N-CSR 1 a_fixedincabsretrn.htm PUTNAM FUNDS TRUST a_fixedincabsretrn.htm


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: (811–07513)
Exact name of registrant as specified in charter: Putnam Funds Trust
Address of principal executive offices: 100 Federal Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110
Name and address of agent for service: Robert T. Burns, Vice President
100 Federal Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02110
Copy to:         Bryan Chegwidden, Esq.
Ropes & Gray LLP
1211 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10036
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (617) 292–1000
Date of fiscal year end: October 31, 2019
Date of reporting period: November 1, 2018 — October 31, 2019



Item 1. Report to Stockholders:

The following is a copy of the report transmitted to stockholders pursuant to Rule 30e-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940:




Putnam Fixed Income
Absolute Return
Fund

Annual report
10 | 31 | 19

 

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Delivery of paper fund reports

In accordance with regulations adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, beginning on January 1, 2021, reports like this one will no longer be sent by mail unless you specifically request it. Instead, they will be on Putnam’s website, and you will be notified by mail whenever a new one is available, and provided with a website link to access the report.

If you wish to stop receiving paper reports sooner, or if you wish to continue to receive paper reports free of charge after January 1, 2021, please see the back cover or insert for instructions. If you invest through a bank or broker, your choice will apply to all funds held in your account. If you invest directly with Putnam, your choice will apply to all Putnam funds in your account.

If you already receive these reports electronically, no action is required.



Message from the Trustees

December 11, 2019

Dear Fellow Shareholder:

We believe your mutual fund investment offers a number of advantages, such as investment diversification and daily liquidity. Putnam funds also include a commitment to active investing. Putnam’s portfolio managers and analysts take a research-intensive approach that incorporates risk management strategies designed to serve you through changing conditions.

To support your overall investment program, we believe that the counsel of a financial advisor is prudent. For over 80 years, Putnam has recognized the importance of professional investment advice. Your financial advisor can help in many ways, including defining and planning for goals, determining your appropriate level of risk, and reviewing your investments on a regular basis.

As always, your fund’s Board of Trustees remains committed to protecting the interests of Putnam shareholders like you. We thank you for investing with Putnam.





Current performance may be lower or higher than the quoted past performance, which cannot guarantee future results. Share price, principal value, and return will fluctuate, and you may have a gain or a loss when you sell your shares. Performance of class A shares assumes reinvestment of distributions and does not account for taxes. Fund returns in the bar chart do not reflect a sales charge of 2.25%; had they, returns would have been lower. See below and pages 9–11 for additional performance information. For a portion of the periods, the fund had expense limitations, without which returns would have been lower. To obtain the most recent month-end performance, visit putnam.com.


This comparison shows your fund’s performance in the context of broad market indexes for the 12 months ended 10/31/19. See above and pages 9–11 for additional fund performance information. Index descriptions can be found on page 16.

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What was the investment environment during the reporting period?

Global financial markets experienced bouts of volatility from trade tensions and concerns about slowing global growth during the trailing 12-month period. Fears of a recession in the United States and market worries drove many investors to bonds. This flight to safe assets sent yields on bonds, including U.S. Treasury securities, lower. Against this backdrop, the ICE BofAML U.S. Treasury Bill Index — the fund’s benchmark — gained 2.48% for the period.

The trade conflict between the United States and China escalated over the summer of 2019. But after months of back and forth between the world’s two largest economies, President Trump and his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, secured an interim trade understanding in October 2019. The temporary trade peace helped diffuse existing tensions. Elsewhere in the world, the United Kingdom was getting ready for snap elections in mid-December amid continued divisions over Brexit.

The Federal Reserve in October lowered the benchmark federal funds rate to a range of 1.50% to 1.75%, the third reduction since July, and hinted at a pause in its policy easing. The

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Allocations are shown as a percentage of the fund’s net assets as of 10/31/19. Cash and net other assets, if any, represent the market value weights of cash, derivatives, short-term securities, and other unclassified assets in the portfolio. Summary information may differ from the portfolio schedule included in the financial statements due to the inclusion of derivative securities, any interest accruals, the use of different classifications of securities for presentation purposes, and rounding. Allocations may not total 100% because the table includes the notional value of certain derivatives (the economic value for purposes of calculating periodic payment obligations), in addition to the market value of securities. Holdings and allocations may vary over time.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

rate cuts are part of an effort to keep borrowing cheap, credit widely available, and businesses and consumers confident. Other central banks around the world addressed market worries by also cutting rates. The European Central Bank [ECB] lowered one of its policy rates to a record low and rolled out a broader package of monetary stimulus.

Different parts of the U.S. Treasury yield curve inverted during the reporting period. The yield on the benchmark 10-year note fell below the 2-year note yield in August 2019 for the first time since 2007. The Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index, which tracks U.S. bonds, rose 11.51%. Risk assets, despite a challenging environment during the last few months of calendar 2018 performed well over the 12-month period. U.S. investment-grade corporate bonds, U.S. government and agency debt, non-U.S. sovereign bonds, mortgage credit, high-yield credit, and emerging-market debt gained.

How did the fund perform? What strategies aided performance?

The fund returned 5.93% over the trailing 12 months and outperformed its benchmark, the ICE BofAML U.S. Treasury Bill Index, which gained 2.48%, as previously mentioned.

Our global “term-structure” strategies contributed the most to performance for the annual period. These strategies consistently performed well, lifting returns in all of the three-month periods. We increased the fund’s duration — a measure of the sensitivity of bond prices to interest-rate movements — from its level in

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2018. In the middle of the period, the fund benefited from falling intermediate- and long-term yields due to duration. The flattening bias of the yield curve also provided a tailwind.

Strategies targeting prepayment risk aided fund results over the period. Holdings of reverse-mortgage interest-only [IO] securities and agency interest-only collateralized mortgage obligations [IO CMOs] added value, as did our “mortgage basis” positioning. Reverse-mortgage IOs are structured from the income streams of loans used by older homeowners to borrow against the existing equity in their home. Mortgage basis is a strategy that seeks to exploit the yield differential between current-coupon, 30-year agency pass-throughs and 30-year Treasuries.

Our mortgage-credit strategy also boosted performance. Starting in January 2019, we increased the fund’s exposure to commercial mortgage-backed securities [CMBS] via CMBX — an index that references a basket of CMBS issued in a particular year — and to other risk-driven assets. Mezzanine cash bonds also added value. Mezzanine CMBS are backed by a pool of commercial mortgage loans and are lower in the capital structure. But they provide a yield advantage over higher-rated bonds and principal protection. Bond spreads — the yield advantage credit-sensitive bonds offer over comparable-maturity U.S. Treasuries —tightened during the second half of the period.

Our corporate credit strategies also contributed to results. This asset class bounced back in 2019. Spreads on investment-grade and high-yield bonds had widened during the last few of months of 2018.


This table shows the fund’s top 10 individual holdings and the percentage of the fund’s net assets that each represented as of 10/31/19. Short-term investments, TBA commitments, and derivatives, if any, are excluded. Holdings may vary over time.

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What strategies detracted from performance?

Our active currency and emerging-market debt strategies detracted, albeit very modestly. The fund was long the Norwegian krone, which declined more than 8% against the dollar during the period. The krone declined the most among major currencies. Emerging-market debt holdings also provided a slight headwind to results. This was primarily the result of our holdings in Argentina. Argentine bond prices plunged in August 2019 following the surprising results of the country’s presidential primary. Investors appeared to show concern about the victory of the opposition leader, who in October won Argentina’s general election, and whose policies are expected to be less market friendly.

How did the fund use derivatives?

We used CMBX derivative contracts to gain exposure to CMBS. We used interest rate swaps to take tactical positions along the yield curve and to hedge the risk associated with this curve positioning. In addition, we also employed interest rate swaps for term-structure strategies, and to gain exposure to rates in various countries.

We utilized options to hedge interest rate risk, to isolate the prepayment risk associated with our CMO holdings, and to help manage overall downside risk. We also used credit default swaps to help manage the portfolio’s sector exposure and inflation risk, as well as to hedge credit risk and gain liquid exposure to individual securities. Finally, we used total return swap contracts to gain exposure to inflation as well as exposure to sectors, and to hedge that exposure to each.

What is your outlook for the markets and the economy?

We believe the global slowdown will persist. Most major economies have progressed to later stages of the business cycle. U.S. gross domestic product expanded at a 1.9% annualized rate in the second quarter, down from 3.1% in the first quarter. Despite this deceleration, we think the U.S. economy is still in good shape overall.

Consumer spending has been a major driver of growth, expanding at a 4.7% annual rate in the second quarter, the strongest pace since late


This chart shows how the fund’s top weightings have changed over the past six months. Allocations are shown as a percentage of the fund’s net assets. Current period summary information may differ from the portfolio schedule included in the financial statements due to the inclusion of derivative securities, any interest accruals, the use of different classifications of securities for presentation purposes, and rounding. Holdings and allocations may vary over time.

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2014, though it moderated to 2.9% in the third quarter. The housing market has also picked up, aided by the substantial decline in the 10-year Treasury yield — a key benchmark for mortgage rates. On the monetary policy front, we believe the most likely scenario is for one more rate cut in either late 2019 or perhaps during the first half of 2020.


We believe the yield pickup offered by U.S. corporate bonds and mortgage securities relative to lower- and even negative-yielding international debt may remain attractive to investors. Interest rates may stay within a moderate range over the near term, we believe, given the late stage of the economic cycle.

We expect to keep the fund’s duration slightly positive while maintaining a tactical bias.

We continue to have a favorable outlook for mortgage credit. We think the underlying fundamentals for commercial real estate are stable. They are supported by a growing labor market, low interest rates, and a positive U.S. economic backdrop. We also think the pricing of mortgage securities reflects overly negative sentiment toward retail properties.

We view corporate credit as fully valued. As a result, in our security selection process, we are looking to avoid companies with weak balance sheets.

In parts of the market where we target prepayment risk, we don’t think our allocations to agency IO CMOs will benefit from rising interest rates in the near term. For that reason, we are focusing on return opportunities through security selection in this area of the market.

ABOUT DERIVATIVES

Derivatives are an increasingly common type of investment instrument, the performance of which is derived from an underlying security, index, currency, or other area of the capital markets. Derivatives employed by the fund’s managers generally serve one of two main purposes: to implement a strategy that may be difficult or more expensive to invest in through traditional securities, or to hedge unwanted risk associated with a particular position.

For example, the fund’s managers might use currency forward contracts to capitalize on an anticipated change in exchange rates between two currencies. This approach would require a significantly smaller outlay of capital than purchasing traditional bonds denominated in the underlying currencies. In another example, the managers may identify a bond that they believe is undervalued relative to its risk of default, but may seek to reduce the interest-rate risk of that bond by using interest-rate swaps, a derivative through which two parties “swap” payments based on the movement of certain rates.

Like any other investment, derivatives may not appreciate in value and may lose money. Derivatives may amplify traditional investment risks through the creation of leverage and may be less liquid than traditional securities. And because derivatives typically represent contractual agreements between two financial institutions, derivatives entail “counterparty risk,” which is the risk that the other party is unable or unwilling to pay. Putnam monitors the counterparty risks we assume. For example, Putnam often enters into collateral agreements that require the counterparties to post collateral on a regular basis to cover their obligations to the fund. Counterparty risk for exchange-traded futures and centrally cleared swaps is mitigated by the daily exchange of margin and other safeguards against default through their respective clearinghouses.

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Thanks for your time and for bringing us up to date, Bill.

The views expressed in this report are exclusively those of Putnam Management and are subject to change. They are not meant as investment advice.

Please note that the holdings discussed in this report may not have been held by the fund for the entire period. Portfolio composition is subject to review in accordance with the fund’s investment strategy and may vary in the future. Current and future portfolio holdings are subject to risk.

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Your fund’s performance

This section shows your fund’s performance, price, and distribution information for periods ended October 31, 2019, the end of its most recent fiscal year. In accordance with regulatory requirements for mutual funds, we also include performance information as of the most recent calendar quarter-end and expense information taken from the fund’s current prospectus. Performance should always be considered in light of a fund’s investment strategy. Data represent past performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. More recent returns may be less or more than those shown. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, and you may have a gain or a loss when you sell your shares. Performance information does not reflect any deduction for taxes a shareholder may owe on fund distributions or on the redemption of fund shares. For the most recent month-end performance, please visit the Individual Investors section at putnam.com or call Putnam at 1-800-225-1581. Class P, R, R6, and Y shares are not available to all investors. Effective November 25, 2019, class M shares will no longer be available for purchase and will convert automatically to class A shares. See the Terms and definitions section in this report for definitions of the share classes offered by your fund.

Fund performance Total return for periods ended 10/31/19         
  Annual               
  average    Annual    Annual    Annual   
  (life of fund) 10 years average  5 years  average  3 years  average  1 year 
Class A (12/23/08)                 
Before sales charge  2.89%  27.93%  2.49%  14.10%  2.67%  15.47%  4.91%  5.93% 
After sales charge  2.68  25.06  2.26  11.53  2.21  12.87  4.12  3.55 
Class B (12/23/08)                 
Before CDSC  2.69  25.60  2.31  12.95  2.47  14.69  4.68  5.69 
After CDSC  2.69  25.60  2.31  12.95  2.47  14.69  4.68  4.69 
Class C (12/23/08)                 
Before CDSC  2.19  18.59  1.72  9.90  1.91  12.87  4.12  5.04 
After CDSC  2.19  18.59  1.72  9.90  1.91  12.87  4.12  4.04 
Class M (12/23/08)                 
Before sales charge  2.81  27.13  2.43  13.72  2.60  15.14  4.81  5.73 
After sales charge  2.74  26.18  2.35  12.87  2.45  14.28  4.55  4.94 
Class P (8/31/16)                 
Net asset value  3.15  31.14  2.75  15.56  2.93  16.38  5.19  6.18 
Class R (12/23/08)                 
Net asset value  2.63  24.79  2.24  12.66  2.41  14.59  4.64  5.64 
Class R6 (7/2/12)                 
Net asset value  3.15  31.21  2.75  15.46  2.92  16.27  5.15  6.17 
Class Y (12/23/08)                 
Net asset value  3.14  31.08  2.74  15.50  2.92  16.32  5.17  6.08 

 

Current performance may be lower or higher than the quoted past performance, which cannot guarantee future results. After-sales-charge returns for class A and M shares reflect the deduction of the maximum 2.25% and 0.75% sales charge, respectively, levied at the time of purchase. Class B share returns after contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) reflect the applicable CDSC, which is 1% in the first year, declining to 0.50% in the second year, and is eliminated thereafter. Class C share returns after CDSC reflect a 1% CDSC for the first year that is eliminated thereafter. Class P, R, R6, and Y shares have no initial sales charge or CDSC. Performance for class P and R6 shares prior to their inception is derived from the historical performance of class Y shares and has not been adjusted for the lower investor servicing fees applicable to class P and R6 shares; had it, returns would have been higher.

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For a portion of the periods, the fund had expense limitations, without which returns would have been lower.

The fund has had performance fee adjustments that may have had a positive or negative impact on returns.

Class B share performance reflects conversion to class A shares after eight years.

Class C share performance reflects conversion to class A shares after 10 years.

Comparative index returns For periods ended 10/31/19         
  Life of    Annual    Annual    Annual   
  fund  10 years  average  5 years  average  3 years  average  1 year 
ICE BofAML U.S. Treasury                 
Bill Index  0.56%  5.99%  0.58%  5.32%  1.04%  4.89%  1.60%  2.48% 

 

Index results should be compared with fund performance before sales charge, before CDSC, or at net asset value.

Fund price and distribution information For the 12 month period ended 10/31/19     
Distributions  Class A  Class B  Class C  Class M  Class P  Class R Class R6 Class Y
Number  12  12  12  12  12  12  12  12 
Income  $0.458  $0.434  $0.384  $0.457  $0.482  $0.434  $0.482  $0.482 
Capital gains                 
Total  $0.458  $0.434  $0.384  $0.457  $0.482  $0.434  $0.482  $0.482 
  Before  After  Net  Net  Before  After  Net  Net  Net  Net 
  sales  sales  asset  asset  sales  sales  asset  asset  asset  asset 
Share value  charge  charge  value  value  charge  charge  value  value  value  value 
10/31/18  $9.73  $9.95  $9.70  $9.70  $9.70  $9.77  $9.76  $9.78  $9.76  $9.74 
10/31/19  9.83  10.06  9.80  9.79  9.78  9.85  9.86  9.88  9.86  9.83 
Current rate  Before  After  Net  Net  Before  After  Net  Net  Net  Net 
(end of  sales  sales  asset  asset  sales  sales  asset  asset  asset  asset 
period)  charge  charge  value  value  charge  charge  value  value  value  value 
Current                     
dividend rate1  3.78%  3.70%  3.55%  3.06%  3.80%  3.78%  4.02%  3.52%  4.02%  4.03% 
Current                     
30-day                     
SEC yield2  N/A  3.21  3.05  2.50  N/A  3.17  3.50  3.00  3.50  3.50 

 

The classification of distributions, if any, is an estimate. Before-sales-charge share value and current dividend rate for class A and M shares, if applicable, do not take into account any sales charge levied at the time of purchase. After-sales-charge share value, current dividend rate, and current 30-day SEC yield, if applicable, are calculated assuming that the maximum sales charge (2.25% for class A shares and 0.75% for class M shares) was levied at the time of purchase. Final distribution information will appear on your year-end tax forms.

1 Most recent distribution, including any return of capital and excluding capital gains, annualized and divided by share price before or after sales charge at period-end.

2 Based only on investment income and calculated using the maximum offering price for each share class, in accordance with SEC guidelines.

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Past performance does not indicate future results. At the end of the same time period, a $10,000 investment in the fund’s class B and C shares would have been valued at $12,560 and $11,859, respectively, and no contingent deferred sales charges would apply. A $10,000 investment in the fund’s class M shares ($9,925 after sales charge) would have been valued at $12,618. A $10,000 investment in the fund’s class P, R, R6, and Y shares would have been valued at $13,114, $12,479, $13,121 and $13,108, respectively.

Fund performance as of most recent calendar quarter Total return for periods ended 9/30/19 
  Annual               
  average    Annual    Annual    Annual   
  (life of fund) 10 years average 5 years  average  3 years  average  1 year 
Class A (12/23/08)                 
Before sales charge  2.89%  28.74%  2.56%  12.69%  2.42%  15.34%  4.87%  4.97% 
After sales charge  2.67  25.84  2.33  10.15  1.95  12.74  4.08  2.60 
Class B (12/23/08)                 
Before CDSC  2.68  26.52  2.38  11.46  2.19  14.59  4.64  4.72 
After CDSC  2.68  26.52  2.38  11.46  2.19  14.59  4.64  3.72 
Class C (12/23/08)                 
Before CDSC  2.18  19.54  1.80  8.61  1.66  12.93  4.14  4.29 
After CDSC  2.18  19.54  1.80  8.61  1.66  12.93  4.14  3.29 
Class M (12/23/08)                 
Before sales charge  2.82  28.06  2.50  12.42  2.37  15.25  4.84  4.98 
After sales charge  2.75  27.10  2.43  11.58  2.22  14.38  4.58  4.19 
Class P (8/31/16)                 
Net asset value  3.15  32.07  2.82  14.23  2.70  16.34  5.18  5.32 
Class R (12/23/08)                 
Net asset value  2.63  25.74  2.32  11.40  2.18  14.60  4.65  4.79 
Class R6 (7/2/12)                 
Net asset value  3.15  32.14  2.83  14.13  2.68  16.36  5.18  5.31 
Class Y (12/23/08)                 
Net asset value  3.14  32.01  2.82  14.17  2.69  16.29  5.16  5.33 

 

See the discussion following the fund performance table on page 9 for information about the calculation of fund performance.

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Your fund’s expenses

As a mutual fund investor, you pay ongoing expenses, such as management fees, distribution fees (12b-1 fees), and other expenses. Using the following information, you can estimate how these expenses affect your investment and compare them with the expenses of other funds. You may also pay one-time transaction expenses, including sales charges (loads) and redemption fees, which are not shown in this section and would have resulted in higher total expenses. Effective November 25, 2019, class M shares will no longer be available for purchase and will convert automatically to class A shares. For more information, see your fund’s prospectus or talk to your financial representative.

Expense ratios                 
  Class A  Class B  Class C  Class M  Class P  Class R  Class R6  Class Y 
Total annual operating                 
expenses for the fiscal year                 
ended 10/31/18  0.80%  1.00%  1.55%  0.85%  0.55%  1.05%  0.55%  0.55% 
Annualized expense ratio                 
for the six-month period                 
ended 10/31/19*†  0.87%  1.07%  1.62%  0.92%  0.62%  1.12%  0.62%  0.62% 

 

Fiscal-year expense information in this table is taken from the most recent prospectus, is subject to change, and may differ from that shown for the annualized expense ratio and in the financial highlights of this report.

Expenses are shown as a percentage of average net assets.

* Expense ratios for each class are for the fund’s most recent fiscal half year. As a result of this, ratios may differ from expense ratios based on one-year data in the financial highlights.

Includes an increase of 0.02% from annualizing the performance fee adjustment for the six months ended 10/31/19.

Expenses per $1,000

The following table shows the expenses you would have paid on a $1,000 investment in each class of the fund from 5/1/19 to 10/31/19. It also shows how much a $1,000 investment would be worth at the close of the period, assuming actual returns and expenses.

  Class A  Class B  Class C  Class M  Class P  Class R  Class R6  Class Y 
Expenses paid per $1,000 *†  $4.46  $5.49  $8.29  $4.72  $3.18  $5.74  $3.18  $3.18 
Ending value (after expenses)  $1,035.00  $1,033.90  $1,031.20  $1,035.20  $1,036.20  $1,033.60  $1,036.20  $1,035.20 

 

* Expenses for each share class are calculated using the fund’s annualized expense ratio for each class, which represents the ongoing expenses as a percentage of average net assets for the six months ended 10/31/19. The expense ratio may differ for each share class.

Expenses are calculated by multiplying the expense ratio by the average account value for the period; then multiplying the result by the number of days in the period; and then dividing that result by the number of days in the year.

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Estimate the expenses you paid

To estimate the ongoing expenses you paid for the six months ended 10/31/19, use the following calculation method. To find the value of your investment on 5/1/19, call Putnam at 1-800-225-1581.


Compare expenses using the SEC’s method

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has established guidelines to help investors assess fund expenses. Per these guidelines, the following table shows your fund’s expenses based on a $1,000 investment, assuming a hypothetical 5% annualized return. You can use this information to compare the ongoing expenses (but not transaction expenses or total costs) of investing in the fund with those of other funds. All mutual fund shareholder reports will provide this information to help you make this comparison. Please note that you cannot use this information to estimate your actual ending account balance and expenses paid during the period.

  Class A  Class B  Class C  Class M  Class P  Class R  Class R6  Class Y 
Expenses paid per $1,000 *†  $4.43  $5.45  $8.24  $4.69  $3.16  $5.70  $3.16  $3.16 
Ending value (after expenses)  $1,020.82  $1,019.81  $1,017.04  $1,020.57  $1,022.08  $1,019.56  $1,022.08  $1,022.08 

 

* Expenses for each share class are calculated using the fund’s annualized expense ratio for each class, which represents the ongoing expenses as a percentage of average net assets for the six months ended 10/31/19. The expense ratio may differ for each share class.

Expenses are calculated by multiplying the expense ratio by the average account value for the six-month period; then multiplying the result by the number of days in the six-month period; and then dividing that result by the number of days in the year.

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Consider these risks before investing

Allocation of assets among fixed-income strategies and sectors may hurt performance. The value of investments in the fund’s portfolio may fall or fail to rise over extended periods of time for a variety of reasons, including general economic, political, or financial market conditions; investor sentiment and market perceptions; government actions; geopolitical events or changes; and factors related to a specific issuer, geography, industry, or sector. These and other factors may lead to increased volatility and reduced liquidity in the fund’s portfolio holdings. Bond investments are subject to interest-rate risk (the risk of bond prices falling if interest rates rise) and credit risk (the risk of an issuer defaulting on interest or principal payments). Interest-rate risk is generally greater for longer-term bonds, and credit risk is generally greater for below-investment-grade bonds. Unlike bonds, funds that invest in bonds have fees and expenses. Lower-rated bonds may offer higher yields in return for more risk. Funds that invest in government securities are not guaranteed. Mortgage-backed investments, unlike traditional debt investments, are subject to prepayment risk, which means that they may increase in value less when interest rates decline and decline in value more when interest rates rise. International investing involves currency, economic, and political risks. Emerging-market securities have illiquidity and volatility risks. The fund may not achieve its goal, and it is not intended to be a complete investment program. Risks associated with derivatives include increased investment exposure (which may be considered leverage) and, in the case of over-the-counter instruments, the potential inability to terminate or sell derivatives positions and the potential failure of the other party to the instrument to meet its obligations. The fund’s efforts to produce lower-volatility returns may not be successful and may make it more difficult at times for the fund to achieve its targeted return. Under certain market conditions, the fund may accept greater-than-typical volatility to seek its targeted return. You can lose money by investing in the fund. The fund’s prospectus lists additional risks.

The fund is not intended to outperform stocks and bonds during strong market rallies.

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Terms and definitions

Important terms

Total return shows how the value of the fund’s shares changed over time, assuming you held the shares through the entire period and reinvested all distributions in the fund.

Before sales charge, or net asset value, is the price, or value, of one share of a mutual fund, without a sales charge. Before-sales-charge figures fluctuate with market conditions, and are calculated by dividing the net assets of each class of shares by the number of outstanding shares in the class.

After sales charge is the price of a mutual fund share plus the maximum sales charge levied at the time of purchase. After-sales-charge performance figures shown here assume the 2.25% maximum sales charge for class A shares and 0.75% for class M shares.

Contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) is generally a charge applied at the time of the redemption of class B or C shares and assumes redemption at the end of the period. Your fund’s class B CDSC declines over time from a 1.00% maximum during the first year to 0.50% during the second year. After the second year, the CDSC no longer applies. The CDSC for class C shares is 1.00% for one year after purchase.

Share classes

Class A shares are generally subject to an initial sales charge and no CDSC (except on certain redemptions of shares bought without an initial sales charge).

Class B shares are closed to new investments and are only available by exchange from another Putnam fund or through dividend and/ or capital gains reinvestment. They are not subject to an initial sales charge and may be subject to a CDSC.

Class C shares are not subject to an initial sales charge and are subject to a CDSC only if the shares are redeemed during the first year.

Class M shares have a lower initial sales charge and a higher 12b-1 fee than class A shares and no CDSC. Effective November 25, 2019, class M shares will no longer be available for purchase and will convert automatically to class A shares.

Class P shares require no minimum initial investment amount and no minimum subsequent investment amount. There is no initial or deferred sales charge. They are only available to other Putnam funds and other accounts managed by Putnam Management or its affiliates.

Class R shares are not subject to an initial sales charge or CDSC and are only available to employer-sponsored retirement plans.

Class R6 shares are not subject to an initial sales charge or CDSC and carry no 12b-1 fee. They are generally only available to employer-sponsored retirement plans, corporate and institutional clients, and clients in other approved programs.

Class Y shares are not subject to an initial sales charge or CDSC and carry no 12b-1 fee. They are generally only available to corporate and institutional clients and clients in other approved programs.

Fixed-income terms

Current rate is the annual rate of return earned from dividends or interest of an investment. Current rate is expressed as a percentage of the price of a security, fund share, or principal investment.

Mortgage-backed security (MBS), also known as a mortgage “pass-through,” is a type of asset-backed security that is secured by a mortgage or collection of mortgages. The following are types of MBSs:

Agency credit-risk transfer security (CRT) is backed by a reference pool of agency mortgages. Unlike a regular agency pass-through, the principal invested in a

Fixed Income Absolute Return Fund 15 

 



CRT is not backed by a U.S. government agency. To compensate investors for this risk, a CRT typically offers a higher yield than conventional pass-through securities. Similar to a CMBS, a CRT is structured into various tranches for investors, offering different levels of risk and yield based on the underlying reference pool.

Agency “pass-through” has its principal and interest backed by a U.S. government agency, such as the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae), Government National Mortgage Association (Ginnie Mae), and Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac).

Collateralized mortgage obligation (CMO) represents claims to specific cash flows from pools of home mortgages. The streams of principal and interest payments on the mortgages are distributed to the different classes of CMO interests in “tranches.” Each tranche may have different principal balances, coupon rates, prepayment risks, and maturity dates. A CMO is highly sensitive to changes in interest rates and any resulting change in the rate at which homeowners sell their properties, refinance, or otherwise prepay loans. CMOs are subject to prepayment, market, and liquidity risks.

° Interest-only (IO) security is a type of CMO in which the underlying asset is the interest portion of mortgage, Treasury, or bond payments.

Non-agency residential mortgage-backed security (RMBS) is an MBS not backed by Fannie Mae, Ginnie Mae, or Freddie Mac. One type of RMBS is an Alt-A mortgage-backed security.

Commercial mortgage-backed security (CMBS) is secured by the loan on a commercial property.

Yield curve is a graph that plots the yields of bonds with equal credit quality against their differing maturity dates, ranging from shortest to longest. It is used as a benchmark for other debt, such as mortgage or bank lending rates.

Comparative indexes

Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index is an unmanaged index of U.S. investment-grade fixed-income securities.

CMBX Index is an unmanaged index that tracks the performance of a basket of CMBS issued in a particular year.

ICE BofAML (Intercontinental Exchange Bank of America Merrill Lynch) U.S. Treasury Bill Index is an unmanaged index that tracks the performance of U.S. dollar-denominated U.S. Treasury bills publicly issued in the U.S. domestic market. Qualifying securities must have a remaining term of at least one month to final maturity and a minimum amount outstanding of $1 billion.

S&P 500 Index is an unmanaged index of common stock performance.

Indexes assume reinvestment of all distributions and do not account for fees. Securities and performance of a fund and an index will differ. You cannot invest directly in an index.

ICE Data Indices, LLC (“ICE BofAML”), used with permission. ICE BofAML permits use of the ICE BofAML indices and related data on an “as is” basis; makes no warranties regarding same; does not guarantee the suitability, quality, accuracy, timeliness, and/or completeness of the ICE BofAML indices or any data included in, related to, or derived therefrom; assumes no liability in connection with the use of the foregoing; and does not sponsor, endorse, or recommend Putnam Investments, or any of its products or services.

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Other information for shareholders

Proxy voting

Putnam is committed to managing our mutual funds in the best interests of our shareholders. The Putnam funds’ proxy voting guidelines and procedures, as well as information regarding how your fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the 12-month period ended June 30, 2019, are available in the Individual Investors section of putnam.com and on the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) website, www.sec.gov. If you have questions about finding forms on the SEC’s website, you may call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. You may also obtain the Putnam funds’ proxy voting guidelines and procedures at no charge by calling Putnam’s Shareholder Services at 1-800-225-1581.

Fund portfolio holdings

The fund will file a complete schedule of its portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-PORT within 60 days of the end of such fiscal quarter. Shareholders may obtain the fund’s Form N-PORT on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

Prior to its use of Form N-PORT, the fund filed its complete schedule of its portfolio holdings with the SEC on Form N-Q, which is available online at www.sec.gov.

Trustee and employee fund ownership

Putnam employees and members of the Board of Trustees place their faith, confidence, and, most importantly, investment dollars in Putnam mutual funds. As of October 31, 2019, Putnam employees had approximately $472,000,000 and the Trustees had approximately $74,000,000 invested in Putnam mutual funds. These amounts include investments by the Trustees’ and employees’ immediate family members as well as investments through retirement and deferred compensation plans.

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Important notice regarding Putnam’s privacy policy

In order to conduct business with our shareholders, we must obtain certain personal information such as account holders’ names, addresses, Social Security numbers, and dates of birth. Using this information, we are able to maintain accurate records of accounts and transactions.

It is our policy to protect the confidentiality of our shareholder information, whether or not a shareholder currently owns shares of our funds. In particular, it is our policy not to sell information about you or your accounts to outside marketing firms. We have safeguards in place designed to prevent unauthorized access to our computer systems and procedures to protect personal information from unauthorized use.

Under certain circumstances, we must share account information with outside vendors who provide services to us, such as mailings and proxy solicitations. In these cases, the service providers enter into confidentiality agreements with us, and we provide only the information necessary to process transactions and perform other services related to your account. Finally, it is our policy to share account information with your financial representative, if you’ve listed one on your Putnam account.

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Trustee approval of management contract

General conclusions

The Board of Trustees of The Putnam Funds oversees the management of each fund and, as required by law, determines annually whether to approve the continuance of your fund’s management contract with Putnam Investment Management, LLC (“Putnam Management”), the sub-management contract with respect to your fund between Putnam Management and its affiliate, Putnam Investments Limited (“PIL”), and the sub-advisory contract among Putnam Management, PIL, and another affiliate, The Putnam Advisory Company (“PAC”). The Board, with the assistance of its Contract Committee, requests and evaluates all information it deems reasonably necessary under the circumstances in connection with its annual contract review. The Contract Committee consists solely of Trustees who are not “interested persons” (as this term is defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”)) of The Putnam Funds (“Independent Trustees”).

At the outset of the review process, members of the Board’s independent staff and independent legal counsel discussed with representatives of Putnam Management the annual contract review materials furnished to the Contract Committee during the course of the previous year’s review, identifying possible changes in these materials that might be necessary or desirable for the coming year. Following these discussions and in consultation with the Contract Committee, the Independent Trustees’ independent legal counsel requested that Putnam Management and its affiliates furnish specified information, together with any additional information that Putnam Management considered relevant, to the Contract Committee. Over the course of several months ending in June 2019, the Contract Committee met on a number of occasions with representatives of Putnam Management, and separately in executive session, to consider the information that Putnam Management provided. Throughout this process, the Contract Committee was assisted by the members of the Board’s independent staff and by independent legal counsel for The Putnam Funds and the Independent Trustees.

In May 2019, the Contract Committee met in executive session to discuss and consider its recommendations with respect to the continuance of the contracts. At the Trustees’ June 2019 meeting, the Contract Committee met in executive session with the other Independent Trustees to review a summary of the key financial, performance and other data that the Contract Committee considered in the course of its review. The Contract Committee then presented its written report, which summarized the key factors that the Committee had considered and set forth its recommendations. The Contract Committee recommended, and the Independent Trustees approved, the continuance of your fund’s management, sub-management and sub-advisory contracts, effective July 1, 2019. (Because PIL and PAC are affiliates of Putnam Management and Putnam Management remains fully responsible for all services provided by PIL and PAC, the Trustees have not attempted to evaluate PIL or PAC as separate entities, and all subsequent references to Putnam Management below should be deemed to include reference to PIL and PAC as necessary or appropriate in the context.)

The Independent Trustees’ approval was based on the following conclusions:

• That the fee schedule in effect for your fund represented reasonable compensation in light of the nature and quality of the services being provided to the fund, the fees paid by competitive funds, the costs incurred by Putnam Management in providing services to the fund, and the application of certain reductions and waivers noted below; and

• That the fee schedule in effect for your fund represented an appropriate sharing between fund shareholders and Putnam Management of such economies of scale as may exist in the management of the fund at current asset levels.

These conclusions were based on a comprehensive consideration of all information provided to the Trustees and were not the result of any single factor. Some of the factors that figured particularly in the Trustees’ deliberations and how the Trustees considered these factors are described below, although individual Trustees may have evaluated the information presented differently, giving different weights to various factors. It is also important to recognize that the management arrangements for your fund and the other Putnam funds are the result of many years of review and discussion between the Independent Trustees and Putnam Management, that some aspects of

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the arrangements may receive greater scrutiny in some years than others, and that the Trustees’ conclusions may be based, in part, on their consideration of fee arrangements in previous years. For example, with some minor exceptions, the funds’ current fee arrangements under the management contracts were first implemented at the beginning of 2010 following extensive review by the Contract Committee and discussions with representatives of Putnam Management, as well as approval by shareholders.

Management fee schedules and total expenses

The Trustees reviewed the management fee schedules in effect for all Putnam funds, including fee levels and breakpoints. The Trustees also reviewed the total expenses of each Putnam fund, recognizing that in most cases management fees represented the major, but not the sole, determinant of total costs to fund shareholders. (Two funds, one of which is your fund, have implemented so-called “all-in” management fees covering substantially all routine fund operating costs.)

In reviewing fees and expenses, the Trustees generally focus their attention on material changes in circumstances — for example, changes in assets under management, changes in a fund’s investment strategy, changes in Putnam Management’s operating costs or profitability, or changes in competitive practices in the mutual fund industry — that suggest that consideration of fee changes might be warranted. The Trustees concluded that the circumstances did not indicate that changes to the management fee structure for your fund would be appropriate at this time.

Under its management contract, your fund pays a management fee at a fixed rate of 60 basis points to Putnam Management. Putnam Management is obligated to pay, out of the management fee, all of the fund’s organizational and other operating expenses (including investor servicing fees), excluding only fees payable under the fund’s distribution plans, any applicable performance-based upward or downward adjustments to the fund’s base management fee, brokerage, interest, taxes, investment-related expenses, extraordinary expenses, and acquired fund fees and expenses.

In addition, your fund’s management contract provides that its management fees will be adjusted up or down depending upon whether your fund’s performance is better or worse than the performance of an appropriate index of securities prices specified in the management contract. In the course of reviewing investment performance, the Trustees examined the operation of your fund’s performance fees and concluded that these fees were operating effectively to align further Putnam Management’s economic interests with those of the fund’s shareholders.

As in the past, the Trustees also focused on the competitiveness of each fund’s total expense ratio. In order to support the effort to have fund expenses meet competitive standards, the Trustees and Putnam Management and the funds’ investor servicing agent, Putnam Investor Services, Inc. (“PSERV”), have implemented expense limitations that were in effect during your fund’s fiscal year ending in 2018. These expense limitations were: (i) a contractual expense limitation applicable to all open-end funds of 25 basis points on investor servicing fees and expenses and (ii) a contractual expense limitation applicable to specified open-end funds, including your fund, of 20 basis points on so-called “other expenses” (i.e., all expenses exclusive of management fees, distribution fees, investor servicing fees, investment-related expenses, interest, taxes, brokerage commissions, acquired fund fees and expenses and extraordinary expenses). These expense limitations attempt to maintain competitive expense levels for the funds. Most funds, including your fund, had sufficiently low expenses that these expense limitations were not operative during their fiscal years ending in 2018. (In light of the fact that, under your fund’s management contract, Putnam Management bears many of the fund’s organizational and operating expenses, as a practical matter it is unlikely that these expense limitations would become operative with respect to your fund.) Putnam Management and PSERV have agreed to maintain these expense limitations until at least February 28, 2021. The support of Putnam Management and PSERV for these expense limitation arrangements was an important factor in the Trustees’ decision to approve the continuance of your fund’s management, sub-management and sub-advisory contracts.

The Trustees reviewed comparative fee and expense information for a custom group of competitive funds selected by Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (“Broadridge”). This comparative information included your fund’s percentile ranking for effective management fees and total expenses (excluding any applicable 12b-1 fees), which provides a general indication

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of your fund’s relative standing. In the custom peer group, your fund ranked in the first quintile in effective management fees (determined for your fund and the other funds in the custom peer group based on fund asset size and the applicable contractual management fee schedule) and in the first quintile in total expenses (excluding any applicable 12b-1 fees) as of December 31, 2018. The first quintile represents the least expensive funds and the fifth quintile the most expensive funds. The fee and expense data reported by Broadridge as of December 31, 2018 reflected the most recent fiscal year-end data available in Broadridge’s database at that time.

In connection with their review of fund management fees and total expenses, the Trustees also reviewed the costs of the services provided and the profits realized by Putnam Management and its affiliates from their contractual relationships with the funds. This information included trends in revenues, expenses and profitability of Putnam Management and its affiliates relating to the investment management, investor servicing and distribution services provided to the funds. In this regard, the Trustees also reviewed an analysis of Putnam Management’s revenues, expenses and profitability, allocated on a fund-by-fund basis, with respect to the funds’ management, distribution, and investor servicing contracts. For each fund, the analysis presented information about revenues, expenses and profitability for each of the agreements separately and for the agreements taken together on a combined basis. The Trustees concluded that, at current asset levels, the fee schedules in place represented reasonable compensation for the services being provided and represented an appropriate sharing between fund shareholders and Putnam Management of such economies of scale as may exist in the management of the Putnam funds at that time.

The information examined by the Trustees in connection with their annual contract review for the Putnam funds included information regarding fees charged by Putnam Management and its affiliates to institutional clients, including defined benefit pension and profit-sharing plans and sub-advised mutual funds. This information included, in cases where an institutional product’s investment strategy corresponds with a fund’s strategy, comparisons of those fees with fees charged to the Putnam funds, as well as an assessment of the differences in the services provided to these different types of clients as compared to the services provided to the Putnam funds. The Trustees observed that the differences in fee rates between these clients and the Putnam funds are by no means uniform when examined by individual asset sectors, suggesting that differences in the pricing of investment management services to these types of clients may reflect, among other things, historical competitive forces operating in separate markets. The Trustees considered the fact that in many cases fee rates across different asset classes are higher on average for mutual funds than for institutional clients, and the Trustees also considered the differences between the services that Putnam Management provides to the Putnam funds and those that it provides to its other clients. The Trustees did not rely on these comparisons to any significant extent in concluding that the management fees paid by your fund are reasonable.

Investment performance

The quality of the investment process provided by Putnam Management represented a major factor in the Trustees’ evaluation of the quality of services provided by Putnam Management under your fund’s management contract. The Trustees were assisted in their review of the Putnam funds’ investment process and performance by the work of the investment oversight committees of the Trustees and the full Board of Trustees, which meet on a regular basis with the funds’ portfolio teams and with the Chief Investment Officers and other senior members of Putnam Management’s Investment Division throughout the year. The Trustees concluded that Putnam Management generally provides a high-quality investment process — based on the experience and skills of the individuals assigned to the management of fund portfolios, the resources made available to them, and in general Putnam Management’s ability to attract and retain high-quality personnel — but also recognized that this does not guarantee favorable investment results for every fund in every time period.

The Trustees considered that, after a strong start to the year, 2018 was a mixed year for The Putnam Funds, with the Putnam open-end Funds’ performance, on an asset-weighted basis, ranking in the 54th percentile of their Lipper Inc. (“Lipper”) peers (excluding those Putnam funds that are evaluated based on their total returns versus selected investment benchmarks). The Trustees also noted that The Putnam Funds were ranked by the Barron’s/Lipper Fund Families survey as the 41st-best performing mutual fund complex out

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of 57 complexes for the one-year period ended December 31, 2018 and the 29th-best performing mutual fund complex out of 55 complexes for the five-year period ended December 31, 2018. The Trustees observed that The Putnam Funds’ performance over the longer-term continued to be strong, ranking 6th out of 49 mutual fund complexes in the survey over the ten-year period ended 2018. In addition, the Trustees noted that 22 of the funds were four- or five-star rated by Morningstar Inc. at the end of 2018. They also noted, however, the disappointing investment performance of some funds for periods ended December 31, 2018 and considered information provided by Putnam Management regarding the factors contributing to the underperformance and actions being taken to improve the performance of these particular funds. The Trustees indicated their intention to continue to monitor closely the performance of those funds, including the effectiveness of any efforts Putnam Management has undertaken to address underperformance and whether additional actions to address areas of underperformance are warranted.

For purposes of the Trustees’ evaluation of the Putnam Funds’ investment performance, the Trustees generally focus on a competitive industry ranking of each fund’s total net return over a one-year, three-year and five-year period. For a number of Putnam funds with relatively unique investment mandates for which Putnam Management informed the Trustees that meaningful competitive performance rankings are not considered to be available, the Trustees evaluated performance based on their total gross and net returns and comparisons of those returns with the returns of selected investment benchmarks. In the case of your fund, the Trustees considered information about your fund’s total return and its performance relative to its benchmark over the one-year, three-year and five-year periods ended December 31, 2018. Your fund’s class A shares’ return, net of fees and expenses, was positive and trailed the return of its benchmark over the one-year period ended December 31, 2018, and was positive and exceeded the return of its benchmark over the three-year and five-year periods ended December 31, 2018. (When considering performance information, shareholders should be mindful that past performance is not a guarantee of future results.) The Trustees considered that the fund’s name and investment objective had changed in 2018, and that the fund was operating under its previous name and investment objective during the periods for which the Trustees were reviewing the fund’s performance. The Trustees also considered Putnam Management’s continued efforts to support fund performance through initiatives including structuring compensation for portfolio managers and research analysts to enhance accountability for fund performance, emphasizing accountability in the portfolio management process, and affirming its commitment to a fundamental-driven approach to investing. The Trustees noted further that Putnam Management had made selective hires in 2018 to strengthen its investment team.

Brokerage and soft-dollar allocations; investor servicing

The Trustees considered various potential benefits that Putnam Management may receive in connection with the services it provides under the management contract with your fund. These include benefits related to brokerage allocation and the use of soft dollars, whereby a portion of the commissions paid by a fund for brokerage may be used to acquire research services that are expected to be useful to Putnam Management in managing the assets of the fund and of other clients. Subject to policies established by the Trustees, soft dollars generated by these means are used predominantly to acquire brokerage and research services (including third-party research and market data) that enhance Putnam Management’s investment capabilities and supplement Putnam Management’s internal research efforts. However, the Trustees noted that a portion of available soft dollars continues to be used to pay fund expenses. The Trustees indicated their continued intent to monitor regulatory and industry developments in this area with the assistance of their Brokerage Committee. The Trustees also indicated their continued intent to monitor the allocation of the Putnam funds’ brokerage in order to ensure that the principle of seeking best price and execution remains paramount in the portfolio trading process.

Putnam Management may also receive benefits from payments that the funds make to Putnam Management’s affiliates for investor or distribution services. In conjunction with the annual review of your fund’s management, sub-management and sub-advisory contracts, the Trustees reviewed your fund’s investor servicing agreement with PSERV and its distributor’s contracts and distribution plans with Putnam Retail

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Management Limited Partnership (“PRM”), both of which are affiliates of Putnam Management. The Trustees concluded that the fees payable by the funds to PSERV and PRM, as applicable, for such services are fair and reasonable in relation to the nature and quality of such services, the fees paid by competitive funds, and the costs incurred by PSERV and PRM, as applicable, in providing such services. Furthermore, the Trustees were of the view that the services provided were required for the operation of the funds, and that they were of a quality at least equal to those provided by other providers.

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Audited financial statements

These sections of the report, as well as the accompanying Notes, preceded by the Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, constitute the fund’s audited financial statements.

The fund’s portfolio lists all the fund’s investments and their values as of the last day of the reporting period. Holdings are organized by asset type and industry sector, country, or state to show areas of concentration and diversification.

Statement of assets and liabilities shows how the fund’s net assets and share price are determined. All investment and non-investment assets are added together. Any unpaid expenses and other liabilities are subtracted from this total. The result is divided by the number of shares to determine the net asset value per share, which is calculated separately for each class of shares. (For funds with preferred shares, the amount subtracted from total assets includes the liquidation preference of preferred shares.)

Statement of operations shows the fund’s net investment gain or loss. This is done by first adding up all the fund’s earnings — from dividends and interest income — and subtracting its operating expenses to determine net investment income (or loss). Then, any net gain or loss the fund realized on the sales of its holdings — as well as any unrealized gains or losses over the period — is added to or subtracted from the net investment result to determine the fund’s net gain or loss for the fiscal year.

Statement of changes in net assets shows how the fund’s net assets were affected by the fund’s net investment gain or loss, by distributions to shareholders, and by changes in the number of the fund’s shares. It lists distributions and their sources (net investment income or realized capital gains) over the current reporting period and the most recent fiscal year-end. The distributions listed here may not match the sources listed in the Statement of operations because the distributions are determined on a tax basis and may be paid in a different period from the one in which they were earned.

Financial highlights provide an overview of the fund’s investment results, per-share distributions, expense ratios, net investment income ratios, and portfolio turnover in one summary table, reflecting the five most recent reporting periods. In a semiannual report, the highlights table also includes the current reporting period.

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Shareholders and the Board of Trustees
Putnam Funds Trust:

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of Putnam Fixed Income Absolute Return Fund (the “fund”), a series of the Putnam Funds Trust, including the fund’s portfolio, as of October 31, 2019, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the years in the two-year period then ended, and the related notes (collectively, the “financial statements”) and the financial highlights for each of the years or periods in the five-year period then ended. In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the fund as of October 31, 2019, and the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the years in the two-year period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the years or periods in the five-year period then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

Basis for Opinion

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

We conducted our audits 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 and financial highlights 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 and financial highlights, 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 and financial highlights. Such procedures also included confirmation of securities owned as of October 31, 2019, by correspondence with the custodian, transfer agent and brokers or by other appropriate auditing procedures. 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 and financial highlights. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

We have served as the auditor of one or more Putnam investment companies since 1999.

Boston, Massachusetts
December 11, 2019

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The fund’s portfolio 10/31/19    
 
U.S. GOVERNMENT AND AGENCY  Principal   
MORTGAGE OBLIGATIONS (53.7%)*  amount  Value 
U.S. Government Guaranteed Mortgage Obligations (2.1%)     
Government National Mortgage Association Pass-Through Certificates     
5.50%, 5/20/49  $115,365  $128,488 
5.00%, with due dates from 4/20/49 to 8/20/49  2,198,138  2,414,230 
4.50%, TBA, 11/1/49  6,000,000  6,280,313 
4.00%, TBA, 11/1/49  3,000,000  3,118,359 
3.50%, 10/20/49  40,000  42,145 
3.50%, 9/20/49 ##   99,707  105,055 
    12,088,590 
U.S. Government Agency Mortgage Obligations (51.6%)     
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pass-Through Certificates     
5.00%, 4/1/49  39,752  43,726 
Federal National Mortgage Association Pass-Through Certificates     
5.00%, with due dates from 1/1/49 to 8/1/49  212,636  234,002 
4.50%, 5/1/49  98,393  106,333 
Uniform Mortgage-Backed Securities     
4.50%, TBA, 11/1/49  5,000,000  5,258,985 
4.00%, TBA, 11/1/49  53,000,000  54,995,779 
3.50%, TBA, 11/1/49  55,000,000  56,473,830 
3.00%, TBA, 12/1/49  86,000,000  87,326,954 
3.00%, TBA, 11/1/49  86,000,000  87,397,500 
    291,837,109 
Total U.S. government and agency mortgage obligations (cost $303,433,030)  $303,925,699 
 
  Principal   
U.S. TREASURY OBLIGATIONS (0.3%)*  amount  Value 
U.S. Treasury Notes     
2.25%, 11/15/25 i   $32,000  $33,340 
2.125%, 2/29/24 i   337,000  344,876 
2.00%, 8/15/25 i   1,264,000  1,290,734 
1.75%, 9/30/22 i   249,000  250,210 
Total U.S. treasury obligations (cost $1,919,160)    $1,919,160 
 
  Principal   
MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES (37.6%)*  amount  Value 
Agency collateralized mortgage obligations (16.8%)     
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation     
REMICs IFB Ser. 2976, Class LC, ((-3.667 x 1 Month US LIBOR)     
+ 24.42%), 17.375%, 5/15/35  $63,321  $94,981 
REMICs IFB Ser. 3072, Class SM, ((-3.667 x 1 Month US LIBOR)     
+ 23.80%), 16.752%, 11/15/35  148,777  238,043 
REMICs IFB Ser. 3249, Class PS, ((-3.3 x 1 Month US LIBOR)     
+ 22.28%), 15.935%, 12/15/36  81,891  118,922 
REMICs IFB Ser. 2990, Class LB, ((-2.556 x 1 Month US LIBOR)     
+ 16.95%), 12.035%, 6/15/34  239,469  281,400 
REMICs Ser. 4813, IO, 5.50%, 8/15/48  3,968,923  827,817 
REMICs Ser. 4760, Class IG, IO, 5.00%, 2/15/48  3,938,621  754,776 
REMICs IFB Ser. 4922, Class SB, IO, ((-1 x 1 Month US LIBOR)     
+ 6.05%), 4.129%, 4/25/49  5,792,533  836,442 

 

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  Principal   
MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES (37.6%)* cont.  amount  Value 
Agency collateralized mortgage obligations cont.     
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation     
REMICs IFB Ser. 3852, Class NT, ((-1 x 1 Month US LIBOR) + 6.00%),     
4.079%, 5/15/41  $3,092,776  $3,208,085 
REMICs Ser. 4601, Class IC, IO, 4.00%, 12/15/45  3,232,040  357,173 
REMICs Ser. 4193, Class PI, IO, 4.00%, 3/15/43  3,043,122  363,127 
REMICs Ser. 4213, Class GI, IO, 4.00%, 11/15/41  2,965,018  269,959 
REMICs Ser. 4591, Class QI, IO, 3.50%, 4/15/46  6,096,756  769,228 
REMICs Ser. 4369, Class IA, IO, 3.50%, 7/15/44  3,377,358  519,124 
REMICs Ser. 4136, Class IW, IO, 3.50%, 10/15/42  5,733,321  581,952 
REMICs Ser. 4150, Class DI, IO, 3.00%, 1/15/43  5,974,584  601,193 
REMICs Ser. 4158, Class TI, IO, 3.00%, 12/15/42  3,584,893  293,531 
REMICs Ser. 4182, Class PI, IO, 3.00%, 12/15/41  7,747,699  378,506 
REMICs Ser. 4206, Class IP, IO, 3.00%, 12/15/41  3,059,416  201,845 
Structured Pass-Through Certificates FRB Ser. 8, Class A9, IO,     
0.424%, 11/15/28 W   164,601  2,271 
Structured Pass-Through Certificates FRB Ser. 59, Class 1AX, IO,     
0.282%, 10/25/43 W   548,722  5,377 
Structured Pass-Through Certificates Ser. 48, Class A2, IO,     
0.212%, 7/25/33 W   866,281  6,237 
REMICs Ser. 3835, Class FO, PO, zero %, 4/15/41  5,642,858  5,112,469 
Federal National Mortgage Association     
REMICs IFB Ser. 05-74, Class NK, ((-5 x 1 Month US LIBOR)     
+ 27.50%), 18.386%, 5/25/35  37,239  52,461 
REMICs IFB Ser. 07-53, Class SP, ((-3.667 x 1 Month US LIBOR)     
+ 24.20%), 17.517%, 6/25/37  120,995  190,578 
REMICs IFB Ser. 05-75, Class GS, ((-3 x 1 Month US LIBOR)     
+ 20.25%), 14.782%, 8/25/35  81,053  108,992 
REMICs IFB Ser. 11-4, Class CS, ((-2 x 1 Month US LIBOR) + 12.90%),     
9.255%, 5/25/40  840,632  1,009,095 
REMICs Ser. 16-3, Class NI, IO, 6.00%, 2/25/46  3,363,898  730,073 
REMICs Ser. 18-58, Class IO, IO, 5.50%, 8/25/48  4,109,296  806,661 
REMICs Ser. 15-28, IO, 5.50%, 5/25/45  6,873,338  1,393,707 
Interest Strip Ser. 397, Class 2, IO, 5.00%, 9/25/39  328,928  66,690 
REMICs Ser. 17-75, Class NI, IO, 5.00%, 11/25/46  8,829,798  1,655,234 
REMICs IFB Ser. 13-130, Class SD, IO, ((-1 x 1 Month US LIBOR)     
+ 6.60%), 4.777%, 1/25/44  8,446,170  1,645,723 
REMICs Ser. 17-87, Class IA, IO, 4.50%, 11/25/47  6,250,343  1,093,810 
REMICs Ser. 17-32, Class IP, IO, 4.50%, 5/25/47  5,326,696  1,050,443 
REMICs IFB Ser. 15-19, Class SA, IO, ((-1 x 1 Month US LIBOR)     
+ 6.20%), 4.377%, 4/25/45  8,381,238  1,463,171 
REMICs IFB Ser. 18-95, Class SA, IO, ((-1 x 1 Month US LIBOR)     
+ 6.15%), 4.327%, 1/25/49  6,593,358  1,091,860 
REMICs IFB Ser. 17-108, Class SA, IO, ((-1 x 1 Month US LIBOR)     
+ 6.15%), 4.327%, 1/25/48  7,284,638  1,438,830 
REMICs IFB Ser. 18-86, Class DS, IO, ((-1 x 1 Month US LIBOR)     
+ 6.10%), 4.277%, 12/25/48  5,869,237  843,703 
REMICs IFB Ser. 17-8, Class SB, IO, ((-1 x 1 Month US LIBOR)     
+ 6.10%), 4.277%, 2/25/47  18,663,803  3,482,852 
REMICs IFB Ser. 16-83, Class BS, IO, ((-1 x 1 Month US LIBOR)     
+ 6.10%), 4.277%, 11/25/46  4,074,111  769,077 

 

Fixed Income Absolute Return Fund 27 

 



  Principal   
MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES (37.6%)* cont.  amount  Value 
Agency collateralized mortgage obligations cont.     
Federal National Mortgage Association     
REMICs IFB Ser. 16-60, Class LS, IO, ((-1 x 1 Month US LIBOR)     
+ 6.10%), 4.277%, 9/25/46  $8,260,744  $1,534,840 
REMICs IFB Ser. 16-65, Class CS, IO, ((-1 x 1 Month US LIBOR)     
+ 6.10%), 4.277%, 9/25/46  6,123,372  1,084,675 
REMICs IFB Ser. 16-88, Class SK, IO, ((-1 x 1 Month US LIBOR)     
+ 6.00%), 4.177%, 12/25/46  6,949,966  1,376,719 
REMICs IFB Ser. 11-53, Class ST, IO, ((-1 x 1 Month US LIBOR)     
+ 5.92%), 4.097%, 6/25/41  10,402,517  1,870,373 
REMICs Ser. 17-2, Class KI, IO, 4.00%, 2/25/47  2,082,068  277,248 
REMICs Ser. 12-124, Class UI, IO, 4.00%, 11/25/42  2,187,655  342,948 
REMICs Ser. 12-22, Class CI, IO, 4.00%, 3/25/41  5,741,087  582,608 
REMICs Ser. 12-62, Class MI, IO, 4.00%, 3/25/41  3,006,717  291,952 
REMICs IFB Ser. 17-74, Class SA, IO, ((-1 x 1 Month US LIBOR)     
+ 5.75%), 3.927%, 10/25/47  23,133,897  3,833,305 
REMICs Ser. 12-136, Class PI, IO, 3.50%, 11/25/42  3,548,437  218,378 
REMICs Ser. 13-21, Class AI, IO, 3.50%, 3/25/33  4,097,114  480,118 
REMICs Ser. 12-151, Class PI, IO, 3.00%, 1/25/43  4,231,627  373,056 
REMICs Ser. 6, Class BI, IO, 3.00%, 12/25/42  5,518,951  239,081 
REMICs Ser. 13-35, Class IP, IO, 3.00%, 6/25/42  1,881,427  99,223 
REMICs Ser. 13-27, Class PI, IO, 3.00%, 12/25/41  8,719,584  430,608 
REMICs Ser. 13-31, Class NI, IO, 3.00%, 6/25/41  4,772,883  160,127 
REMICs Trust Ser. 98-W2, Class X, IO, 1.615%, 6/25/28 W   1,085,615  35,283 
REMICs Trust Ser. 98-W5, Class X, IO, 0.754%, 7/25/28 W   313,037  9,015 
REMICs Ser. 07-44, Class CO, PO, zero %, 5/25/37  23,728  20,548 
Government National Mortgage Association     
Ser. 17-132, Class IB, IO, 5.50%, 9/20/47  2,309,152  513,786 
Ser. 18-127, Class ID, IO, 5.00%, 7/20/45  2,661,431  343,910 
Ser. 15-167, Class MI, IO, 5.00%, 6/20/45  2,320,804  467,456 
Ser. 15-69, IO, 5.00%, 5/20/45  4,418,919  896,024 
Ser. 14-146, Class EI, IO, 5.00%, 10/20/44  6,925,424  1,380,237 
Ser. 14-133, Class IP, IO, 5.00%, 9/16/44  2,619,758  502,050 
Ser. 14-2, Class IC, IO, 5.00%, 1/16/44  3,369,583  752,390 
Ser. 13-3, Class IT, IO, 5.00%, 1/20/43  3,061,101  621,710 
Ser. 11-116, Class IB, IO, 5.00%, 10/20/40  44,053  2,824 
Ser. 10-35, Class UI, IO, 5.00%, 3/20/40  638,494  129,774 
Ser. 10-20, Class UI, IO, 5.00%, 2/20/40  3,888,566  800,223 
Ser. 10-9, Class UI, IO, 5.00%, 1/20/40  12,245,255  2,513,951 
Ser. 09-121, Class UI, IO, 5.00%, 12/20/39  8,537,016  1,725,758 
IFB Ser. 10-125, Class SD, ((-1 x 1 Month US LIBOR) + 6.68%),     
4.789%, 1/16/40  6,077,479  888,831 
Ser. 15-80, Class IA, IO, 4.50%, 6/20/45  3,941,861  737,969 
Ser. 18-127, Class IB, IO, 4.50%, 6/20/45  5,631,563  569,633 
Ser. 15-167, Class BI, IO, 4.50%, 4/16/45  3,580,380  746,151 
Ser. 12-129, IO, 4.50%, 11/16/42  2,759,311  560,692 
Ser. 10-9, Class QI, IO, 4.50%, 1/20/40  2,502,625  472,496 
Ser. 09-121, Class BI, IO, 4.50%, 12/16/39  1,888,126  417,597 
IFB Ser. 18-91, Class SJ, IO, ((-1 x 1 Month US LIBOR) + 6.25%),     
4.404%, 7/20/48  7,309,127  1,087,233 

 

28 Fixed Income Absolute Return Fund 

 



  Principal   
MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES (37.6%)* cont.  amount  Value 
Agency collateralized mortgage obligations cont.     
Government National Mortgage Association     
IFB Ser. 19-121, Class DS, IO, ((-1 x 1 Month US LIBOR) + 6.10%),     
4.254%, 8/20/49  $7,980,438  $1,226,992 
IFB Ser. 16-121, Class JS, IO, ((-1 x 1 Month US LIBOR) + 6.10%),     
4.254%, 9/20/46  5,725,358  1,171,923 
IFB Ser. 16-77, Class SC, IO, ((-1 x 1 Month US LIBOR) + 6.10%),     
4.254%, 10/20/45  3,886,957  781,384 
IFB Ser. 13-99, Class VS, IO, ((-1 x 1 Month US LIBOR) + 6.10%),     
4.209%, 7/16/43  1,146,282  190,260 
IFB Ser. 19-99, Class KS, IO, ((-1 x 1 Month US LIBOR) + 6.05%),     
4.204%, 8/20/49  415,781  52,492 
IFB Ser. 19-78, Class SJ, IO, ((-1 x 1 Month US LIBOR) + 6.05%),     
4.204%, 6/20/49  652,316  97,032 
IFB Ser. 11-17, Class S, IO, ((-1 x 1 Month US LIBOR) + 6.05%),     
4.204%, 2/20/41  1,749,247  320,049 
Ser. 17-120, Class IJ, IO, 4.00%, 4/20/47  5,704,257  484,862 
Ser. 15-94, IO, 4.00%, 7/20/45  127,584  25,147 
Ser. 15-99, Class LI, IO, 4.00%, 7/20/45  1,069,552  106,574 
Ser. 12-106, Class QI, IO, 4.00%, 7/20/42  3,007,142  463,701 
Ser. 12-47, Class CI, IO, 4.00%, 3/20/42  837,733  140,381 
Ser. 15-162, Class BI, IO, 4.00%, 11/20/40  4,050,218  422,940 
Ser. 17-174, Class MI, IO, 3.50%, 11/20/47  4,870,482  383,913 
Ser. 16-136, Class YI, IO, 3.50%, 3/20/45  3,236,660  218,475 
Ser. 15-20, Class PI, IO, 3.50%, 2/20/45  5,251,723  845,527 
Ser. 13-76, IO, 3.50%, 5/20/43  2,388,381  323,459 
Ser. 13-79, Class PI, IO, 3.50%, 4/20/43  3,069,987  331,221 
Ser. 13-100, Class MI, IO, 3.50%, 2/20/43  3,593,982  362,920 
Ser. 13-37, Class JI, IO, 3.50%, 1/20/43  1,441,135  178,672 
Ser. 18-127, Class IA, IO, 3.50%, 4/20/42  5,248,930  408,892 
Ser. 183, Class AI, IO, 3.50%, 10/20/39  3,145,182  165,438 
Ser. 15-82, Class GI, IO, 3.50%, 12/20/38  3,479,329  121,016 
Ser. 14-46, Class KI, IO, 3.00%, 6/20/36  2,061,889  100,002 
Ser. 16-H13, Class IK, IO, 2.617%, 6/20/66 W   14,287,345  1,803,777 
Ser. 18-H13, Class NI, IO, 2.468%, 8/20/68 W   8,265,326  975,499 
Ser. 17-H16, Class BI, IO, 2.424%, 8/20/67 W   9,772,308  1,258,185 
Ser. 18-H05, Class AI, IO, 2.418%, 2/20/68 W   11,495,918  1,562,726 
Ser. 18-H02, Class EI, IO, 2.413%, 1/20/68 W   7,201,142  918,146 
Ser. 17-H06, Class BI, IO, 2.345%, 2/20/67 W   13,127,443  1,487,339 
Ser. 17-H02, Class BI, IO, 2.335%, 1/20/67 W   3,047,174  364,951 
Ser. 17-H11, Class NI, IO, 2.267%, 5/20/67 W   4,787,963  502,219 
Ser. 17-H03, Class DI, IO, 2.174%, 12/20/66 W   4,452,974  556,622 
Ser. 16-H23, Class NI, IO, 2.144%, 10/20/66 W   9,436,995  1,058,831 
Ser. 16-H11, Class HI, IO, 2.097%, 1/20/66 W   3,019,135  252,853 
Ser. 16-H22, Class AI, IO, 2.046%, 10/20/66 W   6,657,391  721,754 
Ser. 16-H02, Class BI, IO, 2.039%, 11/20/65 W   10,458,671  936,856 
Ser. 15-H15, Class JI, IO, 1.984%, 6/20/65 W   10,747,894  1,026,424 
Ser. 15-H19, Class NI, IO, 1.919%, 7/20/65 W   14,861,832  1,304,869 
Ser. 16-H08, Class AI, IO, 1.91%, 8/20/65 W   9,291,778  680,539 
Ser. 15-H25, Class EI, IO, 1.863%, 10/20/65 W   10,794,276  923,990 

 

Fixed Income Absolute Return Fund 29 

 



  Principal   
MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES (37.6%)* cont.  amount  Value 
Agency collateralized mortgage obligations cont.     
Government National Mortgage Association     
Ser. 15-H18, Class IA, IO, 1.84%, 6/20/65   $8,734,209  $538,901 
Ser. 17-H14, Class DI, IO, 1.711%, 6/20/67 W   5,843,572  391,408 
Ser. 15-H09, Class BI, IO, 1.705%, 3/20/65 W   12,315,984  911,383 
Ser. 15-H10, Class EI, IO, 1.63%, 4/20/65 W   12,678,810  561,874 
Ser. 15-H25, Class AI, IO, 1.618%, 9/20/65 W   12,034,772  936,305 
Ser. 14-H14, Class CI, IO, 1.59%, 7/20/64 W   13,545,254  626,468 
Ser. 15-H28, Class DI, IO, 1.564%, 8/20/65 W   9,903,187  665,484 
Ser. 11-H15, Class AI, IO, 1.539%, 6/20/61 W   7,272,884  363,644 
Ser. 11-H08, Class GI, IO, 1.273%, 3/20/61   8,495,402  344,913 
Ser. 10-151, Class KO, PO, zero %, 6/16/37  546,235  480,752 
GSMPS Mortgage Loan Trust 144A     
FRB Ser. 98-2, IO, 1.004%, 5/19/27 W   30,839   
FRB Ser. 99-2, IO, 0.84%, 9/19/27 W   91,897  349 
FRB Ser. 98-3, IO, zero %, 9/19/27 W   40,123   
FRB Ser. 98-4, IO, zero %, 12/19/26 W   71,803   
    95,186,551 
Commercial mortgage-backed securities (14.0%)     
Banc of America Commercial Mortgage Trust FRB Ser. 07-1,     
Class XW, IO, 0.211%, 1/15/49 W   1,147,824  552 
Banc of America Merrill Lynch Commercial Mortgage, Inc. FRB     
Ser. 05-1, Class B, 5.504%, 11/10/42 W   2,160,750  1,944,675 
BANK     
FRB Ser. 17-BNK9, Class XA, IO, 0.814%, 11/15/54 W   38,093,163  2,026,754 
FRB Ser. 18-BN10, Class XA, IO, 0.742%, 2/15/61 W   19,798,412  1,024,172 
Bear Stearns Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust FRB     
Ser. 07-T26, Class AJ, 5.45%, 1/12/45 W   1,777,000  1,572,645 
Bear Stearns Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust 144A FRB     
Ser. 06-PW11, Class B, 5.775%, 3/11/39 W   2,992,475  1,496,237 
CFCRE Commercial Mortgage Trust FRB Ser. 16-C4, Class XA, IO,     
1.712%, 5/10/58 W   6,816,708  603,211 
CFCRE Commercial Mortgage Trust 144A FRB Ser. 11-C2, Class D,     
5.741%, 12/15/47 W   453,000  475,650 
Citigroup Commercial Mortgage Trust     
FRB Ser. 14-GC21, Class XA, IO, 1.181%, 5/10/47 W   10,754,791  483,516 
FRB Ser. 14-GC19, Class XA, IO, 1.154%, 3/10/47 W   15,603,094  662,523 
FRB Ser. 13-GC17, Class XA, IO, 1.04%, 11/10/46 W   11,849,065  424,625 
Citigroup Commercial Mortgage Trust 144A     
FRB Ser. 14-GC19, Class D, 5.092%, 3/10/47 W   882,000  951,678 
FRB Ser. 12-GC8, Class XA, IO, 1.771%, 9/10/45 W   7,311,918  301,054 
COMM Mortgage Trust     
FRB Ser. 14-CR17, Class C, 4.786%, 5/10/47 W   1,681,000  1,794,466 
FRB Ser. 14-UBS4, Class XA, IO, 1.108%, 8/10/47 W   6,440,826  274,590 
FRB Ser. 14-LC15, Class XA, IO, 1.103%, 4/10/47 W   10,403,421  418,218 
FRB Ser. 14-CR20, Class XA, IO, 1.035%, 11/10/47 W   23,924,688  1,037,853 
FRB Ser. 14-CR19, Class XA, IO, 1.033%, 8/10/47 W   22,511,531  922,251 
FRB Ser. 15-CR22, Class XA, IO, 0.947%, 3/10/48 W   14,037,371  555,880 
FRB Ser. 15-CR23, Class XA, IO, 0.932%, 5/10/48 W   24,128,155  809,497 
FRB Ser. 13-CR11, Class XA, IO, 0.931%, 8/10/50 W   52,233,751  1,669,234 

 

30 Fixed Income Absolute Return Fund 

 



  Principal   
MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES (37.6%)* cont.  amount  Value 
Commercial mortgage-backed securities cont.     
COMM Mortgage Trust     
FRB Ser. 14-UBS6, Class XA, IO, 0.921%, 12/10/47 W   $22,326,776  $840,648 
FRB Ser. 15-LC21, Class XA, IO, 0.765%, 7/10/48   43,247,827  1,297,435 
COMM Mortgage Trust 144A     
FRB Ser. 14-CR17, Class D, 4.85%, 5/10/47 W   1,498,000  1,533,619 
FRB Ser. 12-CR3, Class E, 4.752%, 10/15/45 W   500,000  458,700 
Ser. 12-LC4, Class E, 4.25%, 12/10/44  1,361,000  1,223,826 
Credit Suisse Commercial Mortgage Trust 144A     
FRB Ser. 08-C1, Class AJ, 5.803%, 2/15/41 W   4,649,202  3,285,126 
FRB Ser. 07-C4, Class C, 5.719%, 9/15/39 W   19,946  19,946 
Credit Suisse First Boston Mortgage Securities Corp. 144A FRB     
Ser. 03-C3, Class AX, IO, 2.002%, 5/15/38 W   716,088  17,863 
CSAIL Commercial Mortgage Trust Ser. 15-C1, Class XA, IO,     
0.861%, 4/15/50 W   20,957,708  775,681 
CSAIL Commercial Mortgage Trust 144A FRB Ser. 15-C1, Class D,     
3.774%, 4/15/50 W   925,000  894,396 
DBUBS Mortgage Trust 144A FRB Ser. 11-LC3A, Class D,     
5.334%, 8/10/44 W   2,332,000  2,422,062 
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Multifamily     
Structured Pass-Through Certificates FRB Ser. K099, Class X1, IO,     
1.006%, 9/25/29 W   12,942,000  965,673 
GS Mortgage Securities Trust     
FRB Ser. 14-GC22, Class C, 4.691%, 6/10/47 W   1,567,000  1,655,959 
FRB Ser. 14-GC18, Class XA, IO, 1.018%, 1/10/47 W   19,780,037  702,191 
FRB Ser. 15-GC30, Class XA, IO, 0.822%, 5/10/50 W   21,901,306  678,840 
GS Mortgage Securities Trust 144A     
FRB Ser. 12-GC6, Class D, 5.651%, 1/10/45 W   345,376  356,426 
FRB Ser. 14-GC24, Class D, 4.534%, 9/10/47 W   662,000  556,523 
JPMBB Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust     
FRB Ser. 14-C18, Class C, 4.812%, 2/15/47 W   870,000  920,480 
FRB Ser. 14-C24, Class XA, IO, 0.932%, 11/15/47 W   34,997,184  1,105,404 
FRB Ser. 14-C19, Class XA, IO, 0.753%, 4/15/47 W   15,029,198  343,462 
JPMBB Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust 144A     
FRB Ser. C14, Class D, 4.702%, 8/15/46 W   1,591,000  1,573,932 
FRB Ser. 14-C25, Class D, 3.955%, 11/15/47 W   1,090,000  987,354 
JPMorgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust FRB     
Ser. 13-C10, Class XA, IO, 0.984%, 12/15/47 W   30,425,000  824,517 
JPMorgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust 144A     
FRB Ser. 07-CB20, Class E, 6.183%, 2/12/51 W   500,000  480,000 
FRB Ser. 12-C8, Class D, 4.652%, 10/15/45 W   2,332,000  2,390,522 
FRB Ser. 12-LC9, Class D, 4.401%, 12/15/47 W   327,000  337,837 
LB-UBS Commercial Mortgage Trust FRB Ser. 07-C2, Class XW, IO,     
0.163%, 2/15/40 W   109,276  11 
Merrill Lynch Mortgage Trust 144A FRB Ser. 05-MCP1, Class XC, IO,     
0.001%, 6/12/43 W   3,580,935  96 
ML-CFC Commercial Mortgage Trust FRB Ser. 06-4, Class C,     
5.324%, 12/12/49 W   683,899  545,300 
Morgan Stanley Bank of America Merrill Lynch Trust     
FRB Ser. 14-C14, Class C, 4.935%, 2/15/47 W   785,000  846,654 
FRB Ser. 14-C17, Class C, 4.498%, 8/15/47 W   946,000  970,356 

 

Fixed Income Absolute Return Fund 31 

 



  Principal   
MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES (37.6%)* cont.  amount  Value 
Commercial mortgage-backed securities cont.     
Morgan Stanley Bank of America Merrill Lynch Trust     
FRB Ser. 15-C26, Class XA, IO, 1.03%, 10/15/48 W   $15,344,296  $739,986 
FRB Ser. 13-C13, Class XA, IO, 0.988%, 11/15/46   50,937,364  1,741,548 
Morgan Stanley Bank of America Merrill Lynch Trust 144A     
FRB Ser. 14-C15, Class D, 4.91%, 4/15/47 W   704,000  745,329 
FRB Ser. 13-C12, Class E, 4.766%, 10/15/46 W   1,012,000  915,504 
FRB Ser. 12-C6, Class D, 4.608%, 11/15/45 W   624,000  648,278 
FRB Ser. 13-C10, Class D, 4.082%, 7/15/46 W   453,000  450,392 
FRB Ser. 13-C10, Class E, 4.082%, 7/15/46 W   4,328,000  3,927,799 
FRB Ser. 13-C10, Class F, 4.082%, 7/15/46 W   2,461,000  2,090,111 
Morgan Stanley Capital I Trust     
Ser. 06-HQ10, Class B, 5.448%, 11/12/41 W   719,634  655,491 
FRB Ser. 16-UB12, Class XA, IO, 0.782%, 12/15/49 W   20,622,552  834,801 
Morgan Stanley Capital I Trust 144A     
FRB Ser. 12-C4, Class E, 5.419%, 3/15/45 W   603,000  506,520 
FRB Ser. 12-C4, Class XA, IO, 2.075%, 3/15/45 W   3,991,292  150,146 
UBS Commercial Mortgage Trust FRB Ser. 17-C7, Class XA, IO,     
1.06%, 12/15/50 W   12,309,587  800,600 
UBS-Barclays Commercial Mortgage Trust 144A     
FRB Ser. 12-C2, Class XA, IO, 1.311%, 5/10/63 W   7,346,878  215,915 
FRB Ser. 13-C5, Class XA, IO, 0.953%, 3/10/46 W   43,589,152  1,117,613 
UBS-Citigroup Commercial Mortgage Trust 144A FRB Ser. 11-C1,     
Class D, 6.05%, 1/10/45 W   646,000  671,133 
Wachovia Bank Commercial Mortgage Trust FRB Ser. 06-C29, IO,     
0.306%, 11/15/48 W   4,179,662  125 
Wells Fargo Commercial Mortgage Trust     
FRB Ser. 15-NXS3, Class B, 4.487%, 9/15/57 W   656,000  719,755 
FRB Ser. 13-LC12, Class C, 4.285%, 7/15/46 W   749,000  765,338 
FRB Ser. 16-BNK1, Class XA, IO, 1.767%, 8/15/49 W   14,938,709  1,435,610 
FRB Ser. 14-LC16, Class XA, IO, 1.114%, 8/15/50 W   22,247,599  935,512 
Wells Fargo Commercial Mortgage Trust 144A FRB Ser. 13-LC12,     
Class D, 4.285%, 7/15/46 W   2,166,000  2,026,127 
WF-RBS Commercial Mortgage Trust FRB Ser. 12-C10, Class C,     
4.37%, 12/15/45 W   401,000  401,789 
WF-RBS Commercial Mortgage Trust 144A     
Ser. 11-C4, Class D, 5.23%, 6/15/44 W   697,000  703,726 
Ser. 11-C4, Class E, 5.23%, 6/15/44 W   377,000  377,800 
FRB Ser. 12-C7, Class D, 4.814%, 6/15/45 W   1,621,000  1,575,320 
FRB Ser. 13-C15, Class D, 4.494%, 8/15/46 W   2,015,000  1,634,515 
FRB Ser. 12-C10, Class D, 4.435%, 12/15/45 W   1,940,000  1,681,896 
FRB Ser. 12-C10, Class E, 4.435%, 12/15/45 W   1,658,000  1,076,278 
FRB Ser. 11-C5, Class XA, IO, 1.711%, 11/15/44 W   9,075,761  218,054 
FRB Ser. 12-C9, Class XB, IO, 0.715%, 11/15/45 W   46,094,000  917,271 
    79,140,402 
Residential mortgage-backed securities (non-agency) (6.8%)     
American Home Mortgage Investment Trust FRB Ser. 07-1,     
Class GA1C, (1 Month US LIBOR + 0.19%), 2.013%, 5/25/47  1,508,608  951,990 
Arroyo Mortgage Trust 144A Ser. 19-1, Class A3, 4.208%, 1/25/49 W   758,578  772,090 
Carrington Mortgage Loan Trust FRB Ser. 06-NC2, Class A4,     
(1 Month US LIBOR + 0.24%), 2.063%, 6/25/36  1,020,000  972,521 

 

32 Fixed Income Absolute Return Fund 

 



  Principal   
MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES (37.6%)* cont.  amount  Value 
Residential mortgage-backed securities (non-agency) cont.     
Citigroup Mortgage Loan Trust FRB Ser. 07-AR5, Class 1A1A,     
4.714%, 4/25/37   $611,460  $613,251 
Citigroup Mortgage Loan Trust, Inc. FRB Ser. 07-AMC3, Class A2D,     
(1 Month US LIBOR + 0.35%), 2.173%, 3/25/37  996,136  873,738 
Countrywide Alternative Loan Trust     
FRB Ser. 06-OA7, Class 1A2, (1 Month US LIBOR + 0.94%),     
3.33%, 6/25/46  2,402,543  2,229,975 
FRB Ser. 06-OA7, Class 1A1, 3.063%, 6/25/46   546,305  481,568 
FRB Ser. 05-27, Class 1A1, 2.553%, 8/25/35 W   930,364  805,139 
FRB Ser. 05-59, Class 1A1, (1 Month US LIBOR + 0.33%),     
2.18%, 11/20/35  3,605,320  3,423,634 
FRB Ser. 06-45T1, Class 2A7, (1 Month US LIBOR + 0.34%),     
2.163%, 2/25/37  330,264  161,896 
FRB Ser. 06-OA10, Class 2A1, (1 Month US LIBOR + 0.19%),     
2.013%, 8/25/46  603,786  585,673 
FRB Ser. 06-OA10, Class 4A1, (1 Month US LIBOR + 0.19%),     
2.013%, 8/25/46  242,043  218,715 
Countrywide Home Loans Mortgage Pass-Through Trust FRB     
Ser. 05-3, Class 1A1, (1 Month US LIBOR + 0.62%), 2.443%, 4/25/35  469,266  415,294 
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation     
Structured Agency Credit Risk Debt FRN Ser. 16-DNA1, Class B,     
(1 Month US LIBOR + 10.00%), 11.823%, 7/25/28  651,380  870,701 
Structured Agency Credit Risk Debt FRN Ser. 15-DNA3, Class B,     
(1 Month US LIBOR + 9.35%), 11.173%, 4/25/28  1,540,126  1,988,446 
Structured Agency Credit Risk Debt FRN Ser. 15-DNA1, Class B,     
(1 Month US LIBOR + 9.20%), 11.023%, 10/25/27  991,646  1,302,831 
Structured Agency Credit Risk Debt FRN Ser. 15-DNA2, Class B,     
(1 Month US LIBOR + 7.55%), 9.373%, 12/25/27  793,828  960,746 
Structured Agency Credit Risk Debt FRN Ser. 16-HQA1, Class M3,     
(1 Month US LIBOR + 6.35%), 8.173%, 9/25/28  250,000  275,033 
Structured Agency Credit Risk Debt FRN Ser. 17-DNA2, Class B1,     
(1 Month US LIBOR + 5.15%), 6.973%, 10/25/29  300,000  344,713 
Structured Agency Credit Risk Debt FRN Ser. 16-HQA2,     
Class M3B, (1 Month US LIBOR + 5.15%), 6.973%, 11/25/28  280,000  315,554 
Structured Agency Credit Risk Debt FRN Ser. 18-HQA1, Class B1,     
(1 Month US LIBOR + 4.35%), 6.173%, 9/25/30  970,000  1,055,729 
Structured Agency Credit Risk Debt FRN Ser. 18-HQA1, Class M2,     
(1 Month US LIBOR + 2.30%), 4.123%, 9/25/30  470,000  473,273 
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation 144A     
Structured Agency Credit Risk Trust FRB Ser. 19-DNA1, Class M2,     
(1 Month US LIBOR + 2.65%), 4.473%, 1/25/49  249,000  252,502 
Structured Agency Credit Risk Trust FRB Ser. 19-DNA2, Class M2,     
(1 Month US LIBOR + 2.45%), 4.273%, 3/25/49  208,000  209,350 
Structured Agency Credit Risk Trust FRB Ser. 19-HQA1, Class M2,     
(1 Month US LIBOR + 2.35%), 4.173%, 2/25/49  56,000  56,424 
Structured Agency Credit Risk Trust FRB Ser. 18-HQA2, Class M2,     
(1 Month US LIBOR + 2.30%), 4.123%, 10/25/48  102,900  103,849 
Federal National Mortgage Association     
Connecticut Avenue Securities FRB Ser. 16-C02, Class 1B,     
(1 Month US LIBOR + 12.25%), 14.073%, 9/25/28  1,583,805  2,281,234 
Connecticut Avenue Securities FRB Ser. 16-C03, Class 1B,     
(1 Month US LIBOR + 11.75%), 13.573%, 10/25/28  837,443  1,196,090 

 

Fixed Income Absolute Return Fund 33 

 



  Principal   
MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES (37.6%)* cont.  amount  Value 
Residential mortgage-backed securities (non-agency) cont.     
Federal National Mortgage Association     
Connecticut Avenue Securities FRB Ser. 16-C03, Class 2M2,     
(1 Month US LIBOR + 5.90%), 7.723%, 10/25/28  $1,091,988  $1,177,206 
Connecticut Avenue Securities FRB Ser. 15-C04, Class 1M2,     
(1 Month US LIBOR + 5.70%), 7.523%, 4/25/28  1,248,542  1,360,856 
Connecticut Avenue Securities FRB Ser. 17-C02, Class 2B1,     
(1 Month US LIBOR + 5.50%), 7.323%, 9/25/29  441,000  514,430 
Connecticut Avenue Securities FRB Ser. 15-C01, Class 2M2,     
(1 Month US LIBOR + 4.55%), 6.373%, 2/25/25  122,081  126,015 
Connecticut Avenue Securities FRB Ser. 15-C01, Class 1M2,     
(1 Month US LIBOR + 4.30%), 6.123%, 2/25/25  231,064  244,065 
Connecticut Avenue Securities FRB Ser. 15-C02, Class 1M2,     
(1 Month US LIBOR + 4.00%), 5.823%, 5/25/25  17,123  18,082 
Connecticut Avenue Securities FRB Ser. 15-C02, Class 2M2,     
(1 Month US LIBOR + 4.00%), 5.823%, 5/25/25  94,206  97,902 
Connecticut Avenue Securities FRB Ser. 17-C05, Class 1B1,     
(1 Month US LIBOR + 3.60%), 5.423%, 1/25/30  370,000  388,487 
Connecticut Avenue Securities FRB Ser. 14-C03, Class 2M2,     
(1 Month US LIBOR + 2.90%), 4.723%, 7/25/24  199,431  207,700 
Connecticut Avenue Securities FRB Ser. 17-C06, Class 1M2,     
(1 Month US LIBOR + 2.65%), 4.473%, 2/25/30  326,000  332,860 
Connecticut Avenue Securities FRB Ser. 18-C05, Class 1M2,     
(1 Month US LIBOR + 2.35%), 4.173%, 1/25/31  448,000  452,244 
Connecticut Avenue Securities FRB Ser. 18-C01, Class 1M2,     
(1 Month US LIBOR + 2.25%), 4.073%, 7/25/30  242,000  244,099 
Connecticut Avenue Securities FRB Ser. 18-C02, Class 2M2,     
(1 Month US LIBOR + 2.20%), 4.023%, 8/25/30  980,000  985,479 
Connecticut Avenue Securities FRB Ser. 18-C03, Class 1M2,     
(1 Month US LIBOR + 2.15%), 3.973%, 10/25/30  1,006,000  1,010,207 
Connecticut Avenue Securities FRB Ser. 18-C06, Class 2M2,     
(1 Month US LIBOR + 2.10%), 3.923%, 3/25/31  417,000  417,788 
Federal National Mortgage Association 144A     
Connecticut Avenue Securities Trust FRB Ser. 19-R01, Class 2M2,     
(1 Month US LIBOR + 2.45%), 4.273%, 7/25/31  306,000  308,403 
Connecticut Avenue Securities Trust FRB Ser. 19-R02, Class 1M2,     
(1 Month US LIBOR + 2.30%), 4.123%, 8/25/31  413,000  415,555 
GSAA Home Equity Trust     
Ser. 06-15, Class AF3A, 5.882%, 9/25/36 W   930,942  490,026 
FRB Ser. 05-15, Class 2A2, (1 Month US LIBOR + 0.25%),     
2.073%, 1/25/36  683,923  415,567 
HarborView Mortgage Loan Trust FRB Ser. 05-2, Class 1A, (1 Month     
US LIBOR + 0.52%), 2.366%, 5/19/35  1,017,852  644,158 
JPMorgan Alternative Loan Trust FRB Ser. 07-A2, Class 12A1, IO,     
(1 Month US LIBOR + 0.20%), 2.023%, 6/25/37  681,415  386,643 
Residential Accredit Loans, Inc. Trust FRB Ser. 06-QO5, Class 1A1,     
(1 Month US LIBOR + 0.22%), 2.038%, 5/25/46  924,881  850,890 
Structured Asset Mortgage Investments II Trust     
FRB Ser. 06-AR7, Class A1A, (1 Month US LIBOR + 0.21%),     
2.033%, 8/25/36  495,650  478,302 
FRB Ser. 07-AR1, Class 2A1, (1 Month US LIBOR + 0.18%),     
2.003%, 1/25/37  481,733  440,782 

 

34 Fixed Income Absolute Return Fund 

 



  Principal   
MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES (37.6%)* cont.  amount  Value 
Residential mortgage-backed securities (non-agency) cont.     
VOLT LXIX, LLC 144A Ser. 18-NPL5, Class A1B, 4.704%, 8/25/48  $550,000  $550,000 
WaMu Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates Trust     
FRB Ser. 05-AR10, Class 1A3, 4.192%, 9/25/35 W   532,493  541,520 
FRB Ser. 05-AR14, Class 1A2, 4.104%, 12/25/35 W   648,940  649,701 
FRB Ser. 05-AR13, Class A1C3, (1 Month US LIBOR + 0.49%),     
2.313%, 10/25/45  232,202  232,046 
    38,172,972 
Total mortgage-backed securities (cost $211,654,284)    $212,499,925 
 
  Principal   
CORPORATE BONDS AND NOTES (25.1%)*  amount  Value 
Basic materials (1.7%)     
Beacon Roofing Supply, Inc. 144A company guaranty sr. unsec.     
notes 4.875%, 11/1/25  $450,000  $442,148 
Boise Cascade Co. 144A company guaranty sr. unsec. notes     
5.625%, 9/1/24  460,000  478,400 
Builders FirstSource, Inc. 144A company guaranty sr. unsub. notes     
5.625%, 9/1/24  379,000  394,160 
Cemex SAB de CV 144A company guaranty sr. notes 6.125%,     
5/5/25 (Mexico)  834,000  864,233 
Chemours Co. (The) company guaranty sr. unsec. notes     
5.375%, 5/15/27  842,000  748,193 
Ingevity Corp. 144A sr. unsec. notes 4.50%, 2/1/26  869,000  877,962 
Kinross Gold Corp. company guaranty sr. unsec. unsub. notes     
5.95%, 3/15/24 (Canada)  448,000  495,174 
Southern Copper Corp. sr. unsec. unsub. notes 5.875%,     
4/23/45 (Peru)  800,000  964,845 
SPCM SA 144A sr. unsec. notes 4.875%, 9/15/25 (France)  900,000  925,875 
Steel Dynamics, Inc. company guaranty sr. unsec. unsub. notes     
5.50%, 10/1/24  1,413,000  1,455,786 
Teck Resources, Ltd. company guaranty sr. unsec. unsub. notes     
3.75%, 2/1/23 (Canada)  861,000  874,719 
WR Grace & Co.- Conn. 144A company guaranty sr. unsec. notes     
5.625%, 10/1/24  1,210,000  1,306,800 
    9,828,295 
Capital goods (1.4%)     
Allison Transmission, Inc. 144A company guaranty sr. unsec. notes     
4.75%, 10/1/27  1,350,000  1,383,750 
Ardagh Packaging Finance PLC/Ardagh Holdings USA, Inc. 144A     
company guaranty sr. notes 4.25%, 9/15/22 (Ireland)  1,200,000  1,215,000 
Berry Global, Inc. company guaranty unsub. notes 5.125%, 7/15/23  280,000  287,000 
Briggs & Stratton Corp. company guaranty sr. unsec. notes     
6.875%, 12/15/20  1,000,000  990,000 
Owens-Brockway Glass Container, Inc. 144A company guaranty sr.     
unsec. notes 5.875%, 8/15/23  1,025,000  1,082,656 
Panther BF Aggregator 2 LP/Panther Finance Co., Inc. 144A     
company guaranty sr. notes 6.25%, 5/15/26  218,000  230,470 
RBS Global, Inc./Rexnord, LLC 144A sr. unsec. notes     
4.875%, 12/15/25  1,750,000  1,804,688 

 

Fixed Income Absolute Return Fund 35 

 



  Principal   
CORPORATE BONDS AND NOTES (25.1%)* cont.  amount  Value 
Capital goods cont.     
TransDigm, Inc. 144A company guaranty sr. notes 6.25%, 3/15/26  $275,000  $294,594 
Waste Management, Inc. company guaranty sr. unsec. unsub.     
notes 4.75%, 6/30/20  364,000  370,669 
    7,658,827 
Communication services (1.3%)     
CCO Holdings, LLC/CCO Holdings Capital Corp. 144A company     
guaranty sr. unsec. bonds 5.50%, 5/1/26  885,000  932,569 
CCO Holdings, LLC/CCO Holdings Capital Corp. 144A company     
guaranty sr. unsec. notes 5.875%, 4/1/24  1,146,000  1,193,273 
DISH DBS Corp. company guaranty sr. unsec. unsub. notes     
5.125%, 5/1/20  520,000  525,200 
Level 3 Financing, Inc. company guaranty sr. unsec. unsub. notes     
5.25%, 3/15/26  750,000  782,813 
NBCUniversal Media, LLC company guaranty sr. unsec. unsub.     
notes 4.375%, 4/1/21  446,000  461,465 
T-Mobile USA, Inc. company guaranty sr. unsec. notes     
6.375%, 3/1/25  802,000  832,243 
T-Mobile USA, Inc. company guaranty sr. unsec. notes     
5.375%, 4/15/27  526,000  565,450 
T-Mobile USA, Inc. company guaranty sr. unsec. unsub. bonds     
4.75%, 2/1/28  374,000  394,103 
Videotron, Ltd./Videotron Ltee. 144A sr. unsec. notes 5.125%,     
4/15/27 (Canada)  1,347,000  1,431,188 
    7,118,304 
Consumer cyclicals (3.4%)     
Amazon.com, Inc. sr. unsec. notes 2.50%, 11/29/22  1,116,000  1,138,358 
BMW US Capital, LLC 144A company guaranty sr. unsec. notes     
2.00%, 4/11/21  1,245,000  1,247,314 
Cinemark USA, Inc. company guaranty sr. unsec. notes     
5.125%, 12/15/22  765,000  771,694 
Hanesbrands, Inc. 144A company guaranty sr. unsec. unsub. notes     
4.625%, 5/15/24  483,000  507,730 
Hilton Worldwide Finance, LLC/Hilton Worldwide Finance Corp.     
company guaranty sr. unsec. sub. notes 4.625%, 4/1/25  869,000  892,898 
IHS Markit, Ltd. 144A company guaranty notes 4.75%, 2/15/25     
(United Kingdom)  1,171,000  1,288,100 
IHS Markit, Ltd. 144A company guaranty sr. unsec. notes 4.00%,     
3/1/26 (United Kingdom)  195,000  205,725 
Iron Mountain US Holdings, Inc. 144A company guaranty sr. unsec.     
unsub. notes 5.375%, 6/1/26 R   876,000  908,850 
Iron Mountain, Inc. company guaranty sr. unsec. notes     
6.00%, 8/15/23 R   500,000  510,625 
Iron Mountain, Inc. 144A company guaranty sr. unsec. bonds     
5.25%, 3/15/28 R   680,000  714,000 
Jack Ohio Finance, LLC/Jack Ohio Finance 1 Corp. 144A company     
guaranty sr. notes 6.75%, 11/15/21  220,000  224,675 
Lennar Corp. company guaranty sr. unsec. sub. notes     
5.875%, 11/15/24  1,121,000  1,249,915 
Lennar Corp. company guaranty sr. unsec. unsub. notes     
4.75%, 11/15/22  565,000  594,663 
Mattamy Group Corp. 144A sr. unsec. notes 6.875%,     
12/15/23 (Canada)  755,000  782,369 

 

36 Fixed Income Absolute Return Fund 

 



  Principal   
CORPORATE BONDS AND NOTES (25.1%)* cont.  amount  Value 
Consumer cyclicals cont.     
Nielsen Co. Luxembourg SARL (The) 144A company guaranty sr.     
unsec. sub. notes 5.50%, 10/1/21 (Luxembourg)  $1,200,000  $1,201,500 
Penske Automotive Group, Inc. company guaranty sr. unsec. sub.     
notes 5.50%, 5/15/26  450,000  470,250 
PulteGroup, Inc. company guaranty sr. unsec. unsub. notes     
5.50%, 3/1/26  1,139,000  1,275,965 
Sabre GLBL, Inc. 144A company guaranty sr. notes 5.375%, 4/15/23  824,000  845,630 
Sinclair Television Group, Inc. 144A company guaranty sr. unsec.     
sub. notes 5.625%, 8/1/24  1,140,000  1,174,200 
Sirius XM Radio, Inc. 144A sr. unsec. bonds 5.00%, 8/1/27  680,000  714,850 
Standard Industries, Inc. 144A sr. unsec. notes 6.00%, 10/15/25  1,148,000  1,205,400 
Standard Industries, Inc. 144A sr. unsec. notes 5.00%, 2/15/27  445,000  464,469 
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc. 144A company guaranty sr. unsec.     
notes 5.375%, 4/15/26  826,000  871,430 
    19,260,610 
Consumer staples (1.0%)     
KFC Holding Co./Pizza Hut Holdings, LLC/Taco Bell of America, LLC     
144A company guaranty sr. unsec. notes 5.00%, 6/1/24  780,000  809,250 
Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc. 144A company guaranty sr. unsec.     
unsub. notes 4.875%, 11/1/26  851,000  894,614 
Match Group, Inc. 144A sr. unsec. bonds 5.00%, 12/15/27  515,000  537,531 
Mead Johnson Nutrition Co. company guaranty sr. unsec. unsub.     
notes 3.00%, 11/15/20  1,875,000  1,894,887 
Netflix, Inc. sr. unsec. notes 5.50%, 2/15/22  420,000  445,200 
Netflix, Inc. sr. unsec. unsub. notes 5.875%, 11/15/28  710,000  781,888 
    5,363,370 
Energy (2.8%)     
Aker BP ASA 144A sr. unsec. notes 5.875%, 3/31/25 (Norway)  447,000  472,703 
Antero Resources Corp. company guaranty sr. unsec. notes     
5.625%, 6/1/23  1,583,000  1,110,079 
BP Capital Markets PLC company guaranty sr. unsec. unsub. notes     
2.315%, 2/13/20 (United Kingdom)  472,000  472,622 
Cheniere Corpus Christi Holdings, LLC company guaranty sr. notes     
5.875%, 3/31/25  1,119,000  1,240,792 
Cheniere Corpus Christi Holdings, LLC company guaranty sr. notes     
5.125%, 6/30/27  930,000  1,002,075 
Chevron Corp. sr. unsec. unsub. notes 2.10%, 5/16/21  670,000  673,306 
Concho Resources, Inc. company guaranty sr. unsec. notes     
4.375%, 1/15/25  831,000  858,848 
Energy Transfer Partners LP jr. unsec. sub. FRB Ser. B, 6.625%,     
perpetual maturity  501,000  477,829 
Exxon Mobil Corp. sr. unsec. unsub. notes 2.222%, 3/1/21  892,000  897,070 
Hess Infrastructure Partners LP/Hess Infrastructure Partners     
Finance Corp. 144A sr. unsec. notes 5.625%, 2/15/26  1,591,000  1,664,584 
Newfield Exploration Co. sr. unsec. unsub. notes 5.625%, 7/1/24  790,000  865,384 
Pertamina Persero PT 144A sr. unsec. unsub. notes 4.30%,     
5/20/23 (Indonesia)  400,000  421,180 
Petrobras Global Finance BV company guaranty sr. unsec. unsub.     
bonds 7.375%, 1/17/27 (Brazil)  292,000  353,612 
Petrobras Global Finance BV company guaranty sr. unsec. unsub.     
notes 6.25%, 3/17/24 (Brazil)  488,000  545,340 

 

Fixed Income Absolute Return Fund 37 

 



  Principal   
CORPORATE BONDS AND NOTES (25.1%)* cont.  amount  Value 
Energy cont.     
Petrobras Global Finance BV company guaranty sr. unsec. unsub.     
notes 6.125%, 1/17/22 (Brazil)  $273,000  $293,134 
Petrobras Global Finance BV company guaranty sr. unsec. unsub.     
notes 5.299%, 1/27/25 (Brazil)  78,000  84,669 
Petroleos de Venezuela SA company guaranty sr. unsec. unsub.     
notes 5.375%, 4/12/27 (Venezuela) (In default)    956,000  59,176 
Petroleos Mexicanos company guaranty sr. unsec. unsub. notes     
6.50%, 3/13/27 (Mexico)  616,000  652,581 
Shell International Finance BV company guaranty sr. unsec. unsub.     
notes 2.125%, 5/11/20 (Netherlands)  2,000,000  2,002,334 
Shell International Finance BV company guaranty sr. unsec. unsub.     
notes 1.875%, 5/10/21 (Netherlands)  29,000  29,038 
Tallgrass Energy Partners LP/Tallgrass Energy Finance Corp. 144A     
company guaranty sr. unsec. notes 5.50%, 1/15/28  368,000  345,920 
Targa Resources Partners LP/Targa Resources Partners Finance     
Corp. company guaranty sr. unsec. unsub. notes 5.00%, 1/15/28  680,000  673,200 
Total Capital International SA company guaranty sr. unsec. unsub.     
notes 2.75%, 6/19/21 (France)  670,000  679,945 
    15,875,421 
Financials (9.0%)     
AIG Global Funding 144A sr. notes 2.15%, 7/2/20  795,000  796,280 
Ally Financial, Inc. company guaranty sr. unsec. notes     
8.00%, 11/1/31  540,000  751,275 
Ally Financial, Inc. sub. unsec. notes 5.75%, 11/20/25  1,209,000  1,346,524 
Bank of America Corp. jr. unsec. sub. FRN Ser. Z, 6.50%,     
perpetual maturity  1,096,000  1,242,722 
Bank of America Corp. sr. unsec. notes Ser. MTN, 3.499%, 5/17/22  1,396,000  1,425,382 
Bank of Montreal sr. unsec. unsub. notes Ser. D, 3.10%,     
4/13/21 (Canada)  865,000  880,523 
Bank of Nova Scotia (The) sr. unsec. notes 2.00%,     
11/15/22 (Canada)  845,000  843,320 
Banque Federative du Credit Mutuel SA 144A sr. unsec. unsub.     
notes 2.20%, 7/20/20 (France)  1,485,000  1,488,977 
Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corp. company guaranty sr. unsec.     
unsub. notes 4.25%, 1/15/21  1,655,000  1,705,037 
CIT Group, Inc. sr. unsec. unsub. notes 5.25%, 3/7/25  1,658,000  1,825,873 
Citibank NA sr. unsec. notes Ser. BKNT, 3.05%, 5/1/20  2,040,000  2,049,096 
Citigroup, Inc. sr. unsec. unsub. notes 2.90%, 12/8/21  1,124,000  1,143,010 
CNO Financial Group, Inc. sr. unsec. unsub. notes 5.25%, 5/30/25  1,883,000  2,061,885 
Commonwealth Bank of Australia 144A unsec. notes 2.20%,     
11/9/20 (Australia)  3,635,000  3,647,701 
Credit Suisse Group AG 144A jr. unsec. sub. FRN 6.25%, perpetual     
maturity (Switzerland)  1,146,000  1,219,058 
GLP Capital LP/GLP Financing II, Inc. company guaranty sr. unsec.     
notes 5.25%, 6/1/25  834,000  915,704 
GLP Capital LP/GLP Financing II, Inc. company guaranty sr. unsec.     
unsub. notes 5.375%, 4/15/26  425,000  467,351 
goeasy, Ltd. 144A company guaranty sr. unsec. notes 7.875%,     
11/1/22 (Canada)  437,000  453,934 
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The) sr. unsec. unsub. notes     
2.60%, 12/27/20  1,338,000  1,339,290 

 

38 Fixed Income Absolute Return Fund 

 



  Principal   
CORPORATE BONDS AND NOTES (25.1%)* cont.  amount  Value 
Financials cont.     
JPMorgan Chase & Co. jr. unsec. sub. FRN Ser. R, 6.00%,     
perpetual maturity  $819,000  $879,049 
JPMorgan Chase & Co. sr. unsec. unsub. notes 2.25%, 1/23/20  482,000  482,212 
JPMorgan Chase Bank NA sr. unsec. FRN Ser. BKNT,     
3.086%, 4/26/21  3,180,000  3,196,320 
Manufacturers & Traders Trust Co. sr. unsec. notes Ser. BKNT,     
2.05%, 8/17/20  1,340,000  1,341,678 
Morgan Stanley sr. unsec. unsub. notes 2.75%, 5/19/22  1,338,000  1,358,667 
PNC Bank NA sr. unsec. notes Ser. BKNT, 2.00%, 5/19/20  845,000  845,684 
Protective Life Global Funding 144A notes 2.262%, 4/8/20  780,000  781,115 
Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC jr. unsec. sub. FRB 7.50%,     
perpetual maturity (United Kingdom)  532,000  541,975 
Starwood Property Trust, Inc. sr. unsec. notes 4.75%, 3/15/25 R   1,748,000  1,815,189 
Svenska Handelsbanken AB company guaranty sr. unsec. notes     
1.95%, 9/8/20 (Sweden)  1,510,000  1,510,885 
Toronto-Dominion Bank (The) sr. unsec. unsub. notes Ser. MTN,     
1.90%, 12/1/22 (Canada)  3,100,000  3,086,782 
U.S. Bancorp sr. unsec. unsub. notes Ser. V, 2.625%, 1/24/22  1,061,000  1,078,117 
U.S. Bank NA sr. unsec. notes Ser. BKNT, 3.15%, 4/26/21  2,215,000  2,256,179 
UBS AG/London 144A sr. unsec. notes 2.20%, 6/8/20     
(United Kingdom)  1,325,000  1,326,880 
UBS Group Funding Switzerland AG company guaranty jr. unsec.     
sub. FRN Ser. REGS, 6.875%, perpetual maturity (Switzerland)  803,000  871,270 
VICI Properties 1, LLC/VICI FC, Inc. company guaranty notes     
8.00%, 10/15/23  6,345  6,908 
Wells Fargo & Co. sr. unsec. notes Ser. GMTN, 2.60%, 7/22/20  1,784,000  1,792,971 
Westpac Banking Corp. sr. unsec. unsub. notes 2.65%,     
1/25/21 (Australia)  2,285,000  2,305,787 
    51,080,610 
Health care (1.3%)     
Bausch Health Cos., Inc. 144A company guaranty sr. unsub. notes     
6.50%, 3/15/22  1,883,000  1,937,136 
Merck & Co., Inc. sr. unsec. unsub. notes 1.85%, 2/10/20  154,000  154,002 
Pfizer, Inc. sr. unsec. unsub. notes 1.95%, 6/3/21  842,000  844,465 
Pfizer, Inc. sr. unsec. unsub. notes 1.70%, 12/15/19  1,560,000  1,559,895 
Service Corp. International sr. unsec. unsub. notes 5.375%, 5/15/24  819,000  844,594 
Teva Pharmaceutical Finance Netherlands III BV company     
guaranty sr. unsec. notes 6.00%, 4/15/24 (Israel)  472,000  443,090 
UnitedHealth Group, Inc. sr. unsec. unsub. notes 2.875%, 3/15/22  892,000  910,732 
WellCare Health Plans, Inc. sr. unsec. notes 5.25%, 4/1/25  829,000  867,600 
    7,561,514 
Technology (2.5%)     
Alphabet, Inc. sr. unsec. notes 3.625%, 5/19/21  2,762,000  2,841,126 
Apple, Inc. sr. unsec. notes 2.85%, 5/6/21  398,000  404,418 
Apple, Inc. sr. unsec. unsub. notes 2.00%, 5/6/20  4,336,000  4,340,240 
Cisco Systems, Inc. sr. unsec. unsub. notes 2.20%, 2/28/21  892,000  897,111 
Diamond 1 Finance Corp./Diamond 2 Finance Corp. 144A     
company guaranty sr. unsec. notes 7.125%, 6/15/24  1,535,000  1,627,484 
Microsoft Corp. sr. unsec. unsub. notes 2.40%, 2/6/22  1,338,000  1,358,691 
Nutanix, Inc. cv. sr. unsec. notes zero %, 1/15/23  51,000  48,861 

 

Fixed Income Absolute Return Fund 39 

 



  Principal   
CORPORATE BONDS AND NOTES (25.1%)* cont.  amount  Value 
Technology cont.     
Oracle Corp. sr. unsec. notes 2.50%, 5/15/22  $1,338,000  $1,358,772 
Western Digital Corp. company guaranty sr. unsec. notes     
4.75%, 2/15/26  1,190,000  1,216,061 
    14,092,764 
Utilities and power (0.7%)     
AES Corp./Virginia (The) sr. unsec. unsub. notes 5.125%, 9/1/27  645,000  693,362 
AES Corp./Virginia (The) sr. unsec. unsub. notes 4.875%, 5/15/23  1,000,000  1,015,000 
Calpine Corp. 144A company guaranty sr. notes 6.00%, 1/15/22  765,000  765,000 
Calpine Corp. 144A company guaranty sr. sub. notes     
5.875%, 1/15/24  837,000  852,694 
NRG Energy, Inc. company guaranty sr. unsec. notes     
5.75%, 1/15/28  675,000  730,688 
    4,056,744 
Total corporate bonds and notes (cost $139,189,343)    $141,896,459 

 

FOREIGN GOVERNMENT AND AGENCY    Principal   
BONDS AND NOTES (5.5%)*    amount  Value 
Argentina (Republic of) sr. unsec. unsub. notes 4.625%,       
1/11/23 (Argentina)    $195,000  $78,000 
Argentina (Republic of) 144A sr. unsec. notes 7.125%,       
8/1/27 (Argentina)    540,000  342,900 
Brazil (Federal Republic of) sr. unsec. unsub. bonds 4.625%,       
1/13/28 (Brazil)    1,840,000  1,965,817 
Brazil (Federal Republic of) sr. unsec. unsub. notes 4.25%,       
1/7/25 (Brazil)    963,000  1,017,169 
Buenos Aires (Province of) 144A sr. unsec. unsub. bonds 7.875%,       
6/15/27 (Argentina)    795,000  270,896 
Cordoba (Province of) sr. unsec. unsub. notes Ser. REGS, 7.45%,       
9/1/24 (Argentina)    405,000  265,015 
Hellenic (Republic of) sr. unsec. notes 4.375%, 8/1/22 (Greece)  EUR  1,296,000  1,607,736 
Hellenic (Republic of) sr. unsec. notes 3.45%, 4/2/24 (Greece)  EUR  981,000  1,239,407 
Hellenic (Republic of) sr. unsec. notes 3.375%, 2/15/25 (Greece)  EUR  850,000  1,087,172 
Hellenic (Republic of) sr. unsec. unsub. bonds Ser. PSI,       
stepped-coupon 3.00% (3.00%, 2/24/20), 2/24/40 (Greece)  ††   EUR  57,000  81,668 
Hellenic (Republic of) sr. unsec. unsub. bonds Ser. PSI,       
stepped-coupon 3.00% (3.65%, 2/24/20), 2/24/36 (Greece)  ††   EUR  406,000  568,754 
Hellenic (Republic of) sr. unsec. unsub. bonds Ser. PSI,       
stepped-coupon 3.00% (3.65%, 2/24/20), 2/24/33 (Greece)  ††   EUR  76,000  106,076 
Hellenic (Republic of) sr. unsec. unsub. bonds Ser. PSI,       
stepped-coupon 3.00% (3.65%, 2/24/20), 2/24/32 (Greece)  ††   EUR  99,000  138,617 
Hellenic (Republic of) sr. unsec. unsub. bonds Ser. PSI,       
stepped-coupon 3.00% (3.65%, 2/24/20), 2/24/31 (Greece)  ††   EUR  260,000  359,686 
Hellenic (Republic of) sr. unsec. unsub. bonds Ser. PSI,       
stepped-coupon 3.00% (3.65%, 2/24/20), 2/24/30 (Greece)  ††   EUR  1,334,000  1,831,509 
Hellenic (Republic of) sr. unsec. unsub. bonds Ser. PSI,       
stepped-coupon 3.00% (3.65%, 2/24/20), 2/24/29 (Greece)  ††   EUR  1,816,973  2,471,502 
Hellenic (Republic of) sr. unsec. unsub. bonds Ser. PSI,       
stepped-coupon 3.00% (3.65%, 2/24/20), 2/24/28 (Greece)  ††   EUR  2,242,206  3,021,384 
Hellenic (Republic of) sr. unsec. unsub. bonds Ser. PSI,       
stepped-coupon 3.00% (3.65%, 2/24/20), 2/24/27 (Greece)  ††   EUR  206,000  273,979 

 

40 Fixed Income Absolute Return Fund 

 



FOREIGN GOVERNMENT AND AGENCY    Principal   
BONDS AND NOTES (5.5%)* cont.    amount  Value 
Hellenic (Republic of) sr. unsec. unsub. bonds Ser. PSI,       
stepped-coupon 3.00% (3.65%, 2/24/20), 2/24/26 (Greece)  ††   EUR  548,000  $724,229 
Hellenic (Republic of) sr. unsec. unsub. bonds Ser. PSI,       
stepped-coupon 3.00% (3.65%, 2/24/20), 2/24/25 (Greece)  ††   EUR  75,000  97,026 
Hellenic (Republic of) sr. unsec. unsub. bonds Ser. PSI,       
stepped-coupon 3.00% (3.65%, 2/24/20), 2/24/23 (Greece)  ††   EUR  40,000  49,534 
Hellenic (Republic of) unsec. bonds 3.90%, 1/30/33 (Greece)  EUR  500,000  708,277 
Indonesia (Republic of) sr. unsec. unsub. notes Ser. REGS, 5.875%,       
1/15/24 (Indonesia)    $585,000  659,597 
Indonesia (Republic of) 144A sr. unsec. notes 4.75%,       
1/8/26 (Indonesia)    300,000  331,495 
Indonesia (Republic of) 144A sr. unsec. unsub. notes 4.35%,       
1/8/27 (Indonesia)    310,000  338,277 
Indonesia (Republic of) 144A sr. unsec. unsub. notes 3.375%,       
4/15/23 (Indonesia)    1,290,000  1,323,864 
Ivory Coast (Republic of) sr. unsec. unsub. bonds Ser. REGS,       
6.125%, 6/15/33 (Ivory Coast)    755,000  739,900 
Mexico (Government of) sr. unsec. bonds 5.55%, 1/21/45 (Mexico)    1,291,000  1,572,692 
Russia (Federation of) 144A sr. unsec. notes 4.50%, 4/4/22 (Russia)    450,000  473,403 
Russia (Federation of) 144A sr. unsec. unsub. bonds 4.375%,       
3/21/29 (Russia)    1,200,000  1,300,476 
Senegal (Republic of) unsec. bonds Ser. REGS, 6.25%,       
5/23/33 (Senegal)    565,000  577,006 
United Mexican States sr. unsec. unsub. notes 4.50%,       
4/22/29 (Mexico)    1,790,000  1,970,908 
United Mexican States sr. unsec. unsub. notes 4.15%,       
3/28/27 (Mexico)    200,000  214,046 
Uruguay (Republic of) sr. unsec. unsub. notes 4.375%,       
10/27/27 (Uruguay)    2,739,000  3,012,900 
Venezuela (Republic of) sr. unsec. notes 7.65%, 4/21/25       
(Venezuela) (In default)      431,000  45,255 
Total foreign government and agency bonds and notes (cost $26,584,374)    $30,866,172 

 

  Principal   
SENIOR LOANS (4.9%)*c  amount  Value 
Basic materials (0.4%)     
Alpha 3 BV bank term loan FRN Ser. B1, (BBA LIBOR USD 3 Month     
+ 3.00%), 5.104%, 1/31/24  $283,381  $277,359 
Diamond BC BV bank term loan FRN (BBA LIBOR USD 3 Month     
+ 3.00%), 4.927%, 9/6/24  183,919  171,275 
Messer Industries USA, Inc. bank term loan FRN Ser. B, (BBA LIBOR     
USD 3 Month + 2.50%), 4.604%, 3/1/26  995,000  985,672 
Quikrete Holdings, Inc. bank term loan FRN Ser. B, (BBA LIBOR USD     
3 Month + 2.75%), 4.536%, 11/15/23  1,080,000  1,074,937 
    2,509,243 
Capital goods (0.8%)     
Advanced Disposal Services, Inc. bank term loan FRN Ser. B,     
(BBA LIBOR USD 3 Month + 2.25%), 3.93%, 11/10/23  1,069,761  1,071,083 
Berry Global, Inc. bank term loan FRN Ser. W, (BBA LIBOR USD     
3 Month + 2.00%), 3.94%, 10/1/22  698,719  700,465 
Gates Global, LLC bank term loan FRN Ser. B, (BBA LIBOR USD     
3 Month + 2.75%), 4.536%, 3/31/24  665,233  650,384 

 

Fixed Income Absolute Return Fund 41 

 



  Principal   
SENIOR LOANS (4.9%)*c cont.  amount  Value 
Capital goods cont.     
GFL Environmental, Inc. bank term loan FRN Ser. B, (BBA LIBOR     
USD 3 Month + 3.00%), 4.786%, 5/31/25  $591,182  $588,965 
Titan Acquisition, Ltd. (United Kingdom) bank term loan FRN     
Ser. B, (BBA LIBOR USD 3 Month + 3.00%), 4.786%, 3/28/25  413,589  390,635 
TransDigm, Inc. bank term loan FRN Ser. E, (BBA LIBOR USD     
3 Month + 2.50%), 4.286%, 5/30/25  251,032  249,045 
TransDigm, Inc. bank term loan FRN Ser. F, (BBA LIBOR USD     
3 Month + 2.50%), 4.286%, 6/9/23  927,998  922,923 
    4,573,500 
Communication services (1.0%)     
Altice US Finance I Corp. bank term loan FRN Ser. B, (BBA LIBOR     
USD 3 Month + 2.25%), 4.171%, 1/15/26  992,500  985,553 
CenturyLink, Inc. bank term loan FRN Ser. B, 4.536%, 1/31/25  464,902  460,544 
Charter Communications Operating , LLC bank term loan FRN     
Ser. B2, (BBA LIBOR USD 3 Month + 1.75%), 3.639%, 2/1/27  751,613  754,055 
CSC Holdings, LLC bank term loan FRN Ser. B, (BBA LIBOR USD     
3 Month + 2.25%), 4.171%, 7/17/25  826,288  821,124 
Intelsat Jackson Holdings SA bank term loan FRN Ser. B3,     
(BBA LIBOR USD 3 Month + 3.75%), 5.682%, 11/27/23  1,019,814  1,016,839 
Sprint Communications, Inc. bank term loan FRN Ser. B,     
(BBA LIBOR USD 3 Month + 2.50%), 4.313%, 2/3/24  487,500  481,610 
WideOpenWest Finance, LLC bank term loan FRN Ser. B,     
(BBA LIBOR USD 3 Month + 3.25%), 5.054%, 8/19/23  986,125  944,626 
    5,464,351 
Consumer cyclicals (1.4%)     
Cineworld Finance US, Inc. bank term loan FRN Ser. B, (BBA LIBOR     
USD 3 Month + 2.25%), 4.036%, 2/28/25  1,327,730  1,310,138 
CPG International, Inc. bank term loan FRN (BBA LIBOR USD     
3 Month + 3.75%), 5.933%, 5/5/24  448,981  441,825 
Eldorado Resorts, Inc. bank term loan FRN Ser. B, (BBA LIBOR USD     
3 Month + 2.25%), 4.105%, 4/17/24  595,585  594,345 
Golden Nugget, Inc./NV bank term loan FRN Ser. B, (BBA LIBOR     
USD 3 Month + 2.75%), 4.687%, 10/4/23  1,030,711  1,028,134 
Hilton Worldwide Finance, LLC bank term loan FRN Ser. B,     
(BBA LIBOR USD 3 Month + 1.75%), 3.573%, 6/21/26  639,438  641,836 
Meredith Corp. bank term loan FRN Ser. B, (BBA LIBOR USD     
3 Month + 2.75%), 4.536%, 1/31/25  231,495  232,219 
Scientific Games International, Inc. bank term loan FRN Ser. B5,     
(BBA LIBOR USD 3 Month + 2.75%), 4.536%, 8/14/24  1,576,695  1,556,987 
Stars Group Holdings BV bank term loan FRN Ser. B, (BBA LIBOR     
USD 3 Month + 3.50%), 5.604%, 7/10/25  861,626  864,670 
Univision Communications, Inc. bank term loan FRN Ser. C5,     
(BBA LIBOR USD 3 Month + 2.75%), 4.536%, 3/15/24  708,310  681,621 
Werner Finco LP bank term loan FRN Ser. B, (BBA LIBOR USD     
3 Month + 4.00%), 5.786%, 7/24/24  413,196  393,569 
    7,745,344 
Consumer staples (0.3%)     
1011778 BC ULC bank term loan FRN Ser. B, (BBA LIBOR USD     
3 Month + 2.25%), 4.036%, 2/17/24  941,069  941,657 
Brand Industrial Services, Inc. bank term loan FRN (BBA LIBOR     
USD 3 Month + 4.25%), 6.236%, 6/21/24  733,125  711,742 
    1,653,399 

 

42 Fixed Income Absolute Return Fund 

 



  Principal   
SENIOR LOANS (4.9%)*c cont.  amount  Value 
Energy (—%)     
Ascent Resources — Marcellus, LLC bank term loan FRN Ser. B,     
(BBA LIBOR USD 3 Month + 6.50%), 8.414%, 3/30/23  $115,000  $109,250 
    109,250 
Financials (0.1%)     
VICI Properties 1, LLC bank term loan FRN (BBA LIBOR USD 3 Month     
+ 2.00%), 3.85%, 12/22/24  634,773  636,624 
    636,624 
Health care (0.3%)     
Grifols Worldwide Operations USA, Inc. bank term loan FRN Ser. B,     
(BBA LIBOR USD 3 Month + 2.25%), 3.93%, 1/31/25  487,500  487,805 
Jaguar Holding Co. II bank term loan FRN (BBA LIBOR USD 3 Month     
+ 2.50%), 4.286%, 8/18/22  1,019,738  1,016,976 
Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics, Inc. bank term loan FRN Ser. B,     
(BBA LIBOR USD 3 Month + 3.25%), 5.306%, 6/1/25  344,350  327,670 
    1,832,451 
Technology (0.3%)     
Infor US, Inc. bank term loan FRN Ser. B, (BBA LIBOR USD 3 Month     
+ 2.75%), 4.854%, 2/1/22  425,078  425,078 
Rackspace Hosting, Inc. bank term loan FRN (BBA LIBOR USD     
3 Month + 3.00%), 5.287%, 11/3/23  771,181  684,852 
Western Digital Corp. bank term loan FRN Ser. B, (BBA LIBOR USD     
3 Month + 1.75%), 3.531%, 4/29/23  410,677  409,137 
    1,519,067 
Utilities and power (0.3%)     
Calpine Construction Finance Co. LP bank term loan FRN     
(BBA LIBOR USD 3 Month + 2.50%), 4.286%, 1/15/25  795,825  795,825 
Vistra Operations Co., LLC bank term loan FRN Ser. B, (BBA LIBOR     
USD 3 Month + 2.00%), 3.786%, 8/4/23  585,331  586,885 
    1,382,710 
Total senior loans (cost $26,917,470)    $27,425,939 

 

PURCHASED SWAP OPTIONS OUTSTANDING (3.2%)*         
Counterparty      Notional/   
Fixed right % to receive or (pay)/  Expiration    Contract   
Floating rate index/Maturity date  date/strike    amount  Value 
Bank of America N.A.         
2.785/3 month USD-LIBOR-BBA/Jan-47  Jan-27/2.785    $5,212,600  $939,571 
2.3075/3 month USD-LIBOR-BBA/Jun-52  Jun-22/2.3075    2,249,900  356,137 
(2.785)/3 month USD-LIBOR-BBA/Jan-47  Jan-27/2.785    5,212,600  227,843 
(2.3075)/3 month USD-LIBOR-BBA/Jun-52  Jun-22/2.3075    2,249,900  98,703 
Citibank, N.A.         
(1.30)/3 month USD-LIBOR-BBA/Dec-24  Dec-19/1.30    58,463,800  568,268 
(1.316)/3 month USD-LIBOR-BBA/Oct-21  Oct-20/1.316    56,135,500  171,213 
1.316/3 month USD-LIBOR-BBA/Oct-21  Oct-20/1.316    56,135,500  115,078 
Goldman Sachs International         
2.988/3 month USD-LIBOR-BBA/Feb-39  Feb-29/2.988    4,663,100  527,303 
(2.988)/3 month USD-LIBOR-BBA/Feb-39  Feb-29/2.988    4,663,100  132,572 
(2.983)/3 month USD-LIBOR-BBA/May-52  May-22/2.983    8,137,400  108,553 
JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.         
3.162/3 month USD-LIBOR-BBA/Nov-33  Nov-20/3.162    16,410,700  2,844,956 
1.288/6 month EUR-EURIBOR-Reuters/Feb-50  Feb-20/1.288  EUR  6,661,600  1,853,929 

 

Fixed Income Absolute Return Fund 43 

 



PURCHASED SWAP OPTIONS OUTSTANDING (3.2%)* cont.       
Counterparty      Notional/   
Fixed right % to receive or (pay)/  Expiration    Contract   
Floating rate index/Maturity date  date/strike    amount  Value 
JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A. cont.         
3.096/3 month USD-LIBOR-BBA/Nov-29  Nov-19/3.096    $13,128,600  $1,837,216 
2.795/3 month USD-LIBOR-BBA/Dec-37  Dec-27/2.795    4,467,000  453,937 
2.7575/3 month USD-LIBOR-BBA/Dec-37  Dec-27/2.7575    4,467,000  444,288 
(2.7575)/3 month USD-LIBOR-BBA/Dec-37  Dec-27/2.7575    4,467,000  138,388 
(2.795)/3 month USD-LIBOR-BBA/Dec-37  Dec-27/2.795    4,467,000  134,189 
(3.162)/3 month USD-LIBOR-BBA/Nov-33  Nov-20/3.162    16,410,700  14,770 
(1.288)/6 month EUR-EURIBOR-Reuters/Feb-50  Feb-20/1.288  EUR  6,661,600  2,378 
(3.095)/3 month USD-LIBOR-BBA/Nov-21  Nov-19/3.095    $32,821,400  33 
(3.096)/3 month USD-LIBOR-BBA/Nov-29  Nov-19/3.096    13,128,600  13 
Morgan Stanley & Co. International PLC         
2.7725/3 month USD-LIBOR-BBA/Feb-31  Feb-21/2.7725    8,782,100  941,705 
2.764/3 month USD-LIBOR-BBA/Feb-31  Feb-21/2.764    8,782,100  935,821 
3.00/3 month USD-LIBOR-BBA/Feb-73  Feb-48/3.00    3,450,300  901,460 
3.00/3 month USD-LIBOR-BBA/Apr-72  Apr-47/3.00    3,450,300  901,184 
3.00/3 month USD-LIBOR-BBA/Apr-72  Apr-47/3.00    3,450,300  901,046 
2.75/3 month USD-LIBOR-BBA/May-73  May-48/2.75    3,450,300  767,933 
(1.613)/3 month USD-LIBOR-BBA/Aug-34  Aug-24/1.613    5,643,600  331,166 
1.613/3 month USD-LIBOR-BBA/Aug-34  Aug-24/1.613    5,643,600  231,670 
(2.904)/3 month USD-LIBOR-BBA/May-51  May-21/2.904    3,487,400  25,702 
(2.7725)/3 month USD-LIBOR-BBA/Feb-31  Feb-21/2.7725    8,782,100  22,570 
(2.764)/3 month USD-LIBOR-BBA/Feb-31  Feb-21/2.764    8,782,100  21,955 
(3.0975)/3 month USD-LIBOR-BBA/Nov-21  Nov-19/3.0975    32,821,400  33 
Toronto-Dominion Bank         
(1.715)/3 month USD-LIBOR-BBA/Jan-22 (Canada)  Jan-20/1.715    44,908,400  29,640 
UBS AG         
(1.6125)/3 month USD-LIBOR-BBA/Aug-34  Aug-24/1.6125    5,643,600  331,279 
(0.153)/6 month EUR-EURIBOR-Reuters/Sep-29  Sep-24/0.153  EUR  8,745,700  242,096 
1.6125/3 month USD-LIBOR-BBA/Aug-34  Aug-24/1.6125    $5,643,600  231,557 
0.153/6 month EUR-EURIBOR-Reuters/Sep-29  Sep-24/0.153  EUR  8,745,700  176,939 
1.5025/3 month USD-LIBOR-BBA/Oct-21  Oct-20/1.5025    $58,381,000  168,721 
(1.5025)/3 month USD-LIBOR-BBA/Oct-21  Oct-20/1.5025    58,381,000  120,265 
Total purchased swap options outstanding (cost $11,666,928)      $18,252,080 

 

PURCHASED OPTIONS  Expiration         
OUTSTANDING (0.1%)*  date/strike  Notional    Contract   
Counterparty  price  amount    amount  Value 
Bank of America N.A.           
EUR/USD (Put)  Jan-20/$1.08  $17,203,837  EUR  15,425,300  $8,189 
GBP/USD (Call)  Jan-20/1.33  16,953,411  GBP  13,087,900  148,528 
Citibank, N.A.           
AUD/JPY (Put)  Feb-20/JPY 70.00  11,212,795  AUD  16,265,750  56,367 
EUR/SEK (Put)  Nov-19/SEK 10.50  11,293,974  EUR  10,126,400  1,096 
Goldman Sachs International           
AUD/JPY (Put)  Feb-20/JPY 70.00  11,212,795  AUD  16,265,750  56,367 
EUR/NOK (Put)  Jan-20/NOK 9.85  8,470,480  EUR  7,594,800  6,658 

 

44 Fixed Income Absolute Return Fund 

 



PURCHASED OPTIONS  Expiration         
OUTSTANDING (0.1%)* cont.  date/strike  Notional    Contract   
Counterparty  price  amount    amount  Value 
JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.           
Uniform Mortgage-Backed           
Securities 30 yr 3.00% TBA           
commitments (Put)  Nov-19/$101.24  $22,000,000    $22,000,000  $6,160 
Uniform Mortgage-Backed           
Securities 30 yr 3.00% TBA           
commitments (Put)  Nov-19/99.74  22,000,000    22,000,000  22 
UBS AG           
AUD/USD (Put)  Jan-20/0.66  2,873,900  AUD  4,169,000  2,793 
Total purchased options outstanding (cost $886,369)        $286,180 

 

  Principal   
ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES (2.5%)*  amount  Value 
Mello Warehouse Securitization Trust 144A     
FRB Ser. 18-W1, Class A, (1 Month US LIBOR + 0.85%),     
2.868%, 11/25/51  $1,056,666  $1,056,666 
FRB Ser. 19-1, Class A, (1 Month US LIBOR + 0.80%),     
2.623%, 6/25/52  1,311,000  1,311,000 
Station Place Securitization Trust 144A     
FRB Ser. 19-7, Class A, (1 Month US LIBOR + 0.70%),     
2.746%, 9/24/20  2,687,000  2,687,000 
FRB Ser. 19-3, Class A, (1 Month US LIBOR + 0.70%),     
2.746%, 6/24/20  2,804,000  2,804,000 
FRB Ser. 18-8, Class A, (1 Month US LIBOR + 0.70%),     
2.746%, 2/24/20  3,338,000  3,338,000 
FRB Ser. 19-11, Class A, (1 Month US LIBOR + 0.75%),     
2.572%, 10/24/20  878,000  878,000 
FRB Ser. 19-WL1, Class A, (1 Month US LIBOR + 0.65%),     
2.473%, 8/25/52  1,120,000  1,120,000 
Toorak Mortgage Corp. 144A Ser. 19-1, Class A1, 4.336%, 3/25/22  1,000,000  1,010,000 
Total asset-backed securities (cost $14,194,665)    $14,204,666 
 
  Principal   
CONVERTIBLE BONDS AND NOTES (0.9%)*  amount  Value 
Capital goods (—%)     
Fortive Corp. 144A cv. company guaranty sr. unsec. notes     
0.875%, 2/15/22  $110,000  $108,523 
II-VI, Inc. cv. sr. unsec. notes 0.25%, 9/1/22  77,000  77,571 
    186,094 
Communication services (0.1%)     
8x8, Inc. 144A cv. sr. unsec. notes 0.50%, 2/1/24  58,000  59,056 
DISH Network Corp. cv. sr. unsec. notes 3.375%, 8/15/26  125,000  116,883 
GCI Liberty, Inc. 144A cv. sr. unsec. bonds 1.75%, 9/30/46  101,000  135,800 
Intelsat SA cv. company guaranty sr. unsec. notes 4.50%,     
6/15/25 (Luxembourg)  26,000  41,633 
RingCentral, Inc. cv. sr. unsec. notes zero %, 3/15/23  23,000  46,489 
Vonage Holdings Corp. 144A cv. sr. unsec. notes 1.75%, 6/1/24  160,000  154,726 
    554,587 
Consumer cyclicals (0.1%)     
Euronet Worldwide, Inc. 144A cv. sr. unsec. bonds 0.75%, 3/15/49  52,000  59,136 
FTI Consulting, Inc. cv. sr. unsec. notes 2.00%, 8/15/23  54,000  67,428 

 

Fixed Income Absolute Return Fund 45 

 



  Principal   
CONVERTIBLE BONDS AND NOTES (0.9%)* cont.  amount  Value 
Consumer cyclicals cont.     
Liberty Media Corp. cv. sr. unsec. bonds 1.375%, 10/15/23  $97,000  $122,398 
Liberty Media Corp. cv. sr. unsec. notes 1.00%, 1/30/23  59,000  74,688 
Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. cv. sr. unsec. notes 2.50%, 3/15/23  106,000  129,679 
Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corp. cv. sr. unsec. notes     
1.50%, 9/15/22  68,000  69,252 
Priceline Group, Inc. (The) cv. sr. unsec. bonds 0.90%, 9/15/21  125,000  146,911 
RH cv. sr. unsec. unsub. notes zero %, 6/15/23  49,000  55,309 
Square, Inc. cv. sr. unsec. notes 0.50%, 5/15/23  46,000  50,737 
    775,538 
Consumer staples (0.1%)     
Chegg, Inc. 144A cv. sr. unsec. notes 0.125%, 3/15/25  94,000  87,965 
Etsy, Inc. 144A cv. sr. unsec. notes 0.125%, 10/1/26  68,000  61,880 
IAC Financeco 2, Inc. 144A cv. company guaranty sr. unsec. notes     
0.875%, 6/15/26  166,000  178,571 
Wayfair, Inc. 144A cv. sr. unsec. notes 1.125%, 11/1/24  58,000  59,221 
Zillow Group, Inc. 144A cv. sr. unsec. sub. notes 1.375%, 9/1/26  68,000  67,597 
    455,234 
Energy (—%)     
Chesapeake Energy Corp. cv. company guaranty sr. unsec. notes     
5.50%, 9/15/26  45,000  24,834 
Transocean, Inc. cv. company guaranty sr. unsec. sub. notes     
0.50%, 1/30/23  54,000  44,289 
    69,123 
Financials (0.1%)     
Blackstone Mortgage Trust, Inc. cv. sr. unsec. notes     
4.75%, 3/15/23 R   55,000  57,920 
Encore Capital Group, Inc. cv. company guaranty sr. unsec. unsub.     
notes 3.25%, 3/15/22  46,000  46,014 
IH Merger Sub, LLC cv. company guaranty sr. unsec. notes     
3.50%, 1/15/22 R   48,000  65,938 
JPMorgan Chase Financial Co., LLC cv. company guaranty sr.     
unsec. notes 0.25%, 5/1/23  68,000  69,074 
Redfin Corp. cv. sr. unsec. notes 1.75%, 7/15/23  28,000  25,935 
    264,881 
Health care (0.2%)     
BioMarin Pharmaceutical, Inc. cv. sr. unsec. sub. notes     
0.599%, 8/1/24  56,000  56,010 
CONMED Corp. 144A cv. sr. unsec. notes 2.625%, 2/1/24  45,000  61,753 
DexCom, Inc. 144A cv. sr. unsec. notes 0.75%, 12/1/23  90,000  107,554 
Exact Sciences Corp. cv. sr. unsec. notes 0.375%, 3/15/27  75,000  80,376 
Illumina, Inc. cv. sr. unsec. notes zero %, 8/15/23  24,000  25,943 
Insulet Corp. 144A cv. sr. unsec. notes 0.375%, 9/1/26  41,000  39,181 
Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 144A cv. sr. unsec. notes     
0.75%, 6/15/24  38,000  37,894 
Jazz Investments I, Ltd. cv. company guaranty sr. unsec. sub. notes     
1.50%, 8/15/24 (Ireland)  115,000  110,097 
Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. cv. sr. unsec. notes 2.25%, 5/15/24  37,000  53,999 
Pacira Pharmaceuticals, Inc./Delaware cv. sr. unsec. sub. notes     
2.375%, 4/1/22  41,000  41,433 
Supernus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. cv. sr. unsec. notes 0.625%, 4/1/23  47,000  43,268 

 

46 Fixed Income Absolute Return Fund 

 



  Principal   
CONVERTIBLE BONDS AND NOTES (0.9%)* cont.  amount  Value 
Health care cont.     
Tabula Rasa HealthCare, Inc. 144A cv. sr. unsec. sub. notes     
1.75%, 2/15/26  $39,000  $40,389 
Teladoc Health, Inc. cv. sr. unsec. notes 1.375%, 5/15/25  56,000  90,754 
Wright Medical Group, Inc. cv. company guaranty sr. unsec. notes     
1.625%, 6/15/23  51,000  48,715 
    837,366 
Technology (0.3%)     
Akamai Technologies, Inc. cv. sr. unsec. notes 0.125%, 5/1/25  108,000  120,960 
Carbonite, Inc. cv. sr. unsec. unsub. notes 2.50%, 4/1/22  28,000  27,299 
DocuSign, Inc. cv. sr. unsec. notes 0.50%, 9/15/23  69,000  81,028 
Envestnet, Inc. cv. sr. unsec. notes 1.75%, 6/1/23  57,000  64,318 
Five9, Inc. cv. sr. unsec. notes 0.125%, 5/1/23  28,000  41,405 
Guidewire Software, Inc. cv. sr. unsec. sub. notes 1.25%, 3/15/25  38,000  45,322 
Inphi Corp. cv. sr. unsec. notes 0.75%, 9/1/21  66,000  91,081 
J2 Global, Inc. cv. sr. unsec. notes 3.25%, 6/15/29  36,000  53,015 
LivePerson, Inc. 144A cv. sr. unsec. notes 0.75%, 3/1/24  27,000  34,155 
Lumentum Holdings, Inc. cv. sr. unsec. unsub. notes     
0.25%, 3/15/24  46,000  58,047 
Microchip Technology, Inc. cv. sr. unsec. sub. notes     
1.625%, 2/15/27  57,000  74,618 
New Relic, Inc. cv. sr. unsec. notes 0.50%, 5/1/23  42,000  40,366 
Nuance Communications, Inc. cv. sr. unsec. notes 1.25%, 4/1/25  84,000  88,305 
ON Semiconductor Corp. cv. company guaranty sr. unsec. unsub.     
notes 1.625%, 10/15/23  96,000  119,563 
Palo Alto Networks, Inc. cv. sr. unsec. notes 0.75%, 7/1/23  124,000  136,395 
Pluralsight, Inc. 144A cv. sr. unsec. notes 0.375%, 3/1/24  97,000  85,111 
Proofpoint, Inc. 144A cv. sr. unsec. unsub. notes 0.25%, 8/15/24  62,000  64,170 
Q2 Holdings, Inc. 144A cv. sr. unsec. unsub. notes 0.75%, 6/1/26  47,000  49,621 
Rapid7, Inc. cv. sr. unsec. notes 1.25%, 8/1/23  29,000  40,109 
Splunk, Inc. cv. sr. unsec. notes 1.125%, 9/15/25  147,000  162,728 
Twitter, Inc. cv. sr. unsec. unsub. bonds 1.00%, 9/15/21  118,000  114,196 
Verint Systems, Inc. cv. sr. unsec. notes 1.50%, 6/1/21  49,000  49,919 
Viavi Solutions, Inc. cv. sr. unsec. notes 1.75%, 6/1/23  54,000  70,068 
Vocera Communications, Inc. cv. sr .unsec. unsub. notes     
1.50%, 5/15/23  24,000  23,070 
Wix.com, Ltd. cv. sr. unsec. notes zero %, 7/1/23 (Israel)  50,000  57,025 
Workday, Inc. cv. sr. unsec. notes 0.25%, 10/1/22  56,000  71,221 
Zendesk, Inc. cv. sr. unsec. notes 0.25%, 3/15/23  68,000  88,375 
    1,951,490 
Transportation (—%)     
Air Transport Services Group, Inc. cv. sr. unsec. notes     
1.125%, 10/15/24  56,000  51,267 
    51,267 
Utilities and power (—%)     
NRG Energy, Inc. cv. company guaranty sr. unsec. bonds     
2.75%, 6/1/48  73,000  82,821 
    82,821 
Total convertible bonds and notes (cost $5,197,838)    $5,228,401 

 

Fixed Income Absolute Return Fund 47 

 



  Principal amount/   
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS (23.0%)*    shares  Value 
Putnam Short Term Investment Fund 1.98% L   Shares   110,911,382  $110,911,382 
State Street Institutional U.S. Government Money Market Fund,       
Premier Class 1.75% P   Shares   3,150,000  3,150,000 
U.S. Treasury Bills 2.058%, 11/21/19 # §     $897,000  896,241 
U.S. Treasury Bills 2.043%, 12/12/19 # §     1,761,000  1,758,046 
U.S. Treasury Bills 2.028%, 12/5/19 # §     435,000  434,387 
U.S. Treasury Bills 1.972%, 11/14/19 # §     2,050,000  2,048,898 
U.S. Treasury Bills 1.910%, 1/2/20 # § $     693,000  691,153 
U.S. Treasury Bills 1.908%, 11/7/19  § $     2,105,000  2,104,441 
U.S. Treasury Bills 1.878%, 3/12/20 # §     3,490,000  3,470,390 
U.S. Treasury Bills 1.676%, 2/20/20  §     466,000  463,837 
U.S. Treasury Bills 1.647%, 4/2/20  § $     2,995,000  2,975,684 
U.S. Treasury Bills 1.644%, 4/9/20  §     426,000  423,120 
U.S. Treasury Bills 1.627%, 4/16/20  §     453,000  449,795 
Total short-term investments (cost $129,769,615)      $129,777,374 
 
TOTAL INVESTMENTS       
Total investments (cost $871,413,076)      $886,282,055 

 

Key to holding’s currency abbreviations 
AUD  Australian Dollar 
CAD  Canadian Dollar 
CHF  Swiss Franc 
CZK  Czech Koruna 
EUR  Euro 
GBP  British Pound 
JPY  Japanese Yen 
NOK  Norwegian Krone 
NZD  New Zealand Dollar 
SEK  Swedish Krona 
USD /$  United States Dollar 
 
Key to holding’s abbreviations 
BKNT  Bank Note 
bp  Basis Points 
FRB  Floating Rate Bonds: the rate shown is the current interest rate at the close of the reporting period. Rates may 
  be subject to a cap or floor. For certain securities, the rate may represent a fixed rate currently in place at the 
  close of the reporting period. 
FRN  Floating Rate Notes: the rate shown is the current interest rate or yield at the close of the reporting period. 
  Rates may be subject to a cap or floor. For certain securities, the rate may represent a fixed rate currently in 
  place at the close of the reporting period. 
GMTN  Global Medium Term Notes 
IFB  Inverse Floating Rate Bonds, which are securities that pay interest rates that vary inversely to changes in the 
  market interest rates. As interest rates rise, inverse floaters produce less current income. The rate shown is 
  the current interest rate at the close of the reporting period. Rates may be subject to a cap or floor. 
IO  Interest Only 
MTN  Medium Term Notes 
OTC  Over-the-counter 
PO  Principal Only 

 

48 Fixed Income Absolute Return Fund 

 



REGS  Securities sold under Regulation S may not be offered, sold or delivered within the United States except 
  pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the 
  Securities Act of 1933. 
TBA  To Be Announced Commitments 

 

Notes to the fund’s portfolio

Unless noted otherwise, the notes to the fund’s portfolio are for the close of the fund’s reporting period, which ran from November 1, 2018 through October 31, 2019 (the reporting period). Within the following notes to the portfolio, references to “Putnam Management” represent Putnam Investment Management, LLC, the fund’s manager, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Putnam Investments, LLC and references to “ASC 820” represent Accounting Standards Codification 820 Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures.

* Percentages indicated are based on net assets of $565,180,408.

This security is non-income-producing.

 The interest rate and date shown parenthetically represent the new interest rate to be paid and the date the fund will begin accruing interest at this rate.

# This security, in part or in entirety, was pledged and segregated with the broker to cover margin requirements for futures contracts at the close of the reporting period. Collateral at period end totaled $650,259 and is included in Investments in securities on the Statement of assets and liabilities (Notes 1 and 9).

Δ This security, in part or in entirety, was pledged and segregated with the custodian for collateral on certain derivative contracts at the close of the reporting period. Collateral at period end totaled $4,738,408 and is included in Investments in securities on the Statement of assets and liabilities (Notes 1 and 9).

This security, in part or in entirety, was pledged and segregated with the custodian for collateral on certain TBA commitments at the close of the reporting period. Collateral at period end totaled $358,560 and is included in Investments in securities on the Statement of assets and liabilities (Notes 1 and 9).

§ This security, in part or in entirety, was pledged and segregated with the custodian for collateral on the initial margin on certain centrally cleared derivative contracts at the close of the reporting period. Collateral at period end totaled $9,595,554 and is included in Investments in securities on the Statement of assets and liabilities (Notes 1 and 9).

## Forward commitment, in part or in entirety (Note 1).

c Senior loans are exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, but contain certain restrictions on resale and cannot be sold publicly. These loans pay interest at rates which adjust periodically. The interest rates shown for senior loans are the current interest rates at the close of the reporting period. Senior loans are also subject to mandatory and/or optional prepayment which cannot be predicted. As a result, the remaining maturity may be substantially less than the stated maturity shown (Notes 1 and 7).

i This security was pledged, or purchased with cash that was pledged, to the fund for collateral on certain derivative contracts (Note 1).

L Affiliated company (Note 5). The rate quoted in the security description is the annualized 7-day yield of the fund at the close of the reporting period.

P This security was pledged, or purchased with cash that was pledged, to the fund for collateral on certain derivative contracts. The rate quoted in the security description is the annualized 7-day yield of the fund at the close of the reporting period.

R Real Estate Investment Trust.

W The rate shown represents the weighted average coupon associated with the underlying mortgage pools. Rates may be subject to a cap or floor.

At the close of the reporting period, the fund maintained liquid assets totaling $340,022,349 to cover certain derivative contracts and delayed delivery securities.

Unless otherwise noted, the rates quoted in Short-term investments security descriptions represent the weighted average yield to maturity.

Debt obligations are considered secured unless otherwise indicated.

144A after the name of an issuer represents securities exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. These securities may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers.

See Note 1 to the financial statements regarding TBA commitments.

The dates shown on debt obligations are the original maturity dates.

Fixed Income Absolute Return Fund 49 

 



FORWARD CURRENCY CONTRACTS at 10/31/19 (aggregate face value $122,386,676)   
            Unrealized 
    Contract  Delivery    Aggregate  appreciation/ 
Counterparty  Currency  type*  date  Value  face value  (depreciation) 
Bank of America N.A.           
  Brazilian Real  Sell  2/4/20  $178,938  $136,263  $(42,675) 
  British Pound  Buy  12/18/19  656,032  620,272  35,760 
  Czech Koruna  Buy  12/18/19  415,253  405,322  9,931 
  Euro  Sell  12/18/19  3,772,945  3,721,211  (51,734) 
  Mexican Peso  Sell  1/15/20  61,667  93,859  32,192 
  Norwegian Krone  Sell  12/18/19  33,579  34,203  624 
  Russian Ruble  Sell  12/18/19  68,566  117,952  49,386 
  Swedish Krona  Sell  12/18/19  1,353,201  1,342,520  (10,681) 
Barclays Bank PLC             
  Canadian Dollar  Sell  1/15/20  1,188,267  1,173,180  (15,087) 
  Euro  Sell  12/18/19  1,528,487  1,505,106  (23,381) 
  Japanese Yen  Buy  11/20/19  1,894,360  1,934,011  (39,651) 
  Japanese Yen  Sell  11/20/19  1,894,360  1,880,253  (14,107) 
  New Zealand Dollar  Sell  1/15/20  1,338,270  1,302,271  (35,999) 
  Norwegian Krone  Buy  12/18/19  1,909,634  1,938,784  (29,150) 
  Swiss Franc  Buy  12/18/19  28,279  26,614  1,665 
Citibank, N.A.             
  Brazilian Real  Sell  2/4/20  63,384  61,286  (2,098) 
  Canadian Dollar  Buy  1/15/20  1,408,313  1,411,340  (3,027) 
  Euro  Sell  12/18/19  606,674  607,286  612 
  Japanese Yen  Buy  11/20/19  4,099,629  4,179,389  (79,760) 
  Japanese Yen  Sell  11/20/19  4,099,629  4,069,967  (29,662) 
  New Zealand Dollar  Sell  1/15/20  817,946  796,049  (21,897) 
Credit Suisse International           
  Euro  Buy  12/18/19  211,323  214,458  (3,135) 
Goldman Sachs International           
  Brazilian Real  Buy  2/4/20  1,428,628  1,374,284  54,344 
  Brazilian Real  Sell  2/4/20  1,426,271  1,390,567  (35,704) 
  Chilean Peso  Buy  1/15/20  16,251  20,293  (4,042) 
  Indian Rupee  Buy  11/20/19  2,782,983  2,771,880  11,103 
  Indian Rupee  Sell  11/20/19  2,782,983  2,756,003  (26,980) 
  Indonesian Rupiah  Buy  11/20/19  1,414,544  1,356,276  58,268 
  Indonesian Rupiah  Sell  11/20/19  1,414,544  1,399,072  (15,472) 
  Japanese Yen  Buy  11/20/19  2,073,520  2,058,169  15,351 
  Japanese Yen  Sell  11/20/19  2,073,520  2,085,332  11,812 
  New Taiwan Dollar  Buy  11/20/19  2,838,193  2,820,857  17,336 
  New Taiwan Dollar  Sell  11/20/19  2,838,193  2,756,296  (81,897) 
  New Zealand Dollar  Sell  1/15/20  1,475,590  1,435,487  (40,103) 
  Norwegian Krone  Buy  12/18/19  3,593,736  3,650,525  (56,789) 
  Russian Ruble  Sell  12/18/19  68,566  117,423  48,857 
  South Korean Won  Buy  11/20/19  2,874,566  2,826,969  47,597 
  South Korean Won  Sell  11/20/19  2,874,566  2,896,921  22,355 
  Swedish Krona  Buy  12/18/19  133,798  149,017  (15,219) 

 

50 Fixed Income Absolute Return Fund 

 



FORWARD CURRENCY CONTRACTS at 10/31/19 (aggregate face value $122,386,676) cont.   
            Unrealized 
    Contract  Delivery    Aggregate  appreciation/ 
Counterparty  Currency  type*  date  Value  face value  (depreciation) 
HSBC Bank USA, National Association           
  Australian Dollar  Buy  1/15/20  $1,441,400  $1,423,027  $18,373 
  British Pound  Buy  12/18/19  548,878  518,582  30,296 
  Indonesian Rupiah  Buy  11/20/19  1,390,706  1,357,367  33,339 
  Indonesian Rupiah  Sell  11/20/19  1,390,706  1,346,045  (44,661) 
  Japanese Yen  Buy  11/20/19  1,484,997  1,474,058  10,939 
  Japanese Yen  Sell  11/20/19  1,484,997  1,494,135  9,138 
  New Zealand Dollar  Sell  1/15/20  216,219  210,574  (5,645) 
  Norwegian Krone  Buy  12/18/19  82,201  83,386  (1,185) 
  South Korean Won  Buy  11/20/19  1,444,614  1,421,003  23,611 
  South Korean Won  Sell  11/20/19  1,444,614  1,460,555  15,941 
  Swedish Krona  Sell  12/18/19  1,364,654  1,353,929  (10,725) 
JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.           
  Euro  Sell  12/18/19  3,889,290  3,819,008  (70,282) 
  Japanese Yen  Sell  11/20/19  832,390  862,699  30,309 
  New Zealand Dollar  Sell  1/15/20  1,719,221  1,658,894  (60,327) 
  Swedish Krona  Sell  12/18/19  715,112  709,545  (5,567) 
  Swiss Franc  Buy  12/18/19  61,441  60,619  822 
NatWest Markets PLC           
  Australian Dollar  Buy  1/15/20  3,292,271  3,194,601  97,670 
  Euro  Sell  12/18/19  953,472  942,022  (11,450) 
  Indian Rupee  Buy  11/20/19  1,400,071  1,408,461  (8,390) 
  Indian Rupee  Sell  11/20/19  1,400,071  1,371,146  (28,925) 
  Japanese Yen  Buy  11/20/19  2,702,566  2,782,050  (79,484) 
  Japanese Yen  Sell  11/20/19  2,702,566  2,704,940  2,374 
  New Taiwan Dollar  Buy  11/20/19  2,835,198  2,802,132  33,066 
  New Taiwan Dollar  Sell  11/20/19  2,835,198  2,737,098  (98,100) 
  Norwegian Krone  Buy  12/18/19  1,409,685  1,411,738  (2,053) 
  Swedish Krona  Sell  12/18/19  1,357,417  1,346,392  (11,025) 
State Street Bank and Trust Co.           
  British Pound  Buy  12/18/19  1,452,561  1,385,386  67,175 
  Canadian Dollar  Buy  1/15/20  2,808,423  2,821,488  (13,065) 
  Euro  Sell  12/18/19  1,927,864  1,907,032  (20,832) 
  Japanese Yen  Sell  11/20/19  691,977  639,678  (52,299) 
  New Zealand Dollar  Sell  1/15/20  195,675  190,375  (5,300) 
  Norwegian Krone  Sell  12/18/19  1,407,281  1,418,562  11,281 
  Swedish Krona  Sell  12/18/19  884,213  865,108  (19,105) 
UBS AG             
  Australian Dollar  Buy  1/15/20  1,430,764  1,368,508  62,256 
  Euro  Buy  12/18/19  656,344  653,629  2,715 
  Japanese Yen  Buy  11/20/19  2,862,031  2,840,976  21,055 
  Japanese Yen  Sell  11/20/19  2,862,031  2,850,705  (11,326) 

 

Fixed Income Absolute Return Fund 51 

 



FORWARD CURRENCY CONTRACTS at 10/31/19 (aggregate face value $122,386,676) cont.   
            Unrealized 
    Contract  Delivery    Aggregate  appreciation/ 
Counterparty  Currency  type*  date  Value  face value  (depreciation) 
UBS AG cont.             
  New Zealand Dollar  Buy  1/15/20  $1,357,466  $1,343,152  $14,314 
  Swedish Krona  Buy  12/18/19  638,972  650,530  (11,558) 
  Swiss Franc  Sell  12/18/19  78,936  78,357  (579) 
WestPac Banking Corp.           
  Australian Dollar  Buy  1/15/20  1,257,142  1,219,779  37,363 
  Euro  Sell  12/18/19  2,795,644  2,762,438  (33,206) 
Unrealized appreciation          939,230 
Unrealized (depreciation)          (1,283,339) 
Total            $(344,109) 

 

* The exchange currency for all contracts listed is the United States Dollar.

FUTURES CONTRACTS OUTSTANDING at 10/31/19       
          Unrealized 
  Number of  Notional    Expiration  appreciation/ 
  contracts  amount  Value  date  (depreciation) 
Euro-Bund 10 yr (Short)  168  $32,182,740  $32,182,731  Dec-19  $423,243 
Euro-Dollar 90 day (Long)  348  348,000,000  85,599,300  Mar-20  (47,633) 
Euro-Dollar 90 day (Short)  348  348,000,000  85,799,400  Mar-21  (254,219) 
Euro-Schatz 2 yr (Short)  57  7,124,525  7,124,523  Dec-19  37,393 
U.S. Treasury Bond Ultra 30 yr (Long)  13  2,466,750  2,466,750  Dec-19  (80,006) 
U.S. Treasury Note 2 yr (Long)  69  14,876,508  14,876,508  Dec-19  (29,444) 
U.S. Treasury Note 5 yr (Short)  133  15,854,016  15,854,016  Dec-19  84,904 
Unrealized appreciation          545,540 
Unrealized (depreciation)          (411,302) 
Total          $134,238 

 

WRITTEN SWAP OPTIONS OUTSTANDING at 10/31/19 (premiums $11,424,282)   
Counterparty      Notional/   
Fixed Obligation % to receive or (pay)/  Expiration    Contract   
Floating rate index/Maturity date  date/strike    amount  Value 
Citibank, N.A.         
(1.865)/3 month USD-LIBOR-BBA/Oct-39  Oct-29/1.865    $5,613,600  $329,631 
1.865/3 month USD-LIBOR-BBA/Oct-39  Oct-29/1.865    5,613,600  365,333 
1.475/3 month USD-LIBOR-BBA/Dec-24  Dec-19/1.475    116,927,500  472,387 
Goldman Sachs International         
2.823/3 month USD-LIBOR-BBA/May-27  May-22/2.823    32,549,500  93,417 
1.722/3 month GBP-LIBOR-BBA/Feb-39  Feb-29/1.722  GBP  3,028,000  158,658 
(1.722)/3 month GBP-LIBOR-BBA/Feb-39  Feb-29/1.722  GBP  3,028,000  407,882 
JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.         
3.415/3 month USD-LIBOR-BBA/Nov-21  Nov-19/3.415    $65,642,800  66 
2.975/3 month USD-LIBOR-BBA/Nov-23  Nov-20/2.975    16,410,700  1,477 
1.667/6 month EUR-EURIBOR-Reuters/Feb-36  Feb-26/1.667  EUR  6,661,600  137,523 
3.229/3 month USD-LIBOR-BBA/Nov-33  Nov-23/3.229    $16,410,700  143,922 
(2.975)/3 month USD-LIBOR-BBA/Nov-23  Nov-20/2.975    16,410,700  745,702 

 

52 Fixed Income Absolute Return Fund 

 



WRITTEN SWAP OPTIONS OUTSTANDING at 10/31/19 (premiums $11,424,282) cont.   
Counterparty      Notional/   
Fixed Obligation % to receive or (pay)/  Expiration    Contract   
Floating rate index/Maturity date  date/strike    amount  Value 
JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A. cont.         
(1.667)/6 month EUR-EURIBOR-Reuters/Feb-36  Feb-26/1.667  EUR  6,661,600  $920,612 
(3.229)/3 month USD-LIBOR-BBA/Nov-33  Nov-23/3.229    $16,410,700  2,239,074 
Morgan Stanley & Co. International PLC         
3.3975/3 month USD-LIBOR-BBA/Nov-21  Nov-19/3.3975    65,642,800  66 
2.7225/3 month USD-LIBOR-BBA/Feb-30  Feb-20/2.7225    6,387,000  447 
2.715/3 month USD-LIBOR-BBA/Feb-30  Feb-20/2.715    6,387,000  575 
2.664/3 month USD-LIBOR-BBA/May-26  May-21/2.664    13,949,800  20,925 
3.01/3 month USD-LIBOR-BBA/Feb-36  Feb-26/3.01    2,395,100  47,471 
2.97/3 month USD-LIBOR-BBA/Feb-36  Feb-26/2.97    2,395,100  49,028 
(1.512)/3 month USD-LIBOR-BBA/Aug-32  Aug-22/1.512    5,643,600  176,645 
(2.97)/3 month USD-LIBOR-BBA/Feb-36  Feb-26/2.97    2,395,100  271,940 
(3.01)/3 month USD-LIBOR-BBA/Feb-36  Feb-26/3.01    2,395,100  278,023 
1.512/3 month USD-LIBOR-BBA/Aug-32  Aug-22/1.512    5,643,600  278,794 
(2.715)/3 month USD-LIBOR-BBA/Feb-30  Feb-20/2.715    6,387,000  666,036 
(2.7225)/3 month USD-LIBOR-BBA/Feb-30  Feb-20/2.7225    6,387,000  670,316 
(2.75)/3 month USD-LIBOR-BBA/May-49  May-25/2.75    3,450,300  701,135 
(3.00)/3 month USD-LIBOR-BBA/Jan-49  Jan-24/3.00    3,450,300  853,846 
(3.00)/3 month USD-LIBOR-BBA/Apr-48  Apr-23/3.00    3,450,300  854,812 
(3.00)/3 month USD-LIBOR-BBA/Apr-48  Apr-23/3.00    3,450,300  854,984 
Toronto-Dominion Bank         
1.8055/3 month USD-LIBOR-BBA/Jan-30  Jan-20/1.8055    8,981,700  37,094 
UBS AG         
(1.30)/3 month USD-LIBOR-BBA/Aug-26  Aug-21/1.30    11,992,600  156,384 
(0.385)/6 month EUR-EURIBOR-Reuters/Sep-34  Sep-24/0.385  EUR  4,372,900  190,938 
0.385/6 month EUR-EURIBOR-Reuters/Sep-34  Sep-24/0.385  EUR  4,372,900  259,657 
1.30/3 month USD-LIBOR-BBA/Aug-26  Aug-21/1.30    $11,992,600  264,077 
1.9875/3 month USD-LIBOR-BBA/Oct-36  Oct-26/1.9875    6,511,700  340,367 
(1.9875)/3 month USD-LIBOR-BBA/Oct-36  Oct-26/1.9875    6,511,700  389,530 
Total        $13,378,774 

 

WRITTEN OPTIONS OUTSTANDING at 10/31/19 (premiums $435,577)       
  Expiration  Notional    Contract   
Counterparty  date/strike price  amount    amount  Value 
Bank of America N.A.           
EUR/USD (Call)  Jan-20/$1.13  $17,203,837  EUR  15,425,300  $87,654 
GBP/USD (Call)  Jan-20/1.36  25,430,052  GBP  19,631,800  97,778 
Goldman Sachs International           
AUD/JPY (Put)  Feb-20/JPY 66.00  16,819,175  AUD  24,398,600  25,128 
JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.           
Uniform Mortgage-Backed           
Securities 30 yr 4.00% TBA           
commitments (Call)  Nov-19/$104.00  15,000,000    $15,000,000  1,245 
Uniform Mortgage-Backed           
Securities 30 yr 4.00% TBA           
commitments (Call)  Nov-19/104.19  15,000,000    15,000,000  45 

 

Fixed Income Absolute Return Fund 53 

 



WRITTEN OPTIONS OUTSTANDING at 10/31/19 (premiums $435,577) cont.     
  Expiration  Notional  Contract   
Counterparty  date/strike price  amount  amount  Value 
JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A. cont.         
Uniform Mortgage-Backed         
Securities 30 yr 4.00% TBA         
commitments (Call)  Nov-19/$104.09  $14,000,000  $14,000,000  $14 
Uniform Mortgage-Backed         
Securities 30 yr 3.00% TBA         
commitments (Put)  Nov-19/100.74  22,000,000  22,000,000  462 
Uniform Mortgage-Backed         
Securities 30 yr 3.00% TBA         
commitments (Put)  Nov-19/100.24  22,000,000  22,000,000  22 
UBS AG         
AUD/USD (Call)  Jan-20/0.69  2,873,900 AUD  4,169,000  34,745 
Total        $247,093 

 

FORWARD PREMIUM SWAP OPTION CONTRACTS OUTSTANDING at 10/31/19     
Counterparty           
Fixed right or obligation % to receive      Notional/  Premium  Unrealized 
or (pay)/Floating rate index/  Expiration    Contract  receivable/  appreciation/ 
Maturity date  date/strike    amount  (payable)  (depreciation) 
Bank of America N.A.           
1.304/6 month EUR-EURIBOR-           
Reuters/Jun-54 (Purchased)  Jun-24/1.304  EUR  3,163,500  $(512,677)  $439,126 
2.2275/3 month USD-LIBOR-BBA/           
May-24 (Purchased)  May-22/2.2275    $37,416,800  (345,170)  333,384 
1.053/6 month EUR-EURIBOR-           
Reuters/Jun-54 (Purchased)  Jun-24/1.053  EUR  1,673,000  (381,566)  212,544 
(1.053)/6 month EUR-EURIBOR-           
Reuters/Jun-54 (Purchased)  Jun-24/1.053  EUR  1,673,000  (381,566)  (75,811) 
(1.304)/6 month EUR-EURIBOR-           
Reuters/Jun-54 (Purchased)  Jun-24/1.304  EUR  3,163,500  (256,339)  (101,296) 
(2.2275)/3 month USD-LIBOR-BBA/           
May-24 (Purchased)  May-22/2.2275    $37,416,800  (345,170)  (237,971) 
Barclays Bank PLC           
1.11125/6 month JPY-LIBOR-BBA/           
Aug-43 (Purchased)  Aug-23/1.11125  JPY  118,365,100  (59,872)  126,399 
(1.11125)/6 month JPY-LIBOR-BBA/           
Aug-43 (Purchased)  Aug-23/1.11125  JPY  118,365,100  (59,872)  (55,757) 
Citibank, N.A.           
1.765/3 month USD-LIBOR-BBA/           
Jun-25 (Purchased)  Jun-20/1.765    $35,078,300  (470,049)  218,187 
2.689/3 month USD-LIBOR-BBA/           
Nov-49 (Purchased)  Nov-24/2.689    1,026,000  (132,098)  81,670 
(2.689)/3 month USD-LIBOR-BBA/           
Nov-49 (Purchased)  Nov-24/2.689    1,026,000  (132,098)  (81,680) 
(1.765)/3 month USD-LIBOR-BBA/           
Jun-25 (Purchased)  Jun-20/1.765    35,078,300  (470,049)  (312,548) 
(1.245)/3 month USD-LIBOR-BBA/           
Aug-24 (Written)  Aug-22/1.245    26,191,800  239,655  54,217 
1.245/3 month USD-LIBOR-BBA/           
Aug-24 (Written)  Aug-22/1.245    26,191,800  239,655  (41,383) 

 

54 Fixed Income Absolute Return Fund 

 



FORWARD PREMIUM SWAP OPTION CONTRACTS OUTSTANDING at 10/31/19 cont.   
Counterparty           
Fixed right or obligation % to receive      Notional/  Premium  Unrealized 
or (pay)/Floating rate index/  Expiration    Contract  receivable/  appreciation/ 
Maturity date  date/strike    amount  (payable)  (depreciation) 
Goldman Sachs International           
1.755/3 month USD-LIBOR-BBA/           
Jun-25 (Purchased)  Jun-20/1.755    $35,078,300  $(471,803)  $205,208 
2.8175/3 month USD-LIBOR-BBA/           
Mar-47 (Purchased)  Mar-27/2.8175    1,042,500  (131,616)  72,099 
(2.8175)/3 month USD-LIBOR-BBA/           
Mar-47 (Purchased)  Mar-27/2.8175    1,042,500  (131,616)  (74,831) 
(1.755)/3 month USD-LIBOR-BBA/           
Jun-25 (Purchased)  Jun-20/1.755    35,078,300  (471,803)  (308,338) 
JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.           
2.8325/3 month USD-LIBOR-BBA/           
Feb-52 (Purchased)  Feb-22/2.8325    5,212,600  (727,809)  613,158 
1.921/6 month EUR-EURIBOR-           
Reuters/Oct-48 (Purchased)  Oct-28/1.921  EUR  1,621,600  (207,376)  309,663 
2.902/3 month USD-LIBOR-BBA/           
Nov-49 (Purchased)  Nov-24/2.902    $1,026,000  (158,620)  89,221 
2.50/3 month USD-LIBOR-BBA/           
Nov-39 (Purchased)  Nov-29/2.50    1,709,900  (98,832)  62,292 
(2.902)/3 month USD-LIBOR-BBA/           
Nov-49 (Purchased)  Nov-24/2.902    1,026,000  (110,090)  (70,579) 
(2.50)/3 month USD-LIBOR-BBA/           
Nov-39 (Purchased)  Nov-29/2.50    1,709,900  (177,830)  (82,349) 
(1.921)/6 month EUR-EURIBOR-           
Reuters/Oct-48 (Purchased)  Oct-28/1.921  EUR  1,621,600  (207,376)  (140,020) 
(2.8325)/3 month USD-LIBOR-BBA/           
Feb-52 (Purchased)  Feb-22/2.8325    $5,212,600  (727,809)  (628,794) 
Morgan Stanley & Co. International PLC           
3.27/3 month USD-LIBOR-BBA/           
Oct-53 (Purchased)  Oct-23/3.27    1,569,900  (179,126)  365,928 
2.505/3 month USD-LIBOR-BBA/           
Nov-49 (Purchased)  Nov-24/2.505    1,026,000  (110,398)  75,903 
1.5775/3 month USD-LIBOR-BBA/           
Sep-22 (Purchased)  Sep-20/1.5775    27,003,600  (148,790)  29,704 
(1.5775)/3 month USD-LIBOR-BBA/           
Sep-22 (Purchased)  Sep-20/1.5775    27,003,600  (148,790)  (57,788) 
(2.505)/3 month USD-LIBOR-BBA/           
Nov-49 (Purchased)  Nov-24/2.505    1,026,000  (157,183)  (95,059) 
(3.27)/3 month USD-LIBOR-BBA/           
Oct-53 (Purchased)  Oct-23/3.27    1,569,900  (179,126)  (145,184) 
2.39/3 month USD-LIBOR-BBA/           
Jun-34 (Written)  Jun-24/2.39    12,167,200  640,603  276,925 
(2.39)/3 month USD-LIBOR-BBA/           
Jun-34 (Written)  Jun-24/2.39    12,167,200  640,603  (344,940) 
UBS AG           
(0.762)/3 month GBP-LIBOR-BBA/           
Aug-39 (Purchased)  Aug-29/0.762  GBP  1,253,600  (115,615)  8,850 
0.762/3 month GBP-LIBOR-BBA/           
Aug-39 (Purchased)  Aug-29/0.762  GBP  1,253,600  (115,615)  (27,735) 

 

Fixed Income Absolute Return Fund 55 

 



FORWARD PREMIUM SWAP OPTION CONTRACTS OUTSTANDING at 10/31/19 cont.   
Counterparty           
Fixed right or obligation % to receive      Notional/  Premium  Unrealized 
or (pay)/Floating rate index/  Expiration    Contract  receivable/  appreciation/ 
Maturity date  date/strike    amount  (payable)  (depreciation) 
UBS AG cont.           
(0.43)/6 month EUR-EURIBOR-           
Reuters/Aug-39 (Written)  Aug-29/0.43  EUR  1,166,100  $93,485  $29,926 
0.43/6 month EUR-EURIBOR-Reuters/           
Aug-39 (Written)  Aug-29/0.43  EUR  1,166,100  93,485  (16,114) 
Unrealized appreciation          3,604,404 
Unrealized (depreciation)          (2,898,177) 
Total          $706,227 

 

TBA SALE COMMITMENTS OUTSTANDING at 10/31/19 (proceeds receivable $93,165,390)   
  Principal  Settlement   
Agency  amount  date  Value 
Uniform Mortgage-Backed Securities, 4.50%, 11/1/49  $6,000,000  11/13/19  $6,310,781 
Uniform Mortgage-Backed Securities, 3.00%, 11/1/49  86,000,000  11/13/19  87,397,500 
Total      $93,708,281 

 

CENTRALLY CLEARED INTEREST RATE SWAP CONTRACTS OUTSTANDING at 10/31/19   
    Upfront         
    premium        Unrealized 
    received  Termination  Payments  Payments  appreciation/ 
Notional amount  Value  (paid)  date  made by fund  received by fund (depreciation)
$2,637,000  $946,095  $(90)  11/8/48  3 month USD-  3.312% —  $974,359 
        LIBOR-BBA —  Semiannually   
        Quarterly     
16,410,700  2,104,459  (232)  1/3/29  3.065% —  3 month USD-  (2,241,947) 
        Semiannually  LIBOR-BBA —   
          Quarterly   
9,058,700  1,185,965  (128)  3/4/29  3 month USD-  3.073% —  1,198,282 
        LIBOR-BBA —  Semiannually   
        Quarterly     
49,232,100  96,150  (24,735)  1/22/20  3 month USD-  2.86% —  431,914 
        LIBOR-BBA —  Semiannually   
        Quarterly     
1,493,800  32,885 E  (8)  2/2/24  3 month USD-  2.5725% —  32,876 
        LIBOR-BBA —  Semiannually   
        Quarterly     
3,866,300  81,819 E  (22)  2/2/24  2.528% —  3 month USD-  (81,840) 
        Semiannually  LIBOR-BBA —   
          Quarterly   
2,363,100  226,586  (31)  2/13/29  2.6785% —  3 month USD-  (228,906) 
        Semiannually  LIBOR-BBA —   
          Quarterly   
8,093,300  263,194 E  (1,638)  12/2/23  3 month USD-  2.536% —  261,556 
        LIBOR-BBA —  Semiannually   
        Quarterly     
2,798,000  61,461 E  (478)  2/2/24  3 month USD-  2.57% —  60,983 
        LIBOR-BBA —  Semiannually   
        Quarterly     

 

56 Fixed Income Absolute Return Fund 

 



CENTRALLY CLEARED INTEREST RATE SWAP CONTRACTS OUTSTANDING at 10/31/19 cont.   
    Upfront         
    premium        Unrealized 
    received Termination Payments  Payments  appreciation/ 
Notional amount  Value  (paid)  date  made by fund  received by fund (depreciation)
$625,578  $70,229 E  $(9)  3/5/30  3 month USD-  2.806% —  $70,220 
        LIBOR-BBA —  Semiannually   
        Quarterly     
1,997,100  194,593 E  (28)  3/16/30  2.647% —  3 month USD-  (194,622) 
        Semiannually  LIBOR-BBA —   
          Quarterly   
1,496,300  298,501 E  (51)  3/28/52  2.67% —  3 month USD-  (298,552) 
        Semiannually  LIBOR-BBA —   
          Quarterly   
5,041,000  85,395 E  (28)  2/2/24  3 month USD-  2.3075% —  85,366 
        LIBOR-BBA —  Semiannually   
        Quarterly     
7,399,600  126,999 E  (41)  2/9/24  3 month USD-  2.32% —  126,958 
        LIBOR-BBA —  Semiannually   
        Quarterly     
1,867,000  404,973 E  (64)  11/29/53  2.793% —  3 month USD-  (405,037) 
        Semiannually  LIBOR-BBA —   
          Quarterly   
991,700  48,245 E  (22)  11/20/39  3 month USD-  2.55% —  48,223 
        LIBOR-BBA —  Semiannually   
        Quarterly     
4,217,500  216,716 E  (60)  12/7/30  2.184% —  3 month USD-  (216,776) 
        Semiannually  LIBOR-BBA —   
          Quarterly   
2,942,500  71,509 E  (33)  6/5/29  3 month USD-  2.2225% —  71,476 
        LIBOR-BBA —  Semiannually   
        Quarterly     
246,100  28,071 E  (8)  6/22/52  2.3075% —  3 month USD-  (28,080) 
        Semiannually  LIBOR-BBA —   
          Quarterly   
5,123,600  216,298 E  (73)  6/22/30  2.0625% —  3 month USD-  (216,370) 
        Semiannually  LIBOR-BBA —   
          Quarterly   
1,548,100  51,346 E  (22)  7/6/30  1.9665% —  3 month USD-  (51,368) 
        Semiannually  LIBOR-BBA —   
          Quarterly   
977,900  98,331 E  (33)  7/5/52  2.25% —  3 month USD-  (98,364) 
        Semiannually  LIBOR-BBA —   
          Quarterly   
10,198,500  60,477 E  (57)  2/7/24  1.733% —  3 month USD-  (60,534) 
        Semiannually  LIBOR-BBA —   
          Quarterly   
1,560,600  57,844 E  (22)  1/22/31  2.035% —  3 month USD-  (57,866) 
        Semiannually  LIBOR-BBA —   
          Quarterly   
4,139,900  433,000 E  (141)  7/22/52  2.2685% —  3 month USD-  (433,142) 
        Semiannually  LIBOR-BBA —   
          Quarterly   

 

Fixed Income Absolute Return Fund 57 

 



CENTRALLY CLEARED INTEREST RATE SWAP CONTRACTS OUTSTANDING at 10/31/19 cont.   
    Upfront         
    premium        Unrealized 
    received  Termination  Payments  Payments  appreciation/ 
Notional amount  Value  (paid)  date  made by fund  received by fund (depreciation)
$1,874,500  $44,186 E  $(64)  8/8/52  1.9185% —  3 month USD-  $(44,250) 
        Semiannually  LIBOR-BBA —   
          Quarterly   
7,106,500  20,730  (67)  9/18/24  1.43125% —  3 month USD-  27,146 
        Semiannually  LIBOR-BBA —   
          Quarterly   
7,106,500  22,826  (67)  9/18/24  1.425% —  3 month USD-  29,295 
        Semiannually  LIBOR-BBA —   
          Quarterly   
25,150,000  355,017 E  40,252  12/18/26  3 month USD-  1.30 % —  (314,766) 
        LIBOR-BBA —  Semiannually   
        Quarterly     
8,418,800  72,528 E  (79)  12/9/24  1.30% —  3 month USD-  72,448 
        Semiannually  LIBOR-BBA —   
          Quarterly   
1,598,400  70,595 E  (55)  9/12/52  1.626% —  3 month USD-  70,540 
        Semiannually  LIBOR-BBA —   
          Quarterly   
13,000  77 E  21  12/18/24  1.60% —  3 month USD-  (56) 
        Semiannually  LIBOR-BBA —   
          Quarterly   
39,632,000  367,904 E  84,777  12/18/29  1.70% —  3 month USD-  (283,127) 
        Semiannually  LIBOR-BBA —   
          Quarterly   
85,628,000  133,922 E  19,618  12/18/21  3 month USD-  1.60 % —  153,540 
        LIBOR-BBA —  Semiannually   
        Quarterly     
308,993,100  361,522 E  188,106  12/18/21  1.58 % —  3 month USD-  (173,416) 
        Semiannually  LIBOR-BBA —   
          Quarterly   
198,807,900  254,275 E  (242,868)  12/18/24  1.45 % —  3 month USD-  11,410 
        Semiannually  LIBOR-BBA —   
          Quarterly   
5,222,400  169,232 E  (161,202)  12/18/49  1.65 % —  3 month USD-  8,030 
        Semiannually  LIBOR-BBA —   
          Quarterly   
75,465,100  532,029 E  222,505  12/18/29  3 month USD-  1.525% —  (309,524) 
        LIBOR-BBA —  Semiannually   
        Quarterly     
35,078,300  11,085  (284)  9/30/24  1.50% —  3 month USD-  8,938 
        Semiannually  LIBOR-BBA —   
          Quarterly   
35,078,300  61,106  (284)  10/1/24  1.53% —  3 month USD-  (42,723) 
        Semiannually  LIBOR-BBA —   
          Quarterly   
7,483,400  22,592 E  (71)  12/9/24  1.416% —  3 month USD-  22,522 
        Semiannually  LIBOR-BBA —   
          Quarterly   

 

58 Fixed Income Absolute Return Fund 

 



CENTRALLY CLEARED INTEREST RATE SWAP CONTRACTS OUTSTANDING at 10/31/19 cont.   
      Upfront         
      premium        Unrealized 
      received  Termination  Payments  Payments  appreciation/ 
Notional amount  Value  (paid)  date  made by fund  received by fund (depreciation)
  $14,900,000  $100,232  $(198)  10/4/29  3 month USD-  1.529% —  $(107,174) 
          LIBOR-BBA —  Semiannually   
          Quarterly     
  127,744,000  155,848  (8,163)  10/4/21  1.512% —  3 month USD-  207,138 
          Semiannually  LIBOR-BBA —   
            Quarterly   
  61,989,000  284,282  (4,038)  10/4/24  3 month USD-  1.396% —  (322,563) 
          LIBOR-BBA —  Semiannually   
          Quarterly     
  6,648,000  67,251  (2,697)  10/4/29  1.4925% —  3 month USD-  67,745 
          Semiannually  LIBOR-BBA —   
            Quarterly   
  2,762,000  74,022  (1,563)  10/4/49  3 month USD-  1.675% —  (76,533) 
          LIBOR-BBA —  Semiannually   
          Quarterly     
  9,694,000  23,750  (129)  10/15/29  1.62779% —  3 month USD-  (21,733) 
          Semiannually  LIBOR-BBA —   
            Quarterly   
  6,828,500  16,935 E  (64)  12/9/24  1.53% —  3 month USD-  (16,999) 
          Semiannually  LIBOR-BBA —   
            Quarterly   
  10,028,000  72,432  (133)  10/22/29  1.6785% —  3 month USD-  (71,332) 
          Semiannually  LIBOR-BBA —   
            Quarterly   
  6,407,600  30,571 E  (60)  12/9/24  1.5775% —  3 month USD-  (30,631) 
          Semiannually  LIBOR-BBA —   
            Quarterly   
  4,677,100  10,921 E  (44)  12/9/24  3 month USD-  1.527% —  10,877 
          LIBOR-BBA —  Semiannually   
          Quarterly     
  8,418,700  51,337 E  (79)  12/9/24  1.605% —  3 month USD-  (51,417) 
          Semiannually  LIBOR-BBA —   
            Quarterly   
  9,061,000  132,707  (120)  10/30/29  1.7575% —  3 month USD-  (132,299) 
          Semiannually  LIBOR-BBA —   
            Quarterly   
  12,224,000  50,974 E  (162)  11/4/29  3 month USD-  1.6428% —  50,812 
          LIBOR-BBA —  Semiannually   
          Quarterly     
AUD  7,622,000  6,857 E  (28,346)  12/18/24  6 month AUD-  1.00% —  (35,202) 
          BBR-BBSW —  Semiannually   
          Semiannually     
AUD  6,749,000  3,019 E  34  12/18/29  6 month AUD-  1.30 % —  (2,985) 
          BBR-BBSW —  Semiannually   
          Semiannually     
AUD  15,090,000  6,522  (39)  10/30/21  0.80% —  3 month AUD-  6,574 
          Quarterly  BBR-BBSW —   
            Quarterly   

 

Fixed Income Absolute Return Fund 59 

 



CENTRALLY CLEARED INTEREST RATE SWAP CONTRACTS OUTSTANDING at 10/31/19 cont.   
      Upfront         
      premium        Unrealized 
      received  Termination  Payments  Payments  appreciation/ 
Notional amount  Value  (paid)  date  made by fund  received by fund (depreciation)
AUD  3,128,000  $1,975  $(28)  10/30/29  6 month AUD-  1.305% —  $1,975 
          BBR-BBSW —  Semiannually   
          Semiannually     
AUD  15,131,000  4,475  (39)  10/30/21  0.81% —  3 month AUD-  4,521 
          Quarterly  BBR-BBSW —   
            Quarterly   
AUD  3,128,000  6,111  (28)  10/30/29  6 month AUD-  1.325% —  6,113 
          BBR-BBSW —  Semiannually   
          Semiannually     
CAD  28,419,000  77,742  (80)  8/15/21  3 month CAD-  1.61 % —  (93,996) 
          BA-CDOR —  Semiannually   
          Semiannually     
CAD  2,985,000  71,048  (30)  8/15/29  1.4925% —  3 month CAD-  73,290 
          Semiannually  BA-CDOR —   
            Semiannually   
CAD  9,441,000  42,779  (67)  9/18/24  3 month CAD-  1.638% —  (45,704) 
          BA-CDOR —  Semiannually   
          Semiannually     
CAD  9,441,000  45,474  (67)  9/18/24  3 month CAD-  1.63 % —  (48,469) 
          BA-CDOR —  Semiannually   
          Semiannually     
CAD  31,802,000  48,629 E  58,211  12/18/24  3 month CAD-  1.80 % —  106,840 
          BA-CDOR —  Semiannually   
          Semiannually     
CAD  12,839,000  4,075 E  72,376  12/18/29  1.85% —  3 month CAD-  68,301 
          Semiannually  BA-CDOR —   
            Semiannually   
CAD  1,471,000  15,886  (15)  10/9/29  1.6875% —  3 month CAD-  15,314 
          Semiannually  BA-CDOR —   
            Semiannually   
CHF  4,204,000  58,213  (35)  8/9/24  0.8475% plus   —  (58,771) 
          6 month CHF-     
          LIBOR-BBA —     
          Semiannually     
CHF  2,043,000  20,473  (17)  9/13/24  0.765% plus 6   —  (20,307) 
          month CHF-     
          LIBOR-BBA —     
          Semiannually     
CHF  8,458,000  118,335 E  7,195  12/18/29  0.35% plus 6   —  (111,140) 
          month CHF-     
          LIBOR-BBA —     
          Semiannually     
CHF  12,044,000  70,689 E  13,216  12/18/24  0.65% plus 6   —  (57,474) 
          month CHF-     
          LIBOR-BBA —     
          Semiannually     
CZK  108,456,000  227,272  (63)  3/19/29  1.948% —  6 month CZK-  (273,211) 
          Annually  PRIBOR —   
            Semiannually   

 

60 Fixed Income Absolute Return Fund 

 



CENTRALLY CLEARED INTEREST RATE SWAP CONTRACTS OUTSTANDING at 10/31/19 cont.   
      Upfront         
      premium        Unrealized 
      received Termination  Payments  Payments  appreciation/ 
Notional amount  Value  (paid)  date  made by fund  received by fund (depreciation)
CZK  255,657,000  $84,608  $(42)  8/9/21  6 month CZK-  1.6625% —  $(98,144) 
          PRIBOR —  Annually   
          Semiannually     
CZK  103,585,000  97,623  (36)  8/9/24  6 month CZK-  1.28 % —  (107,081) 
          PRIBOR —  Annually   
          Semiannually     
EUR  757,000  225,761 E  (29)  11/29/58  1.484% —  6 month EUR-  (225,790) 
          Annually  EURIBOR-   
            REUTERS —   
            Semiannually   
EUR  1,029,500  304,430 E  (40)  2/19/50  6 month  1.354% —  304,390 
          EUR-EURIBOR-  Annually   
          REUTERS —     
          Semiannually     
EUR  1,137,000  303,416 E  (43)  3/11/50  1.267% —  6 month EUR-  (303,460) 
          Annually  EURIBOR-   
            REUTERS —   
            Semiannually   
EUR  1,150,600  286,301 E  (44)  3/12/50  1.2115% —  6 month EUR-  (286,345) 
          Annually  EURIBOR-   
            REUTERS —   
            Semiannually   
EUR  1,295,500  280,416 E  (50)  3/26/50  1.113% —  6 month EUR-  (280,466) 
          Annually  EURIBOR-   
            REUTERS —   
            Semiannually   
EUR  1,120,200  284,554 E  (42)  11/29/58  6 month  1.343% —  284,512 
          EUR-EURIBOR-  Annually   
          REUTERS —     
          Semiannually     
EUR  1,336,000  263,336 E  (50)  2/19/50  1.051% —  6 month EUR-  (263,387) 
          Annually  EURIBOR-   
            REUTERS —   
            Semiannually   
EUR  1,095,100  182,369 E  (42)  6/7/54  1.054% —  6 month EUR-  (182,411) 
          Annually  EURIBOR-   
            REUTERS —   
            Semiannually   
EUR  999,500  149,037 E  (38)  2/19/50  0.9035% —  6 month EUR-  (149,075) 
          Annually  EURIBOR-   
            REUTERS —   
            Semiannually   
EUR  531,600  61,327 E  (20)  2/21/50  0.80% —  6 month EUR-  (61,347) 
          Annually  EURIBOR-   
            REUTERS —   
            Semiannually   
EUR  2,146,300  31,236 E  (82)  8/8/54  0.49% —  6 month EUR-  31,155 
          Annually  EURIBOR-   
            REUTERS —   
            Semiannually   

 

Fixed Income Absolute Return Fund 61 

 



CENTRALLY CLEARED INTEREST RATE SWAP CONTRACTS OUTSTANDING at 10/31/19 cont.   
      Upfront         
      premium        Unrealized 
      received  Termination  Payments  Payments  appreciation/ 
Notional amount  Value  (paid)  date  made by fund  received by fund (depreciation)
EUR  1,338,400  $139,817 E  $(50)  6/6/54  6 month  0.207% —  $(139,867) 
          EUR-EURIBOR-  Annually   
          REUTERS —     
          Semiannually     
EUR  1,741,600  120,295 E  (66)  2/19/50  0.233% —  6 month EUR-  120,230 
          Annually  EURIBOR-   
            REUTERS —   
            Semiannually   
EUR  7,516,000  41,930 E  (31,953)  12/18/24  0.35% plus 6   —  (73,882) 
          month EUR-     
          EURIBOR-     
          REUTERS —     
          Annually     
EUR  11,447,000  13,826 E  (117,379)  12/18/29  6 month  0.05 % —  (103,552) 
          EUR-EURIBOR-  Annually   
          REUTERS —     
          Semiannually     
EUR  6,306,000  48,606  (56)  10/11/24   —  0.4047%  48,555 
            plus 6 month   
            EUR-EURIBOR-   
            REUTERS —   
            Semiannually   
GBP  8,465,000  9,419  (39)  9/18/21  6 month GBP-  0.712% —  (11,026) 
          LIBOR-BBA —  Semiannually   
          Semiannually     
GBP  1,718,000  43,035  (29)  9/18/29  0.616% —  6 month GBP-  43,574 
          Semiannually  LIBOR-BBA —   
            Semiannually   
GBP  20,318,000  2,842 E  (3,400)  12/18/24  6 month GBP-  0.75 % —  (557) 
          LIBOR-BBA —  Semiannually   
          Semiannually     
GBP  3,810,000  10,813 E  24,464  12/18/29  6 month GBP-  0.80 % —  13,650 
          LIBOR-BBA —  Semiannually   
          Semiannually     
JPY  49,318,800  41,058 E  (14)  8/29/43  0.7495% —  6 month JPY-  (41,072) 
          Semiannually  LIBOR-BBA —   
            Semiannually   
NOK  79,594,000  38,619  (75)  7/1/24  1.735% —  6 month NOK-  39,020 
          Annually  NIBOR-NIBR —   
            Semiannually   
NOK  41,749,000  7,250  (65)  7/1/29  6 month NOK-  1.82% —  (6,179) 
          NIBOR-NIBR —  Annually   
          Semiannually     
NOK  96,055,000  19,480   —  9/18/21  1.8125% —  6 month NOK-  19,700 
          Annually  NIBOR-NIBR —   
            Semiannually   
NOK  45,160,000  19,231 E  28,707  12/18/24  1.75% —  6 month NOK-  47,937 
          Annually  NIBOR-NIBR —   
            Semiannually   

 

62 Fixed Income Absolute Return Fund 

 



CENTRALLY CLEARED INTEREST RATE SWAP CONTRACTS OUTSTANDING at 10/31/19 cont.   
      Upfront         
      premium        Unrealized 
      received  Termination  Payments  Payments  appreciation/ 
Notional amount  Value  (paid)  date  made by fund  received by fund (depreciation)
NOK  15,351,000  $6,973 E  $(10,749)  12/18/29  1.80% —  6 month NOK-  $(3,777) 
          Annually  NIBOR-NIBR —   
            Semiannually   
NZD  18,260,000  24,199  (45)  8/7/21  3 month NZD-  1.15 % —  16,220 
          BBR-FRA —  Semiannually   
          Quarterly     
NZD  18,855,000  67,420 E  (39,911)  12/18/24  1.00 % —  3 month NZD-  27,509 
          Semiannually  BBR-FRA —   
            Quarterly   
NZD  4,370,000  34,191 E  (42,794)  12/18/29  1.30 % —  3 month NZD-  (8,604) 
          Semiannually  BBR-FRA —   
            Quarterly   
SEK  19,026,000  125,046  (16)  11/10/27  3 month SEK-  1.13% —  147,353 
          STIBOR-SIDE —  Annually   
          Quarterly     
SEK  19,026,000  129,903  (16)  11/13/27  3 month SEK-  1.16% —  152,753 
          STIBOR-SIDE —  Annually   
          Quarterly     
SEK  19,026,000  129,509  (16)  11/13/27  3 month SEK-  1.1575% —  152,310 
          STIBOR-SIDE —  Annually   
          Quarterly     
SEK  34,885,000  27,574 E  594  12/18/24  0.05% —  3 month SEK-  28,168 
          Annually  STIBOR-SIDE —   
            Quarterly   
SEK  30,759,000  14,373 E  (3,591)  12/18/29  3 month SEK-  0.40 % —  (17,964) 
          STIBOR-SIDE —  Annually   
          Quarterly     
Total      $29,855        $(3,860,574) 

 

E Extended effective date.

OTC TOTAL RETURN SWAP CONTRACTS OUTSTANDING at 10/31/19     
    Upfront         
    premium  Termina-  Payments  Total return  Unrealized 
Swap counterparty/    received  tion  received (paid)  received by  appreciation/ 
Notional amount  Value  (paid)  date  by fund  or paid by fund  (depreciation) 
Bank of America N.A.             
$67,940  $66,360  $—  1/12/41  4.50% (1 month  Synthetic TRS  $(795) 
        USD-LIBOR) —  Index 4.50% 30 year   
        Monthly  Fannie Mae pools —   
          Monthly   
Barclays Bank PLC             
3,320,830  3,322,798   —  1/12/40  4.00% (1 month  Synthetic MBX  5,070 
        USD-LIBOR) —  Index 4.00% 30 year   
        Monthly  Fannie Mae pools —   
          Monthly   
802,267  802,742   —  1/12/40  4.00% (1 month  Synthetic MBX  1,225 
        USD-LIBOR) —  Index 4.00% 30 year   
        Monthly  Fannie Mae pools —   
          Monthly   

 

Fixed Income Absolute Return Fund 63 

 



OTC TOTAL RETURN SWAP CONTRACTS OUTSTANDING at 10/31/19 cont.     
    Upfront         
    premium  Termina-  Payments  Total return  Unrealized 
Swap counterparty/    received  tion  received (paid)  received by  appreciation/ 
Notional amount  Value  (paid)  date  by fund  or paid by fund  (depreciation) 
Barclays Bank PLC cont.           
$624,316  $624,686   $—  1/12/40  4.00% (1 month  Synthetic MBX  $953 
        USD-LIBOR) —  Index 4.00% 30 year   
        Monthly  Fannie Mae pools —   
          Monthly   
1,058,077  1,057,613   —  1/12/40  4.50% (1 month  Synthetic MBX  755 
        USD-LIBOR) —  Index 4.50% 30 year   
        Monthly  Fannie Mae pools —   
          Monthly   
585,191  584,935   —  1/12/40  4.50% (1 month  Synthetic MBX  417 
        USD-LIBOR) —  Index 4.50% 30 year   
        Monthly  Fannie Mae pools —   
          Monthly   
462,057  461,855   —  1/12/40  4.50% (1 month  Synthetic MBX  330 
        USD-LIBOR) —  Index 4.50% 30 year   
        Monthly  Fannie Mae pools —   
          Monthly   
23,358,881  23,325,525   —  1/12/41  5.00% (1 month  Synthetic MBX  (1,954) 
        USD-LIBOR) —  Index 5.00% 30 year   
        Monthly  Fannie Mae pools —   
          Monthly   
2,899,101  2,894,564   —  1/12/40  5.00% (1 month  Synthetic MBX  (666) 
        USD-LIBOR) —  Index 5.00% 30 year   
        Monthly  Fannie Mae pools —   
          Monthly   
59,200  59,217   —  1/12/41  5.00% (1 month  Synthetic MBX Index  99 
        USD-LIBOR) —  5.00% 30 year Ginnie   
        Monthly  Mae II pools —   
          Monthly   
1,720,635  1,717,327   —  1/12/39  (6.00%) 1 month  Synthetic MBX  356 
        USD-LIBOR —  Index 6.00% 30 year   
        Monthly  Fannie Mae pools —   
          Monthly   
6,627,714  6,618,938   —  1/12/38  (6.50%) 1 month  Synthetic MBX  (3,418) 
        USD-LIBOR —  Index 6.50% 30 year   
        Monthly  Fannie Mae pools —   
          Monthly   
36,018  35,564   —  1/12/40  4.00% (1 month  Synthetic TRS  (54) 
        USD-LIBOR) —  Index 4.00% 30 year   
        Monthly  Fannie Mae pools —   
          Monthly   
68,357  67,795   —  1/12/41  5.00% (1 month  Synthetic TRS Index  228 
        USD-LIBOR) —  5.00% 30 year Ginnie   
        Monthly  Mae II pools —   
          Monthly   
43,355  42,999   —  1/12/41  5.00% (1 month  Synthetic TRS Index  144 
        USD-LIBOR) —  5.00% 30 year Ginnie   
        Monthly  Mae II pools —   
          Monthly   

 

64 Fixed Income Absolute Return Fund 

 



OTC TOTAL RETURN SWAP CONTRACTS OUTSTANDING at 10/31/19 cont.     
    Upfront         
    premium  Termina-  Payments  Total return  Unrealized 
Swap counterparty/    received  tion  received (paid)  received by  appreciation/ 
Notional amount  Value  (paid)  date  by fund  or paid by fund  (depreciation) 
Barclays Bank PLC cont.           
$115,542  $113,572   $—  1/12/39  6.00% (1 month  Synthetic TRS  $(668) 
        USD-LIBOR) —  Index 6.00% 30 year   
        Monthly  Fannie Mae pools —   
          Monthly   
85,663  84,816   —  1/12/38  6.50% (1 month  Synthetic TRS  156 
        USD-LIBOR) —  Index 6.50% 30 year   
        Monthly  Fannie Mae pools —   
          Monthly   
24,602  24,359   —  1/12/38  6.50% (1 month  Synthetic TRS  45 
        USD-LIBOR) —  Index 6.50% 30 year   
        Monthly  Fannie Mae pools —   
          Monthly   
Citibank, N.A.             
494,533  493,827   —  1/12/41  5.00% (1 month  Synthetic MBX  (41) 
        USD-LIBOR) —  Index 5.00% 30 year   
        Monthly  Fannie Mae pools —   
          Monthly   
410,461  409,875   —  1/12/41  5.00% (1 month  Synthetic MBX  (34) 
        USD-LIBOR) —  Index 5.00% 30 year   
        Monthly  Fannie Mae pools —   
          Monthly   
Credit Suisse International           
591,016  590,172   —  1/12/41  5.00% (1 month  Synthetic MBX  (49) 
        USD-LIBOR) —  Index 5.00% 30 year   
        Monthly  Fannie Mae pools —   
          Monthly   
668,327  662,837   —  1/12/41  5.00% (1 month  Synthetic MBX Index  2,226 
        USD-LIBOR) —  5.00% 30 year Ginnie   
        Monthly  Mae II pools —   
          Monthly   
1,760,856  1,758,524   —  1/12/38  (6.50%) 1 month  Synthetic MBX  (908) 
        USD-LIBOR —  Index 6.50% 30 year   
        Monthly  Fannie Mae pools —   
          Monthly   
162,464  160,466   —  1/12/45  3.50% (1 month  Synthetic TRS  (354) 
        USD-LIBOR) —  Index 3.50% 30 year   
        Monthly  Fannie Mae pools —   
          Monthly   
67,276  66,430   —  1/12/43  3.50% (1 month  Synthetic TRS  (203) 
        USD-LIBOR) —  Index 3.50% 30 year   
        Monthly  Fannie Mae pools —   
          Monthly   
598,493  570,739   —  1/12/44  4.00% (1 month  Synthetic TRS  (21,575) 
        USD-LIBOR) —  Index 4.00% 30 year   
        Monthly  Fannie Mae pools —   
          Monthly   

 

Fixed Income Absolute Return Fund 65 

 



OTC TOTAL RETURN SWAP CONTRACTS OUTSTANDING at 10/31/19 cont.     
    Upfront         
    premium  Termina-  Payments  Total return  Unrealized 
Swap counterparty/    received  tion  received (paid)  received by  appreciation/ 
Notional amount  Value  (paid)  date  by fund  or paid by fund  (depreciation) 
Credit Suisse International cont.           
$289,430  $280,257   $—  1/12/41  (5.00%) 1 month  Synthetic TRS  $5,609 
        USD-LIBOR —  Index 5.00% 30 year   
        Monthly  Fannie Mae pools —   
          Monthly   
307,989  298,227   —  1/12/41  (5.00%) 1 month  Synthetic TRS  5,969 
        USD-LIBOR —  Index 5.00% 30 year   
        Monthly  Fannie Mae pools —   
          Monthly   
300,346  297,879   —  1/12/41  5.00% (1 month  Synthetic TRS Index  1,000 
        USD-LIBOR) —  5.00% 30 year Ginnie   
        Monthly  Mae II pools —   
          Monthly   
Goldman Sachs International           
2,888,148  2,884,024   —  1/12/41  5.00% (1 month  Synthetic MBX  (242) 
        USD-LIBOR) —  Index 5.00% 30 year   
        Monthly  Fannie Mae pools —   
          Monthly   
99,870  99,738   —  1/12/38  (6.50%) 1 month  Synthetic MBX  (52) 
        USD-LIBOR —  Index 6.50% 30 year   
        Monthly  Fannie Mae pools —   
          Monthly   
266,329  265,977   —  1/12/38  (6.50%) 1 month  Synthetic MBX  (137) 
        USD-LIBOR —  Index 6.50% 30 year   
        Monthly  Fannie Mae pools —   
          Monthly   
618,325  617,506   —  1/12/38  (6.50%) 1 month  Synthetic MBX  (319) 
        USD-LIBOR —  Index 6.50% 30 year   
        Monthly  Fannie Mae pools —   
          Monthly   
1,645,872  1,643,692   —  1/12/38  (6.50%) 1 month  Synthetic MBX  (849) 
        USD-LIBOR —  Index 6.50% 30 year   
        Monthly  Fannie Mae pools —   
          Monthly   
2,254,717  2,251,732   —  1/12/38  (6.50%) 1 month  Synthetic MBX  (1,163) 
        USD-LIBOR —  Index 6.50% 30 year   
        Monthly  Fannie Mae pools —   
          Monthly   
233,555  226,593   —  1/12/44  (3.00%) 1 month  Synthetic TRS  4,935 
        USD-LIBOR —  Index 3.00% 30 year   
        Monthly  Fannie Mae pools —   
          Monthly   
36,018  35,564   —  1/12/40  (4.00%) 1 month  Synthetic TRS  54 
        USD-LIBOR —  Index 4.00% 30 year   
        Monthly  Fannie Mae pools —   
          Monthly   
67,940  66,360   —  1/12/41  (4.50%) 1 month  Synthetic TRS  795 
        USD-LIBOR —  Index 4.50% 30 year   
        Monthly  Fannie Mae pools —   
          Monthly   

 

66 Fixed Income Absolute Return Fund 

 



OTC TOTAL RETURN SWAP CONTRACTS OUTSTANDING at 10/31/19 cont.     
    Upfront         
    premium  Termina-  Payments  Total return  Unrealized 
Swap counterparty/    received  tion  received (paid)  received by  appreciation/ 
Notional amount  Value  (paid)  date  by fund  or paid by fund  (depreciation) 
Goldman Sachs International cont.         
$394,499  $381,995   $—  1/12/41  (5.00%) 1 month  Synthetic TRS  $7,646 
        USD-LIBOR —  Index 5.00% 30 year   
        Monthly  Fannie Mae pools —   
          Monthly   
720,966  708,672   —  1/12/39  6.00% (1 month  Synthetic TRS  (4,165) 
        USD-LIBOR) —  Index 6.00% 30 year   
        Monthly  Fannie Mae pools —   
          Monthly   
517,487  508,662   —  1/12/39  6.00% (1 month  Synthetic TRS  (2,990) 
        USD-LIBOR) —  Index 6.00% 30 year   
        Monthly  Fannie Mae pools —   
          Monthly   
286,943  282,050   —  1/12/39  6.00% (1 month  Synthetic TRS  (1,658) 
        USD-LIBOR) —  Index 6.00% 30 year   
        Monthly  Fannie Mae pools —   
          Monthly   
9,632  9,467   —  1/12/39  6.00% (1 month  Synthetic TRS  (56) 
        USD-LIBOR) —  Index 6.00% 30 year   
        Monthly  Fannie Mae pools —   
          Monthly   
342,486  339,097   —  1/12/38  6.50% (1 month  Synthetic TRS  622 
        USD-LIBOR) —  Index 6.50% 30 year   
        Monthly  Fannie Mae pools —   
          Monthly   
312,516  309,424   —  1/12/38  6.50% (1 month  Synthetic TRS  568 
        USD-LIBOR) —  Index 6.50% 30 year   
        Monthly  Fannie Mae pools —   
          Monthly   
302,809  299,812   —  1/12/38  6.50% (1 month  Synthetic TRS  550 
        USD-LIBOR) —  Index 6.50% 30 year   
        Monthly  Fannie Mae pools —   
          Monthly   
241,080  238,694   —  1/12/38  6.50% (1 month  Synthetic TRS  438 
        USD-LIBOR) —  Index 6.50% 30 year   
        Monthly  Fannie Mae pools —   
          Monthly   
103,435  102,412   —  1/12/38  6.50% (1 month  Synthetic TRS  188 
        USD-LIBOR) —  Index 6.50% 30 year   
        Monthly  Fannie Mae pools —   
          Monthly   
JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.           
394,525  382,021   —  1/12/41  (5.00%) 1 month  Synthetic TRS  7,646 
        USD-LIBOR —  Index 5.00% 30 year   
        Monthly  Fannie Mae pools —   
          Monthly   

 

Fixed Income Absolute Return Fund 67 

 



OTC TOTAL RETURN SWAP CONTRACTS OUTSTANDING at 10/31/19 cont.     
    Upfront         
    premium  Termina-  Payments  Total return  Unrealized 
Swap counterparty/    received  tion  received (paid)  received by  appreciation/ 
Notional amount  Value  (paid)  date  by fund  or paid by fund  (depreciation) 
JPMorgan Securities LLC           
$703,863  $698,081   $—  1/12/41  (5.00%) 1 month  Synthetic MBX Index  $(2,344) 
        USD-LIBOR —  5.00% 30 year Ginnie   
        Monthly  Mae II pools —   
          Monthly   
67,276  66,430   —  1/12/43  (3.50%) 1 month  Synthetic TRS  203 
        USD-LIBOR —  Index 3.50% 30 year   
        Monthly  Fannie Mae pools —   
          Monthly   
162,464  160,466   —  1/12/45  (3.50%) 1 month  Synthetic TRS  354 
        USD-LIBOR —  Index 3.50% 30 year   
        Monthly  Fannie Mae pools —   
          Monthly   
300,018  286,105   —  1/12/44  4.00% (1 month  Synthetic TRS  (10,816) 
        USD-LIBOR) —  Index 4.00% 30 year   
        Monthly  Fannie Mae pools —   
          Monthly   
898,512  856,844   —  1/12/44  (4.00%) 1 month  Synthetic TRS  32,393 
        USD-LIBOR —  Index 4.00% 30 year   
        Monthly  Fannie Mae pools —   
          Monthly   
Upfront premium received   —    Unrealized appreciation  80,974 
Upfront premium (paid)   —    Unrealized (depreciation)  (55,510) 
Total    $—    Total    $25,464 

 

CENTRALLY CLEARED TOTAL RETURN SWAP CONTRACTS OUTSTANDING at 10/31/19   
      Upfront         
      premium  Termina-  Payments  Total return  Unrealized 
      received  tion  received (paid)  received by  appreciation/ 
Notional amount  Value  (paid)  date  by fund  or paid by fund  (depreciation) 
EUR  6,111,000  $772,671  $(147)  8/15/37  1.7138% — At  Eurostat Eurozone  $772,524 
          maturity  HICP excluding   
            tobacco — At   
            maturity   
EUR  4,873,000  627,617   —  7/15/37  1.71% — At  Eurostat Eurozone  627,617 
          maturity  HICP excluding   
            tobacco — At   
            maturity   
EUR  4,873,000  208,030   —  7/15/27  (1.40%) — At  Eurostat Eurozone  (208,030) 
          maturity  HICP excluding   
            tobacco — At   
            maturity   
EUR  7,984,000  243,077  (93)  9/15/23  (1.4375%) — At  Eurostat Eurozone  (243,170) 
          maturity  HICP excluding   
            tobacco — At   
            maturity   
EUR  7,984,000  244,875  (93)  9/15/23  (1.44125%) — At  Eurostat Eurozone  (244,969) 
          maturity  HICP excluding   
            tobacco — At   
            maturity   

 

  68 Fixed Income Absolute Return Fund 

 



CENTRALLY CLEARED TOTAL RETURN SWAP CONTRACTS OUTSTANDING at 10/31/19 cont.   
      Upfront         
      premium  Termina-  Payments  Total return  Unrealized 
      received  tion  received (paid)  received by  appreciation/ 
Notional amount  Value  (paid)  date  by fund  or paid by fund  (depreciation) 
EUR  7,984,000  $245,472  $(94)  9/15/23  (1.4425%) — At  Eurostat Eurozone  $(245,566) 
          maturity  HICP excluding   
            tobacco — At   
            maturity   
EUR  7,984,000  246,077  (94)  9/15/23  (1.44375%) — At  Eurostat Eurozone  (246,172) 
          maturity  HICP excluding   
            tobacco — At   
            maturity   
EUR  6,111,000  265,911  (79)  8/15/27  (1.4275%) — At  Eurostat Eurozone  (265,989) 
          maturity  HICP excluding   
            tobacco — At   
            maturity   
GBP  4,896,000  203,814  (105)  12/15/28  3.665% — At  GBP Non-revised UK  203,709 
          maturity  Retail Price Index —   
            At maturity   
GBP  3,819,000  618  (88)  3/15/28  3.4025% — At  GBP Non-revised UK  (707) 
          maturity  Retail Price Index —   
            At maturity   
GBP  1,371,000  3,660  (32)  3/15/28  3.3875% — At  GBP Non-revised UK  (3,692) 
          maturity  Retail Price Index —   
            At maturity   
GBP  2,938,000  20,521  (68)  2/15/28  3.34% — At  GBP Non-revised UK  (20,590) 
          maturity  Retail Price Index —   
            At maturity   
GBP  5,484,000  58,080  (130)  3/15/28  3.34% — At  GBP Non-revised UK  (58,209) 
          maturity  Retail Price Index —   
            At maturity   
GBP  1,473,000  395,705  (78)  7/15/49  (3.4425%) — At  GBP Non-revised UK  (395,782) 
          maturity  Retail Price Index —   
            At maturity   
  $4,400,000  198,216  (48)  12/6/27  2.19% — At  USA Non Revised  198,168 
          maturity  Consumer Price   
            Index-Urban   
            (CPI-U) — At   
            maturity   
  4,400,000  73,792  (27)  12/6/22  (2.05%) — At  USA Non Revised  (73,819) 
          maturity  Consumer Price   
            Index-Urban   
            (CPI-U) — At   
            maturity   
Total      $(1,176)        $(204,677) 

 

Fixed Income Absolute Return Fund 69 

 



OTC CREDIT DEFAULT CONTRACTS OUTSTANDING — PROTECTION SOLD at 10/31/19   
    Upfront           
    premium      Termi-  Payments  Unrealized 
Swap counterparty/    received  Notional    nation  received appreciation/
Referenced debt *  Rating***  (paid)**  amount  Value  date  by fund  (depreciation) 
Bank of America N.A.             
CMBX NA BBB–.6  BBB–/P  $11,962  $175,000  $14,998  5/11/63  300 bp —  $(2,934) 
Index            Monthly   
CMBX NA BBB–.6  BBB–/P  22,719  377,000  32,309  5/11/63  300 bp —  (9,370) 
Index            Monthly   
CMBX NA BBB–.6  BBB–/P  46,609  755,000  64,704  5/11/63  300 bp —  (17,654) 
Index            Monthly   
CMBX NA BBB–.6  BBB–/P  44,403  779,000  66,760  5/11/63  300 bp —  (21,903) 
Index            Monthly   
Citigroup Global Markets, Inc.             
CMBX NA BB.6  BB/P  99,330  473,000  73,220  5/11/63  500 bp —  26,569 
Index            Monthly   
CMBX NA BB.6  BB/P  149,402  607,000  93,964  5/11/63  500 bp —  56,028 
Index            Monthly   
CMBX NA BB.7  BB/P  546  6,000  379  1/17/47  500 bp —  173 
Index            Monthly   
CMBX NA BB.7  BB/P  18,190  131,000  8,266  1/17/47  500 bp —  10,051 
Index            Monthly   
CMBX NA BB.7  BB/P  32,647  254,000  16,027  1/17/47  500 bp —  16,867 
Index            Monthly   
CMBX NA BB.7  BB/P  31,767  263,000  16,595  1/17/47  500 bp —  15,427 
Index            Monthly   
CMBX NA BBB–.6  BBB–/P  6,838  77,000  6,599  5/11/63  300 bp —  284 
Index            Monthly   
CMBX NA BBB–.6  BBB–/P  19,970  200,000  17,140  5/11/63  300 bp —  2,947 
Index            Monthly   
CMBX NA BBB–.6  BBB–/P  20,871  204,000  17,483  5/11/63  300 bp —  3,508 
Index            Monthly   
CMBX NA BBB–.6  BBB–/P  22,531  248,000  21,254  5/11/63  300 bp —  1,422 
Index            Monthly   
CMBX NA BBB–.6  BBB–/P  26,560  261,000  22,368  5/11/63  300 bp —  4,344 
Index            Monthly   
CMBX NA BBB–.6  BBB–/P  24,079  264,000  22,625  5/11/63  300 bp —  1,609 
Index            Monthly   
CMBX NA BBB–.6  BBB–/P  24,232  266,000  22,796  5/11/63  300 bp —  1,591 
Index            Monthly   
CMBX NA BBB–.6  BBB–/P  24,786  279,000  23,910  5/11/63  300 bp —  1,039 
Index            Monthly   
CMBX NA BBB–.6  BBB–/P  28,411  292,000  25,024  5/11/63  300 bp —  3,557 
Index            Monthly   
CMBX NA BBB–.6  BBB–/P  27,341  320,000  27,424  5/11/63  300 bp —  104 
Index            Monthly   
CMBX NA BBB–.6  BBB–/P  28,038  328,000  28,110  5/11/63  300 bp —  119 
Index            Monthly   
CMBX NA BBB–.6  BBB–/P  29,136  344,000  29,481  5/11/63  300 bp —  (144) 
Index            Monthly   
CMBX NA BBB–.6  BBB–/P  37,521  443,000  37,965  5/11/63  300 bp —  (185) 
Index            Monthly   

 

70 Fixed Income Absolute Return Fund 

 



OTC CREDIT DEFAULT CONTRACTS OUTSTANDING — PROTECTION SOLD at 10/31/19 cont.   
    Upfront           
    premium      Termi-  Payments  Unrealized 
Swap counterparty/    received  Notional    nation  received appreciation/
Referenced debt *  Rating***  (paid)**  amount  Value  date  by fund  (depreciation) 
Citigroup Global Markets, Inc. cont.           
CMBX NA BBB–.6  BBB–/P  $55,025  $642,000  $55,019  5/11/63  300 bp —  $380 
Index            Monthly   
CMBX NA BBB–.6  BBB–/P  98,507  1,080,000  92,556  5/11/63  300 bp —  6,581 
Index            Monthly   
CMBX NA BBB–.6  BBB–/P  100,239  1,096,000  93,927  5/11/63  300 bp —  6,951 
Index            Monthly   
CMBX NA BBB–.6  BBB–/P  269,752  2,849,000  244,159  5/11/63  300 bp —  27,255 
Index            Monthly   
Credit Suisse International             
CMBX NA A.6  A/P  (2,461)  2,229,000  8,470  5/11/63  200 bp —  6,876 
Index            Monthly   
CMBX NA BB.7  BB/P  27,822  208,000  13,125  1/17/47  500 bp —  14,900 
Index            Monthly   
CMBX NA BBB–.6  BBB–/P  9,392  85,000  7,285  5/11/63  300 bp —  2,157 
Index            Monthly   
CMBX NA BBB–.6  BBB–/P  13,812  125,000  10,713  5/11/63  300 bp —  3,172 
Index            Monthly   
CMBX NA BBB–.6  BBB–/P  1,512,046  16,092,000  1,379,084  5/11/63  300 bp —  142,346 
Index            Monthly   
CMBX NA BBB–.7  BBB–/P  188,335  2,548,000  12,230  1/17/47  300 bp —  177,591 
Index            Monthly   
Goldman Sachs International             
CMBX NA BBB–.6  BBB–/P  334  3,000  257  5/11/63  300 bp —  79 
Index            Monthly   
CMBX NA BBB–.6  BBB–/P  332  4,000  343  5/11/63  300 bp —  (9) 
Index            Monthly   
CMBX NA BBB–.6  BBB–/P  1,785  16,000  1,371  5/11/63  300 bp —  424 
Index            Monthly   
CMBX NA BBB–.6  BBB–/P  5,354  62,000  5,313  5/11/63  300 bp —  77 
Index            Monthly   
CMBX NA BBB–.6  BBB–/P  5,382  79,000  6,770  5/11/63  300 bp —  (1,342) 
Index            Monthly   
CMBX NA BBB–.6  BBB–/P  12,793  87,000  7,456  5/11/63  300 bp —  5,388 
Index            Monthly   
CMBX NA BBB–.6  BBB–/P  4,631  95,000  8,142  5/11/63  300 bp —  (3,455) 
Index            Monthly   
CMBX NA BBB–.6  BBB–/P  11,832  107,000  9,170  5/11/63  300 bp —  2,724 
Index            Monthly   
CMBX NA BBB–.6  BBB–/P  11,157  141,000  12,084  5/11/63  300 bp —  (844) 
Index            Monthly   
CMBX NA BBB–.6  BBB–/P  12,101  232,000  19,882  5/11/63  300 bp —  (7,646) 
Index            Monthly   
CMBX NA BBB–.6  BBB–/P  12,401  250,000  21,425  5/11/63  300 bp —  (8,879) 
Index            Monthly   
CMBX NA BBB–.6  BBB–/P  28,210  281,000  24,082  5/11/63  300 bp —  4,292 
Index            Monthly   

 

Fixed Income Absolute Return Fund 71 

 



OTC CREDIT DEFAULT CONTRACTS OUTSTANDING — PROTECTION SOLD at 10/31/19 cont.   
    Upfront           
    premium      Termi-  Payments  Unrealized 
Swap counterparty/    received  Notional    nation  received appreciation/
Referenced debt *  Rating***  (paid)**  amount  Value  date  by fund  (depreciation) 
Goldman Sachs International cont.           
CMBX NA BBB–.6  BBB–/P  $42,492  $349,000  $29,909  5/11/63  300 bp —  $12,786 
Index            Monthly   
CMBX NA BBB–.6  BBB–/P  54,707  363,000  31,109  5/11/63  300 bp —  23,810 
Index            Monthly   
CMBX NA BBB–.6  BBB–/P  42,482  380,000  32,566  5/11/63  300 bp —  10,138 
Index            Monthly   
CMBX NA BBB–.6  BBB–/P  55,952  411,000  35,223  5/11/63  300 bp —  20,969 
Index            Monthly   
CMBX NA BBB–.6  BBB–/P  58,541  411,000  35,223  5/11/63  300 bp —  23,558 
Index            Monthly   
CMBX NA BBB–.6  BBB–/P  62,640  539,000  46,192  5/11/63  300 bp —  16,762 
Index            Monthly   
CMBX NA BBB–.6  BBB–/P  58,492  1,209,000  103,611  5/11/63  300 bp —  (44,414) 
Index            Monthly   
CMBX NA BBB–.6  BBB–/P  208,701  1,760,000  150,832  5/11/63  300 bp —  58,896 
Index            Monthly   
CMBX NA BBB–.6  BBB–/P  207,983  1,760,000  150,832  5/11/63  300 bp —  58,178 
Index            Monthly   
CMBX NA BBB–.6  BBB–/P  297,066  2,586,000  221,620  5/11/63  300 bp —  76,954 
Index            Monthly   
JPMorgan Securities LLC             
CMBX NA BB.6  BB/P  31,140  147,000  22,756  5/11/63  500 bp —  8,528 
Index            Monthly   
CMBX NA BB.6  BB/P  37,885  179,000  27,709  5/11/63  500 bp —  10,350 
Index            Monthly   
CMBX NA A.6  A/P  820  281,000  1,068  5/11/63  200 bp —  1,997 
Index            Monthly   
CMBX NA A.6  A/P  (42)  141,000  536  5/11/63  200 bp —  549 
Index            Monthly   
CMBX NA BB.10  BB–/P  21,825  272,000  19,366  5/11/63  500 bp —  2,723 
Index            Monthly   
CMBX NA BBB–.6  BBB–/P  8,283  83,000  7,113  5/11/63  300 bp —  1,218 
Index            Monthly   
CMBX NA BBB–.6  BBB–/P  9,080  91,000  7,799  5/11/63  300 bp —  1,335 
Index            Monthly   
CMBX NA BBB–.6  BBB–/P  11,568  115,000  9,856  5/11/63  300 bp —  1,779 
Index            Monthly   
CMBX NA BBB–.6  BBB–/P  10,765  121,000  10,370  5/11/63  300 bp —  466 
Index            Monthly   
CMBX NA BBB–.6  BBB–/P  21,023  213,000  18,254  5/11/63  300 bp —  2,893 
Index            Monthly   
CMBX NA BBB–.6  BBB–/P  24,232  266,000  22,796  5/11/63  300 bp —  1,591 
Index            Monthly   
CMBX NA BBB–.6  BBB–/P  1,282,859  9,697,000  831,033  5/11/63  300 bp —  457,481 
Index            Monthly   

 

72 Fixed Income Absolute Return Fund 

 



OTC CREDIT DEFAULT CONTRACTS OUTSTANDING — PROTECTION SOLD at 10/31/19 cont.   
    Upfront           
    premium      Termi-  Payments  Unrealized 
Swap counterparty/    received  Notional    nation  received  appreciation/
Referenced debt *  Rating***  (paid)**  amount  Value  date  by fund  (depreciation) 
Merrill Lynch International             
CMBX NA A.6  A/P  $13,484  $951,000  $3,614  5/11/63  200 bp —  $17,468 
Index            Monthly   
CMBX NA A.6  A/P  (35)  120,000  456  5/11/63  200 bp —  467 
Index            Monthly   
CMBX NA BBB–.6  BBB–/P  36,371  402,000  34,451  5/11/63  300 bp —  2,154 
Index            Monthly   
CMBX NA BBB–.6  BBB–/P  172,599  1,933,000  165,658  5/11/63  300 bp —  8,068 
Index            Monthly   
Morgan Stanley & Co. International PLC           
CMBX NA A.6  A/P  728  268,000  1,018  5/11/63  200 bp —  1,851 
Index            Monthly   
CMBX NA A.6  A/P   —  230,000  874  5/11/63  200 bp —  964 
Index            Monthly   
CMBX NA A.7  A-/P  (96)  99,000  2,366  1/17/47  200 bp —  2,309 
Index            Monthly   
CMBX NA A.7  A-/P  199  41,000  980  1/17/47  200 bp —  1,195 
Index            Monthly   
CMBX NA BB.6  BB/P  47,886  195,000  30,186  5/11/63  500 bp —  17,890 
Index            Monthly   
CMBX NA BB.6  BB/P  96,100  390,000  60,372  5/11/63  500 bp —  36,107 
Index            Monthly   
CMBX NA BBB–.6  BBB–/P  1,695  10,000  857  5/11/63  300 bp —  844 
Index            Monthly   
CMBX NA BBB–.6  BBB–/P  3,672  32,000  2,742  5/11/63  300 bp —  948 
Index            Monthly   
CMBX NA BBB–.6  BBB–/P  4,560  43,000  3,685  5/11/63  300 bp —  900 
Index            Monthly   
CMBX NA BBB–.6  BBB–/P  6,267  49,000  4,199  5/11/63  300 bp —  2,096 
Index            Monthly   
CMBX NA BBB–.6  BBB–/P  9,570  84,000  7,199  5/11/63  300 bp —  2,420 
Index            Monthly   
CMBX NA BBB–.6  BBB–/P  11,017  93,000  7,970  5/11/63  300 bp —  3,101 
Index            Monthly   
CMBX NA BBB–.6  BBB–/P  11,059  131,000  11,227  5/11/63  300 bp —  (91) 
Index            Monthly   
CMBX NA BBB–.6  BBB–/P  14,462  136,000  11,655  5/11/63  300 bp —  2,886 
Index            Monthly   
CMBX NA BBB–.6  BBB–/P  14,860  162,000  13,883  5/11/63  300 bp —  1,071 
Index            Monthly   
CMBX NA BBB–.6  BBB–/P  24,224  169,000  14,483  5/11/63  300 bp —  9,839 
Index            Monthly   
CMBX NA BBB–.6  BBB–/P  16,234  174,000  14,912  5/11/63  300 bp —  1,424 
Index            Monthly   
CMBX NA BBB–.6  BBB–/P  27,082  185,000  15,855  5/11/63  300 bp —  11,336 
Index            Monthly   
CMBX NA BBB–.6  BBB–/P  16,168  188,000  16,112  5/11/63  300 bp —  56 
Index            Monthly   

 

Fixed Income Absolute Return Fund 73 

 



OTC CREDIT DEFAULT CONTRACTS OUTSTANDING — PROTECTION SOLD at 10/31/19 cont.   
    Upfront           
    premium      Termi-  Payments  Unrealized 
Swap counterparty/    received  Notional    nation  received  appreciation/
Referenced debt *  Rating***  (paid)**  amount  Value  date  by fund  (depreciation) 
Morgan Stanley & Co. International PLC cont.           
CMBX NA BBB–.6  BBB–/P  $32,105  $229,000  $19,625  5/11/63  300 bp —  $12,614 
Index            Monthly   
CMBX NA BBB–.6  BBB–/P  31,307  241,000  20,654  5/11/63  300 bp —  10,794 
Index            Monthly   
CMBX NA BBB–.6  BBB–/P  21,604  242,000  20,739  5/11/63  300 bp —  1,006 
Index            Monthly   
CMBX NA BBB–.6  BBB–/P  21,766  254,000  21,768  5/11/63  300 bp —  146 
Index            Monthly   
CMBX NA BBB–.6  BBB–/P  31,607  258,000  22,111  5/11/63  300 bp —  9,647 
Index            Monthly   
CMBX NA BBB–.6  BBB–/P  23,637  280,000  23,996  5/11/63  300 bp —  (195) 
Index            Monthly   
CMBX NA BBB–.6  BBB–/P  24,595  286,000  24,510  5/11/63  300 bp —  85 
Index            Monthly   
CMBX NA BBB–.6  BBB–/P  44,395  298,000  25,539  5/11/63  300 bp —  19,030 
Index            Monthly   
CMBX NA BBB–.6  BBB–/P  42,130  342,000  29,309  5/11/63  300 bp —  13,020 
Index            Monthly   
CMBX NA BBB–.6  BBB–/P  41,165  359,000  30,766  5/11/63  300 bp —  10,608 
Index            Monthly   
CMBX NA BBB–.6  BBB–/P  50,713  409,000  35,051  5/11/63  300 bp —  15,900 
Index            Monthly   
CMBX NA BBB–.6  BBB–/P  56,565  482,000  41,307  5/11/63  300 bp —  15,539 
Index            Monthly   
CMBX NA BBB–.6  BBB–/P  90,141  704,000  60,333  5/11/63  300 bp —  30,219 
Index            Monthly   
CMBX NA BBB–.6  BBB–/P  102,536  772,000  66,160  5/11/63  300 bp —  36,826 
Index            Monthly   
CMBX NA BBB–.7  BBB–/P  6,261  92,000  442  1/17/47  300 bp —  5,873 
Index            Monthly   
CMBX NA BBB–.7  BBB–/P  9,516  143,000  686  1/17/47  300 bp —  8,913 
Index            Monthly   
Upfront premium received  6,865,947  Unrealized appreciation    1,655,407 
Upfront premium (paid)  (2,634)  Unrealized (depreciation)    (119,065) 
Total    $6,863,313  Total        $1,536,342 

 

* Payments related to the referenced debt are made upon a credit default event.

** Upfront premium is based on the difference between the original spread on issue and the market spread on day of execution.

*** Ratings for an underlying index represent the average of the ratings of all the securities included in that index. The Moody’s, Standard & Poor’s or Fitch ratings are believed to be the most recent ratings available at October 31, 2019.

Securities rated by Putnam are indicated by “/P.” The Putnam rating categories are comparable to the Standard & Poor’s classifications.

74 Fixed Income Absolute Return Fund 

 



OTC CREDIT DEFAULT CONTRACTS OUTSTANDING — PROTECTION PURCHASED at 10/31/19   
  Upfront           
  premium      Termi-  Payments  Unrealized 
Swap counterparty/  received  Notional    nation  (paid)  appreciation/ 
Referenced debt *  (paid)**  amount  Value  date  by fund  (depreciation) 
Citigroup Global Markets, Inc.             
CMBX NA A.7 Index  $(1,038)  $140,000  $3,346  1/17/47  (200 bp) —  $(4,438) 
          Monthly   
CMBX NA BB.10 Index  (13,254)  127,000  9,042  11/17/59  (500 bp) —  (4,335) 
          Monthly   
CMBX NA BB.10 Index  (11,403)  104,000  7,405  11/17/59  (500 bp) —  (4,100) 
          Monthly   
CMBX NA BB.11 Index  (40,509)  561,000  37,194  11/18/54  (500 bp) —  (3,860) 
          Monthly   
CMBX NA BB.11 Index  (49,362)  381,000  25,260  11/18/54  (500 bp) —  (24,473) 
          Monthly   
CMBX NA BB.11 Index  (12,348)  131,000  8,685  11/18/54  (500 bp) —  (3,790) 
          Monthly   
CMBX NA BB.8 Index  (29,923)  241,000  25,618  10/17/57  (500 bp) —  (4,539) 
          Monthly   
CMBX NA BB.9 Index  (192,402)  1,864,000  89,472  9/17/58  (500 bp) —  (104,742) 
          Monthly   
CMBX NA BB.9 Index  (32,324)  501,000  24,048  9/17/58  (500 bp) —  (8,763) 
          Monthly   
CMBX NA BB.9 Index  (17,485)  271,000  13,008  9/17/58  (500 bp) —  (4,740) 
          Monthly   
Credit Suisse International             
CMBX NA BB.10 Index  (35,090)  263,000  18,726  11/17/59  (500 bp) —  (16,621) 
          Monthly   
CMBX NA BB.10 Index  (31,275)  263,000  18,726  11/17/59  (500 bp) —  (12,805) 
          Monthly   
CMBX NA BB.10 Index  (17,278)  139,000  9,897  11/17/59  (500 bp) —  (7,516) 
          Monthly   
CMBX NA BB.7 Index  (31,365)  1,777,000  275,080  5/11/63  (500 bp) —  241,987 
          Monthly   
CMBX NA BB.9 Index  (94,733)  945,000  45,360  9/17/58  (500 bp) —  (50,292) 
          Monthly   
Goldman Sachs International             
CMBX NA BB.7 Index  (62,952)  416,000  26,250  1/17/47  (500 bp) —  (37,107) 
          Monthly   
CMBX NA BB.6 Index  (31,267)  214,000  33,127  5/11/63  (500 bp) —  1,652 
          Monthly   
CMBX NA BB.7 Index  (411,856)  2,436,000  153,712  1/17/47  (500 bp) —  (260,515) 
          Monthly   
CMBX NA BB.7 Index  (61,769)  377,000  23,789  1/17/47  (500 bp) —  (38,347) 
          Monthly   
CMBX NA BB.9 Index  (24,356)  226,000  10,848  9/17/58  (500 bp) —  (13,728) 
          Monthly   
CMBX NA BB.9 Index  (8,211)  69,000  3,312  9/17/58  (500 bp) —  (4,966) 
          Monthly   
CMBX NA BB.9 Index  (8,304)  69,000  3,312  9/17/58  (500 bp) —  (5,059) 
          Monthly   

 

Fixed Income Absolute Return Fund 75 

 



OTC CREDIT DEFAULT CONTRACTS OUTSTANDING — PROTECTION PURCHASED at 10/31/19 cont. 
  Upfront           
  premium      Termi-  Payments  Unrealized 
Swap counterparty/  received  Notional    nation  (paid)  appreciation/ 
Referenced debt *  (paid)**  amount  Value  date  by fund  (depreciation) 
Goldman Sachs International cont.           
CMBX NA BB.9 Index  $(7,096)  $68,000  $3,264  9/17/58  (500 bp) —  $(3,898) 
          Monthly   
CMBX NA BBB–.7 Index  (9,501)  141,000  677  1/17/47  (300 bp) —  (8,906) 
          Monthly   
CMBX NA BBB–.7 Index  (4,210)  62,000  298  1/17/47  (300 bp) —  (3,949) 
          Monthly   
CMBX NA BBB–.7 Index  (759)  11,000  53  1/17/47  (300 bp) —  (713) 
          Monthly   
CMBX NA BBB–.7 Index  (312)  3,000  14  1/17/47  (300 bp) —  (299) 
          Monthly   
JPMorgan Securities LLC             
CMBX NA BB.11 Index  (63,018)  583,000  38,653  11/18/54  (500 bp) —  (24,932) 
          Monthly   
CMBX NA BB.11 Index  (34,312)  345,000  22,874  11/18/54  (500 bp) —  (11,774) 
          Monthly   
CMBX NA BB.11 Index  (32,362)  325,000  21,548  11/18/54  (500 bp) —  (11,131) 
          Monthly   
CMBX NA BB.11 Index  (28,242)  275,000  18,233  11/18/54  (500 bp) —  (10,277) 
          Monthly   
CMBX NA BB.12 Index  (24,803)  272,000  21,107  8/17/61  (500 bp) —  (3,960) 
          Monthly   
CMBX NA BB.7 Index  (15,439)  122,000  7,698  1/17/47  (500 bp) —  (7,859) 
          Monthly   
CMBX NA BB.9 Index  (15,164)  263,000  12,624  9/17/58  (500 bp) —  (2,795) 
          Monthly   
CMBX NA BB.9 Index  (6,794)  48,000  2,304  9/17/58  (500 bp) —  (4,536) 
          Monthly   
CMBX NA BBB–.6 Index  (121,064)  1,181,000  101,212  5/11/63  (300 bp) —  (20,541) 
          Monthly   
CMBX NA BBB–.7 Index  (83,476)  2,200,000  10,560  1/17/47  (300 bp) —  (74,199) 
          Monthly   
CMBX NA BBB–.7 Index  (4,647)  128,000  614  1/17/47  (300 bp) —  (4,107) 
          Monthly   
CMBX NA BBB–.7 Index  (4,588)  97,000  466  1/17/47  (300 bp) —  (4,179) 
          Monthly   
Merrill Lynch International             
CMBX NA BB.10 Index  (13,385)  127,000  9,042  11/17/59  (500 bp) —  (4,466) 
          Monthly   
CMBX NA BB.10 Index  (15,097)  127,000  9,042  11/17/59  (500 bp) —  (6,178) 
          Monthly   
CMBX NA BB.11 Index  (34,592)  345,000  22,874  11/18/54  (500 bp) —  (12,054) 
          Monthly   
CMBX NA BB.9 Index  (2,183)  1,020,000  48,960  9/17/58  (500 bp) —  45,786 
          Monthly   

 

76 Fixed Income Absolute Return Fund 

 



OTC CREDIT DEFAULT CONTRACTS OUTSTANDING — PROTECTION PURCHASED at 10/31/19 cont. 
  Upfront           
  premium      Termi-  Payments  Unrealized 
Swap counterparty/  received  Notional    nation  (paid)  appreciation/ 
Referenced debt *  (paid)**  amount  Value  date  by fund  (depreciation) 
Morgan Stanley & Co. International PLC           
CMBX NA BB.10 Index  $(13,319)  $127,000  $9,042  11/17/59  (500 bp) —  $(4,400) 
          Monthly   
CMBX NA BB.11 Index  (41,640)  424,000  28,111  11/18/54  (500 bp) —  (13,941) 
          Monthly   
CMBX NA BB.11 Index  (11,816)  124,000  8,221  11/18/54  (500 bp) —  (3,716) 
          Monthly   
CMBX NA BB.12 Index  (5,064)  62,000  4,811  9/17/58  (500 bp) —  (313) 
          Monthly   
CMBX NA BB.7 Index  (15,686)  78,000  4,922  1/17/47  (500 bp) —  (10,840) 
          Monthly   
CMBX NA BB.7 Index  (10,495)  52,000  3,281  1/17/47  (500 bp) —  (7,264) 
          Monthly   
CMBX NA BB.9 Index  (19,374)  315,000  15,120  9/17/58  (500 bp) —  (4,561) 
          Monthly   
CMBX NA BB.9 Index  (19,151)  315,000  15,120  9/17/58  (500 bp) —  (4,337) 
          Monthly   
CMBX NA BB.9 Index  (21,337)  284,000  13,632  9/17/58  (500 bp) —  (7,981) 
          Monthly   
CMBX NA BB.9 Index  (15,080)  245,000  11,760  9/17/58  (500 bp) —  (3,559) 
          Monthly   
CMBX NA BB.9 Index  (16,611)  137,000  6,576  9/17/58  (500 bp) —  (10,168) 
          Monthly   
CMBX NA BB.9 Index  (10,902)  124,000  5,952  9/17/58  (500 bp) —  (5,070) 
          Monthly   
CMBX NA BB.9 Index  (10,434)  122,000  5,856  9/17/58  (500 bp) —  (4,696) 
          Monthly   
CMBX NA BB.9 Index  (8,366)  69,000  3,312  9/17/58  (500 bp) —  (5,121) 
          Monthly   
CMBX NA BB.9 Index  (5,330)  37,000  1,776  9/17/58  (500 bp) —  (3,590) 
          Monthly   
CMBX NA BBB–.7 Index  (1,397)  22,000  106  1/17/47  (300 bp) —  (1,304) 
          Monthly   
Upfront premium received   —  Unrealized appreciation    289,425 
Upfront premium (paid)  (1,965,550)  Unrealized (depreciation)    (926,350) 
Total  $(1,965,550)  Total        $(636,925) 

 

* Payments related to the referenced debt are made upon a credit default event.

** Upfront premium is based on the difference between the original spread on issue and the market spread on day of execution.

Fixed Income Absolute Return Fund 77 

 



CENTRALLY CLEARED CREDIT DEFAULT CONTRACTS OUTSTANDING — PROTECTION PURCHASED at 10/31/19 
  Upfront           
  premium      Termi-  Payments  Unrealized 
Referenced  received  Notional    nation  (paid)  appreciation/ 
debt *  (paid)**  amount  Value  date  by fund  (depreciation) 
NA HY Series 33  $147,262  $2,214,000  $158,560  12/20/24  (500 bp) —  $(21,753) 
Index          Quarterly   
Total  $147,262          $(21,753) 

 

* Payments related to the referenced debt are made upon a credit default event.

** Upfront premium is based on the difference between the original spread on issue and the market spread on day of execution.

ASC 820 establishes a three-level hierarchy for disclosure of fair value measurements. The valuation hierarchy is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of the fund’s investments. The three levels are defined as follows:

Level 1: Valuations based on quoted prices for identical securities in active markets.

Level 2: Valuations based on quoted prices in markets that are not active or for which all significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly.

Level 3: Valuations based on inputs that are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement.

The following is a summary of the inputs used to value the fund’s net assets as of the close of the reporting period:

    Valuation inputs
Investments in securities:  Level 1  Level 2  Level 3 
Asset-backed securities  $—­  $14,204,666  $—­ 
Convertible bonds and notes  —­  5,228,401  —­ 
Corporate bonds and notes  —­  141,896,459  —­ 
Foreign government and agency bonds and notes  —­  30,866,172  —­ 
Mortgage-backed securities  —­  212,499,925  —­ 
Purchased options outstanding  —­  286,180  —­ 
Purchased swap options outstanding  —­  18,252,080  —­ 
Senior loans  —­  27,425,939  —­ 
U.S. government and agency mortgage obligations  —­  303,925,699  —­ 
U.S. treasury obligations  —­  1,919,160  —­ 
Short-term investments  114,061,382  15,715,992  —­ 
Totals by level  $114,061,382  $772,220,673  $—­ 
 
    Valuation inputs
Other financial instruments:  Level 1  Level 2  Level 3 
Forward currency contracts  $—­  $(344,109)  $—­ 
Futures contracts  134,238  —­  —­ 
Written options outstanding  —­  (247,093)  —­ 
Written swap options outstanding  —­  (13,378,774)  —­ 
Forward premium swap option contracts  —­  706,227  —­ 
TBA sale commitments  —­  (93,708,281)  —­ 
Interest rate swap contracts  —­  (3,890,429)  —­ 
Total return swap contracts  —­  (178,037)  —­ 
Credit default contracts  —­  (4,167,361)  —­ 
Totals by level  $134,238  $(115,207,857)  $—­ 

 

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

78 Fixed Income Absolute Return Fund 

 



Statement of assets and liabilities 10/31/19   
ASSETS   
Investment in securities, at value (Notes 1 and 9):   
Unaffiliated issuers (identified cost $760,501,694)  $775,370,673 
Affiliated issuers (identified cost $110,911,382) (Note 5)  110,911,382 
Cash  64,676 
Foreign currency (cost $5,999) (Note 1)  2,037 
Interest and other receivables  4,899,499 
Receivable for shares of the fund sold  555,455 
Receivable for investments sold  25,236 
Receivable for sales of TBA securities (Note 1)  68,976,703 
Receivable for custodian fees (Note 2)  4,582 
Receivable for variation margin on futures contracts (Note 1)  137,865 
Receivable for variation margin on centrally cleared swap contracts (Note 1)  3,303,278 
Unrealized appreciation on forward premium swap option contracts (Note 1)  3,604,404 
Unrealized appreciation on forward currency contracts (Note 1)  939,230 
Unrealized appreciation on OTC swap contracts (Note 1)  2,025,806 
Premium paid on OTC swap contracts (Note 1)  1,968,184 
Total assets  972,789,010 
 
LIABILITIES   
Payable for investments purchased  310,800 
Payable for purchases of delayed delivery securities (Note 1)  104,410 
Payable for purchases of TBA securities (Note 1)  276,450,820 
Payable for shares of the fund repurchased  268,823 
Payable for compensation of Manager (Note 2)  450,205 
Payable for Trustee compensation and expenses (Note 2)  134,905 
Payable for distribution fees (Note 2)  69,276 
Payable for variation margin on futures contracts (Note 1)  317,384 
Payable for variation margin on centrally cleared swap contracts (Note 1)  4,944,528 
Unrealized depreciation on OTC swap contracts (Note 1)  1,100,925 
Premium received on OTC swap contracts (Note 1)  6,865,947 
Unrealized depreciation on forward currency contracts (Note 1)  1,283,339 
Unrealized depreciation on forward premium swap option contracts (Note 1)  2,898,177 
Written options outstanding, at value (premiums $11,859,859) (Note 1)  13,625,867 
TBA sale commitments, at value (proceeds receivable $93,165,390) (Note 1)  93,708,281 
Collateral on certain derivative contracts, at value (Notes 1 and 9)  5,069,160 
Other accrued expenses  5,755 
Total liabilities  407,608,602 
 
Net assets  $565,180,408 
 
REPRESENTED BY   
Paid-in capital (Unlimited shares authorized) (Notes 1 and 4)  $683,471,796 
Total distributable earnings (Note 1)  (118,291,388) 
Total — Representing net assets applicable to capital shares outstanding  $565,180,408 

 

(Continued on next page)

Fixed Income Absolute Return Fund 79 

 



Statement of assets and liabilities cont.   
COMPUTATION OF NET ASSET VALUE AND OFFERING PRICE   
Net asset value and redemption price per class A share   
($151,338,675 divided by 15,401,280 shares)  $9.83 
Offering price per class A share (100/97.75 of $9.83)*  $10.06 
Net asset value and offering price per class B share ($1,698,595 divided by 173,409 shares)**  $9.80 
Net asset value and offering price per class C share ($40,917,568 divided by 4,180,347 shares)**  $9.79 
Net asset value and redemption price per class M share ($3,948,572 divided by 403,801 shares)  $9.78 
Offering price per class M share (100/99.25 of $9.78)  $9.85 
Net asset value, offering price and redemption price per class P share   
($162,119,651 divided by 16,438,359 shares)  $9.86 
Net asset value, offering price and redemption price per class R share   
($388,349 divided by 39,315 shares)  $9.88 
Net asset value, offering price and redemption price per class R6 share   
($9,864,666 divided by 1,000,240 shares)  $9.86 
Net asset value, offering price and redemption price per class Y share   
($194,904,332 divided by 19,820,059 shares)  $9.83 

 

* On single retail sales of less than $100,000. On sales of $100,000 or more, the offering price is reduced.

** Redemption price per share is equal to net asset value less any applicable contingent deferred sales charge.

On single retail sales of less than $500,000.

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

80 Fixed Income Absolute Return Fund 

 



Statement of operations Year ended 10/31/19   
INVESTMENT INCOME   
Interest (net of foreign tax of $2,969) (including interest income of $1,863,631 from investments   
in affiliated issuers) (Note 5)  $24,373,385 
Total investment income  24,373,385 
 
EXPENSES   
Compensation of Manager (Note 2)  3,397,168 
Distribution fees (Note 2)  885,052 
Other  6,294 
Total expenses  4,288,514 
 
Expense reduction (Note 2)  (9,498) 
Net expenses  4,279,016 
 
Net investment income  20,094,369 
 
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS)   
Net realized gain (loss) on:   
Securities from unaffiliated issuers (Notes 1 and 3)  2,023,007 
Foreign currency transactions (Note 1)  13,664 
Forward currency contracts (Note 1)  (107,802) 
Futures contracts (Note 1)  74,319 
Swap contracts (Note 1)  (6,980,230) 
Written options (Note 1)  (2,736,577) 
Total net realized loss  (7,713,619) 
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:   
Securities from unaffiliated issuers and TBA sale commitments  24,121,336 
Assets and liabilities in foreign currencies  (1,625) 
Forward currency contracts  (805,416) 
Futures contracts  215,077 
Swap contracts  (2,065,695) 
Written options  (1,740,643) 
Total change in net unrealized appreciation  19,723,034 
 
Net gain on investments  12,009,415 
 
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations  $32,103,784 

 

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

Fixed Income Absolute Return Fund 81 

 



Statement of changes in net assets     
INCREASE IN NET ASSETS  Year ended 10/31/19  Year ended 10/31/18 
Operations     
Net investment income  $20,094,369  $19,764,729 
Net realized gain (loss) on investments     
and foreign currency transactions  (7,713,619)  1,278,472 
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)     
of investments and assets and liabilities     
in foreign currencies  19,723,034  (8,654,072) 
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations  32,103,784  12,389,129 
Distributions to shareholders (Note 1):     
From ordinary income     
Net investment income     
Class A  (7,377,211)  (9,588,591) 
Class B  (104,817)  (238,318) 
Class C  (1,920,563)  (2,826,834) 
Class M  (207,641)  (283,719) 
Class P  (7,174,462)  (5,758,122) 
Class R  (16,514)  (11,575) 
Class R6  (479,340)  (436,488) 
Class Y  (9,852,549)  (9,047,862) 
Increase (decrease) from capital share transactions (Note 4)  (2,599,011)  114,352,473 
Total increase in net assets  2,371,676  98,550,093 
 
NET ASSETS     
Beginning of year  562,808,732  464,258,639 
End of year  $565,180,408  $562,808,732 

 

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

82 Fixed Income Absolute Return Fund 

 



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Fixed Income Absolute Return Fund 83 

 



Financial highlights (For a common share outstanding throughout the period)                 
 
  INVESTMENT OPERATIONS      LESS DISTRIBUTIONS        RATIOS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA     
                      Ratio   
      Net realized                of net investment   
  Net asset value,    and unrealized  Total from  From net      Total return  Net assets,  Ratio of expenses  income (loss)  Portfolio 
  beginning  Net investment  gain (loss)  investment  investment  Total  Net asset value,  at net asset value  end of period  to average  to average  turnover 
Period ended­  of period­  income (loss) a  on investments­  operations­  income­  distributions  end of period­  (%) b  (in thousands)  net assets (%) c  net assets (%)  (%) d 
Class A­                         
October 31, 2019­  $9.73­  .34­  .22­  .56­  (.46)  (.46)  $9.83­  5.93­  $151,339­  .86­  3.49­  632­ 
October 31, 2018­  10.06­  .38­  (.13)  .25­  (.58)  (.58)  9.73­  2.59­  160,939­  .79­  3.87­  532­ 
October 31, 2017­  9.76­  .36­  .23­  .59­  (.29)  (.29)  10.06­  6.24­  169,580­  .70­  3.61­  742­ 
October 31, 2016­  10.18­  .38­  (.35)  .03­  (.45)  (.45)  9.76­  .36­  226,657­  .70­  3.92­  428­ 
October 31, 2015­  10.71­  .28­  (.44)  (.16)  (.37)  (.37)  10.18­  (1.53)  374,839­  .84­  2.71­  486­ 
Class B­                         
October 31, 2019­  $9.70­  .32­  .21­  .53­  (.43)  (.43)  $9.80­  5.69­  $1,699­  1.06­  3.37­  632­ 
October 31, 2018­  10.00­  .36­  (.13)  .23­  (.53)  (.53)  9.70­  2.42­  2,841­  .99­  3.68­  532­ 
October 31, 2017­  9.71­  .34­  .23­  .57­  (.28)  (.28)  10.00­  5.96­  5,269­  .90­  3.43­  742­ 
October 31, 2016­  10.12­  .36­  (.34)  .02­  (.43)  (.43)  9.71­  .22­  7,014­  .90­  3.75­  428­ 
October 31, 2015­  10.65­  .26­  (.44)  (.18)  (.35)  (.35)  10.12­  (1.74)  9,669­  1.04­  2.52­  486­ 
Class C­                         
October 31, 2019­  $9.70­  .27­  .20­  .47­  (.38)  (.38)  $9.79­  5.04­  $40,918­  1.61­  2.76­  632­ 
October 31, 2018­  9.96­  .30­  (.11)  .19­  (.45)  (.45)  9.70­  1.92­  54,654­  1.54­  3.11­  532­ 
October 31, 2017­  9.65­  .28­  .24­  .52­  (.21)  (.21)  9.96­  5.43­  67,174­  1.45­  2.87­  742­ 
October 31, 2016­  10.06­  .30­  (.34)  (.04)  (.37)  (.37)  9.65­  (.42)  86,726­  1.45­  3.18­  428­ 
October 31, 2015­  10.58­  .20­  (.43)  (.23)  (.29)  (.29)  10.06­  (2.22)  134,131­  1.59­  1.96­  486­ 
Class M­                         
October 31, 2019­  $9.70­  .33­  .21­  .54­  (.46)  (.46)  $9.78­  5.73­  $3,949­  .91­  3.45­  632­ 
October 31, 2018­  10.02­  .37­  (.12)  .25­  (.57)  (.57)  9.70­  2.62­  4,395­  .84­  3.82­  532­ 
October 31, 2017­  9.73­  .35­  .23­  .58­  (.29)  (.29)  10.02­  6.12­  5,206­  .75­  3.57­  742­ 
October 31, 2016­  10.15­  .37­  (.34)  .03­  (.45)  (.45)  9.73­  .33­  7,011­  .75­  3.89­  428­ 
October 31, 2015­  10.68­  .28­  (.44)  (.16)  (.37)  (.37)  10.15­  (1.56)  9,913­  .89­  2.67­  486­ 
Class P­                         
October 31, 2019­  $9.76­  .36­  .22­  .58­  (.48)  (.48)  $9.86­  6.18­  $162,120­  .61­  3.73­  632­ 
October 31, 2018­  10.11­  .41­  (.13)  .28­  (.63)  (.63)  9.76­  2.88­  138,235­  .54­  4.14­  532­ 
October 31, 2017­  9.79­  .39­  .23­  .62­  (.30)  (.30)  10.11­  6.54­  76,710­  .45­  3.90­  742­ 
October 31, 2016  9.69­  .07­  .03­  .10­  —­  —­  9.79­  1.03*  56,131­  .08*  .76*  428­ 
Class R­                         
October 31, 2019­  $9.78­  .31­  .22­  .53­  (.43)  (.43)  $9.88­  5.64­  $388­  1.11­  3.20­  632­ 
October 31, 2018­  10.09­  .36­  (.13)  .23­  (.54)  (.54)  9.78­  2.36­  196­  1.04­  3.59­  532­ 
October 31, 2017­  9.77­  .33­  .24­  .57­  (.25)  (.25)  10.09­  5.96­  213­  .95­  3.36­  742­ 
October 31, 2016­  10.14­  .36­  (.35)  .01­  (.38)  (.38)  9.77­  .13­  278­  .95­  3.69­  428­ 
October 31, 2015­  10.68­  .26­  (.45)  (.19)  (.35)  (.35)  10.14­  (1.81)  379­  1.09­  2.52­  486­ 

 

See notes to financial highlights at the end of this section.

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

84 Fixed Income Absolute Return Fund  Fixed Income Absolute Return Fund 85 

 



Financial highlights cont.                         
 
  INVESTMENT OPERATIONS      LESS DISTRIBUTIONS        RATIOS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA     
                      Ratio   
      Net realized                of net investment   
  Net asset value,    and unrealized  Total from  From net      Total return  Net assets,  Ratio of expenses  income (loss)  Portfolio 
  beginning  Net investment  gain (loss)  investment  investment  Total  Net asset value,  at net asset value  end of period  to average  to average  turnover 
Period ended­  of period­  income (loss) a  on investments­  operations­  income­  distributions  end of period­  (%) b  (in thousands)  net assets (%) c  net assets (%)  (%) d 
Class R6­                         
October 31, 2019­  $9.76­  .36­  .22  .58­  (.48)  (.48)  $9.86­  6.17­  $9,865­  .61­  3.74  632­ 
October 31, 2018­  10.11­  .41­  (.13)  .28­  (.63)  (.63)  9.76­  2.87­  9,091­  .54­  4.13­  532­ 
October 31, 2017­  9.82­  .39­  .23­  .62­  (.33)  (.33)  10.11­  6.45­  6,412­  .45­  3.91­  742­ 
October 31, 2016­  10.24­  .41­  (.35)  .06­  (.48)  (.48)  9.82­  .65­  5,426­  .45­  4.25­  428­ 
October 31, 2015­  10.78­  .31­  (.45)  (.14)  (.40)  (.40)  10.24­  (1.34)  1,446­  .59­  2.98­  486­ 
Class Y­                         
October 31, 2019­  $9.74­  .37­  .20­  .57­  (.48)  (.48)  $9.83­  6.08­  $194,904­  .61­  3.77­  632­ 
October 31, 2018­  10.09­  .41­  (.13)  .28­  (.63)  (.63)  9.74­  2.89­  192,459­  .54­  4.15­  532­ 
October 31, 2017­  9.79­  .39­  .24­  .63­  (.33)  (.33)  10.09­  6.57­  133,695­  .45­  3.92­  742­ 
October 31, 2016­  10.22­  .40­  (.35)  .05­  (.48)  (.48)  9.79­  .55­  143,069­  .45­  4.18­  428­ 
October 31, 2015­  10.75­  .31­  (.44)  (.13)  (.40)  (.40)  10.22­  (1.24)  381,738­  .59­  2.98­  486­ 

 

* Not annualized.

For the period August 31, 2016 (commencement of operations) to October 31, 2016.

a Per share net investment income (loss) has been determined on the basis of the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period.

b Total return assumes dividend reinvestment and does not reflect the effect of sales charges.

c Includes amounts paid through expense offset and/or brokerage/service arrangements, if any (Note 2). Also excludes acquired fund fees and expenses, if any.

d Portfolio turnover includes TBA purchase and sale commitments.

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

86 Fixed Income Absolute Return Fund  Fixed Income Absolute Return Fund 87 

 



Notes to financial statements 10/31/19

Within the following Notes to financial statements, references to “State Street” represent State Street Bank and Trust Company, references to “the SEC” represent the Securities and Exchange Commission, references to “Putnam Management” represent Putnam Investment Management, LLC, the fund’s manager, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Putnam Investments, LLC and references to “OTC”, if any, represent over-the-counter. Unless otherwise noted, the “reporting period” represents the period from November 1, 2018 through October 31, 2019.

Putnam Fixed Income Absolute Return Fund (the fund) is a diversified series of Putnam Funds Trust (the Trust), a Massachusetts business trust registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, as an open-end management investment company. The goal of the fund is to seek positive total return. The fund is designed to pursue a consistent absolute return through a broadly diversified portfolio reflecting uncorrelated fixed-income strategies designed to exploit market inefficiencies across global markets and fixed-income sectors. These strategies include investments in the following asset categories: (a) sovereign debt: obligations of governments in developed and emerging markets; (b) corporate credit: investment-grade debt, below-investment-grade debt (sometimes referred to as “junk bonds”), bank loans, convertible bonds and structured credit; and (c) securitized assets: asset-backed securities, residential mortgage-backed securities (which may be backed by non-qualified or “sub-prime” mortgages), commercial mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations. In pursuing a consistent absolute return, the fund’s strategies are also generally intended to produce lower volatility over a reasonable period of time than has been historically associated with traditional asset classes that have earned similar levels of return over long historical periods. These traditional asset classes might include, for example, bonds with moderate exposure to interest rate and credit risks. Under normal circumstances, the fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets in fixed-income securities (fixed-income securities include any debt instrument, and may be represented by other investment instruments, including derivatives). This policy may be changed only after 60 days’ notice to shareholders. Putnam Management may consider, among other factors, credit, interest rate and prepayment risks, as well as general market conditions, when deciding whether to buy or sell investments. The fund typically uses derivatives, such as futures, options, certain foreign currency transactions, warrants and swap contracts, for both hedging and non-hedging purposes. Accordingly, the fund may use derivatives to a significant extent to obtain or enhance exposure to the fixed-income sectors and strategies mentioned above, and to hedge against risk.

The fund offers class A, class B, class C, class M, class P, class R, class R6 and class Y shares. Effective November 25, 2019, class M shares will no longer be available for purchase and will convert automatically to class A shares. Purchases of class B shares are closed to new and existing investors except by exchange from class B shares of another Putnam fund or through dividend and/or capital gains reinvestment. Class A and class M shares are sold with a maximum front-end sales charge of 2.25% and 0.75%, respectively. Prior to December 1, 2018, the maximum front-end sales charge for class A shares was 1.00%. Class A shares generally are not subject to a contingent deferred sales charge, and class M, class P, class R, class R6 and class Y shares are not subject to a contingent deferred sales charge. Class B shares, which convert to class A shares after approximately eight years, are not subject to a front-end sales charge and are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge if those shares are redeemed within two years of purchase. Class C shares are subject to a one-year 1.00% contingent deferred sales charge and generally convert to class A shares after approximately ten years. Class R shares, which are not available to all investors, are sold at net asset value. The expenses for class A, class B, class C, class M and class R shares may differ based on the distribution fee of each class, which is identified in Note 2. Class P, class R6 and class Y shares, which are sold at net asset value, are generally subject to the same expenses as class A, class B, class C, class M and class R shares, but do not bear a distribution fee, and in the case of class P and class R6 shares, bear a lower investor servicing fee, which is identified in Note 2. Class P shares are only available to other Putnam funds and other accounts managed by Putnam Management or its affiliates. Class R6 and class Y shares are not available to all investors.

In the normal course of business, the fund enters into contracts that may include agreements to indemnify another party under given circumstances. The fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be, but have not yet been, made against the fund. However, the fund’s management team expects the risk of material loss to be remote.

The fund has entered into contractual arrangements with an investment adviser, administrator, distributor, shareholder servicing agent and custodian, who each provide services to the fund. Unless expressly stated otherwise, shareholders are not parties to, or intended beneficiaries of these contractual arrangements, and these contractual arrangements are not intended to create any shareholder right to enforce them against the service providers or to seek any remedy under them against the service providers, either directly or on behalf of the fund.

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Under the fund’s Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust, any claims asserted against or on behalf of the Putnam Funds, including claims against Trustees and Officers, must be brought in state and federal courts located within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Note 1: Significant accounting policies

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the fund in the preparation of its financial statements. The preparation of financial statements is in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial statements and the reported amounts of increases and decreases in net assets from operations. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Subsequent events after the Statement of assets and liabilities date through the date that the financial statements were issued have been evaluated in the preparation of the financial statements.

Investment income, realized and unrealized gains and losses and expenses of the fund are borne pro-rata based on the relative net assets of each class to the total net assets of the fund, except that each class bears expenses unique to that class (including the distribution fees applicable to such classes). Each class votes as a class only with respect to its own distribution plan or other matters on which a class vote is required by law or determined by the Trustees. If the fund were liquidated, shares of each class would receive their pro-rata share of the net assets of the fund. In addition, the Trustees declare separate dividends on each class of shares.

Security valuation Portfolio securities and other investments are valued using policies and procedures adopted by the Board of Trustees. The Trustees have formed a Pricing Committee to oversee the implementation of these procedures and have delegated responsibility for valuing the fund’s assets in accordance with these procedures to Putnam Management. Putnam Management has established an internal Valuation Committee that is responsible for making fair value determinations, evaluating the effectiveness of the pricing policies of the fund and reporting to the Pricing Committee.

Investments for which market quotations are readily available are valued at the last reported sales price on their principal exchange, or official closing price for certain markets, and are classified as Level 1 securities under Accounting Standards Codification 820 Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (ASC 820). If no sales are reported, as in the case of some securities that are traded OTC, a security is valued at its last reported bid price and is generally categorized as a Level 2 security.

Investments in open-end investment companies (excluding exchange-traded funds), if any, which can be classified as Level 1 or Level 2 securities, are valued based on their net asset value. The net asset value of such investment companies equals the total value of their assets less their liabilities and divided by the number of their outstanding shares.

Market quotations are not considered to be readily available for certain debt obligations (including short-term investments with remaining maturities of 60 days or less) and other investments; such investments are valued on the basis of valuations furnished by an independent pricing service approved by the Trustees or dealers selected by Putnam Management. Such services or dealers determine valuations for normal institutional-size trading units of such securities using methods based on market transactions for comparable securities and various relationships, generally recognized by institutional traders, between securities (which consider such factors as security prices, yields, maturities and ratings). These securities will generally be categorized as Level 2.

Many securities markets and exchanges outside the U.S. close prior to the scheduled close of the New York Stock Exchange and therefore the closing prices for securities in such markets or on such exchanges may not fully reflect events that occur after such close but before the scheduled close of the New York Stock Exchange. Accordingly, on certain days, the fund will fair value certain foreign equity securities taking into account multiple factors including movements in the U.S. securities markets, currency valuations and comparisons to the valuation of American Depository Receipts, exchange-traded funds and futures contracts. The foreign equity securities, which would generally be classified as Level 1 securities, will be transferred to Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy when they are valued at fair value. The number of days on which fair value prices will be used will depend on market activity and it is possible that fair value prices will be used by the fund to a significant extent. Securities quoted in foreign currencies, if any, are translated into U.S. dollars at the current exchange rate.

To the extent a pricing service or dealer is unable to value a security or provides a valuation that Putnam Management does not believe accurately reflects the security’s fair value, the security will be valued at fair value by Putnam Management in accordance with policies and procedures approved by the Trustees. Certain investments, including certain restricted and illiquid securities and derivatives, are also valued at fair value following procedures approved by the Trustees. These valuations consider such factors as significant market or specific

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security events such as interest rate or credit quality changes, various relationships with other securities, discount rates, U.S. Treasury, U.S. swap and credit yields, index levels, convexity exposures, recovery rates, sales and other multiples and resale restrictions. These securities are classified as Level 2 or as Level 3 depending on the priority of the significant inputs.

To assess the continuing appropriateness of fair valuations, the Valuation Committee reviews and affirms the reasonableness of such valuations on a regular basis after considering all relevant information that is reasonably available. Such valuations and procedures are reviewed periodically by the Trustees. Certain securities may be valued on the basis of a price provided by a single source. The fair value of securities is generally determined as the amount that the fund could reasonably expect to realize from an orderly disposition of such securities over a reasonable period of time. By its nature, a fair value price is a good faith estimate of the value of a security in a current sale and does not reflect an actual market price, which may be different by a material amount.

Security transactions and related investment income Security transactions are recorded on the trade date (the date the order to buy or sell is executed). Gains or losses on securities sold are determined on the identified cost basis.

Interest income, net of any applicable withholding taxes and including amortization and accretion of premiums and discounts on debt securities, is recorded on the accrual basis.

The fund may have earned certain fees in connection with its senior loan purchasing activities. These fees, if any, are treated as market discount and are amortized into income in the Statement of operations.

Securities purchased or sold on a forward commitment or delayed delivery basis may be settled at a future date beyond customary settlement time; interest income is accrued based on the terms of the securities. Losses may arise due to changes in the fair value of the underlying securities or if the counterparty does not perform under the contract.

Stripped securities The fund may invest in stripped securities which represent a participation in securities that may be structured in classes with rights to receive different portions of the interest and principal. Interest-only securities receive all of the interest and principal-only securities receive all of the principal. If the interest-only securities experience greater than anticipated prepayments of principal, the fund may fail to recoup fully its initial investment in these securities. Conversely, principal-only securities increase in value if prepayments are greater than anticipated and decline if prepayments are slower than anticipated. The fair value of these securities is highly sensitive to changes in interest rates.

Foreign currency translation The accounting records of the fund are maintained in U.S. dollars. The fair value of foreign securities, currency holdings, and other assets and liabilities is recorded in the books and records of the fund after translation to U.S. dollars based on the exchange rates on that day. The cost of each security is determined using historical exchange rates. Income and withholding taxes are translated at prevailing exchange rates when earned or incurred. The fund does not isolate that portion of realized or unrealized gains or losses resulting from changes in the foreign exchange rate on investments from fluctuations arising from changes in the market prices of the securities. Such gains and losses are included with the net realized and unrealized gain or loss on investments. Net realized gains and losses on foreign currency transactions represent net realized exchange gains or losses on disposition of foreign currencies, currency gains and losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on securities transactions and the difference between the amount of investment income and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the fund’s books and the U.S. dollar equivalent amounts actually received or paid. Net unrealized appreciation and depreciation of assets and liabilities in foreign currencies arise from changes in the value of assets and liabilities other than investments at the period end, resulting from changes in the exchange rate.

Options contracts The fund uses options contracts to hedge duration and convexity, to isolate prepayment risk and to manage downside risks.

The potential risk to the fund is that the change in value of options contracts may not correspond to the change in value of the hedged instruments. In addition, losses may arise from changes in the value of the underlying instruments if there is an illiquid secondary market for the contracts, if interest or exchange rates move unexpectedly or if the counterparty to the contract is unable to perform. Realized gains and losses on purchased options are included in realized gains and losses on investment securities. If a written call option is exercised, the premium originally received is recorded as an addition to sales proceeds. If a written put option is exercised, the premium originally received is recorded as a reduction to the cost of investments.

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Exchange-traded options are valued at the last sale price or, if no sales are reported, the last bid price for purchased options and the last ask price for written options. OTC traded options are valued using prices supplied by dealers.

Options on swaps are similar to options on securities except that the premium paid or received is to buy or grant the right to enter into a previously agreed upon interest rate or credit default contract. Forward premium swap option contracts include premiums that have extended settlement dates. The delayed settlement of the premiums is factored into the daily valuation of the option contracts. In the case of interest rate cap and floor contracts, in return for a premium, ongoing payments between two parties are based on interest rates exceeding a specified rate, in the case of a cap contract, or falling below a specified rate in the case of a floor contract.

Written option contracts outstanding at period end, if any, are listed after the fund’s portfolio.

Futures contracts The fund uses futures contracts for hedging treasury term structure risk and for yield curve positioning.

The potential risk to the fund is that the change in value of futures contracts may not correspond to the change in value of the hedged instruments. In addition, losses may arise from changes in the value of the underlying instruments, if there is an illiquid secondary market for the contracts, if interest or exchange rates move unexpectedly or if the counterparty to the contract is unable to perform. With futures, there is minimal counterparty credit risk to the fund since futures are exchange traded and the exchange’s clearinghouse, as counterparty to all exchange traded futures, guarantees the futures against default. Risks may exceed amounts recognized on the Statement of assets and liabilities. When the contract is closed, the fund records a realized gain or loss 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.

Futures contracts are valued at the quoted daily settlement prices established by the exchange on which they trade. The fund and the broker agree to exchange an amount of cash equal to the daily fluctuation in the value of the futures contract. Such receipts or payments are known as “variation margin.”

Futures contracts outstanding at period end, if any, are listed after the fund’s portfolio.

Forward currency contracts The fund buys and sells forward currency contracts, which are agreements between two parties to buy and sell currencies at a set price on a future date. These contracts are used for hedging currency exposures and to gain exposure to currencies.

The U.S. dollar value of forward currency contracts is determined using current forward currency exchange rates supplied by a quotation service. The fair value of the contract will fluctuate with changes in currency exchange rates. The contract is marked to market daily and the change in fair value is recorded as an unrealized gain or loss. The fund records a realized gain or loss 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 when the contract matures or by delivery of the currency. The fund could be exposed to risk if the value of the currency changes unfavorably, if the counterparties to the contracts are unable to meet the terms of their contracts or if the fund is unable to enter into a closing position. Risks may exceed amounts recognized on the Statement of assets and liabilities.

Forward currency contracts outstanding at period end, if any, are listed after the fund’s portfolio.

Interest rate swap contracts The fund entered into OTC and/or centrally cleared interest rate swap contracts, which are arrangements between two parties to exchange cash flows based on a notional principal amount, for hedging term structure risk, for yield curve positioning and for gaining exposure to rates in various countries.

An OTC and centrally cleared interest rate swap can be purchased or sold with an upfront premium. For OTC interest rate swap contracts, an upfront payment received by the fund is recorded as a liability on the fund’s books. An upfront payment made by the fund is recorded as an asset on the fund’s books. OTC and centrally cleared interest rate swap contracts are marked to market daily based upon quotations from an independent pricing service or market makers. Any change is recorded as an unrealized gain or loss on OTC interest rate swaps. Daily fluctuations in the value of centrally cleared interest rate swaps are settled through a central clearing agent and are recorded in variation margin on the Statement of assets and liabilities and recorded as unrealized gain or loss. Payments, including upfront premiums, received or made are recorded as realized gains or losses at the reset date or the closing of the contract. Certain OTC and centrally cleared interest rate swap contracts may include extended effective dates. Payments related to these swap contracts are accrued based on the terms of the contract.

The fund could be exposed to credit or market risk due to unfavorable changes in the fluctuation of interest rates or if the counterparty defaults, in the case of OTC interest rate contracts, or the central clearing agency or a

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clearing member defaults, in the case of centrally cleared interest rate swap contracts, on its respective obligation to perform under the contract. The fund’s maximum risk of loss from counterparty risk or central clearing risk is the fair value of the contract. This risk may be mitigated for OTC interest rate swap contracts by having a master netting arrangement between the fund and the counterparty and for centrally cleared interest rate swap contracts through the daily exchange of variation margin. There is minimal counterparty risk with respect to centrally cleared interest rate swap contracts due to the clearinghouse guarantee fund and other resources that are available in the event of a clearing member default. Risk of loss may exceed amounts recognized on the Statement of assets and liabilities.

OTC and centrally cleared interest rate swap contracts outstanding, including their respective notional amounts at period end, if any, are listed after the fund’s portfolio.

Total return swap contracts The fund entered into OTC and/or centrally cleared total return swap contracts, which are arrangements to exchange a market-linked return for a periodic payment, both based on a notional principal amount, to hedge sector exposure, for gaining exposure to specific sectors, for hedging inflation and for gaining exposure to inflation.

To the extent that the total return of the security, index or other financial measure underlying the transaction exceeds or falls short of the offsetting interest rate obligation, the fund will receive a payment from or make a payment to the counterparty. OTC and/or centrally cleared total return swap contracts are marked to market daily based upon quotations from an independent pricing service or market maker. Any change is recorded as an unrealized gain or loss on OTC total return swaps. Daily fluctuations in the value of centrally cleared total return swaps are settled through a central clearing agent and are recorded in variation margin on the Statement of assets and liabilities and recorded as unrealized gain or loss. Payments received or made are recorded as realized gains or losses. Certain OTC and/or centrally cleared total return swap contracts may include extended effective dates. Payments related to these swap contracts are accrued based on the terms of the contract. The fund could be exposed to credit or market risk due to unfavorable changes in the fluctuation of interest rates or in the price of the underlying security or index, the possibility that there is no liquid market for these agreements or that the counterparty may default on its obligation to perform. The fund’s maximum risk of loss from counterparty risk or central clearing risk is the fair value of the contract. This risk may be mitigated for OTC total return swap contracts by having a master netting arrangement between the fund and the counterparty and for centrally cleared total return swap contracts through the daily exchange of variation margin. There is minimal counterparty risk with respect to centrally cleared total return swap contracts due to the clearinghouse guarantee fund and other resources that are available in the event of a clearing member default. Risk of loss may exceed amounts recognized on the Statement of assets and liabilities.

OTC and/or centrally cleared total return swap contracts outstanding, including their respective notional amounts at period end, if any, are listed after the fund’s portfolio.

Credit default contracts The fund entered into OTC and/or centrally cleared credit default contracts to hedge credit risk, for gaining liquid exposure to individual names, to hedge market risk and for gaining exposure to specific sectors.

In OTC and centrally cleared credit default contracts, the protection buyer typically makes a periodic stream of payments to a counterparty, the protection seller, in exchange for the right to receive a contingent payment upon the occurrence of a credit event on the reference obligation or all other equally ranked obligations of the reference entity. Credit events are contract specific but may include bankruptcy, failure to pay, restructuring and obligation acceleration. For OTC credit default contracts, an upfront payment received by the fund is recorded as a liability on the fund’s books. An upfront payment made by the fund is recorded as an asset on the fund’s books. Centrally cleared credit default contracts provide the same rights to the protection buyer and seller except the payments between parties, including upfront premiums, are settled through a central clearing agent through variation margin payments. Upfront and periodic payments received or paid by the fund for OTC and centrally cleared credit default contracts are recorded as realized gains or losses at the reset date or close of the contract. The OTC and centrally cleared credit default contracts are marked to market daily based upon quotations from an independent pricing service or market makers. Any change in value of OTC credit default contracts is recorded as an unrealized gain or loss. Daily fluctuations in the value of centrally cleared credit default contracts are recorded in variation margin on the Statement of assets and liabilities and recorded as unrealized gain or loss. Upon the occurrence of a credit event, the difference between the par value and fair value of the reference obligation, net of any proportional amount of the upfront payment, is recorded as a realized gain or loss.

In addition to bearing the risk that the credit event will occur, the fund could be exposed to market risk due to unfavorable changes in interest rates or in the price of the underlying security or index or the possibility that

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the fund may be unable to close out its position at the same time or at the same price as if it had purchased the underlying reference obligations. In certain circumstances, the fund may enter into offsetting OTC and centrally cleared credit default contracts which would mitigate its risk of loss. Risks of loss may exceed amounts recognized on the Statement of assets and liabilities. The fund’s maximum risk of loss from counterparty risk, either as the protection seller or as the protection buyer, is the fair value of the contract. This risk may be mitigated for OTC credit default contracts by having a master netting arrangement between the fund and the counterparty and for centrally cleared credit default contracts through the daily exchange of variation margin. Counterparty risk is further mitigated with respect to centrally cleared credit default swap contracts due to the clearinghouse guarantee fund and other resources that are available in the event of a clearing member default. Where the fund is a seller of protection, the maximum potential amount of future payments the fund may be required to make is equal to the notional amount.

OTC and centrally cleared credit default contracts outstanding, including their respective notional amounts at period end, if any, are listed after the fund’s portfolio.

TBA commitments The fund may enter into TBA (to be announced) commitments to purchase securities for a fixed unit price at a future date beyond customary settlement time. Although the unit price and par amount have been established, the actual securities have not been specified. However, it is anticipated that the amount of the commitments will not significantly differ from the principal amount. The fund holds, and maintains until settlement date, cash or high-grade debt obligations in an amount sufficient to meet the purchase price, or the fund may enter into offsetting contracts for the forward sale of other securities it owns. Income on the securities will not be earned until settlement date.

The fund may also enter into TBA sale commitments to hedge its portfolio positions, to sell mortgage-backed securities it owns under delayed delivery arrangements or to take a short position in mortgage-backed securities. Proceeds of TBA sale commitments are not received until the contractual settlement date. During the time a TBA sale commitment is outstanding, either equivalent deliverable securities or an offsetting TBA purchase commitment deliverable on or before the sale commitment date are held as “cover” for the transaction, or other liquid assets in an amount equal to the notional value of the TBA sale commitment are segregated. If the TBA sale commitment is closed through the acquisition of an offsetting TBA purchase commitment, 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.

TBA commitments, which are accounted for as purchase and sale transactions, may be considered securities themselves, and involve a risk of loss due to changes in the value of the security prior to the settlement date as well as the risk that the counterparty to the transaction will not perform its obligations. Counterparty risk is mitigated by having a master agreement between the fund and the counterparty.

Unsettled TBA commitments are valued at their fair value according to the procedures described under “Security valuation” above. The contract is marked to market daily and the change in fair value is recorded by the fund as an unrealized gain or loss. Based on market circumstances, Putnam Management will determine whether to take delivery of the underlying securities or to dispose of the TBA commitments prior to settlement.

TBA purchase commitments outstanding at period end, if any, are listed within the fund’s portfolio and TBA sale commitments outstanding at period end, if any, are listed after the fund’s portfolio.

Master agreements The fund is a party to ISDA (International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc.) Master Agreements that govern OTC derivative and foreign exchange contracts and Master Securities Forward Transaction Agreements that govern transactions involving mortgage-backed and other asset-backed securities that may result in delayed delivery (Master Agreements) with certain counterparties entered into from time to time. The Master Agreements may contain provisions regarding, among other things, the parties’ general obligations, representations, agreements, collateral requirements, events of default and early termination. With respect to certain counterparties, in accordance with the terms of the Master Agreements, collateral posted to the fund is held in a segregated account by the fund’s custodian and, with respect to those amounts which can be sold or repledged, are presented in the fund’s portfolio.

Collateral pledged by the fund is segregated by the fund’s custodian and identified in the fund’s portfolio. Collateral can be in the form of cash or debt securities issued by the U.S. Government or related agencies or other securities as agreed to by the fund and the applicable counterparty. Collateral requirements are determined based on the fund’s net position with each counterparty.

With respect to ISDA Master Agreements, termination events applicable to the fund may occur upon a decline in the fund’s net assets below a specified threshold over a certain period of time. Termination events applicable

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to counterparties may occur upon a decline in the counterparty’s long-term or short-term credit ratings below a specified level. In each case, upon occurrence, the other party may elect to terminate early and cause settlement of all derivative and foreign exchange contracts outstanding, including the payment of any losses and costs resulting from such early termination, as reasonably determined by the terminating party. Any decision by one or more of the fund’s counterparties to elect early termination could impact the fund’s future derivative activity.

At the close of the reporting period, the fund had a net liability position of $4,385,226 on open derivative contracts subject to the Master Agreements. Collateral posted by the fund at period end for these agreements totaled $4,738,408 and may include amounts related to unsettled agreements.

Interfund lending The fund, along with other Putnam funds, may participate in an interfund lending program pursuant to an exemptive order issued by the SEC. This program allows the fund to borrow from or lend to other Putnam funds that permit such transactions. Interfund lending transactions are subject to each fund’s investment policies and borrowing and lending limits. Interest earned or paid on the interfund lending transaction will be based on the average of certain current market rates. During the reporting period, the fund did not utilize the program.

Lines of credit The fund participates, along with other Putnam funds, in a $317.5 million unsecured committed line of credit and a $235.5 million unsecured uncommitted line of credit, both provided by State Street. Borrowings may be made for temporary or emergency purposes, including the funding of shareholder redemption requests and trade settlements. Interest is charged to the fund based on the fund’s borrowing at a rate equal to 1.25% plus the higher of (1) the Federal Funds rate and (2) the overnight LIBOR for the committed line of credit and the Federal Funds rate plus 1.30% for the uncommitted line of credit. A closing fee equal to 0.04% of the committed line of credit and 0.04% of the uncommitted line of credit has been paid by the participating funds. In addition, a commitment fee of 0.21% per annum on any unutilized portion of the committed line of credit is allocated to the participating funds based on their relative net assets and paid quarterly. During the reporting period, the fund had no borrowings against these arrangements.

Federal taxes It is the policy of the fund to distribute all of its taxable income within the prescribed time period and otherwise comply with the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code), applicable to regulated investment companies. It is also the intention of the fund to distribute an amount sufficient to avoid imposition of any excise tax under Section 4982 of the Code.

The fund is subject to the provisions of Accounting Standards Codification 740 Income Taxes (ASC 740). ASC 740 sets forth a minimum threshold for financial statement recognition of the benefit of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. The fund did not have a liability to record for any unrecognized tax benefits in the accompanying financial statements. No provision has been made for federal taxes on income, capital gains or unrealized appreciation on securities held nor for excise tax on income and capital gains. Each of the fund’s federal tax returns for the prior three fiscal years remains subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service.

The fund may also be subject to taxes imposed by governments of countries in which it invests. Such taxes are generally based on either income or gains earned or repatriated. The fund accrues and applies such taxes to net investment income, net realized gains and net unrealized gains as income and/or capital gains are earned. In some cases, the fund may be entitled to reclaim all or a portion of such taxes, and such reclaim amounts, if any, are reflected as an asset on the fund’s books. In many cases, however, the fund may not receive such amounts for an extended period of time, depending on the country of investment.

Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010, the fund will be permitted to carry forward capital losses incurred for an unlimited period and the carry forwards will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses. At October 31, 2019, the fund had the following capital loss carryovers available, to the extent allowed by the Code, to offset future net capital gain, if any:

  Loss carryover   
Short-term  Long-term  Total 
$87,021,703  $27,298,577  $114,320,280 

 

Distributions to shareholders Distributions to shareholders from net investment income are recorded by the fund on the ex-dividend date. Distributions from capital gains, if any, are recorded on the ex-dividend date and paid at least annually. The amount and character of income and gains to be distributed are determined in accordance with income tax regulations, which may differ from generally accepted accounting principles. These differences include temporary and/or permanent differences from the expiration of a capital loss carryover,

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from realized gains and losses on certain futures contracts, from income on swap contracts and from interest-only securities. Reclassifications are made to the fund’s capital accounts to reflect income and gains available for distribution (or available capital loss carryovers) under income tax regulations. At the close of the reporting period, the fund reclassified $4,028,335 to decrease distributions in excess of net investment income, $5,221,887 to decrease paid-in capital and $1,193,552 to decrease accumulated net realized loss.

Tax cost of investments includes adjustments to net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) which may not necessarily be final tax cost basis adjustments, but closely approximate the tax basis unrealized gains and losses that may be realized and distributed to shareholders. The tax basis components of distributable earnings and the federal tax cost as of the close of the reporting period were as follows:

Unrealized appreciation  $37,078,437 
Unrealized depreciation  (43,664,608) 
Net unrealized depreciation  (6,586,171) 
Undistributed ordinary income  2,766,343 
Capital loss carryforward  (114,320,280) 
Cost for federal income tax purposes  $777,794,607 

 

Expenses of the Trust Expenses directly charged or attributable to any fund will be paid from the assets of that fund. Generally, expenses of the Trust will be allocated among and charged to the assets of each fund on a basis that the Trustees deem fair and equitable, which may be based on the relative assets of each fund or the nature of the services performed and relative applicability to each fund.

Note 2: Management fee, administrative services and other transactions

The fund pays Putnam Management a monthly base fee equal to 0.60% of the monthly average of the fund’s net asset value. In return for this fee, Putnam Management provides investment management and investor servicing and bears the fund’s organizational and operating expenses, excluding performance fee adjustments, payments under the fund’s distribution plan, brokerage, interest, taxes, investment related expenses, extraordinary expenses and acquired fund fees and expenses.

The applicable base fee is increased or decreased for each month by an amount based on the performance of the fund. The amount of the increase or decrease is calculated monthly based on a performance adjustment rate that is equal to 0.04 multiplied by the difference between the fund’s annualized performance (measured by the fund’s class A shares) and the annualized performance of the ICE BofAML U.S. Treasury Bill Index plus 3.00% over the thirty-six month period then ended (the performance period). The maximum annualized performance adjustment rate is +/- 0.12%. Each month, the performance adjustment rate is multiplied by the fund’s average net assets over the performance period and the result is divided by twelve. The resulting dollar amount is added to, or subtracted from, the base fee for that month. The monthly base fee is determined based on the fund’s average net assets for the month, while the performance adjustment is determined based on the fund’s average net assets over the thirty-six month performance period. This means it is possible that, if the fund underperforms significantly over the performance period, and the fund’s assets have declined significantly over that period, the negative performance adjustment may exceed the base fee. In this event, Putnam Management would make a payment to the fund.

Because the performance adjustment is based on the fund’s performance relative to its applicable benchmark index, and not its absolute performance, the performance adjustment could increase Putnam Management’s fee even if the fund’s shares lose value during the performance period provided that the fund outperformed its benchmark index, and could decrease Putnam Management’s fee even if the fund’s shares increase in value during the performance period provided that the fund underperformed its benchmark index.

For the reporting period, the management fee represented an effective rate (excluding the impact of any expense waiver in effect) of 0.607% of the fund’s average net assets, which included an effective base fee of 0.600% and an increase of 0.007% ($39,773) based on performance.

Putnam Management has contractually agreed, through February 28, 2021, to waive fees and/or reimburse the fund’s expenses to the extent necessary to limit the cumulative expenses of the fund, exclusive of brokerage, interest, taxes, investment-related expenses, extraordinary expenses, acquired fund fees and expenses and payments under the fund’s investor servicing contract, investment management contract and distribution plans, on a fiscal year-to-date basis to an annual rate of 0.20% of the fund’s average net assets over such fiscal year-to-date period. During the reporting period, the fund’s expenses were not reduced as a result of this limit.

Fixed Income Absolute Return Fund 95 

 



Putnam Investments Limited (PIL), an affiliate of Putnam Management, is authorized by the Trustees to manage a separate portion of the assets of the fund as determined by Putnam Management from time to time. PIL did not manage any portion of the assets of the fund during the reporting period. If Putnam Management were to engage the services of PIL, Putnam Management would pay a quarterly sub-management fee to PIL for its services at an annual rate of 0.35% of the average net assets of the portion of the fund managed by PIL.

The Putnam Advisory Company, LLC (PAC), an affiliate of Putnam Management, is authorized by the Trustees to manage a separate portion of the assets of the fund, as designated from time to time by Putnam Management or PIL. PAC did not manage any portion of the assets of the fund during the reporting period. If Putnam Management or PIL were to engage the services of PAC, Putnam Management or PIL, as applicable, would pay a quarterly sub-advisory fee to PAC for its services at the annual rate of 0.35% of the average net assets of the portion of the fund’s assets for which PAC is engaged as sub-adviser.

The aggregate amount of all reimbursements for the compensation and related expenses of certain officers of the fund and their staff who provide administrative services to the fund is determined annually by the Trustees. These fees are being paid by Putnam Management as part of the management contract.

Custodial functions for the fund’s assets are provided by State Street. Custody fees are based on the fund’s asset level, the number of its security holdings and transaction volumes. These fees are being paid by Putnam Management as part of the management contract.

Putnam Investor Services, Inc., an affiliate of Putnam Management, provides investor servicing agent functions to the fund. Putnam Investor Services, Inc. received fees for investor servicing for class A, class B, class C, class M, class R and class Y shares that included (1) a per account fee for each direct and underlying non-defined contribution account (retail account) of the fund; (2) a specified rate of the fund’s assets attributable to defined contribution plan accounts; and (3) a specified rate based on the average net assets in retail accounts. Putnam Investor Services, Inc. has agreed that the aggregate investor servicing fees for each fund’s retail and defined contribution accounts for these share classes will not exceed an annual rate of 0.25% of the fund’s average assets attributable to such accounts. Class P shares paid a monthly fee based on the average net assets of class P shares at an annual rate of 0.01%. Class R6 shares paid a monthly fee based on the average net assets of class R6 shares at an annual rate of 0.05%. These fees are being paid by Putnam Management as part of the management contract.

The fund has entered into expense offset arrangements with Putnam Investor Services, Inc. and State Street whereby Putnam Investor Services, Inc.’s and State Street’s fees are reduced by credits allowed on cash balances. For the reporting period, the fund’s expenses were reduced by $9,498 under the expense offset arrangements.

Each Independent Trustee of the fund receives an annual Trustee fee, of which $382, as a quarterly retainer, has been allocated to the fund, and an additional fee for each Trustees meeting attended. Trustees also are reimbursed for expenses they incur relating to their services as Trustees. These fees are being paid by Putnam Management as part of the management contract.

The fund has adopted a Trustee Fee Deferral Plan (the Deferral Plan) which allows the Trustees to defer the receipt of all or a portion of Trustees fees payable on or after July 1, 1995. The deferred fees remain invested in certain Putnam funds until distribution in accordance with the Deferral Plan.

The fund has adopted an unfunded noncontributory defined benefit pension plan (the Pension Plan) covering all Trustees of the fund who have served as a Trustee for at least five years and were first elected prior to 2004. Benefits under the Pension Plan are equal to 50% of the Trustee’s average annual attendance and retainer fees for the three years ended December 31, 2005. The retirement benefit is payable during a Trustee’s lifetime, beginning the year following retirement, for the number of years of service through December 31, 2006. Accrued pension liability is included in Payable for Trustee compensation and expenses in the Statement of assets and liabilities. The Trustees have terminated the Pension Plan with respect to any Trustee first elected after 2003. These fees are being paid by Putnam Management as part of the management contract.

The fund has adopted distribution plans (the Plans) with respect to the following share classes pursuant to Rule 12b–1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The purpose of the Plans is to compensate Putnam Retail Management Limited Partnership, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Putnam Investments, LLC, for services provided and expenses incurred in distributing shares of the fund. The Plans provide payments by the fund to Putnam Retail Management Limited Partnership at an annual rate of up to the following amounts (Maximum %) of the average net assets attributable to each class. The Trustees have approved payment by the fund at the

96 Fixed Income Absolute Return Fund 

 



following annual rate (Approved %) of the average net assets attributable to each class. During the reporting period, the class-specific expenses related to distribution fees were as follows:

  Maximum %  Approved %  Amount 
Class A  0.35%  0.25%  $388,697 
Class B  1.00%  0.45%  10,204 
Class C  1.00%  1.00%  471,413 
Class M  1.00%  0.30%  12,883 
Class R  1.00%  0.50%  1,855 
Total      $885,052 

 

For the reporting period, Putnam Retail Management Limited Partnership, acting as underwriter, received net commissions of $11,329 and no monies from the sale of class A and class M shares, respectively, and received $82 and $388 in contingent deferred sales charges from redemptions of class B and class C shares, respectively.

A deferred sales charge of up to 1.00% is assessed on certain redemptions of class A shares. For the reporting period, Putnam Retail Management Limited Partnership, acting as underwriter, received no monies on class A redemptions.

Note 3: Purchases and sales of securities

During the reporting period, the cost of purchases and the proceeds from sales, excluding short-term investments, were as follows:

  Cost of purchases  Proceeds from sales 
Investments in securities, including TBA commitments (Long-term)  $3,876,109,804  $3,708,041,395 
U.S. government securities (Long-term)     
Total  $3,876,109,804  $3,708,041,395 

 

The fund may purchase or sell investments from or to other Putnam funds in the ordinary course of business, which can reduce the fund’s transaction costs, at prices determined in accordance with SEC requirements and policies approved by the Trustees. During the reporting period, purchases or sales of long-term securities from or to other Putnam funds, if any, did not represent more than 5% of the fund’s total cost of purchases and/or total proceeds from sales.

Note 4: Capital shares

At the close of the reporting period, there were an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest authorized. Transactions, including, if applicable, direct exchanges pursuant to share conversions, in capital shares were as follows:

  YEAR ENDED 10/31/19  YEAR ENDED 10/31/18 
Class A  Shares  Amount  Shares  Amount 
Shares sold  3,156,776  $30,506,838  4,578,149  $44,934,509 
Shares issued in connection with         
reinvestment of distributions  739,971  7,124,460  947,888  9,184,672 
  3,896,747  37,631,298  5,526,037  54,119,181 
Shares repurchased  (5,031,125)  (48,633,545)  (5,849,576)  (57,460,299) 
Net decrease  (1,134,378)  $(11,002,247)  (323,539)  $(3,341,118) 

 

Fixed Income Absolute Return Fund 97 

 



  YEAR ENDED 10/31/19  YEAR ENDED 10/31/18 
Class B  Shares  Amount  Shares  Amount 
Shares sold  3,834  $36,908  9,453  $92,317 
Shares issued in connection with         
reinvestment of distributions  10,507  100,728  22,620  218,012 
  14,341  137,636  32,073  310,329 
Shares repurchased  (133,730)  (1,292,189)  (266,034)  (2,606,906) 
Net decrease  (119,389)  $(1,154,553)  (233,961)  $(2,296,577) 
 
  YEAR ENDED 10/31/19  YEAR ENDED 10/31/18 
Class C  Shares  Amount  Shares  Amount 
Shares sold  357,117  $3,432,595  383,465  $3,744,307 
Shares issued in connection with         
reinvestment of distributions  181,334  1,736,991  262,024  2,528,070 
  538,451  5,169,586  645,489  6,272,377 
Shares repurchased  (1,994,814)  (19,216,787)  (1,752,719)  (17,146,409) 
Net decrease  (1,456,363)  $(14,047,201)  (1,107,230)  $(10,874,032) 
 
  YEAR ENDED 10/31/19  YEAR ENDED 10/31/18 
Class M  Shares  Amount  Shares  Amount 
Shares sold  62,249  $598,804  9,012  $88,166 
Shares issued in connection with         
reinvestment of distributions  21,622  207,182  28,597  275,876 
  83,871  805,986  37,609  364,042 
Shares repurchased  (133,267)  (1,283,180)  (103,936)  (1,014,557) 
Net decrease  (49,396)  $(477,194)  (66,327)  $(650,515) 
 
  YEAR ENDED 10/31/19  YEAR ENDED 10/31/18 
Class P  Shares  Amount  Shares  Amount 
Shares sold  6,279,596  $61,098,228  9,261,145  $91,412,250 
Shares issued in connection with         
reinvestment of distributions  742,218  7,174,462  591,741  5,758,122 
  7,021,814  68,272,690  9,852,886  97,170,372 
Shares repurchased  (4,743,954)  (45,960,082)  (3,279,856)  (32,340,970) 
Net increase  2,277,860  $22,312,608  6,573,030  $64,829,402 
 
  YEAR ENDED 10/31/19  YEAR ENDED 10/31/18 
Class R  Shares  Amount  Shares  Amount 
Shares sold  22,643  $219,906  9,204  $90,474 
Shares issued in connection with         
reinvestment of distributions  1,706  16,514  1,188  11,575 
  24,349  236,420  10,392  102,049 
Shares repurchased  (5,045)  (49,165)  (11,497)  (112,776) 
Net increase (decrease)  19,304  $187,255  (1,105)  $(10,727) 

 

98 Fixed Income Absolute Return Fund 

 



  YEAR ENDED 10/31/19  YEAR ENDED 10/31/18 
Class R6  Shares  Amount  Shares  Amount 
Shares sold  310,094  $3,011,225  418,329  $4,117,825 
Shares issued in connection with         
reinvestment of distributions  49,580  479,340  44,863  436,488 
  359,674  3,490,565  463,192  4,554,313 
Shares repurchased  (290,418)  (2,815,198)  (166,155)  (1,632,687) 
Net increase  69,256  $675,367  297,037  $2,921,626 
 
  YEAR ENDED 10/31/19  YEAR ENDED 10/31/18 
Class Y  Shares  Amount  Shares  Amount 
Shares sold  9,181,528  $88,919,936  14,426,640  $141,821,437 
Shares issued in connection with         
reinvestment of distributions  1,011,802  9,747,357  829,970  8,057,425 
  10,193,330  98,667,293  15,256,610  149,878,862 
Shares repurchased  (10,135,602)  (97,760,339)  (8,748,208)  (86,104,448) 
Net increase  57,728  $906,954  6,508,402  $63,774,414 

 

At the close of the reporting period, the Putnam RetirementReady Funds owned 28.6% of the outstanding shares of the fund.

Note 5: Affiliated transactions

Transactions during the reporting period with any company which is under common ownership or control were as follows:

          Shares 
          outstanding 
          and fair 
  Fair value as  Purchase  Sale  Investment  value as 
Name of affiliate  of 10/31/18  cost  proceeds  income  of 10/31/19 
Short-term investments           
Putnam Short Term           
Investment Fund**  $77,359,764  $322,786,198  $289,234,580  $1,863,631  $110,911,382 
Total Short-term           
investments  $77,359,764  $322,786,198  $289,234,580  $1,863,631  $110,911,382 

 

** Management fees charged to Putnam Short Term Investment Fund have been waived by Putnam Management. There were no realized or unrealized gains or losses during the period.

Note 6: Market, credit and other risks

In the normal course of business, the fund trades financial instruments and enters into financial transactions where risk of potential loss exists due to changes in the market (market risk) or failure of the contracting party to the transaction to perform (credit risk). The fund may be exposed to additional credit risk that an institution or other entity with which the fund has unsettled or open transactions will default. Investments in foreign securities involve certain risks, including those related to economic instability, unfavorable political developments, and currency fluctuations. The fund may invest in higher-yielding, lower-rated bonds that may have a higher rate of default. The fund may invest a significant portion of its assets in securitized debt instruments, including mortgage-backed and asset-backed investments. The yields and values of these investments are sensitive to changes in interest rates, the rate of principal payments on the underlying assets and the market’s perception of the issuers. The market for these investments may be volatile and limited, which may make them difficult to buy or sell.

Fixed Income Absolute Return Fund 99 

 



Note 7: Senior loan commitments

Senior loans are purchased or sold on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis and may be settled a month or more after the trade date, which from time to time can delay the actual investment of available cash balances; interest income is accrued based on the terms of the securities. Senior loans can be acquired through an agent, by assignment from another holder of the loan, or as a participation interest in another holder’s portion of the loan. When the fund invests in a loan or participation, the fund is subject to the risk that an intermediate participant between the fund and the borrower will fail to meet its obligations to the fund, in addition to the risk that the borrower under the loan may default on its obligations.

Note 8: Summary of derivative activity

The volume of activity for the reporting period for any derivative type that was held during the period is listed below and was based on an average of the holdings at the end of each fiscal quarter:

Purchased TBA commitment option contracts (contract amount)  $102,000,000 
Purchased currency option contracts (contract amount)  $34,900,000 
Purchased swap option contracts (contract amount)  $918,791,595 
Written TBA commitment option contracts (contract amount)  $169,600,000 
Written currency option contracts (contract amount)  $27,500,000 
Written swap option contracts (contract amount)  $706,200,000 
Futures contracts (number of contracts)  700 
Forward currency contracts (contract amount)  $228,900,000 
OTC interest rate swap contracts (notional)  $2,100,000 
Centrally cleared interest rate swap contracts (notional)  $1,741,000,000 
OTC total return swap contracts (notional)  $65,900,000 
Centrally cleared total return swap contracts (notional)  $131,700,000 
OTC credit default contracts (notional)  $86,800,000 
Centrally cleared credit default contracts (notional)  $2,900,000 

 

The following is a summary of the fair value of derivative instruments as of the close of the reporting period:

Fair value of derivative instruments as of the close of the reporting period   
  ASSET DERIVATIVES  LIABILITY DERIVATIVES 
Derivatives not         
accounted for as  Statement of    Statement of   
hedging instruments  assets and    assets and   
under ASC 815  liabilities location  Fair value  liabilities location  Fair value 
      Payables, Net assets —   
Credit contracts  Receivables  $1,353,104  Unrealized depreciation  $5,520,465* 
Foreign exchange         
contracts  Investments, Receivables  1,219,228  Payables  1,528,644 
  Investments,       
  Receivables, Net       
  assets — Unrealized    Payables, Net assets —   
Interest rate contracts  appreciation  30,506,409 *  Unrealized depreciation  28,856,710* 
Total    $33,078,741    $35,905,819 

 

* Includes cumulative appreciation/depreciation of futures contracts and/or centrally cleared swaps as reported in the fund’s portfolio. Only current day’s variation margin is reported within the Statement of assets and liabilities.

100 Fixed Income Absolute Return Fund 

 



The following is a summary of realized and change in unrealized gains or losses of derivative instruments in the Statement of operations for the reporting period (Note 1):

Amount of realized gain or (loss) on derivatives recognized in net gain or (loss) on investments   
Derivatives not accounted      Forward     
for as hedging instruments      currency     
under ASC 815  Options  Futures  contracts  Swaps  Total 
Credit contracts  $—  $—  $—  $1,849,028  $1,849,028 
Foreign exchange contracts  305,197    (107,802)    $197,395 
Interest rate contracts  (2,673,060)  74,319    (8,829,258)  $(11,427,999) 
Total  $(2,367,863)  $74,319  $(107,802)  $(6,980,230)  $(9,381,576) 
 
Change in unrealized appreciation or (depreciation) on derivatives recognized in net gain or (loss) 
on investments           
Derivatives not accounted      Forward     
for as hedging instruments      currency     
under ASC 815  Options  Futures  contracts  Swaps  Total 
Credit contracts  $—  $—  $—  $1,072,822  $1,072,822 
Foreign exchange contracts  (393,481)    (805,416)    $(1,198,897) 
Interest rate contracts  7,161,170  215,077    (3,138,517)  $4,237,730 
Total  $6,767,689  $215,077  $(805,416)  $(2,065,695)  $4,111,655 

 

Fixed Income Absolute Return Fund 101 

 



Note 9: Offsetting of financial and derivative assets and liabilities

The following table summarizes any derivatives, repurchase agreements and reverse repurchase agreements, at the end of the reporting period, that are subject to an enforceable master netting agreement or similar agreement. For securities lending transactions or borrowing transactions associated with securities sold short, if any, see Note 1. For financial reporting purposes, the fund does not offset financial assets and financial liabilities that are subject to the master netting agreements in the Statement of assets and liabilities.

  Bank of 
America N.A.
Barclays Bank PLC Barclays 
Capital, Inc. (clearing
broker)
Citibank, N.A. Citigroup
Global
Markets, Inc.
Credit Suisse International Goldman
Sachs
International
HSBC Bank
USA, National Association
JPMorgan
Chase Bank N.A.
JPMorgan
Securities LLC
Merrill Lynch International Morgan
Stanley & Co. International
PLC
NatWest
Markets PLC
State Street Bank and Trust Co.  Toronto - Dominion
Bank
UBS AG WestPac
Banking Corp.
Total
Assets:                                     
Centrally cleared interest rate                                     
swap contracts§  $—  $—  $3,194,395  $—  $—  $—  $—  $—  $—  $—  $—  $—  $—  $—  $—  $—  $—  $3,194,395 
OTC Total return swap contracts*#    9,778        14,804  15,796    7,646  32,950                80,974 
Centrally cleared total return                                     
swap contracts§      104,374                              104,374 
OTC Credit default contracts —                                     
protection sold *#            9,337        1,768  4,486  5,488            21,079 
OTC Credit default contracts —                                     
protection purchased*#          235,668  364,494  254,758      253,619  88,345  135,141            1,332,025 
Centrally cleared credit default contracts§      4,509                              4,509 
Futures contracts§                    137,865                137,865 
Forward currency contracts #  127,893  1,665    612      287,023  141,637  31,131        133,110  78,456    100,340  37,363  939,230 
Forward premium swap option contracts #  985,054  126,399    354,074      277,307    1,074,334      748,460        38,776    3,604,404 
Purchased swap options **#  1,622,254      854,559      768,428    7,724,097      5,982,245      29,640  1,270,857    18,252,080 
Purchased options **#  156,717      57,463      63,025    6,182              2,793    286,180 
Total Assets  $2,891,918  $137,842  $3,303,278  $1,266,708  $235,668  $388,635  $1,666,337  $141,637  $8,843,390  $426,202  $92,831  $6,871,334  $133,110  $78,456  $29,640  $1,412,766  $37,363  $27,957,115 
Liabilities:                                     
Centrally cleared interest rate                                     
swap contracts§  $—  $—  $4,794,765  $—  $—  $—  $—  $—  $—  $—  $—  $—  $—  $—  $—  $—  $—  $4,794,765 
OTC Total return swap contracts*#  795  6,760    75    23,089  11,631      13,160                55,510 
Centrally cleared total return                                     
swap contracts§      149,763                              149,763 
OTC Credit default contracts —                                     
protection sold *#  177,554        989,242  1,411,241  946,922      970,296  198,748  654,047            5,348,050 
OTC Credit default contracts —                                     
protection purchased*#          3,400                          3,400 
Centrally cleared credit default contracts§                                     
Futures contracts§                    317,384                317,384 
Forward currency contracts #  105,090  157,375    136,444    3,135  276,206  62,216  136,176        239,427  110,601    23,463  33,206  1,283,339 
Forward premium swap option contracts #  415,078  55,757    435,611      383,169    921,742      642,971        43,849    2,898,177 
Written swap options #        1,167,351      659,957    4,188,376      5,725,043      37,094  1,600,953    13,378,774 
Written options #  185,432            25,128    1,788              34,745    247,093 
Total Liabilities  $883,949  $219,892  $4,944,528  $1,739,481  $992,642  $1,437,465  $2,303,013  $62,216  $5,248,082  $1,300,840  $198,748  $7,022,061  $239,427  $110,601  $37,094  $1,703,010  $33,206  $28,476,255 

 

102 Fixed Income Absolute Return Fund  Fixed Income Absolute Return Fund 103 

 



  Bank of America N.A. Barclays Bank PLC Barclays
Capital, Inc. (clearing
broker)
Citibank, N.A. Citigroup
Global
Markets, Inc.
Credit Suisse International  Goldman
Sachs
International
HSBC Bank USA, National Association  JPMorgan
Chase Bank N.A.
JPMorgan
Securities LLC
Merrill Lynch International  Morgan
Stanley & Co. International
PLC
NatWest
Markets PLC
State Street Bank and
Trust Co.
Toronto - Dominion
Bank
UBS AG WestPac
Banking Corp.
Total
Total Financial and Derivative Net Assets  $2,007,969  $(82,050) $(1,641,250)  $(472,773)  $(756,974) $(1,048,830)  $(636,676)  $79,421  $3,595,308  $(874,638)  $(105,917)  $(150,727)  $(106,317)  $(32,145)  $(7,454)  $(290,244)  $4,157  $(519,140) 
Total collateral received (pledged)†##  $1,885,820  $(82,050)  $—  $(472,773)  $(709,605)  $(1,035,239)  $(636,676)  $33,340  $3,150,000  $(734,602)  $(105,917)  $(108,654)  $(106,317)  $—  $—  $(283,915)  $—   
Net amount  $122,149  $—  $(1,641,250)  $—  $(47,369)  $(13,591)  $—  $46,081  $445,308  $(140,036)  $—  $(42,073)  $—  $(32,145)  $(7,454)  $(6,329)  $4,157   
Controlled collateral received (including                                     
TBA commitments)**  $1,885,820  $—  $—  $—  $—  $—  $—  $33,340  $3,150,000  $—  $—  $—  $—  $—  $—  $—  $—  $5,069,160 
Uncontrolled collateral received  $—  $—  $—  $—  $—  $—  $—  $—  $—  $—  $—  $—  $—  $—  $—  $—  $—  $— 
Collateral (pledged) (including                                     
TBA commitments)**  $—  $(111,160)  $—  $(766,152)  $(709,605)  $(1,035,239)  $(724,635)  $—  $—  $(1,093,162)  $(111,384)  $(108,654)  $(153,062)  $—  $—  $(283,915)  $—  $(5,096,968) 

 

* Excludes premiums, if any. Included in unrealized appreciation and depreciation on OTC swap contracts on the Statement of assets and liabilities.

** Included with Investments in securities on the Statement of assets and liabilities.

Additional collateral may be required from certain brokers based on individual agreements.

# Covered by master netting agreement (Note 1).

## Any over-collateralization of total financial and derivative net assets is not shown. Collateral may include amounts related to unsettled agreements.

§ Includes current day’s variation margin only as reported on the Statement of assets and liabilities, which is not collateralized. Cumulative appreciation/(depreciation) for futures contracts and centrally cleared swap contracts is represented in the tables listed after the fund’s portfolio. Collateral pledged for initial margin on futures contracts and centrally cleared swap contracts, which is not included in the table above, amounted to $650,259 and $9,595,554, respectively.

Note 10: New accounting pronouncements

In March 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2017–08, Receivables — Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310–20): Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities. The amendments in the ASU shorten the amortization period for certain callable debt securities held at a premium, to be amortized to the earliest call date. The ASU is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. Management is currently evaluating the impact, if any, of applying this provision.

Federal tax information (Unaudited)

The Form 1099 that will be mailed to you in January 2020 will show the tax status of all distributions paid to your account in calendar 2019.

104 Fixed Income Absolute Return Fund  Fixed Income Absolute Return Fund 105 

 




106 Fixed Income Absolute Return Fund 

 



* Mr. Reynolds is an “interested person” (as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940) of the fund and Putnam Investments. He is President and Chief Executive Officer of Putnam Investments, as well as the President of your fund and each of the other Putnam funds.

The address of each Trustee is 100 Federal Street, Boston, MA 02110.

As of October 31, 2019, there were 91 Putnam funds. All Trustees serve as Trustees of all Putnam funds.

Each Trustee serves for an indefinite term, until his or her resignation, retirement at age 75, removal, or death.

Fixed Income Absolute Return Fund 107 

 



Officers

In addition to Robert L. Reynolds, the other officers of the fund are shown below:

Robert T. Burns (Born 1961)  Richard T. Kircher (Born 1962) 
Vice President and Chief Legal Officer  Vice President and BSA Compliance Officer 
Since 2011  Since 2019 
General Counsel, Putnam Investments,  Assistant Director, Operational Compliance, Putnam 
Putnam Management, and Putnam Retail Management  Investments and Putnam Retail Management 
 
James F. Clark (Born 1974)  Susan G. Malloy (Born 1957) 
Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer  Vice President and Assistant Treasurer 
Since 2016  Since 2007 
Chief Compliance Officer and Chief Risk Officer,  Head of Accounting and Middle Office Services, 
Putnam Investments and Chief Compliance Officer,  Putnam Investments and Putnam Management 
Putnam Management
Denere P. Poulack (Born 1968) 
Nancy E. Florek (Born 1957)  Assistant Vice President, Assistant Clerk, 
Vice President, Director of Proxy Voting and Corporate  and Assistant Treasurer 
Governance, Assistant Clerk, and Assistant Treasurer  Since 2004 
Since 2000
Janet C. Smith (Born 1965) 
Michael J. Higgins (Born 1976)  Vice President, Principal Financial Officer, Principal 
Vice President, Treasurer, and Clerk  Accounting Officer, and Assistant Treasurer 
Since 2010  Since 2007 
  Head of Fund Administration Services, 
Jonathan S. Horwitz (Born 1955)  Putnam Investments and Putnam Management 
Executive Vice President, Principal Executive Officer,   
and Compliance Liaison  Mark C. Trenchard (Born 1962) 
Since 2004  Vice President 
  Since 2002 
  Director of Operational Compliance, Putnam 
  Investments and Putnam Retail Management 

 

The principal occupations of the officers for the past five years have been with the employers as shown above, although in some cases they have held different positions with such employers. The address of each officer is 100 Federal Street, Boston, MA 02110.

108 Fixed Income Absolute Return Fund 

 



Fund information

Founded over 80 years ago, Putnam Investments was built around the concept that a balance between risk and reward is the hallmark of a well-rounded financial program. We manage funds across income, value, blend, growth, sustainable, asset allocation, absolute return, and global sector categories.

Investment Manager  Trustees  Michael J. Higgins 
Putnam Investment  Kenneth R. Leibler, Chair  Vice President, Treasurer, 
Management, LLC  Liaquat Ahamed  and Clerk 
100 Federal Street  Ravi Akhoury   
Boston, MA 02110  Barbara M. Baumann  Jonathan S. Horwitz 
  Katinka Domotorffy  Executive Vice President, 
Investment Sub-Advisors  Catharine Bond Hill Principal Executive Officer, 
Putnam Investments Limited Paul L. Joskow and Compliance Liaison
16 St James’s Street Robert E. Patterson  
London, England SW1A 1ER George Putnam, III Richard T. Kircher 
  Robert L. Reynolds Vice President and BSA 
The Putnam Advisory Company, LLC Manoj P. Singh Compliance Officer
100 Federal Street    
Boston, MA 02110 Officers Susan G. Malloy
  Robert L. Reynolds Vice President and
Marketing Services President Assistant Treasurer
Putnam Retail Management  
100 Federal Street Robert T. Burns Denere P. Poulack
Boston, MA 02110 Vice President and Assistant Vice President, Assistant
  Chief Legal Officer Clerk, and Assistant Treasurer
Custodian    
State Street Bank James F. Clark Janet C. Smith
and Trust Company Vice President, Chief Compliance Vice President,
  Officer, and Chief Risk Officer Principal Financial Officer,
Legal Counsel   Principal Accounting Officer,
Ropes & Gray LLP Nancy E. Florek and Assistant Treasurer
  Vice President, Director of  
Independent Registered Proxy Voting and Corporate Mark C. Trenchard
Public Accounting Firm Governance, Assistant Clerk, Vice President
KPMG LLP and Assistant Treasurer
   
 

 

This report is for the information of shareholders of Putnam Fixed Income Absolute Return Fund. It may also be used as sales literature when preceded or accompanied by the current prospectus, the most recent copy of Putnam’s Quarterly Performance Summary, and Putnam’s Quarterly Ranking Summary. For more recent performance, please visit putnam.com. Investors should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses of a fund, which are described in its prospectus. For this and other information or to request a prospectus or summary prospectus, call 1-800-225-1581 toll free. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing. The fund’s Statement of Additional Information contains additional information about the fund’s Trustees and is available without charge upon request by calling 1-800-225-1581.




Item 2. Code of Ethics:
(a) The fund's principal executive, financial and accounting officers are employees of Putnam Investment Management, LLC, the Fund's investment manager. As such they are subject to a comprehensive Code of Ethics adopted and administered by Putnam Investments which is designed to protect the interests of the firm and its clients. The Fund has adopted a Code of Ethics which incorporates the Code of Ethics of Putnam Investments with respect to all of its officers and Trustees who are employees of Putnam Investment Management, LLC. For this reason, the Fund has not adopted a separate code of ethics governing its principal executive, financial and accounting officers.

(c) In October 2019, the Code of Ethics of Putnam Investments was amended.  The key changes to the Code of Ethics are as follows: (i) Employee notification to the Code of Ethics Officer before acting as a public official for any government entity (ii) Clarifying changes to the Insider Trading provisions and to the rules for trading in securities issued by Great-West Lifeco.

Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert:
The Funds' Audit, Compliance and Distributions Committee is comprised solely of Trustees who are “independent” (as such term has been defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) in regulations implementing Section 407 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (the “Regulations”)). The Trustees believe that each of the members of the Audit, Compliance and Distributions Committee also possess a combination of knowledge and experience with respect to financial accounting matters, as well as other attributes, that qualify them for service on the Committee. In addition, the Trustees have determined that each of Mr. Patterson, Ms. Baumann and Mr. Singh qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert” (as such term has been defined by the Regulations) based on their review of his or her pertinent experience and education. The SEC has stated, and the funds' amended and restated agreement and Declaration of Trust provides, that the designation or identification of a person as an audit committee financial expert pursuant to this Item 3 of Form N-CSR does not impose on such person any duties, obligations or liability that are greater than the duties, obligations and liability imposed on such person as a member of the Audit, Compliance and Distribution Committee and the Board of Trustees in the absence of such designation or identification.

Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services:
The following table presents fees billed in each of the last two fiscal years for services rendered to the fund by the fund's independent auditor:


Fiscal year ended Audit Fees Audit-Related Fees Tax Fees All Other Fees

October 31, 2019 $109,238 $ — $6,145 $ —
October 31, 2018 $115,548 $ — $6,025 $ —

For the fiscal years ended October 31, 2019 and October 31, 2018, the fund's independent auditor billed aggregate non-audit fees in the amounts of $6,145 and $6,025 respectively, to the fund, Putnam Management and any entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with Putnam Management that provides ongoing services to the fund.

Audit Fees represent fees billed for the fund's last two fiscal years relating to the audit and review of the financial statements included in annual reports and registration statements, and other services that are normally provided in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements.

Audit-Related Fees represent fees billed in the fund's last two fiscal years for services traditionally performed by the fund's auditor, including accounting consultation for proposed transactions or concerning financial accounting and reporting standards and other audit or attest services not required by statute or regulation.

Tax Fees represent fees billed in the fund's last two fiscal years for tax compliance, tax planning and tax advice services. Tax planning and tax advice services include assistance with tax audits, employee benefit plans and requests for rulings or technical advice from taxing authorities.

Pre-Approval Policies of the Audit, Compliance and Distributions Committee. The Audit, Compliance and Distributions Committee of the Putnam funds has determined that, as a matter of policy, all work performed for the funds by the funds' independent auditors will be pre-approved by the Committee itself and thus will generally not be subject to pre-approval procedures.

The Audit, Compliance and Distributions Committee also has adopted a policy to pre-approve the engagement by Putnam Management and certain of its affiliates of the funds' independent auditors, even in circumstances where pre-approval is not required by applicable law. Any such requests by Putnam Management or certain of its affiliates are typically submitted in writing to the Committee and explain, among other things, the nature of the proposed engagement, the estimated fees, and why this work should be performed by that particular audit firm as opposed to another one. In reviewing such requests, the Committee considers, among other things, whether the provision of such services by the audit firm are compatible with the independence of the audit firm.

The following table presents fees billed by the fund's independent auditor for services required to be approved pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(ii) of Rule 2–01 of Regulation S-X.


Fiscal year ended Audit-Related Fees Tax Fees All Other Fees Total Non-Audit Fees

October 31, 2019 $ — $ — $ — $ —
October 31, 2018 $ — $ — $ — $ —

Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants
Not applicable

Item 6. Schedule of Investments:
The registrant's schedule of investments in unaffiliated issuers is included in the report to shareholders in Item 1 above.

Item 7. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures For Closed-End Management Investment Companies:
Not applicable

Item 8. Portfolio Managers of Closed-End 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 officer and principal financial officer have concluded, based on their evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 180 days of the filing date of this report, that the design and operation of such procedures are generally effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by the registrant in this report is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Commission's rules and forms.
(b) Changes in internal control over financial reporting: Not applicable

Item 12. Disclosures of Securities Lending Activities for Closed-End Management Investment Companies:
Not Applicable

Item 13. Exhibits:
(a)(1) The Code of Ethics of The Putnam Funds, which incorporates the Code of Ethics of Putnam Investments, is filed herewith.
(a)(2) Separate certifications for the principal executive officer and principal financial officer of the registrant as required by Rule 30a-2(a) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, are filed herewith.
(b) The certifications required by Rule 30a-2(b) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, are 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.

Putnam Funds Trust
By (Signature and Title):
/s/ Janet C. Smith
Janet C. Smith
Principal Accounting Officer

Date: December 27, 2019
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 (Signature and Title):
/s/ Jonathan S. Horwitz
Jonathan S. Horwitz
Principal Executive Officer

Date: December 27, 2019
By (Signature and Title):
/s/ Janet C. Smith
Janet C. Smith
Principal Financial Officer

Date: December 27, 2019