash dividends included in dividend income, if any, are reported at the fair market value of the securities received. Other income and expenses are recorded on an accrual basis. Expenses that cannot be directly attributed to the Fund are apportioned among the funds in the Trust and other trusts or funds within the AMG Funds Family of Funds (collectively the “AMG Funds Family”) based upon their relative average net assets or number of shareholders. Investment income, realized and unrealized capital gains and losses, the common expenses of the Fund, and certain fund level expense reductions, if any, are allocated on a pro-rata basis to each class based on the relative net assets of each class to the total net assets of the Fund.

The Fund had certain portfolio trades directed to various brokers under a brokerage recapture program. Credits received from the brokerage recapture program are earned and paid on a monthly basis, and are recorded as expense offsets, which serve to reduce the Fund’s overall expense ratio. For the fiscal year

ended December 31, 2022, the impact on the expenses and expense ratios was $2,803 or less than 0.01%.

d. DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS

Fund distributions resulting from either net investment income or realized net capital gains, if any, will normally be declared and paid at least annually in December. Distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Distributions are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from net investment income and net realized capital gains for financial statement purposes (U.S. GAAP). Differences may be permanent or temporary. Permanent differences are reclassified among capital accounts in the financial statements to reflect their tax character. Permanent book and tax basis differences, if any, relating to shareholder distributions will result in reclassifications to paid-in capital. Temporary differences arise when certain items of income, expense and gain or loss are recognized in different periods for financial statement and tax purposes; these differences will reverse at some time in the future. Permanent differences are primarily due to tax equalization utilized. Temporary differences are primarily due to wash sale loss deferrals.

The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 were as follows:

 

 Distributions paid from:    2022                  2021                

 Ordinary income *

     $301,910        $650,288  

 Long-term capital gains

     6,447,631        7,839,666  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
             $6,749,541                $8,489,954  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

*

For tax purposes, short-term capital gain distributions, if any, are considered ordinary income distributions.

As of December 31, 2022, the components of distributable earnings (excluding unrealized appreciation/depreciation) on a tax basis consisted of:

 

 Undistributed ordinary income

     $7,235  

 Undistributed long-term capital gains

     1,475,871  

At December 31, 2022, the cost of investments and the aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation for federal income tax purposes were as follows:

 

 Cost   Appreciation     Depreciation     Net Appreciation  

 $79,699,998

    $29,534,622       $(2,489,783     $27,044,839  

e. FEDERAL TAXES

The Fund currently qualifies as an investment company and intends to comply with the requirements under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and to distribute substantially all of its taxable income and gains to its shareholders and to meet certain diversification and income requirements with respect to investment companies. Therefore, no provision for federal income or excise tax is included in the accompanying financial statements.

Additionally, based on the Fund’s understanding of the tax rules and rates related to income, gains and transactions for the foreign jurisdictions in which it invests, the Fund will provide for foreign taxes, and where appropriate, deferred foreign taxes.

 

 

 

17


    

 

    

    

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

   

    

 

     

 

 

Management has analyzed the Fund’s tax positions taken on federal income tax returns as of December 31, 2022, and for all open tax years (generally, the three prior taxable years), and has concluded that no provision for federal income tax is required in the Fund’s financial statements. Additionally, Management is not aware of any tax position for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will change materially in the next twelve months.

f. CAPITAL LOSS CARRYOVERS AND DEFERRALS

As of December 31, 2022, the Fund had no capital loss carryovers for federal income tax purposes. Should the Fund incur net capital losses for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, such amounts may be used to offset future realized capital gains indefinitely, and retain their character as short-term and/or long-term.

 

 

g. CAPITAL STOCK

The Trust’s Declaration of Trust authorizes for the Fund the issuance of an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest, without par value. The Fund records sales and repurchases of its capital stock on the trade date.

For the fiscal years ended December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, the capital stock transactions by class for the Fund were as follows:

 

     December 31, 2022     December 31, 2021  
        
     Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount  

 Class N:

        

 Shares sold

     76,753       $1,159,718       109,927       $1,898,528  

 Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     226,359       3,255,046       285,234       5,162,738  

 Shares redeemed

     (680,358     (10,668,386     (498,953     (8,443,388
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 Net decrease

     (377,246     $(6,253,622     (103,792     $(1,382,122
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 Class I:

        

 Shares sold

     1,270,962       $19,392,826       119,211       $1,986,733  

 Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     101,750       1,480,470       51,218       937,805  

 Shares redeemed

     (279,075     (4,314,115     (102,506     (1,728,236
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 Net increase

         1,093,637           $16,559,181           67,923           $1,196,302  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 Class Z:

        

 Shares sold

     446,235       $6,599,400       70,562       $1,224,341  

 Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     100,082       1,429,170       85,595       1,539,857  

 Shares redeemed

     (170,599     (2,632,986     (145,277     (2,496,563
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 Net increase

     375,718       $5,395,584       10,880       $267,635  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

h. REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS AND JOINT REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS

The Fund may enter into third-party and bilateral repurchase agreements for temporary cash management purposes and third-party or bilateral joint repurchase agreements for reinvestment of cash collateral on securities lending transactions under the securities lending program offered by The Bank of New York Mellon (“BNYM”) (the “Program”) (collectively, “Repurchase Agreements”). The value of the underlying collateral, including accrued interest, must equal or exceed the value of the Repurchase Agreements during the term of the agreement. For joint repurchase agreements, the Fund participates on a pro rata basis with other clients of BNYM in its share of the underlying collateral under such joint repurchase agreements and in its share of proceeds from any repurchase or other disposition of the underlying collateral. The underlying collateral for all Repurchase Agreements is held in safekeeping by the Fund’s custodian or at the Federal Reserve Bank. If the seller defaults and the value of the collateral declines, or if bankruptcy proceedings commence with respect to the seller of the security,

realization of the collateral by the Fund may be delayed or limited. Pursuant to the Program, the Fund is indemnified for such losses by BNYM on joint repurchase agreements.

At December 31, 2022, the Fund had no Repurchase Agreements outstanding.

2. AGREEMENTS AND TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES

The Trust has entered into an investment advisory agreement under which the Investment Manager, a subsidiary and the U.S. retail distribution arm of Affiliated Managers Group, Inc. (“AMG”), serves as investment manager to the Fund and is responsible for the Fund’s overall administration and operations. The Investment Manager selects one or more subadvisers for the Fund (subject to Board approval) and monitors each subadviser’s investment performance, security holdings and investment strategies. The Fund’s investment portfolio is managed by The Renaissance Group LLC (“Renaissance”) who serves pursuant to a subadvisory

 

 

 

18


    

 

    

    

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

   

    

 

     

 

 

agreement with the Investment Manager. AMG indirectly owns a majority interest in Renaissance.

Investment management fees are paid directly by the Fund to the Investment Manager based on average daily net assets. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, the Fund paid an investment management fee at the following annual rates of the Fund’s average daily net assets:

 

 on the first $50 million

     0.55

 on the next $25 million

     0.50

 on the next $25 million

     0.45

 on balance over $100 million

     0.40

The fee paid to Renaissance for its services as subadviser is paid out of the fee the Investment Manager receives from each Fund and does not increase the expenses of the Fund.

The Investment Manager has contractually agreed, through at least May 1, 2023, to waive management fees and/or pay or reimburse fund expenses in order to limit total annual Fund operating expenses after fee waiver and expense reimbursements (exclusive of taxes, interest (including interest incurred in connection with bank and custody overdrafts, and in connection with securities sold short), shareholder servicing fees, distribution and service (12b-1) fees, brokerage commissions and other transaction costs, dividends payable with respect to securities sold short, acquired fund fees and expenses and extraordinary expenses) of 0.66% of the Fund’s average daily net assets (this annual rate or such other annual rate that may be in effect from time to time, the “Expense Cap”), subject to later reimbursement by the Fund in certain circumstances.

In general, for a period of up to 36 months after the date any amounts are paid, waived or reimbursed by the Investment Manager, the Investment Manager may recover such amounts from the Fund, provided that such repayment would not cause the Fund’s total annual operating expenses after fee waiver and expense reimbursements (exclusive of the items noted in the parenthetical above) to exceed either (i) the Expense Cap in effect at the time such amounts were paid, waived or reimbursed, or (ii) the Expense Cap in effect at the time of such repayment by the Fund.

The contractual expense limitation may only be terminated in the event the Investment Manager or a successor ceases to be the investment manager of the Fund or a successor fund, by mutual agreement between the Investment Manager and the Board, or in the event of the Fund’s liquidation unless the Fund is reorganized or is a party to a merger in which the surviving entity is successor to the accounting and performance information of the Fund.

At December 31, 2022, the Fund’s expiration of reimbursements subject to recoupment is as follows:

 

 Expiration

 Period

      

 Less than 1 year

     $164,987  

 1-2 years

     131,129  

 2-3 years

     145,481  
  

 

 

 

 Total

     $441,597  
  

 

 

 

The Trust, on behalf of the Fund, has entered into an amended and restated Administration Agreement under which the Investment Manager serves as the Fund’s administrator (the “Administrator”) and is responsible for all non-portfolio management aspects of managing the Fund’s operations, including administration and shareholder services to the Fund. The Fund pays a fee to the Administrator at the rate of 0.15% per annum of the Fund’s average daily net assets for this service.

The Fund is distributed by AMG Distributors, Inc. (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Investment Manager. The Distributor serves as the distributor and underwriter for the Fund and is a registered broker-dealer and member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”). Shares of the Fund will be continuously offered and will be sold directly to prospective purchasers and through brokers, dealers or other financial intermediaries who have executed selling agreements with the Distributor. Generally the Distributor bears all or a portion of the expenses of providing services pursuant to the distribution agreement, including the payment of the expenses relating to the distribution of prospectuses for sales purposes and any advertising or sales literature.

The Trust has adopted a distribution and service plan (the “Plan”) with respect to the Class N shares, in accordance with the requirements of Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act and the requirements of the applicable rules of FINRA regarding asset-based sales charges. Pursuant to the Plan, the Fund may make payments to the Distributor for its expenditures in financing any activity primarily intended to result in the sale of the Fund’s Class N shares and for maintenance and personal service provided to existing shareholders of that class. The Plan authorized payments to the Distributor up to 0.25% annually of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to the Class N shares.

For each of the Class N and Class I shares, the Board has approved reimbursement payments to the Investment Manager for shareholder servicing expenses (“shareholder servicing fees”) incurred. Shareholder servicing fees include payments to financial intermediaries, such as broker-dealers (including fund supermarket platforms), banks, and trust companies who provide shareholder recordkeeping, account servicing and other services. The Class N and Class I shares may reimburse the Investment Manager for the actual amount incurred up to a maximum annual rate of each Class’s average daily net assets as shown in the table below. Effective December 31, 2022, the Investment Manager has agreed, through at least December 31, 2023, to waive a portion of shareholder servicing fees paid by Class I, as necessary, to ensure the fees are limited to 0.07% for the Class.

 

 

 

19


    

 

    

    

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

   

    

 

     

 

 

The impact on the annualized expense ratios for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, were as follows:

 

    

Maximum Annual

Amount

Approved

    

Actual

Amount

Incurred

   

 

 

 Class N

     0.15%        0.09%    

 Class I

     0.15%        0.07%          

The Board provides supervision of the affairs of the Trust and other trusts within the AMG Funds Family. The Trustees of the Trust who are not affiliated with the Investment Manager receive an annual retainer and per meeting fees for regular, special and telephonic meetings, and they are reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses incurred while carrying out their duties as Board members. The Chairman of the Board and the Audit Committee Chair receive additional annual retainers. Certain Trustees and Officers of the Fund are Officers and/or Directors of the Investment Manager, AMG and/or the Distributor.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) granted an exemptive order that permits certain eligible funds in the AMG Funds Family to lend and borrow money for certain temporary purposes directly to and from other eligible funds in the AMG Funds Family. Participation in this interfund lending program is voluntary for both the borrowing and lending funds, and an interfund loan is only made if it benefits each participating fund. The Administrator manages the program according to procedures approved by the Board, and the Board monitors the operation of the program. An interfund loan must comply with certain conditions set out in the exemptive order, which are designed to assure fairness and protect all participating funds. The interest earned and interest paid on interfund loans are included on the Statement of Operations as interest income and interest expense, respectively. At December 31, 2022, the Fund had no interfund loans outstanding.

The Fund did not utilize the interfund loan program during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022.

3. PURCHASES AND SALES OF SECURITIES

Purchases and sales of securities (excluding short-term securities and U.S. Government Obligations) for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, were $36,711,664 and $27,265,770, respectively.

The Fund had no purchases or sales of U.S. Government Obligations during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022.

4. PORTFOLIO SECURITIES LOANED

The Fund participates in the Program providing for the lending of securities to qualified borrowers. Securities lending income includes earnings of such temporary cash investments, plus or minus any rebate to a borrower. These earnings (after any rebate) are then divided between BNYM, as a fee for its services under the Program, and the Fund, according to agreed-upon rates. Collateral on all securities loaned is accepted in cash, U.S. Treasury Obligations or U.S. Government Agency Obligations. Collateral is maintained at a minimum level of 102% (105% in the case of certain foreign securities) of the market value, plus interest, if applicable, of investments on loan. It is the Fund’s policy to obtain additional collateral from or return excess collateral to the borrower by the end of the next business day, following the valuation date of the securities loaned. Therefore, the value of the collateral held may be temporarily less than the value of

the securities on loan. Lending securities entails a risk of loss to the Fund if and to the extent that the market value of the securities loaned were to increase and the borrower did not increase the collateral accordingly, and the borrower fails to return the securities. Under the terms of the Program, the Fund is indemnified for such losses by BNYM. Cash collateral is held in separate omnibus accounts managed by BNYM, who is authorized to exclusively enter into joint repurchase agreements for that cash collateral. Securities collateral is held in separate omnibus accounts managed by BNYM and cannot be sold or pledged. BNYM bears the risk of any deficiency in the amount of the cash collateral available for return to the borrower due to any loss on the collateral invested. Loans of securities are terminable at any time and the borrower, after notice, is required to return borrowed securities as soon as practical, which is normally within three business days.

The value of securities loaned on positions held, cash collateral and securities collateral received at December 31, 2022, were as follows:

 

Securities
Loaned
   Cash
Collateral
Received
     Securities
Collateral
Received
     Total
Collateral
Received
        

$1,884,591

            $1,925,776        $1,925,776     

The following table summarizes the securities received as collateral for securities lending at December 31, 2022:

 

Collateral

Type

 

Coupon

Range

  Maturity
Date Range
    

U.S. Treasury Obligations

  0.000%-7.500%   01/15/23-05/15/52   

5. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Under the Trust’s organizational documents, its Trustees and Officers are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the Trust. In addition, in the normal course of business, the Fund may enter into contracts and agreements that contain a variety of representations and warranties, which provide general indemnifications. The maximum exposure to the Fund under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Fund that have not yet occurred. However, based on experience, the Fund had no prior claims or losses and expects the risks of loss to be remote.

6. MASTER NETTING AGREEMENTS

The Fund may enter into master netting agreements with its counterparties for the Program and Repurchase Agreements, which provide the right, in the event of default (including bankruptcy or insolvency) for the non-defaulting party to liquidate the collateral and calculate net exposure to the defaulting party or request additional collateral. For financial reporting purposes, the Fund does not offset financial assets and financial liabilities that are subject to master netting agreements in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. For securities lending transactions, see Note 4. At December 31, 2022, the Fund had no repurchase agreements outstanding.

7. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

The Fund has determined that no material events or transactions occurred through the issuance date of the Fund’s financial statements which require an additional disclosure in or adjustment of the Fund’s financial statements.

 

 

 

20


    

 

    

    

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

   

    

 

     

 

To the Board of Trustees of AMG Funds and Shareholders of AMG Renaissance Large Cap Growth Fund

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the schedule of portfolio investments, of AMG Renaissance Large Cap Growth Fund (one of the funds constituting AMG Funds, referred to hereafter as the “Fund”) as of December 31, 2022, the related statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2022, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2022, including the related notes, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period ended December 31, 2022 (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Fund as of December 31, 2022, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2022 and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period ended December 31, 2022 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Fund’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Fund’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Fund in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits of these financial statements in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2022 by correspondence with the custodian and brokers; when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Boston, Massachusetts

February 24, 2023

We have served as the auditor of one or more investment companies in the AMG Funds Family since 1993.

        

 

 

 

21


    

 

    

    

Other Information (unaudited)

 

   

    

 

     

 

 

 

TAX INFORMATION

AMG Renaissance Large Cap Growth Fund hereby designates the maximum amount allowable of its net taxable income as qualified dividends as provided in the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003. The 2022 Form 1099-DIV you receive for the Fund will show the tax status of all distributions paid to you during the year.

Pursuant to section 852 of the Internal Revenue Code, AMG Renaissance Large Cap Growth Fund hereby designates $6,631,823 as a capital gain distribution with respect to the taxable fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, or if subsequently determined to be different, the net capital gains of such year.

 

 

 

22


    

 

    

AMG Funds

Trustees and Officers

 

   

    

 

     

 

 

The Trustees and Officers of the Trust, their business addresses, principal occupations for the past five years and ages are listed below. The Trustees provide broad supervision over the affairs of the Trust and the Funds. The Trustees are experienced executives who meet periodically throughout the year to oversee the Funds’ activities, review contractual arrangements with companies that provide services to the Funds, and     

review the Funds’ performance. Unless otherwise noted, the address of each Trustee or Officer is the address of the Trust: 680 Washington Blvd., Suite 500, Stamford, CT. 06901.

 

There is no stated term of office for Trustees. Trustees serve until their resignation, retirement or removal in

      

accordance with the Trust’s organizational documents and policies adopted by the Board from time to time. The Chairman of the Trustees, President, Treasurer and Secretary of the Trust are elected by the Trustees annually. Other officers hold office at the pleasure of the Trustees.

                   

Independent Trustees

The following Trustees are not “interested persons” of the Trust within the meaning of the 1940 Act:

Number of Funds Overseen in  

Fund Complex

  Name, Age, Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years and Other Directorships Held by Trustee
 

• Trustee since 2012

• Oversees 40 Funds in Fund Complex

 

Bruce B. Bingham, 74

Partner, Hamilton Partners (real estate development firm) (1987-Present); Director of The Yacktman Funds, Inc. (2 portfolios) (2000-2012).

 

• Trustee since 2013

• Oversees 44 Funds in Fund Complex

• Chairman of the Audit Committee since 2021

 

Kurt A. Keilhacker, 59

Managing Partner, TechFund Europe (2000-Present); Managing Partner, TechFund Capital (1997-Present); Managing Partner, Elementum Ventures (2013-Present); Director, MetricStory, Inc. (2017-Present); Trustee, Wheaton College (2018-Present); Trustee, Gordon College (2001-2016); Board Member, 6wind SA (2002-2019).

 

• Trustee since 2004

• Oversees 40 Funds in Fund Complex

 

Steven J. Paggioli, 72

Independent Consultant (2002-Present); Trustee, Professionally Managed Portfolios (28 portfolios); Advisory Board Member, Sustainable Growth Advisors, LP; Independent Director, Muzinich BDC, Inc. (business development company) (2019-Present); Director, The Wadsworth Group; Independent Director, Chase Investment Counsel (2008–2019); Executive Vice President, Secretary and Director, Investment Company Administration, LLC and First Fund Distributors, INC. (1990-2001).

 

• Independent Chairman of the Board of Trustees since 2017

• Chairman of the Governance Committee since 2017

• Trustee since 1999

• Oversees 44 Funds in Fund Complex

 

Eric Rakowski, 64

Professor of Law, University of California at Berkeley School of Law (1990-Present); Tax Attorney at Davis Polk & Wardwell and clerked for Judge Harry T. Edwards of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit and for Justice William J. Brennan Jr. of the U.S. Supreme Court; Trustee of Parnassus Funds (3 portfolios) (2021-Present); Trustee of Parnassus Income Funds (2 portfolios) (2021-Present); Director of Harding, Loevner Funds, Inc. (10 portfolios); Trustee of Third Avenue Trust (3 portfolios) (2002-2019); Trustee of Third Avenue Variable Trust (1 portfolio) (2002-2019).

 

• Trustee since 2013

• Oversees 44 Funds in Fund Complex

 

Victoria L. Sassine, 57

Adjunct Professor, Babson College (2007–Present); Director, Board of Directors, PRG Group (2017-Present); CEO, Founder, Scale Smarter Partners, LLC (2018-Present); Adviser, EVOFEM Biosciences (2019-Present); Chairperson of the Board of Directors, Business Management Associates (2018-2019).

 

• Trustee since 2004

• Oversees 40 Funds in Fund Complex

 

Thomas R. Schneeweis, 75*

Professor Emeritus, University of Massachusetts (2013-Present); President, TRS Associates (1982-Present); Board Member, Chartered Alternative Investment Association (“CAIA”) (2002-Present); Co-Founder and Director, Institute for Global Asset and Risk Management (Education) (2010-Present); Co-Owner, Quantitative Investment Technologies (2014-Present); Co-Owner, Yes Wealth Management (2018-Present); Director, CAIA Foundation (2010-2019); Partner, S Capital Wealth Advisors (2015-2018); Partner, S Capital Management, LLC (2007-2015); President, Alternative Investment Analytics, LLC (formerly Schneeweis Partners, LLC) (2001-2013).

*Mr. Schneeweis retired from the Board of Trustees of AMG Funds as of December 31, 2022.

Interested Trustee

The Trustee in the following table is an “interested person” of the Trust within the meaning of the 1940 Act.

Number of Funds Overseen in  

Fund Complex

  Name, Age, Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years and Other Directorships Held by Trustee

 

 

 

23


    

 

    

AMG Funds

Trustees and Officers (continued)

 

   

    

 

     

 

 

   

• Trustee since 2021

• Oversees 44 Funds in Fund Complex

 

Garret W. Weston, 41

Affiliated Managers Group, Inc. (2008-Present): Managing Director, Co-Head of Affiliate Engagement (2021-Present), Senior Vice President, Affiliate Development (2016-2021), Vice President, Office of the CEO (2015-2016), Vice President, New Investments (2012-2015), Senior Associate,

Officers

 

    Position(s) Held with Fund and  

    Length of Time Served

  Name, Age, Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years
 

• President since 2018

• Principal Executive Officer since 2018

• Chief Executive Officer since 2018

• Chief Operating Officer since 2007

 

Keitha L. Kinne, 64

Chief Operating Officer, AMG Funds LLC (2007-Present); Chief Investment Officer, AMG Funds LLC (2008-Present); President and Principal, AMG Distributors, Inc. (2018-Present); Chief Operating Officer, AMG Distributors, Inc. (2007-Present); President, Chief Executive Officer and Principal Executive Officer, AMG Funds, AMG Funds I, AMG Funds II, AMG Funds III and AMG Funds IV (2018-Present); Chief Operating Officer, AMG Funds, AMG Funds I, AMG Funds II, and AMG Funds III (2007-Present); Chief Operating Officer, AMG Funds IV (2016-Present); Chief Operating Officer and Chief Investment Officer, Aston Asset Management, LLC (2016); President and Principal Executive Officer, AMG Funds, AMG Funds I, AMG Funds II and AMG Funds III (2012-2014); Managing Partner, AMG Funds LLC (2007-2014); President and Principal, AMG Distributors, Inc. (2012-2014); Managing Director, Legg Mason & Co., LLC (2006-2007); Managing Director, Citigroup Asset Management (2004-2006).

 

• Secretary since 2015

• Chief Legal Officer since 2015

 

Mark J. Duggan, 57

Managing Director and Senior Counsel, AMG Funds LLC (2021-Present); Senior Vice President and Senior Counsel, AMG Funds LLC (2015-2021); Secretary and Chief Legal Officer, AMG Funds, AMG Funds I, AMG Funds II, AMG Funds III and AMG Funds IV (2015-Present); Attorney, K&L Gates, LLP (2009-2015).

 

• Chief Financial Officer since 2017

• Treasurer since 2017

• Principal Financial Officer since 2017

• Principal Accounting Officer since 2017

 

Thomas G. Disbrow, 56

Vice President, Mutual Fund Treasurer & CFO, AMG Funds, AMG Funds LLC (2017-Present); Chief Financial Officer, Principal Financial Officer, Treasurer and Principal Accounting Officer, AMG Funds, AMG Funds I, AMG Funds II, AMG Funds III and AMG Funds IV (2017-Present); Managing Director - Global Head of Traditional Funds Product Control, UBS Asset Management (Americas), Inc. (2015-2017); Managing Director - Head of North American Funds Treasury, UBS Asset Management (Americas), Inc. (2011-2015).

 

• Deputy Treasurer since 2017

 

John A. Starace, 52

Vice President, Mutual Fund Accounting, AMG Funds LLC (2021-Present); Director, Mutual Fund Accounting, AMG Funds LLC (2017-2021); Vice President, Deputy Treasurer of Mutual Funds Services, AMG Funds LLC (2014-2017); Deputy Treasurer, AMG Funds, AMG Funds I, AMG Funds II, AMG Funds III and AMG Funds IV (2017-Present); Vice President, Citi Hedge Fund Services (2010-2014); Audit Senior Manager (2005-2010) and Audit Manager (2001-2005), Deloitte & Touche LLP.

 

• Chief Compliance Officer and Sarbanes-Oxley Code of Ethics Compliance Officer since 2019

• Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer since 2022

 

Patrick J. Spellman, 48

Vice President, Chief Compliance Officer, AMG Funds LLC (2017-Present); Chief Compliance Officer, AMG Distributors, Inc. (2010-Present); Chief Compliance Officer and Sarbanes-Oxley Code of Ethics Compliance Officer, AMG Funds, AMG Funds I, AMG Funds II, AMG Funds III and AMG Funds IV (2019-Present); Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer, AMG Funds, AMG Funds I, AMG Funds II, and AMG Funds III (2014-2019; 2022-Present); Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer, AMG Funds IV (2016-2019; 2022-Present); Senior Vice President, Chief Compliance Officer, AMG Funds LLC (2011-2017); Compliance Manager, Legal and Compliance, Affiliated Managers Group, Inc. (2005-2011).

 

• Assistant Secretary since 2016

 

Maureen M. Kerrigan, 37

Vice President, Senior Counsel, AMG Funds LLC (2021-Present); Vice President, Counsel, AMG Funds LLC (2019-2021); Director, Counsel, AMG Funds LLC (2017-2018); Vice President, Counsel, AMG Funds LLC (2015-2017); Assistant Secretary, AMG Funds, AMG Funds I, AMG Funds II, AMG Funds III and AMG Funds IV (2016-Present); Associate, Ropes & Gray LLP (2011-2015); Law Fellow, Massachusetts Appleseed Center for Law and Justice (2010-2011).

 

 

 

24


LOGO

 

 

    

    

 

   

    

 

     

 

 

INVESTMENT MANAGER AND ADMINISTRATOR

 

AMG Funds LLC

 

680 Washington Blvd., Suite 500

 

Stamford, CT 06901

 

800.548.4539

 

DISTRIBUTOR

 

AMG Distributors, Inc.

 

680 Washington Blvd., Suite 500

 

Stamford, CT 06901

 

800.548.4539

 

SUBADVISER

 

The Renaissance Group LLC

 

625 Eden Park Drive, Suite 1200

 

Cincinnati, OH 45202

 

CUSTODIAN

 

The Bank of New York Mellon

 

Mutual Funds Custody

 

6023 Airport Road

 

Oriskany, NY 13424

          

LEGAL COUNSEL

 

Ropes & Gray LLP

 

Prudential Tower, 800 Boylston Street

 

Boston, MA 02199-3600

 

TRANSFER AGENT

 

BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc.

 

Attn: AMG Funds

 

4400 Computer Drive

 

Westborough, MA 01581

 

800.548.4539

 

Effective March 9, 2023, the Transfer Agent’s mailing address will change to the following:

 

BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc.

 

AMG Funds

 

Attn: 534426

 

AIM 154-0520

 

500 Ross Street

 

Pittsburgh, PA 15262

 

800.548.4539

          

This report is prepared for the Fund’s shareholders. It is authorized for distribution to prospective investors only when preceded or accompanied by an effective prospectus. To receive a free copy of the prospectus or Statement of Additional Information, which includes additional information about Fund Trustees, please contact us by calling 800.548.4539. Distributed by AMG Distributors, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC.

 

Current net asset values per share for the Fund are available on the Fund’s website at amgfunds.com.

 

A description of the policies and procedures the Fund uses to vote its proxies is available: (i) without charge, upon request, by calling 800.548.4539, or (ii) on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) website at sec.gov. For information regarding the Fund’s proxy voting record for the 12-month period ended June 30, call 800.548.4539 or visit the SEC website at sec.gov.

 

The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year as an exhibit to their reports on Form N-PORT. The Fund’s portfolio holdings on Form N-PORT are available on the SEC’s website at sec.gov and the Fund’s website at amgfunds.com. To review a complete list of the Fund’s portfolio holdings, or to view the most recent semiannual report or annual report, please visit amgfunds.com.

 

 

 

 

amgfunds.com          


LOGO

 

 

    

    

 

   

    

 

      

 

 

BALANCED FUNDS

AMG GW&K Global Allocation

GW&K Investment Management, LLC

 

EQUITY FUNDS

AMG Beutel Goodman International Equity

Beutel, Goodman & Company Ltd.

 

AMG Boston Common Global Impact

Boston Common Asset Management, LLC

 

AMG Frontier Small Cap Growth

Frontier Capital Management Co., LLC

 

AMG GW&K Small Cap Core

AMG GW&K Small Cap Value

AMG GW&K Small/Mid Cap

AMG GW&K Small/Mid Cap Growth

AMG GW&K Emerging Markets Equity

AMG GW&K Emerging Wealth Equity

AMG GW&K International Small Cap

GW&K Investment Management, LLC

 

AMG Montrusco Bolton Large Cap Growth

Montrusco Bolton Investments, Inc.

 

AMG Renaissance Large Cap Growth

The Renaissance Group LLC

          

AMG River Road Dividend All Cap Value

AMG River Road Focused Absolute Value

AMG River Road International Value Equity

AMG River Road Large Cap Value Select

AMG River Road Mid Cap Value

AMG River Road Small-Mid Cap Value

AMG River Road Small Cap Value

River Road Asset Management, LLC

 

AMG TimesSquare Emerging Markets Small Cap

AMG TimesSquare Global Small Cap

AMG TimesSquare International Small Cap

AMG TimesSquare Mid Cap Growth

AMG TimesSquare Small Cap Growth

TimesSquare Capital Management, LLC

 

AMG Veritas Asia Pacific

AMG Veritas China

AMG Veritas Global Focus

AMG Veritas Global Real Return

Veritas Asset Management LLP

 

AMG Yacktman

AMG Yacktman Focused

AMG Yacktman Global

AMG Yacktman Special Opportunities

Yacktman Asset Management LP

          

FIXED INCOME FUNDS

AMG Beutel Goodman Core Plus Bond

Beutel, Goodman & Company Ltd.

 

AMG GW&K Core Bond ESG

AMG GW&K Enhanced Core Bond ESG

AMG GW&K ESG Bond

AMG GW&K High Income

AMG GW&K Municipal Bond

AMG GW&K Municipal Enhanced Yield

GW&K Investment Management, LLC

 

 

 

    amgfunds.com               123122        AR024


LOGO    ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

    

AMG Funds

 

December 31, 2022

 
     LOGO
 
     AMG TimesSquare Small Cap Growth Fund
 
     Class N: TSCPX    |    Class I: TSQIX    |    Class Z: TSCIX
 
     AMG TimesSquare Mid Cap Growth Fund
 
     Class N: TMDPX    |     Class I: TQMIX    |     Class Z: TMDIX
 
     AMG TimesSquare International Small Cap Fund
 
     Class N: TCMPX    |     Class I: TQTIX    |     Class Z: TCMIX
 
     AMG TimesSquare Emerging Markets Small Cap Fund
 
     Class N: TQENX    |     Class I: TQEIX    |     Class Z: TQEZX
 
     AMG TimesSquare Global Small Cap Fund
 
     Class N: TSYNX    |     Class I: TSYIX    |     Class Z: TSYZX

 

 

 

 

 

amgfunds.com           123122            AR012



    

    

AMG Funds

Annual Report — December 31, 2022

 

 

             
       TABLE OF CONTENTS    PAGE  
 

 

 
   

LETTER TO SHAREHOLDERS

     2  
 
   

ABOUT YOUR FUND’S EXPENSES

     3  
 
    PORTFOLIO MANAGER’S COMMENTS, FUND SNAPSHOTS AND SCHEDULES OF PORTFOLIO INVESTMENTS   
 
   

AMG TimesSquare Small Cap Growth Fund

     4  
 
   

AMG TimesSquare Mid Cap Growth Fund

     11  
 
   

AMG TimesSquare International Small Cap Fund

     19  
 
   

AMG TimesSquare Emerging Markets Small Cap Fund

     27  
 
   

AMG TimesSquare Global Small Cap Fund

     35  
 
    FINANCIAL STATEMENTS   
 
   

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

     43  
 
   

Balance sheets, net asset value (NAV) per share computations
and cumulative distributable earnings (loss)

  
 
   

Statement of Operations

     45  
 
   

Detail of sources of income, expenses, and realized and
unrealized gains (losses) during the fiscal year

  
 
   

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

     46  
 
   

Detail of changes in assets for the past two fiscal years

  
 
   

Financial Highlights

     48  
 
   

Historical net asset values per share, distributions, total returns, income
and expense ratios, turnover ratios and net assets

  
 
   

Notes to Financial Statements

     63  
 
   

Accounting and distribution policies, details of agreements and
transactions with Fund management and affiliates, and descriptions of
certain investment risks

  
 
    REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM      72  
 
    OTHER INFORMATION      73  
 
    TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS      74  

    

    

 

Nothing contained herein is to be considered an offer, sale or solicitation of an offer to buy shares of any series of the AMG Funds Family of Funds. Such offering is made only by prospectus, which includes details as to offering price and other material information.

 

 


LOGO   Letter to Shareholders

 

 

Dear Shareholder:

We are pleased to provide this annual report for your investment with AMG Funds. Our foremost goal is to provide investment solutions that help our shareholders successfully achieve their long-term investment goals. We appreciate the privilege of providing you with investment tools.

The past year was a challenging period for investors, as uncertainties about high inflation, tighter financial conditions, and the Russian invasion of Ukraine led to significant volatility. Global equity and bond markets fell in tandem amid sharply higher interest rates and eroding investor confidence as worries of an impending recession lingered most of the year. A global commodity shock caused by the war in Ukraine only made matters worse. The S&P 500® Index slipped into a bear market with the Index falling more than (24)% from its peak earlier in the year. The abrupt shift in markets this year has reset expectations around future growth, as the U.S. Federal Reserve (the Fed) and other global central banks have taken aggressive policy action to bring down inflation. While the outlook is uncertain given recent negative returns across many asset classes, global stock and bond valuations are now far more attractive entering 2023 compared to a year ago.

There was very wide dispersion in S&P 500® Index sector performance. Energy significantly outperformed all other sectors with a gain of 65.72% as the price of oil surged during the period. The defensive-oriented sectors also outperformed, although utilities was the only other sector with a positive return, gaining 1.54%. Consumer staples and health care were slightly negative with returns of (0.62)% and (1.95)%, respectively. High-growth technology and mega cap internet-related companies underperformed during the period, and real estate was impacted by higher interest rates. Communications services fell the most with a (39.93)% return during the year, followed by declines of (37.03)% for consumer discretionary, (28.14)% for information technology and (26.13)% for real estate. Value stocks held up much better than growth stocks as the Russell 1000® Value Index returned (7.54)% compared to the (29.14)% return for the Russell 1000® Growth Index. Small cap stocks struggled as the Russell 2000® Index lost (20.44)%. Outside the U.S., foreign developed markets were negative with a (14.45)% return for the MSCI EAFE Index, however a very strong fourth quarter rally drove international equity returns ahead of their U.S. counterparts for the year.

The 10-year Treasury yield more than doubled during the year, surging to the highest levels since before the Great Financial Crisis. Rapidly rising rates from a very low base led to historic negative performance for bonds as the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index, a broad measure of U.S. bond market performance, lost (13.01)% over the period. Investment-grade corporate bonds underperformed, returning (15.76)% for the year. High yield bonds held up better with a (11.19)% return as measured by the return of the Bloomberg U.S. Corporate High Yield Bond

Index. Municipal bonds were also negative, but outperformed the broader market with a (8.53)% return for the Bloomberg Municipal Bond Index.

AMG Funds provides access to a distinctive array of actively managed return-oriented investment strategies. You can rest assured that under all market conditions our team is focused on delivering excellent investment management services for your benefit. For more information about AMG Funds’ wide range of products and resources, please visit www.amgfunds.com. We thank you for your investment and continued trust in AMG Funds.

Respectfully,

 

LOGO

Keitha Kinne

President

AMG Funds

 

            Periods ended  
Average Annual Total Returns        December 31, 2022*  
Stocks:             1 Year     3 Years     5 Years  

Large Cap

  (S&P 500® Index)          (18.11 )%      7.66     9.42

Small Cap

  (Russell 2000® Index)       (20.44 )%      3.10     4.13

International

  (MSCI ACWI ex USA)         (16.00 )%      0.07     0.88

Bonds:

                               

Investment Grade

  (Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index)       (13.01 )%      (2.71 )%      0.02

High Yield

  (Bloomberg U.S. Corporate High Yield Bond Index)       (11.19 )%      0.05     2.31

Tax-exempt

  (Bloomberg Municipal Bond Index)       (8.53 )%      (0.77 )%      1.25

Treasury Bills

  (ICE BofAML U.S. 6-Month Treasury Bill Index)         1.34     0.82     1.39

*Source: FactSet. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

 

 

 

2


    

 

    

    

About Your Fund’s Expenses

 

   

    

 

      

 

As a shareholder of a Fund, you may incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, which may include sales charges (loads) on purchase payments; redemption fees; and exchange fees; and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution (12b-1) fees; and other Fund expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. The example is based on $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period as indicated below.

 

ACTUAL EXPENSES

 

The first line of the following table provides information about the 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 the Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

 

HYPOTHETICAL EXAMPLE FOR COMPARISON PURPOSES

 

The second line of the following table provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed annual rate of return of 5% before expenses, which is not the Fund’s

      

actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Fund and other funds by comparing this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of other funds.

 

Please 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), redemption fees, or exchange fees. Therefore, the second line of the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds.

 

 

 

  Six Months Ended

  December 31, 2022

   Expense
Ratio for
the Period
  Beginning
Account
Value
07/01/22
   Ending
Account
Value
12/31/22
     Expenses
Paid
During
the Period*

AMG TimesSquare Small Cap Growth Fund

Based on Actual Fund Return

Class N

   1.19%   $1,000      $1,087      $6.26

Class I

   1.07%   $1,000      $1,087      $5.63

Class Z

   0.99%   $1,000      $1,088      $5.21

Based on Hypothetical 5% Annual Return

Class N

   1.19%   $1,000      $1,019      $6.06

Class I

   1.07%   $1,000      $1,020      $5.45

Class Z

   0.99%   $1,000      $1,020      $5.04

AMG TimesSquare Mid Cap Growth Fund

Based on Actual Fund Return

Class N

   1.18%   $1,000      $1,039      $6.06

Class I

   1.03%   $1,000      $1,040      $5.30

Class Z

   0.98%   $1,000      $1,040      $5.04

Based on Hypothetical 5% Annual Return

Class N

   1.18%   $1,000      $1,019      $6.01

Class I

   1.03%   $1,000      $1,020      $5.24

Class Z

   0.98%   $1,000      $1,020      $4.99

AMG TimesSquare International Small Cap Fund

Based on Actual Fund Return

Class N

   1.27%   $1,000      $1,031      $6.50

Class I

   1.12%   $1,000      $1,031      $5.73

Class Z

   1.02%   $1,000      $1,032      $5.22

Based on Hypothetical 5% Annual Return

Class N

   1.27%   $1,000      $1,019      $6.46

Class I

   1.12%   $1,000      $1,020      $5.70

Class Z

   1.02%   $1,000      $1,020      $5.19

  Six Months Ended

  December 31, 2022

   Expense
Ratio for
the Period
  Beginning
Account
Value
07/01/22
   Ending
Account
Value
12/31/22
     Expenses
Paid
During
the Period*

AMG TimesSquare Emerging Markets Small Cap Fund

Based on Actual Fund Return

Class N

   1.68%   $1,000      $1,026      $8.58

Class I

   1.28%   $1,000      $1,027      $6.54

Class Z

   1.28%   $1,000      $1,029      $6.54

Based on Hypothetical 5% Annual Return

Class N

   1.68%   $1,000      $1,017      $8.54

Class I

   1.28%   $1,000      $1,019      $6.51

Class Z

   1.28%   $1,000      $1,019      $6.51
          

AMG TimesSquare Global Small Cap Fund

Based on Actual Fund Return

Class N

   1.25%   $1,000      $1,065      $6.51

Class I

   1.00%   $1,000      $1,066      $5.21

Class Z

   1.00%   $1,000      $1,066      $5.21

Based on Hypothetical 5% Annual Return

Class N

   1.25%   $1,000      $1,019      $6.36

Class I

   1.00%   $1,000      $1,020      $5.09

Class Z

   1.00%   $1,000      $1,020      $5.09

 

  *

Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days in the most recent fiscal half-year (184), then divided by 365.

 

 

 

 

3


    

 

    

AMG TimesSquare Small Cap Growth Fund

Portfolio Manager’s Comments (unaudited)

 

   

    

 

      

 

 

The Year In Review

 

For the year ended December 31, 2022, AMG TimesSquare Small Cap Growth Fund (the “Fund”) Class N shares returned (26.41)%, while the benchmark, the Russell 2000® Growth Index, returned (26.36)%.

 

In 2022, global equity markets retreated sharply after three consecutive years of double-digit gains. For example, the MSCI World Index declined by (18)% after average calendar year gains of 22% from 2019 to 2021. Though there were many economic challenges for the markets last year, weakness among global equities did not arise from poor company fundamentals—realized and projected earnings per share for the average MSCI World stock were either stable or increased in 2022 while their price/earnings (P/E) ratios contracted. Weighing on the markets during the year was a combination of higher inflation rates, climbing commodity prices, tighter monetary policies, and slowing measures of business activities that moved into the range of economic contraction.

 

Focusing on the U.S., the year began with highs and lows that moved to opposite ends of their respective spectrums. In January economic activities were well into the range of expansion, but by year-end they fell into contraction levels. Consumer expectations eroded, in part matching the progressive climb of inflation, though the latter began to recede in the fourth quarter. Perhaps the most notable and steady ascent in 2022 was driven by the U.S. Federal Reserve’s (the Fed) pace of rate increases—seven raises lifted the Federal funds rate from a zero-interest rate policy to a range of 4.25% to 4.50% in December. Over the year, among small-to-mid cap growth stocks, there was a pronounced preference for quality and valuation as stocks with higher returns on equity or lower price/earnings ratios outperformed. Higher risk stocks or those that lacked earnings were punished.

 

Amid this environment, the Fund performed relatively in line with the Russell 2000® Growth Index for the full year. There was relative weakness in the energy and financials sectors that was mostly offset by strength from our positions in the health care, consumer discretionary, industrials, and information technology sectors.

 

The strongest sector in the benchmark during 2022 was energy. Because we believe many of these companies lack unique competitive aspects, we tend to underweight this sector and that was detrimental to relative returns this year. Offsetting that effect

      

somewhat was the 33% return for Matador Resources Co., an oil and natural gas exploration and production company with acreage in major Texas fields and the neighboring states. In January, we began buying shares in Matador and subsequently its revenues and earnings regularly exceeded expectations following better-than-expected well production that was accompanied by lower levels of capital expenditures.

 

There were notable challenges in the financial sector this year, primarily from the banking industry. That included Silvergate Capital Corp., which provides financial infrastructure solutions and services to the digital currency industry. The midyear troubles of high-profile cryptocurrencies and their exchanges reverberated throughout that ecosystem and all service providers, such as Silvergate. While we initially believed Silvergate’s financial position was stable and its valuation was attractive, the market punished its shares late in the year and sentiment was unrelentingly negative. Lacking the conviction to rebuild the position, we sold our remaining shares, which were down (89)% while we owned them this year.

 

The health care sector provided a performance booster throughout 2022. One example was Silk Road Medical, Inc., which develops innovative treatments for carotid artery diseases, particularly transcarotid artery revascularization (“TCAR”). Midyear, Silk’s shares lifted after its management was optimistic about the recently increased reimbursement coverage for TCAR and its potential for greater use. We added to our position and later in the fall, Silk increased its guidance for sales of TCAR and highlighted new opportunities for growth. That included greater levels of surgeon training and possible label expansion of TCAR use for additional needs. The result was a 24% climb for Silk’s shares this year. Detracting from that was Tandem Diabetes Care, Inc. and its (72)% decline for the year until we exited our position at the start of December. Earlier in the year, Tandem’s earnings fell below expectations as the company spent aggressively on new product development of insulin pumps for diabetes patients. Then in the summer, Tandem’s management noted that consumer concerns over inflation and recession weighed on device sales. To tackle that issue, Tandem announced a new long-term payment plan that lowers the device’s initial costs, though the market seemed to also be concerned about competing devices. At the time we thought the recent sales weakness would abate and that future product enhancements and upgrades would reaccelerate sales. When that failed to materialize in

      

the fall, and Tandem’s results again fell shy of expectations, we lost confidence in its management and began selling our shares. Far better was the 15% gain from Shockwave Medical, Inc., the developer of intravascular devices for calcified cardiovascular diseases. Quarter after quarter, the company bested expectations for revenues and earnings, as well as regularly increasing its forward guidance. Shockwave successfully navigated staffing issues at hospitals early in the year, and we added to our position during the overall market weakness in the late spring. In the fall, when it announced increased sales of its C2 coronary catheter system following a resumption of medical procedures, we trimmed our position on its strength. When Shockwave’s price retreated toward the end of the year, likely on profit taking, we began increasing our holdings.

 

The consumer discretionary sector was also beneficial this year. At the head of the class with a 40% gain was PowerSchool Holdings, Inc., a cloud-based platform and collaboration software provider for K-12 educational settings. We added to the position midyear on share price weakness. That decision was rewarded as its shares rallied on improving results, with sales growth across all its end markets. Customer retention was over 100% during the recent renewal period (meaning on a net basis customers renewed for a higher dollar level of services) and PowerSchool signed new contracts with a major city’s school system and an online education provider. Countering that was the (49)% drain from the shares of Leslie’s, Inc., which provides direct-to-consumer pool care products and services. Toward the end of the year its price weakened on the market perception that higher interest rates would be detrimental to any housing or housing-adjust companies, such as pools. Subsequently, Leslie’s reported higher revenues and earnings than expected, though initial guidance for the new fiscal year was weaker than expected. During Leslie’s first investor day since becoming a public company in 2020, it appeared that management was deliberately setting an overly conservative tone for 2023, especially because over 80% of its sales were tied to pool maintenance—and thus more stable—compared with new installations. Returning to the positives in the sector finds Visteon Corp., which designs and manufactures automotive electronics, primarily for driver information and display clusters. During the weakness among automotive and related businesses in the first half of the year, we added to our position because Visteon maintained its profitability and found alternative sources for components in short supply. Beginning

 

 

4


    

 

    

AMG TimesSquare Small Cap Growth Fund

Portfolio Manager’s Comments (continued)

 

   

    

 

      

 

 

in the second half of the year, Visteon’s revenues and earnings far surpassed expectations. Even though automotive production levels were flat, Visteon launched several new products and gained additional wins from various automotive manufacturers. That development lifted its stock, and we trimmed the position, which gained 18% for the overall year.

 

Another bulwark for performance was the industrials sector. We actively traded our position in EMCOR Group, Inc., which had a 16% return for the year. Earlier in the year, EMCOR’s margins weakened as it dealt with supply chain issues across the range of construction and operational services for mechanical and electrical systems it provides to a broad range of commercial, industrial, utility, and institutional customers. We added to our holdings during this period of relative weakness. Then EMCOR’s price recovered in the summer and climbed sharply in the fall as the company held the line on its margins, saw its backlog grow sequentially, increased its forward guidance twice, and authorized an additional $500 million share repurchase plan. During those gains, we trimmed our position. Not as strong was the (56)% showing for The AZEK Co., Inc., a manufacturer of wood-alternative decking, railing, trim, and molding. At the start of the year, despite reporting inline results, AZEK’s shares were punished as profit margin guidance was lower than expected due to the inclusion of its StruXure acquisition, a manufacturer of aluminum pergolas and cabanas. In that environment, businesses that possessed any blemishes were punished. Later, AZEK continued delivering very strong revenues, with both its residential and commercial businesses posting impressive growth rates. Despite those positives, the stock traded down on housing market fears and commodity price inflationary pressures. We believe that AZEK’s weakness and valuations reached a floor in the fall, and that it should return to

      

a stronger growth trajectory, so we added to our position. Gaining 23% since initiating the position in June was ITT, Inc., which manufactures engineered components and customized technological solutions for the energy, transportation, and industrial markets. Initially its industrial operations recovered from the past weakness ITT faced. Then toward the end of the year, ITT’s revenues and earnings were better than expected with consistent growth across all three of its business units.

 

Lastly there was the information technology sector, which saw several acquisition targets among our holdings. One example was SailPoint Technologies Holdings, Inc., which develops identity governance systems for enterprise-wide use across various platforms and environments. The company began the year reporting strong quarterly results in which annualized recurring revenues and revenue growth exceeded projections due to strong demand for its products. Then in April, a private equity firm announced plans to acquire SailPoint and we sold our position, which had gained 35% while we owned it this year. Similarly, the international merchant acquirer and payment software provider EVO Payments, Inc. reported steadily improving results during the first half of the year. Subsequently, in August a larger firm in its industry announced plans to acquire EVO and we sold our shares, which had appreciated by 32% until then. Slipping by (67)% was Synaptics, Inc., a developer of human interface technologies for a variety of devices. In our view, the market seemed incorrectly focused on supply chain constraints early in the year and later dwelled on the company’s exposure to smartphones or PCs. We believe that Synaptics’ growth focus on its Internet of Things (IoT) components should more than offset the challenges of other areas, and we added to our position. We also expect growth to resume for Integral Ad Science Holdings Corp. and its digital advertising verification services. The (60)%

 

      

weakness in its shares seemed tied to concerns that a recessionary environment may delay starting recent deals or otherwise elongate the sales cycle. However, Integral tools have been adopted by social media platforms, such as TikTok and Meta. We expect a return to its prior growth path with healthy margins, so we added to our holdings. Finally, there was a 17% contribution from ExlService Holdings, Inc., a business process outsourcing and analytics company. We added to our holdings at the start of the year and later ExlService reported revenues and earnings that exceeded expectations, boosted by strong performance in the analytics segment and digital transformation engagements. ExlService attracted a number of new customers throughout the year, and as its shares climbed, we pared back our position.

 

Looking forward into 2023, many investors remain fixated on the macroeconomic environment. Which central bank will blink first by pausing—or even reversing—its quantitative tightening? Will those actions effectively reduce global inflation? How shallow or deep will 2023’s widely anticipated recession be? As bottom-up investors, our attention zeroes in on a company’s fundamentals and capital structure. While the contraction of P/E multiples weighed on nearly all stocks last year, many continued to increase their earnings and have stronger balance sheets than they did before the last recession. Stocks with that combination have a larger place in our strategy because we believe they will be well-positioned no matter what 2023 holds.

 

The views expressed represent the opinions of TimesSquare Capital Management, LLC as of December 31, 2022, and are not intended as a forecast or guarantee of future results, and are subject to change without notice.

 

 

5


    

    AMG TimesSquare Small Cap Growth Fund

    Portfolio Manager’s Comments (continued)

 

 

 

CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN PERFORMANCE

AMG TimesSquare Small Cap Growth Fund’s cumulative total return is based on the daily change in net asset value (NAV), and assumes that all dividends and distributions were reinvested. This graph compares a hypothetical $10,000 investment made in the AMG TimesSquare Small Cap Growth Fund’s Class N shares on December 31, 2012 to a $10,000 investment made in the Russell 2000® Growth Index for the same time period. The graph and table do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on a Fund distribution or redemption of shares. The listed returns for the Fund are net of expenses and the returns for the index exclude expenses. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced.

 

LOGO

The table below shows the average annual total returns for the AMG TimesSquare Small Cap Growth Fund and the Russell 2000® Growth Index for the same time periods ended December 31, 2022.

 

Average Annual Total Returns1   One
Year
    Five
Years
    Ten
Years
    Since
Inception
    Inception
Date
 

AMG TimesSquare Small Cap Growth Fund2, 3, 4, 5, 6

 

Class N

    (26.41 %)      5.34     9.39%       8.14%       01/21/00  

Class I

    (26.34 %)      5.47           7.37%       02/24/17  

Class Z

    (26.29 %)      5.55     9.61%       8.31%       01/21/00  

Russell 2000® Growth Index7

    (26.36 %)      3.51     9.20%       4.57%        01/21/00  

The performance data shown represents past performance. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.

 

 

Investors should carefully consider the Fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses before investing. For performance information through the most recent month end, current net asset values per share for the Fund and other information, please call 800.548.4539 or visit our website at amgfunds.com for a free prospectus. Read it carefully before investing or sending money.

Distributed by AMG Distributors, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC.

 

 

Date reflects inception date of the Fund, not the index.

 

1 

Total return equals income yield plus share price change and assumes reinvestment of all dividends and capital gain distributions. Returns are net of fees and may reflect offsets of Fund expenses as described in the prospectus. No adjustment has been made for taxes payable by shareholders on their reinvested dividends and

capital gain distributions. Returns for periods greater than one year are annualized. The listed returns on the Fund are net of expenses and based on the published NAV as of December 31, 2022. All returns are in U.S. Dollars ($).

 

2  From time to time, the Fund’s investment manager has waived its fees and/or absorbed Fund expenses, which has resulted in higher returns.

 

3  The Fund is subject to risks associated with investments in small-capitalization companies, such as erratic earnings patterns, competitive conditions, limited earnings history and a reliance on one or a limited number of products.

 

4  The Fund invests in growth stocks, which may be more sensitive to market movements because their prices tend to reflect future investor expectations rather than just current profits. Growth stocks may underperform value stocks during given periods.

 

5  Companies that are in similar industry sectors may be similarly affected by particular economic or market events; to the extent the Fund has substantial holdings within a particular sector, the risks associated with that sector increase.

 

6  Market prices of investments held by the Fund may fall rapidly or unpredictably due to a variety of economic or political factors, market conditions, disasters or public health issues, or in response to events that affect particular industries or companies.

 

7  The Russell 2000® Growth Index measures the performance of the Russell 2000® companies with higher price-to-book ratios and higher forecasted growth values. Unlike the Fund, the Russell 2000® Growth Index is unmanaged, is not available for investment and does not incur expenses.

 

The Russell 2000® Growth Index is a trademark of the London Stock Exchange Group companies.

 

Not FDIC insured, nor bank guaranteed. May lose value.

 

 

 

    

 

 

 

6


   

AMG TimesSquare Small Cap Growth Fund

Fund Snapshots (unaudited)

December 31, 2022

 

 

PORTFOLIO BREAKDOWN

 

    Sector    %  of
Net Assets
 

Industrials

   23.6
 

Information Technology

   23.0
 

Health Care

   18.6
 

Consumer Discretionary

   11.9
 

Financials

      6.6
 

Energy

      5.6
 

Consumer Staples

      3.5
 

Real Estate

      2.3
 

Communication Services

      0.9
 

Short-Term Investments

      5.7
 

Other Assets, less Liabilities

     (1.7)

TOP TEN HOLDINGS

 

    Security Name    %  of 
Net Assets 
 

Casella Waste Systems, Inc., Class A

   2.5
 

Esab Corp.

   2.4
 

WNS Holdings, Ltd., ADR (India)

   2.3
 

HealthEquity, Inc.

   2.2
 

ExlService Holdings, Inc.

   2.1
 

PowerSchool Holdings, Inc., Class A

   2.1
 

Matador Resources Co.

   2.1
 

Driven Brands Holdings, Inc.

   2.0
 

Paycor HCM, Inc.

   2.0
 

Hamilton Lane, Inc., Class A

   2.0
    

 

 

Top Ten as a Group

       21.7    
  

 

 

 

Because a fund’s strategy may result in multiple investments in particular sectors of the economy, its performance may depend on the performance of those sectors and may fluctuate more widely than investments diversified across more sectors. For additional information on these and other risk considerations, please see the Fund’s prospectus.

Any sectors, industries, or securities discussed should not be perceived as investment recommendations. Mention of a specific security should not be considered a recommendation to buy or solicitation to sell that security. Specific securities mentioned in this report may have been sold from the Fund’s portfolio of investments by the time you receive this report.

 

 

7


   

AMG TimesSquare Small Cap Growth Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments

December 31, 2022

 

 

     

    

Shares

     Value  

Common Stocks - 96.0%

     

Communication Services - 0.9%

 

  

Integral Ad Science Holding Corp.*

     238,900        $2,099,931  

Consumer Discretionary - 11.9%

 

  

Boot Barn Holdings, Inc.*

     41,100        2,569,572  

Global-e Online, Ltd. (Israel)*

     72,200        1,490,208  

Hilton Grand Vacations, Inc.*

     90,800        3,499,432  

Leslie’s, Inc.*

     198,800        2,427,348  

Malibu Boats, Inc., Class A*

     24,400        1,300,520  

MYT Netherlands Parent, B.V. (Germany)*

     109,900        979,209  

National Vision Holdings, Inc.*,1

     109,900        4,259,724  

Planet Fitness, Inc., Class A*

     46,800        3,687,840  

Topgolf Callaway Brands Corp.*,1

     145,300        2,869,675  

Visteon Corp.*

     16,200        2,119,446  

Wingstop, Inc.1

     15,300        2,105,586  

Total Consumer Discretionary

        27,308,560  

Consumer Staples - 3.5%

 

  

BJ’s Wholesale Club Holdings, Inc.*

     60,600        4,009,296  

The Simply Good Foods Co.*

     105,200        4,000,756  

Total Consumer Staples

        8,010,052  

Energy - 5.6%

 

  

Cactus, Inc., Class A

     69,800        3,508,148  

Magnolia Oil & Gas Corp., Class A

     100,000        2,345,000  

Matador Resources Co.

     84,100        4,813,884  

SM Energy Co.

     59,300        2,065,419  

Total Energy

        12,732,451  

Financials - 6.6%

 

  

Focus Financial Partners, Inc., Class A*

     66,900        2,493,363  

Hamilton Lane, Inc., Class A

     71,000        4,535,480  

MVB Financial Corp.

     80,300        1,768,206  

ProAssurance Corp.

     140,000        2,445,800  

Victory Capital Holdings, Inc., Class A

     141,500        3,796,445  

Total Financials

        15,039,294  

Health Care - 18.6%

 

  

Addus HomeCare Corp.*

     20,300        2,019,647  

Arcellx, Inc.*,1

     21,100        653,678  

Ascendis Pharma A/S, ADR (Denmark)*,1

     32,500        3,969,225  

AtriCure, Inc.*

     78,400        3,479,392  

Azenta, Inc.

     24,900        1,449,678  

Certara, Inc.*

     42,100        676,547  

HealthEquity, Inc.*

     80,000        4,931,200  

Heska Corp.*

     22,500        1,398,600  

Inspire Medical Systems, Inc.*

     11,900        2,997,372  
     
     

    

Shares

     Value  

Intra-Cellular Therapies, Inc.*

     57,400        $3,037,608  

IVERIC bio, Inc.*

     78,400        1,678,544  

Phreesia, Inc.*

     73,600        2,381,696  

PTC Therapeutics, Inc.*

     49,700        1,897,049  

Shockwave Medical, Inc.*

     9,800        2,014,978  

Silk Road Medical, Inc.*

     71,200        3,762,920  

Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

     141,550        2,075,123  

Treace Medical Concepts, Inc.*

     95,600        2,197,844  

Xenon Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Canada)*

     45,100        1,778,293  

Total Health Care

        42,399,394  

Industrials - 23.6%

 

  

ACV Auctions, Inc., Class A*,1

     155,800        1,279,118  

ASGN, Inc.*

     25,300        2,061,444  

The AZEK Co., Inc.*

     160,600        3,263,392  

Casella Waste Systems, Inc., Class A*

     71,000        5,631,010  

Columbus McKinnon Corp.

     44,500        1,444,915  

Driven Brands Holdings, Inc.*,1

     170,000        4,642,700  

EMCOR Group, Inc.

     28,100        4,161,891  

Esab Corp.

     118,000        5,536,560  

Exponent, Inc.

     28,700        2,843,883  

Hexcel Corp.

     62,100        3,654,585  

ITT, Inc.

     46,500        3,771,150  

RBC Bearings, Inc.*

     10,000        2,093,500  

Regal Rexnord Corp.

     17,700        2,123,646  

Saia, Inc.*

     11,400        2,390,352  

Sun Country Airlines Holdings, Inc.*,1

     79,300        1,257,698  

Tetra Tech, Inc.

     16,200        2,352,078  

WillScot Mobile Mini Holdings Corp.*

     45,900        2,073,303  

Zurn Elkay Water Solutions Corp.

     156,800        3,316,320  

Total Industrials

        53,897,545  

Information Technology - 23.0%

 

  

Allegro MicroSystems, Inc.*

     105,200        3,158,104  

CyberArk Software, Ltd. (Israel)*

     9,000        1,166,850  

ExlService Holdings, Inc.*

     29,000        4,913,470  

Flywire Corp.*

     80,700        1,974,729  

JFrog, Ltd. (Israel)*

     107,100        2,284,443  

MACOM Technology Solutions Holdings, Inc.*

     45,900        2,890,782  

New Relic, Inc.*

     48,700        2,749,115  

nLight, Inc.*

     156,400        1,585,896  

Onto Innovation, Inc.*

     44,900        3,057,241  

Paycor HCM, Inc.*

     186,400        4,561,208  

PowerSchool Holdings, Inc., Class A*

     210,000        4,846,800  

Q2 Holdings, Inc.*

     47,800        1,284,386  
     
 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

8


   

AMG TimesSquare Small Cap Growth Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments (continued)

 

 

     

    

Shares

     Value  

Information Technology - 23.0%
(continued)

     

Smartsheet, Inc., Class A*

     60,200        $2,369,472  

Sprout Social, Inc., Class A*,1

     39,200        2,213,232  

Synaptics, Inc.*

     28,700        2,731,092  

Vertex, Inc., Class A*

     172,000        2,495,720  

WNS Holdings, Ltd., ADR (India)*

     66,000        5,279,340  

Workiva, Inc.*

     36,800        3,090,096  

Total Information Technology

        52,651,976  

Real Estate - 2.3%

     

Kennedy-Wilson Holdings, Inc.

     146,200        2,299,726  

National Storage Affiliates Trust, REIT

     81,300        2,936,556  

Total Real Estate

        5,236,282  

Total Common Stocks
(Cost $209,867,412)

        219,375,485  
       Principal  
Amount
        

Short-Term Investments - 5.7%

 

  

Joint Repurchase Agreements - 1.5%2

 

  

Citigroup Global Markets, Inc., dated 12/30/22,due 01/03/23, 4.250% total to be received $360,691 (collateralized by various U.S. Treasuries, 0.000% - 4.500%, 04/11/23 - 10/31/29, totaling $367,731)

     $360,521        360,521  

MUFG Securities America, Inc., dated 12/30/22,due 01/03/23, 4.300% total to be received $1,000,478 (collateralized by various U.S. Government Agency Obligations, 2.000% - 5.500%, 08/01/24 - 01/01/53, totaling $1,020,000)

     1,000,000        1,000,000  
     
      Principal
Amount
     Value  

National Bank Financial, dated 12/30/22, due 01/03/23, 4.340% total to be received $1,000,482 (collateralized by various U.S. Treasuries, 0.000% - 4.435%, 01/03/23 - 09/09/49, totaling $1,020,000)

     $1,000,000        $1,000,000  

RBC Dominion Securities, Inc., dated 12/30/22,due 01/03/23, 4.300% total to be received $1,000,478 (collateralized by various U.S. Government Agency Obligations, 2.000% - 6.000%, 09/01/24 - 10/20/52, totaling $1,020,000)

     1,000,000        1,000,000  

Total Joint Repurchase Agreements

 

     3,360,521  
     Shares         

Other Investment Companies - 4.2%

 

  

Dreyfus Government Cash Management Fund, Institutional Shares, 4.19%3

     3,889,998        3,889,998  

Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Government Money Market Fund, Institutional Shares, 4.27%3

     5,834,996        5,834,996  

Total Other Investment Companies

        9,724,994  

Total Short-Term Investments

 

  

(Cost $13,085,515)

        13,085,515  

Total Investments - 101.7%

 

  

(Cost $222,952,927)

        232,461,000  

Other Assets, less Liabilities - (1.7)%

 

     (3,812,432

Net Assets - 100.0%

 

     $228,648,568  
  
 

 

*

Non-income producing security.

 

1 

Some of these securities, amounting to $9,786,629 or 4.3% of net assets, were out on loan to various borrowers and are collateralized by cash and various U.S. Treasury Obligations. See Note 4 of Notes to Financial Statements.

 

2 

Cash collateral received for securities lending activity was invested in these joint repurchase agreements.

3 

Yield shown represents the December 31, 2022, seven day average yield, which refers to the sum of the previous seven days’ dividends paid, expressed as an annual percentage.

ADR American Depositary Receipt

REIT Real Estate Investment Trust

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

9


   

AMG TimesSquare Small Cap Growth Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments (continued)

 

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments by the fair value hierarchy levels as of December 31, 2022:

 

     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

  Investments in Securities

           

  Common Stocks

   $ 219,375,485                    $ 219,375,485  

  Short-Term Investments

           

  Joint Repurchase Agreements

          $ 3,360,521               3,360,521  

  Other Investment Companies

     9,724,994                      9,724,994  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

  Total Investments in Securities

   $ 229,100,479      $ 3,360,521             $ 232,461,000  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

All common stocks held in the Fund are Level 1 securities. For a detailed breakout of common stocks by major industry classification, please refer to the Fund’s Schedule of Portfolio Investments.

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, there were no transfers in or out of Level 3.

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

10


    

 

    

AMG TimesSquare Mid Cap Growth Fund

Portfolio Manager’s Comments (unaudited)

 

   

    

 

      

 

 

The Year In Review

 

For the year ended December 31, 2022, AMG TimesSquare Mid Cap Growth Fund (the “Fund”) Class N shares returned (22.39%), while its benchmark, the Russell Midcap® Growth Index, returned (26.72)%.

 

In 2022, global equity markets retreated sharply after three consecutive years of double-digit gains. For example, the MSCI World Index declined by (18)% after average calendar year gains of 22% from 2019 to 2021. Though there were many economic challenges for the markets last year, weakness among global equities did not arise from poor company fundamentals—realized and projected earnings per share for the average MSCI World stock were either stable or increased in 2022 while their price/earnings (P/E) ratios contracted. Weighing on the markets during the year was a combination of higher inflation rates, climbing commodity prices, tighter monetary policies, and slowing measures of business activities that moved into the range of economic contraction.

 

Focusing on the U.S., the year began with highs and lows that moved to opposite ends of their respective spectrums. In January, economic activities were well into the range of expansion, but by year-end they fell into contraction levels. Consumer expectations eroded, in part matching the progressive climb of inflation, though the latter began to recede in the fourth quarter. Perhaps the most notable and steady ascent in 2022 was driven by the U.S. Federal Reserve’s (the Fed) pace of rate increases—seven raises lifted the Federal funds rate from a zero-interest rate policy to a range of 4.25% to 4.50% in December. Over the year, among small-to-mid cap growth stocks, there was a pronounced preference for quality and valuation as stocks with higher returns on equity or lower price/earnings ratios outperformed. Higher risk stocks or those that lacked earnings were punished.

 

Amid this environment, the Fund outperformed the Russell Midcap® Growth Index for the full year through strong stock selection. The Fund experienced broad-based strength across industrials, communication services, consumer discretionary, materials, and health care. This was partially offset by relative weakness in the consumer staples and energy, and information technology sectors.

 

Within the industrials sector, Cintas Corp. supplies uniforms and facilities services. Their latest fiscal quarter results outpaced Street projections. Its

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

    

uniform rental segment experienced strong volume growth, while first aid and safety services also had increased organic revenues. The only blemish was a sequential decline in demand for personal protective equipment. Its shares edged forward by 3%. Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corp. provides management and technology consulting services to U.S. government departments and agencies. The company reported revenues and earnings that were better than expected. All segments experienced revenue growth as well as an increase in backlogs. That in turn led to a high ratio of bookings to billings and a 26% rise in the stock price. We trimmed on this strength. Over the course of the year, we sold out of names with reduced growth prospects. TransUnion, a credit bureau offering risk and information services, tumbled (46)%. This position was liquidated during the third quarter due to the combination of weaker results with reduced guidance. Higher interest rates have diminished volumes of mortgage and refinancing. Generac Holdings, Inc. designs and manufactures power equipment and energy storage systems. We decided to exit the position during the fourth quarter with signs of continued softness in their home standby generator business. Its shares retreated (66)% while it was held. Of note, both TransUnion and Generac had been strong contributors in 2021. A new addition to the sector this year was Rockwell Automation, Inc., a provider of industrial automation and digital transformation solutions. Its shares had pulled back significantly and that gave us an attractive entry point for this high-quality business with secular growth prospects stemming from increased plant automation. Semiconductor shortages have lengthened lead times, but recently we have seen signs of improvement. Rockwell ascended 32% since it was purchased.

 

In communication services, Zynga, Inc., a video game developer for mobile devices, agreed to be acquired by Take Two Interactive early in 2022. Its shares climbed 28% while held during the year. A more disappointing finish came from IAC, Inc. and its (66)% return. They are a media and internet services provider operating through four business segments. Angi is a leader in digital home services, Dotdash Meredith is the largest digital and print publisher in the U.S., IAC’s Search includes Ask. com as a broad collection of reference websites, and Emerging & Other is comprised of investments in early-stage companies. Macroeconomic headwinds impacted its digital and search businesses, while Angi revenue decelerated.

  

  

    

Within consumer discretionary, O’Reilly Automotive, Inc. is a specialty retailer of after-market automotive parts and accessories. Their results were weak early in the year, then rebounded in the second half. We had added to the position in the middle of the year on price weakness. In the latest quarter, revenues and earnings surpassed sell-side estimates on higher same store comparisons. Their do-it-for-me professional mechanic business generated double-digit growth while do-it-yourself increased sales by a modest amount. The company managed to generate a 20% gain in its shares for the year. We decided to make changes to the Fund’s specialty retail positioning. Burlington Stores, Inc. operates as a discount retailer of branded apparel. We decided to liquidate the position during the third quarter as this company is more exposed to lower-income consumers that are under more inflationary pressure. Its shares lost (48)% for the time it was held. We replaced this position with Ross Stores, Inc., an off-price retailer of apparel and home accessories. We prefer Ross over Burlington due to the former’s product mix, exposure to a broader income range of customers, and better geographical exposure. Ross Stores received a 50% mark-up to its stock price since it was purchased. Another addition to the Fund was Tractor Supply Co., a retailer of farm and ranch products. We view this company as a best-in-class operator with consistent multi-year growth. There has been a population shift to more rural areas. Tractor Supply’s Neighbor’s Club customer loyalty program now boasts 28 million members, with many upgrading to higher level tiers. This stock was up 3% after being bought in the fourth quarter. The sector had other challenges related to the housing market and adjacent businesses due to high interest/mortgage rates. Pool Corp. is a wholesale distributor of swimming pool supplies, equipment, and related leisure products. For the third quarter, Pool experienced steady growth in maintenance, repair, and renovation. That offset weaker new pool construction Nevertheless, Pool’s shares dipped by (46)% for the year and we added to the position. Importantly, 80% of this company’s revenues come from maintenance. Floor & Decor Holdings, Inc. operates as a multi-channel specialty retailer of hard surface flooring and related accessories. Its management team reduced their full-year sales outlook and trimmed the top end of earnings guidance to account for anticipated macro-related demand challenges. We trimmed the position, which was down (47)%.

 

 

 

 

11


    

    

AMG TimesSquare Mid Cap Growth Fund

Portfolio Manager’s Comments (continued)

    

    

 

       

 

 

The Fund’s two positions in the materials sector moved in opposite directions. FMC Corp. is an agricultural sciences company offering solutions in areas such as crop protection, plant health, professional pest, and turf management. They consistently beat Street estimates throughout 2022 and we trimmed on the strength of the stock’s 16% rise. Management continues to view the outlook as favorable, underpinned by strong demand. Inflationary pressures appear to be easing and are supportive of margin expansion. Martin Marietta Materials, Inc., a supplier of aggregates to the construction industry, dropped (23)% on mixed results. Its management expressed concerns about 2023 aggregates volumes and we decided to reduce the position.

 

In financials, Signature Bank is a commercial bank operating predominantly in the New York metropolitan area. Its shares plummeted (64)% on mixed results that included loan growth, though with a lower-than-expected net interest margin caused by a higher level of interest-bearing deposits. The stock was also impacted by souring sentiment on the cryptocurrency market. While the bank has no direct exposure, some of its deposit balances are for institutional investors trading crypto. In December, the company announced plans to cap the level of cryptocurrency deposits. Credit to the sector came from RenaissanceRe Holdings, Ltd., which staged a recovery in 2022. They are a provider of reinsurance and insurance services. Key attributes for this company are its very capable management team and their conservative accounting, which over-reserves for potential losses. The hurricane season of July through early November can be a bit frenetic based on the amount of storm activity. For this year, RenaissanceRe exceeded expectations on higher net investment income and catastrophe losses were in line with their preannouncement. Recent hurricane activity has resulted in a firmer pricing environment for property catastrophe reinsurance. Gross premiums written were well above Street projections. The stock rose 10% and we trimmed the position.

 

Health care was home to the Fund’s top and bottom performers. Pharmaceutical distributor AmerisourceBergen Corp. jumped 26%. Early in the year, they along with fellow drug distributors Cardinal Health and McKesson reached an agreement with states across the country to settle claims related to the opioid crisis. Its results were steady throughout the year. Management has acknowledged macroeconomic headwinds while emphasizing its international business has remained

 

 

 

  

    

resilient and U.S. growth was strong. We trimmed the AmerisourceBergen position. Catalent Inc. is an outsourced contract manufacturing organization serving the biopharmaceutical and consumer health industries. Recent results came in below both the sell-side and our estimates. Management pointed to weaker macroeconomic conditions impacting consumer and company spending. Forward guidance also factors in lower COVID-related revenues. We decided to exit the position, with the stock tumbling (64)% for the time it was held during the year. Partially countering that was a boost from Encompass Health Corp. and its 33% improvement. This company is a market leader in inpatient rehabilitation after spinning off their home health and hospice business during the year. Encompass continues to meet volume demands and is well positioned for further growth. The industry is working through a period of nursing shortages and higher labor costs. In the latter part of 2022, they broadened their reach through the acquisition of three inpatient rehabilitation facilities. The shares of Encompass leapt forward 16% for the year and we opportunistically added to the position. Third quarter additions of IDEXX Laboratories, Inc and Legend Biotech Corp made solid contributions to the sector with returns of 11% and 45%, respectively. IDEXX develops, manufactures, and distributes products and services for veterinary, livestock, poultry, and dairy markets. Management narrowed short-term guidance as they continue to experience solid, yet somewhat moderated growth due to capacity constraints in U.S. markets and some macro-related volatility in its international business. Legend is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company engaged in the discovery and development of novel therapies for oncology and other indications. The company’s lead product is a CAR-T treatment for multiple myeloma and is currently in joint development/commercialization with Janssen Biotech. Chimeric antigen receptor T cells are genetically engineered for use in immunotherapy. A challenge to health care came from one of the Fund’s strongest performers in 2021. Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. an early-stage contract research organization aiding the biopharmaceutical industry in the discovery and development of drugs, devices, and therapies. The combination of soft results and lowered guidance caused us to reassess the position and we decided to sell out of the stock during the third quarter, despite its (41)% decline. Management cited challenges coming from adverse foreign currency translations and a cancelled COVID contract.

 

  

    

Within consumer staples, Olaplex Holdings, Inc. is a technology-driven beauty company focused on developing patent-protected hair care products that are sold to hair salons, retailers, and directly to consumers. The combination of a large miss to third quarter estimates and guidance well below Street projections caused its shares to sell off by (84)%. They expect professional channel sales to be lower for some time as salons work through existing inventory levels. We exited the position during the fourth quarter on this development. Better was Casey’s General Stores Inc. with its 13% gain. This stock was added to the Fund in the second quarter. Casey’s operates over 2,000 gas stations and convenience stores across the Midwestern U.S. Results were higher than expected and driven by better same-store sales.

 

In the energy sector, Cheniere Energy, Inc. is an energy infrastructure company that operates liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals in Louisiana and Texas. The company is well positioned to benefit from tight conditions in the global LNG market. Solid results led to a 49% surge in its stock price. We bolstered the sector weight by adding Pioneer Natural Resources Co., an exploration and production company with operations in Texas. They reported a slight beat to production estimates with other metrics within their guidance range. The company continued with its aggressive capital return program inclusive of a sizable quarterly dividend and share repurchases. Management announced a shift to its drilling plans by focusing on acreage with higher expected returns. Pioneer rose 24% since its purchase.

 

Sentiment became decidedly more negative in information technology as the year progressed. While cyber remains a key topic in news headlines and a prominent category for IT budgets, management teams have witnessed a challenging macroeconomic environment that is altering customer behaviors such as increased deal scrutiny and elongated sales cycles. Such was the case with CrowdStrike Holdings, Inc., a provider of cybersecurity products and services to stop network breaches. Its stock sold off by (48)% on mixed results and lower forward guidance. Semiconductors also came under end market pressures. Marvell Technology, Inc. is a leading provider of high-speed communications semiconductors for data storage, networking, and connectivity. In the middle of the year, Marvell’s shares seemed to retreat with the rest of the semiconductor industry on fears of cyclical weakness and the impact from China’s lockdowns. They later reported in line results, though with

 

 

 

 

12


    

    

AMG TimesSquare Mid Cap Growth Fund

Portfolio Manager’s Comments (continued)

    

    

 

       

 

 

reduced guidance. Management noted cancellations and pushouts of orders, mostly in their storage business. Chinese enterprise customers are also going through an inventory correction, while others are holding up well. We believe that Marvell should benefit from its secular growth opportunities, such as cloud-based data centers and 5G base stations. Outpacing the index average of (33)% was research and advisory company Gartner, Inc. and its 0% return, which consistently beat consensus estimates. This was driven by solid results in Research and Consulting, while its Conferences business

    

experienced a highly successful return to in-person events. These had been cancelled during the pandemic.

 

Looking forward into 2023, many investors remain fixated on the macroeconomic environment. Which central bank will blink first by pausing—or even reversing—its quantitative tightening? Will those actions effectively reduce global inflation? How shallow or deep will 2023’s widely anticipated recession be? As bottom-up investors, our attention zeroes in on a company’s fundamentals and capital structure. While the contraction of P/E multiples

    

weighed on nearly all stocks last year, many continued to increase their earnings and have stronger balance sheets than they did before the last recession. Stocks with that combination have a larger place in our strategy because we believe they will be well-positioned no matter what 2023 holds.

 

The views expressed represent the opinions of TimesSquare Capital Management, LLC as of December 31, 2022, and are not intended as a forecast or guarantee of future results, and are subject to change without notice.

 

 

13


    

    AMG TimesSquare Mid Cap Growth Fund

    Portfolio Manager’s Comments (continued)

 

 

 

CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN PERFORMANCE

AMG TimesSquare Mid Cap Growth Fund’s cumulative total return is based on the daily change in net asset value (NAV), and assumes that all dividends and distributions were reinvested. This graph compares a hypothetical $10,000 investment made in the AMG TimesSquare Mid Cap Growth Fund’s Class N shares on December 31, 2012 to a $10,000 investment made in the Russell Midcap® Growth Index for the same time period. The graph and table do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on a Fund distribution or redemption of shares. The listed returns for the Fund are net of expenses and the returns for the index exclude expenses. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced.

 

LOGO

The table below shows the average annual total returns for the AMG TimesSquare Mid Cap Growth Fund and the Russell Midcap® Growth Index for the same time periods ended December 31, 2022.

 

     One     Five     Ten     Since     Inception  
  Average Annual Total Returns1    Year     Years     Years     Inception     Date  

  AMG TimesSquare Mid Cap Growth Fund2, 3, 4, 5, 6

 

Class N

     (22.39 %)      9.40     11.48     9.73     03/04/05  

Class I

     (22.23 %)      9.56     —      10.77     02/24/17  

Class Z

     (22.18 %)      9.62     11.71     9.94     03/04/05  

Russell Midcap® Growth Index7

     (26.72 %)      7.64     11.41     9.09      03/04/05  

The performance data shown represents past performance. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.

 

Investors should carefully consider the Fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses before investing. For performance information through the most recent month end, current net asset values per share for the Fund and other information, please call 800.548.4539 or visit our website at amgfunds.com for a free prospectus. Read it carefully before investing or sending money.

Distributed by AMG Distributors, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC.

 

 

Date reflects inception date of the Fund, not the index.

 

1 

Total return equals income yield plus share price change and assumes reinvestment of all dividends and capital gain distributions. Returns are net of fees and may reflect offsets of Fund expenses as described in the prospectus. No adjustment has been made for taxes payable by shareholders on their reinvested dividends and

   capital gain distributions. Returns for periods greater than one year are annualized. The listed returns on the Fund are net of expenses and based on the published NAV as of December 31, 2022. All returns are in U.S. Dollars ($).

 

2  From time to time, the Fund’s investment manager has waived its fees and/or absorbed Fund expenses, which has resulted in higher returns.

 

3  The Fund is subject to risks associated with investments in mid-capitalization companies such as greater price volatility, lower trading volume, and less liquidity than the stocks of larger, more established companies.

 

4  The Fund invests in growth stocks, which may be more sensitive to market movements because their prices tend to reflect future investor expectations rather than just current profits. Growth stocks may underperform value stocks during given periods.

 

5  Companies that are in similar industry sectors may be similarly affected by particular economic or market events; to the extent the Fund has substantial holdings within a particular sector, the risks associated with that sector increase.

 

6  Market prices of investments held by the Fund may fall rapidly or unpredictably due to a variety of economic or political factors, market conditions, disasters or public health issues, or in response to events that affect particular industries or companies.

 

7  The Russell Midcap® Growth Index measures the performance of those Russell Midcap® companies with higher price/book ratios and higher forecasted growth values. The stocks are also members of the Russell 1000® Growth Index. Unlike the Fund, the Russell Midcap® Growth Index is unmanaged, is not available for investment and does not incur expenses.

 

The Russell Midcap® Growth Index is a trademark of the London Stock Exchange Group companies.

 

Not FDIC insured, nor bank guaranteed. May lose value.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 

14


   

AMG TimesSquare Mid Cap Growth Fund

Fund Snapshots (unaudited)

December 31, 2022

 

 

PORTFOLIO BREAKDOWN

 

   Sector

 

  

% of
Net Assets

 

 

Information Technology

   28.9
 

Industrials

   19.6
 

Health Care

   15.0
 

Consumer Discretionary

   14.5
 

Financials

     8.4
 

Energy

     3.9
 

Materials

     2.7
 

Consumer Staples

     2.1
 

Real Estate

     2.1
 

Communication Services

     2.1
 

Short-Term Investments

     3.8
 

Other Assets, less Liabilities

     (3.1)

 

TOP TEN HOLDINGS

 

   Security Name

 

  

% of 
Net Assets 

 

 

Gartner, Inc.

   3.4
 

O’Reilly Automotive, Inc.

   3.1
 

Waste Connections, Inc.

   3.1
 

Cintas Corp.

   2.6
 

AmerisourceBergen Corp.

   2.5
 

RenaissanceRe Holdings, Ltd. (Bermuda)

   2.3
 

Synopsys, Inc.

   2.3
 

Palo Alto Networks, Inc.

   2.2
 

SBA Communications Corp., Class A

   2.1
 

Amphenol Corp., Class A

   1.9
    

 

 

Top Ten as a Group

     25.5  
  

 

 

 

 

Because a fund’s strategy may result in multiple investments in particular sectors of the economy, its performance may depend on the performance of those sectors and may fluctuate more widely than investments diversified across more sectors. For additional information on these and other risk considerations, please see the Fund’s prospectus.

Any sectors, industries, or securities discussed should not be perceived as investment recommendations. Mention of a specific security should not be considered a recommendation to buy or solicitation to sell that security. Specific securities mentioned in this report may have been sold from the Fund’s portfolio of investments by the time you receive this report.

 

 

15


   

AMG TimesSquare Mid Cap Growth Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments

December 31, 2022

 

 

     

    

Shares

     Value  

Common Stocks - 99.3%

     

Communication Services - 2.1%

     

IAC, Inc.*

     120,200        $5,336,880  

Pinterest, Inc., Class A*

     470,600        11,426,168  

Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.*

     64,200        6,685,146  

Total Communication Services

        23,448,194  

Consumer Discretionary - 14.5%

     

Aptiv PLC (Ireland)*

     186,600        17,378,058  

Brunswick Corp.

     275,000        19,822,000  

Floor & Decor Holdings, Inc., Class A*,1

     129,100        8,989,233  

Lululemon Athletica, Inc. (Canada)*

     45,300        14,513,214  

Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corp.

     106,800        14,374,212  

O’Reilly Automotive, Inc.*

     41,000        34,605,230  

Pool Corp.

     60,650        18,336,314  

Ross Stores, Inc.

     163,800        19,012,266  

Tractor Supply Co.

     69,475        15,629,791  

Total Consumer Discretionary

        162,660,318  

Consumer Staples - 2.1%

     

BJ’s Wholesale Club Holdings, Inc.*

     161,000        10,651,760  

Casey’s General Stores, Inc.

     55,500        12,451,425  

Total Consumer Staples

        23,103,185  

Energy - 3.9%

     

Antero Resources Corp.*

     329,600        10,214,304  

Cheniere Energy, Inc.

     133,700        20,049,652  

Pioneer Natural Resources Co.

     60,800        13,886,112  

Total Energy

        44,150,068  

Financials - 8.4%

     

Brown & Brown, Inc.

     190,700        10,864,179  

Interactive Brokers Group, Inc., Class A

     261,200        18,897,820  

Markel Corp.*

     5,100        6,719,199  

Nasdaq, Inc.

     186,600        11,447,910  

RenaissanceRe Holdings, Ltd. (Bermuda)1

     141,000        25,976,430  

Signature Bank

     80,600        9,286,732  

TPG, Inc.

     403,800        11,237,754  

Total Financials

        94,430,024  

Health Care - 15.0%

     

AmerisourceBergen Corp.

     169,800        28,137,558  

Argenx SE, ADR (Netherlands)*

     32,200        12,198,326  

Ascendis Pharma A/S, ADR (Denmark)*,1

     102,700        12,542,751  

Chemed Corp.

     33,700        17,201,491  

Encompass Health Corp.

     248,800        14,880,728  

Envista Holdings Corp.*

     291,300        9,808,071  

ICON PLC (Ireland)*

     64,500        12,529,125  
     
     

    

Shares

     Value  

IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.*

     43,700        $17,827,852  

Legend Biotech Corp., ADR *

     217,700        10,867,584  

Royalty Pharma PLC, Class A

     422,900        16,713,008  

Veeva Systems, Inc., Class A*

     93,300        15,056,754  

Total Health Care

        167,763,248  

Industrials - 19.6%

     

AMETEK, Inc.

     122,300        17,087,756  

AO Smith Corp.

     273,400        15,649,416  

Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corp.

     130,600        13,650,312  

Carlisle Cos., Inc.

     42,000        9,897,300  

Cintas Corp.

     65,900        29,761,758  

Copart, Inc.*

     268,500        16,348,965  

CoStar Group, Inc.*

     230,100        17,782,128  

Equifax, Inc.

     55,000        10,689,800  

Hubbell, Inc.

     43,100        10,114,708  

Nordson Corp.

     59,600        14,168,112  

Rockwell Automation, Inc.

     42,000        10,817,940  

Verisk Analytics, Inc., Class A

     112,000        19,759,040  

Waste Connections, Inc.

     259,100        34,346,296  

Total Industrials

        220,073,531  

Information Technology - 28.9%

     

Amphenol Corp., Class A

     284,000        21,623,760  

Aspen Technology, Inc.*

     53,900        11,071,060  

Bentley Systems, Inc., Class B

     362,800        13,409,088  

Crowdstrike Holdings, Inc., Class A*

     142,100        14,961,709  

CyberArk Software, Ltd. (Israel)*

     84,300        10,929,495  

Elastic, N.V.*

     149,300        7,688,950  

Enphase Energy, Inc.*

     17,300        4,583,808  

Entegris, Inc.

     146,200        9,589,258  

Gartner, Inc.*

     113,500        38,151,890  

HubSpot, Inc.*

     29,100        8,413,683  

Keysight Technologies, Inc.*

     102,100        17,466,247  

Marvell Technology, Inc.

     373,100        13,819,624  

Microchip Technology, Inc.

     279,900        19,662,975  

Monolithic Power Systems, Inc.

     38,400        13,578,624  

Nice, Ltd., Sponsored ADR (Israel)*,1

     81,900        15,749,370  

Palo Alto Networks, Inc.*

     179,200        25,005,568  

Paylocity Holding Corp.*

     77,300        15,016,298  

Samsara, Inc., Class A*,1

     451,900        5,617,117  

Smartsheet, Inc., Class A*

     203,200        7,997,952  

Synopsys, Inc.*

     79,800        25,479,342  

Tyler Technologies, Inc.*

     44,600        14,379,486  
     
 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

16


   

    

AMG TimesSquare Mid Cap Growth Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments (continued)

 

 

 

     

    

Shares

     Value  

Information Technology - 28.9%

 

  

(continued)

     

WEX, Inc.*

     64,300        $10,522,695  

Total Information Technology

        324,717,999  

Materials - 2.7%

     

FMC Corp.

     107,700        13,440,960  

Martin Marietta Materials, Inc.

     49,800        16,830,906  

Total Materials

        30,271,866  

Real Estate - 2.1%

     

SBA Communications Corp., Class A, REIT

     83,500        23,405,885  

Total Common Stocks

     

(Cost $862,613,165)

        1,114,024,318  
     Principal
Amount
        

Short-Term Investments - 3.8%

     

Joint Repurchase Agreements - 1.9%2

 

  

Cantor Fitzgerald Securities, Inc., dated 12/30/22, due 01/03/23, 4.300% total to be received $5,164,366 (collateralized by various U.S. Government Agency Obligations, 0.000% - 9.000%, 01/15/23 - 11/20/72, totaling $5,265,138)

     $5,161,900        5,161,900  

Citadel Securities LLC, dated 12/30/22, due 01/03/23, 4.410% total to be received $5,164,429 (collateralized by various U.S. Treasuries, 0.125% - 6.250%, 04/15/23 - 11/15/52, totaling $5,267,718)

     5,161,900        5,161,900  

Citigroup Global Markets, Inc., dated 12/30/22, due 01/03/23, 4.250% total to be received $1,630,075 (collateralized by various U.S. Treasuries, 0.000% - 4.500%, 04/11/23 - 10/31/29, totaling $1,661,892)

     1,629,306        1,629,306  
     
      Principal
Amount
     Value  

National Bank Financial, dated 12/30/22, due 01/03/23, 4.340% total to be received $5,164,429 (collateralized by various U.S. Treasuries, 0.000% - 4.435%, 01/03/23 - 09/09/49, totaling $5,265,179)

     $5,161,940        $5,161,940  

State of Wisconsin Investment Board, dated 12/30/22, due 01/03/23, 4.340% total to be received $4,619,107 (collateralized by various U.S. Treasuries, 0.125% - 3.875%, 01/15/24 - 02/15/51, totaling $4,709,241)

     4,616,881        4,616,881  

Total Joint Repurchase Agreements

        21,731,927  
     Shares     

Other Investment Companies - 1.9%

 

  

Dreyfus Government Cash Management Fund, Institutional Shares, 4.19%3

     8,559,224        8,559,224  

Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Government Money Market Fund, Institutional Shares, 4.27%3

     12,838,836        12,838,836  

Total Other Investment Companies

        21,398,060  

Total Short-Term Investments

 

  

(Cost $43,129,987)

        43,129,987  

Total Investments - 103.1%

     

(Cost $905,743,152)

        1,157,154,305  

Other Assets, less Liabilities - (3.1)%

 

     (34,818,395

Net Assets - 100.0%

        $1,122,335,910  
     

 

 

 

*

Non-income producing security.

 

1 

Some of these securities, amounting to $26,774,296 or 2.4% of net assets, were out on loan to various borrowers and are collateralized by cash and various U.S. Treasury Obligations. See Note 4 of Notes to Financial Statements.

 

2 

Cash collateral received for securities lending activity was invested in these joint repurchase agreements.

3 

Yield shown represents the December 31, 2022, seven day average yield, which refers to the sum of the previous seven days’ dividends paid, expressed as an annual percentage.

ADR American Depositary Receipt

REIT Real Estate Investment Trust

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

17


   

    

AMG TimesSquare Mid Cap Growth Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments (continued)

 

 

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments by the fair value hierarchy levels as of December 31, 2022:

 

     Level 1        Level 2        Level 3        Total  

 Investments in Securities

                 

Common Stocks

   $ 1,114,024,318                          $ 1,114,024,318  

Short-Term Investments

                 

Joint Repurchase Agreements

            $ 21,731,927                   21,731,927  

Other Investment Companies

     21,398,060                            21,398,060  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities

   $ 1,135,422,378        $ 21,731,927                  —        $ 1,157,154,305  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

 

All common stocks held in the Fund are Level 1 securities. For a detailed breakout of common stocks by major industry classification, please refer to the Fund’s Schedule of Portfolio Investments.

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, there were no transfers in or out of Level 3.

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

18


   

    

AMG TimesSquare International Small Cap Fund

Portfolio Manager’s Comments (unaudited)

 

 

 

 

Year In Review

 

For the year ended December 31, 2022, AMG TimesSquare International Small Cap Fund (the “Fund”) Class N shares returned (27.97)%, while its benchmark, the MSCI EAFE Small Cap Index returned (21.39)%.

 

In 2022, global equity markets retreated sharply after three consecutive years of double-digit gains. For example, the MSCI World Index declined by (18)% after average calendar year gains of 22% from 2019 to 2021. Weighing on the markets during the year was a combination of higher inflation rates, climbing commodity prices, tighter monetary policies, and slowing measures of business activities that moved into the range of economic contraction.

 

Within the non-U.S. universe, there were better returns for larger stocks than smaller capitalizations and Value outperformed Growth. Among the small cap stocks, value sectors such as energy and materials were propelled by the gains in underlying commodity prices. Longer duration sectors such as communication services and health care pulled back on the risk of rising interest rates.

 

Amid this environment, the Fund underperformed the MSCI EAFE Small Cap Index benchmark for calendar year 2022. We experienced relative weakness in almost all regions with the exception of the Middle East. We benefited from stock selection in information technology and from our underweight in the real estate sector. We also experienced relative weakness in the industrials and communication sectors.

 

Regional Performance: Europe

Early in the year, Europe bore the brunt of the contagion effect from the war in the Ukraine. Our selection and relative overweight to Europe detracted from performance. Though we continued to focus on profitable companies with stable cash flows and strong balance sheets, we adjusted our footprint, on the margin, to reflect the new reality in Europe.

 

Our holdings in the communication sectors faced multiple compressions and fragile sentiment in a rising rate environment. Case in point was Sweden based Viaplay, the region’s leading entertainment provider. Early in the year when streaming peer Netflix reported weak quarterly results, Viaplay’s share price declined in sympathy. Later in the year, the company fell short of our expectations that earnings would inflect positively in the third quarter—instead pricing power in Norway and

 

      

overall advertising revenues were weaker than expected. We exited the position with shares declining by (64)% for the period that it was held. Retreating from its position as a top 2021 contributor with its (72)% correction was U.K.-based Future PLC. They are a specialty content publisher transitioning from print-to-digital-platform. The group benefited from ongoing momentum in digital advertising. However, its share price dropped when the company’s CEO shared her intention to step down by the end of 2023. We trimmed our exposure to Future throughout the year in light of the rising rate environment but decided to exit the name in the fourth quarter as the outlook for the company turned increasingly opaque.

 

Broader recessionary concerns also weighed on our consumer-related holdings. U.K. listed Grafton Group PLC is a multi-channel distributor of construction products. Concerns on weakening end demand and the challenging macroeconomic backdrop hurt the overall building materials sector along with Grafton’s share price, which dropped by (49)%. Online automotive platform Auto Trader Group PLC experienced a similar move. Fundamentally, nothing changed with Auto Trader’s business model through 2022; in fact, they gained market share and recent rail strikes have increased car buying interest among Brits. That said, its share price declined by (37)%. We saw better relative performance for our consumer staple names such as Viscofan, S.A., the global leader in artificial sausage skins, where shares returned 9% in 2022.

 

In light of the market turbulence, our holdings related to the capital markets also experienced share price contraction. St. James’s Place PLC is a wealth management business in the U.K. Despite experiencing a (40)% share price decline, they reported better-than-expected net new business. More defensive and better in the financial sector was Topdanmark AS, Denmark’s second largest non-life insurance company. In March 2022 Nordea announced that it would buy Topdanmark’s life and pension business which boosted sentiment. Its premium-driven business remained resilient and the company continues to execute well, with improving combined ratio and profit forecasts. Topdanmark’s shares only declined (1)%, better than the financial sector’s (10)% drop.

 

Another relatively more defensive holding that benefited from high recurring revenues was multinational market research and consulting firm Ipsos SA, which finished up 36% during the year. Sales growth continued to trend well; and the

      

company also benefited from its diverse client base and a strong currency effect. They revised up their 2022 sales guidance and were confident in achieving their 2023-25 strategic plan.

 

Turning to areas of opportunities, we added holdings that would benefit from the structural shortages in the energy and defense markets. Within the energy sector, France-based Gaztransport & Technigaz S.A. (GTT) develops membrane containment systems for liquefied natural gas (LNG) vessels. Shares climbed 16% on continued high visibility and new project wins. Another beneficiary of Europe’s structural energy transition was fellow countryman Technip Energies. Technip N.V. is one of only a handful of companies that can build LNG plants. Shares rose 35%, in unison with the company’s increasing backlog.

 

Finally, there were also stock specific challenges this year. For example, U.K.-based RWS Holdings PLC, a language and intellectual-property (IP) support services provider, dropped by (48)%. Shares in RWS Holdings PLC slumped after the company said it expected 2022 results to be at the lower end of expectations. Despite short-term growth headwinds from the Russia/Ukraine crisis and slower IP filing activity, the company’s growth outlook remains solid on significant investments to expand into the fast-growing artificial intelligence data annotation market.

 

Amidst the multiple market dislocations, industrial buyers were opportunistically seeking price inefficiencies in quality assets. This was the case for UK based HomeServe PLC, which offers a range of home emergencies via subscription-based membership services. A top detractor in 2021, the tide turned as Canada-based Brookfield Asset Management offered to purchase HomeServe in a £4 billion transaction and shares appreciated 21% for the year.

 

Regional Performance: Japan

Japan was our weakest region due to stock selection. A large yen depreciation triggered concerns on the Japanese consumer’s purchasing ability. In the real estate sector, home renovation management company Katitas Co., Ltd. faced profit taking and retreated (43)% after delivering strong share price performance in 2021. The market remained apprehensive on home builders exposed to higher input costs, end demand, and rising rates. We opted for better risk reward elsewhere and sold the name in fourth quarter.

 

 

19


    

    

AMG TimesSquare International Small Cap Fund

Portfolio Manager’s Comments (continued)

 

 

 

Concerns on a weaker consumer also impacted leading conveyor belt sushi restaurant Food and Life Cos., Ltd. Though they navigated the shift to delivery during COVID well, subsequent disappointing execution on advertising and operational matters in combination with downward earnings guidance revisions raised concerns on the quality of management. As such, we exited the name in the third quarter with a (51)% loss for the period it was held.

 

Our semiconductor material holdings also faced headwinds and concerns that the semis cycle had peaked. Toyo Gosei Co., Ltd. manufacturers photosensitive materials, organic chemicals and solvents. The stock was sold during the period. When management guided for lower growth as orders pulled forward ahead of impending price hike, its shares reacted with a sharp (34)% retreat.

 

Despite some selection challenges, we remain excited on other opportunities in Japan. With elevated commodity prices on the horizon, our environmental and recycling names fared relatively better. The top contributor from the country with its 56% share price rise was Organo Corp., a provider of water recycling services. In October, the company raised guidance above expectations, mainly from customers in the overseas electronics industry. It made solid progress passing through higher raw material costs to its customers and the yen depreciation was also beneficial. In addition, an advisory panel to Prime Minister Kishida approved a plan to extend the useful lives of nuclear reactors and to build new units; and Organo is an important key player in that value chain.

 

Another contributor and new to the Fund was Fujikura Ltd., one of the three major electric cable players in Japan. Fujikura stands out for its high-quality optical fiber business where it has captured more than 20% global share and is the only

 

      

Japanese entity that supplies British Telecom in the U.K. Its forte is within telecom systems which accounts for 50-60% of operating profit. Shares jumped 27% since it was added to the Fund in fourth quarter.

 

Regional Performance: Asia Pacific ex Japan, Middle East, and Americas

Leading the gains in Asia Pacific ex Japan was Australasia’s largest insurance broker network, Steadfast Group Ltd. Premium rates continued to rise and operating conditions remain supportive. Shares were resilient and retreated (2)%, better than the region’s (16)% correction. The rising premium rate cycle, acquisitions, and technology efficiencies provide tailwinds for the company. Detracting from performance with a (35)% decline was Downer EDI Ltd., a leading infrastructure services provider in Australia and New Zealand. The company reported accounting irregularities in its utility business that involved historical misreporting; an investigation is underway. Compounding the concerns was the company’s announcement in December that guidance was unlikely to be met (after reiterating guidance in November).

 

Over in the Americas, AG Growth International, Inc. (AGI) is a Canadian manufacturer of agricultural equipment. The company’s strategy places it in the center of the global food infrastructure buildout, which has become increasingly critical given the growing global population, increased grain demand, shifting geopolitical uncertainties and supply chain disruptions. The company continues to fire on all cylinders. AGI’s sales pipeline remains “robust” with strong customer interest emerging from all segments and regions. Organic growth continues to be driven by new businesses, margins benefit from operational improvements, and leverage continues to fall. Net-net, AGI’s shares climbed 28%.

 

      

Regional Performance: Emerging Markets

In the Emerging Markets, Latam fared better while North Asia fell short.

 

South Korea’s K Car Co., Ltd. is a platform service for used cars. The impact of tight used car supply lingered over its share price. In September, one of its facilities was flooded along with 200 vehicles due to a typhoon. Although the damage is expected to be recovered through insurance, we decided to exit the position. Its share price fell (70)% for the period it was owned.

 

After a steep selloff in 2021, Brazil saw strong inflows to start the year. Benefiting from those tailwinds with a 49% rise was TOTVS, S.A. the largest SaaS software provider in Brazil. The company continued to show impressive operating trends, pricing power, and strong operating leverage. A number of earnings beats also demonstrated the resilience of demand for the company’s products. The stock was sold during the period.

 

Conclusion

 

Looking forward into 2023, many investors remain fixated on the macroeconomic environment. As bottom-up investors, our attention zeroes in on a company’s fundamentals and capital structure. While the contraction of price/earning (P/E) multiples weighed on nearly all stocks last year, many continued to increase their earnings and have stronger balance sheets than they did before the last recession. Stocks with that combination have a larger place in our strategy because we believe they will be well-positioned no matter what 2023 holds.

 

The views expressed represent the opinions of TimesSquare Capital Management, LLC as of December 31, 2022, and are not intended as a forecast or guarantee of future results, and are subject to change without notice.

 

 

20


    

    

AMG TimesSquare International Small Cap Fund

Portfolio Manager’s Comments (continued)

 

 

 

CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN PERFORMANCE

AMG TimesSquare International Small Cap Fund’s cumulative total return is based on the daily change in net asset value (NAV), and assumes that all dividends and distributions were reinvested. This graph compares a hypothetical $10,000 investment made in the AMG TimesSquare International Small Cap Fund’s Class N shares on January 2, 2013 (inception date), to a $10,000 investment made in the MSCI EAFE Small Cap Index for the same time period. The graph and table do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on a Fund distribution or redemption of shares. The listed returns for the Fund are net of expenses and the returns for the index exclude expenses. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced.

 

LOGO

The table below shows the average annual total returns for the AMG TimesSquare International Small Cap Fund and the MSCI EAFE Small Cap Index for the same time periods ended December 31, 2022.

 

     One     Five     Since     Inception  
  Average Annual Total Returns1    Year     Years     Inception     Date  

  AMG TimesSquare International Small Cap Fund2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

 

Class N

     (27.97 %)      (4.13 %)      4.79     01/02/13  

Class I

     (27.84 %)      (3.99 %)      1.11     02/24/17  

Class Z

     (27.78 %)      (3.89 %)      5.02     01/02/13  

MSCI EAFE Small Cap Index11

     (21.39 %)      (0.05 %)      6.04      01/02/13  

The performance data shown represents past performance. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.

 

Investors should carefully consider the Fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses before investing. For performance information through the most recent month end, current net asset values per share for the Fund and other information, please call 800.548.4539 or visit our website at amgfunds.com for a free prospectus. Read it carefully before investing or sending money.

Distributed by AMG Distributors, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC.

 

 

Date reflects inception date of the Fund, not the index.

 

1 

Total return equals income yield plus share price change and assumes reinvestment of all dividends and capital gain distributions. Returns are net of fees and may reflect offsets of Fund expenses as described in the prospectus. No adjustment has been made for taxes payable by shareholders on their reinvested dividends and

capital gain distributions. Returns for periods greater than one year are annualized. The listed returns on the Fund are net of expenses and based on the published NAV as of December 31, 2022. All returns are in U.S. Dollars ($).

 

2   From time to time, the Fund’s investment manager has waived its fees and/or absorbed Fund expenses, which has resulted in higher returns.

 

3   Investments in international securities are subject to certain risks of overseas investing including currency fluctuations and changes in political and economic conditions, which could result in significant market fluctuations. These risks are magnified in emerging markets.

 

4   The Fund is subject to the risks associated with investments in emerging markets, such as erratic earnings patterns, economic and political instability, changing exchange controls, limitations on repatriation of foreign capital and changes in local governmental attitudes toward private investment, possibly leading to nationalization or confiscation of investor assets.

 

5   The Fund is subject to risks associated with investments in small-capitalization companies, such as erratic earnings patterns, competitive conditions, limited earnings history and a reliance on one or a limited number of products.

 

6   Companies that are in similar industry sectors may be similarly affected by particular economic or market events; to the extent the Fund has substantial holdings within a particular sector, the risks associated with that sector increase.

 

7   The Fund is subject to currency risk resulting from fluctuations in exchange rates that may affect the total loss or gain on a non-U.S. Dollar investment when converted back to U.S. Dollars.

 

8   The Fund may invest in derivatives such as options and futures; the complexity and rapidly changing structure of derivatives markets may increase the possibility of market losses.

 

9   The Fund invests in growth stocks, which may be more sensitive to market movements because their prices tend to reflect future investor expectations rather than just current profits. Growth stocks may underperform value stocks during given periods.

 

10  Market prices of investments held by the Fund may fall rapidly or unpredictably due to a variety of economic or political factors, market conditions, disasters or public health issues, or in response to events that affect particular industries or companies.

 

11  The MSCI EAFE Small Cap Index covers all investable small-cap securities with a market capitalization below that of the companies in the MSCI Standard Indices of developed markets, excluding the U.S. and Canada. Please go to

 

 

 

21


   

    

AMG TimesSquare International Small Cap Fund

Portfolio Manager’s Comments (continued)

 

 

 

 

msci.com for most current list of countries represented by the index. Unlike the Fund, the MSCI EAFE Small Cap Index is unmanaged, is not available for investment and does not incur expenses.

      

All MSCI data is provided ‘as is.’ The products described herein are not sponsored or endorsed and have not been reviewed or passed on by MSCI. In no event shall MSCI, its affiliates or any MSCI data provider have any liability of any kind in connection with the MSCI data or the products described herein.

      

Copying or redistributing the MSCI data is strictly prohibited.

 

Not FDIC insured, nor bank guaranteed. May lose value.

 

 

 

22


    

AMG TimesSquare International Small Cap Fund

Fund Snapshots (unaudited)

December 31, 2022

 

 

PORTFOLIO BREAKDOWN

 

   Sector

 

  

% of 
Net Assets 

 

 

Industrials

   33.4
 

Financials

   12.0
 

Information Technology

   10.7
 

Consumer Staples

     7.4
 

Consumer Discretionary

     7.1
 

Health Care

     6.7
 

Energy

     6.3
 

Communication Services

     6.1
 

Materials

     5.3
 

Utilities

     1.6
 

Short-Term Investments

     0.6
 

Other Assets, less Liabilities

     2.8

 

TOP TEN HOLDINGS

 

   Security Name

 

  

% of 
Net Assets 

 

 

Steadfast Group, Ltd. (Australia)

   3.2
 

Saab AB, Class B (Sweden)

   3.0
 

Topdanmark AS (Denmark)

   3.0
 

Tate & Lyle PLC (United Kingdom)

   2.3
 

Zenkoku Hosho Co., Ltd. (Japan)

   2.3
 

Rotork PLC (United Kingdom)

   2.2
 

Keywords Studios PLC (Ireland)

   2.1
 

Spirent Communications PLC (United Kingdom)

   2.0
 

Viscofan, S.A. (Spain)

   1.9
 

IPH, Ltd. (Australia)

   1.9
    

 

 

Top Ten as a Group

       23.9    
  

 

 

 

 

Because a fund’s strategy may result in multiple investments in particular sectors of the economy, its performance may depend on the performance of those sectors and may fluctuate more widely than investments diversified across more sectors. For additional information on these and other risk considerations, please see the Fund’s prospectus.

Any sectors, industries, or securities discussed should not be perceived as investment recommendations. Mention of a specific security should not be considered a recommendation to buy or solicitation to sell that security. Specific securities mentioned in this report may have been sold from the Fund’s portfolio of investments by the time you receive this report.

 

 

23


   

AMG TimesSquare International Small Cap Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments

December 31, 2022

 

 

     

    

Shares

     Value  

Common Stocks - 96.6%

 

  

Communication Services - 6.1%

 

  

Auto Trader Group PLC (United Kingdom)1

     833,940        $5,193,240  

carsales.com, Ltd. (Australia)

     245,000        3,447,774  

Internet Initiative Japan, Inc. (Japan)

     436,000        8,077,162  

IPSOS (France)

     96,720        6,057,454  

Kadokawa Corp. (Japan)

     222,100        4,057,387  

Total Communication Services

        26,833,017  

Consumer Discretionary - 7.1%

 

  

Afya, Ltd., Class A (Brazil)*

     124,000        1,936,880  

Arcos Dorados Holdings, Inc., Class A (Uruguay)

     582,200        4,867,192  

CIE Automotive, S.A. (Spain)2

     180,078        4,632,920  

Dalata Hotel Group PLC (Ireland)*

     1,285,821        4,454,883  

Games Workshop Group PLC (United Kingdom)

     78,600        8,113,376  

Shoei Co., Ltd. (Japan)

     89,500        3,459,376  

Spin Master Corp. (Canada)1

     150,200        3,696,207  

Total Consumer Discretionary

        31,160,834  

Consumer Staples - 7.4%

 

  

Kobe Bussan Co., Ltd. (Japan)

     284,198        8,190,930  

Sugi Holdings Co., Ltd. (Japan)

     119,697        5,323,423  

Tate & Lyle PLC (United Kingdom)

     1,194,214        10,231,103  

Viscofan, S.A. (Spain)

     131,700        8,482,549  

Total Consumer Staples

        32,228,005  

Energy - 6.3%

 

  

Gaztransport Et Technigaz, S.A. (France)

     77,200        8,250,480  

Pason Systems, Inc. (Canada)

     429,900        5,061,009  

Technip Energies, N.V. (France)

     506,200        7,958,261  

TGS ASA (Norway)

     453,000        6,125,657  

Total Energy

        27,395,407  

Financials - 12.0%

 

  

FinecoBank Banca Fineco S.P.A. (Italy)

     166,213        2,760,153  

Nordnet AB publ (Sweden)

     238,087        3,447,709  

Patria Investments, Ltd., Class A (Cayman Islands)

     325,600        4,535,608  

St James’s Place PLC (United Kingdom)

     358,841        4,727,144  

Steadfast Group, Ltd. (Australia)

     3,746,483        13,914,458  

Topdanmark AS (Denmark)

     246,511        12,972,550  

Zenkoku Hosho Co., Ltd. (Japan)

     263,709        10,103,485  

Total Financials

        52,461,107  

Health Care - 6.7%

 

  

ALK-Abello A/S (Denmark)*

     219,100        3,056,239  

Amplifon S.P.A. (Italy)2

     72,395        2,161,699  

As One Corp. (Japan)

     149,300        6,522,535  
     
     

    

Shares

     Value  

BML, Inc. (Japan)

     166,300        $4,218,737  

Nakanishi, Inc. (Japan)

     330,700        6,405,378  

Siegfried Holding AG (Switzerland)

     10,700        7,107,487  

Total Health Care

        29,472,075  

Industrials - 33.4%

 

  

AG Growth International, Inc. (Canada)

     126,100        4,037,249  

ALS, Ltd. (Australia)

     86,200        714,677  

APM Human Services International, Ltd. (Australia)

     3,447,000        5,599,241  

Arcadis, N.V. (Netherlands)

     200,700        7,901,704  

BayCurrent Consulting, Inc. (Japan)

     189,600        5,902,248  

Befesa, S.A. (Luxembourg)1

     111,761        5,391,251  

Bodycote PLC (United Kingdom)

     742,939        5,106,131  

Cleanaway Waste Management, Ltd. (Australia)

     2,809,700        5,006,416  

Daiseki Co., Ltd. (Japan)

     188,120        6,456,883  

Diploma PLC (United Kingdom)

     199,800        6,716,810  

Downer EDI, Ltd. (Australia)

     1,102,300        2,770,188  

Fuji Corp. (Japan)

     184,200        2,683,778  

Fujikura, Ltd. (Japan)

     497,200        3,737,466  

HomeServe PLC (United Kingdom)*

     80,300        1,162,032  

Howden Joinery Group PLC (United Kingdom)

     428,063        2,890,444  

Interpump Group S.P.A. (Italy)2

     98,057        4,426,990  

IPH, Ltd. (Australia)

     1,432,540        8,419,725  

Loomis AB (Sweden)

     187,800        5,147,612  

Meitec Corp. (Japan)

     369,900        6,710,005  

Nexans, S.A. (France)

     72,700        6,580,027  

Organo Corp. (Japan)

     323,000        7,169,182  

Rotork PLC (United Kingdom)

     2,601,900        9,669,215  

RS Group PLC (United Kingdom)

     368,551        3,968,245  

RWS Holdings PLC (United Kingdom)

     562,400        2,553,755  

Saab AB, Class B (Sweden)

     337,800        13,311,876  

SMS Co., Ltd. (Japan)

     128,200        3,242,792  

THK Co., Ltd. (Japan)

     230,700        4,362,113  

Valmet Oyj (Finland)2

     176,200        4,756,465  

Total Industrials

        146,394,520  

Information Technology - 10.7%

 

  

Accton Technology Corp. (Taiwan)

     681,800        5,177,454  

CyberArk Software, Ltd. (Israel)*

     26,200        3,396,830  

Fortnox AB (Sweden)

     743,900        3,377,966  

Indra Sistemas, S.A. (Spain)2

     225,200        2,567,056  

Keywords Studios PLC (Ireland)

     284,471        9,335,317  

Nova, Ltd. (Israel)*

     25,600        2,091,008  

Sopra Steria Group SACA (France)

     41,693        6,312,454  
     
 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

24


    

 

    

AMG TimesSquare International Small Cap Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments (continued)

 

   

    

 

      

 

     

    

Shares

     Value  

Information Technology - 10.7%
(continued)

 

  

Spirent Communications PLC (United Kingdom)

     2,769,700        $8,799,467  

Systena Corp. (Japan)

     1,900,600        5,894,980  

Total Information Technology

        46,952,532  

Materials - 5.3%

     

Asahi Holdings, Inc. (Japan)

     391,100        5,713,276  

Fuso Chemical Co., Ltd. (Japan)

     163,600        4,195,592  

Huhtamaki Oyj (Finland)

     235,800        8,077,797  

Verallia, S.A. (France)1

     152,800        5,178,347  

Total Materials

        23,165,012  

Utilities - 1.6%

     

Nippon Gas Co., Ltd. (Japan)

     453,400        7,095,386  

Total Common Stocks

 

  

(Cost $416,363,260)

        423,157,895  
     Principal
Amount
        

Short-Term Investments - 0.6%

 

  

Joint Repurchase Agreements - 0.6%3

 

  

Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc., dated 12/30/22, due 01/03/23, 4.290% total to be received $755,708 (collateralized by various U.S. Government Agency Obligations, 1.500% - 7.500%, 02/01/24 - 01/01/57, totaling $770,455)

   $ 755,348        755,348  
     
      Principal
Amount
     Value  

National Bank Financial, dated 12/30/22, due 01/03/23, 4.340% total to be received $1,000,482 (collateralized by various U.S. Treasuries, 0.000% - 4.435%, 01/03/23 - 09/09/49, totaling $1,020,000)

   $ 1,000,000        $1,000,000  

RBC Dominion Securities, Inc., dated 12/30/22,due 01/03/23, 4.300% total to be received $1,000,478 (collateralized by various U.S. Government Agency Obligations, 2.000% - 6.000%, 09/01/24 - 10/20/52, totaling $1,020,000)

     1,000,000        1,000,000  

Total Short-Term Investments

 

  

(Cost $2,755,348)

        2,755,348  

Total Investments - 97.2%

 

  

(Cost $419,118,608)

        425,913,243  

Other Assets, less Liabilities - 2.8%

 

     12,267,164  

Net Assets - 100.0%

 

   $ 438,180,407  
  
 
*

Non-income producing security.

 

1 

Security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. This security may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At December 31, 2022, the value of these securities amounted to $19,459,045 or 4.4% of net assets.

2 

Some of these securities, amounting to $8,922,218 or 2.0% of net assets, were out on loan to various borrowers and are collateralized by cash and various U.S. Treasury Obligations. See Note 4 of Notes to Financial Statements.

 

3 

Cash collateral received for securities lending activity was invested in these joint repurchase agreements.

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

25


    

 

    

AMG TimesSquare International Small Cap Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments (continued)

 

   

    

 

      

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments by the fair value hierarchy levels as of December 31, 2022:

 

     Level 1    Level 21    Level 3      Total

 Investments in Securities

           

Common Stocks

           

Industrials

   $12,859,167    $133,535,353           $146,394,520

Financials

   4,535,608    47,925,499           52,461,107

Information Technology

   5,487,838    41,464,694           46,952,532

Consumer Staples

      32,228,005           32,228,005

Consumer Discretionary

   10,500,279    20,660,555           31,160,834

Health Care

      29,472,075           29,472,075

Energy

   5,061,009    22,334,398           27,395,407

Communication Services

      26,833,017           26,833,017

Materials

      23,165,012           23,165,012

Utilities

      7,095,386           7,095,386

Short-Term Investments

           

Joint Repurchase Agreements

      2,755,348           2,755,348
  

 

  

 

  

 

 

    

 

Total Investment in Securities

   $38,443,901    $387,469,342           $425,913,243
  

 

  

 

  

 

 

    

 

 

1 

An external pricing service is used to reflect any impact on security value due to market movements between the time the Fund valued such foreign securities and the earlier closing of foreign markets.

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, there were no transfers in or out of Level 3.

The country allocation in the Schedule of Portfolio Investments at December 31, 2022, was as follows:

 

 Country   

% of Long-Term

Investments

 Australia

     9.4

 Brazil

     0.5

 Canada

     3.0

 Cayman Islands

     1.1

 Denmark

     3.8

 Finland

     3.0

 France

     9.5

 Ireland

     3.3

 Israel

     1.3

 Italy

     2.2

 Japan

   28.2
 Country   

% of Long-Term

Investments

 Luxembourg

     1.3

 Netherlands

     1.9

 Norway

     1.4

 Spain

     3.7

 Sweden

     6.0

 Switzerland

     1.7

 Taiwan

     1.2

 United Kingdom

   16.3

 Uruguay

     1.2
  

 

   100.0  
  

 

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

26


    

    AMG TimesSquare Emerging Markets Small Cap Fund

    Portfolio Manager’s Comments (unaudited)

 

 

 

Year in Review

 

For the year ended December 31, 2022, AMG TimesSquare Emerging Markets Small Cap Fund (the “Fund”) Class I shares returned (19.16)%, while its benchmark, the MSCI Emerging Markets Small Cap Index, returned (18.02)%.

 

In 2022, global equity markets retreated sharply after three consecutive years of double-digit gains. For example, the MSCI World Index declined by (18)% after average calendar year gains of 22% from 2019 to 2021. Though there were many economic challenges for the markets last year, weakness among global equities did not arise from poor company fundamentals—realized and projected earnings per share for the average MSCI World stock were either stable or increased in 2022 while their price/earnings (P/E) ratios contracted. Weighing on the markets during the year was a combination of higher inflation rates, climbing commodity prices, tighter monetary policies, and slowing measures of business activities that moved into the range of economic contraction.

 

In the fourth quarter equities rose from troughs earlier in 2022. That initial rebound was strongest for non-U.S. developed markets, followed by emerging markets, and then the U.S. As inflation rates remained above the goals for most major central banks, many of them raised interest. In contrast, the People’s Bank of China (PBoC) kept key lending rates stable after lowering them in August to provide support to the Chinese economy. In December, China’s long-awaited shift away from its zero-COVID policy also provided positive news to the market. Meanwhile In Brazil, after twelve consecutive rate increases, the Central Bank of Brazil left interest rates unchanged in its latest policy meeting, signaling the end of its tightening cycle. Toward the end of the year, President Lula returned with a large spending plan which fostered increased fiscal uncertainty.

 

Within the emerging markets universe, smaller companies outperformed their larger cap peers, while Value significantly outpaced Growth. Among emerging markets small cap stocks, negative performance was seen across most regions and sectors: EMEA outshined other regions and energy was the lone positive sector for the year.

 

Amid this environment, the Fund underperformed the MSCI Emerging Markets Small Cap Index for the year. Relative strength in Asia offset relative weakness in other regions.

    

Regional Performance: Asia

Strength in Greater China and Indonesia more than offset weakness in Thailand and India. Gaining 23% for the year, Shanghai Kindly Medical Instruments Co., Ltd. engages in the research, development, and selling of cardiovascular interventional devices throughout China and international markets. Concerns related to Chinese health care stocks surrounding policy risk and pricing pressure initially weighed on the sector and led Shanghai Kindly down sharply. However, the stock rebounded later in the year with its robust year-over-year growth despite the COVID lockdown in Shanghai, and we trimmed our position.

 

Across the strait, Taiwan housed some of the largest contributors and detractors. On the negative side, eCloudvalley Digital Technology Co., Ltd. is the largest Amazon Web Services (AWS) Managed Service provider in Greater China. The company continues to drive expansion through cloud growth, AWS growth, and the addition of new markets and competencies. In 2021, the company’s strong storage distribution business was boosted by the appetite for crypto in mainland China. As that demand waned, eCloudvalley’s revenue normalized, and its shares sold off (71)%. Shares of Green World Fintech Service Co., Ltd. dropped (73)%. They are Taiwan’s largest third-party payment operator and provide online payment processing services. The company enjoyed an online retail boom driven by the pandemic, but there are lingering concerns over the potential for slower online sales as COVID-19 becomes less of a health issue. This weighed on its share price. We added to both positions on price weakness as we believe 2023 will demonstrate the secular growth characteristics of both companies.

 

Better performance came from two pharmaceutical companies. Gaining 109%, Lotus Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. is a generic pharmaceutical company that focuses on specialty and difficult-to-formulate generic products. With many of its products gaining approvals around the world, Lotus reported impressive results throughout the year. The launch of Lenalidomide (generic of Revlimid®) for treatment of multiple myeloma in the U.S. was also successful. Bora Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. is a contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO). The company announced a number of acquisitions with the most significant one being TWi Pharmaceutical in September. They also continue to maintain a robust and growing pipeline and reported impressive results, which served to lift its stock by 83%. We pared our exposures in both Lotus and Bora.

 

      

Moving over to Korea, the de-rating of the Korean market during the year had an outsized impact to some of our holdings in that market. South Korea’s K Car is a platform service for used cars. The impact of tight used car supply resulting in higher vehicle acquisition costs and lower margins lingered over its share price. In September one of its facilities was flooded along with 200 vehicles due to a typhoon, though the damage is expected to be recovered through insurance. Koh Young Technology, Inc. is a world leader in 3D measurement and inspection technology. The company reported solid results throughout the year, supported by strong sales growth backed by automotive and industrial clients. However, markets have been concerned about the health of semiconductor and automotive end markets. We exited both positions with their share prices down (70)% and (60)% respectively while they were held during the year. More positive was our position in Hanwha Aerospace Co., Ltd., which was initiated in the fourth quarter. Gaining 46% while held in the Fund, this leading Korean aerospace and defense firm announced new defense orders from Poland and sees growing interest in other parts of the world. Meanwhile, South Korea President Yoon Suk Yeol vowed to actively support defense exports, which should be beneficial to the industry. Gaining 9%, Jeisys Medical, Inc. manufactures and develops products used by plastic surgeons, dermatologists, and physicians. Despite challenging macro environments, the company reported slight beats to estimates thanks to resilient demand in the U.S. and its positive global expansion outlook.

 

India was an area of weakness. One of the largest retail and institutional equities brokerage firms in the country, ICICI Securities, Ltd. fell (41)%. Lingering concerns over lower retail equity volumes and lower investment banking revenues due to weakness in the Indian equity markets drove its share price lower. Delivering better news was Aegis Logistics, Ltd., a supply chain management company for oil, gas, and chemical industries. The completion of its new Kandla LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) terminal cleared the path for its joint venture deal with Vopak and adds clarity on future growth opportunities. Shares of Aegis gained 44% for the year.

 

Our holdings in Southeast Asia delivered mixed performance. In the Philippines, the largest highspeed broadband operator in the country, Converge ICT Solutions, Inc. had lower-than-expected subscriber additions and an elevated churn rate, so its shares tumbled (50)%. Due to its rapid expansion in the last few years,

 

 

27


    

    AMG TimesSquare Emerging Markets Small Cap Fund

    Portfolio Manager’s Comments (continued)

 

 

 

Converge ICT experienced tremendous growth. We expect the revenue growth and subscriber additions to normalize to a sustainable level with lower capital expenditures. In neighboring Indonesia, AKR Corporindo Tbk PT engages in the general trading and distribution of chemical and petroleum products. During the quarter, they reported strong 6-month results with impressive net profit growth. AKR is well-positioned to benefit from the increasing demand for basic chemicals and petroleum products as well as Indonesia’s increasing inbound foreign direct investment flows. The Fund sold the position at a gain as the company’s share price was up 31%.

 

Regional Performance: The Americas

Holdings in Latin America underperformed the benchmark’s regional return. Earlier in the year, with the monetary tightening cycle coming to an end, our Brazilian holdings took some of the top spots of the Fund. We then trimmed our Brazil exposure ahead of the presidential election. Under newly elected President Lula, Brazil raised its spending cap, sparking volatility in the Brazil equities amid fears that the higher spending will lead to a prolonged high interest rate environment. Grupo SBF is the operator of Brazil’s top sporting goods chain Centauro. They reported disappointing third quarter numbers as the company moves through an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system migration in its Fisia unit. Margin compression also

    

dragged on their results. We sold the name in the fourth quarter which lost (51)% while they were held in the Fund during the year.

 

In Argentina, online travel agency Despegar.com Corp. saw better-than-expected growth of gross bookings from both domestic and international travel. However, the stock was down (51)% due to increasing concerns about slowing economic growth and impact to diminishing discretionary spending from the high inflationary environment. We added to the position on signs of strong travel demand within and outbound from Latin America.

 

Outperforming the benchmark was Mexico’s real estate property developer Corp. Inmobiliaria Vesta SAB de CV and its 23% return. Vesta had a positive investor day and confirmed its 2024 guideline. Management sees increasing demand for manufacturing and logistics warehouses driven by near-shoring and eCommerce.

 

Regional Performance: EMEA

EMEA was the largest regional detractor within the Fund. South Africa’s Telkom, S.A. SOC, Ltd. is the largest integrated communications service provider in Africa. Despite the intrinsic value of its data infrastructure assets, with no near-term catalyst for privatization by the government and ongoing operational challenges combined with the prospect

 

      

of increased rolling blackouts across the country, we closed out the position which lost (37)% while it was held this year.

 

Conclusion

 

Looking forward into 2023, many investors remain fixated on the macroeconomic environment. Which central bank will blink first by pausing—or even reversing—its quantitative tightening? Will those actions effectively reduce global inflation? How shallow or deep will 2023’s widely anticipated recession be? As bottom-up investors, our attention zeroes in on a company’s fundamentals and capital structure. While the contraction of P/E multiples weighed on nearly all stocks last year, many continued to increase their earnings and have stronger balance sheets than they did before the last recession. Stocks with that combination have a larger place in our strategy because we believe they will be well-positioned no matter what 2023 holds. As always, we are available for any questions you might have as we endeavor to protect the assets you have entrusted with us.

 

The views expressed represent the opinions of TimesSquare Capital Management, LLC as of December 31, 2022, and are not intended as a forecast or guarantee of future results, and are subject to change without notice.

 

 

28


    

    AMG TimesSquare Emerging Markets Small Cap Fund

    Portfolio Manager’s Comments (continued)

 

 

CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN PERFORMANCE

AMG TimesSquare Emerging Markets Small Cap Fund’s cumulative total return is based on the daily change in net asset value (NAV), and assumes that all dividends and distributions were reinvested. This graph compares a hypothetical $10,000 investment made in the AMG TimesSquare Emerging Markets Small Cap Fund’s Class I shares on December 14, 2016 (inception date), to a $10,000 investment made in the MSCI Emerging Markets Small Cap Index for the same time period. The graph and table do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on a Fund distribution or redemption of shares. The listed returns for the Fund are net of expenses and the returns for the index exclude expenses. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced.

 

LOGO

The table below shows the average annual total returns for the AMG TimesSquare Emerging Markets Small Cap Fund and the MSCI Emerging Markets Small Cap Index for the same time periods ended December 31, 2022.

 

    One     Five     Since     Inception  
  Average Annual Total Returns1   Year     Years     Inception     Date  

AMG TimesSquare Emerging Markets Small Cap Fund2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

 

 

Class N

    (19.43 %)      0.72     4.05     02/24/17  

Class I

    (19.16 %)      1.11     5.86     12/14/16  

Class Z

    (19.09 %)      1.12     5.87     12/14/16  

MSCI Emerging Markets Small Cap Index11

    (18.02 %)      1.06     5.75      12/14/16  

The performance data shown represents past performance. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.

 

Investors should carefully consider the Fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses before investing. For performance information through the most recent month end, current net asset values per share for the Fund and other information, please call 800.548.4539 or visit our website at amgfunds.com for a free prospectus. Read it carefully before investing or sending money.

Distributed by AMG Distributors, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC.

 

 

Date reflects the inception date of the Fund, not the index.

 

1 

Total return equals income yield plus share price change and assumes reinvestment of all dividends and capital gain distributions. Returns are net of fees and may reflect offsets of Fund expenses as described in the prospectus. No adjustment has been made for taxes payable by shareholders on their reinvested dividends and

   capital gain distributions. Returns for periods greater than one year are annualized. The listed returns on the Fund are net of expenses and based on the published NAV as of December 31, 2022. All returns are in U.S. Dollars ($).

 

2  From time to time, the Fund’s investment manager has waived its fees and/or absorbed Fund expenses, which has resulted in higher returns.

 

3  Investments in international securities are subject to certain risks of overseas investing including currency fluctuations and changes in political and economic conditions, which could result in significant market fluctuations. These risks are magnified in emerging markets.

 

4  The Fund is subject to the risks associated with investments in emerging markets, such as erratic earnings patterns, economic and political instability, changing exchange controls, limitations on repatriation of foreign capital and changes in local governmental attitudes toward private investment, possibly leading to nationalization or confiscation of investor assets.

 

5  The Fund is subject to risks associated with investments in small-capitalization companies, such as erratic earnings patterns, competitive conditions, limited earnings history and a reliance on one or a limited number of products.

 

6  The Fund is subject to currency risk resulting from fluctuations in exchange rates that may affect the total loss or gain on a non-U.S. Dollar investment when converted back to U.S. Dollars.

 

7  The Fund may invest in derivatives such as options and futures; the complexity and rapidly changing structure of derivatives markets may increase the possibility of market losses.

 

8  Companies that are in similar industry sectors may be similarly affected by particular economic or market events; to the extent the Fund has substantial holdings within a particular sector, the risks associated with that sector increase.

 

9  The Fund invests in growth stocks, which may be more sensitive to market movements because their prices tend to reflect future investor expectations rather than just current profits. Growth stocks may underperform value stocks during given periods.

 

10  Market prices of investments held by the Fund may fall rapidly or unpredictably due to a variety of economic or political factors, market conditions, disasters or public health issues, or in response to events that affect particular industries or companies.

 

11  MSCI Emerging Markets Small Cap Index includes small cap representation across 24 Emerging Markets countries. The small cap segment tends to capture more local economic and sector characteristics relative to larger Emerging Markets

 

 

 

29


    

    AMG TimesSquare Emerging Markets Small Cap Fund

    Portfolio Manager’s Comments (continued)

 

 

 

capitalization segments. Please go to msci.com for most current list of countries represented by the index. Unlike the Fund, the MSCI Emerging Markets Small Cap Index is unmanaged, is not available for investment and does not incur expenses.   

All MSCI data is provided ‘as is.’ The products described herein are not sponsored or endorsed and have not been reviewed or passed on by MSCI. In no event shall MSCI, its affiliates or any MSCI data provider have any liability of any kind in connection with the MSCI data or the products described herein.

 

  

Copying or redistributing the MSCI data is strictly prohibited.

 

Not FDIC insured, nor bank guaranteed. May lose value.

 

 

30


    

AMG TimesSquare Emerging Markets Small Cap Fund

Fund Snapshots (unaudited)

December 31, 2022

 

 

PORTFOLIO BREAKDOWN

 

    Sector

 

  

% of

Net Assets

 

 

Information Technology

   27.9
 

Consumer Discretionary

   16.8
 

Communication Services

   12.8
 

Financials

   10.6
 

Health Care

   10.6
 

Industrials

     9.4
 

Materials

     5.4
 

Real Estate

     4.0
 

Energy

     2.2
 

Consumer Staples

     1.1
 

Short-Term Investments

     0.3
 

Other Assets, less Liabilities

     (1.1)

TOP TEN HOLDINGS

 

    Security Name   

% of

Net Assets

 

Jeisys Medical, Inc. (South Korea)

   2.1
 

Tam Jai International Co., Ltd. (Hong Kong)

   2.1
 

Metrodata Electronics Tbk PT (Indonesia)

   2.1
 

Alchip Technologies, Ltd. (Taiwan)

   2.0
 

KINX, Inc. (South Korea)

   2.0
 

Chinasoft International, Ltd. (China)

   2.0
 

Arabian Contracting Services Co. (Saudi Arabia)

   1.9
 

Patria Investments, Ltd., Class A (Cayman Islands)

   1.9
 

Converge ICT Solutions, Inc. (Philippines)

   1.8
 

Green World FinTech Service Co., Ltd. (Taiwan)

   1.7
    

 

 

Top Ten as a Group

   19.6
  

 

 

 

 

Because a fund’s strategy may result in multiple investments in particular sectors of the economy, its performance may depend on the performance of those sectors and may fluctuate more widely than investments diversified across more sectors. For additional information on these and other risk considerations, please see the Fund’s prospectus.

Any sectors, industries, or securities discussed should not be perceived as investment recommendations. Mention of a specific security should not be considered a recommendation to buy or solicitation to sell that security. Specific securities mentioned in this report may have been sold from the Fund’s portfolio of investments by the time you receive this report.

 

 

31


   

AMG TimesSquare Emerging Markets Small Cap Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments

December 31, 2022

 

 

     

    

Shares

     Value  

Common Stocks - 99.8%

     

Communication Services - 12.8%

 

  

AL Yah Satellite Communications Co.-PJSC-Yah Sat (United Arab Emirates)

     61,400              $41,791  

Arabian Contracting Services Co. (Saudi Arabia)

     3,100        87,914  

Converge ICT Solutions, Inc. (Philippines)*

     291,100        83,187  

KINX, Inc. (South Korea)

     2,200        94,994  

Megacable Holdings SAB de CV (Mexico)

     24,900        66,280  

The One Enterprise Public Co., Ltd. (Thailand)

     264,600        60,738  

Plan B Media PCL, Class F (Thailand)

     213,600        46,836  

Railtel Corp. of India, Ltd. (India)

     51,300        78,494  

TIME dotCom Bhd (Malaysia)

     38,900        43,270  

Total Communication Services

        603,504  

Consumer Discretionary - 16.8%

 

  

AEON Motor Co., Ltd. (Taiwan)

     40,200        51,128  

Afya, Ltd., Class A (Brazil)*

     3,400        53,108  

Apollo Tyres, Ltd. (India)

     15,500        60,611  

Arcos Dorados Holdings, Inc., Class A (Uruguay)

     7,600        63,536  

Despegar.com Corp. (Argentina)*

     9,500        48,735  

JUMBO SA (Greece)

     3,100        53,168  

Kalyan Jewellers India, Ltd. (India)*

     37,200        56,839  

Minor International PCL (Thailand)*

     57,200        53,674  

momo.com, Inc. (Taiwan)

     2,232        46,448  

MR DIY Group M Bhd (Malaysia)1

     99,100        44,990  

OPAP, S.A. (Greece)

     4,000        56,591  

Raymond, Ltd. (India)

     2,600        46,142  

Tam Jai International Co., Ltd. (Hong Kong)

     292,900        98,440  

Varroc Engineering, Ltd. (India)*,1

     16,600        59,300  

Total Consumer Discretionary

        792,710  

Consumer Staples - 1.1%

 

  

Laobaixing Pharmacy Chain JSC, Class A (China)

     8,700        50,646  

Energy - 2.2%

 

  

Aegis Logistics, Ltd. (India)

     8,900        37,317  

AKR Corporindo Tbk PT (Indonesia)

     732,600        65,896  

Total Energy

        103,213  

Financials - 10.6%

 

  

Bangkok Commercial Asset Management PCL (Thailand)

     149,600        68,230  

BSE, Ltd. (India)

     6,800        44,713  

Central Depository Services India, Ltd. (India)

     3,600        48,403  

ICICI Securities, Ltd. (India)1

     12,000        72,066  

Nippon Life India Asset Management, Ltd. (India)1

     22,500        67,658  

Patria Investments, Ltd., Class A (Cayman Islands)

     6,300        87,759  
     
     

    

Shares

     Value  

PB Fintech, Ltd. (India)*

     10,600              $57,342  

Transaction Capital, Ltd. (South Africa)

     27,900        54,351  

Total Financials

        500,522  

Health Care - 10.6%

 

  

Blau Farmaceutica, S.A. (Brazil)

     8,800        43,869  

Bora Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. (Taiwan)

     3,300        44,484  

Hypera, S.A. (Brazil)

     4,500        38,525  

Jeisys Medical, Inc. (South Korea)*

     14,800        100,227  

Lotus Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Taiwan)*

     6,000        47,875  

Rainbow Children’s Medicare, Ltd. (India)

     5,900        52,655  

Shanghai Kindly Medical Instruments Co., Ltd., Class H (China)

     11,400        41,851  

T&L Co., Ltd. (South Korea)

     2,500        71,503  

Universal Vision Biotechnology Co., Ltd. (Taiwan)

     5,936        57,619  

Total Health Care

        498,608  

Industrials - 8.4%

 

  

Allcargo Logistics, Ltd. (India)

     11,800        57,474  

Container Corp. Of India, Ltd. (India)

     5,600        49,930  

Cowintech Co., Ltd. (South Korea)

     4,036        73,518  

GMM Pfaudler, Ltd. (India)

     2,400        45,377  

Hanwha Aerospace Co., Ltd. (South Korea)

     800        46,588  

Maharah Human Resources Co. (Saudi Arabia)

     3,700        51,128  

SFA Engineering Corp. (South Korea)

     2,400        69,137  

Total Industrials

        393,152  

Information Technology - 27.9%

 

  

Accton Technology Corp. (Taiwan)

     6,000        45,563  

Alchip Technologies, Ltd. (Taiwan)

     3,800        96,521  

Brogent Technologies, Inc. (Taiwan)*

     17,400        72,723  

Chinasoft International, Ltd. (China)

     109,500        94,795  

Chindata Group Holdings, Ltd., ADR (China)*

     5,000        39,850  

Computer Age Management Services, Ltd. (India)

     2,000        53,571  

Cyient, Ltd. (India)

     8,300        81,215  

eCloudvalley Digital Technology Co., Ltd. (Taiwan)

     20,151        53,808  

eMemory Technology, Inc. (Taiwan)

     1,000        43,184  

Green World FinTech Service Co., Ltd.
(Taiwan)

     6,587        82,794  

Intellian Technologies, Inc. (South Korea)

     1,500        80,894  

LiveChat Software, S.A. (Poland)

     1,800        44,065  

Locaweb Servicos de Internet, S.A. (Brazil)*,1

     44,200        58,769  

Metrodata Electronics Tbk PT (Indonesia)

     2,622,900        97,722  

My EG Services Bhd (Malaysia)

     267,200        52,781  

Park Systems Corp. (South Korea)*

     600        54,367  

Sinbon Electronics Co., Ltd. (Taiwan)

     4,200        37,519  

TOTVS, S.A. (Brazil)

     11,759        61,515  
     
 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

32


    

    

AMG TimesSquare Emerging Markets Small Cap Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments (continued)

 

 

     

    

Shares

     Value  

Information Technology - 27.9% (continued)

     

Venustech Group, Inc., Class A (China)

     12,800        $47,943  

WinWay Technology Co., Ltd. (Taiwan)

     4,000        54,211  

Yeahka, Ltd. (China)*

     22,100        59,024  

Total Information Technology

        1,312,834  

Materials - 5.4%

 

  

Dongsung Finetec Co., Ltd. (South Korea)

     8,800        75,661  

EPL, Ltd. (India)

     29,500        60,809  

Samator Indo Gas Tbk PT (Indonesia)

     364,800        45,466  

SKC Co., Ltd. (South Korea)

     1,000        70,568  

Total Materials

        252,504  

Real Estate - 4.0%

 

  

A-Living Smart City Services Co., Ltd. (China)1

     57,100        68,427  

Corp. Inmobiliaria Vesta SAB de CV (Mexico)

     24,500        58,061  

Multiplan Empreendimentos Imobiliarios, S.A. (Brazil)

     14,500        60,145  

Total Real Estate

        186,633  

Total Common Stocks
(Cost $4,874,333)

 

       

 

4,694,326

 

 

 

     

    

Shares

     Value  

Participation Notes - 1.0%

 

  

Industrials - 1.0%

 

  

Masan Group Corp., 01/27/23 (JPMorgan) (Vietnam)

     11,840      $ 46,685  

Total Participation Notes
(Cost $26,911)

        46,685  

Short-Term Investments - 0.3%

 

  

Other Investment Companies - 0.3%

 

  

Dreyfus Government Cash Management Fund, Institutional Shares, 4.19%2

     5,765        5,765  

Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Government Money Market Fund, Institutional Shares, 4.27%2

     8,648        8,648  

Total Short-Term Investments
(Cost $14,413)

        14,413  

Total Investments - 101.1%
(Cost $4,915,657)

        4,755,424  

Other Assets, less Liabilities - (1.1)%

 

     (50,406

Net Assets - 100.0%

 

      $

 

4,705,018

 

 

 

 
*

Non-income producing security.

 

1 

Security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. This security may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At December 31, 2022, the value of these securities amounted to $371,210 or 7.9% of net assets.

2 

Yield shown represents the December 31, 2022, seven day average yield, which refers to the sum of the previous seven days’ dividends paid, expressed as an annual percentage.

ADR American Depositary Receipt

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

33


    

 

    

AMG TimesSquare Emerging Markets Small Cap Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments (continued)

 

   

    

 

      

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments by the fair value hierarchy levels as of December 31, 2022:

 

     Level 1      Level 21      Level 3      Total  

  Investments in Securities

           

Common Stocks

           

Information Technology

   $ 257,856      $ 1,054,978             $ 1,312,834  

Consumer Discretionary

     219,053        573,657               792,710  

Communication Services

     66,280        537,224               603,504  

Financials

     142,110        358,412               500,522  

Health Care

     82,394        416,214               498,608  

Industrials

            393,152               393,152  

Materials

            252,504               252,504  

Real Estate

     118,206        68,427               186,633  

Energy

            103,213               103,213  

Consumer Staples

            50,646               50,646  

Participation Notes

            46,685               46,685  

Short-Term Investments

           

Other Investment Companies

     14,413                      14,413  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

  Total Investment in Securities

   $ 900,312      $ 3,855,112             $ 4,755,424  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

All participation notes held in the Fund are Level 2 securities. For a detailed breakout of participation notes by major industry classification, please refer to the Fund’s Schedule of Portfolio Investments.

 

1 

An external pricing service is used to reflect any impact on security value due to market movements between the time the Fund valued such foreign securities and the earlier closing of foreign markets.

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, there were no transfers in or out of Level 3.

The country allocation in the Schedule of Portfolio Investments at December 31, 2022, was as follows:

 

Country   

% of Long-Term

Investments

Argentina

     1.0

Brazil

     6.7

Cayman Islands

     1.9

China

     8.5

Greece

     2.3

Hong Kong

     2.1

India

   21.7

Indonesia

     4.4

Malaysia

     3.0

Mexico

     2.6

Philippines

     1.8
Country   

% of Long-Term

Investments

Poland

     0.9

Saudi Arabia

     2.9

South Africa

     1.1

South Korea

   15.6

Taiwan

   15.5

Thailand

     4.8

United Arab Emirates

     0.9

Uruguay

     1.3

Vietnam

     1.0
  

 

   100.0
  

 

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

34


    

AMG TimesSquare Global Small Cap Fund

Portfolio Manager’s Comments (unaudited)

 

 

 

Year in Review

 

For the year ended December 31, 2022, AMG TimesSquare Global Small Cap Fund (the “Fund”) Class N shares returned (24.00)%, while its benchmark, the MSCI World Small Cap Index, returned (18.75)%.

 

In 2022, global equity markets retreated sharply after three consecutive years of double-digit gains. For example, the MSCI World Index declined by (18)% after average calendar year gains of 22% from 2019 to 2021. Weighing on the markets during the year was a combination of higher inflation rates, climbing commodity prices, tighter monetary policies, and slowing measures of business activities that moved into the range of economic contraction.

 

Though down for the year, in the fourth quarter equities rose from troughs earlier in 2022. That initial rebound was strongest for non-U.S. developed markets, followed by emerging markets, and then the U.S. Across all geographies, Value stocks remained favored above Growth stocks. For the year, energy remained the lone positive—and significantly so. As inflation rates remained above the goals for most major central banks, many of them raised interest rates during the year. In contrast, the People’s Bank of China (PBoC) kept key lending rates stable after lowering them in August to provide support to the Chinese economy. In December, China’s long-awaited shift away from its zero-COVID policy also provided positive news to the market.

 

Amid this environment, the Fund underperformed the MSCI World Small Cap Index for the year. Relative weakness was seen across the regions. Among sectors, consumer staples and real estate contributed while stock selections in industrials and the Fund’s underweight position in energy detracted.

 

Regional Performance: Americas

The Americas region housed some of the Fund’s largest contributors.

 

Within the industrials sector, EMCOR Group, Inc. provides construction and operational services for mechanical and electrical systems to a broad range of commercial, industrial, utility, and institutional customers. EMCOR’s revenues and earnings bested expectations, as did the increased guidance for the rest of 2022. Notable growth was generated from its service groups for construction and building services, along with a higher backlog of activities. With its price climbing 17%, we trimmed our position. In the fourth quarter, we initiated a position in Esab Corp., a leading global welding company. Despite a challenging economic environment for its end

    

markets, Esab reported revenues and earnings that exceeded expectations thanks to growth in volumes and pricing. That growth continued unabated, despite the exclusion of its divested operations in Russia, and lifted its shares by 28% since it was added to the Fund. Offsetting some of the strength was The AZEK Co., Inc, a manufacturer of wood-alternative residential and commercial building products. Despite reporting strong results with both its residential and commercial businesses posting impressive growth rates, the stock traded down on housing market fears and commodity price inflationary pressures. Later in the year, fiscal year guidance was reduced as management saw future demand moderating. AZEK’s share price tumbled (56)% for the full year.

 

Macro headwinds weighed on consumer discretionary names such as Floor & décor Holdings, Inc. Management reduced their full-year sales outlook and trimmed the top end of earnings guidance to account for anticipated macro-related demand challenges. We exited the position, which was down (46)% while it was held in the Fund this year. Meanwhile, more defensive consumer staples names fared better. Case in point is food products distributor Performance Food Group Co., which operates through two segments: Foodservice and Vistar. Foodservice delivers food-related products to restaurants. Vistar serves vending, theater, retail, and other channels. Recent revenues and earnings exceeded expectations, which led Performance Food’s management to increase its guidance for the balance of its fiscal year. The company’s staffing situation improved—less need for costlier temporary employees—and it gained market share among independent restaurants. Shares jumped 27% as a result.

 

Performance within health care was mixed. Encompass Health Corp. is a market leader in in-patient rehabilitation after spinning off its home health and hospice business. Though many hospitals reported lower levels of inpatient admissions, Encompass reported better-than-expected revenues that were bolstered by its in-patient rehabilitation facilities. While increased labor costs did pinch earnings, Encompass continues to meet its volume demands and is well-positioned for further growth. That sent its shares 16% higher in the year. On the negative side, declining (42)% was Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. a leading provider of outsourced services for drug discovery and preclinical research. The company experienced slowing growth from a recently acquired contract development and manufacturing operation (CDMO)

      

though the long-term prospects were positive for its core Research Model and Services (RMS) and Discovery and Safety Assessment (DSA) businesses. The stock was sold during the period.

 

Share price of reinsurance provider RenaissanceRe Holdings zig-zagged during the year but ultimately ended up with a 10% gain. Earlier in the year, RenaissanceRe’s fiscal quarterly earnings were lower than anticipated, caused by higher losses tied to the Ukraine war and storm claims from Europe and Australia. The concerns associated with the hurricane season also added to the uncertainty. Despite the headwinds, RenaissanceRe’s level of gross premiums written was higher than anticipated, though more importantly the company expects that underwriting income, investment income, and fee income all are poised to increase materially in 2023.

 

With the outlook of semicaps remaining weak, we exited our position in MKS Instruments, a manufacturer of subsystems for the semiconductor capital equipment industry. Shares of MKS Instruments slid (59)% while they were held in the Fund during the year.

 

During the year, game developer for mobile devices Zynga, Inc. was acquired by Take-Two Software. That scored a 28% gain for Zynga’s shares while they were in the portfolio this year.

 

Regional Performance: Europe

The Fund’s holdings in Europe underperformed the benchmark’s regional return.

 

The Fund’s largest detractor was leading forklift manufacturer in Germany, KION Group. Due to the long-term nature of some of its projects, the company has not been able to pass on higher material, labor, and logistics costs. As a result, the company issued a profit warning and shares tumbled (73)%.

 

Our holdings in the communication sectors faced multiple compressions and fragile sentiment in a rising rate environment. Case in point was Sweden based Viaplay, the region’s leading entertainment provider. Early in the year when streaming peer Netflix reported weak quarterly results, Viaplay’s share price declined in sympathy. Later in the year, the company fell short of our expectations that earnings would inflect in third quarter—instead pricing power in Norway and overall advertising revenues were weaker than expected. We exited the position, with shares declining by (64)% for the period that it was held. Retreating from its position as a top 2021 contributor with its (72)% correction was U.K.-based Future PLC. They are a specialty

 

 

35


    

AMG TimesSquare Global Small Cap Fund

Portfolio Manager’s Comments (continued)

 

 

 

content publisher transitioning from print-to-digital-platform. The group benefited from ongoing momentum in digital advertising. However, its share price dropped when the company’s CEO shared her intention to step down by the end of 2023. We trimmed our exposures to Future throughout the year in light of the rising rate environment but decided to exit the name in the fourth quarter as the outlook for both company turned increasingly opaque.

 

Broader recessionary concerns also weighed on our consumer-related holdings in Europe. U.K. listed Grafton, is a multi-channel distributor of construction products. The stock was sold during the period. Concerns on weakening end demand and the challenging macroeconomic backdrop hurt the overall building materials sector along with Grafton’s share price, which dropped by (51)%.

 

Amidst the multiple market dislocations, industrial buyers were opportunistically seeking price inefficiencies in quality assets. This was the case for UK based HomeServe, which offers a range of home emergencies coverage via subscription-based membership services. A top detractor in 2021, the tide turned as Canada-based Brookfield Asset Management offered to purchase HomeServe in a £4bn transaction. Its shares appreciated 21% and we exited our position.

 

Regional Performance: Japan

Japan was another area of weakness though there were some bright spots. Zenkoku Hosho Co., Ltd was added to the Fund in the third quarter. The company provides credit guarantee services for mortgages.

    

Zenkoku Hosho recently attracted a new activist investor calling for a minimum of a 70% dividend payout plus share buybacks as measures to improve its return on equity (ROE) and stock price. Management is getting friendlier on shareholder returns via dividend payout increases. Meanwhile, they are making some very attractive acquisitions and we expect more in the coming months. During the fourth quarter we initiated a position in MatsukiyoCocokara (“MKCF”) on its price weakness. MKCF is one of Japan’s largest drug store chains, with a larger presence in central urban locations than its peers. They reported strong quarterly results thanks to higher-than-expected cost synergies post their Cocokara Fine merger. With its superior locations in areas with heavy tourist traffic, we believe MKCF stands to benefit from higher inbound tourism to Japan. Shares of Zenkoku and MKCF returned 18% and 35%, respectively, since they were added to the Fund.

 

Regional Performance: Asia Pacific Ex Japan and Middle East

The Fund’s Asia Pacific ex Japan and Middle East holdings underperformed the benchmark’s regional performance. The broad weakness in the information technology sector weighed on our holdings. Nice, Ltd. is a cloud-based contact center software and compliance systems provider. The company reported solid results throughout the year. Though its cloud-based revenues were as expected, Nice benefited from increased sales of its products for financial crimes and compliance. Shares of Nice traded down (37)% for the year.

 

      

Regional Performance: Emerging Markets

Within the Emerging Markets, our largest detractor was South Korea’s K Car Co., Ltd. The company provides a platform service for used cars. The impact of tight used car supply lingered over its share price. In September, one of its facilities was flooded along with 200 vehicles due to a typhoon. Although the damage is expected to be recovered through insurance, we decided to exit the position. Its share price fell (70)% for the period it was owned.

 

Conclusion

 

Looking forward into 2023, many investors remain fixated on the macroeconomic environment. Which central bank will blink first by pausing—or even reversing—its quantitative tightening? Will those actions effectively reduce global inflation? How shallow or deep will 2023’s widely anticipated recession be? As bottom-up investors, our attention zeroes in on a company’s fundamentals and capital structure. While the contraction of P/E multiples weighed on nearly all stocks last year, many continued to increase their earnings and have stronger balance sheets than they did before the last recession. Stocks with that combination have a larger place in our strategy because we believe they will be well-positioned no matter what 2023 holds.

 

The views expressed represent the opinions of TimesSquare Capital Management, LLC as of December 31, 2022, and are not intended as a forecast or guarantee of future results, and are subject to change without notice.

 

 

36


    

AMG TimesSquare Global Small Cap Fund

Portfolio Manager’s Comments (continued)

 

 

CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN PERFORMANCE

AMG TimesSquare Global Small Cap Fund’s cumulative total return is based on the daily change in net asset value (NAV), and assumes that all dividends and distributions were reinvested. This graph compares a hypothetical $10,000 investment made in the AMG TimesSquare Global Small Cap Fund’s Class N shares on May 30, 2018 (inception date), to a $10,000 investment made in the MSCI World Small Cap Index for the same time period. The graph and table do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on a Fund distribution or redemption of shares. The listed returns for the Fund are net of expenses and the returns for the index exclude expenses. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced.

 

LOGO

The table below shows the average annual total returns for the AMG TimesSquare Global Small Cap Fund and the MSCI World Small Cap Index for the same time periods ended December 31, 2022.

 

     One   Since   Inception
  Average Annual Total Returns1    Year   Inception   Date

AMG TimesSquare Global Small Cap Fund2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Class N

   (24.00%)   0.57%   05/30/18

Class I

   (23.76%)   0.82%   05/30/18

Class Z

   (23.83%)   0.82%   05/30/18

MSCI World Small Cap Index11

   (18.75%)   3.05%   05/30/18

The performance data shown represents past performance. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.

 

Investors should carefully consider the Fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses before investing. For performance information through the most recent month end, current net asset values per share for the Fund and other information, please call 800.548.4539 or visit our website at amgfunds.com for a free prospectus. Read it carefully before investing or sending money.

Distributed by AMG Distributors, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC.

 

 

Date reflects inception date of the Fund, not the index.

 

1 

Total return equals income yield plus share price change and assumes reinvestment of all dividends and capital gain distributions. Returns are net of fees and may reflect offsets of Fund expenses as described in the prospectus. No adjustment has been made for taxes payable by shareholders on their reinvested dividends and

capital gain distributions. Returns for periods greater than one year are annualized. The listed returns on the Fund are net of expenses and based on the published NAV as of December 31, 2022. All returns are in U.S. Dollars ($).

 

2  From time to time, the Fund’s investment manager has waived its fees and/or absorbed Fund expenses, which has resulted in higher returns.

 

3  Investments in international securities are subject to certain risks of overseas investing including currency fluctuations and changes in political and economic conditions, which could result in significant market fluctuations. These risks are magnified in emerging markets.

 

4  The Fund is subject to the risks associated with investments in emerging markets, such as erratic earnings patterns, economic and political instability, changing exchange controls, limitations on repatriation of foreign capital and changes in local governmental attitudes toward private investment, possibly leading to nationalization or confiscation of investor assets.

 

5  The Fund is subject to risks associated with investments in small-capitalization companies, such as erratic earnings patterns, competitive conditions, limited earnings history and a reliance on one or a limited number of products.

 

6  The Fund is subject to currency risk resulting from fluctuations in exchange rates that may affect the total loss or gain on a non-U.S. Dollar investment when converted back to U.S. Dollars.

 

7  The Fund may invest in derivatives such as options and futures; the complexity and rapidly changing structure of derivatives markets may increase the possibility of market losses.

 

8  The Fund invests in growth stocks, which may be more sensitive to market movements because their prices tend to reflect future investor expectations rather than just current profits. Growth stocks may underperform value stocks during given periods.

 

9  Market prices of investments held by the Fund may fall rapidly or unpredictably due to a variety of economic or political factors, market conditions, disasters or public health issues, or in response to events that affect particular industries or companies.

 

10  Companies that are in similar industry sectors may be similarly affected by particular economic or market events; to the extent the Fund has substantial holdings within a particular sector, the risks associated with that sector increase.

 

11  The MSCI World Small Cap Index captures small cap representation across 23 Developed Markets countries. With over 4,000 constituents, the index covers approximately 14% of the free float-adjusted market capitalization in each country. Please go to

 

 

 

 

37


    

AMG TimesSquare Global Small Cap Fund

Portfolio Manager’s Comments (continued)

 

 

 

msci.com for most current list of countries represented by the Index. Unlike the Fund, the MSCI World Small Cap Index is unmanaged, is not available for investment and does not incur expenses.   

All MSCI data is provided ‘as is.’ The products described herein are not sponsored or endorsed and have not been reviewed or passed on by MSCI. In no event shall MSCI, its affiliates or any MSCI data provider have any liability of any kind in connection with the MSCI data or the products described herein.

 

  

Copying or redistributing the MSCI data is strictly prohibited.

 

Not FDIC insured, nor bank guaranteed. May lose value.

 

 

38


    

AMG TimesSquare Global Small Cap Fund

Fund Snapshots (unaudited)

December 31, 2022

 

 

PORTFOLIO BREAKDOWN

 

    Sector   

% of

Net Assets

 

Industrials

   27.6
 

Financials

   17.6
 

Information Technology

   15.4
 

Consumer Discretionary

   14.7
 

Consumer Staples

   9.5
 

Health Care

   6.9
 

Materials

   3.1
 

Energy

   2.8
 

Communication Services

   2.7
 

Utilities

   0.8
 

Short-Term Investments

   1.0
 

Other Assets, less Liabilities

   (2.1)

 

TOP TEN HOLDINGS

 

    Security Name   

% of

Net Assets

 

Kobe Bussan Co., Ltd. (Japan)

   2.9
 

Esab Corp. (United States)

   2.8
 

Steadfast Group, Ltd. (Australia)

   2.7
 

Nexans, S.A. (France)

   2.7
 

Zenkoku Hosho Co., Ltd. (Japan)

   2.5
 

CyberArk Software, Ltd. (Israel)

   2.3
 

Nice, Ltd., Sponsored ADR (Israel)

   2.3
 

RenaissanceRe Holdings, Ltd. (Bermuda)

   2.2
 

PJT Partners, Inc., Class A (United States)

   2.2
 

WNS Holdings, Ltd., ADR (India)

   2.1
    

 

 

Top Ten as a Group

   24.7
  

 

 

 

Because a fund’s strategy may result in multiple investments in particular sectors of the economy, its performance may depend on the performance of those sectors and may fluctuate more widely than investments diversified across more sectors. For additional information on these and other risk considerations, please see the Fund’s prospectus.

Any sectors, industries, or securities discussed should not be perceived as investment recommendations. Mention of a specific security should not be considered a recommendation to buy or solicitation to sell that security. Specific securities mentioned in this report may have been sold from the Fund’s portfolio of investments by the time you receive this report.

 

 

39


   

AMG TimesSquare Global Small Cap Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments

December 31, 2022

 

 

     

    

Shares

     Value  

Common Stocks - 101.1%

 

  

Communication Services - 2.7%

 

  

Auto Trader Group PLC (United Kingdom)1

     2,100              $13,078  

Internet Initiative Japan, Inc. (Japan)

     1,800        33,346  

Total Communication Services

        46,424  

Consumer Discretionary - 14.7%

 

  

Arcos Dorados Holdings, Inc., Class A (Uruguay)

     1,700        14,212  

Brunswick Corp. (United States)

     400        28,832  

CIE Automotive, S.A. (Spain)

     800        20,582  

Dalata Hotel Group PLC (Ireland)*

     3,700        12,819  

Games Workshop Group PLC (United Kingdom)

     200        20,645  

Hilton Grand Vacations, Inc. (United States)*

     800        30,832  

momo.com, Inc. (Taiwan)

     708        14,733  

National Vision Holdings, Inc. (United States)*,2

     700        27,132  

Planet Fitness, Inc., Class A (United States)*

     400        31,520  

Spin Master Corp. (Canada)1

     500        12,304  

Topgolf Callaway Brands Corp. (United States)*

     1,200        23,700  

Visteon Corp. (United States)*

     100        13,083  

Total Consumer Discretionary

        250,394  

Consumer Staples - 9.5%

 

  

Kobe Bussan Co., Ltd. (Japan)

     1,700        48,996  

MatsukiyoCocokara & Co. (Japan)

     500        25,132  

Performance Food Group Co. (United States)*

     600        35,034  

Tate & Lyle PLC (United Kingdom)

     2,400        20,561  

Viscofan, S.A. (Spain)

     500        32,204  

Total Consumer Staples

        161,927  

Energy - 2.8%

     

Gaztransport Et Technigaz, S.A. (France)

     200        21,374  

Pason Systems, Inc. (Canada)

     1,000        11,773  

TGS ASA (Norway)

     1,100        14,875  

Total Energy

        48,022  

Financials - 17.6%

 

  

FinecoBank Banca Fineco S.P.A. (Italy)

     1,700        28,231  

Focus Financial Partners, Inc.,
Class A (United States)*

     700        26,089  

Nordnet AB publ (Sweden)

     1,300        18,825  

Patria Investments, Ltd.,
Class A (Cayman Islands)

     1,100        15,323  

PJT Partners, Inc., Class A (United States)

     500        36,845  

RenaissanceRe Holdings, Ltd. (Bermuda)

     200        36,846  

St James’s Place PLC (United Kingdom)

     1,300        17,125  

Steadfast Group, Ltd. (Australia)

     12,400        46,054  

Topdanmark AS (Denmark)

     600        31,575  
     
     

    

Shares

     Value  

Zenkoku Hosho Co., Ltd. (Japan)

     1,100              $42,144  

Total Financials

        299,057  

Health Care - 6.9%

     

ALK-Abello A/S (Denmark)*

     600        8,369  

Amplifon S.P.A. (Italy)

     300        8,958  

As One Corp. (Japan)

     200        8,737  

Ascendis Pharma A/S, ADR (Denmark)*

     150        18,320  

Chemed Corp. (United States)

     50        25,522  

Encompass Health Corp. (United States)

     500        29,905  

Siegfried Holding AG (Switzerland)

     25        16,606  

Total Health Care

        116,417  

Industrials - 27.6%

     

AG Growth International, Inc. (Canada)

     400        12,807  

Arcadis, N.V. (Netherlands)

     400        15,748  

The AZEK Co., Inc. (United States)*

     900        18,288  

Casella Waste Systems, Inc.,
Class A (United States)*

     425        33,707  

Diploma PLC (United Kingdom)

     500        16,810  

EMCOR Group, Inc. (United States)

     150        22,216  

Esab Corp. (United States)

     1,000        46,920  

Exponent, Inc. (United States)

     300        29,727  

Fuji Corp. (Japan)

     900        13,113  

Hexcel Corp. (United States)

     350        20,598  

Interpump Group S.P.A. (Italy)

     200        9,029  

IPH, Ltd. (Australia)

     6,000        35,265  

KION Group AG (Germany)

     366        10,424  

Nexans, S.A. (France)

     500        45,255  

Regal Rexnord Corp. (United States)

     150        17,997  

Rotork PLC (United Kingdom)

     5,800        21,554  

RS Group PLC (United Kingdom)

     900        9,690  

Saab AB, Class B (Sweden)

     900        35,467  

Valmet Oyj (Finland)2

     600        16,197  

WillScot Mobile Mini Holdings
Corp. (United States)*

     400        18,068  

Zurn Elkay Water Solutions Corp. (United States)

     1,000        21,150  

Total Industrials

        470,030  

Information Technology - 15.4%

     

Accton Technology Corp. (Taiwan)

     1,800        13,669  

CyberArk Software, Ltd. (Israel)*

     300        38,895  

Fortnox AB (Sweden)

     2,000        9,082  

Jack Henry & Associates, Inc. (United States)

     150        26,334  

Keywords Studios PLC (Ireland)

     600        19,690  

MACOM Technology Solutions Holdings,
Inc. (United States)*

     400        25,192  
     
 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

40


    

 

    

AMG TimesSquare Global Small Cap Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments (continued)

 

   

    

 

      

 

      Shares      Value  

Information Technology - 15.4%
(continued)

     

Nice, Ltd., Sponsored ADR (Israel)*,2

     200        $38,460  

Simplex Holdings, Inc. (Japan)*

     1,200        18,962  

Spirent Communications PLC (United Kingdom)

     7,000        22,239  

TOTVS, S.A. (Brazil)

     2,583        13,512  

WNS Holdings, Ltd., ADR (India)*

     450        35,995  

Total Information Technology

        262,030  

Materials - 3.1%

     

Asahi Holdings, Inc. (Japan)

     800        11,686  

Huhtamaki Oyj (Finland)

     700        23,980  

Verallia, S.A. (France)1

     500        16,945  

Total Materials

        52,611  

Utilities - 0.8%

     

Nippon Gas Co., Ltd. (Japan)

     900        14,084  

Total Common Stocks
(Cost $1,665,861)

 

     1,720,996  
  
      Shares      Value  

Short-Term Investments - 1.0%

 

  

Other Investment Companies - 1.0%

 

  

Dreyfus Government Cash Management Fund, Institutional Shares, 4.19%3

     6,801        $6,801  

Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Government Money Market Fund, Institutional Shares, 4.27%3

     10,202        10,202  

Total Short-Term Investments
(Cost $17,003)

 

     17,003  

Total Investments - 102.1%
(Cost $1,682,864)

 

     1,737,999  

Other Assets, less Liabilities - (2.1)%

 

     (35,050

Net Assets - 100.0%

 

   $ 1,702,949  
  
 

 

*

Non-income producing security.

 

1 

Security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. This security may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At December 31, 2022, the value of these securities amounted to $42,327 or 2.5% of net assets.

 

2 

Some of these securities, amounting to $77,084 or 4.5% of net assets, were out on loan to various borrowers and are collateralized by various U.S. Treasury Obligations. See Note 4 of Notes to Financial Statements.

3 

Yield shown represents the December 31, 2022, seven day average yield, which refers to the sum of the previous seven days’ dividends paid, expressed as an annual percentage.

ADR American Depositary Receipt

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

41


    

 

    

AMG TimesSquare Global Small Cap Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments (continued)

 

   

    

 

      

 

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments by the fair value hierarchy levels as of December 31, 2022:

 

     Level 1      Level 21      Level 3      Total  

  Investments in Securities

           

Common Stocks

           

Industrials

   $ 241,478      $ 228,552             $ 470,030  

Financials

     115,103        183,954               299,057  

Information Technology

     178,388        83,642               262,030  

Consumer Discretionary

     181,615        68,779               250,394  

Consumer Staples

     35,034        126,893               161,927  

Health Care

     73,747        42,670               116,417  

Materials

            52,611               52,611  

Energy

     11,773        36,249               48,022  

Communication Services

            46,424               46,424  

Utilities

            14,084               14,084  

Short-Term Investments

           

Other Investment Companies

     17,003                      17,003  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

  Total Investment in Securities

   $ 854,141      $ 883,858             $ 1,737,999  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

1 

An external pricing service is used to reflect any impact on security value due to market movements between the time the Fund valued such foreign securities and the earlier closing of foreign markets.

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, there were no transfers in or out of Level 3.

The country allocation in the Schedule of Portfolio Investments at December 31, 2022, was as follows:

 

Country

 

  

% of Long-Term
Investments

 

Australia

     4.7

Bermuda

     2.1

Brazil

     0.8

Canada

     2.1

Cayman Islands

     0.9

Denmark

     3.4

Finland

     2.3

France

     4.9

Germany

     0.6

India

     2.1

Ireland

     1.9

Israel

     4.5

Italy

     2.7

Country

 

  

% of Long-Term
Investments

 

Japan

   12.6

Netherlands

     0.9

Norway

     0.9

Spain

     3.1

Sweden

     3.7

Switzerland

     1.0

Taiwan

     1.6

United Kingdom

     8.2

United States

   34.2

Uruguay

     0.8
  

 

   100.0  
  

 

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

42


   

    

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

December 31, 2022

 

 

 

    AMG
TimesSquare
Small Cap
Growth Fund
    AMG
TimesSquare
Mid Cap
Growth Fund
    AMG
TimesSquare
International Small
Cap Fund
    AMG
TimesSquare
Emerging
Markets Small
Cap Fund
    AMG
TimesSquare
Global Small
Cap Fund
 

Assets:

         

 Investments at value1 (including securities on loan valued at $9,786,629, $26,774,296, $8,922,218, $0,and $77,084, respectively)

    $232,461,000       $1,157,154,305       $425,913,243       $4,755,424       $1,737,999  

 Foreign currency2

                15,526,680       33,046       8,107  

 Receivable for investments sold

    1,202,713       3,001,944       198,252              

 Dividend and interest receivables

    111,006       418,033       1,505,613       7,318       2,476  

 Securities lending income receivable

    1,663       1,946       872             5  

 Receivable for Fund shares sold

    99,266       551,051       134,090              

 Receivable from affiliate

    2,162                   14,139       8,443  

 Prepaid expenses and other assets

    11,655       12,267       21,895       495       163  

 Total assets

    233,889,465       1,161,139,546       443,300,645       4,810,422       1,757,193  

 Liabilities:

         

 Payable upon return of securities loaned

    3,360,521       21,731,927       2,755,348              

 Payable for investments purchased

    1,550,440             570,068       9,949        

 Payable for Fund shares repurchased

    37,288       15,837,345       646,389              

 Payable for foreign capital gains tax

                      8,323        

 Due to custodian

                490,752              

 Accrued expenses:

         

 Investment advisory and management fees

    167,199       797,991       288,463       3,811       1,020  

 Administrative fees

    31,747       151,517       57,692       602       219  

 Distribution fees

                      14       11  

 Shareholder service fees

    9,907       79,798       25,363       8        

 Other

    83,795       205,058       286,163       82,697       52,994  

 Total liabilities

    5,240,897       38,803,636       5,120,238       105,404       54,244  
         

  Net Assets

    $228,648,568       $1,122,335,910       $438,180,407       $4,705,018       $1,702,949  

  1 Investments at cost

    $222,952,927       $905,743,152       $419,118,608       $4,915,657       $1,682,864  

  2 Foreign currency at cost

                $15,541,856       $32,882       $8,080  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

43


   

    

Statement of Assets and Liabilities (continued)

 

 

 

    AMG
TimesSquare
Small Cap
Growth Fund
    AMG
TimesSquare
Mid Cap
Growth Fund
    AMG
TimesSquare
International Small
Cap Fund
    AMG
TimesSquare
Emerging
Markets Small

Cap Fund
    AMG
TimesSquare
Global Small
Cap Fund
 

  Net Assets Represent:

         

  Paid-in capital

    $235,705,252       $903,665,650       $653,951,335       $6,102,832       $1,910,238  

  Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (7,056,684     218,670,260       (215,770,928     (1,397,814     (207,289

  Net Assets

    $228,648,568       $1,122,335,910       $438,180,407       $4,705,018       $1,702,949  

  Class N:

         

  Net Assets

    $38,225,439       $368,938,192       $10,977,138       $65,111       $52,785  

  Shares outstanding

    3,943,747       28,642,663       831,160       7,854       5,556  

  Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share

    $9.69       $12.88       $13.21       $8.29       $9.50  

  Class I:

         

  Net Assets

    $9,185,111       $339,100,065       $260,896,167       $341,581       $31,151  

  Shares outstanding

    887,932       24,688,795       19,721,214       40,887       3,265  

  Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share

    $10.34       $13.73       $13.23       $8.35       $9.54  

  Class Z:

         

  Net Assets

    $181,238,018       $414,297,653       $166,307,102       $4,298,326       $1,619,013  

  Shares outstanding

    17,422,429       30,006,537       12,570,013       514,821       169,661  

  Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share

    $10.40       $13.81       $13.23       $8.35       $9.54  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

44


   

    

Statement of Operations

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022

 

 

     AMG
TimesSquare
Small Cap
Growth Fund
  AMG
TimesSquare
Mid Cap
Growth Fund
  AMG
TimesSquare
International Small
Cap Fund
  AMG
TimesSquare
Emerging
Markets Small
Cap Fund
  AMG
TimesSquare
Global Small
Cap Fund

  Investment Income:

          

  Dividend income

     $964,959       $10,090,554       $19,194,515 1      $130,223       $31,568  

  Interest income

     3,632       682       3,416              

  Securities lending income

     106,081       124,879       66,984       1,073       156  

  Foreign withholding tax

           (45,099     (1,889,371     (16,626     (3,082

  Total investment income

     1,074,672       10,171,016       17,375,544       114,670       28,642  

  Expenses:

          

  Investment advisory and management fees

     2,251,473       11,041,119       5,041,919       53,922       14,325  

  Administrative fees

     427,495       2,096,415       1,008,384       8,514       3,070  

  Distribution fees - Class N

                       76       136  

  Shareholder servicing fees - Class N

     133,586       823,726       35,851       46        

  Shareholder servicing fees - Class I

     7,695       183,426       369,807       9        

  Professional fees

     44,616       102,111       75,501       72,414       39,661  

  Custodian fees

     43,548       133,751       289,972       73,900       36,857  

  Registration fees

     39,114       72,480       100,301       2,005       1,663  

  Trustee fees and expenses

     19,090       96,794       44,909       391       140  

  Reports to shareholders

     12,183       85,447       94,068       1,873       1,949  

  Transfer agent fees

     9,104       48,305       37,614       758       455  

  Interest expense

     503       7,074       14,634       885       37  

  Miscellaneous

     13,934       51,064       31,626       2,727       2,570  

  Total expenses before offsets

     3,002,341       14,741,712       7,144,586       217,520       100,863  

  Expense reimbursements

     (39,090                 (144,775     (80,223

  Expense reductions

     (56,647     (128,649                  

  Net expenses

     2,906,604       14,613,063       7,144,586       72,745       20,640  
          

  Net investment income (loss)

     (1,831,932     (4,442,047     10,230,958       41,925       8,002  

  Net Realized and Unrealized Loss:

          

  Net realized loss on investments

     (14,588,698     (14,032,359     (155,670,177     (1,033,661     (225,803

  Net realized loss on foreign currency transactions

                 (268,372     (16,012     (3,320

  Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments

     (86,795,211     (375,856,383     (147,537,679     (419,120     (452,216

  Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on foreign currency translations

                 (185,178     12,303       139  

  Net realized and unrealized loss

     (101,383,909     (389,888,742     (303,661,406     (1,456,490     (681,200
          

  Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

     $(103,215,841     $(394,330,789     $(293,430,448     $(1,414,565     $(673,198

1 Includes non-recurring dividends of $1,994,401.

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

45


   

    

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

For the fiscal years ended December 31,

 

 

     AMG
TimesSquare
Small Cap
Growth Fund
    AMG
TimesSquare
Mid Cap
Growth Fund
    AMG
TimesSquare
International Small
Cap Fund
 
     2022     2021     2022     2021     2022     2021  

 Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting From Operations:

            

Net investment income (loss)

     $(1,831,932     $(3,671,518     $(4,442,047     $(6,297,739     $10,230,958       $7,055,207  

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

     (14,588,698     79,059,615       (14,032,359     497,360,722       (155,938,549     137,617,802  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments

     (86,795,211     (46,101,944     (375,856,383     (202,912,685     (147,722,857     (128,853,294

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

     (103,215,841     29,286,153       (394,330,789     288,150,298       (293,430,448     15,819,715  

 Distributions to Shareholders:

            

Class N

     (4,006,378     (16,889,951     (14,196,340     (129,769,564     (92,131     (202,193

Class I

     (580,982     (2,245,753     (12,340,247     (99,774,515     (2,705,146     (7,082,703

Class Z

     (11,346,058     (58,061,717     (15,739,439     (188,751,022     (1,955,638     (4,959,152

Total distributions to shareholders

     (15,933,418     (77,197,421     (42,276,026     (418,295,101     (4,752,915     (12,244,048

 Capital Share Transactions:1

            

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

     (64,127,267     14,500,368       (218,353,331     (129,788,867     (295,725,740     (44,353,251

 

            

Total decrease in net assets

     (183,276,526     (33,410,900     (654,960,146     (259,933,670     (593,909,103     (40,777,584

 Net Assets:

            

Beginning of year

     411,925,094       445,335,994       1,777,296,056       2,037,229,726       1,032,089,510       1,072,867,094  

End of year

     $228,648,568       $411,925,094       $1,122,335,910       $1,777,296,056       $438,180,407       $1,032,089,510  

1 See Note 1(g) of the Notes to Financial Statements.

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

46


    

    

Statements of Changes in Net Assets (continued)

For the fiscal years ended December 31,

 

 

     AMG
TimesSquare
Emerging
Markets Small Cap Fund
    AMG
TimesSquare
Global Small
Cap Fund
 
     2022     2021     2022     2021  

 Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting From Operations:

        

Net investment income

     $41,925       $17,190       $8,002       $6,177  

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

     (1,049,673     1,917,681       (229,123     305,915  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments

     (406,817     (1,251,657     (452,077     (55,587

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

     (1,414,565     683,214       (673,198     256,505  

 Distributions to Shareholders:

        

Class N

     (1,423     (14,953           (4,448

Class I

     (7,395     (127,065     (65     (2,692

Class Z

     (93,111     (2,197,218     (3,369     (169,825

Total distributions to shareholders

     (101,929     (2,339,236     (3,434     (176,965

 Capital Share Transactions:1

        

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

     (1,734,530     2,407,027       (308,863     323,693  

 

        

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

     (3,251,024     751,005       (985,495     403,233  

 Net Assets:

        

Beginning of year

     7,956,042       7,205,037       2,688,444       2,285,211  

End of year

     $4,705,018       $7,956,042       $1,702,949       $2,688,444  

1 See Note 1(g) of the Notes to Financial Statements.

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

47


   

AMG TimesSquare Small Cap Growth Fund

Financial Highlights

For a share outstanding throughout each fiscal year

 

 

     For the fiscal years ended December 31,
 Class N    2022     2021     2020     2019     2018  

 Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year

     $14.09       $16.45       $13.96       $12.21       $16.90  

 Income (loss) from Investment Operations:

          

Net investment loss1,2

     (0.09     (0.17     (0.11 )3      (0.09     (0.10

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (3.62     1.18       4.92       3.47       (0.70
          

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     (3.71     1.01       4.81       3.38       (0.80

 Less Distributions to Shareholders from:

          

Net realized gain on investments

     (0.69     (3.37     (2.32     (1.63     (3.89

 Net Asset Value, End of Year

     $9.69       $14.09       $16.45       $13.96       $12.21  
          

 Total Return2,4

     (26.41 )%      6.72     34.96     27.98     (4.38 )% 

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets5

     1.17     1.17 %6      1.16     1.17     1.09

Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets7

     1.20     1.19 %6      1.20     1.19     1.10

Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets2

     (0.79 )%      (0.97 )%      (0.79 )%      (0.63 )%      (0.55 )% 

Portfolio turnover

     50     65     71     62     63

Net assets end of year (000’s) omitted

     $38,225       $86,941       $112,740       $105,862       $99,996  
                                          
                                          

 

 

48


   

AMG TimesSquare Small Cap Growth Fund

Financial Highlights

For a share outstanding throughout each fiscal year

 

 

     For the fiscal years ended December 31,
 Class I    2022     2021     2020     2019     2018  

 Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year

     $14.96       $17.25       $14.53       $12.64       $17.32  

 Income (loss) from Investment Operations:

          

Net investment loss1,2

     (0.08     (0.15     (0.10 )3      (0.07     (0.09

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (3.85     1.23       5.14       3.59       (0.70
          

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     (3.93     1.08       5.04       3.52       (0.79

 Less Distributions to Shareholders from:

          

Net realized gain on investments

     (0.69     (3.37     (2.32     (1.63     (3.89

 Net Asset Value, End of Year

     $10.34       $14.96       $17.25       $14.53       $12.64  
          

 Total Return2,4

     (26.34 )%      6.81     35.19     28.13     (4.21 )% 

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets5

     1.05     1.05 %6      1.03     1.01     1.00

Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets7

     1.08     1.07 %6      1.07     1.03     1.01

Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets2

     (0.67 )%      (0.85 )%      (0.66 )%      (0.47 )%      (0.46 )% 

Portfolio turnover

     50     65     71     62     63

Net assets end of year (000’s) omitted

     $9,185       $12,380       $12,062       $11,333       $174,914  
                                          
                                          

 

 

49


   

AMG TimesSquare Small Cap Growth Fund

Financial Highlights

For a share outstanding throughout each fiscal year

 

 

     For the fiscal years ended December 31,
 Class Z    2022     2021     2020     2019     2018  

 Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year

     $15.03       $17.30       $14.55       $12.65       $17.33  

 Income (loss) from Investment Operations:

          

Net investment loss1,2

     (0.07     (0.14     (0.09 )3      (0.07     (0.08

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (3.87     1.24       5.16       3.60       (0.71
          

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     (3.94     1.10       5.07       3.53       (0.79

 Less Distributions to Shareholders from:

          

Net realized gain on investments

     (0.69     (3.37     (2.32     (1.63     (3.89

 Net Asset Value, End of Year

     $10.40       $15.03       $17.30       $14.55       $12.65  
          

 Total Return2,4

     (26.29 )%      6.91     35.35     28.19     (4.21 )% 

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets5

     0.97     0.97 %6      0.96     0.97     0.96

Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets7

     1.00     0.99 %6      1.00     0.99     0.97

Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets2

     (0.59 )%      (0.77 )%      (0.59 )%      (0.43 )%      (0.42 )% 

Portfolio turnover

     50     65     71     62     63

Net assets end of year (000’s) omitted

     $181,238       $312,604       $320,535       $367,787       $601,789  
                                          
                                          

 

1 

Per share numbers have been calculated using average shares.

 

2 

Total returns and net investment loss would have been lower had certain expenses not been offset.

 

3 

Includes non-recurring dividends. Without these dividends, net investment loss per share would have been $(0.12), $(0.10), and $(0.09) for Class N, Class I and Class Z, respectively.

 

4 

The total return is calculated using the published Net Asset Value as of fiscal year end.

 

5 

Includes reduction from broker recapture amounting to 0.02% for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, 0.03% for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, 0.02% for the fiscal year ended 2019 and 0.01% for the fiscal year ended 2018.

 

6 

Such ratio includes recapture of waived/reimbursed fees from prior periods amounting to 0.01%.

 

7 

Excludes the impact of expense reimbursement or fee waivers and expense reductions such as brokerage credits, but includes expense repayments and non-reimbursable expenses, if any, such as interest, taxes, and extraordinary expenses. (See Note 1(c) and 2 in the Notes to Financial Statements.)

 

 

50


   

AMG TimesSquare Mid Cap Growth Fund

Financial Highlights

For a share outstanding throughout each fiscal year

 

 

     For the fiscal years ended December 31,
 Class N    2022     2021     2020     2019     2018  

 Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year

     $17.24       $19.66       $17.69       $15.00       $18.40  

 Income (loss) from Investment Operations:

          

Net investment loss1,2

     (0.06     (0.10 )3      (0.09 )4      (0.07     (0.08

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (3.79     3.11       5.84       5.62       (0.78
          

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     (3.85     3.01       5.75       5.55       (0.86

 Less Distributions to Shareholders from:

          

Net realized gain on investments

     (0.51     (5.43     (3.78     (2.86     (2.54

 Net Asset Value, End of Year

     $12.88       $17.24       $19.66       $17.69       $15.00  
          

 Total Return2,5

     (22.39 )%      15.92     33.03     37.15     (4.55 )% 

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets6

     1.17     1.17     1.17     1.17     1.17

Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets7

     1.18     1.18     1.18     1.18     1.18

Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets2

     (0.45 )%      (0.46 )%      (0.48 )%      (0.38 )%      (0.39 )% 

Portfolio turnover

     44     53     74     65     59

Net assets end of year (000’s) omitted

     $368,938       $535,289       $613,501       $518,267       $375,505  
                                          
                                          

 

 

51


   

AMG TimesSquare Mid Cap Growth Fund

Financial Highlights

For a share outstanding throughout each fiscal year

 

 

     For the fiscal years ended December 31,
 Class I    2022     2021     2020     2019     2018  

 Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year

     $18.31       $20.58       $18.35       $15.46       $18.86  

 Income (loss) from Investment Operations:

          

Net investment loss1,2

     (0.04     (0.07 )3      (0.07 )4      (0.05     (0.05

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (4.03     3.25       6.08       5.80       (0.81
          

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     (4.07     3.18       6.01       5.75       (0.86

 Less Distributions to Shareholders from:

          

Net investment income

           (0.02                  

Net realized gain on investments

     (0.51     (5.43     (3.78     (2.86     (2.54
          

Total distributions to shareholders

     (0.51     (5.45     (3.78     (2.86     (2.54

 Net Asset Value, End of Year

     $13.73       $18.31       $20.58       $18.35       $15.46  
          

 Total Return2,5

     (22.23 )%      16.04     33.27     37.33     (4.45 )% 

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets6

     1.02     1.02     1.04     1.07     1.02

Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets7

     1.03     1.03     1.05     1.08     1.03

Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets2

     (0.30 )%      (0.31 )%      (0.35 )%      (0.28 )%      (0.24 )% 

Portfolio turnover

     44     53     74     65     59

Net assets end of year (000’s) omitted

     $339,100       $431,797       $526,800       $472,524       $353,282  
                                          
                                          

 

 

52


   

AMG TimesSquare Mid Cap Growth Fund

Financial Highlights

For a share outstanding throughout each fiscal year

 

 

     For the fiscal years ended December 31,
 Class Z    2022     2021     2020     2019     2018  

 Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year

     $18.39       $20.65       $18.39       $15.48       $18.87  

 Income (loss) from Investment Operations:

          

Net investment loss1,2

     (0.04     (0.06 )3      (0.05 )4      (0.03     (0.04

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (4.03     3.27       6.09       5.80       (0.81
          

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     (4.07     3.21       6.04       5.77       (0.85

 Less Distributions to Shareholders from:

          

Net investment income

           (0.04                  

Net realized gain on investments

     (0.51     (5.43     (3.78     (2.86     (2.54
          

Total distributions to shareholders

     (0.51     (5.47     (3.78     (2.86     (2.54

 Net Asset Value, End of Year

     $13.81       $18.39       $20.65       $18.39       $15.48  
          

 Total Return2,5

     (22.18 )%      16.10     33.36     37.41     (4.39 )% 

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets6

     0.97     0.97     0.97     0.97     0.97

Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets7

     0.98     0.98     0.98     0.98     0.98

Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets2

     (0.25 )%      (0.26 )%      (0.28 )%      (0.18 )%      (0.19 )% 

Portfolio turnover

     44     53     74     65     59

Net assets end of year (000’s) omitted

     $414,298       $810,210       $896,929       $894,390       $948,380  
                                          
                                          

 

1 

Per share numbers have been calculated using average shares.

 

2 

Total returns and net investment loss would have been lower had certain expenses not been offset.

 

3 

Includes non-recurring dividends. Without these dividends, net investment loss per share would have been $(0.16), $(0.13) and $(0.12) for Class N, Class I and Class Z, respectively.

 

4 

Includes non-recurring dividends. Without these dividends, net investment loss per share would have been $(0.11), $(0.08) and $(0.07) for Class N, Class I and Class Z, respectively.

 

5 

The total return is calculated using the published Net Asset Value as of fiscal year end.

 

6 

Includes reduction from broker recapture amounting to 0.01% for each fiscal year ended 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019 and 2018.

 

7 

Excludes the impact of expense reimbursement or fee waivers and expense reductions such as brokerage credits, but includes expense repayments and non-reimbursable expenses, if any, such as interest, taxes, and extraordinary expenses. (See Note 1(c) and 2 in the Notes to Financial Statements.)

 

 

53


   

AMG TimesSquare International Small Cap Fund

Financial Highlights

For a share outstanding throughout each fiscal year

 

 

     For the fiscal years ended December 31,
 Class N    2022     2021     2020     2019     2018  
          

 Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year

     $18.49       $18.44       $16.24       $12.72       $16.99  

 Income (loss) from Investment Operations:

          

Net investment income1,2

     0.19 3      0.09       0.02       0.21 4      0.18  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (5.36     0.14       2.18       3.55       (4.35
          

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     (5.17     0.23       2.20       3.76       (4.17

 Less Distributions to Shareholders from:

          
          

Net investment income

     (0.11     (0.18           (0.24     (0.10

 Net Asset Value, End of Year

     $13.21       $18.49       $18.44       $16.24       $12.72  
          

 Total Return2,5

     (27.97 )%      1.25     13.55     29.56     (24.54 )% 

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets

     1.25     1.22     1.23     1.23     1.23

Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets6

     1.25     1.22     1.23     1.23     1.23

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets2

     1.33     0.47     0.17     1.43     1.07

Portfolio turnover

     71     73     57     40     46

Net assets end of year (000’s) omitted

     $10,977       $21,202       $45,389       $70,532       $88,913  
                                          
                                          

 

 

54


   

AMG TimesSquare International Small Cap Fund

Financial Highlights

For a share outstanding throughout each fiscal year

 

 

     For the fiscal years ended December 31,
 Class I    2022     2021     2020     2019     2018  
          

 Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year

     $18.52       $18.49       $16.26       $12.74       $17.08  

 Income (loss) from Investment Operations:

          

Net investment income1,2

     0.21 3      0.12       0.05       0.24 4      0.20  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (5.37     0.13       2.19       3.55       (4.37
          

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     (5.16     0.25       2.24       3.79       (4.17

 Less Distributions to Shareholders from:

          
          

Net investment income

     (0.13     (0.22     (0.01     (0.27     (0.17

 Net Asset Value, End of Year

     $13.23       $18.52       $18.49       $16.26       $12.74  
          

 Total Return2,5

     (27.84 )%      1.36     13.75     29.78     (24.42 )% 

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets

     1.10     1.07     1.08     1.06     1.06

Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets6

     1.10     1.07     1.08     1.06     1.06

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets2

     1.48     0.62     0.32     1.60     1.24

Portfolio turnover

     71     73     57     40     46

Net assets end of year (000’s) omitted

     $260,896       $614,652       $629,502       $658,599       $538,749  
                                          
                                          

 

 

55


   

AMG TimesSquare International Small Cap Fund

Financial Highlights

For a share outstanding throughout each fiscal year

 

 

     For the fiscal years ended December 31,
 Class Z    2022     2021     2020     2019     2018  
          

 Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year

     $18.53       $18.50       $16.26       $12.75       $17.08  

 Income (loss) from Investment Operations:

          

Net investment income1,2

     0.22 3      0.14       0.06       0.25 4      0.21  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (5.37     0.12       2.20       3.55       (4.36
          

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     (5.15     0.26       2.26       3.80       (4.15

 Less Distributions to Shareholders from:

          
          

Net investment income

     (0.15     (0.23     (0.02     (0.29     (0.18

 Net Asset Value, End of Year

     $13.23       $18.53       $18.50       $16.26       $12.75  
          

 Total Return2,5

     (27.78 )%      1.47     13.90     29.77     (24.29 )% 

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets

     1.00     0.97     0.98     0.98     0.98

Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets6

     1.00     0.97     0.98     0.98     0.98

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets2

     1.58     0.72     0.42     1.68     1.32

Portfolio turnover

     71     73     57     40     46

Net assets end of year (000’s) omitted

     $166,307       $396,236       $397,976       $401,528       $372,085  
                                          
                                          

 

1 

Per share numbers have been calculated using average shares.

 

2 

Total returns and net investment income would have been lower had certain expenses not been offset.

 

3 

Includes non-recurring dividends. Without these dividends, net investment income per share would have been $0.15, $0.17 and $0.18 for Class N, Class I and Class Z, respectively.

 

4 

Includes non-recurring dividends. Without these dividends, net investment income per share would have been $0.16, $0.18 and $0.20 for Class N, Class I and Class Z, respectively.

 

5 

The total return is calculated using the published Net Asset Value as of fiscal year end.

 

6 

Excludes the impact of expense reimbursement or fee waivers and expense reductions such as brokerage credits, but includes expense repayments and non-reimbursable expenses, if any, such as interest, taxes, and extraordinary expenses. (See Note 1(c) and 2 in the Notes to Financial Statements.)

 

 

56


   

AMG TimesSquare Emerging Markets Small Cap Fund

Financial Highlights

For a share outstanding throughout each fiscal year

 

 

     For the fiscal years ended December 31,
 Class N    2022     2021     2020     2019     2018  
          

 Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year

     $10.52       $13.66       $11.03       $9.49       $12.32  

 Income (loss) from Investment Operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)1,2

     0.03       (0.03     0.13 3      0.03       0.08  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (2.08     1.22       2.50       1.53       (2.34
          

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     (2.05     1.19       2.63       1.56       (2.26

 Less Distributions to Shareholders from:

          

Net investment income

           (0.07     (0.00 )4      (0.02     (0.01

Net realized gain on investments

     (0.18     (4.26                 (0.56

Paid in capital

                       (0.00 )4       
          

Total distributions to shareholders

     (0.18     (4.33     (0.00 )4      (0.02     (0.57

 Net Asset Value, End of Year

     $8.29       $10.52       $13.66       $11.03       $9.49  
          

 Total Return2,5

     (19.43 )%      9.10     23.86     16.49     (18.30 )% 

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets

     1.68 %6      1.68 %7      1.65     1.67 %8      1.67

Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets9

     4.23 %6      3.03 %7      3.66     4.29     3.87

Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets2

     0.34     (0.19 )%      1.22     0.31     0.68

Portfolio turnover

     104     139     129     103     84

Net assets end of year (000’s) omitted

     $65       $49       $43       $39       $31  
                                          
                                          

 

 

57


   

AMG TimesSquare Emerging Markets Small Cap Fund

Financial Highlights

For a share outstanding throughout each fiscal year

 

 

     For the fiscal years ended December 31,
 Class I    2022     2021     2020     2019     2018  
          

 Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year

     $10.56       $13.70       $11.05       $9.51       $12.35  

 Income (loss) from Investment Operations:

          

Net investment income1,2

     0.07       0.03       0.18 3      0.07       0.11  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (2.10     1.23       2.51       1.53       (2.33
          

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     (2.03     1.26       2.69       1.60       (2.22

 Less Distributions to Shareholders from:

          

Net investment income

           (0.14     (0.04     (0.05     (0.06

Net realized gain on investments

     (0.18     (4.26                 (0.56

Paid in capital

                       (0.01      
          

Total distributions to shareholders

     (0.18     (4.40     (0.04     (0.06     (0.62

 Net Asset Value, End of Year

     $8.35       $10.56       $13.70       $11.05       $9.51  
          

 Total Return2,5

     (19.16 )%      9.50     24.49     16.83     (17.90 )% 

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets

     1.28 %6      1.28 %7      1.25     1.27 %8      1.27

Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets9

     3.83 %6      2.63 %7      3.26     3.89     3.47

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets2

     0.74     0.21     1.62     0.71     1.08

Portfolio turnover

     104     139     129     103     84

Net assets end of year (000’s) omitted

     $342       $434       $396       $310       $273  
                                          
                                          

 

 

58


   

AMG TimesSquare Emerging Markets Small Cap Fund

Financial Highlights

For a share outstanding throughout each fiscal year

 

 

     For the fiscal years ended December 31,
 Class Z    2022   2021   2020   2019   2018
          

 Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year

     $10.55       $13.70       $11.05       $9.51       $12.35  

 Income (loss) from Investment Operations:

          

Net investment income1,2

     0.07       0.03       0.18 3      0.07       0.12  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (2.09     1.22       2.51       1.53       (2.34
          

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     (2.02     1.25       2.69       1.60       (2.22

 Less Distributions to Shareholders from:

          

Net investment income

           (0.14     (0.04     (0.05     (0.06

Net realized gain on investments

     (0.18     (4.26                 (0.56

Paid in capital

                       (0.01      
          

Total distributions to shareholders

     (0.18     (4.40     (0.04     (0.06     (0.62

 Net Asset Value, End of Year

     $8.35       $10.55       $13.70       $11.05       $9.51  
          

 Total Return2,5

     (19.09 )%      9.51     24.40     16.83     (17.90 )% 

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets

     1.28 %6      1.28 %7      1.25     1.27 %8      1.27

Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets9

     3.83 %6      2.63 %7      3.26     3.89     3.47

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets2

     0.74     0.21     1.62     0.71     1.08

Portfolio turnover

     104     139     129     103     84

Net assets end of year (000’s) omitted

     $4,298       $7,473       $6,766       $5,473       $5,513  
                                          
                                          

 

1 

Per share numbers have been calculated using average shares.

 

2 

Total returns and net investment income (loss) would have been lower had certain expenses not been offset.

 

3 

Includes non-recurring dividends. Without these dividends, net investment income per share would have been $0.11, $0.16 and $0.16 for Class N, Class I and Class Z, respectively.

 

4 

Less than $(0.005) per share.

 

5 

The total return is calculated using the published Net Asset Value as of fiscal year end.

 

6 

Includes interest expense totaling 0.03% related to participation in the interfund lending program and bank overdrafts.

 

7 

Includes expense totaling 0.03% relating to excise tax expense.

 

8 

Includes interest expense totaling 0.02% relating to participation in the interfund lending and bank overdrafts.

 

9 

Excludes the impact of expense reimbursement or fee waivers and expense reductions such as brokerage credits, but includes expense repayments and non-reimbursable expenses, if any, such as interest, taxes, and extraordinary expenses. (See Note 1(c) and 2 in the Notes to Financial Statements.)

 

 

59


   

AMG TimesSquare Global Small Cap Fund

Financial Highlights

For a share outstanding throughout each fiscal period

 

 

     For the fiscal years ended December 31,   For the fiscal
period ended
December 31,

 Class N

     2022       2021       2020       2019       2018 1 
          

 Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

     $12.50       $12.05       $10.84       $7.95       $10.00  

 Income (loss) from Investment Operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)2,3

     0.01       0.00 4,5      (0.02     0.04       0.00 5 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (3.01     1.31       1.23       2.95       (2.05
          

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     (3.00     1.31       1.21       2.99       (2.05

 Less Distributions to Shareholders from:

          

Net investment income

                       (0.10      

Net realized gain on investments

           (0.86                  
          

Total distributions to shareholders

           (0.86           (0.10      

 Net Asset Value, End of Period

     $9.50       $12.50       $12.05       $10.84       $7.95  
          

 Total Return3,6

     (24.00 )%      11.08     11.16     37.60     (20.50 )%7 

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets

     1.25     1.25     1.25     1.27 %8      1.25 %9 

Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets10

     5.17     4.28     6.48     7.45     11.67 %9,11 

Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets3

     0.15     0.00 %12      (0.18 )%      0.42     0.07 %9 

Portfolio turnover

     51     59     42     80     22 %7 

Net assets end of period (000’s) omitted

     $53       $69       $63       $44       $24  
                                          
                                          

 

 

60


   

AMG TimesSquare Global Small Cap Fund

Financial Highlights

For a share outstanding throughout each fiscal period

 

 

     For the fiscal years ended December 31,        For the fiscal
period ended
December 31,

 Class I

     2022       2021       2020       2019          2018 1 
             

 Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

     $12.54       $12.09       $10.85       $7.96          $10.00  

 Income (loss) from Investment Operations:

             

Net investment income2,3

     0.04       0.03 4      0.01       0.06          0.02  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (3.02     1.31       1.23       2.96          (2.06
             

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     (2.98     1.34       1.24       3.02          (2.04

 Less Distributions to Shareholders from:

             

Net investment income

     (0.02     (0.03           (0.13         

Net realized gain on investments

           (0.86                     
             

Total distributions to shareholders

     (0.02     (0.89           (0.13         

 Net Asset Value, End of Period

     $9.54       $12.54       $12.09       $10.85          $7.96  
             

 Total Return3,6

     (23.76 )%      11.29     11.43     37.96        (20.40 )%7 

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets

     1.00     1.00     1.00     1.02 %8         1.00 %9 

Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets10

     4.92     4.03     6.23     7.20        11.42 %9,11 

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets3

     0.40     0.25     0.07     0.67        0.32 %9 

Portfolio turnover

     51     59     42     80        22 %7 

Net assets end of period (000’s) omitted

     $31       $41       $37       $33          $24  
                                               
                                               

 

 

61


   

AMG TimesSquare Global Small Cap Fund

Financial Highlights

For a share outstanding throughout each fiscal period

 

 

     For the fiscal years ended December 31,   For the fiscal
period ended
December 31,

 Class Z

     2022       2021       2020       2019       2018 1 
          

 Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

     $12.55       $12.09       $10.86       $7.96       $10.00  

 Income (loss) from Investment Operations:

          

Net investment income2,3

     0.04       0.03 4      0.01       0.06       0.02  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (3.03     1.32       1.22       2.97       (2.06
          

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     (2.99     1.35       1.23       3.03       (2.04

 Less Distributions to Shareholders from:

          

Net investment income

     (0.02     (0.03           (0.13      

Net realized gain on investments

           (0.86                  
          

Total distributions to shareholders

     (0.02     (0.89           (0.13      

 Net Asset Value, End of Period

     $9.54       $12.55       $12.09       $10.86       $7.96  
          

 Total Return3,6

     (23.83 )%      11.38     11.33     38.09     (20.40 )%7 

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets

     1.00     1.00     1.00     1.02 %8      1.00 %9 

Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets10

     4.92     4.03     6.23     7.20     11.42 %9,11 

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets3

     0.40     0.25     0.07     0.67     0.32 %9 

Portfolio turnover

     51     59     42     80     22 %7 

Net assets end of period (000’s) omitted

     $1,619       $2,578       $2,186       $2,032       $1,443  
                                          
                                          

 

1 

Commencement of operations was on May 31, 2018.

 

2 

Per share numbers have been calculated using average shares.

 

3 

Total returns and net investment income (loss) would have been lower had certain expenses not been offset.

 

4 

Includes non-recurring dividends. Without these dividends, net investment income/(loss) per share would have been $(0.02), $0.01 and $0.01 for Class N, Class I and Class Z, respectively.

 

5 

Less than $0.005 per share.

 

6 

The total return is calculated using the published Net Asset Value as of period end.

 

7 

Not annualized.

 

8 

Includes interest expense on interfund lending and excise tax expense totaling 0.02%.

 

9 

Annualized.

 

10 

Excludes the impact of expense reimbursement or fee waivers and expense reductions such as brokerage credits, but includes expense repayments and non-reimbursable expenses, if any, such as interest, taxes, and extraordinary expenses. (See Note 1(c) and 2 in the Notes to Financial Statements.)

 

11 

Ratio does not reflect the annualization of audit, excise tax and organization expenses.

 

12 

Less than 0.005%.

 

 

62


    

 

    

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2022

 

   

    

 

      

 

 

1. ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

AMG Funds (the “Trust”) is an open-end management investment company, organized as a Massachusetts business trust, and registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). Currently, the Trust consists of a number of different funds, each having distinct investment management objectives, strategies, risks, and policies. Included in this report are AMG TimesSquare Small Cap Growth Fund (“Small Cap”), AMG TimesSquare Mid Cap Growth Fund (“Mid Cap”), AMG TimesSquare International Small Cap Fund (“International Small Cap”), AMG TimesSquare Emerging Markets Small Cap Fund (“Emerging Markets Small Cap”) and AMG TimesSquare Global Small Cap Fund (“Global Small Cap”), each a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”.

Each Fund offers Class N, Class I and Class Z shares. Each class represents an interest in the same assets of the respective Fund. Although all share classes generally have identical voting rights, each share class votes separately when required by law. Different share classes may have different net asset values per share to the extent the share classes pay different distribution amounts and/or the expenses of such share classes differ. Each share class has its own expense structure. Please refer to a current prospectus for additional information on each share class.

Market prices of investments held by the Funds may fall rapidly or unpredictably due to a variety of economic or political factors, market conditions, disasters or public health issues, or in response to events that affect particular industries or companies.

The Funds’ financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”), including accounting and reporting guidance pursuant to Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946 applicable to investment companies. U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates and such differences could be material. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Funds in the preparation of their financial statements:

a. VALUATION OF INVESTMENTS

For the Funds, equity securities traded on a national securities exchange or reported on the NASDAQ national market system (“NMS”) are valued at the last quoted sales price on the primary exchange or, if applicable, the NASDAQ official closing price or the official closing price of the relevant exchange or, lacking any sales, at the last quoted bid price. Equity securities held by the Funds that are traded in the over-the-counter market (other than NMS securities) are valued at the bid price. Foreign equity securities (securities principally traded in markets other than U.S. markets) held by the Funds are valued at the official closing price on the primary exchange or, for markets that either do not offer an official closing price or where the official closing price may not be representative of the overall market, the last quoted sale price.

Fixed income securities purchased with a remaining maturity of 60 days or less are valued at amortized cost, provided that the amortized cost value is approximately the same as the fair value of the security valued without the use of

amortized cost. Investments in other open-end registered investment companies are valued at their end of day net asset value per share.

The Funds’ portfolio investments are generally valued based on independent market quotations or prices or, if none, “evaluative” or other market based valuations provided by third party pricing services approved by the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board”). Under certain circumstances, the value of certain Fund portfolio investments may be based on an evaluation of fair value, pursuant to procedures established by and under the general supervision of the Board. The Valuation Committee, which is comprised of the Independent Trustees of the Board, and the Pricing Committee, which is comprised of representatives from AMG Funds LLC (the “Investment Manager”) are the committees appointed by the Board to make fair value determinations. Each Fund may use the fair value of a portfolio investment to calculate its net asset value (“NAV”) in the event that the market quotation, price or market based valuation for the portfolio investment is not readily available or otherwise not determinable pursuant to the Board’s valuation procedures, if the Investment Manager or the Pricing Committee believes the quotation, price or market based valuation to be unreliable, or in certain other circumstances. When determining the fair value of an investment, the Pricing Committee and, if required under the Trust’s securities valuation procedures, the Valuation Committee, seeks to determine the price that a Fund might reasonably expect to receive from current sale of that portfolio investment in an arms-length transaction. Fair value determinations shall be based upon consideration of all available facts and information, including, but not limited to (i) attributes specific to the investment; (ii) fundamental and analytical data relating to the investment; and (iii) the value of other comparable securities or relevant financial instruments, including derivative securities, traded on other markets or among dealers.

The values assigned to fair value portfolio investments are based on available information and do not necessarily represent amounts that might ultimately be realized in the future, since such amounts depend on future developments inherent in long-term investments. Because of the inherent uncertainty of valuation, those estimated values may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a ready market for the investments existed, and the differences could be material. The Board will be presented with a quarterly report showing as of the most recent quarter end, all outstanding securities fair valued by the Funds, including a comparison with the prior quarter end and the percentage of the Funds that the security represents at each quarter end.

With respect to foreign equity securities and certain foreign fixed income securities, the Board has adopted a policy that securities held in the Funds that can be fair valued by the applicable fair value pricing service are fair valued on each business day provided that each individual price exceeds a pre-established confidence level.

Effective September 8, 2022, the Funds adopted the requirements of Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act (“Rule 2a-5”), which the Funds’ Board designated the Funds’ Investment Manager as the Funds’ Valuation Designee to perform the Funds’ fair value determinations. Such determinations are subject to Board oversight and certain reporting and other requirements intended to ensure that the Board receives the information it needs to oversee the Investment Manager’s fair value determinations. Other than the designation of the Investment Manager as the Valuation Designee, the Funds’ adoption of Rule 2-a5 did not impact how the Funds determine fair value or the carrying amount of investments held in the Funds.

U.S. GAAP defines fair value as the price that a fund would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants

 

 

 

63


    

 

    

    

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

   

    

 

      

 

 

at the measurement date. U.S. GAAP also establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and a three level hierarchy for fair value measurements based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability. Inputs may be observable or unobservable and refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Funds. Unobservable inputs reflect the Funds’ own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. Each investment is assigned a level based upon the observability of the inputs which are significant to the overall valuation.

The three-tier hierarchy of inputs is summarized below:

Level 1 - inputs are quoted prices in active markets for identical investments (e.g., equity securities, open-end investment companies)

Level 2 - other observable inputs (including, but not limited to: quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in markets that are active, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the assets or liabilities (such as interest rates, yield curves, volatilities, prepayment speeds, loss severities, credit risks and default rates) or other market corroborated inputs) (e.g., debt securities, government securities, foreign currency exchange contracts, foreign securities utilizing international fair value pricing, fair valued securities with observable inputs)

Level 3 - inputs are significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions used to determine the fair value of investments) (e.g., fair valued securities with unobservable inputs)

Changes in inputs or methodologies used for valuing investments may result in a transfer in or out of levels within the fair value hierarchy. The inputs or methodologies used for valuing investments may not necessarily be an indication of the risk associated with investing in those investments.

b. SECURITY TRANSACTIONS

Security transactions are accounted for as of trade date. Realized gains and losses on securities sold are determined on the basis of identified cost.

c. INVESTMENT INCOME AND EXPENSES

Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Dividends from foreign securities are recorded on the ex-dividend date, and if after the fact, as soon as the Funds become aware of the ex- dividend date, except for Korean securities where dividends are recorded on confirmation date. Interest income, which includes

amortization of premium and accretion of discount on debt securities, is accrued as earned. Dividend and interest income on foreign securities is recorded gross of any withholding tax. Non-cash dividends included in dividend income, if any, are reported at the fair market value of the securities received. Upon notification from the issuer, distributions received from a real estate investment trust (REIT) may be redesignated as a reduction of cost of investments and/or realized gain. Other income and expenses are recorded on an accrual basis. Expenses that cannot be directly attributed to a Fund are apportioned among the funds in the Trust and other trusts or funds within the AMG Funds Family of Funds (collectively the “AMG Funds Family”) based upon their relative average net assets or number of shareholders. Investment income, realized and unrealized capital gains and losses, the common expenses of each Fund, and certain fund level expense reductions, if any, are allocated on a pro-rata basis to each class based on the relative net assets of each class to the total net assets of each Fund.

Small Cap and Mid Cap had certain portfolio trades directed to various brokers under a brokerage recapture program. Credits received from the brokerage recapture program are earned and paid on a monthly basis, and are recorded as expense offsets, which serve to reduce the Funds’ overall expense ratio. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, the impact on the expenses and expense ratios, if any, were as follows: Small Cap - $56,647 or 0.02% and Mid Cap - $128,649 or 0.01%.

d. DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS

Fund distributions resulting from either net investment income or realized net capital gains, if any, will normally be declared and paid at least annually in December. Distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Distributions are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from net investment income and net realized capital gains for financial statement purposes (U.S. GAAP). Differences may be permanent or temporary. Permanent differences are reclassified among capital accounts in the financial statements to reflect their tax character. Permanent book and tax basis differences, if any, relating to shareholder distributions will result in reclassifications to paid-in capital. Temporary differences arise when certain items of income, expense and gain or loss are recognized in different periods for financial statement and tax purposes; these differences will reverse at some time in the future. Permanent differences are primarily due to net operating losses for Small Cap Growth and Mid Cap Growth. There were no permanent differences during the year for International Small Cap, Emerging Markets Small Cap, or Global Small Cap. Temporary differences are primarily due to qualified late-year ordinary loss deferrals and mark-to-market on passive foreign investment companies for Mid Cap Growth; and mark-to-market on passive foreign investment companies for International Small Cap, Emerging Markets Small Cap and Global Small Cap. In addition, temporary differences for each Fund are wash sale loss deferrals.

 

 

 

64


    

 

    

    

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

   

    

 

      

 

 

The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 were as follows:

 

                                                                                                                                                           
     Small Cap      Mid Cap      International Small Cap  

  Distributions paid from:

             2022                            2021                            2022                        2021                                2022                            2021            

  Ordinary income *

            $2,223,579               $41,720,839        $4,752,915        $12,244,048  

  Long-term capital gains

     $15,933,418        74,973,842        $42,276,026        376,574,262                
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     $15,933,418        $77,197,421        $42,276,026        $418,295,101        $4,752,915        $12,244,048  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

    

                 
                   Emerging Markets Small Cap      Global Small Cap  

  Distributions paid from:

                   2022                      2021                                2022                          2021            

  Ordinary income *

           $40        $1,417,218        $3,434        $5,747  

  Long-term capital gains

           101,889        922,018               171,218  
        

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
           $101,929        $2,339,236        $3,434        $176,965  
        

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

*

For tax purposes, short-term capital gain distributions, if any, are considered ordinary income distributions.

As of December 31, 2022, the components of distributable earnings (excluding unrealized appreciation/depreciation) on a tax basis consisted of:

 

     Small Cap      Mid Cap      International Small Cap      Emerging Markets Small Cap      Global Small Cap  

  Capital loss carryforward

     $14,054,444        $15,972,195        $208,788,323        $1,115,959        $251,674  

  Undistributed ordinary income

                   1,209,508        29,818        5,517  

  Late-year ordinary loss deferral

            1,162,286                       

At December 31, 2022, the cost of investments and the aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation for federal income tax purposes were as follows:

 

  Fund    Cost      Appreciation      Depreciation    

Net Appreciation

(Depreciation)

 

  Small Cap

     $225,463,240        $38,375,758        $(31,377,998     $6,997,760  

  Mid Cap

     921,349,564        306,071,305        (70,266,564     235,804,741  

  International Small Cap

     433,971,434        47,619,398        (55,811,511     (8,192,113

  Emerging Markets Small Cap

     5,058,914        335,147        (646,820     (311,673

  Global Small Cap

     1,699,091        204,612        (165,744     38,868  

 

e. FEDERAL TAXES

Each Fund currently qualifies as an investment company and intends to comply with the requirements under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and to distribute substantially all of its taxable income and gains to its shareholders and to meet certain diversification and income requirements with respect to investment companies. Therefore, no provision for federal income or excise tax is included in the accompanying financial statements.

Additionally, based on each Fund’s understanding of the tax rules and rates related to income, gains and transactions for the foreign jurisdictions in which it invests, each Fund will provide for foreign taxes, and where appropriate, deferred foreign taxes.

Management has analyzed the Funds’ tax positions taken on federal income tax returns as of December 31, 2022, and for all open tax years (generally, the three prior taxable years), and has concluded that no provision for federal income tax is required in the Funds’ financial statements. Additionally, Management is not aware of any tax position for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will change materially in the next twelve months.

f. CAPITAL LOSS CARRYOVERS AND DEFERRALS

As of December 31, 2022, the following Funds had capital loss carryovers for federal income tax purposes as shown in the following chart. These amounts may be used to offset future realized capital gains indefinitely, and retain their character as short-term and/or long-term.

 

  Fund    Short-Term      Long-Term      Total  

  Small Cap

     $14,054,444               $14,054,444  

  Mid Cap

     15,972,195               15,972,195  

  International Small Cap

     146,354,207        $62,434,116        208,788,323  

  Emerging Markets Small Cap

     910,717        205,242        1,115,959  

  Global Small Cap

     251,674               251,674  

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, the Funds did not utilize capital loss carryovers.

 

 

 

65


    

 

    

    

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

   

    

 

      

 

 

g. CAPITAL STOCK

The Trust’s Declaration of Trust authorizes for each Fund the issuance of an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest, without par value. Each Fund records sales and repurchases of its capital stock on the trade date. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, Mid Cap transferred securities and cash to certain shareholders in connection with redemptions in-kind transactions in the amount of $96,239,592. For the purposes of U.S. GAAP, the transactions were treated as sales of securities and the resulting gain or loss was recognized based on the market value of the securities on the date of the transfer. For tax purposes, no gains or losses were recognized.

For the fiscal years ended December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, the capital stock transactions by class for the Funds were as follows:

 

    Small Cap     Mid Cap  
    December 31, 2022     December 31, 2021     December 31, 2022     December 31, 2021  
    Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount  

  Class N:

               

  Shares sold

    896,662        $9,946,104        930,439        $15,571,628        2,655,998        $37,873,019        3,047,700        $63,868,231     

  Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

    406,723        4,006,213        1,230,987        16,889,145        1,081,027        14,183,075        7,682,488        129,603,580     

  Shares redeemed

    (3,529,240)       (35,526,177)       (2,843,265)       (48,167,312)       (6,145,647)       (87,467,481)       (10,883,148)       (223,239,974)    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

  Net decrease

    (2,225,855)       $(21,573,860)       (681,839)       $(15,706,539)       (2,408,622)       $(35,411,387)       (152,960)       $(29,768,163)    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

  Class I:

               

  Shares sold

    111,079        $1,237,865        79,467        $1,373,565        6,003,888        $91,051,092        4,176,242        $93,109,355     

  Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

    55,279        580,981        154,084        2,245,001        876,938        12,268,364        5,558,491        99,608,163     

  Shares redeemed

    (105,953)       (1,199,131)       (105,412)       (1,906,387)       (5,771,917)       (85,383,863)       (11,757,412)       (263,905,674)    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

  Net increase (decrease)

    60,405        $619,715        128,139        $1,712,179        1,108,909        $17,935,593        (2,022,679)       $(71,188,156)    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

  Class Z:

               

  Shares sold

    1,221,999        $14,450,187        1,427,078        $24,765,445        5,137,985        $78,962,853        4,442,505        $95,320,322     

  Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

    1,010,145        10,677,230        3,693,532        54,036,383        1,089,566        15,319,295        10,284,038        185,112,679     

  Shares redeemed

    (5,614,082)       (68,300,539)       (2,849,416)       (50,307,100)       (20,266,422)       (295,159,685)           (14,118,081)         (309,265,549)1  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

  Net increase (decrease)

    (3,381,938)       $(43,173,122)       2,271,194        $28,494,728          (14,038,871)         $(200,877,537)       608,462        $(28,832,548)    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
1  Includes redemption in-kind in the amount of $96,239,592.  
    International Small Cap     Emerging Markets Small Cap  
    December 31, 2022     December 31, 2021     December 31, 2022     December 31, 2021  
    Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount  

  Class N:

               

  Shares sold

    143,240        $2,009,589        134,982        $2,573,892        5,117        $43,509        4,935        $78,379   

  Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

    6,983        92,109        11,270        202,193        165        1,353        1,336        13,885   

  Shares redeemed

    (465,959)       (6,397,061)       (1,460,668)       (27,664,145)       (2,100)       (20,778)       (4,734)       (71,083)  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

  Net increase (decrease)

    (315,736)       $(4,295,363)       (1,314,416)       $(24,888,060)       3,182        $24,084        1,537        $21,181   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

  Class I:

               

  Shares sold

    8,648,988        $125,632,972        10,853,232        $208,442,162        —        —        3,903        $62,945   

  Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

    198,865        2,627,008        382,596        6,879,080        893        $7,395        12,182        127,065   

  Shares redeemed

    (22,311,931)       (318,198,623)           (12,100,730)       (230,937,471)       (1,083)       (10,580)       (3,903)       (61,007)  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

  Net increase (decrease)

      (13,464,078)         $(189,938,643)       (864,902)           $(15,616,229)       (190)       $(3,185)       12,182        $129,003   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

66


    

 

    

    

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

   

    

 

      

 

 

                                                                                                                                                                                               
    International Small Cap     Emerging Markets Small Cap  
    December 31, 2022     December 31, 2021     December 31, 2022     December 31, 2021  
    Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount  

  Class Z:

               

  Shares sold

    4,355,478        $66,368,453        2,778,649        $52,217,687        527        $5,001        8,876        $130,100   

  Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

    147,401        1,947,166        266,202        4,786,311        11,245        93,111        208,460        2,172,152   

  Shares redeemed

    (13,315,597)       (169,807,353)         (3,176,564)         (60,852,960)         (205,101)       (1,853,541)       (3,176)       (45,409)  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

  Net increase (decrease)

    (8,812,718)         $(101,491,734)       (131,713)       $(3,848,962)       (193,329)           $(1,755,429)           214,160            $2,256,843   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    Global Small Cap        
    December 31, 2022     December 31, 2021              
    Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount                          

  Class N:

               

  Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

    —        —        367        $4,448           

  Class I:

               

  Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

          $65        221        $2,692           

  Class Z:

               

  Shares sold

    4,549        $50,000        16,217        $212,500           

  Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

    354        3,369        13,966        169,825           

  Shares redeemed

    (40,733)       (362,297)       (5,491)       (65,772)          
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

         

  Net increase (decrease)

    (35,830)       $(308,928)       24,692        $316,553           
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

         

At December 31, 2022, certain shareholders of record individually or collectively held greater than 5% of the net assets of the Funds as follows: Emerging Markets Small Cap - three own 81%; Global Small Cap - three own 83%. Transactions by these shareholders may have a material impact on the Funds.

 

h. REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS AND JOINT REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS

The Funds may enter into third-party and bilateral repurchase agreements for temporary cash management purposes and third-party or bilateral joint repurchase agreements for reinvestment of cash collateral on securities lending transactions under the securities lending program offered by The Bank of New York Mellon (“BNYM”) (the “Program”) (collectively, “Repurchase Agreements”). The value of the underlying collateral, including accrued interest, must equal or exceed the value of the Repurchase Agreements during the term of the agreement. For joint repurchase agreements, the Funds participate on a pro rata basis with other clients of BNYM in its share of the underlying collateral under such joint repurchase agreements and in its share of proceeds from any repurchase or other disposition of the underlying collateral. The underlying collateral for all Repurchase Agreements is held in safekeeping by the Funds’ custodian or at the Federal Reserve Bank. If the seller defaults and the value of the collateral declines, or if bankruptcy proceedings commence with respect to the seller of the security, realization of the collateral by the Funds may be delayed or limited. Pursuant to the Program, the Funds are indemnified for such losses by BNYM on joint repurchase agreements.

At December 31, 2022, the market value of Repurchase Agreements outstanding for Small Cap, Mid Cap, International Small Cap were $3,360,521, $21,731,927 and $2,755,348, respectively.

i. FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION

The books and records of the Funds are maintained in U.S. Dollars. The value of investments, assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than U.S. Dollars are translated into U.S. Dollars based upon current foreign exchange rates. Purchases and sales of foreign investments, income and expenses are converted into U.S. Dollars based on currency exchange rates prevailing on the respective dates of such transactions. Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on foreign currency transactions represent: (1) foreign exchange gains and losses from the sale and holdings of foreign currencies; (2) gains and losses between trade date and settlement date on investment securities transactions and foreign currency exchange contracts; and (3) gains and losses from the difference between amounts of interest and dividends recorded and the amounts actually received.

The Funds do not isolate the net realized and unrealized gain or loss resulting from changes in exchange rates from the fluctuations in market prices of securities held. Such fluctuations are included with the net realized and unrealized gain or loss on investments.

2. AGREEMENTS AND TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES

For each of the Funds, the Trust has entered into an investment advisory agreement under which the Investment Manager, a subsidiary and the U.S. retail distribution arm of Affiliated Managers Group, Inc. (“AMG”), serves as investment

 

 

 

67


    

 

    

    

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

   

    

 

      

 

 

manager to the Funds and is responsible for the Funds’ overall administration and operations. The Investment Manager selects one or more subadvisers for the Funds (subject to Board approval) and monitors each subadviser’s investment performance, security holdings and investment strategies. Each Fund’s investment portfolio is managed by TimesSquare Capital Management, LLC (“TimesSquare”) who serves pursuant to a subadvisory agreement with the Investment Manager. AMG indirectly owns a majority interest in TimesSquare.

Investment management fees are paid directly by the Funds to the Investment Manager based on average daily net assets. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, the Funds’ investment management fees were paid at the following annual rates of each Fund’s respective average daily net assets:

 

  Small Cap

   0.79%    

  Mid Cap

   0.79%    

  International Small Cap

   0.75%    

  Emerging Markets Small Cap

   0.95%    

  Global Small Cap

   0.70%    

The fee paid to TimesSquare for its services as subadviser is paid out of the fee the Investment Manager receives from each Fund and does not increase the expenses of each Fund.

The Investment Manager has contractually agreed, through at least May 1, 2023, to waive management fees and/or pay or reimburse fund expenses in order to limit total annual Fund operating expenses after fee waiver and expense reimbursements (exclusive of taxes, interest (including interest incurred in connection with bank and custody overdrafts, and in connection with securities sold short), shareholder servicing fees, distribution and service (12b-1) fees, brokerage commissions and other transaction costs, dividends payable with respect to securities sold short, acquired fund fees and expenses and extraordinary expenses) of Small Cap, Mid Cap, International Small Cap, Emerging Markets Small Cap and Global Small Cap to the annual rate of 0.99%, 1.13%, 1.05%, 1.25% and 1.00%, respectively, of each Fund’s average daily net assets (this annual rate or such other annual rate that may be in effect from time to time, the “Expense Cap”), subject to later reimbursement by the Funds in certain circumstances.

In general, for a period of up to 36 months after the date any amounts are paid, waived or reimbursed by the Investment Manager, the Investment Manager may recover such amounts from a Fund, provided that such repayment would not cause the Fund’s total annual operating expenses after fee waiver and expense reimbursements (exclusive of the items noted in the parenthetical above) to exceed either (i) the Expense Cap in effect at the time such amounts were paid, waived or reimbursed, or (ii) the Expense Cap in effect at the time of such repayment by the Fund.

The contractual expense limitation may only be terminated in the event the Investment Manager or a successor ceases to be the investment manager of a Fund or a successor fund, by mutual agreement between the Investment Manager and the Board, or in the event of a Fund’s liquidation unless the Fund is reorganized or is a party to a merger in which the surviving entity is successor to the accounting and performance information of a Fund.

At December 31, 2022, the Funds’ expiration of reimbursements subject to recoupment is as follows:

 

  Expiration

  Period

  

Small Cap

    

Emerging Markets Small Cap

    

Global Small Cap

 

Less than 1 year

     $36,850        $111,885        $99,133  

1-2 years

     4,404        108,894        76,549  

2-3 years

     39,090        144,775        80,223  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     $80,344        $365,554        $255,905  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The Trust, on behalf of the Funds, has entered into an amended and restated Administration Agreement under which the Investment Manager serves as the Funds’ administrator (the “Administrator”) and is responsible for all non-portfolio management aspects of managing the Funds’ operations, including administration and shareholder services to each Fund. Each Fund pays a fee to the Administrator at the rate of 0.15% per annum of the Fund’s average daily net assets for this service.

The Funds are distributed by AMG Distributors, Inc. (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Investment Manager. The Distributor serves as the distributor and underwriter for each Fund and is a registered broker-dealer and member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”). Shares of each Fund will be continuously offered and will be sold directly to prospective purchasers and through brokers, dealers or other financial intermediaries who have executed selling agreements with the Distributor. Generally the Distributor bears all or a portion of the expenses of providing services pursuant to the distribution agreement, including the payment of the expenses relating to the distribution of prospectuses for sales purposes and any advertising or sales literature.

The Trust has adopted a distribution and service plan (the “Plan”) with respect to the Class N shares of Emerging Markets Small Cap and Global Small Cap, in accordance with the requirements of Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act and the requirements of the applicable rules of FINRA regarding asset-based sales charges. Pursuant to the Plan, Emerging Markets Small Cap and Global Small Cap may make payments to the Distributor for its expenditures in financing any activity primarily intended to result in the sale of Emerging Markets Small Cap and Global Small Cap’s Class N shares and for maintenance and personal service provided to existing shareholders of that class. The Plan authorized payments to the Distributor up to 0.25% annually of Emerging Markets Small Cap’s and Global Small Cap’s average daily net assets attributable to the Class N shares.

For each of the Class N and Class I shares, the Board has approved reimbursement payments to the Investment Manager for shareholder servicing expenses (“shareholder servicing fees”) incurred. Shareholder servicing fees include payments to financial intermediaries, such as broker-dealers (including fund supermarket platforms), banks, and trust companies who provide shareholder recordkeeping, account servicing and other services. The Class N and Class I shares may reimburse the Investment Manager for the actual amount incurred up to a maximum annual rate of each Class’s average daily net assets as shown in the table below.

 

 

 

68


    

 

    

    

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

   

    

 

      

 

 

The impact on the annualized expense ratios for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, were as follows:

 

     Maximum Annual       Actual  
     Amount       Amount  
  Fund    Approved       Incurred  

  Small Cap

    

  Class N

     0.20%       0.20%

  Class I

     0.10%       0.08%

  Mid Cap

    

  Class N

     0.20%       0.20%

  Class I

     0.05%       0.05%

  International Small Cap

    

  Class N

     0.25%       0.25%

  Class I

     0.10%       0.10%

  Emerging Markets Small Cap

    

  Class N

     0.15%       0.15%

  Class I

     0.15%       0.00%*

  Global Small Cap

    

  Class N

     0.15%      

  Class I

     0.15%      

 

*

Less than 0.005%.

The Board provides supervision of the affairs of the Trust and other trusts within the AMG Funds Family. The Trustees of the Trust who are not affiliated with the Investment Manager receive an annual retainer and per meeting fees for regular, special and telephonic meetings, and they are reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses incurred while carrying out their duties as Board members. The Chairman of the Board and the Audit Committee Chair receive additional annual retainers. Certain Trustees and Officers of the Funds are Officers and/or Directors of the Investment Manager, AMG and/or the Distributor.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) granted an exemptive order that permits certain eligible funds in the AMG Funds Family to lend and borrow money for certain temporary purposes directly to and from other eligible funds in the AMG Funds Family. Participation in this interfund lending program is voluntary for both the borrowing and lending funds, and an interfund loan is only made if it benefits each participating fund. The Administrator manages the program according to procedures approved by the Board, and the Board monitors the operation of the program. An interfund loan must comply with certain conditions set out in the exemptive order, which are designed to assure fairness and protect all participating funds. The interest earned and interest paid on interfund loans are included on the Statement of Operations as interest income and interest expense, respectively. At December 31, 2022, the Funds had no interfund loans outstanding.

The following Funds utilized the interfund loan program during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 as follows:

 

                                                                   

  Fund

 

Average

Lent

   

Number

of Days

   

Interest

Earned

   

Average

Interest Rate

 

Small Cap

    $2,166,108       14       $3,632       4.372 %     

Mid Cap

    822,737       11       682       2.751 %     
                                                                   

  Fund

 

Average

Lent

   

Number

of Days

   

Interest

Earned

   

Average

Interest Rate

 

International Small Cap

    2,766,867       16       $3,416       2.816 %     

 

  Fund

 

Average

Borrowed

   

Number

of Days

   

Interest

Paid

   

Average

Interest Rate

 

Small Cap

    $1,234,589       3       $503       4.960 %     

Mid Cap

    54,880,832       1       7,074       4.705 %     

International Small Cap

    15,386,782       15       14,634       2.314 %     

Emerging Markets Small Cap

    189,856       64       885       2.657 %     

Global Small Cap

    170,137       2       37       3.940 %     

3. PURCHASES AND SALES OF SECURITIES

Purchases and sales of securities (excluding short-term securities and U.S. Government Obligations) for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, were as follows:

 

     Long Term Securities  
  Fund    Purchases      Sales  

  Small Cap

     $139,852,058        $218,167,060      

  Mid Cap

     601,848,428        838,732,248      

  International Small Cap

     466,462,171        745,037,716      

  Emerging Markets Small Cap

     6,011,504        7,820,732      

  Global Small Cap

     1,018,821        1,281,962      

The Funds had no purchases or sales of U.S. Government Obligations during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022.

4. PORTFOLIO SECURITIES LOANED

The Funds participate in the Program providing for the lending of securities to qualified borrowers. Securities lending income includes earnings of such temporary cash investments, plus or minus any rebate to a borrower. These earnings (after any rebate) are then divided between BNYM, as a fee for its services under the Program, and the Funds, according to agreed-upon rates. Collateral on all securities loaned is accepted in cash, U.S. Treasury Obligations or U.S. Government Agency Obligations. Collateral is maintained at a minimum level of 102% (105% in the case of certain foreign securities) of the market value, plus interest, if applicable, of investments on loan. It is the Funds’ policy to obtain additional collateral from or return excess collateral to the borrower by the end of the next business day, following the valuation date of the securities loaned. Therefore, the value of the collateral held may be temporarily less than the value of the securities on loan. Lending securities entails a risk of loss to the Funds if and to the extent that the market value of the securities loaned were to increase and the borrower did not increase the collateral accordingly, and the borrower fails to return the securities. Under the terms of the Program, the Funds are indemnified for such losses by BNYM. Cash collateral is held in separate omnibus accounts managed by BNYM, who is authorized to exclusively enter into joint repurchase agreements for that cash collateral. Securities collateral is held in separate omnibus accounts managed by BNYM and cannot be sold or pledged. BNYM bears the risk of any deficiency in the amount of the cash collateral available for return to the borrower due to any loss on the collateral invested. Loans of securities are

 

 

 

69


    

 

    

    

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

   

    

 

      

 

 

terminable at any time and the borrower, after notice, is required to return borrowed securities as soon as practical, which is normally within three business days.

The value of securities loaned on positions held, cash collateral and securities collateral received at December 31, 2022, were as follows:

 

  Fund

 

Securities

Loaned

   

Cash

Collateral

Received

   

Securities

Collateral

Received

   

Total

Collateral

Received

 

Small Cap

    $9,786,629       $3,360,521       $6,591,151       $9,951,672    

Mid Cap

    26,774,296       21,731,927       5,763,576       27,495,503    

International Small Cap

    8,922,218       2,755,348       6,671,350       9,426,698    

Global Small Cap

    77,084             79,746       79,746    

The following table summarizes the securities received as collateral for securities lending at December 31, 2022:

 

Fund

 

Collateral

Type

 

Coupon

Range

 

Maturity

Date Range

Small Cap

 

U.S. Treasury Obligations

  0.000%-4.750%   02/09/23-08/15/52  

Mid Cap

 

U.S. Treasury Obligations

  0.125%-4.750%   02/28/23-11/15/51  

International
Small Cap

 

U.S. Treasury Obligations

  0.000%-4.500%   01/26/23-02/15/51  

Global Small Cap

 

U.S. Treasury Obligations

  0.000%-4.375%   01/26/23-08/15/51  

5. FOREIGN SECURITIES

Certain Funds invest in securities of foreign entities and in instruments denominated in foreign currencies which involve risks not typically associated with investments in domestic securities. Non-domestic securities carry special risks, such as exposure to currency fluctuations, less developed or less efficient trading markets, political instability, a lack of company information, differing auditing and legal standards, and, potentially, less liquidity. A Fund’s investments in emerging market countries are exposed to additional risks. A Fund’s performance will be influenced by political, social and economic factors affecting companies in emerging market countries. Emerging market countries generally have economic structures that are less diverse and mature, and political systems that are less stable, than those of developed countries. Realized gains in certain countries may be subject to foreign taxes at the Fund level and the Fund would pay such foreign taxes at the appropriate rate for each jurisdiction.

6. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Under the Trust’s organizational documents, its Trustees and Officers are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the Trust. In addition, in the normal course of business, the Funds may enter into contracts and agreements that contain a variety of representations and warranties, which provide general indemnifications. The maximum exposure to the Funds under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against a Fund that have not yet occurred. However, based on experience, the Funds had no prior claims or losses and expect the risks of loss to be remote.

 

 

7. MASTER NETTING AGREEMENTS

The Funds may enter into master netting agreements with their counterparties for the Program and Repurchase Agreements, which provide the right, in the event of default (including bankruptcy or insolvency) for the non-defaulting party to liquidate the collateral and calculate net exposure to the defaulting party or request additional collateral. For financial reporting purposes, the Funds do not offset financial assets and financial liabilities that are subject to master netting agreements in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. For securities lending transactions, see Note 4.

The following table is a summary of the Funds’ open Repurchase Agreements that are subject to a master netting agreement as of December 31, 2022:

 

         Gross Amount Not Offset in the        
         Statement of Assets and Liabilities        

Fund

  

Gross Amounts of

Assets Presented in

the Statement of

Assets and Liabilities

 

Offset

Amount

 

Net

Asset

Balance

 

Collateral

Received

 

Net

Amount

Small Cap

                    

Citigroup Global Markets, Inc.

       $360,521                          $360,521                    $360,521                            

MUFG Securities America, Inc.

       1,000,000             1,000,000       1,000,000      

National Bank Financial

       1,000,000             1,000,000       1,000,000      

RBC Dominion Securities, Inc.

       1,000,000             1,000,000       1,000,000                   —
    

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

               $3,360,521                                —                   $3,360,521               $3,360,521      
    

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

70


    

 

    

    

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

   

    

 

      

 

         Gross Amount Not Offset in the        
         Statement of Assets and Liabilities        
  Fund    Gross Amounts of
Assets Presented in
the Statement of
Assets and Liabilities
 

Offset

Amount

 

Net

Asset

Balance

 

Collateral

Received

 

Net

Amount

  Mid Cap

          

  Cantor Fitzgerald Securities, Inc.

     $5,161,900                                     $5,161,900                   $5,161,900                            

  Citadel Securities LLC

     5,161,900             5,161,900       5,161,900        

  Citigroup Global Markets, Inc.

     1,629,306             1,629,306       1,629,306        

  National Bank Financial

     5,161,940             5,161,940       5,161,940        

  State of Wisconsin Investment Board

     4,616,881             4,616,881       4,616,881        
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Total

             $21,731,927                   —                   $21,731,927               $21,731,927                   —  
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  International Small Cap

          

  Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc.

     $755,348             $755,348       $755,348        

  National Bank Financial

     1,000,000             1,000,000       1,000,000        

  RBC Dominion Securities, Inc.

     1,000,000             1,000,000       1,000,000        
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Total

     $2,755,348             $2,755,348       $2,755,348        
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

The Funds have determined that no material events or transactions occurred through the issuance date of the Funds’ financial statements which require an additional disclosure in or adjustment of the Funds’ financial statements.

 

 

 

71


    

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

 

 

To the Board of Trustees of AMG Funds and Shareholders of AMG TimesSquare Small Cap Growth Fund, AMG TimesSquare Mid Cap Growth Fund, AMG TimesSquare International Small Cap Fund, AMG TimesSquare Emerging Markets Small Cap Fund, and AMG TimesSquare Global Small Cap Fund

Opinions on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities, including the schedules of portfolio investments, of AMG TimesSquare Small Cap Growth Fund, AMG TimesSquare Mid Cap Growth Fund, AMG TimesSquare International Small Cap Fund, AMG TimesSquare Emerging Markets Small Cap Fund, and AMG TimesSquare Global Small Cap Fund (five of the funds constituting AMG Funds, hereafter collectively referred to as the “Funds”) as of December 31, 2022, the related statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2022, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2022, including the related notes, and the financial highlights for each of the periods indicated therein (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of each of the Funds as of December 31, 2022, the results of each of their operations for the year then ended, the changes in each of their net assets for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2022 and each of the financial highlights for each of the periods indicated therein in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Basis for Opinions

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Funds’ management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Funds’ financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Funds in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits of these financial statements in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2022 by correspondence with the custodian and brokers; when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Boston, Massachusetts

February 24, 2023

We have served as the auditor of one or more investment companies in the AMG Funds Family since 1993.

 

 

 

72


    

 

    

    

Other Information (unaudited)

 

   

    

 

      

 

 

 

TAX INFORMATION

AMG TimesSquare Small Cap Growth Fund, AMG TimesSquare Mid Cap Growth Fund, AMG TimesSquare International Small Cap Fund, AMG TimesSquare Emerging Markets Small Cap Fund and AMG TimesSquare Global Small Cap Fund each hereby designates the maximum amount allowable of its net taxable income as qualified dividends as provided in the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003. The 2022 Form 1099-DIV you receive for each Fund will show the tax status of all distributions paid to you during the year.

In accordance with federal tax law, the following Funds elect to provide foreign taxes paid and the income sourced from foreign countries. Accordingly, each Fund hereby makes the following designations regarding its taxable period ended December 31, 2022:

AMG TimesSquare International Small Cap Fund

u The total amount of taxes paid and income sourced from foreign countries was $1,254,715 and $19,026,713, respectively.

AMG TimesSquare Emerging Markets Small Cap Fund

u The total amount of taxes paid and income sourced from foreign countries was $16,860 and $130,035, respectively.

AMG TimesSquare Global Small Cap Fund

u The total amount of taxes paid and income sourced from foreign countries was $2,204 and $27,060, respectively.

Pursuant to section 852 of the Internal Revenue Code, AMG TimesSquare Small Cap Growth Fund, AMG TimesSquare Mid Cap Growth Fund, AMG TimesSquare International Small Cap Fund, AMG TimesSquare Emerging Markets Small Cap Fund and AMG TimesSquare Global Small Cap Fund each hereby designates $15,933,418, $42,276,026, $0, $101,889 and $0, respectively, as a capital gain distribution with respect to the taxable period ended December 31, 2022, or, if subsequently determined to be different, the net capital gains of such period.

 

 

73


    

 

    

AMG Funds

Trustees and Officers

 

   

    

 

      

 

 

The Trustees and Officers of the Trust, their business addresses, principal occupations for the past five years and ages are listed below. The Trustees provide broad supervision over the affairs of the Trust and the Funds. The Trustees are experienced executives who meet periodically throughout the year to oversee the Funds’ activities, review contractual arrangements with companies that provide services to the Funds, and

 

       

review the Funds’ performance. Unless otherwise noted, the address of each Trustee or Officer is the address of the Trust: 680 Washington Blvd., Suite 500, Stamford, CT. 06901.

 

There is no stated term of office for Trustees. Trustees serve until their resignation, retirement or removal in

   accordance with the Trust’s organizational documents and policies adopted by the Board from time to time. The Chairman of the Trustees, President, Treasurer and Secretary of the Trust are elected by the Trustees annually. Other officers hold office at the pleasure of the Trustees.

Independent Trustees

The following Trustees are not “interested persons” of the Trust within the meaning of the 1940 Act:

Number of Funds Overseen in

Fund Complex

   Name, Age, Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years and Other Directorships Held by Trustee
 

• Trustee since 2012

• Oversees 40 Funds in Fund Complex

  

Bruce B. Bingham, 74

Partner, Hamilton Partners (real estate development firm) (1987-Present); Director of The Yacktman Funds, Inc. (2 portfolios) (2000-2012).

 

• Trustee since 2013

• Oversees 44 Funds in Fund Complex

• Chairman of the Audit Committee since 2021

  

Kurt A. Keilhacker, 59

Managing Partner, TechFund Europe (2000-Present); Managing Partner, TechFund Capital (1997-Present); Managing Partner, Elementum Ventures (2013-Present); Director, MetricStory, Inc. (2017-Present); Trustee, Wheaton College (2018-Present); Trustee, Gordon College (2001-2016); Board Member, 6wind SA (2002-2019).

 

• Trustee since 2004

• Oversees 40 Funds in Fund Complex

  

Steven J. Paggioli, 72

Independent Consultant (2002-Present); Trustee, Professionally Managed Portfolios (28 portfolios); Advisory Board Member, Sustainable Growth Advisors, LP; Independent Director, Muzinich BDC, Inc. (business development company) (2019-Present); Director, The Wadsworth Group; Independent Director, Chase Investment Counsel (2008–2019); Executive Vice President, Secretary and Director, Investment Company Administration, LLC and First Fund Distributors, INC. (1990-2001).

 

• Independent Chairman of the Board of Trustees since 2017

• Chairman of the Governance Committee since 2017

• Trustee since 1999

• Oversees 44 Funds in Fund Complex

  

Eric Rakowski, 64

Professor of Law, University of California at Berkeley School of Law (1990-Present); Tax Attorney at Davis Polk & Wardwell and clerked for Judge Harry T. Edwards of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit and for Justice William J. Brennan Jr. of the U.S. Supreme Court; Trustee of Parnassus Funds (3 portfolios) (2021-Present); Trustee of Parnassus Income Funds (2 portfolios) (2021-Present); Director of Harding, Loevner Funds, Inc. (10 portfolios); Trustee of Third Avenue Trust (3 portfolios) (2002-2019); Trustee of Third Avenue Variable Trust (1 portfolio) (2002-2019).

 

• Trustee since 2013

• Oversees 44 Funds in Fund Complex

  

Victoria L. Sassine, 57

Adjunct Professor, Babson College (2007–Present); Director, Board of Directors, PRG Group (2017-Present); CEO, Founder, Scale Smarter Partners, LLC (2018-Present); Adviser, EVOFEM Biosciences (2019-Present); Chairperson of the Board of Directors, Business Management Associates (2018-2019).

 

• Trustee since 2004

• Oversees 40 Funds in Fund Complex

  

Thomas R. Schneeweis, 75*

Professor Emeritus, University of Massachusetts (2013-Present); President, TRS Associates (1982-Present); Board Member, Chartered Alternative Investment Association (“CAIA”) (2002-Present); Co-Founder and Director, Institute for Global Asset and Risk Management (Education) (2010-Present); Co-Owner, Quantitative Investment Technologies (2014-Present); Co-Owner, Yes Wealth Management (2018-Present); Director, CAIA Foundation (2010-2019); Partner, S Capital Wealth Advisors (2015-2018); Partner, S Capital Management, LLC (2007-2015); President, Alternative Investment Analytics, LLC (formerly Schneeweis Partners, LLC) (2001-2013).

*Mr. Schneeweis retired from the Board of Trustees of AMG Funds as of December 31, 2022.

Interested Trustee

The Trustee in the following table is an “interested person” of the Trust within the meaning of the 1940 Act.

Number of Funds Overseen in

Fund Complex

  Name, Age, Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years and Other Directorships Held by Trustee

 

 

74


  

    

AMG Funds

Trustees and Officers (continued)

    

    

 

       

 

 

   

• Trustee since 2021

• Oversees 44 Funds in Fund Complex

  

Garret W. Weston, 41

Affiliated Managers Group, Inc. (2008-Present): Managing Director, Co-Head of Affiliate Engagement (2021-Present), Senior Vice President, Affiliate Development (2016-2021), Vice President, Office of the CEO (2015-2016), Vice President, New Investments (2012-2015), Senior Associate, New Investments (2008-2012); Associate, Madison Dearborn Partners (2006-2008); Analyst, Merrill Lynch (2004-2006).

Officers

 

  Position(s) Held with Fund and

  Length of Time Served

   Name, Age, Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years
 

• President since 2018

• Principal Executive Officer since 2018

• Chief Executive Officer since 2018

• Chief Operating Officer since 2007

  

Keitha L. Kinne, 64

Chief Operating Officer, AMG Funds LLC (2007-Present); Chief Investment Officer, AMG Funds LLC (2008-Present); President and Principal, AMG Distributors, Inc. (2018-Present); Chief Operating Officer, AMG Distributors, Inc. (2007-Present); President, Chief Executive Officer and Principal Executive Officer, AMG Funds, AMG Funds I, AMG Funds II, AMG Funds III and AMG Funds IV (2018-Present); Chief Operating Officer, AMG Funds, AMG Funds I, AMG Funds II, and AMG Funds III (2007-Present); Chief Operating Officer, AMG Funds IV (2016-Present); Chief Operating Officer and Chief Investment Officer, Aston Asset Management, LLC (2016); President and Principal Executive Officer, AMG Funds, AMG Funds I, AMG Funds II and AMG Funds III (2012-2014); Managing Partner, AMG Funds LLC (2007-2014); President and Principal, AMG Distributors, Inc. (2012-2014); Managing Director, Legg Mason & Co., LLC (2006-2007); Managing Director, Citigroup Asset Management (2004-2006).

 

• Secretary since 2015

• Chief Legal Officer since 2015

  

Mark J. Duggan, 57

Managing Director and Senior Counsel, AMG Funds LLC (2021-Present); Senior Vice President and Senior Counsel, AMG Funds LLC (2015-2021); Secretary and Chief Legal Officer, AMG Funds, AMG Funds I, AMG Funds II, AMG Funds III and AMG Funds IV (2015-Present); Attorney, K&L Gates, LLP (2009-2015).

 

• Chief Financial Officer since 2017

• Treasurer since 2017

• Principal Financial Officer since 2017

• Principal Accounting Officer since 2017

  

Thomas G. Disbrow, 56

Vice President, Mutual Fund Treasurer & CFO, AMG Funds, AMG Funds LLC (2017-Present); Chief Financial Officer, Principal Financial Officer, Treasurer and Principal Accounting Officer, AMG Funds, AMG Funds I, AMG Funds II, AMG Funds III and AMG Funds IV (2017-Present); Managing Director - Global Head of Traditional Funds Product Control, UBS Asset Management (Americas), Inc. (2015-2017); Managing Director - Head of North American Funds Treasury, UBS Asset Management (Americas), Inc. (2011-2015).

 

• Deputy Treasurer since 2017

  

John A. Starace, 52

Vice President, Mutual Fund Accounting, AMG Funds LLC (2021-Present); Director, Mutual Fund Accounting, AMG Funds LLC (2017-2021); Vice President, Deputy Treasurer of Mutual Funds Services, AMG Funds LLC (2014-2017); Deputy Treasurer, AMG Funds, AMG Funds I, AMG Funds II, AMG Funds III and AMG Funds IV (2017-Present); Vice President, Citi Hedge Fund Services (2010-2014); Audit Senior Manager (2005-2010) and Audit Manager (2001-2005), Deloitte & Touche LLP.

 

• Chief Compliance Officer and Sarbanes-Oxley Code of Ethics Compliance Officer since 2019

• Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer since 2022

  

Patrick J. Spellman, 48

Vice President, Chief Compliance Officer, AMG Funds LLC (2017-Present); Chief Compliance Officer, AMG Distributors, Inc. (2010-Present); Chief Compliance Officer and Sarbanes-Oxley Code of Ethics Compliance Officer, AMG Funds, AMG Funds I, AMG Funds II, AMG Funds III and AMG Funds IV (2019-Present); Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer, AMG Funds, AMG Funds I, AMG Funds II, and AMG Funds III (2014-2019; 2022-Present); Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer, AMG Funds IV (2016-2019; 2022-Present); Senior Vice President, Chief Compliance Officer, AMG Funds LLC (2011-2017); Compliance Manager, Legal and Compliance, Affiliated Managers Group, Inc. (2005-2011).

 

• Assistant Secretary since 2016

  

Maureen M. Kerrigan, 37

Vice President, Senior Counsel, AMG Funds LLC (2021-Present); Vice President, Counsel, AMG Funds LLC (2019-2021); Director, Counsel, AMG Funds LLC (2017-2018); Vice President, Counsel, AMG Funds LLC (2015-2017); Assistant Secretary, AMG Funds, AMG Funds I, AMG Funds II, AMG Funds III and AMG Funds IV (2016-Present); Associate, Ropes & Gray LLP (2011-2015); Law Fellow, Massachusetts Appleseed Center for Law and Justice (2010-2011).

 

 

75


 

 

THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK


 

LOGO

    

    

 

INVESTMENT MANAGER AND ADMINISTRATOR

 

AMG Funds LLC

 

680 Washington Blvd., Suite 500

Stamford, CT 06901

 

800.548.4539

 

DISTRIBUTOR

 

AMG Distributors, Inc.

 

680 Washington Blvd., Suite 500

 

Stamford, CT 06901

 

800.548.4539

 

SUBADVISER

 

TimesSquare Capital Management, LLC

 

7 Times Square

 

42nd Floor

 

New York, NY 10036

 

CUSTODIAN

 

The Bank of New York Mellon

 

Mutual Funds Custody

 

6023 Airport Road

 

Oriskany, NY 13424

  

LEGAL COUNSEL

 

Ropes & Gray LLP

 

Prudential Tower, 800 Boylston Street

 

Boston, MA 02199-3600

 

 

TRANSFER AGENT

 

BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc.

 

Attn: AMG Funds

 

4400 Computer Drive

 

Westborough, MA 01581

 

800.548.4539

 

Effective March 9, 2023, the Transfer Agent’s

 

mailing address will change to the following:

 

BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc.

 

AMG Funds

 

Attn: 534426

 

AIM 154-0520

 

500 Ross Street

 

Pittsburgh, PA 15262

 

800.548.4539

  

This report is prepared for the Funds’ shareholders. It is authorized for distribution to prospective investors only when preceded or accompanied by an effective prospectus. To receive a free copy of the prospectus or Statement of Additional Information, which includes additional information about Fund Trustees, please contact us by calling 800.548.4539. Distributed by AMG Distributors, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC.

 

Current net asset values per share for each Fund are available on the Funds’ website at amgfunds.com.

 

A description of the policies and procedures each Fund uses to vote its proxies is available: (i) without charge, upon request, by calling 800.548.4539, or (ii) on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) website at sec.gov. For information regarding the Funds’ proxy voting record for the 12-month period ended June 30, call 800.548.4539 or visit the SEC website at sec.gov.

 

The Funds file their complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year as an exhibit to their reports on Form N-PORT. The Funds’ portfolio holdings on Form N-PORT are available on the SEC’s website at sec.gov and the Funds’ website at amgfunds.com. To review a complete list of the Funds’ portfolio holdings, or to view the most recent semiannual report or annual report, please visit amgfunds.com.

 

 

 

 

amgfunds.com

     


 

LOGO

    

    

 

BALANCED FUNDS

AMG GW&K Global Allocation

GW&K Investment Management, LLC

 

EQUITY FUNDS

AMG Beutel Goodman International Equity

 

Beutel, Goodman & Company Ltd.

 

 

AMG Boston Common Global Impact

 

Boston Common Asset Management, LLC

 

 

AMG Frontier Small Cap Growth

Frontier Capital Management Co., LLC

 

 

AMG GW&K Small Cap Core

 

AMG GW&K Small Cap Value

 

AMG GW&K Small/Mid Cap

 

AMG GW&K Small/Mid Cap Growth

 

AMG GW&K Emerging Markets Equity

 

AMG GW&K Emerging Wealth Equity

 

AMG GW&K International Small Cap

 

GW&K Investment Management, LLC

 

 

AMG Montrusco Bolton Large Cap Growth

 

Montrusco Bolton Investments, Inc.

 

 

AMG Renaissance Large Cap Growth

The Renaissance Group LLC

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AMG River Road Dividend All Cap Value

 

AMG River Road Focused Absolute Value

 

AMG River Road International Value Equity

 

AMG River Road Large Cap Value Select

 

AMG River Road Mid Cap Value

 

AMG River Road Small-Mid Cap Value

 

AMG River Road Small Cap Value

 

 

River Road Asset Management, LLC

 

 

AMG TimesSquare Emerging Markets Small Cap

 

AMG TimesSquare Global Small Cap

 

AMG TimesSquare International Small Cap

 

AMG TimesSquare Mid Cap Growth

 

AMG TimesSquare Small Cap Growth

 

 

TimesSquare Capital Management, LLC

 

 

AMG Veritas Asia Pacific

 

AMG Veritas China

 

AMG Veritas Global Focus

 

AMG Veritas Global Real Return

 

Veritas Asset Management LLP

 

 

AMG Yacktman

 

AMG Yacktman Focused

 

AMG Yacktman Global

 

AMG Yacktman Special Opportunities

 

Yacktman Asset Management LP

 

 

FIXED INCOME FUNDS

AMG Beutel Goodman Core Plus Bond

 

Beutel, Goodman & Company Ltd.

 

AMG GW&K Core Bond ESG

AMG GW&K Enhanced Core Bond ESG

AMG GW&K ESG Bond

AMG GW&K High Income

AMG GW&K Municipal Bond

AMG GW&K Municipal Enhanced Yield

GW&K Investment Management, LLC

 

 

 

 

amgfunds.com                              123122         AR012


LOGO    ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

    

AMG Funds

 

December 31, 2022

 
    

 

LOGO

 
     AMG Yacktman Fund
 
     Class I: YACKX
 
     AMG Yacktman Focused Fund
 
     Class N: YAFFX     |    Class I: YAFIX
 
     AMG Yacktman Global Fund
 
     Class N: YFSNX    |    Class I: YFSIX
 
     AMG Yacktman Special Opportunities Fund
 
     Class I: YASSX   |    Class Z: YASLX
 
    
 
    

 

 

 

 

 

amgfunds.com           123122            AR071



    

    

AMG Funds

Annual Report — December 31, 2022

 

 

              
       TABLE OF CONTENTS    PAGE  
   

 

 
 
    LETTER TO SHAREHOLDERS      2  
 
    ABOUT YOUR FUND’S EXPENSES      3  
 
    PORTFOLIO MANAGER’S COMMENTS, FUND SNAPSHOTS AND SCHEDULES OF PORTFOLIO INVESTMENTS   
 
   

AMG Yacktman Fund

     4  
 
   

AMG Yacktman Focused Fund

     13  
 
   

AMG Yacktman Global Fund

     23  
 
   

AMG Yacktman Special Opportunities Fund

     32  
 
    FINANCIAL STATEMENTS   
 
   

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

     41  
 
   

Balance sheets, net asset value (NAV) per share computations
and cumulative distributable earnings (loss)

  
 
   

Statement of Operations

     43  
 
   

Detail of sources of income, expenses, and realized and
unrealized gains (losses) during the fiscal year

  
 
   

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

     44  
 
   

Detail of changes in assets for the past two fiscal years

  
 
   

Financial Highlights

     46  
 
   

Historical net asset values per share, distributions, total returns, income
and expense ratios, turnover ratios and net assets

  
 
   

Notes to Financial Statements

     53  
 
   

Accounting and distribution policies, details of agreements and
transactions with Fund management and affiliates, and descriptions of
certain investment risks

  
 
    REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM      61  
 
    OTHER INFORMATION      62  
 
    TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS      63  
           

Nothing contained herein is to be considered an offer, sale or solicitation of an offer to buy shares of any series of the AMG Funds Family of Funds. Such offering is made only by prospectus, which includes details as to offering price and other material information.

 

 

 


LOGO   Letter to Shareholders

 

Dear Shareholder:

We are pleased to provide this annual report for your investment with AMG Funds. Our foremost goal is to provide investment solutions that help our shareholders successfully achieve their long-term investment goals. We appreciate the privilege of providing you with investment tools.

The past year was a challenging period for investors, as uncertainties about high inflation, tighter financial conditions, and the Russian invasion of Ukraine led to significant volatility. Global equity and bond markets fell in tandem amid sharply higher interest rates and eroding investor confidence as worries of an impending recession lingered most of the year. A global commodity shock caused by the war in Ukraine only made matters worse. The S&P 500® Index slipped into a bear market with the Index falling more than (24)% from its peak earlier in the year. The abrupt shift in markets this year has reset expectations around future growth, as the U.S. Federal Reserve (the Fed) and other global central banks have taken aggressive policy action to bring down inflation. While the outlook is uncertain given recent negative returns across many asset classes, global stock and bond valuations are now far more attractive entering 2023 compared to a year ago.

There was very wide dispersion in S&P 500® Index sector performance. Energy significantly outperformed all other sectors with a gain of 65.72% as the price of oil surged during the period. The defensive-oriented sectors also outperformed, although utilities was the only other sector with a positive return, gaining 1.54%. Consumer staples and health care were slightly negative with returns of (0.62)% and (1.95)%, respectively. High-growth technology and mega cap internet-related companies underperformed during the period, and real estate was impacted by higher interest rates. Communications services fell the most with a (39.93)% return during the year, followed by declines of (37.03)% for consumer discretionary, (28.14)% for information technology and (26.13)% for real estate. Value stocks held up much better than growth stocks as the Russell 1000® Value Index returned (7.54)% compared to the (29.14)% return for the Russell 1000® Growth Index. Small cap stocks struggled as the Russell 2000® Index lost (20.44)%. Outside the U.S., foreign developed markets were negative with a (14.45)% return for the MSCI EAFE Index, however a very strong fourth quarter rally drove international equity returns ahead of their U.S. counterparts for the year.

The 10-year Treasury yield more than doubled during the year, surging to the highest levels since before the Great Financial Crisis. Rapidly rising rates from a very low base led to historic negative performance for bonds as the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index, a broad measure of U.S. bond market performance, lost (13.01)% over the period. Investment-grade corporate bonds underperformed, returning (15.76)% for the year. High yield bonds held up better with a (11.19)% return as measured by the return of the Bloomberg U.S. Corporate High Yield Bond

Index. Municipal bonds were also negative, but outperformed the broader market with a (8.53)% return for the Bloomberg Municipal Bond Index.

AMG Funds provides access to a distinctive array of actively managed return-oriented investment strategies. You can rest assured that under all market conditions our team is focused on delivering excellent investment management services for your benefit. For more information about AMG Funds’ wide range of products and resources, please visit www.amgfunds.com. We thank you for your investment and continued trust in AMG Funds.

Respectfully,

 

LOGO

Keitha Kinne

President

AMG Funds

 

        Periods ended  
Average Annual Total Returns   December 31, 2022*  
Stocks:        1 Year     3 Years     5 Years  

Large Cap

  (S&P 500® Index)     (18.11 )%      7.66     9.42

Small Cap

  (Russell 2000® Index)     (20.44 )%      3.10     4.13

International

  (MSCI ACWI ex USA)     (16.00 )%      0.07     0.88

Bonds:

                           

Investment Grade

  (Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index)     (13.01 )%      (2.71 )%      0.02

High Yield

  (Bloomberg U.S. Corporate High Yield Bond Index)     (11.19 )%      0.05     2.31

Tax-exempt

  (Bloomberg Municipal Bond Index)     (8.53 )%      (0.77 )%      1.25

Treasury Bills

  (ICE BofAML U.S. 6-Month Treasury Bill Index)     1.34     0.82     1.39

*Source: FactSet. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

 

 

 

2


    

 

    

    

About Your Fund’s Expenses

 

   

    

 

     

 

As a shareholder of a Fund, you may incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, which may include sales charges (loads) on purchase payments; redemption fees; and exchange fees; and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution (12b-1) fees; and other Fund expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. The example is based on $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period as indicated below.

 

ACTUAL EXPENSES

 

The first line of the following table provides information about the 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 the Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

 

HYPOTHETICAL EXAMPLE FOR COMPARISON PURPOSES

 

The second line of the following table provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed annual rate of return of 5% before expenses, which is not the Fund’s

      

actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Fund and other funds by comparing this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of other funds.

 

Please 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), redemption fees, or exchange fees. Therefore, the second line of the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds.

         

 

 

 

  Six Months Ended
  December 31, 2022
  

Expense

Ratio for

the Period

 

Beginning

Account

Value

07/01/22

  

Ending

Account

Value

12/31/22

    

Expenses

Paid

During

the Period*

AMG Yacktman Fund

Based on Actual Fund Return

Class I

   0.70%   $1,000      $1,061      $3.64

Based on Hypothetical 5% Annual Return

Class I

   0.70%   $1,000      $1,022      $3.57

AMG Yacktman Focused Fund

Based on Actual Fund Return

Class N

   1.25%   $1,000      $1,063      $6.50

Class I

   1.06%   $1,000      $1,065      $5.52

Based on Hypothetical 5% Annual Return

Class N

   1.25%   $1,000      $1,019      $6.36

Class I

   1.06%   $1,000      $1,020      $5.40

AMG Yacktman Global Fund

Based on Actual Fund Return

Class N

   1.15%   $1,000      $1,069      $6.00

Class I

   0.93%   $1,000      $1,070      $4.85

Based on Hypothetical 5% Annual Return

Class N

   1.15%   $1,000      $1,019      $5.85

Class I

   0.93%   $1,000      $1,021      $4.74

 

  Six Months Ended
  December 31, 2022
  

Expense

Ratio for

the Period

  Beginning
Account
Value
07/01/22
   Ending
Account
Value
12/31/22
     Expenses
Paid
During
the Period*

AMG Yacktman Special Opportunities Fund

Based on Actual Fund Return

Class I

   1.80%   $1,000      $1,027       $9.20

Class Z

   1.68%   $1,000      $1,028       $8.59

Based on Hypothetical 5% Annual Return

Class I

   1.80%   $1,000        $1,016       $9.15

Class Z

   1.68%   $1,000        $1,017       $8.54

 

* 

Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days in the most recent fiscal half-year (184), then divided by 365.

 

 

Includes a performance fee adjustment amounting to 0.05% of average daily net assets which is not annualized. (See Note 2 of Notes to Financial Statements.)

 

 

 

 

3


    

 

    

AMG Yacktman Fund

Portfolio Manager’s Comments (unaudited)

 

   

    

 

      

 

 

For the 12 months ending December 31, 2022, AMG Yacktman Fund (the “Fund”) Class I shares returned (7.37)%, slightly outperforming the (7.54)% return of the Russell 1000® Value Index (and far better than the (18.11)% return of the S&P 500® Index.

 

2022 may have been a turning point for investing fundamentals like valuation, leverage ratios, and cash flow to matter more once again following many years of speculative frenzy. Given the huge influence of government stimulus in the last few years, it is difficult to predict normalized earnings for many businesses. In light of this dynamic, we think there can be significant economic and business headwinds that may continue to create a more difficult environment for stocks than in many years prior—maybe even back to the turmoil leading up to the market bottom in the 2008-2009 financial crisis.

 

We have taken advantage of the volatility by adding significantly to our energy weighting on a mid-year pullback. The Fund has by far the highest exposure to energy stocks since its inception. We think the risk/reward in the energy sector has changed dramatically for the better in recent years as cash flows have been directed away from increasing production at all costs and have moved toward dividends, share repurchases and debt reduction. Underinvestment in new supply has continued since the initial downturn in 2015. Adding to this deficit are a number of other factors including the conclusion of emergency releases from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, limited spare capacity at OPEC+ and productivity declines in U.S. shale basins. On the demand side, China re-opening from COVID-19 lockdowns is a major tailwind. Overall, we think fundamentals could be far stronger than many expect for energy companies in the next several years.

 

In 2022, Yacktman Asset Management LP (“Yacktman”) celebrated its 30th anniversary as a boutique asset manager. We remain focused on delivering strong, risk-adjusted returns over full market cycles. In a world of passive indexing, benchmark hugging, and speculative short-term trading, we think our focus on risk management is a real differentiator. Our Fund’s portfolio has investments in companies that have strong balance sheets (including net cash at several of our top holdings) in a world where many companies leveraged up to repurchase high-priced shares. We have seen several of our portfolio companies utilize this balance sheet strength to substantially increase share repurchase plans or to begin new programs in recent quarters in contrast to companies like JP

      

Morgan and CarMax, which had to suspend long-running programs despite lower stock prices. Stepping up when others are stepping aside could prove to be of great value in the next few years.

 

We continue to utilize flexibility in our mandate to own some non-U.S. domiciled companies—in many cases, their business and currency exposure are very similar to U.S.-domiciled peers but they trade at steep discounts to U.S. peers. For example, by our calculations, Bolloré SE trades at a discount to just its publicly traded position in Universal Music Group (UMG), an exceptional company which has the #1 position in music content ownership. Although UMG is traded on the Amsterdam stock exchange, its operational headquarters is in the U.S., built years ago as part of Lew Wasserman’s famed Music Corporation of America (MCA) empire. In late 2022, Bolloré completed the sale of its African logistics business, which transformed the balance sheet into a net cash position alongside the UMG stake and other businesses and investments. We think 2023 could be the year for a big re-rating if management continues to simplify.

 

Contributors and Detractors

 

We report the contributors and detractors to give more detail about what contributed to last year’s results, but we remind investors that price movements can be somewhat random during shorter periods of time.

 

Contributors last year included energy and defense stocks. The energy and utilities sectors were the only S&P 500® sectors that were up last year, and defense shares rose due to the war between Russia and Ukraine and generally increased geopolitical tensions. The technology sector, after years of leading performance, declined dramatically, which led many of our tech holdings to underperform in 2022 alongside the sector.

 

Contributors

 

• Canadian Natural Resources, Ltd. – benefited from strong energy prices and free cash flow

 

• Weatherford International PLC – oil services firm that is seeing solid growth and margin expansion post emergence from restructuring

 

• Northrup Grumman Corp – strength in defense sector

 

Detractors

 

• Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd – weakness in memory semiconductor market and technology shares being out of favor; optimism for a recovery in

      

the memory market later this year, extremely low valuation, and potential for the Korean market to be reclassified from emerging market to developed could help propel the stock in 2023

 

• Alphabet Inc. – concerns about potential competition from artificial intelligence, a softer advertising market, and general weakness in the technology sector contributed to declines

 

• Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp – IT consulting business that experienced weak growth; recently named new CEO who we think can reinvigorate the company

 

Other securities to note

 

U-Haul Holdings Co. (formerly AMERCO) took steps to simplify its structure, in part due to management’s frustration with the gap between the stock’s market price and management’s perception of value. We think its do-it-yourself moving business—an incredible brand built over multiple decades—is worth most of today’s stock price. In addition, investors get significant upside from the underappreciated self-storage holdings, which today consist of more than 75 million square feet of owned and operated space. Late in the year, the Shoen family, U-Haul’s controlling shareholders, purchased more than $75 million in shares.

 

Associated British Foods PLC (ABF) lagged during the year, with the stock falling to levels that we felt were dramatically disconnected from its underlying value. ABF is a conglomerate which has businesses ranging from ingredient production of baker’s yeast and sugar to food brands like Ovaltine outside of the U.S., Twinings Tea in the U.K., and fast fashion apparel with its Primark retail chain. The company has a net cash balance sheet and owns significant real estate to support its retail operations.

 

Firm update

 

We are excited to welcome Molly Pieroni to Yacktman as President, Partner and a member of the investment team. She brings a strong background in the investment field and as a strategic consultant. We believe she will be a key contributor to driving the business forward over the coming years.

 

Conclusion

 

2022 was a year of great turbulence in the financial markets but one of positive momentum for many of the Fund’s holdings. We think last year served as a

 

 

4


    

 

    

AMG Yacktman Fund

Portfolio Manager’s Comments (continued)

 

   

    

 

      

 

 

good reminder of why it is important to have exposure to a manager like Yacktman, where a truly active investment approach and a keen understanding of risk management are foundational to an experienced team that has been through multiple cycles. While many have moved to indexing        or benchmark hugging investment approaches, we remain independent thinkers focused on the long term and finding bargains that we believe offer strong, risk-adjusted returns over time. As always, we will be patient, objective and diligent in managing the Fund.        The views expressed represent the opinions of Yacktman Asset Management LP as of December 31, 2022, and are not intended as a forecast or guarantee of future results, and are subject to change without notice.

 

 

5


    

    AMG Yacktman Fund

    Portfolio Manager’s Comments (continued)

    
    

 

CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN PERFORMANCE

AMG Yacktman Fund’s cumulative total return is based on the daily change in net asset value (NAV), and assumes that all dividends and distributions were reinvested. The graph compares a hypothetical $10,000 investment made in the AMG Yacktman Fund’s Class I shares on December 31, 2012 to a $10,000 investment made in the Russell 1000® Value Index and the S&P 500® Index for the same time period. The graph and table do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on a Fund distribution or redemption of shares. The listed returns for the Fund are net of expenses and the returns for the index exclude expenses. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced.

 

LOGO

The table below shows the average annual total returns for the AMG Yacktman Fund, the Russell 1000® Value Index and the S&P 500® Index for the same time periods ended December 31, 2022.

 

     One     Five     Ten  
  Average Annual Total Returns1    Year     Years     Years  

  AMG Yacktman Fund2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

 

Class I

     (7.37 %)      9.07     10.54

Russell 1000® Value Index13, 15

     (7.54 %)      6.67     10.29

S&P 500® Index14, 15

     (18.11 %)      9.42     12.56

The performance data shown represents past performance. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.

 

Investors should carefully consider the Fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses before investing. For performance information through the most recent month end, current net asset values per share for the Fund and other information, please call 800.548.4539 or visit our website at amgfunds.com for a free prospectus. Read it carefully before investing or sending money.

Distributed by AMG Distributors, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC.

 

1 

Total return equals income yield plus share price change and assumes reinvestment of all dividends and capital gain distributions. Returns are net of fees and may reflect offsets of Fund expenses as described in the prospectus. No adjustment has been made for taxes payable by shareholders on their reinvested dividends and capital gain distributions. Returns for periods greater than one year are annualized. The listed returns on the Fund are net of expenses and based on the published NAV as of December 31, 2022. All returns are in U.S. Dollars ($).

 
 
2 

From time to time the Fund’s investment manager has waived its fees and/or absorbed Fund expenses, which has resulted in higher returns.

 

3 

The Fund is subject to the risks associated with investments in debt securities, such as default risk and fluctuations in the perception of the debtor’s ability to pay its creditors. Changing interest rates may adversely affect the value of an investment. An increase in interest rates typically causes the value of bonds and other fixed income securities to fall.

 

4

The Fund is subject to risks associated with investments in mid-capitalization companies such as greater price volatility, lower trading volume, and less liquidity than the stocks of larger, more established companies.

 

5 

The Fund is subject to risks associated with investments in small-capitalization companies, such as erratic earnings patterns, competitive conditions, limited earnings history and a reliance on one or a limited number of products.

 

6 

The Fund invests in value stocks, which may perform differently from the market as a whole and may be undervalued by the market for a long period of time.

 

7 

High-yield bonds (also known as “junk bonds”) may be subject to greater levels of interest rate, credit, and liquidity risk than investments in higher rated securities. These securities are considered predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer’s continuing ability to make principal and interest payments. The issuers of the Fund’s holdings may be involved in bankruptcy proceedings, reorganizations, or financial restructurings, and are not as strong financially as higher-rated issuers.

 

8 

Investments in international securities are subject to certain risks of overseas investing including currency fluctuations and changes in political and economic conditions, which could result in significant market fluctuations. These risks are magnified in emerging markets.

 

9 

The Fund is subject to the risks associated with investments in emerging markets, such as erratic earnings patterns, economic and political instability, changing exchange controls, limitations on repatriation of foreign capital and changes in local governmental attitudes toward private investment, possibly leading to nationalization or confiscation of investor assets.

 

10 

Companies that are in similar industry sectors may be similarly affected by particular economic or market events; to the extent the Fund has substantial holdings within a particular sector, the risks associated with that sector increase.

 

11 

Market prices of investments held by the Fund may fall rapidly or unpredictably due to a variety of

 

 

 

6


    

 

    

AMG Yacktman Fund

Portfolio Manager’s Comments (continued)

 

   

    

 

      

 

 

economic or political factors, market conditions, disasters or public health issues, or in response to events that affect particular industries or companies.

 

12 The Fund is subject to currency risk resulting from fluctuations in exchange rates that may affect the total loss or gain on a non-U.S. Dollar investment when converted back to U.S. Dollars.

 

13 The Russell 1000® Value Index is a market capitalization weighted index that measures the performance of those Russell 1000® companies with lower price-to-book ratios and lower forecasted

      

growth values. Unlike the Fund, the Russell 1000® Value Index is unmanaged, is not available for investment and does not incur expenses.

 

14 The S&P 500® Index is a capitalization-weighted index of 500 stocks. The S&P 500® Index is designed to measure performance of the broad domestic economy through changes in the aggregate market value of 500 stocks representing all major industries. Unlike the Fund, the S&P 500® Index is unmanaged, is not available for investment and does not incur expenses.

 

15 The Russell 1000® Value and the S&P 500® Index are

      

provided for illustrative purposes only. We have included the results of such indices to give you a perspective of the historical performance of the U.S. equity market.

 

The Russell 1000® Value Index is a trademark of the London Stock Exchange Group companies.

 

The S&P 500® Index is proprietary data of Standard & Poor’s, a division of McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

 

Not FDIC insured, nor bank guaranteed. May lose value.

 

 

7


   

AMG Yacktman Fund

Fund Snapshots (unaudited)

December 31, 2022

 

 

 

PORTFOLIO BREAKDOWN

 

    Sector

 

  

% of
Net Assets

 

 

Communication Services

   15.3
 

Consumer Staples

   15.3
 

Energy

   14.6
 

Information Technology

   12.0
 

Financials

   10.6
 

Industrials

     9.9
 

Consumer Discretionary

     5.2
 

Health Care

     4.7
 

Materials

     1.6
 

Short-Term Investments

   10.6
 

Other Assets, less Liabilities

     0.2

 

TOP TEN HOLDINGS

 

    Security Name

 

  

% of
Net Assets

 

 

Bolloré SE (France)

   6.8
 

Canadian Natural Resources, Ltd. (Canada)

   5.8
 

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., 2.630% (South Korea)

   5.6
 

PepsiCo, Inc.

   3.3
 

The Procter & Gamble Co.

   2.8
 

Microsoft Corp.

   2.7
 

The Charles Schwab Corp.

   2.5
 

Alphabet, Inc., Class C

   2.5
 

Johnson & Johnson

   2.2
 

Brenntag SE (Germany)

   2.2
    

 

 

Top Ten as a Group

       36.4    
  

 

 

 

Because a fund’s strategy may result in multiple investments in particular sectors of the economy, its performance may depend on the performance of those sectors and may fluctuate more widely than investments diversified across more sectors. For additional information on these and other risk considerations, please see the Fund’s prospectus.

Any sectors, industries, or securities discussed should not be perceived as investment recommendations. Mention of a specific security should not be considered a recommendation to buy or solicitation to sell that security. Specific securities mentioned in this report may have been sold from the Fund’s portfolio of investments by the time you receive this report.

 

 

8


   

AMG Yacktman Fund

Fund Snapshots (continued)

For the six months ended December 31, 2022

 

 

NEW EQUITY POSITIONS

 

  New Purchases    Current
Shares Held

ConocoPhillips

     890,000    

Devon Energy Corp.

     1,450,000  

Diamondback Energy, Inc.

     685,000  

EOG Resources, Inc.

     780,000  

Pioneer Natural Resources Co.

     370,000  

U-Haul Holding Co., Non-Voting Shares1

     2,970,000  

CORPORATE BONDS & NOTES SALES

 

  Sales    Net Principal
Sold
     Current Principal
Held
 

Weatherford International, Ltd. (Bermuda), 11.000%, 12/01/24

     $11,698,000        $8,367,000  

EQUITY PURCHASES & SALES

 

  Purchases    Net Shares
Purchased
  Current Shares
Held

Alphabet, Inc., Class C

     2,109,000         2,220,000    

The Charles Schwab Corp.

     550,000       2,375,000  

GrafTech International, Ltd.

     2,499,379       5,000,000  

U-Haul Holding Co.

           330,000  

Warner Bros Discovery, Inc.

     1,500,000       4,400,000  

 

  Sales    Net Shares
Sold
  Current Shares
Held

Beiersdorf AG, ADR (Germany)

     4,000,000          

Canadian Natural Resources, Ltd. (Canada)

     790,000       8,310,000  

The Coca-Cola Co.

     1,615,000       1,385,000    

FirstCash Holdings, Inc.

     460,000        

MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc., Class A

     530,000        

PepsiCo, Inc.

     450,000       1,450,000  

Sysco Corp.

     1,180,000       920,000  

Weatherford International PLC

     550,000       3,350,000  

Wells Fargo & Co.

     940,000       2,110,000  

1 Purchases and sales due to a corporate action.

 

 

 

9


   

AMG Yacktman Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments

December 31, 2022

 

 

     

    

Shares

     Value  

Common Stocks - 82.2%

     

Communication Services - 15.3%

 

  

Alphabet, Inc., Class C*

     2,220,000        $196,980,600  

Bolloré SE (France)

     97,075,700        542,498,137  

Comcast Corp., Class A

     1,100,000        38,467,000  

Fox Corp., Class A

     2,400,000        72,888,000  

Fox Corp., Class B

     3,100,000        88,195,000  

News Corp., Class A

     8,900,000        161,980,000  

The Walt Disney Co.*

     900,000        78,192,000  

Warner Bros Discovery, Inc.*,1

     4,400,000        41,712,000  

Total Communication Services

        1,220,912,737  

Consumer Discretionary - 4.5%

 

  

Booking Holdings, Inc.*

     85,000        171,298,800  

Continental AG (Germany)

     600,000        35,768,743  

eBay, Inc.

     1,250,000        51,837,500  

Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd. (South Korea)

     550,000        87,240,092  

Rinnai Corp. (Japan)

     180,000        13,394,865  

Total Consumer Discretionary

        359,540,000  

Consumer Staples - 15.3%

 

  

Associated British Foods PLC (United Kingdom)

     7,700,000        145,982,526  

The Coca-Cola Co.

     1,385,000        88,099,850  

Colgate-Palmolive Co.

     1,100,000        86,669,000  

Hengan International Group Co., Ltd. (China)

     6,935,400        36,770,611  

Ingredion, Inc.

     1,150,000        112,619,500  

KT&G Corp. (South Korea)

     1,452,810        105,005,522  

PepsiCo, Inc.

     1,450,000        261,957,000  

The Procter & Gamble Co.

     1,450,000        219,762,000  

Sysco Corp.

     920,000        70,334,000  

Tyson Foods, Inc., Class A

     1,460,000        90,885,000  

Total Consumer Staples

        1,218,085,009  

Energy - 13.9%

 

  

Canadian Natural Resources, Ltd. (Canada)

     8,310,000        461,454,300  

ConocoPhillips

     890,000        105,020,000  

Devon Energy Corp.

     1,450,000        89,189,500  

Diamondback Energy, Inc.

     685,000        93,694,300  

EOG Resources, Inc.

     780,000        101,025,600  

Pioneer Natural Resources Co.

     370,000        84,504,300  

Weatherford International PLC*

     3,350,000        170,582,000  

Total Energy

        1,105,470,000  

Financials - 10.6%

 

  

The Bank of New York Mellon Corp.

     2,300,000        104,696,000  

Berkshire Hathaway, Inc., Class B*

     340,000        105,026,000  

The Charles Schwab Corp.

     2,375,000        197,742,500  
     
     

    

Shares

     Value  

First Hawaiian, Inc.1

     1,530,000        $39,841,200  

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.

     130,000        44,639,400  

State Street Corp.

     1,900,000        147,383,000  

U.S. Bancorp

     2,800,000        122,108,000  

Wells Fargo & Co.

     2,110,000        87,121,900  

Total Financials

        848,558,000  

Health Care - 4.7%

 

  

Elevance Health, Inc.

     300,000        153,891,000  

Embecta Corp.1

     1,600,000        40,464,000  

Johnson & Johnson

     1,000,000        176,650,000  

Total Health Care

        371,005,000  

Industrials - 9.8%

 

  

Armstrong World Industries, Inc.

     735,000        50,413,650  

Brenntag SE (Germany)

     2,700,000        172,192,169  

GrafTech International, Ltd.

     5,000,000        23,800,000  

L3Harris Technologies, Inc.

     355,000        73,914,550  

Lockheed Martin Corp.

     195,000        94,865,550  

Northrop Grumman Corp.

     225,000        122,762,250  

Samsung C&T Corp. (South Korea)

     700,000        63,063,891  

U-Haul Holding Co.1

     330,000        19,862,700  

U-Haul Holding Co., Non-Voting Shares

     2,970,000        163,290,600  

Total Industrials

        784,165,360  

Information Technology - 6.5%

 

  

Cisco Systems, Inc.

     800,000        38,112,000  

Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp., Class A

     2,800,000        160,132,000  

Corning, Inc.

     1,100,000        35,134,000  

Microsoft Corp.

     900,000        215,838,000  

Oracle Corp.

     700,000        57,218,000  

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (South Korea)

     200,000        8,778,649  

Total Information Technology

        515,212,649  

Materials - 1.6%

 

  

Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co.

     650,000        131,586,000  

Total Common Stocks

 

  

(Cost $4,566,323,286)

        6,554,534,755  
    

Principal

Amount

        

Corporate Bonds and Notes - 0.8%

 

  

Energy - 0.7%

     

W&T Offshore, Inc. 9.750%, 11/01/232

     $51,359,000        50,449,600  
     
 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

10


   

    

AMG Yacktman Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments (continued)

 

 

 

     

Principal

Amount

    

Value

 

Industrials - 0.1%

 

  

Weatherford International, Ltd. (Bermuda) 11.000%, 12/01/242

     $8,367,000        $8,534,709  

Total Corporate Bonds and Notes

 

  

(Cost $56,572,378)

        58,984,309  
     Shares         

Preferred Stocks - 6.2%

 

  

Consumer Discretionary - 0.7%

 

  

Hyundai Motor Co., 6.340% (South Korea)

     400,000        23,410,627  

Hyundai Motor Co., 6.400% (South Korea)

     523,882        30,680,189  

Total Consumer Discretionary

        54,090,816  

Information Technology - 5.5%

 

  

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., 2.630% (South Korea)

     11,050,000        442,810,600  

Total Preferred Stocks

 

  

(Cost $304,566,646)

        496,901,416  
     Principal
Amount
        

Short-Term Investments - 10.6%

 

  

Joint Repurchase Agreements - 0.1%3

 

  

Bank of America Securities, Inc., dated 12/30/22, due 01/03/23, 4.300% total to be received $1,307,965 (collateralized by various U.S. Government Agency Obligations, 1.500% - 6.500%, 05/01/37 - 05/01/58, totaling $1,333,487)

     $1,307,340        1,307,340  

Citigroup Global Markets, Inc., dated 12/30/22, due 01/03/23, 4.250% total to be received $274,727 (collateralized by various U.S. Treasuries, 0.000% - 4.500%, 04/11/23 - 10/31/29, totaling $280,089)

     274,597        274,597  
     
     

Principal

Amount

    

Value

 

MUFG Securities America, Inc., dated 12/30/22, due 01/03/23, 4.300% total to be received $1,307,965 (collateralized by various U.S. Government Agency Obligations, 2.000% - 5.500%, 08/01/24 - 01/01/53, totaling $1,333,487)

     $1,307,340        $1,307,340  

National Bank Financial, dated 12/30/22, due 01/03/23, 4.340% total to be received $1,307,970 (collateralized by various U.S. Treasuries, 0.000% - 4.435%, 01/03/23 - 09/09/49, totaling $1,333,487)

     1,307,340        1,307,340  

RBC Dominion Securities, Inc., dated 12/30/22, due 01/03/23, 4.300% total to be received $1,307,965 (collateralized by various U.S. Government Agency Obligations, 2.000% - 6.000%, 09/01/24 - 10/20/52, totaling $1,333,487)

     1,307,340        1,307,340  

Total Joint Repurchase Agreements

 

     5,503,957  
     Shares         

Other Investment Companies - 10.5%

 

  

Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Government Money Market Fund, Institutional Shares, 4.27%4

     114,333,331        114,333,331  

JPMorgan U.S. Government Money Market Fund, IM Shares, 4.20%4

     723,498,852        723,498,852  

Total Other Investment Companies

 

     837,832,183  

Total Short-Term Investments

 

  

(Cost $843,336,140)

        843,336,140  

Total Investments - 99.8%

 

  

(Cost $5,770,798,450)

        7,953,756,620  

Other Assets, less Liabilities - 0.2%

 

     19,284,038  

Net Assets - 100.0%

 

     $7,973,040,658  
  
 

 

*

Non-income producing security.

 

1 

Some of these securities, amounting to $46,523,866 or 0.6% of net assets, were out on loan to various borrowers and are collateralized by cash and various U.S. Treasury Obligations. See Note 4 of Notes to Financial Statements.

 

2 

Security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. This security may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At December 31, 2022, the value of these securities amounted to $58,984,309 or 0.8% of net assets.

 

3 

Cash collateral received for securities lending activity was invested in these joint repurchase agreements.

 

4 

Yield shown represents the December 31, 2022, seven day average yield, which refers to the sum of the previous seven days’ dividends paid, expressed as an annual percentage.

 
 
 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

11


   

    

AMG Yacktman Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments (continued)

 

 

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments by the fair value hierarchy levels as of December 31, 2022:

 

     Level 1      Level 21      Level 3      Total  

  Investments in Securities

           

Common Stocks

           

Communication Services

     $678,414,600        $542,498,137               $1,220,912,737  

Consumer Staples

     930,326,350        287,758,659               1,218,085,009  

Energy

     1,105,470,000                      1,105,470,000  

Financials

     848,558,000                      848,558,000  

Industrials

     548,909,300        235,256,060               784,165,360  

Information Technology

     506,434,000        8,778,649               515,212,649  

Health Care

     371,005,000                      371,005,000  

Consumer Discretionary

     223,136,300        136,403,700               359,540,000  

Materials

     131,586,000                      131,586,000  

Corporate Bonds and Notes

            58,984,309               58,984,309  

Preferred Stocks

            496,901,416               496,901,416  

Short-Term Investments

           

Joint Repurchase Agreements

            5,503,957               5,503,957  

Other Investment Companies

     837,832,183                      837,832,183  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities

     $6,181,671,733        $1,772,084,887               $7,953,756,620  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

All corporate bonds and notes and preferred stocks held in the Fund are level 2 securities. For a detailed breakout of corporate bonds and notes and preferred stocks by major industry classification, please refer to the Fund’s Schedule of Portfolio Investments.

 

1 

An external pricing service is used to reflect any impact on security value due to market movements between the time the Fund valued such foreign securities and the earlier closing of foreign markets.

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, there were no transfers in or out of Level 3.

The country allocation in the Schedule of Portfolio Investments at December 31, 2022, was as follows:

 

 Country    % of Long-Term
Investments

 Bermuda

     0.1

 Canada

     6.5

 China

     0.5

 France

     7.6

 Germany

     2.9

 Japan

     0.2

 South Korea

   10.7

 United Kingdom

     2.1

 United States

   69.4
  

 

     100.0
  

 

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

12


    

 

    

AMG Yacktman Focused Fund

Portfolio Manager’s Comments (unaudited)

 

   

    

 

      

 

For the 12 months ending December 31, 2022, AMG Yacktman Focused Fund (the “Fund”) Class N shares returned (8.06)%, slightly underperforming the (7.54)% return of the Russell 1000® Value Index decline and far better than the (18.11)% return of the S&P 500® Index.

 

2022 may have been a turning point for investing fundamentals like valuation, leverage ratios, and cash flow to matter more once again following many years of speculative frenzy. Given the huge influence of government stimulus in the last few years, it is difficult to predict normalized earnings for many businesses. In light of this dynamic, we think there can be significant economic and business headwinds that may continue to create a more difficult environment for stocks than in many years prior—maybe even back to the turmoil leading up to the market bottom in the 2008-2009 financial crisis.

 

We have taken advantage of the volatility by adding significantly to our energy weighting on a mid-year pullback. The Fund has by far the highest exposure to energy stocks since its inception. We think the risk/reward in the energy sector has changed dramatically for the better in recent years as cash flows have been directed away from increasing production at all costs and have moved toward dividends, share repurchases and debt reduction. Underinvestment in new supply has continued since the initial downturn in 2015. Adding to this deficit are a number of other factors including the conclusion of emergency releases from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, limited spare capacity at OPEC+ and productivity declines in U.S. shale basins. On the demand side, China re-opening from COVID-19 lockdowns is a major tailwind. Overall, we think fundamentals could be far stronger than many expect for energy companies in the next several years.

 

In 2022, Yacktman Asset Management LP (“Yacktman”) celebrated its 30th anniversary as a boutique asset manager. We remain focused on delivering strong, risk-adjusted returns over full market cycles. In a world of passive indexing, benchmark hugging, and speculative short-term trading, we think our focus on risk management is a real differentiator. Our Fund’s portfolio has investments in companies that have strong balance sheets (including net cash at several of our top holdings) in a world where many companies leveraged up to repurchase high-priced shares. We have seen several of our portfolio companies utilize this balance sheet strength to substantially increase share repurchase plans or to begin new programs in

      

recent quarters in contrast to companies like JP Morgan and CarMax which had to suspend long-running programs despite lower stock prices. Stepping up when others are stepping aside could prove to be of great value in the next few years.

 

We continue to utilize flexibility in our mandate to own some non-U.S. domiciled companies—in many cases, their business and currency exposure are very similar to U.S.-domiciled peers but they trade at steep discounts to U.S. peers. For example, by our calculations, Bolloré SE trades at a discount to just its publicly traded position in Universal Music Group (UMG), an exceptional company which has the #1 position in music content ownership. Although UMG is traded on the Amsterdam stock exchange, its operational headquarters is in the U.S., built years ago as part of Lew Wasserman’s famed Music Corporation of America (MCA) empire. In late 2022, Bolloré completed the sale of its African logistics business, which transformed the balance sheet into a net cash position alongside the UMG stake and other businesses and investments. We think 2023 could be the year for a big re-rating if management continues to simplify.

 

Contributors and Detractors

 

We report the contributors and detractors to give more detail about what contributed to last year’s results, but we remind investors that price movements can be somewhat random during shorter periods of time.

 

Contributors last year included energy and defense stocks. The energy and utilities sectors were the only S&P 500® sectors that were up last year, and defense shares rose due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and generally increased geopolitical tensions. The technology sector, after years of leading performance, declined dramatically, which led many of our tech holdings to underperform in 2022 alongside the sector.

 

Contributors

 

• Canadian Natural Resources, Ltd. – benefited from strong energy prices and free cash flow

 

• Weatherford International PLC – oil services firm that is seeing solid growth and margin expansion post emergence from restructuring

 

• Northrup Grumman Corp – strength in defense sector

 

Detractors

 

• Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd – weakness in memory semiconductor market and technology shares being out of favor optimism for a recovery in

      

the memory market later this year, extremely low valuation, and potential for the Korean market to be reclassified from emerging market to developed could help propel the stock in 2023

 

• Microsoft Corporation – weakness in technology sector and slowing earnings growth caused the stock to decline after many years of exceptionally strong returns

 

• Alphabet Inc. – concerns about potential competition from artificial intelligence, a softer advertising market, and general weakness in the technology sector contributed to declines

 

Other securities to note

 

U-Haul Holdings Co. (formerly AMERCO) took steps to simplify its structure, in part due to management’s frustration with the gap between the stock’s market price and management’s perception of value. We think its do-it-yourself moving business—an incredible brand built over multiple decades—is worth most of today’s stock price. In addition, investors get significant upside from the underappreciated self-storage holdings, which today consist of more than 75 million square feet of owned and operated space. Late in the year, the Shoen family, U-Haul’s controlling shareholders, purchased more than $75 million in shares.

 

Associated British Foods PLC (ABF) lagged during the year, with the stock falling to levels that we felt were dramatically disconnected from its underlying value. ABF is a conglomerate with businesses ranging from ingredient production of baker’s yeast and sugar to food brands like Ovaltine outside of the U.S., Twinings Tea in the U.K., and fast fashion apparel with its Primark retail chain. The company has a net cash balance sheet and owns significant real estate to support its retail operations.

 

Firm update

 

We are excited to welcome Molly Pieroni to Yacktman as President, Partner and a member of the investment team. She brings a strong background in the investment field and as a strategic consultant. We believe she will be a key contributor to driving the business forward over the coming years.

 

Conclusion

 

2022 was a year of great turbulence in the financial markets but one of positive momentum for many of the Fund’s holdings. We think last year served as a

 

 

13


    

 

    

AMG Yacktman Focused Fund

Portfolio Manager’s Comments (continued)

 

   

    

 

      

 

good reminder of why it is important to have exposure to a manager like Yacktman, where a truly active investment approach and a keen understanding of risk management are foundational to an experienced team that has been through multiple cycles. While many have moved to indexing        or benchmark hugging investment approaches, we remain independent thinkers focused on the long term and finding bargains that we believe offer strong, risk-adjusted returns over time. As always, we will be patient, objective, and diligent in managing the Fund.        The views expressed represent the opinions of Yacktman Asset Management LP as of December 31, 2022, and are not intended as a forecast or guarantee of future results, and are subject to change without notice.

 

 

14


   

 

    

AMG Yacktman Focused Fund

Portfolio Manager’s Comments (continued)

 

      
      

 

CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN PERFORMANCE

AMG Yacktman Focused Fund’s cumulative total return is based on the daily change in net asset value (NAV), and assumes that all dividends and distributions were reinvested. The graph compares a hypothetical $10,000 investment made in the AMG Yacktman Focused Fund’s Class N shares on December 31, 2012 to a $10,000 investment made in the Russell 1000® Value Index and the S&P 500® Index for the same time period. The graph and table do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on a Fund distribution or redemption of shares. The listed returns for the Fund are net of expenses and the returns for the index exclude expenses. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced.

 

LOGO

The table below shows the average annual total returns for the AMG Yacktman Focused Fund, the Russell 1000® Value Index and the S&P 500® Index for the same time periods ended December 31, 2022.

 

     One   Five       Ten    
  Average Annual Total Returns1    Year   Years       Years    

AMG Yacktman Focused Fund2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15

Class N

   (8.06%)   9.00%   10.61%

Class I

   (7.85%)   9.21%   10.82%

Russell 1000® Value Index16, 18

   (7.54%)   6.67%   10.29%

S&P 500® Index17, 18

   (18.11%)   9.42%   12.56%

The performance data shown represents past performance. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.

 

Investors should carefully consider the Fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses before investing. For performance information through the most recent month end, current net asset values per share for the Fund and other information, please call 800.548.4539 or visit our website at amgfunds.com for a free prospectus. Read it carefully before investing or sending money.

Distributed by AMG Distributors, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC.

 

1 

Total return equals income yield plus share price change and assumes reinvestment of all dividends and capital gain distributions. Returns are net of fees and may reflect offsets of Fund expenses as described in the prospectus. No adjustment has been made for taxes payable by shareholders on their reinvested dividends and capital gain distributions. Returns for periods greater than one year are annualized. The listed returns on the Fund are net of expenses and based on the published NAV as of December 31, 2022. All returns are in U.S. Dollars ($).

   

2  From time to time the Fund’s investment manager has waived its fees and/or absorbed Fund expenses, which has resulted in higher returns.

 

3  The Fund may suffer significant losses on assets that it sells short. Unlike the possible loss on a security that is purchased, there is no limit on the amount of loss on an appreciating security that is sold short.

 

4  The Fund is subject to the risks associated with investments in debt securities, such as default risk and fluctuations in the perception of the debtor’s ability to pay its creditors. Changing interest rates may adversely affect the value of an investment. An increase in interest rates typically causes the value of bonds and other fixed income securities to fall.

 

5  The Fund may invest in derivatives such as options and futures; the complexity and rapidly changing structure of derivatives markets may increase the possibility of market losses.

 

6  The Fund is subject to risks associated with investments in mid-capitalization companies such as greater price volatility, lower trading volume, and less liquidity than the stocks of larger, more established companies.

 

7  The Fund is subject to risks associated with investments in small-capitalization companies, such as erratic earnings patterns, competitive conditions, limited earnings history and a reliance on one or a limited number of products.

 

8  The Fund invests in value stocks, which may perform differently from the market as a whole and may be undervalued by the market for a long period of time.

 

9  A greater percentage of the Fund’s holdings may be focused in a smaller number of securities which may place the Fund at greater risk than a more diversified fund.

 

10 High-yield bonds (also known as “junk bonds”) may be subject to greater levels of interest rate, credit, and liquidity risk than investments in higher rated securities. These securities are considered predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer’s continuing ability to make principal and interest payments. The issuers of the Fund’s holdings may be involved in bankruptcy proceedings, reorganizations, or financial restructurings, and are not as strong financially as higher-rated issuers.

 

   

11 Investments in international securities are subject to certain risks of overseas investing including currency fluctuations and changes in political and economic conditions, which could result in significant market fluctuations. These risks are magnified in emerging markets.

 

12 Companies that are in similar industry sectors may be similarly affected by particular economic or

 

 

 

15


    

 

    

AMG Yacktman Focused Fund

Portfolio Manager’s Comments (continued)

 

   

    

 

      

 

market events; to the extent the Fund has substantial holdings within a particular sector, the risks associated with that sector increase.

 

13 Market prices of investments held by the Fund may fall rapidly or unpredictably due to a variety of economic or political factors, market conditions, disasters or public health issues, or in response to events that affect particular industries or companies.

 

14 The Fund is subject to the risks associated with investments in emerging markets, such as erratic earnings patterns, economic and political instability, changing exchange controls, limitations on repatriation of foreign capital and changes in local governmental attitudes toward private investment, possibly leading to nationalization or confiscation of investor assets.

       

15 The Fund is subject to currency risk resulting from fluctuations in exchange rates that may affect the total loss or gain on a non-U.S. Dollar investment when converted back to U.S. Dollars.

 

16 The Russell 1000® Value Index is a market capitalization weighted index that measures the performance of those Russell 1000® companies with lower price-to-book ratios and lower forecasted growth values. Unlike the Fund, the Russell 1000® Value Index is unmanaged, is not available for investment and does not incur expenses.

 

17 The S&P 500® Index is a capitalization-weighted index of 500 stocks. The S&P 500® Index is designed to measure performance of the broad domestic economy through changes in the aggregate market value of 500 stocks representing all major industries. Unlike the Fund, the S&P 500®

      

Index is unmanaged, is not available for investment and does not incur expenses.

 

18 The Russell 1000® Value and the S&P 500® Index are provided for illustrative purposes only. We have included the results of such indices to give you a perspective of the historical performance of the U.S. equity market.

 

The Russell 1000® Value Index is a trademark of the London Stock Exchange Group companies.

 

The S&P 500® Index is proprietary data of Standard & Poor’s, a division of McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

 

Not FDIC insured, nor bank guaranteed. May lose value.

 

 

16


   

 

AMG Yacktman Focused Fund

Fund Snapshots (unaudited)

December 31, 2022

 

 

PORTFOLIO BREAKDOWN

 

    Sector    % of
Net Assets
 

Communication Services

       16.2
 

Consumer Staples

       15.9
 

Information Technology

       15.8
 

Energy

       15.2
 

Industrials

       11.9
 

Consumer Discretionary

       6.5
 

Financials

       6.4
 

Materials

       2.2
 

Health Care

       2.1
 

Short-Term Investments

       7.1
 

Other Assets, less Liabilities1

       0.7

 

1 

Includes collateral and net unrealized appreciation on options contracts.

TOP TEN HOLDINGS

 

    Security Name    % of
Net Assets
 
 

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., 2.630% (South Korea)

     9.4        
 

Bolloré SE (France)

     8.1        
 

Canadian Natural Resources, Ltd. (Canada)

     6.6        
 

Microsoft Corp.

     3.7        
 

KT&G Corp. (South Korea)

     3.4        
 

PepsiCo, Inc.

     2.8        
 

The Procter & Gamble Co.

     2.6        
 

Alphabet, Inc., Class C

     2.4        
 

Fox Corp., Class B

     2.4        
 

Associated British Foods PLC (United Kingdom)

     2.4        
    

 

 

 
 

Top Ten as a Group

          43.8        
  

 

 

 
 

 

 

Because a fund’s strategy may result in multiple investments in particular sectors of the economy, its performance may depend on the performance of those sectors and may fluctuate more widely than investments diversified across more sectors. For additional information on these and other risk considerations, please see the Fund’s prospectus.

Any sectors, industries, or securities discussed should not be perceived as investment recommendations. Mention of a specific security should not be considered a recommendation to buy or solicitation to sell that security. Specific securities mentioned in this report may have been sold from the Fund’s portfolio of investments by the time you receive this report.

 

 

17


   

 

AMG Yacktman Focused Fund

Fund Snapshots (continued)

For the six months ended December 31, 2022

 

 

NEW EQUITY POSITIONS

  New Purchases    Current
Shares Held

ConocoPhillips

      400,000

Devon Energy Corp.

      650,000

Diamondback Energy, Inc.

      305,000

EOG Resources, Inc.

      345,000

LG Household & Health Care Co., Ltd., 3.960% (South Korea)

      118,000

Pioneer Natural Resources Co.

      165,000

U-Haul Holding Co., Non-Voting Shares1

   1,431,000

CORPORATE BONDS & NOTES PURCHASES & SALES

 

  New Purchases    Current
Principal Held

  GrafTech Finance, Inc. 4.625%, 12/15/28

   $2,400,000

WRITTEN OPTION POSITIONS CLOSED & WRITTEN

 

  Written Option    Net Contracts
Closed
   Current Contracts
Written

  eBay, Inc. (Put)

   8,348    1,152

EQUITY PURCHASES & SALES

 

  Purchases    Net Shares
Purchased
   Current Shares
Held

Alphabet, Inc., Class C2

       950,000            970,000    

Hyundai Motor Co., 6.340% (South Korea)

       38,620            438,620    

Hyundai Motor Co., 6.400% (South Korea)

       161,380            661,380    

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., 2.630% (South Korea)

       1,000,000            8,250,000    

U-Haul Holding Co.

       –            159,000    

Warner Bros Discovery, Inc.

       585,000            1,900,000    
  Sales    Net Shares
Sold
   Current Shares
Held

Ambev S.A.

       5,000,000            –    

Associated British Foods PLC (United Kingdom)

       1,350,130            4,449,870    

Bolloré SE (France)

       554,977            51,191,551    

Booking Holdings, Inc.

       3,000            32,000    

Canadian Natural Resources, Ltd. (Canada)

       360,000            4,190,000    

The Coca-Cola Co.

       730,000            470,000    

Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp., Class A

       185,800            1,300,000    

Continental AG

       250,000            –    

First Hawaiian, Inc.

       250,000            –    

Hengan International Group Co., Ltd.

       5,872,300            –    

Johnson & Johnson

       10,000            420,000    

KT&G Corp. (South Korea)

       140,000            1,660,000    

Microsoft Corp.

       20,000            550,000    

Mitsuboshi Belting, Ltd.

       91,535            –    

MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc., Class A

       220,000            –    

PepsiCo, Inc.

       650,000            550,000    

The Procter & Gamble Co.

       20,000            610,000    

Rinnai Corp.

       110,000            –    

Samsung C&T Corp. (South Korea)

       40,000            460,000    

Societe BIC, S.A.

       300,000            –    

Sysco Corp.

       900,000            –    

Weatherford International PLC

       250,000            1,450,000    

Wells Fargo & Co.

       500,000            –    

 

  1 

Purchases and sales due to a corporate action.

 

  2 

Net share increase was due to a stock split, which offset the sale of securities during the period.

 

 

 

18


   

AMG Yacktman Focused Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments

December 31, 2022

 

 

     

    

Shares

     Value  

Common Stocks - 77.9%

     

Communication Services - 16.2%

 

  

Alphabet, Inc., Class C*

     970,000        $86,068,100  

Bolloré SE (France)

     51,191,551        286,079,019  

Fox Corp., Class B

     3,000,000        85,350,000  

News Corp., Class A

     3,685,000        67,067,000  

News Corp., Class B1

     200,000        3,688,000  

The Walt Disney Co.*

     300,000        26,064,000  

Warner Bros Discovery, Inc.*

     1,900,000        18,012,000  

Total Communication Services

        572,328,119  

Consumer Discretionary - 4.7%

 

  

Booking Holdings, Inc.*

     32,000        64,488,960  

eBay, Inc.

     834,800        34,619,156  

Hyundai Home Shopping Network

     

Corp. (South Korea)2

     600,000        25,657,438  

Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd. (South Korea)

     260,000        41,240,771  

Total Consumer Discretionary

        166,006,325  

Consumer Staples - 14.8%

 

  

Associated British Foods PLC (United Kingdom)

     4,449,870        84,364,060  

The Coca-Cola Co.

     470,000        29,896,700  

Ingredion, Inc.

     540,000        52,882,200  

KT&G Corp. (South Korea)

     1,660,000        119,980,704  

PepsiCo, Inc.

     550,000        99,363,000  

The Procter & Gamble Co.

     610,000        92,451,600  

Tyson Foods, Inc., Class A

     700,000        43,575,000  

Total Consumer Staples

        522,513,264  

Energy - 14.6%

 

  

Canadian Natural Resources, Ltd. (Canada)

     4,190,000        232,670,700  

ConocoPhillips

     400,000        47,200,000  

Devon Energy Corp.

     650,000        39,981,500  

Diamondback Energy, Inc.

     305,000        41,717,900  

EOG Resources, Inc.

     345,000        44,684,400  

Pioneer Natural Resources Co.

     165,000        37,684,350  

Weatherford International PLC*

     1,450,000        73,834,000  

Total Energy

        517,772,850  

Financials - 6.4%

 

  

The Bank of New York Mellon Corp.

     650,000        29,588,000  

Berkshire Hathaway, Inc., Class B*

     100,000        30,890,000  

The Charles Schwab Corp.

     855,000        71,187,300  

State Street Corp.

     800,000        62,056,000  

U.S. Bancorp

     750,000        32,707,500  

Total Financials

        226,428,800  
     

    

Shares

     Value  

Health Care - 2.1%

 

  

Johnson & Johnson

     420,000        $74,193,000  

Industrials - 10.5%

 

  

Brenntag SE (Germany)

     1,250,000        79,718,596  

L3Harris Technologies, Inc.

     170,000        35,395,700  

Lockheed Martin Corp.

     95,000        46,216,550  

Northrop Grumman Corp.

     110,000        60,017,100  

Samsung C&T Corp. (South Korea)

     460,000        41,441,986  

U-Haul Holding Co.1

     159,000        9,570,210  

U-Haul Holding Co., Non-Voting Shares

     1,431,000        78,676,380  

Yuasa Trading Co., Ltd. (Japan)

     800,000        21,961,118  

Total Industrials

        372,997,640  

Information Technology - 6.4%

 

  

Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp., Class A

     1,300,000        74,347,000  

Microsoft Corp.

     550,000        131,901,000  

Oracle Corp.

     250,000        20,435,000  

Total Information Technology

        226,683,000  

Materials - 2.2%

 

  

Nihon Parkerizing Co., Ltd. (Japan)

     1,868,100        13,243,315  

Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co.

     310,000        62,756,400  

Total Materials

        75,999,715  

Total Common Stocks

 

  

(Cost $2,088,772,262)

        2,754,922,713  
     Principal
Amount
        

Corporate Bonds and Notes - 2.0%

 

  

Energy - 0.6%

 

  

W&T Offshore, Inc.

     

9.750%, 11/01/233

     $22,824,000        22,419,862  

Industrials - 1.4%

 

  

GrafTech Finance, Inc.

     

4.625%, 12/15/283

     2,400,000        1,970,934  

Microsoft Corp.

     

2.000%, 08/08/23

     11,500,000        11,317,829  

2.375%, 05/01/23

     19,000,000        18,864,264  

PepsiCo, Inc.

     

0.750%, 05/01/23

     14,623,000        14,433,718  

Weatherford International, Ltd. (Bermuda)

     

11.000%, 12/01/243

     3,762,000        3,837,406  

Total Industrials

        50,424,151  

Total Corporate Bonds and Notes

 

  

(Cost $72,378,869)

        72,844,013  
 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

19


   

 

AMG Yacktman Focused Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments (continued)

 

 

     

    

Shares

     Value  

Preferred Stocks - 12.3%

     

Consumer Discretionary - 1.8%

 

  

Hyundai Motor Co., 6.340% (South Korea)

     438,620        $25,670,923  

Hyundai Motor Co., 6.400% (South Korea)

     661,380        38,732,508  

Total Consumer Discretionary

 

     64,403,431  

Consumer Staples - 1.1%

 

  

Amorepacific Corp., 2.080% (South Korea)

     250,000        9,588,447  

LG Household & Health Care Co., Ltd., 3.960% (South Korea)

     118,000        29,568,028  

Total Consumer Staples

 

     39,156,475  

Information Technology - 9.4%

 

  

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., 2.630% (South Korea)

     8,250,000        330,605,199  

Total Preferred Stocks

 

  

(Cost $322,001,629)

        434,165,105  
     Principal
Amount
        

Short-Term Investments - 7.1%

 

  

Joint Repurchase Agreements - 0.2%4

 

  

Bank of America Securities, Inc., dated 12/30/22, due 01/03/23, 4.300% total to be received $1,872,574 (collateralized by various U.S. Government Agency Obligations, 1.500% - 6.500%, 05/01/37 - 05/01/58, totaling $1,909,114)

     $1,871,680        1,871,680  

Citigroup Global Markets, Inc., dated 12/30/22, due 01/03/23, 4.250% total to be received $393,432 (collateralized by various U.S. Treasuries, 0.000% - 4.500%, 04/11/23 - 10/31/29, totaling $401,111)

     393,246        393,246  

Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc., dated 12/30/22, due 01/03/23, 4.290% total to be received $1,872,572 (collateralized by various U.S. Government Agency Obligations, 1.500% - 7.500%, 02/01/24 - 01/01/57, totaling $1,909,114)

     1,871,680        1,871,680  
      Principal
Amount
     Value  

National Bank Financial, dated 12/30/22, due 01/03/23, 4.340% total to be received $1,872,583 (collateralized by various U.S. Treasuries, 0.000% - 4.435%, 01/03/23 - 09/09/49, totaling $1,909,114)

     $1,871,680        $1,871,680  

RBC Dominion Securities, Inc., dated 12/30/22, due 01/03/23, 4.300% total to be received $1,872,574 (collateralized by various U.S. Government Agency Obligations, 2.000% - 6.000%, 09/01/24 - 10/20/52, totaling $1,909,114)

     1,871,680        1,871,680  

Total Joint Repurchase Agreements

 

     7,879,966  
     Shares         

Other Investment Companies - 6.9%

 

  

Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Government Money Market Fund, Institutional Shares, 4.27%5

     105,675,046        105,675,046  

JPMorgan U.S. Government Money Market Fund, IM Shares, 4.20%5

     137,763,333        137,763,333  

Total Other Investment Companies

 

     243,438,379  

Total Short-Term Investments

 

  

(Cost $251,318,345)

        251,318,345  

Total Investments - 99.3%

 

  

(Cost $2,734,471,105)

        3,513,250,176  

Derivatives - (0.0)%6

 

     (685,440

Other Assets, less Liabilities - 0.7%

 

     23,836,784  

Net Assets - 100.0%

 

     $3,536,401,520  
 

 

*

Non-income producing security.

 

1 

Some of these securities, amounting to $11,289,472 or 0.3% of net assets, were out on loan to various borrowers and are collateralized by cash and various U.S. Treasury Obligations. See Note 4 of Notes to Financial Statements.

 

2 

Affiliated issuer. See summary of affiliated investment transaction for details.

 

3 

Security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. This security may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At December 31, 2022, the value of these securities amounted to $28,228,202 or 0.8% of net assets.

4 

Cash collateral received for securities lending activity was invested in these joint repurchase agreements.

 

5 

Yield shown represents the December 31, 2022, seven day average yield, which refers to the sum of the previous seven days’ dividends paid, expressed as an annual percentage.

 

6 

Includes Exchange Traded Written Options Contracts. Please refer to the Open Exchange Traded Written Options Contracts tables for the details.

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

20


   

 

AMG Yacktman Focused Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments (continued)

 

 

The following schedule shows the value of affiliated investments at December 31, 2022.

 

  Affiliated

  Issuers

   Number
of shares
   Purchases    Sales    Net realized
gain (loss) for
the period
   Net change in
appreciation
(depreciation)
  Amount of
Dividends or
Interest
   Value

  Hyundai Home Shopping Network Corp.

   600,000    $1,940,086          $(6,280,273)   $1,227,212    $25,657,438  

Open Exchange Traded Written Options

 

  Description    Strike Price    Expiration Date    Number of
Contracts
     Notional
Amount
   Premium    Value

  eBay, Inc. (Put)

   47.50    01/20/23      1,152      $5,472,000    $607,711    $(685,440)

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments by the fair value hierarchy levels as of December 31, 2022:

 

     Level 1      Level 21   Level 3      Total

  Investments in Securities

          

Common Stocks

          

Communication Services

     $286,249,100        $286,079,019              $572,328,119  

Consumer Staples

     318,168,500        204,344,764              522,513,264  

Energy

     517,772,850                     517,772,850  

Industrials

     229,875,940        143,121,700              372,997,640  

Information Technology

     226,683,000                     226,683,000  

Financials

     226,428,800                     226,428,800  

Consumer Discretionary

     99,108,116        66,898,209              166,006,325  

Materials

     62,756,400        13,243,315              75,999,715  

Health Care

     74,193,000                     74,193,000  

Corporate Bonds and Notes

            72,844,013              72,844,013  

Preferred Stocks

            434,165,105              434,165,105  

Short-Term Investments

          

Joint Repurchase Agreements

            7,879,966              7,879,966  

Other Investment Companies

     243,438,379                     243,438,379  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities

     $2,284,674,085        $1,228,576,091              $3,513,250,176  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

 

 

 

Financial Derivative Instruments – Liabilities

          

Equity Written Options

            $(685,440            $(685,440
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Financial Derivative Instruments

            $(685,440            $(685,440
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

   

All corporate bonds and notes and preferred stocks held in the Fund are level 2 securities. For a detailed breakout of corporate bonds and notes and preferred stocks by major industry classification, please refer to the Fund’s Schedule of Portfolio Investments.

 

  1 

An external pricing service is used to reflect any impact on security value due to market movements between the time the Fund valued such foreign securities and the earlier closing of foreign markets.

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, there were no transfers in or out of Level 3.

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

21


   

 

    

AMG Yacktman Focused Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments (continued)

 

 

 

The following schedule shows the value of derivative instruments at December 31, 2022:

 

     Asset Derivatives    Liability Derivatives  
  Derivatives not accounted
  for as hedging instruments
   Statement of Assets and
Liabilities Location
   Fair Value   

Statement of Assets and

Liabilities Location

   Fair Value      

  Equity contracts

         Written options      $685,440  

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, the effect of derivative instruments on the Statement of Operations for the Fund and the amount of realized gain/loss and unrealized appreciation/depreciation on derivatives recognized in income was as follows:

 

     Realized Gain/(Loss)    Change in Unrealized Appreciation/Depreciation  

  Derivatives not accounted

  for as hedging instruments

  

Statement of Operations

Location

  

Realized

Gain/(Loss)

  

Statement of Operations

Location

  

Change in

Unrealized

Appreciation/

Depreciation

 

  Equity contracts

         Net change in unrealized appreciation/
depreciation on written options
     $(77,729)  

The country allocation in the Schedule of Portfolio Investments at December 31, 2022, was as follows:

 

  Country    % of Long-Term
Investments

  Bermuda

       0.1

  Canada

       7.1

  France

       8.8

  Germany

       2.4

  Japan

       1.1

  South Korea

     20.3

  United Kingdom

       2.6

  United States

     57.6
  

 

     100.0
  

 

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

22


   

 

    

AMG Yacktman Global Fund

Portfolio Manager’s Comments (unaudited)

 

 

 

For the 12 months ending December 31, 2022, AMG Yacktman Global Fund (the “Fund”) Class N shares returned (9.31)%, outperforming the (18.14)% return of the MSCI World Index.

 

2022 may have been a turning point for investing fundamentals like valuation, leverage ratios, and cash flow to matter more once again following many years of speculative frenzy. Given the huge influence of government stimulus in the last few years, it is difficult to predict normalized earnings for many businesses. In light of this dynamic, we think there can be significant economic and business headwinds that may continue to create a more difficult environment for stocks than in many years prior—maybe even back to the turmoil leading up to the market bottom in the 2008-2009 financial crisis.

 

We have taken advantage of the volatility by adding significantly to our energy weighting on a mid-year pullback. The Fund has by far the highest exposure to energy stocks since its inception. We think the risk/reward in the energy sector has changed dramatically for the better in recent years as cash flows have been directed away from increasing production at all costs and have moved toward dividends, share repurchases, and debt reduction. Underinvestment in new supply has continued since the initial downturn in 2015. Adding to this deficit are a number of other factors including the conclusion of emergency releases from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, limited spare capacity at OPEC+ and productivity declines in U.S. shale basins. On the demand side, China re-opening from COVID-19 lockdowns is a major tailwind. Overall, we think fundamentals could be far stronger than many expect for energy companies in the next several years.

 

In 2022, Yacktman Asset Management LP (“Yacktman”) celebrated its 30th anniversary as a boutique asset manager. We remain focused on delivering strong, risk-adjusted returns over full market cycles. In a world of passive indexing, benchmark hugging, and speculative short-term trading, we think our focus on risk management is a real differentiator. Our Fund’s portfolio has investments in companies that have strong balance sheets (including net cash at several of our top holdings) in a world where many companies leveraged up to repurchase high-priced shares. We have seen several of our portfolio companies utilize this balance sheet strength to substantially increase share repurchase plans or begin new programs in recent quarters, in contrast to companies like JP Morgan and CarMax which had to suspend

      

long-running programs despite lower stock prices. Stepping up when others are stepping aside could prove to be of great value in the next few years.

 

We continue to utilize flexibility in our mandate to own some non-U.S. domiciled companies—in many cases, their business and currency exposure are very similar to U.S.-domiciled peers but they trade at steep discounts to U.S. peers. For example, by our calculations, Bolloré SE trades at a discount to just its publicly traded position in Universal Music Group (UMG), an exceptional company which has the #1 position in music content ownership. Although UMG is traded on the Amsterdam stock exchange, its operational headquarters is in the U.S., built years ago as part of Lew Wasserman’s famed Music Corporation of America (MCA) empire. In late 2022, Bolloré completed the sale of its African logistics business, which transformed the balance sheet into a net cash position alongside the UMG stake and other businesses and investments. We think 2023 could be the year for a big re-rating if management continues to simplify.

 

Contributors and Detractors

 

We report the contributors and detractors to give more detail about what contributed to last year’s results, but we remind investors that price movements can be somewhat random during shorter periods of time.

 

Contributors last year included energy and defense stocks. The energy and utilities sectors were the only S&P 500® sectors that were up last year, and defense shares rose due to the war between Russia and Ukraine and generally increased geopolitical tensions. The technology sector, after years of leading performance, declined dramatically, which led many of our tech holdings to underperform in 2022 alongside the sector.

 

Contributors

 

• Canadian Natural Resources, Ltd. – benefited from strong energy prices and free cash flow

 

• Total Energy Services Inc. – strength in oilfield services

 

• KT&G Corp. – very inexpensive Korean ginseng and tobacco company that is the target of an activist campaign to unlock value

 

Detractors

 

• Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. – weakness in memory semiconductor market and technology shares being out of favor; optimism for a recovery in

      

the memory market later this year, extremely low valuation, and potential for the Korean market to be reclassified from emerging market to developed could help propel the stock in 2023

 

HI-LEX Corp – very inexpensive stock experiencing short-term business weakness

 

• Alphabet, Inc. – concerns about potential competition from artificial intelligence, a softer advertising market and general weakness in the technology sector contributed to declines

 

Other securities to note

 

U-Haul Holdings Co. (formerly AMERCO) took steps to simplify its structure, in part due to management’s frustration with the gap between the stock’s market price and management’s perception of value. We think its do-it-yourself moving business—an incredible brand built over multiple decades—is worth most of today’s stock price. In addition, investors get significant upside from the underappreciated self-storage holdings, which today consist of more than 75 million square feet of owned and operated space. Late in the year, the Shoen family, U-Haul’s controlling shareholders, purchased more than $75 million in shares.

 

Associated British Foods PLC (ABF) lagged during the year, with the stock falling to levels that we felt were dramatically disconnected from its underlying value. ABF is a conglomerate that has businesses ranging from ingredient production of baker’s yeast and sugar to food brands like Ovaltine outside of the U.S., Twinings Tea in the U.K., and fast fashion apparel with its Primark retail chain. The company has a net cash balance sheet and owns significant real estate to support its retail operations.

 

Firm update

 

We are excited to welcome Molly Pieroni to Yacktman as President, Partner and a member of the investment team. She brings a strong background in the investment field and as a strategic consultant. We believe she will be a key contributor to driving the business forward over the coming years.

 

Conclusion

 

2022 was a year of great turbulence in the financial markets but one of positive momentum for many of the Fund’s holdings. We think last year served as a good reminder why it is important to have exposure to a manager like Yacktman, where a truly active investment approach and a keen understanding of risk management are foundational to an experienced team that has been through multiple cycles. While

 

 

23


   

 

    

AMG Yacktman Global Fund

Portfolio Manager’s Comments (continued)

 

 

 

many have moved to indexing or benchmark hugging investment approaches, we remain independent thinkers focused on the long term and finding bargains that we believe offer strong, risk-adjusted returns over time. As always, we will be patient, objective and diligent in managing the Fund.        The views expressed represent the opinions of Yacktman Asset Management LP as of December 31, 2022, and are not intended as a forecast or guarantee of future results, and are subject to change without notice.       

 

 

24


   

 

    

AMG Yacktman Global Fund

Portfolio Manager’s Comments (continued)

 

 

 

CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN PERFORMANCE

AMG Yacktman Global Fund’s cumulative total return is based on the daily change in net asset value (NAV), and assumes that all dividends and distributions were reinvested. The graph compares a hypothetical $10,000 investment made in the AMG Yacktman Global Fund’s Class N shares on January 30, 2017 (inception date), to a $10,000 investment made in the MSCI World Index for the same time period. The graph and table do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on a Fund distribution or redemption of shares. The listed returns for the Fund are net of expenses and the returns for the index exclude expenses. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced.

 

LOGO

The table below shows the average annual total returns for the AMG Yacktman Global Fund and the MSCI World Index for the same time periods ended December 31, 2022.

 

     One   Five   Since   Inception
  Average Annual Total Returns1    Year   Years   Inception   Date

AMG Yacktman Global Fund2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15

 

Class N

       (9.31 %)       8.50 %       10.61 %       01/30/17

Class I

       (9.06 %)       8.59 %       10.69 %       01/30/17

MSCI World Index16

       (18.14 %)       6.14 %       8.38 %        01/30/17  

The performance data shown represents past performance. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.

 

Investors should carefully consider the Fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses before investing. For performance information through the most recent month end, current net asset values per share for the Fund and other information, please call 800.548.4539 or visit our website at amgfunds.com for a free prospectus. Read it carefully before investing or sending money.

Distributed by AMG Distributors, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC.

 

 

Date reflects the inception date of the Fund, not the index.

 

1 

Total return equals income yield plus share price change and assumes reinvestment of all dividends and capital gain distributions. Returns are net of fees and may reflect offsets of Fund expenses as described in the prospectus. No adjustment has been made for taxes payable by shareholders on their reinvested dividends and capital gain distributions. Returns for periods greater than one year are annualized. The listed returns on the Fund are net of expenses and based on the published NAV as of December 31, 2022. All returns are in U.S. Dollars ($).

2  From time to time the Fund’s investment manager has waived its fees and/or absorbed Fund expenses, which has resulted in higher returns.

 

3  The Fund may suffer significant losses on assets that it sells short. Unlike the possible loss on a security that is purchased, there is no limit on the amount of loss on an appreciating security that is sold short.

 

4  The Fund is subject to the risks associated with investments in debt securities, such as default risk and fluctuations in the perception of the debtor’s ability to pay its creditors. Changing interest rates may adversely affect the value of an investment. An increase in interest rates typically causes the value of bonds and other fixed income securities to fall.

 

5  The Fund invests in value stocks, which may perform differently from the market as a whole and may be undervalued by the market for a long period of time.

 

6  The Fund may invest in derivatives such as options and futures; the complexity and rapidly changing structure of derivatives markets may increase the possibility of market losses.

 

7  A greater percentage of the Fund’s holdings may be focused in a smaller number of securities which may place the Fund at greater risk than a more diversified fund.

 

8  High-yield bonds (also known as “junk bonds”) may be subject to greater levels of interest rate, credit, and liquidity risk than investments in higher rated securities. These securities are considered predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer’s continuing ability to make principal and interest payments. The issuers of the Fund’s holdings may be involved in bankruptcy proceedings, reorganizations, or financial restructurings, and are not as strong financially as higher-rated issuers.

 

9  Investments in international securities are subject to certain risks of overseas investing including currency fluctuations and changes in political and economic conditions, which could result in significant market fluctuations. These risks are magnified in emerging markets.

 

10 The Fund is subject to risks associated with investments in mid-capitalization companies such as greater price volatility, lower trading volume, and less liquidity than the stocks of larger, more established companies.

 

11 Companies that are in similar industry sectors may be similarly affected by particular economic or market events; to the extent the Fund has substantial holdings within a particular sector, the risks associated with that sector increase.

 

12 The Fund is subject to risks associated with investments in small-capitalization companies,

.

 

 

 

 

25


   

    

AMG Yacktman Global Fund

Portfolio Manager’s Comments (continued)

 

 

 

such as erratic earnings patterns, competitive conditions, limited earnings history and a reliance on one or a limited number of products.

 

13 Market prices of investments held by the Fund may fall rapidly or unpredictably due to a variety of economic or political factors, market conditions, disasters or public health issues, or in response to events that affect particular industries or companies.

 

14 The Fund is subject to the risks associated with investments in emerging markets, such as erratic earnings patterns, economic and political instability, changing exchange controls, limitations on repatriation of foreign capital and changes in local governmental attitudes toward private

  

investment, possibly leading to nationalization or confiscation of investor assets.

 

15 The Fund is subject to currency risk resulting from fluctuations in exchange rates that may affect the total loss or gain on a non-U.S. Dollar investment when converted back to U.S. Dollars.

 

16 The MSCI World Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed markets. Please go to msci.com for most current list of countries represented by the index. Unlike the Fund, the MSCI World Index is unmanaged, is not available for investment and does not incur expenses.

  

All MSCI data is provided “as is”. The products described herein are not sponsored or endorsed and have not been reviewed or passed on by MSCI. In no event shall MSCI, its affiliates or any MSCI data provider have any liability of any kind in connection with the MSCI data or the products described herein. Copying or redistributing the MSCI data is strictly prohibited.

 

Not FDIC insured, nor bank guaranteed. May lose value.

 

 

26


   

 

AMG Yacktman Global Fund

Fund Snapshots (unaudited)

December 31, 2022

 

 

PORTFOLIO BREAKDOWN

 

    Sector    % of 
Net Assets 
 
 

Industrials

     21.8        
 

Communication Services

     17.2        
 

Information Technology

     13.4        
 

Consumer Discretionary

     13.2        
 

Energy

     12.1        
 

Consumer Staples

     9.9        
 

Materials

     3.3        
 

Financials

     2.7        
 

Health Care

     1.1        
 

Short-Term Investments

     4.4        
 

Other Assets, less Liabilities

     0.9        

TOP TEN HOLDINGS

 

    Security Name    % of 
Net Assets 
 
 

Bolloré SE (France)

     10.2        
 

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., 2.630% (South Korea)

     8.2        
 

Canadian Natural Resources, Ltd. (Canada)

     6.3        
 

Samsung C&T Corp. (South Korea)

     5.1        
 

KT&G Corp. (South Korea)

     4.8        
 

Cie de L’Odet SE (France)

     4.4        
 

Total Energy Services, Inc. (Canada)

     4.0        
 

HI-LEX Corp. (Japan)

     3.8        
 

Ocean Wilsons Holdings, Ltd. (Bermuda)

     3.0        
 

Fox Corp., Class B

     2.5        
    

 

 

 
 

Top Ten as a Group

          52.3        
  

 

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

Because a fund’s strategy may result in multiple investments in particular sectors of the economy, its performance may depend on the performance of those sectors and may fluctuate more widely than investments diversified across more sectors. For additional information on these and other risk considerations, please see the Fund’s prospectus.

Any sectors, industries, or securities discussed should not be perceived as investment recommendations. Mention of a specific security should not be considered a recommendation to buy or solicitation to sell that security. Specific securities mentioned in this report may have been sold from the Fund’s portfolio of investments by the time you receive this report.

 

 

27


   

 

AMG Yacktman Global Fund

Fund Snapshots (continued)

For the six months ended December 31, 2022

 

 

NEW EQUITY POSITIONS

 

 
  New Purchases         Current
Shares Held

Amplify Energy Corp.

 

    115,000    

U-Haul Holding Co., Non-Voting Shares1

 

    54,000    

 

EQUITY PURCHASES & SALES

 

 

  Purchases    Net Shares
Purchased
  Current Shares
Held

Alphabet, Inc., Class C1

     19,000       20,000    

U-Haul Holding Co.

           6,000    
  Sales    Net Shares
Sold
  Current Shares
Held

The Bank of New York Mellon Corp.

     10,000        —      

Bolloré SE (France)

     110,000       2,750,000      

INFOvine Co., Ltd. (South Korea)

     20,000       20,000      

Ingredion, Inc.

     8,500       —      

Johnson & Johnson

     2,000       8,000      

KT&G Corp. (South Korea)

     20,000       100,000      

Mitsuboshi Belting, Ltd.

     2,965       —      

MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc., Class A

     7,000       —      

Oracle Corp.

     6,000       —      

PepsiCo, Inc.

     4,000       9,000      

The Procter & Gamble Co.

     3,000       11,000      

State Street Corp.

     5,000       20,000      

Sysco Corp.

     10,000       —      

U.S. Bancorp

     13,000       —      

 

1 

Purchases and sales due to a corporate action.

 

 

 

28


   

 

AMG Yacktman Global Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments

December 31, 2022

 

 

      Shares      Value  

Common Stocks - 82.7%

     

Communication Services - 17.2%

 

  

Alphabet, Inc., Class C*

     20,000        $1,774,600  

Bolloré SE (France)

     2,750,000        15,368,107  

Fox Corp., Class B

     130,000        3,698,500  

News Corp., Class A

     130,000        2,366,000  

Reading International, Inc., Class A*

     320,000        886,400  

Tohokushinsha Film Corp. (Japan)

     200,000        1,018,358  

The Walt Disney Co.*

     10,000        868,800  

Total Communication Services

        25,980,765  

Consumer Discretionary - 11.1%

 

  

Booking Holdings, Inc.*

     1,000        2,015,280  

Car Mate Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (Japan)

     52,500        338,426  

Continental AG (Germany)

     10,000        596,145  

Daewon San Up Co., Ltd. (South Korea)

     96,817        407,264  

Dong Ah Tire & Rubber Co., Ltd. (South Korea)

     100,000        897,815  

HI-LEX Corp. (Japan)

     700,000        5,737,851  

Hyundai Home Shopping Network Corp. (South Korea)

     70,000        2,993,368  

Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd. (South Korea)

     20,000        3,172,367  

Rinnai Corp. (Japan)

     8,000        595,327  

Total Consumer Discretionary

        16,753,843  

Consumer Staples - 8.9%

 

  

Associated British Foods PLC (United Kingdom)

     125,000        2,369,846  

Hengan International Group Co., Ltd. (China)

     37,000        196,169  

KT&G Corp. (South Korea)

     100,000        7,227,753  

Naked Wines PLC (United Kingdom)*

     256,424        388,536  

PepsiCo, Inc.

     9,000        1,625,940  

The Procter & Gamble Co.

     11,000        1,667,160  

Total Consumer Staples

        13,475,404  

Energy - 11.6%

 

  

Amplify Energy Corp.*

     115,000        1,010,850  

Canadian Natural Resources, Ltd. (Canada)

     170,000        9,440,100  

Total Energy Services, Inc. (Canada)

     950,000        6,040,990  

Weatherford International PLC*

     20,000        1,018,400  

Total Energy

        17,510,340  

Financials - 2.7%

 

  

The Charles Schwab Corp.

     30,000        2,497,800  

State Street Corp.

     20,000        1,551,400  

Total Financials

        4,049,200  

Health Care - 1.1%

 

  

Johnson & Johnson

     8,000        1,413,200  
      Shares      Value  

Kissei Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Japan)

     9,400        $183,665  

Total Health Care

        1,596,865  

Industrials - 21.7%

 

  

Brenntag SE (Germany)

     40,000        2,550,995  

CB Industrial Product Holding Bhd (Malaysia)

     10,500,000        2,622,020  

Cie de L’Odet SE (France)

     4,500        6,682,265  

Komelon Corp. (South Korea)

     80,000        630,814  

Ocean Wilsons Holdings, Ltd. (Bermuda)

     400,000        4,497,294  

Parker Corp. (Japan)

     150,000        600,534  

Rix Corp. (Japan)

     60,000        971,709  

Sam Yung Trading Co., Ltd. (South Korea)

     60,000        592,244  

Samsung C&T Corp. (South Korea)

     86,000        7,747,850  

U-Haul Holding Co.

     6,000        361,140  

U-Haul Holding Co., Non-Voting Shares

     54,000        2,968,920  

Yuasa Trading Co., Ltd. (Japan)

     90,000        2,470,626  

Total Industrials

        32,696,411  

Information Technology - 5.1%

 

  

CAC Holdings Corp. (Japan)

     240,000        2,606,675  

Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp., Class A

     25,000        1,429,750  

Hochiki Corp. (Japan)

     160,000        1,697,395  

INFOvine Co., Ltd. (South Korea)

     20,000        339,675  

Microsoft Corp.

     7,000        1,678,740  

Total Information Technology

        7,752,235  

Materials - 3.3%

 

  

KISCO Holdings Co., Ltd. (South Korea)*

     70,000        869,720  

Kohsoku Corp. (Japan)

     90,000        1,179,675  

Nihon Parkerizing Co., Ltd. (Japan)

     250,000        1,772,297  

The Pack Corp. (Japan)

     60,000        1,095,341  

Total Materials

        4,917,033  

Total Common Stocks
(Cost $112,764,434)

        124,732,096  
    

Principal

Amount

        

Corporate Bonds and Notes - 0.6%

 

  

Energy - 0.5%

 

  

W&T Offshore, Inc.

     

9.750%, 11/01/231

     $806,000        791,728  

Industrials - 0.1%

 

  

Weatherford International, Ltd. (Bermuda)

     

11.000%, 12/01/241

     86,000        87,724  

Total Corporate Bonds and Notes
(Cost $864,928)

        879,452  
 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

29


   

AMG Yacktman Global Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments (continued)

 

 

 

      Shares      Value  

Preferred Stocks - 11.4%

     

Consumer Discretionary - 2.1%

 

  

Hyundai Motor Co., 6.400% (South Korea)

     55,000        $3,220,974  

Consumer Staples - 1.0%

 

  

Amorepacific Corp., 2.080% (South Korea)

     25,000        958,845  

LG Household & Health Care Co., Ltd., 3.960% (South Korea)

  

 

2,100

 

  

 

526,211

 

Total Consumer Staples

        1,485,056  

Information Technology - 8.3%

 

  

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., 2.630% (South Korea)

     310,000        12,422,740  

Total Preferred Stocks
(Cost $20,461,922)

     

 

17,128,770

 

      Shares      Value  

Short-Term Investments - 4.4%

     

Other Investment Companies - 4.4%

 

  

Dreyfus Government Cash Management Fund, Institutional Shares, 4.19%2

     2,670,304        $2,670,304  

Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Government Money Market Fund, Institutional Shares, 4.27%2

     4,005,455        4,005,455  

Total Short-Term Investments
(Cost $6,675,759)

     

 

6,675,759

 

Total Investments - 99.1%
(Cost $140,767,043)

     

 

149,416,077

 

Other Assets, less Liabilities - 0.9%

 

     1,428,793  

Net Assets - 100.0%

        $150,844,870  
 

 

*

Non-income producing security.

 

1 

Security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. This security may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At December 31, 2022, the value of these securities amounted to $879,452 or 0.6% of net assets.

2 

Yield shown represents the December 31, 2022, seven day average yield, which refers to the sum of the previous seven days’ dividends paid, expressed as an annual percentage.

 

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments by the fair value hierarchy levels as of December 31, 2022:

 

     Level 1      Level 21      Level 3      Total  

  Investments in Securities

           

Common Stocks

           

Industrials

     $10,449,374        $22,247,037               $32,696,411  

Communication Services

     9,594,300        16,386,465               25,980,765  

Energy

     17,510,340                      17,510,340  

Consumer Discretionary

     2,353,706        14,400,137               16,753,843  

Consumer Staples

     3,293,100        10,182,304               13,475,404  

Information Technology

     3,108,490        4,643,745               7,752,235  

Materials

            4,917,033               4,917,033  

Financials

     4,049,200                      4,049,200  

Health Care

     1,413,200        183,665               1,596,865  

Corporate Bonds and Notes

  

 

 

  

 

879,452

 

  

 

 

  

 

879,452

 

Preferred Stocks

  

 

 

  

 

17,128,770

 

  

 

 

  

 

17,128,770

 

Short-Term Investments

           

Other Investment Companies

  

 

6,675,759

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

6,675,759

 

  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

  Total Investments in Securities

  

 

$58,447,469

 

  

 

$90,968,608

 

  

 

 

  

 

$149,416,077

 

  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

   

All corporate bonds and notes and preferred stocks held in the Fund are level 2 securities. For a detailed breakout of corporate bonds and notes and preferred stocks by major industry classification, please refer to the Fund’s Schedule of Portfolio Investments.

 

  1 

An external pricing service is used to reflect any impact on security value due to market movements between the time the Fund valued such foreign securities and the earlier closing of foreign markets.

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, there were no transfers in or out of Level 3.

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

30


   

    

AMG Yacktman Global Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments (continued)

 

 

 

The country allocation in the Schedule of Portfolio Investments at December 31, 2022, was as follows:

 

 Country   

% of Long-Term

Investments

 Bermuda

       3.2

 Canada

     10.9

 China

       0.1

 France

     15.5

 Germany

       2.2

 Japan

     14.2

 Malaysia

       1.8

 South Korea

     29.4

 United Kingdom

       1.9

 United States

     20.8
  

 

     100.0
  

 

                                 

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

31


   

    

AMG Yacktman Special Opportunities Fund

Portfolio Manager's Comments (unaudited)

 

 

For the twelve months ending December 31, 2022, AMG Yacktman Special Opportunities Fund (the “Fund”) Class Z shares returned (13.57)%, ahead of the (18.44)% decline in the MSCI ACWI All Cap Index. Markets staged a relatively sharp rally from October lows, but ended with a whimper, bucking the usual seasonal uplift into year-end. Pull up a price chart for the market in 2022 and the volatility is plain to see, with sharp rallies and steep pullbacks. The overall trend though, was down. The sharp selloff in bonds due to rising interest rates combined with falling stock prices meant there were few places to hide. It was one of the worst years for the traditional 60/40 equity to bond portfolio in the past century. Add persistently high inflation, and real returns were even worse.

 

While equity markets have fallen, a pullback from high prices does not automatically mean the risk/reward has improved. Many of the risks mentioned in our previous letters do not appear to be “fixed”. Valuations on expected corporate profits remain elevated and will likely face downside pressures as margins squeeze lower. Bargain securities are still rare in our core universe (we avoid the money-losing, speculative corners of the market which have crashed the hardest to date). Our view remains that it is a market for caution, not greed. Rather than getting too caught up in the macro forecasting game, our plan for 2023 remains the same: we will invest on a bottom-up basis in individual securities offering solid risk-adjusted returns.

 

Portfolio Review

 

The Fund ended the year with a 50.4% weighting in the top ten holdings as a percentage of net assets. We believe this concentration is a key differentiator relative to our peers and the market. One notable change in the Fund’s top ten holdings was Trecora Resources (“Trecora”), which was exited after being acquired earlier in the year. Somewhat unusually, Trecora was the only M&A transaction in 2022 following a handful of deals in 2021. Buyouts like these have provided more meaningful performance contributions in prior years. The other factor that has weighed on results is the strength of the U.S. Dollar (“USD”). The Fund is overweight in small-cap international stocks by a considerable margin relative to the benchmark index. As foreign currencies weaken, the translated value of those small-cap international holdings into USD falls. Any reversion here may be a significant tailwind to Fund performance.

 

It was also an above-average year for trading activity, as we responded to fund flows in a challenging and volatile trading environment. While

    

slightly elevated this year, the Fund’s average annual turnover over the years has been around 30%, which strikes us as a good balance between long-held investments (we still own several securities that were in the Fund at inception eight and a half years ago) and new positions. We exited several marginal positions and ended the year with 47 holdings in the Fund. Our cash position is 7.4%, providing plenty of capital to deploy into new ideas. We anticipate volatile markets will produce opportunities to invest this capital at good returns in the coming year.

 

Value Investing in Down Markets

 

We recently re-read an essay from Paul Graham, the venture capitalist and co-founder of Y Combinator. Written in 2005 and entitled What You'll Wish You'd Known, Graham writes with advice to high school students. One section of the piece discusses the importance of optionality in figuring out long-term goals. He writes, “Flying a glider is a good metaphor here. Because a glider doesn't have an engine, you can't fly into the wind without losing a lot of altitude. If you let yourself get far downwind of good places to land, your options narrow uncomfortably. As a rule, you want to stay upwind.”

 

Staying upwind seems like an apt metaphor for value investing as well. A cheap purchase price provides a lot of “landing spots” that can result in a satisfactory rate of return, even in the face of underwhelming business performance, disappointing management execution, or poorly timed economic downturns. It is foundational to our investment process that paying a sensible price in relation to business value provides a margin of safety against unknowns and mistakes.

 

On the opposite end, many growth investors, especially in the past few years, purchased businesses at sky-high multiples without any margin of error. Those companies at those prices HAD to be wildly, even historically, successful to justify the valuation. They were downwind, committed to a course with no ability to adjust. Many crashed and burned in 2022 without a proven business model or path to profitability. They simply ran out of options.

 

The largest gains (albeit usually temporary) often occur during roaring bull markets when everything seems to be flying up at once. Everyone appears to be winning. In bull markets, “buying a piece of a business based on expected cash flow” becomes “buying on the hope of selling a stock at an even more inflated price.” That worked for a while—even a long while in recent years. This mood permeated

      

much of the last decade or more (with a sharp, but only brief, interruption from COVID), culminating in a blow-off in speculative behavior in 2021. As we enter 2023, investor mood has changed. As sharp as 2022’s -18% market decline has been, even more turmoil was under the surface, with many speculative story stocks down multiples more than that. Even mega-cap stocks with “real” business models saw sharp corrections from previously high valuations despite generally good results.

 

Why do we focus on value investing? One reason is that the future is uncertain. That’s uncomfortable, and that discomfort is even more acute during drawdowns. Who knew that a global pandemic would temporarily shut down the world? Who believed that oil prices could go negative? What shock will it be next? Our goal is to invest in companies that can withstand the inevitable surprises and still earn a satisfactory outcome. Valuation is a huge part of that calculus. We believe the Fund’s portfolio–full of above-average businesses with conservative balance sheets at below-average valuations–has a lot of options. Staying upwind does not generate the same excitement as racing ahead, but boring is good if it leads to a safe landing.

 

Contributors/Detractors

 

The three largest contributors were Total Energy Services, Inc., (“Total Energy”), Trecora, and Amplify Energy Corp. (“Amplify”). All three share the characteristic of being “real economy” businesses across the energy and chemicals sectors. We discussed Trecora in our first half letter following its buyout by private equity in early 2022. We continue to be impressed with Total Energy’s management, as they have navigated through one of the most challenging periods in oilfield services, buying shares personally the entire way. We expect pricing power to finally show up in Total Energy’s results in 2023. Amplify is an upstream oil & gas holding. Unfortunately, the company suffered from a well-publicized oil spill off the coast of California at its Beta field in late 2021. The shares sold off in a panic immediately following the news, although it turned out to be much less dire than initially feared. While the cause of the oil spill is being litigated, Amplify’s insurers are covering most of the cleanup cost and the Beta field will likely restart in early 2023, after repairs are finished. With the spill overhang cleaned up, Beta back online, and old commodity hedges rolling off, Amplify’s earning potential should finally shine through.

 

 

32


   

    

AMG Yacktman Special Opportunities Fund

Portfolio Manager’s Comments (continued)

 

 

 

The three largest detractors were Naked Wines PLC, Italian Wine Brands S.P.A. (“IWB”), and Brickability Group PLC. In our past letters we have discussed the missteps made by Naked Wines—underperforming marketing spend, inflated cost base, inappropriate debt structure, and excess inventory. We invested with the belief that Naked Wines had a profitable underlying business underneath even if the pandemic tailwinds were temporary. While still early, management has fixed the leverage issues, reduced costs, and pivoted to profitability. Inventory is still elevated but management has committed to reducing it meaningfully over the next 18 months, unlocking significant cash to help re-focus on growth if marketing paybacks are there. Either way, we expect the market will look favorably on the change in strategy toward profitability and shareholder return, once management demonstrates it can execute the new plan.

 

While sharing a product category with Naked Wines, IWB is a different business model. IWB’s largest business unit is a wholesaler of branded Italian wine to retail stores like grocery chains. As a European business, IWB faced extreme inflation and product shortages across many areas of its supply chain. The lag in passing through those costs has impacted margins, but we expect a reversion back to the normal profit structure in 2023.

      

While our other two detractors saw some deterioration in financials or growth potential, Brickability’s share price did not suffer from poor earnings (which have been excellent across the board, with fiscal year 2022 another record year), but rather macro sentiment. As a brick merchant and building products distributor, over half of Brickability’s sales go into new home construction. Given the hike in interest rates, that end market will likely slow in 2023. Yet Brickability is executing extremely well across both operations and M&A, with an opportunity to gain further market share from weaker competitors. With essentially no debt and capable management, we expect them to navigate through a more difficult period.

 

Conclusion

 

We recently read The Prize: The Epic Quest for Oil, Money, and Power by Daniel Yergin, a comprehensive history of the energy business going back to the discovery of oil in 1859 by “Colonel” Edwin Drake in Titusville, PA. As we reflected on 2022, one exchange in the book stood out. It relays a conversation with Marcus Samuel, the founder of Shell (which merged with Royal Dutch to create the global energy major). Samuel is extremely important in the early history of the oil markets, but in this quote, he was being criticized by one of his business

      

partners on his management style: “There seems only one idea: sink capital, create a great bluster, and trust to providence. Such a happy-go-lucky frame of mind in business I have never seen before … business like this cannot be conducted by an occasional glance in one’s spare time, or by some brilliant coup from time to time. It is steady, treadmill work. … Unless some very radical change is made, the bubble will burst.” The past decade or more has been full of bluster. It appears a bubble has burst in a meaningful portion of the more speculative risk assets, although it may be too early to tell if that will bleed further into the broader market and economy. If so, the next years will be harder than the ones before, and many investors are unprepared for a market offering much poorer returns. We believe value investing’s steady, incremental progress will matter once again. Our objective remains to produce attractive risk-adjusted returns over a full market cycle. We appreciate the AMG Yacktman Special Opportunities Fund shareholders who entrust us with their capital to pursue this goal.

 

The views expressed represent the opinions of Yacktman Asset Management LP as of December 31, 2022, and are not intended as a forecast or guarantee of future results, and are subject to change without notice.

 

 

33


    

AMG Yacktman Special Opportunities Fund

Portfolio Manager’s Comments (continued)

 

 

 

CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN PERFORMANCE

AMG Yacktman Special Opportunities Fund’s cumulative total return is based on the daily change in net asset value (NAV), and assumes that all dividends and distributions were reinvested. The graph compares a hypothetical $10,000 investment made in the AMG Yacktman Special Opportunities Fund’s Class Z shares on June 30, 2014 (inception date), to a $10,000 investment made in the MSCI ACWI All Cap Index for the same time period. The graph and table do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on a Fund distribution or redemption of shares. The listed returns for the Fund are net of expenses and the returns for the index exclude expenses. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced.

 

LOGO

The table below shows the average annual total returns for the AMG Yacktman Special Opportunities Fund and the MSCI ACWI All Cap Index for the same time periods ended December 31, 2022.

 

  Average Annual Total Returns1    One
Year
  Five
Years
  Since
Inception
  Inception
Date

AMG Yacktman Special Opportunities Fund2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18

 

Class I

       (13.59 %)       3.66 %       7.68 %       06/30/15

Class Z

       (13.57 %)       3.75 %       6.03 %       06/30/14

MSCI ACWI All Cap Index19

       (18.44 %)       4.93 %       5.94 %        06/30/14  

The performance data shown represents past performance. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.

 

Investors should carefully consider the Fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses before investing. For performance information through the most recent month end, current net asset values per share for the Fund and other information, please call 800.548.4539 or visit our website at amgfunds.com for a free prospectus. Read it carefully before investing or sending money.

Distributed by AMG Distributors, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC.

 

 

Date reflects the inception date of the Fund, not the index.

 

1 

Total return equals income yield plus share price change and assumes reinvestment of all dividends and capital gain distributions. Returns are net of fees and may reflect offsets of Fund expenses as described in the prospectus. No adjustment has been made for taxes payable by shareholders on their reinvested dividends and capital gain distributions. Returns for periods greater than one year are annualized. The listed returns on the Fund are net of expenses and based on the published NAV as of December 31, 2022. All returns are in U.S. Dollars ($).

2  From time to time, the Fund’s investment manager has waived its fees and/or absorbed Fund expenses, which has resulted in higher returns.

 

3  The Fund’s investment management fees are subject to a performance adjustment, which could increase or reduce the investment management fees paid by the Fund. The prospect of a positive or negative performance adjustment may create an incentive for the Fund’s portfolio manager to take greater risks with the Fund’s portfolio. In addition, because performance adjustments are based upon past performance, a shareholder may pay a higher or lower management fee for performance that occurred prior to the shareholder’s investment in the Fund. The performance adjustment could increase the Investment Manager’s fee (and, in turn, the Subadviser’s fee) even if the Fund’s shares lose value during the performance period provided that the Fund outperformed its benchmark index, and could decrease the Investment Manager’s fee (and, in turn, the Subadviser’s fee) even if the Fund’s shares increase in value during the performance period provided that the Fund underperformed its benchmark index.

 

4  The Fund is subject to currency risk resulting from fluctuations in exchange rates that may affect the total loss or gain on a non-U.S. Dollar investment when converted back to U.S. Dollars.

 

5  The Fund is subject to the risks associated with investments in debt securities, such as default risk and fluctuations in the perception of the debtor’s ability to pay its creditors. Changing interest rates may adversely affect the value of an investment. An increase in interest rates typically causes the value of bonds and other fixed income securities to fall.

 

6  The Fund may invest in derivatives such as options and futures; the complexity and rapidly changing structure of derivatives markets may increase the possibility of market losses.

 

7  Investments in international securities are subject to certain risks of overseas investing including currency fluctuations and changes in political and economic conditions, which could result in significant market fluctuations. These risks are magnified in emerging markets.

 

8  The Fund is subject to the risks associated with investments in emerging markets, such as erratic earnings patterns, economic and political instability, changing exchange controls, limitations on repatriation of foreign capital and changes in local governmental attitudes toward private investment, possibly leading to nationalization or confiscation of investor assets.

 

9  A greater percentage of the Fund’s holdings may be focused in a smaller number of securities which may place the Fund at greater risk than a more diversified fund.

 

 

 

34


   

    

AMG Yacktman Special Opportunities Fund

Portfolio Manager’s Comments (continued)

 

 

 

10 High-yield bonds (also known as “junk bonds”) may be subject to greater levels of interest rate, credit, and liquidity risk than investments in higher rated securities. These securities are considered predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer’s continuing ability to make principal and interest payments. The issuers of the Fund’s holdings may be involved in bankruptcy proceedings, reorganizations, or financial restructurings, and are not as strong financially as higher-rated issuers.

 

11 The Fund invests in large-capitalization companies that may underperform other stock funds (such as funds that focus on small- and medium-capitalization companies) when stocks of large-capitalization companies are out of favor.

 

12 The Fund is subject to the special risks associated with investments in micro-cap companies, such as relatively short earnings history, competitive conditions, less publicly available corporate information, and reliance on a limited number of products.

 

13 The Fund is subject to risks associated with investments in mid-capitalization companies such as greater price volatility, lower trading volume, and less liquidity than the stocks of larger, more established companies.

  

14 Companies that are in similar industry sectors may be similarly affected by particular economic or market events; to the extent the Fund has substantial holdings within a particular sector, the risks associated with that sector increase.

 

15 The Fund may suffer significant losses on assets that it sells short. Unlike the possible loss on a security that is purchased, there is no limit on the amount of loss on an appreciating security that is sold short.

 

16 The Fund is subject to risks associated with investments in small-capitalization companies, such as erratic earnings patterns, competitive conditions, limited earnings history and a reliance on one or a limited number of products.

 

17 Market prices of investments held by the Fund may fall rapidly or unpredictably due to a variety of economic or political factors, market conditions, disasters or public health issues, or in response to events that affect particular industries or companies.

 

18 The Fund invests in value stocks, which may perform differently from the market as a whole and may be undervalued by the market for a long period of time.

  

19 The MSCI ACWI All Cap Index captures large, mid, small and micro cap representation across certain Developed Markets (DM) countries and large, mid and small cap representation across certain Emerging Markets (EM) countries. The index is comprehensive, covering a significant percentage of the global equity investment opportunity set. Please go to msci.com for most current list of countries represented by the index. Unlike the Fund, the MSCI ACWI All Cap Index is unmanaged, is not available for investment and does not incur expenses.

 

All MSCI data is provided “as is”. The products described herein are not sponsored or endorsed and have not been reviewed or passed on by MSCI. In no event shall MSCI, its affiliates or any MSCI data provider have any liability of any kind in connection with the MSCI data or the products described herein. Copying or redistributing the MSCI data is strictly prohibited.

 

Not FDIC Insured, nor bank guaranteed. May lose value.

 

 

35


   

AMG Yacktman Special Opportunities Fund

Fund Snapshots (unaudited)

December 31, 2022

 

 

PORTFOLIO BREAKDOWN

 

    Sector    % of 
Net Assets 
 

Energy

   21.8
 

Industrials

   19.1
 

Consumer Discretionary

   16.1
 

Consumer Staples

   11.6
 

Materials

   10.9
 

Financials

     9.1
 

Information Technology

     2.3
 

Health Care

     0.6
 

Communication Services

     0.6
 

Utilities

     0.4
 

Short-Term Investments

     7.8
 

Other Assets, less Liabilities

    (0.3)

 

 

TOP TEN HOLDINGS

 

    Security Name           % of 
Net Assets 
 
 

Omni Bridgeway, Ltd. (Australia)

       9.1        
 

Total Energy Services, Inc. (Canada)

       8.8        
 

U-Haul Holding Co., Non-Voting Shares (United States)

       5.0        
 

Texhong Textile Group, Ltd. (Hong Kong)

       4.6        
 

Brickability Group PLC (United Kingdom)

       4.6        
 

Italian Wine Brands S.P.A (Italy)

       4.2        
 

Legacy Housing Corp. (United States)

       4.2        
 

B&S Group, S.A.R.L. (Luxembourg)

       3.6        
 

Delfi, Ltd. (Singapore)

       3.2        
 

America’s Car-Mart, Inc. (United States)

       3.1        
 

Top Ten as a Group

 

      

 

     50.4      

 

 

 

          
 

 

 

Because a fund’s strategy may result in multiple investments in particular sectors of the economy, its performance may depend on the performance of those sectors and may fluctuate more widely than investments diversified across more sectors. For additional information on these and other risk considerations, please see the Fund’s prospectus.

Any sectors, industries, or securities discussed should not be perceived as investment recommendations. Mention of a specific security should not be considered a recommendation to buy or solicitation to sell that security. Specific securities mentioned in this report may have been sold from the Fund’s portfolio of investments by the time you receive this report.

 

 

36


   

 

AMG Yacktman Special Opportunities Fund

Fund Snapshots (continued)

For the six months ended December 31, 2022

 

 

NEW EQUITY POSITIONS

 

  New Purchases   

Current

Shares Held

 

Arrow Exploration Corp. (Canada)

     6,000,000      

Fila S.P.A. (Italy)

     66,000      

Noram Drilling A.S. (Norway)

     180,000      

U-Haul Holding Co., Non-Voting Shares1

     75,600      

EQUITY PURCHASES & SALES

 

  Purchases    Net Shares
Purchased
    

Current Shares

Held

 

America’s Car-Mart, Inc.

     20,500            36,000      

Amerigo Resources, Ltd. (Canada)

     543,100            1,500,000      

Brickability Group PLC (United Kingdom)

     215,000            4,800,000      

Cie de L’Odet SE (France)

     257            1,223      

Delfi, Ltd. (Singapore)

     502,600            4,702,600      

Hargreaves Services PLC (United Kingdom)

     100,000            410,000      

Hemisphere Energy Corp. (Canada)

     343,400            1,000,000      

Horizon Oil, Ltd. (Australia)

     4,500,000            22,500,000      

KISCO Holdings Co., Ltd. (South Korea)

     11,000            101,000      

Macfarlane Group PLC (United Kingdom)

     675,000            1,200,000      

NeoPharm Co., Ltd. (South Korea)

     6,640            66,615      

Okamoto Industries, Inc. (Japan)

     3,500            37,500      

Sinko Industries, Ltd. (Japan)

     12,000            62,000      

Texhong Textile Group, Ltd. (Hong Kong)

     798,500            4,850,000      
  Sales    Net Shares
Sold
     Current Shares
Held
 

B&S Group, S.A.R.L. (Luxembourg)

     80,000            575,000      

Bixolon Co., Ltd. (South Korea)

     75,000            120,000      

Boustead Singapore, Ltd. (Singapore)

     980,800            1,350,000      

CB Industrial Product Holding Bhd (Malaysia)

     3,800,000            2,580,800      

Cosco Capital, Inc. (Philippines)

     4,750,000            4,500,000      

Dong Ah Tire & Rubber Co., Ltd. (South Korea)

     12,000            62,500      

Evolution Petroleum Corp.

     70,000            100,000      

GrafTech International, Ltd.

     55,000            —      

Ifis Japan, Ltd. (Japan)

     10,000            71,000      

Italian Wine Brands S.P.A (Italy)

     42,000            120,000      

Komelon Corp. (South Korea)

     16,000            55,000      

Legacy Housing Corp.

     100,000            185,000      

Maezawa Industries, Inc. (Japan)

     27,400            175,000      

Master Drilling Group, Ltd. (South Africa)

     150,000            700,000      

Ocean Wilsons Holdings, Ltd. (Bermuda)

     59,000            115,000      

Omni Bridgeway, Ltd. (Australia)

     1,225,000            3,100,000      

Pardee Resources Co., Inc.

     2,172            3,928      

Pumtech Korea Co., Ltd. (South Korea)

     2,600            36,400      

Reading International, Inc., Class A

     131,200            179,800      

Sam Yung Trading Co., Ltd. (South Korea)

     92,801            97,259      

Sekisui Jushi Corp. (Japan)

     8,500            100,000      

SK Kaken Co., Ltd. (Japan)

     300            1,500      

Total Energy Services, Inc. (Canada)

     512,000          1,153,600      

U-Haul Holding Co.

     300          8,400      

Webstep A.S.

     100,407          —      

WIN-Partners Co., Ltd. (Japan)

     38,500        64,000      

 

1

Purchases and sales due to a corporate action.

 

 

 

37


    

 

AMG Yacktman Special Opportunities Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments

December 31, 2022

 

   

    

 

      

 

     

    

Shares

     Value  

Common Stocks - 91.4%

     

Communication Services - 0.6%

 

  

Reading International, Inc., Class A (United States)*

     179,800        $498,046  

Consumer Discretionary - 16.1%

     

America’s Car-Mart, Inc. (United States)*,1

     36,000        2,601,360  

B&S Group, S.A.R.L. (Luxembourg)2

     575,000        2,975,985  

Dong Ah Tire & Rubber Co., Ltd. (South Korea)

     62,500        561,135  

Legacy Housing Corp. (United States)*

     185,000        3,507,600  

Texhong Textile Group, Ltd. (Hong Kong)

     4,850,000        3,869,224  

Total Consumer Discretionary

        13,515,304  

Consumer Staples - 11.6%

 

  

Cosco Capital, Inc. (Philippines)

     4,500,000        377,103  

Delfi, Ltd. (Singapore)

     4,702,600        2,718,474  

Italian Wine Brands S.P.A (Italy)

     120,000        3,519,109  

Naked Wines PLC (United Kingdom)*

     1,350,000        2,045,531  

NeoPharm Co., Ltd. (South Korea)

     66,615        1,010,283  

Total Consumer Staples

        9,670,500  

Energy - 21.8%

     

Amplify Energy Corp. (United States)*

     220,000        1,933,800  

Arrow Exploration Corp. (Canada)*

     6,000,000        1,269,397  

Evolution Petroleum Corp. (United States)

     100,000        755,000  

Hargreaves Services PLC (United Kingdom)

     410,000        1,957,895  

Hemisphere Energy Corp. (Canada)

     1,000,000        967,504  

Horizon Oil, Ltd. (Australia)

     22,500,000        2,004,354  

Noram Drilling A.S. (Norway)

     180,000        1,043,409  

Pardee Resources Co., Inc. (United States)

     3,928        1,021,280  

Total Energy Services, Inc. (Canada)

     1,153,600        7,335,669  

Total Energy

        18,288,308  

Financials - 9.1%

     

Omni Bridgeway, Ltd. (Australia)*

     3,100,000        7,629,473  

Health Care - 0.6%

     

WIN-Partners Co., Ltd. (Japan)

     64,000        518,331  

Industrials - 19.1%

     

Boustead Singapore, Ltd. (Singapore)

     1,350,000        811,277  

CB Industrial Product Holding Bhd (Malaysia)

     2,580,800        644,468  

Cie de L’Odet SE (France)

     1,223        1,816,091  

Fila S.P.A. (Italy)

     66,000        492,347  

Komelon Corp. (South Korea)

     55,000        433,685  

Macfarlane Group PLC (United Kingdom)

     1,200,000        1,501,581  

Maezawa Industries, Inc. (Japan)

     175,000        814,422  

Mitani Corp. (Japan)

     43,500        429,230  

Ocean Wilsons Holdings, Ltd. (Bermuda)1

     115,000        1,292,972  
     

    

Shares

     Value  

Sam Yung Trading Co., Ltd. (South Korea)

     97,259        $960,017  

Sekisui Jushi Corp. (Japan)

     100,000        1,415,565  

Sinko Industries, Ltd. (Japan)

     62,000        676,656  

U-Haul Holding Co. (United States)

     8,400        505,596  

U-Haul Holding Co., Non-Voting Shares (United States)

     75,600        4,156,488  

Total Industrials

        15,950,395  

Information Technology - 1.2%

     

Bixolon Co., Ltd. (South Korea)

     120,000        665,929  

Ifis Japan, Ltd. (Japan)

     71,000        329,061  

Total Information Technology

        994,990  

Materials - 10.9%

     

Amerigo Resources, Ltd. (Canada)

     1,500,000        1,462,334  

Brickability Group PLC (United Kingdom)

     4,800,000        3,829,953  

KISCO Holdings Co., Ltd. (South Korea)*

     101,000        1,254,882  

Master Drilling Group, Ltd. (South Africa)

     700,000        596,542  

Okamoto Industries, Inc. (Japan)

     37,500        1,051,312  

Pumtech Korea Co., Ltd. (South Korea)*

     36,400        473,103  

SK Kaken Co., Ltd. (Japan)

     1,500        474,322  

Total Materials

        9,142,448  

Utilities - 0.4%

     

Maxim Power Corp. (Canada)*

     140,000        351,551  

Total Common Stocks
(Cost $69,664,532)

        76,559,346  

Preferred Stock - 1.1%

     

Information Technology - 1.1%

     

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., 2.630% (South Korea)

     24,000        961,761  

Total Preferred Stock
(Cost $398,488)

        961,761  
     Principal
Amount
        

Short-Term Investments - 7.8%

     

Joint Repurchase Agreements - 0.4%3

 

  

Citigroup Global Markets, Inc., dated 12/30/22, due 01/03/23, 4.250% total to be received $366,435 (collateralized by various U.S. Treasuries, 0.000% - 4.500%, 04/11/23 - 10/31/29, totaling $373,587)

     $366,262        366,262  
     Shares         

Other Investment Companies - 7.4%

 

  

Dreyfus Government Cash Management Fund, Institutional Shares, 4.19%4

     2,484,752        2,484,752  
 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

38


   

    

AMG Yacktman Special Opportunities Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments (continued)

 

 

 

     

    

Shares

     Value  

Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Government Money Market Fund, Institutional Shares, 4.27%4

     3,727,129        $3,727,129  

Total Other Investment Companies

        6,211,881  

Total Short-Term Investments
(Cost $6,578,143)

        6,578,143  
                         

    

Value

 

Total Investments - 100.3%
(Cost $76,641,163)

     $84,099,250  

Other Assets, less Liabilities - (0.3)%

     (293,215

Net Assets - 100.0%

     $83,806,035  
 

 

*

Non-income producing security.

 

1 

Some of these securities, amounting to $1,895,633 or 2.3% of net assets, were out on loan to various borrowers and are collateralized by cash and various U.S. Treasury Obligations. See Note 4 of Notes to Financial Statements.

 

2 

Security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. This security may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At December 31, 2022, the value of this security amounted to $2,975,985 or 3.6% of net assets.

3 

Cash collateral received for securities lending activity was invested in these joint repurchase agreements.

 

4 

Yield shown represents the December 31, 2022, seven day average yield, which refers to the sum of the previous seven days’ dividends paid, expressed as an annual percentage.

 

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments by the fair value hierarchy levels as of December 31, 2022:

 

     Level 1      Level 21      Level 3      Total  

  Investments in Securities

           

Common Stocks

           

Energy

   $ 15,240,545      $ 3,047,763             $ 18,288,308  

Industrials

     6,599,524        9,350,871               15,950,395  

Consumer Discretionary

     9,084,945        4,430,359               13,515,304  

Consumer Staples

     377,103        9,293,397               9,670,500  

Materials

     5,888,829        3,253,619               9,142,448  

Financials

            7,629,473               7,629,473  

Information Technology

            994,990               994,990  

Health Care

            518,331               518,331  

Communication Services

     498,046                      498,046  

Utilities

     351,551                      351,551  

Preferred Stock

  

 

 

  

 

961,761

 

  

 

 

  

 

961,761

 

Short-Term Investments

           

Joint Repurchase Agreements

            366,262               366,262  

Other Investment Companies

     6,211,881                      6,211,881  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

  Total Investments in Securities

  

$

44,252,424

 

  

$

39,846,826

 

  

 

 

  

$

84,099,250

 

  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  

All preferred stocks held in the Fund are Level 2 securities. For a detailed breakout of preferred stocks by major industry classification, please refer to Schedule of Portfolio Investments.

 

  1

An external pricing service is used to reflect any impact on security value due to market movements between the time the Fund valued such foreign securities and the earlier closing of foreign markets.

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, there were no transfers in or out of Level 3.

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

39


   

 

    

AMG Yacktman Special Opportunities Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments (continued)

 

 

 

The country allocation in the Schedule of Portfolio Investments at December 31, 2022, was as follows:

 

 Country   

% of Long-Term

Investments

 Australia

     12.4

 Bermuda

       1.7

 Canada

     14.7

 France

       2.3

 Hong Kong

       5.0

 Italy

       5.2

 Japan

       7.4

 Luxembourg

       3.8

 Malaysia

       0.8

 Norway

       1.3

 Philippines

       0.5

 Singapore

       4.6

 South Africa

       0.8

 South Korea

       8.2

 United Kingdom

     12.0

 United States

     19.3
  

 

   100.0
  

 

    

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

40


   

    

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

December 31, 2022

 

 

     AMG Yacktman
Fund
     AMG Yacktman
Focused Fund
     AMG Yacktman
Global Fund
  AMG Yacktman
Special
Opportunities Fund

Assets:

          

Investments at value1

(including securities on loan  valued at $46,523,866, $11,289,472, $0, and $1,895,633, respectively)

     $7,953,756,620        $3,487,592,738        $149,416,077         $84,099,250     

Affiliated Investments at value2

            25,657,438               

Foreign currency3

            439,233               

Receivable for investments sold

     250,631        10,646,979               

Segregated cash at broker

            5,472,000               

Dividend and interest receivables

     33,610,176        23,307,480        1,610,281       285,629  

Securities lending income receivable

     8,154        9,596        511       1,347  

Receivable for Fund shares sold

     3,976,697        2,738,408        41,546       55,681  

Receivable from affiliate

                   6,071       8,980  

Prepaid expenses and other assets

 

    

 

40,410

 

 

 

    

 

33,514

 

 

 

    

 

8,206

 

 

 

   

 

6,184

 

 

 

Total assets

     7,991,642,688        3,555,897,386        151,082,692       84,457,071  

Liabilities:

          

Payable upon return of securities loaned

     5,503,957        7,879,966              366,262  

Payable for investments purchased

            978,757              61,742  

Payable for Fund shares repurchased

     7,517,546        5,941,166        47,107       14,130  

Written options4

            685,440               

Due to custodian

     5,265                      

Accrued expenses:

          

Investment advisory and management fees

     2,962,287        2,684,014        90,671       117,108  

Administrative fees

     1,035,210        459,453        19,156       10,560  

Shareholder service fees

     485,634        251,531        315       3,928  

Other

 

    

 

1,092,131

 

 

 

    

 

615,539

 

 

 

    

 

80,573

 

 

 

   

 

77,306

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     18,602,030        19,495,866        237,822       651,036  
          

Net Assets

     $7,973,040,658        $3,536,401,520        $150,844,870       $83,806,035  

1 Investments at cost

     $5,770,798,450        $2,680,956,218        $140,767,043       $76,641,163  

2 Affiliated Investments at cost

            $53,514,887               

3 Foreign currency at cost

            $439,233               

4 Premiums received

            $607,711               

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

41


   

    

    

Statement of Assets and Liabilities (continued)

 

 

     AMG Yacktman
Fund
  AMG Yacktman
Focused Fund
  AMG Yacktman
Global Fund
  AMG Yacktman
Special
Opportunities Fund

Net Assets Represent:

        

Paid-in capital

     $5,758,869,921        $2,757,037,355       $141,668,240       $76,741,674  

Total distributable earnings

     2,214,170,737       779,364,165        9,176,630         7,064,361      

Net Assets

     $7,973,040,658       $3,536,401,520       $150,844,870       $83,806,035  

Class N:

        

Net Assets

           $1,730,316,409       $1,353,609        

Shares outstanding

           95,523,984       95,225        

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share

           $18.11       $14.21        

Class I:

        

Net Assets

     $7,973,040,658       $1,806,085,111       $149,491,261       $47,024,129  

Shares outstanding

     377,327,176       100,115,814       10,493,601       4,170,926  

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share

     $21.13       $18.04       $14.25       $11.27  

Class Z:

        

Net Assets

                       $36,781,906  

Shares outstanding

                       3,252,754  

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share

                       $11.31  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

42


   

    

Statement of Operations

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022

 

 

 

     AMG Yacktman
Fund
  AMG Yacktman
Focused Fund
  AMG Yacktman
Global Fund
  AMG Yacktman
Special
Opportunities Fund

  Investment Income:

        

  Dividend income

     $196,933,343       $96,570,611       $4,502,692       $2,769,674  

  Interest income

     9,280,280       4,424,114       122,152       23,172  

  Dividends from affiliated securities

           1,227,212              

  Securities lending income

     70,247       29,730       1,535       11,601  

  Foreign withholding tax

     (14,600,353 )        (9,309,044 )        (597,653 )        (171,030 )     

  Total investment income

     191,683,517       92,942,623       4,028,726       2,633,417  

  Expenses:

        

  Investment advisory and management fees

     36,646,370       33,833,815       1,102,207       1,580,558  

  Administrative fees

     12,820,132       5,833,417       232,861       148,758  

  Shareholder servicing fees - Class N

           3,446,880       2,195        

  Shareholder servicing fees - Class I

     7,321,547                   42,625  

  Custodian fees

     990,665       558,240       61,098       58,841  

  Trustee fees and expenses

     606,155       274,676       10,966       6,856  

  Professional fees

     448,920       230,367       49,137       39,473  

  Transfer agent fees

     408,612       213,164       8,668       3,672  

  Reports to shareholders

     356,343       173,658       3,836       8,457  

  Registration fees

     143,226       129,510       23,253       21,963  

  Interest expense

                       166  

  Miscellaneous

     283,300       135,800       6,758       5,893  

  Repayment of prior reimbursements

           46,637             8,646  

   Total expenses before offsets

     60,025,270       44,876,164       1,500,979       1,925,908  

  Expense reimbursements

           (10,296     (54,795     (34,769

  Fee waivers

     (334,444     (127,121            

  Net expenses

     59,690,826       44,738,747       1,446,184       1,891,139  

  

        

  Net investment income

     131,992,691       48,203,876       2,582,542       742,278  

  Net Realized and Unrealized Loss:

        

Net realized gain on investments

     360,231,374       171,120,170       5,213,176       430,742  

Net realized loss on foreign currency transactions

     (803,238     (750,183     (51,731     (94,488

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments

     (1,194,585,385     (567,173,632     (23,923,941     (16,505,792

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on affiliated investments

           (6,280,273            

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on written options

           (77,729            

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on foreign currency translations

     (294,974     (114,133     7,511       282  

Net realized and unrealized loss

     (835,452,223     (403,275,780     (18,754,985     (16,169,256

  

        

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

     $(703,459,532)       $(355,071,904)       $(16,172,443)       $(15,426,978)  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

43


   

    

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

For the fiscal years ended December 31,

 

 

 

     AMG Yacktman
Fund
    AMG Yacktman
Focused Fund
 
     2022     2021     2022     2021  

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting From Operations:

        

Net investment income

     $131,992,691       $96,876,644       $48,203,876       $33,310,116  

Net realized gain on investments

     359,428,136       300,920,992       170,369,987       182,246,817  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments

     (1,194,880,359     1,143,172,456       (573,645,767     410,786,303  
        

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

     (703,459,532     1,540,970,092       (355,071,904     626,343,236  

Distributions to Shareholders:

        

Class N

                 (124,361,503     (97,900,715

Class I

     (557,461,732     (341,720,709     (134,536,532     (109,158,676

Total distributions to shareholders

     (557,461,732     (341,720,709     (258,898,035     (207,059,391

Capital Share Transactions:1

        

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

     (241,661,122     640,234,734       (317,483,501     409,334,123  
        

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

     (1,502,582,386     1,839,484,117       (931,453,440     828,617,968  

Net Assets:

        

Beginning of year

     9,475,623,044       7,636,138,927       4,467,854,960       3,639,236,992  
        

End of year

     $7,973,040,658       $9,475,623,044       $3,536,401,520       $4,467,854,960  

1 See Note 1(g) of the Notes to Financial Statements.

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

44


   

    

Statements of Changes in Net Assets (continued)

For the fiscal years ended December 31,

 

 

 

 

     AMG Yacktman
Global Fund
    AMG Yacktman
Special
Opportunities Fund
 
     2022     2021     2022     2021  

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting From Operations:

        

Net investment income (loss)

     $2,582,542       $2,033,206       $742,278       $(15,569

Net realized gain on investments

     5,161,445       8,852,173       336,254       4,330,398  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments

     (23,916,430     6,824,993       (16,505,510     15,896,200  
        

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

     (16,172,443     17,710,372       (15,426,978     20,211,029  

Distributions to Shareholders:

        

Class N

     (51,267     (53,059            

Class I

     (6,262,235     (12,752,955     (398,986     (1,238,880

Class Z

                 (342,692     (2,928,032

Total distributions to shareholders

     (6,313,502     (12,806,014     (741,678     (4,166,912

Capital Share Transactions:1

        

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

     2,240,388       32,996,714       (12,133,984     17,275,902  
        

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

     (20,245,557     37,901,072       (28,302,640     33,320,019  

Net Assets:

        

Beginning of year

     171,090,427       133,189,355       112,108,675       78,788,656  
        

End of year

     $150,844,870       $171,090,427       $83,806,035       $112,108,675  

1 See Note 1(g) of the Notes to Financial Statements.

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

45


   

 

AMG Yacktman Fund

Financial Highlights

For a share outstanding throughout each fiscal year

 

 

 

     For the fiscal years ended December 31,  
  Class I    2022       2021       2020       2019       2018  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year

     $24.50       $21.26       $20.48       $19.05       $22.85  

Income (loss) from Investment Operations:

          

Net investment income1,2

     0.35       0.26 3       0.27       0.35       0.40  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (2.17     3.89       2.81       2.99       0.20  

 

          

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     (1.82     4.15       3.08       3.34       0.60  

Less Distributions to Shareholders from:

          

Net investment income

     (0.33     (0.27     (0.28     (0.37     (0.44

Net realized gain on investments

     (1.22     (0.64     (2.02     (1.54     (3.96

 

          

Total distributions to shareholders

     (1.55     (0.91     (2.30     (1.91     (4.40

Net Asset Value, End of Year

     $21.13       $24.50       $21.26       $20.48       $19.05  

 

          

Total Return2,4

     (7.37 )%      19.63     15.28     17.66     2.69

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets

     0.70     0.70     0.70     0.70     0.70

Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets5

     0.70     0.70     0.71     0.71     0.71

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets2

     1.54     1.09     1.38     1.70     1.70

Portfolio turnover

     11     15     27     35     12

Net assets end of year (000’s) omitted

     $7,973,041       $9,475,623       $7,636,139       $8,242,523       $7,110,981  
                                          

 

1 

Per share numbers have been calculated using average shares.

 

2 

Total returns and net investment income would have been lower had certain expenses not been offset.

 

3 

Includes non-recurring dividends. Without these dividends, net investment income per share would have been $0.21.

 

4 

The total return is calculated using the published Net Asset Value as of fiscal year end.

 

5 

Excludes the impact of expense reimbursement or fee waivers and expense reductions such as brokerage credits, but includes expense repayments and non-reimbursable expenses, if any, such as interest, taxes, and extraordinary expenses. (See Note 1(c) and 2 in the Notes to Financial Statements.)

 

 

46


   

 

AMG Yacktman Focused Fund

Financial Highlights

For a share outstanding throughout each fiscal year

 

 

     For the fiscal years ended December 31,  
  Class N    2022       2021       2020       2019       2018  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year

     $21.21       $19.09       $18.25       $17.78       $21.13  

Income (loss) from Investment Operations:

          

Net investment income1,2

     0.22       0.14 3       0.15       0.23       0.28  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (1.94     2.98       2.95       3.13       0.31  
          

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     (1.72     3.12       3.10       3.36       0.59  

Less Distributions to Shareholders from:

          

Net investment income

     (0.21     (0.16     (0.15     (0.25     (0.31

Net realized gain on investments

     (1.17     (0.84     (2.11     (2.64     (3.63
          

Total distributions to shareholders

     (1.38     (1.00     (2.26     (2.89     (3.94

Net Asset Value, End of Year

     $18.11       $21.21       $19.09       $18.25       $17.78  
          

Total Return2,4

     (8.06 )%      16.45     17.26     19.13     2.88

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets

     1.25 %5       1.25 %5       1.24     1.24     1.23

Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets6

     1.25 %5       1.25 %5       1.26     1.26     1.24

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets2

     1.14     0.68     0.85     1.20     1.30

Portfolio turnover

     13     19     33     31     16

Net assets end of year (000’s) omitted

     $1,730,316       $2,158,777       $1,943,998       $2,078,758       $2,166,407  
                                          

 

 

47


   

 

AMG Yacktman Focused Fund

Financial Highlights

For a share outstanding throughout each fiscal year

 

 

     For the fiscal years ended December 31,  
  Class I    2022       2021       2020       2019       2018  
          

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year

     $21.13       $19.03       $18.19       $17.74       $21.09  

Income (loss) from Investment Operations:

          

Net investment income1,2

     0.26       0.18 3       0.18       0.27       0.32  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (1.93     2.96       2.96       3.11       0.32  
          

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     (1.67     3.14       3.14       3.38       0.64  

Less Distributions to Shareholders from:

          

Net investment income

     (0.25     (0.20     (0.19     (0.29     (0.36

Net realized gain on investments

     (1.17     (0.84     (2.11     (2.64     (3.63
          

Total distributions to shareholders

     (1.42     (1.04     (2.30     (2.93     (3.99

Net Asset Value, End of Year

     $18.04       $21.13       $19.03       $18.19       $17.74  
          

Total Return2,4

     (7.85 )%      16.62     17.52     19.30     3.11

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets

     1.06     1.06     1.06     1.06     1.05

Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets6

     1.06     1.06     1.07     1.07     1.06

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets2

     1.33     0.87     1.04     1.39     1.48

Portfolio turnover

     13     19     33     31     16

Net assets end of year (000’s) omitted

     $1,806,085       $2,309,078       $1,695,239       $1,554,975       $1,292,079  
                                          

 

1 

Per share numbers have been calculated using average shares.

 

2 

Total returns and net investment income would have been lower had certain expenses not been offset.

 

3 

Includes non-recurring dividends. Without these dividends, net investment income per share would have been $0.09 and $0.13 for Class N and Class I, respectively.

 

4 

The total return is calculated using the published Net Asset Value as of fiscal year end.

 

5 

Such ratio includes recapture of waived/reimbursed fees from prior periods amounting to less than 0.01% and 0.01% for the fiscal years ended 2022 and 2021, respectively.

 

6 

Excludes the impact of expense reimbursement or fee waivers and expense reductions such as brokerage credits, but includes expense repayments and non-reimbursable expenses, if any, such as interest, taxes, and extraordinary expenses. (See Note 1(c) and 2 in the Notes to Financial Statements.)

 

 

48


   

 

AMG Yacktman Global Fund

Financial Highlights

For a share outstanding throughout each fiscal year

 

 

     For the fiscal years ended December 31,
  Class N    2022   2021   2020   2019   2018
          

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year

     $16.36       $15.69       $13.90       $11.94       $11.77  

Income (loss) from Investment Operations:

          

Net investment income1,2

     0.21       0.19 3       0.18       0.17       0.26  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (1.74     1.80       2.35       2.37       0.00 4  
          

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     (1.53     1.99       2.53       2.54       0.26  

Less Distributions to Shareholders from:

          

Net investment income

           (0.55     (0.23     (0.25     (0.07

Net realized gain on investments

     (0.62     (0.77     (0.51     (0.33     (0.02
          

Total distributions to shareholders

     (0.62     (1.32     (0.74     (0.58     (0.09

Net Asset Value, End of Year

     $14.21       $16.36       $15.69       $13.90       $11.94  
          

Total Return2,5

     (9.31 )%      12.96     18.32     21.40     2.17

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets

     1.13     1.16 %6      1.19     1.12     1.08

Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets7

     1.17     1.18 %6      1.25     1.22     1.82

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets2

     1.47     1.12     1.40     1.28     2.14

Portfolio turnover

     11     17     27     23     2

Net assets end of year (000’s) omitted

     $1,354       $775       $431       $183       $76  
                                          

 

 

49


   

 

AMG Yacktman Global Fund

Financial Highlights

For a share outstanding throughout each fiscal year

 

 

     For the fiscal years ended December 31,
  Class I    2022     2021     2020     2019     2018  
          

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year

     $16.36       $15.69       $13.89       $11.94       $11.77  

Income (loss) from Investment Operations:

          

Net investment income1,2

     0.25       0.22 3       0.20       0.17       0.26  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (1.74     1.79       2.35       2.36       0.00 4  
          

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     (1.49     2.01       2.55       2.53       0.26  

Less Distributions to Shareholders from:

          

Net investment income

           (0.57     (0.24     (0.25     (0.07

Net realized gain on investments

     (0.62     (0.77     (0.51     (0.33     (0.02
          

Total distributions to shareholders

     (0.62     (1.34     (0.75     (0.58     (0.09

Net Asset Value, End of Year

     $14.25       $16.36       $15.69       $13.89       $11.94  
          

Total Return2,5

     (9.06 )%      13.08     18.47     21.32     2.17

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets

     0.93     1.00 %6       1.08     1.08     1.08

Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets7

     0.97     1.02 %6       1.15     1.19     1.82

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets2

     1.67     1.28     1.51     1.31     2.14

Portfolio turnover

     11     17     27     23     2

Net assets end of year (000’s) omitted

     $149,491       $170,316       $132,758       $96,041       $59,936  
                                          

 

1 

Per share numbers have been calculated using average shares.

 

2 

Total returns and net investment income would have been lower had certain expenses not been offset.

 

3 

Includes non-recurring dividends. Without these dividends, net investment income per share would have been $0.15 and $0.17 for Class N and Class I, respectively.

 

4 

Less than $0.005 per share.

 

5 

The total return is calculated using the published Net Asset Value as of fiscal year end.

 

6 

Such ratio includes recapture of waived/reimbursed fees from prior periods amounting to less than 0.01%.

 

7 

Excludes the impact of expense reimbursement or fee waivers and expense reductions such as brokerage credits, but includes expense repayments and non-reimbursable expenses, if any, such as interest, taxes, and extraordinary expenses. (See Note 1(c) and 2 in the Notes to Financial Statements.)

 

 

50


   

 

AMG Yacktman Special Opportunities Fund

Financial Highlights

For a share outstanding throughout each fiscal year

 

 

     For the fiscal years ended December 31,
  Class I    2022     2021     2020     2019     2018  
          

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year

     $13.16       $11.02       $10.04       $9.82       $12.03  

Income (loss) from Investment Operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)1,2

     0.08       (0.01     0.20 3       0.24       0.16  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (1.87     2.65       1.06       0.73       (1.41
          

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     (1.79     2.64       1.26       0.97       (1.25

Less Distributions to Shareholders from:

          

Net investment income

           (0.15     (0.23     (0.21     (0.11

Net realized gain on investments

     (0.10     (0.35     (0.05     (0.54     (0.85
          

Total distributions to shareholders

     (0.10     (0.50     (0.28     (0.75     (0.96

Net Asset Value, End of Year

     $11.27       $13.16       $11.02       $10.04       $9.82  
          

Total Return2,4

     (13.59 )%      24.30     12.66     10.20     (10.26 )% 

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets5

     1.96 %6       2.29 %6       1.14     1.29     1.84

Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets5,7

     2.00 %6       2.29 %6       1.23     1.47     2.03

Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets2,5

     0.69     (0.09 )%      2.27     2.32     1.38

Portfolio turnover

     40     21     37     24     30

Net assets end of year (000’s) omitted

     $47,024       $33,912       $13,881       $11,701       $7,678  
                                          

 

 

51


   

 

AMG Yacktman Special Opportunities Fund

Financial Highlights

For a share outstanding throughout each fiscal year

 

 

     For the fiscal years ended December 31,
  Class Z    2022   2021   2020   2019   2018
          

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year

     $13.20       $11.04       $10.06       $9.84       $12.05  

Income (loss) from Investment Operations:

          

Net investment income1,2

     0.10       0.00 8       0.21 3       0.25       0.17  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (1.88     2.67       1.06       0.72       (1.40
          

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     (1.78     2.67       1.27       0.97       (1.23

Less Distributions to Shareholders from:

          

Net investment income

     (0.01     (0.16     (0.24     (0.21     (0.13

Net realized gain on investments

     (0.10     (0.35     (0.05     (0.54     (0.85
          

Total distributions to shareholders

     (0.11     (0.51     (0.29     (0.75     (0.98

Net Asset Value, End of Year

     $11.31       $13.20       $11.04       $10.06       $9.84  
          

Total Return2,4

     (13.57 )%      24.42     12.83     10.27     (10.14 )% 

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets5

     1.86 %6       2.19 %6       1.04     1.19     1.74

Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets5,7

     1.90 %6       2.19 %6       1.13     1.37     1.93

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets2,5

     0.79     0.01     2.37     2.42     1.48

Portfolio turnover

     40     21     37     24     30

Net assets end of year (000’s) omitted

     $36,782       $78,197       $64,908       $47,981       $29,153  
                                          

 

1 

Per share numbers have been calculated using average shares.

 

2 

Total returns and net investment income (loss) would have been lower had certain expenses not been offset.

 

3 

Includes non-recurring dividends. Without these dividends, net investment income per share would have been $0.17 and $0.18 for Class I and Class Z, respectively.

 

4 

The total return is calculated using the published Net Asset Value as of fiscal year end.

 

5 

Includes a performance adjustment amounting to 0.22%, 0.55%, (0.60)%, (0.45)% and 0.10% for the fiscal years ended 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. (See Note 2 in the Notes to Financial Statements)

 

6 

Such ratio includes recapture of waived/reimbursed fees from prior periods amounting to 0.01%.

 

7 

Excludes the impact of expense reimbursement or fee waivers and expense reductions such as brokerage credits, but includes expense repayments and non-reimbursable expenses, if any, such as interest, taxes, and extraordinary expenses. (See Note 1(c) and 2 in the Notes to Financial Statements.)

 

8 

Less than $0.005 per share.

 

 

52


    

 

    

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2022

 

   

    

 

      

 

1. ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

AMG Funds (the “Trust”) is an open-end management investment company, organized as a Massachusetts business trust, and registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). Currently, the Trust consists of a number of different funds, each having distinct investment management objectives, strategies, risks, and policies. Included in this report are AMG Yacktman Fund (“Yacktman Fund”), AMG Yacktman Focused Fund (“Yacktman Focused”), AMG Yacktman Global Fund (“Yacktman Global”) and AMG Yacktman Special Opportunities Fund (“Yacktman Special Opportunities”), each a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”.

Each Fund offers different classes of shares. Yacktman Fund and Yacktman Special Opportunities have established Class N, Class I and Class Z shares. Currently, Yacktman Fund offers only Class I shares and Yacktman Special Opportunities offers only Class I shares and Class Z shares. Yacktman Focused and Yacktman Global established and offer Class N and Class I shares. Each class represents an interest in the same assets of the respective Fund. Although all share classes generally have identical voting rights, each share class votes separately when required by law. Different share classes may have different net asset values per share to the extent the share classes pay different distribution amounts and/or the expenses of such share classes differ. Each share class has its own expense structure. Please refer to a current prospectus for additional information on each share class.

Yacktman Focused, Yacktman Global and Yacktman Special Opportunities are non-diversified. A greater percentage of the Funds’ holdings may be focused in a smaller number of securities which may place the Funds at greater risk than a more diversified fund.

Market prices of investments held by the Funds may fall rapidly or unpredictably due to a variety of economic or political factors, market conditions, disasters or public health issues, or in response to events that affect particular industries or companies.

The Funds’ financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”), including accounting and reporting guidance pursuant to Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946 applicable to investment companies. U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates and such differences could be material. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Funds in the preparation of their financial statements:

a. VALUATION OF INVESTMENTS

For the Funds, equity securities, including options, traded on a national securities exchange or reported on the NASDAQ national market system (“NMS”) are valued at the last quoted sales price on the primary exchange or, if applicable, the NASDAQ official closing price or the official closing price of the relevant exchange or, lacking any sales, at the last quoted bid price. Equity securities held by the Funds that are traded in the over-the-counter market (other than NMS securities) are valued at the bid price. Foreign equity securities (securities principally traded in markets other than U.S. markets) held by the Funds are valued at the official

closing price on the primary exchange or, for markets that either do not offer an official closing price or where the official closing price may not be representative of the overall market, the last quoted sale price.

Fixed income securities purchased with a remaining maturity exceeding 60 days are valued at the evaluated bid price provided by an authorized pricing service or, if an evaluated price is not available, by reference to other securities which are considered comparable in credit rating, interest rate, due date and other features (generally referred to as “matrix pricing”) or other similar pricing methodologies.

Fixed income securities purchased with a remaining maturity of 60 days or less are valued at amortized cost, provided that the amortized cost value is approximately the same as the fair value of the security valued without the use of amortized cost. Investments in other open-end registered investment companies are valued at their end of day net asset value per share.

The Funds’ portfolio investments are generally valued based on independent market quotations or prices or, if none, “evaluative” or other market based valuations provided by third party pricing services approved by the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board”). Under certain circumstances, the value of certain Fund portfolio investments may be based on an evaluation of fair value, pursuant to procedures established by and under the general supervision of the Board. The Valuation Committee, which is comprised of the Independent Trustees of the Board, and the Pricing Committee, which is comprised of representatives from AMG Funds LLC (the “Investment Manager”) are the committees appointed by the Board to make fair value determinations. Each Fund may use the fair value of a portfolio investment to calculate its net asset value (“NAV”) in the event that the market quotation, price or market based valuation for the portfolio investment is not readily available or otherwise not determinable pursuant to the Board’s valuation procedures, if the Investment Manager or the Pricing Committee believes the quotation, price or market based valuation to be unreliable, or in certain other circumstances. When determining the fair value of an investment, the Pricing Committee and, if required under the Trust’s securities valuation procedures, the Valuation Committee, seeks to determine the price that a Fund might reasonably expect to receive from current sale of that portfolio investment in an arms-length transaction. Fair value determinations shall be based upon consideration of all available facts and information, including, but not limited to (i) attributes specific to the investment; (ii) fundamental and analytical data relating to the investment; and (iii) the value of other comparable securities or relevant financial instruments, including derivative securities, traded on other markets or among dealers.

The values assigned to fair value portfolio investments are based on available information and do not necessarily represent amounts that might ultimately be realized in the future, since such amounts depend on future developments inherent in long-term investments. Because of the inherent uncertainty of valuation, those estimated values may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a ready market for the investments existed, and the differences could be material. The Board will be presented with a quarterly report showing as of the most recent quarter end, all outstanding securities fair valued by the Funds, including a comparison with the prior quarter end and the percentage of the Funds that the security represents at each quarter end.

With respect to foreign equity securities and certain foreign fixed income securities, the Board has adopted a policy that securities held in the Funds that can be fair valued by the applicable fair value pricing service are fair valued on each business day provided that each individual price exceeds a pre-established confidence level.

 

 

 

53


    

 

    

    

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

   

    

 

      

 

Effective September 8, 2022, the Funds adopted the requirements of Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act (“Rule 2a-5”), which the Funds’ Board designated the Funds’ Investment Manager as the Funds’ Valuation Designee to perform the Funds’ fair value determinations. Such determinations are subject to Board oversight and certain reporting and other requirements intended to ensure that the Board receives the information it needs to oversee the Investment Manager’s fair value determinations. Other than the designation of the Investment Manager as the Valuation Designee, the Funds’ adoption of Rule 2-a5 did not impact how the Funds determine fair value or the carrying amount of investments held in the Funds.

U.S. GAAP defines fair value as the price that a fund would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. U.S. GAAP also establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and a three level hierarchy for fair value measurements based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability. Inputs may be observable or unobservable and refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Funds.

Unobservable inputs reflect the Funds’ own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. Each investment is assigned a level based upon the observability of the inputs which are significant to the overall valuation.

The three-tier hierarchy of inputs is summarized below:

Level 1 – inputs are quoted prices in active markets for identical investments (e.g., equity securities, open-end investment companies)

Level 2 – other observable inputs (including, but not limited to: quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in markets that are active, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the assets or liabilities (such as interest rates, yield curves, volatilities, prepayment speeds, loss severities, credit risks and default rates) or other market corroborated inputs) (e.g., debt securities, government securities, foreign currency exchange contracts, foreign securities utilizing international fair value pricing, fair valued securities with observable inputs)

Level 3 – inputs are significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions used to determine the fair value of investments) (e.g., fair valued securities with unobservable inputs)

Changes in inputs or methodologies used for valuing investments may result in a transfer in or out of levels within the fair value hierarchy. The inputs or methodologies used for valuing investments may not necessarily be an indication of the risk associated with investing in those investments.

b. SECURITY TRANSACTIONS

Security transactions are accounted for as of trade date. Realized gains and losses on securities sold are determined on the basis of identified cost.

c. INVESTMENT INCOME AND EXPENSES

Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Dividends from foreign securities are recorded on the ex-dividend date, and if after the fact, as soon as the Funds become aware of the ex-dividend date, except for Korean securities where dividends are recorded on confirmation date. Interest income, which includes amortization of premium and accretion of discount on debt securities, is accrued as earned. Dividend and interest income on foreign securities is recorded gross of any withholding tax. Non-cash dividends included in dividend income, if any, are reported at the fair market value of the securities received. Expenses that cannot be directly attributed to a Fund are apportioned among the funds in the Trust and other trusts or funds within the AMG Funds Family of Funds (collectively the “AMG Funds Family”) based upon their relative average net assets or number of shareholders. Investment income, realized and unrealized capital gains and losses, the common expenses of each Fund, and certain fund level expense reductions, if any, are allocated on a pro-rata basis to each class based on the relative net assets of each class to the total net assets of each Fund.

d. DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS

Fund distributions resulting from either net investment income or realized net capital gains, if any, will normally be declared and paid at least annually in December. Distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Distributions are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from net investment income and net realized capital gains for financial statement purposes (U.S. GAAP). Differences may be permanent or temporary. Permanent differences are reclassified among capital accounts in the financial statements to reflect their tax character. Permanent book and tax basis differences, if any, relating to shareholder distributions will result in reclassifications to paid-in capital. Temporary differences arise when certain items of income, expense and gain or loss are recognized in different periods for financial statement and tax purposes; these differences will reverse at some time in the future. Permanent differences are primarily due to tax equalization utilized for Yacktman Fund, Yacktman Focused, and Yacktman Special Opportunities, and write-off of net operating losses for Yacktman Global. Temporary differences are primarily due to write-off of outstanding defaulted securities interest for Yacktman Fund, Yacktman Focused and Yacktman Global, and premium amortization on callable bonds for Yacktman Focused. In addition, temporary differences for each Fund are wash sale loss deferrals, and mark-to-market on passive foreign investment companies.

 

 

 

54


    

 

    

    

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

   

    

 

      

 

The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 were as follows:

 

                                                                                                       
     Yacktman Fund      Yacktman Focused  

  Distributions paid from:

               2022                            2021                            2022                            2021            

  Ordinary income *

     $118,514,921        $151,346,324        $43,003,314        $62,421,779  

  Long-term capital gains

     438,946,811        190,374,385        215,894,721        144,637,612  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     $557,461,732        $341,720,709        $258,898,035        $207,059,391  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
           
     Yacktman Global     

Yacktman

Special Opportunities

 

  Distributions paid from:

               2022                            2021                            2022                            2021            

  Ordinary income *

     $179,704        $6,426,529        $22,911        $1,382,618  

  Long-term capital gains

     6,133,798        6,379,485        718,767        2,784,294  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     $6,313,502        $12,806,014        $741,678        $4,166,912  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

*

For tax purposes, short-term capital gain distributions, if any, are considered ordinary income distributions.

As of December 31, 2022, the components of distributable earnings (excluding unrealized appreciation/depreciation) on a tax basis consisted of:

 

    Yacktman Fund     Yacktman Focused     Yacktman Global     Yacktman Special Opportunities  

  Undistributed ordinary income

    $3,088,100       $381,156             $159,614  

  Undistributed long-term capital gains

    29,051,446       429,621       $927,876       402,891  

At December 31, 2022, the cost of investments and the aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation for federal income tax purposes were as follows:

 

  Fund    Cost      Appreciation      Depreciation     Net Appreciation  

  Yacktman Fund

     $5,771,422,321        $2,470,708,442        $(288,677,251     $2,182,031,191  

  Yacktman Focused

     2,734,538,158        923,720,161        (145,166,773     778,553,388  

  Yacktman Global

     141,170,717        22,565,219        (14,316,464     8,248,755  

  Yacktman Special Opportunities

     77,597,592        16,426,659        (9,924,803     6,501,856  

 

e. FEDERAL TAXES

Each Fund currently qualifies as an investment company and intends to comply with the requirements under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and to distribute substantially all of its taxable income and gains to its shareholders and to meet certain diversification and income requirements with respect to investment companies. Therefore, no provision for federal income or excise tax is included in the accompanying financial statements.

Additionally, based on each Fund’s understanding of the tax rules and rates related to income, gains and transactions for the foreign jurisdictions in which it invests, each Fund will provide for foreign taxes, and where appropriate, deferred foreign taxes.

Management has analyzed the Funds’ tax positions taken on federal income tax returns as of December 31, 2022, and for all open tax years (generally, the three prior taxable years), and has concluded that no provision for federal income tax is required in the Funds’ financial statements. Additionally, Management is not aware of any tax position for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will change materially in the next twelve months.

f. CAPITAL LOSS CARRYOVERS AND DEFERRALS

As of December 31, 2022, the Funds had no capital loss carryovers for federal income tax purposes. Should the Funds incur net capital losses for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, such amounts may be used to offset future realized capital gains indefinitely, and retain their character as short-term and/or long-term.

 

 

 

55


    

 

    

    

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

   

    

 

      

 

g. CAPITAL STOCK

The Trust’s Declaration of Trust authorizes for each Fund the issuance of an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest, without par value. Each Fund records sales and repurchases of its capital stock on the trade date.

For the fiscal years ended December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, the capital stock transactions by class for the Funds were as follows:

 

    Yacktman Fund     Yacktman Focused  
    December 31, 2022     December 31, 2021     December 31, 2022     December 31, 2021  
    Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount  

Class N:

               

Shares sold

    —        —        —        —        5,851,238        $115,544,774        12,333,437        $256,707,747   

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

    —        —        —        —        6,834,816        122,548,252        4,655,934        96,331,267   

Shares redeemed

    —        —        —        —        (18,963,976)       (369,705,319)       (17,004,392)       (357,061,246)  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease

    —        —        —        —        (6,277,922)       $(131,612,293)       (15,021)       $(4,022,232)  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class I:

               

Shares sold

    45,550,372        $1,044,334,856        72,181,278        $1,697,348,269        19,648,527        $385,717,991        38,413,804        $795,771,915   

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

    24,225,869        507,774,202        12,951,322        309,536,595        6,836,097        122,024,342        4,812,345        99,182,433   

Shares redeemed

    (79,153,813)       (1,793,770,180)       (57,592,354)       (1,366,650,130)       (35,653,583)       (693,613,541)       (23,041,575)       (481,597,993)  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

    (9,377,572)       $(241,661,122)       27,540,246        $640,234,734        (9,168,959)       $(185,871,208)       20,184,574        $413,356,355   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    Yacktman Global     Yacktman Special Opportunities  
    December 31, 2022     December 31, 2021     December 31, 2022     December 31, 2021  
    Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount  

Class N:

               

Shares sold

    74,515        $1,120,463        20,664        $355,714        —        —        —        —   

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

    3,664        51,082        3,350        53,059        —        —        —        —   

Shares redeemed

    (30,314)        (433,176)       (4,132)       (70,442)       —        —        —        —   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase

    47,865        $738,369        19,882        $338,331        —        —        —        —   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class I:

               

Shares sold

    1,323,636        $19,495,639        2,356,876        $40,663,325        3,377,460        $40,334,837        1,433,118        $18,442,723   

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

    275,730        3,851,950        518,086        8,206,477        35,664        398,371        96,992        1,234,713   

Shares redeemed

    (1,513,839)       (21,845,570)       (928,902)       (16,211,419)       (1,818,251)       (21,433,664)       (214,076)       (2,794,549)  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase

    85,527        $1,502,019        1,946,060        $32,658,383        1,594,873        $19,299,544        1,316,034        $16,882,887   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class Z:

               

Shares sold

    —        —        —        —        101,193        $1,143,070        37,324        $488,315   

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

    —        —        —        —        17,985        201,613        176,361        2,252,128   

Shares redeemed

    —        —        —        —        (2,790,318)       (32,778,211)       (167,817)       (2,347,428)  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

    —        —        —        —        (2,671,140)       $(31,433,528)       45,868        $393,015   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

At December 31, 2022, certain unaffiliated shareholders of record individually or collectively held greater than 5% of the net assets of the Funds as follows: Yacktman Special Opportunities - one owns 9%. Transactions by this shareholder may have a material impact on their respective Fund.

 

 

56


    

 

    

    

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

   

    

 

      

 

h. REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS AND JOINT REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS

The Funds may enter into third-party and bilateral repurchase agreements for temporary cash management purposes and third-party or bilateral joint repurchase agreements for reinvestment of cash collateral on securities lending transactions under the securities lending program offered by The Bank of New York Mellon (“BNYM”) (the “Program”) (collectively, “Repurchase Agreements”). The value of the underlying collateral, including accrued interest, must equal or exceed the value of the Repurchase Agreements during the term of the agreement. For joint repurchase agreements, the Funds participate on a pro rata basis with other clients of BNYM in its share of the underlying collateral under such joint repurchase agreements and in its share of proceeds from any repurchase or other disposition of the underlying collateral. The underlying collateral for all Repurchase Agreements is held in safekeeping by the Funds’ custodian or at the Federal Reserve Bank. If the seller defaults and the value of the collateral declines, or if bankruptcy proceedings commence with respect to the seller of the security, realization of the collateral by the Funds may be delayed or limited. Pursuant to the Program, the Funds are indemnified for such losses by BNYM on joint repurchase agreements.

At December 31, 2022, the market value of Repurchase Agreements outstanding for Yacktman Fund, Yacktman Focused Fund and Yacktman Special Opportunities were $5,503,957, $7,879,966 and $366,262, respectively.

i. FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION

The books and records of the Funds are maintained in U.S. Dollars. The value of investments, assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than U.S. Dollars are translated into U.S. Dollars based upon current foreign exchange rates. Purchases and sales of foreign investments, income and expenses are converted into U.S. Dollars based on currency exchange rates prevailing on the respective dates of such transactions. Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on foreign currency transactions represent: (1) foreign exchange gains and losses from the sale and holdings of foreign currencies; (2) gains and losses between trade date and settlement date on investment securities transactions and foreign currency exchange contracts; and (3) gains and losses from the difference between amounts of interest and dividends recorded and the amounts actually received.

The Funds do not isolate the net realized and unrealized gain or loss resulting from changes in exchange rates from the fluctuations in market prices of securities held. Such fluctuations are included with the net realized and unrealized gain or loss on investments.

2. AGREEMENTS AND TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES

For each of the Funds, the Trust has entered into an investment advisory agreement under which the Investment Manager, a subsidiary and the U.S. retail distribution arm of Affiliated Managers Group, Inc. (“AMG”), serves as investment manager to the Funds and is responsible for the Funds’ overall administration and operations. The Investment Manager selects one or more subadvisers for the Funds (subject to Board approval) and monitors each subadviser’s investment performance, security holdings and investment strategies. Each Fund’s investment portfolio is managed by Yacktman Asset Management LP (“Yacktman”) who serves pursuant to a subadvisory agreement with the Investment Manager. AMG indirectly owns a majority interest in Yacktman.

Investment management fees are paid directly by the Funds to the Investment Manager based on average daily net assets. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, the Funds’ investment management fees were paid at the following annual rates of each Fund’s respective average daily net assets:

 

  Yacktman Fund

  

on first $500 million

   0.52%    

next $500 million

   0.47%    

over $1 billion

   0.42%    

  Yacktman Focused

   0.87%    

  Yacktman Global

   0.71%    

  Yacktman Special Opportunities

   1.37%    

The fee paid to Yacktman for its services as subadviser is paid out of the fee the Investment Manager receives from each Fund and does not increase the expenses of each Fund.

Yacktman Special Opportunities has a performance-based fee structure that consists of an investment management fee and a performance adjustment (“Performance Adjustment”). The monthly investment management fee is increased or reduced by the Performance Adjustment, based on the Fund’s performance relative to the MSCI ACWI All Cap Index over the then preceding twelve months. The Performance Adjustment for the Fund may not exceed plus or minus 0.75%. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, the Performance Adjustment increased the management fee by a net amount of $221,902, resulting in an effective management fee rate of 1.59%.

The Investment Manager has contractually agreed, through at least May 1, 2023, to waive management fees and/or pay or reimburse fund expenses in order to limit total annual fund operating expenses after fee waiver and expense reimbursements (exclusive of taxes, interest (including interest incurred in connection with bank and custody overdrafts, and in connection with securities sold short), brokerage commissions and other transaction costs, dividends payable with respect to securities sold short, acquired fund fees and expenses, and extraordinary expenses, as well as shareholder servicing fees and distribution and service (12b-1) fees with respect to Yacktman Global and Yacktman Special Opportunities and investment management fees and administrative fees with respect to Yacktman Special Opportunities) of Yacktman Focused Class N shares, Yacktman Global and Yacktman Special Opportunities to the annual rate of 1.25%, 0.93% and 0.12%, respectively, of each Fund’s or share class’s average daily net assets (this annual rate or such other annual rate that may be in effect for the applicable Fund or share class from time to time, the “Expense Cap”), subject to later reimbursement by the applicable Fund or share class in certain circumstances. Prior to July 1, 2021, the expense limitation was 1.08% for Yacktman Global.

In general, for a period of up to 36 months after the date any amounts are paid, waived or reimbursed by the Investment Manager, the Investment Manager may recover such amounts from a Fund, provided that such repayment would not cause the Fund’s total annual operating expenses after fee waiver and expense reimbursements (exclusive of the items noted in the parenthetical above) to exceed either (i) the Expense Cap in effect at the time such amounts were paid, waived or reimbursed, or (ii) the Expense Cap in effect at the time of such repayment by the Fund.

 

 

 

57


    

 

    

    

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

   

    

 

      

 

The contractual expense limitation may only be terminated in the event the Investment Manager or a successor ceases to be the investment manager of a Fund or a successor fund, by mutual agreement between the Investment Manager and the Board, or in the event of a Fund’s liquidation (unless the Fund is reorganized or is a party to a merger in which the surviving entity is successor to the accounting and performance information of a Fund).

At December 31, 2022, the Funds’ expiration of reimbursements subject to recoupment is as follows:

 

  Expiration

  Period

  

Yacktman

Focused

    

Yacktman

Global

    

Yacktman

Special Opportunities

 

  Less than 1 year

            $69,647        $56,243  

  1-2 years

     $10,884        33,935        4,331  

  2-3 years

     10,296        54,795        34,769  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

  Total

     $21,180        $158,377        $95,343  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The Investment Manager has agreed to waive a portion of its management fee in consideration of a shareholder servicing rebate that it has received from JPMorgan Distribution Services, Inc., with respect to direct investments in the JPMorgan U.S. Government Money Market Fund, IM Shares by Yacktman Fund and Yacktman Focused. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, the investment management fees for Yacktman Fund and Yacktman Focused were reduced by $334,444 and $127,121, respectively, or less than 0.01% of average daily net assets.

The Trust, on behalf of the Funds, has entered into an amended and restated Administration Agreement under which the Investment Manager serves as the Funds’ administrator (the “Administrator”) and is responsible for all non-portfolio management aspects of managing the Funds’ operations, including administration and shareholder services to each Fund. Each Fund pays a fee to the Administrator at the rate of 0.15% per annum of the Fund’s average daily net assets for this service.

The Funds are distributed by AMG Distributors, Inc. (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Investment Manager. The Distributor serves as the distributor and underwriter for each Fund and is a registered broker-dealer and member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”). Shares of each Fund will be continuously offered and will be sold directly to prospective purchasers and through brokers, dealers or other financial intermediaries who have executed selling agreements with the Distributor. Generally the Distributor bears all or a portion of the expenses of providing services pursuant to the distribution agreement, including the payment of the expenses relating to the distribution of prospectuses for sales purposes and any advertising or sales literature.

For Class N of Yacktman Focused and Yacktman Global and for Class I of Yacktman Fund and Yacktman Special Opportunities, the Board has approved reimbursement payments to the Investment Manager for shareholder servicing expenses (“shareholder servicing fees”) incurred. Shareholder servicing fees include payments to financial intermediaries, such as broker-dealers (including fund supermarket platforms), banks, and trust companies who provide shareholder recordkeeping, account servicing and other services. The Class N shares of Yacktman Focused and Yacktman Global and Class I shares of Yacktman Fund and Yacktman Special Opportunities may reimburse the Investment Manager for the actual amount incurred up to a maximum annual rate of each Class’s average daily net assets as shown in the table below.

The impact on the annualized expense ratios for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, were as follows:

 

  Fund    Maximum Annual
Amount
Approved
     Actual
Amount
Incurred
        

  Yacktman Fund

        

  Class I

     0.20%        0.09%     

  Yacktman Focused

        

  Class N

     0.20%        0.18%     

  Yacktman Global

        

  Class N

     0.20%        0.20%     

  Yacktman Special Opportunities

        

  Class I

     0.10%        0.10%           

The Board provides supervision of the affairs of the Trust and other trusts within the AMG Funds Family. The Trustees of the Trust who are not affiliated with the Investment Manager receive an annual retainer and per meeting fees for regular, special and telephonic meetings, and they are reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses incurred while carrying out their duties as Board members. The Chairman of the Board and the Audit Committee Chair receive additional annual retainers. Certain Trustees and Officers of the Funds are Officers and/or Directors of the Investment Manager, AMG and/or the Distributor.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) granted an exemptive order that permits certain eligible funds in the AMG Funds Family to lend and borrow money for certain temporary purposes directly to and from other eligible funds in the AMG Funds Family. Participation in this interfund lending program is voluntary for both the borrowing and lending funds, and an interfund loan is only made if it benefits each participating fund. The Administrator manages the program according to procedures approved by the Board, and the Board monitors the operation of the program. An interfund loan must comply with certain conditions set out in the exemptive order, which are designed to assure fairness and protect all participating funds. The interest earned and interest paid on interfund loans are included on the Statement of Operations as interest income and interest expense, respectively. At December 31, 2022, the Funds had no interfund loans outstanding.

The following Funds utilized the interfund loan program during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 as follows:

 

  Fund

 

Average

Lent

   

Number

of Days

   

Interest

Earned

   

Average

Interest Rate

       

Yacktman Fund

  $ 13,656,807       23     $ 22,582       2.624%    

Yacktman Focused

    8,128,100       13       7,157       2.472%    

Yacktman Global

    502,173       14       557       2.889%    

Yacktman Special Opportunities

    1,686,746       15       1,649       2.379%          

  Fund

 

Average

Borrowed

   

Number

of Days

   

Interest

Paid

   

Average

Interest Rate

       

Yacktman Special Opportunities

  $ 1,029,158       5     $ 166       1.175%             
 

 

 

58


    

 

    

    

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

   

    

 

      

 

3. PURCHASES AND SALES OF SECURITIES

Purchases and sales of securities (excluding short-term securities and U.S. Government Obligations) for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, were as follows:

 

     Long Term Securities  
  Fund    Purchases      Sales  

  Yacktman Fund

     $774,125,593        $860,481,801      

  Yacktman Focused

     442,615,157        662,287,850      

  Yacktman Global

     16,165,510        21,607,829      

  Yacktman Special Opportunities

     36,622,787        50,790,266      

The Funds had no purchases or sales of U.S. Government Obligations during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022.

4. PORTFOLIO SECURITIES LOANED

The Funds participate in the Program providing for the lending of securities to qualified borrowers. Securities lending income includes earnings of such temporary cash investments, plus or minus any rebate to a borrower. These earnings (after any rebate) are then divided between BNYM, as a fee for its services under the Program, and the Funds, according to agreed-upon rates. Collateral on all securities loaned is accepted in cash, U.S. Treasury Obligations or U.S. Government Agency Obligations. Collateral is maintained at a minimum level of 102% (105% in the case of certain foreign securities) of the market value, plus interest, if applicable, of investments on loan. It is the Funds’ policy to obtain additional collateral from or return excess collateral to the borrower by the end of the next business day, following the valuation date of the securities loaned. Therefore, the value of the collateral held may be temporarily less than the value of the securities on loan. Lending securities entails a risk of loss to the Funds if and to the extent that the market value of the securities loaned were to increase and the borrower did not increase the collateral accordingly, and the borrower fails to return the securities. Under the terms of the Program, the Funds are indemnified for such losses by BNYM. Cash collateral is held in separate omnibus accounts managed by BNYM, who is authorized to exclusively enter into joint repurchase agreements for that cash collateral. Securities collateral is held in separate omnibus accounts managed by BNYM and cannot be sold or pledged. BNYM bears the risk of any deficiency in the amount of the cash collateral available for return to the borrower due to any loss on the collateral invested. Loans of securities are terminable at any time and the borrower, after notice, is required to return borrowed securities as soon as practical, which is normally within three business days.

The value of securities loaned on positions held, cash collateral and securities collateral received at December 31, 2022, were as follows:

 

  Fund    Securities
Loaned
     Cash
Collateral
Received
     Securities
Collateral
Received
    

Total

Collateral
Received

 

Yacktman Fund

     $46,523,866        $5,503,957        $42,371,141        $47,875,098    

Yacktman Focused

     11,289,472        7,879,966        3,733,872        11,613,838    

Yacktman Special Opportunities

     1,895,633        366,262        1,580,020        1,946,282    

The following table summarizes the securities received as collateral for securities lending at December 31, 2022:

 

  Fund   

Collateral

Type

  

Coupon

Range

 

Maturity

Date Range

Yacktman Fund

   U.S. Treasury Obligations    0.000%-4.750%   02/07/23-11/15/51  

Yacktman Focused

   U.S. Treasury Obligations    0.125%-4.750%   01/31/24-11/15/51  

Yacktman Special Opportunities

   U.S. Treasury Obligations    0.125%-4.750%   01/31/24-11/15/51  

5. FOREIGN SECURITIES

The Funds invest in securities of foreign entities and in instruments denominated in foreign currencies which involve risks not typically associated with investments in domestic securities. Non-domestic securities carry special risks, such as exposure to currency fluctuations, less developed or less efficient trading markets, political instability, a lack of company information, differing auditing and legal standards, and, potentially, less liquidity. A Fund’s investments in emerging market countries are exposed to additional risks. A Fund’s performance will be influenced by political, social and economic factors affecting companies in emerging market countries. Emerging market countries generally have economic structures that are less diverse and mature, and political systems that are less stable, than those of developed countries. Realized gains in certain countries may be subject to foreign taxes at the Fund level and the Fund would pay such foreign taxes at the appropriate rate for each jurisdiction.

6. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Under the Trust’s organizational documents, its Trustees and Officers are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the Trust. In addition, in the normal course of business, the Funds may enter into contracts and agreements that contain a variety of representations and warranties, which provide general indemnifications. The maximum exposure to the Funds under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against a Fund that have not yet occurred. However, based on experience, the Funds had no prior claims or losses and expect the risks of loss to be remote.

7. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS

The following disclosures contain information on how and why certain Funds use derivative instruments, the credit risk and how derivative instruments affect the Fund’s financial position, and results of operations. The location and fair value amounts of these instruments on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities, and the realized gains and losses and changes in unrealized appreciation and depreciation on the Statement of Operations, each categorized by type of derivative contract, are included in a table at the end of the applicable Fund’s Schedule of Portfolio Investments.

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, the average monthly balances of derivative financial instruments outstanding were as follows:

 

     Yacktman Focused    

Options

  

Average value of option contracts written

     $3,305,380    
 

 

 

59


    

 

    

    

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

   

    

 

      

 

8. OPTIONS

The Funds may purchase and write call options and put options on a variety of underlying securities and instruments, including, but not limited to, specific securities, securities indices, futures contracts and foreign currencies. A call option gives the purchaser the right to buy, and obligates the writer to sell, the underlying security or instrument at the agreed-upon price during the option period. A put option gives the purchaser the right to sell, and obligates the writer to buy, the underlying security or instrument at the agreed-upon price during the option period. Options purchased are recorded as an asset, while options written (sold) are recorded as liabilities. When a Fund writes options it bears the risk of an unfavorable change in the market value of the instrument underlying the written

option. When an option expires, the premium (original option value) is realized as a gain if the option was written or as a loss if the option was purchased. When the exercise of an option results in a cash settlement, the difference between the premium and the settlement proceeds is recognized as realized gain or loss. When securities are acquired or delivered upon exercise of an option, the acquisition cost or sale proceeds are adjusted by the amount of the premium. When an option is closed, the difference between the premium and the cost to close the position is realized as a gain or loss. At December 31, 2022, Yacktman Focused had cash collateral on deposit of $5,472,000, as shown on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities as Segregated cash at broker.

 

 

9. MASTER NETTING AGREEMENTS

The Funds may enter into master netting agreements with their counterparties for the Program, Repurchase Agreements and derivatives, which provide the right, in the event of default (including bankruptcy or insolvency) for the non-defaulting party to liquidate the collateral and calculate net exposure to the defaulting party or request additional collateral. For financial reporting purposes, the Funds do not offset financial assets and financial liabilities that are subject to master netting agreements in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. For securities lending transactions, see Note 4 and for option transactions, see Note 8.

The following table is a summary of the Funds’ open Repurchase Agreements that are subject to a master netting agreement as of December 31, 2022:

 

         Gross Amount Not Offset in the
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
       
  Fund    Gross Amounts of
Assets Presented in
the Statement of
Assets and Liabilities
 

Offset

Amount

 

Net

Asset

Balance

 

Collateral

Received

 

Net

Amount

  Yacktman Fund

          

  Bank of America Securities, Inc.

     $1,307,340                                     $1,307,340                   $1,307,340                                

  Citigroup Global Markets, Inc.

     274,597             274,597       274,597        

  MUFG Securities America, Inc.

     1,307,340             1,307,340       1,307,340        

  National Bank Financial

     1,307,340             1,307,340       1,307,340        

  RBC Dominion Securities, Inc.

     1,307,340             1,307,340       1,307,340        
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Total

             $5,503,957                   —                   $5,503,957               $5,503,957                   —  
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Yacktman Focused

          

  Bank of America Securities, Inc.

     $1,871,680             $1,871,680       $1,871,680        

  Citigroup Global Markets, Inc.

     393,246             393,246       393,246        

  Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc.

     1,871,680             1,871,680       1,871,680        

  National Bank Financial

     1,871,680             1,871,680       1,871,680        

  RBC Dominion Securities, Inc.

     1,871,680             1,871,680       1,871,680        
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Total

                 $7,879,966             $7,879,966       $7,879,966        
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Yacktman Special Opportunities

 

       

  Citigroup Global Markets, Inc.

     $366,262                   —       $366,262       $366,262        

 

10. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

The Funds have determined that no material events or transactions occurred through the issuance date of the Funds’ financial statements which require an additional disclosure in or adjustment of the Funds’ financial statements.

 

 

 

 

60


    

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

 

 

To the Board of Trustees of AMG Funds and Shareholders of AMG Yacktman Fund, AMG Yacktman Focused Fund, AMG Yacktman Global Fund, and AMG Yacktman Special Opportunities Fund

Opinions on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities, including the schedules of portfolio investments, of AMG Yacktman Fund, AMG Yacktman Focused Fund, AMG Yacktman Global Fund, and AMG Yacktman Special Opportunities Fund (four of the funds constituting AMG Funds, hereafter collectively referred to as the “Funds”) as of December 31, 2022, the related statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2022, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2022, including the related notes, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period ended December 31, 2022 (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of each of the Funds as of December 31, 2022, the results of each of their operations for the year then ended, the changes in each of their net assets for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2022 and each of the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period ended December 31, 2022 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Basis for Opinions

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Funds’ management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Funds’ financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Funds in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits of these financial statements in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2022 by correspondence with the custodian, transfer agent and brokers; when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Boston, Massachusetts

February 24, 2023

We have served as the auditor of one or more investment companies in the AMG Funds Family since 1993.

                

 

 

 

61


    

 

    

    

Other Information (unaudited)

 

   

    

 

     

 

 

 

TAX INFORMATION

AMG Yacktman Fund, AMG Yacktman Focused Fund, AMG Yacktman Global Fund and AMG Yacktman Special Opportunities Fund each hereby designates the maximum amount allowable of its net taxable income as qualified dividends as provided in the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003. The 2022 Form 1099-DIV you receive for each Fund will show the tax status of all distributions paid to you during the calendar year.

In accordance with federal tax law, the following Funds elected to provide foreign taxes paid and the income sourced from foreign countries. Accordingly, each Fund hereby makes the following designations regarding its period ended December 31, 2022:

AMG Yacktman Global Fund

u The total amount of taxes paid and income sourced from foreign countries was $553,432 and $3,930,109, respectively.

AMG Yacktman Special Opportunities Fund

u The total amount of taxes paid and income sourced from foreign countries was $167,640 and $2,463,645, respectively.

Pursuant to section 852 of the Internal Revenue Code, AMG Yacktman Fund, AMG Yacktman Focused Fund, AMG Yacktman Global Fund and AMG Yacktman Special Opportunities Fund each hereby designates $458,044,814, $228,562,676, $6,133,798 and $835,108, respectively, as a capital gain distribution with respect to the taxable year ended December 31, 2022, or if subsequently determined to be different, the net capital gains of such year.

 

 

62


    

 

    

AMG Funds

Trustees and Officers

 

   

    

 

     

 

The Trustees and Officers of the Trust, their business addresses, principal occupations for the past five years and ages are listed below. The Trustees provide broad supervision over the affairs of the Trust and the Funds. The Trustees are experienced executives who meet periodically throughout the year to oversee the Funds’ activities, review contractual arrangements with companies that provide services to the Funds, and

 

  

review the Funds’ performance. Unless otherwise noted, the address of each Trustee or Officer is the address of the Trust: 680 Washington Blvd., Suite 500, Stamford, CT. 06901.

 

There is no stated term of office for Trustees. Trustees serve until their resignation, retirement or removal in

   accordance with the Trust’s organizational documents and policies adopted by the Board from time to time. The Chairman of the Trustees, President, Treasurer and Secretary of the Trust are elected by the Trustees annually. Other officers hold office at the pleasure of the Trustees.

Independent Trustees

The following Trustees are not “interested persons” of the Trust within the meaning of the 1940 Act:

 

   

  Number of Funds Overseen in

  Fund Complex

   Name, Age, Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years and Other Directorships Held by Trustee
 

• Trustee since 2012

• Oversees 40 Funds in Fund Complex

  

Bruce B. Bingham, 74

Partner, Hamilton Partners (real estate development firm) (1987-Present); Director of The Yacktman Funds, Inc. (2 portfolios) (2000-2012).

 

• Trustee since 2013

• Oversees 44 Funds in Fund Complex

• Chairman of the Audit Committee since 2021

  

Kurt A. Keilhacker, 59

Managing Partner, TechFund Europe (2000-Present); Managing Partner, TechFund Capital (1997-Present); Managing Partner, Elementum Ventures (2013-Present); Director, MetricStory, Inc. (2017-Present); Trustee, Wheaton College (2018-Present); Trustee, Gordon College (2001-2016); Board Member, 6wind SA (2002-2019).

 

• Trustee since 2004

• Oversees 40 Funds in Fund Complex

  

Steven J. Paggioli, 72

Independent Consultant (2002-Present); Trustee, Professionally Managed Portfolios (28 portfolios); Advisory Board Member, Sustainable Growth Advisors, LP; Independent Director, Muzinich BDC, Inc. (business development company) (2019-Present); Director, The Wadsworth Group; Independent Director, Chase Investment Counsel (2008–2019); Executive Vice President, Secretary and Director, Investment Company Administration, LLC and First Fund Distributors, INC. (1990-2001).

 

• Independent Chairman of the Board of Trustees since 2017

• Chairman of the Governance Committee since 2017

• Trustee since 1999

• Oversees 44 Funds in Fund Complex

  

Eric Rakowski, 64

Professor of Law, University of California at Berkeley School of Law (1990-Present); Tax Attorney at Davis Polk & Wardwell and clerked for Judge Harry T. Edwards of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit and for Justice William J. Brennan Jr. of the U.S. Supreme Court; Trustee of Parnassus Funds (3 portfolios) (2021-Present); Trustee of Parnassus Income Funds (2 portfolios) (2021-Present); Director of Harding, Loevner Funds, Inc. (10 portfolios); Trustee of Third Avenue Trust (3 portfolios) (2002-2019); Trustee of Third Avenue Variable Trust (1 portfolio) (2002-2019).

 

• Trustee since 2013

• Oversees 44 Funds in Fund Complex

  

Victoria L. Sassine, 57

Adjunct Professor, Babson College (2007–Present); Director, Board of Directors, PRG Group (2017-Present); CEO, Founder, Scale Smarter Partners, LLC (2018-Present); Adviser, EVOFEM Biosciences (2019-Present); Chairperson of the Board of Directors, Business Management Associates (2018-2019).

 

• Trustee since 2004

• Oversees 40 Funds in Fund Complex

  

Thomas R. Schneeweis, 75*

Professor Emeritus, University of Massachusetts (2013-Present); President, TRS Associates (1982-Present); Board Member, Chartered Alternative Investment Association (“CAIA”) (2002-Present); Co-Founder and Director, Institute for Global Asset and Risk Management (Education) (2010-Present); Co-Owner, Quantitative Investment Technologies (2014-Present); Co-Owner, Yes Wealth Management (2018-Present); Director, CAIA Foundation (2010-2019); Partner, S Capital Wealth Advisors (2015-2018); Partner, S Capital Management, LLC (2007-2015); President, Alternative Investment Analytics, LLC (formerly Schneeweis Partners, LLC) (2001-2013).

*Mr. Schneeweis retired from the Board of Trustees of AMG Funds as of December 31, 2022.

Interested Trustee

The Trustee in the following table is an “interested person” of the Trust within the meaning of the 1940 Act.

 

Number of Funds Overseen in
Fund Complex
  Name, Age, Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years and Other Directorships Held by Trustee

 

 

63


    

 

    

AMG Funds

Trustees and Officers (continued)

 

   

    

 

     

 

 

   

• Trustee since 2021

• Oversees 44 Funds in Fund Complex

  

Garret W. Weston, 41

Affiliated Managers Group, Inc. (2008-Present): Managing Director, Co-Head of Affiliate Engagement (2021-Present), Senior Vice President, Affiliate Development (2016-2021), Vice President, Office of the CEO (2015-2016), Vice President, New Investments (2012-2015), Senior Associate, New Investments (2008-2012); Associate, Madison Dearborn Partners (2006-2008); Analyst, Merrill Lynch (2004-2006).

Officers

 

   

Position(s) Held with Fund and Length of Time Served

   Name, Age, Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years
 

• President since 2018

• Principal Executive Officer since 2018

• Chief Executive Officer since 2018

• Chief Operating Officer since 2007

  

Keitha L. Kinne, 64

Chief Operating Officer, AMG Funds LLC (2007-Present); Chief Investment Officer, AMG Funds LLC (2008-Present); President and Principal, AMG Distributors, Inc. (2018-Present); Chief Operating Officer, AMG Distributors, Inc. (2007-Present); President, Chief Executive Officer and Principal Executive Officer, AMG Funds, AMG Funds I, AMG Funds II, AMG Funds III and AMG Funds IV (2018-Present); Chief Operating Officer, AMG Funds, AMG Funds I, AMG Funds II, and AMG Funds III (2007-Present); Chief Operating Officer, AMG Funds IV (2016-Present); Chief Operating Officer and Chief Investment Officer, Aston Asset Management, LLC (2016); President and Principal Executive Officer, AMG Funds, AMG Funds I, AMG Funds II and AMG Funds III (2012-2014); Managing Partner, AMG Funds LLC (2007-2014); President and Principal, AMG Distributors, Inc. (2012-2014); Managing Director, Legg Mason & Co., LLC (2006-2007); Managing Director, Citigroup Asset Management (2004-2006).

 

• Secretary since 2015

• Chief Legal Officer since 2015

  

Mark J. Duggan, 57

Managing Director and Senior Counsel, AMG Funds LLC (2021-Present); Senior Vice President and Senior Counsel, AMG Funds LLC (2015-2021); Secretary and Chief Legal Officer, AMG Funds, AMG Funds I, AMG Funds II, AMG Funds III and AMG Funds IV (2015-Present); Attorney, K&L Gates, LLP (2009-2015).

 

• Chief Financial Officer since 2017

• Treasurer since 2017

• Principal Financial Officer since 2017

• Principal Accounting Officer since 2017

  

Thomas G. Disbrow, 56

Vice President, Mutual Fund Treasurer & CFO, AMG Funds, AMG Funds LLC (2017-Present); Chief Financial Officer, Principal Financial Officer, Treasurer and Principal Accounting Officer, AMG Funds, AMG Funds I, AMG Funds II, AMG Funds III and AMG Funds IV (2017-Present); Managing Director - Global Head of Traditional Funds Product Control, UBS Asset Management (Americas), Inc. (2015-2017); Managing Director - Head of North American Funds Treasury, UBS Asset Management (Americas), Inc. (2011-2015).

 

• Deputy Treasurer since 2017

  

John A. Starace, 52

Vice President, Mutual Fund Accounting, AMG Funds LLC (2021-Present); Director, Mutual Fund Accounting, AMG Funds LLC (2017-2021); Vice President, Deputy Treasurer of Mutual Funds Services, AMG Funds LLC (2014-2017); Deputy Treasurer, AMG Funds, AMG Funds I, AMG Funds II, AMG Funds III and AMG Funds IV (2017-Present); Vice President, Citi Hedge Fund Services (2010-2014); Audit Senior Manager (2005-2010) and Audit Manager (2001-2005), Deloitte & Touche LLP.

 

• Chief Compliance Officer and Sarbanes-Oxley Code of Ethics Compliance Officer since 2019

• Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer since 2022

  

Patrick J. Spellman, 48

Vice President, Chief Compliance Officer, AMG Funds LLC (2017-Present); Chief Compliance Officer, AMG Distributors, Inc. (2010-Present); Chief Compliance Officer and Sarbanes-Oxley Code of Ethics Compliance Officer, AMG Funds, AMG Funds I, AMG Funds II, AMG Funds III and AMG Funds IV (2019-Present); Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer, AMG Funds, AMG Funds I, AMG Funds II, and AMG Funds III (2014-2019; 2022-Present); Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer, AMG Funds IV (2016-2019; 2022-Present); Senior Vice President, Chief Compliance Officer, AMG Funds LLC (2011-2017); Compliance Manager, Legal and Compliance, Affiliated Managers Group, Inc. (2005-2011).

 

• Assistant Secretary since 2016

  

Maureen M. Kerrigan, 37

Vice President, Senior Counsel, AMG Funds LLC (2021-Present); Vice President, Counsel, AMG Funds LLC (2019-2021); Director, Counsel, AMG Funds LLC (2017-2018); Vice President, Counsel, AMG Funds LLC (2015-2017); Assistant Secretary, AMG Funds, AMG Funds I, AMG Funds II, AMG Funds III and AMG Funds IV (2016-Present); Associate, Ropes & Gray LLP (2011-2015); Law Fellow, Massachusetts Appleseed Center for Law and Justice (2010-2011).

 

 

64


LOGO

   
   

    

 

     

 

 

INVESTMENT MANAGER AND

ADMINISTRATOR

 

AMG Funds LLC

680 Washington Blvd., Suite 500

Stamford, CT 06901

800.548.4539

 

DISTRIBUTOR

 

AMG Distributors, Inc.

680 Washington Blvd., Suite 500

Stamford, CT 06901

800.548.4539

 

SUBADVISER

 

Yacktman Asset Management LP

6300 Bridgepoint Parkway

Building One, Suite 500

Austin, TX 78730

 

CUSTODIAN

 

The Bank of New York Mellon

Mutual Funds Custody

6023 Airport Road

Oriskany, NY 13424

  

LEGAL COUNSEL

 

Ropes &Gray LLP

Prudential Tower, 800 Boylston Street

Boston, MA 02199-3600

 

TRANSFER AGENT

 

BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc.

Attn: AMG Funds

4400 Computer Drive

Westborough, MA 01581

800.548.4539

 

Effective March 9, 2023, the Transfer Agent’s

mailing address will change to the following:

 

BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc.

AMG Funds

Attn: 534426

AIM 154-0520

500 Ross Street

Pittsburgh, PA 15262

800.548.4539

  

This report is prepared for the Funds’ shareholders. It is authorized for distribution to prospective investors only when preceded or accompanied by an effective prospectus. To receive a free copy of the prospectus or Statement of Additional Information, which includes additional information about Fund Trustees, please contact us by calling 800.548.4539. Distributed by AMG Distributors, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC.

 

Current net asset values per share for each Fund are available on the Funds’ website at amgfunds.com.

 

A description of the policies and procedures each Fund uses to vote its proxies is available: (i) without charge, upon request, by calling 800.548.4539, or (ii) on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) website at sec.gov. For information regarding the Funds’ proxy voting record for the 12-month period ended June 30, call 800.548.4539 or visit the SEC website at sec.gov.

 

The Funds file their complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year as an exhibit to their reports on Form N-PORT. The Funds’ portfolio holdings on Form N-PORT are available on the SEC’s website at sec.gov and the Funds’ website at amgfunds.com. To review a complete list of the Funds’ portfolio holdings, or to view the most recent semiannual report or annual report, please visit amgfunds.com.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

amgfunds.com                    

 

     


LOGO    
   

    

 

     

 

 

BALANCED FUNDS

 

AMG GW&K Global Allocation

GW&K Investment Management, LLC

 

EQUITY FUNDS

 

AMG Beutel Goodman International Equity

 

Beutel, Goodman & Company Ltd.

 

AMG Boston Common Global Impact

 

Boston Common Asset Management, LLC

 

AMG Frontier Small Cap Growth

 

Frontier Capital Management Co., LLC

 

AMG GW&K Small Cap Core

AMG GW&K Small Cap Value

AMG GW&K Small/Mid Cap

AMG GW&K Small/Mid Cap Growth

AMG GW&K Emerging Markets Equity

AMG GW&K Emerging Wealth Equity

AMG GW&K International Small Cap

 

GW&K Investment Management, LLC

 

AMG Montrusco Bolton Large Cap Growth

 

Montrusco Bolton Investments, Inc.

 

AMG Renaissance Large Cap Growth

 

The Renaissance Group LLC

   

AMG River Road Dividend All Cap Value

AMG River Road Focused Absolute Value

AMG River Road International Value Equity

AMG River Road Large Cap Value Select

AMG River Road Mid Cap Value

AMG River Road Small-Mid Cap Value

AMG River Road Small Cap Value

 

River Road Asset Management, LLC

 

AMG TimesSquare Emerging Markets Small Cap

AMG TimesSquare Global Small Cap

AMG TimesSquare International Small Cap

AMG TimesSquare Mid Cap Growth

AMG TimesSquare Small Cap Growth

 

TimesSquare Capital Management, LLC

 

AMG Veritas Asia Pacific

AMG Veritas China

AMG Veritas Global Focus

AMG Veritas Global Real Return

 

Veritas Asset Management LLP

 

AMG Yacktman

AMG Yacktman Focused

AMG Yacktman Global

AMG Yacktman Special Opportunities

 

Yacktman Asset Management LP

 

 

FIXED INCOME FUNDS

 

AMG Beutel Goodman Core Plus Bond

 

Beutel, Goodman & Company Ltd.

 

AMG GW&K Core Bond ESG

AMG GW&K Enhanced Core Bond ESG

AMG GW&K ESG Bond

AMG GW&K High Income

AMG GW&K Municipal Bond

AMG GW&K Municipal Enhanced Yield

 

GW&K Investment Management, LLC

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

amgfunds.com                    

 

         123122         AR071


Item 2.

CODE OF ETHICS

Registrant has adopted a Code of Ethics. See attached Exhibit (a)(1).

 

Item 3.

AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT

Registrant’s Board of Trustees has determined that independent Trustee Mr. Steven J. Paggioli qualifies as an Audit Committee Financial Expert. Mr. Paggioli is “independent” as such term is defined in Form N-CSR.

 

Item 4.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

 

(a)

Audit Fees

The aggregate fees billed by the Funds’ independent registered public accounting firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (“PwC”), to the Funds for the Funds’ two most recent fiscal years for professional services rendered for audits of annual financial statements, or services that are normally provided in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements (“Audit Fees”) were as follows:

 

Fund - AMG Funds

   Fiscal
2022
     Fiscal
2021
 

AMG GW&K Municipal Enhanced Yield Fund

   $ 35,157      $ 36,695  

AMG GW&K Small Cap Core Fund

   $ 31,658      $ 28,816  

AMG GW&K Municipal Bond Fund

   $ 47,394      $ 46,980  

AMG GW&K Small/Mid Cap Fund

   $ 37,773      $ 41,244  

AMG GW&K Small Cap Value Fund

   $ 36,207      $ 29,718  

AMG TimesSquare Mid Cap Growth Fund

   $ 42,304      $ 37,177  

AMG TimesSquare Small Cap Growth Fund

   $ 27,443      $ 43,466  

AMG TimesSquare International Small Cap Fund

   $ 42,491      $ 44,692  

AMG TimesSquare Emerging Markets Small Cap Fund

   $ 64,146      $ 39,973  

AMG TimesSquare Global Small Cap Fund

   $ 31,536      $ 32,668  

AMG Renaissance Large Cap Growth Fund

   $ 26,314      $ 25,570  

AMG Yacktman Focused Fund

   $ 68,352      $ 56,452  

AMG Yacktman Fund

   $ 110,277      $ 80,934  

AMG Yacktman Special Opportunities Fund

   $ 28,845      $ 29,280  

AMG Yacktman Global Fund

   $ 35,068      $ 24,572  

 

(b)

Audit-Related Fees

There were no fees billed by PwC to the Funds in their two most recent fiscal years for services rendered for assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of the Funds’ financial statements, but are not reported as Audit Fees (“Audit-Related Fees”).


For the Funds’ two most recent fiscal years, there were no Audit-Related Fees billed by PwC for engagements related directly to the operations and financial reporting of one or more Funds by a Fund Service Provider. A Fund Service Provider is (a) any investment adviser to the Fund (not including any Subadvisor whose role is primarily portfolio management and is subcontracted with or overseen by another investment adviser) or (b) any entity that provides ongoing services to the Fund and is controlling, controlled by or under common control with a Fund investment adviser described in (a).

 

(c)

Tax Fees

The aggregate fees billed by PwC to the Funds for the two most recent fiscal years for professional services rendered for tax compliance, tax advice, and tax planning (“Tax Fees”) were as follows:

 

Fund - AMG Funds

   Fiscal
2022
     Fiscal
2021
 

AMG GW&K Municipal Enhanced Yield Fund

   $ 6,760      $ 6,250  

AMG GW&K Small Cap Core Fund

   $ 6,760      $ 6,250  

AMG GW&K Municipal Bond Fund

   $ 6,760      $ 6,250  

AMG GW&K Small/Mid Cap Fund

   $ 6,760      $ 6,250  

AMG GW&K Small Cap Value Fund

   $ 6,760      $ 6,250  

AMG TimesSquare Mid Cap Growth Fund

   $ 6,760      $ 6,250  

AMG TimesSquare Small Cap Growth Fund

   $ 6,760      $ 6,250  

AMG TimesSquare International Small Cap Fund

   $ 8,050      $ 7,450  

AMG TimesSquare Emerging Markets Small Cap Fund

   $ 8,050      $ 7,450  

AMG TimesSquare Global Small Cap Fund

   $ 8,050      $ 7,450  

AMG Renaissance Large Cap Growth Fund

   $ 6,760      $ 6,250  

AMG Yacktman Focused Fund

   $ 6,760      $ 6,250  

AMG Yacktman Fund

   $ 6,760      $ 6,250  

AMG Yacktman Special Opportunities Fund

   $ 6,760      $ 6,250  

AMG Yacktman Global Fund

   $ 8,050      $ 6,250  

For the Funds’ two most recent fiscal years, Tax Fees billed by PwC for engagements by Fund Service Providers that related directly to the operations and financial reporting of the Funds were $0 for fiscal 2022 and $0 for fiscal 2021, respectively.

The services for which Tax Fees were charged comprise all services performed by professional staff in PwC’s tax division except those services related to the audit. Typically, this category would include fees for tax compliance, tax planning, and tax advice. Tax compliance, tax advice, and tax planning services include preparation of original and amended tax returns, claims for refund and tax payment-planning services, assistance with tax audits and appeals, tax advice related to mergers and acquisitions and requests for rulings or technical advice from taxing authorities.


(d)

All Other Fees

There were no other fees billed by PwC to the Funds for all other non-audit services (“Other Fees”) during the Funds’ two most recent fiscal years. During the same period, there were no Other Fees billed by PwC for engagements by Fund Service Providers that related directly to the operations and financial reporting of the Funds.

(e)(1)According to policies adopted by the Audit Committee, services provided by PwC to the Funds must be pre-approved by the Audit Committee. On an annual basis, the Audit Committee reviews and pre-approves various types of services that PwC may perform for the Funds without specific approval of each engagement, subject to specified budget limitations. As contemplated by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and related SEC rules, the Audit Committee also pre-approves non-audit services provided by PwC to any Fund Service Provider for any engagement that relates directly to the operations and financial reporting of the Funds. Any engagement that is not already pre-approved or that will exceed a pre-approved budget must be submitted to the Audit Committee for pre-approval. The Chairman of the Audit Committee is authorized on behalf of the Board of Trustees and the Audit Committee to approve the engagement of PwC to perform non-audit services subject to certain conditions, including notification to the Audit Committee of such pre-approval not later than the next meeting of the Audit Committee following the date of such pre-approval.

(e)(2) None.

(f) Not applicable.

(g) The aggregate fees billed by PwC in 2022 and 2021 for non-audit services rendered to the Funds and Fund Service Providers were $142,560 and $143,850, respectively. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, this amount reflects the amounts disclosed above in Item 4(b),(c),(d), plus $36,000 in fees billed to the Fund Service Providers for non-audit services that did not relate directly to the operations and financial reporting of the Funds. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, this amount reflects the amounts disclosed above in Item 4(b),(c),(d), plus $46,500 in additional fees billed to the Fund Service Providers for non-audit services that did not relate directly to the operations and financial reporting of the Funds.

(h) The Trust’s Audit Committee has considered whether the provision of non-audit services by registrant’s independent registered public accounting firm to the registrant’s investment adviser, and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the investment adviser that provided ongoing services to the registrant that were not pre-approved by the Committee (because such services did not relate directly to the operations and financial reporting of the registrant) was compatible with maintaining the independence of the independent registered public accounting firm.

 

Item 5.

AUDIT COMMITTEE OF LISTED REGISTRANTS

Not applicable.


Item 6.

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

The schedule of investments in securities of unaffiliated issuers as of the close of the reporting period is included as part of the report to shareholders filed under Item 1 of this form.

 

Item 7.

DISCLOSURE OF PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES

Not applicable.

 

Item 8.

PORTFOLIO MANAGERS OF CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES

Not applicable.

 

Item 9.

PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS

Not applicable.

 

Item 10.

SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

Not applicable.

 

Item 11.

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

    (a) The Registrant’s principal executive and principal financial officers have concluded, based on their evaluation of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days of the filing of this report, that the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures are reasonably designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Registrant on Form N-CSR is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the required time periods and that information required to be disclosed by the registrant in the reports that it files or submits on Form N-CSR is accumulated and communicated to the Registrant’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

    (b) There were no changes in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting during the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the internal control over financial reporting.

 

Item 12.

DISCLOSURE OF SECURITIES LENDING ACTIVITIES FOR CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES

Not applicable.


Item 13.

EXHIBITS

(a)(1) Any Code of Ethics or amendments hereto. Filed herewith.

(a)(2) Certifications pursuant to Rule 30a-2(a) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 - Filed herewith.

(a)(3) Not applicable.

 

(b)

Certifications pursuant to Rule 30a-2(b) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 - Filed herewith.

 


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

AMG FUNDS

 

By:  

/s/ Keitha L. Kinne

  Keitha L. Kinne, Principal Executive Officer
Date: March 6, 2023

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

By:  

/s/ Keitha L. Kinne

  Keitha L. Kinne, Principal Executive Officer
Date: March 6, 2023
By:  

/s/ Thomas Disbrow

  Thomas Disbrow, Principal Financial Officer
Date: March 6, 2023