N-CSR 1 a16-1229_2ncsr.htm N-CSR

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM N-CSR

 

CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED
MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES

 

Investment Company Act file number

811-01829

 

Columbia Acorn Trust

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

 

227 W. Monroe Street
Suite 3000
Chicago, IL

 

60606

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(Zip code)

 

Mary C. Moynihan
Perkins Coie LLP
700 13
th Street, NW
Suite 600
Washington, DC 20005

 

Paul B. Goucher, Esq

Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC

100 Park Avenue

New York, New York 10017

 

P. Zachary Egan

Columbia Acorn Trust

227 West Monroe Street

Suite 3000

Chicago, Illinois 60606

(Name and address of agent for service)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:

(312) 634-9200

 

 

Date of fiscal year end:

December 31

 

 

Date of reporting period:

December 31, 2015

 

 

Form N-CSR is to be used by management investment companies to file reports with the Commission not later than 10 days after the transmission to stockholders of any report that is required to be transmitted to stockholders under Rule 30e-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (17 CFR 270.30e-1). The Commission may use the information provided on Form N-CSR in its regulatory, disclosure review, inspection, and policymaking roles.

 

A registrant is required to disclose the information specified by Form N-CSR, and the Commission will make this information public. A registrant is not required to respond to the collection of information contained in Form N-CSR unless the Form displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget (“OMB”) control number. Please direct comments concerning the accuracy of the information collection burden estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 450 Fifth Street, NW, Washington, DC 20549-0609. The OMB has reviewed this collection of information under the clearance requirements of 44 U.S.C. § 3507.

 



 

Item 1. Reports to Stockholders.

 



ANNUAL REPORT

December 31, 2015

COLUMBIA ACORN FAMILY OF FUNDS

Class A, B, C, I, R, R4, R5, Y and Z Shares
Managed by Columbia Wanger Asset Management, LLC

Columbia Acorn® Fund

Columbia Acorn International®

Columbia Acorn USA®

Columbia Acorn International SelectSM

Columbia Acorn SelectSM

Columbia Thermostat FundSM

Columbia Acorn Emerging Markets FundSM

Columbia Acorn European FundSM



COLUMBIA ACORN FAMILY OF FUNDS

>NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE as of 12/31/15

  Columbia
Acorn Fund®
  Columbia
Acorn
International®
  Columbia
Acorn
USA®
  Columbia
Acorn
International
SelectSM
  Columbia
Acorn
SelectSM
  Columbia
Thermostat
FundSM
  Columbia
Acorn
Emerging
Markets
FundSM
  Columbia
Acorn
European
FundSM
 

Class A

 

$

17.63

   

$

39.08

   

$

20.25

   

$

21.33

   

$

13.94

   

$

14.31

   

$

10.24

   

$

14.75

   

Class B

 

$

13.70

   

$

37.80

   

$

16.05

   

$

20.09

   

$

10.82

   

$

14.42

     

N/A

     

N/A

   

Class C

 

$

13.16

   

$

37.65

   

$

16.00

   

$

19.96

   

$

10.51

   

$

14.41

   

$

10.20

   

$

14.63

   

Class I

 

$

19.43

   

$

39.15

   

$

22.40

   

$

21.57

   

$

15.36

     

N/A

   

$

10.26

   

$

14.74

   

Class R

   

N/A

   

$

39.07

     

N/A

     

N/A

     

N/A

     

N/A

     

N/A

     

N/A

   

Class R4

 

$

19.84

   

$

39.41

   

$

22.85

   

$

21.74

   

$

15.69

   

$

14.19

   

$

10.32

   

$

14.82

   

Class R5

 

$

19.92

   

$

39.10

   

$

22.90

   

$

21.72

   

$

15.74

   

$

14.20

   

$

10.32

   

$

14.89

   

Class Y

 

$

20.00

   

$

39.41

   

$

22.99

   

$

21.71

   

$

15.83

   

$

14.18

   

$

10.23

     

N/A

   

Class Z

 

$

19.34

   

$

39.12

   

$

22.19

   

$

21.58

   

$

15.24

   

$

14.12

   

$

10.26

   

$

14.75

   

                

Class I shares are available only to the Columbia funds, such as Columbia Thermostat Fund, and are not available to individual investors. Class R, R4, R5, Y and Z shares are sold at net asset value and have limited eligibility. Please see the Funds' prospectuses for details. The Columbia Acorn Family of Funds offer multiple share classes, not all necessarily available through all financial intermediaries, and the ratings assigned to the various share classes by mutual fund rating agencies may vary. Contact us for details.

The views expressed in the report commentaries reflect the current views of the respective authors. These views are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict, so actual outcomes and results may differ significantly from the views expressed. These views are subject to change at any time based upon economic, market or other conditions and the respective authors disclaim any responsibility to update such views. These views may not be relied upon as investment advice and, because investment decisions for a Columbia Acorn Fund are based on numerous factors, may not be relied upon as an indication of trading intent on behalf of any particular Columbia Acorn Fund. References to a specific company's securities should not be construed as a recommendation or investment advice and there can be no assurance that as of the date of publication of this report, the securities mentioned in each Fund's portfolio are still held or that the securities sold have not been repurchased.

Acorn®, Acorn USA® and Acorn International® are service marks owned and registered by Columbia Acorn Trust.




LETTER TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM THE
COLUMBIA ACORN TRUST BOARD OF TRUSTEES

2015 proved to be a challenging year for the domestic and global equity markets. Concerns around global growth, the continued weakness in energy and other commodity prices, a strengthening U.S. dollar, the U.S. Federal Reserve raising interest rates and declining growth in China were among the themes adversely affecting equity prices. Our Funds' primary goal is to provide shareholders with returns above their respective benchmarks, regardless of market conditions, over the long term. We are pleased that the domestic Funds outperformed their respective benchmarks for the one-year period in 2015, although the international Funds did not.

The Columbia Acorn Funds' Board of Trustees ("Board") has been particularly focused on monitoring the steps the Funds' adviser, Columbia Wanger Asset Management, LLC ("CWAM"), has taken throughout 2015 to enhance its investment process and performance in this dynamic and changing marketplace. CWAM worked hard to reposition the domestic Funds' portfolios, added investment talent to the firm and allocated additional resources to critical support teams.

With respect to new talent, the Board looks forward to their contributions in 2016. Matthew Litfin is an important addition to the domestic team. He joined CWAM in December, bringing a strong long-term performance record managing global small- and mid-cap growth strategies. Matt's experience also includes a focus on performance and risk analytics that the Board believes will serve the Funds well. Effective January 1, 2016, Matt became a co-manager of our largest Fund, Columbia Acorn Fund, along with current co-managers, P. Zachary Egan and Fritz Kaegi, and commenced service as the lead portfolio manager of Columbia Acorn USA, which is co-managed by William Doyle. Matt has also assumed the position of domestic director of research at CWAM. The Board believes Columbia Acorn Fund and Columbia Acorn USA will be in good hands with Matt and the other members of the CWAM investment team. Other additions at CWAM include a seasoned international investment analyst focused on Europe, the United Kingdom and banks; an experienced professional who the Board believes will bolster the Investment Performance and Risk Analytics Team; and finally, a new Chief Operating Officer.

The Board monitors fees on an ongoing basis to ensure they are competitive in the marketplace for each Fund. This year, we sought and obtained a 20 basis point waiver of investment advisory fees for Columbia Acorn Select, which took effect in May 2015. This waiver is designed to help improve shareholder returns in the same magnitude. We are pleased to report that Columbia Acorn

Select's one-year returns were ahead of its benchmark at year end.

While the uptick in domestic Fund performance is good news, the international Funds' returns for the one-year period were below benchmark during 2015. We believe that the international Funds' portfolio managers understand the reasons for the recent underperformance and have taken steps to improve returns, including adding more investment resources to the Funds. The Board has confidence in CWAM's plans to improve the performance of the international Funds and hopes to see better results for them in 2016.

Oversight over cybersecurity risk management has become a core responsibility of mutual fund boards in the past several years and is currently an active area of SEC scrutiny. The Board formed an Ad Hoc IT/Data Security Committee in 2014 to address cybersecurity issues. The Committee has met regularly since that time and requested and received from CWAM and its parent company a regular reporting scheme covering a host of IT-related issues, including but not limited to vendor management, identity access and management, disaster recovery and business continuity and threat and vulnerability management. We cannot eliminate or prevent cyber attacks, but the Board has actively sought to ensure that CWAM and the Funds' other service providers are working to identify, understand, manage and mitigate the risks of such attacks through appropriate policies and procedures that seek to protect fund and shareholder data.

Finally, the Board wishes to thank Robert Mohn, who retired on October 1, for his many years of distinguished service to the Columbia Acorn Funds. Rob served as lead manager and co-manager of Columbia Acorn Fund and Columbia Acorn USA. We were also saddened by the passing in November of Robert Chalupnik, who served with dedication as a lead manager of Columbia Acorn Select.

The Board will remain vigilant in 2016 in monitoring CWAM's investment process and Fund performance, and appreciates your continued support and confidence in the Columbia Acorn Funds.

Laura Born
Independent Chair, Board of Trustees
Columbia Acorn Trust



COLUMBIA ACORN FAMILY OF FUNDS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Description of Indexes

   

1

   

Share Class Performance

   

2

   

Fund Performance vs. Benchmarks

   

3

   

Columbia Acorn® Fund

 

In a Nutshell

   

4

   

At a Glance

   

5

   

Major Portfolio Changes

   

28

   

Statement of Investments

   

30

   

Columbia Acorn International®

 

In a Nutshell

   

6

   

At a Glance

   

7

   

Major Portfolio Changes

   

38

   

Statement of Investments

   

41

   

Portfolio Diversification

   

48

   

Columbia Acorn USA®

 

In a Nutshell

   

8

   

At a Glance

   

9

   

Major Portfolio Changes

   

49

   

Statement of Investments

   

51

   

Columbia Acorn International SelectSM

 

In a Nutshell

   

10

   

At a Glance

   

11

   

Major Portfolio Changes

   

57

   

Statement of Investments

   

58

   

Portfolio Diversification

   

62

   

Columbia Acorn SelectSM

 

In a Nutshell

   

12

   

At a Glance

   

13

   

Major Portfolio Changes

   

63

   

Statement of Investments

   

64

   

Columbia Thermostat FundSM

 

In a Nutshell

   

14

   

At a Glance

   

15

   

Statement of Investments

   

68

   

Columbia Acorn Emerging Markets FundSM

 

In a Nutshell

   

16

   

At a Glance

   

17

   

Major Portfolio Changes

   

70

   

Statement of Investments

   

72

   

Portfolio Diversification

   

77

   

Columbia Acorn European FundSM

 

In a Nutshell

   

18

   

At a Glance

   

19

   

Major Portfolio Changes

   

78

   

Statement of Investments

   

80

   

Portfolio Diversification

   

84

   

Squirrel Chatter: Behavioral Economics

   

20

   

2015 Year-End Distributions

   

23

   

Understanding Your Expenses

   

25

   

Columbia Acorn Family of Funds

 

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

   

86

   

Statements of Operations

   

88

   

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

   

90

   

Financial Highlights

   

96

   

Notes to Financial Statements

   

112

   
Report of Independent Registered Public
Accounting Firm
   

125

   

Federal Income Tax Information (Unaudited)

   

126

   

Board of Trustees and Management

   

127

   

Expense Information

   

130

   


COLUMBIA ACORN FAMILY OF FUNDS

DESCRIPTIONS OF INDEXES INCLUDED IN THIS REPORT

•  50/50 Blended Benchmark, established by the Fund's investment manager, is an equally weighted custom composite of Columbia Thermostat Fund's primary equity and primary debt benchmarks, the S&P 500® Index and the Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index, respectively. The percentage of the Fund's assets allocated to underlying stock and bond portfolio funds will vary, and accordingly the composition of the Fund's portfolio will not always reflect the composition of the 50/50 Blended Benchmark.

•  Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index is a market value-weighted index that tracks the daily price, coupon, pay-downs and total return performance of fixed-rate, publicly placed, dollar-denominated and non-convertible investment grade debt issues with at least $250 million par amount outstanding and with at least one year to final maturity.

•  Euromoney Smaller European Companies (inc. UK) Index is an index of smaller companies in Europe including the UK market. The Euromoney Smaller European Companies Index covers companies of small- and mid-cap market capitalization in Europe's developed markets. The index is rebalanced on a quarterly basis.

•  Lipper Indexes are composed of the 10 or 30 largest funds in the Lipper investment objective grouping. Lipper Mid-Cap Growth Funds Index, 30 largest mid-cap growth funds, including Columbia Acorn Fund; Lipper International Small/Mid Growth Funds Index, 10 largest non-U.S. small/mid growth funds, including Columbia Acorn International and Columbia Acorn International Select; Lipper Small-Cap Growth Funds Index, 30 largest small-cap growth funds, including Columbia Acorn USA; Lipper Mid-Cap Core Funds Index, 30 largest mid-cap core funds; Lipper Flexible Portfolio Funds Index, an equal-weighted index of the 30 largest mutual funds within the Flexible Portfolio fund classification, as defined by Lipper; Lipper Emerging Markets Index, 30 largest emerging markets funds; Lipper European Region Index, 10 largest European funds.

•  MSCI AC Europe Small Cap Index (Net) captures a small-cap representation across 21 markets in Europe. The index covers approximately 14% of the free float-adjusted market capitalization across each market country in Europe.

•  MSCI ACWI ex USA Index (Net) captures a large- and mid-cap representation across 22 of 23 developed market countries (excluding the U.S.) and 23 emerging market countries. The index covers approximately 85% of the global equity opportunity set outside the United States.

•  MSCI ACWI ex USA SMID Cap Index (Net) captures a mid- and small-cap representation across 22 of 23 developed market countries (excluding the U.S.) and 23 emerging market countries. The index covers approximately 28% of the free float-adjusted market capitalization in each country.

•  MSCI Emerging Markets SMID Cap Index (Net) captures a mid- and small-cap representation across 23 emerging market countries. The index covers approximately 29% of the free float-adjusted market capitalization in each country.

•  MSCI Emerging Markets Small Cap Index (Net), a widely recognized international benchmark, is a free float-adjusted market capitalization index that is designed to measure small-cap emerging market equity performance in 23 emerging market countries, as determined by MSCI. The MSCI Emerging Markets Small Cap Index (Net) currently consists of the following emerging market country indexes: Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, Egypt, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Russia, South Africa, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey and United Arab Emirates.

•  MSCI Europe, Australasia and Far East (EAFE) Index (Net) is a capitalization-weighted index that tracks the total return of common stocks in 21 developed-market countries within Europe, Australasia and the Far East. The returns of the MSCI EAFE Index (Net) are presented net of the withholding tax rate applicable to foreign non-resident institutional investors in the foreign companies included in the index who do not benefit from double taxation treaties.

•  Russell 2000 Index measures the performance of the 2,000 smallest companies in the Russell 3000 Index, which represents approximately 10% of the total market capitalization of the Russell 3000 Index.

•  Russell 2500 Index measures the performance of the 2,500 smallest companies in the Russell 3000 Index, which represents approximately 17% of the total market capitalization of the Russell 3000 Index.

•  Standard & Poor's (S&P) 500® Index tracks the performance of 500 widely held, large-capitalization U.S. stocks.

•  S&P Developed Ex-U.S. Between $2B and $10B® Index is a subset of the broad market selected by the index sponsor that represents the mid-cap developed market, excluding the United States.

•  S&P Emerging Markets Between $500M and $5B® Index represents the institutionally investable capital of 22 emerging market countries, as determined by S&P, with market caps ranging between $500 million to $5 billion. The index currently consists of the following emerging market country indexes: Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, Egypt, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Russia, South Africa, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey and United Arab Emirates.

•  S&P Europe Between $500M and $5B® Index represents the institutionally investable capital of 16 European countries, as determined by S&P, with market caps ranging between $500 million to $5 billion. The index consists of the following European countries: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

•  S&P Global Ex-U.S. SmallCap® Index consists of the bottom 20% of institutionally investable capital of developed and emerging countries, excluding the United States.

•  S&P Global Ex-U.S. Between $500M and $5B® Index is a subset of the broad market selected by the index sponsor that represents the mid- and small-cap developed and emerging markets, excluding the United States.

•  S&P MidCap 400® Index is a market value-weighted index that tracks the performance of 400 mid-cap U.S. companies.

Unlike mutual funds, indexes are not managed and do not incur fees or expenses. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.


1



COLUMBIA ACORN FAMILY OF FUNDS

SHARE CLASS PERFORMANCE Average Annual Total Returns Through 12/31/15

   

Class A

 

Class B

 

Class C

 

Class I

 

Class R

 

Class R4

 

Class R5

 

Class Y

 

Class Z

 

  Without
Sales
Charge
  With
Sales
Charge*
  Without
Sales
Charge
  With
Sales
Charge*
  Without
Sales
Charge
  With
Sales
Charge*
                     

 

Columbia Acorn Fund

 
1 year    

-1.87

%

   

-7.52

%

   

-2.81

%

   

-5.39

%

   

-2.57

%

   

-3.07

%

   

-1.53

%

   

N/A

     

-1.75

%

   

-1.60

%

   

-1.54

%

   

-1.57

%

 
5 years    

7.57

%

   

6.31

%

   

6.85

%

   

6.70

%

   

6.79

%

   

6.79

%

   

7.95

%

   

N/A

     

7.83

%

   

7.90

%

   

7.94

%

   

7.88

%

 
10 years    

6.58

%

   

5.96

%

   

5.90

%

   

5.90

%

   

5.78

%

   

5.78

%

   

6.93

%

   

N/A

     

6.87

%

   

6.90

%

   

6.92

%

   

6.89

%

 

Columbia Acorn International

 
1 year    

-1.59

%

   

-7.25

%

   

-2.53

%

   

-7.21

%

   

-2.33

%

   

-3.27

%

   

-1.23

%

   

-1.98

%

   

-1.41

%

   

-1.29

%

   

-1.23

%

   

-1.33

%

 
5 years    

3.52

%

   

2.31

%

   

2.73

%

   

2.39

%

   

2.75

%

   

2.75

%

   

3.92

%

   

3.16

%

   

3.79

%

   

3.87

%

   

3.89

%

   

3.84

%

 
10 years    

6.33

%

   

5.70

%

   

5.60

%

   

5.60

%

   

5.53

%

   

5.53

%

   

6.73

%

   

6.00

%

   

6.66

%

   

6.69

%

   

6.71

%

   

6.68

%

 

Columbia Acorn USA

 
1 year    

-1.60

%

   

-7.26

%

   

-3.29

%

   

-6.46

%

   

-2.28

%

   

-2.92

%

   

-1.19

%

   

N/A

     

-1.36

%

   

-1.23

%

   

-1.23

%

   

-1.36

%

 
5 years    

8.65

%

   

7.37

%

   

7.64

%

   

7.45

%

   

7.89

%

   

7.89

%

   

9.08

%

   

N/A

     

8.94

%

   

8.99

%

   

9.02

%

   

8.93

%

 
10 years    

5.88

%

   

5.26

%

   

5.05

%

   

5.05

%

   

5.10

%

   

5.10

%

   

6.24

%

   

N/A

     

6.18

%

   

6.20

%

   

6.21

%

   

6.17

%

 

Columbia Acorn International Select

 
1 year    

-1.30

%

   

-6.96

%

   

-1.94

%

   

-6.80

%

   

-2.05

%

   

-3.02

%

   

-0.97

%

   

N/A

     

-1.00

%

   

-0.94

%

   

-0.89

%

   

-1.03

%

 
5 years    

2.86

%

   

1.65

%

   

2.20

%

   

1.92

%

   

2.06

%

   

2.06

%

   

3.25

%

   

N/A

     

3.16

%

   

3.20

%

   

3.24

%

   

3.18

%

 
10 years    

5.73

%

   

5.11

%

   

5.04

%

   

5.04

%

   

4.90

%

   

4.90

%

   

6.10

%

   

N/A

     

6.06

%

   

6.08

%

   

6.10

%

   

6.07

%

 

Columbia Acorn Select

 
1 year    

-0.73

%

   

-6.43

%

   

-1.58

%

   

-4.58

%

   

-1.41

%

   

-2.01

%

   

-0.34

%

   

N/A

     

-0.53

%

   

-0.44

%

   

-0.39

%

   

-0.44

%

 
5 years    

5.74

%

   

4.49

%

   

4.98

%

   

4.84

%

   

4.96

%

   

4.96

%

   

6.14

%

   

N/A

     

6.00

%

   

6.06

%

   

6.09

%

   

6.04

%

 
10 years    

5.86

%

   

5.23

%

   

5.13

%

   

5.13

%

   

5.04

%

   

5.04

%

   

6.22

%

   

N/A

     

6.14

%

   

6.17

%

   

6.19

%

   

6.16

%

 

Columbia Thermostat Fund

 
1 year    

0.07

%

   

-5.70

%

   

-0.43

%

   

-5.25

%

   

-0.68

%

   

-1.65

%

   

N/A

     

N/A

     

0.33

%

   

0.33

%

   

0.32

%

   

0.33

%

 
5 years    

6.39

%

   

5.13

%

   

5.88

%

   

5.56

%

   

5.59

%

   

5.59

%

   

N/A

     

N/A

     

6.65

%

   

6.67

%

   

6.69

%

   

6.66

%

 
10 years    

5.75

%

   

5.13

%

   

5.22

%

   

5.22

%

   

4.96

%

   

4.96

%

   

N/A

     

N/A

     

6.01

%

   

6.02

%

   

6.04

%

   

6.02

%

 

Columbia Acorn Emerging Markets Fund

 
1 year    

-18.25

%

   

-22.98

%

   

N/A

     

N/A

     

-18.83

%

   

-19.64

%

   

-17.95

%

   

N/A

     

-18.04

%

   

-17.96

%

   

-17.90

%

   

-17.98

%

 

Life of Fund

   

1.33

%

   

-0.03

%

   

N/A

     

N/A

     

0.61

%

   

0.61

%

   

1.72

%

   

N/A

     

1.66

%

   

1.69

%

   

1.72

%

   

1.62

%

 

Columbia Acorn European Fund

 
1 year    

4.17

%

   

-1.79

%

   

N/A

     

N/A

     

3.41

%

   

2.41

%

   

4.50

%

   

N/A

     

4.48

%

   

4.48

%

   

N/A

     

4.43

%

 

Life of Fund

   

10.23

%

   

8.75

%

   

N/A

     

N/A

     

9.43

%

   

9.43

%

   

10.56

%

   

N/A

     

10.54

%

   

10.53

%

   

N/A

     

10.52

%

 

*Unaudited.

Returns for Class A shares are shown with and without the maximum initial sales charge of 5.75%. Returns for Class B shares are shown with and without the applicable contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) of 5.00% in the first year, declining to 1.00% in the sixth year and eliminated thereafter. Returns for Class C shares are shown with and without the maximum CDSC of 1.00% for the first year after purchase. The Funds' other classes are not subject to sales charges and have limited eligibility. Please see the Funds' prospectuses for details. Performance for different share classes will vary based on differences in sales charges and certain fees associated with each class.

All results shown assume reinvestment of distributions during the period. Returns do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder may pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. Performance results may reflect the effect of any fee waivers or reimbursements of Fund expenses by the investment manager and/or any of its affiliates. Absent these fee waivers and/or expense reimbursement arrangements, performance results may have been lower. Please see Page 130 of this report for information on contractual fee waiver and expense reimbursement agreements in place on December 31, 2015 for Columbia Acorn Select, Columbia Thermostat Fund, Columbia Acorn Emerging Markets Fund and Columbia Acorn European Fund and voluntary fee waiver and expense reimbursement arrangements in place for Columbia Acorn International, Columbia Acorn International Select and Columbia Acorn Select.

The performance information shown represents past performance and is not a guarantee of future results. The investment return and principal value of your investment will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data shown. You may obtain performance information current to the most recent month-end by contacting your financial intermediary, visiting columbiathreadneedle.com/us or calling 800.922.6769.

The returns shown include the returns of each Fund's Class Z shares, each Fund's oldest share class, in cases where the inception date of the Fund is earlier than the inception date of the particular share class or where a period shown is dated before the inception date of the share class. These returns are adjusted to reflect any higher class-related operating expenses of the newer share classes, as applicable. Please visit columbiathreadneedleus.com/investment-products/mutual-funds/appended-performance for more information.

Continued on Page 3.


2



FUND PERFORMANCE VS. BENCHMARKS Class Z Average Annual Total Returns through 12/31/15

Class Z Shares   4th
quarter*
 

1 year

 

5 years

 

10 years

  Life of
Fund
 
Columbia Acorn® Fund (ACRNX) (6/10/70)    

2.32

%

   

-1.57

%

   

7.88

%

   

6.89

%

   

14.21

%

 

Russell 2500 Index

   

3.28

%

   

-2.90

%

   

10.32

%

   

7.56

%

   

N/A

   

S&P 500 Index**

   

7.04

%

   

1.38

%

   

12.57

%

   

7.31

%

   

10.83

%

 

Russell 2000 Index

   

3.59

%

   

-4.41

%

   

9.19

%

   

6.80

%

   

N/A

   

Lipper Mid-Cap Growth Funds Index

   

3.40

%

   

-0.96

%

   

9.38

%

   

7.79

%

   

N/A

   
Columbia Acorn International® (ACINX) (9/23/92)    

4.28

%

   

-1.33

%

   

3.84

%

   

6.68

%

   

10.32

%

 

S&P Global Ex-U.S. Between $500M and $5B Index

   

4.87

%

   

0.21

%

   

2.63

%

   

5.36

%

   

7.95

%

 

S&P Global Ex-U.S. SmallCap Index

   

5.30

%

   

3.09

%

   

3.69

%

   

5.47

%

   

7.55

%

 

MSCI EAFE Index (Net)

   

4.71

%

   

-0.81

%

   

3.60

%

   

3.03

%

   

5.67

%

 

Lipper International Small/Mid Growth Funds Index

   

5.62

%

   

7.97

%

   

6.60

%

   

6.47

%

   

N/A

   
Columbia Acorn USA® (AUSAX) (9/4/96)    

2.52

%

   

-1.36

%

   

8.93

%

   

6.17

%

   

10.15

%

 

Russell 2000 Index

   

3.59

%

   

-4.41

%

   

9.19

%

   

6.80

%

   

7.97

%

 

Lipper Small-Cap Growth Funds Index

   

3.51

%

   

-1.15

%

   

9.55

%

   

6.70

%

   

6.77

%

 
Columbia Acorn Int'l SelectSM (ACFFX) (11/23/98)    

5.27

%

   

-1.03

%

   

3.18

%

   

6.07

%

   

8.19

%

 

S&P Developed Ex-U.S. Between $2B and $10B Index

   

5.52

%

   

3.96

%

   

4.46

%

   

4.71

%

   

7.21

%

 

MSCI EAFE Index (Net)

   

4.71

%

   

-0.81

%

   

3.60

%

   

3.03

%

   

3.86

%

 

Lipper International Small/Mid Growth Funds Index

   

5.62

%

   

7.97

%

   

6.60

%

   

6.47

%

   

9.91

%

 
Columbia Acorn SelectSM (ACTWX) (11/23/98)    

3.10

%

   

-0.44

%

   

6.04

%

   

6.16

%

   

9.63

%

 

S&P MidCap 400 Index

   

2.60

%

   

-2.18

%

   

10.68

%

   

8.18

%

   

9.82

%

 

S&P 500 Index**

   

7.04

%

   

1.38

%

   

12.57

%

   

7.31

%

   

5.31

%

 

Lipper Mid-Cap Core Funds Index

   

2.77

%

   

-3.61

%

   

9.22

%

   

7.13

%

   

8.42

%

 
Columbia Thermostat FundSM (COTZX) (9/25/02)    

1.41

%

   

0.33

%

   

6.66

%

   

6.02

%

   

7.39

%

 

S&P 500 Index

   

7.04

%

   

1.38

%

   

12.57

%

   

7.31

%

   

9.34

%

 

Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index

   

-0.57

%

   

0.55

%

   

3.25

%

   

4.51

%

   

4.36

%

 

Lipper Flexible Portfolio Funds Index

   

2.69

%

   

-2.53

%

   

5.65

%

   

5.20

%

   

7.20

%

 

50/50 Blended Benchmark

   

3.25

%

   

1.21

%

   

8.02

%

   

6.22

%

   

7.11

%

 
Columbia Acorn Emerging Markets FundSM (CEFZX) (8/19/11)    

1.95

%

   

-17.98

%

   

     

     

1.62

%

 

S&P Emerging Markets Between $500M and $5B Index

   

2.59

%

   

-13.15

%

   

     

     

-0.71

%

 

MSCI Emerging Markets Small Cap Index

   

3.27

%

   

-6.85

%

   

     

     

-0.73

%

 

Lipper Emerging Markets Index

   

0.92

%

   

-14.50

%

   

     

     

-1.90

%

 
Columbia Acorn European FundSM (CAEZX) (8/19/11)    

3.84

%

   

4.43

%

   

     

     

10.52

%

 

S&P Europe Between $500M and $5B Index

   

4.90

%

   

9.85

%

   

     

     

12.88

%

 

Euromoney Smaller European Companies Index

   

4.62

%

   

9.28

%

   

     

     

11.16

%

 

Lipper European Region Index

   

3.48

%

   

2.11

%

   

     

     

9.73

%

 

The inception dates for Class A, B and C shares (if offered) are as follows: Columbia Acorn Fund, Columbia Acorn International, Columbia Acorn USA, Columbia Acorn International Select and Columbia Acorn Select, 10/16/00; Columbia Thermostat Fund, 3/3/03; Columbia Acorn Emerging Markets Fund and Columbia Acorn European Fund, 8/19/11. The inception dates for Class I shares are as follows: Columbia Acorn Fund, Columbia Acorn International, Columbia Acorn USA, Columbia Acorn International Select and Columbia Acorn Select, 9/27/10; Columbia Acorn Emerging Markets Fund and Columbia Acorn European Fund, 8/19/11. The inception date for Class R shares for Columbia Acorn International is 8/2/11. The inception date for Class R4, R5 and Y shares (if offered) is as follows: Columbia Acorn Fund, Columbia Acorn USA, Columbia Acorn International Select, Columbia Acorn Select, Columbia Thermostat Fund, Columbia Acorn Emerging Markets Fund and Columbia Acorn European Fund, 11/8/12, except that Class Y shares of Columbia Acorn Emerging Markets Fund commenced operations on 6/13/13 and Class R4 shares of Columbia Acorn European Fund commenced operations on 6/25/14. The inception date for Class R5 shares of Columbia Acorn International is 8/2/11. The inception date for Class R4 and Y shares of Columbia Acorn International is 11/8/12. The inception date for Class Z shares is as follows: Columbia Acorn Fund, 6/10/70; Columbia Acorn International, 9/23/92; Columbia Acorn USA, 9/4/96; Columbia Acorn International Select and Columbia Acorn Select, 11/23/98; Columbia Thermostat Fund, 9/25/02; Columbia Acorn Emerging Markets Fund and Columbia Acorn European Fund, 8/19/11.

*Not annualized.

**Although the Fund typically invests in small- and mid-sized companies, the comparison to the S&P 500® Index is presented to show performance against a widely recognized market index over the life of the Fund.

Please see Page 1 for a description of the indexes listed above.


3




COLUMBIA ACORN® FUND

IN A NUTSHELL

 

 
P. Zachary Egan
Co-Portfolio Manager
  Fritz Kaegi
Co-Portfolio Manager
 

 
Matthew A. Litfin
Co-Portfolio Manager*
 

Market risk may affect a single issuer, sector of the economy, industry or the market as a whole. Investments in small- and mid-cap companies involve risks and volatility and possible illiquidity greater than investments in larger, more established companies. Foreign investments subject the Fund to political, economic, market, social and other risks within a particular country, as well as to potential currency instabilities and less stringent financial and accounting standards generally applicable to U.S. issuers. Risks are enhanced for emerging market issuers. The Fund may invest significantly in issuers within a particular sector, which may be negatively affected by market, economic or other conditions, making the Fund more vulnerable to unfavorable developments in the sector.

Small- and mid-cap stocks recovered somewhat from a challenging third quarter in the final quarter of 2015. Columbia Acorn Fund Class Z shares gained 2.32% in the fourth quarter, trailing the Fund's primary benchmark, the Russell 2500 Index, which gained 3.28%. The Fund topped the benchmark for the annual period, declining 1.57% versus a 2.90% drop for the benchmark.

Strong stock selection in the information technology and health care sectors, specifically in biotechs, contributed to the Fund's relative outperformance for the year. Acquisition activity within these sectors was also a benefit to performance. Columbia Acorn Fund had 17 stocks that were acquired in 2015. While not all of these transactions were at large premiums, their combined contribution to Fund annual performance was 3%. We view acquisition activity as confirmation both of our strategy to own strategically important players within industries, and of our valuation discipline, which considers how industry participants value assets. Synageva BioPharma, a biotech focused on orphan diseases, was acquired in the second quarter and ended the year as the Fund's top contributor, with a 119% gain. In the fourth quarter, Airgas, an industrial gas distributor, announced it was to be acquired by French industrial gas company Air Liquide. Airgas gained 54% on the news and was the Fund's top contributor in the quarter. Also benefiting from acquisition news in the quarter, HomeAway, a vacation rental online marketplace, gained 32% after announcing that it would be acquired by Expedia.

During the fourth quarter, we increased the weightings of some of our higher-conviction names. Align Technology was the Fund's largest position on December 31. Align's Invisalign clear aligners, which are used to shift and straighten teeth, were first marketed to adults. Align Technology is now targeting the much larger and underpenetrated teen market, currently dominated by wire brackets, and taking market share, while achieving above-average returns on invested capital. Vail Resorts was also among the Fund's top 10 positions at the end of the reporting period. Vail operates a collection of industry-leading ski resorts in the U.S. and Australia. Scarcity of premium ski resorts (the last new major ski resort in the U.S. was built in 1980) and the company's strategy of bundling these trophy assets into one unlimited season-long lift ticket pass, thereby creating a valuable network effect, set Vail apart from its local competitors. International freight forwarder Expeditors International of Washington returned to a top 10 weighting in the fourth quarter after we added to the position. New management has reinvigorated the company, causing Expeditors to exceed Wall Street expectations each of the last four

quarters. Such high-quality businesses hold leading positions in their respective industries and are the types of stocks that we seek to own in Columbia Acorn Fund.

Since selling securities exerts downward pressure on prices, trading required to meet year-end distributions dampened Fund relative returns in the quarter. This trading also drove some further consolidation of the portfolio; at December 31, 2015, the Fund had 165 holdings. Air filtration company Donaldson was the Fund's largest detractor for the annual period, falling 24%, although the stock did regain some ground in the fourth quarter. The strong U.S. dollar has weakened the competitiveness of U.S. producers of tradable goods. We have been reducing the Fund's weighting in capital goods names like Donaldson, which has, in turn, brought down the Fund's weighting in industrials.

Other detractors included Cepheid, a provider of molecular diagnostic supplies, which was down 19% for the quarter and 33% for the year on softer-than-expected quarterly results and reduced 2015 financial guidance. Car rental companies Avis Budget Group and Hertz were also among the laggards, falling over 40% each for the year, as overcapacity negatively impacted pricing. Hurt by declining sales and buzz around wearable technology, watch designer and retailer Fossil ended the quarter and year down 34% and 67%, respectively. We continue to monitor and evaluate the long-term prospects for these companies.

Small-cap stocks underperformed large caps in three of the last five years. Small caps today are as inexpensive as they have been relative to large caps in the last decade. With slowing growth in China and global oil prices depressed, we would expect 2016 to be a year in which informed stock picking can create substantial relative value. No matter the environment, we seek to invest in high-quality companies with industry-leading positions and strong balance sheets that are underpriced relative to our view of their true value, and that we believe will fare well in 2016 relative to the broader small- and mid-cap market.

†Small cap versus large cap data based on Russell 2000 Index and S&P 500 Index performance.

*Effective January 1, 2016, Matthew A. Litfin was named co-portfolio manager of Columbia Acorn Fund. Mr. Frank stepped off the Fund to focus on co-managing Columbia Acorn Select. Mr. Litfin joined Columbia Wanger Asset Management in December 2015 and also serves as the firm's Domestic Director of Research. He brings more than 20 years of investment experience to the Fund. Mr. Litfin did not serve as a portfolio manager of the Fund during 2015.

Fund holdings are as of the date given, are subject to change at any time, and are not recommendations to buy or sell any security.


4



COLUMBIA ACORN® FUND

AT A GLANCE

Total Net Assets of the Fund:
$7.2 billion

Performance data shown below represents past performance, does not guarantee future results, assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions and does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder may pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data shown. Performance data reflects fee waivers or reimbursements of Fund expenses, if any; in their absence, performance results would have been lower. Indexes are unmanaged; their results do not reflect the effect of expenses or sales charges. Securities in the Fund may not match those in an index. Please visit columbiathreadneedle.com/us for the most recent month-end performance data.

The Growth of a $10,000 Investment in Columbia Acorn® Fund Class Z Shares

June 10, 1970 (Fund inception) through December 31, 2015

This chart shows the change in value of a hypothetical $10,000 investment in Class Z shares of the Fund during the stated time period. A $10,000 investment in Columbia Acorn Fund at inception appreciated to $31,777 on December 31, 1978, the inception date of the Russell 2500 Index. For comparison with the Russell 2500 Index, we assigned the index the same value as the Fund at index inception. Although the Fund typically invests in small- and mid-sized companies, the comparison to the S&P 500 Index is presented to show performance against a widely recognized market index over the life of the Fund.

Average Annual Total Returns for period ended December 31, 2015

 

4th quarter

 

1 year

 

5 years

 

10 years

 

Life of Fund

 
Class Z (6/10/70 inception)    

2.32

%

   

-1.57

%

   

7.88

%

   

6.89

%

   

14.21

%

 
Class A (10/16/00 inception)  

without sales charge

   

2.27

     

-1.87

     

7.57

     

6.58

     

13.84

   

with sales charge

   

-3.60

     

-7.52

     

6.31

     

5.96

     

13.69

   

Russell 2500 Index*

   

3.28

     

-2.90

     

10.32

     

7.56

     

N/A

   

Results for other share classes can be found on Page 2.

*The Fund's primary benchmark. Please see Page 1 for index descriptions.

Returns for Class A shown with and without the maximum initial sales charge of 5.75%. As stated in the May 1, 2015, prospectus, the Fund's annual operating expense ratio is 0.79% for Class Z shares and 1.08% for Class A shares. The returns shown for periods prior to the inception of the Fund's Class A shares append the returns of the Fund's Class Z shares, the Fund's oldest share class. These returns are adjusted to reflect any higher class-related operating expenses of the newer share classes, as applicable. Please visit columbiathreadneedleus.com/investment-products/mutual-funds/appended-performance for more information.

Portfolio Diversification

as a percentage of net assets, as of 12/31/15

Top 10 Holdings

as a percentage of net assets, as of 12/31/15

1.   Align Technology
Invisalign System to Correct Malocclusion
(Crooked Teeth)
  2.2
%  
2.   LKQ
Alternative Auto Parts Distribution
  2.0
%  
3.   Cepheid
Molecular Diagnostics
  1.8
%  
4.   Donaldson
Industrial Air Filtration
  1.7
%  
5.   Ametek
Aerospace/Industrial Instruments
  1.6
%  
6.   Amphenol
Electronic Connectors
  1.5
%  
7.   Robert Half International
Temporary & Permanent Staffing in Finance,
Accounting & other Professions
  1.4
%  
8.   Vail Resorts
Ski Resort Operator & Developer
  1.3
%  
9.   Bankrate
Internet Advertising for the Insurance,
Credit Card & Banking Markets
  1.3
%  
10.   Expeditors International of Washington
International Freight Forwarder
  1.2
%  

The Fund's top 10 holdings and portfolio diversification vary with changes in portfolio investments. See the Statement of Investments for a complete list of the Fund's holdings.


5



COLUMBIA ACORN INTERNATIONAL®

IN A NUTSHELL

 

 
P. Zachary Egan
Co-Portfolio Manager
  Louis J. Mendes
Co-Portfolio Manager
 

Market risk may affect a single issuer, sector of the economy, industry or the market as a whole. International investing involves certain risks and volatility due to potential political, economic or currency instabilities and different, potentially less stringent, financial and accounting standards than those generally applicable to U.S. issuers. Risks are enhanced for emerging market issuers. Investments in small- and mid-cap companies involve risks and volatility and possible illiquidity greater than investments in larger, more established companies.

Columbia Acorn International Class Z shares ended the fourth quarter up 4.28%, slightly behind the 4.87% gain of the Fund's primary benchmark, the S&P Global ex-U.S. Between $500M and $5B® Index. For the annual period, the Fund fell 1.33%, underperforming the 0.21% gain of its benchmark.

Looking back on 2015, one of the major changes to the portfolio was the movement of assets from some emerging markets to Europe. At December 31, 2015, the Fund had a 29% exposure to Europe (excluding the UK), up about 10 percentage points from the end of 2014. Meanwhile, the Fund's emerging markets exposure was scaled back from 23% to 13%. There were several considerations behind these moves: European gross domestic product (GDP) growth remains positive, if anemic, while certain emerging markets, such as Brazil, are experiencing contraction and credit rating downgrades. Moreover, ongoing monetary easing policies in Europe support both credit expansion and equity valuations, which are above long-term historical levels, but that we believe are warranted by the long-term outlook for interest rates. Emerging market countries that export commodities, on the other hand, are suffering from slumping commodity prices, which is exerting pressure on their fiscal situations and currencies, with the latter effect raising borrowing costs for companies that fund themselves in U.S. dollars.

Notwithstanding the Fund's general reduction in emerging markets exposure, this is a heterogeneous space and, over the last year, the Fund has maintained its weight in India and increased its weight in China. India remains largely insulated from commodity price turmoil and is a beneficiary of cheap oil, which was previously stressing both its current account and, through consumer fuel subsidies, its fiscal position. While we have concerns about China's slowdown and its impact on the global economy, we now see a reasonably clear policy framework in China that we believe is supportive of companies addressing the energy and environmental challenges that have accompanied the country's rise to a US$10 trillion economy, as well as companies addressing increasing demand for health care. Our increased exposure to China is focused in these sectors.

Stock selection in Europe was positive in both the quarter and year. SimCorp, a Danish company that produces software for the financial services sector, and the Fund's largest position at the end of the year, was a top contributor to performance in an environment of improving demand from large asset managers. An investment initiated in 2010, SimCorp fits into our "regulation" theme. Under this theme, we have worked to identify companies

benefiting from increasingly stringent regulatory standards, typically around health, safety and the environment, but extending to the financial realm in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis. SimCorp's products help investment managers meet new compliance requirements in a cost effective way. Its stock gained 117% for the year and was up 12% in the fourth quarter.

The Fund's single largest country weight at year-end was Japan. At 22% of assets, this weighting is up slightly year over year. As with Europe, loose Japanese monetary policy is supportive of valuations, and we are encouraged by increasing sensitivity among corporates in general toward capital efficiency, which is underpinned by explicit financial sector regulation. Ariake Japan, a maker of commercial soup and sauce extracts, was a top contributor in both the fourth quarter and year, ending the latter up 130%.

As part of our repositioning of the Fund regionally, we have taken the opportunity to reduce the number of names in the portfolio in order to ensure that our highest conviction ideas have a meaningful impact on returns. At the end of 2015, Columbia Acorn International had 179 positions, down from 240 positions at the end of 2014.

Detractors for both the quarter and the year included South African fund manager Coronation Fund Managers, down 26% for the quarter and 64% for the year. Poor performance and asset outflows significantly reduced the firm's performance-based fees and drove down Coronation's stock. Spotless, an Australian facility management and catering company, was negatively impacted by an earnings downgrade, falling over 45% for the quarter and the year, as integration of new acquisitions has taken longer than expected and new business growth has slowed.

2015 was a challenging year for international investors. The bifurcation of performance between developed and emerging markets was more pronounced than it has been in recent years, and was compounded by currency weakness against the strong U.S. dollar. As the second-largest economy in the world and with a contribution to global GDP of around 15%, China's slowdown raised concerns and cast a shadow over many emerging economies. In developed markets, investors were willing to pay more for companies showing growth in anticipation of higher earnings in the future. But these names were few and far between.

Fund holdings are as of the date given, are subject to change at any time, and are not recommendations to buy or sell any security.


6



COLUMBIA ACORN INTERNATIONAL®

AT A GLANCE

Total Net Assets of the Fund:
$6.7 billion

Performance data shown below represents past performance, does not guarantee future results, assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions and does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder may pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data shown. Performance data reflects fee waivers or reimbursements of Fund expenses, if any; in their absence, performance results would have been lower. Indexes are unmanaged; their results do not reflect the effect of expenses or sales charges. Securities in the Fund may not match those in an index. Please visit columbiathreadneedle.com/us for the most recent month-end performance data.

The Growth of a $10,000 Investment in Columbia Acorn International® Class Z Shares

September 23, 1992 (Fund inception) through December 31, 2015

This chart shows the change in value of a hypothetical $10,000 investment in Class Z shares of the Fund during the stated time period.

Average Annual Total Returns for period ended December 31, 2015

 

4th quarter

 

1 year

 

5 years

 

10 years

 

Life of Fund

 
Class Z (9/23/92 inception)    

4.28

%

   

-1.33

%

   

3.84

%

   

6.68

%

   

10.32

%

 
Class A (10/16/00 inception)  

without sales charge

   

4.22

     

-1.59

     

3.52

     

6.33

     

9.91

   

with sales charge

   

-1.77

     

-7.25

     

2.31

     

5.70

     

9.63

   
S&P Global Ex-U.S.
Between $500M® and $5B*
   

4.87

     

0.21

     

2.63

     

5.36

     

7.95

   

Results for other share classes can be found on Page 2.

*The Fund's primary benchmark as of December 31, 2015. Effective January 1, 2016, the primary benchmark for Columbia Acorn International was changed to the MSCI ACWI Ex USA SMID Cap Index (Net). Please see Page 1 for index descriptions.

Returns for Class A shown with and without the maximum initial sales charge of 5.75%. As stated in the May 1, 2015, prospectus, the Fund's annual operating expense ratio is 0.93% for Class Z shares and 1.26% for Class A shares. The returns shown for periods prior to the inception of the Fund's Class A shares append the returns of the Fund's Class Z shares, the Fund's oldest share class. These returns are adjusted to reflect any higher class-related operating expenses of the newer share classes, as applicable. Please visit columbiathreadneedleus.com/investment-products/mutual-funds/appended-performance for more information.

Portfolio Diversification

as a percentage of net assets, as of 12/31/15

Top 10 Holdings

as a percentage of net assets, as of 12/31/15

1.   SimCorp (Denmark)
Software for Investment Managers
  1.6
%  
2.   Wirecard (Germany)
Online Payment Processing & Risk Management
  1.6
%  
3.   CCL Industries (Canada)
Global Label Converter
  1.5
%  
4.   Distribuidora Internacional de
Alimentación (Spain)
Discount Retailer in Spain & Latin America
  1.5
%  
5.   Unibet (Sweden)
European Online Gaming Operator
  1.4
%  
6.   Domino's Pizza Enterprises (Australia)
Domino's Pizza Operator in Australia &
New Zealand
  1.4
%  
7.   Rightmove (United Kingdom)
Internet Real Estate Listings
  1.3
%  
8.   Partners Group (Switzerland)
Private Markets Asset Management
  1.3
%  
9.   Zee Entertainment Enterprises (India)
Indian Programmer of Pay Television Content
  1.3
%  
10.   Novozymes (Denmark)
Industrial Enzymes
  1.2
%  

The Fund's top 10 holdings and portfolio diversification vary with changes in portfolio investments. See the Statement of Investments for a complete list of the Fund's holdings.


7



COLUMBIA ACORN USA®

IN A NUTSHELL

 

 
Matthew A. Litfin
Lead Portfolio Manager*
  William J. Doyle
Co-Portfolio Manager
 

Market risk may affect a single issuer, sector of the economy, industry or the market as a whole. Investments in small- and mid-cap companies involve risks and volatility and possible illiquidity greater than investments in larger, more established companies. The Fund may invest significantly in issuers within a particular sector, which may be negatively affected by market, economic or other conditions, making the Fund more vulnerable to unfavorable developments in the sector.

Columbia Acorn USA Class Z shares gained 2.52% in the fourth quarter, underperforming the Russell 2000 Index, its primary benchmark, which gained 3.59%. The Fund ended the year 305 basis points ahead of the Russell 2000 Index. While the benchmark declined 4.41%, the Fund was down 1.36%. Columbia Acorn USA's financial and industrial stock selection dampened relative performance in the quarter; for the annual period, however, financial stocks contributed to the Fund's relative outperformance, as did strong stock selection in the health care sector.

Increased acquisition activity also boosted Fund performance in 2015. In the fourth quarter, HomeAway, a vacation rental online marketplace, announced that it was being acquired by Expedia, making it the twelfth Fund holding acquired during the year. We sold HomeAway on the news, capturing an 18% gain for the annual period. This increase in acquisitions contributed to the Fund's outperformance in the health care sector as well, as biotech Synageva BioPharma's mid-year takeout announcement drove a 120% gain in its stock.

During the fourth quarter, we reduced the Fund's exposure to the industrial sector, although we maintained an overweight position relative to the benchmark. The strong U.S. dollar has created a headwind for global industrials, and falling oil prices have hurt companies tied to the energy market. We reduced the number of shares we hold in underperforming global names like Donaldson, a manufacturer of industrial air filtration equipment, and Nordson, a provider of dispensing systems for adhesives and coatings. We focused the majority of the Fund's industrial weighting in more U.S.-oriented companies that we believe are well-positioned in the current economic environment. HEICO, a manufacturer of aircraft replacement parts, was the Fund's largest position at year end. HEICO's replacement part business is less economically sensitive, and its management has been a creator of value over a multi-year period. Benefiting from a continued recovery in demand for recreational vehicles, Drew Industries, a provider of RV and manufactured home components, was a top contributor to Fund performance in the quarter and year.

Other winners included orphan drug developers Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical and Sarepta Therapeutics, which gained over 150% each in Columbia Acorn USA for the year. As a real estate investment trust, the strong performance of Extra Space Storage contributed to the Fund's relative outperformance in the financial sector for the year. Extra Space's same-store operating income growth was driven

by limited new storage space development across the industry, record occupancies and increasing rents.

Car rental companies Avis Budget Group and Hertz were among the Fund's largest detractors for both periods, falling as overcapacity negatively impacted pricing. Cepheid, a provider of molecular diagnostic supplies, was down for the quarter and the year on softer-than-expected quarterly results and reduced 2015 financial guidance.

Profitable growth has been harder to find throughout the world, even in the United States. We will continue to focus on what we believe to be high-quality, small-cap growth stocks that have the potential to grow even in an uncertain environment. We believe high-quality companies, with industry-leading positions and strong balance sheets that are underpriced compared to our view of their true value, will likely fare well relative to the broader small-cap market in 2016.

*Effective January 1, 2016, Matthew A. Litfin was named lead portfolio manager of Columbia Acorn USA. Mr. Doyle continues in his role as co-portfolio manager of the Fund. Mr. Litfin joined CWAM in December 2015 and also serves as the firm's Domestic Director of Research. He brings more than 20 years of investment experience to the Fund. Mr. Litfin did not serve as a portfolio manager of the Fund during 2015.

†A basis point is 1/100 of a percent.

Fund holdings are as of the date given, are subject to change at any time, and are not recommendations to buy or sell any security.


8



COLUMBIA ACORN USA®

AT A GLANCE

Total Net Assets of the Fund:
$958.0 million

Performance data shown below represents past performance, does not guarantee future results, assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions and does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder may pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data shown. Performance data reflects fee waivers or reimbursements of Fund expenses, if any; in their absence, performance results would have been lower. Indexes are unmanaged; their results do not reflect the effect of expenses or sales charges. Securities in the Fund may not match those in an index. Please visit columbiathreadneedle.com/us for the most recent month-end performance data.

The Growth of a $10,000 Investment in Columbia Acorn USA® Class Z Shares

September 4, 1996 (Fund inception) through December 31, 2015

This chart shows the change in value of a hypothetical $10,000 investment in Class Z shares of the Fund during the stated time period.

Average Annual Total Returns for period ended December 31, 2015

 

4th quarter

 

1 year

 

5 years

 

10 years

 

Life of Fund

 
Class Z (9/4/96 inception)    

2.52

%

   

-1.36

%

   

8.93

%

   

6.17

%

   

10.15

%

 
Class A (10/16/00 inception)  

without sales charge

   

2.47

     

-1.60

     

8.65

     

5.88

     

9.78

   

with sales charge

   

-3.42

     

-7.26

     

7.37

     

5.26

     

9.45

   

Russell 2000 Index*

   

3.59

     

-4.41

     

9.19

     

6.80

     

7.97

   

Results for other share classes can be found on Page 2.

*The Fund's primary benchmark. Please see Page 1 for index descriptions.

Returns for Class A shown with and without the maximum initial sales charge of 5.75%. As stated in the May 1, 2015, prospectus, the Fund's annual operating expense ratio is 1.08% for Class Z shares and 1.34% for Class A shares. The returns shown for periods prior to the inception of the Fund's Class A shares append the returns of the Fund's Class Z shares, the Fund's oldest share class. These returns are adjusted to reflect any higher class-related operating expenses of the newer share classes, as applicable. Please visit columbiathreadneedleus.com/investment-products/mutual-funds/appended-performance for more information.

Portfolio Diversification

as a percentage of net assets, as of 12/31/15

Top 10 Holdings

as a percentage of net assets, as of 12/31/15

1.   HEICO
FAA-approved Aircraft Replacement Parts
  2.9
%  
2.   Ametek
Aerospace/Industrial Instruments
  2.5
%  
3.   Extra Space Storage
Self Storage Facilities
  2.4
%  
4.   Drew Industries
RV & Manufactured Home Components
  2.4
%  
5.   Nordson
Dispensing Systems for Adhesives & Coatings
  2.3
%  
6.   Ansys
Simulation Software for Engineers & Designers
  2.3
%  
7.   Cepheid
Molecular Diagnostics
  1.9
%  
8.   MB Financial
Chicago Bank
  1.9
%  
9.   Toro
Turf Maintenance Equipment
  1.8
%  
10.   IPG Photonics
Fiber Lasers
  1.7
%  

The Fund's top 10 holdings and portfolio diversification vary with changes in portfolio investments. See the Statement of Investments for a complete list of the Fund's holdings.


9



COLUMBIA ACORN INTERNATIONAL SELECTSM

IN A NUTSHELL

 

 
Stephen Kusmierczak
Co-Portfolio Manager*
  Andreas Waldburg-Wolfegg
Co-Portfolio Manager
 

Market risk may affect a single issuer, sector of the economy, industry or the market as a whole. Foreign investments subject the Fund to political, economic, market, social and other risks within a particular country, as well as to potential currency instabilities and less stringent financial and accounting standards generally applicable to U.S. issuers. Risks are enhanced for emerging market issuers. Investments in small- and mid-cap companies involve risks and volatility and possible illiquidity greater than investments in larger, more established companies. The Fund may invest significantly in issuers within a particular sector, which may be negatively affected by market, economic or other conditions, making the Fund more vulnerable to unfavorable developments in the sector.

Columbia Acorn International Select Class Z shares ended the fourth quarter of 2015 up 5.27%, which compares to a 5.52% gain of the Fund's primary benchmark, the S&P Developed Ex-U.S. Between $2B and $10B® Index. For the year ended December 31, 2015, the Fund was down 1.03% versus a benchmark gain of 3.96%. Fund underperformance for the annual period was largely due to poor relative performance in the financials and materials sectors. Over the course of the year, we reduced Fund exposure in each sector.

In the first quarter of 2015, we discussed the Fund's ongoing repositioning to a more mid-cap oriented strategy, and we continued to reposition the Fund to increase its market cap throughout the year. As we reviewed Fund holdings and considered new positions for the Fund, we focused on names that have market capitalizations of $5 billion or more. While there is overlap between the Fund's holdings and Columbia Acorn International's mid-cap companies, Columbia Acorn International Select holds substantially fewer names and is concentrated in our analyst team's highest-conviction names.

We also added unique names to the Fund that had outgrown Columbia Acorn International's target market capitalization, but that we believe have additional growth potential. For example, Essilor International, a French manufacturer of eyeglass lenses, was added to Columbia Acorn International Select in September. When Columbia Acorn International sold Essilor in 2006, it had a market cap of roughly $10 billion. We have continued to follow the stock and like its exposure to growing multifocal lens wearers in developed markets, where populations are aging, and to the growing middle class in emerging markets. At a roughly $25 billion market cap, Essilor is too big for Columbia Acorn International but is a good fit for Columbia Acorn International Select. The other area of focus as we have repositioned the Fund has been on new names that are peers or competitors of names we own in Columbia Acorn International. Including Essilor, at year end we held six new names that were added to the Fund this year and that are not held in other Funds managed by CWAM.

Looking at top-contributing stocks for the quarter and the year, three Japanese stocks ranked among the top performers. Japanese markets outperformed most world markets, as loosening monetary policy and improving corporate governance proved relatively attractive amidst a slowing global economy. KDDI, a mobile and fixed-line communication service provider, gained 16% in the quarter and was up 27% for the year. Secom, a provider of security services, gained 13% in the fourth quarter and was up 20% for the year. Both KDDI and Secom have

enjoyed steady growth, as their businesses are not affected by the global economic slowdown. Japan Tobacco, a maker of cigarettes, gained 21% in the fourth quarter to end the year with a 37% gain. Japan Tobacco's profit growth exceeded expectations, as strong pricing power offset market fears of volume contraction.

On the downside, laggards for both the quarter and year came largely from the materials, energy and financial sectors. Weak gold and oil prices were to blame for the material and energy sector declines. Gold miners Tahoe Resources and Goldcorp were sold in the third quarter but ranked among the Fund's largest detractors for the annual period with losses of 41% and 31%, respectively. Oil exploration and production companies Vermillion Energy and Anadarko Petroleum were added to the Fund in the year and both traded down with the dramatic fall in oil prices, ending the year and quarter among the Fund's largest detractors. We bought these stocks because we believe they are well-positioned to benefit when oil prices return to levels closer to their long-term averages and the world's cost of production. In the financial sector, we sold the Fund's position in Coronation Fund Managers, a South African investment manager, as poor performance and asset outflows significantly reduced the firm's performance-based fees. Down 47%, its stock was a top detractor for the year.

We expect some repositioning of the Fund to continue into 2016 but most of that effort is now behind us. As we face the likelihood of continued market volatility ahead, we feel that the Fund is well-diversified across geographies and sectors. Many of the Fund's portfolio companies are long-term holdings and well-known to us. Our goal as your managers is to provide good risk-adjusted returns to our shareholders.

*Effective January 1, 2016, Stephen Kusmierczak replaced Christopher J. Olson as co-portfolio manager of Columbia Acorn International Select. Mr. Waldburg-Wolfegg continues in his role as co-portfolio manager of the Fund. Mr. Kusmierczak did not serve as a portfolio manager of the Fund during 2015.

Fund holdings are as of the date given, are subject to change at any time, and are not recommendations to buy or sell any security.


10



COLUMBIA ACORN INTERNATIONAL SELECTSM

AT A GLANCE

Total Net Assets of the Fund:
$139.3 million

Performance data shown below represents past performance, does not guarantee future results, assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions and does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder may pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data shown. Performance data reflects fee waivers or reimbursements of Fund expenses, if any; in their absence, performance results would have been lower. Indexes are unmanaged; their results do not reflect the effect of expenses or sales charges. Securities in the Fund may not match those in an index. Please visit columbiathreadneedle.com/us for the most recent month-end performance data.

The Growth of a $10,000 Investment in Columbia Acorn International SelectSM Class Z Shares

November 23, 1998 (Fund inception) through December 31, 2015

This chart shows the change in value of a hypothetical $10,000 investment in Class Z shares of the Fund during the stated time period.

Average Annual Total Returns for period ended December 31, 2015

   

4th quarter

 

1 year

 

5 years

 

10 years

 

Life of Fund

 
Class Z (11/23/98 inception)    

5.27

%

   

-1.03

%

   

3.18

%

   

6.07

%

   

8.19

%

 
Class A (10/16/00 inception)  

without sales charge

   

5.21

     

-1.30

     

2.86

     

5.73

     

7.84

   

with sales charge

   

-0.86

     

-6.96

     

1.65

     

5.11

     

7.47

   
S&P Developed Ex-U.S.
Between $2B and $10B® Index*
   

5.52

     

3.96

     

4.46

     

4.71

     

7.21

   

Results for other share classes can be found on Page 2.

*The Fund's primary benchmark as of December 31, 2015. Effective January 1, 2016, the primary benchmark for Columbia Acorn International Select was changed to the MSCI ACWI Ex USA Index (Net). Please see Page 1 for index descriptions.

Returns for Class A shown with and without the maximum initial sales charge of 5.75%. As stated in the May 1, 2015, prospectus, the Fund's annual operating expense ratio is 1.18% for Class Z shares and 1.47% for Class A shares. The returns shown for periods prior to the inception of the Fund's Class A shares append the returns of the Fund's Class Z shares, the Fund's oldest share class. These returns are adjusted to reflect any higher class-related operating expenses of the newer share classes, as applicable. Please visit columbiathreadneedleus.com/investment-products/mutual-funds/appended-performance for more information.

Portfolio Diversification

as a percentage of net assets, as of 12/31/15

Top 10 Holdings

as a percentage of net assets, as of 12/31/15

1.   CCL Industries (Canada)
Global Label Converter
  4.7
%  
2.   Partners Group (Switzerland)
Private Markets Asset Management
  4.0
%  
3.   Novozymes (Denmark)
Industrial Enzymes
  3.8
%  
4.   Sony Financial Holdings (Japan)
Life Insurance, Assurance & Internet Banking
  3.5
%  
5.   Distribuidora Internacional
de Alimentación (Spain)
Discount Retailer in Spain & Latin America
  3.3
%  
6.   Wirecard (Germany)
Online Payment Processing & Risk Management
  3.2
%  
7.   Telefonica Deutschland (Germany)
Mobile & Fixed-line Communications in Germany
  3.0
%  
8.   Swedish Match (Sweden)
Swedish Snus
  2.5
%  
9.   Recruit Holdings (Japan)
Recruitment & Media Services
  2.5
%  
10.   Eutelsat (France)
Fixed Satellite Services
  2.4
%  

The Fund's top 10 holdings and portfolio diversification vary with changes in portfolio investments. See the Statement of Investments for a complete list of the Fund's holdings.


11



COLUMBIA ACORN SELECTSM

IN A NUTSHELL

 

 
David L. Frank
Co-Portfolio Manager*
  Matthew S. Szafranski
Co-Portfolio Manager
 

Market risk may affect a single issuer, sector of the economy, industry or the market as a whole. Investments in small- and mid-cap companies involve risks and volatility and possible illiquidity greater than investments in larger, more established companies. Foreign investments subject the Fund to risks, including political, economic, market, social and other risks, within a particular country, as well as to potential currency instabilities and less stringent financial and accounting standards generally applicable to U.S. issuers. Risks are enhanced for emerging market issuers. The Fund may invest significantly in issuers within a particular sector, which may be negatively affected by market, economic or other conditions, making the Fund more vulnerable to unfavorable developments in the sector.

Columbia Acorn Select Class Z shares ended the fourth quarter of 2015 up 3.10%, outperforming the 2.60% gain of the Fund's primary benchmark, the S&P MidCap 400 Index. The Fund also outperformed for the annual period, declining 0.44% versus a 2.18% drop in the benchmark. An increase in takeout activity contributed to Fund performance, driving the Fund's relative outperformance in the materials sector in the fourth quarter, and its strong gains in the health care sector for the year.

Seven of the Fund's holdings were acquired during the year, equal to roughly 18% of the number of holdings in the portfolio at year end. These acquisitions contributed 4% to Fund performance in 2015. In the fourth quarter, industrial gas distributor Airgas was added to the list of acquisitions after announcing that it was being acquired by Air Liquide. We sold the position on the news, capturing a 54% gain in the fourth quarter and a 21% return for the annual period.

Other winners in the fourth quarter included Bankrate, a provider of Internet advertising for the insurance, credit card and banking markets. Up 28%, Bankrate reported strong earnings and announced the sale of its insurance business in a cash transaction that was viewed favorably by investors. Ski resort operator and developer Vail Resorts gained 24% in the quarter, benefiting from strong pass sales leading into the 2015-2016 ski season. The company's strategy of bundling its resorts into one unlimited season-long lift ticket (called EPIC pass) has set Vail apart from its competitors.

Top contributors in the health care sector for the annual period included orphan drug developers Synageva BioPharma and Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical, up 121% and 132%, respectively. Synageva gained on its acquisition announcement in the second quarter, and Ultragenyx reported favorable news for several of its pipeline drugs over the course of the year. We sold Synageva following its takeout announcement but continued to hold Ultragenyx at year end. Following the strong run in Fund health care names, we believed valuations were getting high, so we reduced the Fund's weighting in biotechnology and drug delivery names in the second half of the year.

Detractors for the year and quarter included watch designer and retailer Fossil. Off 54% for the year and 34% in the quarter, the company missed its earnings and lowered guidance, citing declines in overseas sales and a shift in interest toward wearable technology. Specialty food retailer The Fresh Market came back in the fourth quarter, gaining 3%, but was the top detractor from performance for the annual period, falling 46%. The company was negatively impacted by increased competition and lower

produce prices, but rebounded following reports that The Fresh Market's founder and chairman was considering a bid to take the company private. Cepheid, a provider of medical diagnostic supplies, was also a detractor for both the quarter and year, falling 32% during the year on disappointing quarterly results and reduced 2015 financial guidance. We took advantage of the downturn and added to the Fund's position in the stock. Union Agriculture Group, a farmland operator in Uruguay, was off 23% in the quarter and down 44% for the year, hurt by the slowdown in commodities and weakness in emerging markets, among other factors.

Across the portfolio, we have lowered Fund weightings in manufacturers of industrial goods and have further trimmed emerging market resource plays. Strategically, we reduced the number of holdings in the Fund to concentrate on our highest-conviction ideas. All of these moves are intended to bring the Fund back to its focus at inception: high quality, unique companies with good returns on capital and long-term secular growth drivers. We were pleased with the Fund's performance amid turbulent markets in 2015 and are working hard to continue that success in 2016.

It is with great sadness that we report the November 2015 death of the Fund's former lead portfolio manager, Robert Chalupnik. Rob's approach to investing included exhaustive research and detailed analysis that were driven by his strong work ethic and deep intellectual curiosity. He always acted with integrity, generosity and humility. Rob was an esteemed colleague, a highly successful investor and a cherished friend, and he is greatly missed by all of us at CWAM.

*Effective December 2, 2015, David L. Frank became a co-portfolio manager for the Fund, joining current co-portfolio manager Mr. Szafranski.

Fund holdings are as of the date given, are subject to change at any time, and are not recommendations to buy or sell any security.


12



COLUMBIA ACORN SELECTSM

AT A GLANCE

Total Net Assets of the Fund:
$399.2 million

Performance data shown below represents past performance, does not guarantee future results, assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions and does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder may pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data shown. Performance data reflects fee waivers or reimbursements of Fund expenses, if any; in their absence, performance results would have been lower. Indexes are unmanaged; their results do not reflect the effect of expenses or sales charges. Securities in the Fund may not match those in an index. Please visit columbiathreadneedle.com/us for the most recent month-end performance data.

The Growth of a $10,000 Investment in Columbia Acorn SelectSM Class Z Shares

November 23, 1998 (Fund inception) through December 31, 2015

This chart shows the change in value of a hypothetical $10,000 investment in Class Z shares of the Fund during the stated time period.

Average Annual Total Returns for period ended December 31, 2015

   

4th quarter

 

1 year

 

5 years

 

10 years

 

Life of Fund

 
Class Z (11/23/98 inception)    

3.10

%

   

-0.44

%

   

6.04

%

   

6.16

%

   

9.63

%

 
Class A (10/16/00 inception)  

without sales charge

   

3.02

     

-0.73

     

5.74

     

5.86

     

9.28

   

with sales charge

   

-2.91

     

-6.43

     

4.49

     

5.23

     

8.90

   

S&P MidCap 400® Index*

   

2.60

     

-2.18

     

10.68

     

8.18

     

9.82

   

Results for other share classes can be found on Page 2.

*The Fund's primary benchmark. Please see Page 1 for index descriptions.

Returns for Class A shown with and without the maximum initial sales charge of 5.75%. As stated in the May 1, 2015, prospectus, the Fund's annual operating expense ratio is 0.84% for Class Z shares and 1.12% for Class A shares. The returns shown for periods prior to the inception of the Fund's Class A shares append the returns of the Fund's Class Z shares, the Fund's oldest share class. These returns are adjusted to reflect any higher class-related operating expenses of the newer share classes, as applicable. Please visit columbiathreadneedleus.com/investment-products/mutual-funds/appended-performance for more information.

Portfolio Diversification

as a percentage of net assets, as of 12/31/15

Top 10 Holdings

as a percentage of net assets, as of 12/31/15

1.   LKQ
Alternative Auto Parts Distribution
  5.2
%  
2.   Vail Resorts
Ski Resort Operator & Developer
  4.8
%  
3.   Ametek
Aerospace/Industrial Instruments
  4.1
%  
4.   Nordson
Dispensing Systems for Adhesives & Coatings
  3.9
%  
5.   Crown Castle International
Communications Towers
  3.7
%  
6.   EdR
Student Housing
  3.6
%  
7.   Align Technology
Invisalign System to Correct Malocclusion
(Crooked Teeth)
  3.4
%  
8.   Expeditors International of Washington
International Freight Forwarder
  3.3
%  
9.   Bankrate
Internet Advertising for the Insurance,
Credit Card & Banking Markets
  3.3
%  
10.   CNO Financial Group
Life, Long-term Care & Medical Supplement
Insurance
  3.2
%  

The Fund's top 10 holdings and portfolio diversification vary with changes in portfolio investments. See the Statement of Investments for a complete list of the Fund's holdings.


13



COLUMBIA THERMOSTAT FUNDSM

IN A NUTSHELL

 

 
Charles P. McQuaid
Lead Portfolio Manager
  Christopher J. Olson
Co-Portfolio Manager
 

A "fund of funds" bears its allocable share of the costs and expenses of the underlying funds in which it invests. Such funds are thus subject to two levels of fees and potentially higher expense ratios than would be associated with a fund that invests and trades directly in financial instruments under the direction of a single manager.

The value of an investment in the Fund is based primarily on the performance of the underlying funds in which it invests. The Fund is subject to the risk that the investment manager's decisions regarding asset classes and underlying funds will not anticipate market trends successfully, resulting in a failure to preserve capital or lower total return. The Investment Manager may prefer an underlying fund in the Columbia Acorn Family of Funds over alternative investments. There can be no assurance that the Columbia Acorn Funds will outperform similar funds managed by the Investment Manager's affiliates. This is not an offer of the shares of any other mutual fund mentioned herein.

Class Z shares of Columbia Thermostat Fund, our fund of funds, ended the fourth quarter of 2015 up 1.41%. This compares to a 7.04% gain of the Fund's primary equity benchmark, the S&P 500® Index, and a 0.57% loss for the Fund's primary debt benchmark, the Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index. For the year ended December 31, 2015, the Fund was up 0.33%, while the S&P 500 Index gained 1.38% and the Barclay's benchmark gained 0.55%. The Fund's custom 50/50 Blended Benchmark gained 3.25% in the quarter and ended the year up 1.21%.

The Fund's equity portfolio had a weighted average gain of 6.10% in the fourth quarter, with Columbia Select Large Cap Growth Fund leading returns, up 9.80%. Columbia Acorn Fund was at the bottom of the performance list for the quarter, gaining 2.35%, as small- and mid-caps, in general, underperformed larger caps.

For the annual period, the Fund's equities had a weighted average gain of 1.25%, with Columbia Select Large Cap Growth Fund leading returns, up 8.07%. Columbia Acorn Fund's 1.53% decline made it the worst performer in the equity portfolio for the year.

The bond portion of the Fund had a slight loss in the fourth quarter, falling 0.38%. Columbia Income Opportunities Fund provided a modest gain, rising 0.21%, while the remaining three bond holdings were each down less than 1%.

For the annual period, the bond component provided a 0.38% weighted average gain. Columbia U.S. Government Mortgage Fund was the leader for the year, gaining 1.45%. Off 0.73%, Columbia Income Opportunities Fund was the only fund in the bond portfolio that had a decline.

Columbia Thermostat Fund's "buy low, sell high" strategy resulted in a reduction in equity exposure during the October rally. The Fund's equity weighting went from 35% to 20% during the month. As the markets cooled in December, the Fund added to equities, ending the year with a 25% exposure to stocks. Shareholders should not expect a return that matches the equity benchmark from Columbia Thermostat Fund when stocks are priced high, as we believe they were in 2015. Instead of attempting to achieve such a return from highly valued stocks, Columbia Thermostat was risk averse, mainly investing in short- and intermediate-term bonds and buying stocks on dips. As

mandated by its prospectus, the Fund increased its stock weight further in early 2016, and stands ready to buy additional equities should stocks drop more and become fundamentally cheap.

Results of the Funds Owned in Columbia Thermostat Fund

as of December 31, 2015

Stock Funds

Fund

  Weightings
in category
  4th quarter
performance
  1 year
performance
 
Columbia Acorn
International, Class I
   

20

%

   

4.30

%

   

-1.23

%

 
Columbia Contrarian
Core Fund, Class I
   

20

%

   

7.85

%

   

3.21

%

 
Columbia Dividend
Income Fund, Class I
   

20

%

   

7.51

%

   

0.80

%

 
Columbia Acorn Fund,
Class I
   

10

%

   

2.35

%

   

-1.53

%

 
Columbia Acorn Select,
Class I
   

10

%

   

3.14

%

   

-0.34

%

 
Columbia Large Cap
Enhanced Core Fund,
Class I
   

10

%

   

6.41

%

   

0.03

%

 
Columbia Select
Large Cap Growth Fund,
Class I
   

10

%

   

9.80

%

   

8.07

%

 
Weighted Average
Equity Gain
   

100

%

   

6.10

%

   

1.25

%

 

Bond Funds

Fund

  Weightings
in category
  4th quarter
performance
  1 year
performance
 
Columbia Short Term
Bond Fund, Class I
   

40

%

   

-0.49

%

   

0.38

%

 
Columbia Intermediate
Bond Fund, Class I
   

20

%

   

-0.94

%

   

0.37

%

 
Columbia Income
Opportunities Fund, Class I
   

20

%

   

0.21

%

   

-0.73

%

 
Columbia U.S. Government
Mortgage Fund, Class I
   

20

%

   

-0.25

%

   

1.45

%

 
Weighted Average
Income Gain/Loss
   

100

%

   

-0.38

%

   

0.38

%

 

Columbia Thermostat Fund Rebalancing in the Fourth Quarter

October 5, 2015

 

30% stocks, 70% bonds

 

October 9, 2015

 

25% stocks, 75% bonds

 

October 26, 2015

 

20% stocks, 80% bonds

 

December 4, 2015

 

25% stocks, 75% bonds

 

The Fund's investments in the underlying funds may present certain risks, including the following. Market risk may affect a single issuer, sector of the economy, industry or the market as a whole. The Fund's investment in other funds subjects it to the investment performance (positive or negative), risks and expenses of these underlying funds. Investments in small- and mid-cap companies involve risks and volatility and possible illiquidity greater than in investments in larger, more established companies. There are risks associated with fixed income investments, including credit risk, market risk, interest rate risk and prepayment and extension risk. In general, bond prices fall when interest rates rise and vice versa. This effect is more pronounced for longer term securities. Non-investment-grade (high-yield or junk) securities present greater price volatility and more risk to principal and income than higher rated securities. Foreign investments subject the Fund to political, economic, market, social and other risks within a particular country, as well as to potential currency instabilities and less stringent financial and accounting standards generally applicable to U.S. issuers. Risks are enhanced for emerging market issuers.


14



COLUMBIA THERMOSTAT FUNDSM

AT A GLANCE

Total Net Assets of the Fund:
$1.1 billion

Performance data shown below represents past performance, does not guarantee future results, assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions and does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder may pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data shown. Performance data reflects fee waivers or reimbursements of Fund expenses, if any; in their absence, performance results would have been lower. Indexes are unmanaged; their results do not reflect the effect of expenses or sales charges. Securities in the Fund may not match those in an index. Please visit columbiathreadneedle.com/us for the most recent month-end performance data.

The Growth of a $10,000 Investment in Columbia Thermostat FundSM Class Z Shares

September 25, 2002 (Fund inception) through December 31, 2015

This chart shows the change in value of a hypothetical $10,000 investment in Class Z shares of the Fund during the stated time period.

Average Annual Total Returns for period ended December 31, 2015

 

4th quarter

 

1 year

 

5 years

 

10 years

 

Life of Fund

 
Class Z (9/25/02 inception)    

1.41

%

   

0.33

%

   

6.66

%

   

6.02

%

   

7.39

%

 
Class A (3/3/03 inception)  

without sales charge

   

1.34

     

0.07

     

6.39

     

5.75

     

7.12

   

with sales charge

   

-4.50

     

-5.70

     

5.13

     

5.13

     

6.64

   

S&P 500® Index*

   

7.04

     

1.38

     

12.57

     

7.31

     

9.34

   

Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index*

   

-0.57

     

0.55

     

3.25

     

4.51

     

4.36

   

Results for other share classes can be found on Page 2.

*The Fund's primary benchmarks. Please see Page 1 for index descriptions.

Returns for Class A shown with and without the maximum initial sales charge of 5.75%. As stated in the May 1, 2015, prospectus, the Fund's annual operating expense ratio is 0.77% for Class Z shares and 1.02% for Class A shares. The returns shown for periods prior to the inception of the Fund's Class A shares append the returns of the Fund's Class Z shares, the Fund's oldest share class. These returns are adjusted to reflect any higher class-related operating expenses of the newer share classes, as applicable. Please visit columbiathreadneedleus.com/investment-products/mutual-funds/appended-performance for more information.

Asset Allocation

as a percentage of net assets, as of 12/31/15

Portfolio Weightings

as a percentage of assets in each investment category, as of 12/31/15

Stock Mutual Funds

Columbia Acorn International, Class I

   

20

%  

Columbia Contrarian Core Fund, Class I

   

20

%  

Columbia Dividend Income Fund, Class I

   

20

%  

Columbia Acorn Fund, Class I

   

10

%  

Columbia Acorn Select, Class I

   

10

%  
Columbia Large Cap Enhanced Core Fund,
Class I
   

10

%  
Columbia Select Large Cap Growth Fund,
Class I
   

10

%  

Bond Mutual Funds

Columbia Short Term Bond Fund, Class I

   

40

%  

Columbia Intermediate Bond Fund, Class I

   

20

%  
Columbia Income Opportunities Fund,
Class I
   

20

%  
Columbia U.S. Government Mortgage
Fund, Class I
   

20

%

 


15



COLUMBIA ACORN EMERGING MARKETS FUNDSM

IN A NUTSHELL

 

 
Fritz Kaegi
Co-Portfolio Manager
  Stephen Kusmierczak
Co-Portfolio Manager
 

 

 
Louis J. Mendes
Co-Portfolio Manager
  Satoshi Matsunaga
Co-Portfolio Manager
 

Market risk may affect a single issuer, sector of the economy, industry or the market as a whole. International investing involves certain risks and volatility due to potential political, economic or currency instabilities and different, potentially less stringent, financial and accounting standards than those generally applicable to U.S. issuers. Risks are enhanced for emerging and frontier market issuers. Investments in small- and mid-cap companies involve risks and volatility and possible illiquidity greater than investments in larger, more established companies.

Columbia Acorn Emerging Markets Fund Class Z shares gained 1.95% in the fourth quarter of 2015, falling short of the 2.59% gain of the Fund's primary benchmark, the S&P Emerging Markets Between $500M and $5B® Index. For the year ended December 31, 2015, the Fund was down 17.98%, while the benchmark fell 13.15%.

In the last quarter of the year, Chinese stocks rallied but emerging market economies in general struggled against adverse capital flows, as slower-than-expected growth in China continued to weigh heavily on demand for raw materials and commodities. The Fund's Chinese holdings failed to keep up with the rally, hurting relative performance for the quarter. Fund positioning in China was also a detractor for the annual period.

While the focus of the broader market throughout 2015 has been on China, we believe there are attractive opportunities for small-cap investors to be found in other emerging markets. In countries like India and Korea, the political and economic environments are fairly stable. Furthermore, the companies operating within these markets are less commodity-driven.

We consider India to be one of the more attractive emerging markets, as government reforms and new programs are having a positive impact on the economy and financial markets. As a large importer of oil, lower crude prices are also a positive for the Indian economy. When selecting investments within this market, we are focusing on companies that will benefit from its expanding consumer class. Zee Entertainment Enterprises, an Indian programmer of pay television content, was the Fund's largest position at quarter end, and a top contributor for the quarter and the year, gaining 10% for both periods.

Korea is the fourth largest economy in Asia, and is heavily influenced by global economic growth because of its high exposure to technology and the automotive industry. Korea offers investors a relatively stable currency, moderate GDP growth and economic policies that would allow for both monetary and fiscal stimulus if the country faced a downturn. We selectively added new Korean names to the Fund during the second half of the year (Nongshim and KCC) that we believe have unique growth drivers within the Korean domestic economy. At December 31, the Fund had nearly 9% of its net assets invested in this market, up from 3% at the end of the third quarter. Koh Young Technology, a provider of inspection systems for printed circuit boards, was the third largest position in the Fund at the end of the year, and was among the Fund's top contributors in the fourth quarter, up 13%. Despite weak capital expenditure trends in Asia,

demand for Koh Young's products remains robust because of their positive impact on productivity.

China was a challenging market for investors in 2015. While growth has slowed in China, its economy is still growing more quickly than most countries. Stock valuations look cheap on a relative and absolute basis in China, and appear to be pricing in a continued slowdown in economic growth and a devaluation of the renminbi. For these reasons, China continues to be a large weighting within the Fund. Looking forward, we believe that China needs to transform its economic growth model from being export-oriented/fixed-investment led to consumption-led to sustain economic growth. With this in mind, our focus in China remains on companies benefiting from a growing middle class and from the transformation of the Chinese domestic economy. Our core holdings have government policy support and complement domestic needs in areas like environmental improvement. As part of our focus on the growing middle class consumer, we hold BitAuto, an automotive information website operator in China. BitAuto has benefited from a significant shift in favor of online car sales in China, but the company was negatively impacted by reduced demand for automobiles and ended the year down 60%.

Coronation Fund Managers, a South African investment manager, was a top detractor for the quarter and year, as poor performance and asset outflows significantly reduced the firm's performance-based fees. Its stock was down 26% for the quarter and 64% for the year. Melco Crown (Philippines) Resorts, an integrated resort operator in Manila, was another large detractor, falling 38% in the quarter and 84% for the year. Falling valuations in Asian casino operators and negative trends in gaming in Southeast Asia drove the declines, but Melco Crown has gained share in the Philippines market, where overall gaming revenue keeps growing due to robust local demand.

While we are always stock pickers first, looking at the big picture is an important part of emerging market investing. Recent volatility has created a significant headwind in markets like Brazil, Malaysia and South Africa, which have been hurt by falling commodity prices and weak currencies. As we did throughout 2015, we will continue to have less emphasis on these countries going forward unless improvements in valuations and fundamentals compel us to increase exposure. We anticipate volatility will continue in most emerging markets in the near term, but we are looking for and finding opportunities to take advantage of recent declines and increase Fund exposure to quality companies with good growth prospects that are available at reasonable valuations. Given the full valuations found in most other areas of the world, we consider this a unique advantage for the emerging market investor.

Fund holdings are as of the date given, are subject to change at any time, and are not recommendations to buy or sell any security.


16



COLUMBIA ACORN EMERGING MARKETS FUNDSM

AT A GLANCE

Total Net Assets of the Fund:
$275.3 million

Performance data shown below represents past performance, does not guarantee future results, assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions and does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder may pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data shown. Performance data reflects fee waivers or reimbursements of Fund expenses, if any; in their absence, performance results would have been lower. Indexes are unmanaged; their results do not reflect the effect of expenses or sales charges. Securities in the Fund may not match those in an index. Please visit columbiathreadneedle.com/us for the most recent month-end performance data.

The Growth of a $10,000 Investment in Columbia Acorn Emerging Markets FundSM Class Z Shares

August 19, 2011 (Fund inception) through December 31, 2015

This chart shows the change in value of a hypothetical $10,000 investment in Class Z shares of the Fund during the stated time period.

Average Annual Total Returns for period ended December 31, 2015

 

4th quarter

 

1 year

 

Life of Fund

 
Class Z (8/19/11 inception)    

1.95

%

   

-17.98

%

   

1.62

%

 
Class A (8/19/11 inception)  

without sales charge

   

1.84

     

-18.25

     

1.33

   

with sales charge

   

-3.99

     

-22.98

     

-0.03

   
S&P Emerging Markets Between
$500M and $5B® Index*
   

2.59

     

-13.15

     

-0.71

   

Results for other share classes can be found on Page 2.

*The Fund's primary benchmark as of December 31, 2015. Effective January 1, 2016, the primary benchmark for Columbia Acorn Emerging Markets Fund was changed to the MSCI Emerging Markets SMID Cap Index (Net). Please see Page 1 for index descriptions.

Returns for Class A shown with and without the maximum initial sales charge of 5.75%. As stated in the May 1, 2015, prospectus, the Fund's annual operating expense ratio is 1.33% for Class Z shares and 1.57% for Class A shares.

Portfolio Diversification

as a percentage of net assets, as of 12/31/15

Top 10 Holdings

as a percentage of net assets, as of 12/31/15

1.   Zee Entertainment Enterprises (India)
Indian Programmer of Pay Television Content
  4.9
%  
2.   Far EasTone Telecom (Taiwan)
Mobile Operator in Taiwan
  3.3
%  
3.   Koh Young Technology (Korea)
Inspection Systems for Printed Circuit Boards
  2.9
%  
4.   Hoteles City Express (Mexico)
Budget Hotel Operator in Mexico
  2.4
%  
5.   Nongshim Holdings (Korea)
Holding Company of Food Conglomerate
  2.4
%  
6.   Link Net (Indonesia)
Fixed Broadband & Cable TV Service Provider
  2.3
%  
7.   Tikkurila (Finland)
Decorative & Industrial Paint in Scandinavia,
Central & Eastern Europe
  2.3
%  
8.   Commercial International Bank of
Egypt (Egypt)
Private Universal Bank in Egypt
  2.2
%  
9.   MNC Sky Vision (Indonesia)
Satellite Pay TV Operator in Indonesia
  2.1
%  
10.   KCC (Korea)
Paint & Housing Material Manufacturer
  2.0
%  

The Fund's top 10 holdings and portfolio diversification vary with changes in portfolio investments. See the Statement of Investments for a complete list of the Fund's holdings.


17



COLUMBIA ACORN EUROPEAN FUNDSM

IN A NUTSHELL

 

 
Andreas Waldburg-Wolfegg
Co-Portfolio Manager
  Stephen
Kusmierczak
Co-Portfolio Manager
 

Market risk may affect a single issuer, sector of the economy, industry or the market as a whole. International investing involves certain risks and volatility due to potential political, economic or currency instabilities and different, potentially less stringent, financial and accounting standards than those generally applicable to U.S. issuers. Risks are enhanced for emerging market issuers. Investments in small- and mid-cap companies involve risks and volatility and possible illiquidity greater than investments in larger, more established companies.

Columbia Acorn European Fund Class Z shares gained 3.84% in the fourth quarter of 2015, underperforming the 4.90% gain of the Fund's primary benchmark, the S&P Europe Between $500M and $5B® Index. For the year ended December 31, 2015, the Fund was up 4.43%, while the benchmark gained 9.85% for the same period. Most European markets staged a relief rally early in the fourth quarter after a tough third quarter, and we were pleased to see some of the Fund's larger positions rebound with the markets.

For the quarter and the annual period, Fund performance relative to the benchmark was negatively impacted by poor performance of the Fund's holdings in the Mediterranean region. Falling 53% and 66%, respectively, for the year, French stocks Neopost and Hi-Media were largely to blame for the regional lag. We noted last quarter that we were reducing the Fund's position in postage machine manufacturer Neopost, and we opted to sell out of the stock completely in the fourth quarter. We also noted last quarter that we sold out of the Fund's position in online advertiser Hi-Media, but it remained a significant detractor for the annual period. Active selling and underperformance have caused the Fund's weighting in the Mediterranean region to decline from roughly 21% at year-end 2014, to 16% at the end of 2015.

The Nordic region provided the Fund's top two contributors for the annual period. SimCorp, a Danish developer of software for investment managers, ended the year up 120%, gaining 12% in the fourth quarter, as strong new license sales continue to drive company growth. Sweden's Unibet, a European online gaming operator, has strongly grown mobile revenues in its sports betting platform and boosted margins. Its stock was up 68% for the year and gained 22% in the fourth quarter. The Fund's overweight exposure to this region was a relative positive for both the quarter and the year.

In Northern and Central Europe, the Fund's weight remained largely the same over the course of the year and was in line with the benchmark. Good stock selection, most notably in some of our German names, drove some relative outperformance in the region. Up 43% for the year, Aurelius is a European turnaround investor and its stock has been boosted by high deal activity. In the quarter, MTU Aero Engines, a German manufacturer of airplane engine components and services, gained 17% on solid new engine demand and growing maintenance and repair revenues.

The Fund's underweight positions in the United Kingdom and Ireland were a positive for the quarter and the year, but stock performance relative to the benchmark in the

region fell short for both periods. Top contributors included Cable and Wireless, a UK telecommunications service provider operating in the Caribbean. Its stock rose 30% in the fourth quarter following news of an acquisition agreement with global media company Liberty Global. We sold the Fund's position in the stock on the news. Rightmove, a UK Internet site for real estate listings, gained 76% for the year, benefiting from its leading position in the market and strong revenue growth. On the downside, Cambian, a UK operator of mental health facilities, fell 52% in the fourth quarter after issuing a profit warning, ending the year down 35%. Also declining on profit warnings and concerns around management changes, Dialight, a UK provider of LED products for industrial environments, fell 20% in the fourth quarter and was off 37% for the year. We exited both Cambian and Dialight in the fourth quarter.

European small caps were one of the strongest-performing areas of the global equity markets during 2015. We are beginning to see the positive impact of changes driven by the financial crisis in Europe. European Central Bank control over individual banks has been tightened in places like Italy and Spain, and banking consolidation has been accelerated. The Spanish economy positively surprised in 2015, yet Italy remains challenged by a lack of investment and anemic household spending. While the U.S. Federal Reserve raised interest rates in the United States in the fourth quarter, the European Central Bank lowered its deposit rate and announced an extension of its quantitative easing at its December meeting. Ongoing monetary easing in Europe is supporting both credit expansion and equity valuations, which are above long-term historical levels, but which may be supported by the long-term outlook for interest rates. European gross domestic product growth is also positive, if somewhat weak. Concerns do remain, as the asylum crisis and possible border restrictions could threaten trade, and as anti-EU sentiment seems to be gaining steam. Crisis is not new to Europe, however, and we have been able to find what we believe to be very strong, small-cap companies to invest in during past periods of uncertainty. We remain focused on investing in companies with strong fundamentals, that are leaders in their industries, and that are good stewards of shareholder capital. We believe these companies should do better than the market in most economic environments.

Fund holdings are as of the date given, are subject to change at any time, and are not recommendations to buy or sell any security.


18



COLUMBIA ACORN EUROPEAN FUNDSM

AT A GLANCE

Total Net Assets of the Fund:
$61.9 million

Performance data shown below represents past performance, does not guarantee future results, assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions and does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder may pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data shown. Performance data reflects fee waivers or reimbursements of Fund expenses, if any; in their absence, performance results would have been lower. Indexes are unmanaged; their results do not reflect the effect of expenses or sales charges. Securities in the Fund may not match those in an index. Please visit columbiathreadneedle.com/us for the most recent month-end performance data.

The Growth of a $10,000 Investment in Columbia Acorn European FundSM Class Z Shares

August 19, 2011 (Fund inception) through December 31, 2015

This chart shows the change in value of a hypothetical $10,000 investment in Class Z shares of the Fund during the stated time period.

Average Annual Total Returns for period ended December 31, 2015

 

4th quarter

 

1 year

 

Life of Fund

 
Class Z (8/19/11 inception)    

3.84

%

   

4.43

%

   

10.52

%

 
Class A (8/19/11 inception)  

without sales charge

   

3.80

     

4.17

     

10.23

   

with sales charge

   

-2.15

     

-1.79

     

8.75

   
S&P Europe Between $500M
and $5B® Index*
   

4.90

     

9.85

     

12.88

   

Results for other share classes can be found on Page 2.

*The Fund's primary benchmark as December 31, 2015. Effective January 1, 2016, the primary benchmark for Columbia Acorn European Fund was changed to the MSCI AC Europe Small Cap (Net). Please see Page 1 for index descriptions.

Returns for Class A shown with and without the maximum initial sales charge of 5.75%. As stated in the May 1, 2015, prospectus, the Fund's annual operating expense ratio is 1.50% for Class Z shares and 1.75% for Class A shares.

Portfolio Diversification

as a percentage of net assets, as of 12/31/15

Top 10 Holdings

as a percentage of net assets, as of 12/31/15

1.   Munksjo† (Finland)
Specialty Paper Maker
  3.2
%  
2.   Wirecard (Germany)
Online Payment Processing & Risk Management
  3.2
%  
3.   Rightmove (United Kingdom)
Internet Real Estate Listings
  3.1
%  
4.   Distribuidora Internacional
de Alimentación (Spain)
Discount Retailer in Spain & Latin America
  3.0
%  
5.   Unibet (Sweden)
European Online Gaming Operator
  2.7
%  
6.   Assura (United Kingdom)
UK Primary Health Care Property Developer
  2.6
%  
7.   SimCorp (Denmark)
Software for Investment Managers
  2.6
%  
8.   Partners Group (Switzerland)
Private Markets Asset Management
  2.6
%  
9.   Charles Taylor (United Kingdom)
Insurance Services
  2.5
%  
10.   Aurelius (Germany)
European Turnaround Investor
  2.3
%  

†The Fund holds shares traded on both the Swedish and Finnish exchanges.

The Fund's top 10 holdings and portfolio diversification vary with changes in portfolio investments. See the Statement of Investments for a complete list of the Fund's holdings.


19




SQUIRREL CHATTER: BEHAVIORAL ECONOMICS

People Occasionally Behave Irrationally

Economists have traditionally assumed that people rationally optimize in their own self-interest. A free-market economy dominated by "homo economicus" prospers as producers of goods and services trade with each other, as if driven by an invisible hand. In the past few decades, however, behavioral economics has emerged, refuting the rational optimization assumption. Nobel Prize winning Princeton professor Daniel Kahneman's book Thinking, Fast and Slow explains the habits and biases that cause people to make predictable errors.

Illustrating that people tend to make quick, intuitive decisions rather than well thought out ones, Kahneman asked Ivy League students the following question: A bat and a ball cost $1.10. The bat costs $1.00 more than the ball. How much does the ball cost? Over half of students answered $0.10, though the correct answer is $0.05.

Kahneman also points out that people generally have a confirmation bias.1 Good scientific method calls for people to test a hypothesis by attempting to refute it, but instead people seek data that confirms their beliefs. We would rather keep our beliefs than seriously analyze and challenge them.

Individuals also exhibit an anchoring effect. Kahneman and his associate Amos Tversky devised several experiments that first provided a high or low number (from a rigged "wheel of fortune" or in a text) and then asked for best-guess estimates for unrelated data. Subjects who were provided high numbers gave high estimates and vice versa. People tend to "anchor" on an initial number provided and then move toward an unbiased estimate. When the Exploratorium Museum in San Francisco polled visitors about contributing to a particular cause without providing a suggested contribution amount, visitors on average said they would donate $64. When $5 was suggested as a donation, the average response was $20, and when $400 was suggested, the average jumped to $143.2 It seems as though many charities understand the anchoring effect.

Kahneman identified an availability bias. People base their knowledge, opinions and actions on small samples of information readily available to them. Estimates of causes

of death are warped by media coverage. For example, strokes cause almost twice as many deaths as all accidents combined, but 80% of respondents said accidental deaths were more likely.3

Kahneman and Tversky did many behavioral studies, and their largest contribution to behavioral economics is their work on decision making in risky situations. Subjects were asked to make the following two choices concurrently:

Choose between:

A.  a sure gain of $240

B.  25% chance to win $1,000 and a 75% chance to gain nothing

Choose between:

C.  a sure loss of $750

D.  75% chance to lose $1,000 and a 25% chance to lose nothing

People are risk averse with respect to gains; 84% of subjects chose A, accepting a lower expected value than B.4 However, people are risk seeking with respect to losses. People hate to lose and will take a chance of a greater loss in exchange for a chance not to lose; 87% chose D.5

Despite the instructions, subjects appeared to make these choices sequentially rather than concurrently. They framed the exercise as two separate choices. Choosing A and D provides a net result of a 75% chance to lose $760 and a 25% chance of gaining $240. People solving the problems concurrently and rationally would have chosen C and B, which provides a net result of a 75% chance to lose $750 and a 25% chance to gain $250. Choosing C and B together results in the same odds, yet $10 more under either scenario.

Given our biases, how a choice is framed heavily influences our decisions. Would you accept a gamble that offers a 10% chance to win $95 and a 90% chance to lose $5? Would you pay $5 to participate in a lottery that offers a 10% chance to win $100 and a 90% chance to win nothing? Many more people accept the second opportunity than the first, even though the choices are identical. The first clearly frames the $5 as a loss, while the second suggests the $5 is a sunk cost.6


20



Kahneman and Tversky also did a study to determine values people assign to probabilities, what they called decision weights. People provided zero value to a zero probability and a value of 100 to a sure thing, but the values in between were interesting:7

Probability  1%  10%  50%  90%  99%

Decision Weight  5.5  18.6  42.1  71.2  91.2

What the data shows is that people are often willing to overpay for small probabilities, a tendency known as the possibility effect. That is why lotteries exist. Yet people underpay relatively more for large but not certain probabilities. To eliminate those last bits of uncertainty, people are willing to pay a lot, a tendency known as the certainty effect.

Richard Thaler, a University of Chicago professor of behavioral science and economics, worked with Kahneman and Tversky on several studies. Jointly, they defined the endowment effect, which states that once someone owns something, he tends to place an irrationally high value on it. Thaler and Kahneman experimented by giving some subjects coffee mugs decorated with university insignia. Participants were asked to provide the prices at which they would sell. Other subjects were not given mugs and were asked what prices they would bid for the mugs. The average selling price was about double the average buying price!8

Thaler agrees with Kahneman's findings that people are risk seeking with respect to losses, both prospectively and retrospectively. People who are losing money at a racetrack tend to bet on longshots for the last race of the day, hoping to recoup losses, effectively driving the expected return of the last race even more against them!9 Financial institutions need to watch losing traders very closely, as rogue traders repeatedly double down in hopes of recouping losses.

Thaler's work indicates that people create mental accounts, treating some money differently depending on its intended use. Cash accounts are for spending, other funds are for savings, and retirement accounts are sacrosanct.10 People may borrow at high interest rates on their charge cards while receiving low interest rates on savings, which appears irrational.

Thaler notes that Economics 101 classes typically teach that prices should rationally rise when there is an unanticipated increase in demand. I remember learning that

it would be rational for merchants to raise the price of snow shovels after a blizzard and plywood before a hurricane. The products would be rationed by price to those most in need and capable of paying, and additional revenues would induce costly special increases in supply. Thaler's work, however, indicates that most people would consider such increases as unfair price gouging, and would later penalize those merchants.

Policy Implications

Public policies are often impacted by people's emotional reaction under the availability bias. Former Administrator of the White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Cass Sunstein, has analyzed resulting regulations and notes that poor regulations waste time and money. Rational weighting of costs and benefits would result in better regulations and improved outcomes.11

Kahneman points out that as an extension of the possibility effect, people tend to be confounded by exceptionally small probabilities,12 and either ignore them or give them way too much attention. The precautionary principle, which prohibits any action that might cause harm, is the result. Sunstein believes that many innovations including airplanes, antibiotics, automobiles, chlorination, vaccinations and x-rays would not have passed strict interpretation of the precautionary principle.13

Thaler's work explains one of the reasons why policy makers prefer modest inflation. People consider outright wage cuts as unfair, even when unemployment is high and the employer is earning only a small profit. But a flat wage when there is inflation is not considered unfair, even though real wages drop.14 Therefore, the economy can more easily rationalize costs in a recession with some inflation rather than none.

Thaler devised a plan to induce people to contribute more to 401K plans called "Save More Tomorrow." Many people don't contribute to their 401K plan because that would mean an immediate take-home pay cut, frowned on by the endowment effect. Instead, the plan has people sign up now to contribute upon their next raise in pay. They then forgo some or the entire raise, but save for retirement without taking a pay cut. Employees of the first company that adopted the plan nearly quadrupled their savings rate after four annual raises.15


21



Thaler and Sunstein's book Nudge cites numerous ways that individuals can be "nudged" to make better decisions. For example, default options are considered standard and most people don't extend the effort to make a different choice. Germans need to opt in for organ donations, and only 12% do. Austrians need to opt out of organ donations, and 99% allow their organs to be donated.16

Investment Implications

Kahneman notes that experienced traders in financial markets tend to more rationally deal with risk aversion than individual investors. Most people weight losses twice as much as gains,17 and if each transaction is framed individually, irrational risk aversion results. By framing gains and losses over longer periods rather than individually, traders can accept individual rational risks. To mitigate this bias, Kahneman suggests that individual investors view the market prices of their investments less frequently.18

Thaler agrees, as he conducted an experiment simulating endowment management. Some subjects were shown results eight times per simulated calendar year, while others were shown results once per simulated year. Those seeing results more frequently chose to invest 41% in stocks and those seeing results just once a year had 70% in stocks.19 Myopic risk aversion helps explain why stocks provided a 7% premium compound rate of return over risk-free securities for the last two centuries,20 a huge premium that cannot be otherwise explained by economic theory.21

Individuals tend to be terrible stock traders. One study indicated that stocks sold by individuals outperformed stocks they bought by 3.2% per year, before transactions costs. Individual investors tend to sell winners even though recent winners on average outperform recent losers in the short term. Individuals tend to keep losers, as they are averse to taking losses and have anchored on purchase prices as target sale prices for losers.22 Losers on average underperform in the short term.23

Mental accounts result in the house money effect for gamblers and investors. People are more prone to lose their risk aversion on gains when they are ahead. This can result in gamblers not knowing when to quit, and investors creating bubbles.24

Humans, including many professional money managers, seem to be hard wired to invest poorly, to "buy high and sell low." Behavioral economics helps explain why.

One solution to offset this tendency is to own Columbia Thermostat Fund, which takes emotions out of investing and automatically invests more in stocks when the market drops and automatically sells stocks when the market rises.25

Charles P. McQuaid

Portfolio Manager, Analyst and Advisor
Columbia Wanger Asset Management, LLC

The information and data provided in this analysis are derived from sources that we deem to be reliable and accurate. These views are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict so actual outcomes and results may differ significantly from the views expressed. The views/opinions expressed here are those of the author and not of the Columbia Acorn Trust Board of Trustees, are subject to change at any time based upon economic, market or other conditions, may differ from views expressed by other Columbia Management associates and the respective parties disclaim any responsibility to update such views. These views may not be relied on as investment advice and, because investment decisions for a Columbia Acorn Fund are based on numerous factors, may not be relied on as an indication of trading intent on behalf of any particular Columbia Acorn Fund.

The author would like to thank Colin Moore, Global Chief Investment Officer of Columbia Threadneedle Investments, for suggesting Beyond Greed and Fear, which summarizes behavioral economics for investors. He would also like to thank recently retired Columbia Acorn Trust Chief Compliance Officer Robert Scales for suggesting Thinking, Fast and Slow.

1  Daniel Kahneman, Thinking, Fast and Slow (New York, Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2011), p. 81.

2  Ibid., p. 125.

3  Ibid., p. 138.

4  Expected value is the sum of probabilities times dollars.

5  Kahneman, op. cit., p. 437.

6  Ibid., p. 364.

7  Ibid., p. 315.

8  Ibid., p. 295.

9  Richard H. Thaler, Misbehaving: The Making of Behavioral Economics (New York, W. W. Norton & Company, Inc., 2015), p. 80.

10  Ibid., p. 76.

11  Kahneman, op. cit., p. 141.

12  Somehow this one is not labelled as a particular bias or effect.

13  Kahneman, op. cit., p. 351.

14  Thaler, op. cit., p. 132.

15  Ibid., p. 318.

16  Richard H. Thaler and Cass R. Sunstein, Nudge: Improving Decisions About Health, Wealth, and Happiness (New Haven, Connecticut, Yale University Press, 2008), p. 178-179.

17  Kahneman, op. cit., p. 349.

18  Ibid., p. 339.

19  Thaler, op. cit., p. 197.

20  Hersh Shefrin, Beyond Greed and Fear: Understanding Behavioral Finance and the Psychology of Investing (New York, Oxford University Press, 2002), p. 37.

21  Thaler, op. cit., p. 192.

22  In Beyond Greed and Fear, Shefrin labels this as "Get-evenitis."

23  Kahneman, op. cit., p. 213-214.

24  Thaler, op. cit., p. 83.

25  If interested, please see Columbia Thermostat Fund's prospectus, which can be found at columbiathreadneedle.com/us.


22



COLUMBIA ACORN FAMILY OF FUNDS

2015 YEAR-END DISTRIBUTIONS

The following table details the year-end distributions for the Columbia Acorn Funds. For all Funds except Columbia Thermostat Fund, the record date was December 8, 2015, and the ex-dividend and payable date was December 9, 2015. For Columbia Thermostat Fund, the record date was December 21, 2015, and the ex-dividend and payable date was December 22, 2015.

Fund

  Short-term
Capital
Gain
  Long-term
Capital
Gain
  Ordinary
Income
  Reinvestment
Price
 

Columbia Acorn® Fund

 

Class A

   

None

   

$

10.63665

     

None

   

$

17.68

   

Class B

   

None

   

$

10.63665

     

None

   

$

13.75

   

Class C

   

None

   

$

10.63665

     

None

   

$

13.20

   

Class I

   

None

   

$

10.63665

     

None

   

$

19.48

   

Class R4

   

None

   

$

10.63665

     

None

   

$

19.90

   

Class R5

   

None

   

$

10.63665

     

None

   

$

19.97

   

Class Y

   

None

   

$

10.63665

     

None

   

$

20.05

   

Class Z

   

None

   

$

10.63665

     

None

   

$

19.39

   

Columbia Acorn International®

 

Class A

   

None

   

$

1.18794

   

$

0.39825

   

$

39.08

   

Class B

   

None

   

$

1.18794

   

$

0.02288

   

$

37.83

   

Class C

   

None

   

$

1.18794

   

$

0.07833

   

$

37.67

   

Class I

   

None

   

$

1.18794

   

$

0.55607

   

$

39.14

   

Class R

   

None

   

$

1.18794

   

$

0.24042

   

$

39.09

   

Class R4

   

None

   

$

1.18794

   

$

0.47929

   

$

39.40

   

Class R5

   

None

   

$

1.18794

   

$

0.53475

   

$

39.09

   

Class Y

   

None

   

$

1.18794

   

$

0.55607

   

$

39.40

   

Class Z

   

None

   

$

1.18794

   

$

0.51768

   

$

39.11

   

Columbia Acorn USA®

 

Class A

   

None

   

$

7.67879

     

None

   

$

20.32

   

Class B

   

None

   

$

7.67879

     

None

   

$

16.14

   

Class C

   

None

   

$

7.67879

     

None

   

$

16.06

   

Class I

   

None

   

$

7.67879

     

None

   

$

22.47

   

Class R4

   

None

   

$

7.67879

     

None

   

$

22.92

   

Class R5

   

None

   

$

7.67879

     

None

   

$

22.97

   

Class Y

   

None

   

$

7.67879

     

None

   

$

23.06

   

Class Z

   

None

   

$

7.67879

     

None

   

$

22.26

   

Columbia Acorn International SelectSM

 

Class A

   

None

     

None

   

$

0.33336

   

$

21.36

   

Class B

   

None

     

None

   

$

0.18499

   

$

20.13

   

Class C

   

None

     

None

   

$

0.16026

   

$

20.00

   

Class I

   

None

     

None

   

$

0.41430

   

$

21.60

   

Class R4

   

None

     

None

   

$

0.39406

   

$

21.77

   

Class R5

   

None

     

None

   

$

0.40755

   

$

21.75

   

Class Y

   

None

     

None

   

$

0.42104

   

$

21.74

   

Class Z

   

None

     

None

   

$

0.40081

   

$

21.61

   


23



COLUMBIA ACORN FAMILY OF FUNDS

2015 YEAR-END DISTRIBUTIONS, CONTINUED

Fund

  Short-term
Capital
Gain
  Long-term
Capital
Gain
  Ordinary
Income
  Reinvestment
Price
 

Columbia Acorn SelectSM

 

Class A

 

$

0.81904

   

$

4.54092

     

None

   

$

14.14

   

Class B

 

$

0.81904

   

$

4.54092

     

None

   

$

10.98

   

Class C

 

$

0.81904

   

$

4.54092

     

None

   

$

10.66

   

Class I

 

$

0.81904

   

$

4.54092

     

None

   

$

15.57

   

Class R4

 

$

0.81904

   

$

4.54092

     

None

   

$

15.91

   

Class R5

 

$

0.81904

   

$

4.54092

     

None

   

$

15.96

   

Class Y

 

$

0.81904

   

$

4.54092

     

None

   

$

16.05

   

Class Z

 

$

0.81904

   

$

4.54092

     

None

   

$

15.45

   

Columbia Thermostat FundSM

 

Class A

   

None

     

None

   

$

0.26221

   

$

14.27

   

Class B

   

None

     

None

   

$

0.18821

   

$

14.38

   

Class C

   

None

     

None

   

$

0.15121

   

$

14.38

   

Class R4

   

None

     

None

   

$

0.29921

   

$

14.15

   

Class R5

   

None

     

None

   

$

0.30069

   

$

14.17

   

Class Y

   

None

     

None

   

$

0.30809

   

$

14.15

   

Class Z

   

None

     

None

   

$

0.29921

   

$

14.08

   

Columbia Acorn Emerging Markets FundSM

 

Class A

   

None

     

None

   

$

0.15732

   

$

10.19

   

Class C

   

None

     

None

   

$

0.06725

   

$

10.15

   

Class I

   

None

     

None

   

$

0.20056

   

$

10.21

   

Class R4

   

None

     

None

   

$

0.19455

   

$

10.27

   

Class R5

   

None

     

None

   

$

0.19696

   

$

10.26

   

Class Y

   

None

     

None

   

$

0.20416

   

$

10.17

   

Class Z

   

None

     

None

   

$

0.18855

   

$

10.20

   

Columbia Acorn European FundSM

 

Class A

   

None

     

None

   

$

0.12530

   

$

14.91

   

Class C

   

None

     

None

   

$

0.01246

   

$

14.80

   

Class I

   

None

     

None

   

$

0.17344

   

$

14.89

   

Class R4

   

None

     

None

   

$

0.16291

   

$

14.97

   

Class R5

   

None

     

None

   

$

0.16592

   

$

15.04

   

Class Z

   

None

     

None

   

$

0.16291

   

$

14.91

   


24



UNDERSTANDING YOUR EXPENSES

As a shareholder, you incur two types of costs. There are transaction costs, which generally include sales charges on purchases and may include redemption fees. There are also ongoing costs, which generally include management fees, distribution and service (Rule 12b-1) fees, and other Fund expenses. The following information is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to help you compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.

Analyzing Your Fund's Expenses

To illustrate these ongoing costs, we have provided examples and calculated the expenses paid by investors in Class A, B, C, I, R, R4, R5, Y and Z shares of the Funds during the period. The actual and hypothetical information in the tables is based on an initial investment of $1,000 at the beginning of the period indicated and held for the entire period. Expense information is calculated two ways and each method provides you with different information. The amount listed in the "Actual" column is calculated using the Funds' actual operating expenses and total return for the period. You may use the Actual information, together with the amount invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the results by the expenses paid during the period under the Actual column. The amount listed in the "Hypothetical" column assumes a 5% annual rate of return before expenses (which is not the Funds' actual return) and then applies the Funds' actual expense ratio for the period to the hypothetical return. You should not use the hypothetical account values and expenses to estimate either your actual account balance at the end of the period or the expenses you paid during the period. See "Compare With Other Funds" below for details on how to use the hypothetical data.

In addition to the ongoing expenses which the Funds bear directly, Columbia Thermostat Fund's shareholders indirectly bear the Fund's allocable share of the costs and expenses of each underlying fund in which the Fund invests. You can also estimate the effective expenses paid during the period, which includes the indirect fees associated with investing in the underlying funds, by using the amounts listed in the effective expenses paid during the period column in the "Fund of Funds" table.

Compare With Other Funds

Since all mutual funds are required to include the same hypothetical calculations about expenses in shareholder reports, you can use this information to compare the ongoing cost of investing in the Funds with other funds. To do so, compare the hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of other funds. As you compare hypothetical examples of other funds, it is important to note that hypothetical examples are meant to highlight the ongoing costs of investing in a fund only and do not reflect any transaction costs, such as sales charges, or redemption or exchange fees. Therefore, the hypothetical calculations are useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. If transaction costs were included in these calculations, your costs would be higher.

July 1, 2015 – December 31, 2015

  Account value at
the beginning of
the period ($)
  Account value at
the end of
the period ($)
  Expenses paid
during the period ($)
  Fund's
annualized
expense
ratio (%)
 

 

Actual

 

Hypothetical

 

Actual

 

Hypothetical

 

Actual

 

Hypothetical

 

Actual

 

Columbia Acorn® Fund

 

Class A

   

1,000.00

     

1,000.00

     

921.90

     

1,019.76

     

5.23

     

5.50

     

1.08

   

Class B

   

1,000.00

     

1,000.00

     

916.60

     

1,014.47

     

10.29

     

10.82

     

2.13

   

Class C

   

1,000.00

     

1,000.00

     

918.60

     

1,016.03

     

8.80

     

9.25

     

1.82

   

Class I

   

1,000.00

     

1,000.00

     

923.40

     

1,021.48

     

3.59

     

3.77

     

0.74

   

Class R4

   

1,000.00

     

1,000.00

     

922.00

     

1,020.37

     

4.65

     

4.89

     

0.96

   

Class R5

   

1,000.00

     

1,000.00

     

923.20

     

1,021.22

     

3.83

     

4.02

     

0.79

   

Class Y

   

1,000.00

     

1,000.00

     

923.40

     

1,021.48

     

3.59

     

3.77

     

0.74

   

Class Z

   

1,000.00

     

1,000.00

     

923.20

     

1,021.17

     

3.88

     

4.08

     

0.80

   


25



UNDERSTANDING YOUR EXPENSES, continued

  Account value at
the beginning of
the period ($)
  Account value at
the end of
the period ($)
  Expenses paid
during the period ($)
  Fund's
annualized
expense
ratio (%)
 

 

Actual

 

Hypothetical

 

Actual

 

Hypothetical

 

Actual

 

Hypothetical

 

Actual

 

Columbia Acorn International®

 

Class A

   

1,000.00

     

1,000.00

     

936.80

     

1,018.90

     

6.10

     

6.36

     

1.25

   

Class B

   

1,000.00

     

1,000.00

     

931.70

     

1,013.76

     

11.05

     

11.52

     

2.27

   

Class C

   

1,000.00

     

1,000.00

     

933.50

     

1,015.07

     

9.80

     

10.21

     

2.01

   

Class I

   

1,000.00

     

1,000.00

     

938.60

     

1,020.77

     

4.30

     

4.48

     

0.88

   

Class R

   

1,000.00

     

1,000.00

     

934.80

     

1,016.99

     

7.95

     

8.29

     

1.63

   

Class R4

   

1,000.00

     

1,000.00

     

937.80

     

1,019.81

     

5.23

     

5.45

     

1.07

   

Class R5

   

1,000.00

     

1,000.00

     

938.50

     

1,020.52

     

4.54

     

4.74

     

0.93

   

Class Y

   

1,000.00

     

1,000.00

     

938.50

     

1,020.77

     

4.30

     

4.48

     

0.88

   

Class Z

   

1,000.00

     

1,000.00

     

938.10

     

1,020.21

     

4.84

     

5.04

     

0.99

   

Columbia Acorn USA®

 

Class A

   

1,000.00

     

1,000.00

     

918.40

     

1,018.40

     

6.53

     

6.87

     

1.35

   

Class B

   

1,000.00

     

1,000.00

     

908.60

     

1,009.23

     

15.25

     

16.05

     

3.17

   

Class C

   

1,000.00

     

1,000.00

     

915.30

     

1,014.92

     

9.85

     

10.36

     

2.04

   

Class I

   

1,000.00

     

1,000.00

     

920.50

     

1,020.62

     

4.41

     

4.63

     

0.91

   

Class R4

   

1,000.00

     

1,000.00

     

919.70

     

1,019.41

     

5.56

     

5.85

     

1.15

   

Class R5

   

1,000.00

     

1,000.00

     

920.30

     

1,020.06

     

4.94

     

5.19

     

1.02

   

Class Y

   

1,000.00

     

1,000.00

     

920.30

     

1,020.27

     

4.74

     

4.99

     

0.98

   

Class Z

   

1,000.00

     

1,000.00

     

919.70

     

1,019.61

     

5.37

     

5.65

     

1.11

   

Columbia Acorn International SelectSM

 

Class A

   

1,000.00

     

1,000.00

     

951.80

     

1,017.24

     

7.77

     

8.03

     

1.58

   

Class B

   

1,000.00

     

1,000.00

     

948.70

     

1,014.12

     

10.81

     

11.17

     

2.20

   

Class C

   

1,000.00

     

1,000.00

     

947.70

     

1,013.31

     

11.59

     

11.98

     

2.36

   

Class I

   

1,000.00

     

1,000.00

     

953.30

     

1,019.26

     

5.81

     

6.01

     

1.18

   

Class R4

   

1,000.00

     

1,000.00

     

953.20

     

1,018.65

     

6.40

     

6.61

     

1.30

   

Class R5

   

1,000.00

     

1,000.00

     

953.30

     

1,019.00

     

6.06

     

6.26

     

1.23

   

Class Y

   

1,000.00

     

1,000.00

     

953.90

     

1,019.31

     

5.76

     

5.96

     

1.17

   

Class Z

   

1,000.00

     

1,000.00

     

952.80

     

1,018.80

     

6.25

     

6.46

     

1.27

   

Columbia Acorn SelectSM

 

Class A

   

1,000.00

     

1,000.00

     

936.80

     

1,019.36

     

5.66

     

5.90

     

1.16

   

Class B

   

1,000.00

     

1,000.00

     

932.90

     

1,014.62

     

10.23

     

10.66

     

2.10

   

Class C

   

1,000.00

     

1,000.00

     

934.00

     

1,015.63

     

9.26

     

9.65

     

1.90

   

Class I

   

1,000.00

     

1,000.00

     

938.50

     

1,021.22

     

3.86

     

4.02

     

0.79

   

Class R4

   

1,000.00

     

1,000.00

     

937.70

     

1,020.52

     

4.54

     

4.74

     

0.93

   

Class R5

   

1,000.00

     

1,000.00

     

938.20

     

1,020.97

     

4.10

     

4.28

     

0.84

   

Class Y

   

1,000.00

     

1,000.00

     

938.50

     

1,021.17

     

3.91

     

4.08

     

0.80

   

Class Z

   

1,000.00

     

1,000.00

     

938.60

     

1,020.72

     

4.35

     

4.53

     

0.89

   


26



  Account value at
the beginning of
the period ($)
  Account value at
the end of
the period ($)
  Expenses paid
during the period ($)
  Fund's
annualized
expense
ratio (%)
 

 

Actual

 

Hypothetical

 

Actual

 

Hypothetical

 

Actual

 

Hypothetical

 

Actual

 

Columbia Acorn Emerging Markets FundSM

 

Class A

   

1,000.00

     

1,000.00

     

842.60

     

1,016.48

     

8.03

     

8.79

     

1.73

   

Class C

   

1,000.00

     

1,000.00

     

839.50

     

1,012.65

     

11.55

     

12.63

     

2.49

   

Class I

   

1,000.00

     

1,000.00

     

844.40

     

1,018.50

     

6.18

     

6.77

     

1.33

   

Class R4

   

1,000.00

     

1,000.00

     

843.90

     

1,018.10

     

6.55

     

7.17

     

1.41

   

Class R5

   

1,000.00

     

1,000.00

     

844.80

     

1,018.25

     

6.42

     

7.02

     

1.38

   

Class Y

   

1,000.00

     

1,000.00

     

845.00

     

1,018.55

     

6.14

     

6.72

     

1.32

   

Class Z

   

1,000.00

     

1,000.00

     

844.10

     

1,017.74

     

6.88

     

7.53

     

1.48

   

Columbia Acorn European FundSM

 

Class A

   

1,000.00

     

1,000.00

     

976.60

     

1,016.38

     

8.72

     

8.89

     

1.75

   

Class C

   

1,000.00

     

1,000.00

     

972.90

     

1,012.60

     

12.43

     

12.68

     

2.50

   

Class I

   

1,000.00

     

1,000.00

     

978.50

     

1,018.10

     

7.03

     

7.17

     

1.41

   

Class R4

   

1,000.00

     

1,000.00

     

978.50

     

1,017.64

     

7.48

     

7.63

     

1.50

   

Class R5

   

1,000.00

     

1,000.00

     

978.20

     

1,017.85

     

7.28

     

7.43

     

1.46

   

Class Z

   

1,000.00

     

1,000.00

     

977.80

     

1,017.64

     

7.48

     

7.63

     

1.50

   

Fund of Funds—Columbia Thermostat Fund

July 1, 2015 – December 31, 2015

  Account value at
the beginning of
the period ($)
  Account value at
the end of
the period ($)
  Expenses paid
during the period ($)
  Fund's
annualized
expense
ratio (%)
  Effective
expenses
paid during
the period ($)
  Fund's
effective
annualized
expense
ratio (%)
 

 

Actual

 

Hypothetical

 

Actual

 

Hypothetical

 

Actual

 

Hypothetical

 

Actual

 

Actual

 

Hypothetical

 

Actual

 

Columbia Thermsotat FundSM

 

Class A

   

1,000.00

     

1,000.00

     

990.00

     

1,022.68

     

2.51

     

2.55

     

0.50

     

5.17

     

5.25

     

1.03

   

Class B

   

1,000.00

     

1,000.00

     

987.70

     

1,020.16

     

5.01

     

5.09

     

1.00

     

7.67

     

7.79

     

1.53

   

Class C

   

1,000.00

     

1,000.00

     

985.90

     

1,018.90

     

6.26

     

6.36

     

1.25

     

8.91

     

9.06

     

1.78

   

Class R4

   

1,000.00

     

1,000.00

     

991.10

     

1,023.95

     

1.25

     

1.28

     

0.25

     

3.91

     

3.98

     

0.78

   

Class R5

   

1,000.00

     

1,000.00

     

991.20

     

1,024.00

     

1.20

     

1.22

     

0.24

     

3.86

     

3.93

     

0.77

   

Class Y

   

1,000.00

     

1,000.00

     

991.00

     

1,024.25

     

0.95

     

0.97

     

0.19

     

3.61

     

3.67

     

0.72

   

Class Z

   

1,000.00

     

1,000.00

     

991.10

     

1,023.95

     

1.25

     

1.28

     

0.25

     

3.91

     

3.98

     

0.78

   

Expenses paid during the period are equal to the annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over the period and then multiplied by the number of days in the Fund's most recent fiscal half year and divided by 365.

Except with respect to Columbia Thermostat Fund, expenses do not include any fees and expenses incurred indirectly by a Fund from the underlying funds in which the Fund may invest (also referred to as "acquired funds"), including affiliated and non-affiliated pooled investments vehicles (including mutual funds and exchange traded funds).

In the case of Columbia Thermostat Fund, effective expenses paid during the period and the Fund's effective annualized expense ratio include expenses borne directly by the class plus the Fund's pro rata portion of the ongoing expenses charged by the underlying funds in which it invests using the expense ratio of each class of each underlying fund as of the underlying fund's most recent shareholder report.

Had the investment manager and/or certain of its affiliates not waived/reimbursed certain fees and expenses for Columbia Acorn International, Columbia Acorn International Select, Columbia Acorn Select, Columbia Thermostat Fund and Columbia Acorn European Fund, account value at the end of the period would have been reduced.


27




COLUMBIA ACORN® FUND

MAJOR PORTFOLIO CHANGES IN THE FOURTH QUARTER (UNAUDITED)

   

Number of Shares

 
   

9/30/15

 

12/31/15

 

Purchases

 

Information

 

DemandWare

   

550,000

     

611,961

   

F5 Networks

   

450,102

     

608,935

   
MA-COM Technology Solutions
Holdings
   

0

     

565,500

   

Industrial Goods & Services

 

Axalta Coating Systems

   

0

     

802,000

   
Expeditors International of
Washington
   

1,614,150

     

1,959,000

   

Quanta Services

   

3,357,357

     

3,817,357

   

Robert Half International

   

1,911,000

     

2,172,804

   

Consumer Goods & Services

 
Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings,
Class A
   

0

     

1,230,078

   

Five Below

   

0

     

333,020

   

Cato

   

719,860

     

784,000

   

Fiesta Restaurant Group

   

997,484

     

1,453,484

   

Fossil

   

857,573

     

955,020

   

HRG Group

   

1,608,005

     

2,964,000

   

iRobot

   

0

     

1,003,000

   

Polaris Industries

   

192,000

     

377,600

   

Quotient Technology

   

2,697,000

     

4,634,954

   

Vail Resorts

   

696,739

     

746,138

   

Health Care

 

Align Technology

   

914,276

     

2,420,173

   

Celldex Therapeutics

   

2,162,687

     

2,428,687

   

Cepheid

   

3,544,076

     

3,554,970

   

Envision Healthcare Holdings

   

953,559

     

989,102

   

Fluidigm

   

0

     

879,013

   

Other Industries

 

Heartland Express

   

2,816,684

     

2,832,071

   

Jones Lang LaSalle

   

276,235

     

371,057

   

Energy & Minerals

 

Alamos Gold (Canada)

   

0

     

2,200,000

   

Argonaut Gold (Canada)

   

1,001,900

     

3,868,000

   

First Majestic (Canada)

   

944,865

     

2,148,000

   
   

Number of Shares

 
   

9/30/15

 

12/31/15

 

Sales

 

Information

 

Amphenol

   

3,102,522

     

2,088,490

   

Ansys

   

1,307,860

     

912,317

   

Atmel

   

3,736,317

     

0

   

Avnet

   

1,092,454

     

0

   

Bankrate

   

7,500,000

     

7,126,562

   

Cadence Design Systems

   

4,174,029

     

2,722,087

   

CalAmp

   

1,255,089

     

829,420

   

CoreLogic

   

1,138,000

     

952,683

   

Crown Castle International

   

655,865

     

580,000

   

Dun & Bradstreet

   

223,000

     

199,170

   

ExlService Holdings

   

1,256,334

     

573,858

   

FLIR Systems

   

1,440,913

     

1,095,634

   

Genpact

   

1,714,083

     

1,537,272

   

Global Eagle Entertainment

   

1,767,570

     

1,625,994

   

Globalstar

   

34,500,000

     

32,426,846

   

Global Payments

   

893,736

     

468,625

   

Gogo

   

2,138,621

     

1,264,104

   

GTT Communications

   

1,838,844

     

1,627,005

   

Hackett Group

   

2,588,645

     

1,899,313

   

IMAX (Canada)

   

860,159

     

377,557

   

inContact

   

2,190,721

     

977,714

   

Infinera

   

1,896,961

     

1,190,676

   

IPG Photonics

   

1,051,460

     

718,595

   

Lamar Advertising

   

628,184

     

494,476

   

Liberty Global Series A

   

623,626

     

496,525

   

Liberty Global Series C

   

230,253

     

172,695

   

Mettler-Toledo International

   

500,314

     

170,447

   

Navigant Consulting

   

3,041,462

     

2,370,162

   

NetSuite

   

505,397

     

368,465

   

Rogers

   

466,375

     

356,373

   
RPX    

1,780,644

     

1,489,073

   

Rubicon Technology

   

2,024,886

     

0

   

Sanmina

   

3,572,799

     

2,665,548

   

SBA Communications

   

557,169

     

185,000

   

SPS Commerce

   

738,167

     

499,178

   

Towerstream

   

3,775,680

     

3,160,830

   

Trimble Navigation

   

1,765,318

     

1,025,328

   

Ultimate Software

   

531,160

     

259,073

   

VeriFone Holdings

   

978,966

     

764,958

   

Verint Systems

   

1,228,326

     

970,045

   

Verisign

   

706,197

     

521,885

   

Verisk Analytics

   

1,019,873

     

725,363

   

Virtusa

   

1,078,328

     

691,671

   

Vonage

   

14,475,223

     

13,576,409

   

WNS - ADR

   

2,021,597

     

1,642,586

   

Zayo Group Holdings

   

867,000

     

626,192

   

Zebra Technologies

   

430,258

     

305,828

   

See accompanying notes to financial statements.


28



   

Number of Shares

 
   

9/30/15

 

12/31/15

 

Sales (continued)

 

Industrial Goods & Services

 

Airgas

   

760,291

     

0

   

Allegion

   

560,477

     

413,275

   

Ametek

   

3,759,949

     

2,175,776

   

Donaldson

   

7,758,932

     

4,224,911

   

Dorman Products

   

921,458

     

644,535

   

Drew Industries

   

1,341,286

     

872,634

   

ESCO Technologies

   

1,438,756

     

580,773

   

Forward Air

   

1,310,342

     

953,378

   

Generac

   

2,563,598

     

1,984,598

   

HEICO

   

2,863,648

     

1,752,993

   

Kennametal

   

1,344,966

     

0

   

LKQ

   

6,088,786

     

4,828,531

   

Middleby

   

576,889

     

537,743

   

Moog

   

1,296,026

     

233,031

   

Nordson

   

2,096,519

     

1,231,500

   

NVR

   

71,780

     

46,070

   

Oshkosh Corporation

   

1,875,197

     

1,023,931

   

PGT

   

2,865,200

     

2,269,946

   

Thermon

   

1,639,635

     

885,915

   

Toro

   

1,148,893

     

620,084

   

WABCO Holdings

   

376,496

     

204,681

   

WESCO International

   

851,347

     

532,911

   

Consumer Goods & Services

 

Avis Budget Group

   

2,017,776

     

1,689,192

   

Blackhawk Network

   

978,253

     

782,952

   

Casey's General Stores

   

328,705

     

168,680

   

Cavco Industries

   

455,025

     

287,798

   

Choice Hotels

   

695,884

     

502,751

   

Domino's Pizza

   

403,000

     

266,216

   

Dunkin Brands

   

576,000

     

467,892

   

Expedia

   

435,423

     

150,700

   

Gaiam

   

2,100,000

     

1,893,824

   

Gentex

   

6,505,000

     

3,816,287

   

Hertz

   

3,635,000

     

3,043,059

   

Knoll

   

2,285,817

     

1,703,440

   

Mattress Firm

   

390,000

     

0

   

Papa John's International

   

937,570

     

919,506

   

Pool

   

968,373

     

0

   

Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen

   

454,079

     

350,835

   

Select Comfort

   

2,082,715

     

1,607,263

   

The Chefs' Warehouse

   

863,000

     

481,337

   

The Fresh Market

   

2,561,000

     

1,858,484

   

Urban Outfitters

   

492,129

     

0

   

Williams-Sonoma

   

517,835

     

322,873

   

Finance

 
Allied World Assurance
Company Holdings
   

761,549

     

737,341

   

Associated Banc-Corp

   

7,020,624

     

3,607,174

   
   

Number of Shares

 
   

9/30/15

 

12/31/15

 

BOK Financial

   

1,693,009

     

936,224

   

CNO Financial Group

   

5,651,291

     

4,070,959

   

Eaton Vance

   

2,744,774

     

1,851,021

   

First Busey

   

1,150,982

     

881,185

   

Hancock Holding

   

1,255,879

     

0

   

Leucadia National

   

3,510,346

     

2,816,479

   

MB Financial

   

1,665,025

     

1,333,074

   

McGrath Rentcorp

   

1,018,222

     

679,077

   

Sandy Spring Bancorp

   

920,302

     

666,576

   

SEI Investments

   

2,926,928

     

1,075,849

   

Sprott (Canada)

   

11,000,000

     

10,694,100

   
SVB Financial Group    

585,706

     

264,495

   

TrustCo Bank

   

2,400,880

     

0

   

WEX

   

703,142

     

570,235

   

World Acceptance

   

284,817

     

0

   

Health Care

 

Abaxis

   

631,624

     

432,548

   

Akorn

   

2,343,909

     

1,848,388

   

Bio-Techne

   

940,171

     

606,405

   

HealthSouth

   

1,564,880

     

1,270,314

   

Henry Schein

   

349,334

     

0

   

Intercept Pharmaceuticals

   

167,157

     

139,937

   

Medidata Solutions

   

1,430,434

     

1,197,495

   

Sarepta Therapeutics

   

1,465,091

     

754,526

   

Seattle Genetics

   

1,406,314

     

1,140,477

   

Sirona Dental Systems

   

410,018

     

286,250

   

Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical

   

881,105

     

737,622

   

VWR

   

1,742,943

     

1,459,114

   

Other Industries

 

Amerco

   

182,278

     

145,898

   

EdR

   

2,277,125

     

1,645,545

   

Eversource Energy

   

1,036,839

     

812,774

   

Extra Space Storage

   

915,342

     

602,013

   

Federal Realty

   

599,049

     

328,308

   

Post Properties

   

1,040,362

     

504,991

   

Rush Enterprises, Class A

   

1,998,351

     

1,006,783

   

Terreno Realty

   

2,148,681

     

1,548,707

   

Energy & Minerals

 

Carrizo Oil & Gas

   

1,216,733

     

668,313

   

Cimarex Energy

   

528,771

     

318,103

   

Core Labs (Netherlands)

   

385,377

     

260,478

   

Kirkland Lake Gold (Canada)

   

6,115,764

     

5,119,843

   

PDC Energy

   

681,333

     

376,730

   

Petromanas (Canada)

   

64,294,000

     

0

   

ShaMaran Petroleum (Iraq)

   

107,561,000

     

90,046,000

   

ShawCor (Canada)

   

1,740,523

     

1,362,854

   

SM Energy

   

685,658

     

0

   

See accompanying notes to financial statements.


29



COLUMBIA ACORN® FUND

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS, DECEMBER 31, 2015

Number of Shares

     

Value

 
           

Equities: 89.8%

 

Information 26.5%

     
    > Business Software 5.7%  
 

912,317

   

Ansys (a)

 

$

84,389,323

   
        Simulation Software for
Engineers & Designers
         
 

2,722,087

   

Cadence Design Systems (a)

   

56,646,631

   
       

Electronic Design Automation Software

         
 

259,073

   

Ultimate Software (a)

   

50,651,362

   
       

Human Capital Management Systems

         
 

1,364,000

   

Cvent (a)

   

47,617,240

   
        Software for Corporate Event
Planners & Marketing Platform
for Hotels
         
 

970,045

   

Verint Systems (a)

   

39,345,025

   
       

Contact Center & Security Software

         
 

499,178

   

SPS Commerce (a)

   

35,047,287

   
        Supply Chain Management Software
Delivered via the Web
         
 

611,961

   

DemandWare (a)

   

33,027,535

   
        E-Commerce Website Platform for
Retailers & Apparel Manufacturers
         
 

368,465

   

NetSuite (a)

   

31,179,508

   
        Enterprise Software Delivered via
the Web
         
 

1,136,747

   

Textura (a)(b)

   

24,531,000

   
        Construction Vendor Management
Software
         
 

977,714

   

inContact (a)

   

9,327,392

   
        Call Center Systems Delivered via the
Web & Telco Services
         
     

411,762,303

   
    > Business Information & Marketing
Services 3.1%
 
 

7,126,562

   

Bankrate (a)(c)

   

94,783,275

   
        Internet Advertising for the Insurance,
Credit Card & Banking Markets
         
 

725,363

   

Verisk Analytics (a)

   

55,765,907

   
       

Risk & Decision Analytics

         
 

2,370,162

   

Navigant Consulting (a)

   

38,064,802

   
       

Financial Consulting Firm

         
 

199,170

   

Dun & Bradstreet

   

20,699,738

   
       

Commercial Data Provider

         
 

1,489,073

    RPX (a)    

16,379,803

   
        Patent Aggregation & Defensive
Patent Consulting
         
     

225,693,525

   
    > Instrumentation 2.4%  
 

718,595

   

IPG Photonics (a)

   

64,069,930

   
       

Fiber Lasers

         
 

170,447

   

Mettler-Toledo International (a)

   

57,803,691

   
       

Laboratory Equipment

         
 

1,095,634

   

FLIR Systems

   

30,754,446

   
       

Infrared Cameras

         
 

1,025,328

   

Trimble Navigation (a)

   

21,993,286

   
       

GPS-based Instruments

         
     

174,621,353

   
    > Computer Services 2.4%  
 

1,642,586

   

WNS - ADR (a)

   

51,232,257

   
        Offshore Business Process Outsourcing
Services
         

Number of Shares

     

Value

 
 

1,537,272

   

Genpact (a)

 

$

38,401,055

   
       

Business Process Outsourcing

         
 

1,899,313

   

Hackett Group (c)

   

30,521,960

   
       

IT Integration & Best Practice Research

         
 

691,671

   

Virtusa (a)

   

28,593,679

   
       

Offshore IT Outsourcing

         
 

573,858

   

ExlService Holdings (a)

   

25,783,440

   
       

Business Process Outsourcing

         
     

174,532,391

   
    > Computer Hardware & Related
Equipment 2.4%
 
 

2,088,490

   

Amphenol

   

109,081,833

   
       

Electronic Connectors

         
 

764,958

   

VeriFone Holdings (a)

   

21,434,123

   
       

Point of Sale Systems

         
 

305,828

   

Zebra Technologies (a)

   

21,300,920

   
       

Bar Code Printers & Mobile Computers

         
 

356,373

   

Rogers (a)

   

18,378,156

   
        Printed Circuit Materials & High
Performance Foams
         
     

170,195,032

   
    > Mobile Communications 2.2%  
 

580,000

   

Crown Castle International

   

50,141,000

   
       

Communications Towers

         
 

32,426,846

   

Globalstar (a)

   

46,694,658

   
       

Satellite Mobile Voice & Data Carrier

         
 

1,264,104

   

Gogo (a)(b)

   

22,501,051

   
       

Provider of Wi-Fi on Airplanes

         
 

185,000

   

SBA Communications (a)

   

19,437,950

   
       

Communications Towers

         
 

1,625,994

   

Global Eagle Entertainment (a)

   

16,048,561

   
        Provider of Entertainment & Wi-Fi
on Airplanes
         
     

154,823,220

   
    > Internet Related 2.0%  
 

13,576,409

   

Vonage (a)(c)

   

77,928,588

   
        Business & Consumer Internet
Telephony
         
 

521,885

   

Verisign (a)

   

45,591,874

   
        Internet Domain Registry for .com/.net
(Approximately 50% of World Domains)
         
 

2,317,245

   

RetailMeNot (a)

   

22,987,070

   
       

Digital Coupon Marketplace

         
     

146,507,532

   
    > Telecommunications Equipment 1.3%  
 

608,935

   

F5 Networks (a)

   

59,042,337

   
       

Internet Traffic Management Equipment

         
 

1,190,676

   

Infinera (a)

   

21,575,049

   
       

Optical Networking Equipment

         
 

829,420

   

CalAmp (a)

   

16,530,341

   
       

Machine-to-machine Communications

         
     

97,147,727

   
    > Semiconductors & Related
Equipment 1.0%
 
 

247,161

   

Littelfuse

   

26,448,699

   
       

Little Fuses

         
 

565,500

    MA-COM Technology Solutions
Holdings (a)
   

23,123,295

   
        Radio Frequency, Microwave &
Millimeterwave Semiconductors
         

See accompanying notes to financial statements.


30



Number of Shares

     

Value

 
    > Semiconductors & Related
Equipment—continued
 
 

298,243

   

Monolithic Power Systems

 

$

19,001,061

   
        High Performance Analog &
Mixed Signal Integrated Circuits
         
     

68,573,055

   
    > Telephone & Data Services 0.9%  
 

1,627,005

   

GTT Communications (a)

   

27,756,705

   
        Provider of High Capacity Data
Transit
         
 

2,727,319

   

Boingo Wireless (a)(c)

   

18,054,852

   
        Wi-Fi & Cellular Communications
Networks
         
 

626,192

   

Zayo Group Holdings (a)

   

16,650,445

   
       

Fiber Optic Data Communications

         
 

3,160,830

   

Towerstream (a)(b)

   

1,200,800

   
        High Speed Wireless, Rooftop
Antenna Space & Wi-Fi Offload
         
     

63,662,802

   
    > Financial Processors 0.9%  
 

952,683

   

CoreLogic (a)

   

32,257,846

   
        Data Processing Services for Real
Estate, Insurance, & Mortgages
         
 

468,625

   

Global Payments

   

30,230,999

   
       

Credit Card Processor

         
     

62,488,845

   
    > Cable TV 0.8%  
 

951,000

   

Starz (a)

   

31,858,500

   
       

Premium CATV Channel Network

         
 

496,525

   

Liberty Global Series A (a)

   

21,032,799

   
        Cable TV Franchises Outside of
the United States
         
 

172,695

   

Liberty Global Series C (a)

   

7,040,775

   
        Cable TV Franchises Outside of
the United States
         
     

59,932,074

   
    > Contract Manufacturing 0.8%  
 

2,665,548

   

Sanmina (a)

   

54,856,978

   
       

Electronic Manufacturing Services

         
    > Advertising 0.4%  
 

494,476

   

Lamar Advertising

   

29,658,670

   
       

Outdoor Advertising

         
    > Entertainment Programming 0.2%  
 

377,557

   

IMAX (Canada) (a)

   

13,418,376

   
        IMAX Movies, Theater
Equipment & Theater Joint
Ventures
         

Information: Total

   

1,907,873,883

   

Industrial Goods & Services 19.2%

     
    > Machinery 9.6%  
 

4,224,911

   

Donaldson

   

121,085,949

   
       

Industrial Air Filtration

         
 

2,175,776

   

Ametek

   

116,599,836

   
       

Aerospace/Industrial Instruments

         
 

1,752,993

   

HEICO

   

86,247,256

   
        FAA-approved Aircraft Replacement
Parts
         

Number of Shares

     

Value

 
 

1,231,500

   

Nordson

 

$

79,000,725

   
        Dispensing Systems for Adhesives &
Coatings
         
 

1,984,598

   

Generac (a)(b)

   

59,081,483

   
       

Standby Power Generators

         
 

537,743

   

Middleby (a)

   

58,006,337

   
       

Manufacturer of Cooking Equipment

         
 

620,084

   

Toro

   

45,309,538

   
       

Turf Maintenance Equipment

         
 

1,023,931

   

Oshkosh Corporation

   

39,974,266

   
       

Specialty Truck Manufacturer

         
 

644,535

   

Dorman Products (a)

   

30,596,076

   
       

Aftermarket Auto Parts Distributor

         
 

580,773

   

ESCO Technologies

   

20,989,136

   
        Industrial Filtration & Advanced
Measurement Equipment
         
 

204,681

   

WABCO Holdings (a)

   

20,930,679

   
       

Truck & Bus Component Supplier

         
 

233,031

   

Moog (a)

   

14,121,679

   
        Motion Control Products for Aerospace,
Defense & Industrial Markets
         
     

691,942,960

   
    > Other Industrial Services 5.2%  
 

4,828,531

   

LKQ (a)

   

143,069,373

   
       

Alternative Auto Parts Distribution

         
 

2,172,804

   

Robert Half International

   

102,425,981

   
        Temporary & Permanent Staffing in
Finance, Accounting & other
Professions
         
 

1,959,000

    Expeditors International of
Washington
   

88,350,900

   
       

International Freight Forwarder

         
 

953,378

   

Forward Air

   

41,004,788

   
        Freight Transportation Between
Airports
         
     

374,851,042

   
    > Construction 1.8%  
 

46,070

   

NVR (a)

   

75,693,010

   
       

Homebuilder

         
 

413,275

   

Allegion

   

27,243,088

   
        Mechanical & Electronic Security
Systems
         
 

2,269,946

   

PGT (a)

   

25,854,685

   
       

Wind Resistant Windows & Doors

         
     

128,790,783

   
    > Outsourcing Services 1.1%  
 

3,817,357

   

Quanta Services (a)

   

77,301,479

   
        Electrical Transmission & Pipeline
Contracting Services
         
    > Industrial Materials & Specialty
Chemicals 1.0%
 
 

872,634

   

Drew Industries

   

53,134,684

   
        RV & Manufactured Home
Components
         
 

802,000

   

Axalta Coating Systems (a)

   

21,373,300

   
        Global Manufacturer of High
Performance Coatings
         
     

74,507,984

   

See accompanying notes to financial statements.


31



COLUMBIA ACORN® FUND

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS, CONTINUED

Number of Shares

     

Value

 
    > Industrial Distribution 0.3%  
 

532,911

   

WESCO International (a)

 

$

23,277,553

   
       

Industrial Distributor

         
    > Electrical Components 0.2%  
 

885,915

   

Thermon (a)

   

14,989,682

   
        Global Engineered Thermal
Solutions
         

Industrial Goods & Services: Total

   

1,385,661,483

   

Consumer Goods & Services 13.7%

     
    > Travel 3.9%  
 

746,138

   

Vail Resorts

   

95,498,203

   
       

Ski Resort Operator & Developer

         
 

1,689,192

   

Avis Budget Group (a)

   

61,300,778

   
       

Car Rental Company

         
 

3,043,059

   

Hertz (a)

   

43,302,729

   
       

U.S. Rental Car Operator

         
 

1,230,078

    Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings,
Class A (a)
   

37,320,566

   
       

Holding Company for Trip Advisor

         
 

502,751

   

Choice Hotels

   

25,343,678

   
       

Franchisor of Budget Hotel Brands

         
 

150,700

   

Expedia

   

18,732,008

   
       

Online Travel Services Company

         
     

281,497,962

   
    > Restaurants 2.4%  
 

919,506

   

Papa John's International

   

51,372,800

   
       

Franchisor of Pizza Restaurants

         
 

1,453,484

   

Fiesta Restaurant Group (a)(c)

   

48,837,063

   
        Owner/Operator of Two
Restaurant Chains: Pollo
Tropical & Taco Cabana
         
 

266,216

   

Domino's Pizza

   

29,616,530

   
       

Franchisor of Pizza Restaurants

         
 

350,835

   

Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen (a)

   

20,523,848

   
       

Popeyes Restaurants

         
 

467,892

   

Dunkin Brands

   

19,927,520

   
        Franchisor of Quick Service
Restaurants
         
     

170,277,761

   
    > Retail 2.3%  
 

1,858,484

   

The Fresh Market (a)

   

43,525,695

   
       

Specialty Food Retailer

         
 

955,020

   

Fossil (a)(b)

   

34,915,531

   
       

Watch Designer & Retailer

         
 

784,000

   

Cato

   

28,866,880

   
        Women's Apparel Retailing,
Focusing on Private Labels &
Low Prices
         
 

168,680

   

Casey's General Stores

   

20,317,506

   
        Owner/Operator of Convenience
Stores
         
 

322,873

   

Williams-Sonoma

   

18,859,012

   
       

Home Goods & Furnishing Retailer

         
 

1,893,824

   

Gaiam (a)(c)

   

11,817,462

   
        Promoter of Healthy Living
through Catalogs, E-Commerce &
Gaiam TV
         

Number of Shares

     

Value

 
 

333,020

   

Five Below (a)

 

$

10,689,942

   
        Low-price Specialty Retailer
Targeting Pre-teens, Teens & Parents
         
     

168,992,028

   
    > Other Durable Goods 2.1%  
 

3,816,287

   

Gentex

   

61,098,755

   
       

Manufacturer of Auto Parts

         
 

1,607,263

   

Select Comfort (a)

   

34,411,501

   
       

Specialty Mattresses

         
 

649,825

   

Tenneco (a)

   

29,833,466

   
        Auto Parts for Emission Control,
Suspension
         
 

287,798

   

Cavco Industries (a)

   

23,976,451

   
       

Manufactured Homes

         
     

149,320,173

   
    > Other Consumer Services 0.9%  
 

782,952

   

Blackhawk Network (a)

   

34,614,308

   
        Third-party Distributor of Prepaid
Content, Mostly Gift Cards
         
 

4,634,954

   

Quotient Technology (a)(b)(c)

   

31,610,386

   
        Allows CPGs to Digitally Distribute
Coupons, Advertising & Trade
Promotion
         
     

66,224,694

   
    > Nondurables 0.6%  
 

2,964,000

   

HRG Group (a)

   

40,191,840

   
       

Holding Company

         
    > Consumer Electronics 0.5%  
 

1,003,000

   

iRobot (a)(b)

   

35,506,200

   
        Home Robots (Vacuums, Pool
Cleaners) & Battlefield
Reconnaissance Robots
         
    > Leisure Products 0.5%  
 

377,600

   

Polaris Industries

   

32,454,720

   
       

Leisure Vehicles & Related Products

         
    > Furniture & Textiles 0.4%  
 

1,703,440

   

Knoll

   

32,024,672

   
       

Office Furniture

         
    > Consumer Goods Distribution 0.1%  
 

481,337

   

The Chefs' Warehouse (a)

   

8,028,701

   
        Distributor of Specialty Foods to
Fine Dining Restaurants
         

Consumer Goods & Services: Total

   

984,518,751

   

Health Care 12.9%

     
    > Medical Equipment & Devices 3.5%  
 

2,420,173

   

Align Technology (a)

   

159,368,392

   
        Invisalign System to Correct
Malocclusion (Crooked Teeth)
         
 

1,522,425

   

Wright Medical Group (a)

   

36,812,236

   
       

Foot & Ankle Replacement

         
 

286,250

   

Sirona Dental Systems (a)

   

31,364,413

   
       

Manufacturer of Dental Equipment

         
 

432,548

   

Abaxis

   

24,084,273

   
        Instruments & Tests for Vet &
Medical Markets
         
     

251,629,314

   

See accompanying notes to financial statements.


32



Number of Shares

     

Value

 
    > Biotechnology & Drug Delivery 3.3%  
 

737,622

   

Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical (a)

 

$

82,746,436

   
        Biotech Focused on "Ultra-Orphan"
Drugs
         
 

1,140,477

   

Seattle Genetics (a)

   

51,184,608

   
       

Antibody-based Therapies for Cancer

         
 

2,428,687

   

Celldex Therapeutics (a)(b)

   

38,081,812

   
       

Biotech Developing Drugs for Cancer

         
 

754,526

   

Sarepta Therapeutics (a)

   

29,109,613

   
       

Biotech Focused on Rare Diseases

         
 

139,937

   

Intercept Pharmaceuticals (a)

   

20,899,591

   
        Biotech Developing Drugs for
Several Diseases
         
 

284,060

   

Agios Pharmaceuticals (a)(b)

   

18,441,175

   
        Biotech Focused on Cancer &
Orphan Diseases
         
 

359,944

    MicroDose Therapeutx
Contingent Value Rights (a)(d)(e)
   

305,952

   
       

Drug Inhaler Development

         
     

240,769,187

   
    > Medical Supplies 3.3%  
 

3,554,970

   

Cepheid (a)

   

129,863,054

   
       

Molecular Diagnostics

         
 

606,405

   

Bio-Techne

   

54,576,450

   
        Maker of Consumables & Systems
for the Life Science Market
         
 

1,459,114

   

VWR (a)

   

41,307,517

   
       

Distributor of Lab Supplies

         
 

879,013

   

Fluidigm (a)

   

9,502,131

   
        Life Sciences Equipment &
Consumables
         
     

235,249,152

   
    > Health Care Services 1.8%  
 

1,197,495

   

Medidata Solutions (a)

   

59,024,529

   
        Cloud-based Software for Drug
Studies
         
 

1,270,314

   

HealthSouth

   

44,219,630

   
        Inpatient Rehabilitation Facilities &
Home Health Care
         
 

989,102

   

Envision Healthcare Holdings (a)

   

25,686,979

   
        Provider of Health Care Outsourcing
Services
         
     

128,931,138

   
    > Pharmaceuticals 1.0%  
 

1,848,388

   

Akorn (a)

   

68,963,356

   
        Developer, Manufacturer &
Distributor of Specialty Generic
Drugs
         

Health Care: Total

   

925,542,147

   

Finance 8.2%

     
    > Banks 3.2%  
 

3,607,174

   

Associated Banc-Corp

   

67,634,512

   
       

Midwest Bank

         
 

936,224

   

BOK Financial (b)

   

55,976,833

   
       

Tulsa-based Southwest Bank

         
 

1,333,074

   

MB Financial

   

43,151,605

   
       

Chicago Bank

         
 

264,495

   

SVB Financial Group (a)

   

31,448,456

   
       

Bank to Venture Capitalists

         

Number of Shares

     

Value

 
 

881,185

   

First Busey

 

$

18,178,847

   
       

Illinois Bank

         
 

666,576

   

Sandy Spring Bancorp

   

17,970,889

   
        Baltimore & Washington,
D.C. Bank
         
     

234,361,142

   
    > Brokerage & Money Management 1.9%  
 

1,851,021

   

Eaton Vance

   

60,028,611

   
       

Specialty Mutual Funds

         
 

1,075,849

   

SEI Investments

   

56,374,488

   
        Mutual Fund Administration &
Investment Management
         
 

10,694,100

   

Sprott (Canada) (b)

   

18,394,130

   
        Asset Manager Focused on
Resources, Particularly Gold & Silver
         
     

134,797,229

   
    > Insurance 1.5%  
 

4,070,959

   

CNO Financial Group

   

77,714,607

   
        Life, Long-term Care & Medical
Supplement Insurance
         
 

737,341

    Allied World Assurance
Company Holdings
   

27,421,712

   
        Commercial Lines Insurance/
Reinsurance
         
     

105,136,319

   
    > Credit Cards 0.7%  
 

570,235

   

WEX (a)

   

50,408,774

   
       

Card Processor

         
    > Diversified Financial Companies 0.7%  
 

2,816,479

   

Leucadia National

   

48,978,570

   
       

Holding Company

         
    > Finance Companies 0.2%  
 

679,077

   

McGrath Rentcorp

   

17,105,949

   
       

Mini-rental Conglomerate

         

Finance: Total

   

590,787,983

   

Other Industries 6.9%

     
    > Real Estate 4.8%  
 

1,645,545

   

EdR

   

62,333,245

   
       

Student Housing

         
 

371,057

   

Jones Lang LaSalle

   

59,317,172

   
       

Real Estate Services

         
 

145,898

   

Amerco

   

56,827,271

   
        North American Moving &
Storage King
         
 

602,013

   

Extra Space Storage

   

53,103,567

   
       

Self Storage Facilities

         
 

328,308

   

Federal Realty

   

47,965,799

   
        Shopping Centers & Mixed
Use Projects
         
 

1,548,707

   

Terreno Realty

   

35,031,752

   
       

Industrial Properties

         
 

504,991

   

Post Properties

   

29,875,267

   
       

Multifamily Properties

         
     

344,454,073

   
    > Transportation 1.5%  
 

2,832,071

   

Heartland Express

   

48,201,849

   
       

Regional Trucker

         

See accompanying notes to financial statements.


33



COLUMBIA ACORN® FUND

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS, CONTINUED

Number of Shares

     

Value

 
    > Transportation—continued  
 

518,731

   

JB Hunt Transport Services

 

$

38,054,106

   
       

Truck & Intermodal Carrier

         
 

1,006,783

   

Rush Enterprises, Class A (a)

   

22,038,480

   
       

Truck Sales & Service

         
     

108,294,435

   
    > Regulated Utilities 0.6%  
 

812,774

   

Eversource Energy

   

41,508,368

   
       

Regulated Electric Utility

         

Other Industries: Total

   

494,256,876

   

Energy & Minerals 2.4%

     
    > Oil & Gas Producers 1.0%  
 

318,103

   

Cimarex Energy

   

28,432,046

   
        Oil & Gas Producer in Texas,
New Mexico & Oklahoma
         
 

376,730

   

PDC Energy (a)

   

20,109,847

   
        Oil & Gas Producer in the
United States
         
 

668,313

   

Carrizo Oil & Gas (a)

   

19,768,699

   
       

Oil & Gas Producer

         
 

90,046,000

    ShaMaran Petroleum
(Iraq) (a)(c)
   

3,579,194

   
        Oil Exploration & Production
in Kurdistan
         
     

71,889,786

   
    > Mining 0.8%  
 

260,478

   

Core Labs (Netherlands) (b)

   

28,324,378

   
       

Oil & Gas Reservoir Consulting

         
 

5,119,843

    Kirkland Lake Gold
(Canada) (a)(c)
   

17,908,535

   
       

Gold Mining

         
 

2,200,000

   

Alamos Gold (Canada)

   

7,238,000

   
       

Gold Mining

         
 

3,868,000

   

Argonaut Gold (Canada) (a)(b)

   

3,326,530

   
       

Gold & Silver Mining

         
 

2,511,500

   

Kaminak Gold (a)

   

1,560,953

   
        Exploration Stage Canadian
Gold Miner
         
 

568,830

    Silvercrest Metals
(Canada) (a)
   

65,775

   
       

Gold & Silver Mining

         
     

58,424,171

   
    > Oil Services 0.4%  
 

1,362,854

   

ShawCor (Canada)

   

27,647,114

   
       

Oil & Gas Pipeline Products

         
    > Non-Ferrous Metals 0.1%  
 

2,148,000

   

First Majestic (Canada) (a)

   

7,001,142

   
       

Silver Mining in Mexico

         
 

1,259,855

   

AuRico Metals (Canada) (a)

   

546,298

   
       

Gold Mining Royalty Company

         
     

7,547,440

   

Number of Shares

     

Value

 
    > Agricultural Commodities 0.1%  
 

1,306,818

    Union Agriculture Group
(Uruguay) (a)(d)(e)
 

$

6,638,635

   
       

Farmland Operator in Uruguay

         

Energy & Minerals: Total

   

172,147,146

   
Total Equities: 89.8%
(Cost: $4,018,969,091)
   

6,460,788,269

(f)

 

Short-Term Investments 10.9%

     
 

505,124,586

    JPMorgan U.S. Government
Money Market Fund, Agency
Shares (7 day yield of 0.04%)
   

505,124,586

   
 

280,000,000

    JPMorgan U.S. Government
Money Market Fund, IM
Shares (7 day yield of 0.01%)
   

280,000,000

   
Total Short-Term Investments: 10.9%
(Cost: $785,124,586)
   

785,124,586

   

Securities Lending Collateral 1.7%

     
 

118,849,524

    Dreyfus Government Cash
Management Fund,
Institutional Shares
(7 day yield of 0.03%) (g)
   

118,849,524

   
Total Securities Lending Collateral: 1.7%
(Cost: $118,849,524)
   

118,849,524

   
Total Investments: 102.4%
(Cost: $4,922,943,201)(h)
   

7,364,762,379

   
Obligation to Return Collateral for
Securities Loaned: (1.7)%
   

(118,849,524

)

 
Cash and Other Assets Less
Liabilities: (0.7)%
   

(52,628,983

)

 

Net Assets: 100.0%

 

$

7,193,283,872

   

ADR - American Depositary Receipts

See accompanying notes to financial statements.


34



  At December 31, 2015, cash totaling $21,140,700 was pledged as collateral.

Investments in Derivatives

Futures Contracts Outstanding at December 31, 2015

Long Futures Contracts Outstanding

Contract Description   Number of
Contracts
  Trading
Currency
  Notional
Market
Value ($)
  Expiration
Date
  Unrealized
Appreciation ($)
  Unrealized
Depreciation ($)
 

Russell 2000 MINI

   

1,831

   

USD

       

207,177,650

   

03/2016

   

2,529,544

     

-

   

S&P MID 400 EMINI

   

1,516

   

USD

       

211,254,600

   

03/2016

   

1,763,047

     

-

   

Total

           

418,432,250

         

4,292,591

     

-

   

USD - U.S. Dollar

> Notes to Statement of Investments

(a)  Non-income producing security.

(b)  All or a portion of this security was on loan at December 31, 2015. The total market value of securities on loan at December 31, 2015 was $114,623,134.

(c)  An affiliated person of the Fund, as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, may include any company in which the Fund owns five percent or more of its outstanding voting shares. Holdings and transactions in these affiliated companies during the year ended December 31, 2015, are as follows:

Security

  Balance of
Shares Held
12/31/14
  Purchases/
Additions
  Sales/
Reductions
  Balance of
Shares Held
12/31/15
 

Value

 

Dividend

 

Cepheid (1)

   

5,350,800

     

300,000

     

2,095,830

     

3,554,970

   

$

129,863,054

   

$

-

   

Donaldson (1)

   

7,952,000

     

-

     

3,727,089

     

4,224,911

     

121,085,949

     

4,898,570

   

Bankrate

   

6,300,300

     

1,199,700

     

373,438

     

7,126,562

     

94,783,275

     

-

   

HEICO (1)

   

3,626,750

     

-

     

1,873,757

     

1,752,993

     

86,247,256

     

347,592

   

Nordson (1)

   

3,130,000

     

-

     

1,898,500

     

1,231,500

     

79,000,725

     

1,995,873

   

Vonage

   

14,044,775

     

455,225

     

923,591

     

13,576,409

     

77,928,588

     

-

   

Associated Banc-Corp (1)

   

9,000,000

     

414,000

     

5,806,826

     

3,607,174

     

67,634,512

     

2,978,646

   

EdR (1)

   

2,450,000

     

-

     

804,455

     

1,645,545

     

62,333,245

     

2,004,916

   

Generac (1)

   

3,632,000

     

-

     

1,647,402

     

1,984,598

     

59,081,483

     

-

   

Drew Industries (1)

   

1,610,000

     

-

     

737,366

     

872,634

     

53,134,684

     

3,220,000

   

Fiesta Restaurant Group

   

878,000

     

597,000

     

21,516

     

1,453,484

     

48,837,063

     

-

   

The Fresh Market (1)

   

1,492,000

     

1,069,000

     

702,516

     

1,858,484

     

43,525,695

     

-

   

Navigant Consulting (1)

   

4,128,523

     

-

     

1,758,361

     

2,370,162

     

38,064,802

     

-

   

SPS Commerce (1)

   

1,330,000

     

-

     

830,822

     

499,178

     

35,047,287

     

-

   

Terreno Realty (1)

   

2,150,000

     

-

     

601,293

     

1,548,707

     

35,031,752

     

1,300,212

   

Knoll (1)

   

3,366,000

     

-

     

1,662,560

     

1,703,440

     

32,024,672

     

1,209,538

   

Quotient Technology Inc.

   

-

     

4,634,954

     

-

     

4,634,954

     

31,610,386

     

-

   

Hackett Group

   

2,903,719

     

-

     

1,004,406

     

1,899,313

     

30,521,960

     

454,236

   

Sarepta Therapeutics (1)

   

2,523,900

     

-

     

1,769,374

     

754,526

     

29,109,613

     

-

   

Virtusa (1)

   

1,658,000

     

-

     

966,329

     

691,671

     

28,593,679

     

-

   

GTT Communications (1)

   

1,950,000

     

651,000

     

973,995

     

1,627,005

     

27,756,705

     

-

   

PGT (1)

   

3,592,200

     

-

     

1,322,254

     

2,269,946

     

25,854,685

     

-

   

Cavco Industries (1)

   

500,000

     

-

     

212,202

     

287,798

     

23,976,451

     

-

   

RetailMeNot (1)

   

1,112,930

     

1,679,000

     

474,685

     

2,317,245

     

22,987,070

     

-

   

Rush Enterprises (1)

   

3,200,000

     

-

     

2,193,217

     

1,006,783

     

22,038,480

     

-

   

ESCO Technologies (1)

   

1,948,000

     

-

     

1,367,227

     

580,773

     

20,989,136

     

401,905

   

Boingo Wireless

   

2,800,000

     

100,000

     

172,681

     

2,727,319

     

18,054,852

     

-

   

Kirkland Lake Gold

   

6,347,100

     

350,100

     

1,577,357

     

5,119,843

     

17,908,535

     

-

   

McGrath Rentcorp (1)

   

1,580,000

     

-

     

900,923

     

679,077

     

17,105,949

     

1,237,263

   

Thermon (1)

   

1,940,094

     

43,735

     

1,097,914

     

885,915

     

14,989,682

     

-

   

Moog (1)

   

2,456,000

     

-

     

2,222,969

     

233,031

     

14,121,679

     

-

   

Gaiam

   

2,100,000

     

-

     

206,176

     

1,893,824

     

11,817,462

     

-

   

inContact (1)

   

3,741,000

     

1,140,269

     

3,903,555

     

977,714

     

9,327,392

     

-

   

ShaMaran Petroleum

   

28,962,000

     

78,599,000

     

17,515,000

     

90,046,000

     

3,579,194

     

-

   

Argonaut Gold (1)

   

9,014,700

     

3,868,000

     

9,014,700

     

3,868,000

     

3,326,530

     

-

   

Towerstream (1)

   

4,000,000

     

-

     

839,170

     

3,160,830

     

1,200,800

     

-

   

Allied Nevada Gold (1)

   

7,103,513

     

-

     

7,103,513

     

-

     

-

     

-

   

See accompanying notes to financial statements.


35



COLUMBIA ACORN® FUND

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS, CONTINUED

> Notes to Statement of Investments

Security

  Balance of
Shares Held
12/31/14
  Purchases/
Additions
  Sales/
Reductions
  Balance of
Shares Held
12/31/15
 

Value

 

Dividend

 

Amber Road (1)

   

2,000,000

     

-

     

2,000,000

     

-

   

$

-

   

$

-

   

Audience (1)

   

2,150,000

     

-

     

2,150,000

     

-

     

-

     

-

   

Boulder Brands (1)

   

3,484,000

     

-

     

3,484,000

     

-

     

-

     

-

   

CAI International (1)

   

1,500,000

     

-

     

1,500,000

     

-

     

-

     

-

   

Canadian Overseas Petroleum (1)

   

32,515,500

     

-

     

32,515,500

     

-

     

-

     

-

   

E2Open (1)

   

2,575,000

     

-

     

2,575,000

     

-

     

-

     

-

   

Liquidity Services (1)

   

1,600,000

     

-

     

1,600,000

     

-

     

-

     

-

   

Marlin Business Services (1)

   

902,210

     

-

     

902,210

     

-

     

-

     

-

   

Petrodorado Energy (1)

   

2,600,000

     

-

     

2,600,000

     

-

     

-

     

-

   

Petromanas (1)

   

67,500,000

     

-

     

67,500,000

     

-

     

-

     

-

   

RGS Energy (1)

   

5,000,000

     

-

     

5,000,000

     

-

     

-

     

-

   

Rubicon Technology (1)

   

2,500,000

     

-

     

2,500,000

     

-

     

-

     

-

   

Synageva BioPharma (1)

   

2,419,209

     

-

     

2,419,209

     

-

     

-

     

-

   

World Acceptance (1)

   

808,343

     

-

     

808,343

     

-

     

-

     

-

   

Total of Affiliated Transactions

   

287,428,566

     

95,100,983

     

207,857,231

     

174,672,318

   

$

1,438,494,282

   

$

20,048,751

   

(1) At December 31, 2015, the Fund owned less than five percent of the company's outstanding voting shares.

  The aggregate cost and value of these companies at December 31, 2015, was $321,130,631 and $335,041,315, respectively. Investments in affiliated companies represented 4.66% of the Fund's total net assets at December 31, 2015.

(d)  Illiquid security.

(e)  Denotes a restricted security, which is subject to restrictions on resale under federal securities laws. These securities are valued at fair value determined in good faith under consistently applied procedures established by the Fund's Board of Trustees. At December 31, 2015, the market value of these securities amounted to $6,944,587, which represented 0.10% of total net assets. Additional information on these securities is as follows:

Security

  Acquisition
Dates
 

Shares

 

Cost

 

Value

 

Union Agriculture Group

 

12/8/10-6/27/12

   

1,306,818

   

$

15,000,000

   

$

6,638,635

   

MicroDose Therapeutx Contingent Value Rights

 

8/14/13

   

359,944

     

-

     

305,952

   
           

$

15,000,000

   

$

6,944,587

   

(f)  On December 31, 2015, the market value of foreign securities represented 1.86% of total net assets. The Fund's foreign portfolio was diversified as follows:

Country

 

Value

  Percentage
of Net Assets
 

Canada

 

$

95,545,901

     

1.33

   

Netherlands

   

28,324,378

     

0.39

   

Uruguay

   

6,638,635

     

0.09

   

Iraq

   

3,579,194

     

0.05

   

Total Foreign Portfolio

 

$

134,088,108

     

1.86

   

(g)  Investment made with cash collateral received from securities lending activity.

(h)  At December 31, 2015, for federal income tax purposes, the cost of investments was $4,939,550,231 and net unrealized appreciation was $2,425,212,148 consisting of gross unrealized appreciation of $2,738,262,322 and gross unrealized depreciation of $313,050,174.

Fair Value Measurements

  Various inputs are used in determining the value of the Fund's investments, following the input prioritization hierarchy established by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP). These inputs are summarized in the three broad levels listed below:

    Level 1 – quoted prices in active markets for identical securities

    Level 2 – prices determined using other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk and others)

    Level 3 – prices determined using significant unobservable inputs where quoted prices or observable inputs are unavailable or less reliable (including management's own assumptions about the factors market participants would use in pricing an investment)

  The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.

See accompanying notes to financial statements.


36



> Notes to Statement of Investments

  Examples of the types of securities in which the Fund would typically invest and how they are classified within this hierarchy are as follows. Typical Level 1 securities include exchange traded domestic equities, mutual funds whose NAVs are published each day and exchange traded foreign equities that are not statistically fair valued. Typical Level 2 securities include exchange traded foreign equities that are statistically fair valued, forward foreign currency exchange contracts and short-term investments valued at amortized cost. Additionally, securities fair valued by CWAM's Valuation Committee (the Committee) that rely on significant observable inputs are also included in Level 2. Typical Level 3 securities include any security fair valued by the Committee that relies on significant unobservable inputs.

  The Committee is responsible for applying the Trust's Portfolio Pricing Policy and the CWAM pricing procedures (the Policies), which are approved by and subject to the oversight of the Board.

  The Committee meets as necessary, and no less frequently than quarterly, to determine fair values for securities for which market quotations are not readily available or for which CWAM believes that available market quotations are unreliable. The Committee also reviews the continuing appropriateness of the Policies. In circumstances where a security has been fair valued, the Committee will also review the continuing appropriateness of the current value of the security. The Policies address, among other things: circumstances under which market quotations will be deemed readily available; selection of third party pricing vendors; appropriate pricing methodologies; events that require fair valuation and fair value techniques; circumstances under which securities will be deemed to pose a potential for stale pricing, including when securities are illiquid, restricted, or in default; and certain delegations of authority to determine fair values to the Fund's investment manager. The Committee may also meet to discuss additional valuation matters, which may include review of back-testing results, review of time-sensitive information or approval of other valuation related actions, and to review the appropriateness of the Policies.

  For investments categorized as Level 3, the significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Fund's securities may include: (i) data specific to the issuer or comparable issuers, (ii) general market or specific sector news and (iii) quoted prices and specific or similar security transactions. The Committee considers this data and any changes from prior periods in order to assess the reasonableness of observable and unobservable inputs, any assumptions or internal models used to value those securities and changes in fair value. Significant changes in any of these factors could result in lower or higher fair value measurements. Various factors impact the frequency of monitoring (which may occur as often as daily), however the Committee may determine that changes to inputs, assumptions and models are not required with the same frequency.

  The following table summarizes the inputs used, as of December 31, 2015, in valuing the Fund's assets:

Investment Type

  Quoted Prices
(Level 1)
  Other
Significant
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
  Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 

Total

 

Equities

 

Information

 

$

1,907,873,883

   

$

-

   

$

-

   

$

1,907,873,883

   

Industrial Goods & Services

   

1,385,661,483

     

-

     

-

     

1,385,661,483

   

Consumer Goods & Services

   

984,518,751

     

-

     

-

     

984,518,751

   

Health Care

   

925,236,195

     

-

     

305,952

     

925,542,147

   

Finance

   

590,787,983

     

-

     

-

     

590,787,983

   

Other Industries

   

494,256,876

     

-

     

-

     

494,256,876

   

Energy & Minerals

   

165,508,511

     

-

     

6,638,635

     

172,147,146

   

Total Equities

   

6,453,843,682

     

-

     

6,944,587

     

6,460,788,269

   

Total Short-Term Investments

   

785,124,586

     

-

     

-

     

785,124,586

   

Total Securities Lending Collateral

   

118,849,524

     

-

     

-

     

118,849,524

   

Total Investments

 

$

7,357,817,792

   

$

-

   

$

6,944,587

   

$

7,364,762,379

   

Derivatives

 

Assets

 

Futures Contracts

   

4,292,591

     

-

     

-

     

4,292,591

   

Total

 

$

7,362,110,383

   

$

-

   

$

6,944,587

   

$

7,369,054,970

   

  There were no transfers of financial assets between levels during the period.

  The Fund does not hold any significant investments (greater than one percent of net assets) categorized as Level 3.

  Certain securities classified as Level 3 are valued by the Committee at fair value, using a market approach, as determined in good faith under consistently applied procedures established by and under the general supervision of the Board. To determine fair value for these securities, for which no market exists, the Committee utilizes the valuation technique it deems most appropriate in the circumstances, using some unobservable inputs, which may include, but are not limited to estimated earnings of the company and the position of the security within the company's capital structure. The Committee also may use some observable inputs, which may include, but are not limited to, trades of similar securities. Significant increases or decreases to any of these inputs could result in a significantly lower or higher fair value measurement.

See accompanying notes to financial statements.


37



COLUMBIA ACORN INTERNATIONAL®

MAJOR PORTFOLIO CHANGES IN THE FOURTH QUARTER (UNAUDITED)

   

Number of Shares

 
   

9/30/15

 

12/31/15

 

Purchases

 

Europe

 
> United Kingdom  

Babcock International

   

1,398,000

     

2,392,000

   

Croda International

   

0

     

1,125,000

   

Domino's Pizza UK & Ireland

   

3,050,000

     

3,560,000

   

DS Smith

   

1,178,371

     

5,965,000

   

Next

   

173,000

     

296,000

   

Ocado

   

4,712,000

     

5,908,000

   

Regus

   

12,365,000

     

13,812,000

   

Rentokil Initial

   

0

     

16,251,000

   

Rightmove

   

1,004,000

     

1,480,181

   
> Germany  

Deutsche Boerse

   

0

     

575,000

   

Telefonica Deutschland

   

0

     

8,700,000

   

Wirecard

   

1,750,000

     

2,145,000

   

Zalando

   

0

     

994,520

   
> Sweden  

Millicom International Cellular

   

0

     

590,000

   
> Spain  

Bolsas y Mercados Españoles

   

535,000

     

975,553

   
Distribuidora Internacional
de Alimentación
   

13,425,000

     

16,973,000

   

Prosegur

   

8,555,000

     

9,976,000

   

Viscofan

   

379,000

     

627,000

   
> Switzerland  

Partners Group

   

213,500

     

249,500

   
> France  

Legrand

   

0

     

621,000

   
> Norway  

Orkla

   

3,529,000

     

3,934,736

   
> Italy  

Hera

   

7,800,200

     

8,951,000

   

Asia

 
> Japan  

Aeon Mall

   

3,000,000

     

3,355,000

   

Bandai Namco

   

1,058,000

     

1,517,000

   

Capcom

   

942,150

     

1,226,050

   

Disco

   

291,400

     

361,400

   

Dowa Holdings

   

2,600,000

     

3,400,000

   

Ezaki Glico

   

655,500

     

964,900

   

Hirose Electric

   

276,620

     

298,620

   

IHI

   

15,000,000

     

15,800,000

   

Kansai Paint

   

1,838,600

     

2,340,900

   

Nippon Shokubai

   

300,400

     

405,400

   

Otsuka

   

430,900

     

532,000

   

Recruit Holdings

   

1,225,000

     

1,702,000

   

Seven Bank

   

0

     

6,500,000

   

Sony Financial Holdings

   

1,550,000

     

2,400,000

   

Suruga Bank

   

1,870,000

     

2,100,000

   
   

Number of Shares

 
   

9/30/15

 

12/31/15

 
> China  

China Everbright International

   

25,845,000

     

33,500,000

   
> Taiwan  

Advantech

   

3,192,686

     

3,843,686

   

Delta Electronics

   

5,557,000

     

7,251,036

   

Largan Precision

   

253,000

     

369,000

   
Vanguard International
Semiconductor
   

19,984,000

     

22,456,000

   
> Korea  

CJ Corp

   

141,971

     

200,271

   

KCC

   

113,183

     

138,983

   

Korea Investment Holdings

   

397,002

     

858,602

   
> Hong Kong  

Value Partners

   

29,042,000

     

60,000,000

   

Vitasoy International

   

14,595,000

     

15,000,000

   
> Singapore  

SIIC Environment

   

33,724,000

     

35,000,000

   
> Indonesia  

Tower Bersama Infrastructure

   

18,442,800

     

27,920,000

   

Other Countries

 
> Canada  

Ag Growth

   

545,909

     

556,758

   

Keyera

   

726,000

     

1,192,000

   

PrairieSky Royalty

   

1,010,000

     

1,875,000

   

Vermilion Energy

   

898,000

     

1,449,000

   
> Australia  

IAG

   

7,680,000

     

12,604,154

   

Spotless

   

58,000,000

     

63,000,000

   
> United States  

Bladex

   

1,092,000

     

1,307,000

   

Latin America

 
> Guatemala  

Tahoe Resources

   

1,626,600

     

2,320,000

   

See accompanying notes to financial statements.


38



   

Number of Shares

 
   

9/30/15

 

12/31/15

 

Sales

 

Europe

 
> United Kingdom  

Cable and Wireless

   

45,000,000

     

22,365,095

   

Connect Group

   

14,379,428

     

10,425,001

   

Fidessa Group

   

958,646

     

165,813

   

Jardine Lloyd Thompson Group

   

1,944,000

     

0

   

Polypipe

   

7,430,000

     

6,037,800

   
> Germany  

Aurelius

   

795,000

     

0

   

Elringklinger

   

885,000

     

0

   

Rational

   

117,000

     

75,000

   
> Sweden  

Modern Times Group

   

1,286,000

     

1,072,742

   
> Netherlands  

Brunel

   

1,201,000

     

858,156

   
> Switzerland  

INFICON

   

72,500

     

48,450

   
> France  

Neopost

   

1,660,000

     

0

   

Saft

   

745,310

     

0

   
> Finland  

Sponda

   

7,766,000

     

5,462,710

   

Tikkurila

   

1,669,000

     

1,033,175

   
> Norway  

Atea

   

3,050,864

     

2,612,959

   
> Kazakhstan  
Halyk Savings Bank of
Kazakhstan - GDR
   

4,356,790

     

2,130,426

   
> Belgium  

EVS Broadcast Equipment

   

258,681

     

0

   

Asia

 
> Japan  

Aozora Bank

   

10,440,000

     

9,840,000

   

Asahi Intecc

   

832,000

     

780,000

   

Daiseki

   

961,000

     

0

   

Ebara

   

7,590,000

     

7,130,000

   

Hamamatsu Photonics

   

822,700

     

0

   

Hikari Tsushin

   

313,200

     

281,900

   

Hoshizaki Electric

   

390,000

     

320,000

   

Icom

   

614,200

     

426,900

   

Kaken Pharmaceutical

   

184,900

     

0

   

Milbon

   

578,680

     

0

   

Misumi Group

   

624,000

     

0

   

MonotaRO

   

536,000

     

0

   

Relia

   

2,736,000

     

2,210,300

   

Nakanishi

   

414,600

     

0

   
   

Number of Shares

 
   

9/30/15

 

12/31/15

 

NGK Insulators

   

2,700,000

     

1,400,000

   

NGK Spark Plug

   

1,440,000

     

1,190,000

   

Nihon Parkerizing

   

497,592

     

0

   

Nippon Kayaku

   

1,910,000

     

0

   

OBIC

   

621,000

     

567,000

   

Orix JREIT

   

28,000

     

0

   

Rinnai

   

309,000

     

0

   

Santen Pharmaceutical

   

2,792,000

     

2,451,000

   

Stanley Electric

   

1,107,000

     

0

   

Tamron

   

1,402,000

     

837,200

   

Yamaguchi Financial Group

   

1,750,000

     

1,164,000

   
> China  
51job - ADR    

375,000

     

258,000

   

AMVIG Holdings

   

46,942,000

     

33,609,500

   

BitAuto - ADR

   

560,388

     

0

   

Jiangnan Group

   

101,000,000

     

85,498,000

   

Phoenix Healthcare Group

   

13,424,000

     

2,643,000

   

TravelSky Technology

   

21,755,000

     

21,449,000

   

WuXi PharmaTech - ADR

   

502,000

     

0

   
> Taiwan  

Ginko International

   

369,000

     

0

   

Novatek Microelectronics

   

5,704,000

     

2,126,000

   

President Chain Store

   

3,400,000

     

0

   

Silergy

   

2,234,000

     

0

   

Voltronic Power

   

1,173,686

     

0

   
> India  

Amara Raja

   

519,553

     

363,454

   

Bharti Infratel

   

6,229,667

     

0

   
> Korea  

Cheil Worldwide

   

1,300,093

     

0

   

CJ Hellovision

   

3,149,876

     

0

   

Koh Young Technology

   

197,100

     

0

   

LF Corp

   

788,428

     

619,802

   

LS Industrial Systems

   

412,977

     

0

   

Nongshim

   

88,583

     

0

   
> Hong Kong  

Lifestyle International

   

2,655,500

     

0

   
Mapletree Greater China
Commercial Trust
   

63,364,000

     

50,903,000

   

Melco International

   

13,016,000

     

0

   
> Singapore  

China Everbright Water

   

31,700,000

     

3,989,300

   

Mapletree Commercial Trust

   

41,009,700

     

0

   
> Indonesia  

Ace Indonesia

   

59,667,800

     

0

   

Arwana Citramulia

   

150,349,000

     

0

   

Link Net

   

45,000,000

     

33,000,000

   

Matahari Department Store

   

19,540,600

     

15,103,600

   

See accompanying notes to financial statements.


39



COLUMBIA ACORN INTERNATIONAL®

MAJOR PORTFOLIO CHANGES IN THE FOURTH QUARTER (UNAUDITED), CONTINUED

   

Number of Shares

 
   

9/30/15

 

12/31/15

 

Sales (continued)

 

Asia—continued

 
> Thailand  

Home Product Center

   

100,000,000

     

0

   

Robinson Department Store

   

1,621,900

     

0

   
> Philippines  

Robinsons Retail Holdings

   

12,200,000

     

9,700,000

   
> Cambodia  

Nagacorp

   

47,028,000

     

27,493,900

   
> Malaysia  

7-Eleven Malaysia Holdings

   

37,835,900

     

0

   

Astro Malaysia Holdings

   

19,000,000

     

0

   

Other Countries

 
> Canada  

Boulder Energy

   

1,301,152

     

0

   
> Australia  

Estia Health

   

4,900,000

     

0

   
> South Africa  

Coronation Fund Managers

   

12,895,812

     

8,520,458

   

Northam Platinum

   

2,476,175

     

0

   

Rand Merchant Insurance

   

14,139,634

     

11,177,427

   
> New Zealand  

Auckland International Airport

   

10,800,000

     

10,000,000

   

Ryman Healthcare

   

2,759,000

     

0

   

Sky City Entertainment

   

5,435,000

     

0

   
> United States  

Cimarex Energy

   

350,000

     

0

   
   

Number of Shares

 
   

9/30/15

 

12/31/15

 

Latin America

 
> Mexico  

Qualitas

   

12,647,809

     

0

   
> Brazil  

Odontoprev

   

7,885,300

     

0

   
> Colombia  

Isagen

   

23,377,000

     

0

   

See accompanying notes to financial statements.


40



COLUMBIA ACORN INTERNATIONAL®

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS, DECEMBER 31, 2015

Number of Shares

     

Value

 
           

Equities: 95.3%

 

Europe 43.0%

     
    > United Kingdom 13.7%  
 

1,480,181

   

Rightmove

 

$

89,950,630

   
       

Internet Real Estate Listings

         
 

2,638,000

   

WH Smith

   

68,545,595

   
        Newsprint, Books & General
Stationery Retailer
         
 

13,812,000

   

Regus

   

67,866,258

   
        Rental of Office Space in Full Service
Business Centers
         
 

1,253,571

   

Spirax Sarco

   

60,626,164

   
        Steam Systems for Manufacturing &
Process Industries
         
 

4,399,000

   

Halma

   

56,015,490

   
       

Health & Safety Sensor Technology

         
 

3,560,000

   

Domino's Pizza UK & Ireland

   

55,176,463

   
        Pizza Delivery in the UK,
Ireland & Germany
         
 

3,000,000

   

Smith & Nephew

   

53,466,214

   
       

Medical Equipment & Supplies

         
 

1,125,000

   

Croda International

   

50,405,551

   
       

Oleochemicals & Industrial Chemicals

         
 

4,033,732

   

Abcam

   

39,513,637

   
       

Online Sales of Antibodies

         
 

16,251,000

   

Rentokil Initial

   

38,128,761

   
        Pest Control, Washroom & Workwear
Service Provider
         
 

2,392,000

   

Babcock International

   

35,796,649

   
       

Public Sector Outsourcer

         
 

5,965,000

   

DS Smith

   

34,892,666

   
       

Packaging

         
 

41,580,000

   

Assura

   

33,897,372

   
        UK Primary Health Care Property
Developer
         
 

296,000

   

Next

   

31,781,777

   
       

Clothes & Home Retailer in the UK

         
 

6,037,800

   

Polypipe

   

31,064,228

   
        Manufacturer of Plastic
Piping & Fittings
         
 

6,222,700

   

Halfords

   

30,661,760

   
        UK Retailer of Leisure Goods &
Auto Parts
         
 

2,100,000

   

Shaftesbury

   

28,291,012

   
       

London Prime Retail REIT

         
 

5,908,000

   

Ocado (a)

   

26,395,347

   
       

Online Grocery Retailer

         
 

10,425,001

   

Connect Group

   

25,804,634

   
       

Newspaper & Magazine Distributor

         
 

22,365,095

   

Cable and Wireless

   

24,467,829

   
        Telecommunications Service Provider
in the Caribbean
         
 

5,650,001

   

Elementis

   

19,027,663

   
       

Specialty Chemicals

         
 

3,075,000

   

PureCircle (a)

   

18,257,322

   
       

Natural Sweeteners

         
 

165,813

   

Fidessa Group

   

4,896,164

   
        Software for Financial
Trading Systems
         
     

924,929,186

   

Number of Shares

     

Value

 
    > Germany 6.0%  
 

2,145,000

   

Wirecard (b)

 

$

107,217,894

   
        Online Payment Processing &
Risk Management
         
 

691,000

   

MTU Aero Engines

   

67,348,327

   
        Airplane Engine
Components & Services
         
 

1,067,000

   

NORMA Group

   

58,974,678

   
        Clamps for Automotive &
Industrial Applications
         
 

575,000

   

Deutsche Boerse

   

50,543,180

   
        Trading, Clearing, Settlement
Services for Financial Markets
         
 

8,700,000

   

Telefonica Deutschland

   

45,889,747

   
        Mobile & Fixed-line
Communications in Germany
         
 

994,520

   

Zalando (a)

   

39,340,917

   
       

Online Platform for Apparel Sales

         
 

75,000

   

Rational

   

34,043,380

   
       

Commercial Ovens

         
     

403,358,123

   
    > Sweden 5.6%  
 

948,422

   

Unibet

   

96,706,110

   
       

European Online Gaming Operator

         
 

2,055,208

   

Hexagon

   

76,027,969

   
        Design, Measurement &
Visualization Software & Equipment
         
 

3,290,652

   

Sweco (b)

   

48,435,223

   
       

Engineering Consultants

         
 

967,247

   

Swedish Match

   

34,180,001

   
       

Swedish Snus

         
 

590,000

   

Millicom International Cellular

   

33,854,257

   
        Telecoms Operator in Latin
America & Africa
         
 

1,072,742

   

Modern Times Group

   

27,391,153

   
       

Nordic TV Broadcaster

         
 

1,317,000

   

Trelleborg

   

25,560,087

   
        Manufacturer of Sealing,
Dampening & Protective Solutions
for Industry
         
 

916,000

   

Mekonomen

   

18,747,896

   
        Nordic Integrated Wholesaler/
Retailer of Automotive Parts & Service
         
 

849,000

   

Recipharm (b)

   

12,722,755

   
        Contract Development
Manufacturing Organization
         
     

373,625,451

   
    > Denmark 3.8%  
 

1,932,063

   

SimCorp

   

108,940,161

   
       

Software for Investment Managers

         
 

1,647,800

   

Novozymes

   

78,894,832

   
       

Industrial Enzymes

         
 

700,000

   

William Demant Holding (a)

   

66,678,160

   
        Manufacture & Distribution of
Hearing Aids & Diagnostic Equipment
         
     

254,513,153

   

See accompanying notes to financial statements.


41



COLUMBIA ACORN INTERNATIONAL®

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS, CONTINUED

Number of Shares

     

Value

 
    > Netherlands 3.2%  
 

2,103,770

   

Aalberts Industries

 

$

72,486,953

   
       

Flow Control & Heat Treatment

         
 

650,000

   

Gemalto (b)

   

39,001,324

   
       

Digital Security Solutions

         
 

1,573,025

   

Arcadis

   

31,623,038

   
       

Engineering Consultants

         
 

718,124

   

Vopak

   

30,925,882

   
        Operator of Petroleum & Chemical
Storage Terminals
         
 

255,510

   

Core Labs (b)

   

27,784,157

   
       

Oil & Gas Reservoir Consulting

         
 

858,156

   

Brunel (b)

   

15,629,463

   
        Temporary Specialist &
Energy Staffing
         
     

217,450,817

   
    > Spain 3.2%  
 

16,973,000

    Distribuidora Internacional
de Alimentación
   

100,108,337

   
        Discount Retailer in Spain &
Latin America
         
 

9,976,000

   

Prosegur

   

45,943,417

   
       

Security Guards

         
 

627,000

   

Viscofan

   

37,822,263

   
       

Sausage Casings Maker

         
 

975,553

   

Bolsas y Mercados Españoles

   

32,875,590

   
       

Spanish Stock Markets

         
     

216,749,607

   
    > Switzerland 3.0%  
 

249,500

   

Partners Group (b)

   

89,728,729

   
       

Private Markets Asset Management

         
 

228,300

   

Geberit

   

77,325,840

   
       

Plumbing Systems

         
 

190,000

    Panalpina Welttransport
Holding
   

21,212,899

   
       

Air & Sea Freight Forwarding

         
 

48,450

   

INFICON

   

15,446,907

   
       

Gas Detection Instruments

         
     

203,714,375

   
    > France 1.7%  
 

1,496,610

   

Eutelsat (b)

   

44,809,174

   
       

Fixed Satellite Services

         
 

621,000

   

Legrand SA

   

35,127,032

   
       

Electrical Components

         
 

99,000

   

Eurofins Scientific

   

34,533,210

   
        Food, Pharmaceuticals & Materials
Screening & Testing
         
     

114,469,416

   
    > Finland 1.1%  
 

1,387,000

   

Konecranes (b)

   

34,329,252

   
        Manufacture & Service of Industrial
Cranes & Port Handling Equipment
         
 

5,462,710

   

Sponda

   

23,203,423

   
       

Office, Retail & Logistics Properties

         
 

1,033,175

   

Tikkurila

   

18,088,352

   
        Decorative & Industrial Paint in
Scandinavia, Central &
Eastern Europe
         
     

75,621,027

   

Number of Shares

     

Value

 
    > Norway 0.8%  
 

3,934,736

   

Orkla

 

$

31,040,828

   
        Food & Brands, Aluminum,
Chemicals Conglomerate
         
 

2,612,959

   

Atea

   

21,580,762

   
        Nordic IT Hardware/Software
Reseller & Integrator
         
     

52,621,590

   
    > Italy 0.7%  
 

459,000

   

Industria Macchine Automatiche

   

23,825,685

   
        Food & Drugs
Packaging & Machinery
         
 

8,951,000

   

Hera

   

23,721,913

   
       

Northern Italian Utility

         
     

47,547,598

   
    > Kazakhstan 0.2%  
 

2,130,426

    Halyk Savings Bank of
Kazakhstan - GDR (b)
   

10,545,609

   
        Retail Bank & Insurer
in Kazakhstan
         

Europe: Total

   

2,895,145,952

   

Asia 40.0%

     
    > Japan 22.0%  
 

1,447,000

   

FamilyMart

   

67,335,968

   
       

Convenience Store Operator

         
 

3,355,000

   

Aeon Mall

   

57,545,375

   
        Suburban Shopping Mall
Developer, Owner & Operator
         
 

1,840,000

   

Glory

   

56,491,128

   
        Currency Handling Systems &
Related Equipment
         
 

964,900

   

Ezaki Glico

   

52,127,588

   
        Confectionary, Ice Cream &
Dairy Products
         
 

1,702,000

   

Recruit Holdings

   

50,028,227

   
       

Recruitment & Media Services

         
 

3,600,000

   

Ushio

   

49,643,601

   
       

Industrial Light Sources

         
 

833,800

   

Ariake Japan

   

46,128,869

   
       

Commercial Soup & Sauce Extracts

         
 

15,800,000

   

IHI

   

43,615,879

   
       

Industrial Conglomerates

         
 

2,100,000

   

Suruga Bank

   

43,278,040

   
       

Regional Bank

         
 

2,400,000

   

Sony Financial Holdings

   

42,929,392

   
        Life Insurance, Assurance &
Internet Banking
         
 

2,451,000

   

Santen Pharmaceutical

   

40,351,841

   
        Specialty Pharma
(Ophthalmic Medicine)
         
 

298,620

   

Hirose Electric

   

36,154,582

   
       

Electrical Connectors

         
 

780,000

   

Asahi Intecc

   

35,844,116

   
       

Medical Guidewires for Surgery

         
 

18,600

   

Japan Retail Fund

   

35,784,100

   
       

Retail REIT in Japan

         
 

2,340,900

   

Kansai Paint

   

35,482,796

   
        Paint Producer in Japan, India,
China & Southeast Asia
         

See accompanying notes to financial statements.


42



Number of Shares

     

Value

 
    > Japan—continued  
 

1,463,000

   

Park24

 

$

35,444,730

   
       

Parking Lot Operator

         
 

9,840,000

   

Aozora Bank

   

34,339,869

   
       

Commercial Bank

         
 

930,000

   

JIN (b)

   

34,302,247

   
       

Eyeglasses Retailer

         
 

361,400

   

Disco

   

34,033,571

   
        Semiconductor Dicing &
Grinding Equipment
         
 

7,130,000

   

Ebara

   

33,882,805

   
        Pumps, Compressors, Turbines &
Related Products & Services
         
 

4,319,000

   

NOF

   

33,224,971

   
        Specialty Chemicals, Life
Science & Rocket Fuels
         
 

1,517,000

   

Bandai Namco

   

32,049,859

   
       

Branded Toys & Related Content

         
 

1,400,000

   

NGK Insulators

   

31,556,271

   
        Ceramic Products for Auto,
Power & Electronics
         
 

1,190,000

   

NGK Spark Plug

   

31,330,874

   
       

Automobile Parts

         
 

567,000

   

OBIC

   

30,013,941

   
       

Computer Software

         
 

1,226,050

   

Capcom

   

29,564,682

   
       

Packaged, Online & Mobile Games

         
 

6,149

   

Kenedix Office Investment

   

28,746,753

   
       

Tokyo Mid-size Office REIT

         
 

6,500,000

   

Seven Bank

   

28,505,737

   
       

ATM Processing Services

         
 

405,400

   

Nippon Shokubai

   

28,209,782

   
        Producer of Acrylic Acid & Super
Absorbent Polymers Used in
Disposable Diapers
         
 

1,260,000

   

Aeon Financial Service

   

28,146,792

   
        Diversified Consumer-related
Finance Company in Japan
         
 

1,548,800

   

Kintetsu World Express

   

27,254,565

   
       

Airfreight Logistics

         
 

775,000

   

Toto

   

27,227,324

   
       

Toilets & Bathroom Fittings

         
 

1,340,300

   

Doshisha

   

27,034,530

   
       

Consumer Goods Wholesaler

         
 

532,000

   

Otsuka

   

26,133,850

   
        One-stop IT Services & Office
Supplies Provider
         
 

3,400,000

   

Dowa Holdings

   

24,446,455

   
        Environmental/Recycling,
Nonferrous Metals, Electric
Material & Metal Processing
         
 

1,237,000

   

Aica Kogyo

   

24,307,559

   
        Laminated Sheets, Building
Materials & Chemical Adhesives
         
 

1,230,000

   

OSG

   

23,253,169

   
       

Consumable Cutting Tools

         
 

450,000

   

Japan Airport Terminal (b)

   

19,921,081

   
       

Airport Terminal Operator at Haneda

         
 

320,000

   

Hoshizaki Electric

   

19,892,895

   
       

Commercial Kitchen Equipment

         

Number of Shares

     

Value

 
 

2,083,000

   

Sega Sammy Holdings

 

$

19,483,020

   
        Gaming Software/Hardware &
Leisure Facilities
         
 

281,900

   

Hikari Tsushin

   

19,197,338

   
        Office IT/Mobiles/
Insurance Distribution
         
 

2,210,300

   

Relia

   

18,964,759

   
       

Call Center Operator

         
 

837,200

   

Tamron

   

15,445,531

   
       

Camera Lenses

         
 

1,164,000

    Yamaguchi Financial
Group
   

13,790,150

   
        Regional Bank in Yamaguchi,
Fukuoka & Hiroshima
         
 

426,900

   

Icom

   

8,872,991

   
        Two Way Radio
Communication Equipment
         
     

1,481,319,603

   
    > China 3.2%  
 

26,542,000

   

CAR Inc (a)(b)

   

43,737,081

   
        Consolidator of Chinese Auto
Rental Sector
         
 

33,500,000

   

China Everbright International

   

42,835,728

   
       

Municipal Waste Operator

         
 

21,449,000

   

TravelSky Technology

   

35,118,456

   
        Chinese Air Travel
Transaction Processor
         
 

90,360,000

    Sihuan Pharmaceutical
Holdings Group (c)
   

34,937,684

   
       

Chinese Generic Drug Manufacturer

         
 

46,044,000

   

NewOcean Energy

   

17,937,540

   
        Southern China Liquefied
Petroleum Gas Distributor
         
 

85,498,000

   

Jiangnan Group

   

16,705,529

   
       

Cable & Wire Manufacturer

         
 

33,609,500

   

AMVIG Holdings

   

13,964,115

   
        Chinese Tobacco Packaging
Material Supplier
         
 

258,000

    51job - ADR (a)(b)    

7,600,680

   
       

Integrated Human Resource Services

         
 

2,643,000

   

Phoenix Healthcare Group

   

3,077,740

   
       

Private Hospital Management Group

         
     

215,914,553

   
    > Taiwan 3.0%  
 

23,150,000

   

Far EasTone Telecom

   

47,577,997

   
       

Mobile Operator in Taiwan

         
 

1,780,000

   

St. Shine Optical

   

35,625,318

   
        Disposable Contact Lens
Original Equipment Manufacturer
         
 

7,251,036

   

Delta Electronics

   

34,105,847

   
        Industrial Automation, Switching
Power Supplies &
Passive Components
         
 

22,456,000

    Vanguard International
Semiconductor
   

28,999,867

   
       

Semiconductor Foundry

         
 

369,000

   

Largan Precision

   

25,248,747

   
        Mobile Device Camera
Lenses & Modules
         
 

3,843,686

   

Advantech

   

24,614,168

   
       

Industrial PC & Components

         
 

2,126,000

   

Novatek Microelectronics

   

8,276,676

   
 

    Display-related Integrated
Circuit Designer
         
     

204,448,620

   

See accompanying notes to financial statements.


43



COLUMBIA ACORN INTERNATIONAL®

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS, CONTINUED

Number of Shares

     

Value

 
    > India 3.0%  
 

13,478,000

   

Zee Entertainment Enterprises

 

$

88,846,753

   
        Indian Programmer of Pay
Television Content
         
 

1,505,000

   

Container Corporation of India

   

29,829,132

   
       

Railway Cargo Services

         
 

1,809,000

   

Colgate Palmolive India

   

26,542,096

   
       

Consumer Products in Oral Care

         
 

1,850,000

   

United Breweries

   

26,420,620

   
       

Indian Brewer

         
 

6,095,000

    Adani Ports & Special
Economic Zone
   

23,964,098

   
       

Indian West Coast Shipping Port

         
 

363,454

   

Amara Raja

   

4,718,327

   
        Indian Maker of Auto & Industrial
Batteries, Mostly for the
Replacement Market
         
     

200,321,026

   
    > Korea 2.7%  
 

138,983

   

KCC

   

49,028,959

   
        Paint & Housing
Material Manufacturer
         
 

200,271

   

CJ Corp

   

42,539,015

   
        Holding Company of Korean
Consumer Conglomerate
         
 

478,317

   

KT&G

   

42,505,703

   
       

Tobacco & Ginseng Products

         
 

858,602

   

Korea Investment Holdings

   

35,879,532

   
       

Brokerage & Asset Management

         
 

619,802

   

LF Corp

   

14,199,438

   
       

Apparel Design & Retail

         
     

184,152,647

   
    > Hong Kong 2.5%  
 

60,000,000

   

Value Partners

   

69,740,964

   
       

Mutual Fund Management

         
 

12,000,000

   

Samsonite International

   

35,963,742

   
        Mass Market Luggage &
Travel Accessories
         
 

50,903,000

    Mapletree Greater China
Commercial Trust
   

32,770,489

   
       

Retail & Office Property Landlord

         
 

15,000,000

   

Vitasoy International

   

30,773,995

   
       

Hong Kong Soy Food Brand

         
     

169,249,190

   
    > Singapore 1.4%  
 

11,000,000

   

Singapore Exchange

   

59,492,615

   
        Singapore Equity & Derivatives
Market Operator
         
 

35,000,000

   

SIIC Environment (a)

   

18,846,583

   
       

Waste Water Treatment Operator

         
 

8,192,300

   

Petra Foods

   

12,122,177

   
        Chocolate Manufacturer in
Southeast Asia
         
 

3,989,300

   

China Everbright Water (a)

   

1,725,173

   
       

Waste Water Treatment Operator

         
     

92,186,548

   

Number of Shares

     

Value

 
    > Indonesia 0.7%  
 

15,103,600

   

Matahari Department Store

 

$

19,120,164

   
        Department Store Chain
in Indonesia
         
 

27,920,000

   

Tower Bersama Infrastructure (a)

   

11,810,653

   
       

Communications Towers

         
 

33,000,000

   

Link Net (a)

   

9,503,515

   
        Fixed Broadband & Cable TV
Service Provider
         
 

54,624,000

   

MNC Sky Vision (a)

   

5,290,028

   
        Satellite Pay TV Operator
in Indonesia
         
     

45,724,360

   
    > Thailand 0.6%  
 

4,360,000

   

Airports of Thailand

   

41,684,437

   
       

Airport Operator of Thailand

         
    > Philippines 0.6%  
 

30,000,000

   

Puregold Price Club

   

22,123,048

   
        Supermarket Operator in the
Philippines
         
 

9,700,000

   

Robinsons Retail Holdings

   

12,995,877

   
        Multi-format Retailer in the
Philippines
         
 

90,000,000

    Melco Crown (Philippines)
Resorts (a)
   

4,356,235

   
       

Integrated Resort Operator in Manila

         
     

39,475,160

   
    > Cambodia 0.3%  
 

27,493,900

   

Nagacorp

   

17,318,370

   
        Casino & Entertainment
Complex in Cambodia
         

Asia: Total

   

2,691,794,514

   

Other Countries 11.0%

     
    > Canada 4.8%  
 

633,741

   

CCL Industries

   

102,762,498

   
       

Global Label Converter

         
 

1,449,000

   

Vermilion Energy (b)

   

39,384,903

   
        Canadian Exploration &
Production Company
         
 

3,188,000

   

CAE

   

35,365,903

   
        Flight Simulator Equipment &
Training Centers
         
 

1,192,000

   

Keyera (b)

   

34,682,315

   
        Integrated Supply of Hydrocarbon
Processing, Transport & Storage
         
 

490,200

   

Onex Capital

   

30,048,973

   
       

Private Equity

         
 

1,875,000

   

PrairieSky Royalty (b)

   

29,702,970

   
        Canadian Owner of Oil & Gas
Mineral Interests
         
 

1,067,730

   

ShawCor

   

21,660,173

   
       

Oil & Gas Pipeline Products

         
 

2,115,898

   

Rona

   

18,885,120

   
        Canadian Home
Improvement Retailer
         
 

556,758

   

Ag Growth

   

13,378,770

   
        Manufacturer of Augers & Grain
Handling Equipment
         
     

325,871,625

   

See accompanying notes to financial statements.


44



Number of Shares

     

Value

 
    > Australia 3.7%  
 

2,200,000

   

Domino's Pizza Enterprises

 

$

91,791,568

   
        Domino's Pizza Operator in
Australia & New Zealand
         
 

12,604,154

   

IAG

   

50,618,440

   
       

General Insurance Provider

         
 

63,000,000

   

Spotless (b)(d)

   

49,363,230

   
        Facility Management &
Catering Company
         
 

3,692,000

   

Amcor

   

35,868,658

   
        Global Leader in Flexible &
Rigid Packaging
         
 

2,800,000

   

Challenger Financial

   

17,646,670

   
       

Annuity Provider in Australia

         
     

245,288,566

   
    > South Africa 0.9%  
 

8,520,458

   

Coronation Fund Managers

   

29,182,043

   
       

South African Fund Manager

         
 

11,177,427

   

Rand Merchant Insurance

   

27,941,261

   
        Directly Sold Property & Casualty
Insurance; Holdings in other Insurers
         
     

57,123,304

   
    > New Zealand 0.6%  
 

10,000,000

    Auckland International
Airport
   

39,231,076

   
       

Auckland Airport Operator

         
    > Egypt 0.5%  
 

7,454,462

    Commercial International
Bank of Egypt
   

36,262,917

   
       

Private Universal Bank in Egypt

         
    > United States 0.5%  
 

1,307,000

   

Bladex

   

33,890,510

   
        Latin American Trade
Financing House
         

Other Countries: Total

   

737,667,998

   

Latin America 1.3%

     
    > Mexico 0.6%  
 

300,000

    Grupo Aeroportuario del
Sureste - ADR
   

42,201,000

   
       

Mexican Airport Operator

         
    > Brazil 0.3%  
 

3,500,000

   

Localiza Rent a Car

   

21,957,662

   
       

Car Rental

         
    > Guatemala 0.3%  
 

2,320,000

   

Tahoe Resources

   

20,069,668

   
        Silver & Gold Projects in
Guatemala & Peru
         

Number of Shares

     

Value

 
    > Uruguay 0.1%  
 

1,306,818

    Union Agriculture
Group (a)(c)(e)
 

$

6,638,636

   
       

Farmland Operator in Uruguay

         

Latin America: Total

   

90,866,966

   
Total Equities: 95.3%
(Cost: $5,380,319,432)
   

6,415,475,430

(f)

 

Short-Term Investments 4.9%

     
 

220,000,000

    JPMorgan U.S. Government
Money Market Fund, IM
Shares (7 day yield of 0.01%)
   

220,000,000

   
 

112,090,876

    JPMorgan U.S. Government
Money Market Fund, Agency
Shares (7 day yield of 0.04%)
   

112,090,876

   
Total Short-Term Investments: 4.9%
(Cost: $332,090,876)
   

332,090,876

   

Securities Lending Collateral 3.8%

     
 

253,539,187

    Dreyfus Government Cash
Management Fund,
Institutional Shares
(7 day yield of 0.03%) (g)
   

253,539,187

   
Total Securities Lending Collateral: 3.8%
(Cost: $253,539,187)
   

253,539,187

   
Total Investments: 104.0%
(Cost: $5,965,949,495)
   

7,001,105,493

   
Obligation to Return Collateral for
Securities Loaned: (3.8)%
   

(253,539,187

)

 
Cash and Other Assets Less
Liabilities: (0.2)%
   

(14,388,540

)

 

Net Assets: 100.0%

 

$

6,733,177,766

   

ADR - American Depositary Receipts

GDR - Global Depositary Receipts

REIT - Real Estate Investment Trust

See accompanying notes to financial statements.


45



COLUMBIA ACORN INTERNATIONAL®

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS, CONTINUED

> Notes to Statement of Investments

(a)  Non-income producing security.

(b)  All or a portion of this security was on loan at December 31, 2015. The total market value of securities on loan at December 31, 2015 was $240,885,855.

(c)  Illiquid security.

(d)  An affiliated person of the Fund, as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, may include any company in which the Fund owns five percent or more of its outstanding voting shares. Holdings and transactions in these affiliated companies during the year ended December 31, 2015, are as follows:

Security

  Balance of
Shares Held
12/31/14
  Purchases/
Additions
  Sales/
Reductions
  Balance of
Shares Held
12/31/15
 

Value

 

Dividend

 

Spotless

   

42,700,000

     

20,300,000

     

     

63,000,000

   

$

49,363,230

   

$

3,711,991

   

Connect Group (1)

   

14,379,428

     

     

3,954,427

     

10,425,001

     

25,804,634

     

2,165,535

   

Icom (1)

   

835,000

     

     

408,100

     

426,900

     

8,872,991

     

233,389

   

Tamron (1)

   

1,402,000

     

     

564,800

     

837,200

     

15,445,531

     

526,582

   

Total of Affiliated Transactions

   

59,316,428

     

20,300,000

     

4,927,327

     

74,689,101

   

$

99,486,386

   

$

6,637,497

   

(1) At December 31, 2015, the Fund owned less than five percent of the company's outstanding voting shares.

  The aggregate cost and value of these companies at December 31, 2015, was $97,959,201 and $49,363,230, respectively. Investments in affiliated companies represented 0.73% of the Fund's total net assets at December 31, 2015.

(e)  Denotes a restricted security, which is subject to restrictions on resale under federal securities laws. This security is valued at fair value determined in good faith under consistently applied procedures established by the Fund's Board of Trustees. At December 31, 2015, the market value of this security amounted to $6,638,636, which represented 0.10% of total net assets. Additional information on this security is as follows:

Security

  Acquisition
Dates
 

Shares

 

Cost

 

Value

 

Union Agriculture Group

 

12/8/10-6/27/12

   

1,306,818

   

$

15,000,000

   

$

6,638,636

   

(f)  On December 31, 2015, the Fund's total equity investments were denominated in currencies as follows:

Currency

 

Value

  Percentage
of Net Assets
 

Japanese Yen

 

$

1,481,319,603

     

22.0

   

Euro

   

1,047,412,431

     

15.6

   

British Pound

   

924,929,186

     

13.7

   

Swedish Krona

   

373,625,452

     

5.6

   

Hong Kong Dollar

   

362,110,944

     

5.4

   

Canadian Dollar

   

345,941,293

     

5.1

   
Other currencies less
than 5% of total net assets
   

1,880,136,521

     

27.9

   

Total Equities

 

$

6,415,475,430

     

95.3

   

(g)  Investment made with cash collateral received from securities lending activity.

(h)  At December 31, 2015, for federal income tax purposes, the cost of investments was $6,013,431,491 and net unrealized appreciation was $987,674,002 consisting of gross unrealized appreciation of $1,440,280,002 and gross unrealized depreciation of $452,606,000.

Fair Value Measurements

  Various inputs are used in determining the value of the Fund's investments, following the input prioritization hierarchy established by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP). These inputs are summarized in the three broad levels listed below:

    Level 1 – quoted prices in active markets for identical securities

    Level 2 – prices determined using other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk and others)

    Level 3 – prices determined using significant unobservable inputs where quoted prices or observable inputs are unavailable or less reliable (including management's own assumptions about the factors market participants would use in pricing an investment)

  The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.

  Examples of the types of securities in which the Fund would typically invest and how they are classified within this hierarchy are as follows. Typical Level 1 securities include exchange traded domestic equities, mutual funds whose NAVs are published each day and exchange traded foreign equities that are not statistically fair valued. Typical Level 2 securities include exchange traded foreign equities that are statistically fair valued, forward foreign currency exchange contracts and short-term investments valued at amortized cost. Additionally, securities fair valued by CWAM's Valuation Committee (the Committee) that rely on significant observable inputs are also included in Level 2. Typical Level 3 securities include any security fair valued by the Committee that relies on significant unobservable inputs.

See accompanying notes to financial statements.


46



> Notes to Statement of Investments

  The Committee is responsible for applying the Trust's Portfolio Pricing Policy and the CWAM pricing procedures (the Policies), which are approved by and subject to the oversight of the Board.

  The Committee meets as necessary, and no less frequently than quarterly, to determine fair values for securities for which market quotations are not readily available or for which CWAM believes that available market quotations are unreliable. The Committee also reviews the continuing appropriateness of the Policies. In circumstances where a security has been fair valued, the Committee will also review the continuing appropriateness of the current value of the security. The Policies address, among other things: circumstances under which market quotations will be deemed readily available; selection of third party pricing vendors; appropriate pricing methodologies; events that require fair valuation and fair value techniques; circumstances under which securities will be deemed to pose a potential for stale pricing, including when securities are illiquid, restricted, or in default; and certain delegations of authority to determine fair values to the Fund's investment manager. The Committee may also meet to discuss additional valuation matters, which may include review of back-testing results, review of time-sensitive information or approval of other valuation related actions, and to review the appropriateness of the Policies.

  For investments categorized as Level 3, the significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Fund's securities may include: (i) data specific to the issuer or comparable issuers, (ii) general market or specific sector news and (iii) quoted prices and specific or similar security transactions. The Committee considers this data and any changes from prior periods in order to assess the reasonableness of observable and unobservable inputs, any assumptions or internal models used to value those securities and changes in fair value. Significant changes in any of these factors could result in lower or higher fair value measurements. Various factors impact the frequency of monitoring (which may occur as often as daily), however the Committee may determine that changes to inputs, assumptions and models are not required with the same frequency.

  The following table summarizes the inputs used, as of December 31, 2015, in valuing the Fund's assets:

Investment Type

  Quoted Prices
(Level 1)
  Other
Significant
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
  Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 

Total

 

Equities

 

Europe

 

$

27,784,157

   

$

2,867,361,795

   

$

-

   

$

2,895,145,952

   

Asia

   

7,600,680

     

2,649,256,150

     

34,937,684

     

2,691,794,514

   

Other Countries

   

359,762,135

     

377,905,863

     

-

     

737,667,998

   

Latin America

   

84,228,330

     

-

     

6,638,636

     

90,866,966

   

Total Equities

   

479,375,302

     

5,894,523,808

     

41,576,320

     

6,415,475,430

   

Total Short-Term Investments

   

332,090,876

     

-

     

-

     

332,090,876

   

Total Securities Lending Collateral

   

253,539,187

     

-

     

-

     

253,539,187

   

Total Investments

 

$

1,065,005,365

   

$

5,894,523,808

   

$

41,576,320

   

$

7,001,105,493

   

  The Fund's assets assigned to the Level 2 input category are generally valued using a market approach, in which a security's value is determined through its correlation to prices and information from observable market transactions for similar or identical assets. Foreign equities are generally valued at the last sale price on the foreign exchange or market on which they trade. The Fund may use a statistical fair valuation model, in accordance with the policy adopted by the Board, provided by an independent third party to value securities principally traded in foreign markets in order to adjust for possible stale pricing that may occur between the close of the foreign exchanges and the time for valuation. These models take into account available market data including intraday index, ADR, and ETF movements.

  There were no transfers of financial assets between Levels 1 and 2 during the period.

  The Fund does not hold any significant investments (greater than one percent of net assets) categorized as Level 3.

  Financial assets were transferred from Level 2 to Level 3 as trading halted during the period. As a result, as of period end, the Committee determined to value the security(s) under consistently applied procedures established by and under the general supervision of the Board.

  The following table shows transfers between Level 2 and Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy:

Transfers In

 

Transfers Out

 
Level 2  

Level 3

 

Level 2

 

Level 3

 
$

-

   

$

55,274,689

   

$

55,274,689

   

$

-

   

  Transfers into and/or out of Level 3 are determined based on the fair value at the beginning of the period for security positions held throughout the period.

  Certain securities classified as Level 3 are valued by the Committee at fair value, using a market approach, as determined in good faith under consistently applied procedures established by and under the general supervision of the Board. To determine fair value for these securities, for which no market exists, the Committee utilizes the valuation technique it deems most appropriate in the circumstances, using some unobservable inputs, which may include, but are not limited to estimated earnings of the company and the position of the security within the company's capital structure. The Committee also may use some observable inputs, which may include, but are not limited to, trades of similar securities. Significant increases or decreases to any of these inputs could result in a significantly lower or higher fair value measurement.

See accompanying notes to financial statements.


47



COLUMBIA ACORN INTERNATIONAL®

PORTFOLIO DIVERSIFICATION (UNAUDITED)

At December 31, 2015, the Fund's portfolio investments as a percentage of net assets were diversified as follows:

   

Value

  Percentage
of Net Assets
 
> Industrial Goods & Services  

Machinery

 

$

417,760,710

     

6.2

   
Industrial Materials & Specialty
Chemicals
   

412,063,326

     

6.1

   

Other Industrial Services

   

352,409,317

     

5.2

   

Outsourcing Services

   

252,727,778

     

3.8

   

Electrical Components

   

169,187,014

     

2.5

   

Conglomerates

   

146,066,796

     

2.2

   

Construction

   

108,390,068

     

1.6

   

Waste Management

   

42,835,728

     

0.6

   

Water

   

20,571,756

     

0.3

   
     

1,922,012,493

     

28.5

   
> Consumer Goods & Services  

Retail

   

451,003,137

     

6.7

   

Food & Beverage

   

257,832,836

     

3.8

   

Restaurants

   

146,968,031

     

2.2

   

Nondurables

   

145,268,201

     

2.2

   

Casinos & Gaming

   

137,863,736

     

2.1

   

Consumer Goods Distribution

   

98,578,598

     

1.5

   

Leisure Products

   

68,013,600

     

1.0

   

Travel

   

65,694,743

     

1.0

   

Other Durable Goods

   

36,049,200

     

0.5

   

Consumer Electronics

   

15,445,531

     

0.2

   

Apparel

   

14,199,438

     

0.2

   
     

1,436,917,051

     

21.4

   
> Information  

Business Software

   

254,996,693

     

3.8

   

Financial Processors

   

217,253,688

     

3.2

   

Internet Related

   

136,892,226

     

2.0

   

Telephone & Data Services

   

104,211,834

     

1.6

   
Computer Hardware & Related
Equipment
   

97,721,340

     

1.5

   

Entertainment Programming

   

88,846,753

     

1.3

   
Semiconductors & Related
Equipment
   

71,310,114

     

1.1

   

Mobile Communications

   

68,261,640

     

1.0

   

Instrumentation

   

56,015,490

     

0.8

   

Satellite Broadcasting & Services

   

50,099,203

     

0.8

   

Advertising

   

50,028,228

     

0.7

   

Computer Services

   

47,714,612

     

0.7

   

Consumer Software

   

29,564,682

     

0.4

   

TV Broadcasting

   

27,391,153

     

0.4

   

Telecommunications Equipment

   

25,248,747

     

0.4

   
Business Information & Marketing
Services
   

18,964,759

     

0.3

   

Cable TV

   

9,503,515

     

0.1

   
     

1,354,024,677

     

20.1

   
   

Value

  Percentage
of Net Assets
 
> Finance  

Banks

 

$

228,759,623

     

3.4

   

Brokerage & Money Management

   

188,651,736

     

2.8

   

Insurance

   

139,135,763

     

2.1

   

Diversified Financial Companies

   

35,879,532

     

0.5

   

Financial Processors

   

32,875,589

     

0.5

   

Finance Companies

   

30,048,973

     

0.4

   
     

655,351,216

     

9.7

   
> Other Industries  

Real Estate

   

240,238,524

     

3.5

   

Transportation

   

172,866,725

     

2.6

   

Containers & Packaging

   

34,892,666

     

0.5

   

Regulated Utilities

   

23,721,913

     

0.4

   
     

471,719,828

     

7.0

   
> Health Care  

Medical Equipment & Devices

   

155,988,490

     

2.3

   

Pharmaceuticals

   

88,012,281

     

1.3

   

Medical Supplies

   

75,138,955

     

1.1

   

Hospital Management

   

3,077,740

     

0.1

   
     

322,217,466

     

4.8

   
> Energy & Minerals  
Oil Refining, Marketing &
Distribution
   

83,545,736

     

1.3

   

Oil & Gas Producers

   

69,087,873

     

1.0

   

Mining

   

47,853,826

     

0.7

   

Non-Ferrous Metals

   

24,446,455

     

0.4

   

Oil Services

   

21,660,173

     

0.3

   

Agricultural Commodities

   

6,638,636

     

0.1

   
     

253,232,699

     

3.8

   

Total Equities:

   

6,415,475,430

     

95.3

   

Short-Term Investments:

   

332,090,876

     

4.9

   

Securities Lending Collateral:

   

253,539,187

     

3.8

   

Total Investments:

   

7,001,105,493

     

104.0

   
Obligation to Return
Collateral for Securities
Loaned:
   

(253,539,187

)

   

(3.8

)

 
Cash and Other Assets
Less Liabilities:
   

(14,388,540

)

   

(0.2

)

 

Net Assets:

 

$

6,733,177,766

     

100.0

   

See accompanying notes to financial statements.


48




COLUMBIA ACORN USA®

MAJOR PORTFOLIO CHANGES IN THE FOURTH QUARTER (UNAUDITED)

   

Number of Shares

 
   

9/30/15

 

12/31/15

 

Purchases

 

Information

 

Bankrate

   

730,182

     

752,841

   

CoreLogic

   

187,951

     

248,783

   

Global Eagle Entertainment

   

0

     

185,000

   

GTT Communications

   

0

     

100,616

   

Lumos Networks

   

548,849

     

755,747

   
MA-COM Technology Solutions
Holdings
   

0

     

70,533

   

Rubicon Technology

   

499,644

     

1,354,071

   

Textura

   

489,644

     

504,838

   

Consumer Goods & Services

 

Cato

   

138,361

     

222,295

   

Five Below

   

0

     

45,980

   

HRG Group

   

259,637

     

548,040

   

iRobot

   

0

     

63,000

   

Knoll

   

388,754

     

400,817

   

Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Class A

   

0

     

165,011

   

Papa John's International

   

140,289

     

195,942

   

Health Care

 

Celldex Therapeutics

   

342,159

     

403,593

   

Cepheid

   

456,364

     

511,179

   

Fluidigm

   

0

     

337,000

   

Medidata Solutions

   

186,619

     

229,409

   

VWR

   

329,051

     

339,261

   

Wright Medical Group

   

270,818

     

426,221

   

Finance

 

LegacyTexas

   

428,644

     

441,945

   

WEX

   

0

     

34,500

   
   

Number of Shares

 
   

9/30/15

 

12/31/15

 

Sales

 

Information

 

Atmel

   

253,535

     

0

   

ExlService Holdings

   

562,849

     

347,076

   

Hackett Group

   

432,000

     

227,671

   

inContact

   

316,000

     

139,625

   

Infinera

   

451,293

     

311,356

   

IPG Photonics

   

261,583

     

181,962

   

Mettler-Toledo International

   

80,145

     

37,058

   

Navigant Consulting

   

372,190

     

257,628

   

RCM Technologies

   

219,420

     

0

   

SPS Commerce

   

249,334

     

213,071

   

Industrial Goods & Services

 

Ametek

   

730,787

     

442,571

   

Donaldson

   

962,092

     

500,888

   

Drew Industries

   

395,515

     

374,402

   

ESCO Technologies

   

282,269

     

222,003

   

Generac

   

303,618

     

267,401

   

HEICO

   

736,284

     

570,840

   

Middleby

   

81,131

     

58,648

   

Moog

   

202,973

     

148,971

   

Nordson

   

522,655

     

347,237

   

Thermon

   

238,597

     

132,914

   

WESCO International

   

91,337

     

0

   

Consumer Goods & Services

 

Avis Budget Group

   

313,542

     

108,404

   

Casey's General Stores

   

87,523

     

42,508

   

Hertz

   

513,832

     

278,777

   

HomeAway

   

250,155

     

0

   

Mattress Firm

   

44,654

     

0

   

Performance Sports Group

   

369,171

     

0

   

Pool

   

205,535

     

38,918

   

The Fresh Market

   

502,188

     

331,772

   

Heath Care

 

Abaxis

   

79,119

     

42,258

   

Bio-Techne

   

115,781

     

79,373

   

Sarepta Therapeutics

   

241,227

     

140,418

   

Sirona Dental Systems

   

64,229

     

40,980

   

See accompanying notes to financial statements.


49



COLUMBIA ACORN USA®

MAJOR PORTFOLIO CHANGES IN THE FOURTH QUARTER (UNAUDITED), CONTINUED

   

Number of Shares

 
   

9/30/15

 

12/31/15

 

Sales (continued)

 

Finance

 

Associated Banc-Corp

   

894,134

     

627,882

   

First Busey

   

375,345

     

152,932

   

Hancock Holding

   

198,804

     

0

   

Lakeland Financial

   

427,629

     

278,899

   

McGrath Rentcorp

   

120,681

     

60,425

   

Patriot National

   

504,566

     

0

   

Sandy Spring Bancorp

   

165,403

     

88,535

   

SEI Investments

   

348,189

     

150,993

   
SVB Financial Group    

133,528

     

106,861

   

TrustCo Bank

   

695,000

     

0

   

World Acceptance

   

61,834

     

0

   

Other Industries

 

Extra Space Storage

   

539,820

     

263,366

   

Heartland Express

   

422,559

     

351,672

   

Rush Enterprises, Class A

   

426,335

     

142,789

   

Energy & Minerals

 

Clayton Williams

   

41,603

     

0

   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.


50



COLUMBIA ACORN USA®

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS, DECEMBER 31, 2015

Number of Shares

     

Value

 
           

Equities: 90.6%

 

Information 26.5%

     
    > Business Software 8.6%  
 

240,661

   

Ansys (a)

 

$

22,261,142

   
        Simulation Software for
Engineers & Designers
         
 

213,071

   

SPS Commerce (a)

   

14,959,715

   
        Supply Chain Management Software
Delivered via the Web
         
 

206,508

   

DemandWare (a)

   

11,145,237

   
        E-Commerce Website Platform for
Retailers & Apparel Manufacturers
         
 

504,838

   

Textura (a)(b)

   

10,894,404

   
        Construction Vendor Management
Software
         
 

268,555

   

Cvent (a)

   

9,375,255

   
        Software for Corporate Event Planners &
Marketing Platform for Hotels
         
 

102,597

   

NetSuite (a)

   

8,681,758

   
       

Enterprise Software Delivered via the Web

         
 

816,768

   

Amber Road (a)(b)

   

4,157,349

   
        Global Trade Management Software
Delivered via the Web
         
 

139,625

   

inContact (a)

   

1,332,022

   
        Call Center Systems Delivered via the
Web & Telco Services
         
     

82,806,882

   
    > Computer Services 3.8%  
 

347,076

   

ExlService Holdings (a)

   

15,594,125

   
       

Business Process Outsourcing

         
 

242,233

   

Virtusa (a)

   

10,013,912

   
       

Offshore IT Outsourcing

         
 

237,083

   

WNS - ADR (a)

   

7,394,619

   
        Offshore Business Process Outsourcing
Services
         
 

227,671

   

Hackett Group

   

3,658,673

   
       

IT Integration & Best Practice Research

         
     

36,661,329

   
    > Instrumentation 3.0%  
 

181,962

   

IPG Photonics (a)

   

16,223,732

   
       

Fiber Lasers

         
 

37,058

   

Mettler-Toledo International (a)

   

12,567,480

   
       

Laboratory Equipment

         
     

28,791,212

   
    > Semiconductors & Related
Equipment 2.3%
 
 

144,642

   

Monolithic Power Systems

   

9,215,142

   
        High Performance Analog & Mixed
Signal Integrated Circuits
         
 

54,231

   

Littelfuse

   

5,803,259

   
       

Little Fuses

         
 

70,533

    MA-COM Technology Solutions
Holdings (a)
   

2,884,094

   
        Radio Frequency, Microwave &
Millimeterwave Semiconductors
         
 

164,817

   

Knowles (a)(b)

   

2,197,011

   
        Microphones & Speakers for Mobile
Devices & other Electronics
         

Number of Shares

     

Value

 
 

1,354,071

   

Rubicon Technology (a)(b)(c)

 

$

1,543,641

   
        Producer of Sapphire for the Lighting,
Electronics & Automotive Industries
         
     

21,643,147

   
    > Financial Processors 1.7%  
 

248,783

   

CoreLogic (a)

   

8,423,792

   
        Data Processing Services for Real
Estate, Insurance, & Mortgages
         
 

117,190

   

Global Payments

   

7,559,927

   
       

Credit Card Processor

         
     

15,983,719

   
    > Telephone & Data Services 1.5%  
 

755,747

   

Lumos Networks

   

8,464,366

   
       

Telephone & Fiber Optic Data Services

         
 

649,788

   

Boingo Wireless (a)

   

4,301,597

   
        Wi-Fi & Cellular Communications
Networks
         
 

100,616

   

GTT Communications (a)

   

1,716,509

   
       

Provider of High Capacity Data Transit

         
     

14,482,472

   
    > Business Information & Marketing
Services 1.5%
 
 

752,841

   

Bankrate (a)

   

10,012,785

   
        Internet Advertising for the Insurance,
Credit Card & Banking Markets
         
 

257,628

   

Navigant Consulting (a)

   

4,137,506

   
       

Financial Consulting Firm

         
     

14,150,291

   
    > Mobile Communications 1.0%  
 

337,098

   

Gogo (a)(b)

   

6,000,344

   
       

Provider of Wi-Fi on Airplanes

         
 

1,446,597

   

Globalstar (a)

   

2,083,100

   
       

Satellite Mobile Voice & Data Carrier

         
 

185,000

   

Global Eagle Entertainment (a)

   

1,825,950

   
       

Provider of Entertainment & Wi-Fi on Airplanes

         
     

9,909,394

   
    > Telecommunications Equipment 0.9%  
 

311,356

   

Infinera (a)

   

5,641,770

   
       

Optical Networking Equipment

         
 

151,561

   

CalAmp (a)

   

3,020,611

   
       

Machine-to-machine Communications

         
     

8,662,381

   
    > Contract Manufacturing 0.8%  
 

367,066

   

Sanmina (a)

   

7,554,218

   
       

Electronic Manufacturing Services

         
    > Internet Related 0.8%  
 

864,374

   

Vonage (a)

   

4,961,507

   
       

Business & Consumer Internet Telephony

         
 

261,135

   

RetailMeNot (a)

   

2,590,459

   
       

Digital Coupon Marketplace

         
     

7,551,966

   

See accompanying notes to financial statements.


51



COLUMBIA ACORN USA®

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS, CONTINUED

Number of Shares

     

Value

 
    > Computer Hardware & Related
Equipment 0.6%
 
 

118,502

   

Rogers (a)

 

$

6,111,148

   
        Printed Circuit Materials & High
Performance Foams
         

Information: Total

   

254,308,159

   

Industrial Goods & Services 19.0%

     
    > Machinery 15.8%  
 

570,840

   

HEICO

   

28,085,328

   
       

FAA-approved Aircraft Replacement Parts

         
 

442,571

   

Ametek

   

23,717,380

   
       

Aerospace/Industrial Instruments

         
 

347,237

   

Nordson

   

22,275,253

   
       

Dispensing Systems for Adhesives & Coatings

         
 

232,291

   

Toro

   

16,973,503

   
       

Turf Maintenance Equipment

         
 

500,888

   

Donaldson

   

14,355,450

   
       

Industrial Air Filtration

         
 

190,519

   

Dorman Products (a)

   

9,043,937

   
       

Aftermarket Auto Parts Distributor

         
 

148,971

   

Moog (a)

   

9,027,643

   
        Motion Control Products for Aerospace,
Defense & Industrial Markets
         
 

222,003

   

ESCO Technologies

   

8,023,188

   
        Industrial Filtration & Advanced
Measurement Equipment
         
 

267,401

   

Generac (a)(b)

   

7,960,528

   
       

Standby Power Generators

         
 

58,648

   

Middleby (a)

   

6,326,360

   
       

Manufacturer of Cooking Equipment

         
 

144,268

   

Oshkosh Corporation

   

5,632,223

   
       

Specialty Truck Manufacturer

         
     

151,420,793

   
    > Industrial Materials & Specialty
Chemicals 2.4%
 
 

374,402

   

Drew Industries

   

22,797,338

   
       

RV & Manufactured Home Components

         
    > Construction 0.6%  
 

477,789

   

PGT (a)

   

5,442,016

   
       

Wind Resistant Windows & Doors

         
    > Electrical Components 0.2%  
 

132,914

   

Thermon (a)

   

2,248,905

   
       

Global Engineered Thermal Solutions

         

Industrial Goods & Services: Total

   

181,909,052

   

Consumer Goods & Services 16.0%

     
    > Retail 3.7%  
 

221,017

   

Blue Nile (a)

   

8,206,361

   
       

Online Jewelry Retailer

         
 

222,295

   

Cato

   

8,184,902

   
        Women's Apparel Retailing, Focusing
on Private Labels & Low Prices
         
 

331,772

   

The Fresh Market (a)

   

7,770,100

   
       

Specialty Food Retailer

         
 

42,508

   

Casey's General Stores

   

5,120,089

   
       

Owner/Operator of Convenience Stores

         
 

85,078

   

Fossil (a)(b)

   

3,110,452

   
       

Watch Designer & Retailer

         

Number of Shares

     

Value

 
 

45,980

   

Five Below (a)

 

$

1,475,958

   
        Low-price Specialty Retailer Targeting
Pre-teens, Teens & Parents
         
 

199,584

   

Gaiam (a)

   

1,245,404

   
        Promoter of Healthy Living through
Catalogs, E-Commerce & Gaiam TV
         
     

35,113,266

   
    > Other Durable Goods 3.0%  
 

163,899

   

Cavco Industries (a)

   

13,654,426

   
       

Manufactured Homes

         
 

394,935

   

Select Comfort (a)

   

8,455,558

   
       

Specialty Mattresses

         
 

417,996

   

Gentex

   

6,692,116

   
       

Manufacturer of Auto Parts

         
     

28,802,100

   
    > Travel 2.9%  
 

84,270

   

Vail Resorts

   

10,785,717

   
       

Ski Resort Operator & Developer

         
 

165,011

    Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings,
Class A (a)
   

5,006,434

   
       

Holding Company for Trip Advisor

         
 

278,777

   

Hertz (a)

   

3,966,997

   
       

U.S. Rental Car Operator

         
 

108,404

   

Avis Budget Group (a)

   

3,933,981

   
       

Car Rental Company

         
 

74,609

   

Choice Hotels

   

3,761,040

   
       

Franchisor of Budget Hotel Brands

         
     

27,454,169

   
    > Restaurants 2.0%  
 

195,942

   

Papa John's International

   

10,947,280

   
       

Franchisor of Pizza Restaurants

         
 

251,245

   

Fiesta Restaurant Group (a)

   

8,441,832

   
        Owner/Operator of Two Restaurant
Chains: Pollo Tropical & Taco Cabana
         
     

19,389,112

   
    > Other Consumer Services 1.7%  
 

287,811

   

Blackhawk Network (a)

   

12,724,124

   
        Third-party Distributor of Prepaid
Content, Mostly Gift Cards
         
 

523,179

   

Quotient Technology (a)(b)

   

3,568,081

   
        Allows CPGs to Digitally Distribute
Coupons, Advertising & Trade Promotion
         
     

16,292,205

   
    > Furniture & Textiles 0.8%  
 

400,817

   

Knoll

   

7,535,360

   
       

Office Furniture

         
    > Nondurables 0.8%  
 

548,040

   

HRG Group (a)

   

7,431,422

   
       

Holding Company

         
    > Leisure Products 0.5%  
 

271,406

   

Arctic Cat

   

4,445,630

   
       

Manufacturer of ATVs & Snowmobiles

         
    > Consumer Goods Distribution 0.4%  
 

38,918

   

Pool

   

3,143,796

   
        Swimming Pool Supplies & Equipment
Distributor
         

See accompanying notes to financial statements.


52



Number of Shares

     

Value

 
    > Consumer Goods Distribution—continued  
 

75,815

   

The Chefs' Warehouse (a)

 

$

1,264,594

   
        Distributor of Specialty Foods to Fine
Dining Restaurants
         
     

4,408,390

   
    > Consumer Electronics 0.2%  
 

63,000

   

iRobot (a)(b)

   

2,230,200

   
        Home Robots (Vacuums, Pool Cleaners) &
Battlefield Reconnaissance Robots
         

Consumer Goods & Services: Total

   

153,101,854

   

Health Care 12.6%

     
    > Medical Supplies 4.1%  
 

511,179

   

Cepheid (a)

   

18,673,369

   
       

Molecular Diagnostics

         
 

339,261

   

VWR (a)

   

9,604,479

   
       

Distributor of Lab Supplies

         
 

79,373

   

Bio-Techne

   

7,143,570

   
        Maker of Consumables & Systems
for the Life Science Market
         
 

337,000

   

Fluidigm (a)

   

3,642,970

   
       

Life Sciences Equipment & Consumables

         
     

39,064,388

   
    > Biotechnology & Drug
Delivery 3.7%
 
 

99,654

   

Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical (a)

   

11,179,186

   
        Biotech Focused on "Ultra-Orphan"
Drugs
         
 

154,027

   

Seattle Genetics (a)

   

6,912,732

   
       

Antibody-based Therapies for Cancer

         
 

403,593

   

Celldex Therapeutics (a)(b)

   

6,328,338

   
       

Biotech Developing Drugs for Cancer

         
 

140,418

   

Sarepta Therapeutics (a)(b)

   

5,417,326

   
       

Biotech Focused on Rare Diseases

         
 

50,971

   

Agios Pharmaceuticals (a)(b)

   

3,309,037

   
        Biotech Focused on Cancer & Orphan
Diseases
         
 

13,240

   

Intercept Pharmaceuticals (a)

   

1,977,394

   
        Biotech Developing Drugs for Several
Diseases
         
     

35,124,013

   
    > Health Care Services 1.9%  
 

229,409

   

Medidata Solutions (a)

   

11,307,570

   
       

Cloud-based Software for Drug Studies

         
 

161,988

   

Envision Healthcare Holdings (a)

   

4,206,828

   
        Provider of Health Care Outsourcing
Services
         
 

78,063

   

HealthSouth

   

2,717,373

   
        Inpatient Rehabilitation Facilities &
Home Health Care
         
     

18,231,771

   
    > Medical Equipment &
Devices 1.8%
 
 

426,221

   

Wright Medical Group (a)

   

10,306,024

   
       

Foot & Ankle Replacement

         
 

40,980

   

Sirona Dental Systems (a)

   

4,490,179

   
       

Manufacturer of Dental Equipment

         

Number of Shares

     

Value

 
 

42,258

   

Abaxis

 

$

2,352,925

   
        Instruments & Tests for Vet & Medical
Markets
         
     

17,149,128

   
    > Pharmaceuticals 1.1%  
 

297,079

   

Akorn (a)

   

11,084,018

   
        Developer, Manufacturer & Distributor
of Specialty Generic Drugs
         

Health Care: Total

   

120,653,318

   

Finance 10.1%

     
    > Banks 6.7%  
 

554,175

   

MB Financial

   

17,938,645

   
       

Chicago Bank

         
 

278,899

   

Lakeland Financial

   

13,002,271

   
       

Indiana Bank

         
 

106,861

   

SVB Financial Group (a)

   

12,705,773

   
       

Bank to Venture Capitalists

         
 

627,882

   

Associated Banc-Corp

   

11,772,787

   
       

Midwest Bank

         
 

152,932

   

First Busey

   

3,154,987

   
       

Illinois Bank

         
 

173,244

   

Guaranty Bancorp

   

2,865,456

   
       

Colorado Bank

         
 

88,535

   

Sandy Spring Bancorp

   

2,386,904

   
       

Baltimore & Washington, D.C. Bank

         
     

63,826,823

   
    > Savings & Loans 1.1%  
 

441,945

   

LegacyTexas

   

11,057,464

   
       

Texas Thrift

         
    > Brokerage & Money Management 0.8%  
 

150,993

   

SEI Investments

   

7,912,033

   
        Mutual Fund Administration &
Investment Management
         
    > Insurance 0.5%  
 

141,157

    Allied World Assurance Company
Holdings
   

5,249,629

   
       

Commercial Lines Insurance/Reinsurance

         
    > Diversified Financial Companies 0.5%  
 

255,302

   

Leucadia National

   

4,439,702

   
       

Holding Company

         
    > Credit Cards 0.3%  
 

34,500

   

WEX (a)

   

3,049,800

   
       

Card Processor

         
    > Finance Companies 0.2%  
 

60,425

   

McGrath Rentcorp

   

1,522,106

   
       

Mini-rental Conglomerate

         

Finance: Total

   

97,057,557

   

Other Industries 4.6%

     
    > Real Estate 3.4%  
 

263,366

   

Extra Space Storage

   

23,231,515

   
       

Self Storage Facilities

         
 

239,272

   

EdR

   

9,063,623

   
       

Student Housing

         
     

32,295,138

   

See accompanying notes to financial statements.


53



COLUMBIA ACORN USA®

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS, CONTINUED

Number of Shares

     

Value

 
    > Transportation 1.2%  
 

351,672

   

Heartland Express (b)

 

$

5,985,458

   
       

Regional Trucker

         
 

142,789

   

Rush Enterprises, Class A (a)

   

3,125,651

   
 

109,866

   

Rush Enterprises, Class B (a)

   

2,406,065

   
       

Truck Sales & Service

         
     

11,517,174

   

Other Industries: Total

   

43,812,312

   

Energy & Minerals 1.8%

     
    > Oil & Gas Producers 1.2%  
 

102,481

   

PDC Energy (a)

   

5,470,436

   
        Oil & Gas Producer in the
United States
         
 

144,642

   

Carrizo Oil & Gas (a)

   

4,278,510

   
       

Oil & Gas Producer

         
 

106,304

   

SM Energy (b)

   

2,089,937

   
       

Oil & Gas Producer

         
     

11,838,883

   
    > Mining 0.6%  
 

52,280

   

Core Labs (Netherlands) (b)

   

5,684,927

   
       

Oil & Gas Reservoir Consulting

         

Energy & Minerals: Total

   

17,523,810

   
Total Equities: 90.6%
(Cost: $566,592,678)
   

868,366,062

(d)

 

Number of Shares

     

Value

 

Short-Term Investments 10.5%

 
 

100,487,941

    JPMorgan U.S. Government
Money Market Fund, Agency
Shares (7 day yield of 0.04%)
 

$

100,487,941

   
Total Short-Term Investments: 10.5%
(Cost: $100,487,941)
   

100,487,941

   

Securities Lending Collateral 3.7%

 
 

35,003,025

    Dreyfus Government Cash
Management Fund,
Institutional Shares
(7 day yield of 0.03%) (e)
   

35,003,025

   
Total Securities Lending Collateral: 3.7%
(Cost: $35,003,025)
   

35,003,025

   
Total Investments: 104.8%
(Cost: $702,083,644)(f)
   

1,003,857,028

   
Obligation to Return Collateral for
Securities Loaned: (3.7)%
   

(35,003,025

)

 
Cash and Other Assets Less
Liabilities: (1.1)%
   

(10,872,076

)

 

Net Assets: 100.0%

 

$

957,981,927

   

ADR - American Depositary Receipts

  At December 31, 2015, cash totaling $3,747,600 was pledged as collateral.

Investments in Derivatives

Futures Contracts Outstanding at December 31, 2015

Long Futures Contracts Outstanding

Contract Description   Number of
Contracts
  Trading
Currency
  Notional
Market
Value ($)
  Expiration
Date
  Unrealized
Appreciation ($)
  Unrealized
Depreciation ($)
 

RUSSELL 2000 EMINI ICE

   

694

   

USD

       

78,526,100

   

03/2016

   

465,285

     

-

   

USD - U.S. Dollar

> Notes to Statement of Investments

(a)  Non-income producing security.

(b)  All or a portion of this security was on loan at December 31, 2015. The total market value of securities on loan at December 31, 2015 was $33,663,142.

(c)  An affiliated person of the Fund, as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, may include any company in which the Fund owns five percent or more of its outstanding voting shares. Holdings and transactions in these affiliated companies during the year ended December 31, 2015, are as follows:

Security

  Balance of
Shares Held
12/31/14
  Purchases/
Additions
  Sales/
Reductions
  Balance of
Shares Held
12/31/15
 

Value

 

Dividend

 

Rubicon Technology

   

50,657

     

1,403,770

     

100,356

     

1,354,071

   

$

1,543,641

   

$

-

   

  The aggregate cost and value of these companies at December 31, 2015, was $3,010,754 and $1,543,641, respectively. Investments in affiliated companies represented 0.16% of the Fund's total net assets at December 31, 2015.

See accompanying notes to financial statements.


54



> Notes to Statement of Investments

(d)  On December 31, 2015, the market value of foreign securities represented 0.59% of total net assets. The Fund's foreign portfolio was diversified as follows:

Country

 

Value

  Percentage
of Net Assets
 

Netherlands

 

$

5,684,927

     

0.59

   

(e)  Investment made with cash collateral received from securities lending activity.

(f)  At December 31, 2015, for federal income tax purposes, the cost of investments was $702,844,618 and net unrealized appreciation was $301,012,410 consisting of gross unrealized appreciation of $352,807,113 and gross unrealized depreciation of $51,794,703.

Fair Value Measurements

  Various inputs are used in determining the value of the Fund's investments, following the input prioritization hierarchy established by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP). These inputs are summarized in the three broad levels listed below:

    Level 1 – quoted prices in active markets for identical securities

    Level 2 – prices determined using other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk and others)

    Level 3 – prices determined using significant unobservable inputs where quoted prices or observable inputs are unavailable or less reliable (including management's own assumptions about the factors market participants would use in pricing an investment)

  The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.

  Examples of the types of securities in which the Fund would typically invest and how they are classified within this hierarchy are as follows. Typical Level 1 securities include exchange traded domestic equities, mutual funds whose NAVs are published each day and exchange traded foreign equities that are not statistically fair valued. Typical Level 2 securities include exchange traded foreign equities that are statistically fair valued, forward foreign currency exchange contracts and short-term investments valued at amortized cost. Additionally, securities fair valued by CWAM's Valuation Committee (the Committee) that rely on significant observable inputs are also included in Level 2. Typical Level 3 securities include any security fair valued by the Committee that relies on significant unobservable inputs.

  The Committee is responsible for applying the Trust's Portfolio Pricing Policy and the CWAM pricing procedures (the Policies), which are approved by and subject to the oversight of the Board.

  The Committee meets as necessary, and no less frequently than quarterly, to determine fair values for securities for which market quotations are not readily available or for which CWAM believes that available market quotations are unreliable. The Committee also reviews the continuing appropriateness of the Policies. In circumstances where a security has been fair valued, the Committee will also review the continuing appropriateness of the current value of the security. The Policies address, among other things: circumstances under which market quotations will be deemed readily available; selection of third party pricing vendors; appropriate pricing methodologies; events that require fair valuation and fair value techniques; circumstances under which securities will be deemed to pose a potential for stale pricing, including when securities are illiquid, restricted, or in default; and certain delegations of authority to determine fair values to the Fund's investment manager. The Committee may also meet to discuss additional valuation matters, which may include review of back-testing results, review of time-sensitive information or approval of other valuation related actions, and to review the appropriateness of the Policies.

  For investments and derivatives categorized as Level 3, the significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Fund's securities may include: (i) data specific to the issuer or comparable issuers, (ii) general market or specific sector news and (iii) quoted prices and specific or similar security transactions. The Committee considers this data and any changes from prior periods in order to assess the reasonableness of observable and unobservable inputs, any assumptions or internal models used to value those securities and changes in fair value. Significant changes in any of these factors could result in lower or higher fair value measurements. Various factors impact the frequency of monitoring (which may occur as often as daily), however the Committee may determine that changes to inputs, assumptions and models are not required with the same frequency.

  The following table summarizes the inputs used, as of December 31, 2015, in valuing the Fund's assets:

Investment Type

  Quoted Prices
(Level 1)
  Other
Significant
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
  Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 

Total

 

Equities

 

Information

 

$

254,308,159

   

$

-

   

$

-

   

$

254,308,159

   

Industrial Goods & Services

   

181,909,052

     

-

     

-

     

181,909,052

   

Consumer Goods & Services

   

153,101,854

     

-

     

-

     

153,101,854

   

Health Care

   

120,653,318

     

-

     

-

     

120,653,318

   

Finance

   

97,057,557

     

-

     

-

     

97,057,557

   

Other Industries

   

43,812,312

     

-

     

-

     

43,812,312

   

Energy & Minerals

   

17,523,810

     

-

     

-

     

17,523,810

   

Total Equities

   

868,366,062

     

-

     

-

     

868,366,062

   

Total Short-Term Investments

   

100,487,941

     

-

     

-

     

100,487,941

   

Total Securities Lending Collateral

   

35,003,025

     

-

     

-

     

35,003,025

   

Total Investments

 

$

1,003,857,028

   

$

-

   

$

-

   

$

1,003,857,028

   

See accompanying notes to financial statements.


55



COLUMBIA ACORN USA®

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS, CONTINUED

> Notes to Statement of Investments

Investment Type

  Quoted Prices
(Level 1)
  Other
Significant
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
  Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 

Total

 

Derivatives

 

Assets

 

Futures Contracts

 

$

465,285

   

$

-

   

$

-

   

$

465,285

   

Total

 

$

1,004,322,313

   

$

-

   

$

-

   

$

1,004,322,313

   

  There were no transfers of financial assets between levels during the period.

See accompanying notes to financial statements.


56



COLUMBIA ACORN INTERNATIONAL SELECTSM

MAJOR PORTFOLIO CHANGES IN THE FOURTH QUARTER (UNAUDITED)

   

Number of Shares

 
   

9/30/15

 

12/31/15

 

Purchases

 

Europe

 
> United Kingdom  

Babcock International

   

129,000

     

215,000

   
> Sweden  

Hennes & Mauritz

   

50,000

     

79,000

   
> Netherlands  

Vopak

   

44,000

     

72,000

   

Asia

 
> Japan  

Aeon Mall

   

133,000

     

160,000

   

Hoya Corp

   

0

     

68,000

   

Santen Pharmaceutical

   

0

     

173,000

   

Sony Financial Holdings

   

208,000

     

269,000

   
> China  

China Everbright International

   

1,327,000

     

2,191,000

   
> Taiwan  

Far EasTone Telecom

   

0

     

1,400,000

   
> India  

Zee Entertainment Enterprises

   

0

     

463,000

   

Other Countries

 
> Canada  

Vermilion Energy

   

85,000

     

111,000

   
> Australia  

Amcor

   

204,000

     

305,000

   

IAG

   

525,000

     

799,828

   
> United States  

Anadarko Petroleum

   

27,000

     

62,000

   
   

Number of Shares

 
   

9/30/15

 

12/31/15

 

Sales

 

Europe

 
> United Kingdom  

Compass Group

   

122,000

     

95,000

   

Jardine Lloyd Thompson Group

   

132,000

     

0

   

Next

   

18,000

     

14,000

   

Smith & Nephew

   

200,000

     

178,000

   

WH Smith

   

232,000

     

125,000

   

Whitbread

   

32,000

     

24,000

   
> Germany  

MTU Aero Engines

   

62,300

     

29,500

   

Telefonica Deutschland

   

976,500

     

785,500

   

Wirecard

   

107,400

     

90,400

   
> Switzerland  

Partners Group

   

21,040

     

15,640

   
> France  

Essilor International

   

16,000

     

13,000

   

Eutelsat

   

146,000

     

112,250

   

Vivendi

   

111,000

     

0

   
> Spain  
Distribuidora Internacional
de Alimentación
   

919,000

     

790,000

   

Viscofan

   

39,000

     

0

   
> Norway  

Orkla

   

453,000

     

0

   

Asia

 
> Japan  

Japan Tobacco

   

160,000

     

57,200

   

KDDI

   

395,000

     

116,000

   

NGK Spark Plug

   

190,600

     

0

   

Recruit Holdings

   

234,000

     

118,000

   

Secom

   

120,000

     

43,000

   
> Korea  

KT&G

   

31,200

     

22,700

   

Samsung Fire and Marine

   

8,500

     

3,900

   
> Singapore  

CapitaLand Mall Trust

   

4,264,000

     

0

   

Singapore Exchange

   

897,000

     

612,000

   

Other Countries

 
> Canada  

CCL Industries

   

49,271

     

40,271

   
> South Africa  

Coronation Fund Managers

   

618,552

     

0

   

Naspers

   

61,000

     

21,000

   

See accompanying notes to financial statements.


57



COLUMBIA ACORN INTERNATIONAL SELECTSM

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS, DECEMBER 31, 2015

Number of Shares

     

Value

 
           

Equities: 97.0%

 

Europe 43.8%

     
    > United Kingdom 10.3%  
 

125,000

   

WH Smith

 

$

3,247,991

   
        Newsprint, Books & General
Stationery Retailer
         
 

215,000

   

Babcock International

   

3,217,508

   
       

Public Sector Outsourcer

         
 

178,000

   

Smith & Nephew

   

3,172,329

   
       

Medical Equipment & Supplies

         
 

95,000

   

Compass Group

   

1,646,181

   
       

Catering & Support Services

         
 

24,000

   

Whitbread

   

1,555,597

   
       

UK Hotelier & Coffee Shop

         
 

14,000

   

Next

   

1,503,192

   
       

Clothes & Home Retailer in the UK

         
     

14,342,798

   
    > Germany 8.3%  
 

90,400

   

Wirecard

   

4,518,647

   
        Online Payment Processing &
Risk Management
         
 

785,500

   

Telefonica Deutschland

   

4,143,264

   
        Mobile & Fixed-line Communications
in Germany
         
 

29,500

   

MTU Aero Engines

   

2,875,218

   
        Airplane Engine
Components & Services
         
     

11,537,129

   
    > Sweden 6.2%  
 

98,701

   

Swedish Match

   

3,487,837

   
       

Swedish Snus

         
 

79,000

   

Hennes & Mauritz

   

2,810,053

   
       

Discount Fashion Retailer

         
 

62,900

   

Hexagon

   

2,326,849

   
        Design, Measurement & Visualization
Software & Equipment
         
     

8,624,739

   
    > Switzerland 6.1%  
 

15,640

   

Partners Group (a)

   

5,624,679

   
       

Private Markets Asset Management

         
 

8,540

   

Geberit

   

2,892,521

   
       

Plumbing Systems

         
     

8,517,200

   
    > Denmark 3.8%  
 

109,500

   

Novozymes

   

5,242,738

   
       

Industrial Enzymes

         
    > France 3.6%  
 

112,250

   

Eutelsat

   

3,360,815

   
       

Fixed Satellite Services

         
 

13,000

   

Essilor International

   

1,620,268

   
       

Eyeglass Lenses

         
     

4,981,083

   
    > Spain 3.3%  
 

790,000

    Distribuidora Internacional
de Alimentación
   

4,659,494

   
        Discount Retailer in Spain &
Latin America
         

Number of Shares

     

Value

 
    > Netherlands 2.2%  
 

72,000

   

Vopak

 

$

3,100,667

   
        Operator of Petroleum & Chemical
Storage Terminals
         

Europe: Total

   

61,005,848

   

Asia 37.0%

     
    > Japan 17.7%  
 

269,000

   

Sony Financial Holdings

   

4,811,669

   
        Life Insurance, Assurance &
Internet Banking
         
 

118,000

   

Recruit Holdings

   

3,468,467

   
       

Recruitment & Media Services

         
 

116,000

   

KDDI

   

3,012,543

   
        Mobile & Fixed Line
Communication Service Provider
in Japan
         
 

43,000

   

Secom

   

2,914,099

   
       

Security Services

         
 

173,000

   

Santen Pharmaceutical

   

2,848,171

   
        Specialty Pharma
(Ophthalmic Medicine)
         
 

68,000

   

Hoya Corp

   

2,780,696

   
        Opto-electrical Components &
Eyeglass Lenses
         
 

160,000

   

Aeon Mall

   

2,744,340

   
        Suburban Shopping Mall
Developer, Owner & Operator
         
 

57,200

   

Japan Tobacco

   

2,100,028

   
       

Cigarettes

         
     

24,680,013

   
    > Korea 4.4%  
 

9,857

   

CJ Corp

   

2,093,698

   
        Holding Company of Korean
Consumer Conglomerate
         
 

22,700

   

KT&G

   

2,017,239

   
       

Tobacco & Ginseng Products

         
 

6,354

    Samsung Fire &
Marine Preferred
   

1,020,159

   
 

3,900

   

Samsung Fire and Marine

   

1,019,484

   
       

Non-life Insurance

         
     

6,150,580

   
    > China 4.2%  
 

17,000

   

NetEase.com - ADR

   

3,081,080

   
       

Chinese Online Gaming Services

         
 

2,191,000

   

China Everbright International

   

2,801,585

   
       

Municipal Waste Operator

         
     

5,882,665

   
    > Taiwan 3.9%  
 

1,400,000

   

Far EasTone Telecom

   

2,877,287

   
       

Mobile Operator in Taiwan

         
 

37,000

   

Largan Precision

   

2,531,717

   
        Mobile Device Camera
Lenses & Modules
         
     

5,409,004

   
    > Singapore 2.4%  
 

612,000

   

Singapore Exchange

   

3,309,953

   
        Singapore Equity & Derivatives
Market Operator
         

See accompanying notes to financial statements.


58



Number of Shares

     

Value

 
    > Hong Kong 2.2%  
 

123,726

    Hong Kong Exchanges and
Clearing
 

$

3,151,894

   
        Hong Kong Equity & Derivatives
Market Operator
         
    > India 2.2%  
 

463,000

    Zee Entertainment
Enterprises (b)
   

3,052,088

   
        Indian Programmer of Pay
Television Content
         

Asia: Total

   

51,636,197

   

Other Countries 15.5%

     
    > Canada 6.8%  
 

40,271

   

CCL Industries

   

6,530,031

   
       

Global Label Converter

         
 

111,000

   

Vermilion Energy (a)

   

3,017,063

   
        Canadian Exploration &
Production Company
         
     

9,547,094

   
    > Australia 4.4%  
 

799,828

   

IAG

   

3,212,119

   
       

General Insurance Provider

         
 

305,000

   

Amcor

   

2,963,148

   
        Global Leader in Flexible &
Rigid Packaging
         
     

6,175,267

   
    > United States 2.2%  
 

62,000

   

Anadarko Petroleum

   

3,011,960

   
       

Worldwide Production of Oil & Gas

         
    > South Africa 2.1%  
 

21,000

   

Naspers

   

2,870,371

   
        Media in Africa, China, Russia &
other Emerging Markets
         

Other Countries: Total

   

21,604,692

   

Number of Shares

     

Value

 

Latin America 0.7%

     
    > Uruguay 0.7%  
 

191,666

    Union Agriculture
Group (b)(c)(d)
 

$

973,663

   
       

Farmland Operator in Uruguay

         

Latin America: Total

   

973,663

   
Total Equities: 97.0%
(Cost: $119,032,988)
   

135,220,400

(e)

 

Short-Term Investments 1.1%

     
 

1,489,832

    JPMorgan U.S. Government
Money Market Fund, IM Shares
(7 day yield of 0.01%)
   

1,489,832

   
Total Short-Term Investments: 1.1%
(Cost: $1,489,832)
   

1,489,832

   

Securities Lending Collateral 3.4%

     
 

4,679,312

    Dreyfus Government Cash
Management Fund,
Institutional Shares
(7 day yield of 0.03%) (f)
   

4,679,312

   
Total Securities Lending Collateral: 3.4%
(Cost: $4,679,312)
   

4,679,312

   
Total Investments: 101.5%
(Cost: $125,202,132)(g)
   

141,389,544

   
Obligation to Return Collateral for
Securities Loaned: (3.4)%
   

(4,679,312

)

 

Cash and Other Assets Less Liabilities: 1.9%

   

2,610,644

   

Net Assets: 100.0%

 

$

139,320,876

   

ADR - American Depositary Receipts

> Notes to Statement of Investments

(a)  All or a portion of this security was on loan at December 31, 2015. The total market value of securities on loan at December 31, 2015 was $4,443,893.

(b)  Non-income producing security.

(c)  Denotes a restricted security, which is subject to restrictions on resale under federal securities laws. This security is valued at fair value determined in good faith under consistently applied procedures established by the Fund's Board of Trustees. At December 31, 2015, the market value of this security amounted to $973,663, which represented 0.70% of total net assets. Additional information on this security is as follows:

Security

  Acquisition
Dates
 

Shares

 

Cost

 

Value

 

Union Agriculture Group

 

12/8/10-6/27/12

   

191,666

   

$

2,200,000

   

$

973,663

   

(d)  Illiquid security.

See accompanying notes to financial statements.


59



COLUMBIA ACORN INTERNATIONAL SELECTSM

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS, CONTINUED

> Notes to Statement of Investments

(e)  On December 31, 2015, the Fund's total equity investments were denominated in currencies as follows:

Currency

 

Value

  Percentage
of Net Assets
 

Japanese Yen

 

$

24,680,013

     

17.7

   

Euro

   

24,278,373

     

17.4

   

British Pound

   

14,342,798

     

10.3

   

Canadian Dollar

   

9,547,094

     

6.8

   

Swedish Krona

   

8,624,739

     

6.2

   

Swiss Franc

   

8,517,200

     

6.1

   

U.S. Dollar

   

7,066,703

     

5.1

   
Other currencies less
than 5% of total net assets
   

38,163,480

     

27.4

   

Total Equities

 

$

135,220,400

     

97.0

   

(f)  Investment made with cash collateral received from securities lending activity.

(g)  At December 31, 2015, for federal income tax purposes, the cost of investments was $125,296,362 and net unrealized appreciation was $16,093,182 consisting of gross unrealized appreciation of $25,644,390 and gross unrealized depreciation of $9,551,208.

Fair Value Measurements

  Various inputs are used in determining the value of the Fund's investments, following the input prioritization hierarchy established by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP). These inputs are summarized in the three broad levels listed below:

    Level 1 – quoted prices in active markets for identical securities

    Level 2 – prices determined using other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk and others)

    Level 3 – prices determined using significant unobservable inputs where quoted prices or observable inputs are unavailable or less reliable (including management's own assumptions about the factors market participants would use in pricing an investment)

  The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.

  Examples of the types of securities in which the Fund would typically invest and how they are classified within this hierarchy are as follows. Typical Level 1 securities include exchange traded domestic equities, mutual funds whose NAVs are published each day and exchange traded foreign equities that are not statistically fair valued. Typical Level 2 securities include exchange traded foreign equities that are statistically fair valued, forward foreign currency exchange contracts and short-term investments valued at amortized cost. Additionally, securities fair valued by CWAM's Valuation Committee (the Committee) that rely on significant observable inputs are also included in Level 2. Typical Level 3 securities include any security fair valued by the Committee that relies on significant unobservable inputs.

  The Committee is responsible for applying the Trust's Portfolio Pricing Policy and the CWAM pricing procedures (the Policies), which are approved by and subject to the oversight of the Board.

  The Committee meets as necessary, and no less frequently than quarterly, to determine fair values for securities for which market quotations are not readily available or for which CWAM believes that available market quotations are unreliable. The Committee also reviews the continuing appropriateness of the Policies. In circumstances where a security has been fair valued, the Committee will also review the continuing appropriateness of the current value of the security. The Policies address, among other things: circumstances under which market quotations will be deemed readily available; selection of third party pricing vendors; appropriate pricing methodologies; events that require fair valuation and fair value techniques; circumstances under which securities will be deemed to pose a potential for stale pricing, including when securities are illiquid, restricted, or in default; and certain delegations of authority to determine fair values to the Fund's investment manager. The Committee may also meet to discuss additional valuation matters, which may include review of back-testing results, review of time-sensitive information or approval of other valuation related actions, and to review the appropriateness of the Policies.

  For investments categorized as Level 3, the significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Fund's securities may include: (i) data specific to the issuer or comparable issuers, (ii) general market or specific sector news and (iii) quoted prices and specific or similar security transactions. The Committee considers this data and any changes from prior periods in order to assess the reasonableness of observable and unobservable inputs, any assumptions or internal models used to value those securities and changes in fair value. Significant changes in any of these factors could result in lower or higher fair value measurements. Various factors impact the frequency of monitoring (which may occur as often as daily), however the Committee may determine that changes to inputs, assumptions and models are not required with the same frequency.

See accompanying notes to financial statements.


60



> Notes to Statement of Investments

  The following table summarizes the inputs used, as of December 31, 2015, in valuing the Fund's assets:

Investment Type

  Quoted Prices
(Level 1)
  Other
Significant
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
  Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 

Total

 

Equities

 

Europe

 

$

-

   

$

61,005,848

   

$

-

   

$

61,005,848

   

Asia

   

3,081,080

     

48,555,117

     

-

     

51,636,197

   

Other Countries

   

12,559,054

     

9,045,638

     

-

     

21,604,692

   

Latin America

   

-

     

-

     

973,663

     

973,663

   

Total Equities

   

15,640,134

     

118,606,603

     

973,663

     

135,220,400

   

Total Short-Term Investments

   

1,489,832

     

-

     

-

     

1,489,832

   

Total Securities Lending Collateral

   

4,679,312

     

-

     

-

     

4,679,312

   

Total Investments

 

$

21,809,278

   

$

118,606,603

   

$

973,663

   

$

141,389,544

   

  The Fund's assets assigned to the Level 2 input category are generally valued using a market approach, in which a security's value is determined through its correlation to prices and information from observable market transactions for similar or identical assets. Foreign equities are generally valued at the last sale price on the foreign exchange or market on which they trade. The Fund may use a statistical fair valuation model, in accordance with the policy adopted by the Board, provided by an independent third party to value securities principally traded in foreign markets in order to adjust for possible stale pricing that may occur between the close of the foreign exchanges and the time for valuation. These models take into account available market data including intraday index, ADR, and ETF movements.

  There were no transfers of financial assets between levels during the period.

  The Fund does not hold any significant investments (greater than one percent of net assets) categorized as Level 3.

  Certain securities classified as Level 3 are valued by the Committee at fair value, using a market approach, as determined in good faith under consistently applied procedures established by and under the general supervision of the Board. To determine fair value for these securities, for which no market exists, the Committee utilizes the valuation technique it deems most appropriate in the circumstances, using some unobservable inputs, which may include, but are not limited to estimated earnings of the company and the position of the security within the company's capital structure. The Committee also may use some observable inputs, which may include, but are not limited to, trades of similar securities and market multiples derived from a set of comparable companies. Significant increases or decreases to any of these inputs could result in a significantly lower or higher fair value measurement.

See accompanying notes to financial statements.


61



COLUMBIA ACORN INTERNATIONAL SELECTSM

PORTFOLIO DIVERSIFICATION (UNAUDITED)

At December 31, 2015, the Fund's portfolio investments as a percentage of net assets were diversified as follows:

   

Value

  Percentage
of Net Assets
 
> Information  

Financial Processors

 

$

10,980,494

     

7.9

   

Internet Related

   

5,951,451

     

4.3

   

Mobile Communications

   

5,889,830

     

4.2

   

Telephone & Data Services

   

4,143,264

     

3.0

   

Advertising

   

3,468,467

     

2.5

   

Satellite Broadcasting & Services

   

3,360,815

     

2.4

   

Entertainment Programming

   

3,052,088

     

2.2

   

Semiconductors & Related Equipment

   

2,780,696

     

2.0

   

Telecommunications Equipment

   

2,531,717

     

1.8

   

Business Software

   

2,326,849

     

1.6

   
     

44,485,671

     

31.9

   
> Consumer Goods & Services  

Retail

   

12,220,729

     

8.8

   

Nondurables

   

10,647,298

     

7.6

   

Food & Beverage

   

3,487,837

     

2.5

   

Restaurants

   

3,201,778

     

2.3

   
     

29,557,642

     

21.2

   
> Industrial Goods & Services  
Industrial Materials &
Specialty Chemicals
   

8,205,886

     

5.9

   

Other Industrial Services

   

5,789,318

     

4.1

   

Outsourcing Services

   

3,217,508

     

2.3

   

Construction

   

2,892,521

     

2.1

   

Waste Management

   

2,801,585

     

2.0

   

Conglomerates

   

2,093,698

     

1.5

   
     

25,000,516

     

17.9

   
> Finance  

Insurance

   

10,063,432

     

7.2

   

Brokerage & Money Management

   

5,624,679

     

4.1

   
     

15,688,111

     

11.3

   
   

Value

  Percentage
of Net Assets
 
> Energy & Minerals  

Oil & Gas Producers

 

$

6,029,023

     

4.3

   

Oil Refining, Marketing & Distribution

   

3,100,667

     

2.2

   

Agricultural Commodities

   

973,663

     

0.7

   
     

10,103,353

     

7.2

   
> Health Care  

Medical Equipment & Devices

   

4,792,596

     

3.4

   

Pharmaceuticals

   

2,848,171

     

2.1

   
     

7,640,767

     

5.5

   
> Other Industries  

Real Estate

   

2,744,340

     

2.0

   
     

2,744,340

     

2.0

   

Total Equities:

   

135,220,400

     

97.0

   

Short-Term Investments:

   

1,489,832

     

1.1

   

Securities Lending Collateral:

   

4,679,312

     

3.4

   

Total Investments:

   

141,389,544

     

101.5

   
Obligation to Return
Collateral for Securities
Loaned:
   

(4,679,312

)

   

(3.4

)

 
Cash and Other Assets
Less Liabilities:
   

2,610,644

     

1.9

   

Net Assets:

 

$

139,320,876

     

100.0

   

See accompanying notes to financial statements.


62



COLUMBIA ACORN SELECTSM

MAJOR PORTFOLIO CHANGES IN THE FOURTH QUARTER (UNAUDITED)

   

Number of Shares

 
   

9/30/15

 

12/31/15

 

Purchases

 

Industrial Goods & Services

 

Axalta Coating Systems

   

0

     

320,681

   

Information

 

Crown Castle International

   

161,161

     

171,161

   

Consumer Goods & Services

 

Fossil

   

185,236

     

217,636

   

Papa John's International

   

0

     

122,000

   

Polaris Industries

   

75,650

     

140,550

   

Select Comfort

   

0

     

185,000

   

Finance

 

WEX

   

0

     

45,000

   

Health Care

 

Align Technology

   

186,643

     

207,927

   

Other Industries

 

EdR

   

328,749

     

375,266

   

Heartland Express

   

0

     

181,000

   
   

Number of Shares

 
   

9/30/15

 

12/31/15

 

Sales

 

Industrial Goods & Services

 

Airgas

   

151,705

     

0

   

Ametek

   

578,711

     

306,000

   

Donaldson

   

776,657

     

320,657

   

LKQ

   

794,620

     

703,620

   

Nordson

   

267,230

     

241,500

   

Quanta Services

   

312,342

     

164,292

   

Information

 

Amphenol

   

266,095

     

214,095

   

Ansys

   

130,558

     

113,158

   

Atmel

   

467,000

     

0

   

Bankrate

   

1,080,494

     

983,300

   

Mettler-Toledo International

   

38,799

     

0

   

Ultimate Software

   

70,657

     

40,057

   

Consumer Goods & Services

 

Gentex

   

899,664

     

556,000

   

The Fresh Market

   

630,647

     

449,697

   

Finance

 

Associated Banc-Corp

   

689,605

     

594,605

   

Eaton Vance

   

317,937

     

286,237

   

SEI Investments

   

350,151

     

138,751

   

Other Industries

 

Post Properties

   

104,814

     

0

   

Energy & Minerals

 

Carrizo Oil & Gas

   

108,492

     

0

   

See accompanying notes to financial statements.


63



COLUMBIA ACORN SELECTSM

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS, DECEMBER 31, 2015

Number of Shares

     

Value

 
           

Equities: 98.4%

 

Industrial Goods & Services 26.9%

     
    > Machinery 12.7%  
 

306,000

   

Ametek

 

$

16,398,540

   
       

Aerospace/Industrial Instruments

         
 

241,500

   

Nordson

   

15,492,225

   
        Dispensing Systems for
Adhesives & Coatings
         
 

328,030

   

Generac (a)(b)

   

9,765,453

   
       

Standby Power Generators

         
 

320,657

   

Donaldson

   

9,190,030

   
       

Industrial Air Filtration

         
     

50,846,248

   
    > Other Industrial Services 11.2%  
 

703,620

   

LKQ (a)

   

20,848,260

   
       

Alternative Auto Parts Distribution

         
 

291,687

    Expeditors International
of Washington
   

13,155,084

   
       

International Freight Forwarder

         
 

224,395

   

Robert Half International

   

10,577,980

   
        Temporary & Permanent Staffing
in Finance, Accounting &
other Professions
         
     

44,581,324

   
    > Industrial Materials & Specialty
Chemicals 2.2%
 
 

320,681

   

Axalta Coating Systems (a)

   

8,546,149

   
        Global Manufacturer of High
Performance Coatings
         
    > Outsourcing Services 0.8%  
 

164,292

   

Quanta Services (a)

   

3,326,913

   
        Electrical Transmission & Pipeline
Contracting Services
         

Industrial Goods & Services: Total

   

107,300,634

   

Information 21.7%

     
    > Business Software 4.6%  
 

113,158

   

Ansys (a)

   

10,467,115

   
        Simulation Software for
Engineers & Designers
         
 

40,057

   

Ultimate Software (a)

   

7,831,544

   
       

Human Capital Management Systems

         
     

18,298,659

   
    > Mobile Communications 3.7%  
 

171,161

   

Crown Castle International

   

14,796,869

   
       

Communications Towers

         
    > Business Information & Marketing
Services 3.3%
 
 

983,300

   

Bankrate (a)

   

13,077,890

   
        Internet Advertising for the
Insurance, Credit Card &
Banking Markets
         
    > Telecommunications Equipment 2.9%  
 

120,347

   

F5 Networks (a)

   

11,668,845

   
        Internet Traffic Management
Equipment
         

Number of Shares

     

Value

 
    > Computer Hardware & Related
Equipment 2.8%
 
 

214,095

   

Amphenol

 

$

11,182,182

   
       

Electronic Connectors

         
    > Computer Services 2.3%  
 

297,876

   

WNS - ADR (a)

   

9,290,752

   
        Offshore Business Process
Outsourcing Services
         
    > Internet Related 2.1%  
 

1,421,481

   

Vonage (a)

   

8,159,301

   
        Business & Consumer
Internet Telephony
         

Information: Total

   

86,474,498

   

Consumer Goods & Services 20.1%

     
    > Travel 4.8%  
 

150,306

   

Vail Resorts

   

19,237,665

   
       

Ski Resort Operator & Developer

         
    > Retail 4.7%  
 

449,697

   

The Fresh Market (a)

   

10,531,904

   
       

Specialty Food Retailer

         
 

217,636

   

Fossil (a)(b)

   

7,956,772

   
       

Watch Designer & Retailer

         
     

18,488,676

   
    > Other Durable Goods 3.2%  
 

556,000

   

Gentex

   

8,901,560

   
       

Manufacturer of Auto Parts

         
 

185,000

   

Select Comfort (a)

   

3,960,850

   
       

Specialty Mattresses

         
     

12,862,410

   
    > Leisure Products 3.0%  
 

140,550

   

Polaris Industries

   

12,080,272

   
       

Leisure Vehicles & Related Products

         
    > Other Consumer Services 2.7%  
 

241,795

   

Blackhawk Network (a)

   

10,689,757

   
        Third-party Distributor of Prepaid
Content, Mostly Gift Cards
         
    > Restaurants 1.7%  
 

122,000

   

Papa John's International

   

6,816,140

   
       

Franchisor of Pizza Restaurants

         

Consumer Goods & Services: Total

   

80,174,920

   

Finance 11.2%

     
    > Brokerage & Money Management 4.2%  
 

286,237

   

Eaton Vance

   

9,282,666

   
       

Specialty Mutual Funds

         
 

138,751

   

SEI Investments

   

7,270,552

   
        Mutual Fund Administration &
Investment Management
         
     

16,553,218

   
    > Insurance 3.2%  
 

677,866

   

CNO Financial Group

   

12,940,462

   
        Life, Long-term Care & Medical
Supplement Insurance
         

See accompanying notes to financial statements.


64



Number of Shares

     

Value

 
    > Banks 2.8%  
 

594,605

   

Associated Banc-Corp

 

$

11,148,844

   
       

Midwest Bank

         
    > Credit Cards 1.0%  
 

45,000

   

WEX (a)

   

3,978,000

   
       

Card Processor

         

Finance: Total

   

44,620,524

   

Health Care 7.7%

     
    > Medical Supplies 3.8%  
 

213,166

   

Cepheid (a)

   

7,786,954

   
       

Molecular Diagnostics

         
 

257,603

   

VWR (a)

   

7,292,741

   
       

Distributor of Lab Supplies

         
     

15,079,695

   
    > Medical Equipment & Devices 3.4%  
 

207,927

   

Align Technology (a)

   

13,691,993

   
        Invisalign System to Correct
Malocclusion (Crooked Teeth)
         
    > Biotechnology & Drug Delivery 0.5%  
 

19,186

   

Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical (a)

   

2,152,285

   
        Biotech Focused on
"Ultra-Orphan" Drugs
         

Health Care: Total

   

30,923,973

   

Other Industries 6.7%

     
    > Real Estate 6.0%  
 

375,266

   

EdR

   

14,215,076

   
       

Student Housing

         
 

109,626

   

Extra Space Storage

   

9,670,110

   
       

Self Storage Facilities

         
     

23,885,186

   
    > Transportation 0.7%  
 

181,000

   

Heartland Express

   

3,080,620

   
       

Regional Trucker

         

Other Industries: Total

   

26,965,806

   

Energy & Minerals 4.1%

     
    > Agricultural Commodities 2.2%  
 

1,742,424

    Union Agriculture Group
(Uruguay) (a)(c)(d)
   

8,851,514

   
       

Farmland Operator in Uruguay

         

Number of Shares

     

Value

 
    > Mining 1.9%  
 

70,299

   

Core Labs (Netherlands) (b)

 

$

7,644,313

   
       

Oil & Gas Reservoir Consulting

         

Energy & Minerals: Total

   

16,495,827

   
Total Equities: 98.4%
(Cost: $329,337,667)
   

392,956,182

(e)

 

Short-Term Investments 2.1%

     
 

8,276,637

    JPMorgan U.S. Government
Money Market Fund, Agency
Shares (7 day yield of 0.04%)
   

8,276,637

   
Total Short-Term Investments: 2.1%
(Cost: $8,276,637)
   

8,276,637

   

Securities Lending Collateral 3.7%

     
 

14,899,925

    Dreyfus Government Cash
Management Fund,
Institutional Shares
(7 day yield of 0.03%) (f)
   

14,899,925

   
Total Securities Lending Collateral: 3.7%
(Cost: $14,899,925)
   

14,899,925

   
Total Investments: 104.2%
(Cost: $352,514,229)(g)
   

416,132,744

(h)

 
Obligation to Return Collateral for
Securities Loaned: (3.7)%
   

(14,899,925

)

 

Cash and Other Assets Less Liabilities: (0.5)%

   

(2,030,149

)

 

Net Assets: 100.0%

 

$

399,202,670

   

ADR - American Depositary Receipts

> Notes to Statement of Investments

(a)  Non-income producing security.

(b)  All or a portion of this security was on loan at December 31, 2015. The total market value of securities on loan at December 31, 2015 was $14,477,792.

(c)  Illiquid security.

(d)  Denotes a restricted security, which is subject to restrictions on resale under federal securities laws. This security is valued at fair value determined in good faith under consistently applied procedures established by the Fund's Board of Trustees. At December 31, 2015, the market value of this security amounted to $8,851,514, which represented 2.22% of total net assets. Additional information on this security is as follows:

Security

  Acquisition
Dates
 

Shares

 

Cost

 

Value

 

Union Agriculture Group

 

12/8/10-6/27/12

   

1,742,424

   

$

20,000,000

   

$

8,851,514

   

See accompanying notes to financial statements.


65



COLUMBIA ACORN SELECTSM

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS, CONTINUED

> Notes to Statement of Investments

(e)  On December 31, 2015, the market value of foreign securities represented 4.13% of total net assets. The Fund's foreign portfolio was diversified as follows:

Country

 

Value

  Percentage
of Net Assets
 

Uruguay

 

$

8,851,514

     

2.22

   

Netherlands

   

7,644,313

     

1.91

   

Total Foreign Portfolio

 

$

16,495,827

     

4.13

   

(f)  Investment made with cash collateral received from securities lending activity.

(g)  At December 31, 2015, for federal income tax purposes, the cost of investments was $353,765,309 and net unrealized appreciation was $62,367,435 consisting of gross unrealized appreciation of $97,346,945 and gross unrealized depreciation of $34,979,510.

(h)  An affiliated person of the Fund, as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, may include any company in which the Fund owns five percent or more of its outstanding voting shares. Holdings and transactions in these affiliated companies during the year ended December 31, 2015, are as follows:

Security

  Balance of
Shares Held
12/31/14
  Purchases/
Additions
  Sales/
Reductions
  Balance of
Shares Held
12/31/15
 

Value

 

Dividend

 

Canadian Overseas Petroleum

   

22,500,000

     

-

     

22,500,000

     

-

   

$

-

   

$

-

   

Petrodorado Energy

   

3,370,000

     

-

     

3,370,000

     

-

     

-

     

-

   

Total of Affiliated Transactions

   

25,870,000

     

-

     

25,870,000

     

-

   

$

-

   

$

-

   

At December 31, 2015, the fund did not hold any investments in affiliated companies.

Fair Value Measurements

  Various inputs are used in determining the value of the Fund's investments, following the input prioritization hierarchy established by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP). These inputs are summarized in the three broad levels listed below:

    Level 1 – quoted prices in active markets for identical securities

    Level 2 – prices determined using other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk and others)

    Level 3 – prices determined using significant unobservable inputs where quoted prices or observable inputs are unavailable or less reliable (including management's own assumptions about the factors market participants would use in pricing an investment)

  The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.

  Examples of the types of securities in which the Fund would typically invest and how they are classified within this hierarchy are as follows. Typical Level 1 securities include exchange traded domestic equities, mutual funds whose NAVs are published each day and exchange traded foreign equities that are not statistically fair valued. Typical Level 2 securities include exchange traded foreign equities that are statistically fair valued, forward foreign currency exchange contracts and short-term investments valued at amortized cost. Additionally, securities fair valued by CWAM's Valuation Committee (the Committee) that rely on significant observable inputs are also included in Level 2. Typical Level 3 securities include any security fair valued by the Committee that relies on significant unobservable inputs.

  The Committee is responsible for applying the Trust's Portfolio Pricing Policy and the CWAM pricing procedures (the Policies), which are approved by and subject to the oversight of the Board.

  The Committee meets as necessary, and no less frequently than quarterly, to determine fair values for securities for which market quotations are not readily available or for which CWAM believes that available market quotations are unreliable. The Committee also reviews the continuing appropriateness of the Policies. In circumstances where a security has been fair valued, the Committee will also review the continuing appropriateness of the current value of the security. The Policies address, among other things: circumstances under which market quotations will be deemed readily available; selection of third party pricing vendors; appropriate pricing methodologies; events that require fair valuation and fair value techniques; circumstances under which securities will be deemed to pose a potential for stale pricing, including when securities are illiquid, restricted, or in default; and certain delegations of authority to determine fair values to the Fund's investment manager. The Committee may also meet to discuss additional valuation matters, which may include review of back-testing results, review of time-sensitive information or approval of other valuation related actions, and to review the appropriateness of the Policies.

See accompanying notes to financial statements.


66



> Notes to Statement of Investments

  For investments categorized as Level 3, the significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Fund's securities may include: (i) data specific to the issuer or comparable issuers, (ii) general market or specific sector news and (iii) quoted prices and specific or similar security transactions. The Committee considers this data and any changes from prior periods in order to assess the reasonableness of observable and unobservable inputs, any assumptions or internal models used to value those securities and changes in fair value. Significant changes in any of these factors could result in lower or higher fair value measurements. Various factors impact the frequency of monitoring (which may occur as often as daily), however the Committee may determine that changes to inputs, assumptions and models are not required with the same frequency.

  The following table summarizes the inputs used, as of December 31, 2015, in valuing the Fund's assets:

Investment Type

  Quoted Prices
(Level 1)
  Other
Significant
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
  Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 

Total

 

Equities

 

Industrial Goods & Services

 

$

107,300,634

   

$

-

   

$

-

   

$

107,300,634

   

Information

   

86,474,498

     

-

     

-

     

86,474,498

   

Consumer Goods & Services

   

80,174,920

     

-

     

-

     

80,174,920

   

Finance

   

44,620,524

     

-

     

-

     

44,620,524

   

Health Care

   

30,923,973

     

-

     

-

     

30,923,973

   

Other Industries

   

26,965,806

     

-

     

-

     

26,965,806

   

Energy & Minerals

   

7,644,313

     

-

     

8,851,514

     

16,495,827

   

Total Equities

   

384,104,668

     

-

     

8,851,514

     

392,956,182

   

Total Short-Term Investments

   

8,276,637

     

-

     

-

     

8,276,637

   

Total Securities Lending Collateral

   

14,899,925

     

-

     

-

     

14,899,925

   

Total Investments

 

$

407,281,230

   

$

-

   

$

8,851,514

   

$

416,132,744

   

  There were no transfers of financial assets between levels during the period.

  The following table reconciles asset balances for the period ending December 31, 2015, in which significant observable and/or unobservable inputs (Level 3) were used in determining value:

Investments in Securities

  Balance as
of December 31,
2014
  Realized
Gain (Loss)
  Change
in Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

Purchases

 

Sales

  Transfers
Into
Level 3
  Transfers
out of
Level 3
  Balance as
of December 31,
2015
 

Equities

 

Energy & Minerals

 

$

15,908,331

   

$

-

   

$

(7,056,817

)

 

$

-

   

$

-

   

$

-

   

$

-

   

$

8,851,514

   

  The information in the above reconciliation table represents fiscal year to date activity for any securities identified as using Level 3 inputs at either the beginning or the end of the current fiscal period.

  The change in unrealized depreciation attributed to securities owned at December 31, 2015, which were valued using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3), amounted to $7,056,817.

  Quantitative information pertaining to Level 3 unobservable fair value measurements

    Fair Value at
December 31, 2015
 

Valuation Technique(s)

 

Unobservable Input(s)

  Range (Weighted
Average)
 
Equities
Energy & Minerals
 

$

8,851,514

    Market comparable
companies
  Discount for lack
of marketability
   

7

% to 40%

 

  Certain securities classified as Level 3 are valued by the Committee at fair value, using a market approach, as determined in good faith under consistently applied procedures established by and under the general supervision of the Board. To determine fair value for these securities, for which no market exists, the Committee utilizes the valuation technique it deems most appropriate in the circumstances, using some unobservable inputs, which may include, but are not limited to estimated earnings of the company and the position of the security within the company's capital structure. The Committee also may use some observable inputs, which may include, but are not limited to, trades of similar securities and market multiples derived from a set of comparable companies. Significant increases or decreases to any of these inputs could result in a significantly lower or higher fair value measurement.

See accompanying notes to financial statements.


67




COLUMBIA THERMOSTAT FUNDSM

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS, DECEMBER 31, 2015

Number of Shares

     

Value

 
    > Affiliated Bond Funds 74.7%  
 

33,379,127

    Columbia Short Term Bond
Fund, Class I Shares (a)
 

$

329,451,985

   
 

30,509,848

    Columbia U.S. Government
Mortgage Fund,
Class I Shares (a)
   

165,363,374

   
 

18,493,046

    Columbia Intermediate
Bond Fund, Class I Shares (a)
   

164,957,970

   
 

17,570,413

    Columbia Income
Opportunities Fund,
Class I Shares (a)
   

163,404,843

   
Total Affiliated Bond Funds:
(Cost: $836,542,317)
   

823,178,172

   
    > Affiliated Stock Funds 24.9%  
 

3,143,436

    Columbia Dividend Income
Fund, Class I Shares (a)
   

55,355,905

   
 

2,628,205

    Columbia Contrarian Core
Fund, Class I Shares (a)
   

55,271,150

   
 

1,389,031

    Columbia Acorn International,
Class I Shares (a)
   

54,380,569

   
 

1,625,974

    Columbia Select Large Cap
Growth Fund,
Class I Shares (a)(b)
   

27,690,332

   
 

1,322,181

    Columbia Large Cap
Enhanced Core Fund,
Class I Shares (a)
   

27,541,042

   

Number of Shares

     

Value

 
 

1,397,374

    Columbia Acorn Fund,
Class I Shares (a)(b)
 

$

27,150,973

   
 

1,752,426

    Columbia Acorn Select,
Class I Shares (a)(b)
   

26,917,258

   
Total Affiliated Stock Funds:
(Cost: $270,133,162)
   

274,307,229

   
    > Short-Term Investments 0.4%  
 

4,215,521

    JPMorgan U.S. Government
Money Market Fund, Agency
Shares (7 day yield of 0.04%)
   

4,215,521

   
Total Short-Term Investments:
(Cost: $4,215,521)
   

4,215,521

   
Total Investments: 100.0%
(Cost: $1,110,891,000)(c)
   

1,101,700,922

   

Cash and Other Assets Less Liabilities: —%

   

324,904

   

Net Assets: 100.0%

 

$

1,102,025,826

   

> Notes to Statement of Investments

(a)  An affiliated person of the Fund, as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, may include any company in which the Fund owns five percent or more of its outstanding voting shares. Holdings and transactions in these affiliated companies during the year ended December 31, 2015, are as follows:

Security

  Balance of
Shares Held
12/31/14
  Purchases/
Additions
  Sales/
Reductions
  Balance of
Shares Held
12/31/15
 

Value

 

Dividend

 

Columbia Short Term Bond Fund, Class I Shares

   

42,849,246

     

12,505,269

     

21,975,388

     

33,379,127

   

$

329,451,985

   

$

3,789,587

   

Columbia U.S. Government Mortgage Fund, Class I Shares

   

28,883,507

     

16,595,613

     

14,969,272

     

30,509,848

     

165,363,374

     

5,134,067

   

Columbia Intermediate Bond Fund, Class I Shares

   

28,994,280

     

7,433,235

     

17,934,469

     

18,493,046

     

164,957,970

     

4,942,349

   

Columbia Income Opportunities Fund, Class I Shares

   

21,780,174

     

7,033,776

     

11,243,537

     

17,570,413

     

163,404,843

     

9,285,439

   

Columbia Dividend Income Fund, Class I Shares

   

1,962,468

     

4,894,313

     

3,713,345

     

3,143,436

     

55,355,905

     

1,536,394

   

Columbia Contrarian Core Fund, Class I Shares

   

1,291,662

     

4,366,165

     

3,029,622

     

2,628,205

     

55,271,150

     

1,589,290

   

Columbia Acorn International, Class I Shares

   

898,450

     

2,062,304

     

1,571,723

     

1,389,031

     

54,380,569

     

739,450

   

Columbia Select Large Cap Growth Fund, Class I Shares

   

1,023,561

     

2,674,631

     

2,072,218

     

1,625,974

     

27,690,332

     

-

   

Columbia Large Cap Enhanced Core Fund, Class I Shares

   

870,296

     

2,068,849

     

1,616,964

     

1,322,181

     

27,541,042

     

538,712

   

Columbia Acorn Fund, Class I Shares

   

879,308

     

1,727,334

     

1,209,268

     

1,397,374

     

27,150,973

     

-

   

Columbia Acorn Select, Class I Shares

   

836,113

     

2,533,357

     

1,617,044

     

1,752,426

     

26,917,258

     

-

   

Total of Affiliated Transactions

   

130,269,065

     

63,894,846

     

80,952,850

     

113,211,061

   

$

1,097,485,401

   

$

27,555,288

   

  The aggregate cost and value of these companies at December 31, 2015, was $1,106,675,479 and $1,097,485,401, respectively. Investments in affiliated companies represented 99.59% of the Fund's total net assets at December 31, 2015.

(b)  Non-income producing security.

(c)  At December 31, 2015, for federal income tax purposes, the cost of investments was $1,113,754,563 and net unrealized depreciation was $12,053,641 consisting of gross unrealized appreciation of $17,772,161 and gross unrealized depreciation of $29,825,802.

See accompanying notes to financial statements.


68



> Notes to Statement of Investments

Fair Value Measurements

  Various inputs are used in determining the value of the Fund's investments, following the input prioritization hierarchy established by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP). These inputs are summarized in the three broad levels listed below:

    Level 1 – quoted prices in active markets for identical securities

    Level 2 – prices determined using other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk and others)

    Level 3 – prices determined using significant unobservable inputs where quoted prices or observable inputs are unavailable or less reliable (including management's own assumptions about the factors market participants would use in pricing an investment)

  The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.

  Examples of the types of securities in which the Fund would typically invest and how they are classified within this hierarchy are as follows. Typical Level 1 securities include mutual funds whose NAVs are published each day.

  The Committee is responsible for applying the Trust's Portfolio Pricing Policy and the CWAM pricing procedures (the Policies), which are approved by and subject to the oversight of the Board.

  The Committee meets as necessary, and no less frequently than quarterly, to determine fair values for securities for which market quotations are not readily available or for which CWAM believes that available market quotations are unreliable. The Committee also reviews the continuing appropriateness of the Policies. In circumstances where a security has been fair valued, the Committee will also review the continuing appropriateness of the current value of the security. The Policies address, among other things: circumstances under which market quotations will be deemed readily available; selection of third party pricing vendors; appropriate pricing methodologies; events that require fair valuation and fair value techniques; circumstances under which securities will be deemed to pose a potential for stale pricing, including when securities are illiquid, restricted, or in default; and certain delegations of authority to determine fair values to the Fund's investment manager. The Committee may also meet to discuss additional valuation matters, which may include review of back-testing results, review of time-sensitive information or approval of other valuation related actions, and to review the appropriateness of the Policies.

  For investments categorized as Level 3, the significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Fund's securities may include: (i) data specific to the issuer or comparable issuers, (ii) general market or specific sector news and (iii) quoted prices and specific or similar security transactions. The Committee considers this data and any changes from prior periods in order to assess the reasonableness of observable and unobservable inputs, any assumptions or internal models used to value those securities and changes in fair value. Significant changes in any of these factors could result in lower or higher fair value measurements. Various factors impact the frequency of monitoring (which may occur as often as daily), however the Committee may determine that changes to inputs, assumptions and models are not required with the same frequency.

  The following table summarizes the inputs used, as of December 31, 2015, in valuing the Fund's assets:

Investment Type

  Quoted Prices
(Level 1)
  Other
Significant
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
  Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 

Total

 

Total Affiliated Bond Funds

 

$

823,178,172

   

$

-

   

$

-

   

$

823,178,172

   

Total Affiliated Stock Funds

   

274,307,229

     

-

     

-

     

274,307,229

   

Total Short-Term Investments

   

4,215,521

     

-

     

-

     

4,215,521

   

Total Investments

 

$

1,101,700,922

   

$

-

   

$

-

   

$

1,101,700,922

   

  There were no transfers of financial assets between levels during the period.

See accompanying notes to financial statements.


69



COLUMBIA ACORN EMERGING MARKETS FUNDSM

MAJOR PORTFOLIO CHANGES IN THE FOURTH QUARTER (UNAUDITED)

   

Number of Shares

 
   

9/30/15

 

12/31/15

 

Purchases

 

Asia

 
> Taiwan  

Far EasTone Telecom

   

3,050,000

     

4,483,000

   
> China  

NewOcean Energy

   

8,230,000

     

12,200,000

   

Xinhua Winshare Publishing

   

4,140,000

     

4,380,000

   
> Korea  

KCC

   

4,038

     

15,800

   

Korea Investment Holdings

   

0

     

95,600

   

Nongshim Holdings

   

343

     

49,594

   
> Indonesia  

Link Net

   

10,000,000

     

22,000,000

   

Tower Bersama Infrastructure

   

4,074,200

     

5,900,000

   
> Singapore  

China Everbright Water

   

0

     

6,500,000

   
> Hong Kong  

Value Partners

   

0

     

2,388,000

   

Europe

 
> Finland  

Tikkurila

   

180,000

     

355,260

   
> Spain  

Prosegur

   

0

     

752,000

   
> Sweden  

Millicom International Cellular

   

0

     

49,000

   

Latin America

 
> Mexico  

Hoteles City Express

   

2,747,000

     

4,930,000

   

Other Countries

 
> United States  

Bladex

   

158,000

     

173,000

   
> Canada  

Parex Resources

   

0

     

400,000

   
   

Number of Shares

 
   

9/30/15

 

12/31/15

 

Sales

 

Asia

 
> Taiwan  

Advantech

   

575,988

     

445,988

   

Novatek Microelectronics

   

881,000

     

814,000

   

President Chain Store

   

500,000

     

0

   

St. Shine Optical

   

420,000

     

200,000

   
Vanguard International
Semiconductor
   

3,243,000

     

2,621,000

   

Voltronic Power

   

277,156

     

190,156

   
> China  
51job - ADR    

134,000

     

108,000

   

BitAuto - ADR

   

183,613

     

158,613

   

CapitaLand Retail China Trust

   

3,757,000

     

0

   

CAR Inc

   

3,947,000

     

1,806,000

   

Jiangnan Group

   

15,338,000

     

12,978,000

   

Phoenix Healthcare Group

   

2,200,000

     

434,000

   

Shanghai Industrial

   

1,086,300

     

0

   

TravelSky Technology

   

3,580,000

     

2,294,000

   
> India  
Adani Ports & Special
Economic Zone
   

1,737,269

     

1,197,269

   

Colgate Palmolive India

   

380,700

     

253,700

   

Zee Entertainment Enterprises

   

2,422,982

     

2,025,982

   
> Korea  

CJ Hellovision

   

27,983

     

0

   
> Indonesia  

Arwana Citramulia

   

45,639,400

     

0

   

MNC Sky Vision

   

59,081,400

     

59,073,000

   

Surya Citra Media

   

22,620,000

     

15,000,000

   
> Hong Kong  

Melco International

   

2,114,000

     

0

   

Vitasoy International

   

3,594,000

     

2,100,000

   
> Thailand  

Home Product Center

   

13,870,500

     

0

   

Mega Lifesciences

   

8,700,000

     

5,350,000

   

Robinson Department Store

   

1,167,300

     

0

   

Samui Airport Property Fund

   

8,732,800

     

5,562,800

   
> Malaysia  

Astro Malaysia Holdings

   

4,800,000

     

0

   

Europe

 
> United Kingdom  

Cable and Wireless

   

7,207,000

     

3,180,134

   
> Kazakhstan  
Halyk Savings Bank of
Kazakhstan - GDR
   

1,268,483

     

990,483

   

See accompanying notes to financial statements.


70



   

Number of Shares

 
   

9/30/15

 

12/31/15

 

Sales (continued)

 

Latin America

 
> Brazil  

Odontoprev

   

1,471,400

     

0

   
> Colombia  

Isagen

   

5,494,871

     

0

   
> Chile  

Forus

   

913,508

     

0

   

Other Countries

 
> South Africa  

Coronation Fund Managers

   

1,665,833

     

945,899

   

Rand Merchant Insurance

   

1,929,663

     

1,294,495

   

See accompanying notes to financial statements.


71



COLUMBIA ACORN EMERGING MARKETS FUNDSM

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS, DECEMBER 31, 2015

Number of Shares

     

Value

 
           

Equities: 96.2%

 

Asia 71.7%

     
    > Taiwan 13.7%  
 

4,483,000

   

Far EasTone Telecom

 

$

9,213,484

   
       

Mobile Operator in Taiwan

         
 

340,000

   

Ginko International

   

4,479,621

   
       

Contact Lens Maker in China

         
 

431,000

   

Silergy

   

4,412,040

   
        Chinese Provider of Analog &
Mixed Digital Integrated Circuits
         
 

200,000

   

St. Shine Optical

   

4,002,845

   
        Disposable Contact Lens Original
Equipment Manufacturer
         
 

2,621,000

    Vanguard International
Semiconductor
   

3,384,781

   
       

Semiconductor Foundry

         
 

49,000

   

Largan Precision

   

3,352,815

   
        Mobile Device Camera
Lenses & Modules
         
 

814,000

   

Novatek Microelectronics

   

3,168,962

   
 

    Display-related Integrated
Circuit Designer
         
 

445,988

   

Advantech

   

2,856,015

   
       

Industrial PC & Components

         
 

190,156

   

Voltronic Power

   

2,820,184

   
        Uninterruptible Power
Supply Products
         
     

37,690,747

   
    > China 13.5%  
 

12,200,000

   

NewOcean Energy

   

4,752,801

   
        Southern China Liquefied Petroleum
Gas Distributor
         
 

11,951,000

    Sihuan Pharmaceutical
Holdings Group (a)
   

4,620,853

   
       

Chinese Generic Drug Manufacturer

         
 

158,613

   

BitAuto - ADR (b)

   

4,485,576

   
        Automotive Information Website for
Buyers & Dealers
         
 

4,380,000

   

Xinhua Winshare Publishing

   

3,970,737

   
        Sichuan Publisher,
Distributor & Retailer
         
 

2,294,000

   

TravelSky Technology

   

3,755,967

   
        Chinese Air Travel
Transaction Processor
         
 

8,032,000

   

AMVIG Holdings

   

3,337,145

   
        Chinese Tobacco Packaging
Material Supplier
         
 

108,000

    51job - ADR (b)(c)    

3,181,680

   
       

Integrated Human Resource Services

         
 

2,488,000

   

China Everbright International

   

3,181,352

   
       

Municipal Waste Operator

         
 

1,806,000

   

CAR Inc (b)(c)

   

2,976,007

   
        Consolidator of Chinese Auto
Rental Sector
         
 

12,978,000

   

Jiangnan Group

   

2,535,783

   
       

Cable & Wire Manufacturer

         
 

434,000

   

Phoenix Healthcare Group

   

505,387

   
       

Private Hospital Management Group

         
     

37,303,288

   

Number of Shares

     

Value

 
    > India 13.1%  
 

2,025,982

   

Zee Entertainment Enterprises

 

$

13,355,240

   
        Indian Programmer of Pay
Television Content
         
 

730,342

   

Bharti Infratel

   

4,712,098

   
       

Communications Towers

         
 

1,197,269

    Adani Ports & Special
Economic Zone
   

4,707,378

   
       

Indian West Coast Shipping Port

         
 

318,483

   

United Breweries

   

4,548,388

   
       

Indian Brewer

         
 

253,700

   

Colgate Palmolive India

   

3,722,349

   
       

Consumer Products in Oral Care

         
 

175,000

   

Container Corporation of India

   

3,468,504

   
       

Railway Cargo Services

     
 

110,352

   

Amara Raja

   

1,432,580

   
        Indian Maker of Auto & Industrial
Batteries, Mostly for the
Replacement Market
         
     

35,946,537

   
    > Korea 8.7%  
 

241,088

   

Koh Young Technology

   

7,881,232

   
        Inspection Systems for Printed
Circuit Boards
         
 

49,594

   

Nongshim Holdings

   

6,475,982

   
        Holding Company of
Food Conglomerate
         
 

15,800

   

KCC

   

5,573,757

   
        Paint & Housing
Material Manufacturer
         
 

95,600

   

Korea Investment Holdings (b)

   

3,994,963

   
       

Brokerage & Asset Management

         
     

23,925,934

   
    > Indonesia 7.6%  
 

22,000,000

   

Link Net (b)

   

6,335,676

   
        Fixed Broadband & Cable TV
Service Provider
         
 

59,073,000

   

MNC Sky Vision (b)

   

5,720,889

   
       

Satellite Pay TV Operator in Indonesia

         
 

15,000,000

   

Surya Citra Media

   

3,344,774

   
       

Free to Air TV Station in Indonesia

         
 

2,511,700

   

Matahari Department Store

   

3,179,647

   
       

Department Store Chain in Indonesia

         
 

5,900,000

   

Tower Bersama Infrastructure (b)

   

2,495,804

   
       

Communications Towers

     
     

21,076,790

   
    > Philippines 5.4%  
 

56,400,000

   

RFM Corporation

   

4,734,460

   
        Flour, Bread, Pasta & Ice Cream Manufacturer/Distributor in
the Philippines
         
 

6,304,200

   

Puregold Price Club

   

4,648,937

   
  Supermarket Operator in
the Philippines
   
 

2,150,090

   

Robinsons Retail Holdings

   

2,880,650

   
        Multi-format Retailer in
the Philippines
         
 

54,000,000

    Melco Crown (Philippines)
Resorts (b)
   

2,613,741

   
       

Integrated Resort Operator in Manila

     
     

14,877,788

   

See accompanying notes to financial statements.


72



Number of Shares

     

Value

 
    > Singapore 2.8%  
 

5,400,000

   

SIIC Environment (b)

 

$

2,907,759

   
       

Waste Water Treatment Operator

         
 

6,500,000

   

China Everbright Water (b)

   

2,810,926

   
       

Waste Water Treatment Operator

         
 

1,386,000

   

Petra Foods

   

2,050,869

   
        Chocolate Manufacturer in
Southeast Asia
         
     

7,769,554

   
    > Hong Kong 2.6%  
 

2,100,000

   

Vitasoy International

   

4,308,359

   
       

Hong Kong Soy Food Brand

         
 

2,388,000

   

Value Partners

   

2,775,691

   
       

Mutual Fund Management

         
     

7,084,050

   
    > Thailand 2.0%  
 

5,562,800

   

Samui Airport Property Fund

   

3,076,274

   
       

Thai Airport Operator

         
 

5,350,000

   

Mega Lifesciences

   

2,453,106

   
        Manufacturer of Health
Supplements &
Pharmaceutical Products
         
     

5,529,380

   
    > Malaysia 1.2%  
 

9,021,000

   

7-Eleven Malaysia Holdings

   

3,235,668

   
        Exclusive 7-Eleven Franchisor
for Malaysia
         
    > Cambodia 1.1%  
 

4,715,000

   

Nagacorp

   

2,969,972

   
        Casino & Entertainment Complex
in Cambodia
         

Asia: Total

   

197,409,708

   

Europe 9.2%

     
    > United Kingdom 2.8%  
 

736,860

   

PureCircle (b)(c)

   

4,374,989

   
       

Natural Sweeteners

         
 

3,180,134

   

Cable and Wireless

   

3,479,125

   
        Telecommunications Service
Provider in the Caribbean
         
     

7,854,114

   
    > Finland 2.3%  
 

355,260

   

Tikkurila

   

6,219,728

   
        Decorative & Industrial Paint in
Scandinavia, Central &
Eastern Europe
         
    > Kazakhstan 1.8%  
 

990,483

    Halyk Savings Bank of
Kazakhstan - GDR
   

4,902,891

   
       

Retail Bank & Insurer in Kazakhstan

         
    > Spain 1.3%  
 

752,000

   

Prosegur

   

3,463,257

   
       

Security Guards

         

Number of Shares

     

Value

 
    > Sweden 1.0%  
 

49,000

   

Millicom International Cellular

 

$

2,811,625

   
        Telecoms Operator in Latin
America & Africa
         

Europe: Total

   

25,251,615

   

Latin America 8.1%

     
    > Mexico 5.6%  
 

4,930,000

   

Hoteles City Express (b)

   

6,590,687

   
       

Budget Hotel Operator in Mexico

         
 

3,748,000

   

Qualitas (b)

   

4,723,465

   
        Auto Insurer in Mexico &
Central America
         
 

30,525

    Grupo Aeroportuario del
Sureste - ADR
   

4,293,952

   
       

Mexican Airport Operator

         
     

15,608,104

   
    > Brazil 2.5%  
 

595,970

   

Localiza Rent a Car

   

3,738,888

   
       

Car Rental

         
 

280,000

   

Linx

   

3,135,292

   
        Retail Management Software
in Brazil
         
     

6,874,180

   

Latin America: Total

   

22,482,284

   

Other Countries 7.2%

     
    > South Africa 2.3%  
 

945,899

   

Coronation Fund Managers

   

3,239,646

   
       

South African Fund Manager

         
 

1,294,495

   

Rand Merchant Insurance

   

3,235,970

   
        Directly Sold Property & Casualty
Insurance; Holdings in other Insurers
         
     

6,475,616

   
    > Egypt 2.2%  
 

1,219,988

    Commercial International
Bank of Egypt
   

5,934,744

   
       

Private Universal Bank in Egypt

         
    > United States 1.6%  
 

173,000

   

Bladex

   

4,485,890

   
        Latin American Trade
Financing House
         
    > Canada 1.1%  
 

400,000

   

Parex Resources (b)

   

2,937,053

   
        Canadian-listed Exploration &
Production Company Operating
in Colombia
         

Other Countries: Total

   

19,833,303

   
Total Equities: 96.2%
(Cost: $302,557,590)
   

264,976,910

(d)

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.


73



COLUMBIA ACORN EMERGING MARKETS FUNDSM

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS, CONTINUED

Number of Shares

     

Value

 

Short-Term Investments 3.8%

 
 

10,565,808

    JPMorgan U.S. Government
Money Market Fund, IM
Shares (7 day yield of 0.01%)
 

$

10,565,808

   
Total Short-Term Investments: 3.8%
(Cost: $10,565,808)
   

10,565,808

   

Securities Lending Collateral 1.4%

 
 

3,746,400

    Dreyfus Government Cash
Management Fund,
Institutional Shares
(7 day yield of 0.03%) (e)
   

3,746,400

   
Total Securities Lending Collateral: 1.4%
(Cost: $3,746,400)
   

3,746,400

   
Total Investments: 101.4%
(Cost: $316,869,798)(f)
   

279,289,118

   
Obligation to Return Collateral for
Securities Loaned: (1.4)%
   

(3,746,400

)

 

Cash and Other Assets Less Liabilities: —%

   

(222,206

)

 

Net Assets: 100.0%

 

$

275,320,512

   

ADR - American Depositary Receipts

GDR - Global Depositary Receipts

 

> Notes to Statement of Investments

(a)  Illiquid security.

(b)  Non-income producing security.

(c)  All or a portion of this security was on loan at December 31, 2015. The total market value of securities on loan at December 31, 2015 was $3,581,674.

(d)  On December 31, 2015, the Fund's total equity investments were denominated in currencies as follows:

Currency

 

Value

  Percentage of
Net Assets
 

Hong Kong Dollar

 

$

39,690,054

     

14.4

   

Taiwan Dollar

   

37,690,747

     

13.7

   

Indian Rupee

   

35,946,538

     

13.0

   

Korean Won

   

23,925,934

     

8.7

   

U.S. Dollar

   

21,349,988

     

7.7

   

Indonesian Rupiah

   

21,076,790

     

7.7

   

Philippine Peso

   

14,877,788

     

5.4

   
Other currencies less than
5% of total net assets
   

70,419,071

     

25.6

   

Total Equities

 

$

264,976,910

     

96.2

   

(e)  Investment made with cash collateral received from securities lending activity.

(f)  At December 31, 2015, for federal income tax purposes, the cost of investments was $319,310,266 and net unrealized depreciation was $40,021,148 consisting of gross unrealized appreciation of $21,224,573 and gross unrealized depreciation of $61,245,721.

See accompanying notes to financial statements.


74



> Notes to Statement of Investments

Fair Value Measurements

  Various inputs are used in determining the value of the Fund's investments, following the input prioritization hierarchy established by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP). These inputs are summarized in the three broad levels listed below:

    Level 1 – quoted prices in active markets for identical securities

    Level 2 – prices determined using other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk and others)

    Level 3 – prices determined using significant unobservable inputs where quoted prices or observable inputs are unavailable or less reliable (including management's own assumptions about the factors market participants would use in pricing an investment)

  The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.

  Examples of the types of securities in which the Fund would typically invest and how they are classified within this hierarchy are as follows. Typical Level 1 securities include exchange traded domestic equities, mutual funds whose NAVs are published each day and exchange traded foreign equities that are not statistically fair valued. Typical Level 2 securities include exchange traded foreign equities that are statistically fair valued, forward foreign currency exchange contracts and short-term investments valued at amortized cost. Additionally, securities fair valued by CWAM's Valuation Committee (the Committee) that rely on significant observable inputs are also included in Level 2. Typical Level 3 securities include any security fair valued by the Committee that relies on significant unobservable inputs.

  The Committee is responsible for applying the Trust's Portfolio Pricing Policy and the CWAM pricing procedures (the Policies), which are approved by and subject to the oversight of the Board.

  The Committee meets as necessary, and no less frequently than quarterly, to determine fair values for securities for which market quotations are not readily available or for which CWAM believes that available market quotations are unreliable. The Committee also reviews the continuing appropriateness of the Policies. In circumstances where a security has been fair valued, the Committee will also review the continuing appropriateness of the current value of the security. The Policies address, among other things: circumstances under which market quotations will be deemed readily available; selection of third party pricing vendors; appropriate pricing methodologies; events that require fair valuation and fair value techniques; circumstances under which securities will be deemed to pose a potential for stale pricing, including when securities are illiquid, restricted, or in default; and certain delegations of authority to determine fair values to the Fund's investment manager. The Committee may also meet to discuss additional valuation matters, which may include review of back-testing results, review of time-sensitive information or approval of other valuation related actions, and to review the appropriateness of the Policies.

  For investments categorized as Level 3, the significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Fund's securities may include: (i) data specific to the issuer or comparable issuers, (ii) general market or specific sector news and (iii) quoted prices and specific or similar security transactions. The Committee considers this data and any changes from prior periods in order to assess the reasonableness of observable and unobservable inputs, any assumptions or internal models used to value those securities and changes in fair value. Significant changes in any of these factors could result in lower or higher fair value measurements. Various factors impact the frequency of monitoring (which may occur as often as daily), however the Committee may determine that changes to inputs, assumptions and models are not required with the same frequency.

  The following table summarizes the inputs used, as of December 31, 2015, in valuing the Fund's assets:

Investment Type

  Quoted Prices
(Level 1)
  Other
Significant
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
  Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 

Total

 

Equities

 

Asia

 

$

7,667,256

   

$

185,121,599

   

$

4,620,853

   

$

197,409,708

   

Europe

   

-

     

25,251,615

     

-

     

25,251,615

   

Latin America

   

22,482,284

     

-

     

-

     

22,482,284

   

Other Countries

   

7,422,943

     

12,410,360

     

-

     

19,833,303

   

Total Equities

   

37,572,483

     

222,783,574

     

4,620,853

     

264,976,910

   

Total Short-Term Investments

   

10,565,808

     

-

     

-

     

10,565,808

   

Total Securities Lending Collateral

   

3,746,400

     

-

     

-

     

3,746,400

   

Total Investments

 

$

51,884,691

   

$

222,783,574

   

$

4,620,853

   

$

279,289,118

   

  The Fund's assets assigned to the Level 2 input category are generally valued using a market approach, in which a security's value is determined through its correlation to prices and information from observable market transactions for similar or identical assets. Foreign equities are generally valued at the last sale price on the foreign exchange or market on which they trade. The Fund may use a statistical fair valuation model, in accordance with the policy adopted by the Board, provided by an independent third party to value securities principally traded in foreign markets in order to adjust for possible stale pricing that may occur between the close of the foreign exchanges and the time for valuation. These models take into account available market data including intraday index, ADR, and ETF movements.

  There were no transfers of financial assets between Levels 1 and 2 during the period.

See accompanying notes to financial statements.


75



COLUMBIA ACORN EMERGING MARKETS FUNDSM

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS, CONTINUED

> Notes to Statement of Investments

  The following table reconciles asset balances for the period ending December 31, 2015, in which significant observable and/or unobservable inputs (Level 3) were used in determining value:

Investments in Securities

  Balance as
of December 31,
2014
  Realized
Gain (Loss)
  Change
in Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

Purchases

 

Sales

  Transfers
Into
Level 3
  Transfers
out of
Level 3
  Balance as
of December 31,
2015
 

Equities

 

Asia

 

$

-

   

$

-

   

$

(3,328,459

)

 

$

-

   

$

-

   

$

7,949,312

   

$

-

   

$

4,620,853

   

  The information in the above reconciliation table represents fiscal year to date activity for any securities identified as using Level 3 inputs at either the beginning or the end of the current fiscal period.

  The change in unrealized depreciation attributed to securities owned at December 31, 2015, which were valued using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3), amounted to $3,328,459.

  Quantitative information pertaining to Level 3 unobservable fair value measurements

    Fair Value at
December 31, 2015
 

Valuation Technique(s)

 

Unobservable Input(s)

  Range (Weighted
Average)
 
Equities
Asia
 

$

4,620,853

    Float price
with market index
  Discount for lack
of liquidity
   

10

% to 27%

 

  Financial assets were transferred from Level 2 to Level 3 as trading halted during the period. As a result, as of period end, the Committee determined to value the security(s) under consistently applied procedures established by and under the general supervision of the Board.

  The following table shows transfers between Level 2 and Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy:

Transfers In

 

Transfers Out

 
Level 2  

Level 3

 

Level 2

 

Level 3

 
$

-

   

$

7,949,312

   

$

7,949,312

   

$

-

   

  Transfers into and/or out of Level 3 are determined based on the fair value at the beginning of the period for security positions held throughout the period.

  Certain securities classified as Level 3 are valued by the Committee at fair value, using a market approach, as determined in good faith under consistently applied procedures established by and under the general supervision of the Board. To determine fair value for these securities, for which no market exists, the Committee utilizes the valuation technique it deems most appropriate in the circumstances, using some unobservable inputs, which may include, but are not limited to estimated earnings of the company and the position of the security within the company's capital structure. The Committee also may use some observable inputs, which may include, but are not limited to, trades of similar securities or indices and market multiples derived from a set of comparable companies. Significant increases or decreases to any of these inputs could result in a significantly lower or higher fair value measurement.

See accompanying notes to financial statements.


76



COLUMBIA ACORN EMERGING MARKETS FUNDSM

PORTFOLIO DIVERSIFICATION (UNAUDITED)

At December 31, 2015, the Fund's portfolio investments as a percentage of net assets were diversified as follows:

   

Value

  Percentage
of Net Assets
 
> Information  

Mobile Communications

 

$

16,421,386

     

6.0

   

Entertainment Programming

   

13,355,240

     

4.8

   
Semiconductors & Related
Equipment
   

10,965,783

     

4.0

   

Instrumentation

   

7,881,232

     

2.9

   

Internet Related

   

7,667,256

     

2.8

   

Business Software

   

6,891,259

     

2.5

   

Cable TV

   

6,335,676

     

2.3

   

Telephone & Data Services

   

6,290,750

     

2.3

   

Satellite Broadcasting & Services

   

5,720,889

     

2.1

   
Computer Hardware & Related
Equipment
   

5,676,199

     

2.0

   

Telecommunications Equipment

   

3,352,815

     

1.2

   

TV Broadcasting

   

3,344,774

     

1.2

   
     

93,903,259

     

34.1

   
> Consumer Goods & Services  

Food & Beverage

   

20,017,065

     

7.3

   

Retail

   

17,915,639

     

6.5

   

Travel

   

13,305,582

     

4.8

   

Consumer Goods Distribution

   

6,175,455

     

2.3

   

Casinos & Gaming

   

5,583,713

     

2.0

   

Other Durable Goods

   

1,432,580

     

0.5

   
     

64,430,034

     

23.4

   
> Industrial Goods & Services  
Industrial Materials &
Specialty Chemicals
   

15,130,631

     

5.5

   

Conglomerates

   

6,475,982

     

2.3

   

Water

   

5,718,684

     

2.1

   

Other Industrial Services

   

4,707,378

     

1.7

   

Outsourcing Services

   

3,463,257

     

1.3

   

Waste Management

   

3,181,352

     

1.2

   

Electrical Components

   

2,535,783

     

0.9

   
     

41,213,067

     

15.0

   
> Finance  

Banks

   

15,323,525

     

5.6

   

Insurance

   

7,959,436

     

2.9

   

Brokerage & Money Management

   

6,015,336

     

2.2

   

Diversified Financial Companies

   

3,994,963

     

1.4

   
     

33,293,260

     

12.1

   
> Health Care  

Medical Supplies

   

8,482,466

     

3.1

   

Pharmaceuticals

   

4,620,853

     

1.6

   

Hospital Management

   

505,388

     

0.2

   
     

13,608,707

     

4.9

   
   

Value

  Percentage
of Net Assets
 
> Other Industries  

Transportation

 

$

10,838,729

     

3.9

   
     

10,838,729

     

3.9

   
> Energy & Minerals  

Oil Refining, Marketing & Distribution

   

4,752,801

     

1.7

   

Oil & Gas Producers

   

2,937,053

     

1.1

   
     

7,689,854

     

2.8

   

Total Equities:

   

264,976,910

     

96.2

   

Short-Term Investments:

   

10,565,808

     

3.8

   

Securities Lending Collateral:

   

3,746,400

     

1.4

   

Total Investments:

   

279,289,118

     

101.4

   
Obligation to Return
Collateral for Securities
Loaned:
   

(3,746,400

)

   

(1.4

)

 
Cash and Other Assets
Less Liabilities:
   

(222,206

)

   

0.0

*

 

Net Assets:

 

$

275,320,512

     

100.0

   

*  Rounds to zero.

See accompanying notes to financial statements.


77



COLUMBIA ACORN EUROPEAN FUNDSM

MAJOR PORTFOLIO CHANGES IN THE FOURTH QUARTER (UNAUDITED)

   

Number of Shares

 
   

9/30/15

 

12/31/15

 

Purchases

 

Europe

 
> United Kingdom  

Abcam

   

64,937

     

67,407

   

Babcock International

   

39,480

     

75,760

   

Charles Taylor

   

384,788

     

405,508

   

Connect Group

   

239,871

     

394,721

   

Domino's Pizza UK & Ireland

   

51,500

     

84,890

   

DS Smith

   

0

     

109,910

   

Elementis

   

141,140

     

180,730

   

Halfords

   

99,490

     

185,700

   

Halma

   

48,730

     

74,150

   

Ocado

   

99,190

     

119,040

   

Polypipe

   

125,110

     

125,770

   

Regus

   

145,000

     

251,610

   

Rentokil Initial

   

0

     

272,070

   

Rightmove

   

10,760

     

32,046

   

WH Smith

   

36,670

     

36,820

   
> Sweden  

Mekonomen

   

46,940

     

55,190

   

Recipharm

   

64,280

     

86,220

   

Sweco

   

65,250

     

68,336

   

Unibet

   

15,131

     

16,411

   
> Germany  

Elringklinger

   

22,890

     

25,162

   

Wirecard

   

27,390

     

39,070

   
> Finland  

Konecranes

   

30,850

     

36,750

   

Munksjo

   

189,960

     

208,082

   

Tikkurila

   

37,441

     

71,311

   
> Netherlands  

Aalberts Industries

   

33,820

     

37,180

   

Arcadis

   

36,405

     

38,625

   

Core Labs

   

4,400

     

5,680

   

Gemalto

   

10,780

     

12,660

   

Vopak

   

12,010

     

14,550

   
> France  

AKKA Technologies

   

18,048

     

26,716

   

Bonduelle

   

20,830

     

24,890

   

Cegedim

   

15,360

     

18,400

   

Elior

   

0

     

46,450

   
> Spain  

Bolsas y Mercados Españoles

   

13,530

     

18,200

   
Distribuidora Internacional de
Alimentación
   

263,590

     

317,850

   

Prosegur

   

182,250

     

208,710

   

Viscofan

   

9,070

     

10,310

   
   

Number of Shares

 
   

9/30/15

 

12/31/15

 
> Switzerland  

Panalpina Welttransport Holding

   

5,380

     

5,680

   
> Denmark  

SimCorp

   

25,640

     

28,400

   
> Norway  

Atea

   

113,560

     

148,775

   
> Italy  

Hera

   

195,200

     

241,730

   

Industria Macchine Automatiche

   

11,280

     

12,460

   

See accompanying notes to financial statements.


78



   

Number of Shares

 
   

9/30/15

 

12/31/15

 

Sales

 

Europe

 
> United Kingdom  

Assura Rights

   

383,513

     

0

   

Cable and Wireless

   

1,091,240

     

0

   

Cambian

   

213,850

     

0

   

Dialight

   

70,640

     

0

   

Fidessa Group

   

23,460

     

4,057

   

Spirax Sarco

   

27,267

     

19,907

   
> Sweden  

Hexagon

   

26,343

     

25,723

   

Modern Times Group

   

31,850

     

0

   

Swedish Match

   

25,662

     

23,852

   

Trelleborg

   

36,320

     

33,170

   
> Germany  

Aurelius

   

31,360

     

27,360

   

MTU Aero Engines

   

13,200

     

13,010

   

NORMA Group

   

24,150

     

23,410

   

Telefonica Deutschland

   

94,780

     

0

   
> Finland  

Sponda

   

167,120

     

159,730

   
> Netherlands  

Brunel

   

35,971

     

35,351

   
> France  

Eutelsat

   

34,750

     

20,641

   

HiPay

   

6,856

     

0

   

Neopost

   

33,020

     

0

   

Saft

   

14,431

     

0

   
> Switzerland  

Geberit

   

3,230

     

0

   
> Denmark  

William Demant Holding

   

14,330

     

13,240

   
> Norway  

Orkla

   

87,370

     

79,320

   
> Belgium  

EVS Broadcast Equipment

   

20,210

     

19,695

   

See accompanying notes to financial statements.


79



COLUMBIA ACORN EUROPEAN FUNDSM

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS, DECEMBER 31, 2015

Number of Shares

     

Value

 
           

Equities: 98.3%

 

Europe 98.3%

     
    > United Kingdom 30.1%  
 

32,046

   

Rightmove

 

$

1,947,436

   
       

Internet Real Estate Listings

         
 

1,990,765

   

Assura

   

1,622,936

   
        UK Primary Health Care
Property Developer
         
 

405,508

   

Charles Taylor

   

1,554,280

   
       

Insurance Services

         
 

84,890

   

Domino's Pizza UK & Ireland

   

1,315,711

   
        Pizza Delivery in the UK,
Ireland & Germany
         
 

251,610

   

Regus

   

1,236,304

   
        Rental of Office Space in Full
Service Business Centers
         
 

75,760

   

Babcock International

   

1,133,760

   
       

Public Sector Outsourcer

         
 

394,721

   

Connect Group

   

977,039

   
       

Newspaper & Magazine Distributor

         
 

19,907

   

Spirax Sarco

   

962,758

   
        Steam Systems for Manufacturing &
Process Industries
         
 

36,820

   

WH Smith

   

956,728

   
        Newsprint, Books & General
Stationery Retailer
         
 

74,150

   

Halma

   

944,203

   
       

Health & Safety Sensor Technology

         
 

185,700

   

Halfords

   

915,019

   
        UK Retailer of Leisure Goods &
Auto Parts
         
 

67,407

   

Abcam

   

660,306

   
       

Online Sales of Antibodies

         
 

125,770

   

Polypipe

   

647,081

   
        Manufacturer of Plastic
Piping & Fittings
         
 

109,910

   

DS Smith (a)

   

642,926

   
       

Packaging

         
 

272,070

   

Rentokil Initial

   

638,342

   
        Pest Control, Washroom &
Workwear Service Provider
         
 

106,900

   

PureCircle (a)

   

634,702

   
       

Natural Sweeteners

         
 

180,730

   

Elementis

   

608,649

   
       

Specialty Chemicals

         
 

41,010

   

Jardine Lloyd Thompson Group

   

554,958

   
        International Business
Insurance Broker
         
 

119,040

   

Ocado (a)

   

531,838

   
       

Online Grocery Retailer

         
 

4,057

   

Fidessa Group

   

119,796

   
        Software for Financial
Trading Systems
         
     

18,604,772

   
    > Sweden 12.2%  
 

16,411

   

Unibet

   

1,673,352

   
       

European Online Gaming Operator

         
 

86,220

   

Recipharm (b)

   

1,292,056

   
        Contract Development
Manufacturing Organization
         

Number of Shares

     

Value

 
 

55,190

   

Mekonomen

 

$

1,129,581

   
        Nordic Integrated Wholesaler/
Retailer of Automotive
Parts & Service
         
 

68,336

   

Sweco

   

1,005,840

   
       

Engineering Consultants

         
 

25,723

   

Hexagon

   

951,567

   
        Design, Measurement & Visualization
Software & Equipment
         
 

23,852

   

Swedish Match

   

842,868

   
       

Swedish Snus

         
 

33,170

   

Trelleborg

   

643,757

   
        Manufacturer of Sealing,
Dampening & Protective
Solutions for Industry
         
     

7,539,021

   
    > Germany 11.7%  
 

39,070

   

Wirecard

   

1,952,915

   
        Online Payment Processing &
Risk Management
         
 

27,360

   

Aurelius

   

1,420,195

   
       

European Turnaround Investor

         
 

23,410

   

NORMA Group

   

1,293,906

   
        Clamps for Automotive &
Industrial Applications
         
 

13,010

   

MTU Aero Engines

   

1,268,020

   
        Airplane Engine
Components & Services
         
 

1,460

   

Rational

   

662,711

   
       

Commercial Ovens

         
 

25,162

   

Elringklinger

   

638,744

   
       

Automobile Components

     
     

7,236,491

   
    > Finland 7.8%  
 

139,522

   

Munksjo

   

1,303,979

   
  68,560    

Munksjo (c)

   

684,264

   
       

Specialty Paper Maker

         
 

71,311

   

Tikkurila

   

1,248,480

   
        Decorative & Industrial Paint in
Scandinavia, Central &
Eastern Europe
         
 

36,750

   

Konecranes

   

909,589

   
        Manufacture & Service of
Industrial Cranes & Port
Handling Equipment
         
 

159,730

   

Sponda

   

678,470

   
       

Office, Retail & Logistics Properties

         
     

4,824,782

   
    > Netherlands 7.6%  
 

37,180

   

Aalberts Industries

   

1,281,065

   
       

Flow Control & Heat Treatment

         
 

38,625

   

Arcadis

   

776,491

   
       

Engineering Consultants

         
 

12,660

   

Gemalto

   

759,626

   
       

Digital Security Solutions

         
 

35,351

   

Brunel

   

643,842

   
  Temporary Specialist &
Energy Staffing
   
 

14,550

   

Vopak

   

626,593

   
        Operator of Petroleum &
Chemical Storage Terminals
         

See accompanying notes to financial statements.


80



Number of Shares

     

Value

 
    > Netherlands—continued  
 

5,680

   

Core Labs (b)

 

$

617,643

   
       

Oil & Gas Reservoir Consulting

         
     

4,705,260

   
    > France 7.0%  
 

46,450

   

Elior

   

973,156

   
        Contract Catering &
Concession Services
         
 

26,716

   

AKKA Technologies

   

863,578

   
       

Engineering Consultancy

         
 

1,860

   

Eurofins Scientific

   

648,806

   
        Food, Pharmaceuticals &
Materials Screening & Testing
         
 

18,400

   

Cegedim (a)

   

639,678

   
        Medical Market
Research/IT Services
         
 

24,890

   

Bonduelle

   

623,214

   
        Producer of Canned, Deep-frozen &
Fresh Vegetables
         
 

20,641

   

Eutelsat

   

618,001

   
       

Fixed Satellite Services

         
     

4,366,433

   
    > Spain 6.6%  
 

317,850

    Distribuidora Internacional
de Alimentación
   

1,874,709

   
        Discount Retailer in Spain &
Latin America
         
 

208,710

   

Prosegur

   

961,192

   
       

Security Guards

         
 

10,310

   

Viscofan

   

621,926

   
       

Sausage Casings Maker

         
 

18,200

   

Bolsas y Mercados Españoles

   

613,330

   
       

Spanish Stock Markets

     
     

4,071,157

   
    > Switzerland 4.6%  
 

4,450

   

Partners Group (b)

   

1,600,372

   
       

Private Markets Asset Management

         
 

2,030

   

INFICON

   

647,208

   
       

Gas Detection Instruments

         
 

5,680

    Panalpina Welttransport
Holding
   

634,154

   
       

Air & Sea Freight Forwarding

         
     

2,881,734

   
    > Denmark 4.6%  
 

28,400

   

SimCorp

   

1,601,345

   
       

Software for Investment Managers

         
 

13,240

   

William Demant Holding (a)

   

1,261,170

   
        Manufacture & Distribution of
Hearing Aids & Diagnostic Equipment
         
     

2,862,515

   
    > Norway 3.0%  
 

148,775

   

Atea

   

1,228,752

   
        Nordic IT Hardware/Software
Reseller & Integrator
         
 

79,320

   

Orkla

   

625,749

   
  Food & Brands, Aluminum,
Chemicals Conglomerate
   
     

1,854,501

   

Number of Shares

     

Value

 
    > Italy 2.1%  
 

12,460

   

Industria Macchine Automatiche

 

$

646,771

   
       

Food & Drugs Packaging & Machinery

         
 

241,730

   

Hera

   

640,632

   
       

Northern Italian Utility

         
     

1,287,403

   
    > Belgium 1.0%  
 

19,695

   

EVS Broadcast Equipment

   

620,703

   
        Digital Live Mobile Production
Software & Systems
         

Europe: Total

   

60,854,772

   
Total Equities: 98.3%
(Cost: $57,489,958)
   

60,854,772

(d)

 

Short-Term Investments 1.7%

     
 

1,029,385

    JPMorgan U.S. Government
Money Market Fund, IM
Shares (7 day yield of 0.01%)
   

1,029,385

   
Total Short-Term Investments: 1.7%
(Cost: $1,029,385)
   

1,029,385

   

Securities Lending Collateral 2.3%

     
 

1,428,399

    Dreyfus Government Cash
Management Fund,
Institutional Shares
(7 day yield of 0.03%) (e)
   

1,428,399

   
Total Securities Lending Collateral: 2.3%
(Cost: $1,428,399)
   

1,428,399

   
Total Investments: 102.3%
(Cost: $59,947,742)(f)
   

63,312,556

   
Obligation to Return Collateral for
Securities Loaned: (2.3)%
   

(1,428,399

)

 

Cash and Other Assets Less Liabilities: —%

   

2,234

   

Net Assets: 100.0%

 

$

61,886,391

   

See accompanying notes to financial statements.


81



COLUMBIA ACORN EUROPEAN FUNDSM

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS, CONTINUED

> Notes to Statement of Investments

(a)  Non-income producing security.

(b)  All or a portion of this security was on loan at December 31, 2015. The total market value of securities on loan at December 31, 2015 was $1,370,996.

(c)  Security is traded on a Swedish exchange.

(d)  On December 31, 2015, the Fund's total equity investments were denominated in currencies as follows:

Currency

 

Value

  Percentage of
Net Assets
 

Euro

 

$

25,810,321

     

41.7

   

British Pound

   

18,604,772

     

30.0

   

Swedish Krona

   

8,223,285

     

13.3

   
Other currencies less than
5% of total net assets
   

8,216,394

     

13.3

   

Total Equities

 

$

60,854,772

     

98.3

   

(e)  Investment made with cash collateral received from securities lending activity.

(f)  At December 31, 2015, for federal income tax purposes, the cost of investments was $60,624,870 and net unrealized appreciation was $2,687,686 consisting of gross unrealized appreciation of $6,480,476 and gross unrealized depreciation of $3,792,790.

Fair Value Measurements

  Various inputs are used in determining the value of the Fund's investments, following the input prioritization hierarchy established by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP). These inputs are summarized in the three broad levels listed below:

    Level 1 – quoted prices in active markets for identical securities

    Level 2 – prices determined using other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk and others)

    Level 3 – prices determined using significant unobservable inputs where quoted prices or observable inputs are unavailable or less reliable (including management's own assumptions about the factors market participants would use in pricing an investment)

  The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.

  Examples of the types of securities in which the Fund would typically invest and how they are classified within this hierarchy are as follows. Typical Level 1 securities include exchange traded domestic equities, mutual funds whose NAVs are published each day and exchange traded foreign equities that are not statistically fair valued. Typical Level 2 securities include exchange traded foreign equities that are statistically fair valued, forward foreign currency exchange contracts and short-term investments valued at amortized cost. Additionally, securities fair valued by CWAM's Valuation Committee (the Committee) that rely on significant observable inputs are also included in Level 2. Typical Level 3 securities include any security fair valued by the Committee that relies on significant unobservable inputs.

  The Committee is responsible for applying the Trust's Portfolio Pricing Policy and the CWAM pricing procedures (the Policies), which are approved by and subject to the oversight of the Board.

  The Committee meets as necessary, and no less frequently than quarterly, to determine fair values for securities for which market quotations are not readily available or for which CWAM believes that available market quotations are unreliable. The Committee also reviews the continuing appropriateness of the Policies. In circumstances where a security has been fair valued, the Committee will also review the continuing appropriateness of the current value of the security. The Policies address, among other things: circumstances under which market quotations will be deemed readily available; selection of third party pricing vendors; appropriate pricing methodologies; events that require fair valuation and fair value techniques; circumstances under which securities will be deemed to pose a potential for stale pricing, including when securities are illiquid, restricted, or in default; and certain delegations of authority to determine fair values to the Fund's investment manager. The Committee may also meet to discuss additional valuation matters, which may include review of back-testing results, review of time-sensitive information or approval of other valuation related actions, and to review the appropriateness of the Policies.

  For investments categorized as Level 3, the significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Fund's securities may include: (i) data specific to the issuer or comparable issuers, (ii) general market or specific sector news and (iii) quoted prices and specific or similar security transactions. The Committee considers this data and any changes from prior periods in order to assess the reasonableness of observable and unobservable inputs, any assumptions or internal models used to value those securities and changes in fair value. Significant changes in any of these factors could result in lower or higher fair value measurements. Various factors impact the frequency of monitoring (which may occur as often as daily), however the Committee may determine that changes to inputs, assumptions and models are not required with the same frequency.

See accompanying notes to financial statements.


82



> Notes to Statement of Investments

  The following table summarizes the inputs used, as of December 31, 2015, in valuing the Fund's assets:

Investment Type

  Quoted Prices
(Level 1)
  Other
Significant
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
  Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 

Total

 

Equities

 

Europe

 

$

617,643

   

$

60,237,129

   

$

-

   

$

60,854,772

   

Total Equities

   

617,643

     

60,237,129

     

-

     

60,854,772

   

Total Short-Term Investments

   

1,029,385

     

-

     

-

     

1,029,385

   

Total Securities Lending Collateral

   

1,428,399

     

-

     

-

     

1,428,399

   

Total Investments

 

$

3,075,427

   

$

60,237,129

   

$

-

   

$

63,312,556

   

  The Fund's assets assigned to the Level 2 input category are generally valued using a market approach, in which a security's value is determined through its correlation to prices and information from observable market transactions for similar or identical assets. Foreign equities are generally valued at the last sale price on the foreign exchange or market on which they trade. The Fund may use a statistical fair valuation model, in accordance with the policy adopted by the Board, provided by an independent third party to value securities principally traded in foreign markets in order to adjust for possible stale pricing that may occur between the close of the foreign exchanges and the time for valuation. These models take into account available market data including intraday index, ADR, and ETF movements.

  There were no transfers of financial assets between levels during the period.

See accompanying notes to financial statements.


83



COLUMBIA ACORN EUROPEAN FUNDSM

PORTFOLIO DIVERSIFICATION (UNAUDITED)

At December 31, 2015, the Fund's portfolio investments as a percentage of net assets were diversified as follows:

   

Value

  Percentage
of Net Assets
 
> Industrial Goods & Services  

Outsourcing Services

 

$

5,477,018

     

8.9

   
Industrial Materials & Specialty
Chemicals
   

5,127,874

     

8.3

   

Machinery

   

5,122,943

     

8.2

   

Other Industrial Services

   

4,333,311

     

7.0

   

Conglomerates

   

3,327,009

     

5.4

   

Construction

   

647,081

     

1.0

   
     

24,035,236

     

38.8

   
> Consumer Goods & Services  

Retail

   

5,407,876

     

8.7

   

Food & Beverage

   

2,722,709

     

4.4

   

Restaurants

   

2,288,867

     

3.7

   

Casinos & Gaming

   

1,673,352

     

2.7

   

Consumer Goods Distribution

   

977,039

     

1.6

   
     

13,069,843

     

21.1

   
> Information  

Business Software

   

2,672,708

     

4.4

   

Financial Processors

   

1,952,915

     

3.2

   

Internet Related

   

1,947,436

     

3.1

   

Computer Services

   

1,868,430

     

3.0

   
Computer Hardware & Related
Equipment
   

1,380,328

     

2.2

   

Instrumentation

   

944,203

     

1.5

   

Satellite Broadcasting & Services

   

618,001

     

1.0

   
     

11,384,021

     

18.4

   
> Finance  

Insurance

   

2,109,238

     

3.4

   

Brokerage & Money Management

   

1,600,372

     

2.6

   

Finance Processors

   

613,330

     

1.0

   
     

4,322,940

     

7.0

   
> Other Industries  

Real Estate

   

2,301,406

     

3.8

   

Containers & packaging

   

642,926

     

1.0

   

Regulated Utilities

   

640,632

     

1.0

   
     

3,584,964

     

5.8

   
> Health Care  

Pharmaceuticals

   

1,292,056

     

2.1

   

Medical Equipment & Devices

   

1,261,170

     

2.0

   

Medical Supplies

   

660,306

     

1.1

   
     

3,213,532

     

5.2

   
   

Value

  Percentage
of Net Assets
 
> Energy & Minerals  

Oil Refining, Marketing & Distribution

 

$

626,593

     

1.0

   

Mining

   

617,643

     

1.0

   
     

1,244,236

     

2.0

   

Total Equities:

   

60,854,772

     

98.3

   

Short-Term Investments:

   

1,029,385

     

1.7

   

Securities Lending Collateral:

   

1,428,399

     

2.3

   

Total Investments:

   

63,312,556

     

102.3

   
Obligation to Return
Collateral for Securities
Loaned:
   

(1,428,399

)

   

(2.3

)

 
Cash and Other Assets
Less Liabilities:
   

2,234

     

0.0

*

 

Net Assets:

 

$

61,886,391

     

100.0

   

*  Rounds to Zero

See accompanying notes to financial statements.


84




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85



COLUMBIA ACORN FAMILY OF FUNDS

STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

December 31, 2015

  Columbia
Acorn®
Fund
  Columbia
Acorn
International®
  Columbia
Acorn
USA®
  Columbia
Acorn
International
SelectSM
 

Assets:

 

Unaffiliated investments, at cost

 

$

4,601,812,570

   

$

5,867,990,294

   

$

699,072,890

   

$

125,202,132

   

Affiliated investments, at cost

   

321,130,631

     

97,959,201

     

3,010,754

     

   
Unaffiliated investments, at value (including securities on loan: Columbia Acorn Fund $114,623,134;
Columbia Acorn International $240,885,855; Columbia Acorn USA $33,663,142; Columbia Acorn
International Select $4,443,893; Columbia Acorn Select $14,477,792; Columbia
Thermostat Fund $—; Columbia Acorn Emerging Markets Fund $3,581,674; Columbia Acorn
European Fund $1,370,996)
 

$

7,029,721,064

   

$

6,951,742,263

   

$

1,002,313,387

   

$

141,389,544

   

Affiliated investments, at value

   

335,041,315

     

49,363,230

     

1,543,641

     

   
Foreign currency (cost: Columbia Acorn Fund $—; Columbia Acorn International $51,833;
Columbia Acorn USA $—; Columbia Acorn International Select $87;
Columbia Acorn Select $—; Columbia Thermostat Fund $—;
Columbia Acorn Emerging Markets Fund $16; Columbia Acorn European Fund $—)
   

     

51,810

     

     

87

   

Receivable for:

 

Investments sold

   

6,037,766

     

16,209,500

     

7,464,344

     

3,772,872

   

Fund shares sold

   

2,717,718

     

27,901,219

     

229,741

     

23,983

   

Dividends

   

3,495,618

     

7,599,088

     

502,175

     

154,099

   

Securities lending income

   

113,843

     

223,779

     

23,087

     

510

   

Foreign tax reclaims

   

10,639

     

2,439,852

     

     

172,341

   

Variation Margin

   

91,090

     

     

     

   

Regulatory Settlements

   

     

     

     

33,279

   

Expense reimbursement due from Investment Manager

   

     

949

     

     

1

   

Margin Deposits

   

21,140,700

     

     

3,747,600

     

   

Trustees' deferred compensation plan

   

3,540,002

     

1,244,142

     

311,009

     

   

Prepaid expenses

   

147,401

     

106,346

     

17,296

     

2,820

   

Total Assets

   

7,402,057,156

     

7,056,882,178

     

1,016,152,280

     

145,549,536

   

Liabilities:

 

Collateral on securities loaned

   

118,849,524

     

253,539,187

     

35,003,025

     

4,679,312

   

Payable for:

 

Investments purchased

   

86,724

     

3,201,140

     

     

1,020,067

   

Fund shares redeemed

   

79,890,729

     

63,480,090

     

21,620,810

     

347,957

   

Investment advisory fee

   

132,262

     

141,583

     

23,741

     

3,625

   

Administration fee

   

8,864

     

8,214

     

1,193

     

170

   

12b-1 Service and Distribution fees

   

22,560

     

8,165

     

1,140

     

383

   

Reports to shareholders

   

351,970

     

358,661

     

41,264

     

19,580

   

Transfer agent fees

   

1,077,784

     

890,597

     

273,030

     

16,517

   

Trustees' fees

   

40,474

     

33,058

     

5,072

     

65,942

   

Custody fees

   

22,695

     

432,505

     

3,935

     

11,658

   

Audit fees

   

88,437

     

90,148

     

45,640

     

48,448

   

Legal fees

   

219,927

     

134,704

     

22,507

     

4,031

   

Chief compliance officer expenses

   

99,069

     

68,153

     

11,402

     

1,852

   

Variation Margin

   

4,299,350

     

     

798,100

     

   

Deferred foreign capital gains tax payable

   

     

     

     

4,387

   

Trustees' deferred compensation plan

   

3,540,002

     

1,244,142

     

311,009

     

   

Other liabilities

   

42,913

     

74,065

     

8,485

     

4,731

   

Total Liabilities

   

208,773,284

     

323,704,412

     

58,170,353

     

6,228,660

   

Net Assets

 

$

7,193,283,872

   

$

6,733,177,766

   

$

957,981,927

   

$

139,320,876

   

Composition of Net Assets:

 

Paid-in capital

 

$

4,111,081,001

   

$

5,728,675,723

   

$

572,856,574

   

$

138,318,682

   

Undistributed (Overdistributed) net investment income (loss)

   

(3,776,255

)

   

(35,935,510

)

   

2,786

     

(65,144

)

 

Accumulated net realized gain (loss)

   

639,869,567

     

5,513,542

     

82,883,898

     

(15,092,682

)

 

Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

 

Unaffiliated investments

   

2,427,908,494

     

1,083,751,969

     

303,240,497

     

16,187,412

   

Affiliated investments

   

13,910,684

     

(48,595,971

)

   

(1,467,113

)

   

   

Foreign currency translations

   

(2,210

)

   

(231,987

)

   

     

(23,005

)

 

Futures contracts

   

4,292,591

     

     

465,285

     

   

Foreign capital gains tax

   

     

     

     

(4,387

)

 

Net Assets

 

$

7,193,283,872

   

$

6,733,177,766

   

$

957,981,927

   

$

139,320,876

   

Net asset value per share – Class A (a)

 

$

17.63

   

$

39.08

   

$

20.25

   

$

21.33

   
(Net assets/shares)
 
 

($

1,388,893,288/
78,785,084)
 

($

812,479,486/
20,791,238)
 

($

95,047,918/
4,693,802)
 

($

33,771,654/
1,583,471)
 

Maximum offering price per share – Class A (b)

 

$

18.71

   

$

41.46

   

$

21.49

   

$

22.63

   

(Net asset value per share/front-end sales charge)

 

($

17.63/ 0.9425

)

 

($

39.08/ 0.9425

)

 

($

20.25/ 0.9425

)

 

($

21.33/ 0.9425

)

 

Net asset value and offering price per share – Class B (a)

 

$

13.70

   

$

37.80

   

$

16.05

   

$

20.09

(c)

 

(Net assets/shares)

 

($

1,286,056/
93,870)
 

($

1,627,587/
43,053)
 

($

24,739/
1,541)
 

($

19,760/
984)
 

Net asset value and offering price per share – Class C (a)

 

$

13.16

   

$

37.65

   

$

16.00

   

$

19.96

   
(Net assets/shares)
 
 

($

456,348,014/
34,680,388)
 

($

88,606,092/
2,353,696)
 

($

17,255,290/
1,078,425)
 

($

5,389,960/
270,005)
 

Net asset value and offering price per share – Class I (d)

 

$

19.43

   

$

39.15

   

$

22.40

(c)

 

$

21.57

(c)

 
(Net assets/shares)
 
 

($

27,151,414/
1,397,441)
 

($

54,381,936/
1,389,085)
 

($

1,573/
70)
 

($

1,988/
92)
 

Net asset value and offering price per share – Class R (d)

 

$

   

$

39.07

   

$

   

$

   

(Net assets/shares)

 

($

—/—

)

 

($

4,944,878/
126,549)
 

($

—/—

)

 

($

—/—

)

 

Net asset value and offering price per share – Class R4 (d)

 

$

19.84

   

$

39.41

   

$

22.85

   

$

21.74

   
(Net assets/shares)
 
 

($

50,334,900/
2,536,959)
 

($

486,762,577/
12,352,519)
 

($

8,224,188/
359,944)
 

($

898,406/
41,331)
 

Net asset value and offering price per share – Class R5 (d)

 

$

19.92

   

$

39.10

   

$

22.90

   

$

21.72

   
(Net assets/shares)
 
 

($

76,411,734/
3,835,760)
 

($

320,252,014/
8,191,270)
 

($

27,112,468/
1,184,159)
 

($

2,267,702/
104,415)
 

Net asset value and offering price per share – Class Y (d)

 

$

20.00

   

$

39.41

   

$

22.99

   

$

21.71

   
(Net assets/shares)
 
 

($

130,545,863/
6,527,505)
 

($

318,326,438/
8,077,552)
 

($

41,657,604/
1,811,901)
 

($

660,103/
30,410)
 

Net asset value and offering price per share – Class Z (d)

 

$

19.34

   

$

39.12

   

$

22.19

   

$

21.58

   
(Net assets/shares)
 
 

($

5,062,312,603/
261,803,131)
 

($

4,645,796,758/
118,767,111)
 

($

768,658,147/
34,638,404)
 

($

96,311,303/
4,462,085)
 

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

(b)  On sales of $50,000 or more the offering price is reduced.

(c)  Net asset value per share rounds to this amount due to fractional shares outstanding.

(d)  Redemption price per share is equal to net asset value.

See accompanying notes to financial statements.


86



December 31, 2015

  Columbia
Acorn
SelectSM
  Columbia
Thermostat
FundSM
  Columbia
Acorn
Emerging Markets
FundSM
  Columbia
Acorn
European
FundSM
 

Assets:

 

Unaffiliated investments, at cost

 

$

352,514,229

   

$

4,215,521

   

$

316,869,798

   

$

59,947,742

   

Affiliated investments, at cost

   

     

1,106,675,479

     

     

   
Unaffiliated investments, at value (including securities on loan: Columbia Acorn Fund $114,623,134;
Columbia Acorn International $240,885,855; Columbia Acorn USA $33,663,142; Columbia Acorn
International Select $4,443,893; Columbia Acorn Select $14,477,792; Columbia
Thermostat Fund $—; Columbia Acorn Emerging Markets Fund $3,581,674; Columbia Acorn
European Fund $1,370,996)
 

$

416,132,744

   

$

4,215,521

   

$

279,289,118

   

$

63,312,556

   

Affiliated investments, at value

   

     

1,097,485,401

     

     

   
Foreign currency (cost: Columbia Acorn Fund $—; Columbia Acorn International $51,833;
Columbia Acorn USA $—; Columbia Acorn International Select $87;
Columbia Acorn Select $—; Columbia Thermostat Fund $—;
Columbia Acorn Emerging Markets Fund $16; Columbia Acorn European Fund $—)
   

     

     

16

     

   

Receivable for:

 

Investments sold

   

6,110,916

     

     

574,317

     

1,493

   

Fund shares sold

   

274,542

     

2,534,369

     

348,173

     

349,445

   

Dividends

   

222,554

     

1,714,276

     

242,694

     

43,834

   

Securities lending income

   

3,456

     

     

18,352

     

226

   

Foreign tax reclaims

   

     

     

18,285

     

50,279

   

Variation Margin

   

     

     

     

   

Regulatory Settlements

   

     

     

     

   

Expense reimbursement due from Investment Manager

   

5

     

507

     

     

528

   

Margin Deposits

   

     

     

     

   

Trustees' deferred compensation plan

   

307,226

     

     

     

   

Prepaid expenses

   

7,873

     

15,993

     

5,415

     

759

   

Total Assets

   

423,059,316

     

1,105,966,067

     

280,496,370

     

63,759,120

   

Liabilities:

 

Collateral on securities loaned

   

14,899,925

     

     

3,746,400

     

1,428,399

   

Payable for:

 

Investments purchased

   

6,257,861

     

1,714,276

     

139

     

   

Fund shares redeemed

   

2,218,475

     

1,908,458

     

1,204,463

     

370,146

   

Investment advisory fee

   

7,218

     

3,026

     

8,247

     

2,037

   

Administration fee

   

489

     

1,331

     

333

     

75

   

12b-1 Service and Distribution fees

   

1,985

     

12,674

     

1,242

     

476

   

Reports to shareholders

   

45,922

     

47,701

     

25,776

     

7,291

   

Transfer agent fees

   

45,468

     

85,719

     

42,168

     

5,592

   

Trustees' fees

   

2,072

     

102,898

     

25,789

     

3,502

   

Custody fees

   

2,319

     

402

     

57,083

     

6,341

   

Audit fees

   

45,640

     

24,705

     

44,324

     

44,290

   

Legal fees

   

10,759

     

20,244

     

7,430

     

846

   

Chief compliance officer expenses

   

5,258

     

10,687

     

3,214

     

531

   

Variation Margin

   

     

     

     

   

Deferred foreign capital gains tax payable

   

     

     

     

   

Trustees' deferred compensation plan

   

307,226

     

     

     

   

Other liabilities

   

6,029

     

8,120

     

9,250

     

3,203

   

Total Liabilities

   

23,856,646

     

3,940,241

     

5,175,858

     

1,872,729

   

Net Assets

 

$

399,202,670

   

$

1,102,025,826

   

$

275,320,512

   

$

61,886,391

   

Composition of Net Assets:

 

Paid-in capital

 

$

306,973,649

   

$

1,089,539,157

   

$

354,220,434

   

$

63,996,991

   

Undistributed (Overdistributed) net investment income (loss)

   

(328,292

)

   

3,632,187

     

(322,301

)

   

(196,240

)

 

Accumulated net realized gain (loss)

   

28,937,267

     

18,044,560

     

(40,996,015

)

   

(5,273,473

)

 

Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

 

Unaffiliated investments

   

63,618,515

     

     

(37,580,680

)

   

3,364,814

   

Affiliated investments

   

     

(9,190,078

)

   

     

   

Foreign currency translations

   

1,531

     

     

(926

)

   

(5,701

)

 

Futures contracts

   

     

     

     

   

Foreign capital gains tax

   

     

     

     

   

Net Assets

 

$

399,202,670

   

$

1,102,025,826

   

$

275,320,512

   

$

61,886,391

   

Net asset value per share – Class A (a)

 

$

13.94

   

$

14.31

   

$

10.24

   

$

14.75

   
(Net assets/shares)
 
 

($

146,863,978/
10,534,872)
 

($

387,966,814/
27,112,539)
 

($

88,573,633/
8,645,822)
 

($

40,368,013/
2,736,294)
 

Maximum offering price per share – Class A (b)

 

$

14.79

   

$

15.18

   

$

10.86

   

$

15.65

   

(Net asset value per share/front-end sales charge)

 

($

13.94/ 0.9425

)

 

($

14.31/ 0.9425

)

 

($

10.24/ 0.9425

)

 

($

14.75/ 0.9425

)

 

Net asset value and offering price per share – Class B (a)

 

$

10.82

   

$

14.42

   

$

   

$

   

(Net assets/shares)

 

($

291,570/
26,947)
 

($

296,203/
20,546)
 

($

—/—

)

 

($

—/—

)

 

Net asset value and offering price per share – Class C (a)

 

$

10.51

   

$

14.41

   

$

10.20

   

$

14.63

   
(Net assets/shares)
 
 

($

34,588,998/
3,292,417)
 

($

364,684,379/
25,303,427)
 

($

22,952,742/
2,249,932)
 

($

7,220,125/
493,365)
 

Net asset value and offering price per share – Class I (d)

 

$

15.36

   

$

   

$

10.26

   

$

14.74

(c)

 
(Net assets/shares)
 
 

($

26,917,301/
1,752,519)
 

($

—/—

)

 

($

2,082/
203)
 

($

2,514/
171)
 

Net asset value and offering price per share – Class R (d)

 

$

   

$

   

$

   

$

   

(Net assets/shares)

 

($

—/—

)

 

($

—/—

)

 

($

—/—

)

 

($

—/—

)

 

Net asset value and offering price per share – Class R4 (d)

 

$

15.69

   

$

14.19

   

$

10.32

   

$

14.82

   
(Net assets/shares)
 
 

($

931,567/
59,358)
 

($

17,453,396/
1,230,037)
 

($

3,459,268/
335,062)
 

($

408,360/
27,562)
 

Net asset value and offering price per share – Class R5 (d)

 

$

15.74

   

$

14.20

   

$

10.32

   

$

14.89

   
(Net assets/shares)
 
 

($

911,292/
57,896)
 

($

6,113,750/
430,461)
 

($

12,642,503/
1,224,894)
 

($

2,121,566/
142,510)
 

Net asset value and offering price per share – Class Y (d)

 

$

15.83

   

$

14.18

   

$

10.23

(c)

 

$

   
(Net assets/shares)
 
 

($

5,056,338/
319,322)
 

($

352,009/
24,821)
 

($

1,939/
190)
 

($

—/—

)

 

Net asset value and offering price per share – Class Z (d)

 

$

15.24

   

$

14.12

   

$

10.26

   

$

14.75

   
(Net assets/shares)
 
 

($

183,641,626/
12,051,949)
 

($

325,159,275/
23,028,105)
 

($

147,688,345/
14,396,294)
 

($

11,765,813/
797,655)
 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.


87



COLUMBIA ACORN FAMILY OF FUNDS

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015

    Columbia
Acorn®
Fund
  Columbia
Acorn
International®
  Columbia
Acorn
USA®
  Columbia
Acorn
International
SelectSM
 

Investment Income:

 

Dividends

 

$

58,814,275

   

$

173,878,733

   

$

8,420,853

   

$

4,846,038

   

Dividends from affiliates

   

20,048,751

     

6,637,497

     

     

   

Dividends from affiliated investment company shares

   

     

     

     

   

Interest

   

1,819

     

1,103,808

     

     

414,371

   

Income from securities lending – net

   

3,028,130

     

2,220,256

     

433,716

     

71,883

   

   

81,892,975

     

183,840,294

     

8,854,569

     

5,332,292

   

Foreign taxes withheld

   

(542,057

)

   

(18,168,754

)

   

(16,190

)

   

(399,156

)

 

Total Investment Income

   

81,350,918

     

165,671,540

     

8,838,379

     

4,933,136

   

Expenses:

 

Investment advisory fee

   

76,269,057

     

57,648,348

     

10,921,789

     

2,027,132

   

Administration fee

   

4,752,303

     

3,088,394

     

509,236

     

87,041

   

12b-1 Service and Distribution fees:

 

Class A

   

5,322,567

     

2,325,299

     

318,567

     

110,603

   

Class B

   

28,836

     

29,586

     

1,009

     

1,282

   

Class C

   

6,779,236

     

1,006,630

     

310,436

     

70,111

   

Class R

   

     

24,405

     

     

   

Transfer agency fees:

 

Class A

   

2,238,908

     

1,514,873

     

166,198

     

64,435

   

Class B

   

19,039

     

21,997

     

1,361

     

809

   

Class C

   

499,191

     

141,217

     

19,628

     

11,809

   

Class R

   

     

11,968

     

     

   

Class R4

   

271,731

     

903,998

     

15,746

     

1,224

   

Class R5

   

99,912

     

194,888

     

17,331

     

1,869

   

Class Z

   

6,265,611

     

5,227,068

     

1,412,510

     

135,940

   

Trustees' fees

   

838,502

     

522,586

     

86,841

     

22,720

   

Custody fees

   

99,661

     

1,628,567

     

21,323

     

48,508

   

Registration and blue sky fees

   

142,705

     

182,445

     

93,235

     

88,959

   

Reports to shareholders

   

1,299,939

     

1,634,820

     

170,412

     

87,571

   

Audit fees

   

115,257

     

134,606

     

47,696

     

58,747

   

Legal fees

   

1,115,265

     

701,355

     

116,817

     

19,885

   

Interest expense (Note 5)

   

     

     

     

   

Chief compliance officer expenses

   

551,227

     

351,886

     

58,585

     

10,038

   

Other expenses

   

732,919

     

561,957

     

84,643

     

29,685

   

Total Expenses

   

107,441,866

     

77,856,893

     

14,373,363

     

2,878,368

   

Less reimbursement of expenses by Investment Manager

   

     

(393,364

)

   

     

(270

)

 

Less advisory fee waiver

   

     

     

     

   

Net Expenses

   

107,441,866

     

77,463,529

     

14,373,363

     

2,878,098

   

Net Investment Income (Loss)

   

(26,090,948

)

   

88,208,011

     

(5,534,984

)

   

2,055,038

   

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments:

 

Net realized gain (loss) on:

 

Unaffiliated investments

   

4,114,579,489

     

313,675,185

     

350,967,997

     

926,612

   

Affiliated investments

   

661,243,725

     

(6,289,915

)

   

(51,344

)

   

   

Distributions from affiliated investment company shares

   

     

     

     

   

Foreign currency translations

   

(231,266

)

   

(3,771,953

)

   

     

(218,318

)

 

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

   

     

     

     

1,016,625

   

Futures contracts

   

(47,326,332

)

   

     

(1,830,044

)

   

   

Net realized gain (loss)

   

4,728,265,616

     

303,613,317

     

349,086,609

     

1,724,919

   

Net change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

 

Unaffiliated investments

   

(3,417,864,347

)

   

(440,776,228

)

   

(347,826,522

)

   

(4,610,857

)

 

Affiliated investments

   

(1,230,821,970

)

   

(41,744,516

)

   

(1,467,113

)

   

   

Foreign currency translations

   

8,990

     

391,331

     

     

1,804

   

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

   

     

     

     

97,181

   

Futures contracts

   

4,292,591

     

     

465,285

     

   

Foreign capital gains tax

   

1,217,682

     

771,879

     

     

(4,387

)

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

   

(4,643,167,054

)

   

(481,357,534

)

   

(348,828,350

)

   

(4,516,259

)

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

   

85,098,562

     

(177,744,217

)

   

258,259

     

(2,791,340

)

 

Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations

 

$

59,007,614

   

$

(89,536,206

)

 

$

(5,276,725

)

 

$

(736,302

)

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.


88



    Columbia
Acorn
SelectSM
  Columbia
Thermostat
FundSM
  Columbia
Acorn
Emerging Markets
FundSM
  Columbia
Acorn
European
FundSM
 

Investment Income:

 

Dividends

 

$

4,494,729

   

$

518

   

$

10,703,119

   

$

1,421,489

   

Dividends from affiliates

   

     

     

     

   

Dividends from affiliated investment company shares

   

     

27,555,288

     

     

   

Interest

   

     

     

55,270

     

   

Income from securities lending – net

   

49,570

     

     

98,456

     

25,243

   

   

4,544,299

     

27,555,806

     

10,856,845

     

1,446,732

   

Foreign taxes withheld

   

(18,397

)

   

     

(804,898

)

   

(151,888

)

 

Total Investment Income

   

4,525,902

     

27,555,806

     

10,051,947

     

1,294,844

   

Expenses:

 

Investment advisory fee

   

4,813,211

     

1,185,388

     

4,198,938

     

626,925

   

Administration fee

   

228,735

     

480,540

     

159,290

     

21,520

   

12b-1 Service and Distribution fees:

 

Class A

   

559,648

     

1,065,096

     

326,869

     

79,859

   

Class B

   

4,354

     

6,628

     

     

   

Class C

   

428,400

     

3,835,863

     

334,665

     

63,659

   

Class R

   

     

     

     

   

Transfer agency fees:

 

Class A

   

266,633

     

314,953

     

171,946

     

36,231

   

Class B

   

4,586

     

2,310

     

     

   

Class C

   

43,310

     

277,195

     

45,936

     

8,057

   

Class R

   

     

     

     

   

Class R4

   

1,708

     

16,072

     

8,966

     

1,013

   

Class R5

   

2,677

     

2,356

     

8,721

     

925

   

Class Z

   

250,753

     

224,735

     

257,813

     

10,236

   

Trustees' fees

   

39,965

     

84,909

     

31,225

     

4,082

   

Custody fees

   

11,204

     

2,449

     

232,264

     

31,641

   

Registration and blue sky fees

   

93,537

     

112,471

     

90,519

     

85,471

   

Reports to shareholders

   

178,165

     

244,100

     

124,836

     

35,347

   

Audit fees

   

47,696

     

26,895

     

75,238

     

46,396

   

Legal fees

   

53,150

     

109,233

     

37,138

     

4,267

   

Interest expense (Note 5)

   

4,307

     

     

     

   

Chief compliance officer expenses

   

26,886

     

54,922

     

18,385

     

2,279

   

Other expenses

   

48,222

     

74,129

     

117,588

     

32,979

   

Total Expenses

   

7,107,147

     

8,120,244

     

6,240,337

     

1,090,887

   

Less reimbursement of expenses by Investment Manager

   

(1,789

)

   

(262,499

)

   

     

(157,815

)

 

Less advisory fee waiver

   

(714,526

)

   

     

     

   

Net Expenses

   

6,390,832

     

7,857,745

     

6,240,337

     

933,072

   

Net Investment Income (Loss)

   

(1,864,930

)

   

19,698,061

     

3,811,610

     

361,772

   

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments:

 

Net realized gain (loss) on:

 

Unaffiliated investments

   

169,759,249

     

     

(23,941,305

)

   

(2,552,794

)

 

Affiliated investments

   

(22,763,588

)

   

(6,937,313

)

   

     

   

Distributions from affiliated investment company shares

   

     

33,146,240

     

     

   

Foreign currency translations

   

(3,565

)

   

     

(359,211

)

   

(10,014

)

 

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

   

     

     

     

   

Futures contracts

   

     

     

     

   

Net realized gain (loss)

   

146,992,096

     

26,208,927

     

(24,300,516

)

   

(2,562,808

)

 

Net change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

 

Unaffiliated investments

   

(163,776,349

)

   

     

(55,127,776

)

   

2,936,861

   

Affiliated investments

   

20,976,010

     

(45,495,635

)

   

     

   

Foreign currency translations

   

1,531

     

     

9,425

     

(2,480

)

 

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

   

     

     

     

   

Futures contracts

   

     

     

     

   

Foreign capital gains tax

   

     

     

670,775

     

   

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

   

(142,798,808

)

   

(45,495,635

)

   

(54,447,576

)

   

2,934,381

   

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

   

4,193,288

     

(19,286,708

)

   

(78,748,092

)

   

371,573

   

Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations

 

$

2,328,358

   

$

411,353

   

$

(74,936,482

)

 

$

733,345

   

See accompanying notes to financial statements.


89



COLUMBIA ACORN FAMILY OF FUNDS

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

    Columbia
Acorn® Fund
  Columbia Acorn
International®
  Columbia
Acorn USA®
  Columbia Acorn
International SelectSM
 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets

 

Year ended December 31,

 

Year ended December 31,

 

Year ended December 31,

 

Year ended December 31,

 
   

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

 

Operations:

 

Net investment income (loss)

 

$

(26,090,948

)

 

$

(4,904,097

)

 

$

88,208,011

   

$

95,286,191

   

$

(5,534,984

)

 

$

(6,182,121

)

 

$

2,055,038

   

$

4,277,133

   
Net realized gain (loss) on investments, foreign currency
translations, forward foreign currency exchange contracts,
futures contracts and foreign capital gains tax
   

4,067,021,891

     

2,436,637,992

     

309,903,232

     

480,895,123

     

349,137,953

     

257,777,850

     

1,724,919

     

26,265,551

   
Net realized gain (loss) on affiliated investments and
distributions from affiliated investment company shares
   

661,243,725

     

821,706,250

     

(6,289,915

)

   

(17,504,372

)

   

(51,344

)

   

     

     

   
Net change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
on investments, foreign currency translations, forward
foreign currency exchange contracts, futures contracts,
options and foreign capital gains tax
   

(3,412,345,084

)

   

(2,178,954,324

)

   

(439,613,018

)

   

(908,876,254

)

   

(347,361,237

)

   

(207,204,706

)

   

(4,516,259

)

   

(51,145,788

)

 
Net change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
on affiliated investments, affiliated options and affiliated
investment company shares
   

(1,230,821,970

)

   

(983,776,070

)

   

(41,744,516

)

   

(10,747,516

)

   

(1,467,113

)

   

     

     

   

Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations

   

59,007,614

     

90,709,751

     

(89,536,206

)

   

(360,946,828

)

   

(5,276,725

)

   

44,391,023

     

(736,302

)

   

(20,603,104

)

 

Distributions to Shareholders From:

 

Net investment income – Class A

   

     

     

(8,205,224

)

   

(11,982,984

)

   

     

     

(736,335

)

   

(224,613

)

 

Net realized gain – Class A

   

(686,509,674

)

   

(486,737,575

)

   

(33,019,639

)

   

(51,297,757

)

   

(31,255,985

)

   

(28,022,455

)

   

     

(6,609,718

)

 

Tax return of capital – Class A

   

     

     

     

     

     

     

(11,066

)

   

   

Net investment income – Class B

   

     

     

(1,139

)

   

(33,111

)

   

     

     

(522

)

   

   

Net realized gain – Class B

   

(1,036,254

)

   

(1,499,818

)

   

(98,847

)

   

(404,076

)

   

(16,747

)

   

(50,293

)

   

     

(51,627

)

 

Tax return of capital – Class B

   

     

     

     

     

     

     

(45

)

   

   

Net investment income – Class C

   

     

     

(181,949

)

   

(500,190

)

   

     

     

(42,697

)

   

   

Net realized gain – Class C

   

(272,289,441

)

   

(148,638,681

)

   

(3,721,075

)

   

(5,765,804

)

   

(7,350,636

)

   

(7,386,824

)

   

     

(1,052,637

)

 

Tax return of capital – Class C

   

     

     

     

     

     

     

(1,883

)

   

   

Net investment income – Class I

   

     

     

(739,480

)

   

(432,624

)

   

     

     

(46

)

   

(19

)

 

Net realized gain – Class I

   

(10,763,307

)

   

(3,521,541

)

   

(1,983,081

)

   

(1,776,863

)

   

(598

)

   

(424

)

   

     

(267

)

 

Tax return of capital – Class I

   

     

     

     

     

     

     

(1

)

   

   

Net investment income – Class R

   

     

     

(28,701

)

   

(45,702

)

   

     

     

     

   

Net realized gain – Class R

   

     

     

(184,807

)

   

(308,877

)

   

     

     

     

   

Tax return of capital – Class R

   

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

   

Net investment income – Class R4

   

     

     

(5,718,822

)

   

(5,947,002

)

   

     

     

(20,748

)

   

(7,289

)

 

Net realized gain – Class R4

   

(27,922,528

)

   

(21,919,022

)

   

(18,460,175

)

   

(21,064,501

)

   

(2,417,938

)

   

(1,294,173

)

   

     

(123,308

)

 

Tax return of capital – Class R4

   

     

     

     

     

     

     

(255

)

   

   

Net investment income – Class R5

   

     

     

(4,463,810

)

   

(6,469,747

)

   

     

     

(80,237

)

   

(19,269

)

 

Net realized gain – Class R5

   

(38,850,876

)

   

(83,114,711

)

   

(13,614,854

)

   

(20,627,952

)

   

(7,965,886

)

   

(5,923,118

)

   

     

(294,842

)

 

Tax return of capital – Class R5

   

     

     

     

     

     

     

(924

)

   

   

Net investment income – Class Y

   

     

     

(3,895,860

)

   

(3,631,416

)

   

     

     

(55,291

)

   

(94,386

)

 

Net realized gain – Class Y

   

(55,761,205

)

   

(70,995,899

)

   

(10,490,604

)

   

(11,216,211

)

   

(11,343,762

)

   

(5,748,134

)

   

     

(1,353,410

)

 

Tax return of capital – Class Y

   

     

     

     

     

     

     

(2,370

)

   

   

Net investment income – Class Z

   

     

     

(61,075,291

)

   

(88,209,132

)

   

     

     

(2,757,476

)

   

(1,436,806

)

 

Net realized gain – Class Z

   

(2,491,951,313

)

   

(1,866,279,508

)

   

(189,765,735

)

   

(300,186,783

)

   

(239,084,391

)

   

(197,817,289

)

   

     

(23,156,256

)

 

Tax return of capital – Class Z

   

     

     

     

     

     

     

(36,925

)

   

   

Total Distributions to Shareholders

   

(3,585,084,598

)

   

(2,682,706,755

)

   

(355,649,093

)

   

(529,900,732

)

   

(299,435,943

)

   

(246,242,710

)

   

(3,746,821

)

   

(34,424,447

)

 

Share Transactions:

 

Subscriptions – Class A

   

174,900,524

     

387,297,277

     

162,684,349

     

235,302,578

     

12,442,691

     

25,880,527

     

7,109,433

     

17,687,288

   

Distributions reinvested – Class A

   

637,395,152

     

458,120,888

     

40,031,526

     

61,324,199

     

29,525,556

     

25,490,248

     

729,830

     

6,671,741

   

Redemptions – Class A

   

(1,430,796,125

)

   

(1,539,008,962

)

   

(282,908,269

)

   

(328,383,569

)

   

(62,632,427

)

   

(81,566,768

)

   

(26,641,940

)

   

(33,811,493

)

 

Net Increase (Decrease) – Class A

   

(618,500,449

)

   

(693,590,797

)

   

(80,192,394

)

   

(31,756,792

)

   

(20,664,180

)

   

(30,195,993

)

   

(18,802,677

)

   

(9,452,464

)

 

Distributions reinvested – Class B

   

980,657

     

1,459,028

     

101,400

     

428,823

     

18,478

     

50,412

     

3,044

     

51,402

   

Redemptions – Class B

   

(5,952,788

)

   

(11,842,669

)

   

(4,964,593

)

   

(6,307,820

)

   

(214,967

)

   

(333,713

)

   

(342,841

)

   

(493,902

)

 

Net Increase (Decrease) – Class B

   

(4,972,131

)

   

(10,383,641

)

   

(4,863,193

)

   

(5,878,997

)

   

(196,489

)

   

(283,301

)

   

(339,797

)

   

(442,500

)

 

Subscriptions – Class C

   

56,969,500

     

69,519,166

     

10,738,058

     

20,327,395

     

1,973,916

     

2,990,564

     

547,068

     

1,124,408

   

Distributions reinvested – Class C

   

233,591,330

     

124,358,458

     

3,513,911

     

5,543,900

     

6,862,553

     

7,016,021

     

41,842

     

965,830

   

Redemptions – Class C

   

(328,691,291

)

   

(204,072,123

)

   

(23,313,955

)

   

(20,718,133

)

   

(20,683,050

)

   

(7,454,664

)

   

(3,102,184

)

   

(2,579,871

)

 

Net Increase (Decrease) – Class C

   

(38,130,461

)

   

(10,194,499

)

   

(9,061,986

)

   

5,153,162

     

(11,846,581

)

   

2,551,921

     

(2,513,274

)

   

(489,633

)

 

Subscriptions – Class I

   

37,441,664

     

82,894,450

     

84,152,189

     

106,632,159

     

     

     

     

   

Distributions reinvested – Class I

   

10,762,488

     

3,521,166

     

2,722,446

     

2,209,323

     

     

     

     

   

Redemptions – Class I

   

(37,821,638

)

   

(79,941,110

)

   

(67,063,363

)

   

(98,916,651

)

   

     

(1,200

)

   

     

(100

)

 

Net Increase (Decrease) – Class I

   

10,382,514

     

6,474,506

     

19,811,272

     

9,924,831

     

     

(1,200

)

   

     

(100

)

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.


90



    Columbia
Acorn SelectSM
  Columbia
Thermostat FundSM
  Columbia Acorn
Emerging Markets FundSM
  Columbia Acorn
European FundSM
 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets

 

Year ended December 31,

 

Year ended December 31,

 

Year ended December 31,

 

Year ended December 31,

 
   

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014 (a)

 

Operations:

 

Net investment income (loss)

 

$

(1,864,930

)

 

$

(3,672,062

)

 

$

19,698,061

   

$

22,277,306

   

$

3,811,610

   

$

2,430,118

   

$

361,772

   

$

404,894

   
Net realized gain (loss) on investments, foreign currency
translations, forward foreign currency exchange contracts,
futures contracts and foreign capital gains tax
   

169,755,684

     

158,802,272

     

     

35

     

(24,300,516

)

   

(9,229,406

)

   

(2,562,808

)

   

(2,712,928

)

 
Net realized gain (loss) on affiliated investments and
distributions from affiliated investment company shares
   

(22,763,588

)

   

(5,568,755

)

   

26,208,927

     

38,178,162

     

     

     

     

   
Net change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
on investments, foreign currency translations, forward
foreign currency exchange contracts, futures contracts,
options and foreign capital gains tax
   

(163,774,818

)

   

(133,989,051

)

   

     

     

(54,447,576

)

   

(14,640,892

)

   

2,934,381

     

(3,116,709

)

 
Net change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
on affiliated investments, affiliated options and affiliated
investment company shares
   

20,976,010

     

854,842

     

(45,495,635

)

   

4,982,086

     

     

     

     

   

Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations

   

2,328,358

     

16,427,246

     

411,353

     

65,437,589

     

(74,936,482

)

   

(21,440,180

)

   

733,345

     

(5,424,743

)

 

Distributions to Shareholders From:

 

Net investment income – Class A

   

     

     

(7,632,819

)

   

(8,397,874

)

   

(1,341,423

)

   

(1,094,797

)

   

(485,566

)

   

(84,996

)

 

Net realized gain – Class A

   

(62,803,525

)

   

(56,636,824

)

   

(8,171,921

)

   

(6,398,591

)

   

     

     

     

(169,484

)

 

Tax return of capital – Class A

   

     

     

     

     

(67,571

)

   

     

     

   

Net investment income – Class B

   

     

     

(5,291

)

   

(17,083

)

   

     

     

     

   

Net realized gain – Class B

   

(166,590

)

   

(297,506

)

   

(18,462

)

   

(18,454

)

   

     

     

     

   

Tax return of capital – Class B

   

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

   

Net investment income – Class C

   

     

     

(4,362,350

)

   

(4,546,957

)

   

(140,907

)

   

     

(6,023

)

   

   

Net realized gain – Class C

   

(16,611,457

)

   

(12,212,259

)

   

(7,171,479

)

   

(5,614,280

)

   

     

     

     

(21,837

)

 

Tax return of capital – Class C

   

     

     

     

     

(17,434

)

   

     

     

   

Net investment income – Class I

   

     

     

     

     

(39

)

   

(25

)

   

(41

)

   

(17

)

 

Net realized gain – Class I

   

(8,765,892

)

   

(3,400,475

)

   

     

     

     

     

     

(13

)

 

Tax return of capital – Class I

   

     

     

     

     

(1

)

   

     

     

   

Net investment income – Class R

   

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

   

Net realized gain – Class R

   

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

   

Tax return of capital – Class R

   

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

   

Net investment income – Class R4

   

     

     

(414,095

)

   

(496,795

)

   

(65,129

)

   

(139,747

)

   

(11,283

)

   

(1,628

)

 

Net realized gain – Class R4

   

(363,113

)

   

(246,466

)

   

(420,695

)

   

(305,871

)

   

     

     

     

   

Tax return of capital – Class R4

   

     

     

     

     

(5,437

)

   

     

     

   

Net investment income – Class R5

   

     

     

(130,360

)

   

(65,599

)

   

(215,834

)

   

(184,675

)

   

(30,715

)

   

(11,230

)

 

Net realized gain – Class R5

   

(483,970

)

   

(2,042,106

)

   

(87,538

)

   

(42,379

)

   

     

     

     

(14,316

)

 

Tax return of capital – Class R5

   

     

     

     

     

(8,955

)

   

     

     

   

Net investment income – Class Y

   

     

     

(7,982

)

   

(8,730

)

   

(38

)

   

(23

)

   

     

   

Net realized gain – Class Y

   

(1,604,075

)

   

(715,032

)

   

(6,396

)

   

(5,549

)

   

     

     

     

   

Tax return of capital – Class Y

   

     

     

     

     

(1

)

   

     

     

   

Net investment income – Class Z

   

     

     

(7,332,645

)

   

(8,020,198

)

   

(2,691,733

)

   

(2,086,821

)

   

(213,540

)

   

(58,745

)

 

Net realized gain – Class Z

   

(73,806,494

)

   

(67,822,345

)

   

(6,594,710

)

   

(5,142,454

)

   

     

     

     

(81,656

)

 

Tax return of capital – Class Z

   

     

     

     

     

(104,559

)

   

     

     

   

Total Distributions to Shareholders

   

(164,605,116

)

   

(143,373,013

)

   

(42,356,743

)

   

(39,080,814

)

   

(4,659,061

)

   

(3,506,088

)

   

(747,168

)

   

(443,922

)

 

Share Transactions:

 

Subscriptions – Class A

   

16,532,728

     

23,903,410

     

86,714,257

     

109,228,793

     

12,073,817

     

111,765,309

     

29,232,277

     

30,709,434

   

Distributions reinvested – Class A

   

57,876,468

     

52,931,442

     

14,298,982

     

13,288,881

     

1,402,102

     

1,088,373

     

477,264

     

251,848

   

Redemptions – Class A

   

(129,581,359

)

   

(94,474,957

)

   

(148,233,887

)

   

(196,252,756

)

   

(59,731,096

)

   

(122,334,919

)

   

(10,345,904

)

   

(25,970,474

)

 

Net Increase (Decrease) – Class A

   

(55,172,163

)

   

(17,640,105

)

   

(47,220,648

)

   

(73,735,082

)

   

(46,255,177

)

   

(9,481,237

)

   

19,363,637

     

4,990,808

   

Distributions reinvested – Class B

   

169,957

     

295,790

     

25,841

     

35,043

     

     

     

     

   

Redemptions – Class B

   

(737,583

)

   

(1,910,917

)

   

(939,051

)

   

(1,111,595

)

   

     

     

     

   

Net Increase (Decrease) – Class B

   

(567,626

)

   

(1,615,127

)

   

(913,210

)

   

(1,076,552

)

   

     

     

     

   

Subscriptions – Class C

   

4,700,279

     

3,943,141

     

60,530,214

     

71,129,998

     

1,573,003

     

16,317,984

     

3,486,085

     

5,134,061

   

Distributions reinvested – Class C

   

13,758,410

     

10,065,907

     

8,934,025

     

7,780,938

     

152,813

     

     

6,019

     

21,837

   

Redemptions – Class C

   

(15,566,161

)

   

(15,355,912

)

   

(95,550,794

)

   

(113,101,789

)

   

(13,305,273

)

   

(5,604,206

)

   

(1,478,139

)

   

(974,284

)

 

Net Increase (Decrease) – Class C

   

2,892,528

     

(1,346,864

)

   

(26,086,555

)

   

(34,190,853

)

   

(11,579,457

)

   

10,713,778

     

2,013,965

     

4,181,614

   

Subscriptions – Class I

   

43,166,378

     

54,126,443

     

     

     

     

     

     

   

Distributions reinvested – Class I

   

8,765,223

     

3,400,003

     

     

     

40

     

24

     

41

     

29

   

Redemptions – Class I

   

(34,630,444

)

   

(52,140,680

)

   

     

     

     

(4,200

)

   

     

(5,500

)

 

Net Increase (Decrease) – Class I

   

17,301,157

     

5,385,766

     

     

     

40

     

(4,176

)

   

41

     

(5,471

)

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.


91



COLUMBIA ACORN FAMILY OF FUNDS

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS, CONTINUED

    Columbia
Acorn® Fund
  Columbia Acorn
International®
  Columbia
Acorn USA®
  Columbia Acorn
International SelectSM
 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets

 

Year ended December 31,

 

Year ended December 31,

 

Year ended December 31,

 

Year ended December 31,

 
   

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

 

Subscriptions – Class R

   

     

     

1,781,071

     

3,552,904

     

     

     

     

   

Distributions reinvested – Class R

   

     

     

189,988

     

324,934

     

     

     

     

   

Redemptions – Class R

   

     

     

(2,268,431

)

   

(3,574,734

)

   

     

     

     

   

Net Increase (Decrease) – Class R

   

     

     

(297,372

)

   

303,104

     

     

     

     

   

Subscriptions – Class R4

   

41,454,333

     

207,170,623

     

168,556,060

     

175,589,777

     

7,383,504

     

2,470,102

     

375,431

     

1,034,431

   

Distributions reinvested – Class R4

   

26,538,222

     

21,432,710

     

24,099,699

     

26,888,828

     

2,417,938

     

1,284,629

     

20,953

     

130,285

   

Redemptions – Class R4

   

(246,875,440

)

   

(32,595,900

)

   

(96,973,701

)

   

(86,239,207

)

   

(6,906,266

)

   

(1,252,295

)

   

(437,431

)

   

(342,802

)

 

Net Increase (Decrease) – Class R4

   

(178,882,885

)

   

196,007,433

     

95,682,058

     

116,239,398

     

2,895,176

     

2,502,436

     

(41,047

)

   

821,914

   

Subscriptions – Class R5

   

54,491,036

     

195,425,964

     

117,463,579

     

247,362,038

     

6,662,313

     

37,680,269

     

4,024,111

     

3,308,092

   

Distributions reinvested – Class R5

   

38,794,589

     

82,145,922

     

17,910,363

     

27,089,438

     

7,965,293

     

5,922,697

     

80,764

     

313,832

   

Redemptions – Class R5

   

(434,966,772

)

   

(237,599,243

)

   

(191,668,981

)

   

(105,520,799

)

   

(16,334,571

)

   

(8,503,850

)

   

(4,219,124

)

   

(1,308,702

)

 

Net Increase (Decrease) – Class R5

   

(341,681,147

)

   

39,972,643

     

(56,295,039

)

   

168,930,677

     

(1,706,965

)

   

35,099,116

     

(114,249

)

   

2,313,222

   

Subscriptions – Class Y

   

36,748,801

     

199,351,710

     

141,178,249

     

103,024,265

     

12,436,567

     

36,144,225

     

5,050,810

     

2,689,199

   

Distributions reinvested – Class Y

   

55,761,205

     

70,995,899

     

14,382,629

     

14,847,627

     

11,343,169

     

5,747,713

     

57,614

     

1,447,516

   

Redemptions – Class Y

   

(289,533,536

)

   

(1,053,713,427

)

   

(40,252,596

)

   

(21,611,148

)

   

(5,465,477

)

   

(48,745,200

)

   

(16,103,000

)

   

(3,306,180

)

 

Net Increase (Decrease) – Class Y

   

(197,023,530

)

   

(783,365,818

)

   

115,308,282

     

96,260,744

     

18,314,259

     

(6,853,262

)

   

(10,994,576

)

   

830,535

   

Subscriptions – Class Z

   

544,389,234

     

982,362,041

     

545,406,592

     

856,537,476

     

116,284,123

     

102,940,940

     

10,515,929

     

43,516,847

   

Distributions reinvested – Class Z

   

2,072,475,933

     

1,619,840,849

     

191,876,849

     

294,475,850

     

216,649,809

     

173,222,058

     

1,699,575

     

14,556,758

   

Redemptions – Class Z

   

(6,463,272,247

)

   

(4,171,520,886

)

   

(1,372,490,139

)

   

(1,213,184,358

)

   

(454,250,844

)

   

(480,201,144

)

   

(88,558,864

)

   

(99,596,462

)

 

Net Increase (Decrease) – Class Z

   

(3,846,407,080

)

   

(1,569,317,996

)

   

(635,206,698

)

   

(62,171,032

)

   

(121,316,912

)

   

(204,038,146

)

   

(76,343,360

)

   

(41,522,857

)

 

Net Increase (Decrease) from Share Transactions

   

(5,215,215,169

)

   

(2,824,398,169

)

   

(555,115,070

)

   

297,005,095

     

(134,521,692

)

   

(201,218,429

)

   

(109,148,980

)

   

(47,941,883

)

 

Proceeds from regulatory settlements (Note 7)

   

     

     

     

     

     

     

33,279

     

   

Total Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets

   

(8,741,292,153

)

   

(5,416,395,173

)

   

(1,000,300,369

)

   

(593,842,465

)

   

(439,234,360

)

   

(403,070,116

)

   

(113,598,824

)

   

(102,969,434

)

 

Net Assets:

 

Beginning of period

   

15,934,576,025

     

21,350,971,198

     

7,733,478,135

     

8,327,320,600

     

1,397,216,287

     

1,800,286,403

     

252,919,700

     

355,889,134

   

End of period

 

$

7,193,283,872

   

$

15,934,576,025

   

$

6,733,177,766

   

$

7,733,478,135

   

$

957,981,927

   

$

1,397,216,287

   

$

139,320,876

   

$

252,919,700

   

Undistributed (Overdistributed) net investment income (loss)

 

$

(3,776,255

)

 

$

(3,615,764

)

 

$

(35,935,510

)

 

$

(92,376,083

)

 

$

2,786

   

$

(312,115

)

 

$

(65,144

)

 

$

(6,492,720

)

 

(a)  Class R4 shares reflect activity for the period from June 25, 2014 (commencement of operations) through December 31, 2014.

See accompanying notes to financial statements.


92



    Columbia
Acorn SelectSM
  Columbia
Thermostat FundSM
  Columbia Acorn
Emerging Markets FundSM
  Columbia Acorn
European FundSM
 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets

 

Year ended December 31,

 

Year ended December 31,

 

Year ended December 31,

 

Year ended December 31,

 
   

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014 (a)

 

Subscriptions – Class R

   

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

   

Distributions reinvested – Class R

   

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

   

Redemptions – Class R

   

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

   

Net Increase (Decrease) – Class R

   

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

   

Subscriptions – Class R4

   

391,188

     

533,691

     

9,737,619

     

12,515,863

     

1,210,590

     

6,532,869

     

1,189,747

     

325,474

   

Distributions reinvested – Class R4

   

363,113

     

246,466

     

834,675

     

802,565

     

70,526

     

139,724

     

11,246

     

1,614

   

Redemptions – Class R4

   

(653,792

)

   

(753,003

)

   

(15,839,006

)

   

(4,731,799

)

   

(11,090,725

)

   

(3,899,691

)

   

(1,109,125

)

   

(93

)

 

Net Increase (Decrease) – Class R4

   

100,509

     

27,154

     

(5,266,712

)

   

8,586,629

     

(9,809,609

)

   

2,772,902

     

91,868

     

326,995

   

Subscriptions – Class R5

   

1,367,998

     

2,302,873

     

3,638,685

     

3,265,267

     

4,899,598

     

13,884,224

     

661,788

     

3,323,523

   

Distributions reinvested – Class R5

   

483,307

     

2,041,638

     

217,898

     

106,949

     

222,723

     

184,675

     

30,678

     

25,520

   

Redemptions – Class R5

   

(11,631,849

)

   

(3,845,123

)

   

(1,059,811

)

   

(815,418

)

   

(8,484,365

)

   

(7,252,982

)

   

(232,666

)

   

(3,409,088

)

 

Net Increase (Decrease) – Class R5

   

(9,780,544

)

   

499,388

     

2,796,772

     

2,556,798

     

(3,362,044

)

   

6,815,917

     

459,800

     

(60,045

)

 

Subscriptions – Class Y

   

3,036,144

     

538,245

     

451,230

     

435,256

     

     

     

     

   

Distributions reinvested – Class Y

   

1,603,413

     

714,565

     

14,270

     

14,183

     

     

     

     

   

Redemptions – Class Y

   

(1,511,253

)

   

(1,818,170

)

   

(504,325

)

   

(53,320

)

   

     

(200

)

   

     

   

Net Increase (Decrease) – Class Y

   

3,128,304

     

(565,360

)

   

(38,825

)

   

396,119

     

     

(200

)

   

     

   

Subscriptions – Class Z

   

14,738,554

     

41,269,615

     

91,578,896

     

158,234,941

     

35,528,290

     

181,236,447

     

9,065,450

     

21,621,093

   

Distributions reinvested – Class Z

   

61,844,603

     

52,107,171

     

9,468,573

     

8,772,626

     

2,739,444

     

2,002,496

     

212,045

     

139,509

   

Redemptions – Class Z

   

(139,582,680

)

   

(146,142,628

)

   

(140,760,136

)

   

(172,293,477

)

   

(94,680,539

)

   

(101,479,206

)

   

(5,939,400

)

   

(15,477,555

)

 

Net Increase (Decrease) – Class Z

   

(62,999,523

)

   

(52,765,842

)

   

(39,712,667

)

   

(5,285,910

)

   

(56,412,805

)

   

81,759,737

     

3,338,095

     

6,283,047

   

Net Increase (Decrease) from Share Transactions

   

(105,097,358

)

   

(68,020,990

)

   

(116,441,845

)

   

(102,748,851

)

   

(127,419,052

)

   

92,576,721

     

25,267,406

     

15,716,948

   

Proceeds from regulatory settlements (Note 7)

   

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

   

Total Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets

   

(267,374,116

)

   

(194,966,757

)

   

(158,387,235

)

   

(76,392,076

)

   

(207,014,595

)

   

67,630,453

     

25,253,583

     

9,848,283

   

Net Assets:

 

Beginning of period

   

666,576,786

     

861,543,543

     

1,260,413,061

     

1,336,805,137

     

482,335,107

     

414,704,654

     

36,632,808

     

26,784,525

   

End of period

 

$

399,202,670

   

$

666,576,786

   

$

1,102,025,826

   

$

1,260,413,061

   

$

275,320,512

   

$

482,335,107

   

$

61,886,391

   

$

36,632,808

   

Undistributed (Overdistributed) net investment income (loss)

 

$

(328,292

)

 

$

(325,960

)

 

$

3,632,187

   

$

1,675,197

   

$

(322,301

)

 

$

(2,486,157

)

 

$

(196,240

)

 

$

199,170

   

See accompanying notes to financial statements.


93



COLUMBIA ACORN FAMILY OF FUNDS

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS, CONTINUED

    Columbia
Acorn® Fund
  Columbia Acorn
International®
  Columbia
Acorn USA®
  Columbia Acorn
International SelectSM
 

Changes in Shares of Beneficial Interest:

 

Year ended December 31,

 

Year ended December 31,

 

Year ended December 31,

 

Year ended December 31,

 
   

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

 

Subscriptions – Class A

   

6,733,437

     

11,177,523

     

3,850,541

     

5,069,057

     

446,799

     

786,132

     

315,553

     

638,165

   

Shares issued in reinvestment and capital gains – Class A

   

33,406,680

     

14,955,024

     

997,927

     

1,433,668

     

1,394,063

     

878,620

     

33,425

     

298,993

   

Less shares redeemed – Class A

   

(50,291,120

)

   

(45,358,767

)

   

(6,766,388

)

   

(7,155,380

)

   

(2,231,122

)

   

(2,482,524

)

   

(1,189,717

)

   

(1,259,425

)

 

Net Increase (Decrease) – Class A

   

(10,151,003

)

   

(19,226,220

)

   

(1,917,920

)

   

(652,655

)

   

(390,260

)

   

(817,772

)

   

(840,739

)

   

(322,267

)

 

Shares issued in reinvestment and capital gains – Class B

   

63,442

     

53,837

     

2,547

     

10,251

     

979

     

1,994

     

145

     

2,445

   

Less shares redeemed – Class B

   

(241,010

)

   

(380,244

)

   

(120,833

)

   

(141,082

)

   

(8,693

)

   

(11,206

)

   

(16,329

)

   

(19,481

)

 

Net Increase (Decrease) – Class B

   

(177,568

)

   

(326,407

)

   

(118,286

)

   

(130,831

)

   

(7,714

)

   

(9,212

)

   

(16,184

)

   

(17,036

)

 

Subscriptions – Class C

   

3,327,736

     

2,380,665

     

262,906

     

455,251

     

92,994

     

106,036

     

26,260

     

43,902

   

Shares issued in reinvestment and capital gains – Class C

   

16,310,940

     

4,736,715

     

90,497

     

134,128

     

401,417

     

281,787

     

2,092

     

46,423

   

Less shares redeemed – Class C

   

(14,910,753

)

   

(6,832,781

)

   

(579,254

)

   

(471,635

)

   

(876,405

)

   

(259,303

)

   

(150,553

)

   

(104,212

)

 

Net Increase (Decrease) – Class C

   

4,727,923

     

284,599

     

(225,851

)

   

117,744

     

(381,994

)

   

128,520

     

(122,201

)

   

(13,887

)

 

Subscriptions – Class I

   

1,198,874

     

2,381,215

     

1,994,133

     

2,360,586

     

     

     

     

   

Shares issued in reinvestment and capital gains – Class I

   

528,459

     

107,212

     

68,257

     

50,640

     

     

     

     

   

Less shares redeemed – Class I

   

(1,209,267

)

   

(2,154,531

)

   

(1,602,514

)

   

(2,111,846

)

   

     

(33

)

   

     

(4

)

 

Net Increase (Decrease) – Class I

   

518,066

     

333,896

     

459,876

     

299,380

     

     

(33

)

   

     

(4

)

 

Subscriptions – Class R

   

     

     

42,773

     

77,000

     

     

     

     

   

Shares issued in reinvestment and capital gains – Class R

   

     

     

4,738

     

7,564

     

     

     

     

   

Less shares redeemed – Class R

   

     

     

(54,390

)

   

(76,075

)

   

     

     

     

   

Net Increase (Decrease) – Class R

   

     

     

(6,879

)

   

8,489

     

     

     

     

   

Subscriptions – Class R4

   

1,294,282

     

5,988,744

     

3,958,217

     

3,770,182

     

230,470

     

69,547

     

16,419

     

36,025

   

Shares issued in reinvestment and capital gains – Class R4

   

1,141,383

     

658,166

     

598,103

     

626,322

     

101,221

     

40,840

     

945

     

5,756

   

Less shares redeemed – Class R4

   

(7,603,327

)

   

(900,585

)

   

(2,304,606

)

   

(1,864,318

)

   

(222,569

)

   

(35,802

)

   

(19,415

)

   

(13,656

)

 

Net Increase (Decrease) – Class R4

   

(5,167,662

)

   

5,746,325

     

2,251,714

     

2,532,186

     

109,122

     

74,585

     

(2,051

)

   

28,125

   

Subscriptions – Class R5

   

1,667,147

     

5,371,622

     

2,779,508

     

5,374,903

     

206,312

     

1,039,918

     

176,316

     

113,565

   

Shares issued in reinvestment and capital gains – Class R5

   

1,754,796

     

2,508,272

     

446,370

     

636,802

     

332,383

     

188,407

     

3,656

     

13,893

   

Less shares redeemed – Class R5

   

(13,665,627

)

   

(6,914,002

)

   

(4,574,960

)

   

(2,352,664

)

   

(511,388

)

   

(237,562

)

   

(191,151

)

   

(46,841

)

 

Net Increase (Decrease) – Class R5

   

(10,243,684

)

   

965,892

     

(1,349,082

)

   

3,659,041

     

27,307

     

990,763

     

(11,179

)

   

80,617

   

Subscriptions – Class Y

   

1,179,273

     

5,405,607

     

3,320,852

     

2,180,767

     

386,715

     

989,024

     

221,884

     

95,911

   

Shares issued in reinvestment and capital gains – Class Y

   

2,581,951

     

2,114,206

     

358,119

     

346,391

     

479,575

     

182,296

     

2,474

     

63,827

   

Less shares redeemed – Class Y

   

(8,850,384

)

   

(28,273,237

)

   

(955,967

)

   

(474,107

)

   

(172,401

)

   

(1,378,135

)

   

(718,353

)

   

(122,660

)

 

Net Increase (Decrease) – Class Y

   

(5,089,160

)

   

(20,753,424

)

   

2,723,004

     

2,053,051

     

693,889

     

(206,815

)

   

(493,995

)

   

37,078

   

Subscriptions – Class Z

   

18,745,346

     

27,275,542

     

12,874,531

     

18,575,064

     

3,763,553

     

2,943,870

     

465,219

     

1,572,550

   

Shares issued in reinvestment and capital gains – Class Z

   

99,426,548

     

50,258,476

     

4,784,539

     

6,885,453

     

9,392,001

     

5,614,121

     

76,982

     

645,241

   

Less shares redeemed – Class Z

   

(211,292,321

)

   

(116,645,260

)

   

(32,736,392

)

   

(26,436,650

)

   

(15,006,327

)

   

(13,762,562

)

   

(3,963,435

)

   

(3,750,710

)

 

Net Increase (Decrease) – Class Z

   

(93,120,427

)

   

(39,111,242

)

   

(15,077,322

)

   

(976,133

)

   

(1,850,773

)

   

(5,204,571

)

   

(3,421,234

)

   

(1,532,919

)

 

Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares of Beneficial Interest

   

(118,703,515

)

   

(72,086,581

)

   

(13,260,746

)

   

6,910,272

     

(1,800,423

)

   

(5,044,535

)

   

(4,907,583

)

   

(1,740,293

)

 

(a)  Class R4 shares reflect activity for the period from June 25, 2014 (commencement of operations) through December 31, 2014.  

See accompanying notes to financial statements.


94



    Columbia
Acorn SelectSM
  Columbia
Thermostat FundSM
  Columbia Acorn
Emerging Markets FundSM
  Columbia Acorn
European FundSM
 

Changes in Shares of Beneficial Interest:

 

Year ended December 31,

 

Year ended December 31,

 

Year ended December 31,

 

Year ended December 31,

 
   

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014 (a)

 

Subscriptions – Class A

   

909,174

     

999,673

     

5,851,778

     

7,304,585

     

1,020,306

     

8,480,721

     

1,928,835

     

1,976,901

   

Shares issued in reinvestment and capital gains – Class A

   

3,674,508

     

2,437,585

     

982,225

     

893,241

     

137,596

     

85,241

     

31,377

     

16,205

   

Less shares redeemed – Class A

   

(6,612,989

)

   

(3,902,541

)

   

(10,018,194

)

   

(13,113,073

)

   

(5,165,530

)

   

(9,160,435

)

   

(695,460

)

   

(1,738,341

)

 

Net Increase (Decrease) – Class A

   

(2,029,307

)

   

(465,283

)

   

(3,184,191

)

   

(4,915,247

)

   

(4,007,628

)

   

(594,473

)

   

1,264,752

     

254,765

   

Shares issued in reinvestment and capital gains – Class B

   

13,401

     

15,514

     

1,746

     

2,338

     

     

     

     

   

Less shares redeemed – Class B

   

(42,677

)

   

(88,114

)

   

(63,415

)

   

(74,245

)

   

     

     

     

   

Net Increase (Decrease) – Class B

   

(29,276

)

   

(72,600

)

   

(61,669

)

   

(71,907

)

   

     

     

     

   

Subscriptions – Class C

   

382,060

     

200,609

     

4,088,021

     

4,743,432

     

131,810

     

1,237,012

     

233,273

     

335,241

   

Shares issued in reinvestment and capital gains – Class C

   

1,164,079

     

546,759

     

607,884

     

519,687

     

15,055

     

     

407

     

1,380

   

Less shares redeemed – Class C

   

(1,000,597

)

   

(740,621

)

   

(6,421,982

)

   

(7,542,466

)

   

(1,153,597

)

   

(430,442

)

   

(100,084

)

   

(66,938

)

 

Net Increase (Decrease) – Class C

   

545,542

     

6,747

     

(1,726,077

)

   

(2,279,347

)

   

(1,006,732

)

   

806,570

     

133,596

     

269,683

   

Subscriptions – Class I

   

2,004,428

     

2,177,235

     

     

     

     

     

     

   

Shares issued in reinvestment and capital gains – Class I

   

528,929

     

143,898

     

     

     

4

     

2

     

3

     

2

   

Less shares redeemed – Class I

   

(1,617,045

)

   

(1,994,457

)

   

     

     

     

(313

)

   

     

(346

)

 

Net Increase (Decrease) – Class I

   

916,312

     

326,676

     

     

     

4

     

(311

)

   

3

     

(344

)

 

Subscriptions – Class R

   

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

   

Shares issued in reinvestment and capital gains – Class R

   

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

   

Less shares redeemed – Class R

   

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

   

Net Increase (Decrease) – Class R

   

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

   

Subscriptions – Class R4

   

17,318

     

20,220

     

658,898

     

838,999

     

97,765

     

479,110

     

78,479

     

20,884

   

Shares issued in reinvestment and capital gains – Class R4

   

21,008

     

10,486

     

57,808

     

54,396

     

6,867

     

10,917

     

726

     

111

   

Less shares redeemed – Class R4

   

(31,405

)

   

(29,113

)

   

(1,074,830

)

   

(318,210

)

   

(975,288

)

   

(291,550

)

   

(72,632

)

   

(6

)

 

Net Increase (Decrease) – Class R4

   

6,921

     

1,593

     

(358,124

)

   

575,185

     

(870,656

)

   

198,477

     

6,573

     

20,989

   

Subscriptions – Class R5

   

59,903

     

87,557

     

247,793

     

219,576

     

420,340

     

1,041,821

     

43,183

     

208,383

   

Shares issued in reinvestment and capital gains – Class R5

   

27,179

     

87,341

     

15,133

     

7,242

     

21,708

     

14,425

     

2,003

     

1,646

   

Less shares redeemed – Class R5

   

(498,817

)

   

(146,321

)

   

(72,101

)

   

(54,794

)

   

(748,449

)

   

(536,066

)

   

(15,534

)

   

(216,692

)

 

Net Increase (Decrease) – Class R5

   

(411,735

)

   

28,577

     

190,825

     

172,024

     

(306,401

)

   

520,180

     

29,652

     

(6,663

)

 

Subscriptions – Class Y

   

135,278

     

20,305

     

31,010

     

29,656

     

     

     

     

   

Shares issued in reinvestment and capital gains – Class Y

   

94,278

     

30,390

     

991

     

962

     

     

     

     

   

Less shares redeemed – Class Y

   

(69,617

)

   

(69,067

)

   

(34,405

)

   

(3,571

)

   

     

(15

)

   

     

   

Net Increase (Decrease) – Class Y

   

159,939

     

(18,372

)

   

(2,404

)

   

27,047

     

     

(15

)

   

     

   

Subscriptions – Class Z

   

737,164

     

1,616,671

     

6,272,816

     

10,700,096

     

2,978,393

     

13,528,786

     

595,443

     

1,375,486

   

Shares issued in reinvestment and capital gains – Class Z

   

3,661,677

     

2,273,717

     

659,729

     

597,366

     

268,573

     

157,433

     

13,964

     

9,056

   

Less shares redeemed – Class Z

   

(6,642,121

)

   

(5,760,728

)

   

(9,607,125

)

   

(11,671,258

)

   

(8,078,655

)

   

(7,722,797

)

   

(404,473

)

   

(1,072,883

)

 

Net Increase (Decrease) – Class Z

   

(2,243,280

)

   

(1,870,340

)

   

(2,674,580

)

   

(373,796

)

   

(4,831,689

)

   

5,963,422

     

204,934

     

311,659

   

Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares of Beneficial Interest

   

(3,084,884

)

   

(2,063,002

)

   

(7,816,220

)

   

(6,866,041

)

   

(11,023,102

)

   

6,893,850

     

1,639,510

     

850,089

   

See accompanying notes to financial statements.


95




COLUMBIA ACORN FAMILY OF FUNDS

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

The following tables are intended to help you understand the Fund's financial performance. Certain information reflects financial results for a single share of a class held for the periods shown. Per share net investment income (loss) amounts are calculated based on average shares outstanding during the period. Total return assumes reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, if any. Total return does not reflect payment of sales charges, if any. Total return and portfolio turnover are not annualized for periods of less than one year. The portfolio turnover rate is calculated without regard to purchase and sales transactions of short-term instruments and certain derivatives, if any. If such transactions were included, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate may be higher.

Columbia Acorn® Fund

           

Less Distributions to Shareholders

             

(Selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period)

  Net Asset
Value,
Beginning of
Period
  Net
investment
income (loss)
  Net realized
and
unrealized
gain (loss)
  Total from
Investment
Operations
  Net
investment
income
  Net
realized gains
  Total
Distributions to
Shareholders
 

Class A

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

$

30.30

     

(0.12

)

   

(0.27

)(b)

   

(0.39

)

   

     

(12.28

)

   

(12.28

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

$

35.78

     

(0.08

)

   

0.21

     

0.13

     

     

(5.61

)

   

(5.61

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

$

29.36

     

(0.06

)

   

8.84

     

8.78

     

(0.04

)

   

(2.32

)

   

(2.36

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2012

 

$

26.63

     

0.08

     

4.53

     

4.61

     

(0.06

)

   

(1.82

)

   

(1.88

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2011

 

$

29.24

     

(0.10

)

   

(1.30

)

   

(1.40

)

   

(0.02

)

   

(1.19

)

   

(1.21

)

 

Class B

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

$

26.53

     

(0.34

)

   

(0.21

)(b)

   

(0.55

)

   

     

(12.28

)

   

(12.28

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

$

32.25

     

(0.29

)

   

0.18

     

(0.11

)

   

     

(5.61

)

   

(5.61

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

$

26.80

     

(0.25

)

   

8.02

     

7.77

     

     

(2.32

)

   

(2.32

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2012

 

$

24.53

     

(0.11

)

   

4.20

     

4.09

     

     

(1.82

)

   

(1.82

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2011

 

$

27.14

     

(0.27

)

   

(1.15

)

   

(1.42

)

   

     

(1.19

)

   

(1.19

)

 

Class C

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

$

25.92

     

(0.27

)

   

(0.21

)(b)

   

(0.48

)

   

     

(12.28

)

   

(12.28

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

$

31.64

     

(0.28

)

   

0.17

     

(0.11

)

   

     

(5.61

)

   

(5.61

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

$

26.34

     

(0.26

)

   

7.88

     

7.62

     

     

(2.32

)

   

(2.32

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2012

 

$

24.18

     

(0.12

)

   

4.10

     

3.98

     

     

(1.82

)

   

(1.82

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2011

 

$

26.85

     

(0.29

)

   

(1.19

)

   

(1.48

)

   

     

(1.19

)

   

(1.19

)

 

Class I

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

$

32.03

     

(0.01

)

   

(0.31

)(b)

   

(0.32

)

   

     

(12.28

)

   

(12.28

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

$

37.37

     

0.05

     

0.22

     

0.27

     

     

(5.61

)

   

(5.61

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

$

30.47

     

0.06

     

9.20

     

9.26

     

(0.04

)

   

(2.32

)

   

(2.36

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2012

 

$

27.57

     

0.26

     

4.62

     

4.88

     

(0.16

)

   

(1.82

)

   

(1.98

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2011

 

$

30.19

     

0.01

     

(1.35

)

   

(1.34

)

   

(0.09

)

   

(1.19

)

   

(1.28

)

 

Class R4

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

$

32.51

     

(0.07

)

   

(0.32

)(b)

   

(0.39

)

   

     

(12.28

)

   

(12.28

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

$

37.88

     

0.02

     

0.22

     

0.24

     

     

(5.61

)

   

(5.61

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

$

30.90

     

0.06

     

9.29

     

9.35

     

(0.05

)

   

(2.32

)

   

(2.37

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2012 (d)

 

$

30.59

     

0.05

     

1.84

     

1.89

     

(0.12

)

   

(1.46

)

   

(1.58

)

 

Class R5

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

$

32.55

     

(0.04

)

   

(0.31

)(b)

   

(0.35

)

   

     

(12.28

)

   

(12.28

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

$

37.89

     

0.04

     

0.23

     

0.27

     

     

(5.61

)

   

(5.61

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

$

30.88

     

0.07

     

9.30

     

9.37

     

(0.04

)

   

(2.32

)

   

(2.36

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2012 (f)

 

$

30.59

     

0.06

     

1.83

     

1.89

     

(0.14

)

   

(1.46

)

   

(1.60

)

 

Class Y

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

$

32.61

     

(0.02

)

   

(0.31

)(b)

   

(0.33

)

   

     

(12.28

)

   

(12.28

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

$

37.93

     

0.05

     

0.24

     

0.29

     

     

(5.61

)

   

(5.61

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

$

30.90

     

0.09

     

9.31

     

9.40

     

(0.05

)

   

(2.32

)

   

(2.37

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2012 (g)

 

$

30.62

     

0.09

     

1.80

     

1.89

     

(0.15

)

   

(1.46

)

   

(1.61

)

 

Class Z

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

$

31.95

     

(0.04

)

   

(0.29

)(b)

   

(0.33

)

   

     

(12.28

)

   

(12.28

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

$

37.32

     

0.02

     

0.22

     

0.24

     

     

(5.61

)

   

(5.61

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

$

30.45

     

0.04

     

9.19

     

9.23

     

(0.04

)

   

(2.32

)

   

(2.36

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2012

 

$

27.56

     

0.17

     

4.69

     

4.86

     

(0.15

)

   

(1.82

)

   

(1.97

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2011

 

$

30.19

     

(0.01

)

   

(1.34

)

   

(1.35

)

   

(0.09

)

   

(1.19

)

   

(1.28

)

 

Notes to Financial Highlights

(a)  In addition to the fees and expenses that the Fund bears directly, the Fund indirectly bears a pro rata share of the fees and expenses of any other funds in which it invests, if any. Such indirect expenses are not included in the Fund's reported expense ratios.

(b)  Calculation of the net gain (loss) per share (both realized and unrealized) does not correlate to the aggregate realized and unrealized gain (loss) presented in the Statements of Operations due to the timing of subscriptions and redemptions of Fund shares in relation to fluctuations in the market value of the portfolio.

(c)  The benefits derived from custody fees paid indirectly had an impact of less than 0.01%.

(d)  Class R4 shares commenced operations on November 8, 2012. Per share data and total return reflect activity from that date.

(e)  Annualized.

(f)  Class R5 shares commenced operations on November 8, 2012. Per share data and total return reflect activity from that date.

(g)  Class Y shares commenced operations on November 8, 2012. Per share data and total return reflect activity from that date.

See accompanying notes to financial statements.


96



   

Ratio to Average Net Assets

 

Supplemental Data

         

(Selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period)

  Net Asset
Value, End of
Period
 

Total Return

  Total gross
expenses
(a)
  Total net
expenses
(a)
  Net
investment
income (loss)
  Portfolio
turnover rate
  Net assets,
end of period
(000s)
 

Class A

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

$

17.63

     

(1.87

)%

   

1.08

%

   

1.08

%

   

(0.39

)%

   

21

%

 

$

1,388,893

   

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

$

30.30

     

0.55

%

   

1.08

%

   

1.08

%

   

(0.22

)%

   

17

%

 

$

2,694,610

   

Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

$

35.78

     

30.53

%

   

1.07

%

   

1.07

%

   

(0.17

)%

   

18

%

 

$

3,869,734

   

Year Ended December 31, 2012

 

$

29.36

     

17.62

%

   

1.06

%

   

1.06

%(c)

   

0.27

%

   

16

%

 

$

3,233,494

   

Year Ended December 31, 2011

 

$

26.63

     

(4.91

)%

   

1.06

%

   

1.06

%(c)

   

(0.33

)%

   

18

%

 

$

3,246,833

   

Class B

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

$

13.70

     

(2.81

)%

   

1.97

%

   

1.97

%

   

(1.30

)%

   

21

%

 

$

1,286

   

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

$

26.53

     

(0.16

)%

   

1.75

%

   

1.75

%

   

(0.91

)%

   

17

%

 

$

7,201

   

Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

$

32.25

     

29.63

%

   

1.73

%

   

1.73

%

   

(0.84

)%

   

18

%

 

$

19,278

   

Year Ended December 31, 2012

 

$

26.80

     

16.98

%

   

1.65

%

   

1.64

%(c)

   

(0.42

)%

   

16

%

 

$

33,623

   

Year Ended December 31, 2011

 

$

24.53

     

(5.34

)%

   

1.67

%

   

1.67

%(c)

   

(0.98

)%

   

18

%

 

$

67,153

   

Class C

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

$

13.16

     

(2.57

)%

   

1.80

%

   

1.80

%

   

(1.11

)%

   

21

%

 

$

456,348

   

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

$

25.92

     

(0.16

)%

   

1.77

%

   

1.77

%

   

(0.92

)%

   

17

%

 

$

776,370

   

Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

$

31.64

     

29.58

%

   

1.78

%

   

1.78

%

   

(0.88

)%

   

18

%

 

$

938,644

   

Year Ended December 31, 2012

 

$

26.34

     

16.77

%

   

1.80

%

   

1.80

%(c)

   

(0.46

)%

   

16

%

 

$

756,709

   

Year Ended December 31, 2011

 

$

24.18

     

(5.63

)%

   

1.82

%

   

1.82

%(c)

   

(1.10

)%

   

18

%

 

$

721,446

   

Class I

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

$

19.43

     

(1.53

)%

   

0.73

%

   

0.73

%

   

(0.02

)%

   

21

%

 

$

27,151

   

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

$

32.03

     

0.91

%

   

0.70

%

   

0.70

%

   

0.14

%

   

17

%

 

$

28,164

   

Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

$

37.37

     

30.99

%

   

0.70

%

   

0.70

%

   

0.16

%

   

18

%

 

$

20,383

   

Year Ended December 31, 2012

 

$

30.47

     

18.02

%

   

0.72

%

   

0.72

%(c)

   

0.86

%

   

16

%

 

$

58,652

   

Year Ended December 31, 2011

 

$

27.57

     

(4.57

)%

   

0.72

%

   

0.72

%(c)

   

0.02

%

   

18

%

 

$

16,397

   

Class R4

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

$

19.84

     

(1.75

)%

   

0.89

%

   

0.89

%

   

(0.23

)%

   

21

%

 

$

50,335

   

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

$

32.51

     

0.81

%

   

0.84

%

   

0.84

%

   

0.05

%

   

17

%

 

$

250,457

   

Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

$

37.88

     

30.85

%

   

0.80

%

   

0.80

%

   

0.16

%

   

18

%

 

$

74,188

   

Year Ended December 31, 2012 (d)

 

$

30.90

     

6.31

%

   

0.87

%(e)

   

0.86

%(c)(e)

   

1.24

%(e)

   

16

%

 

$

17

   

Class R5

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

$

19.92

     

(1.60

)%

   

0.77

%

   

0.77

%

   

(0.11

)%

   

21

%

 

$

76,412

   

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

$

32.55

     

0.89

%

   

0.76

%

   

0.76

%

   

0.10

%

   

17

%

 

$

458,223

   

Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

$

37.89

     

30.94

%

   

0.75

%

   

0.75

%

   

0.20

%

   

18

%

 

$

496,906

   

Year Ended December 31, 2012 (f)

 

$

30.88

     

6.33

%

   

0.82

%(e)

   

0.81

%(c)(e)

   

1.29

%(e)

   

16

%

 

$

3

   

Class Y

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

$

20.00

     

(1.54

)%

   

0.73

%

   

0.73

%

   

(0.06

)%

   

21

%

 

$

130,546

   

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

$

32.61

     

0.94

%

   

0.70

%

   

0.70

%

   

0.13

%

   

17

%

 

$

378,780

   

Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

$

37.93

     

30.99

%

   

0.70

%

   

0.70

%

   

0.26

%

   

18

%

 

$

1,227,891

   

Year Ended December 31, 2012 (g)

 

$

30.90

     

6.34

%

   

0.75

%(e)

   

0.75

%(c)(e)

   

2.21

%(e)

   

16

%

 

$

67,012

   

Class Z

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

$

19.34

     

(1.57

)%

   

0.80

%

   

0.80

%

   

(0.11

)%

   

21

%

 

$

5,062,313

   

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

$

31.95

     

0.82

%

   

0.79

%

   

0.79

%

   

0.07

%

   

17

%

 

$

11,340,770

   

Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

$

37.32

     

30.90

%

   

0.78

%

   

0.78

%

   

0.12

%

   

18

%

 

$

14,703,948

   

Year Ended December 31, 2012

 

$

30.45

     

17.93

%

   

0.78

%

   

0.78

%(c)

   

0.57

%

   

16

%

 

$

13,374,355

   

Year Ended December 31, 2011

 

$

27.56

     

(4.61

)%

   

0.76

%

   

0.76

%(c)

   

(0.03

)%

   

18

%

 

$

12,284,748

   

See accompanying notes to financial statements.


97



COLUMBIA ACORN FAMILY OF FUNDS

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS, CONTINUED

Columbia Acorn International®

       

Income from Investment Operations

     

Less Distributions to Shareholders

     
(Selected data for a share outstanding
throughout each period)
  Net Asset
Value,
Beginning of
Period
  Net
investment
income (loss)
  Net realized
and
unrealized
gain (loss)
  Reimbursement
from
affiliate
  Total from
Investment
Operations
  Net
investment
income
  Net
realized gains
  Total
Distributions to
Shareholders
 

Class A

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

$

41.68

     

0.39

     

(1.02

)

   

     

(0.63

)

   

(0.40

)

   

(1.57

)

   

(1.97

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

$

46.63

     

0.42

     

(2.51

)

   

     

(2.09

)

   

(0.55

)

   

(2.31

)

   

(2.86

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

$

40.79

     

0.45

     

8.37

     

     

8.82

     

(1.05

)

   

(1.93

)

   

(2.98

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2012

 

$

34.15

     

0.47

     

6.75

     

     

7.22

     

(0.58

)

   

     

(0.58

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2011

 

$

40.87

     

0.32

     

(6.02

)

   

0.00

(c)

   

(5.70

)

   

(1.02

)

   

     

(1.02

)

 

Class B

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

$

40.38

     

0.02

     

(1.01

)

   

     

(0.99

)

   

(0.02

)

   

(1.57

)

   

(1.59

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

$

45.24

     

0.07

     

(2.42

)

   

     

(2.35

)

   

(0.20

)

   

(2.31

)

   

(2.51

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

$

39.67

     

0.12

     

8.10

     

     

8.22

     

(0.72

)

   

(1.93

)

   

(2.65

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2012

 

$

33.17

     

0.19

     

6.55

     

     

6.74

     

(0.24

)

   

     

(0.24

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2011

 

$

39.96

     

0.06

     

(5.85

)

   

0.00

(c)

   

(5.79

)

   

(1.00

)

   

     

(1.00

)

 

Class C

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

$

40.20

     

0.07

     

(0.97

)

   

     

(0.90

)

   

(0.08

)

   

(1.57

)

   

(1.65

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

$

45.04

     

0.07

     

(2.40

)

   

     

(2.33

)

   

(0.20

)

   

(2.31

)

   

(2.51

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

$

39.50

     

0.10

     

8.08

     

     

8.18

     

(0.71

)

   

(1.93

)

   

(2.64

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2012

 

$

33.03

     

0.18

     

6.52

     

     

6.70

     

(0.23

)

   

     

(0.23

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2011

 

$

39.79

     

0.04

     

(5.86

)

   

0.00

(c)

   

(5.82

)

   

(0.94

)

   

     

(0.94

)

 

Class I

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

$

41.76

     

0.52

     

(1.00

)

   

     

(0.48

)

   

(0.56

)

   

(1.57

)

   

(2.13

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

$

46.71

     

0.59

     

(2.51

)

   

     

(1.92

)

   

(0.72

)

   

(2.31

)

   

(3.03

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

$

40.86

     

0.66

     

8.34

     

     

9.00

     

(1.22

)

   

(1.93

)

   

(3.15

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2012

 

$

34.33

     

0.57

     

6.83

     

     

7.40

     

(0.87

)

   

     

(0.87

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2011

 

$

40.92

     

0.37

     

(5.94

)

   

0.00

(c)

   

(5.57

)

   

(1.02

)

   

     

(1.02

)

 

Class R

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

$

41.67

     

0.23

     

(1.02

)

   

     

(0.79

)

   

(0.24

)

   

(1.57

)

   

(1.81

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

$

46.60

     

0.24

     

(2.50

)

   

     

(2.26

)

   

(0.36

)

   

(2.31

)

   

(2.67

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

$

40.79

     

0.26

     

8.36

     

     

8.62

     

(0.88

)

   

(1.93

)

   

(2.81

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2012

 

$

34.11

     

0.21

     

6.89

     

     

7.10

     

(0.42

)

   

     

(0.42

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2011 (f)

 

$

40.11

     

(0.00

)(c)

   

(6.00

)

   

0.00

(c)

   

(6.00

)

   

     

     

   

Class R4

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

$

42.02

     

0.47

     

(1.03

)

   

     

(0.56

)

   

(0.48

)

   

(1.57

)

   

(2.05

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

$

46.99

     

0.50

     

(2.52

)

   

     

(2.02

)

   

(0.64

)

   

(2.31

)

   

(2.95

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

$

41.08

     

0.34

     

8.67

     

     

9.01

     

(1.17

)

   

(1.93

)

   

(3.10

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2012 (h)

 

$

39.86

     

(0.00

)(c)

   

1.81

     

     

1.81

     

(0.59

)

   

     

(0.59

)

 

Class R5

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

$

41.71

     

0.54

     

(1.05

)

   

     

(0.51

)

   

(0.53

)

   

(1.57

)

   

(2.10

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

$

46.66

     

0.57

     

(2.51

)

   

     

(1.94

)

   

(0.70

)

   

(2.31

)

   

(3.01

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

$

40.81

     

0.63

     

8.34

     

     

8.97

     

(1.19

)

   

(1.93

)

   

(3.12

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2012

 

$

34.31

     

0.75

     

6.62

     

     

7.37

     

(0.87

)

   

     

(0.87

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2011 (i)

 

$

40.24

     

0.09

     

(6.02

)

   

0.00

(c)

   

(5.93

)

   

     

     

   

Class Y

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

$

42.02

     

0.53

     

(1.01

)

   

     

(0.48

)

   

(0.56

)

   

(1.57

)

   

(2.13

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

$

46.99

     

0.58

     

(2.52

)

   

     

(1.94

)

   

(0.72

)

   

(2.31

)

   

(3.03

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

$

41.08

     

0.57

     

8.48

     

     

9.05

     

(1.21

)

   

(1.93

)

   

(3.14

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2012 (j)

 

$

39.90

     

0.04

     

1.78

     

     

1.82

     

(0.64

)

   

     

(0.64

)

 

Class Z

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

$

41.73

     

0.51

     

(1.03

)

   

     

(0.52

)

   

(0.52

)

   

(1.57

)

   

(2.09

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

$

46.68

     

0.56

     

(2.51

)

   

     

(1.95

)

   

(0.69

)

   

(2.31

)

   

(3.00

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

$

40.84

     

0.58

     

8.38

     

     

8.96

     

(1.19

)

   

(1.93

)

   

(3.12

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2012

 

$

34.31

     

0.59

     

6.78

     

     

7.37

     

(0.84

)

   

     

(0.84

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2011

 

$

40.92

     

0.48

     

(6.07

)

   

0.00

(c)

   

(5.59

)

   

(1.02

)

   

     

(1.02

)

 

Notes to Financial Highlights

(a)  In addition to the fees and expenses that the Fund bears directly, the Fund indirectly bears a pro rata share of the fees and expenses of any other funds in which it invests, if any. Such indirect expenses are not included in the Fund's reported expense ratios.

(b)  Had the Investment Manager and/or Transfer Agent not waived fees and/or reimbursed a portion of expenses, total return would have been reduced.

(c)  Rounds to zero.

(d)  The benefits derived from custody fees paid indirectly had an impact of 0.01%.

(e)  During the year ended December 31, 2011, Columbia Management reimbursed the Fund for a loss on a trading error. Had the Fund not received this reimbursement, total return would have been lower by less than 0.01%.

(f)  Class R shares commenced operations on August 2, 2011. Per share data and total return reflect activity from that date.

(g)  Annualized.

(h)  Class R4 shares commenced operations on November 8, 2012. Per share data and total return reflect activity from that date.

(i)  Class R5 shares commenced operations on August 2, 2011. Per share data and total return reflect activity from that date.

(j)  Class Y shares commenced operations on November 8, 2012. Per share data and total return reflect activity from that date.

See accompanying notes to financial statements.


98



               

Ratio to Average Net Assets

 

Supplemental Data

 
(Selected data for a share outstanding
throughout each period)
  Increase from
regulatory
settlements
  Net Asset
Value, End of
Period
 

Total Return

  Total gross
expenses
(a)
  Total net
expenses
(a)
  Net
investment
income (loss)
  Portfolio
turnover rate
  Net assets,
end of period
(000s)
 

Class A

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

   

   

$

39.08

     

(1.59

)%(b)

   

1.28

%

   

1.24

%

   

0.93

%

   

50

%

 

$

812,479

   

Year Ended December 31, 2014

   

   

$

41.68

     

(4.58

)%(b)

   

1.26

%

   

1.22

%

   

0.91

%

   

28

%

 

$

946,553

   

Year Ended December 31, 2013

   

   

$

46.63

     

22.00

%(b)

   

1.27

%

   

1.23

%

   

1.02

%

   

45

%

 

$

1,089,263

   

Year Ended December 31, 2012

   

0.00

(c)

 

$

40.79

     

21.21

%(b)

   

1.28

%

   

1.24

%(d)

   

1.22

%

   

33

%

 

$

1,007,236

   

Year Ended December 31, 2011

   

0.00

(c)

 

$

34.15

     

(14.37

)%(b)(e)

   

1.32

%

   

1.30

%(d)

   

0.84

%

   

32

%

 

$

918,112

   

Class B

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

   

   

$

37.80

     

(2.53

)%(b)

   

2.17

%

   

2.14

%

   

0.05

%

   

50

%

 

$

1,628

   

Year Ended December 31, 2014

   

   

$

40.38

     

(5.29

)%(b)

   

2.00

%

   

1.97

%

   

0.16

%

   

28

%

 

$

6,516

   

Year Ended December 31, 2013

   

   

$

45.24

     

21.08

%(b)

   

2.00

%

   

1.97

%

   

0.27

%

   

45

%

 

$

13,218

   

Year Ended December 31, 2012

   

0.00

(c)

 

$

39.67

     

20.33

%(b)

   

2.00

%

   

1.97

%(d)

   

0.51

%

   

33

%

 

$

17,910

   

Year Ended December 31, 2011

   

0.00

(c)

 

$

33.17

     

(14.92

)%(b)(e)

   

1.98

%

   

1.96

%(d)

   

0.15

%

   

32

%

 

$

24,510

   

Class C

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

   

   

$

37.65

     

(2.33

)%(b)

   

2.01

%

   

1.99

%

   

0.18

%

   

50

%

 

$

88,606

   

Year Ended December 31, 2014

   

   

$

40.20

     

(5.27

)%(b)

   

1.99

%

   

1.97

%

   

0.16

%

   

28

%

 

$

103,691

   

Year Ended December 31, 2013

   

   

$

45.04

     

21.07

%(b)

   

2.01

%

   

1.99

%

   

0.23

%

   

45

%

 

$

110,875

   

Year Ended December 31, 2012

   

0.00

(c)

 

$

39.50

     

20.31

%(b)

   

2.02

%

   

2.00

%(d)

   

0.48

%

   

33

%

 

$

92,748

   

Year Ended December 31, 2011

   

0.00

(c)

 

$

33.03

     

(15.02

)%(b)(e)

   

2.07

%

   

2.06

%(d)

   

0.10

%

   

32

%

 

$

97,328

   

Class I

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

   

   

$

39.15

     

(1.23

)%

   

0.88

%

   

0.88

%

   

1.23

%

   

50

%

 

$

54,382

   

Year Ended December 31, 2014

   

   

$

41.76

     

(4.20

)%

   

0.85

%

   

0.85

%

   

1.26

%

   

28

%

 

$

38,804

   

Year Ended December 31, 2013

   

   

$

46.71

     

22.43

%

   

0.85

%

   

0.85

%

   

1.49

%

   

45

%

 

$

29,418

   

Year Ended December 31, 2012

   

0.00

(c)

 

$

40.86

     

21.69

%

   

0.88

%

   

0.88

%(d)

   

1.48

%

   

33

%

 

$

97,484

   

Year Ended December 31, 2011

   

0.00

(c)

 

$

34.33

     

(14.02

)%(e)

   

0.91

%

   

0.91

%(d)

   

0.99

%

   

32

%

 

$

50,335

   

Class R

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

   

   

$

39.07

     

(1.98

)%

   

1.62

%

   

1.62

%

   

0.54

%

   

50

%

 

$

4,945

   

Year Ended December 31, 2014

   

   

$

41.67

     

(4.95

)%

   

1.63

%

   

1.63

%

   

0.52

%

   

28

%

 

$

5,560

   

Year Ended December 31, 2013

   

   

$

46.60

     

21.50

%

   

1.63

%

   

1.63

%

   

0.58

%

   

45

%

 

$

5,822

   

Year Ended December 31, 2012

   

0.00

(c)

 

$

40.79

     

20.83

%

   

1.52

%

   

1.51

%(d)

   

0.54

%

   

33

%

 

$

2,799

   

Year Ended December 31, 2011 (f)

   

0.00

(c)

 

$

34.11

     

(14.96

)%

   

1.59

%(g)

   

1.59

%(d)(g)

   

(0.02

)%(g)

   

32

%

 

$

2,130

   

Class R4

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

   

   

$

39.41

     

(1.41

)%

   

1.06

%

   

1.06

%

   

1.10

%

   

50

%

 

$

486,763

   

Year Ended December 31, 2014

   

   

$

42.02

     

(4.39

)%

   

1.04

%

   

1.04

%

   

1.07

%

   

28

%

 

$

424,425

   

Year Ended December 31, 2013

   

   

$

46.99

     

22.32

%

   

1.03

%

   

1.03

%

   

0.73

%

   

45

%

 

$

355,616

   

Year Ended December 31, 2012 (h)

   

   

$

41.08

     

4.57

%

   

1.03

%(g)

   

1.02

%(d)(g)

   

(0.02

)%(g)

   

33

%

 

$

15

   

Class R5

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

   

   

$

39.10

     

(1.29

)%

   

0.92

%

   

0.92

%

   

1.26

%

   

50

%

 

$

320,252

   

Year Ended December 31, 2014

   

   

$

41.71

     

(4.25

)%

   

0.90

%

   

0.90

%

   

1.23

%

   

28

%

 

$

397,882

   

Year Ended December 31, 2013

   

   

$

46.66

     

22.38

%

   

0.91

%

   

0.91

%

   

1.40

%

   

45

%

 

$

274,415

   

Year Ended December 31, 2012

   

0.00

(c)

 

$

40.81

     

21.61

%

   

0.89

%

   

0.89

%(d)

   

1.99

%

   

33

%

 

$

242

   

Year Ended December 31, 2011 (i)

   

0.00

(c)

 

$

34.31

     

(14.74

)%

   

0.91

%(g)

   

0.91

%(d)(g)

   

0.65

%(g)

   

32

%

 

$

2,038

   

Class Y

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

   

   

$

39.41

     

(1.23

)%

   

0.88

%

   

0.88

%

   

1.26

%

   

50

%

 

$

318,326

   

Year Ended December 31, 2014

   

   

$

42.02

     

(4.21

)%

   

0.85

%

   

0.85

%

   

1.25

%

   

28

%

 

$

225,012

   

Year Ended December 31, 2013

   

   

$

46.99

     

22.44

%

   

0.86

%

   

0.86

%

   

1.26

%

   

45

%

 

$

155,140

   

Year Ended December 31, 2012 (j)

   

   

$

41.08

     

4.59

%

   

0.91

%(g)

   

0.90

%(d)(g)

   

0.75

%(g)

   

33

%

 

$

30,856

   

Class Z

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

   

   

$

39.12

     

(1.33

)%

   

0.97

%

   

0.97

%

   

1.21

%

   

50

%

 

$

4,645,797

   

Year Ended December 31, 2014

   

   

$

41.73

     

(4.28

)%

   

0.93

%

   

0.93

%

   

1.20

%

   

28

%

 

$

5,585,035

   

Year Ended December 31, 2013

   

   

$

46.68

     

22.33

%

   

0.93

%

   

0.93

%

   

1.30

%

   

45

%

 

$

6,293,552

   

Year Ended December 31, 2012

   

0.00

(c)

 

$

40.84

     

21.60

%

   

0.93

%

   

0.93

%(d)

   

1.53

%

   

33

%

 

$

5,494,506

   

Year Ended December 31, 2011

   

0.00

(c)

 

$

34.31

     

(14.06

)%(e)

   

0.95

%

   

0.95

%(d)

   

1.24

%

   

32

%

 

$

4,322,500

   

See accompanying notes to financial statements.


99



COLUMBIA ACORN FAMILY OF FUNDS

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS, CONTINUED

Columbia Acorn USA®

       

Income from Investment Operations

     

Less Distributions to Shareholders

     
(Selected data for a share outstanding
throughout each period)
  Net Asset
Value,
Beginning of
Period
  Net
investment
income (loss)
  Net realized
and
unrealized
gain (loss)
  Total from
Investment
Operations
  Net
investment
income
  Net
realized gains
  Total
Distributions to
Shareholders
 

Class A

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

$

29.13

     

(0.18

)

   

(0.18

)(b)

   

(0.36

)

   

     

(8.52

)

   

(8.52

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

$

34.15

     

(0.20

)

   

1.22

     

1.02

     

     

(6.04

)

   

(6.04

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

$

28.21

     

(0.15

)

   

9.09

     

8.94

     

     

(3.00

)

   

(3.00

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2012

 

$

25.94

     

0.02

     

4.73

     

4.75

     

(0.11

)

   

(2.37

)

   

(2.48

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2011

 

$

27.54

     

(0.22

)

   

(1.21

)

   

(1.43

)

   

     

(0.17

)

   

(0.17

)

 

Class B

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

$

25.27

     

(0.52

)

   

(0.18

)(b)

   

(0.70

)

   

     

(8.52

)

   

(8.52

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

$

30.70

     

(0.46

)

   

1.07

     

0.61

     

     

(6.04

)

   

(6.04

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

$

25.81

     

(0.39

)

   

8.28

     

7.89

     

     

(3.00

)

   

(3.00

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2012

 

$

23.98

     

(0.19

)

   

4.39

     

4.20

     

     

(2.37

)

   

(2.37

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2011

 

$

25.60

     

(0.37

)

   

(1.08

)

   

(1.45

)

   

     

(0.17

)

   

(0.17

)

 

Class C

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

$

24.98

     

(0.33

)

   

(0.13

)(b)

   

(0.46

)

   

     

(8.52

)

   

(8.52

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

$

30.33

     

(0.37

)

   

1.06

     

0.69

     

     

(6.04

)

   

(6.04

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

$

25.49

     

(0.33

)

   

8.17

     

7.84

     

     

(3.00

)

   

(3.00

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2012

 

$

23.72

     

(0.16

)

   

4.30

     

4.14

     

     

(2.37

)

   

(2.37

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2011

 

$

25.39

     

(0.39

)

   

(1.11

)

   

(1.50

)

   

     

(0.17

)

   

(0.17

)

 

Class I

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

$

31.19

     

(0.07

)

   

(0.20

)(b)

   

(0.27

)

   

     

(8.52

)

   

(8.52

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

$

35.99

     

(0.06

)

   

1.30

     

1.24

     

     

(6.04

)

   

(6.04

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

$

29.47

     

(0.02

)

   

9.54

     

9.52

     

     

(3.00

)

   

(3.00

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2012

 

$

27.00

     

(0.10

)

   

5.16

     

5.06

     

(0.22

)

   

(2.37

)

   

(2.59

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2011

 

$

28.56

     

(0.14

)

   

(1.25

)

   

(1.39

)

   

     

(0.17

)

   

(0.17

)

 

Class R4

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

$

31.70

     

(0.13

)

   

(0.20

)(b)

   

(0.33

)

   

     

(8.52

)

   

(8.52

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

$

36.55

     

(0.11

)

   

1.30

     

1.19

     

     

(6.04

)

   

(6.04

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

$

29.92

     

0.00

(e)

   

9.63

     

9.63

     

     

(3.00

)

   

(3.00

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2012 (f)

 

$

30.06

     

0.06

     

2.28

     

2.34

     

(0.16

)

   

(2.32

)

   

(2.48

)

 

Class R5

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

$

31.71

     

(0.10

)

   

(0.19

)(b)

   

(0.29

)

   

     

(8.52

)

   

(8.52

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

$

36.53

     

(0.06

)

   

1.28

     

1.22

     

     

(6.04

)

   

(6.04

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

$

29.90

     

0.02

     

9.61

     

9.63

     

     

(3.00

)

   

(3.00

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2012 (h)

 

$

30.06

     

0.07

     

2.27

     

2.34

     

(0.18

)

   

(2.32

)

   

(2.50

)

 

Class Y

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

$

31.80

     

(0.08

)

   

(0.21

)(b)

   

(0.29

)

   

     

(8.52

)

   

(8.52

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

$

36.59

     

(0.07

)

   

1.32

     

1.25

     

     

(6.04

)

   

(6.04

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

$

29.93

     

0.02

     

9.64

     

9.66

     

     

(3.00

)

   

(3.00

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2012 (i)

 

$

30.10

     

0.07

     

2.27

     

2.34

     

(0.19

)

   

(2.32

)

   

(2.51

)

 

Class Z

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

$

31.03

     

(0.12

)

   

(0.20

)(b)

   

(0.32

)

   

     

(8.52

)

   

(8.52

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

$

35.90

     

(0.12

)

   

1.29

     

1.17

     

     

(6.04

)

   

(6.04

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

$

29.45

     

(0.07

)

   

9.52

     

9.45

     

     

(3.00

)

   

(3.00

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2012

 

$

26.98

     

0.11

     

4.92

     

5.03

     

(0.19

)

   

(2.37

)

   

(2.56

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2011

 

$

28.56

     

(0.14

)

   

(1.27

)

   

(1.41

)

   

     

(0.17

)

   

(0.17

)

 

Notes to Financial Highlights

(a)  In addition to the fees and expenses that the Fund bears directly, the Fund indirectly bears a pro rata share of the fees and expenses of any other funds in which it invests, if any. Such indirect expenses are not included in the Fund's reported expense ratios.

(b)  Calculation of the net gain (loss) per share (both realized and unrealized) does not correlate to the aggregate realized and unrealized gain (loss) presented in the Statements of Operations due to the timing of subscriptions and redemptions of Fund shares in relation to fluctuations in the market value of the portfolio.

(c)  Ratios include line of credit interest expense which is less than 0.01%.

(d)  The benefits derived from custody fees paid indirectly had an impact of less than 0.01%.

(e)  Rounds to zero.

(f)  Class R4 shares commenced operations on November 8, 2012. Per share data and total return reflect activity from that date.

(g)  Annualized.

(h)  Class R5 shares commenced operations on November 8, 2012. Per share data and total return reflect activity from that date.

(i)  Class Y shares commenced operations on November 8, 2012. Per share data and total return reflect activity from that date.

See accompanying notes to financial statements.


100



           

Ratio to Average Net Assets

 

Supplemental Data

 
(Selected data for a share outstanding
throughout each period)
  Net Asset
Value, End of
Period
 

Total Return

  Total gross
expenses
(a)
  Total net
expenses
(a)
  Net
investment
income (loss)
  Portfolio
turnover rate
  Net assets,
end of period
(000s)
 

Class A

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

$

20.25

     

(1.60

)%

   

1.34

%

   

1.34

%

   

(0.63

)%

   

35

%

 

$

95,048

   

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

$

29.13

     

3.35

%

   

1.33

%

   

1.33

%

   

(0.60

)%

   

12

%

 

$

148,089

   

Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

$

34.15

     

32.34

%

   

1.32

%

   

1.32

%

   

(0.46

)%

   

17

%

 

$

201,559

   

Year Ended December 31, 2012

 

$

28.21

     

18.67

%

   

1.32

%(c)

   

1.32

%(c)(d)

   

0.08

%

   

14

%

 

$

152,164

   

Year Ended December 31, 2011

 

$

25.94

     

(5.21

)%

   

1.30

%

   

1.30

%(d)

   

(0.78

)%

   

20

%

 

$

167,038

   

Class B

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

$

16.05

     

(3.29

)%

   

2.72

%

   

2.72

%

   

(2.01

)%

   

35

%

 

$

25

   

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

$

25.27

     

2.37

%

   

2.26

%

   

2.26

%

   

(1.55

)%

   

12

%

 

$

234

   

Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

$

30.70

     

31.28

%

   

2.15

%

   

2.15

%

   

(1.33

)%

   

17

%

 

$

567

   

Year Ended December 31, 2012

 

$

25.81

     

17.87

%

   

1.99

%(c)

   

1.99

%(c)(d)

   

(0.71

)%

   

14

%

 

$

1,056

   

Year Ended December 31, 2011

 

$

23.98

     

(5.68

)%

   

1.92

%

   

1.92

%(d)

   

(1.42

)%

   

20

%

 

$

2,253

   

Class C

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

$

16.00

     

(2.28

)%

   

2.02

%

   

2.02

%

   

(1.32

)%

   

35

%

 

$

17,255

   

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

$

24.98

     

2.67

%

   

2.00

%

   

2.00

%

   

(1.26

)%

   

12

%

 

$

36,476

   

Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

$

30.33

     

31.47

%

   

2.00

%

   

2.00

%

   

(1.14

)%

   

17

%

 

$

40,395

   

Year Ended December 31, 2012

 

$

25.49

     

17.82

%

   

2.05

%(c)

   

2.05

%(c)(d)

   

(0.61

)%

   

14

%

 

$

31,410

   

Year Ended December 31, 2011

 

$

23.72

     

(5.92

)%

   

2.05

%

   

2.05

%(d)

   

(1.53

)%

   

20

%

 

$

30,584

   

Class I

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

$

22.40

     

(1.19

)%

   

0.92

%

   

0.92

%

   

(0.23

)%

   

35

%

 

$

2

   

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

$

31.19

     

3.80

%

   

0.88

%

   

0.88

%

   

(0.17

)%

   

12

%

 

$

2

   

Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

$

35.99

     

32.93

%

   

0.90

%

   

0.90

%

   

(0.04

)%

   

17

%

 

$

4

   

Year Ended December 31, 2012

 

$

29.47

     

19.10

%

   

0.96

%

   

0.96

%(d)

   

(0.33

)%

   

14

%

 

$

3

   

Year Ended December 31, 2011

 

$

27.00

     

(4.88

)%

   

0.94

%

   

0.94

%(d)

   

(0.47

)%

   

20

%

 

$

2,635

   

Class R4

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

$

22.85

     

(1.36

)%

   

1.12

%

   

1.12

%

   

(0.40

)%

   

35

%

 

$

8,224

   

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

$

31.70

     

3.60

%

   

1.07

%

   

1.07

%

   

(0.32

)%

   

12

%

 

$

7,952

   

Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

$

36.55

     

32.80

%

   

1.00

%

   

1.00

%

   

0.01

%

   

17

%

 

$

6,441

   

Year Ended December 31, 2012 (f)

 

$

29.92

     

8.06

%

   

1.14

%(c)(g)

   

1.14

%(e)(d)(g)

   

1.51

%(g)

   

14

%

 

$

15

   

Class R5

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

$

22.90

     

(1.23

)%

   

1.01

%

   

1.01

%

   

(0.30

)%

   

35

%

 

$

27,112

   

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

$

31.71

     

3.68

%

   

0.99

%

   

0.99

%

   

(0.17

)%

   

12

%

 

$

36,689

   

Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

$

36.53

     

32.83

%

   

0.97

%

   

0.97

%

   

0.06

%

   

17

%

 

$

6,068

   

Year Ended December 31, 2012 (h)

 

$

29.90

     

8.06

%

   

1.12

%(g)

   

1.12

%(d)(g)

   

1.53

%(g)

   

14

%

 

$

2

   

Class Y

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

$

22.99

     

(1.23

)%

   

0.97

%

   

0.97

%

   

(0.25

)%

   

35

%

 

$

41,658

   

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

$

31.80

     

3.76

%

   

0.93

%

   

0.93

%

   

(0.19

)%

   

12

%

 

$

35,551

   

Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

$

36.59

     

32.89

%

   

0.93

%

   

0.93

%

   

0.07

%

   

17

%

 

$

48,479

   

Year Ended December 31, 2012 (i)

 

$

29.93

     

8.07

%

   

1.04

%(g)

   

1.04

%(d)(g)

   

1.62

%(g)

   

14

%

 

$

2

   

Class Z

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

$

22.19

     

(1.36

)%

   

1.10

%

   

1.10

%

   

(0.40

)%

   

35

%

 

$

768,658

   

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

$

31.03

     

3.61

%

   

1.08

%

   

1.08

%

   

(0.34

)%

   

12

%

 

$

1,132,223

   

Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

$

35.90

     

32.72

%

   

1.06

%

   

1.06

%

   

(0.20

)%

   

17

%

 

$

1,496,775

   

Year Ended December 31, 2012

 

$

29.45

     

18.98

%

   

1.07

%(c)

   

1.07

%(c)(d)

   

0.36

%

   

14

%

 

$

1,415,442

   

Year Ended December 31, 2011

 

$

26.98

     

(4.95

)%

   

1.00

%

   

1.00

%(d)

   

(0.48

)%

   

20

%

 

$

1,355,934

   

See accompanying notes to financial statements.


101



COLUMBIA ACORN FAMILY OF FUNDS

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS, CONTINUED

Columbia Acorn International SelectSM

           

Less Distributions to Shareholders

                 
(Selected data for a share outstanding
throughout each period)
  Net Asset
Value,
Beginning of
Period
  Net
investment
income (loss)
  Net realized
and
unrealized
gain (loss)
  Total from
Investment
Operations
  Net
investment
income
  Tax return
of
capital
  Net
realized gains
  Total
Distributions to
Shareholders
 

Class A

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

$

22.04

     

0.17

     

(0.45

)

   

(0.28

)

   

(0.42

)

   

(0.01

)

   

     

(0.43

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

$

26.91

     

0.29

     

(2.17

)

   

(1.88

)

   

(0.10

)

   

     

(2.89

)

   

(2.99

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

$

25.61

     

0.29

     

3.29

     

3.58

     

(0.37

)

   

     

(1.91

)

   

(2.28

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2012

 

$

24.26

     

0.39

     

4.92

     

5.31

     

(1.75

)

   

     

(2.21

)

   

(3.96

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2011

 

$

28.01

     

0.18

     

(2.95

)

   

(2.77

)

   

(0.59

)

   

     

(0.39

)

   

(0.98

)

 

Class B

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

$

20.69

     

0.02

     

(0.42

)

   

(0.40

)

   

(0.19

)

   

(0.01

)

   

     

(0.20

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

$

25.53

     

0.10

     

(2.05

)

   

(1.95

)

   

     

     

(2.89

)

   

(2.89

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

$

24.40

     

0.11

     

3.12

     

3.23

     

(0.19

)

   

     

(1.91

)

   

(2.10

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2012

 

$

23.27

     

0.23

     

4.69

     

4.92

     

(1.58

)

   

     

(2.21

)

   

(3.79

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2011

 

$

26.72

     

0.01

     

(2.82

)

   

(2.81

)

   

(0.25

)

   

     

(0.39

)

   

(0.64

)

 

Class C

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

$

20.54

     

(0.01

)

   

(0.41

)

   

(0.42

)

   

(0.15

)

   

(0.01

)

   

     

(0.16

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

$

25.39

     

0.07

     

(2.03

)

   

(1.96

)

   

     

     

(2.89

)

   

(2.89

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

$

24.28

     

0.08

     

3.10

     

3.18

     

(0.16

)

   

     

(1.91

)

   

(2.07

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2012

 

$

23.17

     

0.18

     

4.67

     

4.85

     

(1.53

)

   

     

(2.21

)

   

(3.74

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2011

 

$

26.58

     

(0.04

)

   

(2.81

)

   

(2.85

)

   

(0.17

)

   

     

(0.39

)

   

(0.56

)

 

Class I

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

$

22.29

     

0.24

     

(0.45

)

   

(0.21

)

   

(0.50

)

   

(0.01

)

   

     

(0.51

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

$

27.19

     

0.39

     

(2.20

)

   

(1.81

)

   

(0.20

)

   

     

(2.89

)

   

(3.09

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

$

25.85

     

0.39

     

3.32

     

3.71

     

(0.46

)

   

     

(1.91

)

   

(2.37

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2012

 

$

24.45

     

0.51

     

4.94

     

5.45

     

(1.84

)

   

     

(2.21

)

   

(4.05

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2011

 

$

28.33

     

0.31

     

(2.97

)

   

(2.66

)

   

(0.83

)

   

     

(0.39

)

   

(1.22

)

 

Class R4

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

$

22.45

     

0.22

     

(0.44

)

   

(0.22

)

   

(0.48

)

   

(0.01

)

   

     

(0.49

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

$

27.36

     

0.37

     

(2.22

)

   

(1.85

)

   

(0.17

)

   

     

(2.89

)

   

(3.06

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

$

25.99

     

0.29

     

3.42

     

3.71

     

(0.43

)

   

     

(1.91

)

   

(2.34

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2012 (h)

 

$

29.98

     

(0.02

)

   

(0.09

)(i)

   

(0.11

)

   

(1.79

)

   

     

(2.09

)

   

(3.88

)

 

Class R5

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

$

22.43

     

0.22

     

(0.42

)

   

(0.20

)

   

(0.50

)

   

(0.01

)

   

     

(0.51

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

$

27.34

     

0.36

     

(2.19

)

   

(1.83

)

   

(0.19

)

   

     

(2.89

)

   

(3.08

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

$

25.98

     

0.38

     

3.35

     

3.73

     

(0.46

)

   

     

(1.91

)

   

(2.37

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2012 (k)

 

$

29.98

     

(0.02

)

   

(0.09

)(i)

   

(0.11

)

   

(1.80

)

   

     

(2.09

)

   

(3.89

)

 

Class Y

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

$

22.42

     

0.28

     

(0.47

)

   

(0.19

)

   

(0.51

)

   

(0.01

)

   

     

(0.52

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

$

27.33

     

0.40

     

(2.21

)

   

(1.81

)

   

(0.21

)

   

     

(2.89

)

   

(3.10

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

$

25.98

     

0.11

     

3.62

     

3.73

     

(0.47

)

   

     

(1.91

)

   

(2.38

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2012 (l)

 

$

29.99

     

(0.02

)

   

(0.09

)(i)

   

(0.11

)

   

(1.81

)

   

     

(2.09

)

   

(3.90

)

 

Class Z

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

$

22.30

     

0.24

     

(0.46

)

   

(0.22

)

   

(0.49

)

   

(0.01

)

   

     

(0.50

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

$

27.20

     

0.38

     

(2.21

)

   

(1.83

)

   

(0.18

)

   

     

(2.89

)

   

(3.07

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

$

25.86

     

0.37

     

3.33

     

3.70

     

(0.45

)

   

     

(1.91

)

   

(2.36

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2012

 

$

24.46

     

0.49

     

4.95

     

5.44

     

(1.83

)

   

     

(2.21

)

   

(4.04

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2011

 

$

28.33

     

0.29

     

(2.98

)

   

(2.69

)

   

(0.79

)

   

     

(0.39

)

   

(1.18

)

 

Notes to Financial Highlights

(a)  In addition to the fees and expenses that the Fund bears directly, the Fund indirectly bears a pro rata share of the fees and expenses of any other funds in which it invests, if any. Such indirect expenses are not included in the Fund's reported expense ratios.

(b)  Rounds to zero.

(c)  The Fund received proceeds from regulatory settlements. Had the Fund not received these proceeds, the total return would have been lower by 0.02%.

(d)  Ratios include line of credit interest expense which is less than 0.01%.

(e)  The benefits derived from custody fees paid indirectly had an impact of 0.01%.

(f)  The benefits derived from custody fees paid indirectly had an impact of less than 0.01%.

(g)  Had the Investment Manager and/or Transfer Agent not waived fees and/or reimbursed a portion of expenses, total return would have been reduced.

(h)  Class R4 shares commenced operations on November 8, 2012. Per share data and total return reflect activity from that date.

(i)  Calculation of the net gain (loss) per share (both realized and unrealized) does not correlate to the aggregate realized and unrealized gain (loss) presented in the Statements of Operations due to the timing of subscriptions and redemptions of Fund shares in relation to fluctuations in the market value of the portfolio.

(j)  Annualized.

(k)  Class R5 shares commenced operations on November 8, 2012. Per share data and total return reflect activity from that date.

(l)  Class Y shares commenced operations on November 8, 2012. Per share data and total return reflect activity from that date.

See accompanying notes to financial statements.


102



             

Ratio to Average Net Assets

 

Supplemental Data

 
(Selected data for a share outstanding
throughout each period)
  Increase from
regulatory
settlements
  Net Asset
Value, End of
Period
 

Total Return

  Total gross
expenses
(a)
  Total net
expenses
(a)
  Net
investment
income (loss)
  Portfolio
turnover rate
  Net assets,
end of period
(000s)
 

Class A

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

   

0.00

(b)

 

$

21.33

     

(1.30

)%(c)

   

1.55

%

   

1.55

%

   

0.74

%

   

59

%

 

$

33,772

   

Year Ended December 31, 2014

   

   

$

22.04

     

(7.06

)%

   

1.47

%

   

1.47

%

   

1.05

%

   

58

%

 

$

53,419

   

Year Ended December 31, 2013

   

   

$

26.91

     

14.42

%

   

1.47

%

   

1.47

%

   

1.08

%

   

72

%

 

$

73,911

   

Year Ended December 31, 2012

   

   

$

25.61

     

22.05

%

   

1.49

%(d)

   

1.49

%(d)(e)

   

1.43

%

   

63

%

 

$

74,167

   

Year Ended December 31, 2011

   

   

$

24.26

     

(10.11

)%

   

1.51

%

   

1.51

%(f)

   

0.66

%

   

44

%

 

$

56,350

   

Class B

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

   

0.00

(b)

 

$

20.09

     

(1.94

)%(c)(g)

   

2.36

%

   

2.20

%

   

0.10

%

   

59

%

 

$

20

   

Year Ended December 31, 2014

   

   

$

20.69

     

(7.71

)%

   

2.11

%

   

2.11

%

   

0.39

%

   

58

%

 

$

355

   

Year Ended December 31, 2013

   

   

$

25.53

     

13.67

%

   

2.14

%

   

2.14

%

   

0.43

%

   

72

%

 

$

873

   

Year Ended December 31, 2012

   

   

$

24.40

     

21.29

%

   

2.11

%(d)

   

2.10

%(d)(e)

   

0.87

%

   

63

%

 

$

1,250

   

Year Ended December 31, 2011

   

   

$

23.27

     

(10.64

)%

   

2.14

%

   

2.14

%(f)

   

0.04

%

   

44

%

 

$

1,774

   

Class C

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

   

0.00

(b)

 

$

19.96

     

(2.05

)%(c)

   

2.32

%

   

2.32

%

   

(0.06

)%

   

59

%

 

$

5,390

   

Year Ended December 31, 2014

   

   

$

20.54

     

(7.80

)%

   

2.23

%

   

2.23

%

   

0.29

%

   

58

%

 

$

8,057

   

Year Ended December 31, 2013

   

   

$

25.39

     

13.52

%

   

2.26

%

   

2.26

%

   

0.32

%

   

72

%

 

$

10,311

   

Year Ended December 31, 2012

   

   

$

24.28

     

21.10

%

   

2.28

%(d)

   

2.27

%(d)(e)

   

0.67

%

   

63

%

 

$

9,786

   

Year Ended December 31, 2011

   

   

$

23.17

     

(10.81

)%

   

2.31

%

   

2.31

%(f)

   

(0.14

)%

   

44

%

 

$

8,704

   

Class I

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

   

0.00

(b)

 

$

21.57

     

(0.97

)%(c)

   

1.18

%

   

1.18

%

   

1.05

%

   

59

%

 

$

2

   

Year Ended December 31, 2014

   

   

$

22.29

     

(6.72

)%

   

1.11

%

   

1.11

%

   

1.41

%

   

58

%

 

$

2

   

Year Ended December 31, 2013

   

   

$

27.19

     

14.82

%

   

1.13

%

   

1.13

%

   

1.43

%

   

72

%

 

$

3

   

Year Ended December 31, 2012

   

   

$

25.85

     

22.48

%

   

1.15

%

   

1.14

%(e)

   

1.84

%

   

63

%

 

$

2

   

Year Ended December 31, 2011

   

   

$

24.45

     

(9.68

)%

   

1.04

%

   

1.04

%(f)

   

1.12

%

   

44

%

 

$

2

   

Class R4

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

   

0.00

(b)

 

$

21.74

     

(1.00

)%(c)

   

1.27

%

   

1.27

%

   

0.97

%

   

59

%

 

$

898

   

Year Ended December 31, 2014

   

   

$

22.45

     

(6.83

)%

   

1.21

%

   

1.21

%

   

1.33

%

   

58

%

 

$

974

   

Year Ended December 31, 2013

   

   

$

27.36

     

14.72

%

   

1.24

%

   

1.24

%

   

1.06

%

   

72

%

 

$

417

   

Year Ended December 31, 2012 (h)

   

   

$

25.99

     

(0.27

)%

   

1.30

%(d)(j)

   

1.30

%(d)(e)(j)

   

(0.55

)%(j)

   

63

%

 

$

13

   

Class R5

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

   

0.00

(b)

 

$

21.72

     

(0.94

)%(c)

   

1.21

%

   

1.21

%

   

0.96

%

   

59

%

 

$

2,268

   

Year Ended December 31, 2014

   

   

$

22.43

     

(6.77

)%

   

1.15

%

   

1.15

%

   

1.30

%

   

58

%

 

$

2,593

   

Year Ended December 31, 2013

   

   

$

27.34

     

14.80

%(g)

   

1.15

%

   

1.15

%

   

1.40

%

   

72

%

 

$

956

   

Year Ended December 31, 2012 (k)

   

   

$

25.98

     

(0.27

)%

   

1.29

%(j)

   

1.28

%(e)(j)

   

(0.55

)%(j)

   

63

%

 

$

2

   

Class Y

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

   

0.00

(b)

 

$

21.71

     

(0.89

)%(c)

   

1.14

%

   

1.14

%

   

1.21

%

   

59

%

 

$

660

   

Year Ended December 31, 2014

   

   

$

22.42

     

(6.71

)%

   

1.09

%

   

1.09

%

   

1.43

%

   

58

%

 

$

11,755

   

Year Ended December 31, 2013

   

   

$

27.33

     

14.82

%

   

1.09

%

   

1.09

%

   

0.40

%

   

72

%

 

$

13,318

   

Year Ended December 31, 2012 (l)

   

   

$

25.98

     

(0.25

)%

   

1.21

%(j)

   

1.20

%(e)(j)

   

(0.48

)%(j)

   

63

%

 

$

2

   

Class Z

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

   

0.00

(b)

 

$

21.58

     

(1.03

)%(c)

   

1.24

%

   

1.24

%

   

1.05

%

   

59

%

 

$

96,311

   

Year Ended December 31, 2014

   

   

$

22.30

     

(6.79

)%

   

1.17

%

   

1.17

%

   

1.36

%

   

58

%

 

$

175,764

   

Year Ended December 31, 2013

   

   

$

27.20

     

14.75

%

   

1.19

%

   

1.19

%

   

1.37

%

   

72

%

 

$

256,100

   

Year Ended December 31, 2012

   

   

$

25.86

     

22.42

%

   

1.20

%(d)

   

1.19

%(d)(e)

   

1.77

%

   

63

%

 

$

295,231

   

Year Ended December 31, 2011

   

   

$

24.46

     

(9.76

)%

   

1.14

%

   

1.14

%(f)

   

1.03

%

   

44

%

 

$

259,553

   

See accompanying notes to financial statements.


103



COLUMBIA ACORN FAMILY OF FUNDS

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS, CONTINUED

Columbia Acorn SelectSM

       

Income from Investment Operations

     

Less Distributions to Shareholders

     
(Selected data for a share outstanding
throughout each period)
  Net Asset
Value,
Beginning of
Period
  Net
investment
income (loss)
  Net realized
and
unrealized
gain (loss)
  Reimbursement
from
affiliate
  Total from
Investment
Operations
  Net
investment
income
  Net
realized gains
  Total
Distributions to
Shareholders
 

Class A

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

$

21.03

     

(0.09

)

   

0.14

     

     

0.05

     

     

(7.14

)

   

(7.14

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

$

25.57

     

(0.14

)

   

0.64

     

     

0.50

     

     

(5.04

)

   

(5.04

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

$

24.72

     

(0.15

)

   

7.92

     

     

7.77

     

(0.07

)

   

(6.85

)

   

(6.92

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2012

 

$

22.95

     

0.03

     

3.78

     

     

3.81

     

     

(2.04

)

   

(2.04

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2011

 

$

27.94

     

(0.15

)

   

(4.46

)

   

     

(4.61

)

   

(0.38

)

   

     

(0.38

)

 

Class B

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

$

18.03

     

(0.23

)

   

0.16

     

     

(0.07

)

   

     

(7.14

)

   

(7.14

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

$

22.81

     

(0.31

)

   

0.57

     

     

0.26

     

     

(5.04

)

   

(5.04

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

$

22.75

     

(0.33

)

   

7.24

     

     

6.91

     

     

(6.85

)

   

(6.85

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2012

 

$

21.40

     

(0.15

)

   

3.54

     

     

3.39

     

     

(2.04

)

   

(2.04

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2011

 

$

26.06

     

(0.30

)

   

(4.13

)

   

     

(4.43

)

   

(0.23

)

   

     

(0.23

)

 

Class C

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

$

17.69

     

(0.19

)

   

0.15

     

     

(0.04

)

   

     

(7.14

)

   

(7.14

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

$

22.46

     

(0.28

)

   

0.55

     

     

0.27

     

     

(5.04

)

   

(5.04

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

$

22.48

     

(0.32

)

   

7.15

     

     

6.83

     

     

(6.85

)

   

(6.85

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2012

 

$

21.20

     

(0.14

)

   

3.46

     

     

3.32

     

     

(2.04

)

   

(2.04

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2011

 

$

25.83

     

(0.32

)

   

(4.12

)

   

     

(4.44

)

   

(0.19

)

   

     

(0.19

)

 

Class I

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

$

22.38

     

0.01

     

0.11

     

     

0.12

     

     

(7.14

)

   

(7.14

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

$

26.81

     

(0.05

)

   

0.66

     

     

0.61

     

     

(5.04

)

   

(5.04

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

$

25.63

     

(0.06

)

   

8.25

     

     

8.19

     

(0.16

)

   

(6.85

)

   

(7.01

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2012

 

$

23.65

     

0.23

     

3.79

     

     

4.02

     

     

(2.04

)

   

(2.04

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2011

 

$

28.74

     

(0.03

)

   

(4.59

)

   

     

(4.62

)

   

(0.47

)

   

     

(0.47

)

 

Class R4

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

$

22.75

     

(0.04

)

   

0.12

     

     

0.08

     

     

(7.14

)

   

(7.14

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

$

27.20

     

(0.10

)

   

0.69

     

     

0.59

     

     

(5.04

)

   

(5.04

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

$

25.92

     

(0.06

)

   

8.32

     

     

8.26

     

(0.13

)

   

(6.85

)

   

(6.98

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2012 (e)

 

$

25.91

     

0.00

(f)

   

1.52

     

     

1.52

     

     

(1.51

)

   

(1.51

)

 

Class R5

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

$

22.78

     

(0.08

)

   

0.18

     

     

0.10

     

     

(7.14

)

   

(7.14

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

$

27.20

     

(0.07

)

   

0.69

     

     

0.62

     

     

(5.04

)

   

(5.04

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

$

25.93

     

(0.04

)

   

8.31

     

     

8.27

     

(0.15

)

   

(6.85

)

   

(7.00

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2012 (h)

 

$

25.91

     

0.00

(f)

   

1.53

     

     

1.53

     

     

(1.51

)

   

(1.51

)

 

Class Y

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

$

22.86

     

0.00

(f)

   

0.11

     

     

0.11

     

     

(7.14

)

   

(7.14

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

$

27.27

     

(0.06

)

   

0.69

     

     

0.63

     

     

(5.04

)

   

(5.04

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

$

25.98

     

(0.03

)

   

8.34

     

     

8.31

     

(0.17

)

   

(6.85

)

   

(7.02

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2012 (i)

 

$

25.96

     

0.01

     

1.52

     

     

1.53

     

     

(1.51

)

   

(1.51

)

 

Class Z

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

$

22.28

     

(0.03

)

   

0.13

     

     

0.10

     

     

(7.14

)

   

(7.14

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

$

26.72

     

(0.08

)

   

0.68

     

     

0.60

     

     

(5.04

)

   

(5.04

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

$

25.57

     

(0.07

)

   

8.21

     

     

8.14

     

(0.14

)

   

(6.85

)

   

(6.99

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2012

 

$

23.62

     

0.11

     

3.88

     

     

3.99

     

     

(2.04

)

   

(2.04

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2011

 

$

28.73

     

(0.07

)

   

(4.58

)

   

0.00

(f)

   

(4.65

)

   

(0.46

)

   

     

(0.46

)

 

Notes to Financial Highlights

(a)  In addition to the fees and expenses that the Fund bears directly, the Fund indirectly bears a pro rata share of the fees and expenses of any other funds in which it invests, if any. Such indirect expenses are not included in the Fund's reported expense ratios.

(b)  Had the Investment Manager and/or Transfer Agent not waived fees and/or reimbursed a portion of expenses, total return would have been reduced.

(c)  Ratios include line of credit interest expense which is less than 0.01%.

(d)  The benefits derived from custody fees paid indirectly had an impact of less than 0.01%.

(e)  Class R4 shares commenced operations on November 8, 2012. Per share data and total return reflect activity from that date.

(f)  Rounds to zero.

(g)  Annualized.

(h)  Class R5 shares commenced operations on November 8, 2012. Per share data and total return reflect activity from that date.

(i)  Class Y shares commenced operations on November 8, 2012. Per share data and total return reflect activity from that date.

(j)  During the year ended December 31, 2011, the Fund received a reimbursement from an affiliate. Had the Fund not received this payment, the total return would have been lower by 0.01%.

See accompanying notes to financial statements.


104



           

Ratio to Average Net Assets

 

Supplemental Data

 
(Selected data for a share outstanding
throughout each period)
  Net Asset
Value, End of
Period
 

Total Return

  Total gross
expense
(a)
  Total net
expenses
(a)
  Net
investment
income (loss)
  Portfolio
turnover rate
  Net assets,
end of period
(000s)
 

Class A

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

$

13.94

     

(0.73

)%(b)

   

1.35

%(c)

   

1.22

%(c)

   

(0.42

)%

   

55

%

 

$

146,864

   

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

$

21.03

     

2.17

%

   

1.32

%

   

1.32

%

   

(0.58

)%

   

17

%

 

$

264,234

   

Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

$

25.57

     

33.77

%

   

1.31

%(c)

   

1.31

%(c)

   

(0.54

)%

   

20

%

 

$

333,193

   

Year Ended December 31, 2012

 

$

24.72

     

16.87

%

   

1.31

%(c)

   

1.31

%(c)(d)

   

0.13

%

   

15

%

 

$

271,628

   

Year Ended December 31, 2011

 

$

22.95

     

(16.65

)%

   

1.28

%

   

1.28

%(d)

   

(0.57

)%

   

21

%

 

$

340,325

   

Class B

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

$

10.82

     

(1.58

)%(b)

   

2.51

%(c)

   

2.10

%(c)

   

(1.35

)%

   

55

%

 

$

292

   

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

$

18.03

     

1.35

%(b)

   

2.14

%

   

2.10

%

   

(1.40

)%

   

17

%

 

$

1,014

   

Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

$

22.81

     

32.81

%(b)

   

2.05

%(c)

   

2.03

%(c)

   

(1.32

)%

   

20

%

 

$

2,938

   

Year Ended December 31, 2012

 

$

22.75

     

16.11

%

   

1.91

%(c)

   

1.90

%(c)(d)

   

(0.62

)%

   

15

%

 

$

9,938

   

Year Ended December 31, 2011

 

$

21.40

     

(17.11

)%

   

1.88

%

   

1.88

%(d)

   

(1.21

)%

   

21

%

 

$

26,126

   

Class C

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

$

10.51

     

(1.41

)%(b)

   

2.08

%(c)

   

1.95

%(c)

   

(1.15

)%

   

55

%

 

$

34,589

   

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

$

17.69

     

1.42

%

   

2.04

%

   

2.04

%

   

(1.30

)%

   

17

%

 

$

48,591

   

Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

$

22.46

     

32.85

%

   

2.04

%(c)

   

2.04

%(c)

   

(1.28

)%

   

20

%

 

$

61,537

   

Year Ended December 31, 2012

 

$

22.48

     

15.93

%

   

2.07

%(c)

   

2.06

%(c)(d)

   

(0.59

)%

   

15

%

 

$

57,309

   

Year Ended December 31, 2011

 

$

21.20

     

(17.27

)%

   

2.05

%

   

2.05

%(d)

   

(1.34

)%

   

21

%

 

$

62,887

   

Class I

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

$

15.36

     

(0.34

)%(b)

   

0.99

%(c)

   

0.83

%(c)

   

0.06

%

   

55

%

 

$

26,917

   

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

$

22.38

     

2.49

%

   

0.94

%

   

0.94

%

   

(0.20

)%

   

17

%

 

$

18,718

   

Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

$

26.81

     

34.31

%

   

0.94

%(c)

   

0.94

%(c)

   

(0.21

)%

   

20

%

 

$

13,660

   

Year Ended December 31, 2012

 

$

25.63

     

17.26

%

   

0.96

%(c)

   

0.95

%(c)(d)

   

0.89

%

   

15

%

 

$

39,054

   

Year Ended December 31, 2011

 

$

23.65

     

(16.25

)%

   

0.92

%

   

0.92

%(d)

   

(0.12

)%

   

21

%

 

$

10,944

   

Class R4

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

$

15.69

     

(0.53

)%(b)

   

1.12

%(c)

   

0.99

%(c)

   

(0.18

)%

   

55

%

 

$

932

   

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

$

22.75

     

2.39

%

   

1.12

%

   

1.12

%

   

(0.37

)%

   

17

%

 

$

1,193

   

Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

$

27.20

     

34.16

%

   

1.02

%(c)

   

1.02

%(c)

   

(0.20

)%

   

20

%

 

$

1,383

   

Year Ended December 31, 2012 (e)

 

$

25.92

     

5.92

%

   

1.07

%(g)

   

1.06

%(d)(g)

   

0.02

%(g)

   

15

%

 

$

15

   

Class R5

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

$

15.74

     

(0.44

)%(b)

   

1.02

%(c)

   

0.95

%(c)

   

(0.33

)%

   

55

%

 

$

911

   

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

$

22.78

     

2.50

%

   

1.00

%

   

1.00

%

   

(0.26

)%

   

17

%

 

$

10,697

   

Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

$

27.20

     

34.21

%

   

0.97

%(c)

   

0.97

%(c)

   

(0.13

)%

   

20

%

 

$

11,996

   

Year Ended December 31, 2012 (h)

 

$

25.93

     

5.96

%

   

0.99

%(g)

   

0.99

%(d)(g)

   

0.08

%(g)

   

15

%

 

$

3

   

Class Y

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

$

15.83

     

(0.39

)%(b)

   

0.98

%(c)

   

0.85

%(c)

   

0.02

%

   

55

%

 

$

5,056

   

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

$

22.86

     

2.53

%

   

0.95

%

   

0.95

%

   

(0.22

)%

   

17

%

 

$

3,644

   

Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

$

27.27

     

34.30

%

   

0.93

%(c)

   

0.93

%(c)

   

(0.09

)%

   

20

%

 

$

4,847

   

Year Ended December 31, 2012 (i)

 

$

25.98

     

5.94

%

   

0.92

%(g)

   

0.92

%(d)(g)

   

0.15

%(g)

   

15

%

 

$

3

   

Class Z

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

$

15.24

     

(0.44

)%(b)

   

1.07

%(c)

   

0.95

%(c)

   

(0.15

)%

   

55

%

 

$

183,642

   

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

$

22.28

     

2.47

%

   

1.04

%

   

1.04

%

   

(0.30

)%

   

17

%

 

$

318,487

   

Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

$

26.72

     

34.16

%

   

1.02

%(c)

   

1.02

%(c)

   

(0.26

)%

   

20

%

 

$

431,990

   

Year Ended December 31, 2012

 

$

25.57

     

17.15

%

   

1.03

%(c)

   

1.03

%(c)(d)

   

0.40

%

   

15

%

 

$

587,678

   

Year Ended December 31, 2011

 

$

23.62

     

(16.37

)%(j)

   

0.97

%

   

0.97

%(d)

   

(0.28

)%

   

21

%

 

$

850,338

   

See accompanying notes to financial statements.


105



COLUMBIA ACORN FAMILY OF FUNDS

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS, CONTINUED

Columbia Thermostat FundSM

       

Income from Investment Operations

     

Less Distributions to Shareholders

     
(Selected data for a share outstanding
throughout each period) Net Asset
  Value,
Beginning of
Period
  Net realized
Net
investment
income
  and
unrealized
gain (loss)
  Total from
Investment
Operations
  Net
investment
income
  Net
realized gains
  Total
Distributions to
Shareholders
 

Class A

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

$

14.86

     

0.27

     

(0.26

)

   

0.01

     

(0.28

)

   

(0.28

)

   

(0.56

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

$

14.58

     

0.28

     

0.49

     

0.77

     

(0.28

)

   

(0.21

)

   

(0.49

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

$

14.29

     

0.29

     

1.00

     

1.29

     

(0.25

)

   

(0.75

)

   

(1.00

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2012

 

$

12.82

     

0.32

     

1.39

     

1.71

     

(0.24

)

   

     

(0.24

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2011

 

$

12.58

     

0.28

     

0.30

     

0.58

     

(0.34

)

   

     

(0.34

)

 

Class B

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

$

14.97

     

0.20

     

(0.26

)

   

(0.06

)

   

(0.21

)

   

(0.28

)

   

(0.49

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

$

14.68

     

0.21

     

0.50

     

0.71

     

(0.21

)

   

(0.21

)

   

(0.42

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

$

14.39

     

0.19

     

1.03

     

1.22

     

(0.18

)

   

(0.75

)

   

(0.93

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2012

 

$

12.91

     

0.20

     

1.45

     

1.65

     

(0.17

)

   

     

(0.17

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2011

 

$

12.64

     

0.15

     

0.38

     

0.53

     

(0.26

)

   

     

(0.26

)

 

Class C

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

$

14.96

     

0.16

     

(0.26

)

   

(0.10

)

   

(0.17

)

   

(0.28

)

   

(0.45

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

$

14.68

     

0.17

     

0.49

     

0.66

     

(0.17

)

   

(0.21

)

   

(0.38

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

$

14.39

     

0.18

     

1.00

     

1.18

     

(0.14

)

   

(0.75

)

   

(0.89

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2012

 

$

12.91

     

0.22

     

1.39

     

1.61

     

(0.13

)

   

     

(0.13

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2011

 

$

12.62

     

0.18

     

0.31

     

0.49

     

(0.20

)

   

     

(0.20

)

 

Class R4

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

$

14.74

     

0.30

     

(0.25

)

   

0.05

     

(0.32

)

   

(0.28

)

   

(0.60

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

$

14.46

     

0.32

     

0.49

     

0.81

     

(0.32

)

   

(0.21

)

   

(0.53

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

$

14.19

     

0.36

     

0.95

     

1.31

     

(0.29

)

   

(0.75

)

   

(1.04

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2012 (d)

 

$

14.08

     

0.09

     

0.28

     

0.37

     

(0.26

)

   

     

(0.26

)

 

Class R5

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

$

14.75

     

0.31

     

(0.26

)

   

0.05

     

(0.32

)

   

(0.28

)

   

(0.60

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

$

14.47

     

0.31

     

0.50

     

0.81

     

(0.32

)

   

(0.21

)

   

(0.53

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

$

14.19

     

0.37

     

0.96

     

1.33

     

(0.30

)

   

(0.75

)

   

(1.05

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2012 (f)

 

$

14.08

     

0.09

     

0.27

     

0.36

     

(0.25

)

   

     

(0.25

)

 

Class Y

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

$

14.74

     

0.31

     

(0.26

)

   

0.05

     

(0.33

)

   

(0.28

)

   

(0.61

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

$

14.46

     

0.32

     

0.50

     

0.82

     

(0.33

)

   

(0.21

)

   

(0.54

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

$

14.18

     

0.33

     

1.01

     

1.34

     

(0.31

)

   

(0.75

)

   

(1.06

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2012 (g)

 

$

14.08

     

0.09

     

0.27

     

0.36

     

(0.26

)

   

     

(0.26

)

 

Class Z

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

$

14.67

     

0.31

     

(0.26

)

   

0.05

     

(0.32

)

   

(0.28

)

   

(0.60

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

$

14.40

     

0.32

     

0.48

     

0.80

     

(0.32

)

   

(0.21

)

   

(0.53

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

$

14.13

     

0.32

     

0.99

     

1.31

     

(0.29

)

   

(0.75

)

   

(1.04

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2012

 

$

12.67

     

0.34

     

1.39

     

1.73

     

(0.27

)

   

     

(0.27

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2011

 

$

12.44

     

0.31

     

0.29

     

0.60

     

(0.37

)

   

     

(0.37

)

 

Notes to Financial Highlights

(a)  Had the Investment Manager and/or Transfer Agent not waived fees and/or reimbursed a portion of expenses, total return would have been reduced.

(b)  In addition to the fees and expenses that the Fund bears directly, the Fund indirectly bears a pro rata share of the fees and expenses of the underlying funds in which the Fund invests, if any. Such indirect expenses are not included in the Fund's reported expense ratios.

(c)  The benefits derived from custody fees paid indirectly had an impact of less than 0.01%.

(d)  Class R4 shares commenced operations on November 8, 2012. Per share data and total return reflect activity from that date.

(e)  Annualized.

(f)  Class R5 shares commenced operations on November 8, 2012. Per share data and total return reflect activity from that date.

(g)  Class Y shares commenced operations on November 8, 2012. Per share data and total return reflect activity from that date.

See accompanying notes to financial statements.


106



         

Ratio to Average Net Assets

 

Supplemental Data

 
(Selected data for a share outstanding
throughout each period) Net Asset
  Net Asset
Value, End of
Period
  Total Return
(a)
  Total gross
expenses
(b)
  Total net
expenses
(b)
  Net
investment
income
  Portfolio
turnover rate
  Net assets,
end of period
(000s)
 

Class A

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

$

14.31

     

0.07

%

   

0.52

%

   

0.50

%

   

1.82

%

   

69

%

 

$

387,967

   

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

$

14.86

     

5.30

%

   

0.51

%

   

0.50

%

   

1.88

%

   

95

%

 

$

450,258

   

Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

$

14.58

     

9.07

%

   

0.52

%

   

0.50

%

   

1.91

%

   

92

%

 

$

513,293

   

Year Ended December 31, 2012

 

$

14.29

     

13.34

%

   

0.58

%

   

0.50

%(c)

   

2.28

%

   

109

%

 

$

323,750

   

Year Ended December 31, 2011

 

$

12.82

     

4.62

%

   

0.67

%

   

0.50

%(c)

   

2.17

%

   

130

%

 

$

79,744

   

Class B

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

$

14.42

     

(0.43

)%

   

1.21

%

   

1.00

%

   

1.30

%

   

69

%

 

$

296

   

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

$

14.97

     

4.83

%

   

1.15

%

   

1.00

%

   

1.39

%

   

95

%

 

$

1,231

   

Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

$

14.68

     

8.49

%

   

1.15

%

   

1.00

%

   

1.29

%

   

92

%

 

$

2,263

   

Year Ended December 31, 2012

 

$

14.39

     

12.78

%

   

1.16

%

   

1.00

%(c)

   

1.47

%

   

109

%

 

$

4,480

   

Year Ended December 31, 2011

 

$

12.91

     

4.19

%

   

1.23

%

   

1.00

%(c)

   

1.18

%

   

130

%

 

$

11,318

   

Class C

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

$

14.41

     

(0.68

)%

   

1.27

%

   

1.25

%

   

1.08

%

   

69

%

 

$

364,684

   

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

$

14.96

     

4.50

%

   

1.26

%

   

1.25

%

   

1.14

%

   

95

%

 

$

404,456

   

Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

$

14.68

     

8.23

%

   

1.27

%

   

1.25

%

   

1.16

%

   

92

%

 

$

430,173

   

Year Ended December 31, 2012

 

$

14.39

     

12.52

%

   

1.32

%

   

1.25

%(c)

   

1.56

%

   

109

%

 

$

253,641

   

Year Ended December 31, 2011

 

$

12.91

     

3.87

%

   

1.43

%

   

1.25

%(c)

   

1.40

%

   

130

%

 

$

33,378

   

Class R4

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

$

14.19

     

0.33

%

   

0.28

%

   

0.25

%

   

2.06

%

   

69

%

 

$

17,453

   

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

$

14.74

     

5.61

%

   

0.26

%

   

0.25

%

   

2.14

%

   

95

%

 

$

23,412

   

Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

$

14.46

     

9.26

%

   

0.28

%

   

0.25

%

   

2.39

%

   

92

%

 

$

14,651

   

Year Ended December 31, 2012 (d)

 

$

14.19

     

2.60

%

   

0.42

%(e)

   

0.25

%(c)(e)

   

4.59

%(e)

   

109

%

 

$

15

   

Class R5

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

$

14.20

     

0.33

%

   

0.25

%

   

0.24

%

   

2.14

%

   

69

%

 

$

6,114

   

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

$

14.75

     

5.62

%

   

0.24

%

   

0.23

%

   

2.11

%

   

95

%

 

$

3,536

   

Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

$

14.47

     

9.35

%

   

0.25

%

   

0.23

%

   

2.44

%

   

92

%

 

$

979

   

Year Ended December 31, 2012 (f)

 

$

14.19

     

2.58

%

   

0.35

%(e)

   

0.27

%(c)(e)

   

4.60

%(e)

   

109

%

 

$

3

   

Class Y

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

$

14.18

     

0.32

%

   

0.20

%

   

0.19

%

   

2.08

%

   

69

%

 

$

352

   

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

$

14.74

     

5.68

%

   

0.19

%

   

0.18

%

   

2.19

%

   

95

%

 

$

401

   

Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

$

14.46

     

9.46

%

   

0.14

%

   

0.14

%

   

2.23

%

   

92

%

 

$

3

   

Year Ended December 31, 2012 (g)

 

$

14.18

     

2.55

%

   

0.30

%(e)

   

0.22

%(c)(e)

   

4.63

%(e)

   

109

%

 

$

3

   

Class Z

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

$

14.12

     

0.33

%

   

0.26

%

   

0.25

%

   

2.08

%

   

69

%

 

$

325,159

   

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

$

14.67

     

5.57

%

   

0.25

%

   

0.24

%

   

2.16

%

   

95

%

 

$

377,119

   

Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

$

14.40

     

9.30

%

   

0.26

%

   

0.25

%

   

2.14

%

   

92

%

 

$

375,444

   

Year Ended December 31, 2012

 

$

14.13

     

13.69

%

   

0.30

%

   

0.25

%(c)

   

2.48

%

   

109

%

 

$

292,732

   

Year Ended December 31, 2011

 

$

12.67

     

4.85

%

   

0.34

%

   

0.25

%(c)

   

2.43

%

   

130

%

 

$

65,167

   

See accompanying notes to financial statements.


107



COLUMBIA ACORN FAMILY OF FUNDS

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS, CONTINUED

Columbia Acorn Emerging Markets FundSM

       

Income from Investment Operations

      Less Distributions to
Shareholders
         
(Selected data for a share outstanding
throughout each period)
  Net Asset
Value,
Beginning of
Period
  Net
investment
income (loss)
  Net realized
and
unrealized
gain (loss)
  Total from
Investment
Operations
  Net
investment
income
  Tax return
of
capital
  Total
Distributions to
Shareholders
 

Class A

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

$

12.72

     

0.10

     

(2.42

)

   

(2.32

)

   

(0.15

)

   

(0.01

)

   

(0.16

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

$

13.37

     

0.06

     

(0.63

)

   

(0.57

)

   

(0.08

)

   

     

(0.08

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

$

12.04

     

0.07

     

1.34

     

1.41

     

(0.08

)

   

     

(0.08

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2012

 

$

9.26

     

0.08

     

2.78

     

2.86

     

(0.08

)

   

     

(0.08

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2011 (d)

 

$

10.00

     

(0.00

)(e)

   

(0.74

)

   

(0.74

)

   

     

     

   

Class C

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

$

12.65

     

0.01

     

(2.39

)

   

(2.38

)

   

(0.06

)

   

(0.01

)

   

(0.07

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

$

13.32

     

(0.05

)

   

(0.62

)

   

(0.67

)

   

     

     

   

Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

$

12.01

     

(0.03

)

   

1.34

     

1.31

     

     

     

   

Year Ended December 31, 2012

 

$

9.24

     

(0.02

)

   

2.79

     

2.77

     

     

     

   

Year Ended December 31, 2011 (h)

 

$

10.00

     

(0.02

)

   

(0.74

)

   

(0.76

)

   

     

     

   

Class I

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

$

12.75

     

0.14

     

(2.43

)

   

(2.29

)

   

(0.19

)

   

(0.01

)

   

(0.20

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

$

13.41

     

0.06

     

(0.60

)

   

(0.54

)

   

(0.12

)

   

     

(0.12

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

$

12.08

     

0.08

     

1.37

     

1.45

     

(0.12

)

   

     

(0.12

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2012

 

$

9.29

     

0.11

     

2.80

     

2.91

     

(0.12

)

   

     

(0.12

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2011 (i)

 

$

10.00

     

0.01

     

(0.72

)

   

(0.71

)

   

     

     

   

Class R4

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

$

12.83

     

0.17

     

(2.49

)

   

(2.32

)

   

(0.18

)

   

(0.01

)

   

(0.19

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

$

13.49

     

0.09

     

(0.63

)

   

(0.54

)

   

(0.12

)

   

     

(0.12

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

$

12.14

     

0.12

     

1.35

     

1.47

     

(0.12

)

   

     

(0.12

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2012 (j)

 

$

11.44

     

(0.01

)

   

0.81

     

0.80

     

(0.10

)

   

     

(0.10

)

 

Class R5

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

$

12.82

     

0.15

     

(2.45

)

   

(2.30

)

   

(0.19

)

   

(0.01

)

   

(0.20

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

$

13.48

     

0.10

     

(0.64

)

   

(0.54

)

   

(0.12

)

   

     

(0.12

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

$

12.14

     

0.12

     

1.34

     

1.46

     

(0.12

)

   

     

(0.12

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2012 (k)

 

$

11.44

     

(0.00

)(e)

   

0.81

     

0.81

     

(0.11

)

   

     

(0.11

)

 

Class Y

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

$

12.71

     

0.15

     

(2.43

)

   

(2.28

)

   

(0.19

)

   

(0.01

)

   

(0.20

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

$

13.36

     

0.09

     

(0.62

)

   

(0.53

)

   

(0.12

)

   

     

(0.12

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2013 (l)

 

$

12.22

     

0.07

     

1.20

     

1.27

     

(0.13

)

   

     

(0.13

)

 

Class Z

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

$

12.74

     

0.13

     

(2.42

)

   

(2.29

)

   

(0.18

)

   

(0.01

)

   

(0.19

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

$

13.40

     

0.08

     

(0.63

)

   

(0.55

)

   

(0.11

)

   

     

(0.11

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

$

12.07

     

0.11

     

1.33

     

1.44

     

(0.11

)

   

     

(0.11

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2012

 

$

9.28

     

0.12

     

2.79

     

2.91

     

(0.12

)

   

     

(0.12

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2011 (m)

 

$

10.00

     

0.01

     

(0.73

)

   

(0.72

)

   

     

     

   

Notes to Financial Highlights

(a)  In addition to the fees and expenses that the Fund bears directly, the Fund indirectly bears a pro rata share of the fees and expenses of any other funds in which it invests, if any. Such indirect expenses are not included in the Fund's reported expense ratios.

(b)  Had the Investment Manager and/or Transfer Agent not waived fees and/or reimbursed a portion of expenses, total return would have been reduced.

(c)  The benefits derived from custody fees paid indirectly had an impact of 0.01%.

(d)  Class A shares commenced operations on August 19, 2011. Per share data and total return reflect activity from that date.

(e)  Rounds to zero.

(f)  Annualized.

(g)  The benefits derived from custody fees paid indirectly had an impact of less than 0.01%.

(h)  Class C shares commenced operations on August 19, 2011. Per share data and total return reflect activity from that date.

(i)  Class I shares commenced operations on August 19, 2011. Per share data and total return reflect activity from that date.

(j)  Class R4 shares commenced operations on November 8, 2012. Per share data and total return reflect activity from that date.

(k)  Class R5 shares commenced operations on November 8, 2012. Per share data and total return reflect activity from that date.

(l)  Class Y shares commenced operations on June 13, 2013. Per share data and total return reflect activity from that date.

(m)  Class Z shares commenced operations on August 19, 2011. Per share data and total return reflect activity from that date.

See accompanying notes to financial statements.


108



         

Ratio to Average Net Assets

 

Supplemental Data

 
(Selected data for a share outstanding
throughout each period)
  Net Asset
Value, End of
Period
 

Total Return

  Total gross
expenses
  Total net
expenses
  Net
investment
income (loss)
  Portfolio
turnover rate
  Net assets,
end of period
(000s)
 

Class A

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

$

10.24

     

(18.25

)%

   

1.67

%(a)

   

1.67

%(a)

   

0.88

%

   

58

%

 

$

88,574

   

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

$

12.72

     

(4.28

)%

   

1.56

%(a)

   

1.56

%(a)

   

0.42

%

   

45

%

 

$

160,969

   

Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

$

13.37

     

11.73

%(b)

   

1.80

%(a)

   

1.76

%(a)

   

0.52

%

   

36

%

 

$

177,158

   

Year Ended December 31, 2012

 

$

12.04

     

30.86

%(b)

   

6.42

%(a)

   

1.77

%(a)(c)

   

0.77

%

   

30

%

 

$

3,103

   

Year Ended December 31, 2011 (d)

 

$

9.26

     

(7.40

)%(b)

   

20.13

%(f)

   

1.85

%(f)(g)

   

(0.01

)%(f)

   

9

%

 

$

332

   

Class C

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

$

10.20

     

(18.83

)%

   

2.42

%(a)

   

2.42

%(a)

   

0.12

%

   

58

%

 

$

22,953

   

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

$

12.65

     

(5.03

)%

   

2.33

%(a)

   

2.33

%(a)

   

(0.36

)%

   

45

%

 

$

41,208

   

Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

$

13.32

     

10.91

%(b)

   

2.55

%(a)

   

2.51

%(a)

   

(0.23

)%

   

36

%

 

$

32,636

   

Year Ended December 31, 2012

 

$

12.01

     

29.98

%(b)

   

7.18

%(a)

   

2.56

%(a)(c)

   

(0.15

)%

   

30

%

 

$

615

   

Year Ended December 31, 2011 (h)

 

$

9.24

     

(7.60

)%(b)

   

25.06

%(f)

   

2.60

%(f)(g)

   

(0.68

)%(f)

   

9

%

 

$

127

   

Class I

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

$

10.26

     

(17.95

)%

   

1.31

%(a)

   

1.31

%(a)

   

1.21

%

   

58

%

 

$

2

   

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

$

12.75

     

(4.01

)%

   

1.22

%(a)

   

1.22

%(a)

   

0.44

%

   

45

%

 

$

3

   

Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

$

13.41

     

12.06

%(b)

   

1.73

%(a)

   

1.39

%(a)

   

0.65

%

   

36

%

 

$

7

   

Year Ended December 31, 2012

 

$

12.08

     

31.39

%(b)

   

6.18

%(a)

   

1.41

%(a)(c)

   

1.05

%

   

30

%

 

$

6

   

Year Ended December 31, 2011 (i)

 

$

9.29

     

(7.10

)%(b)

   

19.31

%(f)

   

1.41

%(f)(g)

   

0.17

%(f)

   

9

%

 

$

5

   

Class R4

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

$

10.32

     

(18.04

)%

   

1.36

%(a)

   

1.36

%(a)

   

1.37

%

   

58

%

 

$

3,459

   

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

$

12.83

     

(4.03

)%

   

1.28

%(a)

   

1.28

%(a)

   

0.66

%

   

45

%

 

$

15,467

   

Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

$

13.49

     

12.13

%(b)

   

1.44

%(a)

   

1.44

%(a)

   

0.92

%

   

36

%

 

$

13,583

   

Year Ended December 31, 2012 (j)

 

$

12.14

     

7.04

%(b)

   

5.86

%(a)(f)

   

1.54

%(a)(c)(f)

   

(0.31

)%(f)

   

30

%

 

$

16

   

Class R5

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

$

10.32

     

(17.96

)%

   

1.34

%(a)

   

1.34

%(a)

   

1.22

%

   

58

%

 

$

12,643

   

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

$

12.82

     

(4.02

)%

   

1.26

%(a)

   

1.26

%(a)

   

0.72

%

   

45

%

 

$

19,632

   

Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

$

13.48

     

12.07

%(b)

   

1.42

%(a)

   

1.42

%(a)

   

0.94

%

   

36

%

 

$

13,625

   

Year Ended December 31, 2012 (k)

 

$

12.14

     

7.11

%(b)

   

5.81

%(a)(f)

   

1.46

%(a)(c)(f)

   

(0.22

)%(f)

   

30

%

 

$

3

   

Class Y

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

$

10.23

     

(17.90

)%

   

1.27

%(a)

   

1.27

%(a)

   

1.24

%

   

58

%

 

$

2

   

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

$

12.71

     

(3.95

)%

   

1.22

%(a)

   

1.22

%(a)

   

0.68

%

   

45

%

 

$

2

   

Year Ended December 31, 2013 (l)

 

$

13.36

     

10.43

%(b)

   

1.36

%(a)(f)

   

1.36

%(a)(f)

   

0.97

%(f)

   

36

%

 

$

3

   

Class Z

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

$

10.26

     

(17.98

)%

   

1.42

%(a)

   

1.42

%(a)

   

1.12

%

   

58

%

 

$

147,688

   

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

$

12.74

     

(4.12

)%

   

1.33

%(a)

   

1.33

%(a)

   

0.62

%

   

45

%

 

$

245,053

   

Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

$

13.40

     

11.92

%(b)

   

1.58

%(a)

   

1.54

%(a)

   

0.89

%

   

36

%

 

$

177,693

   

Year Ended December 31, 2012

 

$

12.07

     

31.35

%(b)

   

6.15

%(a)

   

1.46

%(a)(c)

   

1.07

%

   

30

%

 

$

6,846

   

Year Ended December 31, 2011 (m)

 

$

9.28

     

(7.20

)%(b)

   

19.52

%(f)

   

1.46

%(f)(g)

   

0.15

%(f)

   

9

%

 

$

2,765

   

See accompanying notes to financial statements.


109



COLUMBIA ACORN FAMILY OF FUNDS

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS, CONTINUED

Columbia Acorn European FundSM

       

Income from Investment Operations

     

Less Distributions to Shareholders

     
(Selected data for a share outstanding
throughout each period)
  Net Asset
Value,
Beginning of
Period
  Net
investment
income (loss)
  Net realized
and
unrealized
gain (loss)
  Total from
Investment
Operations
  Net
investment
income
  Net
realized gains
  Total
Distributions to
Shareholders
 

Class A

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

$

14.34

     

0.10

     

0.50

     

0.60

     

(0.19

)

   

     

(0.19

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

$

15.68

     

0.13

     

(1.34

)

   

(1.21

)

   

(0.05

)

   

(0.08

)

   

(0.13

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

$

11.76

     

(0.02

)

   

3.97

     

3.95

     

(0.01

)

   

(0.02

)

   

(0.03

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2012

 

$

9.43

     

0.03

     

2.37

     

2.40

     

(0.07

)

   

(0.00

)(c)

   

(0.07

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2011 (e)

 

$

10.00

     

(0.03

)

   

(0.46

)

   

(0.49

)

   

(0.06

)

   

(0.02

)

   

(0.08

)

 

Class C

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

$

14.16

     

(0.00

)(c)

   

0.48

     

0.48

     

(0.01

)

   

     

(0.01

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

$

15.54

     

(0.01

)

   

(1.29

)

   

(1.30

)

   

     

(0.08

)

   

(0.08

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

$

11.73

     

(0.15

)

   

3.98

     

3.83

     

     

(0.02

)

   

(0.02

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2012

 

$

9.44

     

(0.15

)

   

2.46

     

2.31

     

(0.02

)

   

(0.00

)(c)

   

(0.02

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2011 (h)

 

$

10.00

     

(0.06

)

   

(0.45

)

   

(0.51

)

   

(0.03

)

   

(0.02

)

   

(0.05

)

 

Class I

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

$

14.33

     

0.16

     

0.49

     

0.65

     

(0.24

)

   

     

(0.24

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

$

15.67

     

0.11

     

(1.27

)

   

(1.16

)

   

(0.10

)

   

(0.08

)

   

(0.18

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

$

11.75

     

0.12

     

3.88

     

4.00

     

(0.06

)

   

(0.02

)

   

(0.08

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2012

 

$

9.43

     

0.10

     

2.32

     

2.42

     

(0.10

)

   

(0.00

)(c)

   

(0.10

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2011 (i)

 

$

10.00

     

(0.02

)

   

(0.46

)

   

(0.48

)

   

(0.07

)

   

(0.02

)

   

(0.09

)

 

Class R4

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

$

14.40

     

0.24

     

0.41

     

0.65

     

(0.23

)

   

     

(0.23

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2014 (j)

 

$

15.85

     

(0.02

)

   

(1.34

)

   

(1.36

)

   

(0.09

)

   

     

(0.09

)

 

Class R5

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

$

14.47

     

0.15

     

0.50

     

0.65

     

(0.23

)

   

     

(0.23

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

$

15.82

     

0.14

     

(1.32

)

   

(1.18

)

   

(0.09

)

   

(0.08

)

   

(0.17

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

$

11.86

     

(0.04

)

   

4.06

     

4.02

     

(0.04

)

   

(0.02

)

   

(0.06

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2012 (k)

 

$

11.19

     

(0.02

)

   

0.77

     

0.75

     

(0.08

)

   

     

(0.08

)

 

Class Z

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

$

14.34

     

0.15

     

0.49

     

0.64

     

(0.23

)

   

     

(0.23

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

$

15.68

     

0.15

     

(1.32

)

   

(1.17

)

   

(0.09

)

   

(0.08

)

   

(0.17

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

$

11.76

     

0.11

     

3.88

     

3.99

     

(0.05

)

   

(0.02

)

   

(0.07

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2012

 

$

9.44

     

0.08

     

2.34

     

2.42

     

(0.10

)

   

(0.00

)(c)

   

(0.10

)

 

Year Ended December 31, 2011 (l)

 

$

10.00

     

(0.02

)

   

(0.46

)

   

(0.48

)

   

(0.06

)

   

(0.02

)

   

(0.08

)

 

Notes to Financial Highlights

(a)  Had the Investment Manager and/or Transfer Agent not waived fees and/or reimbursed a portion of expenses, total return would have been reduced.

(b)  In addition to the fees and expenses that the Fund bears directly, the Fund indirectly bears a pro rata share of the fees and expenses of any other funds in which it invests, if any. Such indirect expenses are not included in the Fund's reported expense ratios.

(c)  Rounds to zero.

(d)  The benefits derived from custody fees paid indirectly had an impact of 0.01%.

(e)  Class A shares commenced operations on August 19, 2011. Per share data and total return reflect activity from that date.

(f)  Annualized.

(g)  The benefits derived from custody fees paid indirectly had an impact of 0.02%.

(h)  Class C shares commenced operations on August 19, 2011. Per share data and total return reflect activity from that date.

(i)  Class I shares commenced operations on August 19, 2011. Per share data and total return reflect activity from that date.

(j)  Class R4 shares commenced operations on June 25, 2014. Per share data and total return reflect activity from that date.

(k)  Class R5 shares commenced operations on November 8, 2012. Per share data and total return reflect activity from that date.

(l)  Class Z shares commenced operations on August 19, 2011. Per share data and total return reflect activity from that date.

See accompanying notes to financial statements.


110



         

Ratio to Average Net Assets

 

Supplemental Data

 
(Selected data for a share outstanding
throughout each period)
  Net Asset
Value, End of
Period
  Total Return
(a)
  Total gross
expenses
  Total net
expenses
  Net
investment
income (loss)
  Portfolio
turnover rate
  Net assets,
end of period
(000s)
 

Class A

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

$

14.75

     

4.17

%

   

2.06

%(b)

   

1.75

%(b)

   

0.67

%

   

37

%

 

$

40,368

   

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

$

14.34

     

(7.77

)%

   

2.05

%(b)

   

1.75

%(b)

   

0.86

%

   

74

%

 

$

21,101

   

Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

$

15.68

     

33.64

%

   

3.33

%(b)

   

1.74

%(b)

   

(0.11

)%

   

42

%

 

$

19,078

   

Year Ended December 31, 2012

 

$

11.76

     

25.46

%

   

12.35

%(b)

   

1.61

%(b)(d)

   

0.23

%

   

37

%

 

$

453

   

Year Ended December 31, 2011 (e)

 

$

9.43

     

(4.97

)%

   

33.59

%(f)

   

1.75

%(f)(g)

   

(0.84

)%(f)

   

17

%

 

$

154

   

Class C

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

$

14.63

     

3.41

%

   

2.82

%(b)

   

2.50

%(b)

   

(0.02

)%

   

37

%

 

$

7,220

   

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

$

14.16

     

(8.44

)%

   

2.84

%(b)

   

2.50

%(b)

   

(0.10

)%

   

74

%

 

$

5,096

   

Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

$

15.54

     

32.63

%

   

4.19

%(b)

   

2.50

%(b)

   

(1.10

)%

   

42

%

 

$

1,400

   

Year Ended December 31, 2012

 

$

11.73

     

24.46

%

   

12.83

%(b)

   

2.32

%(b)(d)

   

(1.33

)%

   

37

%

 

$

89

   

Year Ended December 31, 2011 (h)

 

$

9.44

     

(5.14

)%

   

35.79

%(f)

   

2.50

%(f)(g)

   

(1.66

)%(f)

   

17

%

 

$

5

   

Class I

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

$

14.74

     

4.50

%

   

1.71

%(b)

   

1.43

%(b)

   

1.09

%

   

37

%

 

$

3

   

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

$

14.33

     

(7.49

)%

   

1.71

%(b)

   

1.46

%(b)

   

0.74

%

   

74

%

 

$

2

   

Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

$

15.67

     

34.06

%

   

3.99

%(b)

   

1.41

%(b)

   

0.88

%

   

42

%

 

$

8

   

Year Ended December 31, 2012

 

$

11.75

     

25.71

%

   

12.05

%(b)

   

1.31

%(b)(d)

   

0.94

%

   

37

%

 

$

6

   

Year Ended December 31, 2011 (i)

 

$

9.43

     

(4.81

)%

   

30.00

%(f)

   

1.31

%(f)(g)

   

(0.47

)%(f)

   

17

%

 

$

5

   

Class R4

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

$

14.82

     

4.48

%

   

1.81

%(b)

   

1.50

%(b)

   

1.59

%

   

37

%

 

$

408

   

Year Ended December 31, 2014 (j)

 

$

14.40

     

(8.60

)%

   

1.87

%(b)(f)

   

1.50

%(b)(f)

   

(0.30

)%(f)

   

74

%

 

$

302

   

Class R5

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

$

14.89

     

4.48

%

   

1.75

%(b)

   

1.48

%(b)

   

0.98

%

   

37

%

 

$

2,122

   

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

$

14.47

     

(7.54

)%

   

1.75

%(b)

   

1.52

%(b)

   

0.92

%

   

74

%

 

$

1,633

   

Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

$

15.82

     

33.97

%

   

2.76

%(b)

   

1.51

%(b)

   

(0.29

)%

   

42

%

 

$

1,891

   

Year Ended December 31, 2012 (k)

 

$

11.86

     

6.70

%

   

14.07

%(b)(f)

   

1.36

%(b)(d)(f)

   

(1.07

)%(f)

   

37

%

 

$

3

   

Class Z

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

$

14.75

     

4.43

%

   

1.78

%(b)

   

1.50

%(b)

   

1.01

%

   

37

%

 

$

11,766

   

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

$

14.34

     

(7.52

)%

   

1.79

%(b)

   

1.50

%(b)

   

0.97

%

   

74

%

 

$

8,499

   

Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

$

15.68

     

33.98

%

   

3.98

%(b)

   

1.45

%(b)

   

0.83

%

   

42

%

 

$

4,407

   

Year Ended December 31, 2012

 

$

11.76

     

25.66

%

   

12.07

%(b)

   

1.33

%(b)(d)

   

0.76

%

   

37

%

 

$

2,727

   

Year Ended December 31, 2011 (l)

 

$

9.44

     

(4.78

)%

   

30.26

%(f)

   

1.37

%(f)(g)

   

(0.52

)%(f)

   

17

%

 

$

1,516

   

See accompanying notes to financial statements.


111




COLUMBIA ACORN FAMILY OF FUNDS

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.  Nature of Operations

Columbia Acorn Fund, Columbia Acorn International, Columbia Acorn USA, Columbia Acorn International Select, Columbia Acorn Select, Columbia Thermostat Fund, Columbia Acorn Emerging Markets Fund and Columbia Acorn European Fund (each a Fund and collectively, the Funds) are each a series of Columbia Acorn Trust (the Trust). The Trust is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act), as an open-end management investment company organized as a Massachusetts business trust. The investment objective of each Fund is to seek long-term capital appreciation.

Columbia Thermostat Fund pursues its investment objective by investing in shares of other mutual funds. As a "fund of funds", under normal circumstances, the Fund allocates at least 95% of its net assets among a selected group of affiliated stock and bond mutual funds (underlying funds) according to the current level of the Standard & Poor's (S&P) 500 Index in relation to predetermined ranges set by Columbia Wanger Asset Management, LLC (the Investment Manager or CWAM). The Fund may invest up to 5% of its net assets plus any cash received that day in cash, repurchase agreements, high quality short-term paper and government securities.

Each Fund may issue an unlimited number of shares. Columbia Acorn Fund, Columbia Acorn USA, Columbia Acorn International Select and Columbia Acorn Select each currently offers Class A, Class B, Class C, Class I, Class R4, Class R5, Class Y and Class Z shares. Columbia Acorn International currently offers Class A, Class B, Class C, Class I, Class R, Class R4, Class R5, Class Y and Class Z shares. Columbia Thermostat Fund currently offers Class A, Class B, Class C, Class R4, Class R5, Class Y and Class Z shares. Columbia Acorn Emerging Markets Fund currently offers Class A, Class C, Class I, Class R4, Class R5, Class Y and Class Z shares. Columbia Acorn European Fund currently offers Class A, Class C, Class I, Class R4, Class R5 and Class Z shares. Effective February 29, 2008, the Funds generally no longer accept investments by new or existing investors in the Funds' Class B shares, except in connection with the reinvestment of any dividend and/or capital gain distributions in Class B shares of the Funds and exchanges by existing Class B shareholders of certain other funds within the Columbia Acorn Family of Funds.

Class A shares are sold with a front-end sales charge. Prior to February 1, 2016, Columbia Acorn Emerging Markets Fund was closed to most new investors and new accounts with certain exceptions. Class A shares bought without an initial

sales charge in accounts aggregating $1 million to $50 million at the time of purchase are subject to a 1.00% contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) if the shares are redeemed within 12 months after purchase, and a 0.50% CDSC if the shares are redeemed more than 12, but less than 18, months after purchase, with certain limited exceptions.

Class B shares are subject to CDSC if redeemed within six years of purchase. Class B shares will convert to Class A shares automatically eight years after purchase.

Class C shares are offered at net asset value but are subject to a CDSC on redemptions made within one year after purchase.

Class I, Class R, Class R4, Class R5 and Class Y shares are offered at net asset value. There are certain restrictions on who may purchase these share classes.

Class Z shares are offered at net asset value. There are certain restrictions on who may purchase Class Z shares. Generally, Class Z shares of a Fund may be exchanged for shares of another fund distributed by Columbia Management Investment Distributors, Inc. (CMID) at no additional charge.

Investment income, realized and unrealized gains and losses, and certain fund-level expenses are allocated pro rata on the basis of the relative net assets of all classes, except that each class bears certain expenses specific to that class such as distribution services, transfer agent fees, and certain other class specific expenses. Differences in class expenses may result in payment of different dividend distributions for each class. All of the Funds' share classes have equal rights with respect to voting, subject to Fund or class-specific matters.

2.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

>Basis of Preparation

Each Fund is an investment company that applies the accounting and reporting guidance in the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946, Financial Services – Investment Companies (ASC 946). The financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) which requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Funds in the preparation of their financial statements.


112



>Security valuation

Securities of the Funds are valued at market value or, if a market quotation for a security is not readily available or is deemed not to be reliable because of events or circumstances that have occurred between the market quotation and the time as of which the security is to be valued, the security is valued at a fair value determined in good faith under consistently applied procedures established by the Board of Trustees (the Board). With respect to Columbia Thermostat Fund, investments in underlying funds are valued at their net asset values as reported by the underlying funds. A security traded on a securities exchange or in an over-the-counter market in which transaction prices are reported is valued at the last sales price at the time of valuation. A security traded principally on NASDAQ is valued at the NASDAQ official closing price. Exchange traded funds are valued at their closing net asset value as reported on the applicable exchange.

Short-term investments maturing in 60 days or less are valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value.

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are marked-to-market based upon foreign currency exchange rates provided by a pricing service.

Futures contracts are valued based upon the settlement price at the close of regular trading on their principal exchanges or, in the absence of transactions, at the mean of the latest quoted bid and ask prices.

The Trust has retained an independent statistical fair value pricing service that employs a systematic methodology to assist in the fair valuation process for securities principally traded in a foreign market in order to adjust for possible changes in value that may occur between the close of the foreign exchange and the time as of which the securities are to be valued. If a security is valued at fair value, that value may be different from the last quoted market price for the security. A security for which there is no reported sale on the valuation date is valued at the mean of the latest bid and ask quotations.

>Foreign currency translations

Values of investments denominated in foreign currencies are converted into U.S. dollars using the New York spot market rate of exchange at the time of valuation. Purchases and sales of investments and dividend and interest income are translated into U.S. dollars using the spot market rate of exchange prevailing on the respective dates of such transactions. The gain or loss resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates is included with net realized and unrealized gain or loss from investments, as appropriate.

>Restricted securities

Restricted securities are securities that may only be resold upon registration under federal securities laws or in transactions exempt from registration. In some cases, the issuer of restricted securities has agreed to register such securities for resale at the issuer's expense either upon demand by the Fund or in connection with another registered offering of the securities. Many restricted securities may be resold in the secondary market in transactions exempt from registration. Such restricted securities may be determined to be liquid under criteria established by the Board.

>Derivative instruments

Columbia Acorn Fund and Columbia Acorn USA invested in futures contracts and Columbia Acorn International Select invested in forward foreign currency exchange contracts on a limited basis during the year ended December 31, 2015, as detailed below. Derivatives may involve various risks, including the potential inability of the counterparty to fulfill its obligation under the terms of the contract, the potential for an illiquid secondary market (making it difficult for the Fund to sell, including at favorable prices) and the potential for market movements which may expose the Fund to gains or losses in excess of the amount shown in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

For financial reporting purposes, the Funds do not offset derivative assets and derivative liabilities that are subject to netting arrangements in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

>Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are agreements between two parties to buy and sell a currency at a set price on a future date. Columbia Acorn International Select utilized forward foreign currency exchange contracts to hedge the currency exposure associated with some or all of the Fund's securities. These instruments may be used for other purposes in future periods. The Fund's use of forward foreign currency exchange contracts was not material to the net assets of the Fund.

The values of forward foreign currency exchange contracts fluctuate with changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Changes in the value of these contracts are recorded as unrealized appreciation or depreciation until the contract is exercised or has expired. Each Fund will realize a gain or loss when the forward foreign currency exchange contract is closed or expires.

The use of forward foreign currency exchange contracts does not eliminate fluctuations in the prices of the Fund's portfolio securities. The risks of forward foreign currency exchange contracts include movement in the values of the foreign


113



COLUMBIA ACORN FAMILY OF FUNDS

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, CONTINUED

currencies relative to the U.S. dollar (or other foreign currencies) and the possibility that counterparties will not complete their contractual obligations, which may be in excess of the amount reflected, if any, in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

>Futures Contracts

Futures contracts are exchange traded and represent commitments for the future purchase or sale of an asset at a specified price on a specified date. Columbia Acorn Fund and Columbia Acorn USA Fund bought and sold futures contracts to maintain appropriate equity market exposure while keeping sufficient cash to accommodate daily redemptions. These instruments may be used for other purposes in future periods. Upon entering into futures contracts, the Fund bears risks that it may not achieve the anticipated benefits of the futures contracts and may realize a loss. Additional risks include counterparty credit risk, the possibility of an illiquid market, and that a change in the value of the contract or option may not correlate with changes in the value of the underlying asset.

Upon entering into a futures contract, the Fund pledges cash or securities with the broker in an amount sufficient to meet the initial margin requirement. The initial margin deposit must be maintained at an established level over the life of the contract. Cash deposited as initial margin is recorded in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities as margin deposits. Securities deposited as initial margin are designated in the Portfolio of Investments. Subsequent payments (variation margin) are made or received by the Fund each day. The variation margin payments are equal to the daily change in the contract value and are recorded as variation margin receivable or payable and are offset in unrealized gains or losses. The Fund recognizes a realized gain or loss when the contract is closed or expires. Futures contracts involve, to varying degrees, risk of loss in excess of the variation margin disclosed in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

>Effects of derivative transactions in the financial statements

The following tables are intended to provide additional information about the effect of derivatives on the financial statements of Columbia Acorn Fund, Columbia Acorn USA and Columbia Acorn International Select, including: the fair value of derivatives by risk category and the location of those fair values in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities; and the impact of derivative transactions over the period in the Statements of Operations, including realized gains or losses and unrealized gains or losses. The derivative schedules following the

Statements of Investments present additional information regarding derivative instruments outstanding at the end of the period, if any.

Columbia Acorn Fund

The following table is a summary of the fair value of derivative instruments (not considered to be hedging instruments for accounting disclosure purposes) at December 31, 2015:

   

Asset Derivatives

 
Risk Exposure
Category
  Statement of Assets
and Liabilities Location
  Fair
Value ($)
 
Equity risk
 
 
  Net assets – unrealized
appreciation on futures
contracts
   

4,292,591

*

 

* Includes cumulative appreciation (depreciation) as reported in the tables following the Portfolio of Investments. Only the current day's variation margin is reported in receivables or payables in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

The following table indicates the effect of derivative instruments (not considered to be hedging instruments for accounting disclosure purposes) in the Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2015:

Amount of Realized Gain (Loss) on
Derivatives Recognized in Income

Risk Exposure Category

 

Futures Contracts ($)

 

Equity risk

   

(47,326,332

)

 

Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)
on Derivatives Recognized in Income

Risk Exposure Category

 

Futures Contracts ($)

 

Equity risk

   

4,292,591

   

The following table provides a summary of the average outstanding volume by derivative instrument for the year ended December 31, 2015:

Derivative Instrument

 

Average notional amounts($)*

 

Futures contracts – Long

   

98,128,693

   

* Based on the daily outstanding amounts for the year ended December 31, 2015.

Columbia Acorn USA

The following table provides a summary of the fair value of derivative instruments (not considered to be hedging instruments for accounting disclosure purposes) at December 31, 2015:

   

Asset Derivatives

 
Risk Exposure
Category
  Statement of Assets
and Liabilities Location
  Fair
Value ($)
 
Equity risk
 
 
  Net assets – unrealized
appreciation on futures
contracts
   

465,285

*

 

* Includes cumulative appreciation (depreciation) as reported in the tables following the Portfolio of Investments. Only the current day's variation margin is reported in receivables or payables in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

The following table indicates the effect of derivative instruments (not considered to be hedging instruments for


114



accounting disclosure purposes) in the Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2015:

Amount of Realized Gain (Loss) on
Derivatives Recognized in Income

Risk Exposure Category

 

Futures Contracts ($)

 

Equity risk

   

(1,830,044

)

 

Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)
on Derivatives Recognized in Income

Risk Exposure Category

 

Futures Contracts ($)

 

Equity risk

   

465,285

   

The following table provides a summary of the average outstanding volume by derivative instrument for the year ended December 31, 2015:

Derivative Instrument

 

Average notional amounts($)*

 

Futures contracts – Long

   

5,394,497

   

* Based on the daily outstanding amounts for the year ended December 31, 2015.

Columbia Acorn International Select

At December 31, 2015, the Fund had no outstanding derivatives.

The following table indicates the effect of derivative instruments (not considered to be hedging instruments for accounting disclosure purposes) in the Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2015:

Amount of Realized Gain (Loss) on
Derivatives Recognized in Income

Risk Exposure Category

  Forward
Foreign Currency
Exchange Contracts ($)
 

Foreign exchange risk

   

1,016,625

   

Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)
on Derivatives Recognized in Income

Risk Exposure Category

  Forward
Foreign Currency
Exchange Contracts ($)
 

Foreign exchange risk

   

97,181

   

The following table provides a summary of the average outstanding volume by derivative instrument for the year ended December 31, 2015:

Derivative Instrument

  Average unrealized
appreciation($)*
  Average
unrealized
depreciation($)*
 
Forward foreign currency
exchange contracts
   

37,020

     

(82,579

)

 

* Based on the ending quarterly outstanding amounts for the year ended December 31, 2015.

>Security transactions and investment income

Security transactions, investment income and shareholder fund transactions are accounted for on the trade date (date the order to buy or sell is executed) and dividend income and realized gain

distributions from other funds are recorded on the ex-dividend date, except that certain dividends from foreign securities are recorded as soon as the information is available to the Funds. Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis and includes amortization of discounts on debt obligations when required for federal income tax purposes. Realized gains and losses from security transactions are recorded on an identified cost basis.

Awards, if any, from class action litigation related to securities owned may be recorded as a reduction of cost of those securities. If the applicable securities are no longer owned, the proceeds are recorded as realized gains.

The Funds may receive distributions from holdings in equity securities, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), other regulated investment companies (RICs), and real estate investment trusts (REITs), which report information on the tax character of their distributions annually. These distributions are allocated to dividend income, capital gain and return of capital based on actual information reported. Return of capital is recorded as a reduction of the cost basis of securities held. If the Funds no longer own the applicable securities, return of capital is recorded as a realized gain. With respect to REITs, to the extent actual information has not yet been reported, estimates for return of capital may be made by the Funds' management. Management's estimates are subsequently adjusted when the actual character of the distributions is disclosed by the REITs, which could result in a proportionate change in return of capital to shareholders.

>Fund share valuation

Fund shares are sold and redeemed on a daily basis at net asset value, subject to any applicable sales charge. Net asset value per share is determined daily as of the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on each day the NYSE is open for trading. Generally, income, expenses and realized and unrealized gain/(losses) of a Fund are allocated to each class proportionately on a daily basis for purposes of determining the net asset value of each class. The distribution and service fees and transfer agent fees are charged to each specific class as expenses are incurred. Redemption fees are accounted for as an addition to paid in capital for purposes of determining the net asset value of each class.

>Securities lending

Each Fund, except Columbia Thermostat Fund, may lend securities up to one-third of the value of its total assets to certain approved brokers, dealers and other financial institutions to earn additional income. The Funds retain the benefits of owning


115



COLUMBIA ACORN FAMILY OF FUNDS

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, CONTINUED

the securities, including the economic equivalent of dividends or interest generated by the security. The Funds also receive a fee for the loan. The Funds have the ability to recall the loans at any time and could do so in order to vote proxies or to sell the loaned securities. Each loan is collateralized by cash that exceeds the value of the securities on loan. The market value of the loaned securities is determined daily at the close of business of a Fund and any additional required collateral is delivered to the Fund on the next business day. The Funds have elected to invest the cash collateral in the Dreyfus Government Cash Management Fund. The income earned from the securities lending program is paid to each Fund, net of any fees

remitted to Goldman Sachs Agency Lending, the Funds' lending agent, and net of any borrower rebates. The Investment Manager does not retain any fees earned by the lending program. Generally, in the event of borrower default, a Fund has the right to use the collateral to offset any losses incurred. In the event a Fund is delayed or prevented from exercising its right to dispose of the collateral, there may be a potential loss to the Fund. Some of these losses may be indemnified by the lending agent. The Funds bear the risk of loss with respect to the investment of collateral. The net securities lending income earned as of December 31, 2015 by each Fund is included in the Statements of Operations.

>Offsetting of Assets and Liabilities

The following table presents each Fund's gross and net amount of assets and liabilities available for offset under netting agreements and under a securities lending agreement as well as the related collateral received by each Fund as of December 31, 2015:

    Columbia
Acorn
Fund
  Columbia
Acorn
International
  Columbia
Acorn
USA
  Columbia
Acorn
International
Select
  Columbia
Acorn
Select
  Columbia
Acorn
Emerging
Markets
Fund
  Columbia
Acorn
European
Fund
 
    Goldman
Sachs ($)
  Goldman
Sachs ($)
  Goldman
Sachs ($)
  Goldman
Sachs ($)
  Goldman
Sachs ($)
  Goldman
Sachs ($)
  Goldman
Sachs ($)
 

Liabilities

 
Collateral on
Securities loaned
   

118,849,524

     

253,539,187

     

35,003,025

     

4,679,312

     

14,899,925

     

3,746,400

     

1,428,399

   

Total Liabilities

   

118,849,524

     

253,539,187

     

35,003,025

     

4,679,312

     

14,899,925

     

3,746,400

     

1,428,399

   
Total Financial
and Derivative
Net Assets
   

(118,849,524

)

   

(253,539,187

)

   

(35,003,025

)

   

(4,679,312

)

   

(14,899,925

)

   

(3,746,400

)

   

(1,428,399

)

 

Financial Instruments

   

114,623,134

     

240,885,855

     

33,663,142

     

4,443,893

     

14,477,792

     

3,581,674

     

1,370,996

   

Net Amount(a)

   

(4,226,390

)

   

(12,653,332

)

   

(1,339,883

)

   

(235,419

)

   

(422,133

)

   

(164,726

)

   

(57,403

)

 

(a) Represents the net amount due from/ (to) counterparties in the event of default.

>Securities Lending Transactions

The following table indicates the total amount of securities loaned by type, reconciled to gross liability payable upon return of the securities loaned by the Fund as of December 31, 2015:

    Overnight and
Continuous
  Up to
30 Days
  30 - 90
Days
  Greater than
90 Days
 

Total

 

Columbia Acorn Fund

 

Securities lending transactions

                     

Equity securities

 

$

114,623,134

   

$

   

$

   

$

   

$

114,623,134

   

Gross amount of recognized liabilities for securities lending (collateral received)

                   

118,849,524

   

Amounts due to counterparty

                 

$

4,226,390

   

Columbia Acorn International

 

Securities lending transactions

                     

Equity securities

 

$

240,885,855

   

$

   

$

   

$

   

$

240,885,855

   

Gross amount of recognized liabilities for securities lending (collateral received)

                   

253,539,187

   

Amounts due to counterparty

                 

$

12,653,332

   

Columbia Acorn USA

 

Securities lending transactions

                     

Equity securities

 

$

33,663,142

   

$

   

$

   

$

   

$

33,663,142

   

Gross amount of recognized liabilities for securities lending (collateral received)

                   

35,003,025

   

Amounts due to counterparty

                 

$

1,339,883

   

Columbia Acorn International Select

 

Securities lending transactions

                     

Equity securities

 

$

4,443,893

   

$

   

$

   

$

   

$

4,443,893

   

Gross amount of recognized liabilities for securities lending (collateral received)

                   

4,679,312

   

Amounts due to counterparty

                 

$

235,419

   


116



    Overnight and
Continuous
  Up to
30 Days
  30 - 90
Days
  Greater than
90 Days
 

Total

 

Columbia Acorn Select

 

Securities lending transactions

                     

Equity securities

 

$

14,477,792

   

$

   

$

   

$

   

$

14,477,792

   

Gross amount of recognized liabilities for securities lending (collateral received)

                                   

14,899,925

   

Amounts due to counterparty

                                 

$

422,133

   

Columbia Acorn Emerging Markets Fund

 

Securities lending transactions

                     

Equity securities

 

$

3,581,674

   

$

   

$

   

$

   

$

3,581,674

   

Gross amount of recognized liabilities for securities lending (collateral received)

                                   

3,746,400

   

Amounts due to counterparty

                                 

$

164,726

   

Columbia Acorn European Fund

 

Securities lending transactions

                     

Equity securities

 

$

1,370,996

   

$

   

$

   

$

   

$

1,370,996

   
Gross amount of recognized liabilities for securities lending
(collateral received)
                                   

1,428,399

   

Amounts due to counterparty

                                 

$

57,403

   

>Federal income taxes

It is each Fund's policy to comply with the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code available to regulated investment companies and, in the manner provided therein, distribute substantially all their taxable income, as well as any net realized gain on sales of investments and foreign currency transactions reportable for federal income tax purposes. Columbia Thermostat Fund distributes all of its taxable income, as well as any net realized gain on sales of portfolio fund shares and any distributions of net realized gains received by the Fund from its portfolio funds, reportable for federal income tax purposes. Accordingly, the Funds paid no federal income taxes and no federal income tax provision was required.

>Foreign capital gains taxes

Realized gains in certain countries may be subject to foreign taxes at the fund level. The Funds accrue for such foreign taxes on realized and unrealized gains at the appropriate rate for each jurisdiction. The amount, if any, is disclosed as a liability on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

>Distributions to shareholders

Distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date.

>Indemnification

In the normal course of business, the Trust on behalf of the Funds enters into contracts that contain a variety of representations and warranties and that provide general indemnities. A Fund's maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims against the Fund. Also, under the Trust's organizational documents, the trustees and officers of the Trust are

indemnified against certain liabilities that may arise out of their duties to the Trust. However, based on experience, the Funds expect the risk of loss due to these warranties and indemnities to be remote.

>Recent Accounting Pronouncement

Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820), Disclosure for Investments in Certain Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value per Share (or Its Equivalent)

In May 2015, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2015-07, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820), Disclosure for Investments in Certain Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value per Share (or Its Equivalent). ASU No. 2015-07 changes the disclosure requirements for investments for which fair value is measured using the net asset value per share practical expedient. The disclosure requirements are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015 and interim periods within those fiscal years. At this time, management is evaluating the implications of this guidance and the impact it will have on the financial statement amounts and footnote disclosures, if any.

3.  Federal Tax Information

The timing and character of income and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with income tax regulations, which may differ from GAAP. Reclassifications are made to the Funds' capital accounts for permanent tax differences to reflect income and gains available for distribution (or available capital loss carryforwards) under income tax regulations.

For the year ended December 31, 2015, permanent book and tax basis differences resulting primarily from differing


117



COLUMBIA ACORN FAMILY OF FUNDS

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, CONTINUED

treatments for derivative investments, foreign currency transactions, passive foreign investment company (PFIC) holdings, former PFIC holdings, re-characterization of distributions from investments, earnings and profits distributed to shareholders on the redemption of shares, net operating loss reclassification, proceeds from regulatory settlements, non-deductible expenses and excess distributions were identified and

reclassified among the components of each Fund's net assets as follows:

    Undistributed
(Overdistributed) or
Accumulated
Net Investment
Income (Loss)
  Accumulated
Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
  Paid-In
Capital
 
Columbia
Acorn Fund
 

$

25,930,457

   

$

(1,100,615,886

)

 

$

1,074,685,429

   
Columbia Acorn
International
   

52,542,838

     

(52,296,857

)

   

(245,981

)

 
Columbia
Acorn USA
   

5,849,885

     

12,232

     

(5,862,117

)

 
Columbia Acorn
International Select
   

8,065,890

     

(8,032,657

)

   

(33,233

)

 
Columbia
Acorn Select
   

1,862,598

     

(1,862,600

)

   

2

   
Columbia
Thermostat Fund
   

2,144,471

     

(4,333,264

)

   

2,188,793

   
Columbia Acorn
Emerging
Markets Fund
   

2,807,349

     

(1,475,209

)

   

(1,332,140

)

 
Columbia Acorn
European Fund
   

(10,014

)

   

10,013

     

1

   

Net investment income (loss) and net realized gains (losses), as disclosed on the Statements of Operations, and net assets were not affected by this reclassification.

The tax character of distributions paid during the years ended December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 was as follows:

   

December 31, 2015

 

December 31, 2014

 

Fund

  Ordinary
Income*
  Long-Term
Capital Gains
  Return of
Capital
  Ordinary
Income*
  Long-Term
Capital Gains
 

Columbia Acorn Fund

 

$

   

$

3,585,084,598

   

$

   

$

   

$

2,682,706,755

   

Columbia Acorn International

   

84,310,276

     

271,338,817

     

     

116,690,475

     

413,210,257

   

Columbia Acorn USA

   

     

299,435,943

     

     

     

246,242,710

   

Columbia Acorn International Select

   

3,693,352

     

     

53,469

     

2,302,638

     

32,121,809

   

Columbia Acorn Select

   

16,453,889

     

148,151,227

     

     

     

143,373,013

   

Columbia Thermostat Fund

   

29,188,757

     

13,167,986

     

     

29,624,764

     

9,456,050

   

Columbia Acorn Emerging Markets Fund

   

4,455,103

     

     

203,958

     

3,506,088

     

   

Columbia Acorn European Fund

   

747,168

     

     

     

353,305

     

90,617

   

* For tax purposes short-term capital gain distributions, if any, are considered ordinary income distributions.

As of December 31, 2015, the components of distributable earnings on a tax basis were as follows:

Fund

  Undistributed
Ordinary
Income
  Undistributed
Long-Term
Capital Gains
  Capital Loss
Carryforwards
  Net Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)*
 

Columbia Acorn Fund

 

$

   

$

661,618,657

   

$

   

$

2,425,212,148

   

Columbia Acorn International

   

     

39,664,002

     

(15,589,450

)

   

987,674,002

   

Columbia Acorn USA

   

     

84,110,157

     

     

301,012,410

   

Columbia Acorn International Select

   

     

     

(14,998,452

)

   

16,093,182

   

Columbia Acorn Select

   

     

30,188,347

     

     

62,367,435

   

Columbia Thermostat Fund

   

3,730,051

     

20,908,123

     

     

(12,053,641

)

 

Columbia Acorn Emerging Markets Fund

   

     

     

(27,217,407

)

   

(40,021,148

)

 

Columbia Acorn European Fund

   

97,314

     

     

(4,886,673

)

   

2,687,686

   

* The differences between book-basis and tax-basis net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) are primarily due to deferral of losses from wash sales and PFIC adjustments.

The following capital loss carryforwards, determined as of December 31, 2015, may be available to reduce taxable income arising from future net realized gains on investments, if any, to the extent permitted by the Internal Revenue Code:

   

Year of Expiration

     
   

2016

  No
Expiration
Short-Term
  No
Expiration
Long-Term
 

Total

 

Columbia Acorn International

 

$

15,589,450

   

$

   

$

   

$

15,589,450

   

Columbia Acorn International Select

   

     

14,998,452

     

     

14,998,452

   

Columbia Acorn Emerging Markets Fund

   

     

27,217,407

     

     

27,217,407

   

Columbia Acorn European Fund

   

     

3,973,318

     

913,355

     

4,886,673

   


118



Capital loss carryforwards with no expiration are required to be utilized prior to any capital losses which carry an expiration date. As a result of this ordering rule, capital loss carryforwards which carry an expiration date may be more likely to expire unused.

The value of capital loss carryforwards that were utilized, expired and permanently lost for the Funds during the year ended December 31, 2015, were as follows:

   

Utilized

 

Expired

 

Lost

 
Columbia Acorn
International
 

$

17,389,142

   

$

   

$

   

Under current tax rules, Regulated Investment Companies can elect to treat certain late-year ordinary losses incurred and post-October capital losses (capital losses realized after October 31) as arising on the first day of the following taxable year. As of December 31, 2015, the Funds will elect to treat the following late-year ordinary losses and post-October capital losses as arising on January 1, 2016:

Fund

  Late-Year
Ordinary
Losses
  Post-October
Capital
Losses
 

Columbia Acorn International

 

$

5,671,008

   

$

   
Columbia Acorn Emerging
Markets Fund
   

54,105

     

11,581,957

   

Management of the Funds has concluded that there are no significant uncertain tax positions in any Fund that would require recognition in the financial statements. However, management's conclusion may be subject to review and adjustment at a later date based on factors including, but not limited to, new tax laws, regulations, and administrative interpretations (including relevant court decisions). Generally, the Funds' federal tax returns for the prior three fiscal years remain subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service.

4.  Transactions with Affiliates

CWAM is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC (Columbia Management), which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (Ameriprise Financial). CWAM furnishes continuing investment supervision to the Funds and is responsible for the overall management of the Funds' business affairs.

CWAM receives a monthly advisory fee based on each Fund's average daily net assets at the following annual rates:

Columbia Acorn Fund

Average Daily Net Assets

  Annual
Fee Rate
 

Up to $700 million

   

0.74

%

 

$700 million to $2 billion

   

0.69

%

 

$2 billion to $6 billion

   

0.64

%

 
$6 billion and over    

0.63

%

 

Columbia Acorn International

Average Daily Net Assets

  Annual
Fee Rate
 

Up to $100 million

   

1.19

%

 

$100 million to $500 million

   

0.94

%

 
$500 million and over    

0.74

%

 

Columbia Acorn USA

Average Daily Net Assets

  Annual
Fee Rate
 

Up to $200 million

   

0.94

%

 

$200 million to $500 million

   

0.89

%

 

$500 million to $2 billion

   

0.84

%

 

$2 billion to $3 billion

   

0.80

%

 
$3 billion and over    

0.70

%

 

Columbia Acorn International Select

Average Daily Net Assets

  Annual
Fee Rate
 

Up to $500 million

   

0.94

%

 
$500 million and over    

0.90

%

 

Columbia Acorn Select

Average Daily Net Assets

  Annual
Fee Rate
 

Up to $700 million

   

0.85

%

 

$700 million to $2 billion

   

0.80

%

 

$2 billion to $3 billion

   

0.75

%

 
$3 billion and over    

0.70

%

 

Columbia Thermostat Fund

    Annual
Fee Rate
 

All Average Daily Net Assets

   

0.10

%

 

Columbia Acorn Emerging Markets Fund

Average Daily Net Assets

  Annual
Fee Rate
 

Up to $100 million

   

1.25

%

 

$100 million to $500 million

   

1.00

%

 
$500 million and over    

0.80

%

 

Columbia Acorn European Fund

Average Daily Net Assets

  Annual
Fee Rate
 

Up to $100 million

   

1.19

%

 

$100 million to $500 million

   

0.94

%

 
$500 million and over    

0.74

%

 

Effective May 1, 2015, CWAM has contractually agreed to waive 0.20% of the advisory fee otherwise payable to it by Columbia Acorn Select through April 30, 2016. When determining whether the Fund's total expenses exceed the voluntary expense cap described below, the Fund's net advisory fee, reflecting application of the 0.20% waiver, will be used to calculate the Fund's total expenses. This arrangement may be


119



COLUMBIA ACORN FAMILY OF FUNDS

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, CONTINUED

modified or amended with approval from all parties to the arrangement, including the Fund and CWAM.

For the year ended December 31, 2015, the effective investment advisory fee rates (net of the advisory fee waiver for Columbia Acorn Select) were as follows:

Fund

 

Columbia Acorn Fund

   

0.65

%

 

Columbia Acorn International

   

0.76

%

 

Columbia Acorn USA

   

0.87

%

 

Columbia Acorn International Select

   

0.94

%

 

Columbia Acorn Select

   

0.72

%

 

Columbia Thermostat Fund

   

0.10

%

 

Columbia Acorn Emerging Markets Fund

   

1.06

%

 

Columbia Acorn European Fund

   

1.19

%

 

>Expense limits

Columbia Management Investment Services Corp. (CMIS), a wholly owned subsidiary of Ameriprise Financial, has voluntarily agreed to waive a portion of the total annual Fund operating expenses attributable to transfer agency fees incurred by Class A, Class B and Class C shares of Columbia Acorn International such that the Fund's total annual Fund operating expenses will be reduced by 0.04%, 0.03% and 0.02% for Class A, Class B and Class C shares of the Fund, respectively.

Effective May 1, 2015, CWAM has voluntarily agreed to reimburse expenses so that the Funds' ordinary operating expenses (excluding transaction costs and certain other investment-related expenses, interest and fees on borrowings and expenses

associated with each Fund's investments in other investment companies, if any) after giving effect to any balance credits or overdraft charges from the Funds' custodian, do not exceed the following annual rates as a percentage of each class' average daily net assets:

Fund

 

Class A

 

Class B

 

Class C

 

Class I

 

Class R4

 

Class R5

 

Class Y

 

Class Z

 

Columbia Acorn International Select

   

1.70

%

   

2.20

%

   

2.45

%

   

1.37

%

   

1.45

%

   

1.42

%

   

1.37

%

   

1.45

%

 

Columbia Acorn Select

   

1.60

%

   

2.10

%

   

2.35

%

   

1.25

%

   

1.35

%

   

1.30

%

   

1.25

%

   

1.35

%

 

These arrangements may be modified or terminated by either the Funds or CWAM on 30 days notice.

Through April 30, 2015, CWAM voluntarily agreed to reimburse expenses so that the Funds' ordinary operating expenses (excluding transaction costs and certain other investment-related expenses, interest and fees on borrowings and expenses associated with each Fund's investments in other investment companies, if any) after giving effect to any balance credits or overdraft charges from the Funds' custodian, do not exceed the following annual rates as a percentage of each class' average daily net assets:

Fund

 

Class A

 

Class B

 

Class C

 

Class I

 

Class R4

 

Class R5

 

Class Y

 

Class Z

 

Columbia Acorn International Select

   

1.70

%

   

2.20

%

   

2.45

%

   

1.37

%

   

1.45

%

   

1.42

%

   

1.37

%

   

1.45

%

 

Columbia Acorn Select

   

1.60

%

   

2.10

%

   

2.35

%

   

1.22

%

   

1.35

%

   

1.27

%

   

1.22

%

   

1.35

%

 

Effective May 1, 2015, CWAM has contractually agreed to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses through April 30, 2016, so that the Funds' ordinary operating expenses (excluding transaction costs and certain other investment-related expenses, interest and fees on borrowings and expenses associated with each Fund's investments in other investment companies, if any, and in the case of Columbia Thermostat Fund its underlying portfolio funds), do not exceed the following annual rates as a percentage of each class' average daily net assets:

Fund

 

Class A

 

Class B

 

Class C

 

Class I

 

Class R4

 

Class R5

 

Class Y

 

Class Z

 

Columbia Thermostat Fund

   

0.50

%

   

1.00

%

   

1.25

%

   

%

   

0.25

%

   

0.24

%

   

0.19

%

   

0.25

%

 

Columbia Acorn Emerging Markets Fund

   

1.85

%

   

%

   

2.60

%

   

1.48

%

   

1.60

%

   

1.53

%

   

1.48

%

   

1.60

%

 

Columbia Acorn European Fund

   

1.75

%

   

%

   

2.50

%

   

1.41

%

   

1.50

%

   

1.46

%

   

%

   

1.50

%

 

There is no guarantee that these agreements will continue thereafter.

Through April 30, 2015, CWAM contractually waived fees and/or reimburse expenses so that the Funds' ordinary operating expenses (excluding transaction costs and certain other investment-related expenses, interest and fees on borrowings and expenses associated with each Fund's investments in other investment companies, if any, and in the case of Columbia Thermostat Fund its underlying portfolio funds), did not exceed the following annual rates as a percentage of each class' average daily net assets:

Fund

 

Class A

 

Class B

 

Class C

 

Class I

 

Class R4

 

Class R5

 

Class Y

 

Class Z

 

Columbia Thermostat Fund

   

0.50

%

   

1.00

%

   

1.25

%

   

%

   

0.25

%

   

0.23

%

   

0.18

%

   

0.25

%

 

Columbia Acorn Emerging Markets Fund

   

1.85

%

   

%

   

2.60

%

   

1.46

%

   

1.60

%

   

1.51

%

   

1.46

%

   

1.60

%

 

Columbia Acorn European Fund

   

1.75

%

   

%

   

2.50

%

   

1.47

%

   

1.50

%

   

1.52

%

   

%

   

1.50

%

 


120



Expenses waived and/or reimbursed by CWAM and its affiliates for the year ended December 31, 2015, were as follows:

Fund

  Expenses
Reimbursed
 

Columbia Acorn International

 

$

393,364

   

Columbia Acorn International Select

   

270

   

Columbia Acorn Select

   

716,315

   

Columbia Thermostat Fund

   

262,499

   

Columbia Acorn European Fund

   

157,815

   

CWAM is contractually entitled to recoup from each of Columbia Acorn Emerging Markets Fund and Columbia Acorn European Fund any fees waived and/or expenses reimbursed with respect to any share class offered by Columbia Acorn Emerging Markets Fund and Columbia Acorn European Fund for a one year period following the date of such fee waiver and/or reimbursement, if such recovery does not cause the ordinary operating expenses of the Fund (excluding transaction costs and certain other investment-related expenses, interest and fees on borrowings and expenses associated with the Fund's investment in other investment companies, if any) to exceed the annual rates set forth above, or to exceed such annual rate as may be in place at the time of the recoupment, whichever is less. For the year ended December 31, 2015, there was no recoupment of fees.

CWAM provides administrative services and receives an administration fee from the Funds at the following annual rates:

Columbia Acorn Trust

Aggregate Average Daily
Net Assets of the Trust
  Annual
Fee Rate
 

Up to $8 billion

   

0.050

%

 

$8 billion to $16 billion

   

0.040

%

 

$16 billion to $35 billion

   

0.030

%

 

$35 billion to $45 billion

   

0.025

%

 
$45 billion and over    

0.015

%

 

For the year ended December 31, 2015, the effective administration fee rate was 0.04% of each Fund's average daily net assets. CWAM has delegated to Columbia Management responsibility to provide certain sub-administrative services to the Funds.

CMID, a wholly owned subsidiary of Ameriprise Financial, is the distributor of the Funds.

Sales charges, including front-end and CDSCs, received by the Distributor for distributing each Fund's shares for the year ended December 31, 2015 are as follows:

    Underwriting
Discounts
 

CDSCs

 

(Unaudited)

 

Class A

 

Class A

 

Class B

 

Class C

 

Columbia Acorn Fund

 

$

564,435

   

$

4,890

   

$

288

   

$

23,552

   
Columbia Acorn
International
   

420,832

     

286

     

474

     

7,905

   

Columbia Acorn USA

   

51,601

     

44

     

     

427

   
Columbia Acorn
International Select
   

20,255

     

     

     

291

   

Columbia Acorn Select

   

44,624

     

25

     

87

     

475

   
Columbia
Thermostat Fund
   

855,856

     

477

     

     

28,489

   
Columbia Acorn
Emerging Markets Fund
   

43,894

     

2,824

     

     

5,653

   
Columbia Acorn
European Fund
   

159,700

     

     

     

1,902

   

Each Fund has adopted a distribution and service plan which requires it to pay CMID a monthly service fee equal to 0.25% annually of the average daily net assets attributable to Class A, Class B and Class C shares and a monthly distribution fee equal to 0.50%, 0.75% and 0.50%, annually, of the average daily net assets attributable to Class B, Class C and Class R shares, respectively. CMID receives no compensation with respect to Class R4, Class R5, Class Y and Class Z shares.

CMIS is the transfer agent of the Funds. CMIS receives monthly account-based service fees based on the number of open Fund accounts. Each Fund pays CMIS a monthly fee at the annual rate of $20.00 per open account. Subject to certain limitations, the Funds reimburse payments made by CMIS to financial intermediaries for the shareholder services that the intermediaries provide, in amounts that vary by share class and with the type of intermediary and type of shareholder services provided.

The Transfer Agent also receives compensation from fees for various shareholder services and reimbursements for certain out-of-pocket fees. Total transfer agency fees for Class R5 shares are subject to an annual limitation of not more than 0.05% of the average daily net assets attributable to Class R5 shares. Class I shares and Class Y shares do not pay transfer agency fees.


121



COLUMBIA ACORN FAMILY OF FUNDS

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, CONTINUED

For the year ended December 31, 2015, the Funds' effective transfer agency fee rates as a percentage of average daily net assets of each class were as follows:

Fund

 

Class A

 

Class B

 

Class C

 

Class R

 

Class R4

 

Class R5

 

Class Z

 

Columbia Acorn Fund

   

0.11

%

   

0.50

%

   

0.07

%

   

%

   

0.17

%

   

0.05

%

   

0.07

%

 

Columbia Acorn International

   

0.16

%

   

0.56

%

   

0.14

%

   

0.25

%

   

0.19

%

   

0.05

%

   

0.10

%

 

Columbia Acorn USA

   

0.13

%

   

1.01

%

   

0.06

%

   

%

   

0.15

%

   

0.05

%

   

0.14

%

 

Columbia Acorn International Select

   

0.15

%

   

0.47

%

   

0.17

%

   

%

   

0.12

%

   

0.05

%

   

0.09

%

 

Columbia Acorn Select

   

0.12

%

   

0.79

%

   

0.10

%

   

%

   

0.14

%

   

0.05

%

   

0.09

%

 

Columbia Thermostat Fund

   

0.07

%

   

0.26

%

   

0.07

%

   

%

   

0.08

%

   

0.05

%

   

0.06

%

 

Columbia Acorn Emerging Markets Fund

   

0.13

%

   

%

   

0.14

%

   

%

   

0.08

%

   

0.05

%

   

0.13

%

 

Columbia Acorn European Fund

   

0.11

%

   

%

   

0.13

%

   

%

   

0.14

%

   

0.05

%

   

0.09

%

 

Columbia Acorn International and certain other associated investment companies, have severally, but not jointly, guaranteed the performance and observance of all the terms and conditions of a lease entered into by Seligman Data Corp. (SDC), the former transfer agent to certain associated investment companies, including the payment of rent by SDC (the Guaranty). The lease and the Guaranty expire in January 2019. At December 31, 2015, Columbia Acorn International's total potential future obligation over the life of the Guaranty is $62,946. The liability remaining at December 31, 2015 for non-recurring charges associated with the lease amounted to $42,906 and is included within the "Payable for Other liabilities" in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

Certain officers and trustees of the Trust are also officers of CWAM. The Trust makes no direct payments to its officers and trustees who are affiliated with CWAM.

The Board has appointed a Chief Compliance Officer of the Trust in accordance with federal securities regulations. The Funds, along with other affiliated funds are allocated a portion of the expenses associated with the office of the Chief Compliance Officer based on relative net assets of each fund.

The Trust offers a deferred compensation plan for its independent trustees. Under that plan, a trustee may elect to defer all or a portion of his or her compensation. Amounts deferred are retained by the Trust and may represent an unfunded obligation of the Trust. The value of amounts deferred is determined by reference to the change in value of Class Z shares of one or more series of the Trust or a money market fund as specified by the trustee. Benefits under the deferred compensation plan are payable in accordance with the plan.

An affiliated person of a Fund may include any company in which a Fund owns five percent or more of its outstanding voting shares during the year. On December 31, 2015, Columbia Acorn Fund, Columbia Acorn International, Columbia Acorn USA, Columbia Acorn International Select, Columbia Acorn Select, Columbia Thermostat Fund, Columbia Acorn

Emerging Markets Fund and Columbia Acorn European Fund each held five percent or more of the outstanding voting securities of one or more companies or a company which is under common ownership or control with the Funds. Details of investments in those affiliated companies are presented in the Notes to Statement of Investments of each Fund listed above.

For the year ended December 31, 2015, the Funds engaged in purchase and sales transactions with funds that have a common investment manager (or affiliated investment managers), common directors/trustees, and/or common officers. Those transactions complied with Rule 17a-7 under the 1940 Act and totaled as follows:

   

Purchases

 

Sales

  Realized
gain/(loss)
from sale
transactions
 

Columbia Acorn Fund

 

$

2,672,827

   

$

83,072,306

   

$

(36,196,360

)

 
Columbia Acorn
International
   

30,533,494

     

56,600,389

     

(4,323,270

)

 

Columbia Acorn USA

   

28,396,754

     

     

   
Columbia Acorn
International Select
   

4,951,538

     

3,513,291

     

276,829

   

Columbia Acorn Select

   

392,103

     

1,620,062

     

(8,683,909

)

 
Columbia Acorn
Emerging
Markets Fund
   

6,529,930

     

94,115

     

(31,924

)

 
Columbia Acorn
European Fund
   

1,551,736

     

     

   

5.  Borrowing Arrangements

During the period January 1, 2015 through April 29, 2015, the Trust participated in a credit facility with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., along with Wanger Advisors Trust, another trust managed by CWAM, in the amount of $150 million. Effective April 30, 2015, the first facility was terminated and the Trust entered into a revolving credit facility in the amount of $400 million with a syndicate of banks led by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. to facilitate portfolio liquidity. Under each facility, interest is charged to each participating fund based on its borrowings at a rate per annum equal to the Federal Funds Rate plus 1.00%. In addition, a commitment fee of 0.08% per annum of the


122



unutilized line of credit is accrued and apportioned among the participating funds based on their relative net assets. The commitment fee is disclosed as a part of "Other expenses" in the Statements of Operations. The Trust expects to renew this line of credit for one year durations each April at then current market rates and terms.

For the year ended December 31, 2015, the average daily loan balance outstanding on days when borrowing existed was as follows. Interest expense incurred by the Fund is recorded as Interest expense in the Statements of Operations.

Fund Name

  Average Daily
Loan Balance
Outstanding
  Weighted Average
Interest Rate
 

Columbia Acorn Select

 

$

27,200,000

     

1.20

%

 

6.  Investment Transactions

The aggregate cost of purchases and proceeds from sales, other than short-term obligations, for the year ended December 31, 2015, were:

   

Purchases

  Proceeds from
Sales
 

Columbia Acorn Fund

 

$

2,333,753,218

   

$

11,562,084,678

   
Columbia
Acorn International
   

3,590,124,573

     

4,280,958,371

   

Columbia Acorn USA

   

406,177,032

     

921,944,797

   
Columbia Acorn
International Select
   

121,013,678

     

208,415,811

   

Columbia Acorn Select

   

299,274,459

     

570,222,296

   
Columbia
Thermostat Fund
   

817,563,221

     

921,684,474

   
Columbia Acorn
Emerging Markets Fund
   

215,946,904

     

318,514,008

   
Columbia Acorn
European Fund
   

43,395,062

     

18,013,325

   

The amount of purchase and sales activity impacts the portfolio turnover rate reported in the Financial Highlights.

7.  Regulatory Settlements

During the period ended December 31, 2015, Columbia Acorn International Select recorded a receivable of $33,279 as a result of a regulatory settlement proceeding brought by the Securities and Exchange Commission against third parties relating to market timing and/or late trading of mutual funds. This amount represented the Fund's portion of the proceeds from the settlement (neither the Fund nor the Investment Manager were not a party to the proceeding). The payments have been included in Proceeds from regulatory settlements in the Statement of Changes in Net Assets.

8.  Shareholder Concentration

At December 31, 2015, the table below details the affiliated and significant unaffiliated shareholder account ownership of outstanding shares of each Fund. The Funds have no knowledge about whether any portion of these unaffiliated shares were owned beneficially. Subscription and redemption activity of these accounts may have a significant effect on the operations of the Funds.

Fund

  Number of
unaffiliated
accounts
  Percentage of
shares
outstanding
held –
unaffiliated
  Percentage of
shares
outstanding
held –
affiliated
 

Columbia Acorn Fund

   

1

     

11.0

%

   

%

 

Columbia Acorn International

   

1

     

16.5

%

   

%

 

Columbia Acorn USA

   

3

     

62.4

%

   

%

 
Columbia Acorn
International Select
   

2

     

32.1

%

   

14.8

%

 

Columbia Acorn Select

   

1

     

17.0

%

   

17.4

%

 

Columbia Thermostat Fund

   

1

     

19.1

%

   

25.1

%

 
Columbia Acorn Emerging
Markets Fund
   

1

     

30.3

%

   

23.8

%

 

Columbia Acorn European Fund

   

     

%

   

55.5

%

 

9.  Subsequent Events

Management has evaluated the events and transactions that have occurred through the date the financial statements were issued and noted no items requiring adjustment of the financial statements or additional disclosure.

10.  Information Regarding Pending and Settled Legal Proceedings

Ameriprise Financial and certain of its affiliates have historically been involved in a number of legal, arbitration and regulatory proceedings, including routine litigation, class actions, and governmental actions, concerning matters arising in connection with the conduct of their business activities. Ameriprise Financial believes that the Funds are not currently the subject of, and that neither Ameriprise Financial nor any of its affiliates are the subject of, any pending legal, arbitration or regulatory proceedings that are likely to have a material adverse effect on the Funds or the ability of Ameriprise Financial or its affiliates to perform under their contracts with the Funds. Ameriprise Financial is required to make quarterly (10-Q), annual (10-K) and, as necessary, 8-K filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission on legal and regulatory matters that relate to Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates. Copies of these filings may be obtained by accessing the SEC website at www.sec.gov.


123



COLUMBIA ACORN FAMILY OF FUNDS

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, CONTINUED

There can be no assurance that these matters, or the adverse publicity associated with them, will not result in increased fund redemptions, reduced sale of fund shares or other adverse consequences to the Funds. Further, although we believe proceedings are not likely to have a material adverse effect on the Funds or the ability of Ameriprise Financial or its affiliates to perform under their contracts with the Funds, these proceedings are subject to uncertainties and, as such, we are unable to estimate the possible loss or range of loss that may result. An adverse outcome in one or more of these proceedings could result in adverse judgments, settlements, fines, penalties or other relief that could have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial condition or results of operations of Ameriprise Financial.


124




REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC
ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Trustees and Shareholders of
Columbia Acorn Trust:

In our opinion, the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities, including the statements of investments, and the related statements of operations and of changes in net assets and the financial highlights present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Columbia Acorn Fund, Columbia Acorn International, Columbia Acorn USA, Columbia Acorn International Select, Columbia Acorn Select, Columbia Thermostat Fund, Columbia Acorn Emerging Markets Fund and Columbia Acorn European Fund (each a series of the Columbia Acorn Trust, hereinafter referred to as the "Funds") at December 31, 2015, the results of each of their operations for the year then ended, the changes in each of their net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended and the financial highlights for each of the periods presented, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These financial statements and financial highlights (hereafter referred to as "financial

statements") are the responsibility of the Funds' management; our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these financial statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits, which included confirmation of securities at December 31, 2015 by correspondence with the custodian and brokers, provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Chicago, Illinois
February 19, 2016


125



COLUMBIA ACORN FAMILY OF FUNDS

FEDERAL INCOME TAX INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)

The Funds hereby designate the following tax attributes for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015.

    Qualified
Dividend
Income
  Dividends
Received
Deduction
  Capital Gain
Dividend
  Foreign
Taxes Paid
  Foreign
Taxes Paid
Per Share
  Foreign
Source
Income
  Foreign Source
Income Per
Share
 

Columbia Acorn Fund

   

%

   

%

 

$

4,977,647,819

   

$

   

$

   

$

   

$

   
Columbia Acorn
International
   

100.00

%

   

0.15

%

   

253,775,744

     

13,543,956

     

0.08

     

168,849,546

     

0.98

   

Columbia Acorn USA

   

%

   

%

   

367,289,692

     

     

     

     

   
Columbia Acorn
International Select
   

80.55

%

   

0.60

%

   

     

207,569

     

0.03

     

4,821,167

     

0.74

   

Columbia Acorn Select

   

20.85

%

   

20.69

%

   

136,406,534

     

     

     

     

   
Columbia Thermostat
Fund
   

14.99

%

   

13.14

%

   

24,034,722

     

99,454

     

     

666,023

     

0.01

   
Columbia Acorn
Emerging Markets Fund
   

71.36

%

   

%

   

     

764,222

     

0.03

     

10,777,627

     

0.40

   
Columbia Acorn
European Fund
   

100.00

%

   

%

   

     

93,907

     

0.02

     

1,284,544

     

0.31

 

Qualified Dividend Income. For taxable, non-corporate shareholders, the percentage of ordinary income distributed during the fiscal year that represents qualified dividend income subject to reduced tax rates.

Dividends Received Deduction. The percentage of ordinary income distributed during the fiscal year that qualifies for the corporate dividends received deduction.

Capital Gain Dividend. The Fund designates as a capital gain dividend the amount reflected above, or if subsequently determined to be different, the net capital gain of such fiscal period.

Foreign Taxes. The Fund makes the election to pass through to shareholders the foreign taxes paid. Eligible shareholders may claim a foreign tax credit. These taxes, and the corresponding foreign source income, are provided.


126



BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND MANAGEMENT OF THE
COLUMBIA ACORN FAMILY OF FUNDS

Each trustee may serve a term of unlimited duration. The Trust's Bylaws generally require that a trustee retire at the end of the calendar year in which the trustee attains the age of 75 years. The trustees appoint their own successors, provided that at least two-thirds of the trustees, after such appointment, have been elected by shareholders. Shareholders may remove a trustee, with or without cause, upon the vote of two-thirds of the Trust's outstanding shares at any meeting called for that purpose. A trustee may be removed, with or without cause, upon the vote of a majority of the trustees. The names of the trustees and officers of the Trust, the date each was first elected or appointed to office and the principal business occupations of each during at least the last five years, and for the trustees, the number of portfolios in the fund complex they oversee and other directorships they hold, are shown below. Each trustee and officer serves in such capacity for each of the eight series of Columbia Acorn Trust and for each of the four series of Wanger Advisors Trust.

The address for the trustees and officers of the Trust is Columbia Wanger Asset Management, LLC, 227 West Monroe Street, Suite 3000, Chicago, Illinois 60606. The Funds' Statement of Additional Information includes additional information about the Funds' trustees and officers. You may obtain a free copy of the Statement of Additional Information by writing or calling toll-free:

Columbia Wanger Asset Management, LLC
Shareholder Services Group
227 W. Monroe, Suite 3000
Chicago IL 60606
1-800-922-6769

Name and Age at
December 31, 2015
  Year First
Appointed or
Elected to a
Board in the
Columbia
Funds
Complex
  Principal Occupation(s)
during the Past Five Years
  Number of
Funds in the
Columbia
Funds
Complex
Overseen(1)
  Other Directorships
Held by the Trustee
During the Past Five Years
in Addition to
Columbia Acorn Trust and
Wanger Advisors Trust
 

Independent Trustees:

                 
Laura M. Born, 50,
Chair
 

2007

 

Adjunct Associate Professor of Finance, University of Chicago Booth School of Business since 2007; Director, Carlson Inc. (private global hospitalities and travel company) since 2015; Managing Director – Investment Banking, JP Morgan Chase & Co. (broker-dealer) 2002-2007.

 

12

 

None.

 

Maureen M. Culhane, 67

 

2007

 

Retired. Formerly, Vice President, Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. (investment adviser), 2005-2007; Vice President (Consultant) – Strategic Relationship Management, Goldman, Sachs & Co., 1999-2005.

 

12

 

None.

 

Margaret M. Eisen, 62

 

2002

 

Trustee, Smith College since 2012; Chief Investment Officer, EAM International LLC (corporate finance and asset management), 2003-2013; Managing Director, CFA Institute, 2005-2008.

 

12

 

Burnham Investors Trust (3 series).

 

Thomas M. Goldstein, 56

 

2014

 

Retired. Formerly, Chief Financial Officer, Allstate Protection Division, 2011-2014; Founding Partner, The GRG Group LLC, 2009-2011; Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer, Madison Dearborn Partners, 2007-2009.

 

12

 

Federal Home Loan Bank – Chicago; Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation.

 

John C. Heaton, 56

 

2010

 

Deputy Dean for Faculty, University of Chicago Booth School of Business; Joseph L. Gidwitz Professor of Finance, University of Chicago Booth School of Business since July 2000.

 

12

 

None.

 

Steven N. Kaplan, 56

 

1999

 

Neubauer Family Distinguished Service Professor of Entrepreneurship and Finance, University of Chicago Booth School of Business; faculty member of the University of Chicago Booth School of Business since 1988.

 

12

 

Accretive Health, Inc. (healthcare management services provider); Morningstar, Inc. (provider of independent investment research).

 

Charles R. Phillips, 59

 

2015

 

Retired. Director, University of North Carolina School of Law Foundation since 2010. Formerly, Vice Chairman, J.P. Morgan Private Bank, 2011-2014; Managing Director, J.P. Morgan Private Bank, 2001-2011.

 

12

 

None.

 
David J. Rudis, 62,
Vice Chair
 

2010

 

Retired. Formerly, National Checking and Debit Executive, and Illinois President, Bank of America, 2007-2009; President, Consumer Banking Group, LaSalle National Bank, 2004-2007.

 

12

 

None.

 


127



Name and Age at
December 31, 2015
  Year First
Appointed or
Elected to a
Board in the
Columbia
Funds
Complex
  Principal Occupation(s)
during the Past Five Years
  Number of
Funds in the
Columbia
Funds
Complex
Overseen(1)
  Other Directorships
Held by the Trustee
During the Past Five Years
in Addition to
Columbia Acorn Trust and
Wanger Advisors Trust
 

Interested Trustees:

                 

P. Zachary Egan, 47(2)

 

2015

 

President, CWAM and President, Columbia Acorn Trust and Wanger Advisors Trust since April 2014; Global Chief Investment Officer, CWAM since October 2015; International Chief Investment Officer, CWAM, April 2014-September 2015; Director of International Research, CWAM, December 2004-March 2014; Vice President of Columbia Acorn Trust, 2003-2014, and Wanger Advisors Trust, 2007-2014; portfolio manager and analyst, CWAM or its predecessors, since 1999.

 

12

 

None.

 

Ralph Wanger, 81(3)

 

1970

(4)

 

Founder, CWAM. Formerly, President, Chief Investment Officer and portfolio manager, CWAM or its predecessors, July 1992-September 2003; Director, Wanger Investment Company PLC; Consultant to CWAM or its predecessors, September 2003-September 2005.

 

12

 

None.

 

 

Name at Age at
December 31, 2015
  Position
Held with
Columbia
Acorn
Trust and
Wanger
Advisors Trust
  Year First
Appointed
or Elected
to Office
  Principal Occupation(s) During
the Past Five Years
 

Officers:

             

Alan G. Berkshire, 55

 

Vice President

 

2015

 

Chief Operating Officer, CWAM since April 2015. Formerly, Independent Director, ValueQuest India Moat Fund Limited (Mauritius), April 2014-March 2015; President – North America, Religare Global Asset Management, Inc., June 2011-November 2013; Partner, Estancia Capital Management LLC, September 2009-June 2011.

 

Michael G. Clarke, 46

 

Assistant Treasurer

 

2004

 

Vice President – Mutual Fund Administration, Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC since May 2010; Managing Director of Fund Administration, Columbia Management Advisors, LLC, September 2004-April 2010; Senior officer of Columbia funds and affiliated funds since 2002.

 

William J. Doyle, 51

 

Vice President

 

2014

 

Portfolio manager and/or analyst, CWAM or its predecessors since 2006; Vice President, Columbia Acorn Trust and Wanger Advisors Trust since 2014.

 

P. Zachary Egan, 47

 

President

 

2003

 

President, CWAM and President, Columbia Acorn Trust and Wanger Advisors Trust since April 2014; Global Chief Investment Officer, CWAM since October 2015; International Chief Investment Officer, CWAM, April 2014-September 2015; Director of International Research, CWAM, December 2004-March 2014; Vice President of Columbia Acorn Trust, 2003-2014, and Wanger Advisors Trust, 2007-2014; portfolio manager and analyst, CWAM or its predecessors, since 1999.

 

David L. Frank, 52

 

Vice President

 

2014

 

Portfolio manager and/or analyst, CWAM or its predecessors since 2002; Vice President, Columbia Acorn Trust and Wanger Advisors Trust since 2014.

 

Paul B. Goucher, 47

 

Assistant Secretary

 

2015

 

Vice President and Lead Chief Counsel, Ameriprise Financial, Inc. since November 2008 and January 2013, respectively (previously Chief Counsel, January 2010-January 2013 and Group Counsel, November 2008-January 2010).

 

Fritz Kaegi, 44

 

Vice President

 

2011

 

Portfolio manager and/or analyst, CWAM or its predecessors since 2004; Vice President, Columbia Acorn Trust and Wanger Advisors Trust since 2011.

 

John Kunka, 45

 

Treasurer

 

2006

 

Treasurer and Principal Accounting and Financial Officer, Columbia Acorn Trust and Wanger Advisors Trust since 2014; Director of Accounting and Operations, CWAM since May 2006; formerly, Assistant Treasurer, Columbia Acorn Trust and Wanger Advisors Trust 2006-2014.

 

Stephen Kusmierczak, 48

 

Vice President

 

2011

 

Portfolio manager and/or analyst, CWAM or its predecessors since 2001; Vice President, Columbia Acorn Trust and Wanger Advisors Trust since 2011.

 


128



Name at Age at
December 31, 2015
  Position
Held with
Columbia
Acorn
Trust and
Wanger
Advisors Trust
  Year First
Appointed
or Elected
to Office
  Principal Occupation(s) During
the Past Five Years
 

Officers: (continued)

             

Joseph C. LaPalm, 46

 

Vice President

 

2006

 

Chief Compliance Officer, CWAM since 2005.

 

Ryan C. Larrenaga, 45

 

Assistant Secretary

 

2015

 

Vice President and Group Counsel, Ameriprise Financial, Inc. since August 2011 (previously, Counsel, May 2010-August 2011); Assistant General Counsel, Bank of America, 2005-April 2010; officer of Columbia funds and affiliated funds since 2005.

 

Satoshi Matsunaga, 44

 

Vice President

 

2015

 

Portfolio manager and/or analyst, CWAM or its predecessors since 2005; Vice President, Columbia Acorn Trust and Wanger Advisors Trust since 2015.

 

Thomas P. McGuire, 43

 

Chief Compliance Officer

 

2015

 

Chief Compliance Officer of the Columbia family of mutual funds for which Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC serves as investment adviser since 2012; Vice President – Asset Management Compliance, Ameriprise Financial, Inc., since May 2010; Chief Compliance Officer, Ameriprise Certificate Company since September 2010; Compliance Executive, Bank of America, 2005-April 2010.

 

Charles P. McQuaid, 62

 

Vice President

 

1992

(4)

 

Portfolio manager and/or analyst, CWAM or its predecessors since 1978; Vice President, Columbia Acorn Trust and Wanger Advisors Trust since April 2014; President and Chief Investment Officer, CWAM or its predecessors, October 2003-March 2014, and President, Columbia Acorn Trust and Wanger Advisors Trust, October 2003-March 2014.

 

Louis J. Mendes III, 51

 

Vice President

 

2003

 

International Director of Research, CWAM, since 2015; portfolio manager and/or analyst, CWAM or its predecessors since 2001; Vice President, Columbia Acorn Trust since 2003 and Wanger Advisors Trust since 2005.

 

Christopher J. Olson, 51

 

Vice President

 

2001

 

Portfolio manager and/or analyst, CWAM or its predecessors since January 2001; Vice President, Columbia Acorn Trust and Wanger Advisors Trust since 2001.

 

Julian Quero, 48

 

Assistant Treasurer

 

2015

 

Vice President – Tax, Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC since 2009.

 

Matthew S. Szafranski, 38

 

Vice President

 

2015

 

Portfolio manager and/or analyst, CWAM or its predecessors since 2008; Vice President, Columbia Acorn Trust and Wanger Advisors Trust since 2015.

 

Andreas Waldburg-Wolfegg, 50

 

Vice President

 

2011

 

Portfolio manager and/or analyst, CWAM or its predecessors since 2002; Vice President, Columbia Acorn Trust and Wanger Advisors Trust since 2011.

 

Linda Roth-Wiszowaty, 46

 

Secretary

 

2006

 

Business support analyst, CWAM since April 2007; Secretary, Columbia Acorn Trust and Wanger Advisors Trust since 2014; Assistant Secretary, Columbia Acorn Trust and Wanger Advisors Trust, 2006-2014.

 

(1)  The Trustees oversee the series of Columbia Acorn Trust and Wanger Advisors Trust.

(2)  Mr. Egan is an "interested person" of Columbia Acorn Trust and Wanger Advisors Trust, and of the Investment Manager, as defined in the 1940 Act, because he is an officer of each Trust and an employee of the Investment Manager.

(3)  As permitted under the Trust's Bylaws, Mr. Wanger serves as a non-voting Trustee Emeritus of Columbia Acorn Trust and Wanger Advisors Trust.

(4)  Dates prior to 1992 relate to The Acorn Fund, Inc., the predecessor trust to Columbia Acorn Trust.


129



COLUMBIA ACORN FAMILY OF FUNDS EXPENSE INFORMATION

as of 12/31/15

Columbia Acorn® Fund

 

Class A

 

Class B(a)

 

Class C

 

Class I

 

Class R

 

Class R4

 

Class R5

 

Class Y

 

Class Z

 

Management Fees

   

0.65

%

   

0.65

%

   

0.65

%

   

0.65

%

           

0.65

%

   

0.65

%

   

0.65

%

   

0.65

%

 

Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees

   

0.25

%

   

0.75

%

   

1.00

%

   

0.00

%

           

0.00

%

   

0.00

%

   

0.00

%

   

0.00

%

 

Other Expenses

   

0.18

%

   

0.57

%

   

0.15

%

   

0.08

%

           

0.24

%

   

0.12

%

   

0.08

%

   

0.15

%

 

Net Expense Ratio

   

1.08

%

   

1.97

%

   

1.80

%

   

0.73

%

           

0.89

%

   

0.77

%

   

0.73

%

   

0.80

%

 

Columbia Acorn International®

 

Management Fees

   

0.76

%

   

0.76

%

   

0.76

%

   

0.76

%

   

0.76

%

   

0.76

%

   

0.76

%

   

0.76

%

   

0.76

%

 

Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees

   

0.25

%

   

0.75

%

   

1.00

%

   

0.00

%

   

0.50

%

   

0.00

%

   

0.00

%

   

0.00

%

   

0.00

%

 

Other Expenses

   

0.23

%

   

0.63

%

   

0.23

%

   

0.12

%

   

0.36

%

   

0.30

%

   

0.16

%

   

0.12

%

   

0.21

%

 

Net Expense Ratio

   

1.24

%

   

2.14

%

   

1.99

%

   

0.88

%

   

1.62

%

   

1.06

%

   

0.92

%

   

0.88

%

   

0.97

%

 

Columbia Acorn USA®

 

Management Fees

   

0.87

%

   

0.87

%

   

0.87

%

   

0.87

%

           

0.87

%

   

0.87

%

   

0.87

%

   

0.87

%

 

Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees

   

0.25

%

   

0.75

%

   

1.00

%

   

0.00

%

           

0.00

%

   

0.00

%

   

0.00

%

   

0.00

%

 

Other Expenses

   

0.22

%

   

1.10

%

   

0.15

%

   

0.05

%

           

0.25

%

   

0.14

%

   

0.10

%

   

0.23

%

 

Net Expense Ratio

   

1.34

%

   

2.72

%

   

2.02

%

   

0.92

%

           

1.12

%

   

1.01

%

   

0.97

%

   

1.10

%

 

Columbia Acorn International SelectSM

 

Management Fees

   

0.94

%

   

0.94

%

   

0.94

%

   

0.94

%

           

0.94

%

   

0.94

%

   

0.94

%

   

0.94

%

 

Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees

   

0.25

%

   

0.75

%

   

1.00

%

   

0.00

%

           

0.00

%

   

0.00

%

   

0.00

%

   

0.00

%

 

Other Expenses

   

0.36

%

   

0.51

%

   

0.38

%

   

0.24

%

           

0.33

%

   

0.27

%

   

0.20

%

   

0.30

%

 

Net Expense Ratio

   

1.55

%

   

2.20

%

   

2.32

%

   

1.18

%

           

1.27

%

   

1.21

%

   

1.14

%

   

1.24

%

 

Columbia Acorn SelectSM

 

Management Fees

   

0.72

%

   

0.72

%

   

0.72

%

   

0.72

%

           

0.72

%

   

0.72

%

   

0.72

%

   

0.72

%

 

Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees

   

0.25

%

   

0.75

%

   

1.00

%

   

0.00

%

           

0.00

%

   

0.00

%

   

0.00

%

   

0.00

%

 

Other Expenses

   

0.25

%

   

0.63

%

   

0.23

%

   

0.11

%

           

0.27

%

   

0.23

%

   

0.12

%

   

0.23

%

 

Net Expense Ratio

   

1.22

%

   

2.10

%

   

1.95

%

   

0.83

%

           

0.99

%

   

0.95

%

   

0.84

%

   

0.95

%

 

Columbia Thermostat FundSM

 

Management Fees

   

0.10

%

   

0.10

%

   

0.10

%

                   

0.10

%

   

0.10

%

   

0.10

%

   

0.10

%

 

Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees

   

0.25

%

   

0.75

%

   

1.00

%

                   

0.00

%

   

0.00

%

   

0.00

%

   

0.00

%

 

Other Expenses

   

0.15

%

   

0.15

%

   

0.15

%

                   

0.15

%

   

0.14

%

   

0.09

%

   

0.15

%

 

Net Expense Ratio(b)

   

0.50

%

   

1.00

%

   

1.25

%

                   

0.25

%

   

0.24

%

   

0.19

%

   

0.25

%

 

Columbia Acorn Emerging Markets FundSM(c)

 

Management Fees

   

1.06

%

           

1.06

%

   

1.06

%

           

1.06

%

   

1.06

%

   

1.06

%

   

1.06

%

 

Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees

   

0.25

%

           

1.00

%

   

0.00

%

           

0.00

%

   

0.00

%

   

0.00

%

   

0.00

%

 

Other Expenses

   

0.36

%

           

0.36

%

   

0.25

%

           

0.30

%

   

0.28

%

   

0.21

%

   

0.36

%

 

Net Expense Ratio

   

1.67

%

           

2.42

%

   

1.31

%

           

1.36

%

   

1.34

%

   

1.27

%

   

1.42

%

 

Columbia Acorn European FundSM

 

Management Fees

   

1.19

%

           

1.19

%

   

1.19

%

           

1.19

%

   

1.19

%

           

1.19

%

 

Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees

   

0.25

%

           

1.00

%

   

0.00

%

           

0.00

%

   

0.00

%

           

0.00

%

 

Other Expenses

   

0.31

%

           

0.31

%

   

0.24

%

           

0.31

%

   

0.29

%

           

0.31

%

 

Net Expense Ratio

   

1.75

%

           

2.50

%

   

1.43

%

           

1.50

%

   

1.48

%

           

1.50

%

 

    See the Funds' prospectuses for information on minimum initial investment amounts and other details of buying, selling and exchanging shares of the Funds.

    Fees and expenses are for the year ended December 31, 2015. The fees and expenses of Columbia Acorn International Select and Columbia Acorn Select include the effect of the voluntary undertaking by Columbia Wanger Asset Management, LLC (CWAM) to reimburse each Fund so that the ordinary operating expenses (excluding transaction costs and certain other investment-related expenses, interest and fees on borrowings and expenses associated with the Fund's investment in other investment companies, if any), after giving effect to any balance credits or overdraft charges from the Fund's custodian, do not exceed the following annual rates as a percentage of each class' average daily net assets:

Fund

 

Class A

 

Class B

 

Class C

 

Class I

 

Class R4

 

Class R5

 

Class Y

 

Class Z

 

Columbia Acorn International Select

   

1.70

%

   

2.20

%

   

2.45

%

   

1.37

%

   

1.45

%

   

1.42

%

   

1.37

%

   

1.45

%

 

Columbia Acorn Select

   

1.60

%

   

2.10

%

   

2.35

%

   

1.25

%

   

1.35

%

   

1.30

%

   

1.25

%

   

1.35

%

 

    These arrangements may be modified or terminated by either the Funds or CWAM on 30 days' notice.

    Effective May 1, 2015, CWAM has contractually agreed to waive 0.20% of the advisory fee otherwise payable to it by Columbia Acorn Select through April 30, 2016. When determining whether the Fund's total expenses exceed the voluntary expense cap described above, the Fund's net advisory fee, reflecting application of the 0.20% waiver, will be used to calculate the Fund's total expenses. This arrangement may only be modified or amended with approval from all parties to the arrangement, including the Fund and CWAM.

    The fees and expenses of Columbia Thermostat Fund include the effect of CWAM's contractual undertaking to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses of the Fund so that the ordinary operating expenses (excluding transaction costs and certain other investment-related expenses, interest and fees on borrowings and expenses associated with the Fund's investment in underlying portfolio funds), do not exceed annually the rates of 0.50%, 1.00%, 1.25%, 0.25%, 0.24%, 0.19% and 0.25% of the Fund's average daily net assets attributable to Class A, Class B, Class C, Class R4, Class R5, Class Y and Class Z shares, respectively, through April 30, 2016. There is no guarantee that this agreement will continue thereafter.

    The fees and expenses of Columbia Acorn Emerging Markets Fund and Columbia Acorn European Fund include the effect of CWAM's contractual undertaking to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses of each Fund so that the ordinary operating expenses (excluding transaction costs and certain other investment-related expenses, interest and fees on borrowings and expenses associated with the Fund's investment in other investment companies, if any), of each Fund's Class A, Class C, Class I, Class R4, Class R5, Class Y (if offered) and Class Z shares through April 30, 2016, do not exceed the following annual rates as a percentage of each class' average daily net assets:

Fund

 

Class A

 

Class C

 

Class I

 

Class R4

 

Class R5

 

Class Y

 

Class Z

 

Columbia Acorn Emerging Markets Fund

   

1.85

%

   

2.60

%

   

1.48

%

   

1.60

%

   

1.53

%

   

1.48

%

   

1.60

%

 

Columbia Acorn European Fund

   

1.75

%

   

2.50

%

   

1.41

%

   

1.50

%

   

1.46

%

   

     

1.50

%

 

    There is no guarantee that these arrangements will continue thereafter.

    The fees and expenses of Columbia Acorn International include the effect of the voluntary undertaking by Columbia Management Investment Services Corp., the Funds' transfer agent, to waive a portion of total annual Fund operating expenses attributable to transfer agency expenses incurred by Class A, Class B and Class C shares of Columbia Acorn International such that the Fund's total annual Fund operating expenses will be reduced by 0.04%, 0.03% and 0.02% for Class A, Class B and Class C shares of the Fund, respectively.

(a)    The Funds generally no longer accept investments by new or existing investors in Class B shares, except in connection with the reinvestment of any dividend and/or capital gain distributions in Class B shares of the Funds and exchanges by existing Class B shareholders of certain other funds within the Columbia Acorn Family of Funds.

(b)    Does not include estimated fees and expenses of 0.52% incurred by the Fund from the underlying portfolio funds in which it invests.

(c)    Effective July 11, 2014, Columbia Acorn Emerging Markets Fund is closed to most new investors and new accounts, except as described in the Fund's prospectus, dated May 1, 2015.


130




COLUMBIA ACORN FAMILY OF FUNDS

Trustees

Laura M. Born

Chair of the Board

David J. Rudis

Vice Chair of the Board

Maureen M. Culhane

P. Zachary Egan

Margaret M. Eisen

Thomas M. Goldstein

John C. Heaton

Steven N. Kaplan

Charles R. Phillips

Ralph Wanger (Trustee Emeritus)

Officers

P. Zachary Egan

President

Alan G. Berkshire

Vice President

Michael G. Clarke

Assistant Treasurer

William J. Doyle

Vice President

David L. Frank

Vice President

Paul B. Goucher

Assistant Secretary

Fritz Kaegi

Vice President

John M. Kunka

Treasurer and Principal Accounting and Financial Officer

Stephen Kusmierczak

Vice President

Joseph C. LaPalm

Vice President

Ryan C. Larrenaga

Assistant Secretary

Satoshi Matsunaga

Vice President

Thomas P. McGuire

Chief Compliance Officer

Charles P. McQuaid

Vice President

Louis J. Mendes

Vice President

Christopher J. Olson

Vice President

Julian Quero

Assistant Treasurer

Matthew S. Szafranski

Vice President

Andreas Waldburg-Wolfegg

Vice President

Linda K. Roth-Wiszowaty

Secretary

Investment Manager

Columbia Wanger Asset Management, LLC
227 West Monroe Street, Suite 3000
Chicago, Illinois 60606

1-800-922-6769

Distributor

Columbia Management Investment Distributors, Inc.
225 Franklin Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02110

Transfer Agent, Dividend Disbursing Agent

Columbia Management Investment Services Corp.
P. O. Box 8081
Boston, Massachusetts 02266-8081

1-800-345-6611

Legal Counsel to the Funds

Perkins Coie LLP
Washington, DC

Legal Counsel to the Independent Trustees

Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Chicago, Illinois

This report, including the schedules of investments, is submitted for the general information of the shareholders of Columbia Acorn Trust.

A description of the policies and procedures that the Funds use to determine how to vote proxies and a copy of the Funds' voting record are available (i) without charge, upon request, by calling 800-922-6769 and (ii) on the Securities and Exchange Commission's website at www.sec.gov. Information regarding how the Funds voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the 12-month period ended June 30, is available from the SEC's website. Information regarding how the Funds voted proxies relating to portfolio securities is also available at columbiathreadneedle.com/us under "About Us." From there, click on "Disclosures."

The Funds file a complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The Funds' Form N-Q is available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov and may be reviewed and copied at the SEC's Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330. The Funds' complete portfolio holdings are disclosed at columbiathreadneedle.com/us approximately 30 to 40 days after each month-end.

Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of a mutual fund carefully before investing. For a free prospectus and, if available, a summary prospectus, which contains this and other important information about the funds, visit columbiathreadneedle.com/us. Read the prospectus carefully before investing.

Columbia Acorn Family of Funds are distributed by Columbia Management Investment Distributors, Inc., member FINRA and managed by Columbia Wanger Asset Management, LLC.

Find out what's new – visit our website at:

columbiathreadneedle.com/us

Our e-mail address is:

serviceinquiries@columbiathreadneedle.com

Shareholders should not include personal information such as account numbers, Social Security numbers or taxpayer identification numbers in e-mail. We are unable to accept account transactions sent via e-mail.

This document contains Global Industry Classification Standard data. The Global Industry Classification Standard ("GICS") was developed by and is the exclusive property and a service mark of MSCI Inc. ("MSCI") and Standard & Poor's Financial Services LLC ("S&P") and is licensed for use by Columbia Wanger Asset Management, LLC. Neither MSCI, S&P, nor any other party involved in making or compiling the GICS or any GICS classifications makes any express or implied warranties or representations with respect to such standard or classification (or the results to be obtained by the use thereof), and all such parties hereby expressly disclaim all warranties of originality, accuracy, completeness, merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose with respect to any of such standard or classification. Without limiting any of the foregoing, in no event shall MSCI, S&P, any of their affiliates or any third party involved in making or compiling the GICS or any GICS classifications have any liability for any direct, indirect, special, punitive, consequential or any other damages (including lost profits) even if notified of the possibility of such damages.




Columbia Acorn Family of Funds
Class A, B, C, I, R, R4, R5, Y and Z Shares

Annual Report, December 31, 2015
225 Franklin Street, Boston, MA 02110

For More Information

You'll find more information about the Columbia Acorn Family of Funds in the documents described below. Contact Columbia Funds as follows to obtain these documents free of charge:

By Mail:  Columbia Funds
c/o Columbia Management Investment Services Corp.
P.O. Box 8081
Boston, MA 02266-8081

By Telephone: 800.345.6611

Online: columbiathreadneedle.com/us

Shareholder Communications with the Board

The Funds' Board of Trustees has adopted procedures by which shareholders may communicate with the Board. Shareholders who wish to communicate with the Board should send their written communications to the Board by mail, c/o Columbia Wanger Asset Management, LLC, 227 West Monroe Street, Suite 3000, Chicago, Illinois 60606, Attention: Secretary. Shareholder communications must (i) be in writing, (ii) identify the Columbia Acorn Fund to which the communication relates and (iii) state the particular class of shares and number of shares held by the communicating shareholder.

Prospectuses and the Statement of Additional Information (SAI)

The prospectuses and the SAI provide more detailed information about the Funds and their policies. The SAI is legally part of each prospectus (it's incorporated by reference). A copy of each has been filed with the SEC.

You can review and copy information about the Funds (including their prospectuses, the SAI and shareholder reports) at the SEC's Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. To find out more about the operation of the Public Reference Room, call the SEC at 202.551.8090. Reports and other information about the Fund are also available in the EDGAR Database on the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov, or you can receive copies of this information, for a fee, by electronic request at the following e-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov. You can also obtain copies of this information by writing the Public Reference Section, Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, DC 20549-0102.

The investment company registration number of Columbia Acorn Trust, of which each of these Funds is a series, is 811-01829.

© 2016 Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC. All rights reserved.

800.345.6611 columbiathreadneedle.com/us

ANN110_12_F01_(02/16) 1422131




 

Item 2. Code of Ethics.

 

(a)         The registrant has adopted a code of ethics that applies to the registrant’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions, regardless of whether these individuals are employed by the registrant or a third party.

 

(b)         During the period covered by this report, there were not any amendments to a provision of the code of ethics adopted in 2(a) above.

 

(c)          During the period covered by this report, there were no waivers, including any implicit waivers, from a provision of the code of ethics described in 2(a) above that relates to one or more of the items set forth in paragraph (b) of this item’s instructions.

 

Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.

 

The registrant’s Board of Trustees has determined that Thomas Goldstein, a member of the registrant’s Board of Trustees and Audit Committee, qualifies as an audit committee financial expert.  Mr. Goldstein is an independent trustee, as defined in paragraph (a)(2) of this item’s instructions.

 

Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

 

(a) Audit Fees. Aggregate Audit Fees billed by the principal accountant for professional services rendered during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are approximately as follows:

 

2015

 

2014

 

$

287,200

 

$

319,100

 

 

Audit Fees include amounts related to the audit of the registrant’s annual financial statements or services that are normally provided by the accountant in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements for those fiscal years.

 

(b) Audit-Related Fees. Aggregate Audit-Related Fees billed to the registrant by the principal accountant for professional services rendered during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are approximately as follows:

 



 

2015

 

2014

 

$

47,500

 

$

57,200

 

 

Audit-Related Fees include amounts for assurance and related services by the principal accountant that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit of the registrant’s financial statements and are not reported in Audit Fees above.  In fiscal years 2015 and 2014, Audit-Related Fees consist of agreed-upon procedures performed for other audit-related additional testing.

 

During the fiscal years ended December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, there were no Audit-Related Fees billed by the registrant’s principal accountant to the registrant’s investment adviser (not including any sub-adviser whose role is primarily portfolio management and is subcontracted with or overseen by another investment adviser) and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant for an engagement that related directly to the operations and financial reporting of the registrant.

 

(c) Tax Fees. Aggregate Tax Fees billed by the principal accountant to the registrant for professional services rendered during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are approximately as follows:

 

2015

 

2014

 

$

70,800

 

$

62,900

 

 

Tax Fees incurred in both fiscal years 2015 and 2014 relate to the review of annual tax returns, the review of required shareholder distribution calculations and include amounts for professional services by the principal accountant for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning.

 

During the fiscal years ended December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, there were no Tax Fees billed by the registrant’s principal accountant to the registrant’s investment adviser (not including any sub-adviser whose role is primarily portfolio management and is subcontracted with or overseen by another investment adviser) and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant for an engagement that related directly to the operations and financial reporting of the registrant.

 

(d) All Other Fees. Aggregate All Other Fees billed by the principal accountant to the registrant for professional services rendered during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are as follows:

 

2015

 

2014

 

$

0

 

$

0

 

 

All Other Fees include amounts for products and services provided by the principal accountant, other than the services reported in paragraphs (a) through (c) above.

 



 

Aggregate All Other Fees billed by the registrant’s principal accountant to the registrant’s investment adviser (not including any sub-adviser whose role is primarily portfolio management and is subcontracted with or overseen by another investment adviser) and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant for an engagement that related directly to the operations and financial reporting of the registrant during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are approximately as follows:

 

2015

 

2014

 

$

225,000

 

$

325,000

 

 

In both fiscal years 2015 and 2014, All Other Fees primarily consist of professional services rendered for internal control reviews.

 

(e)(1) Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures

 

The policy of the registrant’s Audit Committee is to specifically pre-approve (i) all audit and non-audit (including audit related, tax and all other) services provided by the registrant’s independent auditor to the registrant and individual funds (collectively “Fund Services”) and (ii) all non-audit services provided by the registrant’s independent auditor to the funds’ adviser or a control affiliate of the adviser, that relate directly to the funds’ operations and financial reporting (collectively “Fund-related Adviser Services”).  A “control affiliate” is an entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the adviser that provides ongoing services to the funds, and the term “adviser” is deemed to exclude any unaffiliated sub-adviser whose role is primarily portfolio management and is sub-contracted or overseen by another investment adviser.

 

If such Fund Services or Fund-related Adviser Services are required during the period between the Audit Committee’s regularly scheduled meetings, the Chairman of the Audit Committee has the authority to pre-approve the service, with reporting to the full Audit Committee at the next regularly scheduled meeting.

 

The Audit Committee will waive pre-approval of Fund Services or Fund-related Adviser Services provided that the requirements under paragraph (c)(7)(i)(C) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X are met.

 

(e)(2) The percentage of services described in paragraphs (b) through (d) of this Item approved pursuant to the “de minimis” exception under paragraph (c)(7)(i)(C) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X during both fiscal years ended December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 was zero.

 

(f) Not applicable.

 

(g) The aggregate non-audit fees billed by the registrant’s accountant for services rendered to the registrant, and rendered to the registrant’s investment adviser (not including any sub-adviser whose role is primarily portfolio management and is

 



 

subcontracted with or overseen by another investment adviser), and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are approximately as follows:

 

2015

 

2014

 

$

343,300

 

$

445,100

 

 

(h) The registrant’s Audit Committee of the Board of Trustees has considered whether the provision of non-audit services that were rendered to the registrant’s adviser (not including any sub-adviser whose role is primarily portfolio management and is subcontracted with or overseen by another investment adviser), and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the investment adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant that were not pre-approved pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(ii) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X, is compatible with maintaining the principal accountant’s independence.

 

Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 6. Investments

 

(a)         The registrant’s “Schedule I — Investments in securities of unaffiliated issuers” (as set forth in 17 CFR 210.12-12) is included in Item 1 of this Form N-CSR.

 

(b)         Not applicable

 

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

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 8. Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 9. Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers.

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 10. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

 

There were no material changes to the procedures by which shareholders may recommend nominees to the registrant’s board of directors.

 



 

Item 11. Controls and Procedures.

 

(a)         The registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officers, based on their evaluation of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days of the filing of this report, have concluded that such controls and procedures are adequately designed to ensure that material information required to be disclosed by the registrant in Form N-CSR is accumulated and communicated to the registrant’s management, including the principal executive officer and principal financial officer, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

(b)         There was no change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s 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) Code of ethics required to be disclosed under Item 2 of Form N-CSR attached hereto as Exhibit 99.CODE ETH.

 

(a)(2) Certifications pursuant to Rule 30a-2(a) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (17 CFR 270.30a-2(a)) attached hereto as Exhibit 99.CERT.

 

(a)(3) Not applicable.

 

(b) Certification pursuant to Rule 30a-2(b) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (17 CFR 270.30a-2(b)) attached hereto as Exhibit 99.906CERT.

 



 

SIGNATURES

 

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

 

(registrant)

 

Columbia Acorn Trust

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By (Signature and Title)

 

/s/ P. Zachary Egan

 

 

 

P. Zachary Egan, President

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date

 

February 19, 2016

 

 

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

 

By (Signature and Title)

 

/s/ P. Zachary Egan

 

 

 

P. Zachary Egan, President

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date

 

February 19, 2016

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By (Signature and Title)

 

/s/ John M. Kunka

 

 

 

John M. Kunka, Treasurer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date

 

February 19, 2016