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As Filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on December 29, 2021
1933 Act File No. 002-82734
1940 Act File No. 811-03706
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UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 |
__________________ |
FORM N-1A __________________ |
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REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 | ☒ |
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Pre-Effective Amendment No. | ☐ |
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Post-Effective Amendment No. 70 | ☒ |
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and/or |
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REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 | ☒ |
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Amendment No. 74 | ☒ |
(Check appropriate box or boxes.) |
__________________ |
American Century California Tax-Free and Municipal Funds |
__________________ |
4500 MAIN STREET, KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI 64111 (Address of Principal Executive Offices)(Zip Code) |
REGISTRANT’S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE: (816) 531-5575 |
JOHN PAK 4500 MAIN STREET, KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI 64111 (Name and Address of Agent for Service) |
Approximate Date of Proposed Public Offering: January 1, 2022 | |
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It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box) |
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☐ | immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b) |
☒ | on January 1, 2022, at 8:30 a.m. (Central) pursuant to paragraph (b) |
☐ | 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) |
☐ | on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) |
☐ | 75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) |
☐ | on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of rule 485. |
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If appropriate, check the following box: |
☐ | this post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a previously filed post-effective amendment. |
January 1, 2022
American Century Investments
Prospectus
California High-Yield Municipal Fund
Investor Class (BCHYX)
I Class (BCHIX)
Y Class (ACYHX)
A Class (CAYAX)
C Class (CAYCX)
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The Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved these securities or passed upon the adequacy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense. | |
Table of Contents
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Fund Summary | 2 | |
Investment Objective | 2 | |
Fees and Expenses | 2 | |
Principal Investment Strategies | 3 | |
Principal Risks | 3 | |
Fund Performance | 4 | |
Portfolio Management | 5 | |
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares | 5 | |
Tax Information | 6 | |
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries | 6 | |
Objectives, Strategies and Risks | 7 | |
Management | 9 | |
Investing Directly with American Century Investments | 11 | |
Investing Through a Financial Intermediary | 13 | |
Additional Policies Affecting Your Investment | 18 | |
Share Price and Distributions | 22 | |
Taxes | 23 | |
Multiple Class Information | 25 | |
Financial Highlights | 26 | |
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Appendix A | A-1 |
©2022 American Century Proprietary Holdings, Inc. All rights reserved.
Fund Summary
Investment Objective
The fund seeks high current income that is exempt from federal and California income taxes.
Fees and Expenses
The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy, hold and sell shares of the fund. You may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the tables and examples below. You may qualify for A Class sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $100,000 in American Century Investments funds. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial professional and in Calculation of Sales Charges on page 13 of the fund’s prospectus, Appendix A of the fund’s prospectus and Sales Charges in Appendix B of the statement of additional information.
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Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) |
| Investor | I | Y | A | C |
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price) | None | None | None | 4.50% | None |
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as a percentage of the lower of the original offering price or redemption proceeds when redeemed within one year of purchase) | None | None | None | None¹ | 1.00% |
Maximum Annual Account Maintenance Fee (waived if eligible investments total at least $10,000) | $25 | None | None | None | None |
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Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) |
| Investor | I | Y | A | C |
Management Fee | 0.49% | 0.29% | 0.26% | 0.49% | 0.49% |
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees | None | None | None | 0.25% | 1.00% |
Other Expenses | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses | 0.49% | 0.29% | 0.26% | 0.74% | 1.49% |
1 Purchases of $1 million or more may be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% if the shares are redeemed within one year of the date of the purchase.
Example
The example below is intended to help you compare the costs of investing in the fund with the costs of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods, that you earn a 5% return each year, and that the fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
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| 1 year | 3 years | 5 years | 10 years |
Investor Class | $50 | $157 | $275 | $617 |
I Class | $30 | $93 | $163 | $369 |
Y Class | $27 | $84 | $147 | $331 |
A Class | $522 | $676 | $843 | $1,327 |
C Class | $152 | $472 | $814 | $1,576 |
Portfolio Turnover
The fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 25% of the average value of its portfolio.
Principal Investment Strategies
The fund invests in California municipal and other debt securities with an emphasis on high-yield securities. A high-yield security is one that has been rated below investment-grade, or determined by the investment advisor to be of similar quality. Under normal market conditions, the portfolio managers invest at least 80% of the fund’s net assets in municipal securities with income payments exempt from federal and California income taxes. Cities, counties and other municipalities in California and U.S. territories usually issue these securities for public projects, such as schools, roads, and water and sewer systems. Some of these investments are not necessarily exempt from the federal alternative minimum tax.
The portfolio managers seek to invest in securities that will result in a high yield for the fund. To accomplish this, the portfolio managers buy securities that are rated below investment-grade, including so-called junk bonds and bonds that are in technical or monetary default. Issuers of these securities often have short financial histories or have questionable credit or have had and may continue to have problems making interest and principal payments.
The portfolio managers also may buy unrated securities if they determine such securities meet the investment objectives of the fund.
Although the fund invests primarily for income, it also employs techniques designed to realize capital appreciation. For example, the portfolio managers may select bonds with maturities and coupon rates that position the fund for potential capital appreciation for a variety of reasons, including their view on the direction of future interest-rate movements and the potential for a credit upgrade.
When determining whether to sell a security, the portfolio managers consider, among other things, current and anticipated changes in interest rates, the credit quality of a particular issuer, comparable alternatives, general market conditions and any other factor deemed relevant by the portfolio managers.
Principal Risks
•Credit Risk – Debt securities, even investment-grade debt securities, are subject to credit risk. Credit risk is the risk that the inability or perceived inability of the issuer to make interest and principal payments will cause the value of the securities to decrease. As a result, the fund’s share price could also decrease. Changes in the credit rating of a debt security held by the fund could have a similar effect. The fund’s investments often have high credit risk, which helps the fund pursue a higher yield than more conservatively managed bond funds.
•Below Investment-Grade Securities Risk – Issuers of lower rated, high-yield securities are more vulnerable to real or perceived economic changes (such as an economic downturn or a prolonged period of rising interest rates), political changes, or adverse developments specific to the issuer. Adverse economic, political and other developments may be more likely to cause an issuer of low-quality bonds to default on its obligation to pay interest and principal due under its securities. The fund invests a significant part of its assets in securities rated below investment-grade or that are unrated, including bonds that are in technical or monetary default. By definition, the issuers of many of these securities have had and may continue to have problems making interest and principal payments.
•Interest Rate Risk – When interest rates change, the fund’s share value will be affected. Generally, the value of debt securities and the funds that hold them decline as interest rates rise. Because the fund typically invests in intermediate-term and long-term bonds, the fund’s interest rate risk is generally higher than for funds with shorter-weighted average maturities, such as money market and short-term bond funds. A period of rising interest rates may negatively affect the fund’s performance.
•California Economic Risk – The fund will be sensitive to events that affect California’s economy. Significant political or economic developments in California will likely impact virtually all municipal securities issued in the state. Because the fund invests principally in California municipal securities, it may have a higher level of risk than funds that invest in a larger universe of securities.
•Municipal Securities Risk – Because the fund invests principally in municipal securities, it will be sensitive to events that affect municipal markets, including legislative or political changes and the financial condition of the issuers of municipal securities. The fund may have a higher level of risk than funds that invest in a larger universe of securities. Additionally, the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has significantly stressed the financial resources of many municipal issuers, which may impair a municipal issuer’s ability to meet its financial obligations when due and could adversely impact the value of its bonds, which could negatively impact the performance of the fund.
•Liquidity Risk – The fund may also be subject to liquidity risk. During periods of market turbulence or unusually low trading activity, in order to meet redemptions, it may be necessary for the fund to sell securities at prices that could have an adverse effect on the fund’s share price. Changing regulatory and market conditions, including increases in interest rates and credit spreads may adversely affect the liquidity of the fund’s investments.
•Tax Risk – Some or all of the fund’s income may be subject to the federal alternative minimum tax. There is no guarantee that all of the fund’s income will remain exempt from federal or state income taxes. Income from municipal bonds held by a fund could be declared taxable because of unfavorable changes in tax laws, adverse interpretations by the Internal Revenue Service or state tax authorities, or non-compliant conduct of a bond issuer. The fund may sell securities that lose their tax-exempt statuses at inopportune times, which may cause tax consequences or a decrease in the fund’s value.
•Market Risk – The value of securities owned by the fund may go up and down, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably. Market risks, including political, regulatory, economic and social developments, can affect the value of the fund’s investments. Natural disasters, public health emergencies, terrorism and other unforeseeable events may lead to increased market volatility and may have adverse long-term effects on world economies and markets generally.
•Public Health Emergency Risk – A pandemic, caused by the infectious respiratory illness COVID-19, is causing market disruption and other economic impacts. Markets have experienced volatility, reduced liquidity, and increased trading costs. These events may continue to impact the fund and its underlying investments.
•Principal Loss Risk – At any given time your shares may be worth less than the price you paid for them. In other words, it is possible to lose money by investing in the fund.
An investment in the fund is not a bank deposit, and it is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or any other government agency.
Fund Performance
The following bar chart and table provide some indication of the risks of investing in the fund. The bar chart shows changes in the fund’s performance from year to year for Investor Class shares. The table shows how the fund’s average annual returns for the periods shown compared with those of a broad measure of market performance. The fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the fund will perform in the future. For current performance information, including yields, please visit americancentury.com.
Sales charges and account fees, if applicable, are not reflected in the bar chart. If those charges were included, returns would be less than those shown.
Calendar Year Total Returns
Highest Performance Quarter (1Q 2014): 5.44% Lowest Performance Quarter (4Q 2016): -5.59%
As of September 30, 2021, the most recent calendar quarter end, the fund’s Investor Class year-to-date return was 2.88%.
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Average Annual Total Returns For the calendar year ended December 31, 2020 | 1 year | 5 years | 10 years | Since Inception | Inception Date |
Investor Class Return Before Taxes | 3.92% | 4.52% | 5.94% | — | 12/30/1986 |
Return After Taxes on Distributions | 3.92% | 4.52% | 5.94% | — | 12/30/1986 |
Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares | 3.59% | 4.27% | 5.56% | — | 12/30/1986 |
I Class Return Before Taxes | 4.22% | 4.75% | 6.16% | — | 03/01/2010 |
Y Class Return Before Taxes | 4.26% | — | — | 5.45% | 04/10/2017 |
A Class Return Before Taxes | -1.01% | 3.30% | 5.19% | — | 01/31/2003 |
C Class1 Return Before Taxes | 2.89% | 3.48% | 5.05% | — | 01/31/2003 |
Bloomberg Municipal Bond Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses and taxes) | 5.21% | 3.90% | 4.62% | — | — |
S&P Municipal Bond California 50% Investment Grade/50% High Yield Index2 (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses and taxes) | 5.12% | 5.22% | — | — | — |
1 C Class shares automatically convert to A Class shares after approximately eight years. All returns for periods greater than eight years reflect this conversion.
2 Effective December 31, 2017, the fund’s investment advisor selected a different benchmark for comparison purposes. The advisor believes the S&P Municipal Bond California 50% Investment Grade/50% High Yield Index is more reflective of the fund’s strategy. Because the S&P Municipal Bond California 50% Investment Grade/50% High Yield Index total return data is first available as of December 30, 2011, returns for the Bloomberg Municipal Bond Index are also shown to cover the 10 year period.
After-tax returns are shown only for Investor Class shares. After-tax returns for other share classes will vary. After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold their fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or IRAs.
Portfolio Management
Investment Advisor
American Century Investment Management, Inc.
Portfolio Managers
Steven M. Permut, Senior Vice President and Senior Portfolio Manager, has served on teams managing fixed-income investments for American Century Investments since joining the advisor in 1987.
Joseph Gotelli, Vice President and Senior Portfolio Manager, has served on teams managing fixed-income investments for American Century Investments since joining the advisor in 2008.
Alan Kruss, Vice President and Portfolio Manager, has served on teams managing fixed-income investments for American Century Investments since joining the advisor in 1997.
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares
You may purchase or redeem shares of the fund on any business day through our website at americancentury.com, in person (at one of our Investor Centers), by mail (American Century Investments, P.O. Box 419200, Kansas City, MO 64141-6200), by telephone at 1-800-345-2021 (Investor Services Representative) or 1-800-345-3533 (Business, Not-For-Profit and Employer Sponsored Retirement Plans), or through a financial intermediary. Shares may be purchased and redemption proceeds received by electronic bank transfer, by check or by wire.
Unless otherwise specified below, the minimum initial investment amount to open an account is $2,500 ($1,000 for Coverdell Education Savings Accounts and IRAs). However, American Century Investments will waive the fund minimum if you make an initial investment of at least $500 and continue to make automatic investments of at least $100 a month until reaching the fund minimum.
Investors opening accounts through financial intermediaries may open an account with $250 for Investor, A and C Classes, but the financial intermediaries may require their clients to meet different investment minimums. The minimum may be waived for broker-dealer sponsored wrap program accounts, fee based accounts, and accounts through bank/trust and wealth management advisory organizations.
The minimum initial investment amount for the I Class is generally $5 million ($3 million for endowments and foundations), but the minimum may be waived if you have an aggregate investment in the American Century family of funds of $10 million or more ($5 million for endowments and foundations). This includes accounts held directly with American Century and those held through a financial intermediary.
There is no minimum initial investment amount for Y Class shares.
For the Investor, A and C Classes, there is no minimum initial investment amount for certain employer-sponsored retirement plans, however, financial intermediaries or plan recordkeepers may require plans to meet different minimums. Employer-sponsored retirement plans are not eligible to invest in the I or Y Class.
There is a $50 minimum for subsequent purchases, except that there is no subsequent purchase minimum for financial intermediaries or employer-sponsored retirement plans.
Tax Information
The fund intends to distribute income that is exempt from regular federal and California income tax, however, fund distributions may be subject to capital gains tax. A portion of the fund’s distributions may be subject to federal and/or California income taxes or to the federal alternative minimum tax.
If you hold your fund shares through a tax-deferred investment plan, such as a 401(k) plan or an IRA, any distributions received from the fund may be taxable as ordinary income upon withdrawal from the tax-deferred plan, regardless of whether the distributions were tax-exempt when earned.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
If you purchase the fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank, insurance company, plan sponsor or financial professional), the fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of fund shares and related services for investments in all classes except the Y Class. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
Objectives, Strategies and Risks
What is the fund’s investment objective?
The fund seeks high current income that is exempt from federal and California income taxes.
What are the fund’s principal investment strategies?
Under normal market conditions, the portfolio managers must invest at least 80% of the fund’s net assets in municipal securities with income payments exempt from federal and California income taxes. The fund may change this 80% policy only upon 60 days’ prior written notice to shareholders. Cities, counties and other municipalities in California and U.S. territories usually issue these securities for public projects, such as schools, roads, and water and sewer systems.
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Municipal securities are a debt obligation issued by or on behalf of a state, its political subdivisions, agencies or instrumentalities, the District of Columbia or a U.S. territory or possession. |
The portfolio managers also may buy long- and intermediate-term debt securities with income payments exempt from regular federal income tax, but not exempt from the federal alternative minimum tax. Cities, counties and other municipalities usually issue these securities (called private activity bonds) to fund for-profit private projects, such as athletic stadiums, airports and apartment buildings.
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Debt securities include fixed-income investments such as notes, bonds, commercial paper and U.S. Treasury securities. Long-term debt securities are those with maturities longer than 10 years. Intermediate-term debt securities are those with maturities between three and 10 years. |
The portfolio managers seek to invest in securities that will result in a high yield for the fund. To accomplish this, the portfolio managers buy investment-grade securities, securities rated below investment grade, including so-called junk bonds and bonds that are in technical or monetary default, or unrated securities if the portfolio managers determine such securities meet the investment objectives of the fund. The issuers of these securities often have short financial histories or questionable credit or have had and may continue to have problems making interest and principal payments.
Although the fund invests primarily for income, it also employs techniques designed to realize capital appreciation. For example, the portfolio managers may select bonds with maturities and coupon rates that position the fund for potential capital appreciation for a variety of reasons, including their view on the direction of future interest-rate movements and the potential for a credit upgrade.
In the event of exceptional market or economic conditions, the fund may take temporary defensive positions that are inconsistent with the fund’s principal investment strategies. To the extent the fund assumes a defensive position, it may not achieve its investment objective.
When determining whether to buy or sell a security, the portfolio managers consider, among other things, current and anticipated changes in interest rates, the credit quality of a particular issuer, comparable alternatives, general market conditions and any other factor deemed relevant by the portfolio managers.
In addition to the principal investment strategies described above, the fund also may invest in derivative instruments such as options, futures contracts, options on futures contracts, and swap agreements (including, but not limited to, credit default swap agreements), provided that such investments are in keeping with the fund’s investment objective.
A description of the policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of the fund’s portfolio securities is available in the statement of additional information.
What are the principal risks of investing in the fund?
The fund’s investments often have high credit risk, which helps the fund pursue a higher yield than more conservatively managed bond funds. Credit risk is the risk that the inability or perceived inability of the issuer to make interest and principal payments will cause the value of the securities to decrease. As a result, the fund’s share price could also decrease. Changes in the credit rating of a debt security held by the fund could have a similar effect. A high credit rating indicates a high degree of confidence by the rating organization that the issuer will be able to withstand adverse business, financial or economic conditions and make interest and principal payments on time. A lower credit rating indicates a greater risk of nonpayment. Issuers of high-yield securities are more vulnerable to real or perceived economic changes (such as an economic downturn or a prolonged period of rising interest rates), political changes or adverse developments specific to the issuer. In addition, lower-rated securities may be unsecured or subordinated to other obligations of the issuer. These factors may be more likely to cause an issuer of low-quality bonds to default on its obligation to pay the interest and principal due under its securities. The fund’s credit quality restrictions apply at the time of purchase; the fund will not necessarily sell securities if they are downgraded by a rating agency.
The fund invests a significant part of its assets in securities rated below investment grade or that are unrated, including bonds that are in technical or monetary default. By definition, the issuers of many of these securities have had and may continue to have problems making interest and principal payments.
Investments in debt securities are also sensitive to interest rate changes. Generally, the value of debt securities and the funds that hold them decline as interest rates rise. The degree to which interest rate changes affect the fund’s performance varies and is related to the weighted average maturity of the fund. For example, when interest rates rise, you can expect the share value of a long-term bond fund to fall more than that of a short-term bond fund. When rates fall, the opposite is true. Because the fund typically invests in intermediate-term and long-term bonds, the fund’s interest rate risk is generally higher than for funds with shorter-weighted average maturities, such as money market and short-term bond funds. A period of rising interest rates may negatively affect the fund’s performance.
Because the fund invests principally in California municipal securities, it will be sensitive to events that affect California’s economy. Significant political or economic developments in California will likely impact virtually all municipal securities issued in the state. The fund may have a higher level of risk than funds that invest in a larger universe of securities. For more information about the risks affecting California securities, see the statement of additional information.
Because the fund invests principally in municipal securities, it will be sensitive to events that affect municipal markets, including legislative or political changes and the financial condition of the issuers of municipal securities. By investing primarily in municipal securities, the fund may have a higher level of risk than funds that invest in a larger universe of securities. Additionally, the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has significantly stressed the financial resources of many municipal issuers, which may impair a municipal issuer’s ability to meet its financial obligations when due and could adversely impact the value of its bonds, which could negatively impact the performance of the fund.
The fund may also be subject to liquidity risk. The chance that a fund will have difficulty selling its debt securities is called liquidity risk. During periods of market turbulence or unusually low trading activity, to meet redemptions it may be necessary for the fund to sell securities at prices that could have an adverse effect on the fund’s share price. The market for lower-quality debt securities is generally less liquid than the market for higher-quality securities. Adverse publicity and investor perceptions, as well as new and proposed laws, also may have a greater negative impact on the market for lower-quality securities. Changing regulatory and market conditions, including increases in interest rates and credit spreads may adversely affect the liquidity of the fund’s investments.
There is no guarantee that all of the fund’s income will remain exempt from federal or state income taxes. Income from municipal bonds held by the fund could be declared taxable because of unfavorable changes in tax laws, adverse interpretations by the Internal Revenue Service or state tax authorities, or non-compliant conduct of a bond issuer. Some or all of the fund’s income may be subject to the federal alternative minimum tax.
The value of securities owned by the fund may go up and down, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably, due to factors affecting securities markets generally, particular industries, real or perceived adverse economic conditions or investor sentiment generally.
A pandemic, caused by the infectious respiratory illness COVID-19, is causing travel restrictions, disruption of healthcare systems, prolonged quarantines, cancellations, supply chain interruptions, lower consumer demand, layoffs, credit downgrades, and defaults among other economic impacts. Certain markets have experienced temporary closures, extreme volatility, losses, reduced liquidity and increased trading costs. These events may continue to impact the fund and its underlying investments.
The fund may need to sell securities at times it would not otherwise do so in order to meet shareholder redemption requests. The fund could experience a loss when selling securities, particularly if the redemption requests are unusually large or frequent, occur in times of overall market turmoil or declining prices for the securities sold or when the securities the fund wishes to sell are illiquid. Selling securities to meet such redemption requests also may increase transaction costs or have tax consequences. To the extent that a large shareholder (including a fund of funds or 529 college savings plan) invests in the fund, the fund may experience relatively large redemptions as such shareholder reallocates its assets. Although the advisor seeks to minimize the impact of such transactions where possible, the fund’s performance may be adversely affected.
Although the fund’s use of derivative instruments is limited, be aware that the use of derivative instruments involves risks different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in securities and other traditional instruments. Derivatives are subject to a number of risks including, liquidity, interest rate, market, and credit risk. They also involve the risk of mispricing or improper valuation, the risk that changes in the value of the derivative may not correlate perfectly with the underlying asset, rate or index, and the risk of default or bankruptcy of the other party to the swap agreement. Gains or losses involving some futures, options, and other derivatives may be substantial, in part because a relatively small price movement in these securities may result in an immediate and substantial gain or loss for the fund. Further, the use of derivative instruments may give rise to taxable income.
Market risks, including political, regulatory, economic and social developments, can affect the value of the fund’s investments. Natural disasters, public health emergencies, terrorism and other unforeseeable events may lead to increased market volatility and may have adverse long-term effects on world economies and markets generally.
At any given time your shares may be worth less than the price you paid for them. In other words, it is possible to lose money by investing in the fund.
Management
Who manages the fund?
The Board of Trustees, investment advisor and fund management team play key roles in the management of the fund.
The Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees is responsible for overseeing the advisor’s management and operations of the fund pursuant to the management agreement. In performing their duties, Board members receive detailed information about the fund and its advisor regularly throughout the year, and meet at least quarterly with management of the advisor to review reports about fund operations. The trustees’ role is to provide oversight and not to provide day-to-day management. More than three-fourths of the trustees are independent of the fund’s advisor. They are not employees, directors or officers of, and have no financial interest in, the advisor or any of its affiliated companies (other than as shareholders of American Century Investments funds), and they do not have any other affiliations, positions, or relationships that would cause them to be considered “interested persons” under the Investment Company Act of 1940.
The Investment Advisor
The fund’s investment advisor is American Century Investment Management, Inc. (the advisor). The advisor has been managing mutual funds since 1958 and is headquartered at 4500 Main Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64111.
The advisor is responsible for managing the investment portfolio of the fund and directing the purchase and sale of its investment securities. The advisor also arranges for transfer agency, custody and all other services necessary for the fund to operate.
For the services it provides to the fund, the advisor receives a unified management fee based on a percentage of the daily net assets of each class of shares of the fund. The management fee is calculated daily and paid monthly in arrears. Out of the fund’s fee, the advisor pays all expenses of managing and operating the fund except brokerage expenses, taxes, interest, fees and expenses of the independent trustees (including legal counsel fees), extraordinary expenses, and expenses incurred in connection with the provision of shareholder services and distribution services under a plan adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The difference in unified management fees among the classes is a result of their separate arrangements for non-Rule 12b-1 shareholder services. It is not the result of any difference in advisory or custodial fees or other expenses related to the management of the fund’s assets, which do not vary by class. For all classes other than the Y Class, the advisor may pay unaffiliated third parties who provide recordkeeping and administrative services that would otherwise be performed by an affiliate of the advisor.
The percentage rate used to calculate the management fee for each class of shares of a fund is determined daily using a two-component formula that takes into account (i) the daily net assets of certain accounts managed by the advisor that are in the same broad investment category as the fund (the “Category Fee”) and (ii) the assets of all funds in the American Century Investments family of funds that have the same investment advisor and distributor as the fund (the “Complex Fee”). For purposes of determining the Category Fee and Complex Fee, the assets of funds managed by the advisor that invest exclusively in the shares of other funds (funds of funds) are not included. The statement of additional information contains detailed information about the calculation of the management fee.
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Management Fees Paid by the Fund to the Advisor as a Percentage of Average Net Assets for the Fiscal Year Ended August 31, 2021 | Investor Class | I Class | Y Class | A Class | C Class |
California High-Yield Municipal | 0.49% | 0.29% | 0.26% | 0.49% | 0.49% |
A discussion regarding the basis for the Board of Trustees’ approval of the fund’s investment advisory agreement with the advisor is available in the fund’s annual report to shareholders dated August 31, 2021.
The Fund Management Team
The advisor uses teams of portfolio managers and analysts, organized by broad investment categories such as money markets, corporate bonds, government bonds and municipal bonds, in its management of fixed-income funds. Designated portfolio managers serve on the firm’s Global Fixed Income Investment Committee, which is responsible for periodically adjusting each fund’s dynamic investment parameters based on economic and market conditions. All portfolio managers listed below are responsible for security selection and portfolio construction for the fund within these parameters, as well as compliance with stated investment objectives and cash flow monitoring. Other members of the investment team provide research and analytical support but generally do not make day-to-day investment decisions for the fund.
The individuals listed below are jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the fund.
Steven M. Permut (Global Fixed Income Investment Committee Representative)
Mr. Permut, Senior Vice President and Senior Portfolio Manager, has served on teams managing fixed-income investments since joining the advisor in 1987. He has a bachelor’s degree in business and geography from State University of New York – Oneonta and an MBA in finance from Golden Gate University – San Francisco.
Joseph Gotelli
Mr. Gotelli, Vice President and Senior Portfolio Manager, has served on teams managing fixed-income investments since joining the advisor in 2008. He has a bachelor’s degree in business economics from the University of California, Santa Barbara and an MBA from Santa Clara University.
Alan Kruss
Mr. Kruss, Vice President and Portfolio Manager, has served on teams managing fixed-income investments since joining the advisor in 1997. He has a bachelor’s degree in finance from San Francisco State University.
The statement of additional information provides additional information about the accounts managed by the portfolio managers, the structure of their compensation, and their ownership of fund securities.
Fundamental Investment Policies
Shareholders must approve any change to the fundamental investment policies contained in the statement of additional information, as well as any change to the investment objective of the fund. The Board of Trustees and/or the advisor may change any other policies or investment strategies described in this prospectus or otherwise used in the operation of the fund at any time, subject to applicable notice provisions.
Investing Directly with American Century Investments
Services Automatically Available to You
Most accounts automatically have access to the services listed under Ways to Manage Your Account when the account is opened. If you have questions about the services that apply to your account type, please call us.
Generally, once your account is established, any registered owner (including those on jointly owned accounts) or any trustee (including those on trust accounts with multiple trustees), or any authorized signer on business accounts with multiple authorized signers, may transact business by any of the methods described below. American Century reserves the right to require all owners or trustees or authorized signers to act together, at our discretion.
Account Maintenance Fee
If you hold Investor Class shares of any American Century Investments fund, or I Class shares of the American Century Diversified Bond Fund, in an American Century Investments account (i.e., not through a financial intermediary or employer-sponsored retirement plan account), we may charge you a $25 annual account maintenance fee if the value of those shares is less than $10,000. We will determine the amount of your total eligible investments once per year, generally the last Friday in October. If the value of those investments is less than $10,000 at that time, we will automatically redeem shares in one of your accounts to pay the $25 fee as soon as administratively possible. Please note that you may incur tax liability as a result of the redemption. In determining your total eligible investment amount, we will include your investments in all personal accounts (including American Century Investments brokerage accounts) registered under your Social Security number. We will not charge the fee as long as you choose to manage your accounts exclusively online. You may enroll for exclusive online account management by visiting americancentury.com. Regardless of whether you manage your account online, you may request a paper copy of the prospectus, statement of additional information, or annual report free of charge.
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Personal accounts include individual accounts, joint accounts, UGMA/UTMA accounts, personal trusts, Coverdell Education Savings Accounts, IRAs (including traditional, Roth, Rollover, SEP-, SARSEP- and SIMPLE-IRAs), and certain other retirement accounts. If you have only business, business retirement, employer-sponsored or American Century Investments brokerage accounts, you are currently not subject to this fee, but you may be subject to other fees. |
Wire Purchases
Current Investors: If you would like to make a wire purchase into an existing account, your bank will need the following information (To invest in a new fund, please call us first to set up the new account.):
•American Century Investments bank information: Commerce Bank N.A., Routing No. 101000019, Account No. 2804918;
•Your American Century Investments account number and fund name;
•Your name;
•Contribution year (for IRAs only); and
•Dollar amount.
New Investors: To make a wire purchase into a new account, please complete an application or call us prior to wiring money.
Ways to Manage Your Account
ONLINE
americancentury.com
Open an account: If you are a current or new investor, you can open an account by completing and submitting our online application. Current investors also can open an account by exchanging shares from another American Century Investments account with an identical registration.
Exchange shares: Exchange shares from another American Century Investments account with an identical registration.
Make additional investments: Make an additional investment into an established American Century Investments account. If we do not have your bank information, you can add it.
Sell shares*: Redeem shares and choose whether the proceeds are electronically transferred to your authorized bank account or sent by check to your address of record.
* Online redemptions up to $25,000 per day per account.
IN PERSON
If you prefer to handle your transactions in person, visit one of our Investor Centers and a representative can help you open an account, make additional investments, and sell or exchange shares.
•4500 Main Street, Kansas City, MO — 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday – Friday
•4917 Town Center Drive, Leawood, KS — 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday – Friday
BY TELEPHONE
Investor Services Representative: 1-800-345-2021
Business and Not-For-Profit: 1-800-345-3533
Automated Information Line: 1-800-345-8765
Open an account: If you are a current investor, you can open an account by exchanging shares from another American Century Investments account with an identical registration.
Exchange shares: Call or use our Automated Information Line (available only to Investor Class shareholders).
Make additional investments: Call or use our Automated Information Line if you have authorized us to invest from your bank account. The Automated Information Line is available only to Investor Class shareholders.
Sell shares: Call or use our Automated Information Line. The Automated Information Line redemptions are up to $25,000 per day per account and are available for Investor Class shareholders only.
BY MAIL OR FAX
Mail Address: P.O. Box 419200, Kansas City, MO 64141-6200 — Fax: 1-888-327-1998
Open an account: Send a signed, completed application and check or money order payable to American Century Investments.
Exchange shares: Send written instructions to exchange your shares from one American Century Investments account to another with an identical registration.
Make additional investments: Send your check or money order for at least $50 with an investment slip. If you don’t have an investment slip, include your name, address and account number on your check or money order.
Sell shares: Send written instructions or a redemption form to sell shares. Call a Service Representative to request a form.
AUTOMATICALLY
Open an account: Not available.
Exchange shares: Send written instructions to set up an automatic exchange of your shares from one American Century Investments account to another with an identical registration.
Make additional investments: With the automatic investment service, you can purchase shares on a regular basis. You must invest at least $50 per month per account.
Sell shares: You may sell shares automatically by establishing a systematic redemption plan.
See Additional Policies Affecting Your Investment for more information about investing with us.
Investing Through a Financial Intermediary
The fund may be purchased through financial intermediaries that provide various administrative and distribution services.
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Financial intermediaries include banks, broker-dealers, insurance companies and financial professionals. |
Although each class of the fund’s shares represents an interest in the same fund, each has a different cost structure, as described below. Which class is right for you depends on many factors, including how long you plan to hold the shares, how much you plan to invest, the fee structure of each class, and how you wish to compensate your financial professional for the services provided to you. Your financial professional can help you choose the option that is most appropriate.
Investor Class
Investor Class shares are available for purchase without sales charges or commissions but may be subject to account or transaction fees if purchased through financial intermediaries. These shares are available to investors in retail brokerage accounts, broker-dealer-sponsored fee-based advisory accounts, other advisory accounts where fees are charged, and employer-sponsored retirement plans.
I Class
I Class shares are available for purchase without sales charges or commissions by endowments, foundations, large institutional investors and financial intermediaries. Employer-sponsored retirement plans may not invest in I Class shares, except that plans invested in the I Class prior to April 10, 2017 may make additional purchases.
Y Class
Y Class shares are available for purchase without sales charges or commissions through financial intermediaries that offer fee based advisory programs. Y Class shares may be purchased or redeemed only through financial intermediaries that trade in omnibus accounts with American Century Investments.
A Class
A Class shares are available for purchase through broker-dealers and other financial intermediaries. These shares carry an initial sales charge and an ongoing distribution and service (12b-1) fee that is used to compensate your financial professional. See Calculation of Sales Charges below for commission amounts received by financial professionals on the purchase of A Class shares. The sales charge decreases with the size of the purchase, and may be reduced or eliminated in certain situations. See Reductions and Waivers of Sales Charges for A Class and CDSC Waivers below for a full description of the breakpoints, reductions and waivers that may be available through financial intermediaries in certain types of accounts or products.
C Class
C Class shares are available for purchase through broker-dealers and other financial intermediaries. These shares do not have an initial sales charge but carry an ongoing distribution and service (12b-1) fee. Except as noted below, the commission paid to your financial professional for purchases of C Class shares is 1.00% of the amount invested, and the shares have a contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) when redeemed within one year of purchase. Your financial professional does not receive the distribution and service (12b-1) fee until the CDSC period has expired (it is retained by the distributor). See CDSC Waivers below for a full description of the waivers that may be available. C Class shares automatically convert to A Class shares 8 years after purchase.
Calculation of Sales Charges
The information regarding sales charges provided herein is included free of charge and in a clear and prominent format at americancentury.com in the Investors Using Advisors and Investment Professionals portions of the website. From the description of A or C Class shares, a hyperlink will take you directly to this disclosure.
The availability of the sales charge reductions and waivers discussed below will depend upon whether you purchase your shares directly from the fund or through a financial intermediary. Intermediaries may have different policies and procedures regarding the availability of these reductions or waivers. Please refer to Appendix A for information provided by certain financial intermediaries regarding their sales charge waiver or discount policies that are applicable to investors transacting in fund shares through such financial intermediary.
A Class
A Class shares are sold at their offering price, which is net asset value plus an initial sales charge. This sales charge varies depending on the amount of your investment, and is deducted from your purchase before it is invested. The sales charges and the amounts paid to your financial professional are:
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Purchase Amount | Sales Charge as a % of Offering Price | Sales Charge as a % of Net Amount Invested | Dealer Commission as a % of Offering Price |
Less than $100,000 | 4.50% | 4.71% | 4.00% |
$100,000 - $249,999 | 3.50% | 3.63% | 3.00% |
$250,000 - $499,999 | 2.50% | 2.56% | 2.00% |
$500,000 - $999,999 | 2.00% | 2.04% | 1.75% |
$1,000,000 - $3,999,999 | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.75% |
$4,000,000 - $9,999,999 | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.50% |
$10,000,000 or more | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.25% |
There is no front-end sales charge for purchases of $1,000,000 or more, but if you redeem your shares within one year of purchase you will pay a deferred sales charge of 1.00% of the lower of the original purchase price or the current market value at redemption, subject to the exceptions listed below. No sales charge applies to reinvested dividends. No dealer commission will be paid to your financial professional for purchases by certain employer-sponsored retirement plans. For this purpose, employer-sponsored retirement plans do not include SEP IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs or SARSEPs.
Reductions and Waivers of Sales Charges for A Class
You may qualify for a reduction or waiver of certain sales charges, but you or your financial professional must provide certain information, including the account numbers of any accounts to be aggregated, to American Century Investments at the time of purchase in order to take advantage of such reduction or waiver. If you hold assets among multiple intermediaries, it is your responsibility to inform your intermediary and/or American Century Investments at the time of purchase of any accounts to be aggregated.
You and your immediate family (which includes your spouse or domestic partner and children, step-children, parents or step-parents of you, your spouse or domestic partner) may combine investments in any share class of any American Century Investments fund (excluding certain assets in money market accounts, but including account assets invested in Qualified Tuition Programs under Section 529) to reduce your A Class sales charge in the following ways:
Account Aggregation. Investments made by you and your immediate family may be aggregated at each account’s current market value if made for your own account(s) and/or certain other accounts, such as:
•Certain trust accounts
•Solely controlled business accounts
•Single-participant retirement plans
•Endowments or foundations established and controlled by you or an immediate family member
For purposes of aggregation, only investments made through individual-level accounts may be combined. Assets held in multiple participant employer-sponsored retirement plans may be aggregated at a plan level.
Concurrent Purchases. You may combine simultaneous purchases in any share class of any American Century Investments fund to qualify for a reduced A Class sales charge.
Rights of Accumulation. You may take into account the current value of your existing holdings, less any commissionable shares in the money market funds, in any share class of any American Century Investments fund to qualify for a reduced A Class sales charge.
Letter of Intent. A Letter of Intent allows you to combine all purchases of any share class of any American Century Investments fund you intend to make over a 13-month period to determine the applicable sales charge, except for purchases in the A or C Class of money market funds. At your request, existing holdings may be combined with new purchases and sales charge amounts may be adjusted for purchases made within 90 days prior to our receipt of the Letter of Intent. Capital appreciation, capital gains and reinvested dividends earned during the Letter of Intent period do not apply toward its completion. A portion of your account will be held in escrow to cover additional A Class sales charges that will be due if your total investments over the 13-month period do not qualify for the applicable sales charge reduction.
Waivers for Certain Investors. The sales charge on A Class shares may be waived for:
•Purchases by registered representatives and other employees of certain financial intermediaries (and their immediate family members, which includes their spouse or domestic partner and children, step-children, parents or step-parents of them, their spouse or domestic partner) having selling agreements with the advisor or distributor
•Broker-dealer sponsored wrap program accounts and/or fee-based accounts maintained for clients of certain financial intermediaries who have entered into selling agreements with American Century Investments
•Purchases in accounts of financial intermediaries that have entered into a selling agreement with American Century Investments that allows for the waiver of the sales charge in brokerage accounts that may or may not charge a transaction fee
•Current officers, directors and employees of American Century Investments
•Certain group employer-sponsored retirement plans, where plan level or omnibus accounts are held with the fund, or shares are purchased by certain retirement plans that are part of a retirement plan or platform offered by banks, broker-dealers, financial advisors or insurance companies, or serviced by retirement recordkeepers. For purposes of this waiver, employer-sponsored retirement plans do not include SEP IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs or SARSEPs. However, SEP IRA, SIMPLE IRA or SARSEP retirement plans that (i) held shares of an A Class fund prior to March 1, 2009 that received sales charge waivers or (ii) held shares of an Advisor Class fund that was renamed A Class on March 1, 2010, may permit additional purchases by new and existing participants in A Class shares without an initial sales charge. Refer to Buying and Selling Fund Shares in the statement of additional information.
•Purchases of additional shares in accounts that held shares of an Advisor Class fund that was renamed A Class on either September 4, 2007, December 3, 2007 or March 1, 2010. However, if you close your account or if you transfer your account to another financial intermediary, future purchases of A Class shares of a fund may not receive a sales charge waiver.
An investor who receives a sales charge waiver for purchases of fund shares through a financial intermediary may become ineligible to receive such waiver if the nature of the investor’s relationship with and/or the services it receives from the financial intermediary changes. Please consult with your financial professional for further details.
C Class
C Class shares are sold at their net asset value without an initial sales charge. If you purchase shares through a financial intermediary who receives a commission from the fund’s distributor on the purchase and redeem your shares within 12 months of purchase, you will pay a CDSC of 1.00% of the original purchase price or the current market value at redemption, whichever is less. The purpose of the CDSC is to permit the fund’s distributor to recoup all or a portion of the up-front payment made to your financial professional. There is no CDSC on shares acquired through reinvestment of dividends or capital gains.
American Century Investments generally limits purchases of C Class shares to investors whose aggregate investments in American Century Investments funds are less than $1,000,000. However, it is your responsibility to inform your financial intermediary and/or American Century Investments at the time of purchase of any accounts to be aggregated, including investments in any share class of any American Century Investments fund (excluding certain assets in money market accounts, but including account assets invested in Qualified Tuition Programs under Section 529) in accounts held by you and your immediate family members (which includes your spouse or domestic partner and children, step-children, parents or step-parents of you, your spouse or domestic partner). Once you reach this limit, you should work with your financial intermediary to determine what share class is most appropriate for additional purchases.
C Class shares automatically convert to A Class shares after being held for 8 years. The automatic conversion will be executed in the month following the 8-year anniversary of the purchase date for such C Class shares without any sales charge, fee or other charges. The conversion from C Class shares is not considered a taxable event for Federal income tax purposes. After the conversion, shares will be subject to all features and expenses of A Class shares.
Calculation of Contingent Deferred Sales Charge (CDSC)
To minimize the amount of the CDSC you may pay when you redeem shares, the fund will first redeem shares acquired through reinvested dividends and capital gain distributions, which are not subject to a CDSC. Shares that have been in your account long enough that they are not subject to a CDSC are redeemed next. For any remaining redemption amount, shares will be sold in the order they were purchased (earliest to latest).
CDSC Waivers
Any applicable CDSC for A or C Classes may be waived in the following cases:
•redemptions through systematic withdrawal plans not exceeding annually 12% of the lesser of the original purchase cost or current market value for A and C Class shares
•redemptions through employer-sponsored retirement plan accounts. For this purpose, employer-sponsored retirement plans do not include SIMPLE IRAs, SEP IRAs or SARSEPs
•distributions from IRAs due to attainment of age 59½ for A and C Class share
•required minimum distributions from retirement accounts due to the shareholder reaching the qualified age based on applicable IRS regulations
•tax-free returns of excess contributions to IRAs
•redemptions due to death or post-purchase disability
•exchanges, unless the shares acquired by exchange are redeemed within the original CDSC period
•IRA Rollovers from any American Century Investments fund held in an employer-sponsored retirement plan, for A Class shares only
•if no dealer commission was paid to the financial intermediary on the purchase for any other reason
Reinstatement Privilege
Within 90 days of a redemption, dividend payment or capital gains distribution of any A or B Class shares, you may reinvest all or a portion of the proceeds in A Class shares of any American Century Investments fund at the then-current net asset value without paying an initial sales charge. At your request, any CDSC you paid on an A Class redemption that you are reinvesting will be credited to your account. You may use the privilege only once per account. This privilege may only be invoked by the original account owner to reinvest shares in an account with the same registration as the account from which the redemption or distribution originated. This privilege does not apply to systematic or automatic transactions, including, for example, automatic purchases, withdrawals and payroll deductions. If you wish to use this reinvestment privilege, you or your financial professional must provide written notice to American Century Investments.
Employer-Sponsored Retirement Plans
Certain group employer-sponsored retirement plans that hold a single account for all plan participants with the fund, or that are part of a retirement plan or platform offered by banks, broker-dealers, financial advisors or insurance companies, or serviced by retirement recordkeepers are eligible to purchase Investor, A and C Class shares. Employer-sponsored retirement plans are not eligible to purchase I or Y Class shares. However, employer-sponsored retirement plans that were invested in the I Class prior to April 10, 2017 may make additional purchases. For more information regarding employer-sponsored retirement plan types, please refer to Buying and Selling Fund Shares in the statement of additional information. A and C Class purchases are available at net asset value with no dealer commission paid to the financial professional, and do not incur a CDSC. A and C Class shares purchased in employer-sponsored retirement plans are subject to applicable distribution and service (12b-1) fees, which the financial intermediary begins receiving immediately at the time of purchase. American Century does not impose minimum initial investment amount, plan size or participant number requirements by class for employer-sponsored retirement plans; however, financial intermediaries or plan recordkeepers may require plans to meet different requirements.
If you hold your fund shares through a tax-deferred investment plan, such as a 401(k) plan or an IRA, any distributions received from the fund may be taxable as ordinary income upon withdrawal from the tax-deferred plan, regardless of whether the distributions were tax-exempt when earned.
Exchanging Shares
You may exchange shares of the fund for shares of the same class of another American Century Investments fund without a sales charge if you meet the following criteria:
•The exchange is for a minimum of $100
•For an exchange that opens a new account, the amount of the exchange must meet or exceed the minimum account size requirement for the fund receiving the exchange
For purposes of computing any applicable CDSC on shares that have been exchanged, the holding period will begin as of the date of purchase of the original fund owned. Exchanges from a money market fund are subject to a sales charge on the fund being purchased, unless the money market fund shares were acquired by exchange from a fund with a sales charge or by reinvestment of dividends or capital gains distributions.
Moving Between Share Classes and Accounts
You may move your investment between share classes (within the same fund or between different funds) in certain circumstances deemed appropriate by American Century Investments. You also may move investments held in certain accounts to a different type of account if you meet certain criteria. Please contact your financial professional for more information about moving between share classes or account types.
Buying and Selling Shares Through a Financial Intermediary
Your ability to purchase, exchange, redeem and transfer shares will be affected by the policies of the financial intermediary through which you do business. Some policy differences may include:
•minimum investment requirements
•exchange policies
•fund choices
•cutoff time for investments
•trading restrictions
In addition, your financial intermediary may charge a transaction fee for the purchase or sale of fund shares. Those charges are retained by the financial intermediary and are not shared with American Century Investments or the fund. Please contact your financial intermediary for a complete description of its policies. Copies of the fund’s annual reports, semiannual reports and statement of additional information are available from your financial intermediary.
The fund has authorized certain financial intermediaries to accept orders on the fund’s behalf. American Century Investments has selling agreements with these financial intermediaries requiring them to track the time investment orders are received and to comply with procedures relating to the transmission of orders. Orders must be received by the financial intermediary on the fund’s behalf before the time the net asset value is determined in order to receive that day’s share price. If those orders are transmitted to American Century Investments and paid for in accordance with the selling agreement, they will be priced at the net asset value next determined after your request is received in the form required by the financial intermediary.
If you submit a transaction request through a financial intermediary that does not have a selling agreement with us, or if the financial intermediary’s selling agreement does not cover the type of account or share class requested, we may reject or cancel the transaction without prior notice to you or the intermediary.
Investor, I and Y Class shares may also be available on brokerage platforms of financial intermediaries that have agreements with American Century Investments to offer such shares solely when acting as an agent for the shareholder. A shareholder transacting in Investor, I or Y Class shares in these programs may be required to pay a commission and/or other forms of compensation to the broker. Shares of the fund are available in other share classes that have different fees and expenses.
See Additional Policies Affecting Your Investment for more information about investing with us.
Additional Policies Affecting Your Investment
Eligibility for Investor Class Shares
The fund’s Investor Class shares are available for purchase directly from American Century Investments and through the following types of products, programs or accounts offered by financial intermediaries:
•self-directed accounts on transaction-based platforms that may or may not charge a transaction fee
•employer-sponsored retirement plans
•broker-dealer sponsored fee-based wrap programs or other fee-based advisory accounts
•insurance products and bank/trust products where fees are being charged
The fund reserves the right, when in the judgment of American Century Investments it is not adverse to the fund’s interest, to permit all or only certain types of investors to open new accounts in the fund, to impose further restrictions, or to close the fund to any additional investments, all without notice.
Minimum Initial Investment Amounts for Investor, A and C Classes
Unless otherwise specified below, the minimum initial investment amount to open an account is $2,500. However, American Century Investments will waive the fund minimum if you make an initial investment of at least $500 and continue to make automatic investments of at least $100 a month until reaching the fund minimum.
Investors opening accounts through financial intermediaries may open an account with $250, but the financial intermediaries may require their clients to meet different investment minimums. See Investing Through a Financial Intermediary for more information.
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Broker-dealer sponsored wrap program accounts and/or fee-based advisory accounts | No minimum |
Coverdell Education Savings Account (CESA) and IRAs | $1,0001, 2 |
1 American Century Investments will waive the minimum if you make an initial investment of at least $500 and continue to make automatic investments of at least $100 a month until reaching the minimum.
2 The minimum initial investment for shareholders investing through financial intermediaries is $250. Financial intermediaries may have different minimums for their clients.
Subsequent Purchases
There is a $50 minimum for subsequent purchases. See Ways to Manage Your Account for more information about making additional investments directly with American Century Investments. However, there is no subsequent purchase minimum for financial intermediaries, but financial intermediaries may require their clients to meet different subsequent purchase requirements.
Eligibility for I Class Shares
I Class shares are made available for purchase by individuals and large institutional shareholders such as bank trust departments, corporations, endowments, foundations and financial advisors that meet the fund’s minimum investment requirements. Employer-sponsored retirement plans may not invest in I Class shares, except that plans invested in the I Class prior to April 10, 2017 may make additional purchases.
Minimum Initial Investment Amounts for I Class
The minimum initial investment amount is generally $5 million ($3 million for endowments and foundations) per fund. If you invest with us through a financial intermediary, this requirement may be met if your financial intermediary aggregates your investments with those of other clients into a single group, or omnibus, account that meets the minimum. The minimum investment requirement may be waived if you have an aggregate investment in the American Century family of funds of $10 million or more ($5 million for endowments and foundations). This includes accounts held directly with American Century and those held through a financial intermediary. American Century Investments also may waive the minimum initial investment in other situations it deems appropriate.
American Century Investments may permit an intermediary to waive the initial minimum per shareholder as provided in Buying and Selling Fund Shares in the statement of additional information.
Eligibility for Y Class Shares
Y Class shares are available for purchase without sales charges or commissions through financial intermediaries that offer fee based advisory programs. Y Class shares may be purchased or redeemed only through financial intermediaries that trade in omnibus accounts with American Century Investments. Y Class shares may not be purchased by shareholders investing through employer-sponsored retirement plans or individuals investing directly with American Century Investments.
Minimum Initial Investment Amounts for Y Class
There is no minimum initial investment amount or subsequent investment amount for Y Class shares, but financial intermediaries may require different investment minimums.
Limitations on Sale
As of the date of this prospectus, the fund is registered for sale only in the following states and territories: Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington, the Virgin Islands and Guam.
Redemptions
Your redemption proceeds will be calculated using the net asset value (NAV) next determined after we receive your transaction request in good order. If you sell C or, in certain cases, A Class shares, you may pay a sales charge, depending on how long you have held your shares, as described above.
Generally, we expect to remit your redemption proceeds to you one business day after we process your transaction. However, we reserve the right to delay delivery of redemption proceeds for up to seven days. For example, each time you make an investment with American Century Investments, there is a seven-day holding period before we will release redemption proceeds from those shares, unless you provide us with satisfactory proof that your purchase funds have cleared. Investments by wire generally require only a one-day holding period. If you change your address, we may require that any redemption request made within seven days be submitted in writing and be signed by all authorized signers with their signatures guaranteed. We may also require a signature guarantee for redemptions in other situations, as described below. If you change your bank information, we may impose a seven-day holding period before we will transfer or wire redemption proceeds to your bank. Please remember, if you request redemptions by wire, $10 will be deducted from the amount redeemed. Your bank also may charge a fee.
Additionally, if you are age 65 or older, or if we have reason to believe you have a mental or physical impairment that renders you unable to protect your own interest, we may temporarily delay the disbursement of redemption proceeds from your account if we believe that you have been the victim of actual or attempted financial exploitation. This temporary delay will be for an initial period of no more than 15 business days while we conduct an internal review of the facts and circumstances of the suspected financial exploitation. If our internal review supports our belief that actual or attempted financial exploitation has occurred or is occurring, we may extend the hold for up to 10 additional business days. At the expiration of the additional hold time, if we have not confirmed that exploitation has occurred, the proceeds will be released to you.
Under normal market conditions, the fund generally meets redemption requests through its holdings of cash or cash equivalents or by selling portfolio securities. However, we reserve the right to honor certain redemptions with securities, rather than cash, as described in the next section. Additionally, the fund may consider interfund lending to meet redemption requests. The fund is more likely to use these other methods to meet large redemption requests or during times of market stress.
Special Requirements for Large Redemptions
If, during any 90-day period, you redeem fund shares worth more than $250,000 (or 1% of the value of a fund’s assets if that amount is less than $250,000), we reserve the right to pay part or all of the redemption proceeds in excess of this amount in readily marketable securities instead of in cash. To the extent practicable, these securities will represent your pro rata share of the fund’s securities.
We will value these securities in the same manner as we do in computing the fund’s net asset value. We may provide these securities in lieu of cash without prior notice. Also, if payment is made in securities, you may have to pay brokerage or other transaction costs to convert the securities to cash. These securities remain subject to market risk until sold, and you may incur capital gains and/or losses when you sell the securities.
If your redemption would exceed this limit and you would like to avoid being paid in securities, please provide us with an unconditional instruction to redeem at least 15 days prior to the date on which the redemption transaction is to occur. The instruction must specify the dollar amount or number of shares to be redeemed and the date of the transaction. This minimizes the effect of the redemption on a fund and its remaining investors.
Redemption of Shares in Accounts Below Minimum
If your account balance falls below the minimum initial investment amount for any reason, or if you cancel your automatic monthly investment plan prior to reaching the fund minimum, American Century Investments reserves the right to redeem the shares in the account and send the proceeds to your address of record. Prior to doing so, we will notify you and give you 60 days to meet the minimum or reinstate your automatic monthly investment plan. Please note that shares redeemed in this manner may be subject to a sales charge if held less than the applicable time period. You also may incur tax liability as a result of the redemption. For I Class shares, we reserve the right to convert your shares to Investor Class shares of the same fund. The Investor Class shares have a unified management fee that is 0.20 percentage points higher than the I Class.
Small Distributions and Uncashed Distribution Checks
Generally, dividends and distributions cannot be paid by check for an amount less than $50. Any such amount will be automatically reinvested in additional shares. The fund reserves the right to reinvest any dividend or distribution amount you elect to receive by check if your check is returned as undeliverable or if you do not cash your check within six months. Interest will not accrue on the amount of your uncashed check. We will reinvest your check into your account at the NAV on the day of reinvestment. When reinvested, those amounts are subject to the risk of loss like any other fund investment. We also reserve the right to change your election to receive dividends and distributions in cash after a check is returned undeliverable or uncashed for the six month period, and we may automatically reinvest all future dividends and distributions at the NAV on the date of the payment.
Signature Guarantees
A signature guarantee — which is different from a notarized signature — is a warranty that the signature presented is genuine. We may require a signature guarantee for the following transactions:
•Your redemption or distribution check or automatic redemption is made payable to someone other than the account owners;
•Your redemption proceeds or distribution amount is sent by EFT (ACH or wire) to a destination other than your personal bank account;
•You are transferring ownership of an account over $100,000;
•You change your address and request a redemption over $100,000 within seven days;
•You request proceeds from redemptions, dividends, or distributions be sent to an address or financial institution differing from those on record; or
•You make a redemption or other transaction request via telephone, and we are unable to verify your identity.
We reserve the right to require a signature guarantee for other transactions, or we may employ other security measures, such as signature comparison or notarized signature, at our discretion.
Canceling a Transaction
American Century Investments will use its best efforts to honor your request to revoke a transaction instruction if your revocation request is received prior to the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) (generally 4 p.m. Eastern time) on the trade date of the transaction. Once processing has begun, or the NYSE has closed on the trade date, the transaction can no longer be canceled. Each fund reserves the right to suspend the offering of shares for a period of time and to reject any specific investment (including a purchase by exchange). Additionally, we may refuse a purchase if, in our judgment, it is of a size that would disrupt the management of a fund.
Frequent Trading Practices
Frequent trading and other abusive trading practices may disrupt portfolio management strategies and harm fund performance. If the cumulative amount of frequent trading activity is significant relative to a fund’s net assets, the fund may incur trading costs that are higher than necessary as securities are first purchased then quickly sold to meet the redemption request. In such case, the fund’s performance could be negatively impacted by the increased trading costs created by frequent trading if the additional trading costs are significant.
Because of the potentially harmful effects of abusive trading practices, the fund’s Board of Trustees has approved American Century Investments’ abusive trading policies and procedures, which are designed to reduce the frequency and effect of these activities in our funds. These policies and procedures include monitoring trading activity, imposing trading restrictions on certain accounts, and using fair value pricing when current market prices are not readily available. Although these efforts are designed to discourage abusive trading practices, they cannot eliminate the possibility that such activity will occur. American Century Investments seeks to exercise its judgment in implementing these tools to the best of its ability in a manner that it believes is consistent with shareholder interests.
American Century Investments uses a variety of techniques to monitor for and detect frequent trading practices. These techniques may vary depending on the type of fund, the class of shares or whether the shares are held directly or indirectly with American Century Investments. They may change from time to time as determined by American Century Investments in its sole discretion. To minimize harm to the funds and their shareholders, we reserve the right to reject any purchase order (including exchanges) from any shareholder we believe has a history of frequent trading or whose trading, in our judgment, has been or may be disruptive to the funds. In making this judgment, we may consider trading done in multiple accounts under common ownership or control.
Currently, for shares held directly with American Century Investments, we may deem the sale of all or a substantial portion of a shareholder’s purchase of fund shares to be frequent trading if the sale is made:
•within seven days of the purchase, or
•within 30 days of the purchase, if it happens more than once per year.
To the extent practicable, we try to use the same approach for defining frequent trading for shares held through financial intermediaries. American Century Investments reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to identify other trading practices as abusive and to modify its monitoring and other practices as necessary to deal with novel or unique abusive trading practices.
The frequent trading limitations do not apply to the following types of transactions:
•purchases of shares through reinvested distributions (dividends and capital gains);
•redemption of shares to pay fund or account fees;
•CheckWriting redemptions;
•redemptions requested following the death of a registered shareholder;
•transactions through automatic purchase or redemption plans;
•transfers and re-registrations of shares within the same fund;
•shares exchanged from one share class to another within the same fund;
•transactions by 529 college savings plans and funds of funds (however shareholders of American Century’s funds of funds are subject to the limitations); and
•reallocation or rebalancing transactions in broker-dealer sponsored fee-based wrap and advisory programs.
For shares held in employer-sponsored retirement plans, generally only participant-directed exchange transactions are subject to the frequent trading restrictions. For this purpose, employer-sponsored retirement plans do not include SEP IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs, or SARSEPs.
In addition, American Century Investments reserves the right to accept purchases and exchanges in excess of the trading restrictions discussed above if it believes that such transactions would not be inconsistent with the best interests of fund shareholders or this policy.
American Century Investments’ policies do not permit us to enter into arrangements with fund shareholders that permit such shareholders to engage in frequent purchases and redemptions of fund shares. Due to the complexity and subjectivity involved in identifying abusive trading activity and the volume of shareholder transactions American Century Investments handles, there can be no assurance that American Century Investments’ efforts will identify all trades or trading practices that may be considered abusive. American Century Investments monitors aggregate trades placed in omnibus accounts and works with financial intermediaries to identify shareholders engaging in abusive trading practices and impose restrictions to discourage such practices. Because American Century Investments relies on financial intermediaries to provide information and impose restrictions, our ability to monitor and discourage abusive trading practices in omnibus accounts may be dependent upon the intermediaries’ timely performance of such duties and restrictions may not be applied uniformly in all cases.
Your Responsibility for Unauthorized Transactions
American Century Investments and its affiliated companies use procedures reasonably designed to confirm that telephone, electronic and other instructions are genuine. These procedures include recording telephone calls, requesting additional identifying information, requiring personalized security codes or other information online, and sending confirmation of transactions. If we follow these procedures, we are not responsible for any losses that may occur due to unauthorized instructions. For transactions conducted over the Internet, we recommend the use of a secure Internet browser. In addition, you should verify the accuracy of your confirmation statements immediately after you receive them.
A Note About Mailings to Shareholders
To reduce the amount of mail you receive from us, we generally deliver a single copy of fund documents (like shareholder reports, proxies and prospectuses) to investors who share an address, even if their accounts are registered under different names. Investors who share an address may also receive account-specific documents (like statements) in a single envelope. If you prefer to receive your documents addressed individually, please call us or your financial professional. For American Century Investments brokerage accounts, please call 1-888-345-2071.
Right to Change Policies
We reserve the right to change any stated investment requirement, including those that relate to purchases, exchanges and redemptions. In accordance with applicable law, we also may alter, add or discontinue any service or privilege. Changes may affect all investors or only those in certain classes or groups. In addition, from time to time we may waive a policy on a case-by-case basis, as the advisor deems appropriate.
Share Price and Distributions
Share Price
American Century Investments will price the fund shares you purchase, exchange or redeem based on the net asset value (NAV) next determined after your order is received in good order by the fund’s transfer agent, or other financial intermediary with the authority to accept orders on the fund’s behalf. We determine the NAV of each fund as of the close of regular trading (usually 4 p.m. Eastern time) on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on each day the NYSE is open. On days when the NYSE is closed (including certain U.S. national holidays), we do not calculate the NAV.
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The net asset value, or NAV, of each class of the fund is the current value of the class’s assets, minus any liabilities, divided by the number of shares of the class outstanding. |
Readily available market quotations for fixed income securities shall generally be received from independent pricing services that have been approved by the Board. It is anticipated that such pricing services will generally provide evaluated prices based on accepted industry conventions. Evaluated prices are commonly derived through utilization of market models. Such models take into consideration various market factors and security characteristics. These may include, but are not limited to, the following: trade data, quotations from broker-dealers and active market makers, relevant yield curve and spread data, related sector levels, creditworthiness, trade data or market information on comparable securities and other relevant security specific information. Debt obligations with 60 days or less remaining until maturity may be valued at amortized cost.
If the fund determines that the market price for a portfolio security is not readily available or that the valuation methods mentioned above do not reflect the security’s fair value, such security is valued as determined in good faith by the fund’s board or its designee, in accordance with procedures adopted by the fund’s board. Circumstances that may cause the fund to use alternate procedures to value a security include, but are not limited to, a debt security has been declared in default, or trading in a security has been halted during the trading day.
If such circumstances occur, the fund will fair value the security if the fair valuation would materially impact the fund’s NAV. While fair value determinations involve judgments that are inherently subjective, these determinations are made in good faith in accordance with procedures adopted by the fund’s board.
The effect of using fair value determinations is that the fund’s NAV will be based, to some degree, on security valuations that the board or its designee believes are fair rather than being solely determined by the market.
With respect to any portion of the fund’s assets that are invested in one or more open-end management investment companies that are registered with the SEC (known as registered investment companies), the fund’s NAV will be calculated based upon the NAVs of such registered investment companies. These registered investment companies are required by law to explain the circumstances under which they will use fair value pricing and the effects of using fair value pricing in their prospectuses.
Distributions
Federal tax laws require the fund to make distributions to its shareholders in order to qualify as a regulated investment company. Qualification as a regulated investment company means that the fund should not be subject to state or federal income tax on amounts distributed. The distributions generally consist of dividends and interest received by the fund, as well as capital gains realized by the fund on the sale of its investment securities.
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Capital gains are increases in the values of capital assets, such as stocks or bonds, from the time the assets are purchased. |
The fund expects to declare distributions from net income, if any, daily. These distributions are paid on the last business day of each month. The fund generally pays distributions from capital gains, if any, once a year usually in December. The fund may make more frequent distributions, if necessary, to comply with Internal Revenue Code provisions. The fund intends to designate distributions from net income as exempt-interest dividends. To be eligible to make this designation, at least 50% of the value of a fund’s total assets must consist of tax-exempt interest obligations at the close of each quarter.
You will participate in fund distributions when they are declared, starting the next business day after your purchase is effective. For example, if you purchase shares on a day that a distribution is declared, you will not receive that distribution. If you redeem shares, you will receive any distribution declared on the day you redeem. If you redeem all shares, we will include any distributions received with your redemption proceeds.
For investors investing through taxable accounts, we will reinvest distributions unless you elect to have dividends and/or capital gains sent to another American Century Investments account, to your bank electronically, or to your home address or to another person or address by check. Generally, participants in tax-deferred retirement plans reinvest all distributions.
Taxes
Tax-Exempt Income
Most of the income that the fund receives from municipal securities is exempt from California and regular federal income taxes. However, corporate shareholders should be aware that distributions are subject to California’s corporate franchise tax.
The fund also may purchase private activity bonds. The income from these securities is subject to the federal alternative minimum tax. If you are subject to the alternative minimum tax, distributions from the fund that represent income derived from private activity bonds are taxable to you. Consult your tax advisor to determine whether you are subject to the alternative minimum tax.
Taxable Income
The fund’s investment performance also is based on sources other than income from municipal securities. These investment performance sources, while not the primary source of fund distributions, will generate taxable income to you. Some of these investment performance sources are
•Market Discount Purchases. The fund may buy a tax-exempt security for a price less than the principal amount of the bond. If the price of the bond increases over time, a portion of the gain may be treated as ordinary income and taxable as ordinary income if it is distributed to shareholders.
•Capital Gains. When the fund sells a security, even a tax-exempt municipal security, it can generate a capital gain or loss, which you must report on your tax return.
•Temporary Investments. Some temporary investments, such as securities loans and repurchase agreements, can generate taxable income.
Taxability of Distributions
Fund distributions may consist of income, such as dividends and interest earned by a fund from its investments, or capital gains generated by a fund from the sale of its investment securities. Distributions of income are generally exempt from regular federal income tax. However, if distributions are federally taxable, such distributions may be designated as qualified dividend income. If so, and if you meet a minimum required holding period with respect to your shares of the fund, such distributions of income are taxed at the same rates as long-term capital gains. The fund does not expect a significant portion of its distributions to be derived from qualified dividend income.
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Qualified dividend income is a dividend received by a fund from the stock of a domestic or qualifying foreign corporation, provided that the fund has held the stock for a required holding period and the stock was not on loan at the time of the dividend. |
The tax character of any distributions from capital gains is determined by how long the fund held the underlying security that was sold, not by how long you have been invested in the fund or whether you reinvest your distributions or take them in cash. Short-term (one year or less) capital gains are taxable as ordinary income. Gains on securities held for more than one year are taxed at the lower rates applicable to long-term capital gains.
If a fund’s distributions exceed current and accumulated earnings and profits, such excess will generally be considered a return of capital. A return of capital distribution is generally not subject to tax, but will reduce your cost basis in the fund and result in higher realized capital gains (or lower realized capital losses) upon the sale of fund shares.
For taxable accounts, American Century Investments or your financial intermediary will inform you of the tax character of fund distributions for each calendar year in an annual tax mailing.
If you meet specified income levels, you will also be subject to a 3.8% Medicare contribution tax which is imposed on net investment income, including interest, dividends and capital gains. This tax is not imposed on tax-exempt interest.
If you hold your fund shares through a tax-deferred investment plan, such as a 401(k) plan or an IRA, any distributions received from the fund may be taxable as ordinary income upon withdrawal from the tax-deferred plan, regardless of whether the distributions were tax-exempt when earned.
Distributions also may be subject to state and local taxes. Because everyone’s tax situation is unique, you may want to consult your tax professional about federal, state and local tax consequences.
Taxes on Transactions
Your redemptions—including exchanges to other American Century Investments funds—are subject to capital gains tax. Short-term capital gains are gains on fund shares you held for 12 months or less. Long-term capital gains are gains on fund shares you held for more than 12 months. If your shares decrease in value, their sale or exchange will result in a long-term or short-term capital loss. However, you should note that loss realized upon the sale or exchange of shares held for six months or less will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any distribution of long-term capital gain and will be disallowed to the extent of any distribution of tax-exempt income to you with respect to those shares. If a loss is realized on the redemption of fund shares, the reinvestment in additional fund shares within 30 days before or after the redemption may be subject to the wash sale rules of the Internal Revenue Code. This may result in a postponement of the recognition of such loss for federal income tax purposes.
If you have not certified to us that your Social Security number or tax identification number is correct and that you are not subject to withholding, we are required to withhold and pay to the IRS the applicable federal withholding tax rate on taxable dividends, capital gains distributions and redemption proceeds.
Buying a Dividend
Purchasing fund shares in a taxable account shortly before a distribution is sometimes known as buying a dividend. In taxable accounts, you must pay income taxes on the distribution whether you reinvest the distribution or take it in cash. In addition, you will have to pay taxes on the distribution whether the value of your investment decreased, increased or remained the same after you bought the fund shares.
The risk in buying a dividend is that a fund’s portfolio may build up taxable income and gains throughout the period covered by a distribution, as income is earned and securities are sold at a profit. The fund distributes the income and gains to you, after subtracting any losses, even if you did not own the shares when the income was earned or the gains occurred.
If you buy a dividend, you incur the full tax liability of the distribution period, but you may not enjoy the full benefit of the income earned or the gains realized in the fund’s portfolio.
Multiple Class Information
The fund offers multiple classes of shares. The classes have different fees, expenses, eligibility requirements and/or minimum investment requirements. Different fees and expenses will affect performance.
Except as described below, all classes of shares of the fund have identical voting, dividend, liquidation and other rights, preferences, terms and conditions. The only differences among the classes are (a) each class may be subject to different expenses specific to that class; (b) each class has a different identifying designation or name; (c) each class has exclusive voting rights with respect to matters solely affecting such class; (d) each class may have different exchange privileges; (e) the I Class may provide for conversion from that class into shares of the Investor Class of the same fund; and (f) the C Class provides for automatic conversion from that class into shares of the A Class of the same fund after 8 years.
Service, Distribution and Administrative Fees
Investment Company Act Rule 12b-1 permits mutual funds that adopt a written plan to pay certain expenses associated with the distribution of their shares out of fund assets. The fund’s A Class and C Class each have a 12b-1 plan. The plans provide for the fund to pay annual fees of 0.25% for A Class and 1.00% for C Class to the distributor for distribution and individual shareholder services, including past distribution services. The distributor pays all or a portion of such fees to the financial intermediaries that make the classes available. Because these fees may be used to pay for services that are not related to prospective sales of the fund, each class will continue to make payments under its plan even if it is closed to new investors. Because these fees are paid out of the fund’s assets on an ongoing basis, over time these fees will increase the cost of your investment and may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges. The higher fees for C Class shares may cost you more over time than paying the initial sales charge for A Class shares. For additional information about the plans and their terms, see Multiple Class Structure in the statement of additional information.
Certain financial intermediaries perform recordkeeping and administrative services for their clients that would otherwise be performed by American Century Investments’ transfer agent. In some circumstances, the advisor will pay such service providers a fee for performing those services. Also, the advisor and the fund’s distributor may make payments to intermediaries for various additional services, other expenses and/or the intermediaries’ distribution of the fund out of their profits or other available sources. Such payments may be made for one or more of the following: (1) distribution, which may include expenses incurred by intermediaries for their sales activities with respect to the fund, such as preparing, printing and distributing sales literature and advertising materials and compensating registered representatives or other employees of such financial intermediaries for their sales activities, as well as the opportunity for the fund to be made available by such intermediaries; (2) shareholder services, such as providing individual and custom investment advisory services to clients of the financial intermediaries; and (3) marketing and promotional services, including business planning assistance, educating personnel about the fund, and sponsorship of sales meetings, which may include covering costs of providing speakers, meals and other entertainment. The distributor may pay partnership and/or sponsorship fees to support seminars, conferences, and other programs designed to educate intermediaries about the fund and may cover the expenses associated with attendance at such meetings, including travel costs. The distributor also may pay fees related to obtaining data regarding intermediary or financial advisor activities to assist American Century Investments with sales reporting, business intelligence, and training and education opportunities. These payments and activities are intended to provide an incentive to intermediaries to sell the fund by educating them about the fund and helping defray the costs associated with offering the fund. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the intermediary to recommend the fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information. The amount of any payments described by this paragraph is determined by the advisor or the distributor, and all such amounts are paid out of their available assets, and not paid by you or the fund. As a result, the total expense ratio of the fund will not be affected by any such payments.
American Century Investments does not pay any fees to financial intermediaries on Y Class shares.
Financial Highlights
Understanding the Financial Highlights
The table on the next few pages itemizes what contributed to the changes in share price during the most recently ended fiscal year. It also shows the changes in share price for this period in comparison to changes over the last five fiscal years (or a shorter period if the share class is not five years old).
On a per-share basis, the table includes as appropriate
•share price at the beginning of the period
•investment income and capital gains or losses
•distributions of income and capital gains paid to investors
•share price at the end of the period
The table also includes some key statistics for the period as appropriate
•Total Return – the overall percentage of return of the fund, assuming the reinvestment of all distributions
•Expense Ratio – the operating expenses of the fund as a percentage of average net assets
•Net Income Ratio – the net investment income of the fund as a percentage of average net assets
•Portfolio Turnover – the percentage of the fund’s investment portfolio that is replaced during the period
The Financial Highlights that follow have been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent registered public accounting firm. Their Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm and the financial statements are included in the fund’s annual report, which is available upon request.
California High-Yield Municipal Fund
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For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Years Ended August 31 (except as noted) |
Per-Share Data | Ratios and Supplemental Data |
| | Income From Investment Operations: | | | Ratio to Average Net Assets of: | | |
| Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period | Net Investment Income (Loss)(1) | Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) | Total From Investment Operations | Distributions From Net Investment Income | Net Asset Value, End of Period | Total Return(2) | Operating Expenses | Net Investment Income (Loss) | Portfolio Turnover Rate | Net Assets, End of Period (in thousands) |
Investor Class | | | | | | | | | | |
2021 | $10.86 | 0.32 | 0.44 | 0.76 | (0.32) | $11.30 | 7.12% | 0.49% | 2.91% | 25% | $941,838 | |
2020 | $11.10 | 0.34 | (0.24) | 0.10 | (0.34) | $10.86 | 0.96% | 0.50% | 3.15% | 57% | $860,867 | |
2019 | $10.52 | 0.36 | 0.58 | 0.94 | (0.36) | $11.10 | 9.06% | 0.50% | 3.40% | 39% | $938,094 | |
2018 | $10.65 | 0.37 | (0.13) | 0.24 | (0.37) | $10.52 | 2.38% | 0.50% | 3.49% | 52% | $896,098 | |
2017 | $10.97 | 0.37 | (0.32) | 0.05 | (0.37) | $10.65 | 0.58% | 0.50% | 3.53% | 50% | $844,105 | |
I Class | | | | | | | | | |
2021 | $10.86 | 0.34 | 0.44 | 0.78 | (0.35) | $11.29 | 7.24% | 0.29% | 3.11% | 25% | $724,407 | |
2020 | $11.10 | 0.36 | (0.24) | 0.12 | (0.36) | $10.86 | 1.17% | 0.30% | 3.35% | 57% | $518,250 | |
2019 | $10.52 | 0.38 | 0.58 | 0.96 | (0.38) | $11.10 | 9.38% | 0.30% | 3.60% | 39% | $445,520 | |
2018 | $10.64 | 0.39 | (0.12) | 0.27 | (0.39) | $10.52 | 2.58% | 0.30% | 3.69% | 52% | $243,002 | |
2017 | $10.97 | 0.39 | (0.33) | 0.06 | (0.39) | $10.64 | 0.69% | 0.30% | 3.73% | 50% | $143,717 | |
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For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Years Ended August 31 (except as noted) |
Per-Share Data | Ratios and Supplemental Data |
| | Income From Investment Operations: | | | Ratio to Average Net Assets of: | | |
| Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period | Net Investment Income (Loss)(1) | Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) | Total From Investment Operations | Distributions From Net Investment Income | Net Asset Value, End of Period | Total Return(2) | Operating Expenses | Net Investment Income (Loss) | Portfolio Turnover Rate | Net Assets, End of Period (in thousands) |
Y Class | | | | | | | | | |
2021 | $10.86 | 0.35 | 0.43 | 0.78 | (0.35) | $11.29 | 7.28% | 0.26% | 3.14% | 25% | $6 | |
2020 | $11.10 | 0.37 | (0.24) | 0.13 | (0.37) | $10.86 | 1.21% | 0.27% | 3.38% | 57% | $56 | |
2019 | $10.52 | 0.38 | 0.58 | 0.96 | (0.38) | $11.10 | 9.31% | 0.27% | 3.63% | 39% | $16 | |
2018 | $10.65 | 0.39 | (0.13) | 0.26 | (0.39) | $10.52 | 2.59% | 0.27% | 3.72% | 52% | $5 | |
2017(3) | $10.39 | 0.15 | 0.26 | 0.41 | (0.15) | $10.65 | 4.01% | 0.27%(4) | 3.73%(4) | 50%(5) | $5 | |
A Class | | | | | | | | | | | |
2021 | $10.86 | 0.30 | 0.44 | 0.74 | (0.30) | $11.30 | 6.86% | 0.74% | 2.66% | 25% | $65,969 | |
2020 | $11.10 | 0.31 | (0.24) | 0.07 | (0.31) | $10.86 | 0.71% | 0.75% | 2.90% | 57% | $58,148 | |
2019 | $10.52 | 0.33 | 0.58 | 0.91 | (0.33) | $11.10 | 8.79% | 0.75% | 3.15% | 39% | $70,003 | |
2018 | $10.65 | 0.34 | (0.13) | 0.21 | (0.34) | $10.52 | 2.12% | 0.75% | 3.24% | 52% | $56,688 | |
2017 | $10.97 | 0.34 | (0.32) | 0.02 | (0.34) | $10.65 | 0.33% | 0.75% | 3.28% | 50% | $55,457 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Years Ended August 31 (except as noted) |
Per-Share Data | Ratios and Supplemental Data |
| | Income From Investment Operations: | | | Ratio to Average Net Assets of: | | |
| Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period | Net Investment Income (Loss)(1) | Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) | Total From Investment Operations | Distributions From Net Investment Income | Net Asset Value, End of Period | Total Return(2) | Operating Expenses | Net Investment Income (Loss) | Portfolio Turnover Rate | Net Assets, End of Period (in thousands) |
C Class | | | | | | | | | | | |
2021 | $10.86 | 0.21 | 0.44 | 0.65 | (0.21) | $11.30 | 6.06% | 1.49% | 1.91% | 25% | $22,196 | |
2020 | $11.10 | 0.23 | (0.24) | (0.01) | (0.23) | $10.86 | (0.04)% | 1.50% | 2.15% | 57% | $24,391 | |
2019 | $10.53 | 0.26 | 0.57 | 0.83 | (0.26) | $11.10 | 7.98% | 1.50% | 2.40% | 39% | $25,747 | |
2018 | $10.65 | 0.26 | (0.12) | 0.14 | (0.26) | $10.53 | 1.36% | 1.50% | 2.49% | 52% | $23,572 | |
2017 | $10.97 | 0.27 | (0.32) | (0.05) | (0.27) | $10.65 | (0.42)% | 1.50% | 2.53% | 50% | $28,726 | |
| | |
Notes to Financial Highlights |
(1)Computed using average shares outstanding throughout the period.
(2)Total returns are calculated based on the net asset value of the last business day and do not reflect applicable sales charges, if any. Total returns for periods less than one year are not annualized.
(3)April 10, 2017 (commencement of sale) through August 31, 2017.
(4)Annualized.
(5)Portfolio turnover is calculated at the fund level. Percentage indicated was calculated for the year ended August 31, 2017.
Appendix A
The information in this Appendix is part of, and incorporated into, the fund’s prospectus.
Financial Intermediary Sales Charge Reduction and Waiver Information
The availability of certain sales charge waivers and discounts will depend on whether you purchase your shares directly from the fund or through a financial intermediary. Intermediaries may have different policies and procedures regarding the availability of front-end sales load waivers or contingent deferred (back-end) sales load (CDSC) waivers, which are set forth below. In all instances, it is the investor’s responsibility to notify the fund or the applicable financial intermediary at the time of purchase of any relationship or other facts qualifying the investor for sales charge waivers or discounts. For waivers and discounts not available through a particular intermediary, shareholders will have to purchase fund shares directly from the fund or through another intermediary to receive these waivers or discounts.
Sales Charge Reductions and Waivers Available through Ameriprise Financial
The following information applies to A Class shares purchases if you have an account with or otherwise purchase fund shares through Ameriprise Financial.
Shareholders purchasing fund shares through an Ameriprise Financial brokerage account are eligible for the following front-end sales charge waivers, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this fund’s prospectus or SAI:
•Employer-sponsored retirement plans (e.g., 401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit sharing and money purchase pension plans and defined benefit plans). For purposes of this provision, employer-sponsored retirement plans do not include SEP IRAs, Simple IRAs or SAR-SEPs.
•Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same fund (but not any other fund within the same fund family).
•Shares exchanged from C Class shares of the same fund in the month of or following the 7-year anniversary of the purchase date. To the extent that this prospectus elsewhere provides for a waiver with respect to exchanges of C Class shares or conversion of C Class shares following a shorter holding period, that waiver will apply.
•Employees and registered representatives of Ameriprise Financial or its affiliates and their immediate family members.
•Shares purchased by or through qualified accounts (including IRAs, Coverdell Education Savings Accounts, 401(k)s, 403(b) TSCAs subject to ERISA and defined benefit plans) that are held by a covered family member, defined as an Ameriprise financial advisor and/or the advisor’s spouse, advisor’s lineal ascendant (mother, father, grandmother, grandfather, great grandmother, great grandfather), advisor’s lineal descendant (son, step-son, daughter, step-daughter, grandson, granddaughter, great grandson, great granddaughter) or any spouse of a covered family member who is a lineal descendant.
•Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales load (i.e., Rights of Reinstatement).
Sales Charge Reductions and Waivers Available through Baird
Effective June 15, 2020, shareholders purchasing fund shares through a Baird platform or account will only be eligible for the following sales charge waivers (front-end sales charge waivers and CDSC waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this prospectus or the SAI.
Front-End Sales Charge Waivers on Investors A-shares Available at Baird
•Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing share of the same fund.
•Share purchase by employees and registered representatives of Baird or its affiliate and their family members as designated by Baird.
•Shares purchase from the proceeds of redemptions from another American Century Investments fund, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same accounts, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales charge (known as rights of reinstatement).
•A shareholder in the funds' Investor C Shares will have their share converted at net asset value to Investor A shares of the fund if the shares are no longer subject to CDSC and the conversion is in line with the policies and procedures of Baird.
•Employer-sponsored retirement plans or charitable accounts in a transactional brokerage account at Baird, including 401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit sharing and money purchase pension plans and defined benefit plans. For purposes of this provision, employer-sponsored retirement plans do not include SEP IRAs, Simple IRAs or SAR-SEPs.
CDSC Waivers on Investor A and C shares Available at Baird
•Shares sold due to death or disability of the shareholder.
•Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in the fund’s prospectus.
•Shares bought due to returns of excess contributions from an IRA Account.
•Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts due to the shareholder reaching the qualified age based on applicable IRS regulations as described in the prospectus.
•Shares sold to pay Baird fees but only if the transaction is initiated by Baird.
•Shares acquired through a right of reinstatement.
Front-End Sales Charge Discounts Available at Baird: Breakpoints and/or Rights of Accumulations
•Breakpoints as described in this prospectus.
•Rights of accumulations which entitles shareholders to breakpoint discounts will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of American Century Investments assets held by accounts within the purchaser’s household at Baird. Eligible American Century Investments assets not held at Baird may be included in the rights of accumulations calculation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets.
•Letters of Intent (LOI) allow for breakpoint discounts based on anticipated purchases of American Century Investments funds through Baird, over a 13-month period of time.
Policies regarding transactions through Edward D. Jones & Co., L.P. (Edward Jones)
The following information has been provided by Edward Jones:
Effective on or after April 1, 2021, the following information supersedes prior information with respect to transactions and positions held in fund shares through an Edward Jones system. Clients of Edward Jones (also referred to as "shareholders") purchasing fund shares on the Edward Jones commission and fee-based platforms are eligible only for the following sales charge discounts (also referred to as "breakpoints") and waivers, which can differ from discounts and waivers described elsewhere in the mutual fund prospectus or statement of additional information (SAI) or through another broker-dealer. In all instances, it is the shareholder's responsibility to inform Edward Jones at the time of purchase of any relationship, holdings of American Century, or other facts qualifying the purchaser for discounts or waivers. Edward Jones can ask for documentation of such circumstance. Shareholders should contact Edward Jones if they have questions regarding their eligibility for these discounts and waivers.
Breakpoints
•Breakpoint pricing, otherwise known as volume pricing, at dollar thresholds as described in the prospectus.
Rights of Accumulation (ROA)
•The applicable sales charge on a purchase of A Class shares is determined by taking into account all share classes (except certain money market funds and any assets held in group retirement plans) of American Century held by the shareholder or in an account grouped by Edward Jones with other accounts for the purpose of providing certain pricing considerations (pricing groups). If grouping assets as a shareholder, this includes all share classes held on the Edward Jones platform and/or held on another platform. The inclusion of eligible fund family assets in the ROA calculation is dependent on the shareholder notifying Edward Jones of such assets at the time of calculation. Money market funds are included only if such shares were sold with a sales charge at the time of purchase or acquired in exchange for shares purchased with a sales charge.
•The employer maintaining a SEP IRA plan and/or SIMPLE IRA plan may elect to establish or change ROA for the IRA accounts associated with the plan to a plan-level grouping as opposed to including all share classes at a shareholder or pricing group level.
•ROA is determined by calculating the higher of cost minus redemptions or market value (current shares x NAV).
Letter of Intent (LOI)
•Through a LOI, shareholders can receive the sales charge and breakpoint discounts for purchases shareholders intend to make over a 13- month period from the date Edward Jones receives the LOI. The LOI is determined by calculating the higher of cost or market value of qualifying holdings at LOI initiation in combination with the value that the shareholder intends to buy over a 13-month period to calculate the front-end sales charge and any breakpoint discounts. Each purchase the shareholder makes during that 13-month period will receive the sales charge and breakpoint discount that applies to the total amount. The inclusion of eligible fund family assets in the LOI calculation is dependent on the shareholder notifying Edward Jones of such
assets at the time of calculation. Purchases made before the LOI is received by Edward Jones are not adjusted under the LOI and will not reduce the sales charge previously paid. Sales charges will be adjusted if LOI is not met.
•If the employer maintaining a SEP IRA plan and/or SIMPLE IRA plan has elected to establish or change ROA for the IRA accounts associated with the plan to a plan-level grouping, LOIs will also be at the plan-level and may only be established by the employer.
Sales Charge Waivers
Sales charges are waived for the following shareholders and in the following situations:
•Associates of Edward Jones and its affiliates and their family members who are in the same pricing group (as determined by Edward Jones under its policies and procedures) as the associate. This waiver will continue for the remainder of the associate's life if the associate retires from Edward Jones in good-standing and remains in good standing pursuant to Edward Jones' policies and procedures.
•Shares purchased in an Edward Jones fee-based program.
•Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment.
•Shares purchased from the proceeds of redeemed shares of the same fund family so long as the following conditions are met: 1) the proceeds are from the sale of shares within 60 days of the purchase, and 2) the sale and purchase are made in the same share class and the same account or the purchase is made in an individual retirement account with proceeds from liquidations in a non-retirement account.
•Shares exchanged into Class A shares from another share class so long as the exchange is into the same fund and was initiated at the discretion of Edward Jones. Edward Jones is responsible for any remaining CDSC due to the fund company, if applicable. Any future purchases are subject to the applicable sales charge as disclosed in the prospectus.
•Exchanges from Class C shares to Class A shares of the same fund, generally, in the 84th month following the anniversary of the purchase date or earlier at the discretion of Edward Jones.
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge (CDSC) Waivers
If the shareholder purchases shares that are subject to a CDSC and those shares are redeemed before the CDSC is expired, the shareholder is responsible to pay the CDSC except in the following conditions:
•The death or disability of the shareholder.
•Systematic withdrawals with up to 10% per year of the account value.
•Return of excess contributions from an Individual Retirement Account (IRA).
•Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts if the redemption is taken in or after the year the shareholder reaches qualified age based on applicable IRS regulations.
•Shares sold to pay Edward Jones fees or costs in such cases where the transaction is initiated by Edward Jones.
•Shares exchanged in an Edward Jones fee-based program.
•Shares acquired through NAV reinstatement.
•Shares redeemed at the discretion of Edward Jones for Minimum Balances, as described below.
Other Important Information Regarding Transactions Through Edward Jones
Minimum Purchase Amounts
▪Initial purchase minimum: $250
▪Subsequent purchase minimum: none
Minimum Balances
▪Edward Jones has the right to redeem at its discretion fund holdings with a balance of $250 or less. The following are examples of accounts that are not included in this policy:
•A fee-based account held on an Edward Jones platform.
•A 529 account held on an Edward Jones platform.
•An account with an active systematic investment plan or LOI.
Exchanging Share Classes
▪At any time it deems necessary, Edward Jones has the authority to exchange at NAV a shareholder's holdings in a fund to Class A shares of the same fund.
Sales Charge Reductions and Waivers Available through Janney Montgomery Scott LLC (Janney)
Effective May 1, 2020, if you purchase fund shares through a Janney Montgomery Scott LLC (Janney) brokerage account, you will be eligible for the following load waivers (front-end sales charge waivers and contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC), or back-end sales charge, waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this fund’s Prospectus or SAI.
Front-end sales charge* waivers on A Class shares available at Janney
•Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same fund (but not any other fund within the fund family).
•Shares purchased by employees and registered representatives of Janney or its affiliates and their family members as designated by Janney.
•Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within ninety (90) days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales load (i.e., right of reinstatement).
•Employer-sponsored retirement plans (e.g., 401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit sharing and money purchase pension plans and defined benefit plans). For purposes of this provision, employer-sponsored retirement plans do not include SEP IRAs, Simple IRAs, SAR-SEPs or Keogh plans.
•Shares acquired through a right of reinstatement.
•C Class shares that are no longer subject to a contingent deferred sales charge and are converted to A Class shares of the same fund pursuant to Janney’s policies and procedures.
CDSC waivers on A and C Class shares available at Janney
•Shares sold upon the death or disability of the shareholder.
•Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in the fund’s prospectus.
•Shares purchased in connection with a return of excess contributions from an IRA account.
•Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and other retirement accounts if the redemption is taken in or after the year the shareholder reaches qualified age based on applicable IRS regulations.
•Shares sold to pay Janney fees but only if the transaction is initiated by Janney.
•Shares acquired through a right of reinstatement.
•Shares exchanged into the same share class of a different fund.
Front-end sales charge* discounts available at Janney: breakpoints, rights of accumulation, and/or letters of intent
•Breakpoints as described in the fund’s prospectus.
•Rights of accumulation (ROA), which entitle shareholders to breakpoint discounts, will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of fund family assets held by accounts within the purchaser’s household at Janney. Eligible fund family assets not held at Janney may be included in the ROA calculation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets.
•Letters of intent which allow for breakpoint discounts based on anticipated purchases within a fund family, over a 13-month time period. Eligible fund family assets not held at Janney Montgomery Scott may be included in the calculation of letters of intent only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets.
*Also referred to as an “initial sales charge.”
Sales Charge Reductions and Waivers Available through Merrill Lynch
Shareholders purchasing fund shares through a Merrill Lynch platform or account will be eligible only for the following load waivers (front-end sales charge waivers and contingent deferred, or back-end, sales charge waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this fund’s prospectus or SAI.
Front-end Sales Load Waivers on A Class Shares available at Merrill Lynch
•Employer-sponsored retirement, deferred compensation and employee benefit plans (including health savings accounts) and trusts used to fund those plans, provided that the shares are not held in a commission-based brokerage account and shares are held for the benefit of the plan.
•Shares purchased by a 529 Plan (does not include 529-specific share classes or equivalents).
•Shares purchased through a Merrill Lynch affiliated investment advisory program.
•Shares exchanged due to the holdings moving from a Merrill Lynch affiliated investment advisory program to a Merrill Lynch brokerage (non-advisory) account pursuant to Merrill Lynch’s policies relating to sales load discounts and waivers.
•Shares purchased by third party investment advisors on behalf of their advisory clients through Merrill Lynch’s platform.
•Shares of funds purchased through the Merrill Edge Self-Directed platform] (if applicable).
•Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same fund (but not any other fund within the fund family).
•Shares exchanged from C Class (i.e., level-load) shares of the same fund pursuant to Merrill Lynch’s policies relating to sales load discounts and waivers.
•Employees and registered representatives of Merrill Lynch or its affiliates and their family members.
•Directors or trustees of the fund, and employees of the fund’s investment advisor or any of its affiliates, as described in this prospectus.
•Eligible shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the American Century Investments family of mutual funds, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales load (known as Rights of Reinstatement) Automated transactions (i.e., systematic purchases and withdrawals) and purchases made after shares are automatically sold to pay Merrill Lynch’s account maintenance fees are not eligible for reinstatement.
CDSC Waivers on A and C Shares available at Merrill Lynch
•Death or disability of the shareholder.
•Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in the fund’s prospectus.
•Return of excess contributions from an IRA Account.
•Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code.
•Shares sold to pay Merrill Lynch fees but only if the transaction is initiated by Merrill Lynch.
•Shares acquired through a right of reinstatement.
•Shares held in retirement brokerage accounts, that are exchanged for a lower cost share class due to transfer to certain fee based accounts or platforms (applicable to A and C shares only).
•Shares received through an exchange due to the holdings moving from a Merrill Lynch affiliated investment advisory program to a Merrill Lynch brokerage (non-advisory) account pursuant to Merrill Lynch’s policies relating to sales load discounts and waivers.
Front-end load Discounts Available at Merrill Lynch: Breakpoints, Rights of Accumulation & Letters of Intent
•Breakpoints as described in this prospectus.
•Rights of Accumulation (ROA) which entitle shareholders to breakpoint discounts as described in the fund's prospectus will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of fund family assets held by accounts (including 529 program holdings, where applicable) within the purchaser’s household at Merrill Lynch. Eligible fund family assets not held at Merrill Lynch may be included in the ROA calculation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets.
•Letters of Intent (LOI) which allow for breakpoint discounts based on anticipated purchases within a fund family, through Merrill Lynch, over a 13-month period of time (if applicable).
Sales Charge Reductions and Waivers available through Morgan Stanley Wealth Management
Effective July 1, 2018, shareholders purchasing fund shares through a Morgan Stanley Wealth Management transactional brokerage account will be eligible only for the following front-end sales charge waivers with respect to A Class shares, which may differ from and may be more limited than those disclosed elsewhere in this fund’s prospectus or SAI.
•Employer-sponsored retirement plans (e.g., 401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit sharing and money purchase pension plans and defined benefit plans). For purposes of this provision, employer-sponsored retirement plans do not include SEP IRAs, Simple IRAs, SAR-SEPs or Keogh plans.
•Morgan Stanley employee and employee-related accounts according to Morgan Stanley’s account linking rules.
•Shares purchased through reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions when purchasing shares of the same fund.
•Shares purchased through a Morgan Stanley self-directed brokerage account.
•C Class (i.e., level-load) shares that are no longer subject to a contingent deferred sales charge and are converted to A Class shares of the same fund pursuant to Morgan Stanley Wealth Management’s share class conversion program.
•Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the American Century Investments family of mutual funds, provided (i) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (ii) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (iii) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales charge.
Sales Charge Reductions and Waivers Available through Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. (OPCO)
Effective February 26, 2020, shareholders purchasing fund shares through an OPCO platform or account are eligible only for the following load waivers (front-end sales charge waivers and contingent deferred, or back-end, sales charge waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this fund's prospectus or SAI.
Front-end Sales Load Waivers on Class A Shares available at OPCO
•Employer-sponsored retirement, deferred compensation and employee benefit plans (including health savings accounts) and trusts used to fund those plans, provided that the shares are not held in a commission-based brokerage account and shares are held for the benefit of the plan.
•Shares purchased by or through a 529 Plan.
•Shares purchased through an OPCO affiliated investment advisory program.
•Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same fund (but not any other fund within the fund family).
•Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales load (known as Rights of Restatement).
•A shareholder in the fund's C Class shares will have their shares converted at net asset value to A Class shares (or the appropriate share class) of the fund if the shares are no longer subject to a CDSC and the conversion is in line with the policies and procedures of OPCO.
•Employees and registered representatives of OPCO or its affiliates and their family members.
•Directors or Trustees of the fund, and employees of the fund's investment adviser or any of its affiliates, as described in this prospectus.
CDSC Waivers on A and C Shares available at OPCO
•Death or disability of the shareholder.
•Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in the fund's prospectus.
•Return of excess contributions from an IRA.
•Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts due to the shareholder reaching the qualified age based on applicable IRS regulations as described in the prospectus.
•Shares sold to pay OPCO fees but only if the transaction is initiated by OPCO.
•Shares acquired through a right of reinstatement.
Front-end load Discounts Available at OPCO: Breakpoints, Rights of Accumulation & Letters of Intent
•Breakpoints as described in this prospectus.
•Rights of Accumulation (ROA) which entitle shareholders to breakpoint discounts will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of fund family assets held by accounts within the purchaser's household at OPCO. Eligible fund family assets not held at OPCO may be included in the ROA calculation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets.
Raymond James & Associates, Inc., Raymond James Financial Services & each entity’s affiliates (Raymond James)
Effective March 1, 2019, shareholders purchasing fund shares through a Raymond James platform or account, or through an introducing broker-dealer or independent registered investment adviser for which Raymond James provides trade execution, clearance, and/or custody services, will be eligible only for the following load waivers (front-end sales charge waivers and contingent deferred, or back-end, sales charge waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this fund’s prospectus or SAI.
Front-end sales load waivers on Class A shares available at Raymond James
•Shares purchased in an investment advisory program.
•Shares purchased within the same fund family through a systematic reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same fund (but not any other fund within the American Century Investments fund family).
•Employees and registered representatives of Raymond James or its affiliates and their family members as designated by Raymond James.
•Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the American Century Investments fund family, provided (1) the
repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales load (known as Rights of Reinstatement).
•A shareholder in the fund’s C Class shares will have their shares converted at net asset value to A Class shares (or the appropriate share class) of the fund if the shares are no longer subject to a CDSC and the conversion is in line with the policies and procedures of Raymond James.
CDSC waivers on A and C Class shares available at Raymond James
•Death or disability of the shareholder.
•Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in the fund’s prospectus.
•Return of excess contributions from an IRA Account.
•Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts due to the shareholder reaching the qualified age based on applicable IRS regulations as described in the fund’s prospectus.
•Shares sold to pay Raymond James fees but only if the transaction is initiated by Raymond James.
•Shares acquired through a right of reinstatement.
Front-end load discounts available at Raymond James: breakpoints, rights of accumulation, and/or letters of intent
•Breakpoints as described in this prospectus.
•Rights of accumulation which entitle shareholders to breakpoint discounts will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of American Century Investments fund family assets held by accounts within the purchaser’s household at Raymond James. Eligible American Century Investments fund family assets not held at Raymond James may be included in the calculation of rights of accumulation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets.
•Letters of intent which allow for breakpoint discounts based on anticipated purchases within a fund family, over a 13-month time period. Eligible fund family assets not held at Raymond James may be included in the calculation of letters of intent only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets.
Sales Charge Reductions and Waivers Available through Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated (Stifel)
Effective July 1, 2020, shareholders purchasing fund shares through a Stifel platform or account or who own shares for which Stifel or an affiliate is the broker-dealer of record are eligible for the following additional sales charge waiver.
Front-end Sales Load Waiver on Class A Shares
•Class C shares that have been held for more than seven (7) years will be converted to Class A shares of the same Fund pursuant to Stifel’s policies and procedures
All other sales charge waivers and reductions described elsewhere in the fund’s prospectus or SAI still apply.
Notes
Notes
Where to Find More Information
Annual and Semiannual Reports
Additional information about the fund’s investments is available in the fund’s annual and semiannual reports to shareholders. In the fund’s annual report, you will find a discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected the fund’s performance during its last fiscal year. This prospectus incorporates by reference the Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm and the financial statements included in the fund’s annual report to shareholders, dated August 31, 2021. Statement of Additional Information (SAI)
The SAI contains a more detailed legal description of the fund’s operations, investment restrictions, policies and practices. The SAI is incorporated by reference into this prospectus. This means that it is legally part of this prospectus, even if you don’t request a copy. You may obtain a free copy of the SAI, annual reports and semiannual reports, and you may ask questions about the fund or your accounts, online at americancentury.com, by contacting American Century Investments at the addresses or telephone numbers listed below or by contacting your financial intermediary.
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
Reports and other information about the fund are available on the EDGAR database on the SEC’s website at sec.gov, and copies of this information may be obtained, after paying a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following email address: publicinfo@sec.gov.
This prospectus shall not constitute an offer to sell securities of the fund in any state, territory, or other jurisdiction where the fund’s shares have not been registered or qualified for sale, unless such registration or qualification is not required, or under any circumstances in which such offer or solicitation would be unlawful.
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American Century Investments americancentury.com
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Retail Investors P.O. Box 419200 Kansas City, Missouri 64141-6200 1-800-345-2021 or 816-531-5575 | Financial Professionals P.O. Box 419385 Kansas City, Missouri 64141-6385 1-800-345-6488 |
Investment Company Act File No. 811-03706
CL-PRS-91749 2201
January 1, 2022
American Century Investments
Prospectus
California Intermediate-Term Tax-Free Bond Fund
Investor Class (BCITX)
I Class (BCTIX)
Y Class (ACYTX)
A Class (BCIAX)
C Class (BCIYX)
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The Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved these securities or passed upon the adequacy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense. | |
Table of Contents
| | | | | |
Fund Summary | 2 | |
Investment Objective | 2 | |
Fees and Expenses | 2 | |
Principal Investment Strategies | 3 | |
Principal Risks | 3 | |
Fund Performance | 4 | |
Portfolio Management | 5 | |
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares | 5 | |
Tax Information | 5 | |
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries | 5 | |
Objectives, Strategies and Risks | 6 | |
Management | 9 | |
Investing Directly with American Century Investments | 11 | |
Investing Through a Financial Intermediary | 13 | |
Additional Policies Affecting Your Investment | 18 | |
Share Price and Distributions | 22 | |
Taxes | 23 | |
Multiple Class Information | 25 | |
Financial Highlights | 26 | |
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Appendix A | A-1 |
©2022 American Century Proprietary Holdings, Inc. All rights reserved.
Fund Summary
Investment Objective
The fund seeks safety of principal and high current income that is exempt from federal and California income taxes.
Fees and Expenses
The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy, hold and sell shares of the fund. You may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the tables and examples below. You may qualify for A Class sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $100,000 in American Century Investments funds. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial professional and in Calculation of Sales Charges on page 13 of the fund’s prospectus, Appendix A of the fund’s prospectus and Sales Charges in Appendix B of the statement of additional information.
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Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) |
| Investor | I | Y | A | C |
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price) | None | None | None | 4.50% | None |
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as a percentage of the lower of the original offering price or redemption proceeds when redeemed within one year of purchase) | None | None | None | None¹ | 1.00% |
Maximum Annual Account Maintenance Fee (waived if eligible investments total at least $10,000) | $25 | None | None | None | None |
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Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) |
| Investor | I | Y | A | C |
Management Fee | 0.46% | 0.26% | 0.23% | 0.46% | 0.46% |
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees | None | None | None | 0.25% | 1.00% |
Other Expenses | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses | 0.46% | 0.26% | 0.23% | 0.71% | 1.46% |
1 Purchases of $1 million or more may be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% if the shares are redeemed within one year of the date of the purchase.
Example
The example below is intended to help you compare the costs of investing in the fund with the costs of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods, that you earn a 5% return each year, and that the fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
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| 1 year | 3 years | 5 years | 10 years |
Investor Class | $47 | $148 | $258 | $580 |
I Class | $27 | $84 | $147 | $331 |
Y Class | $24 | $74 | $130 | $293 |
A Class | $519 | $667 | $828 | $1,293 |
C Class | $149 | $462 | $798 | $1,542 |
Portfolio Turnover
The fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 30% of the average value of its portfolio.
Principal Investment Strategies
The portfolio managers primarily buy investment-grade debt securities and, under normal market conditions, will invest at least 80% of the fund’s net assets in debt securities that have interest payments exempt from federal and California income taxes. Cities, counties and other municipalities in California and U.S. territories, such as Puerto Rico, issue these securities.
The fund’s weighted average maturity will be not less than three years nor more than ten years. However, there is no maturity limit on individual securities.
Although the fund invests primarily in investment-grade securities, up to 20% of the value of the fund’s net assets may be invested in below investment-grade securities, also known as junk bonds. The fund also may invest in securities which, while not rated, are determined by the portfolio managers to be of comparable credit quality to those rated below investment-grade.
When determining whether to sell a security, portfolio managers consider, among other things, current and anticipated changes in interest rates, the credit quality of a particular issuer, comparable alternatives, general market conditions and any other factor deemed relevant by the portfolio managers.
Principal Risks
•Credit Risk – Debt securities, even investment-grade debt securities, are subject to credit risk. Credit risk is the risk that the inability or perceived inability of the issuer to make interest and principal payments will cause the value of the securities to decrease. As a result, the fund’s share price could also decrease. Changes in the credit rating of a debt security held by the fund could have a similar effect.
•Below Investment-Grade Securities Risk – Issuers of lower rated, high-yield securities are more vulnerable to real or perceived economic changes (such as an economic downturn or a prolonged period of rising interest rates), political changes or adverse developments specific to an issuer. These factors may be more likely to cause an issuer of low quality bonds to default on its obligations.
•Interest Rate Risk – Investments in debt securities are sensitive to interest rate changes. Generally, the value of debt securities and the funds that hold them decline as interest rates rise. The fund’s interest rate risk is moderate under normal market conditions, but it may fluctuate as the portfolio managers reposition the fund in response to changing market conditions. A period of rising interest rates may negatively affect the fund’s performance.
•California Economic Risk – The fund will be sensitive to events that affect California’s economy. Significant political or economic developments in California will likely impact virtually all municipal securities issued in the state. Because the fund invests principally in California municipal securities, it may have a higher level of risk than funds that invest in a larger universe of securities.
•Municipal Securities Risk – The fund invests principally in municipal securities, so it will be sensitive to events that affect municipal markets, including legislative or political changes and the financial condition of the issuers of municipal securities. By investing primarily in municipal securities, the fund may have a higher level of risk than funds that invest in a larger universe of securities. Additionally, the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has significantly stressed the financial resources of many municipal issuers, which may impair a municipal issuer’s ability to meet its financial obligations when due and could adversely impact the value of its bonds, which could negatively impact the performance of the fund.
•Loss of Tax Exemptions Risk – There is no guarantee that all of the fund’s income will be exempt from federal or state income taxes. Income from municipal bonds held by the fund could be declared taxable because of unfavorable changes in tax laws, adverse interpretations by the Internal Revenue Service or state tax authorities, or non-compliant conduct of a bond issuer. The fund may sell securities that lose their tax-exempt statuses at inopportune times, which may cause tax consequences or a decrease in the fund’s value.
•Liquidity Risk – The fund may also be subject to liquidity risk. During periods of market turbulence or unusually low trading activity, to meet redemptions, it may be necessary for the fund to sell securities at prices that could have an adverse effect on the fund’s share price. Changing regulatory and market conditions, including increases in interest rates and credit spreads may adversely affect the liquidity of the fund’s investments.
•Market Risk – The value of securities owned by the fund may go up and down, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably. Market risks, including political, regulatory, economic and social developments, can affect the value of the fund’s investments. Natural disasters, public health emergencies, terrorism and other unforeseeable events may lead to increased market volatility and may have adverse long-term effects on world economies and markets generally.
•Public Health Emergency Risk – A pandemic, caused by the infectious respiratory illness COVID-19, is causing market disruption and other economic impacts. Markets have experienced volatility, reduced liquidity, and increased trading costs. These events may continue to impact the fund and its underlying investments.
•Principal Loss Risk – At any given time your shares may be worth less than the price you paid for them. In other words, it is possible to lose money by investing in the fund.
An investment in the fund is not a bank deposit, and it is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or any other government agency.
Fund Performance
The following bar chart and table provide some indication of the risks of investing in the fund. The bar chart shows changes in the fund’s performance from year to year for Investor Class shares. The table shows how the fund’s average annual returns for the periods shown compared with those of a broad measure of market performance. The fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the fund will perform in the future. For current performance information, including yields, please visit americancentury.com.
Sales charges and account fees, if applicable, are not reflected in the bar chart. If those charges were included, returns would be less than those shown.
Calendar Year Total Returns
Highest Performance Quarter (2Q 2011): 3.57% Lowest Performance Quarter (4Q 2016): -3.54%
As of September 30, 2021, the most recent calendar quarter end, the fund’s Investor Class year-to-date return was 0.80%.
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Average Annual Total Returns For the calendar year ended December 31, 2020 | 1 year | 5 years | 10 years | Since Inception | Inception Date |
Investor Class Return Before Taxes | 3.68% | 2.99% | 3.83% | — | 11/09/1983 |
Return After Taxes on Distributions | 3.68% | 2.98% | 3.82% | — | 11/09/1983 |
Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares | 3.09% | 2.86% | 3.59% | — | 11/09/1983 |
I Class Return Before Taxes | 3.97% | 3.22% | 4.03% | — | 03/01/2010 |
Y Class Return Before Taxes | 4.00% | — | — | 3.90% | 04/10/2017 |
A Class Return Before Taxes | -1.15% | 1.82% | 3.11% | — | 03/01/2010 |
C Class1 Return Before Taxes | 2.65% | 1.97% | 2.96% | — | 03/01/2010 |
S&P Intermediate Term California AMT-Free Municipal Bond Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses and taxes) | 4.33% | 3.06% | 4.03% | — | — |
1 C Class shares automatically convert to A Class shares after approximately eight years.All returns for periods greater than eight years reflect this conversion.
After-tax returns are shown only for Investor Class shares. After-tax returns for other share classes will vary. After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold their fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or IRAs.
Portfolio Management
Investment Advisor
American Century Investment Management, Inc.
Portfolio Managers
Steven M. Permut, Senior Vice President and Senior Portfolio Manager, has served on teams managing fixed-income investments for American Century Investments since joining the advisor in 1987.
Joseph Gotelli, Vice President and Senior Portfolio Manager, has served on teams managing fixed-income investments for American Century Investments since joining the advisor in 2008.
Alan Kruss, Vice President and Portfolio Manager, has served on teams managing fixed-income investments for American Century Investments since joining the advisor in 1997.
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares
You may purchase or redeem shares of the fund on any business day through our website at americancentury.com, in person (at one of our Investor Centers), by mail (American Century Investments, P.O. Box 419200, Kansas City, MO 64141-6200), by telephone at 1-800-345-2021 (Investor Services Representative) or 1-800-345-3533 (Business, Not-For-Profit and Employer Sponsored Retirement Plans), or through a financial intermediary. Shares may be purchased and redemption proceeds received by electronic bank transfer, by check or by wire.
Unless otherwise specified below, the minimum initial investment amount to open an account is $2,500 ($1,000 for Coverdell Education Savings Accounts and IRAs). However, American Century Investments will waive the fund minimum if you make an initial investment of at least $500 and continue to make automatic investments of at least $100 a month until reaching the fund minimum. Investors opening accounts through financial intermediaries may open an account with $250 for Investor, A and C Classes, but the financial intermediaries may require their clients to meet different investment minimums. The minimum may be waived for broker-dealer sponsored wrap program accounts, fee based accounts, and accounts through bank/trust and wealth management advisory organizations.
The minimum initial investment amount for the I Class is generally $5 million ($3 million for endowments and foundations), but the minimum may be waived if you have an aggregate investment in the American Century family of funds of $10 million or more ($5 million for endowments and foundations). This includes accounts held directly with American Century and those held through a financial intermediary.
There is no minimum initial investment amount for Y Class shares.
For the Investor, A and C Classes, there is no minimum initial investment amount for certain employer-sponsored retirement plans, however, financial intermediaries or plan recordkeepers may require plans to meet different minimums. Employer-sponsored retirement plans are not eligible to invest in the I or Y Class.
There is a $50 minimum for subsequent purchases, except that there is no subsequent purchase minimum for financial intermediaries or employer-sponsored retirement plans.
Tax Information
The fund intends to distribute income that is exempt from regular federal and California income taxes, however, fund distributions may be subject to capital gains tax. A portion of the fund’s distributions may be subject to federal and/or California income taxes or to the federal alternative minimum tax.
If you hold your fund shares through a tax-deferred investment plan, such as a 401(k) plan or an IRA, any distributions received from the fund may be taxable as ordinary income upon withdrawal from the tax-deferred plan, regardless of whether the distributions were tax-exempt when earned.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
If you purchase the fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank, insurance company, plan sponsor or financial professional), the fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of fund shares and related services for investments in all classes except the Y Class. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
Objectives, Strategies and Risks
What is the fund’s investment objective?
The fund seeks safety of principal and high current income that is exempt from federal and California income taxes.
What are the fund’s principal investment strategies?
The portfolio managers primarily buy investment-grade debt securities, and, under normal market conditions, will invest at least 80% of the fund’s net assets in debt securities with interest payments exempt from federal and California income taxes. The fund may change this 80% policy only upon 60 days’ prior written notice to shareholders. Cities, counties and other municipalities in California and U.S. territories usually issue these securities for public projects, such as schools and roads.
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Debt securities include fixed-income investments such as notes, bonds, commercial paper and U.S. Treasury securities. An investment-grade debt security is one that has been rated by an independent rating agency in the top four credit quality categories or determined by the advisor to be of comparable credit quality. The details of the fund’s credit quality standards are described in the statement of additional information. Municipalities include states, cities, counties, incorporated townships, the District of Columbia and U.S. territories and possessions. They can issue private activity bonds and public purpose bonds. |
The fund’s weighted average maturity will be not less than three years nor more than ten years. However, there is no maturity limit on individual securities. The portfolio managers actively manage the fund’s portfolio, seeking to manage the interest rate risk and credit risk assumed by the fund.
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Weighted average maturity (WAM) is a method for comparing portfolios of bonds by calculating the average time until full maturity weighted by the market value of the principal amount to be paid. A fund that contains a large proportion of bonds with significant periods of time remaining on their maturity terms will have a longer WAM, while the WAM will be shorter for a fund that contains more bonds close to maturity. |
Although the fund invests primarily in investment-grade securities, up to 20% of the value of the fund’s net assets may be invested in below investment-grade securities, also known as junk bonds. The fund may also invest in securities which, while not rated, are determined by the portfolio managers to be of comparable credit quality to those rated below investment-grade.
Although not historically part of the core strategy of the fund and unlikely to occur in the future, the portfolio managers are permitted to invest up to 20% of the fund’s assets in debt securities with interest payments that are subject to federal income tax, California income tax and/or the federal alternative minimum tax.
The fund may purchase securities in a number of different ways, such as by using when-issued transactions. The fund may also purchase securities in advance, through forward commitment transactions, to generate additional income.
In addition to the principal investment strategies described above, the fund also may invest in derivative instruments such as options, futures contracts, options on futures contracts, and swap agreements (including, but not limited to, credit default swap agreements), provided that such investments are in keeping with the fund’s investment objective.
In the event of exceptional market or economic conditions, the fund may take temporary defensive positions that are inconsistent with the fund’s principal investment strategies. To the extent the fund assumes a defensive position, it may not achieve its investment objective.
When determining whether to buy or sell a security, portfolio managers consider, among other things, current and anticipated changes in interest rates, the credit quality of a particular issuer, comparable alternatives, general market conditions and any other factor deemed relevant by the portfolio managers.
A description of the policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of the fund’s portfolio securities is available in the statement of additional information.
What are the principal risks of investing in the fund?
Debt securities, even investment-grade debt securities, are subject to credit risk. Credit risk is the risk that the inability or perceived inability of the issuer to make interest and principal payments will cause the value of the securities to decrease. As a result, the fund’s share price could also decrease. A high credit rating indicates a high degree of confidence by the rating organization that the issuer will be able to withstand adverse business, financial or economic conditions and make interest and principal payments on time. A lower credit rating indicates a greater risk of nonpayment. Changes in the credit rating of a debt security held by the fund could have a similar effect. The fund’s credit quality restrictions apply at the time of purchase; the fund will not necessarily sell securities if they are downgraded by a rating agency.
The fund may invest all of its assets in securities rated in the lowest investment-grade category (for example, Baa or BBB). The issuers of these securities are more likely to pose a credit risk, that is, to have problems making interest and principal payments, than issuers of higher-rated securities. The fund may also invest part of its assets in securities rated below investment-grade or that are unrated, including bonds that are in technical or monetary default. By definition, the issuers of many of these securities may have problems making interest and principal payments. Below investment-grade municipal bonds are vulnerable to real or perceived changes in the business climate and can be less liquid and more volatile.
When interest rates change, the fund’s share value will be affected. Generally, when interest rates rise, the fund’s share value will decline. The opposite is true when interest rates decline. The degree to which interest rate changes affect fund performance varies and is related to the weighted average maturity of the particular fund. For example, when interest rates rise, you can expect the share value of a long-term bond fund to fall more than that of a short-term bond fund. When rates fall, the opposite is true. Therefore, a period of rising interest rates may negatively affect the fund’s performance. The fund’s interest rate risk is moderate under normal market conditions, but it may fluctuate as the portfolio managers reposition the fund in response to changing market conditions.
Because the fund invests principally in California municipal securities, it will be sensitive to events that affect California’s economy. Significant political or economic developments in California will likely impact virtually all municipal securities issued in the state. The fund may have a higher level of risk than funds that invest in a larger universe of securities. For more information about the risks affecting California securities, see the statement of additional information. Additionally, the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has significantly stressed the financial resources of many municipal issuers, which may impair a municipal issuer’s ability to meet its financial obligations when due and could adversely impact the value of its bonds, which could negatively impact the performance of the fund.
Because the fund invests principally in municipal securities, it will be sensitive to events that affect municipal markets, including legislative or political changes and the financial condition of the issuers of municipal securities. By investing primarily in municipal securities, the fund may have a higher level of risk than funds that invest in a larger universe of securities.
The portfolio managers monitor the fund’s weighted average maturity and seek to adjust it as appropriate, taking into account market conditions and other relevant factors. Thus, under normal market conditions, its potential income and potential loss are moderate as compared to other funds, but may fluctuate as the portfolio managers reposition the fund in response to changing market conditions.
There is no guarantee that all of the fund’s income will be exempt from federal or state income taxes. The portfolio managers are permitted to invest up to 20% of the fund’s assets in debt securities with interest payments that are subject to federal income tax, California income tax and/or the federal alternative minimum tax. In addition, income from municipal bonds held by the fund could be declared taxable because of unfavorable changes in tax laws, adverse interpretations by the Internal Revenue Service or state tax authorities, or non-compliant conduct of a bond issuer.
The fund may also be subject to liquidity risk. The chance that a fund will have difficulty selling its debt securities is called liquidity risk. During periods of market turbulence or unusually low trading activity, to meet redemptions it may be necessary for the fund to sell securities at prices that could have an adverse effect on the fund’s share price. Changing regulatory and market conditions, including increases in interest rates and credit spreads may adversely affect the liquidity of the fund’s investments.
The value of securities owned by the fund may go up and down, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably, due to factors affecting securities markets generally, particular industries, real or perceived adverse economic conditions or investor sentiment generally.
A pandemic, caused by the infectious respiratory illness COVID-19, is causing travel restrictions, disruption of healthcare systems, prolonged quarantines, cancellations, supply chain interruptions, lower consumer demand, layoffs, credit downgrades, and defaults among other economic impacts. Certain markets have experienced temporary closures, extreme volatility, losses, reduced liquidity and increased trading costs. These events may continue to impact the fund and its underlying investments.
Market risks, including political, regulatory, economic and social developments, can affect the value of the fund’s investments. Natural disasters, public health emergencies, terrorism and other unforeseeable events may lead to increased market volatility and may have adverse long-term effects on world economies and markets generally.
The fund may need to sell securities at times it would not otherwise do so in order to meet shareholder redemption requests. The fund could experience a loss when selling securities, particularly if the redemption requests are unusually large or frequent, occur in times of overall market turmoil or declining prices for the securities sold or when the securities the fund wishes to sell are illiquid. Selling securities to meet such redemption requests also may increase transaction costs or have tax consequences. To the extent that a large shareholder (including a fund of funds or 529 college savings plan) invests in the fund, the fund may experience relatively large redemptions as such shareholder reallocates its assets. Although the advisor seeks to minimize the impact of such transactions where possible, the fund’s performance may be adversely affected.
Although the fund’s use of derivative instruments is limited, be aware that the use of derivative instruments involves risks different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in securities and other traditional instruments. Derivatives are subject to a number of risks including, liquidity, interest rate, market, and credit risk. They also involve the risk of mispricing or improper valuation, the risk that changes in the value of the derivative may not correlate perfectly with the underlying asset, rate or index, and the risk of default or bankruptcy of the other party to the swap agreement. Gains or losses involving some futures, options, and other derivatives may be substantial, in part because a relatively small price movement in these securities may result in an immediate and substantial gain or loss for a fund. Further, the use of derivative instruments may give rise to taxable income.
At any given time your shares may be worth less than the price you paid for them. In other words, it is possible to lose money by investing in the fund.
Management
Who manages the fund?
The Board of Trustees, investment advisor and fund management teams play key roles in the management of the fund.
The Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees is responsible for overseeing the advisor’s management and operations of the fund pursuant to the management agreement. In performing their duties, Board members receive detailed information about the fund and its advisor regularly throughout the year, and meet at least quarterly with management of the advisor to review reports about fund operations. The trustees’ role is to provide oversight and not to provide day-to-day management. More than three-fourths of the trustees are independent of the fund’s advisor. They are not employees, directors or officers of, and have no financial interest in, the advisor or any of its affiliated companies (other than as shareholders of American Century Investments funds), and they do not have any other affiliations, positions, or relationships that would cause them to be considered “interested persons” under the Investment Company Act of 1940.
The Investment Advisor
The fund’s investment advisor is American Century Investment Management, Inc. (the advisor). The advisor has been managing mutual funds since 1958 and is headquartered at 4500 Main Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64111.
The advisor is responsible for managing the investment portfolio of the fund and directing the purchase and sale of the investment securities. The advisor also arranges for transfer agency, custody and all other services necessary for the fund to operate.
For the services it provides to the fund, the advisor receives a unified management fee based on a percentage of the daily net assets of each class of shares of the fund. The management fee is calculated daily and paid monthly in arrears. Out of the fund’s fee, the advisor pays all expenses of managing and operating the fund except brokerage expenses, taxes, interest, fees and expenses of the independent trustees (including legal counsel fees), extraordinary expenses, and expenses incurred in connection with the provision of shareholder services and distribution services under a plan adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The difference in unified management fees among the classes is a result of their separate arrangements for non-Rule 12b-1 shareholder services. It is not the result of any difference in advisory or custodial fees or other expenses related to the management of the fund’s assets, which do not vary by class. For all classes other than the Y Class, the advisor may pay unaffiliated third parties who provide recordkeeping and administrative services that would otherwise be performed by an affiliate of the advisor.
The percentage rate used to calculate the management fee for each class of shares of a fund is determined daily using a two-component formula that takes into account (i) the daily net assets of certain accounts managed by the advisor that are in the same broad investment category as the fund (the “Category Fee”) and (ii) the assets of all funds in the American Century Investments family of funds that have the same investment advisor and distributor as the fund (the “Complex Fee”). For purposes of determining the Category Fee and Complex Fee, the assets of funds managed by the advisor that invest exclusively in the shares of other funds (funds of funds) are not included. The statement of additional information contains detailed information about the calculation of the management fee.
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Management Fees Paid by the Fund to the Advisor as a Percentage of Average Net Assets for the Fiscal Year Ended August 31, 2021 | Investor Class | I Class | Y Class | A Class | C Class |
California Intermediate-Term Tax-Free Bond | 0.46% | 0.26% | 0.23% | 0.46% | 0.46% |
A discussion regarding the basis for the Board of Trustees’ approval of the fund’s investment advisory agreement with the advisor is available in the fund’s annual report to shareholders dated August 31, 2021.
The Fund Management Team
The advisor uses teams of portfolio managers and analysts, organized by broad investment categories such as money markets, corporate bonds, government bonds and municipal bonds, in its management of fixed-income funds. Designated portfolio managers serve on the firm’s Global Fixed Income Investment Committee, which is responsible for periodically adjusting each fund’s dynamic investment parameters based on economic and market conditions. The fund’s other portfolio managers are responsible for security selection and portfolio construction for the fund within these parameters, as well as compliance with stated investment objectives and cash flow monitoring. Other members of the investment team provide research and analytical support but generally do not make day-to-day investment decisions for the fund.
The individuals listed below are jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the fund.
Steven M. Permut (Global Fixed Income Investment Committee Representative)
Mr. Permut, Senior Vice President and Senior Portfolio Manager, has served on teams managing fixed-income investments since joining the advisor in 1987. He has a bachelor’s degree in business and geography from State University of New York – Oneonta and an MBA in finance from Golden Gate University – San Francisco.
Joseph Gotelli
Mr. Gotelli, Vice President and Senior Portfolio Manager, has served on teams managing fixed-income investments since joining the advisor in 2008. He has a bachelor’s degree in business economics from the University of California, Santa Barbara and an MBA from Santa Clara University.
Alan Kruss
Mr. Kruss, Vice President and Portfolio Manager, has served on teams managing fixed-income investments since joining the advisor in 1997. He has a bachelor’s degree in finance from San Francisco State University.
The statement of additional information provides additional information about the accounts managed by the portfolio managers, the structure of their compensation, and their ownership of fund securities.
Fundamental Investment Policies
Shareholders must approve any change to the fundamental investment policies contained in the statement of additional information, as well as any change to the investment objective of the fund. The Board of Trustees and/or the advisor may change any other policies or investment strategies described in this prospectus or otherwise used in the operation of the fund at any time, subject to applicable notice provisions.
Investing Directly with American Century Investments
Services Automatically Available to You
Most accounts automatically have access to the services listed under Ways to Manage Your Account when the account is opened. If you have questions about the services that apply to your account type, please call us.
Generally, once your account is established, any registered owner (including those on jointly owned accounts) or any trustee (including those on trust accounts with multiple trustees), or any authorized signer on business accounts with multiple authorized signers, may transact business by any of the methods described below. American Century reserves the right to require all owners or trustees or authorized signers to act together, at our discretion.
Account Maintenance Fee
If you hold Investor Class shares of any American Century Investments fund, or I Class shares of the American Century Diversified Bond Fund, in an American Century Investments account (i.e., not through a financial intermediary or employer-sponsored retirement plan account), we may charge you a $25 annual account maintenance fee if the value of those shares is less than $10,000. We will determine the amount of your total eligible investments once per year, generally the last Friday in October. If the value of those investments is less than $10,000 at that time, we will automatically redeem shares in one of your accounts to pay the $25 fee as soon as administratively possible. Please note that you may incur tax liability as a result of the redemption. In determining your total eligible investment amount, we will include your investments in all personal accounts (including American Century Investments brokerage accounts) registered under your Social Security number. We will not charge the fee as long as you choose to manage your accounts exclusively online. You may enroll for exclusive online account management by visiting americancentury.com. Regardless of whether you manage your account online, you may request a paper copy of the prospectus, statement of additional information, or annual report free of charge.
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Personal accounts include individual accounts, joint accounts, UGMA/UTMA accounts, personal trusts, Coverdell Education Savings Accounts, IRAs (including traditional, Roth, Rollover, SEP-, SARSEP- and SIMPLE-IRAs), and certain other retirement accounts. If you have only business, business retirement, employer-sponsored or American Century Investments brokerage accounts, you are currently not subject to this fee, but you may be subject to other fees. |
Wire Purchases
Current Investors: If you would like to make a wire purchase into an existing account, your bank will need the following information (To invest in a new fund, please call us first to set up the new account.):
•American Century Investments bank information: Commerce Bank N.A., Routing No. 101000019, Account No. 2804918;
•Your American Century Investments account number and fund name;
•Your name;
•Contribution year (for IRAs only); and
•Dollar amount.
New Investors: To make a wire purchase into a new account, please complete an application or call us prior to wiring money.
Ways to Manage Your Account
ONLINE
americancentury.com
Open an account: If you are a current or new investor, you can open an account by completing and submitting our online application. Current investors also can open an account by exchanging shares from another American Century Investments account with an identical registration.
Exchange shares: Exchange shares from another American Century Investments account with an identical registration.
Make additional investments: Make an additional investment into an established American Century Investments account. If we do not have your bank information, you can add it.
Sell shares*: Redeem shares and choose whether the proceeds are electronically transferred to your authorized bank account or sent by check to your address of record.
* Online redemptions up to $25,000 per day per account.
IN PERSON
If you prefer to handle your transactions in person, visit one of our Investor Centers and a representative can help you open an account, make additional investments, and sell or exchange shares.
•4500 Main Street, Kansas City, MO — 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday – Friday
•4917 Town Center Drive, Leawood, KS — 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday – Friday
BY TELEPHONE
Investor Services Representative: 1-800-345-2021
Business and Not-For-Profit: 1-800-345-3533
Automated Information Line: 1-800-345-8765
Open an account: If you are a current investor, you can open an account by exchanging shares from another American Century Investments account with an identical registration.
Exchange shares: Call or use our Automated Information Line (available only to Investor Class shareholders).
Make additional investments: Call or use our Automated Information Line if you have authorized us to invest from your bank account. The Automated Information Line is available only to Investor Class shareholders.
Sell shares: Call or use our Automated Information Line. The Automated Information Line redemptions are up to $25,000 per day per account and are available for Investor Class shareholders only.
BY MAIL OR FAX
Mail Address: P.O. Box 419200, Kansas City, MO 64141-6200 — Fax: 1-888-327-1998
Open an account: Send a signed, completed application and check or money order payable to American Century Investments.
Exchange shares: Send written instructions to exchange your shares from one American Century Investments account to another with an identical registration.
Make additional investments: Send your check or money order for at least $50 with an investment slip. If you don’t have an investment slip, include your name, address and account number on your check or money order.
Sell shares: Send written instructions or a redemption form to sell shares. Call a Service Representative to request a form.
AUTOMATICALLY
Open an account: Not available.
Exchange shares: Send written instructions to set up an automatic exchange of your shares from one American Century Investments account to another with an identical registration.
Make additional investments: With the automatic investment service, you can purchase shares on a regular basis. You must invest at least $50 per month per account.
Sell shares: You may sell shares automatically by establishing a systematic redemption plan.
See Additional Policies Affecting Your Investment for more information about investing with us.
Investing Through a Financial Intermediary
The fund may be purchased through financial intermediaries that provide various administrative and distribution services.
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Financial intermediaries include banks, broker-dealers, insurance companies and financial professionals. |
Although each class of the fund’s shares represents an interest in the same fund, each has a different cost structure, as described below. Which class is right for you depends on many factors, including how long you plan to hold the shares, how much you plan to invest, the fee structure of each class, and how you wish to compensate your financial professional for the services provided to you. Your financial professional can help you choose the option that is most appropriate.
Investor Class
Investor Class shares are available for purchase without sales charges or commissions but may be subject to account or transaction fees if purchased through financial intermediaries. These shares are available to investors in retail brokerage accounts, broker-dealer-sponsored fee-based advisory accounts, other advisory accounts where fees are charged, and employer-sponsored retirement plans.
I Class
I Class shares are available for purchase without sales charges or commissions by endowments, foundations, large institutional investors and financial intermediaries. Employer-sponsored retirement plans may not invest in I Class shares, except that plans invested in the I Class prior to April 10, 2017 may make additional purchases.
Y Class
Y Class shares are available for purchase without sales charges or commissions through financial intermediaries that offer fee based advisory programs. Y Class shares may be purchased or redeemed only through financial intermediaries that trade in omnibus accounts with American Century Investments.
A Class
A Class shares are available for purchase through broker-dealers and other financial intermediaries. These shares carry an initial sales charge and an ongoing distribution and service (12b-1) fee that is used to compensate your financial professional. See Calculation of Sales Charges below for commission amounts received by financial professionals on the purchase of A Class shares. The sales charge decreases with the size of the purchase, and may be reduced or eliminated in certain situations. See Reductions and Waivers of Sales Charges for A Class and CDSC Waivers below for a full description of the breakpoints, reductions and waivers that may be available through financial intermediaries in certain types of accounts or products.
C Class
C Class shares are available for purchase through broker-dealers and other financial intermediaries. These shares do not have an initial sales charge but carry an ongoing distribution and service (12b-1) fee. Except as noted below, the commission paid to your financial professional for purchases of C Class shares is 1.00% of the amount invested, and the shares have a contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) when redeemed within one year of purchase. Your financial professional does not receive the distribution and service (12b-1) fee until the CDSC period has expired (it is retained by the distributor). See CDSC Waivers below for a full description of the waivers that may be available. C Class shares automatically convert to A Class shares 8 years after purchase.
Calculation of Sales Charges
The information regarding sales charges provided herein is included free of charge and in a clear and prominent format at americancentury.com in the Investors Using Advisors and Investment Professionals portions of the website. From the description of A or C Class shares, a hyperlink will take you directly to this disclosure.
The availability of the sales charge reductions and waivers discussed below will depend upon whether you purchase your shares directly from the fund or through a financial intermediary. Intermediaries may have different policies and procedures regarding the availability of these reductions or waivers. Please refer to Appendix A for information provided by certain financial intermediaries regarding their sales charge waiver or discount policies that are applicable to investors transacting in fund shares through such financial intermediary.
A Class
A Class shares are sold at their offering price, which is net asset value plus an initial sales charge. This sales charge varies depending on the amount of your investment, and is deducted from your purchase before it is invested. The sales charges and the amounts paid to your financial professional are:
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Purchase Amount | Sales Charge as a % of Offering Price | Sales Charge as a % of Net Amount Invested | Dealer Commission as a % of Offering Price |
Less than $100,000 | 4.50% | 4.71% | 4.00% |
$100,000 - $249,999 | 3.50% | 3.63% | 3.00% |
$250,000 - $499,999 | 2.50% | 2.56% | 2.00% |
$500,000 - $999,999 | 2.00% | 2.04% | 1.75% |
$1,000,000 - $3,999,999 | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.75% |
$4,000,000 - $9,999,999 | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.50% |
$10,000,000 or more | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.25% |
There is no front-end sales charge for purchases of $1,000,000 or more, but if you redeem your shares within one year of purchase you will pay a deferred sales charge of 1.00% of the lower of the original purchase price or the current market value at redemption, subject to the exceptions listed below. No sales charge applies to reinvested dividends. No dealer commission will be paid to your financial professional for purchases by certain employer-sponsored retirement plans. For this purpose, employer-sponsored retirement plans do not include SEP IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs or SARSEPs.
Reductions and Waivers of Sales Charges for A Class
You may qualify for a reduction or waiver of certain sales charges, but you or your financial professional must provide certain information, including the account numbers of any accounts to be aggregated, to American Century Investments at the time of purchase in order to take advantage of such reduction or waiver. If you hold assets among multiple intermediaries, it is your responsibility to inform your intermediary and/or American Century Investments at the time of purchase of any accounts to be aggregated.
You and your immediate family (which includes your spouse or domestic partner and children, step-children, parents or step-parents of you, your spouse or domestic partner) may combine investments in any share class of any American Century Investments fund (excluding certain assets in money market accounts, but including account assets invested in Qualified Tuition Programs under Section 529) to reduce your A Class sales charge in the following ways:
Account Aggregation. Investments made by you and your immediate family may be aggregated at each account’s current market value if made for your own account(s) and/or certain other accounts, such as:
•Certain trust accounts
•Solely controlled business accounts
•Single-participant retirement plans
•Endowments or foundations established and controlled by you or an immediate family member
For purposes of aggregation, only investments made through individual-level accounts may be combined. Assets held in multiple participant employer-sponsored retirement plans may be aggregated at a plan level.
Concurrent Purchases. You may combine simultaneous purchases in any share class of any American Century Investments fund to qualify for a reduced A Class sales charge.
Rights of Accumulation. You may take into account the current value of your existing holdings, less any commissionable shares in the money market funds, in any share class of any American Century Investments fund to qualify for a reduced A Class sales charge.
Letter of Intent. A Letter of Intent allows you to combine all purchases of any share class of any American Century Investments fund you intend to make over a 13-month period to determine the applicable sales charge, except for purchases in the A or C Class of money market funds. At your request, existing holdings may be combined with new purchases and sales charge amounts may be adjusted for purchases made within 90 days prior to our receipt of the Letter of Intent. Capital appreciation, capital gains and reinvested dividends earned during the Letter of Intent period do not apply toward its completion. A portion of your account will be held in escrow to cover additional A Class sales charges that will be due if your total investments over the 13-month period do not qualify for the applicable sales charge reduction.
Waivers for Certain Investors. The sales charge on A Class shares may be waived for:
•Purchases by registered representatives and other employees of certain financial intermediaries (and their immediate family members, which includes their spouse or domestic partner and children, step-children, parents or step-parents of them, their spouse or domestic partner) having selling agreements with the advisor or distributor
•Broker-dealer sponsored wrap program accounts and/or fee-based accounts maintained for clients of certain financial intermediaries who have entered into selling agreements with American Century Investments
•Purchases in accounts of financial intermediaries that have entered into a selling agreement with American Century Investments that allows for the waiver of the sales charge in brokerage accounts that may or may not charge a transaction fee
•Current officers, directors and employees of American Century Investments
•Certain group employer-sponsored retirement plans, where plan level or omnibus accounts are held with the fund, or shares are purchased by certain retirement plans that are part of a retirement plan or platform offered by banks, broker-dealers, financial advisors or insurance companies, or serviced by retirement recordkeepers. For purposes of this waiver, employer-sponsored retirement plans do not include SEP IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs or SARSEPs. However, SEP IRA, SIMPLE IRA or SARSEP retirement plans that (i) held shares of an A Class fund prior to March 1, 2009 that received sales charge waivers or (ii) held shares of an Advisor Class fund that was renamed A Class on March 1, 2010, may permit additional purchases by new and existing participants in A Class shares without an initial sales charge. Refer to Buying and Selling Fund Shares in the statement of additional information.
•Purchases of additional shares in accounts that held shares of an Advisor Class fund that was renamed A Class on either September 4, 2007, December 3, 2007 or March 1, 2010. However, if you close your account or if you transfer your account to another financial intermediary, future purchases of A Class shares of a fund may not receive a sales charge waiver.
An investor who receives a sales charge waiver for purchases of fund shares through a financial intermediary may become ineligible to receive such waiver if the nature of the investor’s relationship with and/or the services it receives from the financial intermediary changes. Please consult with your financial professional for further details.
C Class
C Class shares are sold at their net asset value without an initial sales charge. If you purchase shares through a financial intermediary who receives a commission from the fund’s distributor on the purchase and you redeem your shares within 12 months of purchase, you will pay a CDSC of 1.00% of the original purchase price or the current market value at redemption, whichever is less. The purpose of the CDSC is to permit the fund’s distributor to recoup all or a portion of the up-front payment made to your financial professional. There is no CDSC on shares acquired through reinvestment of dividends or capital gains.
American Century Investments generally limits purchases of C Class shares to investors whose aggregate investments in American Century Investments funds are less than $1,000,000. However, it is your responsibility to inform your financial intermediary and/or American Century Investments at the time of purchase of any accounts to be aggregated, including investments in any share class of any American Century Investments fund (excluding certain assets in money market accounts, but including account assets invested in Qualified Tuition Programs under Section 529) in accounts held by you and your immediate family members (which includes your spouse or domestic partner and children, step-children, parents or step-parents of you, your spouse or domestic partner). Once you reach this limit, you should work with your financial intermediary to determine what share class is most appropriate for additional purchases.
C Class shares automatically convert to A Class shares after being held for 8 years. The automatic conversion will be executed in the month following the 8-year anniversary of the purchase date for such C Class shares without any sales charge, fee or other charges. The conversion from C Class shares is not considered a taxable event for Federal income tax purposes. After the conversion, shares will be subject to all features and expenses of A Class shares.
Calculation of Contingent Deferred Sales Charge (CDSC)
To minimize the amount of the CDSC you may pay when you redeem shares, the fund will first redeem shares acquired through reinvested dividends and capital gain distributions, which are not subject to a CDSC. Shares that have been in your account long enough that they are not subject to a CDSC are redeemed next. For any remaining redemption amount, shares will be sold in the order they were purchased (earliest to latest).
CDSC Waivers
Any applicable CDSC for A or C Classes may be waived in the following cases:
•redemptions through systematic withdrawal plans not exceeding annually 12% of the lesser of the original purchase cost or current market value for A and C Class shares
•redemptions through employer-sponsored retirement plan accounts. For this purpose, employer-sponsored retirement plans do not include SIMPLE IRAs, SEP IRAs or SARSEPS.
•distributions from IRAs due to attainment of age 59½ for A and C Class shares
•required minimum distributions from retirement accounts due to the shareholder reaching the qualified age based on applicable IRS regulations
•tax-free returns of excess contributions to IRAs
•redemptions due to death or post-purchase disability
•exchanges, unless the shares acquired by exchange are redeemed within the original CDSC period
•IRA Rollovers from any American Century Investments fund held in an employer-sponsored retirement plan, for A Class shares only
•if no dealer commission was paid to the financial intermediary on the purchase for any other reason
Reinstatement Privilege
Within 90 days of a redemption, dividend payment or capital gains distribution of any A or B Class shares, you may reinvest all or a portion of the proceeds in A Class shares of any American Century Investments fund at the then-current net asset value without paying an initial sales charge. At your request, any CDSC you paid on an A Class redemption that you are reinvesting will be credited to your account. You may use the privilege only once per account. This privilege may only be invoked by the original account owner to reinvest shares in an account with the same registration as the account from which the redemption or distribution originated. This privilege does not apply to systematic or automatic transactions, including, for example, automatic purchases, withdrawals and payroll deductions. If you wish to use this reinvestment privilege, you or your financial professional must provide written notice to American Century Investments.
Employer-Sponsored Retirement Plans
Certain group employer-sponsored retirement plans that hold a single account for all plan participants with the fund, or that are part of a retirement plan or platform offered by banks, broker-dealers, financial advisors or insurance companies, or serviced by retirement recordkeepers are eligible to purchase Investor, A and C Class shares. Employer-sponsored retirement plans are not eligible to purchase I or Y Class shares. However, employer-sponsored retirement plans that were invested in the I Class prior to April 10, 2017 may make additional purchases. For more information regarding employer-sponsored retirement plan types, please refer to Buying and Selling Fund Shares in the statement of additional information. A and C Class purchases are available at net asset value with no dealer commission paid to the financial professional, and do not incur a CDSC. A and C Class shares purchased in employer-sponsored retirement plans are subject to applicable distribution and service (12b-1) fees, which the financial intermediary begins receiving immediately at the time of purchase. American Century does not impose minimum initial investment amount, plan size or participant number requirements by class for employer-sponsored retirement plans; however, financial intermediaries or plan recordkeepers may require plans to meet different requirements.
If you hold your fund shares through a tax-deferred investment plan, such as a 401(k) plan or an IRA, any distributions received from the fund may be taxable as ordinary income upon withdrawal from the tax-deferred plan, regardless of whether the distributions were tax-exempt when earned.
Exchanging Shares
You may exchange shares of the fund for shares of the same class of another American Century Investments fund without a sales charge if you meet the following criteria:
•The exchange is for a minimum of $100
•For an exchange that opens a new account, the amount of the exchange must meet or exceed the minimum account size requirement for the fund receiving the exchange
For purposes of computing any applicable CDSC on shares that have been exchanged, the holding period will begin as of the date of purchase of the original fund owned. Exchanges from a money market fund are subject to a sales charge on the fund being purchased, unless the money market fund shares were acquired by exchange from a fund with a sales charge or by reinvestment of dividends or capital gains distributions.
Moving Between Share Classes and Accounts
You may move your investment between share classes (within the same fund or between different funds) in certain circumstances deemed appropriate by American Century Investments. You also may move investments held in certain accounts to a different type of account if you meet certain criteria. Please contact your financial professional for more information about moving between share classes or account types.
Buying and Selling Shares Through a Financial Intermediary
Your ability to purchase, exchange, redeem and transfer shares will be affected by the policies of the financial intermediary through which you do business. Some policy differences may include:
•minimum investment requirements
•exchange policies
•fund choices
•cutoff time for investments
•trading restrictions
In addition, your financial intermediary may charge a transaction fee for the purchase or sale of fund shares. Those charges are retained by the financial intermediary and are not shared with American Century Investments or the fund. Please contact your financial intermediary for a complete description of its policies. Copies of the fund’s annual reports, semiannual reports and statement of additional information are available from your financial intermediary.
The fund has authorized certain financial intermediaries to accept orders on the fund’s behalf. American Century Investments has selling agreements with these financial intermediaries requiring them to track the time investment orders are received and to comply with procedures relating to the transmission of orders. Orders must be received by the financial intermediary on the fund’s behalf before the time the net asset value is determined in order to receive that day’s share price. If those orders are transmitted to American Century Investments and paid for in accordance with the selling agreement, they will be priced at the net asset value next determined after your request is received in the form required by the financial intermediary.
If you submit a transaction request through a financial intermediary that does not have a selling agreement with us, or if the financial intermediary’s selling agreement does not cover the type of account or share class requested, we may reject or cancel the transaction without prior notice to you or the intermediary.
Investor, I and Y Class shares may also be available on brokerage platforms of financial intermediaries that have agreements with American Century Investments to offer such shares solely when acting as an agent for the shareholder. A shareholder transacting in Investor, I or Y Class shares in these programs may be required to pay a commission and/or other forms of compensation to the broker. Shares of the fund are available in other share classes that have different fees and expenses.
See Additional Policies Affecting Your Investment for more information about investing with us.
Additional Policies Affecting Your Investment
Eligibility for Investor Class Shares
The fund’s Investor Class shares are available for purchase directly from American Century Investments and through the following types of products, programs or accounts offered by financial intermediaries:
•self-directed accounts on transaction-based platforms that may or may not charge a transaction fee
•employer-sponsored retirement plans
•broker-dealer sponsored fee-based wrap programs or other fee-based advisory accounts
•insurance products and bank/trust products where fees are being charged
The fund reserves the right, when in the judgment of American Century Investments it is not adverse to the fund’s interest, to permit all or only certain types of investors to open new accounts in the fund, to impose further restrictions, or to close the fund to any additional investments, all without notice.
Minimum Initial Investment Amounts for Investor, A and C Classes
Unless otherwise specified below, the minimum initial investment amount to open an account is $2,500. However, American Century Investments will waive the fund minimum if you make an initial investment of at least $500 and continue to make automatic investments of at least $100 a month until reaching the fund minimum.
Investors opening accounts through financial intermediaries may open an account with $250, but the financial intermediaries may require their clients to meet different investment minimums. See Investing Through a Financial Intermediary for more information.
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Broker-dealer sponsored wrap program accounts and/or fee-based advisory accounts | No minimum |
Coverdell Education Savings Account (CESA) and IRAs | $1,0001, 2 |
1 American Century Investments will waive the minimum if you make an initial investment of at least $500 and continue to make automatic investments of at least $100 a month until reaching the minimum.
2 The minimum initial investment for shareholders investing through financial intermediaries is $250. Financial intermediaries may have different minimums for their clients.
Subsequent Purchases
There is a $50 minimum for subsequent purchases. See Ways to Manage Your Account for more information about making additional investments directly with American Century Investments. However, there is no subsequent purchase minimum for financial intermediaries, but financial intermediaries may require their clients to meet different subsequent purchase requirements.
Eligibility for I Class Shares
I Class shares are made available for purchase by individuals and large institutional shareholders such as bank trust departments, corporations, endowments, foundations and financial advisors that meet the fund’s minimum investment requirements. Employer-sponsored retirement plans may not invest in I Class shares, except that plans invested in the I Class prior to April 10, 2017 may make additional purchases.
Minimum Initial Investment Amounts for I Class
The minimum initial investment amount is generally $5 million ($3 million for endowments and foundations) per fund. If you invest with us through a financial intermediary, this requirement may be met if your financial intermediary aggregates your investments with those of other clients into a single group, or omnibus, account that meets the minimum. The minimum investment requirement may be waived if you have an aggregate investment in the American Century family of funds of $10 million or more ($5 million for endowments and foundations). This includes accounts held directly with American Century and those held through a financial intermediary. American Century Investments also may waive the minimum initial investment in other situations it deems appropriate.
American Century Investments may permit an intermediary to waive the initial minimum per shareholder as provided in Buying and Selling Fund Shares in the statement of additional information.
Eligibility for Y Class Shares
Y Class shares are available for purchase without sales charges or commissions through financial intermediaries that offer fee based advisory programs. Y Class shares may be purchased or redeemed only through financial intermediaries that trade in omnibus accounts with American Century Investments. Y Class shares may not be purchased by shareholders investing through employer-sponsored retirement plans or individuals investing directly with American Century Investments.
Minimum Initial Investment Amounts for Y Class
There is no minimum initial investment amount or subsequent investment amount for Y Class shares, but financial intermediaries may require different investment minimums.
Limitations on Sale
As of the date of this prospectus the fund is registered for sale only in the following states and territories: Arizona, California, Colorado, District of Columbia, Florida, Hawaii, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington, the Virgin Islands and Guam.
Redemptions
Your redemption proceeds will be calculated using the net asset value (NAV) next determined after we receive your transaction request in good order. If you sell C, or in certain cases, A Class shares, you may pay a sales charge, depending on how long you have held your shares, as described above.
Generally, we expect to remit your redemption proceeds to you one business day after we process your transaction. However, we reserve the right to delay delivery of redemption proceeds for up to seven days. For example, each time you make an investment with American Century Investments, there is a seven-day holding period before we will release redemption proceeds from those shares, unless you provide us with satisfactory proof that your purchase funds have cleared. Investments by wire generally require only a one-day holding period. If you change your address, we may require that any redemption request made within seven days be submitted in writing and be signed by all authorized signers with their signatures guaranteed. We may also require a signature guarantee for redemptions in other situations, as described below. If you change your bank information, we may impose a seven-day holding period before we will transfer or wire redemption proceeds to your bank. Please remember, if you request redemptions by wire, $10 will be deducted from the amount redeemed. Your bank also may charge a fee.
Additionally, if you are age 65 or older, or if we have reason to believe you have a mental or physical impairment that renders you unable to protect your own interest, we may temporarily delay the disbursement of redemption proceeds from your account if we believe that you have been the victim of actual or attempted financial exploitation. This temporary delay will be for an initial period of no more than 15 business days while we conduct an internal review of the facts and circumstances of the suspected financial exploitation. If our internal review supports our belief that actual or attempted financial exploitation has occurred or is occurring, we may extend the hold for up to 10 additional business days. At the expiration of the additional hold time, if we have not confirmed that exploitation has occurred, the proceeds will be released to you.
Under normal market conditions, the fund generally meets redemption requests through its holdings of cash or cash equivalents or by selling portfolio securities. However, we reserve the right to honor certain redemptions with securities, rather than cash, as described in the next section. Additionally, the fund may consider interfund lending to meet redemption requests. The fund is more likely to use these other methods to meet large redemption requests or during times of market stress.
Special Requirements for Large Redemptions
If, during any 90-day period, you redeem fund shares worth more than $250,000 (or 1% of the value of a fund’s assets if that amount is less than $250,000), we reserve the right to pay part or all of the redemption proceeds in excess of this amount in readily marketable securities instead of in cash. To the extent practicable, these securities will represent your pro rata share of the fund’s securities.
We will value these securities in the same manner as we do in computing the fund’s net asset value. We may provide these securities in lieu of cash without prior notice. Also, if payment is made in securities, you may have to pay brokerage or other transaction costs to convert the securities to cash. These securities remain subject to market risk until sold, and you may incur capital gains and/or losses when you sell the securities.
If your redemption would exceed this limit and you would like to avoid being paid in securities, please provide us with an unconditional instruction to redeem at least 15 days prior to the date on which the redemption transaction is to occur. The instruction must specify the dollar amount or number of shares to be redeemed and the date of the transaction. This minimizes the effect of the redemption on a fund and its remaining investors.
Redemption of Shares in Accounts Below Minimum
If your account balance falls below the minimum initial investment amount for any reason, or if you cancel your automatic monthly investment plan prior to reaching the fund minimum,American Century Investments reserves the right to redeem the shares in the account and send the proceeds to your address of record. Prior to doing so, we will notify you and give you 60 days to meet the minimum or reinstate your automatic monthly investment plan. Please note that shares redeemed in this manner may be subject to a sales charge if held less than the applicable time period. You also may incur tax liability as a result of the redemption. For I Class shares, we reserve the right to convert your shares to Investor Class shares of the same fund. The Investor Class shares have a unified management fee that is 0.20 percentage points higher than the I Class.
Small Distributions and Uncashed Distribution Checks
Generally, dividends and distributions cannot be paid by check for an amount less than $50. Any such amount will be automatically reinvested in additional shares. The fund reserves the right to reinvest any dividend or distribution amount you elect to receive by check if your check is returned as undeliverable or if you do not cash your check within six months. Interest will not accrue on the amount of your uncashed check. We will reinvest your check into your account at the NAV on the day of reinvestment. When reinvested, those amounts are subject to the risk of loss like any other fund investment. We also reserve the right to change your election to receive dividends and distributions in cash after a check is returned undeliverable or uncashed for the six month period, and we may automatically reinvest all future dividends and distributions at the NAV on the date of the payment.
Signature Guarantees
A signature guarantee — which is different from a notarized signature — is a warranty that the signature presented is genuine. We may require a signature guarantee for the following transactions:
•Your redemption or distribution check or automatic redemption is made payable to someone other than the account owners;
•Your redemption proceeds or distribution amount is sent by EFT (ACH or wire) to a destination other than your personal bank account;
•You are transferring ownership of an account over $100,000;
•You change your address and request a redemption over $100,000 within seven days;
•You request proceeds from redemptions, dividends, or distributions be sent to an address or financial institution differing from those on record; or
•You make a redemption or other transaction request via telephone, and we are unable to verify your identity.
We reserve the right to require a signature guarantee for other transactions, or we may employ other security measures, such as signature comparison or notarized signature, at our discretion.
Canceling a Transaction
American Century Investments will use its best efforts to honor your request to revoke a transaction instruction if your revocation request is received prior to the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) (generally 4 p.m. Eastern time) on the trade date of the transaction. Once processing has begun, or the NYSE has closed on the trade date, the transaction can no longer be canceled. Each fund reserves the right to suspend the offering of shares for a period of time and to reject any specific investment (including a purchase by exchange). Additionally, we may refuse a purchase if, in our judgment, it is of a size that would disrupt the management of a fund.
Frequent Trading Practices
Frequent trading and other abusive trading practices may disrupt portfolio management strategies and harm fund performance. If the cumulative amount of frequent trading activity is significant relative to a fund’s net assets, the fund may incur trading costs that are higher than necessary as securities are first purchased then quickly sold to meet the redemption request. In such case, the fund’s performance could be negatively impacted by the increased trading costs created by frequent trading if the additional trading costs are significant.
Because of the potentially harmful effects of abusive trading practices, the fund’s Board of Trustees has approved American Century Investments’ abusive trading policies and procedures, which are designed to reduce the frequency and effect of these activities in our funds. These policies and procedures include monitoring trading activity, imposing trading restrictions on certain accounts, and using fair value pricing when current market prices are not readily available. Although these efforts are designed to discourage abusive trading practices, they cannot eliminate the possibility that such activity will occur. American Century Investments seeks to exercise its judgment in implementing these tools to the best of its ability in a manner that it believes is consistent with shareholder interests.
American Century Investments uses a variety of techniques to monitor for and detect frequent trading practices. These techniques may vary depending on the type of fund, the class of shares or whether the shares are held directly or indirectly with American Century Investments. They may change from time to time as determined by American Century Investments in its sole discretion. To minimize harm to the funds and their shareholders, we reserve the right to reject any purchase order (including exchanges) from any shareholder we believe has a history of frequent trading or whose trading, in our judgment, has been or may be disruptive to the funds. In making this judgment, we may consider trading done in multiple accounts under common ownership or control.
Currently, for shares held directly with American Century Investments, we may deem the sale of all or a substantial portion of a shareholder’s purchase of fund shares to be frequent trading if the sale is made:
•within seven days of the purchase, or
•within 30 days of the purchase, if it happens more than once per year.
To the extent practicable, we try to use the same approach for defining frequent trading for shares held through financial intermediaries. American Century Investments reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to identify other trading practices as abusive and to modify its monitoring and other practices as necessary to deal with novel or unique abusive trading practices.
The frequent trading limitations do not apply to the following types of transactions:
•purchases of shares through reinvested distributions (dividends and capital gains);
•redemption of shares to pay fund or account fees;
•CheckWriting redemptions;
•redemptions requested following the death of a registered shareholder;
•transactions through automatic purchase or redemption plans;
•transfers and re-registrations of shares within the same fund;
•shares exchanged from one share class to another within the same fund;
•transactions by 529 college savings plans and funds of funds (however shareholders of American Century’s funds of funds are subject to the limitations); and
•reallocation or rebalancing transactions in broker-dealer sponsored fee-based wrap and advisory programs.
For shares held in employer-sponsored retirement plans, generally only participant-directed exchange transactions are subject to the frequent trading restrictions. For this purpose, employer-sponsored retirement plans do not include SEP IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs, or SARSEPs.
In addition, American Century Investments reserves the right to accept purchases and exchanges in excess of the trading restrictions discussed above if it believes that such transactions would not be inconsistent with the best interests of fund shareholders or this policy.
American Century Investments’ policies do not permit us to enter into arrangements with fund shareholders that permit such shareholders to engage in frequent purchases and redemptions of fund shares. Due to the complexity and subjectivity involved in identifying abusive trading activity and the volume of shareholder transactions American Century Investments handles, there can be no assurance that American Century Investments’ efforts will identify all trades or trading practices that may be considered abusive. American Century Investments monitors aggregate trades placed in omnibus accounts and works with financial intermediaries to identify shareholders engaging in abusive trading practices and impose restrictions to discourage such practices. Because American Century Investments relies on financial intermediaries to provide information and impose restrictions, our ability to monitor and discourage abusive trading practices in omnibus accounts may be dependent upon the intermediaries’ timely performance of such duties and restrictions may not be applied uniformly in all cases.
Your Responsibility for Unauthorized Transactions
American Century Investments and its affiliated companies use procedures reasonably designed to confirm that telephone, electronic and other instructions are genuine. These procedures include recording telephone calls, requesting additional identifying information, requiring personalized security codes or other information online, and sending confirmation of transactions. If we follow these procedures, we are not responsible for any losses that may occur due to unauthorized instructions. For transactions conducted over the Internet, we recommend the use of a secure Internet browser. In addition, you should verify the accuracy of your confirmation statements immediately after you receive them.
A Note About Mailings to Shareholders
To reduce the amount of mail you receive from us, we generally deliver a single copy of fund documents (like shareholder reports, proxies and prospectuses) to investors who share an address, even if their accounts are registered under different names. Investors who share an address may also receive account-specific documents (like statements) in a single envelope. If you prefer to receive your documents addressed individually, please call us or your financial professional. For American Century Investments brokerage accounts, please call 1-888-345-2071.
Right to Change Policies
We reserve the right to change any stated investment requirement, including those that relate to purchases, exchanges and redemptions. In accordance with applicable law, we also may alter, add or discontinue any service or privilege. Changes may affect all investors or only those in certain classes or groups. In addition, from time to time we may waive a policy on a case-by-case basis, as the advisor deems appropriate.
Share Price and Distributions
Share Price
American Century Investments will price the fund shares you purchase, exchange or redeem based on the net asset value (NAV) next determined after your order is received in good order by the fund’s transfer agent, or other financial intermediary with the authority to accept orders on the fund’s behalf. We determine the NAV of each fund as of the close of regular trading (usually 4 p.m. Eastern time) on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on each day the NYSE is open. On days when the NYSE is closed (including certain U.S. national holidays), we do not calculate the NAV.
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The net asset value, or NAV, of each class of the fund is the current value of the class’s assets, minus any liabilities, divided by the number of shares of the class outstanding. |
Readily available market quotations for fixed income securities shall generally be received from independent pricing services that have been approved by the Board. It is anticipated that such pricing services will generally provide evaluated prices based on accepted industry conventions. Evaluated prices are commonly derived through utilization of market models. Such models take into consideration various market factors and security characteristics. These may include, but are not limited to, the following: trade data, quotations from broker-dealers and active market makers, relevant yield curve and spread data, related sector levels, creditworthiness, trade data or market information on comparable securities and other relevant security specific information. Debt obligations with 60 days or less remaining until maturity may be valued at amortized cost.
If the fund determines that the market price for a portfolio security is not readily available or that the valuation methods mentioned above do not reflect the security’s fair value, such security is valued as determined in good faith by the fund’s board or its designee, in accordance with procedures adopted by the fund’s board. Circumstances that may cause the fund to use alternate procedures to value a security include, but are not limited to, a debt security has been declared in default, or trading in a security has been halted during the trading day.
If such circumstances occur, the fund will fair value the security if the fair valuation would materially impact the fund’s NAV. While fair value determinations involve judgments that are inherently subjective, these determinations are made in good faith in accordance with procedures adopted by the fund’s board.
The effect of using fair value determinations is that the fund’s NAV will be based, to some degree, on security valuations that the board or its designee believes are fair rather than being solely determined by the market.
With respect to any portion of the fund’s assets that are invested in one or more open-end management investment companies that are registered with the SEC (known as registered investment companies), the fund’s NAV will be calculated based upon the NAVs of such registered investment companies. These registered investment companies are required by law to explain the circumstances under which they will use fair value pricing and the effects of using fair value pricing in their prospectuses.
Distributions
Federal tax laws require the fund to make distributions to its shareholders in order to qualify as a regulated investment company. Qualification as a regulated investment company means that the fund should not be subject to state or federal income tax on amounts distributed. The distributions generally consist of dividends and interest received by the fund, as well as capital gains realized by the fund on the sale of its investment securities.
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Capital gains are increases in the values of capital assets, such as stocks or bonds, from the time the assets are purchased. |
The fund expects to declare distributions from net income, if any, daily. These distributions are paid on the last business day of each month. The fund generally pays distributions from capital gains, if any, once a year usually in December. The fund may make more frequent distributions, if necessary, to comply with Internal Revenue Code provisions. The fund intends to designate distributions from net income as exempt-interest dividends. To be eligible to make this designation, at least 50% of the value of the fund’s total assets must consist of tax-exempt interest obligations at the close of each quarter.
You will participate in fund distributions when they are declared, starting the next business day after your purchase is effective. For example, if you purchase shares on a day that a distribution is declared, you will not receive that distribution. If you redeem shares, you will receive any distribution declared on the day you redeem. If you redeem all shares, we will include any distributions received with your redemption proceeds.
For investors investing through taxable accounts, we will reinvest distributions unless you elect to have dividends and/or capital gains sent to another American Century Investments account, to your bank electronically, or to your home address or to another person or address by check. Generally, participants in tax-deferred retirement plans reinvest all dividends.
Taxes
Tax-Exempt Income
Most of the income that the fund receives from municipal securities is exempt from California and regular federal income taxes. However, corporate shareholders should be aware that distributions are subject to California’s corporate franchise tax.
Taxable Income
The fund’s investment performance also is based on sources other than income from municipal securities. These investment performance sources, while not the primary source of fund distributions, will generate taxable income to you. Some of these investment performance sources are
•Market Discount Purchases. The fund may buy a tax-exempt security for a price less than the principal amount of the bond. If the price of the bond increases over time, a portion of the gain may be treated as ordinary income and taxable as ordinary income if it is distributed to shareholders.
•Capital Gains. When the fund sells a security, even a tax-exempt municipal security, it can generate a capital gain or loss, which you must report on your tax return.
•Temporary Investments. Some temporary investments, such as securities loans and repurchase agreements, can generate taxable income.
Taxability of Distributions
Fund distributions may consist of income, such as dividends and interest earned by a fund from its investments, or capital gains generated by a fund from the sale of its investment securities. Distributions of income are generally exempt from regular federal income tax. However, if distributions are federally taxable, such distributions may be designated as qualified dividend income. If so, and if you meet a minimum required holding period with respect to your shares of the fund, such distributions of income are taxed at the same rates as long-term capital gains. The fund does not expect a significant portion of its distributions to be derived from qualified dividend income.
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Qualified dividend income is a dividend received by a fund from the stock of a domestic or qualifying foreign corporation, provided that the fund has held the stock for a required holding period and the stock was not on loan at the time of the dividend. |
The tax character of any distributions from capital gains is determined by how long the fund held the underlying security that was sold, not by how long you have been invested in the fund or whether you reinvest your distributions or take them in cash. Short-term (one year or less) capital gains are taxable as ordinary income. Gains on securities held for more than one year are taxed at the lower rates applicable to long-term capital gains.
If a fund’s distributions exceed current and accumulated earnings and profits, such excess will generally be considered a return of capital. A return of capital distribution is generally not subject to tax, but will reduce your cost basis in the fund and result in higher realized capital gains (or lower realized capital losses) upon the sale of fund shares.
For taxable accounts, American Century Investments or your financial intermediary will inform you of the tax character of fund distributions for each calendar year in an annual tax mailing.
If you meet specified income levels, you will also be subject to a 3.8% Medicare contribution tax which is imposed on net investment income, including interest, dividends and capital gains. This tax is not imposed on tax-exempt interest.
If you hold your fund shares through a tax-deferred investment plan, such as a 401(k) plan or an IRA, any distributions received from the fund may be taxable as ordinary income upon withdrawal from the tax-deferred plan, regardless of whether the distributions were tax-exempt when earned.
Distributions also may be subject to state and local taxes. Because everyone’s tax situation is unique, you may want to consult your tax professional about federal, state and local tax consequences.
Taxes on Transactions
Your redemptions—including exchanges to other American Century Investments funds—are subject to capital gains tax. Short-term capital gains are gains on fund shares you held for 12 months or less. Long-term capital gains are gains on fund shares you held for more than 12 months. If your shares decrease in value, their sale or exchange will result in a long-term or short-term capital loss. However, you should note that loss realized upon the sale or exchange of shares held for six months or less will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any distribution of long-term capital gain and will be disallowed to the extent of any distribution of tax-exempt income to you with respect to those shares. If a loss is realized on the redemption of fund shares, the reinvestment in additional fund shares within 30 days before or after the redemption may be subject to the wash sale rules of the Internal Revenue Code. This may result in a postponement of the recognition of such loss for federal income tax purposes.
If you have not certified to us that your Social Security number or tax identification number is correct and that you are not subject to withholding, we are required to withhold and pay to the IRS the applicable federal withholding tax rate on taxable dividends, capital gains distributions and redemption proceeds.
Buying a Dividend
Purchasing fund shares in a taxable account shortly before a distribution is sometimes known as buying a dividend. In taxable accounts, you must pay income taxes on the distribution whether you reinvest the distribution or take it in cash. In addition, you will have to pay taxes on the distribution whether the value of your investment decreased, increased or remained the same after you bought the fund shares.
The risk in buying a dividend is that a fund’s portfolio may build up taxable income and gains throughout the period covered by a distribution, as income is earned and securities are sold at a profit. The fund distributes the income and gains to you, after subtracting any losses, even if you did not own the shares when the income was earned or the gains occurred.
If you buy a dividend, you incur the full tax liability of the distribution period, but you may not enjoy the full benefit of the income earned or the gains realized in the fund’s portfolio.
Multiple Class Information
The fund offers multiple classes of shares. The classes have different fees, expenses, eligibility requirements and/or minimum investment requirements. Different fees and expenses will affect performance.
Except as described below, all classes of shares of the fund have identical voting, dividend, liquidation and other rights, preferences, terms and conditions. The only differences among the classes are (a) each class may be subject to different expenses specific to that class; (b) each class has a different identifying designation or name; (c) each class has exclusive voting rights with respect to matters solely affecting such class; (d) each class may have different exchange privileges; (e) the I Class may provide for conversion from that class into shares of the Investor Class of the same fund; and (f) the C Class provides for automatic conversion from that class into shares of the A Class of the same fund after 8 years.
Service, Distribution and Administrative Fees
Investment Company Act Rule 12b-1 permits mutual funds that adopt a written plan to pay certain expenses associated with the distribution of their shares out of fund assets. The fund’s A Class and C Class each have a 12b-1 plan. The plans provide for the fund to pay annual fees of 0.25% for A Class and 1.00% for C Class to the distributor for distribution and individual shareholder services, including past distribution services. The distributor pays all or a portion of such fees to the financial intermediaries that make the classes available. Because these fees may be used to pay for services that are not related to prospective sales of the fund, each class will continue to make payments under its plan even if it is closed to new investors. Because these fees are paid out of the fund’s assets on an ongoing basis, over time these fees will increase the cost of your investment and may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges. The higher fees for C Class shares may cost you more over time than paying the initial sales charge for A Class shares. For additional information about the plans and their terms, see Multiple Class Structure in the statement of additional information.
Certain financial intermediaries perform recordkeeping and administrative services for their clients that would otherwise be performed by American Century Investments’ transfer agent. In some circumstances, the advisor will pay such service providers a fee for performing those services. Also, the advisor and the fund’s distributor may make payments to intermediaries for various additional services, other expenses and/or the intermediaries’ distribution of the fund out of their profits or other available sources. Such payments may be made for one or more of the following: (1) distribution, which may include expenses incurred by intermediaries for their sales activities with respect to the fund, such as preparing, printing and distributing sales literature and advertising materials and compensating registered representatives or other employees of such financial intermediaries for their sales activities, as well as the opportunity for the fund to be made available by such intermediaries; (2) shareholder services, such as providing individual and custom investment advisory services to clients of the financial intermediaries; and (3) marketing and promotional services, including business planning assistance, educating personnel about the fund, and sponsorship of sales meetings, which may include covering costs of providing speakers, meals and other entertainment. The distributor may pay partnership and/or sponsorship fees to support seminars, conferences, and other programs designed to educate intermediaries about the fund and may cover the expenses associated with attendance at such meetings, including travel costs. The distributor also may pay fees related to obtaining data regarding intermediary or financial advisor activities to assist American Century Investments with sales reporting, business intelligence, and training and education opportunities. These payments and activities are intended to provide an incentive to intermediaries to sell the fund by educating them about the fund and helping defray the costs associated with offering the fund. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the intermediary to recommend the fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information. The amount of any payments described by this paragraph is determined by the advisor or the distributor, and all such amounts are paid out of their available assets, and not paid by you or the fund. As a result, the total expense ratio of the fund will not be affected by any such payments.
American Century Investments does not pay any fees to financial intermediaries on Y Class shares.
Financial Highlights
Understanding the Financial Highlights
The table on the next few pages itemizes what contributed to the changes in share price during the most recently ended fiscal year. It also shows the changes in share price for this period in comparison to changes over the last five fiscal years (or a shorter period if the share class is not five years old).
On a per-share basis, the table includes as appropriate
•share price at the beginning of the period
•investment income and capital gains or losses
•distributions of income and capital gains paid to investors
•share price at the end of the period
The table also includes some key statistics for the period as appropriate
•Total Return – the overall percentage of return of the fund, assuming the reinvestment of all distributions
•Expense Ratio – the operating expenses of the fund as a percentage of average net assets
•Net Income Ratio – the net investment income of the fund as a percentage of average net assets
•Portfolio Turnover – the percentage of the fund’s investment portfolio that is replaced during the period
The Financial Highlights that follow have been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent registered public accounting firm. Their Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm and the financial statements are included in the fund’s annual report, which is available upon request.
California Intermediate-Term Tax-Free Bond Fund
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For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Years Ended August 31 (except as noted) |
Per-Share Data | Ratios and Supplemental Data |
| | Income From Investment Operations: | Distributions From: | | | Ratio to Average Net Assets of: | | |
| Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period | Net Investment Income (Loss)(1) | Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) | Total From Investment Operations | Net Investment Income | Net Realized Gains | Total Distributions | Net Asset Value, End of Period | Total Return(2) | Operating Expenses | Net Investment Income (Loss) | Portfolio Turnover Rate | Net Assets, End of Period (in thousands) |
Investor Class |
2021 | $12.17 | 0.26 | 0.11 | 0.37 | (0.26) | — | (0.26) | $12.28 | 3.04% | 0.46% | 2.10% | 30% | $917,539 | |
2020 | $12.23 | 0.27 | (0.04) | 0.23 | (0.27) | (0.02) | (0.29) | $12.17 | 1.93% | 0.47% | 2.26% | 40% | $887,525 | |
2019 | $11.69 | 0.30 | 0.55 | 0.85 | (0.30) | (0.01) | (0.31) | $12.23 | 7.29% | 0.47% | 2.56% | 54% | $1,158,927 | |
2018 | $12.00 | 0.30 | (0.31) | (0.01) | (0.30) | — | (0.30) | $11.69 | 0.03% | 0.47% | 2.56% | 52% | $1,143,719 | |
2017 | $12.24 | 0.29 | (0.24) | 0.05 | (0.29) | — | (0.29) | $12.00 | 0.46% | 0.47% | 2.43% | 52% | $1,196,600 | |
I Class |
2021 | $12.17 | 0.28 | 0.12 | 0.40 | (0.28) | — | (0.28) | $12.29 | 3.33% | 0.26% | 2.30% | 30% | $932,636 | |
2020 | $12.23 | 0.30 | (0.04) | 0.26 | (0.30) | (0.02) | (0.32) | $12.17 | 2.05% | 0.27% | 2.46% | 40% | $838,639 | |
2019 | $11.70 | 0.32 | 0.55 | 0.87 | (0.33) | (0.01) | (0.34) | $12.23 | 7.59% | 0.27% | 2.76% | 54% | $734,197 | |
2018 | $12.00 | 0.32 | (0.29) | 0.03 | (0.33) | — | (0.33) | $11.70 | 0.23% | 0.27% | 2.76% | 52% | $527,123 | |
2017 | $12.24 | 0.31 | (0.24) | 0.07 | (0.31) | — | (0.31) | $12.00 | 0.66% | 0.27% | 2.63% | 52% | $378,363 | |
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For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Years Ended August 31 (except as noted) |
Per-Share Data | Ratios and Supplemental Data |
| | Income From Investment Operations: | Distributions From: | | | Ratio to Average Net Assets of: | | |
| Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period | Net Investment Income (Loss)(1) | Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) | Total From Investment Operations | Net Investment Income | Net Realized Gains | Total Distributions | Net Asset Value, End of Period | Total Return(2) | Operating Expenses | Net Investment Income (Loss) | Portfolio Turnover Rate | Net Assets, End of Period (in thousands) |
Y Class |
2021 | $12.18 | 0.29 | 0.11 | 0.40 | (0.29) | — | (0.29) | $12.29 | 3.37% | 0.23% | 2.33% | 30% | $263,120 | |
2020 | $12.23 | 0.30 | (0.03) | 0.27 | (0.30) | (0.02) | (0.32) | $12.18 | 2.17% | 0.24% | 2.49% | 40% | $252,098 | |
2019 | $11.70 | 0.33 | 0.54 | 0.87 | (0.33) | (0.01) | (0.34) | $12.23 | 7.53% | 0.24% | 2.79% | 54% | $11,228 | |
2018 | $12.00 | 0.33 | (0.30) | 0.03 | (0.33) | — | (0.33) | $11.70 | 0.26% | 0.24% | 2.79% | 52% | $6,889 | |
2017(3) | $11.78 | 0.12 | 0.23 | 0.35 | (0.13) | — | (0.13) | $12.00 | 2.94% | 0.24%(4) | 2.62%(4) | 52%(5) | $6,233 | |
A Class |
2021 | $12.18 | 0.23 | 0.11 | 0.34 | (0.23) | — | (0.23) | $12.29 | 2.79% | 0.71% | 1.85% | 30% | $23,015 | |
2020 | $12.24 | 0.24 | (0.04) | 0.20 | (0.24) | (0.02) | (0.26) | $12.18 | 1.68% | 0.72% | 2.01% | 40% | $20,507 | |
2019 | $11.70 | 0.27 | 0.55 | 0.82 | (0.27) | (0.01) | (0.28) | $12.24 | 7.11% | 0.72% | 2.31% | 54% | $21,617 | |
2018 | $12.00 | 0.27 | (0.30) | (0.03) | (0.27) | — | (0.27) | $11.70 | (0.22)% | 0.72% | 2.31% | 52% | $21,438 | |
2017 | $12.24 | 0.26 | (0.24) | 0.02 | (0.26) | — | (0.26) | $12.00 | 0.21% | 0.72% | 2.18% | 52% | $22,836 | |
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For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Years Ended August 31 (except as noted) |
Per-Share Data | Ratios and Supplemental Data |
| | Income From Investment Operations: | Distributions From: | | | Ratio to Average Net Assets of: | | |
| Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period | Net Investment Income (Loss)(1) | Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) | Total From Investment Operations | Net Investment Income | Net Realized Gains | Total Distributions | Net Asset Value, End of Period | Total Return(2) | Operating Expenses | Net Investment Income (Loss) | Portfolio Turnover Rate | Net Assets, End of Period (in thousands) |
C Class |
2021 | $12.18 | 0.14 | 0.10 | 0.24 | (0.13) | — | (0.13) | $12.29 | 2.02% | 1.46% | 1.10% | 30% | $7,603 | |
2020 | $12.24 | 0.15 | (0.04) | 0.11 | (0.15) | (0.02) | (0.17) | $12.18 | 0.92% | 1.47% | 1.26% | 40% | $11,531 | |
2019 | $11.70 | 0.18 | 0.55 | 0.73 | (0.18) | (0.01) | (0.19) | $12.24 | 6.22% | 1.47% | 1.56% | 54% | $14,457 | |
2018 | $12.01 | 0.18 | (0.31) | (0.13) | (0.18) | — | (0.18) | $11.70 | (0.96)% | 1.47% | 1.56% | 52% | $16,299 | |
2017 | $12.24 | 0.17 | (0.23) | (0.06) | (0.17) | — | (0.17) | $12.01 | (0.46)% | 1.47% | 1.43% | 52% | $16,929 | |
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Notes to Financial Highlights |
(1)Computed using average shares outstanding throughout the period.
(2)Total returns are calculated based on the net asset value of the last business day and do not reflect applicable sales charges, if any. Total returns for periods less than one year are not annualized.
(3)April 10, 2017 (commencement of sale) through August 31, 2017.
(4)Annualized.
(5)Portfolio turnover is calculated at the fund level. Percentage indicated was calculated for the year ended August 31, 2017.
Appendix A
The information in this Appendix is part of, and incorporated into, the fund’s prospectus.
Financial Intermediary Sales Charge Reduction and Waiver Information
The availability of certain sales charge waivers and discounts will depend on whether you purchase your shares directly from the fund or through a financial intermediary. Intermediaries may have different policies and procedures regarding the availability of front-end sales load waivers or contingent deferred (back-end) sales load (CDSC) waivers, which are set forth below. In all instances, it is the investor’s responsibility to notify the fund or the applicable financial intermediary at the time of purchase of any relationship or other facts qualifying the investor for sales charge waivers or discounts. For waivers and discounts not available through a particular intermediary, shareholders will have to purchase fund shares directly from the fund or through another intermediary to receive these waivers or discounts.
Sales Charge Reductions and Waivers Available through Ameriprise Financial
The following information applies to A Class shares purchases if you have an account with or otherwise purchase fund shares through Ameriprise Financial.
Shareholders purchasing fund shares through an Ameriprise Financial brokerage account are eligible for the following front-end sales charge waivers, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this fund’s prospectus or SAI:
•Employer-sponsored retirement plans (e.g., 401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit sharing and money purchase pension plans and defined benefit plans). For purposes of this provision, employer-sponsored retirement plans do not include SEP IRAs, Simple IRAs or SAR-SEPs.
•Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same fund (but not any other fund within the same fund family).
•Shares exchanged from C Class shares of the same fund in the month of or following the 7-year anniversary of the purchase date. To the extent that this prospectus elsewhere provides for a waiver with respect to exchanges of C Class shares or conversion of C Class shares following a shorter holding period, that waiver will apply.
•Employees and registered representatives of Ameriprise Financial or its affiliates and their immediate family members.
•Shares purchased by or through qualified accounts (including IRAs, Coverdell Education Savings Accounts, 401(k)s, 403(b) TSCAs subject to ERISA and defined benefit plans) that are held by a covered family member, defined as an Ameriprise financial advisor and/or the advisor’s spouse, advisor’s lineal ascendant (mother, father, grandmother, grandfather, great grandmother, great grandfather), advisor’s lineal descendant (son, step-son, daughter, step-daughter, grandson, granddaughter, great grandson, great granddaughter) or any spouse of a covered family member who is a lineal descendant.
•Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales load (i.e., Rights of Reinstatement).
Sales Charge Reductions and Waivers Available through Baird
Effective June 15, 2020, shareholders purchasing fund shares through a Baird platform or account will only be eligible for the following sales charge waivers (front-end sales charge waivers and CDSC waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this prospectus or the SAI.
Front-End Sales Charge Waivers on Investors A-shares Available at Baird
•Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing share of the same fund.
•Share purchase by employees and registered representatives of Baird or its affiliate and their family members as designated by Baird.
•Shares purchase from the proceeds of redemptions from another American Century Investments fund, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same accounts, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales charge (known as rights of reinstatement).
•A shareholder in the funds' Investor C Shares will have their share converted at net asset value to Investor A shares of the fund if the shares are no longer subject to CDSC and the conversion is in line with the policies and procedures of Baird.
•Employer-sponsored retirement plans or charitable accounts in a transactional brokerage account at Baird, including 401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit sharing and money purchase pension plans and defined benefit plans. For purposes of this provision, employer-sponsored retirement plans do not include SEP IRAs, Simple IRAs or SAR-SEPs.
CDSC Waivers on Investor A and C shares Available at Baird
•Shares sold due to death or disability of the shareholder.
•Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in the fund’s prospectus.
•Shares bought due to returns of excess contributions from an IRA Account.
•Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts due to the shareholder reaching the qualified age based on applicable IRS regulations as described in the prospectus.
•Shares sold to pay Baird fees but only if the transaction is initiated by Baird.
•Shares acquired through a right of reinstatement.
Front-End Sales Charge Discounts Available at Baird: Breakpoints and/or Rights of Accumulations
•Breakpoints as described in this prospectus.
•Rights of accumulations which entitles shareholders to breakpoint discounts will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of American Century Investments assets held by accounts within the purchaser’s household at Baird. Eligible American Century Investments assets not held at Baird may be included in the rights of accumulations calculation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets.
•Letters of Intent (LOI) allow for breakpoint discounts based on anticipated purchases of American Century Investments funds through Baird, over a 13-month period of time.
Policies regarding transactions through Edward D. Jones & Co., L.P. (Edward Jones)
The following information has been provided by Edward Jones:
Effective on or after April 1, 2021, the following information supersedes prior information with respect to transactions and positions held in fund shares through an Edward Jones system. Clients of Edward Jones (also referred to as "shareholders") purchasing fund shares on the Edward Jones commission and fee-based platforms are eligible only for the following sales charge discounts (also referred to as "breakpoints") and waivers, which can differ from discounts and waivers described elsewhere in the mutual fund prospectus or statement of additional information (SAI) or through another broker-dealer. In all instances, it is the shareholder's responsibility to inform Edward Jones at the time of purchase of any relationship, holdings of American Century, or other facts qualifying the purchaser for discounts or waivers. Edward Jones can ask for documentation of such circumstance. Shareholders should contact Edward Jones if they have questions regarding their eligibility for these discounts and waivers.
Breakpoints
•Breakpoint pricing, otherwise known as volume pricing, at dollar thresholds as described in the prospectus.
Rights of Accumulation (ROA)
•The applicable sales charge on a purchase of A Class shares is determined by taking into account all share classes (except certain money market funds and any assets held in group retirement plans) of American Century held by the shareholder or in an account grouped by Edward Jones with other accounts for the purpose of providing certain pricing considerations (pricing groups). If grouping assets as a shareholder, this includes all share classes held on the Edward Jones platform and/or held on another platform. The inclusion of eligible fund family assets in the ROA calculation is dependent on the shareholder notifying Edward Jones of such assets at the time of calculation. Money market funds are included only if such shares were sold with a sales charge at the time of purchase or acquired in exchange for shares purchased with a sales charge.
•The employer maintaining a SEP IRA plan and/or SIMPLE IRA plan may elect to establish or change ROA for the IRA accounts associated with the plan to a plan-level grouping as opposed to including all share classes at a shareholder or pricing group level.
•ROA is determined by calculating the higher of cost minus redemptions or market value (current shares x NAV).
Letter of Intent (LOI)
•Through a LOI, shareholders can receive the sales charge and breakpoint discounts for purchases shareholders intend to make over a 13- month period from the date Edward Jones receives the LOI. The LOI is determined by calculating the higher of cost or market value of qualifying holdings at LOI initiation in combination with the value that the shareholder intends to buy over a 13-month period to calculate the front-end sales charge and any breakpoint discounts. Each purchase the shareholder
makes during that 13-month period will receive the sales charge and breakpoint discount that applies to the total amount. The inclusion of eligible fund family assets in the LOI calculation is dependent on the shareholder notifying Edward Jones of such assets at the time of calculation. Purchases made before the LOI is received by Edward Jones are not adjusted under the LOI and will not reduce the sales charge previously paid. Sales charges will be adjusted if LOI is not met.
•If the employer maintaining a SEP IRA plan and/or SIMPLE IRA plan has elected to establish or change ROA for the IRA accounts associated with the plan to a plan-level grouping, LOIs will also be at the plan-level and may only be established by the employer.
Sales Charge Waivers
Sales charges are waived for the following shareholders and in the following situations:
•Associates of Edward Jones and its affiliates and their family members who are in the same pricing group (as determined by Edward Jones under its policies and procedures) as the associate. This waiver will continue for the remainder of the associate's life if the associate retires from Edward Jones in good-standing and remains in good standing pursuant to Edward Jones' policies and procedures.
•Shares purchased in an Edward Jones fee-based program.
•Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment.
•Shares purchased from the proceeds of redeemed shares of the same fund family so long as the following conditions are met: 1) the proceeds are from the sale of shares within 60 days of the purchase, and 2) the sale and purchase are made in the same share class and the same account or the purchase is made in an individual retirement account with proceeds from liquidations in a non-retirement account.
•Shares exchanged into Class A shares from another share class so long as the exchange is into the same fund and was initiated at the discretion of Edward Jones. Edward Jones is responsible for any remaining CDSC due to the fund company, if applicable. Any future purchases are subject to the applicable sales charge as disclosed in the prospectus.
•Exchanges from Class C shares to Class A shares of the same fund, generally, in the 84th month following the anniversary of the purchase date or earlier at the discretion of Edward Jones.
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge (CDSC) Waivers
If the shareholder purchases shares that are subject to a CDSC and those shares are redeemed before the CDSC is expired, the shareholder is responsible to pay the CDSC except in the following conditions:
•The death or disability of the shareholder.
•Systematic withdrawals with up to 10% per year of the account value.
•Return of excess contributions from an Individual Retirement Account (IRA).
•Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts if the redemption is taken in or after the year the shareholder reaches qualified age based on applicable IRS regulations.
•Shares sold to pay Edward Jones fees or costs in such cases where the transaction is initiated by Edward Jones.
•Shares exchanged in an Edward Jones fee-based program.
•Shares acquired through NAV reinstatement.
•Shares redeemed at the discretion of Edward Jones for Minimum Balances, as described below.
Other Important Information Regarding Transactions Through Edward Jones
Minimum Purchase Amounts
▪Initial purchase minimum: $250
▪Subsequent purchase minimum: none
Minimum Balances
▪Edward Jones has the right to redeem at its discretion fund holdings with a balance of $250 or less. The following are examples of accounts that are not included in this policy:
•A fee-based account held on an Edward Jones platform.
•A 529 account held on an Edward Jones platform.
•An account with an active systematic investment plan or LOI.
Exchanging Share Classes
▪At any time it deems necessary, Edward Jones has the authority to exchange at NAV a shareholder's holdings in a fund to Class A shares of the same fund.
Sales Charge Reductions and Waivers Available through Janney Montgomery Scott LLC (Janney)
Effective May 1, 2020, if you purchase fund shares through a Janney Montgomery Scott LLC (Janney) brokerage account, you will be eligible for the following load waivers (front-end sales charge waivers and contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC), or back-end sales charge, waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this fund’s Prospectus or SAI.
Front-end sales charge* waivers on A Class shares available at Janney
•Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same fund (but not any other fund within the fund family).
•Shares purchased by employees and registered representatives of Janney or its affiliates and their family members as designated by Janney.
•Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within ninety (90) days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales load (i.e., right of reinstatement).
•Employer-sponsored retirement plans (e.g., 401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit sharing and money purchase pension plans and defined benefit plans). For purposes of this provision, employer-sponsored retirement plans do not include SEP IRAs, Simple IRAs, SAR-SEPs or Keogh plans.
•Shares acquired through a right of reinstatement.
•C Class shares that are no longer subject to a contingent deferred sales charge and are converted to A Class shares of the same fund pursuant to Janney’s policies and procedures.
CDSC waivers on A and C Class shares available at Janney
•Shares sold upon the death or disability of the shareholder.
•Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in the fund’s prospectus.
•Shares purchased in connection with a return of excess contributions from an IRA account.
•Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and other retirement accounts if the redemption is taken in or after the year the shareholder reaches qualified age based on applicable IRS regulations.
•Shares sold to pay Janney fees but only if the transaction is initiated by Janney.
•Shares acquired through a right of reinstatement.
•Shares exchanged into the same share class of a different fund.
Front-end sales charge* discounts available at Janney: breakpoints, rights of accumulation, and/or letters of intent
•Breakpoints as described in the fund’s prospectus.
•Rights of accumulation (ROA), which entitle shareholders to breakpoint discounts, will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of fund family assets held by accounts within the purchaser’s household at Janney. Eligible fund family assets not held at Janney may be included in the ROA calculation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets.
•Letters of intent which allow for breakpoint discounts based on anticipated purchases within a fund family, over a 13-month time period. Eligible fund family assets not held at Janney Montgomery Scott may be included in the calculation of letters of intent only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets.
*Also referred to as an “initial sales charge.”
Sales Charge Reductions and Waivers Available through Merrill Lynch
Shareholders purchasing fund shares through a Merrill Lynch platform or account will be eligible only for the following load waivers (front-end sales charge waivers and contingent deferred, or back-end, sales charge waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this fund’s prospectus or SAI.
Front-end Sales Load Waivers on A Class Shares available at Merrill Lynch
•Employer-sponsored retirement, deferred compensation and employee benefit plans (including health savings accounts) and trusts used to fund those plans, provided that the shares are not held in a commission-based brokerage account and shares are held for the benefit of the plan.
•Shares purchased by a 529 Plan (does not include 529-specific share classes or equivalents).
•Shares purchased through a Merrill Lynch affiliated investment advisory program.
•Shares exchanged due to the holdings moving from a Merrill Lynch affiliated investment advisory program to a Merrill Lynch brokerage (non-advisory) account pursuant to Merrill Lynch’s policies relating to sales load discounts and waivers.
•Shares purchased by third party investment advisors on behalf of their advisory clients through Merrill Lynch’s platform.
•Shares of funds purchased through the Merrill Edge Self-Directed platform] (if applicable).
•Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same fund (but not any other fund within the fund family).
•Shares exchanged from C Class (i.e., level-load) shares of the same fund pursuant to Merrill Lynch’s policies relating to sales load discounts and waivers.
•Employees and registered representatives of Merrill Lynch or its affiliates and their family members.
•Directors or trustees of the fund, and employees of the fund’s investment advisor or any of its affiliates, as described in this prospectus.
•Eligible shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the American Century Investments family of mutual funds, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales load (known as Rights of Reinstatement) Automated transactions (i.e., systematic purchases and withdrawals) and purchases made after shares are automatically sold to pay Merrill Lynch’s account maintenance fees are not eligible for reinstatement.
CDSC Waivers on A and C Shares available at Merrill Lynch
•Death or disability of the shareholder.
•Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in the fund’s prospectus.
•Return of excess contributions from an IRA Account.
•Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code.
•Shares sold to pay Merrill Lynch fees but only if the transaction is initiated by Merrill Lynch.
•Shares acquired through a right of reinstatement.
•Shares held in retirement brokerage accounts, that are exchanged for a lower cost share class due to transfer to certain fee based accounts or platforms (applicable to A and C shares only).
•Shares received through an exchange due to the holdings moving from a Merrill Lynch affiliated investment advisory program to a Merrill Lynch brokerage (non-advisory) account pursuant to Merrill Lynch’s policies relating to sales load discounts and waivers.
Front-end load Discounts Available at Merrill Lynch: Breakpoints, Rights of Accumulation & Letters of Intent
•Breakpoints as described in this prospectus.
•Rights of Accumulation (ROA) which entitle shareholders to breakpoint discounts as described in the fund's prospectus will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of fund family assets held by accounts (including 529 program holdings, where applicable) within the purchaser’s household at Merrill Lynch. Eligible fund family assets not held at Merrill Lynch may be included in the ROA calculation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets.
•Letters of Intent (LOI) which allow for breakpoint discounts based on anticipated purchases within a fund family, through Merrill Lynch, over a 13-month period of time (if applicable).
Sales Charge Reductions and Waivers available through Morgan Stanley Wealth Management
Effective July 1, 2018, shareholders purchasing fund shares through a Morgan Stanley Wealth Management transactional brokerage account will be eligible only for the following front-end sales charge waivers with respect to A Class shares, which may differ from and may be more limited than those disclosed elsewhere in this fund’s prospectus or SAI.
•Employer-sponsored retirement plans (e.g., 401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit sharing and money purchase pension plans and defined benefit plans). For purposes of this provision, employer-sponsored retirement plans do not include SEP IRAs, Simple IRAs, SAR-SEPs or Keogh plans.
•Morgan Stanley employee and employee-related accounts according to Morgan Stanley’s account linking rules.
•Shares purchased through reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions when purchasing shares of the same fund.
•Shares purchased through a Morgan Stanley self-directed brokerage account.
•C Class (i.e., level-load) shares that are no longer subject to a contingent deferred sales charge and are converted to A Class shares of the same fund pursuant to Morgan Stanley Wealth Management’s share class conversion program.
•Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the American Century Investments family of mutual funds, provided (i) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (ii) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (iii) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales charge.
Sales Charge Reductions and Waivers Available through Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. (OPCO)
Effective February 26, 2020, shareholders purchasing fund shares through an OPCO platform or account are eligible only for the following load waivers (front-end sales charge waivers and contingent deferred, or back-end, sales charge waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this fund's prospectus or SAI.
Front-end Sales Load Waivers on Class A Shares available at OPCO
•Employer-sponsored retirement, deferred compensation and employee benefit plans (including health savings accounts) and trusts used to fund those plans, provided that the shares are not held in a commission-based brokerage account and shares are held for the benefit of the plan.
•Shares purchased by or through a 529 Plan.
•Shares purchased through an OPCO affiliated investment advisory program.
•Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same fund (but not any other fund within the fund family).
•Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales load (known as Rights of Restatement).
•A shareholder in the fund's C Class shares will have their shares converted at net asset value to A Class shares (or the appropriate share class) of the fund if the shares are no longer subject to a CDSC and the conversion is in line with the policies and procedures of OPCO.
•Employees and registered representatives of OPCO or its affiliates and their family members.
•Directors or Trustees of the fund, and employees of the fund's investment adviser or any of its affiliates, as described in this prospectus.
CDSC Waivers on A and C Shares available at OPCO
•Death or disability of the shareholder.
•Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in the fund's prospectus.
•Return of excess contributions from an IRA.
•Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts due to the shareholder reaching the qualified age based on applicable IRS regulations as described in the prospectus.
•Shares sold to pay OPCO fees but only if the transaction is initiated by OPCO.
•Shares acquired through a right of reinstatement.
Front-end load Discounts Available at OPCO: Breakpoints, Rights of Accumulation & Letters of Intent
•Breakpoints as described in this prospectus.
•Rights of Accumulation (ROA) which entitle shareholders to breakpoint discounts will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of fund family assets held by accounts within the purchaser's household at OPCO. Eligible fund family assets not held at OPCO may be included in the ROA calculation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets.
Raymond James & Associates, Inc., Raymond James Financial Services & each entity’s affiliates (Raymond James)
Effective March 1, 2019, shareholders purchasing fund shares through a Raymond James platform or account, or through an introducing broker-dealer or independent registered investment adviser for which Raymond James provides trade execution, clearance, and/or custody services, will be eligible only for the following load waivers (front-end sales charge waivers and contingent deferred, or back-end, sales charge waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this fund’s prospectus or SAI.
Front-end sales load waivers on Class A shares available at Raymond James
•Shares purchased in an investment advisory program.
•Shares purchased within the same fund family through a systematic reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same fund (but not any other fund within the American Century Investments fund family).
•Employees and registered representatives of Raymond James or its affiliates and their family members as designated by Raymond James.
•Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the American Century Investments fund family, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales load (known as Rights of Reinstatement).
•A shareholder in the fund’s C Class shares will have their shares converted at net asset value to A Class shares (or the appropriate share class) of the fund if the shares are no longer subject to a CDSC and the conversion is in line with the policies and procedures of Raymond James.
CDSC waivers on A and C Class shares available at Raymond James
•Death or disability of the shareholder.
•Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in the fund’s prospectus.
•Return of excess contributions from an IRA Account.
•Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts due to the shareholder reaching the qualified age based on applicable IRS regulations as described in the fund’s prospectus.
•Shares sold to pay Raymond James fees but only if the transaction is initiated by Raymond James.
•Shares acquired through a right of reinstatement.
Front-end load discounts available at Raymond James: breakpoints, rights of accumulation, and/or letters of intent
•Breakpoints as described in this prospectus.
•Rights of accumulation which entitle shareholders to breakpoint discounts will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of American Century Investments fund family assets held by accounts within the purchaser’s household at Raymond James. Eligible American Century Investments fund family assets not held at Raymond James may be included in the calculation of rights of accumulation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets.
•Letters of intent which allow for breakpoint discounts based on anticipated purchases within a fund family, over a 13-month time period. Eligible fund family assets not held at Raymond James may be included in the calculation of letters of intent only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets.
Sales Charge Reductions and Waivers Available through Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated (Stifel)
Effective July 1, 2020, shareholders purchasing fund shares through a Stifel platform or account or who own shares for which Stifel or an affiliate is the broker-dealer of record are eligible for the following additional sales charge waiver.
Front-end Sales Load Waiver on Class A Shares
•Class C shares that have been held for more than seven (7) years will be converted to Class A shares of the same Fund pursuant to Stifel’s policies and procedures
All other sales charge waivers and reductions described elsewhere in the fund’s prospectus or SAI still apply.
Notes
Notes
Where to Find More Information
Annual and Semiannual Reports
Additional information about the fund’s investments is available in the fund’s annual and semiannual reports to shareholders. In the fund’s annual report, you will find a discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected the fund’s performance during its last fiscal year. This prospectus incorporates by reference the Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm and the financial statements included in the fund’s annual report to shareholders, dated August 31, 2021. Statement of Additional Information (SAI)
The SAI contains a more detailed legal description of the fund’s operations, investment restrictions, policies and practices. The SAI is incorporated by reference into this prospectus. This means that it is legally part of this prospectus, even if you don’t request a copy. You may obtain a free copy of the SAI, annual reports and semiannual reports, and you may ask questions about the fund or your accounts, online at americancentury.com, by contacting American Century Investments at the addresses or telephone numbers listed below or by contacting your financial intermediary.
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
Reports and other information about the fund are available on the EDGAR database on the SEC’s website at sec.gov, and copies of this information may be obtained, after paying a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following email address: publicinfo@sec.gov.
This prospectus shall not constitute an offer to sell securities of the fund in any state, territory, or other jurisdiction where the fund’s shares have not been registered or qualified for sale, unless such registration or qualification is not required, or under any circumstances in which such offer or solicitation would be unlawful.
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American Century Investments americancentury.com
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Retail Investors P.O. Box 419200 Kansas City, Missouri 64141-6200 1-800-345-2021 or 816-531-5575 | Financial Professionals P.O. Box 419385 Kansas City, Missouri 64141-6385 1-800-345-6488 |
Investment Company Act File No. 811-03706
CL-PRS-91750 2201
January 1, 2022
American Century Investments
Prospectus
California Tax-Free Money Market Fund
Investor Class (BCTXX)
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The Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved these securities or passed upon the adequacy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense. | |
Table of Contents
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Fund Summary | 2 | |
Investment Objective | 2 | |
Fees and Expenses | 2 | |
Principal Investment Strategies | 2 | |
Principal Risks | 2 | |
Fund Performance | 3 | |
Investment Advisor | 4 | |
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares | 4 | |
Tax Information | 4 | |
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries | 4 | |
Objectives, Strategies and Risks | 5 | |
Management | 7 | |
Investing Directly with American Century Investments | 8 | |
Investing Through a Financial Intermediary | 10 | |
Additional Policies Affecting Your Investment | 12 | |
Share Price and Distributions | 16 | |
Taxes | 17 | |
Financial Highlights | 19 | |
©2022 American Century Proprietary Holdings, Inc. All rights reserved.
Fund Summary
Investment Objective
The fund seeks safety of principal and high current income that is exempt from federal and California income taxes.
Fees and Expenses
The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund.
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Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) |
| Investor |
Maximum Annual Account Maintenance Fee (waived if eligible investments total at least $10,000) | $25 |
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Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) |
| Investor |
Management Fee | 0.49% |
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees | None |
Other Expenses | 0.01% |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses | 0.50% |
Example
The example below is intended to help you compare the costs of investing in the fund with the costs of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods, that you earn a 5% return each year, and that the fund’s operating expenses remain the same. You may be required to pay brokerage commissions on your purchases of Investor Class shares of the fund, which are not reflected in the example. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
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| 1 year | 3 years | 5 years | 10 years |
Investor Class | $51 | $161 | $280 | $629 |
Principal Investment Strategies
The fund is a retail money market fund that invests in municipal money market securities. The securities purchased by the fund are subject to the maturity, quality, diversification, and other requirements of Rule 2a-7 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. Although the fund seeks to maintain a $1.00 share price, there is no guarantee it will be able to do so. Under normal market conditions, the fund invests in cash-equivalent, high-quality debt securities, at least 80% of which have interest payments exempt from federal and California income taxes. Cities, counties, other municipalities in California and U.S. territories may issue the securities. A high-quality debt security is one an independent rating agency rates in its top two credit quality categories or that the advisor determines to be of comparable credit quality.
Some of the securities in which the fund invests are guaranteed by certain U.S. government agencies or instrumentalities such as the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB), the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae), and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac). Such securities are not guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury or supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government. However, these agencies are authorized to borrow from the U.S. Treasury to meet their obligations.
When determining whether to buy or sell a security, portfolio managers may consider, among other things, current and anticipated changes in interest rates, issuer credit quality, comparable alternatives, diversification limits, general market conditions and any other factor deemed relevant by the portfolio managers.
Principal Risks
•Low Yield Risk – Because high-quality debt securities are among the safest securities available, the interest they pay is among the lowest for income-paying securities. Accordingly, the yield on this fund will likely be lower than the yield on funds that invest in lower-quality or longer-term securities.
•California Economic Risk – The fund will be sensitive to events that affect California’s economy. Significant political or economic developments in California will likely impact virtually all municipal securities issued in the state. Because the fund invests principally in California municipal securities, it may have a higher level of risk than funds that invest in a larger universe of securities.
•Municipal Securities Risk – Because the fund invests principally in municipal securities, it will be sensitive to events that affect municipal markets, including legislative or political changes and the financial condition of the issuers of municipal securities. By investing primarily in municipal securities, the fund may have a higher level of risk than funds that invest in a larger universe of securities. Additionally, the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has significantly stressed the financial resources of many municipal issuers, which may impair a municipal issuer’s ability to meet its financial obligations when due and could adversely impact the value of its bonds, which could negatively impact the performance of the fund.
•Public Health Emergency Risk – A pandemic, caused by the infectious respiratory illness COVID-19, is causing market disruption and other economic impacts. Markets have experienced volatility, reduced liquidity, and increased trading costs. These events may continue to impact the fund and its underlying investments.
•Interest Rate Risk – Interest rate risk means that the value of debt securities and the funds that hold them decline as interest rates rise. A period of rising interest rates may negatively affect the fund’s performance.
•Credit Risk – Credit risk is the risk that the inability or perceived inability of the issuer to make interest and principal payments will cause the value of the securities to decrease.
•Liquidity Risk – Liquidity risk means that during periods of market turbulence or unusually low trading activity, to meet redemptions it may be necessary for the fund to sell securities at prices that could have an adverse effect on the fund’s share price. Changing regulatory and market conditions may adversely affect the liquidity of the fund’s investments. If liquidity decreases too much, the fund may impose a fee on the sale of shares or temporarily suspend redemptions.
•Loss of Tax Exemptions Risk – There is no guarantee that all of the fund’s income will be exempt from federal or state income taxes. Income from municipal bonds held by the fund could be declared taxable because of unfavorable changes in tax laws, adverse interpretations by the Internal Revenue Service or state tax authorities, or non-compliant conduct of a bond issuer. The fund may sell securities that lose their tax-exempt statuses at inopportune times, which may cause tax consequences or a decrease in the fund’s value.
•Principal Loss Risk – You could lose money by investing in the fund. Although the fund seeks to preserve the value of your investment at $1.00 per share, it cannot guarantee it will do so. The fund may impose a fee upon sale of your shares or may temporarily suspend your ability to sell shares if the fund’s liquidity falls below required minimums because of market conditions or other factors. An investment in the fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. The fund’s sponsor has no legal obligation to provide financial support to the fund, and you should not expect that the sponsor will provide financial support to the fund at any time.
Fund Performance
The following bar chart and table provide some indication of the risks of investing in the fund. The bar chart shows changes in the fund’s performance from year to year. The fund’s past performance is not necessarily an indication of how the fund will perform in the future. For current performance information, including yields, please visit americancentury.com.
Sales charges and account fees, if applicable, are not reflected in the bar chart. If those charges were included, returns would be less than those shown.
Calendar Year Total Returns
Highest Performance Quarter (4Q 2018): 0.31% Lowest Performance Quarter (1Q 2015): 0.00%
As of September 30, 2021, the most recent calendar quarter end, the fund’s Investor Class year-to-date return was 0.01%.
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Average Annual Total Returns For the calendar year ended December 31, 2020 | 1 year | 5 years | 10 years |
Investor Class | 0.29% | 0.54% | 0.28% |
Investment Advisor
American Century Investment Management, Inc.
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares
The fund is only available for purchase by accounts that are beneficially owned by natural persons. The fund may involuntarily redeem shares in any account not beneficially owned by a natural person.
You may purchase or redeem shares of the fund on any business day through our website at americancentury.com, in person (at one of our Investor Centers), by mail (American Century Investments, P.O. Box 419200, Kansas City, MO 64141-6200), by telephone at 1-800-345-2021 (Investor Services Representative) or 1-800-345-3533 (Business, Not-For-Profit and Employer Sponsored Retirement Plans), or through a financial intermediary. Shares may be purchased and redemption proceeds received by electronic bank transfer, by check or by wire.
Unless otherwise specified below, the minimum initial investment amount to open an account is $2,500 ($1,000 for Coverdell Education Savings Accounts and IRAs). However, American Century Investments will waive the fund minimum if you make an initial investment of at least $500 and continue to make automatic investments of at least $100 a month until reaching the fund minimum. Investors opening accounts through financial intermediaries may open an account with $250, but the financial intermediaries may require their clients to meet different investment minimums. The minimum may be waived for broker-dealer sponsored wrap program accounts, fee based accounts, and accounts through bank/trust and wealth management advisory organizations.
There is no minimum initial investment amount for certain employer-sponsored retirement plans, however, financial intermediaries or plan recordkeepers may require plans to meet different minimums.
There is a $50 minimum for subsequent purchases, except that there is no subsequent purchase minimum for financial intermediaries or employer-sponsored retirement plans.
The fund may impose a liquidity fee of up to 2% on fund redemptions or temporarily suspend redemptions for up to 10 business days in a rolling 90-day period as early as the same day that the fund’s weekly liquid assets fall below 30% of its total assets. Any redemption request received while redemptions are suspended will be canceled. If the fund’s weekly liquid assets fall below 10% of its total assets, the fund must impose a liquidity fee of 1% on fund redemptions by the beginning of the next business day, unless the Board of Trustees determines that such fee would not be in the best interest of the fund. We will post announcements regarding the imposition of any liquidity fee or redemption gate, or the termination thereof, on the fund’s website, www.americancentury.com, and file such notice with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Tax Information
The fund intends to distribute income that is exempt from regular federal and California income taxes. A portion of the fund’s distributions may be subject to California or federal income taxes or to the federal alternative minimum tax.
If you hold your fund shares through a tax-deferred investment plan, such as a 401(k) plan or an IRA, any distributions received from the fund may be taxable as ordinary income upon withdrawal from the tax-deferred plan, regardless of whether the distributions were tax-exempt when earned.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
If you purchase the fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank, insurance company, plan sponsor or financial professional), the fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
Objectives, Strategies and Risks
What is the fund’s investment objective?
The fund seeks safety of principal and high current income that is exempt from federal and California income taxes.
What are the fund’s principal investment strategies?
The fund is a retail money market fund that invests in municipal money market securities. The securities purchased by the fund are subject to the maturity, quality, diversification, and other requirements of Rule 2a-7 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. The fund’s assets are invested in high-quality, very short-term debt securities and, under normal market conditions, at least 80% of the fund’s net assets must have interest payments exempt from federal and California income taxes. The fund may change this 80% policy only upon 60 days’ prior written notice to shareholders. Cities, counties and other municipalities in California and U.S. territories usually issue these securities for public projects, such as schools and roads. Income from these securities is exempt from regular federal income tax, state tax and the alternative minimum tax.
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Debt securities include fixed-income investments such as notes, bonds, commercial paper and U.S. Treasury securities. Very short-term debt securities (those with maturities shorter than 397 days) are called money market instruments. A high-quality debt security is one that has been rated by an independent rating agency in its top two credit quality categories or determined by the advisor to be of comparable credit quality. The details of the fund’s credit quality standards are described in the statement of additional information. Municipalities include states, cities, counties, incorporated townships, the District of Columbia and U.S. territories and possessions. They can issue private activity bonds and public purpose bonds. |
Some of the securities in which the fund invests are guaranteed by certain U.S. government agencies or instrumentalities such as the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB), the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae), and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac). Such securities are not guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury or supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government. However, these agencies are authorized to borrow from the U.S. Treasury to meet their obligations.
When determining whether to buy or sell a security, portfolio managers consider, among other things, current and anticipated changes in interest rates, the credit quality of a particular issuer, comparable alternatives, diversification limits, general market conditions and any other factor deemed relevant by the portfolio managers.
A description of the policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of the fund’s portfolio securities is available in the statement of additional information.
What are the principal risks of investing in the fund?
Because high-quality, very short-term debt securities are among the safest securities available, the interest they pay is among the lowest for income-paying securities. Accordingly, the yield on the fund will likely be lower than the yield on funds that invest in longer-term or lower-quality securities.
The fund will be sensitive to events that affect California’s economy. Significant political or economic developments in California will likely impact virtually all municipal securities issued in the state. Because the fund invests principally in California municipal securities, it may have a higher level of risk than funds that invest in a larger universe of securities.
Because the fund invests principally in municipal securities, it will be sensitive to events that affect municipal markets, including legislative or political changes and the financial condition of the issuers of municipal securities. By investing primarily in municipal securities, the fund may have a higher level of risk than funds that invest in a larger universe of securities. Additionally, the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has significantly stressed the financial resources of many municipal issuers, which may impair a municipal issuer’s ability to meet its financial obligations when due and could adversely impact the value of its bonds, which could negatively impact the performance of the fund.
Investments in debt securities are also sensitive to interest rate changes. Generally, the value of debt securities and funds that hold them decline as interest rates rise. The fund’s investments in very short-term debt securities are designed to minimize this risk. However, a sharp and unexpected rise in interest rates could cause the fund’s price to drop and a period of rising interest rates may negatively affect the fund’s performance.
The chance that a fund will have difficulty selling its debt securities is called liquidity risk. During periods of market turbulence or unusually low trading activity, to meet redemptions it may be necessary for the fund to sell securities at prices that could have an adverse effect on the fund’s share price. Changing regulatory and market conditions, including increases in interest rates and credit spreads may adversely affect the liquidity of the fund’s investments. The fund follows strict rules with respect to liquidity of its portfolio securities. The fund may not purchase any illiquid security if, immediately after the acquisition, the fund would have more than 5% of its total assets invested in illiquid securities. In addition, the fund must have at least 30% of its total assets invested in weekly liquid assets—securities that can be converted into cash within one week. As early as the same day that the fund’s percentage of weekly liquid assets falls below 30%, the fund may impose a fee on the sale of shares or temporarily suspend redemptions.
Debt securities, even high-quality debt securities, are subject to credit risk. Credit risk is the risk that the inability or perceived inability of the issuer to make interest and principal payments will cause the value of the securities to decrease. As a result, the fund’s share price could also decrease. A high credit rating indicates a high degree of confidence by the rating organization that the issuer will be able to withstand adverse business, financial or economic conditions and make interest and principal payments on time. A lower credit rating indicates a greater risk of non-payment. Changes in the credit rating of a debt security held by the fund could have a similar effect. The fund’s credit quality restrictions apply at the time of purchase; the fund will not necessarily sell securities if downgraded by a rating agency.
The fund may need to sell securities at times it would not otherwise do so to meet shareholder redemption requests. The fund could experience a loss when selling securities, particularly if the redemption requests are unusually large or frequent, occur in times of overall market turmoil or declining prices for the securities sold or when the securities the fund wishes to sell are illiquid. Selling securities to meet such redemption requests also may increase transaction costs or have tax consequences. To the extent that a large shareholder (including a fund of funds or 529 college savings plan) invests in the fund, the fund may experience relatively large redemptions as such shareholder reallocates its assets. Although the advisor seeks to minimize the impact of such transactions where possible, the fund’s performance may be adversely affected.
There is no guarantee that all of the fund’s income will remain exempt from federal or state income taxes. Income from municipal bonds held by the fund could be declared taxable because of unfavorable changes in tax laws, adverse interpretations by the Internal Revenue Service or state tax authorities, or non-compliant conduct of a bond issuer.
Management
Who manages the fund?
The Board of Trustees, investment advisor and fund management teams play key roles in the management of the fund.
The Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees is responsible for overseeing the advisor’s management and operations of the fund pursuant to the management agreement. In performing their duties, Board members receive detailed information about the fund and its advisor regularly throughout the year, and meet at least quarterly with management of the advisor to review reports about fund operations. The trustees’ role is to provide oversight and not to provide day-to-day management. More than three-fourths of the trustees are independent of the fund’s advisor. They are not employees, directors or officers of, and have no financial interest in, the advisor or any of its affiliated companies (other than as shareholders of American Century Investments funds), and they do not have any other affiliations, positions, or relationships that would cause them to be considered “interested persons” under the Investment Company Act of 1940.
The Investment Advisor
The fund’s investment advisor is American Century Investment Management, Inc. (the advisor). The advisor has been managing mutual funds since 1958 and is headquartered at 4500 Main Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64111.
The advisor is responsible for managing the investment portfolio of the fund and directing the purchase and sale of its investment securities. The advisor also arranges for transfer agency, custody and all other services necessary for the fund to operate.
For the services it provides to the fund, the advisor receives a unified management fee based on a percentage of the daily net assets of each class of shares of the fund. The management fee is calculated daily and paid monthly in arrears. Out of the fund’s fee, the advisor pays all expenses of managing and operating the fund except brokerage expenses, taxes, interest, fees and expenses of the independent trustees (including legal counsel fees), extraordinary expenses, and expenses incurred in connection with the provision of shareholder services and distribution services under a plan adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The advisor may pay unaffiliated third parties who provide recordkeeping and administrative services that would otherwise be performed by an affiliate of the advisor.
The percentage rate used to calculate the management fee for each class of shares of a fund is determined daily using a two-component formula that takes into account (i) the daily net assets of certain accounts managed by the advisor that are in the same broad investment category as the fund (the “Category Fee”) and (ii) the assets of all funds in the American Century Investments family of funds that have the same investment advisor and distributor as the fund (the “Complex Fee”). For purposes of determining the Category Fee and Complex Fee, the assets of funds managed by the advisor that invest exclusively in the shares of other funds (funds of funds) are not included. The statement of additional information contains detailed information about the calculation of the management fee.
The advisor may waive the receipt of a portion of the management fee, or may agree to bear fund expenses, to enhance the fund’s yield during periods when fund operating expenses have a significant impact on the fund’s yield due to low interest rates or to assist the advisor’s efforts to maintain a $1.00 net asset value per share. Any such fee waiver or expense reimbursement is voluntary and temporary, and the advisor may revise or terminate it at any time without notice. There is no guarantee that the fund will maintain a positive yield or a $1.00 net asset value per share.
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Management Fees Paid by the Fund to the Advisor as a Percentage of Average Net Assets for the Fiscal Year Ended August 31, 2021 | Investor Class |
California Tax-Free Money Market | 0.10% |
A discussion regarding the basis for the Board of Trustees’ approval of the fund’s investment advisory agreement with the advisor is available in the fund’s annual report to shareholders dated August 31, 2021.
Fundamental Investment Policies
Shareholders must approve any change to the fundamental investment policies contained in the statement of additional information, as well as any change to the investment objective of the fund. The Board of Trustees and/or the advisor may change any other policies or investment strategies described in this prospectus or otherwise used in the operation of the fund at any time, subject to applicable notice provisions.
Investing Directly with American Century Investments
Services Automatically Available to You
Most accounts automatically have access to the services listed under Ways to Manage Your Account when the account is opened. If you have questions about the services that apply to your account type, please call us.
Generally, once your account is established, any registered owner (including those on jointly owned accounts) or any trustee (including those on trust accounts with multiple trustees), or any authorized signer on business accounts with multiple authorized signers, may transact business by any of the methods described below. American Century reserves the right to require all owners or trustees or authorized signers to act together, at our discretion.
Account Maintenance Fee
If you hold Investor Class shares of any American Century Investments fund, or I Class shares of the American Century Diversified Bond Fund, in an American Century Investments account (i.e., not through a financial intermediary or employer-sponsored retirement plan account), we may charge you a $25 annual account maintenance fee if the value of those shares is less than $10,000. We will determine the amount of your total eligible investments once per year, generally the last Friday in October. If the value of those investments is less than $10,000 at that time, we will automatically redeem shares in one of your accounts to pay the $25 fee as soon as administratively possible. Please note that you may incur tax liability as a result of the redemption. In determining your total eligible investment amount, we will include your investments in all personal accounts (including American Century Investments brokerage accounts) registered under your Social Security number. We will not charge the fee as long as you choose to manage your accounts exclusively online. You may enroll for exclusive online account management by visiting americancentury.com. Regardless of whether you manage your account online, you may request a paper copy of the prospectus, statement of additional information, or annual report free of charge.
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Personal accounts include individual accounts, joint accounts, UGMA/UTMA accounts, personal trusts, Coverdell Education Savings Accounts, IRAs (including traditional, Roth, Rollover, SEP-, SARSEP- and SIMPLE-IRAs), and certain other retirement accounts. If you have only business, business retirement, employer-sponsored or American Century Investments brokerage accounts, you are currently not subject to this fee, but you may be subject to other fees. |
Wire Purchases
Current Investors: If you would like to make a wire purchase into an existing account, your bank will need the following information (To invest in a new fund, please call us first to set up the new account.):
•American Century Investments bank information: Commerce Bank N.A., Routing No. 101000019, Account No. 2804918;
•Your American Century Investments account number and fund name;
•Your name;
•Contribution year (for IRAs only); and
•Dollar amount.
New Investors: To make a wire purchase into a new account, please complete an application or call us prior to wiring money.
Ways to Manage Your Account
ONLINE
americancentury.com
Open an account: If you are a current or new investor, you can open an account by completing and submitting our online application. Current investors also can open an account by exchanging shares from another American Century Investments account with an identical registration.
Exchange shares: Exchange shares from another American Century Investments account with an identical registration.
Make additional investments: Make an additional investment into an established American Century Investments account. If we do not have your bank information, you can add it.
Sell shares*: Redeem shares and choose whether the proceeds are electronically transferred to your authorized bank account or sent by check to your address of record.
* Online redemptions up to $25,000 per day per account.
IN PERSON
If you prefer to handle your transactions in person, visit one of our Investor Centers and a representative can help you open an account, make additional investments, and sell or exchange shares.
•4500 Main Street, Kansas City, MO — 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday – Friday
•4917 Town Center Drive, Leawood, KS — 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday – Friday
BY TELEPHONE
Investor Services Representative: 1-800-345-2021
Business and Not-For-Profit: 1-800-345-3533
Automated Information Line: 1-800-345-8765
Open an account: If you are a current investor, you can open an account by exchanging shares from another American Century Investments account with an identical registration.
Exchange shares: Call or use our Automated Information Line (available only to Investor Class shareholders).
Make additional investments: Call or use our Automated Information Line if you have authorized us to invest from your bank account. The Automated Information Line is available only to Investor Class shareholders.
Sell shares: Call or use our Automated Information Line. The Automated Information Line redemptions are up to $25,000 per day per account and are available for Investor Class shareholders only.
BY MAIL OR FAX
Mail Address: P.O. Box 419200, Kansas City, MO 64141-6200 — Fax: 1-888-327-1998
Open an account: Send a signed, completed application and check or money order payable to American Century Investments.
Exchange shares: Send written instructions to exchange your shares from one American Century Investments account to another with an identical registration.
Make additional investments: Send your check or money order for at least $50 with an investment slip. If you don’t have an investment slip, include your name, address and account number on your check or money order.
Sell shares: Send written instructions or a redemption form to sell shares. Call a Service Representative to request a form.
AUTOMATICALLY
Open an account: Not available.
Exchange shares: Send written instructions to set up an automatic exchange of your shares from one American Century Investments account to another with an identical registration.
Make additional investments: With the automatic investment service, you can purchase shares on a regular basis. You must invest at least $50 per month per account.
Sell shares: You may sell shares automatically by establishing a systematic redemption plan.
See Additional Policies Affecting Your Investment for more information about investing with us.
Investing Through a Financial Intermediary
The fund may be purchased through financial intermediaries that provide various administrative and distribution services.
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Financial intermediaries include banks, broker-dealers, insurance companies and financial professionals. |
Certain financial intermediaries perform recordkeeping and administrative services for their clients that would otherwise be performed by American Century Investments’ transfer agent. In some circumstances, the advisor will pay such service providers a fee for performing those services. Also, the advisor and the fund’s distributor may make payments to intermediaries for various additional services, other expenses and/or the intermediaries’ distribution of the fund out of their profits or other available sources. Such payments may be made for one or more of the following: (1) distribution, which may include expenses incurred by intermediaries for their sales activities with respect to the fund, such as preparing, printing and distributing sales literature and advertising materials and compensating registered representatives or other employees of such financial intermediaries for their sales activities as well as the opportunity for the fund to be made available by such intermediaries; (2) shareholder services, such as providing individual and custom investment advisory services to clients of the financial intermediaries; and (3) marketing and promotional services, including business planning assistance, educating personnel about the fund, and sponsorship of sales meetings, which may include covering costs of providing speakers, meals and other entertainment. The distributor may sponsor seminars and conferences designed to educate intermediaries about the fund and may cover the expenses associated with attendance at such meetings, including travel costs. These payments and activities are intended to provide an incentive to intermediaries to sell the fund by educating them about the fund, and helping defray the costs associated with offering the fund. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the intermediary to recommend the fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information. The amount of any payments described by this paragraph is determined by the advisor or the distributor, and all such amounts are paid out of the available assets of the advisor and distributor, and not by you or the fund. As a result, the total expense ratio of the fund will not be affected by any such payments.
Moving Between Share Classes and Accounts
You may move your investment between share classes (within the same fund or between different funds) in certain circumstances deemed appropriate by American Century Investments. You also may move investments held in certain accounts to a different type of account if you meet certain criteria. Please contact your financial professional for more information about moving between share classes or account types.
Buying and Selling Shares Through a Financial Intermediary
Your ability to purchase, exchange, redeem and transfer shares will be affected by the policies of the financial intermediary through which you do business. Some policy differences may include
•minimum investment requirements
•exchange policies
•fund choices
•cutoff time for investments
•trading restrictions
In addition, your financial intermediary may charge a transaction fee for the purchase or sale of fund shares. Those charges are retained by the financial intermediary and are not shared with American Century Investments or the fund. Please contact your financial intermediary for a complete description of its policies. Copies of the fund’s annual reports, semiannual reports and statement of additional information are available from your financial intermediary.
The fund has authorized certain financial intermediaries to accept orders on the fund’s behalf. American Century Investments has selling agreements with these financial intermediaries requiring them to track the time investment orders are received and to comply with procedures relating to the transmission of orders and the imposition of liquidity fees and redemption gates. Orders must be received by the financial intermediary on the fund’s behalf before the time the net asset value is determined in order to receive that day’s share price. If those orders are transmitted to American Century Investments and paid for in accordance with the selling agreement, they will be priced at the net asset value next determined after your request is received in the form required by the financial intermediary.
If you submit a transaction request through a financial intermediary that does not have a selling agreement with us, or if the financial intermediary’s selling agreement does not cover the type of account or share class requested, we may reject or cancel the transaction without prior notice to you or the intermediary.
Investor Class shares may also be available on brokerage platforms of financial intermediaries that have agreements with American Century Investments to offer such shares solely when acting as an agent for the shareholder. A shareholder transacting in Investor Class shares in these programs may be required to pay a commission and/or other forms of compensation to the broker. Shares of the fund may be available in other share classes that have different fees and expenses.
See Additional Policies Affecting Your Investment for more information about investing with us.
Additional Policies Affecting Your Investment
Fund Eligibility
The fund is only available for purchase by accounts that are beneficially owned by natural persons. Investors may be required to demonstrate eligibility to purchase shares of the fund before an investment is accepted. The fund and the fund’s authorized agents and intermediaries may involuntarily redeem shares in any account not beneficially owned by a natural person.
Financial intermediaries must have policies and procedures that are reasonably designed to limit all beneficial owners of the fund to natural persons. Such financial intermediaries may be asked to provide information or certification as to the adequacy and effectiveness of such policies and procedures, in such form as the fund may reasonably request.
Eligibility for Investor Class Shares
The fund’s Investor Class shares are available for purchase directly from American Century Investments and through the following types of products, programs or accounts offered by financial intermediaries:
•self-directed accounts on transaction-based platforms that may or may not charge a transaction fee
•employer-sponsored retirement plans
•broker-dealer sponsored fee-based wrap programs or other fee-based advisory accounts
•insurance products and bank/trust products where fees are being charged
The fund reserves the right, when in the judgment of American Century Investments it is not adverse to the fund’s interest, to permit all or only certain types of investors to open new accounts in the fund, to impose further restrictions, or to close the fund to any additional investments, all without notice.
Minimum Initial Investment Amounts
Unless otherwise specified below, the minimum initial investment amount to open an account is $2,500. However, American Century Investments will waive the fund minimum if you make an initial investment of at least $500 and continue to make automatic investments of at least $100 a month until reaching the fund minimum.
Investors opening accounts through financial intermediaries may open an account with $250, but the financial intermediaries may require their clients to meet different investment minimums. See Investing Through a Financial Intermediary for more information.
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Broker-dealer sponsored wrap program accounts and/or fee-based advisory accounts | No minimum |
Coverdell Education Savings Account (CESA) or IRAs | $1,0001, 2 |
1 American Century Investments will waive the minimum if you make an initial investment of at least $500 and continue to make automatic investments of at least $100 a month until reaching the minimum.
2 The minimum initial investment for shareholders investing through financial intermediaries is $250. Financial intermediaries may have different minimums for their clients.
Subsequent Purchases
There is a $50 minimum for subsequent purchases. See Ways to Manage Your Account for more information about making additional investments directly with American Century Investments. However, there is no subsequent purchase minimum for financial intermediaries, but financial intermediaries may require their clients to meet different subsequent purchase requirements.
Limitations on Sale
As of the date of this prospectus the fund is registered for sale only in the following states and territories: Arizona, California, Colorado, District of Columbia, Florida, Hawaii, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington, the Virgin Islands and Guam.
Redemptions
Your redemption proceeds will be calculated using the net asset value (NAV) next determined after we receive your transaction request in good order.
Generally, we expect to remit your redemption proceeds to you one business day after we process your transaction. However, we reserve the right to delay delivery of redemption proceeds for up to seven days. For example, each time you make an investment with American Century Investments, there is a seven-day holding period before we will release redemption proceeds from those shares, unless you provide us with satisfactory proof that your purchase funds have cleared. We will not honor checks written against shares subject to this seven-day holding period. Investments by wire generally require only a one-day holding period. If you change your address, we may require that any redemption request made within seven days be submitted in writing and be signed by all authorized signers with their signatures guaranteed. We may also require a signature guarantee for redemptions in other situations, as described below. If you change your bank information, we may impose a seven-day holding period before we will transfer or wire redemption
proceeds to your bank. Please remember, if you request redemptions by wire, $10 will be deducted from the amount redeemed. Your bank also may charge a fee.
Additionally, if you are age 65 or older, or if we have reason to believe you have a mental or physical impairment that renders you unable to protect your own interest, we may temporarily delay the disbursement of redemption proceeds from your account if we believe that you have been the victim of actual or attempted financial exploitation. This temporary delay will be for an initial period of no more than 15 business days while we conduct an internal review of the facts and circumstances of the suspected financial exploitation. If our internal review supports our belief that actual or attempted financial exploitation has occurred or is occurring, we may extend the hold for up to 10 additional business days. At the expiration of the additional hold time, if we have not confirmed that exploitation has occurred, the proceeds will be released to you.
Under normal market conditions, the fund generally meets redemption requests through its holdings of cash or cash equivalents or by selling portfolio securities. However, we reserve the right to honor certain redemptions with securities, rather than cash, as described in the next section. Additionally, the fund may consider interfund lending to meet redemption requests. The fund is more likely to use these other methods to meet large redemption requests or during times of market stress.
Liquidity Fees and Redemption Gates
The fund may impose a fee on fund redemptions (liquidity fee) or temporarily restrict redemptions (redemption gate) if the fund’s weekly liquid assets fall below certain thresholds.
At any time after the fund’s weekly liquid assets fall below 30% of the fund’s total assets, the Board of Trustees may, in its discretion, direct the fund to impose a liquidity fee of up to 2% of the amount redeemed and/or implement a redemption gate.
If the fund’s weekly liquid assets fall below 10% of the fund’s total assets, the fund must impose a liquidity fee of 1% of the amount redeemed at the beginning of the next business day, unless the Board of Trustees determines that imposing such a fee would not be in the best interest of the fund or determines that a lower or higher fee (up to 2%) would be more appropriate.
If the fund imposes a redemption gate, the fund and the fund’s authorized agents and intermediaries will not accept redemption orders until the fund notifies shareholders that it has lifted the redemption gate. All redemption orders submitted while a redemption gate is in effect will be cancelled without further notice. If you still wish to redeem shares once the fund lifts the redemption gate, you will need to submit a new redemption request to the fund or the fund’s authorized agent or intermediary.
The Board of Trustees may terminate liquidity fees and redemption gates at any time. Additionally, liquidity fees and redemption gates will terminate automatically at the beginning of the next business day that the fund has 30% or more of its total assets invested in weekly liquid assets. The fund may only suspend redemptions for up to 10 business days in any rolling 90-day period.
If the Board implements a liquidity fee, the fund will generally use any proceeds to attempt to restore its market-based net asset value per share. To the extent that any liquidity fee causes the fund to have net income, the fund will declare a distribution on a daily basis. Generally, if you redeem shares while a liquidity fee is in place, the amount you receive for your shares will be reduced by the amount of the liquidity fee. However, for those accounts held directly at American Century or in an American Century brokerage account that allows check writing or the use of a debit card, we will deduct the full amount of the check or debit card transaction plus the liquidity fee. Redeeming while there is a liquidity fee in place will generally cause you to recognize a capital loss.
We will post announcements regarding the imposition of any liquidity fee or redemption gate, or the termination thereof, on the fund’s website, www.americancentury.com, and file such notice with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
If the fund’s weekly liquid assets fall below 10%, the fund reserves the right to permanently suspend redemptions and liquidate the fund pursuant to Rule 22e-3 if the Board of Trustees determines that it is not in the best interests of the fund to continue operating.
Special Requirements for Large Redemptions
If, during any 90-day period, you redeem fund shares worth more than $250,000 (or 1% of the value of a fund’s assets if that amount is less than $250,000), we reserve the right to pay part or all of the redemption proceeds in excess of this amount in readily marketable securities instead of in cash. To the extent practicable, these securities will represent your pro rata share of the fund’s securities.
We will value these securities utilizing the current market price of the holding on the date of the redemption. The current market price will be based off of prices obtained from the independent pricing service approved by the fund’s board. We may provide these securities in lieu of cash without prior notice. Also, if payment is made in securities, you may have to pay brokerage or other transaction costs to convert the securities to cash. These securities remain subject to market risk until sold, and you may incur capital gains and/or losses when you sell the securities.
If your redemption would exceed this limit and you would like to avoid being paid in securities, please provide us with an unconditional instruction to redeem at least 15 days prior to the date on which the redemption transaction is to occur. The instruction must specify the dollar amount or number of shares to be redeemed and the date of the transaction. This minimizes the effect of the redemption on a fund and its remaining investors.
Redemption of Shares in Accounts Below Minimum
If your account balance falls below the minimum initial investment amount for any reason, or if you cancel your automatic monthly investment plan prior to reaching the fund minimum,American Century Investments reserves the right to redeem the shares in the account and send the proceeds to your address of record. Prior to doing so, we will notify you and give you 60 days to meet the minimum or reinstate your automatic monthly investment plan. You also may incur tax liability as a result of the redemption.
Small Distributions and Uncashed Distribution Checks
Generally, dividends and distributions cannot be paid by check for an amount less than $50. Any such amount will be automatically reinvested in additional shares. The fund reserves the right to reinvest any dividend or distribution amount you elect to receive by check if your check is returned as undeliverable or if you do not cash your check within six months. Interest will not accrue on the amount of your uncashed check. We will reinvest your check into your account at the NAV on the day of reinvestment. When reinvested, those amounts are subject to the risk of loss like any other fund investment. We also reserve the right to change your election to receive dividends and distributions in cash after a check is returned undeliverable or uncashed for the six month period, and we may automatically reinvest all future dividends and distributions at the NAV on the date of the payment.
Signature Guarantees
A signature guarantee — which is different from a notarized signature — is a warranty that the signature presented is genuine. We may require a signature guarantee for the following transactions:
•Your redemption or distribution check or automatic redemption is made payable to someone other than the account owners;
•Your redemption proceeds or distribution amount is sent by EFT (ACH or wire) to a destination other than your personal bank account;
•You are transferring ownership of an account over $100,000;
•You change your address and request a redemption over $100,000 within seven days;
•You request proceeds from redemptions, dividends, or distributions be sent to an address or financial institution differing from those on record; or
•You make a redemption or other transaction request via telephone, and we are unable to verify your identity.
We reserve the right to require a signature guarantee for other transactions, or we may employ other security measures, such as signature comparison or notarized signature, at our discretion.
Canceling a Transaction
American Century Investments will use its best efforts to honor your request to revoke a transaction instruction if your revocation request is received prior to the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) (generally 4 p.m. Eastern time) on the trade date of the transaction. Once processing has begun, or the NYSE has closed on the trade date, the transaction can no longer be canceled. Each fund reserves the right to suspend the offering of shares for a period of time and to reject any specific investment (including a purchase by exchange). Additionally, we may refuse a purchase if, in our judgment, it is of a size that would disrupt the management of a fund.
Frequent Trading Practices
Frequent trading and other abusive trading practices may disrupt portfolio management strategies and harm fund performance. If the cumulative amount of frequent trading activity is significant relative to a fund’s net assets, the fund may incur trading costs that are higher than necessary as securities are first purchased then quickly sold to meet the redemption request. In such case, the fund’s performance could be negatively impacted by the increased trading costs created by frequent trading if the additional trading costs are significant.
Because of the potentially harmful effects of abusive trading practices, the fund’s Board of Trustees has approved American Century Investments’ abusive trading policies and procedures, which are designed to reduce the frequency and effect of these activities in our funds. These policies and procedures include monitoring trading activity, imposing trading restrictions on certain accounts, and using fair value pricing when current market prices are not readily available. Although these efforts are designed to discourage abusive trading practices, they cannot eliminate the possibility that such activity will occur. American Century Investments seeks to exercise its judgment in implementing these tools to the best of its ability in a manner that it believes is consistent with shareholder interests.
For money market funds, American Century Investments anticipates that shareholders will purchase and sell shares frequently because these funds are designed to offer investors a liquid investment. Accordingly, American Century Investments has determined that it is not necessary to monitor trading activity or impose trading restrictions on money market fund shares and these funds accommodate frequent trading. However, we reserve the right, in our sole discretion, to modify monitoring and other practices as necessary to deal with novel or unique abusive trading practices.
Your Responsibility for Unauthorized Transactions
American Century Investments and its affiliated companies use procedures reasonably designed to confirm that telephone, electronic and other instructions are genuine. These procedures include recording telephone calls, requesting additional identifying information, requiring personalized security codes or other information online, and sending confirmation of transactions. If we follow these procedures, we are not responsible for any losses that may occur due to unauthorized instructions. For transactions conducted over the Internet, we recommend the use of a secure Internet browser. In addition, you should verify the accuracy of your confirmation statements immediately after you receive them.
A Note About Mailings to Shareholders
To reduce the amount of mail you receive from us, we generally deliver a single copy of fund documents (like shareholder reports, proxies and prospectuses) to investors who share an address, even if their accounts are registered under different names. Investors who share an address may also receive account-specific documents (like statements) in a single envelope. If you prefer to receive your documents addressed individually, please call us or your financial professional. For American Century Investments brokerage accounts, please call 1-888-345-2071.
Right to Change Policies
We reserve the right to change any stated investment requirement, including those that relate to purchases, exchanges and redemptions. In accordance with applicable law, we also may alter, add or discontinue any service or privilege. Changes may affect all investors or only those in certain classes or groups. In addition, from time to time we may waive a policy on a case-by-case basis, as the advisor deems appropriate.
Share Price and Distributions
Share Price
American Century Investments will price the fund shares you purchase, exchange or redeem based on the net asset value (NAV) next determined after your order is received in good order by the fund’s transfer agent, or other financial intermediary with the authority to accept orders on the fund’s behalf. We determine the NAV of each fund as of the close of regular trading (usually 4 p.m. Eastern time) on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on each day the NYSE is open. On days when the NYSE is closed (including certain U.S. national holidays), we do not calculate the NAV.
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The net asset value, or NAV, of the fund is the current value of the class’s assets, minus any liabilities, divided by the number of shares outstanding. |
All securities held by money market funds shall be valued using the amortized cost method pursuant to Rule 2a-7 under the Investment Company Act. As required by Rule 2a-7, the Board of Trustees has adopted procedures designed to stabilize, to the extent reasonably possible, the fund’s price per share as computed for the purposes of sales and redemptions at $1.00. The securities of money market funds will also be valued daily using readily available market quotations provided by independent pricing services to facilitate the calculation of the deviation between the funds’ market-based NAV per share and the NAV per share of $1.00.
If the fund is unable to maintain a stable $1.00 per share price, the advisor and the Board of Trustees may consider: (i) selling portfolio securities prior to maturity, (ii) withholding dividends or distributions from capital, (iii) authorizing a one-time dividend adjustment, (iv) discounting share purchases and initiating redemptions in kind, (v) valuing portfolio securities at market price for purposes of calculating NAV, or (vi) suspending redemptions in accordance with Rule 22e-3 and liquidating the fund.
Distributions
Federal tax laws require the fund to make distributions to its shareholders in order to qualify as a regulated investment company. Qualification as a regulated investment company means that the fund should not be subject to state or federal income tax on amounts distributed. The distributions generally consist of dividends and interest received by the fund, as well as capital gains realized by the fund on the sale of its investment securities.
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Capital gains are increases in the values of capital assets, such as stocks or bonds, from the time the assets are purchased. |
The fund expects to declare distributions from net income, if any, daily. These distributions are paid on the last business day of each month. Distributions are reinvested automatically in additional shares unless you choose another option. The fund intends to designate distributions from net income as exempt-interest dividends. To be eligible to make this designation, at least 50% of the value of the fund’s total assets must consist of tax-exempt interest obligations at the close of each quarter.
Except as described in the next paragraph, you will begin to participate in fund distributions the next business day after your purchase is effective. If you redeem shares, you will receive the distribution declared for the day you redeem.
You will begin to participate in fund distributions on the day your instructions to purchase are received if you
•notify us of your purchase prior to 11 a.m. Central time AND
•pay for your purchase by bank wire transfer prior to 3 p.m. Central time on the same day.
Also, we will wire your redemption proceeds to you by the end of the business day if you request your redemption before 11 a.m. Central time.
For investors investing through taxable accounts, we will reinvest distributions unless you elect to have dividends and/or capital gains sent to another American Century Investments account, to your bank electronically, or to your home address or to another person or address by check. Generally, participants in tax-deferred retirement plans reinvest all distributions.
Taxes
Tax-Exempt Income
Most of the income that the fund receives from municipal securities is exempt from California and regular federal income taxes. However, corporate shareholders should be aware that distributions are subject to California’s corporate franchise tax.
Taxable Income
The fund’s investment performance also is based on sources other than income from municipal securities. These investment performance sources, while not the primary source of fund distributions, will generate taxable income to you. Some of these investment performance sources are
•Market Discount Purchases. The fund may buy a tax-exempt security for a price less than the principal amount of the bond. If the price of the bond increases over time, a portion of the gain may be treated as ordinary income and taxable as ordinary income if it is distributed to shareholders.
•Capital Gains. When the fund sells a security, even a tax-exempt municipal security, it can generate a capital gain or loss, which you must report on your tax return.
•Temporary Investments. Some temporary investments, such as securities loans and repurchase agreements, can generate taxable income.
Taxability of Distributions
Fund distributions may consist of income, such as dividends and interest earned by a fund from its investments, or capital gains generated by a fund from the sale of its investment securities. Distributions of income are generally exempt from regular federal income tax. However, if distributions are federally taxable, such distributions may be designated as qualified dividend income. If so, and if you meet a minimum required holding period with respect to your shares of the fund, such distributions of income are taxed at the same rates as long-term capital gains. The fund does not expect a significant portion of its distributions to be derived from qualified dividend income.
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Qualified dividend income is a dividend received by a fund from the stock of a domestic or qualifying foreign corporation, provided that the fund has held the stock for a required holding period and the stock was not on loan at the time of the dividend. |
The tax character of any distributions from capital gains is determined by how long the fund held the underlying security that was sold, not by how long you have been invested in the fund or whether you reinvest your distributions or take them in cash. Short-term (one year or less) capital gains are taxable as ordinary income. Gains on securities held for more than one year are taxed at the lower rates applicable to long-term capital gains.
If a fund’s distributions exceed current and accumulated earnings and profits, such excess will generally be considered a return of capital. A return of capital distribution is generally not subject to tax, but will reduce your cost basis in the fund and result in higher realized capital gains (or lower realized capital losses) upon the sale of fund shares.
For taxable accounts, American Century Investments or your financial intermediary will inform you of the tax character of fund distributions for each calendar year in an annual tax mailing.
If you meet specified income levels, you will also be subject to a 3.8% Medicare contribution tax which is imposed on net investment income, including interest, dividends and capital gains. This tax is not imposed on tax-exempt interest.
If you hold your fund shares through a tax-deferred investment plan, such as a 401(k) plan or an IRA, any distributions received from the fund may be taxable as ordinary income upon withdrawal from the tax-deferred plan, regardless of whether the distributions were tax-exempt when earned.
Distributions also may be subject to state and local taxes. Because everyone’s tax situation is unique, you may want to consult your tax professional about federal, state and local tax consequences.
Taxes on Transactions
Your redemptions—including exchanges to other American Century Investments funds—are subject to capital gains tax. Short-term capital gains are gains on fund shares you held for 12 months or less. Long-term capital gains are gains on fund shares you held for more than 12 months. If your shares decrease in value, their sale or exchange will result in a long-term or short-term capital loss. However, you should note that loss realized upon the sale or exchange of shares held for six months or less will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any distribution of long-term capital gain and will be disallowed to the extent of any distribution of tax-exempt income to you with respect to those shares. If a loss is realized on the redemption of fund shares, the reinvestment in additional fund shares within 30 days before or after the redemption may be subject to the wash sale rules of the Internal Revenue Code. This may result in a postponement of the recognition of such loss for federal income tax purposes.
If you have not certified to us that your Social Security number or tax identification number is correct and that you are not subject to withholding, we are required to withhold and pay to the IRS the applicable federal withholding tax rate on taxable dividends, capital gains distributions and redemption proceeds.
Buying a Dividend
Purchasing fund shares in a taxable account shortly before a distribution is sometimes known as buying a dividend. In taxable accounts, you must pay income taxes on the distribution whether you reinvest the distribution or take it in cash. In addition, you will have to pay taxes on the distribution whether the value of your investment decreased, increased or remained the same after you bought the fund shares.
The risk in buying a dividend is that a fund’s portfolio may build up taxable income and gains throughout the period covered by a distribution, as income is earned and securities are sold at a profit. The fund distributes the income and gains to you, after subtracting any losses, even if you did not own the shares when the income was earned or the gains occurred.
If you buy a dividend, you incur the full tax liability of the distribution period, but you may not enjoy the full benefit of the income earned or the gains realized in the fund’s portfolio.
Financial Highlights
Understanding the Financial Highlights
The table on the next page itemizes what contributed to the changes in share price during the most recent fiscal period. It also shows the changes in share price for this period in comparison to changes over the last five fiscal years.
On a per-share basis, the table includes as appropriate
•share price at the beginning of the period
•investment income and capital gains or losses
•distributions of income and capital gains paid to investors
•share price at the end of the period
The table also includes some key statistics for the period as appropriate
•Total Return – the overall percentage of return of the fund, assuming the reinvestment of all distributions
•Expense Ratio – the operating expenses of the fund as a percentage of average net assets
•Net Income Ratio – the net investment income of the fund as a percentage of average net assets
The Financial Highlights that follow have been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent registered public accounting firm. Their Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm and the financial statements are included in the fund’s annual report, which is available upon request.
California Tax-Free Money Market Fund
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For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Years Ended August 31 (except as noted) |
Per-Share Data | Ratios and Supplemental Data |
| | Income From Investment Operations: | Distributions From: | | | Ratio to Average Net Assets of: | |
| Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period | Net Investment Income (Loss) | Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) | Total From Investment Operations | Net Investment Income | Net Realized Gains | Total Distributions | Net Asset Value, End of Period | Total Return(1) | Operating Expenses | Operating Expenses (before expense waiver) | Net Investment Income (Loss) | Net Investment Income (Loss) (before expense waiver) | Net Assets, End of Period (in thousands) |
Investor Class |
2021 | $1.00 | —(2) | —(2) | —(2) | —(2) | — | —(2) | $1.00 | 0.01% | 0.11% | 0.50% | 0.01% | (0.38)% | $127,418 | |
2020 | $1.00 | 0.01 | — | 0.01 | (0.01) | — | (0.01) | $1.00 | 0.53% | 0.42% | 0.50% | 0.55% | 0.47% | $134,252 | |
2019 | $1.00 | 0.01 | — | 0.01 | (0.01) | —(2) | (0.01) | $1.00 | 1.08% | 0.50% | 0.50% | 1.06% | 1.06% | $162,022 | |
2018 | $1.00 | 0.01 | —(2) | 0.01 | (0.01) | —(2) | (0.01) | $1.00 | 0.75% | 0.50% | 0.50% | 0.75% | 0.75% | $164,443 | |
2017 | $1.00 | —(2) | —(2) | —(2) | —(2) | —(2) | —(2) | $1.00 | 0.35% | 0.50% | 0.50% | 0.33% | 0.33% | $168,782 | |
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Notes to Financial Highlights |
(1)Total returns are calculated based on the net asset value of the last business day. Total returns for periods less than one year are not annualized.
(2)Per-share amount was less than $0.005.
Notes
Notes
Where to Find More Information
Annual and Semiannual Reports
Additional information about the fund’s investments is available in the fund’s annual and semiannual reports to shareholders. This prospectus incorporates by reference the Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm and the financial statements included in the fund’s annual report to shareholders, dated August 31, 2021. Statement of Additional Information (SAI)
The SAI contains a more detailed legal description of the fund’s operations, investment restrictions, policies and practices. The SAI is incorporated by reference into this prospectus. This means that it is legally part of this prospectus, even if you don’t request a copy. You may obtain a free copy of the SAI, annual reports and semiannual reports, and you may ask questions about the fund or your accounts, online at americancentury.com, by contacting American Century Investments at the addresses or telephone numbers listed below or by contacting your financial intermediary.
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
Reports and other information about the fund are available on the EDGAR database on the SEC’s website at sec.gov, and copies of this information may be obtained, after paying a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following email address: publicinfo@sec.gov.
This prospectus shall not constitute an offer to sell securities of the fund in any state, territory, or other jurisdiction where the fund’s shares have not been registered or qualified for sale, unless such registration or qualification is not required, or under any circumstances in which such offer or solicitation would be unlawful.
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American Century Investments americancentury.com
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Retail Investors P.O. Box 419200 Kansas City, Missouri 64141-6200 1-800-345-2021 or 816-531-5575 | Financial Professionals P.O. Box 419385 Kansas City, Missouri 64141-6385 1-800-345-6488 |
Investment Company Act File No. 811-03706
CL-PRS-90417 2201
January 1, 2022
American Century Investments
Statement of Additional Information
American Century California Tax-Free and Municipal Funds
California High-Yield Municipal Fund
Investor Class (BCHYX)
I Class (BCHIX)
Y Class (ACYHX)
A Class (CAYAX)
C Class (CAYCX)
California Intermediate-Term Tax-Free Bond Fund
Investor Class (BCITX)
I Class (BCTIX)
Y Class (ACYTX)
A Class (BCIAX)
C Class (BCIYX)
California Tax-Free Money Market Fund
Investor Class (BCTXX)
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This statement of additional information adds to the discussion in the funds’ prospectuses dated January 1, 2022, but is not a prospectus. The statement of additional information should be read in conjunction with the funds’ current prospectuses. If you would like a copy of a prospectus, please contact us at one of the addresses or telephone numbers listed on the back cover or visit American Century Investments’ website at americancentury.com. | |
This statement of additional information incorporates by reference certain information that appears in the funds’ annual reports, which are delivered to all investors. You may obtain a free copy of the funds’ annual reports by calling 1-800-345-2021. | |
©2022 American Century Proprietary Holdings, Inc. All rights reserved.
Table of Contents
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The Funds’ History | 2 | |
Fund Investment Guidelines | 2 | |
California High-Yield Municipal Fund | 3 | |
California Intermediate-Term Tax-Free Bond Fund | 3 | |
California Tax-Free Money Market Fund | 3 | |
Fund Investments and Risks | 4 | |
Investment Strategies and Risks | 4 | |
Investment Policies | 18 | |
Temporary Defensive Measures | 19 | |
Portfolio Turnover | 19 | |
Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings | 20 | |
Management | 24 | |
Board of Trustees | 24 | |
Officers | 29 | |
Code of Ethics | 30 | |
Proxy Voting Policies | 30 | |
The Funds’ Principal Shareholders | 30 | |
Service Providers | 30 | |
Investment Advisor | 30 | |
Portfolio Managers | 33 | |
Transfer Agent and Administrator | 35 | |
Sub-Administrator | 35 | |
Distributor | 35 | |
Custodian Bank | 35 | |
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm | 36 | |
Brokerage Allocation | 36 | |
Regular Broker-Dealers | 37 | |
Information About Fund Shares | 37 | |
Multiple Class Structure | 38 | |
Valuation of a Fund’s Securities | 39 | |
Taxes | 40 | |
Federal Income Tax | 40 | |
Alternative Minimum Tax | 42 | |
State and Local Taxes | 42 | |
Financial Statements | 42 | |
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Appendix A – Principal Shareholders | A-1 |
Appendix B – Sales Charges and Payments to Dealers | B-1 |
Appendix C – Buying and Selling Fund Shares | C-1 |
Appendix D – Explanation of Fixed-Income Securities Ratings | D-1 |
Appendix E – Proxy Voting Policies | E-1 |
The Funds’ History
American Century California Tax-Free and Municipal Funds is a registered open-end management investment company that was organized as a Massachusetts business trust on February 18, 1983. From then until January 1997, it was known as Benham California Tax-Free and Municipal Funds. Throughout this statement of additional information, we refer to American Century California Tax-Free and Municipal Funds as the trust.
Each fund is a separate series of the trust and operates for many purposes as if it were an independent company. Each fund has its own investment objective, strategy, management team, assets, and tax identification and stock registration number.
Effective January 1, 2006, the California Intermediate-Term Tax-Free Fund was renamed the California Tax-Free Bond Fund. Effective November 1, 2010, the California Tax-Free Bond Fund was renamed the California Intermediate-Term Tax-Free Bond Fund.
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Fund/Class | Ticker Symbol | Inception Date |
California High-Yield Municipal Fund |
Investor Class | BCHYX | 12/30/1986 |
I Class | BCHIX | 03/01/2010 |
Y Class | ACYHX | 04/10/2017 |
A Class | CAYAX | 01/31/2003 |
C Class | CAYCX | 01/31/2003 |
California Intermediate-Term Tax-Free Bond Fund |
Investor Class | BCITX | 11/09/1983 |
I Class | BCTIX | 03/01/2010 |
Y Class | ACYTX | 04/10/2017 |
A Class | BCIAX | 03/01/2010 |
C Class | BCIYX | 03/01/2010 |
California Tax-Free Money Market Fund |
Investor Class | BCTXX | 11/09/1983 |
Fund Investment Guidelines
This section explains the extent to which the funds’ advisor, American Century Investment Management, Inc. (ACIM), can use various investment vehicles and strategies in managing a fund’s assets. Descriptions of the investment techniques and risks associated with each appear in the section, Investment Strategies and Risks, which begins on page 4. In the case of the funds’ principal investment strategies, these descriptions elaborate upon the discussion contained in the prospectuses.
California High-Yield Municipal Fund and California Intermediate-Term Tax-Free Bond Fund are diversified as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the Investment Company Act). Diversified means that, with respect to 75% of its total assets, a fund will not invest more than 5% of its total assets in the securities of a single issuer or own more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of a single issuer (other than U.S. government securities and securities of other investment companies). California Tax-Free Money Market operates pursuant to Rule 2a-7 under the Investment Company Act, which permits the valuation of portfolio securities on the basis of amortized cost. To rely on Rule 2a-7, the fund must comply with the definition of diversified under the rule.
To meet federal tax requirements for qualification as a regulated investment company, each fund must limit its investments so that at the close of each quarter of its taxable year (1) no more than 25% of its total assets are invested in the securities of a single issuer (other than the U.S. government or a regulated investment company), and (2) with respect to at least 50% of its total assets, no more than 5% of its total assets are invested in the securities of a single issuer (other than the U.S. government or a regulated investment company) and it does not own more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of a single issuer.
Each fund intends to remain fully invested in municipal obligations. Each fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets in California municipal obligations. A municipal obligation is a “California” municipal obligation if its income is exempt from California state income taxes. This includes obligations issued by U.S. territories or possessions that are exempt from federal and California state income taxes.
The remaining 20% of net assets may be invested in:
(1)municipal obligations issued in other states, and
(2)U.S. government obligations.
For temporary defensive purposes, each fund may invest more than 20% of its net assets in U.S. government obligations. For liquidity purposes, each fund may invest up to 5% of its total assets in shares of money market funds; the non-money market funds may invest in money market funds managed by the advisor.
Each fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets in obligations with interest exempt from regular federal income tax. California High-Yield Municipal, unlike the other funds, may invest substantially all of its assets in securities that are subject to the alternative minimum tax (AMT). See Alternative Minimum Tax, page 42.
For an explanation of the securities ratings referred to in the prospectuses and this statement of additional information, see Explanation of Fixed-Income Securities Ratings in Appendix D.
Investments are varied according to what is judged advantageous under changing economic conditions. It is the advisor’s policy to retain maximum flexibility in management without restrictive provisions as to the proportion of one or another class of securities that may be held, subject to the investment restrictions described below. Subject to the specific limitations applicable to a fund, the fund management teams may invest the assets of each fund in varying amounts in other instruments when such a course is deemed appropriate in order to pursue a fund’s investment objective. Unless otherwise noted, all investment restrictions described below and in each fund’s prospectus are measured at the time of the transaction in the security. If market action affecting fund securities (including, but not limited to, appreciation, depreciation or a credit rating event) causes a fund to exceed an investment restriction, the advisor is not required to take immediate action. Under normal market conditions, however, the advisor’s policies and procedures indicate that the advisor will not make any purchases that will make the fund further outside the investment restriction.
California High-Yield Municipal Fund
Under normal market conditions, California High-Yield Municipal invests at least 80% of its net assets in municipal securities with income payments exempt from federal and California income taxes. Although California High-Yield Municipal typically invests a significant portion of its assets in investment-grade bonds, the advisor does not adhere to specific rating criteria in selecting investments for this fund. The fund invests in securities rated or judged by the advisor to be below investment-grade quality (e.g., bonds rated BB/Ba or lower, which are sometimes referred to as junk bonds) or unrated bonds.
Many issuers of medium- and lower-quality bonds choose not to have their obligations rated and a large portion of California High-Yield Municipal’s portfolio may consist of obligations that, when acquired, were not rated. Unrated securities may be less liquid than comparable rated securities and may involve the risk that the portfolio managers may not accurately evaluate the security’s comparative credit rating. Analyzing the creditworthiness of issuers of lower-quality, unrated bonds may be more complex than analyzing the creditworthiness of issuers of higher-quality bonds. There is no limit to the percentage of assets the fund may invest in unrated securities. The fund may invest up to 10% of its total assets in securities that are in monetary default.
California High-Yield Municipal may invest in investment-grade municipal obligations if the advisor considers it appropriate to do so. Investments of this nature may be made due to market considerations (e.g., a limited supply of medium- and lower-grade municipal obligations) or to increase liquidity of the fund. Investing in high-grade obligations may lower the fund’s return.
California High-Yield Municipal may purchase private activity municipal securities. The interest from these securities is treated as a tax-preference item in calculating federal AMT liability. The fund is not limited in its investments in securities that are subject to the AMT. Therefore, the fund is better suited for investors who do not expect AMT liability. See Taxes, page 40.
California Intermediate-Term Tax-Free Bond Fund
Under normal market conditions, California Intermediate-Term Tax-Free Bond invests at least 80% of the value of its respective net assets in a portfolio of investment grade municipal obligations with interest payments exempt from federal and California income taxes. At least 80% of the fund will be invested in:
•municipal bonds rated, when acquired, within the four highest categories designated by a rating agency;
•municipal notes (including variable-rate demand obligations) and tax-exempt commercial paper that is rated, when acquired, within the two highest categories designated by a rating agency; or
•unrated obligations judged by the advisor to be of a quality comparable to the securities listed above.
Up to 20% of the fund’s net assets may be invested in securities rated below investment-grade quality. Many issuers of medium- and lower-quality bonds choose not to have their obligations rated and a portion of the fund’s portfolio may consist of obligations that, when acquired, were not rated. Unrated securities may be less liquid than comparable rated securities and may involve the risk that the portfolio managers may not accurately evaluate the security’s comparative credit quality. Analyzing the creditworthiness of issuers of lower-quality, unrated bonds may be more complex than analyzing the creditworthiness of issuers of higher-quality bonds. The fund also may invest in securities that are in technical or monetary default.
California Tax-Free Money Market Fund
California Tax-Free Money Market seeks to maintain a $1 share price, although there is no guarantee it will be able to do so. Shares of the fund are neither insured nor guaranteed by the U.S. government. The money market fund may be appropriate for investors seeking share price stability who can accept the lower yields that short-term obligations typically provide.
In selecting investments for the money market fund, the advisor adheres to regulatory guidelines concerning the quality and maturity of money market fund investments as well as to internal guidelines designed to minimize credit risk. In particular, the fund:
•buys only U.S. dollar-denominated obligations with remaining maturities of 397 days or less (and variable- and floating-rate obligations with demand features that effectively shorten their maturities to 397 days or less);
•maintains a dollar-weighted average maturity of 60 days or less and a weighted average life of 120 days or less; and
•restricts its investments to eligible securities.
To be considered an eligible security, a security must be:
•a U.S. government security;
•issued by a registered investment company that is a money market fund; or
•a security with a remaining maturity of 397 calendar days or less that the Board of Trustees, or its designee, has determined presents minimal credit risks.
Fund Investments and Risks
Investment Strategies and Risks
This section describes the investment vehicles and techniques the portfolio managers can use in managing a fund’s assets. It also details the risks associated with each, because each investment vehicle and technique contributes to a fund’s overall risk profile.
Focus in Types of Municipal Activities
From time to time, a significant portion of a fund’s assets may be invested in municipal obligations that are related to the extent that economic, business or political developments affecting one of these obligations could affect the other obligations in a similar manner.
For example, if a fund invested a significant portion of its assets in utility bonds and a state or federal government agency or legislative body promulgated or enacted new environmental protection requirements for utility providers, projects financed by utility bonds could suffer as a group. Additional financing might be required to comply with the new environmental requirements, and outstanding debt might be downgraded in the interim. Among other factors that could negatively affect bonds issued to finance similar types of projects are state and federal legislation regarding financing for municipal projects, pending court decisions relating to the validity or means of financing municipal projects, material or manpower shortages, and declining demand for projects or facilities financed by the municipal bonds.
About the Risks Affecting California Municipal Securities
As noted in the prospectuses, the funds are susceptible to political, economic and regulatory events that affect issuers of California municipal obligations. These include possible adverse effects of California constitutional amendments, legislative measures, voter initiatives and other matters described below.
The following information about risk factors is provided in view of the funds’ policies of focusing their assets in California municipal securities. This information is based on recent official statements relating to securities offerings of California issuers and public information from other sources (California Department of Finance, California Legislative Analyst Office, the Governor’s website, and the California Employment Development Department), although it does not constitute a complete description of the risks associated with investing in securities of these issuers. While neither the advisor nor the funds have independently verified the information contained in the official statements, they have no reason to believe the information is inaccurate.
Recent Development – COVID-19
On March 4, 2020 the Governor declared a state of emergency to help the state prepare for and respond to the novel, coronavirus known as COVID-19. On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 outbreak a global pandemic and on March 13, 2020 the President of the United States declared a national state of emergency. Since then, millions of cases of COVID-19 have been diagnosed in the country, resulting in over 650,000 deaths. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, California implemented and revised restrictions on mass gatherings and widespread closings and modifications of the operations of government, businesses, universities and schools. A severe drop in economic activity beginning in spring 2020 from the pandemic resulted in a recession that ended the nation’s record long economic expansion in February 2020. The recession lasted until April 2020.
In December 2020, two vaccines were approved for emergency used in the United States and vaccinations began in California soon thereafter. A third vaccine was approved for emergency use in February 2021. All Californians ages 5 and over are currently eligible to receive free vaccines. While the state estimates that, as of August 25, 2021, two-thirds of the state’s eligible population has been fully vaccinated, COVID-19 variants have resulted in significant increases in infections resulting in renewed restrictions on certain businesses and other activities. The ultimate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the state and national economies will depend on the variety of factors including the effectiveness of the vaccines, vaccination rates throughout the state in the nation and the possible spread and variance of any COVID-19 variance.
The federal government has provided temporary funding to support the state’s response to COVID-19 pandemic through six federal bills that continue to help pay for emergency response, testing and contact tracing, healthcare, and vaccinations. The funds also
directly support the unemployed and K – 12 schools. Family and individuals also benefit from the expansion of the child tax credit, earned income tax credit, partial tax exemptions on unemployment benefits and expanded financial assistance for health coverage. Direct federal payments and other assistance also aided individuals and businesses alike. As of mid-July 2021, the total funding relating to COVID-19 pandemic allocated to state programs by the federal government is estimated to be approximately $217 billion. These funds have supported and will continue to support various state programs such as unemployment insurance, Medi-Cal and child-care. Also, over $225 billion in additional federal aid is expected to be provided to individuals families and businesses. The 2021 budget reflects $2.7 billion in federal stimulus funds appropriated from the Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) authorized in the CARES Act for COVID-19 related to expenditures.
The 2020-21 Budget also allowed these funds to be used to offset fiscal year 2019-20 costs needed to meet the pressing needs of various at-risk populations. In addition, the 2020 Budget Act allocated $1.3 billion to counties and $500 million to cities that did not receive a direct allocation from the U.S. Treasury for homelessness, public health, public safety, and other services to offset the COVID-19 pandemic. Of the $2.7 billion in CRF funds initially estimated to offset state COVID-19 expenditures, $290 million was allocated directly for priority programs including food programs, emergency child-care and housing for the homeless. In the 2021–22 Budget the CRF is estimated to support a total of $2.5 billion in costs for emergency operations, testing and contact tracing, and various medical and public health expenses. The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) provided California with $27 billion in state fiscal recovery funds to lessen the impacts of COVID-19, of which approximately $9.2 billion will be used to make up for lost general fund revenue due to the COVID-19 public health emergency. In addition, on March 22, 2020, California secured a presidential Major Disaster Declaration, which made federal funding available to the state for emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance, as well as base 75% federal cost share reimbursement of state eligible cost through Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA), in line with cost sharing under the federal Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. To maximize the use of federal funding, the state allowed CRF to fund the 25% state share of most FEMA – eligible costs. However, on February 2, 2021 President Biden ordered the FEMA cost share increased to 100% for most eligible costs, including eligible costs incurred prior to February 2, 2021. Therefore, the 2021–22 Budget reflects eliminating the use of CRF for the 25% state share for FEMA-eligible expenditures. The administration anticipates that over time the federal government will reimburse most of the state’s direct response expenditures for activities to lessen the threats and spread of COVID-19, including expenditures for personal protective equipment, medical equipment and supplies, to support the hospital surges and vaccine distribution. Also, the federal reimbursements will provide necessary services to vulnerable populations, such as supporting seniors who might not be able to obtain sufficient food and supplies. However, significant uncertainty remains because the COVID-19 pandemic is a special disaster situation. FEMA guidance has evolved throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and FEMA has yet to act on many of the state’s reimbursement requests. Thus, the state’s expenditure and funding split estimates will continue to change to reflect actual costs and increase clarity regarding fund source eligibility as the information becomes available.
The 2021-22 Budget includes estimated total COVID-19 direct expenditure response cost of approximately $12.5 billion, with an estimated net general fund impact of approximately $1 billion after federal reimbursements. This total represents costs incurred in fiscal years 2019-20 and 2020- 21 as well as projected costs in fiscal years 2020-21 and 2021-22.
The 2021 Budget Act and related legislation supports and expedites the state’s recovery from the health and economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic while continuing to build budget resiliency by increasing the reserve balances and paying down outstanding obligations. The 2021 Budget Act also includes investments in education, homelessness prevention and climate change focused initiatives.
Population and Economy of the State
California is the most populous state in the nation, approximately 35% larger than the second-ranked state. The estimate of California's population as of 2020 was 39.8 million residents, which was about 12% of the total United States population. California's economy, the largest among the 50 states and one of the largest and most diverse in the world, has major components in high technology, trade, entertainment, manufacturing, government, tourism, construction and services. The relative proportion of the various components of the California economy closely resembles the make-up of the national economy.
State Finances
The state entered 2020 with historic levels of reserves having re-paid billions of dollars of budgetary borrowings, debts and deferrals that were accumulated to balance budgets during the severe recession in 2009 and years prior. The 2020 Budget Act, enacted in June 2020, assumed that COVID-19 pandemic would result in significant declines in the state revenues and otherwise adversely impact the state’s financial condition. However, higher than expected revenue during the fiscal year 2020-21, combined with the federal COVID-19 related assistance, allowed the state to respond to the ongoing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic while continuing to successfully manage its finances. The 2021 Budget Act includes $25.2 billion in reserves. This reserve amount is made up of: $15.8 billion in the Budget Stabilization Account, $900 million in the Safety Net Reserve Fund, $4.5 billion in the Public School System Stabilization Account and an estimated $4 billion in the state’s Special Fund for Economic Uncertainties operating reserve.
Budget risks to the state’s general fund include ongoing challenges related to the pandemic and significant unfunded liabilities of two main retirement systems manage by state entities, the California public employees retirement system (CalPERS) and the California state teachers retirement system (CalSTRS). There can be no assurances that the continuing impacts or unforeseen impacts of the
COVID-19 pandemic or any other changes in the state or national economies or in state or federal policies will not materially affect the financial condition of the state’s general fund.
Constitutional Limitations
Many California issuers rely on ad valorem property taxes as a source of revenue. The taxing powers of California local governments and districts are limited by Article XIIIA of the California Constitution, enacted by voters in 1978 and commonly known as Proposition 13. Proposition 13 limits to 1% of full cash value the rate of ad valorem taxes on real property and restricts the reassessment of property to 2% per year, except where new construction or changes of ownership have occurred (subject to a number of exemptions). Taxing entities may, however, raise ad valorem taxes above the 1% limit to pay debt service on voter-approved bonded indebtedness. The U.S. Supreme Court has upheld Proposition 13 against claims that it has unlawfully resulted in widely varying tax liability on similarly-situated properties. Proposition 13 also requires voters of any governmental unit to give two-thirds approval to levy any special tax. Subsequent court decisions, however, have allowed non-voter approved general taxes so long as they are not dedicated to a specific use. In response to these decisions, voters adopted an initiative in 1986 that imposed new limits on the ability of local government entities to raise or levy general taxes without voter approval. Based upon a 1991 intermediate appellate court decision, it was believed that significant parts of this initiative, known as Proposition 62, were unconstitutional. On September 28, 1995, the California Supreme Court rendered a decision in the case of Santa Clara County Local Transportation Authority vs. Guardino that rejected the prior decision and upheld Proposition 62, while striking down a 1/2-cent sales tax for transportation purposes that was approved by a majority, but less than two-thirds, vote. Proposition 62 does not apply to charter cities, but other local governments may be constrained in raising any taxes without voter approval.
On November 5, 1996, California voters approved Proposition 218. This proposition added Articles XIIIC and XIIID to the state constitution, affecting the ability of local governments, including charter cities, to levy and collect both existing and future taxes, assessments, fees and charges. Proposition 218 became effective November 6, 1996, although application of some of its provisions was deferred until July 1, 1997. This proposition could negatively impact a local government’s ability to make its debt service payments, and thus could result in lower credit ratings.
On November 2, 2010, voters approved the following initiative measures which have an impact on state budget finances; all three of these measures were effective immediately:
•Proposition 22 restricts the ability of the state to use or borrow money from local governments and moneys dedicated to transportation financing. It also prohibits actions taken in current and prior budgets to use excise taxes on motor vehicle fuels to offset General Fund costs of debt service on certain transportation bonds and to borrow money from certain transportation funds.
•Proposition 25 reduces the required vote in each house of the legislature to adopt the annual budget act “trailer bills,” which accompany the budget act, and other appropriations measures to a majority from two-thirds.
•Proposition 26 expands the definition of “taxes” under existing Constitutional provisions that require a two-thirds vote of the legislature to approve.
On November 6, 2012, voters approved Proposition 30 which provided temporary increases in personal income tax rates for high-income taxpayers and a temporary increase in the state sales tax rate, and specified that the additional revenues will support K-14 public schools and community colleges as part of the Proposition 98 guarantee. Proposition 30 also placed into the state constitution the current statutory provisions transferring 1.0625% of the state sales tax to local governments to fund the “realignment” program for many services including housing criminal offenders.
Also on November 6, 2012, voters approved Proposition 39, thereby amending state statutes governing corporation taxes by reversing a provision adopted in 2009 giving corporations an option on how to calculate the portion of worldwide income attributable to California. By requiring corporations to base their state tax liability on sales in California, it is estimated that state revenues would be increased by about $1 billion per year. The measure also, for five years, dedicates up to an estimated $550 million per year from this increased income to funding of projects that create energy efficiency and clean energy jobs in California.
In November 2014, the state’s voters approved Proposition 2, which revised the state’s method of funding a Budget Stabilization Account (BSA) or “rainy day fund”. 1.5% of annual general fund revenues, plus excess capital gains receipts above a certain level, not necessary to fund Proposition 98, are applied equally to the BSA and paying down state liabilities (budgetary borrowings, and specified payments over and above base payments for state pensions and retiree health care costs). After fiscal year 2030-31, the revenues that otherwise would have been deposited into the BSA may be used for either supplemental debt payments or savings.
California withdrew a portion of the balance in the BSA during fiscal year 2020-21 before largely replenishing the fund by the end of fiscal year 2021-22. Proposition 2 requires that 1.5% of annual General Fund revenues be deposited each year into the BSA until the BSA balance reaches an amount equal to 10%of General Fund revenues.
Obligations of the State of California
As of July 1, 2021, the state had approximately $79.2 billion of outstanding general obligation bonds and lease revenue bonds payable principally from the state’s general fund or from lease payments paid from the operating budget from the state’s General Fund.
State Pension Funds and Retiree Health Benefits
The two main state pension funds (CalPERS and CalSTRS) each face unfunded future liabilities in the tens of billions of dollars. It is unknown how significantly the market volatility triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic will ultimately impact unfunded pension liabilities. For fiscal year 2020-21 the actuary determined General Fund pension contributions to CalPERS and CalSTRS were approximately $3.1 billion and $3.4 billion, respectively. For Fiscal Year 2021-22, the actuary determined General Fund pension contributions to CalPERS and CalSTRS are approximately $3.2 billion and $3.7 billion, respectively. The state budget for fiscal year 2019-20 included discretionary pension payments from the General Fund to be made to CalPERS and CalSTRS over a multi-year period. Of the entire $7.41 billion discretionary pension payments appropriated as of the 2021 Budget, $7.33 billion has already been paid. The 2021-22 Budget uses Proposition 2 debt repayment funding in fiscal year 2021-22 to reduce the state’s unfunded liabilities for CalPERS and CalSTRS in the amount of $1.9 billion and $410, million, respectively. These payments are in addition to the statutory required state pension contributions.
Climate Change
Historically, California has been susceptible to wildfires and hydrologic variability. As greenhouse gas emissions continue to accumulate, climate change will intensify and increase the frequency of extreme weather events, such as coastal storm surges, drought, wildfires, floods and heat waves, and raise sea levels along the coast. Over the past several years, the state has already experienced the impacts of climate change through a multi-year drought and unprecedented wildfires. The previous drought was a five-year event from 2012 to 2016, and five years later in 2021, California is once again facing drought conditions. On October 19, 2021, the Governor extended the drought state of emergency to all 58 of the state's counties, which is up from 50 counties as of July 31, 2021. In 2020, over 4 million acres burned in California, more than twice the previous record of approximately 2 million acres in 2018. As of August 25, 2021, nearly 1.6 million acres have already burned in the state in 2021. Destruction of housing increases the demand for construction resources from rebuilding, and worsens the state's housing imbalances. The future fiscal impact of climate change on the state budget is difficult to predict, but it could be significant. However, the state is in the process of implementing various resilience measures to reduce the impacts of climate change, including significant investments in wildfire prevention and water infrastructure projects. The ability of the state to take actions to mitigate any future fiscal impact of climate change on the state budget is limited and there can be no assurances that the current or any future resilience measures will be effective in materially mitigating the impact of climate change on the state.
Counterparty Risk
A fund will be exposed to the credit risk of the counterparties with which, or the brokers, dealers and exchanges through which, it deals, whether it engaged in exchange traded or off-exchange transactions. If a fund’s futures commission merchant, (FCM) becomes bankrupt or insolvent, or otherwise defaults on its obligations to the fund, the fund may not receive all amounts owed to it in respect of its trading, despite the clearinghouse fully discharging all of its obligations. The Commodity Exchange Act requires an FCM to segregate all funds received from its customers with respect to regulated futures transactions from such FCM’s proprietary funds. If an FCM were not to do so to the full extent required by law, the assets of an account might not be fully protected in the event of the bankruptcy of an FCM. Furthermore, in the event of an FCM’s bankruptcy, a fund would be limited to recovering only a pro rata share of all available funds segregated on behalf of an FCM’s combined customer accounts, even though certain property specifically traceable to the fund (for example, U.S. Treasury bills deposited by the fund) was held by an FCM. FCM bankruptcies have occurred in which customers were unable to recover from the FCM’s estate the full amount of their funds on deposit with such FCM and owing to them. Such situations could arise due to various factors, or a combination of factors, including inadequate FCM capitalization, inadequate controls on customer trading and inadequate customer capital. In addition, in the event of the bankruptcy or insolvency of a clearinghouse, the fund might experience a loss of funds deposited through its FCM as margin with the clearinghouse, a loss of unrealized profits on its open positions, and the loss of funds owed to it as realized profits on closed positions. Such a bankruptcy or insolvency might also cause a substantial delay before the fund could obtain the return of funds owed to it by an FCM who was a member of such clearinghouse.
Because bi-lateral derivative transactions are traded between counterparties based on contractual relationships, a fund is subject to the risk that a counterparty will not perform its obligations under the related contracts. Although each fund intends to enter into transactions only with counterparties which the advisor believes to be creditworthy, there can be no assurance that a counterparty will not default and that the funds will not sustain a loss on a transaction as a result. In situations where a fund is required to post margin or other collateral with a counterparty, the counterparty may fail to segregate the collateral or may commingle the collateral with the counterparty’s own assets. As a result, in the event of the counterparty’s bankruptcy or insolvency, a fund’s collateral may be subject to the conflicting claims of the counterparty’s creditors, and a fund may be exposed to the risk of a court treating a fund as a general unsecured creditor of the counterparty, rather than as the owner of the collateral.
A fund is subject to the risk that issuers of the instruments in which it invests and trades may default on their obligations under those instruments, and that certain events may occur that have an immediate and significant adverse effect on the value of those instruments. There can be no assurance that an issuer of an instrument in which a fund invests will not default, or that an event that has an immediate and significant adverse effect on the value of an instrument will not occur, and that a fund will not sustain a loss on a transaction as a result.
Transactions entered into by a fund may be executed on various U.S. and non-U.S. exchanges, and may be cleared and settled through various clearinghouses, custodians, depositories and prime brokers throughout the world. Although a fund attempts to execute, clear and settle the transactions through entities the advisor believes to be sound, there can be no assurance that a failure by any such entity will not lead to a loss to a fund.
Cyber Security Risk
As the funds increasingly rely on technology and information systems to operate, they become susceptible to operational risks linked to security breaches in those information systems. Both calculated attacks and unintentional events can cause failures in the funds’ information systems. Cyber attacks can include acquiring unauthorized access to information systems, usually through hacking or the use of malicious software, for purposes of stealing assets or confidential information, corrupting data, or disrupting fund operations. Cyber attacks can also occur without direct access to information systems, for example by making network services unavailable to intended users. Cyber security failures by, or breaches of the information systems of, the advisor, distributors, broker-dealers, other service providers (including, but not limited to, index providers, fund accountants, custodians, transfer agents and administrators), or the issuers of securities the fund invests in may also cause disruptions and impact the funds’ business operations. Breaches in information security may result in financial losses, interference with the funds’ ability to calculate NAV, impediments to trading, inability of fund shareholders to transact business, violations of applicable privacy and other laws, regulatory fines, penalties, reputational damage, reimbursement or other compensation costs, or additional compliance costs. Additionally, the funds may incur substantial costs to prevent future cyber incidents. The funds have business continuity plans in the event of, and risk management systems to help prevent, such cyber attacks, but these plans and systems have limitations including the possibility that certain risks have not been identified. Moreover, the funds do not control the cyber security plans and systems of our service providers and other third party business partners. The funds and their shareholders could be negatively impacted as a result.
Derivative Instruments
To the extent permitted by its investment objectives and policies, each fund may invest in instruments that are commonly referred to as derivative instruments. Generally, a derivative instrument is a financial arrangement, the value of which is based on, or derived from, a traditional security, asset, or market index. Examples of common derivative instruments include futures contracts, warrants, structured notes, credit default swaps, options contracts, swap transactions and forward currency contracts.
Certain derivative instruments may be described as structured investments. A structured investment is a security whose value or performance is linked to an underlying index or other security or asset class. Structured investments include ABS, commercial and residential mortgage-backed securities (CMBS and MBS), and collateralized mortgage obligations (CMO), which are described more fully below. Structured investments also include securities backed by other types of collateral. Structured investments involve the transfer of specified financial assets to a special purpose entity, generally a corporation or trust, or the deposit of financial assets with a custodian; and the issuance of securities or depositary receipts backed by, or representing interests in, those assets.
Some structured investments are individually negotiated agreements or are traded over the counter. Structured investments may be organized and operated to restructure the investment characteristics of the underlying security. The cash flow on the underlying instruments may be apportioned among the newly issued structured investments to create securities with different investment characteristics, such as varying maturities, payment priorities and interest rate provisions, and the extent of such payments made with respect to structured investments is dependent on the extent of the cash flow on the underlying instruments. Because structured investments typically involve no credit enhancement, their credit risk generally will be equivalent to that of the underlying instruments. Structured investments are subject to the risks that the issuers of the underlying securities may be unable or unwilling to repay principal and interest (credit risk) and may request to reschedule or restructure outstanding debt and to extend additional loan amounts (prepayment risk).
Some derivative instruments, such as mortgage-related and other ABS, are in many respects like any other investment, although they may be more volatile or less liquid than more traditional debt securities.
There are many different types of derivative instruments and many different ways to use them. Futures and options are commonly used for traditional hedging purposes to attempt to protect a fund from exposure to changing interest rates, securities prices or currency exchange rates, and for cash management purposes as a low-cost method of gaining exposure to a particular securities market without investing directly in those securities.
The return on a derivative instrument may increase or decrease, depending upon changes in the reference index or instrument to which it relates.
There is a range of risks associated with investments in derivatives, including:
•the risk that the underlying security, interest rate, market index or other financial asset will not move in the direction the portfolio managers anticipate or that the value of the structured or derivative instrument will not move or react to changes in the underlying security, interest rate, market index or other financial asset as anticipated;
•the possibility that there may be no liquid secondary market, which may make it difficult or impossible to close out a position when desired;
•the risk that daily limits on price fluctuations and speculative position limits on exchanges on which a fund may conduct its transactions in derivative instruments may prevent profitable liquidation of positions, subjecting a fund to the potential of greater losses;
•the risk that adverse price movements in an instrument can result in a loss substantially greater than a fund’s initial investment;
•the risk that the counterparty will fail to perform its obligations; and
•the risk that a fund will be subject to higher volatility because some derivative instruments create leverage.
A fund may not invest in a derivative instrument if its credit, interest rate, liquidity, counterparty and other risks associated with ownership of the security are outside acceptable limits set forth in the fund’s prospectus. The funds’ Board of Trustees has reviewed the advisor’s policy regarding investments in derivative instruments. That policy specifies factors that must be considered in connection with a purchase of derivative instruments. The policy also establishes a committee that must review certain proposed purchases before the purchases can be made. The advisor will report on fund activity in derivative instruments to the Board of Trustees as necessary.
Recently adopted Rule 18f-4 will regulate the use of derivatives for certain funds registered under the 1940 Act. Unless a fund qualifies as a “limited derivatives user” as defined by the rule, the fund will be required to establish a comprehensive derivatives risk management program, comply with value-at-risk based leverage limits, appoint a derivatives risk manager, and provide additional disclosure regarding its derivatives positions. A fund designated as a limited derivatives user will be required implement policies and procedures to manage its aggregate derivatives risk. These requirements may increase the costs of entering into derivatives transactions and may require a fund to materially alter its use of derivatives, which may impact fund performance. Funds have until August 2022 to come into compliance with Rule 18f-4. In connection with the adoption of Rule 18f-4, the SEC also eliminated the existing asset segregation framework for covering derivatives and certain financial instruments. As the funds transition into reliance on Rule 18f-4, the funds’ approach to asset segregation and coverage requirements may be impacted.
Futures and Options
Each non-money market fund may enter into futures contracts, options or options on futures contracts. Futures contracts provide for the sale by one party and purchase by another party of a specific security at a specified future time and price. Some futures and options strategies, such as selling futures, buying puts and writing calls, hedge a fund’s investments against price fluctuations. Other strategies, such as buying futures, writing puts and buying calls, tend to increase market exposure. The funds do not use futures and options transactions for speculative purposes.
Although other techniques may be used to control a fund’s exposure to market fluctuations, the use of futures contracts may be a more effective means of hedging this exposure. While a fund pays brokerage commissions in connection with opening and closing out futures positions, these costs are lower than the transaction costs incurred in the purchase and sale of the underlying securities.
Futures contracts are traded on national futures exchanges. Futures exchanges and trading are regulated under the Commodity Exchange Act by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), a U.S. government agency. The funds may engage in futures and options transactions, provided that the transactions are consistent with the funds’ investment objectives. The funds also may engage in futures and options transactions based on specific securities such as U.S. Treasury bonds or notes.
Index futures contracts differ from traditional futures contracts in that when delivery takes place, no bonds change hands. Instead, these contracts settle in cash at the spot market value of the index. Although other types of futures contracts by their terms call for actual delivery or acceptance of the underlying securities, in most cases the contracts are closed out before the settlement date. A futures position may be closed by taking an opposite position in an identical contract (i.e., buying a contract that has previously been sold or selling a contract that has previously been bought).
Unlike when a fund purchases or sells a bond, no price is paid or received by the fund upon the purchase or sale of the future. Initially, the fund will be required to deposit an amount of cash or securities equal to a varying specified percentage of the contract amount. This amount is known as initial margin. The margin deposit is intended to ensure completion of the contract (delivery or acceptance of the underlying security) if it is not terminated prior to the specified delivery date. A margin deposit does not constitute a margin transaction for purposes of the fund’s investment restrictions. Minimum initial margin requirements are established by the futures exchanges and may be revised. In addition, brokers may establish margin deposit requirements that are higher than the exchange minimums. Cash held in the margin accounts generally is not income-producing. However, coupon bearing securities, such as Treasury bills and bonds, held in margin accounts generally will earn income.
Subsequent payments to and from the broker, called variation margin, will be made on a daily basis as the price of the underlying debt securities or index fluctuates, making the future more or less valuable, a process known as marking the contract to market. Changes in variation margin are recorded by the fund as unrealized gains or losses. At any time prior to expiration of the future, the fund may elect to close the position by taking an opposite position. A final determination of variation margin is then made; additional cash is required to be paid by or released to the fund and the fund realizes a loss or gain.
By buying a put option, a fund obtains the right (but not the obligation) to sell the instrument underlying the option at a fixed strike price and in return a fund pays the current market price for the option (known as the option premium). A fund may terminate its position in a put option it has purchased by allowing it to expire, by exercising the option or by entering into an offsetting transaction,
if a liquid market exists. If the option is allowed to expire, a fund will lose the entire premium it paid. If a fund exercises a put option on a security, it will sell the instrument underlying the option at the strike price. The buyer of a typical put option can expect to realize a gain if the value of the underlying instrument falls substantially. However, if the price of the instrument underlying the option does not fall enough to offset the cost of purchasing the option, a put buyer can expect to suffer a loss limited to the amount of the premium paid, plus related transaction costs.
The features of call options are essentially the same as those of put options, except that the buyer of a call option obtains the right to purchase, rather than sell, the instrument underlying the option at the option’s strike price. The buyer of a typical call option can expect to realize a gain if the value of the underlying instrument increases substantially and can expect to suffer a loss if security prices do not rise sufficiently to offset the cost of the option.
When a fund writes a put option, it takes the opposite side of the transaction from the option’s buyer. In return for the receipt of the premium, a fund assumes the obligation to pay the strike price for the instrument underlying the option if the other party to the option chooses to exercise it. A fund may seek to terminate its position in a put option it writes before exercise by purchasing an offsetting option in the market at its current price. Otherwise, a fund must continue to be prepared to pay the strike price while the option is outstanding, regardless of price changes, and must continue to post margin as discussed below. If the price of the underlying instrument rises, a put writer would generally realize as profit the premium it received. If the price of the underlying instrument remains the same over time, it is likely that the writer will also profit, because it should be able to close out the option at a lower price. If the price of the underlying instrument falls, the put writer would expect to suffer a loss.
A fund writing a call option is obligated to sell or deliver the option’s underlying instrument in return for the strike price upon exercise of the option. Writing calls generally is a profitable strategy if the price of the underlying instrument remains the same or falls. A call writer offsets part of the effect of a price decline by receipt of the option premium, but gives up some ability to participate in security price increases. The writer of an exchange traded put or call option on a security, an index of securities or a futures contract is required to deposit cash or securities or a letter of credit as margin and to make mark to market payments of variation margin as the position becomes unprofitable.
Risks Related to Futures and Options Transactions
Futures and options prices can be volatile, and trading in these markets involves certain risks. If the advisor applies a hedge at an inappropriate time or judges interest rate trends incorrectly, futures and options strategies may lower a fund’s return.
A fund could suffer losses if it were unable to close out its position because of an illiquid secondary market. Futures contracts may be closed out only on an exchange that provides a secondary market for these contracts, and there is no assurance that a liquid secondary market will exist for any particular futures contract at any particular time. Consequently, it may not be possible to close a futures position when the portfolio managers consider it appropriate or desirable to do so. In the event of adverse price movements, a fund would be required to continue making daily cash payments to maintain its required margin. If the fund had insufficient cash, it might have to sell portfolio securities to meet daily margin requirements at a time when the advisor would not otherwise elect to do so. In addition, a fund may be required to deliver or take delivery of instruments underlying futures contracts it holds. The portfolio managers will seek to minimize these risks by limiting the contracts entered into on behalf of the funds to those traded on national futures exchanges and for which there appears to be a liquid secondary market.
A fund could suffer losses if the prices of its futures and options positions were poorly correlated with its other investments, or if securities underlying futures contracts purchased by a fund had different maturities than those of the portfolio securities being hedged. Such imperfect correlation may give rise to circumstances in which a fund loses money on a futures contract at the same time that it experiences a decline in the value of its “hedged” portfolio securities. A fund also could lose margin payments it has deposited with a margin broker, if, for example, the broker became bankrupt.
Most futures exchanges limit the amount of fluctuation permitted in futures contract prices during a single trading day. The daily limit establishes the maximum amount that the price of a futures contract may vary either up or down from the previous day’s settlement price at the end of the trading session. Once the daily limit has been reached in a particular type of contract, no trades may be made on that day at a price beyond the limit. However, the daily limit governs only price movement during a particular trading day and, therefore, does not limit potential losses. In addition, the daily limit may prevent liquidation of unfavorable positions. Futures contract prices have occasionally moved to the daily limit for several consecutive trading days with little or no trading, thereby preventing prompt liquidation of futures positions and subjecting some futures traders to substantial losses.
Options on Futures
By purchasing an option on a futures contract, a fund obtains the right, but not the obligation, to sell the futures contract (a put option) or to buy the contract (a call option) at a fixed strike price. A fund can terminate its position in a put option by allowing it to expire or by exercising the option. If the option is exercised, the fund completes the sale of the underlying security at the strike price. Purchasing an option on a futures contract does not require a fund to make margin payments unless the option is exercised.
Although they do not currently intend to do so, the funds may write (or sell) call options that obligate them to sell (or deliver) the option’s underlying instrument upon exercise of the option. While the receipt of option premiums would mitigate the effects of price declines, the funds would give up some ability to participate in a price increase on the underlying security. If a fund were to engage in
options transactions, it would own the futures contract at the time a call was written and would keep the contract open until the obligation to deliver it pursuant to the call expired.
Restrictions on the Use of Futures Contracts and Options
Each non-money market fund may enter into futures contracts, options, options on futures contracts, or swap agreements as permitted by its investment policies and the CFTC rules. The advisor to each fund has claimed an exclusion from the definition of the term “commodity pool operator” under the Commodity Exchange Act and, therefore, the advisor is not subject to registration or regulation as a commodity pool operator under that Act with respect to its provision of services to each fund.
Certain rules adopted by the CFTC may impose additional limits on the ability of a fund to invest in futures contracts, options on futures, swaps, and certain other commodity interests if its investment advisor does not register with the CFTC as a “commodity pool operator” with respect to such fund. It is expected that the funds will be able to execute their investment strategies within the limits adopted by the CFTC’s rules. As a result, the advisor does not intend to register with the CFTC as a commodity pool operator on behalf of any of the funds. In the event that one of the funds engages in transactions that necessitate future registration with the CFTC, the advisor will register as a commodity pool operator and comply with applicable regulations with respect to that fund.
To the extent required by law, each fund will segregate cash, cash equivalents or other appropriate liquid securities on its records in an amount sufficient to cover its obligations under the futures contracts, options and swap agreements.
Inflation-Indexed Securities
The funds may purchase inflation-indexed securities issued by the U.S. Treasury, U.S. government agencies and instrumentalities other than the U.S. Treasury, and entities other than the U.S. Treasury or U.S. government agencies and instrumentalities including state and local municipalities.
Inflation-indexed securities are designed to offer a return linked to inflation, thereby protecting future purchasing power of the money invested in them. However, inflation-indexed securities provide this protected return only if held to maturity. In addition, inflation-indexed securities may not trade at par value. Real interest rates (the market rate of interest less the anticipated rate of inflation) change over time as a result of many factors, such as what investors are demanding as a true value for money. When real rates do change, inflation-indexed securities prices will be more sensitive to these changes than conventional bonds, because these securities were sold originally based upon a real interest rate that is no longer prevailing. Should market expectations for real interest rates rise, the price of inflation-indexed securities and the share price of a fund holding these securities will fall. Investors in the funds should be prepared to accept not only this share price volatility but also the possible adverse tax consequences it may cause.
An investment in securities featuring inflation-indexed principal and/or interest involves factors not associated with more traditional fixed-principal securities. Such factors include the possibility that the inflation index may be subject to significant changes, that changes in the index may or may not correlate to changes in interest rates generally or changes in other indices, or that the resulting interest may be greater or less than that payable on other securities of similar maturities. In the event of sustained deflation, it is possible that the amount of semiannual interest payments, the inflation-indexed principal of the security or the value of the stripped components will decrease. If any of these possibilities are realized, a fund’s net asset value could be negatively affected.
Municipal inflation-linked bonds generally have a fixed principal amount and the inflation component is reflected in the nominal coupon.
Inflation-Indexed Treasury Securities
Inflation-indexed U.S. Treasury securities are U.S. Treasury securities with a final value and interest payment stream linked to the inflation rate. Inflation-indexed U.S. Treasury securities may be issued in either note or bond form. Inflation-indexed U.S. Treasury notes have maturities of at least one year, but not more than 10 years. Inflation-indexed U.S. Treasury bonds have maturities of more than 10 years.
Inflation-indexed U.S. Treasury securities may be attractive to investors seeking an investment backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government that provides a return in excess of the rate of inflation. Inflation-indexed U.S. Treasury securities are auctioned and issued on a quarterly basis.
Structure and Inflation Index
The principal value of inflation-indexed U.S. Treasury securities will be adjusted to reflect changes in the level of inflation. The index for measuring the inflation rate for inflation-indexed U.S. Treasury securities is the non-seasonally adjusted U.S. City Average All Items Consumer Price for All Urban Consumers Index (Consumer Price Index) published monthly by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Semiannual coupon interest payments are made at a fixed percentage of the inflation-indexed principal value. The coupon rate for the semiannual interest rate of each issuance of inflation-indexed U.S. Treasury securities is determined at the time the securities are sold to the public (i.e., by competitive bids in the auction). The coupon rate will likely reflect real yields available in the U.S. Treasury market; real yields are the prevailing yields on U.S. Treasury securities with similar maturities, less then-prevailing inflation expectations. While a reduction in inflation will cause a reduction in the interest payment made on the securities, the repayment of
principal at the maturity of the security is guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury to be no less than the original face or par amount of the security at the time of issuance.
Indexing Methodology
The principal value of inflation-indexed U.S. Treasury securities will be indexed, or adjusted, to account for changes in the Consumer Price Index. Semiannual coupon interest payment amounts will be determined by multiplying the inflation-indexed principal amount by one-half the stated rate of interest on each interest payment date.
Taxation
The taxation of inflation-indexed U.S. Treasury securities is similar to the taxation of conventional bonds. Both interest payments and the difference between original principal and the inflation-adjusted principal will be treated as interest income subject to taxation. Interest payments are taxable when received or accrued. The inflation adjustment to the principal is subject to tax in the year the adjustment is made, not at maturity of the security when the cash from the repayment of principal is received. If an upward adjustment has been made, investors in non-tax-deferred accounts will pay taxes on this amount currently. Decreases in the indexed principal can be deducted only from current or previous interest payments reported as income.
Inflation-indexed U.S. Treasury securities therefore have a potential cash flow mismatch to an investor, because investors must pay taxes on the inflation-indexed principal before the repayment of principal is received. It is possible that, particularly for high income tax bracket investors, inflation-indexed U.S. Treasury securities would not generate enough cash in a given year to cover the tax liability they could create. This is similar to the current tax treatment for zero-coupon bonds and other discount securities. If inflation-indexed U.S. Treasury securities are sold prior to maturity, capital losses or gains are realized in the same manner as traditional bonds.
Investors in a fund will receive dividends that represent both the interest payments and the principal adjustments of the inflation-indexed securities held in the fund’s portfolio. An investment in a fund may, therefore, be a means to avoid the cash flow mismatch associated with a direct investment in inflation-indexed securities. For more information about taxes and their effect on you as an investor in the funds, see Taxes, page 40.
U.S. Government Agencies
A number of U.S. government agencies and instrumentalities other than the U.S. Treasury may issue inflation-indexed securities. Some U.S. government agencies have issued inflation-indexed securities whose design mirrors that of the inflation-indexed U.S. Treasury securities described above.
Other Entities
Entities other than the U.S. Treasury or U.S. government agencies and instrumentalities may issue inflation-indexed securities. While some entities have issued inflation-linked securities whose design mirrors that of the inflation-indexed U.S. Treasury securities described above, others utilize different structures. For example, the principal value of these securities may be adjusted with reference to the Consumer Price Index, but the semiannual coupon interest payments are made at a fixed percentage of the original issue principal. Alternatively, the principal value may remain fixed, but the coupon interest payments may be adjusted with reference to the Consumer Price Index.
Inverse Floaters
The funds (except the money market fund) may hold inverse floaters. An inverse floater is a type of derivative that bears an interest rate that moves inversely to market interest rates. As market interest rates rise, the interest rate on inverse floaters goes down, and vice versa. Generally, this is accomplished by expressing the interest rate on the inverse floater as an above-market fixed rate of interest, reduced by an amount determined by reference to a market-based or bond-specific floating interest rate (as well as by any fees associated with administering the inverse floater program).
Inverse floaters may be issued in conjunction with an equal amount of Dutch Auction floating-rate bonds (floaters), or a market-based index may be used to set the interest rate on these securities. A Dutch Auction is an auction system in which the price of the security is gradually lowered until it meets a responsive bid and is sold. Floaters and inverse floaters may be brought to market by
(1)a broker-dealer who purchases fixed-rate bonds and places them in a trust, or
(2)an issuer seeking to reduce interest expenses by using a floater/inverse floater structure in lieu of fixed-rate bonds.
In the case of a broker-dealer structured offering (where underlying fixed-rate bonds have been placed in a trust), distributions from the underlying bonds are allocated to floater and inverse floater holders in the following manner:
•Floater holders receive interest based on rates set at a six-month interval or at a Dutch Auction, which is typically held every 28 to 35 days. Current and prospective floater holders bid the minimum interest rate that they are willing to accept on the floaters, and the interest rate is set just high enough to ensure that all of the floaters are sold.
•Inverse floater holders receive all of the interest that remains, if any, on the underlying bonds after floater interest and auction fees are paid. The interest rates on inverse floaters may be significantly reduced, even to zero, if interest rates rise.
Procedures for determining the interest payment on floaters and inverse floaters brought to market directly by the issuer are comparable, although the interest paid on the inverse floaters is based on a presumed coupon rate that would have been required to bring fixed-rate bonds to market at the time the floaters and inverse floaters were issued.
Where inverse floaters are issued in conjunction with floaters, inverse floater holders may be given the right to acquire the underlying security (or to create a fixed-rate bond) by calling an equal amount of corresponding floaters. The underlying security may then be held or sold. However, typically, there are time constraints and other limitations associated with any right to combine interests and claim the underlying security.
Floater holders subject to a Dutch Auction procedure generally do not have the right to “put back” their interests to the issuer or to a third party. If a Dutch Auction fails, the floater holder may be required to hold its position until the underlying bond matures, during which time interest on the floater is capped at a predetermined rate.
The secondary market for floaters and inverse floaters may be limited. The market value of inverse floaters tends to be significantly more volatile than fixed-rate bonds.
LIBOR Transition Risk
The London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) is a benchmark interest rate intended to be representative of the rate at which major international banks who are members of the British Bankers Association lend to one another over short-terms. LIBOR is the most common benchmark interest rate index used to make adjustments to variable-rate loans. Global banking and financial industries use LIBOR to determine interest rates for a variety of financial instruments-such as debt instruments and derivatives-and borrowing arrangements. Following manipulation allegations, the Financial Conduct Authority, the United Kingdom’s financial regulatory body, announced a plan to phase out the use of LIBOR.The transition process to a replacement rate or rates may lead to increased volatility or illiquidity in markets for instruments that currently rely on LIBOR. The transition may also result in a change in the value of certain instruments the funds hold or a change in the cost of temporary borrowing for the funds. When LIBOR is discontinued, the LIBOR replacement rate may be lower than market expectations, which could have an adverse impact on the value of preferred and debt-securities with floating or fixed-to-floating rate coupons. The transition away from LIBOR could result in losses to the funds.
Lower-Quality Bonds
As indicated in the prospectus, an investment in California High-Yield Municipal carries greater risk than an investment in the other funds because the fund may invest, without limitation, in lower-rated bonds and unrated bonds judged by the advisor to be of comparable quality (collectively, lower-quality bonds).
While the market values of higher-quality bonds tend to correspond to market interest rate changes, the market values of lower-quality bonds tend to reflect the financial condition of their issuers. The ability of an issuer to make payment could be affected by litigation, legislation or other political events, or the bankruptcy of the issuer. Lower-quality municipal bonds are more susceptible to these risks than higher-quality municipal bonds. In addition, lower-quality bonds may be unsecured or subordinated to other obligations of the issuer.
Projects financed through the issuance of lower-quality bonds often carry higher levels of risk. The issuer’s ability to service its debt obligations may be adversely affected by an economic downturn, a period of rising interest rates, the issuer’s inability to meet projected revenue forecasts, a higher level of debt, or a lack of needed additional financing.
Lower-quality bonds generally are unsecured and often are subordinated to other obligations of the issuer. These bonds may have call or buy-back features that permit the issuer to call or repurchase the bond from the holder. Premature disposition of a lower-quality bond due to a call or buy-back feature, deterioration of the issuer’s creditworthiness, or a default may make it difficult for the advisor to manage the flow of income to the fund, which may have a negative tax impact on shareholders.
The market for lower-quality bonds tends to be concentrated among a smaller number of dealers than the market for higher-quality bonds. This market may be dominated by dealers and institutions (including mutual funds), rather than by individuals. To the extent that a secondary trading market for lower-quality bonds exists, it may not be as liquid as the secondary market for higher-quality bonds. Limited liquidity in the secondary market may adversely affect market prices and hinder the advisor’s ability to dispose of particular bonds when it determines that it is in the best interest of the fund to do so. Reduced liquidity also may hinder the advisor’s ability to obtain market quotations for purposes of valuing the fund’s portfolio and determining its net asset value.
The advisor continually monitors securities to determine their relative liquidity.
A fund may incur expenses in excess of its ordinary operating expenses if it becomes necessary to seek recovery on a defaulted bond, particularly a lower-quality bond.
Municipal Bonds
Municipal bonds, which generally have maturities of more than one year when issued, are typically designed to meet longer-term capital needs. These securities have two principal classifications: general obligation bonds and revenue bonds.
General Obligation (GO) Bonds are issued by states, counties, cities, towns, school districts and regional districts to fund a variety of public projects, including construction of and improvements to schools, highways, and water and sewer systems. GO bonds are backed
by the issuer’s full faith and credit based on its ability to levy taxes for the timely payment of interest and repayment of principal, although such levies may be constitutionally or statutorily limited as to rate or amount.
Revenue Bonds are not backed by an issuer’s taxing authority; rather, interest and principal are secured by the net revenues from a project or facility. Revenue bonds are issued to finance a variety of capital projects, including construction or refurbishment of utility and waste disposal systems, highways, bridges, tunnels, air and seaport facilities and hospitals.
Industrial Development Bonds (IDBs), a type of revenue bond, are issued by or on behalf of public authorities to finance privately operated facilities. These bonds are used to finance business, manufacturing, housing, athletic and pollution control projects, as well as public facilities such as mass transit systems, air and sea port facilities and parking garages. Payment of interest and repayment of principal on an IDB depend solely on the ability of the facility’s operator to meet financial obligations, and on the pledge, if any, of the real or personal property financed. The interest earned on IDBs may be subject to the federal AMT.
Some longer-term municipal bonds allow an investor to “put” or sell the security at a specified time and price to the issuer or other “put provider.” If a put provider fails to honor its commitment to purchase the security, the fund may have to treat the security’s final maturity as its effective maturity, lengthening the fund’s weighted average maturity and increasing the volatility of the fund.
The funds may purchase municipal bonds with credit enhancements such as letters of credit or municipal bond insurance from time to time. Letters of credit are issued by a third party, usually a bank, to enhance liquidity and ensure repayment of principal and any accrued interest if the underlying municipal bond should default. Municipal bond insurance, which is usually purchased by the bond issuer from a private, nongovernmental insurance company, provides an unconditional and irrevocable guarantee that the insured bond’s principal and interest will be paid when due. Insurance does not guarantee the price of the bond or the share price of a fund. The credit rating of an insured bond reflects the credit rating of the insurer, based on its claims-paying ability. But, it can reflect the rating on the insured credit if the bond insurer rating is downgraded below that of the insured credit. The obligation of a municipal bond insurance company to pay a claim extends over the life of each insured bond. Although defaults on insured municipal bonds have been low to date, there is no assurance that this will continue. A higher-than-expected default rate could strain the insurer’s loss reserves and adversely affect its ability to pay claims to bondholders. A significant portion of insured municipal bonds that have been issued and are outstanding are insured by a small number of insurance companies, so an event involving one or more of these insurance companies, such as a credit rating downgrade, could have a significant adverse effect on the value of the municipal bonds insured by that insurance company and on the municipal bond markets as a whole. Before the 2008 financial crisis, municipal bond insurers insured approximately half of newly issued municipal securities. Since the crisis, the number of municipal bond insurers has dropped, and the role of bond insurance in the municipal markets has declined significantly. Currently there are only a few companies actively writing such policies, and municipal market penetration is less than 10%.
Municipal Lease Obligations
Each fund may invest in municipal lease obligations. These obligations, which may take the form of a lease, an installment purchase, or a conditional sale contract, are issued by state and local governments and authorities to acquire land and a wide variety of equipment and facilities. Generally, a fund will not hold such obligations directly as a lessor of the property but will purchase a participation interest in a municipal lease obligation from a bank or other third party.
Municipal leases frequently carry risks distinct from those associated with general obligation or revenue bonds. State constitutions and statutes set forth requirements that states and municipalities must meet to incur debt. These may include voter referenda, interest rate limits or public sale requirements. Leases, installment purchases or conditional sale contracts (which normally provide for title to the leased asset to pass to the government issuer) have evolved as a way for government issuers to acquire property and equipment without meeting constitutional and statutory requirements for the issuance of debt.
Many leases and contracts include non-appropriation clauses, which provide that the governmental issuer has no obligation to make future payments under the lease or contract unless money is appropriated for such purposes by the appropriate legislative body on a yearly or other periodic basis. Municipal lease obligations also may be subject to abatement risk. For example, construction delays or destruction of a facility as a result of an uninsurable disaster that prevents occupancy could result in all or a portion of a lease payment not being made.
California and its municipalities are the largest issuers of municipal lease obligations in the United States.
Municipal Notes
Each fund may invest in municipal notes, which are issued by state and local governments or government entities to provide short-term capital or to meet cash flow needs.
Tax Anticipation Notes (TANs) are issued in anticipation of seasonal tax revenues, such as ad valorem property, income, sales, use and business taxes, and are payable from these future taxes. TANs usually are general obligations of the issuer. General obligations are backed by the issuer’s full faith and credit based on its ability to levy taxes for the timely payment of interest and repayment of principal, although such levies may be constitutionally or statutorily limited as to rate or amount.
Revenue Anticipation Notes (RANs) are issued with the expectation that receipt of future revenues, such as federal revenue sharing or state aid payments, will be used to repay the notes. Typically, these notes also constitute general obligations of the issuer.
Bond Anticipation Notes (BANs) are issued to provide interim financing until long-term financing can be arranged. In most cases, the long-term bonds provide the money for repayment of the notes.
Tax-Exempt Commercial Paper is an obligation with a stated maturity of 365 days or less (most commonly ranging from two to 270 days) issued to finance seasonal cash flow needs or to provide short-term financing in anticipation of longer-term financing.
Revenue Anticipation Warrants, or reimbursement warrants, are issued to meet the cash flow needs of the State of California at the end of a fiscal year and in the early weeks of the following fiscal year. These warrants are payable from unapplied money in the state’s General Fund, including the proceeds of RANs issued following enactment of a state budget or the proceeds of refunding warrants issued by the state.
Municipal Tobacco Bonds
The funds (other than California Tax-Free Money Market) may invest in municipal tobacco bonds whose payment obligations are tied to a master settlement agreement with several major tobacco companies. The agreement provides that if certain conditions are met the tobacco companies may reduce or suspend part of their payments. In such an event, the issuer of the bonds may not make full payments and the funds, as investors of the bonds, may suffer.
Other Investment Companies
Each of the funds may invest in other investment companies, such as closed-end investment companies, unit investment trusts, exchange traded funds (ETFs) and other open-end investment companies, provided that the investment is consistent with the fund’s investment policies and restrictions. Under the Investment Company Act, a fund’s investment in such securities, subject to certain exceptions, currently is limited to:
•3% of the total voting stock of any one investment company;
•5% of the fund’s total assets with respect to any one investment company; and
•10% of the fund’s total assets in the aggregate.
Such exceptions may include reliance on Rule 12d1-4 of the Investment Company Act. Rule 12d1-4, subject to certain requirements, would permit a fund to invest in affiliated investment companies (other mutual funds and ETFs advised by American Century) and unaffiliated investment companies in excess of the limitations described above.
A fund’s investments in other investment companies may include money market funds managed by the advisor. Investments in money market funds are not subject to the percentage limitations set forth above.
As a shareholder of another investment company, a fund would bear, along with other shareholders, its pro rata portion of the other investment company’s expenses, including advisory fees. These expenses would be in addition to the management fee that each fund bears directly in connection with its own operations.
ETFs are a type of fund bought and sold on a securities exchange. An ETF trades like common stock and may be actively managed or index-based. A fund may purchase an ETF to temporarily gain exposure to a portion of the U.S. or a foreign market while awaiting purchase of underlying securities, to gain exposure to specific asset classes or sectors, or as a substitute for investing directly in securities. The risks of owning an ETF generally reflect the risks of owning the underlying securities. Additionally, because the price of ETF shares is based on market price rather than net asset value (NAV), shares may trade at a price greater than NAV (a premium) or less than NAV (a discount). A fund may also incur brokerage commissions, as well as the cost of the bid/ask spread, when purchasing or selling ETF shares.
Restricted and Illiquid Securities
The funds may, from time to time, purchase restricted or illiquid securities when they present attractive investment opportunities that otherwise meet the funds’ criteria for selection. Restricted Securities include securities that cannot be sold to the public without registration under the Securities Act of 1933 or the availability of an exemption from registration (such as Rules 144 or 144A), or that are “not readily marketable” because they are subject to other legal or contractual delays in or restrictions on resale. Rule 144A securities are securities that are privately placed with and traded among qualified institutional investors rather than the general public. Although Rule 144A securities are considered restricted securities, they are not necessarily illiquid.
With respect to securities eligible for resale under Rule 144A, the advisor will determine the liquidity of such securities pursuant to the fund’s Liquidity Risk Management Program, approved by the Board of Trustees in accordance with Rule 22e-4.
Because the secondary market for restricted securities is generally limited to certain qualified institutional investors, the liquidity of such securities may be limited accordingly and a fund may, from time to time, hold a Rule 144A or other security that is illiquid. In such an event, the advisor will consider appropriate remedies to minimize the effect on such fund’s liquidity. Each of the funds may invest no more than 15% of the value of its net assets (5% of the value of its total assets for California Tax-Free Money Market) in illiquid securities.
Short-Term Securities
In order to meet anticipated redemptions, anticipated purchases of additional securities for a fund’s portfolio, or, in some cases, for temporary defensive purposes, each fund may invest a portion of its assets in money market and other short-term securities.
Examples of those securities include:
•Securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government and its agencies and instrumentalities
•Commercial paper
•Certificates of deposit and Euro dollar certificates of deposit
•Bankers’ acceptances
•Short-term notes, bonds, debentures or other debt instruments
•Repurchase agreements
•Money market funds
If a fund invests in U.S. government securities, a portion of dividends paid to shareholders will be taxable at the federal level, and may be taxable at the state level, as ordinary income. However, the advisor intends to minimize such investments and, when suitable short-term municipal securities are unavailable, may allow the funds to hold cash to avoid generating taxable dividends.
Swap Agreements
Each fund, other than money market funds, may invest in swap agreements, consistent with its investment objective and strategies. A fund may enter into a swap agreement, for example, to attempt to obtain or preserve a particular return or spread at a lower cost than obtaining a return or spread through purchases and/or sales of instruments in other markets; protect against currency fluctuations; attempt to manage duration to protect against any increase in the price of securities the fund anticipates purchasing at a later date; or gain exposure to certain markets in the most economical way possible.
Swap agreements are two-party contracts entered into primarily by institutional investors for periods ranging from a few weeks to more than one year. In a standard “swap” transaction, two parties agree to exchange the returns (or differentials in rates of return) earned or realized on particular predetermined investments or instruments, which may be adjusted for an interest factor. The gross returns to be exchanged or “swapped” between the parties are generally calculated with respect to a “notional amount,” i.e., the return on or increase in value of a particular dollar amount invested at a particular interest rate, in a particular foreign currency, or in a “basket” of securities representing a particular index. Forms of swap agreements include, for example, interest rate swaps, under which fixed- or floating-rate interest payments on a specific principal amount are exchanged and total return swaps, under which one party agrees to pay the other the total return of a defined underlying asset (usually an index, including inflation indexes, stock, bond or defined portfolio of loans and mortgages) in exchange for fee payments, often a variable stream of cash flows based on a reference rate. The funds may enter into credit default swap agreements to hedge an existing position by purchasing or selling credit protection. Credit default swaps enable an investor to buy/sell protection against a credit event of a specific issuer. The seller of credit protection against a security or basket of securities receives an up-front or periodic payment to compensate against potential default event(s). The fund may enhance returns by selling protection or attempt to mitigate credit risk by buying protection. Market supply and demand factors may cause distortions between the cash securities market and the credit default swap market.
Whether a fund’s use of swap agreements will be successful depends on the advisor’s ability to predict correctly whether certain types of investments are likely to produce greater returns than other investments. Interest rate swaps could result in losses if interest rate changes are not correctly anticipated by the fund. Total return swaps could result in losses if the reference index, security, or investments do not perform as anticipated by the fund. Credit default swaps could result in losses if the fund does not correctly evaluate the creditworthiness of the issuer on which the credit default swap is based. Because they are two-party contracts and because they may have terms of greater than seven days, swap agreements may be considered to be illiquid. Moreover, a fund bears the risk of loss of the amount expected to be received under a swap agreement in the event of the default or bankruptcy of a swap agreement counterparty. The funds will enter into swap agreements only with counterparties that meet certain standards of creditworthiness or that are cleared through a Derivatives Clearing Organization (“DCO”). Certain restrictions imposed on the funds by the Internal Revenue Code may limit the funds’ ability to use swap agreements.
The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) and related regulatory developments require the clearing and exchange-trading of certain standardized derivative instruments that the CFTC and SEC have defined as “swaps.” The CFTC has implemented mandatory exchange-trading and clearing requirements under the Dodd-Frank Act and the CFTC continues to approve contracts for central clearing. Although exchange trading is designed to decrease counterparty risk, it does not do so entirely because the fund will still be subject to the credit risk of the central clearinghouse. Cleared swaps are subject to margin requirements imposed by both the central clearinghouse and the clearing member FCM. Uncleared swaps are now subject to posting and collecting collateral on a daily basis to secure mark-to-market obligations (variation margin). Swaps data reporting may subject a fund to administrative costs, and the safeguards established to protect trader anonymity may not function as expected. Exchange trading, central clearing, margin requirements, and data reporting regulations may increase a fund’s cost of hedging risk and, as a result, may affect shareholder returns.
Tender Option Bonds
Tender option bonds (TOBs) were created to increase the supply of high-quality, short-term tax-exempt obligations, and thus they are of particular interest to the money market fund. However, any of the funds may purchase these instruments.
TOBs are created by municipal bond dealers who purchase long-term tax-exempt bonds, place the certificates in trusts, and sell interests in the trusts with puts or other liquidity guarantees attached. The credit quality of the resulting synthetic short-term instrument is based on the put provider’s short-term rating and the underlying bond’s long-term rating.
There is some risk that a remarketing agent will renege on a tender option agreement if the underlying bond is downgraded or defaults. Because of this, the portfolio managers monitor the credit quality of bonds underlying the funds’ TOB holdings to ensure they remain eligible securities under Rule 2a-7 and intend to sell or put back any TOBs that do not.
The advisor also takes steps to minimize the risk that a fund may realize taxable income as a result of holding TOBs. These steps may include consideration of (1) legal opinions relating to the tax-exempt status of the underlying municipal bonds, (2) legal opinions relating to the tax ownership of the underlying bonds, and (3) other elements of the structure that could result in taxable income or other adverse tax consequences. After purchase, the advisor monitors factors related to the tax-exempt status of the fund’s TOB holdings in order to minimize the risk of generating taxable income.
Variable- and Floating-Rate Securities
Variable- and floating-rate securities, including variable-rate demand obligations (VRDOs) and floating-rate notes (FRNs), provide for periodic adjustments to the interest rate. The adjustments are generally based on an index-linked formula, or determined through a remarketing process.
These types of securities may be combined with a put or demand feature that permits the fund to demand payment of principal plus accrued interest from the issuer or a financial institution. Examples of VRDOs include variable-rate demand notes (VRDN) and variable-rate demand preferreds (VRDP). VRDNs combine a demand feature with an interest rate reset mechanism designed to result in a market value for the security that approximates par. VRDNs are generally designed to meet the requirements of money market fund Rule 2a-7, and may be permitted investments for California Tax-Free Money Market Fund. VRDPs are issued by a closed-end fund that in turn invests primarily in portfolios of bonds. They feature a floating rate dividend set via a weekly remarketing and have a fixed term, mandatory redemption, and an unconditional par put option.
When-Issued and Forward Commitment Agreements
The funds may engage in securities transactions on a when-issued or forward commitment basis in which the transaction price and yield are each fixed at the time the commitment is made, but payment and delivery occur at a future date.
For example, a fund may sell a security and at the same time make a commitment to purchase the same or a comparable security at a future date and specified price. Conversely, a fund may purchase a security and at the same time make a commitment to sell the same or a comparable security at a future date and specified price. These types of transactions are executed simultaneously in what are known as dollar-rolls (buy/sell back transactions), cash and carry, or financing transactions. For example, a broker-dealer may seek to purchase a particular security that a fund owns. The fund will sell that security to the broker-dealer and simultaneously enter into a forward commitment agreement to buy it back at a future date. This type of transaction generates income for the fund if the dealer is willing to execute the transaction at a favorable price in order to acquire a specific security.
When purchasing securities on a when-issued or forward commitment basis, a fund assumes the rights and risks of ownership, including the risks of price and yield fluctuations. For example, market rates of interest on debt securities at the time of delivery may be higher or lower than those contracted for on the when-issued security. Accordingly, the value of the security may decline prior to delivery, which could result in a loss to the fund. While the fund will make commitments to purchase or sell securities with the intention of actually receiving or delivering them, it may sell the securities before the settlement date if doing so is deemed advisable as a matter of investment strategy.
When purchasing securities on a when-issued or forward commitment basis, a fund will segregate cash equivalents or other appropriate liquid securities on its records in an amount sufficient to meet the purchase price. To the extent a fund remains fully invested or almost fully invested at the same time it has purchased securities on a when-issued basis, there will be greater fluctuations in its net asset value than if it solely set aside cash to pay for when-issued securities. When the time comes to pay for the when-issued securities, the fund will meet its obligations with available cash through the sale of securities, or, although it would not normally expect to do so, by selling the when-issued securities themselves (which may have a market value greater or less than the fund’s payment obligation). Selling securities to meet when-issued or forward commitment obligations may generate taxable capital gains or losses.
As an operating policy, no fund will commit more than 50% of its total assets to when-issued or forward commitment agreements. If fluctuations in the value of securities held cause more than 50% of a fund’s total assets to be committed under when-issued or forward commitment agreements, the portfolio managers need not sell such agreements, but they will be restricted from entering into further agreements on behalf of the fund until the percentage of assets committed to such agreements is below 50% of total assets.
Investment Policies
Unless otherwise indicated, with the exception of the percentage limitations on borrowing, the restrictions described below apply at the time a fund enters into a transaction. Accordingly, any later increase or decrease beyond the specified limitation resulting from a change in a fund’s assets will not be considered in determining whether it has complied with its investment policies.
For purposes of the funds’ investment policies, the party identified as the “issuer” of a municipal security depends on the form and conditions of the security. When the assets and revenues of a political subdivision are separate from those of the government that created the subdivision and the security is backed only by the assets and revenues of the subdivision, the subdivision is deemed the sole issuer. Similarly, in the case of an Industrial Development Bond, if the bond were backed only by the assets and revenues of a non-governmental user, the non-governmental user would be deemed the sole issuer. If, in either case, the creating government or some other entity were to guarantee the security, the guarantee would be considered a separate security and treated as an issue of the guaranteeing entity.
Fundamental Investment Policies
The funds’ fundamental investment policies are set forth below. These investment policies, a fund’s investment objective set forth in its prospectus, and a fund’s status as diversified may not be changed without approval of a majority of the outstanding votes of shareholders of a fund. Under the Investment Company Act, the vote of a majority of the outstanding votes of shareholders means, the vote of (A) 67 percent or more of the voting securities present at a shareholder meeting, if the holders of more than 50 percent of the outstanding voting securities are present or represented by proxy; or (B) more than 50 percent of the outstanding voting securities, whichever is less.
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Subject | Policy |
Senior Securities | A fund may not issue senior securities, except as permitted under the Investment Company Act. |
Borrowing | A fund may not borrow money, except that a fund may borrow for temporary or emergency purposes (not for leveraging or investment) in an amount not exceeding 33⅓% of the fund’s total assets (including the amount borrowed) less liabilities (other than borrowings). |
Lending | A fund may not lend any security or make any other loan if, as a result, more than 33⅓% of the fund’s total assets would be lent to other parties, except (i) through the purchase of debt securities in accordance with its investment objective, policies and limitations or (ii) by engaging in repurchase agreements with respect to portfolio securities. |
Real Estate | A fund may not purchase or sell real estate unless acquired as a result of ownership of securities or other instruments. This policy shall not prevent a fund from investing in securities or other instruments backed by real estate or securities of companies that deal in real estate or are engaged in the real estate business. |
Concentration | A fund may not concentrate its investments in securities of issuers in a particular industry (other than securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or any of its agencies or instrumentalities). |
Underwriting | A fund may not act as an underwriter of securities issued by others, except to the extent that the fund may be considered an underwriter within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933 in the disposition of restricted securities. |
Commodities | A fund may not purchase or sell physical commodities unless acquired as a result of ownership of securities or other instruments, provided that this limitation shall not prohibit the fund from purchasing or selling options and futures contracts or from investing in securities or other instruments backed by physical commodities. |
Control | A fund may not invest for purposes of exercising control over management. |
For purposes of the investment policy relating to senior securities, a fund may borrow from any bank provided that immediately after any such borrowing there is asset coverage of at least 300% for all borrowings of such fund. In the event that such asset coverage falls below 300%, the fund shall, within three days thereafter (not including Sundays and holidays) or such longer period as the SEC may prescribe by rules and regulations, reduce the amount of its borrowings to an extent that the asset coverage of such borrowings is at least 300%. In addition, when a fund enters into certain transactions involving potential leveraging, it will hold offsetting positions or segregate assets to cover such obligations at levels consistent with the guidance of the SEC and its staff.
For purposes of the investment policies relating to lending and borrowing, the funds have received an exemptive order from the SEC regarding an interfund lending program. Under the terms of the exemptive order, the funds may borrow money from or lend money to other American Century Investments-advised funds that permit such transactions. All such transactions will be subject to the limits for borrowing and lending set forth above. The funds will borrow money through the program only when the costs are equal to or lower than the costs of short-term bank loans. Interfund loans and borrowings normally extend only overnight, but can have a maximum duration of seven days. The funds will lend through the program only when the returns are higher than those available from other short-term instruments (such as repurchase agreements). The funds may have to borrow from a bank at a higher interest rate if an interfund loan is called or not renewed. Any delay in repayment to a lending fund could result in a lost investment opportunity or additional borrowing costs.
For purposes of the investment policy relating to concentration, a fund shall not purchase any securities that would cause 25% or more of the value of the fund’s net assets at the time of purchase to be invested in the securities of one or more issuers conducting their principal business activities in the same industry, provided that
(a)there is no limitation with respect to obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, any state, territory or possession of the United States, the District of Columbia or any of their authorities, agencies, instrumentalities or political subdivisions and repurchase agreements secured by such obligations (except that an Industrial Development Bond backed only by the assets and revenues of a non-governmental user will be deemed to be an investment in the industry represented by such user),
(b)wholly owned finance companies will be considered to be in the industries of their parents if their activities are primarily related to financing the activities of their parents,
(c)utilities will be divided according to their services, for example, gas, gas transmission, electric and gas, electric, and telephone will each be considered a separate industry, and
(d)business credit and personal credit businesses will be considered separate industries.
Nonfundamental Investment Policies
In addition, the funds are subject to the following investment policies that are not fundamental and may be changed by the Board of Trustees.
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Subject | Policy |
Leveraging | A fund may not purchase additional investment securities at any time during which outstanding borrowings exceed 5% of the total assets of the fund. |
Futures and Options | The money market fund may not purchase or sell futures contracts or call options. This limitation does not apply to options attached to, or acquired or traded together with, their underlying securities, and does not apply to securities that incorporate features similar to options or futures contracts. |
Liquidity | A fund may not purchase any security or enter into a repurchase agreement if, as a result, more than 15% of its net assets (5% of its total assets for California Tax-Free Money Market) would be invested in illiquid securities. Illiquid securities include repurchase agreements not entitling the holder to payment of principal and interest within seven days, and securities that are illiquid by virtue of legal or contractual restrictions on resale or the absence of a readily available market. |
Short Sales | A fund may not sell securities short, unless it owns or has the right to obtain securities equivalent in kind and amount to the securities sold short, and provided that transactions in futures contracts and options are not deemed to constitute selling securities short. |
Margin | A fund may not purchase securities on margin, except to obtain such short-term credits as are necessary for the clearance of transactions, and provided that margin payments and other deposits in connection with transactions involving futures, options (puts, calls, etc.), swaps, short sales, forward contracts, commitment agreements, and other similar investment techniques shall not be deemed to constitute purchasing securities on margin. |
The Investment Company Act imposes certain additional restrictions upon the funds’ ability to acquire securities issued by insurance companies, broker-dealers, underwriters or investment advisors, and upon transactions with affiliated persons as defined by the Act. It also defines and forbids the creation of cross and circular ownership. Neither the SEC nor any other agency of the federal or state government participates in or supervises the management of the funds or their investment practices or policies.
Temporary Defensive Measures
For temporary defensive purposes, a fund may invest in securities that may not fit its investment objective or its stated market. During a temporary defensive period, a fund may direct its assets to the following investment vehicles:
•interest-bearing bank accounts or certificates of deposit;
•U.S. government securities and repurchase agreements collateralized by U.S. government securities; and
•other money market funds.
To the extent a fund assumes a defensive position, it may not achieve its investment objectives and may generate taxable income.
Portfolio Turnover
The portfolio turnover rate of each fund (except the money market fund) for its most recent fiscal year is included in the Fund Summary section of that fund’s prospectus. The portfolio turnover rate for each fund’s last five fiscal years, is shown in the Financial Highlights tables in the fund’s prospectus. Because of the short-term nature of the money market fund’s investments, portfolio turnover rates are not generally used to evaluate their trading activities.
For each fund other than the money market fund, the portfolio managers intend to purchase a given security whenever they believe it will contribute to the stated objective of a particular fund. In order to achieve each fund’s investment objective, the managers may sell a given security regardless of the length of time it has been held in the portfolio, and regardless of the gain or loss realized on the sale. The managers may sell a portfolio security if they believe that the security is not fulfilling its purpose because, among other things, it
did not live up to the managers’ expectations, because it may be replaced with another security holding greater promise, because it has reached its optimum potential, because of a change in the circumstances of a particular company or industry or in general economic conditions, or because of some combination of such reasons.
Because investment decisions are based on a particular security’s anticipated contribution to a fund’s investment objective, the managers believe that the rate of portfolio turnover is irrelevant when they determine that a change is required to achieve the fund’s investment objective. As a result, a fund’s annual portfolio turnover rate cannot be anticipated and may be higher than that of other mutual funds with similar investment objectives. Higher turnover could result in greater trading costs, which is a cost the funds pay directly. Portfolio turnover also may affect the character of capital gains realized and distributed by a fund, if any, because short-term capital gains are characterized as ordinary income.
Because the managers do not take portfolio turnover rate into account in making investment decisions, (1) the managers have no intention of maintaining any particular rate of portfolio turnover, whether high or low, and (2) the portfolio turnover rates in the past should not be considered as representative of the rates that will be attained in the future.
Variations in a fund’s portfolio turnover rate from year to year may be due to a fluctuating volume of shareholder purchase and redemption activity, varying market conditions, and/or changes in the managers’ investment outlook.
Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings
The advisor (ACIM) has adopted policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of fund portfolio holdings and characteristics, which are described below.
Distribution to the Public
Month-end full portfolio holdings for each fund will generally be made available for distribution 15 days after the end of each calendar quarter for each of the preceding three months. This disclosure is in addition to the portfolio disclosure in annual and semiannual shareholder reports and the quarter-end portfolio disclosures on Form N-PORT. Such disclosures are filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 60 days of each fiscal quarter end and also posted on americancentury.com at approximately the same time the filings are made. The distribution of holdings after the above time periods is not limited.
On a monthly basis, top 10 holdings (on an absolute basis and relative to the appropriate benchmark) for each fund (except AC Alternatives Market Neutral Value Fund, which is limited to the top five pairs by type, as described below) will generally be made available for distribution 7 days after the end of each month, and will be posted on americancentury.com at approximately the same time.
Portfolio characteristics that are derived from portfolio holdings will be made available for distribution 7 days after the end of each month, or as soon thereafter as possible, which timeframe may vary by fund. Certain characteristics, as determined by the advisor, will be posted on americancentury.com monthly at approximately the time they are made available for distribution. Data derived from portfolio returns and any other characteristics not deemed confidential will be available for distribution at any time. The advisor may make determinations of confidentiality on a fund-by-fund basis, and may add or delete characteristics to or from those considered confidential at any time.
Any American Century Investments fund that sells securities short as an investment strategy will disclose full portfolio holdings in annual and semiannual shareholder reports and on Form N-PORT. These funds will make long and short holdings as of the end of a calendar quarter available for distribution 15 days after the end of each calendar quarter. These funds may also make limited disclosures as noted in the Single Event Requests section below. The distribution of holdings after the above time periods is not limited.
Examples of securities (both long and short) currently or previously held in a portfolio may be included in presentations or other marketing documents as soon as available. The inclusion of such examples is at the relevant portfolio’s team discretion.
So long as portfolio holdings are disclosed in accordance with the above parameters, the advisor makes no distinction among different categories of recipients, such as individual investors, institutional investors, intermediaries that distribute the funds’ shares, third-party service providers, rating and ranking organizations, and fund affiliates. Because this information is publicly available and widely disseminated, the advisor places no conditions or restrictions on, and does not monitor, its use. Nor does the advisor require special authorization for its disclosure.
Accelerated Disclosure
The advisor recognizes that certain parties, in addition to the advisor and its affiliates, may have legitimate needs for information about portfolio holdings and characteristics prior to the times prescribed above. Such accelerated disclosure is permitted under the circumstances described below.
Ongoing Arrangements
Certain parties, such as investment consultants who provide regular analysis of fund portfolios for their clients and intermediaries who pass through information to fund shareholders, may have legitimate needs for accelerated disclosure. These needs may include, for example, the preparation of reports for customers who invest in the funds, the creation of analyses of fund characteristics for
intermediary or consultant clients, the reformatting of data for distribution to the intermediary’s or consultant’s clients, and the review of fund performance for ERISA fiduciary purposes.
In such cases, accelerated disclosure is permitted if the service provider enters an appropriate non-disclosure agreement with the fund’s distributor in which it agrees to treat the information confidentially until the public distribution date and represents that the information will be used only for the legitimate services provided to its clients (i.e., not for trading). Non-disclosure agreements require the approval of an attorney in the advisor’s legal department. The advisor’s compliance department receives quarterly reports detailing which clients received accelerated disclosure, what they received, when they received it and the purposes of such disclosure. Compliance personnel are required to confirm that an appropriate non-disclosure agreement has been obtained from each recipient identified in the reports.
Those parties who have entered into non-disclosure agreements as of September 30, 2021 are as follows:
•Aetna Inc.
•Alight Solutions LLC
•AllianceBernstein L.P.
•American Fidelity Assurance Co.
•Ameritas Life Insurance Corporation
•AMP Capital Investors Limited
•Annuity Investors Life Insurance Company
•Aon Hewitt Investment Consulting
•Athene Annuity & Life Assurance Company
•AUL/American United Life Insurance Company
•AXA Equitable Funds Management Group, LLC
•Bell Globemedia Publishing
•Bellwether Consulting, LLC
•BNY Mellon Performance & Risk Analytics, LLC
•Brighthouse Life Insurance Company
•Callan Associates, Inc.
•Calvert Asset Management Company, Inc.
•Cambridge Associates, LLC
•Cambridge Financial Services, Inc.
•Capital Cities, LLC
•Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
•Clearwater Analytics, LLC
•Cleary Gull Inc.
•Commerce Bank
•Connecticut General Life Insurance Company
•Corestone Investment Managers AG
•Corning Incorporated
•Curcio Webb LLC
•Deutsche AM Distributors, Inc.
•Eckler Partners Ltd.
•Electra Information Systems, Inc.
•Equitable Investment Management Group, LLC
•EquiTrust Life Insurance Company
•Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company
•FCA US LLC
•Fidelity Workplace Services, LLC
•FIL Investment Management
•Finance-Doc Multimanagement AG
•Fund Evaluation Group, LLC
•Gavion, LLC
•Government Employees Pension Service
•Great-West Financial Retirement Plan Services, LLC
•The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America
•ICMA Retirement Corporation
•Intel Corporation
•InvesTrust Consulting, LLC
•Iron Capital Advisors
•Jefferson National Life Insurance Company
•JLT Investment Management Limited
•John Hancock Financial Services, Inc.
•Kansas City Life Insurance Company
•Kiwoom Asset Management
•Kmotion, Inc.
•Korea Investment Management Co. Ltd.
•Korea Teachers Pension
•Legal Super Pty Ltd.
•The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company
•Lipper Inc.
•Marquette Associates
•Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company
•Mercer Investment Management, Inc.
•Merrill Lynch
•Midland National Life Insurance Company
•Minnesota Life Insurance Company
•Modern Woodmen of America
•Montana Board of Investments
•Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC
•Morningstar Investment Management LLC
•Morningstar, Inc.
•Morningstar Investment Services, Inc.
•MUFG Union Bank, NA
•Mutual of America Life Insurance Company
•National Life Insurance Company
•Nationwide Financial
•NEPC
•The Newport Group
•Nomura Asset Management U.S. A. Inc.
•Nomura Securities International, Inc.
•The Northern Trust Company
•Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Co.
•NYLIFE Distributors, LLC
•Old Mutual Global Investors (UK) Limited
•Pacific Life Insurance Company
•Pavilion Advisory Group Inc.
•Principal Life Insurance Company
•Prudential Financial
•RidgeWorth Capital Management, Inc.
•Rocaton Investment Advisors, LLC
•RSM US Wealth Management LLC
•RVK, Inc.
•S&P Financial Communications
•Säästöpankki (The Savings Banks)
•Security Benefit Life Insurance Co.
•Shinhan BNP Paribas Asset Management
•SP-Fund Management Ltd.
•State Street Global Exchange
•SunTrust Bank
•Symetra Life Insurance Company
•Tokio Marine Asset Management Co., Ltd.
•Towers Watson Investment Services, Inc.
•Towers Watson Limited
•UBS Financial Services, Inc.
•UBS Wealth Management
•Valic Financial Advisors Inc.
•VALIC Retirement Services Company
•Vestek Systems, Inc.
•Voya Retirement Insurance and Annuity Company
•Wells Fargo Bank, N.A
•Wilshire Associates Incorporated
•Zero Consulting Group, LLC
Once a party has executed a non-disclosure agreement, it may receive any or all of the following data for funds in which its clients have investments or are actively considering investment:
(1)Full holdings (both long and short) quarterly as soon as reasonably available;
(2)Full holdings (long only) monthly as soon as reasonably available;
(3)Top 10 holdings (top 5 pairs for each type for AC Alternatives Market Neutral Value Fund) monthly as soon as reasonably available; and
(4)Portfolio attributes (such as sector or country weights), characteristics and performance attribution monthly as soon as reasonably available.
The types, frequency and timing of disclosure to such parties vary.
Single Event Requests
In certain circumstances, the advisor may provide fund holding information on an accelerated basis outside of an ongoing arrangement with manager-level or higher authorization. For example, from time to time the advisor may receive requests for proposals (RFPs) from consultants or potential clients that request information about a fund’s holdings on an accelerated basis. As long as such requests are on a one-time basis, and do not result in continued receipt of data, such information may be provided in the RFP. In these circumstances, top 15 long and short holdings may be disclosed 7 days after the end of each month. Such disclosure may be presented in paired trades, such as by showing a long holding in one sector or security and a corresponding short holding in another sector or security together to show a long/short strategy. Such information will be provided with a confidentiality legend and only in cases where the advisor has reason to believe that the data will be used only for legitimate purposes and not for trading.
Service Providers
Various service providers to the funds and the funds’ advisor must have access to some or all of the funds’ portfolio holdings information on an accelerated basis from time to time in the ordinary course of providing services to the funds. These service providers include the funds’ custodian (daily, with no lag), auditors (as needed) and brokers involved in the execution of fund trades (as needed). Additional information about these service providers and their relationships with the funds and the advisor are provided elsewhere in this statement of additional information. In addition, the funds’ investment advisor may use analytical systems provided
by third party data aggregators who have access to the funds’ portfolio holdings daily, with no lag. These data aggregators enter into separate non-disclosure agreements after authorization by an appropriate officer of the advisor. The agreements with service providers and data aggregators generally require that they treat the funds’ portfolio holdings information confidentially until the public distribution date and represent that the information will be used only for the legitimate services it provides (i.e., not for trading).
Additional Safeguards
The advisor’s policies and procedures include a number of safeguards designed to control disclosure of portfolio holdings and characteristics so that such disclosure is consistent with the best interests of fund shareholders, including procedures to address conflicts between the interests of shareholders and those of the advisor and its affiliates. First, the frequency with which this information is disclosed to the public, and the length of time between the date of the information and the date on which the information is disclosed, are selected to minimize the possibility of a third party improperly benefiting from fund investment decisions to the detriment of fund shareholders. In the event that a request for portfolio holdings or characteristics creates a potential conflict of interest that is not addressed by the safeguards and procedures described above, the advisor’s procedures require that such requests may only be granted with the approval of the advisor’s legal department and the relevant chief investment officers. In addition, distribution of portfolio holdings information, including compliance with the advisor’s policies and the resolution of any potential conflicts that may arise, is monitored quarterly by the advisor’s compliance department. Finally, the funds’ Board of Trustees exercises oversight of disclosure of the funds’ portfolio securities. The board has received and reviewed a summary of the advisor’s policy and is informed on a quarterly basis of any changes to or violations of such policy detected during the prior quarter.
Neither the advisor nor the funds receive any compensation from any party for the distribution of portfolio holdings information.
The advisor reserves the right to change its policies and procedures with respect to the distribution of portfolio holdings information at any time. There is no guarantee that these policies and procedures will protect the funds from the potential misuse of holdings information by individuals or firms in possession of such information.
Management
Board of Trustees
The individuals listed below serve as trustees of the funds. Each trustee will continue to serve in this capacity until death, retirement, resignation or removal from office. The board has adopted a mandatory retirement age for trustees who are not “interested persons,” as that term is defined in the Investment Company Act (independent trustees). Independent trustees shall retire on December 31 of the year in which they reach their 76th birthday.
Jonathan S. Thomas is an “interested person” because he currently serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of American Century Companies, Inc. (ACC), the parent company of American Century Investment Management, Inc. (ACIM or the advisor). The other trustees (more than three-fourths of the total number) are independent. They are not employees, directors or officers of, and have no financial interest in, ACC or any of its wholly owned, direct or indirect, subsidiaries, including ACIM, American Century Investment Services, Inc. (ACIS) and American Century Services, LLC (ACS), and they do not have any other affiliations, positions or relationships that would cause them to be considered “interested persons” under the Investment Company Act. The trustees serve in this capacity for eight (in the case of Jonathan S. Thomas, 16; and Jeremy I. Bulow, 9) registered investment companies in the American Century Investments family of funds.
The following table presents additional information about the trustees. The mailing address for each trustee other than Jonathan S. Thomas is 3945 Freedom Circle, Suite #800, Santa Clara, California 95054. The mailing address for Jonathan S. Thomas is 4500 Main Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64111.
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Name (Year of Birth) | Position(s) Held with Funds | Length of Time Served | Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years | Number of American Century Portfolios Overseen by Trustee | Other Directorships Held During Past 5 Years |
Independent Trustees | | | | |
Tanya S. Beder (1955) | Trustee and Board Chair | Since 2011 (Board Chair since 2022) | Chairman and CEO, SBCC Group Inc. (independent advisory services) (2006 to present) | 38 | Kirby Corporation; Nabors Industries Ltd.; CYS Investments, Inc. (2012 to 2017) |
Jeremy I. Bulow (1954) | Trustee | Since 2011 | Professor of Economics, Stanford University, Graduate School of Business (1979 to present) | 75 | None |
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Name (Year of Birth) | Position(s) Held with Funds | Length of Time Served | Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years | Number of American Century Portfolios Overseen by Trustee | Other Directorships Held During Past 5 Years |
Jennifer Cabalquinto (1968) | Trustee | Since 2021 | Special Advisor, GSW Sports, LLC (2020 to Present); Chief Financial Officer, GSW Sports, LLC (2013 to 2020) | 38 | None |
Anne Casscells (1958) | Trustee | Since 2016 | Co-Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer, Aetos Alternatives Management (investment advisory firm) (2001 to present); Lecturer in Accounting, Stanford University, Graduate School of Business (2009 to 2017) | 38 | None |
Jonathan D. Levin (1972) | Trustee | Since 2016 | Philip H. Knight Professor and Dean, Graduate School of Business, Stanford University (2016 to present); Professor, Stanford University (2000 to present) | 38 | None |
Peter F. Pervere (1947) | Trustee | Since 2007 | Retired | 38 | None |
John B. Shoven (1947) | Trustee | Since 2002 | Charles R. Schwab Professor of Economics, Stanford University (1973 to present, emeritus since 2019) | 38 | Cadence Design Systems; Exponent; Financial Engines |
Interested Trustee |
Jonathan S. Thomas (1963) | Trustee | Since 2007 | President and Chief Executive Officer, ACC (2007 to present). Also serves as Chief Executive Officer, ACS; Director, ACC and other ACC subsidiaries | 147 | None |
Qualifications of Trustees
Generally, no one factor was decisive in the selection of the trustees to the board. Qualifications considered by the board to be important to the selection and retention of trustees include the following: (i) the individual’s business and professional experience and accomplishments; (ii) the individual’s educational background and accomplishments; (iii) the individual’s experience and expertise performing senior policy-making functions in business, government, education, accounting, law and/or administration; (iv) how the individual’s expertise and experience would contribute to the mix of relevant skills and experience on the board; (v) the individual’s ability to work effectively with the other members of the board; and (vi) the individual’s ability and willingness to make the time commitment necessary to serve as an effective trustee. In addition, the individuals’ ability to review and critically evaluate information, their ability to evaluate fund service providers, their ability to exercise good business judgment on behalf of fund shareholders, their prior service on the board, and their familiarity with the funds are considered important assets.
While the board has not adopted a specific policy on diversity, it takes overall diversity into account when considering and evaluating nominees for trustee. The board generally considers the manner in which each trustee’s professional experience, background, skills, and other individual attributes will contribute to the effectiveness of the board. Additional information about each trustee’s individual educational and professional experience (supplementing the information provided in the table above) follows.
Tanya S. Beder: BA, Yale University; MBA, Harvard University; Fellow in Practice, International Center for Finance, Yale University, School of Management; formerly Lecturer in Public Policy, Stanford University; formerly, Chief Executive Officer, Tribeca Global Management LLC (asset management firm); formerly, Managing Director and Head of Strategic Quantitative Investment Division, Caxton Associates LLC; formerly, President and Co-Founder, Capital Market Risk Advisors Inc.; formerly Founder and Chief Executive Officer, SB Consulting Corp.
Jeremy I. Bulow: BA, MA, Yale University; PhD in Economics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology; formerly, Director, Bureau of Economics, Federal Trade Commission
Jennifer Cabalquinto: BS in Accounting, State University of New York; Experienced Financial Leadership Program Graduate, General Electric Company; formerly, Chief Financial Officer, Legal Solutions Holdings Inc.; formerly, Chief Financial Officer, NBC Universal, Universal Studios Hollywood; formerly, Vice President, Finance, NBC Universal, Los Angeles Television Station Group
Anne Casscells: BA in British Studies, Yale University; MBA, Stanford Graduate School of Business; formerly Chief Investment Officer and Managing Director of Investment Policy Research, Stanford Management Company; formerly Vice President, Fixed Income Division, Goldman Sachs
Jonathan D. Levin: BA in English, BS in Mathematics, Stanford University; MPhil in Economics, Oxford University; PhD in Economics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Senior Fellow, Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research; Trustee, Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation; Member, President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology
Peter F. Pervere: BA in History, Stanford University; CPA; formerly, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Commerce One, Inc. (software and services provider); formerly, Vice President and Corporate Controller, Sybase, Inc.; formerly with accounting firm of Arthur Young & Co.
John B. Shoven: BA in Physics, University of California; PhD in Economics, Yale University; formerly, Director of the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research; formerly, Chair of Economics and Dean of Humanities and Sciences, Stanford University
Jonathan S. Thomas: BA in Economics, University of Massachusetts; MBA, Boston College; formerly held senior leadership roles with Fidelity Investments, Boston Financial Services, Bank of America and Morgan Stanley; serves on the Board of Governors of the Investment Company Institute
Responsibilities of the Board
The board is responsible for overseeing the advisor’s management and operations of the funds pursuant to the management agreement. Trustees also have significant responsibilities under the federal securities laws. Among other things, they:
•oversee the performance of the funds;
•oversee the quality of the advisory and shareholder services provided by the advisor;
•review annually the fees paid to the advisor for its services;
•monitor potential conflicts of interest between the funds and their affiliates, including the advisor;
•oversee custody of assets and the valuation of securities; and
•oversee the funds’ compliance program.
In performing their duties, board members receive detailed information about the funds and the advisor regularly throughout the year, and they meet in person at least quarterly with management of the advisor to review reports about fund operations. Certain board committee members also hold periodic telephone conferences with management between quarterly board meetings. The trustees’ role is to provide oversight and not to provide day-to-day management.
The board has all powers necessary or convenient to carry out its responsibilities. Consequently, the board may adopt bylaws providing for the regulation and management of the affairs of the funds and may amend and repeal them to the extent that such bylaws do not reserve that right to the funds’ shareholders. They may increase or reduce the number of board members and may, subject to the Investment Company Act, fill board vacancies. Board members also may elect and remove such officers and appoint and terminate such agents as they consider appropriate. They may establish and terminate committees consisting of two or more trustees who may exercise the powers and authority of the board as determined by the trustees. They may, in general, delegate such authority as they consider desirable to any officer of the funds, to any board committee and to any agent or employee of the funds or to any custodian, transfer agent, investor servicing agent, principal underwriter or other service provider for a fund.
To communicate with the board, or a member of the board, a shareholder should send a written communication addressed to the board or member of the board to the attention of the Corporate Secretary at the following address: P.O. Box 418210, Kansas City, Missouri 64141-9210. Shareholders who prefer to communicate by email may send their comments to corporatesecretary@americancentury.com. All shareholder communications received will be forwarded to the board or to the independent board chair.
Board Leadership Structure and Standing Board Committees
Tanya S. Beder currently serves as the independent board chair and has served in such capacity since 2022. Of the board’s members, Jonathan S. Thomas is the only member who is an “interested person” as that term is defined in the Investment Company Act. The remaining members are independent trustees. The independent trustees meet separately to consider a variety of matters that are scheduled to come before the board and meet periodically with the funds’ Chief Compliance Officer and fund auditors. They are advised by independent legal counsel. No independent trustee may serve as an officer or employee of a fund. The board has also established several committees, as described below. Each committee is comprised solely of independent trustees. The board believes that the current leadership structure, with independent trustees filling all but one position on the board, with an independent trustee serving as board chair and with the board committees comprised only of independent trustees, is appropriate and allows for independent oversight of the funds.
The board has an Audit and Compliance Committee that approves the funds’ engagement of the independent registered public accounting firm and recommends approval of such engagement to the independent trustees. The committee also oversees the activities of the accounting firm, receives regular reports regarding fund accounting, oversees securities valuation (approving the funds’ or the
trust’s valuation policy and receiving reports regarding instances of fair valuation thereunder), and receives regular reports from the advisor’s internal audit department. The committee also reviews the results of the funds’ compliance testing program, meets regularly with the funds’ Chief Compliance Officer, and monitors implementation of the funds’ Code of Ethics. The committee currently consists of Peter F. Pervere (chair), Tanya S. Beder, Jennifer Cabalquinto and Anne Casscells. It met four times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2021.
The board also has a Portfolio Committee that meets quarterly to review the investment activities and strategies used to manage the funds’ assets and monitor investment performance. The committee regularly receives reports from the advisor’s Chief Investment Officer, portfolio managers, credit analysts and other investment personnel concerning the funds’ investments. The committee also receives information regarding fund trading activities and monitors derivative usage. It currently consists of Anne Casscells (chair), Tanya S. Beder, Jeremy I. Bulow, Jonathan D. Levin and John B. Shoven. The committee met four times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2021.
The Client Experience Oversight Committee monitors the quality of services that the funds offer both to direct customers and to intermediaries who offer fund shares to their customers. All channels of communication (written, telephone, web and mobile) are reviewed. The level of performance is compared to peer competitors. The committee also monitors payments to intermediaries and trading in fund shares that could harm the interests of other shareholders and reviews future strategic initiatives of the advisor and their potential effects on fund shareholders. The committee currently consists of John B. Shoven (chair), Jeremy I. Bulow, Jonathan D. Levin and Peter F. Pervere. It met four times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2021.
The Technology and Risk Committee coordinates the board’s oversight of the funds’ risk management processes and monitors the systems, practices and procedures the advisor uses to manage the funds’ risks. In addition, the committee oversees enterprise technology risk management and the advisor’s processes for oversight of vendors that provide critical services or technologies to the funds or on which the advisor relies in providing services to the funds. It also makes recommendations to the board regarding the allocation of risk oversight activities among the board’s committees. The committee currently consists of Jennifer Cabalquinto (chair), Tanya S. Beder, Anne Casscells and Peter F. Pevere. It met four times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2021.
The board has a Corporate Governance Committee that is responsible for reviewing board procedures and committee structures. The committee also considers and recommends individuals for nomination as trustees. The names of potential trustee candidates may be drawn from a number of sources, including recommendations from members of the board, the advisor (in the case of interested trustees only), shareholders and third party search firms. The committee seeks to identify and recruit the best available candidates and will evaluate qualified shareholder nominees on the same basis as those identified through other sources. Although not written, the funds have a policy of considering all candidates recommended in writing by shareholders. Shareholders may submit trustee nominations in writing to the Corporate Secretary, P.O. Box 418210, Kansas City, Missouri 64141-9210, or by email to corporatesecretary@americancentury.com. The nomination should include the following information:
•Shareholder’s name, the fund name, number of fund shares owned and length of period held;
•Name, age and address of the candidate;
•A detailed resume describing, among other things, the candidate’s educational background, occupation, employment history, financial knowledge and expertise and material outside commitments (e.g., memberships on other boards and committees, charitable foundations, etc.);
•Any other information relating to the candidate that is required to be disclosed in solicitations of proxies for election of trustees in an election contest pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934;
•A supporting statement that (i) describes the candidate’s reasons for seeking election to the board and(ii) documents his/her qualifications to serve as a trustee; and
•A signed statement from the candidate confirming his/her willingness to serve on the board.
The Corporate Governance Committee also may consider, and make recommendations to the board regarding, other matters relating to the corporate governance of the funds. It currently consists of Jonathan D. Levin (chair), Jeremy I. Bulow and John B. Shoven. The committee met four times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2021.
Risk Oversight by the Board
As previously disclosed, the board oversees the advisor’s management of the funds and meets at least quarterly with management of the advisor to review reports and receive information regarding fund operations. Risk oversight relating to the funds is one component of the board’s oversight and is undertaken in connection with the duties of the board. As described in the previous section, the board’s committees, including the Technology and Risk Committee, assist the board in overseeing various types of risks relating to the funds. The board receives regular reports from each committee regarding the committee’s areas of oversight responsibility. In addition, the board receives information regarding, and has discussions with senior management of the advisor about, the advisor’s enterprise risk management systems and strategies. There can be no assurance that all elements of risk, or even all elements of material risk, will be disclosed to or identified by the board, or that the advisor’s risk management systems and strategies, and the board’s oversight thereof, will mitigate all elements of risk, or even all elements of material risk, to the fund.
Board Compensation
Each independent trustee receives compensation for service as a member of the board. Under the terms of each management agreement with the advisor, the funds are responsible for paying such fees and expenses. None of the interested trustees or officers of the funds receive compensation from the funds. For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2021, each independent trustee received the following compensation for his or her service to the funds and the American Century family of funds.
| | | | | | | | |
Name of Trustee | Total Compensation for Service as Trustee of the Funds1 | Total Compensation for Service as Directors/Trustees for the American Century Investments Family of Funds2 |
Tanya S. Beder | $23,604 | $290,000 |
Jeremy I. Bulow | $24,011 | $295,000 |
Jennifer Cabalquinto | $3,780 | $46,667 |
Anne Casscells | $22,521 | $276,667 |
Ronald J. Gilson3 | $31,477 | $446,667 |
Frederick L.A. Grauer3 | $23,604 | $290,000 |
Jonathan D. Levin | $22,521 | $276,667 |
Peter F. Pervere | $24,418 | $300,000 |
John B. Shoven | $23,604 | $290,000 |
1 Includes compensation paid to the trustees for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2021, and also includes amounts deferred at the election of the trustees under the American Century Mutual Funds’ Independent Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan.
2 Includes compensation paid to each trustee for his or her service as director/trustee for eight (in the case of Mr. Gilson and Mr. Bulow, nine) investment companies in the American Century Investments family of funds. The total amount of deferred compensation included in the table is as follows: Ms. Casscells, $276,667, and Mr. Pervere, $30,000.
3 Mr. Gilson and Mr. Grauer retired from the Board on December 31, 2021.
None of the funds currently provides any pension or retirement benefits to the trustees except pursuant to the American Century Mutual Funds’ Independent Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan adopted by the trust. Under the plan, the independent trustees may defer receipt of all or any part of the fees to be paid to them for serving as trustees of the funds. All deferred fees are credited to accounts established in the names of the trustees. The amounts credited to each account then increase or decrease, as the case may be, in accordance with the performance of one or more American Century funds selected by the trustees. The account balance continues to fluctuate in accordance with the performance of the selected fund or funds until final payment of all amounts credited to the account. Trustees are allowed to change their designation of funds from time to time.
Generally, deferred fees are not payable to a trustee until the distribution date elected by the trustee in accordance with the terms of the plan. Such distribution date may be a date on or after the trustee’s retirement date, but may be an earlier date if the trustee agrees not to make any additional deferrals after such distribution date. Distributions may commence prior to the elected payment date for certain reasons specified in the plan, such as unforeseeable emergencies, death or disability. Trustees may receive deferred fee account balances either in a lump sum payment or in substantially equal installment payments to be made over a period not to exceed 10 years. Upon the death of a trustee, all remaining deferred fee account balances are paid to the trustee’s beneficiary or, if none, to the trustee’s estate.
The plan is an unfunded plan and, accordingly, the funds have no obligation to segregate assets to secure or fund the deferred fees. To date, the funds have met all payment obligations under the plan. The rights of trustees to receive their deferred fee account balances are the same as the rights of a general unsecured creditor of the funds. The plan may be terminated at any time by the administrative committee of the plan. If terminated, all deferred fee account balances will be paid in a lump sum.
Ownership of Fund Shares
The trustees owned shares in the funds as of December 31, 2020, as shown in the table below. Because Ms. Cabalquinto was not a trustee as of December 31, 2020, she is not included in the table.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Name of Trustee |
| Tanya S. Beder | Jeremy I. Bulow | Anne Casscells | Ronald J. Gilson | Frederick L.A. Grauer |
Dollar Range of Equity Securities in the Funds: | | | | | |
California High-Yield Municipal | A | A | A | A | A |
California Intermediate-Term Tax-Free Bond | A | A | A | A | A |
California Tax-Free Money Market | A | A | A | A | A |
Aggregate Dollar Range of Equity Securities in all Registered Investment Companies Overseen by Trustee in Family of Investment Companies | E | B | E | E | A |
Ranges: A—none, B—$1-$10,000, C—$10,001-$50,000, D—$50,001-$100,000, E—More than $100,000
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Name of Trustee |
| Jonathan D. Levin | Peter F. Pervere | John B. Shoven | Jonathan S. Thomas |
Dollar Range of Equity Securities in the Funds: | | | | |
California High-Yield Municipal | A | A | A | A |
California Intermediate-Term Tax-Free Bond | A | A | A | A |
California Tax-Free Money Market | A | A | A | A |
Aggregate Dollar Range of Equity Securities in all Registered Investment Companies Overseen by Trustee in Family of Investment Companies | A | E | E | E |
Ranges: A—none, B—$1-$10,000, C—$10,001-$50,000, D—$50,001-$100,000, E—More than $100,000
Beneficial Ownership of Affiliates by Independent Trustees
No independent trustee or his or her immediate family members beneficially owned shares of the advisor, the principal underwriter of the funds or any other person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the advisor or the funds’ principal underwriter as of December 31, 2020.
Officers
The following table presents certain information about the executive officers of the funds. Each officer serves as an officer for 16 (in the case of Robert J. Leach, 15) investment companies in the American Century family of funds. No officer is compensated for his or her service as an officer of the funds. The listed officers are interested persons of the funds and are appointed or re-appointed on an annual basis. The mailing address for each of the officers listed below is 4500 Main Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64111.
| | | | | | | | |
Name (Year of Birth) | Offices with the Funds | Principal Occupation(s) During the Past Five Years |
Patrick Bannigan (1965) | President since 2019 | Executive Vice President and Director, ACC (2012 to present); Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer, ACC (2015 to present). Also serves as President, ACS; Vice President, ACIM; Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer and/or Director, ACIM, ACS and other ACC subsidiaries |
R. Wes Campbell (1974) | Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer since 2018 | Vice President, ACS (2020 to present); Investment Operations and Investment Accounting, ACS (2000 to present) |
Amy D. Shelton (1964) | Chief Compliance Officer and Vice President since 2014 | Chief Compliance Officer, American Century funds, (2014 to present); Chief Compliance Officer, ACIM (2014 to present); Chief Compliance Officer, ACIS (2009 to present). Also serves as Vice President, ACIS |
John Pak (1968) | General Counsel and Senior Vice President since 2021 | General Counsel and Senior Vice President, ACC (2021 to present). Also serves as General Counsel and Senior Vice President, ACIM, ACS and ACIS. Chief Legal Officer of Investment and Wealth Management, The Bank of New York Mellon (2014 to 2021) |
C. Jean Wade (1964) | Vice President since 2012 | Senior Vice President, ACS (2017 to present); Vice President ACS (2000 to 2017) |
| | | | | | | | |
Name (Year of Birth) | Offices with the Funds | Principal Occupation(s) During the Past Five Years |
Robert J. Leach (1966) | Vice President since 2006 | Vice President, ACS (2000 to present) |
David H. Reinmiller (1963) | Vice President since 2000 | Attorney, ACC (1994 to present). Also serves as Vice President, ACIM and ACS |
Ward D. Stauffer (1960) | Secretary since 2005 | Attorney, ACC (2003 to present) |
Code of Ethics
The funds, their investment advisor and principal underwriter have adopted codes of ethics under Rule 17j-1 of the Investment Company Act. They permit personnel subject to the codes to invest in securities, including securities that may be purchased or held by the funds, provided that they first obtain approval from the compliance department before making such investments.
Proxy Voting Policies
The funds’ Board of Trustees has adopted a general statement of proxy voting principles that governs the exercise of voting and consent rights associated with the securities purchased and/or held by the funds. The funds have delegated to the advisor the responsibility for exercising such rights, subject to the board’s oversight. The advisor has adopted proxy voting policies that describe in detail how the advisor intends to exercise its delegated proxy voting authority in a manner consistent with the board’s principles.
Copies of the advisor’s proxy voting policies are attached hereto as Appendix E. Copies of the board’s proxy voting principles as well as information regarding how the advisor voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30, are available at americancentury.com/proxy. The advisor’s proxy voting record also is available on the SEC’s website at sec.gov.
The Funds’ Principal Shareholders
A list of the funds’ principal shareholders appears in Appendix A.
Service Providers
The funds have no employees. To conduct the funds’ day-to-day activities, the trust has hired a number of service providers. Each service provider has a specific function to fill on behalf of the funds that is described below.
ACIM, ACS and ACIS are wholly owned, directly or indirectly, by ACC. The Stowers Institute for Medical Research (SIMR) controls ACC by virtue of its beneficial ownership of more than 25% of the voting securities of ACC. SIMR is part of a not-for-profit biomedical research organization dedicated to finding the keys to the causes, treatments and prevention of disease.
Investment Advisor
American Century Investment Management, Inc. (ACIM) serves as the investment advisor for each of the funds. A description of the responsibilities of the advisor appears in each prospectus under the heading Management.
Each class of each fund is subject to a contractual unified management fee based on a percentage of the daily net assets of such class. For more information about the unified management fee, see The Investment Advisor under the heading Management in each fund’s prospectus. The annual rate at which this fee is assessed is determined daily in a multi-step process. First, each fund is categorized according to the broad asset class in which it invests (e.g., money market, bond or equity), and the assets of all funds for which ACIM serves as the investment advisor and for which American Century Investment Services, Inc. (ACIS) serves as the distributor are totaled for each category (Fund Category Assets). Second, the assets are totaled for certain other accounts managed by the advisor (Other Account Category Assets). To be included, these accounts must have the same management team and investment objective as a fund in the same category with the same board of trustees as the trust. Together, the Fund Category Assets and the Other Account Category Assets comprise the “Investment Category Assets.” The Investment Category Fee Rate is then calculated by applying a fund’s Investment Category Fee Schedule to the Investment Category Assets and dividing the result by the Investment Category Assets. Finally, a separate Complex Fee Schedule is applied to the assets of all funds for which ACIM serves as the investment advisor and for which ACIS serves as the distributor (the Complex Assets), and the Complex Fee Rate is calculated based on the resulting total.The Investment Category Fee Rate and the Complex Fee Rate are then added to determine the Management Fee Rate payable by a class of the fund to the advisor.
For purposes of determining the assets that comprise the Fund Category Assets, Other Account Category Assets and Complex Assets, the assets of registered investment companies managed by the advisor that invest exclusively in the shares of other registered investment companies shall not be included.
The schedules by which the unified management fee is determined are shown below.
| | | | | |
Investment Category Fee Schedule for California High-Yield Municipal |
Category Assets | Fee Rate |
First $1 billion | 0.3100% |
Next $1 billion | 0.2580% |
Next $3 billion | 0.2280% |
Next $5 billion | 0.2080% |
Next $15 billion | 0.1950% |
Next $25 billion | 0.1930% |
Thereafter | 0.1925% |
| | | | | |
Investment Category Fee Schedule for California Intermediate-Term Tax-Free Bond |
Category Assets | Fee Rate |
First $1 billion | 0.2800% |
Next $1 billion | 0.2280% |
Next $3 billion | 0.1980% |
Next $5 billion | 0.1780% |
Next $15 billion | 0.1650% |
Next $25 billion | 0.1630% |
Thereafter | 0.1625% |
| | | | | |
Investment Category Fee Schedule for California Tax-Free Money Market |
Category Assets | Fee Rate |
First $1 billion | 0.2700% |
Next $1 billion | 0.2270% |
Next $3 billion | 0.1860% |
Next $5 billion | 0.1690% |
Next $15 billion | 0.1580% |
Next $25 billion | 0.1575% |
Thereafter | 0.1570% |
The Complex Fee is determined according to the schedule below.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Complex Fee Schedule | | | |
Complex Assets | Investor, A and C Class Fee Rate | I Class Fee Rate | Y Class Fee Rate |
First $2.5 billion | 0.3100% | 0.1100% | 0.0800% |
Next $7.5 billion | 0.3000% | 0.1000% | 0.0700% |
Next $15 billion | 0.2985% | 0.0985% | 0.0685% |
Next $25 billion | 0.2970% | 0.0970% | 0.0670% |
Next $25 billion | 0.2870% | 0.0870% | 0.0570% |
Next $25 billion | 0.2800% | 0.0800% | 0.0500% |
Next $25 billion | 0.2700% | 0.0700% | 0.0400% |
Next $25 billion | 0.2650% | 0.0650% | 0.0350% |
Next $25 billion | 0.2600% | 0.0600% | 0.0300% |
Next $25 billion | 0.2550% | 0.0550% | 0.0250% |
Thereafter | 0.2500% | 0.0500% | 0.0200% |
On each calendar day, each class of each fund accrues a management fee that is equal to the class’s Management Fee Rate times the net assets of the class divided by 365 (366 in leap years). On the first business day of each month, the funds pay a management fee to the advisor for the previous month. The fee for the previous month is the sum of the calculated daily fees for each class of a fund during the previous month.
The management agreement between the trust and the advisor shall continue in effect for a period of two years from its effective date (unless sooner terminated in accordance with its terms) and shall continue in effect from year to year thereafter for each fund so long as such continuance is approved at least annually by:
1) either the funds’ Board of Trustees, or a majority of the outstanding voting securities of such fund (as defined in the Investment Company Act); and
2) the vote of a majority of the trustees of the funds who are not parties to the agreement or interested persons of the advisor, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval.
The management agreement states that the funds’ Board of Trustees or a majority of the outstanding voting securities of each class of such fund may terminate the management agreement at any time without payment of any penalty on 60 days’ written notice to the advisor. The management agreement shall be automatically terminated if it is assigned.
The management agreement provides that the advisor shall not be liable to the funds or their shareholders for anything other than willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of its obligations and duties.
The management agreement also provides that the advisor and its officers, trustees and employees may engage in other business, render services to others, and devote time and attention to any other business whether of a similar or dissimilar nature.
Certain investments may be appropriate for the funds and also for other clients advised by the advisor. Investment decisions for the funds and other clients are made with a view to achieving their respective investment objectives after consideration of such factors as their current holdings, availability of cash for investment and the size of their investment generally. A particular security may be bought or sold for only one client or fund, or in different amounts and at different times for more than one but less than all clients or funds. A particular security may be bought for one client or fund on the same day it is sold for another client or fund, and a client or fund may hold a short position in a particular security at the same time another client or fund holds a long position. In addition, purchases or sales of the same security may be made for two or more clients or funds on the same date. The advisor has adopted procedures designed to ensure such transactions will be allocated among clients and funds in a manner believed by the advisor to be equitable to each. In some cases this procedure could have an adverse effect on the price or amount of the securities purchased or sold by a fund.
The advisor may aggregate purchase and sale orders of the funds with purchase and sale orders of its other clients when the advisor believes that such aggregation provides the best execution for the funds. The Board of Trustees has approved the policy of the advisor with respect to the aggregation of portfolio transactions. Fixed-income securities transactions are not executed through a centralized trading desk. Instead, portfolio teams are responsible for executing trades with broker/dealers in a predominantly dealer marketplace. Trade allocation decisions are made by the portfolio manager at the time of trade execution and orders entered on the fixed-income order management system. The advisor will not aggregate portfolio transactions of the funds unless it believes such aggregation is consistent with its duty to seek best execution on behalf of the funds and the terms of the management agreement. The advisor receives no additional compensation or remuneration as a result of such aggregation.
Unified management fees incurred by each fund for the fiscal periods ended August 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, are indicated in the following table.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Unified Management Fees |
Fund | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 |
California High-Yield Municipal | $6,495,642 | $6,425,118 | $5,675,231 |
California Intermediate-Term Tax-Free Bond | $7,010,279 | $7,454,729 | $7,008,574 |
California Tax-Free Money Market | $133,4951 | $624,2632 | $799,351 |
1 Amount shown reflects waiver by advisor of $491,121 in management fees.
2 Amount shown reflects waiver by advisor of $123,250 in management fees.
Portfolio Managers
Accounts Managed
The portfolio managers are responsible for the day-to-day management of various accounts, as indicated by the following table. None of these accounts has an advisory fee based on the performance of the account.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Accounts Managed (As of August 31, 2021) |
| | Registered Investment Companies (e.g., American Century Investments funds and American Century Investments- subadvised funds) | Other Pooled Investment Vehicles (e.g., commingled trusts and 529 education savings plans) | Other Accounts (e.g., separate accounts and corporate accounts, including incubation strategies and corporate money) |
Joseph Gotelli | Number of Accounts | 5 | 0 | 3 |
| Assets | $9.2 billion1 | N/A | $86.1 million |
Alan Kruss | Number of Accounts | 5 | 0 | 3 |
| Assets | $9.2 billion1 | N/A | $86.1 million |
Steven M. Permut | Number of Accounts | 5 | 0 | 3 |
| Assets | $9.2 billion1 | N/A | $86.1 million |
1 Includes $1.8 billion in California High-Yield Municipal Fund and $2.1 billion in California Intermediate-Term Tax-Free Bond Fund.
Potential Conflicts of Interest
Certain conflicts of interest may arise in connection with the management of multiple portfolios. Potential conflicts include, for example, conflicts among investment strategies, such as one portfolio buying or selling a security while another portfolio has a differing, potentially opposite position in such security. This may include one portfolio taking a short position in the security of an issuer that is held long in another portfolio (or vice versa). Other potential conflicts may arise with respect to the allocation of investment opportunities, which are discussed in more detail below. American Century Investments has adopted policies and procedures that are designed to minimize the effects of these conflicts.
Responsibility for managing American Century Investments client portfolios is organized according to investment discipline. Investment disciplines include, for example, disciplined equity, global growth equity, global value equity, global fixed income, multi-asset strategies, ETFs and Avantis Investors funds. Within each discipline are one or more portfolio teams responsible for managing specific client portfolios. Generally, client portfolios with similar strategies are managed by the same team using the same objective, approach, and philosophy. Accordingly, portfolio holdings, position sizes, and industry and sector exposures tend to be similar across similar portfolios, which minimizes the potential for conflicts of interest. In addition, American Century Investments maintains an ethical wall that restricts real time access to information regarding any portfolio’s transaction activities and positions to team members that have responsibility for a given portfolio or are within the same equity investment discipline. The ethical wall is intended to aid in preventing the misuse of portfolio holdings information and trading activity in the other disciplines.
For each investment strategy, one portfolio is generally designated as the “policy portfolio.” Other portfolios with similar investment objectives, guidelines and restrictions, if any, are referred to as “tracking portfolios.” When managing policy and tracking portfolios, a portfolio team typically purchases and sells securities across all portfolios that the team manages. American Century Investments’ trading systems include various order entry programs that assist in the management of multiple portfolios, such as the ability to purchase or sell the same relative amount of one security across several funds. In some cases a tracking portfolio may have additional restrictions or limitations that cause it to be managed separately from the policy portfolio. Portfolio managers make purchase and sale decisions for such portfolios alongside the policy portfolio to the extent the overlap is appropriate, and separately, if the overlap is not.
American Century Investments may aggregate orders to purchase or sell the same security for multiple portfolios when it believes such aggregation is consistent with its duty to seek best execution on behalf of its clients. Orders of certain client portfolios may, by investment restriction or otherwise, be determined not available for aggregation. American Century Investments has adopted policies and procedures to minimize the risk that a client portfolio could be systematically advantaged or disadvantaged in connection with the aggregation of orders. To the extent equity trades are aggregated, shares purchased or sold are generally allocated to the participating portfolios pro rata based on order size. Because initial public offerings (IPOs) are usually available in limited supply and in amounts too small to permit across-the-board pro rata allocations, American Century Investments has adopted special procedures designed to promote a fair and equitable allocation of IPO securities among clients over time. A centralized trading desk executes all fixed income securities transactions for Avantis ETFs and mutual funds. For all other funds in the American Century complex, portfolio teams are responsible for executing fixed income trades with broker/dealers in a predominantly dealer marketplace. Trade allocation decisions are made by the portfolio manager at the time of trade execution and orders entered on the fixed income order management system.
There is an ethical wall between the Avantis trading desk and all other American Century traders. The Advisor’s Global Head of Trading monitors all trading activity for best execution and to make sure no set of clients is being systematically disadvantaged.
Finally, investment of American Century Investments’ corporate assets in proprietary accounts may raise additional conflicts of interest. To mitigate these potential conflicts of interest, American Century Investments has adopted policies and procedures intended to provide that trading in proprietary accounts is performed in a manner that does not give improper advantage to American Century Investments to the detriment of client portfolios.
Compensation
American Century Investments portfolio manager compensation is structured to align the interests of portfolio managers with those of the shareholders whose assets they manage. As of August 31, 2021, it includes the components described below, each of which is determined with reference to a number of factors such as overall performance, market competition, and internal equity.
Base Salary
Portfolio managers receive base pay in the form of a fixed annual salary.
Bonus
A significant portion of portfolio manager compensation takes the form of an annual incentive bonus, which is determined by a combination of factors. One factor is investment performance of funds a portfolio manager manages. The mutual funds’ investment performance is generally measured by a combination of one-, three- and five-year pre-tax performance relative to various benchmarks and/or internally-customized peer groups, as indicated below. The performance comparison periods may be adjusted based on a fund’s inception date or a portfolio manager’s tenure on the fund.
| | | | | | | | |
Fund | Benchmarks | Peer Group |
California High-Yield Municipal | S&P Municipal Bond California 50% Investment Grade/50% High Yield | Morningstar U.S. Muni CA Long |
California Intermediate-Term Tax-Free Bond | S&P Intermediate Term California AMT-Free Municipal Bond | Morningstar U.S. Muni CA Intermediate |
Portfolio managers may have responsibility for multiple American Century Investments mutual funds. In such cases, the performance of each is assigned a percentage weight appropriate for the portfolio manager’s relative levels of responsibility. Portfolio managers also may have responsibility for other types of similarly managed portfolios. If the performance of a similarly managed account is considered for purposes of compensation, it is measured in the same way as a comparable American Century Investments mutual fund (i.e., relative to the performance of a benchmark and/or peer group).
A second factor in the bonus calculation relates to the performance of a number of American Century Investments funds managed according to one of the following investment disciplines: global growth equity, global value equity, disciplined equity, global fixed-income, and multi-asset strategies. Performance is measured for each product individually as described above and then combined to create an overall composite for the product group. These composites may measure one-year performance (equal weighted) or a combination of one-, three- and five-year performance (equal or asset weighted) depending on the portfolio manager’s responsibilities and products managed and the composite for certain portfolio managers may include multiple disciplines. This feature is designed to encourage effective teamwork among portfolio management teams in achieving long-term investment success for similarly styled portfolios.
A portion of portfolio managers’ bonuses is discretionary and may be tied to factors such as profitability or individual performance goals, such as research projects and/or the development of new products.
Restricted Stock Plans
Portfolio managers are eligible for grants of restricted stock of ACC. These grants are discretionary, and eligibility and availability can vary from year to year. The size of an individual’s grant is determined by individual and product performance as well as other product-specific considerations such as profitability. Grants can appreciate/depreciate in value based on the performance of the ACC stock during the restriction period (generally three to four years).
Deferred Compensation Plans
Portfolio managers are eligible for grants of deferred compensation. These grants are used in very limited situations, primarily for retention purposes. Grants are fixed and can appreciate/depreciate in value based on the performance of the American Century Investments mutual funds in which the portfolio manager chooses to invest them.
Ownership of Securities
The following table indicates the dollar range of securities of each fund beneficially owned by the funds’ portfolio managers as of the fiscal year ended August 31, 2021. Certain portfolio managers serve on teams that oversee a number of funds in the same broad investment strategy and are not expected to invest in each fund.
| | | | | | | | |
Ownership of Securities |
| | Aggregate Dollar Range of Securities in Fund |
California High-Yield Municipal |
| Joseph Gotelli | D |
| Alan Kruss | A |
| Steven M. Permut | F |
California Intermediate-Term Tax-Free Bond |
| Joseph Gotelli | C |
| Alan Kruss | A |
| Steven M. Permut | D |
Ranges: A – none; B – $1-$10,000; C – $10,001-$50,000; D – $50,001-$100,000; E – $100,001-$500,000; F – $500,001-$1,000,000; G – More than $1,000,000.
Transfer Agent and Administrator
American Century Services, LLC, 4500 Main Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64111, serves as transfer agent and dividend-paying agent for the funds. It provides physical facilities, computer hardware and software, and personnel for the day-to-day administration of the funds and the advisor. The advisor pays ACS’s costs for serving as transfer agent and dividend-paying agent for the funds out of the advisor’s unified management fee. For a description of this fee and the terms of its payment, see the above discussion under the caption Investment Advisor on page 30.
Proceeds from purchases of fund shares may pass through accounts maintained by the transfer agent at Commerce Bank, N.A. or UMB Bank, n.a. before being held at the fund’s custodian. Redemption proceeds also may pass from the custodian to the shareholder through such bank accounts.
From time to time, special services may be offered to shareholders who maintain higher share balances in our family of funds. These services may include the waiver of minimum investment requirements, expedited confirmation of shareholder transactions, newsletters and a team of personal representatives. Any expenses associated with these special services will be paid by the advisor.
Sub-Administrator
The advisor has entered into an Administration Agreement with State Street Bank and Trust Company (SSB) to provide certain fund accounting, fund financial reporting, tax and treasury/tax compliance services for the funds, including striking the daily net asset value for each fund. The advisor pays SSB a monthly fee as compensation for these services that is based on the total net assets of accounts in the American Century complex serviced by SSB. ACS does pay SSB for some additional services on a per fund basis. While ACS continues to serve as the administrator of the funds, SSB provides sub-administrative services that were previously undertaken by ACS.
Distributor
The funds’ shares are distributed by American Century Investment Services, Inc. (ACIS), a registered broker-dealer. ACIS is a wholly owned subsidiary of ACC and its principal business address is 4500 Main Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64111.
The distributor is the principal underwriter of the funds’ shares. The distributor makes a continuous, best-efforts underwriting of the funds’ shares. This means the distributor has no liability for unsold shares. The advisor pays ACIS’s costs for serving as principal underwriter of the funds’ shares out of the advisor’s unified management fee. For a description of this fee and the terms of its payment, see the above discussion under the caption Investment Advisor on page 30. ACIS does not earn commissions for distributing the funds’ shares.
Certain financial intermediaries unaffiliated with the distributor or the funds may perform various administrative and shareholder services for their clients who are invested in the funds. These services may include assisting with fund purchases, redemptions and exchanges, distributing information about the funds and their performance, preparing and distributing client account statements, and other administrative and shareholder services that would otherwise be provided by the distributor or its affiliates. The distributor may pay fees out of its own resources to such financial intermediaries for the provision of these services.
Custodian Bank
State Street Bank and Trust Company (SSB), State Street Financial Center, One Lincoln Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02111 serves as custodian of the funds’ cash and securities under a Master Custodian Agreement with the trust. Foreign securities, if any, are held by foreign banks participating in a network coordinated by SSB. The custodian takes no part in determining the investment policies of the funds or in deciding which securities are purchased or sold by the funds. The funds, however, may invest in certain obligations of the custodian and may purchase or sell certain securities from or to the custodian.
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2021, PricewaterhouseCoopers served as the funds’ independent registered public accounting firm. The address of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP is 1100 Walnut, Suite 1300, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. As the independent registered public accounting firm of the funds, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP provided services including auditing the annual financial statements and financial highlights for each fund. The funds’ Board appointed Deloitte & Touche LLP to serve as the funds’ independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2022. The address of Deloitte & Touche LLP is 1100 Walnut Street, Suite 3300, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. As the independent registered public accounting firm of the funds, Deloitte & Touche LLP will provide services including auditing the annual financial statements and financial highlights for each fund.
Brokerage Allocation
The advisor places orders for equity portfolio transactions with broker-dealers, who receive commissions for their services. Generally, commissions relating to securities traded on foreign exchanges will be higher than commissions relating to securities traded on U.S. exchanges. The advisor purchases and sells fixed-income securities through principal transactions, meaning the advisor normally purchases securities on a net basis directly from the issuer or a primary market-maker acting as principal for the securities. The funds generally do not pay a stated brokerage commission on these transactions, although the purchase price for debt securities usually includes an undisclosed compensation. Purchases of securities from underwriters typically include a commission or concession paid by the issuer to the underwriter, and purchases from dealers serving as market-makers typically include a dealer’s mark-up (i.e., a spread between the bid and asked prices).
Under the management agreement between the funds and the advisor, the advisor has the responsibility of selecting brokers and dealers to execute portfolio transactions. The funds’ policy is to secure the most favorable prices and execution of orders on its portfolio transactions. The advisor selects broker-dealers on their perceived ability to obtain “best execution” in effecting transactions in its clients’ portfolios. In selecting broker-dealers to effect portfolio transactions relating to equity securities, the advisor considers the full range and quality of a broker-dealer’s research and brokerage services, including, but not limited to, the following:
•applicable commission rates and other transaction costs charged by the broker-dealer
•value of research provided to the advisor by the broker-dealer (including economic forecasts, fundamental and technical advice on individual securities, market analysis, and advice, either directly or through publications or writings, as to the value of securities, availability of securities or of purchasers/sellers of securities)
•timeliness of the broker-dealer’s trade executions
•efficiency and accuracy of the broker-dealer’s clearance and settlement processes
•broker-dealer’s ability to provide data on securities executions
•financial condition of the broker-dealer
•the quality of the overall brokerage and customer service provided by the broker-dealer
In transactions to buy and sell fixed-income securities, the selection of the broker-dealer is determined by the availability of the desired security and its offering price, as well as the broker-dealer’s general execution and operational and financial capabilities in the type of transaction involved. The advisor will seek to obtain prompt execution of orders at the most favorable prices or yields. The advisor does not consider the receipt of products or services other than brokerage or research services in selecting broker-dealers.
On an ongoing basis, the advisor seeks to determine what levels of commission rates are reasonable in the marketplace. In evaluating the reasonableness of commission rates, the advisor considers:
•rates quoted by broker-dealers
•the size of a particular transaction, in terms of the number of shares, dollar amount, and number of clients involved
•the ability of a broker-dealer to execute large trades while minimizing market impact
•the complexity of a particular transaction
•the nature and character of the markets on which a particular trade takes place
•the level and type of business done with a particular firm over a period of time
•the ability of a broker-dealer to provide anonymity while executing trades
•historical commission rates
•rates that other institutional investors are paying, based on publicly available information
The brokerage commissions paid by the funds may exceed those that another broker-dealer might have charged for effecting the same transactions, because of the value of the brokerage and research services provided by the broker-dealer. Research services furnished by broker-dealers through whom the funds effect securities transactions may be used by the advisor in servicing all of its accounts, and not all such services may be used by the advisor in managing the portfolios of the funds.
Pursuant to its internal allocation procedures, the advisor regularly evaluates the brokerage and research services provided by each broker-dealer that it uses. On a periodic basis, members of the advisor’s portfolio management team assess the quality and value of research and brokerage services provided by each broker-dealer that provides execution services and research to the advisor for its clients’ accounts. The results of the periodic assessments are used to add or remove brokers from the approved brokers list, if needed, and to set research budgets for the following period. Execution-only brokers are used where deemed appropriate.
In the fiscal years August 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, the brokerage commissions, including, as applicable, futures commissions, of each fund are listed in the following table:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Fund | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 |
California High-Yield Municipal | $0 | $0 | $747 |
California Intermediate-Term Tax-Free Bond | $3,344 | $0 | $2,925 |
California Tax-Free Money Market | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Brokerage commissions paid by a fund may vary significantly from year to year as a result of changing asset levels throughout the year, portfolio turnover, varying market conditions and other factors. For example, brokerage commissions applicable to California Intermediate-Term Tax-Free Bond rose in 2021 due to the increased use of U.S. Treasury futures.
Regular Broker-Dealers
As of fiscal year end August 31, 2021, none of the funds owned securities of its regular brokers or dealers (as defined by Rule 10b-1 under the Investment Company Act) or of their parent companies.
Information About Fund Shares
The Declaration of Trust permits the Board of Trustees to issue an unlimited number of full and fractional shares of beneficial interest without par value, which may be issued in a series (or funds). Each of the funds named on the front of this statement of additional information is a series of shares issued by the trust. In addition, each series (or fund) may be divided into separate classes. See Multiple Class Structure, which follows. Additional funds and classes may be added without a shareholder vote.
Each fund votes separately on matters affecting that fund exclusively. Voting rights are not cumulative, so that investors holding more than 50% of the trust’s (i.e., all funds’) outstanding shares may be able to elect a Board of Trustees. The trust undertakes dollar-based voting, meaning that the number of votes a shareholder is entitled to is based upon the dollar amount of the shareholder’s investment. The election of trustees is determined by the votes received from all trust shareholders without regard to whether a majority of shares of any one fund voted in favor of a particular nominee or all nominees as a group.
Each shareholder has rights to dividends and distributions declared by the fund he or she owns and to the net assets of such fund upon its liquidation or dissolution proportionate to his or her share ownership interest in the fund. Shares of each fund have equal voting rights, although each fund votes separately on matters affecting that fund exclusively.
The trust shall continue unless terminated by (1) approval of at least two-thirds of the shares of each fund entitled to vote or (2) by the trustees by written notice to shareholders of each fund. Any fund may be terminated by (1) approval of at least two-thirds of the shares of that fund or (2) by the trustees by written notice to shareholders of that fund.
Upon termination of the trust or a fund, as the case may be, the trust shall pay or otherwise provide for all charges, taxes, expenses and liabilities belonging to the trust or the fund. Thereafter, the trust shall reduce the remaining assets belonging to each fund (or the particular fund) to cash, shares of other securities or any combination thereof, and distribute the proceeds belonging to each fund (or the particular fund) to the shareholders of that fund ratably according to the number of shares of that fund held by each shareholder on the termination date.
Shareholders of a Massachusetts business trust could, under certain circumstances, be held personally liable for its obligations. However, the Declaration of Trust contains an express disclaimer of shareholder liability for acts or obligations of the trust. The Declaration of Trust also provides for indemnification and reimbursement of expenses of any shareholder held personally liable for obligations of the trust. The Declaration of Trust provides that the trust will, upon request, assume the defense of any claim made against any shareholder for any act or obligation of the trust and satisfy any judgment thereon. The Declaration of Trust further provides that the trust may maintain appropriate insurance (for example, fidelity, bonding, and errors and omissions insurance) for the protection of the trust, its shareholders, trustees, officers, employees and agents to cover possible tort and other liabilities. Thus, the risk of a shareholder incurring financial loss as a result of shareholder liability is limited to circumstances in which both inadequate insurance exists and the trust is unable to meet its obligations.
The assets belonging to each series are held separately by the custodian and the shares of each series represent a beneficial interest in the principal, earnings and profit (or losses) of investments and other assets held for each series. Your rights as a shareholder are the same for all series of securities unless otherwise stated. Within their respective fund or class, all shares have equal redemption rights. Each share, when issued, is fully paid and non-assessable.
Multiple Class Structure
The Board of Trustees has adopted a multiple class plan pursuant to Rule 18f-3 adopted by the SEC. The plan is described in the prospectus of any fund that offers more than one class. Pursuant to such plan, the funds may issue the following classes of shares: Investor Class, I Class, Y Class, A Class and C Class. Not all funds offer all classes.
The Investor Class is made available to investors directly from American Century Investments and/or through some financial intermediaries. Additional information regarding eligibility for Investor Class shares may be found in the funds’ prospectuses. The I Class is made available to institutional shareholders or through financial intermediaries that provide various shareholder and administrative services. Y Class shares are available through financial intermediaries that offer fee-based advisory programs. The A and C Classes also are made available through financial intermediaries, for purchase by individual investors who receive advisory and personal services from the intermediary. The classes have different unified management fees as a result of their separate arrangements for shareholder services. In addition, the A and C Class shares each are subject to a separate Master Distribution and Individual Shareholder Services Plan (the A Class Plan and C Class Plan, respectively, and collectively, the plans) described below. The plans have been adopted by the funds’ Board of Trustees in accordance with Rule 12b-1 adopted by the SEC under the Investment Company Act.
Rule 12b-1
Rule 12b-1 permits an investment company to pay expenses associated with the distribution of its shares in accordance with a plan adopted by its Board of Trustees and approved by its shareholders. Pursuant to such rule, the Board of Trustees of the funds’ A and C Classes have approved and entered into the A Class Plan and C Class Plan, respectively. The plans are described below.
In adopting the plans, the Board of Trustees (including a majority of trustees who are not interested persons of the funds, as defined in the Investment Company Act, hereafter referred to as the independent trustees) determined that there was a reasonable likelihood that the plans would benefit the funds and the shareholders of the affected class. Some of the anticipated benefits include improved name recognition of the funds generally; and growing assets in existing funds, which helps retain and attract investment management talent, provides a better environment for improving fund performance, and can lower the total expense ratio for funds with stepped-fee schedules. Pursuant to Rule 12b-1, information about revenues and expenses under the plans is presented to the Board of Trustees quarterly. Continuance of the plans must be approved by the Board of Trustees, including a majority of the independent trustees, annually. The plans may be amended by a vote of the Board of Trustees, including a majority of the independent trustees, except that the plans may not be amended to materially increase the amount to be spent for distribution without majority approval of the shareholders of the affected class. The plans terminate automatically in the event of an assignment and may be terminated upon a vote of a majority of the independent trustees or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the affected class.
All fees paid under the plans will be made in accordance with Section 2830 of the Conduct Rules of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA).
The Share Class Plans
As described in the prospectuses, the A and C Class shares of the funds are made available to persons purchasing through broker-dealers, banks, insurance companies and other financial intermediaries that provide various administrative, shareholder and distribution services. In addition, the A and C Classes are made available to participants in employer-sponsored retirement plans. The funds’ distributor enters into contracts with various banks, broker-dealers, insurance companies and other financial intermediaries, with respect to the sale of the funds’ shares and/or the use of the funds’ shares in various investment products or in connection with various financial services.
Certain recordkeeping and administrative services that would otherwise be performed by the funds’ transfer agent may be performed by a plan sponsor (or its agents) or by a financial intermediary for A and C Class investors. In addition to such services, the financial intermediaries provide various individual shareholder and distribution services.
To enable the funds’ shares to be made available through such plans and financial intermediaries, and to compensate them for such services, the funds’ Board of Trustees has adopted the A and C Class Plans. Pursuant to the plans, the following fees are paid and described further below.
A Class
The A Class pays the funds’ distributor 0.25% annually of the average daily net asset value of the A Class shares. The distributor may use these fees to pay for certain ongoing shareholder and administrative services and for distribution services, including past distribution services. This payment is fixed at 0.25% and is not based on expenses incurred by the distributor.
C Class
The C Class pays the funds’ distributor 1.00% annually of the average daily net asset value of the funds’ C Class shares, 0.25% of which is paid for certain ongoing individual shareholder and administrative services and 0.75% of which is paid for distribution services, including past distribution services. This payment is fixed at 1.00% and is not based on expenses incurred by the distributor.
During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2021, the aggregate amount of fees paid under each class plan was:
| | | | | | | | |
| A Class | C Class |
California High-Yield Municipal | $159,864 | $230,648 |
California Intermediate-Term Tax-Free Bond | $54,142 | $95,069 |
The distributor then makes these payments to the financial intermediaries (including underwriters and broker-dealers, who may use some of the proceeds to compensate sales personnel) who offer the A and C Class shares for the services described below. No portion of these payments is used by the distributor to pay for advertising, printing costs or interest expenses.
Payments may be made for a variety of individual shareholder services, including, but not limited to:
(a)providing individualized and customized investment advisory services, including the consideration of shareholder profiles and specific goals;
(b)creating investment models and asset allocation models for use by shareholders in selecting appropriate funds;
(c)conducting proprietary research about investment choices and the market in general;
(d)periodic rebalancing of shareholder accounts to ensure compliance with the selected asset allocation;
(e)consolidating shareholder accounts in one place;
(f)paying service fees for providing personal, continuing services to investors, as contemplated by the Conduct Rules of FINRA; and
(g)other individual services.
Individual shareholder services do not include those activities and expenses that are primarily intended to result in the sale of additional shares of the funds.
Distribution services include any activity undertaken or expense incurred that is primarily intended to result in the sale of A or C Class shares, which services may include but are not limited to:
(a)paying sales commissions, on-going commissions and other payments to brokers, dealers, financial institutions or others who sell these shares pursuant to selling agreements;
(b)compensating registered representatives or other employees of the distributor who engage in or support distribution of the funds’ shares;
(c)compensating and paying expenses (including overhead and telephone expenses) of the distributor;
(d)printing prospectuses, statements of additional information and reports for other-than-existing shareholders;
(e)preparing, printing and distributing sales literature and advertising materials provided to the funds’ shareholders and prospective shareholders;
(f)receiving and answering correspondence from prospective shareholders, including distributing prospectuses, statements of additional information, and shareholder reports;
(g)providing facilities to answer questions from prospective shareholders about fund shares;
(h)complying with federal and state securities laws pertaining to the sale of fund shares;
(i)assisting shareholders in completing application forms and selecting dividend and other account options;
(j)providing other reasonable assistance in connection with the distribution of fund shares;
(k)organizing and conducting sales seminars and payments in the form of transactional and compensation or promotional incentives;
(l)profit on the foregoing; and
(m)such other distribution and services activities as the advisor determines may be paid for by the funds pursuant to the terms of the agreement between the trust and the funds’ distributor and in accordance with Rule 12b-1 of the Investment Company Act.
Valuation of a Fund’s Securities
The net asset value (NAV) for each class of each fund is calculated by adding the value of all portfolio securities and other assets attributable to the class, deducting liabilities, and dividing the result by the number of shares of the class outstanding. Expenses and interest earned on portfolio securities are accrued daily.
All classes of the funds except the A Class are offered at their NAV. The A Class of the funds is offered at its public offering price, which is the NAV plus the appropriate sales charge. This calculation may be expressed as a formula:
Offering Price = NAV/(1 – Sales Charge as a % of Offering Price)
For example, if the NAV of a fund’s A Class shares is $5.00, the public offering price would be $5.00/(1 - 4.50%)=$5.24.
Each fund’s NAV is calculated as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on each day the NYSE is open. The NYSE usually closes at 4 p.m. Eastern time. The NYSE typically observes the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth National Independence Day, Independence Day, Labor
Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Although the funds expect the same holidays to be observed in the future, the NYSE may modify its holiday schedule at any time.
Money Market Fund
California Tax-Free Money Market Fund is a retail money market fund operating pursuant to Investment Company Act Rule 2a-7, which permits valuation of portfolio securities on the basis of amortized cost. This method involves valuing an instrument at its cost and thereafter assuming a constant amortization to maturity of any discount or premium paid at the time of purchase. Although this method provides certainty in valuation, it generally disregards the effect of fluctuating interest rates on an instrument’s market value. Consequently, the instrument’s amortized cost value may be higher or lower than its market value, and this discrepancy may be reflected in the fund’s yields. During periods of declining interest rates, for example, the daily yield on fund shares computed as described above may be higher than that of a fund with identical investments priced at market value. The converse would apply in a period of rising interest rates.
As required by Rule 2a-7, the Board of Trustees has adopted procedures designed to stabilize, to the extent reasonably possible, a money market fund’s price per share as computed for the purposes of sales and redemptions at $1.00. While the day-to-day operation of the money market fund has been delegated to the portfolio managers, the quality requirements established by the procedures limit investments to certain instruments that the Board of Trustees has determined to be eligible securities as that term is defined in Rule 2a-7 of the Investment Company Act. The procedures require review of the money market fund’s portfolio holdings at such intervals as are reasonable in light of current market conditions to determine whether the money market fund’s NAV calculated by using available market quotations deviates from the per-share value based on amortized cost. The procedures also prescribe the action to be taken by the advisor if such deviation should exceed 0.25%.
Actions the advisor and the Board of Trustees may consider under these circumstances include (i) selling portfolio securities prior to maturity, (ii) withholding dividends or distributions from capital, (iii) authorizing a one-time dividend adjustment, (iv) discounting share purchases and initiating redemptions in kind, (v) valuing portfolio securities at market price for purposes of calculating NAV, or (vi) suspending redemptions in accordance with Rule 22e-3 and liquidating the fund.
Non-Money Market Funds
Securities held by the non-money market funds normally are priced using data provided by an independent pricing service, provided that such prices are believed by the advisor to reflect the fair market value of portfolio securities. Information about how the fair market value of a security is determined is contained in the funds’ prospectuses.
Because there are hundreds of thousands of municipal issues outstanding, and the majority of them do not trade daily, the prices provided by pricing services are generally determined without regard to bid or last sale prices. In valuing securities, the pricing services generally take into account institutional trading activity, trading in similar groups of securities, and any developments related to specific securities. The methods used by the pricing service and the valuations so established are reviewed by the advisor under the oversight of the Board of Trustees. There are a number of pricing services available, and the advisor, on the basis of ongoing evaluation of these services, may use other pricing services or discontinue the use of any pricing service in whole or in part.
Securities not priced by a pricing service are valued at the mean between the most recently quoted bid and ask prices provided by broker-dealers. The municipal bond market is typically a “dealer market”; that is, dealers buy and sell bonds for their own accounts rather than for customers. As a result, the spread, or difference, between bid and asked prices for certain municipal bonds may differ substantially among dealers.
Debt securities maturing within 60 days of the valuation date may be valued at cost, plus or minus any amortized discount or premium, unless the trustees determine that this would not result in fair valuation of a given security. Other assets and securities for which quotations are not readily available are valued in good faith using methods approved by the Board of Trustees.
Taxes
Federal Income Tax
Each fund intends to qualify annually as a regulated investment company (RIC) under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code). RICs generally are not subject to federal and state income taxes. To qualify as a RIC a fund must, among other requirements, distribute substantially all of its net investment income and net realized capital gains (if any) to investors each year. If a fund were not eligible to be treated as a RIC, it would be liable for taxes at the fund level on all its income, significantly reducing its distributions to investors and eliminating investors’ ability to treat distributions received from the fund in the same manner in which they were realized by the fund. Under certain circumstances, the Code allows funds to cure deficiencies that would otherwise result in the loss of RIC status, including by paying a fund-level tax.
To qualify as a RIC, a fund must meet certain requirements of the Code, among which are requirements relating to sources of its income and diversification of its assets. A fund is also required to distribute 90% of its investment company taxable income and its net tax-exempt income, if any, each year. Additionally, a fund must declare dividends by December 31 of each year equal to at least 98%
of ordinary income (as of December 31) and 98.2% of capital gains (as of October 31) to avoid the nondeductible 4% federal excise tax on any undistributed amounts.
Certain bonds purchased by the funds may be treated as bonds that were originally issued at a discount. Original issue discount represents interest for federal income tax purposes and can generally be defined as the difference between the price at which a security was issued and its stated redemption price at maturity. Although no cash is actually received by a fund until the maturity of the bond, original issue discount is treated for federal income tax purposes as ordinary income earned by a fund over the term of the bond, and therefore is subject to the distribution requirements of the Code. The annual amount of income earned on such a bond by a fund generally is determined on the basis of a constant yield to maturity that takes into account the semiannual compounding of accrued interest. Original issue discount on an obligation with interest exempt from federal income tax will constitute tax-exempt interest income to the fund.
In addition, some of the bonds may be purchased by a fund at a discount that exceeds the original issue discount on such bonds, if any. This additional discount represents market discount for federal income tax purposes. The gain realized on the disposition of any bond having market discount generally will be treated as taxable ordinary income to the extent it does not exceed the accrued market discount on such bond (unless a fund elects to include market discount in income in tax years to which it is attributable or if the amount is considered de minimis). Generally, market discount accrues on a daily basis for each day the bond is held by a fund on a constant yield to maturity basis. In the case of any debt security having a fixed maturity date of not more than one year from date of issue, the gain realized on disposition generally will be treated as a short-term capital gain. If a fund holds the foregoing kinds of securities, it may be required to pay out as an income distribution each year an amount that is greater than the total amount of cash interest the fund actually received, which distributions may be made from the assets of the fund or, if necessary, by disposition of portfolio securities, including at a time when such disposition may not otherwise be advantageous.
Investments in lower-rated securities may present special tax issues for the Funds to the extent actual or anticipated defaults may be more likely with respect to these types of securities. Tax rules are not entirely clear about issues such as whether and to what extent a Fund should recognize market discount on such a debt obligation, when a Fund may cease to accrue interest, original issue discount or market discount, when and to what extent a Fund may take deductions for bad debts or worthless securities and how a Fund should allocate payments received on obligations in default between principal and income.
Interest on certain types of industrial development bonds (small issues and obligations issued to finance certain exempt facilities that may be leased to or used by persons other than the issuer) is not exempt from federal income tax when received by “substantial users” or persons related to substantial users as defined in the Code. The term “substantial user” includes any “non-exempt person” who regularly uses in trade or business part of a facility financed from the proceeds of industrial development bonds. The funds may invest periodically in industrial development bonds and, therefore, may not be appropriate investments for entities that are substantial users of facilities financed by industrial development bonds or “related persons” of substantial users. Generally, an individual will not be a related person of a substantial user under the Code unless he or his immediate family (spouse, brothers, sisters, ancestors and lineal descendants) owns directly or indirectly in aggregate more than 50% of the equity value of the substantial user.
As of August 31, 2021, the funds in the table below had the following capital loss carryovers. When a fund has a capital loss carryover, it generally does not make capital gains distributions until the loss has been offset. The Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010 allows the funds to carry forward capital losses incurred in future taxable years for an unlimited period.
| | | | | |
Fund | Unlimited |
California High-Yield Municipal | $(4,769,269) |
California Intermediate-Term Tax-Free Bond | — |
California Tax-Free Money Market | $(598) |
If you have not complied with certain provisions of the Internal Revenue Code and Regulations, either American Century Investments or your financial intermediary is required by federal law to withhold and remit to the IRS the applicable federal withholding rate of reportable payments (which may include taxable dividends, capital gains distributions and redemption proceeds). Those regulations require you to certify that the Social Security number or tax identification number you provide is correct and that you are not subject to withholding for previous under-reporting to the IRS. You will be asked to make the appropriate certification on your account application. Payments reported by us to the IRS that omit your Social Security number or tax identification number will subject us to a non-refundable penalty of $50, which will be charged against your account if you fail to provide the certification by the time the report is filed.
If fund shares are purchased through taxable accounts, distributions of net investment income (if not considered exempt from California and federal taxes) and net short-term capital gains are taxable to you as ordinary income.
Under the Code, any distribution of a fund’s net realized long-term capital gains designated by the fund as a capital gains dividend is taxable to you as long-term capital gains, regardless of the length of time you have held your shares in the fund. If you purchase shares in the fund and sell them at a loss within six months, your loss on the sale of those shares will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any long-term capital gains dividend you received on those shares. Any such loss will be disallowed to the extent of any
tax-exempt dividend income you received on those shares. In addition, although highly unlikely, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) may determine that a bond issued as tax-exempt should in fact be taxable. If a fund were to hold such a bond, it might have to distribute taxable income or reclassify as taxable income previously distributed as tax-exempt.
Each fund may use the “equalization method” of accounting to allocate a portion of its earnings and profits to redemption proceeds. Although using this method generally will not affect a fund’s total returns, it may reduce the amount that a fund would otherwise distribute to continuing shareholders by reducing the effect of redemptions of fund shares on fund distributions to shareholders.
A redemption of shares of a fund (including a redemption made in an exchange transaction) will be a taxable transaction for federal income tax purposes and you generally will recognize gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between the basis of the shares and the amount received. If a loss is realized on the redemption of fund shares, the reinvestment in additional fund shares within 30 days before or after the redemption may be subject to the “wash sale” rules of the Code, resulting in a postponement of the recognition of such loss for federal income tax purposes.
A 3.8% Medicare contribution tax is imposed on net investment income, including interest, dividends and capital gains, provided you meet specified income levels. This tax is not imposed on tax-exempt interest.
Alternative Minimum Tax
While the interest on bonds issued to finance essential state and local government operations is generally exempt from regular federal income tax, interest on certain “private activity” bonds issued after August 7, 1986, while exempt from regular federal income tax, constitutes a tax-preference item for taxpayers in determining alternative minimum tax (AMT) liability under the Code and income tax provisions of several states.
California High-Yield Municipal may invest in private activity bonds. The interest on private activity bonds could subject a shareholder to, or increase liability under, the federal AMT, depending on the shareholder’s tax situation. The interest on California private activity bonds is not subject to the California AMT when it is earned (either directly or through investment in a mutual fund) by a California taxpayer. However, if the fund were to invest in private activity securities of non-California issuers (due to a limited supply of appropriate California municipal obligations, for example), the interest on those securities would be included in California alternative minimum taxable income.
All distributions derived from interest exempt from regular federal income tax may subject corporate shareholders to, or increase their liability under, the AMT because these distributions are included in the corporation’s adjusted current earnings.
The trust will inform California High-Yield Municipal fund shareholders annually of the amount of distributions derived from interest payments on private activity bonds.
State and Local Taxes
California law concerning the payment of exempt-interest dividends is similar to federal law. Assuming each fund qualifies to pay exempt-interest dividends under federal and California law, and to the extent that dividends are derived from interest on tax-exempt bonds of California state or local governments, such dividends also will be exempt from California personal income tax. The trust will inform shareholders annually as to the amount of distributions from each fund that constitutes exempt-interest dividends and dividends exempt from California personal income tax. The funds’ dividends are not exempt from California state franchise or corporate income taxes.
The funds’ dividends may not qualify for exemption under income or other tax laws of state or local taxing authorities outside California. Shareholders should consult their tax advisors or state or local tax authorities about the status of distributions from the funds in this regard.
The information above is only a summary of some of the tax considerations affecting the funds and their U.S. shareholders. No attempt has been made to discuss individual tax consequences. A prospective investor should consult with his or her tax advisors or state or local tax authorities to determine whether the funds are suitable investments.
Financial Statements
The financial statements for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2021, have been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent registered public accounting firm. Their Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm and the financial statements included in the funds’ annual reports for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2021, are incorporated herein by reference.
Appendix A – Principal Shareholders
As of November 30, 2021, the following shareholders owned more than 5% of the outstanding shares of a class of the funds. The table shows shares owned of record unless otherwise noted.
| | | | | | | | |
Fund/ Class | Shareholder | Percentage of Outstanding Shares Owned of Record |
California High-Yield Municipal |
Investor Class |
| Charles Schwab & Co Inc San Francisco, CA | 33% |
| National Financial Services LLC Jersey City, NJ | 26% |
| LPL Financial San Diego, CA | 7% |
I Class |
| Charles Schwab & Co Inc San Francisco, CA | 39% |
| American Enterprise Investment Svc Minneapolis, MN | 15% |
| MLPF&S Jacksonville, FL | 9% |
| National Financial Services LLC Jersey City, NJ | 9% |
| Pershing LLC Jersey City, NJ | 8% |
| Wells Fargo Clearing Services LLC Saint Louis, MO | 6% |
Y Class |
| JP Morgan Securities LLC Brooklyn, NY | 79% |
| American Century Investment Management Inc Kansas City, MO Shares owned of record and beneficially. | 21% |
A Class |
| MLPF&S Jacksonville, FL | 27% |
| MSSB LLC New York, NY | 21% |
| Wells Fargo Clearing Services LLC Saint Louis, MO | 17% |
| American Enterprise Investment Svc Minneapolis, MN | 9% |
| LPL Financial San Diego, CA | 5% |
| Charles Schwab & Co Inc San Francisco, CA | 5% |
| | | | | | | | |
Fund/ Class | Shareholder | Percentage of Outstanding Shares Owned of Record |
California High-Yield Municipal |
C Class |
| MSSB LLC New York, NY | 29% |
| Wells Fargo Clearing Services LLC Saint Louis, MO | 26% |
| Spec Cdy A/C Excl Ben Cust UBSFSI Weehawken, NJ | 14% |
| American Enterprise Investment Svc Minneapolis, MN | 11% |
| Charles Schwab & Co Inc San Francisco, CA | 7% |
| LPL Financial San Diego, CA | 6% |
California Intermediate-Term Tax-Free Bond |
Investor Class |
| Charles Schwab & Co Inc San Francisco, CA | 29% |
| National Financial Services LLC Jersey City, NJ | 13% |
I Class |
| Charles Schwab & Co Inc San Francisco, CA | 57% |
| National Financial Services LLC Jersey City, NJ | 11% |
| Wells Fargo Clearing Services LLC Saint Louis, MO | 8% |
| TD Ameritrade Inc Omaha, NE | 6% |
| American Enterprise Investment Svc Minneapolis, MN | 5% |
| Pershing LLC Jersey City, NJ | 5% |
Y Class |
| Wells Fargo Bank NA Minneapolois, MN | 91% |
| JP Morgan Securities LLC Brooklyn, NY | 8% |
A Class |
| Wells Fargo Clearing Services LLC Saint Louis, MO | 31% |
| MSSB LLC New York, NY | 15% |
| Charles Schwab & Co Inc San Francisco, CA | 14% |
| National Financial Services LLC Jersey City, NJ | 11% |
| Pershing LLC Jersey City, NJ | 7% |
| | | | | | | | |
Fund/ Class | Shareholder | Percentage of Outstanding Shares Owned of Record |
California Intermediate-Term Tax-Free Bond |
A Class |
| American Enterprise Investment Svc Minneapolis, MN | 6% |
| MLPF&S Jacksonville, FL | 5% |
C Class |
| Wells Fargo Clearing Services LLC Saint Louis, MO | 46% |
| LPL Financial San Diego, CA | 12% |
| Spec Cdy A/C Excl Ben Cust UBSFSI Weehawken, NJ | 11% |
| MSSB LLC New York, NY | 7% |
| Charles Schwab & Co Inc San Francisco, CA | 6% |
| Pershing LLC Jersey City, NJ | 5% |
| National Financial Services LLC Jersey City, NJ | 5% |
| JP Morgan Securities LLC Brooklyn, NY | 5% |
California Tax-Free Money Market |
Investor Class |
| Pershing LLC Jersey City, NJ | 11% |
| On Pong Roderick Ho & Margaret T Chan JTWROS Milpitas, CA | 5% |
A shareholder owning beneficially more than 25% of the trust’s outstanding shares may be considered a controlling person. The vote of any such person could have a more significant effect on matters presented at a shareholders’ meeting than votes of other shareholders. Although Charles Schwab & Co Inc, San Francisco, California, is the record owner of more than 25% of the shares of the trust, it is not a control person because it is not the beneficial owner of such shares. As of November 30, 2021, the officers and trustees of the funds, as a group, owned less than 1% of any class of a fund’s outstanding shares.
Appendix B – Sales Charges and Payments to Dealers
Sales Charges
The sales charges applicable to the A and C Classes of the funds are described in the prospectuses for those classes in the section titled Investing Through a Financial Intermediary. Shares of the A Class are subject to an initial sales charge, which declines as the amount of the purchase increases. Additional information regarding reductions and waivers of the A Class sales charge may be found in the funds’ prospectuses.
Shares of the A and C Classes are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) upon redemption of the shares in certain circumstances. The specific charges and when they apply are described in the relevant prospectuses. The CDSC may be waived for certain redemptions by some shareholders, as described in the prospectuses.
An investor may terminate his relationship with an intermediary at any time. If the investor does not establish a relationship with a new intermediary and transfer any accounts to that new intermediary, such accounts may be exchanged to the Investor Class of the fund, if such class is available. The investor will be the shareholder of record of such accounts. In this situation, any applicable CDSCs will be charged when the exchange is made.
The aggregate CDSCs paid to the distributor for the A and C Class shares in the fiscal year ended August 31, 2021, were:
| | | | | | | | |
| A Class | C Class |
California High-Yield Municipal | — | $2,956 |
California Intermediate-Term Tax-Free Bond | $668 | $741 |
Payments to Dealers
The funds’ distributor expects to pay dealer commissions to the financial intermediaries who sell A and/or C Class shares of the funds at the time of such sales. Payments for A Class shares will be as follows:
| | | | | |
Purchase Amount | Dealer Commission as a % of Offering Price |
< $99,999 | 4.00% |
$100,000 - $249,999 | 3.00% |
$250,000 - $499,999 | 2.00% |
$500,000 - $999,999 | 1.75% |
$1,000,000 - $3,999,999 | 0.75% |
$4,000,000 - $9,999,999 | 0.50% |
> $10,000,000 | 0.25% |
No dealer commission will be paid on purchases by employer-sponsored retirement plans. For this purpose, employer-sponsored retirement plans do not include SEP IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs or SARSEPs. Payments will equal 1.00% of the purchase price of the C Class shares sold by the financial intermediary. The distributor will retain the 12b-1 fee paid by the C Class of funds for the first 12 months after the shares are purchased. This fee is intended in part to permit the distributor to recoup a portion of on-going sales commissions to dealers plus financing costs, if any. Beginning with the first day of the 13th month, the distributor will make the C Class distribution and individual shareholder services fee payments described above to the financial intermediaries involved on a quarterly basis. In addition, C Class purchases and A Class purchases greater than $1,000,000 are subject to a CDSC as described in the prospectuses.
From time to time, the distributor may make additional payments to dealers, including but not limited to payment assistance for conferences and seminars, provision of sales or training programs for dealer employees and/or the public (including, in some cases, payment for travel expenses for registered representatives and other dealer employees who participate), advertising and sales campaigns about a fund or funds, and assistance in financing dealer-sponsored events. Other payments may be offered as well, and all such payments will be consistent with applicable law, including the then-current rules of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. Such payments will not change the price paid by investors for shares of the funds.
Appendix C – Buying and Selling Fund Shares
Information about buying, selling, exchanging and, if applicable, converting fund shares is contained in the funds’ prospectuses. The prospectuses are available to investors without charge and may be obtained by calling us.
Employer-Sponsored Retirement Plans
Certain group employer-sponsored retirement plans that hold a single account for all plan participants with the fund, or that are part of a retirement plan or platform offered by banks, broker-dealers, financial advisors or insurance companies, or serviced by retirement recordkeepers are eligible to purchase Investor, A and C Class shares. Employer-sponsored retirement plans are not eligible to purchase I or Y Class shares. However, employer-sponsored retirement plans that were invested in the I Class prior to April 10, 2017 may make additional purchases. A and C Class purchases are available at net asset value with no dealer commission paid to the financial professional and do not incur a CDSC. A and C Class shares purchased in employer-sponsored retirement plans are subject to applicable distribution and service (12b-1) fees, which the financial intermediary begins receiving immediately at the time of purchase. American Century Investments does not impose minimum initial investment amount, plan size or participant number requirements by class for employer-sponsored retirement plans; however, financial intermediaries or plan recordkeepers may require plans to meet different requirements.
If you hold your fund shares through a tax-deferred investment plan, such as a 401(k) plan or an IRA, any distributions received from the fund may be taxable as ordinary income upon withdrawal from the tax-deferred plan, regardless of whether the distributions were tax-exempt when earned.
Examples of employer-sponsored retirement plans include the following:
•401(a) plans
•pension plans
•profit sharing plans
•401(k) plans (including plans with a Roth 401(k) feature, SIMPLE 401(k) plans and Solo 401(k) plans)
•money purchase plans
•target benefit plans
•Taft-Hartley multi-employer pension plans
•SERP and “Top Hat” plans
•ERISA trusts
•employee benefit plans and trusts
•employer-sponsored health plans
•457 plans
•KEOGH or HR(10) plans
•employer-sponsored 403(b) plans (including plans with a Roth 403(b) feature)
•nonqualified deferred compensation plans
•nonqualified excess benefit plans
•nonqualified retirement plans
Traditional and Roth IRAs are not considered employer-sponsored retirement plans, and SIMPLE IRAs, SEP IRAs and SARSEPs are collectively referred to as Business IRAs. Business IRAs that (i) held shares of an A Class fund prior to March 1, 2009 that received sales charge waivers or (ii) held shares of an Advisor Class fund that was renamed A Class on March 1, 2010, may permit additional purchases by new and existing participants in A Class shares without an initial sales charge.
Waiver of Minimum Initial Investment Amounts — I Class
A financial intermediary, upon receiving prior approval from American Century Investments may waive applicable minimum initial investment amounts per shareholder for I Class shares in the following situations:
•Broker-dealers, banks, trust companies, registered investment advisors and other financial intermediaries may make I Class shares available with no initial investment minimum in fee based advisory programs or accounts where such program or account is traded omnibus by the financial intermediary;
•Qualified Tuition Programs under Section 529 that have entered into an agreement with the distributor; and
•Certain other situations deemed appropriate by American Century Investments.
Appendix D – Explanation of Fixed-Income Securities Ratings
As described in the prospectuses, the funds invest in fixed-income securities. Those investments, however, are subject to certain credit quality restrictions, as noted in the prospectuses and in this statement of additional information. The following are examples of the rating categories referenced in the prospectus disclosure.
| | | | | |
Ratings of Corporate and Municipal Debt Securities |
Standard & Poor’s Long-Term Issue Credit Ratings* |
Category | Definition |
AAA | An obligation rated ‘AAA’ has the highest rating assigned by Standard & Poor’s. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is extremely strong. |
AA | An obligation rated ‘AA’ differs from the highest-rated obligations only to a small degree. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is very strong. |
A | An obligation rated ‘A’ is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher-rated categories. However, the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is still strong. |
BBB | An obligation rated ‘BBB’ exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. |
BB;B; CCC; CC; and C | Obligations rated ‘BB’, ‘B’, ‘CCC’, ‘CC’, and ‘C’ are regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. ‘BB’ indicates the least degree of speculation and ‘C’ the highest. While such obligations will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these may be outweighed by large uncertainties or major exposures to adverse conditions. |
BB | An obligation rated ‘BB’ is less vulnerable to nonpayment than other speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions which could lead to the obligor’s inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. |
B | An obligation rated ‘B’ is more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations rated ‘BB’, but the obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. Adverse business, financial, or economic conditions will likely impair the obligor’s capacity or willingness to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. |
CCC | An obligation rated ‘CCC’ is currently vulnerable to nonpayment, and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. In the event of adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, the obligor is not likely to have the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. |
CC | An obligation rated ‘CC’ is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment. The ‘CC’ rating is used when a default has not yet occurred, but Standard & Poor’s expects default to be a virtual certainty, regardless of the anticipated time to default. |
C | An obligation rated ‘C’ is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment,and the obligation is expected to have lower relative seniority or lower ultimate recovery compared to obligations that are rated higher. |
D | An obligation rated ‘D’ is in default or in breach of an imputed promise. For non-hybrid capital instruments, the ‘D’ rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due, unless Standard & Poor’s believes that such payments will be made within five business days in the absence of a stated grace period or within the earlier of the stated grace period or 30 calendar days. The ‘D’ rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions. An obligation’s rating is lowered to ‘D’ if it is subject to a distressed exchange offer. |
NR | This indicates that no rating has been requested, or that there is insufficient information on which to base a rating, or that Standard & Poor’s does not rate a particular obligation as a matter of policy. |
*The ratings from “AA” to “CCC” may be modified by the addition of a plus (+) or minus (-) sign to show relative standing within the major rating categories.
| | | | | |
Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. Global Long-Term Rating Scale |
Category | Definition |
Aaa | Obligations rated Aaa are judged to be of the highest quality, subject to the lowest level of credit risk. |
Aa | Obligations rated Aa are judged to be of high quality and are subject to very low credit risk. |
A | Obligations rated A are judged to be upper-medium grade and are subject to low credit risk. |
Baa | Obligations rated Baa are judged to be medium-grade and subject to moderate credit risk and as such may possess certain speculative characteristics. |
Ba | Obligations rated Ba are judged to be speculative and are subject to substantial credit risk. |
B | Obligations rated B are considered speculative and are subject to high credit risk. |
Caa | Obligations rated Caa are judged to be speculative of poor standing and are subject to very high credit risk. |
Ca | Obligations rated Ca are highly speculative and are likely in, or very near, default, with some prospect of recovery of principal and interest. |
C | Obligations rated C are the lowest rated and are typically in default, with little prospect for recovery of principal or interest. |
Note: Moody’s appends numerical modifiers 1, 2, and 3 to each generic rating classification from Aa through Caa. The
modifier 1 indicates that the obligation ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a
mid-range ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates a ranking in the lower end of that generic rating category. Additionally, a
“(hyb)” indicator is appended to all ratings of hybrid securities issued by banks, insurers, finance companies, and securities
firms.
| | | | | |
Fitch Investors Service, Inc. Long-Term Ratings |
Category | Definition |
AAA | Highest credit quality. ‘AAA’ ratings denote the lowest expectation of credit risk. They are assigned only in cases of exceptionally strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is highly unlikely to be adversely affected by foreseeable events. |
AA | Very high credit quality. ‘AA’ ratings denote expectations of very low credit risk. They indicate very strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable events. |
A | High credit quality. ‘A’ ratings denote expectations of low credit risk. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered strong. This capacity may, nevertheless, be more vulnerable to adverse business or economic conditions than is the case for higher ratings. |
BBB | Good credit quality. ‘BBB’ ratings indicate that expectations of credit risk are currently low. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered adequate, but adverse business or economic conditions are more likely to impair this capacity. |
BB | Speculative. ‘BB’ ratings indicate an elevated vulnerability to credit risk, particularly in the event of adverse changes in business or economic conditions over time; however, business or financial alternatives may be available to allow financial commitments to be met. |
B | Highly speculative. ‘B’ ratings indicate that material credit risk is present. |
CCC | Substantial credit risk. ‘CCC’ ratings indicate that substantial credit risk is present. |
CC | Very high levels of credit risk. ‘CC’ ratings indicate very high levels of credit risk. |
C | Exceptionally high levels of credit risk. ‘C’ indicates exceptionally high levels of credit risk. |
Defaulted obligations typically are not assigned ‘RD’ or ‘D’ ratings, but are instead rated in the ‘B’ to ‘C’ rating categories, depending upon their recovery prospects and other relevant characteristics. This approach better aligns obligations that have comparable overall expected loss but varying vulnerability to default and loss.
Notes: The modifiers “+” or “-“ may be appended to a rating to denote relative status within major rating categories. Such suffixes are not added to the ‘AAA’ obligation rating category, or to corporate finance obligation ratings in the categories below ‘CCC’.
| | | | | |
Standard & Poor’s Corporate Short-Term Note Ratings |
Category | Definition |
A-1 | A short-term obligation rated ‘A-1’ is rated in the highest category by Standard & Poor’s. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is strong. Within this category, certain obligations are designated with a plus sign (+). This indicates that the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on these obligations is extremely strong. |
A-2 | A short-term obligation rated ‘A-2’ is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher rating categories. However, the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is satisfactory. |
A-3 | A short-term obligation rated ‘A-3’ exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. |
B | A short-term obligation rated ‘B’ is regarded as vulnerable and has significant speculative characteristics. The obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitments; however, it faces major ongoing uncertainties which could lead to the obligor’s inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitments. |
C | A short-term obligation rated ‘C’ is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. |
D | A short-term obligation rated ‘D’ is in default or in breach of an imputed promise. For non-hybrid capital instruments, the ‘D’ rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due, unless Standard & Poor’s believes that such payments will be made within any stated grace period. However, any stated grace period longer than five business days will be treated as five business days. The ‘D’ rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions. An obligation’s rating is lowered to ‘D’ if it is subject to a distressed exchange offer. |
| | | | | |
Moody’s Global Short-Term Rating Scale |
Category | Definition |
P-1 | Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-1 have a superior ability to repay short-term debt obligations. |
P-2 | Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-2 have a strong ability to repay short-term debt obligations. |
P-3 | Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-3 have an acceptable ability to repay short-term obligations. |
NP | Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Not Prime do not fall within any of the Prime rating categories. |
| | | | | |
Fitch Investors Service, Inc. Short-Term Ratings |
Category | Definition |
F1 | Highest short-term credit quality. Indicates the strongest intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments; may have an added “+” to denote any exceptionally strong credit feature. |
F2 | Good short-term credit quality. Good intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments. |
F3 | Fair short-term credit quality. The intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is adequate. |
B | Speculative short-term credit quality. Minimal capacity for timely payment of financial commitments, plus heightened vulnerability to near term adverse changes in financial and economic conditions. |
C | High short-term default risk. Default is a real possibility. |
RD | Restricted default. Indicates an entity that has defaulted on one or more of its financial commitments, although it continues to meet other financial obligations. Typically applicable to entity ratings only. |
D | Default Indicates a broad-based default event for an entity, or the default of a short-term obligation. |
| | | | | |
Standard & Poor’s Municipal Short-Term Note Ratings |
Category | Definition |
SP-1 | Strong capacity to pay principal and interest. An issue determined to possess a very strong capacity to pay debt service is given a plus (+) designation. |
SP-2 | Satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest, with some vulnerability to adverse financial and economic changes over the term of the notes. |
SP-3 | Speculative capacity to pay principal and interest. |
| | | | | |
Moody’s US Municipal Short-Term Debt Ratings |
Category | Definition |
MIG 1 | This designation denotes superior credit quality. Excellent protection is afforded by established cash flows, highly reliable liquidity support, or demonstrated broad-based access to the market for refinancing. |
MIG 2 | This designation denotes strong credit quality. Margins of protection are ample, although not as large as in the preceding group. |
MIG 3 | This designation denotes acceptable credit quality. Liquidity and cash-flow protection may be narrow, and market access for refinancing is likely to be less well-established. |
SG | This designation denotes speculative-grade credit quality. Debt instruments in this category may lack sufficient margins of protection. |
| | | | | |
Moody’s Demand Obligation Ratings |
Category | Definition |
VMIG 1 | This designation denotes superior credit quality. Excellent protection is afforded by the superior short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand. |
VMIG 2 | This designation denotes strong credit quality. Good protection is afforded by the strong short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand. |
VMIG 3 | This designation denotes acceptable credit quality. Adequate protection is afforded by the satisfactory short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand. |
SG | This designation denotes speculative-grade credit quality. Demand features rated in this category may be supported by a liquidity provider that does not have an investment grade short-term rating or may lack the structural and/or legal protections necessary to ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand. |
Appendix E – Proxy Voting Policies
American Century Investment Management, Inc. (the “Advisor”) is the investment manager for a variety of advisory clients, including the American Century family of funds. In such capacity, the Advisor has been delegated the authority to vote proxies with respect to investments held in the accounts it manages. The following is a statement of the proxy voting policies that have been adopted by the Advisor. In the exercise of proxy voting authority which has been delegated to it by particular clients, the Advisor will apply the following policies in accordance with, and subject to, any specific policies that have been adopted by the client and communicated to and accepted by the Advisor in writing.
A.General Principles
In providing the service of voting client proxies, the Advisor is guided by general fiduciary principles, must act prudently, solely in the interest of its clients, and must not subordinate client interests to unrelated objectives. Except as otherwise indicated in these Policies, the Advisor will vote all proxies with respect to investments held in the client accounts it manages. The Advisor will attempt to consider all factors of its vote that could affect the value of the investment. Although in most instances the Advisor will vote proxies consistently across all client accounts, the votes will be based on the best interests of each client. As a result, accounts managed by the Advisor may at times vote differently on the same proposals. Examples of when an account’s vote might differ from other accounts managed by the Advisor include, but are not limited to, proxy contests and proposed mergers. In short, the Advisor will vote proxies in the manner that it believes will do the most to maximize shareholder value.
B.Specific Proxy Matters
1. Routine Matters
a. Election of Directors
(1) Generally. The Advisor will generally support the election of directors that result in a board made up of a majority of independent directors. In general, the Advisor will vote in favor of management’s director nominees if they are running unopposed. The Advisor believes that management is in the best possible position to evaluate the qualifications of directors and the needs and dynamics of a particular board. The Advisor of course maintains the ability to vote against any candidate whom it feels is not qualified or if there are specific concerns about the individual, such as allegations of criminal wrongdoing or breach of fiduciary responsibilities. Additional information the Advisor may consider concerning director nominees include, but is not limited to, whether (1) there is an adequate explanation for repeated absences at board meetings, (2) the nominee receives non-board fee compensation, or (3) there is a family relationship between the nominee and the company’s chief executive officer or controlling shareholder. When management’s nominees are opposed in a proxy contest, the Advisor will evaluate which nominees’ publicly-announced management policies and goals are most likely to maximize shareholder value, as well as the past performance of the incumbents.
(2) Committee Service. The Advisor will withhold votes for non-independent directors who serve on the audit, compensation, and/or nominating committees of the board.
(3) Classification of Boards. The Advisor will support proposals that seek to declassify boards. Conversely, the Advisor will oppose efforts to adopt classified board structures.
(4) Majority Independent Board. The Advisor will support proposals calling for a majority of independent directors on a board. The Advisor believes that a majority of independent directors can help to facilitate objective decision making and enhances accountability to shareholders.
(5) Majority Vote Standard for Director Elections. The Advisor will vote in favor of proposals calling for directors to be elected by an affirmative majority of the votes cast in a board election, provided that the proposal allows for a plurality voting standard in the case of contested elections. The Advisor may consider voting against such shareholder proposals where a company’s board has adopted an alternative measure, such as a director resignation policy, that provides a meaningful alternative to the majority voting standard and appropriately addresses situations where an incumbent director fails to receive the support of the majority of the votes cast in an uncontested election.
(6) Withholding Campaigns. The Advisor will support proposals calling for shareholders to withhold votes for directors where such actions will advance the principles set forth in paragraphs (1) through (5) above.
b. Ratification of Selection of Auditors
The Advisor will generally rely on the judgment of the issuer’s audit committee in selecting the independent auditors who will provide the best service to the company. The Advisor believes that independence of the auditors is paramount and will vote against auditors whose independence appears to be impaired. The Advisor will vote against proposed auditors in those circumstances where (1) an auditor has a financial interest in or association with the company, and is therefore not independent; (2) non-audit fees comprise more than 50% of the total fees paid by the company to the audit firm; or (3)
there is reason to believe that the independent auditor has previously rendered an opinion to the issuer that is either inaccurate or not indicative of the company’s financial position.
2. Compensation Matters
a. Executive Compensation
(1) Advisory Vote on Compensation. The Advisor believes there are more effective ways to convey concerns about compensation than through an advisory vote on compensation (such as voting against specific excessive incentive plans or withholding votes from compensation committee members). The Advisor will consider and vote on a case-by-case basis on say-on-pay proposals and will generally support management proposals unless specific concerns exist, including if the Advisor concludes that executive compensation is (i) misaligned with shareholder interests, (ii) unreasonable in amount, or (iii) not in the aggregate meaningfully tied to the company’s performance.
(2) Frequency of Advisory Votes on Compensation. The Advisor generally supports the triennial option for the frequency of say-on-pay proposals, but will consider management recommendations for an alternative approach.
b. Equity Based Compensation Plans
The Advisor believes that equity-based incentive plans are economically significant issues upon which shareholders are entitled to vote. The Advisor recognizes that equity-based compensation plans can be useful in attracting and maintaining desirable employees. The cost associated with such plans must be measured if plans are to be used appropriately to maximize shareholder value. The Advisor will conduct a case-by-case analysis of each stock option, stock bonus or similar plan or amendment, and generally approve management’s recommendations with respect to adoption of or amendments to a company’s equity-based compensation plans, provided that the total number of shares reserved under all of a company’s plans is reasonable and not excessively dilutive.
The Advisor will review equity-based compensation plans or amendments thereto on a case-by-case basis. Factors that will be considered in the determination include the company’s overall capitalization, the performance of the company relative to its peers, and the maturity of the company and its industry; for example, technology companies often use options broadly throughout its employee base which may justify somewhat greater dilution.
Amendments which are proposed in order to bring a company’s plan within applicable legal requirements will be reviewed by the Advisor’s legal counsel; amendments to executive bonus plans to comply with IRS Section 162(m) disclosure requirements, for example, are generally approved.
The Advisor will generally vote against the adoption of plans or plan amendments that:
•Provide for immediate vesting of all stock options in the event of a change of control of the company without reasonable safeguards against abuse (see “Anti-Takeover Proposals” below);
•Reset outstanding stock options at a lower strike price unless accompanied by a corresponding and proportionate reduction in the number of shares designated. The Advisor will generally oppose adoption of stock option plans that explicitly or historically permit repricing of stock options, regardless of the number of shares reserved for issuance, since their effect is impossible to evaluate;
•Establish restriction periods shorter than three years for restricted stock grants;
•Do not reasonably associate awards to performance of the company; or
•Are excessively dilutive to the company.
3. Anti-Takeover Proposals
In general, the Advisor will vote against any proposal, whether made by management or shareholders, which the Advisor believes would materially discourage a potential acquisition or takeover. In most cases an acquisition or takeover of a particular company will increase share value. The adoption of anti-takeover measures may prevent or frustrate a bid from being made, may prevent consummation of the acquisition, and may have a negative effect on share price when no acquisition proposal is pending. The items below discuss specific anti-takeover proposals.
a. Cumulative Voting
The Advisor will vote in favor of any proposal to adopt cumulative voting and will vote against any proposal to eliminate cumulative voting that is already in place, except in cases where a company has a staggered board. Cumulative voting gives minority shareholders a stronger voice in the company and a greater chance for representation on the board. The Advisor believes that the elimination of cumulative voting constitutes an anti-takeover measure.
b. Staggered Board
If a company has a “staggered board,” its directors are elected for terms of more than one year and only a segment of the board stands for election in any year. Therefore, a potential acquiror cannot replace the entire board in one year even if it
controls a majority of the votes. Although staggered boards may provide some degree of continuity and stability of leadership and direction to the board of directors, the Advisor believes that staggered boards are primarily an anti-takeover device and will vote against establishing them and for eliminating them. However, the Advisor does not necessarily vote against the re-election of directors serving on staggered boards.
c. “Blank Check” Preferred Stock
Blank check preferred stock gives the board of directors the ability to issue preferred stock, without further shareholder approval, with such rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions as may be set by the board. In response to a hostile takeover attempt, the board could issue such stock to a friendly party or “white knight” or could establish conversion or other rights in the preferred stock which would dilute the common stock and make an acquisition impossible or less attractive. The argument in favor of blank check preferred stock is that it gives the board flexibility in pursuing financing, acquisitions or other proper corporate purposes without incurring the time or expense of a shareholder vote. Generally, the Advisor will vote against blank check preferred stock. However, the Advisor may vote in favor of blank check preferred if the proxy statement discloses that such stock is limited to use for a specific, proper corporate objective as a financing instrument.
d. Elimination of Preemptive Rights
When a company grants preemptive rights, existing shareholders are given an opportunity to maintain their proportional ownership when new shares are issued. A proposal to eliminate preemptive rights is a request from management to revoke that right.
While preemptive rights will protect the shareholder from having its equity diluted, it may also decrease a company’s ability to raise capital through stock offerings or use stock for acquisitions or other proper corporate purposes. Preemptive rights may therefore result in a lower market value for the company’s stock. In the long term, shareholders could be adversely affected by preemptive rights. The Advisor generally votes against proposals to grant preemptive rights, and for proposals to eliminate preemptive rights.
e. Non-targeted Share Repurchase
A non-targeted share repurchase is generally used by company management to prevent the value of stock held by existing shareholders from deteriorating. A non-targeted share repurchase may reflect management’s belief in the favorable business prospects of the company. The Advisor finds no disadvantageous effects of a non-targeted share repurchase and will generally vote for the approval of a non-targeted share repurchase subject to analysis of the company’s financial condition.
f. Increase in Authorized Common Stock
The issuance of new common stock can also be viewed as an anti-takeover measure, although its effect on shareholder value would appear to be less significant than the adoption of blank check preferred. The Advisor will evaluate the amount of the proposed increase and the purpose or purposes for which the increase is sought. If the increase is not excessive and is sought for proper corporate purposes, the increase will be approved. Proper corporate purposes might include, for example, the creation of additional stock to accommodate a stock split or stock dividend, additional stock required for a proposed acquisition, or additional stock required to be reserved upon exercise of employee stock option plans or employee stock purchase plans. Generally, the Advisor will vote in favor of an increase in authorized common stock of up to 100%; increases in excess of 100% are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and will be voted affirmatively if management has provided sound justification for the increase.
g. “Supermajority” Voting Provisions or Super Voting Share Classes
A “supermajority” voting provision is a provision placed in a company’s charter documents which would require a “supermajority” (ranging from 66 to 90%) of shareholders and shareholder votes to approve any type of acquisition of the company. A super voting share class grants one class of shareholders a greater per-share vote than those of shareholders of other voting classes. The Advisor believes that these are standard anti-takeover measures and will generally vote against them. The supermajority provision makes an acquisition more time-consuming and expensive for the acquiror. A super voting share class favors one group of shareholders disproportionately to economic interest. Both are often proposed in conjunction with other anti-takeover measures.
h. “Fair Price” Amendments
This is another type of charter amendment that would require an offeror to pay a “fair” and uniform price to all shareholders in an acquisition. In general, fair price amendments are designed to protect shareholders from coercive, two-tier tender offers in which some shareholders may be merged out on disadvantageous terms. Fair price amendments also have an anti-takeover impact, although their adoption is generally believed to have less of a negative effect on stock price than other anti-takeover measures. The Advisor will carefully examine all fair price proposals. In general, the Advisor will vote against fair price proposals unless the Advisor concludes that it is likely that the share price will not be negatively
affected and the proposal will not have the effect of discouraging acquisition proposals.
i. Limiting the Right to Call Special Shareholder Meetings.
The corporation statutes of many states allow minority shareholders at a certain threshold level of ownership (frequently 10%) to call a special meeting of shareholders. This right can be eliminated (or the threshold increased) by amendment to the company’s charter documents. The Advisor believes that the right to call a special shareholder meeting is significant for minority shareholders; the elimination of such right will be viewed as an anti-takeover measure and the Advisor will generally vote against proposals attempting to eliminate this right and for proposals attempting to restore it.
j. Poison Pills or Shareholder Rights Plans
Many companies have now adopted some version of a poison pill plan (also known as a shareholder rights plan). Poison pill plans generally provide for the issuance of additional equity securities or rights to purchase equity securities upon the occurrence of certain hostile events, such as the acquisition of a large block of stock.
The basic argument against poison pills is that they depress share value, discourage offers for the company and serve to “entrench” management. The basic argument in favor of poison pills is that they give management more time and leverage to deal with a takeover bid and, as a result, shareholders may receive a better price. The Advisor believes that the potential benefits of a poison pill plan are outweighed by the potential detriments. The Advisor will generally vote against all forms of poison pills.
The Advisor will, however, consider on a case-by-case basis poison pills that are very limited in time and preclusive effect. The Advisor will generally vote in favor of such a poison pill if it is linked to a business strategy that will - in our view - likely result in greater value for shareholders, if the term is less than three years, and if shareholder approval is required to reinstate the expired plan or adopt a new plan at the end of this term.
k. Golden Parachutes
Golden parachute arrangements provide substantial compensation to executives who are terminated as a result of a takeover or change in control of their company. The existence of such plans in reasonable amounts probably has only a slight anti-takeover effect. In voting, the Advisor will evaluate the specifics of the plan presented.
l. Reincorporation
Reincorporation in a new state is often proposed as one part of a package of anti-takeover measures. Several states (such as Pennsylvania, Ohio and Indiana) now provide some type of legislation that greatly discourages takeovers. Management believes that Delaware in particular is beneficial as a corporate domicile because of the well-developed body of statutes and case law dealing with corporate acquisitions.
The Advisor will examine reincorporation proposals on a case-by-case basis. Generally, if the Advisor believes that the reincorporation will result in greater protection from takeovers, the reincorporation proposal will be opposed. The Advisor will also oppose reincorporation proposals involving jurisdictions that specify that directors can recognize non-shareholder interests over those of shareholders. When reincorporation is proposed for a legitimate business purpose and without the negative effects identified above, the Advisor will generally vote affirmatively.
m. Confidential Voting
Companies that have not previously adopted a “confidential voting” policy allow management to view the results of shareholder votes. This gives management the opportunity to contact those shareholders voting against management in an effort to change their votes.
Proponents of secret ballots argue that confidential voting enables shareholders to vote on all issues on the basis of merit without pressure from management to influence their decision. Opponents argue that confidential voting is more expensive and unnecessary; also, holding shares in a nominee name maintains shareholders’ confidentiality. The Advisor believes that the only way to insure anonymity of votes is through confidential voting, and that the benefits of confidential voting outweigh the incremental additional cost of administering a confidential voting system. Therefore, the Advisor will generally vote in favor of any proposal to adopt confidential voting.
n. Opting In or Out of State Takeover Laws
State takeover laws typically are designed to make it more difficult to acquire a corporation organized in that state. The Advisor believes that the decision of whether or not to accept or reject offers of merger or acquisition should be made by the shareholders, without unreasonably restrictive state laws that may impose ownership thresholds or waiting periods on potential acquirors. Therefore, the Advisor will generally vote in favor of opting out of restrictive state takeover laws.
4. Transaction Related Proposals
The Advisor will review transaction related proposals, such as mergers, acquisitions, and corporate reorganizations, on a case-by-
case basis, taking into consideration the impact of the transaction on each client account. In some instances, such as the approval of a proposed merger, a transaction may have a differential impact on client accounts depending on the securities held in each account. For example, whether a merger is in the best interest of a client account may be influenced by whether an account holds, and in what proportion, the stock of both the acquirer and the acquiror. In these circumstances, the Advisor may determine that it is in the best interests of the accounts to vote the accounts’ shares differently on proposals related to the same transaction.
5. Other Matters
a. Proposals Involving Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG”) Matters
The Advisor believes that ESG issues can potentially impact an issuer's long-term financial performance and has developed an analytical framework, as well as a proprietary assessment tool, to integrate risks and opportunities stemming from ESG issues into our investment process. This ESG integration process extends to our proxy voting practices in that our ESG Proxy Team analyzes on a case-by-case basis the financial materiality and potential risks or economic impact of the ESG issues underpinning proxy proposals and makes voting recommendations based thereon for the Advisor's consideration. The ESG Proxy Team will generally recommend support for well-targeted ESG proposals if it believes that there is a rational linkage between a proposal, its economic impact, and its potential to maximize long-term shareholder value.
Where the economic effect of such proposals is unclear and there is not a specific written client-mandate, the Advisor believes it is generally impossible to know how to vote in a manner that would accurately reflect the views of the Advisor’s clients, and, therefore, the Advisor will generally rely on management’s assessment of the economic effect if the Advisor believes the assessment is not unreasonable.
Shareholders may also introduce proposals which are the subject of existing law or regulation. Examples of such proposals would include a proposal to require disclosure of a company’s contributions to political action committees or a proposal to require a company to adopt a non-smoking workplace policy. The Advisor believes that such proposals may be better addressed outside the corporate arena and, absent a potential economic impact, will generally vote with management’s recommendation. In addition, the Advisor will generally vote against any proposal which would require a company to adopt practices or procedures which go beyond the requirements of existing, directly applicable law.
b. Anti-Greenmail Proposals
“Anti-greenmail” proposals generally limit the right of a corporation, without a shareholder vote, to pay a premium or buy out a 5% or greater shareholder. Management often argues that they should not be restricted from negotiating a deal to buy out a significant shareholder at a premium if they believe it is in the best interest of the company. Institutional shareholders generally believe that all shareholders should be able to vote on such a significant use of corporate assets. The Advisor believes that any repurchase by the company at a premium price of a large block of stock should be subject to a shareholder vote. Accordingly, it will generally vote in favor of anti-greenmail proposals.
c. Indemnification
The Advisor will generally vote in favor of a corporation’s proposal to indemnify its officers and directors in accordance with applicable state law. Indemnification arrangements are often necessary in order to attract and retain qualified directors. The adoption of such proposals appears to have little effect on share value.
d. Non-Stock Incentive Plans
Management may propose a variety of cash-based incentive or bonus plans to stimulate employee performance. In general, the cash or other corporate assets required for most incentive plans is not material, and the Advisor will vote in favor of such proposals, particularly when the proposal is recommended in order to comply with IRC Section 162(m) regarding salary disclosure requirements. Case-by-case determinations will be made of the appropriateness of the amount of shareholder value transferred by proposed plans.
e. Director Tenure
These proposals ask that age and term restrictions be placed on the board of directors. The Advisor believes that these types of blanket restrictions are not necessarily in the best interests of shareholders and therefore will vote against such proposals, unless they have been recommended by management.
f. Directors’ Stock Options Plans
The Advisor believes that stock options are an appropriate form of compensation for directors, and the Advisor will generally vote for director stock option plans which are reasonable and do not result in excessive shareholder dilution. Analysis of such proposals will be made on a case-by-case basis, and will take into account total board compensation and the company’s total exposure to stock option plan dilution.
g. Director Share Ownership
The Advisor will generally vote against shareholder proposals which would require directors to hold a minimum number of
the company’s shares to serve on the Board of Directors, in the belief that such ownership should be at the discretion of Board members.
h. Non-U.S. Proxies
The Advisor will generally evaluate non-U.S. proxies in the context of the voting policies expressed herein but will also, where feasible, take into consideration differing laws, regulations, and practices in the relevant foreign market in determining if and how to vote. There may also be circumstances when practicalities and costs involved with non-U.S. investing make it disadvantageous to vote shares. For instance, the Advisor generally does not vote proxies in circumstances where share blocking restrictions apply, when meeting attendance is required in person, or when current share ownership disclosure is required.
C.Use of Proxy Advisory Services
The Adviser may retain proxy advisory firms to provide services in connection with voting proxies, including, without limitation, to provide information on shareholder meeting dates and proxy materials, translate proxy materials printed in a foreign language, provide research on proxy proposals and voting recommendations in accordance with the voting policies expressed herein, provide systems to assist with casting the proxy votes, and provide reports and assist with preparation of filings concerning the proxies voted.
Prior to the selection of a proxy advisory firm and periodically thereafter, the Advisor will consider whether the proxy advisory firm has the capacity and competency to adequately analyze proxy issues and the ability to make recommendations based on material accurate information in an impartial manner. Such considerations may include some or all of the following (i) periodic sampling of votes cast through the firm’s systems to determine that votes are in accordance with the Advisor’s policies and its clients best interests, (ii) onsite visits to the proxy advisory firm’s office and/or discussions with the firm to determine whether the firm continues to have the resources (e.g. staffing, personnel, technology, etc.) capacity and competency to carry out its obligations to the Advisor, (iii) a review of the firm’s policies and procedures, with a focus on those relating to identifying and addressing conflicts of interest and monitoring that current and accurate information is used in creating recommendations, (iv) requesting that the firm notify the Advisor if there is a change in the firm’s material policies and procedures, particularly with respect to conflicts, or material business practices (e.g., entering or exiting new lines of business), and reviewing any such change, and (v) in case of an error made by the firm, discussing the error with the firm and determining whether appropriate corrective and preventative action is being taken. In the event the Advisor discovers an error in the research or voting recommendations provided by the firm, it will take reasonable steps to investigate the error and seek to determine whether the firm is taking reasonable steps to reduce similar errors in the future.
While the Advisor takes into account information from many different sources, including independent proxy advisory services, the decision on how to vote proxies will be made in accordance with these policies.
A.Monitoring Potential Conflicts of Interest
Corporate management has a strong interest in the outcome of proposals submitted to shareholders. As a consequence, management often seeks to influence large shareholders to vote with their recommendations on particularly controversial matters. In the vast majority of cases, these communications with large shareholders amount to little more than advocacy for management’s positions and give the Advisor’s staff the opportunity to ask additional questions about the matter being presented. Companies with which the Advisor has direct business relationships could theoretically use these relationships to attempt to unduly influence the manner in which the Advisor votes on matters for its clients. To ensure that such a conflict of interest does not affect proxy votes cast for the Advisor’s clients, our proxy voting personnel regularly catalog companies with whom the Advisor has significant business relationships; all discretionary (including case-by-case) voting for these companies will be voted by the client or an appropriate fiduciary responsible for the client (e.g., a committee of the independent directors of a fund or the trustee of a retirement plan).
In addition, to avoid any potential conflict of interest that may arise when one American Century fund owns shares of another American Century fund, the Advisor will “echo vote” such shares, if possible. Echo voting means the Advisor will vote the shares in the same proportion as the vote of all of the other holders of the fund’s shares. So, for example, if shareholders of a fund cast 80% of their votes in favor of a proposal and 20% against the proposal, any American Century fund that owns shares of such fund will cast 80% of its shares in favor of the proposal and 20% against. When this is not possible (as in the case of the “NT” funds, where the other American Century funds are the only shareholders), the shares of the underlying fund (e.g. the “NT” fund) will be voted in the same proportion as the vote of the shareholders of the corresponding American Century policy portfolio for proposals common to both funds. For example, NT Growth Fund shares will be echo voted in accordance with the votes of the Growth Fund shareholders. In the case where the policy portfolio does not have a common proposal, shares will be voted in consultation with a committee of the independent directors.
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The voting policies expressed above are of course subject to modification in certain circumstances and will be reexamined from time to time. With respect to matters that do not fit in the categories stated above, the Advisor will exercise its best judgment as a fiduciary to vote in the manner which will most enhance shareholder value.
Case-by-case determinations will be made by the Advisor’s staff, which is overseen by the General Counsel of the Advisor, in consultation with equity managers. Electronic records will be kept of all votes made.
Notes
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American Century Investments americancentury.com
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Retail Investors P.O. Box 419200 Kansas City, Missouri 64141-6200 1-800-345-2021 or 816-531-5575 | Financial Professionals P.O. Box 419385 Kansas City, Missouri 64141-6385 1-800-345-6488 |
Investment Company Act File No. 811-03706
CL-SAI-91753 2201
AMERICAN CENTURY CALIFORNIA TAX-FREE AND MUNICIPAL FUNDS
PART C OTHER INFORMATION
Item 28. Exhibits
(b) Amended and Restated Bylaws, dated June 19, 2019 (filed electronically as Exhibit b to Post-Effective Amendment No. 67 to the Registration Statement of the Registrant on December 27, 2019, File No. 2-82734, and incorporated herein by reference).
(c) Registrant hereby incorporates by reference, as though set forth fully herein, Article III, Article IV, Article V, Article VI and Article VIII of Registrant’s Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust, appearing as Exhibit (a)(1) herein, Article III, Article V, and Article VIII of Registrant’s Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust, as amended by Amendment No. 2, appearing as Exhibit (a)(3) herein, and Article VI of Registrant’s Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust, as amended by Amendment No. 6, appearing as Exhibit (a)(7) herein, and Article II, Article VII and Article IX of Registrant’s Amended and Restated Bylaws, appearing as Exhibit (b) herein.
(2) Form of Dealer/Agency Agreement (filed electronically as Exhibit e2 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 75 to the Registration Statement of American Century Government Income Trust on April 7, 2017, File No. 002-99222, and incorporated herein by reference).
(f) Not applicable.
(k) Not applicable.
(l) Not applicable.
(o) Reserved.
(p) (1) American Century Investments Code of Ethics (filed electronically as Exhibit p1 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 65 to the Registration Statement of the Registrant on December 28, 2018, File No. 2-82734, and incorporated herein by reference).
(q) (1) Power of Attorney, dated July 1, 2021 (filed electronically as Exhibit q1 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 80 to the Registration Statement of American Century Investment Trust on July 29, 2021, File No. 033-65170, and incorporated herein by reference). (2) Secretary’s Certificate, July 1, 2021 (filed electronically as Exhibit q2 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 80 to the Registration Statement of American Century Investment Trust on July 29, 2021, File No. 033-65170, and incorporated herein by reference).
Item 29. Persons Controlled by or Under Control with Registrant
Some of the directors of the Registrant serve, in substantially identical capacities, other registered investment companies in the American Century family of funds. In addition, several of the officers of the Registrant serve as officers for other registered investment companies in the American Century family of funds, each of which has American Century Investment Management, Inc. as its investment advisor. Nonetheless, the Registrant takes the position that it is not under common control with other American Century investment companies because the power residing in the respective boards and officers arises as a result of an official position with the respective investment companies.
Item 30. Indemnification
As stated in Article VII, Section 3 of the Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust, filed herein within Exhibit (a), Indemnification “The Trustees shall be entitled and empowered to the fullest extent permitted by law to purchase insurance for and to provide by resolution or in the Bylaws for indemnification out of Trust assets for liability and for all expenses reasonably incurred or paid or expected to be paid by a Trustee or officer in connection with any claim, action, suit or proceeding in which he becomes involved by virtue of his capacity or former capacity with the Trust. The provisions, including any exceptions and limitations concerning indemnification, may be set forth in detail in the Bylaws or in a resolution of the Trustees.”
The Registrant hereby incorporates by reference, as though set forth fully herein, Article VI of the Registrant’s Amended and Restated Bylaws, appearing as Exhibit (b) herein.
The Registrant has purchased an insurance policy insuring its officers and directors against certain liabilities which such officers and directors may incur while acting in such capacities and providing reimbursement to the Registrant for sums which it may be permitted or required to pay to its officers and directors by way of indemnification against such liabilities, subject in either case to clauses respecting deductibility and participation.
Item 31. Business and Other Connections of Investment Advisor
In addition to serving as the Registrant’s advisor, American Century Investment Management, Inc. (ACIM) provides portfolio management services for other investment companies as well as for other business and institutional clients. Except as listed below, none of the directors or officers of the advisor are or have been engaged in any business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature, other than on behalf of the advisor and its affiliates, within the last two fiscal years.
Alex Lepinsky (Vice President of ACIM) Served as Senior Portfolio Manager and Senior Trader, Deutsche Bank, 60 Wall Street, New York, NY 10005. 2005 to 2020
Miguel Cota (Vice President of ACIM) Served as Senior Credit Trader, BlackRock Investments, 400 Howard Street, San Francisco, CA 94105. 2017 to 2020
Peter Van Gelderen (Vice President of ACIM) Served as Co-Head of Structured Credit Group, Guggenheim Partners, 100 Wilshire Boulevard, Santa Monica, CA 90401. 2013-2021
John Pak (General Counsel and Senior Vice President of ACIM) Served as Chief Legal Officer of Investment and Wealth Management, The Bank of New York Mellon, 240 Greenwich Street, New York, New York 10007. 2014-2021
The principal address for the advisor is 4500 Main Street, Kansas City, MO 64111.
Item 32. Principal Underwriters
I. (a) American Century Investment Services, Inc. (ACIS) acts as principal underwriter for certain series of the following investment companies:
American Century Asset Allocation Portfolios, Inc.
American Century California Tax-Free and Municipal Funds
American Century Capital Portfolios, Inc.
American Century ETF Trust
American Century Government Income Trust
American Century Growth Funds, Inc.
American Century International Bond Funds
American Century Investment Trust
American Century Municipal Trust
American Century Mutual Funds, Inc.
American Century Quantitative Equity Funds, Inc.
American Century Strategic Asset Allocations, Inc.
American Century Target Maturities Trust
American Century Variable Portfolios, Inc.
American Century Variable Portfolios II, Inc.
American Century World Mutual Funds, Inc.
ACIS is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission as a broker-dealer and is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. ACIS is located at 4500 Main Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64111. ACIS is a wholly-owned subsidiary of American Century Companies, Inc.
(b) The following is a list of the directors, executive officers and partners of ACIS as of December 8, 2021:
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Name and Principal Business Address* | Positions and Offices With Underwriter | Positions and Offices With Registrant |
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Joe Schultz | Director, President and Chief Executive Officer | none |
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Karen Heath-Wade | Director and Senior Vice President | none |
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Mark Najarian | Director and Senior Vice President | none |
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Gary P. Kostuke | Senior Vice President | none |
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Richard T. Luchinsky | Senior Vice President | none |
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John Pak | Senior Vice President and General Counsel | Senior Vice President and General Counsel |
| | | | | | | | |
Name and Principal Business Address* | Positions and Offices With Underwriter | Positions and Offices With Registrant |
| | |
Wayne Park | Senior Vice President | none |
| | |
Michael J. Raddie | Senior Vice President | none |
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Brian Schappert | Senior Vice President | none |
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Elizabeth A. Young | Chief Privacy Officer, Senior AML Officer and Vice President | none |
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Ward D. Stauffer | Secretary | Secretary |
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Brian L. Brogan | Assistant Secretary | Assistant Vice President |
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Otis H. Cowan | Assistant Secretary | Assistant Vice President and Assistant Secretary |
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Janet A. Nash | Assistant Secretary | none |
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David H. Reinmiller | Assistant Secretary | Vice President |
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Robert Allen | Vice President | none |
| | |
Xavier Allen | Vice President | none |
| | |
Ryan Ander | Vice President | none |
| | |
Paul Ardekani | Vice President | none |
| | |
Matthew Auer | Vice President | none |
| | |
Julia Bartlett | Vice President | none |
| | |
Stacey L. Belford | Vice President | none |
| | |
Michael Bell | Vice President | none |
| | |
Stacy Bernstein | Vice President | none |
| | |
Andrew M. Billingsley | Vice President | none |
| | |
James D. Blythe | Vice President | none |
| | |
Don Bonder | Vice President | none |
| | |
Karyn Bostick | Vice President | none |
| | |
Scott Boughton | Vice President | non |
| | |
Emily Brockmeier | Vice President | none |
| | |
Bruce W. Caldwell | Vice President | none |
| | |
Donell Chisolm | Vice President | none |
| | |
Matthew Cobb | Vice President | none |
| | |
Douglas Comer | Vice President | none |
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| | | | | | | | |
Name and Principal Business Address* | Positions and Offices With Underwriter | Positions and Offices With Registrant |
Chatten Cowherd | Vice President | none |
| | |
Nicolas D’Alessandro | Vice President | none |
| | |
Jesse Daniels | Vice President | none |
| | |
Terry Daugherty | Vice President | none |
| | |
Mario Davila | Vice President | none |
| | |
Mark Davis | Vice President | none |
| | |
Shane Dawe | Vice President | none |
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Ellen DeNicola | Vice President | none |
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Glenn Dial | Vice President | none |
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David P. Donovan | Vice President | none |
| | |
Gabriel Dorman | Vice President | none |
| | |
Ryan C. Dreier | Vice President | none |
| | |
Megan Ekleberry | Vice President | none |
| | |
Kevin G. Eknaian | Vice President | none |
| | |
John Ellspermann | Vice President | none |
| | |
Sean Ensminger | Vice President | none |
| | |
Gregg Erdman | Vice President | none |
| | |
Christopher Van Evans | Vice President | none |
| | |
Jill A. Farrell | Vice President | none |
| | |
Alex Fishman | Vice President | none |
| | |
Peter Foley | Vice President | none |
| | |
Samuel Foley | Vice President | none |
| | |
Michael C. Galkoski | Vice President | none |
| | |
Diane Gallagher | Vice President | none |
| | |
Glenn Godin | Vice President | none |
| | |
Stephen Gongola | Vice President | none |
| | |
Wendy Goodyear | Vice President | none |
| | |
Timothy R. Guay | Vice President | none |
| | |
Brett G. Hart | Vice President | none |
| | |
Juliana Hastings | Vice President | none |
| | |
Marcela Holder | Vice President | none |
| | | | | | | | |
Name and Principal Business Address* | Positions and Offices With Underwriter | Positions and Offices With Registrant |
| | |
Tom Horning | Vice President | none |
| | |
Robert O. Houston | Vice President | none |
| | |
Jennifer Ison | Vice President | none |
| | |
Christopher T. Jackson | Vice President | none |
| | |
Michael A. Jackson | Vice President | none |
| | |
Amanda Jacobi | Vice President | none |
| | |
Wylie Kain | Vice President | none |
| | |
Delia Kiely | Vice President | none |
| | |
Matthew S. Kives | Vice President | none |
| | |
Matthew Kobata | Vice President | none |
| | |
Joshua Kurtz | Vice President | none |
| | |
Kyle Langan | Vice President | none |
| | |
Jeffrey Leone | Vice President | none |
| | |
Dennis Logan | Vice President | none |
| | |
Robert Macchi | Vice President | none |
| | |
Brian Mayfield | Vice President | none |
| | |
Evan Mayhew | Vice President | none |
| | |
Walter McGhee | Vice President | none |
| | |
Alastair McKibbin | Vice President | none |
| | |
Tod McMichael | Vice President | none |
| | |
Ariella Menegon | Vice President | none |
| | |
Marek Michejada | Vice President | none |
| | |
Ky Miller | Vice President | none |
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Roger Miller | Vice President | none |
| | |
Erin Molle | Vice President | none |
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Christopher M. Monachino | Vice President | none |
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Nate Morris | Vice President | none |
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Susan M. Morris | Vice President | none |
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| | | | | | | | |
Name and Principal Business Address* | Positions and Offices With Underwriter | Positions and Offices With Registrant |
Jennifer Mulrooney | Vice President | none |
| | |
Michael Nelligan | Vice President | none |
| | |
Andrew Nepomuceno | Vice President | none |
| | |
Kelly A. Ness | Vice President | none |
| | |
John E. O’Connor | Vice President | none |
| | |
Brad O’Neill | Vice President | none |
| | |
Scott Pawlich | Vice President | none |
| | |
Christy A. Poe | Vice President | none |
| | |
Nathaniel Proctor | Vice President | none |
| | |
Blake Reardon | Vice President | none |
| | |
Cheryl Redline | Vice President and Treasurer | none |
| | |
Daniel K. Richardson | Vice President | none |
| | |
Gerald M. Rossi | Vice President | none |
| | |
Erik Schneberger | Vice President | none |
| | |
Brian Schweisberger | Vice President | none |
| | |
Matthew Sennet | Vice President | none |
| | |
Paul Shahrokhi | Vice President | none |
| | |
Tracey L. Shank | Vice President | none |
| | |
Amy D. Shelton | Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer | Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer |
| | |
Steven Silverman | Vice President | none |
| | |
Richard Smith | Vice President | none |
| | |
Michael T. Sullivan | Vice President | none |
| | |
Adam Tabor | Vice President | none |
| | |
Noah Tenenhaus | Vice President | none |
| | |
Lindsey Thompson | Vice President | none |
| | |
Francis Tighe | Vice President | none |
| | |
David Tondreault | Vice President | none |
| | |
Ryan VanSickle | Vice President | none |
| | |
Susan Waldron | Vice President | none |
| | | | | | | | |
Name and Principal Business Address* | Positions and Offices With Underwriter | Positions and Offices With Registrant |
| | |
Sean Walker | Vice President | none |
| | |
Todd Williams | Vice President | none |
| | |
Justin Wingate | Vice President | none |
| | |
John Brereton Young | Vice President | none |
| | |
John Zimmerman | Vice President | none |
* All addresses are 4500 Main Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64111
(c) Not applicable.
Item 33. Location of Accounts and Records - Not applicable.
Item 34. Management Services - Not applicable.
Item 35. Undertakings - Not applicable.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant certifies that it meets all of the requirements for effectiveness of this Registration Statement amendment pursuant to Rule 485(b) promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and has duly caused this amendment to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, duly authorized, in the City of Kansas City, State of Missouri on the 29th day of December, 2021.
| | | | | |
| American Century California Tax-Free and Municipal Funds |
| (Registrant) |
| By: * ___________________________________ Patrick Bannigan President |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement amendment has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
| | | | | | | | |
SIGNATURES | TITLE | DATE |
| | |
* _________________________________ Patrick Bannigan | President (principal executive officer) | December 29, 2021 |
| | |
* _________________________________ R. Wes Campbell | Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (principal financial officer and principal accounting officer) | December 29, 2021 |
| | |
* _________________________________ Tanya S. Beder | Trustee | December 29, 2021 |
| | |
* _________________________________ Jeremy I. Bulow | Trustee | December 29, 2021 |
| | |
* _________________________________ Jennifer Cabalquinto | Trustee | December 29, 2021 |
| | |
* _________________________________ Anne Casscells | Trustee | December 29, 2021 |
| | |
* _________________________________ Ronald J. Gilson | Board Chair and Trustee | December 29, 2021 |
| | |
* _________________________________ Frederick L.A. Grauer | Trustee | December 29, 2021 |
| | |
* _________________________________ Jonathan D. Levin | Trustee | December 29, 2021 |
| | |
* _________________________________ Peter F. Pervere | Trustee | December 29, 2021 |
| | |
| | | | | | | | |
SIGNATURES | TITLE | DATE |
| | |
* _________________________________ John B. Shoven | Trustee | December 29, 2021 |
| | |
* _________________________________ Jonathan S. Thomas | Trustee | December 29, 2021 |
| | | | | |
*By: | /s/ Vincent M. Lewis |
| Vincent M. Lewis |
| Attorney in Fact |
| (pursuant to Power of Attorney dated July 1, 2021) |
EXHIBIT INDEX
| | | | | | | | |
EXHIBIT NUMBER | | DESCRIPTION OF DOCUMENT |
| | |
EXHIBIT (j) | | |
| | |
| | | | | |
EXHIBIT – 101.CAL | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document |
| |
EXHIBIT – 101.SCH | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document |
| |
EXHIBIT – 101.PRE | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document |
| |
EXHIBIT – 101.DEF | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document |
| |
EXHIBIT – 101.LAB | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document |
| |