N-CSR 1 acmf103115n-csr.htm FORM N-CSR N-CSR
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
811-00816
 
 
AMERICAN CENTURY MUTUAL FUNDS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)
 
 
4500 MAIN STREET, KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI
64111
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
 
 
CHARLES A. ETHERINGTON
4500 MAIN STREET, KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI 64111
(Name and address of agent for service)
 
 
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:
816-531-5575
 
 
Date of fiscal year end:
10-31
 
 
Date of reporting period:
10-31-2015





ITEM 1. REPORTS TO STOCKHOLDERS.




        ANNUAL REPORT
OCTOBER 31, 2015

 
 


All Cap Growth Fund







Table of Contents
 
President’s Letter
2

Performance
3

Portfolio Commentary

Fund Characteristics

Shareholder Fee Example

Schedule of Investments

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

Statement of Operations

Statement of Changes in Net Assets

Notes to Financial Statements

Financial Highlights

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Management

Approval of Management Agreement

Additional Information





















Any opinions expressed in this report reflect those of the author as of the date of the report, and do not necessarily represent the opinions of American Century Investments® or any other person in the American Century Investments organization. Any such opinions are subject to change at any time based upon market or other conditions and American Century Investments disclaims any responsibility to update such opinions. These opinions may not be relied upon as investment advice and, because investment decisions made by American Century Investments funds are based on numerous factors, may not be relied upon as an indication of trading intent on behalf of any American Century Investments fund. Security examples are used for representational purposes only and are not intended as recommendations to purchase or sell securities. Performance information for comparative indices and securities is provided to American Century Investments by third party vendors. To the best of American Century Investments’ knowledge, such information is accurate at the time of printing.



President’s Letter

Dear Investor:

Thank you for reviewing this annual report for the 12 months ended October 31, 2015. It provides investment performance and portfolio information for the reporting period, plus longer-term historical performance data.

Annual reports remain useful vehicles for conveying information about fund performance, including market and economic factors that affected returns during the reporting period. For additional, updated investment and market insights, we encourage you to visit our website, americancentury.com.
Jonathan Thomas

Divergence in Economic Growth and Monetary Policies, Combined With China Turmoil, Triggered Market Volatility

Divergence between the U.S. and the rest of the world—along with China’s struggles, plunging commodity prices, capital market volatility, and risk-off trading—emerged as key themes during the reporting period. Global divergence described not only the relatively stronger economic growth enjoyed by the U.S. compared with most of the world, but also the related contrast between the U.S. Federal Reserve’s (the Fed’s) unwinding of monetary stimulus versus the continuation and expansion of stimulus by other major central banks. Central bank moves—including the Fed’s delayed normalization of its extremely low interest rate positioning—helped trigger large market swings.

In October 2014, the Fed ended its latest massive bond-buying program (quantitative easing, QE), leading to expectations that interest rates would rise. But while QE was halted in the U.S., other major central banks were starting or increasing QE as their economies faltered. This divergence helped fuel increased demand for the U.S. dollar and U.S. dollar-denominated assets, and put downward pressure on commodity prices, most notably crude oil, down over 40% for the reporting period. Low inflation also prevailed after oil prices plunged amid a supply glut and muted demand for commodities in general. In this environment, the U.S. dollar, U.S. growth stocks, and longer-maturity U.S. Treasuries generally benefited from “flight to quality” capital flows, while emerging market and commodity-related investments suffered significant declines.

We expect continued economic and monetary policy divergence between the U.S. and non-U.S. economies in the coming months, accompanied by further market volatility. This could present both challenges and opportunities for active investment managers. In this environment, we continue to believe in a disciplined, diversified, long-term investment approach, using professionally managed stock and bond portfolios to meet financial goals. We appreciate your continued trust in us.

Sincerely,
Jonathan Thomas
President and Chief Executive Officer
American Century Investments


2


Performance
 
Total Returns as of October 31, 2015
 
 
 
Average Annual Returns
 
 
Ticker
Symbol
1 year
5 years
10 years
Since
Inception
Inception
Date
Investor Class
TWGTX
9.40%
12.95%
10.78%
11.54%
11/25/83
Russell 3000 Growth Index
8.72%
15.15%
9.05%
9.97%(1)
Institutional Class
ACAJX
9.60%
17.12%
9/30/11
A Class
ACAQX
 
 
 
 
9/30/11
No sales charge*
 
9.12%
16.61%
 
With sales charge*
 
2.85%
14.94%
 
C Class
ACAHX
8.32%
15.74%
9/30/11
R Class
ACAWX
8.87%
16.32%
9/30/11
*
Sales charges include initial sales charges and contingent deferred sales charges (CDSCs), as applicable. A Class shares have a 5.75% maximum initial sales charge and may be subject to a maximum CDSC of 1.00%. C Class shares redeemed within 12 months of purchase are subject to a maximum CDSC of 1.00%. The SEC requires that mutual funds provide performance information net of maximum sales charges in all cases where charges could be applied.

(1)
Since November 30, 1983, the date nearest the Investor Class’s inception for which data are available.

























Data presented reflect past performance. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, and redemption value may be more or less than original cost. Data assumes reinvestment of dividends and capital gains, and none of the charts reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares. To obtain performance data current to the most recent month end, please call 1-800-345-2021 or visit americancentury.com. For additional information about the fund, please consult the prospectus.

3


Growth of $10,000 Over 10 Years
$10,000 investment made October 31, 2005
Performance for other share classes will vary due to differences in fee structure.
 
Value on October 31, 2015
 
Investor Class — $27,841
 
 
Russell 3000 Growth Index — $23,804
 
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses
Investor Class
Institutional Class
A Class
C Class
R Class
1.00%
0.80%
1.25%
2.00%
1.50%
The total annual fund operating expenses shown is as stated in the fund’s prospectus current as of the date of this report. The prospectus may vary from the expense ratio shown elsewhere in this report because it is based on a different time period, includes acquired fund fees and expenses, and, if applicable, does not include fee waivers or expense reimbursements.




















Data presented reflect past performance. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, and redemption value may be more or less than original cost. Data assumes reinvestment of dividends and capital gains, and none of the charts reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares. To obtain performance data current to the most recent month end, please call 1-800-345-2021 or visit americancentury.com. For additional information about the fund, please consult the prospectus.

4


Portfolio Commentary

Portfolio Managers: David Hollond, Michael Orndorff, and Marcus Scott

Performance Summary

All Cap Growth returned 9.40%* for the 12 months ended October 31, 2015, outpacing the 8.72% return of the portfolio’s benchmark, the Russell 3000 Growth Index.

U.S. stock indices posted solid returns during the reporting period amid considerable volatility and variation in sector performance. Within the Russell 3000 Growth Index, the consumer discretionary sector delivered the best returns followed by information technology and consumer staples. Energy stocks fell sharply, losing more than 30% as oil prices plunged. Utilities and materials registered smaller losses.

All Cap Growth received positive absolute contributions from most sectors, with information technology the top contributor followed by consumer discretionary. Energy, industrials, and materials detracted. Stock selection among information technology stocks was by far the largest contributor relative to the Russell index. Stock selection in the industrials and consumer discretionary sectors hampered results versus the benchmark.

Information Technology Stocks Led Contributors

Stock selection in the information technology sector was the top contributor to results versus the benchmark, driven by the software industry. Video game maker Electronic Arts aided performance. The company continued to execute, reporting strong results consistent with our investment thesis of improving operating margins driven by cost controls, a higher percentage of video games being delivered digitally, and a gaming console refresh cycle. Alphabet (formerly Google) was another top contributor in the sector. The company’s top line is accelerating, expenses are being controlled, and the new CFO is showing greater transparency and may drive better capital allocation.

Stock decisions in the consumer staples sector also benefited results. Constellation Brands, a producer and marketer of beer, wine, and spirits, was a top contributor as the company continued to see very strong sales volume and pricing in its Corona and Modelo brands. Topline results came in better than expected. Mondelez International, which is not an index component, was a solid contributor. The global snack and beverage company reported better-than-expected results. The company’s margins are improving in a consolidating industry through streamlining existing operations and cost cutting. Merger activity in the industry also led to speculation that the company might be bought.

The health care sector also aided performance versus the benchmark, due to both stock selection and an overweight allocation. Top sector contributors included pharmaceutical company Allergan, which was created when Actavis acquired Allergan and was renamed Allergan. The deal closed in the second quarter of 2015. The company continued to benefit from synergies from previous acquisitions, including Forest Laboratories.

Industrials Hampered Results

Stock selection in the industrials sector was the largest source of relative underperformance, led by positioning in road and rail companies. Canadian Pacific Railway, which is not an index component, and Kansas City Southern detracted as investors worried that rail volumes would decline as coal and oil prices fell.

*
All fund returns referenced in this commentary are for Investor Class shares. Performance for other share classes will vary due to differences in fee structure; when Investor Class performance exceeds that of the fund’s benchmark, other share classes may not. See page 3 for returns for all share classes.

5


In the consumer discretionary sector, stock choices among internet and catalog retailers and an underweight allocation to the industry detracted. Underweighting Amazon.com hurt results as the online retailer reported results that detailed its cloud hosting business for the first time. This information gave more clarity into the impact of this business on the firm’s overall growth and profitability and led to an increase in the stock price. Not owning index component Netflix was a significant detractor. The stock rose after the company reported robust subscriber growth based on the strength of original content.

Energy stocks continued to suffer from weak prices. Exploration and production company Antero Resources was a significant detractor, as was energy equipment and services firm Halliburton. Halliburton was eliminated.

Outlook

Our investment process focuses on companies of all capitalization sizes with accelerating earnings growth rates and share price momentum. The fund’s positioning remains largely stock specific. As of October 31, 2015, the largest overweights were in information technology and health care, while the largest underweights were in materials and financials. Current investment themes include stocks of companies that are benefiting from the Affordable Care Act, which has given a lift to health care providers.




6


Fund Characteristics 
OCTOBER 31, 2015
 
Top Ten Holdings
% of net assets
Alphabet, Inc.*
7.0%
Apple, Inc.
4.4%
Facebook, Inc., Class A
3.5%
Allergan plc
3.5%
Electronic Arts, Inc.
3.3%
Mondelez International, Inc., Class A
3.1%
Comcast Corp., Class A
3.0%
Teleflex, Inc.
2.9%
Lowe's Cos., Inc.
2.7%
MasterCard, Inc., Class A
2.2%
*Includes all classes of the issuer.
 
 
 
Top Five Industries
% of net assets
Internet Software and Services
10.9%
Biotechnology
7.1%
Specialty Retail
6.2%
Software
6.1%
Pharmaceuticals
5.0%
 
 
Types of Investments in Portfolio
% of net assets
Common Stocks
99.4%
Temporary Cash Investments
0.8%
Other Assets and Liabilities
(0.2)%


7


Shareholder Fee Example 

Fund shareholders may incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments and redemption/exchange fees; and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution and service (12b-1) fees; and other fund expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in your fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing cost of investing in other mutual funds.

The example is based on an investment of $1,000 made at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period from May 1, 2015 to October 31, 2015.

Actual Expenses

The table provides information about actual account values and actual expenses for each class. You may use the information, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. First, identify the share class you own. Then simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number under the heading “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

If you hold Investor Class shares of any American Century Investments fund, or Institutional Class shares of the American Century Diversified Bond Fund, in an American Century Investments account (i.e., not a financial intermediary or retirement plan account), American Century Investments may charge you a $12.50 semiannual account maintenance fee if the value of those shares is less than $10,000. We will redeem shares automatically in one of your accounts to pay the $12.50 fee. In determining your total eligible investment amount, we will include your investments in all personal accounts (including American Century Investments Brokerage accounts) registered under your Social Security number. Personal accounts include individual accounts, joint accounts, UGMA/UTMA accounts, personal trusts, Coverdell Education Savings Accounts and IRAs (including traditional, Roth, Rollover, SEP-, SARSEP- and SIMPLE-IRAs), and certain other retirement accounts. If you have only business, business retirement, employer-sponsored or American Century Investments Brokerage accounts, you are currently not subject to this fee. If you are subject to the Account Maintenance Fee, your account value could be reduced by the fee amount.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The table also provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the actual expense ratio of each class of your fund and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the actual return of a fund’s share class. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in your fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads) or redemption/exchange fees. Therefore, the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.



8




Beginning
Account Value
5/1/15
Ending
Account Value
10/31/15
Expenses Paid
During Period
(1)5/1/15 - 10/31/15
 
Annualized
Expense Ratio
(1)
Actual
 
 
 
 
Investor Class
$1,000
$1,034.00
$5.13
1.00%
Institutional Class
$1,000
$1,035.00
$4.10
0.80%
A Class
$1,000
$1,032.80
$6.40
1.25%
C Class
$1,000
$1,028.90
$10.23
2.00%
R Class
$1,000
$1,031.50
$7.68
1.50%
Hypothetical
 
 
 
 
Investor Class
$1,000
$1,020.16
$5.09
1.00%
Institutional Class
$1,000
$1,021.17
$4.08
0.80%
A Class
$1,000
$1,018.90
$6.36
1.25%
C Class
$1,000
$1,015.12
$10.16
2.00%
R Class
$1,000
$1,017.64
$7.63
1.50%
(1)
Expenses are equal to the class's annualized expense ratio listed in the table above, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184, the number of days in the most recent fiscal half-year, divided by 365, to reflect the one-half year period.

9


Schedule of Investments

OCTOBER 31, 2015
 
Shares
Value
COMMON STOCKS — 99.4%
 
 
Air Freight and Logistics — 2.0%
 
 
FedEx Corp.
145,080
$
22,639,734

Airlines — 1.0%
 
 
American Airlines Group, Inc.
193,696
8,952,629

Spirit Airlines, Inc.(1) 
69,560
2,582,067

 
 
11,534,696

Banks — 0.5%
 
 
SVB Financial Group(1) 
48,294
5,895,248

Beverages — 2.9%
 
 
Boston Beer Co., Inc. (The), Class A(1) 
13,229
2,904,956

Brown-Forman Corp., Class B
62,311
6,616,182

Constellation Brands, Inc., Class A
170,672
23,006,586

 
 
32,527,724

Biotechnology — 7.1%
 
 
Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(1) 
87,525
15,404,400

Biogen, Inc.(1) 
39,015
11,334,248

BioMarin Pharmaceutical, Inc.(1) 
31,459
3,681,961

Gilead Sciences, Inc.
191,777
20,736,847

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(1) 
19,701
10,981,140

Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(1) 
132,716
16,554,994

 
 
78,693,590

Capital Markets — 2.1%
 
 
Charles Schwab Corp. (The)
348,817
10,645,895

Morgan Stanley
394,403
13,003,467

 
 
23,649,362

Chemicals — 1.4%
 
 
Axalta Coating Systems Ltd.(1) 
142,049
3,924,814

Monsanto Co.
122,917
11,458,323

 
 
15,383,137

Commercial Services and Supplies — 0.6%
 
 
KAR Auction Services, Inc.
170,364
6,541,978

Communications Equipment — 3.4%
 
 
Cisco Systems, Inc.
564,755
16,293,182

Motorola Solutions, Inc.
307,001
21,480,860

 
 
37,774,042

Consumer Finance — 0.7%
 
 
Discover Financial Services
147,527
8,293,968

Diversified Financial Services — 0.5%
 
 
McGraw Hill Financial, Inc.
59,351
5,498,277

Electrical Equipment — 0.6%
 
 
Acuity Brands, Inc.
31,069
6,791,683


10


 
Shares
Value
Food and Staples Retailing — 1.8%
 
 
Costco Wholesale Corp.
128,103
$
20,255,646

Food Products — 3.6%
 
 
Amplify Snack Brands, Inc.(1) 
178,804
2,159,952

Hain Celestial Group, Inc. (The)(1) 
78,070
3,891,790

Mondelez International, Inc., Class A
739,393
34,130,381

 
 
40,182,123

Health Care Equipment and Supplies — 4.8%
 
 
DexCom, Inc.(1) 
43,357
3,612,505

Hologic, Inc.(1) 
174,581
6,784,218

Intuitive Surgical, Inc.(1) 
20,417
10,139,082

Teleflex, Inc.
245,810
32,692,730

 
 
53,228,535

Health Care Providers and Services — 2.3%
 
 
AmerisourceBergen Corp.
101,387
9,784,859

McKesson Corp.
65,366
11,687,441

VCA, Inc.(1) 
72,209
3,954,887

 
 
25,427,187

Hotels, Restaurants and Leisure — 3.1%
 
 
Hilton Worldwide Holdings, Inc.
64,558
1,613,304

McDonald's Corp.
104,110
11,686,348

Starbucks Corp.
346,981
21,710,601

 
 
35,010,253

Household Durables — 0.9%
 
 
Harman International Industries, Inc.
42,166
4,636,573

Newell Rubbermaid, Inc.
116,071
4,924,893

 
 
9,561,466

Internet and Catalog Retail — 3.0%
 
 
Amazon.com, Inc.(1) 
22,611
14,152,225

Priceline Group, Inc. (The)(1) 
13,303
19,345,755

 
 
33,497,980

Internet Software and Services — 10.9%
 
 
Alphabet, Inc., Class A(1) 
76,573
56,464,165

Alphabet, Inc., Class C(1) 
30,462
21,652,694

CoStar Group, Inc.(1) 
20,515
4,165,981

Facebook, Inc., Class A(1) 
384,758
39,233,773

 
 
121,516,613

IT Services — 4.2%
 
 
Alliance Data Systems Corp.(1) 
60,171
17,889,440

MasterCard, Inc., Class A
242,285
23,983,792

Sabre Corp.
146,465
4,294,354

 
 
46,167,586

Leisure Products — 0.3%
 
 
Polaris Industries, Inc.
24,850
2,791,649

Machinery — 3.1%
 
 
Ingersoll-Rand plc
239,726
14,206,163


11


 
Shares
Value
Middleby Corp. (The)(1) 
126,470
$
14,789,402

Snap-On, Inc.
31,075
5,155,031

 
 
34,150,596

Media — 4.6%
 
 
Comcast Corp., Class A
527,072
33,005,249

Time Warner, Inc.
167,251
12,600,690

Walt Disney Co. (The)
46,091
5,242,390

 
 
50,848,329

Multiline Retail — 2.9%
 
 
Burlington Stores, Inc.(1) 
91,095
4,379,848

Dollar Tree, Inc.(1) 
182,176
11,930,706

Target Corp.
213,502
16,478,084

 
 
32,788,638

Oil, Gas and Consumable Fuels — 1.0%
 
 
Antero Resources Corp.(1) 
51,563
1,215,340

Concho Resources, Inc.(1) 
47,707
5,529,718

Pioneer Natural Resources Co.
35,411
4,856,265

 
 
11,601,323

Pharmaceuticals — 5.0%
 
 
Allergan plc(1) 
125,748
38,789,486

Shire plc ADR
14,827
3,366,470

Zoetis, Inc.
316,975
13,633,095

 
 
55,789,051

Professional Services — 1.1%
 
 
Nielsen Holdings plc
251,792
11,962,638

Real Estate Management and Development — 0.4%
 
 
Jones Lang LaSalle, Inc.
26,494
4,416,815

Road and Rail — 2.4%
 
 
Canadian Pacific Railway Ltd., New York Shares
151,667
21,309,213

Kansas City Southern
69,363
5,740,482

 
 
27,049,695

Semiconductors and Semiconductor Equipment — 1.2%
 
 
Avago Technologies Ltd.
55,345
6,814,630

NXP Semiconductors NV(1) 
78,493
6,149,926

 
 
12,964,556

Software — 6.1%
 
 
Adobe Systems, Inc.(1) 
134,699
11,942,413

Electronic Arts, Inc.(1) 
510,589
36,798,149

Intuit, Inc.
33,909
3,303,754

salesforce.com, inc.(1) 
155,235
12,063,312

Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.(1) 
113,704
3,774,973

 
 
67,882,601

Specialty Retail — 6.2%
 
 
AutoZone, Inc.(1) 
16,066
12,602,331

Home Depot, Inc. (The)
117,457
14,522,384

Lowe's Cos., Inc.
413,088
30,498,287

Signet Jewelers Ltd.
73,210
11,050,317

 
 
68,673,319


12


 
Shares
Value
Technology Hardware, Storage and Peripherals — 4.4%
 
 
Apple, Inc.
406,746
$
48,606,147

Textiles, Apparel and Luxury Goods — 0.7%
 
 
NIKE, Inc., Class B
57,385
7,519,156

Tobacco — 0.9%
 
 
Philip Morris International, Inc.
108,560
9,596,704

Wireless Telecommunication Services — 1.7%
 
 
SBA Communications Corp., Class A(1) 
154,330
18,368,357

TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(Cost $757,213,675)
 
1,105,080,402

TEMPORARY CASH INVESTMENTS — 0.8%
 
 
Repurchase Agreement, Credit Suisse First Boston, Inc., (collateralized by various U.S. Treasury obligations, 1.50%, 5/31/19, valued at $3,412,511), in a joint trading account at 0.01%, dated 10/30/15, due 11/2/15 (Delivery value $3,346,122)
 
3,346,119

Repurchase Agreement, Fixed Income Clearing Corp., (collateralized by various U.S. Treasury obligations, 4.625%, 2/15/40, valued at $5,689,613), at 0.00%, dated 10/30/15, due 11/2/15 (Delivery value $5,578,000)
 
5,578,000

TOTAL TEMPORARY CASH INVESTMENTS
(Cost $8,924,119)
 
8,924,119

TOTAL INVESTMENT SECURITIES — 100.2%
(Cost $766,137,794)
 
1,114,004,521

OTHER ASSETS AND LIABILITIES — (0.2)%
 
(2,449,556)

TOTAL NET ASSETS — 100.0%
 
$
1,111,554,965


FORWARD FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE CONTRACTS
Currency Purchased
Currency Sold
Counterparty
Settlement Date
Unrealized Appreciation
(Depreciation)
CAD
1,419,648
USD
1,076,045
JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.
11/30/15
$
9,450

USD
20,815,743
CAD
27,575,031
JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.
11/30/15
(268,755)

GBP
649,691
USD
994,235
Credit Suisse AG
11/30/15
7,164

GBP
512,282
USD
785,159
Credit Suisse AG
11/30/15
4,445

USD
4,835,728
GBP
3,150,886
Credit Suisse AG
11/30/15
(20,880)

 
 
 
 
 
 
$
(268,576
)

NOTES TO SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
ADR
-
American Depositary Receipt
CAD
-
Canadian Dollar
GBP
-
British Pound
USD
-
United States Dollar
(1)
Non-income producing.

See Notes to Financial Statements.

13


Statement of Assets and Liabilities
OCTOBER 31, 2015
 
Assets
 
Investment securities, at value (cost of $766,137,794)
$
1,114,004,521

Foreign currency holdings, at value (cost of $69,060)
60,510

Receivable for investments sold
5,433,265

Receivable for capital shares sold
199,262

Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts
21,059

Dividends and interest receivable
233,738

 
1,119,952,355

 
 
Liabilities
 
Disbursements in excess of demand deposit cash
18,375

Payable for investments purchased
6,778,310

Payable for capital shares redeemed
388,429

Unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts
289,635

Accrued management fees
911,245

Distribution and service fees payable
11,396

 
8,397,390

 
 
Net Assets
$
1,111,554,965

 
 
Net Assets Consist of:
 
Capital (par value and paid-in surplus)
$
695,837,903

Accumulated net investment loss
(458,828
)
Undistributed net realized gain
68,586,289

Net unrealized appreciation
347,589,601

 
$
1,111,554,965


 
Net Assets
Shares Outstanding
Net Asset Value Per Share
Investor Class, $0.01 Par Value

$1,082,418,697

33,274,078

$32.53
Institutional Class, $0.01 Par Value

$280,187

8,535

$32.83
A Class, $0.01 Par Value

$10,656,809

331,482

$32.15*
C Class, $0.01 Par Value

$4,655,610

150,085

$31.02
R Class, $0.01 Par Value

$13,543,662

426,312

$31.77
*Maximum offering price $34.11 (net asset value divided by 0.9425).

See Notes to Financial Statements.


14


Statement of Operations
YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2015
 
Investment Income (Loss)
 
Income:
 
Dividends (net of foreign taxes withheld of $58,217)
$
9,503,560

Interest
1,822

 
9,505,382

 
 
Expenses:
 
Management fees
11,126,105

Distribution and service fees:
 
A Class
23,216

C Class
38,193

R Class
59,573

Directors' fees and expenses
36,888

Other expenses
677

 
11,284,652

 
 
Net investment income (loss)
(1,779,270
)
 
 
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)
 
Net realized gain (loss) on:
 
Investment transactions
68,689,485

Foreign currency transactions
2,972,973

 
71,662,458

 
 
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:
 
Investments
29,534,493

Translation of assets and liabilities in foreign currencies
(373,832
)
 
29,160,661

 
 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
100,823,119

 
 
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations
$
99,043,849



See Notes to Financial Statements.


15


Statement of Changes in Net Assets
YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2015 AND OCTOBER 31, 2014
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
October 31, 2015
October 31, 2014
Operations
 
 
Net investment income (loss)
$
(1,779,270
)
$
(2,087,065
)
Net realized gain (loss)
71,662,458

162,948,101

Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
29,160,661

(42,216,054
)
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations
99,043,849

118,644,982

 
 
 
Distributions to Shareholders
 
 
From net realized gains:
 
 
Investor Class
(149,342,881
)
(135,254,248
)
Institutional Class
(26,645
)
(13,915
)
A Class
(1,170,337
)
(1,123,968
)
C Class
(545,627
)
(454,606
)
R Class
(1,466,459
)
(827,562
)
Decrease in net assets from distributions
(152,551,949
)
(137,674,299
)
 
 
 
Capital Share Transactions
 
 
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from capital share transactions (Note 5)
62,410,541

22,307,155

 
 
 
Net increase (decrease) in net assets
8,902,441

3,277,838

 
 
 
Net Assets
 
 
Beginning of period
1,102,652,524

1,099,374,686

End of period
$
1,111,554,965

$
1,102,652,524

 
 
 
Accumulated net investment loss
$
(458,828
)
$
(1,702,952
)


See Notes to Financial Statements.


16


Notes to Financial Statements

OCTOBER 31, 2015

1. Organization

American Century Mutual Funds, Inc. (the corporation) is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act), as an open-end management investment company and is organized as a Maryland corporation. All Cap Growth Fund (the fund) is one fund in a series issued by the corporation. The fund is diversified as defined under the 1940 Act. The fund's investment objective is to seek long-term capital growth.

The fund offers the Investor Class, the Institutional Class, the A Class, the C Class and the R Class. The A Class may incur an initial sales charge. The A Class and C Class may be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge. The share classes differ principally in their respective sales charges and distribution and shareholder servicing expenses and arrangements. The Institutional Class is made available to institutional shareholders or through financial intermediaries whose clients do not require the same level of shareholder and administrative services as shareholders of other classes. As a result, the Institutional Class is charged a lower unified management fee.

2. Significant Accounting Policies

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the fund in preparation of its financial statements. The fund is an investment company and follows accounting and reporting guidance in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. This may require management to make certain estimates and assumptions at the date of the financial statements. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Management evaluated the impact of events or transactions occurring through the date the financial statements were issued that would merit recognition or disclosure.

Investment Valuations — The fund determines the fair value of its investments and computes its net asset value per share at the close of regular trading (usually 4 p.m. Eastern time) on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on each day the NYSE is open. The Board of Directors has adopted valuation policies and procedures to guide the investment advisor in the fund’s investment valuation process and to provide methodologies for the oversight of the fund’s pricing function.

Equity securities that are listed or traded on a domestic securities exchange are valued at the last reported sales price or at the official closing price as provided by the exchange. Equity securities traded on foreign securities exchanges are generally valued at the closing price of such securities on the exchange where primarily traded or at the close of the NYSE, if that is earlier. If no last sales price is reported, or if local convention or regulation so provides, the mean of the latest bid and asked prices may be used. Securities traded over-the-counter are valued at the mean of the latest bid and asked prices, the last sales price, or the official closing price. Equity securities initially expressed in local currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at the mean of the appropriate currency exchange rate at the close of the NYSE as provided by an independent pricing service.
 
Open-end management investment companies are valued at the reported net asset value per share. Repurchase agreements are valued at cost, which approximates fair value. Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are valued at the mean of the appropriate forward exchange rate at the close of the NYSE as provided by an independent pricing service.

If the fund determines that the market price for an investment is not readily available or the valuation methods mentioned above do not reflect an investment’s fair value, such investment is valued as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors or its delegate, in accordance with policies and procedures adopted by the Board of Directors. In its determination of fair value, the fund may review several factors including, but not limited to, market information regarding the specific investment or comparable investments and correlation with other investment types, futures indices or general market indicators. Circumstances that may cause the fund to use these procedures to value an investment include, but are not limited to: an investment has been declared in default or is distressed; trading in a security has been suspended during the trading day or a security is not actively trading on its principal exchange; prices received from a regular pricing source are deemed unreliable; or there is a foreign market holiday and no trading occurred.


17


The fund monitors for significant events occurring after the close of an investment’s primary exchange but before the fund’s net asset value per share is determined. Significant events may include, but are not limited to: corporate announcements and transactions; governmental action and political unrest that could impact a specific investment or an investment sector; or armed conflicts, natural disasters and similar events that could affect investments in a specific country or region. The fund also monitors for significant fluctuations between domestic and foreign markets, as evidenced by the U.S. market or such other indicators that the Board of Directors, or its delegate, deems appropriate. If significant fluctuations in foreign markets are identified, the fund may apply a model-derived factor to the closing price of equity securities traded on foreign securities exchanges. The factor is based on observable market data as provided by an independent pricing service.

Security Transactions — Security transactions are accounted for as of the trade date. Net realized gains and losses are determined on the identified cost basis, which is also used for federal income tax purposes.

Investment Income — Dividend income less foreign taxes withheld, if any, is recorded as of the ex-dividend date. Distributions received on securities that represent a return of capital or long-term capital gain are recorded as a reduction of cost of investments and/or as a realized gain. The fund may estimate the components of distributions received that may be considered nontaxable distributions or long-term capital gain distributions for income tax purposes. Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis and includes accretion of discounts and amortization of premiums.

Foreign Currency Translations — All assets and liabilities initially expressed in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at prevailing exchange rates at period end. The fund may enter into spot foreign currency exchange contracts to facilitate transactions denominated in a foreign currency. Purchases and sales of investment securities, dividend and interest income, spot foreign currency exchange contracts, and expenses are translated at the rates of exchange prevailing on the respective dates of such transactions. Net realized and unrealized foreign currency exchange gains or losses related to investment securities are a component of net realized gain (loss) on investment transactions and change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments, respectively.

Repurchase Agreements — The fund may enter into repurchase agreements with institutions that American Century Investment Management, Inc. (ACIM) (the investment advisor) has determined are creditworthy pursuant to criteria adopted by the Board of Directors. The fund requires that the collateral, represented by securities, received in a repurchase transaction be transferred to the custodian in a manner sufficient to enable the fund to obtain those securities in the event of a default under the repurchase agreement. ACIM monitors, on a daily basis, the securities transferred to ensure the value, including accrued interest, of the securities under each repurchase agreement is equal to or greater than amounts owed to the fund under each repurchase agreement.

Joint Trading Account — Pursuant to an Exemptive Order issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the fund, along with certain other funds in the American Century Investments family of funds, may transfer uninvested cash balances into a joint trading account. These balances are invested in one or more repurchase agreements that are collateralized by U.S. Treasury or Agency obligations.

Income Tax Status — It is the fund’s policy to distribute substantially all net investment income and net realized gains to shareholders and to otherwise qualify as a regulated investment company under provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. Accordingly, no provision has been made for income taxes. The fund files U.S. federal, state, local and non-U.S. tax returns as applicable. The fund's tax returns are subject to examination by the relevant taxing authority until expiration of the applicable statute of limitations, which is generally three years from the date of filing but can be longer in certain jurisdictions. At this time, management believes there are no uncertain tax positions which, based on their technical merit, would not be sustained upon examination and for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly change in the next twelve months.

Multiple Class — All shares of the fund represent an equal pro rata interest in the net assets of the class to which such shares belong, and have identical voting, dividend, liquidation and other rights and the same terms and conditions, except for class specific expenses and exclusive rights to vote on matters affecting only individual classes. Income, non-class specific expenses, and realized and unrealized capital gains and losses of the fund are allocated to each class of shares based on their relative net assets.






18


Distributions to Shareholders — Distributions from net investment income and net realized gains, if any, are generally declared and paid annually.

Indemnifications — Under the corporation’s organizational documents, its officers and directors are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the fund. In addition, in the normal course of business, the fund enters into contracts that provide general indemnifications. The maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be made against a fund. The risk of material loss from such claims is considered by management to be remote.

3. Fees and Transactions with Related Parties

Certain officers and directors of the corporation are also officers and/or directors of American Century Companies, Inc. (ACC). The corporation’s investment advisor, ACIM, the corporation's distributor, American Century Investment Services, Inc. (ACIS), and the corporation’s transfer agent, American Century Services, LLC, are wholly owned, directly or indirectly, by ACC.
 
Management Fees — The corporation has entered into a management agreement with ACIM, under which ACIM provides the fund with investment advisory and management services in exchange for a single, unified management fee (the fee) per class. The agreement provides that all expenses of managing and operating the fund, except distribution and service fees, brokerage expenses, taxes, interest, fees and expenses of the independent directors (including legal counsel fees), and extraordinary expenses, will be paid by ACIM. The fee is computed and accrued daily based on each class’s daily net assets and paid monthly in arrears. The annual management fee is 1.00% for the Investor Class, A Class, C Class and R Class and 0.80% for the Institutional Class.

Distribution and Service Fees — The Board of Directors has adopted a separate Master Distribution and Individual Shareholder Services Plan for each of the A Class, C Class and R Class (collectively the plans), pursuant to Rule 12b-1 of the 1940 Act. The plans provide that the A Class will pay ACIS an annual distribution and service fee of 0.25%. The plans provide that the C Class will pay ACIS an annual distribution and service fee of 1.00%, of which 0.25% is paid for individual shareholder services and 0.75% is paid for distribution services. The plans provide that the R Class will pay ACIS an annual distribution and service fee of 0.50%. The fees are computed and accrued daily based on each class’s daily net assets and paid monthly in arrears. The fees are used to pay financial intermediaries for distribution and individual shareholder services. Fees incurred under the plans during the year ended October 31, 2015 are detailed in the Statement of Operations.

Directors' Fees and Expenses — The Board of Directors is responsible for overseeing the investment advisor’s management and operations of the fund. The directors receive detailed information about the fund and its investment advisor regularly throughout the year, and meet at least quarterly with management of the investment advisor to review reports about fund operations. The fund’s officers do not receive compensation from the fund.
 
4. Investment Transactions

Purchases and sales of investment securities, excluding short-term investments, for the year ended October 31, 2015 were $468,643,367 and $551,947,145, respectively.


19


5. Capital Share Transactions

Transactions in shares of the fund were as follows:
 
Year ended
October 31, 2015
Year ended
October 31, 2014
 
Shares
Amount
Shares
Amount
Investor Class/Shares Authorized
225,000,000

 
200,000,000

 
Sold
1,942,723

$
62,182,754

1,162,515

$
38,387,186

Issued in reinvestment of distributions
5,037,722

145,791,678

4,246,173

132,055,972

Redeemed
(4,820,064
)
(153,118,504
)
(4,648,558
)
(153,313,983
)
 
2,160,381

54,855,928

760,130

17,129,175

Institutional Class/Shares Authorized
25,000,000

 
25,000,000

 
Sold
2,931

89,844

2,427

80,496

Issued in reinvestment of distributions
914

26,645

446

13,915

Redeemed
(770
)
(24,765
)
(485
)
(16,142
)
 
3,075

91,724

2,388

78,269

A Class/Shares Authorized
25,000,000

 
25,000,000

 
Sold
157,561

4,929,881

132,615

4,368,596

Issued in reinvestment of distributions
40,835

1,170,337

36,351

1,123,968

Redeemed
(123,527
)
(3,893,895
)
(152,490
)
(4,957,707
)
 
74,869

2,206,323

16,476

534,857

C Class/Shares Authorized
25,000,000

 
25,000,000

 
Sold
53,142

1,594,597

39,397

1,268,756

Issued in reinvestment of distributions
19,578

545,053

14,564

442,613

Redeemed
(39,580
)
(1,195,912
)
(31,993
)
(1,022,084
)
 
33,140

943,738

21,968

689,285

R Class/Shares Authorized
25,000,000

 
25,000,000

 
Sold
191,758

6,026,314

169,022

5,520,467

Issued in reinvestment of distributions
51,654

1,466,459

26,921

827,562

Redeemed
(102,289
)
(3,179,945
)
(75,880
)
(2,472,460
)
 
141,123

4,312,828

120,063

3,875,569

Net increase (decrease)
2,412,588

$
62,410,541

921,025

$
22,307,155


6. Fair Value Measurements

The fund’s investments valuation process is based on several considerations and may use multiple inputs to determine the fair value of the investments held by the fund. In conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, the inputs used to determine a valuation are classified into three broad levels.

Level 1 valuation inputs consist of unadjusted quoted prices in an active market for identical investments.

Level 2 valuation inputs consist of direct or indirect observable market data (including quoted prices for comparable investments, evaluations of subsequent market events, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.). These inputs also consist of quoted prices for identical investments initially expressed in local currencies that are adjusted through translation into U.S. dollars.

Level 3 valuation inputs consist of unobservable data (including a fund’s own assumptions).

The level classification is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair valuation measurement. The valuation inputs are not necessarily an indication of the risks associated with investing in these securities or other financial instruments. There were no significant transfers between levels during the period.


20


The following is a summary of the level classifications as of period end. The Schedule of Investments provides additional information on the fund’s portfolio holdings.
 
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Assets
 
 
 
Investment Securities
 
 
 
Common Stocks
$
1,105,080,402



Temporary Cash Investments

$
8,924,119


 
$
1,105,080,402

$
8,924,119


Other Financial Instruments
 
 
 
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts

$
21,059


 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
Other Financial Instruments
 
 
 
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts

$
(289,635
)


7. Derivative Instruments

Foreign Currency Risk — The fund is subject to foreign currency exchange rate risk in the normal course of pursuing its investment objectives. The value of foreign investments held by a fund may be significantly affected by changes in foreign currency exchange rates. The dollar value of a foreign security generally decreases when the value of the dollar rises against the foreign currency in which the security is denominated and tends to increase when the value of the dollar declines against such foreign currency. A fund may enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts to reduce a fund's exposure to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. The net U.S. dollar value of foreign currency underlying all contractual commitments held by a fund and the resulting unrealized appreciation or depreciation are determined daily. Realized gain or loss is recorded upon the termination of the contract. Net realized and unrealized gains or losses occurring during the holding period of forward foreign currency exchange contracts are a component of net realized gain (loss) on foreign currency transactions and change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on translation of assets and liabilities in foreign currencies, respectively. A fund bears the risk of an unfavorable change in the foreign currency exchange rate underlying the forward contract. Additionally, losses, up to the fair value, may arise if the counterparties do not perform under the contract terms. The fund's average U.S. dollar exposure to foreign currency risk derivative instruments held during the period was $23,130,596.

The value of foreign currency risk derivative instruments as of October 31, 2015, is disclosed on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities as an asset of $21,059 in unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts and a liability of $289,635 in unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts. For the year ended October 31, 2015, the effect of foreign currency risk derivative instruments on the Statement of Operations was $2,975,003 in net realized gain (loss) on foreign currency transactions and $(367,826) in change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on translation of assets and liabilities in foreign currencies.

8. Federal Tax Information

The tax character of distributions paid during the years ended October 31, 2015 and October 31, 2014 were as follows:
 
2015
2014
Distributions Paid From
 
 
Ordinary income

$
12,321,590

Long-term capital gains
$
152,551,949

$
125,352,709


The book-basis character of distributions made during the year from net investment income or net realized gains may differ from their ultimate characterization for federal income tax purposes. These differences reflect the differing character of certain income items and net realized gains and losses for financial statement and tax purposes, and may result in reclassification among certain capital accounts on the financial statements.


21


As of October 31, 2015, the federal tax cost of investments and the components of distributable earnings on a tax-basis were as follows:
Federal tax cost of investments
$
766,158,515

Gross tax appreciation of investments
$
357,796,793

Gross tax depreciation of investments
(9,950,787
)
Net tax appreciation (depreciation) of investments
347,846,006

Net tax appreciation (depreciation) on derivatives and translation of assets and liabilities
in foreign currencies
(8,550
)
Net tax appreciation (depreciation)
$
347,837,456

Undistributed ordinary income

Accumulated long-term gains
$
68,607,010

Late-year ordinary loss deferral
$
(727,404
)

The difference between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation (depreciation) is attributable primarily to the realization for tax purposes of unrealized gains (losses) on certain foreign currency exchange contracts.
 
Loss deferrals represent certain qualified losses that the fund has elected to treat as having been incurred in the following fiscal year for federal income tax purposes.



22


Financial Highlights
 
For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Years Ended October 31 (except as noted)
Per-Share Data
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ratios and Supplemental Data
 
 
 
Income From Investment Operations:
Distributions From:
 
 
Ratio to Average Net Assets of:
 
 
 
Net Asset
Value,
Beginning
of Period
Net
Investment
Income
(Loss)
(1)
Net
Realized
and
Unrealized
Gain (Loss)
Total From
Investment
Operations
Net
Investment
Income
Net
Realized
Gains
Total
Distributions
Net Asset
Value,
End
of Period
Total
Return
(2)
Operating
Expenses
Net
Investment
Income
(Loss)
Portfolio
Turnover
Rate
Net
Assets,
End of
Period
(in thousands)
Investor Class
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2015
$34.71
(0.05)
2.71
2.66
(4.84)
(4.84)
$32.53
9.40%
1.00%
(0.15)%
43%

$1,082,419

2014
$35.63
(0.06)
3.64
3.58
(4.50)
(4.50)
$34.71
11.50%
1.00%
(0.18)%
56%

$1,079,950

2013
$30.44
0.12
7.22
7.34
(0.10)
(2.05)
(2.15)
$35.63
25.72%
1.00%
0.38%
60%

$1,081,599

2012
$28.06
0.01
3.08
3.09
(0.71)
(0.71)
$30.44
11.40%
1.00%
0.04%
55%

$961,562

2011
$26.07
(0.02)
2.01
1.99
$28.06
7.63%
1.00%
(0.08)%
75%

$935,751

Institutional Class
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2015
$34.92
0.01
2.74
2.75
(4.84)
(4.84)
$32.83
9.60%
0.80%
0.05%
43%

$280

2014
$35.76
(3)
3.66
3.66
(4.50)
(4.50)
$34.92
11.71%
0.80%
0.02%
56%

$191

2013
$30.50
0.16
7.26
7.42
(0.11)
(2.05)
(2.16)
$35.76
25.98%
0.80%
0.58%
60%

$110

2012
$28.06
0.09
3.06
3.15
(0.71)
(0.71)
$30.50
11.62%
0.80%
0.24%
55%

$61

2011(4)
$25.32
(0.01)
2.75
2.74
$28.06
10.82%
0.80%(5)
(0.28)%(5)
75%(6)

$28

A Class
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2015
$34.44
(0.13)
2.68
2.55
(4.84)
(4.84)
$32.15
9.12%
1.25%
(0.40)%
43%

$10,657

2014
$35.47
(0.14)
3.61
3.47
(4.50)
(4.50)
$34.44
11.22%
1.25%
(0.43)%
56%

$8,837

2013
$30.36
0.04
7.19
7.23
(0.07)
(2.05)
(2.12)
$35.47
25.42%
1.25%
0.13%
60%

$8,517

2012
$28.05
(0.02)
3.04
3.02
(0.71)
(0.71)
$30.36
11.15%
1.25%
(0.21)%
55%

$11,334

2011(4)
$25.32
(0.02)
2.75
2.73
$28.05
10.78%
1.25%(5)
(0.73)%(5)
75%(6)

$28


23


For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Years Ended October 31 (except as noted)
Per-Share Data
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ratios and Supplemental Data
 
 
 
Income From Investment Operations:
Distributions From:
 
 
Ratio to Average Net Assets of:
 
 
 
Net Asset
Value,
Beginning
of Period
Net
Investment
Income
(Loss)
(1)
Net
Realized
and
Unrealized
Gain (Loss)
Total From
Investment
Operations
Net
Investment
Income
Net
Realized
Gains
Total
Distributions
Net Asset
Value,
End
of Period
Total
Return
(2)
Operating
Expenses
Net
Investment
Income
(Loss)
Portfolio
Turnover
Rate
Net
Assets,
End of
Period
(in thousands)
C Class
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2015
$33.62
(0.35)
2.59
2.24
(4.84)
(4.84)
$31.02
8.32%
2.00%
(1.15)%
43%

$4,656

2014
$34.96
(0.38)
3.54
3.16
(4.50)
(4.50)
$33.62
10.40%
2.00%
(1.18)%
56%

$3,932

2013
$30.11
(0.20)
7.11
6.91
(0.01)
(2.05)
(2.06)
$34.96
24.45%
2.00%
(0.62)%
60%

$3,321

2012
$28.03
(0.25)
3.04
2.79
(0.71)
(0.71)
$30.11
10.32%
2.00%
(0.96)%
55%

$1,993

2011(4)
$25.32
(0.03)
2.74
2.71
$28.03
10.70%
2.00%(5)
(1.48)%(5)
75%(6)

$28

R Class
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2015
$34.16
(0.20)
2.65
2.45
(4.84)
(4.84)
$31.77
8.87%
1.50%
(0.65)%
43%

$13,544

2014
$35.30
(0.22)
3.58
3.36
(4.50)
(4.50)
$34.16
10.93%
1.50%
(0.68)%
56%

$9,743

2013
$30.27
(0.09)
7.22
7.13
(0.05)
(2.05)
(2.10)
$35.30
25.12%
1.50%
(0.12)%
60%

$5,828

2012
$28.04
(0.08)
3.02
2.94
(0.71)
(0.71)
$30.27
10.86%
1.50%
(0.46)%
55%

$864

2011(4)
$25.32
(0.02)
2.74
2.72
$28.04
10.74%
1.50%(5)
(0.98)%(5)
75%(6)

$28


Notes to Financial Highlights
(1)
Computed using average shares outstanding throughout the period.
(2)
Total returns are calculated based on the net asset value of the last business day and do not reflect applicable sales charges, if any. Total returns for periods less than one year are not annualized.
(3)
Per-share amount was less than $0.005.
(4)
September 30, 2011 (commencement of sale) through October 31, 2011.
(5)
Annualized.
(6)
Portfolio turnover is calculated at the fund level. Percentage indicated was calculated for the year ended October 31, 2011.
See Notes to Financial Statements.

24


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of American Century Mutual Funds, Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the schedule of investments, of All Cap Growth Fund (the “Fund”), one of the funds constituting American Century Mutual Funds, Inc., as of October 31, 2015, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the periods presented. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Fund’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. The Fund is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Fund’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of October 31, 2015, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers; when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of All Cap Growth Fund of American Century Mutual Funds, Inc. as of October 31, 2015, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the periods presented, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Kansas City, Missouri
December 16, 2015



25


Management

The Board of Directors
The individuals listed below serve as directors of the funds. Each director will continue to serve in this capacity until death, retirement, resignation or removal from office. The board has adopted a mandatory retirement age for directors who are not “interested persons,” as that term is defined in the Investment Company Act (independent directors). Independent directors shall retire by December 31 of the year in which they reach their 75th birthday.
Mr. Thomas is an “interested person” because he currently serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of American Century Companies, Inc. (ACC), the parent company of American Century Investment Management, Inc. (ACIM or the advisor). Mr. Fink is treated as an “interested person” because of his recent employment with ACC and American Century Services, LLC (ACS). The other directors (more than three-fourths of the total number) are independent. They are not employees, directors or officers of, and have no financial interest in, ACC or any of its wholly owned, direct or indirect, subsidiaries, including ACIM, American Century Investment Services, Inc. (ACIS) and ACS, and they do not have any other affiliations, positions or relationships that would cause them to be considered “interested persons” under the Investment Company Act. The directors serve in this capacity for seven (in the case of Mr. Thomas, 15) registered investment companies in the American Century Investments family of funds.
The following table presents additional information about the directors. The mailing address for each director is 4500 Main Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64111.
Name
(Year of Birth)
Position(s)
Held with
Funds
Length of
Time Served
Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years
Number of
American
Century
Portfolios
Overseen by Director
Other
Directorships
Held During
Past 5 Years
Independent Directors
 
 
 
 
Thomas A. Brown
(1940)
Director
Since 1980
Managing Member, Associated Investments, LLC (real estate investment company)
80
None
Andrea C. Hall
(1945)
Director
Since 1997
Retired
80
None
Jan M. Lewis
(1957)
Director
Since 2011
Retired; President and Chief Executive Officer, Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas (human services organization) (2006 to 2013)
80
None
James A. Olson
(1942)
Director and Chairman of the Board
Since 2007 (Chairman since 2014)
Member, Plaza Belmont LLC (private equity fund manager)
80
Saia, Inc. (2002 to 2012) and EPR Properties (2003 to 2013)
M. Jeannine Strandjord
(1945)
Director
Since 1994
Retired
80
Euronet Worldwide Inc.; MGP Ingredients, Inc.; Charming Shoppes, Inc. (2006 to 2010); and DST Systems Inc. (1996 to 2012)
John R. Whitten
(1946)
Director
Since 2008
Retired
80
Rudolph Technologies, Inc.

26


Name
(Year of Birth)
Position(s)
Held with
Funds
Length of
Time Served
Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years
Number of
American
Century
Portfolios
Overseen by Director
Other
Directorships
Held During
Past 5 Years
Independent Directors
 
 
 
 
Stephen E. Yates
(1948)
Director
Since 2012
Retired; Executive Vice President, Technology & Operations, KeyCorp. (computer services) (2004 to 2010)
80
Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. (2001 to 2010)
Interested Directors
 
 
 
 
Barry Fink
(1955)
Director
Since 2012
Retired; Executive Vice President, ACC (September 2007 to February 2013); President, ACS (October 2007 to February 2013); Chief Operating Officer, ACC (September 2007 to November 2012)
80
None
Jonathan S. Thomas
(1963)
Director and President
Since 2007
President and Chief Executive Officer, ACC (March 2007 to present). Also serves as Chief Executive Officer, ACS; Executive Vice President, ACIM; Director, ACC, ACIM and other ACC subsidiaries
125
BioMed Valley Discoveries, Inc.

The Statement of Additional Information has additional information about the fund's directors and is available without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-345-2021.


27


Officers
The following table presents certain information about the executive officers of the funds. Each officer serves as an officer for each of the 15 investment companies in the American Century family of funds, unless otherwise noted. No officer is compensated for his or her service as an officer of the funds. The listed officers are interested persons of the funds and are appointed or re-appointed on an annual basis. The mailing address for each officer listed below is 4500 Main Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64111.
Name
(Year of Birth)
Offices with the Funds
Principal Occupation(s) During the Past Five Years
Jonathan S.
Thomas
(1963)
Director and
President
since 2007
President and Chief Executive Officer, ACC (March 2007 to present). Also serves as Chief Executive Officer, ACS; Executive Vice President, ACIM; Director, ACC, ACIM and other ACC subsidiaries
Amy D. Shelton
(1964)
Chief Compliance
Officer and Vice President since 2014
Chief Compliance Officer, American Century funds, (March 2014 to present); Chief Compliance Officer, ACIM (February 2014 to present); Chief Compliance Officer, ACIS (October 2009 to present); Vice President, Client Interactions and Marketing, ACIS (February 2013 to January 2014); Director, Client Interactions and Marketing, ACIS (June 2007 to January 2013). Also serves as Vice President, ACIS
Charles A.
Etherington
(1957)
General Counsel
since 2007 and
Senior Vice
President since 2006
Attorney, ACC (February 1994 to present); Vice President, ACC (November 2005 to present); General Counsel, ACC (March 2007 to present). Also serves as General Counsel, ACIM, ACS, ACIS and other ACC subsidiaries; and Senior Vice President, ACIM and ACS
C. Jean Wade
(1964)
Vice President,
Treasurer and
Chief Financial
Officer since 2012
Vice President, ACS (February 2000 to present)
Robert J. Leach
(1966)
Vice President
since 2006 and
Assistant Treasurer
since 2012
Vice President, ACS (February 2000 to present)
David H.
Reinmiller
(1963)
Vice President
since 2000
Attorney, ACC (January 1994 to present); Associate General Counsel, ACC (January 2001 to present). Also serves as Vice President, ACIM and ACS
Ward D. Stauffer
(1960)
Secretary
since 2005
Attorney, ACC (June 2003 to present)


28


Approval of Management Agreement


At a meeting held on June 30, 2015, the Fund’s Board of Directors unanimously approved the renewal of the management agreement pursuant to which American Century Investment Management, Inc. (the “Advisor”) acts as the investment advisor for the Fund. Under Section 15(c) of the Investment Company Act, contracts for investment advisory services are required to be reviewed, evaluated, and approved by a majority of a fund’s directors (the “Directors”), including a majority of the independent Directors, each year.
    
Prior to its consideration of the renewal of the management agreement, the Directors requested and reviewed extensive data and information compiled by the Advisor and certain independent providers of evaluation data concerning the Fund and the services provided to the Fund by the Advisor. This review was in addition to the oversight and evaluation undertaken by the Board and its committees on a continuous basis and the information received was supplemental to the extensive information that the Board and its committees receive and consider throughout the year.

In connection with its consideration of the renewal of the management agreement, the Board’s review and evaluation of the services provided by the Advisor included, but was not limited to, the following:

the nature, extent, and quality of investment management, shareholder services, and other services provided by the Advisor to the Fund;
the wide range of other programs and services the Advisor provides to the Fund and its shareholders on a routine and non-routine basis;
the Fund’s investment performance compared to appropriate benchmarks and/or a peer group of other mutual funds with similar investment objectives and strategies;
the cost of owning the Fund compared to the cost of owning similar funds;
the Advisor’s compliance policies, procedures, and regulatory experience;
financial data showing the cost of services provided to the Fund, the profitability of the Fund to the Advisor, and the overall profitability of the Advisor;
possible economies of scale associated with the Advisor’s management of the Fund and other accounts under its management;
data comparing services provided and charges to other investment management clients of the Advisor;
acquired fund fees and expenses;
payments to intermediaries by the Fund and the Advisor; and
any collateral benefits derived by the Advisor from the management of the Fund.

In keeping with their practice, the Directors held two in-person meetings and one telephonic meeting to review and discuss the information provided. The independent Directors also had the benefit of the advice of their independent counsel throughout the process.

Factors Considered

The Directors considered all of the information provided by the Advisor, the independent data providers, and independent counsel, and evaluated such information for the Fund. In connection with their review, the Directors did not identify any single factor as being all-important or controlling, and each Director may have attributed different levels of importance to different factors. In deciding to renew the management agreement, the Board based its decision on a number of factors, including the following:


29


Nature, Extent and Quality of Services - Generally. Under the management agreement, the Advisor is responsible for providing or arranging for all services necessary for the operation of the
Fund. The Board noted that under the management agreement, the Advisor provides or arranges at its own expense a wide variety of services including:

constructing and designing the Fund
portfolio research and security selection
initial capitalization/funding
securities trading
Fund administration
custody of Fund assets
daily valuation of the Fund’s portfolio
shareholder servicing and transfer agency, including shareholder confirmations, recordkeeping, and communications
legal services (except the independent Directors’ counsel)
regulatory and portfolio compliance
financial reporting
marketing and distribution (except Rule 12b-1 plans)

The Board noted that many of these services have expanded over time both in terms of quantity and complexity in response to shareholder demands, competition in the industry, changing distribution channels, and the changing regulatory environment.

Investment Management Services. The nature of the investment management services provided to the Fund is quite complex and allows Fund shareholders access to professional money management, instant diversification of their investments within an asset class, the opportunity to easily diversify among asset classes by investing in or exchanging among various American Century Investments funds, and liquidity. In evaluating investment performance, the Board expects the Advisor to manage the Fund in accordance with its investment objectives and approved strategies. Further, the Directors recognize that the Advisor has an obligation to monitor trading activities, and in particular to seek the best execution of fund trades, and to evaluate the use of and payment for research. In providing these services, the Advisor utilizes teams of investment professionals (portfolio managers, analysts, research assistants, and securities traders) who require extensive information technology, research, training, compliance and other systems to conduct their business. The Board, directly and through its Fund Performance Review Committee, regularly reviews investment performance information for the Fund, together with comparative information for appropriate benchmarks and/or peer groups of similarly-managed funds, over different time horizons. The Directors also review detailed performance information during the management agreement approval process. If performance concerns are identified, the Fund receives special reviews until performance improves, during which the Board discusses with the Advisor the reasons for such results (e.g., market conditions, security selection) and any efforts being undertaken to improve performance. The Fund’s performance was above its benchmark for the ten-year period and below its benchmark for the one-, three-, and five-year periods reviewed by the Board. The Board discussed the Fund's performance with the Advisor and was satisfied with the efforts being undertaken by the Advisor. The Board found the investment management services provided by the Advisor to the Fund to be satisfactory and consistent with the management agreement.

Shareholder and Other Services. Under the management agreement, the Advisor provides the Fund with a comprehensive package of transfer agency, shareholder, and other services. The Board, directly and through various committees of the Board, regularly reviews reports and evaluations of such services at its regular meetings. These reports include, but are not limited to, information regarding the operational efficiency and accuracy of the shareholder and transfer agency services provided, staffing levels, shareholder satisfaction (as measured by external as well as internal sources), technology support, new products and services offered to Fund shareholders, securities trading activities, portfolio valuation services, auditing services, and legal and operational compliance activities. The Board particularly noted the Advisor’s continual efforts to maintain

30


effective business continuity plans and to address cybersecurity threats. Certain aspects of shareholder and transfer agency service level efficiency and the quality of securities trading activities are measured by independent third party providers and are presented in comparison to other fund groups not managed by the Advisor. The Board found the services provided by the Advisor to the Fund under the management agreement to be competitive and of high quality.

Costs of Services and Profitability. The Advisor provides detailed information concerning its cost of providing various services to the Fund, its profitability in managing the Fund (pre- and post-distribution), its overall profitability, and its financial condition. The Directors have reviewed with the Advisor the methodology used to prepare this financial information. This information is considered in evaluating the Advisor’s financial condition, its ability to continue to provide services under the management agreement, and the reasonableness of the current management fee. The Board concluded that the Advisor’s profits were reasonable in light of the services provided to the Fund.

Ethics. The Board generally considers the Advisor’s commitment to providing quality services to shareholders and to conducting its business ethically. They noted that the Advisor’s practices generally meet or exceed industry best practices.

Economies of Scale. The Board also reviewed information provided by the Advisor regarding the possible existence of economies of scale in connection with the management of the Fund. The Board concluded that economies of scale are difficult to measure and predict with precision, especially on a fund-by-fund basis. The Board concluded that the Advisor is appropriately sharing economies of scale through its competitive fee structure, offering competitive fees from fund inception, and through reinvestment in its business to provide shareholders additional content and services.

Comparison to Other Funds’ Fees. The management agreement provides that the Fund pays the Advisor a single, all-inclusive (or unified) management fee for providing all services necessary for the management and operation of the Fund, other than brokerage expenses, taxes, interest, extraordinary expenses, and the fees and expenses of the Fund’s independent Directors (including their independent legal counsel) and expenses incurred in connection with the provision of shareholder services and distribution services under a plan adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Under the unified fee structure, the Advisor is responsible for providing all investment advisory, custody, audit, administrative, compliance, recordkeeping, marketing and shareholder services, or arranging and supervising third parties to provide such services. By contrast, most other funds are charged a variety of fees, including an investment advisory fee, a transfer agency fee, an administrative fee, distribution charges, and other expenses. Other than their investment advisory fees and any applicable Rule 12b-1 distribution fees, all other components of the total fees charged by these other funds may be increased without shareholder approval. The Board believes the unified fee structure is a benefit to Fund shareholders because it clearly discloses to shareholders the cost of owning Fund shares, and, since the unified fee cannot be increased without a vote of Fund shareholders, it shifts to the Advisor the risk of increased costs of operating the Fund and provides a direct incentive to minimize administrative inefficiencies. Part of the Board’s analysis of fee levels involves reviewing certain evaluative data compiled by an independent provider comparing the Fund’s unified fee to the total expense ratios of its peers. The unified fee charged to shareholders of the Fund was below the median of the total expense ratios of the Fund’s peer expense universe and was within the range of its peer expense group. The Board concluded that the management fee paid by the Fund to the Advisor under the management agreement is reasonable in light of the services provided to the Fund.


31


Comparison to Fees and Services Provided to Other Clients of the Advisor. The Directors also requested and received information from the Advisor concerning the nature of the services, fees, costs and profitability of its advisory services to advisory clients other than the Fund. They observed that these varying types of client accounts require different services and involve different regulatory and entrepreneurial risks than the management of the Fund. The Board analyzed this information and concluded that the fees charged and services provided to the Fund were reasonable by comparison.

Payments to Intermediaries. The Directors also requested and received a description of payments made to intermediaries by the Fund and the Advisor. These payments include various payments made by the Fund or the Advisor to different types of intermediaries and recordkeepers for distribution and service activities provided for the Fund. The Board reviewed such information and found the payments to be reasonable in scope and purpose.

Collateral or “Fall-Out” Benefits Derived by the Advisor. The Board considered the existence of collateral benefits the Advisor may receive as a result of its relationship with the Fund. They concluded that the Advisor’s primary business is managing mutual funds and it generally does not use fund or shareholder information to generate profits in other lines of business, and therefore does not derive any significant collateral benefits from them. The Board noted that additional assets from other clients may offer the Advisor some benefit from increased leverage with service providers and counterparties. Additionally, the Advisor receives proprietary research from broker-dealers that execute fund portfolio transactions, which the Board concluded is likely to benefit other clients of the Advisor as well as Fund shareholders. The Board also determined that the Advisor is able to provide investment management services to certain clients other than the Fund, at least in part, due to its existing infrastructure built to serve the fund complex. The Board concluded that appropriate allocation methodologies had been employed to assign resources and the cost of those resources to these other clients and, where expressly provided, these other client assets may be included with the assets of the Fund to determine breakpoints in the management fee schedule.

Existing Relationship. The Board also considered whether there was any reason for not continuing the existing arrangement with the Advisor. In this regard, the Board was mindful of the potential disruptions of the Fund’s operations and various risks, uncertainties, and other effects that could occur as a result of a decision not to continue such relationship. In particular, the Board recognized that most shareholders have invested in the Fund on the strength of the Advisor’s industry standing and reputation and in the expectation that the Advisor will have a continuing role in providing advisory services to the Fund.

Conclusion of the Directors. As a result of this process, the Board, including all of the independent Directors, taking into account all of the factors discussed above and the information provided by the Advisor and others in connection with its review and throughout the year, determined that the management fee is fair and reasonable in light of the services provided and that the investment management agreement between the Fund and the Advisor should be renewed.


32


Additional Information

Retirement Account Information
As required by law, distributions you receive from certain IRAs are subject to federal income tax withholding, unless you elect not to have withholding apply. Tax will be withheld on the total amount withdrawn even though you may be receiving amounts that are not subject to withholding, such as nondeductible contributions. In such case, excess amounts of withholding could occur. You may adjust your withholding election so that a greater or lesser amount will be withheld.
If you don’t want us to withhold on this amount, you must notify us to not withhold the federal income tax. You may notify us in writing or in certain situations by telephone or through other electronic means. For systematic withdrawals, your withholding election will remain in effect until revoked or changed by filing a new election. You have the right to revoke your election at any time.
Remember, even if you elect not to have income tax withheld, you are liable for paying income tax on the taxable portion of your withdrawal. If you elect not to have income tax withheld or you don’t have enough income tax withheld, you may be responsible for payment of estimated tax. You may incur penalties under the estimated tax rules if your withholding and estimated tax payments are not sufficient. You can reduce or defer the income tax on a distribution by directly or indirectly rolling such distribution over to another IRA or eligible plan. You should consult your tax advisor for additional information.
State tax will be withheld if, at the time of your distribution, your address is within one of the mandatory withholding states and you have federal income tax withheld (or as otherwise required by state law). State taxes will be withheld from your distribution in accordance with the respective state rules.
Distributions you receive from 403(b), 457 and qualified plans are subject to special tax and withholding rules. Your plan administrator or plan sponsor is required to provide you with a special tax notice explaining those rules at the time you request a distribution. If applicable, federal and/or state taxes may be withheld from your distribution amount.


Proxy Voting Policies
A description of the policies that the fund's investment advisor uses in exercising the voting rights associated with the securities purchased and/or held by the fund is available without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-345-2021. It is also available on the "About Us" page of American Century Investments’ website at americancentury.com and on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at sec.gov. Information regarding how the investment advisor voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available on the "About Us" page at americancentury.com. It is also available at sec.gov.


Quarterly Portfolio Disclosure
The fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The fund’s Forms N-Q are available on the SEC’s website at sec.gov, and may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330. The fund also makes its complete schedule of portfolio holdings for the most recent quarter of its fiscal year available on its
website at americancentury.com and, upon request, by calling 1-800-345-2021.


33


Other Tax Information

The following information is provided pursuant to provisions of the Internal Revenue Code.

The fund hereby designates $152,551,949, or up to the maximum amount allowable, as long-term capital gain distributions for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2015.




 



34


Notes

35


Notes


36






 
 
 
 
Contact Us
americancentury.com
 
Automated Information Line
1-800-345-8765
 
Investor Services Representative
1-800-345-2021
or 816-531-5575
 
Investors Using Advisors
1-800-378-9878
 
Business, Not-For-Profit, Employer-Sponsored Retirement Plans
1-800-345-3533
 
Banks and Trust Companies, Broker-Dealers, Financial Professionals, Insurance Companies
1-800-345-6488
 
Telecommunications Relay Service for the Deaf
711
 
 
 
 
American Century Mutual Funds, Inc.
 
 
 
 
Investment Advisor:
American Century Investment Management, Inc.
Kansas City, Missouri
 
 
 
 
This report and the statements it contains are submitted for the general information of our shareholders. The report is not authorized for distribution to prospective investors unless preceded or accompanied by an effective prospectus.
 
 
 
 
©2015 American Century Proprietary Holdings, Inc. All rights reserved.
CL-ANN-87639   1512
 



        ANNUAL REPORT
OCTOBER 31, 2015

 
 


Balanced Fund







Table of Contents
President’s Letter
2

Performance
3

Portfolio Commentary

Fund Characteristics

Shareholder Fee Example

Schedule of Investments

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

Statement of Operations

Statement of Changes in Net Assets

Notes to Financial Statements

Financial Highlights

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Management

Approval of Management Agreement

Additional Information




















Any opinions expressed in this report reflect those of the author as of the date of the report, and do not necessarily represent the opinions of American Century Investments® or any other person in the American Century Investments organization. Any such opinions are subject to change at any time based upon market or other conditions and American Century Investments disclaims any responsibility to update such opinions. These opinions may not be relied upon as investment advice and, because investment decisions made by American Century Investments funds are based on numerous factors, may not be relied upon as an indication of trading intent on behalf of any American Century Investments fund. Security examples are used for representational purposes only and are not intended as recommendations to purchase or sell securities. Performance information for comparative indices and securities is provided to American Century Investments by third party vendors. To the best of American Century Investments’ knowledge, such information is accurate at the time of printing.



President’s Letter

Dear Investor:

Thank you for reviewing this annual report for the 12 months ended October 31, 2015. It provides investment performance and portfolio information for the reporting period, plus longer-term historical performance data.

Annual reports remain useful vehicles for conveying information about fund performance, including market and economic factors that affected returns during the reporting period. For additional, updated investment and market insights, we encourage you to visit our website, americancentury.com.
Jonathan Thomas

Divergence in Economic Growth and Monetary Policies, Combined With China Turmoil, Triggered Market Volatility

Divergence between the U.S. and the rest of the world—along with China’s struggles, plunging commodity prices, capital market volatility, and risk-off trading—emerged as key themes during the reporting period. Global divergence described not only the relatively stronger economic growth enjoyed by the U.S. compared with most of the world, but also the related contrast between the U.S. Federal Reserve’s (the Fed’s) unwinding of monetary stimulus versus the continuation and expansion of stimulus by other major central banks. Central bank moves—including the Fed’s delayed normalization of its extremely low interest rate positioning—helped trigger large market swings.

In October 2014, the Fed ended its latest massive bond-buying program (quantitative easing, QE), leading to expectations that interest rates would rise. But while QE was halted in the U.S., other major central banks were starting or increasing QE as their economies faltered. This divergence helped fuel increased demand for the U.S. dollar and U.S. dollar-denominated assets, and put downward pressure on commodity prices, most notably crude oil, down over 40% for the reporting period. Low inflation also prevailed after oil prices plunged amid a supply glut and muted demand for commodities in general. In this environment, the U.S. dollar, U.S. growth stocks, and longer-maturity U.S. Treasuries generally benefited from “flight to quality” capital flows, while emerging market and commodity-related investments suffered significant declines.

We expect continued economic and monetary policy divergence between the U.S. and non-U.S. economies in the coming months, accompanied by further market volatility. This could present both challenges and opportunities for active investment managers. In this environment, we continue to believe in a disciplined, diversified, long-term investment approach, using professionally managed stock and bond portfolios to meet financial goals. We appreciate your continued trust in us.

Sincerely,
Jonathan Thomas
President and Chief Executive Officer
American Century Investments


2


Performance
 
Total Returns as of October 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
Average Annual Returns
 
 
Ticker
Symbol
1
year
5 years
10 years
Since
Inception
Inception
Date
Investor Class
TWBIX
0.98%
9.16%
6.31%
7.97%
10/20/88
Blended Index(1)
4.13%
9.89%
6.89%
8.97%(2)
S&P 500 Index
5.20%
14.32%
7.84%
10.11%(2)
Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index
1.96%
3.02%
4.72%
6.53%(2)
Institutional Class
ABINX
1.19%
9.38%
6.52%
4.96%
5/1/00
(1)
The blended index combines monthly returns of two widely known indices in proportion to the asset mix of the fund. The S&P 500 Index represents 60% of the index and the remaining 40% is represented by the Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index.
(2)
Since October 31, 1988, the date nearest the Investor Class’s inception for which data are available.
Growth of $10,000 Over 10 Years
$10,000 investment made October 31, 2005
Performance for other share classes will vary due to differences in fee structure.
Value on October 31, 2015
 
Investor Class — $18,442
 
 
Blended Index — $19,473
 
 
S&P 500 Index — $21,288
 
 
Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index — $15,862
 
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses
 
Investor Class
Institutional Class
0.90%
0.70%
The total annual fund operating expenses shown is as stated in the fund’s prospectus current as of the date of this report. The prospectus may vary from the expense ratio shown elsewhere in this report because it is based on a different time period, includes acquired fund fees and expenses, and, if applicable, does not include fee waivers or expense reimbursements.
Data presented reflect past performance. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, and redemption value may be more or less than original cost. Data assumes reinvestment of dividends and capital gains, and none of the charts reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares. To obtain performance data current to the most recent month end, please call 1-800-345-2021 or visit americancentury.com. For additional information about the fund, please consult the prospectus.

3


Portfolio Commentary
 

Equity Portfolio Managers: Bill Martin, Claudia Musat
Fixed-Income Portfolio Managers: Dave MacEwen, Bob Gahagan, and Brian Howell

Performance Summary

Balanced returned 0.98%* for the 12-months ended October 31, 2015. By comparison, the fund’s benchmark (a blended index consisting of 60% S&P 500 Index and 40% Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index) returned 4.13%. The equity portion of Balanced advanced, but underperformed the 5.20% return of the S&P 500 Index, while the fixed income segment outperformed the 1.96% return of the Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index.

Consumer Discretionary Stocks Leading Equity Detractors

Stock selection in the consumer discretionary sector was a main driver of underperformance, particularly positioning among internet retailers and security selection in hotels, restaurant, and leisure holdings. Leading detractors included Amazon.com, whose stock price steadily gained over the course of the year on rising revenues and earnings, driven in large part by the strength of its cloud computing business. We initiated a position in the internet retailer during the third quarter of 2015 on strength across growth, sentiment, and quality, but missed much of the stock’s appreciation during the period. A portfolio-only position in GoPro detracted as the wearable camera maker’s stock slumped together with the broad market on concerns about economic growth in China. Nevertheless, the company remains attractive across all factors and the team maintains its positioning.

Consumer staples holdings also pressured relative gains. Several food and staples retailers were key detractors, including Wal-Mart Stores, a portfolio overweight relative to the benchmark. Dollar strength and higher labor costs led to lower-than-expected earnings and revenues and downward revisions to future guidance. Despite disappointing stock performance, the retailer’s robust valuation measures and above-average factors of quality and sentiment make it an attractive portfolio holding.

The Industrials sector was also an area of relative weakness, driven largely by positioning among machinery manufacturers. An overweight position in Caterpillar weighed on results. The heavy equipment manufacturer’s shares declined as falling oil and commodity prices led to weakening sales to the energy and mining industries. Slumping demand for construction equipment, particularly in China, also pressured the company’s stock price. Diesel engine manufacturer Cummins detracted due to a slowdown in demand, particularly in non-U.S. markets, for its products. While the current operating environment remains challenging, both holdings retain strong measures of quality and valuation. Elsewhere, an underweight to Facebook impacted returns after the social networking site’s stock price rose on ongoing gains in user engagement for both its flagship brand as well as for acquired properties. Our positioning is justified given the stock’s weak valuation profile.








*
All fund returns referenced in this commentary are for Investor Class shares. Performance for other share classes will vary due to differences in fee structure; when Investor Class performance exceeds that of the fund’s benchmark, other share classes may not. See page 3 for returns for all share classes.

4


Positive contribution to results on a sector level came from the energy sector, where stock selection and positioning in oil, gas, and consumable fuels holdings bolstered relative results. Much of the contribution came from not owning or maintaining underweight positions in oil-related companies—whose stock prices declined together with failing oil prices over the course of the year—such as Chevron, where we maintained an underweight given weak factors of growth, quality, and sentiment. The exception was an overweight in oil refiner Valero Energy, which repeatedly surpassed earnings and revenue expectations as lower oil prices and higher demand for gasoline boosted the company’s throughput margin per barrel. Strong valuation, quality, and growth insights drive our overweight positioning.

Individual contributors included portfolio-only AmTrust Financial Services, a property and casualty insurance provider, which advanced on accelerating earnings growth driven in part through acquisitions, higher-than-expected profits, and a 20% increase in its quarterly cash dividend to shareholders. Health insurance and managed care provider Aetna was a key outperformer, advancing nearly 40% amid merger speculation in the recent wave of health insurance industry consolidation. Broadcom bolstered fund returns as the semiconductor designer’s stock rose following strong first-quarter results, and again after a merger announcement with industry rival Avago Technologies. However, valuation, quality, and growth indicators showed modest deterioration during the period, and we liquidated the position in June.

Securitized Sector Led Fixed Income Contributors

We continued to underweight U.S. Treasuries and government agencies relative to the benchmark in favor of corporate credit and securitized bonds during the 12-month period. The overweight to the securitized sector aided results, while the corporate overweight detracted in part due to an allocation to high-yield corporate bonds. Security selection also lifted performance. Within the securitized sector, selections among non-agency commercial mortgage-backed securities, asset-backed securities, collateralized mortgage obligations, and traditional pass-through mortgage-backed securities broadly contributed to performance. In the credit sector, security selection among investment-grade and high-yield corporate bonds contributed to relative results, largely due to a rally in the credit markets during October 2015, which offset weaker performance earlier in the period.

Anticipating a gradual increase in U.S. interest rates, we maintained a shorter-than-benchmark duration (less price sensitivity to interest rate changes) during the first eight months of the period. This strategy detracted from results, as longer-maturity interest rates generally declined. We shifted back to a neutral duration position by the third quarter of 2015, because the timetable for U.S. interest rate increases appeared to be extending.

Outlook

Economic activity in the U.S. remains slow yet steady but continues to outpace most other global markets. We believe that divergence in monetary policy between the U.S. and much of the rest of the world is likely to continue as the U.S. Federal Reserve (the Fed) prepares to raise interest rates, possibly before the start of 2016, while central banks elsewhere maintain aggressive monetary stimulus. Investor sentiment in financials markets is likely to be driven by the timing and impact of a Fed move, as well as by the trajectory of global economic growth, particularly in China. We believe that our disciplined, objective, and systematic investment strategy, for both the equity and fixed-income components of the portfolio, is particularly beneficial during periods of volatility and we adhere to our process regardless of the market environment, allowing us to take advantage of opportunities presented by market inefficiencies.





5


Fund Characteristics
OCTOBER 31, 2015
 
Top Ten Common Stocks
% of net assets
Apple, Inc.
2.6%
Microsoft Corp.
1.4%
Alphabet, Inc., Class A
1.4%
Pfizer, Inc.
1.2%
JPMorgan Chase & Co.
1.2%
Intel Corp.
1.1%
Cisco Systems, Inc.
1.0%
Gilead Sciences, Inc.
1.0%
PepsiCo, Inc.
1.0%
Citigroup, Inc.
1.0%
 
 
Top Five Common Stocks Industries
% of net assets
Biotechnology
3.8%
Software
3.1%
Banks
3.0%
Pharmaceuticals
2.8%
Technology Hardware, Storage and Peripherals
2.8%
 
 
Types of Investments in Portfolio
% of net assets
Common Stocks
59.7%
Corporate Bonds
12.4%
U.S. Treasury Securities
12.1%
U.S. Government Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities
10.5%
Collateralized Mortgage Obligations
2.0%
Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities
2.0%
Asset-Backed Securities
1.6%
Sovereign Governments and Agencies
0.6%
Municipal Securities
0.5%
Temporary Cash Investments
1.1%
Other Assets and Liabilities
(2.5)%
 
 
Key Fixed-Income Portfolio Statistics
 
Weighted Average Life
7.6 years
Average Duration (effective)
5.6 years



6


Shareholder Fee Example 

Fund shareholders may incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments and redemption/exchange fees; and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution and service (12b-1) fees; and other fund expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in your fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing cost of investing in other mutual funds.

The example is based on an investment of $1,000 made at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period from May 1, 2015 to October 31, 2015.

Actual Expenses

The table provides information about actual account values and actual expenses for each class. You may use the information, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. First, identify the share class you own. Then simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number under the heading “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

If you hold Investor Class shares of any American Century Investments fund, or Institutional Class shares of the American Century Diversified Bond Fund, in an American Century Investments account (i.e., not a financial intermediary or retirement plan account), American Century Investments may charge you a $12.50 semiannual account maintenance fee if the value of those shares is less than $10,000. We will redeem shares automatically in one of your accounts to pay the $12.50 fee. In determining your total eligible investment amount, we will include your investments in all personal accounts (including American Century Investments Brokerage accounts) registered under your Social Security number. Personal accounts include individual accounts, joint accounts, UGMA/UTMA accounts, personal trusts, Coverdell Education Savings Accounts and IRAs (including traditional, Roth, Rollover, SEP-, SARSEP- and SIMPLE-IRAs), and certain other retirement accounts. If you have only business, business retirement, employer-sponsored or American Century Investments Brokerage accounts, you are currently not subject to this fee. If you are subject to the Account Maintenance Fee, your account value could be reduced by the fee amount.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The table also provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the actual expense ratio of each class of your fund and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the actual return of a fund’s share class. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in your fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads) or redemption/exchange fees. Therefore, the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.



7




Beginning
Account Value
5/1/15
Ending
Account Value
10/31/15
Expenses Paid
During Period
(1) 
5/1/15 - 10/31/15
 
Annualized
Expense Ratio
(1)
Actual
 
 
 
 
Investor Class
$1,000
$981.80
$4.50
0.90%
Institutional Class
$1,000
$982.80
$3.50
0.70%
Hypothetical
 
 
 
 
Investor Class
$1,000
$1,020.67
$4.58
0.90%
Institutional Class
$1,000
$1,021.68
$3.57
0.70%
(1)
Expenses are equal to the class's annualized expense ratio listed in the table above, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184, the number of days in the most recent fiscal half-year, divided by 365, to reflect the one-half year period.




8


Schedule of Investments

OCTOBER 31, 2015
 
Shares/
Principal Amount
Value
COMMON STOCKS — 59.7%
 
 
Aerospace and Defense — 2.7%
 
 
Boeing Co. (The)
16,908

$
2,503,568

General Dynamics Corp.
34,213

5,083,368

Honeywell International, Inc.
60,966

6,296,568

Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc.
8,652

1,037,721

Spirit AeroSystems Holdings, Inc., Class A(1) 
72,130

3,804,136

Textron, Inc.
103,038

4,345,112

 
 
23,070,473

Air Freight and Logistics — 0.7%
 
 
United Parcel Service, Inc., Class B
55,705

5,738,729

Airlines — 0.8%
 
 
Southwest Airlines Co.
37,266

1,725,043

United Continental Holdings, Inc.(1) 
76,854

4,635,065

 
 
6,360,108

Auto Components — 0.4%
 
 
Delphi Automotive plc
7,931

659,780

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. (The)
45,755

1,502,594

Johnson Controls, Inc.
26,397

1,192,617

 
 
3,354,991

Automobiles — 0.6%
 
 
Ford Motor Co.
330,532

4,895,179

Banks — 3.0%
 
 
Bank of America Corp.
217,116

3,643,207

Citigroup, Inc.
161,565

8,590,411

JPMorgan Chase & Co.
152,725

9,812,581

Wells Fargo & Co.
55,543

3,007,098

 
 
25,053,297

Beverages — 1.1%
 
 
Coca-Cola Co. (The)
9,727

411,938

PepsiCo, Inc.
84,313

8,615,946

 
 
9,027,884

Biotechnology — 3.8%
 
 
AbbVie, Inc.
114,595

6,824,132

Amgen, Inc.
47,003

7,434,935

Biogen, Inc.(1) 
17,923

5,206,811

Celgene Corp.(1) 
29,107

3,571,720

Gilead Sciences, Inc.
79,715

8,619,583

 
 
31,657,181

Building Products — 0.4%
 
 
Owens Corning
80,376

3,659,519


9


 
Shares/
Principal Amount
Value
Capital Markets — 1.2%
 
 
Affiliated Managers Group, Inc.(1) 
8,606

$
1,551,318

Ameriprise Financial, Inc.
37,730

4,352,533

Janus Capital Group, Inc.
6,125

95,121

Legg Mason, Inc.
86,275

3,860,806

 
 
9,859,778

Chemicals — 1.7%
 
 
Cabot Corp.
91,944

3,304,467

Dow Chemical Co. (The)
117,132

6,052,211

LyondellBasell Industries NV, Class A
55,219

5,130,397

 
 
14,487,075

Commercial Services and Supplies — 0.3%
 
 
Pitney Bowes, Inc.
105,816

2,185,100

Communications Equipment — 1.7%
 
 
Cisco Systems, Inc.
300,415

8,666,973

QUALCOMM, Inc.
92,817

5,515,186

 
 
14,182,159

Consumer Finance — 0.3%
 
 
Credit Acceptance Corp.(1) 
4,954

936,752

Synchrony Financial(1) 
56,561

1,739,816

 
 
2,676,568

Containers and Packaging — 0.2%
 
 
Avery Dennison Corp.
32,636

2,120,361

Diversified Consumer Services — 0.4%
 
 
H&R Block, Inc.
89,625

3,339,428

Diversified Financial Services — 0.3%
 
 
Berkshire Hathaway, Inc., Class B(1) 
18,322

2,492,158

Diversified Telecommunication Services — 0.4%
 
 
AT&T, Inc.
53,382

1,788,831

Verizon Communications, Inc.
39,324

1,843,509

 
 
3,632,340

Electric Utilities — 0.6%
 
 
NextEra Energy, Inc.
48,679

4,997,386

Electrical Equipment — 0.2%
 
 
Rockwell Automation, Inc.
19,099

2,084,847

Electronic Equipment, Instruments and Components — 0.3%
 
 
Corning, Inc.
136,644

2,541,578

Energy Equipment and Services — 0.5%
 
 
Cameron International Corp.(1) 
5,381

365,962

Schlumberger Ltd.
43,875

3,429,270

Transocean Ltd.
37,977

601,176

 
 
4,396,408

Food and Staples Retailing — 2.1%
 
 
CVS Health Corp.
66,651

6,583,786


10


 
Shares/
Principal Amount
Value
Kroger Co. (The)
133,210

$
5,035,338

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
109,262

6,254,157

 
 
17,873,281

Food Products — 1.2%
 
 
Archer-Daniels-Midland Co.
93,488

4,268,662

Dean Foods Co.
28,887

523,144

Ingredion, Inc.
22,392

2,128,583

Pilgrim's Pride Corp.
155,843

2,959,459

 
 
9,879,848

Health Care Equipment and Supplies — 1.5%
 
 
Abbott Laboratories
40,205

1,801,184

C.R. Bard, Inc.
10,732

1,999,908

St. Jude Medical, Inc.
68,268

4,356,181

Stryker Corp.
51,037

4,880,158

 
 
13,037,431

Health Care Providers and Services — 1.6%
 
 
Aetna, Inc.
43,660

5,011,295

Express Scripts Holding Co.(1) 
62,270

5,378,882

HCA Holdings, Inc.(1) 
18,886

1,299,168

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.
15,891

1,871,642

 
 
13,560,987

Hotels, Restaurants and Leisure — 1.1%
 
 
Bloomin' Brands, Inc.
16,575

281,278

Brinker International, Inc.
47,324

2,153,715

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc.
18,287

2,513,731

Darden Restaurants, Inc.
58,275

3,606,640

McDonald's Corp.
3,126

350,893

 
 
8,906,257

Household Durables — 0.2%
 
 
GoPro, Inc., Class A(1) 
64,079

1,601,975

Household Products — 0.6%
 
 
Procter & Gamble Co. (The)
66,541

5,082,402

Industrial Conglomerates — 0.6%
 
 
3M Co.
2,692

423,209

Carlisle Cos., Inc.
12,583

1,094,721

General Electric Co.
125,299

3,623,647

 
 
5,141,577

Insurance — 0.7%
 
 
Amtrust Financial Services, Inc.
11,735

800,562

Aspen Insurance Holdings Ltd.
9,943

483,329

Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. (The)
45,547

3,837,335

Progressive Corp. (The)
25,273

837,294

 
 
5,958,520

Internet and Catalog Retail — 0.7%
 
 
Amazon.com, Inc.(1) 
9,882

6,185,144


11


 
Shares/
Principal Amount
Value
Internet Software and Services — 2.5%
 
 
Alphabet, Inc., Class A(1) 
16,381

$
12,079,186

eBay, Inc.(1) 
182,416

5,089,406

Facebook, Inc., Class A(1) 
42,609

4,344,840

 
 
21,513,432

IT Services — 2.1%
 
 
Accenture plc, Class A
60,652

6,501,895

Amdocs Ltd.
53,897

3,210,644

International Business Machines Corp.
51,190

7,170,695

PayPal Holdings, Inc.(1) 
31,026

1,117,246

 
 
18,000,480

Life Sciences Tools and Services — 0.5%
 
 
Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., Class A(1) 
4,769

665,180

Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.
25,443

3,327,436

 
 
3,992,616

Machinery — 1.3%
 
 
Caterpillar, Inc.
2,775

202,547

Cummins, Inc.
16,950

1,754,495

PACCAR, Inc.
80,563

4,241,642

Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.
44,844

4,752,567

 
 
10,951,251

Media — 2.2%
 
 
CBS Corp., Class B
33,695

1,567,491

Comcast Corp., Class A
90,672

5,677,881

Scripps Networks Interactive, Inc., Class A
25,591

1,537,507

Twenty-First Century Fox, Inc.
180,315

5,533,867

Viacom, Inc., Class B
86,408

4,260,779

Walt Disney Co. (The)
2,262

257,280

 
 
18,834,805

Metals and Mining — 0.5%
 
 
Alcoa, Inc.
219,827

1,963,055

Newmont Mining Corp.
124,209

2,417,107

 
 
4,380,162

Multi-Utilities — 0.1%
 
 
Public Service Enterprise Group, Inc.
19,363

799,498

Multiline Retail — 1.0%
 
 
Big Lots, Inc.
59,721

2,753,138

Target Corp.
70,400

5,433,472

 
 
8,186,610

Oil, Gas and Consumable Fuels — 2.2%
 
 
Chevron Corp.
3,164

287,544

CVR Energy, Inc.
47,826

2,126,344

EOG Resources, Inc.
9,525

817,721

Exxon Mobil Corp.
65,617

5,429,150

Tesoro Corp.
35,863

3,834,831

Valero Energy Corp.
76,165

5,020,797


12


 
Shares/
Principal Amount
Value
Western Refining, Inc.
17,222

$
716,780

 
 
18,233,167

Pharmaceuticals — 2.8%
 
 
Johnson & Johnson
53,881

5,443,597

Merck & Co., Inc.
124,842

6,823,864

Mylan NV(1) 
26,000

1,146,340

Pfizer, Inc.
303,549

10,266,027

 
 
23,679,828

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) — 1.5%
 
 
Hospitality Properties Trust
59,817

1,605,488

Lamar Advertising Co., Class A
68,454

3,862,859

Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc.
8,767

746,861

Plum Creek Timber Co., Inc.
29,058

1,183,823

RLJ Lodging Trust
116,499

2,922,960

Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc.
44,835

2,358,321

 
 
12,680,312

Real Estate Management and Development — 1.0%
 
 
CBRE Group, Inc.(1) 
114,724

4,276,911

Jones Lang LaSalle, Inc.
24,012

4,003,040

 
 
8,279,951

Semiconductors and Semiconductor Equipment — 1.5%
 
 
Analog Devices, Inc.
64,443

3,874,313

Intel Corp.
271,472

9,192,042

 
 
13,066,355

Software — 3.1%
 
 
Activision Blizzard, Inc.
28,352

985,516

Adobe Systems, Inc.(1) 
19,751

1,751,124

Intuit, Inc.
25,347

2,469,558

Microsoft Corp.
230,829

12,150,839

Oracle Corp.
132,422

5,143,270

Synopsys, Inc.(1) 
72,725

3,634,795

 
 
26,135,102

Specialty Retail — 1.1%
 
 
Best Buy Co., Inc.
53,361

1,869,236

Foot Locker, Inc.
54,805

3,713,039

Lowe's Cos., Inc.
54,112

3,995,089

 
 
9,577,364

Technology Hardware, Storage and Peripherals — 2.8%
 
 
Apple, Inc.
186,030

22,230,585

EMC Corp.
43,395

1,137,817

 
 
23,368,402

Textiles, Apparel and Luxury Goods — 0.4%
 
 
NIKE, Inc., Class B
22,899

3,000,456

Thrifts and Mortgage Finance — 0.3%
 
 
Essent Group Ltd.(1) 
103,483

2,493,940


13


 
Shares/
Principal Amount
Value
Tobacco — 0.9%
 
 
Philip Morris International, Inc.
84,717

$
7,488,983

TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(Cost $433,896,074)
 
503,702,683

CORPORATE BONDS — 12.4%
 
 
Aerospace and Defense — 0.1%
 
 
Boeing Co. (The), 2.20%, 10/30/22
$
110,000

107,686

Lockheed Martin Corp., 4.25%, 11/15/19
250,000

270,344

Lockheed Martin Corp., 3.80%, 3/1/45
100,000

89,154

United Technologies Corp., 6.05%, 6/1/36
250,000

305,662

United Technologies Corp., 5.70%, 4/15/40
120,000

143,246

 
 
916,092

Auto Components — 0.1%
 
 
Schaeffler Finance BV, 4.25%, 5/15/21(2)
200,000

202,000

Tenneco, Inc., 6.875%, 12/15/20
100,000

103,875

ZF North America Capital, Inc., 4.00%, 4/29/20(2)
150,000

152,062

 
 
457,937

Automobiles — 0.3%
 
 
American Honda Finance Corp., 1.50%, 9/11/17(2)
70,000

70,300

American Honda Finance Corp., 2.125%, 10/10/18
150,000

152,075

Daimler Finance North America LLC, 2.625%, 9/15/16(2)
210,000

212,394

Ford Motor Co., 4.75%, 1/15/43
70,000

69,662

Ford Motor Credit Co. LLC, 2.15%, 1/9/18
200,000

200,169

Ford Motor Credit Co. LLC, 5.00%, 5/15/18
400,000

425,071

Ford Motor Credit Co. LLC, 8.125%, 1/15/20
150,000

179,854

Ford Motor Credit Co. LLC, 5.875%, 8/2/21
440,000

502,277

General Motors Co., 5.00%, 4/1/35
210,000

206,005

General Motors Financial Co., Inc., 3.25%, 5/15/18
350,000

354,474

General Motors Financial Co., Inc., 3.10%, 1/15/19
110,000

110,527

Jaguar Land Rover Automotive plc, 4.125%, 12/15/18(2)
150,000

154,312

 
 
2,637,120

Banks — 1.9%
 
 
Bank of America Corp., 6.50%, 8/1/16
480,000

499,725

Bank of America Corp., 5.75%, 12/1/17
360,000

389,244

Bank of America Corp., 5.625%, 7/1/20
110,000

124,059

Bank of America Corp., 5.70%, 1/24/22
220,000

251,987

Bank of America Corp., 4.10%, 7/24/23
70,000

73,304

Bank of America Corp., MTN, 4.00%, 4/1/24
220,000

226,943

Bank of America Corp., MTN, 4.20%, 8/26/24
380,000

382,933

Bank of America Corp., MTN, 4.00%, 1/22/25
300,000

296,458

Bank of America Corp., MTN, 5.00%, 1/21/44
110,000

116,986

Bank of America N.A., 5.30%, 3/15/17
870,000

913,705

Bank of Nova Scotia (The), 2.55%, 1/12/17
150,000

152,700

Barclays Bank plc, 5.14%, 10/14/20
200,000

219,521

Barclays Bank plc, 3.75%, 5/15/24
200,000

204,746

BB&T Corp., MTN, 2.05%, 6/19/18
100,000

100,840


14


 
Shares/
Principal Amount
Value
BPCE SA, 5.15%, 7/21/24(2)
$
200,000

$
206,836

Branch Banking & Trust Co., 3.625%, 9/16/25
113,000

114,206

Branch Banking & Trust Co., 3.80%, 10/30/26
130,000

132,682

Capital One Financial Corp., 4.20%, 10/29/25
445,000

446,092

Capital One N.A., 2.35%, 8/17/18
250,000

251,353

Citigroup, Inc., 4.45%, 1/10/17
100,000

103,792

Citigroup, Inc., 5.50%, 2/15/17
90,000

94,585

Citigroup, Inc., 1.75%, 5/1/18
710,000

707,107

Citigroup, Inc., 4.50%, 1/14/22
560,000

606,680

Citigroup, Inc., 4.05%, 7/30/22
70,000

72,010

Citigroup, Inc., 4.40%, 6/10/25
880,000

894,917

Citigroup, Inc., 4.45%, 9/29/27
160,000

160,869

Commerzbank AG, 8.125%, 9/19/23(2)
200,000

232,334

Cooperatieve Centrale Raiffeisen-Boerenleenbank BA, 3.875%, 2/8/22
430,000

455,941

Credit Suisse Group Funding Guernsey Ltd., 2.75%, 3/26/20(2)
280,000

279,257

Fifth Third Bancorp, 4.30%, 1/16/24
110,000

113,530

Fifth Third Bank, 2.875%, 10/1/21
250,000

249,969

HBOS plc, MTN, 6.75%, 5/21/18(2)
300,000

331,351

HSBC Holdings plc, 5.10%, 4/5/21
230,000

257,388

Intesa Sanpaolo SpA, 5.02%, 6/26/24(2)
230,000

230,858

JPMorgan Chase & Co., 6.00%, 1/15/18
520,000

567,663

JPMorgan Chase & Co., 4.625%, 5/10/21
460,000

501,452

JPMorgan Chase & Co., 3.25%, 9/23/22
220,000

222,397

JPMorgan Chase & Co., 3.875%, 9/10/24
370,000

370,832

JPMorgan Chase & Co., 3.125%, 1/23/25
570,000

554,647

JPMorgan Chase & Co., 4.95%, 6/1/45
100,000

101,659

KeyCorp, MTN, 2.30%, 12/13/18
220,000

221,529

KFW, 2.00%, 6/1/16
260,000

262,388

KFW, 2.00%, 10/4/22
300,000

299,178

Royal Bank of Scotland Group plc, 6.125%, 12/15/22
230,000

252,666

Royal Bank of Scotland plc (The), 4.375%, 3/16/16
250,000

253,186

Standard Chartered plc, 3.95%, 1/11/23(2)
200,000

196,419

U.S. Bancorp, 3.44%, 2/1/16
120,000

120,787

U.S. Bancorp, MTN, 3.00%, 3/15/22
110,000

112,110

U.S. Bancorp, MTN, 3.60%, 9/11/24
330,000

337,399

U.S. Bank N.A., 2.80%, 1/27/25
500,000

490,711

Wells Fargo & Co., 4.125%, 8/15/23
200,000

208,420

Wells Fargo & Co., MTN, 2.10%, 5/8/17
20,000

20,297

Wells Fargo & Co., MTN, 2.60%, 7/22/20
320,000

323,497

Wells Fargo & Co., MTN, 4.60%, 4/1/21
450,000

494,875

Wells Fargo & Co., MTN, 3.55%, 9/29/25
160,000

160,501

Wells Fargo & Co., MTN, 4.10%, 6/3/26
210,000

214,413

Wells Fargo & Co., MTN, 4.65%, 11/4/44
80,000

79,317

 
 
16,261,251

Beverages — 0.1%
 
 
Anheuser-Busch InBev Worldwide, Inc., 7.75%, 1/15/19
460,000

537,547


15


 
Shares/
Principal Amount
Value
Anheuser-Busch InBev Worldwide, Inc., 2.50%, 7/15/22
$
360,000

$
342,573

Coca-Cola Co. (The), 1.80%, 9/1/16
180,000

181,994

Pernod-Ricard SA, 2.95%, 1/15/17(2)
180,000

182,844

 
 
1,244,958

Biotechnology — 0.4%
 
 
AbbVie, Inc., 1.75%, 11/6/17
300,000

303,050

AbbVie, Inc., 2.90%, 11/6/22
220,000

213,304

AbbVie, Inc., 3.60%, 5/14/25
220,000

216,791

AbbVie, Inc., 4.40%, 11/6/42
240,000

219,548

Amgen, Inc., 2.125%, 5/15/17
180,000

182,432

Amgen, Inc., 4.10%, 6/15/21
100,000

107,222

Amgen, Inc., 5.375%, 5/15/43
250,000

269,993

Biogen, Inc., 3.625%, 9/15/22
370,000

376,850

Celgene Corp., 3.25%, 8/15/22
190,000

190,066

Celgene Corp., 3.625%, 5/15/24
300,000

300,147

Celgene Corp., 3.875%, 8/15/25
190,000

190,959

Gilead Sciences, Inc., 4.40%, 12/1/21
310,000

337,711

Gilead Sciences, Inc., 3.65%, 3/1/26
260,000

263,312

 
 
3,171,385

Building Products  
 
 
Masco Corp., 4.45%, 4/1/25
170,000

170,850

Capital Markets — 0.1%
 
 
Ameriprise Financial, Inc., 4.00%, 10/15/23
140,000

147,210

Bear Stearns Cos. LLC (The), 6.40%, 10/2/17
370,000

403,109

Jefferies Group LLC, 5.125%, 4/13/18
110,000

115,795

 
 
666,114

Chemicals — 0.2%
 
 
Ashland, Inc., 4.75%, 8/15/22
160,000

160,688

Dow Chemical Co. (The), 4.25%, 11/15/20
62,000

66,788

Eastman Chemical Co., 2.70%, 1/15/20
210,000

210,460

Eastman Chemical Co., 3.60%, 8/15/22
198,000

200,555

Ecolab, Inc., 4.35%, 12/8/21
250,000

270,596

LyondellBasell Industries NV, 5.00%, 4/15/19
200,000

215,365

LyondellBasell Industries NV, 4.625%, 2/26/55
140,000

121,819

Mosaic Co. (The), 5.625%, 11/15/43
120,000

126,410

 
 
1,372,681

Commercial Services and Supplies — 0.1%
 
 
Clean Harbors, Inc., 5.25%, 8/1/20
180,000

188,100

Covanta Holding Corp., 5.875%, 3/1/24
150,000

149,625

Pitney Bowes, Inc., 4.625%, 3/15/24
110,000

110,056

Republic Services, Inc., 3.55%, 6/1/22
220,000

226,768

Waste Management, Inc., 4.10%, 3/1/45
150,000

141,488

 
 
816,037

Communications Equipment  
 
 
CC Holdings GS V LLC / Crown Castle GS III Corp., 3.85%, 4/15/23
260,000

257,629

Cisco Systems, Inc., 5.90%, 2/15/39
130,000

159,192

 
 
416,821


16


 
Shares/
Principal Amount
Value
Construction Materials  
 
 
Owens Corning, 4.20%, 12/15/22
$
160,000

$
162,070

Consumer Finance — 0.4%
 
 
American Express Centurion Bank, MTN, 6.00%, 9/13/17
250,000

269,772

American Express Co., 1.55%, 5/22/18
220,000

219,331

American Express Credit Corp., 1.30%, 7/29/16
180,000

180,774

American Express Credit Corp., 2.60%, 9/14/20
115,000

115,975

Capital One Bank USA N.A., 2.30%, 6/5/19
250,000

248,634

Capital One Bank USA N.A., 3.375%, 2/15/23
250,000

245,107

CIT Group, Inc., 4.25%, 8/15/17
470,000

481,750

CIT Group, Inc., 5.00%, 8/15/22
90,000

95,063

Discover Bank, 2.00%, 2/21/18
250,000

248,269

Equifax, Inc., 3.30%, 12/15/22
140,000

140,471

GLP Capital LP / GLP Financing II, Inc., 4.875%, 11/1/20
420,000

434,700

John Deere Capital Corp., MTN, 3.15%, 10/15/21
100,000

102,886

McGraw Hill Financial, Inc., 3.30%, 8/14/20(2)
120,000

122,271

PNC Bank N.A., 6.00%, 12/7/17
290,000

314,467

Synchrony Financial, 3.00%, 8/15/19
90,000

91,007

 
 
3,310,477

Containers and Packaging — 0.1%
 
 
Ball Corp., 4.00%, 11/15/23
180,000

176,400

Crown Americas LLC / Crown Americas Capital Corp. IV, 4.50%, 1/15/23
210,000

211,575

Rock-Tenn Co., 3.50%, 3/1/20
140,000

144,133

Rock-Tenn Co., 4.00%, 3/1/23
240,000

245,889

 
 
777,997

Diversified Consumer Services  
 
 
Catholic Health Initiatives, 2.95%, 11/1/22
110,000

108,411

Johns Hopkins University, 4.08%, 7/1/53
45,000

45,137

 
 
153,548

Diversified Financial Services — 1.0%
 
 
Ally Financial, Inc., 2.75%, 1/30/17
340,000

342,550

BNP Paribas SA, 4.375%, 9/28/25(2)
200,000

198,476

Deutsche Bank AG, VRN, 4.30%, 5/24/23
200,000

193,035

GE Capital International Funding Co., 0.96%, 4/15/16(2)
268

268

GE Capital International Funding Co., 2.34%, 11/15/20(2)
694,629

696,945

General Electric Capital Corp., 5.30%, 2/11/21
40,000

45,703

General Electric Capital Corp., MTN, 4.375%, 9/16/20
250,000

274,543

General Electric Capital Corp., MTN, 4.65%, 10/17/21
120,000

134,318

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The), 2.375%, 1/22/18
330,000

335,285

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The), 2.90%, 7/19/18
530,000

544,956

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The), 5.375%, 3/15/20
110,000

122,957

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The), 5.75%, 1/24/22
460,000

527,688

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The), 4.00%, 3/3/24
300,000

309,449

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The), 3.50%, 1/23/25
160,000

158,626

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The), 4.25%, 10/21/25
130,000

130,867

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The), 6.75%, 10/1/37
260,000

314,600


17


 
Shares/
Principal Amount
Value
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The), 5.15%, 5/22/45
$
100,000

$
100,877

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The), MTN, 4.80%, 7/8/44
220,000

223,046

Icahn Enterprises LP / Icahn Enterprises Finance Corp., 3.50%, 3/15/17
150,000

152,130

Morgan Stanley, 2.65%, 1/27/20
90,000

90,755

Morgan Stanley, 5.00%, 11/24/25
610,000

654,286

Morgan Stanley, MTN, 6.625%, 4/1/18
690,000

766,177

Morgan Stanley, MTN, 5.625%, 9/23/19
870,000

970,007

Morgan Stanley, MTN, 3.70%, 10/23/24
300,000

304,288

UBS AG (Stamford Branch), 5.875%, 12/20/17
321,000

348,114

UBS Group Funding Jersey Ltd., 4.125%, 9/24/25(2)
200,000

201,376

 
 
8,141,322

Diversified Telecommunication Services — 0.7%
 
 
AT&T, Inc., 2.625%, 12/1/22
290,000

276,381

AT&T, Inc., 3.40%, 5/15/25
600,000

583,654

AT&T, Inc., 6.55%, 2/15/39
287,000

333,510

AT&T, Inc., 4.30%, 12/15/42
130,000

113,256

British Telecommunications plc, 5.95%, 1/15/18
480,000

524,052

CenturyLink, Inc., 6.00%, 4/1/17
60,000

63,225

CenturyLink, Inc., Series Q, 6.15%, 9/15/19
140,000

145,600

Deutsche Telekom International Finance BV, 2.25%, 3/6/17(2)
250,000

252,429

Deutsche Telekom International Finance BV, 6.75%, 8/20/18
210,000

236,976

Frontier Communications Corp., 8.25%, 4/15/17
80,000

85,759

Frontier Communications Corp., 8.50%, 4/15/20
150,000

154,875

Frontier Communications Corp., 11.00%, 9/15/25(2)
70,000

73,543

Orange SA, 4.125%, 9/14/21
210,000

224,226

Orange SA, 5.50%, 2/6/44
80,000

89,395

Telecom Italia Capital SA, 6.00%, 9/30/34
120,000

113,400

Telefonica Emisiones SAU, 5.46%, 2/16/21
100,000

111,750

Verizon Communications, Inc., 3.65%, 9/14/18
480,000

506,612

Verizon Communications, Inc., 3.50%, 11/1/21
130,000

134,216

Verizon Communications, Inc., 5.15%, 9/15/23
350,000

390,205

Verizon Communications, Inc., 5.05%, 3/15/34
570,000

577,016

Verizon Communications, Inc., 4.75%, 11/1/41
150,000

141,331

Verizon Communications, Inc., 6.55%, 9/15/43
140,000

168,563

Verizon Communications, Inc., 4.86%, 8/21/46
250,000

240,550

Verizon Communications, Inc., 5.01%, 8/21/54
199,000

184,047

Windstream Services LLC, 7.875%, 11/1/17
60,000

63,862

 
 
5,788,433

Electrical Equipment  
 
 
Belden, Inc., 5.25%, 7/15/24(2)
180,000

171,900

Electronic Equipment, Instruments and Components  
 
 
Jabil Circuit, Inc., 7.75%, 7/15/16
200,000

208,500

Jabil Circuit, Inc., 5.625%, 12/15/20
50,000

53,264

 
 
261,764

Energy Equipment and Services — 0.1%
 
 
Ensco plc, 4.70%, 3/15/21
270,000

241,996


18


 
Shares/
Principal Amount
Value
Ensco plc, 5.20%, 3/15/25
$
80,000

$
66,957

Noble Holding International Ltd., 5.95%, 4/1/25
75,000

60,391

Schlumberger Investment SA, 3.65%, 12/1/23
170,000

176,923

Transocean, Inc., 6.50%, 11/15/20
70,000

56,409

Weatherford International Ltd., 4.50%, 4/15/22
130,000

102,249

 
 
704,925

Food and Staples Retailing — 0.2%
 
 
CVS Health Corp., 3.50%, 7/20/22
220,000

227,343

CVS Health Corp., 2.75%, 12/1/22
170,000

166,967

CVS Health Corp., 5.125%, 7/20/45
110,000

118,533

Delhaize Group, 5.70%, 10/1/40
90,000

95,716

Dollar General Corp., 3.25%, 4/15/23
220,000

210,575

Dollar General Corp., 4.15%, 11/1/25
40,000

39,818

Kroger Co. (The), 6.40%, 8/15/17
200,000

217,037

Kroger Co. (The), 3.30%, 1/15/21
330,000

339,530

Target Corp., 3.50%, 7/1/24
210,000

218,661

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., 2.55%, 4/11/23
50,000

49,765

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., 5.625%, 4/15/41
110,000

132,161

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., 4.30%, 4/22/44
390,000

396,775

 
 
2,212,881

Food Products — 0.1%
 
 
Kraft Foods Group, Inc., 5.00%, 6/4/42
220,000

227,548

Kraft Heinz Foods Co., 3.95%, 7/15/25(2)
100,000

102,780

Kraft Heinz Foods Co., 5.20%, 7/15/45(2)
140,000

148,242

Mondelez International, Inc., 4.00%, 2/1/24
200,000

209,216

Tyson Foods, Inc., 4.50%, 6/15/22
180,000

191,722

 
 
879,508

Gas Utilities — 0.6%
 
 
Columbia Pipeline Group, Inc., 4.50%, 6/1/25(2)
200,000

192,913

Enbridge Energy Partners LP, 6.50%, 4/15/18
130,000

139,193

Enbridge Energy Partners LP, 5.20%, 3/15/20
100,000

104,387

Enbridge, Inc., 4.50%, 6/10/44
120,000

89,529

Energy Transfer Equity LP, 7.50%, 10/15/20
150,000

162,030

Energy Transfer Partners LP, 4.15%, 10/1/20
200,000

200,830

Energy Transfer Partners LP, 3.60%, 2/1/23
160,000

141,733

Energy Transfer Partners LP, 6.50%, 2/1/42
180,000

168,134

Enterprise Products Operating LLC, 6.30%, 9/15/17
300,000

324,838

Enterprise Products Operating LLC, 4.85%, 3/15/44
460,000

420,640

Enterprise Products Operating LLC, VRN, 7.03%, 1/15/18
140,000

148,225

Kinder Morgan Energy Partners LP, 6.50%, 4/1/20
210,000

228,638

Kinder Morgan Energy Partners LP, 5.30%, 9/15/20
170,000

177,228

Kinder Morgan Energy Partners LP, 3.95%, 9/1/22
170,000

158,514

Kinder Morgan Energy Partners LP, 6.50%, 9/1/39
210,000

196,514

Kinder Morgan, Inc., 7.25%, 6/1/18
150,000

164,078

Kinder Morgan, Inc., 4.30%, 6/1/25
80,000

72,597

Kinder Morgan, Inc., 5.55%, 6/1/45
150,000

126,824


19


 
Shares/
Principal Amount
Value
Magellan Midstream Partners LP, 6.55%, 7/15/19
$
100,000

$
113,096

MarkWest Energy Partners LP / MarkWest Energy Finance Corp., 4.875%, 12/1/24
130,000

123,500

MarkWest Energy Partners LP / MarkWest Energy Finance Corp., 4.875%, 6/1/25
150,000

140,625

Plains All American Pipeline LP / PAA Finance Corp., 3.65%, 6/1/22
310,000

303,880

Sunoco Logistics Partners Operations LP, 3.45%, 1/15/23
330,000

292,180

Targa Resources Partners LP / Targa Resources Partners Finance Corp., 4.25%, 11/15/23
210,000

184,800

TransCanada PipeLines Ltd., 2.50%, 8/1/22
200,000

188,989

Williams Cos., Inc. (The), 3.70%, 1/15/23
50,000

40,887

Williams Cos., Inc. (The), 5.75%, 6/24/44
90,000

66,705

Williams Partners LP, 4.125%, 11/15/20
200,000

199,889

Williams Partners LP, 5.40%, 3/4/44
240,000

189,088

 
 
5,060,484

Health Care Equipment and Supplies — 0.2%
 
 
Becton Dickinson and Co., 3.73%, 12/15/24
360,000

369,178

Medtronic, Inc., 2.50%, 3/15/20
130,000

132,064

Medtronic, Inc., 2.75%, 4/1/23
200,000

197,693

Medtronic, Inc., 3.50%, 3/15/25
230,000

235,901

Medtronic, Inc., 4.375%, 3/15/35
360,000

373,716

St. Jude Medical, Inc., 2.00%, 9/15/18
110,000

110,445

Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc., 2.70%, 4/1/20
120,000

119,795

 
 
1,538,792

Health Care Providers and Services — 0.3%
 
 
Aetna, Inc., 2.75%, 11/15/22
130,000

127,876

CHS / Community Health Systems, Inc., 5.125%, 8/15/18
240,000

245,400

Express Scripts Holding Co., 2.65%, 2/15/17
510,000

517,363

Express Scripts Holding Co., 7.25%, 6/15/19
170,000

196,515

HCA, Inc., 3.75%, 3/15/19
310,000

316,138

NYU Hospitals Center, 4.43%, 7/1/42
90,000

87,805

UnitedHealth Group, Inc., 2.875%, 12/15/21
230,000

234,541

UnitedHealth Group, Inc., 2.875%, 3/15/22
310,000

314,608

UnitedHealth Group, Inc., 3.75%, 7/15/25
100,000

104,444

Universal Health Services, Inc., 7.125%, 6/30/16
160,000

164,800

Universal Health Services, Inc., 4.75%, 8/1/22(2)
130,000

133,087

 
 
2,442,577

Hotels, Restaurants and Leisure — 0.1%
 
 
McDonald's Corp., MTN, 3.25%, 6/10/24
200,000

198,306

McDonald's Corp., MTN, 3.375%, 5/26/25
80,000

79,750

McDonald's Corp., MTN, 4.60%, 5/26/45
70,000

69,031

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., 5.25%, 11/15/22
160,000

171,200

Wyndham Worldwide Corp., 2.95%, 3/1/17
110,000

111,394

 
 
629,681

Household Durables — 0.1%
 
 
D.R. Horton, Inc., 3.625%, 2/15/18
270,000

274,387

D.R. Horton, Inc., 5.75%, 8/15/23
110,000

120,725


20


 
Shares/
Principal Amount
Value
Lennar Corp., 4.75%, 12/15/17
$
210,000

$
218,400

Lennar Corp., 4.50%, 6/15/19
160,000

166,800

M.D.C. Holdings, Inc., 5.50%, 1/15/24
140,000

143,500

Toll Brothers Finance Corp., 6.75%, 11/1/19
100,000

113,500

TRI Pointe Holdings, Inc., 4.375%, 6/15/19
100,000

99,875

 
 
1,137,187

Industrial Conglomerates — 0.1%
 
 
General Electric Co., 5.25%, 12/6/17
230,000

248,358

General Electric Co., 2.70%, 10/9/22
210,000

210,449

General Electric Co., 4.125%, 10/9/42
180,000

177,565

Ingersoll-Rand Luxembourg Finance SA, 3.55%, 11/1/24
170,000

168,722

 
 
805,094

Insurance — 0.6%
 
 
ACE INA Holdings, Inc., 3.15%, 3/15/25
280,000

278,623

ACE INA Holdings, Inc., 3.35%, 5/3/26(3)
110,000

110,566

AerCap Ireland Capital Ltd. / AerCap Global Aviation Trust, 3.75%, 5/15/19
150,000

152,175

Allstate Corp. (The), VRN, 5.75%, 8/15/23
90,000

93,881

American International Group, Inc., 4.875%, 6/1/22
550,000

612,658

American International Group, Inc., 4.50%, 7/16/44
120,000

118,124

American International Group, Inc., MTN, 5.85%, 1/16/18
210,000

229,065

Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corp., 4.25%, 1/15/21
140,000

153,701

Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corp., 3.00%, 5/15/22
90,000

91,369

Berkshire Hathaway, Inc., 4.50%, 2/11/43
220,000

224,586

Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. (The), 5.95%, 10/15/36
50,000

59,522

International Lease Finance Corp., 6.25%, 5/15/19
100,000

109,000

Liberty Mutual Group, Inc., 4.95%, 5/1/22(2)
60,000

64,768

Liberty Mutual Group, Inc., 4.85%, 8/1/44(2)
210,000

208,086

Lincoln National Corp., 6.25%, 2/15/20
160,000

182,326

Markel Corp., 4.90%, 7/1/22
190,000

205,987

Markel Corp., 3.625%, 3/30/23
100,000

99,883

MetLife, Inc., 4.125%, 8/13/42
110,000

105,479

MetLife, Inc., 4.875%, 11/13/43
110,000

118,087

Metropolitan Life Global Funding I, 3.00%, 1/10/23(2)
200,000

199,251

Principal Financial Group, Inc., 3.30%, 9/15/22
70,000

69,683

Prudential Financial, Inc., MTN, 5.375%, 6/21/20
70,000

78,627

Prudential Financial, Inc., MTN, 5.625%, 5/12/41
370,000

426,231

TIAA Asset Management Finance Co. LLC, 4.125%, 11/1/24(2)
120,000

122,453

Travelers Cos., Inc. (The), 4.60%, 8/1/43
100,000

105,946

Travelers Cos., Inc. (The), 4.30%, 8/25/45
60,000

61,294

Voya Financial, Inc., 5.50%, 7/15/22
100,000

113,419

Voya Financial, Inc., 5.70%, 7/15/43
160,000

187,849

WR Berkley Corp., 4.625%, 3/15/22
130,000

138,282

WR Berkley Corp., 4.75%, 8/1/44
90,000

88,509

XLIT Ltd., 4.45%, 3/31/25
50,000

50,107

 
 
4,859,537


21


 
Shares/
Principal Amount
Value
Internet Software and Services  
 
 
Alibaba Group Holding Ltd., 3.125%, 11/28/21(2)
$
200,000

$
197,395

Netflix, Inc., 5.375%, 2/1/21
200,000

212,250

 
 
409,645

IT Services — 0.1%
 
 
Fidelity National Information Services, Inc., 1.45%, 6/5/17
150,000

148,536

Fidelity National Information Services, Inc., 5.00%, 3/15/22
100,000

103,008

Fidelity National Information Services, Inc., 4.50%, 10/15/22
180,000

184,069

Fidelity National Information Services, Inc., 3.50%, 4/15/23
110,000

104,975

Xerox Corp., 2.95%, 3/15/17
80,000

80,858

 
 
621,446

Life Sciences Tools and Services — 0.1%
 
 
Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc., 3.60%, 8/15/21
150,000

154,484

Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc., 3.30%, 2/15/22
148,000

148,477

Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc., 5.30%, 2/1/44
150,000

162,338

 
 
465,299

Machinery — 0.1%
 
 
Caterpillar Financial Services Corp., MTN, 2.85%, 6/1/22
220,000

219,550

Deere & Co., 5.375%, 10/16/29
200,000

235,504

Oshkosh Corp., 5.375%, 3/1/22
290,000

297,975

 
 
753,029

Media — 0.8%
 
 
21st Century Fox America, Inc., 3.00%, 9/15/22
240,000

238,654

21st Century Fox America, Inc., 3.70%, 10/15/25(2)
80,000

80,209

21st Century Fox America, Inc., 6.90%, 8/15/39
150,000

184,498

21st Century Fox America, Inc., 4.75%, 9/15/44
190,000

191,751

CBS Corp., 3.50%, 1/15/25
170,000

165,292

CBS Corp., 4.85%, 7/1/42
60,000

55,907

CCO Safari II LLC, 4.91%, 7/23/25(2)
670,000

683,695

Comcast Corp., 4.40%, 8/15/35
140,000

142,350

Comcast Corp., 6.40%, 5/15/38
310,000

389,783

Comcast Corp., 4.75%, 3/1/44
310,000

327,708

DIRECTV Holdings LLC / DIRECTV Financing Co., Inc., 5.00%, 3/1/21
250,000

273,676

DIRECTV Holdings LLC / DIRECTV Financing Co., Inc., 4.45%, 4/1/24
120,000

123,995

Discovery Communications LLC, 5.625%, 8/15/19
90,000

99,944

Discovery Communications LLC, 3.25%, 4/1/23
100,000

95,589

DISH DBS Corp., 7.125%, 2/1/16
50,000

50,670

Embarq Corp., 8.00%, 6/1/36
120,000

126,525

Interpublic Group of Cos., Inc. (The), 4.00%, 3/15/22
160,000

160,777

Lamar Media Corp., 5.375%, 1/15/24
180,000

187,650

NBCUniversal Media LLC, 5.15%, 4/30/20
90,000

101,736

NBCUniversal Media LLC, 4.375%, 4/1/21
380,000

418,367

NBCUniversal Media LLC, 2.875%, 1/15/23
120,000

120,521

Nielsen Finance LLC / Nielsen Finance Co., 5.00%, 4/15/22(2)
160,000

163,200

Omnicom Group, Inc., 3.625%, 5/1/22
50,000

50,799


22


 
Shares/
Principal Amount
Value
Scripps Networks Interactive, Inc., 2.80%, 6/15/20
$
230,000

$
225,766

TEGNA, Inc., 5.125%, 7/15/20
330,000

344,850

Time Warner Cable, Inc., 6.75%, 7/1/18
130,000

144,375

Time Warner Cable, Inc., 5.50%, 9/1/41
70,000

64,524

Time Warner Cable, Inc., 4.50%, 9/15/42
100,000

81,374

Time Warner, Inc., 4.70%, 1/15/21
140,000

152,585

Time Warner, Inc., 3.60%, 7/15/25
400,000

397,431

Time Warner, Inc., 7.70%, 5/1/32
200,000

258,301

Time Warner, Inc., 5.35%, 12/15/43
120,000

126,508

Viacom, Inc., 4.50%, 3/1/21
110,000

115,265

Viacom, Inc., 3.125%, 6/15/22
190,000

177,637

Virgin Media Secured Finance plc, 5.25%, 1/15/26(2)
200,000

200,500

Walt Disney Co. (The), MTN, 2.35%, 12/1/22
130,000

129,448

Walt Disney Co. (The), MTN, 4.125%, 6/1/44
230,000

233,816

 
 
7,085,676

Metals and Mining — 0.1%
 
 
Barrick North America Finance LLC, 4.40%, 5/30/21
170,000

169,153

Barrick North America Finance LLC, 5.75%, 5/1/43
70,000

62,422

Freeport-McMoRan, Inc., 3.875%, 3/15/23
115,000

90,505

Glencore Finance Canada Ltd., 4.95%, 11/15/21(2)
110,000

95,545

Newmont Mining Corp., 6.25%, 10/1/39
80,000

74,555

Southern Copper Corp., 5.25%, 11/8/42
100,000

81,559

Steel Dynamics, Inc., 6.125%, 8/15/19
157,000

163,280

Teck Resources Ltd., 3.15%, 1/15/17
110,000

105,050

Vale Overseas Ltd., 5.625%, 9/15/19
280,000

285,040

 
 
1,127,109

Multi-Utilities — 0.6%
 
 
Berkshire Hathaway Energy Co., 3.50%, 2/1/25
160,000

161,557

CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric LLC, 3.55%, 8/1/42
70,000

63,733

CMS Energy Corp., 8.75%, 6/15/19
180,000

218,629

Consolidated Edison Co. of New York, Inc., 3.95%, 3/1/43
150,000

142,948

Constellation Energy Group, Inc., 5.15%, 12/1/20
220,000

240,786

Consumers Energy Co., 2.85%, 5/15/22
50,000

49,967

Consumers Energy Co., 3.375%, 8/15/23
50,000

51,532

Dominion Resources, Inc., 6.40%, 6/15/18
190,000

211,494

Dominion Resources, Inc., 2.75%, 9/15/22
210,000

204,261

Dominion Resources, Inc., 3.625%, 12/1/24
160,000

160,243

Dominion Resources, Inc., 4.90%, 8/1/41
130,000

131,929

Dominion Resources, Inc., VRN, 7.50%, 6/30/16
120,000

107,700

DPL, Inc., 6.50%, 10/15/16
44,000

45,100

Duke Energy Corp., 1.625%, 8/15/17
150,000

150,600

Duke Energy Corp., 3.55%, 9/15/21
90,000

93,260

Duke Energy Florida LLC, 6.35%, 9/15/37
110,000

142,564

Duke Energy Florida LLC, 3.85%, 11/15/42
220,000

211,295

Duke Energy Progress, LLC, 4.15%, 12/1/44
130,000

131,038

Edison International, 3.75%, 9/15/17
130,000

135,062


23


 
Shares/
Principal Amount
Value
Exelon Generation Co. LLC, 4.25%, 6/15/22
$
120,000

$
122,476

Exelon Generation Co. LLC, 5.60%, 6/15/42
70,000

69,230

FirstEnergy Corp., 2.75%, 3/15/18
135,000

135,383

FirstEnergy Corp., 4.25%, 3/15/23
260,000

263,289

Florida Power & Light Co., 4.125%, 2/1/42
140,000

141,215

Georgia Power Co., 4.30%, 3/15/42
70,000

64,898

IPALCO Enterprises, Inc., 5.00%, 5/1/18
230,000

243,800

MidAmerican Energy Co., 4.40%, 10/15/44
150,000

156,255

NextEra Energy Capital Holdings, Inc., VRN, 7.30%, 9/1/17
210,000

209,475

Nisource Finance Corp., 5.65%, 2/1/45
100,000

116,123

PacifiCorp, 6.00%, 1/15/39
180,000

223,631

Potomac Electric Power Co., 3.60%, 3/15/24
120,000

124,803

Progress Energy, Inc., 3.15%, 4/1/22
90,000

89,808

Sempra Energy, 6.50%, 6/1/16
200,000

206,297

Sempra Energy, 2.40%, 3/15/20
120,000

119,422

Sempra Energy, 2.875%, 10/1/22
200,000

196,016

Southern Power Co., 5.15%, 9/15/41
40,000

38,664

Virginia Electric and Power Co., 3.45%, 2/15/24
160,000

165,364

Virginia Electric and Power Co., 4.45%, 2/15/44
80,000

84,171

Xcel Energy, Inc., 4.80%, 9/15/41
50,000

51,948

 
 
5,475,966

Multiline Retail — 0.1%
 
 
Macy's Retail Holdings, Inc., 2.875%, 2/15/23
190,000

178,067

Target Corp., 4.00%, 7/1/42
280,000

273,246

 
 
451,313

Oil, Gas and Consumable Fuels — 0.8%
 
 
AmeriGas Finance LLC / AmeriGas Finance Corp., 6.75%, 5/20/20
50,000

52,063

AmeriGas Partners LP / AmeriGas Finance Corp., 6.25%, 8/20/19
90,000

92,250

Anadarko Petroleum Corp., 5.95%, 9/15/16
80,000

82,967

Anadarko Petroleum Corp., 6.45%, 9/15/36
110,000

124,237

Apache Corp., 4.75%, 4/15/43
90,000

83,628

BP Capital Markets plc, 4.50%, 10/1/20
100,000

109,812

BP Capital Markets plc, 2.75%, 5/10/23
100,000

97,286

BP Capital Markets plc, 3.51%, 3/17/25
100,000

101,129

California Resources Corp., 5.50%, 9/15/21
180,000

124,650

Chesapeake Energy Corp., 4.875%, 4/15/22
150,000

93,750

Chevron Corp., 2.43%, 6/24/20
80,000

81,526

Cimarex Energy Co., 4.375%, 6/1/24
220,000

219,305

CNOOC Nexen Finance 2014 ULC, 4.25%, 4/30/24
140,000

144,231

Concho Resources, Inc., 7.00%, 1/15/21
330,000

342,375

Concho Resources, Inc., 6.50%, 1/15/22
90,000

93,713

ConocoPhillips Holding Co., 6.95%, 4/15/29
40,000

49,932

Continental Resources, Inc., 5.00%, 9/15/22
240,000

216,000

Devon Energy Corp., 5.00%, 6/15/45
50,000

46,069

Ecopetrol SA, 4.125%, 1/16/25
90,000

79,533

EOG Resources, Inc., 5.625%, 6/1/19
150,000

167,837


24


 
Shares/
Principal Amount
Value
EOG Resources, Inc., 4.10%, 2/1/21
$
130,000

$
139,506

Exxon Mobil Corp., 2.71%, 3/6/25
280,000

277,281

Hess Corp., 6.00%, 1/15/40
90,000

90,828

Marathon Petroleum Corp., 3.50%, 3/1/16
210,000

211,788

Newfield Exploration Co., 5.75%, 1/30/22
220,000

224,400

Noble Energy, Inc., 4.15%, 12/15/21
290,000

293,757

Petrobras Global Finance BV, 5.75%, 1/20/20
100,000

85,750

Petrobras Global Finance BV, 5.375%, 1/27/21
220,000

179,575

Petroleos Mexicanos, 6.00%, 3/5/20
120,000

130,613

Petroleos Mexicanos, 4.875%, 1/24/22
240,000

244,860

Petroleos Mexicanos, 3.50%, 1/30/23
60,000

55,860

Petroleos Mexicanos, 6.625%, 6/15/35
50,000

49,438

Petroleos Mexicanos, 5.50%, 6/27/44
230,000

197,156

Phillips 66, 4.30%, 4/1/22
250,000

265,756

Phillips 66, 4.65%, 11/15/34
180,000

180,346

Shell International Finance BV, 2.375%, 8/21/22
130,000

127,516

Shell International Finance BV, 3.25%, 5/11/25
200,000

200,197

Shell International Finance BV, 3.625%, 8/21/42
140,000

125,780

Statoil ASA, 2.45%, 1/17/23
190,000

183,595

Statoil ASA, 3.95%, 5/15/43
50,000

47,152

Statoil ASA, 4.80%, 11/8/43
100,000

108,383

Suburban Propane Partners LP / Suburban Energy Finance Corp., 7.375%, 8/1/21
150,000

158,250

Talisman Energy, Inc., 7.75%, 6/1/19
95,000

104,801

Tesoro Corp., 5.375%, 10/1/22
100,000

101,875

Total Capital Canada Ltd., 2.75%, 7/15/23
120,000

117,796

Total Capital SA, 2.125%, 8/10/18
140,000

142,496

Whiting Petroleum Corp., 5.00%, 3/15/19
190,000

181,450

 
 
6,628,498

Paper and Forest Products — 0.1%
 
 
Georgia-Pacific LLC, 2.54%, 11/15/19(2)
250,000

251,128

Georgia-Pacific LLC, 5.40%, 11/1/20(2)
350,000

389,529

International Paper Co., 6.00%, 11/15/41
70,000

77,480

 
 
718,137

Pharmaceuticals — 0.3%
 
 
Actavis Funding SCS, 3.85%, 6/15/24
320,000

319,133

Actavis Funding SCS, 4.55%, 3/15/35
150,000

144,180

Actavis, Inc., 1.875%, 10/1/17
220,000

219,735

Actavis, Inc., 3.25%, 10/1/22
200,000

196,225

Actavis, Inc., 4.625%, 10/1/42
60,000

56,908

Baxalta, Inc., 4.00%, 6/23/25(2)
230,000

231,811

Forest Laboratories LLC, 4.875%, 2/15/21(2)
270,000

292,471

GlaxoSmithKline Capital plc, 2.85%, 5/8/22
250,000

252,680

Merck & Co., Inc., 2.40%, 9/15/22
100,000

98,947

Merck & Co., Inc., 3.70%, 2/10/45
80,000

73,539

Perrigo Finance plc, 3.90%, 12/15/24
200,000

192,915

Roche Holdings, Inc., 3.35%, 9/30/24(2)
110,000

113,757


25


 
Shares/
Principal Amount
Value
Sanofi, 4.00%, 3/29/21
$
95,000

$
102,698

 
 
2,294,999

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) — 0.3%
 
 
American Tower Corp., 5.05%, 9/1/20
130,000

141,495

DDR Corp., 4.75%, 4/15/18
230,000

242,721

DDR Corp., 3.625%, 2/1/25
150,000

142,620

Essex Portfolio LP, 3.625%, 8/15/22
150,000

151,707

Essex Portfolio LP, 3.375%, 1/15/23
60,000

58,778

Essex Portfolio LP, 3.25%, 5/1/23
50,000

48,795

HCP, Inc., 3.75%, 2/1/16
200,000

201,209

Hospitality Properties Trust, 4.65%, 3/15/24
350,000

348,496

Hospitality Properties Trust, 4.50%, 3/15/25
140,000

136,424

Host Hotels & Resorts LP, 3.75%, 10/15/23
100,000

96,647

Kilroy Realty LP, 3.80%, 1/15/23
140,000

139,889

Realty Income Corp., 4.125%, 10/15/26
80,000

81,200

Reckson Operating Partnership LP, 6.00%, 3/31/16
125,000

127,227

Senior Housing Properties Trust, 4.75%, 5/1/24
180,000

178,317

Ventas Realty LP, 4.125%, 1/15/26
100,000

100,304

Ventas Realty LP / Ventas Capital Corp., 4.75%, 6/1/21
120,000

128,998

Welltower, Inc., 2.25%, 3/15/18
50,000

50,189

Welltower, Inc., 3.75%, 3/15/23
130,000

128,449

 
 
2,503,465

Road and Rail — 0.2%
 
 
Burlington Northern Santa Fe LLC, 3.60%, 9/1/20
176,000

185,290

Burlington Northern Santa Fe LLC, 5.05%, 3/1/41
60,000

63,223

Burlington Northern Santa Fe LLC, 4.45%, 3/15/43
220,000

217,251

Burlington Northern Santa Fe LLC, 4.15%, 4/1/45
180,000

170,182

CSX Corp., 4.25%, 6/1/21
150,000

160,852

CSX Corp., 3.40%, 8/1/24
180,000

181,857

Norfolk Southern Corp., 5.75%, 4/1/18
40,000

43,681

Norfolk Southern Corp., 3.25%, 12/1/21
200,000

203,094

Penske Truck Leasing Co. LP / PTL Finance Corp., 2.875%,
7/17/18(2)
40,000

40,514

Penske Truck Leasing Co. LP / PTL Finance Corp., 3.375%, 2/1/22(2)
110,000

107,553

Union Pacific Corp., 4.00%, 2/1/21
100,000

108,140

Union Pacific Corp., 4.75%, 9/15/41
250,000

273,153

 
 
1,754,790

Semiconductors and Semiconductor Equipment — 0.1%
 
 
Intel Corp., 3.70%, 7/29/25
110,000

114,785

KLA-Tencor Corp., 4.65%, 11/1/24
110,000

111,005

NXP BV / NXP Funding LLC, 4.125%, 6/15/20(2)
200,000

204,500

 
 
430,290

Software — 0.2%
 
 
Activision Blizzard, Inc., 5.625%, 9/15/21(2)
210,000

222,642

Intuit, Inc., 5.75%, 3/15/17
254,000

268,421

Microsoft Corp., 2.70%, 2/12/25
360,000

355,085

Microsoft Corp., 3.125%, 11/3/25(3)
110,000

111,332


26


 
Shares/
Principal Amount
Value
Oracle Corp., 2.50%, 10/15/22
$
260,000

$
254,964

Oracle Corp., 3.625%, 7/15/23
280,000

294,141

Oracle Corp., 3.40%, 7/8/24
170,000

173,746

Oracle Corp., 4.30%, 7/8/34
160,000

159,880

 
 
1,840,211

Specialty Retail — 0.1%
 
 
Home Depot, Inc. (The), 2.625%, 6/1/22
190,000

191,064

Home Depot, Inc. (The), 3.35%, 9/15/25
120,000

123,323

Home Depot, Inc. (The), 5.95%, 4/1/41
360,000

458,573

Lowe's Cos., Inc., 3.375%, 9/15/25
45,000

45,525

Sally Holdings LLC / Sally Capital, Inc., 6.875%, 11/15/19
227,000

236,080

United Rentals North America, Inc., 4.625%, 7/15/23
170,000

171,380

 
 
1,225,945

Technology Hardware, Storage and Peripherals — 0.2%
 
 
Apple, Inc., 1.00%, 5/3/18
160,000

159,605

Apple, Inc., 2.85%, 5/6/21
180,000

185,541

Apple, Inc., 3.45%, 5/6/24
240,000

249,083

Dell, Inc., 3.10%, 4/1/16
40,000

40,340

Hewlett-Packard Co., 4.30%, 6/1/21
290,000

298,572

Hewlett-Packard Enterprise Co., 3.60%, 10/15/20(2)
350,000

352,962

Seagate HDD Cayman, 4.75%, 6/1/23
310,000

288,183

 
 
1,574,286

Textiles, Apparel and Luxury Goods — 0.1%
 
 
Hanesbrands, Inc., 6.375%, 12/15/20
280,000

291,200

L Brands, Inc., 6.90%, 7/15/17
100,000

108,250

PVH Corp., 4.50%, 12/15/22
210,000

211,575

 
 
611,025

Tobacco — 0.1%
 
 
Altria Group, Inc., 2.85%, 8/9/22
270,000

266,425

Philip Morris International, Inc., 4.125%, 5/17/21
180,000

193,608

Reynolds American, Inc., 4.45%, 6/12/25
250,000

262,271

 
 
722,304

Wireless Telecommunication Services — 0.1%
 
 
America Movil SAB de CV, 3.125%, 7/16/22
310,000

307,749

Sprint Communications, Inc., 6.00%, 12/1/16
150,000

151,969

Sprint Communications, Inc., 9.00%, 11/15/18(2)
180,000

198,336

T-Mobile USA, Inc., 6.46%, 4/28/19
210,000

216,562

Vodafone Group plc, 5.625%, 2/27/17
110,000

116,054

 
 
990,670

TOTAL CORPORATE BONDS
(Cost $104,053,320)
 
104,853,526

U.S. TREASURY SECURITIES — 12.1%
 
 
U.S. Treasury Bills, 0.25%, 6/23/16(4)
3,000,000

2,994,516

U.S. Treasury Bonds, 4.75%, 2/15/37
1,860,000

2,503,928

U.S. Treasury Bonds, 3.50%, 2/15/39
3,900,000

4,383,869

U.S. Treasury Bonds, 4.375%, 11/15/39
2,000,000

2,553,972


27


 
Shares/
Principal Amount
Value
U.S. Treasury Bonds, 4.375%, 5/15/41
$
1,850,000

$
2,371,685

U.S. Treasury Bonds, 3.125%, 11/15/41
1,500,000

1,574,413

U.S. Treasury Bonds, 2.75%, 11/15/42
2,180,000

2,110,853

U.S. Treasury Bonds, 2.875%, 5/15/43
770,000

762,741

U.S. Treasury Bonds, 3.125%, 8/15/44
1,830,000

1,901,533

U.S. Treasury Bonds, 3.00%, 11/15/44
1,580,000

1,600,831

U.S. Treasury Bonds, 2.50%, 2/15/45
1,250,000

1,140,560

U.S. Treasury Notes, 1.375%, 11/30/15
1,750,000

1,751,937

U.S. Treasury Notes, 0.375%, 1/15/16
700,000

700,387

U.S. Treasury Notes, 0.625%, 12/15/16
2,100,000

2,103,049

U.S. Treasury Notes, 0.75%, 10/31/17
1,500,000

1,499,863

U.S. Treasury Notes, 1.875%, 10/31/17
2,400,000

2,453,218

U.S. Treasury Notes, 0.875%, 1/31/18
3,400,000

3,402,679

U.S. Treasury Notes, 1.00%, 2/15/18
2,300,000

2,307,068

U.S. Treasury Notes, 1.00%, 3/15/18
5,000,000

5,013,770

U.S. Treasury Notes, 0.75%, 4/15/18
1,200,000

1,195,289

U.S. Treasury Notes, 2.625%, 4/30/18
875,000

912,347

U.S. Treasury Notes, 1.375%, 7/31/18
11,130,000

11,250,427

U.S. Treasury Notes, 1.375%, 9/30/18
2,500,000

2,525,847

U.S. Treasury Notes, 1.25%, 10/31/18
2,350,000

2,364,168

U.S. Treasury Notes, 1.25%, 11/30/18
3,100,000

3,116,650

U.S. Treasury Notes, 1.375%, 11/30/18
200,000

201,844

U.S. Treasury Notes, 1.625%, 7/31/19
2,800,000

2,834,051

U.S. Treasury Notes, 1.625%, 8/31/19
8,350,000

8,449,215

U.S. Treasury Notes, 1.50%, 10/31/19
5,650,000

5,681,521

U.S. Treasury Notes, 1.50%, 11/30/19
2,600,000

2,612,847

U.S. Treasury Notes, 1.625%, 12/31/19
950,000

958,727

U.S. Treasury Notes, 1.375%, 3/31/20
2,950,000

2,940,666

U.S. Treasury Notes, 1.375%, 4/30/20
1,500,000

1,494,386

U.S. Treasury Notes, 1.625%, 6/30/20
2,350,000

2,364,504

U.S. Treasury Notes, 2.00%, 10/31/21
4,950,000

5,017,676

U.S. Treasury Notes, 1.75%, 5/15/22
1,000,000

993,965

U.S. Treasury Notes, 1.875%, 5/31/22
2,000,000

2,003,034

U.S. Treasury Notes, 2.00%, 2/15/25
2,450,000

2,422,915

TOTAL U.S. TREASURY SECURITIES
(Cost $100,684,041)
 
102,470,951

U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCY MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES(5) — 10.5%
 
Adjustable-Rate U.S. Government Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities — 1.4%
 
FHLMC, VRN, 1.76%, 11/15/15
135,080

138,374

FHLMC, VRN, 1.84%, 11/15/15
410,447

421,363

FHLMC, VRN, 1.97%, 11/15/15
192,503

198,409

FHLMC, VRN, 1.98%, 11/15/15
294,657

303,800

FHLMC, VRN, 2.05%, 11/15/15
560,448

571,423

FHLMC, VRN, 2.32%, 11/15/15
737,099

747,226

FHLMC, VRN, 2.37%, 11/15/15
356,802

379,391

FHLMC, VRN, 2.43%, 11/15/15
159,486

170,074

FHLMC, VRN, 2.46%, 11/15/15
951,641

1,012,604


28


 
Shares/
Principal Amount
Value
FHLMC, VRN, 2.53%, 11/15/15
$
68,806

$
72,805

FHLMC, VRN, 2.54%, 11/15/15
94,941

101,033

FHLMC, VRN, 2.63%, 11/15/15
92,702

98,589

FHLMC, VRN, 2.86%, 11/15/15
178,183

183,769

FHLMC, VRN, 2.97%, 11/15/15
356,110

377,699

FHLMC, VRN, 3.26%, 11/15/15
241,653

255,931

FHLMC, VRN, 3.74%, 11/15/15
157,142

164,469

FHLMC, VRN, 4.05%, 11/15/15
133,403

140,409

FHLMC, VRN, 4.21%, 11/15/15
386,485

406,076

FHLMC, VRN, 4.61%, 11/15/15
98,742

104,064

FHLMC, VRN, 5.13%, 11/15/15
36,685

38,712

FHLMC, VRN, 5.80%, 11/15/15
250,632

266,088

FHLMC, VRN, 5.95%, 11/15/15
198,895

210,914

FHLMC, VRN, 6.10%, 11/15/15
131,242

139,218

FNMA, VRN, 1.92%, 11/25/15
306,069

320,285

FNMA, VRN, 1.94%, 11/25/15
362,795

377,271

FNMA, VRN, 1.95%, 11/25/15
518,347

543,464

FNMA, VRN, 1.95%, 11/25/15
612,723

635,457

FNMA, VRN, 1.95%, 11/25/15
907,231

952,235

FNMA, VRN, 2.01%, 11/25/15
1,261,306

1,312,331

FNMA, VRN, 2.31%, 11/25/15
81,945

87,593

FNMA, VRN, 2.40%, 11/25/15
49,661

52,607

FNMA, VRN, 2.41%, 11/25/15
71,974

76,982

FNMA, VRN, 2.43%, 11/25/15
337,856

359,185

FNMA, VRN, 2.69%, 11/25/15
317,765

326,766

FNMA, VRN, 3.36%, 11/25/15
160,190

167,567

FNMA, VRN, 3.61%, 11/25/15
218,878

229,663

FNMA, VRN, 3.91%, 11/25/15
192,008

203,430

FNMA, VRN, 5.08%, 11/25/15
146,037

155,597

 
 
12,302,873

Fixed-Rate U.S. Government Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities — 9.1%
 
FHLMC, 4.50%, 1/1/19
141,726

146,688

FHLMC, 6.50%, 1/1/28
22,890

26,558

FHLMC, 5.50%, 12/1/33
191,310

216,288

FHLMC, 5.00%, 7/1/35
1,652,993

1,829,774

FHLMC, 5.50%, 1/1/38
181,734

202,450

FHLMC, 6.00%, 8/1/38
73,236

83,373

FHLMC, 6.50%, 7/1/47
7,231

8,000

FNMA, 3.00%, 11/12/15(6)
1,750,000

1,768,730

FNMA, 3.50%, 11/12/15(6)
8,000,000

8,326,375

FNMA, 4.00%, 11/12/15(6)
5,450,000

5,801,695

FNMA, 4.50%, 11/12/15(6)
1,705,000

1,847,461

FNMA, 4.50%, 5/1/19
51,181

53,373

FNMA, 4.50%, 5/1/19
134,502

139,812

FNMA, 5.00%, 9/1/20
307,165

327,750

FNMA, 2.625%, 9/6/24
590,000

604,712


29


 
Shares/
Principal Amount
Value
FNMA, 6.50%, 1/1/28
$
17,896

$
20,468

FNMA, 6.50%, 1/1/29
31,001

35,959

FNMA, 7.50%, 7/1/29
85,337

97,660

FNMA, 7.50%, 9/1/30
17,945

21,625

FNMA, 6.625%, 11/15/30
2,290,000

3,300,412

FNMA, 5.00%, 7/1/31
982,881

1,087,543

FNMA, 6.50%, 9/1/31
23,440

26,812

FNMA, 7.00%, 9/1/31
9,628

10,812

FNMA, 6.50%, 1/1/32
30,182

34,529

FNMA, 6.50%, 8/1/32
33,732

39,444

FNMA, 5.50%, 6/1/33
98,111

110,674

FNMA, 5.50%, 7/1/33
178,828

201,481

FNMA, 5.50%, 8/1/33
300,252

335,963

FNMA, 5.50%, 9/1/33
197,549

225,067

FNMA, 5.00%, 11/1/33
593,758

657,712

FNMA, 5.00%, 4/1/35
810,499

894,987

FNMA, 4.50%, 9/1/35
387,184

420,994

FNMA, 5.00%, 2/1/36
535,428

590,454

FNMA, 5.50%, 4/1/36
202,090

227,340

FNMA, 5.50%, 5/1/36
388,799

437,159

FNMA, 5.00%, 11/1/36
1,388,330

1,530,816

FNMA, 5.50%, 2/1/37
99,391

111,405

FNMA, 6.00%, 7/1/37
677,337

767,546

FNMA, 6.50%, 8/1/37
163,839

183,241

FNMA, 5.50%, 7/1/39
651,650

732,666

FNMA, 5.00%, 4/1/40
1,469,540

1,622,716

FNMA, 5.00%, 6/1/40
1,293,441

1,429,235

FNMA, 4.50%, 8/1/40
1,889,930

2,053,105

FNMA, 4.50%, 9/1/40
3,284,329

3,593,770

FNMA, 3.50%, 1/1/41
1,801,504

1,879,806

FNMA, 4.00%, 1/1/41
1,439,870

1,556,791

FNMA, 4.50%, 1/1/41
1,289,612

1,418,960

FNMA, 4.00%, 5/1/41
1,764,125

1,883,189

FNMA, 4.50%, 7/1/41
595,408

651,612

FNMA, 4.50%, 9/1/41
665,019

722,996

FNMA, 4.50%, 9/1/41
2,643,157

2,873,781

FNMA, 4.00%, 12/1/41
1,529,554

1,646,341

FNMA, 4.00%, 1/1/42
918,996

981,623

FNMA, 4.00%, 1/1/42
1,286,901

1,373,912

FNMA, 4.00%, 3/1/42
1,148,520

1,226,815

FNMA, 3.50%, 5/1/42
2,410,421

2,516,761

FNMA, 3.50%, 6/1/42
770,454

806,810

FNMA, 3.00%, 11/1/42
1,842,500

1,869,093

FNMA, 6.50%, 8/1/47
23,303

25,910

FNMA, 6.50%, 8/1/47
42,662

47,453

FNMA, 6.50%, 9/1/47
43,556

48,478


30


 
Shares/
Principal Amount
Value
FNMA, 6.50%, 9/1/47
$
2,406

$
2,678

FNMA, 6.50%, 9/1/47
16,358

18,203

FNMA, 6.50%, 9/1/47
23,778

26,469

FNMA, 6.50%, 9/1/47
6,349

7,063

GNMA, 3.50%, 11/19/15(6)
3,300,000

3,457,974

GNMA, 4.00%, 11/19/15(6)
2,000,000

2,128,516

GNMA, 7.00%, 4/20/26
56,258

66,403

GNMA, 7.50%, 8/15/26
32,856

39,528

GNMA, 7.00%, 2/15/28
11,709

11,872

GNMA, 7.50%, 2/15/28
14,632

14,931

GNMA, 7.00%, 12/15/28
20,807

21,640

GNMA, 7.00%, 5/15/31
62,897

74,816

GNMA, 5.50%, 11/15/32
236,359

270,330

GNMA, 4.50%, 5/20/41
784,949

855,163

GNMA, 4.50%, 6/15/41
709,230

781,477

GNMA, 4.00%, 12/15/41
1,265,730

1,349,362

GNMA, 3.50%, 6/20/42
1,512,374

1,589,823

GNMA, 3.50%, 7/20/42
738,758

776,590

GNMA, 4.50%, 11/20/43
1,115,891

1,203,536

 
 
76,411,339

TOTAL U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCY MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES
(Cost $86,935,158)
88,714,212

COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE OBLIGATIONS(5) — 2.0%
 
 
Private Sponsor Collateralized Mortgage Obligations — 1.9%
 
 
ABN Amro Mortgage Corp., Series 2003-4, Class A4, 5.50%, 3/25/33
30,858

32,402

Adjustable Rate Mortgage Trust, Series 2004-4, Class 4A1, VRN, 2.55%, 11/1/15
392,461

392,728

Banc of America Alternative Loan Trust, Series 2007-2, Class 2A4, 5.75%, 6/25/37
338,093

266,298

Banc of America Mortgage Securities, Inc., Series 2003-G, Class 2A1, VRN, 2.77%, 11/1/15
243,582

243,201

Banc of America Mortgage Securities, Inc., Series 2004-7, Class 7A1, 5.00%, 8/25/19
30,385

30,376

Banc of America Mortgage Securities, Inc., Series 2004-E, Class 2A6 SEQ, VRN, 2.86%, 11/1/15
372,703

372,689

Banc of America Mortgage Securities, Inc., Series 2005-1, Class 1A15, 5.50%, 2/25/35
135,083

141,072

Citigroup Mortgage Loan Trust, Inc., Series 2004-UST1, Class A4, VRN, 2.27%, 11/1/15
721,237

717,322

Citigroup Mortgage Loan Trust, Inc., Series 2004-UST1, Class A5, VRN, 2.03%, 11/1/15
971,694

958,861

Citigroup Mortgage Loan Trust, Inc., Series 2005-4, Class A, VRN, 2.78%, 11/1/15
155,347

153,788

Citigroup Mortgage Loan Trust, Inc., Series 2005-6, Class A2, VRN, 2.42%, 11/1/15
324,570

327,141

Countrywide Home Loan Mortgage Pass-Through Trust, Series 2005-17, Class 1A11, 5.50%, 9/25/35
9,826

9,695

Credit Suisse First Boston Mortgage Securities Corp., Series 2003-AR28, Class 2A1, VRN, 2.52%, 11/1/15
212,110

209,466

First Horizon Alternative Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2004-AA4, Class A1, VRN, 2.35%, 11/1/15
666,206

660,016


31


 
Shares/
Principal Amount
Value
First Horizon Mortgage Pass-Through Trust, Series 2005-AR3, Class 4A1, VRN, 2.59%, 11/1/15
$
118,404

$
113,808

GSR Mortgage Loan Trust, Series 2004-7, Class 3A1, VRN, 2.30%, 11/1/15
263,897

257,443

GSR Mortgage Loan Trust, Series 2004-AR5, Class 3A3, VRN, 2.69%, 11/1/15
253,492

252,525

GSR Mortgage Loan Trust, Series 2005-AR1, Class 3A1, VRN, 2.66%, 11/1/15
409,476

406,900

GSR Mortgage Loan Trust, Series 2005-AR6, Class 2A1, VRN, 2.72%, 11/1/15
387,065

394,966

GSR Mortgage Loan Trust, Series 2005-AR6, Class 4A5, VRN, 2.81%, 11/1/15
640,770

647,572

JPMorgan Mortgage Trust, Series 2005-A4, Class 1A1, VRN, 2.48%, 11/1/15
120,759

119,604

JPMorgan Mortgage Trust, Series 2005-A4, Class 2A1, VRN, 2.68%, 11/1/15
82,755

82,527

JPMorgan Mortgage Trust, Series 2006-A3, Class 7A1, VRN, 2.98%, 11/1/15
411,908

415,387

JPMorgan Mortgage Trust, Series 2013-1, Class 2A2 SEQ, VRN, 2.50%, 11/1/15(2)
163,354

163,687

MASTR Adjustable Rate Mortgages Trust, Series 2004-13, Class 3A7, VRN, 2.77%, 11/1/15
561,182

576,230

MASTR Asset Securitization Trust, Series 2003-10, Class 3A1, 5.50%, 11/25/33
72,178

74,487

Merrill Lynch Mortgage Investors Trust, Series 2005-3, Class 2A, VRN, 2.21%, 11/25/15
298,024

294,325

Merrill Lynch Mortgage Investors Trust, Series 2005-A2, Class A1, VRN, 2.47%, 11/1/15
416,663

409,859

PHHMC Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2007-6, Class A1, VRN, 5.43%, 11/1/15
51,413

51,342

Sequoia Mortgage Trust, Series 2012-1, Class 1A1, VRN, 2.87%, 11/1/15
86,074

86,552

Sequoia Mortgage Trust, Series 2013-12, Class A1 SEQ, 4.00%, 12/25/43(2)
245,988

253,927

Structured Adjustable Rate Mortgage Loan Trust, Series 2004-6, Class 3A2, VRN, 2.45%, 11/1/15
277,617

278,186

Structured Adjustable Rate Mortgage Loan Trust, Series 2004-8, Class 2A1, VRN, 2.42%, 11/1/15
255,754

256,306

Thornburg Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2004-3, Class A, VRN, 0.94%, 11/25/15
1,042,109

977,893

WaMu Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2005-AR3, Class A1, VRN, 2.44%, 11/1/15
715,427

712,155

Wells Fargo Mortgage-Backed Securities Trust, Series 2004-4, Class A9, 5.50%, 5/25/34
76,206

78,710

Wells Fargo Mortgage-Backed Securities Trust, Series 2004-K, Class 2A6, VRN, 2.74%, 11/1/15
107,863

108,981

Wells Fargo Mortgage-Backed Securities Trust, Series 2004-S, Class A1, VRN, 2.73%, 11/1/15
212,681

218,533

Wells Fargo Mortgage-Backed Securities Trust, Series 2004-Z, Class 2A2, VRN, 2.63%, 11/1/15
220,150

220,641

Wells Fargo Mortgage-Backed Securities Trust, Series 2005-17, Class 1A1, 5.50%, 1/25/36
140,017

142,946

Wells Fargo Mortgage-Backed Securities Trust, Series 2005-3, Class A12, 5.50%, 5/25/35
190,645

194,921

Wells Fargo Mortgage-Backed Securities Trust, Series 2005-9, Class 2A6, 5.25%, 10/25/35
350,986

369,456


32


 
Shares/
Principal Amount
Value
Wells Fargo Mortgage-Backed Securities Trust, Series 2005-AR10, Class 1A1, VRN, 2.70%, 11/1/15
$
696,110

$
713,285

Wells Fargo Mortgage-Backed Securities Trust, Series 2005-AR10, Class 2A15, VRN, 2.70%, 11/1/15
71,235

73,421

Wells Fargo Mortgage-Backed Securities Trust, Series 2005-AR10, Class 2A17, VRN, 2.70%, 11/1/15
474,902

484,936

Wells Fargo Mortgage-Backed Securities Trust, Series 2005-AR14, Class A1, VRN, 2.74%, 11/1/15
124,454

123,285

Wells Fargo Mortgage-Backed Securities Trust, Series 2005-AR16, Class 1A1, VRN, 2.69%, 11/1/15
140,501

143,426

Wells Fargo Mortgage-Backed Securities Trust, Series 2005-AR16, Class 3A2, VRN, 2.70%, 11/1/15
380,026

383,809

Wells Fargo Mortgage-Backed Securities Trust, Series 2005-AR2, Class 3A1, VRN, 2.62%, 11/1/15
105,580

107,006

Wells Fargo Mortgage-Backed Securities Trust, Series 2005-AR7, Class 1A1, VRN, 2.74%, 11/1/15
406,395

407,649

Wells Fargo Mortgage-Backed Securities Trust, Series 2006-10, Class A4 SEQ, 6.00%, 8/25/36
177,628

181,682

Wells Fargo Mortgage-Backed Securities Trust, Series 2006-13, Class A5, 6.00%, 10/25/36
223,286

231,482

Wells Fargo Mortgage-Backed Securities Trust, Series 2007-13, Class A1, 6.00%, 9/25/37
116,788

120,318

Wells Fargo Mortgage-Backed Securities Trust, Series 2007-14, Class 2A2, 5.50%, 10/25/22
125,634

129,940

Wells Fargo Mortgage-Backed Securities Trust, Series 2007-16, Class 1A1, 6.00%, 12/28/37
78,806

81,544

Wells Fargo Mortgage-Backed Securities Trust, Series 2007-AR10, Class 1A1, VRN, 6.26%, 11/1/15
113,812

113,211

Wells Fargo Mortgage-Backed Securities Trust, Series 2008-1, Class 4A1, 5.75%, 2/25/38
315,702

333,951

 
 
16,303,869

U.S. Government Agency Collateralized Mortgage Obligations — 0.1%
 
FHLMC, Series 2926, Class EW SEQ, 5.00%, 1/15/25
326,933

353,024

FHLMC, Series 77, Class H, 8.50%, 9/15/20
15,414

16,098

FNMA, Series 2014-M3, Class ASQ2, 0.56%, 3/25/16
247,577

247,503

 
 
616,625

TOTAL COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE OBLIGATIONS
(Cost $16,993,869)
 
16,920,494

COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES(5) — 2.0%
 
 
Bank of America Merrill Lynch Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2012-PARK, Class A SEQ, 2.96%, 12/10/30(2)
1,125,000

1,133,566

Bank of America Merrill Lynch Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2014-ICTS, Class A, VRN, 1.00%, 11/15/15(2)
825,000

823,009

Bank of America Merrill Lynch Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2015-200P, Class B, 3.49%, 4/14/33(2)
625,000

624,523

BB-UBS Trust, Series 2012-SHOW, Class A SEQ, 3.43%, 11/5/36(2)
950,000

968,255

BLCP Hotel Trust, Series 2014-CLRN, Class A, VRN, 1.15%, 11/15/15(2)
1,344,314

1,337,850

Commercial Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2014-BBG, Class A, VRN, 1.00%, 11/15/15(2)
925,000

918,734

Commercial Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2014-CR15, Class AM SEQ, 4.43%, 2/10/47
675,000

734,603

Commercial Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2014-LC17, Class AM, VRN, 4.19%, 11/1/15
775,000

827,519


33


 
Shares/
Principal Amount
Value
Commercial Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2014-UBS5, Class AM, 4.19%, 9/10/47
$
1,025,000

$
1,087,029

Commercial Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2015-3BP, Class B, VRN, 3.24%, 11/15/15(2)
400,000

392,989

Commercial Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2015-CR22, Class AM, 3.60%, 3/10/48
750,000

760,091

Core Industrial Trust, Series 2015-WEST, Class A SEQ, 3.29%, 2/10/37(2)
1,150,000

1,157,555

GS Mortgage Securities Corp. II, Series 2015-GC28, Class AS, 3.76%, 2/10/48
325,000

329,052

Irvine Core Office Trust, Series 2013-IRV, Class A2 SEQ, VRN, 3.17%, 11/10/15(2)
1,575,000

1,609,683

JPMBB Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2014-C21, Class B, VRN, 4.34%, 11/1/15
475,000

489,667

JPMorgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2013-C16, Class A4, 4.17%, 12/15/46
275,000

298,813

JPMorgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2013-C16, Class AS, 4.52%, 12/15/46
450,000

490,472

JPMorgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2014-CBM, Class A, VRN, 1.10%, 11/15/15(2)
925,000

920,464

Morgan Stanley Capital I Trust, Series 2014-CPT, Class A SEQ, 3.35%, 7/13/29(2)
800,000

830,209

Morgan Stanley Capital I Trust, Series 2014-CPT, Class C, VRN, 3.45%, 11/1/15(2)
725,000

735,817

TOTAL COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES
(Cost $16,302,928)
 
16,469,900

ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES(5) — 1.6%
 
 
Avis Budget Rental Car Funding AESOP LLC, Series 2012-2A, Class A SEQ, 2.80%, 5/20/18(2)
750,000

761,431

Avis Budget Rental Car Funding AESOP LLC, Series 2015-2A, Class A, 2.63%, 12/20/21(2)
800,000

803,508

Barclays Dryrock Issuance Trust, Series 2014-1, Class A, VRN, 0.56%, 11/16/15
775,000

774,386

BMW Floorplan Master Owner Trust, Series 2015-1A, Class A, VRN, 0.70%, 11/16/15(2)
850,000

846,212

Chesapeake Funding LLC, Series 2014-1A, Class A, VRN, 0.61%, 11/9/15(2)
769,831

767,710

Dell Equipment Finance Trust, Series 2015-2, Class A2B, VRN, 1.09%, 11/23/15(2)
700,000

700,000

Enterprise Fleet Financing LLC, Series 2014-1, Class A2 SEQ, 0.87%, 9/20/19(2)
281,301

280,584

Enterprise Fleet Financing LLC, Series 2015-2, Class A2 SEQ, 1.59%, 2/22/21(2)
1,100,000

1,096,778

Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Trust, Series 2014-1, Class A2B, VRN, 0.37%, 11/16/15
346,232

345,972

Hertz Fleet Lease Funding LP, Series 2014-1, Class A, VRN, 0.60%, 11/10/15(2)
856,785

854,282

Hilton Grand Vacations Trust, Series 2013-A, Class A SEQ, 2.28%, 1/25/26(2)
191,141

191,640

Hilton Grand Vacations Trust, Series 2014-AA, Class A SEQ, 1.77%, 11/25/26(2)
1,011,652

999,487

Invitation Homes Trust, Series 2014-SFR1, Class A, VRN, 1.20%, 11/17/15(2)
475,000

465,212

Invitation Homes Trust, Series 2015-SFR1, Class A, VRN, 1.65%, 11/17/15(2)
613,123

608,155


34


 
Shares/
Principal Amount
Value
John Deere Owner Trust, Series 2014-A, Class A2 SEQ, 0.45%, 9/15/16
$
262,051

$
262,020

John Deere Owner Trust, Series 2014-A, Class A3 SEQ, 0.92%, 4/16/18
629,029

628,121

MVW Owner Trust, Series 2014-1A, Class A, 2.25%, 9/22/31(2)
538,581

537,548

MVW Owner Trust, Series 2015-1A, Class A SEQ, 2.52%,
12/20/32(2)
670,667

674,427

Sierra Timeshare Receivables Funding LLC, Series 2015-1A, Class A, 2.40%, 3/22/32(2)
543,909

542,079

Toyota Auto Receivables Owner Trust, Series 2015-C, Class A2B, VRN, 0.53%, 11/16/15
850,000

850,158

US Airways Pass-Through Trust, Series 2013-1, Class A, 3.95%, 5/15/27
159,299

161,888

Volvo Financial Equipment LLC, Series 2015-1A, Class A2, 0.95%, 11/15/17(2)
675,000

674,874

TOTAL ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES
(Cost $13,858,214)
 
13,826,472

SOVEREIGN GOVERNMENTS AND AGENCIES — 0.6%
 
 
Brazil — 0.1%
 
 
Brazilian Government International Bond, 5.875%, 1/15/19
320,000

341,920

Brazilian Government International Bond, 4.875%, 1/22/21
20,000

19,720

Brazilian Government International Bond, 2.625%, 1/5/23
260,000

215,410

 
 
577,050

Canada  
 
 
Province of Ontario Canada, 1.00%, 7/22/16
150,000

150,442

Chile  
 
 
Chile Government International Bond, 3.25%, 9/14/21
100,000

104,750

Chile Government International Bond, 3.625%, 10/30/42
100,000

88,500

 
 
193,250

Colombia — 0.1%
 
 
Colombia Government International Bond, 4.375%, 7/12/21
310,000

319,765

Colombia Government International Bond, 6.125%, 1/18/41
100,000

103,250

 
 
423,015

Italy  
 
 
Italy Government International Bond, 6.875%, 9/27/23
220,000

277,022

Mexico — 0.2%
 
 
Mexico Government International Bond, MTN, 5.95%, 3/19/19
420,000

472,815

Mexico Government International Bond, 5.125%, 1/15/20
330,000

365,145

Mexico Government International Bond, 4.00%, 10/2/23
100,000

103,450

Mexico Government International Bond, 6.05%, 1/11/40
50,000

56,687

Mexico Government International Bond, MTN, 4.75%, 3/8/44
400,000

381,000

 
 
1,379,097

Peru  
 
 
Peruvian Government International Bond, 6.55%, 3/14/37
70,000

84,875

Peruvian Government International Bond, 5.625%, 11/18/50
170,000

184,450

 
 
269,325

Philippines — 0.1%
 
 
Philippine Government International Bond, 4.00%, 1/15/21
300,000

327,867

Philippine Government International Bond, 6.375%, 10/23/34
150,000

201,780

 
 
529,647


35


 
Shares/
Principal Amount
Value
Poland — 0.1%
 
 
Poland Government International Bond, 5.125%, 4/21/21
$
140,000

$
158,772

Poland Government International Bond, 3.00%, 3/17/23
140,000

141,688

 
 
300,460

South Africa  
 
 
South Africa Government International Bond, 4.67%, 1/17/24
110,000

111,375

South Korea  
 
 
Korea Development Bank (The), 3.25%, 3/9/16
130,000

130,991

Turkey  
 
 
Turkey Government International Bond, 3.25%, 3/23/23
300,000

279,513

Uruguay  
 
 
Uruguay Government International Bond, 4.125%, 11/20/45
120,000

98,400

TOTAL SOVEREIGN GOVERNMENTS AND AGENCIES
(Cost $4,599,445)
 
4,719,587

MUNICIPAL SECURITIES — 0.5%
 
 
Bay Area Toll Authority Toll Bridge Rev., Series 2010 S-1, (Building Bonds), 6.92%, 4/1/40
195,000

258,488

California GO, (Building Bonds), 7.55%, 4/1/39
100,000

148,252

California GO, (Building Bonds), 7.30%, 10/1/39
290,000

411,841

California GO, (Building Bonds), 7.60%, 11/1/40
80,000

120,040

Illinois GO, (Taxable Pension), 5.10%, 6/1/33
245,000

226,500

Los Angeles Community College District GO, Series 2010 D, (Election of 2008), 6.68%, 8/1/36
100,000

130,665

Los Angeles Department of Water & Power Rev., (Building Bonds), 5.72%, 7/1/39
60,000

72,541

Metropolitan Transportation Authority Rev., Series 2010 C-1, (Building Bonds), 6.69%, 11/15/40
105,000

137,954

Metropolitan Transportation Authority Rev., Series 2010 E, (Building Bonds), 6.81%, 11/15/40
60,000

79,571

Missouri Highways & Transportation Commission Rev., (Building Bonds), 5.45%, 5/1/33
130,000

154,084

New Jersey State Turnpike Authority Rev., Series 2009 F, (Building Bonds), 7.41%, 1/1/40
200,000

281,710

New Jersey State Turnpike Authority Rev., Series 2010 A, (Building Bonds), 7.10%, 1/1/41
95,000

129,817

New York GO, Series 2010 F-1, (Building Bonds), 6.27%, 12/1/37
95,000

121,618

Ohio Water Development Authority Pollution Control Rev., Series 2010 B-2, (Building Bonds), 4.88%, 12/1/34
110,000

124,465

Oregon State Department of Transportation Highway User Tax Rev., Series 2010 A, (Building Bonds), 5.83%, 11/15/34
70,000

89,151

Port Authority of New York & New Jersey Rev., 4.93%, 10/1/51
50,000

53,317

Port Authority of New York & New Jersey Rev., (Consolidated Bonds), 4.46%, 10/1/62
245,000

236,734

Rutgers State University Rev., Series 2010 H, (Building Bonds), 5.67%, 5/1/40
205,000

241,431

Sacramento Municipal Utility District Electric Rev., Series 2010 W, (Building Bonds), 6.16%, 5/15/36
210,000

258,428

Salt River Agricultural Improvement & Power District Electric Rev., Series 2010 A, (Building Bonds), 4.84%, 1/1/41
95,000

111,087

San Francisco City & County Public Utilities Water Commission Rev., Series 2010 B, (Building Bonds), 6.00%, 11/1/40
105,000

127,685


36


 
Shares/
Principal Amount
Value
San Francisco City & County Public Utilities Water Commission Rev., Series 2010 FG, (Building Bonds), 6.95%, 11/1/50
$
65,000

$
91,520

Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority Sales Tax Rev., Series 2010 A, (Building Bonds), 5.88%, 4/1/32
120,000

145,832

Texas GO, (Building Bonds), 5.52%, 4/1/39
50,000

63,131

Washington GO, Series 2010 F, (Building Bonds), 5.14%, 8/1/40
20,000

23,767

TOTAL MUNICIPAL SECURITIES
(Cost $3,314,444)
 
3,839,629

TEMPORARY CASH INVESTMENTS — 1.1%
 
 
SSgA U.S. Government Money Market Fund, Class N
5,138,316

5,138,316

State Street Institutional Liquid Reserves Fund, Premier Class
3,792,279

3,792,279

TOTAL TEMPORARY CASH INVESTMENTS
(Cost $8,930,595)
 
8,930,595

TOTAL INVESTMENT SECURITIES — 102.5%
(Cost $789,568,088)
 
864,448,049

OTHER ASSETS AND LIABILITIES — (2.5)%
 
(21,009,096)

TOTAL NET ASSETS — 100.0%
 
$
843,438,953


NOTES TO SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
FHLMC
-
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation
FNMA
-
Federal National Mortgage Association
GNMA
-
Government National Mortgage Association
GO
-
General Obligation
MTN
-
Medium Term Note
SEQ
-
Sequential Payer
VRN
-
Variable Rate Note. Interest reset date is indicated. Rate shown is effective at the period end.
Category is less than 0.05% of total net assets.
(1)
Non-income producing.
(2)
Restricted security exempt from registration pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be sold without restriction to qualified institutional investors. The aggregate value of these securities at the period end was $31,839,697, which represented 3.8% of total net assets.
(3)
When-issued security. The issue price and yield are fixed on the date of the commitment, but payment and delivery are scheduled for a future date.
(4)
The rate indicated is the yield to maturity at purchase.
(5)
Final maturity date indicated, unless otherwise noted.
(6)
Forward commitment. Settlement date is indicated.
See Notes to Financial Statements.

37


Statement of Assets and Liabilities
OCTOBER 31, 2015
 
Assets
 
Investment securities, at value (cost of $789,568,088)
$
864,448,049

Cash
52,170

Receivable for investments sold
27,657,744

Receivable for capital shares sold
137,307

Dividends and interest receivable
2,777,428

 
895,072,698

 
 
Liabilities
 
Payable for investments purchased
50,465,626

Payable for capital shares redeemed
540,028

Accrued management fees
628,091

 
51,633,745

 
 
Net Assets
$
843,438,953

 
 
Net Assets Consist of:
 
Capital (par value and paid-in surplus)
$
733,879,570

Undistributed net investment income
1,494,993

Undistributed net realized gain
33,184,429

Net unrealized appreciation
74,879,961

 
$
843,438,953


 
Net Assets
Shares Outstanding
Net Asset Value
Per Share
Investor Class, $0.01 Par Value
$789,209,015
44,063,520

$17.91
Institutional Class, $0.01 Par Value
$54,229,938
3,026,036

$17.92


See Notes to Financial Statements.


38


Statement of Operations
YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2015
 
Investment Income (Loss)
 
Income:
 
Dividends (net of foreign taxes withheld of $5,748)
$
11,292,184

Interest
9,023,323

 
20,315,507

 
 
Expenses:
 
Management fees
7,760,601

Directors' fees and expenses
29,034

Other expenses
228

 
7,789,863

 
 
Net investment income (loss)
12,525,644

 
 
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)
 
Net realized gain (loss) on:
 
Investment transactions
36,663,061

Futures contract transactions
32,609

 
36,695,670

 
 
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments
(40,507,302
)
 
 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
(3,811,632
)
 
 
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations
$
8,714,012



See Notes to Financial Statements.


39


Statement of Changes in Net Assets
YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2015 AND OCTOBER 31, 2014
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
October 31, 2015
October 31, 2014
Operations
 
 
Net investment income (loss)
$
12,525,644

$
11,199,202

Net realized gain (loss)
36,695,670

62,541,609

Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
(40,507,302
)
9,796,675

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations
8,714,012

83,537,486

 
 
 
Distributions to Shareholders
 
 
From net investment income:
 
 
Investor Class
(12,448,959
)
(11,400,287
)
Institutional Class
(874,926
)
(817,811
)
From net realized gains:
 
 
Investor Class
(57,795,802
)
(54,390,743
)
Institutional Class
(3,452,739
)
(3,584,868
)
Decrease in net assets from distributions
(74,572,426
)
(70,193,709
)
 
 
 
Capital Share Transactions
 
 
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from capital share transactions (Note 5)
44,652,515

82,774,430

 
 
 
Net increase (decrease) in net assets
(21,205,899
)
96,118,207

 
 
 
Net Assets
 
 
Beginning of period
864,644,852

768,526,645

End of period
$
843,438,953

$
864,644,852

 
 
 
Undistributed net investment income
$
1,494,993

$
1,319,897



See Notes to Financial Statements.


40


Notes to Financial Statements

OCTOBER 31, 2015

1. Organization

American Century Mutual Funds, Inc. (the corporation) is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act), as an open-end management investment company and is organized as a Maryland corporation. Balanced Fund (the fund) is one fund in a series issued by the corporation. The fund is diversified as defined under the 1940 Act. The fund’s investment objective is to seek long-term capital growth and current income by investing approximately 60% of its assets in equity securities and the remainder in bonds and other fixed-income securities.

The fund offers the Investor Class and the Institutional Class. The share classes differ principally in their respective distribution and shareholder servicing expenses and arrangements. The Institutional Class is made available to institutional shareholders or through financial intermediaries whose clients do not require the same level of shareholder and administrative services as shareholders of other classes. As a result, the Institutional Class is charged a lower unified management fee.

2. Significant Accounting Policies

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the fund in preparation of its financial statements. The fund is an investment company and follows accounting and reporting guidance in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. This may require management to make certain estimates and assumptions at the date of the financial statements. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Management evaluated the impact of events or transactions occurring through the date the financial statements were issued that would merit recognition or disclosure.

Investment Valuations — The fund determines the fair value of its investments and computes its net asset value per share at the close of regular trading (usually 4 p.m. Eastern time) on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on each day the NYSE is open. The Board of Directors has adopted valuation policies and procedures to guide the investment advisor in the fund’s investment valuation process and to provide methodologies for the oversight of the fund’s pricing function.

Equity securities that are listed or traded on a domestic securities exchange are valued at the last reported sales price or at the official closing price as provided by the exchange. Equity securities traded on foreign securities exchanges are generally valued at the closing price of such securities on the exchange where primarily traded or at the close of the NYSE, if that is earlier. If no last sales price is reported, or if local convention or regulation so provides, the mean of the latest bid and asked prices may be used. Securities traded over-the-counter are valued at the mean of the latest bid and asked prices, the last sales price, or the official closing price.
 
Fixed income securities maturing in greater than 60 days at the time of purchase are valued at the evaluated mean as provided by independent pricing services or at the mean of the most recent bid and asked prices as provided by investment dealers. Fixed income securities maturing within 60 days at the time of purchase may be valued at cost, plus or minus any amortized discount or premium or at the evaluated mean as provided by an independent pricing service. Evaluated mean prices are commonly derived through utilization of market models, which may consider, among other factors: trade data, quotations from dealers and active market makers, relevant yield curve and spread data, related sector levels, creditworthiness, trade data or market information on comparable securities, and other relevant security specific information.
 
Open-end management investment companies are valued at the reported net asset value per share. Exchange-traded futures contracts are valued at the settlement price as provided by the appropriate clearing corporation.

If the fund determines that the market price for an investment is not readily available or the valuation methods mentioned above do not reflect an investment’s fair value, such investment is valued as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors or its delegate, in accordance with policies and procedures adopted by the Board of Directors. In its determination of fair value, the fund may review several factors including, but not limited to, market information regarding the specific investment or comparable investments and correlation with other investment types, futures indices or general market indicators. Circumstances that may cause the

41


fund to use these procedures to value an investment include, but are not limited to: an investment has been declared in default or is distressed; trading in a security has been suspended during the trading day or a security is not actively trading on its principal exchange; prices received from a regular pricing source are deemed unreliable; or there is a foreign market holiday and no trading occurred.

The fund monitors for significant events occurring after the close of an investment’s primary exchange but before the fund’s net asset value per share is determined. Significant events may include, but are not limited to: corporate announcements and transactions; governmental action and political unrest that could impact a specific investment or an investment sector; or armed conflicts, natural disasters and similar events that could affect investments in a specific country or region. The fund also monitors for significant fluctuations between domestic and foreign markets, as evidenced by the U.S. market or such other indicators that the Board of Directors, or its delegate, deems appropriate. If significant fluctuations in foreign markets are identified, the fund may apply a model-derived factor to the closing price of equity securities traded on foreign securities exchanges. The factor is based on observable market data as provided by an independent pricing service.

Security Transactions — Security transactions are accounted for as of the trade date. Net realized gains and losses are determined on the identified cost basis, which is also used for federal income tax purposes.

Investment Income — Dividend income less foreign taxes withheld, if any, is recorded as of the ex-dividend date. Distributions received on securities that represent a return of capital or long-term capital gain are recorded as a reduction of cost of investments and/or as a realized gain. The fund may estimate the components of distributions received that may be considered nontaxable distributions or long-term capital gain distributions for income tax purposes. Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis and includes paydown gain (loss) and accretion of discounts and amortization of premiums. Inflation adjustments related to inflation-linked debt securities are reflected as interest income.

Forward Commitments — The fund may engage in securities transactions on a forward commitment basis. In these transactions, the securities’ prices and yields are fixed on the date of the commitment. The fund may sell a to-be-announced (TBA) security and at the same time make a commitment to purchase the same security at a future date at a specified price. Conversely, the fund may purchase a TBA security and at the same time make a commitment to sell the same security at a future date at a specified price. These types of transactions are known as “TBA roll” transactions and are accounted for as purchases and sales. The fund will segregate cash, cash equivalents or other appropriate liquid securities on its records in amounts sufficient to meet the purchase price.
 
Segregated Assets — In accordance with the 1940 Act, the fund segregates assets on its books and records to cover certain types of investments, including, but not limited to, futures contracts, forward commitments, when-issued securities, swap agreements and certain forward foreign currency exchange contracts. American Century Investment Management, Inc. (ACIM) (the investment advisor) monitors, on a daily basis, the securities segregated to ensure the fund designates a sufficient amount of liquid assets, marked-to-market daily. The fund may also receive assets or be required to pledge assets at the custodian bank or with a broker for margin requirements on futures contracts, forward commitments and swap agreements.

Income Tax Status — It is the fund’s policy to distribute substantially all net investment income and net realized gains to shareholders and to otherwise qualify as a regulated investment company under provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. Accordingly, no provision has been made for income taxes. The fund files U.S. federal, state, local and non-U.S. tax returns as applicable. The fund's tax returns are subject to examination by the relevant taxing authority until expiration of the applicable statute of limitations, which is generally three years from the date of filing but can be longer in certain jurisdictions. At this time, management believes there are no uncertain tax positions which, based on their technical merit, would not be sustained upon examination and for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly change in the next twelve months.

Multiple Class — All shares of the fund represent an equal pro rata interest in the net assets of the class to which such shares belong, and have identical voting, dividend, liquidation and other rights and the same terms and conditions, except for class specific expenses and exclusive rights to vote on matters affecting only individual classes. Income, non-class specific expenses, and realized and unrealized capital gains and losses of the fund are allocated to each class of shares based on their relative net assets.

Distributions to Shareholders — Distributions from net investment income, if any, are generally declared and paid quarterly. Distributions from net realized gains, if any, are generally declared and paid annually.
 


42


Indemnifications — Under the corporation’s organizational documents, its officers and directors are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the fund. In addition, in the normal course of business, the fund enters into contracts that provide general indemnifications. The maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be made against a fund. The risk of material loss from such claims is considered by management to be remote.

3. Fees and Transactions with Related Parties

Certain officers and directors of the corporation are also officers and/or directors of American Century Companies, Inc. (ACC). The corporation’s investment advisor, ACIM, the corporation's distributor, American Century Investment Services, Inc., and the corporation’s transfer agent, American Century Services, LLC, are wholly owned, directly or indirectly, by ACC.
 
Management Fees — The corporation has entered into a management agreement with ACIM, under which ACIM provides the fund with investment advisory and management services in exchange for a single, unified management fee (the fee) per class. The agreement provides that all expenses of managing and operating the fund, except distribution and service fees, brokerage expenses, taxes, interest, fees and expenses of the independent directors (including legal counsel fees), and extraordinary expenses, will be paid by ACIM. The fee is computed and accrued daily based on each class’s daily net assets and paid monthly in arrears. The rate of the fee is determined by applying a fee rate calculation formula. This formula takes into account the fund’s assets as well as certain assets, if any, of other clients of the investment advisor outside the American Century Investments family of funds (such as subadvised funds and separate accounts) that have very similar investment teams and investment strategies (strategy assets). The annual management fee schedule ranges from 0.800% to 0.900% for the Investor Class. The annual management fee schedule ranges from 0.600% to 0.700% for the Institutional Class. The effective annual management fee for each class for the year ended October 31, 2015 was 0.90% for the Investor Class and 0.70% for the Institutional Class.

Directors' Fees and Expenses — The Board of Directors is responsible for overseeing the investment advisor’s management and operations of the fund. The directors receive detailed information about the fund and its investment advisor regularly throughout the year, and meet at least quarterly with management of the investment advisor to review reports about fund operations. The fund’s officers do not receive compensation from the fund.
 
4. Investment Transactions

Purchases of investment securities, excluding short-term investments, for the year ended October 31, 2015 totaled $818,846,383, of which $305,163,155 represented U.S. Treasury and Government Agency obligations.

Sales of investment securities, excluding short-term investments, for the year ended October 31, 2015 totaled $819,775,148, of which $306,400,710 represented U.S. Treasury and Government Agency obligations.

5. Capital Share Transactions

Transactions in shares of the fund were as follows:
 
Year ended
October 31, 2015
Year ended
October 31, 2014
 
Shares
Amount
Shares
Amount
Investor Class/Shares Authorized
300,000,000
 
250,000,000
 
Sold
4,908,713
$
90,458,642

6,263,780
$
117,386,844

Issued in reinvestment of distributions
3,820,611
68,651,270

3,565,008
64,242,576

Redeemed
(6,753,372)
(123,350,081)

(5,340,834)
(100,173,536)

 
1,975,952
35,759,831

4,487,954
81,455,884

Institutional Class/Shares Authorized
20,000,000
 
15,000,000
 
Sold
776,376
14,093,875

504,596
9,504,663

Issued in reinvestment of distributions
240,729
4,327,665

244,093
4,402,679

Redeemed
(518,681)
(9,528,856)

(669,392)
(12,588,796)

 
498,424
8,892,684

79,297
1,318,546

Net increase (decrease)
2,474,376
$
44,652,515

4,567,251
$
82,774,430


43


6. Fair Value Measurements

The fund’s investments valuation process is based on several considerations and may use multiple inputs to determine the fair value of the investments held by the fund. In conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, the inputs used to determine a valuation are classified into three broad levels.

Level 1 valuation inputs consist of unadjusted quoted prices in an active market for identical investments.

Level 2 valuation inputs consist of direct or indirect observable market data (including quoted prices for comparable investments, evaluations of subsequent market events, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.). These inputs also consist of quoted prices for identical investments initially expressed in local currencies that are adjusted through translation into U.S. dollars.

Level 3 valuation inputs consist of unobservable data (including a fund’s own assumptions).

The level classification is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair valuation measurement. The valuation inputs are not necessarily an indication of the risks associated with investing in these securities or other financial instruments. There were no significant transfers between levels during the period.

The following is a summary of the level classifications as of period end. The Schedule of Investments provides additional information on the fund’s portfolio holdings.
 
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Assets
 
 
 
Investment Securities
 
 
 
Common Stocks
$
503,702,683



Corporate Bonds

$
104,853,526


U.S. Treasury Securities

102,470,951


U.S. Government Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities

88,714,212


Collateralized Mortgage Obligations

16,920,494


Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities

16,469,900


Asset-Backed Securities

13,826,472


Sovereign Governments and Agencies

4,719,587


Municipal Securities

3,839,629


Temporary Cash Investments
8,930,595



 
$
512,633,278

$
351,814,771



7. Derivative Instruments

Interest Rate Risk — The fund is subject to interest rate risk in the normal course of pursuing its investment objectives. The value of bonds generally declines as interest rates rise. A fund may enter into futures contracts based on a bond index or a specific underlying security. A fund may purchase futures contracts to gain exposure to increases in market value or sell futures contracts to protect against a decline in market value. Upon entering into a futures contract, a fund will segregate cash, cash equivalents or other appropriate liquid securities on its records in amounts sufficient to meet requirements. Subsequent payments (variation margin) are made or received daily, in cash, by a fund. The variation margin is equal to the daily change in the contract value and is recorded as unrealized gains and losses. A fund recognizes a realized gain or loss when the futures contract is closed or expires. Net realized and unrealized gains or losses occurring during the holding period of futures contracts are a component of net realized gain (loss) on futures contract transactions and change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on futures contracts, respectively. One of the risks of entering into futures contracts is the possibility that the change in value of the contract may not correlate with the changes in value of the underlying securities. During the period, the fund participated in interest rate risk derivative instruments for temporary investment purposes.
 
At period end, the fund did not have any derivative instruments disclosed on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. For the year ended October 31, 2015, the effect of interest rate risk derivative instruments on the Statement of Operations was $32,609 in net realized gain (loss) on futures contract transactions.



44


8. Federal Tax Information

The tax character of distributions paid during the years ended October 31, 2015 and October 31, 2014 were as follows:
 
2015
2014
Distributions Paid From
 
 
Ordinary income
$
29,626,086

$
36,593,314

Long-term capital gains
$
44,946,340

$
33,600,395


The book-basis character of distributions made during the year from net investment income or net realized gains may differ from their ultimate characterization for federal income tax purposes. These differences reflect the differing character of certain income items and net realized gains and losses for financial statement and tax purposes, and may result in reclassification among certain capital accounts on the financial statements.
 
As of October 31, 2015, the federal tax cost of investments and the components of distributable earnings on a tax-basis were as follows:
Federal tax cost of investments
$
792,130,849

Gross tax appreciation of investments
$
90,485,225

Gross tax depreciation of investments
(18,168,025
)
Net tax appreciation (depreciation) of investments
$
72,317,200

Other book-to-tax adjustments
$
(81,278
)
Undistributed ordinary income
$
1,494,993

Accumulated long-term gains
$
35,828,468


The difference between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation (depreciation) is attributable primarily to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales. Other book-to-tax adjustments are attributable primarily to the tax deferral of losses on straddle positions.


45


Financial Highlights
For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Years Ended October 31 (except as noted)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Per-Share Data
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ratios and Supplemental Data
 
 
Income From Investment Operations:
Distributions From:
 
 
Ratio to Average Net Assets of:
 
 
 
Net Asset
Value,
Beginning
of Period
Net
Investment
Income
(Loss)
(1)
Net
Realized
and
Unrealized
Gain (Loss)
Total From
Investment
Operations
Net
Investment
Income
Net
Realized
Gains
Total
Distributions
Net Asset
Value, End
of Period
Total
Return
(2)
Operating
Expenses
Net
Investment
Income
(Loss)
Portfolio
Turnover
Rate
Net
Assets,
End of
Period
(in thousands)
Investor Class
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2015
$19.38
0.26
(0.08)
0.18
(0.28)
(1.37)
(1.65)
$17.91
0.98%
0.90%
1.43%
94%

$789,209

2014
$19.19
0.25
1.66
1.91
(0.28)
(1.44)
(1.72)
$19.38
10.76%
0.90%
1.36%
64%

$815,636

2013
$17.41
0.30
2.25
2.55
(0.31)
(0.46)
(0.77)
$19.19
15.21%
0.90%
1.64%
81%

$721,523

2012
$15.96
0.29
1.47
1.76
(0.31)
(0.31)
$17.41
11.12%
0.90%
1.75%
82%

$609,476

2011
$15.02
0.29
0.94
1.23
(0.29)
(0.29)
$15.96
8.26%
0.90%
1.84%
87%

$511,829

Institutional Class
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2015
$19.39
0.30
(0.09)
0.21
(0.31)
(1.37)
(1.68)
$17.92
1.19%
0.70%
1.63%
94%

$54,230

2014
$19.20
0.29
1.65
1.94
(0.31)
(1.44)
(1.75)
$19.39
10.98%
0.70%
1.56%
64%

$49,009

2013
$17.41
0.32
2.28
2.60
(0.35)
(0.46)
(0.81)
$19.20
15.49%
0.70%
1.84%
81%

$47,004

2012
$15.96
0.32
1.47
1.79
(0.34)
(0.34)
$17.41
11.34%
0.70%
1.95%
82%

$19,667

2011
$15.02
0.32
0.94
1.26
(0.32)
(0.32)
$15.96
8.48%
0.70%
2.04%
87%

$9,736

Notes to Financial Highlights
 
 
(1)
Computed using average shares outstanding throughout the period.
(2)
Total returns are calculated based on the net asset value of the last business day. Total returns for periods less than one year are not annualized.

See Notes to Financial Statements.

46


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of American Century Mutual Funds, Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the schedule of investments, of Balanced Fund (the “Fund”), one of the funds constituting American Century Mutual Funds, Inc., as of October 31, 2015, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the periods presented. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Fund’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. The Fund is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Fund’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of October 31, 2015, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers; when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Balanced Fund of American Century Mutual Funds, Inc. as of October 31, 2015, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the periods presented, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Kansas City, Missouri
December 16, 2015


47


Management

The Board of Directors
The individuals listed below serve as directors of the funds. Each director will continue to serve in this capacity until death, retirement, resignation or removal from office. The board has adopted a mandatory retirement age for directors who are not “interested persons,” as that term is defined in the Investment Company Act (independent directors). Independent directors shall retire by December 31 of the year in which they reach their 75th birthday.
Mr. Thomas is an “interested person” because he currently serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of American Century Companies, Inc. (ACC), the parent company of American Century Investment Management, Inc. (ACIM or the advisor). Mr. Fink is treated as an “interested person” because of his recent employment with ACC and American Century Services, LLC (ACS). The other directors (more than three-fourths of the total number) are independent. They are not employees, directors or officers of, and have no financial interest in, ACC or any of its wholly owned, direct or indirect, subsidiaries, including ACIM, American Century Investment Services, Inc. (ACIS) and ACS, and they do not have any other affiliations, positions or relationships that would cause them to be considered “interested persons” under the Investment Company Act. The directors serve in this capacity for seven (in the case of Mr. Thomas, 15) registered investment companies in the American Century Investments family of funds.
The following table presents additional information about the directors. The mailing address for each director is 4500 Main Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64111.
Name
(Year of Birth)
Position(s)
Held with
Funds
Length of
Time Served
Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years
Number of
American
Century
Portfolios
Overseen by Director
Other
Directorships
Held During
Past 5 Years
Independent Directors
 
 
 
 
Thomas A. Brown
(1940)
Director
Since 1980
Managing Member, Associated Investments, LLC (real estate investment company)
80
None
Andrea C. Hall
(1945)
Director
Since 1997
Retired
80
None
Jan M. Lewis
(1957)
Director
Since 2011
Retired; President and Chief Executive Officer, Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas (human services organization) (2006 to 2013)
80
None
James A. Olson
(1942)
Director and Chairman of the Board
Since 2007 (Chairman since 2014)
Member, Plaza Belmont LLC (private equity fund manager)
80
Saia, Inc. (2002 to 2012) and EPR Properties (2003 to 2013)
M. Jeannine Strandjord
(1945)
Director
Since 1994
Retired
80
Euronet Worldwide Inc.; MGP Ingredients, Inc.; Charming Shoppes, Inc. (2006 to 2010); and DST Systems Inc. (1996 to 2012)
John R. Whitten
(1946)
Director
Since 2008
Retired
80
Rudolph Technologies, Inc.

48


Name
(Year of Birth)
Position(s)
Held with
Funds
Length of
Time Served
Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years
Number of
American
Century
Portfolios
Overseen by Director
Other
Directorships
Held During
Past 5 Years
Independent Directors
 
 
 
 
Stephen E. Yates
(1948)
Director
Since 2012
Retired; Executive Vice President, Technology & Operations, KeyCorp. (computer services) (2004 to 2010)
80
Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. (2001 to 2010)
Interested Directors
 
 
 
 
Barry Fink
(1955)
Director
Since 2012
Retired; Executive Vice President, ACC (September 2007 to February 2013); President, ACS (October 2007 to February 2013); Chief Operating Officer, ACC (September 2007 to November 2012)
80
None
Jonathan S. Thomas
(1963)
Director and President
Since 2007
President and Chief Executive Officer, ACC (March 2007 to present). Also serves as Chief Executive Officer, ACS; Executive Vice President, ACIM; Director, ACC, ACIM and other ACC subsidiaries
125
BioMed Valley Discoveries, Inc.

The Statement of Additional Information has additional information about the fund's directors and is available without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-345-2021.


49


Officers
The following table presents certain information about the executive officers of the funds. Each officer serves as an officer for each of the 15 investment companies in the American Century family of funds, unless otherwise noted. No officer is compensated for his or her service as an officer of the funds. The listed officers are interested persons of the funds and are appointed or re-appointed on an annual basis. The mailing address for each officer listed below is 4500 Main Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64111.
Name
(Year of Birth)
Offices with the Funds
Principal Occupation(s) During the Past Five Years
Jonathan S.
Thomas
(1963)
Director and
President
since 2007
President and Chief Executive Officer, ACC (March 2007 to present). Also serves as Chief Executive Officer, ACS; Executive Vice President, ACIM; Director, ACC, ACIM and other ACC subsidiaries
Amy D. Shelton
(1964)
Chief Compliance
Officer and Vice President since 2014
Chief Compliance Officer, American Century funds, (March 2014 to present); Chief Compliance Officer, ACIM (February 2014 to present); Chief Compliance Officer, ACIS (October 2009 to present); Vice President, Client Interactions and Marketing, ACIS (February 2013 to January 2014); Director, Client Interactions and Marketing, ACIS (June 2007 to January 2013). Also serves as Vice President, ACIS
Charles A.
Etherington
(1957)
General Counsel
since 2007 and
Senior Vice
President since 2006
Attorney, ACC (February 1994 to present); Vice President, ACC (November 2005 to present); General Counsel, ACC (March 2007 to present). Also serves as General Counsel, ACIM, ACS, ACIS and other ACC subsidiaries; and Senior Vice President, ACIM and ACS
C. Jean Wade
(1964)
Vice President,
Treasurer and
Chief Financial
Officer since 2012
Vice President, ACS (February 2000 to present)
Robert J. Leach
(1966)
Vice President
since 2006 and
Assistant Treasurer
since 2012
Vice President, ACS (February 2000 to present)
David H.
Reinmiller
(1963)
Vice President
since 2000
Attorney, ACC (January 1994 to present); Associate General Counsel, ACC (January 2001 to present). Also serves as Vice President, ACIM and ACS
Ward D. Stauffer
(1960)
Secretary
since 2005
Attorney, ACC (June 2003 to present)


50


Approval of Management Agreement


At a meeting held on June 30, 2015, the Fund’s Board of Directors unanimously approved the renewal of the management agreement pursuant to which American Century Investment Management, Inc. (the “Advisor”) acts as the investment advisor for the Fund. Under Section 15(c) of the Investment Company Act, contracts for investment advisory services are required to be reviewed, evaluated, and approved by a majority of a fund’s directors (the “Directors”), including a majority of the independent Directors, each year.
    
Prior to its consideration of the renewal of the management agreement, the Directors requested and reviewed extensive data and information compiled by the Advisor and certain independent providers of evaluation data concerning the Fund and the services provided to the Fund by the Advisor. This review was in addition to the oversight and evaluation undertaken by the Board and its committees on a continuous basis and the information received was supplemental to the extensive information that the Board and its committees receive and consider throughout the year.

In connection with its consideration of the renewal of the management agreement, the Board’s review and evaluation of the services provided by the Advisor included, but was not limited to, the following:

the nature, extent, and quality of investment management, shareholder services, and other services provided by the Advisor to the Fund;
the wide range of other programs and services the Advisor provides to the Fund and its shareholders on a routine and non-routine basis;
the Fund’s investment performance compared to appropriate benchmarks and/or a peer group of other mutual funds with similar investment objectives and strategies;
the cost of owning the Fund compared to the cost of owning similar funds;
the Advisor’s compliance policies, procedures, and regulatory experience;
financial data showing the cost of services provided to the Fund, the profitability of the Fund to the Advisor, and the overall profitability of the Advisor;
possible economies of scale associated with the Advisor’s management of the Fund and other accounts under its management;
data comparing services provided and charges to other investment management clients of the Advisor;
acquired fund fees and expenses;
payments to intermediaries by the Fund and the Advisor; and
any collateral benefits derived by the Advisor from the management of the Fund.

In keeping with their practice, the Directors held two in-person meetings and one telephonic meeting to review and discuss the information provided. The independent Directors also had the benefit of the advice of their independent counsel throughout the process.

Factors Considered

The Directors considered all of the information provided by the Advisor, the independent data providers, and independent counsel, and evaluated such information for the Fund. In connection with their review, the Directors did not identify any single factor as being all-important or controlling, and each Director may have attributed different levels of importance to different factors. In deciding to renew the management agreement, the Board based its decision on a number of factors, including the following:


51


Nature, Extent and Quality of Services - Generally. Under the management agreement, the Advisor is responsible for providing or arranging for all services necessary for the operation of the
Fund. The Board noted that under the management agreement, the Advisor provides or arranges at its own expense a wide variety of services including:

constructing and designing the Fund
portfolio research and security selection
initial capitalization/funding
securities trading
Fund administration
custody of Fund assets
daily valuation of the Fund’s portfolio
shareholder servicing and transfer agency, including shareholder confirmations, recordkeeping, and communications
legal services (except the independent Directors’ counsel)
regulatory and portfolio compliance
financial reporting
marketing and distribution (except Rule 12b-1 plans)

The Board noted that many of these services have expanded over time both in terms of quantity and complexity in response to shareholder demands, competition in the industry, changing distribution channels, and the changing regulatory environment.

Investment Management Services. The nature of the investment management services provided to the Fund is quite complex and allows Fund shareholders access to professional money management, instant diversification of their investments within an asset class, the opportunity to easily diversify among asset classes by investing in or exchanging among various American Century Investments funds, and liquidity. In evaluating investment performance, the Board expects the Advisor to manage the Fund in accordance with its investment objectives and approved strategies. Further, the Directors recognize that the Advisor has an obligation to monitor trading activities, and in particular to seek the best execution of fund trades, and to evaluate the use of and payment for research. In providing these services, the Advisor utilizes teams of investment professionals (portfolio managers, analysts, research assistants, and securities traders) who require extensive information technology, research, training, compliance and other systems to conduct their business. The Board, directly and through its Fund Performance Review Committee, regularly reviews investment performance information for the Fund, together with comparative information for appropriate benchmarks and/or peer groups of similarly-managed funds, over different time horizons. The Directors also review detailed performance information during the management agreement approval process. If performance concerns are identified, the Fund receives special reviews until performance improves, during which the Board discusses with the Advisor the reasons for such results (e.g., market conditions, security selection) and any efforts being undertaken to improve performance. The Fund’s performance was above its benchmark for the one-, three-, five-, and ten-year periods reviewed by the Board. The Board found the investment management services provided by the Advisor to the Fund to be satisfactory and consistent with the management agreement.

Shareholder and Other Services. Under the management agreement, the Advisor provides the Fund with a comprehensive package of transfer agency, shareholder, and other services. The Board, directly and through various committees of the Board, regularly reviews reports and evaluations of such services at its regular meetings. These reports include, but are not limited to, information regarding the operational efficiency and accuracy of the shareholder and transfer agency services provided, staffing levels, shareholder satisfaction (as measured by external as well as internal sources), technology support, new products and services offered to Fund shareholders, securities trading activities, portfolio valuation services, auditing services, and legal and operational compliance activities. The Board particularly noted the Advisor’s continual efforts to maintain effective business continuity plans and to address cybersecurity threats. Certain aspects of shareholder and transfer agency service level efficiency and the quality of securities trading

52


activities are measured by independent third party providers and are presented in comparison to other fund groups not managed by the Advisor. The Board found the services provided by the Advisor to the Fund under the management agreement to be competitive and of high quality.

Costs of Services and Profitability. The Advisor provides detailed information concerning its cost of providing various services to the Fund, its profitability in managing the Fund (pre- and post-distribution), its overall profitability, and its financial condition. The Directors have reviewed with the Advisor the methodology used to prepare this financial information. This information is considered in evaluating the Advisor’s financial condition, its ability to continue to provide services under the management agreement, and the reasonableness of the current management fee. The Board concluded that the Advisor’s profits were reasonable in light of the services provided to the Fund.

Ethics. The Board generally considers the Advisor’s commitment to providing quality services to shareholders and to conducting its business ethically. They noted that the Advisor’s practices generally meet or exceed industry best practices.

Economies of Scale. The Board also reviewed information provided by the Advisor regarding the possible existence of economies of scale in connection with the management of the Fund. The Board concluded that economies of scale are difficult to measure and predict with precision, especially on a fund-by-fund basis. The Board concluded that the Advisor is appropriately sharing economies of scale through its competitive fee structure, offering competitive fees from fund inception, and through reinvestment in its business to provide shareholders additional content and services. The Board also noted that economies of scale are shared with the Fund and its shareholders through management fee breakpoints that serve to reduce the effective management fee as the assets of the Fund grow.

Comparison to Other Funds’ Fees. The management agreement provides that the Fund pays the Advisor a single, all-inclusive (or unified) management fee for providing all services necessary for the management and operation of the Fund, other than brokerage expenses, taxes, interest, extraordinary expenses, and the fees and expenses of the Fund’s independent Directors (including their independent legal counsel) and expenses incurred in connection with the provision of shareholder services and distribution services under a plan adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Under the unified fee structure, the Advisor is responsible for providing all investment advisory, custody, audit, administrative, compliance, recordkeeping, marketing and shareholder services, or arranging and supervising third parties to provide such services. By contrast, most other funds are charged a variety of fees, including an investment advisory fee, a transfer agency fee, an administrative fee, distribution charges, and other expenses. Other than their investment advisory fees and any applicable Rule 12b-1 distribution fees, all other components of the total fees charged by these other funds may be increased without shareholder approval. The Board believes the unified fee structure is a benefit to Fund shareholders because it clearly discloses to shareholders the cost of owning Fund shares, and, since the unified fee cannot be increased without a vote of Fund shareholders, it shifts to the Advisor the risk of increased costs of operating the Fund and provides a direct incentive to minimize administrative inefficiencies. Part of the Board’s analysis of fee levels involves reviewing certain evaluative data compiled by an independent provider comparing the Fund’s unified fee to the total expense ratios of its peers. The unified fee charged to shareholders of the Fund was below the median of the total expense ratios of the Fund’s peer expense universe and was within the range of its peer expense group. The Board concluded that the management fee paid by the Fund to the Advisor under the management agreement is reasonable in light of the services provided to the Fund.


53


Comparison to Fees and Services Provided to Other Clients of the Advisor. The Directors also requested and received information from the Advisor concerning the nature of the services, fees, costs and profitability of its advisory services to advisory clients other than the Fund. They observed that these varying types of client accounts require different services and involve different regulatory and entrepreneurial risks than the management of the Fund. The Board analyzed this information and concluded that the fees charged and services provided to the Fund were reasonable by comparison.

Payments to Intermediaries. The Directors also requested and received a description of payments made to intermediaries by the Fund and the Advisor. These payments include various payments made by the Fund or the Advisor to different types of intermediaries and recordkeepers for distribution and service activities provided for the Fund. The Board reviewed such information and found the payments to be reasonable in scope and purpose.

Collateral or “Fall-Out” Benefits Derived by the Advisor. The Board considered the existence of collateral benefits the Advisor may receive as a result of its relationship with the Fund. They concluded that the Advisor’s primary business is managing mutual funds and it generally does not use fund or shareholder information to generate profits in other lines of business, and therefore does not derive any significant collateral benefits from them. The Board noted that additional assets from other clients may offer the Advisor some benefit from increased leverage with service providers and counterparties. Additionally, the Advisor receives proprietary research from broker-dealers that execute fund portfolio transactions, which the Board concluded is likely to benefit other clients of the Advisor as well as Fund shareholders. The Board also determined that the Advisor is able to provide investment management services to certain clients other than the Fund, at least in part, due to its existing infrastructure built to serve the fund complex. The Board concluded that appropriate allocation methodologies had been employed to assign resources and the cost of those resources to these other clients and, where expressly provided, these other client assets may be included with the assets of the Fund to determine breakpoints in the management fee schedule.

Existing Relationship. The Board also considered whether there was any reason for not continuing the existing arrangement with the Advisor. In this regard, the Board was mindful of the potential disruptions of the Fund’s operations and various risks, uncertainties, and other effects that could occur as a result of a decision not to continue such relationship. In particular, the Board recognized that most shareholders have invested in the Fund on the strength of the Advisor’s industry standing and reputation and in the expectation that the Advisor will have a continuing role in providing advisory services to the Fund.

Conclusion of the Directors. As a result of this process, the Board, including all of the independent Directors, taking into account all of the factors discussed above and the information provided by the Advisor and others in connection with its review and throughout the year, determined that the management fee is fair and reasonable in light of the services provided and that the investment management agreement between the Fund and the Advisor should be renewed.


54


Additional Information

Retirement Account Information
As required by law, distributions you receive from certain IRAs are subject to federal income tax withholding, unless you elect not to have withholding apply. Tax will be withheld on the total amount withdrawn even though you may be receiving amounts that are not subject to withholding, such as nondeductible contributions. In such case, excess amounts of withholding could occur. You may adjust your withholding election so that a greater or lesser amount will be withheld.
If you don’t want us to withhold on this amount, you must notify us to not withhold the federal income tax. You may notify us in writing or in certain situations by telephone or through other electronic means. For systematic withdrawals, your withholding election will remain in effect until revoked or changed by filing a new election. You have the right to revoke your election at any time.
Remember, even if you elect not to have income tax withheld, you are liable for paying income tax on the taxable portion of your withdrawal. If you elect not to have income tax withheld or you don’t have enough income tax withheld, you may be responsible for payment of estimated tax. You may incur penalties under the estimated tax rules if your withholding and estimated tax payments are not sufficient. You can reduce or defer the income tax on a distribution by directly or indirectly rolling such distribution over to another IRA or eligible plan. You should consult your tax advisor for additional information.
State tax will be withheld if, at the time of your distribution, your address is within one of the mandatory withholding states and you have federal income tax withheld (or as otherwise required by state law). State taxes will be withheld from your distribution in accordance with the respective state rules.
Distributions you receive from 403(b), 457 and qualified plans are subject to special tax and withholding rules. Your plan administrator or plan sponsor is required to provide you with a special tax notice explaining those rules at the time you request a distribution. If applicable, federal and/or state taxes may be withheld from your distribution amount.


Proxy Voting Policies
A description of the policies that the fund's investment advisor uses in exercising the voting rights associated with the securities purchased and/or held by the fund is available without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-345-2021. It is also available on the "About Us" page of American Century Investments’ website at americancentury.com and on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at sec.gov. Information regarding how the investment advisor voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available on the "About Us" page at americancentury.com. It is also available at sec.gov.


Quarterly Portfolio Disclosure
The fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The fund’s Forms N-Q are available on the SEC’s website at sec.gov, and may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330. The fund also makes its complete schedule of portfolio holdings for the most recent quarter of its fiscal year available on its
website at americancentury.com and, upon request, by calling 1-800-345-2021.


55


Other Tax Information

The following information is provided pursuant to provisions of the Internal Revenue Code.

The fund hereby designates up to the maximum amount allowable as qualified dividend income for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2015.

For corporate taxpayers, the fund hereby designates $10,183,502, or up to the maximum amount allowable, of ordinary income distributions paid during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2015 as qualified for the corporate dividends received deduction.

The fund hereby designates $16,328,885 as qualified short-term capital gain distributions for purposes of Internal Revenue Code Section 871 for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2015.

The fund hereby designates $44,946,340, or up to the maximum amount allowable, as long-term capital gain distributions for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2015.



56






 
 
 
 
Contact Us
americancentury.com
 
Automated Information Line
1-800-345-8765
 
Investor Services Representative
1-800-345-2021
or 816-531-5575
 
Investors Using Advisors
1-800-378-9878
 
Business, Not-For-Profit, Employer-Sponsored Retirement Plans
1-800-345-3533
 
Banks and Trust Companies, Broker-Dealers, Financial Professionals, Insurance Companies
1-800-345-6488
 
Telecommunications Relay Service for the Deaf
711
 
 
 
 
American Century Mutual Funds, Inc.
 
 
 
 
Investment Advisor:
American Century Investment Management, Inc.
Kansas City, Missouri
 
 
 
 
This report and the statements it contains are submitted for the general information of our shareholders. The report is not authorized for distribution to prospective investors unless preceded or accompanied by an effective prospectus.
 
 
 
 
©2015 American Century Proprietary Holdings, Inc. All rights reserved.
CL-ANN-87633   1512
 



        ANNUAL REPORT
OCTOBER 31, 2015

 
 


Capital Value Fund







Table of Contents
President’s Letter
2
Performance
3
Portfolio Commentary
Fund Characteristics
Shareholder Fee Example
Schedule of Investments
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
Statement of Operations
Statement of Changes in Net Assets
Notes to Financial Statements
Financial Highlights
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Management
Approval of Management Agreement
Additional Information





















Any opinions expressed in this report reflect those of the author as of the date of the report, and do not necessarily represent the opinions of American Century Investments® or any other person in the American Century Investments organization. Any such opinions are subject to change at any time based upon market or other conditions and American Century Investments disclaims any responsibility to update such opinions. These opinions may not be relied upon as investment advice and, because investment decisions made by American Century Investments funds are based on numerous factors, may not be relied upon as an indication of trading intent on behalf of any American Century Investments fund. Security examples are used for representational purposes only and are not intended as recommendations to purchase or sell securities. Performance information for comparative indices and securities is provided to American Century Investments by third party vendors. To the best of American Century Investments’ knowledge, such information is accurate at the time of printing.



President’s Letter

Dear Investor:

Thank you for reviewing this annual report for the 12 months ended October 31, 2015. It provides investment performance and portfolio information for the reporting period, plus longer-term historical performance data.

Annual reports remain useful vehicles for conveying information about fund performance, including market and economic factors that affected returns during the reporting period. For additional, updated investment and market insights, we encourage you to visit our website, americancentury.com.
Jonathan Thomas

Divergence in Economic Growth and Monetary Policies, Combined With China Turmoil, Triggered Market Volatility

Divergence between the U.S. and the rest of the world—along with China’s struggles, plunging commodity prices, capital market volatility, and risk-off trading—emerged as key themes during the reporting period. Global divergence described not only the relatively stronger economic growth enjoyed by the U.S. compared with most of the world, but also the related contrast between the U.S. Federal Reserve’s (the Fed’s) unwinding of monetary stimulus versus the continuation and expansion of stimulus by other major central banks. Central bank moves—including the Fed’s delayed normalization of its extremely low interest rate positioning—helped trigger large market swings.

In October 2014, the Fed ended its latest massive bond-buying program (quantitative easing, QE), leading to expectations that interest rates would rise. But while QE was halted in the U.S., other major central banks were starting or increasing QE as their economies faltered. This divergence helped fuel increased demand for the U.S. dollar and U.S. dollar-denominated assets, and put downward pressure on commodity prices, most notably crude oil, down over 40% for the reporting period. Low inflation also prevailed after oil prices plunged amid a supply glut and muted demand for commodities in general. In this environment, the U.S. dollar, U.S. growth stocks, and longer-maturity U.S. Treasuries generally benefited from “flight to quality” capital flows, while emerging market and commodity-related investments suffered significant declines.

We expect continued economic and monetary policy divergence between the U.S. and non-U.S. economies in the coming months, accompanied by further market volatility. This could present both challenges and opportunities for active investment managers. In this environment, we continue to believe in a disciplined, diversified, long-term investment approach, using professionally managed stock and bond portfolios to meet financial goals. We appreciate your continued trust in us.

Sincerely,
Jonathan Thomas
President and Chief Executive Officer
American Century Investments


2


Performance
Total Returns as of October 31, 2015
 
 
 
Average Annual Returns
 
 
Ticker
Symbol
1 year
5 years
10 years
Since
Inception
Inception
Date
Investor Class
ACTIX
0.61%(1)
12.72%(1)
5.60%(1)
6.04%(1)
3/31/99
Russell 1000 Value Index
0.53%
13.25%
6.75%
6.16%
Institutional Class
ACPIX
0.72%(1)
12.92%(1)
5.81%(1)
6.04%(1)
3/1/02
A Class(2)
ACCVX
 
 
 
 
5/14/03
No sales charge*
 
0.34%(1)
12.43%(1)
5.33%(1)
7.09%(1)
 
With sales charge*
 
-5.43%(1)
11.10%(1)
4.70%(1)
6.58%(1)
 
* Sales charges include initial sales charges and contingent deferred sales charges (CDSCs), as applicable. A Class shares have a 5.75% maximum initial sales charge and may be subject to a maximum CDSC of 1.00%. The SEC requires that mutual funds provide performance information net of maximum sales charges in all cases where charges could be applied.

(1)
Returns would have been lower if a portion of the management fee had not been waived.
(2)
Prior to March 1, 2010, the A Class was referred to as the Advisor Class and did not have a front-end sales charge. Performance prior to that date has been adjusted to reflect this charge.


























Data presented reflect past performance. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, and redemption value may be more or less than original cost. Data assumes reinvestment of dividends and capital gains, and none of the charts reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares. To obtain performance data current to the most recent month end, please call 1-800-345-2021 or visit americancentury.com. For additional information about the fund, please consult the prospectus.

3


Growth of $10,000 Over 10 Years
$10,000 investment made October 31, 2005
Performance for other share classes will vary due to differences in fee structure.
 
Value on October 31, 2015
 
Investor Class — $17,257*
 
 
Russell 1000 Value Index — $19,224
 
*Ending value would have been lower if a portion of the management fee had not been waived.

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses
Investor Class
Institutional Class
A Class
1.10%
0.90%
1.35%
The total annual fund operating expenses shown is as stated in the fund’s prospectus current as of the date of this report. The prospectus may vary from the expense ratio shown elsewhere in this report because it is based on a different time period, includes acquired fund fees and expenses, and, if applicable, does not include fee waivers or expense reimbursements.


















Data presented reflect past performance. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, and redemption value may be more or less than original cost. Data assumes reinvestment of dividends and capital gains, and none of the charts reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares. To obtain performance data current to the most recent month end, please call 1-800-345-2021 or visit americancentury.com. For additional information about the fund, please consult the prospectus.

4


Portfolio Commentary

Portfolio Managers: Brendan Healy and Matt Titus

Performance Summary

Capital Value returned 0.61%* for the 12 months ended October 31, 2015. By comparison, its benchmark, the Russell 1000 Value Index, returned 0.53%. The fund’s return reflects operating expenses, while the index’s returns do not.

The reporting period was marked by significant declines in oil and natural gas prices, sparked by concerns about oversupply and decreasing demand, particularly from China and other emerging markets. As a result, consumers were left with more discretionary income and energy stocks were broadly weakened throughout much of the period. The beginning and end of the period saw increased market volatility, particularly in the third quarter of 2015, as U.S. markets experienced the first correction since 2011 amid concerns over slowing growth in China and uncertainty around the U.S. Federal Reserve’s (Fed’s) exit strategy for stimulative monetary policies implemented during the 2008 financial crisis. The Fed’s highly anticipated raising of interest rates has yet to materialize, as inflation has remained below target levels, but economic growth and recovery in the U.S. has continued at a moderate pace. During the second half of the period, certain defensive segments such as utilities and real estate investments trusts (REITs) outperformed as interest rates declined. In this environment, large-cap stocks outperformed small- and mid-cap stocks, and growth stocks outperformed value stocks.

Capital Value performed roughly in line with its benchmark. The portfolio benefited from investments in the consumer staples, materials, utilities, and industrials sectors. Positions in the health care, financials, and information technology sectors detracted from relative performance.

Consumer Staples Boosted Results

In the consumer staples sector, stock selection added value to relative results, especially among food and staples retailing companies, though an overweight position in the segment partially offset some of the relative gain. Lack of exposure to Wal-Mart was helpful as the company’s stock dipped in the second quarter on disappointing earnings per share results and narrower operating margins. The company subsequently provided 2017 fiscal year guidance that was below consensus. A portfolio-only position in The Kroger Co. was among the portfolio’s top five contributors.

Information Technology Sector Source of Top Contributor

While the portfolio’s holdings in the information technology sector detracted on a relative basis, the sector was also the source of the portfolio’s top contributor, interactive entertainment software company Electronic Arts, Inc. The company has outperformed in 2015 and fiscal first quarter results were better than expected. Revenues and margins have exceeded estimates, game sales have been good and the company shifted its revenue mix toward higher margin digital sales. We believe the company’s outlook remains favorable, with a strong slate of upcoming releases and continued improvement in margins.






*
All fund returns referenced in this commentary are for Investor Class shares. Returns would have been lower if a portion of the management fee had not been waived. Performance for other share classes will vary due to differences in fee structure; when Investor Class performance exceeds that of the fund’s benchmark, other share classes may not. See page 3 for returns for all share classes.

5


Conversely, the sector was also the source of the portfolio’s top detractor. In the semiconductors and semiconductor equipment industry, the portfolio’s overweight position in Applied Materials, Inc. dampened relative performance. Recently, the semiconductor equipment segment underperformed in general due to concerns about reduced equipment demand as customer capital expenditures will be lower for 2015 than previously anticipated. There is also increasing uncertainty on both foundry and memory consumer spending in future years.
    
Consumer Discretionary Positioning Added Value

The portfolio benefited from an overweight position in consumer discretionary stocks. Security selection in the specialty retail industry boosted relative results, due to a portfolio-only position in Lowe’s Cos., Inc. The home improvement chain benefited from strong sales in the home improvement space as the housing market continued to pick up.

Health Care Dampened Results

Security selection in the health care sector weighed on relative returns, especially in the pharmaceuticals industry. However, the sector was also the source of one of the portfolio’s top contributors, Aetna. Several managed care companies surged late in June after a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that upheld subsidies for federal exchanges.

Industrials Contributed Positively Overall

Stock selection in the industrials sector added significantly to relative performance, most notably among machinery companies. However, an underweight position in industrial conglomerate General Electric Co. was among top detractors for the period. The company announced it would sell off finance businesses from GE Capital, including its real estate, commercial lending and leasing, and consumer finance businesses. The remaining finance businesses will directly support the company’s industrial businesses.

Energy Slowed Performance

Falling oil and gas prices have had a broad dampening effect on the energy sector. Several energy names were among the portfolio’s top detractors, including portfolio-only positions in Imperial Oil Ltd. and Total SA, and overweight positions in Halliburton Co. and Chevron Corp.

Outlook

We continue to be bottom-up investment managers, evaluating each company individually and building our portfolio one stock at a time. The Russell benchmarks were reconfigured at the end of June, altering some of the portfolio’s relative weightings. As of October 31, 2015, Capital Value is broadly diversified, with the greatest overweight positions in the consumer discretionary and health care sectors. Our valuation work is also directing us toward smaller relative weightings in utilities, telecommunication services, and consumer staples.


6


Fund Characteristics
OCTOBER 31, 2015
 
Top Ten Holdings
% of net assets
JPMorgan Chase & Co.
3.9%
Wells Fargo & Co.
3.5%
Total SA(1)
2.4%
Medtronic plc
2.4%
Johnson & Johnson
2.3%
Oracle Corp.
2.3%
Chevron Corp.
2.3%
Ingersoll-Rand plc
2.3%
Honeywell International, Inc.
2.2%
Merck & Co., Inc.
2.2%
(1)Includes shares traded on all exchanges.
 
 
 
Top Five Industries
% of net assets
Banks
14.7%
Oil, Gas and Consumable Fuels
10.5%
Pharmaceuticals
6.6%
Insurance
6.3%
Capital Markets
5.0%
 
 
Types of Investments in Portfolio
% of net assets
Common Stocks
99.6%
Temporary Cash Investments
0.5%
Other Assets and Liabilities
(0.1)%

7


Shareholder Fee Example

Fund shareholders may incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments and redemption/exchange fees; and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution and service (12b-1) fees; and other fund expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in your fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing cost of investing in other mutual funds.

The example is based on an investment of $1,000 made at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period from May 1, 2015 to October 31, 2015.

Actual Expenses

The table provides information about actual account values and actual expenses for each class. You may use the information, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. First, identify the share class you own. Then simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number under the heading “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

If you hold Investor Class shares of any American Century Investments fund, or Institutional Class shares of the American Century Diversified Bond Fund, in an American Century Investments account (i.e., not a financial intermediary or retirement plan account), American Century Investments may charge you a $12.50 semiannual account maintenance fee if the value of those shares is less than $10,000. We will redeem shares automatically in one of your accounts to pay the $12.50 fee. In determining your total eligible investment amount, we will include your investments in all personal accounts (including American Century Investments Brokerage accounts) registered under your Social Security number. Personal accounts include individual accounts, joint accounts, UGMA/UTMA accounts, personal trusts, Coverdell Education Savings Accounts and IRAs (including traditional, Roth, Rollover, SEP-, SARSEP- and SIMPLE-IRAs), and certain other retirement accounts. If you have only business, business retirement, employer-sponsored or American Century Investments Brokerage accounts, you are currently not subject to this fee. If you are subject to the Account Maintenance Fee, your account value could be reduced by the fee amount.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The table also provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the actual expense ratio of each class of your fund and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the actual return of a fund’s share class. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in your fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads) or redemption/exchange fees. Therefore, the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.



8




Beginning
Account Value
5/1/15
Ending
Account Value
10/31/15
Expenses Paid
During Period
(1) 5/1/15 - 10/31/15
 Annualized
Expense Ratio
(1)
Actual
 
 
 
 
Investor Class (after waiver)
$1,000
$970.00
$4.97
1.00%
Investor Class (before waiver)
$1,000
$970.00(2)
$5.46
1.10%
Institutional Class (after waiver)
$1,000
$970.10
$3.97
0.80%
Institutional Class (before waiver)
$1,000
$970.10(2)
$4.47
0.90%
A Class (after waiver)
$1,000
$967.80
$6.20
1.25%
A Class (before waiver)
$1,000
$967.80(2)
$6.70
1.35%
Hypothetical
 
 
 
 
Investor Class (after waiver)
$1,000
$1,020.16
$5.09
1.00%
Investor Class (before waiver)
$1,000
$1,019.66
$5.60
1.10%
Institutional Class (after waiver)
$1,000
$1,021.17
$4.08
0.80%
Institutional Class (before waiver)
$1,000
$1,020.67
$4.58
0.90%
A Class (after waiver)
$1,000
$1,018.90
$6.36
1.25%
A Class (before waiver)
$1,000
$1,018.40
$6.87
1.35%
(1)
Expenses are equal to the class's annualized expense ratio listed in the table above, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184, the number of days in the most recent fiscal half-year, divided by 365, to reflect the one-half year period.
(2)
Ending account value assumes the return earned after waiver and would have been lower if a portion of the management fee had not been waived.

9


Schedule of Investments

OCTOBER 31, 2015
 
Shares
Value
COMMON STOCKS — 99.6%
 
 
Aerospace and Defense — 4.8%
 
 
Honeywell International, Inc.
32,110
$
3,316,321

Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc.
6,340
760,419

Precision Castparts Corp.
5,030
1,160,974

Raytheon Co.
15,730
1,846,702

United Technologies Corp.
1,370
134,822

 
 
7,219,238

Auto Components — 1.7%
 
 
BorgWarner, Inc.
14,030
600,765

Delphi Automotive plc
23,410
1,947,478

 
 
2,548,243

Automobiles — 1.3%
 
 
Ford Motor Co.
89,930
1,331,863

Harley-Davidson, Inc.
12,140
600,323

 
 
1,932,186

Banks — 14.7%
 
 
Bank of America Corp.
187,200
3,141,216

Citigroup, Inc.
21,150
1,124,546

JPMorgan Chase & Co.
91,210
5,860,242

KeyCorp
101,560
1,261,375

PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (The)
27,920
2,520,059

U.S. Bancorp
71,470
3,014,605

Wells Fargo & Co.
98,530
5,334,414

 
 
22,256,457

Biotechnology — 1.3%
 
 
Amgen, Inc.
9,560
1,512,201

Gilead Sciences, Inc.
3,950
427,113

 
 
1,939,314

Building Products — 0.7%
 
 
Masco Corp.
35,950
1,042,550

Capital Markets — 5.0%
 
 
Ameriprise Financial, Inc.
14,760
1,702,714

BlackRock, Inc.
4,250
1,495,873

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The)
11,380
2,133,750

Invesco Ltd.
50,830
1,686,031

Morgan Stanley
16,690
550,269

 
 
7,568,637

Chemicals — 1.6%
 
 
Dow Chemical Co. (The)
27,870
1,440,043

LyondellBasell Industries NV, Class A
10,050
933,745

 
 
2,373,788


10


 
Shares
Value
Communications Equipment — 2.0%
 
 
Cisco Systems, Inc.
105,070
$
3,031,270

Consumer Finance — 1.9%
 
 
Capital One Financial Corp.
25,580
2,018,262

Discover Financial Services
16,590
932,690

 
 
2,950,952

Diversified Financial Services — 1.2%
 
 
Berkshire Hathaway, Inc., Class B(1) 
13,830
1,881,157

Diversified Telecommunication Services — 0.6%
 
 
AT&T, Inc.
27,210
911,807

Electric Utilities — 2.4%
 
 
PPL Corp.
44,170
1,519,448

Westar Energy, Inc.
23,360
927,392

Xcel Energy, Inc.
31,310
1,115,575

 
 
3,562,415

Electrical Equipment — 1.7%
 
 
Eaton Corp. plc
45,830
2,562,355

Energy Equipment and Services — 2.3%
 
 
Baker Hughes, Inc.
18,990
1,000,393

Halliburton Co.
24,250
930,715

Oceaneering International, Inc.
15,180
637,864

Schlumberger Ltd.
10,890
851,162

 
 
3,420,134

Food and Staples Retailing — 2.8%
 
 
CVS Health Corp.
26,550
2,622,609

Kroger Co. (The)
29,560
1,117,368

Sysco Corp.
12,970
535,013

 
 
4,274,990

Food Products — 0.2%
 
 
Hershey Co. (The)
4,330
384,028

Health Care Equipment and Supplies — 4.0%
 
 
Abbott Laboratories
40,850
1,830,080

Medtronic plc
48,300
3,570,336

Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc.
6,430
672,385

 
 
6,072,801

Health Care Providers and Services — 3.1%
 
 
Aetna, Inc.
13,290
1,525,426

Anthem, Inc.
10,560
1,469,424

HCA Holdings, Inc.(1) 
15,250
1,049,048

Laboratory Corp. of America Holdings(1) 
2,700
331,398

McKesson Corp.
1,820
325,416

 
 
4,700,712

Hotels, Restaurants and Leisure — 0.5%
 
 
Marriott International, Inc., Class A
9,730
747,069

Household Durables — 1.3%
 
 
Whirlpool Corp.
11,850
1,897,659


11


 
Shares
Value
Household Products — 0.6%
 
 
Procter & Gamble Co. (The)
12,720
$
971,554

Industrial Conglomerates — 0.6%
 
 
General Electric Co.
33,940
981,545

Insurance — 6.3%
 
 
Allstate Corp. (The)
27,300
1,689,324

American International Group, Inc.
29,880
1,884,233

MetLife, Inc.
39,410
1,985,475

Principal Financial Group, Inc.
14,400
722,304

Prudential Financial, Inc.
18,800
1,551,000

Travelers Cos., Inc. (The)
15,110
1,705,768

 
 
9,538,104

Machinery — 3.1%
 
 
Ingersoll-Rand plc
58,190
3,448,340

Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.
11,880
1,259,042

 
 
4,707,382

Media — 3.4%
 
 
AMC Networks, Inc.(1) 
6,920
511,319

Comcast Corp., Class A
25,370
1,588,669

Time Warner Cable, Inc.
4,400
833,360

Time Warner, Inc.
28,830
2,172,052

 
 
5,105,400

Multiline Retail — 0.8%
 
 
Macy's, Inc.
24,840
1,266,343

Oil, Gas and Consumable Fuels — 10.5%
 
 
Apache Corp.
15,750
742,297

Chevron Corp.
37,990
3,452,531

Exxon Mobil Corp.
33,640
2,783,374

Imperial Oil Ltd.
58,290
1,939,582

Oasis Petroleum, Inc.(1) 
44,890
522,071

Occidental Petroleum Corp.
20,090
1,497,509

Total SA
26,086
1,266,320

Total SA ADR
48,981
2,362,354

Valero Energy Corp.
19,160
1,263,027

 
 
15,829,065

Paper and Forest Products — 0.4%
 
 
International Paper Co.
13,100
559,239

Pharmaceuticals — 6.6%
 
 
Allergan plc(1) 
3,500
1,079,645

Johnson & Johnson
34,700
3,505,741

Merck & Co., Inc.
60,670
3,316,222

Pfizer, Inc.
60,590
2,049,154

 
 
9,950,762

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) — 0.6%
 
 
Brixmor Property Group, Inc.
34,760
890,551


12


 
Shares
Value
Semiconductors and Semiconductor Equipment — 2.8%
 
 
Applied Materials, Inc.
132,070
$
2,214,814

Microchip Technology, Inc.
29,660
1,432,281

NXP Semiconductors NV(1) 
4,570
358,060

ON Semiconductor Corp.(1) 
21,230
233,530

 
 
4,238,685

Software — 4.7%
 
 
Electronic Arts, Inc.(1) 
38,260
2,757,398

Microsoft Corp.
18,110
953,311

Oracle Corp.
89,430
3,473,461

 
 
7,184,170

Specialty Retail — 1.6%
 
 
Lowe's Cos., Inc.
32,430
2,394,307

Technology Hardware, Storage and Peripherals — 0.7%
 
 
Western Digital Corp.
15,260
1,019,673

Tobacco — 1.8%
 
 
Altria Group, Inc.
21,300
1,288,011

Philip Morris International, Inc.
15,690
1,386,996

 
 
2,675,007

TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(Cost $104,207,775)
 
150,589,549

TEMPORARY CASH INVESTMENTS — 0.5%
 
 
Repurchase Agreement, Credit Suisse First Boston, Inc., (collateralized by various U.S. Treasury obligations, 1.50%, 5/31/19, valued at $306,884), in a joint trading account at 0.01%, dated 10/30/15, due 11/2/15 (Delivery value $300,914)
 
300,914

Repurchase Agreement, Fixed Income Clearing Corp., (collateralized by various U.S. Treasury obligations, 3.125%, 2/15/43, valued at $515,419), at 0.00%, dated 10/30/15, due 11/2/15 (Delivery value $501,000)
 
501,000

State Street Institutional Liquid Reserves Fund, Premier Class
681
681

TOTAL TEMPORARY CASH INVESTMENTS
(Cost $802,595)
 
802,595

TOTAL INVESTMENT SECURITIES — 100.1%
(Cost $105,010,370)
 
151,392,144

OTHER ASSETS AND LIABILITIES — (0.1)%
 
(119,322)

TOTAL NET ASSETS — 100.0%
 
$
151,272,822


FORWARD FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE CONTRACTS
Currency Purchased
Currency Sold
Counterparty
Settlement Date
Unrealized Appreciation
(Depreciation)
USD
1,348,478
CAD
1,786,355
JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.
11/30/15
$
(17,410
)
USD
2,727,229
EUR
2,468,907
UBS AG
11/30/15
11,385

 
 
 
 
 
 
$
(6,025
)

NOTES TO SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
ADR
-
American Depositary Receipt
CAD
-
Canadian Dollar
EUR
-
Euro
USD
-
United States Dollar
(1)
Non-income producing.

See Notes to Financial Statements.

13


Statement of Assets and Liabilities
OCTOBER 31, 2015
 
Assets
 
Investment securities, at value (cost of $105,010,370)
$
151,392,144

Cash
11,705

Foreign currency holdings, at value (cost of $5,237)
5,343

Receivable for capital shares sold
18,326

Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts
11,385

Dividends and interest receivable
185,757

 
151,624,660

 
 
Liabilities
 
Payable for investments purchased
143,014

Payable for capital shares redeemed
65,646

Unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts
17,410

Accrued management fees
124,837

Distribution and service fees payable
931

 
351,838

 
 
Net Assets
$
151,272,822

 
 
Net Assets Consist of:
 
Capital (par value and paid-in surplus)
$
95,153,519

Undistributed net investment income
1,924,142

Undistributed net realized gain
7,819,328

Net unrealized appreciation
46,375,833

 
$
151,272,822


 
Net Assets
Shares Outstanding
Net Asset Value Per Share
Investor Class, $0.01 Par Value

$143,697,696

15,883,521

$9.05
Institutional Class, $0.01 Par Value

$3,071,097

338,411

$9.08
A Class, $0.01 Par Value

$4,504,029

499,862

$9.01*
*Maximum offering price $9.56 (net asset value divided by 0.9425).

See Notes to Financial Statements.

14


Statement of Operations
YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2015
 
Investment Income (Loss)
 
Income:
 
Dividends (net of foreign taxes withheld of $31,192)
$
3,581,191

Interest
176

 
3,581,367

 
 
Expenses:
 
Management fees
1,722,128

Distribution and service fees — A Class
11,075

Directors' fees and expenses
5,224

Other expenses
118

 
1,738,545

Fees waived
(157,098
)
 
1,581,447

 
 
Net investment income (loss)
1,999,920

 
 
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)
 
Net realized gain (loss) on:
 
Investment transactions
9,367,579

Foreign currency transactions
465,187

 
9,832,766

 
 
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:
 
Investments
(10,793,977
)
Translation of assets and liabilities in foreign currencies
(30,791
)
 
(10,824,768
)
 
 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
(992,002
)
 
 
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations
$
1,007,918



See Notes to Financial Statements.

15


Statement of Changes in Net Assets
YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2015 AND OCTOBER 31, 2014
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
October 31, 2015
October 31, 2014
Operations
 
 
Net investment income (loss)
$
1,999,920

$
2,009,905

Net realized gain (loss)
9,832,766

10,829,207

Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
(10,824,768
)
9,236,308

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations
1,007,918

22,075,420

 
 
 
Distributions to Shareholders
 
 
From net investment income:
 
 
Investor Class
(2,061,009
)
(1,920,651
)
Institutional Class
(47,038
)
(51,046
)
A Class
(48,794
)
(36,557
)
From net realized gains:
 
 
Investor Class
(8,800,770
)

Institutional Class
(175,620
)

A Class
(254,043
)

Decrease in net assets from distributions
(11,387,274
)
(2,008,254
)
 
 
 
Capital Share Transactions
 
 
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from capital share transactions (Note 5)
2,811,062

(6,554,884
)
 
 
 
Net increase (decrease) in net assets
(7,568,294
)
13,512,282

 
 
 
Net Assets
 
 
Beginning of period
158,841,116

145,328,834

End of period
$
151,272,822

$
158,841,116

 
 
 
Undistributed net investment income
$
1,924,142

$
1,704,334



See Notes to Financial Statements.

16


Notes to Financial Statements 

OCTOBER 31, 2015

1. Organization

American Century Mutual Funds, Inc. (the corporation) is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act), as an open-end management investment company and is organized as a Maryland corporation. Capital Value Fund (the fund) is one fund in a series issued by the corporation. The fund is diversified as defined under the 1940 Act. The fund’s investment objective is to seek long-term capital growth.

The fund offers the Investor Class, the Institutional Class and the A Class. The A Class may incur an initial sales charge and may be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge. The share classes differ principally in their respective sales charges and distribution and shareholder servicing expenses and arrangements. The Institutional Class is made available to institutional shareholders or through financial intermediaries whose clients do not require the same level of shareholder and administrative services as shareholders of other classes. As a result, the Institutional Class is charged a lower unified management fee.

2. Significant Accounting Policies

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the fund in preparation of its financial statements. The fund is an investment company and follows accounting and reporting guidance in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. This may require management to make certain estimates and assumptions at the date of the financial statements. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Management evaluated the impact of events or transactions occurring through the date the financial statements were issued that would merit recognition or disclosure.

Investment Valuations — The fund determines the fair value of its investments and computes its net asset value per share at the close of regular trading (usually 4 p.m. Eastern time) on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on each day the NYSE is open. The Board of Directors has adopted valuation policies and procedures to guide the investment advisor in the fund’s investment valuation process and to provide methodologies for the oversight of the fund’s pricing function.

Equity securities that are listed or traded on a domestic securities exchange are valued at the last reported sales price or at the official closing price as provided by the exchange. Equity securities traded on foreign securities exchanges are generally valued at the closing price of such securities on the exchange where primarily traded or at the close of the NYSE, if that is earlier. If no last sales price is reported, or if local convention or regulation so provides, the mean of the latest bid and asked prices may be used. Securities traded over-the-counter are valued at the mean of the latest bid and asked prices, the last sales price, or the official closing price. Equity securities initially expressed in local currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at the mean of the appropriate currency exchange rate at the close of the NYSE as provided by an independent pricing service.

Open-end management investment companies are valued at the reported net asset value per share. Repurchase agreements are valued at cost, which approximates fair value. Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are valued at the mean of the appropriate forward exchange rate at the close of the NYSE as provided by an independent pricing service.

If the fund determines that the market price for an investment is not readily available or the valuation methods mentioned above do not reflect an investment’s fair value, such investment is valued as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors or its delegate, in accordance with policies and procedures adopted by the Board of Directors. In its determination of fair value, the fund may review several factors including, but not limited to, market information regarding the specific investment or comparable investments and correlation with other investment types, futures indices or general market indicators. Circumstances that may cause the fund to use these procedures to value an investment include, but are not limited to: an investment has been declared in default or is distressed; trading in a security has been suspended during the trading day or a security is not actively trading on its principal exchange; prices received from a regular pricing source are deemed unreliable; or there is a foreign market holiday and no trading occurred.


17


The fund monitors for significant events occurring after the close of an investment’s primary exchange but before the fund’s net asset value per share is determined. Significant events may include, but are not limited to: corporate announcements and transactions; governmental action and political unrest that could impact a specific investment or an investment sector; or armed conflicts, natural disasters and similar events that could affect investments in a specific country or region. The fund also monitors for significant fluctuations between domestic and foreign markets, as evidenced by the U.S. market or such other indicators that the Board of Directors, or its delegate, deems appropriate. If significant fluctuations in foreign markets are identified, the fund may apply a model-derived factor to the closing price of equity securities traded on foreign securities exchanges. The factor is based on observable market data as provided by an independent pricing service.
 
Security Transactions — Security transactions are accounted for as of the trade date. Net realized gains and losses are determined on the identified cost basis, which is also used for federal income tax purposes.

Investment Income — Dividend income less foreign taxes withheld, if any, is recorded as of the ex-dividend date. Distributions received on securities that represent a return of capital or long-term capital gain are recorded as a reduction of cost of investments and/or as a realized gain. The fund may estimate the components of distributions received that may be considered nontaxable distributions or long-term capital gain distributions for income tax purposes. Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis and includes accretion of discounts and amortization of premiums.

Foreign Currency Translations — All assets and liabilities initially expressed in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at prevailing exchange rates at period end. The fund may enter into spot foreign currency exchange contracts to facilitate transactions denominated in a foreign currency. Purchases and sales of investment securities, dividend and interest income, spot foreign currency exchange contracts, and expenses are translated at the rates of exchange prevailing on the respective dates of such transactions. Net realized and unrealized foreign currency exchange gains or losses related to investment securities are a component of net realized gain (loss) on investment transactions and change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments, respectively.

Repurchase Agreements — The fund may enter into repurchase agreements with institutions that American Century Investment Management, Inc. (ACIM) (the investment advisor) has determined are creditworthy pursuant to criteria adopted by the Board of Directors. The fund requires that the collateral, represented by securities, received in a repurchase transaction be transferred to the custodian in a manner sufficient to enable the fund to obtain those securities in the event of a default under the repurchase agreement. ACIM monitors, on a daily basis, the securities transferred to ensure the value, including accrued interest, of the securities under each repurchase agreement is equal to or greater than amounts owed to the fund under each repurchase agreement.

Joint Trading Account — Pursuant to an Exemptive Order issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the fund, along with certain other funds in the American Century Investments family of funds, may transfer uninvested cash balances into a joint trading account. These balances are invested in one or more repurchase agreements that are collateralized by U.S. Treasury or Agency obligations.

Income Tax Status — It is the fund’s policy to distribute substantially all net investment income and net realized gains to shareholders and to otherwise qualify as a regulated investment company under provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. Accordingly, no provision has been made for income taxes. The fund files U.S. federal, state, local and non-U.S. tax returns as applicable. The fund's tax returns are subject to examination by the relevant taxing authority until expiration of the applicable statute of limitations, which is generally three years from the date of filing but can be longer in certain jurisdictions. At this time, management believes there are no uncertain tax positions which, based on their technical merit, would not be sustained upon examination and for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly change in the next twelve months.

Multiple Class — All shares of the fund represent an equal pro rata interest in the net assets of the class to which such shares belong, and have identical voting, dividend, liquidation and other rights and the same terms and conditions, except for class specific expenses and exclusive rights to vote on matters affecting only individual classes. Income, non-class specific expenses, and realized and unrealized capital gains and losses of the fund are allocated to each class of shares based on their relative net assets.

Distributions to Shareholders — Distributions from net investment income and net realized gains, if any, are generally declared and paid annually.
 

18


Indemnifications — Under the corporation’s organizational documents, its officers and directors are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the fund. In addition, in the normal course of business, the fund enters into contracts that provide general indemnifications. The maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be made against a fund. The risk of material loss from such claims is considered by management to be remote.

3. Fees and Transactions with Related Parties

Certain officers and directors of the corporation are also officers and/or directors of American Century Companies, Inc. (ACC). The corporation’s investment advisor, ACIM, the corporation's distributor, American Century Investment Services, Inc. (ACIS), and the corporation’s transfer agent, American Century Services, LLC, are wholly owned, directly or indirectly, by ACC.
 
Management Fees — The corporation has entered into a management agreement with ACIM, under which ACIM provides the fund with investment advisory and management services in exchange for a single, unified management fee (the fee) per class. The agreement provides that all expenses of managing and operating the fund, except distribution and service fees, brokerage expenses, taxes, interest, fees and expenses of the independent directors (including legal counsel fees), and extraordinary expenses, will be paid by ACIM. The fee is computed and accrued daily based on each class’s daily net assets and paid monthly in arrears. The rate of the fee is determined by applying a fee rate calculation formula. This formula takes into account the fund’s assets as well as certain assets, if any, of other clients of the investment advisor outside the American Century Investments family of funds (such as subadvised funds and separate accounts) that have very similar investment teams and investment strategies (strategy assets). The annual management fee schedule ranges from 0.900% to 1.100% for the Investor Class and A Class. The annual management fee ranges from 0.700% to 0.900% for the Institutional Class. During the year ended October 31, 2015, the investment advisor voluntarily agreed to waive 0.100% of its management fee. The investment advisor expects the fee waiver to continue until February 28, 2017, and cannot terminate it prior to such date without the approval of the Board of Directors. The total amount of the waiver for each class for the year ended October 31, 2015 was $149,692, $2,976 and $4,430 for the Investor Class, Institutional Class and A Class, respectively. The effective annual management fee before waiver for each class for the year ended October 31, 2015 was 1.10% for the Investor Class and A Class and 0.90% for the Institutional Class. The effective annual management fee after waiver for each class for the year ended October 31, 2015 was 1.00% for the Investor Class and A Class and 0.80% for the Institutional Class.

Distribution and Service Fees — The Board of Directors has adopted a Master Distribution and Individual Shareholder Services Plan (the plan) for the A Class, pursuant to Rule 12b-1 of the 1940 Act. The plan provides that the A Class will pay ACIS an annual distribution and service fee of 0.25%. The fees are computed and accrued daily based on the A Class’s daily net assets and paid monthly in arrears. The fees are used to pay financial intermediaries for distribution and individual shareholder services. Fees incurred under the plan during the year ended October 31, 2015 are detailed in the Statement of Operations.

Directors' Fees and Expenses — The Board of Directors is responsible for overseeing the investment advisor’s management and operations of the fund. The directors receive detailed information about the fund and its investment advisor regularly throughout the year, and meet at least quarterly with management of the investment advisor to review reports about fund operations. The fund’s officers do not receive compensation from the fund.
 
4. Investment Transactions

Purchases and sales of investment securities, excluding short-term investments, for the year ended October 31, 2015 were $47,910,472 and $53,981,369, respectively.


19


5. Capital Share Transactions

Transactions in shares of the fund were as follows:
 
Year ended
October 31, 2015
Year ended
October 31, 2014
 
Shares
Amount
Shares
Amount
Investor Class/Shares Authorized
200,000,000

 
200,000,000

 
Sold
1,064,442

$
9,812,362

1,267,771

$
11,567,934

Issued in reinvestment of distributions
1,187,673

10,463,399

216,834

1,847,429

Redeemed
(1,990,525
)
(18,394,474
)
(2,174,796
)
(19,739,614
)
 
261,590

1,881,287

(690,191
)
(6,324,251
)
Institutional Class/Shares Authorized
15,000,000

 
15,000,000

 
Sold
45,367

399,750

15,136

134,931

Issued in reinvestment of distributions
15,972

140,869

5,746

49,014

Redeemed
(32,895
)
(288,560
)
(96,090
)
(873,186
)
 
28,444

252,059

(75,208
)
(689,241
)
A Class/Shares Authorized
50,000,000

 
50,000,000

 
Sold
155,347

1,419,624

183,136

1,647,219

Issued in reinvestment of distributions
34,040

299,551

4,248

36,111

Redeemed
(114,102
)
(1,041,459
)
(134,836
)
(1,224,722
)
 
75,285

677,716

52,548

458,608

Net increase (decrease)
365,319

$
2,811,062

(712,851
)
$
(6,554,884
)

6. Fair Value Measurements

The fund’s investments valuation process is based on several considerations and may use multiple inputs to determine the fair value of the investments held by the fund. In conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, the inputs used to determine a valuation are classified into three broad levels.

Level 1 valuation inputs consist of unadjusted quoted prices in an active market for identical investments.

Level 2 valuation inputs consist of direct or indirect observable market data (including quoted prices for comparable investments, evaluations of subsequent market events, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.). These inputs also consist of quoted prices for identical investments initially expressed in local currencies that are adjusted through translation into U.S. dollars.

Level 3 valuation inputs consist of unobservable data (including a fund’s own assumptions).

The level classification is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair valuation measurement. The valuation inputs are not necessarily an indication of the risks associated with investing in these securities or other financial instruments. There were no significant transfers between levels during the period.

The following is a summary of the level classifications as of period end. The Schedule of Investments provides additional information on the fund’s portfolio holdings.
 
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Assets
 
 
 
Investment Securities
 
 
 
Common Stocks
$
147,383,647

$
3,205,902


Temporary Cash Investments
681

801,914


 
$
147,384,328

$
4,007,816


Other Financial Instruments
 
 
 
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts

$
11,385


 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
Other Financial Instruments
 
 
 
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts

$
(17,410
)


20


7. Derivative Instruments

Foreign Currency Risk — The fund is subject to foreign currency exchange rate risk in the normal course of pursuing its investment objectives. The value of foreign investments held by a fund may be significantly affected by changes in foreign currency exchange rates. The dollar value of a foreign security generally decreases when the value of the dollar rises against the foreign currency in which the security is denominated and tends to increase when the value of the dollar declines against such foreign currency. A fund may enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts to reduce a fund's exposure to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. The net U.S. dollar value of foreign currency underlying all contractual commitments held by a fund and the resulting unrealized appreciation or depreciation are determined daily. Realized gain or loss is recorded upon the termination of the contract. Net realized and unrealized gains or losses occurring during the holding period of forward foreign currency exchange contracts are a component of net realized gain (loss) on foreign currency transactions and change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on translation of assets and liabilities in foreign currencies, respectively. A fund bears the risk of an unfavorable change in the foreign currency exchange rate underlying the forward contract. Additionally, losses, up to the fair value, may arise if the counterparties do not perform under the contract terms. The fund's average U.S. dollar exposure to foreign currency risk derivative instruments held during the period was $3,515,597.

The value of foreign currency risk derivative instruments as of October 31, 2015, is disclosed on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities as an asset of $11,385 in unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts and a liability of $17,410 in unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts. For the year ended October 31, 2015, the effect of foreign currency risk derivative instruments on the Statement of Operations was $466,613 in net realized gain (loss) on foreign currency transactions and $(33,065) in change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on translation of assets and liabilities in foreign currencies.

8. Federal Tax Information

The tax character of distributions paid during the years ended October 31, 2015 and October 31, 2014 were as follows:
 
2015
2014
Distributions Paid From
 
 
Ordinary income
$
2,153,239

$
2,008,254

Long-term capital gains
$
9,234,035



The book-basis character of distributions made during the year from net investment income or net realized gains may differ from their ultimate characterization for federal income tax purposes. These differences reflect the differing character of certain income items and net realized gains and losses for financial statement and tax purposes, and may result in reclassification among certain capital accounts on the financial statements.

As of October 31, 2015, the federal tax cost of investments and the components of distributable earnings on a tax-basis were as follows:
Federal tax cost of investments
$
106,122,111

Gross tax appreciation of investments
$
47,906,235

Gross tax depreciation of investments
(2,636,202
)
Net tax appreciation (depreciation) of investments
45,270,033

Net tax appreciation (depreciation) on derivatives and translation of assets and
liabilities in foreign currencies
84

Net tax appreciation (depreciation)
$
45,270,117

Undistributed ordinary income
$
1,918,117

Accumulated long-term gains

$
8,931,069


The difference between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation (depreciation) is attributable primarily to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales.


21


Financial Highlights
For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Years Ended October 31 (except as noted)
 
 
Per-Share Data
 
 
 
 
Ratios and Supplemental Data
 
 
Income From Investment Operations:
Distributions From:
 
 
Ratio to Average Net Assets of:
 
 
 
Net Asset
Value,
Beginning
of Period
Net
Investment
Income
(Loss)
(1)
Net
Realized
and
Unrealized
Gain (Loss)
Total From
Investment
Operations
Net
Investment
Income
Net
Realized
Gains
Total
Distributions
Net Asset
Value,
End
of Period
Total
Return
(2)
Operating
Expenses
Operating
Expenses
(before
expense
waiver)
Net
Investment
Income
(Loss)
Net
Investment
Income
(Loss)
(before
expense
waiver)
Portfolio
Turnover
Rate
Net
Assets,
End of
Period (in thousands)
Investor Class
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2015
$9.71
0.12
(0.08)
0.04
(0.13)
(0.57)
(0.70)
$9.05
0.61%
1.00%
1.10%
1.28%
1.18%
31%

$143,698

2014
$8.51
0.12
1.20
1.32
(0.12)
(0.12)
$9.71
15.68%
1.00%
1.10%
1.32%
1.22%
31%

$151,715

2013
$6.89
0.13
1.61
1.74
(0.12)
(0.12)
$8.51
25.67%
1.00%
1.10%
1.66%
1.56%
26%

$138,884

2012
$5.96
0.11
0.93
1.04
(0.11)
(0.11)
$6.89
17.80%
1.00%
1.10%
1.76%
1.66%
32%

$117,210

2011
$5.73
0.09
0.23
0.32
(0.09)
(0.09)
$5.96
5.67%
1.00%
1.10%
1.53%
1.43%
37%

$111,188

Institutional Class
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2015
$9.74
0.14
(0.08)
0.06
(0.15)
(0.57)
(0.72)
$9.08
0.72%
0.80%
0.90%
1.48%
1.38%
31%

$3,071

2014
$8.54
0.14
1.20
1.34
(0.14)
(0.14)
$9.74
15.86%
0.80%
0.90%
1.52%
1.42%
31%

$3,019

2013
$6.90
0.15
1.62
1.77
(0.13)
(0.13)
$8.54
26.00%
0.80%
0.90%
1.86%
1.76%
26%

$3,289

2012
$5.97
0.12
0.93
1.05
(0.12)
(0.12)
$6.90
18.00%
0.80%
0.90%
1.96%
1.86%
32%

$3,943

2011
$5.74
0.10
0.24
0.34
(0.11)
(0.11)
$5.97
5.87%
0.80%
0.90%
1.73%
1.63%
37%

$3,618


22


For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Years Ended October 31 (except as noted)
 
 
Per-Share Data
 
 
 
 
Ratios and Supplemental Data
 
 
Income From Investment Operations:
Distributions From:
 
 
Ratio to Average Net Assets of:
 
 
 
Net Asset
Value,
Beginning
of Period
Net
Investment
Income
(Loss)
(1)
Net
Realized
and
Unrealized
Gain (Loss)
Total From
Investment
Operations
Net
Investment
Income
Net
Realized
Gains
Total
Distributions
Net Asset
Value,
End
of Period
Total
Return
(2)
Operating
Expenses
Operating
Expenses
(before
expense
waiver)
Net
Investment
Income
(Loss)
Net
Investment
Income
(Loss)
(before
expense
waiver)
Portfolio
Turnover
Rate
Net
Assets,
End of
Period (in thousands)
A Class
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2015
$9.67
0.09
(0.07)
0.02
(0.11)
(0.57)
(0.68)
$9.01
0.34%
1.25%
1.35%
1.03%
0.93%
31%

$4,504

2014
$8.48
0.10
1.19
1.29
(0.10)
(0.10)
$9.67
15.32%
1.25%
1.35%
1.07%
0.97%
31%

$4,107

2013
$6.87
0.11
1.62
1.73
(0.12)
(0.12)
$8.48
25.51%
1.25%
1.35%
1.41%
1.31%
26%

$3,155

2012
$5.95
0.10
0.92
1.02
(0.10)
(0.10)
$6.87
17.37%
1.25%
1.35%
1.51%
1.41%
32%

$2,796

2011
$5.72
0.08
0.23
0.31
(0.08)
(0.08)
$5.95
5.41%
1.25%
1.35%
1.28%
1.18%
37%

$3,326


Notes to Financial Highlights
(1)
Computed using average shares outstanding throughout the period.
(2)
Total returns are calculated based on the net asset value of the last business day and do not reflect applicable sales charges, if any. Total returns for periods less than one year are not annualized.

See Notes to Financial Statements.

23


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of American Century Mutual Funds, Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the schedule of investments, of Capital Value Fund (the “Fund”), one of the funds constituting American Century Mutual Funds, Inc., as of October 31, 2015, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the periods presented. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Fund’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. The Fund is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Fund’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of October 31, 2015, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers; when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Capital Value Fund of American Century Mutual Funds, Inc. as of October 31, 2015, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the periods presented, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Kansas City, Missouri
December 16, 2015


24


Management

The Board of Directors
The individuals listed below serve as directors of the funds. Each director will continue to serve in this capacity until death, retirement, resignation or removal from office. The board has adopted a mandatory retirement age for directors who are not “interested persons,” as that term is defined in the Investment Company Act (independent directors). Independent directors shall retire by December 31 of the year in which they reach their 75th birthday.
Mr. Thomas is an “interested person” because he currently serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of American Century Companies, Inc. (ACC), the parent company of American Century Investment Management, Inc. (ACIM or the advisor). Mr. Fink is treated as an “interested person” because of his recent employment with ACC and American Century Services, LLC (ACS). The other directors (more than three-fourths of the total number) are independent. They are not employees, directors or officers of, and have no financial interest in, ACC or any of its wholly owned, direct or indirect, subsidiaries, including ACIM, American Century Investment Services, Inc. (ACIS) and ACS, and they do not have any other affiliations, positions or relationships that would cause them to be considered “interested persons” under the Investment Company Act. The directors serve in this capacity for seven (in the case of Mr. Thomas, 15) registered investment companies in the American Century Investments family of funds.
The following table presents additional information about the directors. The mailing address for each director is 4500 Main Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64111.
Name
(Year of Birth)
Position(s)
Held with
Funds
Length of
Time Served
Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years
Number of
American
Century
Portfolios
Overseen by Director
Other
Directorships
Held During
Past 5 Years
Independent Directors
 
 
 
 
Thomas A. Brown
(1940)
Director
Since 1980
Managing Member, Associated Investments, LLC (real estate investment company)
80
None
Andrea C. Hall
(1945)
Director
Since 1997
Retired
80
None
Jan M. Lewis
(1957)
Director
Since 2011
Retired; President and Chief Executive Officer, Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas (human services organization) (2006 to 2013)
80
None
James A. Olson
(1942)
Director and Chairman of the Board
Since 2007 (Chairman since 2014)
Member, Plaza Belmont LLC (private equity fund manager)
80
Saia, Inc. (2002 to 2012) and EPR Properties (2003 to 2013)
M. Jeannine Strandjord
(1945)
Director
Since 1994
Retired
80
Euronet Worldwide Inc.; MGP Ingredients, Inc.; Charming Shoppes, Inc. (2006 to 2010); and DST Systems Inc. (1996 to 2012)
John R. Whitten
(1946)
Director
Since 2008
Retired
80
Rudolph Technologies, Inc.

25


Name
(Year of Birth)
Position(s)
Held with
Funds
Length of
Time Served
Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years
Number of
American
Century
Portfolios
Overseen by Director
Other
Directorships
Held During
Past 5 Years
Independent Directors
 
 
 
 
Stephen E. Yates
(1948)
Director
Since 2012
Retired; Executive Vice President, Technology & Operations, KeyCorp. (computer services) (2004 to 2010)
80
Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. (2001 to 2010)
Interested Directors
 
 
 
 
Barry Fink
(1955)
Director
Since 2012
Retired; Executive Vice President, ACC (September 2007 to February 2013); President, ACS (October 2007 to February 2013); Chief Operating Officer, ACC (September 2007 to November 2012)
80
None
Jonathan S. Thomas
(1963)
Director and President
Since 2007
President and Chief Executive Officer, ACC (March 2007 to present). Also serves as Chief Executive Officer, ACS; Executive Vice President, ACIM; Director, ACC, ACIM and other ACC subsidiaries
125
BioMed Valley Discoveries, Inc.

The Statement of Additional Information has additional information about the fund's directors and is available without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-345-2021.


26


Officers
The following table presents certain information about the executive officers of the funds. Each officer serves as an officer for each of the 15 investment companies in the American Century family of funds, unless otherwise noted. No officer is compensated for his or her service as an officer of the funds. The listed officers are interested persons of the funds and are appointed or re-appointed on an annual basis. The mailing address for each officer listed below is 4500 Main Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64111.
Name
(Year of Birth)
Offices with the Funds
Principal Occupation(s) During the Past Five Years
Jonathan S.
Thomas
(1963)
Director and
President
since 2007
President and Chief Executive Officer, ACC (March 2007 to present). Also serves as Chief Executive Officer, ACS; Executive Vice President, ACIM; Director, ACC, ACIM and other ACC subsidiaries
Amy D. Shelton
(1964)
Chief Compliance
Officer and Vice President since 2014
Chief Compliance Officer, American Century funds, (March 2014 to present); Chief Compliance Officer, ACIM (February 2014 to present); Chief Compliance Officer, ACIS (October 2009 to present); Vice President, Client Interactions and Marketing, ACIS (February 2013 to January 2014); Director, Client Interactions and Marketing, ACIS (June 2007 to January 2013). Also serves as Vice President, ACIS
Charles A.
Etherington
(1957)
General Counsel
since 2007 and
Senior Vice
President since 2006
Attorney, ACC (February 1994 to present); Vice President, ACC (November 2005 to present); General Counsel, ACC (March 2007 to present). Also serves as General Counsel, ACIM, ACS, ACIS and other ACC subsidiaries; and Senior Vice President, ACIM and ACS
C. Jean Wade
(1964)
Vice President,
Treasurer and
Chief Financial
Officer since 2012
Vice President, ACS (February 2000 to present)
Robert J. Leach
(1966)
Vice President
since 2006 and
Assistant Treasurer
since 2012
Vice President, ACS (February 2000 to present)
David H.
Reinmiller
(1963)
Vice President
since 2000
Attorney, ACC (January 1994 to present); Associate General Counsel, ACC (January 2001 to present). Also serves as Vice President, ACIM and ACS
Ward D. Stauffer
(1960)
Secretary
since 2005
Attorney, ACC (June 2003 to present)


27


Approval of Management Agreement


At a meeting held on June 30, 2015, the Fund’s Board of Directors unanimously approved the renewal of the management agreement pursuant to which American Century Investment Management, Inc. (the “Advisor”) acts as the investment advisor for the Fund. Under Section 15(c) of the Investment Company Act, contracts for investment advisory services are required to be reviewed, evaluated, and approved by a majority of a fund’s directors (the “Directors”), including a majority of the independent Directors, each year.
    
Prior to its consideration of the renewal of the management agreement, the Directors requested and reviewed extensive data and information compiled by the Advisor and certain independent providers of evaluation data concerning the Fund and the services provided to the Fund by the Advisor. This review was in addition to the oversight and evaluation undertaken by the Board and its committees on a continuous basis and the information received was supplemental to the extensive information that the Board and its committees receive and consider throughout the year.

In connection with its consideration of the renewal of the management agreement, the Board’s review and evaluation of the services provided by the Advisor included, but was not limited to, the following:

the nature, extent, and quality of investment management, shareholder services, and other services provided by the Advisor to the Fund;
the wide range of other programs and services the Advisor provides to the Fund and its shareholders on a routine and non-routine basis;
the Fund’s investment performance compared to appropriate benchmarks and/or a peer group of other mutual funds with similar investment objectives and strategies;
the cost of owning the Fund compared to the cost of owning similar funds;
the Advisor’s compliance policies, procedures, and regulatory experience;
financial data showing the cost of services provided to the Fund, the profitability of the Fund to the Advisor, and the overall profitability of the Advisor;
possible economies of scale associated with the Advisor’s management of the Fund and other accounts under its management;
data comparing services provided and charges to other investment management clients of the Advisor;
acquired fund fees and expenses;
payments to intermediaries by the Fund and the Advisor; and
any collateral benefits derived by the Advisor from the management of the Fund.

In keeping with their practice, the Directors held two in-person meetings and one telephonic meeting to review and discuss the information provided. The independent Directors also had the benefit of the advice of their independent counsel throughout the process.

Factors Considered

The Directors considered all of the information provided by the Advisor, the independent data providers, and independent counsel, and evaluated such information for the Fund. In connection with their review, the Directors did not identify any single factor as being all-important or controlling, and each Director may have attributed different levels of importance to different factors. In deciding to renew the management agreement, the Board based its decision on a number of factors, including the following:


28


Nature, Extent and Quality of Services - Generally. Under the management agreement, the Advisor is responsible for providing or arranging for all services necessary for the operation of the
Fund. The Board noted that under the management agreement, the Advisor provides or arranges at its own expense a wide variety of services including:

constructing and designing the Fund
portfolio research and security selection
initial capitalization/funding
securities trading
Fund administration
custody of Fund assets
daily valuation of the Fund’s portfolio
shareholder servicing and transfer agency, including shareholder confirmations, recordkeeping, and communications
legal services (except the independent Directors’ counsel)
regulatory and portfolio compliance
financial reporting
marketing and distribution (except Rule 12b-1 plans)

The Board noted that many of these services have expanded over time both in terms of quantity and complexity in response to shareholder demands, competition in the industry, changing distribution channels, and the changing regulatory environment.

Investment Management Services. The nature of the investment management services provided to the Fund is quite complex and allows Fund shareholders access to professional money management, instant diversification of their investments within an asset class, the opportunity to easily diversify among asset classes by investing in or exchanging among various American Century Investments funds, and liquidity. In evaluating investment performance, the Board expects the Advisor to manage the Fund in accordance with its investment objectives and approved strategies. Further, the Directors recognize that the Advisor has an obligation to monitor trading activities, and in particular to seek the best execution of fund trades, and to evaluate the use of and payment for research. In providing these services, the Advisor utilizes teams of investment professionals (portfolio managers, analysts, research assistants, and securities traders) who require extensive information technology, research, training, compliance and other systems to conduct their business. The Board, directly and through its Fund Performance Review Committee, regularly reviews investment performance information for the Fund, together with comparative information for appropriate benchmarks and/or peer groups of similarly-managed funds, over different time horizons. The Directors also review detailed performance information during the management agreement approval process. If performance concerns are identified, the Fund receives special reviews until performance improves, during which the Board discusses with the Advisor the reasons for such results (e.g., market conditions, security selection) and any efforts being undertaken to improve performance. The Fund’s performance was above its benchmark for the one- and three-year periods and slightly below its benchmark for the five- and ten-year periods reviewed by the Board. The Board found the investment management services provided by the Advisor to the Fund to be satisfactory and consistent with the management agreement.

Shareholder and Other Services. Under the management agreement, the Advisor provides the Fund with a comprehensive package of transfer agency, shareholder, and other services. The Board, directly and through various committees of the Board, regularly reviews reports and evaluations of such services at its regular meetings. These reports include, but are not limited to, information regarding the operational efficiency and accuracy of the shareholder and transfer agency services provided, staffing levels, shareholder satisfaction (as measured by external as well as internal sources), technology support, new products and services offered to Fund shareholders, securities trading activities, portfolio valuation services, auditing services, and legal and operational compliance activities. The Board particularly noted the Advisor’s continual efforts to maintain effective business continuity plans and to address cybersecurity threats. Certain aspects of shareholder and transfer agency service level efficiency and the quality of securities trading

29


activities are measured by independent third party providers and are presented in comparison to other fund groups not managed by the Advisor. The Board found the services provided by the Advisor to the Fund under the management agreement to be competitive and of high quality.

Costs of Services and Profitability. The Advisor provides detailed information concerning its cost of providing various services to the Fund, its profitability in managing the Fund (pre- and post-distribution), its overall profitability, and its financial condition. The Directors have reviewed with the Advisor the methodology used to prepare this financial information. This information is considered in evaluating the Advisor’s financial condition, its ability to continue to provide services under the management agreement, and the reasonableness of the current management fee. The Board concluded that the Advisor’s profits were reasonable in light of the services provided to the Fund.

Ethics. The Board generally considers the Advisor’s commitment to providing quality services to shareholders and to conducting its business ethically. They noted that the Advisor’s practices generally meet or exceed industry best practices.

Economies of Scale. The Board also reviewed information provided by the Advisor regarding the possible existence of economies of scale in connection with the management of the Fund. The Board concluded that economies of scale are difficult to measure and predict with precision, especially on a fund-by-fund basis. The Board concluded that the Advisor is appropriately sharing economies of scale through its competitive fee structure, offering competitive fees from fund inception, and through reinvestment in its business to provide shareholders additional content and services. The Board also noted that economies of scale are shared with the Fund and its shareholders through management fee breakpoints that serve to reduce the effective management fee as the assets of the Fund grow.

Comparison to Other Funds’ Fees. The management agreement provides that the Fund pays the Advisor a single, all-inclusive (or unified) management fee for providing all services necessary for the management and operation of the Fund, other than brokerage expenses, taxes, interest, extraordinary expenses, and the fees and expenses of the Fund’s independent Directors (including their independent legal counsel) and expenses incurred in connection with the provision of shareholder services and distribution services under a plan adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Under the unified fee structure, the Advisor is responsible for providing all investment advisory, custody, audit, administrative, compliance, recordkeeping, marketing and shareholder services, or arranging and supervising third parties to provide such services. By contrast, most other funds are charged a variety of fees, including an investment advisory fee, a transfer agency fee, an administrative fee, distribution charges, and other expenses. Other than their investment advisory fees and any applicable Rule 12b-1 distribution fees, all other components of the total fees charged by these other funds may be increased without shareholder approval. The Board believes the unified fee structure is a benefit to Fund shareholders because it clearly discloses to shareholders the cost of owning Fund shares, and, since the unified fee cannot be increased without a vote of Fund shareholders, it shifts to the Advisor the risk of increased costs of operating the Fund and provides a direct incentive to minimize administrative inefficiencies. Part of the Board’s analysis of fee levels involves reviewing certain evaluative data compiled by an independent provider comparing the Fund’s unified fee to the total expense ratios of its peers. The unified fee charged to shareholders of the Fund was above the median of the total expense ratios of the Fund’s peer expense universe and was within the range of its peer expense group. The Board and the Advisor agreed to a reduction of the Fund's annual unified management fee of 0.10% (e.g., the Investor Class unified fee will be reduced from 1.10% to 1.00%) for at least one year, beginning August 1, 2015. The Board concluded that the management fee paid by the Fund to the Advisor under the management agreement is reasonable in light of the services provided to the Fund.


30


Comparison to Fees and Services Provided to Other Clients of the Advisor. The Directors also requested and received information from the Advisor concerning the nature of the services, fees, costs and profitability of its advisory services to advisory clients other than the Fund. They observed that these varying types of client accounts require different services and involve different regulatory and entrepreneurial risks than the management of the Fund. The Board analyzed this information and concluded that the fees charged and services provided to the Fund were reasonable by comparison.

Payments to Intermediaries. The Directors also requested and received a description of payments made to intermediaries by the Fund and the Advisor. These payments include various payments made by the Fund or the Advisor to different types of intermediaries and recordkeepers for distribution and service activities provided for the Fund. The Board reviewed such information and found the payments to be reasonable in scope and purpose.

Collateral or “Fall-Out” Benefits Derived by the Advisor. The Board considered the existence of collateral benefits the Advisor may receive as a result of its relationship with the Fund. They concluded that the Advisor’s primary business is managing mutual funds and it generally does not use fund or shareholder information to generate profits in other lines of business, and therefore does not derive any significant collateral benefits from them. The Board noted that additional assets from other clients may offer the Advisor some benefit from increased leverage with service providers and counterparties. Additionally, the Advisor receives proprietary research from broker-dealers that execute fund portfolio transactions, which the Board concluded is likely to benefit other clients of the Advisor as well as Fund shareholders. The Board also determined that the Advisor is able to provide investment management services to certain clients other than the Fund, at least in part, due to its existing infrastructure built to serve the fund complex. The Board concluded that appropriate allocation methodologies had been employed to assign resources and the cost of those resources to these other clients and, where expressly provided, these other client assets may be included with the assets of the Fund to determine breakpoints in the management fee schedule.

Existing Relationship. The Board also considered whether there was any reason for not continuing the existing arrangement with the Advisor. In this regard, the Board was mindful of the potential disruptions of the Fund’s operations and various risks, uncertainties, and other effects that could occur as a result of a decision not to continue such relationship. In particular, the Board recognized that most shareholders have invested in the Fund on the strength of the Advisor’s industry standing and reputation and in the expectation that the Advisor will have a continuing role in providing advisory services to the Fund.

Conclusion of the Directors. As a result of this process, the Board, including all of the independent Directors, taking into account all of the factors discussed above and the information provided by the Advisor and others in connection with its review and throughout the year, determined that the management fee is fair and reasonable in light of the services provided and that the investment management agreement between the Fund and the Advisor should be renewed.


31


Additional Information

Retirement Account Information
As required by law, distributions you receive from certain IRAs are subject to federal income tax withholding, unless you elect not to have withholding apply. Tax will be withheld on the total amount withdrawn even though you may be receiving amounts that are not subject to withholding, such as nondeductible contributions. In such case, excess amounts of withholding could occur. You may adjust your withholding election so that a greater or lesser amount will be withheld.
If you don’t want us to withhold on this amount, you must notify us to not withhold the federal income tax. You may notify us in writing or in certain situations by telephone or through other electronic means. For systematic withdrawals, your withholding election will remain in effect until revoked or changed by filing a new election. You have the right to revoke your election at any time.
Remember, even if you elect not to have income tax withheld, you are liable for paying income tax on the taxable portion of your withdrawal. If you elect not to have income tax withheld or you don’t have enough income tax withheld, you may be responsible for payment of estimated tax. You may incur penalties under the estimated tax rules if your withholding and estimated tax payments are not sufficient. You can reduce or defer the income tax on a distribution by directly or indirectly rolling such distribution over to another IRA or eligible plan. You should consult your tax advisor for additional information.
State tax will be withheld if, at the time of your distribution, your address is within one of the mandatory withholding states and you have federal income tax withheld (or as otherwise required by state law). State taxes will be withheld from your distribution in accordance with the respective state rules.
Distributions you receive from 403(b), 457 and qualified plans are subject to special tax and withholding rules. Your plan administrator or plan sponsor is required to provide you with a special tax notice explaining those rules at the time you request a distribution. If applicable, federal and/or state taxes may be withheld from your distribution amount.


Proxy Voting Policies
A description of the policies that the fund's investment advisor uses in exercising the voting rights associated with the securities purchased and/or held by the fund is available without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-345-2021. It is also available on the "About Us" page of American Century Investments’ website at americancentury.com and on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at sec.gov. Information regarding how the investment advisor voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available on the "About Us" page at americancentury.com. It is also available at sec.gov.


Quarterly Portfolio Disclosure
The fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The fund’s Forms N-Q are available on the SEC’s website at sec.gov, and may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330. The fund also makes its complete schedule of portfolio holdings for the most recent quarter of its fiscal year available on its
website at americancentury.com and, upon request, by calling 1-800-345-2021.


32


Other Tax Information

The following information is provided pursuant to provisions of the Internal Revenue Code.

The fund hereby designates up to the maximum amount allowable as qualified dividend income for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2015.

For corporate taxpayers, the fund hereby designates $2,153,239, or up to the maximum amount allowable, of ordinary income distributions paid during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2015 as qualified for the corporate dividends received deduction.

The fund hereby designates $9,234,035 or up to the maximum amount allowable, as long-term capital gain distributions for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2015.



33


Notes

34


Notes

35


Notes


36






 
 
 
 
Contact Us
americancentury.com
 
Automated Information Line
1-800-345-8765
 
Investor Services Representative
1-800-345-2021
or 816-531-5575
 
Investors Using Advisors
1-800-378-9878
 
Business, Not-For-Profit, Employer-Sponsored Retirement Plans
1-800-345-3533
 
Banks and Trust Companies, Broker-Dealers, Financial Professionals, Insurance Companies
1-800-345-6488
 
Telecommunications Relay Service for the Deaf
711
 
 
 
 
American Century Mutual Funds, Inc.
 
 
 
 
Investment Advisor:
American Century Investment Management, Inc.
Kansas City, Missouri
 
 
 
 
This report and the statements it contains are submitted for the general information of our shareholders. The report is not authorized for distribution to prospective investors unless preceded or accompanied by an effective prospectus.
 
 
 
 
©2015 American Century Proprietary Holdings, Inc. All rights reserved.
CL-ANN-87638   1512
 



        ANNUAL REPORT
OCTOBER 31, 2015

 
 


Focused Growth Fund







Table of Contents
President’s Letter
2
Performance
3
Portfolio Commentary
Fund Characteristics
Shareholder Fee Example
Schedule of Investments
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
Statement of Operations
Statement of Changes in Net Assets
Notes to Financial Statements
Financial Highlights
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Management
Approval of Management Agreement
Additional Information





















Any opinions expressed in this report reflect those of the author as of the date of the report, and do not necessarily represent the opinions of American Century Investments® or any other person in the American Century Investments organization. Any such opinions are subject to change at any time based upon market or other conditions and American Century Investments disclaims any responsibility to update such opinions. These opinions may not be relied upon as investment advice and, because investment decisions made by American Century Investments funds are based on numerous factors, may not be relied upon as an indication of trading intent on behalf of any American Century Investments fund. Security examples are used for representational purposes only and are not intended as recommendations to purchase or sell securities. Performance information for comparative indices and securities is provided to American Century Investments by third party vendors. To the best of American Century Investments’ knowledge, such information is accurate at the time of printing.



President’s Letter

Dear Investor:

Thank you for reviewing this annual report for the 12 months ended October 31, 2015. It provides investment performance and portfolio information for the reporting period, plus longer-term historical performance data.

Annual reports remain useful vehicles for conveying information about fund performance, including market and economic factors that affected returns during the reporting period. For additional, updated investment and market insights, we encourage you to visit our website, americancentury.com.
Jonathan Thomas

Divergence in Economic Growth and Monetary Policies, Combined With China Turmoil, Triggered Market Volatility

Divergence between the U.S. and the rest of the world—along with China’s struggles, plunging commodity prices, capital market volatility, and risk-off trading—emerged as key themes during the reporting period. Global divergence described not only the relatively stronger economic growth enjoyed by the U.S. compared with most of the world, but also the related contrast between the U.S. Federal Reserve’s (the Fed’s) unwinding of monetary stimulus versus the continuation and expansion of stimulus by other major central banks. Central bank moves—including the Fed’s delayed normalization of its extremely low interest rate positioning—helped trigger large market swings.

In October 2014, the Fed ended its latest massive bond-buying program (quantitative easing, QE), leading to expectations that interest rates would rise. But while QE was halted in the U.S., other major central banks were starting or increasing QE as their economies faltered. This divergence helped fuel increased demand for the U.S. dollar and U.S. dollar-denominated assets, and put downward pressure on commodity prices, most notably crude oil, down over 40% for the reporting period. Low inflation also prevailed after oil prices plunged amid a supply glut and muted demand for commodities in general. In this environment, the U.S. dollar, U.S. growth stocks, and longer-maturity U.S. Treasuries generally benefited from “flight to quality” capital flows, while emerging market and commodity-related investments suffered significant declines.

We expect continued economic and monetary policy divergence between the U.S. and non-U.S. economies in the coming months, accompanied by further market volatility. This could present both challenges and opportunities for active investment managers. In this environment, we continue to believe in a disciplined, diversified, long-term investment approach, using professionally managed stock and bond portfolios to meet financial goals. We appreciate your continued trust in us.

Sincerely,
Jonathan Thomas
President and Chief Executive Officer
American Century Investments


2


Performance
Total Returns as of October 31, 2015
 
 
 
Average Annual Returns
 
 
Ticker
Symbol
1 year
5 years
10 years
Since
Inception
Inception
Date
Investor Class
AFSIX
6.41%
12.51%
7.43%
7.47%
2/28/05
Russell 1000 Growth Index
9.18%
15.29%
9.08%
8.85%
Institutional Class
AFGNX
6.51%
12.73%
6.70%
9/28/07
A Class
AFGAX
 
 
 
 
9/28/07
No sales charge*
 
6.11%
12.24%
6.23%
 
With sales charge*
 
-0.02%
10.92%
5.46%
 
C Class
AFGCX
5.28%
11.38%
5.43%
9/28/07
R Class
AFGRX
5.85%
11.96%
5.96%
9/28/07
*
Sales charges include initial sales charges and contingent deferred sales charges (CDSCs), as applicable. A Class shares have a 5.75% maximum initial sales charge and may be subject to a maximum CDSC of 1.00%. C Class shares redeemed within 12 months of purchase are subject to a maximum CDSC of 1.00%. The SEC requires that mutual funds provide performance information net of maximum sales charges in all cases where charges could be applied.



























Data presented reflect past performance. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, and redemption value may be more or less than original cost. Data assumes reinvestment of dividends and capital gains, and none of the charts reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares. To obtain performance data current to the most recent month end, please call 1-800-345-2021 or visit americancentury.com. For additional information about the fund, please consult the prospectus.

3


Growth of $10,000 Over 10 Years
$10,000 investment made October 31, 2005
Performance for other share classes will vary due to differences in fee structure.
 
Value on October 31, 2015
 
Investor Class — $20,489
 
 
Russell 1000 Growth Index — $23,870
 
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses
Investor Class
Institutional Class
A Class
C Class
R Class
1.00%
0.80%
1.25%
2.00%
1.50%
The total annual fund operating expenses shown is as stated in the fund’s prospectus current as of the date of this report. The prospectus may vary from the expense ratio shown elsewhere in this report because it is based on a different time period, includes acquired fund fees and expenses, and, if applicable, does not include fee waivers or expense reimbursements.



















Data presented reflect past performance. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, and redemption value may be more or less than original cost. Data assumes reinvestment of dividends and capital gains, and none of the charts reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares. To obtain performance data current to the most recent month end, please call 1-800-345-2021 or visit americancentury.com. For additional information about the fund, please consult the prospectus.

4


Portfolio Commentary

Portfolio Managers: Greg Woodhams and Joe Reiland
Performance Summary
Focused Growth returned 6.41%* for the 12 months ended October 31, 2015, trailing the 9.18% return of the portfolio’s benchmark, the Russell 1000 Growth Index.
U.S. stock indices posted strong returns during the reporting period amid volatility and considerable variation within sector returns. Within the Russell 1000 Growth Index, consumer discretionary was the top-performing sector, gaining about 20%. Consumer staples and information technology also registered double-digit gains. Energy stocks continued to struggle with plunging commodity prices and fell nearly 31%. Utilities also declined sharply.
Focused Growth received positive contributions to absolute return from most sectors in which it was invested, led by consumer discretionary and information technology. Financials, energy and materials were negative contributors. Stock decisions in the consumer staples, financials, and consumer discretionary detracted from performance relative to the Russell 1000 Growth Index. Stock selection in health care and energy aided relative results.
Consumer Staples and Financials Were Key Detractors
Stock selection in the consumer staples sector, especially in the food products industry, was a significant source of underperformance versus the benchmark. Baby formula maker Mead Johnson Nutrition was a significant detractor, dragged down by a difficult environment in Hong Kong. We think this is a transitory issue and continue to have a positive view of the underlying growth rate for the company.
In financials, stock choices hampered results, especially among capital markets firms. Asset manager Franklin Resources detracted on emerging markets weakness, which has reduced assets under management and fund flows. The holding was eliminated. Not owning real estate investment trusts detracted as the industry performed better than expected due to the Federal Reserve’s caution in raising interest rates.
Stock decisions in the consumer discretionary sector also weighed on relative performance. Not owning Starbucks was a major detractor in the sector as the coffee retailer is benefiting from its Starbucks Rewards program. Underweighting Amazon.com also hurt performance. The internet retailer reported strong revenue growth, aided by its Prime membership program.
Elsewhere, digital consumer review service Yelp detracted despite reporting positive results. The stock suffered along with other internet-related names as earnings multiples compressed and high-growth/high-volatility stocks struggled early in 2015. Yelp was eliminated. Other significant individual detractors included industrial equipment company Caterpillar, which struggled as investors worried about weak global growth, especially in China. Caterpillar was eliminated from the portfolio.






*
All fund returns referenced in this commentary are for Investor Class shares. Performance for other share classes will vary due to differences in fee structure; when Investor Class performance exceeds that of the fund’s benchmark, other share classes may not. See page 3 for returns for all share classes.

5


Health Care and Energy Aided Relative Results
Stock selection in the health care sector, especially within the biotechnology industry, was a top contributor to performance versus the benchmark, although an overweight allocation to the sector mitigated some of the gain. Biotech firm Incyte reported strong results and benefited from acquisition speculation. Underweighting biotech company Gilead Sciences also benefited performance. The stock declined as news late in the fiscal year focused on high prescription drug prices. Gilead is also feeling competitive pressure in its hepatitis C business.
Stock decisions and an underweight in energy benefited performance as both producers and equipment and services companies suffered as oil prices declined. Not owning energy equipment provider Schlumberger was the major contributor in the sector.
Other key contributors included video game maker Electronic Arts, which continued to execute, reporting strong results consistent with our investment thesis of improving operating margins driven by cost controls, a higher percentage of video games being delivered digitally, and a gaming console refresh cycle. Online travel agent Expedia continued to report very strong results with hotel room nights, bookings, and revenue growth all better than expected in both the U.S. and globally. The company benefited from regulatory approval of its planned purchase of rival Orbitz, as well as from exiting its money-losing Chinese partnership.
Outlook
We understand that investors use the Focused Growth portfolio as a building block in their larger investment strategy. Maintaining low cash balances and avoiding style drift we believe provides our clients with the large-cap growth representation they seek.
In our opinion, stock selection—rather than sector allocation or market timing via the use of cash—is the most efficient means of generating superior risk-adjusted returns. As a result, the portfolio’s sector and industry selection as well as capitalization range allocations are primarily a result of identifying what we believe to be superior individual securities. As of October 31, 2015, the health care and industrials sectors were the portfolio’s largest overweight positions relative to the benchmark. The most notable sector underweight positions were in consumer staples, financials, and information technology.




6


Fund Characteristics
OCTOBER 31, 2015
 
Top Ten Holdings
% of net assets
Alphabet, Inc., Class A
4.8%
Walt Disney Co. (The)
4.3%
Visa, Inc., Class A
4.2%
PepsiCo, Inc.
4.1%
Comcast Corp., Class A
3.8%
Boeing Co. (The)
3.8%
Oracle Corp.
3.3%
O'Reilly Automotive, Inc.
3.1%
Dow Chemical Co. (The)
3.1%
Lockheed Martin Corp.
3.1%
 
 
Top Five Industries
% of net assets
Software
10.1%
Media
8.4%
Biotechnology
7.6%
Internet Software and Services
7.3%
Aerospace and Defense
6.9%
 
 
Types of Investments in Portfolio
% of net assets
Common Stocks
97.6%
Exchange-Traded Funds
0.7%
Total Equity Exposure
98.3%
Temporary Cash Investments
2.1%
Other Assets and Liabilities
(0.4)%


7


Shareholder Fee Example

Fund shareholders may incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments and redemption/exchange fees; and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution and service (12b-1) fees; and other fund expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in your fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing cost of investing in other mutual funds.

The example is based on an investment of $1,000 made at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period from May 1, 2015 to October 31, 2015.

Actual Expenses

The table provides information about actual account values and actual expenses for each class. You may use the information, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. First, identify the share class you own. Then simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number under the heading “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

If you hold Investor Class shares of any American Century Investments fund, or Institutional Class shares of the American Century Diversified Bond Fund, in an American Century Investments account (i.e., not a financial intermediary or retirement plan account), American Century Investments may charge you a $12.50 semiannual account maintenance fee if the value of those shares is less than $10,000. We will redeem shares automatically in one of your accounts to pay the $12.50 fee. In determining your total eligible investment amount, we will include your investments in all personal accounts (including American Century Investments Brokerage accounts) registered under your Social Security number. Personal accounts include individual accounts, joint accounts, UGMA/UTMA accounts, personal trusts, Coverdell Education Savings Accounts and IRAs (including traditional, Roth, Rollover, SEP-, SARSEP- and SIMPLE-IRAs), and certain other retirement accounts. If you have only business, business retirement, employer-sponsored or American Century Investments Brokerage accounts, you are currently not subject to this fee. If you are subject to the Account Maintenance Fee, your account value could be reduced by the fee amount.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The table also provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the actual expense ratio of each class of your fund and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the actual return of a fund’s share class. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in your fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads) or redemption/exchange fees. Therefore, the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.


8




Beginning
Account Value
5/1/15
Ending
Account Value
10/31/15
Expenses Paid
During Period
(1) 
5/1/15-10/31/15
Annualized
Expense Ratio
(1)
Actual
 
 
 
 
Investor Class
$1,000
$1,019.30
$5.04
0.99%
Institutional Class
$1,000
$1,020.10
$4.02
0.79%
A Class
$1,000
$1,017.80
$6.31
1.24%
C Class
$1,000
$1,013.50
$10.10
1.99%
R Class
$1,000
$1,016.30
$7.57
1.49%
Hypothetical
 
 
 
 
Investor Class
$1,000
$1,020.22
$5.04
0.99%
Institutional Class
$1,000
$1,021.22
$4.02
0.79%
A Class
$1,000
$1,018.96
$6.31
1.24%
C Class
$1,000
$1,015.17
$10.11
1.99%
R Class
$1,000
$1,017.69
$7.58
1.49%
(1)
Expenses are equal to the class's annualized expense ratio listed in the table above, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184, the number of days in the most recent fiscal half-year, divided by 365, to reflect the one-half year period.


9


Schedule of Investments

OCTOBER 31, 2015
 
Shares
Value
COMMON STOCKS — 97.6%
 
 
Aerospace and Defense — 6.9%
 
 
Boeing Co. (The)
4,289

$
635,072

Lockheed Martin Corp.
2,349

516,381

 
 
1,151,453

Airlines — 2.9%
 
 
Alaska Air Group, Inc.
3,730

284,413

Delta Air Lines, Inc.
4,004

203,563

 
 
487,976

Beverages — 4.1%
 
 
PepsiCo, Inc.
6,739

688,658

Biotechnology — 7.6%
 
 
Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(1) 
1,996

351,296

Biogen, Inc.(1) 
1,005

291,963

Gilead Sciences, Inc.
2,601

281,246

Incyte Corp.(1) 
2,972

349,299

 
 
1,273,804

Chemicals — 3.5%
 
 
Dow Chemical Co. (The)
9,994

516,390

Sherwin-Williams Co. (The)
269

71,777

 
 
588,167

Communications Equipment — 1.1%
 
 
QUALCOMM, Inc.
3,046

180,993

Energy Equipment and Services — 1.4%
 
 
Halliburton Co.
5,855

224,715

Food Products — 2.3%
 
 
Mead Johnson Nutrition Co.
4,682

383,924

Health Care Equipment and Supplies — 2.6%
 
 
C.R. Bard, Inc.
2,318

431,959

Health Care Providers and Services — 4.1%
 
 
Cardinal Health, Inc.
5,119

420,782

Express Scripts Holding Co.(1) 
3,114

268,987

 
 
689,769

Hotels, Restaurants and Leisure — 1.6%
 
 
Las Vegas Sands Corp.
5,301

262,453

Insurance — 2.8%
 
 
American International Group, Inc.
7,436

468,914

Internet and Catalog Retail — 3.5%
 
 
Amazon.com, Inc.(1) 
124

77,612

Expedia, Inc.
3,654

498,040

 
 
575,652

Internet Software and Services — 7.3%
 
 
Alphabet, Inc., Class A(1) 
1,097

808,917

Facebook, Inc., Class A(1) 
4,031

411,041

 
 
1,219,958


10


 
Shares
Value
IT Services — 6.0%
 
 
Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp., Class A(1) 
277

$
18,866

Fiserv, Inc.(1) 
2,956

285,284

Visa, Inc., Class A
9,008

698,841

 
 
1,002,991

Machinery — 2.4%
 
 
Parker-Hannifin Corp.
2,255

236,099

WABCO Holdings, Inc.(1) 
1,428

160,264

 
 
396,363

Media — 8.4%
 
 
Comcast Corp., Class A
10,265

642,794

Sirius XM Holdings, Inc.(1) 
9,918

40,465

Walt Disney Co. (The)
6,271

713,264

 
 
1,396,523

Multiline Retail — 2.2%
 
 
Macy's, Inc.
7,081

360,989

Oil, Gas and Consumable Fuels — 0.1%
 
 
Concho Resources, Inc.(1) 
189

21,907

Personal Products — 0.7%
 
 
Estee Lauder Cos., Inc. (The), Class A
1,512

121,656

Pharmaceuticals — 5.5%
 
 
Johnson & Johnson
2,462

248,736

Perrigo Co. plc
576

90,858

Pfizer, Inc.
5,856

198,050

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. ADR
6,506

385,090

 
 
922,734

Road and Rail — 1.8%
 
 
Union Pacific Corp.
3,303

295,123

Semiconductors and Semiconductor Equipment — 0.7%
 
 
Skyworks Solutions, Inc.
688

53,141

Xilinx, Inc.
1,454

69,240

 
 
122,381

Software — 10.1%
 
 
Electronic Arts, Inc.(1) 
6,732

485,175

Intuit, Inc.
4,829

470,489

Oracle Corp.
14,209

551,878

Splunk, Inc.(1) 
3,293

184,935

 
 
1,692,477

Specialty Retail — 3.7%
 
 
O'Reilly Automotive, Inc.(1) 
1,875

517,987

Ross Stores, Inc.
1,345

68,030

TJX Cos., Inc. (The)
373

27,300

 
 
613,317

Textiles, Apparel and Luxury Goods — 1.6%
 
 
Carter's, Inc.
2,960

269,005

Wireless Telecommunication Services — 2.7%
 
 
SBA Communications Corp., Class A(1) 
3,758

447,277

TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(Cost $13,014,339)
 
16,291,138

EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS — 0.7%
 
 
iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF
(Cost $119,339)
1,223

123,633


11


 
Shares
Value
TEMPORARY CASH INVESTMENTS — 2.1%
 
 
Repurchase Agreement, Credit Suisse First Boston, Inc., (collateralized by various U.S. Treasury obligations, 1.50%, 5/31/19, valued at $136,053), in a joint trading account at 0.01%, dated 10/30/15, due 11/2/15 (Delivery value $133,406)
 
$
133,406

Repurchase Agreement, Fixed Income Clearing Corp., (collateralized by various U.S. Treasury obligations, 3.125%, 2/15/43, valued at $229,075), at 0.00%, dated 10/30/15, due 11/2/15 (Delivery value $222,000)
 
222,000

State Street Institutional Liquid Reserves Fund, Premier Class
414

414

TOTAL TEMPORARY CASH INVESTMENTS
(Cost $355,820)
 
355,820

TOTAL INVESTMENT SECURITIES — 100.4%
(Cost $13,489,498)
 
16,770,591

OTHER ASSETS AND LIABILITIES — (0.4)%
 
(73,904
)
TOTAL NET ASSETS — 100.0%
 
$
16,696,687


NOTES TO SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
ADR
-
American Depositary Receipt
(1)
Non-income producing.

See Notes to Financial Statements.


12


Statement of Assets and Liabilities
OCTOBER 31, 2015
 
Assets
 
Investment securities, at value (cost of $13,489,498)
$
16,770,591

Cash
4,318

Receivable for investments sold
71,360

Receivable for capital shares sold
1,922

Dividends and interest receivable
557

 
16,848,748

 
 
Liabilities
 
Payable for investments purchased
138,167

Accrued management fees
13,479

Distribution and service fees payable
415

 
152,061

 
 
Net Assets
$
16,696,687

 
 
Net Assets Consist of:
 
Capital (par value and paid-in surplus)
$
12,707,728

Undistributed net investment income
28,332

Undistributed net realized gain
679,534

Net unrealized appreciation
3,281,093

 
$
16,696,687


 
Net Assets
Shares Outstanding
Net Asset Value Per Share
Investor Class, $0.01 Par Value

$15,637,638

1,236,385

$12.65
Institutional Class, $0.01 Par Value

$42,279

3,339

$12.66
A Class, $0.01 Par Value

$583,288

46,282

$12.60*
C Class, $0.01 Par Value

$298,932

24,928

$11.99
R Class, $0.01 Par Value

$134,550

10,774

$12.49
*Maximum offering price $13.37 (net asset value divided by 0.9425).



See Notes to Financial Statements.


13


Statement of Operations
YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2015
 
Investment Income (Loss)
 
Income:
 
Dividends (net of foreign taxes withheld of $1,211)
$
228,634

Interest
76

 
228,710

 
 
Expenses:
 
Management fees
168,343

Distribution and service fees:
 
A Class
1,652

C Class
3,680

R Class
616

Directors' fees and expenses
563

 
174,854

 
 
Net investment income (loss)
53,856

 
 
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)
 
Net realized gain (loss) on investment transactions
793,586

Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments
198,421

 
 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
992,007

 
 
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations
$
1,045,863



See Notes to Financial Statements.


14


Statement of Changes in Net Assets
YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2015 AND OCTOBER 31, 2014
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
October 31, 2015
October 31, 2014
Operations
 
 
Net investment income (loss)
$
53,856

$
58,084

Net realized gain (loss)
793,586

3,833,059

Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
198,421

(1,675,354
)
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations
1,045,863

2,215,789

 
 
 
Distributions to Shareholders
 
 
From net investment income:
 
 
Investor Class
(58,116
)
(64,380
)
Institutional Class
(222
)
(216
)
A Class
(750
)
(1,153
)
From net realized gains:
 
 
Investor Class
(3,294,997
)
(1,657,959
)
Institutional Class
(8,120
)
(3,744
)
A Class
(137,956
)
(75,832
)
C Class
(80,522
)
(48,564
)
R Class
(24,279
)
(11,461
)
Decrease in net assets from distributions
(3,604,962
)
(1,863,309
)
 
 
 
Capital Share Transactions
 
 
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from capital share transactions (Note 5)
1,882,415

(613,458
)
 
 
 
Net increase (decrease) in net assets
(676,684
)
(260,978
)
 
 
 
Net Assets
 
 
Beginning of period
17,373,371

17,634,349

End of period
$
16,696,687

$
17,373,371

 
 
 
Undistributed net investment income
$
28,332

$
41,472



See Notes to Financial Statements.


15


Notes to Financial Statements 

OCTOBER 31, 2015

1. Organization

American Century Mutual Funds, Inc. (the corporation) is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act), as an open-end management investment company and is organized as a Maryland corporation. Focused Growth Fund (the fund) is one fund in a series issued by the corporation. The fund is diversified as defined under the 1940 Act. The fund’s investment objective is to seek long-term capital growth.

The fund offers the Investor Class, the Institutional Class, the A Class, the C Class and the R Class. The A Class may incur an initial sales charge. The A Class and C Class may be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge. The share classes differ principally in their respective sales charges and distribution and shareholder servicing expenses and arrangements. The Institutional Class is made available to institutional shareholders or through financial intermediaries whose clients do not require the same level of shareholder and administrative services as shareholders of other classes. As a result, the Institutional Class is charged a lower unified management fee.

2. Significant Accounting Policies

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the fund in preparation of its financial statements. The fund is an investment company and follows accounting and reporting guidance in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. This may require management to make certain estimates and assumptions at the date of the financial statements. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Management evaluated the impact of events or transactions occurring through the date the financial statements were issued that would merit recognition or disclosure.

Investment Valuations — The fund determines the fair value of its investments and computes its net asset value per share at the close of regular trading (usually 4 p.m. Eastern time) on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on each day the NYSE is open. The Board of Directors has adopted valuation policies and procedures to guide the investment advisor in the fund’s investment valuation process and to provide methodologies for the oversight of the fund’s pricing function.

Equity securities that are listed or traded on a domestic securities exchange are valued at the last reported sales price or at the official closing price as provided by the exchange. Equity securities traded on foreign securities exchanges are generally valued at the closing price of such securities on the exchange where primarily traded or at the close of the NYSE, if that is earlier. If no last sales price is reported, or if local convention or regulation so provides, the mean of the latest bid and asked prices may be used. Securities traded over-the-counter are valued at the mean of the latest bid and asked prices, the last sales price, or the official closing price.

Open-end management investment companies are valued at the reported net asset value per share. Repurchase agreements are valued at cost, which approximates fair value.

If the fund determines that the market price for an investment is not readily available or the valuation methods mentioned above do not reflect an investment’s fair value, such investment is valued as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors or its delegate, in accordance with policies and procedures adopted by the Board of Directors. In its determination of fair value, the fund may review several factors including, but not limited to, market information regarding the specific investment or comparable investments and correlation with other investment types, futures indices or general market indicators. Circumstances that may cause the fund to use these procedures to value an investment include, but are not limited to: an investment has been declared in default or is distressed; trading in a security has been suspended during the trading day or a security is not actively trading on its principal exchange; prices received from a regular pricing source are deemed unreliable; or there is a foreign market holiday and no trading occurred.

The fund monitors for significant events occurring after the close of an investment’s primary exchange but before the fund’s net asset value per share is determined. Significant events may include, but are not limited to: corporate announcements and transactions; governmental action and political unrest that could impact a specific investment or an investment sector; or armed conflicts, natural disasters and similar events that could

16


affect investments in a specific country or region. The fund also monitors for significant fluctuations between domestic and foreign markets, as evidenced by the U.S. market or such other indicators that the Board of Directors, or its delegate, deems appropriate. If significant fluctuations in foreign markets are identified, the fund may apply a model-derived factor to the closing price of equity securities traded on foreign securities exchanges. The factor is based on observable market data as provided by an independent pricing service.
 
Security Transactions — Security transactions are accounted for as of the trade date. Net realized gains and losses are determined on the identified cost basis, which is also used for federal income tax purposes.

Investment Income — Dividend income less foreign taxes withheld, if any, is recorded as of the ex-dividend date. Distributions received on securities that represent a return of capital or long-term capital gain are recorded as a reduction of cost of investments and/or as a realized gain. The fund may estimate the components of distributions received that may be considered nontaxable distributions or long-term capital gain distributions for income tax purposes. Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis and includes accretion of discounts and amortization of premiums.

Repurchase Agreements — The fund may enter into repurchase agreements with institutions that American Century Investment Management, Inc. (ACIM) (the investment advisor) has determined are creditworthy pursuant to criteria adopted by the Board of Directors. The fund requires that the collateral, represented by securities, received in a repurchase transaction be transferred to the custodian in a manner sufficient to enable the fund to obtain those securities in the event of a default under the repurchase agreement. ACIM monitors, on a daily basis, the securities transferred to ensure the value, including accrued interest, of the securities under each repurchase agreement is equal to or greater than amounts owed to the fund under each repurchase agreement.

Joint Trading Account — Pursuant to an Exemptive Order issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the fund, along with certain other funds in the American Century Investments family of funds, may transfer uninvested cash balances into a joint trading account. These balances are invested in one or more repurchase agreements that are collateralized by U.S. Treasury or Agency obligations.

Income Tax Status — It is the fund’s policy to distribute substantially all net investment income and net realized gains to shareholders and to otherwise qualify as a regulated investment company under provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. Accordingly, no provision has been made for income taxes. The fund files U.S. federal, state, local and non-U.S. tax returns as applicable. The fund's tax returns are subject to examination by the relevant taxing authority until expiration of the applicable statute of limitations, which is generally three years from the date of filing but can be longer in certain jurisdictions. At this time, management believes there are no uncertain tax positions which, based on their technical merit, would not be sustained upon examination and for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly change in the next twelve months.

Multiple Class — All shares of the fund represent an equal pro rata interest in the net assets of the class to which such shares belong, and have identical voting, dividend, liquidation and other rights and the same terms and conditions, except for class specific expenses and exclusive rights to vote on matters affecting only individual classes. Income, non-class specific expenses, and realized and unrealized capital gains and losses of the fund are allocated to each class of shares based on their relative net assets.

Distributions to Shareholders — Distributions from net investment income and net realized gains, if any, are generally declared and paid annually. The fund may elect to treat a portion of its payment to a redeeming shareholder, which represents the pro rata share of undistributed net investment income and net realized gains, as a distribution for federal income tax purposes (tax equalization).

Indemnifications — Under the corporation’s organizational documents, its officers and directors are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the fund. In addition, in the normal course of business, the fund enters into contracts that provide general indemnifications. The maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be made against a fund. The risk of material loss from such claims is considered by management to be remote.


17


3. Fees and Transactions with Related Parties

Certain officers and directors of the corporation are also officers and/or directors of American Century Companies, Inc. (ACC). The corporation’s investment advisor, ACIM, the corporation's distributor, American Century Investment Services, Inc. (ACIS), and the corporation’s transfer agent, American Century Services, LLC, are wholly owned, directly or indirectly, by ACC.

Management Fees — The corporation has entered into a management agreement with ACIM, under which ACIM provides the fund with investment advisory and management services in exchange for a single, unified management fee (the fee) per class. The agreement provides that all expenses of managing and operating the fund, except distribution and service fees, brokerage expenses, taxes, interest, fees and expenses of the independent directors (including legal counsel fees), and extraordinary expenses, will be paid by ACIM. The fee is computed and accrued daily based on each class’s daily net assets and paid monthly in arrears. The rate of the fee is determined by applying a fee rate calculation formula. This formula takes into account the fund’s assets as well as certain assets, if any, of other clients of the investment advisor outside the American Century Investments family of funds (such as subadvised funds and separate accounts) that have very similar investment teams and investment strategies (strategy assets). The annual management fee schedule ranges from 0.800% to 0.990% for the Investor Class, A Class, C Class and R Class. The annual management fee schedule ranges from 0.600% to 0.790% for the Institutional Class. The effective annual management fee for each class for the year ended October 31, 2015 was 0.99% for the Investor Class, A Class, C Class and R Class and 0.79% for the Institutional Class.

Distribution and Service Fees — The Board of Directors has adopted a separate Master Distribution and Individual Shareholder Services Plan for each of the A Class, C Class and R Class (collectively the plans), pursuant to Rule 12b-1 of the 1940 Act. The plans provide that the A Class will pay ACIS an annual distribution and service fee of 0.25%. The plans provide that the C Class will pay ACIS an annual distribution and service fee of 1.00%, of which 0.25% is paid for individual shareholder services and 0.75% is paid for distribution services. The plans provide that the R Class will pay ACIS an annual distribution and service fee of 0.50%. The fees are computed and accrued daily based on each class’s daily net assets and paid monthly in arrears. The fees are used to pay financial intermediaries for distribution and individual shareholder services. Fees incurred under the plans during the year ended October 31, 2015 are detailed in the Statement of Operations.

Directors' Fees and Expenses — The Board of Directors is responsible for overseeing the investment advisor’s management and operations of the fund. The directors receive detailed information about the fund and its investment advisor regularly throughout the year, and meet at least quarterly with management of the investment advisor to review reports about fund operations. The fund’s officers do not receive compensation from the fund.

4. Investment Transactions

Purchases and sales of investment securities, excluding short-term investments, for the year ended October 31, 2015 were $10,130,493 and $11,792,714, respectively.



18


5. Capital Share Transactions

Transactions in shares of the fund were as follows:
 
Year ended
October 31, 2015
Year ended
October 31, 2014
 
Shares
Amount
Shares
Amount
Investor Class/Shares Authorized
50,000,000

 
50,000,000

 
Sold
130,836

$
1,660,216

83,756

$
1,199,614

Issued in reinvestment of distributions
280,501

3,295,886

126,729

1,704,510

Redeemed
(230,077
)
(2,845,220
)
(207,315
)
(2,973,387
)
 
181,260

2,110,882

3,170

(69,263
)
Institutional Class/Shares Authorized
20,000,000

 
10,000,000

 
Issued in reinvestment of distributions
711

8,342

295

3,960

A Class/Shares Authorized
15,000,000

 
10,000,000

 
Sold
10,274

128,143

31,298

441,244

Issued in reinvestment of distributions
11,513

135,042

5,575

74,867

Redeemed
(37,614
)
(521,417
)
(26,665
)
(378,220
)
 
(15,827
)
(258,232
)
10,208

137,891

C Class/Shares Authorized
15,000,000

 
10,000,000

 
Sold
1,852

22,305

3,194

45,140

Issued in reinvestment of distributions
5,686

63,915

3,058

39,961

Redeemed
(8,610
)
(99,638
)
(10,239
)
(139,779
)
 
(1,072
)
(13,418
)
(3,987
)
(54,678
)
R Class/Shares Authorized
15,000,000

 
10,000,000

 
Sold
1,038

12,798

436

6,356

Issued in reinvestment of distributions
2,084

24,279

856

11,461

Redeemed
(174
)
(2,236
)
(42,964
)
(649,185
)
 
2,948

34,841

(41,672
)
(631,368
)
Net increase (decrease)
168,020

$
1,882,415

(31,986
)
$
(613,458
)

6. Fair Value Measurements

The fund’s investments valuation process is based on several considerations and may use multiple inputs to determine the fair value of the investments held by the fund. In conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, the inputs used to determine a valuation are classified into three broad levels.

Level 1 valuation inputs consist of unadjusted quoted prices in an active market for identical investments.

Level 2 valuation inputs consist of direct or indirect observable market data (including quoted prices for comparable investments, evaluations of subsequent market events, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.). These inputs also consist of quoted prices for identical investments initially expressed in local currencies that are adjusted through translation into U.S. dollars.

Level 3 valuation inputs consist of unobservable data (including a fund’s own assumptions).

The level classification is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair valuation measurement. The valuation inputs are not necessarily an indication of the risks associated with investing in these securities or other financial instruments. There were no significant transfers between levels during the period.


19


The following is a summary of the level classifications as of period end. The Schedule of Investments provides additional information on the fund’s portfolio holdings.
 
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Assets
 
 
 
Investment Securities
 
 
 
Common Stocks
$
16,291,138



Exchange-Traded Funds
123,633



Temporary Cash Investments
414

$
355,406


 
$
16,415,185

$
355,406



7. Federal Tax Information

The tax character of distributions paid during the years ended October 31, 2015 and October 31, 2014 were as follows:
 
2015
2014
Distributions Paid From
 
 
Ordinary income
$
269,775

$
65,749

Long-term capital gains
$
3,335,187

$
1,797,560


The book-basis character of distributions made during the year from net investment income or net realized gains may differ from their ultimate characterization for federal income tax purposes. These differences reflect the differing character of certain income items and net realized gains and losses for financial statement and tax purposes, and may result in reclassification among certain capital accounts on the financial statements.

As of October 31, 2015, the federal tax cost of investments and the components of distributable earnings on a tax-basis were as follows:
Federal tax cost of investments
$
13,510,950

Gross tax appreciation of investments
$
3,539,277

Gross tax depreciation of investments
(279,636
)
Net tax appreciation (depreciation) of investments
$
3,259,641

Undistributed ordinary income
$
28,332

Accumulated long-term gains
$
700,986


The difference between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation (depreciation) is attributable primarily to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales.


20


Financial Highlights
For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Years Ended October 31 (except as noted)
Per-Share Data
 
Ratios and Supplemental Data
 
 
 
 
Income From Investment Operations:
Distributions From:
 
 
Ratio to Average Net Assets of:
 
 
 
Net Asset
Value,
Beginning
of Period
Net
Investment
Income
(Loss)
(1)
Net
Realized
and
Unrealized
Gain (Loss)
Total From
Investment
Operations
Net
Investment
Income
Net
Realized
Gains
Total
Distributions
Net Asset
Value,
End
of Period
Total
Return
(2)
Operating
Expenses
Net
Investment
Income
(Loss)
Portfolio
Turnover
Rate
Net
Assets,
End of
Period
(in thousands)
Investor Class
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2015
$15.08
0.04
0.67
0.71
(0.05)
(3.09)
(3.14)
$12.65
6.41%
0.99%
0.35%
61%

$15,638

2014
$14.89
0.05
1.80
1.85
(0.06)
(1.60)
(1.66)
$15.08
13.75%
1.00%
0.38%
97%

$15,906

2013
$12.00
0.08
2.89
2.97
(0.08)
(0.08)
$14.89
24.93%
1.00%
0.64%
73%

$15,664

2012
$10.70
0.08
1.28
1.36
(0.06)
(0.06)
$12.00
12.78%
1.01%
0.70%
59%

$13,828

2011
$10.17
0.06
0.53
0.59
(0.06)
(0.06)
$10.70
5.76%
1.00%
0.54%
91%

$14,335

Institutional Class
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2015
$15.10
0.07
0.66
0.73
(0.08)
(3.09)
(3.17)
$12.66
6.51%
0.79%
0.55%
61%

$42

2014
$14.91
0.08
1.80
1.88
(0.09)
(1.60)
(1.69)
$15.10
14.06%
0.80%
0.58%
97%

$40

2013
$12.01
0.11
2.88
2.99
(0.09)
(0.09)
$14.91
25.06%
0.80%
0.84%
73%

$35

2012
$10.70
0.10
1.29
1.39
(0.08)
(0.08)
$12.01
13.09%
0.81%
0.90%
59%

$28

2011
$10.17
0.08
0.53
0.61
(0.08)
(0.08)
$10.70
5.98%
0.80%
0.74%
91%

$25

A Class
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2015
$15.03
0.02
0.66
0.68
(0.02)
(3.09)
(3.11)
$12.60
6.11%
1.24%
0.10%
61%

$583

2014
$14.84
0.02
1.79
1.81
(0.02)
(1.60)
(1.62)
$15.03
13.49%
1.25%
0.13%
97%

$933

2013
$11.99
0.05
2.88
2.93
(0.08)
(0.08)
$14.84
24.53%
1.25%
0.39%
73%

$770

2012
$10.68
0.05
1.29
1.34
(0.03)
(0.03)
$11.99
12.62%
1.26%
0.45%
59%

$1,376

2011
$10.15
0.04
0.52
0.56
(0.03)
(0.03)
$10.68
5.51%
1.25%
0.29%
91%

$1,040


21


For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Years Ended October 31 (except as noted)
Per-Share Data
 
Ratios and Supplemental Data
 
 
 
 
Income From Investment Operations:
Distributions From:
 
 
Ratio to Average Net Assets of:
 
 
 
Net Asset
Value,
Beginning
of Period
Net
Investment
Income
(Loss)
(1)
Net
Realized
and
Unrealized
Gain (Loss)
Total From
Investment
Operations
Net
Investment
Income
Net
Realized
Gains
Total
Distributions
Net Asset
Value,
End
of Period
Total
Return
(2)
Operating
Expenses
Net
Investment
Income
(Loss)
Portfolio
Turnover
Rate
Net
Assets,
End of
Period
(in thousands)
C Class
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2015
$14.52
(0.08)
0.64
0.56
(3.09)
(3.09)
$11.99
5.28%
1.99%
(0.65)%
61%

$299

2014
$14.47
(0.09)
1.74
1.65
(1.60)
(1.60)
$14.52
12.66%
2.00%
(0.62)%
97%

$378

2013
$11.75
(0.05)
2.82
2.77
(0.05)
(0.05)
$14.47
23.65%
2.00%
(0.36)%
73%

$434

2012
$10.52
(0.03)
1.26
1.23
$11.75
11.69%
2.01%
(0.30)%
59%

$311

2011
$10.05
(0.05)
0.52
0.47
$10.52
4.68%
2.00%
(0.46)%
91%

$346

R Class
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2015
$14.93
(0.02)
0.67
0.65
(3.09)
(3.09)
$12.49
5.85%
1.49%
(0.15)%
61%

$135

2014
$14.77
0.02
1.74
1.76
(1.60)
(1.60)
$14.93
13.20%
1.50%
(0.12)%
97%

$117

2013
$11.95
0.02
2.87
2.89
(0.07)
(0.07)
$14.77
24.27%
1.50%
0.14%
73%

$731

2012
$10.65
0.02
1.29
1.31
(0.01)
(0.01)
$11.95
12.29%
1.51%
0.20%
59%

$558

2011
$10.12
0.01
0.52
0.53
(3)
(3)
$10.65
5.26%
1.50%
0.04%
91%

$480

Notes to Financial Highlights
(1)
Computed using average shares outstanding throughout the period.
(2)
Total returns are calculated based on the net asset value of the last business day and do not reflect applicable sales charges, if any. Total returns for periods less than one year are not annualized.
(3)
Per-share amount was less than $0.005.

See Notes to Financial Statements.


22


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of American Century Mutual Funds, Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the schedule of investments, of Focused Growth Fund (the “Fund”), one of the funds constituting American Century Mutual Funds, Inc., as of October 31, 2015, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the periods presented. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Fund’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. The Fund is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Fund’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of October 31, 2015, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers; when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Focused Growth Fund of American Century Mutual Funds, Inc. as of October 31, 2015, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the periods presented, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Kansas City, Missouri
December 16, 2015


23


Management

The Board of Directors
The individuals listed below serve as directors of the funds. Each director will continue to serve in this capacity until death, retirement, resignation or removal from office. The board has adopted a mandatory retirement age for directors who are not “interested persons,” as that term is defined in the Investment Company Act (independent directors). Independent directors shall retire by December 31 of the year in which they reach their 75th birthday.
Mr. Thomas is an “interested person” because he currently serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of American Century Companies, Inc. (ACC), the parent company of American Century Investment Management, Inc. (ACIM or the advisor). Mr. Fink is treated as an “interested person” because of his recent employment with ACC and American Century Services, LLC (ACS). The other directors (more than three-fourths of the total number) are independent. They are not employees, directors or officers of, and have no financial interest in, ACC or any of its wholly owned, direct or indirect, subsidiaries, including ACIM, American Century Investment Services, Inc. (ACIS) and ACS, and they do not have any other affiliations, positions or relationships that would cause them to be considered “interested persons” under the Investment Company Act. The directors serve in this capacity for seven (in the case of Mr. Thomas, 15) registered investment companies in the American Century Investments family of funds.
The following table presents additional information about the directors. The mailing address for each director is 4500 Main Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64111.
Name
(Year of Birth)
Position(s)
Held with
Funds
Length of
Time Served
Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years
Number of
American
Century
Portfolios
Overseen by Director
Other
Directorships
Held During
Past 5 Years
Independent Directors
 
 
 
 
Thomas A. Brown
(1940)
Director
Since 1980
Managing Member, Associated Investments, LLC (real estate investment company)
80
None
Andrea C. Hall
(1945)
Director
Since 1997
Retired
80
None
Jan M. Lewis
(1957)
Director
Since 2011
Retired; President and Chief Executive Officer, Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas (human services organization) (2006 to 2013)
80
None
James A. Olson
(1942)
Director and Chairman of the Board
Since 2007 (Chairman since 2014)
Member, Plaza Belmont LLC (private equity fund manager)
80
Saia, Inc. (2002 to 2012) and EPR Properties (2003 to 2013)
M. Jeannine Strandjord
(1945)
Director
Since 1994
Retired
80
Euronet Worldwide Inc.; MGP Ingredients, Inc.; Charming Shoppes, Inc. (2006 to 2010); and DST Systems Inc. (1996 to 2012)
John R. Whitten
(1946)
Director
Since 2008
Retired
80
Rudolph Technologies, Inc.

24


Name
(Year of Birth)
Position(s)
Held with
Funds
Length of
Time Served
Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years
Number of
American
Century
Portfolios
Overseen by Director
Other
Directorships
Held During
Past 5 Years
Independent Directors
 
 
 
 
Stephen E. Yates
(1948)
Director
Since 2012
Retired; Executive Vice President, Technology & Operations, KeyCorp. (computer services) (2004 to 2010)
80
Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. (2001 to 2010)
Interested Directors
 
 
 
 
Barry Fink
(1955)
Director
Since 2012
Retired; Executive Vice President, ACC (September 2007 to February 2013); President, ACS (October 2007 to February 2013); Chief Operating Officer, ACC (September 2007 to November 2012)
80
None
Jonathan S. Thomas
(1963)
Director and President
Since 2007
President and Chief Executive Officer, ACC (March 2007 to present). Also serves as Chief Executive Officer, ACS; Executive Vice President, ACIM; Director, ACC, ACIM and other ACC subsidiaries
125
BioMed Valley Discoveries, Inc.

The Statement of Additional Information has additional information about the fund's directors and is available without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-345-2021.


25


Officers
The following table presents certain information about the executive officers of the funds. Each officer serves as an officer for each of the 15 investment companies in the American Century family of funds, unless otherwise noted. No officer is compensated for his or her service as an officer of the funds. The listed officers are interested persons of the funds and are appointed or re-appointed on an annual basis. The mailing address for each officer listed below is 4500 Main Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64111.
Name
(Year of Birth)
Offices with the Funds
Principal Occupation(s) During the Past Five Years
Jonathan S.
Thomas
(1963)
Director and
President
since 2007
President and Chief Executive Officer, ACC (March 2007 to present). Also serves as Chief Executive Officer, ACS; Executive Vice President, ACIM; Director, ACC, ACIM and other ACC subsidiaries
Amy D. Shelton
(1964)
Chief Compliance
Officer and Vice President since 2014
Chief Compliance Officer, American Century funds, (March 2014 to present); Chief Compliance Officer, ACIM (February 2014 to present); Chief Compliance Officer, ACIS (October 2009 to present); Vice President, Client Interactions and Marketing, ACIS (February 2013 to January 2014); Director, Client Interactions and Marketing, ACIS (June 2007 to January 2013). Also serves as Vice President, ACIS
Charles A.
Etherington
(1957)
General Counsel
since 2007 and
Senior Vice
President since 2006
Attorney, ACC (February 1994 to present); Vice President, ACC (November 2005 to present); General Counsel, ACC (March 2007 to present). Also serves as General Counsel, ACIM, ACS, ACIS and other ACC subsidiaries; and Senior Vice President, ACIM and ACS
C. Jean Wade
(1964)
Vice President,
Treasurer and
Chief Financial
Officer since 2012
Vice President, ACS (February 2000 to present)
Robert J. Leach
(1966)
Vice President
since 2006 and
Assistant Treasurer
since 2012
Vice President, ACS (February 2000 to present)
David H.
Reinmiller
(1963)
Vice President
since 2000
Attorney, ACC (January 1994 to present); Associate General Counsel, ACC (January 2001 to present). Also serves as Vice President, ACIM and ACS
Ward D. Stauffer
(1960)
Secretary
since 2005
Attorney, ACC (June 2003 to present)


26


Approval of Management Agreement


At a meeting held on June 30, 2015, the Fund’s Board of Directors unanimously approved the renewal of the management agreement pursuant to which American Century Investment Management, Inc. (the “Advisor”) acts as the investment advisor for the Fund. Under Section 15(c) of the Investment Company Act, contracts for investment advisory services are required to be reviewed, evaluated, and approved by a majority of a fund’s directors (the “Directors”), including a majority of the independent Directors, each year.
    
Prior to its consideration of the renewal of the management agreement, the Directors requested and reviewed extensive data and information compiled by the Advisor and certain independent providers of evaluation data concerning the Fund and the services provided to the Fund by the Advisor. This review was in addition to the oversight and evaluation undertaken by the Board and its committees on a continuous basis and the information received was supplemental to the extensive information that the Board and its committees receive and consider throughout the year.

In connection with its consideration of the renewal of the management agreement, the Board’s review and evaluation of the services provided by the Advisor included, but was not limited to, the following:

the nature, extent, and quality of investment management, shareholder services, and other services provided by the Advisor to the Fund;
the wide range of other programs and services the Advisor provides to the Fund and its shareholders on a routine and non-routine basis;
the Fund’s investment performance compared to appropriate benchmarks and/or a peer group of other mutual funds with similar investment objectives and strategies;
the cost of owning the Fund compared to the cost of owning similar funds;
the Advisor’s compliance policies, procedures, and regulatory experience;
financial data showing the cost of services provided to the Fund, the profitability of the Fund to the Advisor, and the overall profitability of the Advisor;
possible economies of scale associated with the Advisor’s management of the Fund and other accounts under its management;
data comparing services provided and charges to other investment management clients of the Advisor;
acquired fund fees and expenses;
payments to intermediaries by the Fund and the Advisor; and
any collateral benefits derived by the Advisor from the management of the Fund.

In keeping with their practice, the Directors held two in-person meetings and one telephonic meeting to review and discuss the information provided. The independent Directors also had the benefit of the advice of their independent counsel throughout the process.

Factors Considered

The Directors considered all of the information provided by the Advisor, the independent data providers, and independent counsel, and evaluated such information for the Fund. In connection with their review, the Directors did not identify any single factor as being all-important or controlling, and each Director may have attributed different levels of importance to different factors. In deciding to renew the management agreement, the Board based its decision on a number of factors, including the following:


27


Nature, Extent and Quality of Services - Generally. Under the management agreement, the Advisor is responsible for providing or arranging for all services necessary for the operation of the
Fund. The Board noted that under the management agreement, the Advisor provides or arranges at its own expense a wide variety of services including:

constructing and designing the Fund
portfolio research and security selection
initial capitalization/funding
securities trading
Fund administration
custody of Fund assets
daily valuation of the Fund’s portfolio
shareholder servicing and transfer agency, including shareholder confirmations, recordkeeping, and communications
legal services (except the independent Directors’ counsel)
regulatory and portfolio compliance
financial reporting
marketing and distribution (except Rule 12b-1 plans)

The Board noted that many of these services have expanded over time both in terms of quantity and complexity in response to shareholder demands, competition in the industry, changing distribution channels, and the changing regulatory environment.

Investment Management Services. The nature of the investment management services provided to the Fund is quite complex and allows Fund shareholders access to professional money management, instant diversification of their investments within an asset class, the opportunity to easily diversify among asset classes by investing in or exchanging among various American Century Investments funds, and liquidity. In evaluating investment performance, the Board expects the Advisor to manage the Fund in accordance with its investment objectives and approved strategies. Further, the Directors recognize that the Advisor has an obligation to monitor trading activities, and in particular to seek the best execution of fund trades, and to evaluate the use of and payment for research. In providing these services, the Advisor utilizes teams of investment professionals (portfolio managers, analysts, research assistants, and securities traders) who require extensive information technology, research, training, compliance and other systems to conduct their business. The Board, directly and through its Fund Performance Review Committee, regularly reviews investment performance information for the Fund, together with comparative information for appropriate benchmarks and/or peer groups of similarly-managed funds, over different time horizons. The Directors also review detailed performance information during the management agreement approval process. If performance concerns are identified, the Fund receives special reviews until performance improves, during which the Board discusses with the Advisor the reasons for such results (e.g., market conditions, security selection) and any efforts being undertaken to improve performance. The Fund’s performance was below its benchmark for the one-, three-, and five-year periods reviewed by the Board. The Board discussed the Fund's performance with the Advisor and was satisfied with the efforts being undertaken by the Advisor. The Board found the investment management services provided by the Advisor to the Fund to be satisfactory and consistent with the management agreement.

Shareholder and Other Services. Under the management agreement, the Advisor provides the Fund with a comprehensive package of transfer agency, shareholder, and other services. The Board, directly and through various committees of the Board, regularly reviews reports and evaluations of such services at its regular meetings. These reports include, but are not limited to, information regarding the operational efficiency and accuracy of the shareholder and transfer agency services provided, staffing levels, shareholder satisfaction (as measured by external as well as internal sources), technology support, new products and services offered to Fund shareholders, securities trading activities, portfolio valuation services, auditing services, and legal and operational compliance activities. The Board particularly noted the Advisor’s continual efforts to maintain effective business continuity plans and to address cybersecurity threats. Certain aspects of

28


shareholder and transfer agency service level efficiency and the quality of securities trading activities are measured by independent third party providers and are presented in comparison to other fund groups not managed by the Advisor. The Board found the services provided by the Advisor to the Fund under the management agreement to be competitive and of high quality.

Costs of Services and Profitability. The Advisor provides detailed information concerning its cost of providing various services to the Fund, its profitability in managing the Fund (pre- and post-distribution), its overall profitability, and its financial condition. The Directors have reviewed with the Advisor the methodology used to prepare this financial information. This information is considered in evaluating the Advisor’s financial condition, its ability to continue to provide services under the management agreement, and the reasonableness of the current management fee. The Board concluded that the Advisor’s profits were reasonable in light of the services provided to the Fund.

Ethics. The Board generally considers the Advisor’s commitment to providing quality services to shareholders and to conducting its business ethically. They noted that the Advisor’s practices generally meet or exceed industry best practices.

Economies of Scale. The Board also reviewed information provided by the Advisor regarding the possible existence of economies of scale in connection with the management of the Fund. The Board concluded that economies of scale are difficult to measure and predict with precision, especially on a fund-by-fund basis. The Board concluded that the Advisor is appropriately sharing economies of scale through its competitive fee structure, offering competitive fees from fund inception, and through reinvestment in its business to provide shareholders additional content and services. The Board also noted that economies of scale are shared with the Fund and its shareholders through management fee breakpoints that serve to reduce the effective management fee as the assets of the Fund grow.

Comparison to Other Funds’ Fees. The management agreement provides that the Fund pays the Advisor a single, all-inclusive (or unified) management fee for providing all services necessary for the management and operation of the Fund, other than brokerage expenses, taxes, interest, extraordinary expenses, and the fees and expenses of the Fund’s independent Directors (including their independent legal counsel) and expenses incurred in connection with the provision of shareholder services and distribution services under a plan adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Under the unified fee structure, the Advisor is responsible for providing all investment advisory, custody, audit, administrative, compliance, recordkeeping, marketing and shareholder services, or arranging and supervising third parties to provide such services. By contrast, most other funds are charged a variety of fees, including an investment advisory fee, a transfer agency fee, an administrative fee, distribution charges, and other expenses. Other than their investment advisory fees and any applicable Rule 12b-1 distribution fees, all other components of the total fees charged by these other funds may be increased without shareholder approval. The Board believes the unified fee structure is a benefit to Fund shareholders because it clearly discloses to shareholders the cost of owning Fund shares, and, since the unified fee cannot be increased without a vote of Fund shareholders, it shifts to the Advisor the risk of increased costs of operating the Fund and provides a direct incentive to minimize administrative inefficiencies. Part of the Board’s analysis of fee levels involves reviewing certain evaluative data compiled by an independent provider comparing the Fund’s unified fee to the total expense ratios of its peers. The unified fee charged to shareholders of the Fund was below the median of the total expense ratios of the Fund’s peer expense universe and was within the range of its peer expense group. The Board concluded that the management fee paid by the Fund to the Advisor under the management agreement is reasonable in light of the services provided to the Fund.


29


Comparison to Fees and Services Provided to Other Clients of the Advisor. The Directors also requested and received information from the Advisor concerning the nature of the services, fees, costs and profitability of its advisory services to advisory clients other than the Fund. They observed that these varying types of client accounts require different services and involve different regulatory and entrepreneurial risks than the management of the Fund. The Board analyzed this information and concluded that the fees charged and services provided to the Fund were reasonable by comparison.

Payments to Intermediaries. The Directors also requested and received a description of payments made to intermediaries by the Fund and the Advisor. These payments include various payments made by the Fund or the Advisor to different types of intermediaries and recordkeepers for distribution and service activities provided for the Fund. The Board reviewed such information and found the payments to be reasonable in scope and purpose.

Collateral or “Fall-Out” Benefits Derived by the Advisor. The Board considered the existence of collateral benefits the Advisor may receive as a result of its relationship with the Fund. They concluded that the Advisor’s primary business is managing mutual funds and it generally does not use fund or shareholder information to generate profits in other lines of business, and therefore does not derive any significant collateral benefits from them. The Board noted that additional assets from other clients may offer the Advisor some benefit from increased leverage with service providers and counterparties. Additionally, the Advisor receives proprietary research from broker-dealers that execute fund portfolio transactions, which the Board concluded is likely to benefit other clients of the Advisor as well as Fund shareholders. The Board also determined that the Advisor is able to provide investment management services to certain clients other than the Fund, at least in part, due to its existing infrastructure built to serve the fund complex. The Board concluded that appropriate allocation methodologies had been employed to assign resources and the cost of those resources to these other clients and, where expressly provided, these other client assets may be included with the assets of the Fund to determine breakpoints in the management fee schedule.

Existing Relationship. The Board also considered whether there was any reason for not continuing the existing arrangement with the Advisor. In this regard, the Board was mindful of the potential disruptions of the Fund’s operations and various risks, uncertainties, and other effects that could occur as a result of a decision not to continue such relationship. In particular, the Board recognized that most shareholders have invested in the Fund on the strength of the Advisor’s industry standing and reputation and in the expectation that the Advisor will have a continuing role in providing advisory services to the Fund.

Conclusion of the Directors. As a result of this process, the Board, including all of the independent Directors, taking into account all of the factors discussed above and the information provided by the Advisor and others in connection with its review and throughout the year, determined that the management fee is fair and reasonable in light of the services provided and that the investment management agreement between the Fund and the Advisor should be renewed.


30


Additional Information

Retirement Account Information
As required by law, distributions you receive from certain IRAs are subject to federal income tax withholding, unless you elect not to have withholding apply. Tax will be withheld on the total amount withdrawn even though you may be receiving amounts that are not subject to withholding, such as nondeductible contributions. In such case, excess amounts of withholding could occur. You may adjust your withholding election so that a greater or lesser amount will be withheld.
If you don’t want us to withhold on this amount, you must notify us to not withhold the federal income tax. You may notify us in writing or in certain situations by telephone or through other electronic means. For systematic withdrawals, your withholding election will remain in effect until revoked or changed by filing a new election. You have the right to revoke your election at any time.
Remember, even if you elect not to have income tax withheld, you are liable for paying income tax on the taxable portion of your withdrawal. If you elect not to have income tax withheld or you don’t have enough income tax withheld, you may be responsible for payment of estimated tax. You may incur penalties under the estimated tax rules if your withholding and estimated tax payments are not sufficient. You can reduce or defer the income tax on a distribution by directly or indirectly rolling such distribution over to another IRA or eligible plan. You should consult your tax advisor for additional information.
State tax will be withheld if, at the time of your distribution, your address is within one of the mandatory withholding states and you have federal income tax withheld (or as otherwise required by state law). State taxes will be withheld from your distribution in accordance with the respective state rules.
Distributions you receive from 403(b), 457 and qualified plans are subject to special tax and withholding rules. Your plan administrator or plan sponsor is required to provide you with a special tax notice explaining those rules at the time you request a distribution. If applicable, federal and/or state taxes may be withheld from your distribution amount.


Proxy Voting Policies
A description of the policies that the fund's investment advisor uses in exercising the voting rights associated with the securities purchased and/or held by the fund is available without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-345-2021. It is also available on the "About Us" page of American Century Investments’ website at americancentury.com and on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at sec.gov. Information regarding how the investment advisor voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available on the "About Us" page at americancentury.com. It is also available at sec.gov.


Quarterly Portfolio Disclosure
The fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The fund’s Forms N-Q are available on the SEC’s website at sec.gov, and may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330. The fund also makes its complete schedule of portfolio holdings for the most recent quarter of its fiscal year available on its
website at americancentury.com and, upon request, by calling 1-800-345-2021.


31


Other Tax Information

The following information is provided pursuant to provisions of the Internal Revenue Code.

The fund hereby designates up to the maximum amount allowable as qualified dividend income for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2015.

For corporate taxpayers, the fund hereby designates $227,238, or up to the maximum amount allowable, of ordinary income distributions paid during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2015 as qualified for the corporate dividends received deduction.

The fund hereby designates $210,787 as qualified short-term capital gain distributions for purposes of Internal Revenue Code Section 871 for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2015.

The fund hereby designates $3,413,059, or up to the maximum amount allowable, as long-term capital gain distributions for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2015.

The fund utilized earnings and profits of $83,120 distributed to shareholders on redemption of shares as part of the dividends paid deduction (tax equalization).



32






 
 
 
 
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or 816-531-5575
 
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American Century Mutual Funds, Inc.
 
 
 
 
Investment Advisor:
American Century Investment Management, Inc.
Kansas City, Missouri
 
 
 
 
This report and the statements it contains are submitted for the general information of our shareholders. The report is not authorized for distribution to prospective investors unless preceded or accompanied by an effective prospectus.
 
 
 
 
©2015 American Century Proprietary Holdings, Inc. All rights reserved.
CL-ANN-87637   1512
 



        ANNUAL REPORT
OCTOBER 31, 2015

 
 


Fundamental Equity Fund







Table of Contents

President's Letter
2
Performance
3
Portfolio Commentary
Fund Characteristics
Shareholder Fee Example
Schedule of Investments
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
Statement of Operations
Statement of Changes in Net Assets.
Notes to Financial Statements
Financial Highlights
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Management
Approval of Management Agreement
Additional Information






















Any opinions expressed in this report reflect those of the author as of the date of the report, and do not necessarily represent the opinions of American Century Investments® or any other person in the American Century Investments organization. Any such opinions are subject to change at any time based upon market or other conditions and American Century Investments disclaims any responsibility to update such opinions. These opinions may not be relied upon as investment advice and, because investment decisions made by American Century Investments funds are based on numerous factors, may not be relied upon as an indication of trading intent on behalf of any American Century Investments fund. Security examples are used for representational purposes only and are not intended as recommendations to purchase or sell securities. Performance information for comparative indices and securities is provided to American Century Investments by third party vendors. To the best of American Century Investments’ knowledge, such information is accurate at the time of printing.



President’s Letter

Dear Investor:

Thank you for reviewing this annual report for the 12 months ended October 31, 2015. It provides investment performance and portfolio information for the reporting period, plus longer-term historical performance data.

Annual reports remain useful vehicles for conveying information about fund performance, including market and economic factors that affected returns during the reporting period. For additional, updated investment and market insights, we encourage you to visit our website, americancentury.com.
Jonathan Thomas

Divergence in Economic Growth and Monetary Policies, Combined With China Turmoil, Triggered Market Volatility

Divergence between the U.S. and the rest of the world—along with China’s struggles, plunging commodity prices, capital market volatility, and risk-off trading—emerged as key themes during the reporting period. Global divergence described not only the relatively stronger economic growth enjoyed by the U.S. compared with most of the world, but also the related contrast between the U.S. Federal Reserve’s (the Fed’s) unwinding of monetary stimulus versus the continuation and expansion of stimulus by other major central banks. Central bank moves—including the Fed’s delayed normalization of its extremely low interest rate positioning—helped trigger large market swings.

In October 2014, the Fed ended its latest massive bond-buying program (quantitative easing, QE), leading to expectations that interest rates would rise. But while QE was halted in the U.S., other major central banks were starting or increasing QE as their economies faltered. This divergence helped fuel increased demand for the U.S. dollar and U.S. dollar-denominated assets, and put downward pressure on commodity prices, most notably crude oil, down over 40% for the reporting period. Low inflation also prevailed after oil prices plunged amid a supply glut and muted demand for commodities in general. In this environment, the U.S. dollar, U.S. growth stocks, and longer-maturity U.S. Treasuries generally benefited from “flight to quality” capital flows, while emerging market and commodity-related investments suffered significant declines.

We expect continued economic and monetary policy divergence between the U.S. and non-U.S. economies in the coming months, accompanied by further market volatility. This could present both challenges and opportunities for active investment managers. In this environment, we continue to believe in a disciplined, diversified, long-term investment approach, using professionally managed stock and bond portfolios to meet financial goals. We appreciate your continued trust in us.

Sincerely,
Jonathan Thomas
President and Chief Executive Officer
American Century Investments


2


Performance
Total Returns as of October 31, 2015
 
 
 
Average Annual Returns
 
 
Ticker
Symbol
1 year
5 years
10 years
Since
Inception
Inception
Date
A Class
AFDAX
 
 
 
 
11/30/04
No sales charge*
 
3.21%
13.82%
8.62%
8.84%
 
With sales charge*
 
-2.75%
12.47%
7.98%
8.25%
 
S&P 500 Index
5.20%
14.32%
7.84%
7.59%
Investor Class
AFDIX
3.51%
14.10%
8.88%
8.81%
7/29/05
Institutional Class
AFEIX
3.66%
14.34%
9.09%
9.02%
7/29/05
C Class
AFDCX
2.42%
12.98%
7.79%
8.02%
11/30/04
R Class
AFDRX
3.01%
13.54%
8.33%
8.26%
7/29/05
* Sales charges include initial sales charges and contingent deferred sales charges (CDSCs), as applicable. A Class shares have a 5.75% maximum initial sales charge and may be subject to a maximum CDSC of 1.00%. C Class shares redeemed within 12 months of purchase are subject to a maximum CDSC of 1.00%. The SEC requires that mutual funds provide performance information net of maximum sales charges in all cases where charges could be applied.


























Data presented reflect past performance. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, and redemption value may be more or less than original cost. Data assumes reinvestment of dividends and capital gains, and none of the charts reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares. To obtain performance data current to the most recent month end, please call 1-800-345-2021 or visit americancentury.com. For additional information about the fund, please consult the prospectus.

3


Growth of $10,000 Over 10 Years
$10,000 investment made October 31, 2005*
Performance for other share classes will vary due to differences in fee structure.
 
Value on October 31, 2015
 
A Class — $21,551
 
 
S&P 500 Index — $21,288
 
* The A Class’s initial investment is $9,425 to reflect the maximum 5.75% initial sales charge.

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses
 
Investor Class
Institutional Class
A Class
C Class
R Class
1.00%
0.80%
1.25%
2.00%
1.50%
The total annual fund operating expenses shown is as stated in the fund’s prospectus current as of the date of this report. The prospectus may vary from the expense ratio shown elsewhere in this report because it is based on a different time period, includes acquired fund fees and expenses, and, if applicable, does not include fee waivers or expense reimbursements.












Data presented reflect past performance. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, and redemption value may be more or less than original cost. Data assumes reinvestment of dividends and capital gains, and none of the charts reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares. To obtain performance data current to the most recent month end, please call 1-800-345-2021 or visit americancentury.com. For additional information about the fund, please consult the prospectus.

4


Portfolio Commentary

Portfolio Managers: Greg Woodhams, Prescott LeGard, Justin Brown, and Joe Reiland

Performance Summary
Fundamental Equity returned 3.51%* for the 12 months ended October 31, 2015, compared with the 5.20% return of the portfolio’s benchmark, the S&P 500 Index.
U.S. stock indices delivered positive returns during the reporting period amid volatility and considerable variation among sectors. Within the S&P 500 Index, consumer discretionary stocks posted the best total return, gaining nearly 21%. Information technology, consumer staples, and health care also performed well. Energy was the worst-performing sector, losing more than 19%. Materials, telecommunication services, and utilities also registered losses.
Fundamental Equity received positive contributions to absolute return from most sectors, led by information technology and consumer staples. Energy stocks were the most significant negative contributors. Stock decisions in the consumer discretionary and information technology sectors detracted most from performance relative to the S&P 500 Index. Stock selection in the consumer staples and financials sectors aided results versus the benchmark.
Consumer Discretionary and Information Technology Led Detractors
Stock selection in the consumer discretionary sector was a major source of underperformance relative to the S&P 500 Index, especially in the hotels, restaurants, and leisure and textile, apparel, and luxury goods industries. Underweighting internet and catalog retailers also hampered performance. Underweighting Amazon.com was a significant detractor as the online retailer reported strong revenue growth. Margins are improving through efficiency gains, and profitability from its cloud hosting services has been higher than expected. Not owning index component Starbucks also detracted as the coffee retailer posted solid results.
The information technology sector also hampered relative performance, largely due to stock choices. An overweight allocation to communication chipmaker QUALCOMM detracted as the company suffered from a competitive business environment, issues with royalty payments, and slower growth in China.
Other key individual detractors came from sectors and companies affected by falling energy prices and slowing global growth. Energy equipment and services firm National Oilwell Varco suffered as demand for its rigs and other services declined. The economic slowdown in emerging markets such as Brazil and China hurt engine maker Cummins and construction equipment maker Caterpillar. Falling oil prices also hurt road and rail company Union Pacific as investors worried about declining rail volumes.
Consumer Staples and Financials Holdings Aided Results
Stock decisions in the consumer staples sector contributed most to relative performance, driven by stock selection in the food and staples retailing industry and positioning in the household products industry. An overweight allocation to grocery chain Kroger was a key contributor. The company continued to report strong sales and profit growth, beating analyst expectations.
In financials, stock selection among insurers and banks aided results. American International Group was a top contributor, reporting better-than-expected earnings. The large insurer has also come under pressure from an outside investor to create shareholder value by breaking up the company.


*All fund returns referenced in this commentary are for Investor Class shares. Performance for other share classes will vary due to differences in fee structure; when Investor Class performance exceeds that of the fund’s benchmark, other share classes may not. See page 3 for returns for all share classes.

5


Elsewhere, significant individual contributors included online travel agent Expedia, which continued to report very strong results with hotel room nights, bookings, and revenue growth all better than expected in both the U.S. and globally. The company benefited from regulatory approval of its planned purchase of rival Orbitz, as well as from exiting its money-losing Chinese partnership. Credit card company Visa was a significant contributor, reporting strong results that beat expectations. The company continues to benefit from the transition of consumer purchases from check to credit. In addition, the market is looking forward to the potential benefits from an acquisition of Visa Europe. Video game maker Electronic Arts was a top contributor. The company continued to execute, reporting strong results with improving operating margins driven by cost controls.
Outlook
Fundamental Equity generally invests in larger-sized companies, although it may invest in companies of any size. We use a quantitative model that combines fundamental measures of a stock's value and growth potential. The fund seeks to provide better returns than, and a dividend yield comparable to, its benchmark, the S&P 500 Index, without taking on significant additional risk.
As of October 31, 2015, the fund’s largest sector overweights were in information technology and health care. The key underweights were in consumer discretionary and telecommunication services. Regardless of market conditions, we will remain focused on our methodology of identifying attractively valued companies with growth characteristics.




6


Fund Characteristics
OCTOBER 31, 2015
 
Top Ten Holdings
% of net assets
Apple, Inc.
4.0%
Johnson & Johnson
3.0%
Alphabet, Inc.*
2.8%
Exxon Mobil Corp.
2.8%
JPMorgan Chase & Co.
2.7%
Pfizer, Inc.
2.6%
Citigroup, Inc.
2.3%
Visa, Inc., Class A
2.3%
Comcast Corp., Class A
2.2%
Home Depot, Inc. (The)
2.2%
*Includes all classes of the issuer.
 
 
 
Top Five Industries
% of net assets
Banks
7.6%
Pharmaceuticals
6.3%
Oil, Gas and Consumable Fuels
5.4%
Technology Hardware, Storage and Peripherals
5.4%
Internet Software and Services
4.7%
 
 
Types of Investments in Portfolio
% of net assets
Common Stocks
99.0%
Temporary Cash Investments
0.9%
Other Assets and Liabilities
0.1%





7


Shareholder Fee Example

Fund shareholders may incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments and redemption/exchange fees; and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution and service (12b-1) fees; and other fund expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in your fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing cost of investing in other mutual funds.

The example is based on an investment of $1,000 made at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period from May 1, 2015 to October 31, 2015.

Actual Expenses

The table provides information about actual account values and actual expenses for each class. You may use the information, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. First, identify the share class you own. Then simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number under the heading “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

If you hold Investor Class shares of any American Century Investments fund, or Institutional Class shares of the American Century Diversified Bond Fund, in an American Century Investments account (i.e., not a financial intermediary or retirement plan account), American Century Investments may charge you a $12.50 semiannual account maintenance fee if the value of those shares is less than $10,000. We will redeem shares automatically in one of your accounts to pay the $12.50 fee. In determining your total eligible investment amount, we will include your investments in all personal accounts (including American Century Investments Brokerage accounts) registered under your Social Security number. Personal accounts include individual accounts, joint accounts, UGMA/UTMA accounts, personal trusts, Coverdell Education Savings Accounts and IRAs (including traditional, Roth, Rollover, SEP-, SARSEP- and SIMPLE-IRAs), and certain other retirement accounts. If you have only business, business retirement, employer-sponsored or American Century Investments Brokerage accounts, you are currently not subject to this fee. If you are subject to the Account Maintenance Fee, your account value could be reduced by the fee amount.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The table also provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the actual expense ratio of each class of your fund and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the actual return of a fund’s share class. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in your fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads) or redemption/exchange fees. Therefore, the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.


8




Beginning
Account Value
5/1/15
Ending
Account Value
10/31/15
Expenses Paid
During Period
(1)5/1/15 - 10/31/15
 
Annualized
Expense Ratio
(1)
Actual
 
 
 
 
Investor Class
$1,000
$997.70
$4.98
0.99%
Institutional Class
$1,000
$998.20
$3.98
0.79%
A Class
$1,000
$996.30
$6.24
1.24%
C Class
$1,000
$992.50
$9.99
1.99%
R Class
$1,000
$995.40
$7.49
1.49%
Hypothetical
 
 
 
 
Investor Class
$1,000
$1,020.22
$5.04
0.99%
Institutional Class
$1,000
$1,021.22
$4.02
0.79%
A Class
$1,000
$1,018.96
$6.31
1.24%
C Class
$1,000
$1,015.17
$10.11
1.99%
R Class
$1,000
$1,017.69
$7.58
1.49%
(1)
Expenses are equal to the class's annualized expense ratio listed in the table above, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184, the number of days in the most recent fiscal half-year, divided by 365, to reflect the one-half year period.


9


Schedule of Investments

OCTOBER 31, 2015
 
Shares
Value
COMMON STOCKS — 99.0%
 
 
Aerospace and Defense — 3.8%
 
 
Boeing Co. (The)
16,981

$
2,514,377

General Dynamics Corp.
17,775

2,641,009

Northrop Grumman Corp.
24,208

4,545,052

 
 
9,700,438

Airlines — 1.7%
 
 
Delta Air Lines, Inc.
83,876

4,264,256

Southwest Airlines Co.
1,957

90,589

United Continental Holdings, Inc.(1) 
1,513

91,249

 
 
4,446,094

Automobiles — 0.4%
 
 
Ford Motor Co.
72,885

1,079,427

Banks — 7.6%
 
 
BancorpSouth, Inc.
8,917

222,301

Citigroup, Inc.
112,043

5,957,326

Fifth Third Bancorp
1,376

26,213

JPMorgan Chase & Co.
109,914

7,061,975

KeyCorp
19,017

236,191

M&T Bank Corp.
425

50,936

PacWest Bancorp
6,373

287,040

Wells Fargo & Co.
106,379

5,759,359

 
 
19,601,341

Beverages — 2.2%
 
 
Coca-Cola Enterprises, Inc.
16,356

839,717

Dr Pepper Snapple Group, Inc.
17,278

1,544,135

PepsiCo, Inc.
31,517

3,220,722

 
 
5,604,574

Biotechnology — 4.5%
 
 
AbbVie, Inc.
20,081

1,195,824

Amgen, Inc.
17,768

2,810,542

Biogen, Inc.(1) 
11,088

3,221,175

Gilead Sciences, Inc.
37,918

4,100,073

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(1) 
592

329,975

 
 
11,657,589

Capital Markets — 1.5%
 
 
Ameriprise Financial, Inc.
12,115

1,397,586

BlackRock, Inc.
1,917

674,727

Franklin Resources, Inc.
12,480

508,685

Legg Mason, Inc.
26,020

1,164,395

 
 
3,745,393

Chemicals — 1.8%
 
 
CF Industries Holdings, Inc.
15,536

788,763


10


 
Shares
Value
Dow Chemical Co. (The)
11,360

$
586,971

LyondellBasell Industries NV, Class A
16,199

1,505,049

PPG Industries, Inc.
730

76,110

Sherwin-Williams Co. (The)
6,469

1,726,123

 
 
4,683,016

Commercial Services and Supplies — 0.3%
 
 
Deluxe Corp.
1,558

92,779

Tyco International plc
15,052

548,495

 
 
641,274

Communications Equipment — 3.2%
 
 
ARRIS Group, Inc.(1) 
9,313

263,185

Cisco Systems, Inc.
127,682

3,683,626

Harris Corp.
1,935

153,117

Motorola Solutions, Inc.
27,216

1,904,304

QUALCOMM, Inc.
36,701

2,180,773

 
 
8,185,005

Construction and Engineering — 0.1%
 
 
Fluor Corp.
5,229

249,998

Diversified Consumer Services — 0.3%
 
 
H&R Block, Inc.
24,087

897,482

Diversified Financial Services — 1.0%
 
 
Berkshire Hathaway, Inc., Class B(1) 
5,555

755,591

McGraw Hill Financial, Inc.
13,393

1,240,728

Moody's Corp.
5,218

501,763

 
 
2,498,082

Diversified Telecommunication Services — 1.7%
 
 
AT&T, Inc.
51,730

1,733,472

CenturyLink, Inc.
46,599

1,314,558

Level 3 Communications, Inc.(1) 
2,087

106,332

Verizon Communications, Inc.
28,302

1,326,798

 
 
4,481,160

Electric Utilities — 1.0%
 
 
Duke Energy Corp.
1,115

79,689

Edison International
9,545

577,663

Entergy Corp.
15,584

1,062,205

Xcel Energy, Inc.
22,542

803,172

 
 
2,522,729

Electrical Equipment  
 
 
Emerson Electric Co.
1,148

54,220

Electronic Equipment, Instruments and Components  
 
 
Dolby Laboratories, Inc., Class A
629

21,807

FLIR Systems, Inc.
1,529

40,779

 
 
62,586

Energy Equipment and Services — 1.8%
 
 
Cameron International Corp.(1) 
7,096

482,599

Diamond Offshore Drilling, Inc.
23,515

467,478

Halliburton Co.
22,417

860,364


11


 
Shares
Value
Nabors Industries Ltd.
6,767

$
67,941

National Oilwell Varco, Inc.
66,821

2,515,142

Schlumberger Ltd.
2,311

180,628

 
 
4,574,152

Food and Staples Retailing — 3.5%
 
 
CVS Health Corp.
48,424

4,783,323

Kroger Co. (The)
88,465

3,343,977

Rite Aid Corp.(1) 
19,788

155,929

SUPERVALU, Inc.(1) 
49,463

324,972

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
9,521

544,982

 
 
9,153,183

Food Products — 2.6%
 
 
Archer-Daniels-Midland Co.
11,836

540,432

Campbell Soup Co.
5,930

301,185

ConAgra Foods, Inc.
19,301

782,655

General Mills, Inc.
18,351

1,066,377

Pinnacle Foods, Inc.
23,041

1,015,647

Tyson Foods, Inc., Class A
70,042

3,107,063

 
 
6,813,359

Health Care Equipment and Supplies — 1.5%
 
 
Abbott Laboratories
56,375

2,525,600

Boston Scientific Corp.(1) 
21,983

401,849

C.R. Bard, Inc.
1,966

366,364

Edwards Lifesciences Corp.(1) 
1,080

169,722

Hologic, Inc.(1) 
3,197

124,236

Intuitive Surgical, Inc.(1) 
302

149,973

ResMed, Inc.
365

21,028

 
 
3,758,772

Health Care Providers and Services — 2.9%
 
 
Aetna, Inc.
10,965

1,258,563

AmerisourceBergen Corp.
22,137

2,136,442

Cigna Corp.
12,959

1,737,024

Express Scripts Holding Co.(1) 
23,927

2,066,814

HCA Holdings, Inc.(1) 
2,877

197,909

 
 
7,396,752

Hotels, Restaurants and Leisure — 0.5%
 
 
Brinker International, Inc.
13,301

605,328

Carnival Corp.
3,424

185,170

Cheesecake Factory, Inc. (The)
2,917

140,599

Las Vegas Sands Corp.
5,366

265,671

Yum! Brands, Inc.
1,012

71,761

 
 
1,268,529

Household Products — 0.3%
 
 
Kimberly-Clark Corp.
7,024

840,843

Independent Power and Renewable Electricity Producers — 0.1%
 
 
AES Corp. (The)
27,536

301,519

NRG Energy, Inc.
2,292

29,544

 
 
331,063


12


 
Shares
Value
Industrial Conglomerates — 1.1%
 
 
3M Co.
15,815

$
2,486,276

General Electric Co.
8,647

250,071

 
 
2,736,347

Insurance — 4.0%
 
 
American International Group, Inc.
73,045

4,606,218

MetLife, Inc.
27,103

1,365,449

Principal Financial Group, Inc.
1,368

68,619

Travelers Cos., Inc. (The)
38,155

4,307,318

 
 
10,347,604

Internet and Catalog Retail — 1.1%
 
 
Amazon.com, Inc.(1) 
185

115,792

Expedia, Inc.
18,951

2,583,021

Liberty Interactive Corp. QVC Group, Class A(1) 
8,882

243,100

 
 
2,941,913

Internet Software and Services — 4.7%
 
 
Alphabet, Inc., Class A(1) 
5,952

4,388,945

Alphabet, Inc., Class C(1) 
4,092

2,908,635

eBay, Inc.(1) 
1,739

48,518

Facebook, Inc., Class A(1) 
42,294

4,312,719

IAC/InterActiveCorp
2,762

185,082

VeriSign, Inc.(1) 
2,679

215,927

Yelp, Inc.(1) 
6,771

150,655

 
 
12,210,481

IT Services — 3.7%
 
 
Alliance Data Systems Corp.(1) 
4,522

1,344,436

Computer Sciences Corp.
5,138

342,139

International Business Machines Corp.
10,272

1,438,902

Visa, Inc., Class A
75,623

5,866,832

Western Union Co. (The)
27,910

537,268

Xerox Corp.
10,473

98,341

 
 
9,627,918

Life Sciences Tools and Services — 0.1%
 
 
Agilent Technologies, Inc.
9,815

370,614

Machinery — 2.3%
 
 
Caterpillar, Inc.
31,933

2,330,790

Cummins, Inc.
24,703

2,557,007

Dover Corp.
12,479

804,022

Flowserve Corp.
3,206

148,630

Parker-Hannifin Corp.
1,758

184,063

 
 
6,024,512

Media — 4.1%
 
 
Comcast Corp., Class A
92,828

5,812,889

DISH Network Corp., Class A(1) 
2,865

180,409

Time Warner Cable, Inc.
1,509

285,805

Time Warner, Inc.
15,274

1,150,743

Viacom, Inc., Class B
33,213

1,637,733


13


 
Shares
Value
Walt Disney Co. (The)
13,430

$
1,527,528

 
 
10,595,107

Multi-Utilities — 1.4%
 
 
Ameren Corp.
22,688

991,012

CenterPoint Energy, Inc.
5,582

103,546

DTE Energy Co.
6,508

530,988

PG&E Corp.
15,588

832,399

Public Service Enterprise Group, Inc.
29,487

1,217,518

 
 
3,675,463

Multiline Retail — 1.9%
 
 
Big Lots, Inc.
10,342

476,766

Kohl's Corp.
7,976

367,853

Macy's, Inc.
23,092

1,177,230

Target Corp.
35,658

2,752,085

 
 
4,773,934

Oil, Gas and Consumable Fuels — 5.4%
 
 
Apache Corp.
3,626

170,894

Chevron Corp.
2,260

205,389

Concho Resources, Inc.(1) 
4,024

466,422

ConocoPhillips
23,034

1,228,864

EOG Resources, Inc.
6,774

581,548

Exxon Mobil Corp.
86,742

7,177,033

HollyFrontier Corp.
9,291

454,980

Murphy Oil Corp.
5,845

166,173

Occidental Petroleum Corp.
14,178

1,056,828

Valero Energy Corp.
37,146

2,448,664

 
 
13,956,795

Paper and Forest Products — 0.6%
 
 
International Paper Co.
39,078

1,668,240

Personal Products — 0.1%
 
 
Estee Lauder Cos., Inc. (The), Class A
3,886

312,668

Pharmaceuticals — 6.3%
 
 
Eli Lilly & Co.
15,927

1,299,165

Johnson & Johnson
77,751

7,855,184

Merck & Co., Inc.
2,235

122,165

Mylan NV(1) 
8,193

361,229

Pfizer, Inc.
195,614

6,615,666

 
 
16,253,409

Professional Services — 0.1%
 
 
Equifax, Inc.
2,982

317,792

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) — 1.7%
 
 
Annaly Capital Management, Inc.
20,835

207,308

AvalonBay Communities, Inc.
1,306

228,328

CBL & Associates Properties, Inc.
4,920

71,734

Crown Castle International Corp.
1,204

102,894

Digital Realty Trust, Inc.
1,430

105,763

Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc.
59,643

1,033,613


14


 
Shares
Value
Iron Mountain, Inc.
2,524

$
77,335

Macerich Co. (The)
583

49,403

ProLogis, Inc.
5,642

241,083

Public Storage
7,886

1,809,521

Simon Property Group, Inc.
1,645

331,402

Weyerhaeuser Co.
4,484

131,516

 
 
4,389,900

Road and Rail — 0.6%
 
 
Ryder System, Inc.
2,737

196,462

Union Pacific Corp.
14,720

1,315,232

 
 
1,511,694

Semiconductors and Semiconductor Equipment — 2.7%
 
 
Altera Corp.
3,445

181,035

First Solar, Inc.(1) 
4,413

251,850

Intel Corp.
52,497

1,777,548

KLA-Tencor Corp.
15,688

1,052,979

Micron Technology, Inc.(1) 
36,669

607,239

NVIDIA Corp.
27,051

767,437

Texas Instruments, Inc.
32,838

1,862,571

Xilinx, Inc.
10,236

487,438

 
 
6,988,097

Software — 3.0%
 
 
CA, Inc.
1,602

44,391

Citrix Systems, Inc.(1) 
771

63,299

Electronic Arts, Inc.(1) 
22,893

1,649,899

Microsoft Corp.
32,137

1,691,692

MicroStrategy, Inc., Class A(1) 
585

100,661

Oracle Corp.
56,851

2,208,093

Red Hat, Inc.(1) 
5,879

465,088

salesforce.com, inc.(1) 
657

51,055

Symantec Corp.
65,130

1,341,678

 
 
7,615,856

Specialty Retail — 3.4%
 
 
Bed Bath & Beyond, Inc.(1) 
1,094

65,235

Best Buy Co., Inc.
6,517

228,291

Gap, Inc. (The)
36,435

991,761

Home Depot, Inc. (The)
46,827

5,789,690

Lowe's Cos., Inc.
6,201

457,820

Pier 1 Imports, Inc.
3,438

25,510

Rent-A-Center, Inc.
2,042

37,552

Ross Stores, Inc.
1,848

93,472

TJX Cos., Inc. (The)
14,879

1,088,994

 
 
8,778,325

Technology Hardware, Storage and Peripherals — 5.4%
 
 
Apple, Inc.
87,027

10,399,726

EMC Corp.
28,940

758,807

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co.(1)(2)
95,266

1,402,316


15


 
Shares
Value
Hewlett-Packard Co.
95,266

$
1,155,577

NetApp, Inc.
1,614

54,876

Western Digital Corp.
2,325

155,356

 
 
13,926,658

Textiles, Apparel and Luxury Goods — 0.4%
 
 
Coach, Inc.
2,895

90,324

Ralph Lauren Corp.
7,372

816,596

 
 
906,920

Tobacco — 0.6%
 
 
Altria Group, Inc.
25,036

1,513,927

Trading Companies and Distributors  
 
 
W.W. Grainger, Inc.
287

60,270

TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(Cost $190,602,374)
 
255,751,505

TEMPORARY CASH INVESTMENTS — 0.9%
 
 
Repurchase Agreement, Credit Suisse First Boston, Inc., (collateralized by various U.S. Treasury obligations, 1.50%, 5/31/19, valued at $889,863), in a joint trading account at 0.01%, dated 10/30/15, due 11/2/15 (Delivery value $872,551)
 
872,550

Repurchase Agreement, Fixed Income Clearing Corp., (collateralized by various U.S. Treasury obligations, 3.125%, 2/15/43, valued at $1,483,781), at 0.00%, dated 10/30/15, due 11/2/15 (Delivery value $1,454,000)
 
1,454,000

TOTAL TEMPORARY CASH INVESTMENTS
(Cost $2,326,550)
 
2,326,550

TOTAL INVESTMENT SECURITIES — 99.9%
(Cost $192,928,924)
 
258,078,055

OTHER ASSETS AND LIABILITIES — 0.1%
 
279,598

TOTAL NET ASSETS — 100.0%
 
$
258,357,653


NOTES TO SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
Category is less than 0.05% of total net assets.
(1)
Non-income producing.
(2)
When-issued security. The issue price and yield are fixed on the date of the commitment, but payment and delivery are scheduled for a future date.

See Notes to Financial Statements.

16


Statement of Assets and Liabilities
OCTOBER 31, 2015
 
Assets
 
Investment securities, at value (cost of $192,928,924)
$
258,078,055

Cash
4,445

Receivable for investments sold
72,145

Receivable for capital shares sold
463,125

Dividends and interest receivable
250,905

 
258,868,675

 
 
Liabilities
 
Payable for capital shares redeemed
258,844

Accrued management fees
207,514

Distribution and service fees payable
44,664

 
511,022

 
 
Net Assets
$
258,357,653

 
 
Net Assets Consist of:
 
Capital (par value and paid-in surplus)
$
231,075,843

Undistributed net investment income
1,744,553

Accumulated net realized loss
(39,611,874)

Net unrealized appreciation
65,149,131

 
$
258,357,653


 
Net Assets
Shares Outstanding
Net Asset Value
Per Share
Investor Class, $0.01 Par Value
$95,072,349
4,366,930

$21.77
Institutional Class, $0.01 Par Value
$14,076,774
644,684

$21.84
A Class, $0.01 Par Value
$122,492,260
5,646,792

$21.69*
C Class, $0.01 Par Value
$21,035,990
987,841

$21.29
R Class, $0.01 Par Value
$5,680,280
263,266

$21.58
*Maximum offering price $23.01 (net asset value divided by 0.9425).


See Notes to Financial Statements.


17


Statement of Operations
YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2015
Investment Income (Loss)
 
Income:
 
Dividends
$
5,603,668

Interest
611

 
5,604,279

 
 
Expenses:
 
Management fees
2,476,423

Distribution and service fees:
 
A Class
303,127

B Class
23,496

C Class
189,727

R Class
27,877

Directors' fees and expenses
8,347

Other expenses
434

 
3,029,431

 
 
Net investment income (loss)
2,574,848

 
 
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)
 
Net realized gain (loss) on investment transactions
12,459,810

Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments
(7,358,924)

 
 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
5,100,886

 
 
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations
$
7,675,734



See Notes to Financial Statements.


18


Statement of Changes in Net Assets
YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2015 AND OCTOBER 31, 2014
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
October 31, 2015
October 31, 2014
Operations
 
 
Net investment income (loss)
$
2,574,848

$
2,240,486

Net realized gain (loss)
12,459,810

41,107,598

Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
(7,358,924
)
(7,784,637
)
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations
7,675,734

35,563,447

 
 
 
Distributions to Shareholders
 
 
From net investment income:
 
 
Investor Class
(983,981)

(884,103)

Institutional Class
(156,428)

(143,856)

A Class
(1,149,742)

(1,093,090)

B Class
(7,167)

(5,373)

C Class
(42,651)

(27,587)

R Class
(40,456)

(32,137)

Decrease in net assets from distributions
(2,380,425)

(2,186,146)

 
 
 
Capital Share Transactions
 
 
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from capital share transactions (Note 5)
23,773,890

(27,318,260
)
 
 
 
Net increase (decrease) in net assets
29,069,199

6,059,041

 
 
 
Net Assets
 
 
Beginning of period
229,288,454

223,229,413

End of period
$
258,357,653

$
229,288,454

 
 
 
Undistributed net investment income
$
1,744,553

$
1,664,108



See Notes to Financial Statements.


19


Notes to Financial Statements 

OCTOBER 31, 2015

1. Organization

American Century Mutual Funds, Inc. (the corporation) is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act), as an open-end management investment company and is organized as a Maryland corporation. Fundamental Equity Fund (the fund) is one fund in a series issued by the corporation. The fund is diversified as defined under the 1940 Act. The fund’s investment objective is to seek long-term capital growth. Income is a secondary objective.
 
The fund offers the Investor Class, the Institutional Class, the A Class, the C Class and the R Class. The A Class may incur an initial sales charge. The A Class and C Class may be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge. The share classes differ principally in their respective sales charges and distribution and shareholder servicing expenses and arrangements. The Institutional Class is made available to institutional shareholders or through financial intermediaries whose clients do not require the same level of shareholder and administrative services as shareholders of other classes. As a result, the Institutional Class is charged a lower unified management fee. On October 16, 2015, all outstanding B Class shares were converted to A Class shares and the fund discontinued offering the B Class.

2. Significant Accounting Policies

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the fund in preparation of its financial statements. The fund is an investment company and follows accounting and reporting guidance in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. This may require management to make certain estimates and assumptions at the date of the financial statements. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Management evaluated the impact of events or transactions occurring through the date the financial statements were issued that would merit recognition or disclosure.

Investment Valuations — The fund determines the fair value of its investments and computes its net asset value per share at the close of regular trading (usually 4 p.m. Eastern time) on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on each day the NYSE is open. The Board of Directors has adopted valuation policies and procedures to guide the investment advisor in the fund’s investment valuation process and to provide methodologies for the oversight of the fund’s pricing function.

Equity securities that are listed or traded on a domestic securities exchange are valued at the last reported sales price or at the official closing price as provided by the exchange. Equity securities traded on foreign securities exchanges are generally valued at the closing price of such securities on the exchange where primarily traded or at the close of the NYSE, if that is earlier. If no last sales price is reported, or if local convention or regulation so provides, the mean of the latest bid and asked prices may be used. Securities traded over-the-counter are valued at the mean of the latest bid and asked prices, the last sales price, or the official closing price.
 
Open-end management investment companies are valued at the reported net asset value per share. Repurchase agreements are valued at cost, which approximates fair value.

If the fund determines that the market price for an investment is not readily available or the valuation methods mentioned above do not reflect an investment’s fair value, such investment is valued as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors or its delegate, in accordance with policies and procedures adopted by the Board of Directors. In its determination of fair value, the fund may review several factors including, but not limited to, market information regarding the specific investment or comparable investments and correlation with other investment types, futures indices or general market indicators. Circumstances that may cause the fund to use these procedures to value an investment include, but are not limited to: an investment has been declared in default or is distressed; trading in a security has been suspended during the trading day or a security is not actively trading on its principal exchange; prices received from a regular pricing source are deemed unreliable; or there is a foreign market holiday and no trading occurred.

The fund monitors for significant events occurring after the close of an investment’s primary exchange but before the fund’s net asset value per share is determined. Significant events may include, but are not limited to: corporate announcements and transactions; governmental action and political unrest that could impact a

20


specific investment or an investment sector; or armed conflicts, natural disasters and similar events that could affect investments in a specific country or region. The fund also monitors for significant fluctuations between domestic and foreign markets, as evidenced by the U.S. market or such other indicators that the Board of Directors, or its delegate, deems appropriate. If significant fluctuations in foreign markets are identified, the fund may apply a model-derived factor to the closing price of equity securities traded on foreign securities exchanges. The factor is based on observable market data as provided by an independent pricing service.
 
Security Transactions — Security transactions are accounted for as of the trade date. Net realized gains and losses are determined on the identified cost basis, which is also used for federal income tax purposes.

Investment Income — Dividend income less foreign taxes withheld, if any, is recorded as of the ex-dividend date. Distributions received on securities that represent a return of capital or long-term capital gain are recorded as a reduction of cost of investments and/or as a realized gain. The fund may estimate the components of distributions received that may be considered nontaxable distributions or long-term capital gain distributions for income tax purposes. Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis and includes accretion of discounts and amortization of premiums.

Repurchase Agreements — The fund may enter into repurchase agreements with institutions that American Century Investment Management, Inc. (ACIM) (the investment advisor) has determined are creditworthy pursuant to criteria adopted by the Board of Directors. The fund requires that the collateral, represented by securities, received in a repurchase transaction be transferred to the custodian in a manner sufficient to enable the fund to obtain those securities in the event of a default under the repurchase agreement. ACIM monitors, on a daily basis, the securities transferred to ensure the value, including accrued interest, of the securities under each repurchase agreement is equal to or greater than amounts owed to the fund under each repurchase agreement.

Joint Trading Account — Pursuant to an Exemptive Order issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the fund, along with certain other funds in the American Century Investments family of funds, may transfer uninvested cash balances into a joint trading account. These balances are invested in one or more repurchase agreements that are collateralized by U.S. Treasury or Agency obligations.

Income Tax Status — It is the fund’s policy to distribute substantially all net investment income and net realized gains to shareholders and to otherwise qualify as a regulated investment company under provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. Accordingly, no provision has been made for income taxes. The fund files U.S. federal, state, local and non-U.S. tax returns as applicable. The fund's tax returns are subject to examination by the relevant taxing authority until expiration of the applicable statute of limitations, which is generally three years from the date of filing but can be longer in certain jurisdictions. At this time, management believes there are no uncertain tax positions which, based on their technical merit, would not be sustained upon examination and for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly change in the next twelve months.

Multiple Class — All shares of the fund represent an equal pro rata interest in the net assets of the class to which such shares belong, and have identical voting, dividend, liquidation and other rights and the same terms and conditions, except for class specific expenses and exclusive rights to vote on matters affecting only individual classes. Income, non-class specific expenses, and realized and unrealized capital gains and losses of the fund are allocated to each class of shares based on their relative net assets.

Distributions to Shareholders — Distributions from net investment income and net realized gains, if any, are generally declared and paid annually.
 
Indemnifications — Under the corporation’s organizational documents, its officers and directors are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the fund. In addition, in the normal course of business, the fund enters into contracts that provide general indemnifications. The maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be made against a fund. The risk of material loss from such claims is considered by management to be remote.

3. Fees and Transactions with Related Parties

Certain officers and directors of the corporation are also officers and/or directors of American Century Companies, Inc. (ACC). The corporation’s investment advisor, ACIM, the corporation's distributor, American Century Investment Services, Inc. (ACIS), and the corporation’s transfer agent, American Century Services, LLC, are wholly owned, directly or indirectly, by ACC.
 

21


Management Fees — The corporation has entered into a management agreement with ACIM, under which ACIM provides the fund with investment advisory and management services in exchange for a single, unified management fee (the fee) per class. The agreement provides that all expenses of managing and operating the fund, except distribution and service fees, brokerage expenses, taxes, interest, fees and expenses of the independent directors (including legal counsel fees), and extraordinary expenses, will be paid by ACIM. The fee is computed and accrued daily based on each class’s daily net assets and paid monthly in arrears. The rate of the fee is determined by applying a fee rate calculation formula. This formula takes into account the fund’s assets as well as certain assets, if any, of other clients of the investment advisor outside the American Century Investments family of funds (such as subadvised funds and separate accounts) that have very similar investment teams and investment strategies (strategy assets). The annual management fee schedule ranges from 0.800% to 0.990% for the Investor Class, A Class, B Class, C Class and R Class. The annual management fee schedule ranges from 0.600% to 0.790% for the Institutional Class. The effective annual management fee for each class for the year ended October 31, 2015 was 0.99% for the Investor Class, A Class, C Class and R Class and 0.79% for the Institutional Class.

Distribution and Service Fees — The Board of Directors has adopted a separate Master Distribution and Individual Shareholder Services Plan for each of the A Class, B Class, C Class and R Class (collectively the plans), pursuant to Rule 12b-1 of the 1940 Act. The plans provide that the A Class will pay ACIS an annual distribution and service fee of 0.25%. The plans provide that the B Class and C Class will each pay ACIS an annual distribution and service fee of 1.00%, of which 0.25% is paid for individual shareholder services and 0.75% is paid for distribution services. The plans provide that the R Class will pay ACIS an annual distribution and service fee of 0.50%. The fees are computed and accrued daily based on each class’s daily net assets and paid monthly in arrears. The fees are used to pay financial intermediaries for distribution and individual shareholder services. Fees incurred under the plans during the year ended October 31, 2015 are detailed in the Statement of Operations.

Directors' Fees and Expenses — The Board of Directors is responsible for overseeing the investment advisor’s management and operations of the fund. The directors receive detailed information about the fund and its investment advisor regularly throughout the year, and meet at least quarterly with management of the investment advisor to review reports about fund operations. The fund’s officers do not receive compensation from the fund.

4. Investment Transactions

Purchases and sales of investment securities, excluding short-term investments, for the year ended October 31, 2015 were $104,844,344 and $81,469,108, respectively.


22


5. Capital Share Transactions

Transactions in shares of the fund were as follows:
 
Year ended
October 31, 2015
Year ended
October 31, 2014
 
Shares
Amount
Shares
Amount
Investor Class/Shares Authorized
200,000,000

 
200,000,000

 
Sold
2,320,787

$
50,159,516

1,240,505

$
24,046,130

Issued in reinvestment of distributions
44,610

925,208

45,454

843,629

Redeemed
(1,613,312
)
(35,082,313
)
(1,386,474
)
(27,284,419
)
 
752,085

16,002,411

(100,515
)
(2,394,660
)
Institutional Class/Shares Authorized
25,000,000

 
25,000,000

 
Sold
223,403

4,826,023

50,921

1,012,141

Issued in reinvestment of distributions
7,535

156,428

7,739

143,856

Redeemed
(88,445
)
(1,932,126
)
(122,317
)
(2,428,789
)
 
142,493

3,050,325

(63,657
)
(1,272,792
)
A Class/Shares Authorized
150,000,000

 
150,000,000

 
Sold
1,094,041

23,727,128

562,114

10,904,874

Issued in reinvestment of distributions
52,390

1,085,009

54,286

1,006,471

Redeemed
(985,870
)
(21,268,538
)
(1,635,326
)
(32,004,656
)
 
160,561

3,543,599

(1,018,926
)
(20,093,311
)
B Class/Shares Authorized
20,000,000

 
25,000,000

 
Sold
5,457

116,461

7,348

141,987

Issued in reinvestment of distributions
312

6,391

269

4,937

Redeemed
(150,262
)
(3,158,132
)
(47,860
)
(919,712
)
 
(144,493
)
(3,035,280
)
(40,243
)
(772,788
)
C Class/Shares Authorized
50,000,000

 
50,000,000

 
Sold
273,473

5,865,142

67,666

1,293,651

Issued in reinvestment of distributions
1,564

31,997

1,079

19,765

Redeemed
(92,353
)
(1,960,770
)
(189,694
)
(3,655,169
)
 
182,684

3,936,369

(120,949
)
(2,341,753
)
R Class/Shares Authorized
20,000,000

 
10,000,000

 
Sold
53,138

1,144,388

40,435

792,329

Issued in reinvestment of distributions
1,960

40,456

1,739

32,137

Redeemed
(42,563
)
(908,378
)
(65,414
)
(1,267,422
)
 
12,535

276,466

(23,240
)
(442,956
)
Net increase (decrease)
1,105,865

$
23,773,890

(1,367,530
)
$
(27,318,260
)

6. Fair Value Measurements

The fund’s investments valuation process is based on several considerations and may use multiple inputs to determine the fair value of the investments held by the fund. In conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, the inputs used to determine a valuation are classified into three broad levels.

Level 1 valuation inputs consist of unadjusted quoted prices in an active market for identical investments.

Level 2 valuation inputs consist of direct or indirect observable market data (including quoted prices for comparable investments, evaluations of subsequent market events, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.). These inputs also consist of quoted prices for identical investments initially expressed in local currencies that are adjusted through translation into U.S. dollars.


23


Level 3 valuation inputs consist of unobservable data (including a fund’s own assumptions).

The level classification is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair valuation measurement. The valuation inputs are not necessarily an indication of the risks associated with investing in these securities or other financial instruments. There were no significant transfers between levels during the period.

The following is a summary of the level classifications as of period end. The Schedule of Investments provides additional information on the fund’s portfolio holdings.
 
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Assets
 
 
 
Investment Securities
 
 
 
Common Stocks
$
255,751,505



Temporary Cash Investments

$
2,326,550


 
$
255,751,505

$
2,326,550



7. Federal Tax Information

The tax character of distributions paid during the years ended October 31, 2015 and October 31, 2014 were as follows:
 
2015
2014
Distributions Paid From
 
 
Ordinary income
$
2,380,425

$
2,186,146

Long-term capital gains



The book-basis character of distributions made during the year from net investment income or net realized gains may differ from their ultimate characterization for federal income tax purposes. These differences reflect the differing character of certain income items and net realized gains and losses for financial statement and tax purposes, and may result in reclassification among certain capital accounts on the financial statements.
 
As of October 31, 2015, the federal tax cost of investments and the components of distributable earnings on a tax-basis were as follows:
Federal tax cost of investments
$
195,133,701

Gross tax appreciation of investments
$
71,143,081

Gross tax depreciation of investments
(8,198,727
)
Net tax appreciation (depreciation) of investments
$
62,944,354

Undistributed ordinary income
$
1,744,553

Accumulated short-term capital losses
$
(37,407,097
)

The difference between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation (depreciation) is attributable primarily to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales.
 
Accumulated capital losses represent net capital loss carryovers that may be used to offset future realized capital gains for federal income tax purposes. Future capital loss carryover utilization in any given year may be subject to Internal Revenue Code limitations. Capital loss carryovers expire in 2017.


24


Financial Highlights
For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Years Ended October 31 (except as noted)
 
Per-Share Data
 
 
 
Ratios and Supplemental Data
 
 
Income From Investment Operations:
 
 
Ratio to Average Net Assets of:
 
 
 
Net Asset
Value,
Beginning
of Period
Net
Investment
Income
(Loss)
(1)
Net
Realized
and
Unrealized
Gain (Loss)
Total From
Investment
Operations
Distributions From Net
Investment
Income
Net Asset
Value,
End
of Period
Total
Return
(2)
Operating
Expenses
Net
Investment
Income
(Loss)
Portfolio
Turnover
Rate
Net
Assets,
End of
Period
(in thousands)
Investor Class
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2015
$21.31
0.26
0.46
0.72
(0.26)
$21.77
3.51%
0.99%
1.23%
33%

$95,072

2014
$18.41
0.24
2.88
3.12
(0.22)
$21.31
17.06%
1.00%
1.19%
41%

$77,015

2013
$14.82
0.23
3.55
3.78
(0.19)
$18.41
25.83%
1.01%
1.44%
36%

$68,416

2012
$12.97
0.20
1.81
2.01
(0.16)
$14.82
15.65%
1.01%
1.39%
18%

$38,250

2011
$11.95
0.14
1.02
1.16
(0.14)
$12.97
9.72%
1.01%
1.11%
18%

$45,991

Institutional Class
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2015
$21.37
0.31
0.47
0.78
(0.31)
$21.84
3.66%
0.79%
1.43%
33%

$14,077

2014
$18.47
0.28
2.88
3.16
(0.26)
$21.37
17.29%
0.80%
1.39%
41%

$10,731

2013
$14.85
0.27
3.55
3.82
(0.20)
$18.47
26.06%
0.81%
1.64%
36%

$10,451

2012
$12.99
0.21
1.83
2.04
(0.18)
$14.85
15.93%
0.81%
1.59%
18%

$9,225

2011
$11.96
0.17
1.02
1.19
(0.16)
$12.99
10.02%
0.81%
1.31%
18%

$103

A Class
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2015
$21.23
0.21
0.46
0.67
(0.21)
$21.69
3.21%
1.24%
0.98%
33%

$122,492

2014
$18.35
0.19
2.86
3.05
(0.17)
$21.23
16.76%
1.25%
0.94%
41%

$116,462

2013
$14.80
0.20
3.53
3.73
(0.18)
$18.35
25.51%
1.26%
1.19%
36%

$119,358

2012
$12.94
0.16
1.82
1.98
(0.12)
$14.80
15.48%
1.26%
1.14%
18%

$105,718

2011
$11.93
0.11
1.01
1.12
(0.11)
$12.94
9.38%
1.26%
0.86%
18%

$106,159


25


For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Years Ended October 31 (except as noted)
 
Per-Share Data
 
 
 
Ratios and Supplemental Data
 
 
Income From Investment Operations:
 
 
Ratio to Average Net Assets of:
 
 
 
Net Asset
Value,
Beginning
of Period
Net
Investment
Income
(Loss)
(1)
Net
Realized
and
Unrealized
Gain (Loss)
Total From
Investment
Operations
Distributions From Net
Investment
Income
Net Asset
Value,
End
of Period
Total
Return
(2)
Operating
Expenses
Net
Investment
Income
(Loss)
Portfolio
Turnover
Rate
Net
Assets,
End of
Period
(in thousands)
C Class
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2015
$20.84
0.05
0.45
0.50
(0.05)
$21.29
2.42%
1.99%
0.23%
33%

$21,036

2014
$18.01
0.04
2.82
2.86
(0.03)
$20.84
15.90%
2.00%
0.19%
41%

$16,777

2013
$14.61
0.07
3.48
3.55
(0.15)
$18.01
24.54%
2.01%
0.44%
36%

$16,679

2012
$12.78
0.05
1.81
1.86
(0.03)
$14.61
14.59%
2.01%
0.39%
18%

$14,967

2011
$11.77
0.01
1.01
1.02
(0.01)
$12.78
8.68%
2.01%
0.11%
18%

$13,990

R Class
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2015
$21.11
0.16
0.47
0.63
(0.16)
$21.58
3.01%
1.49%
0.73%
33%

$5,680

2014
$18.25
0.14
2.84
2.98
(0.12)
$21.11
16.45%
1.50%
0.69%
41%

$5,294

2013
$14.74
0.15
3.53
3.68
(0.17)
$18.25
25.25%
1.51%
0.94%
36%

$5,000

2012
$12.90
0.13
1.80
1.93
(0.09)
$14.74
15.09%
1.51%
0.89%
18%

$2,817

2011
$11.89
0.08
1.00
1.08
(0.07)
$12.90
9.14%
1.51%
0.61%
18%

$2,456

Notes to Financial Highlights
(1)
Computed using average shares outstanding throughout the period.
(2)
Total returns are calculated based on the net asset value of the last business day and do not reflect applicable sales charges, if any. Total returns for periods less than one year are not annualized.

See Notes to Financial Statements.

26


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of American Century Mutual Funds, Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the schedule of investments, of Fundamental Equity Fund (the “Fund”), one of the funds constituting American Century Mutual Funds, Inc., as of October 31, 2015, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the periods presented. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Fund’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. The Fund is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Fund’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of October 31, 2015, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers; when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Fundamental Equity Fund of American Century Mutual Funds, Inc. as of October 31, 2015, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the periods presented, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Kansas City, Missouri
December 16, 2015


27


Management

The Board of Directors
The individuals listed below serve as directors of the funds. Each director will continue to serve in this capacity until death, retirement, resignation or removal from office. The board has adopted a mandatory retirement age for directors who are not “interested persons,” as that term is defined in the Investment Company Act (independent directors). Independent directors shall retire by December 31 of the year in which they reach their 75th birthday.
Mr. Thomas is an “interested person” because he currently serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of American Century Companies, Inc. (ACC), the parent company of American Century Investment Management, Inc. (ACIM or the advisor). Mr. Fink is treated as an “interested person” because of his recent employment with ACC and American Century Services, LLC (ACS). The other directors (more than three-fourths of the total number) are independent. They are not employees, directors or officers of, and have no financial interest in, ACC or any of its wholly owned, direct or indirect, subsidiaries, including ACIM, American Century Investment Services, Inc. (ACIS) and ACS, and they do not have any other affiliations, positions or relationships that would cause them to be considered “interested persons” under the Investment Company Act. The directors serve in this capacity for seven (in the case of Mr. Thomas, 15) registered investment companies in the American Century Investments family of funds.
The following table presents additional information about the directors. The mailing address for each director is 4500 Main Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64111.
Name
(Year of Birth)
Position(s)
Held with
Funds
Length of
Time Served
Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years
Number of
American
Century
Portfolios
Overseen by Director
Other
Directorships
Held During
Past 5 Years
Independent Directors
 
 
 
 
Thomas A. Brown
(1940)
Director
Since 1980
Managing Member, Associated Investments, LLC (real estate investment company)
80
None
Andrea C. Hall
(1945)
Director
Since 1997
Retired
80
None
Jan M. Lewis
(1957)
Director
Since 2011
Retired; President and Chief Executive Officer, Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas (human services organization) (2006 to 2013)
80
None
James A. Olson
(1942)
Director and Chairman of the Board
Since 2007 (Chairman since 2014)
Member, Plaza Belmont LLC (private equity fund manager)
80
Saia, Inc. (2002 to 2012) and EPR Properties (2003 to 2013)
M. Jeannine Strandjord
(1945)
Director
Since 1994
Retired
80
Euronet Worldwide Inc.; MGP Ingredients, Inc.; Charming Shoppes, Inc. (2006 to 2010); and DST Systems Inc. (1996 to 2012)
John R. Whitten
(1946)
Director
Since 2008
Retired
80
Rudolph Technologies, Inc.

28


Name
(Year of Birth)
Position(s)
Held with
Funds
Length of
Time Served
Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years
Number of
American
Century
Portfolios
Overseen by Director
Other
Directorships
Held During
Past 5 Years
Independent Directors
 
 
 
 
Stephen E. Yates
(1948)
Director
Since 2012
Retired; Executive Vice President, Technology & Operations, KeyCorp. (computer services) (2004 to 2010)
80
Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. (2001 to 2010)
Interested Directors
 
 
 
 
Barry Fink
(1955)
Director
Since 2012
Retired; Executive Vice President, ACC (September 2007 to February 2013); President, ACS (October 2007 to February 2013); Chief Operating Officer, ACC (September 2007 to November 2012)
80
None
Jonathan S. Thomas
(1963)
Director and President
Since 2007
President and Chief Executive Officer, ACC (March 2007 to present). Also serves as Chief Executive Officer, ACS; Executive Vice President, ACIM; Director, ACC, ACIM and other ACC subsidiaries
125
BioMed Valley Discoveries, Inc.

The Statement of Additional Information has additional information about the fund's directors and is available without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-345-2021.


29


Officers
The following table presents certain information about the executive officers of the funds. Each officer serves as an officer for each of the 15 investment companies in the American Century family of funds, unless otherwise noted. No officer is compensated for his or her service as an officer of the funds. The listed officers are interested persons of the funds and are appointed or re-appointed on an annual basis. The mailing address for each officer listed below is 4500 Main Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64111.
Name
(Year of Birth)
Offices with the Funds
Principal Occupation(s) During the Past Five Years
Jonathan S.
Thomas
(1963)
Director and
President
since 2007
President and Chief Executive Officer, ACC (March 2007 to present). Also serves as Chief Executive Officer, ACS; Executive Vice President, ACIM; Director, ACC, ACIM and other ACC subsidiaries
Amy D. Shelton
(1964)
Chief Compliance
Officer and Vice President since 2014
Chief Compliance Officer, American Century funds, (March 2014 to present); Chief Compliance Officer, ACIM (February 2014 to present); Chief Compliance Officer, ACIS (October 2009 to present); Vice President, Client Interactions and Marketing, ACIS (February 2013 to January 2014); Director, Client Interactions and Marketing, ACIS (June 2007 to January 2013). Also serves as Vice President, ACIS
Charles A.
Etherington
(1957)
General Counsel
since 2007 and
Senior Vice
President since 2006
Attorney, ACC (February 1994 to present); Vice President, ACC (November 2005 to present); General Counsel, ACC (March 2007 to present). Also serves as General Counsel, ACIM, ACS, ACIS and other ACC subsidiaries; and Senior Vice President, ACIM and ACS
C. Jean Wade
(1964)
Vice President,
Treasurer and
Chief Financial
Officer since 2012
Vice President, ACS (February 2000 to present)
Robert J. Leach
(1966)
Vice President
since 2006 and
Assistant Treasurer
since 2012
Vice President, ACS (February 2000 to present)
David H.
Reinmiller
(1963)
Vice President
since 2000
Attorney, ACC (January 1994 to present); Associate General Counsel, ACC (January 2001 to present). Also serves as Vice President, ACIM and ACS
Ward D. Stauffer
(1960)
Secretary
since 2005
Attorney, ACC (June 2003 to present)


30


Approval of Management Agreement


At a meeting held on June 30, 2015, the Fund’s Board of Directors unanimously approved the renewal of the management agreement pursuant to which American Century Investment Management, Inc. (the “Advisor”) acts as the investment advisor for the Fund. Under Section 15(c) of the Investment Company Act, contracts for investment advisory services are required to be reviewed, evaluated, and approved by a majority of a fund’s directors (the “Directors”), including a majority of the independent Directors, each year.
    
Prior to its consideration of the renewal of the management agreement, the Directors requested and reviewed extensive data and information compiled by the Advisor and certain independent providers of evaluation data concerning the Fund and the services provided to the Fund by the Advisor. This review was in addition to the oversight and evaluation undertaken by the Board and its committees on a continuous basis and the information received was supplemental to the extensive information that the Board and its committees receive and consider throughout the year.

In connection with its consideration of the renewal of the management agreement, the Board’s review and evaluation of the services provided by the Advisor included, but was not limited to, the following:

the nature, extent, and quality of investment management, shareholder services, and other services provided by the Advisor to the Fund;
the wide range of other programs and services the Advisor provides to the Fund and its shareholders on a routine and non-routine basis;
the Fund’s investment performance compared to appropriate benchmarks and/or a peer group of other mutual funds with similar investment objectives and strategies;
the cost of owning the Fund compared to the cost of owning similar funds;
the Advisor’s compliance policies, procedures, and regulatory experience;
financial data showing the cost of services provided to the Fund, the profitability of the Fund to the Advisor, and the overall profitability of the Advisor;
possible economies of scale associated with the Advisor’s management of the Fund and other accounts under its management;
data comparing services provided and charges to other investment management clients of the Advisor;
acquired fund fees and expenses;
payments to intermediaries by the Fund and the Advisor; and
any collateral benefits derived by the Advisor from the management of the Fund.

In keeping with their practice, the Directors held two in-person meetings and one telephonic meeting to review and discuss the information provided. The independent Directors also had the benefit of the advice of their independent counsel throughout the process.

Factors Considered

The Directors considered all of the information provided by the Advisor, the independent data providers, and independent counsel, and evaluated such information for the Fund. In connection with their review, the Directors did not identify any single factor as being all-important or controlling, and each Director may have attributed different levels of importance to different factors. In deciding to renew the management agreement, the Board based its decision on a number of factors, including the following:


31


Nature, Extent and Quality of Services - Generally. Under the management agreement, the Advisor is responsible for providing or arranging for all services necessary for the operation of the
Fund. The Board noted that under the management agreement, the Advisor provides or arranges at its own expense a wide variety of services including:

constructing and designing the Fund
portfolio research and security selection
initial capitalization/funding
securities trading
Fund administration
custody of Fund assets
daily valuation of the Fund’s portfolio
shareholder servicing and transfer agency, including shareholder confirmations, recordkeeping, and communications
legal services (except the independent Directors’ counsel)
regulatory and portfolio compliance
financial reporting
marketing and distribution (except Rule 12b-1 plans)

The Board noted that many of these services have expanded over time both in terms of quantity and complexity in response to shareholder demands, competition in the industry, changing distribution channels, and the changing regulatory environment.

Investment Management Services. The nature of the investment management services provided to the Fund is quite complex and allows Fund shareholders access to professional money management, instant diversification of their investments within an asset class, the opportunity to easily diversify among asset classes by investing in or exchanging among various American Century Investments funds, and liquidity. In evaluating investment performance, the Board expects the Advisor to manage the Fund in accordance with its investment objectives and approved strategies. Further, the Directors recognize that the Advisor has an obligation to monitor trading activities, and in particular to seek the best execution of fund trades, and to evaluate the use of and payment for research. In providing these services, the Advisor utilizes teams of investment professionals (portfolio managers, analysts, research assistants, and securities traders) who require extensive information technology, research, training, compliance and other systems to conduct their business. The Board, directly and through its Fund Performance Review Committee, regularly reviews investment performance information for the Fund, together with comparative information for appropriate benchmarks and/or peer groups of similarly-managed funds, over different time horizons. The Directors also review detailed performance information during the management agreement approval process. If performance concerns are identified, the Fund receives special reviews until performance improves, during which the Board discusses with the Advisor the reasons for such results (e.g., market conditions, security selection) and any efforts being undertaken to improve performance. The Fund’s performance was above its benchmark for the one-, three-, five-, and ten-year periods reviewed by the Board. The Board found the investment management services provided by the Advisor to the Fund to be satisfactory and consistent with the management agreement.

Shareholder and Other Services. Under the management agreement, the Advisor provides the Fund with a comprehensive package of transfer agency, shareholder, and other services. The Board, directly and through various committees of the Board, regularly reviews reports and evaluations of such services at its regular meetings. These reports include, but are not limited to, information regarding the operational efficiency and accuracy of the shareholder and transfer agency services provided, staffing levels, shareholder satisfaction (as measured by external as well as internal sources), technology support, new products and services offered to Fund shareholders, securities trading activities, portfolio valuation services, auditing services, and legal and operational compliance activities. The Board particularly noted the Advisor’s continual efforts to maintain effective business continuity plans and to address cybersecurity threats. Certain aspects of shareholder and transfer agency service level efficiency and the quality of securities trading

32


activities are measured by independent third party providers and are presented in comparison to other fund groups not managed by the Advisor. The Board found the services provided by the Advisor to the Fund under the management agreement to be competitive and of high quality.

Costs of Services and Profitability. The Advisor provides detailed information concerning its cost of providing various services to the Fund, its profitability in managing the Fund (pre- and post-distribution), its overall profitability, and its financial condition. The Directors have reviewed with the Advisor the methodology used to prepare this financial information. This information is considered in evaluating the Advisor’s financial condition, its ability to continue to provide services under the management agreement, and the reasonableness of the current management fee. The Board concluded that the Advisor’s profits were reasonable in light of the services provided to the Fund.

Ethics. The Board generally considers the Advisor’s commitment to providing quality services to shareholders and to conducting its business ethically. They noted that the Advisor’s practices generally meet or exceed industry best practices.

Economies of Scale. The Board also reviewed information provided by the Advisor regarding the possible existence of economies of scale in connection with the management of the Fund. The Board concluded that economies of scale are difficult to measure and predict with precision, especially on a fund-by-fund basis. The Board concluded that the Advisor is appropriately sharing economies of scale through its competitive fee structure, offering competitive fees from fund inception, and through reinvestment in its business to provide shareholders additional content and services. The Board also noted that economies of scale are shared with the Fund and its shareholders through management fee breakpoints that serve to reduce the effective management fee as the assets of the Fund grow.

Comparison to Other Funds’ Fees. The management agreement provides that the Fund pays the Advisor a single, all-inclusive (or unified) management fee for providing all services necessary for the management and operation of the Fund, other than brokerage expenses, taxes, interest, extraordinary expenses, and the fees and expenses of the Fund’s independent Directors (including their independent legal counsel) and expenses incurred in connection with the provision of shareholder services and distribution services under a plan adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Under the unified fee structure, the Advisor is responsible for providing all investment advisory, custody, audit, administrative, compliance, recordkeeping, marketing and shareholder services, or arranging and supervising third parties to provide such services. By contrast, most other funds are charged a variety of fees, including an investment advisory fee, a transfer agency fee, an administrative fee, distribution charges, and other expenses. Other than their investment advisory fees and any applicable Rule 12b-1 distribution fees, all other components of the total fees charged by these other funds may be increased without shareholder approval. The Board believes the unified fee structure is a benefit to Fund shareholders because it clearly discloses to shareholders the cost of owning Fund shares, and, since the unified fee cannot be increased without a vote of Fund shareholders, it shifts to the Advisor the risk of increased costs of operating the Fund and provides a direct incentive to minimize administrative inefficiencies. Part of the Board’s analysis of fee levels involves reviewing certain evaluative data compiled by an independent provider comparing the Fund’s unified fee to the total expense ratios of its peers. The unified fee charged to shareholders of the Fund was below the median of the total expense ratios of the Fund’s peer expense universe and was within the range of its peer expense group. The Board concluded that the management fee paid by the Fund to the Advisor under the management agreement is reasonable in light of the services provided to the Fund.


33


Comparison to Fees and Services Provided to Other Clients of the Advisor. The Directors also requested and received information from the Advisor concerning the nature of the services, fees, costs and profitability of its advisory services to advisory clients other than the Fund. They observed that these varying types of client accounts require different services and involve different regulatory and entrepreneurial risks than the management of the Fund. The Board analyzed this information and concluded that the fees charged and services provided to the Fund were reasonable by comparison.

Payments to Intermediaries. The Directors also requested and received a description of payments made to intermediaries by the Fund and the Advisor. These payments include various payments made by the Fund or the Advisor to different types of intermediaries and recordkeepers for distribution and service activities provided for the Fund. The Board reviewed such information and found the payments to be reasonable in scope and purpose.

Collateral or “Fall-Out” Benefits Derived by the Advisor. The Board considered the existence of collateral benefits the Advisor may receive as a result of its relationship with the Fund. They concluded that the Advisor’s primary business is managing mutual funds and it generally does not use fund or shareholder information to generate profits in other lines of business, and therefore does not derive any significant collateral benefits from them. The Board noted that additional assets from other clients may offer the Advisor some benefit from increased leverage with service providers and counterparties. Additionally, the Advisor receives proprietary research from broker-dealers that execute fund portfolio transactions, which the Board concluded is likely to benefit other clients of the Advisor as well as Fund shareholders. The Board also determined that the Advisor is able to provide investment management services to certain clients other than the Fund, at least in part, due to its existing infrastructure built to serve the fund complex. The Board concluded that appropriate allocation methodologies had been employed to assign resources and the cost of those resources to these other clients and, where expressly provided, these other client assets may be included with the assets of the Fund to determine breakpoints in the management fee schedule.

Existing Relationship. The Board also considered whether there was any reason for not continuing the existing arrangement with the Advisor. In this regard, the Board was mindful of the potential disruptions of the Fund’s operations and various risks, uncertainties, and other effects that could occur as a result of a decision not to continue such relationship. In particular, the Board recognized that most shareholders have invested in the Fund on the strength of the Advisor’s industry standing and reputation and in the expectation that the Advisor will have a continuing role in providing advisory services to the Fund.

Conclusion of the Directors. As a result of this process, the Board, including all of the independent Directors, taking into account all of the factors discussed above and the information provided by the Advisor and others in connection with its review and throughout the year, determined that the management fee is fair and reasonable in light of the services provided and that the investment management agreement between the Fund and the Advisor should be renewed.


34


Additional Information

Retirement Account Information
As required by law, distributions you receive from certain IRAs are subject to federal income tax withholding, unless you elect not to have withholding apply. Tax will be withheld on the total amount withdrawn even though you may be receiving amounts that are not subject to withholding, such as nondeductible contributions. In such case, excess amounts of withholding could occur. You may adjust your withholding election so that a greater or lesser amount will be withheld.
If you don’t want us to withhold on this amount, you must notify us to not withhold the federal income tax. You may notify us in writing or in certain situations by telephone or through other electronic means. For systematic withdrawals, your withholding election will remain in effect until revoked or changed by filing a new election. You have the right to revoke your election at any time.
Remember, even if you elect not to have income tax withheld, you are liable for paying income tax on the taxable portion of your withdrawal. If you elect not to have income tax withheld or you don’t have enough income tax withheld, you may be responsible for payment of estimated tax. You may incur penalties under the estimated tax rules if your withholding and estimated tax payments are not sufficient. You can reduce or defer the income tax on a distribution by directly or indirectly rolling such distribution over to another IRA or eligible plan. You should consult your tax advisor for additional information.
State tax will be withheld if, at the time of your distribution, your address is within one of the mandatory withholding states and you have federal income tax withheld (or as otherwise required by state law). State taxes will be withheld from your distribution in accordance with the respective state rules.
Distributions you receive from 403(b), 457 and qualified plans are subject to special tax and withholding rules. Your plan administrator or plan sponsor is required to provide you with a special tax notice explaining those rules at the time you request a distribution. If applicable, federal and/or state taxes may be withheld from your distribution amount.


Proxy Voting Policies
A description of the policies that the fund's investment advisor uses in exercising the voting rights associated with the securities purchased and/or held by the fund is available without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-345-2021. It is also available on the "About Us" page of American Century Investments’ website at americancentury.com and on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at sec.gov. Information regarding how the investment advisor voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available on the "About Us" page at americancentury.com. It is also available at sec.gov.


Quarterly Portfolio Disclosure
The fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The fund’s Forms N-Q are available on the SEC’s website at sec.gov, and may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330. The fund also makes its complete schedule of portfolio holdings for the most recent quarter of its fiscal year available on its
website at americancentury.com and, upon request, by calling 1-800-345-2021.


35


Other Tax Information

The following information is provided pursuant to provisions of the Internal Revenue Code.

The fund hereby designates up to the maximum amount allowable as qualified dividend income for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2015.

For corporate taxpayers, the fund hereby designates $2,380,425, or up to the maximum amount allowable, of ordinary income distributions paid during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2015 as qualified for the corporate dividends received deduction.




36






 
 
 
 
Contact Us
americancentury.com
 
Automated Information Line
1-800-345-8765
 
Investor Services Representative
1-800-345-2021
or 816-531-5575
 
Investors Using Advisors
1-800-378-9878
 
Business, Not-For-Profit, Employer-Sponsored Retirement Plans
1-800-345-3533
 
Banks and Trust Companies, Broker-Dealers, Financial Professionals, Insurance Companies
1-800-345-6488
 
Telecommunications Relay Service for the Deaf
711
 
 
 
 
American Century Mutual Funds, Inc.
 
 
 
 
Investment Advisor:
American Century Investment Management, Inc.
Kansas City, Missouri
 
 
 
 
This report and the statements it contains are submitted for the general information of our shareholders. The report is not authorized for distribution to prospective investors unless preceded or accompanied by an effective prospectus.
 
 
 
 
©2015 American Century Proprietary Holdings, Inc. All rights reserved.
CL-ANN-87636   1512
 



        ANNUAL REPORT
OCTOBER 31, 2015

 


Growth Fund







Table of Contents
President’s Letter
2

Performance
3

Portfolio Commentary

Fund Characteristics

Shareholder Fee Example

Schedule of Investments

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

Statement of Operations

Statement of Changes in Net Assets

Notes to Financial Statements

Financial Highlights

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Management

Approval of Management Agreement

Additional Information






















Any opinions expressed in this report reflect those of the author as of the date of the report, and do not necessarily represent the opinions of American Century Investments® or any other person in the American Century Investments organization. Any such opinions are subject to change at any time based upon market or other conditions and American Century Investments disclaims any responsibility to update such opinions. These opinions may not be relied upon as investment advice and, because investment decisions made by American Century Investments funds are based on numerous factors, may not be relied upon as an indication of trading intent on behalf of any American Century Investments fund. Security examples are used for representational purposes only and are not intended as recommendations to purchase or sell securities. Performance information for comparative indices and securities is provided to American Century Investments by third party vendors. To the best of American Century Investments’ knowledge, such information is accurate at the time of printing.



President’s Letter

Dear Investor:

Thank you for reviewing this annual report for the 12 months ended October 31, 2015. It provides investment performance and portfolio information for the reporting period, plus longer-term historical performance data.

Annual reports remain useful vehicles for conveying information about fund performance, including market and economic factors that affected returns during the reporting period. For additional, updated investment and market insights, we encourage you to visit our website, americancentury.com.
Jonathan Thomas

Divergence in Economic Growth and Monetary Policies, Combined With China Turmoil, Triggered Market Volatility

Divergence between the U.S. and the rest of the world—along with China’s struggles, plunging commodity prices, capital market volatility, and risk-off trading—emerged as key themes during the reporting period. Global divergence described not only the relatively stronger economic growth enjoyed by the U.S. compared with most of the world, but also the related contrast between the U.S. Federal Reserve’s (the Fed’s) unwinding of monetary stimulus versus the continuation and expansion of stimulus by other major central banks. Central bank moves—including the Fed’s delayed normalization of its extremely low interest rate positioning—helped trigger large market swings.

In October 2014, the Fed ended its latest massive bond-buying program (quantitative easing, QE), leading to expectations that interest rates would rise. But while QE was halted in the U.S., other major central banks were starting or increasing QE as their economies faltered. This divergence helped fuel increased demand for the U.S. dollar and U.S. dollar-denominated assets, and put downward pressure on commodity prices, most notably crude oil, down over 40% for the reporting period. Low inflation also prevailed after oil prices plunged amid a supply glut and muted demand for commodities in general. In this environment, the U.S. dollar, U.S. growth stocks, and longer-maturity U.S. Treasuries generally benefited from “flight to quality” capital flows, while emerging market and commodity-related investments suffered significant declines.

We expect continued economic and monetary policy divergence between the U.S. and non-U.S. economies in the coming months, accompanied by further market volatility. This could present both challenges and opportunities for active investment managers. In this environment, we continue to believe in a disciplined, diversified, long-term investment approach, using professionally managed stock and bond portfolios to meet financial goals. We appreciate your continued trust in us.

Sincerely,
Jonathan Thomas
President and Chief Executive Officer
American Century Investments


2


Performance
 
Total Returns as of October 31, 2015
 
 
 
Average Annual Returns
 
 
Ticker
Symbol
1 year
5 years
10 years
Since
Inception
Inception
Date
Investor Class
TWCGX
9.07%
13.26%
8.64%
13.39%
6/30/71(1)
Russell 1000 Growth Index
9.18%
15.29%
9.08%
N/A(2)
Institutional Class
TWGIX
9.30%
13.48%
8.86%
6.86%
6/16/97
A Class(3)
TCRAX
 
 
 
 
6/4/97
No sales charge*
 
8.78%
12.98%
8.37%
6.68%
 
With sales charge*
 
2.54%
11.65%
7.73%
6.34%
 
C Class
TWRCX
7.95%
12.13%
12.12%
3/1/10
R Class
AGWRX
8.50%
12.69%
8.10%
8.09%
8/29/03
R6 Class
AGRDX
9.46%
13.85%
7/26/13
*
Sales charges include initial sales charges and contingent deferred sales charges (CDSCs), as applicable. A Class shares have a 5.75% maximum initial sales charge and may be subject to a maximum CDSC of 1.00%. C Class shares redeemed within 12 months of purchase are subject to a maximum CDSC of 1.00%. The SEC requires that mutual funds provide performance information net of maximum sales charges in all cases where charges could be applied.

(1)
Although the fund’s actual inception date was October 31, 1958, this inception date corresponds with the investment advisor’s implementation of its current investment philosophy and practices.
(2)
Benchmark data first available December 1978.
(3)
Prior to March 1, 2010, the A Class was referred to as the Advisor Class and did not have a front-end sales charge. Performance prior to that date has been adjusted to reflect this charge.




















Data presented reflect past performance. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, and redemption value may be more or less than original cost. Data assumes reinvestment of dividends and capital gains, and none of the charts reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares. To obtain performance data current to the most recent month end, please call 1-800-345-2021 or visit americancentury.com. For additional information about the fund, please consult the prospectus.

3


Growth of $10,000 Over 10 Years
$10,000 investment made October 31, 2005
Performance for other share classes will vary due to differences in fee structure.
 
Value on October 31, 2015
 
Investor Class — $22,917
 
 
Russell 1000 Growth Index — $23,870
 

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses
Investor Class
Institutional Class
A Class
C Class
R Class
R6 Class
0.97%
0.77%
1.22%
1.97%
1.47%
0.62%
The total annual fund operating expenses shown is as stated in the fund’s prospectus current as of the date of this report. The prospectus may vary from the expense ratio shown elsewhere in this report because it is based on a different time period, includes acquired fund fees and expenses, and, if applicable, does not include fee waivers or expense reimbursements.



















Data presented reflect past performance. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, and redemption value may be more or less than original cost. Data assumes reinvestment of dividends and capital gains, and none of the charts reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares. To obtain performance data current to the most recent month end, please call 1-800-345-2021 or visit americancentury.com. For additional information about the fund, please consult the prospectus.

4


Portfolio Commentary

Portfolio Managers: Gregory Woodhams and Prescott LeGard

Performance Summary

Growth returned 9.07%* for the 12 months ended October 31, 2015, in line with the 9.18% return of the portfolio’s benchmark, the Russell 1000 Growth Index.

U.S. stock indices posted strong returns during the reporting period amid volatility and considerable variation within sector returns. Within the Russell 1000 Growth Index, consumer discretionary was the top-performing sector, gaining about 20%. Consumer staples and information technology also registered double-digit gains. Energy stocks continued to struggle with plunging commodity prices and fell nearly 31%. Utilities also declined sharply.

Growth received positive contributions to absolute return from most sectors in which it was invested, led by information technology and consumer discretionary. Energy and financials were the only negative contributors. Stock decisions in the consumer staples, financials, and consumer discretionary sectors were the primary sources of underperformance relative to the Russell index. Stock selection and an overweight to information technology aided relative performance, as did stock selection in materials and energy.

Consumer Staples and Financials Were Key Detractors

In consumer staples, stock selection in the tobacco and food products industries weighed on performance. Not owning index components Altria Group and Reynolds American detracted. We continue to prefer Philip Morris International in the tobacco industry. An overweight position in baby formula maker Mead Johnson Nutrition was a significant detractor, as a difficult environment in Hong Kong dragged down the stock. We believe this is a transitory issue and continue to have a positive view of the underlying growth rate for the company.

In financials, underweighting real estate investment trusts hampered results as the industry performed better than expected due to the Federal Reserve’s caution in raising interest rates. Asset manager Franklin Resources detracted as assets under management and fund flows have deteriorated. The holding was eliminated.

Stock decisions in the consumer discretionary sector hurt performance. Not owning index component Starbucks was a major detractor in the sector as the coffee retailer is benefiting from its Starbucks Rewards program. The rollout of its mobile ordering application has exceeded expectations as well.

Other significant individual detractors included Exxon Mobil and Caterpillar. Petroleum giant Exxon Mobil suffered as oil prices plunged. Industrial equipment company Caterpillar struggled as investors worried about weak global growth, especially in China. Both Exxon Mobil and Caterpillar were eliminated from the portfolio.

Information Technology Aided Performance

Stock selection in the information technology and an overweight in the sector helped relative performance. Credit card company Visa was a significant contributor, reporting strong results that beat expectations. The market is looking forward to the potential benefits from an acquisition of Visa Europe. Video game maker Electronic Arts continued to execute, reporting strong results consistent with our investment thesis of improving operating margins.
*
All fund returns referenced in this commentary are for Investor Class shares. Performance for other share classes will vary due to differences in fee structure; when Investor Class performance exceeds that of the fund’s benchmark, other share classes may not. See page 3 for returns for all share classes.

5


Stock selection in the materials sector, especially among chemicals firms, benefited performance. Underweighting the weak sector also was positive. Positioning in energy was similarly beneficial, especially among energy equipment and services companies, as the sector struggled with falling prices and concerns about global growth.

Significant individual contributors included online travel agent Expedia, which continued to report very strong results with hotel room nights, bookings, and revenue growth all better than expected in both the U.S. and globally. The company benefited from regulatory approval of its planned purchase of rival Orbitz, as well as from exiting its money-losing Chinese partnership. O’Reilly Automotive was a top contributor. The auto parts retailer continued to report stronger-than-expected sales on favorable trends of higher vehicle miles driven and lower gasoline prices.
        
Outlook

We believe stock selection—rather than sector allocation or market timing via the use of cash—is the most efficient means of generating superior risk-adjusted returns. As a result of this approach, the portfolio’s sector and industry selection, as well as capitalization range allocations, are primarily due to identifying what the investment team believes to be superior individual securities.

As of October 31, 2015, this process pointed the portfolio toward overweight positions relative to the Russell 1000 Growth Index in the health care and information technology sectors. Financials and consumer staples represented the largest underweights.

The health care allocation recognizes that medical device companies should see a better environment from higher utilization. Pharmaceutical and biotechnology pipelines are robust, with ample clinical trial readouts, and recently launched products are materially additive. Positioning in the IT services, communications equipment, and software industries drove the information technology sector overweight.



6


Fund Characteristics
OCTOBER 31, 2015
 
Top Ten Holdings
% of net assets
Alphabet, Inc., Class A
5.3%
Apple, Inc.
4.9%
Visa, Inc., Class A
4.4%
Amazon.com, Inc.
4.0%
PepsiCo, Inc.
3.7%
Facebook, Inc., Class A
3.4%
Comcast Corp., Class A
2.9%
Lockheed Martin Corp.
2.5%
O'Reilly Automotive, Inc.
2.4%
Walt Disney Co. (The)
2.4%
 
 
Top Five Industries
% of net assets
Internet Software and Services
10.0%
IT Services
6.5%
Internet and Catalog Retail
6.2%
Pharmaceuticals
6.2%
Biotechnology
6.1%
 
 
Types of Investments in Portfolio
% of net assets
Common Stocks
99.5%
Temporary Cash Investments
0.5%
Other Assets and Liabilities
—*
*Category is less than 0.05% of total net assets.


7


Shareholder Fee Example 

Fund shareholders may incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments and redemption/exchange fees; and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution and service (12b-1) fees; and other fund expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in your fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing cost of investing in other mutual funds.

The example is based on an investment of $1,000 made at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period from May 1, 2015 to October 31, 2015.

Actual Expenses

The table provides information about actual account values and actual expenses for each class. You may use the information, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. First, identify the share class you own. Then simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number under the heading “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

If you hold Investor Class shares of any American Century Investments fund, or Institutional Class shares of the American Century Diversified Bond Fund, in an American Century Investments account (i.e., not a financial intermediary or retirement plan account), American Century Investments may charge you a $12.50 semiannual account maintenance fee if the value of those shares is less than $10,000. We will redeem shares automatically in one of your accounts to pay the $12.50 fee. In determining your total eligible investment amount, we will include your investments in all personal accounts (including American Century Investments Brokerage accounts) registered under your Social Security number. Personal accounts include individual accounts, joint accounts, UGMA/UTMA accounts, personal trusts, Coverdell Education Savings Accounts and IRAs (including traditional, Roth, Rollover, SEP-, SARSEP- and SIMPLE-IRAs), and certain other retirement accounts. If you have only business, business retirement, employer-sponsored or American Century Investments Brokerage accounts, you are currently not subject to this fee. If you are subject to the Account Maintenance Fee, your account value could be reduced by the fee amount.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The table also provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the actual expense ratio of each class of your fund and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the actual return of a fund’s share class. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in your fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads) or redemption/exchange fees. Therefore, the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.


8




Beginning
Account Value
5/1/15
Ending
Account Value
10/31/15
Expenses Paid
During Period
(1)5/1/15 - 10/31/15
 
Annualized
Expense Ratio
(1)
Actual
 
 
 
 
Investor Class
$1,000
$1,037.00
$4.98
0.97%
Institutional Class
$1,000
$1,037.80
$3.96
0.77%
A Class
$1,000
$1,035.50
$6.26
1.22%
C Class
$1,000
$1,031.20
$10.09
1.97%
R Class
$1,000
$1,033.90
$7.54
1.47%
R6 Class
$1,000
$1,038.50
$3.19
0.62%
Hypothetical
 
 
 
 
Investor Class
$1,000
$1,020.32
$4.94
0.97%
Institutional Class
$1,000
$1,021.32
$3.92
0.77%
A Class
$1,000
$1,019.06
$6.21
1.22%
C Class
$1,000
$1,015.28
$10.01
1.97%
R Class
$1,000
$1,017.80
$7.48
1.47%
R6 Class
$1,000
$1,022.08
$3.16
0.62%
(1)
Expenses are equal to the class's annualized expense ratio listed in the table above, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184, the number of days in the most recent fiscal half-year, divided by 365, to reflect the one-half year period.


9


Schedule of Investments

OCTOBER 31, 2015
 
Shares
Value
COMMON STOCKS — 99.5%
 
 
Aerospace and Defense — 4.8%
 
 
Boeing Co. (The)
1,314,431
$
194,627,798

Lockheed Martin Corp.
941,222
206,908,832

 
 
401,536,630

Airlines — 1.3%
 
 
Alaska Air Group, Inc.
587,661
44,809,151

Delta Air Lines, Inc.
1,293,639
65,768,607

 
 
110,577,758

Beverages — 3.7%
 
 
PepsiCo, Inc.
3,060,334
312,735,531

Biotechnology — 6.1%
 
 
Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(1) 
600,980
105,772,480

Biogen, Inc.(1) 
465,083
135,111,262

Gilead Sciences, Inc.
1,531,812
165,634,832

Incyte Corp.(1) 
368,545
43,315,094

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(1) 
109,884
61,248,243

 
 
511,081,911

Chemicals — 3.0%
 
 
Dow Chemical Co. (The)
1,801,975
93,108,048

PPG Industries, Inc.
603,754
62,947,392

Sherwin-Williams Co. (The)
350,045
93,402,508

 
 
249,457,948

Communications Equipment — 1.4%
 
 
Cisco Systems, Inc.
2,023,414
58,375,494

QUALCOMM, Inc.
961,127
57,110,166

 
 
115,485,660

Energy Equipment and Services — 0.7%
 
 
Halliburton Co.
1,511,617
58,015,860

Food and Staples Retailing — 0.8%
 
 
Kroger Co. (The)
1,758,386
66,466,991

Food Products — 1.7%
 
 
ConAgra Foods, Inc.
974,646
39,521,895

Mead Johnson Nutrition Co.
1,291,946
105,939,572

 
 
145,461,467

Health Care Equipment and Supplies — 2.4%
 
 
C.R. Bard, Inc.
329,891
61,475,188

Cooper Cos., Inc. (The)
341,246
51,992,240

Intuitive Surgical, Inc.(1) 
179,460
89,119,836

 
 
202,587,264

Health Care Providers and Services — 2.9%
 
 
Cardinal Health, Inc.
1,216,661
100,009,534

Express Scripts Holding Co.(1) 
1,686,114
145,646,528

 
 
245,656,062


10


 
Shares
Value
Health Care Technology — 0.6%
 
 
Cerner Corp.(1) 
743,004
$
49,253,735

Hotels, Restaurants and Leisure — 1.6%
 
 
Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.(1) 
132,344
84,730,599

Las Vegas Sands Corp.
1,089,367
53,934,560

 
 
138,665,159

Household Products — 0.6%
 
 
Church & Dwight Co., Inc.
594,309
51,164,062

Industrial Conglomerates — 1.9%
 
 
3M Co.
1,007,934
158,457,304

Insurance — 1.5%
 
 
Aflac, Inc.
953,976
60,815,970

American International Group, Inc.
1,070,131
67,482,461

 
 
128,298,431

Internet and Catalog Retail — 6.2%
 
 
Amazon.com, Inc.(1) 
538,917
337,308,151

Expedia, Inc.
1,083,330
147,657,879

TripAdvisor, Inc.(1) 
431,008
36,109,850

 
 
521,075,880

Internet Software and Services — 10.0%
 
 
Alphabet, Inc., Class A(1) 
607,708
448,117,802

Facebook, Inc., Class A(1) 
2,834,099
288,993,075

LinkedIn Corp., Class A(1) 
308,699
74,356,328

Pandora Media, Inc.(1) 
2,401,254
27,638,434

 
 
839,105,639

IT Services — 6.5%
 
 
Alliance Data Systems Corp.(1) 
198,075
58,889,678

Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp., Class A(1) 
442,510
30,139,356

Fiserv, Inc.(1) 
950,027
91,687,106

Visa, Inc., Class A
4,765,037
369,671,571

 
 
550,387,711

Life Sciences Tools and Services — 1.2%
 
 
Illumina, Inc.(1) 
327,918
46,984,091

Mettler-Toledo International, Inc.(1) 
68,642
21,346,976

Waters Corp.(1) 
282,315
36,079,857

 
 
104,410,924

Machinery — 1.6%
 
 
Parker-Hannifin Corp.
411,236
43,056,409

WABCO Holdings, Inc.(1) 
303,444
34,055,520

Wabtec Corp.
711,026
58,922,725

 
 
136,034,654

Media — 5.8%
 
 
Comcast Corp., Class A
3,836,005
240,210,633

Sirius XM Holdings, Inc.(1) 
12,136,172
49,515,582

Walt Disney Co. (The)
1,756,341
199,766,225

 
 
489,492,440


11


 
Shares
Value
Multiline Retail — 1.9%
 
 
Dollar Tree, Inc.(1) 
1,738,994
$
113,886,717

Macy's, Inc.
849,910
43,328,412

 
 
157,215,129

Oil, Gas and Consumable Fuels — 0.8%
 
 
Concho Resources, Inc.(1) 
554,012
64,215,531

Personal Products — 0.7%
 
 
Estee Lauder Cos., Inc. (The), Class A
713,843
57,435,808

Pharmaceuticals — 6.2%
 
 
Allergan plc(1) 
208,586
64,342,523

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.
1,877,948
123,850,670

Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc(1) 
162,849
22,355,911

Johnson & Johnson
735,723
74,330,095

Perrigo Co. plc
308,570
48,673,832

Pfizer, Inc.
2,472,990
83,636,522

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. ADR
1,019,425
60,339,766

Zoetis, Inc.
999,549
42,990,602

 
 
520,519,921

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) — 1.0%
 
 
Simon Property Group, Inc.
418,575
84,326,120

Road and Rail — 0.8%
 
 
Union Pacific Corp.
783,560
70,011,086

Semiconductors and Semiconductor Equipment — 2.2%
 
 
Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
1,729,565
70,877,574

Skyworks Solutions, Inc.
355,881
27,488,248

Xilinx, Inc.
1,758,248
83,727,770

 
 
182,093,592

Software — 5.8%
 
 
Adobe Systems, Inc.(1) 
870,882
77,212,398

Electronic Arts, Inc.(1) 
1,153,017
83,097,935

Intuit, Inc.
657,742
64,083,803

Microsoft Corp.
582,991
30,688,646

Oracle Corp.
4,814,645
187,000,812

Splunk, Inc.(1) 
802,300
45,057,168

 
 
487,140,762

Specialty Retail — 5.2%
 
 
O'Reilly Automotive, Inc.(1) 
723,545
199,886,542

Ross Stores, Inc.
1,767,848
89,417,752

TJX Cos., Inc. (The)
2,074,993
151,868,737

 
 
441,173,031

Technology Hardware, Storage and Peripherals — 4.9%
 
 
Apple, Inc.
3,484,046
416,343,497

Textiles, Apparel and Luxury Goods — 0.6%
 
 
Carter's, Inc.
596,096
54,173,204

Tobacco — 1.5%
 
 
Philip Morris International, Inc.
1,484,917
131,266,663


12


 
Shares
Value
Wireless Telecommunication Services — 1.6%
 
 
SBA Communications Corp., Class A(1) 
1,104,093
$
131,409,149

TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(Cost $6,533,338,012)
 
8,382,732,514

TEMPORARY CASH INVESTMENTS — 0.5%
 
 
Repurchase Agreement, Credit Suisse First Boston, Inc., (collateralized by various U.S. Treasury obligations, 1.50%, 5/31/19, valued at $16,870,658), in a joint trading account at 0.01%, dated 10/30/15, due 11/2/15 (Delivery value $16,542,444)
 
16,542,430

Repurchase Agreement, Fixed Income Clearing Corp., (collateralized by various U.S. Treasury obligations, 2.00%, 2/15/25, valued at $28,132,413), at 0.00%, dated 10/30/15, due 11/2/15 (Delivery value $27,577,000)
 
27,577,000

State Street Institutional Liquid Reserves Fund, Premier Class
2,409
2,409

TOTAL TEMPORARY CASH INVESTMENTS
(Cost $44,121,839)
 
44,121,839

TOTAL INVESTMENT SECURITIES — 100.0%
(Cost $6,577,459,851)
 
8,426,854,353

OTHER ASSETS AND LIABILITIES  
 
(1,043,199)

TOTAL NET ASSETS — 100.0%
 
$
8,425,811,154


NOTES TO SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
ADR
-
American Depositary Receipt
Category is less than 0.05% of total net assets.
(1)
Non-income producing.



See Notes to Financial Statements.


13


Statement of Assets and Liabilities
OCTOBER 31, 2015
 
Assets
 
Investment securities, at value (cost of $6,577,459,851)
$
8,426,854,353

Cash
1,069,030

Receivable for investments sold
130,767,065

Receivable for capital shares sold
2,673,089

Dividends and interest receivable
956,164

 
8,562,319,701

 
 
Liabilities
 
Payable for investments purchased
113,084,564

Payable for capital shares redeemed
16,925,504

Payable for variation margin on futures contracts
24,545

Accrued management fees
6,356,367

Distribution and service fees payable
117,567

 
136,508,547

 
 
Net Assets
$
8,425,811,154

 
 
Net Assets Consist of:
 
Capital (par value and paid-in surplus)
$
6,041,345,273

Undistributed net investment income
30,468,660

Undistributed net realized gain
504,602,912

Net unrealized appreciation
1,849,394,309

 
$
8,425,811,154


 
Net Assets
Shares Outstanding
Net Asset Value Per Share
Investor Class, $0.01 Par Value

$5,952,798,269

194,751,040

$30.57
Institutional Class, $0.01 Par Value

$1,723,219,227

55,532,585

$31.03
A Class, $0.01 Par Value

$290,076,669

9,739,734

$29.78*
C Class, $0.01 Par Value

$11,712,688

402,831

$29.08
R Class, $0.01 Par Value

$114,671,618

3,911,858

$29.31
R6 Class, $0.01 Par Value

$333,332,683

10,739,500

$31.04
*Maximum offering price $31.60 (net asset value divided by 0.9425).


See Notes to Financial Statements.

14


Statement of Operations
YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2015
 
Investment Income (Loss)
 
Income:
 
Dividends (net of foreign taxes withheld of $175,549)
$
119,258,630

Interest
16,194

 
119,274,824

 
 
Expenses:
 
Management fees
81,881,774

Distribution and service fees:
 
A Class
1,338,307

C Class
127,740

R Class
645,789

Directors' fees and expenses
300,152

Other expenses
5,408

 
84,299,170

 
 
Net investment income (loss)
34,975,654

 
 
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)
 
Net realized gain (loss) on:
 
Investment transactions
649,957,223

Futures contract transactions
3,608,098

 
653,565,321

 
 
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:
 
Investments
121,810,197

Translation of assets and liabilities in foreign currencies
(163
)
 
121,810,034

 
 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
775,375,355

 
 
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations
$
810,351,009



See Notes to Financial Statements.

15


Statement of Changes in Net Assets
YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2015 AND OCTOBER 31, 2014
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
October 31, 2015
October 31, 2014
Operations
 
 
Net investment income (loss)
$
34,975,654

$
36,134,621

Net realized gain (loss)
653,565,321

2,198,704,083

Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
121,810,034

(898,224,384
)
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations
810,351,009

1,336,614,320

 
 
 
Distributions to Shareholders
 
 
From net investment income:
 
 
Investor Class
(16,585,425
)
(22,778,559
)
Institutional Class
(10,940,258
)
(15,873,908
)
A Class
(217,419
)
(888,505
)
R6 Class
(4,181,750
)
(106,884
)
From net realized gains:
 
 
Investor Class
(1,198,333,475
)
(363,165,714
)
Institutional Class
(462,150,035
)
(162,417,278
)
A Class
(141,524,178
)
(46,907,160
)
C Class
(2,779,036
)
(847,836
)
R Class
(29,100,730
)
(8,690,601
)
R6 Class
(134,632,055
)
(862,082
)
Decrease in net assets from distributions
(2,000,444,361
)
(622,538,527
)
 
 
 
Capital Share Transactions
 
 
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from capital share transactions (Note 5)
(329,633,462
)
(930,608,672
)
 
 
 
Net increase (decrease) in net assets
(1,519,726,814
)
(216,532,879
)
 
 
 
Net Assets
 
 
Beginning of period
9,945,537,968

10,162,070,847

End of period
$
8,425,811,154

$
9,945,537,968

 
 
 
Undistributed net investment income
$
30,468,660

$
31,909,075



See Notes to Financial Statements.

16


Notes to Financial Statements

OCTOBER 31, 2015

1. Organization

American Century Mutual Funds, Inc. (the corporation) is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act), as an open-end management investment company and is organized as a Maryland corporation. Growth Fund (the fund) is one fund in a series issued by the corporation. The fund is diversified as defined under the 1940 Act. The fund's investment objective is to seek long-term capital growth.

The fund offers the Investor Class, the Institutional Class, the A Class, the C Class, the R Class and the R6 Class. The A Class may incur an initial sales charge. The A Class and C Class may be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge. The share classes differ principally in their respective sales charges and distribution and shareholder servicing expenses and arrangements. The Institutional Class and R6 Class shareholders do not require the same level of shareholder and administrative services from American Century Investment Management, Inc. (ACIM) (the investment advisor) as shareholders of other classes. In addition, financial intermediaries do not receive any service, distribution or administrative fees for the R6 Class. As a result, the Institutional Class and R6 Class are charged lower unified management fees.

2. Significant Accounting Policies

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the fund in preparation of its financial statements. The fund is an investment company and follows accounting and reporting guidance in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. This may require management to make certain estimates and assumptions at the date of the financial statements. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Management evaluated the impact of events or transactions occurring through the date the financial statements were issued that would merit recognition or disclosure.

Investment Valuations — The fund determines the fair value of its investments and computes its net asset value per share at the close of regular trading (usually 4 p.m. Eastern time) on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on each day the NYSE is open. The Board of Directors has adopted valuation policies and procedures to guide the investment advisor in the fund’s investment valuation process and to provide methodologies for the oversight of the fund’s pricing function.

Equity securities that are listed or traded on a domestic securities exchange are valued at the last reported sales price or at the official closing price as provided by the exchange. Equity securities traded on foreign securities exchanges are generally valued at the closing price of such securities on the exchange where primarily traded or at the close of the NYSE, if that is earlier. If no last sales price is reported, or if local convention or regulation so provides, the mean of the latest bid and asked prices may be used. Securities traded over-the-counter are valued at the mean of the latest bid and asked prices, the last sales price, or the official closing price. Equity securities initially expressed in local currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at the mean of the appropriate currency exchange rate at the close of the NYSE as provided by an independent pricing service.
 
Open-end management investment companies are valued at the reported net asset value per share. Repurchase agreements are valued at cost, which approximates fair value. Exchange-traded futures contracts are valued at the settlement price as provided by the appropriate clearing corporation.

If the fund determines that the market price for an investment is not readily available or the valuation methods mentioned above do not reflect an investment’s fair value, such investment is valued as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors or its delegate, in accordance with policies and procedures adopted by the Board of Directors. In its determination of fair value, the fund may review several factors including, but not limited to, market information regarding the specific investment or comparable investments and correlation with other investment types, futures indices or general market indicators. Circumstances that may cause the fund to use these procedures to value an investment include, but are not limited to: an investment has been declared in default or is distressed; trading in a security has been suspended during the trading day or a security is not actively trading on its principal exchange; prices received from a regular pricing source are deemed unreliable; or there is a foreign market holiday and no trading occurred.



17


The fund monitors for significant events occurring after the close of an investment’s primary exchange but before the fund’s net asset value per share is determined. Significant events may include, but are not limited to: corporate announcements and transactions; governmental action and political unrest that could impact a specific investment or an investment sector; or armed conflicts, natural disasters and similar events that could affect investments in a specific country or region. The fund also monitors for significant fluctuations between domestic and foreign markets, as evidenced by the U.S. market or such other indicators that the Board of Directors, or its delegate, deems appropriate. If significant fluctuations in foreign markets are identified, the fund may apply a model-derived factor to the closing price of equity securities traded on foreign securities exchanges. The factor is based on observable market data as provided by an independent pricing service.

Security Transactions — Security transactions are accounted for as of the trade date. Net realized gains and losses are determined on the identified cost basis, which is also used for federal income tax purposes.

Investment Income — Dividend income less foreign taxes withheld, if any, is recorded as of the ex-dividend date. Distributions received on securities that represent a return of capital or long-term capital gain are recorded as a reduction of cost of investments and/or as a realized gain. The fund may estimate the components of distributions received that may be considered nontaxable distributions or long-term capital gain distributions for income tax purposes. Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis and includes accretion of discounts and amortization of premiums.

Foreign Currency Translations — All assets and liabilities initially expressed in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at prevailing exchange rates at period end. The fund may enter into spot foreign currency exchange contracts to facilitate transactions denominated in a foreign currency. Purchases and sales of investment securities, dividend and interest income, spot foreign currency exchange contracts, and expenses are translated at the rates of exchange prevailing on the respective dates of such transactions. Net realized and unrealized foreign currency exchange gains or losses related to investment securities are a component of net realized gain (loss) on investment transactions and change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments, respectively.

Repurchase Agreements — The fund may enter into repurchase agreements with institutions that ACIM has determined are creditworthy pursuant to criteria adopted by the Board of Directors. The fund requires that the collateral, represented by securities, received in a repurchase transaction be transferred to the custodian in a manner sufficient to enable the fund to obtain those securities in the event of a default under the repurchase agreement. ACIM monitors, on a daily basis, the securities transferred to ensure the value, including accrued interest, of the securities under each repurchase agreement is equal to or greater than amounts owed to the fund under each repurchase agreement.

Joint Trading Account — Pursuant to an Exemptive Order issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the fund, along with certain other funds in the American Century Investments family of funds, may transfer uninvested cash balances into a joint trading account. These balances are invested in one or more repurchase agreements that are collateralized by U.S. Treasury or Agency obligations.

Segregated Assets — In accordance with the 1940 Act, the fund segregates assets on its books and records to cover futures contracts. ACIM monitors, on a daily basis, the securities segregated to ensure the fund designates a sufficient amount of liquid assets, marked-to-market daily. The fund may also receive assets or be required to pledge assets at the custodian bank or with a broker for margin requirements on futures contracts.

Income Tax Status — It is the fund’s policy to distribute substantially all net investment income and net realized gains to shareholders and to otherwise qualify as a regulated investment company under provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. Accordingly, no provision has been made for income taxes. The fund files U.S. federal, state, local and non-U.S. tax returns as applicable. The fund's tax returns are subject to examination by the relevant taxing authority until expiration of the applicable statute of limitations, which is generally three years from the date of filing but can be longer in certain jurisdictions. At this time, management believes there are no uncertain tax positions which, based on their technical merit, would not be sustained upon examination and for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly change in the next twelve months.

Multiple Class — All shares of the fund represent an equal pro rata interest in the net assets of the class to which such shares belong, and have identical voting, dividend, liquidation and other rights and the same terms and conditions, except for class specific expenses and exclusive rights to vote on matters affecting only individual classes. Income, non-class specific expenses, and realized and unrealized capital gains and losses of the fund are allocated to each class of shares based on their relative net assets.

18



Distributions to Shareholders — Distributions from net investment income and net realized gains, if any, are generally declared and paid annually. The fund may elect to treat a portion of its payment to a redeeming shareholder, which represents the pro rata share of undistributed net investment income and net realized gains, as a distribution for federal income tax purposes (tax equalization).

Indemnifications — Under the corporation’s organizational documents, its officers and directors are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the fund. In addition, in the normal course of business, the fund enters into contracts that provide general indemnifications. The maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be made against a fund. The risk of material loss from such claims is considered by management to be remote.

3. Fees and Transactions with Related Parties

Certain officers and directors of the corporation are also officers and/or directors of American Century Companies, Inc. (ACC). The corporation’s investment advisor, ACIM, the corporation's distributor, American Century Investment Services, Inc. (ACIS), and the corporation’s transfer agent, American Century Services, LLC, are wholly owned, directly or indirectly, by ACC.
 
Management Fees — The corporation has entered into a management agreement with ACIM, under which ACIM provides the fund with investment advisory and management services in exchange for a single, unified management fee (the fee) per class. The agreement provides that all expenses of managing and operating the fund, except distribution and service fees, brokerage expenses, taxes, interest, fees and expenses of the independent directors (including legal counsel fees), and extraordinary expenses, will be paid by ACIM. The fee is computed and accrued daily based on each class’s daily net assets and paid monthly in arrears. The rate of the fee is determined by applying a fee rate calculation formula. This formula takes into account the fund’s assets as well as certain assets, if any, of other clients of the investment advisor outside the American Century Investments family of funds (such as subadvised funds and separate accounts) that have very similar investment teams and investment strategies (strategy assets). The strategy assets of the fund also include the assets of NT Growth Fund, one fund in a series issued by the corporation. The annual management fee schedule ranges from 0.800% to 0.990% for the Investor Class, A Class, C Class and R Class. The annual management fee schedule ranges from 0.600% to 0.790% for the Institutional Class and 0.450% to 0.640% for the R6 Class. The effective annual management fee for each class for the year ended October 31, 2015 was 0.97% for the Investor Class, A Class, C Class and R Class, 0.77% for the Institutional Class and 0.62% for the R6 Class.

Distribution and Service Fees — The Board of Directors has adopted a separate Master Distribution and Individual Shareholder Services Plan for each of the A Class, C Class and R Class (collectively the plans), pursuant to Rule 12b-1 of the 1940 Act. The plans provide that the A Class will pay ACIS an annual distribution and service fee of 0.25%. The plans provide that the C Class will pay ACIS an annual distribution and service fee of 1.00%, of which 0.25% is paid for individual shareholder services and 0.75% is paid for distribution services. The plans provide that the R Class will pay ACIS an annual distribution and service fee of 0.50%. The fees are computed and accrued daily based on each class’s daily net assets and paid monthly in arrears. The fees are used to pay financial intermediaries for distribution and individual shareholder services. Fees incurred under the plans during the year ended October 31, 2015 are detailed in the Statement of Operations.

Directors' Fees and Expenses — The Board of Directors is responsible for overseeing the investment advisor’s management and operations of the fund. The directors receive detailed information about the fund and its investment advisor regularly throughout the year, and meet at least quarterly with management of the investment advisor to review reports about fund operations. The fund’s officers do not receive compensation from the fund.
 
4. Investment Transactions

Purchases and sales of investment securities, excluding short-term investments, for the year ended October 31, 2015 were $4,397,258,112 and $6,696,794,453, respectively.








19


5. Capital Share Transactions

Transactions in shares of the fund were as follows:
 
Year ended
October 31, 2015
Year ended
October 31, 2014
 
Shares
Amount
Shares
Amount
Investor Class/Shares Authorized
1,300,000,000

 
800,000,000

 
Sold
18,485,200

$
560,677,873

13,332,918

$
445,451,613

Issued in reinvestment of distributions
42,695,891

1,180,114,422

11,936,516

375,642,112

Redeemed
(36,577,463
)
(1,108,049,747
)
(46,275,518
)
(1,573,721,708
)
 
24,603,628

632,742,548

(21,006,084
)
(752,627,983
)
Institutional Class/Shares Authorized
400,000,000

 
345,000,000

 
Sold
11,177,091

340,793,902

19,929,594

680,057,728

Issued in reinvestment of distributions
16,531,989

463,061,000

5,462,288

173,755,364

Redeemed
(41,473,294
)
(1,282,347,776
)
(40,962,347
)
(1,379,407,350
)
 
(13,764,214
)
(478,492,874
)
(15,570,465
)
(525,594,258
)
A Class/Shares Authorized
300,000,000

 
310,000,000

 
Sold
2,271,840

66,169,613

2,580,515

84,073,659

Issued in reinvestment of distributions
4,969,965

134,139,352

1,452,224

44,844,664

Redeemed
(18,241,406
)
(540,778,384
)
(8,476,259
)
(280,585,369
)
 
(10,999,601
)
(340,469,419
)
(4,443,520
)
(151,667,046
)
C Class/Shares Authorized
20,000,000

 
20,000,000

 
Sold
61,912

1,753,477

46,991

1,539,309

Issued in reinvestment of distributions
75,478

2,001,685

19,381

594,604

Redeemed
(126,773
)
(3,649,693
)
(123,535
)
(3,974,728
)
 
10,617

105,469

(57,163
)
(1,840,815
)
R Class/Shares Authorized
30,000,000

 
30,000,000

 
Sold
859,031

24,682,075

601,554

19,559,453

Issued in reinvestment of distributions
1,071,849

28,532,630

276,271

8,459,424

Redeemed
(2,186,151
)
(63,135,342
)
(1,229,483
)
(40,169,460
)
 
(255,271
)
(9,920,637
)
(351,658
)
(12,150,583
)
R6 Class/Shares Authorized
80,000,000

 
50,000,000

 
Sold
7,521,520

245,615,273

16,405,541

548,650,322

Issued in reinvestment of distributions
4,961,180

138,813,805

30,490

968,966

Redeemed
(17,559,794
)
(518,027,627
)
(1,073,663
)
(36,347,275
)
 
(5,077,094
)
(133,598,549
)
15,362,368

513,272,013

Net increase (decrease)
(5,481,935
)
$
(329,633,462
)
(26,066,522
)
$
(930,608,672
)

6. Fair Value Measurements

The fund’s investments valuation process is based on several considerations and may use multiple inputs to determine the fair value of the investments held by the fund. In conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, the inputs used to determine a valuation are classified into three broad levels.

Level 1 valuation inputs consist of unadjusted quoted prices in an active market for identical investments.

Level 2 valuation inputs consist of direct or indirect observable market data (including quoted prices for comparable investments, evaluations of subsequent market events, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.). These inputs also consist of quoted prices for identical investments initially expressed in local currencies that are adjusted through translation into U.S. dollars.

Level 3 valuation inputs consist of unobservable data (including a fund’s own assumptions).


20


The level classification is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair valuation measurement. The valuation inputs are not necessarily an indication of the risks associated with investing in these securities or other financial instruments. There were no significant transfers between levels during the period.

The following is a summary of the level classifications as of period end. The Schedule of Investments provides additional information on the fund’s portfolio holdings.
 
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Assets
 
 
 
Investment Securities
 
 
 
Common Stocks
$
8,382,732,514



Temporary Cash Investments
2,409

$
44,119,430


 
$
8,382,734,923

$
44,119,430



7. Derivative Instruments

Equity Price Risk — The fund is subject to equity price risk in the normal course of pursuing its investment objectives. A fund may enter into futures contracts based on an equity index in order to manage its exposure to changes in market conditions. A fund may purchase futures contracts to gain exposure to increases in market value or sell futures contracts to protect against a decline in market value. Upon entering into a futures contract, a fund is required to deposit either cash or securities in an amount equal to a certain percentage of the contract value (initial margin). Subsequent payments (variation margin) are made or received daily, in cash, by a fund. The variation margin is equal to the daily change in the contract value and is recorded as unrealized gains and losses. A fund recognizes a realized gain or loss when the contract is closed or expires. Net realized and unrealized gains or losses occurring during the holding period of futures contracts are a component of net realized gain (loss) on futures contract transactions and change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on futures contracts, respectively. One of the risks of entering into futures contracts is the possibility that the change in value of the contract may not correlate with the changes in value of the underlying securities. During the period, the fund participated in equity price risk derivative instruments for temporary investment purposes.

The value of equity price risk derivative instruments as of October 31, 2015, is disclosed on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities as a liability of $24,545 in payable for variation margin on futures contracts. For the year ended October 31, 2015, the effect of equity price risk derivative instruments on the Statement of Operations was $3,608,098 in net realized gain (loss) on futures contract transactions.

8. Federal Tax Information

The tax character of distributions paid during the years ended October 31, 2015 and October 31, 2014 were as follows:
 
2015
2014
Distributions Paid From
 
 
Ordinary income
$
266,491,180

$
141,541,055

Long-term capital gains
$
1,733,953,181

$
480,997,472


The book-basis character of distributions made during the year from net investment income or net realized gains may differ from their ultimate characterization for federal income tax purposes. These differences reflect the differing character of certain income items and net realized gains and losses for financial statement and tax purposes, and may result in reclassification among certain capital accounts on the financial statements.

The reclassifications, which are primarily due to tax equalization, were made to capital $149,466,398, undistributed net investment income $(4,491,217), and undistributed net realized gain $(144,975,181).    


21


As of October 31, 2015, the federal tax cost of investments and the components of distributable earnings on a tax-basis were as follows:
Federal tax cost of investments
$
6,582,689,825

Gross tax appreciation of investments
$
1,989,158,015

Gross tax depreciation of investments
(144,993,487
)
Net tax appreciation (depreciation) of investments
1,844,164,528

Net tax appreciation (depreciation) on derivatives and translation of assets and liabilities
in foreign currencies
(193
)
Net tax appreciation (depreciation)
$
1,844,164,335

Undistributed ordinary income
$
172,865,765

Accumulated long-term gains
$
367,435,781


The difference between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation (depreciation) is attributable primarily to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales.



22


Financial Highlights
For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Years Ended October 31 (except as noted)
 
Per-Share Data
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ratios and Supplemental Data
 
 
Income From Investment Operations:
Distributions From:
 
 
Ratio to Average Net Assets of:
 
 
Net Asset
Value,
Beginning
of Period
Net
Investment
Income
(Loss)
(1)
Net
Realized
and
Unrealized
Gain (Loss)
Total From
Investment
Operations
Net
Investment
Income
Net
Realized
Gains
Total
Distributions
Net Asset
Value,
End
of Period
Total
Return
(2)
Operating
Expenses
Net
Investment
Income
(Loss)
Portfolio
Turnover
Rate
Net
Assets,
End of
Period
(in thousands)
Investor Class
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2015
$35.39
0.10
2.34
2.44
(0.10)
(7.16)
(7.26)
$30.57
9.07%
0.97%
0.35%
49%

$5,952,798

2014
$33.10
0.11
4.22
4.33
(0.12)
(1.92)
(2.04)
$35.39
13.84%
0.97%
0.32%
103%

$6,021,115

2013
$27.48
0.21
6.53
6.74
(0.25)
(0.87)
(1.12)
$33.10
25.42%
0.97%
0.71%
67%

$6,327,674

2012
$25.88
0.14
2.50
2.64
(0.13)
(0.91)
(1.04)
$27.48
10.67%
0.97%
0.54%
74%

$5,593,916

2011
$24.00
0.16
1.81
1.97
(0.09)
(0.09)
$25.88
8.20%
0.98%
0.58%
79%

$5,377,431

Institutional Class
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2015
$35.83
0.17
2.36
2.53
(0.17)
(7.16)
(7.33)
$31.03
9.30%
0.77%
0.55%
49%

$1,723,219

2014
$33.49
0.18
4.27
4.45
(0.19)
(1.92)
(2.11)
$35.83
14.03%
0.77%
0.52%
103%

$2,482,606

2013
$27.75
0.27
6.60
6.87
(0.26)
(0.87)
(1.13)
$33.49
25.68%
0.77%
0.91%
67%

$2,842,185

2012
$26.13
0.20
2.51
2.71
(0.18)
(0.91)
(1.09)
$27.75
10.86%
0.77%
0.74%
74%

$2,237,708

2011
$24.23
0.20
1.84
2.04
(0.14)
(0.14)
$26.13
8.42%
0.78%
0.78%
79%

$2,080,463

A Class
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2015
$34.65
0.04
2.26
2.30
(0.01)
(7.16)
(7.17)
$29.78
8.78%
1.22%
0.10%
49%

$290,077

2014
$32.45
0.03
4.13
4.16
(0.04)
(1.92)
(1.96)
$34.65
13.53%
1.22%
0.07%
103%

$718,640

2013
$27.00
0.13
6.42
6.55
(0.23)
(0.87)
(1.10)
$32.45
25.14%
1.22%
0.46%
67%

$817,166

2012
$25.45
0.07
2.46
2.53
(0.07)
(0.91)
(0.98)
$27.00
10.37%
1.22%
0.29%
74%

$701,313

2011
$23.60
0.08
1.79
1.87
(0.02)
(0.02)
$25.45
7.93%
1.23%
0.33%
79%

$628,634


23


For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Years Ended October 31 (except as noted)
 
Per-Share Data
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ratios and Supplemental Data
 
 
Income From Investment Operations:
Distributions From:
 
 
Ratio to Average Net Assets of:
 
 
Net Asset
Value,
Beginning
of Period
Net
Investment
Income
(Loss)
(1)
Net
Realized
and
Unrealized
Gain (Loss)
Total From
Investment
Operations
Net
Investment
Income
Net
Realized
Gains
Total
Distributions
Net Asset
Value,
End
of Period
Total
Return
(2)
Operating
Expenses
Net
Investment
Income
(Loss)
Portfolio
Turnover
Rate
Net
Assets,
End of
Period
(in thousands)
C Class
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2015
$34.20
(0.19)
2.23
2.04
(7.16)
(7.16)
$29.08
7.95%
1.97%
(0.65)%
49%

$11,713

2014
$32.24
(0.22)
4.10
3.88
(1.92)
(1.92)
$34.20
12.71%
1.97%
(0.68)%
103%

$13,413

2013
$26.98
(0.08)
6.38
6.30
(0.17)
(0.87)
(1.04)
$32.24
24.16%
1.97%
(0.29)%
67%

$14,489

2012
$25.55
(0.12)
2.46
2.34
(0.91)
(0.91)
$26.98
9.55%
1.97%
(0.46)%
74%

$14,084

2011
$23.85
(0.12)
1.82
1.70
$25.55
7.13%
1.98%
(0.42)%
79%

$14,730

R Class
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2015
$34.28
(0.04)
2.23
2.19
(7.16)
(7.16)
$29.31
8.50%
1.47%
(0.15)%
49%

$114,672

2014
$32.16
(0.06)
4.10
4.04
(1.92)
(1.92)
$34.28
13.26%
1.47%
(0.18)%
103%

$142,845

2013
$26.82
0.06
6.36
6.42
(0.21)
(0.87)
(1.08)
$32.16
24.80%
1.47%
0.21%
67%

$145,337

2012
$25.28
0.01
2.44
2.45
(3)
(0.91)
(0.91)
$26.82
10.12%
1.47%
0.04%
74%

$115,208

2011
$23.49
(3)
1.79
1.79
$25.28
7.62%
1.48%
0.08%
79%

$79,569

R6 Class
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2015
$35.84
0.23
2.35
2.58
(0.22)
(7.16)
(7.38)
$31.04
9.46%
0.62%
0.70%
49%

$333,333

2014
$33.51
0.18
4.31
4.49
(0.24)
(1.92)
(2.16)
$35.84
14.20%
0.62%
0.67%
103%

$566,919

2013(4)
$31.22
0.05
2.24
2.29
$33.51
7.34%
0.62%(5)
0.64%(5)
67%(6)

$15,219


24


Notes to Financial Highlights
 
 
(1)
Computed using average shares outstanding throughout the period.
(2)
Total returns are calculated based on the net asset value of the last business day and do not reflect applicable sales charges, if any. Total returns for periods less than one year are not annualized.
(3)
Per-share amount was less than $0.005.
(4)
July 26, 2013 (commencement of sale) through October 31, 2013.
(5)
Annualized.
(6)
Portfolio turnover is calculated at the fund level. Percentage indicated was calculated for the year ended October 31, 2013.

See Notes to Financial Statements.

25


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of American Century Mutual Funds, Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the schedule of investments, of Growth Fund (the “Fund”), one of the funds constituting American Century Mutual Funds, Inc., as of October 31, 2015, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the periods presented. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Fund’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. The Fund is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Fund’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of October 31, 2015, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers; when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Growth Fund of American Century Mutual Funds, Inc. as of October 31, 2015, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the periods presented, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Kansas City, Missouri
December 16, 2015




26


Management

The Board of Directors
The individuals listed below serve as directors of the funds. Each director will continue to serve in this capacity until death, retirement, resignation or removal from office. The board has adopted a mandatory retirement age for directors who are not “interested persons,” as that term is defined in the Investment Company Act (independent directors). Independent directors shall retire by December 31 of the year in which they reach their 75th birthday.
Mr. Thomas is an “interested person” because he currently serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of American Century Companies, Inc. (ACC), the parent company of American Century Investment Management, Inc. (ACIM or the advisor). Mr. Fink is treated as an “interested person” because of his recent employment with ACC and American Century Services, LLC (ACS). The other directors (more than three-fourths of the total number) are independent. They are not employees, directors or officers of, and have no financial interest in, ACC or any of its wholly owned, direct or indirect, subsidiaries, including ACIM, American Century Investment Services, Inc. (ACIS) and ACS, and they do not have any other affiliations, positions or relationships that would cause them to be considered “interested persons” under the Investment Company Act. The directors serve in this capacity for seven (in the case of Mr. Thomas, 15) registered investment companies in the American Century Investments family of funds.
The following table presents additional information about the directors. The mailing address for each director is 4500 Main Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64111.
Name
(Year of Birth)
Position(s)
Held with
Funds
Length of
Time Served
Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years
Number of
American
Century
Portfolios
Overseen by Director
Other
Directorships
Held During
Past 5 Years
Independent Directors
 
 
 
 
Thomas A. Brown
(1940)
Director
Since 1980
Managing Member, Associated Investments, LLC (real estate investment company)
80
None
Andrea C. Hall
(1945)
Director
Since 1997
Retired
80
None
Jan M. Lewis
(1957)
Director
Since 2011
Retired; President and Chief Executive Officer, Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas (human services organization) (2006 to 2013)
80
None
James A. Olson
(1942)
Director and Chairman of the Board
Since 2007 (Chairman since 2014)
Member, Plaza Belmont LLC (private equity fund manager)
80
Saia, Inc. (2002 to 2012) and EPR Properties (2003 to 2013)
M. Jeannine Strandjord
(1945)
Director
Since 1994
Retired
80
Euronet Worldwide Inc.; MGP Ingredients, Inc.; Charming Shoppes, Inc. (2006 to 2010); and DST Systems Inc. (1996 to 2012)
John R. Whitten
(1946)
Director
Since 2008
Retired
80
Rudolph Technologies, Inc.

27


Name
(Year of Birth)
Position(s)
Held with
Funds
Length of
Time Served
Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years
Number of
American
Century
Portfolios
Overseen by Director
Other
Directorships
Held During
Past 5 Years
Independent Directors
 
 
 
 
Stephen E. Yates
(1948)
Director
Since 2012
Retired; Executive Vice President, Technology & Operations, KeyCorp. (computer services) (2004 to 2010)
80
Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. (2001 to 2010)
Interested Directors
 
 
 
 
Barry Fink
(1955)
Director
Since 2012
Retired; Executive Vice President, ACC (September 2007 to February 2013); President, ACS (October 2007 to February 2013); Chief Operating Officer, ACC (September 2007 to November 2012)
80
None
Jonathan S. Thomas
(1963)
Director and President
Since 2007
President and Chief Executive Officer, ACC (March 2007 to present). Also serves as Chief Executive Officer, ACS; Executive Vice President, ACIM; Director, ACC, ACIM and other ACC subsidiaries
125
BioMed Valley Discoveries, Inc.

The Statement of Additional Information has additional information about the fund's directors and is available without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-345-2021.


28


Officers
The following table presents certain information about the executive officers of the funds. Each officer serves as an officer for each of the 15 investment companies in the American Century family of funds, unless otherwise noted. No officer is compensated for his or her service as an officer of the funds. The listed officers are interested persons of the funds and are appointed or re-appointed on an annual basis. The mailing address for each officer listed below is 4500 Main Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64111.
Name
(Year of Birth)
Offices with the Funds
Principal Occupation(s) During the Past Five Years
Jonathan S.
Thomas
(1963)
Director and
President
since 2007
President and Chief Executive Officer, ACC (March 2007 to present). Also serves as Chief Executive Officer, ACS; Executive Vice President, ACIM; Director, ACC, ACIM and other ACC subsidiaries
Amy D. Shelton
(1964)
Chief Compliance
Officer and Vice President since 2014
Chief Compliance Officer, American Century funds, (March 2014 to present); Chief Compliance Officer, ACIM (February 2014 to present); Chief Compliance Officer, ACIS (October 2009 to present); Vice President, Client Interactions and Marketing, ACIS (February 2013 to January 2014); Director, Client Interactions and Marketing, ACIS (June 2007 to January 2013). Also serves as Vice President, ACIS
Charles A.
Etherington
(1957)
General Counsel
since 2007 and
Senior Vice
President since 2006
Attorney, ACC (February 1994 to present); Vice President, ACC (November 2005 to present); General Counsel, ACC (March 2007 to present). Also serves as General Counsel, ACIM, ACS, ACIS and other ACC subsidiaries; and Senior Vice President, ACIM and ACS
C. Jean Wade
(1964)
Vice President,
Treasurer and
Chief Financial
Officer since 2012
Vice President, ACS (February 2000 to present)
Robert J. Leach
(1966)
Vice President
since 2006 and
Assistant Treasurer
since 2012
Vice President, ACS (February 2000 to present)
David H.
Reinmiller
(1963)
Vice President
since 2000
Attorney, ACC (January 1994 to present); Associate General Counsel, ACC (January 2001 to present). Also serves as Vice President, ACIM and ACS
Ward D. Stauffer
(1960)
Secretary
since 2005
Attorney, ACC (June 2003 to present)


29


Approval of Management Agreement


At a meeting held on June 30, 2015, the Fund’s Board of Directors unanimously approved the renewal of the management agreement pursuant to which American Century Investment Management, Inc. (the “Advisor”) acts as the investment advisor for the Fund. Under Section 15(c) of the Investment Company Act, contracts for investment advisory services are required to be reviewed, evaluated, and approved by a majority of a fund’s directors (the “Directors”), including a majority of the independent Directors, each year.
    
Prior to its consideration of the renewal of the management agreement, the Directors requested and reviewed extensive data and information compiled by the Advisor and certain independent providers of evaluation data concerning the Fund and the services provided to the Fund by the Advisor. This review was in addition to the oversight and evaluation undertaken by the Board and its committees on a continuous basis and the information received was supplemental to the extensive information that the Board and its committees receive and consider throughout the year.

In connection with its consideration of the renewal of the management agreement, the Board’s review and evaluation of the services provided by the Advisor included, but was not limited to, the following:

the nature, extent, and quality of investment management, shareholder services, and other services provided by the Advisor to the Fund;
the wide range of other programs and services the Advisor provides to the Fund and its shareholders on a routine and non-routine basis;
the Fund’s investment performance compared to appropriate benchmarks and/or a peer group of other mutual funds with similar investment objectives and strategies;
the cost of owning the Fund compared to the cost of owning similar funds;
the Advisor’s compliance policies, procedures, and regulatory experience;
financial data showing the cost of services provided to the Fund, the profitability of the Fund to the Advisor, and the overall profitability of the Advisor;
possible economies of scale associated with the Advisor’s management of the Fund and other accounts under its management;
data comparing services provided and charges to other investment management clients of the Advisor;
acquired fund fees and expenses;
payments to intermediaries by the Fund and the Advisor; and
any collateral benefits derived by the Advisor from the management of the Fund.

In keeping with their practice, the Directors held two in-person meetings and one telephonic meeting to review and discuss the information provided. The independent Directors also had the benefit of the advice of their independent counsel throughout the process.

Factors Considered

The Directors considered all of the information provided by the Advisor, the independent data providers, and independent counsel, and evaluated such information for the Fund. In connection with their review, the Directors did not identify any single factor as being all-important or controlling, and each Director may have attributed different levels of importance to different factors. In deciding to renew the management agreement, the Board based its decision on a number of factors, including the following:


30


Nature, Extent and Quality of Services - Generally. Under the management agreement, the Advisor is responsible for providing or arranging for all services necessary for the operation of the
Fund. The Board noted that under the management agreement, the Advisor provides or arranges at its own expense a wide variety of services including:

constructing and designing the Fund
portfolio research and security selection
initial capitalization/funding
securities trading
Fund administration
custody of Fund assets
daily valuation of the Fund’s portfolio
shareholder servicing and transfer agency, including shareholder confirmations, recordkeeping, and communications
legal services (except the independent Directors’ counsel)
regulatory and portfolio compliance
financial reporting
marketing and distribution (except Rule 12b-1 plans)

The Board noted that many of these services have expanded over time both in terms of quantity and complexity in response to shareholder demands, competition in the industry, changing distribution channels, and the changing regulatory environment.

Investment Management Services. The nature of the investment management services provided to the Fund is quite complex and allows Fund shareholders access to professional money management, instant diversification of their investments within an asset class, the opportunity to easily diversify among asset classes by investing in or exchanging among various American Century Investments funds, and liquidity. In evaluating investment performance, the Board expects the Advisor to manage the Fund in accordance with its investment objectives and approved strategies. Further, the Directors recognize that the Advisor has an obligation to monitor trading activities, and in particular to seek the best execution of fund trades, and to evaluate the use of and payment for research. In providing these services, the Advisor utilizes teams of investment professionals (portfolio managers, analysts, research assistants, and securities traders) who require extensive information technology, research, training, compliance and other systems to conduct their business. The Board, directly and through its Fund Performance Review Committee, regularly reviews investment performance information for the Fund, together with comparative information for appropriate benchmarks and/or peer groups of similarly-managed funds, over different time horizons. The Directors also review detailed performance information during the management agreement approval process. If performance concerns are identified, the Fund receives special reviews until performance improves, during which the Board discusses with the Advisor the reasons for such results (e.g., market conditions, security selection) and any efforts being undertaken to improve performance. The Fund’s performance was above its benchmark for the ten-year period and below its benchmark for the one-, three-, and five-year periods reviewed by the Board. The Board discussed the Fund's performance with the Advisor and was satisfied with the efforts being undertaken by the Advisor. The Board found the investment management services provided by the Advisor to the Fund to be satisfactory and consistent with the management agreement.

Shareholder and Other Services. Under the management agreement, the Advisor provides the Fund with a comprehensive package of transfer agency, shareholder, and other services. The Board, directly and through various committees of the Board, regularly reviews reports and evaluations of such services at its regular meetings. These reports include, but are not limited to, information regarding the operational efficiency and accuracy of the shareholder and transfer agency services provided, staffing levels, shareholder satisfaction (as measured by external as well as internal sources), technology support, new products and services offered to Fund shareholders, securities trading activities, portfolio valuation services, auditing services, and legal and operational compliance activities. The Board particularly noted the Advisor’s continual efforts to maintain

31


effective business continuity plans and to address cybersecurity threats. Certain aspects of shareholder and transfer agency service level efficiency and the quality of securities trading activities are measured by independent third party providers and are presented in comparison to other fund groups not managed by the Advisor. The Board found the services provided by the Advisor to the Fund under the management agreement to be competitive and of high quality.

Costs of Services and Profitability. The Advisor provides detailed information concerning its cost of providing various services to the Fund, its profitability in managing the Fund (pre- and post-distribution), its overall profitability, and its financial condition. The Directors have reviewed with the Advisor the methodology used to prepare this financial information. This information is considered in evaluating the Advisor’s financial condition, its ability to continue to provide services under the management agreement, and the reasonableness of the current management fee. The Board concluded that the Advisor’s profits were reasonable in light of the services provided to the Fund.

Ethics. The Board generally considers the Advisor’s commitment to providing quality services to shareholders and to conducting its business ethically. They noted that the Advisor’s practices generally meet or exceed industry best practices.

Economies of Scale. The Board also reviewed information provided by the Advisor regarding the possible existence of economies of scale in connection with the management of the Fund. The Board concluded that economies of scale are difficult to measure and predict with precision, especially on a fund-by-fund basis. The Board concluded that the Advisor is appropriately sharing economies of scale through its competitive fee structure, offering competitive fees from fund inception, and through reinvestment in its business to provide shareholders additional content and services. The Board also noted that economies of scale are shared with the Fund and its shareholders through management fee breakpoints that serve to reduce the effective management fee as the assets of the Fund grow.

Comparison to Other Funds’ Fees. The management agreement provides that the Fund pays the Advisor a single, all-inclusive (or unified) management fee for providing all services necessary for the management and operation of the Fund, other than brokerage expenses, taxes, interest, extraordinary expenses, and the fees and expenses of the Fund’s independent Directors (including their independent legal counsel) and expenses incurred in connection with the provision of shareholder services and distribution services under a plan adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Under the unified fee structure, the Advisor is responsible for providing all investment advisory, custody, audit, administrative, compliance, recordkeeping, marketing and shareholder services, or arranging and supervising third parties to provide such services. By contrast, most other funds are charged a variety of fees, including an investment advisory fee, a transfer agency fee, an administrative fee, distribution charges, and other expenses. Other than their investment advisory fees and any applicable Rule 12b-1 distribution fees, all other components of the total fees charged by these other funds may be increased without shareholder approval. The Board believes the unified fee structure is a benefit to Fund shareholders because it clearly discloses to shareholders the cost of owning Fund shares, and, since the unified fee cannot be increased without a vote of Fund shareholders, it shifts to the Advisor the risk of increased costs of operating the Fund and provides a direct incentive to minimize administrative inefficiencies. Part of the Board’s analysis of fee levels involves reviewing certain evaluative data compiled by an independent provider comparing the Fund’s unified fee to the total expense ratios of its peers. The unified fee charged to shareholders of the Fund was below the median of the total expense ratios of the Fund’s peer expense universe and was within the range of its peer expense group. The Board concluded that the management fee paid by the Fund to the Advisor under the management agreement is reasonable in light of the services provided to the Fund.


32


Comparison to Fees and Services Provided to Other Clients of the Advisor. The Directors also requested and received information from the Advisor concerning the nature of the services, fees, costs and profitability of its advisory services to advisory clients other than the Fund. They observed that these varying types of client accounts require different services and involve different regulatory and entrepreneurial risks than the management of the Fund. The Board analyzed this information and concluded that the fees charged and services provided to the Fund were reasonable by comparison.

Payments to Intermediaries. The Directors also requested and received a description of payments made to intermediaries by the Fund and the Advisor. These payments include various payments made by the Fund or the Advisor to different types of intermediaries and recordkeepers for distribution and service activities provided for the Fund. The Board reviewed such information and found the payments to be reasonable in scope and purpose.

Collateral or “Fall-Out” Benefits Derived by the Advisor. The Board considered the existence of collateral benefits the Advisor may receive as a result of its relationship with the Fund. They concluded that the Advisor’s primary business is managing mutual funds and it generally does not use fund or shareholder information to generate profits in other lines of business, and therefore does not derive any significant collateral benefits from them. The Board noted that additional assets from other clients may offer the Advisor some benefit from increased leverage with service providers and counterparties. Additionally, the Advisor receives proprietary research from broker-dealers that execute fund portfolio transactions, which the Board concluded is likely to benefit other clients of the Advisor as well as Fund shareholders. The Board also determined that the Advisor is able to provide investment management services to certain clients other than the Fund, at least in part, due to its existing infrastructure built to serve the fund complex. The Board concluded that appropriate allocation methodologies had been employed to assign resources and the cost of those resources to these other clients and, where expressly provided, these other client assets may be included with the assets of the Fund to determine breakpoints in the management fee schedule.

Existing Relationship. The Board also considered whether there was any reason for not continuing the existing arrangement with the Advisor. In this regard, the Board was mindful of the potential disruptions of the Fund’s operations and various risks, uncertainties, and other effects that could occur as a result of a decision not to continue such relationship. In particular, the Board recognized that most shareholders have invested in the Fund on the strength of the Advisor’s industry standing and reputation and in the expectation that the Advisor will have a continuing role in providing advisory services to the Fund.

Conclusion of the Directors. As a result of this process, the Board, including all of the independent Directors, taking into account all of the factors discussed above and the information provided by the Advisor and others in connection with its review and throughout the year, determined that the management fee is fair and reasonable in light of the services provided and that the investment management agreement between the Fund and the Advisor should be renewed.


33


Additional Information

Retirement Account Information
As required by law, distributions you receive from certain IRAs are subject to federal income tax withholding, unless you elect not to have withholding apply. Tax will be withheld on the total amount withdrawn even though you may be receiving amounts that are not subject to withholding, such as nondeductible contributions. In such case, excess amounts of withholding could occur. You may adjust your withholding election so that a greater or lesser amount will be withheld.
If you don’t want us to withhold on this amount, you must notify us to not withhold the federal income tax. You may notify us in writing or in certain situations by telephone or through other electronic means. For systematic withdrawals, your withholding election will remain in effect until revoked or changed by filing a new election. You have the right to revoke your election at any time.
Remember, even if you elect not to have income tax withheld, you are liable for paying income tax on the taxable portion of your withdrawal. If you elect not to have income tax withheld or you don’t have enough income tax withheld, you may be responsible for payment of estimated tax. You may incur penalties under the estimated tax rules if your withholding and estimated tax payments are not sufficient. You can reduce or defer the income tax on a distribution by directly or indirectly rolling such distribution over to another IRA or eligible plan. You should consult your tax advisor for additional information.
State tax will be withheld if, at the time of your distribution, your address is within one of the mandatory withholding states and you have federal income tax withheld (or as otherwise required by state law). State taxes will be withheld from your distribution in accordance with the respective state rules.
Distributions you receive from 403(b), 457 and qualified plans are subject to special tax and withholding rules. Your plan administrator or plan sponsor is required to provide you with a special tax notice explaining those rules at the time you request a distribution. If applicable, federal and/or state taxes may be withheld from your distribution amount.


Proxy Voting Policies
A description of the policies that the fund's investment advisor uses in exercising the voting rights associated with the securities purchased and/or held by the fund is available without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-345-2021. It is also available on the "About Us" page of American Century Investments’ website at americancentury.com and on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at sec.gov. Information regarding how the investment advisor voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available on the "About Us" page at americancentury.com. It is also available at sec.gov.


Quarterly Portfolio Disclosure
The fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The fund’s Forms N-Q are available on the SEC’s website at sec.gov, and may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330. The fund also makes its complete schedule of portfolio holdings for the most recent quarter of its fiscal year available on its
website at americancentury.com and, upon request, by calling 1-800-345-2021.


34


Other Tax Information

The following information is provided pursuant to provisions of the Internal Revenue Code.

The fund hereby designates up to the maximum amount allowable as qualified dividend income for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2015.

For corporate taxpayers, the fund hereby designates $118,146,974, or up to the maximum amount allowable, of ordinary income distributions paid during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2015 as qualified for the corporate dividends received deduction.

The fund hereby designates $250,312,294 as qualified short-term capital gain distributions for purposes of Internal Revenue Code Section 871 for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2015.

The fund hereby designates $1,830,846,851, or up to the maximum amount allowable, as long-term capital gain distributions for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2015.

The fund utilized earnings and profits of $116,121,622 distributed to shareholders on redemption of shares as part of the dividends paid deduction (tax equalization).





35


Notes

36






 
 
 
 
Contact Us
americancentury.com
 
Automated Information Line
1-800-345-8765
 
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1-800-345-2021
or 816-531-5575
 
Investors Using Advisors
1-800-378-9878
 
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1-800-345-3533
 
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1-800-345-6488
 
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711
 
 
 
 
American Century Mutual Funds, Inc.
 
 
 
 
Investment Advisor:
American Century Investment Management, Inc.
Kansas City, Missouri
 
 
 
 
This report and the statements it contains are submitted for the general information of our shareholders. The report is not authorized for distribution to prospective investors unless preceded or accompanied by an effective prospectus.
 
 
 
 
©2015 American Century Proprietary Holdings, Inc. All rights reserved.
CL-ANN-87635   1512
 



        ANNUAL REPORT
OCTOBER 31, 2015

 
 


Heritage Fund







Table of Contents
 
President’s Letter
2

Performance
3

Portfolio Commentary

Fund Characteristics

Shareholder Fee Example

Schedule of Investments

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

Statement of Operations

Statement of Changes in Net Assets

Notes to Financial Statements

Financial Highlights

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Management

Approval of Management Agreement

Additional Information




















Any opinions expressed in this report reflect those of the author as of the date of the report, and do not necessarily represent the opinions of American Century Investments® or any other person in the American Century Investments organization. Any such opinions are subject to change at any time based upon market or other conditions and American Century Investments disclaims any responsibility to update such opinions. These opinions may not be relied upon as investment advice and, because investment decisions made by American Century Investments funds are based on numerous factors, may not be relied upon as an indication of trading intent on behalf of any American Century Investments fund. Security examples are used for representational purposes only and are not intended as recommendations to purchase or sell securities. Performance information for comparative indices and securities is provided to American Century Investments by third party vendors. To the best of American Century Investments’ knowledge, such information is accurate at the time of printing.



President’s Letter

Dear Investor:

Thank you for reviewing this annual report for the 12 months ended October 31, 2015. It provides investment performance and portfolio information for the reporting period, plus longer-term historical performance data.

Annual reports remain useful vehicles for conveying information about fund performance, including market and economic factors that affected returns during the reporting period. For additional, updated investment and market insights, we encourage you to visit our website, americancentury.com.
Jonathan Thomas

Divergence in Economic Growth and Monetary Policies, Combined With China Turmoil, Triggered Market Volatility

Divergence between the U.S. and the rest of the world—along with China’s struggles, plunging commodity prices, capital market volatility, and risk-off trading—emerged as key themes during the reporting period. Global divergence described not only the relatively stronger economic growth enjoyed by the U.S. compared with most of the world, but also the related contrast between the U.S. Federal Reserve’s (the Fed’s) unwinding of monetary stimulus versus the continuation and expansion of stimulus by other major central banks. Central bank moves—including the Fed’s delayed normalization of its extremely low interest rate positioning—helped trigger large market swings.

In October 2014, the Fed ended its latest massive bond-buying program (quantitative easing, QE), leading to expectations that interest rates would rise. But while QE was halted in the U.S., other major central banks were starting or increasing QE as their economies faltered. This divergence helped fuel increased demand for the U.S. dollar and U.S. dollar-denominated assets, and put downward pressure on commodity prices, most notably crude oil, down over 40% for the reporting period. Low inflation also prevailed after oil prices plunged amid a supply glut and muted demand for commodities in general. In this environment, the U.S. dollar, U.S. growth stocks, and longer-maturity U.S. Treasuries generally benefited from “flight to quality” capital flows, while emerging market and commodity-related investments suffered significant declines.

We expect continued economic and monetary policy divergence between the U.S. and non-U.S. economies in the coming months, accompanied by further market volatility. This could present both challenges and opportunities for active investment managers. In this environment, we continue to believe in a disciplined, diversified, long-term investment approach, using professionally managed stock and bond portfolios to meet financial goals. We appreciate your continued trust in us.

Sincerely,
Jonathan Thomas
President and Chief Executive Officer
American Century Investments


2


Performance
Total Returns as of October 31, 2015
 
 
 
Average Annual Returns
 
 
Ticker
Symbol
1
year
5
years
10 years
Since
Inception
Inception
Date
Investor Class
TWHIX
7.11%
11.89%
11.03%
11.59%
11/10/87
Russell Midcap Growth Index
4.94%
14.09%
9.07%
11.03%(1)
Institutional Class
ATHIX
7.33%
12.11%
11.26%
9.33%
6/16/97
A Class(2)
ATHAX
 
 
 
 
7/11/97
No sales charge*
 
6.88%
11.62%
10.76%
8.59%
 
With sales charge*
 
0.74%
10.31%
10.11%
8.24%
 
C Class
AHGCX
6.09%
10.79%
9.94%
7.11%
6/26/01
R Class
ATHWX
6.60%
11.34%
5.95%
9/28/07
R6 Class
ATHDX
7.48%
10.57%
7/26/13
*
Sales charges include initial sales charges and contingent deferred sales charges (CDSCs), as applicable. A Class shares have a 5.75% maximum initial sales charge and may be subject to a maximum CDSC of 1.00%. C Class shares redeemed within 12 months of purchase are subject to a maximum CDSC of 1.00%. The SEC requires that mutual funds provide performance information net of maximum sales charges in all cases where charges could be applied.

(1)
Since October 31, 1987, the date nearest the Investor Class’s inception for which data are available.
(2)
Prior to September 4, 2007, the A Class was referred to as the Advisor Class and did not have a front-end sales charge. Performance prior to that date has been adjusted to reflect this charge.





















Data presented reflect past performance. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, and redemption value may be more or less than original cost. Data assumes reinvestment of dividends and capital gains, and none of the charts reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares. To obtain performance data current to the most recent month end, please call 1-800-345-2021 or visit americancentury.com. For additional information about the fund, please consult the prospectus.

3


Growth of $10,000 Over 10 Years
$10,000 investment made October 31, 2005
Performance for other share classes will vary due to differences in fee structure.
 
Value on October 31, 2015
 
Investor Class — $28,499
 
 
Russell Midcap Growth Index — $23,844
 

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses
Investor Class
Institutional Class
A Class
C Class
R Class
R6 Class
1.00%
0.80%
1.25%
2.00%
1.50%
0.65%
The total annual fund operating expenses shown is as stated in the fund’s prospectus current as of the date of this report. The prospectus may vary from the expense ratio shown elsewhere in this report because it is based on a different time period, includes acquired fund fees and expenses, and, if applicable, does not include fee waivers or expense reimbursements.








Data presented reflect past performance. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, and redemption value may be more or less than original cost. Data assumes reinvestment of dividends and capital gains, and none of the charts reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares. To obtain performance data current to the most recent month end, please call 1-800-345-2021 or visit americancentury.com. For additional information about the fund, please consult the prospectus.

4


Portfolio Commentary

Portfolio Managers: David Hollond and Greg Walsh

Performance Summary

Heritage returned 7.11%* for the 12 months ended October 31, 2015, outperforming the 4.94% return of the portfolio’s benchmark, the Russell Midcap Growth Index.

U.S. stock indices delivered positive returns during the reporting period amid volatility and a wide variation in sector returns. Within the Russell Midcap Growth Index, all sectors except energy (-35%) and utilities (-22%) posted positive returns on a total-return basis. Health care was the top-performing sector, followed closely by consumer staples.

Heritage received positive absolute contributions from all sectors it was invested in except energy and industrials. Information technology was the top absolute contributor. Stock decisions in the information technology, energy, and consumer staples sectors aided performance relative to the Russell Midcap Growth Index. An underweight to energy also helped. Stock selection in the industrials, health care, and consumer discretionary sectors detracted from relative results.

Information Technology Stocks Led Contributors

Stock choices in the information technology sector, especially in the software industry, contributed significantly to performance relative to the benchmark. Video game maker Electronic Arts was a top contributor. The company continued to execute, reporting strong results consistent with our investment thesis of improving operating margins driven by cost controls, more video games being delivered digitally, and a gaming console refresh cycle. Semiconductor firm Avago Technologies was another top contributor. The company makes components for smartphones and other electronic devices and continued to post accelerating revenue growth and margin improvement on strength in its wireless business, primarily from Apple and Samsung.

In the energy sector, stock selection and an underweight allocation benefited performance. The portfolio largely avoided both producers and equipment and services firms as plunging prices and weak global growth weighed on energy firms.

In consumer staples, Constellation Brands, a producer and marketer of beer, wine, and spirits, was a top contributor as the company continued to see very strong sales volume and pricing in its Corona and Modelo brands. Topline results came in better than expected. Other major contributors included sports apparel maker Under Armour, which is gaining market share in the U.S. and is being aided by strong growth outside the U.S. Despite weakness toward the end of the reporting period, foodservice equipment company Middleby was a top contributor. The company stands to benefit from acquisitions such as U.K. firm AGA Rangemaster.

Industrials and Health Care Detracted

Stock selection in the industrials sector detracted from relative performance, especially among road and rail companies and airlines. The rail industry has been affected by a number of factors, including oil prices, weather, and West Coast port strikes. Portfolio-only position Canadian Pacific Railway declined as oil prices weighed on its crude-by-rail business. Kansas City Southern was hurt by currency headwinds in its Mexican business. Spirit Airlines suffered from competition from Southwest Airlines, which is ramping up capacity in Dallas, a key hub for Spirit.

*
All fund returns referenced in this commentary are for Investor Class shares. Performance for other share classes will vary due to differences in fee structure; when Investor Class performance exceeds that of the fund’s benchmark, other share classes may not. See page 3 for returns for all share classes.

5


In health care, stock selection among pharmaceuticals and biotechnology companies hurt performance. Specialty pharmaceutical firm Horizon Pharma, which is not in the index, detracted despite reporting solid results as the stock was caught up in the late sector sell-off that was sparked by increased scrutiny of high prescription drug prices. The holding was eliminated.

In the industrials sector, the portfolio’s overweight in machinery company Flowserve detracted. The company makes pumps, seals, and valves to end users in the oil and gas, power, chemicals, and water industries, and was caught up in concerns about plunging oil prices. The holding was eliminated. Airlines parts maker Esterline Technologies, which serves both commercial and defense customers, detracted. The company disappointed investors with the execution of its turnaround strategy, reporting inconsistent quarters. Esterline was eliminated.

Outlook

Heritage’s investment process focuses primarily on medium-sized and smaller companies with accelerating earnings growth rates and share price momentum. The fund’s positioning remains largely stock specific. As of October 31, 2015, the largest overweights were in telecommunication services and industrials, while the largest underweights were in financials and materials. Current investment themes are represented in various sectors throughout the portfolio, including health care companies that are benefiting from the Affordable Care Act, companies that can take advantage of the upturn in nonresidential construction, and avoiding real estate investment trusts, which are likely to suffer once interest rates start to rise.





6


Fund Characteristics 
OCTOBER 31, 2015
 
Top Ten Holdings
% of net assets
SBA Communications Corp., Class A
3.2%
Electronic Arts, Inc.
3.1%
Teleflex, Inc.
2.9%
Constellation Brands, Inc., Class A
2.6%
Middleby Corp. (The)
2.2%
Alliance Data Systems Corp.
2.1%
Motorola Solutions, Inc.
2.1%
Affiliated Managers Group, Inc.
1.9%
Canadian Pacific Railway Ltd., New York Shares
1.8%
Mohawk Industries, Inc.
1.8%
 
 
Top Five Industries
% of net assets
Software
6.6%
Specialty Retail
6.0%
Machinery
5.7%
Health Care Equipment and Supplies
5.5%
Household Durables
5.0%
 
 
Types of Investments in Portfolio
% of net assets
Common Stocks
98.2%
Temporary Cash Investments
2.1%
Other Assets and Liabilities
(0.3)%




7


Shareholder Fee Example 

Fund shareholders may incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments and redemption/exchange fees; and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution and service (12b-1) fees; and other fund expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in your fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing cost of investing in other mutual funds.

The example is based on an investment of $1,000 made at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period from May 1, 2015 to October 31, 2015.

Actual Expenses

The table provides information about actual account values and actual expenses for each class. You may use the information, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. First, identify the share class you own. Then simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number under the heading “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

If you hold Investor Class shares of any American Century Investments fund, or Institutional Class shares of the American Century Diversified Bond Fund, in an American Century Investments account (i.e., not a financial intermediary or retirement plan account), American Century Investments may charge you a $12.50 semiannual account maintenance fee if the value of those shares is less than $10,000. We will redeem shares automatically in one of your accounts to pay the $12.50 fee. In determining your total eligible investment amount, we will include your investments in all personal accounts (including American Century Investments Brokerage accounts) registered under your Social Security number. Personal accounts include individual accounts, joint accounts, UGMA/UTMA accounts, personal trusts, Coverdell Education Savings Accounts and IRAs (including traditional, Roth, Rollover, SEP-, SARSEP- and SIMPLE-IRAs), and certain other retirement accounts. If you have only business, business retirement, employer-sponsored or American Century Investments Brokerage accounts, you are currently not subject to this fee. If you are subject to the Account Maintenance Fee, your account value could be reduced by the fee amount.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The table also provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the actual expense ratio of each class of your fund and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the actual return of a fund’s share class. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in your fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads) or redemption/exchange fees. Therefore, the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.


8




Beginning
Account Value
5/1/15
Ending
Account Value
10/31/15
Expenses Paid
During Period
(1)5/1/15 - 10/31/15
 
Annualized
Expense Ratio
(1)
Actual
 
 
 
 
Investor Class
$1,000
$982.00
$5.00
1.00%
Institutional Class
$1,000
$983.10
$4.00
0.80%
A Class
$1,000
$981.10
$6.24
1.25%
C Class
$1,000
$977.40
$9.97
2.00%
R Class
$1,000
$979.60
$7.48
1.50%
R6 Class
$1,000
$983.90
$3.25
0.65%
Hypothetical
 
 
 
 
Investor Class
$1,000
$1,020.16
$5.09
1.00%
Institutional Class
$1,000
$1,021.17
$4.08
0.80%
A Class
$1,000
$1,018.90
$6.36
1.25%
C Class
$1,000
$1,015.12
$10.16
2.00%
R Class
$1,000
$1,017.64
$7.63
1.50%
R6 Class
$1,000
$1,021.93
$3.31
0.65%
(1)
Expenses are equal to the class's annualized expense ratio listed in the table above, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184, the number of days in the most recent fiscal half-year, divided by 365, to reflect the one-half year period.


9


Schedule of Investments

OCTOBER 31, 2015
 
Shares
Value
COMMON STOCKS — 98.2%
 
 
Aerospace and Defense — 0.5%
 
 
B/E Aerospace, Inc.
583,460
$
27,393,447

Airlines — 1.7%
 
 
Alaska Air Group, Inc.
547,342
41,734,828

American Airlines Group, Inc.
679,529
31,407,830

Spirit Airlines, Inc.(1) 
589,474
21,881,275

 
 
95,023,933

Auto Components — 0.8%
 
 
Delphi Automotive plc
542,223
45,107,531

Banks — 2.1%
 
 
BankUnited, Inc.
937,019
34,838,367

Signature Bank(1) 
361,263
53,799,286

SVB Financial Group(1) 
247,431
30,203,902

 
 
118,841,555

Beverages — 4.3%
 
 
Boston Beer Co., Inc. (The), Class A(1) 
117,456
25,792,163

Brown-Forman Corp., Class B
651,908
69,219,591

Constellation Brands, Inc., Class A
1,080,927
145,708,960

 
 
240,720,714

Biotechnology — 2.5%
 
 
BioMarin Pharmaceutical, Inc.(1) 
504,318
59,025,378

Incyte Corp.(1) 
416,541
48,956,064

Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(1) 
255,481
31,868,700

 
 
139,850,142

Building Products — 1.2%
 
 
Lennox International, Inc.
510,499
67,799,372

Capital Markets — 1.9%
 
 
Affiliated Managers Group, Inc.(1) 
591,834
106,683,997

Chemicals — 0.8%
 
 
Axalta Coating Systems Ltd.(1) 
1,584,180
43,770,893

Commercial Services and Supplies — 1.9%
 
 
KAR Auction Services, Inc.
1,657,091
63,632,294

Stericycle, Inc.(1) 
350,278
42,513,241

 
 
106,145,535

Communications Equipment — 2.6%
 
 
Juniper Networks, Inc.
1,023,106
32,115,297

Motorola Solutions, Inc.
1,653,018
115,661,670

 
 
147,776,967

Consumer Finance — 0.8%
 
 
Discover Financial Services
786,926
44,240,980


10


 
Shares
Value
Containers and Packaging — 1.6%
 
 
Ball Corp.
859,164
$
58,852,734

Berry Plastics Group, Inc.(1) 
961,989
32,226,631

 
 
91,079,365

Distributors — 0.8%
 
 
LKQ Corp.(1) 
1,497,378
44,337,363

Diversified Financial Services — 1.1%
 
 
McGraw Hill Financial, Inc.
672,768
62,325,228

Electrical Equipment — 1.0%
 
 
Acuity Brands, Inc.
248,198
54,256,083

Electronic Equipment, Instruments and Components — 1.0%
 
 
TE Connectivity Ltd.
896,671
57,781,479

Food and Staples Retailing — 1.2%
 
 
Costco Wholesale Corp.
427,516
67,598,830

Food Products — 2.1%
 
 
Hain Celestial Group, Inc. (The)(1) 
757,320
37,752,402

Hershey Co. (The)
231,167
20,502,201

J.M. Smucker Co. (The)
241,370
28,334,425

WhiteWave Foods Co. (The), Class A(1) 
741,799
30,398,923

 
 
116,987,951

Health Care Equipment and Supplies — 5.5%
 
 
Cooper Cos., Inc. (The)
222,549
33,907,566

DexCom, Inc.(1) 
500,750
41,722,490

Hologic, Inc.(1) 
958,812
37,259,434

NuVasive, Inc.(1) 
749,958
35,368,019

Teleflex, Inc.
1,221,310
162,434,230

 
 
310,691,739

Health Care Providers and Services — 3.4%
 
 
AmerisourceBergen Corp.
626,653
60,478,281

Universal Health Services, Inc., Class B
535,113
65,331,946

VCA, Inc.(1) 
1,154,666
63,241,057

 
 
189,051,284

Hotels, Restaurants and Leisure — 2.2%
 
 
Buffalo Wild Wings, Inc.(1) 
154,468
23,829,778

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.(1) 
4,235
2,711,374

Hilton Worldwide Holdings, Inc.
1,915,035
47,856,725

La Quinta Holdings, Inc.(1) 
158,175
2,396,351

Papa John's International, Inc.
627,218
44,011,887

 
 
120,806,115

Household Durables — 5.0%
 
 
Harman International Industries, Inc.
514,019
56,521,529

Jarden Corp.(1) 
1,768,723
79,238,790

Mohawk Industries, Inc.(1) 
502,533
98,245,202

Newell Rubbermaid, Inc.
1,051,987
44,635,809

 
 
278,641,330


11


 
Shares
Value
Internet and Catalog Retail — 1.6%
 
 
Expedia, Inc.
641,643
$
87,455,941

Internet Software and Services — 2.9%
 
 
Akamai Technologies, Inc.(1) 
155,802
9,475,878

CoStar Group, Inc.(1) 
425,735
86,454,006

LinkedIn Corp., Class A(1) 
281,545
67,815,744

 
 
163,745,628

IT Services — 4.8%
 
 
Alliance Data Systems Corp.(1) 
399,742
118,847,294

Sabre Corp.
2,409,493
70,646,335

Vantiv, Inc., Class A(1) 
1,554,028
77,934,504

 
 
267,428,133

Leisure Products — 1.6%
 
 
Brunswick Corp.
899,299
48,391,279

Polaris Industries, Inc.
346,637
38,941,201

 
 
87,332,480

Machinery — 5.7%
 
 
Ingersoll-Rand plc
937,076
55,531,123

ITT Corp.
428,441
16,957,695

Middleby Corp. (The)(1) 
1,054,894
123,359,304

Snap-On, Inc.
502,011
83,278,605

WABCO Holdings, Inc.(1) 
367,112
41,200,980

 
 
320,327,707

Media — 1.5%
 
 
Charter Communications, Inc., Class A(1) 
440,715
84,150,122

Multiline Retail — 2.4%
 
 
Burlington Stores, Inc.(1) 
1,077,448
51,803,700

Dollar Tree, Inc.(1) 
1,243,903
81,463,207

 
 
133,266,907

Oil, Gas and Consumable Fuels — 1.3%
 
 
Concho Resources, Inc.(1) 
442,287
51,265,486

Gulfport Energy Corp.(1) 
732,831
22,329,361

 
 
73,594,847

Pharmaceuticals — 2.1%
 
 
Endo International plc(1) 
553,153
33,183,649

Zoetis, Inc.
1,969,510
84,708,625

 
 
117,892,274

Professional Services — 1.9%
 
 
Nielsen Holdings plc
1,632,092
77,540,691

Verisk Analytics, Inc., Class A(1) 
382,008
27,355,593

 
 
104,896,284

Real Estate Management and Development — 1.5%
 
 
Jones Lang LaSalle, Inc.
509,956
85,014,765

Road and Rail — 3.0%
 
 
Canadian Pacific Railway Ltd., New York Shares
716,154
100,619,637

J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc.
534,377
40,810,371


12


 
Shares
Value
Kansas City Southern
330,121
$
27,320,814

 
 
168,750,822

Semiconductors and Semiconductor Equipment — 2.9%
 
 
Avago Technologies Ltd.
447,075
55,048,345

Cree, Inc.(1) 
1,098,995
27,683,684

Freescale Semiconductor Ltd.(1) 
906,896
30,371,947

NXP Semiconductors NV(1) 
636,655
49,881,919

 
 
162,985,895

Software — 6.6%
 
 
Activision Blizzard, Inc.
1,228,616
42,706,692

CDK Global, Inc.
838,464
41,747,123

Electronic Arts, Inc.(1) 
2,414,647
174,023,609

Intuit, Inc.
569,072
55,444,685

Tyler Technologies, Inc.(1) 
326,690
55,654,908

 
 
369,577,017

Specialty Retail — 6.0%
 
 
AutoZone, Inc.(1) 
82,351
64,596,948

Restoration Hardware Holdings, Inc.(1) 
333,611
34,391,958

Signet Jewelers Ltd.
640,783
96,719,786

Tractor Supply Co.
848,929
78,432,550

Ulta Salon Cosmetics & Fragrance, Inc.(1) 
369,462
64,271,610

 
 
338,412,852

Textiles, Apparel and Luxury Goods — 3.2%
 
 
Hanesbrands, Inc.
1,850,151
59,093,823

lululemon athletica, Inc.(1) 
751,495
36,951,009

Under Armour, Inc., Class A(1) 
887,822
84,414,116

 
 
180,458,948

Wireless Telecommunication Services — 3.2%
 
 
SBA Communications Corp., Class A(1) 
1,492,872
177,681,625

TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(Cost $4,277,610,088)
 
5,499,884,080

TEMPORARY CASH INVESTMENTS — 2.1%
 
 
Repurchase Agreement, Credit Suisse First Boston, Inc., (collateralized by various U.S. Treasury obligations, 1.50%, 5/31/19, valued at $45,938,527), in a joint trading account at 0.01%, dated 10/30/15, due 11/2/15 (Delivery value $45,044,807)
 
45,044,769

Repurchase Agreement, Fixed Income Clearing Corp., (collateralized by various U.S. Treasury obligations, 2.125% - 6.00%, 5/15/25 - 2/15/26, valued at $76,601,600), at 0.00%, dated 10/30/15, due 11/2/15 (Delivery value $75,093,000)
 
75,093,000

State Street Institutional Liquid Reserves Fund, Premier Class
4,601
4,601

TOTAL TEMPORARY CASH INVESTMENTS
(Cost $120,142,370)
 
120,142,370

TOTAL INVESTMENT SECURITIES — 100.3%
(Cost $4,397,752,458)
 
5,620,026,450

OTHER ASSETS AND LIABILITIES — (0.3)%
 
(17,032,347)

TOTAL NET ASSETS — 100.0%
 
$
5,602,994,103






13


FORWARD FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE CONTRACTS
 
 
Currency Purchased
Currency Sold
Counterparty
Settlement Date
Unrealized Appreciation
(Depreciation)
CAD
6,703,413
USD
5,080,961
JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.
11/30/15
$
44,622

USD
98,289,525
CAD
130,206,099
JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.
11/30/15
(1,269,031
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
(1,224,409
)

NOTES TO SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
CAD
-
Canadian Dollar
USD
-
United States Dollar
(1)
Non-income producing.


See Notes to Financial Statements.

14


Statement of Assets and Liabilities
OCTOBER 31, 2015
 
Assets
 
Investment securities, at value (cost of $4,397,752,458)
$
5,620,026,450

Foreign currency holdings, at value (cost of $17,853)
14,140

Receivable for investments sold
34,636,906

Receivable for capital shares sold
1,776,651

Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts
44,622

Dividends and interest receivable
382,074

 
5,656,880,843

 
 
Liabilities
 
Payable for investments purchased
44,081,167

Payable for capital shares redeemed
3,625,766

Unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts
1,269,031

Accrued management fees
4,610,284

Distribution and service fees payable
300,492

 
53,886,740

 
 
Net Assets
$
5,602,994,103

 
 
Net Assets Consist of:
 
Capital (par value and paid-in surplus)
$
3,788,791,651

Accumulated net investment loss
(22,293,754
)
Undistributed net realized gain
615,422,627

Net unrealized appreciation
1,221,073,579

 
$
5,602,994,103


 
Net Assets
Shares Outstanding
Net Asset Value Per Share
Investor Class, $0.01 Par Value

$4,349,601,164

176,913,483

$24.59
Institutional Class, $0.01 Par Value

$163,669,734

6,387,446

$25.62
A Class, $0.01 Par Value

$798,879,229

34,245,331

$23.33*
C Class, $0.01 Par Value

$134,096,071

6,603,251

$20.31
R Class, $0.01 Par Value

$53,731,206

2,288,216

$23.48
R6 Class, $0.01 Par Value

$103,016,699

4,006,057

$25.72
*Maximum offering price $24.75 (net asset value divided by 0.9425).


See Notes to Financial Statements.


15


Statement of Operations
YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2015
 
Investment Income (Loss)
 
Income:
 
Dividends (net of foreign taxes withheld of $320,673)
$
33,595,114

Interest
18,528

 
33,613,642

 
 
Expenses:
 
Management fees
57,346,695

Distribution and service fees:
 
A Class
2,122,194

B Class
24,464

C Class
1,319,909

R Class
292,969

Directors' fees and expenses
192,204

Other expenses
812

 
61,299,247

 
 
Net investment income (loss)
(27,685,605
)
 
 
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)
 
Net realized gain (loss) on:
 
Investment transactions
687,471,190

Futures contract transactions
2,754,731

Foreign currency transactions
15,573,418

 
705,799,339

 
 
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:
 
Investments
(279,477,831
)
Translation of assets and liabilities in foreign currencies
(1,773,615
)
 
(281,251,446
)
 
 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
424,547,893

 
 
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations
$
396,862,288



See Notes to Financial Statements.


16


Statement of Changes in Net Assets
YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2015 AND OCTOBER 31, 2014
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
October 31, 2015
October 31, 2014
Operations
 
 
Net investment income (loss)
$
(27,685,605
)
$
(35,891,230
)
Net realized gain (loss)
705,799,339

968,944,726

Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
(281,251,446
)
(464,877,475
)
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations
396,862,288

468,176,021

 
 
 
Distributions to Shareholders
 
 
From net realized gains:
 
 
Investor Class
(627,197,211
)
(377,362,029
)
Institutional Class
(26,142,114
)
(30,282,537
)
A Class
(127,268,570
)
(140,744,405
)
B Class
(380,363
)
(416,601
)
C Class
(21,063,349
)
(19,841,840
)
R Class
(8,236,815
)
(7,088,192
)
R6 Class
(7,912,123
)
(9,153
)
Decrease in net assets from distributions
(818,200,545
)
(575,744,757
)
 
 
 
Capital Share Transactions
 
 
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from capital share transactions (Note 5)
260,661,006

1,321,732,036

 
 
 
Net increase (decrease) in net assets
(160,677,251
)
1,214,163,300

 
 
 
Net Assets
 
 
Beginning of period
5,763,671,354

4,549,508,054

End of period
$
5,602,994,103

$
5,763,671,354

 
 
 
Accumulated net investment loss
$
(22,293,754
)
$
(32,365,845
)


See Notes to Financial Statements.


17


Notes to Financial Statements

OCTOBER 31, 2015

1. Organization

American Century Mutual Funds, Inc. (the corporation) is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act), as an open-end management investment company and is organized as a Maryland corporation. Heritage Fund (the fund) is one fund in a series issued by the corporation. The fund is diversified as defined under the 1940 Act. The fund's investment objective is to seek long-term capital growth.

The fund offers the Investor Class, the Institutional Class, the A Class, the C Class, the R Class and the R6 Class. The A Class may incur an initial sales charge. The A Class and C Class may be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge. The share classes differ principally in their respective sales charges and distribution and shareholder servicing expenses and arrangements. The Institutional Class and R6 Class shareholders do not require the same level of shareholder and administrative services from American Century Investment Management, Inc. (ACIM) (the investment advisor) as shareholders of other classes. In addition, financial intermediaries do not receive any service, distribution or administrative fees for the R6 Class. As a result, the Institutional Class and R6 Class are charged lower unified management fees. On October 16, 2015, all outstanding B Class shares were converted to A Class shares and the fund discontinued offering the B Class.
 
2. Significant Accounting Policies

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the fund in preparation of its financial statements. The fund is an investment company and follows accounting and reporting guidance in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. This may require management to make certain estimates and assumptions at the date of the financial statements. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Management evaluated the impact of events or transactions occurring through the date the financial statements were issued that would merit recognition or disclosure.

Investment Valuations — The fund determines the fair value of its investments and computes its net asset value per share at the close of regular trading (usually 4 p.m. Eastern time) on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on each day the NYSE is open. The Board of Directors has adopted valuation policies and procedures to guide the investment advisor in the fund’s investment valuation process and to provide methodologies for the oversight of the fund’s pricing function.

Equity securities that are listed or traded on a domestic securities exchange are valued at the last reported sales price or at the official closing price as provided by the exchange. Equity securities traded on foreign securities exchanges are generally valued at the closing price of such securities on the exchange where primarily traded or at the close of the NYSE, if that is earlier. If no last sales price is reported, or if local convention or regulation so provides, the mean of the latest bid and asked prices may be used. Securities traded over-the-counter are valued at the mean of the latest bid and asked prices, the last sales price, or the official closing price. Equity securities initially expressed in local currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at the mean of the appropriate currency exchange rate at the close of the NYSE as provided by an independent pricing service.
 
Open-end management investment companies are valued at the reported net asset value per share. Repurchase agreements are valued at cost, which approximates fair value. Exchange-traded futures contracts are valued at the settlement price as provided by the appropriate clearing corporation. Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are valued at the mean of the appropriate forward exchange rate at the close of the NYSE as provided by an independent pricing service.
 
If the fund determines that the market price for an investment is not readily available or the valuation methods mentioned above do not reflect an investment’s fair value, such investment is valued as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors or its delegate, in accordance with policies and procedures adopted by the Board of Directors. In its determination of fair value, the fund may review several factors including, but not limited to, market information regarding the specific investment or comparable investments and correlation with other investment types, futures indices or general market indicators. Circumstances that may cause the fund to use these procedures to value an investment include, but are not limited to: an investment has been declared in default or is distressed; trading in a security has been suspended during the trading day or a

18


security is not actively trading on its principal exchange; prices received from a regular pricing source are deemed unreliable; or there is a foreign market holiday and no trading occurred.

The fund monitors for significant events occurring after the close of an investment’s primary exchange but before the fund’s net asset value per share is determined. Significant events may include, but are not limited to: corporate announcements and transactions; governmental action and political unrest that could impact a specific investment or an investment sector; or armed conflicts, natural disasters and similar events that could affect investments in a specific country or region. The fund also monitors for significant fluctuations between domestic and foreign markets, as evidenced by the U.S. market or such other indicators that the Board of Directors, or its delegate, deems appropriate. If significant fluctuations in foreign markets are identified, the fund may apply a model-derived factor to the closing price of equity securities traded on foreign securities exchanges. The factor is based on observable market data as provided by an independent pricing service.
 
Security Transactions — Security transactions are accounted for as of the trade date. Net realized gains and losses are determined on the identified cost basis, which is also used for federal income tax purposes.

Investment Income — Dividend income less foreign taxes withheld, if any, is recorded as of the ex-dividend date. Distributions received on securities that represent a return of capital or long-term capital gain are recorded as a reduction of cost of investments and/or as a realized gain. The fund may estimate the components of distributions received that may be considered nontaxable distributions or long-term capital gain distributions for income tax purposes. Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis and includes accretion of discounts and amortization of premiums.

Foreign Currency Translations — All assets and liabilities initially expressed in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at prevailing exchange rates at period end. The fund may enter into spot foreign currency exchange contracts to facilitate transactions denominated in a foreign currency. Purchases and sales of investment securities, dividend and interest income, spot foreign currency exchange contracts, and expenses are translated at the rates of exchange prevailing on the respective dates of such transactions. Net realized and unrealized foreign currency exchange gains or losses related to investment securities are a component of net realized gain (loss) on investment transactions and change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments, respectively.

Repurchase Agreements — The fund may enter into repurchase agreements with institutions that ACIM has determined are creditworthy pursuant to criteria adopted by the Board of Directors. The fund requires that the collateral, represented by securities, received in a repurchase transaction be transferred to the custodian in a manner sufficient to enable the fund to obtain those securities in the event of a default under the repurchase agreement. ACIM monitors, on a daily basis, the securities transferred to ensure the value, including accrued interest, of the securities under each repurchase agreement is equal to or greater than amounts owed to the fund under each repurchase agreement.

Joint Trading Account — Pursuant to an Exemptive Order issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the fund, along with certain other funds in the American Century Investments family of funds, may transfer uninvested cash balances into a joint trading account. These balances are invested in one or more repurchase agreements that are collateralized by U.S. Treasury or Agency obligations.

Segregated Assets — In accordance with the 1940 Act, the fund segregates assets on its books and records to cover futures contracts. ACIM monitors, on a daily basis, the securities segregated to ensure the fund designates a sufficient amount of liquid assets, marked-to-market daily. The fund may also receive assets or be required to pledge assets at the custodian bank or with a broker for margin requirements on futures contracts.

Income Tax Status — It is the fund’s policy to distribute substantially all net investment income and net realized gains to shareholders and to otherwise qualify as a regulated investment company under provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. Accordingly, no provision has been made for income taxes. The fund files U.S. federal, state, local and non-U.S. tax returns as applicable. The fund's tax returns are subject to examination by the relevant taxing authority until expiration of the applicable statute of limitations, which is generally three years from the date of filing but can be longer in certain jurisdictions. At this time, management believes there are no uncertain tax positions which, based on their technical merit, would not be sustained upon examination and for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly change in the next twelve months.

Multiple Class — All shares of the fund represent an equal pro rata interest in the net assets of the class to which such shares belong, and have identical voting, dividend, liquidation and other rights and the same terms

19


and conditions, except for class specific expenses and exclusive rights to vote on matters affecting only individual classes. Income, non-class specific expenses, and realized and unrealized capital gains and losses of the fund are allocated to each class of shares based on their relative net assets.

Distributions to Shareholders — Distributions from net investment income and net realized gains, if any, are generally declared and paid annually. The fund may elect to treat a portion of its payment to a redeeming shareholder, which represents the pro rata share of undistributed net investment income and net realized gains, as a distribution for federal income tax purposes (tax equalization).

Indemnifications — Under the corporation’s organizational documents, its officers and directors are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the fund. In addition, in the normal course of business, the fund enters into contracts that provide general indemnifications. The maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be made against a fund. The risk of material loss from such claims is considered by management to be remote.

3. Fees and Transactions with Related Parties

Certain officers and directors of the corporation are also officers and/or directors of American Century Companies, Inc. (ACC). The corporation’s investment advisor, ACIM, the corporation's distributor, American Century Investment Services, Inc. (ACIS), and the corporation’s transfer agent, American Century Services, LLC, are wholly owned, directly or indirectly, by ACC.
 
Management Fees — The corporation has entered into a management agreement with ACIM, under which ACIM provides the fund with investment advisory and management services in exchange for a single, unified management fee (the fee) per class. The agreement provides that all expenses of managing and operating the fund, except distribution and service fees, brokerage expenses, taxes, interest, fees and expenses of the independent directors (including legal counsel fees), and extraordinary expenses, will be paid by ACIM. The fee is computed and accrued daily based on each class's daily net assets and paid monthly in arrears. The annual management fee is 1.00% for the Investor Class, A Class, B Class, C Class and R Class, 0.80% for the Institutional Class and 0.65% for the R6 Class.

Distribution and Service Fees — The Board of Directors has adopted a separate Master Distribution and Individual Shareholder Services Plan for each of the A Class, B Class, C Class and R Class (collectively the plans), pursuant to Rule 12b-1 of the 1940 Act. The plans provide that the A Class will pay ACIS an annual distribution and service fee of 0.25%. The plans provide that the B Class and C Class will each pay ACIS an annual distribution and service fee of 1.00%, of which 0.25% is paid for individual shareholder services and 0.75% is paid for distribution services. The plans provide that the R Class will pay ACIS an annual distribution and service fee of 0.50%. The fees are computed and accrued daily based on each class’s daily net assets and paid monthly in arrears. The fees are used to pay financial intermediaries for distribution and individual shareholder services. Fees incurred under the plans during the year ended October 31, 2015 are detailed in the Statement of Operations.

Directors' Fees and Expenses — The Board of Directors is responsible for overseeing the investment advisor’s management and operations of the fund. The directors receive detailed information about the fund and its investment advisor regularly throughout the year, and meet at least quarterly with management of the investment advisor to review reports about fund operations. The fund’s officers do not receive compensation from the fund.
 
4. Investment Transactions

Purchases and sales of investment securities, excluding short-term investments, for the year ended October 31, 2015 were $3,540,418,134 and $4,141,187,478, respectively.



20


5. Capital Share Transactions

Transactions in shares of the fund were as follows:
 
Year ended
October 31, 2015
Year ended
October 31, 2014
 
Shares
Amount
Shares
Amount
Investor Class/Shares Authorized
1,160,000,000

 
1,150,000,000

 
Sold
17,995,858

$
448,520,966

19,443,145

$
506,861,274

Issued in connection with reorganization (Note 10)


57,086,650

1,417,578,208

Issued in reinvestment of distributions
27,126,049

608,166,025

14,781,644

364,367,525

Redeemed
(33,649,543
)
(842,439,307
)
(31,920,610
)
(828,419,741
)
 
11,472,364

214,247,684

59,390,829

1,460,387,266

Institutional Class/Shares Authorized
120,000,000

 
120,000,000

 
Sold
1,797,320

46,415,350

2,215,202

59,672,546

Issued in connection with reorganization (Note 10)


2,456,543

62,960,928

Issued in reinvestment of distributions
1,077,578

25,139,900

1,186,665

30,200,632

Redeemed
(3,638,578
)
(94,836,634
)
(7,034,757
)
(189,801,647
)
 
(763,680
)
(23,281,384
)
(1,176,347
)
(36,967,541
)
A Class/Shares Authorized
510,000,000

 
510,000,000

 
Sold
8,462,173

201,503,323

6,854,460

171,181,761

Issued in connection with reorganization (Note 10)


2,306,433

55,013,464

Issued in reinvestment of distributions
5,811,176

123,894,272

5,786,878

137,033,276

Redeemed
(13,756,959
)
(323,412,390
)
(20,982,643
)
(525,622,531
)
 
516,390

1,985,205

(6,034,872
)
(162,394,030
)
B Class/Shares Authorized
30,000,000

 
35,000,000

 
Sold
4,258

96,931

3,351

85,668

Issued in reinvestment of distributions
16,976

350,214

16,762

388,880

Redeemed
(126,015
)
(2,818,601
)
(33,378
)
(817,653
)
 
(104,781
)
(2,371,456
)
(13,265
)
(343,105
)
C Class/Shares Authorized
85,000,000

 
85,000,000

 
Sold
1,322,874

27,092,021

742,832

16,581,958

Issued in connection with reorganization (Note 10)


5,312

114,258

Issued in reinvestment of distributions
956,169

17,861,230

767,435

16,392,408

Redeemed
(1,240,586
)
(25,713,987
)
(1,477,752
)
(33,088,095
)
 
1,038,457

19,239,264

37,827

529

R Class/Shares Authorized
40,000,000

 
40,000,000

 
Sold
979,206

23,473,597

554,024

13,999,728

Issued in connection with reorganization (Note 10)


568,103

13,685,676

Issued in reinvestment of distributions
382,413

8,225,706

296,453

7,088,192

Redeemed
(1,322,788
)
(31,758,123
)
(1,121,755
)
(27,935,786
)
 
38,831

(58,820
)
296,825

6,837,810

R6 Class/Shares Authorized
50,000,000

 
50,000,000

 
Sold
2,929,320

76,749,542

2,267,161

60,858,580

Issued in reinvestment of distributions
338,414

7,912,123

359

9,153

Redeemed
(1,287,420
)
(33,761,152
)
(244,291
)
(6,656,626
)
 
1,980,314

50,900,513

2,023,229

54,211,107

Net increase (decrease)
14,177,895

$
260,661,006

54,524,226

$
1,321,732,036



21


6. Fair Value Measurements

The fund’s investments valuation process is based on several considerations and may use multiple inputs to determine the fair value of the investments held by the fund. In conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, the inputs used to determine a valuation are classified into three broad levels.

Level 1 valuation inputs consist of unadjusted quoted prices in an active market for identical investments.

Level 2 valuation inputs consist of direct or indirect observable market data (including quoted prices for comparable investments, evaluations of subsequent market events, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.). These inputs also consist of quoted prices for identical investments initially expressed in local currencies that are adjusted through translation into U.S. dollars.

Level 3 valuation inputs consist of unobservable data (including a fund’s own assumptions).

The level classification is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair valuation measurement. The valuation inputs are not necessarily an indication of the risks associated with investing in these securities or other financial instruments. There were no significant transfers between levels during the period.

The following is a summary of the level classifications as of period end. The Schedule of Investments provides additional information on the fund’s portfolio holdings.
 
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Assets
 
 
 
Investment Securities
 
 
 
Common Stocks
$
5,499,884,080



Temporary Cash Investments
4,601

$
120,137,769


 
$
5,499,888,681

$
120,137,769


Other Financial Instruments
 
 
 
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts

$
44,622


 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
Other Financial Instruments
 
 
 
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts

$
(1,269,031
)


7. Derivative Instruments

Equity Price Risk — The fund is subject to equity price risk in the normal course of pursuing its investment objectives. A fund may enter into futures contracts based on an equity index in order to manage its exposure to changes in market conditions. A fund may purchase futures contracts to gain exposure to increases in market value or sell futures contracts to protect against a decline in market value. Upon entering into a futures contract, a fund is required to deposit either cash or securities in an amount equal to a certain percentage of the contract value (initial margin). Subsequent payments (variation margin) are made or received daily, in cash, by a fund. The variation margin is equal to the daily change in the contract value and is recorded as unrealized gains and losses. A fund recognizes a realized gain or loss when the contract is closed or expires. Net realized and unrealized gains or losses occurring during the holding period of futures contracts are a component of net realized gain (loss) on futures contract transactions and change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on futures contracts, respectively. One of the risks of entering into futures contracts is the possibility that the change in value of the contract may not correlate with the changes in value of the underlying securities. During the period, the fund participated in equity price risk derivative instruments for temporary investment purposes.
 
Foreign Currency Risk — The fund is subject to foreign currency exchange rate risk in the normal course of pursuing its investment objectives. The value of foreign investments held by a fund may be significantly affected by changes in foreign currency exchange rates. The dollar value of a foreign security generally decreases when the value of the dollar rises against the foreign currency in which the security is denominated and tends to increase when the value of the dollar declines against such foreign currency. A fund may enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts to reduce a fund's exposure to foreign currency exchange

22


rate fluctuations. The net U.S. dollar value of foreign currency underlying all contractual commitments held by a fund and the resulting unrealized appreciation or depreciation are determined daily. Realized gain or loss is recorded upon the termination of the contract. Net realized and unrealized gains or losses occurring during the holding period of forward foreign currency exchange contracts are a component of net realized gain (loss) on foreign currency transactions and change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on translation of assets and liabilities in foreign currencies, respectively. A fund bears the risk of an unfavorable change in the foreign currency exchange rate underlying the forward contract. Additionally, losses, up to the fair value, may arise if the counterparties do not perform under the contract terms. The fund's average U.S. dollar exposure to foreign currency risk derivative instruments held during the period was $107,103,183.
Value of Derivative Instruments as of October 31, 2015
 
Asset Derivatives
Liability Derivatives
Type of Risk Exposure
Location on Statement of Assets and Liabilities
Value
Location on Statement of Assets and Liabilities
Value
Foreign Currency Risk
Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts
$
44,622

Unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts
$
1,269,031

 
 
 
 
 
Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Statement of Operations for the Year Ended October 31, 2015
 
Net Realized Gain (Loss)
Change in Net Unrealized
Appreciation (Depreciation)
Type of Risk Exposure
Location on Statement of Operations
Value
Location on Statement of Operations
Value
Equity Price Risk
Net realized gain (loss) on futures contract transactions
$
2,754,731

Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on futures contracts

Foreign Currency Risk
Net realized gain (loss) on foreign currency transactions
15,584,442

Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on translation of assets and liabilities in foreign currencies
$
(1,765,931
)
 
 
$
18,339,173

 
$
(1,765,931
)

8. Risk Factors

The fund invests in common stocks of small companies. Because of this, the fund may be subject to greater risk and market fluctuations than a fund investing in larger, more established companies.

9. Federal Tax Information

The tax character of distributions paid during the years ended October 31, 2015 and October 31, 2014 were as follows:
 
2015
2014
Distributions Paid From
 
 
Ordinary income

$
14,863,680

Long-term capital gains
$
818,200,545

$
560,881,077


The book-basis character of distributions made during the year from net investment income or net realized gains may differ from their ultimate characterization for federal income tax purposes. These differences reflect the differing character of certain income items and net realized gains and losses for financial statement and tax purposes, and may result in reclassification among certain capital accounts on the financial statements.

The reclassifications, which are primarily due to net operating losses and tax equalization, were made to capital $40,221,639, accumulated net investment loss $37,757,696, and undistributed net realized gain $(77,979,335).


23


As of October 31, 2015, the federal tax cost of investments and the components of distributable earnings on a tax-basis were as follows:
Federal tax cost of investments
$
4,403,809,587

Gross tax appreciation of investments
$
1,341,709,666

Gross tax depreciation of investments
(125,492,803
)
Net tax appreciation (depreciation) of investments
1,216,216,863

Net tax appreciation (depreciation) on derivatives and translation of assets and liabilities
in foreign currencies
23,996

Net tax appreciation (depreciation)
$
1,216,240,859

Undistributed ordinary income

Accumulated long-term gains
$
621,479,756

Late-year ordinary loss deferral
$
(23,518,163
)

The difference between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation (depreciation) is attributable primarily to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales.

Loss deferrals represent certain qualified losses that the fund has elected to treat as having been incurred in the following fiscal year for federal income tax purposes.

10. Reorganization

On September 12, 2013, the Board of Directors approved an agreement and plan of reorganization (the reorganization), whereby the net assets of Vista Fund (Vista), one fund in a series issued by the corporation, were transferred to Heritage Fund (Heritage) in exchange for shares of Heritage. The purpose of the transaction was to combine two funds with matching investment objectives and similar underlying securities. The financial statements and performance history of Heritage survived after the reorganization. The reorganization was effective at the close of the NYSE on December 6, 2013.

The reorganization was accomplished by a tax-free exchange of shares. On December 6, 2013, Vista exchanged its shares for shares of Heritage as follows:
Original Fund/Class
Shares Exchanged
New Fund/Class
Shares Received
Vista – Investor Class
66,205,582

Heritage – Investor Class
57,086,650

Vista – Institutional Class
2,836,089

Heritage – Institutional Class
2,456,543

Vista – A Class
2,682,028

Heritage – A Class
2,306,433

Vista – C Class
5,555

Heritage – C Class
5,312

Vista – R Class
668,896

Heritage – R Class
568,103


The net assets of Vista and Heritage immediately before the reorganization were $1,549,352,534 and $4,468,145,045, respectively. Vista’s unrealized appreciation of $520,936,072 was combined with that of Heritage. Immediately after the reorganization, the combined net assets were $6,017,497,579.

Assuming the reorganization had been completed on November 1, 2013, the beginning of the annual reporting period, the pro forma results of operations for the year ended October 31, 2014 are as follows:
Net investment income (loss)
$
(36,359,829
)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
522,241,877

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations
$
485,882,048


Because the combined investment portfolios have been managed as a single integrated portfolio since the reorganization was completed, it is not practicable to separate the amounts of revenue and earnings of Vista that have been included in the fund’s Statement of Operations since December 6, 2013.




24


Financial Highlights
 
For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Years Ended October 31 (except as noted)
 
 
 
 
 
Per-Share Data
 
 
 
 
 
Ratios and Supplemental Data
 
 
 
 
Income From Investment Operations:
 
 
 
Ratio to Average Net Assets of:
 
 
 
Net Asset
Value,
Beginning
of Period
Net
Investment
Income
(Loss)
(1)
Net
Realized
and
Unrealized
Gain (Loss)
Total From
Investment
Operations
Distributions From Net
Realized
Gains
Net Asset
Value,
End
of Period
Total
Return
(2)
Operating
Expenses
Net
Investment
Income
(Loss)
Portfolio
Turnover
Rate
Net
Assets,
End of
Period
(in thousands)
Investor Class
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2015
$26.89
(0.11)
1.66
1.55
(3.85)
$24.59
7.11%
1.00%
(0.42)%
62%

$4,349,601

2014
$28.45
(0.14)
2.18
2.04
(3.60)
$26.89
8.33%
1.00%
(0.55)%
73%

$4,449,377

2013
$22.44
(0.07)
6.55
6.48
(0.47)
$28.45
29.43%
1.00%
(0.29)%
70%

$3,016,930

2012
$20.51
(0.06)
1.99
1.93
$22.44
9.41%
1.01%
(0.28)%
72%

$2,499,048

2011
$19.21
(0.07)
1.37
1.30
$20.51
6.77%
1.01%
(0.35)%
95%

$2,395,881

Institutional Class
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2015
$27.81
(0.06)
1.72
1.66
(3.85)
$25.62
7.33%
0.80%
(0.22)%
62%

$163,670

2014
$29.25
(0.09)
2.25
2.16
(3.60)
$27.81
8.53%
0.80%
(0.35)%
73%

$198,895

2013
$23.01
(0.02)
6.73
6.71
(0.47)
$29.25
29.70%
0.80%
(0.09)%
70%

$243,548

2012
$20.99
(0.01)
2.03
2.02
$23.01
9.62%
0.81%
(0.08)%
72%

$187,984

2011
$19.62
(0.03)
1.40
1.37
$20.99
6.98%
0.81%
(0.15)%
95%

$156,681

A Class
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2015
$25.78
(0.16)
1.56
1.40
(3.85)
$23.33
6.88%
1.25%
(0.67)%
62%

$798,879

2014
$27.48
(0.20)
2.10
1.90
(3.60)
$25.78
8.04%
1.25%
(0.80)%
73%

$869,381

2013
$21.74
(0.13)
6.34
6.21
(0.47)
$27.48
29.13%
1.25%
(0.54)%
70%

$1,092,574

2012
$19.92
(0.11)
1.93
1.82
$21.74
9.08%
1.26%
(0.53)%
72%

$972,795

2011
$18.70
(0.12)
1.34
1.22
$19.92
6.58%
1.26%
(0.60)%
95%

$973,051


25


For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Years Ended October 31 (except as noted)
 
 
 
 
 
Per-Share Data
 
 
 
 
 
Ratios and Supplemental Data
 
 
 
 
Income From Investment Operations:
 
 
 
Ratio to Average Net Assets of:
 
 
 
Net Asset
Value,
Beginning
of Period
Net
Investment
Income
(Loss)
(1)
Net
Realized
and
Unrealized
Gain (Loss)
Total From
Investment
Operations
Distributions From Net
Realized
Gains
Net Asset
Value,
End
of Period
Total
Return
(2)
Operating
Expenses
Net
Investment
Income
(Loss)
Portfolio
Turnover
Rate
Net
Assets,
End of
Period
(in thousands)
C Class
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2015
$23.10
(0.30)
1.36
1.06
(3.85)
$20.31
6.09%
2.00%
(1.42)%
62%

$134,096

2014
$25.16
(0.35)
1.89
1.54
(3.60)
$23.10
7.25%
2.00%
(1.55)%
73%

$128,522

2013
$20.09
(0.28)
5.82
5.54
(0.47)
$25.16
28.10%
2.00%
(1.29)%
70%

$139,064

2012
$18.55
(0.25)
1.79
1.54
$20.09
8.30%
2.01%
(1.28)%
72%

$117,580

2011
$17.55
(0.26)
1.26
1.00
$18.55
5.75%
2.01%
(1.35)%
95%

$115,641

R Class
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2015
$25.97
(0.22)
1.58
1.36
(3.85)
$23.48
6.60%
1.50%
(0.92)%
62%

$53,731

2014
$27.72
(0.27)
2.12
1.85
(3.60)
$25.97
7.80%
1.50%
(1.05)%
73%

$58,426

2013
$21.99
(0.20)
6.40
6.20
(0.47)
$27.72
28.74%
1.50%
(0.79)%
70%

$54,129

2012
$20.20
(0.16)
1.95
1.79
$21.99
8.86%
1.51%
(0.78)%
72%

$39,314

2011
$19.01
(0.18)
1.37
1.19
$20.20
6.26%
1.51%
(0.85)%
95%

$32,023

R6 Class
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2015
$27.86
(0.02)
1.73
1.71
(3.85)
$25.72
7.48%
0.65%
(0.07)%
62%

$103,017

2014
$29.25
(0.07)
2.28
2.21
(3.60)
$27.86
8.72%
0.65%
(0.20)%
73%

$56,442

2013(3)
$27.22
(4)
2.03
2.03
$29.25
7.46%
0.65%(5)
(0.07)%(5)
70%(6)

$74


26


Notes to Financial Highlights
 
 
(1)
Computed using average shares outstanding throughout the period.
(2)
Total returns are calculated based on the net asset value of the last business day and do not reflect applicable sales charges, if any. Total returns for periods less than one year are not annualized.
(3)
July 26, 2013 (commencement of sale) through October 31, 2013.
(4)
Per-share amount was less than $0.005.
(5)
Annualized.
(6)
Portfolio turnover is calculated at the fund level. Percentage indicated was calculated for the year ended October 31, 2013.

See Notes to Financial Statements.

27


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of American Century Mutual Funds, Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the schedule of investments, of Heritage Fund (the “Fund”), one of the funds constituting American Century Mutual Funds, Inc., as of October 31, 2015, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the periods presented. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Fund’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. The Fund is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Fund’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of October 31, 2015, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers; when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Heritage Fund of American Century Mutual Funds, Inc. as of October 31, 2015, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the periods presented, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Kansas City, Missouri
December 16, 2015


28


Management

The Board of Directors
The individuals listed below serve as directors of the funds. Each director will continue to serve in this capacity until death, retirement, resignation or removal from office. The board has adopted a mandatory retirement age for directors who are not “interested persons,” as that term is defined in the Investment Company Act (independent directors). Independent directors shall retire by December 31 of the year in which they reach their 75th birthday.
Mr. Thomas is an “interested person” because he currently serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of American Century Companies, Inc. (ACC), the parent company of American Century Investment Management, Inc. (ACIM or the advisor). Mr. Fink is treated as an “interested person” because of his recent employment with ACC and American Century Services, LLC (ACS). The other directors (more than three-fourths of the total number) are independent. They are not employees, directors or officers of, and have no financial interest in, ACC or any of its wholly owned, direct or indirect, subsidiaries, including ACIM, American Century Investment Services, Inc. (ACIS) and ACS, and they do not have any other affiliations, positions or relationships that would cause them to be considered “interested persons” under the Investment Company Act. The directors serve in this capacity for seven (in the case of Mr. Thomas, 15) registered investment companies in the American Century Investments family of funds.
The following table presents additional information about the directors. The mailing address for each director is 4500 Main Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64111.
Name
(Year of Birth)
Position(s)
Held with
Funds
Length of
Time Served
Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years
Number of
American
Century
Portfolios
Overseen by Director
Other
Directorships
Held During
Past 5 Years
Independent Directors
 
 
 
 
Thomas A. Brown
(1940)
Director
Since 1980
Managing Member, Associated Investments, LLC (real estate investment company)
80
None
Andrea C. Hall
(1945)
Director
Since 1997
Retired
80
None
Jan M. Lewis
(1957)
Director
Since 2011
Retired; President and Chief Executive Officer, Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas (human services organization) (2006 to 2013)
80
None
James A. Olson
(1942)
Director and Chairman of the Board
Since 2007 (Chairman since 2014)
Member, Plaza Belmont LLC (private equity fund manager)
80
Saia, Inc. (2002 to 2012) and EPR Properties (2003 to 2013)
M. Jeannine Strandjord
(1945)
Director
Since 1994
Retired
80
Euronet Worldwide Inc.; MGP Ingredients, Inc.; Charming Shoppes, Inc. (2006 to 2010); and DST Systems Inc. (1996 to 2012)
John R. Whitten
(1946)
Director
Since 2008
Retired
80
Rudolph Technologies, Inc.

29


Name
(Year of Birth)
Position(s)
Held with
Funds
Length of
Time Served
Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years
Number of
American
Century
Portfolios
Overseen by Director
Other
Directorships
Held During
Past 5 Years
Independent Directors
 
 
 
 
Stephen E. Yates
(1948)
Director
Since 2012
Retired; Executive Vice President, Technology & Operations, KeyCorp. (computer services) (2004 to 2010)
80
Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. (2001 to 2010)
Interested Directors
 
 
 
 
Barry Fink
(1955)
Director
Since 2012
Retired; Executive Vice President, ACC (September 2007 to February 2013); President, ACS (October 2007 to February 2013); Chief Operating Officer, ACC (September 2007 to November 2012)
80
None
Jonathan S. Thomas
(1963)
Director and President
Since 2007
President and Chief Executive Officer, ACC (March 2007 to present). Also serves as Chief Executive Officer, ACS; Executive Vice President, ACIM; Director, ACC, ACIM and other ACC subsidiaries
125
BioMed Valley Discoveries, Inc.

The Statement of Additional Information has additional information about the fund's directors and is available without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-345-2021.


30


Officers
The following table presents certain information about the executive officers of the funds. Each officer serves as an officer for each of the 15 investment companies in the American Century family of funds, unless otherwise noted. No officer is compensated for his or her service as an officer of the funds. The listed officers are interested persons of the funds and are appointed or re-appointed on an annual basis. The mailing address for each officer listed below is 4500 Main Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64111.
Name
(Year of Birth)
Offices with the Funds
Principal Occupation(s) During the Past Five Years
Jonathan S.
Thomas
(1963)
Director and
President
since 2007
President and Chief Executive Officer, ACC (March 2007 to present). Also serves as Chief Executive Officer, ACS; Executive Vice President, ACIM; Director, ACC, ACIM and other ACC subsidiaries
Amy D. Shelton
(1964)
Chief Compliance
Officer and Vice President since 2014
Chief Compliance Officer, American Century funds, (March 2014 to present); Chief Compliance Officer, ACIM (February 2014 to present); Chief Compliance Officer, ACIS (October 2009 to present); Vice President, Client Interactions and Marketing, ACIS (February 2013 to January 2014); Director, Client Interactions and Marketing, ACIS (June 2007 to January 2013). Also serves as Vice President, ACIS
Charles A.
Etherington
(1957)
General Counsel
since 2007 and
Senior Vice
President since 2006
Attorney, ACC (February 1994 to present); Vice President, ACC (November 2005 to present); General Counsel, ACC (March 2007 to present). Also serves as General Counsel, ACIM, ACS, ACIS and other ACC subsidiaries; and Senior Vice President, ACIM and ACS
C. Jean Wade
(1964)
Vice President,
Treasurer and
Chief Financial
Officer since 2012
Vice President, ACS (February 2000 to present)
Robert J. Leach
(1966)
Vice President
since 2006 and
Assistant Treasurer
since 2012
Vice President, ACS (February 2000 to present)
David H.
Reinmiller
(1963)
Vice President
since 2000
Attorney, ACC (January 1994 to present); Associate General Counsel, ACC (January 2001 to present). Also serves as Vice President, ACIM and ACS
Ward D. Stauffer
(1960)
Secretary
since 2005
Attorney, ACC (June 2003 to present)


31


Approval of Management Agreement


At a meeting held on June 30, 2015, the Fund’s Board of Directors unanimously approved the renewal of the management agreement pursuant to which American Century Investment Management, Inc. (the “Advisor”) acts as the investment advisor for the Fund. Under Section 15(c) of the Investment Company Act, contracts for investment advisory services are required to be reviewed, evaluated, and approved by a majority of a fund’s directors (the “Directors”), including a majority of the independent Directors, each year.
    
Prior to its consideration of the renewal of the management agreement, the Directors requested and reviewed extensive data and information compiled by the Advisor and certain independent providers of evaluation data concerning the Fund and the services provided to the Fund by the Advisor. This review was in addition to the oversight and evaluation undertaken by the Board and its committees on a continuous basis and the information received was supplemental to the extensive information that the Board and its committees receive and consider throughout the year.

In connection with its consideration of the renewal of the management agreement, the Board’s review and evaluation of the services provided by the Advisor included, but was not limited to, the following:

the nature, extent, and quality of investment management, shareholder services, and other services provided by the Advisor to the Fund;
the wide range of other programs and services the Advisor provides to the Fund and its shareholders on a routine and non-routine basis;
the Fund’s investment performance compared to appropriate benchmarks and/or a peer group of other mutual funds with similar investment objectives and strategies;
the cost of owning the Fund compared to the cost of owning similar funds;
the Advisor’s compliance policies, procedures, and regulatory experience;
financial data showing the cost of services provided to the Fund, the profitability of the Fund to the Advisor, and the overall profitability of the Advisor;
possible economies of scale associated with the Advisor’s management of the Fund and other accounts under its management;
data comparing services provided and charges to other investment management clients of the Advisor;
acquired fund fees and expenses;
payments to intermediaries by the Fund and the Advisor; and
any collateral benefits derived by the Advisor from the management of the Fund.

In keeping with their practice, the Directors held two in-person meetings and one telephonic meeting to review and discuss the information provided. The independent Directors also had the benefit of the advice of their independent counsel throughout the process.

Factors Considered

The Directors considered all of the information provided by the Advisor, the independent data providers, and independent counsel, and evaluated such information for the Fund. In connection with their review, the Directors did not identify any single factor as being all-important or controlling, and each Director may have attributed different levels of importance to different factors. In deciding to renew the management agreement, the Board based its decision on a number of factors, including the following:


32


Nature, Extent and Quality of Services - Generally. Under the management agreement, the Advisor is responsible for providing or arranging for all services necessary for the operation of the
Fund. The Board noted that under the management agreement, the Advisor provides or arranges at its own expense a wide variety of services including:

constructing and designing the Fund
portfolio research and security selection
initial capitalization/funding
securities trading
Fund administration
custody of Fund assets
daily valuation of the Fund’s portfolio
shareholder servicing and transfer agency, including shareholder confirmations, recordkeeping, and communications
legal services (except the independent Directors’ counsel)
regulatory and portfolio compliance
financial reporting
marketing and distribution (except Rule 12b-1 plans)

The Board noted that many of these services have expanded over time both in terms of quantity and complexity in response to shareholder demands, competition in the industry, changing distribution channels, and the changing regulatory environment.

Investment Management Services. The nature of the investment management services provided to the Fund is quite complex and allows Fund shareholders access to professional money management, instant diversification of their investments within an asset class, the opportunity to easily diversify among asset classes by investing in or exchanging among various American Century Investments funds, and liquidity. In evaluating investment performance, the Board expects the Advisor to manage the Fund in accordance with its investment objectives and approved strategies. Further, the Directors recognize that the Advisor has an obligation to monitor trading activities, and in particular to seek the best execution of fund trades, and to evaluate the use of and payment for research. In providing these services, the Advisor utilizes teams of investment professionals (portfolio managers, analysts, research assistants, and securities traders) who require extensive information technology, research, training, compliance and other systems to conduct their business. The Board, directly and through its Fund Performance Review Committee, regularly reviews investment performance information for the Fund, together with comparative information for appropriate benchmarks and/or peer groups of similarly-managed funds, over different time horizons. The Directors also review detailed performance information during the management agreement approval process. If performance concerns are identified, the Fund receives special reviews until performance improves, during which the Board discusses with the Advisor the reasons for such results (e.g., market conditions, security selection) and any efforts being undertaken to improve performance. The Fund’s performance was above its benchmark for the ten-year period and below its benchmark for the one-, three-, and five-year periods reviewed by the Board. The Board discussed the Fund's performance with the Advisor and was satisfied with the efforts being undertaken by the Advisor. The Board found the investment management services provided by the Advisor to the Fund to be satisfactory and consistent with the management agreement.

Shareholder and Other Services. Under the management agreement, the Advisor provides the Fund with a comprehensive package of transfer agency, shareholder, and other services. The Board, directly and through various committees of the Board, regularly reviews reports and evaluations of such services at its regular meetings. These reports include, but are not limited to, information regarding the operational efficiency and accuracy of the shareholder and transfer agency services provided, staffing levels, shareholder satisfaction (as measured by external as well as internal sources), technology support, new products and services offered to Fund shareholders, securities trading activities, portfolio valuation services, auditing services, and legal and operational compliance activities. The Board particularly noted the Advisor’s continual efforts to maintain

33


effective business continuity plans and to address cybersecurity threats. Certain aspects of shareholder and transfer agency service level efficiency and the quality of securities trading activities are measured by independent third party providers and are presented in comparison to other fund groups not managed by the Advisor. The Board found the services provided by the Advisor to the Fund under the management agreement to be competitive and of high quality.

Costs of Services and Profitability. The Advisor provides detailed information concerning its cost of providing various services to the Fund, its profitability in managing the Fund (pre- and post-distribution), its overall profitability, and its financial condition. The Directors have reviewed with the Advisor the methodology used to prepare this financial information. This information is considered in evaluating the Advisor’s financial condition, its ability to continue to provide services under the management agreement, and the reasonableness of the current management fee. The Board concluded that the Advisor’s profits were reasonable in light of the services provided to the Fund.

Ethics. The Board generally considers the Advisor’s commitment to providing quality services to shareholders and to conducting its business ethically. They noted that the Advisor’s practices generally meet or exceed industry best practices.

Economies of Scale. The Board also reviewed information provided by the Advisor regarding the possible existence of economies of scale in connection with the management of the Fund. The Board concluded that economies of scale are difficult to measure and predict with precision, especially on a fund-by-fund basis. The Board concluded that the Advisor is appropriately sharing economies of scale through its competitive fee structure, offering competitive fees from fund inception, and through reinvestment in its business to provide shareholders additional content and services.

Comparison to Other Funds’ Fees. The management agreement provides that the Fund pays the Advisor a single, all-inclusive (or unified) management fee for providing all services necessary for the management and operation of the Fund, other than brokerage expenses, taxes, interest, extraordinary expenses, and the fees and expenses of the Fund’s independent Directors (including their independent legal counsel) and expenses incurred in connection with the provision of shareholder services and distribution services under a plan adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Under the unified fee structure, the Advisor is responsible for providing all investment advisory, custody, audit, administrative, compliance, recordkeeping, marketing and shareholder services, or arranging and supervising third parties to provide such services. By contrast, most other funds are charged a variety of fees, including an investment advisory fee, a transfer agency fee, an administrative fee, distribution charges, and other expenses. Other than their investment advisory fees and any applicable Rule 12b-1 distribution fees, all other components of the total fees charged by these other funds may be increased without shareholder approval. The Board believes the unified fee structure is a benefit to Fund shareholders because it clearly discloses to shareholders the cost of owning Fund shares, and, since the unified fee cannot be increased without a vote of Fund shareholders, it shifts to the Advisor the risk of increased costs of operating the Fund and provides a direct incentive to minimize administrative inefficiencies. Part of the Board’s analysis of fee levels involves reviewing certain evaluative data compiled by an independent provider comparing the Fund’s unified fee to the total expense ratios of its peers. The unified fee charged to shareholders of the Fund was below the median of the total expense ratios of the Fund’s peer expense universe and was within the range of its peer expense group. The Board concluded that the management fee paid by the Fund to the Advisor under the management agreement is reasonable in light of the services provided to the Fund.


34


Comparison to Fees and Services Provided to Other Clients of the Advisor. The Directors also requested and received information from the Advisor concerning the nature of the services, fees, costs and profitability of its advisory services to advisory clients other than the Fund. They observed that these varying types of client accounts require different services and involve different regulatory and entrepreneurial risks than the management of the Fund. The Board analyzed this information and concluded that the fees charged and services provided to the Fund were reasonable by comparison.

Payments to Intermediaries. The Directors also requested and received a description of payments made to intermediaries by the Fund and the Advisor. These payments include various payments made by the Fund or the Advisor to different types of intermediaries and recordkeepers for distribution and service activities provided for the Fund. The Board reviewed such information and found the payments to be reasonable in scope and purpose.

Collateral or “Fall-Out” Benefits Derived by the Advisor. The Board considered the existence of collateral benefits the Advisor may receive as a result of its relationship with the Fund. They concluded that the Advisor’s primary business is managing mutual funds and it generally does not use fund or shareholder information to generate profits in other lines of business, and therefore does not derive any significant collateral benefits from them. The Board noted that additional assets from other clients may offer the Advisor some benefit from increased leverage with service providers and counterparties. Additionally, the Advisor receives proprietary research from broker-dealers that execute fund portfolio transactions, which the Board concluded is likely to benefit other clients of the Advisor as well as Fund shareholders. The Board also determined that the Advisor is able to provide investment management services to certain clients other than the Fund, at least in part, due to its existing infrastructure built to serve the fund complex. The Board concluded that appropriate allocation methodologies had been employed to assign resources and the cost of those resources to these other clients and, where expressly provided, these other client assets may be included with the assets of the Fund to determine breakpoints in the management fee schedule.

Existing Relationship. The Board also considered whether there was any reason for not continuing the existing arrangement with the Advisor. In this regard, the Board was mindful of the potential disruptions of the Fund’s operations and various risks, uncertainties, and other effects that could occur as a result of a decision not to continue such relationship. In particular, the Board recognized that most shareholders have invested in the Fund on the strength of the Advisor’s industry standing and reputation and in the expectation that the Advisor will have a continuing role in providing advisory services to the Fund.

Conclusion of the Directors. As a result of this process, the Board, including all of the independent Directors, taking into account all of the factors discussed above and the information provided by the Advisor and others in connection with its review and throughout the year, determined that the management fee is fair and reasonable in light of the services provided and that the investment management agreement between the Fund and the Advisor should be renewed.


35


Additional Information

Retirement Account Information
As required by law, distributions you receive from certain IRAs are subject to federal income tax withholding, unless you elect not to have withholding apply. Tax will be withheld on the total amount withdrawn even though you may be receiving amounts that are not subject to withholding, such as nondeductible contributions. In such case, excess amounts of withholding could occur. You may adjust your withholding election so that a greater or lesser amount will be withheld.
If you don’t want us to withhold on this amount, you must notify us to not withhold the federal income tax. You may notify us in writing or in certain situations by telephone or through other electronic means. For systematic withdrawals, your withholding election will remain in effect until revoked or changed by filing a new election. You have the right to revoke your election at any time.
Remember, even if you elect not to have income tax withheld, you are liable for paying income tax on the taxable portion of your withdrawal. If you elect not to have income tax withheld or you don’t have enough income tax withheld, you may be responsible for payment of estimated tax. You may incur penalties under the estimated tax rules if your withholding and estimated tax payments are not sufficient. You can reduce or defer the income tax on a distribution by directly or indirectly rolling such distribution over to another IRA or eligible plan. You should consult your tax advisor for additional information.
State tax will be withheld if, at the time of your distribution, your address is within one of the mandatory withholding states and you have federal income tax withheld (or as otherwise required by state law). State taxes will be withheld from your distribution in accordance with the respective state rules.
Distributions you receive from 403(b), 457 and qualified plans are subject to special tax and withholding rules. Your plan administrator or plan sponsor is required to provide you with a special tax notice explaining those rules at the time you request a distribution. If applicable, federal and/or state taxes may be withheld from your distribution amount.


Proxy Voting Policies
A description of the policies that the fund's investment advisor uses in exercising the voting rights associated with the securities purchased and/or held by the fund is available without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-345-2021. It is also available on the "About Us" page of American Century Investments’ website at americancentury.com and on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at sec.gov. Information regarding how the investment advisor voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available on the "About Us" page at americancentury.com. It is also available at sec.gov.


Quarterly Portfolio Disclosure
The fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The fund’s Forms N-Q are available on the SEC’s website at sec.gov, and may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330. The fund also makes its complete schedule of portfolio holdings for the most recent quarter of its fiscal year available on its
website at americancentury.com and, upon request, by calling 1-800-345-2021.


36


Other Tax Information

The following information is provided pursuant to provisions of the Internal Revenue Code.

The fund hereby designates $874,400,892, or up to the maximum amount allowable, as long-term capital gain distributions for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2015.

The fund utilized earnings and profits of $56,200,347 distributed to shareholders on redemption of shares as part of the dividends paid deduction (tax equalization).





37


Notes



38


Notes




39


Notes


















































40






 
 
 
 
Contact Us
americancentury.com
 
Automated Information Line
1-800-345-8765
 
Investor Services Representative
1-800-345-2021
or 816-531-5575
 
Investors Using Advisors
1-800-378-9878
 
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1-800-345-3533
 
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1-800-345-6488
 
Telecommunications Relay Service for the Deaf
711
 
 
 
 
American Century Mutual Funds, Inc.
 
 
 
 
Investment Advisor:
American Century Investment Management, Inc.
Kansas City, Missouri
 
 
 
 
This report and the statements it contains are submitted for the general information of our shareholders. The report is not authorized for distribution to prospective investors unless preceded or accompanied by an effective prospectus.
 
 
 
 
©2015 American Century Proprietary Holdings, Inc. All rights reserved.
CL-ANN-87643   1512
 



        ANNUAL REPORT
OCTOBER 31, 2015

 
 


New Opportunities Fund







Table of Contents
President’s Letter
2

Performance
3

Portfolio Commentary

Fund Characteristics

Shareholder Fee Example

Schedule of Investments

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

Statement of Operations

Statement of Changes in Net Assets

Notes to Financial Statements

Financial Highlights

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Management

Approval of Management Agreement

Additional Information




















Any opinions expressed in this report reflect those of the author as of the date of the report, and do not necessarily represent the opinions of American Century Investments® or any other person in the American Century Investments organization. Any such opinions are subject to change at any time based upon market or other conditions and American Century Investments disclaims any responsibility to update such opinions. These opinions may not be relied upon as investment advice and, because investment decisions made by American Century Investments funds are based on numerous factors, may not be relied upon as an indication of trading intent on behalf of any American Century Investments fund. Security examples are used for representational purposes only and are not intended as recommendations to purchase or sell securities. Performance information for comparative indices and securities is provided to American Century Investments by third party vendors. To the best of American Century Investments’ knowledge, such information is accurate at the time of printing.



President’s Letter

Dear Investor:

Thank you for reviewing this annual report for the 12 months ended October 31, 2015. It provides investment performance and portfolio information for the reporting period, plus longer-term historical performance data.

Annual reports remain useful vehicles for conveying information about fund performance, including market and economic factors that affected returns during the reporting period. For additional, updated investment and market insights, we encourage you to visit our website, americancentury.com.
Jonathan Thomas

Divergence in Economic Growth and Monetary Policies, Combined With China Turmoil, Triggered Market Volatility

Divergence between the U.S. and the rest of the world—along with China’s struggles, plunging commodity prices, capital market volatility, and risk-off trading—emerged as key themes during the reporting period. Global divergence described not only the relatively stronger economic growth enjoyed by the U.S. compared with most of the world, but also the related contrast between the U.S. Federal Reserve’s (the Fed’s) unwinding of monetary stimulus versus the continuation and expansion of stimulus by other major central banks. Central bank moves—including the Fed’s delayed normalization of its extremely low interest rate positioning—helped trigger large market swings.

In October 2014, the Fed ended its latest massive bond-buying program (quantitative easing, QE), leading to expectations that interest rates would rise. But while QE was halted in the U.S., other major central banks were starting or increasing QE as their economies faltered. This divergence helped fuel increased demand for the U.S. dollar and U.S. dollar-denominated assets, and put downward pressure on commodity prices, most notably crude oil, down over 40% for the reporting period. Low inflation also prevailed after oil prices plunged amid a supply glut and muted demand for commodities in general. In this environment, the U.S. dollar, U.S. growth stocks, and longer-maturity U.S. Treasuries generally benefited from “flight to quality” capital flows, while emerging market and commodity-related investments suffered significant declines.

We expect continued economic and monetary policy divergence between the U.S. and non-U.S. economies in the coming months, accompanied by further market volatility. This could present both challenges and opportunities for active investment managers. In this environment, we continue to believe in a disciplined, diversified, long-term investment approach, using professionally managed stock and bond portfolios to meet financial goals. We appreciate your continued trust in us.

Sincerely,
Jonathan Thomas
President and Chief Executive Officer
American Century Investments


2


Performance
 
Total Returns as of October 31, 2015
 
 
 
Average Annual Returns
 
 
Ticker
Symbol
1 year
5 years
10 years
Since
Inception
Inception
Date
Investor Class
TWNOX
3.54%(1)
12.36%(1)
8.12%
7.59%
12/26/96
Russell 2500 Growth Index
4.17%
14.24%
9.29%
7.79%
Institutional Class
TWNIX
3.77%(1)
12.59%(1)
13.47%
3/1/10
A Class
TWNAX
 
 
 
 
3/1/10
No sales charge*
 
3.31%(1)
12.08%(1)
12.97%(1)
 
With sales charge*
 
-2.66%(1)
10.75%(1)
11.79%(1)
 
C Class
TWNCX
2.59%(1)
11.26%(1)
12.12%(1)
3/1/10
R Class
TWNRX
3.08%(1)
11.79%(1)
12.68%(1)
3/1/10
* Sales charges include initial sales charges and contingent deferred sales charges (CDSCs), as applicable. A Class shares have a 5.75% maximum initial sales charge and may be subject to a maximum CDSC of 1.00%. C Class shares redeemed within 12 months of purchase are subject to a maximum CDSC of 1.00%. The SEC requires that mutual funds provide performance information net of maximum sales charges in all cases where charges could be applied.

(1)
Returns would have been lower if a portion of the management fee had not been waived.

























Data presented reflect past performance. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, and redemption value may be more or less than original cost. Data assumes reinvestment of dividends and capital gains, and none of the charts reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares. To obtain performance data current to the most recent month end, please call 1-800-345-2021 or visit americancentury.com. For additional information about the fund, please consult the prospectus.

3


Growth of $10,000 Over 10 Years
$10,000 investment made October 31, 2005
Performance for other share classes will vary due to differences in fee structure.
 
Value on October 31, 2015
 
Investor Class — $21,830*
 
 
Russell 2500 Growth Index — $24,313
 
*Ending value would have been lower if a portion of the management fee had not been waived.

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses
Investor Class
Institutional Class
A Class
C Class
R Class
1.51%
1.31%
1.76%
2.51%
2.01%
The total annual fund operating expenses shown is as stated in the fund’s prospectus current as of the date of this report. The prospectus may vary from the expense ratio shown elsewhere in this report because it is based on a different time period, includes acquired fund fees and expenses, and, if applicable, does not include fee waivers or expense reimbursements.


















Data presented reflect past performance. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, and redemption value may be more or less than original cost. Data assumes reinvestment of dividends and capital gains, and none of the charts reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares. To obtain performance data current to the most recent month end, please call 1-800-345-2021 or visit americancentury.com. For additional information about the fund, please consult the prospectus.

4


Portfolio Commentary
 

Portfolio Managers: Matthew Ferretti and Jackie Wagner

In March 2015, portfolio manager Jeffrey Otto left the New Opportunities management team and portfolio manager Jackie Wagner was promoted from Senior Analyst on the team.

Performance Summary

New Opportunities returned 3.54%* for the 12 months ended October 31, 2015, lagging the 4.17% return of the portfolio’s benchmark, the Russell 2500 Growth Index.

U.S. stock indices delivered positive returns during the reporting period amid considerable volatility and variation among sector returns. Within the Russell 2500 Growth Index, information technology and health care were the top-performing sectors on a total-return basis, gaining a little over 10% each. Energy stocks fell nearly 40% as commodity prices plunged. Telecommunication services stocks also declined sharply.

New Opportunities received positive absolute contributions from all sectors in which it was invested except energy and consumer staples. Stock decisions in the health care, information technology, and consumer staples sectors were key performance detractors relative to the Russell index. Stock selection in the financials, consumer discretionary, and industrials sectors benefited results versus the benchmark.

Health Care Stocks Hampered Relative Results

Stock choices in the health care sector detracted from relative results, although an overweight allocation to the sector was beneficial. Although health care stocks performed well over the 12-month period, news stories late in the fiscal year focused on high prescription drug prices, which have now become a topic of the 2016 presidential election. The pricing scrutiny led to a broad-based sell-off in the health care sector. Specialty pharmaceutical firm Horizon Pharma detracted despite reporting solid results as the stock was caught up in the drug pricing sell-off. Medical device maker Cardiovascular Systems also fell following weak results attributed to poor sales force execution. The holding was eliminated from the portfolio.

In information technology, stock selection hurt performance. Barracuda Networks was a significant detractor. The company, which provides security, networking, and application delivery, as well
as data storage, protection and disaster recovery services, reported better-than-expected results, but billings growth—a leading indicator of future revenues—decelerated. Barracuda was eliminated.

Among other key detractors, Horsehead Holding, a producer of specialty zinc and zinc-based products, reported lower-than-expected production in June. Zinc prices have fallen significantly since May as rising exports from China and Japan deepen the global oversupply. The holding was eliminated. LKQ, which primarily provides after-market and recycled collision and mechanical parts for automobiles, was hurt by currency exposure to the euro and falling scrap steel prices. Additionally, investors appeared impatient with progress in Europe following acquisitions there last year.



*All fund returns referenced in this commentary are for Investor Class shares. Returns would have been lower
if a portion of the management fee had not been waived. Performance for other share classes will vary due to
differences in fee structure; when Investor Class performance exceeds that of the fund’s benchmark, other
share classes may not. See page 3 for returns for all share classes.

5


Financials and Consumer Discretionary Stocks Aided Performance

Stock selection among financials stocks was the top contributor to performance relative to the benchmark. Choices in the consumer finance and real estate management and development industries were especially beneficial.

Stock selection in the consumer discretionary sector was also positive, led by decisions in the textiles, apparel, and luxury goods industry. Footwear wholesaler and retailer Skechers U.S.A. benefited from positive trends in athletic shoes and has a strong product portfolio in the U.S. Non-U.S. markets are driving the company’s long-term growth. Pizza chain Papa John’s International continued to grow same-store sales. Its better use of technology, including mobile ordering, allows its restaurants to take market share from local “mom and pop” pizza restaurants.

Elsewhere, payment-processing company Vantiv was a top contributor. The company reported solid results with improving margins and topline growth. In health care, biotechnology firm Anacor Pharmaceuticals, which focuses on topical applications, announced positive results for its drug to treat eczema, which is expected to get FDA approval next year. The company also has benefited from strong sales growth for its drug to treat toenail fungus.

Outlook

As of October 31, 2015, energy and materials stocks were the largest overweights relative to the Russell index, while health care and telecommunication services represented the largest underweights. New Opportunities’ investment process focuses on small and mid-sized companies with accelerating earnings growth rates and share-price momentum. We believe that active investing in such companies will generate outperformance over time compared with the Russell 2500 Growth Index.




6


Fund Characteristics
OCTOBER 31, 2015
 
Top Ten Holdings
% of net assets
Middleby Corp. (The)
2.0%
CoStar Group, Inc.
2.0%
Vantiv, Inc., Class A
1.8%
LKQ Corp.
1.7%
Snap-On, Inc.
1.7%
Fortune Brands Home & Security, Inc.
1.7%
Tyler Technologies, Inc.
1.6%
Brunswick Corp.
1.5%
Signature Bank
1.5%
Sabre Corp.
1.4%
 
 
Top Five Industries
% of net assets
Biotechnology
6.3%
Software
5.8%
Hotels, Restaurants and Leisure
5.2%
IT Services
5.2%
Health Care Equipment and Supplies
5.0%
 
 
Types of Investments in Portfolio
% of net assets
Common Stocks
97.3%
Temporary Cash Investments
2.4%
Other Assets and Liabilities
0.3%





7


Shareholder Fee Example 

Fund shareholders may incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments and redemption/exchange fees; and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution and service (12b-1) fees; and other fund expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in your fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing cost of investing in other mutual funds.

The example is based on an investment of $1,000 made at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period from May 1, 2015 to October 31, 2015.

Actual Expenses

The table provides information about actual account values and actual expenses for each class. You may use the information, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. First, identify the share class you own. Then simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number under the heading “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

If you hold Investor Class shares of any American Century Investments fund, or Institutional Class shares of the American Century Diversified Bond Fund, in an American Century Investments account (i.e., not a financial intermediary or retirement plan account), American Century Investments may charge you a $12.50 semiannual account maintenance fee if the value of those shares is less than $10,000. We will redeem shares automatically in one of your accounts to pay the $12.50 fee. In determining your total eligible investment amount, we will include your investments in all personal accounts (including American Century Investments Brokerage accounts) registered under your Social Security number. Personal accounts include individual accounts, joint accounts, UGMA/UTMA accounts, personal trusts, Coverdell Education Savings Accounts and IRAs (including traditional, Roth, Rollover, SEP-, SARSEP- and SIMPLE-IRAs), and certain other retirement accounts. If you have only business, business retirement, employer-sponsored or American Century Investments Brokerage accounts, you are currently not subject to this fee. If you are subject to the Account Maintenance Fee, your account value could be reduced by the fee amount.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The table also provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the actual expense ratio of each class of your fund and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the actual return of a fund’s share class. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in your fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads) or redemption/exchange fees. Therefore, the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.


8




Beginning
Account Value
5/1/15
Ending
Account Value
10/31/15
Expenses Paid
During Period
(1) 
5/1/15-10/31/15
Annualized
Expense Ratio
(1)
Actual
 
 
 
 
Investor Class (after waiver)
$1,000
$958.30
$6.81
1.38%
Investor Class (before waiver)
$1,000
$958.30(2)
$7.40
1.50%
Institutional Class (after waiver)
$1,000
$959.60
$5.83
1.18%
Institutional Class (before waiver)
$1,000
$959.60(2)
$6.42
1.30%
A Class (after waiver)
$1,000
$956.90
$8.04
1.63%
A Class (before waiver)
$1,000
$956.90(2)
$8.63
1.75%
C Class (after waiver)
$1,000
$954.10
$11.72
2.38%
C Class (before waiver)
$1,000
$954.10(2)
$12.31
2.50%
R Class (after waiver)
$1,000
$956.30
$9.27
1.88%
R Class (before waiver)
$1,000
$956.30(2)
$9.86
2.00%
Hypothetical
 
 
 
 
Investor Class (after waiver)
$1,000
$1,018.25
$7.02
1.38%
Investor Class (before waiver)
$1,000
$1,017.64
$7.63
1.50%
Institutional Class (after waiver)
$1,000
$1,019.26
$6.01
1.18%
Institutional Class (before waiver)
$1,000
$1,018.65
$6.61
1.30%
A Class (after waiver)
$1,000
$1,016.99
$8.29
1.63%
A Class (before waiver)
$1,000
$1,016.38
$8.89
1.75%
C Class (after waiver)
$1,000
$1,013.21
$12.08
2.38%
C Class (before waiver)
$1,000
$1,012.60
$12.68
2.50%
R Class (after waiver)
$1,000
$1,015.73
$9.55
1.88%
R Class (before waiver)
$1,000
$1,015.12
$10.16
2.00%
(1)
Expenses are equal to the class's annualized expense ratio listed in the table above, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184, the number of days in the most recent fiscal half-year, divided by 365, to reflect the one-half year period.
(2)
Ending account value assumes the return earned after waiver and would have been lower if a portion of the management fee had not been waived.



9


Schedule of Investments

OCTOBER 31, 2015
 
Shares
Value
COMMON STOCKS — 97.3%
 
 
Aerospace and Defense — 0.5%
 
 
B/E Aerospace, Inc.
21,468

$
1,007,923

Air Freight and Logistics — 0.6%
 
 
XPO Logistics, Inc.(1) 
40,067

1,112,260

Airlines — 0.7%
 
 
Alaska Air Group, Inc.
16,806

1,281,458

Banks — 3.8%
 
 
BankUnited, Inc.
38,415

1,428,270

Cathay General Bancorp
42,006

1,314,788

FCB Financial Holdings, Inc., Class A(1) 
47,999

1,706,844

Signature Bank(1) 
18,609

2,771,252

 
 
7,221,154

Beverages — 0.5%
 
 
Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated
4,927

1,040,632

Biotechnology — 6.3%
 
 
ACADIA Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(1) 
9,636

335,526

Agios Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(1) 
4,536

330,493

Aimmune Therapeutics, Inc.(1) 
16,608

249,950

Alder Biopharmaceuticals, Inc.(1) 
14,561

465,661

Alkermes plc(1) 
14,126

1,015,942

AMAG Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(1) 
7,036

281,440

Anacor Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(1) 
9,459

1,063,286

Bluebird Bio, Inc.(1) 
3,870

298,493

Cepheid, Inc.(1) 
8,433

281,662

Clovis Oncology, Inc.(1) 
4,606

460,186

Dyax Corp.(1) 
20,272

558,088

Eagle Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(1) 
6,180

393,728

Exelixis, Inc.(1) 
48,923

294,516

Intercept Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(1) 
2,317

364,232

Isis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(1) 
14,339

690,423

Kite Pharma, Inc.(1) 
6,248

425,176

Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc.(1) 
10,004

491,096

Novavax, Inc.(1) 
42,336

285,768

Opko Health, Inc.(1) 
39,090

369,401

Portola Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(1) 
8,104

385,831

Radius Health, Inc.(1) 
5,508

353,779

Seattle Genetics, Inc.(1) 
12,907

535,511

Spark Therapeutics, Inc.(1) 
4,831

260,391

TESARO, Inc.(1) 
6,148

279,550

Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical, Inc.(1) 
5,176

514,236

United Therapeutics Corp.(1) 
5,712

837,551

 
 
11,821,916


10


 
Shares
Value
Building Products — 4.3%
 
 
Apogee Enterprises, Inc.
23,853

$
1,181,439

Fortune Brands Home & Security, Inc.
59,707

3,124,467

Lennox International, Inc.
16,286

2,162,944

Masonite International Corp.(1) 
27,335

1,636,547

 
 
8,105,397

Capital Markets — 1.5%
 
 
Evercore Partners, Inc., Class A
22,299

1,204,146

Lazard Ltd., Class A
33,204

1,538,009

 
 
2,742,155

Chemicals — 3.0%
 
 
Ashland, Inc.
17,470

1,916,808

Huntsman Corp.
53,481

704,345

International Flavors & Fragrances, Inc.
16,043

1,861,950

PolyOne Corp.
36,297

1,213,772

 
 
5,696,875

Commercial Services and Supplies — 2.0%
 
 
KAR Auction Services, Inc.
52,698

2,023,603

Multi-Color Corp.
23,394

1,820,989

 
 
3,844,592

Communications Equipment — 1.5%
 
 
Infinera Corp.(1) 
50,365

995,212

Palo Alto Networks, Inc.(1) 
5,017

807,737

Ruckus Wireless, Inc.(1) 
94,977

1,071,341

 
 
2,874,290

Construction Materials — 1.3%
 
 
Headwaters, Inc.(1) 
60,400

1,241,220

Summit Materials, Inc., Class A(1) 
59,844

1,260,315

 
 
2,501,535

Containers and Packaging — 2.6%
 
 
Ball Corp.
28,545

1,955,333

Berry Plastics Group, Inc.(1) 
45,998

1,540,933

Graphic Packaging Holding Co.
100,014

1,416,198

 
 
4,912,464

Distributors — 1.7%
 
 
LKQ Corp.(1) 
109,031

3,228,408

Diversified Consumer Services — 1.4%
 
 
Nord Anglia Education, Inc.(1) 
64,581

1,265,788

ServiceMaster Global Holdings, Inc.(1) 
38,807

1,383,469

 
 
2,649,257

Diversified Financial Services — 2.3%
 
 
CBOE Holdings, Inc.
13,779

923,744

MarketAxess Holdings, Inc.
12,717

1,288,359

MSCI, Inc., Class A
31,403

2,104,001

 
 
4,316,104


11


 
Shares
Value
Electrical Equipment — 1.1%
 
 
Acuity Brands, Inc.
9,713

$
2,123,262

Electronic Equipment, Instruments and Components — 0.4%
 
 
Mercury Systems, Inc.(1) 
43,013

738,103

Food and Staples Retailing — 0.6%
 
 
United Natural Foods, Inc.(1) 
20,722

1,045,425

Food Products — 2.1%
 
 
Flowers Foods, Inc.
57,787

1,560,249

Hain Celestial Group, Inc. (The)(1) 
30,162

1,503,576

J&J Snack Foods Corp.
7,077

868,985

 
 
3,932,810

Health Care Equipment and Supplies — 5.0%
 
 
ABIOMED, Inc.(1) 
4,457

328,303

Align Technology, Inc.(1) 
8,315

544,300

Cooper Cos., Inc. (The)
4,817

733,918

DexCom, Inc.(1) 
17,774

1,480,930

Glaukos Corp.(1) 
15,610

312,824

Nevro Corp.(1) 
18,563

756,813

NuVasive, Inc.(1) 
38,412

1,811,510

STERIS Corp.
15,617

1,170,494

Teleflex, Inc.
17,165

2,282,945

 
 
9,422,037

Health Care Providers and Services — 3.4%
 
 
Adeptus Health, Inc., Class A(1) 
36,851

2,391,262

AMN Healthcare Services, Inc.(1) 
9,689

274,877

Centene Corp.(1) 
13,913

827,545

ExamWorks Group, Inc.(1) 
45,641

1,288,902

LHC Group, Inc.(1) 
17,540

790,440

Team Health Holdings, Inc.(1) 
7,757

462,860

Tenet Healthcare Corp.(1) 
13,287

416,813

 
 
6,452,699

Health Care Technology — 1.7%
 
 
athenahealth, Inc.(1) 
4,838

737,553

Evolent Health, Inc.(1) 
54,462

699,837

HMS Holdings Corp.(1) 
55,974

589,406

Medidata Solutions, Inc.(1) 
12,432

534,576

Press Ganey Holdings, Inc.(1) 
22,647

709,757

 
 
3,271,129

Hotels, Restaurants and Leisure — 5.2%
 
 
Buffalo Wild Wings, Inc.(1) 
3,367

519,427

ClubCorp Holdings, Inc.
108,521

2,218,169

Dave & Buster's Entertainment, Inc.(1) 
47,148

1,818,970

Madison Square Garden Co. (The)(1) 
7,189

1,283,237

Papa John's International, Inc.
37,334

2,619,727

Texas Roadhouse, Inc.
39,095

1,342,913

 
 
9,802,443


12


 
Shares
Value
Household Durables — 2.3%
 
 
Harman International Industries, Inc.
12,130

$
1,333,815

Installed Building Products, Inc.(1) 
45,593

1,009,885

Jarden Corp.(1) 
44,127

1,976,889

 
 
4,320,589

Insurance — 1.3%
 
 
Allied World Assurance Co. Holdings Ltd.
40,701

1,479,888

First American Financial Corp.
28,053

1,069,661

 
 
2,549,549

Internet Software and Services — 4.8%
 
 
comScore, Inc.(1) 
36,870

1,577,299

CoStar Group, Inc.(1) 
18,144

3,684,502

Demandware, Inc.(1) 
15,548

881,572

Envestnet, Inc.(1) 
33,070

987,470

Marketo, Inc.(1) 
49,029

1,442,923

Pandora Media, Inc.(1) 
23,945

275,607

Q2 Holdings, Inc.(1) 
9,254

228,111

 
 
9,077,484

IT Services — 5.2%
 
 
EPAM Systems, Inc.(1) 
23,958

1,853,151

Sabre Corp.
92,427

2,709,960

Vantiv, Inc., Class A(1) 
68,829

3,451,774

Virtusa Corp.(1) 
29,979

1,721,694

 
 
9,736,579

Leisure Products — 1.9%
 
 
Brunswick Corp.
51,730

2,783,591

MCBC Holdings, Inc.(1) 
55,199

726,971

 
 
3,510,562

Life Sciences Tools and Services — 1.5%
 
 
Mettler-Toledo International, Inc.(1) 
2,753

856,156

PRA Health Sciences, Inc.(1) 
36,477

1,278,154

Quintiles Transnational Holdings, Inc.(1) 
11,746

747,633

 
 
2,881,943

Machinery — 4.8%
 
 
ITT Corp.
18,749

742,085

Middleby Corp. (The)(1) 
32,399

3,788,739

Snap-On, Inc.
18,967

3,146,436

WABCO Holdings, Inc.(1) 
12,271

1,377,174

 
 
9,054,434

Multiline Retail — 0.6%
 
 
Burlington Stores, Inc.(1) 
21,886

1,052,279

Oil, Gas and Consumable Fuels — 1.3%
 
 
Diamondback Energy, Inc.(1) 
12,151

897,230

Enviva Partners, LP
66,598

1,018,949

Gulfport Energy Corp.(1) 
19,986

608,974

 
 
2,525,153


13


 
Shares
Value
Pharmaceuticals — 0.9%
 
 
Horizon Pharma plc(1) 
39,576

$
622,135

Lannett Co., Inc.(1) 
11,066

495,425

Pacira Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(1) 
8,754

437,262

ZS Pharma, Inc.(1) 
1,839

119,553

 
 
1,674,375

Professional Services — 1.2%
 
 
Huron Consulting Group, Inc.(1) 
13,432

648,766

Korn/Ferry International
46,530

1,692,296

 
 
2,341,062

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) — 0.8%
 
 
Sun Communities, Inc.
21,800

1,461,036

Real Estate Management and Development — 0.7%
 
 
FirstService Corp.
38,536

1,355,656

Semiconductors and Semiconductor Equipment — 2.2%
 
 
Integrated Device Technology, Inc.(1) 
64,055

1,633,402

M/A-COM Technology Solutions Holdings, Inc.(1) 
27,988

944,315

Monolithic Power Systems, Inc.
24,385

1,522,112

 
 
4,099,829

Software — 5.8%
 
 
Callidus Software, Inc.(1) 
84,301

1,464,308

FireEye, Inc.(1) 
19,470

509,141

Manhattan Associates, Inc.(1) 
17,644

1,285,366

Qlik Technologies, Inc.(1) 
60,679

1,903,500

ServiceNow, Inc.(1) 
12,228

998,416

Splunk, Inc.(1) 
14,865

834,818

Tableau Software, Inc., Class A(1) 
10,830

909,287

Tyler Technologies, Inc.(1) 
18,126

3,087,945

 
 
10,992,781

Specialty Retail — 4.3%
 
 
American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.
71,256

1,088,792

Men's Wearhouse, Inc. (The)
46,276

1,850,114

Restoration Hardware Holdings, Inc.(1) 
20,645

2,128,293

Signet Jewelers Ltd.
11,675

1,762,225

Ulta Salon Cosmetics & Fragrance, Inc.(1) 
7,350

1,278,606

 
 
8,108,030

Technology Hardware, Storage and Peripherals — 1.1%
 
 
Super Micro Computer, Inc.(1) 
73,264

2,066,777

Textiles, Apparel and Luxury Goods — 2.3%
 
 
Hanesbrands, Inc.
76,266

2,435,936

Skechers U.S.A., Inc., Class A(1) 
61,152

1,907,942

 
 
4,343,878

Trading Companies and Distributors — 0.8%
 
 
HD Supply Holdings, Inc.(1) 
49,395

1,471,477

TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(Cost $156,465,225)
 
183,767,801


14


 
Shares
Value
TEMPORARY CASH INVESTMENTS — 2.4%
 
 
Repurchase Agreement, Credit Suisse First Boston, Inc., (collateralized by various U.S. Treasury obligations, 1.50%, 5/31/19, valued at $1,743,061), in a joint trading account at 0.01%, dated 10/30/15, due 11/2/15 (Delivery value $1,709,150)
 
$
1,709,149

Repurchase Agreement, Fixed Income Clearing Corp., (collateralized by various U.S. Treasury obligations, 3.125%, 2/15/43, valued at $2,910,294), at 0.00%, dated 10/30/15, due 11/2/15 (Delivery value $2,849,000)
 
2,849,000

State Street Institutional Liquid Reserves Fund, Premier Class
521

521

TOTAL TEMPORARY CASH INVESTMENTS
(Cost $4,558,670)
 
4,558,670

TOTAL INVESTMENT SECURITIES — 99.7%
(Cost $161,023,895)
 
188,326,471

OTHER ASSETS AND LIABILITIES — 0.3%
 
552,397

TOTAL NET ASSETS — 100.0%
 
$
188,878,868


FORWARD FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE CONTRACTS
 
 
Currency Purchased
Currency Sold
Counterparty
Settlement Date
Unrealized Appreciation
(Depreciation)
USD
1,130,754
CAD
1,497,933
JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.
11/30/15
$
(14,599
)
USD
47,710
CAD
62,775
JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.
11/30/15
(290
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
(14,889
)

NOTES TO SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
CAD
-
Canadian Dollar
USD
-
United States Dollar
(1)
Non-income producing.

See Notes to Financial Statements.

15


Statement of Assets and Liabilities
OCTOBER 31, 2015
 
Assets
 
Investment securities, at value (cost of $161,023,895)
$
188,326,471

Receivable for investments sold
3,939,454

Receivable for capital shares sold
4,318

Dividends and interest receivable
22,778

 
192,293,021

 
 
Liabilities
 
Payable for investments purchased
3,087,450

Payable for capital shares redeemed
95,326

Unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts
14,889

Accrued management fees
216,103

Distribution and service fees payable
385

 
3,414,153

 
 
Net Assets
$
188,878,868

 
 
Net Assets Consist of:
 
Capital (par value and paid-in surplus)
$
141,535,941

Accumulated net investment loss
(1,539,601
)
Undistributed net realized gain
21,594,841

Net unrealized appreciation
27,287,687

 
$
188,878,868


 
Net Assets
Shares Outstanding
Net Asset Value Per Share
Investor Class, $0.01 Par Value

$187,604,596

16,322,893

$11.49
Institutional Class, $0.01 Par Value

$58,888

5,064

$11.63
A Class, $0.01 Par Value

$860,431

76,015

$11.32*
C Class, $0.01 Par Value

$153,786

14,217

$10.82
R Class, $0.01 Par Value

$201,167

18,040

$11.15
*Maximum offering price $12.01 (net asset value divided by 0.9425).


See Notes to Financial Statements.


16


Statement of Operations
YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2015
 
Investment Income (Loss)
 
Income:
 
Dividends (net of foreign taxes withheld of $2,525)
$
1,026,242

Interest
955

 
1,027,197

 
 
Expenses:
 
Management fees
2,926,777

Distribution and service fees:
 
A Class
1,395

C Class
1,044

R Class
636

Directors' fees and expenses
6,471

 
2,936,323

Fees waived
(219,866
)
 
2,716,457

 
 
Net investment income (loss)
(1,689,260
)
 
 
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)
 
Net realized gain (loss) on:
 
Investment transactions
21,674,540

Foreign currency transactions
19,644

 
21,694,184

Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:
 
Investments
(14,174,102
)
Translation of assets and liabilities in foreign currencies
(14,889
)
 
(14,188,991
)
 
 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
7,505,193

 
 
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations
$
5,815,933



See Notes to Financial Statements.


17


Statement of Changes in Net Assets
YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2015 AND OCTOBER 31, 2014
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
October 31, 2015
October 31, 2014
Operations
 
 
Net investment income (loss)
$
(1,689,260
)
$
(1,763,797
)
Net realized gain (loss)
21,694,184

21,490,206

Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
(14,188,991
)
(4,048,543
)
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations
5,815,933

15,677,866

 
 
 
Distributions to Shareholders
 
 
From net realized gains:
 
 
Investor Class
(11,647,699
)

Institutional Class
(3,143
)

A Class
(26,309
)

C Class
(5,042
)

R Class
(7,030
)

Decrease in net assets from distributions
(11,689,223
)

 
 
 
Capital Share Transactions
 
 
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from capital share transactions (Note 5)
7,979,713

(19,993,842
)
 
 
 
Redemption Fees
 
 
Increase in net assets from redemption fees
11,491

8,985

 
 
 
Net increase (decrease) in net assets
2,117,914

(4,306,991
)
 
 
 
Net Assets
 
 
Beginning of period
186,760,954

191,067,945

End of period
$
188,878,868

$
186,760,954

 
 
 
Accumulated net investment loss
$
(1,539,601
)
$
(1,539,393
)


See Notes to Financial Statements.


18


Notes to Financial Statements

OCTOBER 31, 2015

1. Organization

American Century Mutual Funds, Inc. (the corporation) is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act), as an open-end management investment company and is organized as a Maryland corporation. New Opportunities Fund (the fund) is one fund in a series issued by the corporation. The fund is diversified as defined under the 1940 Act. The fund’s investment objective is to seek long-term capital growth.

The fund offers the Investor Class, the Institutional Class, the A Class, the C Class and the R Class. The A Class may incur an initial sales charge. The A Class and C Class may be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge. The share classes differ principally in their respective sales charges and distribution and shareholder servicing expenses and arrangements. The Institutional Class is made available to institutional shareholders or through financial intermediaries whose clients do not require the same level of shareholder and administrative services as shareholders of other classes. As a result, the Institutional Class is charged a lower unified management fee.

2. Significant Accounting Policies

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the fund in preparation of its financial statements. The fund is an investment company and follows accounting and reporting guidance in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. This may require management to make certain estimates and assumptions at the date of the financial statements. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Management evaluated the impact of events or transactions occurring through the date the financial statements were issued that would merit recognition or disclosure.

Investment Valuations — The fund determines the fair value of its investments and computes its net asset value per share at the close of regular trading (usually 4 p.m. Eastern time) on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on each day the NYSE is open. The Board of Directors has adopted valuation policies and procedures to guide the investment advisor in the fund’s investment valuation process and to provide methodologies for the oversight of the fund’s pricing function.

Equity securities that are listed or traded on a domestic securities exchange are valued at the last reported sales price or at the official closing price as provided by the exchange. Equity securities traded on foreign securities exchanges are generally valued at the closing price of such securities on the exchange where primarily traded or at the close of the NYSE, if that is earlier. If no last sales price is reported, or if local convention or regulation so provides, the mean of the latest bid and asked prices may be used. Securities traded over-the-counter are valued at the mean of the latest bid and asked prices, the last sales price, or the official closing price. Equity securities initially expressed in local currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at the mean of the appropriate currency exchange rate at the close of the NYSE as provided by an independent pricing service.

Open-end management investment companies are valued at the reported net asset value per share. Repurchase agreements are valued at cost, which approximates fair value. Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are valued at the mean of the appropriate forward exchange rate at the close of the NYSE as provided by an independent pricing service.

If the fund determines that the market price for an investment is not readily available or the valuation methods mentioned above do not reflect an investment’s fair value, such investment is valued as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors or its delegate, in accordance with policies and procedures adopted by the Board of Directors. In its determination of fair value, the fund may review several factors including, but not limited to, market information regarding the specific investment or comparable investments and correlation with other investment types, futures indices or general market indicators. Circumstances that may cause the fund to use these procedures to value an investment include, but are not limited to: an investment has been declared in default or is distressed; trading in a security has been suspended during the trading day or a security is not actively trading on its principal exchange; prices received from a regular pricing source are deemed unreliable; or there is a foreign market holiday and no trading occurred.


19


The fund monitors for significant events occurring after the close of an investment’s primary exchange but before the fund’s net asset value per share is determined. Significant events may include, but are not limited to: corporate announcements and transactions; governmental action and political unrest that could impact a specific investment or an investment sector; or armed conflicts, natural disasters and similar events that could affect investments in a specific country or region. The fund also monitors for significant fluctuations between domestic and foreign markets, as evidenced by the U.S. market or such other indicators that the Board of Directors, or its delegate, deems appropriate. If significant fluctuations in foreign markets are identified, the fund may apply a model-derived factor to the closing price of equity securities traded on foreign securities exchanges. The factor is based on observable market data as provided by an independent pricing service.
 
Security Transactions — Security transactions are accounted for as of the trade date. Net realized gains and losses are determined on the identified cost basis, which is also used for federal income tax purposes.

Investment Income — Dividend income less foreign taxes withheld, if any, is recorded as of the ex-dividend date. Distributions received on securities that represent a return of capital or long-term capital gain are recorded as a reduction of cost of investments and/or as a realized gain. The fund may estimate the components of distributions received that may be considered nontaxable distributions or long-term capital gain distributions for income tax purposes. Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis and includes accretion of discounts and amortization of premiums.

Foreign Currency Translations — All assets and liabilities initially expressed in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at prevailing exchange rates at period end. The fund may enter into spot foreign currency exchange contracts to facilitate transactions denominated in a foreign currency. Purchases and sales of investment securities, dividend and interest income, spot foreign currency exchange contracts, and expenses are translated at the rates of exchange prevailing on the respective dates of such transactions. Net realized and unrealized foreign currency exchange gains or losses related to investment securities are a component of net realized gain (loss) on investment transactions and change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments, respectively.

Repurchase Agreements — The fund may enter into repurchase agreements with institutions that American Century Investment Management, Inc. (ACIM) (the investment advisor) has determined are creditworthy pursuant to criteria adopted by the Board of Directors. The fund requires that the collateral, represented by securities, received in a repurchase transaction be transferred to the custodian in a manner sufficient to enable the fund to obtain those securities in the event of a default under the repurchase agreement. ACIM monitors, on a daily basis, the securities transferred to ensure the value, including accrued interest, of the securities under each repurchase agreement is equal to or greater than amounts owed to the fund under each repurchase agreement.

Joint Trading Account — Pursuant to an Exemptive Order issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the fund, along with certain other funds in the American Century Investments family of funds, may transfer uninvested cash balances into a joint trading account. These balances are invested in one or more repurchase agreements that are collateralized by U.S. Treasury or Agency obligations.

Income Tax Status — It is the fund’s policy to distribute substantially all net investment income and net realized gains to shareholders and to otherwise qualify as a regulated investment company under provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. Accordingly, no provision has been made for income taxes. The fund files U.S. federal, state, local and non-U.S. tax returns as applicable. The fund's tax returns are subject to examination by the relevant taxing authority until expiration of the applicable statute of limitations, which is generally three years from the date of filing but can be longer in certain jurisdictions. At this time, management believes there are no uncertain tax positions which, based on their technical merit, would not be sustained upon examination and for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly change in the next twelve months.

Multiple Class — All shares of the fund represent an equal pro rata interest in the net assets of the class to which such shares belong, and have identical voting, dividend, liquidation and other rights and the same terms and conditions, except for class specific expenses and exclusive rights to vote on matters affecting only individual classes. Income, non-class specific expenses, and realized and unrealized capital gains and losses of the fund are allocated to each class of shares based on their relative net assets.

Distributions to Shareholders — Distributions from net investment income and net realized gains, if any, are generally declared and paid annually.


20


Redemption Fees — The fund may impose a 2.00% redemption fee on shares held less than 60 days. The fee may not be applicable to all classes. The redemption fee is retained by the fund and helps cover transaction costs that long-term investors may bear when the fund sells securities to meet investor redemptions.

Indemnifications — Under the corporation’s organizational documents, its officers and directors are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the fund. In addition, in the normal course of business, the fund enters into contracts that provide general indemnifications. The maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be made against a fund. The risk of material loss from such claims is considered by management to be remote.

3. Fees and Transactions with Related Parties

Certain officers and directors of the corporation are also officers and/or directors of American Century Companies, Inc. (ACC). The corporation’s investment advisor, ACIM, the corporation's distributor, American Century Investment Services, Inc. (ACIS), and the corporation’s transfer agent, American Century Services, LLC, are wholly owned, directly or indirectly, by ACC.
 
Management Fees — The corporation has entered into a management agreement with ACIM, under which ACIM provides the fund with investment advisory and management services in exchange for a single, unified management fee (the fee) per class. The agreement provides that all expenses of managing and operating the fund, except distribution and service fees, brokerage expenses, taxes, interest, fees and expenses of the independent directors (including legal counsel fees), and extraordinary expenses, will be paid by ACIM. The fee is computed and accrued daily based on each class’s daily net assets and paid monthly in arrears. The rate of the fee is determined by applying a fee rate calculation formula. This formula takes into account the fund’s assets as well as certain assets, if any, of other clients of the investment advisor outside the American Century Investments family of funds (such as subadvised funds and separate accounts) that have very similar investment teams and investment strategies (strategy assets). The annual management fee schedule ranges from 1.100% to 1.500% for the Investor Class, A Class, C Class and R Class. The annual management fee schedule ranges from 0.900% to 1.300% for the Institutional Class. From November 1, 2014 through July 31, 2015, the investment advisor voluntarily agreed to waive 0.10% of the fund's management fee.  Effective August 1, 2015, the investment advisor voluntarily agreed to waive 0.15% of the fund's management fee. The investment advisor expects this waiver to continue until February 28, 2017 and cannot terminate it prior to such date without the approval of the Board of Directors. The total amount of the waiver for each class for the year ended October 31, 2015 was $218,875, $64, $658, $123, and $146 for the Investor Class, Institutional Class, A Class, C Class and R Class, respectively. The effective annual management fee before waiver for each class for the year ended October 31, 2015 was 1.50% for the Investor Class, A Class, C Class and R Class and 1.30% for the Institutional Class. The effective annual management fee after waiver for each class for the year ended October 31, 2015 was 1.39% for the Investor Class, A Class, C Class and R Class and 1.19% for the Institutional Class.

Distribution and Service Fees — The Board of Directors has adopted a separate Master Distribution and Individual Shareholder Services Plan for each of the A Class, C Class and R Class (collectively the plans), pursuant to Rule 12b-1 of the 1940 Act. The plans provide that the A Class will pay ACIS an annual distribution and service fee of 0.25%. The plans provide that the C Class will pay ACIS an annual distribution and service fee of 1.00%, of which 0.25% is paid for individual shareholder services and 0.75% is paid for distribution services. The plans provide that the R Class will pay ACIS an annual distribution and service fee of 0.50%. The fees are computed and accrued daily based on each class’s daily net assets and paid monthly in arrears. The fees are used to pay financial intermediaries for distribution and individual shareholder services. Fees incurred under the plans during the year ended October 31, 2015 are detailed in the Statement of Operations.

Directors' Fees and Expenses — The Board of Directors is responsible for overseeing the investment advisor’s management and operations of the fund. The directors receive detailed information about the fund and its investment advisor regularly throughout the year, and meet at least quarterly with management of the investment advisor to review reports about fund operations. The fund’s officers do not receive compensation from the fund.

4. Investment Transactions

Purchases and sales of investment securities, excluding short-term investments, for the year ended October 31, 2015 were $176,955,780 and $183,057,579, respectively.


21


5. Capital Share Transactions

Transactions in shares of the fund were as follows:
 
Year ended
October 31, 2015
Year ended
October 31, 2014
 
Shares
Amount
Shares
Amount
Investor Class/Shares Authorized
200,000,000

 
200,000,000

 
Sold
1,400,696

$
17,280,896

670,786

$
7,648,874

Issued in reinvestment of distributions
1,005,158

10,905,967



Redeemed
(1,762,751
)
(20,908,191
)
(2,422,255
)
(27,644,383
)
 
643,103

7,278,672

(1,751,469
)
(19,995,509
)
Institutional Class/Shares Authorized
25,000,000

 
25,000,000

 
Sold
658

8,455



Issued in reinvestment of distributions
287

3,143



 
945

11,598



A Class/Shares Authorized
20,000,000

 
25,000,000

 
Sold
48,512

578,726

7,111

80,085

Issued in reinvestment of distributions
2,393

25,627



Redeemed
(8,474
)
(99,565
)
(3,258
)
(35,806
)
 
42,431

504,788

3,853

44,279

C Class/Shares Authorized
20,000,000

 
25,000,000

 
Sold
7,590

89,494

967

10,481

Issued in reinvestment of distributions
489

5,042



Redeemed
(520
)
(6,169
)
(5,463
)
(60,448
)
 
7,559

88,367

(4,496
)
(49,967
)
R Class/Shares Authorized
20,000,000

 
25,000,000

 
Sold
12,577

138,440

972

10,912

Issued in reinvestment of distributions
665

7,030



Redeemed
(4,523
)
(49,182
)
(319
)
(3,557
)
 
8,719

96,288

653

7,355

Net increase (decrease)
702,757

$
7,979,713

(1,751,459
)
$
(19,993,842
)

6. Fair Value Measurements

The fund’s investments valuation process is based on several considerations and may use multiple inputs to determine the fair value of the investments held by the fund. In conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, the inputs used to determine a valuation are classified into three broad levels.

Level 1 valuation inputs consist of unadjusted quoted prices in an active market for identical investments.

Level 2 valuation inputs consist of direct or indirect observable market data (including quoted prices for comparable investments, evaluations of subsequent market events, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.). These inputs also consist of quoted prices for identical investments initially expressed in local currencies that are adjusted through translation into U.S. dollars.

Level 3 valuation inputs consist of unobservable data (including a fund’s own assumptions).

The level classification is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair valuation measurement. The valuation inputs are not necessarily an indication of the risks associated with investing in these securities or other financial instruments. There were no significant transfers between levels during the period.


22


The following is a summary of the level classifications as of period end. The Schedule of Investments provides additional information on the fund’s portfolio holdings.
 
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Assets
 
 
 
Investment Securities
 
 
 
Common Stocks
$
182,412,145

$
1,355,656


Temporary Cash Investments
521

4,558,149


 
$
182,412,666

$
5,913,805


 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
Other Financial Instruments
 
 
 
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts

$
(14,889
)


7. Derivative Instruments

Foreign Currency Risk — The fund is subject to foreign currency exchange rate risk in the normal course of pursuing its investment objectives. The value of foreign investments held by a fund may be significantly affected by changes in foreign currency exchange rates. The dollar value of a foreign security generally decreases when the value of the dollar rises against the foreign currency in which the security is denominated and tends to increase when the value of the dollar declines against such foreign currency. A fund may enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts to reduce a fund's exposure to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. The net U.S. dollar value of foreign currency underlying all contractual commitments held by a fund and the resulting unrealized appreciation or depreciation are determined daily. Realized gain or loss is recorded upon the termination of the contract. Net realized and unrealized gains or losses occurring during the holding period of forward foreign currency exchange contracts are a component of net realized gain (loss) on foreign currency transactions and change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on translation of assets and liabilities in foreign currencies, respectively. A fund bears the risk of an unfavorable change in the foreign currency exchange rate underlying the forward contract. Additionally, losses, up to the fair value, may arise if the counterparties do not perform under the contract terms. The fund's average U.S. dollar exposure to foreign currency risk derivative instruments held during the period was $1,118,270.
 
The value of foreign currency risk derivative instruments as of October 31, 2015, is disclosed on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities as a liability of $14,889 in unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts. For the year ended October 31, 2015, the effect of foreign currency risk derivative instruments on the Statement of Operations was $18,046 in net realized gain (loss) on foreign currency transactions and $(14,889) in change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on translation of assets and liabilities in foreign currencies.

8. Risk Factors

The fund invests in common stocks of small companies. Because of this, the fund may be subject to greater risk and market fluctuations than a fund investing in larger, more established companies.

9. Federal Tax Information

The tax character of distributions paid during the years ended October 31, 2015 and October 31, 2014 were as follows:
 
2015
2014
Distributions Paid From
 
 
Ordinary income


Long-term capital gains
$
11,689,223



The book-basis character of distributions made during the year from net investment income or net realized gains may differ from their ultimate characterization for federal income tax purposes. These differences reflect the differing character of certain income items and net realized gains and losses for financial statement and tax purposes, and may result in reclassification among certain capital accounts on the financial statements.

23



As of October 31, 2015, the federal tax cost of investments and the components of distributable earnings on a tax-basis were as follows:
Federal tax cost of investments
$
162,177,562

Gross tax appreciation of investments
$
35,639,663

Gross tax depreciation of investments
(9,490,754
)
Net tax appreciation (depreciation) of investments
$
26,148,909

Undistributed ordinary income

Accumulated long-term gains
$
22,748,508

Late-year ordinary loss deferral
$
(1,554,490
)

The difference between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation (depreciation) is attributable primarily to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales.
 
Loss deferrals represent certain qualified losses that the fund has elected to treat as having been incurred in the following fiscal year for federal income tax purposes.


24


Financial Highlights
For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Years Ended October 31 (except as noted)
Per-Share Data
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ratios and Supplemental Data
 
 
Income From Investment Operations:
 
 
 
Ratio to Average Net Assets of:
 
 
 
Net Asset
Value,
Beginning
of Period
Net
Investment
Income
(Loss)
(1)
Net
Realized
and
Unrealized
Gain (Loss)
Total From
Investment
Operations
Distributions From Net
Realized
Gains
Net Asset
Value,
End
of Period
Total
Return
(2)
Operating
Expenses
Operating
Expenses
(before
expense
waiver)
Net
Investment
Income
(Loss)
Net
Investment
Income (Loss)
(before expense waiver)
Portfolio
Turnover
Rate
Net
Assets,
End of
Period (in thousands)
Investor Class
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2015
$11.87
(0.10)
0.48
0.38
(0.76)
$11.49
3.54%
1.39%
1.50%
(0.86)%
(0.97)%
93%

$187,605

2014
$10.93
(0.11)
1.05
0.94
$11.87
8.60%
1.48%
1.50%
(0.93)%
(0.95)%
76%

$186,134

2013
$8.13
(0.06)
2.86
2.80
$10.93
34.44%
1.50%
1.50%
(0.62)%
(0.62)%
79%

$190,490

2012
$7.47
(0.02)
0.68
0.66
$8.13
8.84%
1.50%
1.50%
(0.22)%
(0.22)%
63%

$154,517

2011
$6.86
(0.07)
0.68
0.61
$7.47
8.89%
1.50%
1.50%
(0.95)%
(0.95)%
107%

$158,117

Institutional Class
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2015
$11.98
(0.08)
0.49
0.41
(0.76)
$11.63
3.77%
1.19%
1.30%
(0.66)%
(0.77)%
93%

$59

2014
$11.01
(0.08)
1.05
0.97
$11.98
8.81%
1.28%
1.30%
(0.73)%
(0.75)%
76%

$49

2013
$8.17
(0.04)
2.88
2.84
$11.01
34.76%
1.30%
1.30%
(0.42)%
(0.42)%
79%

$45

2012
$7.49
(3)
0.68
0.68
$8.17
9.08%
1.30%
1.30%
(0.02)%
(0.02)%
63%

$34

2011
$6.87
(0.06)
0.68
0.62
$7.49
9.02%
1.30%
1.30%
(0.75)%
(0.75)%
107%

$31

A Class
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2015
$11.73
(0.13)
0.48
0.35
(0.76)
$11.32
3.31%
1.64%
1.75%
(1.11)%
(1.22)%
93%

$860

2014
$10.83
(0.13)
1.03
0.90
$11.73
8.31%
1.73%
1.75%
(1.18)%
(1.20)%
76%

$394

2013
$8.08
(0.08)
2.83
2.75
$10.83
34.03%
1.75%
1.75%
(0.87)%
(0.87)%
79%

$322

2012
$7.44
(0.04)
0.68
0.64
$8.08
8.60%
1.75%
1.75%
(0.47)%
(0.47)%
63%

$239

2011
$6.85
(0.09)
0.68
0.59
$7.44
8.61%
1.75%
1.75%
(1.20)%
(1.20)%
107%

$282


25


For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Years Ended October 31 (except as noted)
Per-Share Data
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ratios and Supplemental Data
 
 
Income From Investment Operations:
 
 
 
Ratio to Average Net Assets of:
 
 
 
Net Asset
Value,
Beginning
of Period
Net
Investment
Income
(Loss)
(1)
Net
Realized
and
Unrealized
Gain (Loss)
Total From
Investment
Operations
Distributions From Net
Realized
Gains
Net Asset
Value,
End
of Period
Total
Return
(2)
Operating
Expenses
Operating
Expenses
(before
expense
waiver)
Net
Investment
Income
(Loss)
Net
Investment
Income (Loss)
(before expense waiver)
Portfolio
Turnover
Rate
Net
Assets,
End of
Period (in thousands)
C Class
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2015
$11.33
(0.21)
0.46
0.25
(0.76)
$10.82
2.59%
2.39%
2.50%
(1.86)%
(1.97)%
93%

$154

2014
$10.53
(0.21)
1.01
0.80
$11.33
7.50%
2.48%
2.50%
(1.93)%
(1.95)%
76%

$75

2013
$7.91
(0.15)
2.77
2.62
$10.53
33.12%
2.50%
2.50%
(1.62)%
(1.62)%
79%

$117

2012
$7.34
(0.09)
0.66
0.57
$7.91
7.77%
2.50%
2.50%
(1.22)%
(1.22)%
63%

$80

2011
$6.81
(0.15)
0.68
0.53
$7.34
7.78%
2.50%
2.50%
(1.95)%
(1.95)%
107%

$57

R Class
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2015
$11.59
(0.16)
0.48
0.32
(0.76)
$11.15
3.08%
1.89%
2.00%
(1.36)%
(1.47)%
93%

$201

2014
$10.73
(0.16)
1.02
0.86
$11.59
8.12%
1.98%
2.00%
(1.43)%
(1.45)%
76%

$108

2013
$8.02
(0.11)
2.82
2.71
$10.73
33.67%
2.00%
2.00%
(1.12)%
(1.12)%
79%

$93

2012
$7.40
(0.06)
0.68
0.62
$8.02
8.38%
2.00%
2.00%
(0.72)%
(0.72)%
63%

$62

2011
$6.84
(0.11)
0.67
0.56
$7.40
8.19%
2.00%
2.00%
(1.45)%
(1.45)%
107%

$48

Notes to Financial Highlights
(1)
Computed using average shares outstanding throughout the period.
(2)
Total returns are calculated based on the net asset value of the last business day and do not reflect applicable sales charges, if any. Total returns for periods less than one year are not annualized.
(3)
Per-share amount was less than $0.005.
See Notes to Financial Statements.

26


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of American Century Mutual Funds, Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the schedule of investments, of New Opportunities Fund (the “Fund”), one of the funds constituting American Century Mutual Funds, Inc., as of October 31, 2015, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the periods presented. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Fund’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. The Fund is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Fund’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of October 31, 2015, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers; when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of New Opportunities Fund of American Century Mutual Funds, Inc. as of October 31, 2015, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the periods presented, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Kansas City, Missouri
December 16, 2015


27


Management

The Board of Directors
The individuals listed below serve as directors of the funds. Each director will continue to serve in this capacity until death, retirement, resignation or removal from office. The board has adopted a mandatory retirement age for directors who are not “interested persons,” as that term is defined in the Investment Company Act (independent directors). Independent directors shall retire by December 31 of the year in which they reach their 75th birthday.
Mr. Thomas is an “interested person” because he currently serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of American Century Companies, Inc. (ACC), the parent company of American Century Investment Management, Inc. (ACIM or the advisor). Mr. Fink is treated as an “interested person” because of his recent employment with ACC and American Century Services, LLC (ACS). The other directors (more than three-fourths of the total number) are independent. They are not employees, directors or officers of, and have no financial interest in, ACC or any of its wholly owned, direct or indirect, subsidiaries, including ACIM, American Century Investment Services, Inc. (ACIS) and ACS, and they do not have any other affiliations, positions or relationships that would cause them to be considered “interested persons” under the Investment Company Act. The directors serve in this capacity for seven (in the case of Mr. Thomas, 15) registered investment companies in the American Century Investments family of funds.
The following table presents additional information about the directors. The mailing address for each director is 4500 Main Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64111.
Name
(Year of Birth)
Position(s)
Held with
Funds
Length of
Time Served
Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years
Number of
American
Century
Portfolios
Overseen by Director
Other
Directorships
Held During
Past 5 Years
Independent Directors
 
 
 
 
Thomas A. Brown
(1940)
Director
Since 1980
Managing Member, Associated Investments, LLC (real estate investment company)
80
None
Andrea C. Hall
(1945)
Director
Since 1997
Retired
80
None
Jan M. Lewis
(1957)
Director
Since 2011
Retired; President and Chief Executive Officer, Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas (human services organization) (2006 to 2013)
80
None
James A. Olson
(1942)
Director and Chairman of the Board
Since 2007 (Chairman since 2014)
Member, Plaza Belmont LLC (private equity fund manager)
80
Saia, Inc. (2002 to 2012) and EPR Properties (2003 to 2013)
M. Jeannine Strandjord
(1945)
Director
Since 1994
Retired
80
Euronet Worldwide Inc.; MGP Ingredients, Inc.; Charming Shoppes, Inc. (2006 to 2010); and DST Systems Inc. (1996 to 2012)
John R. Whitten
(1946)
Director
Since 2008
Retired
80
Rudolph Technologies, Inc.

28


Name
(Year of Birth)
Position(s)
Held with
Funds
Length of
Time Served
Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years
Number of
American
Century
Portfolios
Overseen by Director
Other
Directorships
Held During
Past 5 Years
Independent Directors
 
 
 
 
Stephen E. Yates
(1948)
Director
Since 2012
Retired; Executive Vice President, Technology & Operations, KeyCorp. (computer services) (2004 to 2010)
80
Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. (2001 to 2010)
Interested Directors
 
 
 
 
Barry Fink
(1955)
Director
Since 2012
Retired; Executive Vice President, ACC (September 2007 to February 2013); President, ACS (October 2007 to February 2013); Chief Operating Officer, ACC (September 2007 to November 2012)
80
None
Jonathan S. Thomas
(1963)
Director and President
Since 2007
President and Chief Executive Officer, ACC (March 2007 to present). Also serves as Chief Executive Officer, ACS; Executive Vice President, ACIM; Director, ACC, ACIM and other ACC subsidiaries
125
BioMed Valley Discoveries, Inc.

The Statement of Additional Information has additional information about the fund's directors and is available without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-345-2021.


29


Officers
The following table presents certain information about the executive officers of the funds. Each officer serves as an officer for each of the 15 investment companies in the American Century family of funds, unless otherwise noted. No officer is compensated for his or her service as an officer of the funds. The listed officers are interested persons of the funds and are appointed or re-appointed on an annual basis. The mailing address for each officer listed below is 4500 Main Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64111.
Name
(Year of Birth)
Offices with the Funds
Principal Occupation(s) During the Past Five Years
Jonathan S.
Thomas
(1963)
Director and
President
since 2007
President and Chief Executive Officer, ACC (March 2007 to present). Also serves as Chief Executive Officer, ACS; Executive Vice President, ACIM; Director, ACC, ACIM and other ACC subsidiaries
Amy D. Shelton
(1964)
Chief Compliance
Officer and Vice President since 2014
Chief Compliance Officer, American Century funds, (March 2014 to present); Chief Compliance Officer, ACIM (February 2014 to present); Chief Compliance Officer, ACIS (October 2009 to present); Vice President, Client Interactions and Marketing, ACIS (February 2013 to January 2014); Director, Client Interactions and Marketing, ACIS (June 2007 to January 2013). Also serves as Vice President, ACIS
Charles A.
Etherington
(1957)
General Counsel
since 2007 and
Senior Vice
President since 2006
Attorney, ACC (February 1994 to present); Vice President, ACC (November 2005 to present); General Counsel, ACC (March 2007 to present). Also serves as General Counsel, ACIM, ACS, ACIS and other ACC subsidiaries; and Senior Vice President, ACIM and ACS
C. Jean Wade
(1964)
Vice President,
Treasurer and
Chief Financial
Officer since 2012
Vice President, ACS (February 2000 to present)
Robert J. Leach
(1966)
Vice President
since 2006 and
Assistant Treasurer
since 2012
Vice President, ACS (February 2000 to present)
David H.
Reinmiller
(1963)
Vice President
since 2000
Attorney, ACC (January 1994 to present); Associate General Counsel, ACC (January 2001 to present). Also serves as Vice President, ACIM and ACS
Ward D. Stauffer
(1960)
Secretary
since 2005
Attorney, ACC (June 2003 to present)


30


Approval of Management Agreement


At a meeting held on June 30, 2015, the Fund’s Board of Directors unanimously approved the renewal of the management agreement pursuant to which American Century Investment Management, Inc. (the “Advisor”) acts as the investment advisor for the Fund. Under Section 15(c) of the Investment Company Act, contracts for investment advisory services are required to be reviewed, evaluated, and approved by a majority of a fund’s directors (the “Directors”), including a majority of the independent Directors, each year.
    
Prior to its consideration of the renewal of the management agreement, the Directors requested and reviewed extensive data and information compiled by the Advisor and certain independent providers of evaluation data concerning the Fund and the services provided to the Fund by the Advisor. This review was in addition to the oversight and evaluation undertaken by the Board and its committees on a continuous basis and the information received was supplemental to the extensive information that the Board and its committees receive and consider throughout the year.

In connection with its consideration of the renewal of the management agreement, the Board’s review and evaluation of the services provided by the Advisor included, but was not limited to, the following:

the nature, extent, and quality of investment management, shareholder services, and other services provided by the Advisor to the Fund;
the wide range of other programs and services the Advisor provides to the Fund and its shareholders on a routine and non-routine basis;
the Fund’s investment performance compared to appropriate benchmarks and/or a peer group of other mutual funds with similar investment objectives and strategies;
the cost of owning the Fund compared to the cost of owning similar funds;
the Advisor’s compliance policies, procedures, and regulatory experience;
financial data showing the cost of services provided to the Fund, the profitability of the Fund to the Advisor, and the overall profitability of the Advisor;
possible economies of scale associated with the Advisor’s management of the Fund and other accounts under its management;
data comparing services provided and charges to other investment management clients of the Advisor;
acquired fund fees and expenses;
payments to intermediaries by the Fund and the Advisor; and
any collateral benefits derived by the Advisor from the management of the Fund.

In keeping with their practice, the Directors held two in-person meetings and one telephonic meeting to review and discuss the information provided. The independent Directors also had the benefit of the advice of their independent counsel throughout the process.

Factors Considered

The Directors considered all of the information provided by the Advisor, the independent data providers, and independent counsel, and evaluated such information for the Fund. In connection with their review, the Directors did not identify any single factor as being all-important or controlling, and each Director may have attributed different levels of importance to different factors. In deciding to renew the management agreement, the Board based its decision on a number of factors, including the following:


31


Nature, Extent and Quality of Services - Generally. Under the management agreement, the Advisor is responsible for providing or arranging for all services necessary for the operation of the
Fund. The Board noted that under the management agreement, the Advisor provides or arranges at its own expense a wide variety of services including:

constructing and designing the Fund
portfolio research and security selection
initial capitalization/funding
securities trading
Fund administration
custody of Fund assets
daily valuation of the Fund’s portfolio
shareholder servicing and transfer agency, including shareholder confirmations, recordkeeping, and communications
legal services (except the independent Directors’ counsel)
regulatory and portfolio compliance
financial reporting
marketing and distribution (except Rule 12b-1 plans)

The Board noted that many of these services have expanded over time both in terms of quantity and complexity in response to shareholder demands, competition in the industry, changing distribution channels, and the changing regulatory environment.

Investment Management Services. The nature of the investment management services provided to the Fund is quite complex and allows Fund shareholders access to professional money management, instant diversification of their investments within an asset class, the opportunity to easily diversify among asset classes by investing in or exchanging among various American Century Investments funds, and liquidity. In evaluating investment performance, the Board expects the Advisor to manage the Fund in accordance with its investment objectives and approved strategies. Further, the Directors recognize that the Advisor has an obligation to monitor trading activities, and in particular to seek the best execution of fund trades, and to evaluate the use of and payment for research. In providing these services, the Advisor utilizes teams of investment professionals (portfolio managers, analysts, research assistants, and securities traders) who require extensive information technology, research, training, compliance and other systems to conduct their business. The Board, directly and through its Fund Performance Review Committee, regularly reviews investment performance information for the Fund, together with comparative information for appropriate benchmarks and/or peer groups of similarly-managed funds, over different time horizons. The Directors also review detailed performance information during the management agreement approval process. If performance concerns are identified, the Fund receives special reviews until performance improves, during which the Board discusses with the Advisor the reasons for such results (e.g., market conditions, security selection) and any efforts being undertaken to improve performance. The Fund’s performance was above its benchmark for the five- and ten-year periods and slightly below its benchmark for the one- and three-year periods reviewed by the Board. The Board discussed the Fund's performance with the Advisor and was satisfied with the efforts being undertaken by the Advisor. The Board found the investment management services provided by the Advisor to the Fund to be satisfactory and consistent with the management agreement.

Shareholder and Other Services. Under the management agreement, the Advisor provides the Fund with a comprehensive package of transfer agency, shareholder, and other services. The Board, directly and through various committees of the Board, regularly reviews reports and evaluations of such services at its regular meetings. These reports include, but are not limited to, information regarding the operational efficiency and accuracy of the shareholder and transfer agency services provided, staffing levels, shareholder satisfaction (as measured by external as well as internal sources), technology support, new products and services offered to Fund shareholders, securities trading activities, portfolio valuation services, auditing services, and legal and operational compliance activities. The Board particularly noted the Advisor’s continual efforts to maintain

32


effective business continuity plans and to address cybersecurity threats. Certain aspects of shareholder and transfer agency service level efficiency and the quality of securities trading activities are measured by independent third party providers and are presented in comparison to other fund groups not managed by the Advisor. The Board found the services provided by the Advisor to the Fund under the management agreement to be competitive and of high quality.

Costs of Services and Profitability. The Advisor provides detailed information concerning its cost of providing various services to the Fund, its profitability in managing the Fund (pre- and post-distribution), its overall profitability, and its financial condition. The Directors have reviewed with the Advisor the methodology used to prepare this financial information. This information is considered in evaluating the Advisor’s financial condition, its ability to continue to provide services under the management agreement, and the reasonableness of the current management fee. The Board concluded that the Advisor’s profits were reasonable in light of the services provided to the Fund.

Ethics. The Board generally considers the Advisor’s commitment to providing quality services to shareholders and to conducting its business ethically. They noted that the Advisor’s practices generally meet or exceed industry best practices.

Economies of Scale. The Board also reviewed information provided by the Advisor regarding the possible existence of economies of scale in connection with the management of the Fund. The Board concluded that economies of scale are difficult to measure and predict with precision, especially on a fund-by-fund basis. The Board concluded that the Advisor is appropriately sharing economies of scale through its competitive fee structure, offering competitive fees from fund inception, and through reinvestment in its business to provide shareholders additional content and services. The Board also noted that economies of scale are shared with the Fund and its shareholders through management fee breakpoints that serve to reduce the effective management fee as the assets of the Fund grow.

Comparison to Other Funds’ Fees. The management agreement provides that the Fund pays the Advisor a single, all-inclusive (or unified) management fee for providing all services necessary for the management and operation of the Fund, other than brokerage expenses, taxes, interest, extraordinary expenses, and the fees and expenses of the Fund’s independent Directors (including their independent legal counsel) and expenses incurred in connection with the provision of shareholder services and distribution services under a plan adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Under the unified fee structure, the Advisor is responsible for providing all investment advisory, custody, audit, administrative, compliance, recordkeeping, marketing and shareholder services, or arranging and supervising third parties to provide such services. By contrast, most other funds are charged a variety of fees, including an investment advisory fee, a transfer agency fee, an administrative fee, distribution charges, and other expenses. Other than their investment advisory fees and any applicable Rule 12b-1 distribution fees, all other components of the total fees charged by these other funds may be increased without shareholder approval. The Board believes the unified fee structure is a benefit to Fund shareholders because it clearly discloses to shareholders the cost of owning Fund shares, and, since the unified fee cannot be increased without a vote of Fund shareholders, it shifts to the Advisor the risk of increased costs of operating the Fund and provides a direct incentive to minimize administrative inefficiencies. Part of the Board’s analysis of fee levels involves reviewing certain evaluative data compiled by an independent provider comparing the Fund’s unified fee to the total expense ratios of its peers. The unified fee charged to shareholders of the Fund was above the median of the total expense ratios of the Fund’s peer expense universe and was within the range of its peer expense group. The Board and the Advisor agreed to a reduction of the Fund's annual unified management fee of 0.15% (e.g., the Investor Class unified fee will be reduced from 1.50% to 1.35%) for at least one year, beginning August 1, 2015. The Board concluded that the management fee paid by the Fund to the Advisor under the management agreement is reasonable in light of the services provided to the Fund.


33


Comparison to Fees and Services Provided to Other Clients of the Advisor. The Directors also requested and received information from the Advisor concerning the nature of the services, fees, costs and profitability of its advisory services to advisory clients other than the Fund. They observed that these varying types of client accounts require different services and involve different regulatory and entrepreneurial risks than the management of the Fund. The Board analyzed this information and concluded that the fees charged and services provided to the Fund were reasonable by comparison.

Payments to Intermediaries. The Directors also requested and received a description of payments made to intermediaries by the Fund and the Advisor. These payments include various payments made by the Fund or the Advisor to different types of intermediaries and recordkeepers for distribution and service activities provided for the Fund. The Board reviewed such information and found the payments to be reasonable in scope and purpose.

Collateral or “Fall-Out” Benefits Derived by the Advisor. The Board considered the existence of collateral benefits the Advisor may receive as a result of its relationship with the Fund. They concluded that the Advisor’s primary business is managing mutual funds and it generally does not use fund or shareholder information to generate profits in other lines of business, and therefore does not derive any significant collateral benefits from them. The Board noted that additional assets from other clients may offer the Advisor some benefit from increased leverage with service providers and counterparties. Additionally, the Advisor receives proprietary research from broker-dealers that execute fund portfolio transactions, which the Board concluded is likely to benefit other clients of the Advisor as well as Fund shareholders. The Board also determined that the Advisor is able to provide investment management services to certain clients other than the Fund, at least in part, due to its existing infrastructure built to serve the fund complex. The Board concluded that appropriate allocation methodologies had been employed to assign resources and the cost of those resources to these other clients and, where expressly provided, these other client assets may be included with the assets of the Fund to determine breakpoints in the management fee schedule.

Existing Relationship. The Board also considered whether there was any reason for not continuing the existing arrangement with the Advisor. In this regard, the Board was mindful of the potential disruptions of the Fund’s operations and various risks, uncertainties, and other effects that could occur as a result of a decision not to continue such relationship. In particular, the Board recognized that most shareholders have invested in the Fund on the strength of the Advisor’s industry standing and reputation and in the expectation that the Advisor will have a continuing role in providing advisory services to the Fund.

Conclusion of the Directors. As a result of this process, the Board, including all of the independent Directors, taking into account all of the factors discussed above and the information provided by the Advisor and others in connection with its review and throughout the year, determined that the management fee is fair and reasonable in light of the services provided and that the investment management agreement between the Fund and the Advisor should be renewed.


34


Additional Information

Retirement Account Information
As required by law, distributions you receive from certain IRAs are subject to federal income tax withholding, unless you elect not to have withholding apply. Tax will be withheld on the total amount withdrawn even though you may be receiving amounts that are not subject to withholding, such as nondeductible contributions. In such case, excess amounts of withholding could occur. You may adjust your withholding election so that a greater or lesser amount will be withheld.
If you don’t want us to withhold on this amount, you must notify us to not withhold the federal income tax. You may notify us in writing or in certain situations by telephone or through other electronic means. For systematic withdrawals, your withholding election will remain in effect until revoked or changed by filing a new election. You have the right to revoke your election at any time.
Remember, even if you elect not to have income tax withheld, you are liable for paying income tax on the taxable portion of your withdrawal. If you elect not to have income tax withheld or you don’t have enough income tax withheld, you may be responsible for payment of estimated tax. You may incur penalties under the estimated tax rules if your withholding and estimated tax payments are not sufficient. You can reduce or defer the income tax on a distribution by directly or indirectly rolling such distribution over to another IRA or eligible plan. You should consult your tax advisor for additional information.
State tax will be withheld if, at the time of your distribution, your address is within one of the mandatory withholding states and you have federal income tax withheld (or as otherwise required by state law). State taxes will be withheld from your distribution in accordance with the respective state rules.
Distributions you receive from 403(b), 457 and qualified plans are subject to special tax and withholding rules. Your plan administrator or plan sponsor is required to provide you with a special tax notice explaining those rules at the time you request a distribution. If applicable, federal and/or state taxes may be withheld from your distribution amount.


Proxy Voting Policies
A description of the policies that the fund's investment advisor uses in exercising the voting rights associated with the securities purchased and/or held by the fund is available without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-345-2021. It is also available on the "About Us" page of American Century Investments’ website at americancentury.com and on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at sec.gov. Information regarding how the investment advisor voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available on the "About Us" page at americancentury.com. It is also available at sec.gov.


Quarterly Portfolio Disclosure
The fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The fund’s Forms N-Q are available on the SEC’s website at sec.gov, and may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330. The fund also makes its complete schedule of portfolio holdings for the most recent quarter of its fiscal year available on its
website at americancentury.com and, upon request, by calling 1-800-345-2021.


35


Other Tax Information

The following information is provided pursuant to provisions of the Internal Revenue Code.

The fund hereby designates $11,689,223, or up to the maximum amount allowable, as long-term capital gain distributions for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2015.



36






 
 
 
 
Contact Us
americancentury.com
 
Automated Information Line
1-800-345-8765
 
Investor Services Representative
1-800-345-2021
or 816-531-5575
 
Investors Using Advisors
1-800-378-9878
 
Business, Not-For-Profit, Employer-Sponsored Retirement Plans
1-800-345-3533
 
Banks and Trust Companies, Broker-Dealers, Financial Professionals, Insurance Companies
1-800-345-6488
 
Telecommunications Relay Service for the Deaf
711
 
 
 
 
American Century Mutual Funds, Inc.
 
 
 
 
Investment Advisor:
American Century Investment Management, Inc.
Kansas City, Missouri
 
 
 
 
This report and the statements it contains are submitted for the general information of our shareholders. The report is not authorized for distribution to prospective investors unless preceded or accompanied by an effective prospectus.
 
 
 
 
©2015 American Century Proprietary Holdings, Inc. All rights reserved.
CL-ANN-87640   1512
 



        ANNUAL REPORT
OCTOBER 31, 2015

 
 


NT Growth Fund







Table of Contents
Performance
2

Portfolio Commentary

Fund Characteristics

Shareholder Fee Example

Schedule of Investments

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

Statement of Operations

Statement of Changes in Net Assets

Notes to Financial Statements

Financial Highlights

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Management

Approval of Management Agreement

Additional Information






















Any opinions expressed in this report reflect those of the author as of the date of the report, and do not necessarily represent the opinions of American Century Investments® or any other person in the American Century Investments organization. Any such opinions are subject to change at any time based upon market or other conditions and American Century Investments disclaims any responsibility to update such opinions. These opinions may not be relied upon as investment advice and, because investment decisions made by American Century Investments funds are based on numerous factors, may not be relied upon as an indication of trading intent on behalf of any American Century Investments fund. Security examples are used for representational purposes only and are not intended as recommendations to purchase or sell securities. Performance information for comparative indices and securities is provided to American Century Investments by third party vendors. To the best of American Century Investments’ knowledge, such information is accurate at the time of printing.



Performance
 
Total Returns as of October 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
Average Annual Returns
 
 
Ticker
Symbol
1 year
5 years
Since
Inception
Inception
Date
Institutional Class
ACLTX
8.97%
13.41%
8.75%
5/12/06
Russell 1000 Growth Index
9.18%
15.29%
9.02%
R6 Class
ACDTX
9.16%
13.73%
7/26/13

Growth of $10,000 Over Life of Class
$10,000 investment made May 12, 2006
Performance for other share classes will vary due to differences in fee structure.
 
Value on October 31, 2015
 
Institutional Class — $22,146
 
 
Russell 1000 Growth Index — $22,672
 
*From May 12, 2006, the Institutional Class’s inception date. Not annualized.

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses
Institutional Class
R6 Class
0.77%
0.62%
The total annual fund operating expenses shown is as stated in the fund’s prospectus current as of the date of this report. The prospectus may vary from the expense ratio shown elsewhere in this report because it is based on a different time period, includes acquired fund fees and expenses, and, if applicable, does not include fee waivers or expense reimbursements.





Data presented reflect past performance. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, and redemption value may be more or less than original cost. Data assumes reinvestment of dividends and capital gains, and none of the charts reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares. To obtain performance data current to the most recent month end, please call 1-800-345-2021 or visit americancentury.com. For additional information about the fund, please consult the prospectus.

2


Portfolio Commentary

Portfolio Managers: Gregory Woodhams and Prescott LeGard

Performance Summary

NT Growth returned 8.97%* for the 12 months ended October 31, 2015, in line with the 9.18% return of the portfolio’s benchmark, the Russell 1000 Growth Index.

U.S. stock indices posted strong returns during the reporting period amid volatility and considerable variation within sector returns. Within the Russell 1000 Growth Index, consumer discretionary was the top-performing sector, gaining about 20%. Consumer staples and information technology also registered double-digit gains. Energy stocks continued to struggle with plunging commodity prices and fell nearly 31%. Utilities also declined sharply.

NT Growth received positive contributions to absolute return from most sectors in which it was invested, led by information technology and consumer discretionary. Energy and financials were the only negative contributors. Stock decisions in the consumer discretionary, consumer staples, and financials sectors were the primary sources of underperformance relative to the Russell index. Stock selection and an overweight to information technology aided relative performance, as did stock selection in materials and energy.

Consumer Discretionary and Staples Were Key Detractors

Stock decisions in the consumer discretionary sector hurt performance. Not owning index component Starbucks was a major detractor in the sector as the coffee retailer is benefiting from its Starbucks Rewards program. The rollout of its mobile ordering application has exceeded expectations as well.

In consumer staples, stock selection in the food products industry, and no exposure to the tobacco industry, weighed on performance. Because the fund does not invest in tobacco stocks, performance relative to the benchmark will benefit in periods when these companies underperform, and will suffer when they outperform. Tobacco stocks performed well during the reporting period, so not owning index components Altria Group and Reynolds American detracted. An overweight position in baby formula maker Mead Johnson Nutrition was a significant detractor, as a difficult environment in Hong Kong dragged down the stock. We believe this is a transitory issue and continue to have a positive view of the underlying growth rate for the company.

In financials, underweighting real estate investment trusts hampered results as the industry performed better than expected due to the Federal Reserve’s caution in raising interest rates. Asset manager Franklin Resources detracted as assets under management and fund flows have deteriorated. The holding was eliminated.

Other significant individual detractors included Exxon Mobil and Caterpillar. Petroleum giant Exxon Mobil, which is not in the index, suffered as oil prices plunged. Industrial equipment company Caterpillar struggled as investors worried about weak global growth, especially in China. Both holdings were eliminated from the portfolio.






*
All fund returns referenced in this commentary are for Institutional Class shares. Performance for other share classes will vary due to differences in fee structure; when Institutional Class performance exceeds that of the fund's benchmark, other share classes may not. See page 2 for returns for all share classes.

3


Information Technology Aided Performance

Stock selection in information technology and an overweight in the sector helped relative performance. Credit card company Visa was a significant contributor, reporting strong results that beat expectations. The market is looking forward to the potential benefits from an acquisition of Visa Europe. Video game maker Electronic Arts continued to execute, reporting strong results consistent with our investment thesis of improving operating margins.

Stock selection in the materials sector, especially among chemicals firms, benefited performance. Underweighting the weak sector also was positive. Positioning in energy was similarly beneficial, especially among energy equipment and services companies, as the sector struggled with falling prices and concerns about global growth.

Significant individual contributors included online travel agent Expedia, which continued to report very strong results with hotel room nights, bookings, and revenue growth all better than expected in both the U.S. and globally. The company benefited from regulatory approval of its planned purchase of rival Orbitz, as well as from exiting its money-losing Chinese partnership. O’Reilly Automotive was a top contributor. The auto parts retailer continues to report stronger-than-expected sales on favorable trends of higher vehicle miles driven and lower gasoline prices.
        
Outlook

We believe stock selection—rather than sector allocation or market timing via the use of cash—is the most efficient means of generating superior risk-adjusted returns. As a result of this approach, the portfolio’s sector and industry selection, as well as capitalization range allocations, are primarily due to identifying what the investment team believes to be superior individual securities.

As of October 31, 2015, this process pointed the portfolio toward overweight positions relative to the Russell 1000 Growth Index in the health care and technology sectors. Financials and consumer staples represented the largest underweights.

Positioning in the IT services, communications equipment, and software industries drove the information technology sector overweight. The health care allocation recognizes that medical device companies should see a better environment from higher utilization. Pharmaceutical and biotechnology pipelines are robust, with ample clinical trial readouts, and recently launched products are materially additive.




4


Fund Characteristics 
OCTOBER 31, 2015
 
Top Ten Holdings
% of net assets
Alphabet, Inc., Class A
5.3%
PepsiCo, Inc.
5.3%
Apple, Inc.
4.9%
Visa, Inc., Class A
4.4%
Amazon.com, Inc.
4.0%
Facebook, Inc., Class A
3.4%
Comcast Corp., Class A
2.8%
Lockheed Martin Corp.
2.5%
O'Reilly Automotive, Inc.
2.4%
Walt Disney Co. (The)
2.4%
 
 
Top Five Industries
% of net assets
Internet Software and Services
10.0%
IT Services
6.5%
Pharmaceuticals
6.2%
Internet and Catalog Retail
6.2%
Biotechnology
6.1%
 
 
Types of Investments in Portfolio
% of net assets
Common Stocks
99.3%
Exchange-Traded Funds
0.1%
Total Equity Exposure
99.4%
Other Assets and Liabilities
0.6%




5


Shareholder Fee Example

Fund shareholders may incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments and redemption/exchange fees; and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution and service (12b-1) fees; and other fund expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in your fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing cost of investing in other mutual funds.

The example is based on an investment of $1,000 made at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period from May 1, 2015 to October 31, 2015.

Actual Expenses

The table provides information about actual account values and actual expenses for each class. You may use the information, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. First, identify the share class you own. Then simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number under the heading “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The table also provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the actual expense ratio of each class of your fund and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the actual return of a fund’s share class. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in your fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads) or redemption/exchange fees. Therefore, the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.



Beginning
Account Value
5/1/15
Ending
Account Value
10/31/15
Expenses Paid
During Period
(1)5/1/15 - 10/31/15
 
Annualized
Expense Ratio
(1)
Actual
 
 
 
 
Institutional Class
$1,000
$1,037.30
$3.95
0.77%
R6 Class
$1,000
$1,038.00
$3.18
0.62%
Hypothetical
 
 
 
 
Institutional Class
$1,000
$1,021.32
$3.92
0.77%
R6 Class
$1,000
$1,022.08
$3.16
0.62%
(1)
Expenses are equal to the class's annualized expense ratio listed in the table above, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184, the number of days in the most recent fiscal half-year, divided by 365, to reflect the one-half year period.

6


Schedule of Investments

OCTOBER 31, 2015
 
Shares
Value
COMMON STOCKS — 99.3%
 
 
Aerospace and Defense — 4.8%
 
 
Boeing Co. (The)
173,461
$
25,684,370

Lockheed Martin Corp.
124,029
27,265,295

 
 
52,949,665

Airlines — 1.3%
 
 
Alaska Air Group, Inc.
77,466
5,906,782

Delta Air Lines, Inc.
170,528
8,669,644

 
 
14,576,426

Beverages — 5.3%
 
 
PepsiCo, Inc.
572,273
58,480,578

Biotechnology — 6.1%
 
 
Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(1) 
79,030
13,909,280

Biogen, Inc.(1) 
60,705
17,635,410

Gilead Sciences, Inc.
201,925
21,834,150

Incyte Corp.(1) 
49,268
5,790,468

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(1) 
14,512
8,088,844

 
 
67,258,152

Chemicals — 2.9%
 
 
Dow Chemical Co. (The)
235,704
12,178,826

PPG Industries, Inc.
79,678
8,307,228

Sherwin-Williams Co. (The)
45,787
12,217,345

 
 
32,703,399

Communications Equipment — 1.4%
 
 
Cisco Systems, Inc.
260,739
7,522,320

QUALCOMM, Inc.
126,369
7,508,846

 
 
15,031,166

Energy Equipment and Services — 0.7%
 
 
Halliburton Co.
199,134
7,642,763

Food and Staples Retailing — 0.8%
 
 
Kroger Co. (The)
230,599
8,716,642

Food Products — 1.7%
 
 
ConAgra Foods, Inc.
129,298
5,243,034

Mead Johnson Nutrition Co.
168,224
13,794,368

 
 
19,037,402

Health Care Equipment and Supplies — 2.4%
 
 
C.R. Bard, Inc.
43,151
8,041,189

Cooper Cos., Inc. (The)
44,745
6,817,348

Intuitive Surgical, Inc.(1) 
23,668
11,753,529

 
 
26,612,066

Health Care Providers and Services — 2.9%
 
 
Cardinal Health, Inc.
160,083
13,158,823

Express Scripts Holding Co.(1) 
220,082
19,010,683

 
 
32,169,506


7


 
Shares
Value
Health Care Technology — 0.6%
 
 
Cerner Corp.(1) 
96,981
$
6,428,870

Hotels, Restaurants and Leisure — 1.6%
 
 
Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.(1) 
17,386
11,131,039

Las Vegas Sands Corp.
143,719
7,115,527

 
 
18,246,566

Household Products — 0.6%
 
 
Church & Dwight Co., Inc.
76,377
6,575,296

Industrial Conglomerates — 1.9%
 
 
3M Co.
132,991
20,907,515

Insurance — 1.5%
 
 
Aflac, Inc.
124,519
7,938,086

American International Group, Inc.
139,680
8,808,221

 
 
16,746,307

Internet and Catalog Retail — 6.2%
 
 
Amazon.com, Inc.(1) 
70,740
44,276,166

Expedia, Inc.
142,314
19,397,398

TripAdvisor, Inc.(1) 
56,585
4,740,691

 
 
68,414,255

Internet Software and Services — 10.0%
 
 
Alphabet, Inc., Class A(1) 
80,080
59,050,191

Facebook, Inc., Class A(1) 
372,260
37,959,352

LinkedIn Corp., Class A(1) 
40,492
9,753,308

Pandora Media, Inc.(1) 
318,280
3,663,403

 
 
110,426,254

IT Services — 6.5%
 
 
Alliance Data Systems Corp.(1) 
26,110
7,762,764

Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp., Class A(1) 
58,133
3,959,439

Fiserv, Inc.(1) 
124,003
11,967,529

Visa, Inc., Class A
627,908
48,713,103

 
 
72,402,835

Life Sciences Tools and Services — 1.2%
 
 
Illumina, Inc.(1) 
42,417
6,077,508

Mettler-Toledo International, Inc.(1) 
8,521
2,649,946

Waters Corp.(1) 
36,254
4,633,261

 
 
13,360,715

Machinery — 1.6%
 
 
Parker-Hannifin Corp.
53,194
5,569,412

WABCO Holdings, Inc.(1) 
39,619
4,446,440

Wabtec Corp.
93,649
7,760,693

 
 
17,776,545

Media — 5.8%
 
 
Comcast Corp., Class A
504,228
31,574,757

Sirius XM Holdings, Inc.(1) 
1,604,403
6,545,964

Walt Disney Co. (The)
231,440
26,323,986

 
 
64,444,707


8


 
Shares
Value
Multiline Retail — 1.9%
 
 
Dollar Tree, Inc.(1) 
226,984
$
14,865,182

Macy's, Inc.
111,650
5,691,917

 
 
20,557,099

Oil, Gas and Consumable Fuels — 0.8%
 
 
Concho Resources, Inc.(1) 
73,004
8,461,894

Personal Products — 0.7%
 
 
Estee Lauder Cos., Inc. (The), Class A
93,812
7,548,114

Pharmaceuticals — 6.2%
 
 
Allergan plc(1) 
27,416
8,457,014

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.
247,552
16,326,054

Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc(1) 
21,769
2,988,448

Johnson & Johnson
96,650
9,764,550

Perrigo Co. plc
40,431
6,377,586

Pfizer, Inc.
325,049
10,993,157

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. ADR
133,919
7,926,666

Zoetis, Inc.
131,915
5,673,664

 
 
68,507,139

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) — 1.0%
 
 
Simon Property Group, Inc.
54,635
11,006,767

Road and Rail — 0.8%
 
 
Union Pacific Corp.
102,508
9,159,090

Semiconductors and Semiconductor Equipment — 2.1%
 
 
Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
226,510
9,282,380

Skyworks Solutions, Inc.
46,473
3,589,574

Xilinx, Inc.
229,497
10,928,647

 
 
23,800,601

Software — 5.8%
 
 
Adobe Systems, Inc.(1) 
114,121
10,117,968

Electronic Arts, Inc.(1) 
152,317
10,977,486

Intuit, Inc.
86,649
8,442,212

Microsoft Corp.
76,455
4,024,591

Oracle Corp.
634,445
24,641,844

Splunk, Inc.(1) 
105,031
5,898,541

 
 
64,102,642

Specialty Retail — 5.2%
 
 
O'Reilly Automotive, Inc.(1) 
95,344
26,339,734

Ross Stores, Inc.
233,069
11,788,630

TJX Cos., Inc. (The)
273,744
20,035,323

 
 
58,163,687

Technology Hardware, Storage and Peripherals — 4.9%
 
 
Apple, Inc.
459,107
54,863,287

Textiles, Apparel and Luxury Goods — 0.6%
 
 
Carter's, Inc.
78,730
7,154,982

Wireless Telecommunication Services — 1.5%
 
 
SBA Communications Corp., Class A(1) 
144,113
17,152,329

TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(Cost $870,432,667)
 
1,101,385,261


9


 
Shares
Value
EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS — 0.1%
 
 
iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF
(Cost $985,213)
10,497
$
1,061,142

TOTAL INVESTMENT SECURITIES — 99.4%
(Cost $871,417,880)
 
1,102,446,403

OTHER ASSETS AND LIABILITIES — 0.6%
 
6,266,379

TOTAL NET ASSETS — 100.0%
 
$
1,108,712,782


NOTES TO SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
ADR
-
American Depositary Receipt
(1)
Non-income producing.

See Notes to Financial Statements.


10


Statement of Assets and Liabilities
OCTOBER 31, 2015
 
Assets
 
Investment securities, at value (cost of $871,417,880)
$
1,102,446,403

Receivable for investments sold
24,259,824

Dividends and interest receivable
122,908

 
1,126,829,135

 
 
Liabilities
 
Disbursements in excess of demand deposit cash
2,481,474

Payable for investments purchased
14,857,965

Payable for capital shares redeemed
82,172

Accrued management fees
694,742

 
18,116,353

 
 
Net Assets
$
1,108,712,782

 
 
Net Assets Consist of:
 
Capital (par value and paid-in surplus)
$
813,719,582

Undistributed net investment income
3,573,823

Undistributed net realized gain
60,390,854

Net unrealized appreciation
231,028,523

 
$
1,108,712,782


 
Net Assets
Shares Outstanding
Net Asset Value Per Share
Institutional Class, $0.01 Par Value

$1,051,077,097

67,521,133

$15.57
R6 Class, $0.01 Par Value

$57,635,685

3,702,503

$15.57


See Notes to Financial Statements.


11


Statement of Operations
YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2015
 
Investment Income (Loss)
 
Income:
 
Dividends (net of foreign taxes withheld of $23,417)
$
15,055,747

Interest
3,963

 
15,059,710

 
 
Expenses:
 
Management fees
8,842,658

Directors' fees and expenses
38,529

Other expenses
635

 
8,881,822

 
 
Net investment income (loss)
6,177,888

 
 
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)
 
Net realized gain (loss) on:
 
Investment transactions
77,109,050

Futures contract transactions
2,886,730

 
79,995,780

 
 
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments
29,436,427

 
 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
109,432,207

 
 
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations
$
115,610,095



See Notes to Financial Statements.


12


Statement of Changes in Net Assets
YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2015 AND OCTOBER 31, 2014
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
October 31, 2015
October 31, 2014
Operations
 
 
Net investment income (loss)
$
6,177,888

$
5,886,437

Net realized gain (loss)
79,995,780

190,149,182

Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
29,436,427

(42,727,202
)
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations
115,610,095

153,308,417

 
 
 
Distributions to Shareholders
 
 
From net investment income:
 
 
Institutional Class
(6,018,552
)
(5,994,161
)
R6 Class
(241,854
)
(63,884
)
From net realized gains:
 
 
Institutional Class
(176,148,301
)
(39,897,401
)
R6 Class
(5,428,799
)
(337,944
)
Decrease in net assets from distributions
(187,837,506
)
(46,293,390
)
 
 
 
Capital Share Transactions
 
 
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from capital share transactions (Note 5)
(90,080,395
)
160,105,574

 
 
 
Net increase (decrease) in net assets
(162,307,806
)
267,120,601

 
 
 
Net Assets
 
 
Beginning of period
1,271,020,588

1,003,899,987

End of period
$
1,108,712,782

$
1,271,020,588

 
 
 
Undistributed net investment income
$
3,573,823

$
4,316,340



See Notes to Financial Statements.


13


Notes to Financial Statements

OCTOBER 31, 2015

1. Organization

American Century Mutual Funds, Inc. (the corporation) is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act), as an open-end management investment company and is organized as a Maryland corporation. NT Growth Fund (the fund) is one fund in a series issued by the corporation. The fund is diversified as defined under the 1940 Act. The fund's investment objective is to seek long-term capital growth. The fund is not permitted to invest in securities issued by companies assigned the Global Industry Classification Standard for the tobacco industry.

The fund offers the Institutional Class and the R6 Class, which have different fees and expenses. The difference in the fee structures between the classes is not the result of any difference in advisory or custodial fees or other expenses related to management of the fund’s assets, which do not vary by class. The fund’s R6 Class shares are available for purchase exclusively by certain American Century Investments funds of funds that are offered only through employer-sponsored retirement plans where a financial intermediary provides retirement recordkeeping services to plan participants. Because financial intermediaries do not receive any service, distribution or administrative fees for offering such funds of funds, American Century Investment Management, Inc. (ACIM) (the investment advisor) is able to charge the R6 Class a lower unified management fee.

2. Significant Accounting Policies

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the fund in preparation of its financial statements. The fund is an investment company and follows accounting and reporting guidance in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. This may require management to make certain estimates and assumptions at the date of the financial statements. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Management evaluated the impact of events or transactions occurring through the date the financial statements were issued that would merit recognition or disclosure.

Investment Valuations — The fund determines the fair value of its investments and computes its net asset value per share at the close of regular trading (usually 4 p.m. Eastern time) on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on each day the NYSE is open. The Board of Directors has adopted valuation policies and procedures to guide the investment advisor in the fund’s investment valuation process and to provide methodologies for the oversight of the fund’s pricing function.

Equity securities that are listed or traded on a domestic securities exchange are valued at the last reported sales price or at the official closing price as provided by the exchange. Equity securities traded on foreign securities exchanges are generally valued at the closing price of such securities on the exchange where primarily traded or at the close of the NYSE, if that is earlier. If no last sales price is reported, or if local convention or regulation so provides, the mean of the latest bid and asked prices may be used. Securities traded over-the-counter are valued at the mean of the latest bid and asked prices, the last sales price, or the official closing price.
 
Open-end management investment companies are valued at the reported net asset value per share. Repurchase agreements are valued at cost, which approximates fair value. Exchange-traded futures contracts are valued at the settlement price as provided by the appropriate clearing corporation.

If the fund determines that the market price for an investment is not readily available or the valuation methods mentioned above do not reflect an investment’s fair value, such investment is valued as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors or its delegate, in accordance with policies and procedures adopted by the Board of Directors. In its determination of fair value, the fund may review several factors including, but not limited to, market information regarding the specific investment or comparable investments and correlation with other investment types, futures indices or general market indicators. Circumstances that may cause the fund to use these procedures to value an investment include, but are not limited to: an investment has been declared in default or is distressed; trading in a security has been suspended during the trading day or a security is not actively trading on its principal exchange; prices received from a regular pricing source are deemed unreliable; or there is a foreign market holiday and no trading occurred.



14


The fund monitors for significant events occurring after the close of an investment’s primary exchange but before the fund’s net asset value per share is determined. Significant events may include, but are not limited to: corporate announcements and transactions; governmental action and political unrest that could impact a specific investment or an investment sector; or armed conflicts, natural disasters and similar events that could affect investments in a specific country or region. The fund also monitors for significant fluctuations between domestic and foreign markets, as evidenced by the U.S. market or such other indicators that the Board of Directors, or its delegate, deems appropriate. If significant fluctuations in foreign markets are identified, the fund may apply a model-derived factor to the closing price of equity securities traded on foreign securities exchanges. The factor is based on observable market data as provided by an independent pricing service.

Security Transactions — Security transactions are accounted for as of the trade date. Net realized gains and losses are determined on the identified cost basis, which is also used for federal income tax purposes.

Investment Income — Dividend income less foreign taxes withheld, if any, is recorded as of the ex-dividend date. Distributions received on securities that represent a return of capital or long-term capital gain are recorded as a reduction of cost of investments and/or as a realized gain. The fund may estimate the components of distributions received that may be considered nontaxable distributions or long-term capital gain distributions for income tax purposes. Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis and includes accretion of discounts and amortization of premiums.

Repurchase Agreements — The fund may enter into repurchase agreements with institutions that ACIM has determined are creditworthy pursuant to criteria adopted by the Board of Directors. The fund requires that the collateral, represented by securities, received in a repurchase transaction be transferred to the custodian in a manner sufficient to enable the fund to obtain those securities in the event of a default under the repurchase agreement. ACIM monitors, on a daily basis, the securities transferred to ensure the value, including accrued interest, of the securities under each repurchase agreement is equal to or greater than amounts owed to the fund under each repurchase agreement.

Joint Trading Account — Pursuant to an Exemptive Order issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the fund, along with certain other funds in the American Century Investments family of funds, may transfer uninvested cash balances into a joint trading account. These balances are invested in one or more repurchase agreements that are collateralized by U.S. Treasury or Agency obligations.

Segregated Assets — In accordance with the 1940 Act, the fund segregates assets on its books and records to cover futures contracts. ACIM monitors, on a daily basis, the securities segregated to ensure the fund designates a sufficient amount of liquid assets, marked-to-market daily. The fund may also receive assets or be required to pledge assets at the custodian bank or with a broker for margin requirements on futures contracts.

Income Tax Status — It is the fund’s policy to distribute substantially all net investment income and net realized gains to shareholders and to otherwise qualify as a regulated investment company under provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. Accordingly, no provision has been made for income taxes. The fund files U.S. federal, state, local and non-U.S. tax returns as applicable. The fund's tax returns are subject to examination by the relevant taxing authority until expiration of the applicable statute of limitations, which is generally three years from the date of filing but can be longer in certain jurisdictions. At this time, management believes there are no uncertain tax positions which, based on their technical merit, would not be sustained upon examination and for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly change in the next twelve months.

Multiple Class — All shares of the fund represent an equal pro rata interest in the net assets of the class to which such shares belong, and have identical voting, dividend, liquidation and other rights and the same terms and conditions, except for class specific expenses and exclusive rights to vote on matters affecting only individual classes. Income, non-class specific expenses, and realized and unrealized capital gains and losses of the fund are allocated to each class of shares based on their relative net assets.

Distributions to Shareholders — Distributions from net investment income and net realized gains, if any, are generally declared and paid annually. The fund may elect to treat a portion of its payment to a redeeming shareholder, which represents the pro rata share of undistributed net investment income and net realized gains, as a distribution for federal income tax purposes (tax equalization).

Indemnifications — Under the corporation’s organizational documents, its officers and directors are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the fund. In addition, in the normal course of business, the fund enters into contracts that provide general indemnifications. The

15


maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be made against a fund. The risk of material loss from such claims is considered by management to be remote.

3. Fees and Transactions with Related Parties

Certain officers and directors of the corporation are also officers and/or directors of American Century Companies, Inc. (ACC). The corporation’s investment advisor, ACIM, the corporation's distributor, American Century Investment Services, Inc., and the corporation’s transfer agent, American Century Services, LLC, are wholly owned, directly or indirectly, by ACC. Various funds issued by American Century Asset Allocation Portfolios, Inc. own, in aggregate, 100% of the shares of the fund. Related parties do not invest in the fund for the purpose of exercising management or control.

Management Fees — The corporation has entered into a management agreement with ACIM, under which ACIM provides the fund with investment advisory and management services in exchange for a single, unified management fee (the fee) per class. The agreement provides that all expenses of managing and operating the fund, except distribution and service fees, brokerage expenses, taxes, interest, fees and expenses of the independent directors (including legal counsel fees), and extraordinary expenses, will be paid by ACIM. The fee is computed and accrued daily based on each class's daily net assets and paid monthly in arrears. The rate of the fee is determined by applying a fee rate calculation formula. This formula takes into account the fund’s assets as well as certain assets, if any, of other clients of the investment advisor outside the American Century Investments family of funds (such as subadvised funds and separate accounts) that have very similar investment teams and investment strategies (strategy assets). The strategy assets of the fund also include the assets of Growth Fund, one fund in a series issued by the corporation. The annual management fee schedule ranges from 0.600% to 0.790% for the Institutional Class and 0.450% to 0.640% for the R6 Class. The effective annual management fee for each class for the year ended October 31, 2015 was 0.77% for the Institutional Class and 0.62% for the R6 Class.

Directors' Fees and Expenses — The Board of Directors is responsible for overseeing the investment advisor’s management and operations of the fund. The directors receive detailed information about the fund and its investment advisor regularly throughout the year, and meet at least quarterly with management of the investment advisor to review reports about fund operations. The fund’s officers do not receive compensation from the fund.
 
4. Investment Transactions

Purchases and sales of investment securities, excluding short-term investments, for the year ended October 31, 2015 were $939,593,338 and $1,215,168,810, respectively.

5. Capital Share Transactions

Transactions in shares of the fund were as follows:
 
Year ended
October 31, 2015
Year ended
October 31, 2014
 
Shares
Amount
Shares
Amount
Institutional Class/Shares Authorized
420,000,000

 
300,000,000

 
Sold
12,706,258

$
190,286,851

10,717,121

$
168,204,864

Issued in reinvestment of distributions
12,910,479

182,166,853

3,073,782

45,891,562

Redeemed
(31,516,204
)
(485,196,366
)
(4,925,067
)
(79,243,577
)
 
(5,899,467
)
(112,742,662
)
8,865,836

134,852,849

R6 Class/Shares Authorized
50,000,000

 
50,000,000

 
Sold
2,849,575

42,900,849

1,838,061

28,823,154

Issued in reinvestment of distributions
402,459

5,670,653

26,932

401,828

Redeemed
(1,703,424
)
(25,909,235
)
(250,670
)
(3,972,257
)
 
1,548,610

22,662,267

1,614,323

25,252,725

Net increase (decrease)
(4,350,857
)
$
(90,080,395
)
10,480,159

$
160,105,574





16


6. Fair Value Measurements

The fund’s investments valuation process is based on several considerations and may use multiple inputs to determine the fair value of the investments held by the fund. In conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, the inputs used to determine a valuation are classified into three broad levels.

Level 1 valuation inputs consist of unadjusted quoted prices in an active market for identical investments.

Level 2 valuation inputs consist of direct or indirect observable market data (including quoted prices for comparable investments, evaluations of subsequent market events, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.). These inputs also consist of quoted prices for identical investments initially expressed in local currencies that are adjusted through translation into U.S. dollars.

Level 3 valuation inputs consist of unobservable data (including a fund’s own assumptions).

The level classification is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair valuation measurement. The valuation inputs are not necessarily an indication of the risks associated with investing in these securities or other financial instruments. There were no significant transfers between levels during the period.

The following is a summary of the level classifications as of period end. The Schedule of Investments provides additional information on the fund’s portfolio holdings.
 
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Assets
 
 
 
Investment Securities
 
 
 
Common Stocks
$
1,101,385,261



Exchange-Traded Funds
1,061,142



 
$
1,102,446,403




7. Derivative Instruments

Equity Price Risk — The fund is subject to equity price risk in the normal course of pursuing its investment objectives. A fund may enter into futures contracts based on an equity index in order to manage its exposure to changes in market conditions. A fund may purchase futures contracts to gain exposure to increases in market value or sell futures contracts to protect against a decline in market value. Upon entering into a futures contract, a fund is required to deposit either cash or securities in an amount equal to a certain percentage of the contract value (initial margin). Subsequent payments (variation margin) are made or received daily, in cash, by a fund. The variation margin is equal to the daily change in the contract value and is recorded as unrealized gains and losses. A fund recognizes a realized gain or loss when the contract is closed or expires. Net realized and unrealized gains or losses occurring during the holding period of futures contracts are a component of net realized gain (loss) on futures contract transactions and change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on futures contracts, respectively. One of the risks of entering into futures contracts is the possibility that the change in value of the contract may not correlate with the changes in value of the underlying securities. During the period, the fund participated in equity price risk derivative instruments for temporary investment purposes.

At period end, the fund did not have any derivative instruments disclosed on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. For the year ended October 31, 2015, the effect of equity price risk derivative instruments on the Statement of Operations was $2,886,730 in net realized gain (loss) on futures contract transactions.

8. Federal Tax Information

The tax character of distributions paid during the years ended October 31, 2015 and October 31, 2014 were as follows:
 
2015
2014
Distributions Paid From
 
 
Ordinary income
$
33,540,159

$
13,537,820

Long-term capital gains
$
154,297,347

$
32,755,570


17



The book-basis character of distributions made during the year from net investment income or net realized gains may differ from their ultimate characterization for federal income tax purposes. These differences reflect the differing character of certain income items and net realized gains and losses for financial statement and tax purposes, and may result in reclassification among certain capital accounts on the financial statements.

The reclassifications, which are primarily due to tax equalization, were made to capital $17,424,512, undistributed net investment income $(659,999), and undistributed net realized gain $(16,764,513).

As of October 31, 2015, the components of investments for federal income tax purposes were as follows:
Federal tax cost of investments
$
876,247,462

Gross tax appreciation of investments
$
243,655,438

Gross tax depreciation of investments
(17,456,497
)
Net tax appreciation (depreciation) of investments
$
226,198,941

Undistributed ordinary income
$
28,779,644

Accumulated long-term gains
$
40,014,615


The difference between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation (depreciation) is attributable primarily to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales.


18


Financial Highlights
For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Years Ended October 31 (except as noted)
 
Per-Share Data
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ratios and Supplemental Data
 
 
Income From Investment Operations:
Distributions From:
 
 
Ratio to Average Net Assets of:
 
 
Net Asset
Value,
Beginning
of Period
Net
Investment
Income
(Loss)(1)
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)
Total From
Investment
Operations
Net
Investment
Income
Net
Realized
Gains
Total
Distributions
Net Asset
Value,
End
of Period
Total
Return(2)
Operating
Expenses
Net
Investment
Income
(Loss)
Portfolio
Turnover
Rate
Net
Assets,
End of
Period
(in thousands)
Institutional Class
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2015
$16.82
0.08
1.17
1.25
(0.08)
(2.42)
(2.50)
$15.57
8.97%
0.77%
0.52%
82%

$1,051,077

2014
$15.42
0.08
2.02
2.10
(0.09)
(0.61)
(0.70)
$16.82
14.17%
0.77%
0.50%
119%

$1,234,784

2013
$12.72
0.12
3.08
3.20
(0.10)
(0.40)
(0.50)
$15.42
26.05%
0.77%
0.85%
77%

$995,575

2012
$11.92
0.09
1.09
1.18
(0.08)
(0.30)
(0.38)
$12.72
10.33%
0.77%
0.71%
87%

$635,906

2011
$11.06
0.09
0.85
0.94
(0.08)
(0.08)
$11.92
8.48%
0.78%
0.78%
95%

$461,845

R6 Class
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2015
$16.82
0.10
1.18
1.28
(0.11)
(2.42)
(2.53)
$15.57
9.16%
0.62%
0.67%
82%

$57,636

2014
$15.43
0.10
2.01
2.11
(0.11)
(0.61)
(0.72)
$16.82
14.27%
0.62%
0.65%
119%

$36,237

2013(3)
$14.38
(4)
1.05
1.05
$15.43
7.30%
0.62%(5)
0.09%(5)
77%(6)

$8,325

Notes to Financial Highlights
(1)
Computed using average shares outstanding throughout the period.
(2)
Total returns are calculated based on the net asset value of the last business day. Total returns for periods less than one year are not annualized.
(3)
July 26, 2013 (commencement of sale) through October 31, 2013.
(4)
Per-share amount was less than $0.005.
(5)
Annualized.
(6)
Portfolio turnover is calculated at the fund level. Percentage indicated was calculated for the year ended October 31, 2013.
See Notes to Financial Statements.

19


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of American Century Mutual Funds, Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the schedule of investments, of NT Growth Fund (the “Fund”), one of the funds constituting American Century Mutual Funds, Inc., as of October 31, 2015, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the periods presented. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Fund’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. The Fund is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Fund’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of October 31, 2015, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers; when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of NT Growth Fund of American Century Mutual Funds, Inc. as of October 31, 2015, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the periods presented, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Kansas City, Missouri
December 16, 2015


20


Management

The Board of Directors
The individuals listed below serve as directors of the funds. Each director will continue to serve in this capacity until death, retirement, resignation or removal from office. The board has adopted a mandatory retirement age for directors who are not “interested persons,” as that term is defined in the Investment Company Act (independent directors). Independent directors shall retire by December 31 of the year in which they reach their 75th birthday.
Mr. Thomas is an “interested person” because he currently serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of American Century Companies, Inc. (ACC), the parent company of American Century Investment Management, Inc. (ACIM or the advisor). Mr. Fink is treated as an “interested person” because of his recent employment with ACC and American Century Services, LLC (ACS). The other directors (more than three-fourths of the total number) are independent. They are not employees, directors or officers of, and have no financial interest in, ACC or any of its wholly owned, direct or indirect, subsidiaries, including ACIM, American Century Investment Services, Inc. (ACIS) and ACS, and they do not have any other affiliations, positions or relationships that would cause them to be considered “interested persons” under the Investment Company Act. The directors serve in this capacity for seven (in the case of Mr. Thomas, 15) registered investment companies in the American Century Investments family of funds.
The following table presents additional information about the directors. The mailing address for each director is 4500 Main Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64111.
Name
(Year of Birth)
Position(s)
Held with
Funds
Length of
Time Served
Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years
Number of
American
Century
Portfolios
Overseen by Director
Other
Directorships
Held During
Past 5 Years
Independent Directors
 
 
 
 
Thomas A. Brown
(1940)
Director
Since 1980
Managing Member, Associated Investments, LLC (real estate investment company)
80
None
Andrea C. Hall
(1945)
Director
Since 1997
Retired
80
None
Jan M. Lewis
(1957)
Director
Since 2011
Retired; President and Chief Executive Officer, Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas (human services organization) (2006 to 2013)
80
None
James A. Olson
(1942)
Director and Chairman of the Board
Since 2007 (Chairman since 2014)
Member, Plaza Belmont LLC (private equity fund manager)
80
Saia, Inc. (2002 to 2012) and EPR Properties (2003 to 2013)
M. Jeannine Strandjord
(1945)
Director
Since 1994
Retired
80
Euronet Worldwide Inc.; MGP Ingredients, Inc.; Charming Shoppes, Inc. (2006 to 2010); and DST Systems Inc. (1996 to 2012)
John R. Whitten
(1946)
Director
Since 2008
Retired
80
Rudolph Technologies, Inc.

21


Name
(Year of Birth)
Position(s)
Held with
Funds
Length of
Time Served
Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years
Number of
American
Century
Portfolios
Overseen by Director
Other
Directorships
Held During
Past 5 Years
Independent Directors
 
 
 
 
Stephen E. Yates
(1948)
Director
Since 2012
Retired; Executive Vice President, Technology & Operations, KeyCorp. (computer services) (2004 to 2010)
80
Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. (2001 to 2010)
Interested Directors
 
 
 
 
Barry Fink
(1955)
Director
Since 2012
Retired; Executive Vice President, ACC (September 2007 to February 2013); President, ACS (October 2007 to February 2013); Chief Operating Officer, ACC (September 2007 to November 2012)
80
None
Jonathan S. Thomas
(1963)
Director and President
Since 2007
President and Chief Executive Officer, ACC (March 2007 to present). Also serves as Chief Executive Officer, ACS; Executive Vice President, ACIM; Director, ACC, ACIM and other ACC subsidiaries
125
BioMed Valley Discoveries, Inc.

The Statement of Additional Information has additional information about the fund's directors and is available without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-345-2021.


22


Officers
The following table presents certain information about the executive officers of the funds. Each officer serves as an officer for each of the 15 investment companies in the American Century family of funds, unless otherwise noted. No officer is compensated for his or her service as an officer of the funds. The listed officers are interested persons of the funds and are appointed or re-appointed on an annual basis. The mailing address for each officer listed below is 4500 Main Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64111.
Name
(Year of Birth)
Offices with the Funds
Principal Occupation(s) During the Past Five Years
Jonathan S.
Thomas
(1963)
Director and
President
since 2007
President and Chief Executive Officer, ACC (March 2007 to present). Also serves as Chief Executive Officer, ACS; Executive Vice President, ACIM; Director, ACC, ACIM and other ACC subsidiaries
Amy D. Shelton
(1964)
Chief Compliance
Officer and Vice President since 2014
Chief Compliance Officer, American Century funds, (March 2014 to present); Chief Compliance Officer, ACIM (February 2014 to present); Chief Compliance Officer, ACIS (October 2009 to present); Vice President, Client Interactions and Marketing, ACIS (February 2013 to January 2014); Director, Client Interactions and Marketing, ACIS (June 2007 to January 2013). Also serves as Vice President, ACIS
Charles A.
Etherington
(1957)
General Counsel
since 2007 and
Senior Vice
President since 2006
Attorney, ACC (February 1994 to present); Vice President, ACC (November 2005 to present); General Counsel, ACC (March 2007 to present). Also serves as General Counsel, ACIM, ACS, ACIS and other ACC subsidiaries; and Senior Vice President, ACIM and ACS
C. Jean Wade
(1964)
Vice President,
Treasurer and
Chief Financial
Officer since 2012
Vice President, ACS (February 2000 to present)
Robert J. Leach
(1966)
Vice President
since 2006 and
Assistant Treasurer
since 2012
Vice President, ACS (February 2000 to present)
David H.
Reinmiller
(1963)
Vice President
since 2000
Attorney, ACC (January 1994 to present); Associate General Counsel, ACC (January 2001 to present). Also serves as Vice President, ACIM and ACS
Ward D. Stauffer
(1960)
Secretary
since 2005
Attorney, ACC (June 2003 to present)


23


Approval of Management Agreement


At a meeting held on June 30, 2015, the Fund’s Board of Directors unanimously approved the renewal of the management agreement pursuant to which American Century Investment Management, Inc. (the “Advisor”) acts as the investment advisor for the Fund. Under Section 15(c) of the Investment Company Act, contracts for investment advisory services are required to be reviewed, evaluated, and approved by a majority of a fund’s directors (the “Directors”), including a majority of the independent Directors, each year.
    
Prior to its consideration of the renewal of the management agreement, the Directors requested and reviewed extensive data and information compiled by the Advisor and certain independent providers of evaluation data concerning the Fund and the services provided to the Fund by the Advisor. This review was in addition to the oversight and evaluation undertaken by the Board and its committees on a continuous basis and the information received was supplemental to the extensive information that the Board and its committees receive and consider throughout the year.

In connection with its consideration of the renewal of the management agreement, the Board’s review and evaluation of the services provided by the Advisor included, but was not limited to, the following:

the nature, extent, and quality of investment management, shareholder services, and other services provided by the Advisor to the Fund;
the wide range of other programs and services the Advisor provides to the Fund and its shareholders on a routine and non-routine basis;
the Fund’s investment performance compared to appropriate benchmarks and/or a peer group of other mutual funds with similar investment objectives and strategies;
the cost of owning the Fund compared to the cost of owning similar funds;
the Advisor’s compliance policies, procedures, and regulatory experience;
financial data showing the cost of services provided to the Fund, the profitability of the Fund to the Advisor, and the overall profitability of the Advisor;
possible economies of scale associated with the Advisor’s management of the Fund and other accounts under its management;
data comparing services provided and charges to other investment management clients of the Advisor;
acquired fund fees and expenses;
payments to intermediaries by the Fund and the Advisor; and
any collateral benefits derived by the Advisor from the management of the Fund.

In keeping with their practice, the Directors held two in-person meetings and one telephonic meeting to review and discuss the information provided. The independent Directors also had the benefit of the advice of their independent counsel throughout the process.

Factors Considered

The Directors considered all of the information provided by the Advisor, the independent data providers, and independent counsel, and evaluated such information for the Fund. In connection with their review, the Directors did not identify any single factor as being all-important or controlling, and each Director may have attributed different levels of importance to different factors. In deciding to renew the management agreement, the Board based its decision on a number of factors, including the following:


24


Nature, Extent and Quality of Services - Generally. Under the management agreement, the Advisor is responsible for providing or arranging for all services necessary for the operation of the
Fund. The Board noted that under the management agreement, the Advisor provides or arranges at its own expense a wide variety of services including:

constructing and designing the Fund
portfolio research and security selection
initial capitalization/funding
securities trading
Fund administration
custody of Fund assets
daily valuation of the Fund’s portfolio
shareholder servicing and transfer agency, including shareholder confirmations, recordkeeping, and communications
legal services (except the independent Directors’ counsel)
regulatory and portfolio compliance
financial reporting
marketing and distribution (except Rule 12b-1 plans)

The Board noted that many of these services have expanded over time both in terms of quantity and complexity in response to shareholder demands, competition in the industry, changing distribution channels, and the changing regulatory environment.

Investment Management Services. The nature of the investment management services provided to the Fund is quite complex and allows Fund shareholders access to professional money management, instant diversification of their investments within an asset class, the opportunity to easily diversify among asset classes by investing in or exchanging among various American Century Investments funds, and liquidity. In evaluating investment performance, the Board expects the Advisor to manage the Fund in accordance with its investment objectives and approved strategies. Further, the Directors recognize that the Advisor has an obligation to monitor trading activities, and in particular to seek the best execution of fund trades, and to evaluate the use of and payment for research. In providing these services, the Advisor utilizes teams of investment professionals (portfolio managers, analysts, research assistants, and securities traders) who require extensive information technology, research, training, compliance and other systems to conduct their business. The Board, directly and through its Fund Performance Review Committee, regularly reviews investment performance information for the Fund, together with comparative information for appropriate benchmarks and/or peer groups of similarly-managed funds, over different time horizons. The Directors also review detailed performance information during the management agreement approval process. If performance concerns are identified, the Fund receives special reviews until performance improves, during which the Board discusses with the Advisor the reasons for such results (e.g., market conditions, security selection) and any efforts being undertaken to improve performance. The Fund’s performance was below its benchmark for the one-, three-, and five-year periods reviewed by the Board. The Board discussed the Fund's performance with the Advisor and was satisfied with the efforts being undertaken by the Advisor. The Board found the investment management services provided by the Advisor to the Fund to be satisfactory and consistent with the management agreement.

Shareholder and Other Services. Under the management agreement, the Advisor provides the Fund with a comprehensive package of transfer agency, shareholder, and other services. The Board, directly and through various committees of the Board, regularly reviews reports and evaluations of such services at its regular meetings. These reports include, but are not limited to, information regarding the operational efficiency and accuracy of the shareholder and transfer agency services provided, staffing levels, shareholder satisfaction (as measured by external as well as internal sources), technology support, new products and services offered to Fund shareholders, securities trading activities, portfolio valuation services, auditing services, and legal and operational compliance activities. The Board particularly noted the Advisor’s continual efforts to maintain effective business continuity plans and to address cybersecurity threats. Certain aspects of

25


shareholder and transfer agency service level efficiency and the quality of securities trading activities are measured by independent third party providers and are presented in comparison to other fund groups not managed by the Advisor. The Board found the services provided by the Advisor to the Fund under the management agreement to be competitive and of high quality.

Costs of Services and Profitability. The Advisor provides detailed information concerning its cost of providing various services to the Fund, its profitability in managing the Fund (pre- and post-distribution), its overall profitability, and its financial condition. The Directors have reviewed with the Advisor the methodology used to prepare this financial information. This information is considered in evaluating the Advisor’s financial condition, its ability to continue to provide services under the management agreement, and the reasonableness of the current management fee. The Board concluded that the Advisor’s profits were reasonable in light of the services provided to the Fund.

Ethics. The Board generally considers the Advisor’s commitment to providing quality services to shareholders and to conducting its business ethically. They noted that the Advisor’s practices generally meet or exceed industry best practices.

Economies of Scale. The Board also reviewed information provided by the Advisor regarding the possible existence of economies of scale in connection with the management of the Fund. The Board concluded that economies of scale are difficult to measure and predict with precision, especially on a fund-by-fund basis. The Board concluded that the Advisor is appropriately sharing economies of scale through its competitive fee structure, offering competitive fees from fund inception, and through reinvestment in its business to provide shareholders additional content and services. The Board also noted that economies of scale are shared with the Fund and its shareholders through management fee breakpoints that serve to reduce the effective management fee as the assets of the Fund grow.

Comparison to Other Funds’ Fees. The management agreement provides that the Fund pays the Advisor a single, all-inclusive (or unified) management fee for providing all services necessary for the management and operation of the Fund, other than brokerage expenses, taxes, interest, extraordinary expenses, and the fees and expenses of the Fund’s independent Directors (including their independent legal counsel) and expenses incurred in connection with the provision of shareholder services and distribution services under a plan adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Under the unified fee structure, the Advisor is responsible for providing all investment advisory, custody, audit, administrative, compliance, recordkeeping, marketing and shareholder services, or arranging and supervising third parties to provide such services. By contrast, most other funds are charged a variety of fees, including an investment advisory fee, a transfer agency fee, an administrative fee, distribution charges, and other expenses. Other than their investment advisory fees and any applicable Rule 12b-1 distribution fees, all other components of the total fees charged by these other funds may be increased without shareholder approval. The Board believes the unified fee structure is a benefit to Fund shareholders because it clearly discloses to shareholders the cost of owning Fund shares, and, since the unified fee cannot be increased without a vote of Fund shareholders, it shifts to the Advisor the risk of increased costs of operating the Fund and provides a direct incentive to minimize administrative inefficiencies. Part of the Board’s analysis of fee levels involves reviewing certain evaluative data compiled by an independent provider comparing the Fund’s unified fee to the total expense ratios of its peers. The unified fee charged to shareholders of the Fund was below the median of the total expense ratios of the Fund’s peer expense universe and was within the range of its peer expense group. The Board concluded that the management fee paid by the Fund to the Advisor under the management agreement is reasonable in light of the services provided to the Fund.


26


Comparison to Fees and Services Provided to Other Clients of the Advisor. The Directors also requested and received information from the Advisor concerning the nature of the services, fees, costs and profitability of its advisory services to advisory clients other than the Fund. They observed that these varying types of client accounts require different services and involve different regulatory and entrepreneurial risks than the management of the Fund. The Board analyzed this information and concluded that the fees charged and services provided to the Fund were reasonable by comparison.

Payments to Intermediaries. The Directors also requested and received a description of payments made to intermediaries by the Fund and the Advisor. These payments include various payments made by the Fund or the Advisor to different types of intermediaries and recordkeepers for distribution and service activities provided for the Fund. The Board reviewed such information and found the payments to be reasonable in scope and purpose.

Collateral or “Fall-Out” Benefits Derived by the Advisor. The Board considered the existence of collateral benefits the Advisor may receive as a result of its relationship with the Fund. They concluded that the Advisor’s primary business is managing mutual funds and it generally does not use fund or shareholder information to generate profits in other lines of business, and therefore does not derive any significant collateral benefits from them. The Board noted that additional assets from other clients may offer the Advisor some benefit from increased leverage with service providers and counterparties. Additionally, the Advisor receives proprietary research from broker-dealers that execute fund portfolio transactions, which the Board concluded is likely to benefit other clients of the Advisor as well as Fund shareholders. The Board also determined that the Advisor is able to provide investment management services to certain clients other than the Fund, at least in part, due to its existing infrastructure built to serve the fund complex. The Board concluded that appropriate allocation methodologies had been employed to assign resources and the cost of those resources to these other clients and, where expressly provided, these other client assets may be included with the assets of the Fund to determine breakpoints in the management fee schedule.

Existing Relationship. The Board also considered whether there was any reason for not continuing the existing arrangement with the Advisor. In this regard, the Board was mindful of the potential disruptions of the Fund’s operations and various risks, uncertainties, and other effects that could occur as a result of a decision not to continue such relationship. In particular, the Board recognized that most shareholders have invested in the Fund on the strength of the Advisor’s industry standing and reputation and in the expectation that the Advisor will have a continuing role in providing advisory services to the Fund.

Conclusion of the Directors. As a result of this process, the Board, including all of the independent Directors, taking into account all of the factors discussed above and the information provided by the Advisor and others in connection with its review and throughout the year, determined that the management fee is fair and reasonable in light of the services provided and that the investment management agreement between the Fund and the Advisor should be renewed.


27


Additional Information

Retirement Account Information
As required by law, distributions you receive from certain IRAs are subject to federal income tax withholding, unless you elect not to have withholding apply. Tax will be withheld on the total amount withdrawn even though you may be receiving amounts that are not subject to withholding, such as nondeductible contributions. In such case, excess amounts of withholding could occur. You may adjust your withholding election so that a greater or lesser amount will be withheld.
If you don’t want us to withhold on this amount, you must notify us to not withhold the federal income tax. You may notify us in writing or in certain situations by telephone or through other electronic means. For systematic withdrawals, your withholding election will remain in effect until revoked or changed by filing a new election. You have the right to revoke your election at any time.
Remember, even if you elect not to have income tax withheld, you are liable for paying income tax on the taxable portion of your withdrawal. If you elect not to have income tax withheld or you don’t have enough income tax withheld, you may be responsible for payment of estimated tax. You may incur penalties under the estimated tax rules if your withholding and estimated tax payments are not sufficient. You can reduce or defer the income tax on a distribution by directly or indirectly rolling such distribution over to another IRA or eligible plan. You should consult your tax advisor for additional information.
State tax will be withheld if, at the time of your distribution, your address is within one of the mandatory withholding states and you have federal income tax withheld (or as otherwise required by state law). State taxes will be withheld from your distribution in accordance with the respective state rules.
Distributions you receive from 403(b), 457 and qualified plans are subject to special tax and withholding rules. Your plan administrator or plan sponsor is required to provide you with a special tax notice explaining those rules at the time you request a distribution. If applicable, federal and/or state taxes may be withheld from your distribution amount.


Proxy Voting Policies
A description of the policies that the fund's investment advisor uses in exercising the voting rights associated with the securities purchased and/or held by the fund is available without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-345-2021. It is also available on the "About Us" page of American Century Investments’ website at americancentury.com and on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at sec.gov. Information regarding how the investment advisor voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available on the "About Us" page at americancentury.com. It is also available at sec.gov.


Quarterly Portfolio Disclosure
The fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The fund’s Forms N-Q are available on the SEC’s website at sec.gov, and may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330. The fund also makes its complete schedule of portfolio holdings for the most recent quarter of its fiscal year available on its
website at americancentury.com and, upon request, by calling 1-800-345-2021.


28


Other Tax Information

The following information is provided pursuant to provisions of the Internal Revenue Code.

The fund hereby designates up to the maximum amount allowable as qualified dividend income for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2015.

For corporate taxpayers, the fund hereby designates $13,620,375, or up to the maximum amount allowable, of ordinary income distributions paid during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2015 as qualified for the corporate dividends received deduction.

The fund hereby designates $30,165,205 as qualified short-term capital gain distributions for purposes of Internal Revenue Code Section 871 for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2015.

The fund hereby designates $168,310,368, or up to the maximum amount allowable, as long-term capital gain distributions for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2015.

The fund utilized earnings and profits of $17,429,475 distributed to shareholders on redemption of shares as part of the dividends paid deduction (tax equalization).



29


Notes

30


Notes

31


Notes


32






 
 
 
 
Contact Us
americancentury.com
 
Automated Information Line
1-800-345-8765
 
Investor Services Representative
1-800-345-2021
or 816-531-5575
 
Investors Using Advisors
1-800-378-9878
 
Business, Not-For-Profit, Employer-Sponsored Retirement Plans
1-800-345-3533
 
Banks and Trust Companies, Broker-Dealers, Financial Professionals, Insurance Companies
1-800-345-6488
 
Telecommunications Relay Service for the Deaf
711
 
 
 
 
American Century Mutual Funds, Inc.
 
 
 
 
Investment Advisor:
American Century Investment Management, Inc.
Kansas City, Missouri
 
 
 
 
This report and the statements it contains are submitted for the general information of our shareholders. The report is not authorized for distribution to prospective investors unless preceded or accompanied by an effective prospectus.
 
 
 
 
©2015 American Century Proprietary Holdings, Inc. All rights reserved.
CL-ANN-87655   1512
 



        ANNUAL REPORT
OCTOBER 31, 2015

 
 


NT Heritage Fund







Table of Contents
 
Performance
2

Portfolio Commentary

Fund Characteristics

Shareholder Fee Example

Schedule of Investments

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

Statement of Operations

Statement of Changes in Net Assets

Notes to Financial Statements

Financial Highlights

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Management

Approval of Management Agreement

Additional Information






















Any opinions expressed in this report reflect those of the author as of the date of the report, and do not necessarily represent the opinions of American Century Investments® or any other person in the American Century Investments organization. Any such opinions are subject to change at any time based upon market or other conditions and American Century Investments disclaims any responsibility to update such opinions. These opinions may not be relied upon as investment advice and, because investment decisions made by American Century Investments funds are based on numerous factors, may not be relied upon as an indication of trading intent on behalf of any American Century Investments fund. Security examples are used for representational purposes only and are not intended as recommendations to purchase or sell securities. Performance information for comparative indices and securities is provided to American Century Investments by third party vendors. To the best of American Century Investments’ knowledge, such information is accurate at the time of printing.



Performance
 
Total Returns as of October 31, 2015
 
 
 
Average Annual Returns
 
 
Ticker
Symbol
1 year
5 years
Since
Inception
Inception
Date
Institutional Class
ACLWX
7.20%
11.63%
5.36%
5/12/06
Russell Midcap Growth Index
4.94%
14.09%
8.14%
R6 Class
ACDUX
7.42%
10.26%
7/26/13

Growth of $10,000 Over Life of Class
$10,000 investment made May 12, 2006
Performance for other share classes will vary due to differences in fee structure.
 
Value on October 31, 2015
 
Institutional Class — $16,406
 
 
Russell Midcap Growth Index — $20,988
 
*From May 12, 2006, the Institutional Class’s inception date. Not annualized.

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses
Institutional Class
R6 Class
0.80%
0.65%
The total annual fund operating expenses shown is as stated in the fund’s prospectus current as of the date of this report. The prospectus may vary from the expense ratio shown elsewhere in this report because it is based on a different time period, includes acquired fund fees and expenses, and, if applicable, does not include fee waivers or expense reimbursements.





Data presented reflect past performance. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, and redemption value may be more or less than original cost. Data assumes reinvestment of dividends and capital gains, and none of the charts reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares. To obtain performance data current to the most recent month end, please call 1-800-345-2021 or visit americancentury.com. For additional information about the fund, please consult the prospectus.

2


Portfolio Commentary
 

Portfolio Managers: David Hollond and Greg Walsh

Performance Summary

NT Heritage returned 7.20%* for the 12 months ended October 31, 2015, outperforming the 4.94% return of the portfolio’s benchmark, the Russell Midcap Growth Index.

U.S. stock indices delivered positive returns during the reporting period amid volatility and a wide variation in sector returns. Within the Russell Midcap Growth Index, all sectors except energy (-35%) and utilities (-22%) posted positive returns on a total-return basis. Health care was the top-performing sector, followed closely by consumer staples.

NT Heritage received positive absolute contributions from all sectors it was invested in except energy and industrials. Information technology was the top absolute contributor. Stock decisions in the information technology, energy, and consumer staples sectors aided performance relative to the Russell Midcap Growth Index. An underweight to energy also helped. Stock selection in the industrials, health care, and consumer discretionary sectors detracted from results versus the benchmark.

Information Technology Stocks Led Contributors

Stock choices in the information technology sector, especially in the software industry, contributed significantly to performance relative to the benchmark. Video game maker Electronic Arts was a top contributor. The company continued to execute, reporting strong results consistent with our investment thesis of improving operating margins driven by cost controls, more video games being delivered digitally, and a gaming console refresh cycle. Semiconductor firm Avago Technologies was another top contributor. The company makes components for smartphones and other electronic devices and continued to post accelerating revenue growth and margin improvement on strength in its wireless business, primarily from Apple and Samsung.

In the energy sector, stock selection and an underweight allocation benefited performance. The portfolio largely avoided both producers and equipment and services firms as plunging prices and weak global growth weighed on energy firms.

In consumer staples, Constellation Brands, a producer and marketer of beer, wine, and spirits, was a top contributor as the company continued to see very strong sales volume and pricing in its Corona and Modelo brands. Topline results came in better than expected. Other major contributors included sports apparel maker Under Armour, which is gaining market share in the U.S. and is being aided by strong growth outside the U.S. Despite weakness toward the end of the reporting period, foodservice equipment company Middleby was a top contributor. The company stands to benefit from acquisitions such as U.K. firm AGA Rangemaster.

Industrials and Health Care Detracted

Stock selection in the industrials sector detracted from relative performance, especially among road and rail companies and airlines. The rail industry has been affected by a number of factors, including oil prices, weather, and West Coast port strikes. Portfolio-only position Canadian Pacific Railway declined as oil prices weighed on its crude-by-rail business. Kansas City Southern was hurt by currency headwinds in its Mexican business. Spirit Airlines suffered from competition from Southwest Airlines, which is ramping up capacity in Dallas, a key hub for Spirit.
*
All fund returns referenced in this commentary are for Institutional Class shares. Performance for other share classes will vary due to differences in fee structure; when Institutional Class performance exceeds that of the fund's benchmark, other share classes may not. See page 2 for returns for all share classes.

3



In health care, stock selection among pharmaceuticals and biotechnology companies hurt performance. Specialty pharmaceutical firm Horizon Pharma, which is not in the index, detracted despite reporting solid results as the stock was caught up in the late sector sell-off that was sparked by increased scrutiny of high prescription drug prices. The holding was eliminated.

In the industrials sector, the portfolio’s overweight in machinery company Flowserve detracted. The company makes pumps, seals, and valves to end users in the oil and gas, power, chemicals, and water industries, and was caught up in concerns about plunging oil prices. The holding was eliminated. Airlines parts maker Esterline Technologies, which serves both commercial and defense customers, detracted. The company has disappointed investors with the execution of its turnaround strategy, reporting inconsistent quarters. Esterline was eliminated.

Outlook

NT Heritage’s investment process focuses primarily on medium-sized and smaller companies with accelerating earnings growth rates and share price momentum. The fund’s positioning remains largely stock specific. As of October 31, 2015, the largest overweights were in telecommunication services and industrials, while the largest underweights were in financials and materials. Current investment themes are represented in various sectors throughout the portfolio, including health care companies that are benefiting from the Affordable Care Act, companies that can take advantage of the upturn in nonresidential construction, and avoiding real estate investment trusts, which are likely to suffer once interest rates start to rise.





4


Fund Characteristics
OCTOBER 31, 2015
 
Top Ten Holdings
% of net assets
SBA Communications Corp., Class A
3.1%
Electronic Arts, Inc.
3.1%
Teleflex, Inc.
2.9%
Constellation Brands, Inc., Class A
2.6%
Middleby Corp. (The)
2.2%
Alliance Data Systems Corp.
2.1%
Motorola Solutions, Inc.
2.1%
Affiliated Managers Group, Inc.
1.9%
Canadian Pacific Railway Ltd., New York Shares
1.8%
Mohawk Industries, Inc.
1.7%
 
 
Top Five Industries
% of net assets
Software
6.6%
Specialty Retail
6.1%
Machinery
5.7%
Health Care Equipment and Supplies
5.5%
Household Durables
4.9%
 
 
Types of Investments in Portfolio
% of net assets
Common Stocks
97.9%
Temporary Cash Investments
2.3%
Other Assets and Liabilities
(0.2)%





5


Shareholder Fee Example 

Fund shareholders may incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments and redemption/exchange fees; and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution and service (12b-1) fees; and other fund expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in your fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing cost of investing in other mutual funds.

The example is based on an investment of $1,000 made at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period from May 1, 2015 to October 31, 2015.

Actual Expenses

The table provides information about actual account values and actual expenses for each class. You may use the information, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. First, identify the share class you own. Then simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number under the heading “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The table also provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the actual expense ratio of each class of your fund and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the actual return of a fund’s share class. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in your fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads) or redemption/exchange fees. Therefore, the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.



Beginning
Account Value
5/1/15
Ending
Account Value
10/31/15
Expenses Paid
During Period
(1) 
5/1/15 - 10/31/15
 
Annualized
Expense Ratio
(1)
Actual
 
 
 
 
Institutional Class
$1,000
$982.70
$4.00
0.80%
R6 Class
$1,000
$983.50
$3.25
0.65%
Hypothetical
 
 
 
 
Institutional Class
$1,000
$1,021.17
$4.08
0.80%
R6 Class
$1,000
$1,021.93
$3.31
0.65%
(1)
Expenses are equal to the class's annualized expense ratio listed in the table above, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184, the number of days in the most recent fiscal half-year, divided by 365, to reflect the one-half year period.

6


Schedule of Investments

OCTOBER 31, 2015
 
Shares
Value
COMMON STOCKS — 97.9%
 
 
Aerospace and Defense — 0.5%
 
 
B/E Aerospace, Inc.
69,592
$
3,267,344

Airlines — 1.7%
 
 
Alaska Air Group, Inc.
62,694
4,780,418

American Airlines Group, Inc.
81,583
3,770,766

Spirit Airlines, Inc.(1) 
64,624
2,398,843

 
 
10,950,027

Auto Components — 0.8%
 
 
Delphi Automotive plc
59,732
4,969,105

Banks — 2.1%
 
 
BankUnited, Inc.
103,278
3,839,876

Signature Bank(1) 
40,407
6,017,410

SVB Financial Group(1) 
28,313
3,456,168

 
 
13,313,454

Beverages — 4.3%
 
 
Boston Beer Co., Inc. (The), Class A(1) 
13,361
2,933,942

Brown-Forman Corp., Class B
74,794
7,941,627

Constellation Brands, Inc., Class A
123,833
16,692,688

 
 
27,568,257

Biotechnology — 2.5%
 
 
BioMarin Pharmaceutical, Inc.(1) 
57,860
6,771,935

Incyte Corp.(1) 
47,646
5,599,834

Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(1) 
29,307
3,655,755

 
 
16,027,524

Building Products — 1.2%
 
 
Lennox International, Inc.
59,077
7,846,016

Capital Markets — 1.9%
 
 
Affiliated Managers Group, Inc.(1) 
67,635
12,191,885

Chemicals — 0.8%
 
 
Axalta Coating Systems Ltd.(1) 
181,688
5,020,040

Commercial Services and Supplies — 1.9%
 
 
KAR Auction Services, Inc.
191,010
7,334,784

Stericycle, Inc.(1) 
40,163
4,874,583

 
 
12,209,367

Communications Equipment — 2.6%
 
 
Juniper Networks, Inc.
117,310
3,682,361

Motorola Solutions, Inc.
189,342
13,248,260

 
 
16,930,621

Consumer Finance — 0.8%
 
 
Discover Financial Services
90,246
5,073,630


7


 
Shares
Value
Containers and Packaging — 1.6%
 
 
Ball Corp.
99,266
$
6,799,721

Berry Plastics Group, Inc.(1) 
114,149
3,823,992

 
 
10,623,713

Distributors — 0.8%
 
 
LKQ Corp.(1) 
171,794
5,086,820

Diversified Financial Services — 1.1%
 
 
McGraw Hill Financial, Inc.
78,104
7,235,555

Electrical Equipment — 1.0%
 
 
Acuity Brands, Inc.
28,824
6,300,926

Electronic Equipment, Instruments and Components — 1.0%
 
 
TE Connectivity Ltd.
99,869
6,435,558

Food and Staples Retailing — 1.2%
 
 
Costco Wholesale Corp.
48,871
7,727,483

Food Products — 2.0%
 
 
Hain Celestial Group, Inc. (The)(1) 
86,851
4,329,522

Hershey Co. (The)
26,442
2,345,141

J.M. Smucker Co. (The)
26,604
3,123,044

WhiteWave Foods Co. (The), Class A(1) 
82,582
3,384,210

 
 
13,181,917

Health Care Equipment and Supplies — 5.5%
 
 
Cooper Cos., Inc. (The)
25,457
3,878,629

DexCom, Inc.(1) 
56,479
4,705,830

Hologic, Inc.(1) 
109,401
4,251,323

NuVasive, Inc.(1) 
85,787
4,045,715

Teleflex, Inc.
139,477
18,550,441

 
 
35,431,938

Health Care Providers and Services — 3.3%
 
 
AmerisourceBergen Corp.
70,562
6,809,939

Universal Health Services, Inc., Class B
61,344
7,489,489

VCA, Inc.(1) 
131,315
7,192,122

 
 
21,491,550

Hotels, Restaurants and Leisure — 2.1%
 
 
Buffalo Wild Wings, Inc.(1) 
17,711
2,732,276

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.(1) 
486
311,152

Hilton Worldwide Holdings, Inc.
219,634
5,488,654

La Quinta Holdings, Inc.(1) 
18,147
274,927

Papa John's International, Inc.
70,990
4,981,368

 
 
13,788,377

Household Durables — 4.9%
 
 
Harman International Industries, Inc.
57,982
6,375,701

Jarden Corp.(1) 
202,644
9,078,451

Mohawk Industries, Inc.(1) 
57,318
11,205,669

Newell Rubbermaid, Inc.
119,982
5,090,836

 
 
31,750,657


8


 
Shares
Value
Internet and Catalog Retail — 1.6%
 
 
Expedia, Inc.
73,274
$
9,987,246

Internet Software and Services — 3.0%
 
 
Akamai Technologies, Inc.(1) 
17,164
1,043,914

CoStar Group, Inc.(1) 
49,427
10,037,141

LinkedIn Corp., Class A(1) 
32,857
7,914,266

 
 
18,995,321

IT Services — 4.8%
 
 
Alliance Data Systems Corp.(1) 
45,843
13,629,583

Sabre Corp.
279,197
8,186,056

Vantiv, Inc., Class A(1) 
178,447
8,949,117

 
 
30,764,756

Leisure Products — 1.6%
 
 
Brunswick Corp.
106,580
5,735,070

Polaris Industries, Inc.
39,745
4,464,953

 
 
10,200,023

Machinery — 5.7%
 
 
Ingersoll-Rand plc
109,949
6,515,578

ITT Corp.
49,155
1,945,555

Middleby Corp. (The)(1) 
120,777
14,123,662

Snap-On, Inc.
57,575
9,551,117

WABCO Holdings, Inc.(1) 
41,536
4,661,585

 
 
36,797,497

Media — 1.5%
 
 
Charter Communications, Inc., Class A(1) 
51,051
9,747,678

Multiline Retail — 2.4%
 
 
Burlington Stores, Inc.(1) 
122,892
5,908,647

Dollar Tree, Inc.(1) 
143,260
9,382,098

 
 
15,290,745

Oil, Gas and Consumable Fuels — 1.3%
 
 
Concho Resources, Inc.(1) 
49,863
5,779,620

Gulfport Energy Corp.(1) 
84,027
2,560,303

 
 
8,339,923

Pharmaceuticals — 2.1%
 
 
Endo International plc(1) 
63,273
3,795,747

Zoetis, Inc.
224,790
9,668,218

 
 
13,463,965

Professional Services — 1.9%
 
 
Nielsen Holdings plc
186,975
8,883,182

Verisk Analytics, Inc., Class A(1) 
43,815
3,137,592

 
 
12,020,774

Real Estate Management and Development — 1.5%
 
 
Jones Lang LaSalle, Inc.
58,907
9,820,386

Road and Rail — 3.0%
 
 
Canadian Pacific Railway Ltd., New York Shares
81,887
11,505,124

J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc.
61,131
4,668,574


9


 
Shares
Value
Kansas City Southern
37,002
$
3,062,286

 
 
19,235,984

Semiconductors and Semiconductor Equipment — 2.9%
 
 
Avago Technologies Ltd.
52,067
6,411,010

Cree, Inc.(1) 
120,756
3,041,843

Freescale Semiconductor Ltd.(1) 
103,884
3,479,075

NXP Semiconductors NV(1) 
71,719
5,619,184

 
 
18,551,112

Software — 6.6%
 
 
Activision Blizzard, Inc.
143,993
5,005,197

CDK Global, Inc.
96,056
4,782,628

Electronic Arts, Inc.(1) 
276,954
19,960,075

Intuit, Inc.
65,250
6,357,307

Tyler Technologies, Inc.(1) 
37,370
6,366,353

 
 
42,471,560

Specialty Retail — 6.1%
 
 
AutoZone, Inc.(1) 
9,512
7,461,308

Restoration Hardware Holdings, Inc.(1) 
40,979
4,224,525

Signet Jewelers Ltd.
73,494
11,093,184

Tractor Supply Co.
96,535
8,918,869

Ulta Salon Cosmetics & Fragrance, Inc.(1) 
42,301
7,358,682

 
 
39,056,568

Textiles, Apparel and Luxury Goods — 3.2%
 
 
Hanesbrands, Inc.
212,235
6,778,786

lululemon athletica, Inc.(1) 
88,094
4,331,582

Under Armour, Inc., Class A(1) 
101,491
9,649,764

 
 
20,760,132

Wireless Telecommunication Services — 3.1%
 
 
SBA Communications Corp., Class A(1) 
170,274
20,266,012

TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(Cost $513,093,281)
 
630,191,446

TEMPORARY CASH INVESTMENTS — 2.3%
 
 
Repurchase Agreement, Credit Suisse First Boston, Inc., (collateralized by various U.S. Treasury obligations, 1.50%, 5/31/19, valued at $5,644,444), in a joint trading account at 0.01%, dated 10/30/15, due 11/2/15 (Delivery value $5,534,633)
 
5,534,628

Repurchase Agreement, Fixed Income Clearing Corp., (collateralized by various U.S. Treasury obligations, 4.375%, 5/15/40, valued at $9,414,319), at 0.00%, dated 10/30/15, due 11/2/15 (Delivery value $9,226,000)
 
9,226,000

State Street Institutional Liquid Reserves Fund, Premier Class
1,289
1,289

TOTAL TEMPORARY CASH INVESTMENTS
(Cost $14,761,917)
 
14,761,917

TOTAL INVESTMENT SECURITIES — 100.2%
(Cost $527,855,198)
 
644,953,363

OTHER ASSETS AND LIABILITIES — (0.2)%
 
(1,521,715)

TOTAL NET ASSETS — 100.0%
 
$
643,431,648




10


FORWARD FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE CONTRACTS
 
 
Currency Purchased
Currency Sold
Counterparty
Settlement Date
Unrealized Appreciation
(Depreciation)
CAD
766,486
USD
580,971
JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.
11/30/15
$
5,102

USD
11,238,692
CAD
14,888,120
JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.
11/30/15
(145,104
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
(140,002
)

NOTES TO SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
CAD
-
Canadian Dollar
USD
-
United States Dollar
(1)
Non-income producing.

See Notes to Financial Statements.

11


Statement of Assets and Liabilities
OCTOBER 31, 2015
 
Assets
 
Investment securities, at value (cost of $527,855,198)
$
644,953,363

Receivable for investments sold
3,821,680

Receivable for capital shares sold
401,903

Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts
5,102

Dividends and interest receivable
19,919

 
649,201,967

 
 
Liabilities
 
Payable for investments purchased
5,202,351

Unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts
145,104

Accrued management fees
422,864

 
5,770,319

 
 
Net Assets
$
643,431,648

 
 
Net Assets Consist of:
 
Capital (par value and paid-in surplus)
$
479,143,528

Accumulated net investment loss
(1,042,137
)
Undistributed net realized gain
48,372,094

Net unrealized appreciation
116,958,163

 
$
643,431,648


 
Net Assets
Shares Outstanding
Net Asset Value Per Share
Institutional Class, $0.01 Par Value
$609,840,882
44,665,076

$13.65
R6 Class, $0.01 Par Value
$33,590,766
2,451,585

$13.70


See Notes to Financial Statements.


12


Statement of Operations
YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2015
Investment Income (Loss)
Income:
 
Dividends (net of foreign taxes withheld of $34,066)
$
3,612,760

Interest
2,948

 
3,615,708

 
 
Expenses:
 
Management fees
4,953,257

Directors' fees and expenses
20,530

 
4,973,787

 
 
Net investment income (loss)
(1,358,079
)
 
 
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)
 
Net realized gain (loss) on:
 
Investment transactions
48,538,331

Futures contract transactions
1,316,877

Foreign currency transactions
1,704,437

 
51,559,645

 
 
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:
 
Investments
(3,192,053
)
Translation of assets and liabilities in foreign currencies
(194,626
)
 
(3,386,679
)
 
 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
48,172,966

 
 
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations
$
46,814,887



See Notes to Financial Statements.


13


Statement of Changes in Net Assets
YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2015 AND OCTOBER 31, 2014
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
October 31, 2015
October 31, 2014
Operations
 
 
Net investment income (loss)
$
(1,358,079
)
$
(1,662,340
)
Net realized gain (loss)
51,559,645

26,740,021

Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
(3,386,679
)
20,366,104

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations
46,814,887

45,443,785

 
 
 
Distributions to Shareholders
 
 
From net realized gains:
 
 
Institutional Class
(26,719,040
)
(51,250,181
)
R6 Class
(826,114
)
(433,893
)
Decrease in net assets from distributions
(27,545,154
)
(51,684,074
)
 
 
 
Capital Share Transactions
 
 
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from capital share transactions (Note 5)
35,084,809

131,572,665

 
 
 
Net increase (decrease) in net assets
54,354,542

125,332,376

 
 
 
Net Assets
 
 
Beginning of period
589,077,106

463,744,730

End of period
$
643,431,648

$
589,077,106

 
 
 
Accumulated net investment loss
$
(1,042,137
)
$
(1,642,488
)


See Notes to Financial Statements.


14


Notes to Financial Statements

OCTOBER 31, 2015

1. Organization

American Century Mutual Funds, Inc. (the corporation) is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act), as an open-end management investment company and is organized as a Maryland corporation. NT Heritage Fund (the fund) is one fund in a series issued by the corporation. The fund is diversified as defined under the 1940 Act. The fund's investment objective is to seek long-term capital growth. The fund is not permitted to invest in securities issued by companies assigned the Global Industry Classification Standard for the tobacco industry.

The fund offers the Institutional Class and the R6 Class, which have different fees and expenses. The difference in the fee structures between the classes is not the result of any difference in advisory or custodial fees or other expenses related to management of the fund’s assets, which do not vary by class. The fund’s R6 Class shares are available for purchase exclusively by certain American Century Investments funds of funds that are offered only through employer-sponsored retirement plans where a financial intermediary provides retirement recordkeeping services to plan participants. Because financial intermediaries do not receive any service, distribution or administrative fees for offering such funds of funds, American Century Investment Management, Inc. (ACIM) (the investment advisor) is able to charge the R6 Class a lower unified management fee.

2. Significant Accounting Policies

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the fund in preparation of its financial statements. The fund is an investment company and follows accounting and reporting guidance in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. This may require management to make certain estimates and assumptions at the date of the financial statements. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Management evaluated the impact of events or transactions occurring through the date the financial statements were issued that would merit recognition or disclosure.

Investment Valuations — The fund determines the fair value of its investments and computes its net asset value per share at the close of regular trading (usually 4 p.m. Eastern time) on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on each day the NYSE is open. The Board of Directors has adopted valuation policies and procedures to guide the investment advisor in the fund’s investment valuation process and to provide methodologies for the oversight of the fund’s pricing function.

Equity securities that are listed or traded on a domestic securities exchange are valued at the last reported sales price or at the official closing price as provided by the exchange. Equity securities traded on foreign securities exchanges are generally valued at the closing price of such securities on the exchange where primarily traded or at the close of the NYSE, if that is earlier. If no last sales price is reported, or if local convention or regulation so provides, the mean of the latest bid and asked prices may be used. Securities traded over-the-counter are valued at the mean of the latest bid and asked prices, the last sales price, or the official closing price. Equity securities initially expressed in local currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at the mean of the appropriate currency exchange rate at the close of the NYSE as provided by an independent pricing service.
 
Open-end management investment companies are valued at the reported net asset value per share. Repurchase agreements are valued at cost, which approximates fair value. Exchange-traded futures contracts are valued at the settlement price as provided by the appropriate clearing corporation. Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are valued at the mean of the appropriate forward exchange rate at the close of the NYSE as provided by an independent pricing service.
 
If the fund determines that the market price for an investment is not readily available or the valuation methods mentioned above do not reflect an investment’s fair value, such investment is valued as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors or its delegate, in accordance with policies and procedures adopted by the Board of Directors. In its determination of fair value, the fund may review several factors including, but not limited to, market information regarding the specific investment or comparable investments and correlation with other investment types, futures indices or general market indicators. Circumstances that may cause the fund to use these procedures to value an investment include, but are not limited to: an investment has been

15


declared in default or is distressed; trading in a security has been suspended during the trading day or a security is not actively trading on its principal exchange; prices received from a regular pricing source are deemed unreliable; or there is a foreign market holiday and no trading occurred.

The fund monitors for significant events occurring after the close of an investment’s primary exchange but before the fund’s net asset value per share is determined. Significant events may include, but are not limited to: corporate announcements and transactions; governmental action and political unrest that could impact a specific investment or an investment sector; or armed conflicts, natural disasters and similar events that could affect investments in a specific country or region. The fund also monitors for significant fluctuations between domestic and foreign markets, as evidenced by the U.S. market or such other indicators that the Board of Directors, or its delegate, deems appropriate. If significant fluctuations in foreign markets are identified, the fund may apply a model-derived factor to the closing price of equity securities traded on foreign securities exchanges. The factor is based on observable market data as provided by an independent pricing service.
 
Security Transactions — Security transactions are accounted for as of the trade date. Net realized gains and losses are determined on the identified cost basis, which is also used for federal income tax purposes.

Investment Income — Dividend income less foreign taxes withheld, if any, is recorded as of the ex-dividend date. Distributions received on securities that represent a return of capital or long-term capital gain are recorded as a reduction of cost of investments and/or as a realized gain. The fund may estimate the components of distributions received that may be considered nontaxable distributions or long-term capital gain distributions for income tax purposes. Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis and includes accretion of discounts and amortization of premiums.

Foreign Currency Translations — All assets and liabilities initially expressed in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at prevailing exchange rates at period end. The fund may enter into spot foreign currency exchange contracts to facilitate transactions denominated in a foreign currency. Purchases and sales of investment securities, dividend and interest income, spot foreign currency exchange contracts, and expenses are translated at the rates of exchange prevailing on the respective dates of such transactions. Net realized and unrealized foreign currency exchange gains or losses related to investment securities are a component of net realized gain (loss) on investment transactions and change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments, respectively.

Repurchase Agreements — The fund may enter into repurchase agreements with institutions that ACIM has determined are creditworthy pursuant to criteria adopted by the Board of Directors. The fund requires that the collateral, represented by securities, received in a repurchase transaction be transferred to the custodian in a manner sufficient to enable the fund to obtain those securities in the event of a default under the repurchase agreement. ACIM monitors, on a daily basis, the securities transferred to ensure the value, including accrued interest, of the securities under each repurchase agreement is equal to or greater than amounts owed to the fund under each repurchase agreement.

Joint Trading Account — Pursuant to an Exemptive Order issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the fund, along with certain other funds in the American Century Investments family of funds, may transfer uninvested cash balances into a joint trading account. These balances are invested in one or more repurchase agreements that are collateralized by U.S. Treasury or Agency obligations.

Segregated Assets — In accordance with the 1940 Act, the fund segregates assets on its books and records to cover futures contracts. ACIM monitors, on a daily basis, the securities segregated to ensure the fund designates a sufficient amount of liquid assets, marked-to-market daily. The fund may also receive assets or be required to pledge assets at the custodian bank or with a broker for margin requirements on futures contracts.

Income Tax Status — It is the fund’s policy to distribute substantially all net investment income and net realized gains to shareholders and to otherwise qualify as a regulated investment company under provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. Accordingly, no provision has been made for income taxes. The fund files U.S. federal, state, local and non-U.S. tax returns as applicable. The fund's tax returns are subject to examination by the relevant taxing authority until expiration of the applicable statute of limitations, which is generally three years from the date of filing but can be longer in certain jurisdictions. At this time, management believes there are no uncertain tax positions which, based on their technical merit, would not be sustained upon examination and for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly change in the next twelve months.


16


Multiple Class — All shares of the fund represent an equal pro rata interest in the net assets of the class to which such shares belong, and have identical voting, dividend, liquidation and other rights and the same terms and conditions, except for class specific expenses and exclusive rights to vote on matters affecting only individual classes. Income, non-class specific expenses, and realized and unrealized capital gains and losses of the fund are allocated to each class of shares based on their relative net assets.

Distributions to Shareholders — Distributions from net investment income and net realized gains, if any, are generally declared and paid annually.
 
Indemnifications — Under the corporation’s organizational documents, its officers and directors are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the fund. In addition, in the normal course of business, the fund enters into contracts that provide general indemnifications. The maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be made against a fund. The risk of material loss from such claims is considered by management to be remote.

3. Fees and Transactions with Related Parties

Certain officers and directors of the corporation are also officers and/or directors of American Century Companies, Inc. (ACC). The corporation’s investment advisor, ACIM, the corporation's distributor, American Century Investment Services, Inc., and the corporation’s transfer agent, American Century Services, LLC, are wholly owned, directly or indirectly, by ACC. Various funds issued by American Century Asset Allocation Portfolios, Inc. own, in aggregate, 100% of the shares of the fund. Related parties do not invest in the fund for the purpose of exercising management or control.

Management Fees — The corporation has entered into a management agreement with ACIM, under which ACIM provides the fund with investment advisory and management services in exchange for a single, unified management fee (the fee) per class. The agreement provides that all expenses of managing and operating the fund, except distribution and service fees, brokerage expenses, taxes, interest, fees and expenses of the independent directors (including legal counsel fees), and extraordinary expenses, will be paid by ACIM. The fee is computed and accrued daily based on each class's daily net assets and paid monthly in arrears. The annual management fee is 0.80% for the Institutional Class and 0.65% for the R6 Class.

Directors' Fees and Expenses — The Board of Directors is responsible for overseeing the investment advisor’s management and operations of the fund. The directors receive detailed information about the fund and its investment advisor regularly throughout the year, and meet at least quarterly with management of the investment advisor to review reports about fund operations. The fund’s officers do not receive compensation from the fund.
 
4. Investment Transactions

Purchases and sales of investment securities, excluding short-term investments, for the year ended October 31, 2015 were $505,472,853 and $501,124,647, respectively.

5. Capital Share Transactions

Transactions in shares of the fund were as follows:
 
Year ended
October 31, 2015
Year ended
October 31, 2014
 
Shares
Amount
Shares
Amount
Institutional Class/Shares Authorized
275,000,000

 
150,000,000

 
Sold
7,084,059

$
95,797,215

7,340,306

$
94,685,851

Issued in reinvestment of distributions
2,147,833

26,719,040

4,197,394

51,250,181

Redeemed
(7,358,993
)
(103,376,982
)
(2,037,795
)
(26,819,633
)
 
1,872,899

19,139,273

9,499,905

119,116,399

R6 Class/Shares Authorized
50,000,000

 
50,000,000

 
Sold
1,609,018

21,940,103

1,085,310

13,736,485

Issued in reinvestment of distributions
66,248

826,114

35,507

433,893

Redeemed
(492,311
)
(6,820,681
)
(132,053
)
(1,714,112
)
 
1,182,955

15,945,536

988,764

12,456,266

Net increase (decrease)
3,055,854

$
35,084,809

10,488,669

$
131,572,665


17


6. Fair Value Measurements

The fund’s investments valuation process is based on several considerations and may use multiple inputs to determine the fair value of the investments held by the fund. In conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, the inputs used to determine a valuation are classified into three broad levels.

Level 1 valuation inputs consist of unadjusted quoted prices in an active market for identical investments.

Level 2 valuation inputs consist of direct or indirect observable market data (including quoted prices for comparable investments, evaluations of subsequent market events, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.). These inputs also consist of quoted prices for identical investments initially expressed in local currencies that are adjusted through translation into U.S. dollars.

Level 3 valuation inputs consist of unobservable data (including a fund’s own assumptions).

The level classification is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair valuation measurement. The valuation inputs are not necessarily an indication of the risks associated with investing in these securities or other financial instruments. There were no significant transfers between levels during the period.

The following is a summary of the level classifications as of period end. The Schedule of Investments provides additional information on the fund’s portfolio holdings.
 
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Assets
 
 
 
Investment Securities
 
 
 
Common Stocks
$
630,191,446



Temporary Cash Investments
1,289

$
14,760,628


 
$
630,192,735

$
14,760,628


Other Financial Instruments
 
 
 
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts

$
5,102


 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
Other Financial Instruments
 
 
 
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts

$
(145,104
)


7. Derivative Instruments

Equity Price Risk — The fund is subject to equity price risk in the normal course of pursuing its investment objectives. A fund may enter into futures contracts based on an equity index in order to manage its exposure to changes in market conditions. A fund may purchase futures contracts to gain exposure to increases in market value or sell futures contracts to protect against a decline in market value. Upon entering into a futures contract, a fund is required to deposit either cash or securities in an amount equal to a certain percentage of the contract value (initial margin). Subsequent payments (variation margin) are made or received daily, in cash, by a fund. The variation margin is equal to the daily change in the contract value and is recorded as unrealized gains and losses. A fund recognizes a realized gain or loss when the contract is closed or expires. Net realized and unrealized gains or losses occurring during the holding period of futures contracts are a component of net realized gain (loss) on futures contract transactions and change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on futures contracts, respectively. One of the risks of entering into futures contracts is the possibility that the change in value of the contract may not correlate with the changes in value of the underlying securities. During the period, the fund participated in equity price risk derivative instruments for temporary investment purposes.
 
Foreign Currency Risk — The fund is subject to foreign currency exchange rate risk in the normal course of pursuing its investment objectives. The value of foreign investments held by a fund may be significantly affected by changes in foreign currency exchange rates. The dollar value of a foreign security generally decreases when the value of the dollar rises against the foreign currency in which the security is denominated and tends to increase when the value of the dollar declines against such foreign currency. A fund may enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts to reduce a fund's exposure to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. The net U.S. dollar value of foreign currency underlying all contractual commitments held by

18


a fund and the resulting unrealized appreciation or depreciation are determined daily. Realized gain or loss is recorded upon the termination of the contract. Net realized and unrealized gains or losses occurring during the holding period of forward foreign currency exchange contracts are a component of net realized gain (loss) on foreign currency transactions and change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on translation of assets and liabilities in foreign currencies, respectively. A fund bears the risk of an unfavorable change in the foreign currency exchange rate underlying the forward contract. Additionally, losses, up to the fair value, may arise if the counterparties do not perform under the contract terms. The fund's average U.S. dollar exposure to foreign currency risk derivative instruments held during the period was $11,523,258.
Value of Derivative Instruments as of October 31, 2015
 
Asset Derivatives
Liability Derivatives
Type of Risk Exposure
Location on Statement of Assets and Liabilities
Value
Location on Statement of Assets and Liabilities
Value
Foreign Currency Risk
Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts
$
5,102

Unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts
$
145,104

 
 
 
 
 
Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Statement of Operations for the Year Ended October 31, 2015
 
Net Realized Gain (Loss)
Change in Net Unrealized
Appreciation (Depreciation)
Type of Risk Exposure
Location on Statement of Operations
Value
Location on Statement of Operations
Value
Equity Price Risk
Net realized gain (loss) on futures contract transactions
$
1,316,877

Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on futures contracts

Foreign Currency Risk
Net realized gain (loss) on foreign currency transactions
1,705,635

Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on translation of assets and liabilities in foreign currencies
$
(194,626
)
 
 
$
3,022,512

 
$
(194,626
)

8. Risk Factors

The fund invests in common stocks of small companies. Because of this, the fund may be subject to greater risk and market fluctuations than a fund investing in larger, more established companies.

9. Federal Tax Information

The tax character of distributions paid during the years ended October 31, 2015 and October 31, 2014 were as follows:
 
2015
2014
Distributions Paid From
 
 
Ordinary income

$
9,980,242

Long-term capital gains
$
27,545,154

$
41,703,832


The book-basis character of distributions made during the year from net investment income or net realized gains may differ from their ultimate characterization for federal income tax purposes. These differences reflect the differing character of certain income items and net realized gains and losses for financial statement and tax purposes, and may result in reclassification among certain capital accounts on the financial statements.


19


As of October 31, 2015, the federal tax cost of investments and the components of distributable earnings on a tax-basis were as follows:
Federal tax cost of investments
$
529,945,534

Gross tax appreciation of investments
$
129,283,841

Gross tax depreciation of investments
(14,276,012
)
Net tax appreciation (depreciation) of investments
$
115,007,829

Undistributed ordinary income

Accumulated long-term gains
$
50,462,430

Late-year ordinary loss deferral
$
(1,182,139
)

The difference between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation (depreciation) is attributable primarily to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales.
 
Loss deferrals represent certain qualified losses that the fund has elected to treat as having been incurred in the following fiscal year for federal income tax purposes.


20


Financial Highlights
For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Years Ended October 31 (except as noted)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Per-Share Data
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ratios and Supplemental Data
 
 
 
Income From Investment Operations:
Distributions From:
 
 
Ratio to Average Net Assets of:
 
 
 
Net Asset
Value,
Beginning
of Period
Net
Investment
Income
(Loss)
(1)
Net
Realized
and
Unrealized
Gain (Loss)
Total From
Investment
Operations
Net
Investment
Income
Net
Realized
Gains
Total
Distributions
Net Asset
Value,
End
of Period
Total
Return
(2)
Operating
Expenses
Net
Investment
Income
(Loss)
Portfolio
Turnover
Rate
Net
Assets,
End of
Period
(in thousands)
Institutional Class
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2015
$13.37
(0.03)
0.93
0.90
(0.62)
(0.62)
$13.65
7.20%
0.80%
(0.22)%
83%

$609,841

2014
$13.81
(0.04)
1.08
1.04
(1.48)
(1.48)
$13.37
8.53%
0.80%
(0.31)%
76%

$572,085

2013
$10.61
(0.01)
3.23
3.22
(0.02)
(0.02)
$13.81
30.38%
0.80%
(0.10)%
113%

$459,877

2012
$10.03
(3)
0.74
0.74
(0.16)
(0.16)
$10.61
7.59%
0.81%
(0.02)%
92%

$297,429

2011
$9.44
(0.03)
0.62
0.59
$10.03
6.25%
0.80%
(0.27)%
115%

$215,060

R6 Class
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2015
$13.39
(0.01)
0.94
0.93
(0.62)
(0.62)
$13.70
7.42%
0.65%
(0.07)%
83%

$33,591

2014
$13.82
(0.02)
1.07
1.05
(1.48)
(1.48)
$13.39
8.60%
0.65%
(0.16)%
76%

$16,992

2013(4)
$12.92
(3)
0.90
0.90
$13.82
6.97%
0.65%(5)
0.03%(5)
113%(6)

$3,867

Notes to Financial Highlights
(1)
Computed using average shares outstanding throughout the period.
(2)
Total returns are calculated based on the net asset value of the last business day. Total returns for periods less than one year are not annualized.
(3)
Per-share amount was less than $0.005.
(4)
July 26, 2013 (commencement of sale) through October 31, 2013.
(5)
Annualized.
(6)
Portfolio turnover is calculated at the fund level. Percentage indicated was calculated for the year ended October 31, 2013.
See Notes to Financial Statements.

21


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of American Century Mutual Funds, Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the schedule of investments, of NT Heritage Fund (the “Fund”), one of the funds constituting American Century Mutual Funds, Inc., as of October 31, 2015, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the periods presented. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Fund’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. The Fund is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Fund’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of October 31, 2015, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers; when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of NT Heritage Fund of American Century Mutual Funds, Inc. as of October 31, 2015, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the periods presented, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Kansas City, Missouri
December 16, 2015


22


Management

The Board of Directors
The individuals listed below serve as directors of the funds. Each director will continue to serve in this capacity until death, retirement, resignation or removal from office. The board has adopted a mandatory retirement age for directors who are not “interested persons,” as that term is defined in the Investment Company Act (independent directors). Independent directors shall retire by December 31 of the year in which they reach their 75th birthday.
Mr. Thomas is an “interested person” because he currently serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of American Century Companies, Inc. (ACC), the parent company of American Century Investment Management, Inc. (ACIM or the advisor). Mr. Fink is treated as an “interested person” because of his recent employment with ACC and American Century Services, LLC (ACS). The other directors (more than three-fourths of the total number) are independent. They are not employees, directors or officers of, and have no financial interest in, ACC or any of its wholly owned, direct or indirect, subsidiaries, including ACIM, American Century Investment Services, Inc. (ACIS) and ACS, and they do not have any other affiliations, positions or relationships that would cause them to be considered “interested persons” under the Investment Company Act. The directors serve in this capacity for seven (in the case of Mr. Thomas, 15) registered investment companies in the American Century Investments family of funds.
The following table presents additional information about the directors. The mailing address for each director is 4500 Main Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64111.
Name
(Year of Birth)
Position(s)
Held with
Funds
Length of
Time Served
Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years
Number of
American
Century
Portfolios
Overseen by Director
Other
Directorships
Held During
Past 5 Years
Independent Directors
 
 
 
 
Thomas A. Brown
(1940)
Director
Since 1980
Managing Member, Associated Investments, LLC (real estate investment company)
80
None
Andrea C. Hall
(1945)
Director
Since 1997
Retired
80
None
Jan M. Lewis
(1957)
Director
Since 2011
Retired; President and Chief Executive Officer, Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas (human services organization) (2006 to 2013)
80
None
James A. Olson
(1942)
Director and Chairman of the Board
Since 2007 (Chairman since 2014)
Member, Plaza Belmont LLC (private equity fund manager)
80
Saia, Inc. (2002 to 2012) and EPR Properties (2003 to 2013)
M. Jeannine Strandjord
(1945)
Director
Since 1994
Retired
80
Euronet Worldwide Inc.; MGP Ingredients, Inc.; Charming Shoppes, Inc. (2006 to 2010); and DST Systems Inc. (1996 to 2012)
John R. Whitten
(1946)
Director
Since 2008
Retired
80
Rudolph Technologies, Inc.

23


Name
(Year of Birth)
Position(s)
Held with
Funds
Length of
Time Served
Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years
Number of
American
Century
Portfolios
Overseen by Director
Other
Directorships
Held During
Past 5 Years
Independent Directors
 
 
 
 
Stephen E. Yates
(1948)
Director
Since 2012
Retired; Executive Vice President, Technology & Operations, KeyCorp. (computer services) (2004 to 2010)
80
Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. (2001 to 2010)
Interested Directors
 
 
 
 
Barry Fink
(1955)
Director
Since 2012
Retired; Executive Vice President, ACC (September 2007 to February 2013); President, ACS (October 2007 to February 2013); Chief Operating Officer, ACC (September 2007 to November 2012)
80
None
Jonathan S. Thomas
(1963)
Director and President
Since 2007
President and Chief Executive Officer, ACC (March 2007 to present). Also serves as Chief Executive Officer, ACS; Executive Vice President, ACIM; Director, ACC, ACIM and other ACC subsidiaries
125
BioMed Valley Discoveries, Inc.

The Statement of Additional Information has additional information about the fund's directors and is available without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-345-2021.


24


Officers
The following table presents certain information about the executive officers of the funds. Each officer serves as an officer for each of the 15 investment companies in the American Century family of funds, unless otherwise noted. No officer is compensated for his or her service as an officer of the funds. The listed officers are interested persons of the funds and are appointed or re-appointed on an annual basis. The mailing address for each officer listed below is 4500 Main Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64111.
Name
(Year of Birth)
Offices with the Funds
Principal Occupation(s) During the Past Five Years
Jonathan S.
Thomas
(1963)
Director and
President
since 2007
President and Chief Executive Officer, ACC (March 2007 to present). Also serves as Chief Executive Officer, ACS; Executive Vice President, ACIM; Director, ACC, ACIM and other ACC subsidiaries
Amy D. Shelton
(1964)
Chief Compliance
Officer and Vice President since 2014
Chief Compliance Officer, American Century funds, (March 2014 to present); Chief Compliance Officer, ACIM (February 2014 to present); Chief Compliance Officer, ACIS (October 2009 to present); Vice President, Client Interactions and Marketing, ACIS (February 2013 to January 2014); Director, Client Interactions and Marketing, ACIS (June 2007 to January 2013). Also serves as Vice President, ACIS
Charles A.
Etherington
(1957)
General Counsel
since 2007 and
Senior Vice
President since 2006
Attorney, ACC (February 1994 to present); Vice President, ACC (November 2005 to present); General Counsel, ACC (March 2007 to present). Also serves as General Counsel, ACIM, ACS, ACIS and other ACC subsidiaries; and Senior Vice President, ACIM and ACS
C. Jean Wade
(1964)
Vice President,
Treasurer and
Chief Financial
Officer since 2012
Vice President, ACS (February 2000 to present)
Robert J. Leach
(1966)
Vice President
since 2006 and
Assistant Treasurer
since 2012
Vice President, ACS (February 2000 to present)
David H.
Reinmiller
(1963)
Vice President
since 2000
Attorney, ACC (January 1994 to present); Associate General Counsel, ACC (January 2001 to present). Also serves as Vice President, ACIM and ACS
Ward D. Stauffer
(1960)
Secretary
since 2005
Attorney, ACC (June 2003 to present)


25


Approval of Management Agreement


At a meeting held on June 30, 2015, the Fund’s Board of Directors unanimously approved the renewal of the management agreement pursuant to which American Century Investment Management, Inc. (the “Advisor”) acts as the investment advisor for the Fund. Under Section 15(c) of the Investment Company Act, contracts for investment advisory services are required to be reviewed, evaluated, and approved by a majority of a fund’s directors (the “Directors”), including a majority of the independent Directors, each year.
    
Prior to its consideration of the renewal of the management agreement, the Directors requested and reviewed extensive data and information compiled by the Advisor and certain independent providers of evaluation data concerning the Fund and the services provided to the Fund by the Advisor. This review was in addition to the oversight and evaluation undertaken by the Board and its committees on a continuous basis and the information received was supplemental to the extensive information that the Board and its committees receive and consider throughout the year.

In connection with its consideration of the renewal of the management agreement, the Board’s review and evaluation of the services provided by the Advisor included, but was not limited to, the following:

the nature, extent, and quality of investment management, shareholder services, and other services provided by the Advisor to the Fund;
the wide range of other programs and services the Advisor provides to the Fund and its shareholders on a routine and non-routine basis;
the Fund’s investment performance compared to appropriate benchmarks and/or a peer group of other mutual funds with similar investment objectives and strategies;
the cost of owning the Fund compared to the cost of owning similar funds;
the Advisor’s compliance policies, procedures, and regulatory experience;
financial data showing the cost of services provided to the Fund, the profitability of the Fund to the Advisor, and the overall profitability of the Advisor;
possible economies of scale associated with the Advisor’s management of the Fund and other accounts under its management;
data comparing services provided and charges to other investment management clients of the Advisor;
acquired fund fees and expenses;
payments to intermediaries by the Fund and the Advisor; and
any collateral benefits derived by the Advisor from the management of the Fund.

In keeping with their practice, the Directors held two in-person meetings and one telephonic meeting to review and discuss the information provided. The independent Directors also had the benefit of the advice of their independent counsel throughout the process.

Factors Considered

The Directors considered all of the information provided by the Advisor, the independent data providers, and independent counsel, and evaluated such information for the Fund. In connection with their review, the Directors did not identify any single factor as being all-important or controlling, and each Director may have attributed different levels of importance to different factors. In deciding to renew the management agreement, the Board based its decision on a number of factors, including the following:


26


Nature, Extent and Quality of Services - Generally. Under the management agreement, the Advisor is responsible for providing or arranging for all services necessary for the operation of the
Fund. The Board noted that under the management agreement, the Advisor provides or arranges at its own expense a wide variety of services including:

constructing and designing the Fund
portfolio research and security selection
initial capitalization/funding
securities trading
Fund administration
custody of Fund assets
daily valuation of the Fund’s portfolio
shareholder servicing and transfer agency, including shareholder confirmations, recordkeeping, and communications
legal services (except the independent Directors’ counsel)
regulatory and portfolio compliance
financial reporting
marketing and distribution (except Rule 12b-1 plans)

The Board noted that many of these services have expanded over time both in terms of quantity and complexity in response to shareholder demands, competition in the industry, changing distribution channels, and the changing regulatory environment.

Investment Management Services. The nature of the investment management services provided to the Fund is quite complex and allows Fund shareholders access to professional money management, instant diversification of their investments within an asset class, the opportunity to easily diversify among asset classes by investing in or exchanging among various American Century Investments funds, and liquidity. In evaluating investment performance, the Board expects the Advisor to manage the Fund in accordance with its investment objectives and approved strategies. Further, the Directors recognize that the Advisor has an obligation to monitor trading activities, and in particular to seek the best execution of fund trades, and to evaluate the use of and payment for research. In providing these services, the Advisor utilizes teams of investment professionals (portfolio managers, analysts, research assistants, and securities traders) who require extensive information technology, research, training, compliance and other systems to conduct their business. The Board, directly and through its Fund Performance Review Committee, regularly reviews investment performance information for the Fund, together with comparative information for appropriate benchmarks and/or peer groups of similarly-managed funds, over different time horizons. The Directors also review detailed performance information during the management agreement approval process. If performance concerns are identified, the Fund receives special reviews until performance improves, during which the Board discusses with the Advisor the reasons for such results (e.g., market conditions, security selection) and any efforts being undertaken to improve performance. The Fund’s performance was below its benchmark for the one-, three-, and five-year periods reviewed by the Board. The Board discussed the Fund's performance with the Advisor and was satisfied with the efforts being undertaken by the Advisor. The Board found the investment management services provided by the Advisor to the Fund to be satisfactory and consistent with the management agreement.

Shareholder and Other Services. Under the management agreement, the Advisor provides the Fund with a comprehensive package of transfer agency, shareholder, and other services. The Board, directly and through various committees of the Board, regularly reviews reports and evaluations of such services at its regular meetings. These reports include, but are not limited to, information regarding the operational efficiency and accuracy of the shareholder and transfer agency services provided, staffing levels, shareholder satisfaction (as measured by external as well as internal sources), technology support, new products and services offered to Fund shareholders, securities trading activities, portfolio valuation services, auditing services, and legal and operational compliance activities. The Board particularly noted the Advisor’s continual efforts to maintain effective business continuity plans and to address cybersecurity threats. Certain aspects of

27


shareholder and transfer agency service level efficiency and the quality of securities trading activities are measured by independent third party providers and are presented in comparison to other fund groups not managed by the Advisor. The Board found the services provided by the Advisor to the Fund under the management agreement to be competitive and of high quality.

Costs of Services and Profitability. The Advisor provides detailed information concerning its cost of providing various services to the Fund, its profitability in managing the Fund (pre- and post-distribution), its overall profitability, and its financial condition. The Directors have reviewed with the Advisor the methodology used to prepare this financial information. This information is considered in evaluating the Advisor’s financial condition, its ability to continue to provide services under the management agreement, and the reasonableness of the current management fee. The Board concluded that the Advisor’s profits were reasonable in light of the services provided to the Fund.

Ethics. The Board generally considers the Advisor’s commitment to providing quality services to shareholders and to conducting its business ethically. They noted that the Advisor’s practices generally meet or exceed industry best practices.

Economies of Scale. The Board also reviewed information provided by the Advisor regarding the possible existence of economies of scale in connection with the management of the Fund. The Board concluded that economies of scale are difficult to measure and predict with precision, especially on a fund-by-fund basis. The Board concluded that the Advisor is appropriately sharing economies of scale through its competitive fee structure, offering competitive fees from fund inception, and through reinvestment in its business to provide shareholders additional content and services.

Comparison to Other Funds’ Fees. The management agreement provides that the Fund pays the Advisor a single, all-inclusive (or unified) management fee for providing all services necessary for the management and operation of the Fund, other than brokerage expenses, taxes, interest, extraordinary expenses, and the fees and expenses of the Fund’s independent Directors (including their independent legal counsel) and expenses incurred in connection with the provision of shareholder services and distribution services under a plan adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Under the unified fee structure, the Advisor is responsible for providing all investment advisory, custody, audit, administrative, compliance, recordkeeping, marketing and shareholder services, or arranging and supervising third parties to provide such services. By contrast, most other funds are charged a variety of fees, including an investment advisory fee, a transfer agency fee, an administrative fee, distribution charges, and other expenses. Other than their investment advisory fees and any applicable Rule 12b-1 distribution fees, all other components of the total fees charged by these other funds may be increased without shareholder approval. The Board believes the unified fee structure is a benefit to Fund shareholders because it clearly discloses to shareholders the cost of owning Fund shares, and, since the unified fee cannot be increased without a vote of Fund shareholders, it shifts to the Advisor the risk of increased costs of operating the Fund and provides a direct incentive to minimize administrative inefficiencies. Part of the Board’s analysis of fee levels involves reviewing certain evaluative data compiled by an independent provider comparing the Fund’s unified fee to the total expense ratios of its peers. The unified fee charged to shareholders of the Fund was below the median of the total expense ratios of the Fund’s peer expense universe and was within the range of its peer expense group. The Board concluded that the management fee paid by the Fund to the Advisor under the management agreement is reasonable in light of the services provided to the Fund.

Comparison to Fees and Services Provided to Other Clients of the Advisor. The Directors also requested and received information from the Advisor concerning the nature of the services, fees, costs and profitability of its advisory services to advisory clients other than the Fund. They observed that these varying types of client accounts require different services and involve different regulatory and entrepreneurial risks than the management of the Fund. The Board analyzed this information and concluded that the fees charged and services provided to the Fund were reasonable by comparison.


28


Payments to Intermediaries. The Directors also requested and received a description of payments made to intermediaries by the Fund and the Advisor. These payments include various payments made by the Fund or the Advisor to different types of intermediaries and recordkeepers for distribution and service activities provided for the Fund. The Board reviewed such information and found the payments to be reasonable in scope and purpose.

Collateral or “Fall-Out” Benefits Derived by the Advisor. The Board considered the existence of collateral benefits the Advisor may receive as a result of its relationship with the Fund. They concluded that the Advisor’s primary business is managing mutual funds and it generally does not use fund or shareholder information to generate profits in other lines of business, and therefore does not derive any significant collateral benefits from them. The Board noted that additional assets from other clients may offer the Advisor some benefit from increased leverage with service providers and counterparties. Additionally, the Advisor receives proprietary research from broker-dealers that execute fund portfolio transactions, which the Board concluded is likely to benefit other clients of the Advisor as well as Fund shareholders. The Board also determined that the Advisor is able to provide investment management services to certain clients other than the Fund, at least in part, due to its existing infrastructure built to serve the fund complex. The Board concluded that appropriate allocation methodologies had been employed to assign resources and the cost of those resources to these other clients and, where expressly provided, these other client assets may be included with the assets of the Fund to determine breakpoints in the management fee schedule.

Existing Relationship. The Board also considered whether there was any reason for not continuing the existing arrangement with the Advisor. In this regard, the Board was mindful of the potential disruptions of the Fund’s operations and various risks, uncertainties, and other effects that could occur as a result of a decision not to continue such relationship. In particular, the Board recognized that most shareholders have invested in the Fund on the strength of the Advisor’s industry standing and reputation and in the expectation that the Advisor will have a continuing role in providing advisory services to the Fund.

Conclusion of the Directors. As a result of this process, the Board, including all of the independent Directors, taking into account all of the factors discussed above and the information provided by the Advisor and others in connection with its review and throughout the year, determined that the management fee is fair and reasonable in light of the services provided and that the investment management agreement between the Fund and the Advisor should be renewed.


29


Additional Information

Retirement Account Information
As required by law, distributions you receive from certain IRAs are subject to federal income tax withholding, unless you elect not to have withholding apply. Tax will be withheld on the total amount withdrawn even though you may be receiving amounts that are not subject to withholding, such as nondeductible contributions. In such case, excess amounts of withholding could occur. You may adjust your withholding election so that a greater or lesser amount will be withheld.
If you don’t want us to withhold on this amount, you must notify us to not withhold the federal income tax. You may notify us in writing or in certain situations by telephone or through other electronic means. For systematic withdrawals, your withholding election will remain in effect until revoked or changed by filing a new election. You have the right to revoke your election at any time.
Remember, even if you elect not to have income tax withheld, you are liable for paying income tax on the taxable portion of your withdrawal. If you elect not to have income tax withheld or you don’t have enough income tax withheld, you may be responsible for payment of estimated tax. You may incur penalties under the estimated tax rules if your withholding and estimated tax payments are not sufficient. You can reduce or defer the income tax on a distribution by directly or indirectly rolling such distribution over to another IRA or eligible plan. You should consult your tax advisor for additional information.
State tax will be withheld if, at the time of your distribution, your address is within one of the mandatory withholding states and you have federal income tax withheld (or as otherwise required by state law). State taxes will be withheld from your distribution in accordance with the respective state rules.
Distributions you receive from 403(b), 457 and qualified plans are subject to special tax and withholding rules. Your plan administrator or plan sponsor is required to provide you with a special tax notice explaining those rules at the time you request a distribution. If applicable, federal and/or state taxes may be withheld from your distribution amount.


Proxy Voting Policies
A description of the policies that the fund's investment advisor uses in exercising the voting rights associated with the securities purchased and/or held by the fund is available without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-345-2021. It is also available on the "About Us" page of American Century Investments’ website at americancentury.com and on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at sec.gov. Information regarding how the investment advisor voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available on the "About Us" page at americancentury.com. It is also available at sec.gov.


Quarterly Portfolio Disclosure
The fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The fund’s Forms N-Q are available on the SEC’s website at sec.gov, and may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330. The fund also makes its complete schedule of portfolio holdings for the most recent quarter of its fiscal year available on its
website at americancentury.com and, upon request, by calling 1-800-345-2021.


30


Other Tax Information

The following information is provided pursuant to provisions of the Internal Revenue Code.

The fund hereby designates $27,545,154, or up to the maximum amount allowable, as long-term capital gain distributions for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2015.




31


Notes


32






 
 
 
 
Contact Us
americancentury.com
 
Automated Information Line
1-800-345-8765
 
Investor Services Representative
1-800-345-2021
or 816-531-5575
 
Investors Using Advisors
1-800-378-9878
 
Business, Not-For-Profit, Employer-Sponsored Retirement Plans
1-800-345-3533
 
Banks and Trust Companies, Broker-Dealers, Financial Professionals, Insurance Companies
1-800-345-6488
 
Telecommunications Relay Service for the Deaf
711
 
 
 
 
American Century Mutual Funds, Inc.
 
 
 
 
Investment Advisor:
American Century Investment Management, Inc.
Kansas City, Missouri
 
 
 
 
This report and the statements it contains are submitted for the general information of our shareholders. The report is not authorized for distribution to prospective investors unless preceded or accompanied by an effective prospectus.
 
 
 
 
©2015 American Century Proprietary Holdings, Inc. All rights reserved.
CL-ANN-87656   1512
 



        ANNUAL REPORT
OCTOBER 31, 2015

 
 


Select Fund







Table of Contents
 
President’s Letter
2

Performance
3

Portfolio Commentary

Fund Characteristics

Shareholder Fee Example

Schedule of Investments

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

Statement of Operations

Statement of Changes in Net Assets

Notes to Financial Statements

Financial Highlights

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Management

Approval of Management Agreement

Additional Information




















Any opinions expressed in this report reflect those of the author as of the date of the report, and do not necessarily represent the opinions of American Century Investments® or any other person in the American Century Investments organization. Any such opinions are subject to change at any time based upon market or other conditions and American Century Investments disclaims any responsibility to update such opinions. These opinions may not be relied upon as investment advice and, because investment decisions made by American Century Investments funds are based on numerous factors, may not be relied upon as an indication of trading intent on behalf of any American Century Investments fund. Security examples are used for representational purposes only and are not intended as recommendations to purchase or sell securities. Performance information for comparative indices and securities is provided to American Century Investments by third party vendors. To the best of American Century Investments’ knowledge, such information is accurate at the time of printing.



President’s Letter

Dear Investor:

Thank you for reviewing this annual report for the 12 months ended October 31, 2015. It provides investment performance and portfolio information for the reporting period, plus longer-term historical performance data.

Annual reports remain useful vehicles for conveying information about fund performance, including market and economic factors that affected returns during the reporting period. For additional, updated investment and market insights, we encourage you to visit our website, americancentury.com.
Jonathan Thomas

Divergence in Economic Growth and Monetary Policies, Combined With China Turmoil, Triggered Market Volatility

Divergence between the U.S. and the rest of the world—along with China’s struggles, plunging commodity prices, capital market volatility, and risk-off trading—emerged as key themes during the reporting period. Global divergence described not only the relatively stronger economic growth enjoyed by the U.S. compared with most of the world, but also the related contrast between the U.S. Federal Reserve’s (the Fed’s) unwinding of monetary stimulus versus the continuation and expansion of stimulus by other major central banks. Central bank moves—including the Fed’s delayed normalization of its extremely low interest rate positioning—helped trigger large market swings.

In October 2014, the Fed ended its latest massive bond-buying program (quantitative easing, QE), leading to expectations that interest rates would rise. But while QE was halted in the U.S., other major central banks were starting or increasing QE as their economies faltered. This divergence helped fuel increased demand for the U.S. dollar and U.S. dollar-denominated assets, and put downward pressure on commodity prices, most notably crude oil, down over 40% for the reporting period. Low inflation also prevailed after oil prices plunged amid a supply glut and muted demand for commodities in general. In this environment, the U.S. dollar, U.S. growth stocks, and longer-maturity U.S. Treasuries generally benefited from “flight to quality” capital flows, while emerging market and commodity-related investments suffered significant declines.

We expect continued economic and monetary policy divergence between the U.S. and non-U.S. economies in the coming months, accompanied by further market volatility. This could present both challenges and opportunities for active investment managers. In this environment, we continue to believe in a disciplined, diversified, long-term investment approach, using professionally managed stock and bond portfolios to meet financial goals. We appreciate your continued trust in us.

Sincerely,
Jonathan Thomas
President and Chief Executive Officer
American Century Investments


2


Performance
 
Total Returns as of October 31, 2015
 
 
 
Average Annual Returns
 
 
Ticker
Symbol
1 year
5 years
10 years
Since
Inception
Inception
Date
Investor Class
TWCIX
10.93%
14.34%
7.78%
12.33%
6/30/71(1)
Russell 1000 Growth Index
9.18%
15.29%
9.08%
N/A(2)
Institutional Class
TWSIX
11.16%
14.58%
8.00%
6.85%
3/13/97
A Class(3)
TWCAX
 
 
 
 
8/8/97
No sales charge*
 
10.67%
14.06%
7.51%
5.37%
 
With sales charge*
 
4.30%
12.72%
6.88%
5.03%
 
C Class
ACSLX
9.83%
13.21%
6.71%
7.43%
1/31/03
R Class
ASERX
10.38%
13.77%
7.24%
6.68%
7/29/05
R6 Class
ASDEX
11.31%
16.09%
7/26/13
*
Sales charges include initial sales charges and contingent deferred sales charges (CDSCs), as applicable. A Class shares have a 5.75% maximum initial sales charge and may be subject to a maximum CDSC of 1.00%. C Class shares redeemed within 12 months of purchase are subject to a maximum CDSC of 1.00%. The SEC requires that mutual funds provide performance information net of maximum sales charges in all cases where charges could be applied.

(1)
Although the fund’s actual inception date was October 31, 1958, this inception date corresponds with the investment advisor’s implementation of its current investment philosophy and practices.
(2)
Benchmark data first available December 1978.
(3)
Prior to September 4, 2007, the A Class was referred to as the Advisor Class and did not have a front-end sales charge. Performance prior to that date has been adjusted to reflect this charge.




















Data presented reflect past performance. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, and redemption value may be more or less than original cost. Data assumes reinvestment of dividends and capital gains, and none of the charts reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares. To obtain performance data current to the most recent month end, please call 1-800-345-2021 or visit americancentury.com. For additional information about the fund, please consult the prospectus.

3


Growth of $10,000 Over 10 Years
$10,000 investment made October 31, 2005
Performance for other share classes will vary due to differences in fee structure.
 
Value on October 31, 2015
 
Investor Class — $21,166
 
 
Russell 1000 Growth Index — $23,870
 

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses
Investor Class
Institutional Class
A Class
C Class
R Class
R6 Class
1.00%
0.80%
1.25%
2.00%
1.50%
0.65%
The total annual fund operating expenses shown is as stated in the fund’s prospectus current as of the date of this report. The prospectus may vary from the expense ratio shown elsewhere in this report because it is based on a different time period, includes acquired fund fees and expenses, and, if applicable, does not include fee waivers or expense reimbursements.



















Data presented reflect past performance. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, and redemption value may be more or less than original cost. Data assumes reinvestment of dividends and capital gains, and none of the charts reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares. To obtain performance data current to the most recent month end, please call 1-800-345-2021 or visit americancentury.com. For additional information about the fund, please consult the prospectus.

4


Portfolio Commentary
 

Portfolio Managers: Keith Lee, Michael Li, and Chris Krantz

Performance Summary

Select returned 10.93%* for the 12 months ended October 31, 2015, outpacing the 9.18% return of the portfolio’s benchmark, the Russell 1000 Growth Index.

U.S. stock indices posted strong returns during the reporting period amid volatility and considerable variation within sector returns. Within the Russell 1000 Growth Index, consumer discretionary was the top-performing sector, gaining about 20%. Consumer staples and information technology also registered double-digit gains. Energy stocks continued to struggle with plunging commodity prices and fell nearly 31%. Utilities also declined sharply.

Select received positive contributions to absolute return from most sectors in which it was invested, led by consumer discretionary and information technology. Energy, materials, and financials were negative contributors. Stock decisions in the consumer discretionary, industrials, and health care sectors contributed most to performance relative to the Russell index. Stock selection in financials and materials detracted from results versus the benchmark.

Consumer Discretionary and Industrials Led Contributors

Stock selection in the consumer discretionary sector was the largest source of outperformance relative to the Russell 1000 Growth Index. Starbucks was a major contributor in the sector as the coffee retailer is benefiting from its Starbucks Rewards program. The rollout of its mobile ordering application has exceeded expectations as well. Overweighting Amazon.com benefited performance. The internet retailer reported strong revenue growth, aided by its Prime membership program. Margins are improving through efficiency gains, and profitability from its cloud hosting services has been higher than expected.

In the industrials sector, stock selection aided performance. Underweighting road and rail companies also helped as the industry suffered from concerns about declining rail volumes due to weakness in the energy sector. Not owning index component Union Pacific was a top contributor to relative performance.

Other key contributors included video game maker Electronic Arts, which continued to execute, reporting strong results consistent with our investment thesis of improving operating margins driven by cost controls, a higher percentage of video games being delivered digitally, and a gaming console refresh cycle. The latest “Star Wars” movie should provide support for sales of the company’s new “Star Wars” game. Alphabet (formerly Google) was another top contributor in the information technology sector. The company’s top line is accelerating, expenses are being controlled, and the new CFO is showing greater transparency and may drive better capital allocation. Constellation Brands, a producer and marketer of beer, wine, and spirits was a top contributor as the company continues to see very strong sales volume and pricing in its Corona and Modelo brands.



*
All fund returns referenced in this commentary are for Investor Class shares. Performance for other share classes will vary due to differences in fee structure; when Investor Class performance exceeds that of the fund’s benchmark, other share classes may not. See page 3 for returns for all share classes.


5


Financials and Materials Detracted
In financials, stock choices hampered results, especially among capital markets firms. Asset manager Franklin Resources detracted on emerging markets weakness, which has reduced assets under management and fund flows. An underweight in real estate investment trusts detracted as the industry performed better than expected due to the Federal Reserve’s caution in raising interest rates.
Stock selection in materials also weighed on performance, especially in the chemicals industry. Agrochemical firm Monsanto underperformed in conjunction with falling grain prices and a stalled takeover attempt of a competitor.

Although stock selection in health care was positive, there were some major detractors in the sector. Health care stocks fell sharply late in the fiscal year as prescription drug prices became a political issue. In addition to the broad sector decline, Biogen gave disappointing guidance on its multiple sclerosis drug. We believe there is upside in its pipeline, however. In consumer staples, baby formula maker Mead Johnson Nutrition was a significant detractor, dragged down by a difficult environment in Hong Kong. We think this is a transitory issue and continue to have a positive view of the underlying growth rate for the company.
        
Outlook

We remain confident in our belief that stocks that exhibit high-quality, accelerating fundamentals, positive relative strength, and attractive valuations will outperform in the long term. Our portfolio positioning reflects where we are seeing opportunities as a result of the application of that philosophy and process.

As of October 31, 2015, this process pointed the portfolio toward overweight positions relative to the Russell 1000 Growth Index in the consumer discretionary, industrials, and health care sectors. The telecommunication services and materials sectors represented the largest underweights.

The consumer discretionary overweight reflects improving consumer spending trends as a result of falling energy prices, slow and steady economic improvement, a continued housing recovery, and the potential for better wage trends, especially at lower income levels. In the telecommunications sector, competition among wireless carriers is intensifying, likely leading to higher capital spending, lower free cash flow, lower valuations, and lower margins.




6


Fund Characteristics
OCTOBER 31, 2015
 
Top Ten Holdings
% of net assets
Apple, Inc.
9.1%
Alphabet, Inc.*
5.8%
UnitedHealth Group, Inc.
3.4%
Walt Disney Co. (The)
3.4%
Amazon.com, Inc.
3.4%
Starbucks Corp.
3.3%
MasterCard, Inc., Class A
3.1%
Gilead Sciences, Inc.
3.1%
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.
3.1%
Costco Wholesale Corp.
2.9%
*Includes all classes of the issuer.
 
 
 
Top Five Industries
% of net assets
Internet Software and Services
10.1%
Technology Hardware, Storage and Peripherals
9.4%
Specialty Retail
7.9%
Biotechnology
6.7%
Pharmaceuticals
5.8%
 
 
Types of Investments in Portfolio
% of net assets
Domestic Common Stocks
93.4%
Foreign Common Stocks**
5.9%
Total Common Stocks
99.3%
Temporary Cash Investments
0.9%
Other Assets and Liabilities
(0.2)%
**Includes depositary shares, dual listed securities and foreign ordinary shares.
 




7


Shareholder Fee Example 

Fund shareholders may incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments and redemption/exchange fees; and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution and service (12b-1) fees; and other fund expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in your fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing cost of investing in other mutual funds.

The example is based on an investment of $1,000 made at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period from May 1, 2015 to October 31, 2015.

Actual Expenses

The table provides information about actual account values and actual expenses for each class. You may use the information, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. First, identify the share class you own. Then simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number under the heading “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

If you hold Investor Class shares of any American Century Investments fund, or Institutional Class shares of the American Century Diversified Bond Fund, in an American Century Investments account (i.e., not a financial intermediary or retirement plan account), American Century Investments may charge you a $12.50 semiannual account maintenance fee if the value of those shares is less than $10,000. We will redeem shares automatically in one of your accounts to pay the $12.50 fee. In determining your total eligible investment amount, we will include your investments in all personal accounts (including American Century Investments Brokerage accounts) registered under your Social Security number. Personal accounts include individual accounts, joint accounts, UGMA/UTMA accounts, personal trusts, Coverdell Education Savings Accounts and IRAs (including traditional, Roth, Rollover, SEP-, SARSEP- and SIMPLE-IRAs), and certain other retirement accounts. If you have only business, business retirement, employer-sponsored or American Century Investments Brokerage accounts, you are currently not subject to this fee. If you are subject to the Account Maintenance Fee, your account value could be reduced by the fee amount.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The table also provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the actual expense ratio of each class of your fund and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the actual return of a fund’s share class. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in your fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads) or redemption/exchange fees. Therefore, the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.



8




Beginning
Account Value
5/1/15
Ending
Account Value
10/31/15
Expenses Paid
During Period
(1)5/1/15 - 10/31/15
 Annualized
Expense Ratio
(1)
Actual
 
 
 
 
Investor Class
$1,000
$1,041.40
$5.09
0.99%
Institutional Class
$1,000
$1,042.50
$4.07
0.79%
A Class
$1,000
$1,040.10
$6.38
1.24%
C Class
$1,000
$1,036.20
$10.21
1.99%
R Class
$1,000
$1,038.80
$7.66
1.49%
R6 Class
$1,000
$1,043.20
$3.30
0.64%
Hypothetical
 
 
 
 
Investor Class
$1,000
$1,020.22
$5.04
0.99%
Institutional Class
$1,000
$1,021.22
$4.02
0.79%
A Class
$1,000
$1,018.96
$6.31
1.24%
C Class
$1,000
$1,015.17
$10.11
1.99%
R Class
$1,000
$1,017.69
$7.58
1.49%
R6 Class
$1,000
$1,021.98
$3.26
0.64%
(1)
Expenses are equal to the class's annualized expense ratio listed in the table above, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184, the number of days in the most recent fiscal half-year, divided by 365, to reflect the one-half year period.


9


Schedule of Investments

OCTOBER 31, 2015
 
Shares
Value
COMMON STOCKS — 99.3%
 
 
Aerospace and Defense — 2.4%
 
 
Boeing Co. (The)
340,500
$
50,417,835

United Technologies Corp.
117,000
11,513,970

 
 
61,931,805

Auto Components — 2.1%
 
 
Delphi Automotive plc
390,700
32,502,333

Gentex Corp.
1,232,900
20,207,231

 
 
52,709,564

Banks — 0.9%
 
 
JPMorgan Chase & Co.
360,800
23,181,400

Beverages — 3.7%
 
 
Constellation Brands, Inc., Class A
507,100
68,357,080

Diageo plc
873,300
25,289,845

 
 
93,646,925

Biotechnology — 6.7%
 
 
Biogen, Inc.(1) 
195,100
56,678,501

Celgene Corp.(1) 
218,500
26,812,135

Gilead Sciences, Inc.
733,400
79,302,542

Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(1) 
55,500
6,923,070

 
 
169,716,248

Capital Markets — 0.9%
 
 
Franklin Resources, Inc.
546,200
22,263,112

Chemicals — 2.2%
 
 
Ashland, Inc.
226,800
24,884,496

Monsanto Co.
326,700
30,454,974

 
 
55,339,470

Communications Equipment — 0.6%
 
 
QUALCOMM, Inc.
276,500
16,429,630

Diversified Financial Services — 1.6%
 
 
CBOE Holdings, Inc.
611,600
41,001,664

Energy Equipment and Services — 0.7%
 
 
Core Laboratories NV
65,900
7,666,147

Schlumberger Ltd.
141,200
11,036,192

 
 
18,702,339

Food and Staples Retailing — 2.9%
 
 
Costco Wholesale Corp.
466,400
73,747,168

Food Products — 1.4%
 
 
Mead Johnson Nutrition Co.
430,000
35,260,000

Health Care Providers and Services — 4.8%
 
 
Cigna Corp.
141,400
18,953,256

Express Scripts Holding Co.(1) 
191,200
16,515,856


10


 
Shares
Value
UnitedHealth Group, Inc.
732,500
$
86,273,850

 
 
121,742,962

Hotels, Restaurants and Leisure — 4.3%
 
 
Papa John's International, Inc.
351,400
24,657,738

Starbucks Corp.
1,347,200
84,294,304

 
 
108,952,042

Industrial Conglomerates — 2.1%
 
 
Roper Technologies, Inc.
284,100
52,942,035

Insurance — 1.2%
 
 
MetLife, Inc.
578,500
29,144,830

Internet and Catalog Retail — 3.4%
 
 
Amazon.com, Inc.(1) 
136,100
85,184,990

Internet Software and Services — 10.1%
 
 
Alphabet, Inc., Class A(1) 
98,600
72,706,654

Alphabet, Inc., Class C(1) 
105,100
74,706,131

Baidu, Inc. ADR(1) 
102,400
19,196,928

Facebook, Inc., Class A(1) 
644,700
65,740,059

LinkedIn Corp., Class A(1) 
98,100
23,629,347

 
 
255,979,119

IT Services — 3.3%
 
 
MasterCard, Inc., Class A
802,700
79,459,273

Teradata Corp.(1) 
169,900
4,775,889

 
 
84,235,162

Leisure Products — 0.5%
 
 
Polaris Industries, Inc.
112,200
12,604,548

Machinery — 4.9%
 
 
FANUC Corp.
105,800
18,898,807

Graco, Inc.
364,100
26,724,940

KUKA AG
274,400
23,201,099

Middleby Corp. (The)(1) 
314,000
36,719,160

Nordson Corp.
243,900
17,375,436

 
 
122,919,442

Media — 5.0%
 
 
Time Warner, Inc.
534,300
40,254,162

Walt Disney Co. (The)
757,500
86,158,050

 
 
126,412,212

Oil, Gas and Consumable Fuels — 0.5%
 
 
EOG Resources, Inc.
140,500
12,061,925

Personal Products — 0.9%
 
 
Estee Lauder Cos., Inc. (The), Class A
284,100
22,858,686

Pharmaceuticals — 5.8%
 
 
Allergan plc(1) 
91,400
28,194,158

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.
1,176,800
77,609,960

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. ADR
695,400
41,160,726

 
 
146,964,844


11


 
Shares
Value
Professional Services — 2.0%
 
 
IHS, Inc., Class A(1) 
80,400
$
9,611,016

Verisk Analytics, Inc., Class A(1) 
565,700
40,509,777

 
 
50,120,793

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) — 1.5%
 
 
American Tower Corp.
362,300
37,037,929

Road and Rail — 0.5%
 
 
Canadian Pacific Railway Ltd.
90,900
12,773,689

Semiconductors and Semiconductor Equipment — 1.0%
 
 
Linear Technology Corp.
587,900
26,114,518

Software — 3.2%
 
 
Electronic Arts, Inc.(1) 
662,500
47,746,375

Mobileye NV(1) 
225,800
10,278,416

Oracle Corp.
620,800
24,111,872

 
 
82,136,663

Specialty Retail — 7.9%
 
 
AutoZone, Inc.(1) 
76,200
59,772,042

Home Depot, Inc. (The)
500,800
61,918,912

L Brands, Inc.
203,900
19,570,322

TJX Cos., Inc. (The)
805,000
58,917,950

 
 
200,179,226

Technology Hardware, Storage and Peripherals — 9.4%
 
 
Apple, Inc.
1,926,200
230,180,900

EMC Corp.
315,900
8,282,898

 
 
238,463,798

Tobacco — 0.9%
 
 
Philip Morris International, Inc.
264,800
23,408,320

TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(Cost $1,365,030,889)
 
2,516,167,058

TEMPORARY CASH INVESTMENTS — 0.9%
 
 
Repurchase Agreement, Credit Suisse First Boston, Inc., (collateralized by various U.S. Treasury obligations, 1.50%, 5/31/19, valued at $8,616,515), in a joint trading account at 0.01%, dated 10/30/15, due 11/2/15 (Delivery value $8,448,883)
 
8,448,876

Repurchase Agreement, Fixed Income Clearing Corp., (collateralized by various U.S. Treasury obligations, 6.25%, 8/15/23, valued at $14,368,963), at 0.00%, dated 10/30/15, due 11/2/15 (Delivery value $14,085,000)
 
14,085,000

State Street Institutional Liquid Reserves Fund, Premier Class
899
899

TOTAL TEMPORARY CASH INVESTMENTS
(Cost $22,534,775)
 
22,534,775

TOTAL INVESTMENT SECURITIES — 100.2%
(Cost $1,387,565,664)
 
2,538,701,833

OTHER ASSETS AND LIABILITIES — (0.2)%
 
(4,502,518)

TOTAL NET ASSETS — 100.0%
 
$
2,534,199,315





12


FORWARD FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE CONTRACTS
Currency Purchased
Currency Sold
Counterparty
Settlement Date
Unrealized Appreciation
(Depreciation)
USD
699,556
CAD
928,358
JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.
11/30/15
$
(10,288
)
USD
9,677,215
CAD
12,819,600
JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.
11/30/15
(124,944
)
USD
19,109,448
EUR
17,299,411
UBS AG
11/30/15
79,775

USD
598,770
EUR
545,782
UBS AG
11/30/15
(1,599
)
USD
21,172,596
GBP
13,795,738
Credit Suisse AG
11/30/15
(91,420
)
JPY
47,662,900
USD
396,109
Credit Suisse AG
11/30/15
(1,034
)
USD
15,283,775
JPY
1,839,967,800
Credit Suisse AG
11/30/15
32,402

USD
694,512
JPY
84,084,550
Credit Suisse AG
11/30/15
(2,460
)
USD
384,121
JPY
46,313,950
Credit Suisse AG
11/30/15
227

 
 
 
 
 
 
$
(119,341
)

NOTES TO SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
ADR
-
American Depositary Receipt
CAD
-
Canadian Dollar
EUR
-
Euro
GBP
-
British Pound
JPY
-
Japanese Yen
USD
-
United States Dollar
(1)
Non-income producing.

See Notes to Financial Statements.


13


Statement of Assets and Liabilities
OCTOBER 31, 2015
 
Assets
 
Investment securities, at value (cost of $1,387,565,664)
$
2,538,701,833

Foreign currency holdings, at value (cost of $870,890)
876,699

Receivable for investments sold
664,290

Receivable for capital shares sold
666,196

Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts
112,404

Dividends and interest receivable
1,098,145

 
2,542,119,567

 
 
Liabilities
 
Payable for investments purchased
5,076,367

Payable for capital shares redeemed
560,590

Unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts
231,745

Accrued management fees
2,036,850

Distribution and service fees payable
14,700

 
7,920,252

 
 
Net Assets
$
2,534,199,315

 
 
Net Assets Consist of:
 
Capital (par value and paid-in surplus)
$
1,231,469,577

Undistributed net investment income
10,298,399

Undistributed net realized gain
141,410,950

Net unrealized appreciation
1,151,020,389

 
$
2,534,199,315


 
Net Assets
Shares Outstanding
Net Asset Value Per Share
Investor Class, $0.01 Par Value

$2,440,318,528

39,636,551

$61.57
Institutional Class, $0.01 Par Value

$33,075,414

529,313

$62.49
A Class, $0.01 Par Value

$41,737,081

690,931

$60.41*
C Class, $0.01 Par Value

$5,931,793

105,754

$56.09
R Class, $0.01 Par Value

$3,295,189

54,726

$60.21
R6 Class, $0.01 Par Value

$9,841,310

157,433

$62.51
*Maximum offering price $64.10 (net asset value divided by 0.9425).


See Notes to Financial Statements.


14


Statement of Operations
YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2015
 
Investment Income (Loss)
 
Income:
 
Dividends (net of foreign taxes withheld of $246,643)
$
32,969,807

Interest
2,671

 
32,972,478

 
 
Expenses:
 
Management fees
24,278,320

Distribution and service fees:
 
A Class
97,717

C Class
57,096

R Class
15,735

Directors' fees and expenses
81,314

Other expenses
2,351

 
24,532,533

 
 
Net investment income (loss)
8,439,945

 
 
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)
 
Net realized gain (loss) on:
 
Investment transactions
145,056,537

Foreign currency transactions
2,800,106

 
147,856,643

 
 
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:
 
Investments
97,470,858

Translation of assets and liabilities in foreign currencies
(1,039,676
)
 
96,431,182

 
 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
244,287,825

 
 
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations
$
252,727,770



See Notes to Financial Statements.


15


Statement of Changes in Net Assets
YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2015 AND OCTOBER 31, 2014
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
October 31, 2015
October 31, 2014
Operations
 
 
Net investment income (loss)
$
8,439,945

$
7,707,013

Net realized gain (loss)
147,856,643

209,270,269

Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
96,431,182

132,769,313

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations
252,727,770

349,746,595

 
 
 
Distributions to Shareholders
 
 
From net investment income:
 
 
Investor Class
(8,938,027
)
(9,365,514
)
Institutional Class
(156,488
)
(245,709
)
A Class
(56,611
)
(82,331
)
R6 Class
(55,615
)
(214
)
From net realized gains:
 
 
Investor Class
(201,146,776
)
(8,633,102
)
Institutional Class
(2,344,544
)
(155,106
)
A Class
(3,423,892
)
(178,850
)
C Class
(533,273
)
(34,463
)
R Class
(268,899
)
(14,057
)
R6 Class
(666,192
)
(109
)
Decrease in net assets from distributions
(217,590,317
)
(18,709,455
)
 
 
 
Capital Share Transactions
 
 
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from capital share transactions (Note 5)
119,601,168

(165,037,117
)
 
 
 
Net increase (decrease) in net assets
154,738,621

166,000,023

 
 
 
Net Assets
 
 
Beginning of period
2,379,460,694

2,213,460,671

End of period
$
2,534,199,315

$
2,379,460,694

 
 
 
Undistributed net investment income
$
10,298,399

$
8,260,833



See Notes to Financial Statements.


16


Notes to Financial Statements

OCTOBER 31, 2015

1. Organization

American Century Mutual Funds, Inc. (the corporation) is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act), as an open-end management investment company and is organized as a Maryland corporation. Select Fund (the fund) is one fund in a series issued by the corporation. The fund is diversified as defined under the 1940 Act. The fund’s investment objective is to seek long-term capital growth.

The fund offers the Investor Class, the Institutional Class, the A Class, the C Class, the R Class and the R6 Class. The A Class may incur an initial sales charge. The A Class and C Class may be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge. The share classes differ principally in their respective sales charges and distribution and shareholder servicing expenses and arrangements. The Institutional Class and R6 Class shareholders do not require the same level of shareholder and administrative services from American Century Investment Management, Inc. (ACIM) (the investment advisor) as shareholders of other classes. In addition, financial intermediaries do not receive any service, distribution or administrative fees for the R6 Class. As a result, the Institutional Class and R6 Class are charged lower unified management fees.

2. Significant Accounting Policies

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the fund in preparation of its financial statements. The fund is an investment company and follows accounting and reporting guidance in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. This may require management to make certain estimates and assumptions at the date of the financial statements. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Management evaluated the impact of events or transactions occurring through the date the financial statements were issued that would merit recognition or disclosure.

Investment Valuations — The fund determines the fair value of its investments and computes its net asset value per share at the close of regular trading (usually 4 p.m. Eastern time) on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on each day the NYSE is open. The Board of Directors has adopted valuation policies and procedures to guide the investment advisor in the fund’s investment valuation process and to provide methodologies for the oversight of the fund’s pricing function.

Equity securities that are listed or traded on a domestic securities exchange are valued at the last reported sales price or at the official closing price as provided by the exchange. Equity securities traded on foreign securities exchanges are generally valued at the closing price of such securities on the exchange where primarily traded or at the close of the NYSE, if that is earlier. If no last sales price is reported, or if local convention or regulation so provides, the mean of the latest bid and asked prices may be used. Securities traded over-the-counter are valued at the mean of the latest bid and asked prices, the last sales price, or the official closing price. Equity securities initially expressed in local currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at the mean of the appropriate currency exchange rate at the close of the NYSE as provided by an independent pricing service.
 
Open-end management investment companies are valued at the reported net asset value per share. Repurchase agreements are valued at cost, which approximates fair value. Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are valued at the mean of the appropriate forward exchange rate at the close of the NYSE as provided by an independent pricing service.

If the fund determines that the market price for an investment is not readily available or the valuation methods mentioned above do not reflect an investment’s fair value, such investment is valued as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors or its delegate, in accordance with policies and procedures adopted by the Board of Directors. In its determination of fair value, the fund may review several factors including, but not limited to, market information regarding the specific investment or comparable investments and correlation with other investment types, futures indices or general market indicators. Circumstances that may cause the fund to use these procedures to value an investment include, but are not limited to: an investment has been declared in default or is distressed; trading in a security has been suspended during the trading day or a security is not actively trading on its principal exchange; prices received from a regular pricing source are deemed unreliable; or there is a foreign market holiday and no trading occurred.


17


The fund monitors for significant events occurring after the close of an investment’s primary exchange but before the fund’s net asset value per share is determined. Significant events may include, but are not limited to: corporate announcements and transactions; governmental action and political unrest that could impact a specific investment or an investment sector; or armed conflicts, natural disasters and similar events that could affect investments in a specific country or region. The fund also monitors for significant fluctuations between domestic and foreign markets, as evidenced by the U.S. market or such other indicators that the Board of Directors, or its delegate, deems appropriate. If significant fluctuations in foreign markets are identified, the fund may apply a model-derived factor to the closing price of equity securities traded on foreign securities exchanges. The factor is based on observable market data as provided by an independent pricing service.
 
Security Transactions — Security transactions are accounted for as of the trade date. Net realized gains and losses are determined on the identified cost basis, which is also used for federal income tax purposes.

Investment Income — Dividend income less foreign taxes withheld, if any, is recorded as of the ex-dividend date. Distributions received on securities that represent a return of capital or long-term capital gain are recorded as a reduction of cost of investments and/or as a realized gain. The fund may estimate the components of distributions received that may be considered nontaxable distributions or long-term capital gain distributions for income tax purposes. Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis and includes accretion of discounts and amortization of premiums.

Foreign Currency Translations — All assets and liabilities initially expressed in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at prevailing exchange rates at period end. The fund may enter into spot foreign currency exchange contracts to facilitate transactions denominated in a foreign currency. Purchases and sales of investment securities, dividend and interest income, spot foreign currency exchange contracts, and expenses are translated at the rates of exchange prevailing on the respective dates of such transactions. Net realized and unrealized foreign currency exchange gains or losses related to investment securities are a component of net realized gain (loss) on investment transactions and change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments, respectively.

Repurchase Agreements — The fund may enter into repurchase agreements with institutions that ACIM has determined are creditworthy pursuant to criteria adopted by the Board of Directors. The fund requires that the collateral, represented by securities, received in a repurchase transaction be transferred to the custodian in a manner sufficient to enable the fund to obtain those securities in the event of a default under the repurchase agreement. ACIM monitors, on a daily basis, the securities transferred to ensure the value, including accrued interest, of the securities under each repurchase agreement is equal to or greater than amounts owed to the fund under each repurchase agreement.

Joint Trading Account — Pursuant to an Exemptive Order issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the fund, along with certain other funds in the American Century Investments family of funds, may transfer uninvested cash balances into a joint trading account. These balances are invested in one or more repurchase agreements that are collateralized by U.S. Treasury or Agency obligations.

Income Tax Status — It is the fund’s policy to distribute substantially all net investment income and net realized gains to shareholders and to otherwise qualify as a regulated investment company under provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. Accordingly, no provision has been made for income taxes. The fund files U.S. federal, state, local and non-U.S. tax returns as applicable. The fund's tax returns are subject to examination by the relevant taxing authority until expiration of the applicable statute of limitations, which is generally three years from the date of filing but can be longer in certain jurisdictions. At this time, management believes there are no uncertain tax positions which, based on their technical merit, would not be sustained upon examination and for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly change in the next twelve months.

Multiple Class — All shares of the fund represent an equal pro rata interest in the net assets of the class to which such shares belong, and have identical voting, dividend, liquidation and other rights and the same terms and conditions, except for class specific expenses and exclusive rights to vote on matters affecting only individual classes. Income, non-class specific expenses, and realized and unrealized capital gains and losses of the fund are allocated to each class of shares based on their relative net assets.

Distributions to Shareholders — Distributions from net investment income and net realized gains, if any, are generally declared and paid annually.
 

18


Indemnifications — Under the corporation’s organizational documents, its officers and directors are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the fund. In addition, in the normal course of business, the fund enters into contracts that provide general indemnifications. The maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be made against a fund. The risk of material loss from such claims is considered by management to be remote.

3. Fees and Transactions with Related Parties

Certain officers and directors of the corporation are also officers and/or directors of American Century Companies, Inc. (ACC). The corporation’s investment advisor, ACIM, the corporation's distributor, American Century Investment Services, Inc. (ACIS), and the corporation’s transfer agent, American Century Services, LLC, are wholly owned, directly or indirectly, by ACC.
 
Management Fees — The corporation has entered into a management agreement with ACIM, under which ACIM provides the fund with investment advisory and management services in exchange for a single, unified management fee (the fee) per class. The agreement provides that all expenses of managing and operating the fund, except distribution and service fees, brokerage expenses, taxes, interest, fees and expenses of the independent directors (including legal counsel fees), and extraordinary expenses, will be paid by ACIM. The fee is computed and accrued daily based on each class’s daily net assets and paid monthly in arrears. The rate of the fee is determined by applying a fee rate calculation formula. This formula takes into account the fund’s assets as well as certain assets, if any, of other clients of the investment advisor outside the American Century Investments family of funds (such as subadvised funds and separate accounts) that have very similar investment teams and investment strategies (strategy assets). The annual management fee schedule ranges from 0.800% to 0.990% for the Investor Class, A Class, C Class and R Class. The annual management fee schedule ranges from 0.600% to 0.790% for the Institutional Class and 0.450% to 0.640% for the R6 Class. The effective annual management fee for each class for the year ended October 31, 2015 was 0.99% for the Investor Class, A Class, C Class and R Class, 0.79% for the Institutional Class and 0.64% for the R6 Class.

Distribution and Service Fees — The Board of Directors has adopted a separate Master Distribution and Individual Shareholder Services Plan for each of the A Class, C Class and R Class (collectively the plans), pursuant to Rule 12b-1 of the 1940 Act. The plans provide that the A Class will pay ACIS an annual distribution and service fee of 0.25%. The plans provide that the C Class will pay ACIS an annual distribution and service fee of 1.00%, of which 0.25% is paid for individual shareholder services and 0.75% is paid for distribution services. The plans provide that the R Class will pay ACIS an annual distribution and service fee of 0.50%. The fees are computed and accrued daily based on each class’s daily net assets and paid monthly in arrears. The fees are used to pay financial intermediaries for distribution and individual shareholder services. Fees incurred under the plans during the year ended October 31, 2015 are detailed in the Statement of Operations.

Directors' Fees and Expenses — The Board of Directors is responsible for overseeing the investment advisor’s management and operations of the fund. The directors receive detailed information about the fund and its investment advisor regularly throughout the year, and meet at least quarterly with management of the investment advisor to review reports about fund operations. The fund’s officers do not receive compensation from the fund.
 
4. Investment Transactions

Purchases and sales of investment securities, excluding short-term investments, for the year ended October 31, 2015 were $583,444,515 and $651,309,219, respectively.



19


5. Capital Share Transactions

Transactions in shares of the fund were as follows:
 
Year ended
October 31, 2015
Year ended
October 31, 2014
 
Shares
Amount
Shares
Amount
Investor Class/Shares Authorized
300,000,000

 
300,000,000

 
Sold
1,972,555

$
117,198,082

1,013,144

$
57,402,134

Issued in reinvestment of distributions
3,711,291

200,706,584

318,597

17,156,436

Redeemed
(3,460,978)

(205,089,478)

(3,857,942)

(218,157,619)

 
2,222,868

112,815,188

(2,526,201)

(143,599,049)

Institutional Class/Shares Authorized
40,000,000

 
40,000,000

 
Sold
269,381

15,887,264

161,413

9,211,409

Issued in reinvestment of distributions
45,621

2,499,550

6,433

350,521

Redeemed
(254,396)

(15,401,415)

(429,102)

(25,087,621)

 
60,606

2,985,399

(261,256)

(15,525,691)

A Class/Shares Authorized
75,000,000

 
75,000,000

 
Sold
188,110

11,072,552

116,938

6,632,877

Issued in reinvestment of distributions
62,450

3,320,470

4,668

247,529

Redeemed
(220,012)

(12,776,504)

(291,832)

(16,281,685)

 
30,548

1,616,518

(170,226)

(9,401,279)

C Class/Shares Authorized
25,000,000

 
25,000,000

 
Sold
24,446

1,330,931

12,065

623,486

Issued in reinvestment of distributions
8,094

402,289

379

19,014

Redeemed
(31,467)

(1,733,109)

(71,078)

(3,785,994)

 
1,073

111

(58,634)

(3,143,494)

R Class/Shares Authorized
40,000,000

 
50,000,000

 
Sold
4,876

283,145

8,774

488,474

Issued in reinvestment of distributions
5,062

268,899

265

14,057

Redeemed
(5,942)

(348,849)

(21,213)

(1,181,480)

 
3,996

203,195

(12,174)

(678,949)

R6 Class/Shares Authorized
50,000,000

 
50,000,000

 
Sold
34,624

2,083,020

129,561

7,711,850

Issued in reinvestment of distributions
13,186

721,807

6

323

Redeemed
(13,768)

(824,070)

(6,676
)
(400,828
)
 
34,042

1,980,757

122,891

7,311,345

Net increase (decrease)
2,353,133

$
119,601,168

(2,905,600)

$
(165,037,117
)

6. Fair Value Measurements

The fund’s investments valuation process is based on several considerations and may use multiple inputs to determine the fair value of the investments held by the fund. In conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, the inputs used to determine a valuation are classified into three broad levels.

Level 1 valuation inputs consist of unadjusted quoted prices in an active market for identical investments.

Level 2 valuation inputs consist of direct or indirect observable market data (including quoted prices for comparable investments, evaluations of subsequent market events, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.). These inputs also consist of quoted prices for identical investments initially expressed in local currencies that are adjusted through translation into U.S. dollars.

Level 3 valuation inputs consist of unobservable data (including a fund’s own assumptions).


20


The level classification is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair valuation measurement. The valuation inputs are not necessarily an indication of the risks associated with investing in these securities or other financial instruments. There were no significant transfers between levels during the period.

The following is a summary of the level classifications as of period end. The Schedule of Investments provides additional information on the fund’s portfolio holdings.
 
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Assets
 
 
 
Investment Securities
 
 
 
Common Stocks
$
2,436,003,618

$
80,163,440


Temporary Cash Investments
899

22,533,876


 
$
2,436,004,517

$
102,697,316


Other Financial Instruments
 
 
 
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts

$
112,404


 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
Other Financial Instruments
 
 
 
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts

$
(231,745
)


7. Derivative Instruments

Foreign Currency Risk — The fund is subject to foreign currency exchange rate risk in the normal course of pursuing its investment objectives. The value of foreign investments held by a fund may be significantly affected by changes in foreign currency exchange rates. The dollar value of a foreign security generally decreases when the value of the dollar rises against the foreign currency in which the security is denominated and tends to increase when the value of the dollar declines against such foreign currency. A fund may enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts to reduce a fund's exposure to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. The net U.S. dollar value of foreign currency underlying all contractual commitments held by a fund and the resulting unrealized appreciation or depreciation are determined daily. Realized gain or loss is recorded upon the termination of the contract. Net realized and unrealized gains or losses occurring during the holding period of forward foreign currency exchange contracts are a component of net realized gain (loss) on foreign currency transactions and change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on translation of assets and liabilities in foreign currencies, respectively. A fund bears the risk of an unfavorable change in the foreign currency exchange rate underlying the forward contract. Additionally, losses, up to the fair value, may arise if the counterparties do not perform under the contract terms. The fund's average U.S. dollar exposure to foreign currency risk derivative instruments held during the period was $65,454,275.

The value of foreign currency risk derivative instruments as of October 31, 2015, is disclosed on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities as an asset of $112,404 in unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts and a liability of $231,745 in unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts. For the year ended October 31, 2015, the effect of foreign currency risk derivative instruments on the Statement of Operations was $2,808,706 in net realized gain (loss) on foreign currency transactions and $(1,060,993) in change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on translation of assets and liabilities in foreign currencies.

8. Risk Factors

There are certain risks involved in investing in foreign securities. These risks include those resulting from future adverse political, social and economic developments, fluctuations in currency exchange rates, the possible imposition of exchange controls, and other foreign laws or restrictions.



21


9. Federal Tax Information

The tax character of distributions paid during the years ended October 31, 2015 and October 31, 2014 were as follows:
 
2015
2014
Distributions Paid From
 
 
Ordinary income
$
12,245,087

$
9,693,768

Long-term capital gains
$
205,345,230

$
9,015,687


The book-basis character of distributions made during the year from net investment income or net realized gains may differ from their ultimate characterization for federal income tax purposes. These differences reflect the differing character of certain income items and net realized gains and losses for financial statement and tax purposes, and may result in reclassification among certain capital accounts on the financial statements.

As of October 31, 2015, the federal tax cost of investments and the components of distributable earnings on a tax-basis were as follows:
Federal tax cost of investments
$
1,390,173,380

Gross tax appreciation of investments
$
1,162,839,780

Gross tax depreciation of investments
(14,311,327
)
Net tax appreciation (depreciation) of investments
1,148,528,453

Net tax appreciation (depreciation) on derivatives and translation of assets and liabilities
in foreign currencies
1,963

Net tax appreciation (depreciation)
$
1,148,530,416

Undistributed ordinary income
$
10,180,656

Accumulated long-term gains
$
144,018,666


The difference between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation (depreciation) is attributable primarily to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales.


22


Financial Highlights
For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Years Ended October 31 (except as noted)
 
 
 
Per-Share Data
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ratios and Supplemental Data
 
 
Income From Investment Operations:
Distributions From:
 
 
Ratio to Average Net Assets of:
 
 
 
Net Asset
Value,
Beginning
of Period
Net
Investment
Income
(Loss)
(1)
Net
Realized
and
Unrealized
Gain (Loss)
Total From
Investment
Operations
 Net
Investment
Income
Net
Realized
Gains
Total
Distributions
Net Asset
Value,
End
of Period
Total
Return
(2)
Operating
Expenses
Net
Investment
Income
(Loss)
Portfolio
Turnover
Rate
Net
Assets,
End of
Period
(in thousands)
Investor Class
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2015
$61.31
0.21
5.71
5.92
(0.24)
(5.42)
(5.66)
$61.57
10.93%
0.99%
0.35%
24%

$2,440,319

2014
$53.07
0.19
8.51
8.70
(0.24)
(0.22)
(0.46)
$61.31
16.50%
1.00%
0.34%
25%

$2,293,893

2013
$43.52
0.35
9.51
9.86
(0.31)
(0.31)
$53.07
22.80%
1.00%
0.74%
31%

$2,119,523

2012
$39.14
0.17
4.31
4.48
(0.10)
(0.10)
$43.52
11.50%
1.00%
0.41%
17%

$1,861,545

2011
$35.54
0.10
3.62
3.72
(0.12)
(0.12)
$39.14
10.49%
1.00%
0.26%
17%

$1,765,718

Institutional Class
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2015
$62.15
0.34
5.78
6.12
(0.36)
(5.42)
(5.78)
$62.49
11.16%
0.79%
0.55%
24%

$33,075

2014
$53.79
0.32
8.61
8.93
(0.35)
(0.22)
(0.57)
$62.15
16.74%
0.80%
0.54%
25%

$29,130

2013
$44.04
0.36
9.72
10.08
(0.33)
(0.33)
$53.79
23.05%
0.80%
0.94%
31%

$39,263

2012
$39.60
0.24
4.38
4.62
(0.18)
(0.18)
$44.04
11.73%
0.80%
0.61%
17%

$16,828

2011
$35.95
0.18
3.67
3.85
(0.20)
(0.20)
$39.60
10.73%
0.80%
0.46%
17%

$5,133

A Class
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2015
$60.25
0.06
5.61
5.67
(0.09)
(5.42)
(5.51)
$60.41
10.67%
1.24%
0.10%
24%

$41,737

2014
$52.15
0.06
8.36
8.42
(0.10)
(0.22)
(0.32)
$60.25
16.21%
1.25%
0.09%
25%

$39,786

2013
$42.85
0.25
9.33
9.58
(0.28)
(0.28)
$52.15
22.48%
1.25%
0.49%
31%

$43,318

2012
$38.54
0.06
4.26
4.32
(0.01)
(0.01)
$42.85
11.22%
1.25%
0.16%
17%

$45,355

2011
$34.99
(3)
3.58
3.58
(0.03)
(0.03)
$38.54
10.23%
1.25%
0.01%
17%

$24,573


23


For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Years Ended October 31 (except as noted)
 
 
 
Per-Share Data
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ratios and Supplemental Data
 
 
Income From Investment Operations:
Distributions From:
 
 
Ratio to Average Net Assets of:
 
 
 
Net Asset
Value,
Beginning
of Period
Net
Investment
Income
(Loss)
(1)
Net
Realized
and
Unrealized
Gain (Loss)
Total From
Investment
Operations
 Net
Investment
Income
Net
Realized
Gains
Total
Distributions
Net Asset
Value,
End
of Period
Total
Return
(2)
Operating
Expenses
Net
Investment
Income
(Loss)
Portfolio
Turnover
Rate
Net
Assets,
End of
Period
(in thousands)
C Class
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2015
$56.64
(0.36)
5.23
4.87
(5.42)
(5.42)
$56.09
9.83%
1.99%
(0.65)%
24%

$5,932

2014
$49.32
(0.34)
7.88
7.54
(0.22)
(0.22)
$56.64
15.34%
2.00%
(0.66)%
25%

$5,929

2013
$40.75
(0.14)
8.90
8.76
(0.19)
(0.19)
$49.32
21.57%
2.00%
(0.26)%
31%

$8,054

2012
$36.92
(0.25)
4.08
3.83
$40.75
10.37%
2.00%
(0.59)%
17%

$5,666

2011
$33.74
(0.28)
3.46
3.18
$36.92
9.43%
2.00%
(0.74)%
17%

$571

R Class
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2015
$60.12
(0.09)
5.60
5.51
(5.42)
(5.42)
$60.21
10.38%
1.49%
(0.15)%
24%

$3,295

2014
$52.07
(0.08)
8.35
8.27
(0.22)
(0.22)
$60.12
15.92%
1.50%
(0.16)%
25%

$3,050

2013
$42.86
0.03
9.43
9.46
(0.25)
(0.25)
$52.07
22.18%
1.50%
0.24%
31%

$3,275

2012
$38.64
(0.06)
4.28
4.22
$42.86
10.92%
1.50%
(0.09)%
17%

$1,456

2011
$35.14
(0.08)
3.58
3.50
$38.64
9.96%
1.50%
(0.24)%
17%

$59

R6 Class
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2015
$62.18
0.41
5.79
6.20
(0.45)
(5.42)
(5.87)
$62.51
11.31%
0.64%
0.70%
24%

$9,841

2014
$53.81
0.18
8.84
9.02
(0.43)
(0.22)
(0.65)
$62.18
16.92%
0.65%
0.69%
25%

$7,672

2013(4)
$49.95
0.10
3.76
3.86
$53.81
7.73%
0.65%(5)
0.72%(5)
31%(6)

$27



24


Notes to Financial Highlights
 
 
(1)
Computed using average shares outstanding throughout the period.
(2)
Total returns are calculated based on the net asset value of the last business day and do not reflect applicable sales charges, if any. Total returns for periods less than one year are not annualized.
(3)
Per-share amount was less than $0.005.
(4)
July 26, 2013 (commencement of sale) through October 31, 2013.
(5)
Annualized.
(6)
Portfolio turnover is calculated at the fund level. Percentage indicated was calculated for the year ended October 31, 2013.
See Notes to Financial Statements.


25


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of American Century Mutual Funds, Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the schedule of investments, of Select Fund (the “Fund”), one of the funds constituting American Century Mutual Funds, Inc., as of October 31, 2015, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the periods presented. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Fund’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. The Fund is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Fund’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of October 31, 2015, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers; when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Select Fund of American Century Mutual Funds, Inc. as of October 31, 2015, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the periods presented, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Kansas City, Missouri
December 16, 2015


26


Management

The Board of Directors
The individuals listed below serve as directors of the funds. Each director will continue to serve in this capacity until death, retirement, resignation or removal from office. The board has adopted a mandatory retirement age for directors who are not “interested persons,” as that term is defined in the Investment Company Act (independent directors). Independent directors shall retire by December 31 of the year in which they reach their 75th birthday.
Mr. Thomas is an “interested person” because he currently serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of American Century Companies, Inc. (ACC), the parent company of American Century Investment Management, Inc. (ACIM or the advisor). Mr. Fink is treated as an “interested person” because of his recent employment with ACC and American Century Services, LLC (ACS). The other directors (more than three-fourths of the total number) are independent. They are not employees, directors or officers of, and have no financial interest in, ACC or any of its wholly owned, direct or indirect, subsidiaries, including ACIM, American Century Investment Services, Inc. (ACIS) and ACS, and they do not have any other affiliations, positions or relationships that would cause them to be considered “interested persons” under the Investment Company Act. The directors serve in this capacity for seven (in the case of Mr. Thomas, 15) registered investment companies in the American Century Investments family of funds.
The following table presents additional information about the directors. The mailing address for each director is 4500 Main Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64111.
Name
(Year of Birth)
Position(s)
Held with
Funds
Length of
Time Served
Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years
Number of
American
Century
Portfolios
Overseen by Director
Other
Directorships
Held During
Past 5 Years
Independent Directors
 
 
 
 
Thomas A. Brown
(1940)
Director
Since 1980
Managing Member, Associated Investments, LLC (real estate investment company)
80
None
Andrea C. Hall
(1945)
Director
Since 1997
Retired
80
None
Jan M. Lewis
(1957)
Director
Since 2011
Retired; President and Chief Executive Officer, Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas (human services organization) (2006 to 2013)
80
None
James A. Olson
(1942)
Director and Chairman of the Board
Since 2007 (Chairman since 2014)
Member, Plaza Belmont LLC (private equity fund manager)
80
Saia, Inc. (2002 to 2012) and EPR Properties (2003 to 2013)
M. Jeannine Strandjord
(1945)
Director
Since 1994
Retired
80
Euronet Worldwide Inc.; MGP Ingredients, Inc.; Charming Shoppes, Inc. (2006 to 2010); and DST Systems Inc. (1996 to 2012)
John R. Whitten
(1946)
Director
Since 2008
Retired
80
Rudolph Technologies, Inc.

27


Name
(Year of Birth)
Position(s)
Held with
Funds
Length of
Time Served
Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years
Number of
American
Century
Portfolios
Overseen by Director
Other
Directorships
Held During
Past 5 Years
Independent Directors
 
 
 
 
Stephen E. Yates
(1948)
Director
Since 2012
Retired; Executive Vice President, Technology & Operations, KeyCorp. (computer services) (2004 to 2010)
80
Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. (2001 to 2010)
Interested Directors
 
 
 
 
Barry Fink
(1955)
Director
Since 2012
Retired; Executive Vice President, ACC (September 2007 to February 2013); President, ACS (October 2007 to February 2013); Chief Operating Officer, ACC (September 2007 to November 2012)
80
None
Jonathan S. Thomas
(1963)
Director and President
Since 2007
President and Chief Executive Officer, ACC (March 2007 to present). Also serves as Chief Executive Officer, ACS; Executive Vice President, ACIM; Director, ACC, ACIM and other ACC subsidiaries
125
BioMed Valley Discoveries, Inc.

The Statement of Additional Information has additional information about the fund's directors and is available without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-345-2021.


28


Officers
The following table presents certain information about the executive officers of the funds. Each officer serves as an officer for each of the 15 investment companies in the American Century family of funds, unless otherwise noted. No officer is compensated for his or her service as an officer of the funds. The listed officers are interested persons of the funds and are appointed or re-appointed on an annual basis. The mailing address for each officer listed below is 4500 Main Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64111.
Name
(Year of Birth)
Offices with the Funds
Principal Occupation(s) During the Past Five Years
Jonathan S.
Thomas
(1963)
Director and
President
since 2007
President and Chief Executive Officer, ACC (March 2007 to present). Also serves as Chief Executive Officer, ACS; Executive Vice President, ACIM; Director, ACC, ACIM and other ACC subsidiaries
Amy D. Shelton
(1964)
Chief Compliance
Officer and Vice President since 2014
Chief Compliance Officer, American Century funds, (March 2014 to present); Chief Compliance Officer, ACIM (February 2014 to present); Chief Compliance Officer, ACIS (October 2009 to present); Vice President, Client Interactions and Marketing, ACIS (February 2013 to January 2014); Director, Client Interactions and Marketing, ACIS (June 2007 to January 2013). Also serves as Vice President, ACIS
Charles A.
Etherington
(1957)
General Counsel
since 2007 and
Senior Vice
President since 2006
Attorney, ACC (February 1994 to present); Vice President, ACC (November 2005 to present); General Counsel, ACC (March 2007 to present). Also serves as General Counsel, ACIM, ACS, ACIS and other ACC subsidiaries; and Senior Vice President, ACIM and ACS
C. Jean Wade
(1964)
Vice President,
Treasurer and
Chief Financial
Officer since 2012
Vice President, ACS (February 2000 to present)
Robert J. Leach
(1966)
Vice President
since 2006 and
Assistant Treasurer
since 2012
Vice President, ACS (February 2000 to present)
David H.
Reinmiller
(1963)
Vice President
since 2000
Attorney, ACC (January 1994 to present); Associate General Counsel, ACC (January 2001 to present). Also serves as Vice President, ACIM and ACS
Ward D. Stauffer
(1960)
Secretary
since 2005
Attorney, ACC (June 2003 to present)


29


Approval of Management Agreement


At a meeting held on June 30, 2015, the Fund’s Board of Directors unanimously approved the renewal of the management agreement pursuant to which American Century Investment Management, Inc. (the “Advisor”) acts as the investment advisor for the Fund. Under Section 15(c) of the Investment Company Act, contracts for investment advisory services are required to be reviewed, evaluated, and approved by a majority of a fund’s directors (the “Directors”), including a majority of the independent Directors, each year.
    
Prior to its consideration of the renewal of the management agreement, the Directors requested and reviewed extensive data and information compiled by the Advisor and certain independent providers of evaluation data concerning the Fund and the services provided to the Fund by the Advisor. This review was in addition to the oversight and evaluation undertaken by the Board and its committees on a continuous basis and the information received was supplemental to the extensive information that the Board and its committees receive and consider throughout the year.

In connection with its consideration of the renewal of the management agreement, the Board’s review and evaluation of the services provided by the Advisor included, but was not limited to, the following:

the nature, extent, and quality of investment management, shareholder services, and other services provided by the Advisor to the Fund;
the wide range of other programs and services the Advisor provides to the Fund and its shareholders on a routine and non-routine basis;
the Fund’s investment performance compared to appropriate benchmarks and/or a peer group of other mutual funds with similar investment objectives and strategies;
the cost of owning the Fund compared to the cost of owning similar funds;
the Advisor’s compliance policies, procedures, and regulatory experience;
financial data showing the cost of services provided to the Fund, the profitability of the Fund to the Advisor, and the overall profitability of the Advisor;
possible economies of scale associated with the Advisor’s management of the Fund and other accounts under its management;
data comparing services provided and charges to other investment management clients of the Advisor;
acquired fund fees and expenses;
payments to intermediaries by the Fund and the Advisor; and
any collateral benefits derived by the Advisor from the management of the Fund.

In keeping with their practice, the Directors held two in-person meetings and one telephonic meeting to review and discuss the information provided. The independent Directors also had the benefit of the advice of their independent counsel throughout the process.

Factors Considered

The Directors considered all of the information provided by the Advisor, the independent data providers, and independent counsel, and evaluated such information for the Fund. In connection with their review, the Directors did not identify any single factor as being all-important or controlling, and each Director may have attributed different levels of importance to different factors. In deciding to renew the management agreement, the Board based its decision on a number of factors, including the following:


30


Nature, Extent and Quality of Services - Generally. Under the management agreement, the Advisor is responsible for providing or arranging for all services necessary for the operation of the
Fund. The Board noted that under the management agreement, the Advisor provides or arranges at its own expense a wide variety of services including:

constructing and designing the Fund
portfolio research and security selection
initial capitalization/funding
securities trading
Fund administration
custody of Fund assets
daily valuation of the Fund’s portfolio
shareholder servicing and transfer agency, including shareholder confirmations, recordkeeping, and communications
legal services (except the independent Directors’ counsel)
regulatory and portfolio compliance
financial reporting
marketing and distribution (except Rule 12b-1 plans)

The Board noted that many of these services have expanded over time both in terms of quantity and complexity in response to shareholder demands, competition in the industry, changing distribution channels, and the changing regulatory environment.

Investment Management Services. The nature of the investment management services provided to the Fund is quite complex and allows Fund shareholders access to professional money management, instant diversification of their investments within an asset class, the opportunity to easily diversify among asset classes by investing in or exchanging among various American Century Investments funds, and liquidity. In evaluating investment performance, the Board expects the Advisor to manage the Fund in accordance with its investment objectives and approved strategies. Further, the Directors recognize that the Advisor has an obligation to monitor trading activities, and in particular to seek the best execution of fund trades, and to evaluate the use of and payment for research. In providing these services, the Advisor utilizes teams of investment professionals (portfolio managers, analysts, research assistants, and securities traders) who require extensive information technology, research, training, compliance and other systems to conduct their business. The Board, directly and through its Fund Performance Review Committee, regularly reviews investment performance information for the Fund, together with comparative information for appropriate benchmarks and/or peer groups of similarly-managed funds, over different time horizons. The Directors also review detailed performance information during the management agreement approval process. If performance concerns are identified, the Fund receives special reviews until performance improves, during which the Board discusses with the Advisor the reasons for such results (e.g., market conditions, security selection) and any efforts being undertaken to improve performance. The Fund’s performance was below its benchmark for the one-, three-, five-, and ten-year periods reviewed by the Board. The Board discussed the Fund's performance with the Advisor and was satisfied with the efforts being undertaken by the Advisor. The Board found the investment management services provided by the Advisor to the Fund to be satisfactory and consistent with the management agreement.

Shareholder and Other Services. Under the management agreement, the Advisor provides the Fund with a comprehensive package of transfer agency, shareholder, and other services. The Board, directly and through various committees of the Board, regularly reviews reports and evaluations of such services at its regular meetings. These reports include, but are not limited to, information regarding the operational efficiency and accuracy of the shareholder and transfer agency services provided, staffing levels, shareholder satisfaction (as measured by external as well as internal sources), technology support, new products and services offered to Fund shareholders, securities trading activities, portfolio valuation services, auditing services, and legal and operational compliance activities. The Board particularly noted the Advisor’s continual efforts to maintain effective business continuity plans and to address cybersecurity threats. Certain aspects of

31


shareholder and transfer agency service level efficiency and the quality of securities trading activities are measured by independent third party providers and are presented in comparison to other fund groups not managed by the Advisor. The Board found the services provided by the Advisor to the Fund under the management agreement to be competitive and of high quality.

Costs of Services and Profitability. The Advisor provides detailed information concerning its cost of providing various services to the Fund, its profitability in managing the Fund (pre- and post-distribution), its overall profitability, and its financial condition. The Directors have reviewed with the Advisor the methodology used to prepare this financial information. This information is considered in evaluating the Advisor’s financial condition, its ability to continue to provide services under the management agreement, and the reasonableness of the current management fee. The Board concluded that the Advisor’s profits were reasonable in light of the services provided to the Fund.

Ethics. The Board generally considers the Advisor’s commitment to providing quality services to shareholders and to conducting its business ethically. They noted that the Advisor’s practices generally meet or exceed industry best practices.

Economies of Scale. The Board also reviewed information provided by the Advisor regarding the possible existence of economies of scale in connection with the management of the Fund. The Board concluded that economies of scale are difficult to measure and predict with precision, especially on a fund-by-fund basis. The Board concluded that the Advisor is appropriately sharing economies of scale through its competitive fee structure, offering competitive fees from fund inception, and through reinvestment in its business to provide shareholders additional content and services. The Board also noted that economies of scale are shared with the Fund and its shareholders through management fee breakpoints that serve to reduce the effective management fee as the assets of the Fund grow.

Comparison to Other Funds’ Fees. The management agreement provides that the Fund pays the Advisor a single, all-inclusive (or unified) management fee for providing all services necessary for the management and operation of the Fund, other than brokerage expenses, taxes, interest, extraordinary expenses, and the fees and expenses of the Fund’s independent Directors (including their independent legal counsel) and expenses incurred in connection with the provision of shareholder services and distribution services under a plan adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Under the unified fee structure, the Advisor is responsible for providing all investment advisory, custody, audit, administrative, compliance, recordkeeping, marketing and shareholder services, or arranging and supervising third parties to provide such services. By contrast, most other funds are charged a variety of fees, including an investment advisory fee, a transfer agency fee, an administrative fee, distribution charges, and other expenses. Other than their investment advisory fees and any applicable Rule 12b-1 distribution fees, all other components of the total fees charged by these other funds may be increased without shareholder approval. The Board believes the unified fee structure is a benefit to Fund shareholders because it clearly discloses to shareholders the cost of owning Fund shares, and, since the unified fee cannot be increased without a vote of Fund shareholders, it shifts to the Advisor the risk of increased costs of operating the Fund and provides a direct incentive to minimize administrative inefficiencies. Part of the Board’s analysis of fee levels involves reviewing certain evaluative data compiled by an independent provider comparing the Fund’s unified fee to the total expense ratios of its peers. The unified fee charged to shareholders of the Fund was below the median of the total expense ratios of the Fund’s peer expense universe and was within the range of its peer expense group. The Board concluded that the management fee paid by the Fund to the Advisor under the management agreement is reasonable in light of the services provided to the Fund.


32


Comparison to Fees and Services Provided to Other Clients of the Advisor. The Directors also requested and received information from the Advisor concerning the nature of the services, fees, costs and profitability of its advisory services to advisory clients other than the Fund. They observed that these varying types of client accounts require different services and involve different regulatory and entrepreneurial risks than the management of the Fund. The Board analyzed this information and concluded that the fees charged and services provided to the Fund were reasonable by comparison.

Payments to Intermediaries. The Directors also requested and received a description of payments made to intermediaries by the Fund and the Advisor. These payments include various payments made by the Fund or the Advisor to different types of intermediaries and recordkeepers for distribution and service activities provided for the Fund. The Board reviewed such information and found the payments to be reasonable in scope and purpose.

Collateral or “Fall-Out” Benefits Derived by the Advisor. The Board considered the existence of collateral benefits the Advisor may receive as a result of its relationship with the Fund. They concluded that the Advisor’s primary business is managing mutual funds and it generally does not use fund or shareholder information to generate profits in other lines of business, and therefore does not derive any significant collateral benefits from them. The Board noted that additional assets from other clients may offer the Advisor some benefit from increased leverage with service providers and counterparties. Additionally, the Advisor receives proprietary research from broker-dealers that execute fund portfolio transactions, which the Board concluded is likely to benefit other clients of the Advisor as well as Fund shareholders. The Board also determined that the Advisor is able to provide investment management services to certain clients other than the Fund, at least in part, due to its existing infrastructure built to serve the fund complex. The Board concluded that appropriate allocation methodologies had been employed to assign resources and the cost of those resources to these other clients and, where expressly provided, these other client assets may be included with the assets of the Fund to determine breakpoints in the management fee schedule.

Existing Relationship. The Board also considered whether there was any reason for not continuing the existing arrangement with the Advisor. In this regard, the Board was mindful of the potential disruptions of the Fund’s operations and various risks, uncertainties, and other effects that could occur as a result of a decision not to continue such relationship. In particular, the Board recognized that most shareholders have invested in the Fund on the strength of the Advisor’s industry standing and reputation and in the expectation that the Advisor will have a continuing role in providing advisory services to the Fund.

Conclusion of the Directors. As a result of this process, the Board, including all of the independent Directors, taking into account all of the factors discussed above and the information provided by the Advisor and others in connection with its review and throughout the year, determined that the management fee is fair and reasonable in light of the services provided and that the investment management agreement between the Fund and the Advisor should be renewed.


33


Additional Information

Retirement Account Information
As required by law, distributions you receive from certain IRAs are subject to federal income tax withholding, unless you elect not to have withholding apply. Tax will be withheld on the total amount withdrawn even though you may be receiving amounts that are not subject to withholding, such as nondeductible contributions. In such case, excess amounts of withholding could occur. You may adjust your withholding election so that a greater or lesser amount will be withheld.
If you don’t want us to withhold on this amount, you must notify us to not withhold the federal income tax. You may notify us in writing or in certain situations by telephone or through other electronic means. For systematic withdrawals, your withholding election will remain in effect until revoked or changed by filing a new election. You have the right to revoke your election at any time.
Remember, even if you elect not to have income tax withheld, you are liable for paying income tax on the taxable portion of your withdrawal. If you elect not to have income tax withheld or you don’t have enough income tax withheld, you may be responsible for payment of estimated tax. You may incur penalties under the estimated tax rules if your withholding and estimated tax payments are not sufficient. You can reduce or defer the income tax on a distribution by directly or indirectly rolling such distribution over to another IRA or eligible plan. You should consult your tax advisor for additional information.
State tax will be withheld if, at the time of your distribution, your address is within one of the mandatory withholding states and you have federal income tax withheld (or as otherwise required by state law). State taxes will be withheld from your distribution in accordance with the respective state rules.
Distributions you receive from 403(b), 457 and qualified plans are subject to special tax and withholding rules. Your plan administrator or plan sponsor is required to provide you with a special tax notice explaining those rules at the time you request a distribution. If applicable, federal and/or state taxes may be withheld from your distribution amount.


Proxy Voting Policies
A description of the policies that the fund's investment advisor uses in exercising the voting rights associated with the securities purchased and/or held by the fund is available without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-345-2021. It is also available on the "About Us" page of American Century Investments’ website at americancentury.com and on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at sec.gov. Information regarding how the investment advisor voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available on the "About Us" page at americancentury.com. It is also available at sec.gov.


Quarterly Portfolio Disclosure
The fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The fund’s Forms N-Q are available on the SEC’s website at sec.gov, and may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330. The fund also makes its complete schedule of portfolio holdings for the most recent quarter of its fiscal year available on its
website at americancentury.com and, upon request, by calling 1-800-345-2021.


34


Other Tax Information

The following information is provided pursuant to provisions of the Internal Revenue Code.

The fund hereby designates up to the maximum amount allowable as qualified dividend income for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2015.

For corporate taxpayers, the fund hereby designates $12,245,087, or up to the maximum amount allowable, of ordinary income distributions paid during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2015 as qualified for the corporate dividends received deduction.

The fund hereby designates $2,877,255 as qualified short-term capital gain distributions for purposes of Internal Revenue Code Section 871 for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2015.

The fund hereby designates $205,345,230, or up to the maximum amount allowable, as long-term capital gain distributions for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2015.




35


Notes


36






 
 
 
 
Contact Us
americancentury.com
 
Automated Information Line
1-800-345-8765
 
Investor Services Representative
1-800-345-2021
or 816-531-5575
 
Investors Using Advisors
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1-800-345-3533
 
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1-800-345-6488
 
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711
 
 
 
 
American Century Mutual Funds, Inc.
 
 
 
 
Investment Advisor:
American Century Investment Management, Inc.
Kansas City, Missouri
 
 
 
 
This report and the statements it contains are submitted for the general information of our shareholders. The report is not authorized for distribution to prospective investors unless preceded or accompanied by an effective prospectus.
 
 
 
 
©2015 American Century Proprietary Holdings, Inc. All rights reserved.
CL-ANN-87634   1512
 



        ANNUAL REPORT
OCTOBER 31, 2015

 
 


Small Cap Growth Fund







Table of Contents
 
President’s Letter
2

Performance
3

Portfolio Commentary

Fund Characteristics

Shareholder Fee Example

Schedule of Investments

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

Statement of Operations

Statement of Changes in Net Assets

Notes to Financial Statements

Financial Highlights

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Management

Approval of Management Agreement

Additional Information




















Any opinions expressed in this report reflect those of the author as of the date of the report, and do not necessarily represent the opinions of American Century Investments® or any other person in the American Century Investments organization. Any such opinions are subject to change at any time based upon market or other conditions and American Century Investments disclaims any responsibility to update such opinions. These opinions may not be relied upon as investment advice and, because investment decisions made by American Century Investments funds are based on numerous factors, may not be relied upon as an indication of trading intent on behalf of any American Century Investments fund. Security examples are used for representational purposes only and are not intended as recommendations to purchase or sell securities. Performance information for comparative indices and securities is provided to American Century Investments by third party vendors. To the best of American Century Investments’ knowledge, such information is accurate at the time of printing.



President’s Letter

Dear Investor:

Thank you for reviewing this annual report for the 12 months ended October 31, 2015. It provides investment performance and portfolio information for the reporting period, plus longer-term historical performance data.

Annual reports remain useful vehicles for conveying information about fund performance, including market and economic factors that affected returns during the reporting period. For additional, updated investment and market insights, we encourage you to visit our website, americancentury.com.
Jonathan Thomas

Divergence in Economic Growth and Monetary Policies, Combined With China Turmoil, Triggered Market Volatility

Divergence between the U.S. and the rest of the world—along with China’s struggles, plunging commodity prices, capital market volatility, and risk-off trading—emerged as key themes during the reporting period. Global divergence described not only the relatively stronger economic growth enjoyed by the U.S. compared with most of the world, but also the related contrast between the U.S. Federal Reserve’s (the Fed’s) unwinding of monetary stimulus versus the continuation and expansion of stimulus by other major central banks. Central bank moves—including the Fed’s delayed normalization of its extremely low interest rate positioning—helped trigger large market swings.

In October 2014, the Fed ended its latest massive bond-buying program (quantitative easing, QE), leading to expectations that interest rates would rise. But while QE was halted in the U.S., other major central banks were starting or increasing QE as their economies faltered. This divergence helped fuel increased demand for the U.S. dollar and U.S. dollar-denominated assets, and put downward pressure on commodity prices, most notably crude oil, down over 40% for the reporting period. Low inflation also prevailed after oil prices plunged amid a supply glut and muted demand for commodities in general. In this environment, the U.S. dollar, U.S. growth stocks, and longer-maturity U.S. Treasuries generally benefited from “flight to quality” capital flows, while emerging market and commodity-related investments suffered significant declines.

We expect continued economic and monetary policy divergence between the U.S. and non-U.S. economies in the coming months, accompanied by further market volatility. This could present both challenges and opportunities for active investment managers. In this environment, we continue to believe in a disciplined, diversified, long-term investment approach, using professionally managed stock and bond portfolios to meet financial goals. We appreciate your continued trust in us.

Sincerely,
Jonathan Thomas
President and Chief Executive Officer
American Century Investments


2


Performance
 
Total Returns as of October 31, 2015
 
 
 
Average Annual Returns
 
 
Ticker
Symbol
1 year
5 years
10 years
Since
Inception
Inception
Date
Investor Class
ANOIX
1.87%
11.92%
8.24%
8.06%
6/1/01
Russell 2000 Growth Index
3.52%
13.55%
8.67%
6.56%
Institutional Class
ANONX
2.00%
12.14%
5.89%
5/18/07
A Class
ANOAX
 
 
 
 
1/31/03
No sales charge*
 
1.59%
11.65%
7.97%
10.49%
 
With sales charge*
 
-4.28%
10.33%
7.33%
9.99%
 
C Class
ANOCX
0.76%
10.78%
7.15%
9.70%(1)
1/31/03
R Class
ANORX
1.29%
11.36%
4.29%
9/28/07
R6 Class
ANODX
2.15%
7.37%
7/26/13
* Sales charges include initial sales charges and contingent deferred sales charges (CDSCs), as applicable. A Class shares have a 5.75% maximum initial sales charge and may be subject to a maximum CDSC of 1.00%. C Class shares redeemed within 12 months of purchase are subject to a maximum CDSC of 1.00%. The SEC requires that mutual funds provide performance information net of maximum sales charges in all cases where charges could be applied.

(1)
Returns would have been lower if a portion of the distribution and service fees had not been waived.
























Data presented reflect past performance. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, and redemption value may be more or less than original cost. Data assumes reinvestment of dividends and capital gains, and none of the charts reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares. To obtain performance data current to the most recent month end, please call 1-800-345-2021 or visit americancentury.com. For additional information about the fund, please consult the prospectus.

3


Growth of $10,000 Over 10 Years
$10,000 investment made October 31, 2005
Performance for other share classes will vary due to differences in fee structure.
 
Value on October 31, 2015
 
Investor Class — $22,088
 
 
Russell 2000 Growth Index — $22,967
 

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses
Investor Class
Institutional Class
A Class
C Class
R Class
R6 Class
1.41%
1.21%
1.66%
2.41%
1.91%
1.06%
The total annual fund operating expenses shown is as stated in the fund’s prospectus current as of the date of this report. The prospectus may vary from the expense ratio shown elsewhere in this report because it is based on a different time period, includes acquired fund fees and expenses, and, if applicable, does not include fee waivers or expense reimbursements.














Data presented reflect past performance. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, and redemption value may be more or less than original cost. Data assumes reinvestment of dividends and capital gains, and none of the charts reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares. To obtain performance data current to the most recent month end, please call 1-800-345-2021 or visit americancentury.com. For additional information about the fund, please consult the prospectus.

4


Portfolio Commentary
 

Portfolio Managers: Matthew Ferretti and Jackie Wagner

In March 2015, portfolio manager Jeffrey Otto left the Small Cap Growth management team and portfolio manager Jackie Wagner was promoted from Senior Analyst on the team.

Performance Summary

Small Cap Growth returned 1.87%* for the 12 months ended October 31, 2015, lagging the 3.52% return of the portfolio’s benchmark, the Russell 2000 Growth Index.

U.S. stock indices registered gains during the reporting period amid volatility and considerable variation in sector performance. Within the Russell 2000 Growth Index, utilities and information technology were the best-performing sectors, posting double-digit gains. Energy was by far the worst sector, plunging more than 40% as oil prices fell and investors worried about global growth. Materials and industrials were the only other sectors to lose ground.

Small Cap Growth received positive absolute contributions from all sectors it was invested in except industrials, energy, and consumer staples. Stock decisions in information technology and health care were major sources of underperformance relative to the Russell 2000 Growth Index. Stock selection in consumer discretionary and financials aided performance.

Information Technology Stocks Detracted

In information technology, stock selection hurt performance. Barracuda Networks was a significant detractor. The company, which provides security, networking, and application delivery, as well as data storage, protection and disaster recovery services, reported better-than-expected results, but billings growth—a leading indicator of future revenues—decelerated. Barracuda was eliminated.

Stock choices in the health care sector detracted from relative results, although an overweight allocation to the sector was beneficial. Although health care stocks performed well over the 12-month period, news stories late in the fiscal year focused on high prescription drug prices, which have now become a topic of the 2016 presidential election. The pricing scrutiny led to a broad-based sell-off in the health care sector. Specialty pharmaceutical firm Horizon Pharma detracted despite reporting a solid quarter as the stock was caught up in the drug pricing sell-off. Medical device maker Cardiovascular Systems also fell following weak results attributed to poor sales force execution. The holding was eliminated from the portfolio.

Among other key detractors, Horsehead Holding, a producer of specialty zinc and zinc-based products, reported lower-than-expected production in June. Zinc prices fell significantly as rising exports from China and Japan added to the global oversupply. The holding was eliminated. Falling oil prices hurt H&E Equipment Services, which rents heavy equipment to construction companies and is exposed to the slowing Gulf Coast region. We eliminated the position.

Consumer Discretionary and Financials Aided Results

Stock selection in the consumer discretionary sector was a top contributor to performance, led by choices in the textiles, apparel, and luxury goods industry. Footwear wholesaler and retailer Skechers U.S.A. benefited from positive trends in athletic shoes and has a strong product portfolio in the U.S. Non-U.S. markets are driving the company’s long-term growth. Pizza chain Papa John’s International continued to grow same-store sales. Its better use of technology, including mobile ordering, allows its restaurants to take market share from local “mom and pop” pizza restaurants.
*
All fund returns referenced in this commentary are for Investor Class shares. Performance for other share classes will vary due to differences in fee structure; when Investor Class performance exceeds that of the fund’s benchmark, other share classes may not. See page 3 for returns for all share classes.

5


Stock selection among financials stocks was a significant contributor to relative performance. Underweighting the real estate management and development industry and overweighting banks and diversified financial services companies also contributed positively.

Elsewhere, biotechnology firm Anacor Pharmaceuticals, which focuses on topical applications, announced positive results for its drug to treat eczema, which is expected to get FDA approval next year. The company also has benefited from strong sales growth for its drug to treat toenail fungus. In industrials, Multi-Color was a key contributor. The maker of labels that support branding in the beverage, personal care, and other industries supplemented its organic growth with some accretive bolt-on acquisitions. Tyler Technologies also aided performance. The company develops back-office financial management, tax, and other software. Its customers are primarily state and local governments that are replacing legacy systems now that budgets are improving. Tyler continued to take market share from its competitors and announced an attractive acquisition.

Outlook

The portfolio positioning remains largely stock specific, with few thematic trends. As of October 31, 2015, consumer discretionary and financials were the largest overweight sectors; health care and telecommunication services were the largest underweights. Small Cap Growth’s investment process focuses on smaller companies with accelerating earnings growth rates and share-price momentum. We believe that active investing in such companies will generate outperformance over time compared with the Russell 2000 Growth Index.




6


Fund Characteristics
OCTOBER 31, 2015
 
Top Ten Holdings
% of net assets
Tyler Technologies, Inc.
2.1%
Papa John's International, Inc.
1.7%
Adeptus Health, Inc., Class A
1.5%
ClubCorp Holdings, Inc.
1.5%
Korn/Ferry International
1.4%
Restoration Hardware Holdings, Inc.
1.4%
CoStar Group, Inc.
1.4%
EPAM Systems, Inc.
1.4%
Brunswick Corp.
1.3%
Middleby Corp. (The)
1.3%
 
 
Top Five Industries
% of net assets
Biotechnology
9.8%
Software
7.1%
Hotels, Restaurants and Leisure
6.5%
Internet Software and Services
5.7%
Health Care Equipment and Supplies
5.0%
 
 
Types of Investments in Portfolio
% of net assets
Common Stocks
97.1%
Temporary Cash Investments
2.3%
Other Assets and Liabilities
0.6%


7


Shareholder Fee Example 

Fund shareholders may incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments and redemption/exchange fees; and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution and service (12b-1) fees; and other fund expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in your fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing cost of investing in other mutual funds.

The example is based on an investment of $1,000 made at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period from May 1, 2015 to October 31, 2015.

Actual Expenses

The table provides information about actual account values and actual expenses for each class. You may use the information, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. First, identify the share class you own. Then simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number under the heading “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

If you hold Investor Class shares of any American Century Investments fund, or Institutional Class shares of the American Century Diversified Bond Fund, in an American Century Investments account (i.e., not a financial intermediary or retirement plan account), American Century Investments may charge you a $12.50 semiannual account maintenance fee if the value of those shares is less than $10,000. We will redeem shares automatically in one of your accounts to pay the $12.50 fee. In determining your total eligible investment amount, we will include your investments in all personal accounts (including American Century Investments Brokerage accounts) registered under your Social Security number. Personal accounts include individual accounts, joint accounts, UGMA/UTMA accounts, personal trusts, Coverdell Education Savings Accounts and IRAs (including traditional, Roth, Rollover, SEP-, SARSEP- and SIMPLE-IRAs), and certain other retirement accounts. If you have only business, business retirement, employer-sponsored or American Century Investments Brokerage accounts, you are currently not subject to this fee. If you are subject to the Account Maintenance Fee, your account value could be reduced by the fee amount.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The table also provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the actual expense ratio of each class of your fund and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the actual return of a fund’s share class. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in your fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads) or redemption/exchange fees. Therefore, the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.



8




Beginning
Account Value
5/1/15
Ending
Account Value
10/31/15
Expenses Paid
During Period
(1) 
5/1/15-10/31/15
Annualized
Expense Ratio
(1)
Actual
 
 
 
 
Investor Class
$1,000
$941.60
$6.75
1.38%
Institutional Class
$1,000
$942.50
$5.68
1.16%
A Class
$1,000
$940.90
$7.97
1.63%
C Class
$1,000
$936.30
$11.62
2.38%
R Class
$1,000
$938.70
$9.19
1.88%
R6 Class
$1,000
$943.30
$5.05
1.03%
Hypothetical
 
 
 
 
Investor Class
$1,000
$1,018.25
$7.02
1.38%
Institutional Class
$1,000
$1,019.36
$5.90
1.16%
A Class
$1,000
$1,016.99
$8.29
1.63%
C Class
$1,000
$1,013.21
$12.08
2.38%
R Class
$1,000
$1,015.73
$9.55
1.88%
R6 Class
$1,000
$1,020.01
$5.24
1.03%
(1)
Expenses are equal to the class's annualized expense ratio listed in the table above, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184, the number of days in the most recent fiscal half-year, divided by 365, to reflect the one-half year period.

9


Schedule of Investments

OCTOBER 31, 2015
 
Shares
Value
COMMON STOCKS — 97.1%
 
 
Air Freight and Logistics — 1.0%
 
 
XPO Logistics, Inc.(1) 
198,011

$
5,496,785

Airlines — 0.4%
 
 
Allegiant Travel Co.
10,148

2,003,723

Banks — 3.4%
 
 
BankUnited, Inc.
143,303

5,328,006

Cathay General Bancorp
144,480

4,522,224

FCB Financial Holdings, Inc., Class A(1) 
174,872

6,218,448

Signature Bank(1) 
23,074

3,436,180

 
 
19,504,858

Beverages — 1.1%
 
 
Boston Beer Co., Inc. (The), Class A(1) 
10,786

2,368,498

Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated
17,701

3,738,628

 
 
6,107,126

Biotechnology — 9.8%
 
 
ACADIA Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(1) 
58,938

2,052,221

Acceleron Pharma, Inc.(1) 
34,915

1,089,697

Aimmune Therapeutics, Inc.(1) 
54,882

825,974

Alder Biopharmaceuticals, Inc.(1) 
51,360

1,642,493

AMAG Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(1) 
37,594

1,503,760

Anacor Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(1) 
42,802

4,811,373

Bluebird Bio, Inc.(1) 
7,432

573,230

Celldex Therapeutics, Inc.(1) 
58,599

706,704

Cepheid, Inc.(1) 
55,725

1,861,215

Chimerix, Inc.(1) 
38,290

1,500,202

Clovis Oncology, Inc.(1) 
24,805

2,478,268

Dyax Corp.(1) 
119,096

3,278,713

Dynavax Technologies Corp.(1) 
64,066

1,454,939

Eagle Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(1) 
19,672

1,253,303

Exelixis, Inc.(1) 
236,097

1,421,304

Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc.(1) 
109,045

1,706,554

ImmunoGen, Inc.(1) 
107,592

1,258,826

Insmed, Inc.(1) 
67,566

1,340,509

Isis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(1) 
14,878

716,376

Kite Pharma, Inc.(1) 
29,115

1,981,276

Ligand Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Class B(1) 
17,804

1,608,591

Merrimack Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(1) 
137,878

1,287,781

Momenta Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(1) 
64,788

1,063,171

Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc.(1) 
65,295

3,205,332

Novavax, Inc.(1) 
234,851

1,585,244

Portola Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(1) 
42,139

2,006,238

Prothena Corp. plc(1) 
28,316

1,458,557

PTC Therapeutics, Inc.(1) 
24,178

601,307

Radius Health, Inc.(1) 
26,005

1,670,301

Raptor Pharmaceutical Corp.(1) 
90,624

493,901


10


 
Shares
Value
Repligen Corp.(1) 
39,988

$
1,329,201

Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc.(1) 
39,649

953,955

Spark Therapeutics, Inc.(1) 
19,092

1,029,059

TESARO, Inc.(1) 
29,660

1,348,640

Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical, Inc.(1) 
27,423

2,724,475

 
 
55,822,690

Building Products — 3.2%
 
 
Apogee Enterprises, Inc.
103,105

5,106,790

Lennox International, Inc.
27,986

3,716,821

Masonite International Corp.(1) 
102,647

6,145,476

Trex Co., Inc.(1) 
88,314

3,450,428

 
 
18,419,515

Capital Markets — 1.6%
 
 
Evercore Partners, Inc., Class A
106,161

5,732,694

HFF, Inc., Class A
97,971

3,381,959

 
 
9,114,653

Chemicals — 1.6%
 
 
Huntsman Corp.
117,442

1,546,711

Minerals Technologies, Inc.
50,887

2,999,280

PolyOne Corp.
140,665

4,703,838

 
 
9,249,829

Commercial Services and Supplies — 3.1%
 
 
ABM Industries, Inc.
110,243

3,130,901

HNI Corp.
59,761

2,566,137

KAR Auction Services, Inc.
117,599

4,515,802

Multi-Color Corp.
94,650

7,367,556

 
 
17,580,396

Communications Equipment — 1.3%
 
 
Infinera Corp.(1) 
194,287

3,839,111

Ruckus Wireless, Inc.(1) 
330,482

3,727,837

 
 
7,566,948

Construction Materials — 1.5%
 
 
Headwaters, Inc.(1) 
228,707

4,699,929

Summit Materials, Inc., Class A(1) 
180,141

3,793,769

 
 
8,493,698

Containers and Packaging — 1.2%
 
 
Berry Plastics Group, Inc.(1) 
207,142

6,939,257

Distributors — 0.7%
 
 
LKQ Corp.(1) 
126,370

3,741,816

Diversified Consumer Services — 2.7%
 
 
2U, Inc.(1) 
92,107

1,932,405

Bright Horizons Family Solutions, Inc.(1) 
102,376

6,554,111

Nord Anglia Education, Inc.(1) 
194,712

3,816,355

ServiceMaster Global Holdings, Inc.(1) 
88,538

3,156,380

 
 
15,459,251

Diversified Financial Services — 0.9%
 
 
MarketAxess Holdings, Inc.
50,133

5,078,974

Electronic Equipment, Instruments and Components — 0.7%
 
 
Mercury Systems, Inc.(1) 
128,341

2,202,331

Universal Display Corp.(1) 
54,009

1,853,049

 
 
4,055,380


11


 
Shares
Value
Food and Staples Retailing — 0.7%
 
 
United Natural Foods, Inc.(1) 
76,327

$
3,850,697

Food Products — 1.3%
 
 
Flowers Foods, Inc.
163,089

4,403,403

J&J Snack Foods Corp.
24,876

3,054,524

 
 
7,457,927

Health Care Equipment and Supplies — 5.0%
 
 
ABIOMED, Inc.(1) 
28,263

2,081,852

Cantel Medical Corp.
38,482

2,281,213

Glaukos Corp.(1) 
46,948

940,838

Globus Medical, Inc.(1) 
123,024

2,749,586

Nevro Corp.(1) 
67,344

2,745,615

NuVasive, Inc.(1) 
138,331

6,523,690

STERIS Corp.
85,165

6,383,117

Teleflex, Inc.
36,305

4,828,565

 
 
28,534,476

Health Care Providers and Services — 4.2%
 
 
Adeptus Health, Inc., Class A(1) 
131,752

8,549,387

Air Methods Corp.(1) 
43,189

1,767,726

AMN Healthcare Services, Inc.(1) 
40,354

1,144,843

ExamWorks Group, Inc.(1) 
163,759

4,624,554

LHC Group, Inc.(1) 
62,382

2,811,245

Molina Healthcare, Inc.(1) 
29,084

1,803,208

Team Health Holdings, Inc.(1) 
51,855

3,094,188

 
 
23,795,151

Health Care Technology — 1.7%
 
 
Evolent Health, Inc.(1) 
147,727

1,898,292

HMS Holdings Corp.(1) 
255,623

2,691,710

Medidata Solutions, Inc.(1) 
58,699

2,524,057

Press Ganey Holdings, Inc.(1) 
71,823

2,250,933

 
 
9,364,992

Hotels, Restaurants and Leisure — 6.5%
 
 
Buffalo Wild Wings, Inc.(1) 
16,989

2,620,893

ClubCorp Holdings, Inc.
413,987

8,461,894

Dave & Buster's Entertainment, Inc.(1) 
154,595

5,964,275

Madison Square Garden Co. (The)(1) 
23,241

4,148,518

Papa John's International, Inc.
137,821

9,670,900

Texas Roadhouse, Inc.
172,851

5,937,432

 
 
36,803,912

Household Durables — 0.7%
 
 
Installed Building Products, Inc.(1) 
178,163

3,946,310

Insurance — 1.1%
 
 
First American Financial Corp.
98,953

3,773,078

Patriot National, Inc.(1) 
177,711

2,256,930

 
 
6,030,008

Internet Software and Services — 5.7%
 
 
comScore, Inc.(1) 
146,361

6,261,324

CoStar Group, Inc.(1) 
38,420

7,801,949

Demandware, Inc.(1) 
62,451

3,540,972

Envestnet, Inc.(1) 
125,428

3,745,280


12


 
Shares
Value
Marketo, Inc.(1) 
164,894

$
4,852,830

Q2 Holdings, Inc.(1) 
240,335

5,924,258

 
 
32,126,613

IT Services — 4.3%
 
 
Blackhawk Network Holdings, Inc.(1) 
144,059

6,134,032

EPAM Systems, Inc.(1) 
100,656

7,785,741

Virtusa Corp.(1) 
121,762

6,992,792

WEX, Inc.(1) 
40,434

3,635,421

 
 
24,547,986

Leisure Products — 1.7%
 
 
Brunswick Corp.
142,237

7,653,773

MCBC Holdings, Inc.(1) 
161,693

2,129,497

 
 
9,783,270

Life Sciences Tools and Services — 1.2%
 
 
PAREXEL International Corp.(1) 
48,658

3,071,293

PRA Health Sciences, Inc.(1) 
109,777

3,846,586

 
 
6,917,879

Machinery — 3.1%
 
 
ITT Corp.
56,532

2,237,537

John Bean Technologies Corp.
127,757

5,731,179

Middleby Corp. (The)(1) 
65,233

7,628,347

Rexnord Corp.(1) 
95,671

1,768,000

 
 
17,365,063

Media — 0.1%
 
 
Rentrak Corp.(1) 
10,753

593,351

Multiline Retail — 0.9%
 
 
Burlington Stores, Inc.(1) 
107,357

5,161,725

Oil, Gas and Consumable Fuels — 1.5%
 
 
Carrizo Oil & Gas, Inc.(1) 
78,409

2,950,531

Enviva Partners, LP
210,581

3,221,889

Gulfport Energy Corp.(1) 
73,835

2,249,752

 
 
8,422,172

Pharmaceuticals — 1.8%
 
 
Cempra, Inc.(1) 
49,746

1,104,361

Horizon Pharma plc(1) 
140,075

2,201,979

Lannett Co., Inc.(1) 
56,684

2,537,743

Pacira Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(1) 
37,475

1,871,876

TherapeuticsMD, Inc.(1) 
193,608

1,136,479

ZS Pharma, Inc.(1) 
18,398

1,196,054

 
 
10,048,492

Professional Services — 1.8%
 
 
Huron Consulting Group, Inc.(1) 
48,869

2,360,373

Korn/Ferry International
220,619

8,023,913

 
 
10,384,286

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) — 0.8%
 
 
Sun Communities, Inc.
71,521

4,793,337

Real Estate Management and Development — 0.7%
 
 
FirstService Corp.
117,426

4,130,924

Semiconductors and Semiconductor Equipment — 4.0%
 
 
Cavium, Inc.(1) 
60,602

4,299,712


13


 
Shares
Value
Integrated Device Technology, Inc.(1) 
272,450

$
6,947,475

M/A-COM Technology Solutions Holdings, Inc.(1) 
84,280

2,843,607

Monolithic Power Systems, Inc.
90,230

5,632,157

Synaptics, Inc.(1) 
31,887

2,713,265

 
 
22,436,216

Software — 7.1%
 
 
Callidus Software, Inc.(1) 
318,626

5,534,534

Manhattan Associates, Inc.(1) 
85,363

6,218,694

Proofpoint, Inc.(1) 
78,227

5,510,310

Qlik Technologies, Inc.(1) 
233,921

7,338,102

RingCentral, Inc., Class A(1) 
222,491

4,116,083

Tyler Technologies, Inc.(1) 
68,335

11,641,551

 
 
40,359,274

Specialty Retail — 4.3%
 
 
American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.
295,741

4,518,922

Kirkland's, Inc.
215,261

4,948,850

Men's Wearhouse, Inc. (The)
171,925

6,873,562

Restoration Hardware Holdings, Inc.(1) 
77,117

7,949,992

 
 
24,291,326

Technology Hardware, Storage and Peripherals — 1.9%
 
 
Diebold, Inc.
83,154

3,065,888

Super Micro Computer, Inc.(1) 
268,001

7,560,308

 
 
10,626,196

Textiles, Apparel and Luxury Goods — 0.8%
 
 
Skechers U.S.A., Inc., Class A(1) 
137,845

4,300,764

TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(Cost $506,366,224)
 
550,707,246

TEMPORARY CASH INVESTMENTS — 2.3%
 
 
Repurchase Agreement, Credit Suisse First Boston, Inc., (collateralized by various U.S. Treasury obligations, 1.50%, 5/31/19, valued at $5,035,548), in a joint trading account at 0.01%, dated 10/30/15, due 11/2/15 (Delivery value $4,937,583)
 
4,937,579

Repurchase Agreement, Fixed Income Clearing Corp., (collateralized by various U.S. Treasury obligations, 3.125%, 2/15/43, valued at $8,397,681), at 0.00%, dated 10/30/15, due 11/2/15 (Delivery value $8,231,000)
 
8,231,000

TOTAL TEMPORARY CASH INVESTMENTS
(Cost $13,168,579)
 
13,168,579

TOTAL INVESTMENT SECURITIES — 99.4%
(Cost $519,534,803)
 
563,875,825

OTHER ASSETS AND LIABILITIES — 0.6%
 
3,155,780

TOTAL NET ASSETS — 100.0%
 
$
567,031,605


14


FORWARD FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE CONTRACTS
Currency Purchased
Currency Sold
Counterparty
Settlement Date
Unrealized Appreciation
(Depreciation)
USD
3,445,608
CAD
4,564,466
JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.
11/30/15
$
(44,487
)
USD
145,380
CAD
191,287
JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.
11/30/15
(882
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
(45,369
)

NOTES TO SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
CAD
-
Canadian Dollar
USD
-
United States Dollar
(1)
Non-income producing.

See Notes to Financial Statements.

15


Statement of Assets and Liabilities
OCTOBER 31, 2015
 
Assets
 
Investment securities, at value (cost of $519,534,803)
$
563,875,825

Receivable for investments sold
11,451,132

Receivable for capital shares sold
834,388

Dividends and interest receivable
54,989

 
576,216,334

 
 
Liabilities
 
Payable for investments purchased
7,940,230

Payable for capital shares redeemed
567,163

Unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts
45,369

Accrued management fees
599,425

Distribution and service fees payable
32,542

 
9,184,729

 
 
Net Assets
$
567,031,605

 
 
Net Assets Consist of:
 
Capital (par value and paid-in surplus)
$
605,932,603

Accumulated net investment loss
(3,645,427
)
Accumulated net realized loss
(79,551,224
)
Net unrealized appreciation
44,295,653

 
$
567,031,605


 
Net Assets
Shares Outstanding
Net Asset Value Per Share
Investor Class, $0.01 Par Value
$171,490,316
13,133,207

$13.06
Institutional Class, $0.01 Par Value
$256,000,555
19,294,521

$13.27
A Class, $0.01 Par Value
$103,712,522
8,142,152

$12.74*
C Class, $0.01 Par Value
$11,457,602
962,389

$11.91
R Class, $0.01 Par Value
$2,135,397
170,089

$12.55
R6 Class, $0.01 Par Value
$22,235,213
1,670,480

$13.31
*Maximum offering price $13.52 (net asset value divided by 0.9425).


See Notes to Financial Statements.


16


Statement of Operations
YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2015
 
Investment Income (Loss)
 
Income:
 
Dividends (net of foreign taxes withheld of $6,660)
$
2,068,165

Interest
3,475

 
2,071,640

 
 
Expenses:
 
Management fees
5,839,142

Distribution and service fees:
 
A Class
266,690

B Class
5,589

C Class
121,824

R Class
8,208

Directors' fees and expenses
14,790

Other expenses
652

 
6,256,895

 
 
Net investment income (loss)
(4,185,255
)
 
 
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)
 
Net realized gain (loss) on:
 
Investment transactions
30,396,653

Foreign currency transactions
78,807

 
30,475,460

 
 
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:
 
Investments
(44,523,674
)
Translation of assets and liabilities in foreign currencies
(61,365
)
 
(44,585,039
)
 
 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
(14,109,579
)
 
 
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations
$
(18,294,834
)


See Notes to Financial Statements.


17


Statement of Changes in Net Assets
YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2015 AND OCTOBER 31, 2014
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
October 31, 2015
October 31, 2014
Operations
 
 
Net investment income (loss)
$
(4,185,255
)
$
(4,072,462
)
Net realized gain (loss)
30,475,460

68,980,855

Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
(44,585,039
)
(37,263,366
)
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations
(18,294,834
)
27,645,027

 
 
 
Capital Share Transactions
 
 
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from capital share transactions (Note 5)
210,144,181

(85,899,458
)
 
 
 
Redemption Fees
 
 
Increase in net assets from redemption fees
55,952

32,108

 
 
 
Net increase (decrease) in net assets
191,905,299

(58,222,323
)
 
 
 
Net Assets
 
 
Beginning of period
375,126,306

433,348,629

End of period
$
567,031,605

$
375,126,306

 
 
 
Accumulated net investment loss
$
(3,645,427
)
$
(3,554,664
)


See Notes to Financial Statements.


18


Notes to Financial Statements

OCTOBER 31, 2015

1. Organization

American Century Mutual Funds, Inc. (the corporation) is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act), as an open-end management investment company and is organized as a Maryland corporation. Small Cap Growth Fund (the fund) is one fund in a series issued by the corporation. The fund is diversified as defined under the 1940 Act. The fund’s investment objective is to seek long-term capital growth.

The fund offers the Investor Class, the Institutional Class, the A Class, the C Class, the R Class and the R6 Class. The A Class may incur an initial sales charge. The A Class and C Class may be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge. The share classes differ principally in their respective sales charges and distribution and shareholder servicing expenses and arrangements. The Institutional Class and R6 Class shareholders do not require the same level of shareholder and administrative services from American Century Investment Management, Inc. (ACIM) (the investment advisor) as shareholders of other classes. In addition, financial intermediaries do not receive any service, distribution or administrative fees for the R6 Class. As a result, the Institutional Class and R6 Class are charged lower unified management fees. On October 16, 2015, all outstanding B Class shares were converted to A Class shares and the fund discontinued offering the B Class.
 
2. Significant Accounting Policies

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the fund in preparation of its financial statements. The fund is an investment company and follows accounting and reporting guidance in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. This may require management to make certain estimates and assumptions at the date of the financial statements. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Management evaluated the impact of events or transactions occurring through the date the financial statements were issued that would merit recognition or disclosure.

Investment Valuations — The fund determines the fair value of its investments and computes its net asset value per share at the close of regular trading (usually 4 p.m. Eastern time) on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on each day the NYSE is open. The Board of Directors has adopted valuation policies and procedures to guide the investment advisor in the fund’s investment valuation process and to provide methodologies for the oversight of the fund’s pricing function.

Equity securities that are listed or traded on a domestic securities exchange are valued at the last reported sales price or at the official closing price as provided by the exchange. Equity securities traded on foreign securities exchanges are generally valued at the closing price of such securities on the exchange where primarily traded or at the close of the NYSE, if that is earlier. If no last sales price is reported, or if local convention or regulation so provides, the mean of the latest bid and asked prices may be used. Securities traded over-the-counter are valued at the mean of the latest bid and asked prices, the last sales price, or the official closing price. Equity securities initially expressed in local currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at the mean of the appropriate currency exchange rate at the close of the NYSE as provided by an independent pricing service.

Open-end management investment companies are valued at the reported net asset value per share. Repurchase agreements are valued at cost, which approximates fair value. Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are valued at the mean of the appropriate forward exchange rate at the close of the NYSE as provided by an independent pricing service.

If the fund determines that the market price for an investment is not readily available or the valuation methods mentioned above do not reflect an investment’s fair value, such investment is valued as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors or its delegate, in accordance with policies and procedures adopted by the Board of Directors. In its determination of fair value, the fund may review several factors including, but not limited to, market information regarding the specific investment or comparable investments and correlation with other investment types, futures indices or general market indicators. Circumstances that may cause the fund to use these procedures to value an investment include, but are not limited to: an investment has been declared in default or is distressed; trading in a security has been suspended during the trading day or a security is not actively trading on its principal exchange; prices received from a regular pricing source are deemed unreliable; or there is a foreign market holiday and no trading occurred.

19


The fund monitors for significant events occurring after the close of an investment’s primary exchange but before the fund’s net asset value per share is determined. Significant events may include, but are not limited to: corporate announcements and transactions; governmental action and political unrest that could impact a specific investment or an investment sector; or armed conflicts, natural disasters and similar events that could affect investments in a specific country or region. The fund also monitors for significant fluctuations between domestic and foreign markets, as evidenced by the U.S. market or such other indicators that the Board of Directors, or its delegate, deems appropriate. If significant fluctuations in foreign markets are identified, the fund may apply a model-derived factor to the closing price of equity securities traded on foreign securities exchanges. The factor is based on observable market data as provided by an independent pricing service.
 
Security Transactions — Security transactions are accounted for as of the trade date. Net realized gains and losses are determined on the identified cost basis, which is also used for federal income tax purposes.

Investment Income — Dividend income less foreign taxes withheld, if any, is recorded as of the ex-dividend date. Distributions received on securities that represent a return of capital or long-term capital gain are recorded as a reduction of cost of investments and/or as a realized gain. The fund may estimate the components of distributions received that may be considered nontaxable distributions or long-term capital gain distributions for income tax purposes. Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis and includes accretion of discounts and amortization of premiums.

Foreign Currency Translations — All assets and liabilities initially expressed in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at prevailing exchange rates at period end. The fund may enter into spot foreign currency exchange contracts to facilitate transactions denominated in a foreign currency. Purchases and sales of investment securities, dividend and interest income, spot foreign currency exchange contracts, and expenses are translated at the rates of exchange prevailing on the respective dates of such transactions. Net realized and unrealized foreign currency exchange gains or losses related to investment securities are a component of net realized gain (loss) on investment transactions and change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments, respectively.

Repurchase Agreements — The fund may enter into repurchase agreements with institutions that ACIM has determined are creditworthy pursuant to criteria adopted by the Board of Directors. The fund requires that the collateral, represented by securities, received in a repurchase transaction be transferred to the custodian in a manner sufficient to enable the fund to obtain those securities in the event of a default under the repurchase agreement. ACIM monitors, on a daily basis, the securities transferred to ensure the value, including accrued interest, of the securities under each repurchase agreement is equal to or greater than amounts owed to the fund under each repurchase agreement.

Joint Trading Account — Pursuant to an Exemptive Order issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the fund, along with certain other funds in the American Century Investments family of funds, may transfer uninvested cash balances into a joint trading account. These balances are invested in one or more repurchase agreements that are collateralized by U.S. Treasury or Agency obligations.

Income Tax Status — It is the fund’s policy to distribute substantially all net investment income and net realized gains to shareholders and to otherwise qualify as a regulated investment company under provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. Accordingly, no provision has been made for income taxes. The fund files U.S. federal, state, local and non-U.S. tax returns as applicable. The fund's tax returns are subject to examination by the relevant taxing authority until expiration of the applicable statute of limitations, which is generally three years from the date of filing but can be longer in certain jurisdictions. At this time, management believes there are no uncertain tax positions which, based on their technical merit, would not be sustained upon examination and for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly change in the next twelve months.

Multiple Class — All shares of the fund represent an equal pro rata interest in the net assets of the class to which such shares belong, and have identical voting, dividend, liquidation and other rights and the same terms and conditions, except for class specific expenses and exclusive rights to vote on matters affecting only individual classes. Income, non-class specific expenses, and realized and unrealized capital gains and losses of the fund are allocated to each class of shares based on their relative net assets.

Distributions to Shareholders — Distributions from net investment income and net realized gains, if any, are generally declared and paid annually.
 

20


Redemption Fees — The fund may impose a 2.00% redemption fee on shares held less than 60 days. The fee may not be applicable to all classes. The redemption fee is retained by the fund and helps cover transaction costs that long-term investors may bear when the fund sells securities to meet investor redemptions.

Indemnifications — Under the corporation’s organizational documents, its officers and directors are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the fund. In addition, in the normal course of business, the fund enters into contracts that provide general indemnifications. The maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be made against a fund. The risk of material loss from such claims is considered by management to be remote.

3. Fees and Transactions with Related Parties

Certain officers and directors of the corporation are also officers and/or directors of American Century Companies, Inc. (ACC). The corporation’s investment advisor, ACIM, the corporation's distributor, American Century Investment Services, Inc. (ACIS), and the corporation’s transfer agent, American Century Services, LLC, are wholly owned, directly or indirectly, by ACC.
 
Management Fees — The corporation has entered into a management agreement with ACIM, under which ACIM provides the fund with investment advisory and management services in exchange for a single, unified management fee (the fee) per class. The agreement provides that all expenses of managing and operating the fund, except distribution and service fees, brokerage expenses, taxes, interest, fees and expenses of the independent directors (including legal counsel fees), and extraordinary expenses, will be paid by ACIM. The fee is computed and accrued daily based on each class’s daily net assets and paid monthly in arrears. The rate of the fee is determined by applying a fee rate calculation formula. This formula takes into account the fund’s assets as well as certain assets, if any, of other clients of the investment advisor outside the American Century Investments family of funds (such as subadvised funds and separate accounts) that have very similar investment teams and investment strategies (strategy assets). The annual management fee schedule ranges from 1.100% to 1.500% for the Investor Class, A Class, B Class, C Class and R Class. The annual management fee schedule ranges from 0.900% to 1.300% for the Institutional Class and 0.750% to 1.150% for the R6 Class. The effective annual management fee for each class for the year ended October 31, 2015 was 1.39% for the Investor Class, A Class, C Class and R Class, 1.17% for the Institutional Class and 1.04% for the R6 Class.

Distribution and Service Fees — The Board of Directors has adopted a separate Master Distribution and Individual Shareholder Services Plan for each of the A Class, B Class, C Class and R Class (collectively the plans), pursuant to Rule 12b-1 of the 1940 Act. The plans provide that the A Class will pay ACIS an annual distribution and service fee of 0.25%. The plans provide that the B Class and C Class will each pay ACIS an annual distribution and service fee of 1.00%, of which 0.25% is paid for individual shareholder services and 0.75% is paid for distribution services. The plans provide that the R Class will pay ACIS an annual distribution and service fee of 0.50%. The fees are computed and accrued daily based on each class’s daily net assets and paid monthly in arrears. The fees are used to pay financial intermediaries for distribution and individual shareholder services. Fees incurred under the plans during the year ended October 31, 2015 are detailed in the Statement of Operations.

Directors' Fees and Expenses — The Board of Directors is responsible for overseeing the investment advisor’s management and operations of the fund. The directors receive detailed information about the fund and its investment advisor regularly throughout the year, and meet at least quarterly with management of the investment advisor to review reports about fund operations. The fund’s officers do not receive compensation from the fund.
 
4. Investment Transactions

Purchases and sales of investment securities, excluding short-term investments, for the year ended October 31, 2015 were $630,322,839 and $435,981,504, respectively.

21


5. Capital Share Transactions

Transactions in shares of the fund were as follows:
 
Year ended
October 31, 2015
Year ended
October 31, 2014
 
Shares
Amount
Shares
Amount
Investor Class/Shares Authorized
165,000,000

 
165,000,000

 
Sold
4,048,244

$
57,398,527

2,973,559

$
36,997,342

Redeemed
(4,195,236
)
(58,081,513
)
(6,364,796
)
(78,560,612
)
 
(146,992
)
(682,986
)
(3,391,237
)
(41,563,270
)
Institutional Class/Shares Authorized
150,000,000

 
150,000,000

 
Sold
15,295,628

226,693,536

498,126

6,292,729

Redeemed
(1,577,566
)
(22,030,720
)
(3,476,777
)
(43,573,925
)
 
13,718,062

204,662,816

(2,978,651
)
(37,281,196
)
A Class/Shares Authorized
110,000,000

 
110,000,000

 
Sold
1,587,003

21,914,685

794,104

9,618,573

Redeemed
(1,422,136
)
(19,220,665
)
(2,550,555
)
(30,759,719
)
 
164,867

2,694,020

(1,756,451
)
(21,141,146
)
B Class/Shares Authorized
20,000,000

 
20,000,000

 
Sold
2,498

34,126

8,571

97,098

Redeemed
(59,417
)
(728,188
)
(63,019
)
(720,580
)
 
(56,919
)
(694,062
)
(54,448
)
(623,482
)
C Class/Shares Authorized
20,000,000

 
20,000,000

 
Sold
189,291

2,418,796

189,767

2,181,272

Redeemed
(219,855
)
(2,808,119
)
(381,341
)
(4,360,695
)
 
(30,564
)
(389,323
)
(191,574
)
(2,179,423
)
R Class/Shares Authorized
20,000,000

 
20,000,000

 
Sold
84,279

1,131,737

29,376

350,874

Redeemed
(25,023
)
(330,330
)
(92,712
)
(1,120,090
)
 
59,256

801,407

(63,336
)
(769,216
)
R6 Class/Shares Authorized
50,000,000

 
50,000,000

 
Sold
532,300

7,687,468

1,440,038

17,986,045

Redeemed
(277,834
)
(3,935,159
)
(26,231
)
(327,770
)
 
254,466

3,752,309

1,413,807

17,658,275

Net increase (decrease)
13,962,176

$
210,144,181

(7,021,890
)
$
(85,899,458
)

6. Fair Value Measurements

The fund’s investments valuation process is based on several considerations and may use multiple inputs to determine the fair value of the investments held by the fund. In conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, the inputs used to determine a valuation are classified into three broad levels.

Level 1 valuation inputs consist of unadjusted quoted prices in an active market for identical investments.

Level 2 valuation inputs consist of direct or indirect observable market data (including quoted prices for comparable investments, evaluations of subsequent market events, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.). These inputs also consist of quoted prices for identical investments initially expressed in local currencies that are adjusted through translation into U.S. dollars.

Level 3 valuation inputs consist of unobservable data (including a fund’s own assumptions).

The level classification is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair valuation measurement. The valuation inputs are not necessarily an indication of the risks associated with investing in these securities or other financial instruments. There were no significant transfers between levels during the period.


22


The following is a summary of the level classifications as of period end. The Schedule of Investments provides additional information on the fund’s portfolio holdings.
 
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Assets
 
 
 
Investment Securities
 
 
 
Common Stocks
$
546,576,322

$
4,130,924


Temporary Cash Investments

13,168,579


 
$
546,576,322

$
17,299,503


 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
Other Financial Instruments
 
 
 
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts

$
(45,369
)


7. Derivative Instruments

Foreign Currency Risk — The fund is subject to foreign currency exchange rate risk in the normal course of pursuing its investment objectives. The value of foreign investments held by a fund may be significantly affected by changes in foreign currency exchange rates. The dollar value of a foreign security generally decreases when the value of the dollar rises against the foreign currency in which the security is denominated and tends to increase when the value of the dollar declines against such foreign currency. A fund may enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts to reduce a fund's exposure to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. The net U.S. dollar value of foreign currency underlying all contractual commitments held by a fund and the resulting unrealized appreciation or depreciation are determined daily. Realized gain or loss is recorded upon the termination of the contract. Net realized and unrealized gains or losses occurring during the holding period of forward foreign currency exchange contracts are a component of net realized gain (loss) on foreign currency transactions and change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on translation of assets and liabilities in foreign currencies, respectively. A fund bears the risk of an unfavorable change in the foreign currency exchange rate underlying the forward contract. Additionally, losses, up to the fair value, may arise if the counterparties do not perform under the contract terms. The fund participated in foreign currency risk derivative instruments during the period consistent with its exposure to foreign denominated securities. The fund's average U.S. dollar exposure to foreign currency risk derivative instruments held during the period was $3,397,319.
The value of foreign currency risk derivative instruments as of October 31, 2015, is disclosed on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities as a liability of $45,369 in unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts. For the year ended October 31, 2015, the effect of foreign currency risk derivative instruments on the Statement of Operations was $74,523 in net realized gain (loss) on foreign currency transactions and $(61,522) in change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on translation of assets and liabilities in foreign currencies.

8. Risk Factors

The fund invests in common stocks of small companies. Because of this, the fund may be subject to greater risk and market fluctuations than a fund investing in larger, more established companies.

The fund’s investment process may result in high portfolio turnover, which could mean high transaction costs, affecting both performance and capital gains tax liabilities to investors.

9. Federal Tax Information

The book-basis character of distributions made during the year from net investment income or net realized gains may differ from their ultimate characterization for federal income tax purposes. These differences reflect the differing character of certain income items and net realized gains and losses for financial statement and tax purposes, and may result in reclassification among certain capital accounts on the financial statements. There were no distributions paid by the fund during the years ended October 31, 2015 and October 31, 2014.


23


As of October 31, 2015, the federal tax cost of investments and the components of distributable earnings on a tax-basis were as follows:
Federal tax cost of investments
$
525,009,204

Gross tax appreciation of investments
$
75,792,530

Gross tax depreciation of investments
(36,925,909
)
Net tax appreciation (depreciation) of investments
$
38,866,621

Undistributed ordinary income

Accumulated short-term capital losses
$
(74,076,823
)
Late-year ordinary loss deferral
$
(3,690,796
)

The difference between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation (depreciation) is attributable primarily to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales.
 
Accumulated capital losses represent net capital loss carryovers that may be used to offset future realized capital gains for federal income tax purposes. Future capital loss carryover utilization in any given year may be subject to Internal Revenue Code limitations. Capital loss carryovers expire in 2017.

Loss deferrals represent certain qualified losses that the fund has elected to treat as having been incurred in the following fiscal year for federal income tax purposes.








24


Financial Highlights
For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Years Ended October 31 (except as noted)
 
 
 
Per-Share Data
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ratios and Supplemental Data
 
 
Income From Investment Operations:
 
 
 
Ratio to Average Net Assets of:
 
 
 
Net Asset
Value,
Beginning
of Period
Net
Investment
Income
(Loss)
(1)
Net
Realized
and
Unrealized
Gain (Loss)
Total From
Investment
Operations
Distributions From Net
Investment
Income
Net Asset
Value,
End
of Period
Total
Return
(2)
Operating
Expenses
Net
Investment
Income
(Loss)
Portfolio
Turnover
Rate
Net
Assets,
End of
Period
(in thousands)
Investor Class
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2015
$12.82
(0.13)
0.37
0.24
$13.06
1.87%
1.39%
(0.92)%
100%

$171,490

2014
$11.95
(0.11)
0.98
0.87
$12.82
7.28%
1.40%
(0.93)%
75%

$170,316

2013
$8.79
(0.05)
3.23
3.18
(0.02)
$11.95
36.23%
1.42%
(0.47)%
80%

$199,294

2012
$8.06
(0.01)
0.74
0.73
$8.79
9.06%
1.42%
(0.12)%
62%

$144,021

2011
$7.45
(0.07)
0.68
0.61
$8.06
8.19%
1.40%
(0.84)%
108%

$166,243

Institutional Class
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2015
$13.01
(0.10)
0.36
0.26
$13.27
2.00%
1.17%
(0.70)%
100%

$256,001

2014
$12.10
(0.09)
1.00
0.91
$13.01
7.52%
1.20%
(0.73)%
75%

$72,542

2013
$8.88
(0.02)
3.26
3.24
(0.02)
$12.10
36.61%
1.22%
(0.27)%
80%

$103,520

2012
$8.13
0.01
0.74
0.75
$8.88
9.23%
1.22%
0.08%
62%

$96,092

2011
$7.50
(0.05)
0.68
0.63
$8.13
8.40%
1.20%
(0.64)%
108%

$105,520

A Class
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2015
$12.54
(0.16)
0.36
0.20
$12.74
1.59%
1.64%
(1.17)%
100%

$103,713

2014
$11.72
(0.14)
0.96
0.82
$12.54
7.00%
1.65%
(1.18)%
75%

$100,051

2013
$8.63
(0.07)
3.17
3.10
(0.01)
$11.72
36.00%
1.67%
(0.72)%
80%

$114,080

2012
$7.94
(0.03)
0.72
0.69
$8.63
8.69%
1.67%
(0.37)%
62%

$98,665

2011
$7.35
(0.09)
0.68
0.59
$7.94
8.03%
1.65%
(1.09)%
108%

$115,741


25


For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Years Ended October 31 (except as noted)
 
 
 
Per-Share Data
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ratios and Supplemental Data
 
 
Income From Investment Operations:
 
 
 
Ratio to Average Net Assets of:
 
 
 
Net Asset
Value,
Beginning
of Period
Net
Investment
Income
(Loss)
(1)
Net
Realized
and
Unrealized
Gain (Loss)
Total From
Investment
Operations
Distributions From Net
Investment
Income
Net Asset
Value,
End
of Period
Total
Return
(2)
Operating
Expenses
Net
Investment
Income
(Loss)
Portfolio
Turnover
Rate
Net
Assets,
End of
Period
(in thousands)
C Class
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2015
$11.81
(0.24)
0.34
0.10
$11.91
0.76%
2.39%
(1.92)%
100%

$11,458

2014
$11.12
(0.22)
0.91
0.69
$11.81
6.21%
2.40%
(1.93)%
75%

$11,727

2013
$8.24
(0.14)
3.02
2.88
$11.12
34.95%
2.42%
(1.47)%
80%

$13,171

2012
$7.63
(0.09)
0.70
0.61
$8.24
7.99%
2.42%
(1.12)%
62%

$11,291

2011
$7.13
(0.15)
0.65
0.50
$7.63
7.01%
2.40%
(1.84)%
108%

$12,691

R Class
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2015
$12.39
(0.19)
0.35
0.16
$12.55
1.29%
1.89%
(1.42)%
100%

$2,135

2014
$11.61
(0.17)
0.95
0.78
$12.39
6.72%
1.90%
(1.43)%
75%

$1,373

2013
$8.56
(0.10)
3.16
3.06
(0.01)
$11.61
35.73%
1.92%
(0.97)%
80%

$2,022

2012
$7.89
(0.04)
0.71
0.67
$8.56
8.49%
1.92%
(0.62)%
62%

$1,570

2011
$7.33
(0.11)
0.67
0.56
$7.89
7.64%
1.90%
(1.34)%
108%

$1,266

R6 Class
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2015
$13.03
(0.08)
0.36
0.28
$13.31
2.15%
1.04%
(0.57)%
100%

$22,235

2014
$12.10
(0.08)
1.01
0.93
$13.03
7.69%
1.07%
(0.60)%
75%

$18,447

2013(3)
$11.33
(0.02)
0.79
0.77
$12.10
6.80%
1.05%(4)
(0.55)%(4)
80%(5)

$27


26


Notes to Financial Highlights
 
 
(1)
Computed using average shares outstanding throughout the period.
(2)
Total returns are calculated based on the net asset value of the last business day and do not reflect applicable sales charges, if any. Total returns for periods less than one year are not annualized.
(3)
July 26, 2013 (commencement of sale) through October 31, 2013.
(4)
Annualized.
(5)
Portfolio turnover is calculated at the fund level. Percentage indicated was calculated for the year ended October 31, 2013.

See Notes to Financial Statements.

27


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of American Century Mutual Funds, Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the schedule of investments, of Small Cap Growth Fund (the “Fund”), one of the funds constituting American Century Mutual Funds, Inc., as of October 31, 2015, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the periods presented. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Fund’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. The Fund is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Fund’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of October 31, 2015, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers; when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Small Cap Growth Fund of American Century Mutual Funds, Inc. as of October 31, 2015, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the periods presented, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Kansas City, Missouri
December 16, 2015


28


Management

The Board of Directors
The individuals listed below serve as directors of the funds. Each director will continue to serve in this capacity until death, retirement, resignation or removal from office. The board has adopted a mandatory retirement age for directors who are not “interested persons,” as that term is defined in the Investment Company Act (independent directors). Independent directors shall retire by December 31 of the year in which they reach their 75th birthday.
Mr. Thomas is an “interested person” because he currently serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of American Century Companies, Inc. (ACC), the parent company of American Century Investment Management, Inc. (ACIM or the advisor). Mr. Fink is treated as an “interested person” because of his recent employment with ACC and American Century Services, LLC (ACS). The other directors (more than three-fourths of the total number) are independent. They are not employees, directors or officers of, and have no financial interest in, ACC or any of its wholly owned, direct or indirect, subsidiaries, including ACIM, American Century Investment Services, Inc. (ACIS) and ACS, and they do not have any other affiliations, positions or relationships that would cause them to be considered “interested persons” under the Investment Company Act. The directors serve in this capacity for seven (in the case of Mr. Thomas, 15) registered investment companies in the American Century Investments family of funds.
The following table presents additional information about the directors. The mailing address for each director is 4500 Main Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64111.
Name
(Year of Birth)
Position(s)
Held with
Funds
Length of
Time Served
Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years
Number of
American
Century
Portfolios
Overseen by Director
Other
Directorships
Held During
Past 5 Years
Independent Directors
 
 
 
 
Thomas A. Brown
(1940)
Director
Since 1980
Managing Member, Associated Investments, LLC (real estate investment company)
80
None
Andrea C. Hall
(1945)
Director
Since 1997
Retired
80
None
Jan M. Lewis
(1957)
Director
Since 2011
Retired; President and Chief Executive Officer, Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas (human services organization) (2006 to 2013)
80
None
James A. Olson
(1942)
Director and Chairman of the Board
Since 2007 (Chairman since 2014)
Member, Plaza Belmont LLC (private equity fund manager)
80
Saia, Inc. (2002 to 2012) and EPR Properties (2003 to 2013)
M. Jeannine Strandjord
(1945)
Director
Since 1994
Retired
80
Euronet Worldwide Inc.; MGP Ingredients, Inc.; Charming Shoppes, Inc. (2006 to 2010); and DST Systems Inc. (1996 to 2012)
John R. Whitten
(1946)
Director
Since 2008
Retired
80
Rudolph Technologies, Inc.

29


Name
(Year of Birth)
Position(s)
Held with
Funds
Length of
Time Served
Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years
Number of
American
Century
Portfolios
Overseen by Director
Other
Directorships
Held During
Past 5 Years
Independent Directors
 
 
 
 
Stephen E. Yates
(1948)
Director
Since 2012
Retired; Executive Vice President, Technology & Operations, KeyCorp. (computer services) (2004 to 2010)
80
Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. (2001 to 2010)
Interested Directors
 
 
 
 
Barry Fink
(1955)
Director
Since 2012
Retired; Executive Vice President, ACC (September 2007 to February 2013); President, ACS (October 2007 to February 2013); Chief Operating Officer, ACC (September 2007 to November 2012)
80
None
Jonathan S. Thomas
(1963)
Director and President
Since 2007
President and Chief Executive Officer, ACC (March 2007 to present). Also serves as Chief Executive Officer, ACS; Executive Vice President, ACIM; Director, ACC, ACIM and other ACC subsidiaries
125
BioMed Valley Discoveries, Inc.

The Statement of Additional Information has additional information about the fund's directors and is available without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-345-2021.


30


Officers
The following table presents certain information about the executive officers of the funds. Each officer serves as an officer for each of the 15 investment companies in the American Century family of funds, unless otherwise noted. No officer is compensated for his or her service as an officer of the funds. The listed officers are interested persons of the funds and are appointed or re-appointed on an annual basis. The mailing address for each officer listed below is 4500 Main Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64111.
Name
(Year of Birth)
Offices with the Funds
Principal Occupation(s) During the Past Five Years
Jonathan S.
Thomas
(1963)
Director and
President
since 2007
President and Chief Executive Officer, ACC (March 2007 to present). Also serves as Chief Executive Officer, ACS; Executive Vice President, ACIM; Director, ACC, ACIM and other ACC subsidiaries
Amy D. Shelton
(1964)
Chief Compliance
Officer and Vice President since 2014
Chief Compliance Officer, American Century funds, (March 2014 to present); Chief Compliance Officer, ACIM (February 2014 to present); Chief Compliance Officer, ACIS (October 2009 to present); Vice President, Client Interactions and Marketing, ACIS (February 2013 to January 2014); Director, Client Interactions and Marketing, ACIS (June 2007 to January 2013). Also serves as Vice President, ACIS
Charles A.
Etherington
(1957)
General Counsel
since 2007 and
Senior Vice
President since 2006
Attorney, ACC (February 1994 to present); Vice President, ACC (November 2005 to present); General Counsel, ACC (March 2007 to present). Also serves as General Counsel, ACIM, ACS, ACIS and other ACC subsidiaries; and Senior Vice President, ACIM and ACS
C. Jean Wade
(1964)
Vice President,
Treasurer and
Chief Financial
Officer since 2012
Vice President, ACS (February 2000 to present)
Robert J. Leach
(1966)
Vice President
since 2006 and
Assistant Treasurer
since 2012
Vice President, ACS (February 2000 to present)
David H.
Reinmiller
(1963)
Vice President
since 2000
Attorney, ACC (January 1994 to present); Associate General Counsel, ACC (January 2001 to present). Also serves as Vice President, ACIM and ACS
Ward D. Stauffer
(1960)
Secretary
since 2005
Attorney, ACC (June 2003 to present)


31


Approval of Management Agreement


At a meeting held on June 30, 2015, the Fund’s Board of Directors unanimously approved the renewal of the management agreement pursuant to which American Century Investment Management, Inc. (the “Advisor”) acts as the investment advisor for the Fund. Under Section 15(c) of the Investment Company Act, contracts for investment advisory services are required to be reviewed, evaluated, and approved by a majority of a fund’s directors (the “Directors”), including a majority of the independent Directors, each year.
    
Prior to its consideration of the renewal of the management agreement, the Directors requested and reviewed extensive data and information compiled by the Advisor and certain independent providers of evaluation data concerning the Fund and the services provided to the Fund by the Advisor. This review was in addition to the oversight and evaluation undertaken by the Board and its committees on a continuous basis and the information received was supplemental to the extensive information that the Board and its committees receive and consider throughout the year.

In connection with its consideration of the renewal of the management agreement, the Board’s review and evaluation of the services provided by the Advisor included, but was not limited to, the following:

the nature, extent, and quality of investment management, shareholder services, and other services provided by the Advisor to the Fund;
the wide range of other programs and services the Advisor provides to the Fund and its shareholders on a routine and non-routine basis;
the Fund’s investment performance compared to appropriate benchmarks and/or a peer group of other mutual funds with similar investment objectives and strategies;
the cost of owning the Fund compared to the cost of owning similar funds;
the Advisor’s compliance policies, procedures, and regulatory experience;
financial data showing the cost of services provided to the Fund, the profitability of the Fund to the Advisor, and the overall profitability of the Advisor;
possible economies of scale associated with the Advisor’s management of the Fund and other accounts under its management;
data comparing services provided and charges to other investment management clients of the Advisor;
acquired fund fees and expenses;
payments to intermediaries by the Fund and the Advisor; and
any collateral benefits derived by the Advisor from the management of the Fund.

In keeping with their practice, the Directors held two in-person meetings and one telephonic meeting to review and discuss the information provided. The independent Directors also had the benefit of the advice of their independent counsel throughout the process.

Factors Considered

The Directors considered all of the information provided by the Advisor, the independent data providers, and independent counsel, and evaluated such information for the Fund. In connection with their review, the Directors did not identify any single factor as being all-important or controlling, and each Director may have attributed different levels of importance to different factors. In deciding to renew the management agreement, the Board based its decision on a number of factors, including the following:


32


Nature, Extent and Quality of Services - Generally. Under the management agreement, the Advisor is responsible for providing or arranging for all services necessary for the operation of the
Fund. The Board noted that under the management agreement, the Advisor provides or arranges at its own expense a wide variety of services including:

constructing and designing the Fund
portfolio research and security selection
initial capitalization/funding
securities trading
Fund administration
custody of Fund assets
daily valuation of the Fund’s portfolio
shareholder servicing and transfer agency, including shareholder confirmations, recordkeeping, and communications
legal services (except the independent Directors’ counsel)
regulatory and portfolio compliance
financial reporting
marketing and distribution (except Rule 12b-1 plans)

The Board noted that many of these services have expanded over time both in terms of quantity and complexity in response to shareholder demands, competition in the industry, changing distribution channels, and the changing regulatory environment.

Investment Management Services. The nature of the investment management services provided to the Fund is quite complex and allows Fund shareholders access to professional money management, instant diversification of their investments within an asset class, the opportunity to easily diversify among asset classes by investing in or exchanging among various American Century Investments funds, and liquidity. In evaluating investment performance, the Board expects the Advisor to manage the Fund in accordance with its investment objectives and approved strategies. Further, the Directors recognize that the Advisor has an obligation to monitor trading activities, and in particular to seek the best execution of fund trades, and to evaluate the use of and payment for research. In providing these services, the Advisor utilizes teams of investment professionals (portfolio managers, analysts, research assistants, and securities traders) who require extensive information technology, research, training, compliance and other systems to conduct their business. The Board, directly and through its Fund Performance Review Committee, regularly reviews investment performance information for the Fund, together with comparative information for appropriate benchmarks and/or peer groups of similarly-managed funds, over different time horizons. The Directors also review detailed performance information during the management agreement approval process. If performance concerns are identified, the Fund receives special reviews until performance improves, during which the Board discusses with the Advisor the reasons for such results (e.g., market conditions, security selection) and any efforts being undertaken to improve performance. The Fund’s performance was above its benchmark for the one-, three-, five-, and ten-year periods reviewed by the Board. The Board found the investment management services provided by the Advisor to the Fund to be satisfactory and consistent with the management agreement.

Shareholder and Other Services. Under the management agreement, the Advisor provides the Fund with a comprehensive package of transfer agency, shareholder, and other services. The Board, directly and through various committees of the Board, regularly reviews reports and evaluations of such services at its regular meetings. These reports include, but are not limited to, information regarding the operational efficiency and accuracy of the shareholder and transfer agency services provided, staffing levels, shareholder satisfaction (as measured by external as well as internal sources), technology support, new products and services offered to Fund shareholders, securities trading activities, portfolio valuation services, auditing services, and legal and operational compliance activities. The Board particularly noted the Advisor’s continual efforts to maintain effective business continuity plans and to address cybersecurity threats. Certain aspects of shareholder and transfer agency service level efficiency and the quality of securities trading

33


activities are measured by independent third party providers and are presented in comparison to other fund groups not managed by the Advisor. The Board found the services provided by the Advisor to the Fund under the management agreement to be competitive and of high quality.

Costs of Services and Profitability. The Advisor provides detailed information concerning its cost of providing various services to the Fund, its profitability in managing the Fund (pre- and post-distribution), its overall profitability, and its financial condition. The Directors have reviewed with the Advisor the methodology used to prepare this financial information. This information is considered in evaluating the Advisor’s financial condition, its ability to continue to provide services under the management agreement, and the reasonableness of the current management fee. The Board concluded that the Advisor’s profits were reasonable in light of the services provided to the Fund.

Ethics. The Board generally considers the Advisor’s commitment to providing quality services to shareholders and to conducting its business ethically. They noted that the Advisor’s practices generally meet or exceed industry best practices.

Economies of Scale. The Board also reviewed information provided by the Advisor regarding the possible existence of economies of scale in connection with the management of the Fund. The Board concluded that economies of scale are difficult to measure and predict with precision, especially on a fund-by-fund basis. The Board concluded that the Advisor is appropriately sharing economies of scale through its competitive fee structure, offering competitive fees from fund inception, and through reinvestment in its business to provide shareholders additional content and services. The Board also noted that economies of scale are shared with the Fund and its shareholders through management fee breakpoints that serve to reduce the effective management fee as the assets of the Fund grow.

Comparison to Other Funds’ Fees. The management agreement provides that the Fund pays the Advisor a single, all-inclusive (or unified) management fee for providing all services necessary for the management and operation of the Fund, other than brokerage expenses, taxes, interest, extraordinary expenses, and the fees and expenses of the Fund’s independent Directors (including their independent legal counsel) and expenses incurred in connection with the provision of shareholder services and distribution services under a plan adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Under the unified fee structure, the Advisor is responsible for providing all investment advisory, custody, audit, administrative, compliance, recordkeeping, marketing and shareholder services, or arranging and supervising third parties to provide such services. By contrast, most other funds are charged a variety of fees, including an investment advisory fee, a transfer agency fee, an administrative fee, distribution charges, and other expenses. Other than their investment advisory fees and any applicable Rule 12b-1 distribution fees, all other components of the total fees charged by these other funds may be increased without shareholder approval. The Board believes the unified fee structure is a benefit to Fund shareholders because it clearly discloses to shareholders the cost of owning Fund shares, and, since the unified fee cannot be increased without a vote of Fund shareholders, it shifts to the Advisor the risk of increased costs of operating the Fund and provides a direct incentive to minimize administrative inefficiencies. Part of the Board’s analysis of fee levels involves reviewing certain evaluative data compiled by an independent provider comparing the Fund’s unified fee to the total expense ratios of its peers. The unified fee charged to shareholders of the Fund was above the median of the total expense ratios of the Fund’s peer expense universe and was within the range of its peer expense group. The Board concluded that the management fee paid by the Fund to the Advisor under the management agreement is reasonable in light of the services provided to the Fund.


34


Comparison to Fees and Services Provided to Other Clients of the Advisor. The Directors also requested and received information from the Advisor concerning the nature of the services, fees, costs and profitability of its advisory services to advisory clients other than the Fund. They observed that these varying types of client accounts require different services and involve different regulatory and entrepreneurial risks than the management of the Fund. The Board analyzed this information and concluded that the fees charged and services provided to the Fund were reasonable by comparison.

Payments to Intermediaries. The Directors also requested and received a description of payments made to intermediaries by the Fund and the Advisor. These payments include various payments made by the Fund or the Advisor to different types of intermediaries and recordkeepers for distribution and service activities provided for the Fund. The Board reviewed such information and found the payments to be reasonable in scope and purpose.

Collateral or “Fall-Out” Benefits Derived by the Advisor. The Board considered the existence of collateral benefits the Advisor may receive as a result of its relationship with the Fund. They concluded that the Advisor’s primary business is managing mutual funds and it generally does not use fund or shareholder information to generate profits in other lines of business, and therefore does not derive any significant collateral benefits from them. The Board noted that additional assets from other clients may offer the Advisor some benefit from increased leverage with service providers and counterparties. Additionally, the Advisor receives proprietary research from broker-dealers that execute fund portfolio transactions, which the Board concluded is likely to benefit other clients of the Advisor as well as Fund shareholders. The Board also determined that the Advisor is able to provide investment management services to certain clients other than the Fund, at least in part, due to its existing infrastructure built to serve the fund complex. The Board concluded that appropriate allocation methodologies had been employed to assign resources and the cost of those resources to these other clients and, where expressly provided, these other client assets may be included with the assets of the Fund to determine breakpoints in the management fee schedule.

Existing Relationship. The Board also considered whether there was any reason for not continuing the existing arrangement with the Advisor. In this regard, the Board was mindful of the potential disruptions of the Fund’s operations and various risks, uncertainties, and other effects that could occur as a result of a decision not to continue such relationship. In particular, the Board recognized that most shareholders have invested in the Fund on the strength of the Advisor’s industry standing and reputation and in the expectation that the Advisor will have a continuing role in providing advisory services to the Fund.

Conclusion of the Directors. As a result of this process, the Board, including all of the independent Directors, taking into account all of the factors discussed above and the information provided by the Advisor and others in connection with its review and throughout the year, determined that the management fee is fair and reasonable in light of the services provided and that the investment management agreement between the Fund and the Advisor should be renewed.


35


Additional Information

Retirement Account Information
As required by law, distributions you receive from certain IRAs are subject to federal income tax withholding, unless you elect not to have withholding apply. Tax will be withheld on the total amount withdrawn even though you may be receiving amounts that are not subject to withholding, such as nondeductible contributions. In such case, excess amounts of withholding could occur. You may adjust your withholding election so that a greater or lesser amount will be withheld.
If you don’t want us to withhold on this amount, you must notify us to not withhold the federal income tax. You may notify us in writing or in certain situations by telephone or through other electronic means. For systematic withdrawals, your withholding election will remain in effect until revoked or changed by filing a new election. You have the right to revoke your election at any time.
Remember, even if you elect not to have income tax withheld, you are liable for paying income tax on the taxable portion of your withdrawal. If you elect not to have income tax withheld or you don’t have enough income tax withheld, you may be responsible for payment of estimated tax. You may incur penalties under the estimated tax rules if your withholding and estimated tax payments are not sufficient. You can reduce or defer the income tax on a distribution by directly or indirectly rolling such distribution over to another IRA or eligible plan. You should consult your tax advisor for additional information.
State tax will be withheld if, at the time of your distribution, your address is within one of the mandatory withholding states and you have federal income tax withheld (or as otherwise required by state law). State taxes will be withheld from your distribution in accordance with the respective state rules.
Distributions you receive from 403(b), 457 and qualified plans are subject to special tax and withholding rules. Your plan administrator or plan sponsor is required to provide you with a special tax notice explaining those rules at the time you request a distribution. If applicable, federal and/or state taxes may be withheld from your distribution amount.


Proxy Voting Policies
A description of the policies that the fund's investment advisor uses in exercising the voting rights associated with the securities purchased and/or held by the fund is available without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-345-2021. It is also available on the "About Us" page of American Century Investments’ website at americancentury.com and on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at sec.gov. Information regarding how the investment advisor voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available on the "About Us" page at americancentury.com. It is also available at sec.gov.


Quarterly Portfolio Disclosure
The fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The fund’s Forms N-Q are available on the SEC’s website at sec.gov, and may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330. The fund also makes its complete schedule of portfolio holdings for the most recent quarter of its fiscal year available on its
website at americancentury.com and, upon request, by calling 1-800-345-2021.




36






 
 
 
 
Contact Us
americancentury.com
 
Automated Information Line
1-800-345-8765
 
Investor Services Representative
1-800-345-2021
or 816-531-5575
 
Investors Using Advisors
1-800-378-9878
 
Business, Not-For-Profit, Employer-Sponsored Retirement Plans
1-800-345-3533
 
Banks and Trust Companies, Broker-Dealers, Financial Professionals, Insurance Companies
1-800-345-6488
 
Telecommunications Relay Service for the Deaf
711
 
 
 
 
American Century Mutual Funds, Inc.
 
 
 
 
Investment Advisor:
American Century Investment Management, Inc.
Kansas City, Missouri
 
 
 
 
This report and the statements it contains are submitted for the general information of our shareholders. The report is not authorized for distribution to prospective investors unless preceded or accompanied by an effective prospectus.
 
 
 
 
©2015 American Century Proprietary Holdings, Inc. All rights reserved.
CL-ANN-87644   1512
 



        ANNUAL REPORT
OCTOBER 31, 2015

 
 


Ultra® Fund







Table of Contents
 
President’s Letter
2

Performance
3

Portfolio Commentary

Fund Characteristics

Shareholder Fee Example

Schedule of Investments

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

Statement of Operations

Statement of Changes in Net Assets

Notes to Financial Statements

Financial Highlights

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Management

Approval of Management Agreement

Additional Information




















Any opinions expressed in this report reflect those of the author as of the date of the report, and do not necessarily represent the opinions of American Century Investments® or any other person in the American Century Investments organization. Any such opinions are subject to change at any time based upon market or other conditions and American Century Investments disclaims any responsibility to update such opinions. These opinions may not be relied upon as investment advice and, because investment decisions made by American Century Investments funds are based on numerous factors, may not be relied upon as an indication of trading intent on behalf of any American Century Investments fund. Security examples are used for representational purposes only and are not intended as recommendations to purchase or sell securities. Performance information for comparative indices and securities is provided to American Century Investments by third party vendors. To the best of American Century Investments’ knowledge, such information is accurate at the time of printing.



President’s Letter

Dear Investor:

Thank you for reviewing this annual report for the 12 months ended October 31, 2015. It provides investment performance and portfolio information for the reporting period, plus longer-term historical performance data.

Annual reports remain useful vehicles for conveying information about fund performance, including market and economic factors that affected returns during the reporting period. For additional, updated investment and market insights, we encourage you to visit our website, americancentury.com.
Jonathan Thomas

Divergence in Economic Growth and Monetary Policies, Combined With China Turmoil, Triggered Market Volatility

Divergence between the U.S. and the rest of the world—along with China’s struggles, plunging commodity prices, capital market volatility, and risk-off trading—emerged as key themes during the reporting period. Global divergence described not only the relatively stronger economic growth enjoyed by the U.S. compared with most of the world, but also the related contrast between the U.S. Federal Reserve’s (the Fed’s) unwinding of monetary stimulus versus the continuation and expansion of stimulus by other major central banks. Central bank moves—including the Fed’s delayed normalization of its extremely low interest rate positioning—helped trigger large market swings.

In October 2014, the Fed ended its latest massive bond-buying program (quantitative easing, QE), leading to expectations that interest rates would rise. But while QE was halted in the U.S., other major central banks were starting or increasing QE as their economies faltered. This divergence helped fuel increased demand for the U.S. dollar and U.S. dollar-denominated assets, and put downward pressure on commodity prices, most notably crude oil, down over 40% for the reporting period. Low inflation also prevailed after oil prices plunged amid a supply glut and muted demand for commodities in general. In this environment, the U.S. dollar, U.S. growth stocks, and longer-maturity U.S. Treasuries generally benefited from “flight to quality” capital flows, while emerging market and commodity-related investments suffered significant declines.

We expect continued economic and monetary policy divergence between the U.S. and non-U.S. economies in the coming months, accompanied by further market volatility. This could present both challenges and opportunities for active investment managers. In this environment, we continue to believe in a disciplined, diversified, long-term investment approach, using professionally managed stock and bond portfolios to meet financial goals. We appreciate your continued trust in us.

Sincerely,
Jonathan Thomas
President and Chief Executive Officer
American Century Investments


2


Performance
 
Total Returns as of October 31, 2015
 
 
 
Average Annual Returns
 
 
Ticker
Symbol
1 year
5 years
10 years
Since
Inception
Inception
Date
Investor Class
TWCUX
9.72%
15.10%
7.82%
11.58%
11/2/81
Russell 1000 Growth Index
9.18%
15.29%
9.08%
10.75%(1)
S&P 500 Index
5.20%
14.32%
7.84%
11.57%(1)
Institutional Class
TWUIX
9.96%
15.34%
8.04%
6.98%
11/14/96
A Class(2)
TWUAX
 
 
 
 
10/2/96
No sales charge*
 
9.46%
14.82%
7.55%
6.69%
 
With sales charge*
 
3.17%
13.47%
6.92%
6.36%
 
C Class
TWCCX
8.63%
13.96%
6.75%
5.46%
10/29/01
R Class
AULRX
9.19%
14.53%
7.29%
7.21%
8/29/03
R6 Class
AULDX
10.12%
15.83%
7/26/13
* Sales charges include initial sales charges and contingent deferred sales charges (CDSCs), as applicable. A Class shares have a 5.75% maximum initial sales charge and may be subject to a maximum CDSC of 1.00%. C Class shares redeemed within 12 months of purchase are subject to a maximum CDSC of 1.00%. The SEC requires that mutual funds provide performance information net of maximum sales charges in all cases where charges could be applied.

(1)
Since October 31,1981, the date nearest the Investor Class's inception for which data are available.
(2)
Prior to September 4, 2007, the A Class was referred to as the Advisor Class and did not have a front-end sales charge. Performance prior to that date has been adjusted to reflect this charge.




















Data presented reflect past performance. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, and redemption value may be more or less than original cost. Data assumes reinvestment of dividends and capital gains, and none of the charts reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares. To obtain performance data current to the most recent month end, please call 1-800-345-2021 or visit americancentury.com. For additional information about the fund, please consult the prospectus.

3


Growth of $10,000 Over 10 Years
$10,000 investment made October 31, 2005
Performance for other share classes will vary due to differences in fee structure.
 
Value on October 31, 2015
 
Investor Class — $21,247
 
 
Russell 1000 Growth Index — $23,870
 
 
S&P 500 Index — $21,288
 

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses
Investor Class
Institutional Class
A Class
C Class
R Class
R6 Class
1.01%
0.81%
1.26%
2.01%
1.51%
0.66%
The total annual fund operating expenses shown is as stated in the fund’s prospectus current as of the date of this report. The prospectus may vary from the expense ratio shown elsewhere in this report because it is based on a different time period, includes acquired fund fees and expenses, and, if applicable, does not include fee waivers or expense reimbursements.


















Data presented reflect past performance. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, and redemption value may be more or less than original cost. Data assumes reinvestment of dividends and capital gains, and none of the charts reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares. To obtain performance data current to the most recent month end, please call 1-800-345-2021 or visit americancentury.com. For additional information about the fund, please consult the prospectus.

4


Portfolio Commentary
 

Portfolio Managers: Keith Lee, Michael Li, and Jeff Bourke

Performance Summary
Ultra returned 9.72%* for the 12 months ended October 31, 2015, outpacing the 9.18% return of the portfolio’s benchmark, the Russell 1000 Growth Index.
U.S. stock indices posted strong returns during the reporting period amid volatility and considerable variation within sector returns. Within the Russell 1000 Growth Index, consumer discretionary was the top-performing sector, gaining about 20%. Consumer staples and information technology also registered double-digit gains. Energy stocks continued to struggle with plunging commodity prices and fell nearly 31%. Utilities also declined sharply.
Ultra received positive contributions to absolute return from most sectors in which it was invested, led by consumer discretionary and information technology. Energy, materials, and financials were negative contributors. Stock decisions in the consumer discretionary, health care, and industrials sectors contributed most to performance relative to the Russell index. Stock selection in information technology and financials detracted from results versus the benchmark.
Consumer Discretionary and Health Care Led Contributors
Stock selection in the consumer discretionary sector was the largest source of outperformance relative to the Russell 1000 Growth Index. Starbucks was a major contributor in the sector as the coffee retailer is benefiting from its Starbucks Rewards program. The rollout of its mobile ordering application has exceeded expectations as well. Overweighting Amazon.com helped performance. The internet retailer reported strong revenue growth, aided by its Prime membership program. Margins are improving through efficiency gains, and profitability from its cloud hosting services has been higher than expected.
In health care, stock decisions aided performance, especially among health care providers and services companies. UnitedHealth Group benefited from its announcement of a large acquisition of a competitor, which enabled the company to gain market share.
Stock selection in the industrials sector was positive. Underweighting road and rail companies also helped as the industry suffered from concerns about declining rail volumes due to weakness in the energy sector. Not owning index component Union Pacific was a significant contributor to relative performance.
Other key contributors included Constellation Brands, a producer and marketer of beer, wine, and spirits, which continues to see very strong sales volume and pricing in its Corona and Modelo brands.
Information Technology and Financials Detracted
Stock selection in the information technology sector, especially among software and communications equipment companies, hampered relative performance. Overweight positions in QUALCOMM and VMware were key detractors in the sector. In financials, stock decisions detracted, especially among capital markets firms. Asset manager Franklin Resources detracted on concerns that the firm’s assets under management and fund flows have deteriorated. Not owning real estate investment trusts (REITs) hurt as well. REITs benefited from the Federal Reserve’s caution in raising rates, as higher rates are likely to hurt the industry.

*
All fund returns referenced in this commentary are for Investor Class shares. Performance for other share classes will vary due to differences in fee structure; when Investor Class performance exceeds that of the fund’s benchmark, other share classes may not. See page 3 for returns for all share classes.

5


In consumer staples, stock selection in the tobacco and food products industries weighed on performance. Not owning index components Altria Group and Reynolds American detracted. We continue to prefer Philip Morris International in the tobacco industry. Stock selection in materials also weighed on performance, especially in the chemicals industry. Agrochemical firm Monsanto underperformed due to falling grain prices and a stalled takeover attempt of a competitor.
Health care stocks fell sharply late in the fiscal year as prescription drug prices became a political issue. In addition to the broad sector decline, biotechnology company Gilead Sciences declined. Gilead is also feeling some competitive pressure in its hepatitis C business. The portfolio’s overweight in Wynn Resorts suffered as gambling in Macau declined amid a government crackdown on corruption and tighter visa policies for Chinese citizens visiting Macau. The holding was eliminated.        
Outlook
We remain confident in our belief that stocks that exhibit high-quality, accelerating fundamentals, positive relative strength, and attractive valuations will outperform in the long term. Our portfolio positioning reflects where we are seeing opportunities as a result of the application of that philosophy and process.
As of October 31, 2015, this process pointed the portfolio toward overweight positions relative to the Russell 1000 Growth Index in the information technology, health care, and consumer discretionary sectors. The telecommunication services and materials sectors represented the largest underweights.
Positioning in the internet software and services, computers and peripherals, and communications equipment industries drove the information technology sector overweight. The telecommunications sector underweight is due to competition among wireless carriers, which is likely to lead to higher capital spending, lower free cash flow, lower valuations, and lower margins.




6


Fund Characteristics
OCTOBER 31, 2015
 
Top Ten Holdings
% of net assets
Apple, Inc.
8.8%
Alphabet, Inc.*
5.4%
Amazon.com, Inc.
4.2%
Starbucks Corp.
3.6%
Gilead Sciences, Inc.
3.1%
Facebook, Inc., Class A
3.1%
Celgene Corp.
3.1%
Visa, Inc., Class A
2.9%
Costco Wholesale Corp.
2.9%
UnitedHealth Group, Inc.
2.8%
*Includes all classes of the issuer.
 
 
 
Top Five Industries
% of net assets
Internet Software and Services
11.0%
Biotechnology
9.1%
Technology Hardware, Storage and Peripherals
8.8%
IT Services
5.6%
Hotels, Restaurants and Leisure
5.0%
 
 
Types of Investments in Portfolio
% of net assets
Common Stocks
98.6%
Temporary Cash Investments
1.4%
Other Assets and Liabilities
—**
**Category is less than 0.05% of total net assets.


7


Shareholder Fee Example 

Fund shareholders may incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments and redemption/exchange fees; and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution and service (12b-1) fees; and other fund expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in your fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing cost of investing in other mutual funds.

The example is based on an investment of $1,000 made at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period from May 1, 2015 to October 31, 2015.

Actual Expenses

The table provides information about actual account values and actual expenses for each class. You may use the information, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. First, identify the share class you own. Then simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number under the heading “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

If you hold Investor Class shares of any American Century Investments fund, or Institutional Class shares of the American Century Diversified Bond Fund, in an American Century Investments account (i.e., not a financial intermediary or retirement plan account), American Century Investments may charge you a $12.50 semiannual account maintenance fee if the value of those shares is less than $10,000. We will redeem shares automatically in one of your accounts to pay the $12.50 fee. In determining your total eligible investment amount, we will include your investments in all personal accounts (including American Century Investments Brokerage accounts) registered under your Social Security number. Personal accounts include individual accounts, joint accounts, UGMA/UTMA accounts, personal trusts, Coverdell Education Savings Accounts and IRAs (including traditional, Roth, Rollover, SEP-, SARSEP- and SIMPLE-IRAs), and certain other retirement accounts. If you have only business, business retirement, employer-sponsored or American Century Investments Brokerage accounts, you are currently not subject to this fee. If you are subject to the Account Maintenance Fee, your account value could be reduced by the fee amount.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The table also provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the actual expense ratio of each class of your fund and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the actual return of a fund’s share class. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in your fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads) or redemption/exchange fees. Therefore, the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

8




Beginning
Account Value
5/1/15
Ending
Account Value
10/31/15
Expenses Paid
During Period
(1) 
5/1/15-10/31/15
Annualized
Expense Ratio
(1)
Actual
 
 
 
 
Investor Class
$1,000
$1,039.00
$5.04
0.98%
Institutional Class
$1,000
$1,040.40
$4.01
0.78%
A Class
$1,000
$1,037.90
$6.32
1.23%
C Class
$1,000
$1,033.90
$10.15
1.98%
R Class
$1,000
$1,036.40
$7.60
1.48%
R6 Class
$1,000
$1,040.90
$3.24
0.63%
Hypothetical
 
 
 
 
Investor Class
$1,000
$1,020.27
$4.99
0.98%
Institutional Class
$1,000
$1,021.27
$3.97
0.78%
A Class
$1,000
$1,019.01
$6.26
1.23%
C Class
$1,000
$1,015.22
$10.06
1.98%
R Class
$1,000
$1,017.75
$7.53
1.48%
R6 Class
$1,000
$1,022.03
$3.21
0.63%
(1)
Expenses are equal to the class's annualized expense ratio listed in the table above, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184, the number of days in the most recent fiscal half-year, divided by 365, to reflect the one-half year period.

9


Schedule of Investments

OCTOBER 31, 2015
 
Shares
Value
COMMON STOCKS — 98.6%
 
 
Aerospace and Defense — 3.5%
 
 
Boeing Co. (The)
1,148,000

$
169,984,360

Rockwell Collins, Inc.
746,000

64,693,120

United Technologies Corp.
677,000

66,623,570

 
 
301,301,050

Automobiles — 0.8%
 
 
Tesla Motors, Inc.(1) 
352,000

72,839,360

Banks — 1.4%
 
 
JPMorgan Chase & Co.
1,324,000

85,067,000

U.S. Bancorp
916,000

38,636,880

 
 
123,703,880

Beverages — 2.5%
 
 
Boston Beer Co., Inc. (The), Class A(1) 
275,000

60,387,250

Constellation Brands, Inc., Class A
1,122,000

151,245,600

 
 
211,632,850

Biotechnology — 9.1%
 
 
Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(1) 
191,000

33,616,000

Celgene Corp.(1) 
2,146,000

263,335,660

Gilead Sciences, Inc.
2,496,000

269,892,480

Isis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(1) 
467,000

22,486,050

Kite Pharma, Inc.(1) 
229,000

15,583,450

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(1) 
286,000

159,413,540

Spark Therapeutics, Inc.(1) 
275,000

14,822,500

 
 
779,149,680

Capital Markets — 1.2%
 
 
Franklin Resources, Inc.
842,000

34,319,920

T. Rowe Price Group, Inc.
939,000

71,007,180

 
 
105,327,100

Chemicals — 1.9%
 
 
Monsanto Co.
1,005,000

93,686,100

Valspar Corp. (The)
805,000

65,164,750

 
 
158,850,850

Communications Equipment — 0.8%
 
 
QUALCOMM, Inc.
1,094,000

65,005,480

Consumer Finance — 0.7%
 
 
American Express Co.
801,000

58,681,260

Electrical Equipment — 1.9%
 
 
Acuity Brands, Inc.
679,000

148,429,400

Eaton Corp. plc
190,000

10,622,900

 
 
159,052,300


10


 
Shares
Value
Energy Equipment and Services — 0.5%
 
 
Core Laboratories NV
377,000

$
43,856,410

Food and Staples Retailing — 2.9%
 
 
Costco Wholesale Corp.
1,577,000

249,355,240

Food Products — 1.3%
 
 
Mead Johnson Nutrition Co.
981,000

80,442,000

Nestle SA
412,000

31,511,154

 
 
111,953,154

Health Care Equipment and Supplies — 2.4%
 
 
Intuitive Surgical, Inc.(1) 
290,342

144,183,837

St. Jude Medical, Inc.
947,000

60,428,070

 
 
204,611,907

Health Care Providers and Services — 4.3%
 
 
Cigna Corp.
479,000

64,205,160

Express Scripts Holding Co.(1) 
721,000

62,279,980

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.
2,072,000

244,040,160

 
 
370,525,300

Health Care Technology — 1.1%
 
 
Cerner Corp.(1) 
1,418,000

93,999,220

Hotels, Restaurants and Leisure — 5.0%
 
 
Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.(1) 
179,000

114,601,170

Starbucks Corp.
5,016,000

313,851,120

 
 
428,452,290

Insurance — 1.2%
 
 
MetLife, Inc.
1,997,000

100,608,860

Internet and Catalog Retail — 4.2%
 
 
Amazon.com, Inc.(1) 
580,000

363,022,000

Internet Software and Services — 11.0%
 
 
Alphabet, Inc., Class A(1) 
318,484

234,846,917

Alphabet, Inc., Class C(1) 
320,000

227,459,200

Baidu, Inc. ADR(1) 
308,000

57,740,760

Facebook, Inc., Class A(1) 
2,622,000

267,365,340

LinkedIn Corp., Class A(1) 
392,000

94,421,040

Tencent Holdings Ltd.
3,215,000

60,810,647

 
 
942,643,904

IT Services — 5.6%
 
 
MasterCard, Inc., Class A
2,381,850

235,779,332

Visa, Inc., Class A
3,215,000

249,419,700

 
 
485,199,032

Machinery — 3.3%
 
 
Cummins, Inc.
794,000

82,186,940

Donaldson Co., Inc.
588,000

17,757,600

Flowserve Corp.
873,000

40,472,280

WABCO Holdings, Inc.(1) 
558,000

62,624,340

Wabtec Corp.
972,000

80,549,640

 
 
283,590,800


11


 
Shares
Value
Media — 4.6%
 
 
Time Warner, Inc.
2,333,000

$
175,768,220

Walt Disney Co. (The)
1,956,000

222,475,440

 
 
398,243,660

Oil, Gas and Consumable Fuels — 1.0%
 
 
Concho Resources, Inc.(1) 
279,000

32,338,890

EOG Resources, Inc.
596,000

51,166,600

 
 
83,505,490

Personal Products — 1.2%
 
 
Estee Lauder Cos., Inc. (The), Class A
1,329,000

106,931,340

Pharmaceuticals — 1.0%
 
 
Pfizer, Inc.
2,655,000

89,792,100

Professional Services — 0.9%
 
 
Nielsen Holdings plc
1,687,000

80,149,370

Road and Rail — 0.6%
 
 
J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc.
633,000

48,342,210

Semiconductors and Semiconductor Equipment — 1.1%
 
 
ARM Holdings plc
2,595,000

41,004,614

Linear Technology Corp.
1,199,000

53,259,580

 
 
94,264,194

Software — 3.7%
 
 
NetSuite, Inc.(1) 
570,000

48,489,900

Oracle Corp.
1,906,000

74,029,040

salesforce.com, inc.(1) 
1,029,000

79,963,590

Splunk, Inc.(1) 
587,000

32,965,920

Tableau Software, Inc., Class A(1) 
412,000

34,591,520

VMware, Inc., Class A(1) 
778,000

46,796,700

 
 
316,836,670

Specialty Retail — 3.4%
 
 
O'Reilly Automotive, Inc.(1) 
430,000

118,791,800

TJX Cos., Inc. (The)
2,364,000

173,021,160

 
 
291,812,960

Technology Hardware, Storage and Peripherals — 8.8%
 
 
Apple, Inc.
6,336,315

757,189,642

Textiles, Apparel and Luxury Goods — 4.2%
 
 
Burberry Group plc
1,742,000

35,662,988

lululemon athletica, Inc.(1) 
547,000

26,895,990

NIKE, Inc., Class B
1,575,000

206,372,250

Under Armour, Inc., Class A(1) 
1,000,000

95,080,000

 
 
364,011,228

Tobacco — 1.5%
 
 
Philip Morris International, Inc.
1,479,000

130,743,600

TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(Cost $3,837,825,371)
 
8,475,184,391


12


 
Shares
Value
TEMPORARY CASH INVESTMENTS — 1.4%
 
 
Repurchase Agreement, Credit Suisse First Boston, Inc., (collateralized by various U.S. Treasury obligations, 1.50%, 5/31/19, valued at $46,861,693), in a joint trading account at 0.01%, dated 10/30/15, due 11/2/15 (Delivery value $45,950,012)
 
$
45,949,974

Repurchase Agreement, Fixed Income Clearing Corp., (collateralized by various U.S. Treasury obligations, 2.125% - 4.625%, 5/15/25 - 2/15/40, valued at $78,140,969), at 0.00%, dated 10/30/15, due 11/2/15 (Delivery value $76,603,000)
 
76,603,000

State Street Institutional Liquid Reserves Fund, Premier Class
4,410

4,410

TOTAL TEMPORARY CASH INVESTMENTS
(Cost $122,557,384)
 
122,557,384

TOTAL INVESTMENT SECURITIES — 100.0%
(Cost $3,960,382,755)
 
8,597,741,775

OTHER ASSETS AND LIABILITIES  
 
2,980,771

TOTAL NET ASSETS — 100.0%
 
$
8,600,722,546


FORWARD FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE CONTRACTS
Currency Purchased
Currency Sold
Counterparty
Settlement Date
Unrealized Appreciation
(Depreciation)
USD
26,938,736
CHF
26,440,100
Credit Suisse AG
11/30/15
$
167,546

GBP
1,363,358
USD
2,089,577
Credit Suisse AG
11/30/15
11,829

USD
65,484,507
GBP
42,668,700
Credit Suisse AG
11/30/15
(282,751
)
USD
2,438,709
GBP
1,592,152
Credit Suisse AG
11/30/15
(15,349
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
(118,725
)

NOTES TO SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
ADR
-
American Depositary Receipt
CHF
-
Swiss Franc
GBP
-
British Pound
USD
-
United States Dollar
† Category is less than 0.05% of total net assets.
(1)
Non-income producing.

See Notes to Financial Statements.

13


Statement of Assets and Liabilities
OCTOBER 31, 2015
 
Assets
 
Investment securities, at value (cost of $3,960,382,755)
$
8,597,741,775

Foreign currency holdings, at value (cost of $1,210,300)
1,203,443

Receivable for investments sold
19,684,489

Receivable for capital shares sold
1,325,333

Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts
179,375

Dividends and interest receivable
1,995,822

 
8,622,130,237

 
 
Liabilities
 
Payable for investments purchased
11,658,527

Payable for capital shares redeemed
2,570,445

Unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts
298,100

Accrued management fees
6,859,803

Distribution and service fees payable
20,816

 
21,407,691

 
 
Net Assets
$
8,600,722,546

 
 
Net Assets Consist of:
 
Capital (par value and paid-in surplus)
$
3,547,517,440

Undistributed net investment income
19,217,785

Undistributed net realized gain
396,809,920

Net unrealized appreciation
4,637,177,401

 
$
8,600,722,546


 
Net Assets
Shares Outstanding
Net Asset Value
Per Share
Investor Class, $0.01 Par Value
$8,273,588,724
218,813,776

$37.81
Institutional Class, $0.01 Par Value
$205,573,757
5,280,937

$38.93
A Class, $0.01 Par Value
$72,003,861
1,976,357

$36.43*
C Class, $0.01 Par Value
$2,967,994
91,705

$32.36
R Class, $0.01 Par Value
$9,636,879
268,811

$35.85
R6 Class, $0.01 Par Value
$36,951,331
948,713

$38.95
*Maximum offering price $38.65 (net asset value divided by 0.9425).


See Notes to Financial Statements.

14


Statement of Operations
YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2015
 
Investment Income (Loss)
 
Income:
 
Dividends (net of foreign taxes withheld of $516,495)
$
101,149,997

Interest
12,303

 
101,162,300

Expenses:
 
Management fees
82,072,398

Distribution and service fees:
 
A Class
180,107

C Class
26,533

R Class
42,896

Directors' fees and expenses
399,968

Other expenses
432

 
82,722,334

 
 
Net investment income (loss)
18,439,966

 
 
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)
 
Net realized gain (loss) on:
 
Investment transactions
432,729,783

Foreign currency transactions
3,899,002

 
436,628,785

 
 
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:
 
Investments
328,041,097

Translation of assets and liabilities in foreign currencies
(1,707,922
)
 
326,333,175

 
 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
762,961,960

 
 
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations
$
781,401,926



See Notes to Financial Statements.

15


Statement of Changes in Net Assets
YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2015 AND OCTOBER 31, 2014
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
October 31, 2015
October 31, 2014
Operations
 
 
Net investment income (loss)
$
18,439,966

$
22,736,256

Net realized gain (loss)
436,628,785

574,984,530

Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
326,333,175

560,375,653

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations
781,401,926

1,158,096,439

 
 
 
Distributions to Shareholders
 
 
From net investment income:
 
 
Investor Class
(25,643,784
)
(22,249,493
)
Institutional Class
(1,043,481
)
(1,003,895
)
A Class
(57,827
)
(36,312
)
R6 Class
(199,356
)
(176
)
From net realized gains:
 
 
Investor Class
(539,477,977
)
(287,611,433
)
Institutional Class
(13,666,153
)
(7,766,552
)
A Class
(5,033,302
)
(2,913,158
)
C Class
(192,382
)
(96,221
)
R Class
(590,316
)
(274,425
)
R6 Class
(2,035,262
)
(1,048
)
Decrease in net assets from distributions
(587,939,840
)
(321,952,713
)
 
 
 
Capital Share Transactions
 
 
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from capital share transactions (Note 5)
105,215,556

(154,161,615
)
 
 
 
Net increase (decrease) in net assets
298,677,642

681,982,111

 
 
 
Net Assets
 
 
Beginning of period
8,302,044,904

7,620,062,793

End of period
$
8,600,722,546

$
8,302,044,904

 
 
 
Undistributed net investment income
$
19,217,785

$
25,351,601



See Notes to Financial Statements.

16


Notes to Financial Statements

OCTOBER 31, 2015

1. Organization

American Century Mutual Funds, Inc. (the corporation) is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act), as an open-end management investment company and is organized as a Maryland corporation. Ultra Fund (the fund) is one fund in a series issued by the corporation. The fund is diversified as defined under the 1940 Act. The fund's investment objective is to seek long-term capital growth.

The fund offers the Investor Class, the Institutional Class, the A Class, the C Class, the R Class and the R6 Class. The A Class may incur an initial sales charge. The A Class and C Class may be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge. The share classes differ principally in their respective sales charges and distribution and shareholder servicing expenses and arrangements. The Institutional Class and R6 Class shareholders do not require the same level of shareholder and administrative services from American Century Investment Management, Inc. (ACIM) (the investment advisor) as shareholders of other classes. In addition, financial intermediaries do not receive any service, distribution or administrative fees for the R6 Class. As a result, the Institutional Class and R6 Class are charged lower unified management fees.

2. Significant Accounting Policies

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the fund in preparation of its financial statements. The fund is an investment company and follows accounting and reporting guidance in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. This may require management to make certain estimates and assumptions at the date of the financial statements. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Management evaluated the impact of events or transactions occurring through the date the financial statements were issued that would merit recognition or disclosure.

Investment Valuations — The fund determines the fair value of its investments and computes its net asset value per share at the close of regular trading (usually 4 p.m. Eastern time) on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on each day the NYSE is open. The Board of Directors has adopted valuation policies and procedures to guide the investment advisor in the fund’s investment valuation process and to provide methodologies for the oversight of the fund’s pricing function.

Equity securities that are listed or traded on a domestic securities exchange are valued at the last reported sales price or at the official closing price as provided by the exchange. Equity securities traded on foreign securities exchanges are generally valued at the closing price of such securities on the exchange where primarily traded or at the close of the NYSE, if that is earlier. If no last sales price is reported, or if local convention or regulation so provides, the mean of the latest bid and asked prices may be used. Securities traded over-the-counter are valued at the mean of the latest bid and asked prices, the last sales price, or the official closing price. Equity securities initially expressed in local currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at the mean of the appropriate currency exchange rate at the close of the NYSE as provided by an independent pricing service.
 
Open-end management investment companies are valued at the reported net asset value per share. Repurchase agreements are valued at cost, which approximates fair value. Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are valued at the mean of the appropriate forward exchange rate at the close of the NYSE as provided by an independent pricing service.

If the fund determines that the market price for an investment is not readily available or the valuation methods mentioned above do not reflect an investment’s fair value, such investment is valued as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors or its delegate, in accordance with policies and procedures adopted by the Board of Directors. In its determination of fair value, the fund may review several factors including, but not
limited to, market information regarding the specific investment or comparable investments and correlation







17


with other investment types, futures indices or general market indicators. Circumstances that may cause the fund to use these procedures to value an investment include, but are not limited to: an investment has been declared in default or is distressed; trading in a security has been suspended during the trading day or a security is not actively trading on its principal exchange; prices received from a regular pricing source are deemed unreliable; or there is a foreign market holiday and no trading occurred.

The fund monitors for significant events occurring after the close of an investment’s primary exchange but before the fund’s net asset value per share is determined. Significant events may include, but are not limited to: corporate announcements and transactions; governmental action and political unrest that could impact a specific investment or an investment sector; or armed conflicts, natural disasters and similar events that could affect investments in a specific country or region. The fund also monitors for significant fluctuations between domestic and foreign markets, as evidenced by the U.S. market or such other indicators that the Board of Directors, or its delegate, deems appropriate. If significant fluctuations in foreign markets are identified, the fund may apply a model-derived factor to the closing price of equity securities traded on foreign securities exchanges. The factor is based on observable market data as provided by an independent pricing service.

Security Transactions — Security transactions are accounted for as of the trade date. Net realized gains and losses are determined on the identified cost basis, which is also used for federal income tax purposes.

Investment Income — Dividend income less foreign taxes withheld, if any, is recorded as of the ex-dividend date. Distributions received on securities that represent a return of capital or long-term capital gain are recorded as a reduction of cost of investments and/or as a realized gain. The fund may estimate the components of distributions received that may be considered nontaxable distributions or long-term capital gain distributions for income tax purposes. Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis and includes accretion of discounts and amortization of premiums.

Foreign Currency Translations — All assets and liabilities initially expressed in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at prevailing exchange rates at period end. The fund may enter into spot foreign currency exchange contracts to facilitate transactions denominated in a foreign currency. Purchases and sales of investment securities, dividend and interest income, spot foreign currency exchange contracts, and expenses are translated at the rates of exchange prevailing on the respective dates of such transactions. Net realized and unrealized foreign currency exchange gains or losses related to investment securities are a component of net realized gain (loss) on investment transactions and change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments, respectively.

Repurchase Agreements — The fund may enter into repurchase agreements with institutions that ACIM has determined are creditworthy pursuant to criteria adopted by the Board of Directors. The fund requires that the collateral, represented by securities, received in a repurchase transaction be transferred to the custodian in a manner sufficient to enable the fund to obtain those securities in the event of a default under the repurchase agreement. ACIM monitors, on a daily basis, the securities transferred to ensure the value, including accrued interest, of the securities under each repurchase agreement is equal to or greater than amounts owed to the fund under each repurchase agreement.

Joint Trading Account — Pursuant to an Exemptive Order issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the fund, along with certain other funds in the American Century Investments family of funds, may transfer uninvested cash balances into a joint trading account. These balances are invested in one or more repurchase agreements that are collateralized by U.S. Treasury or Agency obligations.

Income Tax Status — It is the fund’s policy to distribute substantially all net investment income and net realized gains to shareholders and to otherwise qualify as a regulated investment company under provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. Accordingly, no provision has been made for income taxes. The fund files U.S. federal, state, local and non-U.S. tax returns as applicable. The fund's tax returns are subject to examination by the relevant taxing authority until expiration of the applicable statute of limitations, which is generally three years from the date of filing but can be longer in certain jurisdictions. At this time, management believes there are no uncertain tax positions which, based on their technical merit, would not be sustained upon examination and for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly change in the next twelve months.

Multiple Class — All shares of the fund represent an equal pro rata interest in the net assets of the class to which such shares belong, and have identical voting, dividend, liquidation and other rights and the same terms and conditions, except for class specific expenses and exclusive rights to vote on matters affecting only individual classes. Income, non-class specific expenses, and realized and unrealized capital gains and losses of the fund are allocated to each class of shares based on their relative net assets.

18


Distributions to Shareholders — Distributions from net investment income and net realized gains, if any, are generally declared and paid annually.
 
Indemnifications — Under the corporation’s organizational documents, its officers and directors are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the fund. In addition, in the normal course of business, the fund enters into contracts that provide general indemnifications. The maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be made against a fund. The risk of material loss from such claims is considered by management to be remote.

3. Fees and Transactions with Related Parties

Certain officers and directors of the corporation are also officers and/or directors of American Century Companies, Inc. (ACC). The corporation’s investment advisor, ACIM, the corporation's distributor, American Century Investment Services, Inc. (ACIS), and the corporation’s transfer agent, American Century Services, LLC, are wholly owned, directly or indirectly, by ACC.
 
Management Fees — The corporation has entered into a management agreement with ACIM, under which ACIM provides the fund with investment advisory and management services in exchange for a single, unified management fee (the fee) per class. The agreement provides that all expenses of managing and operating the fund, except distribution and service fees, brokerage expenses, taxes, interest, fees and expenses of the independent directors (including legal counsel fees), and extraordinary expenses, will be paid by ACIM. The fee is computed and accrued daily based on each class’s daily net assets and paid monthly in arrears. The rate of the fee is determined by applying a fee rate calculation formula. This formula takes into account the fund’s assets as well as certain assets, if any, of other clients of the investment advisor outside the American Century Investments family of funds (such as subadvised funds and separate accounts) that have very similar investment teams and investment strategies (strategy assets). The annual management fee schedule ranges from 0.800% to 0.990% for the Investor Class, A Class, C Class and R Class. The annual management fee schedule ranges from 0.600% to 0.790% for the Institutional Class and 0.450% to 0.640% for the R6 Class. The effective annual management fee for each class for the year ended October 31, 2015 was 0.98% for the Investor Class, A Class, C Class and R Class, 0.78% for the Institutional Class and 0.63% for the R6 Class.

Distribution and Service Fees — The Board of Directors has adopted a separate Master Distribution and Individual Shareholder Services Plan for each of the A Class, C Class and R Class (collectively the plans), pursuant to Rule 12b-1 of the 1940 Act. The plans provide that the A Class will pay ACIS an annual distribution and service fee of 0.25%. The plans provide that the C Class will pay ACIS an annual distribution and service fee of 1.00%, of which 0.25% is paid for individual shareholder services and 0.75% is paid for distribution services. The plans provide that the R Class will pay ACIS an annual distribution and service fee of 0.50%. The fees are computed and accrued daily based on each class’s daily net assets and paid monthly in arrears. The fees are used to pay financial intermediaries for distribution and individual shareholder services. Fees incurred under the plans during the year ended October 31, 2015 are detailed in the Statement of Operations.

Directors' Fees and Expenses — The Board of Directors is responsible for overseeing the investment advisor’s management and operations of the fund. The directors receive detailed information about the fund and its investment advisor regularly throughout the year, and meet at least quarterly with management of the investment advisor to review reports about fund operations. The fund’s officers do not receive compensation from the fund.

4. Investment Transactions

Purchases and sales of investment securities, excluding short-term investments, for the year ended October 31, 2015 were $1,309,352,430 and $1,844,661,180, respectively.


19


5. Capital Share Transactions

Transactions in shares of the fund were as follows:
 
Year ended
October 31, 2015
Year ended
October 31, 2014
 
Shares
Amount
Shares
Amount
Investor Class/Shares Authorized
3,500,000,000

 
3,500,000,000

 
Sold
5,798,421

$
211,134,665

6,200,249

$
213,362,510

Issued in reinvestment of distributions
16,395,880

546,966,769

9,141,045

300,466,112

Redeemed
(17,932,247
)
(653,514,757
)
(19,472,162
)
(674,617,017
)
 
4,262,054

104,586,677

(4,130,868
)
(160,788,395
)
Institutional Class/Shares Authorized
200,000,000

 
200,000,000

 
Sold
729,215

27,402,685

768,139

27,328,125

Issued in reinvestment of distributions
419,817

14,391,326

255,214

8,603,265

Redeemed
(1,478,946
)
(54,360,741
)
(1,281,115
)
(46,122,369
)
 
(329,914
)
(12,566,730
)
(257,762
)
(10,190,979
)
A Class/Shares Authorized
100,000,000

 
100,000,000

 
Sold
426,909

15,057,252

407,067

13,580,404

Issued in reinvestment of distributions
152,311

4,905,938

88,201

2,806,562

Redeemed
(596,724
)
(20,989,171
)
(690,952
)
(23,193,216
)
 
(17,504
)
(1,025,981
)
(195,684
)
(6,806,250
)
C Class/Shares Authorized
40,000,000

 
50,000,000

 
Sold
27,705

866,318

19,057

573,448

Issued in reinvestment of distributions
4,717

135,843

2,224

64,240

Redeemed
(17,303
)
(539,564
)
(14,867
)
(456,659
)
 
15,119

462,597

6,414

181,029

R Class/Shares Authorized
50,000,000

 
50,000,000

 
Sold
92,187

3,206,940

89,195

2,986,075

Issued in reinvestment of distributions
17,210

546,763

8,616

271,047

Redeemed
(65,738
)
(2,245,047
)
(76,899
)
(2,556,081
)
 
43,659

1,508,656

20,912

701,041

R6 Class/Shares Authorized
50,000,000

 
50,000,000

 
Sold
425,005

16,007,551

635,580

23,373,082

Issued in reinvestment of distributions
65,225

2,234,618

36

1,224

Redeemed
(160,774
)
(5,991,832
)
(17,151
)
(632,367
)
 
329,456

12,250,337

618,465

22,741,939

Net increase (decrease)
4,302,870

$
105,215,556

(3,938,523
)
$
(154,161,615
)

6. Fair Value Measurements

The fund’s investments valuation process is based on several considerations and may use multiple inputs to determine the fair value of the investments held by the fund. In conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, the inputs used to determine a valuation are classified into three broad levels.

Level 1 valuation inputs consist of unadjusted quoted prices in an active market for identical investments.

Level 2 valuation inputs consist of direct or indirect observable market data (including quoted prices for comparable investments, evaluations of subsequent market events, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.). These inputs also consist of quoted prices for identical investments initially expressed in local currencies that are adjusted through translation into U.S. dollars.


20


Level 3 valuation inputs consist of unobservable data (including a fund’s own assumptions).

The level classification is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair valuation measurement. The valuation inputs are not necessarily an indication of the risks associated with investing in these securities or other financial instruments. There were no significant transfers between levels during the period.

The following is a summary of the level classifications as of period end. The Schedule of Investments provides additional information on the fund’s portfolio holdings.
 
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Assets
 
 
 
Investment Securities
 
 
 
Common Stocks
$
8,306,194,988

$
168,989,403


Temporary Cash Investments
4,410

122,552,974


 
$
8,306,199,398

$
291,542,377


Other Financial Instruments
 
 
 
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts

$
179,375

 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
Other Financial Instruments
 
 
 
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts

$
(298,100
)


7. Derivative Instruments

Foreign Currency Risk — The fund is subject to foreign currency exchange rate risk in the normal course of pursuing its investment objectives. The value of foreign investments held by a fund may be significantly affected by changes in foreign currency exchange rates. The dollar value of a foreign security generally decreases when the value of the dollar rises against the foreign currency in which the security is denominated and tends to increase when the value of the dollar declines against such foreign currency. A fund may enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts to reduce a fund's exposure to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. The net U.S. dollar value of foreign currency underlying all contractual commitments held by a fund and the resulting unrealized appreciation or depreciation are determined daily. Realized gain or loss is recorded upon the termination of the contract. Net realized and unrealized gains or losses occurring during the holding period of forward foreign currency exchange contracts are a component of net realized gain (loss) on foreign currency transactions and change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on translation of assets and liabilities in foreign currencies, respectively. A fund bears the risk of an unfavorable change in the foreign currency exchange rate underlying the forward contract. Additionally, losses, up to the fair value, may arise if the counterparties do not perform under the contract terms. The fund's average U.S. dollar exposure to foreign currency risk derivative instruments held during the period was $111,492,832.

The value of foreign currency risk derivative instruments as of October 31, 2015, is disclosed on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities as an asset of $179,375 in unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts and a liability of $298,100 in unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts. For the year ended October 31, 2015, the effect of foreign currency risk derivative instruments on the Statement of Operations was $3,886,979 in net realized gain (loss) on foreign currency transactions and $(1,694,723) in change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on translation of assets and liabilities in foreign currencies.

8. Federal Tax Information

The tax character of distributions paid during the years ended October 31, 2015 and October 31, 2014 were as follows:
 
2015
2014
Distributions Paid From
 
 
Ordinary income
$
26,763,959

$
23,289,876

Long-term capital gains
$
561,175,881

$
298,662,837



21


The book-basis character of distributions made during the year from net investment income or net realized gains may differ from their ultimate characterization for federal income tax purposes. These differences reflect the differing character of certain income items and net realized gains and losses for financial statement and tax purposes, and may result in reclassification among certain capital accounts on the financial statements.

As of October 31, 2015, the federal tax cost of investments and the components of distributable earnings on a tax-basis were as follows:
Federal tax cost of investments
$
3,977,122,795

Gross tax appreciation of investments
$
4,653,892,526

Gross tax depreciation of investments
(33,273,546
)
Net tax appreciation (depreciation) of investments
4,620,618,980

Net tax appreciation (depreciation) on derivatives and translation of assets and liabilities
in foreign currencies
(62,894
)
Net tax appreciation (depreciation)
$
4,620,556,086

Undistributed ordinary income
$
19,099,060

Accumulated long-term gains
$
413,549,960


The difference between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation (depreciation) is attributable primarily to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales.


22


Financial Highlights
For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Years Ended October 31 (except as noted)
 
 
 
 
Per-Share Data
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ratios and Supplemental Data
 
 
Income From Investment Operations:
Distributions From:
 
 
Ratio to Average Net Assets of:
 
 
 
Net Asset
Value,
Beginning
of Period
Net
Investment
Income
(Loss)
(1)
Net
Realized
and
Unrealized
Gain (Loss)
Total From
Investment
Operations
 Net
Investment
Income
Net
Realized
Gains
Total
Distributions
Net Asset
Value,
End
of Period
Total
Return
(2)
Operating
Expenses
Operating
Expenses
(before
expense
waiver)
Net
Investment
Income
(Loss)
Net
Investment
Income
(Loss)
(before
expense
waiver)
Portfolio
Turnover
Rate
Net
Assets,
End of
Period
(in thousands)
Investor Class
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2015
$37.20
0.08
3.18
3.26
(0.12)
(2.53)
(2.65)
$37.81
9.72%
0.98%
0.98%
0.22%
0.22%
16%

$8,273,589

2014
$33.56
0.10
4.96
5.06
(0.10)
(1.32)
(1.42)
$37.20
15.66%
1.00%
1.01%
0.29%
0.28%
16%

$7,981,781

2013
$25.68
0.15
7.86
8.01
(0.13)
(0.13)
$33.56
31.34%
0.99%
0.99%
0.52%
0.52%
26%

$7,338,222

2012
$23.42
0.06
2.20
2.26
$25.68
9.65%
0.99%
0.99%
0.26%
0.26%
13%

$6,194,268

2011
$21.22
0.04
2.20
2.24
(0.04)
(0.04)
$23.42
10.59%
0.99%
0.99%
0.16%
0.16%
13%

$5,984,972

Institutional Class
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2015
$38.22
0.16
3.27
3.43
(0.19)
(2.53)
(2.72)
$38.93
9.96%
0.78%
0.78%
0.42%
0.42%
16%

$205,574

2014
$34.44
0.17
5.10
5.27
(0.17)
(1.32)
(1.49)
$38.22
15.90%
0.80%
0.81%
0.49%
0.48%
16%

$214,464

2013
$26.32
0.17
8.10
8.27
(0.15)
(0.15)
$34.44
31.56%
0.79%
0.79%
0.72%
0.72%
26%

$202,118

2012
$23.95
0.12
2.25
2.37
$26.32
9.90%
0.79%
0.79%
0.46%
0.46%
13%

$52,362

2011
$21.69
0.08
2.27
2.35
(0.09)
(0.09)
$23.95
10.85%
0.79%
0.79%
0.36%
0.36%
13%

$52,751

A Class
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2015
$35.94
(0.01)
3.06
3.05
(0.03)
(2.53)
(2.56)
$36.43
9.46%
1.23%
1.23%
(0.03)%
(0.03)%
16%

$72,004

2014
$32.46
0.01
4.81
4.82
(0.02)
(1.32)
(1.34)
$35.94
15.35%
1.25%
1.26%
0.04%
0.03%
16%

$71,650

2013
$24.89
0.08
7.60
7.68
(0.11)
(0.11)
$32.46
30.99%
1.24%
1.24%
0.27%
0.27%
26%

$71,063

2012
$22.75
(3)
2.14
2.14
$24.89
9.41%
1.24%
1.24%
0.01%
0.01%
13%

$63,461

2011
$20.62
(0.02)
2.15
2.13
$22.75
10.33%
1.24%
1.24%
(0.09)%
(0.09)%
13%

$62,304


23


For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Years Ended October 31 (except as noted)
 
 
 
 
Per-Share Data
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ratios and Supplemental Data
 
 
Income From Investment Operations:
Distributions From:
 
 
Ratio to Average Net Assets of:
 
 
 
Net Asset
Value,
Beginning
of Period
Net
Investment
Income
(Loss)
(1)
Net
Realized
and
Unrealized
Gain (Loss)
Total From
Investment
Operations
 Net
Investment
Income
Net
Realized
Gains
Total
Distributions
Net Asset
Value,
End
of Period
Total
Return
(2)
Operating
Expenses
Operating
Expenses
(before
expense
waiver)
Net
Investment
Income
(Loss)
Net
Investment
Income
(Loss)
(before
expense
waiver)
Portfolio
Turnover
Rate
Net
Assets,
End of
Period
(in thousands)
C Class
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2015
$32.41
(0.25)
2.73
2.48
(2.53)
(2.53)
$32.36
8.63%
1.98%
1.98%
(0.78)%
(0.78)%
16%

$2,968

2014
$29.60
(0.22)
4.35
4.13
(1.32)
(1.32)
$32.41
14.51%
2.00%
2.01%
(0.71)%
(0.72)%
16%

$2,482

2013
$22.83
(0.13)
6.96
6.83
(0.06)
(0.06)
$29.60
29.98%
1.99%
1.99%
(0.48)%
(0.48)%
26%

$2,077

2012
$21.02
(0.17)
1.98
1.81
$22.83
8.61%
1.99%
1.99%
(0.74)%
(0.74)%
13%

$1,464

2011
$19.20
(0.17)
1.99
1.82
$21.02
9.48%
1.99%
1.99%
(0.84)%
(0.84)%
13%

$678

R Class
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2015
$35.46
(0.10)
3.02
2.92
(2.53)
(2.53)
$35.85
9.19%
1.48%
1.48%
(0.28)%
(0.28)%
16%

$9,637

2014
$32.10
(0.08)
4.76
4.68
(1.32)
(1.32)
$35.46
15.08%
1.50%
1.51%
(0.21)%
(0.22)%
16%

$7,983

2013
$24.66
0.01
7.53
7.54
(0.10)
(0.10)
$32.10
30.66%
1.49%
1.49%
0.02%
0.02%
26%

$6,556

2012
$22.60
(0.06)
2.12
2.06
$24.66
9.12%
1.49%
1.49%
(0.24)%
(0.24)%
13%

$5,595

2011
$20.54
(0.08)
2.14
2.06
$22.60
10.03%
1.49%
1.49%
(0.34)%
(0.34)%
13%

$4,173

R6 Class
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2015
$38.25
0.20
3.28
3.48
(0.25)
(2.53)
(2.78)
$38.95
10.12%
0.63%
0.63%
0.57%
0.57%
16%

$36,951

2014
$34.46
0.05
5.28
5.33
(0.22)
(1.32)
(1.54)
$38.25
16.06%
0.65%
0.66%
0.64%
0.63%
16%

$23,684

2013(4)
$31.57
0.05
2.84
2.89
$34.46
9.15%
0.63%(5)
0.64%(5)
0.61%(5)
0.60%(5)
26%(6)

$27



24


Notes to Financial Highlights
 
 
(1)
Computed using average shares outstanding throughout the period.
(2)
Total returns are calculated based on the net asset value of the last business day and do not reflect applicable sales charges, if any. Total returns for periods less than one year are not annualized.
(3)
Per-share amount was less than $0.005.
(4)
July 26, 2013 (commencement of sale) through October 31, 2013.
(5)
Annualized.
(6)
Portfolio turnover is calculated at the fund level. Percentage indicated was calculated for the year ended October 31, 2013.

See Notes to Financial Statements.

25


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of American Century Mutual Funds, Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the schedule of investments, of Ultra Fund (the “Fund”), one of the funds constituting American Century Mutual Funds, Inc., as of October 31, 2015, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the periods presented. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Fund’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. The Fund is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Fund’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of October 31, 2015, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers; when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Ultra Fund of American Century Mutual Funds, Inc. as of October 31, 2015, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the periods presented, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Kansas City, Missouri
December 16, 2015



26


Management

The Board of Directors
The individuals listed below serve as directors of the funds. Each director will continue to serve in this capacity until death, retirement, resignation or removal from office. The board has adopted a mandatory retirement age for directors who are not “interested persons,” as that term is defined in the Investment Company Act (independent directors). Independent directors shall retire by December 31 of the year in which they reach their 75th birthday.
Mr. Thomas is an “interested person” because he currently serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of American Century Companies, Inc. (ACC), the parent company of American Century Investment Management, Inc. (ACIM or the advisor). Mr. Fink is treated as an “interested person” because of his recent employment with ACC and American Century Services, LLC (ACS). The other directors (more than three-fourths of the total number) are independent. They are not employees, directors or officers of, and have no financial interest in, ACC or any of its wholly owned, direct or indirect, subsidiaries, including ACIM, American Century Investment Services, Inc. (ACIS) and ACS, and they do not have any other affiliations, positions or relationships that would cause them to be considered “interested persons” under the Investment Company Act. The directors serve in this capacity for seven (in the case of Mr. Thomas, 15) registered investment companies in the American Century Investments family of funds.
The following table presents additional information about the directors. The mailing address for each director is 4500 Main Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64111.
Name
(Year of Birth)
Position(s)
Held with
Funds
Length of
Time Served
Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years
Number of
American
Century
Portfolios
Overseen by Director
Other
Directorships
Held During
Past 5 Years
Independent Directors
 
 
 
 
Thomas A. Brown
(1940)
Director
Since 1980
Managing Member, Associated Investments, LLC (real estate investment company)
80
None
Andrea C. Hall
(1945)
Director
Since 1997
Retired
80
None
Jan M. Lewis
(1957)
Director
Since 2011
Retired; President and Chief Executive Officer, Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas (human services organization) (2006 to 2013)
80
None
James A. Olson
(1942)
Director and Chairman of the Board
Since 2007 (Chairman since 2014)
Member, Plaza Belmont LLC (private equity fund manager)
80
Saia, Inc. (2002 to 2012) and EPR Properties (2003 to 2013)
M. Jeannine Strandjord
(1945)
Director
Since 1994
Retired
80
Euronet Worldwide Inc.; MGP Ingredients, Inc.; Charming Shoppes, Inc. (2006 to 2010); and DST Systems Inc. (1996 to 2012)
John R. Whitten
(1946)
Director
Since 2008
Retired
80
Rudolph Technologies, Inc.

27


Name
(Year of Birth)
Position(s)
Held with
Funds
Length of
Time Served
Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years
Number of
American
Century
Portfolios
Overseen by Director
Other
Directorships
Held During
Past 5 Years
Independent Directors
 
 
 
 
Stephen E. Yates
(1948)
Director
Since 2012
Retired; Executive Vice President, Technology & Operations, KeyCorp. (computer services) (2004 to 2010)
80
Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. (2001 to 2010)
Interested Directors
 
 
 
 
Barry Fink
(1955)
Director
Since 2012
Retired; Executive Vice President, ACC (September 2007 to February 2013); President, ACS (October 2007 to February 2013); Chief Operating Officer, ACC (September 2007 to November 2012)
80
None
Jonathan S. Thomas
(1963)
Director and President
Since 2007
President and Chief Executive Officer, ACC (March 2007 to present). Also serves as Chief Executive Officer, ACS; Executive Vice President, ACIM; Director, ACC, ACIM and other ACC subsidiaries
125
BioMed Valley Discoveries, Inc.

The Statement of Additional Information has additional information about the fund's directors and is available without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-345-2021.


28


Officers
The following table presents certain information about the executive officers of the funds. Each officer serves as an officer for each of the 15 investment companies in the American Century family of funds, unless otherwise noted. No officer is compensated for his or her service as an officer of the funds. The listed officers are interested persons of the funds and are appointed or re-appointed on an annual basis. The mailing address for each officer listed below is 4500 Main Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64111.
Name
(Year of Birth)
Offices with the Funds
Principal Occupation(s) During the Past Five Years
Jonathan S.
Thomas
(1963)
Director and
President
since 2007
President and Chief Executive Officer, ACC (March 2007 to present). Also serves as Chief Executive Officer, ACS; Executive Vice President, ACIM; Director, ACC, ACIM and other ACC subsidiaries
Amy D. Shelton
(1964)
Chief Compliance
Officer and Vice President since 2014
Chief Compliance Officer, American Century funds, (March 2014 to present); Chief Compliance Officer, ACIM (February 2014 to present); Chief Compliance Officer, ACIS (October 2009 to present); Vice President, Client Interactions and Marketing, ACIS (February 2013 to January 2014); Director, Client Interactions and Marketing, ACIS (June 2007 to January 2013). Also serves as Vice President, ACIS
Charles A.
Etherington
(1957)
General Counsel
since 2007 and
Senior Vice
President since 2006
Attorney, ACC (February 1994 to present); Vice President, ACC (November 2005 to present); General Counsel, ACC (March 2007 to present). Also serves as General Counsel, ACIM, ACS, ACIS and other ACC subsidiaries; and Senior Vice President, ACIM and ACS
C. Jean Wade
(1964)
Vice President,
Treasurer and
Chief Financial
Officer since 2012
Vice President, ACS (February 2000 to present)
Robert J. Leach
(1966)
Vice President
since 2006 and
Assistant Treasurer
since 2012
Vice President, ACS (February 2000 to present)
David H.
Reinmiller
(1963)
Vice President
since 2000
Attorney, ACC (January 1994 to present); Associate General Counsel, ACC (January 2001 to present). Also serves as Vice President, ACIM and ACS
Ward D. Stauffer
(1960)
Secretary
since 2005
Attorney, ACC (June 2003 to present)


29


Approval of Management Agreement


At a meeting held on June 30, 2015, the Fund’s Board of Directors unanimously approved the renewal of the management agreement pursuant to which American Century Investment Management, Inc. (the “Advisor”) acts as the investment advisor for the Fund. Under Section 15(c) of the Investment Company Act, contracts for investment advisory services are required to be reviewed, evaluated, and approved by a majority of a fund’s directors (the “Directors”), including a majority of the independent Directors, each year.
    
Prior to its consideration of the renewal of the management agreement, the Directors requested and reviewed extensive data and information compiled by the Advisor and certain independent providers of evaluation data concerning the Fund and the services provided to the Fund by the Advisor. This review was in addition to the oversight and evaluation undertaken by the Board and its committees on a continuous basis and the information received was supplemental to the extensive information that the Board and its committees receive and consider throughout the year.

In connection with its consideration of the renewal of the management agreement, the Board’s review and evaluation of the services provided by the Advisor included, but was not limited to, the following:

the nature, extent, and quality of investment management, shareholder services, and other services provided by the Advisor to the Fund;
the wide range of other programs and services the Advisor provides to the Fund and its shareholders on a routine and non-routine basis;
the Fund’s investment performance compared to appropriate benchmarks and/or a peer group of other mutual funds with similar investment objectives and strategies;
the cost of owning the Fund compared to the cost of owning similar funds;
the Advisor’s compliance policies, procedures, and regulatory experience;
financial data showing the cost of services provided to the Fund, the profitability of the Fund to the Advisor, and the overall profitability of the Advisor;
possible economies of scale associated with the Advisor’s management of the Fund and other accounts under its management;
data comparing services provided and charges to other investment management clients of the Advisor;
acquired fund fees and expenses;
payments to intermediaries by the Fund and the Advisor; and
any collateral benefits derived by the Advisor from the management of the Fund.

In keeping with their practice, the Directors held two in-person meetings and one telephonic meeting to review and discuss the information provided. The independent Directors also had the benefit of the advice of their independent counsel throughout the process.

Factors Considered

The Directors considered all of the information provided by the Advisor, the independent data providers, and independent counsel, and evaluated such information for the Fund. In connection with their review, the Directors did not identify any single factor as being all-important or controlling, and each Director may have attributed different levels of importance to different factors. In deciding to renew the management agreement, the Board based its decision on a number of factors, including the following:


30


Nature, Extent and Quality of Services - Generally. Under the management agreement, the Advisor is responsible for providing or arranging for all services necessary for the operation of the
Fund. The Board noted that under the management agreement, the Advisor provides or arranges at its own expense a wide variety of services including:

constructing and designing the Fund
portfolio research and security selection
initial capitalization/funding
securities trading
Fund administration
custody of Fund assets
daily valuation of the Fund’s portfolio
shareholder servicing and transfer agency, including shareholder confirmations, recordkeeping, and communications
legal services (except the independent Directors’ counsel)
regulatory and portfolio compliance
financial reporting
marketing and distribution (except Rule 12b-1 plans)

The Board noted that many of these services have expanded over time both in terms of quantity and complexity in response to shareholder demands, competition in the industry, changing distribution channels, and the changing regulatory environment.

Investment Management Services. The nature of the investment management services provided to the Fund is quite complex and allows Fund shareholders access to professional money management, instant diversification of their investments within an asset class, the opportunity to easily diversify among asset classes by investing in or exchanging among various American Century Investments funds, and liquidity. In evaluating investment performance, the Board expects the Advisor to manage the Fund in accordance with its investment objectives and approved strategies. Further, the Directors recognize that the Advisor has an obligation to monitor trading activities, and in particular to seek the best execution of fund trades, and to evaluate the use of and payment for research. In providing these services, the Advisor utilizes teams of investment professionals (portfolio managers, analysts, research assistants, and securities traders) who require extensive information technology, research, training, compliance and other systems to conduct their business. The Board, directly and through its Fund Performance Review Committee, regularly reviews investment performance information for the Fund, together with comparative information for appropriate benchmarks and/or peer groups of similarly-managed funds, over different time horizons. The Directors also review detailed performance information during the management agreement approval process. If performance concerns are identified, the Fund receives special reviews until performance improves, during which the Board discusses with the Advisor the reasons for such results (e.g., market conditions, security selection) and any efforts being undertaken to improve performance. The Fund’s performance was above its benchmark for the three- and five-year periods and below its benchmark for the one- and ten-year periods reviewed by the Board. The Board discussed the Fund's performance with the Advisor and was satisfied with the efforts being undertaken by the Advisor. The Board found the investment management services provided by the Advisor to the Fund to be satisfactory and consistent with the management agreement.

Shareholder and Other Services. Under the management agreement, the Advisor provides the Fund with a comprehensive package of transfer agency, shareholder, and other services. The Board, directly and through various committees of the Board, regularly reviews reports and evaluations of such services at its regular meetings. These reports include, but are not limited to, information regarding the operational efficiency and accuracy of the shareholder and transfer agency services provided, staffing levels, shareholder satisfaction (as measured by external as well as internal sources), technology support, new products and services offered to Fund shareholders, securities trading activities, portfolio valuation services, auditing services, and legal and operational compliance activities. The Board particularly noted the Advisor’s continual efforts to maintain

31


effective business continuity plans and to address cybersecurity threats. Certain aspects of shareholder and transfer agency service level efficiency and the quality of securities trading activities are measured by independent third party providers and are presented in comparison to other fund groups not managed by the Advisor. The Board found the services provided by the Advisor to the Fund under the management agreement to be competitive and of high quality.

Costs of Services and Profitability. The Advisor provides detailed information concerning its cost of providing various services to the Fund, its profitability in managing the Fund (pre- and post-distribution), its overall profitability, and its financial condition. The Directors have reviewed with the Advisor the methodology used to prepare this financial information. This information is considered in evaluating the Advisor’s financial condition, its ability to continue to provide services under the management agreement, and the reasonableness of the current management fee. The Board concluded that the Advisor’s profits were reasonable in light of the services provided to the Fund.

Ethics. The Board generally considers the Advisor’s commitment to providing quality services to shareholders and to conducting its business ethically. They noted that the Advisor’s practices generally meet or exceed industry best practices.

Economies of Scale. The Board also reviewed information provided by the Advisor regarding the possible existence of economies of scale in connection with the management of the Fund. The Board concluded that economies of scale are difficult to measure and predict with precision, especially on a fund-by-fund basis. The Board concluded that the Advisor is appropriately sharing economies of scale through its competitive fee structure, offering competitive fees from fund inception, and through reinvestment in its business to provide shareholders additional content and services. The Board also noted that economies of scale are shared with the Fund and its shareholders through management fee breakpoints that serve to reduce the effective management fee as the assets of the Fund grow.

Comparison to Other Funds’ Fees. The management agreement provides that the Fund pays the Advisor a single, all-inclusive (or unified) management fee for providing all services necessary for the management and operation of the Fund, other than brokerage expenses, taxes, interest, extraordinary expenses, and the fees and expenses of the Fund’s independent Directors (including their independent legal counsel) and expenses incurred in connection with the provision of shareholder services and distribution services under a plan adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Under the unified fee structure, the Advisor is responsible for providing all investment advisory, custody, audit, administrative, compliance, recordkeeping, marketing and shareholder services, or arranging and supervising third parties to provide such services. By contrast, most other funds are charged a variety of fees, including an investment advisory fee, a transfer agency fee, an administrative fee, distribution charges, and other expenses. Other than their investment advisory fees and any applicable Rule 12b-1 distribution fees, all other components of the total fees charged by these other funds may be increased without shareholder approval. The Board believes the unified fee structure is a benefit to Fund shareholders because it clearly discloses to shareholders the cost of owning Fund shares, and, since the unified fee cannot be increased without a vote of Fund shareholders, it shifts to the Advisor the risk of increased costs of operating the Fund and provides a direct incentive to minimize administrative inefficiencies. Part of the Board’s analysis of fee levels involves reviewing certain evaluative data compiled by an independent provider comparing the Fund’s unified fee to the total expense ratios of its peers. The unified fee charged to shareholders of the Fund was below the median of the total expense ratios of the Fund’s peer expense universe and was within the range of its peer expense group. The Board concluded that the management fee paid by the Fund to the Advisor under the management agreement is reasonable in light of the services provided to the Fund.


32


Comparison to Fees and Services Provided to Other Clients of the Advisor. The Directors also requested and received information from the Advisor concerning the nature of the services, fees, costs and profitability of its advisory services to advisory clients other than the Fund. They observed that these varying types of client accounts require different services and involve different regulatory and entrepreneurial risks than the management of the Fund. The Board analyzed this information and concluded that the fees charged and services provided to the Fund were reasonable by comparison.

Payments to Intermediaries. The Directors also requested and received a description of payments made to intermediaries by the Fund and the Advisor. These payments include various payments made by the Fund or the Advisor to different types of intermediaries and recordkeepers for distribution and service activities provided for the Fund. The Board reviewed such information and found the payments to be reasonable in scope and purpose.

Collateral or “Fall-Out” Benefits Derived by the Advisor. The Board considered the existence of collateral benefits the Advisor may receive as a result of its relationship with the Fund. They concluded that the Advisor’s primary business is managing mutual funds and it generally does not use fund or shareholder information to generate profits in other lines of business, and therefore does not derive any significant collateral benefits from them. The Board noted that additional assets from other clients may offer the Advisor some benefit from increased leverage with service providers and counterparties. Additionally, the Advisor receives proprietary research from broker-dealers that execute fund portfolio transactions, which the Board concluded is likely to benefit other clients of the Advisor as well as Fund shareholders. The Board also determined that the Advisor is able to provide investment management services to certain clients other than the Fund, at least in part, due to its existing infrastructure built to serve the fund complex. The Board concluded that appropriate allocation methodologies had been employed to assign resources and the cost of those resources to these other clients and, where expressly provided, these other client assets may be included with the assets of the Fund to determine breakpoints in the management fee schedule.

Existing Relationship. The Board also considered whether there was any reason for not continuing the existing arrangement with the Advisor. In this regard, the Board was mindful of the potential disruptions of the Fund’s operations and various risks, uncertainties, and other effects that could occur as a result of a decision not to continue such relationship. In particular, the Board recognized that most shareholders have invested in the Fund on the strength of the Advisor’s industry standing and reputation and in the expectation that the Advisor will have a continuing role in providing advisory services to the Fund.

Conclusion of the Directors. As a result of this process, the Board, including all of the independent Directors, taking into account all of the factors discussed above and the information provided by the Advisor and others in connection with its review and throughout the year, determined that the management fee is fair and reasonable in light of the services provided and that the investment management agreement between the Fund and the Advisor should be renewed.


33


Additional Information

Retirement Account Information
As required by law, distributions you receive from certain IRAs are subject to federal income tax withholding, unless you elect not to have withholding apply. Tax will be withheld on the total amount withdrawn even though you may be receiving amounts that are not subject to withholding, such as nondeductible contributions. In such case, excess amounts of withholding could occur. You may adjust your withholding election so that a greater or lesser amount will be withheld.
If you don’t want us to withhold on this amount, you must notify us to not withhold the federal income tax. You may notify us in writing or in certain situations by telephone or through other electronic means. For systematic withdrawals, your withholding election will remain in effect until revoked or changed by filing a new election. You have the right to revoke your election at any time.
Remember, even if you elect not to have income tax withheld, you are liable for paying income tax on the taxable portion of your withdrawal. If you elect not to have income tax withheld or you don’t have enough income tax withheld, you may be responsible for payment of estimated tax. You may incur penalties under the estimated tax rules if your withholding and estimated tax payments are not sufficient. You can reduce or defer the income tax on a distribution by directly or indirectly rolling such distribution over to another IRA or eligible plan. You should consult your tax advisor for additional information.
State tax will be withheld if, at the time of your distribution, your address is within one of the mandatory withholding states and you have federal income tax withheld (or as otherwise required by state law). State taxes will be withheld from your distribution in accordance with the respective state rules.
Distributions you receive from 403(b), 457 and qualified plans are subject to special tax and withholding rules. Your plan administrator or plan sponsor is required to provide you with a special tax notice explaining those rules at the time you request a distribution. If applicable, federal and/or state taxes may be withheld from your distribution amount.


Proxy Voting Policies
A description of the policies that the fund's investment advisor uses in exercising the voting rights associated with the securities purchased and/or held by the fund is available without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-345-2021. It is also available on the "About Us" page of American Century Investments’ website at americancentury.com and on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at sec.gov. Information regarding how the investment advisor voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available on the "About Us" page at americancentury.com. It is also available at sec.gov.


Quarterly Portfolio Disclosure
The fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The fund’s Forms N-Q are available on the SEC’s website at sec.gov, and may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330. The fund also makes its complete schedule of portfolio holdings for the most recent quarter of its fiscal year available on its
website at americancentury.com and, upon request, by calling 1-800-345-2021.


34


Other Tax Information

The following information is provided pursuant to provisions of the Internal Revenue Code.

The fund hereby designates up to the maximum amount allowable as qualified dividend income for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2015.

For corporate taxpayers, the fund hereby designates $26,763,959, or up to the maximum amount allowable, of ordinary income distributions paid during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2015 as qualified for the corporate dividends received deduction.

The fund hereby designates $157,585 as qualified short-term capital gain distributions for purposes of Internal Revenue Code Section 871 for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2015.

The fund hereby designates $561,175,881, or up to the maximum amount allowable, as long-term capital gain distributions for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2015.






35


Notes


36






 
 
 
 
Contact Us
americancentury.com
 
Automated Information Line
1-800-345-8765
 
Investor Services Representative
1-800-345-2021
or 816-531-5575
 
Investors Using Advisors
1-800-378-9878
 
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1-800-345-3533
 
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1-800-345-6488
 
Telecommunications Relay Service for the Deaf
711
 
 
 
 
American Century Mutual Funds, Inc.
 
 
 
 
Investment Advisor:
American Century Investment Management, Inc.
Kansas City, Missouri
 
 
 
 
This report and the statements it contains are submitted for the general information of our shareholders. The report is not authorized for distribution to prospective investors unless preceded or accompanied by an effective prospectus.
 
 
 
 
©2015 American Century Proprietary Holdings, Inc. All rights reserved.
CL-ANN-87641   1512
 



        ANNUAL REPORT
OCTOBER 31, 2015

 
 


Veedot® Fund








Table of Contents
 
President’s Letter
2

Performance
3

Portfolio Commentary

Fund Characteristics

Shareholder Fee Example

Schedule of Investments

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

Statement of Operations

Statement of Changes in Net Assets

Notes to Financial Statements

Financial Highlights

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Management

Approval of Management Agreement

Additional Information




















Any opinions expressed in this report reflect those of the author as of the date of the report, and do not necessarily represent the opinions of American Century Investments® or any other person in the American Century Investments organization. Any such opinions are subject to change at any time based upon market or other conditions and American Century Investments disclaims any responsibility to update such opinions. These opinions may not be relied upon as investment advice and, because investment decisions made by American Century Investments funds are based on numerous factors, may not be relied upon as an indication of trading intent on behalf of any American Century Investments fund. Security examples are used for representational purposes only and are not intended as recommendations to purchase or sell securities. Performance information for comparative indices and securities is provided to American Century Investments by third party vendors. To the best of American Century Investments’ knowledge, such information is accurate at the time of printing.



President’s Letter

Dear Investor:

Thank you for reviewing this annual report for the 12 months ended October 31, 2015. It provides investment performance and portfolio information for the reporting period, plus longer-term historical performance data.

Annual reports remain useful vehicles for conveying information about fund performance, including market and economic factors that affected returns during the reporting period. For additional, updated investment and market insights, we encourage you to visit our website, americancentury.com.
Jonathan Thomas

Divergence in Economic Growth and Monetary Policies, Combined With China Turmoil, Triggered Market Volatility

Divergence between the U.S. and the rest of the world—along with China’s struggles, plunging commodity prices, capital market volatility, and risk-off trading—emerged as key themes during the reporting period. Global divergence described not only the relatively stronger economic growth enjoyed by the U.S. compared with most of the world, but also the related contrast between the U.S. Federal Reserve’s (the Fed’s) unwinding of monetary stimulus versus the continuation and expansion of stimulus by other major central banks. Central bank moves—including the Fed’s delayed normalization of its extremely low interest rate positioning—helped trigger large market swings.

In October 2014, the Fed ended its latest massive bond-buying program (quantitative easing, QE), leading to expectations that interest rates would rise. But while QE was halted in the U.S., other major central banks were starting or increasing QE as their economies faltered. This divergence helped fuel increased demand for the U.S. dollar and U.S. dollar-denominated assets, and put downward pressure on commodity prices, most notably crude oil, down over 40% for the reporting period. Low inflation also prevailed after oil prices plunged amid a supply glut and muted demand for commodities in general. In this environment, the U.S. dollar, U.S. growth stocks, and longer-maturity U.S. Treasuries generally benefited from “flight to quality” capital flows, while emerging market and commodity-related investments suffered significant declines.

We expect continued economic and monetary policy divergence between the U.S. and non-U.S. economies in the coming months, accompanied by further market volatility. This could present both challenges and opportunities for active investment managers. In this environment, we continue to believe in a disciplined, diversified, long-term investment approach, using professionally managed stock and bond portfolios to meet financial goals. We appreciate your continued trust in us.

Sincerely,
Jonathan Thomas
President and Chief Executive Officer
American Century Investments


2


Performance
 
Total Returns as of October 31, 2015
 
 
 
Average Annual Returns
 
 
Ticker
Symbol
1 year
5 years
10 years
Since
Inception
Inception
Date
Investor Class
AMVIX
6.40%
14.74%
7.33%
5.26%
11/30/99
Russell 3000 Index
4.49%
14.13%
7.94%
4.99%
Institutional Class
AVDIX
6.58%
14.97%
7.53%
4.31%
8/1/00

Growth of $10,000 Over 10 Years
$10,000 investment made October 31, 2005
Performance for other share classes will vary due to differences in fee structure.
 
Value on October 31, 2015
 
Investor Class — $20,297
 
 
Russell 3000 Index — $21,470
 

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses
Investor Class
Institutional Class
1.25%
1.05%
The total annual fund operating expenses shown is as stated in the fund’s prospectus current as of the date of this report. The prospectus may vary from the expense ratio shown elsewhere in this report because it is based on a different time period, includes acquired fund fees and expenses, and, if applicable, does not include fee waivers or expense reimbursements.





Data presented reflect past performance. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, and redemption value may be more or less than original cost. Data assumes reinvestment of dividends and capital gains, and none of the charts reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares. To obtain performance data current to the most recent month end, please call 1-800-345-2021 or visit americancentury.com. For additional information about the fund, please consult the prospectus.

3


Portfolio Commentary
 

Portfolio Managers: John Small, Jr., and Stephen Pool

Performance Summary
Veedot returned 6.40%* for the 12 months ended October 31, 2015, outperforming the 4.49% return of the portfolio’s benchmark, the Russell 3000 Index.
U.S. stock indices posted solid returns during the reporting period amid considerable volatility and variation in sector performance. Within the Russell 3000 Index, the consumer discretionary sector delivered the best returns followed by information technology and consumer staples. Energy stocks fell sharply, losing nearly 22% as oil prices plunged. Materials, telecommunication services, and utilities registered smaller losses.
In this environment, Veedot’s highly systematic investment process delivered solid portfolio returns and outperformed its benchmark. The fund received the best absolute contributions from health care, financials, and consumer discretionary stocks, while energy and telecommunication services holdings generated negative contributions. Relative to the Russell benchmark, stock selection in the health care and financials sectors was the leading source of outperformance. Stock selection in information technology and consumer discretionary detracted.
Health Care Stocks Led Contributors
Stock choices in the health care sector, especially among pharmaceutical companies, were the largest sources of outperformance relative to the benchmark. The fund’s top overall contributor was pharmaceutical firm Hospira, which was acquired during the period by another fund holding, Pfizer.
In financials, stock selection among insurers, capital markets firms, and consumer finance companies aided relative results. Universal Insurance Holdings, which provides property and casualty insurance through its subsidiaries, was a key contributor in the sector, reporting revenue above the industry average and strong earnings growth. The holding was eliminated.
Among significant individual contributors, Orbitz Worldwide rose sharply on news that fund holding Expedia would acquire its travel booking competitor. As a result of the acquisition, Orbitz is no longer in the portfolio but Expedia remains a fund holding. IT services firm Luxoft Holding, which provides software development and IT solutions, rose on strong revenue and earnings reports. The position was eliminated. Casino operator Boyd Gaming performed well, taking advantage of positive trends in Nevada tourism and gaming growth. The company has been revising earnings estimates higher.
Information Technology Stocks Were Key Detractors
Stock selection in information technology detracted from relative performance, especially in the technology hardware, storage, and peripherals and internet software and services industries. Underweighting Apple and Alphabet (formerly Google) detracted significantly. Apple performed well on new product launches such as the iPhone 6. Alphabet’s new CFO signaled a greater focus on free cash flow and return on invested capital, leading to a significant increase in the stock price. Portfolio-only position Seagate Technology detracted as the data storage firm indicated revenue would be below expectations. The holding was eliminated. Holdings in the semiconductors and semiconductor equipment industry also weighed on results as the industry faltered in 2015 on global concerns, reduced PC demand, and other factors. Micron Technology was a major detractor in the industry. The holding was eliminated.


*
All fund returns referenced in this commentary are for Investor Class shares. Performance for other share classes will vary due to differences in fee structure; when Investor Class performance exceeds that of the fund’s benchmark, other share classes may not. See page 3 for returns for all share classes.

4


In consumer discretionary, stock selection weighed on performance. Underweighting Amazon.com was a major detractor as the online retailer reported strong revenue growth. Margins are improving through efficiency gains, and profitability from its cloud hosting services has been higher than expected. Amazon.com was not in the portfolio at the end of the period. An overweight in utility holding company Exelon detracted even though the company reported strong earnings. The company, which generates and delivers energy through subsidiaries, struggled to get regulatory approval for its planned acquisition of Washington, DC-based Pepco.
Outlook
Using a systematic and quantitatively driven process, Veedot examines macroeconomic and company specific information in a complex model to underpin its stock selection process. Looking ahead, we remain confident that this systematic process of fusing macroeconomic and stock-specific factors will continue to successfully identify risk-adjusted opportunities across investment styles and industry sectors.




5


Fund Characteristics
OCTOBER 31, 2015
 
Top Ten Holdings
% of net assets
Apple, Inc.
3.1%
Microsoft Corp.
1.9%
Exxon Mobil Corp.
1.5%
General Electric Co.
1.3%
Intel Corp.
1.2%
Korn/Ferry International
1.2%
Visa, Inc., Class A
1.2%
AbbVie, Inc.
1.2%
Fiserv, Inc.
1.1%
Home Depot, Inc. (The)
1.1%
 
 
Top Five Industries
% of net assets
Oil, Gas and Consumable Fuels
6.1%
IT Services
6.1%
Banks
4.1%
Biotechnology
4.1%
Pharmaceuticals
4.0%
 
 
Types of Investments in Portfolio
% of net assets
Common Stocks
98.9%
Temporary Cash Investments
0.9%
Other Assets and Liabilities
0.2%



6


Shareholder Fee Example 

Fund shareholders may incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments and redemption/exchange fees; and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution and service (12b-1) fees; and other fund expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in your fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing cost of investing in other mutual funds.

The example is based on an investment of $1,000 made at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period from May 1, 2015 to October 31, 2015.

Actual Expenses

The table provides information about actual account values and actual expenses for each class. You may use the information, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. First, identify the share class you own. Then simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number under the heading “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

If you hold Investor Class shares of any American Century Investments fund, or Institutional Class shares of the American Century Diversified Bond Fund, in an American Century Investments account (i.e., not a financial intermediary or retirement plan account), American Century Investments may charge you a $12.50 semiannual account maintenance fee if the value of those shares is less than $10,000. We will redeem shares automatically in one of your accounts to pay the $12.50 fee. In determining your total eligible investment amount, we will include your investments in all personal accounts (including American Century Investments Brokerage accounts) registered under your Social Security number. Personal accounts include individual accounts, joint accounts, UGMA/UTMA accounts, personal trusts, Coverdell Education Savings Accounts and IRAs (including traditional, Roth, Rollover, SEP-, SARSEP- and SIMPLE-IRAs), and certain other retirement accounts. If you have only business, business retirement, employer-sponsored or American Century Investments Brokerage accounts, you are currently not subject to this fee. If you are subject to the Account Maintenance Fee, your account value could be reduced by the fee amount.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The table also provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the actual expense ratio of each class of your fund and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the actual return of a fund’s share class. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in your fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads) or redemption/exchange fees. Therefore, the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.


7




Beginning
Account Value
5/1/15
Ending
Account Value
10/31/15
Expenses Paid
During Period
(1)5/1/15 - 10/31/15
 
Annualized
Expense Ratio
(1)
Actual
 
 
 
 
Investor Class
$1,000
$981.70
$6.34
1.27%
Institutional Class
$1,000
$982.10
$5.35
1.07%
Hypothetical
 
 
 
 
Investor Class
$1,000
$1,018.80
$6.46
1.27%
Institutional Class
$1,000
$1,019.81
$5.45
1.07%
(1)
Expenses are equal to the class's annualized expense ratio listed in the table above, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184, the number of days in the most recent fiscal half-year, divided by 365, to reflect the one-half year period.

8


Schedule of Investments

OCTOBER 31, 2015
 
Shares
Value
COMMON STOCKS — 98.9%
 
 
Aerospace and Defense — 2.8%
 
 
Curtiss-Wright Corp.
14,204
$
988,030

General Dynamics Corp.
7,333
1,089,537

HEICO Corp.
14,511
731,935

 
 
2,809,502

Air Freight and Logistics — 0.9%
 
 
CH Robinson Worldwide, Inc.
13,597
943,360

Airlines — 0.6%
 
 
American Airlines Group, Inc.
13,316
615,466

Automobiles — 2.1%
 
 
Ford Motor Co.
69,667
1,031,768

General Motors Co.
31,435
1,097,396

 
 
2,129,164

Banks — 4.1%
 
 
First Commonwealth Financial Corp.
91,492
840,811

PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (The)
7,019
633,535

U.S. Bancorp
23,658
997,894

Wells Fargo & Co.
14,611
791,040

Westamerica Bancorporation
21,417
946,846

 
 
4,210,126

Beverages — 1.0%
 
 
Brown-Forman Corp., Class B
9,890
1,050,120

Biotechnology — 4.1%
 
 
AbbVie, Inc.
19,724
1,174,564

Amgen, Inc.
6,690
1,058,224

Celgene Corp.(1) 
6,771
830,870

Gilead Sciences, Inc.
9,898
1,070,271

 
 
4,133,929

Building Products — 0.4%
 
 
AAON, Inc.
21,758
445,386

Capital Markets — 2.8%
 
 
AllianceBernstein Holding LP
38,319
986,331

Janus Capital Group, Inc.
69,308
1,076,353

KKR & Co. LP
44,467
762,609

 
 
2,825,293

Chemicals — 1.5%
 
 
Dow Chemical Co. (The)
21,306
1,100,881

Mosaic Co. (The)
12,305
415,786

 
 
1,516,667

Communications Equipment — 1.3%
 
 
Calix, Inc.(1) 
48,831
341,329

Cisco Systems, Inc.
33,076
954,242

 
 
1,295,571


9


 
Shares
Value
Construction and Engineering — 1.0%
 
 
Dycom Industries, Inc.(1) 
13,475
$
1,025,313

Consumer Finance — 0.9%
 
 
American Express Co.
12,803
937,948

Diversified Financial Services — 1.0%
 
 
Berkshire Hathaway, Inc., Class A(1) 
5
1,022,980

Diversified Telecommunication Services — 2.0%
 
 
AT&T, Inc.
29,924
1,002,753

Verizon Communications, Inc.
21,117
989,965

 
 
1,992,718

Electric Utilities — 1.5%
 
 
Edison International
10,663
645,325

Exelon Corp.
32,228
899,805

 
 
1,545,130

Electrical Equipment — 0.3%
 
 
Acuity Brands, Inc.
1,570
343,202

Electronic Equipment, Instruments and Components — 2.0%
 
 
Corning, Inc.
55,236
1,027,390

Rofin-Sinar Technologies, Inc.(1) 
36,424
1,054,839

 
 
2,082,229

Energy Equipment and Services — 0.7%
 
 
Halliburton Co.
19,888
763,301

Food and Staples Retailing — 3.0%
 
 
CVS Health Corp.
8,552
844,766

PriceSmart, Inc.
11,970
1,029,181

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
17,608
1,007,882

Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.
1,710
144,803

 
 
3,026,632

Food Products — 1.6%
 
 
Archer-Daniels-Midland Co.
21,096
963,243

General Mills, Inc.
11,378
661,176

 
 
1,624,419

Gas Utilities — 0.3%
 
 
Questar Corp.
17,059
352,268

Health Care Equipment and Supplies — 1.0%
 
 
Varian Medical Systems, Inc.(1) 
12,830
1,007,540

Health Care Providers and Services — 2.8%
 
 
Anthem, Inc.
7,077
984,765

Cardinal Health, Inc.
12,477
1,025,609

McKesson Corp.
4,539
811,573

 
 
2,821,947

Hotels, Restaurants and Leisure — 2.4%
 
 
Boyd Gaming Corp.(1) 
49,076
981,029

Buffalo Wild Wings, Inc.(1) 
6,675
1,029,752

Starbucks Corp.
6,371
398,634

 
 
2,409,415


10


 
Shares
Value
Independent Power and Renewable Electricity Producers — 1.0%
 
 
Ormat Technologies, Inc.
27,414
$
1,034,056

Industrial Conglomerates — 2.2%
 
 
3M Co.
5,675
892,167

General Electric Co.
45,130
1,305,159

 
 
2,197,326

Insurance — 2.8%
 
 
ACE Ltd.
10,019
1,137,557

Federated National Holding Co.
18,920
582,452

HCI Group, Inc.
26,054
1,136,215

 
 
2,856,224

Internet and Catalog Retail — 1.1%
 
 
Expedia, Inc.
7,977
1,087,265

Internet Software and Services — 1.5%
 
 
Alphabet, Inc., Class A(1) 
1,398
1,030,871

Tucows, Inc., Class A(1) 
17,745
479,648

 
 
1,510,519

IT Services — 6.1%
 
 
CoreLogic, Inc.(1) 
26,093
1,017,105

Fiserv, Inc.(1) 
11,901
1,148,566

International Business Machines Corp.
6,723
941,758

NeuStar, Inc., Class A(1) 
36,274
986,290

Visa, Inc., Class A
15,547
1,206,136

Xerox Corp.
95,172
893,665

 
 
6,193,520

Leisure Products — 0.9%
 
 
Polaris Industries, Inc.
8,084
908,157

Life Sciences Tools and Services — 1.0%
 
 
Bio-Techne Corp.
10,648
939,153

INC Research Holdings, Inc., Class A(1) 
2,608
108,780

 
 
1,047,933

Machinery — 1.0%
 
 
Trinity Industries, Inc.
36,140
978,310

Media — 3.6%
 
 
Charter Communications, Inc., Class A(1) 
2,057
392,763

Comcast Corp., Class A
18,087
1,132,608

MSG Networks, Inc.(1) 
50,802
1,042,457

Walt Disney Co. (The)
9,451
1,074,957

 
 
3,642,785

Metals and Mining — 1.3%
 
 
Newmont Mining Corp.
20,428
397,529

Steel Dynamics, Inc.
50,747
937,297

 
 
1,334,826

Multiline Retail — 0.9%
 
 
Macy's, Inc.
12,529
638,728

Target Corp.
4,260
328,787

 
 
967,515


11


 
Shares
Value
Oil, Gas and Consumable Fuels — 6.1%
 
 
ConocoPhillips
10,293
$
549,132

EOG Resources, Inc.
12,283
1,054,496

Exxon Mobil Corp.
18,471
1,528,290

Marathon Petroleum Corp.
20,150
1,043,770

Occidental Petroleum Corp.
14,178
1,056,828

TC Pipelines LP
18,903
976,529

 
 
6,209,045

Personal Products — 0.9%
 
 
Estee Lauder Cos., Inc. (The), Class A
12,013
966,566

Pharmaceuticals — 4.0%
 
 
Eli Lilly & Co.
12,347
1,007,145

Pfizer, Inc.
30,283
1,024,171

Prestige Brands Holdings, Inc.(1) 
20,695
1,014,262

Sanofi ADR
20,244
1,019,083

 
 
4,064,661

Professional Services — 1.2%
 
 
Korn/Ferry International
33,729
1,226,724

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) — 3.7%
 
 
American Tower Corp.
10,009
1,023,220

DuPont Fabros Technology, Inc.
22,332
716,634

Equity Residential
13,883
1,073,434

VEREIT, Inc.
120,559
995,817

 
 
3,809,105

Real Estate Management and Development — 1.6%
 
 
CBRE Group, Inc.(1) 
19,727
735,423

Realogy Holdings Corp.(1) 
23,293
910,756

 
 
1,646,179

Semiconductors and Semiconductor Equipment — 2.0%
 
 
Intel Corp.
37,131
1,257,256

STMicroelectronics NV
116,258
801,017

 
 
2,058,273

Software — 3.9%
 
 
Fortinet, Inc.(1) 
24,954
857,420

Microsoft Corp.
35,957
1,892,777

Oracle Corp.
9,954
386,613

Tyler Technologies, Inc.(1) 
4,837
824,031

 
 
3,960,841

Specialty Retail — 3.2%
 
 
Home Depot, Inc. (The)
9,287
1,148,245

Lowe's Cos., Inc.
15,424
1,138,754

Staples, Inc.
71,389
927,343

 
 
3,214,342

Technology Hardware, Storage and Peripherals — 3.1%
 
 
Apple, Inc.
26,087
3,117,396


12


 
Shares
Value
Thrifts and Mortgage Finance — 0.9%
 
 
Northwest Bancshares, Inc.
70,573
$
949,913

Tobacco — 2.2%
 
 
Altria Group, Inc.
17,383
1,051,150

Philip Morris International, Inc.
11,993
1,060,181

Vector Group Ltd.
3,784
91,762

 
 
2,203,093

Wireless Telecommunication Services — 0.6%
 
 
T-Mobile US, Inc.(1) 
15,838
600,102

TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(Cost $95,564,666)
 
100,714,302

TEMPORARY CASH INVESTMENTS — 0.9%
 
 
Repurchase Agreement, Credit Suisse First Boston, Inc., (collateralized by various U.S. Treasury obligations, 1.50%, 5/31/19, valued at $343,440), in a joint trading account at 0.01%, dated 10/30/15, due 11/2/15 (Delivery value $336,758)
 
336,758

Repurchase Agreement, Fixed Income Clearing Corp., (collateralized by various U.S. Treasury obligations, 4.375%, 5/15/40, valued at $573,494), at 0.00%, dated 10/30/15, due 11/2/15 (Delivery value $561,000)
 
561,000

State Street Institutional Liquid Reserves Fund, Premier Class
441
441

TOTAL TEMPORARY CASH INVESTMENTS
(Cost $898,199)
 
898,199

TOTAL INVESTMENT SECURITIES — 99.8%
(Cost $96,462,865)
 
101,612,501

OTHER ASSETS AND LIABILITIES — 0.2%
 
193,389

TOTAL NET ASSETS — 100.0%
 
$
101,805,890


FORWARD FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE CONTRACTS
 
 
Currency Purchased
Currency Sold
Counterparty
Settlement Date
Unrealized Appreciation
(Depreciation)
EUR
74,071
USD
81,564
UBS AG
11/30/15
$
(85
)
USD
1,706,780
EUR
1,545,115
UBS AG
11/30/15
7,125

 
 
 
 
 
 
$
7,040


NOTES TO SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
ADR
-
American Depositary Receipt
EUR
-
Euro
USD
-
United States Dollar
(1)
Non-income producing.


See Notes to Financial Statements.

13


Statement of Assets and Liabilities
OCTOBER 31, 2015
 
Assets
 
Investment securities, at value (cost of $96,462,865)
$
101,612,501

Cash
8,949

Receivable for investments sold
161,404

Receivable for capital shares sold
28,676

Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts
7,125

Dividends and interest receivable
113,100

 
101,931,755

 
 
Liabilities
 
Payable for capital shares redeemed
20,475

Unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts
85

Accrued management fees
105,305

 
125,865

 
 
Net Assets
$
101,805,890

 
 
Net Assets Consist of:
 
Capital (par value and paid-in surplus)
$
86,788,806

Undistributed net investment income
793,228

Undistributed net realized gain
9,067,180

Net unrealized appreciation
5,156,676

 
$
101,805,890


 
Net Assets
Shares Outstanding
Net Asset Value Per Share
Investor Class, $0.01 Par Value
$99,140,915
9,231,870

$10.74
Institutional Class, $0.01 Par Value
$2,664,975
243,046

$10.96


See Notes to Financial Statements.


14


Statement of Operations
YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2015
 
Investment Income (Loss)
 
Income:
 
Dividends (net of foreign taxes withheld of $9,915)
$
1,775,148

Interest
357

 
1,775,505

 
 
Expenses:
 
Management fees
1,228,503

Directors' fees and expenses
3,257

Other expenses
6,030

 
1,237,790

 
 
Net investment income (loss)
537,715

 
 
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)
 
Net realized gain (loss) on:
 
Investment transactions
11,202,070

Foreign currency transactions
154,728

 
11,356,798

 
 
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:
 
Investments
(6,109,434
)
Translation of assets and liabilities in foreign currencies
(27,018
)
 
(6,136,452
)
 
 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
5,220,346

 
 
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations
$
5,758,061



See Notes to Financial Statements.


15


Statement of Changes in Net Assets
YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2015 AND OCTOBER 31, 2014
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
October 31, 2015
October 31, 2014
Operations
 
 
Net investment income (loss)
$
537,715

$
545,978

Net realized gain (loss)
11,356,798

11,501,263

Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
(6,136,452)

(838,591
)
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations
5,758,061

11,208,650

 
 
 
Distributions to Shareholders
 
 
From net investment income:
 
 
Investor Class
(488,270)

(933,951)

Institutional Class
(18,491)

(1,513)

Decrease in net assets from distributions
(506,761)

(935,464)

 
 
 
Capital Share Transactions
 
 
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from capital share transactions (Note 5)
2,953,683

(5,259,520)

 
 
 
Redemption Fees
 
 
Increase in net assets from redemption fees
7,491

6,720

 
 
 
Net increase (decrease) in net assets
8,212,474

5,020,386

 
 
 
Net Assets
 
 
Beginning of period
93,593,416

88,573,030

End of period
$
101,805,890

$
93,593,416

 
 
 
Undistributed net investment income
$
793,228

$
296,859



See Notes to Financial Statements.


16


Notes to Financial Statements

OCTOBER 31, 2015

1. Organization

American Century Mutual Funds, Inc. (the corporation) is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act), as an open-end management investment company and is organized as a Maryland corporation. Veedot Fund (the fund) is one fund in a series issued by the corporation. The fund is nondiversified as defined under the 1940 Act. The fund's investment objective is to seek long-term capital growth.

The fund offers the Investor Class and the Institutional Class. The share classes differ principally in their respective distribution and shareholder servicing expenses and arrangements. The Institutional Class is made available to institutional shareholders or through financial intermediaries whose clients do not require the same level of shareholder and administrative services as shareholders of other classes. As a result, the Institutional Class is charged a lower unified management fee.

2. Significant Accounting Policies

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the fund in preparation of its financial statements. The fund is an investment company and follows accounting and reporting guidance in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. This may require management to make certain estimates and assumptions at the date of the financial statements. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Management evaluated the impact of events or transactions occurring through the date the financial statements were issued that would merit recognition or disclosure.

Investment Valuations — The fund determines the fair value of its investments and computes its net asset value per share at the close of regular trading (usually 4 p.m. Eastern time) on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on each day the NYSE is open. The Board of Directors has adopted valuation policies and procedures to guide the investment advisor in the fund’s investment valuation process and to provide methodologies for the oversight of the fund’s pricing function.

Equity securities that are listed or traded on a domestic securities exchange are valued at the last reported sales price or at the official closing price as provided by the exchange. Equity securities traded on foreign securities exchanges are generally valued at the closing price of such securities on the exchange where primarily traded or at the close of the NYSE, if that is earlier. If no last sales price is reported, or if local convention or regulation so provides, the mean of the latest bid and asked prices may be used. Securities traded over-the-counter are valued at the mean of the latest bid and asked prices, the last sales price, or the official closing price. Equity securities initially expressed in local currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at the mean of the appropriate currency exchange rate at the close of the NYSE as provided by an independent pricing service.

Open-end management investment companies are valued at the reported net asset value per share. Repurchase agreements are valued at cost, which approximates fair value. Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are valued at the mean of the appropriate forward exchange rate at the close of the NYSE as provided by an independent pricing service.

If the fund determines that the market price for an investment is not readily available or the valuation methods mentioned above do not reflect an investment’s fair value, such investment is valued as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors or its delegate, in accordance with policies and procedures adopted by the Board of Directors. In its determination of fair value, the fund may review several factors including, but not limited to, market information regarding the specific investment or comparable investments and correlation with other investment types, futures indices or general market indicators. Circumstances that may cause the fund to use these procedures to value an investment include, but are not limited to: an investment has been declared in default or is distressed; trading in a security has been suspended during the trading day or a security is not actively trading on its principal exchange; prices received from a regular pricing source are deemed unreliable; or there is a foreign market holiday and no trading occurred.

The fund monitors for significant events occurring after the close of an investment’s primary exchange but before the fund’s net asset value per share is determined. Significant events may include, but are not limited to: corporate announcements and transactions; governmental action and political unrest that could impact a

17


specific investment or an investment sector; or armed conflicts, natural disasters and similar events that could affect investments in a specific country or region. The fund also monitors for significant fluctuations between domestic and foreign markets, as evidenced by the U.S. market or such other indicators that the Board of Directors, or its delegate, deems appropriate. If significant fluctuations in foreign markets are identified, the fund may apply a model-derived factor to the closing price of equity securities traded on foreign securities exchanges. The factor is based on observable market data as provided by an independent pricing service.
 
Security Transactions — Security transactions are accounted for as of the trade date. Net realized gains and losses are determined on the identified cost basis, which is also used for federal income tax purposes.

Investment Income — Dividend income less foreign taxes withheld, if any, is recorded as of the ex-dividend date. Distributions received on securities that represent a return of capital or long-term capital gain are recorded as a reduction of cost of investments and/or as a realized gain. The fund may estimate the components of distributions received that may be considered nontaxable distributions or long-term capital gain distributions for income tax purposes. Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis and includes accretion of discounts and amortization of premiums.

Foreign Currency Translations — All assets and liabilities initially expressed in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at prevailing exchange rates at period end. The fund may enter into spot foreign currency exchange contracts to facilitate transactions denominated in a foreign currency. Purchases and sales of investment securities, dividend and interest income, spot foreign currency exchange contracts, and expenses are translated at the rates of exchange prevailing on the respective dates of such transactions. Net realized and unrealized foreign currency exchange gains or losses related to investment securities are a component of net realized gain (loss) on investment transactions and change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments, respectively.

Repurchase Agreements — The fund may enter into repurchase agreements with institutions that American Century Investment Management, Inc. (ACIM) (the investment advisor) has determined are creditworthy pursuant to criteria adopted by the Board of Directors. The fund requires that the collateral, represented by securities, received in a repurchase transaction be transferred to the custodian in a manner sufficient to enable the fund to obtain those securities in the event of a default under the repurchase agreement. ACIM monitors, on a daily basis, the securities transferred to ensure the value, including accrued interest, of the securities under each repurchase agreement is equal to or greater than amounts owed to the fund under each repurchase agreement.

Joint Trading Account — Pursuant to an Exemptive Order issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the fund, along with certain other funds in the American Century Investments family of funds, may transfer uninvested cash balances into a joint trading account. These balances are invested in one or more repurchase agreements that are collateralized by U.S. Treasury or Agency obligations.

Income Tax Status — It is the fund’s policy to distribute substantially all net investment income and net realized gains to shareholders and to otherwise qualify as a regulated investment company under provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. Accordingly, no provision has been made for income taxes. The fund files U.S. federal, state, local and non-U.S. tax returns as applicable. The fund's tax returns are subject to examination by the relevant taxing authority until expiration of the applicable statute of limitations, which is generally three years from the date of filing but can be longer in certain jurisdictions. At this time, management believes there are no uncertain tax positions which, based on their technical merit, would not be sustained upon examination and for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly change in the next twelve months.

Multiple Class — All shares of the fund represent an equal pro rata interest in the net assets of the class to which such shares belong, and have identical voting, dividend, liquidation and other rights and the same terms and conditions, except for class specific expenses and exclusive rights to vote on matters affecting only individual classes. Income, non-class specific expenses, and realized and unrealized capital gains and losses of the fund are allocated to each class of shares based on their relative net assets.

Distributions to Shareholders — Distributions from net investment income and net realized gains, if any, are generally declared and paid annually.

Redemption Fees — The fund may impose a 2.00% redemption fee on shares held less than 60 days. The redemption fee is retained by the fund and helps cover transaction costs that long-term investors may bear when the fund sells securities to meet investor redemptions.


18


Indemnifications — Under the corporation’s organizational documents, its officers and directors are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the fund. In addition, in the normal course of business, the fund enters into contracts that provide general indemnifications. The maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be made against a fund. The risk of material loss from such claims is considered by management to be remote.

3. Fees and Transactions with Related Parties

Certain officers and directors of the corporation are also officers and/or directors of American Century Companies, Inc. (ACC). The corporation’s investment advisor, ACIM, the corporation's distributor, American Century Investment Services, Inc., and the corporation’s transfer agent, American Century Services, LLC, are wholly owned, directly or indirectly, by ACC.
 
Management Fees — The corporation has entered into a management agreement with ACIM, under which ACIM provides the fund with investment advisory and management services in exchange for a single, unified management fee (the fee) per class. The agreement provides that all expenses of managing and operating the fund, except distribution and service fees, brokerage expenses, taxes, interest, fees and expenses of the independent directors (including legal counsel fees), and extraordinary expenses, will be paid by ACIM. The fee is computed and accrued daily based on each class’s daily net assets and paid monthly in arrears. The rate of the fee is determined by applying a fee rate calculation formula. This formula takes into account the fund’s assets as well as certain assets, if any, of other clients of the investment advisor outside the American Century Investments family of funds (such as subadvised funds and separate accounts) that have very similar investment teams and investment strategies (strategy assets). The annual management fee schedule ranges from 1.000% to 1.250% for the Investor Class. The annual management fee schedule ranges from 0.800% to 1.050% for the Institutional Class. The effective annual management fee for each class for the year ended October 31, 2015 was 1.25% and 1.05% for the Investor Class and Institutional Class, respectively.

Directors' Fees and Expenses — The Board of Directors is responsible for overseeing the investment advisor’s management and operations of the fund. The directors receive detailed information about the fund and its investment advisor regularly throughout the year, and meet at least quarterly with management of the investment advisor to review reports about fund operations. The fund’s officers do not receive compensation from the fund.
 
4. Investment Transactions

Purchases and sales of investment securities, excluding short-term investments, for the year ended October 31, 2015 were $182,044,569 and $178,986,555, respectively.

5. Capital Share Transactions

Transactions in shares of the fund were as follows:
 
Year ended
October 31, 2015
Year ended
October 31, 2014
 
Shares
Amount
Shares
Amount
Investor Class/Shares Authorized
200,000,000

 
200,000,000

 
Sold
1,198,055

$
12,988,123

719,155

$
6,834,412

Issued in reinvestment of distributions
47,838

475,961

99,908

912,160

Redeemed
(991,066
)
(10,528,396
)
(1,558,477
)
(15,012,894
)
 
254,827

2,935,688

(739,414
)
(7,266,322
)
Institutional Class/Shares Authorized
100,000,000

 
100,000,000

 
Sold
4,741

50,579

251,800

2,432,360

Issued in reinvestment of distributions
1,824

18,491

163

1,513

Redeemed
(4,914
)
(51,075
)
(44,714
)
(427,071
)
 
1,651

17,995

207,249

2,006,802

Net increase (decrease)
256,478

$
2,953,683

(532,165
)
$
(5,259,520
)


19


6. Fair Value Measurements

The fund’s investments valuation process is based on several considerations and may use multiple inputs to determine the fair value of the investments held by the fund. In conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, the inputs used to determine a valuation are classified into three broad levels.

Level 1 valuation inputs consist of unadjusted quoted prices in an active market for identical investments.

Level 2 valuation inputs consist of direct or indirect observable market data (including quoted prices for comparable investments, evaluations of subsequent market events, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.). These inputs also consist of quoted prices for identical investments initially expressed in local currencies that are adjusted through translation into U.S. dollars.

Level 3 valuation inputs consist of unobservable data (including a fund’s own assumptions).

The level classification is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair valuation measurement. The valuation inputs are not necessarily an indication of the risks associated with investing in these securities or other financial instruments. There were no significant transfers between levels during the period.

The following is a summary of the level classifications as of period end. The Schedule of Investments provides additional information on the fund’s portfolio holdings.
 
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Assets
 
 
 
Investment Securities
 
 
 
Common Stocks
$
100,714,302



Temporary Cash Investments
441

$
897,758


 
$
100,714,743

$
897,758


Other Financial Instruments
 
 
 
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts

$
7,125


 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
Other Financial Instruments
 
 
 
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts

$
(85
)


7. Derivative Instruments

Foreign Currency Risk — The fund is subject to foreign currency exchange rate risk in the normal course of pursuing its investment objectives. The value of foreign investments held by a fund may be significantly affected by changes in foreign currency exchange rates. The dollar value of a foreign security generally decreases when the value of the dollar rises against the foreign currency in which the security is denominated and tends to increase when the value of the dollar declines against such foreign currency. A fund may enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts to reduce a fund's exposure to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. The net U.S. dollar value of foreign currency underlying all contractual commitments held by a fund and the resulting unrealized appreciation or depreciation are determined daily. Realized gain or loss is recorded upon the termination of the contract. Net realized and unrealized gains or losses occurring during the holding period of forward foreign currency exchange contracts are a component of net realized gain (loss) on foreign currency transactions and change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on translation of assets and liabilities in foreign currencies, respectively. A fund bears the risk of an unfavorable change in the foreign currency exchange rate underlying the forward contract. Additionally, losses, up to the fair value, may arise if the counterparties do not perform under the contract terms. The fund's average U.S. dollar exposure to foreign currency risk derivative instruments held during the period was $1,412,937.

The value of foreign currency risk derivative instruments as of October 31, 2015, is disclosed on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities as an asset of $7,125 in unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts and a liability of $85 in unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts. For the year ended October 31, 2015, the effect of foreign currency risk derivative instruments on the Statement of Operations was $154,728 in net realized gain (loss) on foreign currency transactions and $(27,018) in change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on translation of assets and liabilities in foreign currencies.

20


8. Risk Factors

The fund’s investment process may result in high portfolio turnover, which could mean high transaction costs, affecting both performance and capital gains tax liabilities to investors.

9. Federal Tax Information

The tax character of distributions paid during the years ended October 31, 2015 and October 31, 2014 were as follows:
 
2015
2014
Distributions Paid From
 
 
Ordinary income
$
506,761

$
935,464

Long-term capital gains



The book-basis character of distributions made during the year from net investment income or net realized gains may differ from their ultimate characterization for federal income tax purposes. These differences reflect the differing character of certain income items and net realized gains and losses for financial statement and tax purposes, and may result in reclassification among certain capital accounts on the financial statements.

As of October 31, 2015, the federal tax cost of investments and the components of distributable earnings on a tax-basis were as follows:
Federal tax cost of investments
$
96,633,767

Gross tax appreciation of investments
$
7,962,360

Gross tax depreciation of investments
(2,983,626
)
Net tax appreciation (depreciation) of investments
$
4,978,734

Undistributed ordinary income
$
3,616,506

Accumulated long-term gains
$
6,421,844


The difference between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation (depreciation) is attributable primarily to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales and the timing and recognition of partnership income.

 


21


Financial Highlights
For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Years Ended October 31 (except as noted)
 
 
 
Per-Share Data
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ratios and Supplemental Data
 
 
Income From Investment Operations:
 
 
 
Ratio to Average Net Assets of:
 
 
 
Net Asset
Value,
Beginning
of Period
Net
Investment
Income
(Loss)
(1)
Net
Realized
and
Unrealized
Gain (Loss)
Total From
Investment
Operations
Distributions From Net
Investment
Income
Net Asset
Value,
End
of Period
Total
Return
(2)
Operating
Expenses
Net
Investment
Income
(Loss)
Portfolio
Turnover
Rate
Net
Assets,
End of
Period
(in thousands)
Investor Class
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2015
$10.15
0.06
0.59
0.65
(0.06)
$10.74
6.40%
1.26%
0.54%
185%

$99,141

2014
$9.08
0.06
1.11
1.17
(0.10)
$10.15
12.96%
1.25%
0.59%
184%

$91,093

2013
$6.90
0.06
2.25
2.31
(0.13)
$9.08
34.11%
1.25%
0.80%
158%

$88,256

2012
$6.25
0.09
0.65
0.74
(0.09)
$6.90
12.03%
1.26%
1.35%
257%

$72,311

2011
$5.68
0.05
0.53
0.58
(0.01)
$6.25
10.16%
1.25%
0.82%
280%

$72,851

Institutional Class
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2015
$10.36
0.08
0.60
0.68
(0.08)
$10.96
6.58%
1.06%
0.74%
185%

$2,665

2014
$9.27
0.09
1.11
1.20
(0.11)
$10.36
13.13%
1.05%
0.79%
184%

$2,501

2013
$7.03
0.07
2.31
2.38
(0.14)
$9.27
34.41%
1.05%
1.00%
158%

$317

2012
$6.37
0.10
0.66
0.76
(0.10)
$7.03
12.18%
1.06%
1.55%
257%

$158

2011
$5.78
0.06
0.55
0.61
(0.02)
$6.37
10.55%
1.05%
1.02%
280%

$169


Notes to Financial Highlights
(1)
Computed using average shares outstanding throughout the period.
(2)
Total returns are calculated based on the net asset value of the last business day. Total returns for periods less than one year are not annualized.

See Notes to Financial Statements.

22


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of American Century Mutual Funds, Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the schedule of investments, of Veedot Fund (the “Fund”), one of the funds constituting American Century Mutual Funds, Inc., as of October 31, 2015, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the periods presented. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Fund’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. The Fund is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Fund’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of October 31, 2015, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers; when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Veedot Fund of American Century Mutual Funds, Inc. as of October 31, 2015, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the periods presented, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Kansas City, Missouri
December 16, 2015





23


Management

The Board of Directors
The individuals listed below serve as directors of the funds. Each director will continue to serve in this capacity until death, retirement, resignation or removal from office. The board has adopted a mandatory retirement age for directors who are not “interested persons,” as that term is defined in the Investment Company Act (independent directors). Independent directors shall retire by December 31 of the year in which they reach their 75th birthday.
Mr. Thomas is an “interested person” because he currently serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of American Century Companies, Inc. (ACC), the parent company of American Century Investment Management, Inc. (ACIM or the advisor). Mr. Fink is treated as an “interested person” because of his recent employment with ACC and American Century Services, LLC (ACS). The other directors (more than three-fourths of the total number) are independent. They are not employees, directors or officers of, and have no financial interest in, ACC or any of its wholly owned, direct or indirect, subsidiaries, including ACIM, American Century Investment Services, Inc. (ACIS) and ACS, and they do not have any other affiliations, positions or relationships that would cause them to be considered “interested persons” under the Investment Company Act. The directors serve in this capacity for seven (in the case of Mr. Thomas, 15) registered investment companies in the American Century Investments family of funds.
The following table presents additional information about the directors. The mailing address for each director is 4500 Main Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64111.
Name
(Year of Birth)
Position(s)
Held with
Funds
Length of
Time Served
Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years
Number of
American
Century
Portfolios
Overseen by Director
Other
Directorships
Held During
Past 5 Years
Independent Directors
 
 
 
 
Thomas A. Brown
(1940)
Director
Since 1980
Managing Member, Associated Investments, LLC (real estate investment company)
80
None
Andrea C. Hall
(1945)
Director
Since 1997
Retired
80
None
Jan M. Lewis
(1957)
Director
Since 2011
Retired; President and Chief Executive Officer, Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas (human services organization) (2006 to 2013)
80
None
James A. Olson
(1942)
Director and Chairman of the Board
Since 2007 (Chairman since 2014)
Member, Plaza Belmont LLC (private equity fund manager)
80
Saia, Inc. (2002 to 2012) and EPR Properties (2003 to 2013)
M. Jeannine Strandjord
(1945)
Director
Since 1994
Retired
80
Euronet Worldwide Inc.; MGP Ingredients, Inc.; Charming Shoppes, Inc. (2006 to 2010); and DST Systems Inc. (1996 to 2012)
John R. Whitten
(1946)
Director
Since 2008
Retired
80
Rudolph Technologies, Inc.

24


Name
(Year of Birth)
Position(s)
Held with
Funds
Length of
Time Served
Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years
Number of
American
Century
Portfolios
Overseen by Director
Other
Directorships
Held During
Past 5 Years
Independent Directors
 
 
 
 
Stephen E. Yates
(1948)
Director
Since 2012
Retired; Executive Vice President, Technology & Operations, KeyCorp. (computer services) (2004 to 2010)
80
Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. (2001 to 2010)
Interested Directors
 
 
 
 
Barry Fink
(1955)
Director
Since 2012
Retired; Executive Vice President, ACC (September 2007 to February 2013); President, ACS (October 2007 to February 2013); Chief Operating Officer, ACC (September 2007 to November 2012)
80
None
Jonathan S. Thomas
(1963)
Director and President
Since 2007
President and Chief Executive Officer, ACC (March 2007 to present). Also serves as Chief Executive Officer, ACS; Executive Vice President, ACIM; Director, ACC, ACIM and other ACC subsidiaries
125
BioMed Valley Discoveries, Inc.

The Statement of Additional Information has additional information about the fund's directors and is available without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-345-2021.


25


Officers
The following table presents certain information about the executive officers of the funds. Each officer serves as an officer for each of the 15 investment companies in the American Century family of funds, unless otherwise noted. No officer is compensated for his or her service as an officer of the funds. The listed officers are interested persons of the funds and are appointed or re-appointed on an annual basis. The mailing address for each officer listed below is 4500 Main Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64111.
Name
(Year of Birth)
Offices with the Funds
Principal Occupation(s) During the Past Five Years
Jonathan S.
Thomas
(1963)
Director and
President
since 2007
President and Chief Executive Officer, ACC (March 2007 to present). Also serves as Chief Executive Officer, ACS; Executive Vice President, ACIM; Director, ACC, ACIM and other ACC subsidiaries
Amy D. Shelton
(1964)
Chief Compliance
Officer and Vice President since 2014
Chief Compliance Officer, American Century funds, (March 2014 to present); Chief Compliance Officer, ACIM (February 2014 to present); Chief Compliance Officer, ACIS (October 2009 to present); Vice President, Client Interactions and Marketing, ACIS (February 2013 to January 2014); Director, Client Interactions and Marketing, ACIS (June 2007 to January 2013). Also serves as Vice President, ACIS
Charles A.
Etherington
(1957)
General Counsel
since 2007 and
Senior Vice
President since 2006
Attorney, ACC (February 1994 to present); Vice President, ACC (November 2005 to present); General Counsel, ACC (March 2007 to present). Also serves as General Counsel, ACIM, ACS, ACIS and other ACC subsidiaries; and Senior Vice President, ACIM and ACS
C. Jean Wade
(1964)
Vice President,
Treasurer and
Chief Financial
Officer since 2012
Vice President, ACS (February 2000 to present)
Robert J. Leach
(1966)
Vice President
since 2006 and
Assistant Treasurer
since 2012
Vice President, ACS (February 2000 to present)
David H.
Reinmiller
(1963)
Vice President
since 2000
Attorney, ACC (January 1994 to present); Associate General Counsel, ACC (January 2001 to present). Also serves as Vice President, ACIM and ACS
Ward D. Stauffer
(1960)
Secretary
since 2005
Attorney, ACC (June 2003 to present)


26


Approval of Management Agreement


At a meeting held on June 30, 2015, the Fund’s Board of Directors unanimously approved the renewal of the management agreement pursuant to which American Century Investment Management, Inc. (the “Advisor”) acts as the investment advisor for the Fund. Under Section 15(c) of the Investment Company Act, contracts for investment advisory services are required to be reviewed, evaluated, and approved by a majority of a fund’s directors (the “Directors”), including a majority of the independent Directors, each year.
    
Prior to its consideration of the renewal of the management agreement, the Directors requested and reviewed extensive data and information compiled by the Advisor and certain independent providers of evaluation data concerning the Fund and the services provided to the Fund by the Advisor. This review was in addition to the oversight and evaluation undertaken by the Board and its committees on a continuous basis and the information received was supplemental to the extensive information that the Board and its committees receive and consider throughout the year.

In connection with its consideration of the renewal of the management agreement, the Board’s review and evaluation of the services provided by the Advisor included, but was not limited to, the following:

the nature, extent, and quality of investment management, shareholder services, and other services provided by the Advisor to the Fund;
the wide range of other programs and services the Advisor provides to the Fund and its shareholders on a routine and non-routine basis;
the Fund’s investment performance compared to appropriate benchmarks and/or a peer group of other mutual funds with similar investment objectives and strategies;
the cost of owning the Fund compared to the cost of owning similar funds;
the Advisor’s compliance policies, procedures, and regulatory experience;
financial data showing the cost of services provided to the Fund, the profitability of the Fund to the Advisor, and the overall profitability of the Advisor;
possible economies of scale associated with the Advisor’s management of the Fund and other accounts under its management;
data comparing services provided and charges to other investment management clients of the Advisor;
acquired fund fees and expenses;
payments to intermediaries by the Fund and the Advisor; and
any collateral benefits derived by the Advisor from the management of the Fund.

In keeping with their practice, the Directors held two in-person meetings and one telephonic meeting to review and discuss the information provided. The independent Directors also had the benefit of the advice of their independent counsel throughout the process.

Factors Considered

The Directors considered all of the information provided by the Advisor, the independent data providers, and independent counsel, and evaluated such information for the Fund. In connection with their review, the Directors did not identify any single factor as being all-important or controlling, and each Director may have attributed different levels of importance to different factors. In deciding to renew the management agreement, the Board based its decision on a number of factors, including the following:


27


Nature, Extent and Quality of Services - Generally. Under the management agreement, the Advisor is responsible for providing or arranging for all services necessary for the operation of the
Fund. The Board noted that under the management agreement, the Advisor provides or arranges at its own expense a wide variety of services including:

constructing and designing the Fund
portfolio research and security selection
initial capitalization/funding
securities trading
Fund administration
custody of Fund assets
daily valuation of the Fund’s portfolio
shareholder servicing and transfer agency, including shareholder confirmations, recordkeeping, and communications
legal services (except the independent Directors’ counsel)
regulatory and portfolio compliance
financial reporting
marketing and distribution (except Rule 12b-1 plans)

The Board noted that many of these services have expanded over time both in terms of quantity and complexity in response to shareholder demands, competition in the industry, changing distribution channels, and the changing regulatory environment.

Investment Management Services. The nature of the investment management services provided to the Fund is quite complex and allows Fund shareholders access to professional money management, instant diversification of their investments within an asset class, the opportunity to easily diversify among asset classes by investing in or exchanging among various American Century Investments funds, and liquidity. In evaluating investment performance, the Board expects the Advisor to manage the Fund in accordance with its investment objectives and approved strategies. Further, the Directors recognize that the Advisor has an obligation to monitor trading activities, and in particular to seek the best execution of fund trades, and to evaluate the use of and payment for research. In providing these services, the Advisor utilizes teams of investment professionals (portfolio managers, analysts, research assistants, and securities traders) who require extensive information technology, research, training, compliance and other systems to conduct their business. The Board, directly and through its Fund Performance Review Committee, regularly reviews investment performance information for the Fund, together with comparative information for appropriate benchmarks and/or peer groups of similarly-managed funds, over different time horizons. The Directors also review detailed performance information during the management agreement approval process. If performance concerns are identified, the Fund receives special reviews until performance improves, during which the Board discusses with the Advisor the reasons for such results (e.g., market conditions, security selection) and any efforts being undertaken to improve performance. The Fund’s performance was above its benchmark for the three-, five-, and ten-year periods and below its benchmark for the one-year period reviewed by the Board. The Board found the investment management services provided by the Advisor to the Fund to be satisfactory and consistent with the management agreement.

Shareholder and Other Services. Under the management agreement, the Advisor provides the Fund with a comprehensive package of transfer agency, shareholder, and other services. The Board, directly and through various committees of the Board, regularly reviews reports and evaluations of such services at its regular meetings. These reports include, but are not limited to, information regarding the operational efficiency and accuracy of the shareholder and transfer agency services provided, staffing levels, shareholder satisfaction (as measured by external as well as internal sources), technology support, new products and services offered to Fund shareholders, securities trading activities, portfolio valuation services, auditing services, and legal and operational compliance activities. The Board particularly noted the Advisor’s continual efforts to maintain effective business continuity plans and to address cybersecurity threats. Certain aspects of shareholder and transfer agency service level efficiency and the quality of securities trading

28


activities are measured by independent third party providers and are presented in comparison to other fund groups not managed by the Advisor. The Board found the services provided by the Advisor to the Fund under the management agreement to be competitive and of high quality.

Costs of Services and Profitability. The Advisor provides detailed information concerning its cost of providing various services to the Fund, its profitability in managing the Fund (pre- and post-distribution), its overall profitability, and its financial condition. The Directors have reviewed with the Advisor the methodology used to prepare this financial information. This information is considered in evaluating the Advisor’s financial condition, its ability to continue to provide services under the management agreement, and the reasonableness of the current management fee. The Board concluded that the Advisor’s profits were reasonable in light of the services provided to the Fund.

Ethics. The Board generally considers the Advisor’s commitment to providing quality services to shareholders and to conducting its business ethically. They noted that the Advisor’s practices generally meet or exceed industry best practices.

Economies of Scale. The Board also reviewed information provided by the Advisor regarding the possible existence of economies of scale in connection with the management of the Fund. The Board concluded that economies of scale are difficult to measure and predict with precision, especially on a fund-by-fund basis. The Board concluded that the Advisor is appropriately sharing economies of scale through its competitive fee structure, offering competitive fees from fund inception, and through reinvestment in its business to provide shareholders additional content and services. The Board also noted that economies of scale are shared with the Fund and its shareholders through management fee breakpoints that serve to reduce the effective management fee as the assets of the Fund grow.

Comparison to Other Funds’ Fees. The management agreement provides that the Fund pays the Advisor a single, all-inclusive (or unified) management fee for providing all services necessary for the management and operation of the Fund, other than brokerage expenses, taxes, interest, extraordinary expenses, and the fees and expenses of the Fund’s independent Directors (including their independent legal counsel) and expenses incurred in connection with the provision of shareholder services and distribution services under a plan adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Under the unified fee structure, the Advisor is responsible for providing all investment advisory, custody, audit, administrative, compliance, recordkeeping, marketing and shareholder services, or arranging and supervising third parties to provide such services. By contrast, most other funds are charged a variety of fees, including an investment advisory fee, a transfer agency fee, an administrative fee, distribution charges, and other expenses. Other than their investment advisory fees and any applicable Rule 12b-1 distribution fees, all other components of the total fees charged by these other funds may be increased without shareholder approval. The Board believes the unified fee structure is a benefit to Fund shareholders because it clearly discloses to shareholders the cost of owning Fund shares, and, since the unified fee cannot be increased without a vote of Fund shareholders, it shifts to the Advisor the risk of increased costs of operating the Fund and provides a direct incentive to minimize administrative inefficiencies. Part of the Board’s analysis of fee levels involves reviewing certain evaluative data compiled by an independent provider comparing the Fund’s unified fee to the total expense ratios of its peers. The unified fee charged to shareholders of the Fund was above the median of the total expense ratios of the Fund’s peer expense universe and was within the range of its peer expense group. The Board concluded that the management fee paid by the Fund to the Advisor under the management agreement is reasonable in light of the services provided to the Fund.


29


Comparison to Fees and Services Provided to Other Clients of the Advisor. The Directors also requested and received information from the Advisor concerning the nature of the services, fees, costs and profitability of its advisory services to advisory clients other than the Fund. They observed that these varying types of client accounts require different services and involve different regulatory and entrepreneurial risks than the management of the Fund. The Board analyzed this information and concluded that the fees charged and services provided to the Fund were reasonable by comparison.

Payments to Intermediaries. The Directors also requested and received a description of payments made to intermediaries by the Fund and the Advisor. These payments include various payments made by the Fund or the Advisor to different types of intermediaries and recordkeepers for distribution and service activities provided for the Fund. The Board reviewed such information and found the payments to be reasonable in scope and purpose.

Collateral or “Fall-Out” Benefits Derived by the Advisor. The Board considered the existence of collateral benefits the Advisor may receive as a result of its relationship with the Fund. They concluded that the Advisor’s primary business is managing mutual funds and it generally does not use fund or shareholder information to generate profits in other lines of business, and therefore does not derive any significant collateral benefits from them. The Board noted that additional assets from other clients may offer the Advisor some benefit from increased leverage with service providers and counterparties. Additionally, the Advisor receives proprietary research from broker-dealers that execute fund portfolio transactions, which the Board concluded is likely to benefit other clients of the Advisor as well as Fund shareholders. The Board also determined that the Advisor is able to provide investment management services to certain clients other than the Fund, at least in part, due to its existing infrastructure built to serve the fund complex. The Board concluded that appropriate allocation methodologies had been employed to assign resources and the cost of those resources to these other clients and, where expressly provided, these other client assets may be included with the assets of the Fund to determine breakpoints in the management fee schedule.

Existing Relationship. The Board also considered whether there was any reason for not continuing the existing arrangement with the Advisor. In this regard, the Board was mindful of the potential disruptions of the Fund’s operations and various risks, uncertainties, and other effects that could occur as a result of a decision not to continue such relationship. In particular, the Board recognized that most shareholders have invested in the Fund on the strength of the Advisor’s industry standing and reputation and in the expectation that the Advisor will have a continuing role in providing advisory services to the Fund.

Conclusion of the Directors. As a result of this process, the Board, including all of the independent Directors, taking into account all of the factors discussed above and the information provided by the Advisor and others in connection with its review and throughout the year, determined that the management fee is fair and reasonable in light of the services provided and that the investment management agreement between the Fund and the Advisor should be renewed.


30


Additional Information

Retirement Account Information
As required by law, distributions you receive from certain IRAs are subject to federal income tax withholding, unless you elect not to have withholding apply. Tax will be withheld on the total amount withdrawn even though you may be receiving amounts that are not subject to withholding, such as nondeductible contributions. In such case, excess amounts of withholding could occur. You may adjust your withholding election so that a greater or lesser amount will be withheld.
If you don’t want us to withhold on this amount, you must notify us to not withhold the federal income tax. You may notify us in writing or in certain situations by telephone or through other electronic means. For systematic withdrawals, your withholding election will remain in effect until revoked or changed by filing a new election. You have the right to revoke your election at any time.
Remember, even if you elect not to have income tax withheld, you are liable for paying income tax on the taxable portion of your withdrawal. If you elect not to have income tax withheld or you don’t have enough income tax withheld, you may be responsible for payment of estimated tax. You may incur penalties under the estimated tax rules if your withholding and estimated tax payments are not sufficient. You can reduce or defer the income tax on a distribution by directly or indirectly rolling such distribution over to another IRA or eligible plan. You should consult your tax advisor for additional information.
State tax will be withheld if, at the time of your distribution, your address is within one of the mandatory withholding states and you have federal income tax withheld (or as otherwise required by state law). State taxes will be withheld from your distribution in accordance with the respective state rules.
Distributions you receive from 403(b), 457 and qualified plans are subject to special tax and withholding rules. Your plan administrator or plan sponsor is required to provide you with a special tax notice explaining those rules at the time you request a distribution. If applicable, federal and/or state taxes may be withheld from your distribution amount.


Proxy Voting Policies
A description of the policies that the fund's investment advisor uses in exercising the voting rights associated with the securities purchased and/or held by the fund is available without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-345-2021. It is also available on the "About Us" page of American Century Investments’ website at americancentury.com and on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at sec.gov. Information regarding how the investment advisor voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available on the "About Us" page at americancentury.com. It is also available at sec.gov.


Quarterly Portfolio Disclosure
The fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The fund’s Forms N-Q are available on the SEC’s website at sec.gov, and may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330. The fund also makes its complete schedule of portfolio holdings for the most recent quarter of its fiscal year available on its
website at americancentury.com and, upon request, by calling 1-800-345-2021.


31


Other Tax Information

The following information is provided pursuant to provisions of the Internal Revenue Code.

The fund hereby designates up to the maximum amount allowable as qualified dividend income for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2015.

For corporate taxpayers, the fund hereby designates $506,761, or up to the maximum amount allowable, of ordinary income distributions paid during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2015 as qualified for the corporate dividends received deduction.








32






 
 
 
 
Contact Us
americancentury.com
 
Automated Information Line
1-800-345-8765
 
Investor Services Representative
1-800-345-2021
or 816-531-5575
 
Investors Using Advisors
1-800-378-9878
 
Business, Not-For-Profit, Employer-Sponsored Retirement Plans
1-800-345-3533
 
Banks and Trust Companies, Broker-Dealers, Financial Professionals, Insurance Companies
1-800-345-6488
 
Telecommunications Relay Service for the Deaf
711
 
 
 
 
American Century Mutual Funds, Inc.
 
 
 
 
Investment Advisor:
American Century Investment Management, Inc.
Kansas City, Missouri
 
 
 
 
This report and the statements it contains are submitted for the general information of our shareholders. The report is not authorized for distribution to prospective investors unless preceded or accompanied by an effective prospectus.
 
 
 
 
©2015 American Century Proprietary Holdings, Inc. All rights reserved.
CL-ANN-87642   1512
 



ITEM 2. CODE OF ETHICS.

(a)
The registrant has adopted a Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers that applies to the registrant’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer, and persons performing similar functions.

(b)
No response required.

(c)
None.

(d)
None.

(e)
Not applicable.

(f)
The registrant’s Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers was filed as Exhibit 12 (a)(1) to American Century Asset Allocation Portfolios, Inc.’s Annual Certified Shareholder Report on Form N-CSR, File No. 811-21591, on September 29, 2005, and is incorporated herein by reference.


ITEM 3. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT.

(a)(1)
The registrant’s board has determined that the registrant has at least one audit committee financial expert serving on its audit committee.

(a)(2)
M. Jeannine Strandjord, Stephen E. Yates, Thomas A. Brown and John R. Whitten are the registrant’s designated audit committee financial experts. They are “independent” as defined in Item 3 of Form N-CSR.
    
(a)(3)
Not applicable.

(b)
No response required.

(c)
No response required.

(d)
No response required.


ITEM 4. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES.

(a)
Audit Fees.

The aggregate fees billed for each of the last two fiscal years for professional services rendered by the principal accountant for the audit of the registrant’s annual financial statements or services that are normally provided by the accountant in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements for those fiscal years were as follows:

FY 2014:    $299,650
FY 2015:    $307,847

(b)
Audit-Related Fees.

The aggregate fees billed in each of the last two fiscal years for assurance and related services by the principal accountant that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit of the registrant’s financial statements and are not reported under paragraph (a) of this Item were as follows:




For services rendered to the registrant:

FY 2014:    $0
FY 2015:    $0

Fees required to be approved pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(ii) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X (relating to certain engagements for non-audit services with the registrant’s investment adviser and its affiliates):

FY 2014:    $0
FY 2015:    $0

(c)
Tax Fees.

The aggregate fees billed in each of the last two fiscal years for professional services rendered by the principal accountant for tax compliance, tax advice, and tax planning were as follows:

For services rendered to the registrant:

FY 2014:    $0
FY 2015:    $0

Fees required to be approved pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(ii) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X (relating to certain engagements for non-audit services with the registrant’s investment adviser and its affiliates):

FY 2014:    $0
FY 2015:    $0

(d)
All Other Fees.

The aggregate fees billed in each of the last two fiscal years for products and services provided by the principal accountant, other than the services reported in paragraphs (a) through (c) of this Item were as follows:

For services rendered to the registrant:

FY 2014:    $0
FY 2015:    $0

Fees required to be approved pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(ii) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X (relating to certain engagements for non-audit services with the registrant’s investment adviser and its affiliates):

FY 2014:    $0
FY 2015:    $0

(e)(1)
In accordance with paragraph (c)(7)(i)(A) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X, before the accountant is engaged by the registrant to render audit or non-audit services, the engagement is approved by the registrant’s audit committee. Pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(ii) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X, the registrant’s audit committee also pre-approves its accountant’s engagements for non-audit services with the registrant’s investment adviser, its parent company, and any entity controlled by, or under common control with the investment adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant, if the engagement relates directly to the operations and financial reporting of the registrant.

(e)(2)
All services described in each of paragraphs (b) through (d) of this Item were pre-approved before the engagement by the registrant’s audit committee pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(i)(A) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X. Consequently, none of such services were required to be approved by the audit committee pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(i)(C).




(f)
The percentage of hours expended on the principal accountant’s engagement to audit the registrant’s financial statements for the most recent fiscal year that were attributed to work performed by persons other than the principal accountant’s full-time, permanent employees was less than 50%.

(g)
The aggregate non-audit fees billed by the registrant’s accountant for services rendered to the registrant, and rendered to the registrant’s investment adviser (not including any sub-adviser whose role is primarily portfolio management and is subcontracted with or overseen by another investment adviser), and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant for each of the last two fiscal years of the registrant were as follows:

FY 2014:    $91,808
FY 2015:    $86,000

(h)
The registrant’s investment adviser and accountant have notified the registrant’s audit committee of all non-audit services that were rendered by the registrant’s accountant to the registrant’s investment adviser, its parent company, and any entity controlled by, or under common control with the investment adviser that provides services to the registrant, which services were not required to be pre-approved pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(ii) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X. The notification provided to the registrant’s audit committee included sufficient details regarding such services to allow the registrant’s audit committee to consider the continuing independence of its principal accountant.


ITEM 5. AUDIT COMMITTEE OF LISTED REGISTRANTS.

Not applicable.


ITEM 6. INVESTMENTS.

(a)
The schedule of investments is included as part of the report to stockholders filed under Item 1 of this Form.

(b)
Not applicable.


ITEM 7. DISCLOSURE OF PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES.

Not applicable.


ITEM 8. PORTFOLIO MANAGERS OF CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES.

Not applicable.


ITEM 9. PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANY AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS.

Not applicable.


ITEM 10. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.

During the reporting period, there were no material changes to the procedures by which shareholders may recommend nominees to the registrant’s board.





ITEM 11. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.

(a)
The registrant's principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) are effective based on their evaluation of these controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of this report.

(b)
There were no changes in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) that occurred during the registrant's second fiscal quarter of the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.


ITEM 12. EXHIBITS.

(a)(1)
Registrant’s Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers, which is the subject of the disclosure required by Item 2 of Form N-CSR, was filed as Exhibit 12(a)(1) to American Century Asset Allocation Portfolios, Inc.’s Certified Shareholder Report on Form N-CSR, File No. 811-21591, on September 29, 2005.

(a)(2)
Separate certifications by the registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and Rule 30a-2(a) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, are filed and attached hereto as EX-99.CERT.

(a)(3)
Not applicable.

(b)
A certification by the registrant’s chief executive officer and chief financial officer, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, is furnished and attached hereto as EX-99.906CERT.




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.

Registrant:
American Century Mutual Funds, Inc.
 
 
 
By:
/s/ Jonathan S. Thomas
 
Name:
Jonathan S. Thomas
 
Title:
President
 
 
 
Date:
January 5, 2016


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

By:
/s/ Jonathan S. Thomas
 
Name:
Jonathan S. Thomas
 
Title:
President
 
 
(principal executive officer)
 
 
 
Date:
January 5, 2016


By:
/s/ C. Jean Wade
 
Name:
C. Jean Wade
 
Title:
Vice President, Treasurer, and
 
 
Chief Financial Officer
 
 
(principal financial officer)
 
 
 
Date:
January 5, 2016