N-CSRS 1 gfa_ncsrs.htm N-CSRS

 

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: 811-00862

 

The Growth Fund of America

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

 

6455 Irvine Center Drive

Irvine, California 92618

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

 

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (949) 975-5000

 

Date of fiscal year end: August 31

 

Date of reporting period: February 29, 2024

 

Hong T. Le

The Growth Fund of America

6455 Irvine Center Drive

Irvine, California 92618

(Name and Address of Agent for Service)

 
 

 

ITEM 1 – Reports to Stockholders

 

 

The Growth Fund of America®

 

Semi-annual report
for the six months ended
February 29, 2024

   

 

We take a flexible
approach to growth
investing with a focus
on long-term capital
appreciation

 

The Securities and Exchange Commission has adopted new regulations that will change the content and design of annual and semi-annual shareholder reports beginning in July 2024. Certain types of information, including investment portfolio and financial statements, will not be included in the shareholder reports but will be available online, delivered free of charge upon request, and filed on a semi-annual basis on Form N-CSR.

 

If you would like to receive shareholder reports and other communications from the fund electronically, you may update your mailing preferences with your financial intermediary or enroll in e-delivery at capitalgroup.com (for accounts held directly with the fund).

 

The Growth Fund of America seeks to provide you with growth of capital.

 

This fund is one of more than 40 offered by Capital Group, home of American Funds, one of the nation’s largest mutual fund families. For over 90 years, Capital Group has invested with a long-term focus based on thorough research and attention to risk.

 

Fund results shown in this report, unless otherwise indicated, are for Class F-2 shares. Class A share results are shown at net asset value unless otherwise indicated. If a sales charge (maximum 5.75%) had been deducted from Class A shares, the results would have been lower. Results are for past periods and are not predictive of results for future periods. Current and future results may be lower or higher than those shown. Prices and returns will vary, so investors may lose money. Investing for short periods makes losses more likely. For current information and month-end results, refer to capitalgroup.com.

 

Here are the average annual total returns on a $1,000 investment for periods ended March 31, 2024 (the most recent calendar quarter-end):

 

   1 year  5 years  10 years
          
Class F-2 shares   39.19%   14.90%   13.32%
Class A shares (reflecting 5.75% maximum sales charge)   30.89    13.30    12.41 

 

For other share class results, refer to capitalgroup.com and americanfundsretirement.com.

 

The total annual fund operating expense ratios are 0.40% for Class F-2 shares and 0.63% for Class A shares as of the prospectus dated November 1, 2023. The expense ratios are restated to reflect current fees.

 

Investment results assume all distributions are reinvested and reflect applicable fees and expenses. When applicable, investment results reflect fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements, without which they would have been lower. Refer to capitalgroup.com for more information.

 

Investing outside the United States involves risks, such as currency fluctuations, periods of illiquidity and price volatility, as more fully described in the prospectus. These risks may be heightened in connection with investments in developing countries. Refer to the fund prospectus and the Risk Factors section of this report for more information on these and other risks associated with investing in the fund.

 

Investments are not FDIC-insured, nor are they deposits of or guaranteed by a bank or any other entity, so they may lose value.

 

Fellow investors

 

Results for The Growth Fund of America for the periods ended February 29, 2024, are shown in the table below, as well as results of the fund’s benchmark.

 

For additional information about the fund, its investment results, holdings and portfolio managers, refer to capitalgroup.com/individual/investments/fund/GFFFX. You can also access information about Capital Group’s American Funds and read our insights about the markets, retirement, saving for college, investing fundamentals and more at capitalgroup.com.

 

Contents

 

1 Results at a glance
   
2 Investment portfolio
   
11 Financial statements
   
15 Notes to financial statements
   
25 Financial highlights

 

Results at a glance

 

Total returns for periods ended February 29, 2024, with all distributions reinvested

 

   Cumulative
total returns
  Average annual total returns
   6 months  1 year  5 years  10 years  Lifetime1
                
The Growth Fund of America (Class F-2 shares)2   19.09%   39.46%   14.63%   12.73%   13.84%
The Growth Fund of America (Class A shares)   18.96    39.13    14.38    12.49    13.59 
S&P 500 Index3   13.93    30.45    14.76    12.70    11.33 

 

Past results are not predictive of results in future periods.

 

1 Since Capital Research and Management Company (CRMC) began managing the fund on December 1, 1973.
2 Class F-2 shares were first offered on August 1, 2008. Class F-2 share results prior to the date of first sale are hypothetical based on the results of the original share class of the fund without a sales charge, adjusted for typical estimated expenses. Refer to capitalgroup.com for more information on specific expense adjustments and the actual dates of first sale.
3 Source: S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC. S&P 500 Index is a market capitalization-weighted index based on the results of approximately 500 widely held common stocks. This index is unmanaged, and its results include reinvested dividends and/or distributions but do not reflect the effect of sales charges, commissions, account fees, expenses or U.S. federal income taxes.
   
The Growth Fund of America 1
 
Investment portfolio February 29, 2024 unaudited
   
Sector diversification Percent of net assets

 

 

Largest equity holdings  Percent of
net assets
Microsoft   6.24%
Meta Platforms   5.65 
Broadcom   3.79 
Amazon   3.65 
Alphabet   3.31 
NVIDIA   2.46 
Eli Lilly   2.20 
Netflix   2.00 
General Electric   1.73 
Mastercard   1.69 

 

Common stocks 95.97%  Shares   Value
(000)
 
Information technology 25.76%          
Microsoft Corp.   40,584,335   $16,787,304 
Broadcom, Inc.   7,839,417    10,195,083 
NVIDIA Corp.   8,370,197    6,621,830 
Salesforce, Inc.   11,967,850    3,695,911 
ASML Holding NV   1,788,122    1,682,330 
ASML Holding NV (ADR)   1,474,325    1,403,086 
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.   104,469,000    2,280,441 
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (ADR)   3,507,725    451,339 
Apple, Inc.   11,805,858    2,133,909 
ServiceNow, Inc.1   2,580,906    1,990,756 
Shopify, Inc., Class A, subordinate voting shares1   25,410,250    1,940,581 
Cloudflare, Inc., Class A1   18,161,260    1,789,611 
Applied Materials, Inc.   8,563,025    1,726,477 
Synopsys, Inc.1   2,697,578    1,547,681 
Micron Technology, Inc.   14,531,209    1,316,673 
Marvell Technology, Inc.   14,808,569    1,061,182 
Motorola Solutions, Inc.   3,173,194    1,048,392 
Texas Instruments, Inc.   5,177,958    866,428 
MicroStrategy, Inc., Class A1,2   838,431    857,581 
Arista Networks, Inc.1   3,008,344    834,936 
MongoDB, Inc., Class A1   1,747,701    782,236 
Adobe, Inc.1   1,089,432    610,387 
Intuit, Inc.   878,090    582,077 
Intel Corp.   12,881,931    554,567 
Constellation Software, Inc.   190,062    529,144 
Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.1   2,640,987    508,469 
Palo Alto Networks, Inc.1   1,589,905    493,745 
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.   6,875,000    378,961 
Unity Software, Inc.1   12,058,505    353,555 
Snowflake, Inc., Class A1   1,783,796    335,853 
Monolithic Power Systems, Inc.   426,220    306,895 
Atlassian Corp., Class A1   1,461,352    303,114 
SAP SE   1,439,426    268,955 
Zscaler, Inc.1   1,092,209    264,282 
NICE, Ltd. (ADR)1   1,007,117    246,895 
DocuSign, Inc.1   4,615,019    245,842 
ON Semiconductor Corp.1   3,000,603    236,808 
Wolfspeed, Inc.1,3   8,808,854    229,206 
EPAM Systems, Inc.1   640,236    194,888 
RingCentral, Inc., Class A1   5,543,911    185,277 
Trimble, Inc.1   2,730,271    167,065 
ASM International NV   265,370    161,676 
Ciena Corp.1   2,714,336    154,663 
Autodesk, Inc.1   431,975    111,523 
Datadog, Inc., Class A1   758,247    99,679 
Accenture PLC, Class A   254,711    95,461 
Fair Isaac Corp.1   73,697    93,589 
HubSpot, Inc.1   145,101    89,790 
   
2 The Growth Fund of America
 
Common stocks (continued)  Shares   Value
(000)
 
Information technology (continued)          
First Solar, Inc.1   540,682   $83,206 
BILL Holdings, Inc.1   1,196,669    75,785 
Aurora Innovation, Inc., Class A1   27,485,700    69,814 
MKS Instruments, Inc.   546,356    67,071 
Dynatrace, Inc.1   971,285    48,127 
Zebra Technologies Corp., Class A1   157,426    43,997 
Freshworks, Inc., Class A1   2,118,788    43,308 
Stripe, Inc., Class B1,4,5   1,153,942    29,449 
Klaviyo, Inc., Class A1,2   986,296    26,137 
Seagate Technology Holdings PLC   260,952    24,282 
         69,327,309 
           
Consumer discretionary 16.02%          
Amazon.com, Inc.1   55,595,914    9,827,134 
Tesla, Inc.1   19,849,380    4,007,193 
Airbnb, Inc., Class A1   18,620,304    2,932,139 
Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd.1,3   20,498,617    2,528,504 
Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.1   788,518    2,120,144 
DoorDash, Inc., Class A1   15,369,622    1,914,594 
Home Depot, Inc.   4,346,499    1,654,321 
D.R. Horton, Inc.   9,814,036    1,466,609 
Flutter Entertainment PLC1   6,001,571    1,307,502 
LVMH Moët Hennessy-Louis Vuitton SE   1,363,597    1,242,098 
MercadoLibre, Inc.1   641,772    1,023,819 
Hilton Worldwide Holdings, Inc.   4,531,076    925,789 
Booking Holdings, Inc.   266,023    922,789 
NVR, Inc.1   113,875    868,362 
Tractor Supply Co.   3,133,607    796,939 
Floor & Decor Holdings, Inc., Class A1,3   6,157,874    745,842 
Hermès International   279,536    698,809 
Evolution AB   4,389,881    568,045 
Caesars Entertainment, Inc.1,3   12,586,717    547,145 
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, Ltd.1,3   25,664,781    497,640 
General Motors Co.   11,154,593    457,115 
Wayfair, Inc., Class A1   7,666,564    456,927 
Burlington Stores, Inc.1   2,212,543    453,793 
NIKE, Inc., Class B   4,112,226    427,384 
Coupang, Inc., Class A1   21,473,603    397,691 
Polaris, Inc.3   3,844,398    356,414 
Mattel, Inc.1,3   17,482,042    344,396 
Aptiv PLC1   4,294,775    341,392 
Lennar Corp., Class A   2,152,408    341,178 
Churchill Downs, Inc.   2,395,095    291,890 
MGM Resorts International1   6,455,000    279,372 
lululemon athletica, Inc.1   584,706    273,110 
YUM! Brands, Inc.   1,713,040    237,119 
Etsy, Inc.1   3,279,235    235,088 
TopBuild Corp.1   515,930    207,600 
Vail Resorts, Inc.   869,244    200,196 
Compagnie Financière Richemont SA, Class A   1,027,542    163,366 
Amadeus IT Group SA, Class A, non-registered shares   2,608,871    153,333 
Toll Brothers, Inc.   1,299,194    148,940 
Ferrari NV (EUR denominated)   297,675    125,441 
Darden Restaurants, Inc.   721,708    123,203 
Skyline Champion Corp.1   1,467,288    122,944 
Aramark   3,362,081    101,972 
Peloton Interactive, Inc., Class A1   18,256,859    82,521 
YETI Holdings, Inc.1   1,978,499    81,198 
Service Corp. International   846,165    61,931 
Kering SA   96,947    44,537 
         43,105,468 
           
Health care 12.74%          
Eli Lilly and Co.   7,855,413    5,920,468 
UnitedHealth Group, Inc.   8,143,782    4,019,771 
Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.1   7,978,346    3,356,809 
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.1   3,065,599    2,961,645 
Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.   4,098,337    2,336,790 
   
The Growth Fund of America 3
 
Common stocks (continued)  Shares   Value
(000)
 
Health care (continued)          
Abbott Laboratories   12,939,114   $1,535,097 
Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc.1,3   8,160,891    1,233,029 
GE HealthCare Technologies, Inc.   12,171,795    1,111,041 
Zoetis, Inc., Class A   5,473,202    1,085,500 
Intuitive Surgical, Inc.1   2,606,514    1,005,072 
Novo Nordisk AS, Class B   8,165,659    970,549 
Stryker Corp.   2,437,608    850,896 
Danaher Corp.   3,287,166    832,113 
Boston Scientific Corp.1   12,188,337    806,990 
DexCom, Inc.1   6,598,400    759,278 
HCA Healthcare, Inc.   2,047,895    638,329 
Molina Healthcare, Inc.1   1,198,070    471,932 
Mettler-Toledo International, Inc.1   321,380    400,832 
Insulet Corp.1   2,200,289    360,847 
Exact Sciences Corp.1   5,971,621    343,547 
Centene Corp.1   4,327,633    339,416 
Veeva Systems, Inc., Class A1   1,275,549    287,649 
Catalent, Inc.1   4,639,364    266,021 
Align Technology, Inc.1   851,700    257,571 
Moderna, Inc.1   2,682,932    247,474 
AbbVie, Inc.   1,400,368    246,535 
Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc.1   1,580,418    202,136 
Amgen, Inc.   662,590    181,437 
Ascendis Pharma AS (ADR)1   1,063,909    157,203 
Humana, Inc.   289,031    101,253 
Pfizer, Inc.   3,533,163    93,841 
BioMarin Pharmaceutical, Inc.1   1,034,308    89,240 
Karuna Therapeutics, Inc.1   277,412    87,099 
AstraZeneca PLC   631,582    79,589 
CRISPR Therapeutics AG1,2   870,389    73,304 
Verily Life Sciences, LLC1,4,5   673,374    70,327 
Revvity, Inc.   592,573    64,940 
Elevance Health, Inc.   126,879    63,598 
McKesson Corp.   116,609    60,801 
Vaxcyte, Inc.1   703,900    51,962 
NovoCure, Ltd.1   3,302,638    50,563 
BeiGene, Ltd. (ADR)1   304,995    50,522 
Penumbra, Inc.1   197,232    46,334 
agilon health, Inc.1,2   4,994,827    30,618 
R1 RCM, Inc.1   2,146,500    30,158 
Guardant Health, Inc.1   1,559,981    29,640 
Biohaven, Ltd.1   271,571    13,073 
Galapagos NV1   308,227    10,957 
         34,283,796 
           
Industrials 12.49%          
General Electric Co.   29,678,482    4,656,257 
Uber Technologies, Inc.1   45,568,283    3,622,678 
TransDigm Group, Inc.3   2,820,044    3,321,279 
Carrier Global Corp.   42,525,109    2,363,546 
Boeing Co.1   10,305,397    2,099,415 
Caterpillar, Inc.   6,228,664    2,080,125 
United Rentals, Inc.   2,508,067    1,738,768 
Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc.   3,111,719    1,376,873 
Airbus SE, non-registered shares   5,976,084    987,832 
Saia, Inc.1   1,325,314    762,586 
United Airlines Holdings, Inc.1   16,072,719    731,148 
Republic Services, Inc.   3,970,237    728,935 
Safran SA   3,467,570    725,939 
Delta Air Lines, Inc.   15,674,419    662,558 
Axon Enterprise, Inc.1   2,082,735    640,170 
Ingersoll-Rand, Inc.   6,347,950    579,758 
Ryanair Holdings PLC (ADR)   3,983,891    550,773 
Ryanair Holdings PLC   315,525    6,875 
Jacobs Solutions, Inc.   3,683,280    540,153 
XPO, Inc.1   4,238,679    509,998 
HEICO Corp.   2,019,036    390,482 
HEICO Corp., Class A   303,660    47,246 
   
4 The Growth Fund of America
 
Common stocks (continued)  Shares   Value
(000)
 
Industrials (continued)          
Southwest Airlines Co.   12,468,249   $427,287 
Equifax, Inc.   1,182,748    323,588 
Dayforce, Inc.1   4,540,309    316,732 
Union Pacific Corp.   1,244,112    315,619 
Chart Industries, Inc.1,3   2,142,525    306,081 
Canadian Pacific Kansas City, Ltd.   3,161,197    268,733 
Copart, Inc.1   3,807,889    202,389 
Fortive Corp.   2,178,701    185,473 
Core & Main, Inc., Class A1   3,846,015    183,570 
Robert Half, Inc.   2,179,357    175,220 
Ashtead Group PLC   2,439,569    174,914 
TransUnion   2,028,354    157,461 
AMETEK, Inc.   872,582    157,222 
Waste Connections, Inc.   824,379    137,210 
Armstrong World Industries, Inc.   1,116,342    134,642 
Quanta Services, Inc.   503,271    121,545 
Veralto Corp.   1,148,793    99,279 
RTX Corp.   1,046,024    93,797 
FedEx Corp.   375,741    93,548 
Generac Holdings, Inc.1   789,239    88,797 
Paylocity Holding Corp.1   522,295    88,064 
Otis Worldwide Corp.   834,525    79,530 
Daikin Industries, Ltd.   560,000    79,096 
Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc.   342,274    71,426 
APi Group Corp.1   1,816,565    63,671 
Northrop Grumman Corp.   112,086    51,674 
Willscot Mobile Mini Holdings Corp., Class A1   876,242    41,841 
GFL Environmental, Inc., subordinate voting shares   437,700    15,792 
TFI International, Inc.   96,093    14,204 
Einride AB1,4,5   267,404    9,092 
         33,600,891 
           
Communication services 12.03%          
Meta Platforms, Inc., Class A   31,041,880    15,214,557 
Alphabet, Inc., Class C1   32,310,993    4,516,431 
Alphabet, Inc., Class A1   31,747,339    4,395,736 
Netflix, Inc.1   8,932,306    5,385,466 
Charter Communications, Inc., Class A1   2,772,661    814,968 
Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.1   4,225,939    620,917 
T-Mobile US, Inc.   2,103,040    343,426 
Snap, Inc., Class A, nonvoting shares1   29,899,824    329,496 
Verizon Communications, Inc.   5,254,396    210,281 
Frontier Communications Parent, Inc.1   7,968,994    188,706 
Comcast Corp., Class A   3,408,612    146,059 
Pinterest, Inc., Class A1   1,897,900    69,653 
Iridium Communications, Inc.   1,747,900    50,602 
Epic Games, Inc.1,4,5   84,249    48,022 
Tencent Holdings, Ltd.   809,100    28,646 
         32,362,966 
           
Financials 9.11%          
Mastercard, Inc., Class A   9,574,917    4,545,788 
Visa, Inc., Class A   7,666,167    2,166,765 
KKR & Co., Inc.   17,899,454    1,758,800 
MSCI, Inc.   1,928,480    1,081,819 
Progressive Corp.   4,796,507    909,226 
Apollo Asset Management, Inc.   7,239,347    809,359 
Blackstone, Inc.   6,216,353    794,574 
Affirm Holdings, Inc., Class A1   20,561,562    771,470 
Corebridge Financial, Inc.   28,602,479    710,200 
BlackRock, Inc.   873,280    708,527 
Capital One Financial Corp.   5,050,113    694,946 
Wells Fargo & Co.   11,065,023    615,105 
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.   1,474,070    573,487 
Discover Financial Services   4,623,650    558,075 
Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc.   2,670,324    540,126 
Berkshire Hathaway, Inc., Class B1   1,215,489    497,621 
American International Group, Inc.   6,720,335    489,845 
   
The Growth Fund of America 5
 
Common stocks (continued)  Shares   Value
(000)
 
Financials (continued)          
Block, Inc., Class A1   6,128,832   $487,058 
Bank of America Corp.   13,171,079    454,666 
Brookfield Corp., Class A   10,688,135    441,099 
Blue Owl Capital, Inc., Class A   22,766,325    408,883 
Toast, Inc., Class A1   17,516,928    402,889 
UBS Group AG   12,079,690    344,354 
Morgan Stanley   3,697,932    318,170 
East West Bancorp, Inc.   4,208,670    306,644 
Essent Group, Ltd.3   5,446,751    291,783 
NU Holdings, Ltd. / Cayman Islands, Class A1   25,680,018    284,535 
Ryan Specialty Holdings, Inc., Class A   4,948,421    259,198 
PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.   1,750,826    257,722 
Ares Management Corp., Class A   1,604,907    212,859 
Chubb, Ltd.   844,402    212,511 
Arch Capital Group, Ltd.1   2,381,462    208,592 
JPMorgan Chase & Co.   1,080,856    201,104 
Fiserv, Inc.1   1,146,877    171,194 
AIA Group, Ltd.   19,275,888    156,580 
S&P Global, Inc.   365,077    156,392 
Intercontinental Exchange, Inc.   1,118,500    154,823 
CME Group, Inc., Class A   601,326    132,502 
LPL Financial Holdings, Inc.   414,469    111,032 
Tradeweb Markets, Inc., Class A   1,025,594    108,528 
T. Rowe Price Group, Inc.   908,955    103,030 
Trupanion, Inc.1   1,979,054    52,940 
Rocket Companies, Inc., Class A1   3,583,933    45,014 
         24,509,835 
           
Energy 2.92%          
Cenovus Energy, Inc. (CAD denominated)   39,654,663    691,031 
Cenovus Energy, Inc.   18,837,206    328,333 
EOG Resources, Inc.   8,714,453    997,456 
Canadian Natural Resources, Ltd. (CAD denominated)   13,270,317    924,419 
Halliburton Co.   24,328,368    853,196 
Schlumberger NV   14,903,279    720,275 
ConocoPhillips   5,668,604    637,945 
Tourmaline Oil Corp.   10,481,572    474,360 
Baker Hughes Co., Class A   15,356,694    454,405 
Chevron Corp.   2,559,602    389,085 
Weatherford International1   3,380,123    346,834 
Cheniere Energy, Inc.   1,800,966    279,510 
Pioneer Natural Resources Co.   1,036,915    243,872 
Hess Corp.   1,387,308    202,200 
New Fortress Energy, Inc., Class A2   4,505,505    158,369 
Chesapeake Energy Corp.2   1,698,874    140,633 
Equitrans Midstream Corp.   1,085,530    11,604 
         7,853,527 
           
Materials 2.18%          
Linde PLC   2,809,765    1,261,079 
Celanese Corp.3   6,897,250    1,048,175 
Sherwin-Williams Co.   2,457,119    815,837 
Freeport-McMoRan, Inc.   19,071,347    721,088 
Sika AG   1,306,820    377,557 
Steel Dynamics, Inc.   2,733,506    365,798 
ATI, Inc.1   5,948,689    292,556 
Vulcan Materials Co.   775,000    206,034 
Glencore PLC   38,011,292    180,003 
Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.   700,000    163,828 
Lundin Mining Corp.   14,110,481    111,561 
Barrick Gold Corp.   7,077,141    103,751 
Albemarle Corp.   743,567    102,501 
Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.   2,225,600    94,816 
Mosaic Co.   614,500    19,148 
         5,863,732 
   
6 The Growth Fund of America
 
Common stocks (continued)  Shares   Value
(000)
 
Consumer staples 2.01%          
Philip Morris International, Inc.   12,464,908   $1,121,343 
Costco Wholesale Corp.   1,330,975    990,099 
Dollar Tree Stores, Inc.1   4,540,100    665,942 
Target Corp.   2,576,368    393,978 
Dollar General Corp.   2,393,116    347,744 
British American Tobacco PLC   11,654,589    344,987 
Performance Food Group Co.1   3,843,642    295,076 
Keurig Dr Pepper, Inc.   8,768,906    262,278 
Constellation Brands, Inc., Class A   985,606    244,943 
L’Oréal SA, non-registered shares   230,933    110,245 
L’Oréal SA, bonus shares1   230,933    110,245 
Monster Beverage Corp.1   3,392,225    200,480 
Molson Coors Beverage Co., Class B, restricted voting shares   2,370,263    147,952 
Fever-Tree Drinks PLC3   7,411,255    108,053 
Celsius Holdings, Inc.1   935,097    76,323 
JUUL Labs, Inc., Class A1,4,5   433,213    462 
         5,420,150 
           
Utilities 0.54%          
PG&E Corp.   39,718,989    662,910 
Constellation Energy Corp.   3,095,531    521,442 
AES Corp.   10,590,104    160,969 
NextEra Energy, Inc.   2,031,485    112,118 
         1,457,439 
           
Real estate 0.17%          
Zillow Group, Inc., Class C, nonvoting shares1   5,174,792    290,565 
CoStar Group, Inc.1   788,661    68,637 
American Tower Corp. REIT   266,291    52,955 
Crown Castle, Inc. REIT   379,728    41,747 
         453,904 
           
Total common stocks (cost: $113,468,803,000)        258,239,017 
           
Preferred securities 0.32%          
Financials 0.14%          
Fannie Mae, Series S, 8.25% noncumulative preferred shares1   45,645,138    165,692 
Fannie Mae, Series T, 8.25% noncumulative preferred shares1   6,954,484    23,993 
Fannie Mae, Series O, 7.00% noncumulative preferred shares1   1,739,366    9,880 
Fannie Mae, Series R, 7.625% noncumulative preferred shares1   837,675    2,471 
Fannie Mae, Series P, (3-month USD-LIBOR + 0.75%) 6.288% noncumulative preferred shares1,6,7   190,000    562 
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., Series Z, 8.375% noncumulative preferred shares1,2   51,209,532    177,697 
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., Series X, 6.02% noncumulative preferred shares1   239,000    756 
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., Series V, 5.57% preferred shares1   212,500    614 
         381,665 
           
Information technology 0.11%          
Stripe, Inc., Series I, 6.00% noncumulative preferred shares1,4,5   7,098,300    181,149 
Stripe, Inc., Series BB-1, 6.00% noncumulative preferred shares1,4,5   604,130    15,417 
Stripe, Inc., Series G, 6.00% noncumulative preferred shares1,4,5   396,250    10,112 
Stripe, Inc., Series H, 6.00% noncumulative preferred shares1,4,5   376,444    9,607 
Stripe, Inc., Series BB, 6.00% noncumulative preferred shares1,4,5   214,287    5,469 
Chime Financial, Inc., Series G, preferred shares1,4,5   1,433,730    31,112 
Tipalti Solutions, Ltd., Series F, preferred shares1,4,5   3,800,381    26,793 
PsiQuantum Corp., Series D, preferred shares1,4,5   613,889    20,491 
         300,150 
           
Consumer discretionary 0.05%          
Waymo, LLC, Series A-2, 8.00% noncumulative preferred shares1,4,5   1,164,589    91,072 
Waymo, LLC, Series B-2, noncumulative preferred shares1,4,5   163,537    12,789 
GM Cruise Holdings, LLC, Series F, preferred shares1,4,5   5,205,500    35,189 
         139,050 
   
The Growth Fund of America 7
 
Preferred securities (continued)  Shares   Value
(000)
 
Industrials 0.02%          
ABL Space Systems Co., Series B2, 5.00% cumulative preferred shares1,4,5,8   576,000   $18,836 
ABL Space Systems Co., Series C1, 5.00% cumulative preferred shares1,4,5,8   188,983    6,180 
Einride AB, Series C, preferred shares1,4,5   339,305    11,536 
         36,552 
           
Total preferred securities (cost: $1,126,689,000)        857,417 
           
Rights & warrants 0.00%          
Energy 0.00%          
Cenovus Energy, Inc., warrants, expire 1/1/20261   1,052,802    13,289 
           
Information technology 0.00%          
Constellation Software, Inc., warrants, expire 3/31/20401,4   180,549    9 
           
Industrials 0.00%          
ABL Space Systems Co., Series C-1, warrants, expire 12/13/20301,4,5   141,737    9 
           
Total rights & warrants (cost: $3,548,000)        13,289 
           
Short-term securities 3.72%          
Money market investments 3.64%          
Capital Group Central Cash Fund 5.41%3,10   97,841,361    9,784,136 
           
           
Money market investments purchased with collateral from securities on loan 0.08%          
Capital Group Central Cash Fund 5.41%3,10,11   1,315,070    131,507 
State Street Institutional U.S. Government Money Market Fund, Institutional Class 5.25%10,11   77,258,005    77,258 
Invesco Short-Term Investments Trust – Government & Agency Portfolio, Institutional Class 5.24%10,11   6,753,121    6,753 
         215,518 
           
Total short-term securities (cost: $9,998,295,000)        9,999,654 
           
Total investment securities 100.01% (cost: $124,597,335,000)        269,109,377 
Other assets less liabilities (0.01)%        (28,745)
           
Net assets 100.00%       $269,080,632 

 

Investments in affiliates3

 

   Value at
9/1/2023
(000)
   Additions
(000)
   Reductions
(000)
   Net
realized
gain (loss)
(000)
   Net
unrealized
appreciation
(depreciation)
(000)
   Value at
2/29/2024
(000)
   Dividend
or interest
income
(000)
 
Common stocks 4.30%                                   
Information technology 0.08%                                   
Wolfspeed, Inc.1  $422,651   $   $1,125   $(249)  $(192,071)  $229,206   $ 
                                    
Consumer discretionary 1.87%                                   
Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd.1   2,024,207    13,482    6,234    4,772    492,277    2,528,504     
Floor & Decor Holdings, Inc., Class A1   532,171    89,533    1,595    923    124,810    745,842     
Caesars Entertainment, Inc.1   1,099,391    93,107    427,723    (227,976)   10,346    547,145     
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, Ltd.1   295,756    270,313    118,302    (37,904)   87,777    497,640     
   
8 The Growth Fund of America
 

Investments in affiliates3 (continued)

 

   Value at
9/1/2023
(000)
   Additions
(000)
   Reductions
(000)
   Net
realized
gain (loss)
(000)
   Net
unrealized
appreciation
(depreciation)
(000)
   Value at
2/29/2024
(000)
   Dividend
or interest
income
(000)
 
Polaris, Inc.  $432,362   $   $1,344   $89   $(74,693)  $356,414   $5,036 
Mattel, Inc.1   360,907    23,353    1,169    644    (39,339)   344,396     
                             5,019,941      
                                    
Health care 0.46%                                   
Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc.1   1,560,126    54,405    4,559    1,417    (378,360)   1,233,029     
Karuna Therapeutics, Inc.1,12   456,981    3,866    687,700    308,631    5,321         
NovoCure, Ltd.1,12   160,270        54,945    (220,876)   166,114         
                             1,233,029      
                                    
Industrials 1.35%                                   
TransDigm Group, Inc.   2,539,884    20,053    10,965    9,935    762,372    3,321,279    98,702 
Chart Industries, Inc.1   477,436        59,119    (31,573)   (80,663)   306,081     
Carrier Global Corp.12   2,909,404    35,640    438,266    117,362    (260,594)       17,402 
Robert Half, Inc.12   337,490    56,396    255,550    (92,494)   129,378        3,704 
                             3,627,360      
                                    
Financials 0.11%                                   
Essent Group, Ltd.   274,452        883    142    18,072    291,783    1,362 
Energy 0.00%                                   
Weatherford International1,12   403,051        107,692    72,836    (21,361)        
Materials 0.39%                                   
Celanese Corp.   866,173    7,882    2,836    529    176,427    1,048,175    9,656 
Consumer staples 0.04%                                   
Fever-Tree Drinks PLC   123,685        377    (43)   (15,212)   108,053    516 
Total common stocks                            11,557,547      
                                    
Short-term securities 3.69%                                   
Money market investments 3.64%                                   
Capital Group Central Cash Fund 5.41%10   12,077,710    10,040,696    12,334,250    554    (574)   9,784,136    328,302 
                                    
Money market investments purchased with collateral from securities on loan 0.05%                                   
Capital Group Central Cash Fund 5.41%10,11   61,987    69,52013                   131,507    14 
Total short-term securities                            9,915,643      
Total 7.99%                 $(93,281)  $910,027   $21,473,190   $464,680 

 

Restricted securities5

 

   Acquisition
date(s)
  Cost
(000)
   Value
(000)
   Percent
of net
assets
 
Stripe, Inc., Series I, 6.00% noncumulative preferred shares1,4  3/15/2023  $142,918   $181,149    .07%
Stripe, Inc., Class B1,4  5/6/2021 - 8/24/2023   45,738    29,449    .01 
Stripe, Inc., Series BB-1, 6.00% noncumulative preferred shares1,4  8/24/2023   13,012    15,417    .01 
Stripe, Inc., Series G, 6.00% noncumulative preferred shares1,4  9/29/2023   8,909    10,112    .0015 
Stripe, Inc., Series H, 6.00% noncumulative preferred shares1,4  3/15/2021   15,105    9,607    .0015 
Stripe, Inc., Series BB, 6.00% noncumulative preferred shares1,4  8/24/2023   4,615    5,469    .0015 
Waymo, LLC, Series A-2, 8.00% noncumulative preferred shares1,4  5/1/2020   100,000    91,072    .03 
Waymo, LLC, Series B-2, noncumulative preferred shares1,4  6/11/2021   15,000    12,789    .01 
Verily Life Sciences, LLC1,4  12/21/2018   83,000    70,327    .03 
Epic Games, Inc.1,4  3/29/2021   74,560    48,022    .02 
   
The Growth Fund of America 9
 

Restricted securities5 (continued)

 

   Acquisition
date(s)
  Cost
(000)
   Value
(000)
   Percent
of net
assets
 
GM Cruise Holdings, LLC, Series F, preferred shares1,4  5/7/2020  $95,000   $35,189    .01%
Chime Financial, Inc., Series G, preferred shares1,4  8/24/2021   99,027    31,112    .01 
Tipalti Solutions, Ltd., Series F, preferred shares1,4  12/1/2021   65,065    26,793    .01 
ABL Space Systems Co., Series B2, 5.00% cumulative preferred shares1,4,8  10/22/2021   39,166    18,836    .01 
ABL Space Systems Co., Series C1, 5.00% cumulative preferred shares1,4,8  12/14/2023   6,180    6,180    .0015 
ABL Space Systems Co., Series C-1, warrants, expire 12/13/20301,4  12/14/2023       9    .0015 
Einride AB, Series C, preferred shares1,4  11/23/2022 - 2/21/2024   11,536    11,536    .01 
Einride AB1,4  2/1/2023   9,092    9,092    .0015 
PsiQuantum Corp., Series D, preferred shares1,4  5/28/2021   16,100    20,491    .01 
JUUL Labs, Inc., Class A1,4  4/8/2019   120,000    462    .0015 
Total     $964,023   $633,104    .24%
   
1 Security did not produce income during the last 12 months.
2 All or a portion of this security was on loan. The total value of all such securities was $234,416,000, which represented .09% of the net assets of the fund. Refer to Note 5 for more information on securities lending.
3 Affiliate of the fund or part of the same “group of investment companies” as the fund, as defined under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
4 Value determined using significant unobservable inputs.
5 Restricted security, other than Rule 144A securities or commercial paper issued pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933. The total value of all such restricted securities was $633,104,000, which represented .24% of the net assets of the fund.
6 Securities referencing LIBOR are expected to transition to an alternative reference rate by the security’s next scheduled coupon reset date.
7 Coupon rate may change periodically. Reference rate and spread are as of the most recent information available. Some coupon rates are determined by the issuer or agent based on current market conditions; therefore, the reference rate and spread are not available.
8 Payment in kind; the issuer has the option of paying additional securities in lieu of cash. Payment methods and rates are as of the most recent payment when available.
9 Amount less than one thousand.
10 Rate represents the seven-day yield at 2/29/2024.
11 Security purchased with cash collateral from securities on loan. Refer to Note 5 for more information on securities lending.
12 Affiliated issuer during the reporting period but no longer an affiliate at 2/29/2024. Refer to the investment portfolio for the security value at 2/29/2024.
13 Represents net activity. Refer to Note 5 for more information on securities lending.
14 Dividend income is included with securities lending income in the fund’s statement of operations and is not shown in this table.
15 Amount less than .01%.

 

Key to abbreviation(s)

ADR = American Depositary Receipts

CAD = Canadian dollars

EUR = Euros

LIBOR = London Interbank Offered Rate

REIT = Real Estate Investment Trust

 

Refer to the notes to financial statements.

 

10 The Growth Fund of America
 

Financial statements

 

Statement of assets and liabilities
at February 29, 2024
unaudited
(dollars in thousands)
   
Assets:          
Investment securities, at value (includes $234,416 of investment securities on loan):          
Unaffiliated issuers (cost: $107,276,949)  $247,636,187      
Affiliated issuers (cost: $17,320,386)   21,473,190   $269,109,377 
Cash        6,964 
Cash denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars (cost: $63)        63 
Cash collateral received for securities on loan        23,947 
Receivables for:          
Sales of investments   547,358      
Sales of fund’s shares   156,324      
Dividends and interest   192,683      
Securities lending income   2      
Other   22    896,389 
         270,036,740 
Liabilities:          
Collateral for securities on loan        239,465 
Payables for:          
Purchases of investments   360,207      
Repurchases of fund’s shares   241,491      
Investment advisory services   53,489      
Services provided by related parties   48,827      
Trustees’ deferred compensation   6,966      
Other   5,663    716,643 
Net assets at February 29, 2024       $269,080,632 
                 
Net assets consist of:          
Capital paid in on shares of beneficial interest       $119,459,246 
Total distributable earnings (accumulated loss)        149,621,386 
Net assets at February 29, 2024       $269,080,632 

 

Refer to the notes to financial statements.

 

The Growth Fund of America 11
 

Financial statements (continued)

 

Statement of assets and liabilities
at February 29, 2024 (continued)
unaudited

 

(dollars and shares in thousands, except per-share amounts)

 

Shares of beneficial interest issued and outstanding (no stated par value) —
unlimited shares authorized (3,924,476 total shares outstanding)

 

   Net assets   Shares
outstanding
   Net asset value
per share
 
Class A  $134,787,868    1,955,188   $68.94 
Class C   3,658,854    61,024    59.96 
Class T   15    *   68.86 
Class F-1   6,102,925    89,301    68.34 
Class F-2   36,369,265    529,340    68.71 
Class F-3   12,492,276    181,143    68.96 
Class 529-A   13,570,280    200,061    67.83 
Class 529-C   349,309    5,816    60.06 
Class 529-E   384,994    5,774    66.68 
Class 529-T   25    *   68.85 
Class 529-F-1   14    *   67.60 
Class 529-F-2   1,171,426    17,021    68.82 
Class 529-F-3   43    1    68.74 
Class R-1   316,507    5,163    61.30 
Class R-2   2,216,479    35,610    62.24 
Class R-2E   249,193    3,754    66.38 
Class R-3   4,835,314    72,368    66.82 
Class R-4   4,903,522    71,971    68.13 
Class R-5E   1,365,587    20,061    68.07 
Class R-5   2,743,071    39,803    68.92 
Class R-6   43,563,665    631,077    69.03 
   
* Amount less than one thousand.

 

Refer to the notes to financial statements.

 

12 The Growth Fund of America
 

Financial statements (continued)

 

Statement of operations
for the six months ended February 29, 2024
unaudited
(dollars in thousands)
   
Investment income:          
Income:          
Dividends (net of non-U.S. taxes of $16,365; also includes $464,680 from affiliates)  $1,340,211      
Interest from unaffiliated issuers   3,551      
Securities lending income (net of fees)   906   $1,344,668 
Fees and expenses*:          
Investment advisory services   308,917      
Distribution services   211,239      
Transfer agent services   86,761      
Administrative services   35,746      
529 plan services   3,956      
Reports to shareholders   2,246      
Registration statement and prospectus   1,447      
Trustees’ compensation   858      
Auditing and legal   230      
Custodian   1,491      
Other   158    653,049 
Net investment income        691,619 
           
Net realized gain (loss) and unrealized appreciation (depreciation):          
Net realized gain (loss) on:          
Investments (net of non-U.S. taxes of $3,204):          
Unaffiliated issuers   6,546,532      
Affiliated issuers   (93,281)     
In-kind redemptions   454,154      
Currency transactions   (3,599)   6,903,806 
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:          
Investments (net of non-U.S. taxes of $3,215):          
Unaffiliated issuers   34,870,450      
Affiliated issuers   910,027      
Currency translations   (128)   35,780,349 
Net realized gain (loss) and unrealized appreciation (depreciation)        42,684,155 
           
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations       $43,375,774 
   
* Additional information related to class-specific fees and expenses is included in the notes to financial statements.

 

Refer to the notes to financial statements.

 

The Growth Fund of America 13
 

Financial statements (continued)

 

Statements of changes in net assets

(dollars in thousands)

 

   Six months ended
February 29, 2024*
   Year ended
August 31, 2023
 
Operations:          
Net investment income  $691,619   $1,463,436 
Net realized gain (loss)   6,903,806    15,592,246 
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)   35,780,349    18,725,785 
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   43,375,774    35,781,467 
           
Distributions paid to shareholders   (17,584,344)   (7,845,242)
           
Net capital share transactions   7,963,167    (5,638,235)
           
Total increase (decrease) in net assets   33,754,597    22,297,990 
           
Net assets:          
Beginning of period   235,326,035    213,028,045 
End of period  $269,080,632   $235,326,035 
   
* Unaudited.

 

Refer to the notes to financial statements.

 

14 The Growth Fund of America
 
Notes to financial statements unaudited

 

1. Organization

 

The Growth Fund of America (the “fund”) is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as an open-end, diversified management investment company. The fund seeks to provide growth of capital.

 

The fund has 21 share classes consisting of six retail share classes (Classes A, C, T, F-1, F-2 and F-3), seven 529 college savings plan share classes (Classes 529-A, 529-C, 529-E, 529-T, 529-F-1, 529-F-2 and 529-F-3) and eight retirement plan share classes (Classes R-1, R-2, R-2E, R-3, R-4, R-5E, R-5 and R-6). The 529 college savings plan share classes can be used to save for college education. The retirement plan share classes are generally offered only through eligible employer-sponsored retirement plans. The fund’s share classes are described further in the following table:

 

Share class   Initial sales charge   Contingent deferred sales
charge upon redemption
  Conversion feature
Classes A and 529-A   Up to 5.75% for Class A; up to 3.50% for Class 529-A   None (except 1.00% for certain redemptions within 18 months of purchase without an initial sales charge)   None
Classes C and 529-C   None   1.00% for redemptions within one year of purchase   Class C converts to Class A after eight years and Class 529-C converts to Class 529-A after five years
Class 529-E   None   None   None
Classes T and 529-T*   Up to 2.50%   None   None
Classes F-1, F-2, F-3, 529-F-1, 529-F-2 and 529-F-3   None   None   None
Classes R-1, R-2, R-2E, R-3, R-4, R-5E, R-5 and R-6   None   None   None
* Class T and 529-T shares are not available for purchase.

 

Holders of all share classes have equal pro rata rights to the assets, dividends and liquidation proceeds of the fund. Each share class has identical voting rights, except for the exclusive right to vote on matters affecting only its class. Share classes have different fees and expenses (“class-specific fees and expenses”), primarily due to different arrangements for distribution, transfer agent and administrative services. Differences in class-specific fees and expenses will result in differences in net investment income and, therefore, the payment of different per-share dividends by each share class.

 

2. Significant accounting policies

 

The fund is an investment company that applies the accounting and reporting guidance issued in Topic 946 by the U.S. Financial Accounting Standards Board. The fund’s financial statements have been prepared to comply with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”). These principles require the fund’s investment adviser to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts and disclosures. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Subsequent events, if any, have been evaluated through the date of issuance in the preparation of the financial statements. The fund follows the significant accounting policies described in this section, as well as the valuation policies described in the next section on valuation.

 

Security transactions and related investment income — Security transactions are recorded by the fund as of the date the trades are executed with brokers. Realized gains and losses from security transactions are determined based on the specific identified cost of the securities. In the event a security is purchased with a delayed payment date, the fund will segregate liquid assets sufficient to meet its payment obligations. Dividend income is recognized on the ex-dividend date and interest income is recognized on an accrual basis. Market discounts, premiums and original issue discounts on fixed-income securities are amortized daily over the expected life of the security.

 

Class allocations — Income, fees and expenses (other than class-specific fees and expenses), realized gains and losses and unrealized appreciation and depreciation are allocated daily among the various share classes based on their relative net assets. Class-specific fees and expenses, such as distribution, transfer agent and administrative services, are charged directly to the respective share class.

 

Distributions paid to shareholders — Income dividends and capital gain distributions are recorded on the ex-dividend date.

 

The Growth Fund of America 15
 

Currency translation — Assets and liabilities, including investment securities, denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates supplied by one or more pricing vendors on the valuation date. Purchases and sales of investment securities and income and expenses are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates on the dates of such transactions. The effects of changes in exchange rates on investment securities are included with the net realized gain or loss and net unrealized appreciation or depreciation on investments in the fund’s statement of operations. The realized gain or loss and unrealized appreciation or depreciation resulting from all other transactions denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars are disclosed separately.

 

In-kind redemptions — The fund normally redeems shares in cash; however, under certain conditions and circumstances, payment of the redemption price wholly or partly with portfolio securities or other fund assets may be permitted. A redemption of shares in-kind is based upon the closing value of the shares being redeemed as of the trade date. Realized gains or losses resulting from redemptions of shares in-kind are reflected separately in the fund’s statement of operations.

 

3. Valuation

 

Capital Research and Management Company (“CRMC”), the fund’s investment adviser, values the fund’s investments at fair value as defined by U.S. GAAP. The net asset value per share is calculated once daily as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange, normally 4 p.m. New York time, each day the New York Stock Exchange is open.

 

Methods and inputs — The fund’s investment adviser uses the following methods and inputs to establish the fair value of the fund’s assets and liabilities. Use of particular methods and inputs may vary over time based on availability and relevance as market and economic conditions evolve.

 

Equity securities, including depositary receipts, are generally valued at the official closing price of, or the last reported sale price on, the exchange or market on which such securities are traded, as of the close of business on the day the securities are being valued or, lacking any sales, at the last available bid price. Prices for each security are taken from the principal exchange or market on which the security trades.

 

Fixed-income securities, including short-term securities, are generally valued at evaluated prices obtained from third-party pricing vendors. Vendors value such securities based on one or more of the inputs described in the following table. The table provides examples of inputs that are commonly relevant for valuing particular classes of fixed-income securities in which the fund is authorized to invest. However, these classifications are not exclusive, and any of the inputs may be used to value any other class of fixed-income security.

 

Fixed-income class   Examples of standard inputs
All   Benchmark yields, transactions, bids, offers, quotations from dealers and trading systems, new issues, spreads and other relationships observed in the markets among comparable securities; and proprietary pricing models such as yield measures calculated using factors such as cash flows, financial or collateral performance and other reference data (collectively referred to as “standard inputs”)
Corporate bonds, notes & loans; convertible securities   Standard inputs and underlying equity of the issuer
Bonds & notes of governments & government agencies   Standard inputs and interest rate volatilities
Mortgage-backed; asset-backed obligations   Standard inputs and cash flows, prepayment information, default rates, delinquency and loss assumptions, collateral characteristics, credit enhancements and specific deal information

 

Securities with both fixed-income and equity characteristics, or equity securities traded principally among fixed-income dealers, are generally valued in the manner described for either equity or fixed-income securities, depending on which method is deemed most appropriate by the fund’s investment adviser. The Capital Group Central Cash Fund (“CCF”), a fund within the Capital Group Central Fund Series (“Central Funds”), is valued based upon a floating net asset value, which fluctuates with changes in the value of CCF’s portfolio securities. The underlying securities are valued based on the policies and procedures in CCF’s statement of additional information.

 

16 The Growth Fund of America
 

Securities and other assets for which representative market quotations are not readily available or are considered unreliable by the fund’s investment adviser are fair valued as determined in good faith under fair valuation guidelines adopted by the fund’s investment adviser and approved by the board of trustees as further described. The investment adviser follows fair valuation guidelines, consistent with U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission rules and guidance, to consider relevant principles and factors when making fair value determinations. The investment adviser considers relevant indications of value that are reasonably and timely available to it in determining the fair value to be assigned to a particular security, such as the type and cost of the security, restrictions on resale of the security, relevant financial or business developments of the issuer, actively traded similar or related securities, dealer or broker quotes, conversion or exchange rights on the security, related corporate actions, significant events occurring after the close of trading in the security, and changes in overall market conditions. In addition, the closing prices of equity securities that trade in markets outside U.S. time zones may be adjusted to reflect significant events that occur after the close of local trading but before the net asset value of each share class of the fund is determined. Fair valuations of investments that are not actively trading involve judgment and may differ materially from valuations that would have been used had greater market activity occurred.

 

Processes and structure — The fund’s board of trustees has designated the fund’s investment adviser to make fair value determinations, subject to board oversight. The investment adviser has established a Joint Fair Valuation Committee (the “Committee”) to administer, implement and oversee the fair valuation process and to make fair value decisions. The Committee regularly reviews its own fair value decisions, as well as decisions made under its standing instructions to the investment adviser’s valuation team. The Committee reviews changes in fair value measurements from period to period, pricing vendor information and market data, and may, as deemed appropriate, update the fair valuation guidelines to better reflect the results of back testing and address new or evolving issues. Pricing decisions, processes and controls over security valuation are also subject to additional internal reviews facilitated by the investment adviser’s global risk management group. The Committee reports changes to the fair valuation guidelines to the board of trustees. The fund’s board and audit committee also regularly review reports that describe fair value determinations and methods.

 

Classifications — The fund’s investment adviser classifies the fund’s assets and liabilities into three levels based on the inputs used to value the assets or liabilities. Level 1 values are based on quoted prices in active markets for identical securities. Level 2 values are based on significant observable market inputs, such as quoted prices for similar securities and quoted prices in inactive markets. Certain securities trading outside the U.S. may transfer between Level 1 and Level 2 due to valuation adjustments resulting from significant market movements following the close of local trading. Level 3 values are based on significant unobservable inputs that reflect the investment adviser’s determination of assumptions that market participants might reasonably use in valuing the securities. The valuation levels are not necessarily an indication of the risk or liquidity associated with the underlying investment. For example, U.S. government securities are reflected as Level 2 because the inputs used to determine fair value may not always be quoted prices in an active market. The following table presents the fund’s valuation levels as of February 29, 2024 (dollars in thousands):

 

   Investment securities 
   Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 
Assets:                    
Common stocks:                    
Information technology  $69,297,860   $   $29,449   $69,327,309 
Consumer discretionary   43,105,468            43,105,468 
Health care   34,213,469        70,327    34,283,796 
Industrials   33,591,799        9,092    33,600,891 
Communication services   32,314,944        48,022    32,362,966 
Financials   24,509,835            24,509,835 
Energy   7,853,527            7,853,527 
Materials   5,863,732            5,863,732 
Consumer staples   5,309,443    110,245    462    5,420,150 
Utilities   1,457,439            1,457,439 
Real estate   453,904            453,904 
Preferred securities   381,665        475,752    857,417 
Rights & warrants   13,289        *   13,289 
Short-term securities   9,999,654            9,999,654 
Total  $268,366,028   $110,245   $633,104   $269,109,377 
   
* Amount less than one thousand.
   
The Growth Fund of America 17
 

4. Risk factors

 

Investing in the fund may involve certain risks including, but not limited to, those described below.

 

Market conditions — The prices of, and the income generated by, the common stocks and other securities held by the fund may decline —sometimes rapidly or unpredictably — due to various factors, including events or conditions affecting the general economy or particular industries or companies; overall market changes; local, regional or global political, social or economic instability; governmental, governmental agency or central bank responses to economic conditions; changes in inflation rates; and currency exchange rate, interest rate and commodity price fluctuations.

 

Economies and financial markets throughout the world are highly interconnected. Economic, financial or political events, trading and tariff arrangements, wars, terrorism, cybersecurity events, natural disasters, public health emergencies (such as the spread of infectious disease), bank failures and other circumstances in one country or region, including actions taken by governmental or quasi-governmental authorities in response to any of the foregoing, could have impacts on global economies or markets. As a result, whether or not the fund invests in securities of issuers located in or with significant exposure to the countries affected, the value and liquidity of the fund’s investments may be negatively affected by developments in other countries and regions.

 

Issuer risks — The prices of, and the income generated by, securities held by the fund may decline in response to various factors directly related to the issuers of such securities, including reduced demand for an issuer’s goods or services, poor management performance, major litigation, investigations or other controversies related to the issuer, changes in the issuer’s financial condition or credit rating, changes in government regulations affecting the issuer or its competitive environment and strategic initiatives such as mergers, acquisitions or dispositions and the market response to any such initiatives. An individual security may also be affected by factors relating to the industry or sector of the issuer or the securities markets as a whole, and conversely an industry or sector or the securities markets may be affected by a change in financial condition or other event affecting a single issuer.

 

Investing in growth-oriented stocks — Growth-oriented common stocks and other equity-type securities (such as preferred stocks, convertible preferred stocks and convertible bonds) may involve larger price swings and greater potential for loss than other types of investments.

 

Investing outside the U.S. — Securities of issuers domiciled outside the U.S. or with significant operations or revenues outside the U.S., and securities tied economically to countries outside the U.S., may lose value because of adverse political, social, economic or market developments (including social instability, regional conflicts, terrorism and war) in the countries or regions in which the issuers are domiciled, operate or generate revenue or to which the securities are tied economically. These securities may also lose value due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates against the U.S. dollar and/or currencies of other countries. Issuers of these securities may be more susceptible to actions of foreign governments, such as nationalization, currency blockage or the imposition of price controls, sanctions, or punitive taxes, each of which could adversely impact the value of these securities. Securities markets in certain countries may be more volatile and/or less liquid than those in the U.S. Investments outside the U.S. may also be subject to different regulatory, legal, accounting, auditing, financial reporting and recordkeeping requirements, and may be more difficult to value, than those in the U.S. In addition, the value of investments outside the U.S. may be reduced by foreign taxes, including foreign withholding taxes on interest and dividends. Further, there may be increased risks of delayed settlement of securities purchased or sold by the fund, which could impact the liquidity of the fund’s portfolio. The risks of investing outside the U.S. may be heightened in connection with investments in emerging markets.

 

Management — The investment adviser to the fund actively manages the fund’s investments. Consequently, the fund is subject to the risk that the methods and analyses, including models, tools and data, employed by the investment adviser in this process may be flawed or incorrect and may not produce the desired results. This could cause the fund to lose value or its investment results to lag relevant benchmarks or other funds with similar objectives.

 

18 The Growth Fund of America
 

5. Certain investment techniques

 

Securities lending — The fund has entered into securities lending transactions in which the fund earns income by lending investment securities to brokers, dealers or other institutions. Each transaction involves three parties: the fund, acting as the lender of the securities, a borrower, and a lending agent that acts as an intermediary.

 

Securities lending transactions are entered into by the fund under a securities lending agent agreement with the lending agent. The lending agent facilitates the exchange of securities between the fund and approved borrowers, ensures that securities loans are properly coordinated and documented, marks-to-market the value of collateral daily, secures additional collateral from a borrower if it falls below preset terms, and may reinvest cash collateral on behalf of the fund according to agreed parameters. The lending agent provides indemnification to the fund against losses resulting from a borrower default. Although risk is mitigated by the collateral and indemnification, the fund could experience a delay in recovering its securities and a potential loss of income or value if a borrower fails to return securities, collateral investments decline in value or the lending agent fails to perform.

 

The borrower is required to post highly liquid assets, such as cash or U.S. government securities, as collateral for the loan in an amount at least equal to the value of the securities loaned. Investments made with cash collateral are recognized as assets in the fund’s investment portfolio. The same amount is recorded as a liability in the fund’s statement of assets and liabilities. While securities are on loan, the fund will continue to receive the equivalent of the interest, dividends or other distributions paid by the issuer, as well as a portion of the interest on the investment of the collateral. Additionally, although the fund does not have the right to vote on securities while they are on loan, the fund has a right to consent on corporate actions and a right to recall loaned securities to vote. A borrower is obligated to return loaned securities at the conclusion of a loan or, during the pendency of a loan, on demand from the fund.

 

As of February 29, 2024, the total value of securities on loan was $234,416,000, and the total value of collateral received was $239,465,000, which consisted entirely of cash. Investment securities purchased from cash collateral are disclosed in the fund’s investment portfolio as short-term securities. Securities received as collateral, if any, are not recognized as fund assets. The contractual maturity of cash collateral received under the securities lending agreement is classified as overnight and continuous.

 

6. Taxation and distributions

 

Federal income taxation — The fund complies with the requirements under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and intends to distribute substantially all of its net taxable income and net capital gains each year. The fund is not subject to income taxes to the extent such distributions are made. Therefore, no federal income tax provision is required.

 

As of and during the period ended February 29, 2024, the fund did not have a liability for any unrecognized tax benefits. The fund recognizes interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense in the statement of operations. During the period, the fund did not incur any significant interest or penalties.

 

The fund’s tax returns are generally not subject to examination by federal, state and, if applicable, non-U.S. tax authorities after the expiration of each jurisdiction’s statute of limitations, which is typically three years after the date of filing but can be extended in certain jurisdictions.

 

Non-U.S. taxation — Dividend and interest income are recorded net of non-U.S. taxes paid. The fund may file withholding tax reclaims in certain jurisdictions to recover a portion of amounts previously withheld. As a result of rulings from European courts, the fund filed for additional reclaims related to prior years. These reclaims are recorded when the amount is known and there are no significant uncertainties on collectability. During the six months ended February 29, 2024, the fund recognized $170,000 in reclaims (net of $29,000 in fees and the effect of realized gain or loss from currency translations) and $98,000 in interest related to European court rulings, which is included in dividend income and interest income, respectively, in the fund’s statement of operations. Gains realized by the fund on the sale of securities in certain countries, if any, may be subject to non-U.S. taxes. The fund generally records an estimated deferred tax liability based on unrealized gains to provide for potential non-U.S. taxes payable upon the sale of these securities.

 

Distributions — Distributions determined on a tax basis may differ from net investment income and net realized gains for financial reporting purposes. These differences are due primarily to different treatment for items such as currency gains and losses; short-term capital gains and losses; capital losses related to sales of certain securities within 30 days of purchase and cost of investments sold. The fiscal year in which amounts are distributed may differ from the year in which the net investment income and net realized gains are recorded by the fund for financial reporting purposes.

 

The Growth Fund of America 19
 

The components of distributable earnings on a tax basis are reported as of the fund’s most recent year-end. As of August 31, 2023, the components of distributable earnings on a tax basis were as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

Undistributed ordinary income  $1,263,997 
Undistributed long-term capital gains   16,032,373 
Post-October capital loss deferral*   (1,946,830)
   
* This deferral is considered incurred in the subsequent year.

 

As of February 29, 2024, the tax basis unrealized appreciation (depreciation) and cost of investments were as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

Gross unrealized appreciation on investments  $147,653,142 
Gross unrealized depreciation on investments   (3,319,540)
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments   144,333,602 
Cost of investments   124,775,775 

 

Distributions paid were characterized for tax purposes as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

   Six months ended February 29, 2024   Year ended August 31, 2023 
Share class  Ordinary
income
   Long-term
capital gains
   Total
distributions
paid
   Ordinary
income
   Long-term
capital gains
   Total
distributions
paid
 
Class A  $683,156   $7,940,923   $8,624,079   $307,380   $3,429,760   $3,737,140 
Class C       249,487    249,487    2    117,785    117,787 
Class T       1    1             
Class F-1   29,257    370,402    399,659    12,410    173,346    185,756 
Class F-2   253,456    2,156,455    2,409,911    143,132    909,282    1,052,414 
Class F-3   96,454    733,988    830,442    61,984    318,394    380,378 
Class 529-A   66,094    811,383    877,477    29,180    354,906    384,086 
Class 529-C       23,925    23,925        12,044    12,044 
Class 529-E   1,154    23,520    24,674    59    10,547    10,606 
Class 529-T       1    1        1    1 
Class 529-F-1       1    1             
Class 529-F-2   7,997    66,449    74,446    4,285    26,021    30,306 
Class 529-F-3       2    2        1    1 
Class R-1       20,837    20,837        9,831    9,831 
Class R-2       144,915    144,915        64,186    64,186 
Class R-2E   408    15,372    15,780        6,495    6,495 
Class R-3   12,906    297,617    310,523        137,213    137,213 
Class R-4   22,522    295,691    318,213    12,048    165,279    177,327 
Class R-5E   8,961    80,465    89,426    4,958    34,260    39,218 
Class R-5   20,366    160,135    180,501    8,080    46,013    54,093 
Class R-6   347,025    2,643,019    2,990,044    235,139    1,211,221    1,446,360 
Total  $1,549,756   $16,034,588   $17,584,344   $818,657   $7,026,585   $7,845,242 
   
Amount less than one thousand.

 

7. Fees and transactions with related parties

 

CRMC, the fund’s investment adviser, is the parent company of American Funds Distributors®, Inc. (“AFD”), the principal underwriter of the fund’s shares, and American Funds Service Company® (“AFS”), the fund’s transfer agent. CRMC, AFD and AFS are considered related parties to the fund.

 

Investment advisory services — The fund has an investment advisory and service agreement with CRMC that provides for monthly fees accrued daily. These fees are based on a series of decreasing annual rates beginning with 0.500% on the first $1 billion of daily net assets and decreasing to 0.225% on such assets in excess of $341 billion. For the six months ended February 29, 2024, the investment advisory services fees were $308,917,000, which were equivalent to an annualized rate of 0.259% of average daily net assets.

 

20 The Growth Fund of America
 

Class-specific fees and expenses — Expenses that are specific to individual share classes are accrued directly to the respective share class. The principal class-specific fees and expenses are further described below:

 

Distribution services — The fund has plans of distribution for all share classes, except Class F-2, F-3, 529-F-2, 529-F-3, R-5E, R-5 and R-6 shares. Under the plans, the board of trustees approves certain categories of expenses that are used to finance activities primarily intended to sell fund shares and service existing accounts. The plans provide for payments, based on an annualized percentage of average daily net assets, ranging from 0.25% to 1.00% as noted in this section. In some cases, the board of trustees has limited the amounts that may be paid to less than the maximum allowed by the plans. All share classes with a plan may use up to 0.25% of average daily net assets to pay service fees, or to compensate AFD for paying service fees, to firms that have entered into agreements with AFD to provide certain shareholder services. The remaining amounts available to be paid under each plan are paid to dealers to compensate them for their sales activities.

 

  Share class  Currently approved limits  Plan limits
  Class A                     0.25%                          0.25%      
  Class 529-A   0.25    0.50 
  Classes C, 529-C and R-1   1.00    1.00 
  Class R-2   0.75    1.00 
  Class R-2E   0.60    0.85 
  Classes 529-E and R-3   0.50    0.75 
  Classes T, F-1, 529-T, 529-F-1 and R-4   0.25    0.50 

 

For Class A and 529-A shares, distribution-related expenses include the reimbursement of dealer and wholesaler commissions paid by AFD for certain shares sold without a sales charge. These share classes reimburse AFD for amounts billed within the prior 15 months but only to the extent that the overall annual expense limits are not exceeded. As of February 29, 2024, there were no unreimbursed expenses subject to reimbursement for Class A or 529-A shares.

 

Transfer agent services — The fund has a shareholder services agreement with AFS under which the fund compensates AFS for providing transfer agent services to each of the fund’s share classes. These services include recordkeeping, shareholder communications and transaction processing. In addition, the fund reimburses AFS for amounts paid to third parties for performing transfer agent services on behalf of fund shareholders.

 

Administrative services — The fund has an administrative services agreement with CRMC under which the fund compensates CRMC for providing administrative services to all share classes. Administrative services are provided by CRMC and its affiliates to help assist third parties providing non-distribution services to fund shareholders. These services include providing in-depth information on the fund and market developments that impact fund investments. Administrative services also include, but are not limited to, coordinating, monitoring and overseeing third parties that provide services to fund shareholders. The agreement provides the fund the ability to charge an administrative services fee at the annual rate of 0.05% of the average daily net assets attributable to each share class of the fund. Currently the fund pays CRMC an administrative services fee at the annual rate of 0.03% of the average daily net assets attributable to each share class of the fund for CRMC’s provision of administrative services.

 

529 plan services — Each 529 share class is subject to service fees to compensate the Virginia College Savings Plan (“Virginia529”) for its oversight and administration of the CollegeAmerica 529 college savings plan. The fees are based on the combined net assets invested in Class 529 and ABLE shares of the American Funds. Class ABLE shares are offered on other American Funds by Virginia529 through ABLEAmerica®, a tax-advantaged savings program for individuals with disabilities. Virginia529 is not considered a related party to the fund.

 

The quarterly fees are based on a series of decreasing annual rates beginning with 0.09% on the first $20 billion of the combined net assets invested in the American Funds and decreasing to 0.03% on such assets in excess of $75 billion. The fees for any given calendar quarter are accrued and calculated on the basis of the average net assets of Class 529 and ABLE shares of the American Funds for the last month of the prior calendar quarter. For the six months ended February 29, 2024, the 529 plan services fees were $3,956,000, which were equivalent to 0.058% of the average daily net assets of each 529 share class.

 

The Growth Fund of America 21
 

For the six months ended February 29, 2024, class-specific expenses under the agreements were as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

  Share class  Distribution
services
  Transfer agent
services
  Administrative
services
  529 plan
services
 
  Class A  $146,417  $48,966  $17,794  Not applicable  
  Class C  16,428  1,358  494  Not applicable  
  Class T    * * Not applicable  
  Class F-1  6,799  3,443  826  Not applicable  
  Class F-2  Not applicable  16,990  4,805  Not applicable  
  Class F-3  Not applicable  72  1,649  Not applicable  
  Class 529-A  13,552  4,571  1,791  $3,475  
  Class 529-C  1,570  124  48  93  
  Class 529-E  833  80  51  99  
  Class 529-T    * * *
  Class 529-F-1    * * *
  Class 529-F-2  Not applicable  256  149  289  
  Class 529-F-3  Not applicable  * * *
  Class R-1  1,398  130  42  Not applicable  
  Class R-2  7,355  3,361  294  Not applicable  
  Class R-2E  664  222  33  Not applicable  
  Class R-3  10,757  3,212  649  Not applicable  
  Class R-4  5,466  2,206  657  Not applicable  
  Class R-5E  Not applicable  899  180  Not applicable  
  Class R-5  Not applicable  605  362  Not applicable  
  Class R-6  Not applicable  266  5,922  Not applicable  
  Total class-specific expenses  $211,239  $86,761  $35,746  $3,956  
     
  * Amount less than one thousand.

 

Trustees’ deferred compensation — Trustees who are unaffiliated with CRMC may elect to defer the cash payment of part or all of their compensation. These deferred amounts, which remain as liabilities of the fund, are treated as if invested in shares of the fund or other American Funds. These amounts represent general, unsecured liabilities of the fund and vary according to the total returns of the selected funds. Trustees’ compensation of $858,000 in the fund’s statement of operations reflects $405,000 in current fees (either paid in cash or deferred) and a net increase of $453,000 in the value of the deferred amounts.

 

Affiliated officers and trustees — Officers and certain trustees of the fund are or may be considered to be affiliated with CRMC, AFD and AFS. No affiliated officers or trustees received any compensation directly from the fund.

 

Investment in CCF — The fund holds shares of CCF, an institutional prime money market fund managed by CRMC. CCF invests in high-quality, short-term money market instruments. CCF is used as the primary investment vehicle for the fund’s short-term instruments. CCF shares are only available for purchase by CRMC, its affiliates, and other funds managed by CRMC or its affiliates, and are not available to the public. CRMC does not receive an investment advisory services fee from CCF.

 

Security transactions with related funds — The fund purchased investment securities from, and sold investment securities to, other funds managed by CRMC (or funds managed by certain affiliates of CRMC) under procedures adopted by the fund’s board of trustees. The funds involved in such transactions are considered related by virtue of having a common investment adviser (or affiliated investment advisers), common trustees and/or common officers. Each transaction was executed at the current market price of the security and no brokerage commissions or fees were paid in accordance with Rule 17a-7 of the 1940 Act. During the six months ended February 29, 2024, the fund engaged in such purchase and sale transactions with related funds in the amounts of $1,110,858,000 and $1,441,931,000, respectively, which generated $11,499,000 of net realized gains from such sales.

 

Interfund lending — Pursuant to an exemptive order issued by the SEC, the fund, along with other CRMC-managed funds (or funds managed by certain affiliates of CRMC), may participate in an interfund lending program. The program provides an alternate credit facility that permits the funds to lend or borrow cash for temporary purposes directly to or from one another, subject to the conditions of the exemptive order. The fund did not lend or borrow cash through the interfund lending program at any time during the six months ended February 29, 2024.

 

22 The Growth Fund of America
 

8. Indemnifications

 

The fund’s organizational documents provide board members and officers with indemnification against certain liabilities or expenses in connection with the performance of their duties to the fund. In the normal course of business, the fund may also enter into contracts that provide general indemnifications. The fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown since it is dependent on future claims that may be made against the fund. The risk of material loss from such claims is considered remote. Insurance policies are also available to the fund’s board members and officers.

 

9. Capital share transactions

 

Capital share transactions in the fund were as follows (dollars and shares in thousands):

 

   Sales*   Reinvestments of
distributions
   Repurchases*   Net increase
(decrease)
 
Share class  Amount   Shares   Amount   Shares   Amount   Shares   Amount   Shares 
                                            
Six months ended February 29, 2024                            
                                            
Class A  $3,686,319    58,464   $8,492,322    136,467   $(6,774,290)   (107,808)  $5,404,351    87,123 
Class C   243,831    4,437    248,699    4,588    (469,950)   (8,523)   22,580    502 
Class T                                
Class F-1   76,103    1,220    395,444    6,409    (520,926)   (8,413)   (49,379)   (784)
Class F-2   2,986,511    47,821    2,341,047    37,759    (3,524,420)   (56,315)   1,803,138    29,265 
Class F-3   992,300    15,774    814,669    13,096    (1,322,901)   (21,108)   484,068    7,762 
Class 529-A   596,511    9,617    877,107    14,323    (898,851)   (14,497)   574,767    9,443 
Class 529-C   37,038    674    23,921    440    (68,390)   (1,236)   (7,431)   (122)
Class 529-E   16,462    270    24,672    410    (28,584)   (470)   12,550    210 
Class 529-T           2                2     
Class 529-F-1           1                1     
Class 529-F-2   111,708    1,776    74,427    1,198    (65,612)   (1,043)   120,523    1,931 
Class 529-F-3           3                3     
Class R-1   21,828    388    20,789    375    (35,358)   (629)   7,259    134 
Class R-2   175,527    3,084    144,778    2,572    (251,071)   (4,446)   69,234    1,210 
Class R-2E   27,533    461    15,780    263    (33,085)   (545)   10,228    179 
Class R-3   305,939    5,024    309,549    5,128    (556,339)   (9,161)   59,149    991 
Class R-4   251,521    4,042    317,919    5,169    (491,052)   (7,884)   78,388    1,327 
Class R-5E   116,166    1,865    89,409    1,456    (140,358)   (2,260)   65,217    1,061 
Class R-5   197,853    3,119    179,859    2,892    (300,010)   (4,787)   77,702    1,224 
Class R-6   1,574,642    25,136    2,977,264    47,812    (5,321,089)   (85,206)   (769,183)   (12,258)
Total net increase (decrease)  $11,417,792    183,172   $17,347,661    280,357   $(20,802,286)   (334,331)  $7,963,167    129,198 

 

Refer to the end of the table for footnotes.

 

The Growth Fund of America 23
 
   Sales*   Reinvestments of
distributions
   Repurchases*   Net increase
(decrease)
 
Share class  Amount   Shares   Amount   Shares   Amount   Shares   Amount   Shares 
                                         
Year ended August 31, 2023                         
                                         
Class A  $5,725,386    103,577   $3,678,194    73,549   $(11,399,414)   (208,515)  $(1,995,834)   (31,389)
Class C   395,297    8,137    117,298    2,662    (821,682)   (17,004)   (309,087)   (6,205)
Class T                                
Class F-1   153,056    2,807    183,315    3,695    (760,638)   (13,965)   (424,267)   (7,463)
Class F-2   4,403,320    80,038    1,021,834    20,506    (6,522,635)   (119,804)   (1,097,481)   (19,260)
Class F-3   2,538,667    46,796    373,087    7,464    (2,360,222)   (42,461)   551,532    11,799 
Class 529-A   882,036    16,166    383,966    7,793    (1,521,961)   (27,595)   (255,959)   (3,636)
Class 529-C   61,040    1,257    12,037    273    (124,227)   (2,543)   (51,150)   (1,013)
Class 529-E   27,482    509    10,604    219    (53,189)   (981)   (15,103)   (253)
Class 529-T           1                1     
Class 529-F-1                                
Class 529-F-2   153,664    2,779    30,299    607    (129,292)   (2,326)   54,671    1,060 
Class 529-F-3           1                1     
Class R-1   32,457    655    9,819    218    (63,237)   (1,264)   (20,961)   (391)
Class R-2   304,034    6,049    64,127    1,405    (443,328)   (8,868)   (75,167)   (1,414)
Class R-2E   31,358    594    6,493    134    (38,209)   (717)   (358)   11 
Class R-3   529,977    9,848    136,794    2,813    (976,948)   (18,252)   (310,177)   (5,591)
Class R-4   448,671    8,189    177,216    3,584    (1,983,581)   (34,628)   (1,357,694)   (22,855)
Class R-5E   201,997    3,748    39,212    794    (207,623)   (3,811)   33,586    731 
Class R-5   1,081,748    17,761    53,737    1,076    (365,230)   (6,659)   770,255    12,178 
Class R-6   3,706,018    68,610    1,440,755    28,798    (6,281,816)   (112,663)   (1,135,043)   (15,255)
Total net increase (decrease)  $20,676,208    377,520   $7,738,789    155,590   $(34,053,232)   (622,056)  $(5,638,235)   (88,946)
   
* Includes exchanges between share classes of the fund.
  Amount less than one thousand.

 

10. Investment transactions

 

The fund engaged in purchases and sales of investment securities, excluding short-term securities and U.S. government obligations, if any, of $25,894,562,000 and $32,611,086,000, respectively, during the six months ended February 29, 2024.

 

24 The Growth Fund of America
 

Financial highlights

 

       Income (loss) from
investment operations1
   Dividends and distributions                         
Year ended  Net asset
value,
beginning
of year
   Net
investment
income
(loss)
   Net gains
(losses) on
securities
(both
realized and
unrealized)
   Total from
investment
operations
   Dividends
(from net
investment
income)
   Distributions
(from capital
gains)
   Total
dividends
and
distributions
   Net asset
value,
end
of year
   Total return2,3    Net assets,
end of
year
(in millions)
   Ratio of
expenses to
average net
assets before
reimburse-
ments4 
   Ratio of
expenses to
average net
assets after
reimburse-
ments3,4
   Ratio of
net income
(loss)
to average
net assets3 
 
Class A:                                                                 
2/29/20245,6  $62.30   $.16   $11.15   $11.31   $(.37)  $(4.30)  $(4.67)  $68.94    18.96%7 $134,788    .62%8    .62%8    .50%8 
8/31/2023   55.10    .34    8.87    9.21    (.17)   (1.84)   (2.01)   62.30    17.60    116,384    .63    .63    .61 
8/31/2022   78.42    .15    (17.40)   (17.25)   (.06)   (6.01)   (6.07)   55.10    (23.78)   104,664    .60    .60    .23 
8/31/2021   63.18    .05    18.10    18.15    (.17)   (2.74)   (2.91)   78.42    29.49    144,012    .61    .61    .07 
8/31/2020   49.39    .22    17.23    17.45    (.38)   (3.28)   (3.66)   63.18    37.07    114,585    .64    .64    .42 
8/31/2019   56.31    .30    (2.09)   (1.79)   (.31)   (4.82)   (5.13)   49.39    (1.31)   87,316    .63    .63    .61 
Class C:                                                                 
2/29/20245,6   54.60    (.07)   9.73    9.66        (4.30)   (4.30)   59.96    18.537    3,659    1.388    1.388    (.25)8 
8/31/2023   48.73    (.07)   7.78    7.71    9    (1.84)   (1.84)   54.60    16.72    3,305    1.38    1.38    (.14)
8/31/2022   70.50    (.32)   (15.44)   (15.76)       (6.01)   (6.01)   48.73    (24.36)   3,252    1.36    1.36    (.53)
8/31/2021   57.32    (.42)   16.34    15.92        (2.74)   (2.74)   70.50    28.54    4,852    1.35    1.35    (.68)
8/31/2020   45.09    (.14)   15.65    15.51    9    (3.28)   (3.28)   57.32    36.07    4,153    1.38    1.38    (.30)
8/31/2019   51.96    (.08)   (1.97)   (2.05)       (4.82)   (4.82)   45.09    (2.09)   4,134    1.41    1.41    (.17)
Class T:                                                                 
2/29/20245,6   62.31    .25    11.14    11.39    (.54)   (4.30)   (4.84)   68.86    19.137,10    11    .348,10    .348,10    .808,10 
8/31/2023   55.13    .49    8.85    9.34    (.32)   (1.84)   (2.16)   62.31    17.9210    11    .3610    .3610    .8810 
8/31/2022   78.44    .31    (17.38)   (17.07)   (.23)   (6.01)   (6.24)   55.13    (23.58)10    11    .3610    .3610    .4710 
8/31/2021   63.19    .20    18.10    18.30    (.31)   (2.74)   (3.05)   78.44    29.7610    11    .3810    .3810    .2910 
8/31/2020   49.39    .34    17.24    17.58    (.50)   (3.28)   (3.78)   63.19    37.4010    11    .4010    .4010    .6610 
8/31/2019   56.34    .41    (2.12)   (1.71)   (.42)   (4.82)   (5.24)   49.39    (1.11)10    11    .4110    .4110    .8310 
Class F-1:                                                                 
2/29/20245,6   61.78    .14    11.06    11.20    (.34)   (4.30)   (4.64)   68.34    18.937    6,103    .678    .678    .468 
8/31/2023   54.64    .32    8.79    9.11    (.13)   (1.84)   (1.97)   61.78    17.57    5,566    .66    .66    .58 
8/31/2022   77.79    .11    (17.25)   (17.14)       (6.01)   (6.01)   54.64    (23.82)   5,330    .66    .66    .16 
8/31/2021   62.70    .01    17.95    17.96    (.13)   (2.74)   (2.87)   77.79    29.40    7,747    .66    .66    .02 
8/31/2020   49.02    .20    17.11    17.31    (.35)   (3.28)   (3.63)   62.70    37.05    8,196    .67    .67    .40 
8/31/2019   55.92    .27    (2.09)   (1.82)   (.26)   (4.82)   (5.08)   49.02    (1.40)   7,539    .69    .69    .54 
Class F-2:                                                                 
2/29/20245,6   62.17    .23    11.12    11.35    (.51)   (4.30)   (4.81)   68.71    19.097    36,369    .408    .408    .738 
8/31/2023   55.00    .46    8.84    9.30    (.29)   (1.84)   (2.13)   62.17    17.87    31,088    .41    .41    .84 
8/31/2022   78.29    .29    (17.35)   (17.06)   (.22)   (6.01)   (6.23)   55.00    (23.62)   28,563    .40    .40    .43 
8/31/2021   63.07    .19    18.07    18.26    (.30)   (2.74)   (3.04)   78.29    29.76    37,459    .40    .40    .28 
8/31/2020   49.30    .34    17.20    17.54    (.49)   (3.28)   (3.77)   63.07    37.38    28,682    .41    .41    .65 
8/31/2019   56.25    .40    (2.11)   (1.71)   (.42)   (4.82)   (5.24)   49.30    (1.10)   22,265    .42    .42    .81 
Class F-3:                                                                 
2/29/20245,6   62.41    .26    11.16    11.42    (.57)   (4.30)   (4.87)   68.96    19.147    12,492    .308    .308    .838 
8/31/2023   55.22    .52    8.87    9.39    (.36)   (1.84)   (2.20)   62.41    17.99    10,820    .30    .30    .94 
8/31/2022   78.57    .36    (17.40)   (17.04)   (.30)   (6.01)   (6.31)   55.22    (23.53)   8,922    .29    .29    .54 
8/31/2021   63.28    .26    18.13    18.39    (.36)   (2.74)   (3.10)   78.57    29.88    11,555    .30    .30    .38 
8/31/2020   49.45    .39    17.26    17.65    (.54)   (3.28)   (3.82)   63.28    37.53    8,120    .31    .31    .75 
8/31/2019   56.41    .46    (2.13)   (1.67)   (.47)   (4.82)   (5.29)   49.45    (1.01)   5,796    .32    .32    .92 
Class 529-A:                                                                 
2/29/20245,6   61.36    .14    10.98    11.12    (.35)   (4.30)   (4.65)   67.83    18.947    13,570    .668    .668    .478 
8/31/2023   54.31    .31    8.73    9.04    (.15)   (1.84)   (1.99)   61.36    17.55    11,697    .67    .67    .58 
8/31/2022   77.37    .13    (17.14)   (17.01)   (.04)   (6.01)   (6.05)   54.31    (23.79)   10,549    .64    .64    .20 
8/31/2021   62.38    .02    17.87    17.89    (.16)   (2.74)   (2.90)   77.37    29.45    14,481    .64    .64    .03 
8/31/2020   48.80    .20    17.01    17.21    (.35)   (3.28)   (3.63)   62.38    37.01    11,695    .68    .68    .38 
8/31/2019   55.70    .26    (2.07)   (1.81)   (.27)   (4.82)   (5.09)   48.80    (1.38)   8,569    .70    .70    .54 

 

Refer to the end of the table for footnotes.

 

The Growth Fund of America 25
 

Financial highlights (continued)

 

       Income (loss) from
investment operations1
   Dividends and distributions                         
Year ended  Net asset
value,
beginning
of year
   Net
investment
income
(loss)
   Net gains
(losses) on
securities
(both
realized and
unrealized)
   Total from
investment
operations
   Dividends
(from net
investment
income)
   Distributions
(from capital
gains)
   Total
dividends
and
distributions
   Net asset
value,
end
of year
   Total return2,3   Net assets,
end of
year
(in millions)
   Ratio of
expenses to
average net
assets before
reimburse-
ments4
   Ratio of
expenses to
average net
assets after
reimburse-
ments3,4
   Ratio of
net income
(loss)
to average
net assets3
 
Class 529-C:                                                                 
2/29/20245,6  $54.70   $(.08)  $9.74   $9.66   $   $(4.30)  $(4.30)  $60.06    18.50%7   $349    1.41%8    1.41%8    (.28)%8 
8/31/2023   48.85    (.10)   7.79    7.69        (1.84)   (1.84)   54.70    16.64    325    1.44    1.44    (.20)
8/31/2022   70.68    (.35)   (15.47)   (15.82)       (6.01)   (6.01)   48.85    (24.39)   340    1.41    1.41    (.59)
8/31/2021   57.48    (.44)   16.38    15.94        (2.74)   (2.74)   70.68    28.49    561    1.38    1.38    (.71)
8/31/2020   45.23    (.15)   15.68    15.53        (3.28)   (3.28)   57.48    35.98    544    1.42    1.42    (.31)
8/31/2019   52.11    (.10)   (1.96)   (2.06)       (4.82)   (4.82)   45.23    (2.11)   989    1.45    1.45    (.21)
Class 529-E:                                                                 
2/29/20245,6   60.33    .07    10.79    10.86    (.21)   (4.30)   (4.51)   66.68    18.817    385    .898    .898    .248 
8/31/2023   53.41    .18    8.59    8.77    (.01)   (1.84)   (1.85)   60.33    17.26    335    .91    .91    .33 
8/31/2022   76.33    (.04)   (16.87)   (16.91)       (6.01)   (6.01)   53.41    (23.98)   311    .88    .88    (.05)
8/31/2021   61.59    (.14)   17.64    17.50    (.02)   (2.74)   (2.76)   76.33    29.14    447    .88    .88    (.21)
8/31/2020   48.22    .08    16.80    16.88    (.23)   (3.28)   (3.51)   61.59    36.70    372    .90    .90    .16 
8/31/2019   55.07    .15    (2.04)   (1.89)   (.14)   (4.82)   (4.96)   48.22    (1.60)   305    .93    .93    .30 
Class 529-T:                                                                 
2/29/20245,6   62.29    .22    11.14    11.36    (.50)   (4.30)   (4.80)   68.85    19.087,10    11    .428,10    .428,10    .708,10 
8/31/2023   55.10    .46    8.86    9.32    (.29)   (1.84)   (2.13)   62.29    17.8710    11    .4110    .4110    .8310 
8/31/2022   78.41    .28    (17.39)   (17.11)   (.19)   (6.01)   (6.20)   55.10    (23.64)10    11    .4110    .4110    .4210 
8/31/2021   63.17    .16    18.10    18.26    (.28)   (2.74)   (3.02)   78.41    29.7110    11    .4410    .4410    .2410 
8/31/2020   49.38    .32    17.23    17.55    (.48)   (3.28)   (3.76)   63.17    37.3310    11    .4410    .4410    .6210 
8/31/2019   56.32    .39    (2.12)   (1.73)   (.39)   (4.82)   (5.21)   49.38    (1.15)10    11    .4510    .4510    .7910 
Class 529-F-1:                                                                 
2/29/20245,6   61.23    .21    10.94    11.15    (.48)   (4.30)   (4.78)   67.60    19.067,10    11    .458,10    .458,10    .688,10 
8/31/2023   54.19    .42    8.71    9.13    (.25)   (1.84)   (2.09)   61.23    17.8010    11    .4610    .4610    .7710 
8/31/2022   77.23    .23    (17.09)   (16.86)   (.17)   (6.01)   (6.18)   54.19    (23.68)10    11    .4810    .4810    .3510 
8/31/2021   62.24    .13    17.88    18.01    (.28)   (2.74)   (3.02)   77.23    29.7410    11    .4210    .4210    .2210 
8/31/2020   48.69    .31    16.99    17.30    (.47)   (3.28)   (3.75)   62.24    37.35    642    .45    .45    .61 
8/31/2019   55.65    .38    (2.12)   (1.74)   (.40)   (4.82)   (5.22)   48.69    (1.18)   445    .47    .47    .77 
Class 529-F-2:                                                                 
2/29/20245,6   62.28    .22    11.14    11.36    (.52)   (4.30)   (4.82)   68.82    19.087    1,171    .408    .408    .728 
8/31/2023   55.10    .47    8.85    9.32    (.30)   (1.84)   (2.14)   62.28    17.88    940    .38    .38    .86 
8/31/2022   78.40    .29    (17.37)   (17.08)   (.21)   (6.01)   (6.22)   55.10    (23.61)   773    .40    .40    .44 
8/31/20215,12   59.21    .15    22.06    22.21    (.28)   (2.74)   (3.02)   78.40    38.387    932    .438    .438    .268 
Class 529-F-3:                                                                 
2/29/20245,6   62.21    .24    11.12    11.36    (.53)   (4.30)   (4.83)   68.74    19.117    11    .358    .358    .778 
8/31/2023   55.05    .48    8.85    9.33    (.33)   (1.84)   (2.17)   62.21    17.93    11    .36    .36    .88 
8/31/2022   78.35    .32    (17.36)   (17.04)   (.25)   (6.01)   (6.26)   55.05    (23.58)   11    .35    .35    .49 
8/31/20215,12   59.21    .19    22.06    22.25    (.37)   (2.74)   (3.11)   78.35    38.457    11    .388    .358    .328 
Class R-1:                                                                 
2/29/20245,6   55.74    (.07)   9.93    9.86        (4.30)   (4.30)   61.30    18.517    317    1.388    1.388    (.25)8 
8/31/2023   49.71    (.07)   7.94    7.87        (1.84)   (1.84)   55.74    16.72    280    1.38    1.38    (.14)
8/31/2022   71.80    (.33)   (15.75)   (16.08)       (6.01)   (6.01)   49.71    (24.36)   269    1.38    1.38    (.55)
8/31/2021   58.35    (.45)   16.64    16.19        (2.74)   (2.74)   71.80    28.49    402    1.38    1.38    (.70)
8/31/2020   45.86    (.16)   15.93    15.77        (3.28)   (3.28)   58.35    36.01    388    1.40    1.40    (.33)
8/31/2019   52.74    (.09)   (1.97)   (2.06)       (4.82)   (4.82)   45.86    (2.08)   359    1.42    1.42    (.19)

 

Refer to the end of the table for footnotes.

 

26 The Growth Fund of America
 

Financial highlights (continued)

 

         Income (loss) from
investment operations1
   Dividends and distributions                           
Year ended    Net asset
value,
beginning
of year
   Net
investment
income
(loss)
   Net gains
(losses) on
securities
(both
realized and
unrealized)
   Total from
investment
operations
 Dividends
(from net
investment
income)
   Distributions
(from capital
gains)
   Total
dividends
and
distributions
   Net asset
value,
end
of year
   Total return2,3     Net assets,
end of
year
(in millions)
   Ratio of
expenses to
average net
assets before
reimburse-
ments4
   Ratio of
expenses to
average net
assets after
reimburse-
ments3,4
   Ratio of
net income
(loss)
to average
net assets3
 
Class R-2:                                                        
2/29/20245,6  $ 56.54 $ (.07)$ 10.07 $ 10.00 $  $ (4.30)$ (4.30)$ 62.24   18.50%7   $ 2,217   1.39%8   1.39%8   (.26)%8 
8/31/2023    50.40   (.08)  8.06   7.98      (1.84)  (1.84)  56.54   16.71     1,945   1.39   1.39   (.15)
8/31/2022    72.72   (.35)  (15.96)  (16.31)     (6.01)  (6.01)  50.40   (24.37)    1,805   1.40   1.40   (.57)
8/31/2021    59.07   (.46)  16.85   16.39      (2.74)  (2.74)  72.72   28.49     2,672   1.39   1.39   (.71)
8/31/2020    46.39   (.16)  16.12   15.96      (3.28)  (3.28)  59.07   36.01     2,337   1.40   1.40   (.34)
8/31/2019    53.29   (.09)  (1.99)  (2.08)     (4.82)  (4.82)  46.39   (2.10)    1,970   1.42   1.42   (.18)
Class R-2E:                                                        
2/29/20245,6    60.05   .01   10.73   10.74   (.11)  (4.30)  (4.41)  66.38   18.687     249   1.108   1.108   .038 
8/31/2023    53.25   .08   8.56   8.64      (1.84)  (1.84)  60.05   17.06     215   1.10   1.10   .14 
8/31/2022    76.28   (.18)  (16.84)  (17.02)     (6.01)  (6.01)  53.25   (24.15)    190   1.10   1.10   (.27)
8/31/2021    61.67   (.28)  17.63   17.35      (2.74)  (2.74)  76.28   28.85     291   1.09   1.09   (.42)
8/31/2020    48.30   (.02)  16.83   16.81   (.16)  (3.28)  (3.44)  61.67   36.44     252   1.11   1.11   (.04)
8/31/2019    55.21   .06   (2.05)  (1.99)  (.10)  (4.82)  (4.92)  48.30   (1.81)    203   1.12   1.12   .12 
Class R-3:                                                        
2/29/20245,6    60.44   .06   10.81   10.87   (.19)  (4.30)  (4.49)  66.82   18.777     4,835   .948   .948   .198 
8/31/2023    53.51   .16   8.61   8.77      (1.84)  (1.84)  60.44   17.22     4,314   .94   .94   .30 
8/31/2022    76.50   (.08)  (16.90)  (16.98)     (6.01)  (6.01)  53.51   (24.02)    4,118   .94   .94   (.12)
8/31/2021    61.75   (.18)  17.67   17.49      (2.74)  (2.74)  76.50   29.05     6,233   .94   .94   (.26)
8/31/2020    48.32   .06   16.84   16.90   (.19)  (3.28)  (3.47)  61.75   36.63     5,794   .95   .95   .12 
8/31/2019    55.14   .13   (2.03)  (1.90)  (.10)  (4.82)  (4.92)  48.32   (1.64)    5,356   .97   .97   .26 
Class R-4:                                                        
2/29/20245,6    61.59   .15   11.02   11.17   (.33)  (4.30)  (4.63)  68.13   18.937     4,904   .648   .648   .488 
8/31/2023    54.47   .32   8.77   9.09   (.13)  (1.84)  (1.97)  61.59   17.59     4,351   .65   .65   .59 
8/31/2022    77.58   .12   (17.20)  (17.08)  (.02)  (6.01)  (6.03)  54.47   (23.81)    5,093   .64   .64   .18 
8/31/2021    62.53   .02   17.92   17.94   (.15)  (2.74)  (2.89)  77.58   29.44     7,878   .64   .64   .03 
8/31/2020    48.89   .21   17.06   17.27   (.35)  (3.28)  (3.63)  62.53   37.06     7,403   .65   .65   .42 
8/31/2019    55.79   .28   (2.09)  (1.81)  (.27)  (4.82)  (5.09)  48.89   (1.38)    6,860   .67   .67   .56 
Class R-5E:                                                        
2/29/20245,6    61.62   .21   11.02   11.23   (.48)  (4.30)  (4.78)  68.07   19.067     1,366   .448   .448   .688 
8/31/2023    54.53   .43   8.77   9.20   (.27)  (1.84)  (2.11)  61.62   17.82     1,171   .45   .45   .79 
8/31/2022    77.70   .25   (17.20)  (16.95)  (.21)  (6.01)  (6.22)  54.53   (23.66)    996   .45   .45   .39 
8/31/2021    62.61   .16   17.94   18.10   (.27)  (2.74)  (3.01)  77.70   29.69     1,337   .44   .44   .23 
8/31/2020     48.97    .31    17.09    17.40    (.48)   (3.28)   (3.76)   62.61    37.36      990    .45    .45    .61 
8/31/2019     55.97    .39    (2.14)   (1.75)   (.43)   (4.82)   (5.25)   48.97    (1.17)     732    .46    .46    .80 
Class R-5:                                                                     
2/29/20245,6     62.36    .24    11.17    11.41    (.55)   (4.30)   (4.85)   68.92    19.147      2,743    .348    .348    .788 
8/31/2023     55.17    .50    8.85    9.35    (.32)   (1.84)   (2.16)   62.36    17.93      2,406    .35    .35    .90 
8/31/2022     78.50    .32    (17.39)   (17.07)   (.25)   (6.01)   (6.26)   55.17    (23.58)     1,457    .34    .34    .48 
8/31/2021     63.22    .23    18.12    18.35    (.33)   (2.74)   (3.07)   78.50    29.84      2,322    .34    .34    .34 
8/31/2020     49.40    .37    17.24    17.61    (.51)   (3.28)   (3.79)   63.22    37.48      2,716    .35    .35    .72 
8/31/2019     56.35    .43    (2.13)   (1.70)   (.43)   (4.82)   (5.25)   49.40    (1.08)     2,648    .37    .37    .86 
Class R-6:                                                                     
2/29/20245,6     62.46    .26    11.17    11.43    (.56)   (4.30)   (4.86)   69.03    19.157      43,564    .308    .308    .838 
8/31/2023     55.26    .52    8.88    9.40    (.36)   (1.84)   (2.20)   62.46    17.99      40,184    .30    .30    .94 
8/31/2022     78.63    .36    (17.42)   (17.06)   (.30)   (6.01)   (6.31)   55.26    (23.54)     36,396    .29    .29    .54 
8/31/2021     63.32    .27    18.14    18.41    (.36)   (2.74)   (3.10)   78.63    29.90      46,741    .29    .29    .38 
8/31/2020     49.48    .40    17.26    17.66    (.54)   (3.28)   (3.82)   63.32    37.53      38,573    .30    .30    .76 
8/31/2019     56.44    .46    (2.13)   (1.67)   (.47)   (4.82)   (5.29)   49.48    (1.01)     32,028    .32    .32    .92 

 

Refer to the end of the table for footnotes.

 

The Growth Fund of America 27
 

Financial highlights (continued)

 

   Six months
ended
February 29,
 Year ended August 31, 
   20245,6,7   2023  2022  2021  2020  2019
Portfolio turnover rate for all share classes13   11%    31%   30%   24%   28%   36%

 

1  Based on average shares outstanding.
2  Total returns exclude any applicable sales charges, including contingent deferred sales charges.
3  This column reflects the impact, if any, of certain reimbursements from CRMC. During one of the years shown, CRMC reimbursed a portion of transfer agent services fees for Class 529-F-3 shares.
4  Ratios do not include expenses of any Central Funds. The fund indirectly bears its proportionate share of the expenses of any Central Funds.
5  Based on operations for a period that is less than a full year.
6  Unaudited.
7  Not annualized.
8  Annualized.
9  Amount less than $.01.
10  All or a significant portion of assets in this class consisted of seed capital invested by CRMC and/or its affiliates. Fees for distribution services are not charged or accrued on these seed capital assets. If such fees were paid by the fund on seed capital assets, fund expenses would have been higher and net income and total return would have been lower.
11  Amount less than $1 million.
12  Class 529-F-2 and 529-F-3 shares began investment operations on October 30, 2020.
13  Rates do not include the fund’s portfolio activity with respect to any Central Funds.

 

Refer to the notes to financial statements.

 

28 The Growth Fund of America
 
Expense example unaudited

 

As a fund shareholder, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, such as initial sales charges on purchase payments and contingent deferred sales charges on redemptions (loads), and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees, distribution and service (12b-1) fees, and other expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the fund so you can compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. The example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire six-month period (September 1, 2023, through February 29, 2024).

 

Actual expenses:

The first line of each share class in the table on the following page provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this line, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first line under the heading titled “Expenses paid during period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

 

Hypothetical example for comparison purposes:

The second line of each share class in the table on the following page provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the actual expense ratio for the share class and an assumed rate of return of 5.00% per year before expenses, which is not the actual return of the share class. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5.00% hypothetical example with the 5.00% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.

 

Notes:

Retirement plan participants may be subject to certain fees charged by the plan sponsor, and Class F-1, F-2, F-3, 529-F-1, 529-F-2 and 529-F-3 shareholders may be subject to fees charged by financial intermediaries, typically ranging from 0.75% to 1.50% of assets annually depending on services offered. You can estimate the impact of these fees by adding the amount of the fees to the total estimated expenses you paid on your account during the period as calculated above. In addition, your ending account value would be lower by the amount of these fees.

 

Note that the expenses shown in the table on the following page are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads). Therefore, the second line of each share class in the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

The Growth Fund of America 29
 

Expense example (continued)

 

   Beginning
account value
9/1/2023
   Ending
account value
2/29/2024
   Expenses paid
during period*
   Annualized
expense ratio
 
Class A – actual return  $1,000.00   $1,189.56   $3.38    .62%
Class A – assumed 5% return   1,000.00    1,021.78    3.12    .62 
Class C – actual return   1,000.00    1,185.29    7.50    1.38 
Class C – assumed 5% return   1,000.00    1,018.00    6.92    1.38 
Class T – actual return   1,000.00    1,191.28    1.85    .34 
Class T – assumed 5% return   1,000.00    1,023.17    1.71    .34 
Class F-1 – actual return   1,000.00    1,189.32    3.65    .67 
Class F-1 – assumed 5% return   1,000.00    1,021.53    3.37    .67 
Class F-2 – actual return   1,000.00    1,190.88    2.18    .40 
Class F-2 – assumed 5% return   1,000.00    1,022.87    2.01    .40 
Class F-3 – actual return   1,000.00    1,191.42    1.63    .30 
Class F-3 – assumed 5% return   1,000.00    1,023.37    1.51    .30 
Class 529-A – actual return   1,000.00    1,189.40    3.59    .66 
Class 529-A – assumed 5% return   1,000.00    1,021.58    3.32    .66 
Class 529-C – actual return   1,000.00    1,184.98    7.66    1.41 
Class 529-C – assumed 5% return   1,000.00    1,017.85    7.07    1.41 
Class 529-E – actual return   1,000.00    1,188.10    4.84    .89 
Class 529-E – assumed 5% return   1,000.00    1,020.44    4.47    .89 
Class 529-T – actual return   1,000.00    1,190.76    2.29    .42 
Class 529-T – assumed 5% return   1,000.00    1,022.77    2.11    .42 
Class 529-F-1 – actual return   1,000.00    1,190.57    2.45    .45 
Class 529-F-1 – assumed 5% return   1,000.00    1,022.63    2.26    .45 
Class 529-F-2 – actual return   1,000.00    1,190.79    2.18    .40 
Class 529-F-2 – assumed 5% return   1,000.00    1,022.87    2.01    .40 
Class 529-F-3 – actual return   1,000.00    1,191.06    1.91    .35 
Class 529-F-3 – assumed 5% return   1,000.00    1,023.12    1.76    .35 
Class R-1 – actual return   1,000.00    1,185.05    7.50    1.38 
Class R-1 – assumed 5% return   1,000.00    1,018.00    6.92    1.38 
Class R-2 – actual return   1,000.00    1,184.99    7.55    1.39 
Class R-2 – assumed 5% return   1,000.00    1,017.95    6.97    1.39 
Class R-2E – actual return   1,000.00    1,186.81    5.98    1.10 
Class R-2E – assumed 5% return   1,000.00    1,019.39    5.52    1.10 
Class R-3 – actual return   1,000.00    1,187.73    5.11    .94 
Class R-3 – assumed 5% return   1,000.00    1,020.19    4.72    .94 
Class R-4 – actual return   1,000.00    1,189.35    3.48    .64 
Class R-4 – assumed 5% return   1,000.00    1,021.68    3.22    .64 
Class R-5E – actual return   1,000.00    1,190.61    2.40    .44 
Class R-5E – assumed 5% return   1,000.00    1,022.68    2.21    .44 
Class R-5 – actual return   1,000.00    1,191.35    1.85    .34 
Class R-5 – assumed 5% return   1,000.00    1,023.17    1.71    .34 
Class R-6 – actual return   1,000.00    1,191.53    1.63    .30 
Class R-6 – assumed 5% return   1,000.00    1,023.37    1.51    .30 
   
* The “expenses paid during period” are equal to the “annualized expense ratio,” multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days in the period, and divided by 366 (to reflect the one-half year period).
   
30 The Growth Fund of America
 
Liquidity Risk Management Program unaudited

 

The fund has adopted a liquidity risk management program (the “program”). The fund’s board has designated Capital Research and Management Company (“CRMC”) as the administrator of the program. Personnel of CRMC or its affiliates conduct the day-to-day operation of the program pursuant to policies and procedures administered by the Capital Group Liquidity Risk Management Committee.

 

Under the program, CRMC manages the fund’s liquidity risk, which is the risk that the fund could not meet shareholder redemption requests without significant dilution of remaining shareholders’ interests in the fund. This risk is managed by monitoring the degree of liquidity of the fund’s investments, limiting the amount of the fund’s illiquid investments, and utilizing various risk management tools and facilities available to the fund for meeting shareholder redemptions, among other means. CRMC’s process of determining the degree of liquidity of the fund’s investments is supported by one or more third-party liquidity assessment vendors.

 

The fund’s board reviewed a report prepared by CRMC regarding the operation and effectiveness of the program for the period October 1, 2022, through September 30, 2023. No significant liquidity events impacting the fund were noted in the report. In addition, CRMC provided its assessment that the program had been effective in managing the fund’s liquidity risk.

 

The Growth Fund of America 31
 

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32 The Growth Fund of America
 

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The Growth Fund of America 33
 

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34 The Growth Fund of America
 

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The Growth Fund of America 35
 

Office of the fund
6455 Irvine Center Drive
Irvine, CA 92618-4518

 

Investment adviser
Capital Research and Management Company
333 South Hope Street
Los Angeles, CA 90071-1406

 

Transfer agent for shareholder accounts
American Funds Service Company
(Write to the address nearest you.)

 

P.O. Box 6007
Indianapolis, IN 46206-6007

 

P.O. Box 2280
Norfolk, VA 23501-2280

 

Custodian of assets
State Street Bank and Trust Company
One Lincoln Street
Boston, MA 02111-2900

 

Counsel
Dechert LLP
45 Fremont Street, 26th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94105-2223

 

Independent registered public accounting firm
Deloitte & Touche LLP
695 Town Center Drive
Suite 1000
Costa Mesa, CA 92626-7188

 

Principal underwriter
American Funds Distributors, Inc.
333 South Hope Street
Los Angeles, CA 90071-1406

 

36 The Growth Fund of America
 

Investors should carefully consider investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses. This and other important information is contained in the fund prospectus and summary prospectus, which can be obtained from your financial professional and should be read carefully before investing. You may also call American Funds Service Company (AFS) at (800) 421-4225 or refer to the Capital Group website at capitalgroup.com.

 

“American Funds Proxy Voting Procedures and Principles” — which describes how we vote proxies relating to portfolio securities — is available on our website or upon request by calling AFS. The fund files its proxy voting record with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for the 12 months ended June 30 by August 31. The proxy voting record is available free of charge on the SEC website at sec.gov and on our website.

 

The Growth Fund of America files a complete list of its portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form NPORT-P. The list of portfolio holdings is available free of charge on the SEC website and on our website.

 

This report is for the information of shareholders of The Growth Fund of America, but it also may be used as sales literature when preceded or accompanied by the current prospectus or summary prospectus, which gives details about charges, expenses, investment objectives and operating policies of the fund. If used as sales material after June 30, 2024, this report must be accompanied by an American Funds statistical update for the most recently completed calendar quarter.

 

The S&P 500 Index (“Index”) is a product of S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC and/or its affiliates and has been licensed for use by Capital Group. Copyright © 2024 S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC, a division of S&P Global, and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. Redistribution or reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without written permission of S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC.

 

On or around July 1, 2024, American Funds Distributors, Inc. will be renamed Capital Client Group, Inc.

 

Since 1931, Capital Group, home of American Funds, has helped investors pursue long-term investment success. Our consistent approach — in combination with The Capital SystemTM — has resulted in superior outcomes.

 

  Aligned with investor success
  We base our decisions on a long-term perspective, which we believe aligns our goals with the interests of our clients. Our portfolio managers average 28 years of investment industry experience, including 22 years at our company, reflecting a career commitment to our long-term approach.1
   
  The Capital System
  The Capital System combines individual accountability with teamwork. Funds using The Capital System are divided into portions that are managed independently by investment professionals with diverse backgrounds, ages and investment approaches. An extensive global research effort is the backbone of our system.
   
  American Funds’ superior outcomes
  Equity-focused funds have beaten their Lipper peer indexes in 84% of 10-year periods and 97% of 20-year periods.2 Relative to their peers, our fixed income funds have helped investors achieve better diversification through attention to correlation between bonds and equities.3 Fund management fees have been among the lowest in the industry.4
   
  1 Investment industry experience as of December 31, 2023.
  2 Based on Class F-2 share results for rolling monthly 10- and 20-year periods starting with the first 10- or 20-year period after each mutual fund’s inception through December 31, 2023. Periods covered are the shorter of the fund’s lifetime or since the comparable Lipper index inception date (except Capital Income Builder and SMALLCAP World Fund, for which the Lipper average was used). Expenses differ for each share class, so results will vary. Past results are not predictive of results in future periods.
  3 Based on Class F-2 share results as of December 31, 2023. Thirteen of the 18 fixed income American Funds that have been in existence for the three-year period showed a three-year correlation lower than their respective Morningstar peer group averages. S&P 500 Index was used as an equity market proxy. Correlation based on monthly total returns. Correlation is a statistical measure of how a security and an index move in relation to each other. A correlation ranges from -1 to 1. A positive correlation close to 1 implies that as one moved, either up or down, the other moved in “lockstep,” in the same direction. A negative correlation close to -1 indicates the two have moved in the opposite direction.
  4 On average, our mutual fund management fees were in the lowest quintile 55% of the time, based on the 20-year period ended December 31, 2023, versus comparable Lipper categories, excluding funds of funds.

 

Class F-2 shares were first offered on August 1, 2008. Class F-2 share results prior to the date of first sale are hypothetical based on the results of the original share class of the fund without a sales charge, adjusted for typical estimated expenses. Results for certain funds with an inception date after August 1, 2008, also include hypothetical returns because those funds’ Class F-2 shares sold after the funds’ date of first offering. Refer to capitalgroup.com for more information on specific expense adjustments and the actual dates of first sale.

 

Capital Group manages equity assets through three investment groups. These groups make investment and proxy voting decisions independently. Fixed income investment professionals provide fixed income research and investment management across the Capital organization; however, for securities with equity characteristics, they act solely on behalf of one of the three equity investment groups.

 

All Capital Group trademarks mentioned are owned by The Capital Group Companies, Inc., an affiliated company or fund. All other company and product names mentioned are the property of their respective companies.

 

 

 

ITEM 2 – Code of Ethics

 

Not applicable for filing of semi-annual reports to shareholders.

 

ITEM 3 – Audit Committee Financial Expert

 

Not applicable for filing of semi-annual reports to shareholders.

 

ITEM 4 – Principal Accountant Fees and Services

 

Not applicable for filing of semi-annual reports to shareholders.

 

ITEM 5 – Audit Committee of Listed Registrants

 

Not applicable to this Registrant, insofar as the Registrant is not a listed issuer as defined in Rule 10A-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 

ITEM 6 – Schedule of Investments

 

Not applicable, insofar as the schedule is included as part of the report to shareholders filed under Item 1 of this Form.

 

ITEM 7 – Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

 

Not applicable to this Registrant, insofar as the Registrant is not a closed-end management investment company.

 

ITEM 8 – Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies

 

Not applicable to this Registrant, insofar as the Registrant is not a closed-end management investment company.

 

ITEM 9 – Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers

 

Not applicable to this Registrant, insofar as the Registrant is not a closed-end management investment company.

 

ITEM 10 – Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

 

There have been no material changes to the procedures by which shareholders may recommend nominees to the Registrant’s board of trustees since the Registrant last submitted a proxy statement to its shareholders. The procedures are as follows. The Registrant has a nominating and governance committee comprised solely of persons who are not considered ‘‘interested persons’’ of the Registrant within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. The committee periodically reviews such issues as the board’s composition, responsibilities, committees, compensation and other relevant issues, and recommends any appropriate changes to the full board of trustees. While the committee normally is able to identify from its own resources an ample number of qualified candidates, it will consider shareholder suggestions of persons to be considered as nominees to fill future vacancies on the board. Such suggestions must be sent in writing to the nominating and governance committee of the Registrant, c/o the Registrant’s Secretary, and must be accompanied by complete biographical and occupational data on the prospective nominee, along with a written consent of the prospective nominee for consideration of his or her name by the nominating and governance committee.

 

ITEM 11 – Controls and Procedures

 

(a) The Registrant’s Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer have concluded, based on their evaluation of the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rule 30a-3 under the Investment Company Act of 1940), that such controls and procedures are adequate and reasonably designed to achieve the purposes described in paragraph (c) of such rule.
   
(b)

There were no changes in the Registrant’s internal controls over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) that occurred during the Registrant’s semi-annual period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

ITEM 12 – Disclosure of Securities Lending Activities for Closed-End Management Investment Companies

 

Not applicable to this Registrant, insofar as the Registrant is not a closed-end management investment company.

 

ITEM 13 – Exhibits

 

(a)(1) Not applicable for filing of semi-annual reports to shareholders.
   

(a)(2) The certifications required by Rule 30a-2 of the Investment Company Act of 1940 and Sections 302 and 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 are attached as exhibits hereto.

 

 
 

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.

 

  THE GROWTH FUND OF AMERICA
   
  By __/s/ Walter R. Burkley____________________
 

Walter R. Burkley,

Principal Executive Officer

   
  Date: April 30, 2024

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

 

 

By __/s/ Walter R. Burkley_________________

Walter R. Burkley,

Principal Executive Officer

 
Date: April 30, 2024

 

 

 

By ___/s/ Hong T. Le    __________

Hong T. Le, Treasurer and

Principal Financial Officer

 
Date: April 30, 2024