N-CSR 1 d292533dncsr.htm AMG FUNDS II AMG Funds II

 

 

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: 811-06431

 

 

AMG Funds II

(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, 2021 – DECEMBER 31, 2021 (Annual Shareholder Report)

 

 

 


Item 1.

Reports to Shareholders


LOGO   ANNUAL REPORT

 

    

 

 

                          AMG Funds
 
      

December 31, 2021

 

  
       LOGO
 
       AMG GW&K ESG Bond Fund
       (formerly AMG Managers Loomis Sayles 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            |

  

 

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    AMG Funds

     Annual Report – December 31, 2021

 

    

 

 

    

    

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

   15
 
   

AMG GW&K High Income Fund

   24
 
   

AMG GW&K Municipal Bond Fund

   32
 
   

AMG GW&K Municipal Enhanced Yield Fund

   42
 
   

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

  
 
   

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

   50
   

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

  
 
   

Statement of Operations

   52
   

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

  
 
   

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

   53
   

Detail of changes in assets for the past two fiscal years

  
 
   

Financial Highlights

   55
   

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

  
 
   

Notes to Financial Statements

   67
   

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    77
 
   

OTHER INFORMATION

   78
 
   

TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

   79

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:

The fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, was marked by the continued extraordinary recovery amid an unprecedented global effort to stop the COVID-19 pandemic. Equities rallied to new record highs amid better-than-expected corporate earnings, colossal fiscal and monetary stimulus programs, and an improving economic backdrop. Since the market bottom on March 23, 2020, the S&P 500® Index has gained over 119%. Businesses and consumers contended with disrupted supply chains and rising prices on a wide range of goods such as lumber and gasoline, and outbreaks of coronavirus variants kept the world on edge. Volatility increased in September as investors grew more concerned about rising inflation and more hawkish global central bank policies, but equities were resilient and finished the fiscal year with a strong rally.

The S&P 500® gained 28.71% during the year and all sectors produced double-digit returns, but there was very wide dispersion in performance. Energy and real estate led the market with returns of 54.72% and 46.20%, respectively. On the other hand, utilities and consumer staples lagged with returns of 17.63% and 18.63%, respectively. Growth stocks edged out Value stocks as the Russell 1000® Growth Index returned 27.60% compared to the 25.16% return for the Russell 1000® Value Index. Small cap stocks underperformed as the Russell 2000® Index returned 14.82%. Within small caps, the Value-Growth disparity was much more pronounced as the Russell 2000® Value Index returned 28.27% compared to 2.83% for the Russell 2000® Growth Index. Outside the U.S., foreign developed markets lagged their U.S. counterparts with an 11.26% return for the MSCI EAFE Index. A major regulatory crackdown in China shook investor confidence in Chinese equities and caused emerging markets to underperform with a (2.54)% return for the MSCI Emerging Markets Index.

Interest rates lifted off from near-historic lows as the vaccine rollout initiated a return to normalcy and the economic outlook improved. The 10-year Treasury yield rose 59 basis points to 1.52% and ended the year slightly shy of its post-pandemic high. The Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index, a broad measure of U.S. bond market performance, lost (1.54)% over the period. While risk appetite was strong, rising rates still hurt returns for investment-grade corporate bonds, which lost (1.04)% during the year. The global search for yield helped high-yield bonds outperform the investment-grade market with a 5.28% return as measured by the return of the Bloomberg U.S. Corporate High Yield Bond Index. Municipal bonds benefited from a strong technical backdrop, which drove a 1.52% return for the Bloomberg Municipal Bond Index.

AMG Funds appreciates the privilege of providing investment tools to you and your clients. Our foremost goal is to provide investment solutions that help our shareholders successfully reach their long-term investment goals. AMG Funds provides access to a distinctive array of actively managed return-oriented investment strategies. We thank you for your continued confidence and investment in AMG Funds. You can rest assured that under all market conditions our team is focused on delivering excellent investment management services for your benefit.

Respectfully,

 

LOGO

Keitha Kinne

President

AMG Funds

 

Average Annual Total Returns   Periods ended
December 31, 2021*
 
Stocks:         1 Year     3 Years     5 Years  

Large Cap

   (S&P 500® Index)     28.71     26.07     18.47

Small Cap

   (Russell 2000® Index)     14.82     20.02     12.02

International

   (MSCI ACWI ex USA)     7.82     13.18     9.61
Bonds:                           

Investment Grade

   (Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index)     (1.54 )%      4.79     3.57

High Yield

   (Bloomberg U.S. Corporate High Yield Bond Index)     5.28     8.83     6.30

Tax-exempt

   (Bloomberg Municipal Bond Index)     1.52     4.73     4.17

Treasury Bills

   (ICE BofAML U.S. 6-Month Treasury Bill Index)     0.09     1.23     1.31

*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 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, 2021

  

Expense

Ratio for

the Period

  

Beginning

Account

Value

07/01/21

  

Ending

Account

Value

12/31/21

  

Expenses

Paid

During

the Period*

 

  AMG GW&K ESG Bond Fund

 

  Based on Actual Fund Return

  

  Class N

   0.68%    $1,000    $999      $3.43  

  Class I

   0.48%    $1,000    $1,000      $2.42  
   

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    $996      $3.67  

  Class I

   0.57%    $1,000    $997      $2.87  

  Class Z

   0.48%    $1,000    $997      $2.42  
   

  Based on Hypothetical 5% Annual Return

  

  Class N

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

  Class I

   0.57%    $1,000    $1,022      $2.91  

  Class Z

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

  AMG GW&K High Income Fund

 

  Based on Actual Fund Return

  

  Class N

   0.84%    $1,000    $1,008      $4.25  

  Class I

   0.65%    $1,000    $1,009      $3.29  
   

  Based on Hypothetical 5% Annual Return

  

  Class N

   0.84%    $1,000    $1,021      $4.28  

  Class I

   0.65%    $1,000    $1,022      $3.31  

  Six Months Ended

  December 31, 2021

  

Expense

Ratio for

the Period

  

Beginning

Account

Value

07/01/21

  

Ending

Account

Value

12/31/21

  

Expenses

Paid

During

the Period*

 

  AMG GW&K Municipal Bond Fund

 

  Based on Actual Fund Return

  

  Class N

   0.72%    $1,000    $999      $3.63  

  Class I

   0.39%    $1,000    $1,001      $1.97  
   

  Based on Hypothetical 5% Annual Return

  

  Class N

   0.72%    $1,000    $1,022      $3.67  

  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    $1,002      $5.00  

  Class I

   0.64%    $1,000    $1,004      $3.23  

  Class Z

   0.59%    $1,000    $1,004      $2.98  
   

  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 (1.29%) for the year ended December 31, 2021, compared with the (1.54%) return for its current benchmark, the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index. The Fund’s prior benchmark, the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Government/Credit Bond Index, returned (1.75%).

 

Effective March 19, 2021, the subadviser of the Fund changed from Loomis, Sayles & Company, L.P. to GW&K Investment Management, LLC (“GW&K”). Also effective March 19, 2021, the Fund changed its name to AMG GW&K ESG Bond Fund and changed its principal investment strategies, benchmark, and principal risks. On June 11, 2021, the Fund’s shareholders approved the appointment of GW&K as the subadviser to the Fund and the change in the Fund’s name.

 

MARKET OVERVIEW

 

In the first quarter of 2021, fixed income markets posted their worst returns since 1981 amid a sharp rebound in growth expectations and burgeoning fears of higher inflation. The success of the nationwide vaccine rollout, a rapidly healing labor market, and swelling consumer confidence continued to drive the reflation narrative. Further support came in the form of a $1.9 trillion fiscal stimulus package on top of a commitment to ultra-loose monetary policy from the U.S. Federal Reserve (the “Fed”). And beyond that, investors were confronted with the possibility of yet more fiscal support with a proposal of more than $2 trillion of infrastructure spending. This combination of factors amounted to nothing less than a wholesale regime shift for a bond market that until just a few months ago struggled with an anemic growth outlook and fears of deflation. Nevertheless, worries over new variants, challenged vaccine rollouts, and isolated instances of supply constraints might present challenges in the months ahead.

 

Fixed income markets rebounded solidly in the second quarter following their worst selloff in decades. The most prominent catalyst behind the first quarter rout–the threat of sharply faster economic growth and elevated inflation–proved far less menacing in light of lackluster data and a less dovish Fed. In addition to the overhang of COVID-19, including fears of new variants and the elusiveness of herd immunity, signs began to emerge that the pace of the recovery had peaked. Nonfarm payrolls posted successive disappointments, the

  

manufacturing resurgence stalled, and retail sales slipped. Some of the more sensational commodity price spikes began to roll over as well, casting further doubt over the persistence of recent inflationary pressures. None of this suggested that the recovery is off track, but the bond market’s stubborn resilience points to a marked revision of the timeframe for normalization.

 

Fixed income markets were essentially unchanged in the third quarter despite a steady succession of headlines related to COVID-19, geopolitics, and price increases. Bond investors’ largely sanguine response to these challenges suggested they have been able to look beyond near-term headwinds toward the next stage of the recovery. The delta variant drove a massive surge in cases across much of the U.S., even as new prevention and treatment options continued to emerge and data suggest cases have crested. Chinese authorities enacted assertive regulatory changes and pursued efforts to reduce systemic leverage, while nevertheless framing both as necessary to achieve long-term stability and prosperity. Supply-chain constraints, energy shortages, and limited labor availability threatened to weigh on growth around the world, but there have been few indications that these market failures reflect any weakness in aggregate demand. On balance, these various obstacles seem to have been relegated to the category of one-time items, and the bond market has demonstrated little concern that they represent a meaningful threat to the current trading regime.

 

Fixed income markets were effectively flat in the fourth quarter, despite major narrative shifts with respect to inflation, monetary policy, and COVID-19. Signs of easing supply-chain pressures and continued labor market normalization were not enough to quell concerns about rising inflation, which printed at its highest level in almost 40 years. The Fed executed a “hawkish pivot” in acknowledging more persistent inflationary forces and signaled their intention to respond accordingly. The extremely contagious omicron variant rapidly established itself as the dominant strain around the globe, forcing a reappraisal of reopening timelines and reviving the specter of lockdowns and healthcare rationing. Ironically, the combined effect of these various forces essentially netted to zero; solid economic data and a broadly constructive outlook from the Fed were met with the prospect of tightening financial conditions and growth fears

      

posed by omicron. But trading overall was orderly, and after the last two years’ investors seemed well practiced at looking past near-term volatility toward the next stage of a return to normalcy.

 

FUND REVIEW

 

The Fund outperformed during its fiscal year, helped by its overweight to spread product. For the period prior to the Fund’s transition to GW&K, January 1, 2021 to March 18, 2021, the Fund outperformed the legacy Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Government/Credit Bond Index. An overweight allocation to corporate bonds, including out-of-benchmark high yield allocation, were primary drivers of excess return. Following the transition of the Fund to GW&K, the Fund modestly trailed its current benchmark. High yield corporates notably outperformed the broad investment grade market, as they were less sensitive to the upward shift in rates and experienced 77 basis points in spread tightening. Thus, the Fund’s out-of-benchmark allocation to high yield corporates contributed to returns. An overweight to taxable municipals was a modest tailwind. Security selection was the main contributor to performance. Selection within banking, due to an inclusion of out-of-benchmark preferred stock, was a key positive. Also helping was selection in the investment grade corporate technology, consumer cyclicals, and consumer non-cyclicals sectors. Selection within agency MBS was a drag on returns. The biggest detractor from relative performance was yield curve positioning. The Fund benefited from having an overall duration shorter than its benchmark as yields rose. However, this effect was more than offset by the negative impact of our underweight to the long end amid the sharp flattening of the curve.

 

ESG continues to be a growing area of focus for the corporate bond market. The range of companies publishing sustainability reports and setting related goals and targets increased significantly this year. Large companies in even some of the highest emitting industries, like autos, oil & gas, and steel, set long-term reduction targets and committed to significant sustainability investments. Following this trend, 2021 was another record-shattering year for ESG-labeled bond issuance, with green bonds dominating the market as investors clamor for ESG-related investments. While we continue to selectively add ESG-labeled bonds, we remain focused on avoiding corporate issuers with weaker ESG-related practices

 

 

 

 

4


  

    

    AMG GW&K ESG Bond Fund

    Portfolio Manager’s Comments (continued)

 

    

 

 

OUTLOOK

 

The meaningful shift in the Fed’s reaction function–in addition to potentially elevated inflation pressure in the near term–suggests front-end maturities could face a challenging 2022. Farther out the curve, however, the outlook is less clear. With the Fed projecting a terminal rate near 2.5% and the market pricing in a ceiling closer to 1.75%, any fluctuation in this differential is likely to impact longer maturities most acutely as investors weigh the potential for a policy error. In light of these various moving pieces and projections, we believe the bias in rates is to the upside and consequently we are broadly shorter than our benchmark. With respect to curve positioning, we think risks are fairly balanced. We have only a small underweight to long

  

maturities because we see a more appealing risk profile in intermediates, which offer attractive carry and roll with less exposure to potential volatility as rates move higher.

 

In light of our constructive fundamental outlook for the credit market and still-supportive market technicals, we believe the corporate credit space offers attractive value. Additionally, with Treasury rates at historically low levels, corporates offer a competitive yield and the potential for spread compression in a rising-rate environment. While we are on guard against the potential for elevated M&A and an increased focus on shareholder returns, we see value in credit improvement stories within the investment grade space. In high yield, we favor crossover stories trading wide of investment grade

      

peers while avoiding some of the more cyclical industries where we think good news is already reflected in spreads. We remain neutral on mortgages heading into the taper, though higher mortgage rates could improve our outlook for prepayment speeds. We also maintain our preference for higher-coupon, seasoned pools given our expectation of higher rates, as they are less exposed to extension risk.

 

The views expressed represent the opinions of GW&K Investment Management, LLC 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, 2011, to a $10,000 investment made in the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index and Bloomberg U.S. Government/Credit 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 ESG Bond Fund and the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index and Bloomberg U.S. Government/Credit Bond Index for the same time periods ended December 31, 2021.

 

  Average Annual Total Returns1

 

One

Year

   

Five

Years

   

Ten

Years

   

Since

Inception

   

Inception

Date

 

  AMG GW&K ESG Bond Fund2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15

 

   

Class N

    (1.29 %)      4.30%       4.28%       7.71%       06/01/84   

Class I

    (1.05 %)      4.47%             3.51%       04/01/13   

Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index16

    (1.54 %)      3.57%       2.90%       6.97%        06/01/84  

Bloomberg U.S. Government/Credit Bond Index17

    (1.75 %)      3.99%       3.13%       6.99%        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, 2021. 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 advisor 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   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   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   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

 

 

 

6


  

    

    AMG GW&K ESG Bond Fund

    Portfolio Manager’s Comments (continued)

 

    

 

 

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

 

10 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.

 

11 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 Subadviser or any judgment exercised by the Subadviser will reflect the beliefs or values of any particular investor

         

12 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.

 

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

 

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  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.

 

16 On March 19, 2021, the primary benchmark changed from the Bloomberg U.S. Government/Credit Bond Index to the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index. 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.

 

17 The Bloomberg U.S. Government/Credit Bond Index is an index of investment grade government and corporate bonds with a maturity date of more than one year. Unlike the Fund, the Bloomberg U.S. Government/Credit 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, 2021

 

    

 

PORTFOLIO BREAKDOWN

 

    Category

 

  

% of

Net Assets

 

 

Corporate Bonds and Notes

   52.8
 

U.S. Government and Agency Obligations

   40.1
 

Municipal Bonds

     4.1
 

Foreign Government Obligations

     0.6
 

Asset-Backed Securities

     0.3
 

Short-Term Investments

     2.6
 

Other Assets Less Liabilities

   (0.5)

    Rating

 

  

% of Market Value1

 

 

U.S. Government and Agency Obligations

   41.0
 

Aaa/AAA

   1.4
 

Aa/AA

   7.4
 

A

   5.1
 

Baa/BBB

   20.3
 

Ba/BB

   21.3
 

B

   3.5

TOP TEN HOLDINGS

 

    Security Name

 

  

% of
Net Assets

 

 

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

   2.9
 

FHLMC, 3.000%, 04/01/51

   2.8
 

FHLMC, 2.000%, 03/01/36

   2.6
 

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

   2.3
 

FNMA, 2.000%, 04/01/51

   2.2
 

FNMA, 3.500%, 08/01/49

   2.2
 

FNMA, 3.500%, 02/01/35

   2.1
 

U.S. Treasury Bonds, 3.500%, 02/15/39

   2.0
 

FHLMC, 3.500%, 02/01/50

   1.8
 

FHLMC, 4.500%, 12/01/48

   1.8
 
    

 

    Top Ten as a Group

   22.7
  

 

 
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/Baa or higher. Below investment grade ratings are credit ratings of BB/Ba 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, 2021

 

    

 

      Principal
Amount
     Value  

Corporate Bonds and Notes - 52.8%

     

Financials - 12.7%

 

  

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

     $5,850,000        $5,839,389  

Aircastle, Ltd. (Bermuda)

     

5.250%, 08/11/251

     2,582,000        2,839,181  

Ally Financial, Inc.

     

Series B, (4.700% to 05/15/26 then U.S. Treasury Yield Curve CMT 5 year + 3.868%), 4.700%, 05/15/262,3,4,5

     3,010,000        3,122,875  

8.000%, 11/01/31

     3,100,000        4,388,265  

American Express Co.

     

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

     1,195,000        1,197,091  

American Tower Corp.

     

4.400%, 02/15/26

     2,300,000        2,510,009  

Bank of America Corp.

     

MTN, (4.330% to 03/15/49 then 3 month LIBOR + 1.520%), 4.330%, 03/15/502,5

     6,175,000        7,639,152  

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%, 09/20/252,3,5

     4,850,000        5,173,737  

The Bank of Nova Scotia (Canada)

     

(SOFR + 0.610%), 0.660%, 09/15/265

     4,788,000        4,788,000  

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%, 06/01/262,3,5

     4,900,000        4,998,000  

CIT Group, Inc.

     

6.125%, 03/09/284

     2,975,000        3,592,313  

Crown Castle International Corp.

     

4.000%, 03/01/27

     2,300,000        2,499,700  

GLP Capital LP/GLP Financing II, Inc.

     

4.000%, 01/15/31

     1,700,000        1,813,883  

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.

     

(SOFR + 0.920%), 0.969%, 10/21/275

     3,150,000        3,164,876  

6.750%, 10/01/37

     2,200,000        3,119,377  

Iron Mountain, Inc.

     

4.500%, 02/15/311

     3,850,000        3,891,156  

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

     

(SOFR + 0.580%), 0.630%, 03/16/245

     4,000,000        4,007,559  

4.125%, 12/15/26

     2,700,000        2,978,022  

Morgan Stanley

     

3.950%, 04/23/27

     2,200,000        2,421,937  

OneMain Finance Corp.

     

8.250%, 10/01/23

     3,450,000        3,799,312  

Owl Rock Capital Corp.

     

4.250%, 01/15/26

     2,300,000        2,418,612  
      Principal
Amount
     Value  

SBA Communications Corp.

     

3.875%, 02/15/27

   $ 3,850,000        $3,965,500  

SLM Corp.

     

3.125%, 11/02/264

     3,365,000        3,331,350  

4.200%, 10/29/25

     838,000        875,710  

Starwood Property Trust, Inc.

     

4.750%, 03/15/254

     1,700,000        1,768,000  

Truist Financial Corp.

     

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

     4,050,000        4,345,212  

VICI Properties LP/VICI Note Co., Inc.

     

3.500%, 02/15/251,4

     1,900,000        1,928,500  

Weyerhaeuser Co.

     

6.875%, 12/15/33

     2,600,000        3,550,116  

Total Financials

        95,966,834  

Industrials - 38.3%

 

  

ACCO Brands Corp.

     

4.250%, 03/15/291

     4,100,000        4,069,250  

Advocate Health & Hospitals Corp.

     

4.272%, 08/15/48

     2,200,000        2,721,217  

AECOM

     

5.125%, 03/15/27

     2,100,000        2,287,625  

Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.

     

2.700%, 05/15/40

     2,700,000        2,722,720  

Alcoa Nederland Holding, B.V. (Netherlands)

     

4.125%, 03/31/291

     3,800,000        3,914,000  

Anheuser-Busch InBev Worldwide, Inc.

     

4.375%, 04/15/38

     2,200,000        2,576,323  

Aramark Services, Inc.

     

5.000%, 02/01/281,4

     3,620,000        3,742,175  

ArcelorMittal, S.A. (Luxembourg)

     

4.250%, 07/16/294

     3,550,000        3,887,007  

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

     3,500,000        3,460,713  

Ashtead Capital, Inc.

     

1.500%, 08/12/261,4

     3,536,000        3,471,110  

AT&T, Inc.
(3 month LIBOR + 1.180%), 1.381%, 06/12/245
4.300%, 02/15/30

    
3,900,000
2,200,000
 
 
    
3,952,494
2,476,078
 
 

Ball Corp.

     

2.875%, 08/15/30

     4,075,000        3,952,750  

Block, Inc.

     

2.750%, 06/01/261

     2,130,000        2,132,535  

Broadcom Corp./Broadcom Cayman Finance, Ltd.

     

3.875%, 01/15/27

     3,419,000        3,707,193  

Caesars Entertainment, Inc.

     

6.250%, 07/01/251

     3,675,000        3,857,372  
 

 

 

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 - 38.3% (continued)

     

Centene Corp.

     

3.375%, 02/15/30

   $ 3,850,000      $ 3,920,801  

Central Garden & Pet Co.

     

4.125%, 10/15/304

     1,800,000        1,815,750  

Cisco Systems, Inc.

     

5.500%, 01/15/40

     1,900,000        2,645,541  

Clearwater Paper Corp.

     

4.750%, 08/15/281

     2,150,000        2,187,625  

The Coca-Cola Co.

     

2.500%, 06/01/40

     2,600,000        2,609,785  

Cogent Communications Group, Inc.

     

3.500%, 05/01/261

     3,565,000        3,620,899  

CommonSpirit Health

     

3.347%, 10/01/29

     2,300,000        2,445,775  

Crown Americas LLC/Crown Americas Capital Corp. V

     

4.250%, 09/30/26

     3,700,000        3,949,750  

CVS Health Corp.

     

5.125%, 07/20/45

     2,100,000        2,729,715  

Dana, Inc.

     

4.250%, 09/01/30

     1,000,000        1,013,750  

5.375%, 11/15/274

     3,700,000        3,880,171  

Dell International LLC/EMC Corp.

     

8.100%, 07/15/36

     972,000        1,478,995  

Dell, Inc.

     

7.100%, 04/15/284

     3,100,000        3,883,783  

Delta Air Lines, Inc.

     

7.375%, 01/15/264

     3,350,000        3,943,945  

Discovery Communications LLC

     

3.950%, 03/20/28

     2,247,000        2,442,023  

Elanco Animal Health, Inc.

     

5.900%, 08/28/286

     3,400,000        3,944,000  

Encompass Health Corp.

     

4.750%, 02/01/30

     3,400,000        3,502,000  

Fiserv, Inc.

     

4.200%, 10/01/28

     2,200,000        2,466,255  

FMG Resources August 2006 Pty, Ltd. (Australia)

     

4.500%, 09/15/271

     3,700,000        3,940,500  

The Ford Foundation

     

Series 2020, 2.415%, 06/01/50

     2,900,000        2,739,925  

G-III Apparel Group, Ltd.

     

7.875%, 08/15/251

     3,440,000        3,660,143  

GLP Capital LP/GLP Financing II Inc.

     

5.750%, 06/01/28

     1,500,000        1,731,960  

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.

     

4.875%, 03/15/27

     3,475,000        3,679,156  

Graphic Packaging International LLC

     

3.500%, 03/01/291

     3,150,000        3,126,375  

Hanesbrands, Inc.

     

4.875%, 05/15/261

     3,650,000        3,900,937  
     

Principal

Amount

    

Value

 

Hasbro, Inc.

     

3.900%, 11/19/294

   $ 3,925,000      $ 4,327,454  

HB Fuller Co.

     

4.250%, 10/15/28

     3,900,000        4,017,000  

HCA, Inc.

     

3.500%, 09/01/30

     3,600,000        3,804,750  

Hilton Domestic Operating Co., Inc.

     

4.875%, 01/15/30

     3,750,000        4,007,812  

The Home Depot, Inc.

     

5.875%, 12/16/36

     1,700,000        2,407,895  

IEA Energy Services LLC

     

6.625%, 08/15/291

     1,855,000        1,832,276  

KB Home

     

4.800%, 11/15/294

     1,347,000        1,470,251  

6.875%, 06/15/27

     1,751,000        2,053,048  

Klabin Finance, S.A. (Luxembourg)

     

4.875%, 09/19/271

     3,700,000        3,931,250  

Kraft Heinz Foods Co.

     

4.375%, 06/01/46

     5,800,000        6,791,802  

Lamar Media Corp.

     

4.875%, 01/15/29

     3,650,000        3,809,688  

Lumen Technologies Inc

     

5.625%, 04/01/25

     1,900,000        2,009,668  

Macy’s Retail Holdings, LLC

     

4.500%, 12/15/34

     4,100,000        4,048,750  

MercadoLibre, Inc.

     

2.375%, 01/14/26

     4,000,000        3,890,040  

Merck & Co.,Inc.

     

1.900%, 12/10/284

     7,460,000        7,495,118  

Methanex Corp. (Canada)

     

5.125%, 10/15/27

     1,800,000        1,890,000  

MGM Resorts International

     

5.750%, 06/15/25

     3,550,000        3,820,688  

Microsoft Corp.

     

2.525%, 06/01/50

     2,700,000        2,633,007  

MSCI, Inc.

     

3.250%, 08/15/331

     2,015,000        2,037,669  

Murphy Oil USA, Inc.

     

4.750%, 09/15/29

     3,700,000        3,894,250  

Newell Brands, Inc.

     

4.700%, 04/01/266

     3,600,000        3,924,918  

Nordstrom, Inc.

     

4.000%, 03/15/274

     3,900,000        3,919,500  

Northrop Grumman Corp.

     

3.200%, 02/01/27

     2,200,000        2,334,922  

Novelis Corp.

     

3.250%, 11/15/261

     3,775,000        3,808,031  

Owens Corning

     

7.000%, 12/01/36

     1,800,000        2,541,702  

Parker-Hannifin Corp.

     

3.250%, 06/14/29

     2,200,000        2,331,511  
 

 

 

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 - 38.3% (continued)

     

Penn National Gaming, Inc.

     

5.625%, 01/15/271,4

     $3,400,000        $3,468,000  

Prime Security Services Borrower LLC/Prime Finance, Inc.

     

5.750%, 04/15/261

     3,650,000        3,918,895  

PulteGroup, Inc.

     

6.000%, 02/15/35

     4,050,000        5,208,420  

Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd. (Liberia)

     

5.500%, 04/01/281,4

     3,475,000        3,515,171  

Sally Holdings LLC/Sally Capital, Inc.

     

8.750%, 04/30/251

     2,000,000        2,130,000  

SK Hynix, Inc. (South Korea)

     

2.375%, 01/19/311

     3,000,000        2,887,091  

Sysco Corp.

     

2.400%, 02/15/30

     4,900,000        4,914,371  

Teleflex, Inc.

     

4.250%, 06/01/281

     3,900,000        4,017,741  

Tenet Healthcare Corp.

     

4.875%, 01/01/261

     3,750,000        3,851,737  

Travel + Leisure Co.

     

5.650%, 04/01/246

     2,900,000        3,081,250  

Twilio, Inc.

     

3.625%, 03/15/29

     600,000        605,298  

3.875%, 03/15/31

     2,819,000        2,846,344  

United Parcel Service, Inc.

     

6.200%, 01/15/38

     1,700,000        2,453,164  

United Rentals North America, Inc.

     

3.875%, 02/15/31

     3,850,000        3,907,750  

Valvoline, Inc.

     

4.250%, 02/15/301

     3,600,000        3,672,792  

Verizon Communications, Inc.

     

3.875%, 02/08/294

     3,860,000        4,277,550  

VF Corp.

     

2.950%, 04/23/30

     2,400,000        2,489,401  

Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.

     

4.800%, 11/18/44

     3,120,000        3,751,999  

Walmart, Inc.

     

4.050%, 06/29/48

     2,100,000        2,668,884  

WESCO Distribution, Inc.

     

7.125%, 06/15/251

     1,600,000        1,696,000  

Western Digital Corp.

     

4.750%, 02/15/26

     2,066,000        2,259,047  

Yum! Brands, Inc.

     

3.625%, 03/15/31

     3,950,000        3,935,187  

Total Industrials

        288,779,213  

Utilities - 1.8%

     

Dominion Energy, Inc.

     

Series B, (4.650% to 12/15/24 then U.S. Treasury Yield Curve CMT 5 year + 2.993%), 4.650%, 12/15/242,3,5

     4,450,000        4,639,125  
     

Principal

Amount

    

Value

 

National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corp.

     

1.350%, 03/15/31

     $5,100,000        $4,686,458  

Northern States Power Co.

     

2.900%, 03/01/50

     4,200,000        4,240,203  

Total Utilities

        13,565,786  

Total Corporate Bonds and Notes

     

(Cost $389,051,017)

        398,311,833  

Asset-Backed Securities - 0.3%

 

  

FAN Engine Securitization, Ltd. (Ireland)

     

Series 2013-1A, Class 1A 4.625%, 10/15/43 (Cost $7,109,736)1,7

     7,176,547        2,475,909  

Municipal Bonds - 4.1%

 

  

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

     2,900,000        4,839,679  

JobsOhio Beverage System, Series A
2.833%, 01/01/38

     4,000,000        4,123,719  

Los Angeles Unified School District, School Improvements
5.750%, 07/01/34

     3,725,000        4,848,629  

Massachusetts School Building Authority Series B, 1.753%, 08/15/30

     4,850,000        4,796,170  

New Jersey Economic Development Authority, Pension Funding, Series A (National Insured)
7.425%, 02/15/29

     3,900,000        4,901,645  

Port Authority of New York & New Jersey

     

6.040%, 12/01/29

     2,150,000        2,789,364  

University of California

     

1.697%, 05/15/29

     4,370,000        4,302,439  

Total Municipal Bonds

     

(Cost $30,539,769)

        30,601,645  
U.S. Government and Agency Obligations - 40.1%

 

  

Fannie Mae - 13.4%

     

FNMA

     

2.000%, 04/01/51

     16,409,567        16,373,579  

2.500%, 11/01/50

     5,917,701        6,043,218  

3.500%, 02/01/35 to 08/01/49

     32,000,239        33,880,883  

4.000%, 06/01/48 to 01/01/51

     24,331,566        25,931,739  

5.000%, 05/01/50

     4,328,171        4,804,358  

FNMA Pool

     

3.500%, 02/01/51

     6,011,309        6,467,641  

4.000%, 07/01/44

     7,387,565        8,098,067  

Total Fannie Mae

        101,599,485  

Freddie Mac - 9.0%

     

FHLMC

     

2.000%, 03/01/36

     18,816,097        19,300,901  

3.000%, 04/01/51

     20,334,540        21,072,492  

3.500%, 02/01/50

     13,134,900        13,823,343  
 

 

 

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  

Freddie Mac - 9.0% (continued)

     

FHLMC

     

4.500%, 12/01/48

     $12,600,668        $13,524,568  

Total Freddie Mac

        67,721,304  

U.S. Treasury Obligations - 17.7%

 

  

U.S. Treasury Bonds

     

1.250%, 05/15/50

     6,850,000        5,816,881  

1.875%, 02/15/51

     17,501,000        17,315,052  

2.250%, 05/15/41

     20,772,000        21,817,091  

2.500%, 02/15/46

     3,396,000        3,751,386  

3.125%, 05/15/48

     6,521,000        8,149,722  

3.500%, 02/15/39

     12,306,000        15,438,262  

5.000%, 05/15/37

     5,325,000        7,750,995  

6.750%, 08/15/26

     3,474,000        4,329,744  

U.S. Treasury Notes

     

0.125%, 03/31/23 to 02/15/24

     25,713,000        25,489,854  

0.250%, 03/15/24

     7,718,000        7,625,746  

0.500%, 02/28/26

     8,870,000        8,618,106  

0.875%, 03/31/26

     3,800,000        3,727,859  

2.500%, 01/31/25

     3,650,000        3,816,103  

Total U.S. Treasury Obligations

        133,646,801  

Total U.S. Government and Agency Obligations

     

(Cost $301,875,763)

        302,967,590  

Foreign Government Obligation - 0.6%

 

  

The Korea Development Bank (South Korea)

     

0.500%, 10/27/23
(Cost $4,806,814)

     4,800,000        4,757,313  

Short-Term Investments - 2.6%

 

  

Joint Repurchase Agreements - 2.6%8

 

  

Cantor Fitzgerald Securities, Inc., dated 12/31/21,due 01/03/22, 0.050% total to be received $4,688,720 (collateralized by various U.S. Government Agency Obligations, 0.000% - 9.000%, 02/01/22 - 07/20/71, totaling $4,782,474)

     4,688,700        4,688,700  
      Principal
Amount
     Value  

Citadel Securities LLC, dated 12/31/21, due 01/03/22, 0.070% total to be received $3,954,575 (collateralized by various U.S. Treasuries, 0.000% - 7.250%, 01/04/22 - 11/15/51, totaling $4,033,667)

     $3,954,552        $3,954,552  

HSBC Securities USA, Inc., dated 12/31/21, due 01/03/22, 0.040% total to be received $116,285 (collateralized by various U.S. Treasuries, 0.125% - 3.875%, 05/15/23 - 08/15/47, totaling $118,611)

     116,285        116,285  

Mirae Asset Securities USA, Inc., dated 12/31/21,due 01/03/22, 0.060% total to be received $2,196,474 (collateralized by various U.S. Government Agency Obligations, 0.550% - 7.500%, 01/01/23 - 10/20/71, totaling $2,240,404)

     2,196,463        2,196,463  

RBC Dominion Securities, Inc., dated 12/31/21, due 01/03/22, 0.050% total to be received $4,688,716 (collateralized by various U.S. Government Agency Obligations and U.S. Treasuries, 0.000% - 6.500%, 05/15/22 - 12/01/51, totaling $4,782,470)

     4,688,696        4,688,696  

State of Wisconsin Investment Board, dated 12/31/21, due 01/03/22, 0.070% total to be received $4,097,172 (collateralized by various U.S. Treasuries, 0.125% - 3.875%, 07/15/23 - 02/15/48, totaling $4,179,112)

     4,097,148        4,097,148  

Total Joint Repurchase Agreements

        19,741,844  

Total Short-Term Investments

     

(Cost $19,741,844)

        19,741,844  

Total Investments - 100.5%

     

(Cost $753,124,943)

        758,856,134  

Other Assets, less Liabilities - (0.5)%

 

     (3,917,812

Net Assets - 100.0%

        $754,938,322  
 

 

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, 2021, the value of these securities amounted to $96,985,033 or 12.8% of net assets.

 

2 

Fixed to variable rate investment. The rate shown reflects the fixed rate in effect at December 31, 2021. Rate will reset at a future date.

 

3 

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

 

4 

Some of these securities, amounting to $39,839,239 or 5.3% 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.

 

5 

Variable rate security. The rate shown is based on the latest available information as of December 31, 2021. 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.

6 

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

 

7 

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

 

8 

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, 2021:

 

     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Investments in Securities

           

Corporate Bonds and Notes

          $ 398,311,833             $ 398,311,833  

Asset-Backed Securities

                 $ 2,475,909        2,475,909  

Municipal Bonds

            30,601,645               30,601,645  

U.S. Government and Agency Obligations

            302,967,590               302,967,590  

Foreign Government Obligation

            4,757,313               4,757,313  

Short-Term Investments

           

Joint Repurchase Agreements

            19,741,844               19,741,844  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities

             –      $ 756,380,225      $ 2,475,909      $ 758,856,134  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

All corporate bonds and notes, municipal bonds, and U.S. government and agency obligations held in the Fund are Level 2 securities. For a detailed breakout of corporate bonds and notes, municipal bonds, and U.S. government and agency 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, 2021:

 

     Asset-Backed
Securities

Balance as of December 31, 2020

     $ 5,105,499

Accrued discounts (premiums)

       5,414

Realized gain (loss)

       11,419

Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation

       (1,471,536 )

Purchases

      

Sales

      

Paydowns

       (1,174,887 )

Transfers in to Level 3

      

Transfers out of Level 3

      

Balance as of December 31, 2021

     $ 2,475,909
    

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments still held at December 31, 2021

     $ (1,911,114 )

The following table summarizes the quantitative inputs and assumptions used for investments categorized in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy as of December 31, 2021. The table below is not intended to be all-inclusive, but rather provides information on the significant Level 3 inputs as they relate to the Fund’s fair value measurements:

Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements

 

     Fair Value as of    Valuation    Unobservable            Impact to Valuation from
     December 31, 2021    Technique(s)    Inputs(s)   Range   Median    an Increase in Input(a)
         Broker Quote weighted 25%   55   N/A    Increase
Asset-Backed Securities    $2,475,909    Market Approach    Discount Rate   3.83%   N/A    Decrease
         Indicative Bid Price weighted 75%   29.5   N/A    Increase

 

(a) 

Represents the directional change in the fair value of the Level 3 investments that could have resulted from an increase in the corresponding input as of period end. A decrease to the unobservable input would have had the opposite effect. Significant changes in these inputs may have resulted in a significantly higher or lower fair value measurement at period end.

 

 

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

13


  

    

    AMG GW&K ESG Bond Fund

    Schedule of Portfolio Investments (continued)

 

    

 

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, 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
 

Interest rate futures contracts

   Net realized gain on futures contracts    $267,476    Net change in unrealized appreciation/ depreciation on futures contracts       

 

 

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

14


  

    

    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 (1.26%) for the year ended December 31, 2021, compared to the return of (1.54%) for Fund’s benchmark, the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index.

 

MARKET OVERVIEW

 

In the first quarter of 2021, fixed income markets posted their worst returns since 1981 amid a sharp rebound in growth expectations and burgeoning fears of higher inflation. The success of the nationwide vaccine rollout, a rapidly healing labor market, and swelling consumer confidence continued to drive the reflation narrative. Further support came in the form of a $1.9 trillion fiscal stimulus package on top of a commitment to ultra-loose monetary policy from the U.S. Federal Reserve (the “Fed”). And beyond that, investors were confronted with the possibility of yet more fiscal support with a proposal of more than $2 trillion of infrastructure spending. This combination of factors amounted to nothing less than a wholesale regime shift for a bond market that until just a few months ago struggled with an anemic growth outlook and fears of deflation. Nevertheless, worries over new variants, challenged vaccine rollouts, and isolated instances of supply constraints might present challenges in the months ahead.

 

Fixed income markets rebounded solidly in the second quarter following their worst selloff in decades. The most prominent catalyst behind the first quarter rout—the threat of sharply faster economic growth and elevated inflation—proved far less menacing in light of lackluster data and a less dovish Fed. In addition to the overhang of COVID-19, including fears of new variants and the elusiveness of herd immunity, signs began to emerge that the pace of the recovery had peaked. Nonfarm payrolls posted successive disappointments, the manufacturing resurgence stalled, and retail sales slipped. Some of the more sensational commodity price spikes began to roll over as well, casting further doubt over the persistence of recent inflationary pressures. None of this suggested that the recovery is off track, but the bond market’s stubborn resilience points to a marked revision of the timeframe for normalization.

 

Fixed income markets were essentially unchanged in the third quarter despite a steady succession of headlines related to COVID-19, geopolitics, and price increases. Bond investors’ largely sanguine response to these challenges suggested they have been able

  

to look beyond near-term headwinds toward the next stage of the recovery. The delta variant drove a massive surge in cases across much of the U.S., even as new prevention and treatment options continued to emerge and data suggest cases have crested. Chinese authorities enacted assertive regulatory changes and pursued efforts to reduce systemic leverage, while nevertheless framing both as necessary to achieve long-term stability and prosperity. Supply-chain constraints, energy shortages, and limited labor availability threatened to weigh on growth around the world, but there have been few indications that these market failures reflect any weakness in aggregate demand. On balance, these various obstacles seem to have been relegated to the category of one-time items, and the bond market has demonstrated little concern that they represent a meaningful threat to the current trading regime.

 

Fixed income markets were effectively flat in the fourth quarter, despite major narrative shifts with respect to inflation, monetary policy, and COVID-19. Signs of easing supply-chain pressures and continued labor market normalization were not enough to quell concerns about rising inflation, which is at its highest level in almost 40 years. The Fed executed a “hawkish pivot” in acknowledging more persistent inflationary forces and signaled their intention to respond accordingly. The extremely contagious omicron variant rapidly established itself as the dominant strain around the globe, forcing a reappraisal of reopening timelines and reviving the specter of lockdowns and healthcare rationing. Ironically, the combined effect of these various forces essentially netted to zero; solid economic data and a broadly constructive outlook from the Fed were met with the prospect of tightening financial conditions and growth fears posed by omicron. But trading overall was orderly, and after the last two years’ investors seemed well practiced at looking past near-term volatility toward the next stage of a return to normalcy.

 

FUND REVIEW

 

The Fund outperformed its benchmark during the fiscal year, helped by its overweight to spread product. Investment grade corporates outperformed due to modest spread contraction and their higher carry. Additionally, high yield corporates notably outperformed the broad investment grade market, as they were less sensitive to the upward shift in rates and experienced 77 basis points in spread tightening. Thus, the Fund’s above-benchmark allocation to investment grade corporate bonds and the Fund’s

      

out-of-benchmark allocation to high yield corporates contributed to returns. An overweight to taxable municipals was an additional tailwind. Security selection was the main contributor to performance. Selection within banking, due to an inclusion of out-of-benchmark preferreds, was a key positive. Also helping was selection in the investment grade corporate consumer cyclicals and consumer non-cyclicals sectors as well as in taxable municipals and agency MBS. Selection was negative in the communications and capital goods sectors. The Fund benefited from having an overall duration shorter than its benchmark as yields rose across the curve. However, our preference for intermediate maturities and underweight to the long end weighed on performance amid the sharp flattening of the yield curve.

 

ESG continues to be a growing area of focus for the corporate bond market. The range of companies publishing sustainability reports and setting related goals and targets increased significantly this year. Large companies in even some of the highest emitting industries, like autos, oil & gas, and steel, set long-term reduction targets and committed to significant sustainability investments. Following this trend, 2021 was another record-shattering year for ESG-labeled bond issuance, with green bonds dominating the market as investors clamor for ESG-related investments. While we continue to selectively add ESG-labeled bonds, we remain focused on avoiding corporate issuers with weaker ESG-related practices.

 

OUTLOOK

 

The meaningful shift in the Fed reaction function—in addition to potentially elevated inflation pressure in the near term—suggests front-end maturities could face a challenging 2022. Farther out the curve, however, the outlook is less clear. With the Fed projecting a terminal rate near 2.5% and the market pricing in a ceiling closer to 1.75%, any fluctuation in this differential is likely to impact longer maturities most acutely as investors weigh the potential for a policy error. In light of these various moving pieces and projections, we believe the bias in rates is to the upside and consequently we are broadly shorter than our benchmark. With respect to curve positioning, we think risks are fairly balanced. We have only a small underweight to long maturities because we see a more appealing risk profile in intermediates, which offer attractive carry and roll with less exposure to potential volatility as rates move higher.

 

 

 

 

15


  

    

    AMG GW&K Enhanced Core Bond ESG Fund

    Portfolio Manager’s Comments (continued)

 

    

 

In light of our constructive fundamental outlook for the credit market and still-supportive market technicals, we believe the corporate credit space offers attractive value. Additionally, with Treasury rates at historically low levels, corporates offer a competitive yield and the potential for spread compression in a rising-rate environment. While we are on guard against the potential for elevated M&A and an increased focus on shareholder returns, we

   see value in credit improvement stories within the investment grade space. In high yield, we favor crossover stories trading wide of investment grade peers while avoiding some of the more cyclical industries where we think good news is already reflected in spreads. We remain neutral on mortgages heading into the taper, though higher mortgage rates could improve our outlook for prepayment speeds. We also maintain our       

preference for higher-coupon, seasoned pools given our expectation of higher rates, as they are less exposed to extension risk.

 

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

 

 

16


  

    

    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, 2011, 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, 2021.

 

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

 AMG GW&K Enhanced Core Bond ESG Fund2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

 

 

     Class N

     (1.26 %)      4.04     3.48     5.20     01/02/97  

     Class I

     (1.07 %)      4.23     –      3.01     11/30/12  

     Class Z

    

 

(0.92

 

%) 

 

    4.30     3.75     5.57     01/02/97  

     Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond

     Index10

     (1.54 %)      3.57     2.90     4.96      01/02/97  

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, 2021. All returns are in U.S. dollars ($).

 

2   From time to time, the Fund’s advisor 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.

 

 

 

 

    

17


  

    

    AMG GW&K Enhanced Core Bond ESG Fund

    Portfolio Manager’s Comments (continued)

 

    

 

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 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.

 

 

    

18


  

    AMG GW&K Enhanced Core Bond ESG Fund

     Fund Snapshots (unaudited)

      December 31, 2021

 

    

 

PORTFOLIO BREAKDOWN

 

    Category

 

  

% of

Net Assets

 

 

Corporate Bonds and Notes

       44.3
 

U.S. Government and Agency Obligations

       44.1
 

Municipal Bonds

       5.8
 

Foreign Government Obligations

       0.6
 

Short-Term Investments

       2.4
 

Other Assets Less Liabilities

       2.8
    Rating    % of Market Value1
 

U.S. Government and Agency Obligations

       46.5
 

Aaa/AAA

       2.8
 

Aa/AA

       8.6
 

A

       7.3
 

Baa/BBB

       20.1
 

Ba/BB

       13.2
 

B

       1.5

TOP TEN HOLDINGS

 

    Security Name % of
Net Assets
 

U.S. Treasury Bonds, 6.750%, 08/15/26

      3.9
 

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

  3.0
 

FNMA, 4.000%, 10/01/43

  2.0
 

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

  2.0
 

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

  1.9
 

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

  1.8
 

FNMA, 4.500%, 09/01/46

  1.7
 

FHLMC, 3.000%, 03/01/51

  1.5
 

U.S. Treasury Notes, 1.625%, 02/15/26

  1.3
 

Los Angeles Unified School District, School
Improvements, General Obligation, 5.750%, 07/01/34

  1.2
 

 

 

 

 

Top Ten as a Group

        20.3

 

 

 

     
 
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/Baa or higher. Below investment grade ratings are credit ratings of BB/Ba 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.

 

 

    

19


  

    AMG GW&K Enhanced Core Bond ESG Fund

     Schedule of Portfolio Investments

     December 31, 2021

 

    

 

      Principal
Amount
     Value  

Corporate Bonds and Notes - 44.3%

 

  

Financials - 13.4%

 

  

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

   $ 450,000        $449,184  

Ally Financial, Inc.
8.000%, 11/01/31

     409,000        578,968  

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

     595,000        596,041  

American Tower Corp.

     

2.950%, 01/15/51

     591,000        559,803  

Bank of America Corp.

     

MTN, (4.330% to 03/15/49 then 3 month LIBOR + 1.520%), 4.330%, 03/15/501,3

     484,000        598,761  

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

     234,000        249,620  

The Bank of Nova Scotia (Canada)

     

(SOFR + 0.610%), 0.660%, 09/15/263

     600,000        600,000  

Boston Properties, LP

     

3.400%, 06/21/29

     542,000        575,276  

CIT Group, Inc.

     

6.125%, 03/09/284

     421,000        508,357  

Crown Castle International Corp.

     

4.300%, 02/15/29

     392,000        437,587  

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

     15,000        14,850  

Series S, (4.400% to 02/10/25 then U.S. Treasury Yield Curve CMT 5 year + 2.850%), 4.400%, 02/10/251,2,3

     343,000        345,230  

Iron Mountain, Inc.

     

4.500%, 02/15/315

     270,000        272,886  

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

     

(3.157% to 04/22/41 then SOFR +

1.460%), 3.157%, 04/22/421,3

     578,000        603,363  

Morgan Stanley

     

(3 month LIBOR + 1.220%), 1.364%, 05/08/241,3

     595,000        602,271  

SLM Corp.

     

3.125%, 11/02/264

     300,000        297,000  

Starwood Property Trust, Inc.

     

5.500%, 11/01/235

     238,000        246,330  

The Toronto-Dominion Bank (Canada)

     

(SOFR + 0.355%), 0.405%, 03/04/243

     592,000        592,323  

Total Financials

        8,127,850  

Industrials - 29.5%

     

AECOM

     

5.125%, 03/15/27

     235,000        255,996  
      Principal
Amount
     Value  

Alcoa Nederland Holding, B.V. (Netherlands)

     

4.125%, 03/31/295

   $ 230,000      $ 236,900  

Aramark Services, Inc.

     

5.000%, 02/01/284,5

     284,000        293,585  

Ardagh Metal Packaging
Finance USA LLC/Ardagh Metal Packaging
Finance PLC
3.250%, 09/01/284,5

     400,000        395,510  

Ashtead Capital, Inc.

     

1.500%, 08/12/264,5

     278,000        272,898  

AT&T, Inc.

     

(3 month LIBOR + 1.180%), 1.381%, 06/12/243

     729,000        738,812  

Berry Global, Inc.

     

5.625%, 07/15/275

     252,000        263,655  

Block Financial LLC

     

3.875%, 08/15/30

     124,000        132,670  

Block, Inc.

     

2.750%, 06/01/265

     160,000        160,190  

Broadcom, Inc.

     

1.950%, 02/15/285

     568,000        561,546  

Centene Corp.

     

2.500%, 03/01/31

     294,000        286,213  

Central Garden & Pet Co.

     

4.125%, 10/15/304

     130,000        131,138  

Charter Communications Operating LLC/Charter Communications Operating Capital

     

4.908%, 07/23/25

     541,000        595,700  

Clearwater Paper Corp.

     

4.750%, 08/15/285

     240,000        244,200  

The Coca-Cola Co.

     

2.500%, 06/01/40

     140,000        140,527  

Cogent Communications Group, Inc.

     

3.500%, 05/01/265

     235,000        238,685  

Comcast Corp.

     

4.150%, 10/15/28

     514,000        583,509  

CommonSpirit Health

     

3.347%, 10/01/29

     541,000        575,289  

CVS Health Corp.

     

5.125%, 07/20/45

     490,000        636,933  

Dana, Inc.

     

4.250%, 09/01/30

     35,000        35,481  

5.625%, 06/15/284

     377,000        400,563  

Dell, Inc.

     

7.100%, 04/15/284

     235,000        294,416  

Discovery Communications LLC

     

3.950%, 03/20/28

     260,000        282,566  

Elanco Animal Health, Inc.

     

5.900%, 08/28/286

     361,000        418,760  

Fiserv, Inc.

     

4.200%, 10/01/28

     516,000        578,449  
 

 

 

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  

Industrials - 29.5% (continued)

 

  

The Ford Foundation

     

Series 2020, 2.415%, 06/01/50

   $ 548,000      $ 517,751  

G-III Apparel Group, Ltd.

     

7.875%, 08/15/255

     220,000        234,079  

GLP Capital LP/GLP Financing II Inc.

     

5.750%, 06/01/28

     115,000        132,784  

Hilton Domestic Operating Co., Inc.

     

4.875%, 01/15/30

     218,000        232,988  

Hudbay Minerals, Inc. (Canada)

     

4.500%, 04/01/264,5

     135,000        135,000  

KB Home

     

4.800%, 11/15/294

     415,000        452,972  

Kraft Heinz Foods Co.

     

4.250%, 03/01/31

     510,000        579,931  

Lumen Technologies Inc

     

5.625%, 04/01/25

     246,000        260,199  

Macy’s Retail Holdings, LLC

     

4.500%, 12/15/34

     518,000        511,525  

Merck & Co., Inc.

     

1.900%, 12/10/284

     598,000        600,815  

MGM Resorts International

     

5.750%, 06/15/254

     365,000        392,831  

Microsoft Corp.

     

2.525%, 06/01/50

     589,000        574,386  

MSCI, Inc.

     

3.250%, 08/15/335

     135,000        136,519  

Murphy Oil USA, Inc.

     

4.750%, 09/15/29

     22,000        23,155  

5.625%, 05/01/27

     257,000        267,280  

Newell Brands, Inc.

     

4.700%, 04/01/266

     245,000        267,112  

Nordstrom, Inc.

     

4.375%, 04/01/304

     581,000        586,104  

Penn National Gaming, Inc.

     

5.625%, 01/15/275

     125,000        127,500  

PulteGroup, Inc.

     

5.000%, 01/15/274

     424,000        481,579  

5.500%, 03/01/26

     85,000        96,647  

Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd. (Liberia)

     

7.500%, 10/15/274

     253,000        292,595  

Sysco Corp.

     

2.400%, 02/15/30

     563,000        564,651  

Travel + Leisure Co.

     

5.650%, 04/01/246

     412,000        437,750  

United Rentals North America, Inc.

     

3.875%, 02/15/31

     289,000        293,335  

Verizon Communications, Inc.

     

3.875%, 02/08/294

     526,000        582,899  
      Principal
Amount
     Value  

Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.

     

4.800%, 11/18/44

     $364,000        $437,733  

Total Industrials

        17,974,311  

Utilities - 1.4%

     

Dominion Energy, Inc.

     

Series B, (4.650% to 12/15/24 then
U.S. Treasury Yield Curve CMT 5 year + 2.993%), 4.650%, 12/15/241,2,3

     456,000        475,380  

National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corp.

     

1.350%, 03/15/31

     438,000        402,484  

Total Utilities

        877,864  

Total Corporate Bonds and Notes
(Cost $26,648,969)

        26,980,025  

Municipal Bonds - 5.8%

 

  

California State General Obligation,

     

School Improvements

     

7.550%, 04/01/39

     650,000        1,084,756  

County of Miami-Dade FL Aviation

     

Revenue, Series C

     

4.280%, 10/01/41

     675,000        740,284  

Los Angeles Unified School District,

     

School Improvements

     

5.750%, 07/01/34

     570,000        741,938  

Massachusetts School Building Authority

     

Series B, 1.753%, 08/15/30

     518,000        512,250  

University of California, University & College Improvements Series BD, 3.349%, 07/01/29

     380,000        417,496  

Total Municipal Bonds
(Cost $3,320,286)

        3,496,724  

U.S. Government and Agency Obligations - 44.1%

 

  

Fannie Mae - 19.9%

     

FNMA

     

2.000%, 08/01/50 to 09/01/50

     562,136        561,420  

2.500%, 07/01/33 to 05/01/50

     577,257        596,834  

3.000%, 08/01/50

     217,168        227,203  

3.500%, 02/01/33 to 07/01/50

     4,277,168        4,583,345  

4.000%, 12/01/33 to 01/01/51

     2,902,510        3,159,301  

4.500%, 04/01/39 to 08/01/50

     1,770,720        1,941,053  

5.000%, 07/01/47 to 08/01/50

     952,483        1,063,412  

Total Fannie Mae

        12,132,568  

Freddie Mac - 8.4%

     

FHLMC

     

2.000%, 08/01/50

     169,342        169,456  

2.500%, 10/01/34 to 08/01/50

     1,152,720        1,191,307  

3.000%, 03/01/50 to 03/01/51

     1,475,843        1,543,488  

4.000%, 07/01/48 to 09/01/50

     490,905        532,304  

4.500%, 10/01/41

     593,596        653,435  

FHLMC Gold Pool

     

3.500%, 02/01/30 to 04/01/46

     918,454        985,706  

Total Freddie Mac

        5,075,696  
 

 

 

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)

 

    

 

      Principal
Amount
     Value  

U.S. Treasury Obligations - 15.8%

 

  

U.S. Treasury Bonds

     

1.875%, 02/15/51

   $ 1,173,000        $1,160,537  

2.250%, 05/15/41

     1,732,000        1,819,141  

2.500%, 02/15/46

     540,000        596,510  

3.125%, 05/15/48

     476,000        594,888  

5.000%, 05/15/37

     821,000        1,195,036  

6.750%, 08/15/26

     1,929,000        2,404,167  

U.S. Treasury Notes

     

1.625%, 02/15/26

     813,000        826,974  

2.125%, 09/30/24

     558,000        576,222  

2.875%, 05/15/28

     426,000        464,124  

Total U.S. Treasury Obligations

        9,637,599  

Total U.S. Government and Agency Obligations
(Cost $26,873,703)

 

     26,845,863  

Foreign Government Obligation - 0.6%

 

  

The Korea Development Bank (South Korea)

     

0.500%, 10/27/23

     

(Cost $345,470)

     346,000        342,923  

Short-Term Investments - 2.4%

     

Joint Repurchase Agreements - 2.4%7

 

  

Citigroup Global Markets, Inc., dated 12/31/21, due 01/03/22, 0.060% total to be received $481,524 (collateralized by various U.S. Government Agency Obligations and U.S. Treasuries, 0.000% - 3.500%, 02/15/22 - 12/20/51, totaling $491,152)

    

 

481,522

 

 

 

    

 

481,522

 

 

 

      Principal
Amount
     Value  

RBC Dominion Securities, Inc., dated 12/31/21, due 01/03/22, 0.050% total to be received $1,000,004 (collateralized by various U.S. Government Agency Obligations and U.S. Treasuries, 0.000% - 6.500%, 05/15/22 - 12/01/51, totaling $1,020,000)

   $ 1,000,000        $1,000,000  

Total Joint Repurchase Agreements

 

     1,481,522  

Total Short-Term Investments
(Cost $1,481,522)

        1,481,522  

Total Investments - 97.2%
(Cost $58,669,950)

        59,147,057  

Other Assets, less Liabilities - 2.8%

 

     1,702,877  

Net Assets - 100.0%

      $

 

60,849,934

 

 

 

 

 

1 

Fixed to variable rate investment. The rate shown reflects the fixed rate in effect at December 31, 2021. 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, 2021. 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 $5,203,772 or 8.6% 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.

 

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, 2021, the value of these securities amounted to $3,819,483 or 6.3% 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.

22


  

    

    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, 2021:

 

     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Investments in Securities

           

Corporate Bonds and Notes

          $ 26,980,025             $ 26,980,025  

Municipal Bonds

            3,496,724               3,496,724  

U.S. Government and Agency Obligations

            26,845,863               26,845,863  

Foreign Government Obligation

            342,923               342,923  

Short-Term Investments

           

Joint Repurchase Agreements

            1,481,522               1,481,522  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities

             –      $ 59,147,057                –      $ 59,147,057  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

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

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, there were no transfers in or out of Level 3.

 

 

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

23


  

    

    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 3.67% during the year ended December 31, 2021, compared to the 4.11% return for the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. High Yield 1–5 Year Ba Index.

 

MARKET OVERVIEW

 

In the first quarter of 2021, fixed income markets posted their worst returns since 1981 amid a sharp rebound in growth expectations and burgeoning fears of higher inflation. The success of the nationwide vaccine rollout, a rapidly healing labor market, and swelling consumer confidence continued to drive the reflation narrative. Further support came in the form of a $1.9 trillion fiscal stimulus package on top of a commitment to ultra-loose monetary policy from the U.S. Federal Reserve (the “Fed”). And beyond that, investors were confronted with the possibility of yet more fiscal support with a proposal of more than $2 trillion of infrastructure spending. This combination of factors amounted to nothing less than a wholesale regime shift for a bond market that until just a few months ago struggled with an anemic growth outlook and fears of deflation. Nevertheless, worries over new variants, challenged vaccine rollouts, and isolated instances of supply constraints might present challenges in the months ahead.

 

Fixed income markets rebounded solidly in the second quarter following their worst selloff in decades. The most prominent catalyst behind the first quarter rout—the threat of sharply faster economic growth and elevated inflation—proved far less menacing in light of lackluster data and a less dovish Fed. In addition to the overhang of COVID-19, including fears of new variants and the elusiveness of herd immunity, signs began to emerge that the pace of the recovery had peaked. Nonfarm payrolls posted successive disappointments, the manufacturing resurgence stalled, and retail sales slipped. Some of the more sensational commodity price spikes began to roll over as well, casting further doubt over the persistence of recent inflationary pressures. None of this suggested that the recovery is off track, but the bond market’s stubborn resilience points to a marked revision of the timeframe for normalization.

 

Fixed income markets were essentially unchanged in the third quarter despite a steady succession of headlines related to COVID-19, geopolitics, and price increases. Bond investors’ largely sanguine response

    

to these challenges suggested they have been able to look beyond near-term headwinds toward the next stage of the recovery. The delta variant drove a massive surge in cases across much of the U.S., even as new prevention and treatment options continued to emerge and data suggest cases have crested. Chinese authorities enacted assertive regulatory changes and pursued efforts to reduce systemic leverage, while nevertheless framing both as necessary to achieve long-term stability and prosperity. Supply-chain constraints, energy shortages, and limited labor availability threatened to weigh on growth around the world, but there have been few indications that these market failures reflect any weakness in aggregate demand. On balance, these various obstacles seem to have been relegated to the category of one-time items, and the bond market has demonstrated little concern that they represent a meaningful threat to the current trading regime.

 

Fixed income markets were effectively flat in the fourth quarter, despite major narrative shifts with respect to inflation, monetary policy, and COVID-19. Signs of easing supply-chain pressures and continued labor market normalization were not enough to quell concerns about rising inflation, which is at its highest level in almost 40 years. The Fed executed a “hawkish pivot” in acknowledging more persistent inflationary forces and signaled its intention to respond accordingly. The extremely contagious omicron variant rapidly established itself as the dominant strain around the globe, forcing a reappraisal of reopening timelines and reviving the specter of lockdowns and healthcare rationing. Ironically, the combined effect of these various forces essentially netted to zero; solid economic data and a broadly constructive outlook from the Fed were met with the prospect of tightening financial conditions and growth fears posed by omicron. But trading overall was orderly, and after the last two years investors seemed well practiced at looking past near-term volatility toward the next stage of a return to normalcy.

 

FUND REVIEW

 

The Fund underperformed during its fiscal year mainly because of its duration and curve positioning. The Fund’s duration was longer than that of the benchmark, which detracted from returns in the rising rate environment. In addition, an overweight to the 3- to 5-year part of the curve served as a drag on performance as longer tenors endured the worst returns. The Fund’s overweight to this segment was due to more attractive yield and bond roll versus

 

    

shorter segments. The overall allocation effect was a modest negative, but this was mostly due to a small amount of cash being a drag in an upward market. However, the decisions to have a moderate out-of-benchmark allocation to investment grade corporates and B-rated bonds were additive. Security selection was the main contributor to performance and came from a range of areas. Inclusion of out-of-benchmark preferreds was a positive, as was selection in energy, basic industry, consumer cyclicals, and transportation. Selection in real estate investment trusts and communications lagged.

 

OUTLOOK

 

The meaningful shift in the Fed’s reaction function–in addition to potentially elevated inflation pressure in the near term—suggest front-end maturities could face a challenging 2022. Farther out the curve, however, the outlook is less clear. With the Fed projecting a terminal rate near 2.5% and the market pricing in a ceiling closer to 1.75%, any fluctuation in this differential is likely to impact longer maturities most acutely as investors weigh the potential for a policy error. In light of these various moving pieces and projections, we believe the bias in rates is to the upside and consequently we are broadly shorter than our benchmark. With respect to curve positioning, we think risks are fairly balanced. We have only a small underweight to long maturities because we see a more appealing risk profile in intermediates, which offer attractive carry and roll with less exposure to potential volatility as rates move higher.

 

In light of our constructive fundamental outlook for the credit market and still-supportive market technicals, we believe the corporate credit space offers attractive value. Additionally, with Treasury rates at historically low levels, corporates offer a competitive yield and the potential for spread compression in a rising-rate environment. While we are on guard against the potential for elevated M&A and an increased focus on shareholder returns, we see value in credit improvement stories within the investment grade space. In high yield, we favor crossover stories trading wide of investment grade peers while avoiding some of the more cyclical industries where we think good news is already reflected in spreads.

 

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

 

 

 

 

24


  

    

    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, 2011, 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, 2021.

 

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

 AMG GW&K High Income Fund2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

 

 

     Class N

     3.67     5.81     3.77     4.97     03/25/94  

     Class I

     –      –      –      3.68     03/15/21  

     Bloomberg U.S. High Yield 1-5

     Year Ba Index8

     4.11     5.17     5.77     –       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, 2021. All returns are in U.S. dollars($).

 

2   From time to time the Fund’s advisor 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 Ba 1-5 Year 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 Ba 1-5 Year Index is unmanaged, is not available for investment and does not incur expenses.

    
 

 

 

    

25


  

    

    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

 

 

    

26


  

    AMG GW&K High Income Fund

    Fund Snapshots (unaudited)

    December 31, 2021

 

    

 

PORTFOLIO BREAKDOWN

 

    Category    % of
Net Assets
 

Corporate Bonds and Notes

       96.8
 

Short-Term Investments1

       11.0
 

Other Assets Less Liabilities2

       (7.8 )

 

1

Includes reinvestment of cash collateral into joint repurchase agreements on security lending transactions.

 

2

Includes repayment of cash collateral on security lending transactions.

 

    Rating    % of Market Value1
 

Baa/BBB

       19.3
 

Ba/BB

       66.0
 

B

       14.7

 

1 

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

TOP TEN HOLDINGS

 

    Security Name    % of
Net Assets
 

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

       2.2  
 

Telecom Italia S.P.A., 5.303%, 05/30/24 (Italy)

       2.0  
 

Ford Motor Co., 4.346%, 12/08/26

       1.9  
 

Ovintiv Exploration Inc, 5.625%, 07/01/24

       1.8  
 

Service Properties Trust, 7.500%, 09/15/25

       1.8  
 

Apache Corp., 4.625%, 11/15/25

       1.8  
 

OneMain Finance Corp., 7.125%, 03/15/26

       1.5  
 

Ball Corp., 5.250%, 07/01/25

       1.5  
 

Citigroup, Inc., 3.875%, 02/18/26

       1.5  
 

DCP Midstream Operating LP, 5.375%, 07/15/25

       1.4  
 
      

 

 

 

 

    Top Ten as a Group

         17.4  
      

 

 

 

            
 

 

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/Baa or higher. Below investment grade ratings are credit ratings of BB/Ba 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.

 

 

    

27


  

    AMG GW&K High Income Fund

    Schedule of Portfolio Investments

    December 31, 2021

 

    

 

      Principal
Amount
     Value  

Corporate Bonds and Notes - 96.8%

 

  

Financials - 17.8%

 

  

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

   $ 150,000        $149,728  

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

     190,000        197,125  

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

     205,000        205,359  

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%, 06/01/261,2,3

     241,000        245,820  

Citigroup, Inc.

     

(3.875% to 02/18/26 then U.S. Treasury Yield Curve CMT 5 year + 3.417%), 3.875%, 02/18/261,2,3

     310,000        310,000  

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

     189,000        192,780  

Morgan Stanley

     

Series M (5.875% to 09/15/26 then 3 month LIBOR + 4.435%), 5.875%, 09/15/261,2,3,4

     210,000        236,638  

Navient Corp.

     

6.125%, 03/25/24

     193,000        205,786  

OneMain Finance Corp.

     

7.125%, 03/15/26

     275,000        313,500  

SBA Communications Corp.

     

3.875%, 02/15/27

     180,000        185,400  

Service Properties Trust

     

7.500%, 09/15/25

     360,000        390,037  

SLM Corp.

     

4.200%, 10/29/25

     286,000        298,870  

Starwood Property Trust, Inc.

     

4.750%, 03/15/25

     446,000        463,840  

VICI Properties LP/VICI Note Co., Inc.

     

3.500%, 02/15/254,5

     120,000        121,800  

4.250%, 12/01/265

     85,000        88,525  

Wynn Las Vegas LLC/Wynn Las Vegas Capital Corp.

     

5.500%, 03/01/255

     185,000        190,550  

Total Financials

        3,795,758  
      Principal
Amount
     Value  

Industrials - 77.0%

     

AECOM

     

5.125%, 03/15/27

   $ 184,000      $ 200,439  

Alcoa Nederland Holding BV (Netherlands)

     

6.125%, 05/15/285

     200,000        215,250  

Allegheny Technologies, Inc.

     

4.875%, 10/01/29

     156,000        156,156  

American Airlines Inc/AAdvantage Loyalty IP, Ltd.

     

5.500%, 04/20/265

     235,000        244,371  

American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.

     

6.250%, 03/15/26

     164,000        167,485  

Apache Corp.

     

4.625%, 11/15/25

     351,000        376,886  

Aramark Services, Inc.

     

5.000%, 02/01/284,5

     100,000        103,375  

ArcelorMittal, S.A. (Luxembourg)

     

4.250%, 07/16/294

     181,000        198,183  

Avient Corp.

     

5.750%, 05/15/255

     140,000        145,950  

Ball Corp.

     

5.250%, 07/01/25

     283,000        312,007  

Bath & Body Works, Inc.

     

6.694%, 01/15/27

     135,000        155,250  

Block, Inc.

     

2.750%, 06/01/265

     210,000        210,250  

Caesars Entertainment, Inc.

     

6.250%, 07/01/255

     185,000        194,181  

CDW LLC/CDW Finance Corp.

     

5.500%, 12/01/24

     145,000        158,890  

Clearwater Paper Corp.

     

5.375%, 02/01/255

     255,000        275,400  

Cogent Communications Group, Inc.

     

3.500%, 05/01/265

     200,000        203,136  

Continental Resources, Inc.

     

4.375%, 01/15/28

     138,000        149,185  

Crown Cork & Seal Co., Inc.

     

7.375%, 12/15/26

     205,000        247,281  

CSC Holdings LLC

     

5.250%, 06/01/24

     167,000        173,680  

Dana, Inc.

     

5.625%, 06/15/28

     100,000        106,250  

DCP Midstream Operating LP

     

5.375%, 07/15/25

     276,000        301,530  

Delta Air Lines, Inc.

     

7.375%, 01/15/264

     251,000        295,502  

DISH DBS Corp.

     

7.750%, 07/01/26

     175,000        184,625  

Embraer Netherlands Finance BV (Netherlands)

     

5.050%, 06/15/25

     220,000        227,425  
 

 

 

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 - 77.0% (continued)

     

Encompass Health Corp.

     

4.500%, 02/01/28

   $ 191,000      $ 196,491  

FMG Resources August 2006 Pty, Ltd. (Australia)

     

5.125%, 05/15/245

     135,000        143,100  

Ford Motor Co.

     

4.346%, 12/08/26

     364,000        397,033  

5.291%, 12/08/46

     88,000        103,422  

Fortress Transportation and Infrastructure Investors LLC

     

6.500%, 10/01/255

     175,000        180,906  

G-III Apparel Group, Ltd.

     

7.875%, 08/15/255

     180,000        191,519  

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.

     

4.875%, 03/15/27

     283,000        299,626  

Griffon Corp.

     

5.750%, 03/01/28

     100,000        103,883  

Hanesbrands, Inc.

     

4.875%, 05/15/265

     170,000        181,687  

HCA, Inc.

     

5.375%, 02/01/25

     192,000        211,008  

Hexcel Corp.

     

4.950%, 08/15/256

     168,000        183,211  

Hilton Domestic Operating Co., Inc.

     

4.875%, 01/15/30

     98,000        104,738  

Howmet Aerospace, Inc.

     

6.875%, 05/01/25

     212,000        243,739  

Hudbay Minerals, Inc. (Canada)

     

4.500%, 04/01/265

     300,000        300,000  

IEA Energy Services LLC

     

6.625%, 08/15/295

     45,000        44,449  

KB Home

     

4.000%, 06/15/31

     95,000        98,563  

Kraft Heinz Foods Co.

     

4.375%, 06/01/46

     86,000        100,706  

Lumen Technologies Inc

     

5.625%, 04/01/25

     279,000        295,104  

Macy’s Retail Holdings, LLC

     

3.625%, 06/01/244

     139,000        142,127  

4.500%, 12/15/34

     107,000        105,663  

Matador Resources Co.

     

5.875%, 09/15/26

     250,000        257,500  

Mattel, Inc.

     

3.375%, 04/01/265

     240,000        246,125  

MercadoLibre, Inc.

     

2.375%, 01/14/26

     200,000        194,502  

Meritage Homes Corp.

     

6.000%, 06/01/25

     163,000        181,745  

Meritor, Inc.

     

6.250%, 06/01/255

     260,000        271,050  
      Principal
Amount
     Value  

Methanex Corp. (Canada)

     

5.125%, 10/15/27

   $ 200,000      $ 210,000  

MGM Resorts International

     

5.750%, 06/15/254

     233,000        250,766  

Mueller Water Products, Inc.

     

4.000%, 06/15/295

     200,000        202,000  

Newell Brands, Inc.

     

4.875%, 06/01/25

     180,000        196,200  

Nordstrom, Inc.

     

4.000%, 03/15/274

     282,000        283,410  

Novelis Corp.

     

3.250%, 11/15/265

     210,000        211,837  

NuStar Logistics LP

     

5.625%, 04/28/27

     113,000        119,497  

5.750%, 10/01/25

     115,000        123,754  

Occidental Petroleum Corp.

     

3.400%, 04/15/26

     205,000        210,264  

Ovintiv Exploration Inc

     

5.625%, 07/01/24

     356,000        391,878  

Owens-Brockway Glass Container, Inc.

     

6.375%, 08/15/254,5

     220,000        237,050  

Penn National Gaming, Inc.

     

4.125%, 07/01/294,5

     200,000        194,000  

Penske Automotive Group, Inc.

     

3.500%, 09/01/254

     192,000        196,320  

Prime Security Services Borrower LLC/Prime Finance, Inc.

     

5.750%, 04/15/265

     250,000        268,417  

PTC, Inc.

     

3.625%, 02/15/255

     295,000        299,056  

QVC, Inc.

     

4.750%, 02/15/27

     204,000        209,765  

Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd. (Liberia)

     

7.500%, 10/15/274

     181,000        209,326  

Sally Holdings LLC/Sally Capital, Inc.

     

8.750%, 04/30/255

     130,000        138,450  

Sealed Air Corp.

     

5.500%, 09/15/255

     200,000        221,250  

Silgan Holdings, Inc.

     

4.125%, 02/01/28

     153,000        156,251  

Southwestern Energy Co.

     

6.450%, 01/23/25

     47,000        51,653  

Sprint Corp.

     

7.125%, 06/15/24

     169,000        189,729  

Telecom Italia S.P.A. (Italy)

     

5.303%, 05/30/245

     400,000        420,984  

Tenet Healthcare Corp.

     

4.875%, 01/01/265

     190,000        195,155  
 

 

 

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

29


  

    

    AMG GW&K High Income Fund

    Schedule of Portfolio Investments (continued)

 

    

 

      Principal
Amount
     Value  

Industrials - 77.0% (continued)

     

Teva Pharmaceutical Finance Netherlands III (Netherlands)

     

2.800%, 07/21/23

   $ 200,000        $200,693  

TransDigm, Inc.

     

6.250%, 03/15/265

     190,000        197,481  

Travel + Leisure Co.

     

5.650%, 04/01/246

     181,000        192,312  

United Airlines Holdings, Inc.

     

5.000%, 02/01/24

     290,000        300,150  

United States Steel Corp.

     

6.875%, 03/01/294

     94,000        101,168  

Wabash National Corp.

     

4.500%, 10/15/285

     155,000        156,550  

WESCO Distribution, Inc.

     

7.250%, 06/15/285

     100,000        109,625  

Western Midstream Operating LP

     

4.650%, 07/01/26

     184,000        200,265  

Total Industrials

        16,425,840  

Utilities - 2.0%

     

NRG Energy, Inc.

     

5.250%, 06/15/295

     185,000        198,206  

SM Energy Co.

     

5.625%, 06/01/25

     217,000        218,628  

Total Utilities

        416,834  

Total Corporate Bonds and Notes

     

(Cost $20,559,924)

        20,638,432  
      Principal
Amount
     Value  

Short-Term Investments - 11.0%

 

  

Joint Repurchase Agreements - 11.0%7

 

  

Bank of America Securities, Inc., dated 12/31/21,due 01/03/22, 0.050% total to be received $1,000,004 (collateralized by various U.S. Government Agency Obligations, 1.000% - 5.000%, 09/01/28 - 01/01/61, totaling $1,020,000)

   $ 1,000,000        $1,000,000  

Morgan, Stanley & Co. LLC, dated 12/31/21, due 01/03/22, 0.050% total to be received $340,363 (collateralized by various U.S. Government Agency Obligations, 2.000% - 8.000%, 11/01/22 - 01/01/52, totaling $347,169)

     340,362        340,362  

RBC Dominion Securities, Inc., dated 12/31/21, due 01/03/22, 0.050% total to be received $1,000,004 (collateralized by various U.S. Government Agency Obligations and U.S. Treasuries, 0.000% - 6.500%, 05/15/22 - 12/01/51, totaling $1,020,000)

     1,000,000        1,000,000  

Total Joint Repurchase Agreements

        2,340,362  

Total Short-Term Investments

     

(Cost $2,340,362)

        2,340,362  

Total Investments - 107.8%

     

(Cost $22,900,286)

        22,978,794  

Other Assets, less Liabilities - (7.8)%

 

     (1,655,082

Net Assets - 100.0%

      $ 21,323,712  
 

 

1 

Fixed to variable rate investment. The rate shown reflects the fixed rate in effect at December 31, 2021. 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, 2021. 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 $2,660,400 or 12.5% 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, 2021, the value of these securities amounted to $6,601,685 or 31.0% 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
 

 

 

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

30


  

    

    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, 2021:

 

     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Investments in Securities

           

Corporate Bonds and Notes

          $ 20,638,432             $ 20,638,432  

Short-Term Investments

           

Joint Repurchase Agreements

            2,340,362               2,340,362  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities

             –      $ 22,978,794                –      $ 22,978,794  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

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, 2021, 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 Municipal Bond Fund

    Portfolio Manager’s Comments (unaudited)

 

    

 

THE YEAR IN REVIEW

 

For the year ended December 31, 2021, AMG GW&K Municipal Bond Fund (the “Fund”) Class N shares returned 0.10%, compared to the 0.96% return for its benchmark, the Bloomberg 10-Year Municipal Bond Index (the “Index”).

 

Municipal bonds fared better than most fixed income alternatives in the first quarter, but ultimately could not escape the gravitational pull of a bond market selloff that saw Treasury yields surge to their highest levels of the pandemic era. The major catalyst came in January, when the Democrats unexpectedly secured control of the U.S. Senate, clearing the way to add a $1.9 trillion fiscal stimulus package to an economy already buoyed by the momentum of a successful vaccine rollout. Investors responded quickly, repositioning for a sharp acceleration in growth and a revival of long-dormant inflationary pressures. The yield on the 10-year U.S. Treasury shot up 82 basis points over the first quarter and the curve steepened significantly, as the futures market pulled forward by a year; the date of a first rate hike. But the U.S. Federal Reserve (the “Fed”) pledged patience and dismissed pricing pressures as temporary. While inflation expectations had pushed to decade-highs, policymakers emphasized that over half of the increase in nominal yields was driven by a surge in real rates, a welcome reflection of investor confidence in the recovery.

 

That followed with solid gains from municipal bonds in the second quarter, riding the coattails of a Treasury rally that reversed much of the first quarter selloff in bonds. In many ways, the rebound in the broader market went against the grain of events. After all, during the quarter, unprecedented fiscal stimulus made its way through the economy, with the White House pushing aggressively for even more. A vaccine-led recovery across the U.S. unleashed a mountain of pent-up savings amid easing lockdowns, fueling an acceleration in growth. Inflation readings jumped to levels not seen in two decades, as job openings surged to record highs and supply chain disruptions caused widespread shortages. And yet, Treasury yields declined anyway. Disappointing employment data and a deceleration in retail sales and manufacturing activity called into question the strength of the recovery. Fiscal spending initiatives met stiff resistance in Congress. And the Fed surprised investors by easing off its ultra-accommodative stance on rates and asset purchases, signaling two quarter point hikes in 2023

  

and setting the stage for a future discussion on tapering. This combination of less-robust growth and a more vigilant Fed led to a significant flattening of the yield curve.

 

Modest losses for municipal bonds followed in the third quarter, driven by a late-September selloff in Treasuries. For most of the summer, broader rates remained low and traded within a narrow range, despite solid economic data and rising inflation prints. The market, it appeared, was more focused on the longer term, taking supply-chain disruptions in stride and buying into the Fed’s argument that price increases would ultimately prove “transitory.” The spread of the delta variant also helped to keep a lid on rates, as concerns about delayed reopenings dialed back expectations over the pace for global growth. But the markets received a jolt from the September FOMC meeting when a less dovish Fed indicated that the tapering program was likely to begin in November and finish next summer. Further, the accompanying dot plot reflected a more aggressive path for rate hikes, with liftoff potentially beginning next year, followed by three more hikes in both 2023 and 2024. The yield on the 10-year Treasury reacted with the single largest one-day jump since February. Meanwhile, Congress found it increasingly difficult to reach consensus on the infrastructure deal, which has been put on hold pending the outcome of a more contentious $3.5 trillion social policy bill. A debt ceiling debate and threats of a government shutdown only added to the apprehension and uncertainty. Over the final eight days of September, the 10-year Treasury yield rose nearly 20 basis points to finish roughly unchanged for the third quarter.

 

Municipal bonds posted mixed returns in the fourth quarter; short maturities barely broke even, held back by the potential for an accelerated rate-hike cycle, while the long end rallied on declining growth expectations. Municipal bonds outperformed Treasuries across the entire curve, buoyed by a strong technical environment that had been in place all year. The broader market, meanwhile, experienced its second major selloff of 2021, though most of the losses were likewise concentrated at the short end, while the long end saw solid gains. Back in the first quarter, the long end had led the slide, as investors repositioned during the so-called “reflation trade.” This time around, the results reflected a market trying to juggle elevated growth and inflation against tighter monetary policy, less fiscal stimulus and the damping effects of the omicron variant. With

  

inflation topping 40-year highs, the Fed executed a well-telegraphed hawkish pivot, doubling the pace of its expected taper and signaling as many as six quarter-point rate hikes over the next two years. The “transitory” moniker was also dropped from the policy statement, a nod to the reality that the spike in price increases is expected to linger far longer than originally anticipated. While two-year rates jumped 45 basis points over the quarter in reaction to the new messaging, 10-year rates were essentially unchanged. Whereas the 30-year rallied 14 basis points, an indication that investors believe the Fed will either succeed in keeping inflation at bay or damage the economy in trying.

 

Municipals charted their own path through the end of the year, largely ignoring the volatility in the Treasury market. After a brief hiccup in October, the market regained its footing in November and December. The catalyst was a seasonal boost in reinvestment flows against a backdrop of stable to falling issuance. In Washington, the House passed a version of the Build Back Better legislation, but left out key provisions that the municipal bond market lobbied hard for, including one that would have restored tax-exempt advanced refunding transactions. With that provision off the table, it seemed clear that the scarcity premium enjoyed by tax-exempt paper would persist further, an impression reinforced by the subsequent rally in municipals even while the Treasury market was in the midst of a pre-Thanksgiving Day slide. Meanwhile, the fundamental momentum remained intact. In November, Congress finally passed the bipartisan infrastructure bill, shoring up existing funding commitments and adding new federal grants to be used by all levels of government. Tax receipts continued to pour into state and local coffers, while outsized stock market gains helped bolster the funded status of pension systems across the board. Through the end of the year, the municipal curve mimicked the flattening of the Treasury curve, though short tax-exempt rates were up far less than their taxable counterparts, while longer-term yields fell by more. Those dynamics capped a year of outperformance that enabled municipal bonds to stand as one of the few investment-grade fixed income sectors to post positive returns for 2021.

 

Amid this backdrop, the Fund underperformed the Index for the year. The Fund’s higher quality bias was a negative as credit spreads tightened, particularly for BBB-rated securities. An overweight to the

 

 

32


  

    

    AMG GW&K Municipal Bond Fund

    Portfolio Manager’s Comments (continued)

 

    

 

transportation sector and shift in yield curve positioning in February were positive contributors for the year.

 

From both a technical and fundamental perspective, the municipal bond market enters 2022 on a solid footing. The biggest questions moving forward involve valuation and the pace of improvement from here. After a year that saw a record $100 billion pour into industry mutual funds, it’s hard to envision a material increase in retail demand. The same can be said for credit spreads, which blew out dramatically during the early days of the lockdown but have since rallied back to post-2007 tights. Even nominal rates,

   though well above the historical lows reached in the summer of 2020, begin the year at levels that would have been all-time lows before the onset of the pandemic. The resilience of municipal bonds in the face of broader weakness has left relative value ratios nearly two standard deviations rich to their long-term averages. And yet the case for municipals remains compelling when you consider where we are in the market cycle. With asset valuations at record highs, investors would be well advised to remember the low correlation of municipal bonds with riskier securities, like equities, commodities, real estate and high yield. Backed by unprecedented federal support, conservative budgeting and its   

status as one of the few high-quality tax shelters, municipal bonds are in good shape to weather any repricing in the broader markets. To be sure, investors are currently paying a meaningful premium for such an attractive and reliable haven, but with few things as valuable as sleeping well at night, that shouldn’t come as much of a surprise.

 

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

 

 

33


    

    

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, 2011, 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, 2021.

 

Average Annual Total Returns1    One
Year
    Five
Years
    Ten
Years
 

AMG GW&K Municipal Bond Fund2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

 

 

     Class N

     0.10     3.33     2.88

     Class I

     0.43     3.66     3.27

     Bloomberg 10-Year Municipal Bond Index8

     0.96     4.27     3.69

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, 2021. All returns are in U.S. dollars ($).

 

2 

From time to time, the Fund’s advisor 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. An increase in interest rates typically cause the value of bonds and other fixed 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.

 

 

 

34


  

    AMG GW&K Municipal Bond Fund

     Fund Snapshots (unaudited)

      December 31, 2021

 

    

 

PORTFOLIO BREAKDOWN

 

    Category

 

  

% of

Net Assets

 

 

Transportation

       29.6
 

Utilities

       26.8
 

General Obligation

       19.7
 

Medical

       9.2
 

Water

       5.8
 

Education

       4.6
 

Power

       1.5
 

Tobacco Settlement

       0.7
 

Industrial Development

       0.7
 

Short-Term Investments

       4.4
 

Other Assets Less Liabilities

       (3.0 )

    Rating

 

  

% of Market Value1

 

 

Aaa/AAA

       29.5
 

Aa/AA

       43.8
 

A

       21.0
 

Baa/BBB

 

      

 

5.7

 

 

 

1

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

TOP TEN HOLDINGS

 

    Security Name    % of
Net Assets
 

Hampton Roads Transportation Accountability Commission, Series A, Series A, Revenue, 5.000%, 07/01/26

       2.4
 

Wisconsin State Revenue, Department of Transportation, Series 2, Series 2, 5.000%, 07/01/29

       1.9
 

North Carolina State Limited Obligation, Series B, Series B, 5.000%, 05/01/28

       1.4
 

Iowa Finance Authority, State Revolving Fund Green Bond, 5.000%, 08/01/30

       1.4
 

Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Transit Revenue, Green Bond, Series B, Series B, 5.000%, 11/15/27

       1.3
 

State of California, General Obligation, 5.000%, 11/01/30

       1.1
 

State of Maryland, Department of Transportation, 5.000%, 09/01/29

       1.1
 

State of Maryland, Department of Transportation, 5.000%, 10/01/28

       1.1
 

State of New Jersey, Series A, 5.000%, 06/01/29

       1.1
 

New York City Transitional Finance Authority Building Aid Revenue, Series S, Series 1A, Revenue, 5.000%, 07/15/32

       1.1
 
      

 

 

 

 

    Top Ten as a Group

           13.9 
      

 

 

 

            

 

 

 

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/Baa or higher. Below investment grade ratings are credit ratings of BB/Ba 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.

 

 

35


  

    AMG GW&K Municipal Bond Fund

     Schedule of Portfolio Investments

     December 31, 2021

 

    

 

      Principal
Amount
     Value  

Municipal Bonds - 98.6%

     

Alabama - 0.7%

 

  

Alabama Public School and College Authority, Series A

     

5.000%, 11/01/34

     $7,500,000        $9,861,164  

Arizona - 2.7%

     

Arizona Department of Transportation State Highway Fund Revenue

     

5.000%, 07/01/28

     5,040,000        5,991,516  

Arizona Industrial Development Authority

     

5.000%, 02/01/32

     1,450,000        1,946,108  

5.000%, 02/01/35

     1,700,000        2,256,052  

5.000%, 02/01/36

     1,800,000        2,381,927  

5.000%, 02/01/37

     1,905,000        2,514,710  

Arizona Water Infrastructure Finance Authority, Water Quality Revenue, Series A 5.000%, 10/01/26

     10,000,000        11,241,938  

Salt River Project Agricultural Improvement & Power District

     

5.000%, 01/01/27

     3,000,000        3,640,618  

5.000%, 01/01/28

     2,625,000        3,269,607  

5.000%, 01/01/29

     2,500,000        3,193,543  

Total Arizona

        36,436,019  

California - 11.2%

 

  

California Municipal Finance Authority, Community Medical Centers, Series A

     

5.000%, 02/01/27

     950,000        1,150,857  

5.000%, 02/01/30

     1,630,000        1,957,709  

5.000%, 02/01/31

     900,000        1,080,005  

5.000%, 02/01/32

     1,855,000        2,222,756  

California State Public Works Board

     

5.000%, 02/01/31

     3,500,000        4,663,931  

California State Public Works Board, Series A

     

5.000%, 02/01/30

     3,500,000        4,563,105  

5.000%, 02/01/32

     3,500,000        4,756,455  

5.000%, 08/01/33 1

     5,000,000        6,574,537  

5.000%, 08/01/34 1

     2,750,000        3,608,764  

5.000%, 08/01/35 1

     2,500,000        3,275,189  

California State Public Works Board, Series C

     

5.000%, 08/01/30 1

     2,785,000        3,484,573  

5.000%, 08/01/31 1

     2,560,000        3,263,788  

5.000%, 08/01/32 1

     2,750,000        3,492,133  

5.000%, 08/01/33 1

     3,000,000        3,802,919  

City of Los Angeles Department of Airports, Series C

     

5.000%, 05/15/30

     10,515,000        13,583,803  

Los Angeles County Public Works Financing Authority, Series G

     

5.000%, 12/01/30 1

     1,750,000        2,237,923  

5.000%, 12/01/31 1

     1,500,000        1,953,916  

5.000%, 12/01/32 1

     1,875,000        2,435,082  

Los Angeles Unified School District, Series A

     

5.000%, 07/01/28

     5,000,000        6,309,182  
      Principal
Amount
     Value  

San Francisco City & County Airport Commission, San Francisco International Airport, Series A

     

5.000%, 05/01/34

     $5,010,000        $6,249,182  

5.000%, 05/01/35

     5,800,000        7,223,399  

San Francisco City & County Airport Comm-San Francisco International Airport, Series A

     

5.000%, 05/01/32

     3,000,000        3,931,202  

State of California

     

5.000%, 08/01/29

     7,235,000        8,622,509  

5.000%, 09/01/29

     5,075,000        6,063,321  

5.000%, 11/01/30

     11,575,000        15,421,184  

5.000%, 09/01/31

     8,000,000        10,878,690  

5.000%, 04/01/32

     5,000,000        6,866,463  

University of California, Series S

     

5.000%, 05/15/36 1

     3,000,000        4,022,462  

5.000%, 05/15/37 1

     3,000,000        4,005,723  

5.000%, 05/15/38 1

     3,000,000        3,994,483  

Total California

        151,695,245  

Colorado - 1.0%

 

  

Colorado Health Facilities Authority, Series A

     

5.000%, 01/01/28

     2,545,000        3,148,121  

5.000%, 01/01/29

     4,175,000        5,281,497  

5.000%, 08/01/33

     4,260,000        5,364,673  

Total Colorado

        13,794,291  

Connecticut - 4.3%

 

  

Connecticut State Health & Educational Facilities Authority

     

5.000%, 07/01/31 1

     6,205,000        7,923,461  

5.000%, 07/01/33 1

     2,750,000        3,539,557  

5.000%, 07/01/34 1

     3,100,000        3,981,706  

State of Connecticut Special Tax Revenue

     

5.000%, 05/01/28

     3,000,000        3,752,640  

State of Connecticut Special Tax Revenue, Transportation Infrastructure

     

5.000%, 01/01/30

     10,180,000        12,570,139  

State of Connecticut Special Tax Revenue, Series B

     

5.000%, 10/01/35

     7,500,000        9,405,236  

State of Connecticut Special Tax Revenue, Series C

     

5.000%, 01/01/28

     1,000,000        1,240,275  

5.000%, 01/01/29

     1,000,000        1,268,113  

5.000%, 01/01/30

     1,000,000        1,295,951  

5.000%, 01/01/31

     1,000,000        1,324,002  

5.000%, 01/01/32

     1,000,000        1,347,516  

State of Connecticut, Series A

     

5.000%, 01/15/31

     7,650,000        9,881,686  

Total Connecticut

        57,530,282  

Delaware - 0.3%

 

  

Delaware River & Bay Authority

     

5.000%, 01/01/31 1

     1,000,000        1,254,446  

5.000%, 01/01/32 1

     1,040,000        1,326,839  

5.000%, 01/01/33 1

     1,100,000        1,399,437  

Total Delaware

        3,980,722  
 

 

 

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  

District of Columbia - 2.6%

 

  

District of Columbia, Series A

     

5.000%, 06/01/30

     $6,020,000        $7,129,746  

District of Columbia, Series B

     

5.000%, 10/01/28

     7,100,000        9,025,537  

5.000%, 06/01/31

     10,080,000        12,578,199  

Washington Convention & Sports Authority, Series A

     

5.000%, 10/01/27

     5,475,000        6,710,152  

Total District of Columbia

        35,443,634  

Florida - 4.2%

 

  

Central Florida Expressway Authority

     

5.000%, 07/01/28

     4,460,000        5,618,156  

Escambia County Health Facilities Authority

     

5.000%, 08/15/37

     6,000,000        7,471,287  

Florida Development Finance Corp.

     

4.000%, 11/15/33

     10,000,000        12,193,287  

Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise,

     

Department of Transportation, Series C

     

5.000%, 07/01/28

     7,075,000        8,448,783  

Lee Memorial Health System, Series A

     

5.000%, 04/01/34

     5,645,000        7,044,799  

Orange County Health Facilities Authority, Series A

     

5.000%, 10/01/31

     4,525,000        5,375,361  

State of Florida, Capital Outlay, Series B

     

5.000%, 06/01/27

     9,045,000        10,034,391  

Total Florida

        56,186,064  

Georgia - 1.4%

 

  

Georgia State University & College

     

Improvements, Series A

     

5.000%, 07/01/27

     4,600,000        4,709,270  

Private Colleges & Universities Authority, Series B

     

5.000%, 09/01/30

     10,365,000        13,688,570  

Total Georgia

        18,397,840  

Illinois - 6.7%

 

  

Chicago O’Hare International Airport, Series A

     

5.000%, 01/01/35

     5,010,000        6,351,893  

Chicago O’Hare International Airport, Series B

     

5.000%, 01/01/28

     5,670,000        6,396,162  

Chicago O’Hare International Airport,

     

Senior Lien, Series A

     

5.000%, 01/01/36

     10,000,000        12,228,819  

5.000%, 01/01/38

     5,500,000        6,704,337  

Illinois Finance Authority

     

5.000%, 01/01/29

     2,310,000        2,941,857  

5.000%, 07/01/29

     8,755,000        11,274,443  

Illinois Finance Authority, Series A

     

4.000%, 08/15/37

     5,910,000        7,119,323  
     

Principal

Amount

     Value  

Illinois State Finance Authority Revenue, Clean Water Initiative Revenue

     

5.000%, 07/01/27

     $11,000,000        $12,851,202  

Illinois State Toll Highway Authority, Series A

     

5.000%, 12/01/31

     9,735,000        11,319,006  

Illinois State Toll Highway Authority,

     

Senior Revenue Bonds, Series A

     

5.000%, 01/01/30

     10,110,000        12,765,369  

Total Illinois

        89,952,411  

Indiana - 0.9%

 

  

Indiana Finance Authority, Series S

     

5.000%, 10/01/28

     1,000,000        1,264,465  

5.000%, 10/01/29

     3,555,000        4,596,174  

Indiana Finance Authority, Series C

     

5.000%, 06/01/29

     4,800,000        6,189,925  

Total Indiana

        12,050,564  

Iowa - 1.4%

 

  

Iowa Finance Authority, State Revolving Fund Green Bond

     

5.000%, 08/01/30

     15,025,000        18,385,413  

Kentucky - 0.5%

 

  

Louisville/Jefferson County Metropolitan Government, Norton Healthcare Inc., Series A

     

5.000%, 10/01/29

     5,505,000        6,536,712  

Maine - 0.7%

 

  

Maine Turnpike Authority

     

5.000%, 07/01/28 1

     1,955,000        2,412,650  

5.000%, 07/01/29 1

     1,600,000        2,018,668  

5.000%, 07/01/30 1

     1,390,000        1,790,045  

5.000%, 07/01/31 1

     1,500,000        1,972,281  

5.000%, 07/01/32 1

     1,390,000        1,864,736  

Total Maine

        10,058,380  

Maryland - 6.9%

 

  

Maryland State Transportation Authority

     

5.000%, 07/01/33

     6,350,000        8,304,142  

State of Maryland Department of Transportation, Series 2022B

     

5.000%, 12/01/27 1

     2,500,000        2,953,843  

5.000%, 12/01/28 1

     2,305,000        2,782,517  

5.000%, 12/01/29 1

     2,250,000        2,766,847  

State of Maryland, Department of Transportation

     

5.000%, 10/01/28

     12,365,000        14,871,215  

5.000%, 09/01/29

     12,205,000        14,958,232  

State of Maryland, Series C

     

4.000%, 03/01/28 1

     9,500,000        11,136,303  

4.000%, 03/01/29 1

     9,245,000        11,035,552  

State of Maryland, Series D

     

4.000%, 08/01/28 1

     8,000,000        9,457,322  

4.000%, 08/01/29 1

     6,500,000        7,812,916  
 

 

 

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  

Maryland - 6.9% (continued)

 

  

State of Maryland, State & Local Facilities Loan of 2019, 1st Series

     

5.000%, 03/15/30

     $6,000,000        $7,684,976  

Total Maryland

        93,763,865  

Massachusetts - 1.7%

 

  

Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Series F

     

5.000%, 11/01/26

     5,000,000        5,199,473  

Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority

     

5.000%, 07/01/22

     10,020,000        10,260,035  

Massachusetts Water Resources Authority, Series C

     

5.000%, 08/01/31

     6,080,000        7,294,591  

Total Massachusetts

        22,754,099  

Michigan - 2.9%

 

  

Michigan Finance Authority,

     

Henry Ford Health System

     

5.000%, 11/15/29

     11,450,000        13,671,804  

Michigan State Building Authority Revenue, Series I

     

5.000%, 04/15/27

     5,700,000        6,630,600  

State of Michigan

     

5.000%, 03/15/27

     10,000,000        12,177,869  

Wayne County Airport Authority, Series A

     

5.000%, 12/01/37

     2,285,000        3,002,682  

5.000%, 12/01/38

     1,405,000        1,842,763  

5.000%, 12/01/39

     1,800,000        2,353,900  

Total Michigan

        39,679,618  

Minnesota - 1.5%

 

  

City of Minneapolis MN, Fairview Health Services, Series A

     

5.000%, 11/15/35

     3,165,000        3,930,513  

State of Minnesota, Series A

     

5.000%, 08/01/22

     7,500,000        7,710,715  

5.000%, 09/01/22

     8,090,000        8,349,873  

Total Minnesota

        19,991,101  

Missouri - 1.4%

 

  

University of Missouri, Series A

     

5.000%, 11/01/26

     5,520,000        6,229,634  

University of Missouri, Series B

     

5.000%, 11/01/30

     10,010,000        13,207,690  

Total Missouri

        19,437,324  

New Jersey - 4.7%

 

  

New Jersey State Turnpike Authority Revenue, Series B

     

5.000%, 01/01/28

     4,010,000        4,970,860  

New Jersey State Turnpike Authority Revenue, Series D

     

5.000%, 01/01/28

     5,000,000        5,889,726  
      Principal
Amount
     Value  

New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund Authority, Series S

     

5.000%, 06/15/30

     $6,255,000        $8,020,522  

5.000%, 06/15/31

     7,615,000        9,952,421  

5.000%, 06/15/32

     5,750,000        7,492,255  

5.000%, 06/15/33

     6,000,000        7,790,786  

State of New Jersey

     

5.000%, 06/01/25

     4,335,000        4,969,055  

5.000%, 06/01/29

     11,500,000        14,603,887  

Total New Jersey

        63,689,512  

New Mexico - 1.4%

 

  

New Mexico Finance Authority

     

5.000%, 06/01/22

     2,845,000        2,901,628  

New Mexico Finance Authority, Series A

     

5.000%, 06/15/28

     4,470,000        5,617,990  

5.000%, 06/15/30

     7,500,000        9,838,336  

Total New Mexico

        18,357,954  

New York - 13.6%

     

City of New York

     

5.000%, 08/01/34

     3,250,000        4,223,327  

City of New York, Series C

     

5.000%, 08/01/33

     1,500,000        1,954,271  

City of New York, Series L

     

5.000%, 04/01/33

     6,500,000        8,564,462  

Long Island Power Authority

     

5.000%, 09/01/35

     5,030,000        6,340,963  

Long Island Power Authority, Series A

     

5.000%, 09/01/30

     2,275,000        2,991,314  

5.000%, 09/01/31

     3,935,000        5,265,641  

Metropolitan Transportation Authority,

     

Transit Revenue, Green Bond, Series B

     

5.000%, 11/15/27

     14,225,000        17,309,614  

Metropolitan Transportation Authority,

     

Transit Revenue, Series F

     

5.000%, 11/15/24

     4,950,000        5,144,954  

5.000%, 11/15/27

     5,000,000        5,191,592  

5.000%, 11/15/28

     4,760,000        5,485,830  

New York City Transitional Finance Authority

     

Building Aid Revenue, Series S

     

5.000%, 07/15/32

     10,835,000        14,489,198  

New York City Transitional Finance Authority

     

Building Aid Revenue,

     

Series S-3, Sub-Series S-3A

     

5.000%, 07/15/31

     5,080,000        6,360,327  

New York City Transitional Finance Authority

     

Future Tax Secured Revenue

     

5.000%, 11/01/31

     2,500,000        3,334,165  

5.000%, 11/01/32

     4,000,000        5,318,281  

New York City Transitional Finance Authority

     

Future Tax Secured Revenue, Series E

     

5.000%, 02/01/37

     7,000,000        9,109,032  
 

 

 

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  

New York - 13.6% (continued)

 

  

New York City Transitional Finance Authority, Future Tax Secured Revenue, Series C

     

5.000%, 11/01/26

     $9,585,000        $11,000,479  

New York State Dormitory Authority, Series A

     

5.000%, 12/15/27

     5,640,000        5,893,409  

5.000%, 03/15/31

     7,670,000        9,675,904  

5.000%, 03/15/32

     8,000,000        10,624,312  

New York State Dormitory Authority, Series D

     

5.000%, 02/15/27

     5,355,000        5,384,483  

New York State Dormitory Authority, Series E

     

5.000%, 03/15/32

     8,410,000        9,739,322  

New York Transportation Development Corp.

     

4.000%, 10/31/41

     1,250,000        1,456,625  

4.000%, 10/31/46

     1,500,000        1,727,498  

5.000%, 12/01/30

     1,000,000        1,287,564  

5.000%, 12/01/31

     1,100,000        1,407,301  

5.000%, 12/01/32

     1,450,000        1,856,728  

5.000%, 12/01/33

     1,000,000        1,276,498  

Port Authority of New York & New Jersey

     

5.000%, 07/15/31

     10,000,000        12,872,920  

5.000%, 07/15/32

     6,545,000        8,392,418  

Total New York

        183,678,432  

North Carolina - 1.4%

 

  

North Carolina State Limited Obligation, Series B

     

5.000%, 05/01/28

     15,300,000        18,661,878  

Ohio - 0.4%

 

  

Ohio State General Obligation, Series T

     

5.000%, 05/01/30

     5,000,000        6,089,003  

Oregon - 2.1%

 

  

Oregon State Lottery, Series C

     

5.000%, 04/01/27

     10,000,000        11,415,342  

Oregon State Lottery, Series D

     

5.000%, 04/01/28

     9,225,000        10,524,251  

State of Oregon

     

5.000%, 05/01/27

     5,000,000        6,125,074  

Total Oregon

        28,064,667  

Pennsylvania - 1.6%

 

  

Allegheny County Airport Authority, Series A

     

5.000%, 01/01/31

     1,350,000        1,754,003  

5.000%, 01/01/32

     2,215,000        2,864,172  

Allegheny County Hospital Development Authority, University Pittsburgh Medical Center

     

5.000%, 07/15/31

     5,530,000        7,005,417  

Commonwealth Financing Authority, Pennsylvania Tobacco

     

5.000%, 06/01/32

     7,910,000        9,663,441  

Total Pennsylvania

        21,287,033  
      Principal
Amount
     Value  

Texas - 8.1%

 

  

Central Texas Turnpike System Transportation Commission, Series C

     

5.000%, 08/15/31

     $11,175,000        $12,464,719  

Central Texas Turnpike System, Series A

     

5.000%, 08/15/39

     8,000,000        10,162,101  

City of Corpus Christi TX Utility System Revenue, Junior Lien

     

5.000%, 07/15/29

     3,125,000        3,934,141  

City of Houston TX Airport System Revenue, Series A

     

4.000%, 07/01/35

     1,100,000        1,316,834  

4.000%, 07/01/36

     1,100,000        1,311,777  

5.000%, 07/01/34

     2,835,000        3,684,838  

City of San Antonio TX Electric & Gas Systems Revenue, Series A

     

5.000%, 02/01/37

     3,010,000        3,925,818  

5.000%, 02/01/38

     2,985,000        3,883,347  

Dallas Area Rapid Transit, Senior Lien

     

5.250%, 12/01/28

     8,865,000        11,401,847  

Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, Series A

     

5.000%, 11/01/30

     2,000,000        2,619,351  

5.000%, 11/01/31

     3,265,000        4,260,882  

Lower Colorado River Authority,

     

LCRA Transmission Services Corporation

     

5.000%, 05/15/29

     3,815,000        4,216,399  

North Texas Municipal Water District

     

Water System Revenue,

     

Refunding and Improvement

     

5.000%, 09/01/29

     7,350,000        8,781,362  

North Texas Tollway Authority, 2nd Tier, Series B

     

5.000%, 01/01/31

     2,000,000        2,319,964  

5.000%, 01/01/32

     3,010,000        3,602,428  

North Texas Tollway Authority, Series A

     

5.000%, 01/01/26

     7,795,000        8,496,759  

Texas Private Activity Bond Surface Transportation Corp.

     

4.000%, 12/31/37

     5,000,000        5,817,229  

4.000%, 12/31/38

     3,735,000        4,335,393  

Texas Transportation Commission Fund, Series A

     

5.000%, 04/01/27

     12,550,000        12,697,609  

Total Texas

        109,232,798  

Utah - 1.5%

 

  

Salt Lake City Corp. Airport Revenue, Series A

     

5.000%, 07/01/29

     3,450,000        4,246,290  

5.000%, 07/01/30

     6,585,000        8,062,991  

State of Utah, Series B

     

5.000%, 07/01/22

     7,515,000        7,695,405  

Total Utah

        20,004,686  

Virginia - 3.0%

 

  

Hampton Roads Transportation Accountability Commission, Series A

     

5.000%, 07/01/26

     27,350,000        32,633,848  
 

 

 

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

39


  

    

    AMG GW&K Municipal Bond Fund

    Schedule of Portfolio Investments (continued)

 

    

 

      Principal
Amount
     Value  

Virginia - 3.0% (continued)

     

Virginia College Building Authority, Series P

     

4.000%, 02/01/30

     $8,000,000        $8,023,255  

Total Virginia

        40,657,103  

Washington - 3.9%

 

  

Central Puget Sound Regional Transit Authority, Series S

     

5.000%, 11/01/29

     5,700,000        7,421,841  

Energy Northwest

     

5.000%, 07/01/22

     6,000,000        6,143,432  

Port of Seattle

     

5.000%, 08/01/31

     5,000,000        6,589,281  

State of Washington School Improvements, Series C

     

5.000%, 02/01/28

     7,370,000        8,658,793  

State of Washington, Series R-2015C

     

5.000%, 07/01/28

     10,280,000        11,616,198  

University of Washington, University & College Improvements Revenue, Series C

     

5.000%, 07/01/27

     7,270,000        7,607,974  

Washington Health Care Facilities Authority, Series A

     

5.000%, 08/01/38

     3,270,000        4,068,372  

Total Washington

        52,105,891  

West Virginia - 1.2%

 

  

West Virginia Hospital Finance Authority, Cabell Huntington Hospital Obligation

     

5.000%, 01/01/35

     3,745,000        4,578,572  

West Virginia Parkways Authority

     

5.000%, 06/01/37

     1,750,000        2,304,346  

5.000%, 06/01/38

     2,000,000        2,624,600  

5.000%, 06/01/39

     5,150,000        6,734,028  

Total West Virginia

        16,241,546  

 

1 

All or part of a security is delayed delivery transaction. The market value for delayed delivery securities at December 31, 2021, amounted to $123,580,618, or 9.2% of net assets.

      Principal
Amount
     Value  

Wisconsin - 2.7%

 

  

State of Wisconsin

     

5.000%, 05/01/29

     $3,500,000        $4,499,390  

5.000%, 05/01/30

     2,390,000        3,142,360  

5.000%, 05/01/31

     2,700,000        3,554,485  

Wisconsin State Revenue, Department of Transportation, Series 2

     

5.000%, 07/01/29

     20,405,000        25,009,123  

Total Wisconsin

        36,205,358  

Total Municipal Bonds
(Cost $1,277,111,978)

        1,330,210,609  

Short-Term Investments - 4.4%

 

  

Municipal Bonds - 4.4%

 

  

California - 3.2%

 

  

City of Los Angeles

     

4.000%, 06/23/22

     41,525,000        42,290,543  

Colorado - 1.2%

 

  

Colorado State Education Loan Program, Series A

     

4.000%, 06/29/22

     16,250,000        16,558,511  

Total Municipal Bonds

     

(Cost $58,856,766)

        58,849,054  

Total Short-Term Investments

     

(Cost $58,856,766)

        58,849,054  

Total Investments - 103.0%

     

(Cost $1,335,968,744)

        1,389,059,663  

Other Assets, less Liabilities - (3.0)%

 

     (39,989,524

Net Assets - 100.0%

        $1,349,070,139  
 

 

 

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

40


  

    

    AMG GW&K Municipal 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, 2021:

 

     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  
           

 Investments in Securities

           

Municipal Bonds

            $1,330,210,609               $1,330,210,609  

Short-Term Investments

           

Municipal Bonds

            58,849,054               58,849,054  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 Total Investments in Securities

             –        $1,389,059,663                –        $1,389,059,663  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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, 2021, there were no transfers in or out of Level 3.

 

 

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

41


  

    

    AMG GW&K Municipal Enhanced Yield Fund

    Portfolio Manager’s Comments (unaudited)

 

    

 

THE YEAR IN REVIEW

 

For the year ended December 31, 2021, AMG GW&K Municipal Enhanced Yield Fund’s (the “Fund”) Class N shares returned 3.59%, compared to the Bloomberg U.S. Municipal Bond BAA Index (the “Bloomberg BAA Index”), which returned 4.85%.

 

Municipal bonds fared better than most fixed income alternatives in the first quarter, but ultimately could not escape the gravitational pull of a bond market selloff that saw Treasury yields surge to their highest levels of the pandemic era. The major catalyst came in January, when the Democrats unexpectedly secured control of the U.S. Senate, clearing the way to add a $1.9 trillion fiscal stimulus package to an economy already buoyed by the momentum of a successful vaccine rollout. Investors responded quickly, repositioning for a sharp acceleration in growth and a revival of long-dormant inflationary pressures. The yield on the 10-year U.S. Treasury shot up 82 basis points over the first quarter and the curve steepened significantly as the futures market pulled forward by a year; the date of a first rate hike. But the U. S. Federal Reserve (the “Fed”) pledged patience and dismissed pricing pressures as temporary. While inflation expectations had pushed to decade-highs, policymakers emphasized that over half of the increase in nominal yields was driven by a surge in real rates, a welcome reflection of investor confidence in the recovery.

 

That followed with solid gains from municipal bonds in the second quarter, riding the coattails of a Treasury rally that reversed much of the first quarter selloff in bonds. In many ways, the rebound in the broader market went against the grain of events. After all, during the quarter, unprecedented fiscal stimulus made its way through the economy, with the White House pushing aggressively for even more. A vaccine-led recovery across the U.S. unleashed a mountain of pent-up savings amid easing lockdowns, fueling an acceleration in growth. Inflation readings jumped to levels not seen in two decades, as job openings surged to record highs and supply chain disruptions caused widespread shortages. And yet, Treasury yields declined anyway. Disappointing employment data and a deceleration in retail sales and manufacturing activity called into question the strength of the recovery. Fiscal spending initiatives met stiff resistance in Congress. And the Fed surprised investors by easing off its ultra-accommodative stance on rates and asset purchases, signaling two quarter-point hikes in 2023

     

and setting the stage for a future discussion on tapering. This combination of less-robust growth and a more vigilant Fed led to a significant flattening of the yield curve.

 

Modest losses for municipal bonds followed in the third quarter, driven by a late-September selloff in Treasuries. For most of the summer, broader rates remained low and traded within a narrow range, despite solid economic data and rising inflation prints. The market, it appeared, was more focused on the longer term, taking supply-chain disruptions in stride and buying into the Fed’s argument that price increases would ultimately prove “transitory.” The spread of the delta variant also helped to keep a lid on rates, as concerns about delayed reopenings dialed back expectations over the pace for global growth. But the markets received a jolt from the September FOMC meeting when a less dovish Fed indicated that the tapering program was likely to begin in November and finish next summer. Further, the accompanying dot plot reflected a more aggressive path for rate hikes, with liftoff potentially beginning next year, followed by three more hikes in both 2023 and 2024. The yield on the 10-year Treasury reacted with the single largest one-day jump since February. Meanwhile, Congress found it increasingly difficult to reach consensus on the infrastructure deal, which has been put on hold pending the outcome of a more contentious $3.5 trillion social policy bill. A debt ceiling debate and threats of a government shutdown only added to the apprehension and uncertainty. Over the final eight days of September, the 10-year Treasury yield rose nearly 20 basis points to finish roughly unchanged for the third quarter.

 

Municipal bonds posted mixed returns in the fourth quarter – short maturities barely broke even, held back by the potential for an accelerated rate-hike cycle, while the long end rallied on declining growth expectations. Municipal bonds outperformed Treasuries across the entire curve, buoyed by a strong technical environment that had been in place all year. The broader market, meanwhile, experienced its second major selloff of 2021, though most of the losses were likewise concentrated at the short end, while the long end saw solid gains. Back in the first quarter, the long end had led the slide, as investors repositioned during the so-called “reflation trade.” This time around, the results reflected a market trying to juggle elevated growth and inflation against tighter monetary policy, less fiscal stimulus, and the damping effects of the omicron variant. With

     

inflation topping 30-year highs, the Fed executed a well-telegraphed hawkish pivot, doubling the pace of its expected taper and signaling as many as six quarter-point rate hikes over the next two years. The “transitory” moniker was also dropped from the policy statement, a nod to the reality that the spike in price increases is expected to linger far longer than originally anticipated. While two-year rates jumped 45 basis points over the quarter in reaction to the new messaging, 10-year rates were essentially unchanged. Whereas the 30-year rallied 14 basis points, an indication that investors believe the Fed will either succeed in keeping inflation at bay or damage the economy in trying.

 

Municipals charted their own path through the end of the year, largely ignoring the volatility in the Treasury market. After a brief hiccup in October, the market regained its footing in November and December. The catalyst was a seasonal boost in reinvestment flows against a backdrop of stable to falling issuance. In Washington, the House passed a version of the Build Back Better legislation, but left out key provisions that the municipal bond market lobbied hard for, including one that would have restored tax-exempt advanced refunding transactions. With that provision off the table, it seemed clear that the scarcity premium enjoyed by tax-exempt paper would persist further, an impression reinforced by the subsequent rally in municipals even while the Treasury market was in the midst of a pre-Thanksgiving Day slide. Meanwhile, the fundamental momentum remained intact. In November, Congress finally passed the bipartisan infrastructure bill, shoring up existing funding commitments and adding new federal grants to be used by all levels of government. Tax receipts continued to pour into state and local coffers, while outsized stock market gains helped bolster the funded status of pension systems across the board. Through the end of the year, the municipal curve mimicked the flattening of the Treasury curve, though short tax-exempt rates were up far less than their taxable counterparts, while longer-term yields fell by more. Those dynamics capped a year of outperformance that enabled municipal bonds to stand as one of the few investment-grade fixed income sectors to post positive returns for 2021.

 

Amid this backdrop, the Fund underperformed the Bloomberg BAA Index for the year due to its higher quality bias as credit spreads tightened. The Fund has over 50% of its holdings in credits rated A or

 

 

42


  

    

    AMG GW&K Municipal Enhanced Yield Fund

    Portfolio Manager’s Comments (continued)

 

    

 

higher versus the BBB-rated bonds in the Index. Overweights in the health care and transportation sectors were positive contributors for the year.

 

From both a technical and fundamental perspective, the municipal bond market enters 2022 on a solid footing. The biggest questions moving forward involve valuation and the pace of improvement from here. After a year that saw a record $100 billion pour into industry mutual funds, it’s hard to envision a material increase in retail demand. The same can be said for credit spreads, which blew out dramatically during the early days of the lockdown but have since rallied back to post-2007 tights. Even nominal rates,

      though well above the historical lows reached in the summer of 2020, begin the year at levels that would have been all-time lows before the onset of the pandemic. The resilience of municipal bonds in the face of broader weakness has left relative value ratios nearly two standard deviations rich to their long-term averages. And yet the case for municipals remains compelling when you consider where we are in the market cycle. With asset valuations at record highs, investors would be well advised to remember the low correlation of municipal bonds with riskier securities, like equities, commodities, real estate and high yield. Backed by unprecedented federal support, conservative budgeting and its      

status as one of the few high-quality tax shelters, municipal bonds are in good shape to weather any repricing in the broader markets. To be sure, investors are currently paying a meaningful premium for such an attractive and reliable haven, but with few things as valuable as sleeping well at night, that shouldn’t come as much of a surprise.

 

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

 

 

43


  

     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, 2011, 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, 2021.

 

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

  AMG GW&K Municipal Enhanced Yield Fund2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

 

 

        Class N

     3.59     5.80     5.32     6.42     07/27/09  

        Class I

     3.94     6.17     5.75     5.04     12/30/05  

        Class Z

     3.99     –      –      6.11     02/24/17  

Bloomberg U.S. Municipal Bond BAA Index11

     4.85     5.97     5.01     5.93      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, 2021. All returns are in U.S. dollars ($).

 

2   From time to time, the Fund’s advisor 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.

 

 

 

 

    

44


  

     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.

 

 

45


  

    AMG GW&K Municipal Enhanced Yield Fund

     Fund Snapshots (unaudited)

     December 31, 2021

 

    

 

 

PORTFOLIO BREAKDOWN

 

    Category   

% of

Net Assets

 

Transportation

       33.8
 

Medical

       30.3
 

Utilities

       12.4
 

General Obligation

       8.0
 

Tobacco Settlement

       4.0
 

Education

       3.9
 

Industrial Development

       3.2
 

Housing

       2.4
 

Water

       1.2
 

Other Assets Less Liabilities

       0.8

    Rating

 

  

% of Market Value1

 

Aa/AA

       17.2
 

A

       40.1
 

Baa/BBB

       42.1
 

Ba/BB

       0.6

 

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

       2.9    
 

West Virginia Hospital Finance Authority,Cabell Huntington Hospital Obligation, 5.000%, 01/01/43

  

2.5

 

Colorado Health Facilities Authority, Series A, Series A, 5.000%, 08/01/44

   2.3
 

Central Plains Energy Project Project #3, Series A, Series A, 5.000%, 09/01/42

   2.1
 

Chicago O’Hare International Airport, Senior Lien, Series A, Series A, 5.000%, 01/01/48

   2.1
 

New York Transportation Development Corp., Revenue, 4.000%, 04/30/53

   2.1
 

Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority, Series B, Series B, 5.000%, 01/01/45

   2.0
 

City of Minneapolis MN, Fairview Health Services, Series A, Series A, Revenue, 5.000%, 11/15/49

   1.9
 

Public Authority for Colorado Energy Natural Gas Purchase Revenue, Series 2008, Revenue, 6.500%, 11/15/38

   1.8
 

New Orleans Aviation Board, General Airport North Terminal, Series B, Series B, Revenue, 5.000%, 01/01/48

   1.8
 
    

 

 

    Top Ten as a Group

   21.5 
    

 

      
 

 

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/Baa or higher. Below investment grade ratings are credit ratings of BB/Ba 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.

 

 

46


  

     AMG GW&K Municipal Enhanced Yield Fund

     Schedule of Portfolio Investments

     December 31, 2021

 

    

 

     Principal           
      Amount        Value    

Municipal Bonds - 99.2%

     

Arizona - 1.3%

 

  

Arizona Industrial Development Authority

     

4.000%, 02/01/50

     $2,000,000        $2,305,341  

The Industrial Development Authority of the County of Pima

     

4.000%, 04/01/46

     2,405,000        2,820,285  

Total Arizona

        5,125,626  

California - 6.4%

 

  

California Health Facilities Financing Authority

     

4.000%, 04/01/49

     1,000,000        1,149,970  

California Municipal Finance Authority, Series A

     

4.000%, 02/01/51

     2,000,000        2,343,517  

California Municipal Finance Authority, Series I

     

5.000%, 05/15/43

     3,000,000        3,576,595  

5.000%, 05/15/48

     4,600,000        5,451,688  

California State Public Works Board, Series B

     

4.000%, 05/01/46

     2,500,000        2,963,341  

Riverside County Transportation Commission

     

4.000%, 06/01/46

     2,500,000        2,943,513  

4.000%, 06/01/47

     3,425,000        3,996,212  

San Diego County Regional Airport Authority, Series B

     

4.000%, 07/01/51

     2,000,000        2,318,098  

Total California

        24,742,934  

Colorado - 4.1%

 

  

Colorado Health Facilities Authority, Series A

     

5.000%, 08/01/44

     7,215,000        8,859,952  

Public Authority for Colorado Energy Natural Gas Purchase Revenue, Series 2008

     

6.500%, 11/15/38

     4,445,000        6,912,350  

Total Colorado

        15,772,302  

Connecticut - 4.6%

 

  

Connecticut State Health & Educational Facilities Authority

     

4.000%, 07/01/39 1

     3,500,000        4,069,473  

4.000%, 07/01/40 1

     3,400,000        3,945,787  

4.000%, 07/01/42 1

     1,750,000        2,020,157  

State of Connecticut Special Tax Revenue

     

4.000%, 05/01/39

     1,000,000        1,192,807  

State of Connecticut Special Tax Revenue, Transportation Infrastructure

     

5.000%, 01/01/38

     5,165,000        6,316,896  

Total Connecticut

        17,545,120  

Florida - 8.8%

 

  

City of Tampa, Series H

     

4.000%, 07/01/45

     2,775,000        3,194,146  

5.000%, 07/01/50

     2,250,000        2,791,122  

County of Miami-Dade FL Water & Sewer System Revenue

     

4.000%, 10/01/46

     4,000,000        4,750,212  
     Principal           
      Amount        Value    

County of Miami-Dade Seaport Department, Series A

     

4.000%, 10/01/45

     $5,000,000        $5,894,291  

Escambia County Health Facilities Authority

     

4.000%, 08/15/50

     6,050,000        6,765,643  

Hillsborough County Industrial Development Authority

     

4.000%, 08/01/50

     5,000,000        5,773,374  

Miami Beach Health Facilities Authority

     

4.000%, 11/15/51

     4,000,000        4,635,409  

Total Florida

        33,804,197  

Georgia - 1.5%

 

  

Gainesville & Hall County Hospital Authority

     

4.000%, 02/15/51

     5,000,000        5,779,922  

Illinois - 8.6%

 

  

Chicago O’Hare International Airport, Senior Lien, Series A

     

5.000%, 01/01/48

     6,750,000        8,093,001  

Metropolitan Pier & Exposition Authority

     

4.000%, 12/15/42 1

     2,000,000        2,299,207  

4.000%, 06/15/52 1

     3,000,000        3,403,750  

5.000%, 06/15/50 1

     5,000,000        6,000,142  

State of Illinois

     

5.500%, 05/01/39

     4,000,000        5,110,836  

5.750%, 05/01/45

     3,000,000        3,842,859  

State of Illinois, Series A

     

4.000%, 03/01/40

     1,500,000        1,741,714  

5.000%, 03/01/46

     2,225,000        2,762,794  

Total Illinois

        33,254,303  

Louisiana - 3.3%

 

  

Louisiana Public Facilities Authority

     

4.000%, 05/15/49

     5,000,000        5,764,251  

New Orleans Aviation Board, General Airport North Terminal, Series B

     

5.000%, 01/01/48

     5,845,000        6,839,810  

Total Louisiana

        12,604,061  

Maine - 1.1%

 

  

Maine Health & Higher Educational Facilities Authority, Series A

     

4.000%, 07/01/45

     1,500,000        1,744,333  

4.000%, 07/01/50

     2,000,000        2,304,644  

Total Maine

        4,048,977  

Massachusetts - 1.5%

 

  

Massachusetts Development Finance Agency

     

4.000%, 07/01/51

     5,110,000        5,899,008  

Minnesota - 3.1%

 

  

City of Minneapolis MN, Fairview Health Services, Series A

     

5.000%, 11/15/49

     5,910,000        7,153,206  
 

 

 

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

47


  

    

    AMG GW&K Municipal Enhanced Yield Fund

    Schedule of Portfolio Investments (continued)

 

    

 

      Principal
Amount
     Value  

Minnesota - 3.1% (continued)

 

  

Duluth Economic Development Authority, Essentia Health Obligated Group

     

5.000%, 02/15/48

   $ 4,050,000        $4,796,333  

Total Minnesota

        11,949,539  

Nebraska - 2.1%

 

  

Central Plains Energy Project Project #3, Series A

     

5.000%, 09/01/42

     5,560,000        8,134,377  

New Jersey - 9.3%

 

  

New Jersey Economic Development Authority

     

5.000%, 11/01/44

     3,000,000        3,660,483  

New Jersey Economic Development Authority, Series DDD

     

5.000%, 06/15/42

     2,865,000        3,366,281  

New Jersey Economic Development Authority, Series S

     

4.000%, 06/15/46

     1,500,000        1,719,552  

4.000%, 06/15/50

     1,500,000        1,712,960  

New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund Authority

     

4.000%, 06/15/45

     2,000,000        2,295,774  

4.000%, 06/15/50

     2,000,000        2,283,947  

5.000%, 06/15/45

     1,000,000        1,241,859  

5.000%, 06/15/50

     2,000,000        2,471,828  

New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund Authority, Series BB

     

5.000%, 06/15/44

     2,250,000        2,714,571  

New Jersey Turnpike Authority, Series A

     

4.000%, 01/01/42

     2,000,000        2,378,577  

4.000%, 01/01/51

     2,280,000        2,678,256  

Tobacco Settlement Financing Corp. Series A

     

5.000%, 06/01/46

     2,500,000        2,935,807  

5.250%, 06/01/46

     3,285,000        3,924,086  

Tobacco Settlement Financing Corp. Series B

     

5.000%, 06/01/46

     2,050,000        2,387,302  

Total New Jersey

        35,771,283  

New York - 14.9%

 

  

City of New York, Series A

     

5.000%, 08/01/45

     4,405,000        5,450,749  

City of New York, Series D

     

5.000%, 03/01/43

     5,360,000        6,761,161  

City of New York, Series F

     

5.000%, 03/01/42

     4,000,000        5,142,834  

Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Series C

     

4.750%, 11/15/45

     3,175,000        3,804,034  

5.000%, 11/15/50

     2,335,000        2,833,909  

5.250%, 11/15/55

     3,020,000        3,725,279  

Monroe County Industrial Development Corp., Series A

     

4.000%, 07/01/50

     5,000,000        5,799,651  
      Principal
Amount
     Value  

New York State Thruway Authority, Series B

     

4.000%, 01/01/45

   $ 5,000,000        $5,770,047  

New York Transportation Development Corp.

     

4.000%, 12/01/39

     1,825,000        2,122,287  

4.000%, 12/01/40

     2,020,000        2,345,127  

4.000%, 04/30/53

     6,915,000        7,904,436  

New York Transportation Development Corp., Laguardia Airport Terminal B

     

5.000%, 07/01/46

     5,000,000        5,488,504  

Total New York

        57,148,018  

Oklahoma - 3.8%

 

  

Norman Regional Hospital Authority

     

5.000%, 09/01/45

     4,335,000        5,318,749  

Oklahoma Development Finance Authority, Health Ou Medicine Project, Series B

     

5.250%, 08/15/48

     2,975,000        3,636,553  

5.500%, 08/15/52

     4,500,000        5,559,163  

Total Oklahoma

        14,514,465  

Pennsylvania - 4.8%

 

  

Allegheny County Airport Authority, Series A

     

5.000%, 01/01/51

     5,000,000        6,215,100  

Geisinger Authority, Series G

     

4.000%, 04/01/50

     3,510,000        4,018,644  

Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, Series B

     

4.000%, 12/01/46

     3,500,000        4,099,233  

4.000%, 12/01/51

     3,550,000        4,129,954  

Total Pennsylvania

        18,462,931  

Rhode Island - 1.5%

 

  

Tobacco Settlement Financing Corp. Series A

     

5.000%, 06/01/35

     2,000,000        2,240,216  

5.000%, 06/01/40

     3,285,000        3,645,106  

Total Rhode Island

        5,885,322  

South Carolina - 1.1%

 

  

South Carolina Jobs-Economic Development Authority, Series I

     

5.000%, 12/01/46

     3,325,000        4,143,253  

Texas - 10.6%

 

  

Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority, Series B

     

4.000%, 01/01/51

     2,000,000        2,311,745  

5.000%, 01/01/45

     6,405,000        7,901,383  

5.000%, 01/01/46

     2,050,000        2,571,284  

City of Houston TX Airport System Revenue, Series A

     

4.000%, 07/01/46

     1,500,000        1,744,255  

Texas Private Activity Bond Surface Transportation Corp.

     

5.000%, 06/30/58

     9,320,000        11,148,249  
 

 

 

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

48


  

    

    AMG GW&K Municipal Enhanced Yield Fund

    Schedule of Portfolio Investments (continued)

 

    

 

      Principal
Amount
     Value  

Texas - 10.6% (continued)

     

Texas Private Activity Bond Surface Transportation Corp., Senior Lien-Blueridge Transport

     

5.000%, 12/31/40

     $3,955,000        $4,442,497  

5.000%, 12/31/45

     3,880,000        4,335,081  

Texas Private Activity Bond Surface Transportation Corp., Series A

     

4.000%, 12/31/39

     5,500,000        6,372,567  

Total Texas

        40,827,061  

Virginia - 2.2%

 

  

Lynchburg Economic Development Authority

     

4.000%, 01/01/55

     1,500,000        1,748,386  

Virginia Small Business Financing Authority, Transform 66 P3 Project

     

5.000%, 12/31/49

     2,500,000        2,967,514  

5.000%, 12/31/52

     3,170,000        3,748,828  

Total Virginia

        8,464,728  

Washington - 2.1%

 

  

Port of Seattle

     

5.000%, 08/01/46

     3,000,000        3,801,941  
      Principal
Amount
     Value  

Washington Health Care Facilities Authority

     

4.000%, 09/01/45

     $1,000,000        $1,160,617  

5.000%, 09/01/45

     2,465,000        3,103,144  

Total Washington

        8,065,702  

West Virginia - 2.5%

 

  

West Virginia Hospital Finance Authority, Cabell Huntington Hospital Obligation

     

5.000%, 01/01/43

     8,000,000        9,655,511  

Total Municipal Bonds

     

(Cost $356,383,477)

        381,598,640  

Total Investments - 99.2%

     

(Cost $356,383,477)

        381,598,640  

Other Assets, less Liabilities - 0.8%

 

     2,931,822  

Net Assets - 100.0%

        $384,530,462  
 

 

  1 

All or part of a security is delayed delivery transaction. The market value for delayed delivery securities at December 31, 2021, amounted to $16,887,977, or 4.4% 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, 2021:

 

    

Level 1

 

    

Level 2

 

    

Level 3

 

    

Total

 

 

Investments in Securities

           

Municipal Bonds

            $381,598,640               $381,598,640  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities

             –        $381,598,640               $381,598,640  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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, 2021, there were no transfers in or out of Level 3.

 

 

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

49


  

    

    Statement of Assets and Liabilities

     December 31, 2021

 

    

 

     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 $39,839,239, $5,203,772, $2,660,400, $0,and $0, respectively)

     $ 739,114,290      $ 57,665,535      $ 20,638,432      $ 1,389,059,663      $ 381,598,640

Repurchase Agreements at value2

       19,741,844        1,481,522        2,340,362        –          –  

Cash

       13,886,502        2,253,640        472,173        66,610,198        15,191,181

Receivable for investments sold

       –          –          –          –          1,158,020

Dividend and interest receivables

       5,806,394        422,786        266,344        15,675,503        3,762,955

Securities lending income receivable

       5,142        1,659        852        –          –  

Receivable for Fund shares sold

       159,105        607,385        78        1,505,622        886

Receivable from affiliate

       –          6,907        6,591        75,701        20,189

Prepaid expenses and other assets

       18,354        15,633        9,808        31,347        21,926

Total assets

       778,731,631        62,455,067        23,734,640        1,472,958,034        401,753,797

Liabilities:

                        

Payable upon return of securities loaned

       19,741,844        1,481,522        2,340,362        –          –  

Payable for delayed delivery investments purchased

       –          –          –          122,197,545        16,906,193

Payable for Fund shares repurchased

       3,475,445        23,077        128        1,011,022        10,430

Accrued expenses:

                        

Investment advisory and management fees

       157,052        15,376        6,858        237,004        146,296

Administrative fees

       98,735        7,688        2,638        172,180        48,765

Distribution fees

       –          2,914        –          3,752        3,051

Shareholder service fees

       106,660        4,300        3,089        59,162        17,470

Other

       213,573        70,256        57,853        207,230        91,130

Total liabilities

       23,793,309        1,605,133        2,410,928        123,887,895        17,223,335
                        

Net Assets

     $ 754,938,322      $ 60,849,934      $ 21,323,712      $ 1,349,070,139      $ 384,530,462

1 Investments at cost

     $ 733,383,099      $ 57,188,428      $ 20,559,924      $ 1,335,968,744      $ 356,383,477

2 Repurchase agreements at cost

     $ 19,741,844      $ 1,481,522      $ 2,340,362        –          –  

 

 

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

50


  

    

    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

       $748,864,334        $62,931,551       $21,254,259        $1,294,126,043        $358,388,877

Total distributable earnings (loss)

       6,073,988        (2,081,617 )       69,453        54,944,096        26,141,585

Net Assets

       $754,938,322        $60,849,934       $21,323,712        $1,349,070,139        $384,530,462

Class N:

                       

Net Assets

       $427,817,558        $13,736,494       $8,157,438        $17,111,901        $14,922,798

Shares outstanding

       17,192,762        1,294,290       363,154        1,398,394        1,389,806

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share

       $24.88        $10.61       $22.46        $12.24        $10.74

Class I:

                       

Net Assets

       $327,120,764        $33,401,854       $13,166,274        $1,331,958,238        $369,472,801

Shares outstanding

       13,144,313        3,135,727       586,516        108,224,961        35,421,872

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share

       $24.89        $10.65       $22.45        $12.31        $10.43

Class Z:

                       

Net Assets

              $13,711,586                     $134,863

Shares outstanding

              1,287,794                     12,932

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share

              $10.65                     $10.43

 

 

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

51


  

    

    Statement of Operations

    For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021

 

    

 

 

           AMG                 AMG  
     AMG GW&K     GW&K Enhanced     AMG     AMG     GW&K Municipal  
     ESG     Core Bond     GW&K High     GW&K Municipal     Enhanced  
     Bond Fund     ESG Fund     Income Fund     Bond Fund     Yield Fund  

Investment Income:

          

Dividend income

     $445,841                          

Interest income

     22,089,992       $1,123,756       $556,462       $22,997,646       $10,468,547  

Securities lending income

     60,664       16,985       14,023              

Foreign withholding tax

     (151,783           (87            

Total investment income

     22,444,714       1,140,741       570,398       22,997,646       10,468,547  

Expenses:

          

Investment advisory and management fees

     2,288,065       166,870       69,762       2,756,098       1,657,448  

Administrative fees

     1,402,709       83,435       26,831       2,001,448       552,482  

Distribution fees - Class N

           39,632             44,601       26,063  

Shareholder servicing fees - Class N

     1,213,393             23,614       22,127       15,638  

Shareholder servicing fees - Class I

     202,209       21,385       4,208       658,229       178,882  

Custodian fees

     104,038       21,168       15,706       98,391       35,989  

Professional fees

     86,761       52,856       45,209       82,290       51,537  

Reports to shareholders

     77,877       5,209       17,978       41,773       9,828  

Registration fees

     71,825       39,060       19,843       93,383       48,915  

Trustee fees and expenses

     61,515       3,728       1,184       88,777       24,696  

Transfer agent fees

     48,997       3,794       1,220       40,071       10,806  

Interest expense

     1,051       111                   487  

Miscellaneous

     33,435       4,215       2,303       40,400       11,839  

Repayment of prior reimbursements

     2,766                          

Total expenses before offsets

     5,594,641       441,463       227,858       5,967,588       2,624,610  

Expense reimbursements

     (19,644     (113,335     (94,499     (706,015     (230,390

Net expenses

     5,574,997       328,128       133,359       5,261,573       2,394,220  
          

Net investment income

     16,869,717       812,613       437,039       17,736,073       8,074,327  

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

          

Net realized gain on investments

     110,502,541       874,010       151,347       11,510,796       5,033,099  

Net realized gain on futures contracts

     267,476                          

Net realized loss on foreign currency transactions

     (29,405,029                        

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments

     (112,038,141     (2,321,289     89,236       (24,090,355     727,146  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on foreign currency translations

     (6,994                        

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

     (30,680,147     (1,447,279     240,583       (12,579,559     5,760,245  
          

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

     $(13,810,430     $(634,666     $677,622       $5,156,514       $13,834,572  

 

 

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

52


  

    

    Statements of Changes in Net Assets

      For the fiscal years ended December 31,

 

    

 

 

                 AMG     AMG  
     AMG GW&K     GW&K Enhanced     GW&K High  
     ESG Bond Fund     Core Bond ESG Fund     Income Fund  
     2021     2020     2021     2020     2021     2020  

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting From Operations:

            

Net investment income

        $16,869,717       $38,906,482       $812,613       $827,348       $437,039       $211,227  

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

     81,364,988          (1,563,017     874,010         851,301         151,347         995,238  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments

     (112,045,135     36,446,570       (2,321,289     1,758,021         89,236       (169,694

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

     (13,810,430     73,790,035         (634,666     3,436,670       677,622       1,036,771  

Distributions to Shareholders:

            

From net investment income and/or realized gain on investments:

            

Class N

     (53,132,625     (19,831,473     (211,642     (270,732     (232,178     (825,025

Class I

     (51,380,355     (20,896,667     (426,487     (319,421     (312,124                 –  

Class Z

                 –                   –       (186,240     (225,439                 –                   –  

From paid-in capital:

            

Class N

                 –                   –       (12,304                 –                   –                   –  

Class I

                 –                   –       (24,795                 –                   –                   –  

Class Z

                 –                   –       (10,828                 –                   –                   –  

Total distributions to shareholders

     (104,512,980     (40,728,140     (872,296     (815,592     (544,302       (825,025

Capital Share Transactions:1

            

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

     (228,559,947     (154,973,478     7,211,314       19,163,432       10,888,534       452,271  
            

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

     (346,883,357     (121,911,583     5,704,352       21,784,510       11,021,854       664,017  

Net Assets:

            

Beginning of year

     1,101,821,679       1,223,733,262       55,145,582       33,361,072       10,301,858       9,637,841  

End of year

     $754,938,322       $1,101,821,679       $60,849,934       $55,145,582       $21,323,712       $10,301,858  
1  See Note 1(g) of the Notes to Financial Statements.              

 

 

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

53


  

    Statements of Changes in Net Assets (continued)

      For the fiscal years ended December 31,     

 

    

 

 

     AMG     AMG  
     GW&K Municipal     GW&K Municipal  
     Bond Fund     Enhanced Yield Fund  
     2021     2020     2021     2020  

Increase in Net Assets Resulting From Operations:

        

Net investment income

     $17,736,073       $18,149,308       $8,074,327       $7,592,341  

Net realized gain on investments

     11,510,796       4,459,854       5,033,099       3,972,374  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments

     (24,090,355     30,387,730       727,146       8,743,902  

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

     5,156,514       52,996,892       13,834,572       20,308,617  

Distributions to Shareholders:

        

Class N

     (320,461     (291,376     (239,124     (230,199

Class I

     (27,948,470     (21,463,147     (12,853,713     (11,227,601

Class Z

                 –                   –       (4,817     (4,636

Total distributions to shareholders

     (28,268,931     (21,754,523     (13,097,654     (11,462,436

Capital Share Transactions:1

        

Net increase from capital share transactions

     66,362,378       241,352,504       55,209,790       40,667,096  
        

Total increase in net assets

       43,249,961       272,594,873       55,946,708       49,513,277  

Net Assets:

        

Beginning of year

     1,305,820,178       1,033,225,305       328,583,754       279,070,477  

End of year

     $1,349,070,139       $1,305,820,178       $384,530,462       $328,583,754  
1 See Note 1(g) of the Notes to Financial Statements.                         

 

 

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

54


  

     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    2021     2020     2019     2018     20171  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year

     $28.12       $27.14       $25.49       $26.97       $26.24  

Income (loss) from Investment Operations:

          

Net investment income2,3

     0.44       0.90       0.94       0.84       0.91  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (0.83     1.03       1.85       (1.33     0.85  

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     (0.39     1.93       2.79       (0.49     1.76  

Less Distributions to Shareholders from:

          

Net investment income

     (0.47     (0.88     (0.98     (0.80     (0.87

Net realized gain on investments

     (2.38     (0.07     (0.16     (0.19     (0.16

Total distributions to shareholders

     (2.85     (0.95     (1.14     (0.99     (1.03

Net Asset Value, End of Year

     $24.88       $28.12       $27.14       $25.49       $26.97  

Total Return3,4

     (1.29 )%      7.34     11.10     (1.82 )%      6.77

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets

     0.69 %5      0.71     0.72 %6      0.98 %5      0.99 %5 

Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets7

     0.69 %5      0.72     0.73 %6      0.98 %5      0.99 %5 

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets3

     1.71     3.31     3.53     3.19     3.38

Portfolio turnover

     186     25     20     9     4

Net assets end of year (000’s) omitted

     $427,818       $555,124       $618,381       $715,468       $971,359  
                                          

 

 

55


  

    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   2021     2020     2019     2018     2017  
 

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year

    $28.13       $27.14       $25.49       $26.97       $26.24  
 

Income (loss) from Investment Operations:

         
 

Net investment income2,3

    0.50       0.95       0.99       0.86       0.94  
 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

    (0.83     1.05       1.85       (1.32     0.85  
 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    (0.33     2.00       2.84       (0.46     1.79  
 

Less Distributions to Shareholders from:

         
 

Net investment income

    (0.53     (0.94     (1.03     (0.83     (0.90
 

Net realized gain on investments

    (2.38     (0.07     (0.16     (0.19     (0.16
 

Total distributions to shareholders

    (2.91     (1.01     (1.19     (1.02     (1.06
 

Net Asset Value, End of Year

    $24.89       $28.13       $27.14       $25.49       $26.97  
 

Total Return3,4

    (1.05 )%      7.57     11.32     (1.72 )%      6.87
 

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets

    0.49 %5      0.50     0.52 %6      0.88 %5      0.89 %5 
 

Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets7

    0.49 %5      0.51     0.53 %6      0.88 %5      0.89 %5 
 

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets3

    1.91     3.52     3.73     3.29     3.48
 

Portfolio turnover

    186     25     20     9     4
 

Net assets end of year (000’s) omitted

    $327,121       $546,698       $605,353       $1,094,820       $1,027,477  
                                         

 

1 

Effective February 27, 2017, Class S shares were renamed Class N shares.

 

2 

Per share numbers have been calculated using average shares.

 

3 

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

 

4 

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

 

5 

Ratio includes recapture of reimbursed fees from prior years amounting to less than 0.01%, 0.04% and 0.07% for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively

 

6 

Includes 0.01% of extraordinary expense related to legal expense in support of an investment held in the portfolio.

 

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.)

 

 

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 N   2021     2020     2019     2018     2017  
 

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year

    $10.90       $10.15       $9.43       $9.81       $9.67  
 

Income (loss) from Investment Operations:

         
 

Net investment income1,2

    0.14       0.20       0.24       0.23       0.21  
 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

    (0.28     0.75       0.73       (0.38     0.15  
 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    (0.14     0.95       0.97       (0.15     0.36  
 

Less Distributions to Shareholders from:

         
 

Net investment income

    (0.14     (0.20     (0.25     (0.23     (0.22
 

Paid in capital

    (0.01                        
 

Total distributions to shareholders

    (0.15     (0.20     (0.25     (0.23     (0.22
 

Net Asset Value, End of Year

    $10.61       $10.90       $10.15       $9.43       $9.81  
 

Total Return2,3

    (1.26 )%      9.41     10.35     (1.48 )%      3.76
 

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets

    0.73     0.73     0.73     0.73     0.75
 

Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets4

    0.93     1.06     1.16     0.99     1.04
 

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets2

    1.32     1.86     2.43     2.45     2.19
 

Portfolio turnover

    86     101     71     26     39
 

Net assets end of year (000’s) omitted

    $13,736       $15,794       $14,779       $12,884       $16,027  
                                         

 

 

57


  

    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   2021     2020     2019     2018     20175  
 

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year

    $10.94       $10.19       $9.47       $9.85       $9.70  
 

Income (loss) from Investment Operations:

         
 

Net investment income1,2

    0.16       0.22       0.26       0.25       0.23  
 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

    (0.28     0.75       0.73       (0.38     0.16  
 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    (0.12     0.97       0.99       (0.13     0.39  
 

Less Distributions to Shareholders from:

         
 

Net investment income

    (0.16     (0.22     (0.27     (0.25     (0.24
 

Paid in capital

    (0.01                        
 

Total distributions to shareholders

    (0.17     (0.22     (0.27     (0.25     (0.24
 

Net Asset Value, End of Year

    $10.65       $10.94       $10.19       $9.47       $9.85  
 

Total Return2,3

    (1.07 )%      9.57     10.51     (1.27 )%      4.03
 

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets

    0.56     0.55     0.55     0.54     0.61
 

Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets4

    0.76     0.88     0.98     0.80     0.90
 

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets2

    1.49     2.04     2.62     2.64     2.32
 

Portfolio turnover

    86     101     71     26     39
 

Net assets end of year (000’s) omitted

    $33,402       $27,800       $8,502       $5,967       $6,864  
                                         

 

 

58


  

    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   2021     2020     2019     2018     20175  
 

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year

    $10.93       $10.18       $9.46       $9.84       $9.70  
 

Income (loss) from Investment Operations:

         
 

Net investment income1,2

    0.17       0.22       0.27       0.26       0.24  
 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

    (0.27     0.75       0.72       (0.38     0.15  
 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    (0.10     0.97       0.99       (0.12     0.39  
 

Less Distributions to Shareholders from:

         
 

Net investment income

    (0.17     (0.22     (0.27     (0.26     (0.25
 

Paid in capital

    (0.01                        
 

Total distributions to shareholders

    (0.18     (0.22     (0.27     (0.26     (0.25
 

Net Asset Value, End of Year

    $10.65       $10.93       $10.18       $9.46       $9.84  
 

Total Return2,3

    (0.92 )%      9.65     10.59     (1.23 )%      4.01
 

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets

    0.48     0.48     0.48     0.48     0.50
 

Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets4

    0.68     0.81     0.91     0.74     0.79
 

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets2

    1.57     2.11     2.72     2.70     2.43
 

Portfolio turnover

    86     101     71     26     39
 

Net assets end of year (000’s) omitted

    $13,712       $11,552       $10,080       $15,254       $21,271  
                                         

 

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.)

 

5 

Effective February 27, 2017, Class I shares were renamed Class Z and Class S shares were renamed Class I.

 

 

59


  

    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   2021     2020     2019     2018     20171  
 

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year

    $22.23       $21.52       $20.04       $21.06       $19.05  
 

Income (loss) from Investment Operations:

         
 

Net investment income2,3

    0.53       0.51       0.57       0.69       0.75  
 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

    0.28       2.09       0.98       (1.57     1.26  
 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    0.81       2.60       1.55       (0.88     2.01  
 

Less Distributions to Shareholders from:

         
 

Net investment income

    (0.53     (0.48     (0.07     (0.14      
 

Net realized gain on investments

    (0.05     (1.41                  
 

Total distributions to shareholders

    (0.58     (1.89     (0.07     (0.14      
 

Net Asset Value, End of Year

    $22.46       $22.23       $21.52       $20.04       $21.06  
 

Total Return3,4

    3.67     12.16     7.67     (4.18 )%      10.55
 

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets

    0.84     0.89     0.89     0.89     0.89
 

Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets5

    1.37     1.70     1.87     1.52     1.39
 

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets3

    2.36     2.28     2.70     3.34     3.71
 

Portfolio turnover

    97     157     52     60     55
 

Net assets end of year (000’s) omitted

    $8,157       $10,302       $9,638       $10,365       $14,074  
                                         

 

 

60


  

    AMG GW&K High Income Fund

    Financial Highlights

     For a share outstanding throughout each fiscal period

 

    

 

     For the fiscal
  Class I    period ended
December 31, 20216

  Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

       $22.27

  Income from Investment Operations:

    

  Net investment income2,3

       0.46

  Net realized and unrealized gain on investments

       0.35

  Total income from investment operations

       0.81

  Less Distributions to Shareholders from:

    

  Net investment income

       (0.58 )

  Net realized gain on investments

       (0.05 )

  Total distributions to shareholders

       (0.63 )

  Net Asset Value, End of Period

       $22.45

  Total Return3,4

       3.68 %7

  Ratio of net expenses to average net assets

       0.64 %8

  Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets5

       1.17 %8

  Ratio of net investment income to average net assets3

       2.56 %8

  Portfolio turnover

       97 %

  Net assets end of period (000’s) omitted

       $13,166
            

 

1 

Effective February 27, 2017, Class S was renamed Class N.

 

2 

Per share numbers have been calculated using average shares.

 

3 

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

 

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.)

 

6 

Commencement of operations was on March 15, 2021.

 

7 

Not annualized.

 

8 

Annualized.

 

 

61


  

    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   2021     2020     2019     2018     2017  
 

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year

    $12.45       $12.12       $11.48       $11.60       $11.25  
 

Income (loss) from Investment Operations:

         
 

Net investment income1,2

    0.13       0.15       0.19       0.17       0.15  
 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

    (0.11     0.33       0.64       (0.11     0.36  
 

Total income from investment operations

    0.02       0.48       0.83       0.06       0.51  
 

Less Distributions to Shareholders from:

         
 

Net investment income

    (0.13     (0.15     (0.19     (0.18     (0.15
 

Net realized gain on investments

    (0.10                 (0.00 )3      (0.01
 

Total distributions to shareholders

    (0.23     (0.15     (0.19     (0.18     (0.16
 

Net Asset Value, End of Year

    $12.24       $12.45       $12.12       $11.48       $11.60  
 

Total Return2,4

    0.10     4.31     7.29     0.54     4.58
 

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets

    0.71     0.71     0.71     0.71     0.71
 

Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets5

    0.76     0.77     0.78     0.77     0.78
 

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets2

    1.01     1.25     1.59     1.53     1.31
 

Portfolio turnover

    24     17     18     35     27
 

Net assets end of year (000’s) omitted

    $17,112       $18,153       $18,711       $17,445       $29,513  
                                         

 

 

62


  

    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   2021     2020     2019     2018     20176  
 

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year

    $12.52       $12.18       $11.54       $11.66       $11.31  
 

Income (loss) from Investment Operations:

         
 

Net investment income1,2

    0.17       0.19       0.23       0.21       0.19  
 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

    (0.11     0.34       0.64       (0.12     0.36  
 

Total income from investment operations

    0.06       0.53       0.87       0.09       0.55  
 

Less Distributions to Shareholders from:

         
 

Net investment income

    (0.17     (0.19     (0.23     (0.21     (0.19
 

Net realized gain on investments

    (0.10                 (0.00 )3      (0.01
 

Total distributions to shareholders

    (0.27     (0.19     (0.23     (0.21     (0.20
 

Net Asset Value, End of Year

    $12.31       $12.52       $12.18       $11.54       $11.66  
 

Total Return2,4

    0.43     4.70     7.58     0.87     4.90
 

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets

    0.39     0.39     0.39     0.39     0.37
 

Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets5

    0.44     0.45     0.46     0.45     0.45
 

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets2

    1.33     1.57     1.91     1.85     1.64
 

Portfolio turnover

    24     17     18     35     27
 

Net assets end of year (000’s) omitted

    $1,331,958       $1,287,667       $1,014,514       $940,553       $1,045,399  
                                         

 

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.)

 

6 

Effective June 23, 2017, Class S shares were converted to Class I shares.

 

 

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 N   2021     2020     2019     2018     2017  
 

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year

    $10.69       $10.42       $9.69       $10.02       $9.40  
 

Income (loss) from Investment Operations:

         
 

Net investment income1,2

    0.20       0.23       0.26       0.27       0.26  
 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

    0.18       0.37       0.78       (0.33     0.62  
 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    0.38       0.60       1.04       (0.06     0.88  
 

Less Distributions to Shareholders from:

         
 

Net investment income

    (0.19     (0.21     (0.25     (0.15     (0.26
 

Net realized gain on investments

    (0.14     (0.12     (0.06            
 

Paid in capital

                      (0.12      
 

Total distributions to shareholders

    (0.33     (0.33     (0.31     (0.27     (0.26
 

Net Asset Value, End of Year

    $10.74       $10.69       $10.42       $9.69       $10.02  
 

Total Return2,3

    3.59     5.95     10.92     (0.55 )%      9.51
 

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets

    0.99     0.99     0.99     0.99     1.01
 

Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets4

    1.05     1.07     1.08     1.08     1.11
 

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets2

    1.85     2.17     2.56     2.79     2.67
 

Portfolio turnover

    61     81     40     89     67
 

Net assets end of year (000’s) omitted

    $14,923       $5,015       $5,722       $7,283       $8,828  
                                         

 

 

64


  

    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   2021     2020     2019     2018     20175  
 

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year

    $10.40       $10.15       $9.45       $10.01       $9.40  
 

Income (loss) from Investment Operations:

         
 

Net investment income1,2

    0.23       0.25       0.29       0.31       0.30  
 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

    0.17       0.37       0.76       (0.32     0.61  
 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    0.40       0.62       1.05       (0.01     0.91  
 

Less Distributions to Shareholders from:

         
 

Net investment income

    (0.23     (0.25     (0.29     (0.31     (0.30
 

Net realized gain on investments

    (0.14     (0.12     (0.06            
 

Paid in capital

                      (0.24      
 

Total distributions to shareholders

    (0.37     (0.37     (0.35     (0.55     (0.30
 

Net Asset Value, End of Year

    $10.43       $10.40       $10.15       $9.45       $10.01  
 

Total Return2,3

    3.94     6.31     11.28     (0.07 )%      9.79
 

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

    0.70     0.72     0.73     0.73     0.74
 

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets2

    2.20     2.52     2.91     3.14     3.05
 

Portfolio turnover

    61     81     40     89     67
 

Net assets end of year (000’s) omitted

    $369,473       $323,439       $273,228       $203,867       $226,638  
                                         

 

 

65


  

    AMG GW&K Municipal Enhanced Yield 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   2021     2020     2019     2018     20176  
 

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

    $10.40       $10.15       $9.44       $10.01       $9.49  
 

Income (loss) from Investment Operations:

         
 

Net investment income1,2

    0.24       0.26       0.30       0.31       0.25  
 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

    0.17       0.37       0.76       (0.32     0.52  
 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    0.41       0.63       1.06       (0.01     0.77  
 

Less Distributions to Shareholders from:

         
 

Net investment income

    (0.24     (0.26     (0.29     (0.32     (0.25
 

Net realized gain on investments

    (0.14     (0.12     (0.06            
 

Paid in capital

                      (0.24      
 

Total distributions to shareholders

    (0.38     (0.38     (0.35     (0.56     (0.25
 

Net Asset Value, End of Period

    $10.43       $10.40       $10.15       $9.44       $10.01  
 

Total Return2,3

    3.99     6.37     11.45     (0.09 )%      8.23 %7 
 

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets

    0.59     0.59     0.59     0.59     0.59 %8 
 

Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets4

    0.65     0.67     0.68     0.68     0.69 %8 
 

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets2

    2.25     2.57     2.96     3.19     3.07 %8 
 

Portfolio turnover

    61     81     40     89     67
 

Net assets end of period (000’s) omitted

    $135       $130       $120       $108       $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.)

 

5 

Effective June 23, 2017, Class S shares were converted to Class I shares.

 

6 

Commencement of operations was February 27, 2017.

 

7 

Not annualized.

 

8 

Annualized.

 

 

66


  

    

    Notes to Financial Statements

     December 31, 2021

 

    

 

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 (formerly AMG Managers Loomis Sayles 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 Municipal Enhanced and Enhanced Core Bond ESG offer Class Z shares. High Income Class I shares commenced operations on March 15, 2021. 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.

On March 17-18, 2021, the Board of Trustees of AMG Fund III (the “Board” and together with the Board of Trustees of AMG Funds and AMG Funds II, the “Boards”) approved GW&K Investment Management, LLC (“GW&K”) as the subadviser to ESG Bond on an interim basis to replace Loomis, Sayles & Company, L.P. (“Loomis”) effective March 19, 2021, which was subsequently approved by the shareholders of ESG Bond on June 11, 2021. After the subadviser change, ESG Bond seeks to achieve it’s investment objective by investing in a diversified portfolio of fixed income securities. In conjunction with the respective changes in investment strategy for ESG Bond, the Fund sold substantially all open positions around the date of the subadviser change that increased the Fund’s portfolio turnover. Also, during the transition of ESG Bond, the Fund invested in futures contracts to manage exposure to security markets. ESG Bond also declared a special capital gain distribution on March 29, 2021. In addition, the Board also approved expense changes (See Note 2).

Market disruptions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic have had a global impact, and uncertainty exists as to the long-term implications. Such disruptions can adversely affect assets of the Funds and thus Fund performance.

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 for ESG Bond and High Income or the mean between the last quoted bid and ask prices (the “mean price”) for Enhanced Core Bond ESG, Municipal Bond and Municipal Enhanced. Equity securities held by the Funds that are traded in the over-the-counter market (other than NMS securities) are valued at the mean price. Foreign equity securities (securities principally traded in markets other than U.S. markets) 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. Effective October 1, 2021, equity securities lacking any sales in Enhanced Core Bond ESG, Municipal Bond and Municipal Enhanced are valued at the last quoted bid price and equity securities traded in the over-the-counter market (other than NMS securities) in each Fund are valued at the bid price. As of October 1, 2021, there was no impact to the Funds due to the changes in valuation policy.

Fixed income securities purchased with a remaining maturity exceeding 60 days are valued at the evaluated mean 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, preferred stocks, 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. Effective October 1, 2021, fixed income securities purchased with a remaining maturity exceeding 60 days are valued at the evaluated bid price provided by an authorized pricing service. As of October 1, 2021, the impact of the change in valuation policy to Unrealized Appreciation/Depreciation and Net Asset Value Per Share for ESG Bond, Enhanced Core Bond ESG, High Income, Municipal Bond and Municipal Enhanced was $(133,118), $48,641, $(1,571), $768,188 and $373,784, respectively, and less than $(0.01), $0.01, less than $(0.01), $0.01 and $0.01, respectively.

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.

Futures contracts for which market quotations are readily available are valued at the settlement price as of the close of the futures exchange.

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. 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

 

 

 

67


  

    

    

    Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

    

 

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.

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, swaps, 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. 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. High Income commenced monthly net investment income distributions on March 29, 2021. 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. Permanent differences are primarily due to the equalization utilized and net operating losses. Temporary differences are primarily due to wash sales loss deferrals and premium amortization on callable bonds.

 

 

 

68


  

    

    

    Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

    

 

The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 were as follows:

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                     
     ESG Bond      Enhanced Core Bond ESG      High Income  

 Distributions paid from:

     2021        2020        2021        2020        2021        2020  

 Ordinary income *

     $200,763        $38,079,582        $824,369        $815,592        $543,755        $364,445  

 Tax-exempt income

                                         

 Long-term capital gains

     104,312,217        2,648,558                      547        460,580  

 Paid-in capital

                   47,927                       
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     $104,512,980        $40,728,140        $872,296        $815,592        $544,302        $825,025  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
                   Municipal Bond      Municipal Enhanced  

 Distributions paid from:

           2021        2020        2021        2020  

 Ordinary income *

           $808,177        $154,232        $1,453,156        $1,182,108  

 Tax-exempt income

           17,729,864        18,075,720        8,070,665        7,549,526  

 Long-term capital gains

           9,730,890        3,524,571        3,573,833        2,730,802  

 Paid-in capital

                                 
        

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
           $28,268,931        $21,754,523        $13,097,654        $11,462,436  
        

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

*

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

As of December 31, 2021, 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

            $2,528,660                       

 Undistributed ordinary income

                   $24,685        $87,872        $117,246  

 Undistributed tax-exempt income

                          31,461        8,924  

 Undistributed long-term capital gains

     $963,551               2,954        1,733,844        814,678  

At December 31, 2021, 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

 ESG Bond

  $753,745,709   $13,194,540   $(8,084,103)   $5,110,437 

 Enhanced Core Bond ESG

  58,700,014   880,542   (433,499)   447,043 

 High Income

  22,936,479   160,912   (119,098)   41,814 

 Municipal Bond

  1,335,968,744   55,012,705   (1,921,786)   53,090,919 

 Municipal Enhanced

  356,397,903   25,418,003   (217,266)   25,200,737 

 

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, 2021, 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, 2021, Enhanced Core Bond ESG had capital loss carryovers for federal income tax purposes as shown in the following chart. These amounts may

 

 

 

69


  

    

    

    Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

    

 

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  

 Enhanced Core Bond ESG

     $1,145,095        $1,383,565        $2,528,660  

As of December 31, 2021, ESG Bond, High Income, Municipal Bond and Municipal Enhanced had no accumulated net realized capital loss carryovers from securities transactions for federal income tax purposes. Should the Funds incur net capital

losses for the year ending December 31, 2022, such amounts may be used to offset future realized capital gains, for an unlimited time period.

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, the following Fund utilized capital loss carryovers in the amount of:

 

 Fund    Short-Term    Long-Term

 Enhanced Core Bond ESG

   $22,458    $876,687
 

 

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, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the capital stock transactions by class for the Funds were as follows:

 

     ESG Bond   Enhanced Core Bond ESG
 
     December 31, 2021   December 31, 2020   December 31, 2021   December 31, 2020
 
     Shares   Amount   Shares   Amount   Shares   Amount   Shares   Amount
 

Class N:

               
 

Proceeds from sale of shares

    1,452,937       $38,053,195       2,974,694       $80,948,805       286,260       $3,068,578       325,128       $3,475,322  
 

Reinvestment of distributions

    2,051,404       51,918,933       712,467       19,290,277       17,561       187,784       20,814       219,293  
 

Cost of shares repurchased

    (6,049,606     (156,764,465     (6,734,473     (180,090,308     (459,141     (4,905,575     (352,412     (3,703,576
   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net decrease

    (2,545,265     $(66,792,337     (3,047,312     $(79,851,226     (155,320     $(1,649,213     (6,470     $(8,961
   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Class I:

               
 

Proceeds from sale of shares

    3,132,524       $82,409,399       5,277,165       $142,427,000       1,729,710       $18,560,256       1,930,056       $20,740,872  
 

Reinvestment of distributions

    1,959,229       49,642,039       741,223       20,066,494       40,944       439,321       28,452       303,557  
 

Cost of shares repurchased

    (11,383,287     (293,819,048     (8,884,854     (237,615,746     (1,177,158     (12,618,347     (250,872     (2,616,750
   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

    (6,291,534     $(161,767,610     (2,866,466     $(75,122,252     593,496       $6,381,230       1,707,636       $18,427,679  
   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Class Z:

               
 

Proceeds from sale of shares

                            442,744       $4,753,770       325,068       $3,463,674  
 

Reinvestment of distributions

                            17,832       191,235       20,445       216,232  
 

Cost of shares repurchased

                            (229,602     (2,465,708     (278,702     (2,935,192
   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net increase

                            230,974       $2,479,297       66,811       $744,714  
   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
     High Income   Municipal Bond
 
     December 31, 2021   December 31, 2020   December 31, 2021   December 31, 2020
 
     Shares   Amount   Shares   Amount   Shares   Amount   Shares   Amount
 

Class N:

               
 

Proceeds from sale of shares

    111,205       $2,494,229       122,058       $2,754,401       698,892       $8,650,727       841,918       $10,312,713  
 

Reinvestment of distributions

    9,973       224,451       36,046       798,071       23,744       292,232       22,319       274,465  
 

Cost of shares repurchased

    (221,405     (4,977,229     (142,591     (3,100,201     (782,262     (9,674,017     (950,262     (11,578,005
   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

    (100,227     $(2,258,549     15,513       $452,271       (59,626     $(731,058     (86,025     $(990,827
   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

70


  

    

    

    Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

    

 

     High Income   Municipal Bond
 
     December 31, 2021   December 31, 2020   December 31, 2021   December 31, 2020
 
     Shares   Amount   Shares   Amount   Shares   Amount   Shares   Amount
 

Class I:1

               
 

Proceeds from sale of shares

    605,743       $13,584,553                   33,594,124       $418,621,329       50,063,425       $614,578,625  
 

Reinvestment of distributions

    13,885       312,124                   1,809,529       22,408,701       1,402,065       17,349,323  
 

Cost of shares repurchased

    (33,112     (749,594                 (30,023,803     (373,936,594     (31,883,833     (389,584,617
   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net increase

    586,516       $13,147,083                   5,379,850       $67,093,436       19,581,657       $242,343,331  
   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
     Municipal Enhanced                
 
     December 31, 2021   December 31, 2020                
 
     Shares   Amount   Shares   Amount                
 

Class N:

               
 

Proceeds from sale of shares

    3,442,311       $37,047,081       1,891,900       $19,211,900          
 

Reinvestment of distributions

    15,958       172,953       17,895       186,782          
 

Cost of shares repurchased

    (2,537,721     (27,497,613     (1,989,572     (20,374,161        
   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

       
 

Net increase (decrease)

    920,548       $9,722,421       (79,777     $(975,479        
   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

       
 

Class I:

               
 

Proceeds from sale of shares

    10,001,279       $105,402,142       11,477,762       $114,640,533          
 

Reinvestment of distributions

    631,256       6,610,515       570,856       5,821,974          
 

Cost of shares repurchased

    (6,312,309     (66,530,105     (7,868,907     (78,826,067        
   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

       
 

Net increase

    4,320,226       $45,482,552       4,179,711       $41,636,440          
   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

       
 

Class Z:

               
 

Proceeds from sale of shares

                146       $1,500          
 

Reinvestment of distributions

    461       $4,817       455       4,635          
   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

       
 

Net increase

    461       $4,817       601       $6,135          
   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

       

 

1 

Commencement of operations was March 15, 2021 for Class I of High Income.

 

h. REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS AND JOINT REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS

The Funds may enter into third-party 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, 2021, the market value of Repurchase Agreements outstanding for ESG Bond, Enhanced Core Bond ESG and High Income were $19,741,844, $1,481,522, and $2,340,362, 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

 

 

 

71


  

    

    

    Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

    

 

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

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.

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.

k. 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 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, who served pursuant to subadvisory agreements with the Investment Manager.

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, 2021, 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%2      

 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.

2 

Prior to December 4, 2020, the annual rate for the investment management fees for High Income was 0.55% of the Fund’s average daily net assets.

The Investment Manager has contractually agreed, through at least May 1, 2023 for ESG Bond and through at least May 1, 2022 for Enhanced Core Bond ESG, High Income, Municipal Bond, and Municipal Enhanced, 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%, and prior to December 4, 2020, the expense limitation was 0.89% for High Income.

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,

 

 

 

72


  

    

    

    Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

    

 

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, 2021, 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

     $64,494        $153,359        $94,471  

 1-2 years

     51,532        135,792        75,430  

 2-3 years

     19,644        113,335        94,499  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 Total

     $135,670        $402,486        $264,400  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 Expiration

 Period

          Municipal Bond      Municipal Enhanced  

 Less than 1 year

        $651,229        $220,347  

 1-2 years

        704,935        242,883  

 2-3 years

        706,015        230,390  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

 Total

        $2,062,179        $693,620  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

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 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 shares 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, 2021, were as follows:

 

 Fund    Maximum Annual
Amount
Approved
     Actual    
Amount    
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%        0.12

 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

 

 

 

73


  

    

    

    Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

    

 

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, 2021, the Funds had no interfund loans outstanding.

The following Funds utilized the interfund loan program during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021 as follows:

 

 Fund    Average
Lent
     Number
of Days
     Interest
Earned
     Average
Interest Rate
 

 ESG Bond

     $3,192,280        7        $578        0.944%   

 Enhanced Core Bond ESG

     1,676,031        6        252        0.914%   

 Municipal Bond

     2,642,739        18        1,198        0.920%   

 Municipal Enhanced

     1,529,151        9        349        0.926%   
 Fund    Average
Borrowed
     Number
of Days
     Interest
Paid
     Average
Interest Rate
 

 ESG Bond

     $2,049,436        20        $1,051        0.936%   

 Enhanced Core Bond ESG

     2,212,964        2        111        0.913%   

 Municipal Enhanced

     4,733,326        4        487        0.938%   

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, 2021, were as follows:

 

     Long Term Securities  
 Fund    Purchases      Sales  

 ESG Bond

     $968,244,555        $1,361,615,133  

 Enhanced Core Bond ESG

     29,584,559        32,258,220  

 High Income

     27,950,119        16,972,674  

 Municipal Bond

     436,576,718        301,391,624  

 Municipal Enhanced

     276,847,399        220,346,399  

Purchases and sales of U.S. Government Obligations for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021 were as follows:

 

     U.S. Government Obligations  
 Fund    Purchases      Sales  

 ESG Bond

     $676,248,854        $509,070,884  

 Enhanced Core Bond ESG

     22,888,664        14,065,357  

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, 2021, were as follows:

 

 Fund

  

Securities

Loaned

    

Cash

Collateral

Received

    

Securities

Collateral

Received

    

Total

Collateral

Received

 ESG Bond

   $ 39,839,239      $ 19,741,844      $ 21,586,934      $ 41,328,778  

 Enhanced Core Bond ESG

     5,203,772        1,481,522        3,886,928        5,368,450  

 High Income

     2,660,400        2,340,362        427,388        2,767,750  

The following table summarizes the securities received as collateral for securities lending at December 31, 2021:

 

     Collateral    Coupon   Maturity
 Fund    Type    Range   Date Range

 ESG Bond

   U.S. Treasury Obligations    0.000%-4.375%   02/03/22-11/15/49

 Enhanced Core Bond ESG

   U.S. Treasury Obligations    0.000%-4.625%   01/31/22-08/15/50

 High Income

   U.S. Treasury Obligations    0.000%-3.875%   02/03/22-02/15/49

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

 

 

 

74


  

    

    

    Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

    

 

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. FORWARD COMMITMENTS

Certain transactions, such as futures and forward transactions, or delayed delivery securities may have a similar effect on a Fund’s net asset value as if a Fund had created a degree of leverage in its portfolio. However, if a Fund enters into such a transaction, a Fund will establish a segregated account with its custodian in which it will maintain cash, U.S. government securities or other liquid securities equal in value to its obligations in respect to such transaction. Securities and other assets held in the segregated account may not be sold while the transaction is outstanding, unless other suitable assets are substituted.

9. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS

The following disclosures contain information on how and why ESG Bond used 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 ESG Bond’s Schedule of Portfolio Investments.

For ESG Bond, from March 9, 2021 to March 18, 2021, Loomis used futures contracts to adjust the Fund’s duration and from March 31, 2021 to April 4, 2021, the transition managers used futures contracts to realign the Fund’s portfolio. The daily average for ESG Bond of financial instruments outstanding were as follows:

 

     ESG Bond      

 Financial Futures Contracts

  

 Average number of contracts purchased

     8      

 Average number of contracts sold

     9      

 Average notional value of contracts purchased

     $1,162,930      

 Average notional value of contracts sold

     $1,324,812      

10. FUTURES CONTRACTS

Before March 19, 2021, ESG Bond used futures contracts to adjust the Fund’s duration, and during the transition of the portfolio for ESG Bond, the transition manager purchased and sold futures contracts to achieve desired levels of investment. There are certain risks associated with futures contracts. Prices may not move as expected or the Fund may not be able to close out the contract when it desires to do so, resulting in losses.

On entering into a futures contract, either cash or securities in an amount equal to a certain percentage of the contract value (initial margin) must be deposited with the futures broker. Subsequent payments (variation margin) are made or received each day.

Variation margin on futures contracts is recorded as unrealized appreciation or depreciation until the futures contract is closed or expired. The Funds recognize a realized gain or loss when the contract is closed or expires equal to the difference between the value of the contract at the time it was opened and the value at the time it was closed. Fluctuations in the value of the contracts are recorded in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities as an asset (liability), and in the Statement of Operations as unrealized appreciation (depreciation) until the contracts are closed, when they are recorded as realized gain or loss on futures contracts.

At December 31, 2021, there were no open futures contracts.

 

 

11. MASTER NETTING AGREEMENTS

The Funds may enter into master netting agreements with their counterparties for the securities lending 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. At December 31, 2021, the Funds had no outstanding derivatives outstanding.

 

 

75


  

    

    

    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, 2021:

 

         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

          

 Cantor Fitzgerald Securities, Inc.

     $4,688,700             $4,688,700       $4,688,700        

 Citadel Securities LLC

     3,954,552            
        –

         
    3,954,552       3,954,552        

 HSBC Securities USA, Inc.

     116,285             116,285             116,285            
        –

         

 Mirae Asset Securities USA, Inc.

     2,196,463             2,196,463       2,196,463        

 RBC Dominion Securities, Inc.

     4,688,696             4,688,696       4,688,696        

 State of Wisconsin Investment Board

     4,097,148             4,097,148       4,097,148        
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Total

             $19,741,844                     $19,741,844               $19,741,844        
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Enhanced Core Bond ESG

          

 Citigroup Global Markets, Inc.

     $481,522             $481,522       $481,522        

 RBC Dominion Securities, Inc.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Total

     $1,481,522             $1,481,522       $1,481,522        
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 High Income

          

 Bank of America Securities, Inc.

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

 Morgan, Stanley & Co. LLC

     340,362             340,362       340,362        

 RBC Dominion Securities, Inc.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Total

     $2,340,362             $2,340,362       $2,340,362        
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12. 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.

 

 

 

76


  

    

    

    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 (formerly AMG Managers Loomis Sayles 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, 2021, the related statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2021, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2021, 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 the Funds as of December 31, 2021, 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, 2021 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, 2021 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.

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Boston, Massachusetts

March 1, 2022

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

 

 

 

77


  

    

    

    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 2021 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 $105,416,331, $0, $547, $9,730,890, and $3,573,833, respectively, as a capital gain distribution with respect to the taxable year ended December 31, 2021, or if subsequently determined to be different, the net capital gains of such fiscal year.

 

 

 

78


  

    

    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 42 Funds in Fund Complex

 

  

 

Bruce B. Bingham, 73

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

 

 

• Trustee since 2013 - AMG Funds

• Trustee since 2013 - AMG Funds II

• Trustee since 2013 - AMG Funds III

• Oversees 46 Funds in Fund Complex

 

  

 

Kurt A. Keilhacker, 58

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 2000 - AMG Funds

• Trustee since 2000 - AMG Funds II

• Trustee since 2000 - AMG Funds III

• Oversees 42 Funds in Fund Complex

 

  

 

Steven J. Paggioli, 71

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

• Trustee since 2000 - AMG Funds

• Trustee since 2000 - AMG Funds II

• Trustee since 2000 - AMG Funds III

• Oversees 46 Funds in Fund Complex

 

  

 

Eric Rakowski, 63

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; 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 46 Funds in Fund Complex

  

 

Victoria L. Sassine, 56

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 to 2019).

 

 

79


  

    

    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 42 Funds in Fund Complex

  

 

Thomas R. Schneeweis, 74

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).

Interested Trustees   

Each Trustee in the following table is an “interested person” of the Trust within the meaning of the 1940 Act. Ms. Carsman is an interested person of the Trust within the meaning of the 1940 Act by virtue of her position with, and interest in securities of, AMG.

 

    Number of Funds Overseen in     Fund Complex   

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

 

 

• Trustee since 2011

• Oversees 46 Funds in Fund Complex

  

 

Christine C. Carsman, 69

Affiliated Managers Group, Inc. (2004-Present): Senior Policy Advisor (2019-Present), Executive Vice President, Deputy General Counsel and Chief Regulatory Counsel (2017-2018), Senior Vice President and Deputy General Counsel (2011-2016), Senior Vice President and Chief Regulatory Counsel (2007-2011), Vice President and Chief Regulatory Counsel (2004-2007); Chair of the Board of Directors, AMG Funds plc (2015-2018); Director, AMG Funds plc (2010-2018); Secretary and Chief Legal Officer, AMG Funds, AMG Funds I, AMG Funds II and AMG Funds III (2004-2011); Senior Counsel, Vice President and Director of Operational Risk Management and Compliance, Wellington Management Company, LLP (1995-2004); Director Emeritus of Harding, Loevner Funds, Inc. (0 Portfolios) (2021- Present); Director of Harding, Loevner Funds, Inc. (9 portfolios) (2017-2020).

 

• Trustee since 2021

• Oversees 46 Funds in Fund Complex

  

 

Garret W. Weston, 40

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, 63

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, 56

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, 55

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).

 

 

80


  

    

    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

 

 

• Deputy Treasurer since 2017

  

 

John A. Starace, 51

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 since 2019

  

 

Patrick J. Spellman, 47

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); Senior Vice President, Chief Compliance Officer, AMG Funds LLC (2011-2017); Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer, AMG Funds, AMG Funds I, AMG Funds II, and AMG Funds III (2014-2019); Anti-Money Laundering Officer, AMG Funds IV (2016-2019); Compliance Manager, Legal and Compliance, Affiliated Managers Group, Inc. (2005-2011).

 

 

• Assistant Secretary since 2016

  

Maureen A. Meredith, 36

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).

 

• Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer since 2019

  

 

Hector D. Roman, 44

Director, Legal and Compliance, AMG Funds LLC (2020-Present); Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer, AMG Funds, AMG Funds I, AMG Funds II, AMG Funds III and AMG Funds IV (2019-Present); Manager, Legal and Compliance, AMG Funds LLC (2017-2019); Director of Compliance, Morgan Stanley Investment Management (2015-2017); Senior Advisory, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (2014-2015); Risk Manager, Barclays Investment Bank (2008-2014).

 

 

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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

 

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

 

AMG FQ Global Risk-Balanced

First Quadrant, L.P.

 

EQUITY FUNDS

AMG Beutel Goodman International Equity

Beutel, Goodman & Company Ltd.

 

AMG Boston Common Global Impact

Boston Common Asset Management, LLC

 

AMG Managers CenterSquare Real Estate

CenterSquare Investment 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                |    123121                AR088


LOGO   ANNUAL REPORT

 

    

 

 

                          AMG Funds
 
      

December 31, 2021

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

amgfunds.com            |

  

 

123121        

  

 

AR089



  

    

    AMG Funds

    Annual Report — December 31, 2021

 

    

 

 

 

    

    

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

   32
 
   

Balance sheets, net asset value (NAV) per share computations

and cumulative distributable earnings (loss)

  
 
   

Statement of Operations

   34
 
   

Detail of sources of income, expenses, and realized and

unrealized gains (losses) during the fiscal year

  
 
   

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

   35
 
   

Detail of changes in assets for the past two fiscal years

  
 
   

Financial Highlights

   37
 
   

Historical net asset values per share, distributions, total returns, income

and expense ratios, turnover ratios and net assets

  
 
   

Notes to Financial Statements

   49
 
   

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    59
 
   

OTHER INFORMATION

   60
 
    TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS    61

    

    

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:

The fiscal year ended December 31,2021, was marked by the continued extraordinary recovery amid an unprecedented global effort to stop the COVID-19 pandemic. Equities rallied to new record highs amid better-than-expected corporate earnings, colossal fiscal and monetary stimulus programs, and an improving economic backdrop. Since the market bottom on March 23,2020, the S&P 500® Index has gained over 119%. Businesses and consumers contended with disrupted supply chains and rising prices on a wide range of goods such as lumber and gasoline, and outbreaks of coronavirus variants kept the world on edge. Volatility increased in September as investors grew more concerned about rising inflation and more hawkish global central bank policies, but equities were resilient and finished the fiscal year with a strong rally.

The S&P 500® gained 28.71% during the year and all sectors produced double-digit returns, but there was very wide dispersion in performance. Energy and real estate led the market with returns of 54.72% and 46.20%, respectively. On the other hand, utilities and consumer staples lagged with returns of 17.63% and 18.63%, respectively. Growth stocks edged out Value stocks as the Russell 1000® Growth Index returned 27.60% compared to the 25.16% return for the Russell 1000® Value Index. Small cap stocks underperformed as the Russell 2000® Index returned 14.82%. Within small caps, the Value-Growth disparity was much more pronounced as the Russell 2000® Value Index returned 28.27% compared to 2.83% for the Russell 2000® Growth Index. Outside the U.S., foreign developed markets lagged their U.S. counterparts with an 11.26% return for the MSCIEAFE Index. A major regulatory crackdown in China shook investor confidence in Chinese equities and caused emerging markets to underperform with a (2.54)% return for the MSCI Emerging Markets Index.

Interest rates lifted off from near-historic lows as the vaccine rollout initiated a return to normalcy and the economic outlook improved. The 10-year Treasury yield rose 59 basis points to 1.52% and ended the year slightly shy of its post-pandemic high. The Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index, a broad measure of U.S. bond market performance, lost (1.54)% over the period. While risk appetite was strong, rising rates still hurt returns for investment-grade corporate bonds, which lost (1.04)% during the year. The global search for yield helped high-yield bonds outperform the investment-grade market with a 5.28% return as measured by the return of the Bloomberg U.S. Corporate High Yield Bond Index. Municipal bonds benefited from a strong technical backdrop, which drove a 1.52% return for the Bloomberg Municipal Bond Index.

AMG Funds appreciates the privilege of providing investment tools to you and your clients. Our foremost goal is to provide investment solutions that help our shareholders successfully reach their long-term investment goals. AMG Funds provides access to a distinctive array of actively managed return-oriented investment strategies. We thank you for your continued confidence and investment in AMG Funds. You can rest assured that under all market conditions our team is focused on delivering excellent investment management services for your benefit.

Respectfully,

 

LOGO

Keitha Kinne

President

AMG Funds

 

Average Annual Total Returns   Periods ended
December 31, 2021*
 
Stocks:         1 Year     3 Years     5 Years  

Large Cap

   (S&P 500® Index)     28.71     26.07     18.47

Small Cap

   (Russell 2000® Index)     14.82     20.02     12.02

International

   (MSCI ACWI ex USA)     7.82     13.18     9.61
Bonds:                           

Investment Grade

   (Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index)     (1.54 )%      4.79     3.57

High Yield

   (Bloomberg U.S. Corporate High Yield Bond Index)     5.28     8.83     6.30

Tax-exempt

   (Bloomberg Municipal Bond Index)     1.52     4.73     4.17

Treasury Bills

   (ICE BofAML U.S. 6-Month Treasury Bill Index)     0.09     1.23     1.31

*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 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,

2021

   Expense
Ratio for
the Period
   Beginning
Account
Value
07/01/21
   Ending
Account
Value
12/31/21
   Expenses
Paid
During
the Period*

  AMG GW&K Small Cap Core Fund

 

  Based on Actual Fund Return

 

  

  Class N

   1.30%    $1,000      $1,037        $6.68  

  Class I

   0.95%    $1,000      $1,039        $4.88  

  Class Z

   0.90%    $1,000      $1,040        $4.63  

  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      $1,083        $6.04  

  Class I

   0.95%    $1,000      $1,084        $4.99  

  Class Z

   0.90%    $1,000      $1,085        $4.73  

 

  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      $1,088        $5.63  

  Class I

   0.87%    $1,000      $1,089        $4.58  

  Class Z

   0.82%    $1,000      $1,089        $4.32  

 

  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,

2021

 

Expense

Ratio for

the Period

   Beginning
Account
Value
07/01/21
   Ending
Account
Value
12/31/21
     Expenses
Paid
During
the Period*
 

  AMG GW&K Global Allocation Fund

 

  Based on Actual Fund Return

 

  Class N

  1.06%    $1,000      $990        $5.32  

  Class I

  0.91%    $1,000      $991        $4.57  

  Class Z

  0.81%    $1,000      $992        $4.07  

 

  Based on Hypothetical 5% Annual Return

 

  Class N

  1.06%    $1,000      $1,020        $5.40  

  Class I

  0.91%    $1,000      $1,021        $4.63  

  Class Z

  0.81%    $1,000      $1,021        $4.13  

 

 

*

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, 2021, AMG GW&K Small Cap Core Fund (the “Fund”) Class N shares returned 21.01%, compared to the Russell 2000® Index (the “Russell 2000”), which returned 14.82%.

 

After taking a punch from the new omicron variant in late November, the equity markets had to search far and wide for a reason to enjoy a Santa rally. After a slightly more hawkish U.S Federal Reserve (the “Fed”) meeting and with Biden’s Build Back Better program bounced into 2022, it seemed maybe the 2021 calendar would run out before the magical rally arrived. However, just as omicron became dominant in the U.S., case counts began to drop sharply in South Africa where it first gained prominence. This was the promise of a brighter future that investors needed, and the broader indexes responded with a move higher to end the month and the year. The S&P 500® Index finished up 28.7% for the year, easily trouncing its small cap counterpart as the Russell 2000 reported gains of 14.8% for the year. And this was after U.S. small caps got off to a roaring start in 2021, essentially doubling the S&P’s return of 6.2% with a jump of 12.7% in the first quarter.

 

In fact, the Russell 2000 spent most of the remaining months of the year below levels it hit in mid-March. Thinking back to the early days of 2021, we started the year talking about speculative excesses, meme stocks, and capital markets digesting huge monetary and fiscal support. In our first quarter note, you may recall we mentioned Signal Advance, Inc., the stock misidentified as an Elon Musk investment target. This stock went from $0.59 to over $30 in January. The year ended with capital market records in IPO and M&A activity. Yet, according to The Wall Street Journal, more than two-thirds of these IPOs were trading below their offering prices as the year concluded. Not coincidently, Signal Advance closed the year at $0.28. So 2021 did turn out to be a year of digestion after all, including a good amount of indigestion for the most speculative areas of the market.

 

One area that had more speculation than most was health care, the sector that finished ahead of the Russell 2000 in each of the previous four years and more than doubled the return of the Russell 2000 in 2020. Due to this past overindulgence, as well as the wall of earlier stage new issues that have begun to populate the sector, the Russell 2000 health care constituents returned (17)% in 2021. Meanwhile, most other sectors delivered excellent returns, led by energy, real estate, and financials. These areas

benefited from good earnings support,some cyclical momentum, and attractive valuations compared to health care.
 

The Fund outperformed its benchmark for the fiscal year. As speculation subsided, investors focused more on earnings, valuation, and other measurements favoring higher quality stocks where the Fund has much higher exposure relative to the Russell 2000. To see how this played out beyond the collapse of Signal Advance and the speculative parts of health care, witness the generally challenged results of most IPOs or the performance of the ARK Fund complex, whose flagship ETF, ARKK, was down (23.6)% in 2021. Within the benchmark, factor analysis makes it clear that lower-quality stocks underperformed. Non-earners finished off down (0.9)% for the year, meaningfully below the benchmark overall. Results were similarly terrible for negative equity stocks and the lowest Return on Equity (ROE) quintile group. While factor categories like market cap, beta, and leverage were more mixed,the results among the non-earning groups were the starkest we have seen in some time. Of the six factors that we monitor, the Fund’s allocation toward higher-quality stocks benefited performance. Results were even more rewarding in factors related directly to earnings and returns.

 

While this environment aided our relative performance, outstanding stock selection played a big role as well. The health care, information technology, and consumer discretionary sectors were top contributors to returns, Industrials was the lone detrimental sector, with three holdings lagging meaningfully (U.S. Ecology, Inc., Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers, Inc., and Primoris Services Corp.). We remain holders of each currently and expect the headwinds of 2021 to abate somewhat in the coming year with competitive advantages for each firm intact. Relative performance in the sector was also impacted by outsized strength from unowned Avis Budget Group, which rose 456% as it enjoyed a turn at meme stock glory. On the positive side, health care aided performance as the terrible performance in biotechnology was a weight on the benchmark and benefited the Fund due to our low exposure to the group. Meanwhile, Medpace Holdings, Inc., and Syneos Health, Inc., were both up over 50% on excellent earnings and continued strength in backlog. CryoPort, Inc., Atricure, Inc., Progyny. Inc., and Supernus Pharmaceuticals, Inc., were other strong contributors. In the information technology sector, Endava PLC was the largest driver with the
stock up over 100% during the year. Other contributors included our overweight position in semiconductors (where all three holdings were up more than 40%) and strong individual stock performance from Novanta, Inc., The Descartes Systems Group, Inc., and Rapid7, Inc., as each rose more than 30%. The consumer discretionary sector outperformed thanks to two stocks that jumped over 150%: Skyline Champion Corp., and Boot Barn Holdings, Inc. Each company produced dynamic earnings growth relative to our bullish expectations last January. Finally, the materials and energy sectors both contributed positively, but less dramatically, to relative returns.

 

As we enter 2022, there are two important turning points in the U.S. occurring nearly simultaneously. First, between plentiful vaccines and the cresting wave of the omicron variant, it is possible we will begin to consider a more fully reopened economy before the first quarter is over. Second, the Fed appears to not be asleep at the wheel, but instead is on the path to slowing accommodation. With these two important turning points coalescing, it might be time to admit that the potential range of outcomes over the next year is wider than usual. Evercore ISI’s Ed Hyman points out that we have the federal funds rate at zero and inflation at a 40-year high. Both of these are likely to normalize this year, but implications and spillover effects could be numerous.

 

The most likely outcome, in our view, is continued surprisingly good growth, driven by higher incomes (employment and wages improving) and a consumer that is in excellent shape to spend and will have increasing reasons to spend (reopening). This should be a particularly good environment for U.S. small caps. On the flip side, there are hundreds of risks that could make this forecast humorous in its naivety looking back in the years ahead. The first would be COVID-related in the form of another variant or additional unforeseen pandemic challenges. China seems like a wildcard here in particular, given the different policy path it has taken with the virus. The second would be interest rates, with the Fed getting too aggressive against inflation or markets panicking that interest rates will rise meaningfully. A fear of higher rates could strangle the equity markets if investors worry higher rates will knock out some of the supports for a stronger recovery. The third group relates to a global political issue such as Russia/Ukraine, China/Taiwan, or even excessive divisiveness in the U.S. We acknowledge there are
 

 

 

4


  

    

    AMG GW&K Small Cap Core Fund

    Portfolio Manager’s Comments (continued)

 

    

 

fiscal holes we are digging as a country that impact our longer-term growth prospects, as debt climbs and political will appears to be faltering.

 

After the U.S. small cap market in a holding pattern for the past nine months while earnings estimates have continued to increase, we are optimistic about the asset class entering 2022. Our best answer to

this uncertainty is to build a diversified portfolio made up of a broad collection of reasonably valued stocks representing strong companies run by skilled and committed managers who can adapt to changing circumstances. Thinking through the many risks is a productive exercise, as long as it doesn’t keep one from moving forward.     

 

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

    

    

        

 

 

 

5


  

    

    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, 2011, 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, 2021.

 

  Average Annual Total Returns1

  

One

Year

    

Five

Years

    

Ten

Years

    

Since

Inception

    

Inception

Date

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

      Class N

     21.01      13.99      13.74      9.21    12/10/96

      Class I

     21.38      14.38      14.18      14.99    07/27/09

      Class Z

     21.48                    13.73    02/24/17

 

      Russell 2000® Index7

     14.82      12.02      13.23      8.99    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 31,2021. All returns are in U.S. dollars ($).

 

2 

From time to time, the Fund’s advisor 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.

 

 

 

6


  

    AMG GW&K Small Cap Core Fund

    Fund Snapshots (unaudited)

     December 31, 2021

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

PORTFOLIO BREAKDOWN

    

% of

Net Assets

Sector
   

Health Care

       20.2
 

Consumer Discretionary

       15.8
 

Information Technology

       15.7
 

Financials

       15.0
 

Industrials

       14.7
 

Materials

       5.0
 

Real Estate

       4.7
 

Consumer Staples

       3.0
 

Energy

       2.7
 

Utilities

       2.2
 

Short-Term Investments

       0.3
 

Other Assets Less Liabilities

       0.7

TOP TEN HOLDINGS

 

Security Name

   % of
Net Assets
   

Skyline Champion Corp.

   2.5
 

Avient Corp.

   2.1
 

MACOM Technology Solutions Holdings, Inc.

   2.0
 

STAG Industrial, Inc.

   2.0
 

Texas Roadhouse, Inc.

   1.9
 

Syneos Health, Inc.

   1.9
 

Helios Technologies, Inc.

   1.8
 

UFP Industries, Inc.

   1.8
 

Rapid7, Inc.

   1.8
 

Medpace Holdings, Inc.

   1.7
  

 

 

Top Ten as a Group

   19.5
  

 

 

 

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.

 

 

7


  

    AMG GW&K Small Cap Core Fund

    Schedule of Portfolio Investments

    December 31, 2021

 

    

 

 

      Shares        Value  

Common Stocks - 99.0%

     

Consumer Discretionary -15.8%

 

  

Boot Barn Holdings, Inc.*

     96,633      $ 11,890,691  

Churchill Downs, Inc.

     43,714        10,530,703  

Chuy’s Holdings, Inc.*,1

     113,435        3,416,662  

Five Below, Inc.*

     30,155        6,238,768  

Grand Canyon Education, Inc.*

     97,114        8,323,641  

Helen of Troy, Ltd.*

     25,692        6,280,923  

Lithia Motors, Inc., Class A

     26,608        7,901,246  

Ollie’s Bargain Outlet Holdings, Inc.*,1

     85,097        4,356,115  

Oxford Industries, Inc.

     68,577        6,961,937  

Patrick Industries, Inc.1

     134,905        10,885,484  

Revolve Group, Inc.*

     70,916        3,974,133  

Skyline Champion Corp.*

     241,208        19,050,608  

Texas Roadhouse, Inc.

     157,997        14,105,972  

Wolverine World Wide, Inc.

     190,530        5,489,169  

Total Consumer Discretionary

        119,406,052  

Consumer Staples - 3.0%

     

Central Garden & Pet Co., Class A*

     209,632        10,030,891  

Performance Food Group Co.*

     275,347        12,635,674  

Total Consumer Staples

        22,666,565  

Energy - 2.7%

 

  

Magnolia Oil & Gas Corp., Class A

     626,057        11,813,695  

Matador Resources Co.

     234,930        8,673,616  

Total Energy

        20,487,311  

Financials -15.0%

 

  

Ameris Bancorp

     228,089        11,331,461  

AMERISAFE, Inc.

     101,190        5,447,058  

Cathay General Bancorp

     223,235        9,596,873  

Cohen & Steers, Inc.

     110,274        10,201,448  

Glacier Bancorp, Inc.

     199,316        11,301,217  

Horace Mann Educators Corp.

     193,896        7,503,775  

Houlihan Lokey, Inc.

     109,537        11,339,270  

Independent Bank Corp.1

     61,549        5,018,090  

OceanFirst Financial Corp.

     339,374        7,534,103  

Open Lending Corp., Class A*

     109,042        2,451,264  

Pacific Premier Bancorp, Inc.

     252,523        10,108,496  

Seacoast Banking Corp. of Florida

     314,066        11,114,796  

Stifel Financial Corp.

     148,541        10,460,257  

Total Financials

        113,408,108  

Health Care - 20.2%

     

AtriCure, Inc.*

     139,804        9,720,572  

Castle Biosciences, Inc.*

     88,620        3,799,139  
      Shares        Value  

ChemoCentryx, Inc.*

     103,004      $ 3,750,376  

Covetrus, Inc.*

     314,609        6,282,742  

CryoLife, Inc.*

     255,292        5,195,192  

CryoPort, Inc.*,1

     138,786        8,211,968  

Globus Medical, Inc., Class A*

     161,524        11,662,033  

Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc.*

     289,785        11,652,255  

HealthEquity, Inc.*

     144,210        6,379,850  

ICU Medical, Inc.*

     20,261        4,808,746  

Integra LifeSciences Holdings Corp.*

     128,811        8,629,049  

Intra-Cellular Therapies, Inc.*,1

     53,000        2,774,020  

LHC Group, Inc.*

     59,220        8,126,761  

Medpace Holdings, Inc.*

     59,871        13,030,324  

Phreesia, Inc.*

     267,631        11,149,507  

Progyny, Inc.*

     160,795        8,096,028  

Supernus Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

     321,541        9,376,136  

Syneos Health, Inc.*

     136,903        14,057,200  

Veracyte, Inc.*

     145,547        5,996,536  

Total Health Care

        152,698,434  

Industrials - 14.7%

     

Alamo Group, Inc.

     64,545        9,499,733  

Allegiant Travel Co.*

     39,396        7,368,628  

Heartland Express, Inc.

     166,903        2,807,309  

Helios Technologies, Inc.

     131,472        13,826,910  

ICF International, Inc.

     86,813        8,902,673  

Primoris Services Corp.

     307,941        7,384,425  

RBC Bearings, Inc.*

     57,688        11,651,245  

Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers, Inc. (Canada)1

     154,345        9,447,458  

The Shyft Group, Inc.

     160,088        7,865,123  

SPX Corp.*

     175,268        10,459,994  

Terex Corp.

     112,688        4,952,638  

UFP Industries, Inc.

     146,948        13,520,686  

US Ecology, Inc.*

     118,376        3,780,929  

Total Industrials

        111,467,751  

Information Technology - 15.7%

     

Azenta, Inc.

     97,564        10,059,824  

Cerence, Inc.*,1

     94,191        7,218,798  

The Descartes Systems Group, Inc. (Canada)*

     122,519        10,129,871  

Endava PLC, ADR (United Kingdom)*

     74,044        12,433,469  

MACOM Technology Solutions Holdings, Inc.*

     197,933        15,498,154  

Novanta, Inc.*

     71,265        12,566,157  

Paycor HCM, Inc.*,1

     221,137        6,370,957  

Paylocity Holding Corp.*

     39,732        9,383,109  

Rapid7, Inc.*1

     113,511        13,359,110  
 

 

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

9

 

 

8


  

    

    AMG GW&K Small/Mid Cap Fund

    Schedule of Portfolio Investments (continued)

 

    

 

 

         
Shares
     Value  

Information Technology -15.7%

     

(continued)

     

Silicon Laboratories, Inc.*

     55,201      $ 11,394,590  

Viavi Solutions, Inc.*

     595,605        10,494,560  

Total Information Technology

        118,908,599  

Materials - 5.0%

     

Avient Corp.

     284,800        15,934,560  

Balchem Corp.

     46,873        7,902,788  

Minerals Technologies, Inc.

     135,011        9,876,054  

Silgan Holdings, Inc.

     102,812        4,404,466  

Total Materials

        38,117,868  

Real Estate - 4.7%

     

Agree Realty Corp., REIT

     94,002        6,707,983  

National Health Investors, Inc., REIT1

     92,980        5,343,560  

Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc., REIT*

     88,433        8,132,299  

STAG Industrial, Inc., REIT

     321,958        15,441,106  

Total Real Estate

        35,624,948  

Utilities - 2.2%

     

IDACORP, Inc.

     69,781        7,906,885  

NorthWestern Corp.

     160,354        9,165,835  

Total Utilities

        17,072,720  

Total Common Stocks

     

(Cost $500,159,985)

        749,858,356  
     Principal
Amount
     Value  

Short-Term Investments - 0.3%

 

  
Joint Repurchase Agreements - 0.3%2      

Bank of America Securities, Inc., dated 12/31/21, due 01/03/22,0.050% total to be received $1,000,004 (collateralized by various U.S. Government Agency Obligations, 1.000% -5.000%, 09/01/28 - 01/01/61, totaling $1,020,000)

   $ 1,000,000        $1,000,000  

Citigroup Global Markets, Inc., dated 12/31/21, due 01/03/22,0.050% total to be received $198,954 (collateralized by various U.S. Treasuries, 0.000% - 2.375%, 01/04/22 -11/15/51, totaling $202,932)

     198,953        198,953  

RBC Dominion Securities, Inc., dated 12/31/21, due 01/03/22,0.050% total to be received $1,000,004 (collateralized by various U.S. Government Agency Obligations and U.S. Treasuries, 0.000% - 6.500%, 05/15/22 -12/01/51, totaling $1,020,000)

     1,000,000        1,000,000  

Total Joint Repurchase Agreements

 

     2,198,953  

Total Short-Term Investments

 

  

(Cost $2,198,953)

        2,198,953  

Total Investments - 99.3%

     

(Cost $502,358,938)

        752,057,309  

Other Assets, less Liabilities - 0.7%

        5,397,699  

Net Assets - 100.0%

      $ 757,455,008  
 

 

*  Non-income producing security.

1  Some of these securities, amounting to $35,945,664 or 4.7% 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 following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments by the fair value hierarchy levels as of December 31, 2021:    

 

     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Investments in Securities

           

Common Stocks

     $749,858,356                      $749,858,356  

Short-Term Investments

           

  Joint Repurchase Agreements

            $2,198,953               2,198,953  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities

     $749,858,356        $2,198,953                –        $752,057,309  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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 31,2021, 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 31,2021, AMG Managers GW&K Small Cap Value Fund (the “Fund”) Class N shares returned 32.93%, compared to a 28.27% return for the Russell 2000® Value Index (“Russell 2000 Value”).

 

After taking a punch from the new omicron variant in late November, the equity markets had to search far and wide for a reason to enjoy a Santa rally. After a slightly more hawkish U.S. Federal Reserve (the “Fed”) meeting and with Biden’s Build Back Better program bounced into 2022, it seemed maybe the 2021 calendar would run out before the magical rally arrived. However, just as omicron became dominant in the U.S., case counts began to drop sharply in South Africa where it first gained prominence. This was the promise of a brighter future that investors needed, and the broader indexes responded with a move higher to end the month and the year. The S&P 500® Index finished up 28.7% for the year, easily trouncing its small cap counterpart as the Russell 2000® Index reported gains of 14.8% for the year.

 

Looking more closely, however, there was a dramatic difference in performance between small cap growth and small cap value stocks. While the Russell 2000® Growth Index was up just 2.8% for all of 2021, the Russell 2000 Value rose 28.3% for the full year. In fact, Value beat Growth in each quarter of 2021, starting with a first quarter 21.2% return for the Russell 2000 Value versus a 4.9% increase for the Russell 2000® Growth Index.

 

Thinking back to the early days of 2021, we started the year talking about speculative excesses, meme stocks, and capital markets digesting huge monetary and fiscal support. In our first quarter note, you may recall we mentioned Signal Advance, Inc., the stock misidentified as an Elon Musk investment target. This stock went from $0.59 to over $30 in January. The year ended with capital market records in IPO and M&A activity. Yet, according to The Wall Street Journal, more than two-thirds of these IPOs were trading below their offering prices as the year concluded. Not coincidently, Signal Advance closed the year at $0.28. So 2021 did turn out to be a year of digestion after all, including a good amount of indigestion for the most speculative areas of the market.

 

One area that had seen a great deal of speculation was health care, the sector that finished ahead of the Russell 2000® Index in each of the previous four years and more than doubled the return of the Russell 2000® Index in 2020. Due to this past overindulgence, as well as the wall of new issues that have populated the sector, the Russell 2000®

       

 

health care constituents declined (17)% in 2021. Given a lower exposure to biotechnology, things weren’t quite as bad in the Russell 2000 Value, but the health care sector’s 5.6% increase was still the weakest sector performance in the Russell 2000 Value. Meanwhile, most other sectors delivered excellent returns, led by energy, consumer discretionary, communication services, real estate, and materials, which all finished up 30% or more, and ahead of the Russell 2000 Value. For the fourth quarter, the Russell 2000 Value sectors delivered widely varying returns. Areas such as consumer staples, utilities, and technology were the top performers, with each returning 10% or more. Meanwhile, communication services, health care and energy were each off (5)% or more. In summary, given the wide range in sector outcomes for both the quarter and year, making big mistakes on sector bets could have had a dismal impact on active fund performance.

 

The Fund outperformed its benchmark during the fiscal year. As speculation subsided, investors focused more on earnings, valuation, and other measurements favoring higher quality stocks where the Fund has much higher exposure relative to the Russell 2000 Value. To see how this played out beyond the collapse of Signal Advance and the speculative parts of health care, witness the generally challenged results of most IPOs or the performance of the ARK Fund complex, whose flagship ETF, ARKK, was down (23.6)% in 2021. Within the benchmark, factor analysis makes it clear that lower quality stocks underperformed. High quality companies outperformed low quality, with the highest P/E, highest leverage and lowest dividend yield quintiles all underperforming the benchmark.

 

While this environment aided our relative performance, outstanding stock selection played a big role as well. The top contributing sectors included health care, financials, and consumer staples. We had three sectors that detracted from relative performance. Two of these, consumer discretionary and communication services, were both meaningfully negatively impacted by the sharp rise in the so-called “meme stocks” earlier in 2021. In consumer discretionary, holdings in Johnson Outdoors Inc., Noodles & Co. and Stoneridge, Inc. detracted from returns. In energy, relative underperformance was mostly due to our modest underweight position, given the sector’s 66.4% return for the year. On the positive side, health care was the top contributor. The weak performance in biotechnology (2.6%) was a weight on the benchmark and benefited the Fund due to our low exposure to the group. More importantly, though,

       

strong stock selection, particularly in health care services, drove relative outperformance with triple-digit increases for both Apollo Medical Holdings, Inc. and Tenet Healthcare Corp. In financials, strong stock selection in thrifts & mortgage finance and capital markets overcame relatively poor stock selection in banks and insurance. Walker & Dunlop, Inc. and Piper Sandler Cos., were joined by Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corp., Class C and Stifel Financial Corp., as the primary drivers of relative outperformance. In consumer staples we only own two names, BJ’s Wholesale Club Holdings, Inc., and Central Garden & Pet Co., but they both beat the sector by a wide margin in 2021. We also saw meaningful, stock-selection driven relative outperformance from the industrials, information technology, and real estate sectors.

 

As we enter 2022, there are two important turning points in the U.S. occurring nearly simultaneously. First, between plentiful vaccines and the cresting wave of the omicron variant, it is possible we will begin to consider a more fully reopened economy before the first quarter is over. Second, the Fed appears to not be asleep at the wheel, but instead is on the path to slowing accommodation. With these two important turning points coalescing, it might be time to admit that the potential range of outcomes over the next year is wider than usual. Evercore ISI’s Ed Hyman points out that we have the federal funds rate at zero and inflation at a 40-year high. Both of these are likely to normalize this year, but implications and spillover effects could be numerous.

 

The most likely outcome in our view is continued, surprisingly good growth, driven by higher incomes (employment and wages improving) and a consumer that is in excellent shape to spend and will have increasing reasons to spend (reopening). This should be a particularly good environment for U.S. small caps. On the flip side, there are hundreds of risks that could make this forecast humorous in its naivety looking back in the years ahead. The first would be COVID-related in the form of another variant or additional unforeseen COVID challenges. China seems like a wildcard here in particular, given the different policy path they have taken with the virus. The second would be interest-rate related, with the Fed getting too aggressive against inflation or markets panicking that interest rates will rise meaningfully. A fear of higher rates could strangle the equity markets, if investors worry higher rates will knock out some of the supports for a stronger recovery. The third group relates to a global political issue such as Russia/Ukraine, China/Taiwan, or even

 

 

10


  

    

    AMG GW&K Small Cap Value Fund

    Portfolio Manager’s Comments (continued)

 

    

 

 

excessive divisiveness in the U.S. We acknowledge there are fiscal holes we are digging as a country that impact our longer-term growth prospects, as debt climbs and political will appears to be faltering.

 

After the U.S. small cap market has existed in a holding pattern for the past nine months, while earnings estimates have continued to increase, we

        are optimistic about the asset class entering 2022. Our best answer to this uncertainty is to build a diversified portfolio made up of a broad collection of reasonably valued stocks representing strong companies run by skilled and committed managers who can adapt to changing circumstances. Thinking through the many risks is a productive exercise, as long as it doesn’t keep one from moving forward.         The views expressed represent the opinions of GW&K Investment Management, LLC and are not intended as a forecast or guarantee of future results, and are subject to change without notice.

 

 

11


  

    

    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, 2011, 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 31,2021.

 

  Average Annual Total Returns1   

One

Year

   

Five

Years

   

Ten

Years

   

Since

Inception

   

Inception

Date

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

Class N

     32.93     9.17     12.77     11.80     04/23/87  

Class I

     33.17                 9.49     02/24/17  

Class Z

     33.27                 9.57     02/24/17  

 

 

Russell 2000® Value Index8

     28.27     9.07     12.03            

 

 

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, 2021. All returns are in U.S. dollars ($).

2 

From time to time, the Fund’s advisor 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 

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 

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 

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.

 

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 

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.

 

 

 

12


  

    AMG GW&K Small Cap Value Fund

    Fund Snapshots (unaudited)

    December 31, 2021

 

    

 

PORTFOLIO BREAKDOWN   

 

Sector    %of
Net Assets
 
 

Financials

     27.9  
 

Industrials

     16.9  
 

Real Estate

     11.8  
 

Consumer Discretionary

     10.0  
 

Health Care

     9.1  
 

Information Technology

     5.8  
 

Materials

     4.8  
 

Energy

     4.7  
 

Utilities

     3.3  
 

Consumer Staples

     3.1  
 

Communication Services

     1.7  
 

Other Assets Less Liabilities

     0.9  
  
TOP TEN HOLDINGS   

 

Sector    %of
Net Assets
 

Tenet Healthcare Corp.

   3.0
 

Independence Realty Trust, Inc.

   2.7
 

Boot Barn Holdings, Inc.

   2.7
 

Walker & Dunlop, Inc.

   2.7
 

Piper Sandler Cos.

   2.7
 

Group 1 Automotive, Inc.

   2.0
 

Central Garden & Pet Co.

   2.0
 

Comfort Systems USA, Inc.

   1.8
 

American Software, Inc., Class A

   1.8
 

Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc., Class A

   1.8
  

 

 

Top Ten as a Group

   23.2

 

  

 

 

 

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.

 

 

13


  

    AMG GW&K Small Cap Value Fund

    Schedule of Portfolio Investments

    December 31, 2021

 

    

 

      Shares      Value  

Common Stocks - 99.1%

     

Communication Services - 1.7%

     

Gray Television, Inc.

     308,821        $6,225,831  

Consumer Discretionary -10.0%

     

Boot Barn Holdings, Inc.*

     82,607        10,164,791  

Callaway Golf Co.*

     185,359        5,086,251  

Denny’s Corp.*

     302,323        4,837,168  

Group 1 Automotive, Inc.1

     38,879        7,589,959  

MDC Holdings, Inc.

     48,287        2,695,863  

Noodles & Co.*

     285,907        2,593,177  

Patrick Industries, Inc.

     54,400        4,389,536  

Total Consumer Discretionary

        37,356,745  

Consumer Staples - 3.1%

     

BJ’s Wholesale Club Holdings, Inc.*

     63,492        4,252,059  

Central Garden & Pet Co.*

     138,225        7,274,782  

Total Consumer Staples

        11,526,841  

Energy - 4.7%

     

Magnolia Oil & Gas Corp., Class A

     279,065        5,265,956  

Matador Resources Co.

     155,661        5,747,004  

ProPetro Holding Corp.*

     403,119        3,265,264  

Renewable Energy Group, Inc.*

     45,697        1,939,381  

Solaris Oilfield Infrastructure, Inc., Class A

     191,740        1,255,897  

Total Energy

        17,473,502  

Financials - 27.9%

     

Ameris Bancorp

     132,601        6,587,618  

Atlantic Union Bankshares Corp.

     158,674        5,916,953  

Cathay General Bancorp

     102,322        4,398,823  

City Holding Co.1

     45,384        3,711,957  

Community Bank System, Inc.1

     74,030        5,513,754  

Enterprise Financial Services Corp.

     87,995        4,143,685  

Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corp., Class C

     41,810        5,181,513  

First Financial Bancorp

     166,174        4,051,322  

First Interstate BancSystem, Inc., Class A1

     155,995        6,344,317  

International Bancshares Corp.

     102,088        4,327,510  

James River Group Holdings, Ltd. (Bermuda)

     67,302        1,938,971  

OceanFirst Financial Corp.

     248,458        5,515,768  

Pacific Premier Bancorp, Inc.

     167,584        6,708,388  

Piper Sandler Cos.

     55,622        9,929,083  

PJT Partners, Inc., Class A

     44,386        3,288,559  

Selective Insurance Group, Inc.

     79,535        6,517,098  

Stifel Financial Corp.

     93,860        6,609,621  

Walker & DunIop, Inc.

     66,315        10,005,607  
      Shares      Value  

WesBanco, Inc.

     84,353        $2,951,511  

Total Financials

        103,642,058  

Health Care - 9.1%

     

Apollo Medical Holdings, Inc.*1

     38,655        2,840,369  

Covetrus, Inc.*

     199,159        3,977,205  

Integer Holdings Corp.*

     41,855        3,582,370  

Ligand Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

     23,775        3,672,287  

SeaSpine Holdings Corp.*

     348,077        4,740,809  

Supernus Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*1

     140,546        4,098,321  

Tenet Healthcare Corp,*

     134,993        11,027,578  

Total Health Care

        33,938,939  

Industrials - 16.9%

     

Allegiant Travel Co.*

     14,548        2,721,058  

Atkore, Inc.*

     50,146        5,575,734  

CACI International, Inc., Class A*

     19,800        5,330,358  

CBIZ, Inc.*

     121,334        4,746,586  

Columbus McKinnon Corp.

     124,747        5,770,796  

Comfort Systems USA, Inc.

     69,438        6,870,196  

Douglas Dynamics, Inc.

     111,136        4,340,972  

Federal Signal Corp.

     152,225        6,597,431  

ICF International, Inc.

     55,123        5,652,864  

Primoris Services Corp.

     150,745        3,614,865  

RBC Bearings, Inc.*

     17,920        3,619,302  

Terex Corp.

     76,555        3,364,592  

UFP Industries, Inc.

     50,552        4,651,290  

Total Industrials

        62,856,044  

Information Technology - 5.8%

     

American Software, Inc., Class A

     261,128        6,833,720  

Power Integrations, Inc.

     56,550        5,252,929  

Silicon Laboratories, Inc.*

     22,202        4,582,937  

Viavi Solutions, Inc.*

     269,150        4,742,423  

Total Information Technology

        21,412,009  

Materials - 4.8%

     

Minerals Technologies, Inc.

     52,701        3,855,078  

Orion Engineered Carbons, S.A. (Luxembourg)

     254,571        4,673,924  

Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc., Class A

     130,610        6,781,271  

Worthington Industries, Inc.

     48,903        2,673,038  

Total Materials

        17,983,311  

Real Estate - 11.8%

     

Agree Realty Corp., REIT

     60,300        4,303,008  

CareTrust REIT, Inc.

     149,093        3,403,793  

Four Corners Property Trust, Inc., REIT

     184,528        5,426,969  

Getty Realty Corp., REIT

     152,302        4,887,371  

 

 

 

 

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

14


  

    

    AMG GW&K Small Cap Value Fund

    Schedule of Portfolio Investments (continued)

 

    

 

 

      Shares      Value  

Real Estate - 11.8% (continued)

 

  

Independence Realty Trust, Inc., REIT

     394,952        $10,201,610  

Lexington Realty Trust, REIT

     211,559        3,304,552  

STAG Industrial, Inc., REIT

     115,620        5,545,135  

Summit Hotel Properties, Inc., REIT *

     272,675        2,661,308  

Xenia Hotels & Resorts, Inc., REIT*

     231,066        4,184,605  

Total Real Estate

        43,918,351  

Utilities - 3.3%

 

  

IDACORP, Inc.

     45,721        5,180,647  

 

      Shares      Value  

NorthWestern Corp.

     64,708        $3,698,709  

Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc.

     49,754        3,485,268  

Total Utilities

        12,364,624  

Total Common Stocks
(Cost $286,517,400)

        368,698,255  

Total Investments - 99.1%
(Cost $286,517,400)

 

     368,698,255  

Other Assets, less Liabilities - 0.9%

 

     3,434,330  

Net Assets - 100.0%

        $372,132,585  
 

 

* 

Non-income producing security.

1 

Some of these securities, amounting to $14,980,710 or 4.0% 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.

 

REIT

  Real Estate Investment Trust

 

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments by the fair value hierarchy levels as of December 31, 2021:

 

     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Investments in Securities

           

Common Stocks

   $ 368,698,255        —          —        $ 368,698,255  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities

   $ 368,698,255                    —                      —        $ 368,698,255  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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, 2021, there were no transfers in or out of Level 3.

 

 

 

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, 2021, AMG GW&K Small/Mid Cap Fund (the “Fund”) Class I shares returned 25.91%, compared to the Russell 2500® Index (the “Russell 2500”), which returned 18.18%.

 

After taking a punch from the new omicron variant in late November, the equity markets had to search far and wide for a reason to enjoy a Santa rally. After a slightly more hawkish U.S Federal Reverse (the “Fed”) meeting and with Biden’s Build Back Better program bounced into 2022, it seemed maybe the 2021 calendar would run out before the magical rally arrived. However, just as omicron became dominant in the U.S., case counts began to drop sharply in South Africa where it first gained prominence. This was the promise of a brighter future that investors needed, and the broader indexes responded with a move higher to end the month and the year. The S&P 500® Index finished up 28.7% for the year, easily trouncing its small/mid cap counterpart as the Russell 2500 reported a gain of 18.2% for the year. And this was after U.S. small/mid caps got off to a roaring start in 2021, nearly doubling the S&P’s return of 6.2% with a jump of 10.9% in the first quarter.

 

In fact, the Russell 2500 spent most of the remaining months of the year below levels it hit in mid-March. Thinking back to the early days of 2021, we started the year talking about speculative excesses, meme stocks, and capital markets digesting huge monetary and fiscal support. In our first quarter note, you may recall we mentioned Signal Advance, Inc., the stock misidentified as an Elon Musk investment target. This stock went from $0.59 to over $30 in January. The year ended with capital market records in IPO and M&A activity. Yet, according to The Wall Street Journal, more than two-thirds of these IPOs were trading below their offering prices as the year concluded. Not coincidently, Signal Advance closed the year at $0.28. So 2021 did turn out to be a year of digestion after all, including a good amount of indigestion for the most speculative areas of the market.

 

One area that had more speculation than most was health care, the sector that finished ahead of the Russell 2500 in each of the previous four years and more than doubled the return of the entire index in 2020. Due to this past overindulgence, as well as the wall of earlier stage new issues that have begun to populate the sector, the Russell 2500 health care constituents returned (6.2)% in 2021. Meanwhile, most other sectors delivered excellent returns, led by energy, real estate, and financials. These areas

  

benefited from good earnings support, some cyclical momentum, and attractive valuations compared to health care.

 

The Fund outperformed its benchmark during the fiscal year. As speculation subsided, investors focused more on earnings, valuation, and other measurements favoring higher quality stocks where the Fund has much higher exposure relative to the Russell 2500. To see how this played out beyond the collapse of Signal Advance, and the speculative parts of health care, witness the generally challenged results of most IPOs or the performance of the ARK Fund complex, whose flagship ETF, ARKK, was down (23.6)% in 2021. Within the Russell 2500, factor analysis makes it clear that lower-quality stocks underperformed. Non-earners finished up only 2.3% for the year, meaningfully below the benchmark overall. Results were similarly terrible for negative equity stocks and the lowest Return on Equity (ROE) quintile group. While factor categories like market cap, beta, and leverage were more mixed, the results among the non-earning groups were the starkest we have seen in some time. Of the six factors that we monitor, the Fund’s allocation toward higher-quality stocks benefited performance for the full year. Results were even more rewarding in factors related directly to earnings and returns.

 

While this environment aided our relative performance, outstanding stock selection played a big role as well. The health care, information technology, and financials sectors were top contributors to returns. Within the information technology sector, Gartner, Inc. climbed 108.7% and EPAM Systems, Inc. gained 74.1%, as these two service companies saw great business momentum and delivered strong upside to expectations. EPAM was sold during the period. Among our software holdings, HubSpot, Inc. climbed 66.3%, followed by Rapid7, Inc. and Paylocity Holding Corp., which were both up over 25%. Finally, Zebra Technologies Corp., Class A and Silicon Laboratories, Inc., each rose over 50% as earnings estimates and valuations both increased. Similarly, health care holdings in the Fund performed exceptionally well.Eight stocks were up over 20%, two of which topped 50%, compared to the benchmark return of (6.2)%. Standouts included Syneos Health, Inc., Molina Healthcare, Inc., Horizon Therapeutics PLC, Biohaven Pharmaceuticals Holding Co., Ltd, Bio-Rad Laboratories Inc. Class A, STERIS PLC, Catalent, Inc., and Acadia Healthcare Co., Inc. In addition, the Fund benefited from an underweight position in the biotechnology industry, which dropped (24.5)%. The strong relative performance in financials came mostly from our

  

bank holdings, especially Signature Bank, which jumped 141.5% due to excellent deposit, loan, and customer growth. Western Alliance Bancorp was another bank standout, up 81.7%, while Piper Sandler Cos., in the capital markets portion of the sector, moved up 85.5%. Consumer staples was another additive sector due to strong performance from BJ’s Wholesale Club Holding, Inc., which continues to see customer gains and higher spending levels. Utilities and energy helped to a smaller degree.

 

Not everything went exactly how we planned, however, and the Fund lost ground in industrials, consumer discretionary, real estate, and materials. In industrials, Gibraltar Industries, Inc. (7.3%) had a similarly large negative impact in comparison to its strong industry group. Richie Brothers Auctioneers, Inc and Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corp., were also negative performers and stung relative returns. Finally, the Fund was also impacted by outsized strength from unowned Avis Budget Group, which rose 456% as it enjoyed a turn at meme stock glory. Our consumer discretionary holdings lagged the strong performance of the Russell 2500. The specialty retail industry was most challenging, where our three holdings (Lithia Motors Inc., Class A, Burlington Stores, Inc., and Five Below, Inc.) were up double digits but still gave performance to the Russell 2500. GameStop Corp1 and other impaired retailers in the benchmark roared to life as consumer spending and meme stock investing changed the dynamics in this group. Our position in Nordstrom, Inc., unfortunately didn’t see the same benefit due to poor execution during the recovery. Within the real estate sector, performance was impacted by our underweight position and weak performance by four holdings: Easterly Government Properties, Inc, Hudson Pacific Properties, Inc., Summit Hotel Properties, Inc., and Physicians Realty Trust. Finally, the materials sector was a drag on relative results as two holdings, AptarGroup, Inc., and Quaker Houghton, delivered negative returns due to cost pressures and uneven demand recovery.

 

As we enter 2022, there are two important turning points in the U.S. occurring nearly simultaneously. First, between plentiful vaccines and the cresting wave of the omicron variant, it is possible we will begin to consider a more fully reopened economy before the first quarter is over. Second, the Fed appears to not be asleep at the switch, but instead is on the path to slowing accommodation. With these two important turning points coalescing, it might be time to admit that the potential range of outcomes over the next year are wider than usual. Evercore ISI’s Ed Hyman points out that we have the federal

 

 

16


  

    

    AMG GW&K Small/Mid Cap Fund

    Portfolio Manager’s Comments (continued)

 

    

 

 

funds rate at zero and inflation at a 40-year high. Both of these are likely to normalize this year, but implications and spillover effects could be numerous.

 

The most likely outcome in our view is continued surprisingly good growth, driven by higher incomes (employment and wages improving) and a consumer that is in excellent shape to spend and will have increasing reasons to spend (reopening). This should be a particularly good environment for U.S. small/mid caps. On the flip side, there are hundreds of risks that could make this forecast humorous in its naivety looking back in the years ahead. First, would be COVID-related in the form of another variant or additional unforeseen pandemic challenges. China seems like a wildcard here in particular, given the

  

different policy path they have taken with the virus. Second, would be interest rate-related, with the Fed getting too aggressive against inflation or markets panicking that interest rates will rise meaningfully. A fear of higher rates could strangle the equity markets, if investors worry higher rates will knock out some of the supports for a stronger recovery. The third group relates to a global political issue such as Russia/ Ukraine, China/Taiwan, or even excessive divisiveness in the U.S. We acknowledge there are fiscal holes we are digging as a country that impact our longer-term growth prospects, as debt climbs and political will appears to be faltering.

 

After the U.S. small/mid cap market has existed in a holding pattern for the past nine months, while earnings estimates have continued to increase, we

  

are optimistic about the asset class entering 2022. Our best answer to this uncertainty is to build a diversified portfolio made up of a broad collection of reasonably valued stocks representing strong companies run by skilled and committed managers who can adapt to changing circumstances. Thinking through the many risks is a productive exercise, as long as it doesn’t keep one from moving forward.

 

1 Gamestop was not a holding in the Fund.

 

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

 

 

17


  

    

    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 31,2021,

 

Average Annual Total Returns1

   One
Year
   Five
Years
   Since
Inception
   Inception Date

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

        

    Class N

   25.63%       15.65%    02/24/17

    Class I

   25.91%    16.59%    12.18%    06/30/15

    Class Z

   26.02%       15.93%    02/24/17

    Russell 2500® Index8

   18.18%    13.75%    11.87%    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 31,2021, All returns are in U.S. dollars ($).

 

2   From time to time, the Fund’s advisor 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 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.

 

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   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   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.

 

 

 

 

18


  

    AMG GW&K Small/Mid Cap Fund

     Fund Snapshots (unaudited)

     December 31, 2021

 

    

 

 

 

PORTFOLIO BREAKDOWN    TOP TEN HOLDINGS

 

  Sector    % of
Net Assets
 

Information Technology

   17.4
 

Industrials

   16.1
 

Health Care

   15.4
 

Financials

   12.9
 

Consumer Discretionary

   12.7
 

Real Estate

     6.6
 

Materials

     6.2
 

Consumer Staples

     4.1
 

Energy

     2.8
 

Utilities

     1.9
 

Other Assets Less Liabilities

     3.9
  Security Name    % of
Net Assets
 

Signature Bank

       2.5    
 

BJ’s Wholesale Club Holdings, Inc.

   2.3
 

Western Alliance Bancorp.

   2.0
 

Ingersoll Rand, Inc.

   1.9
 

Diamondback Energy, Inc.

   1.8
 

Syneos Health, Inc.

   1.8
 

Horizon Therapeutics PLC

   1.8
 

Catalent, Inc.

   1.8
 

Rapid7, Inc.

   1.7
 

Silicon Laboratories, Inc.

   1.7
    

 

 

Top Ten as a Group

   19.3
    

 

      
 

 

 

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.

 

 

19


  

    AMG GW&K Small/Mid Cap Fund

     Schedule of Portfolio Investments

     December 31, 2021

 

    

 

      Shares      Value  

Common Stocks - 96.1%

     

Consumer Discretionary - 12.7%

     

Bright Horizons Family Solutions, Inc.*

     35,399      $ 4,456,026  

Burlington Stores, Inc.*

     17,839        5,200,247  

Carter’s, Inc.

     38,187        3,865,288  

Cavco Industries, Inc.*

     25,665        8,152,487  

Dorman Products, Inc.*

     56,123        6,342,460  

Five Below, Inc.*

     39,606        8,194,085  

Gentherm, Inc.*

     63,974        5,559,341  

Grand Canyon Education, Inc.*

     30,520        2,615,869  

Lithia Motors, Inc., Class A1

     25,263        7,501,848  

Nordstrom, Inc.*

     116,854        2,643,238  

Polaris, Inc.

     58,136        6,389,728  

Texas Roadhouse, Inc.

     75,476        6,738,497  

Vail Resorts, Inc.

     12,173        3,991,527  

Total Consumer Discretionary

        71,650,641  

Consumer Staples - 4.1%

     

BJ’s Wholesale Club Holdings, Inc.*

     196,045        13,129,134  

Lancaster Colony Corp.

     32,926        5,452,546  

Performance Food Group Co.*

     93,405        4,286,355  

Total Consumer Staples

        22,868,035  

Energy - 2.8%

     

Devon Energy Corp.

     120,704        5,317,011  

Diamondback Energy, Inc.

     95,664        10,317,362  

Total Energy

        15,634,373  

Financials - 12.9%

     

Artisan Partners Asset Management, Inc., Class A

     51,379        2,447,696  

Atlantic Union Bankshares Corp.

     140,266        5,230,519  

Glacier Bancorp, Inc.

     75,225        4,265,258  

Kemper Corp.

     54,332        3,194,178  

Kinsale Capital Group, Inc.

     29,467        7,009,905  

Pinnacle Financial Partners, Inc.

     94,001        8,977,095  

Piper Sandler Cos.

     44,561        7,954,584  

Signature Bank

     43,690        14,132,404  

Voya Financial, Inc.1

     124,447        8,252,081  

Western Alliance Bancorp.

     106,488        11,463,433  

Total Financials

        72,927,153  

Health Care - 15.4%

     

Acadia Healthcare Co., Inc.*

     150,145        9,113,802  

Biohaven Pharmaceutical Holding Co., Ltd.*

     34,755        4,789,587  

Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., Class A*

     12,205        9,221,732  

Catalent, Inc.*

     77,911        9,974,945  

Globus Medical, Inc., Class A*

     68,876        4,972,847  
      Shares      Value  

Horizon Therapeutics PLC*

     92,691      $ 9,988,382  

Integer Holdings Corp.*

     43,902        3,757,572  

Jazz Pharmaceuticals PLC (Ireland)*,1

     46,382        5,909,067  

Molina Healthcare, Inc.*

     22,972        7,306,934  

Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc.*

     51,984        4,427,477  

STERIS PLC

     30,288        7,372,402  

Syneos Health, Inc.*

     98,394        10,103,096  

Total Health Care

        86,937,843  

Industrials - 16.1%

     

Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corp.

     53,638        4,547,966  

Columbus McKinnon Corp.

     88,421        4,090,355  

Comfort Systems USA, Inc.

     62,492        6,182,959  

Exponent, Inc.

     49,416        5,768,330  

Federal Signal Corp.

     180,414        7,819,143  

Gates Industrial Corp. PLC*

     517,252        8,229,479  

Gibraltar Industries, Inc.*

     97,028        6,469,827  

Hexcel Corp.*

     84,365        4,370,107  

Ingersoll Rand, Inc.

     168,277        10,411,298  

Nordson Corp.

     33,568        8,568,903  

RBC Bearings, Inc.*

     41,951        8,472,844  

Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers, Inc. (Canada)

     82,399        5,043,643  

Schneider National, Inc., Class B

     124,774        3,357,668  

The Toro Co.

     74,143        7,407,627  

Total Industrials

        90,740,149  

Information Technology - 17.4%

     

Azenta, Inc.

     43,506        4,485,904  

Cerence, Inc.*,1

     73,730        5,650,667  

Cognex Corp.

     88,704        6,897,623  

Entegris, Inc.

     62,149        8,612,608  

Gartner, Inc.*

     24,949        8,340,950  

Globant SA (Uruguay)*

     24,900        7,820,841  

HubSpot, Inc.*

     7,733        5,097,207  

Manhattan Associates, Inc.*

     60,025        9,333,287  

Paylocity Holding Corp.*

     32,431        7,658,905  

Power Integrations, Inc.

     57,640        5,354,180  

Rapid7, Inc.*,1

     82,516        9,711,308  

Silicon Laboratories, Inc.*

     46,677        9,635,066  

Zebra Technologies Corp., Class A*

     15,343        9,132,154  

Total Information Technology

        97,730,700  

Materials - 6.2%

     

AptarGroup, Inc.

     41,278        5,055,729  

Eagle Materials, Inc.

     48,498        8,072,977  

Element Solutions, Inc.

     387,918        9,418,649  
 

 

 

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

20


  

    

    AMG GW&K Small/Mid Cap Fund

    Schedule of Portfolio Investments (continued)

 

    

 

      Shares      Value  

Materials - 6.2% (continued)

     

Quaker Chemical Corp.1

     26,938      $ 6,216,752  

RPM International, Inc.

     63,031        6,366,131  

Total Materials

        35,130,238  

Real Estate - 6.6%

     

American Campus Communities, Inc., REIT

     90,009        5,156,616  

Easterly Government Properties, Inc., REIT

     238,885        5,475,244  

Hudson Pacific Properties, Inc., REIT

     200,978        4,966,166  

Physicians Realty Trust, REIT

     255,552        4,812,044  

PS Business Parks, Inc., Class A, REIT

     19,190        3,534,222  

Summit Hotel Properties, Inc., REIT *

     359,240        3,506,182  

Sun Communities, Inc., REIT

     45,584        9,571,273  

Total Real Estate

        37,021,747  
      Shares      Value  

Utilities - 1.9%

     

IDACORP, Inc.

     53,833        $6,099,817  

Portland General Electric Co.

     90,539        4,791,324  

Total Utilities

        10,891,141  

Total Common Stocks

     

(Cost $389,214,066)

        541,532,020  

Total Investments - 96.1%

     

(Cost $389,214,066)

        541,532,020  

Other Assets, less Liabilities - 3.9%

        21,779,325  

Net Assets - 100.0%

        $563,311345  
 

 

*  Non-income producing security.

1  Some of these securities, amounting to $26,963,926 or 4.8% 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.

 

    

   

 

   

   

  

REIT   Real Estate Investment Trust

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments by the fair value hierarchy levels as of December 31,2021:

 

     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  
Investments in Securities            

Common Stocks

   $ 541,532,020                    $ 541,532,020  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities

   $ 541,532,020                    $ 541,532,020  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

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 31,2021, 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 31,2021, AMG GW&K Global Allocation Fund (the “Fund”) Class N shares returned 2.44%, compared to the 8.79% return for its blended benchmark which consists of 60% the MSCI ACWI Index and 40% the Bloomberg Global Aggregate Bond Index.

 

ASSET ALLOCATION

 

The asset allocation framework for the Fund favored equities over fixed income throughout the year. At the end of 2021, the equity/fixed income asset allocation stood at 70%/30%. Following exceptionally strong equity market performance, the allocation was adjusted modestly in December from the strategic target equity/fixed income allocation of 75%/25% that was held for most of the year. The tilt toward equities had a positive impact on the Fund’s relative performance to a blended 60% MSCI ACWI Index/40% Barclays Global Aggregate Index benchmark. The allocation reflects our judgement that equities are likely to outperform bonds in coming quarters, continuing the trend seen in 2021.

 

The continued tilt toward equities is based on both quantitative and qualitative judgments. First, relative asset-class valuations continue to favor equities, with almost all developed nations’ government bonds offering negative yields in inflation-adjusted terms. Second, the committee believes that the most likely scenario for the global economy is continued expansion for the next several years. That said, with the U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI) having posted a 6.8% rise in November from a year earlier, pressures mounted on the U.S. Federal Reserve (the “Fed”) to take measures to curb inflation. A hawkish pivot was confirmed at the December Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting, which unveiled an accelerated tapering of the Fed’s asset purchase program with the aim of ending purchases by March 2022. It also looks increasingly likely that the Fed will begin to hike rates in March and may undertake 3 or 4 quarter-point rate hikes over the course of the year. Moreover, the Fed signaled its intent to start reducing its balance sheet soon after the first rate hike in a process known as quantitative tightening (QT). Although history shows that bull markets tend to survive the initiation of a monetary tightening cycle, the result may be less robust equity returns associated with slower corporate earnings growth and reduced investor risk appetite. That said, we think odds of a U.S. recession anytime soon remain low 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 of the MSCI ACWI Index. That stood at 3.7% at the end of 2021, based on the inverse of the corresponding Shiller PE (Price to Earnings) ratio of 27.0 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 19.4 times, Those figures suggest that equities are somewhat expensive 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 2021, the yield on 10-Year U.S. Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (“TIPS”) stood at (1.1)%. The gap between the long-term earnings yield of 3.7% for global equities and (1.1)% for TIPS securities suggests the potential for global equities to outperform bonds by about 4.8% per annum over the next five to ten years.

 

In short, investors continue to have strong incentives to favor equities over fixed income, notwithstanding the potential for greater volatility in equities. Key risks would be if the broad-based economic recovery that is evident in global economic data gives way to renewed economic weakness or if the Fed and other major central banks need to pursue significantly more restrictive monetary policy than is already priced into markets. Those risks will be monitored carefully, but we currently view such risks to be low enough to justify a significant tilt toward equities.

 

EQUITY

 

Global equity markets delivered solid performance in 2021, as abundant liquidity and the ongoing post-pandemic business recovery offset new COVID variants, continuous supply-chain bottlenecks and persistently high inflation in several countries. The MSCI ACWI Index gained 18.5%, commodities rallied, and the U.S. Dollar Index finished the year up 6.7%, North America and Europe were the standout regions thanks to record-setting earnings surprises throughout the year. Asia struggled with Japan up only marginally and China was down sharply on widespread regulatory changes, real estate sector concerns, and a zero-tolerance COVID policy that hamstrung several industries.

 

The Fund’s equity sleeve was the primary driver of the Fund’s overall underperformance. Stock selection in the consumer discretionary and information technology (IT) sectors were the main detractors.

     

Regulatory tightening in China caused a sharp decline in the portfolio’s consumer discretionary holdings, including TAL Education Group, Sands China, Ltd. and Alibaba Group Holdings, Inc. TAL Education and Sands China were sold. Within IT, some of our strong performers in 2020 were laggards in 2021; PayPal Holdings, Inc., Black Knight, Inc., and Mastercard, Inc., Class A are a few prime examples. PayPal’s solid fundamental trends were obscured by a customer (eBay) transitioning off its platform at a faster rate and a rumored acquisition of Pinterest, which called into question the company’s strategy. Otherwise, business fundamentals in the remaining IT stocks that lagged this year remain solidly intact. Health care was the top contributing sector, due mostly from stock selection. U.S managed care company, UnitedHealth Group, Inc., topped the list with its 45% return. U.S. animal health diagnostics company IDEXX Laboratories, Inc., and STERIS PLC, a sterilization company in Ireland, rounded out the list of top performers. The 65% return in Alphabet, Inc, Class A drove performance in the communication services sector.

 

On a geographic level, Asia, most notably China, was the Fund’s worst country. Our overweight allocation was a significant detractor as well as security selection within China hurt performance. India also detracted from results, mostly due to security selection, though our overweight allocation was also a modest drag. North America was the second biggest detractor by region. Our underweight allocation to the U.S. hurt results, and security selection detracted from relative performance as well. On the positive side, Western Europe was the top contributor, all from security selection, and our zero weight in South America contributed from an allocation standpoint.

 

As the world shifts to a more balanced post-pandemic business recovery, normalization of monetary policy, specifically in the U.S., will likely usher in a broader equity market driven by company fundamentals. However, withdrawing stimulus at a pace that contains inflation without derailing growth is essential to this outcome. There could be bouts of market volatility as policy shifts, but, as always, our focus will be to discover high-quality companies able to generate sustainable earnings growth–the drivers of long-term returns. In addition, a challenging 2021 does not alter our view on

 

 

22


  

    

    AMG GW&K Global Allocation Fund

     Portfolio Manager’s Comments (continued)

 

    

 

emerging market equities—we believe they remain a compelling long – term investment opportunity. Wealth creation across emerging markets – particularly in the populous Asian region – is a major driver of global economic growth, benefiting a host of local and multinational companies.

 

FIXED INCOME

 

Fixed income markets posted their worst returns since 2013 amid a sharp increase in inflation and a rebound in growth. Consumers were supported in the form of a $1.9 trillion fiscal stimulus package and the economy was backed by an ultra-loose monetary policy from the Fed. Fixed income was essentially unchanged in the second half of the year despite a steady succession of headlines related to COVID-19, geopolitics, and price increases. Consequently, with the essentially flat returns during Q3 and Q4, losses earlier in the year persisted. Supply-chain constraints, energy shortages, and limited labor

     

 

availability threatened to weigh

on growth, but there have been few indications that these market failures reflect any weakness in aggregate demand. Indeed, concerns escalated about rising inflation, which printed at its highest level in almost 40 years. The Fed executed a “hawkish pivot” in acknowledging more persistent inflationary forces and signaled their intention to respond accordingly.

 

The Fund’s fixed income sleeve finished ahead of its benchmark. Substantially all of the Fund’s fixed income holdings are dollar-denominated, which helped returns as the dollar strengthened during the year. Performance also benefited primarily from favorable sector allocation due to its overweight to corporates (especially an out-of-benchmark allocation to high yield corporates). The influence of security selection within corporates was negligible for the year while local market exposure was a slight positive. The yield curve effect was neutral.

     

The fixed income segment of the Fund is constructed to benefit from the next phase of the economic cycle. We believe the bias in rates is likely to the upside and consequently we are shorter than our benchmark. With respect to curve positioning, we remain underweight the long end because we see a more appealing risk profile in intermediates, which offer attractive carry and roll with less exposure to potential volatility as rates move higher. With respect to sector allocation, we still have a constructive fundamental outlook for the credit market amid the abundant liquidity and little evidence of financial distress, Regionally, 45% of our holdings’ revenue is derived from outside the U.S. to improve portfolio diversification and expand the universe of investment opportunities.

 

The views expressed represent the opinions of GW&K Investment Management, LLC 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 31,2011, 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 31,2021.

 

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

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

          

Class N

     2.44     9.84     9.20     8.12     01/02/97  

Class I

     2.60     10.00           9.18     11/30/12  

Class Z

     2.73     10.13     9.48     8.48     01/02/97  

 

 

60% MSCI ACWI/40% Bloomberg Global Aggregate Bond Index11, 12

     8.79     10.18     7.97            

MSCI ACWI Index 11

     18.54     14.40     11.85            

Bloomberg Global Aggregate Bond Index12

     (4.71 %)      3.36     1.77            

 

 

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, 2021. All returns are in U.S. dollars ($).

 

2 

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

 

3 

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.

 

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 

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.

 

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 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 

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.

 

10 

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

 

11 

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 MSCI All Country World Index (ACWI) is unmanaged, is not available for investment and does not incur expenses.

 

 

 

24


  

    

    AMG GW&K Global Allocation Fund

    Portfolio Manager’s Comments (continued)

 

    

 

12 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, 2021

 

    

 

PORTFOLIO BREAKDOWN

    Sector

 

   % of
Net Assets
 

Information Technology

   21.9
 

Consumer Discretionary

   15.3
 

Industrials

   13.5
 

Financials

   11.1
 

Health Care

   10.3
 

U.S. Government and Agency Obligations

     9.3
 

Communication Services

     6.6
 

Foreign Government Obligations

     6.3
 

Utilities

     2.6
 

Real Estate

     2.3
 

Municipal Bonds

     1.1
 

Short-Term Investments

     1.4
 

Other Assets Less Liabilities

   (1.7)

 

    Rating    % of Market Value1
 

U.S. Government and Agency Obligations

   34.6
 

Aaa/AAA

   10.0
 

Aa/AA

   18.7
 

A

     3.0
 

Baa/BBB

   17.5
 

Ba/BB

   15.8
 

B

     0.4

TOP TEN HOLDINGS

    Security Name   % of
Net Assets
 

Infineon Technologies AG (Germany)

  3.1
 

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

  3.0
 

Adyen, N.V. (Netherlands)

  2.9
 

Alphabet, Inc., Class A

 
 

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

  2.7
 

Casella Waste Systems, Inc., Class A

  2.5
 

Halma PLC (United Kingdom)

  2.5
 

The Charles Schwab Corp.

 
 

STERIS PLC

  2.4
 

HDFC Bank, Ltd., ADR (India)

  2.4
 
   

 

    Top Ten as a Group

  26.9
   

 

     

 

 

 

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/Baa or higher. Below investment grade ratings are credit ratings of BB/Ba 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, 2021

 

    

 

      Shares      Value  

Common Stocks - 73.2%

     

Communication Services - 6.6%

 

  

Alphabet, Inc., Class A*

     1,258        $3,644,476  

Charter Communications, Inc., Class A*,1

     3,443        2,244,733  

Tencent Holdings, Ltd. (China)

     43,500        2,538,274  

Total Communication Services

        8,427,483  

Consumer Discretionary - 15.3%

 

  

Alibaba Group Holding, Ltd. (China)*

     135,500        1,991,252  

Amazon.com, Inc.*

     855        2,850,861  

Huazhu Group, Ltd., ADR (China)*

     55,580        2,075,357  

LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE (France)

     2,548        2,105,754  

MakeMyTrip, Ltd. (India)*

     105,731        2,929,806  

Moncler SpA (Italy)

     40,650        2,937,707  

Trip.com Group, Ltd. (China)*

     85,700        2,101,927  

Yum China Holdings, Inc. (China)

     48,700        2,391,972  

Total Consumer Discretionary

        19,384,636  

Financials - 9.0%

 

  

AIA Group, Ltd. (Hong Kong)

     237,400        2,396,042  

The Charles Schwab Corp.

     37,100        3,120,110  

Goosehead Insurance, Inc., Class A

     21,645        2,815,582  

HDFC Bank, Ltd., ADR (India)

     46,890        3,051,132  

Total Financials

        11,382,866  

Health Care - 10.3%

 

  

Avantor, Inc.*

     72,300        3,046,722  

IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.*

     4,614        3,038,134  

STERIS PLC

     12,700        3,091,307  

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

     7,612        3,822,290  

Total Health Care

        12,998,453  

Industrials - 5.6%

 

  

Casella Waste Systems, Inc., Class A*

     37,360        3,191,291  

MISUMI Group, Inc. (Japan)

     71,900        2,953,795  

Roper Technologies, Inc.

     2,005        986,179  

Total Industrials

        7,131,265  

Information Technology - 21.9%

 

  

Adyen, N.V. (Netherlands)*,1,2

     1,414        3,711,754  

ANSYS, Inc.*

     6,850        2,747,672  

Black Knight, Inc.*

     31,500        2,611,035  

Halma PLC (United Kingdom)

     72,300        3,134,848  

Infineon Technologies AG (Germany)

     85,240        3,924,319  

Mastercard, Inc., Class A

     7,960        2,860,187  

PayPal Holdings, Inc.*

     12,510        2,359,136  

ServiceNow, Inc.*

     4,455        2,891,785  
      Shares      Value  

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

     28,480        $3,426,429  

Total Information Technology

        27,667,165  

Real Estate - 2.3%

 

  

American Tower Corp., REIT

     9,820        2,872,350  

Utilities - 2.2%

 

  

NextEra Energy, Inc.

     30,430        2,840,945  

Total Common Stocks

     

(Cost $60,500,287)

        92,705,163  
     Principal
Amount
        

Corporate Bonds and Notes - 10.4%

 

  

Financials - 2.1%

 

  

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

   $ 300,000        299,456  

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

     168,000        184,734  

Ally Financial, Inc.
8.000%, 11/01/31

     102,000        144,388  

Bank of America Corp.
MTN, (4.330% to 03/15/49 then 3 month LIBOR + 1.520%), 4.330%, 03/15/503,4

     283,000        350,102  

CIT Group, Inc.
6.125%, 03/09/281

     143,000        172,673  

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

     165,000        165,000  

Iron Mountain, Inc.
4.500%, 02/15/312

     176,000        177,881  

Landwirtschaftliche Rentenbank, EMTN (Germany)
1.750%, 01/14/27

     350,000        356,294  

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

     310,000        316,200  

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

     152,000        156,560  

Sprint Capital Corp.
6.875%, 11/15/28

     115,000        145,475  

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

     234,000        243,945  

Total Financials

        2,712,708  

Industrials - 7.9%

 

  

AECOM
5.125%, 03/15/27

     148,000        161,223  
 

 

 

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 - 7.9% (continued)

 

  

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

   $ 171,000        $200,251  

Apache Corp.
4.625%, 11/15/25

     160,000        171,800  

ArcelorMittal, S.A. (Luxembourg)
4.250%, 07/16/291

     150,000        164,240  

Arconic, Inc. 5.900%, 02/01/27

     20,000        22,850  

Ardagh Metal Packaging Finance USA LLC/Ardagh Metal Packaging Finance PLC
3.250%, 09/01/281,2

     200,000        197,755  

AT&T, Inc.
4.300%, 12/15/42

     199,000        224,670  

Ball Corp.
4.875%, 03/15/26

     138,000        152,007  

Berry Global, Inc.
1.500%, 01/15/272,6

     166,000        192,410  

5.625%, 07/15/272

     170,000        177,862  

The Boeing Co.
5.805%, 05/01/50

     125,000        169,266  

Centene Corp.
2.500%, 03/01/31

     51,000        49,649  

3.375%, 02/15/30

     114,000        116,096  

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

     122,000        169,872  

Cogent Communications Group, Inc.
3.500%, 05/01/262

     170,000        172,666  

CommonSpirit Health
3.347%, 10/01/29

     132,000        140,366  

Crown Americas LLC/Crown Americas Capital Corp. V
4.250%, 09/30/26

     143,000        152,653  

CVS Health Corp.
5.125%, 07/20/45

     162,000        210,578  

Dell, Inc.
7.100%, 04/15/281

     139,000        174,144  

Delta Air Lines, Inc.
3.800%, 04/19/23

     161,000        164,610  

Elanco Animal Health, Inc.
5.900%, 08/28/287

     125,000        145,000  

Embraer Netherlands Finance BV (Netherlands)
5.400%, 02/01/27

     236,000        245,735  

Ford Motor Co.
6.625%, 10/01/28

     274,000        329,485  

Griffon Corp.
5.750%, 03/01/28

     140,000        145,436  

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

     149,000        153,470  
      Principal
Amount
     Value  

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

   $ 171,000        $180,726  

Howmet Aerospace, Inc.

5.125%, 10/01/24

     134,000        144,385  

KB Home
4.000%, 06/15/31

     165,000        171,187  

Kraft Heinz Foods Co.
4.375%, 06/01/46

     290,000        339,590  

Lamar Media Corp.
3.750%, 02/15/28

     179,000        179,447  

Lumen Technologies Inc
5.625%, 04/01/25

     129,000        136,446  

MDC Holdings, Inc.
2.500%, 01/15/311

     175,000        169,266  

MercadoLibre, Inc.
2.375%, 01/14/26

     250,000        243,127  

Meritor, Inc.
6.250%, 06/01/252

     135,000        140,738  

MGM Resorts International
5.750%, 06/15/251

     145,000        156,056  

Microsoft Corp.
2.525%, 06/01/50

     190,000        185,286  

Murphy Oil USA, Inc.
5.625%, 05/01/27

     167,000        173,680  

Nestle Holdings, Inc.
1.000%, 09/15/272

     275,000        263,866  

Netflix, Inc.
3.000%, 06/15/252,6

     155,000        191,188  

Newell Brands, Inc.
4.700%, 04/01/267

     135,000        147,184  

NuStar Logistics LP
5.750%, 10/01/25

     161,000        173,255  

Occidental Petroleum Corp.
5.500%, 12/01/25

     157,000        174,171  

Pernod Ricard International Finance LLC
1.250%, 04/01/281,2

     400,000        378,886  

PulteGroup, Inc.

5.500%, 03/01/26

     121,000        137,579  

Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd. (Liberia)
10.875%, 06/01/232

     130,000        142,026  

Silgan Holdings, Inc.
4.125%, 02/01/28

     157,000        160,336  

SK Hynix, Inc. (South Korea)
2.375%, 01/19/312

     200,000        192,473  

Smith & Nephew PLC (United Kingdom)
2.032%, 10/14/30

     332,000        320,595  

Teva Pharmaceutical Finance Netherlands III (Netherlands)
2.800%, 07/21/23

     175,000        175,606  

Travel + Leisure Co.
5.650%, 04/01/247

     145,000        154,063  
 

 

 

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  

Industrials - 7.9% (continued)

 

  

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

     $190,000        $192,850  

Verizon Communications, Inc. 3.875%, 02/08/291

     151,000        167,334  

Walmart, Inc. 4.050%, 06/29/48

     176,000        223,678  

Western Digital Corp. 4.750%, 02/15/26

     152,000        166,203  

Yum! Brands, Inc. 3.625%, 03/15/31

     174,000        173,347  

Total Industrials

        9,958,668  

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

     219,000        228,308  

Northern States Power Co. 2.900%, 03/01/50

     219,000        221,096  

Total Utilities

        449,404  

Total Corporate Bonds and Notes
(Cost $12,987,479)

        13,120,780  

Municipal Bonds -1.1%

 

  

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

     215,000        358,804  

JobsOhio Beverage System Series B, 4.532%, 01/01/35

     290,000        351,044  

Los Angeles Unified School District, School Improvements 5.750%, 07/01/34

     255,000        331,919  

New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund Authority Series C, 5.754%, 12/15/28

     280,000        327,551  

Total Municipal Bonds
(Cost $1,352,627)

        1,369,318  

U.S. Government and Agency Obligations -9.3%

 

  

Fannie Mae - 4.3%

 

  

FNMA
2.000%, 02/01/36 to 05/01/36

     434,333        447,352  

2.500%, 01/01/35 to 02/01/35

     215,373        222,920  

3.500%, 01/01/48

     329,206        354,620  

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

     1,577,650        1,712,845  

4.500%, 10/01/45 to 08/01/50

     1,791,433        1,953,429  

5.000%, 08/01/49 to 08/01/50

     748,044        830,996  

5.500%, 02/01/37

     6,266        6,983  

Total Fannie Mae

        5,529,145  

Freddie Mac - 0.8%

 

  

FHLMC Gold Pool
3.500%, 05/01/44 to 01/01/46

     953,585        1,027,951  
      Principal
Amount
     Value  

U.S. Treasury Obligations - 4.2%

 

  

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

     $969,000        $958,704  

2.250%, 05/15/41

     877,000        921,124  

3.000%, 11/15/44

     138,000        164,565  

3.125%, 05/15/48

     271,000        338,687  

3.500%, 02/15/39

     613,000        769,028  

5.000%, 05/15/37

     994,000        1,446,852  

U.S. Treasury Notes
1.500%, 02/15/30

     691,000        694,563  

Total U.S. Treasury Obligations

        5,293,523  

Total U.S. Government and Agency Obligations
(Cost $11,946,891)

        11,850,619  

Foreign Government Obligations - 6.3%

 

  

Abu Dhabi Government International Bond
(United Arab Emirates)
2.500%, 04/16/251,2

     350,000        363,178  

African Development Bank (Côte d’lvoire)
0.875%, 03/23/26

     360,000        354,088  

Agence Francaise de Developpement EPIC (France)
0.625%, 01/22/26

     200,000        195,083  

Asian Development Bank (Philippines)
1.750%, 09/19/29

     350,000        355,003  

China Government Bond (China)
Series INBK 2.880%, 11/05/238

     6,210,000        983,096  

Series INBK 3.270%, 11/19/308

     6,300,000        1,022,152  

European Investment Bank (Luxembourg)
0.625%, 10/21/27

     300,000        285,417  

Finland Government International Bond (Finland)
0.875%, 05/20/302

     400,000        379,763  

Inter-American Development Bank
4.375%, 01/24/44

     490,000        676,889  

International Bank for Reconstruction & Development
3.125%, 11/20/25

     330,000        353,229  

International Finance Corp.
2.125%, 04/07/26

     350,000        362,814  

Japan Finance Organization for Municipalities (Japan)
1.000%, 05/21/252

     732,000        725,102  

Kingdom of Belgium Government International Bond (Belgium)
1.000%, 05/28/30

     200,000        190,718  

Kommunalbanken A.S. (Norway)
1.125%, 10/26/262

     200,000        197,715  

The Korea Development Bank (South Korea)
0.500%, 10/27/23

     269,000        266,608  

1.375%, 04/25/27

     200,000        195,583  
 

 

 

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  

Foreign Government Obligations - 6.3%

 

  

(continued)

 

  

Nederlandse Financierings-Maatschappij voor Ontwikkelingslanden, N.V. (Netherlands)
0.875%, 06/15/26

   $ 300,000        $293,592  

Philippine Government International Bond
(Philippines)
1.648%, 06/10/31

     200,000        193,545  

Province of Ontario Canada (Canada)
1.050%, 05/21/271

     276,000        269,204  

Province of Quebec Canada (Canada)
1.350%, 05/28/30

     273,000        264,147  

Total Foreign Government Obligations

     

(Cost $7,924,568)

        7,926,926  

Short-Term Investments -1.4%

     

Joint Repurchase Agreements -1.4%9

     

Daiwa Capital Markets America, dated 12/31/21,
due 01/03/22,0.040% total to be received
$720,573 (collateralized by various
U.S. Government Agency Obligations and
U.S. Treasuries, 0.000% - 6.500%, 02/10/22 - 01/01/52, totaling $734,982)

     720,571        720,571  

 

*

Non-income producing security.

 

1 

Some of these securities, amounting to $4,755,593 or 3.8% 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 31,2021, the value of these securities amounted to $7,789,997 or 6.2% of net assets.

 

3 

Fixed to variable rate investment. The rate shown reflects the fixed rate in effect at December 31,2021. Rate will reset at a future date.

 

4 

Variable rate security. The rate shown is based on the latest available information as of December 31,2021. 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 

Principal amount stated in EURO dollars (EUR).

      Principal
Amount
     Value  

RBC Dominion Securities, Inc., dated 12/31/21, due 01/03/22,0.050% total to be received $1,000,004 (collateralized by various U.S. Government Agency Obligations and U.S. Treasuries, 0.000% - 6.500%, 05/15/22 -12/01/51, totaling $1,020,000)

   $ 1,000,000        $1,000,000  

Total Joint Repurchase Agreements

        1,720,571  

Total Short-Term Investments
(Cost $1,720,571)

        1,720,571  

Total Investments - 101.7%
(Cost $96,432,423)

        128,693,377  

Other Assets, less Liabilities - (1.7)%

 

     (2,121,559)  

Net Assets - 100.0%

        $126,571,818  

    

     

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7 

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

 

8 

Principal amount stated in Chinese Yuan (CNY).

 

9 

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

 

EPIC

Etablissement Public à caractere Industriel ou Commercial

 

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, 2021:

 

     Level 1      Level 21      Level 3      Total  

Investments in Securities

           

Common Stocks

           

Information Technology

   $ 16,896,244      $ 10,770,921             $ 27,667,165  

Consumer Discretionary

     7,856,024        11,528,612               19,384,636  

Health Care

     12,998,453                      12,998,453  

Financials

     8,986,824        2,396,042               11,382,866  

Communication Services

     5,889,209        2,538,274               8,427,483  

Industrials

     4,177,470        2,953,795               7,131,265  

Real Estate

     2,872,350                      2,872,350  

Utilities

     2,840,945                      2,840,945  

Corporate Bonds and Notes

            13,120,780               13,120,780  

Municipal Bonds

            1,369,318               1,369,318  

U.S. Government and Agency Obligations

            11,850,619               11,850,619  

Foreign Government Obligations

            7,926,926               7,926,926  

Short-Term Investments

           

Joint Repurchase Agreements

            1,720,571               1,720,571  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities

   $ 62,517,519      $ 66,175,858                —      $ 128,693,377  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

All corporate bonds and notes, municipal bonds, and U.S. government and agency obligations held in the Fund are Level 2 securities. For a detailed breakout of corporate bonds and notes, municipal bonds, and U.S. government and agency 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 31,2021, there were no transfers in or out of Level 3.

The country allocation in the Schedule of Portfolio Investments at December 31,2021, was as follows:

 

Country    % of Long-Term
Investments

Belgium

       0.2

Bermuda

       0.1

Canada

       0.4

China

       10.3

Côte d’lvoire

       0.3

Finland

       0.3

France

       1.8

Germany

       3.4

Hong Kong

       1.9

India

       4.7

Ireland

       0.2

Itely

       2.3

Japan

       2.9
Country    % of Long-Term
Investments

Liberia

       0.1

Luxembourg

       0.4

Netherlands

       3.5

Norway

       0.2

Philippines

       0.4

South Korea

       0.5

Taiwan

       2.7

United Arab Emirates

       0.3

United Kingdom

       2.7

United States

       60.4
    

 

 

 
       100.0
    

 

 

 
 

 

 

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

31


  

    

    Statement of Assets and Liabilities

     December 31, 2021

 

    

 

 

    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 $35,945,664, $14,980,710, $26,963,926, and $4,755,593, respectively)

    $752,057,309       $368,698,255       $541,532,020       $128,693,377  

Cash

    8,407,666       2,164,972       9,536,310        

Foreign currency2

                      265,834  

Receivable for investments sold

          1,420,083             4,203,477  

Dividend and interest receivables

    388,845       362,641       148,178       295,155  

Securities lending income receivable

    2,904       1,431       3,218       872  

Receivable for Fund shares sold

    442,435       72,353       12,556,318       200,624  

Receivable from affiliate

    7,847             23,855        

Prepaid expenses and other assets

    21,470       15,305       13,569       21,564  

Total assets

    761,328,476       372,735,040       563,813,468       133,680,903  

Liabilities:

       

Payable upon return of securities loaned

    2,198,953                   1,720,571  

Payable for Fund shares repurchased

    983,195       173,554       27,171       3,534,784  

Interfund loan payable

                      1,641,021  

Accrued expenses:

       

Investment advisory and management fees

    445,021       220,350       282,385       95,709  

Administrative fees

    95,361       46,722       68,319       17,506  

Distribution fees

    2,349             14,723       8,881  

Shareholder service fees

    24,580       52,630       11,612       7,849  

Other

    124,009       109,199       97,913       82,764  

Total liabilities

    3,873,468       602,455       502,123       7,109,085  
       

Net Assets

    $757,455,008       $372,132,585       $563,311,345       $126,571,818  

1 Investments at cost

    $502,358,938       $286,517,400       $389,214,066       $96,432,423  

2 Foreign currency at cost

                      $264,492  

 

 

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

32


  

    

    

    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

     $511,349,907        $288,400,551        $405,020,780        $90,296,317  

Total distributable earnings

     246,105,101        83,732,034        158,290,565        36,275,501  

Net Assets

     $757,455,008        $372,132,585        $563,311,345        $126,571,818  

Class N:

           

Net Assets

     $11,278,273        $223,585,743        $70,736,196        $41,938,634  

Shares outstanding

     340,443        7,235,174        3,706,444        2,150,166  

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share

     $33.13        $30.90        $19.08        $19.50  

Class I:

           

Net Assets

     $546,325,641        $115,837,211        $293,613,809        $81,514,962  

Shares outstanding

     16,057,929        3,752,564        15,330,170        4,128,106  

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share

     $34.02        $30.87        $19.15        $19.75  

Class Z:

           

Net Assets

     $199,851,094        $32,709,631        $198,961,340        $3,118,222  

Shares outstanding

     5,869,515        1,063,541        10,372,179        157,824  

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share

     $34.05        $30.76        $19.18        $19.76  

 

 

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

33


  

    

    Statement of Operations

     For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021

 

    

 

 

    

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

     $5,811,232          $5,004,419          $3,381,885          $538,603    

Interest income

     749                   230          760,974    

Securities lending income

     72,747          23,835          33,756          16,528    

Foreign withholding tax

     (20,785                 (12,944        (46,341  

Total investment income

     5,863,943          5,028,254          3,402,927          1,269,764    

 Expenses:

                   

Investment advisory and management fees

     4,828,317          2,501,302          2,831,620          896,197    

Administrative fees

     1,034,639          535,994          685,069          224,049    

Distribution fees - Class N

     26,014                   142,062          119,896    

Shareholder servicing fees - Class N

     15,608          604,339                      

Shareholder servicing fees - Class I

     272,701          49,757          122,320          97,836    

Registration fees

     59,414          56,702          44,075          48,914    

Custodian fees

     57,918          32,094          40,877          31,153    

Professional fees

     54,309          44,626          61,930          49,188    

Trustee fees and expenses

     47,748          23,927          30,708          10,030    

Reports to shareholders

     26,118          35,316          31,527             

Transfer agent fees

     24,279          28,384          21,884          12,140    

Interest expense

     2,661          2,181                   42    

Miscellaneous

     19,123          10,337          10,071          1,325    

Repayment of prior reimbursements

     63,818                   29,974             

Total expenses before offsets

     6,532,667          3,924,959          4,052,117          1,490,770    

Expense reimbursements

     (7,847        (52,722        (42,690        (63,131  

Expense reductions

     (31,864        (76,831        (28,705           

Net expenses

     6,492,956          3,795,406          3,980,722          1,427,639    
                   

Net investment income (loss)

     (629,013        1,232,848          (577,795        (157,875  

 Net Realized and Unrealized Gain:

                   

Net realized gain on investments

     49,419,834          38,956,174          32,735,934          8,637,890    

Net realized loss on foreign currency transactions

                                (16,235  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments

     79,668,547          60,248,817          63,516,205          (4,390,830  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on foreign currency translations

                                (12,934  

Net realized and unrealized gain

     129,088,381          99,204,991          96,252,139          4,217,891    
                   

 Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

     $128,459,368          $100,437,839          $95,674,344          $4,060,016    

 

 

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

34


  

    

    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
 
     2021     2020     2021     2020  

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting From Operations:

        

Net investment income (loss)

     $(629,013     $1,002,236       $1,232,848       $1,157,753  

Net realized gain on investments

     49,419,834       29,838,323       38,956,174       106,326,548  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments

     79,668,547       72,950,806       60,248,817       (122,030,123

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

     128,459,368       103,791,365       100,437,839       (14,545,822

Distributions to Shareholders:

        

Class N

     (949,945     (206,153     (28,587,718     (78,448,514

Class I

     (46,514,091     (11,703,788     (12,015,888     (32,924,631

Class Z

     (15,991,224     (3,120,957     (1,267,238     (3,178,095

Total distributions to shareholders

     (63,455,260     (15,030,898     (41,870,844     (114,551,240

Capital Share Transactions:1

        

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

     87,562,396       64,165,490       (23,573,512     (27,451,765
        

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

     152,566,504       152,925,957       34,993,483       (156,548,827

Net Assets:

        

Beginning of year

     604,888,504       451,962,547       337,139,102       493,687,929  

End of year

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

 

1

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

 

 

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

35


  

    

    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
 
     2021     2020     2021     2020  

Increase in Net Assets Resulting From Operations:

        

Net investment income (loss)

     $(577,795     $295,299       $(157,875     $1,207,441  

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

     32,735,934       4,655,713       8,621,655       (971,068

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments

     63,516,205       45,255,119       (4,403,764     15,233,111  

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

     95,674,344       50,206,131       4,060,016       15,469,484  

Distributions to Shareholders:

 

   

From net investment income and/or realized gain on investments:

        

Class N

     (3,691,812           (999,921     (1,802,668

Class I

     (14,552,343     (194,295     (2,220,592     (4,171,934

Class Z

     (10,207,781     (187,001     (78,887     (215,224

From paid-in capital:

        

Class N

                       (11,312

Class I

                       (26,180

Class Z

                       (1,351

Total distributions to shareholders

     (28,451,936     (381,296     (3,299,400     (6,228,669

Capital Share Transactions:1

        

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

     225,319,643       22,104,665       (27,205,033     (107,931,884
        

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

     292,542,051       71,929,500       (26,444,417     (98,691,069

Net Assets:

        

Beginning of year

     270,769,294       198,839,794       153,016,235       251,707,304  

End of year

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

 

1 

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

 

 

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

36


  

     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       2021   2020   2019   2018   2017

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year

                 $29.97       $26.09       $21.03       $28.04       $24.57

Income (loss) from Investment Operations:

                       

Net investment loss1,2

          (0.15 )       (0.03 )       (0.04 )       (0.04 )       (0.06 )3

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

          6.34       4.64       6.47       (3.95 )       5.06

Total income (loss) from investment operations

          6.19       4.61       6.43       (3.99 )       5.00

Less Distributions to Shareholders from:

                       

Net realized gain on investments

          (3.03 )       (0.73 )       (1.37 )       (3.02 )       (1.53 )

Net Asset Value, End of Year

          $33.13       $29.97       $26.09       $21.03       $28.04

Total Return2,4

          21.01 %       17.73 %       30.66 %       (14.08 )%       20.32 %

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets5

          1.30 %6       1.29 %       1.29 %       1.28 %       1.32 %

Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets7

          1.30 %6       1.30 %       1.31 %       1.28 %       1.33 %

Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets2

          (0.45 )%       (0.14 )%       (0.15 )%       (0.13 )%       (0.21 )%

Portfolio turnover

          33 %       37 %       20 %       25 %       23 %

Net assets end of year (000’s) omitted

          $11,278       $8,667       $10,239       $12,655       $24,989

 

 

 

 

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 I        2021   2020   2019   2018   20178

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year

          $30.61       $26.57       $21.37       $28.42       $24.84

Income (loss) from Investment Operations:

                       

Net investment income (loss)1,2

          (0.03 )       0.05       0.05       0.06       0.07 3 
             

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

          6.47       4.76       6.58       (4.03 )       5.10

Total income (loss) from investment operations

          6.44       4.81       6.63       (3.97 )       5.17

Less Distributions to Shareholders from:

                       

Net investment income

                (0.04 )       (0.06 )       (0.06 )       (0.06 )

Net realized gain on investments

          (3.03 )       (0.73 )       (1.37 )       (3.02 )       (1.53 )

Total distributions to shareholders

          (3.03 )       (0.77 )       (1.43 )       (3.08 )       (1.59 )

Net Asset Value, End of Year

          $34.02       $30.61       $26.57       $21.37       $28.42

Total Return2,4

          21.38 %       18.16 %       31.13 %       (13.83 )%       20.79 %

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets5

          0.95 %6       0.94 %       0.94 %       0.95 %       0.95 %

Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets7

          0.95 %6       0.95 %       0.96 %       0.95 %       0.96 %

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

          (0.10 )%       0.21 %       0.20 %       0.20 %       0.24 %

Portfolio turnover

          33 %       37 %       20 %       25 %       23 %

Net assets end of year (000’s) omitted

          $546,326       $470,373       $331,703       $311,252       $403,309

 

 

 

 

38


  

    AMG GW&K Small Cap Core 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       2021   2020   2019   2018   20179

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

                 $30.61       $26.57       $21.37       $28.42       $26.13

Income (loss) from Investment Operations:

                       

Net investment income (loss)1,2

          (0.02 )       0.07       0.06       0.07       0.14 3 
             

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

          6.49       4.75       6.59       (4.03 )       3.75

Total income (loss) from investment operations

          6.47       4.82       6.65       (3.96 )       3.89

Less Distributions to Shareholders from:

                       

Net investment income

                (0.05 )       (0.08 )       (0.07 )       (0.07 )

Net realized gain on investments

          (3.03 )       (0.73 )       1.37 )       (3.02 )       (1.53 )

Total distributions to shareholders

          (3.03 )       (0.78 )       (1.45 )       (3.09 )       (1.60 )

Net Asset Value, End of Period

          $34.05       $30.61       $26.57       $21.37       $28.42

Total Return2,4

          21.48 %       18.21 %       31.13 %       (13.73 )%       14.87 %10

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets5

          0.90 %6       0.89 %       0.89 %       0.90 %       0.90 %11

Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets7

          0.90 %6       0.90 %       0.91 %       0.90 %       0.91 %11

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

          (0.05 )%       0.26 %       0.25 %       0.25 %       0.56 %11

Portfolio turnover

          33 %       37 %       20 %       25 %       23 %

Net assets end of period (000’s) omitted

          $199,851       $125,848       $110,020       $85,009       $108,047

 

 

 

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 (loss) per share would have been $(0.12), $0,01, and $0,09 for Class N, Class I and Class Z shares, 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 less than 0,01% for the fiscal year ended December 31,2021,0,01% for the fiscal years ended 2020 and 2019, less than 0,01% for the fiscal year ended 2018 and period ended December 31,2017.

6 

Such ratio includes recapture of waived/reimbursed fees from prior periods.

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 

Effective June 23,2017, Class S shares were converted to Class I shares.

9 

Commencement of operations was on February 27,2017.

10 

Not annualized.

11 

Annualized.

 

 

39


  

    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          2021   2020   2019   2018   20171

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year

          $26.71       $37.16       $30.93       $43.98       $43.30

Income (loss) from Investment Operations:

                       

Net investment income (loss)2,3

          0.09       0.08       0.07       (0.01 )       (0.08 )

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

          8.41       1.00       8.79       (8.40 )       3.73

Total income (loss) from investment operations

          8.50       1.08       8.86       (8.41 )       3.65

Less Distributions to Shareholders from:

                       

Net investment income

          (0.08 )       (0.08 )       (0.09 )            

Net realized gain on investments

          (4.23 )       (11.45 )       (2.54 )       (4.64 )       (2.97 )

Total distributions to shareholders

          (4.31 )       (11.53 )       (2.63 )       (4.64 )       (2.97 )

Net Asset Value, End of Year

          $30.90       $26.71       $37.16       $30.93       $43.98

Total Return3,4

          32.93 %       3.29 %       28.64 %       (19.00 )%       8.39 %

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets

          1.13 %5       1.17 %       1.17 %       1.17 %       1.25 %

Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets6

          1.17 %       1.21 %       1.20 %       1.18 %       1.27 %

Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets3

          0.28 %       0.28 %       0.19 %       (0.03 )%       (0.18 )%

Portfolio turnover

          41 %       115 %       20 %       24 %       33 %

Net assets end of year (000’s) omitted

          $223,586       $243,655       $359,550       $425,540       $923,139

 

 

 

 

40


  

    AMG GW&K Small Cap Value 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          2021   2020   2019   2018   20177

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

          $26.79       $37.23       $31.05       $44.06       $43.64

Income (loss) from Investment Operations:

                       

Net investment income2,3

          0.15       0.14       0.13       0.06       0.02

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

          8.42       1.02       8.83       (8.43 )       3.37

Total income (loss) from investment operations

          8.57       1.16       8.96       (8.37 )       3.39

Less Distributions to Shareholders from:

                       

Net investment income

          (0.26 )       (0.15 )       (0.24 )            

Net realized gain on investments

          (4.23 )       (11.45 )       (2.54 )       (4.64 )       (2.97 )

Total distributions to shareholders

          (4.49 )       (11.60 )       (2.78 )       (4.64 )       (2.97 )

Net Asset Value, End of Period

          $30.87       $26.79       $37.23       $31.05       $44.06

Total Return3,4

          33.17 %       3.50 %       28.86 %       (18.88 )%       7.73 %8

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets

          0.93 %5       0.99 %       1.01 %       1.01 %       1.13 %9

Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets6

          0.97 %       1.03 %       1.04 %       1.02 %       1.15 %9

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets3

          0.48 %       0.46 %       0.35 %       0.13 %       0.06 %9

Portfolio turnover

          41 %       115 %       20 %       24 %       33 %

Net assets end of period (000’s) omitted

          $115,837       $83,003       $122,323       $306,757       $362,723

 

 

 

 

41


  

    AMG GW&K Small Cap Value 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        2021   2020   2019   2018   20177

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

          $26.72       $37.16       $31.10       $44.08       $43.64

Income (loss) from Investment Operations:

                       

Net investment income2,3

          0.16       0.16       0.16       0.10       0.08

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

          8.41       1.02       8.84       (8.44 )       3.33

Total income (loss) from investment operations

          8.57       1.18       9.00       (8.34 )       3.41

Less Distributions to Shareholders from:

                       

Net investment income

          (0.30 )       (0.17 )       (0.40 )            

Net realized gain on investments

          (4.23 )       (11.45 )       (2.54 )       (4.64 )       (2.97 )

Total distributions to shareholders

          (4.53 )       (11.62 )       (2.94 )       (4.64 )       (2.97 )

Net Asset Value, End of Period

          $30.76       $26.72       $37.16       $31.10       $44.08

Total Return3,4

          33.27 %       3.57 %       28.94 %       (18.80 )%       7.78 %8

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets

          0.88 %5       0.92 %       0.92 %       0.92 %       0.98 %9

Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets6

          0.92 %       0.96 %       0.95 %       0.93 %       1.00 %9

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets3

          0.53 %       0.53 %       0.44 %       0.22 %       0.21 %9

Portfolio turnover

          41 %       115 %       20 %       24 %       33 %

Net assets end of period (000’s) omitted

          $32,710       $10,481       $11,815       $16,969       $9,929

 

 

 

1 

Effective February 27, 2017, Class S was renamed Class N.

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 

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 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.)

7 

Commencement of operations was on February 27,2017.

8 

Not annualized.

9 

Annualized.

 

 

42


  

    AMG GW&K Small/Mid 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          2021   2020   2019   2018   20171

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

          $16.04       $13.03       $9.99       $11.15       $10.35

Income (loss) from Investment Operations:

                       

Net investment income (loss)2,3

          (0.06 )       (0.01 )       0.00 4        (0.01 )       0.01 5 
             

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

          4.14       3.02       3.07       (0.91 )       0.94

Total income (loss) from investment operations

          4.08       3.01       3.07       (0.92 )       0.95

Less Distributions to Shareholders from:

                       

Net investment income

                      (0.01 )            

Net realized gain on investments

          (1.04 )             (0.02 )       (0.24 )       (0.15 )

Total distributions to shareholders

          (1.04 )             (0.03 )       (0.24 )       (0.15 )

Net Asset Value, End of Period

          $19.08       $16.04       $13.03       $9.99       $11.15

Total Return3,6

          25.63 %       23.10 %       30.64 %       (8.25 )%       9.17 %7

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets8

          1.06 %       1.10 %       1.09 %       1.09 %       1.10 %9

Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets10

          1.08 %       1.13 %       1.14 %       1.16 %       1.71 %9

Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets3

          (0.32 )%       (0.07 )%       0.02 %       (0.09 )%       0.12 %9

Portfolio turnover

          19 %       29 %       18 %       53 %       38 %

Net assets end of period (000’s) omitted

          $70,736       $224       $172       $89       $11

 

 

 

 

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 I          2021   2020   2019   2018   2017

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year

          $16.06       $13.04       $9.99       $11.15       $9.80

Income (loss) from Investment Operations:

                       

Net investment income (loss)2,3

          (0.02 )       0.01       0.02       0.01       0.03 5 
             

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

          4.15       3.03       3.07       (0.92 )       1.48

Total income (loss) from investment operations

          4.13       3.04       3.09       (0.91 )       1.51

Less Distributions to Shareholders from:

                       

Net investment income

                (0.02 )       (0.02 )       (0.01 )       (0.01 )

Net realized gain on investments

          (1.04 )             (0.02 )       (0.24 )       (0.15 )

Total distributions to shareholders

          (1.04 )       (0.02 )       (0.04 )       (0.25 )       (0.16 )

Net Asset Value, End of Year

          $19.15       $16.06       $13.04       $9.99       $11.15

Total Return3,6

          25.91 %       23.31 %       30.86 %       (8.15 )%       15.44 %

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets8

          0.86 %       0.92 %       0.94 %       0.94 %       0.94 %

Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets10

          0.88 %       0.95 %       0.99 %       1.01 %       1.62 %

Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets3

          (0.12 )%       0.11 %       0.17 %       0.06 %       0.26 %

Portfolio turnover

          19 %       29 %       18 %       53 %       38 %

Net assets end of year (000’s) omitted

          $293,614       $165,840       $102,784       $54,376       $24,266

 

 

 

 

44


  

    AMG GW&K Small/Mid 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       2021   2020   2019   2018   20171

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

          $16.07       $13.05       $10.00       $11.15       $10.35

Income (loss) from Investment Operations:

                              

Net investment income (loss)2,3

          (0.01 )       0.02       0.03       0.02       0.03 5 
             

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

          4.16       3.03       3.07       (0.91 )       0.94

Total income (loss) from investment operations

          4.15       3.05       3.10       (0.89 )       0.97

Less Distributions to Shareholders from:

                       

Net investment income

                (0.03 )       (0.03 )       (0.02 )       (0.02 )

Net realized gain on investments

          (1.04 )             (0.02 )       (0.24 )       (0.15 )

Total distributions to shareholders

          (1.04 )       (0.03 )       (0.05 )       (0.26 )       (0.17 )

Net Asset Value, End of Period

          $19.18       $16.07       $13.05       $10.00       $11.15

Total Return3,6

          26.02 %       23.37 %       30.94 %       (7.98 )%       9.34 %7

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets8

          0.81 %       0.83 %       0.84 %       0.84 %       0.85 %9

Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets10

          0.83 %       0.86 %       0.89 %       0.91 %       1.46 %9

Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets3

          (0.07 )%       0.19 %       0.27 %       0.16 %       0.37 %9

Portfolio turnover

          19 %       29 %       18 %       53 %       38 %

Net assets end of period (000’s) omitted

          $198,961       $104,705       $95,884       $65,375       $6,980

 

 

 

1 

Commencement of operations was on February 27, 2017.

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 

Less than $0.005 per share.

5 

Includes non-recurring dividends. Without these dividends, net investment income (loss) per share would have been $(0,01), $0.00, and $0.01 for Class N, Class I and Class Z, respectively.

6 

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

7 

Not annualized.

8 

Includes reduction from broker recapture amounting to 0.01% for the fiscal year ended 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, and less than 0.01% for the fiscal year ended 2017.

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.)

 

 

45


  

    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          2021   2020   2019   2018   2017

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year

          $19.50       $17.04       $15.45       $17.03       $15.45

Income (loss) from Investment Operations:

                       

Net investment income (loss)1,2

          (0.04 )       0.10       0.25       0.18       0.10

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

          0.51       2.93       2.35       (0.67 )       2.30

Total income (loss) from investment operations

          0.47       3.03       2.60       (0.49 )       2.40

Less Distributions to Shareholders from:

                       

Net investment income

          (0.00 )3       (0.09 )       (0.27 )       (0.16 )       (0.11 )

Net realized gain on investments

          (0.47 )       (0.48 )       (0.74 )       (0.93 )       (0.71 )

Paid in capital

                (0.00 )3                  

Total distributions to shareholders

          (0.47 )       (0.57 )       (1.01 )       (1.09 )       (0.82 )

Net Asset Value, End of Year

          $19.50       $19.50       $17.04       $15.45       $17.03

Total Return2,4

          2.44 %       18.92 %       16.96 %       (2.89 )%       15.54 %

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets5

          1.06 %       1.07 %       1.08 %       1.08 %       1.09 %

Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets6

          1.10 %       1.19 %       1.16 %       1.15 %       1.14 %

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

          (0.21 )%       0.60 %       1.51 %       1.02 %       0.63 %

Portfolio turnover

          36 %       156 %       123 %       80 %       75 %

Net assets end of year (000’s) omitted

          $41,939       $51,415       $69,774       $75,271       $74,315

 

 

 

 

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 I          2021   2020   2019   2018   2017

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year

          $19.71       $17.22       $15.60       $17.19       $15.59

Income (loss) from Investment Operations:

                       

Net investment income (loss)1,2

          (0.01 )       0.13       0.28       0.21       0.13

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

          0.53       2.95       2.38       (0.68 )       2.31

Total income (loss) from investment operations

          0.52       3.08       2.66       (0.47 )       2.44

Less Distributions to Shareholders from:

                       

Net investment income

          (0.01 )       (0.11 )       (0.30 )       (0.19 )       (0.13 )

Net realized gain on investments

          (0.47 )       (0.48 )       (0.74 )       (0.93 )       (0.71 )

Paid in capital

          —         (0.00 )3       —         —         —  

Total distributions to shareholders

          (0.48 )       (0.59 )       (1.04 )       (1.12 )       (0.84 )

Net Asset Value, End of Year

          $19.75       $19.71       $17.22       $15.60       $17.19

Total Return2,4

          2.60 %       19.08 %       17.17 %       (2.77 )%       15.71 %

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets5

          0.91 %       0.92 %       0.93 %       0.92 %       0.94 %

Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets6

          0.95 %       1.04 %       1.01 %       0.99 %       0.99 %

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

          (0.06 )%       0.75 %       1.66 %       1.18 %       0.78 %

Portfolio turnover

          36 %       156 %       123 %       80 %       75 %

Net assets end of year (000’s) omitted

          $81,515       $97,869       $173,575       $166,554       $114,913

 

 

 

 

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 Z          2021   2020   2019   2018   2017

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year

          $19.71       $17.21       $15.60       $17.19       $15.58

Income (loss) from Investment Operations:

                       

Net investment income1,2

          0.01       0.14       0.30       0.22       0.15

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

          0.52       2.97       2.37       (0.67 )       2.32

Total income (loss) from investment operations

          0.53       3.11       2.67       (0.45 )       2.47

Less Distributions to Shareholders from:

                       

Net investment income

          (0.01 )       (0.13 )       (0.32 )       (0.21 )       (0.15 )

Net realized gain on investments

          (0.47 )       (0.48 )       (0.74 )       (0.93 )       (0.71 )

Paid in capital

                (0.00 )3                  

Total distributions to shareholders

          (0.48 )       (0.61 )       (1.06 )       (1.14 )       (0.86 )

Net Asset Value, End of Year

          $19.76       $19.71       $17.21       $15.60       $17.19

Total Return2,4

          2.73 %       19.28 %       17.21 %       (2.68 )%       15.90 %

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets5

          0.81 %       0.82 %       0.83 %       0.83 %       0.84 %

Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets6

          0.85 %       0.94 %       0.91 %       0.90 %       0.89 %

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets2

          0.04 %       0.85 %       1.76 %       1.27 %       0.88 %

Portfolio turnover

          36 %       156 %       123 %       80 %       75 %

Net assets end of year (000’s) omitted

          $3,118       $3,733       $8,358       $8,429       $7,060

 

 

 

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 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, less than 0.01% and 0.01% for the fiscal years ended 2017 and 2016, 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


  

    

    Notes to Financial Statements

    December 31, 2021

 

    

 

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 disruptions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic have had a global impact, and uncertainty exists as to the long-term implications. Such disruptions can adversely affect assets of the Funds and thus Fund performance.

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 for Small Cap Core, Small Cap Value and Small/Mid Cap, or the mean between the last quoted bid and ask prices (the “mean price”) for Global Allocation. Equity securities held by the Funds that are traded in the over-the-counter market (other than NMS securities) are valued at the mean 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. Effective October 1, 2021, equity securities lacking any sales in Global Allocation are valued at the last quoted bid price and equity securities traded in the over-the-counter market (other than NMS securities) in each Fund are valued at the bid price, As of October 1,2021, there was no impact to the Funds due to the changes in valuation policy.

Fixed income securities purchased with a remaining maturity exceeding 60 days are valued at the evaluated mean 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. Effective October 1, 2021, fixed income securities purchased with a remaining maturity exceeding 60 days are valued at the evaluated bid price provided by an authorized pricing service. As of October 1, 2021, the impact of the change in valuation policy to Global Allocation was $39,016 of change in unrealized appreciation/deprecation, which equates to 0.01 Net Asset Value per share.

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 underthe 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.

 

 

 

49


  

    

    

    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, swaps, 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 issuers, 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, 2021, the impact on the expenses and expense ratios were as follows: Small Cap Core $31,864 or less than 0.01%, Small Cap Value $76,831 or 0.02% and Small/Mid Cap $28,705 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 adjustments related to mergers and net operating losses. Temporary differences are primarily due to the deferral of late year losses and wash sale loss deferrals.

 

 

The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended December 31,2021 and December 31,2020 were as follows:

 

     Small Cap Core      Small Cap Value  
Distributions paid from:    2021      2020      2021      2020  

Ordinary income*

     $12,026,639        $4,358,429        $29,494,137        $6,081,044  

Long-term capital gains

     51,428,621        10,672,469        12,376,707        108,470,196  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     $63,455,260        $15,030,898        $41,870,844        $114,551,240  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

50


  

    

    

    Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

    

 

 

     Small/Mid Cap      Global Allocation  
  Distributions paid from:    2021      2020      2021      2020  

  Ordinary income*

     $2,786,628        $357,747               $1,199,737  

  Long-term capital gains

     25,665,308        23,549        $3,299,400        4,990,089  

  Paid-in capital

                          38,843  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     $28,451,936        $381,296        $3,299,400        $6,228,669  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

*

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

As of December 31, 2021, 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

    $186,696       $1,250,137       $152,612        

  Undistributed long-term capital gains

          1,493,768       6,759,461       $4,080,472  

  Late-year loss deferral

    225,157                   8,158  

At December 31, 2021 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

     $505,913,747        $258,271,278        $(12,127,716)       $246,143,562  

  Small Cap Value

     287,705,636        88,544,690        (7,552,071     80,992,619  

  Small/Mid Cap

     390,153,529        157,911,189        (6,532,697     151,378,492  

  Global Allocation

     96,491,058        34,202,988        (1,999,801     32,203,187  

 

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, 2021, 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, 2021, 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, 2022, such amounts may be used to offset future realized capital gains indefinitely, and retain their character as short-term and/or long-term.

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, the following Funds utilized capital loss carryovers in the amount of:

 

Fund    Short-Term      Long-Term  

Small/Mid Cap

            $607,944  

Global Allocation

     $1,150,789         
 

 

 

51


  

    

    

    Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

    

 

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.

For the fiscal years ended December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the capital stock transactions by class for the Funds were as follows:

 

          Small Cap Core                 Small Cap Value        
    December 31, 2021     December 31, 2020     December 31, 2021     December 31, 2020  
    Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount  

  Class N:

               

  Proceeds from sale of shares

    84,169        $2,934,323        81,195        $1,849,925        646,059        $20,089,418        874,807        $25,658,252   

  Reinvestment of distributions

    29,602        949,062        7,028        206,122        964,248        28,375,377        2,953,511        77,884,081   

  Proceeds from sale of shares issued in connection with merger1

    –        –        –        –        186,108       5,493,756       –        –   

  Cost of shares repurchased

    (62,485)       (2,150,775)       (191,533)       (4,505,002)       (3,681,845)       (115,582,183)       (4,383,180)       (125,831,759)  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

  Net increase (decrease)

    51,286       $1,732,610       (103,310)       $(2,448,955     (1,885,430     $(61,623,632)       (554,862)       $(22,289,426
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

  Class I:

               

  Proceeds from sale of shares

    2,645,735       $91,738,088       6,647,636       $153,200,697       341,959       $10,607,900       669,037       $19,414,296  

  Reinvestment of distributions

    1,277,694       42,061,693       348,162       10,423,972       396,269       11,704,153       1,212,187       32,050,234  

  Proceeds from sale of shares issued in connection with merger1

    –        –        –        –        1,824,176       53,997,408       –        –   

  Cost of shares repurchased

    (3,234,127)       (111,529,391)       (4,112,470)       (96,834,817)       (1,908,490)       (57,882,036)       (2,068,313)       (58,336,031)  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

  Net increase (decrease)

    689,302       $22,270,390       2,883,328       $66,789,852       653,914       $18,427,425       (187,089)       $(6,871,501
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

  Class Z:

               

  Proceeds from sale of shares

    3,719,320       $134,331,474       222,490       $5,627,757       139,820       $4,232,314       34,276       $1,038,772  

  Reinvestment of distributions

    441,716       14,554,549       104,205       3,120,958       42,709       1,267,237       120,519       3,178,096  

  Proceeds from sale of shares issued in connection with merger1

    –        –        –        –        914,333       26,987,694       –        –   

  Cost of shares repurchased

    (2,402,803)       (85,326,627)       (356,478)       (8,924,122)       (425,526)       (12,864,550)       (80,517)       (2,507,706)  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

  Net increase (decrease)

    1,758,233       $63,559,396       (29,783)       $(175,407     671,336       $19,622,695       74,278       $1,709,162  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
          Small/Mid Cap                 Global Allocation        
    December 31, 2021     December 31, 2020     December 31, 2021     December 31, 2020  
    Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount  

Class N:

               

  Proceeds from sale of shares

    77,253       $1,461,251       727       $10,000       294,575       $5,879,209       359,114       $6,076,127  

  Reinvestment of distributions

    188,828       3,512,206       –        –        47,121       910,836       114,659       1,674,037  

  Proceeds from sale of shares issued in connection with merger1

    3,848,331       66,278,653       –        –        –        –        –        –   

  Cost of shares repurchased

    (421,926)       (7,905,351)       –        –        (828,499)       (16,567,833)       (1,932,600)       (31,474,792)  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

  Net increase (decrease)

    3,692,486       $63,346,759       727       $10,000       (486,803)       $(9,777,788)       (1,458,827)       $(23,724,628)  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

52


  

    

    

    Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

    

 

 

          Small/Mid Cap                 Global Allocation        
    December 31, 2021     December 31, 2020     December 31, 2021     December 31, 2020  
    Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount  

Class I:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

    4,826,923       $88,859,351       4,771,671       $58,055,212       551,511       $11,042,654       2,038,932       $33,784,181  

Reinvestment of distributions

    738,929       13,795,804       11,292       178,297       31,565       617,691       112,082       1,651,265  

Proceeds from sale of shares issued in connection with merger1

    792,895       13,678,626                                      

Cost of shares repurchased

    (1,355,973)       (25,571,871)       (2,334,832)       (26,093,366)       (1,420,191)       (28,442,920)       (7,267,874)       (114,947,733)  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

    5,002,774       $90,761,910       2,448,131       $32,140,143       (837,115)       $(16,782,575)       (5,116,860)       $(79,512,287)  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class Z:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

    3,681,463       $68,683,820       740,790       $9,664,314       11,662       $233,192       85,028       $1,346,330  

Reinvestment of distributions

    516,351       9,655,772       11,828       187,001       3,937       77,077       14,496       214,292  

Proceeds from sale of shares issued in connection with merger1

    780,901       13,486,545                                      

Cost of shares repurchased

    (1,120,356)       (20,615,163)       (1,583,660)       (19,896,793)       (47,183)       (954,939)       (395,703)       (6,255,591)  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

    3,858,359       $71,210,974       (831,042)       $(10,045,478)       (31,584)       $(644,670)       (296,179)       $(4,694,969)  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

1 See Note 8 of the Notes to Financial Statements.

At December 31, 2021, certain unaffiliated shareholders of record, individually or collectively held greater than 10% of the net assets of the Funds as follows: Small/Mid Cap -one owns 14%. Transactions by these shareholders may have a material impact on the Fund.

 

h. REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS AND JOINT REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS

The Funds may enter into third-party 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, 2021, the market value of Repurchase Agreements outstanding for Small Cap Core and Global Allocation were $2,198,953 and $1,720,571, 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.

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

 

 

 

53


  

    

    

    Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

    

 

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.

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.

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, 2021, 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 %1   

 

  Small/MidCap

 

     0.62 %2   

  Global Allocation

 

     0.60 %   
          

1 Prior to December 4, 2020, the annual rate for the investment management fees for Small Cap Value was 0.73% of the Fund’s average daily net assets.

2 Prior to October 8, 2020, the annual rate for the investment management fees for Small Mid/Cap was 0.65% of the Fund’s average daily net assets.

The Investment Manager has contractually agreed, through at least May 1, 2022, 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. Prior to December 4, 2020, the expense limitation was 0.92% for Small Cap Value and prior to October 8, 2020, the expense limitation was 0.85% for Small/Mid Cap.

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, 2021, 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

          $165,098        $68,437        $179,640  

  1-2 years

    $17,562       144,468        48,533        203,900  

  2-3 years

    7,847       52,722        42,690        63,131  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

  Total

    $25,409       $362,288        $159,660        $446,671  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

54


  

    

    

    Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

    

 

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 shares 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, 2021, were as follows:

 

  Fund    Maximum Annual
Amount
Approved
    Actual  
Amount  
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%    

  Small/Mid Cap

    

  Class I

     0.05     0.05%    

  Global Allocation

    

  Class I

     0.10     0.10%  
                  

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, 2021, Global Allocation had interfund loans of $1,641,021 outstanding.

The following Funds utilized the interfund loan program during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021 as follows:

 

  Fund    Average
Lent
     Number
of Days
     Interest
Earned
     Average
Interest Rate
 

  Small Cap Core

     $3,218,752        9        $749        0.943 %   
  Small/Mid Cap      1,535,382        6        230        0.911 %   
                                     
  Fund    Average
Borrowed
     Number
of Days
     Interest
Paid
     Average
Interest Rate
 

  Small Cap Core

     $17,670,946        6        $2,661        0.916 %   
  Small Cap Value      14,059,729        6        2,181        0.944 %   

  Global Allocation

     1,641,021        1        42        0.928 %   

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, 2021, were as follows:

 

     Long Term Securities  
  Fund    Purchases      Sales  

  Small Cap Core

     $243,405,539        $218,006,210    

  Small Cap Value

     139,936,620        209,396,455    

  Small/Mid Cap

     249,072,472        85,429,329    

  Global Allocation

     39,891,492        65,573,717    
                   

Global Allocation purchases and sales of U.S. Government Obligations for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021 were $11,735,749 and $11,851,081, 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.

 

 

 

55


  

    

    

    Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

    

 

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, 2021, were as follows:

 

Fund   Securities
Loaned
    Cash
Collateral
Received
    Securities
Collateral
Received
    Total
Collateral
Received
 

 Small Cap Core

    $35,945,664       $2,198,953       $34,998,873       $37,197,826  

 Small Cap Value

    14,980,710             15,258,327       15,258,327  

 Small/Mid Cap

    26,963,926             27,780,033       27,780,033  

 Global Allocation

    4,755,593       1,720,571       3,354,347       5,074,918  

The following table summarizes the securities received as collateral for securities lending at December 31, 2021:

 

Fund   Collateral Type   Coupon
Range
 

Maturity

Date Range

 

Small Cap Core

  U.S. Treasury Obligations   0.000%-6.875%     01/31/22-11/15/51    

Small Cap Value

  U.S. Treasury Obligations   0.000%-6.875%     01/31/22-11/15/51    

Small/Mid Cap

  U.S. Treasury Obligations   0.000%-7.500%     01/31/22-08/15/51    

Global Allocation

  U.S. Treasury Obligations   0.000%-6.875%     01/31/22-11/15/50    

 

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.

7. MASTER NETTING AGREEMENTS

The Funds may enter into master netting agreements with their counterparties for the securities lending 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.

 

 

 

56


  

    

    

    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, 2021:

 

            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

              

Bank of America Securities, Inc.

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

Citigroup Global Markets, Inc.

     198,953              —              198,953              198,953              —        

RBC Dominion Securities, Inc.

     1,000,000              —              1,000,000              1,000,000              —        
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     $2,198,953              —              $2,198,953              $2,198,953              —        
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Global Allocation

              

Daiwa Capital Markets America

     $720,571              —              $720,571              $720,571              —        

RBC Dominion Securities, Inc.

     1,000,000              —              1,000,000              1,000,000              —        
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     $1,720,571              —              $1,720,571                  $1,720,571                  —        
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

8. FUND MERGER

On March 8, 2021, Small/Mid Cap acquired all the net assets of AMG GW&K Mid Cap Fund (“Mid Cap”) 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.

 

 

 

57


  

    

    

    Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

    

 

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.    

 

 

 

58


  

    

    

    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

 

Opinion 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, 2021, the related statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2021, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2021, 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 the Funds as of December 31, 2021, 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, 2021 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 Opinion

 

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, 2021 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.

 

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Boston, Massachusetts

February 24, 2022

 

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

  

 

 

59


  

    

    

    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 2021 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 $51,428,621, $12,376,707, $25,665,308 and $3,299,400, respectively, as a capital gain distribution with respect to the taxable year ended December 31, 2021, or if subsequently determined to be different, the net capital gains of such fiscal year.

 

 

 

60


  

    

    AMG Funds

    Trustees and Officers

 

    

 

 

The Trustees and Officers of the Trusts, 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 Trusts 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 Trusts’ organizational documents and policies adopted by the Boards 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 42 Funds in Fund Complex

  

Bruce B. Bingham, 73

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

 

•  Trustee since 2013 - AMG Funds

•  Trustee since 2013 - AMG Funds II

•  Oversees 46 Funds in Fund Complex

  

Kurt A. Keilhacker, 58

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 2000 - AMG Funds

•  Trustee since 2000 - AMG Funds II

•  Oversees 42 Funds in Fund Complex

  

Steven J. Paggioli, 71

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

•  Trustee since 2000 - AMG Funds

•  Trustee since 2000 - AMG Funds II

•  Oversees 46 Funds in Fund Complex

  

Eric Rakowski, 63

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; 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 46 Funds in Fund Complex

  

Victoria L. Sassine, 56

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 to 2019).

 

•  Trustee since 2000 - AMG Funds II

•  Trustee since 2004 - AMG Funds

•  Oversees 42 Funds in Fund Complex

  

Thomas R. Schneeweis, 74

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).

 

 

61


  

    

    AMG Funds

    Trustees and Officers (continued)

 

    

 

Interested Trustees

Each Trustee in the following table is an “interested person” of the Trust within the meaning of the 1940 Act. Ms. Carsman is an interested person of the Trust within the meaning of the 1940 Act by virtue of her position with, and interest in securities of, AMG.

 

  Number of Funds

  Overseen in Fund Complex

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

•  Trustee since 2011

•  Oversees 46 Funds in Fund Complex

  

Christine C. Carsman, 69

Affiliated Managers Group, Inc. (2004-Present): Senior Policy Advisor (2019-Present), Executive Vice President, Deputy General Counsel and Chief Regulatory Counsel (2017-2018), Senior Vice President and Deputy General Counsel (2011-2016), Senior Vice President and Chief Regulatory Counsel (2007-2011), Vice President and Chief Regulatory Counsel (2004-2007); Chair of the Board of Directors, AMG Funds plc (2015-2018); Director, AMG Funds plc (2010-2018); Secretary and Chief Legal Officer, AMG Funds, AMG Funds I, AMG Funds II and AMG Funds III (2004-2011); Senior Counsel, Vice President and Director of Operational Risk Management and Compliance, Wellington Management Company, LLP (1995-2004); Director Emeritus of Harding, Loevner Funds, Inc. (0 Portfolios) (2021- Present); Director of Harding, Loevner Funds, Inc. (9 portfolios) (2017-2020).

•  Trustee since 2021

•  Oversees 46 Funds in Fund Complex

  

Garret W.Weston, 40

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, 63

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, 56

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, 55

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, 51

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 since 2019

  

Patrick J. Spellman, 47

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); Senior Vice President, Chief Compliance Officer, AMG Funds LLC (2011-2017); Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer, AMG Funds, AMG Funds I, AMG Funds II, and AMG Funds III (2014-2019); Anti-Money Laundering Officer, AMG Funds IV (2016-2019); Compliance Manager, Legal and Compliance, Affiliated Managers Group, Inc. (2005-2011).

 

 

62


  

    

    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 A. Meredith, 36

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).

   

•  Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer since 2019

  

Hector D. Roman, 44

Director, Legal and Compliance, AMG Funds LLC (2020-Present); Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer, AMG Funds, AMG Funds I, AMG Funds II, AMG Funds III and AMG Funds IV (2019-Present); Manager, Legal and Compliance, AMG Funds LLC (2017-2019); Director of Compliance, Morgan Stanley Investment Management (2015-2017); Senior Advisory, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (2014-2015); Risk Manager, Barclays Investment Bank (2008-2014).

 

 

 

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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

  

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

 

AMG FQ Global Risk-Balanced

 

First Quadrant, L.P.

 

EQUITY FUNDS

AMG Beutel Goodman International Equity

 

Beutel, Goodman & Company Ltd.

 

AMG Boston Common Global Impact

 

Boston Common Asset Management, LLC

 

AMG Managers CenterSquare Real Estate

 

CenterSquare Investment 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                |       123121                AR089


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 II

   Fiscal
2021
     Fiscal
2020
 

AMG GW&K Enhanced Core Bond ESG Fund

   $ 45,370      $ 42,658  

AMG GW&K Global Allocation Fund

   $ 37,242      $ 40,849  

 

(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 Fund’s 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 II

   Fiscal
2021
     Fiscal
2020
 

AMG GW&K Enhanced Core Bond ESG Fund

   $ 6,250      $ 6,250  

AMG GW&K Global Allocation Fund

   $ 8,400      $ 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 2021 and $0 for fiscal 2020, 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 2021 and 2020 for non-audit services rendered to the Funds and Fund Service Providers were $61,150 and $62,000, respectively. 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 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, 2020, this amount reflects the amounts disclosed above in Item 4(b),(c),(d), plus $49,500 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.

(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 II

 

By:  

/s/ Keitha L. Kinne

  Keitha L. Kinne, Principal Executive Officer
Date:   March 7, 2022

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 7, 2022
By:  

/s/ Thomas Disbrow

  Thomas Disbrow, Principal Financial Officer
Date:   March 7, 2022