N-CSRS 1 a_multicapgro.htm PUTNAM MULTI-CAP GROWTH FUND a_multicapgro.htm


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM N-CSR

CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED
MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES




Investment Company Act file number: (811-06128)
Exact name of registrant as specified in charter: Putnam Multi-Cap Growth Fund
Address of principal executive offices: One Post Office Square, Boston, Massachusetts 02109
Name and address of agent for service: Robert T. Burns, Vice President
One Post Office Square
Boston, Massachusetts 02109
Copy to:         Bryan Chegwidden, Esq.
Ropes & Gray LLP
1211 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10036
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (617) 292-1000
Date of fiscal year end: June 30, 2017
Date of reporting period: July 1, 2016 — December 31, 2016



Item 1. Report to Stockholders:

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




Putnam
Multi-Cap Growth
Fund

Semiannual report
12 | 31 | 16

Message from the Trustees  1 

About the fund  2 

Interview with your fund’s portfolio manager  5 

Your fund’s performance  9 

Your fund’s expenses  10 

Terms and definitions  12 

Other information for shareholders  13 

Financial statements  14 

 

Consider these risks before investing: Stock values may fall or fail to rise over time for a variety of reasons, including general financial market conditions and factors related to a specific issuer or industry. Growth stocks may be more susceptible to earnings disappointments, and the market may not favor growth-style investing. Investments in small and/or midsize companies increase the risk of greater price fluctuations. You can lose money by investing in the fund.



Message from the Trustees

February 8, 2017

Dear Fellow Shareholder:

With 2017 under way, investor sentiment generally brightened at the prospect of moving beyond the challenges of the past year, when politics tested markets. Fortunately, market turbulence in the aftermath of key political events was in many cases followed by impressive rebounds, and annual performance in most global financial markets exceeded expectations.

Of course, uncertainties and macroeconomic risks do not simply disappear with the close of the calendar year. Conditions in the bond market have changed given the shift in the potential for inflation. As such, we believe investors should continue to focus on time-tested strategies: maintain a well-diversified portfolio, keep a long-term view, and do not overreact to short-term market fluctuations. To help ensure that your portfolio is aligned with your individual goals, time horizon, and tolerance for risk, we also believe it is a good idea to speak regularly with your financial advisor.

In today’s environment, we favor the investment approach practiced at Putnam — active strategies based on fundamental research. Putnam portfolio managers, backed by a network of global analysts, bring years of experience to navigating changing market conditions and pursuing investment opportunities. In the following pages, you will find an overview of your fund’s performance for the reporting period ended December 31, 2016, as well as an outlook for the coming months.

As always, thank you for investing with Putnam.








Current performance may be lower or higher than the quoted past performance, which cannot guarantee future results. Share price, principal value, and return will fluctuate, and you may have a gain or a loss when you sell your shares. Performance of class A shares assumes reinvestment of distributions and does not account for taxes. Fund returns in the bar chart do not reflect a sales charge of 5.75%; had they, returns would have been lower. See below and pages 9–10 for additional performance information. For a portion of the periods, the fund had expense limitations, without which returns would have been lower. To obtain the most recent month-end performance, visit putnam.com.

* Returns for the six-month period are not annualized, but cumulative.


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

4   Multi-Cap Growth Fund 

 





Robert M. Brookby
Portfolio Manager

Rob has an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School and a B.A. from Northwestern University. He joined Putnam in 2008 and has been in the investment industry since 1999.

Rob, how was the environment for stock market investing during the six-month reporting period ended December 31, 2016?

U.S. stocks ended the period with solid gains despite some challenges and volatility for financial markets. The period began in July 2016, on the heels of a brief, but sharp, market decline. Market volatility had spiked in late June in response to Brexit — the decision by United Kingdom voters to leave the European Union. U.S. stock prices plummeted by more than 5% in the two days after the vote, followed by a dramatic three-day recovery.

July brought a calm advance for the stock market that continued throughout the summer before weakening in the weeks leading up to the U.S. presidential election. In the election’s aftermath, however, stock performance surged in anticipation of a new administration and the potential for corporate tax cuts, increased infrastructure spending, and a looser regulatory environment for many businesses. While most market observers expected post-election turmoil, many major U.S. stock market indexes hit record highs throughout the fourth quarter and ended the year on a positive note.

Multi-Cap Growth Fund   5 

 




Allocations are shown as a percentage of the fund’s net assets as of 12/31/16. Cash and net other assets, if any, represent the market value weights of cash, derivatives, short-term securities, and other unclassified assets in the portfolio. Summary information may differ from the portfolio schedule included in the financial statements due to the inclusion of derivative securities, any interest accruals, the exclusion of as-of trades, if any, the use of different classifications of securities for presentation purposes, and rounding. Holdings and allocations may vary over time.


This table shows the fund’s top 10 holdings by percentage of the fund’s net assets as of 12/31/16. Short-term investments and derivatives, if any, are excluded. Holdings may vary over time.

6   Multi-Cap Growth Fund 

 



How did the fund perform for the reporting period?

I am pleased to report that the fund gained 8.29%, outperforming its benchmark, the Russell 3000 Growth Index, which returned 6.18%, and funds in its Lipper peer group, which returned an average of 4.99%.

What are some holdings that helped fund performance?

The top contributor to relative performance was the fund’s investment in Bank of America. Despite volatility in the first half of the year, the stock soared in late 2016 in response to the Federal Reserve’s December interest-rate hike and post-election expectations for loosening regulations in the banking industry. The interest-rate hike was also helpful for financial services firm Charles Schwab, the second-best performer in the fund’s portfolio for the period. A rising-rate environment tends to be positive for Schwab’s business model.

Another portfolio highlight was Union Pacific, a U.S. railroad company that transports freight across 23 states. Rebounds in energy and commodity prices were beneficial for the company, which had been struggling with declines in demand and shipment volumes. In addition, the stock performed well as investors considered the potential for corporate tax reform under the Trump administration. A lower tax rate would be particularly helpful for U.S.-based companies like Union Pacific.

The stock of Alphabet, formerly known as Google, was also among the top contributors to fund performance for the period. Investors have responded positively to the company’s reorganization, which was announced in August 2015. In addition, investors were pleased during the period when the company — which had amassed significant levels of cash —announced a $7 billion stock buyback and delivered better-than-expected third-quarter earnings and revenue.

What are some holdings or strategies that detracted from performance for the period?

The top detractor for the period was the stock of Jazz Pharmaceuticals, which was hurt mainly by pre-election rhetoric that focused on drug pricing. As the U.S. presidential election approached, renewed media attention on escalating costs of prescription drugs created headwinds for the entire pharmaceutical industry. Although Jazz stock recovered in the aftermath of the election, drug-pricing pressure is likely to continue under the new administration.

The fund’s investment in Allergan, a specialty pharmaceutical company, had a negative impact on performance for the period. This company was also pressured by the issue of prescription drug affordability, but the stock’s weakness was due in large part to investor disappointment after Allergan’s planned merger with Pfizer was terminated in April 2016. By the close of the period, we had trimmed the fund’s position in Allergan as we became more concerned about its business model in the current environment.

Performance was also dampened by our decision to maintain underweight positions versus the benchmark in Apple and Microsoft, both of which performed well for the period.

As the fund begins a new fiscal year, what is your outlook for the markets and the economy?

The most notable event for U.S. financial markets was the surprise outcome of the U.S. presidential election. Stock performance and investor sentiment soared in the closing weeks of 2016 as investors anticipated a more business-friendly administration. Some of

Multi-Cap Growth Fund   7 

 



this euphoria may be justified, and stocks and earnings could continue to strengthen in the months ahead. However, many investors seem to be overlooking uncertainties that could interrupt, or even derail, the market’s momentum, particularly the ability of the new administration to quickly achieve policy changes.

Looking beyond the geopolitical and macroeconomic risks, I believe many companies are innovating in ways that will enable them to grow and capture additional market share. The key to my investment strategy is to use disciplined fundamental research and analysis to find companies with fundamental strength, a competitive edge, and the potential to produce strong profits.

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

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

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


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

Data in chart reflect a new classification methodology put into effect on 9/1/16.

8   Multi-Cap Growth Fund 

 



Your fund’s performance

This section shows your fund’s performance, price, and distribution information for periods ended December 31, 2016, the end of the first half of its current fiscal year. In accordance with regulatory requirements for mutual funds, we also include expense information taken from the fund’s current prospectus. Performance should always be considered in light of a fund’s investment strategy. Data represent past performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. More recent returns may be less or more than those shown. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, and you may have a gain or a loss when you sell your shares. Performance information does not reflect any deduction for taxes a shareholder may owe on fund distributions or on the redemption of fund shares. For the most recent month-end performance, please visit the Individual Investors section at putnam.com or call Putnam at 1-800-225-1581. Class R and Y shares are not available to all investors. See the Terms and Definitions section in this report for definitions of the share classes offered by your fund.

Fund performance Total return for periods ended 12/31/16

  Annual                 
  average    Annual    Annual    Annual     
  (life of fund) 10 years average  5 years  average  3 years  average  1 year  6 months 

Class A (8/31/90)                   
Before sales charge  11.02%  87.50%  6.49%  93.27%  14.09%  21.52%  6.71%  7.65%  8.29% 

After sales charge  10.78  76.72  5.86  82.15  12.74  14.53  4.63  1.46  2.06 

Class B (3/1/93)                   
Before CDSC  10.77  76.58  5.85  86.13  13.23  18.83  5.92  6.85  7.90 

After CDSC  10.77  76.58  5.85  84.13  12.99  16.13  5.11  1.85  2.90 

Class C (7/26/99)                   
Before CDSC  10.20  74.00  5.69  86.11  13.23  18.82  5.92  6.83  7.88 

After CDSC  10.20  74.00  5.69  86.11  13.23  18.82  5.92  5.83  6.88 

Class M (12/1/94)                   
Before sales charge  10.46  78.33  5.96  88.46  13.51  19.72  6.18  7.10  8.02 

After sales charge  10.31  72.09  5.58  81.86  12.71  15.53  4.93  3.35  4.24 

Class R (1/21/03)                   
Net asset value  10.75  82.85  6.22  90.85  13.80  20.63  6.45  7.38  8.17 

Class Y (7/19/94)                   
Net asset value  11.26  92.26  6.76  95.69  14.37  22.44  6.98  7.91  8.43 

 

Current performance may be lower or higher than the quoted past performance, which cannot guarantee future results. After-sales-charge returns for class A and M shares reflect the deduction of the maximum 5.75% and 3.50% sales charge, respectively, levied at the time of purchase. Class B share returns after contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) reflect the applicable CDSC, which is 5% in the first year, declining over time to 1% in the sixth year, and is eliminated thereafter. Class C share returns after CDSC reflect a 1% CDSC for the first year that is eliminated thereafter. Class R and Y shares have no initial sales charge or CDSC. Performance for class B, C, M, R, and Y shares before their inception is derived from the historical performance of class A shares, adjusted for the applicable sales charge (or CDSC) and the higher operating expenses for such shares, except for class Y shares, for which 12b-1 fees are not applicable.

Recent performance may have benefited from one or more legal settlements.

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

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

Multi-Cap Growth Fund   9 

 



Comparative index returns For periods ended 12/31/16

  Annual                 
  average    Annual    Annual    Annual     
  (life of fund)  10 years  average  5 years  average  3 years  average  1 year  6 months 

Russell 3000                   
Growth Index  9.24%  121.63%  8.28%  96.25%  14.44%  26.91%  8.27%  7.39%  6.18% 

Lipper Multi-Cap                   
Growth Funds  9.80  95.26  6.80  80.91  12.49  15.07  4.71  2.81  4.99 
category average*                   

 

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

* Over the 6-month, 1-year, 3-year, 5-year, 10-year, and life-of-fund periods ended 12/31/16 , there were 596, 591, 513, 443, 305, and 44 funds, respectively, in this Lipper category.

Fund price and distribution information For the six-month period ended 12/31/16

Share value  Class A  Class B  Class C  Class M  Class R  Class Y 

  Before  After  Net  Net  Before  After  Net  Net 
  sales  sales  asset  asset  sales  sales  asset  asset 
  charge  charge  value  value  charge  charge  value  value 

6/30/16  $67.21  $71.31  $53.91  $58.28  $59.09  $61.23  $65.36  $71.44 

12/31/16  72.78  77.22  58.17  62.87  63.83  66.15  70.70  77.46 

 

The classification of distributions, if any, is an estimate. Before-sales-charge share value and current dividend rate for class A and M shares, if applicable, do not take into account any sales charge levied at the time of purchase. After-sales-charge share value, current dividend rate, and current 30-day SEC yield, if applicable, are calculated assuming that the maximum sales charge (5.75% for class A shares and 3.50% for class M shares) was levied at the time of purchase. Final distribution information will appear on your year-end tax forms.

The fund made no distributions during the period.

Your fund’s expenses

As a mutual fund investor, you pay ongoing expenses, such as management fees, distribution fees (12b-1 fees), and other expenses. Using the following information, you can estimate how these expenses affect your investment and compare them with the expenses of other funds. You may also pay one-time transaction expenses, including sales charges (loads) and redemption fees, which are not shown in this section and would have resulted in higher total expenses. For more information, see your fund’s prospectus or talk to your financial representative.

Expense ratios

  Class A  Class B  Class C  Class M  Class R  Class Y 

Total annual operating             
expenses for the fiscal year             
ended 6/30/16*  1.05%  1.80%  1.80%  1.55%  1.30%  0.80% 

Annualized expense ratio for             
the six-month period ended             
12/31/16  1.02%  1.77%  1.77%  1.52%  1.27%  0.77% 

 

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

Expenses are shown as a percentage of average net assets.

* Restated to reflect current fees resulting from a change to the fund’s investor servicing arrangements effective 9/1/16.

Includes a decrease of 0.04% from annualizing the performance fee adjustment for the six months ended 12/31/16.

10   Multi-Cap Growth Fund 

 



Expenses per $1,000

The following table shows the expenses you would have paid on a $1,000 investment in each class of the fund from 7/1/16 to 12/31/16. It also shows how much a $1,000 investment would be worth at the close of the period, assuming actual returns and expenses.

  Class A  Class B  Class C  Class M  Class R  Class Y 

Expenses paid per $1,000 *†  $5.36  $9.28  $9.27  $7.97  $6.66  $4.05 

Ending value (after expenses)  $1,082.90  $1,079.00  $1,078.80  $1,080.20  $1,081.70  $1,084.30 

 

* Expenses for each share class are calculated using the fund’s annualized expense ratio for each class, which represents the ongoing expenses as a percentage of average net assets for the six months ended 12/31/16. The expense ratio may differ for each share class.

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

Estimate the expenses you paid

To estimate the ongoing expenses you paid for the six months ended 12/31/16, use the following calculation method. To find the value of your investment on 7/1/16, call Putnam at 1-800-225-1581.


Compare expenses using the SEC’s method

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

  Class A  Class B  Class C  Class M  Class R  Class Y 

Expenses paid per $1,000 *†  $5.19  $9.00  $9.00  $7.73  $6.46  $3.92 

Ending value (after expenses)  $1,020.06  $1,016.28  $1,016.28  $1,017.54  $1,018.80  $1,021.32 

 

* Expenses for each share class are calculated using the fund’s annualized expense ratio for each class, which represents the ongoing expenses as a percentage of average net assets for the six months ended 12/31/16. The expense ratio may differ for each share class.

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

Multi-Cap Growth Fund   11 

 



Terms and definitions

Important terms

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

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

After sales charge is the price of a mutual fund share plus the maximum sales charge levied at the time of purchase. After-sales-charge performance figures shown here assume the 5.75% maximum sales charge for class A shares and 3.50% for class M shares.

Contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) is generally a charge applied at the time of the redemption of class B or C shares and assumes redemption at the end of the period. Your fund’s class B CDSC declines over time from a 5% maximum during the first year to 1% during the sixth year. After the sixth year, the CDSC no longer applies. The CDSC for class C shares is 1% for one year after purchase.

Share classes

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

Class B shares are not subject to an initial sales charge and may be subject to a CDSC.

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

Class M shares have a lower initial sales charge and a higher 12b-1 fee than class A shares and no CDSC.

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

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

Comparative indexes

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

BofA Merrill Lynch U.S. 3-Month Treasury Bill Index is an unmanaged index that seeks to measure the performance of U.S. Treasury bills available in the marketplace.

Russell 3000 Growth Index is an unmanaged index of those companies in the broad-market Russell 3000 Index chosen for their growth orientation.

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

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

Frank Russell Company is the source and owner of the trademarks, service marks, and copyrights related to the Russell Indexes. Russell® is a trademark of Frank Russell Company.

Lipper is a third-party industry-ranking entity that ranks mutual funds. Its rankings do not reflect sales charges. Lipper rankings are based on total return at net asset value relative to other funds that have similar current investment styles or objectives as determined by Lipper. Lipper may change a fund’s category assignment at its discretion. Lipper category averages reflect performance trends for funds within a category.

12   Multi-Cap Growth Fund 

 



Other information for shareholders

Important notice regarding delivery of shareholder documents

In accordance with Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regulations, Putnam sends a single copy of annual and semiannual shareholder reports, prospectuses, and proxy statements to Putnam shareholders who share the same address, unless a shareholder requests otherwise. If you prefer to receive your own copy of these documents, please call Putnam at 1-800-225-1581, and Putnam will begin sending individual copies within 30 days.

Proxy voting

Putnam is committed to managing our mutual funds in the best interests of our shareholders. The Putnam funds’ proxy voting guidelines and procedures, as well as information regarding how your fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the 12-month period ended June 30, 2016, are available in the Individual Investors section of putnam.com, and on the SEC’s website, www.sec.gov. If you have questions about finding forms on the SEC’s website, you may call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. You may also obtain the Putnam funds’ proxy voting guidelines and procedures at no charge by calling Putnam’s Shareholder Services at 1-800-225-1581.

Fund portfolio holdings

The fund will file a complete schedule of its portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. Shareholders may obtain the fund’s Form N-Q on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. In addition, the fund’s Form N-Q may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. You may call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for information about the SEC’s website or the operation of the Public Reference Room.

Trustee and employee fund ownership

Putnam employees and members of the Board of Trustees place their faith, confidence, and, most importantly, investment dollars in Putnam mutual funds. As of December 31, 2016, Putnam employees had approximately $454,000,000 and the Trustees had approximately $132,000,000 invested in Putnam mutual funds. These amounts include investments by the Trustees’ and employees’ immediate family members as well as investments through retirement and deferred compensation plans.

Multi-Cap Growth Fund   13 

 



Financial statements

These sections of the report, as well as the accompanying Notes, constitute the fund’s financial statements.

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

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

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

Statement of changes in net assets shows how the fund’s net assets were affected by the fund’s net investment gain or loss, by distributions to shareholders, and by changes in the number of the fund’s shares. It lists distributions and their sources (net investment income or realized capital gains) over the current reporting period and the most recent fiscal year-end. The distributions listed here may not match the sources listed in the Statement of operations because the distributions are determined on a tax basis and may be paid in a different period from the one in which they were earned. Dividend sources are estimated at the time of declaration. Actual results may vary. Any non-taxable return of capital cannot be determined until final tax calculations are completed after the end of the fund’s fiscal year.

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

14   Multi-Cap Growth Fund 

 



The fund’s portfolio 12/31/16 (Unaudited)

COMMON STOCKS (97.9%)*  Shares  Value 

Aerospace and defense (3.3%)     

Northrop Grumman Corp.  288,749  $67,157,242 

Raytheon Co.  103,400  14,682,800 

United Technologies Corp.  341,700  37,457,154 

    119,297,196 

Banks (3.2%)     

Bank of America Corp.  3,937,800  87,025,380 

PacWest Bancorp  549,600  29,920,224 

    116,945,604 

Beverages (2.9%)     

Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV ADR (Belgium)  291,600  30,746,304 

Constellation Brands, Inc. Class A  115,800  17,753,298 

Monster Beverage Corp.   400,389  17,753,248 

PepsiCo, Inc.  372,600  38,985,138 

    105,237,988 

Biotechnology (5.2%)     

Amgen, Inc.  186,600  27,282,786 

Biogen, Inc.   153,500  43,529,530 

BioMarin Pharmaceutical, Inc.   173,300  14,356,172 

Celgene Corp.   731,868  84,713,721 

Gilead Sciences, Inc.  195,233  13,980,635 

Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.   76,500  5,635,755 

    189,498,599 

Building products (2.6%)     

Johnson Controls International PLC  2,323,600  95,709,084 

    95,709,084 

Capital markets (2.8%)     

Charles Schwab Corp. (The)  1,376,100  54,314,667 

KKR & Co. LP  649,600  9,997,344 

Morgan Stanley  860,500  36,356,125 

    100,668,136 

Chemicals (2.9%)     

Albemarle Corp.  357,500  30,773,600 

Sherwin-Williams Co. (The)  100,000  26,874,000 

Symrise AG (Germany)  494,661  30,087,383 

W.R. Grace & Co.  274,400  18,560,416 

    106,295,399 

Commercial services and supplies (1.4%)     

KAR Auction Services, Inc.  314,074  13,385,834 

Stericycle, Inc. S   169,600  13,065,984 

Waste Connections, Inc. (Canada)  308,500  24,245,015 

    50,696,833 

Consumer finance (1.2%)     

Oportun Financial Corp. (acquired 6/23/15, cost $1,831,199) (Private) F 

642,526  1,648,079 

Synchrony Financial  1,131,800  41,050,386 

    42,698,465 

Containers and packaging (1.2%)     

RPC Group PLC (United Kingdom)  1,606,067  21,011,612 

Sealed Air Corp.  537,100  24,352,114 

    45,363,726 

 

Multi-Cap Growth Fund   15 

 



COMMON STOCKS (97.9%)* cont.  Shares  Value 

Distributors (0.7%)     

LKQ Corp.   890,100  $27,281,565 

    27,281,565 

Diversified telecommunication services (0.3%)     

Zayo Group Holdings, Inc.   370,500  12,174,630 

    12,174,630 

Electric utilities (0.3%)     

Select Energy Services Class A  F   577,015  12,117,315 

    12,117,315 

Energy equipment and services (1.0%)     

Halliburton Co.  686,600  37,138,194 

    37,138,194 

Equity real estate investment trusts (REITs) (0.5%)     

Gaming and Leisure Properties, Inc. R   565,200  17,306,424 

    17,306,424 

Food and staples retail (2.5%)     

Costco Wholesale Corp.  107,300  17,179,803 

Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.  902,791  74,714,983 

    91,894,786 

Food products (0.2%)     

Mead Johnson Nutrition Co.  91,400  6,467,464 

    6,467,464 

Health-care equipment and supplies (5.7%)     

Becton Dickinson and Co.  265,400  43,936,970 

Boston Scientific Corp.   876,300  18,954,369 

C.R. Bard, Inc.  235,900  52,997,294 

Danaher Corp.  663,300  51,631,272 

GenMark Diagnostics, Inc. S   920,982  11,272,820 

Innocoll Holdings PLC (Ireland)   1,116,211  770,186 

Intuitive Surgical, Inc.   43,900  27,840,063 

    207,402,974 

Health-care providers and services (1.2%)     

Humana, Inc.  130,400  26,605,512 

Premier, Inc. Class A S   610,987  18,549,565 

    45,155,077 

Health-care technology (—%)     

HTG Molecular Diagnostics, Inc. Ω

370,078  828,975 

    828,975 

Hotels, restaurants, and leisure (1.7%)     

Dave & Buster’s Entertainment, Inc.   311,000  17,509,300 

Hilton Worldwide Holdings, Inc.  1,214,003  33,020,882 

Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc. S   1,394,800  13,180,860 

    63,711,042 

Household products (0.4%)     

Colgate-Palmolive Co.  220,000  14,396,800 

    14,396,800 

Insurance (0.5%)     

Prudential PLC (United Kingdom)  860,190  17,157,477 

    17,157,477 

 

16   Multi-Cap Growth Fund 

 



COMMON STOCKS (97.9%)* cont.  Shares  Value 

Internet and direct marketing retail (5.1%)     

Amazon.com, Inc.   161,477  $121,086,758 

Ctrip.com International, Ltd. ADR (China) S   241,500  9,660,000 

Delivery Hero Holding GmbH (acquired 6/12/15, cost $6,354,151)     

(Private) (Germany) F 

825  5,349,058 

Expedia, Inc.  168,500  19,087,680 

FabFurnish GmbH (acquired 8/2/13, cost $69) (Private) (Brazil) F 

104  82 

Global Fashion Group SA (acquired 8/2/13, cost $3,488,697)     

(Private) (Brazil)  F 

82,353  632,433 

New Bigfoot Other Assets GmbH (acquired 8/2/13, cost $69)     

(Private) (Brazil) F 

52  41 

New Middle East Other Assets GmbH (acquired 8/2/13, cost $29)     

(Private) (Brazil) F 

22  17 

Priceline Group, Inc. (The)   21,390  31,359,023 

    187,175,092 

Internet software and services (10.2%)     

Alibaba Group Holding, Ltd. ADR (China) S   333,350  29,271,464 

Alphabet, Inc. Class C   253,060  195,316,769 

Criteo SA ADR (France) S   415,300  17,060,524 

Facebook, Inc. Class A   740,313  85,173,011 

Instructure, Inc. S   221,800  4,336,190 

Shopify, Inc. Class A (Canada)   572,900  24,560,223 

Wix.com, Ltd. (Israel)   282,700  12,594,285 

    368,312,466 

IT Services (4.6%)     

Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp. Class A   209,400  11,732,682 

Fidelity National Information Services, Inc.  506,700  38,326,788 

Visa, Inc. Class A  1,517,900  118,426,558 

    168,486,028 

Life sciences tools and services (1.8%)     

Agilent Technologies, Inc.  1,445,900  65,875,204 

    65,875,204 

Machinery (2.1%)     

Dover Corp.  147,000  11,014,710 

Fortive Corp.  327,000  17,537,010 

Middleby Corp. (The) S   265,800  34,237,698 

Wabtec Corp. S   155,200  12,884,704 

    75,674,122 

Media (4.3%)     

Charter Communications, Inc. Class A   163,400  47,046,128 

Comcast Corp. Class A  260,000  17,953,000 

DISH Network Corp. Class A   199,500  11,557,035 

Live Nation Entertainment, Inc.   1,470,927  39,126,658 

Walt Disney Co. (The)  409,300  42,657,246 

    158,340,067 

Metals and mining (0.3%)     

Nucor Corp.  191,000  11,368,320 

    11,368,320 

 

Multi-Cap Growth Fund   17 

 



COMMON STOCKS (97.9%)* cont.  Shares  Value 

Oil, gas, and consumable fuels (2.4%)     

 
Anadarko Petroleum Corp.  498,700  $34,774,351 

EOG Resources, Inc.  341,400  34,515,540 

Pioneer Natural Resources Co.  95,800  17,250,706 

    86,540,597 

Personal products (0.5%)     

Edgewell Personal Care Co.   232,300  16,955,577 

    16,955,577 

Pharmaceuticals (2.1%)     

Allergan PLC S   196,500  41,266,965 

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.  259,700  15,176,868 

Cardiome Pharma Corp. (Canada)   934,800  2,580,048 

Jazz Pharmaceuticals PLC   155,067  16,906,955 

    75,930,836 

Professional services (0.5%)     

Equifax, Inc.  148,800  17,592,624 

    17,592,624 

Real estate management and development (0.3%)     

RE/MAX Holdings, Inc. Class A  204,355  11,443,880 

    11,443,880 

Road and rail (2.7%)     

Union Pacific Corp.  958,600  99,387,648 

    99,387,648 

Semiconductors and semiconductor equipment (4.0%)     

Applied Materials, Inc.  661,300  21,340,151 

Broadcom, Ltd.  276,000  48,788,520 

Micron Technology, Inc.   1,420,800  31,143,936 

NVIDIA Corp.  142,900  15,253,146 

SCREEN Holdings Co., Ltd. (Japan)  134,000  8,288,751 

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd. ADR (Taiwan) S   607,400  17,462,750 

Xilinx, Inc.  85,803  5,179,927 

    147,457,181 

Software (7.2%)     

Adobe Systems, Inc.   321,900  33,139,605 

Electronic Arts, Inc.   223,900  17,634,364 

Microsoft Corp.  1,998,100  124,161,934 

Mobileye NV (Israel) S   209,195  7,974,513 

Proofpoint, Inc. S   246,900  17,443,485 

salesforce.com, Inc.   396,600  27,151,236 

ServiceNow, Inc.   237,200  17,633,448 

SS&C Technologies Holdings, Inc.  607,540  17,375,644 

    262,514,229 

Specialty retail (3.5%)     

Home Depot, Inc. (The)  536,400  71,920,512 

TJX Cos., Inc. (The)  487,944  36,659,233 

Ulta Salon, Cosmetics & Fragrance, Inc.   70,700  18,024,258 

    126,604,003 

Technology hardware, storage, and peripherals (2.7%)     

Apple, Inc.  853,932  98,902,404 

    98,902,404 

 

18   Multi-Cap Growth Fund 

 



COMMON STOCKS (97.9%)* cont.  Shares  Value 

Textiles, apparel, and luxury goods (0.4%)     

NIKE, Inc. Class B  320,500  $16,291,015 

    16,291,015 

Trading companies and distributors (0.2%)     

United Rentals, Inc.   82,100  8,668,118 

    8,668,118 

Wireless telecommunication services (1.3%)     

T-Mobile US, Inc.   823,500  47,359,485 

    47,359,485 

Total common stocks (cost $2,879,412,457)    $3,576,322,649 

 
INVESTMENT COMPANIES (1.6%)*  Shares  Value 

Vanguard Consumer Discretionary ETF  440,200  $56,640,534 

Total investment companies (cost $58,041,660)    $56,640,534 

 
CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCKS (0.4%)*  Shares  Value 

Oportun Financial Corp. Ser. A-1, 8.00% cv. pfd. (acquired 6/23/15,     

cost $4,999) (Private) F 

1,754  $4,499 

Oportun Financial Corp. Ser. B-1, 8.00% cv. pfd. (acquired 6/23/15,     

cost $95,634) (Private) F 

30,360  86,071 

Oportun Financial Corp. Ser. C-1, 8.00% cv. pfd. (acquired 6/23/15,     

cost $224,601) (Private) F 

44,126  202,141 

Oportun Financial Corp. Ser. D-1, 8.00% cv. pfd. (acquired 6/23/15,     

cost $325,791) (Private) F 

64,006  293,211 

Oportun Financial Corp. Ser. E-1, 8.00% cv. pfd. (acquired 6/23/15,     

cost $182,702) (Private) F 

33,279  164,432 

Oportun Financial Corp. Ser. F, 8.00% cv. pfd. (acquired 6/23/15,     

cost $551,501) (Private) F 

71,810  496,351 

Oportun Financial Corp. Ser. F-1, 8.00% cv. pfd. (acquired 6/23/15,     

cost $1,546,855) (Private) F 

542,756  1,392,169 

Oportun Financial Corp. Ser. G, 8.00% cv. pfd. (acquired 6/23/15,     

cost $1,955,989) (Private) F 

686,312  1,760,390 

Oportun Financial Corp. Ser. H, 8.00% cv. pfd. (acquired 2/6/15,     

cost $5,967,941) (Private)  F 

2,096,000  5,371,147 

Ovid Therapeutics, Inc. 144A Ser. B, 8.00% cv. pfd. (acquired 8/10/15,     

cost $4,137,150) (Private) F 

664,069  3,351,091 

UNEXT.com, LLC zero % cv. pfd. (acquired 4/14/00, cost $10,451,238)     

(Private) F 

125,000   

Total convertible preferred stocks (cost $25,444,401)    $13,121,502 

 
  Principal   
MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES (—%)*  amount  Value 

Agency collateralized mortgage obligations (—%)     

Government National Mortgage Association, Ser. 12-7,     
Class MA 3.500%, 2/20/38 i   $630,931  $651,234 

Total Mortgage-backed securities (cost $651,234)    $651,234 

 

Multi-Cap Growth Fund   19 

 



  Expiration  Strike     
WARRANTS (—%)*   date  price  Warrants  Value 

Citigroup, Inc.  1/4/19  $106.10  1,682,858  $255,794 

Neuralstem, Inc. Ser. J (acquired 1/3/14,         

cost $—) F 

1/3/19  3.64  721,455   

Total warrants (cost $1,699,687)        $255,794 

 

  Principal amount/   
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS (5.1%)*    shares  Value 

Putnam Cash Collateral Pool, LLC 0.91%   Shares   151,122,675  $151,122,675 

Putnam Short Term Investment Fund 0.69% L   Shares   31,533,854  31,533,854 

State Street Institutional U.S. Government Money Market Fund,       
Premier Class 0.42%   Shares   2,288,000  2,288,000 

U.S. Treasury Bills 0.446%, 2/16/17    $340,000  339,817 

Total short-term investments (cost $185,284,338)      $185,284,346 

 

TOTAL INVESTMENTS   

Total investments (cost $3,150,533,777)  $3,832,276,059 

 

Key to holding’s abbreviations 
ADR  American Depository Receipts: represents ownership of foreign securities on deposit with a custodian bank 
ETF  Exchange Traded Fund 

 

Notes to the fund’s portfolio

Unless noted otherwise, the notes to the fund’s portfolio are for the close of the fund’s reporting period, which ran from July 1, 2016 through December 31, 2016 (the reporting period). Within the following notes to the portfolio, references to “ASC 820” represent Accounting Standards Codification 820 Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures and references to “OTC”, if any, represent over-the-counter.

* Percentages indicated are based on net assets of $3,654,025,632.

This security is non-income-producing.

This security is restricted with regard to public resale. The total fair value of this security and any other restricted securities (excluding 144A securities), if any, held at the close of the reporting period was $20,751,212, or 0.6% of net assets.

 Affiliated company (Note 5).

d Affiliated company. See Notes 1 and 5 to the financial statements regarding securities lending. The rate quoted in the security description is the annualized 7-day yield of the fund at the close of the reporting period.

F This security is valued by Putnam Management at fair value following procedures approved by the Trustees. Securities may be classified as Level 2 or Level 3 for ASC 820 based on the securities’ valuation inputs. At the close of the reporting period, fair value pricing was also used for certain foreign securities in the portfolio (Note 1).

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

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

P This security was pledged, or purchased with cash that was pledged, to the fund for collateral on certain derivative contracts. The rate quoted in the security description is the annualized 7-day yield of the fund at the close of the reporting period (Note 1).

R Real Estate Investment Trust.

S Security on loan, in part or in entirety, at the close of the reporting period (Note 1).

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

20   Multi-Cap Growth Fund 

 



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

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

FORWARD CURRENCY CONTRACTS at 12/31/16 (aggregate face value $112,296,947) (Unaudited) 

            Unrealized 
    Contract  Delivery    Aggregate  appreciation/ 
Counterparty  Currency  type  date  Value  face value  (depreciation) 

Bank of America N.A.             

  British Pound  Sell  3/16/17  $34,350,996  $35,310,947  $959,951 

JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.           

  Euro  Sell  3/16/17  64,528,192  65,531,435  1,003,243 

UBS AG             

  Euro  Sell  3/16/17  11,306,024  11,454,565  148,541 

Total            $2,111,735 

 

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

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

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

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

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

    Valuation inputs 

Investments in securities:  Level 1  Level 2  Level 3 

Common stocks *:       

Consumer discretionary  $573,421,153  $—­  $5,981,631 

Consumer staples  234,952,615  —­  —­ 

Energy  123,678,791  —­  —­ 

Financials  258,664,126  17,157,477  1,648,079 

Health care  584,691,665  —­  —­ 

Industrials  467,025,625  —­  —­ 

Information technology  1,037,383,557  8,288,751  —­ 

Materials  111,928,450  51,098,995  —­ 

Real estate  28,750,304  —­  —­ 

Telecommunication services  59,534,115  —­  —­ 

Utilities  —­  12,117,315  —­ 

Total common stocks  3,480,030,401  88,662,538  7,629,710 
 
Convertible preferred stocks  —­  —­  13,121,502 

Investment companies  56,640,534  —­  —­ 

Mortgage-backed securities  —­  651,234  —­ 

Warrants  255,794  —­  —­ 

Short-term investments  33,821,854  151,462,492  —­ 

Totals by level  $3,570,748,583  $240,776,264  $20,751,212 

 

Multi-Cap Growth Fund   21 

 



    Valuation inputs

Other financial instruments:  Level 1  Level 2  Level 3 

Forward currency contracts  $—­  $2,111,735  $—­ 

Totals by level  $—­  $2,111,735  $—­ 

 

* Common stock classifications are presented at the sector level, which may differ from the fund’s portfolio presentation.

During the reporting period, transfers within the fair value hierarchy, if any (other than certain transfers involving non-U.S. equity securities as described in Note 1), did not represent, in the aggregate, more than 1% of the fund’s net assets measured as of the end of the period. Transfers are accounted for using the end of period pricing valuation method.

At the start and close of the reporting period, Level 3 investments in securities represented less than 1% of the fund’s net assets and were not considered a significant portion of the fund’s portfolio.

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

22   Multi-Cap Growth Fund 

 



Statement of assets and liabilities 12/31/16 (Unaudited)

ASSETS   

Investment in securities, at value, including $148,077,031 of securities on loan (Note 1):   
Unaffiliated issuers (identified cost $2,963,198,400)  $3,648,790,555 
Affiliated issuers (identified cost $187,335,377) (Notes 1 and 5)  183,485,504 

Foreign currency (cost $12) (Note 1)  12 

Dividends, interest and other receivables  3,733,575 

Receivable for shares of the fund sold  1,189,072 

Receivable for investments sold  1,340,554 

Unrealized appreciation on forward currency contracts (Note 1)  2,111,735 

Prepaid assets  54,479 

Total assets  3,840,705,486 

 
LIABILITIES   

Payable for investments purchased  20,717,408 

Payable for shares of the fund repurchased  3,205,195 

Payable for compensation of Manager (Note 2)  1,594,665 

Payable for custodian fees (Note 2)  36,328 

Payable for investor servicing fees (Note 2)  1,877,834 

Payable for Trustee compensation and expenses (Note 2)  2,387,038 

Payable for administrative services (Note 2)  37,792 

Payable for distribution fees (Note 2)  2,236,192 

Collateral on securities loaned, at value (Note 1)  151,122,675 

Collateral on certain derivative contracts, at value (Note 1)  2,939,234 

Other accrued expenses  525,493 

Total liabilities  186,679,854 
 
Net assets  $3,654,025,632 

 
REPRESENTED BY   

Paid-in capital (Unlimited shares authorized) (Notes 1 and 4)  $3,018,640,020 

Undistributed net investment income (Note 1)  11,752,029 

Accumulated net realized loss on investments and foreign currency transactions (Note 1)  (60,218,472) 

Net unrealized appreciation of investments and assets and liabilities in foreign currencies  683,852,055 

Total — Representing net assets applicable to capital shares outstanding  $3,654,025,632 

 

(Continued on next page)

Multi-Cap Growth Fund   23 

 



Statement of assets and liabilities cont.

COMPUTATION OF NET ASSET VALUE AND OFFERING PRICE   

Net asset value and redemption price per class A share   
($3,322,296,282 divided by 45,649,494 shares)  $72.78 

Offering price per class A share (100/94.25 of $72.78)*  $77.22 

Net asset value and offering price per class B share ($59,687,822 divided by 1,026,173 shares)**  $58.17 

Net asset value and offering price per class C share ($61,212,733 divided by 973,619 shares)**  $62.87 

Net asset value and redemption price per class M share ($46,809,796 divided by 733,343 shares)  $63.83 

Offering price per class M share (100/96.50 of $63.83)*  $66.15 

Net asset value, offering price and redemption price per class R share   
($6,642,190 divided by 93,955 shares)  $70.70 

Net asset value, offering price and redemption price per class Y share   
($157,376,809 divided by 2,031,636 shares)  $77.46 

 

* On single retail sales of less than $50,000. On sales of $50,000 or more the offering price is reduced.

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

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

24   Multi-Cap Growth Fund 

 



Statement of operations Six months ended 12/31/16 (Unaudited)

INVESTMENT INCOME   

Dividends (net of foreign tax of $103,916)  $30,078,003 

Interest (including interest income of $145,927 from investments in affiliated issuers) (Note 5)  147,992 

Securities lending (net of expenses) (Notes 1 and 5)  348,952 

Total investment income  30,574,947 

 
EXPENSES   

Compensation of Manager (Note 2)  9,608,769 

Investor servicing fees (Note 2)  3,806,406 

Custodian fees (Note 2)  28,781 

Trustee compensation and expenses (Note 2)  91,519 

Distribution fees (Note 2)  5,024,033 

Administrative services (Note 2)  65,799 

Other  620,756 

Total expenses  19,246,063 

 
Expense reduction (Note 2)  (53,474) 

Net expenses  19,192,589 
 
Net investment income  11,382,358 

Net realized gain on investments (Notes 1 and 3)  215,871,961 

Net realized gain on swap contracts (Note 1)  60,029 

Net realized gain on futures contracts (Note 1)  1,726,007 

Net realized gain on foreign currency transactions (Note 1)  4,418,483 

Net unrealized appreciation of assets and liabilities in foreign currencies during the period  1,785,077 

Net unrealized appreciation of investments, swap contracts and futures contracts   
during the period  54,472,372 

Net gain on investments  278,333,929 
 
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations  $289,716,287 

 

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

Multi-Cap Growth Fund   25 

 



Statement of changes in net assets

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS  Six months ended 12/31/16*  Year ended 6/30/16 

Operations     

Net investment income  $11,382,358  $1,782,596 

Net realized gain (loss) on investments     
and foreign currency transactions  222,076,480  (128,897,270) 

Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments     
and assets and liabilities in foreign currencies  56,257,449  (18,646,582) 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting     
from operations  289,716,287  (145,761,256) 

Distributions to shareholders (Note 1):     
From ordinary income     
Net investment income     

Class A    (17,296,398) 

Class M    (36,804) 

Class R    (20,857) 

Class Y    (1,100,351) 

Net realized short-term gain on investments     

Class A    (62,661,803) 

Class B    (1,636,870) 

Class C    (1,345,015) 

Class M    (1,116,124) 

Class R    (149,211) 

Class Y    (2,619,868) 

From return of capital     
Class A    (2,284,474) 

Class B    (59,676) 

Class C    (49,036) 

Class M    (40,691) 

Class R    (5,440) 

Class Y    (95,513) 

From net realized long-term gain on investments     
Class A    (301,726,337) 

Class B    (7,881,784) 

Class C    (6,476,457) 

Class M    (5,374,312) 

Class R    (718,472) 

Class Y    (12,615,071) 

Increase (decrease) from capital share transactions (Note 4)  (175,767,342)  109,391,332 

Total increase (decrease) in net assets  113,948,945  (461,680,488) 
 
NET ASSETS     

Beginning of period  3,540,076,687  4,001,757,175 

End of period (including undistributed net investment     
income of $11,752,029 and $369,671, respectively)  $3,654,025,632  $3,540,076,687 

 

* Unaudited.

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

26   Multi-Cap Growth Fund 

 


 

 

 

 

 


 

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Multi-Cap Growth Fund   27 

 



Financial highlights (For a common share outstanding throughout the period)

  INVESTMENT OPERATIONS      LESS DISTRIBUTIONS            RATIOS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA   
 
                            Ratio of net   
  Net asset  Net  Net realized      From              Ratio  investment   
  value,  investment and unrealized Total from  From  net realized      Non-recurring  Net asset  Total return  Net assets,  of expenses  income (loss)   
  beginning  income  gain (loss)  investment  net investment gain  From  Total  reimburse-­  value, end  at net asset  end of period  to average  to average  Portfolio 
Period ended­  of period­  (loss) a  on investments­  operations­  income­  on investments­ return of capital­  distributions  ments­  of period­  value (%) b  (in thousands)  net assets (%) c  net assets (%)  turnover (%) 

Class A­                               

December 31, 2016**   $67.21­  .23 i  5.34­  5.57­  —­  —­  —­  —­  —­  $72.78­  8.29 *  $3,322,296­  . 51*  .32*i  44* 

June 30, 2016­  78.35­  .05­  (2.64)  (2.59)  (.39)  (8.11)  (.05)  (8.55)  —­  67.21­  (3.56)  3,221,906­  1.03­d  .07­d  58­ 

June 30, 2015­  81.46­  .05­  6.70­  6.75­  (.24)  (9.62)  —­  (9.86)  —­  78.35­  8.53­  3,627,975­  1.04­  .06­  69­ 

June 30, 2014­  62.31­  .27­  19.05­  19.32­  (.17)  —­  —­  (.17)  —­  81.46­  31.03­  3,622,814­  1.04­  .37­  88­ 

June 30, 2013­  52.15­  .19­  10.20­  10.39­  (.23)  —­  —­  (.23)  —­  62.31­  19.98­  3,004,507­  1.08­  .32­  78­ 

June 30, 2012­  53.66­  .10­  (1.71)  (1.61)  —­  —­  —­  —­  .10­e,f,g,h  52.15­  (2.81)  2,822,270­  1.15­  .20­  57­ 

Class B­                               

December 31, 2016**   $53.91­  (.03) i  4.29­  4.26­  —­  —­  —­  —­  —­  $58.17­  7.90*  $59,688­  . 89 *  (.06)*i  44* 

June 30, 2016­  64.63­  (.39)  (2.17)  (2.56)  —­  (8.11)  (.05)  (8.16)  —­  53.91­  (4.30)  63,183­  1.78­d  (.68) d  58­ 

June 30, 2015­  69.07­  (.46)  5.64­  5.18­  —­  (9.62)  —­  (9.62)  —­  64.63­  7.73­  82,571­  1.79­  (.69)  69­ 

June 30, 2014­  53.11­  (.24)  16.20­  15.96­  —­  —­  —­  —­  —­  69.07­  30.05­  95,550­  1.79­  (.39)  88­ 

June 30, 2013­  44.60­  (.21)  8.72­  8.51­  —­  —­  —­  —­  —­  53.11­  19.08­  93,740­  1.83­  (.43)  78­ 

June 30, 2012­  46.24­  (.24)  (1.49)  (1.73)  —­  —­  —­  —­  .09­e,f,g,h  44.60­  (3.55)  103,691­  1.90­  (. 56)  57­ 

Class C­                               

December 31, 2016**   $58.28­  (.03) i  4.62­  4.59­  —­  —­  —­  —­  —­  $62.87­  7.88*  $61,213­  . 89 *  (.06)*i  44* 

June 30, 2016­  69.19­  (.41)  (2.34)  (2.75)  —­  (8.11)  (.05)  (8.16)  —­  58.28­  (4.29)  60,469­  1.78­d  (.68) d  58­ 

June 30, 2015­  73.30­  (.49)  6.00­  5.51­  —­  (9.62)  —­  (9.62)  —­  69.19­  7.74­  66,682­  1.79­  (.69)  69­ 

June 30, 2014­  56.37­  (.25)  17.18­  16.93­  —­  —­  —­  —­  —­  73.30­  30.03­  63,105­  1.79­  (.38)  88­ 

June 30, 2013­  47.33­  (.22)  9.26­  9.04­  —­  —­  —­  —­  —­  56.37­  19.10­  50,514­  1.83­  (.43)  78­ 

June 30, 2012­  49.07­  (.26)  (1.57)  (1.83)  —­  —­  —­  —­  .09­e,f,g,h  47.33­  (3.55)  47,333­  1.90­  (. 55)  57­ 

Class M­                               

December 31, 2016**   $59.09­  .04­i­  4.70­  4.74­  —­  —­  —­  —­  —­  $63.83­  8.02*  $46,810­  .77*  .07*i  44* 

June 30, 2016­  69.92­  (.27)  (2.35)  (2.62)  (.05)  (8.11)  (.05)  (8.21)  —­  59.09­  (4.05)  45,684­  1.53­d  (.43) d  58­ 

June 30, 2015­  73.81­  (.31)  6.04­  5.73­  —­  (9.62)  —­  (9.62)  —­  69.92­  8.00­  57,797­  1.54­  (.44)  69­ 

June 30, 2014­  56.62­  (.09)  17.28­  17.19­  —­  —­  —­  —­  —­  73.81­  30.36­  57,211­  1.54­  (.14)  88­ 

June 30, 2013­  47.42­  (.09)  9.29­  9.20­  —­  —­  —­  —­  —­  56.62­  19.40­  47,819­  1.58­  (.18)  78­ 

June 30, 2012­  49.05­  (.14)  (1.58)  (1.72)  —­  —­  —­  —­  .09­e,f,g,h  47.42­  (3.32)  46,932­  1.65­  (.30)  57­ 

Class R­                               

December 31, 2016**   $65.36­  .14­i­  5.20­  5.34­  —­  —­  —­  —­  —­  $70.70­  8.17*  $6,642­  .64*  .20 *i  44* 

June 30, 2016­  76.43­  (.12)  (2.59)  (2.71)  (.20)  (8.11)  (.05)  (8.36)  —­  65.36­  (3.82)  6,378­  1.28­d  (.17) d  58­ 

June 30, 2015­  79.65­  (.15)  6.56­  6.41­  (.01)  (9.62)  —­  (9.63)  —­  76.43­  8.28­  8,888­  1.29­  (.19)  69­ 

June 30, 2014­  60.96­  .09­  18.62­  18.71­  (.02)  —­  —­  (.02)  —­  79.65­  30.69­  9,313­  1.29­  .13­  88­ 

June 30, 2013­  51.03­  .05­  9.97­  10.02­  (.09)  —­  —­  (.09)  —­  60.96­  19.67­  7,381­  1.33­  .08­  78­ 

June 30, 2012­  52.64­  (.02)  (1.69)  (1.71)  —­  —­  —­  —­  .10­e,f,g,h  51.03­  (3.06)  7,457­  1.40­  (.05)  57­ 

Class Y­                               

December 31, 2016**   $71.44­  .34 i  5.68­  6.02­  —­  —­  —­  —­  —­  $77.46­  8.43*  $157,377­  .39*  .45*i  44* 

June 30, 2016­  82.75­  .24­  (2.80)  (2.56)  (. 59)  (8.11)  (.05)  (8.75)  —­  71.44­  (3.32)  142,456­  .78­d  .32­d  58­ 

June 30, 2015­  85.51­  .26­  7.04­  7.30­  (.44)  (9.62)  —­  (10.06)  —­  82.75­  8.80­  157,844­  .79­  .30­  69­ 

 
June 30, 2014­  65.37­  .47­  20.00­  20.47­  (.33)  —­  —­  (.33)  —­  85.51­  31.37­  173,998­  .79­  .62­  88­ 

June 30, 2013­  54.70­  .35­  10.69­  11.04­  (.37)  —­  —­  (.37)  —­  65.37­  20.27­  134,628­  .83­  . 57­  78­ 

June 30, 2012­  56.14­  .24­  (1.79)  (1.55)  —­  —­  —­  —­  .11­e,f,g,h  54.70­  (2.56)  115,279­  .90­  .45­  57­ 

 

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

28   Multi-Cap Growth Fund  Multi-Cap Growth Fund   29 

 



Financial highlights cont.

* Not annualized.

** Unaudited.

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

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

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

d Reflects a voluntary waiver of certain fund expenses in effect during the period. As a result of such waiver, the expenses of each class reflect a reduction of less than 0.01% as a percentage of average net assets.

e Reflects a non-recurring reimbursement pursuant to a settlement between the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Canadian Imperial Holdings, Inc./CIBC World Markets Corp. which amounted to $0.01 per share outstanding on February 24, 2012.

f Reflects a non-recurring reimbursement pursuant to a settlement between the SEC and Canadian Imperial Holdings, Inc./CIBC World Markets Corp. which amounted to less than $0.01 per share outstanding on November 29, 2011.

g Reflects a non-recurring reimbursement related to restitution amounts in connection with a distribution plan approved by the SEC which amounted to the following amounts per share outstanding on July 21, 2011:

  Per share 

Class A  $0.09 

Class B  0.07 

Class C  0.08 

Class M  0.08 

Class R  0.08 

Class Y  0.09 

 

h Reflects a non-recurring reimbursement pursuant to a settlement between the SEC and Southwest Securities, Inc. which amounted to less than $0.01 per share outstanding on August 22, 2011.

i Reflects a dividend received by the fund from a single issuer which amounted to the following amounts:

    Percentage of 
  Per share  average net assets 

Class A  $0.21  0.30% 

Class B  0.17  0.29 

Class C  0.18  0.30 

Class M  0.19  0.30 

Class R  0.21  0.30 

Class Y  0.23  0.30 

 

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

30   Multi-Cap Growth Fund 

 



Notes to financial statements 12/31/16 (Unaudited)

Within the following Notes to financial statements, references to “State Street” represent State Street Bank and Trust Company, references to “the SEC” represent the Securities and Exchange Commission, references to “Putnam Management” represent Putnam Investment Management, LLC, the fund’s manager, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Putnam Investments, LLC and references to “OTC”, if any, represent over-the-counter. Unless otherwise noted, the “reporting period” represents the period from July 1, 2016 through December 31, 2016.

Putnam Multi-Cap Growth Fund (the fund) is a Massachusetts business trust, which is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, as a diversified, open-end management investment company. The goal of the fund is to seek long-term capital appreciation. The fund invests mainly in common stocks of U.S. companies of any size, with a focus on growth stocks. Growth stocks are issued by companies whose earnings are expected to grow faster than those of similar firms, and whose business growth and other characteristics may lead to an increase in stock price. Putnam Management may consider, among other factors, a company’s valuation, financial strength, growth potential, competitive position in its industry, projected future earnings, cash flows and dividends when deciding whether to buy or sell investments.

The fund offers class A, class B, class C, class M, class R and class Y shares. Class A and class M shares are sold with a maximum front-end sales charge of 5.75% and 3.50%, respectively. Class A shares generally are not subject to a contingent deferred sales charge, and class M, class R and class Y shares are not subject to a contingent deferred sales charge. Class B shares, which convert to class A shares after approximately eight years, are not subject to a front-end sales charge and are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge if those shares are redeemed within six years of purchase. Class C shares are subject to a one-year 1.00% contingent deferred sales charge and do not convert to class A shares. Class R shares, which are not available to all investors, are sold at net asset value. The expenses for class A, class B, class C, class M and class R shares may differ based on the distribution fee of each class, which is identified in Note 2. Class Y shares, which are sold at net asset value, are generally subject to the same expenses as class A, class B, class C, class M and class R shares, but do not bear a distribution fee. Class Y shares are not available to all investors.

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

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

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

Note 1: Significant accounting policies

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

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

Multi-Cap Growth Fund   31 

 



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

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

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

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

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

To the extent a pricing service or dealer is unable to value a security or provides a valuation that Putnam Management does not believe accurately reflects the security’s fair value, the security will be valued at fair value by Putnam Management in accordance with policies and procedures approved by the Trustees. Certain investments, including certain restricted and illiquid securities and derivatives, are also valued at fair value following procedures approved by the Trustees. These valuations consider such factors as significant market or specific security events such as interest rate or credit quality changes, various relationships with other securities, discount rates, U.S. Treasury, U.S. swap and credit yields, index levels, convexity exposures, recovery rates, sales and other multiples and resale restrictions. These securities are classified as Level 2 or as Level 3 depending on the priority of the significant inputs.

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

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

Interest income, net of any applicable withholding taxes, is recorded on the accrual basis. Dividend income, net of any applicable withholding taxes, is recognized on the ex-dividend date except that certain dividends from

32   Multi-Cap Growth Fund 

 



foreign securities, if any, are recognized as soon as the fund is informed of the ex-dividend date. Non-cash dividends, if any, are recorded at the fair value of the securities received. Dividends representing a return of capital or capital gains, if any, are reflected as a reduction of cost and/or as a realized gain.

All premiums/discounts are amortized/accreted on a yield-to-maturity basis.

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

Futures contracts The fund uses futures contracts to equitize cash.

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

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

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

Forward currency contracts The fund buys and sells forward currency contracts, which are agreements between two parties to buy and sell currencies at a set price on a future date. These contracts are used to hedge foreign exchange risk.

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

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

Total return swap contracts The fund entered into OTC total return swap contracts, which are arrangements to exchange a market-linked return for a periodic payment, both based on a notional principal amount, to gain exposure to specific markets or countries and to gain exposure to specific sectors or industries.

To the extent that the total return of the security, index or other financial measure underlying the transaction exceeds or falls short of the offsetting interest rate obligation, the fund will receive a payment from or make a payment to the counterparty. OTC total return swap contracts are marked to market daily based upon quotations from an independent pricing service or market makers and the change, if any, is recorded as an unrealized gain or loss. Payments received or made are recorded as realized gains or losses. Certain OTC total return swap contracts may include extended effective dates. Payments related to these swap contracts are accrued based on the terms of the contract. The fund could be exposed to credit or market risk due to unfavorable changes in the fluctuation

Multi-Cap Growth Fund   33 

 



of interest rates or in the price of the underlying security or index, the possibility that there is no liquid market for these agreements or that the counterparty may default on its obligation to perform. The fund’s maximum risk of loss from counterparty risk is the fair value of the contract. This risk may be mitigated by having a master netting arrangement between the fund and the counterparty. Risk of loss may exceed amounts recognized on the Statement of assets and liabilities.

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

Master agreements The fund is a party to ISDA (International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc.) Master Agreements (Master Agreements) with certain counterparties that govern OTC derivative and foreign exchange contracts entered into from time to time. The Master Agreements may contain provisions regarding, among other things, the parties’ general obligations, representations, agreements, collateral requirements, events of default and early termination. With respect to certain counterparties, in accordance with the terms of the Master Agreements, collateral posted to the fund is held in a segregated account by the fund’s custodian and, with respect to those amounts which can be sold or repledged, is presented in the fund’s portfolio. Collateral posted to the fund which cannot be sold or repledged totaled $250,060 at the close of the reporting period.

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

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

At the close of the reporting period, the fund did not have a net liability position on open derivative contracts subject to the Master Agreements.

Securities lending The fund may lend securities, through its agent, to qualified borrowers in order to earn additional income. The loans are collateralized by cash in an amount at least equal to the fair value of the securities loaned. The fair value of securities loaned is determined daily and any additional required collateral is allocated to the fund on the next business day. The remaining maturities of the securities lending transactions are considered overnight and continuous. The risk of borrower default will be borne by the fund’s agent; the fund will bear the risk of loss with respect to the investment of the cash collateral. Income from securities lending, net of expenses, is included in investment income on the Statement of operations. Cash collateral is invested in Putnam Cash Collateral Pool, LLC, a limited liability company managed by an affiliate of Putnam Management. Investments in Putnam Cash Collateral Pool, LLC are valued at its closing net asset value each business day. There are no management fees charged to Putnam Cash Collateral Pool, LLC. At the close of the reporting period, the fund received cash collateral of $151,122,675 and the value of securities loaned amounted to $148,077,031.

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

Lines of credit The fund participates, along with other Putnam funds, in a $317.5 million unsecured committed line of credit and a $235.5 million unsecured uncommitted line of credit, both provided by State Street. Borrowings may be made for temporary or emergency purposes, including the funding of shareholder redemption requests and trade settlements. Interest is charged to the fund based on the fund’s borrowing at a rate equal to the higher of (1) the Federal Funds rate and (2) the overnight LIBOR plus 1.25% for the committed line of credit and the Federal Funds rate plus 1.30% for the uncommitted line of credit. A closing fee equal to 0.04% of the committed line of credit plus a $25,000 flat fee and 0.04% of the uncommitted line of credit has been paid by the participating funds. In addition, a commitment fee of 0.21% per annum on any unutilized portion of

34   Multi-Cap Growth Fund 

 



the committed line of credit is allocated to the participating funds based on their relative net assets and paid quarterly. During the reporting period, the fund had no borrowings against these arrangements.

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

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

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

At June 30, 2016 , the fund had a capital loss carryover of $277,008,275 available to the extent allowed by the Code to offset future net capital gain, if any. For any carryover, the amount of the carryovers and the expiration dates are:

  Loss carryover  

 
Short-term  Long-term  Total  Expiration 

$124,522,515  $10,169,716  $134,692,231  * 

89,240,068  N/A  89,240,068  June 30, 2017 

53,075,976  N/A  53,075,976  June 30, 2018 

 

* Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010, the fund will be permitted to carry forward capital losses incurred in taxable years beginning after December 22, 2010 for an unlimited period. However, any losses incurred will be required to be utilized prior to the losses incurred in pre-enactment tax years. As a result of this ordering rule, pre-enactment capital loss carryforwards may be more likely to expire unused. Additionally, post-enactment capital losses that are carried forward will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses rather than being considered all short-term as under previous law.

Pursuant to federal income tax regulations applicable to regulated investment companies, the fund has elected to defer $9,818 to its fiscal year ending June 30, 2017 late year ordinary losses ((i) ordinary losses recognized between January 1, 2016 and June 30, 2016, and (ii) specified ordinary and currency losses recognized between November 1, 2015 and June 30, 2016).

The aggregate identified cost on a tax basis is $3,155,821,012, resulting in gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation of $773,273,353 and $96,818,306, respectively, or net unrealized appreciation of $676,455,047.

Distributions to shareholders Distributions to shareholders from net investment income are recorded by the fund on the ex-dividend date. Distributions from capital gains, if any, are recorded on the ex-dividend date and paid at least annually. The amount and character of income and gains to be distributed are determined in accordance with income tax regulations, which may differ from generally accepted accounting principles. Dividend sources are estimated at the time of declaration. Actual results may vary. Any non-taxable return of capital cannot be determined until final tax calculations are completed after the end of the fund’s fiscal year. Reclassifications are made to the fund’s capital accounts to reflect income and gains available for distribution (or available capital loss carryovers) under income tax regulations.

Multi-Cap Growth Fund   35 

 



Note 2: Management fee, administrative services and other transactions

The fund pays Putnam Management a management fee (base fee) (based on the fund’s average net assets and computed and paid monthly) at annual rates that may vary based on the average of the aggregate net assets of all open-end mutual funds sponsored by Putnam Management (excluding net assets of funds that are invested in, or that are invested in by, other Putnam funds to the extent necessary to avoid “double counting” of those assets). Such annual rates may vary as follows:

0.710%  of the first $5 billion,  0.510%  of the next $50 billion, 


0.660%  of the next $5 billion,  0.490%  of the next $50 billion, 


0.610%  of the next $10 billion,  0.480%  of the next $100 billion and 


0.560%  of the next $10 billion,  0.475%  of any excess thereafter. 

 

In addition, the monthly management fee consists of the monthly base fee plus or minus a performance adjustment for the month. The performance adjustment is determined based on performance over the thirty-six month period then ended. Each month, the performance adjustment is calculated by multiplying the performance adjustment rate and the fund’s average net assets over the performance period and dividing the result by twelve. The resulting dollar amount is added to, or subtracted from the base fee for that month. The performance adjustment rate is equal to 0.03 multiplied by the difference between the fund’s annualized performance (measured by the fund’s class A shares) and the annualized performance of the Russell 3000 Growth Index each measured over the performance period. The maximum annualized performance adjustment rate is +/– 0.12%. The monthly base fee is determined based on the fund’s average net assets for the month, while the performance adjustment is determined based on the fund’s average net assets over the performance period of up to thirty-six months. This means it is possible that, if the fund underperforms significantly over the performance period, and the fund’s assets have declined significantly over that period, the negative performance adjustment may exceed the base fee. In this event, Putnam Management would make a payment to the fund.

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

For the reporting period, the base fee represented an effective rate (excluding the impact from any expense waivers in effect) of 0.280% of the fund’s average net assets before a decrease of $688,548 (0.019% of the fund’s average net assets) based on performance.

Putnam Management has contractually agreed, through October 30, 2017, to waive fees or reimburse the fund’s expenses to the extent necessary to limit the cumulative expenses of the fund, exclusive of brokerage, interest, taxes, investment-related expenses, extraordinary expenses, acquired fund fees and expenses and payments under the fund’s investor servicing contract, investment management contract and distribution plans, on a fiscal year-to-date basis to an annual rate of 0.20% of the fund’s average net assets over such fiscal year-to-date period. During the reporting period, the fund’s expenses were not reduced as a result of this limit.

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

The fund reimburses Putnam Management an allocated amount for the compensation and related expenses of certain officers of the fund and their staff who provide administrative services to the fund. The aggregate amount of all such reimbursements is determined annually by the Trustees.

Custodial functions for the fund’s assets are provided by State Street. Custody fees are based on the fund’s asset level, the number of its security holdings and transaction volumes.

Putnam Investor Services, Inc., an affiliate of Putnam Management, provides investor servicing agent functions to the fund. Putnam Investor Services, Inc. received fees for investor servicing for class A, class B, class C, class M, class R and class Y shares that included (1) a per account fee for each direct and underlying non-defined contribution account (“retail account”) of the fund; (2) a specified rate of the fund’s assets attributable to defined contribution plan accounts; and (3) a specified rate based on the average net assets in retail accounts. Putnam

36   Multi-Cap Growth Fund 

 



Investor Services, Inc. has agreed that the aggregate investor servicing fees for each fund’s retail and defined contribution accounts for these share classes will not exceed an annual rate of 0.25% of the fund’s average assets attributable to such accounts.

Prior to September 1, 2016, Putnam Investor Services, Inc. received fees for investor servicing for class A, class B, class C, class M, class R and class Y shares that included (1) a per account fee for each retail account of the fund and each of the other funds in its specified category, which was totaled and then allocated to each fund in the category based on its average daily net assets; (2) a specified rate of the fund’s assets attributable to defined contribution plan accounts; and (3) a specified rate based on the average net assets in retail accounts. Prior to September 1, 2016, Putnam Investor Services, Inc. had agreed that the aggregate investor servicing fees for each fund’s retail and defined contribution accounts for these share classes would not exceed an annual rate of 0.320% of the fund’s average assets attributable to such accounts.

During the reporting period, the expenses for each class of shares related to investor servicing fees were as follows:

Class A  $3,463,603  Class R  6,882 


Class B  65,119  Class Y  157,145 


Class C  64,757  Total  $3,806,406 

Class M  48,900     

 

The fund has entered into expense offset arrangements with Putnam Investor Services, Inc. and State Street whereby Putnam Investor Services, Inc.’s and State Street’s fees are reduced by credits allowed on cash balances. The fund also reduced expenses through brokerage/service arrangements. For the reporting period, the fund’s expenses were reduced by $3,601 under the expense offset arrangements and by $49,873 under the brokerage/ service arrangements.

Each Independent Trustee of the fund receives an annual Trustee fee, of which $2,846, as a quarterly retainer, has been allocated to the fund, and an additional fee for each Trustees meeting attended. Trustees also are reimbursed for expenses they incur relating to their services as Trustees.

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

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

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

Multi-Cap Growth Fund   37 

 



  Maximum %  Approved %  Amount 

Class A  0.35%  0.25%  $4,199,529 

Class B  1.00%  1.00%  315,991 

Class C  1.00%  1.00%  313,984 

Class M  1.00%  0.75%  177,846 

 
Class R  1.00%  0.50%  16,683 

Total      $5,024,033 

 

For the reporting period, Putnam Retail Management Limited Partnership, acting as underwriter, received net commissions of $73,038 and $1,031 from the sale of class A and class M shares, respectively, and received $19,826 and $522 in contingent deferred sales charges from redemptions of class B and class C shares, respectively.

A deferred sales charge of up to 1.00% is assessed on certain redemptions of class A shares. For the reporting period, Putnam Retail Management Limited Partnership, acting as underwriter, received $92 on class A redemptions.

Note 3: Purchases and sales of securities

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

  Cost of purchases  Proceeds from sales 

Investments in securities (Long-term)  $1,575,723,532  $1,679,319,141 

 
U.S. government securities (Long-term)     

Total  $1,575,723,532  $1,679,319,141 

 

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

Note 4: Capital shares

At the close of the reporting period, there were an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest authorized. Transactions in capital shares were as follows:

  SIX MONTHS ENDED 12/31/16  YEAR ENDED 6/30/16 
Class A  Shares  Amount  Shares  Amount 

Shares sold  411,824  $29,448,997  1,151,360  $80,826,475 

Shares issued in connection with         
reinvestment of distributions      5,245,517  360,839,096 

  411,824  29,448,997  6,396,877  441,665,571 

Shares repurchased  (2,703,446)  (193,120,557)  (4,759,183)  (332,874,685) 

Net increase (decrease)  (2,291,622)  $(163,671,560)  1,637,694  $108,790,886 

 

38   Multi-Cap Growth Fund 

 



  SIX MONTHS ENDED 12/31/16  YEAR ENDED 6/30/16 
Class B  Shares  Amount  Shares  Amount 

Shares sold  48,949  $2,798,245  99,901  $5,684,014 

Shares issued in connection with         
reinvestment of distributions      168,169  9,319,923 

  48,949  2,798,245  268,070  15,003,937 

Shares repurchased  (194,688)  (11,131,463)  (373,798)  (21,130,028) 

Net decrease  (145,739)  $(8,333,218)  (105,728)  $(6,126,091) 
 
  SIX MONTHS ENDED 12/31/16  YEAR ENDED 6/30/16 
Class C  Shares  Amount  Shares  Amount 

Shares sold  40,678  $2,526,735  108,633  $6,751,700 

Shares issued in connection with         
reinvestment of distributions      121,714  7,290,693 

  40,678  2,526,735  230,347  14,042,393 

Shares repurchased  (104,691)  (6,494,188)  (156,531)  (9,377,336) 

Net increase (decrease)  (64,013)  $(3,967,453)  73,816  $4,665,057 
 
  SIX MONTHS ENDED 12/31/16  YEAR ENDED 6/30/16 
Class M  Shares  Amount  Shares  Amount 

Shares sold  5,439  $342,164  19,555  $1,227,338 

Shares issued in connection with         
reinvestment of distributions      105,986  6,428,040 

  5,439  342,164  125,541  7,655,378 

Shares repurchased  (45,212)  (2,829,560)  (179,025)  (10,834,446) 

Net decrease  (39,773)  $(2,487,396)  (53,484)  $(3,179,068) 
 
  SIX MONTHS ENDED 12/31/16  YEAR ENDED 6/30/16 
Class R  Shares  Amount  Shares  Amount 

Shares sold  5,905  $409,128  38,675  $2,846,110 

Shares issued in connection with         
reinvestment of distributions      13,334  893,403 

  5,905  409,128  52,009  3,739,513 

Shares repurchased  (9,531)  (657,880)  (70,721)  (4,926,632) 

Net decrease  (3,626)  $(248,752)  (18,712)  $(1,187,119) 
 
  SIX MONTHS ENDED 12/31/16  YEAR ENDED 6/30/16 
Class Y  Shares  Amount  Shares  Amount 

Shares sold  212,734  $16,219,705  204,760  $15,210,591 

Shares issued in connection with         
reinvestment of distributions      215,167  15,711,526 

  212,734  16,219,705  419,927  30,922,117 

Shares repurchased  (175,128)  (13,278,668)  (333,318)  (24,494,450) 

Net increase  37,606  $2,941,037  86,609  $6,427,667 

 

Multi-Cap Growth Fund   39 

 



Note 5: Affiliated transactions

Transactions during the reporting period with any company which is under common ownership or control, or involving securities of companies in which the fund owned at least 5% of the outstanding voting securities, were as follows:

  Fair value at the        Fair value at the 
  beginning of the      Investment  end of the 
Name of affiliate  reporting period  Purchase cost  Sale proceeds  income  reporting period 

Putnam Cash Collateral           
Pool, LLC*  $142,201,300  $713,738,099  $704,816,724  $548,311  $151,122,675 

Putnam Short Term           
Investment Fund**  42,433,371  505,784,227  516,683,744  145,927  31,533,854 

HTG Molecular           
Diagnostics, Inc.  962,203        828,975 

Totals  $185,596,874  $1,219,522,326  $1,221,500,468  $694,238  $183,485,504 

 

* No management fees are charged to Putnam Cash Collateral Pool, LLC (See Note 1).

** Management fees charged to Putnam Short Term Investment Fund have been waived by Putnam Management.

Note 6: Market, credit and other risks

In the normal course of business, the fund trades financial instruments and enters into financial transactions where risk of potential loss exists due to changes in the market (market risk) or failure of the contracting party to the transaction to perform (credit risk). The fund may be exposed to additional credit risk that an institution or other entity with which the fund has unsettled or open transactions will default. Investments in foreign securities involve certain risks, including those related to economic instability, unfavorable political developments, and currency fluctuations.

Note 7: Summary of derivative activity

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

Futures contracts (number of contracts)  1 

Forward currency contracts (contract amount)  $83,800,000 

OTC total return swap contracts (notional)  $5,200,000 

Warrants (number of warrants)  2,500,000 

 

Fair value of derivative instruments as of the close of the reporting period   

  ASSET DERIVATIVES LIABILITY DERIVATIVES

Derivatives not         
accounted for as  Statement of    Statement of   
hedging instruments  assets and    assets and   
under ASC 815  liabilities location  Fair value  liabilities location  Fair value 

Foreign exchange         
contracts  Receivables  $2,111,735  Payables  $— 

Equity contracts  Investments  255,794  Payables   

Total    $2,367,529    $— 

 

40   Multi-Cap Growth Fund 

 



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

Amount of realized gain or (loss) on derivatives recognized in net gain or (loss) on investments   

Derivatives not accounted      Forward     
for as hedging instruments      currency     
under ASC 815  Warrants  Futures  contracts  Swaps  Total 

Foreign exchange contracts  $—  $—  $4,609,766  $—  $4,609,766 

Equity contracts  145,204  1,726,007    60,029  1,931,240 

Total  $145,204  $1,726,007  $4,609,766  $60,029  $6,541,006 

 

Change in unrealized appreciation or (depreciation) on derivatives recognized in net gain or (loss) on 
investments           

Derivatives not accounted      Forward     
for as hedging instruments      currency     
under ASC 815  Warrants  Futures  contracts  Swaps  Total 

Foreign exchange contracts  $—  $—  $1,782,584  $—  $1,782,584 

Equity contracts  (156,425)  558    708,639  552,772 

Total  $(156,425)  $558  $1,782,584  $708,639  $2,335,356 

 

Note 8: Offsetting of financial and derivative assets and liabilities

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

  Bank of America N.A. JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A. UBS AG Total
Assets:         

Forward currency contracts #  $959,951  $1,003,243  $148,541  $2,111,735 

Total Assets  $959,951  $1,003,243  $148,541  $2,111,735 

Liabilities:         

Forward currency contracts #         

Total Liabilities  $—  $—  $—  $— 

Total Financial and Derivative Net Assets  $959,951  $1,003,243  $148,541  $2,111,735 

Total collateral received (pledged)†##  $959,951  $1,003,243  $148,541   

Net amount  $—  $—  $—   

 

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

# Covered by master netting agreement (Note 1).

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

Multi-Cap Growth Fund   41 

 



Note 9: New pronouncements

In October 2016, the SEC adopted amendments to rules under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (“final rules”) intended to modernize the reporting and disclosure of information by registered investment companies. The final rules amend Regulation S-X and require funds to provide standardized, enhanced derivative disclosure in fund financial statements in a format designed for individual investors. The amendments to Regulation S-X also update the disclosures for other investments and investments in and advances to affiliates and amend the rules regarding the general form and content of fund financial statements. The compliance date for the amendments to Regulation S-X is August 1, 2017. Putnam Management is currently evaluating the amendments and their impact, if any, on the fund’s financial statements.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

42   Multi-Cap Growth Fund 

 



Putnam family of funds

The following is a list of Putnam’s open-end mutual funds offered to the public. Investors should carefully consider the investment objective, risks, charges, and expenses of a fund before investing. For a prospectus, or a summary prospectus if available, containing this and other information for any Putnam fund or product, contact your financial advisor or call Putnam Investor Services at 1-800-225-1581. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing.

Growth  Multi-Cap Value Fund 
Growth Opportunities Fund  Small Cap Value Fund 
International Growth Fund  
Multi-Cap Growth Fund Income 
Small Cap Growth Fund American Government Income Fund 
  Diversified Income Trust 
Blend  Emerging Markets Income Fund 
Asia Pacific Equity Fund  Floating Rate Income Fund 
Capital Opportunities Fund  Global Income Trust 
Capital Spectrum Fund  Government Money Market Fund* 
Emerging Markets Equity Fund  High Yield Advantage Fund 
Equity Spectrum Fund  High Yield Trust 
Europe Equity Fund  Income Fund 
Global Equity Fund  Money Market Fund** 
International Capital Opportunities Fund  Short Duration Income Fund 
International Equity Fund  U.S. Government Income Trust 
Investors Fund  
Low Volatility Equity Fund Tax-free Income 
Multi-Cap Core Fund AMT-Free Municipal Fund 
Research Fund Intermediate-Term Municipal Income Fund 
Strategic Volatility Equity Fund Short-Term Municipal Income Fund 
  Tax Exempt Income Fund 
Value  Tax-Free High Yield Fund 
Convertible Securities Fund  
Equity Income Fund State tax-free income funds: 
Global Dividend Fund Arizona, California, Massachusetts, Michigan, 
The Putnam Fund for Growth and Income Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, 
International Value Fund and Pennsylvania. 
 

 

Multi-Cap Growth Fund   43 

 



Absolute Return  Retirement Income Lifestyle Funds — portfolios 
Absolute Return 100 Fund®  with managed allocations to stocks, bonds, 
Absolute Return 300 Fund®   and money market investments to generate 
Absolute Return 500 Fund®   retirement income. 
Absolute Return 700 Fund®   
  Retirement Income Fund Lifestyle 1
Global Sector  Retirement Income Fund Lifestyle 2 
Global Consumer Fund  Retirement Income Fund Lifestyle 3 
Global Energy Fund
Global Financials Fund RetirementReady®  Funds — portfolios with 
Global Health Care Fund adjusting allocations to stocks, bonds, and 
Global Industrials Fund money market instruments, becoming more 
Global Natural Resources Fund conservative over time. 
Global Sector Fund  
Global Technology Fund RetirementReady®  2060 Fund 
Global Telecommunications Fund RetirementReady®  2055 Fund 
Global Utilities Fund RetirementReady®  2050 Fund 
  RetirementReady®  2045 Fund 
Asset Allocation RetirementReady®  2040 Fund 
George Putnam Balanced Fund RetirementReady®  2035 Fund 
  RetirementReady®  2030 Fund 
Global Asset Allocation Funds — four RetirementReady®  2025 Fund 
investment portfolios that spread your money  RetirementReady®  2020 Fund 
across a variety of stocks, bonds, and money   
market instruments.   
 
Dynamic Asset Allocation Balanced Fund   
Dynamic Asset Allocation Conservative Fund   
Dynamic Asset Allocation Growth Fund   
Dynamic Risk Allocation Fund   

 

* You could lose money by investing in the fund. Although the fund seeks to preserve the value of your investment at $1.00 per share, it cannot guarantee it will do so. An investment in the fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. The fund’s sponsor has no legal obligation to provide financial support to the fund, and you should not expect that the sponsor will provide financial support to the fund at any time.

** You could lose money by investing in the fund. Although the fund seeks to preserve the value of your investment at $1.00 per share, it cannot guarantee it will do so. The fund may impose a fee upon sale of your shares or may temporarily suspend your ability to sell shares if the fund’s liquidity falls below required minimums because of market conditions or other factors. An investment in the fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. The fund’s sponsor has no legal obligation to provide financial support to the fund, and you should not expect that the sponsor will provide financial support to the fund at any time.

Not available in all states.

Check your account balances and the most recent month-end performance in the Individual Investors section at putnam.com.

44   Multi-Cap Growth Fund 

 



Fund information

Founded over 75 years ago, Putnam Investments was built around the concept that a balance between risk and reward is the hallmark of a well-rounded financial program. We manage over 100 funds across income, value, blend, growth, asset allocation, absolute return, and global sector categories.

Investment Manager  Trustees  James F. Clark 
Putnam Investment  Jameson A. Baxter, Chair  Vice President and 
Management, LLC  Kenneth R. Leibler, Vice Chair  Chief Compliance Officer 
One Post Office Square  Liaquat Ahamed   
Boston, MA 02109  Ravi Akhoury  Michael J. Higgins 
  Barbara M. Baumann  Vice President, Treasurer, 
Investment Sub-Advisor  Robert J. Darretta  and Clerk 
Putnam Investments Limited  Katinka Domotorffy   
57–59 St James’s Street  John A. Hill  Janet C. Smith
London, England SW1A 1LD  Paul L. Joskow  Vice President,
  Robert E. Patterson Principal Financial Officer,
Marketing Services  George Putnam, III Principal Accounting Officer, 
Putnam Retail Management  Robert L. Reynolds and Assistant Treasurer 
One Post Office Square  W. Thomas Stephens  
Boston, MA 02109    Susan G. Malloy 
  Officers Vice President and 
Custodian  Robert L. Reynolds Assistant Treasurer 
State Street Bank  President  
and Trust Company    Mark C. Trenchard 
  Jonathan S. Horwitz Vice President and 
Legal Counsel  Executive Vice President, BSA Compliance Officer 
Ropes & Gray LLP Principal Executive Officer, and  
Compliance Liaison Nancy E. Florek 
    Vice President, Director of 
  Robert T. Burns Proxy Voting and Corporate 
  Vice President and Governance, Assistant Clerk, 
  Chief Legal Officer and Associate Treasurer 
   

 

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




Item 2. Code of Ethics:
Not applicable
Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert:
Not applicable
Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services:
Not applicable
Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants
Not applicable
Item 6. Schedule of Investments:
The registrant's schedule of investments in unaffiliated issuers is included in the report to shareholders in Item 1 above.

Item 7. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures For Closed-End Management Investment Companies:

Not applicable
Item 8. Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Investment Companies
Not Applicable
Item 9. Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Companies and Affiliated Purchasers:

Not applicable
Item 10. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders:
Not applicable
Item 11. Controls and Procedures:
(a) The registrant's principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded, based on their evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of this report, that the design and operation of such procedures are generally effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by the registrant in this report is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Commission's rules and forms.

(b) Changes in internal control over financial reporting: Not applicable
Item 12. Exhibits:
(a)(1) Not applicable
(a)(2) Separate certifications for the principal executive officer and principal financial officer of the registrant as required by Rule 30a-2(a) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, are filed herewith.

(b) The certifications required by Rule 30a-2(b) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, are filed herewith.

SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

Putnam Multi-Cap Growth Fund
By (Signature and Title):
/s/ Janet C. Smith
Janet C. Smith
Principal Accounting Officer

Date: February 28, 2017
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

By (Signature and Title):
/s/ Jonathan S. Horwitz
Jonathan S. Horwitz
Principal Executive Officer

Date: February 28, 2017
By (Signature and Title):
/s/ Janet C. Smith
Janet C. Smith
Principal Financial Officer

Date: February 28, 2017