N-CSRS 1 d93333dncsrs.htm ALLIANZGI INSTITUTIONAL MULTI-SERIES TRUST AllianzGI Institutional Multi-Series Trust
Table of Contents

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 811-22975

 

 

AllianzGI Institutional Multi-Series

Trust

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

 

 

 

1633 Broadway, New York, New York    10019
(Address of principal executive offices)    (Zip code)

 

 

Lawrence G. Altadonna

1633 Broadway,

New York, New York 10019

(Name and address of agent for service)

 

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: 212-739-3371

Date of fiscal year end: November 30, 2015

Date of reporting period: May 31, 2015


Table of Contents

Item 1. Report to Shareholders

 

AllianzGI Institutional Multi-Series Trust

Semi-Annual Report

May 31, 2015


Table of Contents

Table of Contents

 

Portfolio Summaries      2 - 5         
Important Information      6         
Schedules of Investments      7 - 12         
Statements of Assets and Liabilities      13         
Statements of Operations      14         
Statements of Changes in Net Assets      15         
Financial Highlights      16-17   
Notes to Financial Statements      18-28   
Shareholder Meeting Results      29        
Privacy Policy      30-31   


Table of Contents

AllianzGI Global Small-Cap Opportunities Portfolio

(unaudited)

For the period of December 1, 2014 through May 31, 2015, as provided by Mark Roemer, Portfolio Manager.

 

Fund Insights

 

Performance Overview

For the reporting period ended May 31, 2015, the AllianzGI Global Small-Cap Opportunities Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) returned 8.53%, outperforming the MSCI All Country World Small Cap Index (the “benchmark index”), which returned 7.82%.

Market Environment

During the reporting period, global small-cap equities were the beneficiaries of higher levels of global growth and positive investor sentiment, advancing in five of the six months. The Portfolio began the reporting period with moderately higher returns in December, as investors weighed diverging growth expectations. The asset class declined in January due in part to the impact of a rising dollar, then rebounded substantially in February as investors digested the impact of the European Central Bank easing and additional global stimulus packages. During the remainder of the reporting period, returns were moderately positive, due in part to diversification benefits among the 46 global small-cap countries in developed and emerging markets in the benchmark index.

During the reporting period, consumer-related stocks were among the top benchmark

performers, with the health care, information technology, consumer staples and consumer discretionary sectors advancing. These results were offset by weakness in the energy sector and moderate declines for the utilities sector. Chinese equities were the top country performers, followed by Ireland and South Korea, while Brazil and Egypt were the biggest detractors.

Portfolio Review

The Portfolio benefitted from what we consider to be the vast inefficiencies in global small-cap equities. Positive stock selection and allocation decisions at both the country and sector level contributed to positive relative performance during the reporting period.

Sector results were led by strong stock selection in the industrials sector, as the Portfolio benefitted from stockpicking in transportation infrastructure and airlines industries. Bottom-up selections in the information technology sector added to results as did a relative overweight allocation to the health care sector. Conversely, more conservative selections in the consumer staples and consumer discretionary sectors detracted from relative results during the reporting period. From a country standpoint, bottom-up stock selection in theUnited States was the primary driver of

performance, followed by an overweight allocation and positive stockpicking in Hong Kong. Meanwhile, selections in Taiwan, Canada and Sweden trailed the benchmark index.

The largest individual active contributor to performance was Skyworks Solutions, Inc. Shares of the US-based semiconductor manufacturer rallied due to higher demand, particularly from its positioning in the Apple supply chain. Ireland-based pharmaceutical company Mallinckrodt Plc advanced due to rising revenues, predominately from generic drugs. On the other hand, Australian metals and mining company Western Areas Limited was lower due to moderating demand and currency headwinds. US-based grocery chain SuperValu Inc. declined as one of the company’s largest investors announced the decision to sell some of its holdings.

We believe investment results will be supported by earnings growth and that our behavioral finance-focused investment process and focus on higher quality securities with strong company fundamentals have the potential to be a drivers of returns for the coming periods.

 

 

Cumulative Return for the period ended May 31, 2015

 

       6 Month*        Since Inception†  
AllianzGI Global Small-Cap Opportunities Portfolio        8.53%           6.36%   
MSCI ACWI Small Cap Index††        7.82%           3.97%   

* Cumulative return

† The Portfolio began operations on 7/23/14. Benchmark return comparisons began on the portfolio inception date. Lipper performance comparisons began on 7/31/14.

†† The MSCI ACWI Small Cap Index captures small cap representation across 23 developed market and 23 emerging market countries, covering about 14% of the free float-adjusted market capitalization in each country (as of December 31, 2014). Unless otherwise noted, index returns reflect the reinvestment of income dividends and capital gains, if any, but do not reflect fees, brokerage commissions or other expenses of investing. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

Performance quoted represents past performance and is no guarantee of future results. Current performance may be lower or higher than performance shown. Investment return and the principal value will fluctuate. Shares may be worth more or less than original cost when redeemed. Returns do not reflect deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on portfolio distributions or redemption of portfolio shares. Total return performance assumes that all dividends and capital gain distributions were reinvested on the payable date. The Portfolio’s gross expense ratio is 3.36%. This ratio does not include an expense reduction, contractually guaranteed through at least 3/31/16. The Portfolio’s expense ratio net of this reduction is 1.20%. Expense ratio information is as of the Portfolio’s current PPM dated March 30, 2015, as supplemented to date.

 

  2  

Semi-Annual Report/May 31, 2015


Table of Contents

AllianzGI Global Small-Cap Opportunities Portfolio

(unaudited) (continued)

 

Shareholder Expense Example

 

    

Beginning Account

Value

(12/1/14)

    

Ending Account

Value

(5/31/15)

    

Expenses Paid During

Period

 

Actual Performance

   $ 1,000.00       $ 1,085.30       $ 6.24   

Hypothetical Performance (5% return before expenses)

   $ 1,000.00       $ 1,018.95       $ 6.04   

Expenses (net of reimbursement, if any) are equal to the annualized expense ratio (1.20%), multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 182/365.

Country Allocation (as of May 31, 2015)

 

United States

     50.6%   

Japan

     10.3%   

United Kingdom

     5.7%   

Hong Kong

     4.3%   

China

     3.6%   

Taiwan

     3.2%   

Korea (Republic of)

     2.8%   

Switzerland

     2.4%   

Other

     10.6%   

Cash & Equivalents — Net

     6.5%   

Cumulative Returns Through May 31, 2015

 

LOGO

 

 

  3  

Semi-Annual Report/May 31, 2015


Table of Contents

AllianzGI U.S. Unconstrained Equity Portfolio

(unaudited)

For the period of December 1, 2014 through May 31, 2015, as provided by Jeff Parker, CFA, Senior Portfolio Manager.

 

Fund Insights

 

Performance Overview

For the reporting period ended May 31, 2015, the AllianzGI US Unconstrained Equity Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) returned 0.41%, underperforming the S&P 500 Index (the “benchmark index”), which returned 2.97%.

The AllianzGI U.S. Unconstrained Portfolio seeks long-term capital appreciation though active stock selection without the constraints of a benchmark or a specific style. The Portfolio invests primarily in domestic companies that are in the earlier stages of their growth trajectories, with an emphasis on high quality companies with strong execution.

Market Environment

On the macro level, US share prices climbed to reach new all-time highs, as a strengthening labor market and solid corporate earnings outweighed mixed economic data. First quarter GDP growth fell short of expectations due to harsh winter weather, the West Coast port strike, falling energy industry investment, and a steep drop in exports. While other corners of the economy continue to struggle, the job

market has been a bright spot with unemployment falling to 5.4% — the lowest level since May 2008.

After sharp declines since last June, oil prices have pushed upward since March amid reports of slowing US production and a decline in crude stockpiles. While prices have rallied since March, they are still down 42% compared to the end of June 2014.

At the Federal Open Market Committee meeting on March 17-18, 2015, central bankers signaled that if incoming data is sufficiently strong, rate hikes could begin in 2015. Policymakers also reduced their forecasts for GDP, inflation and long-run unemployment. We interpret this to mean the Fed is not on a preset course, and is increasingly data dependent.

Looking ahead, we maintain a positive market outlook. With the US economy steadily improving, we believe the Federal Reserve will likely begin to gradually raise short term interest rates in 2015. Despite rising interest rates, we believe US economic growth and company fundamentals should drive US equities higher.

Portfolio Review

We strive to deliver strong returns in varying investment cycles over the long-term by leveraging the collective insights of a specialized equity research platform to identify high quality companies with visible execution.

During the reporting period, the Portfolio’s performance was aided by stock selection in the technology, health care, and consumer staples sectors. Conversely, stock selection in the industrials, financials, and consumer discretionary sectors detracted from returns.

From an industry perspective, we saw strength in biotechnology, food and staples retailing and semiconductors. On the other hand, weakness in internet retail, media, and real estate investment trust stocks weighed on the Portfolio’s returns. From a market capitalization perspective, large and mega cap companies added to the Portfolio’s returns, while mid cap and small cap stocks detracted from performance.

 

 

Cumulative Return for the period ended May 31, 2015

 

       6 Month*        Since Inception†  
AllianzGI U.S. Unconstrained Equity Portfolio        0.41%           -1.47%   
S&P 500 Index††        2.97%           8.80%   

* Cumulative return

† The Portfolio began operations on 7/1/14. Benchmark return comparisons began on the portfolio inception date. Lipper performance comparisons began on 7/31/14.

†† The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index (S&P 500 Index) is an unmanaged index that is generally representative of the US stock market. Unless otherwise noted, index returns reflect the reinvestment of income dividends and capital gains, if any, but do not reflect fees, brokerage commissions or other expenses of investing. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

Performance quoted represents past performance and is no guarantee of future results. Current performance may be lower or higher than performance shown. Investment return and the principal value will fluctuate. Shares may be worth more or less than original cost when redeemed. Returns do not reflect deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on portfolio distributions or redemption of portfolio shares. Total return performance assumes that all dividends and capital gain distributions were reinvested on the payable date. The Portfolio’s gross expense ratio is 4.31%. This ratio does not include an expense reduction, contractually guaranteed through at least 3/31/16. The Portfolio’s expense ratio net of this reduction is 1.00%. Expense ratio information is as of the Portfolio’s current PPM dated March 30, 2015, as supplemented to date.

 

  4  

Semi-Annual Report/May 31, 2015


Table of Contents

AllianzGI U.S. Unconstrained Equity Portfolio

(unaudited) (continued)

 

Shareholder Expense Example

 

    

Beginning Account

Value

(12/1/2014)

    

Ending Account

Value

(5/31/2015)

    

Expenses Paid During

Period

 

Actual Performance

   $ 1,000.00       $ 1,004.10       $ 5.00   

Hypothetical Performance (5% return before expenses)

   $ 1,000.00       $ 1,019.95       $ 5.04   

Expenses (net of reimbursement, if any) are equal to the annualized expense ratio (1.00%), multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 182/365.

Industry Allocation (as of May 31, 2015)

 

Food & Stapling Retailing

     9.0%   

Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals

     8.3%   

Internet Software & Services

     6.2%   

Biotechnology

     6.1%   

Road & Rail

     4.7%   

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels

     4.5%   

Chemicals

     4.4%   

Banks

     4.3%   

Other

     49.6%   

Cash & Equivalents — Net (including Options Written)

     2.9%   

Cumulative Returns Through May 31, 2015

 

LOGO

 

 

  5  

Semi-Annual Report/May 31, 2015


Table of Contents

Important Information (unaudited)

AllianzGI Institutional Multi-Series Trust

AllianzGI Institutional Multi-Series Trust (the “Trust”) currently consists of the AllianzGI Global Small-Cap Opportunities Portfolio and AllianzGI U.S. Unconstrained Equity Portfolio (each a “Portfolio” and collectively the “Portfolios”). The Portfolios each currently offer one share class.

The Cumulative Returns chart for each Portfolio assumes the initial investment was made on the first day of the Portfolio’s initial fiscal year. Results assume that all dividends and capital gain distributions were reinvested. They do not take into account the effect of taxes. The benchmark cumulative return began on the last day of the month of each Portfolio’s inception date.

The following disclosure provides important information regarding each Portfolio’s Shareholder Expense Example, which appears on each Portfolio Summary page in this Semi-Annual report. Please refer to this information when reviewing the Shareholder Expense Example for a Portfolio.

Shareholder Expense Example

Shareholders incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs; and (2) ongoing costs, including investment management fees, distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees, and other Portfolio expenses. The Shareholder Expense Example is intended to help shareholders understand ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in a Portfolio and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. The Shareholder Expense Example is based on an investment of $1,000.00 invested at the beginning of the period, as indicated, and held for the entire period through May 31, 2015.

Actual Expenses

The information in the table for “Actual Performance” provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in these columns, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000.00 (for example, an $8,600.00 account value divided by $1,000.00 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the column entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The information in the table for “Hypothetical Performance (5% return before expenses)” provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on a Portfolio’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Portfolio’s actual return. 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 a Portfolio and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of 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. Therefore, the information for “Hypothetical Performance (5% return before expenses)” 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.

Proxy Voting

The Trust’s Investment Manager and Sub-Adviser have adopted written proxy voting policies and procedures (“Proxy Policy”) as required by Rule 206(4)-6 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. The Proxy Policy has been adopted by the Trust as the policies and procedures that the Sub-Adviser will use when voting proxies on behalf of the Portfolio. Copies of the written Proxy Policy and the factors that the Sub-Adviser may consider in determining how to vote proxies for the Portfolios, and information about how the Portfolios voted proxies relating to portfolio securities held during the most recent twelve-month period ended June 30, are available without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-498-5413, on the Allianz Global Investors Distributors website at us.allianzgi.com and on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC”) website at http://www.sec.gov.

Form N-Q

The Trust files its complete schedule of the portfolio holdings with the SEC on Form N-Q for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year, which are available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. A copy of the Trust’s Form N-Q is available without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-498-5413. In addition, the Trust’s Form N-Q 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.

 

        6   Semi-Annual Report/May 31, 2015


Table of Contents

Schedule of Investments

May 31, 2015 (unaudited)

AllianzGI Global Small-Cap Opportunities Portfolio

     
     Shares                Value              

 

 

COMMON STOCK - 93.5%

     

Australia - 2.1%

     

 

Austal Ltd.

  

 

 

 

18,300

 

  

  

 

 

 

        $                         25,533    

 

  

Echo Entertainment Group Ltd.

     20,473         72,886       

Qantas Airways Ltd. (d)

 

    

 

5,998

 

  

 

    

 

16,093    

 

  

 

     

 

 

 
     

 

 

 

 

114,512    

 

 

  

 

     

 

 

 

Brazil - 0.3%

     

 

MRV Engenharia e Participacoes S.A.

 

  

 

 

 

 

5,700

 

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

 

13,596    

 

 

  

 

     

 

 

 

Canada - 0.5%

     

 

Just Energy Group, Inc.

 

  

 

 

 

 

4,909

 

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

 

26,763    

 

 

  

 

     

 

 

 

China - 3.6%

     

 

Bank of Chongqing Co., Ltd., Class H

  

 

 

 

42,500

 

  

  

 

 

 

41,873    

 

  

China Everbright Bank Co., Ltd., Class H

     117,000         73,592       

Chongqing Rural Commercial Bank Co., Ltd., Class H

     36,000         29,217       

Yuzhou Properties Co., Ltd.

 

    

 

159,000

 

  

 

    

 

44,567    

 

  

 

     

 

 

 
     

 

 

 

 

189,249    

 

 

  

 

     

 

 

 

Denmark - 0.4%

     

 

SimCorp A/S (c)

 

  

 

 

 

 

587

 

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

 

22,036    

 

 

  

 

     

 

 

 

France - 1.7%

     

 

Altran Technologies S.A.

  

 

 

 

3,214

 

  

  

 

 

 

34,170    

 

  

Boiron S.A.

     276         28,512       

Ipsen S.A.

 

    

 

546

 

  

 

    

 

29,113    

 

  

 

     

 

 

 
     

 

 

 

 

91,795    

 

 

  

 

     

 

 

 

Hong Kong - 4.3%

     

 

Champion REIT

  

 

 

 

125,000

 

  

  

 

 

 

71,579    

 

  

Chong Hing Bank Ltd.

     11,000         33,941       

Dah Sing Banking Group Ltd.

     42,400         100,318       

Hui Xian Real Estate Investment Trust REIT

 

    

 

38,000

 

  

 

    

 

21,457    

 

  

 

     

 

 

 
     

 

 

 

 

227,295    

 

 

  

 

     

 

 

 

India - 1.4%

     

 

WNS Holdings Ltd. ADR (d)

  

 

 

 

1,550

 

  

  

 

 

 

40,905    

 

  

Wockhardt Ltd.

 

    

 

1,407

 

  

 

    

 

31,802    

 

  

 

     

 

 

 
     

 

 

 

 

72,707    

 

 

  

 

     

 

 

 

Israel - 1.1%

     

 

Isramco Negev 2 L.P.

  

 

 

 

132,820

 

  

  

 

 

 

27,097    

 

  

Orbotech Ltd. (d)

 

    

 

1,505

 

  

 

    

 

31,455    

 

  

 

     

 

 

 
     

 

 

 

 

58,552    

 

 

  

 

     

 

 

 

Italy - 0.9%

     

 

ASTM SpA

  

 

 

 

1,385

 

  

  

 

 

 

18,832    

 

  

Societa Cattolica di Assicurazioni SCRL

 

    

 

4,000

 

  

 

    

 

31,338    

 

  

 

     

 

 

 
     

 

 

 

 

50,170    

 

 

  

 

     

 

 

 

Japan - 10.3%

     

 

Aderans Co., Ltd.

  

 

 

 

3,400

 

  

  

 

 

 

30,161    

 

  

Alps Electric Co., Ltd.

     3,600         91,975       

Asahi Holdings, Inc.

     2,300         40,997       

Chiyoda Integre Co., Ltd.

     900         23,467       

Foster Electric Co., Ltd.

     1,800         44,184       

Futaba Industrial Co., Ltd.

     2,900         13,768       

Gunze Ltd.

     6,000         16,040       

Japan Display, Inc. (d)

     20,300         85,026       

Kuroda Electric Co., Ltd.

     2,700         47,836       

Nichiha Corp.

     1,500         20,190       

Nippon Synthetic Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.

     4,000         29,052       

Nippon Thompson Co., Ltd.

     2,900         16,889       

Ryobi Ltd.

     8,000         31,875       

Senko Co., Ltd.

     3,000         18,573       

Unipres Corp.

 

    

 

1,800

 

  

 

    

 

39,823    

 

  

 

     

 

 

 
     

 

 

 

 

549,856    

 

 

  

 

     

 

 

 

 

    See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements   7   Semi-Annual Report/May 31, 2015


Table of Contents

 

 

     
     Shares                Value              

 

 

Korea (Republic of) - 2.8%

     

 

Hanil Cement Co., Ltd.

  

 

 

 

308

 

  

  

 

 

 

40,104    

 

  

HwaSung Industrial Co., Ltd.

     843         15,023       

Kukdo Chemical Co., Ltd.

     261         14,393       

Kwang Dong Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

     2,104         34,440       

OCI Materials Co., Ltd.

 

    

 

445

 

  

 

    

 

45,824    

 

  

 

     

 

 

 
     

 

 

 

 

149,784    

 

 

  

 

     

 

 

 

New Zealand - 0.3%

     

 

Kiwi Property Group Ltd.

 

  

 

 

 

 

16,235

 

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

 

14,492    

 

 

  

 

     

 

 

 

Singapore - 0.9%

     

 

Cache Logistics Trust REIT

  

 

 

 

21,400

 

  

  

 

 

 

18,398    

 

  

Ho Bee Land Ltd.

 

    

 

17,300

 

  

 

    

 

28,874    

 

  

 

     

 

 

 
     

 

 

 

 

47,272    

 

 

  

 

     

 

 

 

South Africa - 0.3%

     

 

Cashbuild Ltd.

 

  

 

 

 

 

705

 

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

 

16,544    

 

 

  

 

     

 

 

 

Switzerland - 2.4%

     

 

BKW AG

  

 

 

 

666

 

  

  

 

 

 

25,121    

 

  

Swiss Life Holding AG (d)

     360         86,382       

Zehnder Group AG

 

 

     325        

 

14,852    

 

  

 

     

 

 

 
     

 

 

 

 

                             126,355    

 

 

  

 

     

 

 

 

Taiwan - 3.2%

     

 

China Synthetic Rubber Corp.

  

 

 

 

17,000

 

  

  

 

 

 

17,762    

 

  

Farglory Land Development Co., Ltd.

     36,000         40,758       

Gold Circuit Electronics Ltd. (d)

     32,000         17,242       

Huaku Development Co., Ltd.

     22,000         50,738       

Pou Chen Corp.

     15,000         21,473       

Ruentex Development Co., Ltd.

 

    

 

15,000

 

  

 

    

 

24,040    

 

  

 

     

 

 

 
     

 

 

 

 

172,013    

 

 

  

 

     

 

 

 

Thailand - 0.3%

     

 

AP Thailand PCL

 

  

 

 

 

 

90,000

 

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

 

18,695    

 

 

  

 

     

 

 

 

Turkey - 0.4%

     

 

Torunlar Gayrimenkul Yatirim Ortakligi AS REIT

  

 

 

 

13,684

 

  

  

 

 

 

 

20,027    

 

 

  

 

     

 

 

 

United Kingdom - 5.7%

     

 

Derwent London PLC REIT

  

 

 

 

1,164

 

  

  

 

 

 

63,364    

 

  

Great Portland Estates PLC REIT

     2,079         26,311       

Man Group PLC

     28,121         76,843       

Shaftesbury PLC REIT

     6,484         86,807       

Workspace Group PLC REIT

 

    

 

3,518

 

  

 

    

 

48,515    

 

  

 

     

 

 

 
     

 

 

 

 

301,840    

 

 

  

 

     

 

 

 

United States - 50.6%

     

 

Acadia Healthcare Co., Inc. (d)

  

 

 

 

270

 

  

  

 

 

 

20,018    

 

  

Advanced Energy Industries, Inc. (d)

     3,440         98,109       

AG Mortgage Investment Trust, Inc. REIT

     2,970         55,955       

American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.

     1,700         27,829       

Amsurg Corp. (d)

     1,205         81,145       

Beneficial Bancorp, Inc. (d)

     3,095         37,914       

Bob Evans Farms, Inc.

     440         20,209       

Burlington Stores, Inc. (d)

     1,605         84,696       

CBIZ, Inc. (d)

     3,435         31,155       

Centene Corp. (d)

     1,255         94,552       

Cirrus Logic, Inc. (d)

     765         28,879       

Express, Inc. (d)

     2,795         49,304       

First Bancorp

     1,110         17,505       

Flagstar Bancorp, Inc. (d)

     1,320         24,737       

Foot Locker, Inc.

     600         37,920       

Group 1 Automotive, Inc.

     495         40,743       

Hanover Insurance Group, Inc.

     400         28,472       

Health Net, Inc. (d)

     1,460         90,870       

Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc.

     700         36,092       

HomeStreet, Inc. (d)

     1,455         33,523       

Horizon Pharma PLC (d)

     2,300         74,589       

Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc.

     870         107,871       

Investors Real Estate Trust REIT

     3,530         25,557       

JetBlue Airways Corp. (d)

     4,680         94,349       

Knoll, Inc.

     1,350         30,726       

Lear Corp.

     300         34,806       

 

    See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements   8   Semi-Annual Report/May 31, 2015


Table of Contents

 

 

 

 

 
        Shares               Value              

 

 

LifePoint Hospitals, Inc. (d)

      1,220         91,854       

Mallinckrodt PLC (d)

      920         119,085       

Matrix Service Co. (d)

      1,115         18,810       

Meta Financial Group, Inc.

      990         39,729       

Methode Electronics, Inc.

      430         20,180       

MicroStrategy, Inc., Class A (d)

      220         38,715       

Nautilus, Inc. (d)

      1,650         34,848       

Oritani Financial Corp.

      2,875         42,320       

Palo Alto Networks, Inc. (d)

      720         122,033       

Premier, Inc., Class A (d)

      805         30,847       

Quintiles Transnational Holdings, Inc. (d)

      770         53,677       

Select Comfort Corp. (d)

      3,525         109,804       

Skyworks Solutions, Inc.

      930         101,705       

Sonic Corp.

      2,640         79,569       

Spirit AeroSystems Holdings, Inc., Class A (d)

      1,200         65,508       

SUPERVALU, Inc. (d)

      10,320         91,125       

Tableau Software, Inc., Class A (d)

      560         63,397       

Texas Roadhouse, Inc.

      500         17,510       

Ulta Salon Cosmetics & Fragrance, Inc. (d)

      590         90,046       

Vail Resorts, Inc.

      905         93,885       

VCA, Inc. (d)

      695         36,460       

Vocera Communications, Inc. (d)

      1,920         20,870       
      

 

 

 
      

 

 

 

 

                    2,689,502    

 

 

  

 

      

 

 

 

Total Common Stock (cost-$4,514,188)

 

      

 

 

 

 

4,973,055    

 

 

  

 

      

 

 

 

RIGHTS - 0.0%

      

New Zealand - 0.0%

      

Kiwi Property Group Ltd., strike price NZD1.20, expires 6/9/15 (b)(d) (cost-$0)

      1,804         77       
      

 

 

 
                Principal        
Amount
(000s)
        

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS - 4.4%

      

Repurchase Agreement - 4.3%

      

State Street Bank and Trust Co.,
dated 5/29/15, 0.00%, due 6/1/15, proceeds $227,000; collateralized by U.S. Treasury Notes, 2.125%, due 6/30/21, valued at $236,613 including accrued interest (cost-$227,000)

  $     227         227,000       
      

 

 

 

Certificate of Deposit - 0.1%

      

Citibank Argentina,
zero coupon, 3/16/16 (cost-$9,273)

      9         9,273       
      

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments (cost-$236,273)

         236,273       
      

 

 

 

Total Investments (cost-$4,750,461) (a)-97.9%

         5,209,405       

Other assets less liabilities-2.1%

         109,777       
      

 

 

 

Net Assets-100.0%

               $            5,319,182       
      

 

 

 

 

Notes to Schedule of Investments:

 

(a)

Securities with an aggregate value of $1,873,834, representing 35.2% of net assets, were valued utilizing modeling tools provided by a third-party vendor. See Note 1(a) and Note 1(b) in the Notes to Financial Statements.

 

(b)

Fair-Valued—Security with a value of $77, representing less than 0.05% of net assets. See Note 1(a) and Note 1(b) in the Notes to Financial Statements.

 

(c)

Affiliated security.

 

(d)

Non-income producing.

Glossary:

ADR - American Depositary Receipt

REIT - Real Estate Investment Trust

 

    See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements   9   Semi-Annual Report/May 31, 2015


Table of Contents

Schedule of Investments

May 31, 2015 (unaudited)

AllianzGI Global Small-Cap Opportunities Portfolio

 

The industry classification of portfolio holdings and other assets less liabilities shown as a percentage of net assets were as follows:

 

Real Estate Investment Trust

     8.7%           

Health Care Providers & Services

     8.4%           

Specialty Retail

     7.0%           

Pharmaceuticals

     5.9%           

Banks

     5.6%           

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure

     5.3%           

Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components

     4.6%           

Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment

     4.2%           

Real Estate Management & Development

     3.8%           

Thrifts & Mortgage Finance

     3.3%           

Aerospace & Defense

     3.2%           

Insurance

     2.7%           

Software

     2.3%           

Communications Equipment

     2.3%           

Airlines

     2.1%           

Chemicals

     2.0%           

Food & Staples Retailing

     1.7%           

Auto Components

     1.7%           

Multi-line Retail

     1.6%           

Capital Markets

     1.5%           

IT Services

     1.4%           

Machinery

     1.4%           

Household Durables

     1.1%           

Life Sciences Tools & Services

     1.0%           

Trading Companies & Distributors

     0.9%           

Metals & Mining

     0.8%           

Construction Materials

     0.7%           

Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods

     0.7%           

Health Care Equipment & Supplies

     0.7%           

Building Products

     0.7%           

Leisure Equipment & Products

     0.7%           

Professional Services

     0.6%           

Commercial Services & Supplies

     0.6%           

Personal Products

     0.6%           

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels

     0.5%           

Multi-Utilities

     0.5%           

Electric Utilities

     0.5%           

Electrical Equipment

     0.4%           

Health Care Technology

     0.4%           

Energy Equipment & Services

     0.4%           

Road & Rail

     0.4%           

Transportation Infrastructure

     0.3%           

Construction & Engineering

     0.3%           

Short-Term Investments

     0.1%           

Repurchase Agreements

     4.3%           

Other assets less liabilities

     2.1%           
  

 

 

 
                             100.0%           
  

 

 

 

 

    See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements   10   Semi-Annual Report/May 31, 2015


Table of Contents

Schedule of Investments

May 31, 2015 (unaudited)

AllianzGI U.S. Unconstrained Equity Portfolio

 

 
     Shares               Value              

 

 

COMMON STOCK - 97.1%

     

Aerospace & Defense - 1.9%

     

 

Boeing Co. (a)

     400               $                     56,208       
     

 

 

 

Airlines - 1.5%

     

 

United Continental Holdings, Inc. (a)(b)

     800         43,672       
     

 

 

 

Auto Components - 1.6%

     

 

Delphi Automotive PLC (a)

     550         47,839       
     

 

 

 

Banks - 4.3%

     

 

Ameris Bancorp (a)

     2,000         50,380       

Citigroup, Inc. (a)

     1,400         75,712       
     

 

 

 
     

 

 

 

 

126,092    

 

 

  

 

     

 

 

 

Beverages - 3.2%

     

 

Constellation Brands, Inc., Class A (a)

     800         94,312       
     

 

 

 

Biotechnology - 6.1%

     

 

Biogen, Inc. (a)(b)

     250         99,247       

Celgene Corp. (a)(b)

     700         80,108       
     

 

 

 
     

 

 

 

 

179,355    

 

 

  

 

     

 

 

 

Capital Markets - 1.9%

     

 

Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (a)

     450         56,066       
     

 

 

 

Chemicals - 4.4%

     

 

Ecolab, Inc. (a)

     700         80,255       

LyondellBasell Industries NV, Class A (a)

     500         50,550       
     

 

 

 
     

 

 

 

 

130,805    

 

 

  

 

     

 

 

 

Communications Equipment - 2.4%

     

 

Palo Alto Networks, Inc. (a)(b)

     425         72,033       
     

 

 

 

Diversified Financial Services - 2.5%

     

 

CBOE Holdings, Inc. (a)

     1,250         73,150       
     

 

 

 

Energy Equipment & Services - 1.6%

     

 

Weatherford International PLC (a)(b)

     3,500         48,370       
     

 

 

 

Food & Staples Retailing - 9.0%

     

 

CVS Health Corp. (a)

     1,250         127,975       

Diplomat Pharmacy, Inc. (a)(b)

     2,600         100,490       

Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc. (a)(b)

     1,250         37,487       
     

 

 

 
     

 

 

 

 

265,952    

 

 

  

 

     

 

 

 

Health Care Equipment & Supplies - 1.5%

     

 

Inogen, Inc. (a)(b)

     1,200         44,856       
     

 

 

 

Health Care Providers & Services - 2.4%

     

 

UnitedHealth Group, Inc. (a)

     600         72,126       
     

 

 

 

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure - 3.2%

     

 

La Quinta Holdings, Inc. (a)(b)

     2,000         49,720       

Restaurant Brands International, Inc. (a)

     1,188         45,940       
     

 

 

 
     

 

 

 

 

95,660    

 

 

  

 

     

 

 

 

Household Durables - 1.6%

     

 

Harman International Industries, Inc. (a)

     400         48,208       
     

 

 

 

Insurance - 3.0%

     

 

American International Group, Inc. (a)

     1,500         87,915       
     

 

 

 

Internet & Catalog Retail - 1.1%

     

 

EVINE Live, Inc. (a)(b)

     10,000         33,100       
     

 

 

 

Internet Software & Services - 6.2%

     

 

Facebook, Inc., Class A (a)(b)

     1,200         95,028       

HomeAway, Inc. (a)(b)

     1,800         50,526       

Yelp, Inc. (a)(b)

     800         38,328       
     

 

 

 
     

 

 

 

 

183,882    

 

 

  

 

     

 

 

 

 

    See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements   11   Semi-Annual Report/May 31, 2015


Table of Contents

 

 

 

 

 
     Shares               Value              

 

 

Media - 1.8%

     

 

Scripps Networks Interactive, Inc., Class A (a)

     800           53,608      
     

 

 

 

Multi-line Retail - 2.7%

     

 

Burlington Stores, Inc. (a)(b)

     1,500           79,155      
     

 

 

 

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels - 4.5%

     

 

Pioneer Natural Resources Co. (a)

     300           44,349      

Range Resources Corp. (a)

     1,100           60,951      

Whiting Petroleum Corp. (a)(b)

     800           26,392      
     

 

 

 
     

 

 

 

 

131,692   

 

 

  

 

     

 

 

 

Pharmaceuticals - 1.7%

     

 

Pacira Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a)(b)

     650           50,837      
     

 

 

 

Real Estate Investment Trust - 3.1%

     

 

American Tower Corp. (a)

     1,000           92,790      
     

 

 

 

Road & Rail - 4.7%

     

 

Hertz Global Holdings, Inc. (a)(b)

     3,750           74,587      

Union Pacific Corp. (a)

     650           65,592      
     

 

 

 
     

 

 

 

 

140,179   

 

 

  

 

     

 

 

 

Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment - 4.1%

     

 

Broadcom Corp., Class A

     1,300           73,905      

Tower Semiconductor Ltd. (a)(b)

     3,000           46,290      
     

 

 

 
     

 

 

 

 

120,195   

 

 

  

 

     

 

 

 

Software - 2.4%

     

 

Activision Blizzard, Inc. (a)

     2,800           70,728      
     

 

 

 

Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals - 8.3%

     

 

Apple, Inc. (a)

     1,300           169,364      

Hewlett-Packard Co. (a)

     2,250           75,150      
     

 

 

 
     

 

 

 

 

244,514   

 

 

  

 

     

 

 

 

Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods - 2.7%

     

 

Under Armour, Inc., Class A (a)(b)

     1,000           78,410      
     

 

 

 

Trading Companies & Distributors - 1.7%

     

 

Air Lease Corp. (a)

     1,300           48,919      
     

 

 

 

Total Investments, before options written (cost-$2,778,758)-97.1%

        2,870,628      
     

 

 

 
             Contracts                 
  

 

 

    

OPTIONS WRITTEN (b)(c)- (0.0)%

     

Call Options - (0.0)%

     

 

Herbalife Ltd.,
strike price $55.00,
expires 6/19/15 (premiums received-$4,728)

     12           (1,416)     
     

 

 

 

Total Investments, net of options written (cost-$2,774,030)-97.1%

        2,869,212      

 

Other assets less other liabilities-2.9%

     

 

 

 

 

85,857   

 

 

  

 

     

 

 

 

Net Assets-100.0%

                $              2,955,069      
     

 

 

 

Notes to Schedule of Investments:

 

(a) All or partial amount segregated for the benefit of the counterparty as collateral for option written.

 

(b) Non-income producing.

 

(c) Exchange traded-Chicago Board Options Exchange.

 

    See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements   12   Semi-Annual Report/May 31, 2015


Table of Contents

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

May 31, 2015 (unaudited)

 

        AllianzGI Global
Small-Cap
Opportunities
            AllianzGI U.S.
Unconstrained
Equity
     
   

 

 

       

 

 

   

Assets:

           

Investments, at value

      $4,960,369             $2,870,628      
   

 

 

   

 

 

Investments in Affiliates, at value

      22,036             –      
   

 

 

   

 

 

Repurchase agreements, at value

      227,000             –      
   

 

 

   

 

 

Cash

      634             82,254      
   

 

 

   

 

 

Foreign currency, at value

      62,358             –      
   

 

 

   

 

 

Receivable from Investment Manager

      61,773             41,159      
   

 

 

   

 

 

Dividends and interest receivable (net of foreign taxes)

      11,023             1,841      
   

 

 

   

 

 

Deferred offering costs

      5,808             3,397      
   

 

 

   

 

 

Tax reclaims receivable

      478             –      
   

 

 

   

 

 

Investments in Affiliated Funds - Trustee Deferred Compensation Plan (see Note 4)

      23             13      
   

 

 

   

 

 

Prepaid expenses

      –             19      
   

 

 

   

 

 

Total Assets

      5,351,502             2,999,311      
   

 

 

   

 

 

Liabilities:

           

Due to Investment Manager

      5,808             3,397      
   

 

 

   

 

 

Trustees Deferred Compensation Plan payable (see Note 4)

      23             13      
   

 

 

   

 

 

Options written, at value

      –             1,416      
   

 

 

   

 

 

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

      26,489             39,416      
   

 

 

   

 

 

Total Liabilities

      32,320             44,242      
   

 

 

   

 

 

Net Assets

      $5,319,182             $2,955,069      
   

 

 

   

 

 

Net Assets Consist of:

           

Paid-in-capital

      $5,013,303             $2,995,005      
   

 

 

   

 

 

Undistributed net investment income

      23,549             (2,639)     
   

 

 

   

 

 

Accumulated net realized loss

      (175,663)            (132,479)     
   

 

 

   

 

 

Net unrealized appreciation

      457,993             95,182      
   

 

 

   

 

 

Net Assets

      $5,319,182             $2,955,069      

Cost of Investments

      $4,502,986             $2,778,758      
   

 

 

   

 

 

Cost of Investments in Affiliates

      $20,475             $–      
   

 

 

   

 

 

Cost of Repurchase Agreements

      $227,000             $–      
   

 

 

   

 

 

Cost of Foreign Currency

      $63,136             $–      
   

 

 

   

 

 

Premiums Received for Options Written

      $–             $4,728      
   

 

 

   

 

 

Shares Issued and Outstanding:

      334,250             200,000      
   

 

 

   

 

 

Net Asset Value and Redemption Price Per Share:*

      $15.91             $14.78      
   

 

 

   

 

 

 

* Net asset value and redemption price per share may not recalculate exactly due to rounding.

 

    See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements   13   Semi-Annual Report/May 31, 2015


Table of Contents

Statements of Operations

Six Months ended May 31, 2015 (unaudited)

 

         AllianzGI Global
Small-Cap
Opportunities
             AllianzGI U.S.
Unconstrained
Equity
     
    

 

 

        

 

 

   

Investment Income:

             

Dividends, net of foreign withholding taxes*

       $53,346              $12,253      
    

 

 

    

 

 

Dividends from investments in Affiliates

       681              –      
    

 

 

    

 

 

Total Investment Income

       54,027              12,253      
    

 

 

    

 

 

Expenses:

             

Investment management

       22,731              11,159      
    

 

 

    

 

 

Legal

       44,640              26,640      
    

 

 

    

 

 

Custodian and accounting agent

       42,441              24,124      
    

 

 

    

 

 

Offering

       19,945              19,945      
    

 

 

    

 

 

Audit and tax services

       15,886              16,497      
    

 

 

    

 

 

Shareholder communications

       14,206              14,206      
    

 

 

    

 

 

Transfer agent

       1,909              1,699      
    

 

 

    

 

 

Trustees

       260              120      
    

 

 

    

 

 

Insurance

       –              111      
    

 

 

    

 

 

Proxy

       22              14      
    

 

 

    

 

 

Miscellaneous

       515              501      
    

 

 

    

 

 

Total Expenses

       162,555              115,016      
    

 

 

    

 

 

Less: Reimbursement from Investment Manager

       (132,225)             (100,124)     
    

 

 

    

 

 

Net Expenses

       30,330              14,892      
    

 

 

    

 

 

Net Investment Income (Loss)

       23,697              (2,639)     
    

 

 

    

 

 

Realized and Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized loss on:

             

Investments

       (38,838)             (5,492)     
    

 

 

    

 

 

Investments in Affiliates

       (31,399)             –      
    

 

 

    

 

 

Options written

       –              (14,710)     
    

 

 

    

 

 

Foreign currency transactions

       (3,173)             (8)     
    

 

 

    

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of:

             

Investments

       452,248              32,942      
    

 

 

    

 

 

Investments in Affiliates

       17,229              –      
    

 

 

    

 

 

Options written

       –              1,860      
    

 

 

    

 

 

Foreign currency transactions

       33              –      
    

 

 

    

 

 

Net realized and change in unrealized gain

       396,100              14,592      
    

 

 

    

 

 

Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Investment Operations

       $419,797              $11,953      
    

 

 

    

 

 

*Foreign withholding taxes

       $3,076              $34      
    

 

 

    

 

 

 

    See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements   14   Semi-Annual Report/May 31, 2015


Table of Contents

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

        AllianzGI Global Small-Cap Opportunities     AllianzGI U.S. Unconstrained Equity    
 

 

 
        Six Months ended
May 31, 2015
(unaudited)
    Period from
July 23, 2014** through
November 30, 2014
    Six Months ended
May 31, 2015
(unaudited)
   

Period from  

July 1, 2014** through  

November 30, 2014  

 
 

 

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from:

         

Investment Operations:

         

Net investment income (loss)

      $23,697             $15,248             $(2,639)            $(4,995)       

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net realized loss

      (73,410)            (104,346)            (20,210)            (112,269)       

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation

      469,510             (11,517)            34,802             60,380        

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from investment operations

      419,797             (100,615)            11,953             (56,884)       

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Dividends to Shareholders from:

         

Net investment income

      (13,303)            –             –             –        

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Fund Share Transactions:

         

Issued in reinvestment of dividends

      13,303             –             –             –        

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

      419,797             (100,615)            11,953             (56,884)       

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Assets:

         

Beginning of period

      4,899,385             5,000,000             2,943,116             3,000,000        

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period*

      $5,319,182             $4,899,385             $2,955,069             $2,943,116        

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

*Including undistributed net investment income of:

      $23,549             $13,155             $–             $–        

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

** Commencement of operations.

 

    See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements   15   Semi-Annual Report/May 31, 2015


Table of Contents

AllianzGI Global Small-Cap Opportunities Portfolio

Financial Highlights

For a share outstanding throughout each period:

 

 

    

Six Months
  ended May 31,  
2015

(unaudited)

  For the period
July 23, 2014*
through
  November 30,  
2014
  

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $14.70   $15.00

 

Investment Operations:

    

Net investment income(a)

   0.07   0.05

 

Net realized and change in unrealized gain (loss)

   1.18   (0.35)

 

Total from investment operations

   1.25   (0.30)

 

Dividends to Shareholders from:

    

Net Investment Income

   (0.04)     –

 

Net asset value, end of period

   $15.91   $14.70

 

Total Return(b)

   8.53%   (2.00)%

 

RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:

    

Net assets, end of period (000s)

   $5,319   $4,899

 

Ratio of expenses to average net assets with fee reimbursement(c)

   1.20%   1.20%

 

Ratio of expenses to average net assets without fee reimbursement(c)

   6.15%   4.88%

 

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets(c)

   0.94%   0.88%

 

Portfolio turnover rate

   97%   56%

 

* Commencement of operations.
(a) Calculated on average shares outstanding.
(b) Total return is calculated assuming a purchase of a share on the first day of the period and a sale of a share on the last day of each period reported.

Dividends and distributions, if any, are assumed, for purposes of this calculation, to be reinvested. Total return includes the effect of reimbursements.

Total return may reflect adjustments to conform to U.S. GAAP. Total return for a period of less than one year is not annualized.

(c) Annualized.

 

    See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements   16   Semi-Annual Report/May 31, 2015


Table of Contents

AllianzGI U.S. Unconstrained Equity Portfolio

Financial Highlights

For a share outstanding throughout each period:

 

 

    

Six Months
  ended May 31,  
2015

(unaudited)

  For the period
July 1, 2014*
through
  November 30,  
2014
  

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $14.72   $15.00

 

Investment Operations:

    

Net investment loss(a)

   (0.01)   (0.02)

 

Net realized and change in unrealized gain (loss)

   0.07   (0.26)

 

Total from investment operations

   0.06   (0.28)

 

Net asset value, end of period

   $14.78   $14.72

 

Total Return(b)

   0.41%   (1.87)%

 

RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:

    

Net assets, end of period (000s)

   $2,955   $2,943

 

Ratio of expenses to average net assets with fee reimbursement(c)

   1.00%   1.00%

 

Ratio of expenses to average net assets without fee reimbursement(c)

   7.17%   6.92%

 

Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets(c)

   (0.18)%   (0.41)%

 

Portfolio turnover rate

   48%   37%

 

* Commencement of operations.
(a) Calculated on average shares outstanding.
(b) Total return is calculated assuming a purchase of a share on the first day of the period and a sale of a share on the last day of each period reported.

Dividends and distributions, if any, are assumed, for purposes of this calculation, to be reinvested. Total return includes the effect of reimbursements.

Total return may reflect adjustments to conform to U.S. GAAP. Total return for a period of less than one year is not annualized.

(c) Annualized.

 

    See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements   17   Semi-Annual Report/May 31, 2015


Table of Contents

 Notes to Financial Statements

May 31, 2015 (unaudited)

 

1. ORGANIZATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

AllianzGI Institutional Multi-Series Trust (the “Trust”) was organized on June 3, 2014, as an open-end registered investment company organized as a Massachusetts business trust, and accordingly, follows the investment company accounting and reporting guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standard Codification Topic 946 Financial Services-Investment Companies. As of May 31, 2015, the Trust consisted of two separate investment series, (each a “Portfolio” and collectively the “Portfolios”). Allianz Global Investors Fund Management LLC (“AGIFM” or the “Investment Manager”) serves as the Portfolios’ investment manager and Allianz Global Investors U.S. LLC (“AllianzGI U.S.” or the “Sub-Adviser”) serves as the Portfolios’ sub-adviser. AGIFM and AllianzGI U.S. are indirect, wholly-owned subsidiaries of Allianz Asset Management of America L.P. (“AAM”). AAM is an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Allianz SE, a publicly traded European insurance and financial services company. Shares of the Portfolios have not been registered for public sale and are currently offered and sold on a private placement basis in accordance with Rule 506(c) of Regulation D under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Currently, the Trust has authorized one class of shares. The following Portfolios sold and issued shares of beneficial interest to Allianz Fund Investments, Inc. (“AFI”), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Allianz SE, during the six months ended May 31, 2015 and the period ended November 30, 2014, as indicated:

 

AllianzGI Global Small-Cap Opportunities  
Class    Date    Shares                   Amount  

 

 

Institutional

   7/23/14      333,333       $                 5,000,000     

 

 
AllianzGI U.S. Unconstrained Equity  
Class    Date    Shares                   Amount  

 

 

Institutional

   7/1/14      200,000       $ 3,000,000     

 

 

The investment objective of both AllianzGI Global Small-Cap Opportunities and AllianzGI U.S. Unconstrained Equity is to seek long-term capital appreciation. There can be no assurance that the Portfolios will meet their stated objective.

The preparation of the Portfolios’ financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) requires the Portfolios’ management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts and disclosures in each Portfolio’s financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

In the normal course of business, the Portfolios enter into contracts that contain a variety of representations that provide general indemnifications. The Portfolios’ maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Portfolios that have not yet occurred.

In June 2014, the FASB issued an Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-11 that expands secured borrowing accounting for certain repurchase agreements. The ASU also sets forth additional disclosure requirements for certain transactions accounted for as sales, in order to provide financial statement users with information to compare to similar transactions accounted for as secured borrowings. ASU 2014-11 became effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2014, and for interim periods beginning after March 15, 2015. The adoption of ASU 2014-11 did not have an impact on the Portfolios’ financial statements.

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-7, disclosures for investments in certain entities that calculate net asset value per share (“NAV”) (or its equivalent), modifying ASC 946 Financial Services Investment Companies. Under the modifications, investments in affiliated and private investment funds valued at NAV are no longer included in the fair value hierarchy. ASU 2015-7 is effective prospectively during interim or annual periods beginning after December 15, 2014. At this time, management is evaluating the implications of these changes on the Portfolios’ financial statements.

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Portfolios:

 (a) Valuation of Investments. Portfolio securities and other financial instruments for which market quotations are readily available are stated at market value. Market value is generally determined on the basis of official closing prices, last reported sales prices, or if no sales or closing prices are reported, on the basis of quotes obtained from a quotation reporting system, established market makers, or independent pricing services. The Portfolios’ investments are valued daily using prices supplied by an independent pricing service or broker/dealer quotations, or by using the last sale or settlement price on the

 

        18   Semi-Annual Report/May 31, 2015


Table of Contents

 Notes to Financial Statements

May 31, 2015 (unaudited) (continued)

 

exchange that is the primary market for such securities, or the mean between the last bid and ask quotations. The market value for NASDAQ Global Market and NASDAQ Capital Market securities may also be calculated using the NASDAQ Official Closing Price instead of the last reported sales price. Independent pricing services use information provided by market makers or estimates of market values obtained from yield data relating to investments or securities with similar characteristics.

The Board of Trustees (the “Board”) has adopted procedures for valuing portfolio securities and other financial instruments in circumstances where market quotations are not readily available, and has delegated primary responsibility for applying the valuation methods to the Investment Manager and the Sub-Adviser. The Trust’s Valuation Committee was established by the Board to oversee the implementation of the Portfolios’ valuation methods and to make fair value determinations on behalf of the Board, as instructed by the Board. The Sub-Adviser monitors the continued appropriateness of methods applied and identifies to the Investment Manager circumstances and events that may require fair valuation. The Investment Manager, in turn, determines if adjustments should be made in light of market changes, events affecting the issuer, or other factors. If the Investment Manager (in consultation with the Sub-Adviser) determines that a valuation method may no longer be appropriate, another valuation method may be selected or the Valuation Committee will be convened to consider the matter and take any appropriate action in accordance with procedures set forth by the Board. The Board shall review and ratify the appropriateness of the valuation methods and these methods may be amended or supplemented from time to time by the Valuation Committee.

Short-term debt instruments maturing in 60 days or less are valued at amortized cost, if their original term to maturity was 60 days or less, or by amortizing premium or discount based on their value on the 61st day prior to maturity, if the original term to maturity exceeded 60 days.

Investments initially valued in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are converted to the U.S. dollar using exchange rates obtained from pricing services. As a result, the net asset value (“NAV”) of each Portfolio may be affected by changes in the value of currencies in relation to the U.S. dollar. The value of securities traded in markets outside the United States or denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar may be affected significantly on a day that the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) is closed.

The prices used by the Portfolios to value investments may differ from the value that would be realized if the investments were sold, and these differences could be material to the Portfolios’ financial statements. The NAV of each Portfolio is normally determined as of the close of regular trading (normally, 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on the NYSE on each day the NYSE is open for business.

The prices of certain portfolio securities or financial instruments may be determined at a time prior to the close of regular trading on the NYSE. When fair-valuing the securities, the Portfolios may, among other things, consider significant events (which may be considered to include changes in the value of U.S. securities or securities indices) that occur after the close of the relevant market and before the time the NAV of a Portfolio is calculated. With respect to certain foreign securities, the Portfolios may fair-value securities using modeling tools provided by third-party vendors. The Portfolios have retained a statistical research service to assist in determining the fair value of foreign securities. This service utilizes statistics and programs based on historical performance of markets and other economic data to assist in making fair value estimates. Fair value estimates used by the Portfolios for foreign securities may differ from the value realized from the sale of those securities and the difference could be material to the financial statements. Fair value pricing may require subjective determinations about the value of a security or other assets, and fair values used to determine the NAV of a Portfolio may differ from quoted or published prices, or from prices that are used by others, for the same investments. In addition, the use of fair value pricing may not always result in adjustments to the prices of securities or other assets held by a Portfolio.

 (b) Fair Value Measurements. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (i.e. the “exit price”) in an orderly transaction between market participants. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:

 

·  

Level 1 – quoted prices in active markets for identical investments that the Portfolios have the ability to access

·  

Level 2 – valuations based on other significant observable inputs, which may include, but are not limited to, quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities, interest rates, yield curves, volatilities, prepayment speeds, loss severities, credit risks and default rates or other market corroborated inputs

·  

Level 3 – valuations based on significant unobservable inputs (including the Sub-Adviser’s or Valuation Committee’s own assumptions and securities whose price was determined by using a single broker’s quote)

 

        19   Semi-Annual Report/May 31, 2015


Table of Contents

 Notes to Financial Statements

May 31, 2015 (unaudited) (continued)

 

The valuation techniques used by the Portfolios to measure fair value during the six months ended May 31, 2015 were intended to maximize the use of observable inputs and to minimize the use of unobservable inputs.

The Portfolios’ policy is to recognize transfers between levels at the end of the reporting period. An investment asset’s or liability’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level input, individually or in aggregate, that is significant to the fair value measurement. The objective of fair value measurement remains the same even when there is a significant decrease in the volume and level of activity for an asset or liability and regardless of the valuation techniques used. Investments categorized as Level 1 or 2 as of period end may have been transferred between Levels 1 and 2 since the prior period due to changes in the valuation method utilized in valuing the investments.

The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities. The following are certain inputs and techniques that the Portfolios generally use to evaluate how to classify each major category of assets and liabilities within Level 2 and Level 3, in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

Equity Securities (Common and Preferred Stock) — Equity securities traded in inactive markets and certain foreign equity securities are valued using inputs which include broker-dealer quotes, recently executed transactions adjusted for changes in the benchmark index, or evaluated price quotes received from independent pricing services that take into account the integrity of the market sector and issuer, the individual characteristics of the security, and information received from broker-dealers and other market sources pertaining to the issuer or security. To the extent that these inputs are observable, the values of equity securities are categorized as Level 2. To the extent that these inputs are unobservable, the values are categorized as Level 3.

Option Contracts — Option contracts traded over-the-counter (“OTC”) and FLexible EXchange (“FLEX”) options are valued by independent pricing services based on pricing models that incorporate various inputs such as interest rates, credit spreads, currency exchange rates and volatility measurements for in-the-money, at-the-money, and out-of-the-money contracts based on a given strike price. To the extent that these inputs are observable, the values of OTC and FLEX option contracts are categorized as Level 2. To the extent that these inputs are unobservable, the values are categorized as Level 3.

A summary of the inputs used at May 31, 2015 in valuing each Portfolio’s assets and liabilities is listed below (refer to the Schedules of Investments for more detailed information on Investments in Securities):

AllianzGI Global Small-Cap Opportunities:

     Level 1 -
    Quoted Prices    
    

Level 2 -
  Other Significant  
Observable

Inputs

     Level 3 -
Significant
    Unobservable    
Inputs
             Value at      
        5/31/15      
 
   

Investments in Securities - Assets

           

Common Stock:

           

Australia

           $ 114,512               $ 114,512   

China

             189,249                 189,249   

France

   $ 62,682         29,113                 91,795   

Hong Kong

     93,036         134,259                 227,295   

India

     40,905         31,802                 72,707   

Israel

     31,455         27,097                 58,552   

Italy

     18,832         31,338                 50,170   

Japan

             549,856                 549,856   

Korea (Republic of)

     15,023         134,761                 149,784   

New Zealand

             14,492                 14,492   

Singapore

     28,874         18,398                 47,272   

Switzerland

     39,973         86,382                 126,355   

Taiwan

             172,013                 172,013   

Thailand

             18,695                 18,695   

Turkey

             20,027                 20,027   

United Kingdom

             301,840                 301,840   

All Other

     2,768,441                         2,768,441   

Rights

                   $ 77         77   

Repurchase Agreement

             227,000                 227,000   

Certificate of Deposit

             9,273                 9,273   
   

Totals

   $ 3,099,221       $ 2,110,107       $ 77       $ 5,209,405   
   

 

        20   Semi-Annual Report/May 31, 2015


Table of Contents

 Notes to Financial Statements

May 31, 2015 (unaudited) (continued)

 

AllianzGI U.S. Unconstrained Equity:

    

    Level 1 -  

    Quoted Prices  

   

Level 2 - 

    Other Significant     

Observable 

Inputs 

    

Level 3 -    

Significant    

Unobservable    

Inputs    

 

            Value at        

            5/31/15        

 

 

 

Investments in Securities - Assets

         

Common Stock

   $ 2,870,628        —             $ 2,870,628     

 

 

Investments in Securities - Liabilities

         

Options Written:

         

Market Price

     (1,416     —               (1,416)    

 

 

Totals

   $ 2,869,212        —             $ 2,869,212     

 

 

At May 31, 2015, the following Portfolios had transfers between Levels 1 and 2:

 

     Transfers
  

 

       Level 1 to Level 2    Level 2 to Level 1  
  

 

AllianzGI Global Small-Cap Opportunities

   $48,515(a)   

(a) This transfer was a result of securities trading outside the U.S. whose values were not adjusted by the application of a modeling tool at November 30, 2014, which was applied on May 31, 2015.

A roll forward of fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the six months ended May 31, 2015, was as follows:

 

     Beginning  
Balance  
11/30/14  
     Purchases        Sales          Accrued  
Discount  
(Premiums)  
     Net  
Realized  
Gain (Loss)  
 

Net Change

in Unrealized

Appreciation/

Depreciation

     Transfers  
into  
Level 3  
    

Transfers  

out of  
Level 3  

 

    Ending    

    Balance    

    5/31/15    

   

                

 

Investments in Securities - Assets

  

                       

Rights

                                     $ 77                 $ 77     

 

   

 

The following table presents additional information about valuation techniques and inputs used for investments that are measured at fair value and categorized within Level 3 at May 31, 2015:

 

       Ending
  Balance
  at 5/31/15
    

Valuation

Technique Used

               Unobservable            
Inputs
     Input Values                     

 

Investments in Securities - Assets

       

Rights

   $ 77         Fundamental Analytical Data Relating to the Investment    Price of Right    0.06 NZD  

Glossary:

NZD - New Zealand Dollar

The net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of Level 3 investments which AllianzGI Global Small-Cap Opportunities held at May 31, 2015, was $77.

 (c) Investment Transactions and Investment Income. Investment transactions are accounted for on the trade date. Realized gains and losses on investments are determined on an identified cost basis. Interest income is recorded on an accrual basis. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date, except for certain dividends from foreign securities where the ex-dividend date may have passed, and then are recorded as soon after the ex-dividend date as the Portfolios, using reasonable diligence, become aware of such dividends. Dividend and interest income on the Statements of Operations are shown net of any foreign taxes withheld on income from foreign securities. Payments received from real estate investment

 

        21   Semi-Annual Report/May 31, 2015


Table of Contents

 Notes to Financial Statements

May 31, 2015 (unaudited) (continued)

 

trust securities may be comprised of dividends, realized gains and return of capital. The payment may initially be recorded as dividend income and may subsequently be reclassified as realized gains and/or return of capital upon receipt of information from the issuer. Payments considered return of capital reduce the cost basis of the respective security.

 (d) Federal Income Taxes. The Portfolios intend to distribute all of their taxable income and to comply with the other requirements of Subchapter M of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, applicable to regulated investment companies. Accordingly, no provision for U.S. federal income taxes is required. The Portfolios may be subject to excise tax based on distributions to shareholders.

Accounting for uncertainty in income taxes establishes for all entities, including pass-through entities such as the Portfolios, a minimum threshold for financial statement recognition of the benefit of positions taken in filing tax returns (including whether an entity is taxable in a particular jurisdiction), and requires certain expanded tax disclosures. In accordance with provisions set forth under U.S. GAAP, the Investment Manager has reviewed the Portfolios’ tax positions for all open tax years. As of May 31, 2015, the Portfolios have recorded no liability for net unrecognized tax benefits relating to uncertain income tax positions they have taken. The Portfolios’ federal income tax returns since inception remain subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service.

 (e) Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders. The Portfolios declare dividends and distributions from net investment income and net realized capital gains, if any, annually. The Portfolios record dividends and distributions to their respective shareholders on the ex-dividend date. The amount of dividends from net investment income and distributions from net realized capital gains is determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. GAAP. These “book-tax” differences are considered either temporary or permanent in nature. To the extent these differences are permanent in nature, such amounts are reclassified within the capital accounts based on their federal income tax treatment; temporary differences do not require reclassification. To the extent dividends and/or distributions exceed current and accumulated earnings and profits for federal income tax purposes, they are reported as dividends and/or distributions to shareholders from return of capital. The amount of dividends from net investment income and distributions from net realized capital gains is determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. GAAP. These “book-tax” differences are considered either temporary or permanent in nature. To the extent these differences are permanent in nature, such amounts are reclassified within the capital accounts based on their federal income tax treatment; temporary differences do not require reclassification. To the extent dividends and/or distributions exceed current and accumulated earnings and profits for federal income tax purposes, they are reported as dividends and/or distributions to shareholders from return of capital.

 (f) Foreign Currency Translation. The Portfolios’ accounting records are maintained in U.S. dollars as follows: (1) the foreign currency market values of investments and other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated at the prevailing exchange rate at the end of the period; and (2) purchases and sales, income and expenses are translated at the prevailing exchange rate on the respective dates of such transactions. The resulting net foreign currency gain (loss) is included in the Portfolios’ Statements of Operations.

The Portfolios do not generally isolate that portion of the results of operations arising as a result of changes in foreign currency exchange rates from the fluctuations arising from changes in the market prices of securities. Accordingly, such foreign currency gain (loss) is included in net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments. However, the Portfolios do isolate the effect of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates when determining the gain (loss) upon the sale or maturity of foreign currency denominated debt obligations pursuant to U.S. federal income tax regulations; such amount is categorized as foreign currency gain (loss) for both financial reporting and income tax reporting purposes.

 (g) Repurchase Agreements. The Portfolios are parties to Master Repurchase Agreements (“Master Repo Agreements”) with select counterparties. The Master Repo Agreements maintain provisions for initiation, income payments, events of default, and maintenance of collateral.

The Portfolios enter into transactions, under the Master Repo Agreements, with their custodian bank or securities brokerage firms whereby they purchase securities under agreements to resell such securities at an agreed upon price and date (“repurchase agreements”). The Portfolios, through their custodian, take possession of securities collateralizing the repurchase agreement. Such agreements are carried at the contract amount in the financial statements, which is considered to represent fair value. Collateral pledged (the securities received), which consists primarily of U.S. government obligations and

 

        22   Semi-Annual Report/May 31, 2015


Table of Contents

 Notes to Financial Statements

May 31, 2015 (unaudited) (continued)

 

asset-backed securities, is held by the custodian bank for the benefit of the Portfolios until maturity of the repurchase agreement. Provisions of the repurchase agreements and the procedures adopted by the Portfolios require that the market value of the collateral, including accrued interest thereon, be sufficient in the event of default by the counterparty. If the counterparty defaults under the Master Repo Agreements and the value of the collateral declines or if the counterparty enters an insolvency proceeding, realization of the collateral by the Portfolios may be delayed or limited. The gross values are included in the Portfolios’ Schedules of Investments. The value of the related collateral exceeded the value of the repurchase agreements at May 31, 2015.

(h) Organizational and Offering Costs. Organizational costs are expensed at the inception of the Portfolios. Offering costs are amortized over a twelve-month period from the inception of the Portfolios.

2. PRINCIPAL RISKS

In the normal course of business, the Portfolios trade financial instruments and enter into financial transactions where risk of potential loss exists due to, among other things, changes in the market (market risk) or failure of the other party to a transaction to perform (counterparty risk). The Portfolios are also exposed to other risks such as, but not limited to, interest rate, foreign currency, credit and leverage risks.

To the extent the Portfolios directly invest in foreign currencies or in securities that trade in, and receive revenues in, foreign currencies, or in derivatives that provide exposure to foreign currencies, they will be subject to the risk that those currencies will decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar, or, in the case of hedging positions, that the U.S. dollar will decline in value relative to the currency being hedged. Currency rates in foreign countries may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time for a number of reasons, including economic growth, inflation, changes in interest rates, intervention (or the failure to intervene) by U.S. or foreign governments, central banks or supranational entities such as the International Monetary Fund, or the imposition of currency controls or other political developments in the United States or abroad. As a result, the Portfolios’ investments in foreign currency-denominated securities may reduce the returns of the Portfolios. The local emerging markets currencies in which the Portfolios may be invested may experience substantially greater volatility against the U.S. dollar than the major convertible currencies in developed countries.

The Portfolios are subject to elements of risk not typically associated with investments in the U.S., due to concentrated investments in foreign issuers located in a specific country or region. Such concentrations will subject the Portfolios to additional risks resulting from future political or economic conditions in such country or region and the possible imposition of adverse governmental laws or currency exchange restrictions affecting such country or region, which could cause the securities and their markets to be less liquid and prices more volatile than those of comparable U.S. companies.

The market values of securities may decline due to general market conditions (market risk) which are not specifically related to a particular company, such as real or perceived adverse economic conditions, changes in the general outlook for corporate earnings, changes in interest or currency rates, adverse changes to credit markets or adverse investor sentiment. They may also decline due to factors that affect a particular industry or industries, such as labor shortages or increased production costs and competitive conditions within an industry. Equity securities and equity-related investments generally have greater market price volatility than fixed income securities, although under certain market conditions fixed income securities may have comparable or greater price volatility. Credit ratings downgrades may also negatively affect securities held by the Portfolios. Even when markets perform well, there is no assurance that the investments held by the Portfolios will increase in value along with the broader market. In addition, market risk includes the risk that geopolitical events will disrupt the economy on a national or global level.

The Portfolios are exposed to counterparty risk, or the risk that an institution or other entity with which the Portfolios have unsettled or open transactions will default. The potential loss to the Portfolios could exceed the value of the financial assets recorded in the Portfolios’ financial statements. Financial assets, which potentially expose the Portfolios to counterparty risk, consist principally of cash due from counterparties and investments. The Sub-Adviser seeks to minimize the Portfolios’ counterparty risk by performing reviews of each counterparty and by minimizing concentration of counterparty risk by undertaking transactions with multiple customers and counterparties on recognized and reputable exchanges. Delivery of securities sold is only made once the Portfolios’ have received payment. Payment is made on a purchase once the securities have been delivered by the counterparty. The trade will fail if either party fails to meet its obligation.

 

        23   Semi-Annual Report/May 31, 2015


Table of Contents

Notes to Financial Statements

May 31, 2015 (unaudited) (continued)

 

3. FINANCIAL DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS

Disclosure about derivatives and hedging activities requires qualitative disclosure regarding objectives and strategies for using derivatives, quantitative disclosure about fair value amounts of gains and losses on derivatives, and disclosure about credit-risk-related contingent features in derivative agreements. The disclosure requirements distinguish between derivatives which are accounted for as “hedges”, and those that do not qualify for such accounting. Although the Portfolios at times use derivatives for hedging purposes, the Portfolios reflect derivatives at fair value and recognize changes in fair value through the Portfolios’ Statements of Operations, and such derivatives do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment.

Option Transactions. The Portfolios purchase put and call options on securities and indices for hedging purposes, risk management purposes or otherwise as part of their investment strategies. The risks associated with purchasing an option include the risk that the Portfolios pay a premium whether or not the option is exercised. Additionally, the Portfolios bear the risk of loss of premiums and changes in market value should the counterparty not perform under the contract. Put and call options purchased are accounted for in the same manner as portfolio securities. The cost of securities acquired through the exercise of call options is increased by the premiums paid. The proceeds from securities sold through the exercise of put options are decreased by the premiums paid.

The Portfolios may write (sell) put and call options on securities and indices to earn premiums, for hedging purposes, risk management purposes or otherwise as part of their investment strategies. When an option is written, the premium received is recorded as an asset with an equal liability that is subsequently marked to market to reflect the market value of the option written. These liabilities, if any, are reflected as options written in the Portfolios’ Statements of Assets and Liabilities. Premiums received from writing options which expire unexercised are recorded on the expiration date as a realized gain. The difference between the premium received and the amount paid on effecting a closing purchase transaction, including brokerage commissions, is also treated as a realized gain, or if the premium is less than the amount paid for the closing purchase transaction, as a realized loss. If a call option written is exercised, the premium is added to the proceeds from the sale of the underlying security in determining whether there has been a realized gain or loss. If a put option written is exercised, the premium reduces the cost basis of the security. In writing an option, the Portfolios bear the market risk of an unfavorable change in the price of the security underlying the written option. Exercise of a written option could result in the Portfolios purchasing a security at a price different from its current market value.

Forward Foreign Currency Contracts. A forward foreign currency contract is an agreement between two parties to buy and sell a currency at a set exchange rate on a future date. The Portfolios enter into these contracts for purposes of increasing exposure to a foreign currency or shifting exposure to foreign currency fluctuations from one country to another. The market value of a forward foreign currency contract fluctuates with changes in foreign currency exchange rates. All commitments are marked to market daily at the applicable exchange rates and any resulting unrealized appreciation or depreciation is recorded. Realized gains or losses are recorded at the time the forward contract matures or by delivery of the currency. Risks may arise upon entering into these contracts from the potential inability of counterparties to meet the terms of their contracts and from unanticipated movements in the value of a foreign currency relative to the U.S. dollar. In addition, these contracts may involve market risk in excess of the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) reflected in the Portfolios’ Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

The following is a summary of the Portfolios’ derivatives categorized by risk exposure.

The effect of derivatives on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities at May 31, 2015:

AllianzGI U.S. Unconstrained Equity:

 

Location   

          Market

           Price

 

Liability derivatives:

  

Options written, at value

   $          (1,416)

 

 

        24   Semi-Annual Report/May 31, 2015


Table of Contents

 Notes to Financial Statements

May 31, 2015 (unaudited)

 

The effect of derivatives on the Statements of Operations for the six months ended May 31, 2015:

AllianzGI Global Small-Cap Opportunities:

 

Location  

      Foreign

      Exchange

      Contracts

     

 

Net realized gain on:

   

Foreign currency transactions (forward foreign currency contracts)

  $ 1,518     

 

 

AllianzGI U.S. Unconstrained Equity:

 

Location  

      Market

      Price

     

 

Net realized (loss) on:

   

Investments (options purchased)

  $ (6,227  

Options written

    (14,710  

 

Total net realized (loss)

  $ (20,937  

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of:

   

Investments (options purchased)

  $ (12,272  

Options written

    1,860     

 

 

Total net unrealized (loss )

 

   $

 

(10,412

 

 

 

 

The average volume (measured at each fiscal quarter-end) of derivative activity during the six months ended May 31, 2015:

 

     Options  
Purchased  
Contracts(1)  
     Options    
Written    
Contracts(1)    
 

 

 

AllianzGI U.S. Unconstrained Equity

     37         27     

(1) Number of contracts

4. INVESTMENT MANAGER/DISTRIBUTOR FEES/DEFERRED COMPENSATION

Investment Management Fee.  Each Portfolio has an Investment Management Agreement (collectively the “Agreements”) with the Investment Manager. Subject to the supervision of the Trust’s Board, the Investment Manager is responsible for managing, either directly or through others selected by it, each Portfolio’s investment activities, business affairs and administrative matters. Pursuant to the Agreements, the Investment Manager receives an annual fee, payable monthly (net of any fee waivers, reimbursements and recoupment), at an annual rate of each Portfolio’s average daily net assets (the “Investment Management Fee”). Pursuant to its Agreement, AllianzGI Global Small-Cap Opportunities Portfolio pays the Investment Manager an annual fee, payable monthly, at an annual rate of 0.90% of its average daily net assets. Pursuant to its Agreement, AllianzGI U.S. Unconstrained Equity Portfolio pays the Investment Manager an annual fee, payable monthly, at an annual rate of 0.75% of its average daily net assets.

The Investment Manager has retained the Sub-Adviser to manage the Portfolios’ investments. Subject to the supervision of the Investment Manager, the Sub-Adviser is responsible for making all of the Portfolios’ investment decisions. The Investment Manager, not the Portfolios, pays a portion of the fees it receives as Investment Manager to the Sub-Adviser in return for its services.

“Due to Investment Manager” on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities represents the remaining payable for the Portfolios’ offering costs that were paid by the Investment Manager.

 

        25   Semi-Annual Report/May 31, 2015


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Notes to Financial Statements

May 31, 2015 (unaudited) (continued)

 

Distribution Fees.  Allianz Global Investors Distributors LLC (the “Distributor”), an affiliate of AAM, the Investment Manager and the Sub-Adviser serves as the distributor of the Portfolios’ shares pursuant to a Distribution Contract. The Distributor, for each of the Portfolios, currently receives no compensation in connection with the services it provides under the Distribution Contract.

Deferred Compensation. Trustees do not currently receive any pension or retirement benefits from the Trust. The Trust has adopted a deferred compensation plan for the Trustees that went into place at the beginning of this calendar year and permits the Trustees to defer their receipt of compensation from the Trust, at their election, in accordance with the terms of the plan. Under the plan, each Trustee may elect not to receive all or a portion of his or her fees from the Trust on a current basis but to receive in a subsequent period chosen by the Trustee an amount equal to the value of such compensation if such compensation had been invested in one or more series of Allianz Portfolios selected by the Trustees from and after the normal payment dates for such compensation. The deferred compensation program is structured such that the Trust remains in substantially the same financial position whether Trustee fees are paid when earned or deferred.

5. EXPENSE LIMITATION AND RECOUPMENT

The Trust and the Investment Manager have entered into an Expense Limitation Agreement.

 

Portfolio   Expense Limitation            

AllianzGI Global Small Cap- Opportunities (1)

  1.20%         

AllianzGI U.S. Unconstrained Equity (2)

  1.00%         
              

(1) The Investment Manager has contractually agreed, until March 31, 2016, to irrevocably waive its management fee and/or reimburse the Portfolio, to the extent that, Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses, excluding interest, taxes, and extraordinary expenses, acquired fund expenses, and certain credits and other expenses, exceed 1.20%. Under the Expense Limitation Agreement, the Investment Manager may recoup waived or reimbursed amounts for three years, provided total expenses, including such recoupment, do not exceed the annual expense limit. The Expense Limitation Agreement is terminable by the Trust upon 90 days’ prior written notice to the Investment Manager or at any time by mutual agreement of the parties.

   

(2) The Investment Manager has contractually agreed, until March 31, 2016, to irrevocably waive its management fee and/or reimburse the Portfolio, to the extent that, Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses, excluding interest, taxes, and extraordinary expenses, acquired fund expenses, and certain credits and other expenses, exceed 1.00%. Under the Expense Limitation Agreement, the Investment Manager may recoup waived or reimbursed amounts for three years, provided total expenses, including such recoupment, do not exceed the annual expense limit. The Expense Limitation Agreement is terminable by the Trust upon 90 days’ prior written notice to the Investment Manager or at any time by mutual agreement of

   

the parties.

   

The Investment Manager, as per the Expense Limitation Agreement, may recoup reimbursed amounts for a period of up to three years, provided total expenses, including such recoupment, do not exceed the annual expense limit in effect at the time of such reimbursements. During the six months ended May 31, 2015, the Investment Manager did not recoup any expenses from the Portfolios. The following represents the amounts that can be recouped by the Investment Manager as of May 31, 2015.

 

     Unrecouped Expenses  
     Reimbursed through  
       Year ended November 30, 2014    
  

 

 

 
        
  

 

 

 

AllianzGI Global Small-Cap Opportunities

     $132,292     

AllianzGI U.S. Unconstrained Equity

     137,152     

 

        26   Semi-Annual Report/May 31, 2015


Table of Contents

Notes to Financial Statements

May 31, 2015 (unaudited) (continued)

 

6. INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES

For the six months ended May 31, 2015, purchases and sales of investments, other than short-term securities were:

 

     Purchases   Sales
  

 

AllianzGI Global Small-Cap Opportunities

   $4,764,164   $5,054,019

AllianzGI U.S. Unconstrained Equity

   1,531,390   1,333,794

Transactions in options written for the six months ended May 31, 2015:

AllianzGI U.S. Unconstrained Equity:

 

              Contracts   Premiums     

Options outstanding, November 30, 2014

      22   $      3,272           

Options written

      195   36,167          

Options terminated in closing transactions

      (178)   (32,027)         

Options expired

      (27)   (2,684)         

Options outstanding, May 31, 2015

      12   $      4,728          
                     

7. INCOME TAX INFORMATION

At May 31, 2015, the aggregate cost basis and the net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments (before options written) for federal income tax purposes were:

 

      Federal Tax   
  Cost Basis(1)
       Unrealized  
     Appreciation
       Unrealized  
     Depreciation
  

    Net Unrealized 

        Appreciation 

AllianzGI Global Small-Cap Opportunities

      $4,750,787                $559,890                $101,272                $458,618    

AllianzGI U.S. Unconstrained Equity

      2,782,180                 248,903                 160,455                 88,448      

(1) Differences, if any, between book and tax cost basis were attributable to wash sale loss deferrals.

8. SHARES OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST

 

       

  AllianzGI Global Small-Cap    

Opportunities        

       

Six Months ended        

May 31, 2015        

(unaudited)        

        Shares    Amount

Shares sold:

      

Issued in reinvestment of dividends:

    917    $13,303

Cost of shares redeemed

      

Net increase

    917    $13,303

9. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNT HOLDERS

From time to time, a Portfolio may have a concentration of shareholders, which may include the Investment Manager or affiliates of the Investment Manager, holding a significant percentage of shares outstanding. Investment activities of these shareholders could have a material impact to a Portfolio.

At May 31, 2015, AFI held 100% of the outstanding shares in AllianzGI Global Small-Cap Opportunities Portfolio and AllianzGI U.S. Unconstrained Equity Portfolio.

 

        27   Semi-Annual Report/May 31, 2015


Table of Contents

 Notes to Financial Statements

May 31, 2015 (unaudited) (continued)

 

10. AFFILIATED TRANSACTIONS

An affiliate includes any company in which a Sub-Adviser owns 5% or more of a company’s outstanding voting securities at any point during the fiscal year. The table below represents transactions in and earnings from these affiliated issuers during the six months ended May 31, 2015:

AllianzGI Global Small-Cap Opportunities

    

  Market Value  

11/30/2014

 

    

    Purchases    

at Cost

 

    

Proceeds

    from Sales    

 

    

Unrealized
Appreciation

  (Depreciation)  

 

    

  Market Value  

5/31/2015

 

    

Dividend      

Income        

 

    

Net Realized            

Gain(Loss)

 

 

 

 

Andersons, Inc. †

   $ 55,661               $ 55,042                                     $ (11,982)          

Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. †

     36,017                 31,351                         $ 217         (10,123)          

Meritor, Inc. †,††

     22,387                 18,775                                 (2,460)          

Select Medical Holdings Corp. †

     44,733                 42,018                         183         (6,834)          

SimCorp A/S ††

           $ 20,475               $ 1,561       $ 22,036         281         —          
  

 

 

 

Totals

   $ 158,798       $ 20,475       $ 147,186       $ 1,561       $ 22,036         $ 681             $ (31,399)          
  

 

 

 

Not affiliated at May 31, 2015.

†† Not affiliated at May 31, 2014.

The percentages and market values below represent portfolio holdings that were considered affiliated at May 31, 2015:

 

Issuer Name    Sub-Adviser’s
% Holding
   Market Value     

  Market Value as a  

% of Fund’s
Net Assets

 

SimCorp A/S

   14.15%    $ 22,036       0.41%

11. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

In preparing these financial statements, the Portfolios’ management has evaluated events and transactions for potential recognition or disclosure through the date the financial statements were issued.

On June 3, 2015, the Board approved a change to the Trust’s fiscal year end from November 30 to September 30. The change will be effective September 30, 2015.

On July 23, 2015, AllianzGI Global Small-Cap Opportunities declares dividends from net investment income of $0.00335 per share, payable July 23, 2015 to shareholders of record on July 22, 2015.

There were no other subsequent events identified that require recognition or disclosure.

 

        28   Semi-Annual Report/May 31, 2015


Table of Contents

(Unaudited)

Shareholder Meeting Results

 

The Funds held a special shareholder meeting on December 18, 2014 for

the election of Trustees to the Board of Trustees.

Shareholders voted as indicated below:

 

     Institutional Multi-Series Trust  
  

 

 

 
     Shareholders             Shareholders    
     Voting in the             Withholding    
     Affirmative             Authority    

 

 

Election of Davey S. Scoon

     533,333                      

Re-election of Deborah A. Decotis

     533,333               

Election of F. Ford Drummond

     533,333               

Re-election of Bradford K. Gallagher

     533,333               

Re-election of James A. Jacobson

     533,333               

Re-election of Hans W. Kertess

     533,333               

Election of Susan M. King*

     533,333               

Election of James S. MacLeod

     533,333               

Re-election of William B. Ogden, IV

     533,333               

Re-election of Alan Rappaport

     533,333               

Election of Julian Sluyters*

     533,333               

 

 

* Interested Trustee

There were no abstentions or broker non-votes with regard to this election.

 

Changes to Board of Trustees:

Effective December 18, 2015, John C. Maney resigned as a Trustee of the Trust.

Effective December 18, 2014, F. Ford Drummond, Susan M. King, James S. MacLeod, Davey S. Scoon and Julian Sluyters were elected as Trustees of the Trust.

 

        29   Semi-Annual Report/May 31, 2015


Table of Contents

(Unaudited)

Privacy Policy

 

Please read this Policy carefully. It gives you important information about how Allianz Global Investors U.S. and its U.S. affiliates (“AllianzGI US,” “we” or “us”) handle non-public personal information (“Personal Information”) that we may receive about you. It applies to all of our past, present and future clients and shareholders of AllianzGI US and the funds and accounts it manages, advises, sub-advises, administers or distributes, and will continue to apply when you are no longer a client or shareholder. As used throughout this Policy, “AllianzGI US” means Allianz Global Investors U.S. LLC, Allianz Global Investors Fund Management LLC, Allianz Global Investors Distributors LLC, NFJ Investment Group LLC and the family of registered and unregistered funds managed by one or more of these firms. AllianzGI US is part of a global investment management group, and the privacy policies of other Allianz Global Investors entities outside of the United States may have provisions in their policies that differ from this Privacy Policy. Please refer to the website of the specific non-US Allianz Global Investors entity for its policy on privacy.

We Care about Your Privacy

We consider your privacy to be a fundamental aspect of our relationship with you, and we strive to maintain the confidentiality, integrity and security of your Personal Information. To ensure your privacy, we have developed policies that are designed to protect your Personal Information while allowing your needs to be served.

Information We May Collect

In the course of providing you with products and services, we may obtain Personal Information about you, which may come from sources such as account application and other forms, from other written, electronic, or verbal communications, from account transactions, from a brokerage or financial advisory firm, financial advisor or consultant, and/or from information you provide on our website.

You are not required to supply any of the Personal Information that we may request. However, failure to do so may result in us being unable to open and maintain your account, or to provide services to you.

How Your Information Is Shared

We do not disclose your Personal Information to anyone for marketing purposes. We disclose your Personal Information only to those service providers, affiliated and non-affiliated, who need the information for everyday business purposes, such as to respond to your inquiries, to perform services, and/or to service and maintain your account. This applies to all of the categories of Personal Information we collect about you. The affiliated and non-affiliated service providers who receive your Personal Information also may use it to process your transactions, provide you with materials (including preparing and mailing prospectuses and shareholder reports and gathering shareholder proxies), and provide you with account statements and other materials relating to your account. These service providers provide services at our direction, and under their agreements with us, are required to keep your Personal Information confidential and to use it only for providing the contractually required services. Our service providers may not use your Personal Information to market products and services to you except in conformance with applicable laws and regulations. We also may provide your Personal Information to your respective brokerage or financial advisory firm, custodian, and/or to your financial advisor or consultant.

In addition, we reserve the right to disclose or report Personal Information to non-affiliated third parties, in limited circumstances, where we believe in good faith that disclosure is required under law, to cooperate with regulators or law enforcement authorities or pursuant to other legal process, or to protect our rights or property, including to enforce our Privacy Policy or other agreements with you. Personal Information collected by us may also be transferred as part of a corporate sale, restructuring, bankruptcy, or other transfer of assets.

Security of Your Information

We maintain your Personal Information for as long as necessary for legitimate business purposes or otherwise as required by law. In maintaining this information, we have implemented appropriate procedures that are designed to restrict access to your Personal Information only to those who need to know that information in order to provide products and/or services to you. In addition, we have implemented physical, electronic and procedural safeguards to help protect your Personal Information.

 

        30   Semi-Annual Report/May 31, 2015


Table of Contents

(Unaudited)

Privacy Policy (continued)

 

 

Privacy and the Internet

The Personal Information that you provide through our website, as applicable, is handled in the same way as the Personal Information that you provide by any other means, as described above. This section of the Policy gives you additional information about the way in which Personal Information that is obtained online is handled.

 

  ·  

Online Enrollment, Account Access and Transactions: When you visit our website, you can visit pages that are open to the general public, or, where available, log into protected pages to enroll online, access information about your account, or conduct certain transactions. Access to the secure pages of our website is permitted only after you have created a User ID and Password. The User ID and Password must be supplied each time you want to access your account information online. This information serves to verify your identity. When you enter Personal Information into our website (including your Social Security Number or Taxpayer Identification Number and your password) to enroll or access your account online, you will log into secure pages. By using our website, you consent to this Privacy Policy and to the use of your Personal Information in accordance with the practices described in this Policy. If you provide Personal Information to effect transactions on our website, a record of the transactions you have performed while on the site is retained by us. For additional terms and conditions governing your use of our website, please refer to the Investor Mutual Fund Access – Disclaimer which is incorporated herein by reference and is available on our website.

 

  ·  

Cookies and Similar Technologies: Cookies are small text files stored in your computer’s hard drive when you visit certain web pages. Cookies and similar technologies help us to provide customized services and information. We use these technologies on our website to improve our website and services, including to evaluate the effectiveness of our site, and to enhance the site user experience. Because an industry-standard Do-Not-Track protocol is not yet established, our website will continue to operate as described in this Privacy Policy and will not be affected by any Do-Not-Track signals from any browser.

Changes to Our Privacy Policy

We may modify this Privacy Policy from time-to-time to reflect changes in related practices and procedures, or applicable laws and regulations. If we make changes, we will notify you on our website and the revised Policy will become effective immediately upon posting to our website. We also will provide account owners with a copy of our Privacy Policy annually. We encourage you to visit our website periodically to remain up to date on our Privacy Policy. You acknowledge that by using our website after we have posted changes to this Privacy Policy, you are agreeing to the terms of the Privacy Policy as modified.

Obtaining Additional Information

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or our privacy related practices in the United States, you may contact us via our dedicated email at PrivacyUS@allianzgi.com.

 

        31   Semi-Annual Report/May 31, 2015


Table of Contents

AllianzGI Institutional Multi-Series Trust

 

Trustees   
Davey S. Scoon    Investment Manager

Chairman of the Board of Trustees

  

Allianz Global Investors Fund Management LLC

Deborah A. DeCotis   

1633 Broadway

F. Ford Drummond   

New York, NY 10019

Bradford K. Gallagher   
James A. Jacobson    Sub-Adviser
Hans W. Kertess   

Allianz Global Investors U.S. LLC

Susan M. King   

1633 Broadway

James S. MacLeod   

New York, NY 10019

William B. Ogden, IV   
Alan Rappaport    Distributor
Julian Sluyters   

Allianz Global Investors Distributors LLC

  

1633 Broadway

Officers   

New York, NY 10019

Julian Sluyters   

President & Chief Executive Officer

   Custodian & Accounting Agent
Lawrence G. Altadonna   

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

Treasurer, Principal Financial & Accounting Officer

  

801 Pennsylvania Avenue

Thomas J. Fuccillo   

Kansas City, MO 64105

Vice President, Secretary & Chief Legal Officer

  
Thomas L. Harter    Transfer Agent

Chief Compliance Officer

  

Boston Financial Data Services, Inc.

Scott Whisten   

330 West 9th Street, 5th Floor

Assistant Treasurer

  

Kansas City, MO 64105

Richard J. Cochran   

Assistant Treasurer

   Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Orhan Dzemaili   

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Assistant Treasurer

  

300 Madison Avenue

Richard H. Kirk   

New York, NY 10017

Assistant Secretary

  
Paul Koo (1)    Legal Counsel

Assistant Secretary

  

Ropes & Gray LLC

  

Prudential Tower

  

800 Boylston Street

  

Boston, MA 02199

This report, including the financial information herein, is transmitted to the shareholders of the Trust for their information. It is not a prospectus, circular or representation intended for use in the purchase of shares of each Portfolio or any securities mentioned in this report.

The Financial information included herein is taken from the records of the Portfolios without examination by an independent registered public accounting firm, who did not express an opinion herein.

(1) Paul Koo is Assistant Secretary of the Trust with a limited liability authority to open, maintain and close certain custodial and trading accounts for all series of the Trust.

 

AGI-2015-06-02-12384

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Table of Contents

ITEM 2. CODE OF ETHICS

 

(a) Not required in this filing.

ITEM 3. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT

Not required in this filing.

ITEM 4. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

Not required in this filing.

ITEM 5. AUDIT COMMITTEE OF LISTED REGISTRANT

Disclosure not required for open-end management investment companies.

ITEM 6. SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

 

(a) Schedule of Investments is included as part of the report to shareholders 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

Disclosure not required for open-end management investment companies.

 

ITEM 8. PORTFOLIO MANAGERS OF CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES

Disclosure not required for open-end management investment companies.

 

ITEM 9. PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANY AND AFFILIATED COMPANIES.

Disclosure not required for open-end management investment companies.

ITEM 10.            SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

There were no material changes to the procedures by which shareholders may recommend nominees to the Fund’s Board of Trustees since the Fund’s last provided disclosure in response to this item.

ITEM 11.          CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

(a) The registrant’s President and Treasurer, Principal Financial & Accounting Officer have concluded that the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Act (17 CFR 270.30a-3(c))), are effective based on their evaluation of these controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of this document.

 

(b) There were no significant changes in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Act (17 CFR 270.30a-3(d))) that occurred during the second fiscal quarter of the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

ITEM 12.        EXHIBITS

(a) (1) Not required in this filing.

(a) (2) Exhibit 99.302 Cert. — Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

(a) (3) Not applicable

(b) Exhibit 99.906 Cert. — Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002


Table of Contents

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) AllianzGI Institutional Multi-Series Trust  
By:  

  /s/ Julian Sluyters

 
        Julian Sluyters,  
        President & Chief Executive Officer  

Date: August 7, 2015

 

 

By:  

/s/ Lawrence G. Altadonna

 
      Lawrence G. Altadonna  
      Treasurer, Principal Financial & Accounting Officer  

Date: August 7, 2015

 

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/ Julian Sluyters

 
              Julian Sluyters,  
              President & Chief Executive Officer  

Date: August 7, 2015

 

 

By:  

      /s/ Lawrence G. Altadonna

 
            Lawrence G. Altadonna,  
            Treasurer, Principal Financial & Accounting Officer  

Date: August 7, 2015