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: 811-01435

AMCAP Fund

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

333 South Hope Street, 55th Floor

Los Angeles, California 90071

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

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

Date of fiscal year end: February 28 or 29

Date of reporting period: February 29, 2024

Hong T. Le

AMCAP Fund

6455 Irvine Center Drive

Irvine, California 92618

(Name and Address of Agent for Service)

ITEM 1 – Reports to Stockholders

AMCAP Fund®   Annual report for the year ended February 29, 2024

 

 

We take a disciplined,
long-term approach
to investing in
growth companies

 

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

 

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

AMCAP Fund seeks to provide you with long-term growth of capital.

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

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

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

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

The total annual fund operating expense ratios are 0.45% for Class F-2 shares and 0.67% for Class A shares as of the prospectus dated May 1, 2024 (unaudited).

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

Refer to the fund prospectus and the Risk Factors section of this report for more information on risks associated with investing in the fund.

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

Contents

Fellow investors:

U.S. equity markets recorded strong gains for the fiscal year ended February 29, 2024, supported by solid economic growth and decelerating inflation, after aggressive interest rate increases by the U.S. Federal Reserve throughout 2022 and into 2023.

During the reporting period, Class F-2 shares in AMCAP Fund experienced a total return of 33.35%. In this same period, the S&P 500 Index, a market capitalization-weighted index based on the results of approximately 500 widely held common stocks, experienced a total return of 30.45%. The Russell 1000 Growth Index (a market capitalization-weighted index that represents the large-cap growth segment of the U.S. equity market) and Morningstar Large Growth Category Average advanced by 45.93% and 40.93%, respectively, during the past 12 months.

Investment backdrop

The fiscal year began with inflation, measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), hovering near 6%. Aggressive interest rate increases by the Fed helped ease inflation to 3.2% by the end of AMCAP’s fiscal year. Declining inflation raised market expectations that the Fed would pause or reverse rate hikes. In 2023, U.S. economic growth was surprisingly strong, supported by wage gains and infrastructure spending. Persistent war in Ukraine, intensifying conflict in the Middle East, and a challenging economic backdrop

Results at a glance

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

Past results are not predictive of results in future periods.

in China created continued uncertainty throughout the fiscal year. These challenges were counterbalanced by growing confidence that the U.S. economy would avert recession, which also supported U.S. stock markets.

New technological developments, especially generative artificial intelligence (GenAI), also spurred confidence. We believe the models underpinning this technology should accelerate computing capabilities benefitting some of AMCAP’s information technology holdings, such as Microsoft, Broadcom and others.

Reflecting this new trend, the sectors of the S&P 500 and Russell 1000 Growth Index with the best returns included information technology, communication services and consumer discretionary. Six of the “Magnificent Seven” companies (the linchpins of the tech market) – Microsoft, Alphabet (Google), Amazon, Apple, Meta (Facebook) and NVIDIA – contributed disproportionately to the returns of the S&P 500 and Russell 1000 Growth Index (Tesla had negative returns). These extraordinarily large companies generated significant sales and profit and appear poised to benefit from demand for AI products and services.

How the fund responded

Against this investment backdrop, AMCAP experienced strong absolute returns that exceeded returns of the S&P 500. Strong relative contributions from semiconductor maker Broadcom, aerospace supplier Transdigm and building products distributor TopBuild helped results. Relative to the Russell 1000 Growth Index (R1G), the fund did less well. During the fiscal year, the fund held all Magnificent Seven companies, although in smaller size relative to the high concentrations of those seven companies in the S&P 500 and R1G. Holdings in Apple and NVIDIA detracted from returns because the fund held smaller amounts relative to the indexes. In part, AMCAP’s relatively lower exposure to the Magnificent Seven can be explained by internal company research that led our diverse group of portfolio managers to embrace numerous other investment ideas.

Two examples illustrate the array of investment opportunities available to AMCAP investment professionals. Our research concluded that General Electric’s fundamentals in aerospace were better than perceived. Shares soared nearly 85% over the course of 2023, on the back of new orders. In health care, research led us to conclude that Eli Lilly’s new drug product portfolio had attractive prospects. Shares increased 142% in 2023, helped by strong second quarter sales and profits that surpassed forecasts.

Holdings in industrials exceeded those in comparative indexes and relative returns were most additive to fund results. Higher exposure to — and good stock selection within — consumer discretionary were additive versus the S&P 500. Despite slightly negative returns, lower exposure to energy companies helped relative returns.

On a relative basis, under-exposure to information technology detracted from returns although absolute returns were strong. Specifically, lower than

benchmark exposure to NVIDIA was the largest relative detractor. Stock selection challenges in health care detracted from relative returns, as did cash holdings, which stood at about 3% of net assets at the end of the fiscal year.

Among the top 10 holdings, Broadcom was AMCAP’s largest relative contributor to results in the fiscal year. The company’s strong results were driven by its excellent market position supplying quality semiconductor products — including those powering AI computing — to customers they have deep relationships with.

Outlook

In 2024, ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East pose considerable geopolitical risk. Questions about China’s economic outlook persist. The U.S. will have a presidential election. U.S. regional banks face ongoing challenges due to lingering effects from rapid interest rate increases in the past two years. On a positive note, U.S. labor markets have supported consumer spending by remaining resilient despite softening. Should inflation continue to decline, the Fed will be able to lower interest rates, which could help markets and the economy. However, should inflation persist, higher-than-expected interest rates could lead to market turbulence and to an economic slowdown. In that case, at least the Fed has room to lower interest rates to mitigate the downturn.

A consequential question for markets in 2024 is whether demand for AI technology continues its rapid growth or slows as companies pause to evaluate results from investments. Long-term, the benefits of AI may help businesses across various sectors and geographies drive more innovation and productivity. AMCAP portfolio managers will continue to search for companies able to differentiate themselves competitively using these new tools.

Against an ever-changing backdrop, we believe deep fundamental analysis of individual companies enables us to determine their worth and successfully invest in those that are mispriced in the market. The portfolio managers of AMCAP will remain true to the fund’s nearly 57-year heritage of disciplined growth investing by focusing primarily on well-managed U.S. companies with sound fundamentals, solid long-term growth records and attractive future growth potential.

As always, we thank you for your confidence in AMCAP and for placing your trust in Capital Group.

Cordially,

Cheryl E. Frank
Co-President

James Terrile
Co-President

April 10, 2024

For current information about the fund, visit capitalgroup.com.

The value of a long-term perspective

Fund results shown are for Class F-2 shares and Class A shares. Class A share results reflect deduction of the maximum sales charge of 5.75% on the $10,000 investment¹; thus, the net amount invested was $9,425.² Results are for past periods and are not predictive of results for future periods. Current and future results may be lower or higher than those shown. Prices and returns will vary, so investors may lose money. Investing for short periods makes losses more likely. For current information and month-end results, refer to capitalgroup.com.

Class F-2 shares were first offered on August 1, 2008. Class F-2 share results prior to the date of first sale are hypothetical based on the results of the original share class of the fund without a sales charge, adjusted for typical estimated expenses. Refer to capitalgroup.com for more information on specific expense adjustments and the actual dates of first sale.

The results shown are before taxes on fund distributions and sale of fund shares.

How a hypothetical $10,000 investment has grown

This chart shows how a hypothetical $10,000 investment in AMCAP Fund Class F-2 or Class A shares grew over the past 50 years from February 28, 1974, to February 29, 2024. As you can see, the investment grew to $4,567,664 or $3,876,398, respectively, with all distributions reinvested.

Investment portfolio February 29, 2024

Investments in affiliates⁵

Restricted securities⁴

Key to abbreviation(s)

ADR = American Depositary Receipts

REIT = Real Estate Investment Trust

Refer to the notes to financial statements.

Financial statements

Refer to the notes to financial statements.

Financial statements (continued)

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

Shares of beneficial interest issued and outstanding (no stated par value) —
unlimited shares authorized (2,067,265 total shares outstanding)

Refer to the notes to financial statements.

Financial statements (continued)

Refer to the notes to financial statements.

Notes to financial statements

1. Organization

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

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

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

2. Significant accounting policies

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

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

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

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

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

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

3. Valuation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

4. Risk factors

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

5. Certain investment techniques

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

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

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

As of February 29, 2024, the total value of securities on loan was $58,535,000, and the total value of collateral received was $59,737,000. Collateral received includes cash of $58,509,000 and U.S. government securities of $1,228,000. Investment securities purchased from cash collateral are disclosed in the fund’s investment portfolio as short-term securities. Securities received as collateral are not recognized as fund assets. The contractual maturity of cash collateral received under the securities lending agreement is classified as overnight and continuous.

6. Taxation and distributions

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

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

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

Non-U.S. taxation — Dividend and interest income are recorded net of non-U.S. taxes paid. The fund may file withholding tax reclaims in certain jurisdictions to recover a portion of amounts previously withheld. As a result of rulings from European courts, the fund filed for additional reclaims related to prior years. These reclaims are recorded when the amount is known and there are no significant uncertainties on collectability. During the year ended February 29, 2024, the fund recognized $671,000 in reclaims (net of $14,000 in fees and the effect of realized gain or loss from currency translations) and $35,000 in interest related to European court rulings, which is included in dividend income and interest income, respectively, in the fund’s statement of operations. Gains realized by the fund on the sale of securities in certain countries, if any, may be subject to non-U.S. taxes. The fund generally records an estimated deferred tax liability based on unrealized gains to provide for potential non-U.S. taxes payable upon the sale of these securities.

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

During the year ended February 29, 2024, the fund reclassified $183,956,000 from total distributable earnings to capital paid in on shares of beneficial interest to align financial reporting with tax reporting. The fund also utilized capital loss carryforward of $902,784,000.

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

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

7. Fees and transactions with related parties

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

Investment advisory services — The fund has an investment advisory and service agreement with CRMC that provides for monthly fees accrued daily. These fees are based on a series of decreasing annual rates beginning with 0.485% on the first $1 billion of daily net assets and decreasing to 0.274% on such assets in excess of $89 billion. For the year ended February 29, 2024, the investment advisory services fees were $221,047,000, which were equivalent to an annualized rate of 0.296% of average daily net assets.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The quarterly fees are based on a series of decreasing annual rates beginning with 0.09% on the first $20 billion of the combined net assets invested in the American Funds and decreasing to 0.03% on such assets in excess of $75 billion. The fees for any given calendar quarter are accrued and calculated on the basis of the average net assets of Class 529 and ABLE shares of the American Funds for the last month of the prior calendar quarter. For the year ended February 29, 2024, the 529 plan services fees were $1,530,000, which were equivalent to 0.059% of the average daily net assets of each 529 share class.

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