N-CSR 1 d844934dncsr.htm AMG FUNDS II AMG Funds II
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM N-CSR

 

 

CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF

REGISTERED MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES

Investment Company Act file number: 811-06431

 

 

AMG Funds II

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

 

 

600 Steamboat Road, Suite 300, Greenwich, Connecticut 06830

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

 

 

AMG Funds LLC

600 Steamboat Road, Suite 300, Greenwich, Connecticut 06830

(Name and address of agent for service)

 

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (203) 299-3500

Date of fiscal year end: DECEMBER 31

Date of reporting period: JANUARY 1, 2019 – DECEMBER 31, 2019

(Annual Shareholder Report)

 

 

 


Table of Contents
Item 1.

Reports to Shareholders


Table of Contents
LOGO        ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

   

AMG Funds

 

December 31, 2019

 

AMG Chicago Equity Partners Balanced Fund

 

Class N: MBEAX    |    Class I: MBESX    |     Class Z: MBEYX

 

 

 

 

Beginning on January 1, 2021, as permitted by regulations adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, paper copies of the Fund’s shareholder reports like this one will no longer be sent by mail, unless you specifically request paper copies of the reports from the Fund or from your financial intermediary, such as a broker-dealer or bank. Instead, the reports will be made available on the Fund’s website (https://www.amgfunds.com/resources/order_literature.html), and you will be notified by mail each time a report is posted and provided with a website link to access the report.

If you already elected to receive shareholder reports electronically, you will not be affected by this change and you need not take any action. You may elect to receive shareholder reports and other communications from the Fund electronically at any time by contacting your financial intermediary or, if you invest directly with the Fund, by logging into your account at www.amgfunds.com.

You may elect to receive all future reports in paper free of charge. If you invest through a financial intermediary, you can contact your financial intermediary to request that you continue to receive paper copies of your shareholder reports. If you invest directly with the Fund, you can call 1.800.548.4539 to inform the Fund that you wish to continue receiving paper copies of your shareholder reports. Your election to receive reports in paper will apply to all funds in the AMG Funds Family of Funds held in your account if you invest through your financial intermediary or all funds in the AMG Funds Family of Funds held with the fund complex if you invest directly with the Fund.

 

 

 

amgfunds.com            

 

     123119    AR009


Table of Contents


Table of Contents
    

AMG Funds     

Annual Report — December 31, 2019

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

   PAGE  

LETTER TO SHAREHOLDERS

     2  

ABOUT YOUR FUND’S EXPENSES

     3  
PORTFOLIO MANAGER’S COMMENTS, FUND SNAPSHOTS AND SCHEDULE OF PORTFOLIO INVESTMENTS   

AMG Chicago Equity Partners Balanced Fund

     4  

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

  

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

     22  

Balance sheet, net asset value (NAV) per share computations and cumulative distributable earnings (loss)

  

Statement of Operations

     24  

Detail of sources of income, expenses, and realized and unrealized gains (losses) during the fiscal year

  

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

     25  

Detail of changes in assets for the past two fiscal years

  

Financial Highlights

     26  

Historical net asset values per share, distributions, total returns, income and expense ratios, turnover ratios and net assets

  

Notes to Financial Statements

     29  

Accounting and distribution policies, details of agreements and transactions with Fund management and affiliates, and descriptions of certain investment risks

  

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

     35  

OTHER INFORMATION

     36  

TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

     37  

Nothing contained herein is to be considered an offer, sale or solicitation of an offer to buy shares of any series of the AMG Funds Family of Funds. Such offering is made only by prospectus, which includes details as to offering price and other material information.

 

 

 


Table of Contents
LOGO    Letter to Shareholders   

 

 

Dear Shareholder:

 

The U.S. bull market celebrated its 10-year anniversary during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, as stocks proved resilient in the face of global economic weakness, rising geopolitical tensions, and the ongoing trade war. After a painful selloff in late 2018, a dovish pivot from global central banks rescued investors and fueled a strong rebound early in 2019. The rally picked up steam in the final months of the year, as trade tensions eased when the U.S. and China agreed to a limited “phase one” deal in December following months of tense back-and-forth negotiations. The yield curve, which had inverted earlier in the year and raised investor anxiety given its track record for predicting an impending recession, was no longer inverted by year-end as the U.S. Federal Reserve (the Fed) cut short-term rates. Worries over a near-term recession lifted while the yield curve steepened and trade developments improved, leading to a wave of investor confidence and strong equity returns, with the S&P 500® Index returning 31.49%. International equities were also resistant to pressures facing the global economy and generated a 21.51% return as measured by the MSCI All Country World ex USA Index.

In total, all eleven sectors of the S&P 500® Index were strongly positive during the prior twelve months, each producing double-digit returns. The higher growth information technology sector led the way with a 50.31% return while the communication services and financial sectors followed closely behind. Energy was the worst performing sector during the fiscal year, yet still produced a very respectable 11.81% return. Growth stocks outperformed Value stocks for the full fiscal year with returns of 36.39% and 26.54% for the Russell 1000® Growth and Russell 1000® Value Indexes, respectively. The cycle of U.S. outperformance over international equities continued but international developed and emerging markets still produced solid positive returns, with the MSCI EAFE and MSCI Emerging Markets Index returning 22.01% and 18.42%, respectively.

Interest rates fell dramatically over the fiscal year and led to strong returns for bond investors as the Fed shifted to a more dovish policy stance early in 2019 and eventually cut short-term rates three times during the year. The 10-year Treasury yield fell from its recent high of 3.24% last November to a low of 1.47% in early September and then edged slightly higher to finish the year at 1.92%. The plunge in long-term interest rates caused the yield curve to briefly invert with 2-year yields rising higher than the 10-year yields. The Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index, a broad measure of U.S. bond market performance, ended the fiscal year with an 8.72% return. High yield bonds outperformed the broader bond market and returned 14.32% as measured by the return of the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Corporate High Yield Bond Index. Municipal bonds also performed strongly with a 7.54% return for the Bloomberg Barclays Municipal Bond Index.

AMG Funds appreciates the privilege of providing investment tools to you and your clients. Our foremost goal is to provide investment solutions that help our shareholders successfully reach their long-term investment goals. AMG Funds provides access to a distinctive array of actively managed return-oriented investment strategies. We thank you for your continued confidence and investment in AMG Funds. You can rest assured that under all market conditions our team is focused on delivering excellent investment management services for your benefit.

Respectfully,

 

LOGO

Keitha Kinne

President

AMG Funds

 

Average Annual Total Returns

   Periods ended
December 31, 2019*
 

Stocks:

        1 Year     3 Years     5 Years  

Large Cap

   (S&P 500® Index)      31.49     15.27     11.70

Small Cap

   (Russell 2000® Index)      25.52     8.59     8.23

International

   (MSCI All Country World ex USA Index)      21.51     9.87     5.51
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Bonds:

                       

Investment Grade

   (Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index)      8.72     4.03     3.05

High Yield

   (Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Corporate High Yield Bond Index)      14.32     6.37     6.13

Tax-exempt

   (Bloomberg Barclays Municipal Bond Index)      7.54     4.72     3.53

Treasury Bills

   (ICE BofAML U.S. 6-Month Treasury Bill Index)      2.57     1.81     1.26
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

*

Source: FactSet. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

 

 

 

2


Table of Contents
    

About Your Fund’s Expenses

 

 

 

As a shareholder of a Fund, you may incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, which may include sales charges (loads) on purchase payments; redemption fees; and exchange fees; and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution (12b-1) fees; and other Fund expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. The example is based on $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period as indicated below.

ACTUAL EXPENSES

The first line of the following table provides information about the actual account values and

actual expenses. You may use the information in this line, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first line under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

HYPOTHETICAL EXAMPLE FOR COMPARISON PURPOSES

The second line of the following table provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed annual rate of return of 5% before expenses, which is not the Fund’s

actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Fund and other funds by comparing this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of other funds.

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads), redemption fees, or exchange fees. Therefore, the second line of the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds.

 

 

 

 

Six Months Ended

December 31, 2019

  

Expense
Ratio for

the Period

    Beginning
Account
Value
07/01/19
     Ending
Account
Value
12/31/19
     Expenses
Paid
During
the Period*
 

AMG Chicago Equity Partners Balanced Fund

 

Based on Actual Fund Return

 

Class N

     1.09   $ 1,000      $ 1,055      $ 5.64  

Class I

     0.94   $ 1,000      $ 1,055      $ 4.87  

Class Z

     0.84   $ 1,000      $ 1,055      $ 4.35  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Based on Hypothetical 5% Annual Return

 

Class N

     1.09   $ 1,000      $ 1,020      $ 5.55  

Class I

     0.94   $ 1,000      $ 1,020      $ 4.79  

Class Z

     0.84   $ 1,000      $ 1,021      $ 4.28  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

*

Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days in the most recent fiscal half-year (184), then divided by 365.

 

 

 

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AMG Chicago Equity Partners Balanced Fund

Portfolio Manager’s Comments (unaudited)

 

 

 

THE YEAR IN REVIEW

For the year ended December 31, 2019, AMG Chicago Equity Partners Balanced Fund (Class N shares) (the “Fund”) returned 16.96%, compared to the 22.13% return for its benchmark, which consists of 60% the return of the Russell 1000® Index and 40% the return of the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index.

CEP’s Market Phase Identification (MPI) model signaled a downturn phase throughout much of the year which resulted in varied underweight equity allocations in the Fund throughout much of 2019. It was not until the fourth quarter that the model shifted to a rebound phase, causing the asset allocation to change from 55% equity/45% fixed income to 65% equity/35% fixed income in the last quarter of the year. The prevalent underweight in equities during 2019 was a primary driver of the Fund’s overall underperformance.

At the beginning of the year, the equity portion of the Fund shifted its style preference to Value from Growth, its factor preference from Momentum to Quality, and risk profile from neutral to lower volatility. In the fourth quarter, the factor preference moved from Quality to Value and continued to maintain its style preference for Value. The equity portfolio underperformed the Russell 1000® Index for the year due to this positioning as Growth stocks outperformed Value stocks.

Stocks had a great year in 2019 with all major U.S indices posting double-digit positive returns. The Russell 1000® Index repeatedly set new record highs, finishing the year with a 31.43% return, the best yearly performance since 2013. The optimism over the U.S.-China trade talks combined with the U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed) cutting interest rates three times this year contributed to the strong equity performance as stock prices rose substantially despite negative earnings revisions. The slowing U.S. economy has been supported by consumers as unemployment hit historic lows and consumer spending remained solid while manufacturing has been weak.

The equity segment of the Fund underperformed this year relative to the Russell 1000® Index. The year’s underperformance was mostly due to weakness in the first and fourth quarters. In the first and fourth quarters the rank performance of our quantitative model performed poorly, with the stocks we had ranked highly underperforming those that we had ranked lower.

The fixed income segment of the Fund outperformed the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index every quarter in 2019 with strong results in the 4th quarter. While duration, curve exposure and the

mortgage-backed securities (MBS) allocation are closely aligned with benchmark weightings, an overweight to corporate bonds has benefited the portfolio throughout the year as a result of the narrowing of corporate spreads and falling interest rates across the maturity spectrum. Specific security selection and an overweight to BBB rated issuers also helped performance.

Expectations for next year are for corporate earnings to improve along with an increasing investor preference for stocks with quality balance sheets. Our research has shown that constructing a well-diversified portfolio of companies with attractive valuations ratios, quality balance sheets, and positive growth and momentum expectations built through a disciplined, risk-controlled process delivers consistent long-term excess returns. Overall, our philosophy will not change based on short-term trends or conditions in the market. We will continue to use our disciplined approach to provide added value at controlled levels of risk.

This commentary reflects the viewpoints of Chicago Equity Partners, LLC and is not intended as a forecast or guarantee of future results.

 

 

 

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AMG Chicago Equity Partners Balanced Fund

Portfolio Manager’s Comments (continued)

 

 

 

CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN PERFORMANCE

AMG Chicago Equity Partners Balanced Fund’s cumulative total return is based on the daily change in net asset value (NAV), and assumes that all dividends and distributions were reinvested. This graph compares a hypothetical $10,000 investment made in the AMG Chicago Equity Partners Balanced Fund’s Class N shares on December 31, 2009, to a $10,000 investment made in the 60% Russell 1000® Index/40% Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index, Russell 1000® Index and the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index for the same time period. The graph and table do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on a Fund distribution or redemption of shares. The listed returns for the Fund are net of expenses and the returns for the index exclude expenses. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced.

 

LOGO

The table below shows the average annual total returns for the AMG Chicago Equity Partners Balanced Fund, the 60% Russell 1000® Index/40% Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index, the Russell 1000® Index and the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index for the same time periods ended December 31, 2019.

 

Average Annual Total Returns1    One
Year
    Five
Years
    Ten
Years
    Since
Inception
    Inception
Date
 

AMG Chicago Equity Partners Balanced Fund2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

 

 

Class N

     16.96     7.00     8.88     7.92     01/02/97  

Class I

     17.17     7.16     —         8.80     11/30/12  

Class Z

     17.21     7.26     9.16     8.29     01/02/97  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

60% Russell 1000® Index/40% Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index8, 9

     22.13     8.31     9.87     7.84      01/02/97  

Russell 1000® Index8

     31.43     11.48     13.54     8.80      01/02/97  

Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index9

     8.72     3.05     3.75     5.14      01/02/97  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The performance data shown represents past performance. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.

 

 

Investors should carefully consider the Fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses before investing. For performance information through the most recent month end, current net asset values per share for the Fund and other information, please call 800.548.4539 or visit our website at amgfunds.com for a free prospectus. Read it carefully before investing or sending money.

Distributed by AMG Distributors, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC.

Date reflects inception date of the Fund, not the index.

1 

Total return equals income yield plus share price change and assumes reinvestment of all dividends and capital gain distributions. Returns are net of fees and may reflect offsets of Fund expenses as described in the prospectus. No adjustment has been made for taxes payable by shareholders on their reinvested dividends and capital gain distributions. Returns for periods greater than one year are annualized. The listed returns on the Fund are net of expenses and based on the published NAV as of December 31, 2019. All returns are in U.S. dollars ($).

2 

From time to time, the Fund’s advisor has waived its fees and/or absorbed Fund expenses, which has resulted in higher returns.

3 

To the extent that the Fund invests in asset-backed or mortgage-backed securities, its exposure to prepayment and extension risks may be greater than investments in other fixed income securities.

4 

The Fund is subject to the risks associated with investments in debt securities, such as default risk and fluctuations in the perception of the debtor’s ability to pay its creditors. Changing interest rates may adversely affect the value of an investment. An increase in interest rates typically causes the value of bonds and other fixed income securities to fall.

5 

Investments in international securities are subject to certain risks of overseas investing including currency fluctuations and changes in political and economic conditions, which could result in significant market fluctuations. These risks are magnified in emerging markets.

6 

The Fund is subject to risks associated with investments in mid-capitalization companies such as greater price volatility, lower trading volume, and less liquidity than the stocks of larger, more established companies.

7 

The Fund invests in value stocks, which may perform differently from the market as a whole and may be undervalued by the market for a long period of time.

8 

The Russell 1000® Index measures the performance of approximately 1,000 of the largest securities based on a combination of their market cap and current index membership. The Russell 1000® represents approximately 92% of the U.S. market. Unlike the Fund, the Russell 1000® Index is unmanaged, is not available for investment, and does not incur expenses.

9 

The Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index represents securities that are Securities and Exchange Commission-registered, taxable, and dollar denominated. The index covers the U.S. investment grade fixed rate bond market, with index components for government and corporate securities, mortgage pass-through securities, and asset-backed securities. Unlike the Fund, the Bloomberg Barclays

 

 

 

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AMG Chicago Equity Partners Balanced Fund

Portfolio Manager’s Comments (continued)

 

 

 

  U.S. Aggregate Bond Index is unmanaged, is not available for investment, and does not incur expenses.

The Russell 1000® Index is a trademark of the London Stock Exchange Group companies.

Bloomberg Index Services Limited. BLOOMBERG® is a trademark and service mark of Bloomberg Finance L.P. and its affiliates (collectively “Bloomberg”).

BARCLAYS® is a trademark and service mark of Barclays Bank Plc (collectively with its affiliates, “Barclays”), used under license. Bloomberg or Bloomberg’s licensors, including Barclays, own all proprietary rights in the Bloomberg Barclays Indices. Neither Bloomberg nor Barclays approves or endorses this material, or guarantees the accuracy or completeness of any information herein, or makes

any warranty, express or implied, as to the results to be obtained therefrom and, to the maximum extent allowed by law, neither shall have any liability or responsibility for injury or damages arising in connection therewith.

Not FDIC insured, nor bank guaranteed. May lose value.

 

 

 

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AMG Chicago Equity Partners Balanced Fund

Fund Snapshots (unaudited)

December 31, 2019

 

 

 

PORTFOLIO BREAKDOWN

 

Sector

   % of
Net Assets
 

U.S. Government and Agency Obligations

     18.5  

Industrials

     16.3  

Financials

     14.4  

Information Technology

     10.8  

Health Care

     7.9  

Communication Services

     5.7  

Consumer Discretionary

     5.7  

Utilities

     5.2  

Consumer Staples

     4.8  

Real Estate

     3.2  

Energy

     3.1  

Materials

     2.2  

Exchange Traded Funds

     1.0  

Short-Term Investments

     4.0  

Other Assets Less Liabilities

     (2.8

 

Rating

   % of
Market Value1
 

U.S. Government and Agency Obligations

     54.7  

Aa/AA

     0.1  

A

     12.9  

Baa/BBB

     32.3  

 

1 

Includes market value of long-term fixed-income securities only.

TOP TEN HOLDINGS

 

Security Name

   % of
Net Assets
 

Apple, Inc.

     2.0  

Microsoft Corp.

     1.6  

Johnson & Johnson

     1.0  

U.S. Treasury Notes, 1.750%, 09/30/22

     1.0  

U.S. Treasury Notes, 1.875%, 08/31/22

     1.0  

The Procter & Gamble Co.

     1.0  

Amazon.com, Inc.

     0.9  

Berkshire Hathaway, Inc., Class B

     0.9  

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

     0.9  

Alphabet, Inc., Class A

     0.9  
  

 

 

 

Top Ten as a Group

     11.2  
  

 

 

 
 

 

Credit quality ratings shown above reflect the highest rating assigned by either Standard & Poor’s (“S&P”), Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”) or Fitch’s. These rating agencies are independent, nationally recognized statistical rating organizations and are widely used. Investment grade ratings are credit ratings of BBB/Baa or higher. Below investment grade ratings are credit ratings of BB/Ba or lower. Investments designated N/R are not rated by either rating agency. Unrated investments do not necessarily indicate low credit quality. Credit quality ratings are subject to change.

Because a fund’s strategy may result in multiple investments in particular sectors of the economy, its performance may depend on the performance of those sectors and may fluctuate more widely than investments diversified across more sectors. For additional information on these and other risk considerations, please see the Fund’s prospectus.

Any sectors, industries, or securities discussed should not be perceived as investment recommendations. Mention of a specific security should not be considered a recommendation to buy or solicitation to sell that security. Specific securities mentioned in this report may have been sold from the Fund’s portfolio of investments by the time you receive this report.

 

 

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AMG Chicago Equity Partners Balanced Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments

December 31, 2019

 

 

 

     Shares      Value  

Common Stocks - 64.0%

     

Communication Services - 5.7%

 

Activision Blizzard, Inc.

     1,300      $ 77,246  

Alphabet, Inc., Class A*

     1,680        2,250,175  

AT&T, Inc.

     27,049        1,057,075  

Avex, Inc. (Japan)

     3,300        38,012  

Borussia Dortmund GmbH & Co. KGaA (Germany)

     1,000        9,871  

Cinemark Holdings, Inc.1

     9,680        327,668  

Comcast Corp., Class A

     10,305        463,416  

CTS Eventim AG & Co. KGaA (Germany)

     900        56,469  

Electronic Arts, Inc.*

     490        52,680  

Facebook, Inc., Class A*

     6,625        1,359,781  

Freenet AG (Germany)

     700        16,049  

Gree, Inc. (Japan)

     12,200        55,123  

HKBN, Ltd. (Hong Kong)

     15,400        25,822  

Infrastrutture Wireless Italiane S.P.A. (Italy)2

     1,300        12,730  

Kadokawa Corp. (Japan)

     4,900        93,667  

Lagardere SCA (France)

     3,700        80,640  

Live Nation Entertainment, Inc.*,1

     1,590        113,637  

Match Group, Inc.*,1

     1,035        84,984  

Metropole Television, S.A. (France)

     3,600        67,760  

Mixi, Inc. (Japan)

     1,500        28,439  

MTI, Ltd. (Japan)

     1,800        11,771  

Netflix, Inc.*

     715        231,353  

Omnicom Group, Inc.1

     6,290        509,616  

Proto Corp. (Japan)

     4,200        46,209  

RAI Way S.P.A. (Italy)2

     3,400        23,383  

Rightmove PLC (United Kingdom)

     2,300        19,300  

Rovio Entertainment Oyj (Finland)1,2

     6,300        31,207  

Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc., Class A1

     4,520        150,697  

SmarTone Telecommunications Holdings, Ltd. (Hong Kong)

     10,700        8,241  

Spotify Technology S.A. (Sweden)*

     785        117,397  

Sunrise Communications Group AG (Switzerland)2

     300        23,569  

Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.*

     17,600        2,154,768  

Telephone & Data Systems, Inc.

     10,060        255,826  

Television Francaise 1 (France)

     1,500        12,503  

T-Mobile US, Inc.*

     2,955        231,731  

TripAdvisor, Inc.

     7,495        227,698  

TV Asahi Holdings Corp. (Japan)

     2,300        42,469  

Verizon Communications, Inc.

     32,065        1,968,791  

ViacomCBS, Inc., Class B

     20,942        878,936  
     Shares      Value  

The Walt Disney Co.

     8,384      $ 1,212,578  

Total Communication Services

        14,429,287  

Consumer Discretionary - 5.7%

 

888 Holdings PLC (Gibraltar)

     21,800        47,646  

Accent Group, Ltd. (Australia)

     55,700        72,939  

Adient PLC*

     18,085        384,306  

Amazon.com, Inc.*

     1,295        2,392,953  

Autogrill S.P.A. (Italy)

     1,600        16,750  

AutoZone, Inc.*

     125        148,914  

boohoo Group PLC (United Kingdom)*

     6,800        26,833  

Booking Holdings, Inc.*

     155        318,328  

BorgWarner, Inc.

     4,535        196,728  

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.*

     330        276,246  

Darden Restaurants, Inc.

     790        86,118  

DFS Furniture PLC (United Kingdom)

     19,700        75,414  

D’ieteren, S.A. (Belgium)

     500        35,109  

Dollar General Corp.

     1,690        263,606  

Dollar Tree, Inc.*,1

     1,305        122,735  

Doutor Nichires Holdings Co., Ltd. (Japan)

     1,800        35,728  

Dunkin’ Brands Group, Inc.

     2,955        223,221  

eBay, Inc.

     15,435        557,358  

ES-Con Japan, Ltd. (Japan)

     1,800        15,448  

Evolution Gaming Group AB (Sweden)2

     1,800        54,322  

Exedy Corp. (Japan)

     500        11,311  

Expedia Group, Inc.

     680        73,535  

Extended Stay America, Inc.

     26,235        389,852  

Floor & Decor Holdings, Inc., Class A*,1

     4,075        207,051  

Ford Motor Co.

     68,335        635,516  

Foster Electric Co., Ltd. (Japan)

     2,300        40,400  

France Bed Holdings Co., Ltd. (Japan)

     1,800        15,929  

Games Workshop Group PLC (United Kingdom)

     200        16,174  

Garrett Motion, Inc. (Switzerland)*

     1        10  

General Motors Co.

     22,390        819,474  

Grand Canyon Education, Inc.*,1

     1,740        166,675  

Greggs PLC (United Kingdom)

     2,100        64,056  

G-Tekt Corp. (Japan)

     1,500        23,840  

Harley-Davidson, Inc.1

     12,380        460,412  

Heiwa Corp. (Japan)

     2,800        58,635  

The Home Depot, Inc.

     480        104,822  

IDP Education, Ltd. (Australia)

     5,000        60,272  

Jumbo Interactive, Ltd. (Australia)

     1,500        15,730  

Just Eat PLC (United Kingdom)*

     3,400        37,617  

Kasai Kogyo Co., Ltd. (Japan)

     1,100        8,628  
 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

8


Table of Contents
    

AMG Chicago Equity Partners Balanced Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments (continued)

 

 

 

     Shares      Value  

Consumer Discretionary - 5.7% (continued)

     

Kaufman & Broad, S.A. (France)

     1,100      $ 45,653  

Kohl’s Corp.1

     5,380        274,111  

Kurabo Industries, Ltd. (Japan)

     1,100        25,499  

Macy’s, Inc.1

     18,185        309,145  

Mars Group Holdings Corp. (Japan)

     700        13,106  

Marston’s PLC (United Kingdom)

     27,100        45,661  

Matas A/S (Denmark)

     5,400        44,663  

Mattel, Inc.*,1

     11,805        159,958  

Mitchells & Butlers PLC (United Kingdom)*

     5,200        31,650  

Mizuno Corp. (Japan)

     700        17,685  

Mobilezone Holding AG (Switzerland)

     3,900        43,772  

Newell Brands, Inc.

     47,235        907,857  

Nordstrom, Inc.1

     4,895        200,352  

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, Ltd.*

     5,115        298,767  

Pets at Home Group PLC (United Kingdom)1

     21,900        81,109  

Piolax, Inc. (Japan)

     1,300        25,060  

Pool Corp.

     725        153,976  

Redrow PLC (United Kingdom)

     2,400        23,689  

Ross Stores, Inc.

     2,450        285,229  

Seiko Holdings Corp. (Japan)

     2,000        53,336  

ServiceMaster Global Holdings, Inc.*

     1,700        65,722  

SSP Group PLC (United Kingdom)

     7,359        63,357  

Starts Corp., Inc. (Japan)

     1,200        30,535  

The Gap, Inc.1

     13,200        233,376  

The TJX Cos., Inc.

     5,700        348,042  

Tokai Rika Co., Ltd. (Japan)

     2,900        56,513  

Tokmanni Group Corp. (Finland)

     3,100        43,883  

Tractor Supply Co.

     1,535        143,430  

VF Corp.

     6,165        614,404  

The Wendy’s Co.1

     41,230        915,718  

Xebio Holdings Co., Ltd. (Japan)

     4,400        53,132  

Xinyi Glass Holdings, Ltd. (Hong Kong)

     59,300        78,571  

Yorozu Corp. (Japan)

     1,300        17,451  

Zojirushi Corp. (Japan)

     1,500        28,143  

Total Consumer Discretionary

        14,293,196  

Consumer Staples - 4.8%

 

Axfood AB (Sweden)

     2,800        62,356  

Bunge, Ltd.

     11,025        634,489  

C&C Group PLC (Ireland)

     10,700        57,615  

Campbell Soup Co.1

     2,970        146,777  

Cawachi, Ltd. (Japan)

     700        14,183  

Cloetta AB, Class B (Sweden)

     22,300        75,623  
     Shares      Value  

The Coca-Cola Co.

     18,705      $ 1,035,322  

Colgate-Palmolive Co.

     2,695        185,524  

Constellation Brands, Inc., Class A

     1,625        308,344  

Costco Wholesale Corp.

     1,460        429,123  

Edgewell Personal Care Co.*

     9,895        306,349  

General Mills, Inc.

     13,965        747,965  

Kato Sangyo Co., Ltd. (Japan)

     700        22,938  

Keurig Dr Pepper, Inc.1

     10,935        316,568  

Kimberly-Clark Corp.

     4,275        588,026  

The Kroger Co.

     8,905        258,156  

McCormick & Co., Inc., Non-Voting Shares

     5,310        901,266  

Metcash Ltd. (Australia)

     9,800        17,663  

Monster Beverage Corp.*

     9,315        591,968  

Nippon Beet Sugar Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (Japan)

     700        13,045  

Nissin Foods Co. Ltd. (Hong Kong)

     34,300        27,259  

Ontex Group N.V. (Belgium)

     2,000        42,097  

Origin Enterprises PLC (Ireland)

     13,500        56,181  

PepsiCo, Inc.

     4,945        675,833  

Philip Morris International, Inc.

     4,415        375,672  

The Procter & Gamble Co.

     19,530        2,439,297  

Rami Levy Chain Stores Hashikma Marketing 2006, Ltd. (Israel)

     1,100        63,292  

Scandi Standard AB (Sweden)

     4,600        36,539  

Sheng Siong Group, Ltd. (Singapore)

     14,300        13,184  

Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc.*

     11,180        216,333  

Starzen Co., Ltd. (Japan)

     300        12,137  

Stock Spirits Group PLC (United Kingdom)

     20,800        56,760  

Tate & Lyle PLC (United Kingdom)

     5,700        57,433  

Walmart, Inc.

     10,780        1,281,095  

Total Consumer Staples

        12,066,412  

Energy - 3.1%

 

Anglo Pacific Group PLC (United Kingdom)

     14,100        35,860  

Cabot Oil & Gas Corp.

     8,660        150,771  

Chevron Corp.

     13,025        1,569,643  

China Aviation Oil Singapore Corp., Ltd. (Singapore)

     23,700        22,399  

ConocoPhillips

     14,205        923,751  

Continental Resources, Inc.

     3,330        114,219  

Devon Energy Corp.

     14,610        379,422  

DNO A.S.A. (Norway)

     3,700        4,880  

Exxon Mobil Corp.

     26,815        1,871,151  

Gaztransport Et Technigaz, S.A. (France)

     1,300        125,212  

HollyFrontier Corp.

     3,975        201,572  
 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

9


Table of Contents
    

AMG Chicago Equity Partners Balanced Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments (continued)

 

 

 

     Shares      Value  

Energy - 3.1% (continued)

 

Japan Petroleum Exploration Co., Ltd. (Japan)

     1,000      $ 26,929  

Naphtha Israel Petroleum Corp., Ltd. (Israel)

     11,400        68,226  

National Oilwell Varco, Inc.1

     12,890        322,894  

Occidental Petroleum Corp.

     4,320        178,027  

Parsley Energy, Inc., Class A

     8,990        170,001  

PBF Energy, Inc., Class A

     3,865        121,245  

Pioneer Natural Resources Co.

     4,275        647,107  

Schlumberger, Ltd.

     16,265        653,853  

TGS NOPEC Geophysical Co., A.S.A. (Norway)

     2,100        63,891  

Washington H Soul Pattinson & Co., Ltd. (Australia)

     800        12,069  

Whitehaven Coal, Ltd. (Australia)

     25,200        46,734  

Total Energy

        7,709,856  

Financials - 10.6%

 

Aflac, Inc.

     8,835        467,371  

The Allstate Corp.

     4,855        545,945  

Ally Financial, Inc.

     39,410        1,204,370  

Ameriprise Financial, Inc.

     4,910        817,908  

Aon PLC (United Kingdom)

     425        88,523  

Bank of America Corp.

     34,385        1,211,040  

Bank of Georgia Group PLC (Georgia)

     2,400        51,660  

BAWAG Group AG (Austria)2

     1,000        45,197  

Berkshire Hathaway, Inc., Class B*

     10,150        2,298,975  

Brewin Dolphin Holdings PLC (United Kingdom)

     8,500        41,929  

Cboe Global Markets, Inc.

     1,475        177,000  

Cembra Money Bank AG (Switzerland)

     1,100        120,350  

Cerved Group S.P.A. (Italy)

     2,100        20,493  

Chimera Investment Corp., REIT 1

     28,160        578,970  

CIT Group, Inc.

     27,360        1,248,437  

Citigroup, Inc.

     27,825        2,222,939  

Citizens Financial Group, Inc.

     10,660        432,903  

Coface, S.A. (France)*

     5,200        63,987  

Deutsche Pfandbriefbank AG (Germany)2

     7,500        122,150  

FactSet Research Systems, Inc.1

     655        175,736  

Franklin Resources, Inc.1

     7,555        196,279  

Globe Life, Inc.

     2,530        266,282  

IG Group Holdings PLC (United Kingdom)

     3,600        33,142  

Intermediate Capital Group PLC (United Kingdom)

     5,900        125,842  

J Trust Co., Ltd. (Japan)

     5,900        23,121  

Jafco Co., Ltd. (Japan)

     1,500        58,800  

Japan Securities Finance Co., Ltd. (Japan)

     15,000        71,579  
     Shares      Value  

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

     16,248      $ 2,264,971  

KBC Ancora (Belgium)

     1,100        55,339  

Legg Mason, Inc.

     45,400        1,630,314  

Lincoln National Corp.

     10,200        601,902  

M&T Bank Corp.

     5,030        853,842  

Man Group PLC (United Kingdom)

     5,400        11,310  

Marusan Securities Co., Ltd. (Japan)

     6,300        28,115  

MetLife, Inc.

     20,720        1,056,098  

Navient Corp.1

     87,395        1,195,564  

Okasan Securities Group, Inc. (Japan)

     17,200        61,639  

OneSavings Bank PLC (United Kingdom)

     3,700        21,241  

The Phoenix Holdings Ltd (Israel)

     3,700        22,389  

Popular, Inc. (Puerto Rico)

     7,096        416,890  

The Progressive Corp.

     900        65,151  

Prudential Financial, Inc.

     1,795        168,263  

Reinsurance Group of America, Inc.

     2,155        351,394  

S&P Global, Inc.

     670        182,943  

SEI Investments Co.

     4,120        269,778  

Senshu Ikeda Holdings, Inc. (Japan)

     8,800        16,732  

SpareBank 1 Nord Norge (Norway)

     8,800        78,685  

Sparebank 1 Oestlandet (Norway)

     3,400        35,823  

SpareBank 1 SMN (Norway)

     1,000        11,421  

Storebrand A.S.A. (Norway)

     300        2,363  

TCF Financial Corp.

     8,105        379,314  

Tokai Tokyo Financial Holdings, Inc. (Japan)

     20,500        61,147  

Tokyo Kiraboshi Financial Group, Inc. (Japan)

     3,400        47,344  

Topdanmark A/S (Denmark)

     1,300        64,084  

The Travelers Cos., Inc.

     8,325        1,140,109  

Truist Financial Corp.

     14,660        825,651  

U.S. Bancorp

     12,960        768,398  

Unipol Gruppo S.P.A. (Italy)

     9,800        56,263  

Wells Fargo & Co.

     19,470        1,047,486  

White Mountains Insurance Group, Ltd.

     182        203,023  

Wuestenrot & Wuerttembergische AG (Germany)

     500        10,858  

Total Financials

        26,716,772  

Health Care - 7.9%

 

AbbVie, Inc.

     7,590        672,019  

ABIOMED, Inc.*

     565        96,383  

Agilent Technologies, Inc.

     1,395        119,007  

Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

     950        102,743  

Align Technology, Inc.*

     330        92,083  

Alliance Pharma PLC (United Kingdom)

     26,700        29,660  

AmerisourceBergen Corp.

     800        68,016  
 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

10


Table of Contents
    

AMG Chicago Equity Partners Balanced Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments (continued)

 

 

 

     Shares      Value  

Health Care - 7.9% (continued)

 

Amgen, Inc.

     2,005      $ 483,345  

Baxter International, Inc.

     4,980        416,428  

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.

     4,720        302,977  

Cerner Corp.

     3,745        274,846  

Cigna Corp.

     2,039        416,955  

ConvaTec Group PLC (United Kingdom)2

     28,300        74,479  

Eli Lilly & Co.

     2,215        291,118  

EMIS Group PLC (United Kingdom)

     5,700        83,657  

Exelixis, Inc.*

     31,920        562,430  

Faes Farma, S.A. (Spain)

     6,000        33,768  

Galenica AG (Switzerland)2

     1,550        95,730  

Gilead Sciences, Inc.

     3,850        250,173  

GN Store Nord A/S (Denmark)

     300        14,112  

Henry Schein, Inc.*,1

     19,235        1,283,359  

Hogy Medical Co., Ltd. (Japan)

     300        9,788  

Humana, Inc.

     795        291,383  

Illumina, Inc.*

     945        313,494  

Indivior PLC (United Kingdom)*

     24,400        12,605  

Johnson & Johnson

     17,455        2,546,161  

Kaken Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Japan)

     1,500        82,763  

Kissei Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Japan)

     600        17,046  

KYORIN Holdings, Inc. (Japan)

     1,000        17,428  

Laboratory Corp. of America Holdings*

     4,555        770,569  

McKesson Corp.

     3,335        461,297  

MEDNAX, Inc.*

     4,850        134,782  

Medtronic PLC (Ireland)

     14,805        1,679,627  

Merck & Co., Inc.

     11,770        1,070,482  

Mylan N.V.*

     13,880        278,988  

Nanosonics, Ltd. (Australia)*

     9,800        43,751  

Nichi-iko Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Japan)

     1,500        18,646  

Paramount Bed Holdings Co., Ltd. (Japan)

     700        29,121  

Pfizer, Inc.

     33,187        1,300,267  

Pro Medicus, Ltd. (Australia)

     1,100        17,228  

Regis Healthcare, Ltd. (Australia)

     5,700        9,854  

ResMed, Inc.

     1,355        209,984  

STERIS PLC

     6,145        936,621  

Stryker Corp.

     615        129,113  

Toho Holdings Co., Ltd. (Japan)

     3,600        79,761  

Tokai Corp. (Japan)

     500        12,883  

Torii Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Japan)

     700        19,599  

The United Laboratories International Holdings Ltd (Hong Kong)

     47,900        34,903  
     Shares      Value  

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

     1,800      $ 529,164  

Veeva Systems, Inc., Class A*

     2,060        289,760  

Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

     7,100        1,554,545  

Vital KSK Holdings, Inc. (Japan)

     1,000        9,603  

Vitrolife AB (Sweden)

     1,800        38,052  

Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc.

     7,085        1,060,483  

Total Health Care

        19,773,039  

Industrials - 6.9%

 

Aeon Delight Co., Ltd. (Japan)

     700        25,135  

Aichi Corp. (Japan)

     2,600        17,709  

Aida Engineering, Ltd. (Japan)

     7,800        69,754  

ALS, Ltd. (Australia)

     5,600        36,055  

Amadeus Fire AG (Germany)

     500        83,072  

Applus Services, S.A. (Spain)

     1,500        19,209  

Armstrong World Industries, Inc.

     2,655        249,490  

ASTM S.P.A. (Italy)

     1,600        48,386  

The Boeing Co.

     1,330        433,261  

bpost, S.A. (Belgium)

     5,000        57,808  

Bunka Shutter Co., Ltd. (Japan)

     8,100        71,374  

Carlisle Cos., Inc.1

     1,740        281,602  

CH Robinson Worldwide, Inc.1

     1,835        143,497  

Chiyoda Integre Co., Ltd. (Japan)

     700        14,678  

Chudenko Corp. (Japan)

     1,500        34,677  

Cintas Corp.

     1,575        423,801  

CTT-Correios de Portugal, S.A. (Portugal)

     9,100        32,664  

Daiichi Jitsugyo Co., Ltd. (Japan)

     500        17,562  

Daiwa Industries, Ltd. (Japan)

     1,100        12,198  

Dart Group PLC (United Kingdom)

     4,700        105,463  

Denyo Co., Ltd. (Japan)

     1,300        24,625  

Diploma PLC (United Kingdom)

     300        8,043  

Dover Corp.

     8,080        931,301  

Enav S.P.A. (Italy)2

     1,300        7,758  

Expeditors International of Washington, Inc.

     2,080        162,282  

Fujitec Co., Ltd. (Japan)

     1,100        17,809  

Fukuda Corp. (Japan)

     330        14,817  

Furukawa Co., Ltd. (Japan)

     1,100        14,489  

General Electric Co.

     84,460        942,574  

GL Events (France)

     500        13,488  

Glory, Ltd. (Japan)

     3,900        117,854  

The Go-Ahead Group PLC (United Kingdom)

     800        23,443  

Grupo Empresarial San Jose, S.A. (Spain)*

     1,500        10,095  

HEICO Corp.

     621        70,887  

Hibiya Engineering, Ltd. (Japan)

     500        9,067  
 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

11


Table of Contents
    

AMG Chicago Equity Partners Balanced Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments (continued)

 

 

 

     Shares      Value  

Industrials - 6.9% (continued)

 

Honeywell International, Inc.

     3,965      $ 701,805  

Inaba Denki Sangyo Co., Ltd. (Japan)

     1,000        25,363  

Intertrust, N.V. (Netherlands)2

     200        3,883  

Inwido AB (Sweden)

     3,400        26,187  

IPH, Ltd. (Australia)

     3,100        17,825  

Italmobiliare S.P.A. (Italy)

     1,300        35,216  

JetBlue Airways Corp.*

     11,800        220,896  

Johnson Controls International PLC

     25,160        1,024,264  

Johnson Electric Holdings, Ltd. (Hong Kong)

     26,500        60,280  

JOST Werke AG (Germany)2

     1,100        46,024  

Kandenko Co., Ltd. (Japan)

     1,100        10,544  

Kanematsu Corp. (Japan)

     5,500        73,903  

Kardex AG (Switzerland)

     300        50,527  

Kokuyo Co., Ltd. (Japan)

     2,300        34,313  

Komori Corp. (Japan)

     5,900        60,734  

Koninklijke Volkerwessels, N.V. (Netherlands)

     1,100        27,084  

L3Harris Technologies, Inc.

     390        77,169  

Landstar System, Inc.

     12,765        1,453,551  

Lockheed Martin Corp.

     1,225        476,990  

Lyft, Inc., Class A*,1

     2,185        93,999  

Macquarie Infrastructure Corp.

     9,330        399,697  

Meisei Industrial Co., Ltd. (Japan)

     1,600        14,280  

Mersen, S.A. (France)

     1,800        69,072  

Mitie Group PLC (United Kingdom)1

     8,300        15,942  

Mitsuboshi Belting, Ltd. (Japan)

     700        13,453  

Morgan Advanced Materials PLC (United Kingdom)

     25,200        105,815  

Morgan Sindall Group PLC (United Kingdom)

     2,600        55,792  

Nibe Industrier AB, Class B (Sweden)

     4,600        79,807  

Nichiden Corp. (Japan)

     800        15,230  

The Nippon Road Co. Ltd (Japan)

     300        18,759  

Nitto Kohki Co., Ltd. (Japan)

     500        10,736  

Norfolk Southern Corp.

     2,150        417,379  

nVent Electric PLC (United Kingdom)

     15,360        392,909  

PACCAR, Inc.

     5,605        443,355  

Parker-Hannifin Corp.

     3,245        667,886  

QinetiQ Group PLC (United Kingdom)

     26,000        123,226  

Raytheon Co.

     1,775        390,038  

Robert Half International, Inc.

     3,445        217,552  

Ryobi Ltd. (Japan)

     3,300        58,648  

Sanki Engineering Co., Ltd. (Japan)

     5,900        83,090  

Service Stream, Ltd. (Australia)

     33,300        62,058  
     Shares      Value  

Shikun & Binui, Ltd. (Israel)

     18,200      $ 83,794  

Signify, N.V. (Netherlands)2

     200        6,260  

Sintokogio, Ltd. (Japan)

     1,500        14,493  

SITC International Holdings Co., Ltd. (Hong Kong)

     91,700        111,908  

Snap-on, Inc.1

     2,980        504,812  

Sodick Co., Ltd. (Japan)

     3,100        27,383  

Sojitz Corp. (Japan)

     39,000        125,701  

Southwest Airlines Co.

     35,210        1,900,636  

Spirit AeroSystems Holdings, Inc., Class A

     2,540        185,115  

Stagecoach Group PLC (United Kingdom)

     22,800        48,322  

Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.

     1,475        244,466  

Sumitomo Mitsui Construction Co., Ltd. (Japan)

     5,000        28,951  

Teledyne Technologies, Inc.*

     1,990        689,615  

Textron, Inc.

     3,210        143,166  

Toenec Corp. (Japan)

     400        14,153  

Tonami Holdings Co., Ltd. (Japan)

     300        14,868  

Toppan Forms Co., Ltd. (Japan)

     3,100        34,710  

Toyo Construction Co., Ltd. (Japan)

     8,500        40,638  

Trinity Industries, Inc.1

     6,000        132,900  

Valmet OYJ (Finland)

     1,600        38,368  

WW Grainger, Inc.

     680        230,194  

Yurtec Corp. (Japan)

     2,600        16,403  

Total Industrials

        17,358,064  

Information Technology - 10.8%

 

Accenture PLC, Class A (Ireland)

     2,750        579,067  

Alliance Data Systems Corp.

     9,820        1,101,804  

ALSO Holding AG (Switzerland)

     300        50,506  

Analog Devices, Inc.

     11,270        1,339,327  

Anaplan, Inc.*

     2,655        139,122  

Apple, Inc.

     17,070        5,012,605  

ASM International N.V. (Netherlands)

     200        22,575  

Aubay (France)

     500        18,761  

Autodesk, Inc.*

     1,435        263,265  

Automatic Data Processing, Inc.

     1,245        212,272  

Avalara, Inc.*

     585        42,851  

Avast PLC (United Kingdom)2

     12,500        75,120  

Barco N.V. (Belgium)

     200        49,191  

BE Semiconductor Industries, N.V. (Netherlands)

     2,100        81,529  

Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc.

     1,530        189,016  

Canon Marketing Japan, Inc. (Japan)

     1,800        41,650  

CDW Corp.

     1,350        192,834  

Cisco Systems, Inc.

     23,315        1,118,187  

Citrix Systems, Inc.

     2,980        330,482  
 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

12


Table of Contents
    

AMG Chicago Equity Partners Balanced Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments (continued)

 

 

 

     Shares      Value  

Information Technology - 10.8% (continued)

     

Computer Engineering & Consulting, Ltd. (Japan)

     800      $ 14,996  

Cree, Inc.*

     1,650        76,148  

Dell Technologies, Inc., Class C*

     1,645        84,537  

Denki Kogyo Co., Ltd. (Japan)

     700        20,895  

Dialog Semiconductor PLC (United Kingdom)*

     1,800        91,417  

Dicker Data, Ltd. (Australia)

     3,900        18,880  

Dynatrace, Inc.*,1

     4,120        104,236  

Elastic, N.V.*

     3,015        193,864  

Electrocomponents PLC (United Kingdom)

     2,600        23,385  

Elematec Corp. (Japan)

     1,300        13,720  

Fortinet, Inc.*

     10,545        1,125,784  

Fortnox AB (Sweden)

     2,800        50,222  

GoDaddy, Inc., Class A*

     2,765        187,799  

Hosiden Corp. (Japan)

     6,700        84,651  

HP, Inc.

     20,285        416,857  

Ines Corp. (Japan)

     4,600        57,478  

Integrated Research, Ltd. (Australia)

     12,400        28,370  

Intel Corp.

     15,520        928,872  

International Business Machines Corp.

     6,600        884,664  

Intuit, Inc.

     520        136,204  

Juniper Networks, Inc.

     18,010        443,586  

Kanematsu Electronics, Ltd. (Japan)

     500        16,687  

Keysight Technologies, Inc.*

     965        99,038  

Lam Research Corp.

     400        116,960  

Manhattan Associates, Inc.*

     1,920        153,120  

Mastercard, Inc., Class A

     710        211,999  

Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.

     6,575        404,428  

Medallia, Inc.*,1

     3,180        98,930  

Microsoft Corp.

     25,305        3,990,598  

NEC Networks & System Integration Corp. (Japan)

     300        10,625  

NortonLifeLock, Inc.

     8,890        226,873  

Oracle Corp.

     7,185        380,661  

PagerDuty, Inc.*,1

     4,780        111,804  

Palo Alto Networks, Inc.*

     2,305        533,031  

PayPal Holdings, Inc.*

     1,560        168,745  

Quadient (France)

     1,500        36,346  

QUALCOMM, Inc.

     5,870        517,910  

Ryosan Co. Ltd. (Japan)

     1,800        46,359  

Sabre Corp.

     5,475        122,859  

Sesa S.P.A. (Italy)

     1,000        53,449  
     Shares      Value  

Siltronic AG (Germany)

     500      $ 50,237  

Softcat PLC (United Kingdom)

     8,800        134,462  

Spectris PLC (United Kingdom)

     700        26,977  

Splunk, Inc.*

     2,605        390,151  

Texas Instruments, Inc.

     3,890        499,048  

VeriSign, Inc.*

     4,110        791,915  

Visa, Inc., Class A

     8,565        1,609,363  

VSTECS Holdings, Ltd. (Hong Kong)

     22,100        11,359  

VTech Holdings, Ltd. (Hong Kong)

     1,000        9,883  

The Western Union Co.1

     10,720        287,082  

Xilinx, Inc.

     1,610        157,410  

Zendesk, Inc.*

     1,290        98,853  

Zscaler, Inc.*,1

     2,100        97,650  

Total Information Technology

        27,311,541  

Materials - 2.2%

     

Axalta Coating Systems Ltd. *

     3,325        101,080  

APERAM, S.A. (Luxembourg)

     300        9,637  

CF Industries Holdings, Inc.

     2,660        126,988  

The Chemours Co.1

     10,675        193,111  

Coronado Global Resources, Inc. (Australia)2

     13,200        20,486  

Corteva, Inc.

     14,350        424,186  

Daiken Corp. (Japan)

     1,000        18,136  

Domtar Corp.1

     12,020        459,645  

Eagle Materials, Inc.

     3,460        313,684  

Ecolab, Inc.

     920        177,551  

Elkem A.S.A. (Norway)2

     17,200        48,503  

Ercros, S.A. (Spain)

     7,800        22,398  

Ferrexpo PLC (Switzerland)

     10,700        22,515  

Kemira OYJ (Finland)

     1,100        16,369  

Kyoei Steel, Ltd. (Japan)

     1,100        21,435  

Linde PLC (United Kingdom)

     3,345        712,151  

Lintec Corp. (Japan)

     2,800        62,335  

Metsa Board OYJ (Finland)1

     6,800        45,744  

Mount Gibson Iron, Ltd. (Australia)

     56,900        38,212  

The Navigator Co., S.A. (Portugal)

     10,200        41,152  

Neturen Co., Ltd. (Japan)

     1,500        12,256  

Nittetsu Mining Co., Ltd. (Japan)

     500        23,060  

O-I Glass, Inc.

     47,695        569,001  

PPG Industries, Inc.

     3,815        509,264  

Regis Resources, Ltd. (Australia)

     4,700        14,221  

Reliance Steel &Aluminum Co.

     4,680        560,477  

Royal Gold, Inc.

     3,080        376,530  

Salzgitter AG (Germany)

     300        6,622  
 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

13


Table of Contents
    

AMG Chicago Equity Partners Balanced Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments (continued)

 

 

 

     Shares      Value  

Materials - 2.2% (continued)

     

The Scotts Miracle-Gro Co.1

     1,285      $ 136,441  

Silgan Holdings, Inc.

     6,745        209,635  

Toagosei Co., Ltd. (Japan)

     3,900        44,963  

Toyo Ink SC Holdings Co., Ltd. (Japan)

     1,800        43,652  

Yodogawa Steel Works, Ltd. (Japan)

     2,600        48,318  

Total Materials

        5,429,758  

Real Estate - 3.2%

     

alstria office REIT-AG (Germany)

     2,300        43,214  

Argosy Property, Ltd. (New Zealand)

     68,100        63,304  

Aventus Group, REIT (Australia)

     18,000        35,973  

Bayside Land Corp. (Israel)

     50        38,459  

Brookfield Property REIT, Inc., Class A1

     11,505        212,210  

CapitaLand Retail China Trust, REIT (Singapore)

     35,200        42,163  

Champion REIT (Hong Kong)

     15,800        10,442  

Charter Hall Group, REIT (Australia)

     2,600        20,250  

Corestate Capital Holding, S.A. (Luxembourg)1

     1,000        42,064  

Corporate Office Properties Trust, REIT

     12,625        370,923  

DIC Asset AG (Germany)

     1,500        26,753  

Fabege AB (Sweden)

     2,900        48,172  

Far East Hospitality Trust (Singapore)

     67,800        37,342  

First Real Estate Investment Trust, REIT (Singapore)

     33,600        24,866  

Frasers Commercial Trust, REIT (Singapore)

     47,100        58,133  

GDI Property Group, REIT (Australia)

     78,000        80,736  

Goldcrest Co., Ltd. (Japan)

     1,800        34,337  

Intervest Offices & Warehouses, N.V., REIT (Belgium)

     2,400        68,998  

K Wah International Holdings, Ltd. (Hong Kong)

     22,800        12,727  

Kenedix Retail REIT Corp. (Japan)

     20        50,895  

Kungsleden AB (Sweden)

     11,200        117,664  

Lar Espana Real Estate Socimi S.A., REIT (Spain)

     8,800        70,084  

Life Storage, Inc., REIT

     2,675        289,649  

Mapletree North Asia Commercial Trust, REIT (Singapore)

     40,600        35,056  

Mori Trust Sogo Reit, Inc. (Japan)

     70        125,498  

NewRiver REIT PLC (United Kingdom)

     20,500        54,445  

Norstar Holdings, Inc. (Israel)

     2,800        60,015  

NSI, N.V., REIT (Netherlands)

     1,200        58,418  

Omega Healthcare Investors, Inc., REIT

     2,440        103,334  

Outfront Media, Inc., REIT

     6,070        162,797  

Park Hotels & Resorts, Inc., REIT 1

     55,705        1,441,088  

Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc., Class A, REIT

     31,285        695,778  

Public Storage, REIT

     2,470        526,011  
     Shares      Value  

Raysum Co., Ltd. (Japan)

     3,100      $ 30,469  

RDI REIT PLC (United Kingdom)

     26,600        46,157  

Regional REIT, Ltd. (United Kingdom)2

     13,000        19,469  

Retail Value, Inc., REIT

     2,729        100,427  

S IMMO AG (Austria)

     1,800        45,025  

Selvaag Bolig A.S.A. (Norway)

     8,300        69,816  

Service Properties Trust, REIT

     34,125        830,261  

Simon Property Group, Inc., REIT

     1,310        195,138  

Sunlight Real Estate Investment Trust (Hong Kong)

     43,100        27,880  

Takara Leben Co., Ltd. (Japan)

     13,800        63,988  

Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc., REIT 1

     11,900        175,287  

Taubman Centers, Inc., REIT 1

     1,540        47,879  

TOC Co., Ltd. (Japan)

     1,500        12,328  

Tokyo Tatemono Co., Ltd. (Japan)

     800        12,487  

Tosei Corp. (Japan)

     500        6,826  

Vastned Retail, N.V., REIT (Netherlands)

     200        5,990  

Ventas, Inc., REIT

     6,595        380,795  

Weingarten Realty Investors, REIT

     21,820        681,657  

WP Carey, Inc., REIT

     2,585        206,903  

Yanlord Land Group, Ltd. (Singapore)

     41,900        37,722  

Total Real Estate

        8,058,302  

Utilities - 3.1%

     

Acciona, S.A. (Spain)

     700        73,806  

ACEA S.P.A. (Italy)

     1,600        33,110  

Alliant Energy Corp.

     12,730        696,586  

American Electric Power Co., Inc.

     9,530        900,680  

Atmos Energy Corp.

     8,140        910,540  

Avangrid, Inc.1

     6,525        333,819  

Consolidated Edison, Inc.

     8,385        758,591  

Eversource Energy1

     8,340        709,484  

Kenon Holdings, Ltd. (Singapore)

     2,800        59,869  

OGE Energy Corp.

     11,980        532,751  

The Okinawa Electric Power Co., Inc. (Japan)

     5,000        93,825  

Pinnacle West Capital Corp.

     5,195        467,186  

REN - Redes Energeticas Nacionais SGPS, S.A. (Portugal)

     18,000        54,919  

Shizuoka Gas Co., Ltd. (Japan)

     1,300        11,261  

The Southern Co.

     10,590        674,583  

WEC Energy Group, Inc.

     8,230        759,053  

Xcel Energy, Inc.

     12,150        771,404  

Total Utilities

        7,841,467  

Total Common Stocks
(Cost $141,588,409)

        160,987,694  
 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

14


Table of Contents
    

AMG Chicago Equity Partners Balanced Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments (continued)

 

 

 

     Principal
Amount
     Value  

Corporate Bonds and Notes - 15.3%

     

Financials - 3.8%

     

Air Lease Corp.
4.250%, 09/15/24

   $ 35,000      $ 37,520  

American Financial Group, Inc.
3.500%, 08/15/26

     25,000        25,776  

Athene Holding, Ltd. (Bermuda)
4.125%, 01/12/28

     450,000        466,353  

AXA Equitable Holdings, Inc.

     

4.350%, 04/20/28

     30,000        32,608  

5.000%, 04/20/48

     375,000        404,239  

AXIS Specialty Finance LLC
3.900%, 07/15/29

     30,000        31,443  

Bank of America Corp., GMTN
(3 month LIBOR + 1.370%)
3.593%, 07/21/283

     1,040,000        1,103,321  

The Bank of New York Mellon Corp., MTN
3.250%, 09/11/24

     45,000        47,322  

Brighthouse Financial, Inc.
3.700%, 06/22/271

     485,000        484,308  

Capital One Financial Corp.
3.800%, 01/31/28

     475,000        511,268  

Cincinnati Financial Corp.
6.920%, 05/15/28

     20,000        25,893  

Citigroup, Inc.
(3 month LIBOR + 1.338%)
3.980%, 03/20/303

     60,000        65,740  

E*TRADE Financial Corp.
4.500%, 06/20/28

     330,000        359,291  

Enstar Group, Ltd. (Bermuda)
4.500%, 03/10/22

     10,000        10,372  

EPR Properties
4.750%, 12/15/26

     25,000        27,307  

Globe Life, Inc.
4.550%, 09/15/28

     380,000        422,771  

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.
(3 month LIBOR + 1.510%),

     

3.691%, 06/05/283

     115,000        122,454  

3.850%, 01/26/27

     700,000        745,729  

Lazard Group LLC
3.750%, 02/13/25

     30,000        31,712  

Legg Mason, Inc.
4.750%, 03/15/26

     25,000        27,390  

LifeStorage LP
3.500%, 07/01/26

     30,000        30,857  

Lincoln National Corp.
7.000%, 06/15/40

     25,000        35,625  

Mercury General Corp.
4.400%, 03/15/27

     445,000        468,258  
     Principal
Amount
     Value  

Morgan Stanley
(3 month LIBOR + 1.340%)
3.591%, 07/22/283

   $ 620,000      $ 659,757  

MUFG Americas Holdings Corp.
3.000%, 02/10/25

     30,000        30,624  

Office Properties Income Trust

     

4.250%, 05/15/24

     380,000        395,231  

4.500%, 02/01/25

     10,000        10,461  

Omega Healthcare Investors, Inc.
5.250%, 01/15/26

     480,000        534,404  

People’s United Financial, Inc.
3.650%, 12/06/22

     30,000        31,180  

Piedmont Operating Partnership LP
4.450%, 03/15/24

     25,000        26,676  

Prudential Financial, Inc., MTN

     

4.600%, 05/15/44

     10,000        11,826  

6.625%, 06/21/40

     20,000        28,155  

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

     470,000        516,176  

Sabra Health Care LP / Sabra Capital Corp.
4.800%, 06/01/24

     10,000        10,661  

Santander Holdings USA, Inc.
4.400%, 07/13/27

     470,000        507,956  

Selective Insurance Group, Inc.
5.375%, 03/01/49

     25,000        29,797  

Service Properties Trust
5.250%, 02/15/26

     30,000        31,603  

Tanger Properties LP
3.125%, 09/01/261

     30,000        29,767  

Transatlantic Holdings, Inc.
8.000%, 11/30/39

     20,000        29,809  

Webster Financial Corp.
4.100%, 03/25/29

     425,000        451,277  

Welltower, Inc.
6.500%, 03/15/41

     220,000        298,626  

The Western Union Co.
6.200%, 11/17/36

     260,000        297,020  

Weyerhaeuser Co.
7.375%, 03/15/32

     25,000        34,595  

Total Financials

        9,483,158  

Industrials - 9.4%

     

AbbVie, Inc.
4.400%, 11/06/42

     575,000        619,306  

Ahold Finance USA LLC
6.875%, 05/01/29

     20,000        25,887  

Albemarle Corp.
5.450%, 12/01/44

     405,000        465,143  

Altria Group, Inc.
4.800%, 02/14/29

     505,000        563,358  
 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

15


Table of Contents
    

AMG Chicago Equity Partners Balanced Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments (continued)

 

 

 

     Principal
Amount
     Value  

Industrials - 9.4% (continued)

     

Amcor Finance USA, Inc.
3.625%, 04/28/262

   $ 15,000      $ 15,435  

AmerisourceBergen Corp.

     

4.250%, 03/01/45

     30,000        30,941  

4.300%, 12/15/47

     500,000        520,211  

Amgen, Inc.
4.950%, 10/01/41

     495,000        590,695  

Anheuser-Busch InBev Worldwide Inc.
8.200%, 01/15/39

     60,000        95,022  

AT&T Inc.
5.550%, 08/15/41

     30,000        36,776  

Autodesk, Inc.
3.500%, 06/15/27

     30,000        31,480  

AutoNation, Inc.
3.800%, 11/15/27

     30,000        30,519  

Avery Dennison Corp.
4.875%, 12/06/28

     25,000        28,336  

Avnet, Inc.
4.625%, 04/15/26

     30,000        31,771  

BAT Capital Corp.
3.557%, 08/15/27

     585,000        597,821  

Bemis Co., Inc.
4.500%, 10/15/212

     15,000        15,461  

Best Buy Co., Inc.
4.450%, 10/01/28

     25,000        27,461  

Biogen, Inc.
5.200%, 09/15/45

     410,000        495,886  

BorgWarner, Inc.
4.375%, 03/15/45

     455,000        473,637  

Broadcom Corp./Broadcom Cayman Finance, Ltd.
3.500%, 01/15/28

     55,000        55,396  

Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc.
3.400%, 06/27/26

     25,000        26,156  

Bunge, Ltd. Finance Corp.
3.750%, 09/25/27

     30,000        30,696  

Burlington Northern Santa Fe LLC
5.400%, 06/01/41

     40,000        51,841  

Campbell Soup Co.
4.150%, 03/15/28

     25,000        27,166  

Cardinal Health, Inc.
3.410%, 06/15/271

     490,000        501,647  

Cenovus Energy, Inc. (Canada)
4.250%, 04/15/271

     30,000        31,810  

Citrix Systems, Inc.
4.500%, 12/01/27

     420,000        455,541  

CNH Industrial, N.V. (United Kingdom)
3.850%, 11/15/27

     30,000        31,343  
     Principal
Amount
     Value  

Coca-Cola Consolidated, Inc.
3.800%, 11/25/251

   $ 25,000      $ 26,207  

Corning, Inc.
4.750%, 03/15/42

     390,000        443,895  

Crane Co.
4.200%, 03/15/48

     10,000        9,969  

Cummins, Inc.
4.875%, 10/01/43

     25,000        30,883  

Darden Restaurants, Inc.
4.550%, 02/15/48

     30,000        30,493  

Delta Air Lines, Inc.
4.375%, 04/19/281

     470,000        496,657  

Deutsche Telekom International Finance, B.V. (Netherlands)

     

8.750%, 06/15/304

     10,000        14,742  

9.250%, 06/01/32

     265,000        421,832  

Devon Energy Corp.
7.875%, 09/30/31

     25,000        34,861  

Discovery Communications LLC
6.350%, 06/01/40

     435,000        554,492  

Dollar General Corp.
3.875%, 04/15/27

     30,000        32,150  

The Dow Chemical Co.
5.250%, 11/15/41

     240,000        280,269  

DR Horton, Inc.
5.750%, 08/15/23

     425,000        470,092  

Eastman Chemical Co.
3.800%, 03/15/25

     30,000        31,669  

Embraer Netherlands Finance BV (Netherlands)
5.400%, 02/01/27

     340,000        383,642  

Eni USA, Inc.
7.300%, 11/15/27

     180,000        232,395  

Enterprise Products Operating LLC

     

5.700%, 02/15/42

     420,000        542,872  

5.950%, 02/01/41

     45,000        58,168  

EQT Corp.
4.875%, 11/15/21

     230,000        237,533  

Expedia, Inc.
3.800%, 02/15/28

     30,000        30,712  

General Electric Co., GMTN

     

3.450%, 05/15/24

     25,000        25,966  

4.125%, 10/09/42

     48,000        49,625  

5.875%, 01/14/38

     440,000        535,635  

Gilead Sciences, Inc.
5.650%, 12/01/41

     40,000        52,653  

GLP Capital, LP/GLP Financing II, Inc.
5.300%, 01/15/29

     15,000        16,695  

Halliburton Co.
4.500%, 11/15/41

     40,000        42,586  

Harley-Davidson, Inc.
4.625%, 07/28/45

     30,000        31,150  
 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

16


Table of Contents
    

AMG Chicago Equity Partners Balanced Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments (continued)

 

 

 

     Principal
Amount
     Value  

Industrials - 9.4% (continued)

     

Hasbro, Inc.
3.500%, 09/15/27

   $ 470,000      $ 468,504  

HCA, Inc.
5.250%, 06/15/26

     30,000        33,653  

Helmerich & Payne, Inc.
4.650%, 03/15/25

     25,000        27,327  

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co.
4.900%, 10/15/254

     495,000        550,622  

Hillenbrand, Inc.
4.500%, 09/15/26

     210,000        219,841  

HollyFrontier Corp.
5.875%, 04/01/26

     180,000        203,209  

Hubbell, Inc.
3.500%, 02/15/28

     25,000        25,716  

Hyatt Hotels Corp.
4.375%, 09/15/28

     415,000        450,967  

Ingersoll-Rand Global Holding Co., Ltd.
5.750%, 06/15/43

     10,000        12,780  

Ingersoll-Rand Luxembourg Finance, S.A. (Luxembourg)
3.500%, 03/21/26

     400,000        418,813  

Ingredion, Inc.
3.200%, 10/01/26

     30,000        30,358  

Jabil, Inc.
3.950%, 01/12/28

     30,000        30,851  

JB Hunt Transport Services, Inc.
3.875%, 03/01/26

     30,000        32,264  

Kennametal, Inc.
4.625%, 06/15/28

     435,000        461,780  

Keurig Dr Pepper, Inc.
4.597%, 05/25/28

     35,000        39,371  

Keysight Technologies, Inc.
4.600%, 04/06/27

     430,000        477,307  

Kinder Morgan, Inc.
4.300%, 03/01/28

     50,000        54,565  

KLA Corp.

     

4.125%, 11/01/21

     25,000        25,861  

5.000%, 03/15/49

     390,000        480,498  

Kohl’s Corp.
4.250%, 07/17/25

     450,000        478,699  

Lowe’s Cos., Inc.
4.650%, 04/15/42

     350,000        402,044  

LYB International Finance BV (Netherlands)
5.250%, 07/15/43

     20,000        23,669  

Macy’s Retail Holdings, Inc.
3.625%, 06/01/241

     470,000        475,133  

Marathon Oil Corp.
4.400%, 07/15/27

     455,000        495,249  
     Principal
Amount
     Value  

Marvell Technology Group, Ltd.
4.875%, 06/22/28

   $ 425,000      $ 470,022  

Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
3.450%, 06/15/27

     30,000        30,921  

McKesson Corp.

     

3.950%, 02/16/28

     435,000        464,483  

4.750%, 05/30/29

     30,000        33,763  

Methanex Corp. (Canada)
5.250%, 12/15/29

     30,000        31,060  

Micron Technology, Inc.
5.327%, 02/06/29

     420,000        482,337  

Mylan, Inc.
4.550%, 04/15/28

     280,000        301,704  

Noble Energy, Inc.
3.850%, 01/15/28

     35,000        37,015  

Nvent Finance Sarl (Luxembourg)
4.550%, 04/15/28

     460,000        477,913  

NVR, Inc.
3.950%, 09/15/22

     25,000        26,057  

NXP, B.V. / NXP Funding LLC (Netherlands)
5.550%, 12/01/282

     30,000        35,128  

Occidental Petroleum Corp.
4.625%, 06/15/45

     220,000        228,035  

Omnicom Group, Inc. / Omnicom Capital, Inc.
3.600%, 04/15/26

     30,000        31,634  

Oracle Corp.
3.250%, 11/15/27

     80,000        84,859  

Oshkosh Corp.
4.600%, 05/15/28

     25,000        26,736  

Owens Corning
3.400%, 08/15/26

     20,000        20,353  

Pentair Finance S.a.r.l. (Luxembourg)
4.500%, 07/01/29

     30,000        31,705  

Philip Morris International, Inc.
4.375%, 11/15/41

     495,000        549,693  

QUALCOMM, Inc.
4.800%, 05/20/45

     35,000        42,948  

RPM International, Inc.

     

3.750%, 03/15/27

     30,000        31,062  

4.550%, 03/01/29

     400,000        433,831  

S&P Global, Inc.
4.500%, 05/15/48

     10,000        12,207  

Schlumberger Investment, S.A. (Luxembourg)
3.650%, 12/01/23

     25,000        26,470  

Southern Copper Corp. (Peru)
3.875%, 04/23/25

     10,000        10,524  

Southwest Airlines Co.
3.450%, 11/16/27

     30,000        31,552  

TC PipeLines LP
3.900%, 05/25/27

     355,000        371,513  
 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

17


Table of Contents
    

AMG Chicago Equity Partners Balanced Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments (continued)

 

 

 

     Principal
Amount
     Value  

Industrials - 9.4% (continued)

     

Tech Data Corp.
3.700%, 02/15/22

   $ 10,000      $ 10,225  

Telefonica Emisiones, S.A. (Spain)
7.045%, 06/20/36

     210,000        294,329  

Tennessee Gas Pipeline Co. LLC
7.000%, 10/15/28

     195,000        250,181  

Thomson Reuters Corp. (Canada)
4.300%, 11/23/23

     650,000        697,965  

Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Co. LLC
4.000%, 03/15/28

     45,000        47,918  

Tyco Electronics Group, S.A. (Luxembourg)
7.125%, 10/01/37

     20,000        29,437  

Valero Energy Corp.
4.000%, 04/01/29

     35,000        37,792  

VMware, Inc.
3.900%, 08/21/27

     30,000        31,431  

Walmart, Inc.
1.900%, 12/15/20

     35,000        35,055  

Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corp.
4.950%, 09/15/284

     385,000        423,862  

Whirlpool Corp.

     

4.500%, 06/01/46

     450,000        467,454  

4.750%, 02/26/29

     30,000        33,454  

WPP Finance 2010 (United Kingdom)
3.750%, 09/19/24

     30,000        31,680  

WW Grainger, Inc.
4.600%, 06/15/45

     25,000        29,935  

Xilinx, Inc.
2.950%, 06/01/24

     25,000        25,713  

Total Industrials

        23,713,622  

Utilities - 2.1%

     

American Water Capital Corp.
2.950%, 09/01/27

     10,000        10,231  

Appalachian Power Co.
3.400%, 06/01/25

     15,000        15,605  

Arizona Public Service Co.
5.050%, 09/01/41

     210,000        256,073  

Avangrid, Inc.
3.800%, 06/01/29

     25,000        26,552  

Baker Hughes, a GE Co. LLC
5.125%, 09/15/40

     440,000        519,358  

Black Hills Corp.
3.950%, 01/15/26

     450,000        474,239  

Boardwalk Pipelines LP
5.950%, 06/01/26

     395,000        444,824  

CMS Energy Corp.
5.050%, 03/15/22

     30,000        31,669  
     Principal
Amount
     Value  

Dominion Energy Gas Holdings LLC Series B
3.000%, 11/15/29

   $ 350,000      $ 349,562  

Enable Midstream Partners LP
3.900%, 05/15/244

     30,000        30,756  

Enbridge Energy Partners LP
5.500%, 09/15/40

     35,000        41,704  

Enel Americas, S.A. (Chile)
4.000%, 10/25/26

     430,000        446,279  

Evergy Kansas Central, Inc.
4.125%, 03/01/42

     30,000        33,437  

National Fuel Gas Co.
4.750%, 09/01/28

     450,000        482,396  

ONE Gas, Inc.
4.658%, 02/01/44

     15,000        17,868  

PacifiCorp
4.100%, 02/01/42

     50,000        55,913  

Plains All American Pipeline, LP / PAA Finance Corp.
4.500%, 12/15/26

     480,000        511,942  

Progress Energy, Inc.
6.000%, 12/01/39

     460,000        606,858  

Southern California Edison Co.

     

4.000%, 04/01/47

     45,000        47,457  

4.050%, 03/15/42

     420,000        436,014  

Southwestern Electric Power Co.
6.200%, 03/15/40

     365,000        481,692  

The Toledo Edison Co.
6.150%, 05/15/37

     25,000        34,373  

Total Utilities

        5,354,802  

Total Corporate Bonds and Notes
(Cost $37,445,451)

        38,551,582  

U.S. Government and Agency Obligations - 18.5%

     

Fannie Mae - 3.3%

     

Federal National Mortgage Association

     

1.875%, 09/24/26

     345,000        344,599  

2.000%, 10/05/221

     565,000        571,229  

2.625%, 09/06/241

     565,000        588,462  

FNMA

     

2.000%, 01/01/30

     41,503        41,267  

2.500%, 04/01/28 to 05/01/43

     1,337,208        1,340,875  

3.000%, 03/01/42 to 01/01/47

     1,243,213        1,276,345  

3.500%, 11/01/25 to 08/01/48

     1,530,653        1,583,094  

4.000%, 12/01/21 to 11/01/48

     1,315,412        1,369,045  

4.500%, 06/01/39 to 12/01/48

     838,045        898,977  

5.000%, 09/01/33 to 10/01/41

     210,174        231,333  

5.500%, 02/01/35 to 05/01/39

     100,452        112,874  

Total Fannie Mae

        8,358,100  

Freddie Mac - 5.5%

     

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp.
2.375%, 01/13/22

     490,000        497,652  
 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

18


Table of Contents
    

AMG Chicago Equity Partners Balanced Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments (continued)

 

 

 

     Principal
Amount
     Value  

Freddie Mac - 5.5% (continued)

     

FHLMC Gold Pool

     

2.500%, 07/01/28 to 12/01/30

   $ 238,206      $ 241,601  

3.000%, 01/01/29 to 01/01/48

     4,014,327        4,117,934  

3.500%, 03/01/42 to 09/01/48

     4,845,453        5,029,127  

4.000%, 03/01/44 to 09/01/48

     2,807,947        2,964,582  

4.500%, 02/01/39 to 04/01/44

     612,701        662,291  

5.000%, 07/01/35 to 07/01/41

     333,376        367,743  

Total Freddie Mac

        13,880,930  

U.S. Treasury Obligations - 9.7%

     

U.S. Treasury Bonds

     

2.250%, 08/15/49

     300,000        291,943  

2.750%, 08/15/47

     1,620,000        1,742,291  

3.000%, 02/15/49

     1,040,000        1,176,683  

U.S. Treasury Notes

     

1.125%, 07/31/21

     2,000,000        1,985,508  

1.500%, 01/31/22

     1,725,000        1,722,776  

1.625%, 11/15/22

     2,090,000        2,091,837  

1.750%, 05/15/22 to 09/30/22

     3,295,000        3,308,679  

1.875%, 11/30/21 to 08/31/22

     4,155,000        4,183,621  

2.000%, 02/15/23 to 02/15/25

     4,335,000        4,392,673  

2.125%, 12/31/21

     1,810,000        1,829,408  

2.250%, 04/30/21 to 11/15/25

     1,215,000        1,237,777  

2.375%, 08/15/24

     400,000        412,352  

Total U.S. Treasury Obligations

        24,375,548  

Total U.S. Government and Agency Obligations
(Cost $45,700,494)

        46,614,578  
     Shares         

Exchange Traded Funds - 1.0%

     

iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF

     3,900        686,088  

iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF

     13,800        1,883,424  

Total Exchange Traded Funds (Cost $2,560,604)

        2,569,512  

Preferred Stocks - 0.0%#

     

Industrials - 0.0%#

     

Sixt SE (Germany)

     300        21,826  

Materials - 0.0%#

     

STO SE & Co. KGaA (Germany)

     200        25,575  

Total Preferred Stocks
(Cost $43,413)

        47,401  
     Principal
Amount
        

Short-Term Investments - 4.0%

     

Joint Repurchase Agreements - 1.8%5

     

Bank of Montreal, dated 12/31/19, due 01/02/20, 1.570% total to be received $1,038,702 (collateralized by various U.S. Government Agency Obligations, 2.500% - 5.000%, 04/20/49 - 12/01/49, totaling $1,059,383)

   $ 1,038,611        1,038,611  
     Principal
Amount
     Value  

Citadel Securities LLC, dated 12/31/19, due 01/02/20, 1.600% total to be received $217,842 (collateralized by various U.S. Treasuries, 0.000% - 8.500%, 01/15/20 - 11/15/48, totaling $222,199)

   $ 217,823      $ 217,823  

Citigroup Global Markets, Inc., dated 12/31/19, due 01/02/20, 1.570% total to be received $1,038,702 (collateralized by various U.S. Government Agency Obligations and U.S. Treasuries, 0.000% - 9.000%, 02/13/20 -09/20/69, totaling $1,059,383)

     1,038,611        1,038,611  

Morgan, Stanley & Co. LLC, dated 12/31/19, due 01/02/20, 1.570% total to be received $1,038,702 (collateralized by various U.S. Government Agency Obligations, 2.000% -6.500%, 07/01/27 - 01/01/50, totaling $1,059,383)

     1,038,611        1,038,611  

RBC Dominion Securities, Inc., dated 12/31/19, due 01/02/20, 1.570% total to be received $1,038,702 (collateralized by various U.S. Government Agency Obligations and U.S. Treasuries, 0.000% - 6.500%, 06/30/21 -12/01/49, totaling $1,059,383)

     1,038,611        1,038,611  

Total Joint Repurchase Agreements

        4,372,267  
     Shares         

Other Investment Companies - 2.2%

     

Dreyfus Government Cash Management Fund, Institutional Shares, 1.51%6

     1,825,651        1,825,651  

Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Government Money Market Fund, Institutional Shares, 1.55%6

     1,825,651        1,825,651  

JPMorgan U.S. Government Money Market Fund, IM Shares, 1.53%6

     1,880,974        1,880,974  

Total Other Investment Companies

        5,532,276  

Total Short-Term Investments
(Cost $9,904,543)

        9,904,543  

Total Investments - 102.8%
(Cost $237,242,914)

        258,675,310  

Other Assets, less Liabilities - (2.8)%

        (6,968,006

Net Assets - 100.0%

      $ 251,707,304  
 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

19


Table of Contents
    

AMG Chicago Equity Partners Balanced Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments (continued)

 

 

 

* 

Non-income producing security.

# 

Less than 0.05%.

1 

Some of these securities, amounting to $14,409,829 or 5.7% of net assets, were out on loan to various borrowers and are collateralized by cash and various U.S. Treasury Obligations. See Note 4 of Notes to Financial Statements.

2 

Security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. This security may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified buyers. At December 31, 2019, the value of these securities amounted to $776,294 or 0.3% of net assets.

3 

Variable rate security. The rate shown is based on the latest available information as of December 31, 2019. Certain variable rate securities are not based on a published reference rate and spread but are determined by the issuer or agent and are based on current market conditions. These securities do not indicate a reference rate and spread in their description above.

4 

Step Bond: A debt instrument with either deferred interest payments or an interest rate that resets at specific times during its term.

5

Cash collateral received for securities lending activity was invested in these joint repurchase agreements.

6

Yield shown represents the December 31, 2019, seven day average yield, which refers to the sum of the previous seven days’ dividends paid, expressed as an annual percentage.

 

ETF    Exchange Traded Fund
FHLMC    Freddie Mac
FNMA    Fannie Mae
GMTN    Global Medium-Term Notes
LIBOR    London Interbank Offered Rate
MTN    Medium-Term Note
REIT    Real Estate Investment Trust
 

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments by the fair value hierarchy levels as of December 31, 2019:

 

     Level 1      Level 21      Level 3      Total  

Investments in Securities

           

Common Stocks

           

Information Technology

   $ 26,294,243      $ 1,017,298        —        $ 27,311,541  

Financials

     25,755,178        961,594        —          26,716,772  

Health Care

     19,084,864        688,175        —          19,773,039  

Industrials

     15,352,153        2,005,911        —          17,358,064  

Communication Services

     13,944,310        484,977        —          14,429,287  

Consumer Discretionary

     13,231,742        1,061,454        —          14,293,196  

Consumer Staples

     11,601,626        464,786        —          12,066,412  

Real Estate

     7,245,213        813,089        —          8,058,302  

Utilities

     7,569,596        271,871        —          7,841,467  

Energy

     7,339,516        370,340        —          7,709,856  

Materials

     4,892,142        537,616        —          5,429,758  

Corporate Bonds and Notes

     —          38,551,582        —          38,551,582  

U.S. Government and Agency Obligations

     —          46,614,578        —          46,614,578  

Exchange Traded Funds

     2,569,512        —          —          2,569,512  

Preferred Stocks

     25,575        21,826        —          47,401  

Short-Term Investments

           

Joint Repurchase Agreements

     —          4,372,267        —          4,372,267  

Other Investment Companies

     5,532,276        —          —          5,532,276  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities

   $ 160,437,946      $ 98,237,364        —        $ 258,675,310  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

All corporate bonds and notes and U.S. government and agency obligations held in the Fund are Level 2 securities. For a detailed breakout of corporate bonds and notes and U.S. government and agency obligations by major industry or agency classification, please refer to the Fund’s Schedule of Portfolio Investments.

1 

An external pricing service is used to reflect any impact on security value due to market movements between the time the Fund valued such foreign securities and the earlier closing of foreign markets.

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, there were no transfers in or out of Level 3.

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

20


Table of Contents
    

AMG Chicago Equity Partners Balanced Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments (continued)

 

 

 

The country allocation in the Schedule of Portfolio Investments at December 31, 2019, was as follows:

 

Country

   % of Long-Term
Investments
 

Australia

     0.3  

Austria

     0.0 # 

Belgium

     0.1  

Bermuda

     0.2  

Canada

     0.3  

Chile

     0.2  

Denmark

     0.1  

Finland

     0.1  

France

     0.2  

Georgia

     0.0 # 

Germany

     0.2  

Gibraltar

     0.0 # 

Hong Kong

     0.2  

Ireland

     1.0  

Israel

     0.1  

Italy

     0.1  

Japan

     1.5  

Luxembourg

     0.4  

Netherlands

     0.4  

New Zealand

     0.0 # 

Norway

     0.1  

Peru

     0.0 # 

Portugal

     0.1  

Puerto Rico

     0.2  

Singapore

     0.1  

Spain

     0.2  

Sweden

     0.3  

Switzerland

     0.2  

United Kingdom

     1.3  

United States

     92.1  
  

 

 

 
     100.0  
  

 

 

 

 

# 

Less than 0.05%.

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

21


Table of Contents
    

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

December 31, 2019

 

 

 

     AMG
Chicago Equity
Partners
Balanced Fund
 

Assets:

  

Investments at value1 (including securities on loan valued at $14,409,829)

   $ 258,675,310  

Foreign currency2

     794  

Dividend, interest and other receivables

     858,489  

Receivable for Fund shares sold

     411,866  

Receivable from affiliate

     28,164  

Prepaid expenses and other assets

     31,988  

Total assets

     260,006,611  

Liabilities:

  

Payable upon return of securities loaned

     4,372,267  

Payable for investments purchased

     2,560,604  

Payable for Fund shares repurchased

     1,068,318  

Accrued expenses:

  

Investment advisory and management fees

     130,758  

Administrative fees

     32,690  

Distribution fees

     14,928  

Shareholder service fees

     19,025  

Other

     100,717  

Total liabilities

     8,299,307  

Net Assets

   $ 251,707,304  

1 Investments at cost

   $ 237,242,914  

2 Foreign currency at cost

   $ 787  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

22


Table of Contents
    

Statement of Assets and Liabilities (continued)

 

 

 

     AMG
Chicago Equity
Partners
Balanced Fund
 

Net Assets Represent:

  

Paid-in capital

   $ 225,639,912  

Total distributable earnings

     26,067,392  

Net Assets

   $ 251,707,304  

Class N:

  

Net Assets

   $ 69,774,396  

Shares outstanding

     4,095,796  

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share

   $ 17.04  

Class I:

  

Net Assets

   $ 173,575,052  

Shares outstanding

     10,082,081  

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share

   $ 17.22  

Class Z:

  

Net Assets

   $ 8,357,856  

Shares outstanding

     485,587  

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share

   $ 17.21  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

23


Table of Contents
    

Statement of Operations

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019

 

 

 

     AMG
Chicago Equity
Partners
Balanced Fund
 

Investment Income:

  

Dividend income

   $ 3,310,980  

Interest income

     3,489,477  

Securities lending income

     22,332  

Foreign withholding tax

     (34,308

Total investment income

     6,788,481  

Expenses:

  

Investment advisory and management fees

     1,568,773  

Administrative fees

     392,193  

Distribution fees - Class N

     183,674  

Shareholder servicing fees - Class I

     175,098  

Custodian fees

     180,024  

Registration fees

     63,792  

Professional fees

     61,112  

Reports to shareholders

     42,293  

Transfer agent fees

     30,585  

Trustee fees and expenses

     24,315  

Miscellaneous

     15,190  

Total expenses before offsets

     2,737,049  

Expense reimbursements

     (179,640

Expense reductions

     (14,642

Net expenses

     2,542,767  

Net investment income

     4,245,714  

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain:

  

Net realized gain on investments

     13,224,295  

Net realized loss on foreign currency transactions

     (20,305

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments

     23,461,839  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on foreign currency translations

     136  

Net realized and unrealized gain

     36,665,965  

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

   $ 40,911,679  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

24


Table of Contents
    

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

For the fiscal years ended December 31,

 

 

 

     AMG  
     Chicago Equity  
     Partners  
     Balanced Fund  
     2019     2018  

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting From Operations:

    

Net investment income

   $ 4,245,714     $ 2,559,166  

Net realized gain on investments

     13,203,990       11,430,725  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments

     23,461,975       (23,698,513

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

     40,911,679       (9,708,622

Distributions to Shareholders:

    

Class N

     (4,102,350     (4,965,289

Class I

     (10,291,326     (11,086,856

Class Z

     (493,265     (569,332

Total distributions to shareholders

     (14,886,941     (16,621,477

Capital Share Transactions:1

    

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

     (24,570,919     80,294,870  

Total increase in net assets

     1,453,819       53,964,771  

Net Assets:

    

Beginning of year

     250,253,485       196,288,714  

End of year

   $ 251,707,304     $ 250,253,485  

 

1 

See Note 1(g) of the Notes to Financial Statements.

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

25


Table of Contents
    

AMG Chicago Equity Partners Balanced Fund

Financial Highlights

For a share outstanding throughout each fiscal year

 

 

 

     For the fiscal years ended December 31,  
Class N    2019     2018     2017     20161     2015  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year

   $ 15.45     $ 17.03     $ 15.45     $ 14.92     $ 15.09  

Income (loss) from Investment Operations:

          

Net investment income2,3

     0.25       0.18       0.10       0.14 4       0.10 5  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     2.35       (0.67     2.30       0.54       0.23  

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     2.60       (0.49     2.40       0.68       0.33  

Less Distributions to Shareholders from:

          

Net investment income

     (0.27     (0.16     (0.11     (0.14     (0.11

Net realized gain on investments

     (0.74     (0.93     (0.71     (0.01     (0.39

Total distributions to shareholders

     (1.01     (1.09     (0.82     (0.15     (0.50

Net Asset Value, End of Year

   $ 17.04     $ 15.45     $ 17.03     $ 15.45     $ 14.92  

Total Return3,6

     16.96     (2.89 )%      15.54     4.59     2.19

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets7

     1.08     1.08     1.09     1.08     1.08

Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets8

     1.16     1.15     1.14     1.25     1.36

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets3

     1.51     1.02     0.63     0.94     0.64

Portfolio turnover

     123     80     75     119     105

Net assets end of year (000’s) omitted

   $ 69,774     $ 75,271     $ 74,315     $ 92,502     $ 94,476  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

26


Table of Contents
    

AMG Chicago Equity Partners Balanced Fund

Financial Highlights

For a share outstanding throughout each fiscal year

 

 

 

     For the fiscal years ended December 31,  
Class I    2019     2018     2017     20161     2015  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year

   $ 15.60     $ 17.19     $ 15.59     $ 15.05     $ 15.23  

Income (loss) from Investment Operations:

          

Net investment income2,3

     0.28       0.21       0.13       0.17 4       0.12 5  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     2.38       (0.68     2.31       0.54       0.23  

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     2.66       (0.47     2.44       0.71       0.35  

Less Distributions to Shareholders from:

          

Net investment income

     (0.30     (0.19     (0.13     (0.16     (0.14

Net realized gain on investments

     (0.74     (0.93     (0.71     (0.01     (0.39

Total distributions to shareholders

     (1.04     (1.12     (0.84     (0.17     (0.53

Net Asset Value, End of Year

   $ 17.22     $ 15.60     $ 17.19     $ 15.59     $ 15.05  

Total Return3,6

     17.17     (2.77 )%      15.71     4.79     2.29

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets7

     0.93     0.92     0.94     0.93     0.93

Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets8

     1.01     0.99     0.99     1.10     1.21

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets3

     1.66     1.18     0.78     1.09     0.80

Portfolio turnover

     123     80     75     119     105

Net assets end of year (000’s) omitted

   $ 173,575     $ 166,554     $ 114,913     $ 75,890     $ 60,798  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

27


Table of Contents
    

AMG Chicago Equity Partners Balanced Fund

Financial Highlights

For a share outstanding throughout each fiscal year

 

 

 

     For the fiscal years ended December 31,  
Class Z    2019     2018     2017     20161     2015  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year

   $ 15.60     $ 17.19     $ 15.58     $ 15.05     $ 15.22  

Income (loss) from Investment Operations:

          

Net investment income2,3

     0.30       0.22       0.15       0.18 4       0.14 5  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     2.37       (0.67     2.32       0.54       0.23  

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     2.67       (0.45     2.47       0.72       0.37  

Less Distributions to Shareholders from:

          

Net investment income

     (0.32     (0.21     (0.15     (0.18     (0.15

Net realized gain on investments

     (0.74     (0.93     (0.71     (0.01     (0.39

Total distributions to shareholders

     (1.06     (1.14     (0.86     (0.19     (0.54

Net Asset Value, End of Year

   $ 17.21     $ 15.60     $ 17.19     $ 15.58     $ 15.05  

Total Return3,6

     17.21     (2.68 )%      15.90     4.82     2.44

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets7

     0.83     0.83     0.84     0.83     0.83

Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets8

     0.91     0.90     0.89     1.00     1.09

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets3

     1.76     1.27     0.88     1.20     0.89

Portfolio turnover

     123     80     75     119     105

Net assets end of year (000’s) omitted

   $ 8,358     $ 8,429     $ 7,060     $ 5,796     $ 1,709  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

1 

Effective October 1, 2016, the Investor Class, Service Class and Institutional Class were renamed Class N, Class I and Class Z, respectively.

2 

Per share numbers have been calculated using average shares.

3 

Total returns and net investment income would have been lower had certain expenses not been offset.

4 

Includes non-recurring dividends. Without these dividends, net investment income per share would have been $0.12, $0.15, and $0.16 for Class N, Class I, and Class Z shares, respectively.

5 

Includes non-recurring dividends. Without these dividends, net investment income per share would have been $0.09, $0.11, and $0.13 for Class N, Class I and Class Z shares, respectively.

6 

The total return is calculated using the published Net Asset Value as of fiscal year end.

7 

Includes reduction from broker recapture amounting to 0.01% for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, less than 0.01%, 0.01% and 0.01% for the fiscal years ended 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

8 

Excludes the impact of expense reimbursement or fee waivers and expense reductions such as brokerage credits, but includes expense repayments and non-reimbursable expenses, if any, such as interest, taxes, and extraordinary expenses. (See Note 1(c) and 2 in the Notes to Financial Statements.)

 

 

28


Table of Contents
    

Notes to Financial Statements     

December 31, 2019

 

 

 

1. ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

AMG Funds II (the “Trust”) is an open-end management investment company, organized as a Massachusetts business trust, and registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). Currently, the Trust consists of a number of different funds, each having distinct investment management objectives, strategies, risks, and policies. Included in this report is AMG Chicago Equity Partners Balanced Fund (the “Fund.”)

The Fund offers Class N, Class I and Class Z shares. Each class represents an interest in the same assets of the respective Fund. Although all share classes generally have identical voting rights, each share class votes separately when required by law. Different share classes may have different net asset values per share to the extent the share classes pay different distribution amounts and/or the expenses of such share classes differ. Each share class has its own expense structure. Please refer to a current prospectus for additional information on each share class.

The Fund’s financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”), including accounting and reporting guidance pursuant to Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946 applicable to investment companies. U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates and such differences could be material. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Fund in the preparation of its financial statements:

a. VALUATION OF INVESTMENTS

Equity securities traded on a national securities exchange or reported on the NASDAQ national market system (“NMS”) are valued at the last quoted sales price on the primary exchange or, if applicable, the NASDAQ official closing price or the official closing price of the relevant exchange or, lacking any sales, at the last quoted bid price or the mean between the last quoted bid and ask prices (the “exchange mean price”). Equity securities traded in the over-the-counter market (other than NMS securities) are valued at the mean price. Foreign equity securities (securities principally traded in markets other than U.S. markets) are valued at the official closing price on the primary exchange or, for markets that either do not offer an official closing price or where the official closing price may not be representative of the overall market, the last quoted sale price.

Fixed income securities purchased with a remaining maturity exceeding 60 days are valued at the evaluated mean price provided by an authorized pricing service or, if an evaluated price is not available, by reference to other securities which are considered comparable in credit rating, interest rate, due date and other features (generally referred to as “matrix pricing”) or other similar pricing methodologies. Investments in certain mortgage-backed and stripped mortgage-backed securities and other debt securities not traded on an organized securities market are valued on the basis of valuations provided by dealers or by a pricing service which uses information with respect to transactions in such securities and various relationships between such securities and yield to maturity in determining value.

Fixed income securities purchased with a remaining maturity of 60 days or less are valued at amortized cost, provided that the amortized cost value is

approximately the same as the fair value of the security valued without the use of amortized cost. Investments in other open-end registered investment companies are valued at their end of day net asset value per share.

The Fund’s portfolio investments are generally valued based on independent market quotations or prices or, if none, “evaluative” or other market based valuations provided by third party pricing services approved by the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board”). Under certain circumstances, the value of certain Fund portfolio investments may be based on an evaluation of fair value, pursuant to procedures established by and under the general supervision of the Board. The Valuation Committee, which is comprised of the Independent Trustees of the Board, and the Pricing Committee, which is comprised of representatives from AMG Funds LLC (the “Investment Manager”) are the committees appointed by the Board to make fair value determinations. The Fund may use the fair value of a portfolio investment to calculate its net asset value (“NAV”) in the event that the market quotation, price or market based valuation for the portfolio investment is not readily available or otherwise not determinable pursuant to the Board’s valuation procedures, if the Investment Manager or the Pricing Committee believes the quotation, price or market based valuation to be unreliable, or in certain other circumstances. When determining the fair value of an investment, the Pricing Committee and, if required under the Trust’s securities valuation procedures, the Valuation Committee, seeks to determine the price that the Fund might reasonably expect to receive from current sale of that portfolio investment in an arms-length transaction. Fair value determinations shall be based upon consideration of all available facts and information, including, but not limited to (i) attributes specific to the investment; (ii) fundamental and analytical data relating to the investment; and (iii) the value of other comparable securities or relevant financial instruments, including derivative securities, traded on other markets or among dealers.

The values assigned to fair value portfolio investments are based on available information and do not necessarily represent amounts that might ultimately be realized in the future, since such amounts depend on future developments inherent in long-term investments. Because of the inherent uncertainty of valuation, those estimated values may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a ready market for the investments existed, and the differences could be material. The Board will be presented with a quarterly report showing as of the most recent quarter end, all outstanding securities fair valued by the Fund, including a comparison with the prior quarter end and the percentage of the Fund that the security represents at each quarter end.

With respect to foreign equity securities and certain foreign fixed income securities, the Board has adopted a policy that securities held in the Fund that can be fair valued by the applicable fair value pricing service are fair valued on each business day provided that each individual price exceeds a pre-established confidence level.

U.S. GAAP defines fair value as the price that a fund would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. U.S. GAAP also establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and a three level hierarchy for fair value measurements based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability. Inputs may be observable or unobservable and refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Fund. Unobservable inputs reflect the Fund’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. Each investment is

 

 

 

29


Table of Contents
    

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

 

 

assigned a level based upon the observability of the inputs which are significant to the overall valuation.

The three-tier hierarchy of inputs is summarized below:

Level 1 – inputs are quoted prices in active markets for identical investments (e.g., equity securities, open-end investment companies)

Level 2 – other observable inputs (including, but not limited to: quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in markets that are active, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the assets or liabilities (such as interest rates, yield curves, volatilities, prepayment speeds, loss severities, credit risks and default rates) or other market corroborated inputs) (e.g., debt securities, government securities, foreign currency exchange contracts, swaps, foreign securities utilizing international fair value pricing, fair valued securities with observable inputs)

Level 3 – inputs are significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions used to determine the fair value of investments) (e.g., fair valued securities with unobservable inputs)

Changes in inputs or methodologies used for valuing investments may result in a transfer in or out of levels within the fair value hierarchy. The inputs or methodologies used for valuing investments may not necessarily be an indication of the risk associated with investing in those investments.

b. SECURITY TRANSACTIONS

Security transactions are accounted for as of trade date. Realized gains and losses on securities sold are determined on the basis of identified cost.

c. INVESTMENT INCOME AND EXPENSES

Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Dividends from foreign securities are recorded on the ex-dividend date, and if after the fact, as soon as the Funds become aware of the ex-dividend date. Interest income, which includes amortization of premium and accretion of discount on debt securities, is accrued as earned. Dividend and interest income on foreign securities is recorded gross of any withholding tax. Non-cash dividends included in dividend income, if any, are reported at the fair market value of the securities received. Upon notification from issuers, distributions received from a real estate investment trust (“REIT”) may be redesignated as a reduction of cost of investments and/or realized gain. Other income and expenses are recorded on an accrual basis. Expenses that cannot be directly attributed to a Fund are apportioned among the funds in the Trust and other trusts or funds within the AMG Funds Family of Funds (collectively the “AMG Funds Family”) based upon their relative average net assets or number of shareholders. Investment income, realized and unrealized capital gains and losses, the common expenses of each Fund, and certain fund level expense reductions, if any, are allocated on a pro-rata basis to each class based on the relative net assets of each class to the total net assets of each Fund.

The Fund had certain portfolio trades directed to various brokers under a brokerage recapture program. Credits received from the brokerage recapture program are earned and paid on a monthly basis, and are recorded as expense offsets, which serve to reduce the Fund’s overall expense ratio. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, the impact on the expenses and expense ratios were as follows: $14,642 or 0.01%.

d. DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS

Fund distributions resulting from either net investment income or realized net capital gains, if any, will normally be declared and paid at least annually in December. Distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Distributions are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from net investment income and net realized capital gains for financial statement purposes (U.S. GAAP). Differences may be permanent or temporary. Permanent differences are reclassified among capital accounts in the financial statements to reflect their tax character. Permanent book and tax basis differences, if any, relating to shareholder distributions will result in reclassifications to paid-in capital. Temporary differences arise when certain items of income, expense and gain or loss are recognized in different periods for financial statement and tax purposes; these differences will reverse at some time in the future. Temporary differences are due to wash sales and PFIC mark to market.

The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 were as follows:

 

Distributions paid from:    2019      2018  

Ordinary income

   $ 4,414,354      $ 2,473,972  

Short-term capital gains

     —          4,164,098  

Long-term capital gains

     10,472,587        9,983,986  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 14,886,941      $ 16,622,056  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2019, the components of distributable earnings (excluding unrealized appreciation/depreciation) on a tax basis consisted of:

 

Undistributed ordinary income

   $ 89,747  

Undistributed long-term capital gains

     4,925,039  

At December 31, 2019, the cost of investments and the aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation for federal income tax purposes were as follows:

 

Cost    Appreciation      Depreciation     Net  

$237,622,783

   $ 24,297,346      $ (3,244,740   $ 21,052,606  

e. FEDERAL TAXES

The Fund currently qualifies as an investment company and intends to comply with the requirements under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and to distribute substantially all of its taxable income and gains to its shareholders and to meet certain diversification and income requirements with respect to investment companies. Therefore, no provision for federal income or excise tax is included in the accompanying financial statements.

Additionally, based on the Fund’s understanding of the tax rules and rates related to income, gains and transactions for the foreign jurisdictions in which it invests, the Fund will provide for foreign taxes, and where appropriate, deferred foreign taxes.

Management has analyzed the Fund’s tax positions taken on federal income tax returns as of December 31, 2019, and for all open tax years (generally, the three prior taxable years), and has concluded that no provision for federal income tax is required in the Fund’s financial statements. Additionally, Management is not aware

 

 

 

30


Table of Contents
    

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

 

 

of any tax position for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will change materially in the next twelve months.

f. CAPITAL LOSS CARRYOVERS AND DEFERRALS

As of December 31, 2019, the Fund had no capital loss carryovers for federal income tax purposes. Should the Fund incur net capital losses for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, such amounts may be used to offset future realized capital gains indefinitely, and retain their character as short-term and/or long-term.

 

 

g. CAPITAL STOCK

The Trust’s Declaration of Trust authorizes for the Fund the issuance of an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest, without par value. The Fund records sales and repurchases of its capital stock on the trade date.

For the fiscal years ended December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the capital stock transactions by class for the Fund were as follows:

 

     December 31, 2019      December 31, 2018  
     Shares      Amount      Shares      Amount  

Class N:

           

Proceeds from sale of shares

     755,483      $ 12,585,390        1,829,410      $ 31,862,118  

Reinvestment of distributions

     219,225        3,700,415        275,306        4,281,568  

Cost of shares repurchased

     (1,751,239      (29,287,443      (1,595,686      (27,737,463
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     (776,531    $ (13,001,638      509,030      $ 8,406,223  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Class I:

           

Proceeds from sale of shares

     2,971,394      $ 49,904,550        5,399,926      $ 94,484,167  

Reinvestment of distributions

     320,513        5,466,578        364,983        5,735,369  

Cost of shares repurchased

     (3,884,175      (66,016,224      (1,775,098      (30,603,938
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     (592,268    $ (10,645,096      3,989,811      $ 69,615,598  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Class Z:

           

Proceeds from sale of shares

     55,790      $ 947,599        183,387      $ 3,281,181  

Reinvestment of distributions

     28,546        486,627        33,709        529,976  

Cost of shares repurchased

     (139,084      (2,358,411      (87,554      (1,538,108
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     (54,748    $ (924,185      129,542      $ 2,273,049  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

 

 

h. REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS AND JOINT REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS

The Fund may enter into third-party repurchase agreements for temporary cash management purposes and third-party or bilateral joint repurchase agreements for reinvestment of cash collateral on securities lending transactions under the securities lending program offered by The Bank of New York Mellon (“BNYM”) (the “Program”) (collectively, “Repurchase Agreements”). The value of the underlying collateral, including accrued interest, must equal or exceed the value of the Repurchase Agreements during the term of the agreement. For joint repurchase agreements, the Fund participates on a pro rata basis with other clients of BNYM in its share of the underlying collateral under such joint repurchase agreements and in its share of proceeds from any repurchase or other disposition of the underlying collateral. The underlying collateral for all Repurchase Agreements is held in safekeeping by the Fund’s custodian or at the Federal Reserve Bank. If the seller defaults and the value of the collateral declines, or if bankruptcy proceedings commence with respect to the seller of the security, realization of the collateral by the Fund may be delayed or limited. Pursuant to the Program, the Fund is indemnified for such losses by BNYM on joint repurchase agreements.

At December 31, 2019, the market value of Repurchase Agreements outstanding was $4,372,267.

i. FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION

The books and records of the Fund are maintained in U.S. dollars. The value of investments, assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars are translated into U.S. dollars based upon current foreign exchange rates. Purchases and sales of foreign investments, income and expenses are converted into U.S. dollars based on currency exchange rates prevailing on the respective dates of such transactions. Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on foreign currency transactions represent: (1) foreign exchange gains and losses from the sale and holdings of foreign currencies; (2) gains and losses between trade date and settlement date on investment securities transactions and foreign currency exchange contracts; and (3) gains and losses from the difference between amounts of interest and dividends recorded and the amounts actually received.

The Fund does not isolate the net realized and unrealized gain or loss resulting from changes in exchange rates from the fluctuations in market prices of securities held. Such fluctuations are included with the net realized and unrealized gain or loss on investments.

2. AGREEMENTS AND TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES

The Trust has entered into an investment advisory agreement under which the Investment Manager, a subsidiary and the U.S. retail distribution arm of Affiliated Managers Group, Inc. (“AMG”), serves as investment manager to the Fund and is responsible for the Fund’s overall administration and operations. The Investment Manager selects one or more subadvisers for the Fund (subject to Board approval) and monitors each subadviser’s investment performance, security holdings and investment strategies. The Fund’s investment portfolio is managed by Chicago Equity Partners, LLC (“CEP”) who serves pursuant to a subadvisory agreement with the Investment Manager. AMG indirectly owns a majority interest in CEP.

Investment management fees are paid directly by the Fund to the Investment Manager based on average daily net assets. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, the Fund paid an investment management fee at the annual rate of 0.60% of the average daily net assets of the Fund.

The Investment Manager has contractually agreed, through at least May 1, 2020, to waive management fees and/or pay or reimburse fund expenses in order to limit total annual Fund operating expenses after fee waiver and expense reimbursements (exclusive of taxes, interest (including interest incurred in connection with bank and custody overdrafts, and in connection with securities sold short), shareholder servicing fees, distribution and service (12b-1) fees, brokerage commissions and other transaction costs, dividends payable with respect to securities sold short, acquired fund fees and expenses and extraordinary expenses) of the Fund to the annual rate of 0.84% of the Fund’s average daily net assets (this annual rate or such other annual rate that may be in effect from time to time, the “Expense Cap”), subject to later reimbursement by the Fund in certain circumstances.

The contractual expense limitation may only be terminated in the event the Investment Manager or a successor ceases to be the investment manager of the Fund or a successor fund, by mutual agreement between the Investment Manager and the Board, or in the event of the Fund’s liquidation unless the Fund is reorganized or is a party to a merger in which the surviving entity is successor to the accounting and performance information of the Fund.

In general, for a period of up to 36 months, the Investment Manager may recover from the Fund fees waived and expenses paid pursuant to this contractual agreement, provided that such repayment would not cause the Fund’s total annual operating expenses after fee waiver and expense reimbursements (exclusive of the items noted in the parenthetical above) to exceed the contractual expense limitation amount.

At December 31, 2019, the Fund’s expiration of reimbursements subject to recoupment is as follows:

 

Expiration

Period

      

Less than 1 year

   $ 92,722  

1-2 years

     132,068  

2-3 years

     179,640  
  

 

 

 

Total

   $ 404,430  
  

 

 

 

The Trust, on behalf of the Fund, has entered into an amended and restated Administration Agreement under which the Investment Manager serves as the Fund’s administrator (the “Administrator”) and is responsible for all non-portfolio management aspects of managing the Fund’s operations, including administration and shareholder services to the Fund. The Fund pays a fee to the Administrator at the rate of 0.15% per annum of the Fund’s average daily net assets for this service.

The Fund is distributed by AMG Distributors, Inc. (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Investment Manager. The Distributor serves as the distributor and underwriter for the Fund and is a registered broker-dealer and member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”). Shares of the Fund will be continuously offered and will be sold directly to prospective purchasers and through brokers, dealers or other financial intermediaries who have executed selling agreements with the Distributor. Generally the Distributor bears all or a portion of the expenses of providing services pursuant to the distribution agreement, including the payment of the expenses relating to the distribution of prospectuses for sales purposes and any advertising or sales literature.

The Fund has adopted a distribution and service plan (the “Plan”) with respect to the Class N shares, in accordance with the requirements of Rule 12b-1 under the

 

 

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

 

 

1940 Act and the requirements of the applicable rules of FINRA regarding asset-based sales charges. Pursuant to the Plan, the Fund may make payments to the Distributor for its expenditures in financing any activity primarily intended to result in the sale of the Fund’s Class N shares and for maintenance and personal service provided to existing shareholders of that class. The Plan authorized payments to the Distributor up to 0.25% annually of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to the Class N shares.

For Class I shares, the Board has approved reimbursement payments to the Investment Manager for shareholder servicing expenses (“shareholder servicing fees”) incurred. Shareholder servicing fees include payments to financial intermediaries, such as broker-dealers (including fund supermarket platforms), banks, and trust companies who provide shareholder recordkeeping, account servicing and other services. Class I shares, may reimburse the Investment Manager for the actual amount incurred up to a maximum annual rate of each Class’s average daily net assets as shown in the table below.

The impact on the annualized expense ratios for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, were as follows:

 

     Maximum
Annual
Amount
Approved
    Actual
Amount
Incurred
 

Class I

     0.10     0.10
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The Board provides supervision of the affairs of the Trust and other trusts within the AMG Funds family. The Trustees of the Trust who are not affiliated with the Investment Manager receive an annual retainer and per meeting fees for regular, special and telephonic meetings, and they are reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses incurred while carrying out their duties as Board members. The Chairman of the Board and the Audit Committee Chair receive additional annual retainers. Certain Trustees and Officers of the Fund are Officers and/or Directors of the Investment Manager, AMG and/or the Distributor.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) granted an exemptive order that permits the Fund to lend and borrow money for certain temporary purposes directly to and from other eligible funds in the AMG Funds family. Participation in this interfund lending program is voluntary for both the borrowing and lending funds, and an interfund loan is only made if it benefits each participating fund. The Administrator manages the program according to procedures approved by the Board, and the Board monitors the operation of the program. An interfund loan must comply with certain conditions set out in the exemptive order, which are designed to assure fairness and protect all participating funds. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, the Fund borrowed a maximum of $9,219,636 for four days paying interest of $2,053. The interest expense amount is included in the Statement of Operations as miscellaneous expense. At December 31, 2019, the Fund had no interfund loans outstanding.

3. PURCHASES AND SALES OF SECURITIES

Purchases and sales of securities (excluding short-term securities and U.S. Government Obligations) for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, were $228,528,818 and $233,055,050, respectively.

Purchases and sales of U.S. Government obligations during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 were $89,524,090 and $118,166,890, respectively.

4. PORTFOLIO SECURITIES LOANED

The Fund participates in the Program providing for the lending of securities to qualified borrowers. Securities lending income includes earnings of such temporary cash investments, plus or minus any rebate to a borrower. These earnings (after any rebate) are then divided between BNYM, as a fee for its services under the Program, and the Fund, according to agreed-upon rates. Collateral on all securities loaned is accepted in cash, U.S. Treasury Obligations or U.S. Government Agency Obligations. Collateral is maintained at a minimum level of 102% (105% in the case of certain foreign securities) of the market value, plus interest, if applicable, of investments on loan. It is the Fund’s policy to obtain additional collateral from or return excess collateral to the borrower by the end of the next business day, following the valuation date of the securities loaned. Therefore, the value of the collateral held may be temporarily less than the value of the securities on loan. Lending securities entails a risk of loss to the Fund if and to the extent that the market value of the securities loaned were to increase and the borrower did not increase the collateral accordingly, and the borrower fails to return the securities. Under the terms of the Program, the Fund is indemnified for such losses by BNYM. Cash collateral is held in separate omnibus accounts managed by BNYM, who is authorized to exclusively enter into joint repurchase agreements for that cash collateral. Securities collateral is held in separate omnibus accounts managed by BNYM that cannot be sold or pledged. BNYM bears the risk of any deficiency in the amount of the cash collateral available for return to the borrower due to any loss on the collateral invested.

The value of securities loaned on positions held, cash collateral and securities collateral received at December 31, 2019, were as follows:

 

      Cash     Securities     Total  
Securities     Collateral     Collateral     Collateral  
Loaned     Received     Received     Received  
$ 14,409,829     $ 4,372,267     $ 10,362,676     $ 14,734,943  

The following table summarizes the securities received as collateral for securities lending at December 31, 2019:

 

Collateral Type  

Coupon

Range

 

Maturity

Date Range

U.S. Treasury Obligations   0.000%-8.500%   01/09/20-11/15/49

5. FOREIGN SECURITIES

The Fund invests in securities of foreign entities and in instruments denominated in foreign currencies which involve risks not typically associated with investments in domestic securities. Non-domestic securities carry special risks, such as exposure to currency fluctuations, less developed or less efficient trading markets, political instability, a lack of company information, differing auditing and legal standards, and, potentially, less liquidity. The Fund’s investments in emerging market countries are exposed to additional risks. The Fund’s performance will be influenced by political, social and economic factors affecting companies in emerging market countries. Emerging market countries generally have economic structures that are less diverse and mature, and political systems that are less stable, than those of developed countries. Realized gains in certain countries may be subject to foreign taxes at the Fund level and the Fund would pay such foreign taxes at the appropriate rate for each jurisdiction.

 

 

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

 

 

6. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Under the Trust’s organizational documents, its trustees and officers are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the Trust. In addition, in the normal course of business, the Fund may enter into contracts and agreements that contain a variety of representations and

warranties, which provide general indemnifications. The maximum exposure to the Fund under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Fund that have not yet occurred. However, based on experience, the Fund had no prior claims or losses and expects the risks of loss to be remote.

 

 

7. MASTER NETTING AGREEMENTS

The Fund may enter into master netting agreements with its counterparties for the securities lending program and Repurchase Agreements, which provide the right, in the event of default (including bankruptcy or insolvency) for the non-defaulting party to liquidate the collateral and calculate net exposure to the defaulting party or request additional collateral. For financial reporting purposes, the Fund does not offset financial assets and financial liabilities that are subject to master netting agreements in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. For securities lending transactions, see Note 4.

The following table is a summary of the Fund’s open Repurchase Agreements that are subject to a master netting agreement as of December 31, 2019:

 

            Gross Amount Not Offset in the
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
               
     Gross Amounts of
Assets Presented in
the Statement of
Assets and Liabilities
     Offset
Amount
     Net Asset
Balance
     Collateral
Received
     Net
Amount
 

Bank of Montreal

   $ 1,038,611        —        $ 1,038,611      $ 1,038,611        —    

Citadel Securities LLC

     217,823        —          217,823        217,823        —    

Citigroup Global Markets, Inc.

     1,038,611        —          1,038,611        1,038,611        —    

Morgan, Stanley & Co. LLC

     1,038,611        —          1,038,611        1,038,611        —    

RBC Dominion Securities, Inc.

     1,038,611        —          1,038,611        1,038,611        —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 4,372,267        —        $ 4,372,267      $ 4,372,267        —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

8. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

The Fund has determined that no material events or transactions occurred through the issuance date of the Fund’s financial statements which require an additional disclosure in or adjustment of the Fund’s financial statements.

 

 

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

 

 

TO THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF AMG FUNDS II AND SHAREHOLDERS OF AMG CHICAGO EQUITY PARTNERS BALANCED FUND

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the schedule of portfolio investments, of AMG Chicago Equity Partners Balanced Fund (one of the funds constituting AMG Funds II, hereafter collectively referred to as the “Fund”) as of December 31, 2019, the related statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2019, the statement of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2019, including the related notes, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period ended December 31, 2019 (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Fund as of December 31, 2019, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2019 and each of the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period ended December 31, 2019 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Fund’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Fund’s financial statements based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Fund in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audit of these financial statements in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud.

Our audit included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audit also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2019 by correspondence with the custodian and brokers; when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Boston, Massachusetts

February 24, 2020

We have served as the auditor of one or more investment companies in the AMG Funds Family since 1993.

 

 

 

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Other Information

 

 

 

TAX INFORMATION

 

AMG Chicago Equity Partners Balanced Fund hereby designates the maximum amount allowable of its net taxable income as qualified dividends as provided in the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003. The 2019 Form 1099-DIV you receive for the Fund will show the tax status of all distributions paid to you during the year.

Pursuant to section 852 of the Internal Revenue Code, AMG Chicago Equity Partners Balanced Fund hereby designates $10,472,587 as a capital gain distribution with respect to the taxable year ended December 31, 2019, or if subsequently determined to be different, the net capital gains of such fiscal year.

 

 

 

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AMG Funds

Trustees and Officers

 

 

 

The Trustees and Officers of the Trust, their business addresses, principal occupations for the past five years and ages are listed below. The Trustees provide broad supervision over the affairs of the Trust and the Funds. The Trustees are experienced executives who meet periodically throughout the year to oversee the Funds’ activities, review contractual arrangements with companies that provide services to the Funds, and

review the Funds’ performance. Unless otherwise noted, the address of each Trustee or Officer is the address of the Trust: 600 Steamboat Road, Suite 300, Greenwich, Connecticut 06830.

There is no stated term of office for Trustees. Trustees serve until their resignation, retirement or removal in

 

accordance with the Trust’s organizational documents and policies adopted by the Board from time to time. The Chairman of the Trustees, President, Treasurer and Secretary of the Trust are elected by the Trustees annually. Other officers hold office at the pleasure of the Trustees.

 

 

Independent Trustees

The following Trustees are not “interested persons” of the Trust within the meaning of the 1940 Act:

 

Number of Funds Overseen in

Fund Complex

  

Name, Age, Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years and Other Directorships Held by Trustee

•  Trustee since 2012

•  Oversees 49 Funds in Fund Complex

  

Bruce B. Bingham, 71

Partner, Hamilton Partners (real estate development firm) (1987-Present); Director of The Yacktman Funds (2000-2012).

•  Trustee since 2000

•  Oversees 49 Funds in Fund Complex

  

Edward J. Kaier, 74

Attorney at Law and Partner, Teeters Harvey Marrone & Kaier LLP (2007-Present); Attorney at Law and Partner, Hepburn Willcox Hamilton & Putnam, LLP (1977-2007); Trustee of Third Avenue Trust (2002-2019); Trustee of Third Avenue Variable Trust (2002-2019).

•  Trustee since 2013

•  Oversees 49 Funds in Fund Complex

  

Kurt A. Keilhacker, 56

Managing Partner, TechFund Capital (1997-Present); Managing Partner, TechFund Europe (2000-Present); Board Member, 6wind SA, (2002-Present); Managing Partner, Elementum Ventures (2013-Present); Director, MetricStory, Inc. (2017-Present); Trustee, Wheaton College (2018-Present); Trustee, Gordon College (2001-2016).

•  Trustee since 2000

•  Oversees 49 Funds in Fund Complex

  

Steven J. Paggioli, 69

Independent Consultant (2002-Present); Trustee, Professionally Managed Portfolios (28 portfolios); Advisory Board Member, Sustainable Growth Advisors, LP; Independent Director, Muzinich BDC, Inc. (business development company) (2019-Present); Independent Director, Chase Investment Counsel (2008–2019); Executive Vice President, Secretary and Director, Investment Company Administration, LLC (1990-2001).

•  Trustee since 2013

•  Oversees 49 Funds in Fund Complex

  

Richard F. Powers III, 73

Adjunct Professor, U.S. Naval War College (2016-Present); Adjunct Professor, Boston College (2010-2013); President and CEO of Van Kampen Investments Inc. (1998-2003).

•  Independent Chairman

•  Trustee since 2000

•  Oversees 52 Funds in Fund Complex

  

Eric Rakowski, 61

Professor of Law, University of California at Berkeley School of Law - Boalt Hall (1990-Present); Director of Harding, Loevner Funds, Inc. (9 portfolios); Trustee of Third Avenue Trust (2002-2019); Trustee of Third Avenue Variable Trust (2002-2019).

•  Trustee since 2013

•  Oversees 52 Funds in Fund Complex

  

Victoria L. Sassine, 54

Adjunct Professor, Babson College (2007–Present); Director, Board of Directors, PRG Group (2017-Present); CEO, Founder, Scale Smarter Partners, LLC (2018-Present); Chairperson, Board of Directors, Business Management Associates (2018-Present).

•  Trustee since 2000

•  Oversees 49 Funds in Fund Complex

  

Thomas R. Schneeweis, 72

Professor Emeritus, University of Massachusetts (2013-Present); President, TRS Associates (1982-Present); Board Member, Chartered Alternative Investment Association (“CAIA”) (2002-Present); Director, Institute for Global Asset and Risk Management (Education) (2010-Present); Co-Owner, Quantitative Investment Technologies (2014-Present); Director of Research, Yes Wealth Management (2018-Present); Partner, S Capital Wealth Advisors (2015-2018); Partner, S Capital Management, LLC (2007-2015); President, Alternative Investment Analytics, LLC, (formerly Schneeweis Partners, LLC) (2001-2013).

 

 

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AMG Funds

Trustees and Officers (continued)

 

 

 

Interested Trustees

Each Trustee in the following table is an “interested person” of the Trust within the meaning of the 1940 Act. Ms. Carsman is an interested person of the Trust within the meaning of the 1940 Act by virtue of her position with, and interest in securities of, AMG.

 

Number of Funds Overseen in

Fund Complex

  

Name, Age, Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years and Other Directorships Held by Trustee

•  Trustee since 2011

•  Oversees 52 Funds in Fund Complex

  

Christine C. Carsman, 67

Senior Policy Advisor, Affiliated Managers Group, Inc. (2019-Present); Director of Harding, Loevner Funds, Inc. (9 portfolios); Executive Vice President, Deputy General Counsel and Chief Regulatory Counsel, Affiliated Managers Group, Inc. (2017-2018); Director (2010-2018) and Chair of the Board of Directors (2015-2018), AMG Funds plc; Senior Vice President and Deputy General Counsel, Affiliated Managers Group, Inc. (2011-2016); Senior Vice President and Chief Regulatory Counsel, Affiliated Managers Group, Inc. (2007-2011); Vice President and Chief Regulatory Counsel, Affiliated Managers Group, Inc. (2004-2007); Secretary and Chief Legal Officer, AMG Funds, AMG Funds I, AMG Funds II and AMG Funds III (2004-2011); Senior Counsel, Vice President and Director of Operational Risk Management and Compliance, Wellington Management Company, LLP (1995-2004).

Officers   
Position(s) Held with Fund and Length of Time Served    Name, Age, Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years

•  President since 2018

•  Principal Executive Officer since 2018

•  Chief Executive Officer since 2018

•  Chief Operating Officer since 2007

  

Keitha L. Kinne, 61

Chief Operating Officer, AMG Funds LLC (2007-Present); Chief Investment Officer, AMG Funds LLC (2008-Present); President and Principal, AMG Distributors, Inc. (2018-Present); Chief Operating Officer, AMG Distributors, Inc. (2007-Present); President, Chief Executive Officer and Principal Executive Officer, AMG Funds, AMG Funds I, AMG Funds II, AMG Funds III and AMG Funds IV (2018-Present); Chief Operating Officer, AMG Funds, AMG Funds I, AMG Funds II, and AMG Funds III (2007-Present); Chief Operating Officer, AMG Funds IV (2016-Present); Chief Operating Officer and Chief Investment Officer, Aston Asset Management, LLC (2016); President and Principal Executive Officer, AMG Funds, AMG Funds I, AMG Funds II and AMG Funds III (2012-2014); Managing Partner, AMG Funds LLC (2007-2014); President and Principal, AMG Distributors, Inc. (2012-2014); Managing Director, Legg Mason & Co., LLC (2006-2007); Managing Director, Citigroup Asset Management (2004-2006).

•  Secretary since 2015

•  Chief Legal Officer since 2015

  

Mark J. Duggan, 54

Senior Vice President and Senior Counsel, AMG Funds LLC (2015-Present); Secretary and Chief Legal Officer, AMG Funds, AMG Funds I, AMG Funds II, AMG Funds III and AMG Funds IV (2015-Present); Attorney, K&L Gates, LLP (2009-2015).

•  Chief Financial Officer since 2017

•  Treasurer since 2017

•  Principal Financial Officer since 2017

•  Principal Accounting Officer since 2017

  

Thomas G. Disbrow, 53

Vice President, Mutual Fund Treasurer & CFO, AMG Funds, AMG Funds LLC (2017-Present); Chief Financial Officer, Principal Financial Officer, Treasurer and Principal Accounting Officer, AMG Funds, AMG Funds I, AMG Funds II, AMG Funds III and AMG Funds IV (2017-Present); Managing Director - Global Head of Traditional Funds Product Control, UBS Asset Management (Americas), Inc. (2015-2017); Managing Director - Head of North American Funds Treasury, UBS Asset Management (Americas), Inc. (2011-2015).

•  Deputy Treasurer since 2017

  

John A. Starace, 49

Director, Mutual Fund Accounting, AMG Funds LLC (2017-Present); Vice President, Deputy Treasurer of Mutual Funds Services, AMG Funds LLC (2014-2017); Deputy Treasurer, AMG Funds, AMG Funds I, AMG Funds II, AMG Funds III and AMG Funds IV (2017-Present); Vice President, Citi Hedge Fund Services (2010-2014); Audit Senior Manager (2005-2010) and Audit Manager (2001-2005), Deloitte & Touche LLP.

•  Chief Compliance Officer since 2019

  

Patrick J. Spellman, 45

Vice President, Chief Compliance Officer, AMG Funds LLC (2017-Present); Chief Compliance Officer and Sarbanes-Oxley Code of Ethics Compliance Officer, AMG Funds, AMG Funds I, AMG Funds II, AMG Funds III and AMG Funds IV (2019-Present); Chief Compliance Officer, AMG Distributors, Inc., (2010-Present) Senior Vice President, Chief Compliance Officer, AMG Funds LLC (2011-2017); Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer, AMG Funds, AMG Funds I, AMG Funds II, and AMG Funds III (2014-2019); Anti-Money Laundering Officer, AMG Funds IV, (2016-2019); Compliance Manager, Legal and Compliance, Affiliated Managers Group, Inc. (2005-2011).

•  Assistant Secretary since 2016

  

Maureen A. Meredith, 34

Vice President, Counsel, AMG Funds LLC (2019-Present); Director, Counsel, AMG Funds LLC (2017-2018); Vice President, Counsel, AMG Funds LLC (2015-2017); Assistant Secretary, AMG Funds, AMG Funds I, AMG Funds II, AMG Funds III and AMG Funds IV (2016-Present); Associate, Ropes & Gray LLP (2011-2015); Law Fellow, Massachusetts Appleseed Center for Law and Justice (2010-2011).

•  Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer since 2019

  

Hector D. Roman, 42

Director, Legal and Compliance, AMG Funds LLC (2020-Present); Manager, Legal and Compliance, AMG Funds LLC (2017-2019); Director of Compliance, Morgan Stanley Investment Management (2015-2017); Senior Advisory, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (2014-2015); Risk Manager, Barclays Investment Bank (2008-2014); Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer, AMG Funds, AMG Funds I, AMG Funds II, AMG Funds III and AMG Funds IV (2019-Present).

 

 

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LOGO

  

    

    

 

 

 

INVESTMENT MANAGER AND ADMINISTRATOR

AMG Funds LLC

600 Steamboat Road, Suite 300

Greenwich, CT 06830

800.548.4539

DISTRIBUTOR

AMG Distributors, Inc.

600 Steamboat Road, Suite 300

Greenwich, CT 06830

800.548.4539

SUBADVISER

Chicago Equity Partners, LLC

180 N LaSalle Street, Suite 3800

Chicago, IL 60601

CUSTODIAN

The Bank of New York Mellon

111 Sanders Creek Parkway

East Syracuse, NY 13057

LEGAL COUNSEL

Ropes & Gray LLP

Prudential Tower, 800 Boylston Street

Boston, MA 02199-3600

TRANSFER AGENT

BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc.

Attn: AMG Funds

P.O. Box 9769

Providence, RI 02940

800.548.4539

This report is prepared for the Fund’s shareholders. It is authorized for distribution to prospective investors only when preceded or accompanied by an effective prospectus. To receive a free copy of the prospectus or Statement of Additional Information, which includes additional information about Fund Trustees, please contact us by calling 800.548.4539. Distributed by AMG Distributors, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC.

Current net asset values per share for the Fund are available on the Fund’s website at amgfunds.com.

A description of the policies and procedures the Fund uses to vote its proxies is available: (i) without charge, upon request, by calling 800.548.4539, or (ii) on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) website at sec.gov. For information regarding the Fund’s proxy voting record for the 12-month period ended June 30, call 800.548.4539 or visit the SEC website at sec.gov.

The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year as an exhibit to their reports on Form N-PORT, which has replaced Form N-Q. The Fund’s portfolio holdings on Form N-PORT are available on the SEC’s website at sec.gov. To review a complete list of the Fund’s portfolio holdings, or to view the most recent semiannual report or annual report, please visit amgfunds.com.

 

 

 

 

amgfunds.com    

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LOGO

  

    

    

 

 

 

AFFILIATE SUBADVISED FUNDS

BALANCED FUNDS

AMG Chicago Equity Partners Balanced

Chicago Equity Partners, LLC

AMG FQ Global Risk-Balanced

First Quadrant, L.P.

EQUITY FUNDS

AMG FQ Tax-Managed U.S. Equity

AMG FQ Long-Short Equity

First Quadrant, L.P.

AMG Frontier Small Cap Growth

Frontier Capital Management Co., LLC

AMG GW&K Small Cap Core

AMG GW&K Small/Mid Cap

AMG GW&K Trilogy Emerging Markets Equity

AMG GW&K Trilogy Emerging Wealth Equity

GW&K Investment Management, LLC

AMG Renaissance Large Cap Growth

The Renaissance Group LLC

AMG River Road Dividend All Cap Value

AMG River Road Dividend All Cap Value II

AMG River Road Focused Absolute Value

AMG River Road Long-Short

AMG River Road Small-Mid Cap Value

AMG River Road Small Cap Value

River Road Asset Management, LLC

AMG SouthernSun Small Cap

AMG SouthernSun U.S. Equity

SouthernSun Asset Management, LLC

AMG TimesSquare Emerging Markets Small Cap

AMG TimesSquare Global Small Cap

AMG TimesSquare International Small Cap

AMG TimesSquare Mid Cap Growth

AMG TimesSquare Small Cap Growth

TimesSquare Capital Management, LLC

AMG Yacktman

AMG Yacktman Focused

AMG Yacktman Focused Fund - Security Selection Only

AMG Yacktman Special Opportunities

Yacktman Asset Management LP

FIXED INCOME FUNDS

AMG GW&K Core Bond ESG

AMG GW&K Enhanced Core Bond ESG

AMG GW&K Municipal Bond

AMG GW&K Municipal Enhanced Yield

GW&K Investment Management, LLC

OPEN-ARCHITECTURE FUNDS

EQUITY FUNDS

AMG Managers Brandywine

AMG Managers Brandywine Advisors Mid Cap Growth

AMG Managers Brandywine Blue

Friess Associates, LLC

AMG Managers Cadence Emerging Companies

AMG Managers Cadence Mid Cap

Cadence Capital Management LLC

AMG Managers CenterSquare Real Estate

CenterSquare Investment Management LLC

AMG Managers Emerging Opportunities

WEDGE Capital Management L.L.P.

Next Century Growth Investors LLC

RBC Global Asset Management (U.S.) Inc.

AMG Managers Fairpointe ESG Equity

AMG Managers Fairpointe Mid Cap

Fairpointe Capital LLC

AMG Managers LMCG Small Cap Growth

LMCG Investments, LLC

AMG Managers Montag & Caldwell Growth

Montag & Caldwell, LLC

AMG Managers Pictet International

Pictet Asset Management Limited

AMG Managers Silvercrest Small Cap

Silvercrest Asset Management Group LLC

AMG Managers Skyline Special Equities

Skyline Asset Management, L.P.

AMG Managers Special Equity

Ranger Investment Management, L.P.

Lord, Abbett & Co. LLC

Smith Asset Management Group, L.P.

Federated MDTA LLC

FIXED INCOME FUNDS

AMG Managers Doubleline Core Plus Bond

DoubleLine Capital LP

AMG Managers Global Income Opportunity

AMG Managers Loomis Sayles Bond

Loomis, Sayles & Company, L.P.

 

 

 

    amgfunds.com        |

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Table of Contents
LOGO        ANNUAL REPORT

 

       AMG Funds   
 
              December 31, 2019   
      

 

LOGO

  
 
       AMG GW&K Enhanced Core Bond ESG Fund   
       (formerly AMG GW&K Enhanced Core Bond Fund)   
       Class N: MFDAX    Class I: MFDSX    Class Z: MFDYX   
 
       AMG GW&K Municipal Bond Fund   
       Class N: GWMTX      Class I: GWMIX      
 
       AMG GW&K Municipal Enhanced Yield Fund   
       Class N: GWMNX      Class I: GWMEX      Class Z: GWMZX   
 
       AMG GW&K Small Cap Core Fund   
       Class N: GWETX    Class I: GWEIX    Class Z: GWEZX   
 
       AMG GW&K Small/Mid Cap Fund   
       Class N: GWGVX    Class I: GWGIX    Class Z: GWGZX   

Beginning on January 1, 2021, as permitted by regulations adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, paper copies of the Funds’ shareholder reports like this one will no longer be sent by mail, unless you specifically request paper copies of the reports from the Funds or from your financial intermediary, such as a broker-dealer or bank. Instead, the reports will be made available on the Funds’ website (https://www.amgfunds.com/resources/order_literature.html), and you will be notified by mail each time a report is posted and provided with a website link to access the report.

If you already elected to receive shareholder reports electronically, you will not be affected by this change and you need not take any action. You may elect to receive shareholder reports and other communications from the Funds electronically at any time by contacting your financial intermediary or, if you invest directly with the Funds, by logging into your account at www.amgfunds.com.

You may elect to receive all future reports in paper free of charge. If you invest through a financial intermediary, you can contact your financial intermediary to request that you continue to receive paper copies of your shareholder reports. If you invest directly with the Funds, you can call 1.800.548.4539 to inform the Funds that you wish to continue receiving paper copies of your shareholder reports. Your election to receive reports in paper will apply to all funds in the AMG Funds Family of Funds held in your account if you invest through your financial intermediary or all funds in the AMG Funds Family of Funds held with the fund complex if you invest directly with the Funds.

 

 

 

 
amgfunds.com                  123119              AR019  


Table of Contents


Table of Contents
    

AMG Funds

Annual Report — December 31, 2019

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

   PAGE  

LETTER TO SHAREHOLDERS

     2  

ABOUT YOUR FUND’S EXPENSES

     3  

PORTFOLIO MANAGER’S COMMENTS, FUND SNAPSHOTS AND SCHEDULES OF PORTFOLIO INVESTMENTS

  

AMG GW&K Enhanced Core Bond ESG Fund

     4  

AMG GW&K Municipal Bond Fund

     13  

AMG GW&K Municipal Enhanced Yield Fund

     21  

AMG GW&K Small Cap Core Fund

     29  

AMG GW&K Small/Mid Cap Fund

     35  

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

  

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

     40  

Balance sheets, net asset value (NAV) per share computations and cumulative distributable earnings (loss)

  

Statement of Operations

     42  

Detail of sources of income, expenses, and realized and unrealized gains (losses) during the fiscal year

  

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

     43  

Detail of changes in assets for the past two fiscal years

  

Financial Highlights

     45  

Historical net asset values per share, distributions, total returns, income and expense ratios, turnover ratios and net assets

  

Notes to Financial Statements

     59  

Accounting and distribution policies, details of agreements and transactions with Fund management and affiliates, and descriptions of certain investment risks

  

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

     68  

OTHER INFORMATION

     69  

TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

     70  

Nothing contained herein is to be considered an offer, sale or solicitation of an offer to buy shares of any series of the AMG Funds Family of Funds. Such offering is made only by prospectus, which includes details as to offering price and other material information.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

 

LOGO    Letter to Shareholders

 

 

 

Dear Shareholder:

The U.S. bull market celebrated its 10-year anniversary during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, as stocks proved resilient in the face of global economic weakness, rising geopolitical tensions, and the ongoing trade war. After a painful selloff in late 2018, a dovish pivot from global central banks rescued investors and fueled a strong rebound early in 2019. The rally picked up steam in the final months of the year, as trade tensions eased when the U.S. and China agreed to a limited “phase one” deal in December following months of tense back-and-forth negotiations. The yield curve, which had inverted earlier in the year and raised investor anxiety given its track record for predicting an impending recession, was no longer inverted by year-end as the U.S. Federal Reserve (the Fed) cut short-term rates. Worries over a near-term recession lifted while the yield curve steepened and trade developments improved, leading to a wave of investor confidence and strong equity returns, with the S&P 500® Index returning 31.49%. International equities were also resistant to pressures facing the global economy and generated a 21.51% return as measured by the MSCI All Country World ex USA Index.

In total, all eleven sectors of the S&P 500® Index were strongly positive during the prior twelve months, each producing double-digit returns. The higher growth information technology sector led the way with a 50.31% return while the communication services and financial sectors followed closely behind. Energy was the worst performing sector during the fiscal year, yet still produced a very respectable 11.81% return. Growth stocks outperformed Value stocks for the full fiscal year with returns of 36.39% and 26.54% for the Russell 1000® Growth and Russell 1000® Value Indexes, respectively. The cycle of U.S. outperformance over international equities continued but international developed and emerging markets still produced solid positive returns, with the MSCI EAFE and MSCI Emerging Markets Index returning 22.01% and 18.42%, respectively.

Interest rates fell dramatically over the fiscal year and led to strong returns for bond investors as the Fed shifted to a more dovish policy stance early in 2019 and eventually cut short-term rates three times during the year. The 10-year Treasury yield fell from its recent high of 3.24% last November to a low of 1.47% in early September and then edged slightly higher to finish the year at 1.92%. The plunge in long-term interest rates caused the yield curve to briefly invert with 2-year yields rising higher than the 10-year yields. The Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index, a broad measure of U.S. bond market performance, ended the fiscal year with an 8.72% return. High yield bonds outperformed the broader bond market and returned 14.32% as measured by the return of the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Corporate High Yield Bond Index. Municipal bonds also performed strongly with a 7.54% return for the Bloomberg Barclays Municipal Bond Index.

AMG Funds appreciates the privilege of providing investment tools to you and your clients. Our foremost goal is to provide investment solutions that help our shareholders successfully reach their long-term investment goals. AMG Funds provides access to a distinctive array of actively managed return-oriented investment strategies. We thank you for your continued confidence and investment in AMG Funds. You can rest assured that under all market conditions our team is focused on delivering excellent investment management services for your benefit.

Respectfully,

 

LOGO

Keitha Kinne

President

AMG Funds

 

Average Annual Total Returns

   Periods ended
December 31, 2019*
 

Stocks:

        1 Year     3 Years     5 Years  

Large Cap

  

(S&P 500® Index)

     31.49     15.27     11.70

Small Cap

  

(Russell 2000® Index)

     25.52     8.59     8.23

International

  

(MSCI All Country World ex USA Index)

     21.51     9.87     5.51
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Bonds:

         

Investment Grade

  

(Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index)

     8.72     4.03     3.05

High Yield

  

(Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Corporate High Yield Bond Index)

     14.32     6.37     6.13

Tax-exempt

  

(Bloomberg Barclays Municipal Bond Index)

     7.54     4.72     3.53

Treasury Bills

  

(ICE BofAML U.S. 6-Month Treasury Bill Index)

     2.57     1.81     1.26
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

*

Source: FactSet. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

 

 

 

2


Table of Contents
    

About Your Fund’s Expenses

 

 

 

As a shareholder of a Fund, you may incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, which may include sales charges (loads) on purchase payments; redemption fees; and exchange fees; and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution (12b-1) fees; and other Fund expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. The example is based on $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period as indicated below.

ACTUAL EXPENSES

The first line of the following table provides information about the actual account values and

actual expenses. You may use the information in this line, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first line under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

HYPOTHETICAL EXAMPLE FOR COMPARISON PURPOSES

The second line of the following table provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed annual rate of return of 5% before expenses, which is not the Fund’s

actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Fund and other funds by comparing this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of other funds.

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads), redemption fees, or exchange fees. Therefore, the second line of the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds.

 

 

 

Six Months Ended

December 31, 2019

   Expense
Ratio for
the Period
    Beginning
Account
Value
07/01/19
     Ending
Account
Value
12/31/19
     Expenses
Paid
During
the Period*
 

AMG GW&K Enhanced Core Bond ESG Fund

 

Based on Actual Fund Return

 

Class N

     0.73   $ 1,000      $ 1,027      $ 3.73  

Class I

     0.55   $ 1,000      $ 1,028      $ 2.81  

Class Z

     0.48   $ 1,000      $ 1,028      $ 2.45  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Based on Hypothetical 5% Annual Return

 

Class N

     0.73   $ 1,000      $ 1,022      $ 3.72  

Class I

     0.55   $ 1,000      $ 1,022      $ 2.80  

Class Z

     0.48   $ 1,000      $ 1,023      $ 2.45  

AMG GW&K Municipal Bond Fund

 

Based on Actual Fund Return

 

  

Class N

     0.71   $ 1,000      $ 1,018      $ 3.61  

Class I

     0.39   $ 1,000      $ 1,019      $ 1.98  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Based on Hypothetical 5% Annual Return

 

Class N

     0.71   $ 1,000      $ 1,022      $ 3.62  

Class I

     0.39   $ 1,000      $ 1,023      $ 1.99  

AMG GW&K Municipal Enhanced Yield Fund

 

Based on Actual Fund Return

 

Class N

     0.99   $ 1,000      $ 1,030      $ 5.07  

Class I

     0.64   $ 1,000      $ 1,032      $ 3.28  

Class Z

     0.59   $ 1,000      $ 1,032      $ 3.02  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Based on Hypothetical 5% Annual Return

 

  

Class N

     0.99   $ 1,000      $ 1,020      $ 5.04  

Class I

     0.64   $ 1,000      $ 1,022      $ 3.26  

Class Z

     0.59   $ 1,000      $ 1,022      $ 3.01  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Six Months Ended

December 31, 2019

   Expense
Ratio for
the Period
    Beginning
Account
Value
07/01/19
     Ending
Account
Value
12/31/19
     Expenses
Paid
During
the Period*
 

AMG GW&K Small Cap Core Fund

 

Based on Actual Fund Return

 

Class N

     1.30   $ 1,000      $ 1,097      $ 6.87  

Class I

     0.95   $ 1,000      $ 1,099      $ 5.03  

Class Z

     0.90   $ 1,000      $ 1,099      $ 4.76  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Based on Hypothetical 5% Annual Return

 

Class N

     1.30   $ 1,000      $ 1,019      $ 6.61  

Class I

     0.95   $ 1,000      $ 1,020      $ 4.84  

Class Z

     0.90   $ 1,000      $ 1,021      $ 4.58  

AMG GW&K Small/Mid Cap Fund

 

Based on Actual Fund Return

 

Class N

     1.10   $ 1,000      $ 1,080      $ 5.77  

Class I

     0.95   $ 1,000      $ 1,081      $ 4.98  

Class Z

     0.85   $ 1,000      $ 1,081      $ 4.46  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Based on Hypothetical 5% Annual Return

 

Class N

     1.10   $ 1,000      $ 1,020      $ 5.60  

Class I

     0.95   $ 1,000      $ 1,020      $ 4.84  

Class Z

     0.85   $ 1,000      $ 1,021      $ 4.33  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

*

Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days in the most recent fiscal half-year (184), then divided by 365.

 

 

 

3


Table of Contents
    

AMG GW&K Enhanced Core Bond ESG Fund

Portfolio Manager’s Comments (unaudited)

 

 

 

THE YEAR IN REVIEW

AMG GW&K Enhanced Core Bond ESG Fund (Class N shares) (the “Fund”) returned 10.35% for the year ended December 31, 2019, compared to the return of 8.72% for the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index (the Index).

OVERVIEW

On May 1, 2019, the AMG GW&K Enhanced Core Bond Fund changed its name to the AMG GW&K Enhanced Core Bond ESG Fund (the “Fund”). While the Fund’s overall investment process remains the same, the Fund transitioned to having an environmental, social, and governance (ESG) mandate.

GW&K Investment Management, LLC (“GW&K”) believes that responsible corporate behavior with respect to ESG factors can lead to positive and sustainable long-term financial performance and aligns with our pursuit of quality investments. GW&K has been incorporating ESG factors into our equity and fixed income analysis process for several years, and as a signatory of the U.N. Principles for Responsible Investment, we are committed to incorporating the assessment of ESG issues into our fundamental research process. We believe ESG investing adds value to our investment process by improving our assessment of risk and enhancing our ability to identify high quality credits; aids our up-in-quality bias by improving identification of credits with less long-term volatility; limits our exposure to credit ratings downgrades and negative events that are difficult to quantify; and deepens our fundamental credit analysis, which leads to better outcomes by providing a more nuanced and complete picture.

ESG considerations have long informed our process. We focus on business and credit fundamentals, relative valuation, and technical considerations. We believe ESG factors are important considerations in analyzing a company’s business and financial policy, highlight non-financial risks that can significantly affect a company’s financial health over the long term, and just as with credit risks, investors require additional compensation for ESG risks, leading to potential inefficiencies in valuation.

MARKET OVERVIEW

Fixed income markets started 2019 on a strong note, helped by the unusual combination of a sharp rally in rates and a significant tightening in spreads. The U.S. Federal Reserve’s (the “Fed”) reduced growth outlook and dovish posture were the major drivers of the yield curve’s downward shift, reflecting softening

U.S. economic data and renewed growth concerns out of Europe and China. Risk assets proved to be largely immune to these worries, benefiting instead from a fierce snap back in sentiment following a brutal fourth quarter. Corporates were also helped by a better-than-expected earnings season and a favorable technical backdrop. The rising tension between these competing risk-on/risk-off narratives underscores the high degree of investor uncertainty as the cycle continues to age, and we viewed volatility as likely to remain elevated until a clearer picture of the economy emerges.

Having benefited from a second straight quarter of lower rates and tighter spreads, fixed income markets posted their strongest first-half returns in almost 25 years through June. Escalating trade rhetoric, decelerating industrial activity, and rising geopolitical tensions stoked concerns of a worldwide recession and drove a global flight to safety. In response, central banks around the world made clear their willingness to move forward with caution—if not provide outright stimulus as conditions warrant. In the U.S., this shift resulted in a massive collapse of the yield curve, driven by the perception that the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) had capitulated by removing the word “patient” from its post-meeting statement. This move had the perverse effect of both validating the risk aversion that drove the rally in rates and emboldening investors in risky assets, who promptly sent equities back to record highs.

Fixed income markets endured a volatile third quarter amid the tumult of the trade war, mounting evidence of a global slowdown, and an increase in political tensions in the U.S. and abroad. Trade negotiations between the U.S. and China were the primary cause of uncertainty, as rhetoric escalated dramatically before calming in the closing days on hopes that tensions might be easing. This turmoil coincided with further signs of deterioration out of Europe, where both Germany and the U.K. posted negative Gross Domestic Product (GDP) readings. Against this already challenging backdrop, several other narratives weighed on investor sentiment: Saudi Arabia sustained an attack on its crude infrastructure, the overnight funding market required emergency intervention from the Fed, and talks of an impeachment inquiry began to gain traction.

The fourth quarter saw a sharp turn in sentiment across fixed income markets that led to a selloff in interest rates and further tightening in credit spreads. The primary catalyst for the reversal was

the completion of a “phase one” trade agreement between the U.S. and China, though positive signs from the labor market and evidence of stability in global manufacturing lifted sentiment as well. Additionally, the Fed made it clear that tightening was effectively out of the question until the committee sees meaningful evidence of inflation, suggesting monetary policy is likely to remain accommodative indefinitely. By year end, worries of a trade war-inspired global slowdown or a central bank-induced liquidity crisis had been replaced with talk of green shoots, inflection points, and the recession that never was.

FUND REVIEW

The Fund’s overweight to investment grade corporates, which performed stronger than other bond sectors within the Index, was a significant contributor to performance. For the one-year period ending December 2019, interest rates decreased, and the investment grade corporate sector outperformed due to its longer duration and 60 basis points of spread tightening. Positive security selection within investment grade corporates also contributed to performance during the one-year period. Corporate selection in the consumer non-cyclical and banking sectors were notable positives, while selection in communications and finance companies detracted. The Fund’s out-of-benchmark allocation to high yield also added to returns, as the sector outperformed on the back of 190 basis points of spread narrowing. Treasuries were modest underperformers versus the Index, thus our underweight was helpful. We had a modest overweight to mortgage-backed securities and commercial mortgage-backed securities, and with both segments lagging the Index somewhat, the allocation effect was moderately negative. Overall security selection in the mortgage space was positive. We overweighed taxable municipal bonds, a sector that benefited due to the decrease in rates and a contraction in spreads, although security selection within the space was neutral. The Fund’s overall yield curve positioning added to performance with the Fund’s slightly longer duration in the falling rate environment and modest underweight to the long end, where yields fell the least.

OUTLOOK

Even though rates have rebounded solidly from their September lows and the yield curve has regained a healthy steepness, we continue to see room for rates—particularly at the long end—to drift higher. An extended period of accommodation from the Fed seems likely, given subdued inflationary pressure and the signaling that policy is in a “good place.”

 

 

 

4


Table of Contents
    

AMG GW&K Enhanced Core Bond ESG Fund

Portfolio Manager’s Comments (continued)

 

 

 

Major geopolitical overhangs have lifted, at least temporarily, and the recent drag from the trade war should abate and put the economy on sturdier footing in 2020. We recognize that pockets of uncertainty remain, but recent trends seem likely to continue. While our Strategies’ durations are essentially neutral to their benchmarks, we are expressing our view of rates by favoring intermediate maturities to capture the carry and roll.

We continue to see value in spread product. In addition to the relief we expect across the economy from the signing of a phase one trade deal, our outlook for corporate profits is constructive and we believe credit offers an attractive alternative to Treasuries. We acknowledge that spreads have tightened significantly in recent months and sit just wide of cycle tights, so we are being opportunistic in shifting toward less-cyclical and higher-quality

names. We also see notable value in the mortgage space, where recent refinancing worries have caused a defensive shift toward specified pools, giving us an opportunity to move into some lower pay-up, less-seasoned cohorts.

This commentary reflects the viewpoints of GW&K Investment Management, LLC and is not intended as a forecast or guarantee of future results.

 

 

 

5


Table of Contents
    

AMG GW&K Enhanced Core Bond ESG Fund

Portfolio Manager’s Comments (continued)

 

 

 

CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN PERFORMANCE

AMG GW&K Enhanced Core Bond ESG Fund’s cumulative total return is based on the daily change in net asset value (NAV), and assumes that all dividends and distributions were reinvested. The graph compares a hypothetical $10,000 investment made in the AMG GW&K Enhanced Core Bond ESG Fund’s Class N shares on December 31, 2009, to a $10,000 investment made in the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index for the same time period. The graph and table do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on a Fund distribution or redemption of shares. The listed returns for the Fund are net of expenses and the returns for the index exclude expenses. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced.

 

LOGO

The table below shows the average annual total returns for the AMG GW&K Enhanced Core Bond ESG Fund and the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index for the same time periods ended December 31, 2019.

 

Average Annual Total Returns1    One
Year
    Five
Years
    Ten
Years
    Since
Inception
    Inception
Date
 

AMG GW&K Enhanced Core Bond ESG Fund2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

 

Class N

     10.35     2.37     4.13     5.31     01/02/97  

Class I

     10.51     2.54     —         2.70     11/30/12  

Class Z

     10.59     2.62     4.39     5.69     01/02/97  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index9

     8.72     3.05     3.75     5.14      01/02/97  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The performance data shown represents past performance. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.

 

Investors should carefully consider the Fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses before investing. For performance information through the most recent month end, current net asset values per share for the Fund and other information, please call 800.548.4539 or visit our website at amgfunds.com for a free prospectus. Read it carefully before investing or sending money.

Distributed by AMG Distributors, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC.

 

 

Date reflects the inception date of the Fund, not the index.

1 

Total return equals income yield plus share price change and assumes reinvestment of all dividends and capital gain distributions. Returns are net of fees and may reflect offsets of Fund expenses as described in the prospectus. No adjustment has been made for taxes payable by shareholders on their reinvested dividends and

  capital gain distributions. Returns for periods greater than one year are annualized. The listed returns on the Fund are net of expenses and based on the published NAV as of December 31, 2019. All returns are in U.S. dollars ($).
2 

From time to time, the Fund’s advisor has waived its fees and/or absorbed Fund expenses, which has resulted in higher returns.

3 

The Fund is subject to the risks associated with investments in debt securities, such as default risk and fluctuations in the perception of the debtor’s ability to pay its creditors. Changing interest rates may adversely affect the value of an investment. An increase in interest rates typically causes the value of bonds and other fixed income securities to fall.

4

To the extent that the Fund invests in asset-backed or mortgage-backed securities, its exposure to prepayment and extension risks may be greater than investments in other fixed income securities.

5 

High-yield bonds (also known as “junk bonds”) may be subject to greater levels of interest rate, credit, and liquidity risk than investments in higher rated securities. These securities are considered predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer’s continuing ability to make principal and interest payments. The issuers of the Fund’s holdings may be involved in bankruptcy proceedings, reorganizations, or financial restructurings, and are not as strong financially as higher-rated issuers.

6 

Investments in international securities are subject to certain risks of overseas investing including currency fluctuations and changes in political and economic conditions, which could result in significant market fluctuations. These risks are magnified in emerging markets.

7 

Obligations of certain government agencies are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government. If one of these agencies defaulted on a loan, there is no guarantee that the U.S. government would provide financial support. Additionally, debt securities of the U.S. government may be affected by changing interest rates and subject to prepayment risk.

 

 

 

6


Table of Contents
    

AMG GW&K Enhanced Core Bond ESG Fund

Portfolio Manager’s Comments (continued)

 

 

 

8 

Applying the Fund’s ESG investment criteria may result in the selection or exclusion of securities of certain issuers for reasons other than performance, and the Fund may underperform funds that do not utilize an ESG investment strategy. The application of this strategy may affect the Fund’s exposure to certain companies, sectors, regions, countries or types of investments, which could negatively impact the Fund’s performance depending on whether such investments are in or out of favor. Applying ESG criteria to investment decisions is qualitative and subjective by nature, and there is no guarantee that the criteria utilized by the Subadviser or any judgment exercised by the Subadviser will reflect the beliefs or values of any particular investor.

9 

The Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index is an index of the U.S. investment-grade fixed-rate bond market, including both government and corporate bonds. Unlike the Fund, the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index is unmanaged, is not available for investment and does not incur expenses.

Bloomberg Index Services Limited. BLOOMBERG® is a trademark and service mark of Bloomberg Finance L.P. and its affiliates (collectively “Bloomberg”). BARCLAYS® is a trademark and service mark of Barclays Bank Plc (collectively with its affiliates, “Barclays”), used under license. Bloomberg or

Bloomberg’s licensors, including Barclays, own all proprietary rights in the Bloomberg Barclays Indices. Neither Bloomberg nor Barclays approves or endorses this material, or guarantees the accuracy or completeness of any information herein, or makes any warranty, express or implied, as to the results to be obtained therefrom and, to the maximum extent allowed by law, neither shall have any liability or responsibility for injury or damages arising in connection therewith

Not FDIC insured, nor bank guaranteed. May lose value.

 

 

 

7


Table of Contents
    

AMG GW&K Enhanced Core Bond ESG Fund

Fund Snapshots (unaudited)

December 31, 2019

 

 

 

PORTFOLIO BREAKDOWN   

Category

   % of
Net Assets
 

Corporate Bonds and Notes

     49.5  

U.S. Government and Agency Obligations

     41.5  

Municipal Bonds

     7.8  

Short-Term Investments

     3.9  

Other Assets Less Liabilities

     (2.7

 

Rating

   % of
Market Value1
 

U.S. Government and Agency Obligations

     42.0  

Aaa/AAA

     0.5  

Aa/AA

     11.5  

A

     13.6  

Baa/BBB

     19.5  

Ba/BB

     12.9  

 

1 

Includes market value of long-term fixed-income securities only.

TOP TEN HOLDINGS   

Security Name

   % of
Net Assets
 

FNMA, 4.000%, 10/01/43

     7.2  

FNMA, 4.500%, 04/01/41

     5.2  

United States Treasury Bonds, 4.500%, 02/15/36

     3.8  

FHLMC Gold Pool, 5.000%, 10/01/36

     3.2  

FNMA, 4.000%, 12/01/33

     2.7  

FNMA, 3.500%, 11/01/42

     2.5  

FNMA, 4.500%, 05/01/39

     2.4  

California State General Obligation, School Improvements, 7.550%, 04/01/39

     2.1  

FHLMC Multifamily Structured Pass Through Certificates, Series K071, Class A2, 3.286%, 11/25/27

     1.9  

FNMA, 3.500%, 03/01/46

     1.7  
  

 

 

 

Top Ten as a Group

     32.7  
  

 

 

 
 

 

Credit quality ratings shown above reflect the highest rating assigned by either Standard & Poor’s (“S&P”), Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”) or Fitch. These rating agencies are independent, nationally recognized statistical rating organizations and are widely used. Investment grade ratings are credit ratings of BBB/Baa or higher. Below investment grade ratings are credit ratings of BB/Ba or lower. Investments designated N/R are not rated by either rating agency. Unrated investments do not necessarily indicate low credit quality. Credit quality ratings are subject to change.

Because a fund’s strategy may result in multiple investments in particular sectors of the economy, its performance may depend on the performance of those sectors and may fluctuate more widely than investments diversified across more sectors. For additional information on these and other risk considerations, please see the Fund’s prospectus.

Any sectors, industries, or securities discussed should not be perceived as investment recommendations. Mention of a specific security should not be considered a recommendation to buy or solicitation to sell that security. Specific securities mentioned in this report may have been sold from the Fund’s portfolio of investments by the time you receive this report.

 

 

8


Table of Contents
    

AMG GW&K Enhanced Core Bond ESG Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments

December 31, 2019

 

 

 

    Principal
Amount
    Value  

Corporate Bonds and Notes - 49.5%

 

 

Financials - 16.3%

   

Aircastle, Ltd.
5.000%, 04/01/23

  $ 301,000     $ 322,133  

Ally Financial, Inc.
8.000%, 11/01/31

    237,000       329,418  

American Tower Corp.
4.400%, 02/15/26

    302,000       329,805  

Boston Properties, LP
3.400%, 06/21/29

    313,000       327,454  

CIT Group, Inc.
6.125%, 03/09/28

    280,000       331,197  

Crown Castle International Corp.
4.300%, 02/15/291

    300,000       332,797  

CyrusOne LP / CyrusOne Finance Corp.
3.450%, 11/15/29

    327,000       328,501  

Equinix, Inc.
3.200%, 11/18/29

    325,000       326,810  

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.
3.500%, 11/16/26

    474,000       499,230  

Host Hotels & Resorts, LP Series C
4.750%, 03/01/23

    298,000       318,296  

Iron Mountain US Holdings, Inc.
5.375%, 06/01/262

    161,000       168,703  

JPMorgan Chase & Co.
2.950%, 10/01/26

    314,000       323,865  

MGM Resorts International
7.750%, 03/15/22

    293,000       328,315  

Morgan Stanley, GMTN (3 month LIBOR + 1.628%)
4.431%, 01/23/303

    441,000       499,182  

National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corp., MTN
3.250%, 11/01/25

    310,000       327,332  

Visa, Inc.
4.300%, 12/14/45

    289,000       355,768  

Total Financials

      5,448,806  

Industrials - 32.2%

   

The ADT Security Corp.
6.250%, 10/15/21

    149,000       157,466  

Advocate Health & Hospitals Corp.
3.829%, 08/15/28

    300,000       326,474  

AECOM
5.875%, 10/15/24

    294,000       325,980  

AT&T, Inc.
4.250%, 03/01/27

    304,000       334,170  

Ball Corp.
4.875%, 03/15/26

    152,000       165,201  
    Principal
Amount
    Value  

CDW LLC / CDW Finance Corp.

   

5.000%, 09/01/25

  $ 25,000     $ 26,177  

5.500%, 12/01/241

    276,000       306,936  

Charter Communications Operating LLC / Charter Communications Operating Capital
4.908%, 07/23/25

    299,000       329,492  

Cheniere Corpus Christi Holdings LLC
5.125%, 06/30/271

    300,000       332,109  

Comcast Corp.
4.150%, 10/15/28

    436,000       491,479  

CommonSpirit Health
3.347%, 10/01/29

    327,000       329,658  

Crown Americas LLC / Crown Americas Capital Corp. IV
4.500%, 01/15/23

    238,000       250,790  

Crown Americas LLC / Crown Americas Capital Corp. V
4.250%, 09/30/26

    77,000       80,973  

CVS Health Corp.
5.125%, 07/20/45

    280,000       332,692  

Dell, Inc.
7.100%, 04/15/281

    135,000       161,372  

Elanco Animal Health, Inc.
4.900%, 08/28/28

    305,000       332,172  

Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. Series 10Y
4.250%, 05/15/28

    298,000       334,304  

The George Washington University Series 2018
4.126%, 09/15/48

    461,000       532,918  

HCA, Inc.
5.375%, 02/01/25

    297,000       329,051  

Hilton Domestic Operating Co, Inc.
4.250%, 09/01/24

    317,000       323,868  

Kaiser Foundation Hospitals
3.150%, 05/01/27

    319,000       333,513  

Kinder Morgan, Inc.
4.300%, 03/01/28

    300,000       327,390  

Lennar Corp.
4.750%, 05/30/25

    154,000       165,871  

McDonald’s Corp., MTN
3.700%, 01/30/26

    302,000       326,111  

Microsoft Corp.
3.750%, 02/12/45

    146,000       166,285  

Murphy Oil USA, Inc.
5.625%, 05/01/27

    150,000       161,302  

Netflix, Inc.
4.375%, 11/15/26

    155,000       159,162  

Newell Brands, Inc.
4.200%, 04/01/264

    318,000       331,859  
 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

9


Table of Contents
    

AMG GW&K Enhanced Core Bond ESG Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments (continued)

 

 

 

    Principal
Amount
    Value  

Industrials - 32.2% (continued)

 

 

Nokia Oyj (Finland) 4.375%, 06/12/27

  $ 162,000     $ 169,185  

Northrop Grumman Corp. 3.200%, 02/01/27

    327,000       340,613  

NuStar Logistics, LP 6.750%, 02/01/21

    157,000       163,343  

Parker-Hannifin Corp. 3.250%, 06/14/29

    318,000       332,893  

PulteGroup, Inc.

   

5.000%, 01/15/27

    147,000       160,424  

5.500%, 03/01/26

    145,000       162,374  

RELX Capital, Inc.
4.000%, 03/18/29

    305,000       331,558  

T-Mobile USA, Inc., Contingent Value Bond 0.000%, *,5,6

    207,000       0  

Toll Brothers Finance Corp. 4.375%, 04/15/23

    154,000       161,379  

Twitter, Inc.
3.875%, 12/15/271,2

    165,000       165,327  

United Rentals North America, Inc. 6.500%, 12/15/26

    150,000       165,137  

Verizon Communications, Inc. 3.875%, 02/08/29

    297,000       327,897  

Waste Management, Inc. 3.450%, 06/15/29

    306,000       327,985  

WESCO Distribution, Inc. 5.375%, 06/15/241

    155,000       161,264  

Total Industrials

      10,744,154  

Utilities - 1.0%

   

Northern States Power Co. 2.900%, 03/01/50

    339,000       324,828  

Total Corporate Bonds and Notes
(Cost $15,887,334)

      16,517,788  

Municipal Bonds - 7.8%

   

California State General Obligation, School Improvements
7.550%, 04/01/39

    430,000       690,563  

County of Miami-Dade FL Aviation Revenue, Series C 4.280%, 10/01/41

    460,000       492,862  

JobsOhio Beverage System, Series B 3.985%, 01/01/29

    295,000       320,520  

JobsOhio Beverage System, Series B 4.532%, 01/01/35

    5,000       5,866  

Los Angeles Unified School District, School Improvements 5.750%, 07/01/34

    370,000       474,285  
    Principal
Amount
    Value  

Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Transit Improvement 6.668%, 11/15/39

  $ 220,000     $ 312,602  

University of California, University & College Improvements, Series BD 3.349%, 07/01/29

    305,000       324,825  

Total Municipal Bonds
(Cost $2,485,411)

      2,621,523  

U.S. Government and Agency Obligations - 41.5%

   

Fannie Mae - 25.6%

   

FNMA

   

3.000%, 06/01/34 to 03/01/47

    741,159       762,233  

3.500%, 11/01/42 to 03/01/46

    1,315,730       1,387,589  

4.000%, 12/01/33 to 10/01/43

    3,091,362       3,296,038  

4.500%, 05/01/39 to 04/01/41

    2,573,485       2,790,499  

5.000%, 11/01/43

    255,661       281,860  

Total Fannie Mae

      8,518,219  

Freddie Mac - 10.4%

   

FHLMC
2.500%, 10/01/34 to 11/01/34

    576,049       583,649  

FHLMC Gold Pool

   

3.000%, 01/01/43

    352,866       363,882  

3.500%, 02/01/30 to 05/01/44

    477,066       500,214  

5.000%, 10/01/36

    953,030       1,051,622  

FHLMC Multifamily Structured Pass Through Certificates

   

Series K071, Class A2 3.286%, 11/25/27

    611,000       650,895  

Series K076, Class A2 3.900%, 04/25/28

    291,000       322,261  

Total Freddie Mac

      3,472,523  

U.S. Treasury Obligations - 5.5%

   

United States Treasury Bonds

   

3.500%, 02/15/39

    193,000       231,777  

4.500%, 02/15/36

    966,000       1,282,874  

United States Treasury Notes 6.250%, 08/15/23

    283,000       328,938  

Total U.S. Treasury Obligations

      1,843,589  

Total U.S. Government and Agency Obligations
(Cost $13,560,522)

      13,834,331  

Short-Term Investments - 3.9%

   

Joint Repurchase Agreements - 3.9%7

   

Citadel Securities LLC, dated 12/31/19, due 01/02/20, 1.600% total to be received $285,669 (collateralized by various U.S. Treasuries, 0.000% - 8.500%, 01/15/20 - 11/15/48, totaling $291,383)

    285,644       285,644  
 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

10


Table of Contents
    

AMG GW&K Enhanced Core Bond ESG Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments (continued)

 

 

 

     Principal
Amount
     Value  

Joint Repurchase Agreements - 3.9%7 (continued)

     

RBC Dominion Securities, Inc., dated 12/31/19, due 01/02/20, 1.570% total to be received $1,000,087 (collateralized by various U.S. Government Agency Obligations and U.S. Treasuries, 0.000% - 6.500%, 06/30/21 -12/01/49, totaling $1,020,000)

   $ 1,000,000      $ 1,000,000  

Total Joint Repurchase Agreements

        1,285,644  
     Shares         

Other Investment Companies - 0.0%#

     

Dreyfus Government Cash Management Fund, Institutional Shares, 1.51%8

     3,831        3,831  

Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Government Money Market Fund, Institutional Shares,
1.55%8

     3,830        3,830  

JPMorgan U.S. Government Money Market Fund, IM Shares, 1.53%8

     3,947        3,947  

Total Other Investment Companies

        11,608  

Total Short-Term Investments
(Cost $1,297,252)

        1,297,252  
                
Value
 

Total Investments - 102.7%
(Cost $33,230,519)

      $ 34,270,894  

Other Assets, less Liabilities - (2.7)%

        (909,822

Net Assets - 100.0%

      $ 33,361,072  
 

 

* 

Non-income producing security.

# 

Less than 0.005%.

1 

Some of these securities, amounting to $1,399,391 or 4.2% of net assets, were out on loan to various borrowers and are collateralized by cash and various U.S. Treasury Obligations. See Note 4 of Notes to Financial Statements.

2 

Security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. This security may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified buyers. At December 31, 2019, the value of these securities amounted to $334,030 or 1.0% of net assets.

3 

Variable rate security. The rate shown is based on the latest available information as of December 31, 2019. Certain variable rate securities are not based on a published reference rate and spread but are determined by the issuer or agent and are based on current market conditions. These securities do not indicate a reference rate and spread in their description above.

4 

Step Bond: A debt instrument with either deferred interest payments or an interest rate that resets at specific times during its term.

5

Escrow shares

6

Security’s value was determined by using significant unobservable inputs.

7

Cash collateral received for securities lending activity was invested in these joint repurchase agreements.

8

Yield shown represents the December 31, 2019, seven day average yield, which refers to the sum of the previous seven days’ dividends paid, expressed as an annual percentage.

FHLMC Freddie Mac

FNMA   Fannie Mae

GMTN   Global Medium-Term Notes

LIBOR   London Interbank Offered Rate

MTN      Medium-Term Note

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

11


Table of Contents
    

AMG GW&K Enhanced Core Bond ESG Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments (continued)

 

 

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments by the fair value hierarchy levels as of December 31, 2019:

 

     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Investments in Securities

           

Corporate Bonds and Notes

           

Industrials

     —        $ 10,744,154      $ 0      $ 10,744,154  

Financials

     —          5,448,806        —          5,448,806  

Utilities

     —          324,828        —          324,828  

Municipal Bonds

     —          2,621,523        —          2,621,523  

U.S. Government and Agency Obligations

     —          13,834,331        —          13,834,331  

Short-Term Investments

           

Joint Repurchase Agreements

     —          1,285,644        —          1,285,644  

Other Investment Companies

   $ 11,608        —          —          11,608  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities

   $ 11,608      $ 34,259,286      $ 0      $ 34,270,894  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

All municipal bonds, and U.S. government and agency obligations held in the Fund are Level 2 securities. For a detailed breakout of municipal bonds, and U.S. government and agency obligations by major industry or agency classification, please refer to the Fund’s Schedule of Portfolio Investments.

At December 31, 2019, the Level 3 corporate bond was received as a result of a corporate action on June 12, 2019. The security’s value was determined by using significant unobservable inputs.

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, there were no transfers in or out of Level 3.

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

12


Table of Contents
    

AMG GW&K Municipal Bond Fund

Portfolio Manager’s Comments (unaudited)

 

 

 

THE YEAR IN REVIEW

For the year ended December 31, 2019, AMG GW&K Municipal Bond Fund (Class N shares) (the “Fund”) returned 7.29%, underperforming its benchmark, the Bloomberg Barclays 10-Year Municipal Bond Index (the “Index”), which returned 7.70%.

Municipal bonds began 2019 by posting their best quarterly return in five years, driven by a drop in global interest rates and a surge in demand for tax-exempt income. A striking about-face in monetary policy helped risk sentiment recover from an ugly fourth quarter. Bond yields stayed in a narrow range, held in check by muted inflation and lingering concerns over global growth. By the time the U.S. Federal Reserve (the “Fed”) actually followed through on their promises, at the March Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting, economic uncertainty had deepened overseas. Municipal bonds did not just ride the momentum in Treasuries, they outperformed across the curve. Demand for bonds proved voracious as money poured into the space. Retail investors led the way, spurred on by the performance rebound from the fourth quarter and the heightened value of the tax-exemption in a new world of fewer available deductions. The shift by the Fed supplied the final incentive. Retail investors tend to (falsely) equate hikes in the Fed funds rate with rising rates throughout the curve. When policymakers hit the pause button, all lights were flashing green. Mutual fund inflows, a reliable indicator of retail sentiment, surged to $22 billion, the fastest start to a year on record. Even the month of March could not put a dent in the rally. In most years, March brings seasonal weakness, as elevated supply typically coincides with selling pressure from investors needing to pay tax bills. This year, however, supply came in below its five-year average, still held back from the recent elimination of advanced refunding transactions. And instead of selling, investors stampeded into the market looking to accumulate one of the few remaining high-quality tax havens.

Municipal bonds posted impressive gains in the second quarter, helped along by a powerful rally in Treasuries. Slowing economic activity, unresolved trade tensions and stubbornly low inflation measures all fueled concerns over global growth and pushed investors toward the relative safety of bonds. As the quarter progressed, the Treasury market started flashing an ominous warning sign: the yield on the 10-year note dropped below the rate on short-term bills, an inversion that has preceded every recession for the past 60 years. The

Fed came under increasing pressure to act. At the June FOMC meeting, the Fed essentially capitulated, dropping its prior commitment to “be patient” and signaling a willingness to ease policy in the face of increasing threats to an expansion that just became the longest on record. By the end of June, the yield on the two-year Treasury had fallen over half a percentage point, its largest quarterly drop since the financial crisis. Yields on longer maturities declined as well, though not by quite the same magnitude, which had the effect of steepening the curve over the quarter. Municipal bonds started the quarter on a tear, outperforming Treasuries as money continued to pour into the market. Industry mutual funds took in another $20 billion of cash, setting a new record for first half inflows at nearly $44 billion. Meanwhile, supply remained constrained, leading to a scramble for bonds and an almost indiscriminate reach for yield. By mid-May, the 10-year municipal/Treasury ratio had fallen to 71%, within a whisker of its all-time low. But as the Treasury market continued to surge, municipal bonds simply could not keep up. In June, just as rate fatigue started to creep in, new issue volume began to perk up and investors became much more selective with purchases. Deals that would have been heavily oversubscribed earlier in the quarter suddenly saw mixed demand resulting in more leftover balances or dealer concessions to clear the market. By the end of the quarter, ratios had rebounded to more reasonable levels with the 10-year finishing back above 80% and the 30-year again topping 90%.

The third quarter provided another round of impressive gains for municipal bonds, fueled once again by a sharp rally in the Treasury market. July started innocuously enough with interest rates generally muddling along ahead of the Fed’s first rate cut in a decade. In August, however, yields plummeted in response to a dramatic escalation in the trade war between the U.S. and China. Before the month was out, the yield on the 30-year Treasury slid to a record low while the amount of global debt trading at negative yields climbed to $17 trillion. As the trade war continued to simmer, central banks took action. The European Central Bank lowered deposit rates and relaunched an asset purchase program. The Fed cut rates a second time in September and signaled a willingness to do more if the economy wavered. Growth fears began to subside and interest rates retraced some of their prior fall. The yield on the 10-year Treasury, which began the quarter at 2.01% and touched a low of 1.43% amid the worst of the turmoil, finished September at 1.67%, which is down over 100 basis points from the start of the year. Tax-exempt rates

likewise plummeted over the first two months of the quarter. By the end of August, the yield on the 10-year municipal fell to 1.21%, breaking through the previous all-time low of 1.26% set back in the summer of 2016. Municipal bonds actually outperformed Treasuries in the initial part of the rally with record amounts of cash pouring into the space and overwhelming a supply calendar that proved insufficient to satisfy demand. Relative value metrics, expressed as the ratio of tax-exempt yields to Treasury yields, dropped near all-time lows, with the 10-year ratio declining to 74% and short-end ratios bottoming at 57%. Interest rates were so low that municipalities found it economically viable to issue taxable debt to pre-refund existing tax-exempt securities. Eventually, however, yield fatigue set in and investors were less inclined to chase rates lower. A surge in issuance that started in August did not help matters and when global rates rebounded in the final third of the quarter, municipal bonds sold off hard. Yields finished the quarter well above their lows and relative value ratios moved back to historical averages.

Despite a sharp backup in Treasury yields, municipal bonds were able to post modest returns in the fourth quarter, locking in the strongest calendar year for returns since 2014. During the quarter, global sentiment seemed to hang on every word of the U.S.-China trade negotiations, rising on breakthroughs and declining when talks fell apart. Ultimately, animal spirits won out after the two nations agreed to a “phase one” deal in early December. Risk markets rallied and bonds suffered, a dynamic that was reinforced by a decisive U.K. election that finally offered clarity on Brexit. Strong employment numbers and corporate earnings beats added further fuel to the fire. Meanwhile, the Fed struck a dovish tone, setting a high bar for future rate hikes, making any increase contingent on a “significant” and “persistent” pickup in inflation. Relieved investors, increasingly confident in the economy and global backdrop, bid up stocks and sold safe-haven assets. By year end, equity markets had climbed to all-time highs while Treasuries gave up some of their strong year-to-date gains. For the quarter, the yield on the 10-year Treasury rose 25 basis points, but still finished 77 basis points lower than where it began the year. The outperformance of municipal bonds versus Treasuries was largely driven by heavy flows into the tax-exempt space. Industry mutual funds experienced $25 billion of net new cash during the quarter, pushing calendar year inflows over $90 billion, a new record high. The appetite for paper overwhelmed even the spike in supply. While new issue volume increased 50% over

 

 

 

13


Table of Contents
    

AMG GW&K Municipal Bond Fund

Portfolio Manager’s Comments (continued)

 

 

 

the fourth quarter of 2018, most of that was due to a surge in taxable deals. Issuing authorities, no longer able to advance refund outstanding debt with tax-exempt bonds (due to federal tax reform), issued taxable bonds instead, with record low rates making the deals economically viable. Tax-exempt supply was still up year over year, but only by 13%, no match for the deluge of inflows. The strong technical environment pushed municipal/Treasury ratios lower across the curve. For the quarter, 10-year municipal bonds were up only 2 basis points, barely denting the gains established by an 87 basis point drop for the year.

For the year, the Fund slightly underperformed the Index. Earlier in the year, a longer duration in the declining rate environment and the favorable timing

of a yield curve extension benefited performance. However, the Fund underperformed due to its higher quality bias as credit spreads continued to tighten in 2019.

Looking ahead to 2020, the municipal bond market appears to be in good shape, both fundamentally and technically. States and municipalities have banked the revenue windfall of the past few years, building reserves back above their pre-recession highs. Conservative budgeting practices have been cited in a substantial number of upgrades in 2019, and barring a downturn, there’s little reason to believe that will change anytime soon. Meanwhile,

even with the tremendous run of performance in 2019, demand for tax-exempt income should continue to be relentless, especially with the political uncertainty that will accompany the lead-up to November’s presidential election. On the supply side, the longer rates stay near these lows, the more taxable volume should eat into the amount of tax-exempt debt needed to be issued. This would only further support prices.

This commentary reflects the viewpoints of GW&K Investment Management, LLC and is not intended as a forecast or guarantee of future results.

 

 

 

14


Table of Contents
    

AMG GW&K Municipal Bond Fund

Portfolio Manager’s Comments (continued)

 

 

 

CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN PERFORMANCE

AMG GW&K Municipal Bond Fund’s cumulative total return is based on the daily change in net asset value (NAV), and assumes that all dividends and distributions were reinvested. The graph compares a hypothetical $10,000 investment made in the AMG GW&K Municipal Bond Fund’s Class N shares on December 31, 2009, to a $10,000 investment made in the Bloomberg Barclays 10-Year Municipal Bond Index for the same time period. The graph and table do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on a Fund distribution or redemption of shares. The listed returns for the Fund are net of expenses and the returns for the index exclude expenses. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced.

 

LOGO

The table below shows the average annual total returns for the AMG GW&K Municipal Bond Fund and the Bloomberg Barclays 10-Year Municipal Bond Index for the same time periods ended December 31, 2019.

 

           Five        
Average Annual Total Returns1    One Year     Years     Ten Years  

AMG GW&K Municipal Bond Fund2, 3, 4, 5, 6

 

 

Class N

     7.29     2.90     4.01

Class I

     7.58     3.27     4.42
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Bloomberg Barclays 10-Year Municipal Bond Index7

     7.70     3.68     4.64
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The performance data shown represents past performance. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.

 

Investors should carefully consider the Fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses before investing. For performance information through the most recent month end, current net asset values per share for the Fund and other information, please call 800.548.4539 or visit our website at amgfunds.com for a free prospectus. Read it carefully before investing or sending money.

Distributed by AMG Distributors, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC.

 

1 

Total return equals income yield plus share price change and assumes reinvestment of all dividends and capital gain distributions. Returns are net of fees and may reflect offsets of Fund expenses as described in the prospectus. No adjustment has been made for taxes payable by shareholders on their reinvested dividends and capital gain distributions. Returns for periods greater than one year are annualized. The listed returns on the Fund are net of expenses and based on the published NAV as of December 31, 2019. All returns are in U.S. dollars ($).

2

From time to time, the Fund’s advisor has waived its fees and/or absorbed Fund expenses, which has resulted in higher returns.

3 

The Fund is subject to the risks associated with investments in debt securities, such as default risk and fluctuations in the perception of the debtor’s ability to pay its creditors. Changing interest rates may adversely affect the value of an investment. An increase in interest rates typically causes the value of bonds and other fixed income securities to fall.

4 

Factors unique to the municipal bond market may negatively affect the value in municipal bonds.

5 

Investment income may be subject to certain state and local taxes, and depending on your tax status, the federal alternative minimum tax. Capital gains are not exempt from federal income tax.

6 

Companies that are in similar businesses may be similarly affected by particular economic or market events; to the extent the Fund has substantial holdings within a particular sector, the risks associated with that sector increase.

7 

The Bloomberg Barclays 10-Year Municipal Bond Index is the 10 Year (8-12) component of the Municipal Bond index. It is a rules-based, market-value-weighted index engineered for the tax-exempt bond market. The Index tracks general obligation bonds, revenue bonds, insured bonds, and prerefunded bonds rated Baa3/BBB- or higher by at least two of the ratings agencies: Moody’s, S&P, Fitch. Unlike the Fund, the Bloomberg Barclays 10-Year Municipal Bond Index is unmanaged, is not available for investment and does not incur expenses.

Bloomberg Index Services Limited. BLOOMBERG® is a trademark and service mark of Bloomberg Finance L.P. and its affiliates (collectively “Bloomberg”). BARCLAYS® is a trademark and service mark of Barclays Bank Plc (collectively with its affiliates, “Barclays”), used under license. Bloomberg or Bloomberg’s licensors, including Barclays, own all proprietary rights in the Bloomberg Barclays Indices. Neither Bloomberg nor Barclays approves or endorses this material, or guarantees the accuracy or completeness of any information herein, or makes any warranty, express or implied, as to the results to be obtained therefrom and, to the maximum extent allowed by law, neither shall have any liability or responsibility for injury or damages arising in connection therewith.

Not FDIC insured, nor bank guaranteed. May lose value.

 

 

 

15


Table of Contents
    

AMG GW&K Municipal Bond Fund

Fund Snapshots (unaudited)

December 31, 2019

 

 

 

PORTFOLIO BREAKDOWN

 

Category

   % of
Net Assets
 

Transportation

     25.4  

Utilities

     25.4  

General Obligation

     20.6  

Medical

     7.9  

Water

     7.0  

Higher Education

     3.0  

Power

     2.1  

Tobacco Settlement

     0.9  

Short-Term Investments

     7.1  

Other Assets & Liabilities

     0.6  

 

Rating

   % of
Market Value
 

Aaa/AAA

     31.3  

Aa/AA

     44.8  

A

     22.0  

Baa/BBB

     1.9  

 

1

Includes market value of long-term fixed-income securities only.

TOP TEN HOLDINGS

 

Security Name

   % of
Net Assets
 

State of Maryland, Series B, General Obligation, 5.000%, 08/01/25

     2.8  

Wisconsin State Revenue, Department of Transportation, Series 2, Revenue, 5.000%, 07/01/29

     2.5  

North Carolina State Limited Obligation, Series B, Revenue, 5.000%, 05/01/28

     1.8  

Iowa Finance Authority, State Revolving Fund Green Bond, Revenue, 5.000%, 08/01/30

     1.8  

Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Transit Revenue, Green Bond, Series B, Revenue, 5.000%, 11/15/27

     1.7  

State of Maryland, Department of Transportation, Revenue, 5.000%, 09/01/29

     1.5  

State of Maryland, Department of Transportation, Revenue, 5.000%, 10/01/28

     1.4  

New Mexico Finance Authority, Subordinate, Series A, Revenue, 5.000%, 06/15/28

     1.4  

Michigan Finance Authority, Henry Ford Health System, Revenue, 5.000%, 11/15/29

     1.3  

Texas Transportation Commission Fund, Series A, General Obligation, 5.000%, 04/01/27

     1.3  
  

 

 

 

Top Ten as a Group

     17.5  
  

 

 

 
 

 

Credit quality ratings shown above reflect the highest rating assigned by either Standard & Poor’s (“S&P”), Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”) or Fitch. These rating agencies are independent, nationally recognized statistical rating organizations and are widely used. Investment grade ratings are credit ratings of BBB/Baa or higher. Below investment grade ratings are credit ratings of BB/Ba or lower. Investments designated N/R are not rated by either rating agency. Unrated investments do not necessarily indicate low credit quality. Credit quality ratings are subject to change.

Because a fund’s strategy may result in multiple investments in particular sectors of the economy, its performance may depend on the performance of those sectors and may fluctuate more widely than investments diversified across more sectors. For additional information on these and other risk considerations, please see the Fund’s prospectus.

Any sectors, industries, or securities discussed should not be perceived as investment recommendations. Mention of a specific security should not be considered a recommendation to buy or solicitation to sell that security. Specific securities mentioned in this report may have been sold from the Fund’s portfolio of investments by the time you receive this report.

 

 

16


Table of Contents
    

AMG GW&K Municipal Bond Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments

December 31, 2019

 

 

 

     Principal
Amount
     Value  

Municipal Bonds - 92.3%

     

Arizona - 1.7%

     

Arizona Department of Transportation State Highway Fund Revenue 5.000%, 07/01/28

   $ 5,030,000      $ 6,155,513  

Arizona Water Infrastructure Finance Authority, Water Quality Revenue, Series A 5.000%, 10/01/26

     10,000,000        11,739,100  

Total Arizona

        17,894,613  

California - 5.0%

     

California Municipal Finance Authority, Community Medical Centers, Series A

     

5.000%, 02/01/27

     950,000        1,170,381  

5.000%, 02/01/30

     1,630,000        1,959,716  

5.000%, 02/01/31

     900,000        1,077,372  

5.000%, 02/01/32

     1,855,000        2,215,241  

San Francisco City & County Airport Commission, San Francisco International Airport, Series A

     

5.000%, 05/01/34

     5,000,000        6,206,600  

5.000%, 05/01/35

     5,800,000        7,179,356  

State of California

     

5.000%, 08/01/29

     7,235,000        8,900,786  

5.000%, 09/01/29

     5,075,000        6,266,306  

5.000%, 04/01/32

     5,000,000        6,812,250  

State of California, Series C 5.000%, 09/01/26

     7,715,000        9,341,322  

Total California

        51,129,330  

Colorado - 2.1%

     

Colorado Health Facilities Authority, Series A

     

5.000%, 01/01/27

     2,500,000        3,076,400  

5.000%, 01/01/28

     2,500,000        3,135,425  

5.000%, 01/01/29

     4,000,000        5,100,360  

5.000%, 08/01/33

     2,750,000        3,350,930  

Regional Transportation District County COPS, Series A

     

5.000%, 06/01/24

     6,000,000        6,750,420  

Total Colorado

        21,413,535  

Connecticut - 3.6%

     

State of Connecticut Special Tax Revenue, Transportation Infrastructure

     

5.000%, 08/01/24

     5,340,000        6,227,241  

5.000%, 01/01/30

     10,170,000        12,581,002  

State of Connecticut Special Tax Revenue, Series B 5.000%, 10/01/35

     7,500,000        9,177,675  

State of Connecticut, Series A 5.000%, 01/15/31 1

     7,500,000        9,520,050  

Total Connecticut

        37,505,968  

District of Columbia - 3.8%

 

  

District of Columbia Water & Sewer Authority Public Utility Revenue, Sub Lien, Series C 5.000%, 10/01/24

     5,500,000        6,077,940  
     Principal
Amount
     Value  

District of Columbia, Series A 5.000%, 06/01/30

   $ 6,020,000      $ 7,281,431  

5.000%, 10/15/30

     5,010,000        6,468,411  

District of Columbia, Series B 5.000%, 06/01/31

     10,065,000        12,673,244  

Washington Convention & Sports Authority, Series A 5.000%, 10/01/27

     5,525,000        6,955,091  

Total District of Columbia

        39,456,117  

Florida - 4.0%

     

Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise, Department of Transportation, Series C
5.000%, 07/01/28

     7,075,000        8,643,386  

Lee Memorial Health System, Series A
5.000%, 04/01/34

     5,500,000        6,792,005  

Orange County Health Facilities Authority, Series A
5.000%, 10/01/31

     4,515,000        5,420,438  

Orange County Health Facilities Authority, Series G 5.000%, 10/01/26

     3,000,000        3,665,430  

State of Florida, Capital Outlay, Series B
5.000%, 06/01/27

     9,045,000        10,538,601  

State of Florida, Department of Transportation, Fuel Sales Tax Revenue, Series B 5.000%, 07/01/26

     5,780,000        6,114,893  

Total Florida

        41,174,753  

Georgia - 1.2%

     

Atlanta Water & Wastewater Revenue
5.000%, 11/01/25

     5,100,000        6,081,648  

Georgia State University & College Improvements, Series A 5.000%, 07/01/27

     5,450,000        5,969,930  

Total Georgia

        12,051,578  

Illinois - 6.6%

     

Chicago O’Hare International Airport, Series B 5.000%, 01/01/28

     10,670,000        12,477,178  

Chicago O’Hare International Airport, Senior Lien, Series A

     

5.000%, 01/01/36

     10,000,000        12,140,300  

5.000%, 01/01/38

     5,500,000        6,630,910  

Illinois State Finance Authority Revenue, Clean Water Initiative Revenue
5.000%, 07/01/27

     11,000,000        13,271,500  

Illinois State Toll Highway Authority, Series A
5.000%, 12/01/31

     9,565,000        11,230,266  

Illinois State Toll Highway Authority, Senior Revenue Bonds, Series A
5.000%, 01/01/30

     10,050,000        12,669,231  

Total Illinois

        68,419,385  
 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

17


Table of Contents
    

AMG GW&K Municipal Bond Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments (continued)

 

 

 

     Principal
Amount
     Value  

Indiana - 2.0%

     

Indiana Finance Authority 5.000%, 02/01/21

   $ 6,500,000      $ 6,773,650  

Indiana Finance Authority,
Series C
5.000%, 06/01/29

     4,800,000        6,239,808  

Indiana Transportation Finance Authority, Series C 5.500%, 12/01/25

     6,070,000        7,563,463  

Total Indiana

        20,576,921  

Iowa - 2.3%

     

Iowa Finance Authority, State Revolving Fund Green Bond 5.000%, 08/01/30

     15,025,000        18,734,823  

State of Iowa, Series A 5.000%, 06/01/25

     4,000,000        4,791,960  

Total Iowa

        23,526,783  

Kentucky - 0.6%

     

Louisville/Jefferson County Metropolitan Government, Norton Healthcare Inc., Series A
5.000%, 10/01/29

     5,430,000        6,519,475  

Maryland - 6.5%

     

State of Maryland, Department of Transportation

     

5.000%, 10/01/28

     12,085,000        14,899,234  

5.000%, 09/01/29

     12,125,000        15,246,824  

State of Maryland, Series B 5.000%, 08/01/25

     24,115,000        29,089,683  

State of Maryland, State & Local Facilities Loan of 2019, 1st Series
5.000%, 03/15/30

     6,000,000        7,781,580  

Total Maryland

        67,017,321  

Massachusetts - 1.6%

     

Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Series A 5.000%, 07/01/25

     7,700,000        9,281,426  

Massachusetts Water Resources Authority, Series C 5.000%, 08/01/31

     6,050,000        7,359,220  

Total Massachusetts

        16,640,646  

Michigan - 3.2%

     

Michigan Finance Authority, Henry Ford Health System 5.000%, 11/15/29

     11,450,000        13,836,523  

Michigan State Building Authority Revenue, Series I 5.000%, 04/15/27

     5,700,000        6,856,758  

State of Michigan 5.000%, 03/15/27

     10,000,000        12,482,600  

Total Michigan

        33,175,881  
     Principal
Amount
     Value  

Minnesota - 1.9%

     

City of Minneapolis MN, Fairview Health Services, Series A 5.000%, 11/15/35

   $ 3,165,000      $ 3,903,521  

Minneapolis-St Paul Metropolitan Airports Commission, Series A 5.000%, 01/01/25

     5,000,000        5,936,000  

State of Minnesota 5.000%, 08/01/23

     9,415,000        9,627,497  

Total Minnesota

        19,467,018  

Missouri - 0.6%

     

University of Missouri, Series A 5.000%, 11/01/26

     5,495,000        6,456,845  

Nebraska - 0.6%

     

University of Nebraska Facilities Corp.
5.000%, 07/15/25

     5,010,000        6,036,349  

New Jersey - 0.5%

     

New Jersey State Turnpike Authority Revenue, Series B
5.000%, 01/01/28

     4,010,000        5,070,444  

New Mexico - 1.4%

     

New Mexico Finance Authority, Subordinate, Series A 5.000%, 06/15/28

     11,425,000        14,553,736  

New York - 10.2%

     

Long Island Power Authority 5.000%, 09/01/35

     5,000,000        6,168,050  

Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Transit Revenue, Green Bond, Series B 5.000%, 11/15/27

     14,225,000        17,796,044  

Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Transit Revenue, Series F

     

5.000%, 11/15/24

     4,950,000        5,469,404  

5.000%, 11/15/27

     5,000,000        5,517,050  

5.000%, 11/15/28

     4,750,000        5,650,363  

New York City General Obligation, Series I 5.000%, 08/01/24

     5,000,000        5,487,300  

New York City Transitional Finance Authority Building Aid Revenue, Series S-3, Sub-Series S-3A
5.000%, 07/15/31

     5,070,000        6,367,362  

New York City Transitional Finance Authority, Future Tax Secured Revenue, Series C
5.000%, 11/01/26

     9,535,000        11,349,510  

New York State Dormitory Authority, Series A

     

5.000%, 12/15/25

     8,645,000        9,628,542  

5.000%, 12/15/27

     5,640,000        6,269,424  

5.000%, 03/15/31

     7,515,000        9,502,417  

New York State Dormitory Authority, Series D 5.000%, 02/15/27

     5,345,000        5,775,005  
 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

18


Table of Contents
    

AMG GW&K Municipal Bond Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments (continued)

 

 

 

     Principal
Amount
     Value  

New York - 10.2% (continued)

 

  

New York State Dormitory Authority, Series E 5.000%, 03/15/32

   $ 8,370,000      $ 9,906,732  

Total New York

        104,887,203  

North Carolina - 1.8%

     

North Carolina State Limited Obligation, Series B 5.000%, 05/01/28

     15,255,000        19,002,238  

Ohio - 2.6%

     

Ohio State General Obligation, Series A
5.000%, 09/01/26

     7,090,000        8,768,628  

Ohio State General Obligation, Series T
5.000%, 05/01/30

     5,000,000        6,199,350  

Ohio Water Development Authority, Water Pollution Control Loan Fund, Series 2015A
5.000%, 06/01/25

     10,050,000        12,057,287  

Total Ohio

        27,025,265  

Oregon - 2.2%

     

Oregon State Lottery, Series C
5.000%, 04/01/27

     10,000,000        11,880,700  

Oregon State Lottery, Series D
5.000%, 04/01/28

     9,225,000        10,935,499  

Total Oregon

        22,816,199  

Pennsylvania - 2.4%

     

Allegheny County Hospital Development Authority, University Pittsburgh Medical Center
5.000%, 07/15/31

     5,500,000        6,932,420  

Commonwealth Financing Authority, Pennsylvania Tobacco
5.000%, 06/01/32

     7,870,000        9,631,621  

Lancaster County Hospital Authority, University of Pennsylvania Health Revenue
5.000%, 08/15/26

     6,970,000        8,541,804  

Total Pennsylvania

        25,105,845  

Texas - 12.1%

     

Central Texas Turnpike System Transportation Commission, Series C
5.000%, 08/15/31

     11,175,000        12,799,733  

City of Austin TX Water & Wastewater System Revenue
5.000%, 11/15/26

     5,100,000        6,296,103  

City of Corpus Christi TX Utility System Revenue, Junior Lien
5.000%, 07/15/29

     3,125,000        3,927,000  

City of San Antonio TX Electric & Gas Systems Revenue
5.000%, 02/01/26

     9,300,000        11,274,669  

Dallas Area Rapid Transit, Senior Lien
5.250%, 12/01/28

     8,865,000        11,615,632  
     Principal
Amount
     Value  

Lower Colorado River Authority, LCRA Transmission Services Corporation
5.000%, 05/15/29

   $ 3,815,000      $ 4,358,638  

North Texas Municipal Water District Water System Revenue, Refunding And Improvement 5.000%, 09/01/29

     7,350,000        8,944,436  

North Texas Tollway Authority Revenue, Special Projects System, 1st Tier, Series A 5.000%, 01/01/25

     6,460,000        7,405,356  

North Texas Tollway Authority, 2nd Tier, Series B

     

5.000%, 01/01/31

     2,000,000        2,361,320  

5.000%, 01/01/32

     4,010,000        4,845,243  

North Texas Tollway Authority, Series A
5.000%, 01/01/26

     7,795,000        8,919,507  

State of Texas, Transportation Commission Mobility Fund
5.000%, 10/01/26

     10,510,000        12,145,356  

Texas Private Activity Bond Surface Transportation Corp.

     

4.000%, 12/31/37

     5,000,000        5,636,100  

4.000%, 12/31/38

     3,735,000        4,197,953  

Texas Transportation Commission Fund, Series A
5.000%, 04/01/27

     12,550,000        13,628,547  

Texas Water Development Board, State Revolving Fund 5.000%, 08/01/26

     5,405,000        6,660,149  

Total Texas

        125,015,742  

Utah - 1.8%

     

Salt Lake City Corp. Airport Revenue, Series A

     

5.000%, 07/01/29

     3,450,000        4,262,026  

5.000%, 07/01/30

     6,585,000        8,086,907  

Utah Transit Authority, Series A 5.000%, 06/15/27

     5,020,000        5,990,015  

Total Utah

        18,338,948  

Virginia - 2.2%

     

Virginia College Building Authority, Series A 5.000%, 09/01/21

     10,000,000        10,650,300  

Virginia Public Building Authority, Series B 5.000%, 08/01/25

     10,335,000        12,467,007  

Total Virginia

        23,117,307  

Washington - 4.9%

     

Energy Northwest Electric Revenue, Bonneville Power 5.000%, 07/01/25

     10,225,000        12,294,847  

Energy Northwest Nuclear Revenue, Project 3, Series A 5.000%, 07/01/25

     7,965,000        9,577,355  

State of Washington School Improvements, Series C 5.000%, 02/01/28

     7,370,000        8,922,048  
 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

19


Table of Contents
    

AMG GW&K Municipal Bond Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments (continued)

 

 

 

     Principal
Amount
     Value  

Washington - 4.9% (continued)

     

State of Washington, Series R-2015C
5.000%, 07/01/28

   $ 10,215,000      $ 12,001,706  

University of Washington, University & College Improvements Revenue, Series C
5.000%, 07/01/27

     7,270,000        8,086,566  

Total Washington

        50,882,522  

West Virginia - 0.4%

     

West Virginia Hospital Finance Authority, Cabell Huntington Hospital Obligation 5.000%, 01/01/35

     3,745,000        4,502,951  

Wisconsin - 2.5%

     

Wisconsin State Revenue, Department of Transportation, Series 2
5.000%, 07/01/29

     20,405,000        25,439,118  

Total Municipal Bonds
(Cost $907,467,174)

        954,220,036  

Short-Term Investments - 7.1%

     

Municipal Bonds - 7.1%

     

Massachusetts - 2.0%

     

Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Series C 4.000%, 06/18/20

     20,000,000        20,266,800  
     Principal
Amount
     Value  

New York - 0.8%

     

City of New York, Subordinated Series D-4 1.700%, 01/06/20 2,3

   $ 8,000,000      $ 8,000,000  

Texas - 4.3%

     

State of Texas 4.000%, 08/27/20

     44,210,000        45,038,054  

Total Municipal Bonds
(Cost $73,264,172)

        73,304,854  

Total Short-Term Investments
(Cost $73,264,172)

        73,304,854  

Total Investments - 99.4%
(Cost $980,731,346)

        1,027,524,890  

Other Assets, less Liabilities - 0.6%

 

     5,700,415  

Net Assets - 100.0%

      $ 1,033,225,305  
 

 

1 

All or part of the security is delayed delivery transaction. The market value for delayed delivery security at December 31, 2019, amounted to $9,520,050, or 0.9% of net assets.

2 

Date shown is the next coupon reset date.

3 

Variable rate security. The rate shown is based on the latest available information as of December 31, 2019. Certain variable rate securities are not based on a published reference rate and spread but are determined by the issuer or agent and are based on current market conditions. These securities do not indicate a reference rate and spread in their description above.

COPS     Certificates of Participation

 

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments by the fair value hierarchy levels as of December 31, 2019:

 

     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Investments in Securities

           

Municipal Bonds

     —        $ 954,220,036        —        $ 954,220,036  

Short-Term Investments

           

Municipal Bonds

     —          73,304,854        —          73,304,854  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities

     —        $ 1,027,524,890        —        $ 1,027,524,890  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

All municipal bonds held in the Fund are Level 2 securities. For a detailed breakout of municipal bonds by major classification, please refer to the Fund’s Schedule of Portfolio Investments.

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, there were no transfers in or out of Level 3.

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

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AMG GW&K Municipal Enhanced Yield Fund

Portfolio Manager’s Comments (unaudited)

 

 

 

THE YEAR IN REVIEW

For the year ended December 31, 2019, AMG GW&K Municipal Enhanced Yield Fund (Class N shares) (the “Fund”) returned 10.92%, compared to the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Municipal Bond BAA Index (the “Index”), which returned 9.94%.

Municipal bonds began 2019 by posting their best quarterly return in five years, driven by a drop in global interest rates and a surge in demand for tax-exempt income. A striking about-face in monetary policy helped risk sentiment recover from an ugly fourth quarter. Bond yields stayed in a narrow range, held in check by muted inflation and lingering concerns over global growth. By the time the U.S. Federal Reserve (the “Fed”) actually followed through on their promises, at the March Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting, economic uncertainty had deepened overseas. Municipal bonds did not just ride the momentum in Treasuries, they outperformed across the curve. Demand for bonds proved voracious as money poured into the space. Retail investors led the way, spurred on by the performance rebound from the fourth quarter and the heightened value of the tax exemption in a new world of fewer available deductions. The shift by the Fed supplied the final incentive. Retail investors tend to (falsely) equate hikes in the Fed fund rate with rising rates throughout the curve. When policymakers hit the pause button, all lights were flashing green. Mutual fund inflows, a reliable indicator of retail sentiment, surged to $22 billion, the fastest start to a year on record. Even the month of March could not put a dent in the rally. In most years, March brings seasonal weakness, as elevated supply typically coincides with selling pressure from investors needing to pay tax bills. This year, however, supply came in below its five-year average, still held back from the recent elimination of advanced refunding transactions. And instead of selling, investors stampeded into the market looking to accumulate one of the few remaining high-quality tax havens.

Municipal bonds posted impressive gains in the second quarter, helped along by a powerful rally in Treasuryies. Slowing economic activity, unresolved trade tensions and stubbornly low inflation measures all fueled concerns over global growth and pushed investors toward the relative safety of bonds. As the quarter progressed, the Treasury market started flashing an ominous warning sign: the yield on the 10-year note dropped below the rate on short-term bills, an inversion that has preceded every recession for the past 60 years. The

Fed came under increasing pressure to act. At the June FOMC meeting, the Fed essentially capitulated, dropping its prior commitment to “be patient” and signaling a willingness to ease policy in the face of increasing threats to an expansion that just became the longest on record. By the end of June, the yield on the two-year Treasury had fallen over half a percentage point, its largest quarterly drop since the financial crisis. Yields on longer maturities declined as well, though not by quite the same magnitude, which had the effect of steepening the curve over the quarter. Municipal bonds started the quarter on a tear, outperforming Treasuryies as money continued to pour into the market. Industry mutual funds took in another $20 billion of cash, setting a new record for first half inflows at nearly $44 billion. Meanwhile, supply remained constrained, leading to a scramble for bonds and an almost indiscriminate reach for yield. By mid-May, the 10-year municipal/Treasury ratio had fallen to 71%, within a whisker of its all-time low. But as the Treasury market continued to surge, municipal bonds simply could not keep up. In June, just as rate fatigue started to creep in, new issue volume began to perk up and investors became much more selective with purchases. Deals that would have been heavily oversubscribed earlier in the quarter suddenly saw mixed demand resulting in more leftover balances or dealer concessions to clear the market. By the end of the quarter, ratios had rebounded to more reasonable levels with the 10-year finishing back above 80% and the 30-year again topping 90%.

The third quarter provided another round of impressive gains for municipal bonds, fueled once again by a sharp rally in the Treasury market. July started innocuously enough with interest rates generally muddling along ahead of the Fed’s first interest rate cut in a decade. In August, however, yields plummeted in response to a dramatic escalation in the trade war between the U.S. and China. Before the month was out, the yield on the 30-year Treasury slid to a record low while the amount of global debt trading at negative yields climbed to $17 trillion. As the trade war continued to simmer, central banks took action. The European Central Bank lowered deposit rates and relaunched an asset purchase program. The Fed cut rates a second time in September and signaled a willingness to do more if the economy wavered. Growth fears began to subside and interest rates retraced some of their prior fall. The yield on the 10-year Treasury, which began the quarter at 2.01% and touched a low of 1.43% amid the worst of the turmoil, finished September at 1.67%, which is down over 100 basis points from the start of the year.

Tax-exempt rates likewise plummeted over the first two months of the quarter. By the end of August, the yield on the 10-year municipal fell to 1.21%, breaking through the previous all-time low of 1.26% set back in the summer of 2016. Municipal bonds actually outperformed Treasuries in the initial part of the rally with record amounts of cash pouring into the space and overwhelming a supply calendar that proved insufficient to satisfy demand. Relative value metrics, expressed as the ratio of tax-exempt yields to Treasuries yields, dropped near all-time lows, with the 10-year ratio declining to 74% and short-end ratios bottoming at 57%. Interest rates were so low that municipalities found it economically viable to issue taxable debt to pre-refund existing tax-exempt securities. Eventually, however, yield fatigue set in and investors were less inclined to chase rates lower. A surge in issuance that started in August did not help matters and when global rates finally rebounded in the final third of the quarter, municipal bonds sold off hard. Yields finished the quarter well above their lows and relative value ratios moved back to historical averages.

Despite a sharp backup in Treasuries yields, municipal bonds were able to post modest returns in the fourth quarter, locking in the strongest calendar year for returns since 2014. During the quarter, global sentiment seemed to hang on every word of the U.S.-China trade negotiations, rising on breakthroughs and declining when talks fell apart. Ultimately, animal spirits won out after the two nations agreed to a “phase one” deal in early December. Risk markets rallied and bonds suffered, a dynamic that was reinforced by a decisive U.K. election that finally offered clarity on Brexit. Strong employment numbers and corporate earnings beats added further fuel to the fire. Meanwhile, the Fed struck a dovish tone, setting a high bar for future rate hikes, making any increase contingent on a “significant” and “persistent” pickup in inflation. Relieved investors, increasingly confident in the economy and global backdrop, bid up stocks and sold safe-haven assets. By year end, equity markets had climbed to all-time highs while Treasuries gave up some of their strong year-to-date gains. For the quarter, the yield on the 10-year Treasury rose 25 basis points, but still finished 77 basis points lower than where it began the year. The outperformance of municipal bonds versus Treasuries was largely driven by heavy flows into the tax-exempt space. Industry mutual funds experienced $25 billion of net new cash during the quarter, pushing calendar year inflows over $90 billion, a new record high. The appetite for paper overwhelmed even the spike in supply. While new issue volume increased 50% over

 

 

 

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AMG GW&K Municipal Enhanced Yield Fund

Portfolio Manager’s Comments (continued)

 

 

 

the fourth quarter of 2018, most of that was due to a surge in taxable deals. Issuing authorities, no longer able to advance refund outstanding debt with tax-exempt bonds (due to federal tax reform), issued taxable bonds instead, with record low rates making the deals economically viable. Tax-exempt supply was still up year over year, but only by 13%, no match for the deluge of inflows. The strong technical environment pushed municipal/Treasury ratios lower across the curve. For the quarter, 10-year municipal bonds were up only 2 basis points, barely denting the gains established by an 87 basis point drop for the year.

The Fund outperformed the Index for the year. The Fund’s overweight to longer maturities was a positive as long- term interest rates declined. On the

other hand, the Fund’s higher quality bias was a negative as the Fund has over 50% of its holdings in credits rated A or higher, which underperformed the BBB rated bonds in the Index.

Looking ahead to 2020, the municipal bond market appears to be in good shape, both fundamentally and technically. States and municipalities have banked the revenue windfall of the past few years, building reserves back above their pre-recession highs. Conservative budgeting practices have been cited in a substantial number of upgrades in 2019, and barring a downturn, there’s little reason to believe that will change anytime soon. Meanwhile,

 

even with the tremendous run of performance in 2019, demand for tax-exempt income should continue to be relentless, especially with the political uncertainty that will accompany the lead-up to November’s presidential election. On the supply side, the longer rates stay near these lows, the more taxable volume should eat into the amount of tax-exempt debt needed to be issued. This would only further support prices.

This commentary reflects the viewpoints of GW&K Investment Management, LLC and is not intended as a forecast or guarantee of future results.

 

 

 

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AMG GW&K Municipal Enhanced Yield Fund    

Portfolio Manager’s Comments (continued)

 

 

 

CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN PERFORMANCE

AMG GW&K Municipal Enhanced Yield Fund’s cumulative total return is based on the daily change in net asset value (NAV), and assumes that all dividends and distributions were reinvested. The graph compares a hypothetical $10,000 investment made in the AMG GW&K Municipal Enhanced Yield Fund’s Class I shares on December 31, 2009, to a $10,000 investment made in the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Municipal Bond BAA Index for the same time period. The graph and table do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on a Fund distribution or redemption of shares. The listed returns for the Fund are net of expenses and the returns for the index exclude expenses. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced.

 

LOGO

The table below shows the average annual total returns for the AMG GW&K Municipal Enhanced Yield Fund and the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Municipal Bond BAA Index for the same time periods ended December 31, 2019.

 

     One     Five     Ten     Since     Inception  
Average Annual Total Returns1    Year     Years     Years     Inception     Date  

AMG GW&K Municipal Enhanced Yield Fund2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

 

Class N

     10.92     4.60     6.07     6.74     07/27/09  

Class I

     11.28     5.07     6.50     5.03     12/30/05  

Class Z

     11.45     —         —         6.77     02/24/17  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Municipal Bond BAA Index10

     9.94     4.98     5.61     4.26      12/30/05  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The performance data shown represents past performance. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.

 

Investors should carefully consider the Fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses before investing. For performance information through the most recent month end, current net asset values per share for the Fund and other information, please call 800.548.4539 or visit our website at amgfunds.com for a free prospectus. Read it carefully before investing or sending money.

Distributed by AMG Distributors, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC.

 

 

Date reflects the inception date of the Fund, not the index.

1 

Total return equals income yield plus share price change and assumes reinvestment of all dividends and capital gain distributions. Returns are net of fees and may reflect offsets of Fund expenses as described in the prospectus. No adjustment has been made for taxes payable by shareholders on their reinvested dividends and

  capital gain distributions. Returns for periods greater than one year are annualized. The listed returns on the Fund are net of expenses and based on the published NAV as of December 31, 2019. All returns are in U.S. dollars ($).
2 

From time to time, the Fund’s advisor has waived its fees and/or absorbed Fund expenses, which has resulted in higher returns.

3 

The Fund is subject to the risks associated with investments in debt securities, such as default risk and fluctuations in the perception of the debtor’s ability to pay its creditors. Changing interest rates may adversely affect the value of an investment. An increase in interest rates typically causes the value of bonds and other fixed income securities to fall.

4 

Companies that are in similar businesses may be similarly affected by particular economic or market events; to the extent the Fund has substantial holdings within a particular sector, the risks associated with that sector increase.

5 

The Fund may invest in derivatives such as options and futures; the complexity and rapidly changing structure of derivatives markets may increase the possibility of market losses.

6 

High-yield bonds (also known as “junk bonds”) may be subject to greater levels of interest rate, credit, and liquidity risk than investments in higher rated securities. These securities are considered predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer’s continuing ability to make principal and interest payments. The issuers of the Fund’s holdings may be involved in bankruptcy proceedings, reorganizations, or financial restructurings, and are not as strong financially as higher-rated issuers.

7 

The use of leverage in a Fund’s strategy, such as futures and forward commitment transactions, can magnify relatively small market movements into relatively larger losses for the Fund.

8 

Factors unique to the municipal bond market may negatively affect the value in municipal bonds.

9 

Investment income may be subject to certain state and local taxes, and depending on your tax status, the federal alternative minimum tax. Capital gains are not exempt from federal income tax.

 

 

 

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AMG GW&K Municipal Enhanced Yield Fund

Portfolio Manager’s Comments (continued)

 

 

 

10 

The Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Municipal Bond BAA Index is a subset of the Boomberg Barclays U.S. Municipal Bond Index with an index rating of Baa1, Baa2, or Baa3. The Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Municipal Bond Index is a rules-based, market-value-weighted index engineered for the long-term, tax-exempt bond market. Unlike the Fund, the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Municipal Bond BAA Index is unmanaged, is not available for investment and does not incur expenses.

Bloomberg Index Services Limited. BLOOMBERG® is a trademark and service mark of Bloomberg Finance L.P. and its affiliates (collectively “Bloomberg”). BARCLAYS® is a trademark and service mark of Barclays Bank Plc (collectively with its affiliates, “Barclays”), used under license. Bloomberg or Bloomberg’s licensors, including Barclays, own all proprietary rights in the Bloomberg Barclays Indices. Neither Bloomberg nor Barclays approves or endorses this material, or guarantees the accuracy

or completeness of any information herein, or makes any warranty, express or implied, as to the results to be obtained therefrom and, to the maximum extent allowed by law, neither shall have any liability or responsibility for injury or damages arising in connection therewith.

Not FDIC insured, nor bank guaranteed. May lose value.

 

 

 

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AMG GW&K Municipal Enhanced Yield Fund

Fund Snapshots (unaudited)

December 31, 2019

 

 

 

PORTFOLIO BREAKDOWN

 

     % of  

Category

   Net Assets  

Healthcare

     32.1  

Transportation

     30.6  

Utilities

     15.3  

General Obligation

     6.2  

Public Services

     6.2  

State and Non-State Appropriated Tobacco

     5.4  

Education

     3.4  

Industrial Development

     1.3  

Short-Term Investments

     2.1  

Other Assets Less Liabilities

     (2.6

 

Rating

   % of
Market Value1
 

Aa/AA

     11.6  

A

     43.3  

Baa/BBB

     44.3  

Ba/BB

     0.8  

 

1

Includes market value of long-term fixed-income securities only.

TOP TEN HOLDINGS

     % of  

Security Name

   Net Assets  

West Virginia Hospital Finance Authority, Cabell Huntington Hospital Obligation, 5.000%, 01/01/43

     3.3  

Texas Private Activity Bond Surface Transportation Corp., 5.000%, 06/30/58

     3.1  

California Municipal Finance Authority, Senior Lien-LINXS APM Project, Revenue, 5.000%, 12/31/43

     3.0  

New Jersey Economic Development Authority, Series DDD, Revenue, 5.000%, 06/15/42

     3.0  

Central Texas Turnpike System, Series C, Revenue, 5.000%, 08/15/42

     2.9  

Chicago O’Hare International Airport, Senior Lien, Series A, Revenue, 5.000%, 01/01/48

     2.9  

New York Transportation Development Corp., Laguardia Airport Terminal B, Revenue, 5.000%, 07/01/46

     2.7  

Central Plains Energy Project Project #3, Series A, Revenue, 5.000%, 09/01/42

     2.7  

Colorado Health Facilities Authority, Series A, 5.000%, 08/01/44

     2.6  

City of Minneapolis MN, Fairview Health Services, Series A, Revenue, 5.000%, 11/15/49

     2.5  
  

 

 

 

Top Ten as a Group

     28.7  
  

 

 

 
 

 

Credit quality ratings shown above reflect the highest rating assigned by either Standard & Poor’s (“S&P”), Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”) or Fitch. These rating agencies are independent, nationally recognized statistical rating organizations and are widely used. Investment grade ratings are credit ratings of BBB/Baa or higher. Below investment grade ratings are credit ratings of BB/Ba or lower. Investments designated N/R are not rated by either rating agency. Unrated investments do not necessarily indicate low credit quality. Credit quality ratings are subject to change.

Because a fund’s strategy may result in multiple investments in particular sectors of the economy, its performance may depend on the performance of those sectors and may fluctuate more widely than investments diversified across more sectors. For additional information on these and other risk considerations, please see the Fund’s prospectus.

Any sectors, industries, or securities discussed should not be perceived as investment recommendations. Mention of a specific security should not be considered a recommendation to buy or solicitation to sell that security. Specific securities mentioned in this report may have been sold from the Fund’s portfolio of investments by the time you receive this report.

 

 

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AMG GW&K Municipal Enhanced Yield Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments

December 31, 2019

 

 

 

     Principal
Amount
     Value  

Municipal Bonds - 100.5%

     

California - 7.2%

     

California Municipal Finance Authority, Community Medical Centers, Series A
5.000%, 02/01/42

   $ 2,450,000      $ 2,846,386  

California Municipal Finance Authority, Senior Lien-LINXS APM Project
5.000%, 12/31/43

     7,175,000        8,381,476  

California Municipal Finance Authority, Series I

     

5.000%, 05/15/43

     3,000,000        3,557,100  

5.000%, 05/15/48

     4,600,000        5,428,782  

Total California

        20,213,744  

Colorado - 7.1%

     

Colorado Health Facilities Authority, Series A

     

5.000%, 08/01/44

     6,115,000        7,212,154  

5.000%, 11/01/44

     5,500,000        6,621,560  

Public Authority for Colorado Energy Natural Gas Purchase Revenue, Series 2008
6.500%, 11/15/38

     4,015,000        6,103,402  

Total Colorado

        19,937,116  

Connecticut - 4.3%

     

State of Connecticut Special Tax Revenue, Transportation Infrastructure
5.000%, 01/01/38

     5,100,000        6,100,314  

State of Connecticut, Series E

     

5.000%, 09/15/35

     2,425,000        2,971,789  

5.000%, 09/15/37

     2,500,000        3,043,975  

Total Connecticut

        12,116,078  

Florida - 6.4%

     

Alachua County Health Facilities Authority, Shands Teaching Hospital & Clinics, Series A
5.000%, 12/01/44

     6,175,000        6,910,566  

Miami Beach Health Facilities Authority Mt. Sinai Medical Center
5.000%, 11/15/39

     5,220,000        5,838,465  

Orange County Health Facilities Authority, Orlando Health Inc., Series A
5.000%, 10/01/39

     4,280,000        5,021,125  

Total Florida

        17,770,156  

Illinois - 9.3%

     

Chicago O’Hare International Airport, Senior Lien, Series A 5.000%, 01/01/48

     6,750,000        7,979,040  

Illinois State General Obligation, Series D
5.000%, 11/01/26

     5,225,000        5,982,886  

Metropolitan Pier & Exposition Authority
5.000%, 06/15/50 1

     5,000,000        5,762,600  
     Principal
Amount
     Value  

Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority Revenue, McCormick Place Expansion Project, Series B
5.000%, 06/15/52

   $ 5,990,000      $ 6,304,535  

Total Illinois

        26,029,061  

Indiana - 2.1%

     

Indiana Health & Educational Facilities Financing Authority, Ascension Senior Credit Group
5.000%, 11/15/46

     5,000,000        5,819,000  

Louisiana - 4.0%

     

Louisiana Public Facilities Authority, Ochsner Clinic Foundation
5.000%, 05/15/47

     4,100,000        4,573,960  

New Orleans Aviation Board, General Airport North Terminal, Series B
5.000%, 01/01/48

     5,830,000        6,673,135  

Total Louisiana

        11,247,095  

Massachusetts - 2.9%

     

Massachusetts Development Finance Agency, UMass Boston Student Housing

     

5.000%, 10/01/41

     2,250,000        2,552,062  

5.000%, 10/01/48

     5,000,000        5,630,250  

Total Massachusetts

        8,182,312  

Michigan - 2.6%

     

Michigan Finance Authority, Series A
5.000%, 12/01/41

     3,100,000        3,823,478  

Michigan State Hospital Finance Authority, Ascension Senior Credit Group
5.000%, 11/15/46

     3,000,000        3,491,400  

Total Michigan

        7,314,878  

Minnesota - 4.3%

     

City of Minneapolis MN, Fairview Health Services, Series A
5.000%, 11/15/49

     5,910,000        7,031,482  

Duluth Economic Development Authority, Essentia Health Obligated Group
5.000%, 02/15/48

     4,100,000        4,856,081  

Total Minnesota

        11,887,563  

Nebraska - 2.7%

     

Central Plains Energy Project Project #3, Series A
5.000%, 09/01/42

     5,500,000        7,522,570  

New Jersey - 8.5%

     

New Jersey Economic Development Authority, Series DDD
5.000%, 06/15/42

     7,365,000        8,298,735  
 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

26


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AMG GW&K Municipal Enhanced Yield Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments (continued)

 

 

 

     Principal
Amount
     Value  

New Jersey - 8.5% (continued)

 

New Jersey Economic Development Authority, Series WW

     

5.250%, 06/15/40

   $ 65,000      $ 78,657  

5.250%, 06/15/40

     1,095,000        1,237,076  

New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund Authority, Series BB
5.000%, 06/15/44

     2,000,000        2,297,700  

New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund Authority, Transportation System, Series A
5.000%, 12/15/34

     2,515,000        2,951,503  

Tobacco Settlement Financing Corp. Series A

     

5.000%, 06/01/46

     2,500,000        2,843,300  

5.250%, 06/01/46

     3,285,000        3,812,078  

Tobacco Settlement Financing Corp. Series B
5.000%, 06/01/46

     2,000,000        2,229,220  

Total New Jersey

        23,748,269  

New York - 10.1%

 

City of New York, Series A
5.000%, 08/01/45

     4,405,000        5,418,943  

New York State Dormitory Authority, Series A
5.000%, 03/15/45

     4,990,000        6,004,218  

New York State Dormitory Authority, Series D
4.000%, 02/15/47 1

     5,000,000        5,618,300  

New York Transportation Development Corp., Delta Air Lines, Inc. - Laguardia
5.000%, 01/01/31

     2,900,000        3,500,184  

New York Transportation Development Corp., Laguardia Airport Terminal B
5.000%, 07/01/46

     6,820,000        7,583,908  

Total New York

        28,125,553  

Oklahoma - 5.0%

 

Norman Regional Hospital Authority
5.000%, 09/01/45

     4,335,000        5,125,487  

Oklahoma Development Finance Authority, Health Ou Medicine Project, Series B

     

5.250%, 08/15/48

     2,975,000        3,518,414  

5.500%, 08/15/52

     4,500,000        5,368,005  

Total Oklahoma

        14,011,906  

Rhode Island - 2.3%

 

Tobacco Settlement Financing Corp. Series A

     

5.000%, 06/01/35

     2,000,000        2,246,160  

5.000%, 06/01/40

     3,635,000        4,037,903  

Total Rhode Island

        6,284,063  
     Principal
Amount
     Value  

Texas - 16.0%

 

Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority

     

5.000%, 01/01/40

   $ 1,650,000      $ 1,912,201  

5.000%, 01/01/46

     3,750,000        4,314,712  

Central Texas Turnpike System, Series C
5.000%, 08/15/42

     7,065,000        7,989,597  

Grand Parkway Transportation Corp., 1st Tier Toll Revenue, Series A
5.500%, 04/01/53

     4,010,000        4,486,909  

Tarrant County Cultural Education Facilities Finance Corp., Baylor Scott & White Health
5.000%, 11/15/45

     1,905,000        2,186,826  

Texas Private Activity Bond Surface Transportation Corp.
5.000%, 06/30/58

     7,500,000        8,751,900  

Texas Private Activity Bond Surface Transportation Corp., Senior Lien-Blueridge Transport

     

5.000%, 12/31/40

     3,930,000        4,414,648  

5.000%, 12/31/45

     3,880,000        4,328,450  

Texas Private Activity Bond Surface Transportation Corp., Series A
4.000%, 12/31/39

     5,500,000        6,163,960  

Total Texas

        44,549,203  

Virginia - 2.3%

 

Virginia Small Business Financing Authority, Transform 66 P3 Project

     

5.000%, 12/31/49

     2,500,000        2,856,675  

5.000%, 12/31/52

     3,060,000        3,489,930  

Total Virginia

        6,346,605  

West Virginia - 3.4%

     

West Virginia Hospital Finance Authority, Cabell Huntington Hospital Obligation
5.000%, 01/01/43

     8,000,000        9,365,520  

Total Municipal Bonds
(Cost $264,728,473)

        280,470,692  

Short-Term Investments - 2.1%

     

Municipal Bonds - 2.1%

     

New York - 0.7%

     

City of New York, Subordinated Series D-4
1.700%, 01/06/20 2,3

     2,000,000        2,000,000  

Texas - 1.4%

 

State of Texas
4.000%, 08/27/20

     3,870,000        3,942,485  

Total Municipal Bonds
(Cost $5,940,589)

        5,942,485  

Total Short-Term Investments
(Cost $5,940,589)

        5,942,485  

Total Investments - 102.6%
(Cost $270,669,062)

        286,413,177  
 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

27


Table of Contents
    

AMG GW&K Municipal Enhanced Yield Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments (continued)

 

 

 

            Value  

Other Assets, less Liabilities - (2.6)%

      $ (7,342,700

Net Assets - 100.0%

      $ 279,070,477  

 

1 

All or part of the security is delayed delivery transaction. The market value for delayed delivery security at December 31, 2019, amounted to $11,380,900, or 4.1% of net assets.

2 

Date shown is the next coupon reset date.

3 

Variable rate security. The rate shown is based on the latest available information as of December 31, 2019. Certain variable rate securities are not based on a published reference rate and spread but are determined by the issuer or agent and are based on current market conditions. These securities do not indicate a reference rate and spread in their description above.

 

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments by the fair value hierarchy levels as of December 31, 2019:

 

     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Investments in Securities

           

Municipal Bonds

     —        $ 280,470,692        —        $ 280,470,692  

Short-Term Investments

           

Municipal Bonds

     —          5,942,485        —          5,942,485  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities

     —        $ 286,413,177        —        $ 286,413,177  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

All municipal bonds held in the Fund are Level 2 securities. For a detailed breakout of municipal bonds by major classification, please refer to the Fund’s Schedule of Portfolio Investments.

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, there were no transfers in or out of Level 3.

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

28


Table of Contents
    

AMG GW&K Small Cap Core Fund

Portfolio Manager’s Comments (unaudited)

 

 

 

THE YEAR IN REVIEW

For the year ended December 31, 2019, AMG GW&K Small Cap Core Fund (Class N shares) (the “Fund”) returned 30.66%, outperforming the Russell 2000® Index, which returned 25.52%.

After surviving the fourth quarter of 2018, investors could be forgiven for bracing themselves as the calendar turned to October in 2019. Not to disappoint, the fourth quarter turned out to be nearly as dramatic as the previous one, with a notable exception: the sign in front of the return measurement. It turns out this symbol tends to be an important determinant of whether investors enjoy the drama or not. In terms of investor psychology, the sign has told the difference in the last two fourth quarters between fear and fear of missing out (FOMO). In the fourth quarter of 2018, the Russell 2000® Index dropped (20.2)% and we experienced fear, as investors had visions of a 2008-like recession hitting the economy. In the final quarter of 2019, investors instead focused on a potentially improving global economy, which boosted the Russell 2000® Index by 9.9%. This fortunate turn in sentiment came from two main factors: the hope for improved trade relations between the U.S. and China and a shift in U.S. Federal Reserve (the “Fed”) policy toward accommodation. These factors helped deliver a full year return of 25.52% for the Russell 2000® Index, although in truth the lower starting point after last year’s fourth-quarter selloff was a meaningful contributor to this strong 2019 result. This impressive gain for the year was driven by multiple expansion rather than earnings growth, although the prospect for future growth appears better today than it did 365 days ago. For perspective, the Russell 2000® Index remains a few percentage points below the high set in late August 2018, so while fear has receded somewhat, investors have yet to embrace full FOMO mode.

While the Russell 2000® Index had an exceptional year, the Fund outperformed the benchmark by over 500 basis points (5.00%). In what feels like a semi-permanent trend, information technology led all sectors with a blazing 40.8% return for the year, retaining its strength throughout all four quarters. Technology was followed by closely grouped

industrials, health care, and real estate. It is worth noting that this mix of secular growth, cyclical growth, and yield sensitive stocks all participated in the 2019 rally, but experienced strength at different times during the year. At the bottom of the sector list, energy, down (6.9)%, lost more ground to the Russell 2000® Index this year. Communication services, consumer staples, and utilities also lagged.

On a factor basis, results were mixed. Non-earners very slightly outperformed profit-making firms, negative equity outperformed somewhat, and those without a five-year earnings record were nicely higher. However, performance among beta quintiles and debt level quintiles was muted and higher return on equity (ROE) stocks outperformed. In total, we believe there was a slight bias toward lower quality stocks in the Index for 2019.

How then did the Fund outperform against a lower quality headwind? The drivers were excellent stock selection in six sectors and underweight positions in energy and communication services. The underweight posture in these two sectors added about 100 basis points, which was partially offset by the drag from our small cash exposure. Stock selection in financials led the way, as the sector was a strong contributor to relative performance. Cohen & Steers, Inc., Stifel Financial Corp, and PRA Group, Inc. were each up over 45% during the year on improved earnings outlooks and higher valuations. Ameris Bancorp and Pacific Premier Bancorp, Inc. both outperformed their banking peers. The industrial sector was next best in stock selection, with six stocks up over 50%: Universal Forest Products, Inc., Patrick Industries, Inc., Allegiant Travel Co., SiteOne Landscape Supply, Inc., Alamo Group, Inc., and John Bean Technologies Corp. Information technology was our third largest stock selection contributor with the software and semiconductor industries as the main drivers. Finally, stock selection in energy and materials was excellent, as nearly all holdings outperformed the benchmark during the year.

While there were of course negative outliers in the Fund, the only groups that were large enough in size to hurt relative performance were the aforementioned cash drag and our lack of exposure

to the biotechnology industry. Biotechnology was up 42.2% in the benchmark and its meaningful 6.9% weight in the Russell 2000® Index compared to our lack of any meaningful direct participation led to a loss of more than 100 basis points in relative performance during the year. Still, health care overall lost only (22) basis points, meaning our selection in the sector outside of biotechnology was generally good.

As we enter January it is customary to ask the question of what the New Year will hold for the stock market. It is our practice to consider as many economic and market facts as possible, but also acknowledge that confidence and psychology can have a significant impact on short-term results. The following are a few items that we believe investors should take into consideration for the year ahead. First, strong market returns in one year of a long multi-year rally don’t necessarily portend a market pullback. Work by Furey Research indicated that since 1950, in the year following a 20% market appreciation, small caps have averaged 12% returns. Second, there are signals that global growth is starting to improve. While U.S. manufacturing remains an area of weakness, global central bank accommodation appears to be stimulating growth in many pockets of the economy. Third, the small cap revision ratio has begun to turn upward, a positive sign for earnings expectations. Finally, the continuing outflows from equity investment vehicles would indicate that investor sentiment is not ebullient. Of course, investors will likely find reasons to worry at some point this year, perhaps with good reason. Some candidates for concern might be the ups and downs of election polls, some geopolitical event, or the longevity of the current economic expansion. It is our belief that by building portfolios of high quality, well managed businesses with strong balance sheets, the Fund can participate in market upside, but also protect in downside scenarios if investor sentiment, or the investment facts, change for the worse.

This commentary reflects the viewpoints of GW&K Investment Management, LLC and is not intended as a forecast or guarantee of future results.

 

 

 

29


Table of Contents
    

AMG GW&K Small Cap Core Fund

Portfolio Manager’s Comments (continued)

 

 

 

CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN PERFORMANCE

AMG GW&K Small Cap Core Fund’s cumulative total return is based on the daily change in net asset value (NAV), and assumes that all dividends and distributions were reinvested. The graph compares a hypothetical $10,000 investment made in the AMG GW&K Small Cap Core Fund’s Class N shares on December 31, 2009, to a $10,000 investment made in the Russell 2000® Index for the same time period. The graph and table do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on a Fund distribution or redemption of shares. The listed returns for the Fund are net of expenses and the returns for the index exclude expenses. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced.

 

LOGO

The table below shows the average annual total returns for the AMG GW&K Small Cap Core Fund and the Russell 2000® Index for the same time periods ended December 31, 2019.

 

     One     Five     Ten     Since     Inception  
Average Annual Total Returns1    Year     Years     Years     Inception     Date  

AMG GW&K Small Cap Core Fund2, 3

 

Class N

     30.66     9.00     12.85     8.37     12/10/96  

Class I

     31.13     9.40     13.30     14.10     07/27/09  

Class Z

     31.13     —         —         9.63     02/24/17  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Russell 2000® Index4

     25.52     8.23     11.83     8.29      12/10/96  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The performance data shown represents past performance. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.

 

Investors should carefully consider the Fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses before investing. For performance information through the most recent month end, current net asset values per share for the Fund and other information, please call 800.548.4539 or visit our website at amgfunds.com for a free prospectus. Read it carefully before investing or sending money.

Distributed by AMG Distributors, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC.

 

 

Date reflects the inception date of the Fund, not the index.

1 

Total return equals income yield plus share price change and assumes reinvestment of all dividends and capital gain distributions. Returns are net of fees and may reflect offsets of Fund expenses as described in the prospectus. No adjustment has been made for taxes payable by shareholders on their reinvested dividends and

  capital gain distributions. Returns for periods greater than one year are annualized. The listed returns on the Fund are net of expenses and based on the published NAV as of December 31, 2019. All returns are in U.S. dollars ($).
2 

From time to time, the Fund’s advisor has waived its fees and/or absorbed Fund expenses, which has resulted in higher returns.

3 

The Fund is subject to risks associated with investments in small-capitalization companies, such as erratic earnings patterns, competitive conditions, limited earnings history, and a reliance on one or a limited number of products.

4 

The Russell 2000® Index is composed of the 2,000 smallest stocks in the Russell 3000® Index and is widely regarded in the industry as the premier measure of small-cap stock performance. Unlike the Fund, the Russell 2000® Index is unmanaged, is not available for investment and does not incur expenses.

The Russell Indices are trademarks of the London Stock Exchange Group companies.

Not FDIC insured, nor bank guaranteed. May lose value.

 

 

 

30


Table of Contents
    

AMG GW&K Small Cap Core Fund

Fund Snapshots (unaudited)

December 31, 2019

 

 

 

PORTFOLIO BREAKDOWN

 

     % of  

Sector

   Net Assets  

Industrials

     19.5  

Financials

     15.2  

Information Technology

     14.6  

Health Care

     14.1  

Consumer Discretionary

     14.1  

Real Estate

     5.8  

Consumer Staples

     4.9  

Materials

     4.9  

Utilities

     2.7  

Energy

     2.6  

Short-Term Investments

     2.5  

Other Assets Less Liabilities

     (0.9

TOP TEN HOLDINGS

 

     % of  

Security Name

   Net Assets  

Globus Medical, Inc., Class A

     2.9  

Performance Food Group Co.

     2.4  

Catalent, Inc.

     2.3  

Syneos Health, Inc.

     2.1  

Grand Canyon Education, Inc.

     2.1  

Paylocity Holding Corp.

     2.0  

Lithia Motors, Inc., Class A

     1.8  

HubSpot, Inc.

     1.8  

RBC Bearings, Inc.

     1.8  

Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers, Inc. (Canada)

     1.7  
  

 

 

 

Top Ten as a Group

     20.9  
  

 

 

 
 

 

Because a fund’s strategy may result in multiple investments in particular sectors of the economy, its performance may depend on the performance of those sectors and may fluctuate more widely than investments diversified across more sectors. For additional information on these and other risk considerations, please see the Fund’s prospectus.

Any sectors, industries, or securities discussed should not be perceived as investment recommendations. Mention of a specific security should not be considered a recommendation to buy or solicitation to sell that security. Specific securities mentioned in this report may have been sold from the Fund’s portfolio of investments by the time you receive this report.

 

 

31


Table of Contents
    

AMG GW&K Small Cap Core Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments

December 31, 2019

 

 

 

     Shares      Value  

Common Stocks - 98.4%

     

Consumer Discretionary - 14.1%

 

Churchill Downs, Inc.

     46,549      $ 6,386,523  

Chuy’s Holdings, Inc.*

     86,820        2,250,374  

Five Below, Inc.*

     55,040        7,037,414  

Grand Canyon Education, Inc.*

     98,464        9,431,867  

Helen of Troy, Ltd.*

     22,837        4,105,864  

Lithia Motors, Inc., Class A1

     55,748        8,194,956  

Ollie’s Bargain Outlet Holdings, Inc.*,1

     68,700        4,486,797  

Oxford Industries, Inc.1

     50,057        3,775,299  

Skyline Champion Corp.*

     187,798        5,953,197  

Texas Roadhouse, Inc.1

     137,432        7,740,170  

Wolverine World Wide, Inc.1

     123,920        4,181,061  

Total Consumer Discretionary

        63,543,522  

Consumer Staples - 4.9%

     

Central Garden & Pet Co.*,1

     78,478        2,438,312  

Central Garden & Pet Co., Class A*

     182,247        5,350,772  

Performance Food Group Co.*

     210,682        10,845,909  

WD-40 Co.1

     17,060        3,312,028  

Total Consumer Staples

        21,947,021  

Energy - 2.6%

     

Dril-Quip, Inc.*,1

     51,750        2,427,593  

Matador Resources Co.*,1

     342,423        6,153,341  

WPX Energy, Inc.*,1

     236,000        3,242,640  

Total Energy

        11,823,574  

Financials - 15.2%

     

Ameris Bancorp

     154,448        6,570,218  

AMERISAFE, Inc.

     87,495        5,777,295  

Cathay General Bancorp

     194,065        7,384,173  

Cohen & Steers, Inc.1

     81,114        5,090,715  

Glacier Bancorp, Inc.1

     152,931        7,033,297  

Houlihan Lokey, Inc.

     95,267        4,655,698  

Meridian Bancorp, Inc.

     152,313        3,059,968  

Pacific Premier Bancorp, Inc.

     155,963        5,085,174  

PRA Group, Inc.*,1

     99,625        3,616,387  

Seacoast Banking Corp. of Florida*

     158,270        4,838,314  

Stifel Financial Corp.

     95,470        5,790,255  

United Bankshares, Inc. 1

     91,791        3,548,640  

Webster Financial Corp.

     112,724        6,014,953  

Total Financials

        68,465,087  

Health Care - 14.1%

     

AtriCure, Inc.*

     168,234        5,469,287  

Cantel Medical Corp.1

     63,709        4,516,968  
     Shares      Value  

Catalent, Inc.*

     184,216      $ 10,371,361  

Globus Medical, Inc., Class A*

     218,684        12,876,114  

ICU Medical, Inc.*

     27,656        5,174,991  

LHC Group, Inc.*

     51,390        7,079,486  

Syneos Health, Inc.*,1

     162,562        9,668,375  

Veracyte, Inc.*

     151,622        4,233,286  

Wright Medical Group, N.V. (Netherlands)*

     148,041        4,512,290  

Total Health Care

        63,902,158  

Industrials - 19.5%

     

AAR Corp.

     118,049        5,324,010  

Alamo Group, Inc.

     48,300        6,064,065  

Allegiant Travel Co.

     40,806        7,101,876  

Heartland Express, Inc.

     205,167        4,318,765  

Helios Technologies, Inc.

     79,490        3,674,823  

ICF International, Inc.

     79,023        7,240,087  

John Bean Technologies Corp.1

     38,048        4,286,488  

Mobile Mini, Inc.

     129,758        4,919,126  

Patrick Industries, Inc.1

     103,259        5,413,870  

Primoris Services Corp.

     233,368        5,190,104  

RBC Bearings, Inc.*

     50,715        8,030,213  

Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers, Inc. (Canada)

     184,020        7,903,659  

SiteOne Landscape Supply, Inc.*,1

     60,905        5,521,038  

Universal Forest Products, Inc.

     152,423        7,270,577  

US Ecology, Inc.

     102,141        5,914,985  

Total Industrials

        88,173,686  

Information Technology - 14.6%

 

Entegris, Inc.

     145,075        7,266,807  

ExlService Holdings, Inc.*

     67,138        4,663,405  

Globant SA (Argentina)*

     27,121        2,876,182  

HubSpot, Inc.*

     51,425        8,150,863  

MACOM Technology Solutions Holdings, Inc.*

     137,409        3,655,079  

Novanta, Inc.*

     56,275        4,976,961  

Paylocity Holding Corp.*

     74,272        8,973,543  

Power Integrations, Inc.

     34,417        3,404,185  

Proofpoint, Inc.*

     42,649        4,895,252  

Rogers Corp.*,1

     34,357        4,285,349  

Silicon Laboratories, Inc.*

     56,576        6,561,685  

Virtusa Corp.*

     142,950        6,479,924  

Total Information Technology

        66,189,235  

Materials - 4.9%

 

Balchem Corp.

     50,221        5,103,960  

Compass Minerals International, Inc.1

     60,461        3,685,703  

PolyOne Corp.

     190,901        7,023,248  
 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

32


Table of Contents
    

AMG GW&K Small Cap Core Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments (continued)

 

 

 

     Shares      Value  

Materials - 4.9% (continued)

 

Silgan Holdings, Inc.

     203,053      $ 6,310,887  

Total Materials

        22,123,798  

Real Estate - 5.8%

 

National Health Investors, Inc., REIT

     61,650        5,023,242  

Pebblebrook Hotel Trust, REIT 1

     101,631        2,724,727  

QTS Realty Trust, Inc., Class A, REIT 1

     128,352        6,965,663  

Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc., REIT

     54,187        4,695,846  

STAG Industrial, Inc., REIT

     212,463        6,707,457  

Total Real Estate

        26,116,935  

Utilities - 2.7%

 

IDACORP, Inc.

     52,125        5,566,950  

NorthWestern Corp.

     94,818        6,795,606  

Total Utilities

        12,362,556  

Total Common Stocks
(Cost $347,568,554)

        444,647,572  
     Principal
Amount
        

Short-Term Investments - 2.5%

 

Joint Repurchase Agreements - 0.8%2

 

Cantor Fitzgerald Securities, Inc., dated 12/31/19, due 01/02/20, 1.580% total to be received $1,000,088 (collateralized by various U.S. Government Agency Obligations and U.S. Treasuries, 0.000% - 8.500%, 01/25/20 -10/15/60, totaling $1,020,000)

   $ 1,000,000        1,000,000  

Citadel Securities LLC, dated 12/31/19, due 01/02/20, 1.600% total to be received $780,523 (collateralized by various U.S. Treasuries, 0.000% - 8.500%, 01/15/20 - 11/15/48, totaling $796,134)

     780,454        780,454  
     Principal
Amount
     Value  

Citigroup Global Markets, Inc., dated 12/31/19, due 01/02/20, 1.570% total to be received $1,000,087 (collateralized by various U.S. Government Agency Obligations and U.S. Treasuries, 0.000% - 9.000%, 02/13/20 - 09/20/69, totaling $1,020,000)

   $ 1,000,000      $ 1,000,000  

RBC Dominion Securities, Inc., dated 12/31/19, due 01/02/20, 1.570% total to be received $1,000,087 (collateralized by various U.S. Government Agency Obligations and U.S. Treasuries, 0.000% - 6.500%, 06/30/21 -12/01/49, totaling $1,020,000)

     1,000,000        1,000,000  

Total Joint Repurchase Agreements

        3,780,454  
     Shares         

Other Investment Companies - 1.7%

     

Dreyfus Government Cash Management Fund, Institutional Shares, 1.51%3

     2,562,037        2,562,037  

Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Government Money Market Fund, Institutional Shares, 1.55%3

     2,562,036        2,562,036  

JPMorgan U.S. Government Money Market Fund, IM Shares, 1.53%3

     2,639,674        2,639,674  

Total Other Investment Companies

 

     7,763,747  

Total Short-Term Investments
(Cost $11,544,201)

        11,544,201  

Total Investments - 100.9%
(Cost $359,112,755)

        456,191,773  

Other Assets, less Liabilities - (0.9)%

 

     (4,229,226

Net Assets - 100.0%

      $ 451,962,547  
 

 

* 

Non-income producing security.

1 

Some of these securities, amounting to $74,630,943 or 16.5% of net assets, were out on loan to various borrowers and are collateralized by cash and various U.S. Treasury Obligations. See Note 4 of Notes to Financial Statements.

2 

Cash collateral received for securities lending activity was invested in these joint repurchase agreements.

3 

Yield shown represents the December 31, 2019, seven day average yield, which refers to the sum of the previous seven days’ dividends paid, expressed as an annual percentage.

REIT     Real Estate Investment Trust

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

33


Table of Contents
    

AMG GW&K Small Cap Core Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments (continued)

 

 

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments by the fair value hierarchy levels as of December 31, 2019:

 

     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Investments in Securities

           

Common Stocks

   $ 444,647,572        —          —        $ 444,647,572  

Short-Term Investments

           

Joint Repurchase Agreements

     —        $ 3,780,454        —          3,780,454  

Other Investment Companies

     7,763,747        —          —          7,763,747  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities

   $ 452,411,319      $ 3,780,454        —        $ 456,191,773  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

All common stocks held in the Fund are Level 1 securities. For a detailed breakout of common stocks by major industry classification, please refer to the Fund’s Schedule of Portfolio Investments.

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, there were no transfers in or out of Level 3.

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

34


Table of Contents
    

AMG GW&K Small/Mid Cap Fund

Portfolio Manager’s Comments (unaudited)

 

 

 

REVIEW

For the year ended December 31, 2019, AMG GW&K Small/Mid Cap Fund (Class N shares) (the “Fund”) returned 30.64%, compared to the Russell 2500® Index, which returned 27.77%.

After surviving the fourth quarter of 2018, investors could be forgiven for bracing themselves as the calendar turned to October in 2019. Not to disappoint, the fourth quarter that just passed turned out to be nearly as dramatic as the previous one, with a notable exception: the sign in front of the return measurement. It turns out this symbol tends to be an important determinant of whether investors enjoy the drama or not. In terms of investor psychology, the sign has told the difference in the last two fourth quarters between fear and fear of missing out (FOMO). In the fourth quarter of 2018, the Russell 2500® Index dropped (18.5)% and we experienced fear, as investors had visions of a 2008-like recession hitting the economy. In the final quarter of 2019, investors instead focused on a potentially improving global economy, which boosted the Russell 2500® Index by 8.5%. This fortunate turn in sentiment came from two main factors: the hope for improved trade relations between the U.S. and China and a shift in U.S. Federal Reserve (the “Fed”) policy toward accommodation. These factors helped deliver a full-year return of 27.77% for the Russell 2500® Index, although in truth the lower starting point after last year’s fourth-quarter selloff was a meaningful contributor to this strong 2019 result. This impressive gain for the year was driven by multiple expansion rather than earnings growth, although the prospect for future growth appears better today than it did 365 days ago. For perspective, the Russell 2500® Index just eclipsed by a hair its previous high set in late August 2018, so while fear has receded somewhat, investors have yet to embrace full FOMO mode.

While the Russell 2500® Index had an exceptional year, the Fund outperformed the benchmark by nearly 300 basis points. In what feels like a semi-permanent trend, information technology led all sectors with a blazing 43.5% return for the year, retaining its strength throughout all four quarters. Technology was followed by closely grouped

industrials, health care, and real estate. It is worth noting that this mix of secular growth, cyclical growth, and yield sensitive stocks all participated in the 2019 rally, but experienced strength at different times during the year. At the bottom of the sector list, energy, down (7.0)%, lost more ground to the Index again this year. Consumer staples, utilities, and communication services also lagged.

On a factor basis, results were mixed. Non-earners very slightly outperformed, high beta outperformed, and those without a five-year earnings record were nicely higher. However, performance among return on equity (ROE) quintiles and debt level quintiles was muted and higher ROE stocks outperformed. In total, we believe there was a slight bias toward lower quality stocks in the Index for 2019.

How then did the Fund outperform by such a nice margin in this environment? The drivers were excellent stock selection in six sectors and underweight positions in consumer staples, energy, and communication services. The underweight posture in these three sectors added about 100 basis points. Stock selection in information technology led the way, as the sector contributed strongly to relative performance. Five stocks (Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corporation, Rapid7 Inc., Typer Technologies, Inc., EPAM Systems, Inc., and Power Integrations, Inc.) were each up over 45% during the year on improved earnings outlooks and higher valuations. The financial sector was the next largest contributor, with notable strength of two names (MarketAxess Holdings Inc. and Artisan Partners Asset Management, Inc.) as well as solid results among bank holdings. In energy all four of the five stocks held during the period (Parsley Energy, Inc, Matador Resources Company, Drill-Quip, Inc. and Superior Energy Services, Inc.) delivered positive returns in a negative sector. Superior Energy Services, Inc. and Callon Petroleum Company were sold during the period. We also benefited from our modest underweight positioning.

On the other side of the ledger, we did lose relative performance from our cash position, and from stock selection in consumer discretionary and materials. The materials sector saw otherwise good

performance washed out by two stocks (Berry Global Group Inc. and Quaker Chemical Corporation) with slightly negative returns. Both were done in by weaker-than-expected results and distraction of sizable acquisitions. In consumer discretionary, the largest detractors included some meaningful valuation reductions for two stocks (Grand Canyon Education, Inc. and BJ’s Restaurants, Inc.) , although both had good earnings results.

As we enter January it is customary to ask what the New Year will hold for the stock market. It is our practice to consider as many economic and market facts as possible, but also acknowledge that confidence and psychology can have a significant impact on short-term results. The following are a few items that we believe investors should take into consideration for the year ahead. First, strong market returns in one year or a long multi-year rally don’t necessarily portend a market pullback. Work by Furey Research indicated that since 1950, in the year following a 20% market appreciation, small caps have averaged 12% returns. Second, there are signals that global growth is starting to improve. While U.S. manufacturing remains an area of weakness, global central bank accommodation appears to be stimulating growth in many pockets of the economy. Third, the small cap revision ratio has begun to turn upward, a positive sign for earnings expectations. Finally, the continuing outflows from equity investment vehicles would indicate that investor sentiment is not ebullient. Of course, investors will likely find reasons to worry at some point this year, perhaps with good reason. Some candidates for concern might be the ups and downs of election polls, some geopolitical event, or the longevity of the current economic expansion. It is our belief that by building portfolios of high quality, well managed businesses with strong balance sheets, the Fund can participate in market upside, but also protect in downside scenarios if investor sentiment, or the investment facts, change for the worse.

This commentary reflects the viewpoints of GW&K Investment Management, LLC and is not intended as a forecast or guarantee of future results.

 

 

 

35


Table of Contents
    

AMG GW&K Small/Mid Cap Fund

Portfolio Manager’s Comments (continued)

 

 

 

CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN PERFORMANCE

AMG GW&K Small/Mid Cap Fund’s cumulative total return is based on the daily change in net asset value (NAV), and assumes that all dividends and distributions were reinvested. The graph compares a hypothetical $10,000 investment made in the AMG GW&K Small/Mid Cap Fund’s Class I shares on June 30, 2015, to a $10,000 investment made in the Russell 2500® Index for the same time period. The graph and table do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on a Fund distribution or redemption of shares. The listed returns for the Fund are net of expenses and the returns for the index exclude expenses. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced.

 

LOGO

The table below shows the average annual total returns for the AMG GW&K Small/Mid Cap Fund and the Russell 2500® Index for the same time periods ended December 31, 2019.

 

     One     Since     Inception  
Average Annual Total Returns1    Year     Inception     Date  

AMG GW&K Small/Mid Cap Fund2, 3, 4, 5, 6

      

Class N

     30.64     9.90     02/24/17  

Class I

     30.86     7.07     06/30/15  

Class Z

     30.94     10.16     02/24/17  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Russell 2500® Index7

     27.77     8.82      06/30/15  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The performance data shown represents past performance. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.

 

Investors should carefully consider the Fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses before investing. For performance information through the most recent month end, current net asset values per share for the Fund and other information, please call 800.548.4539 or visit our website at amgfunds.com for a free prospectus. Read it carefully before investing or sending money.

Distributed by AMG Distributors, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC.

 

 

Date reflects the inception date of the Fund, not the index

1 

Total return equals income yield plus share price change and assumes reinvestment of all dividends and capital gain distributions. Returns are net of fees and may reflect offsets of Fund expenses as described in the prospectus. No adjustment has been made for taxes payable by shareholders on their reinvested dividends and

  capital gain distributions. Returns for periods greater than one year are annualized. The listed returns on the Fund are net of expenses and based on the published NAV as of December 31, 2019. All returns are in U.S. dollars ($).
2 

From time to time, the Fund’s advisor has waived its fees and/or absorbed Fund expenses, which has resulted in higher returns.

3 

The Fund is subject to risks associated with investments in small-capitalization companies, such as erratic earnings patterns, competitive conditions, limited earnings history, and a reliance on one or a limited number of products.

4 

The Fund is subject to risks associated with investments in mid-capitalization companies such as greater price volatility, lower trading volume, and less liquidity than the stocks of larger, more established companies.

5 

The Fund invests in growth stocks, which may be more sensitive to market movements because their prices tend to reflect future investor expectations rather than just current profits. Growth stocks may underperform value stocks during given periods.

6 

The Fund invests in value stocks, which may perform differently from the market as a whole and may be undervalued by the market for a long period of time.

7 

The Russell 2500® Index is composed of the 2,500 smallest stocks in the Russell 3000® Index and is widely regarded in the industry as the premier measure of small/mid cap stock performance. Unlike the Fund, the Russell 2500® Index is unmanaged, is not available for investment and does not incur expenses.

The Russell Indices are trademarks of the London Stock Exchange Group companies.

Not FDIC insured, nor bank guaranteed. May lose value.

 

 

 

36


Table of Contents
    

AMG GW&K Small/Mid Cap Fund

Fund Snapshots (unaudited)

December 31, 2019

 

 

 

PORTFOLIO BREAKDOWN

 

     % of  

Sector

   Net Assets  

Information Technology

     18.4  

Industrials

     16.6  

Consumer Discretionary

     15.0  

Health Care

     13.2  

Financials

     12.5  

Real Estate

     8.7  

Materials

     6.2  

Energy

     2.4  

Utilities

     2.2  

Consumer Staples

     1.7  

Short-Term Investments

     3.1  

Other Assets Less Liabilities

     0.0 1  

 

1

Less than 0.05%

TOP TEN HOLDINGS

 

Security Name

   % of
Net Assets
 

Zebra Technologies Corp., Class A

     2.5  

MarketAxess Holdings, Inc.

     2.3  

Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corp.

     2.3  

RPM International, Inc.

     2.1  

Exponent, Inc.

     2.1  

West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc.

     2.1  

The Toro Co.

     1.9  

Western Alliance Bancorp.

     1.9  

STERIS PLC

     1.9  

Sun Communities, Inc.

     1.8  
  

 

 

 

Top Ten as a Group

     20.9  
  

 

 

 
 

 

Because a fund’s strategy may result in multiple investments in particular sectors of the economy, its performance may depend on the performance of those sectors and may fluctuate more widely than investments diversified across more sectors. For additional information on these and other risk considerations, please see the Fund’s prospectus.

Any sectors, industries, or securities discussed should not be perceived as investment recommendations. Mention of a specific security should not be considered a recommendation to buy or solicitation to sell that security. Specific securities mentioned in this report may have been sold from the Fund’s portfolio of investments by the time you receive this report.

 

 

37


Table of Contents
    

AMG GW&K Small/Mid Cap Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments

December 31, 2019

 

 

 

     Shares      Value  

Common Stocks - 96.9%

     

Consumer Discretionary - 15.0%

     

BJ’s Restaurants, Inc.

     47,175      $ 1,790,763  

Burlington Stores, Inc.*

     13,313        3,035,763  

Carter’s, Inc.1

     21,480        2,348,623  

Cavco Industries, Inc.*

     15,036        2,937,734  

Dorman Products, Inc.*,1

     31,430        2,379,879  

Five Below, Inc.*

     26,244        3,355,558  

Grand Canyon Education, Inc.*

     17,229        1,650,366  

Lithia Motors, Inc., Class A1

     16,648        2,447,256  

Polaris, Inc.

     25,647        2,608,300  

Pool Corp.

     10,735        2,279,899  

Texas Roadhouse, Inc.

     42,456        2,391,122  

Vail Resorts, Inc.1

     10,555        2,531,406  

Total Consumer Discretionary

        29,756,669  

Consumer Staples - 1.7%

     

BJ’s Wholesale Club Holdings, Inc.*,1

     105,027        2,388,314  

Performance Food Group Co.*

     21,358        1,099,510  

Total Consumer Staples

        3,487,824  

Energy - 2.4%

     

Dril-Quip,Inc.*

     13,141        616,444  

Matador Resources Co.*,1

     89,561        1,609,411  

Parsley Energy, Inc., Class A

     131,100        2,479,101  

Total Energy

        4,704,956  

Financials - 12.5%

     

Artisan Partners Asset Management, Inc., Class A

     28,836        931,980  

Atlantic Union Bankshares Corp.

     50,129        1,882,344  

Glacier Bancorp, Inc.

     42,344        1,947,401  

James River Group Holdings, Ltd. (Bermuda)

     23,530        969,671  

MarketAxess Holdings, Inc.

     12,029        4,560,314  

Pinnacle Financial Partners, Inc.

     43,314        2,772,096  

Signature Bank

     20,807        2,842,444  

TCF Financial Corp.

     46,784        2,189,491  

Webster Financial Corp.

     56,453        3,012,332  

Western Alliance Bancorp.

     66,877        3,811,989  

Total Financials

        24,920,062  

Health Care - 13.2%

     

Acadia Healthcare Co., Inc.*,1

     51,093        1,697,310  

Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., Class A*

     8,168        3,022,405  

Catalent, Inc.*

     58,265        3,280,320  

ICU Medical, Inc.*

     12,170        2,277,250  

Insulet Corp.*

     10,050        1,720,560  

Jazz Pharmaceuticals PLC (Ireland)*

     15,048        2,246,365  
     Shares      Value  

Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc.*

     23,875      $ 2,566,324  

Premier, Inc., Class A*

     39,194        1,484,669  

STERIS PLC

     24,672        3,760,506  

West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc.

     27,406        4,119,944  

Total Health Care

        26,175,653  

Industrials - 16.6%

     

Exponent, Inc.

     61,038        4,212,232  

Gardner Denver Holdings, Inc.*

     94,464        3,464,939  

Gibraltar Industries, Inc.*

     31,635        1,595,669  

Graco, Inc.

     41,191        2,141,932  

Hexcel Corp.

     40,395        2,961,357  

The Middleby Corp.*,1

     16,594        1,817,375  

Nordson Corp.

     19,008        3,095,263  

RBC Bearings, Inc.*

     21,890        3,466,063  

Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers, Inc. (Canada)

     59,714        2,564,716  

Schneider National, Inc., Class B

     70,307        1,534,099  

The Toro Co.

     48,143        3,835,553  

Wabtec Corp.

     29,382        2,285,920  

Total Industrials

        32,975,118  

Information Technology - 18.4%

 

  

Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corp.

     63,316        4,503,667  

Cognex Corp.

     59,444        3,331,242  

Entegris, Inc.

     46,900        2,349,221  

Envestnet,Inc.*,1

     31,745        2,210,404  

EPAM Systems, Inc.*

     10,238        2,172,094  

Gartner, Inc.*

     23,186        3,572,963  

HubSpot, Inc.*

     8,750        1,386,875  

Power Integrations, Inc.

     15,473        1,530,435  

Rapid7, Inc.*

     46,270        2,592,045  

Silicon Laboratories, Inc.*

     20,266        2,350,451  

SS&C Technologies Holdings, Inc.

     49,532        3,041,265  

Tyler Technologies, Inc.*

     8,571        2,571,471  

Zebra Technologies Corp., Class A*

     19,318        4,934,590  

Total Information Technology

        36,546,723  

Materials - 6.2%

     

AptarGroup, Inc.

     14,021        1,621,108  

Berry Global Group, Inc.*

     40,013        1,900,217  

Eagle Materials, Inc.

     21,358        1,936,316  

Quaker Chemical Corp.1

     15,751        2,591,355  

RPM International, Inc.

     55,517        4,261,485  

Total Materials

        12,310,481  

Real Estate - 8.7%

     

American Campus Communities, Inc., REIT

     65,991        3,103,557  

 

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

38


Table of Contents
    

AMG GW&K Small/Mid Cap Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments (continued)

 

 

 

     Shares      Value  

Real Estate - 8.7% (continued)

     

CoreSite Realty Corp., REIT

     17,276      $ 1,936,985  

Easterly Government Properties, Inc., REIT

     125,835        2,986,065  

Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc., REIT

     10,649        1,404,177  

Physicians Realty Trust, REIT

     112,695        2,134,443  

Summit Hotel Properties, Inc.,
REIT 1

     166,598        2,055,819  

Sun Communities, Inc., REIT

     24,327        3,651,483  

Total Real Estate

        17,272,529  

Utilities - 2.2%

     

OGE Energy Corp.

     48,572        2,159,997  

Portland General Electric Co.

     41,505        2,315,564  

Total Utilities

        4,475,561  

Total Common Stocks
(Cost $165,781,952)

        192,625,576  
     Shares      Value  
Short-Term Investments - 3.1%

 

Other Investment Companies - 3.1%

 

Dreyfus Government Cash Management Fund, Institutional Shares, 1.51%2

     2,019,155      $ 2,019,155  

Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Government Money Market Fund, Institutional Shares,
1.55%2

     2,019,153        2,019,153  

JPMorgan U.S. Government Money Market Fund, IM Shares, 1.53%2

     2,080,340        2,080,340  

Total Short-Term Investments
(Cost $6,118,648)

        6,118,648  

Total Investments - 100.0%
(Cost $171,900,600)

        198,744,224  

Other Assets, less Liabilities - 0.0%#

        95,570  

Net Assets - 100.0%

      $ 198,839,794  

 

 
* 

Non-income producing security.

# 

Less than 0.05%.

1 

Some of these securities, amounting to $16,055,086 or 8.1% of net assets, were out on loan to various borrowers and are collateralized by various U.S. Treasury Obligations. See Note 4 of Notes to Financial Statements.

2 

Yield shown represents the December 31, 2019, seven day average yield, which refers to the sum of the previous seven days’ dividends paid, expressed as an annual percentage.

REIT     Real Estate Investment Trust

 

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments by the fair value hierarchy levels as of December 31, 2019:

 

     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Investments in Securities

           

Common Stocks

   $ 192,625,576        —          —        $ 192,625,576  

Short-Term Investments

           

Other Investment Companies

     6,118,648        —          —          6,118,648  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities

   $ 198,744,224        —          —        $ 198,744,224  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

All common stocks held in the Fund are Level 1 securities. For a detailed breakout of common stocks by major industry classification, please refer to the Fund’s Schedule of Portfolio Investments.

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, there were no transfers in or out of Level 3.

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

39


Table of Contents
    

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

December 31, 2019

 

 

 

     AMG
GW&K Enhanced
Core Bond

ESG Fund
     AMG
GW&K Municipal
Bond Fund
     AMG
GW&K Municipal
Enhanced

Yield Fund
     AMG
GW&K Small
Cap

Core Fund
     AMG
GW&K Small/Mid
Cap Fund
 

Assets:

              

Investments at value1 (including securities on loan valued at $1,399,391, $0, $0, $74,630,943, and $16,055,086, respectively)

   $ 34,270,894      $ 1,027,524,890      $ 286,413,177      $ 456,191,773      $ 198,744,224  

Cash

     —          1,658,897        1,045,649        —          —    

Receivable for investments sold

     78,451        —          113,758        —          —    

Receivable for delayed delivery investments sold

     —          5,175,400        —          —          —    

Dividend, interest and other receivables

     271,555        12,817,156        2,606,489        450,828        107,570  

Receivable for Fund shares sold

     89,157        1,708,296        368,747        126,196        208,981  

Receivable from affiliate

     14,548        60,426        25,107        —          10,148  

Prepaid expenses and other assets

     27,338        45,367        29,912        32,764        12,595  

Total assets

     34,751,943        1,048,990,432        290,602,839        456,801,561        199,083,518  

Liabilities:

              

Payable upon return of securities loaned

     1,285,644        —          —          3,780,454        —    

Payable for delayed delivery investments purchased

     —          14,648,300        11,281,750        —          —    

Payable for Fund shares repurchased

     36,618        654,617        43,499        651,806        60,447  

Accrued expenses:

              

Investment advisory and management fees

     8,783        180,860        105,436        274,929        107,895  

Administrative fees

     4,392        130,072        35,145        57,419        24,899  

Distribution fees

     3,413        3,969        1,176        2,168        36  

Shareholder service fees

     467        44,510        12,180        15,399        8,527  

Other

     51,554        102,799        53,176        56,839        41,920  

Total liabilities

     1,390,871        15,765,127        11,532,362        4,839,014        243,724  

Net Assets

   $ 33,361,072      $ 1,033,225,305      $ 279,070,477      $ 451,962,547      $ 198,839,794  

1 Investments at cost

   $ 33,230,519      $ 980,731,346      $ 270,669,062      $ 359,112,755      $ 171,900,600  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

40


Table of Contents
    

Statement of Assets and Liabilities (continued)

 

 

 

     AMG
GW&K Enhanced
Core Bond

ESG Fund
    AMG
GW&K Municipal
Bond Fund
     AMG
GW&K Municipal
Enhanced

Yield Fund
     AMG
GW&K Small
Cap

Core Fund
     AMG
GW&K Small/Mid
Cap Fund
 

Net Assets Represent:

             

Paid-in capital

   $ 36,604,732     $ 986,411,161      $ 262,511,991      $ 359,621,890      $ 174,292,799  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

     (3,243,660     46,814,144        16,558,486        92,340,657        24,546,995  

Net Assets

   $ 33,361,072     $ 1,033,225,305      $ 279,070,477      $ 451,962,547      $ 198,839,794  

Class N:

             

Net Assets

   $ 14,778,984     $ 18,710,887      $ 5,722,436      $ 10,239,158      $ 172,460  

Shares outstanding

     1,456,080       1,544,045        549,035        392,467        13,231  

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share

   $ 10.15     $ 12.12      $ 10.42      $ 26.09      $ 13.03  

Class I:

             

Net Assets

   $ 8,501,775     $ 1,014,514,418      $ 273,227,600      $ 331,703,256      $ 102,783,532  

Shares outstanding

     834,595       83,263,454        26,921,935        12,485,299        7,879,265  

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share

   $ 10.19     $ 12.18      $ 10.15      $ 26.57      $ 13.04  

Class Z:

             

Net Assets

   $ 10,080,313       —        $ 120,441      $ 110,020,133      $ 95,883,802  

Shares outstanding

     990,009       —          11,870        4,141,065        7,344,862  

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share

   $ 10.18       —        $ 10.15      $ 26.57      $ 13.05  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

41


Table of Contents
    

Statement of Operations

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019

 

 

 

     AMG
GW&K Enhanced
Core Bond

ESG Fund
    AMG
GW&K Municipal
Bond Fund
    AMG
GW&K Municipal
Enhanced

Yield Fund
    AMG
GW&K Small
Cap

Core Fund
    AMG
GW&K Small/Mid
Cap Fund
 

Investment Income:

          

Dividend income

   $ 13,673     $ 722,263     $ 182,380     $ 4,792,157     $ 1,834,246  

Interest income

     1,119,725       21,949,988       8,586,771       92       1,440  

Securities lending income

     2,637       —         —         81,343       17,814  

Foreign withholding tax

     —         —         —         (21,958     (6,404

Total investment income

     1,136,035       22,672,251       8,769,151       4,851,634       1,847,096  

Expenses:

          

Investment advisory and management fees

     107,053       2,059,847       1,111,711       2,974,885       1,082,972  

Administrative fees

     53,526       1,479,261       370,570       637,475       249,917  

Distribution fees - Class N

     37,804       47,740       16,746       26,295       292  

Distribution fees - Class C

     8,775       —         —         —         —    

Shareholder servicing fees - Class N

     —         22,081       10,047       15,777       —    

Shareholder servicing fees - Class I

     4,810       483,539       120,117       157,887       86,501  

Registration fees

     65,374       82,596       54,699       66,242       42,641  

Professional fees

     48,872       104,852       53,564       59,093       43,428  

Custodian fees

     27,027       88,964       36,636       46,060       29,126  

Reports to shareholders

     10,830       32,648       10,461       14,266       8,610  

Transfer agent fees

     4,535       28,760       7,287       17,556       4,947  

Trustee fees and expenses

     3,247       89,687       22,287       39,296       14,659  

Miscellaneous

     4,565       39,372       10,709       21,196       8,331  

Total expenses before offsets

     376,418       4,559,347       1,824,834       4,076,028       1,571,424  

Expense reimbursements

     (153,359     (651,229     (220,347     (48,563     (68,437

Expense reductions

     —         —         —         (27,588     (18,178

Net expenses

     223,059       3,908,118       1,604,487       3,999,877       1,484,809  

Net investment income

     912,976       18,764,133       7,164,664       851,757       362,287  

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain:

          

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

     404,962       5,823,265       2,874,832       22,218,128 1       (1,633,170

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments

     2,227,923       47,803,351       15,319,807       92,751,979       42,609,178  

Net realized and unrealized gain

     2,632,885       53,626,616       18,194,639       114,970,107       40,976,008  

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

   $ 3,545,861     $ 72,390,749     $ 25,359,303     $ 115,821,864     $ 41,338,295  

 

1 

Includes realized gains of $12,622,827 relating to redemptions in-kind. See note 1(g) of the Notes to Financial Statement.

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

42


Table of Contents
    

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

For the fiscal years ended December 31,

 

 

 

     AMG
GW&K Enhanced
Core Bond ESG Fund
    AMG
GW&K Municipal
Bond Fund
 
     2019     2018     2019     2018  

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting From Operations:

        

Net investment income

   $ 912,976     $ 1,054,750     $ 18,764,133     $ 19,317,449  

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

     404,962       (360,583     5,823,265       (5,814,705

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments

     2,227,923       (1,421,270     47,803,351       (7,335,635

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

     3,545,861       (727,103     72,390,749       6,167,109  

Distributions to Shareholders:

        

Class N

     (379,255     (351,771     (308,006     (340,725

Class I

     (192,619     (153,460     (18,444,080     (19,323,073

Class C1

     (16,702     (53,217     —         —    

Class Z

     (338,179     (489,194     —         —    

Total distributions to shareholders

     (926,755     (1,047,642     (18,752,086     (19,663,798

Capital Share Transactions:2

        

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

     (5,633,199     (10,573,766     21,588,783       (103,417,159

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

     (3,014,093     (12,348,511     75,227,446       (116,913,848

Net Assets:

        

Beginning of year

     36,375,165       48,723,676       957,997,859       1,074,911,707  

End of year

   $ 33,361,072     $ 36,375,165     $ 1,033,225,305     $ 957,997,859  

 

1 

Effective May 31, 2019, Class C shares were converted into Class N shares.

2 

See Note 1(g) of the Notes to Financial Statements.

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

43


Table of Contents
    

Statements of Changes in Net Assets (continued)

For the fiscal years ended December 31,

 

 

 

     AMG
GW&K Municipal
Enhanced Yield Fund
    AMG
GW&K Small
Cap Core Fund
    AMG
GW&K Small/Mid
Cap Fund
 
     2019     2018     2019     2018     2019     2018  

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting From Operations:

            

Net investment income

   $ 7,164,664     $ 6,853,206     $ 851,757     $ 1,105,255     $ 362,287     $ 152,361  

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

     2,874,832       193,354       22,218,128       50,596,134       (1,633,170     2,299,546  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments

     15,319,807       (7,532,447     92,751,979       (129,767,766     42,609,178       (17,555,863

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

     25,359,303       (485,887     115,821,864       (78,066,377     41,338,295       (15,103,956

Distributions to Shareholders:

            

Class N

     (199,815     (70,830     (519,512     (1,606,615     (280     (2,061

Class I

     (8,694,071     (6,778,865     (17,342,704     (42,856,809     (248,675     (1,246,181

Class Z

     (4,178     (3,511     (5,682,701     (10,281,471     (316,750     (1,634,280

From paid-in capital:

            

Class N

     —         (53,402     —         —         —         —    

Class I

     —         (5,110,821     —         —         —         —    

Class Z

     —         (2,647     —         —         —         —    

Total distributions to shareholders

     (8,898,064     (12,020,076     (23,544,917     (54,744,895     (565,705     (2,882,522

Capital Share Transactions:1

            

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

     51,350,874       (11,809,532     (49,229,890     5,381,820       38,228,007       106,569,502  

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

     67,812,113       (24,315,495     43,047,057       (127,429,452     79,000,597       88,583,024  

Net Assets:

            

Beginning of year

     211,258,364       235,573,859       408,915,490       536,344,942       119,839,197       31,256,173  

End of year

   $ 279,070,477     $ 211,258,364     $ 451,962,547     $ 408,915,490     $ 198,839,794     $ 119,839,197  

 

1 

See Note 1(g) of the Notes to Financial Statements.

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

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AMG GW&K Enhanced Core Bond ESG Fund

Financial Highlights

For a share outstanding throughout each fiscal year

 

 

 

     For the fiscal years ended December 31,  
Class N    2019     2018     2017     20161     2015  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year

   $ 9.43     $ 9.81     $ 9.67     $ 9.58     $ 10.22  

Income (loss) from Investment Operations:

          

Net investment income2,3

     0.24       0.23       0.21       0.22       0.29  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     0.73       (0.38     0.15       0.09       (0.64

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     0.97       (0.15     0.36       0.31       (0.35

Less Distributions to Shareholders from:

          

Net investment income

     (0.25     (0.23     (0.22     (0.22     (0.29

Net Asset Value, End of Year

   $ 10.15     $ 9.43     $ 9.81     $ 9.67     $ 9.58  

Total Return3

     10.35 %4      (1.48 )%4      3.76 %4       3.26     (3.51 )% 

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets

     0.73     0.73     0.75     0.84     0.84

Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets5

     1.16     0.99     1.04     1.05     1.07

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets3

     2.43     2.45     2.19     2.27     2.87

Portfolio turnover

     71     26     39     88     57

Net assets end of year (000’s) omitted

   $ 14,779     $ 12,884     $ 16,027     $ 16,115     $ 20,203  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

45


Table of Contents
    

AMG GW&K Enhanced Core Bond ESG Fund

Financial Highlights

For a share outstanding throughout each fiscal year

 

 

 

     For the fiscal years ended December 31,  
Class I    2019     2018     20176     20161     2015  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year

   $ 9.47     $ 9.85     $ 9.70     $ 9.62     $ 10.26  

Income (loss) from Investment Operations:

          

Net investment income2,3

     0.26       0.25       0.23       0.24       0.30  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     0.73       (0.38     0.16       0.08       (0.63

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     0.99       (0.13     0.39       0.32       (0.33

Less Distributions to Shareholders from:

          

Net investment income

     (0.27     (0.25     (0.24     (0.24     (0.31

Net Asset Value, End of Year

   $ 10.19     $ 9.47     $ 9.85     $ 9.70     $ 9.62  

Total Return3,4

     10.51     (1.27 )%      4.03     3.31     (3.30 )% 

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets

     0.55     0.54     0.61     0.69     0.67

Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets5

     0.98     0.80     0.90     0.90     0.90

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets3

     2.62     2.64     2.32     2.39     2.96

Portfolio turnover

     71     26     39     88     57

Net assets end of year (000’s) omitted

   $ 8,502     $ 5,967     $ 6,864     $ 37,952     $ 7,463  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

46


Table of Contents
    

AMG GW&K Enhanced Core Bond ESG Fund

Financial Highlights

For a share outstanding throughout each fiscal year

 

 

 

     For the fiscal years ended December 31,  
Class Z    2019     2018     20176     20161     2015  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year

   $ 9.46     $ 9.84     $ 9.70     $ 9.61     $ 10.25  

Income (loss) from Investment Operations:

          

Net investment income2,3

     0.27       0.26       0.24       0.25       0.31  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     0.72       (0.38     0.15       0.09       (0.63

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     0.99       (0.12     0.39       0.34       (0.32

Less Distributions to Shareholders from:

          

Net investment income

     (0.27     (0.26     (0.25     (0.25     (0.32

Net Asset Value, End of Year

   $ 10.18     $ 9.46     $ 9.84     $ 9.70     $ 9.61  

Total Return3,4

     10.59     (1.23 )%      4.01     3.52     (3.15 )% 

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets

     0.48     0.48     0.50     0.59     0.59

Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets5

     0.91     0.74     0.79     0.80     0.82

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets3

     2.72     2.70     2.43     2.51     3.10

Portfolio turnover

     71     26     39     88     57

Net assets end of year (000’s) omitted

   $ 10,080     $ 15,254     $ 21,271     $ 51,357     $ 47,402  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

1 

Effective October 1, 2016, the Investor Class, Service Class and Institutional Class were renamed Class N, Class S and Class I, respectively.

2 

Per share numbers have been calculated using average shares.

3 

Total returns and net investment income would have been lower had certain expenses not been offset.

4 

The total return is calculated using the published Net Asset Value as of fiscal year end.

5 

Excludes the impact of expense reimbursement or fee waivers and expense reductions such as brokerage credits, but includes expense repayments and non-reimbursable expenses, if any, such as interest, taxes, and extraordinary expenses. (See Note 1(c) and 2 in the Notes to Financial Statements.)

6 

Effective February 27, 2017, Class I shares were renamed Class Z and Class S shares were renamed Class I.

 

 

47


Table of Contents
    

AMG GW&K Municipal Bond Fund

Financial Highlights

For a share outstanding throughout each fiscal year

 

 

 

     For the fiscal years ended December 31,  
Class N    2019     2018     2017     20161     2015  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year

   $ 11.48     $ 11.60     $ 11.25     $ 11.70     $ 11.61  

Income (loss) from Investment Operations:

          

Net investment income2,3

     0.19       0.17       0.15       0.13       0.15  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     0.64       (0.11     0.36       (0.25     0.24  

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     0.83       0.06       0.51       (0.12     0.39  

Less Distributions to Shareholders from:

          

Net investment income

     (0.19     (0.18     (0.15     (0.12     (0.15

Net realized gain on investments

     —         (0.00 )4       (0.01     (0.21     (0.15

Total distributions to shareholders

     (0.19     (0.18     (0.16     (0.33     (0.30

Net Asset Value, End of Year

   $ 12.12     $ 11.48     $ 11.60     $ 11.25     $ 11.70  

Total Return3,5

     7.29     0.54     4.58     (1.05 )%      3.36

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets

     0.71     0.71     0.71     0.71     0.82

Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets6

     0.78     0.77     0.78     0.95     1.13

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets3

     1.59     1.53     1.31     1.08     1.28

Portfolio turnover

     18     35     27     66     78

Net assets end of year (000’s) omitted

   $ 18,711     $ 17,445     $ 29,513     $ 31,406     $ 27,362  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

48


Table of Contents
    

AMG GW&K Municipal Bond Fund

Financial Highlights

For a share outstanding throughout each fiscal year

 

 

 

     For the fiscal years ended December 31,  
Class I    2019     2018     20177     20161     2015  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year

   $ 11.54     $ 11.66     $ 11.31     $ 11.77     $ 11.67  

Income (loss) from Investment Operations:

          

Net investment income2,3

     0.23       0.21       0.19       0.17       0.21  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     0.64       (0.12     0.36       (0.25     0.24  

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     0.87       0.09       0.55       (0.08     0.45  

Less Distributions to Shareholders from:

          

Net investment income

     (0.23     (0.21     (0.19     (0.17     (0.20

Net realized gain on investments

     —         (0.00 )4       (0.01     (0.21     (0.15

Total distributions to shareholders

     (0.23     (0.21     (0.20     (0.38     (0.35

Net Asset Value, End of Year

   $ 12.18     $ 11.54     $ 11.66     $ 11.31     $ 11.77  

Total Return3,5

     7.58     0.87     4.90     (0.70 )%      3.94

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets

     0.39     0.39     0.37     0.34     0.34

Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets6

     0.46     0.45     0.45     0.58     0.65

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets3

     1.91     1.85     1.64     1.45     1.76

Portfolio turnover

     18     35     27     66     78

Net assets end of year (000’s) omitted

   $ 1,014,514     $ 940,553     $ 1,045,399     $ 728,365     $ 655,760  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

1 

Effective October 1, 2016, the Investor Class, Service Class and Institutional Class were renamed Class N, Class S and Class I, respectively.

2 

Per share numbers have been calculated using average shares.

3 

Total returns and net investment income would have been lower had certain expenses not been offset.

4 

Less than $(0.005) per share.

5 

The total return is calculated using the published Net Asset Value as of fiscal year end.

6 

Excludes the impact of expense reimbursement or fee waivers and expense reductions such as brokerage credits, but includes expense repayments and non-reimbursable expenses, if any, such as interest, taxes, and extraordinary expenses. (See Note 1(c) and 2 in the Notes to Financial Statements.)

7 

Effective June 23, 2017, Class S shares were converted to Class I shares.

 

 

49


Table of Contents
    

AMG GW&K Municipal Enhanced Yield Fund

Financial Highlights

For a share outstanding throughout each fiscal year

 

 

 

     For the fiscal years ended December 31,  
Class N    2019     2018     2017     20161     2015  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year

   $ 9.69     $ 10.02     $ 9.40     $ 10.08     $ 10.16  

Income (loss) from Investment Operations:

          

Net investment income2,3

     0.26       0.27       0.26       0.25       0.30  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     0.78       (0.33     0.62       (0.23     0.05  

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     1.04       (0.06     0.88       0.02       0.35  

Less Distributions to Shareholders from:

          

Net investment income

     (0.25     (0.15     (0.26     (0.25     (0.30

Net realized gain on investments

     (0.06     —         —         (0.45     (0.13

Paid in capital

     —         (0.12     —         —         —    

Total distributions to shareholders

     (0.31     (0.27     (0.26     (0.70     (0.43

Net Asset Value, End of Year

   $ 10.42     $ 9.69     $ 10.02     $ 9.40     $ 10.08  

Total Return3,4

     10.92     (0.55 )%      9.51     0.10     3.57

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets

     0.99     0.99     1.01     1.14     1.07

Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets5

     1.08     1.08     1.11     1.30     1.25

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets3

     2.56     2.79     2.67     2.38     2.98

Portfolio turnover

     40     89     67     172     120

Net assets end of year (000’s) omitted

   $ 5,722     $ 7,283     $ 8,828     $ 4,184     $ 5,500  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

50


Table of Contents
    

AMG GW&K Municipal Enhanced Yield Fund

Financial Highlights

For a share outstanding throughout each fiscal year

 

 

 

     For the fiscal years ended December 31,  
Class I    2019     2018     20176     20161     2015  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year

   $ 9.45     $ 10.01     $ 9.40     $ 10.07     $ 10.14  

Income (loss) from Investment Operations:

          

Net investment income2,3

     0.29       0.31       0.30       0.30       0.34  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     0.76       (0.32     0.61       (0.22     0.07  

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     1.05       (0.01     0.91       0.08       0.41  

Less Distributions to Shareholders from:

          

Net investment income

     (0.29     (0.31     (0.30     (0.30     (0.35

Net realized gain on investments

     (0.06     —         —         (0.45     (0.13

Paid in capital

     —         (0.24     —         —         —    

Total distributions to shareholders

     (0.35     (0.55     (0.30     (0.75     (0.48

Net Asset Value, End of Year

   $ 10.15     $ 9.45     $ 10.01     $ 9.40     $ 10.07  

Total Return3,4

     11.28     (0.07 )%      9.79     0.70     4.15

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets

     0.64     0.64     0.64     0.64     0.64

Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets5

     0.73     0.73     0.74     0.80     0.82

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets3

     2.91     3.14     3.05     2.89     3.42

Portfolio turnover

     40     89     67     172     120

Net assets end of year (000’s) omitted

   $ 273,228     $ 203,867     $ 226,638     $ 195,193     $ 212,057  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

51


Table of Contents
    

AMG GW&K Municipal Enhanced Yield Fund

Financial Highlights

For a share outstanding throughout each fiscal period

 

 

 

     For the fiscal years
ended December 31,
    For the fiscal period
ended December 31,
 
Class Z    2019     2018     20177  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 9.44     $ 10.01     $ 9.49  

Income (loss) from Investment Operations:

      

Net investment income2,3

     0.30       0.31       0.25  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     0.76       (0.32     0.52  

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     1.06       (0.01     0.77  

Less Distributions to Shareholders from:

      

Net investment income

     (0.29     (0.32     (0.25

Net realized gain on investments

     (0.06     —         —    

Paid in capital

     —         (0.24     —    

Total distributions to shareholders

     (0.35     (0.56     (0.25

Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 10.15     $ 9.44     $ 10.01  

Total Return3,4

     11.45     (0.09 )%      8.23 %8 

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets

     0.59     0.59     0.59 %9 

Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets5

     0.68     0.68     0.69 %9 

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets3

     2.96     3.19     3.07 %9 

Portfolio turnover

     40     89     67

Net assets end of period (000’s) omitted

   $ 120     $ 108     $ 108  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

1 

Effective October 1, 2016, the Investor Class, Service Class and Institutional Class were renamed Class N, Class S and Class I, respectively.

2 

Per share numbers have been calculated using average shares.

3 

Total returns and net investment income would have been lower had certain expenses not been offset.

4 

The total return is calculated using the published Net Asset Value as of fiscal year end.

5 

Excludes the impact of expense reimbursement or fee waivers and expense reductions such as brokerage credits, but includes expense repayments and non-reimbursable expenses, if any, such as interest, taxes, and extraordinary expenses. (See Note 1(c) and 2 in the Notes to Financial Statements.)

6 

Effective June 23, 2017, Class S shares were converted to Class I shares.

7 

Commencement of operations was February 27, 2017.

8 

Not annualized.

9 

Annualized.

 

 

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Table of Contents
    

AMG GW&K Small Cap Core Fund

Financial Highlights

For a share outstanding throughout each fiscal year

 

 

 

     For the fiscal years ended December 31,  
Class N    2019     2018     2017     20161     2015  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year

   $ 21.03     $ 28.04     $ 24.57     $ 21.80     $ 23.39  

Income (loss) from Investment Operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)2,3

     (0.04     (0.04     (0.06 )4      0.00 5,6       (0.06 )7  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     6.47       (3.95     5.06       3.81       (0.64

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     6.43       (3.99     5.00       3.81       (0.70

Less Distributions to Shareholders from:

          

Net realized gain on investments

     (1.37     (3.02     (1.53     (1.04     (0.89

Net Asset Value, End of Year

   $ 26.09     $ 21.03     $ 28.04     $ 24.57     $ 21.80  

Total Return3,8

     30.66     (14.08 )%      20.32     17.44     (3.02 )% 

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets9

     1.29     1.28     1.32     1.33     1.35

Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets10

     1.31     1.28     1.33     1.42     1.46

Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets3

     (0.15 )%      (0.13 )%      (0.21 )%      0.01     (0.24 )% 

Portfolio turnover

     20     25     23     19     16

Net assets end of year (000’s) omitted

   $ 10,239     $ 12,655     $ 24,989     $ 35,760     $ 35,691  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

53


Table of Contents
    

AMG GW&K Small Cap Core Fund

Financial Highlights

For a share outstanding throughout each fiscal year

 

 

 

     For the fiscal years ended December 31,  
Class I    2019     2018     201711     20161     2015  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year

   $ 21.37     $ 28.42     $ 24.84     $ 22.04     $ 23.61  

Income (loss) from Investment Operations:

          

Net investment income2,3

     0.05       0.06       0.07 4       0.10 5       0.04 7  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     6.58       (4.03     5.10       3.86       (0.65

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     6.63       (3.97     5.17       3.96       (0.61

Less Distributions to Shareholders from:

          

Net investment income

     (0.06     (0.06     (0.06     (0.10     (0.05

Net realized gain on investments

     (1.37     (3.02     (1.53     (1.06     (0.91

Total distributions to shareholders

     (1.43     (3.08     (1.59     (1.16     (0.96

Net Asset Value, End of Year

   $ 26.57     $ 21.37     $ 28.42     $ 24.84     $ 22.04  

Total Return3,8

     31.13     (13.83 )%      20.79     17.90     (2.63 )% 

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets9

     0.94     0.95     0.95     0.94     0.95

Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets10

     0.96     0.95     0.96     1.03     1.06

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets3

     0.20     0.20     0.24     0.43     0.17

Portfolio turnover

     20     25     23     19     16

Net assets end of year (000’s) omitted

   $ 331,703     $ 311,252     $ 403,309     $ 367,972     $ 302,381  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

54


Table of Contents
    

AMG GW&K Small Cap Core Fund

Financial Highlights

For a share outstanding throughout each fiscal period

 

 

 

     For the fiscal years
ended December 31,
    For the fiscal period
ended December 31,
 
Class Z    2019     2018     201712  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 21.37     $ 28.42     $ 26.13  

Income (loss) from Investment Operations:

      

Net investment income2,3

     0.06       0.07       0.14 4  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     6.59       (4.03     3.75  

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     6.65       (3.96     3.89  

Less Distributions to Shareholders from:

      

Net investment income

     (0.08     (0.07     (0.07

Net realized gain on investments

     (1.37     (3.02     (1.53

Total distributions to shareholders

     (1.45     (3.09     (1.60

Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 26.57     $ 21.37     $ 28.42  

Total Return3,8

     31.13     (13.73 )%      14.87 %13 

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets9

     0.89     0.90     0.90 %14  

Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets10

     0.91     0.90     0.91 %14  

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets3

     0.25     0.25     0.56 %14 

Portfolio turnover

     20     25     23

Net assets end of period (000’s) omitted

   $ 110,020     $ 85,009     $ 108,047  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

1 

Effective October 1, 2016, the Investor Class, Service Class and Institutional Class were renamed Class N, Class S and Class I, respectively.

2 

Per share numbers have been calculated using average shares.

3 

Total returns and net investment income (loss) would have been lower had certain expenses not been offset.

4 

Includes non-recurring dividends. Without these dividends, net investment income per share would have been $(0.12), $0.01, and $0.09 for Class N, Class I and Class Z shares, respectively.

5 

Includes non-recurring dividends. Without these dividends, net investment income per share would have been $(0.06) and $0.04 for Class N and Class I, respectively.

6 

Less than $0.005 per share.

7 

Includes non-recurring dividends. Without these dividends, net investment income per share would have been $(0.05) and $0.05 for Class N, and Class I, respectively.

8 

The total return is calculated using the published Net Asset Value as of fiscal year end.

9 

Includes reduction from broker recapture amounting to 0.01% for the fiscal year ended 2019, less than 0.01% for fiscal year ended 2018 and period ended December 31, 2017.

10 

Excludes the impact of expense reimbursement or fee waivers and expense reductions such as brokerage credits, but includes expense repayments and non-reimbursable expenses, if any, such as interest, taxes, and extraordinary expenses. (See Note 1(c) and 2 in the Notes to Financial Statements.)

11

Effective June 23, 2017, Class S shares were converted to Class I shares.

12

Commencement of operations was on February 27, 2017.

13

Not annualized.

14

Annualized.

 

 

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Table of Contents
    

AMG GW&K Small/Mid Cap Fund

Financial Highlights

For a share outstanding throughout each fiscal period

 

 

 

     For the fiscal years
ended December 31,
    For the fiscal period
ended December 31,
 
Class N    2019     2018     20171  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 9.99     $ 11.15     $ 10.35  

Income (loss) from Investment Operations:

      

Net investment income (loss)2,3

     0.00 4       (0.01     0.01 5  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     3.07       (0.91     0.94  

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     3.07       (0.92     0.95  

Less Distributions to Shareholders from:

      

Net investment income

     (0.01     —         —    

Net realized gain on investments

     (0.02     (0.24     (0.15

Total distributions to shareholders

     (0.03     (0.24     (0.15

Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 13.03     $ 9.99     $ 11.15  

Total Return3,6

     30.64     (8.25 )%      9.17 %7 

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets8

     1.09     1.09     1.10 %9 

Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets10

     1.14     1.16     1.71 %9 

Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets3

     0.02     (0.09 )%      0.12 %9 

Portfolio turnover

     18     53     38

Net assets end of period (000’s) omitted

   $ 172     $ 89     $ 11  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents
    

AMG GW&K Small/Mid Cap Fund

Financial Highlights

For a share outstanding throughout each fiscal period

 

 

 

     For the fiscal years
ended December 31,
    For the fiscal period
ended December 31,
 
Class I    2019     2018     2017     201611     201512  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 9.99     $ 11.15     $ 9.80     $ 8.95     $ 10.00  

Income (loss) from Investment Operations:

          

Net investment income (loss)2,3

     0.02       0.01       0.03 5       (0.03     (0.02

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     3.07       (0.92     1.48       0.89       (1.03

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     3.09       (0.91     1.51       0.86       (1.05

Less Distributions to Shareholders from:

          

Net investment income

     (0.02     (0.01     (0.01     (0.01     —    

Net realized gain on investments

     (0.02     (0.24     (0.15     —         —    

Total distributions to shareholders

     (0.04     (0.25     (0.16     (0.01     —    

Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 13.04     $ 9.99     $ 11.15     $ 9.80     $ 8.95  

Total Return3,6

     30.86     (8.15 )%      15.44     9.55     (10.50 )%7 

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets8

     0.94     0.94     0.94     0.95     0.95 %9 

Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets10

     0.99     1.01     1.62     4.60     11.39 %9 

Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets3

     0.17     0.06     0.26     (0.38 )%      (0.39 )%9 

Portfolio turnover

     18     53     38     48     41 %7  

Net assets end of period (000’s) omitted

   $ 102,784     $ 54,376     $ 24,266     $ 2     $ 1  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

57


Table of Contents
    

AMG GW&K Small/Mid Cap Fund

Financial Highlights

For a share outstanding throughout each fiscal period

 

 

 

     For the fiscal years
ended December 31,
    For the fiscal period
ended December 31,
 
Class Z    2019     2018     20171  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 10.00     $ 11.15     $ 10.35  

Income (loss) from Investment Operations:

      

Net investment income2,3

     0.03       0.02       0.03 5  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     3.07       (0.91     0.94  

Total income (loss) from investment operations

     3.10       (0.89     0.97  

Less Distributions to Shareholders from:

      

Net investment income

     (0.03     (0.02     (0.02

Net realized gain on investments

     (0.02     (0.24     (0.15

Total distributions to shareholders

     (0.05     (0.26     (0.17

Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 13.05     $ 10.00     $ 11.15  

Total Return3,6

     30.94     (7.98 )%      9.34 %7 

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets8

     0.84     0.84     0.85 %9 

Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets10

     0.89     0.91     1.46 %9 

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets3

     0.27     0.16     0.37 %9 

Portfolio turnover

     18     53     38

Net assets end of period (000’s) omitted

   $ 95,884     $ 65,375     $ 6,980  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

1 

Commencement of operations was on February 27, 2017.

2 

Per share numbers have been calculated using average shares.

3 

Total returns and net investment income (loss) would have been lower had certain expenses not been offset.

4 

Less than $0.005 per share.

5 

Includes non-recurring dividends. Without these dividends, net investment income per class would have been $(0.01), $0.00, and $0.01 for Class N, Class I and Class Z, respectively.

6 

The total return is calculated using the published Net Asset Value as of fiscal year end.

7 

Not annualized.

8 

Includes reduction from broker recapture amounting to 0.01% for the fiscal years ended 2019, 2018, and less than 0.01% for the fiscal year ended 2017.

9 

Annualized.

10 

Excludes the impact of expense reimbursement or fee waivers and expense reductions such as brokerage credits, but includes expense repayments and non-reimbursable expenses, if any, such as interest, taxes, and extraordinary expenses. (See Note 1(c) and 2 in the Notes to Financial Statements.)

11 

Effective October 1, 2016, Institutional Class was renamed Class I.

12 

Commencement of operations was on June 30, 2015.

 

 

58


Table of Contents
    

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2019

 

 

 

1. ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

AMG Funds and AMG Funds II (the “Trusts”) are open-end management investment companies, organized as Massachusetts business trusts, and registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). Currently, the Trusts consist of a number of different funds, each having distinct investment management objectives, strategies, risks, and policies. Included in this report are AMG Funds: AMG GW&K Municipal Bond Fund (“Municipal Bond”), AMG GW&K Municipal Enhanced Yield Fund (“Municipal Enhanced”), AMG GW&K Small Cap Core Fund (“Small Cap Core”) and AMG GW&K Small/Mid Cap Fund (“Small/Mid Cap”) and AMG Funds II: AMG GW&K Enhanced Core Bond ESG Fund (“Enhanced Core Bond ESG”) (formerly AMG GW&K Enchanced Core Bond Fund), each a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”.

Each Fund offers different classes of shares. Each Fund offers Class N and Class I shares, and Enhanced Core Bond ESG, Municipal Enhanced, Small Cap Core, and Small/Mid Cap offer Class Z shares. Effective May 31, 2019, Enhanced Core Bond ESG Class C shares were converted to Class N shares. Each class represents an interest in the same assets of the respective Fund. Although all share classes generally have identical voting rights, each share class votes separately when required by law. Different share classes may have different net asset values per share to the extent the share classes pay different distribution amounts and/or the expenses of such share classes differ. Each share class has its own expense structure. Please refer to a current prospectus for additional information on each share class.

Class C shares of Enhanced Core Bond ESG, were closed to all new investors and were not available for purchase by existing shareholders. Shareholders who redeemed Class C shares of the Fund were not subject to the deferred sales charges because they have been closed for longer than one year as described in the prospectus. On July 31, 2019, Small Cap Core was re-opened to new investors. Please refer to Enhanced Core Bond ESG’s and Small Cap Core’s current prospectus for additional information.

The Funds’ financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”), including accounting and reporting guidance pursuant to Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946 applicable to investment companies. U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates and such differences could be material. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Funds in the preparation of their financial statements:

a. VALUATION OF INVESTMENTS

Equity securities traded on a national securities exchange or reported on the NASDAQ national market system (“NMS”) are valued at the last quoted sales price on the primary exchange or, if applicable, the NASDAQ official closing price or the official closing price of the relevant exchange or, lacking any sales, at the last quoted bid price or the mean between the last quoted bid and ask prices (the “exchange mean price”). Equity securities traded in the over-the-counter market (other than NMS securities) are valued at the mean price. Foreign equity securities (securities principally traded in markets other than U.S. markets) are valued at the official closing price on the primary exchange or, for markets that either do not

offer an official closing price or where the official closing price may not be representative of the overall market, the last quoted sale price.

Fixed income securities purchased with a remaining maturity exceeding 60 days are valued at the evaluated mean price provided by an authorized pricing service or, if an evaluated price is not available, by reference to other securities which are considered comparable in credit rating, interest rate, due date and other features (generally referred to as “matrix pricing”) or other similar pricing methodologies. Investments in certain mortgage-backed and stripped mortgage-backed securities, preferred stocks, convertible securities, derivatives and other debt securities not traded on an organized securities market are valued on the basis of valuations provided by dealers or by a pricing service which uses information with respect to transactions in such securities and various relationships between such securities and yield to maturity in determining value.

Fixed income securities purchased with a remaining maturity of 60 days or less are valued at amortized cost, provided that the amortized cost value is approximately the same as the fair value of the security valued without the use of amortized cost. Investments in other open-end registered investment companies are valued at their end of day net asset value per share.

The Funds’ portfolio investments are generally valued based on independent market quotations or prices or, if none, “evaluative” or other market based valuations provided by third party pricing services approved by the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board”). Under certain circumstances, the value of certain Fund portfolio investments may be based on an evaluation of fair value, pursuant to procedures established by and under the general supervision of the Board. The Valuation Committee, which is comprised of the Independent Trustees of the Board, and the Pricing Committee, which is comprised of representatives from AMG Funds LLC (the “Investment Manager”) are the committees appointed by the Board to make fair value determinations. Each Fund may use the fair value of a portfolio investment to calculate its net asset value (“NAV”) in the event that the market quotation, price or market based valuation for the portfolio investment is not readily available or otherwise not determinable pursuant to the Board’s valuation procedures, if the Investment Manager or the Pricing Committee believes the quotation, price or market based valuation to be unreliable, or in certain other circumstances. When determining the fair value of an investment, the Pricing Committee and, if required under the Trusts’ securities valuation procedures, the Valuation Committee, seeks to determine the price that the Fund might reasonably expect to receive from current sale of that portfolio investment in an arms-length transaction. Fair value determinations shall be based upon consideration of all available facts and information, including, but not limited to (i) attributes specific to the investment; (ii) fundamental and analytical data relating to the investment; and (iii) the value of other comparable securities or relevant financial instruments, including derivative securities, traded on other markets or among dealers.

The values assigned to fair value portfolio investments are based on available information and do not necessarily represent amounts that might ultimately be realized in the future, since such amounts depend on future developments inherent in long-term investments. Because of the inherent uncertainty of valuation, those estimated values may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a ready market for the investments existed, and the differences could be material. The Board will be presented with a quarterly report showing as of the most recent quarter end, all outstanding securities fair valued by the Funds, including a comparison with the prior quarter end and the percentage of the Funds that the security represents at each quarter end.

 

 

 

 

59


Table of Contents
     Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

 

 

With respect to foreign equity securities and certain foreign fixed income securities, the Board has adopted a policy that securities held in the Funds that can be fair valued by the applicable fair value pricing service are fair valued on each business day provided that each individual price exceeds a pre-established confidence level.

U.S. GAAP defines fair value as the price that a fund would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. U.S. GAAP also establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and a three level hierarchy for fair value measurements based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability. Inputs may be observable or unobservable and refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Funds. Unobservable inputs reflect the Funds’ own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. Each investment is assigned a level based upon the observability of the inputs which are significant to the overall valuation.

The three-tier hierarchy of inputs is summarized below:

Level 1 – inputs are quoted prices in active markets for identical investments (e.g., equity securities, open-end investment companies)

Level 2 – other observable inputs (including, but not limited to: quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in markets that are active, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the assets or liabilities (such as interest rates, yield curves, volatilities, prepayment speeds, loss severities, credit risks and default rates) or other market corroborated inputs) (e.g., debt securities, government securities, foreign currency exchange contracts, swaps, foreign securities utilizing international fair value pricing, fair valued securities with observable inputs)

Level 3 – inputs are significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions used to determine the fair value of investments) (e.g., fair valued securities with unobservable inputs)

Changes in inputs or methodologies used for valuing investments may result in a transfer in or out of levels within the fair value hierarchy. The inputs or methodologies used for valuing investments may not necessarily be an indication of the risk associated with investing in those investments.

b. SECURITY TRANSACTIONS

Security transactions are accounted for as of trade date. Realized gains and losses on securities sold are determined on the basis of identified cost.

c. INVESTMENT INCOME AND EXPENSES

Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Interest income, which includes amortization of premium and accretion of discount on debt securities, is accrued as earned. Dividend and interest income on foreign securities is recorded gross of any withholding tax. Non-cash dividends included in dividend income, if any, are reported at the fair market value of the securities received. Upon notification from issuers, distributions received from a real estate investment trust (“REIT”) may be redesignated as a reduction of cost of investments and/or realized gain. Other income and expenses are recorded on an accrual basis. Expenses that cannot be directly attributed to a Fund are apportioned among the funds in the Trusts and other trusts or funds within the AMG Funds Family of Funds (collectively the “AMG Funds Family”) based upon their relative average net assets or number of shareholders. Investment income, realized and unrealized capital gains and losses, the common expenses of each Fund, and certain fund level expense reductions, if any, are allocated on a pro-rata basis to each class based on the relative net assets of each class to the total net assets of each Fund.

Small Cap Core and Small/Mid Cap had certain portfolio trades directed to various brokers under a brokerage recapture program. Credits received from the brokerage recapture program are earned and paid on a monthly basis, and are recorded as expense offsets, which serve to reduce the Fund’s overall expense ratio. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, the impact on the expenses and expense ratios were as follows: Small Cap Core $27,588 or 0.01%, and Small/Mid Cap $18,178 or 0.01%.

d. DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS

Fund distributions resulting from either net investment income or realized net capital gains, if any, will normally be declared and paid at least annually in December. Distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Distributions are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from net investment income and net realized capital gains for financial statement purposes (U.S. GAAP). Differences may be permanent or temporary. Permanent differences are reclassified among capital accounts in the financial statements to reflect their tax character. Permanent book and tax basis differences, if any, relating to shareholder distributions will result in reclassifications to paid-in capital. Temporary differences arise when certain items of income, expense and gain or loss are recognized in different periods for financial statement and tax purposes; these differences will reverse at some time in the future. Permanent differences are primarily due to redemptions in kind. Temporary differences are primarily due to qualified late-year losses, wash sales loss deferrals, and capital loss carryforwards.

 

 

 

60


Table of Contents
     Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

 

 

The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 were as follows:

 

     Enhanced Core Bond ESG      Municipal Bond      Municipal Enhanced  
Distributions paid from:    2019      2018      2019      2018      2019      2018  

Ordinary income

   $ 926,755      $ 1,047,632      $ 659,218      $ 153,142      $ 155,860      $ 56,855  

Tax-exempt income

     —          —          18,092,868        19,200,002        7,002,372        6,796,351  

Short-term capital gains

     —          —          —          —          610,420        —    

Long-term capital gains

     —          —          —          310,654        1,129,412        —    

Paid-in capital

     —          —          —          —          —          5,166,870  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 926,755      $ 1,047,632      $ 18,752,086      $ 19,633,798      $ 8,898,064      $ 12,020,726  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     Small Cap Core      Small/Mid Cap  
Distributions paid from:    2019      2018      2019      2018  

Ordinary income

   $ 994,828      $ 1,050,912      $ 326,001      $ 152,361  

Short-term capital gains

     —          1,716,078        —          2,222,595  

Long-term capital gains

     22,550,089        51,977,905        239,704        507,566  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 23,544,917      $ 54,744,895      $ 565,705      $ 2,882,522  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2019, the components of distributable earnings (excluding unrealized appreciation/depreciation) on a tax basis consisted of:

 

     Enhanced
Core Bond
ESG
     Municipal
Bond
     Municipal
Enhanced
     Small Cap
Core
     Small/Mid
Cap
 

Capital loss carryforward

   $ 4,277,204        —          —          —        $ 1,784,947  

Undistributed ordinary income

     —          —          —          —          34,343  

Undistributed tax-exempt income

     —        $ 12,047      $ 6,432        —          —    

Undistributed short-term capital gains

     —          8,553        52,820        —          —    

Undistributed long-term capital gains

     —          —          777,604        —          —    

Late-year loss deferral

     —          —          —        $ 3,779,686        —    

At December 31, 2019, the cost of investments and the aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation for federal income tax purposes were as follows:

 

Fund    Cost      Appreciation      Depreciation      Net  

Enhanced Core Bond ESG

   $ 33,237,350      $ 1,061,323      $ (27,779    $ 1,033,544  

Municipal Bond

     980,731,346        46,996,470        (202,926      46,793,544  

Municipal Enhanced

     270,691,547        15,780,795        (59,165      15,721,630  

Small Cap Core

     360,071,430        109,450,249        (13,329,906      96,120,343  

Small/Mid Cap

     172,446,625        31,531,149        (5,233,550      26,297,599  

 

e. FEDERAL TAXES

Each Fund currently qualifies as an investment company and intends to comply with the requirements under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and to distribute substantially all of its taxable income and gains to its shareholders and to meet certain diversification and income requirements with respect to investment companies. Therefore, no provision for federal income or excise tax is included in the accompanying financial statements.

Additionally, based on each Fund’s understanding of the tax rules and rates related to income, gains and transactions for the foreign jurisdictions in which it invests, each Fund will provide for foreign taxes, and where appropriate, deferred foreign taxes.

Management has analyzed the Funds’ tax positions taken on federal income tax returns as of December 31, 2019, and for all open tax years (generally, the three prior taxable years), and has concluded that no provision for federal income tax is required in the Funds’ financial statements. Additionally, Management is not aware of any tax position for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will change materially in the next twelve months.

f. CAPITAL LOSS CARRYOVERS AND DEFERRALS

As of December 31, 2019, the following Funds had capital loss carryovers for federal income tax purposes as shown in the following chart. These amounts may be used

 

 

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

 

 

to offset future realized capital gains indefinitely, and retain their character as short-term and/or long-term.

 

     Capital Loss Carryover Amounts  
Fund    Short-Term      Long-Term      Total  

Enhanced Core Bond ESG

   $ 1,514,015      $ 2,763,189      $ 4,277,204  

Small/Mid Cap Value

     499,380        1,285,567        1,784,947  

As of December 31, 2019, Municipal Bond, Municipal Enhanced, and Small Cap Core had no accumulated net realized capital loss carryovers from securities transactions for federal income tax purposes. Should the Funds incur net capital losses for the year ending December 31, 2020, such amounts may be used to offset future realized capital gains, for an unlimited time period.

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, the following Funds utilized capital loss carryovers in the amount of:

 

     Capital Loss Carryover
Utilized
 
Fund    Short-Term      Long-Term  

Enhanced Core Bond ESG

   $ 171,504      $ 234,325  

Municipal Bond

     719,813        5,094,899  

Municipal Enhanced Yield

     304,591        —    

 

 

 

g. CAPITAL STOCK

The Trust’s Declaration of Trust authorizes for each Fund the issuance of an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest, without par value. Each Fund records sales and repurchases of its capital stock on the trade date. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, Small Cap Core transferred securities and cash to certain shareholders in connection with redemptions in-kind transactions in the amount of $47,933,644. For the purposes of U.S. GAAP, the transactions were treated as a sale of securities and the resulting gain or loss was recognized based on the market value of the securities on the date of the transfer. For tax purposes, no gains or losses were recognized.

For the fiscal years ended December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the capital stock transactions by class for the Funds were as follows:

 

    Enhanced Core Bond ESG     Municipal Bond  
    December 31, 2019     December 31, 2018     December 31, 2019     December 31, 2018  
    Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount  

Class N:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

    385,161     $ 3,841,569       424,957     $ 4,049,618       587,077     $ 6,987,998       1,361,049     $ 15,628,138  

Reinvestment of distributions

    30,307       301,677       27,223       258,273       25,450       304,213       29,687       336,857  

Cost of shares repurchased

    (514,970     (5,145,719     (719,736     (6,838,184     (588,678     (7,045,640     (2,415,317     (27,584,411

Share Conversion

    190,000       1,871,729       —         —         —         —         —         —    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

    90,498     $ 869,256       (267,556   $ (2,530,293     23,849     $ 246,571       (1,024,581   $ (11,619,416
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class I:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

    442,100     $ 4,378,909       380,957     $ 3,660,749       25,467,262     $ 305,694,822       34,143,663     $ 390,076,652  

Reinvestment of distributions

    16,552       165,239       12,169       115,703       1,156,277       13,901,387       1,241,970       14,166,368  

Cost of shares repurchased

    (254,280     (2,503,281     (459,754     (4,456,226     (24,889,281     (298,253,997     (43,525,772     (496,040,763
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

    204,372     $ 2,040,867       (66,628   $ (679,774     1,734,258     $ 21,342,212       (8,140,139   $ (91,797,743
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class C:1

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

    81     $ 779       498     $ 4,748       —         —         —         —    

Reinvestment of distributions

    1,516       14,667       4,736       44,928       —         —         —         —    

Cost of shares repurchased

    (52,291     (505,697     (229,466     (2,178,365     —         —         —         —    

Share Conversion

    (190,108     (1,871,729     —         —         —         —         —         —    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease

    (240,802   $ (2,361,980     (224,232   $ (2,128,689     —         —         —         —    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

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    Enhanced Core Bond ESG     Municipal Bond  
    December 31, 2019     December 31, 2018     December 31, 2019     December 31, 2018  
    Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount  

Class Z:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

    141,124     $ 1,392,522       112,597     $ 1,079,678       —         —         —         —    

Reinvestment of distributions

    26,209       260,974       32,270       307,362       —         —         —         —    

Cost of shares repurchased

    (789,299     (7,834,838     (693,811     (6,622,050     —         —         —         —    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease

    (621,966   $ (6,181,342     (548,944   $ (5,235,010     —         —         —         —    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    Municipal Enhanced     Small Cap Core  
    December 31, 2019     December 31, 2018     December 31, 2019     December 31, 2018  
    Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount  

Class N:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

    1,153,398     $ 11,800,890       503,883     $ 4,895,415       37,380     $ 923,528       118,455     $ 3,333,417  

Reinvestment of distributions

    19,060       194,890       12,650       123,277       20,023       515,592       74,956       1,556,082  

Cost of shares repurchased

    (1,375,096     (14,098,046     (646,210     (6,320,716     (266,629     (6,460,696     (482,775     (13,686,615
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease

    (202,638   $ (2,102,266     (129,677   $ (1,302,024     (209,226   $ (5,021,576     (289,364   $ (8,797,116
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class I:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

    8,484,080     $ 84,587,165       3,422,201     $ 33,378,454       2,631,723     $ 65,737,211       3,424,698     $ 99,405,234  

Reinvestment of distributions

    459,497       4,602,583       618,327       5,929,747       614,371       16,108,801       1,913,334       40,371,352  

Cost of shares repurchased

    (3,603,519     (35,740,786     (5,104,631     (49,821,867     (5,324,375     (130,505,862 )2      (4,967,816     (125,593,850
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

    5,340,058     $ 53,448,962       (1,064,103   $ (10,513,666     (2,078,281   $ (48,659,850     370,216     $ 14,182,736  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class Z:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

    —         —         —         —         355,072     $ 9,136,099       428,733     $ 11,243,997  

Reinvestment of distributions

    418     $ 4,178       642     $ 6,158       216,732       5,682,701       487,274       10,281,472  

Cost of shares repurchased

    —         —         —         —         (408,010     (10,367,264     (740,347     (21,529,269
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

    418     $ 4,178       642     $ 6,158       163,794     $ 4,451,536       175,660     $ (3,800
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

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     Small/Mid Cap  
     December 31, 2019      December 31, 2018  
     Shares      Amount      Shares      Amount  

Class N:

           

Proceeds from sale of shares

     4,335      $ 52,000        7,686      $ 90,000  

Reinvestment of distributions

     22        280        209        2,061  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase

     4,357      $ 52,280        7,895      $ 92,061  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Class I:

           

Proceeds from sale of shares

     3,410,892      $ 38,761,509        4,362,093      $ 49,100,133  

Reinvestment of distributions

     17,872        230,903        123,071        1,215,947  

Cost of shares repurchased

     (989,978      (11,582,617      (1,221,254      (13,093,212
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase

     2,438,786      $ 27,409,795        3,263,910      $ 37,222,868  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Class Z:

           

Proceeds from sale of shares

     2,176,455      $ 26,780,755        8,619,193      $ 100,520,967  

Reinvestment of distributions

     24,497        316,750        165,413        1,634,280  

Cost of shares repurchased

     (1,393,119      (16,331,573      (2,873,377      (32,900,674
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase

     807,833      $ 10,765,932        5,911,229      $ 69,254,573  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

1 

Effective May 31, 2019, Class C shares were converted into Class N shares.

2 

Includes redemption in-kind in the amount of $47,933,644.

 

h. REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS AND JOINT REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS

The Funds may enter into third-party repurchase agreements for temporary cash management purposes and third-party or bilateral joint repurchase agreements for reinvestment of cash collateral on securities lending transactions under the securities lending program offered by The Bank of New York Mellon (“BNYM”) (the “Program”) (collectively, “Repurchase Agreements”). The value of the underlying collateral, including accrued interest, must equal or exceed the value of the Repurchase Agreements during the term of the agreement. For joint repurchase agreements, the Funds participate on a pro rata basis with other clients of BNYM in its share of the underlying collateral under such joint repurchase agreements and in its share of proceeds from any repurchase or other disposition of the underlying collateral. The underlying collateral for all Repurchase Agreements is held in safekeeping by the Funds’ custodian or at the Federal Reserve Bank. If the seller defaults and the value of the collateral declines, or if bankruptcy proceedings commence with respect to the seller of the security, realization of the collateral by the Funds may be delayed or limited. Pursuant to the Program, the Funds are indemnified for such losses by BNYM on joint repurchase agreements.

At December 31, 2019, the market value of Repurchase Agreements outstanding for Enhanced Core Bond ESG and Small Cap Core were $1,285,644 and $3,780,454, respectively.

i. DELAYED DELIVERY TRANSACTIONS AND WHEN-ISSUED SECURITIES

The Funds may enter into securities transactions on a delayed delivery or when issued basis. Payment and delivery may take place after the customary settlement period for that security. The price of the underlying securities and the date when

the securities will be delivered and paid for are fixed at the time the transaction is negotiated. During the time a delayed delivery sell is outstanding, the contract is marked to market daily and equivalent deliverable securities are held for the transaction. The value of the securities purchased on a delayed delivery or when-issued basis are identified as such in the Fund’s Schedules of Portfolio Investments. With respect to purchase commitments, the Fund identifies securities as segregated in its records with a value at least equal to the amount of the commitment. Losses may arise due to changes in the value of the underlying securities or if the counterparty does not perform under the contract, or if the issuer does not issue the securities due to political, economic, or other factors.

2. AGREEMENTS AND TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES

For each of the Funds, the Trusts have entered into an investment advisory agreement under which the Investment Manager, a subsidiary and the U.S. retail distribution arm of Affiliated Managers Group, Inc. (“AMG”), serves as investment manager to the Funds and is responsible for the Funds’ overall administration and operations. The Investment Manager selects one or more subadvisers for the Funds (subject to Board approval) and monitors each subadviser’s investment performance, security holdings and investment strategies. Each Fund’s investment portfolio is managed by GW&K Investment Management, LLC, (“GW&K”) who serves pursuant to a subadvisory agreement with the Investment Manager. AMG indirectly owns a majority interest in GW&K.

Investment management fees are paid directly by the Funds to the Investment Manager based on average daily net assets. For the fiscal year ended

 

 

 

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December 31, 2019, the Funds’ investment management fees were paid at the following annual rates of each Fund’s respective average daily net assets:

 

Enhanced Core Bond ESG

     0.30

Municipal Bond

  

on first $25 million

     0.35

on next $25 million

     0.30

on next $50 million

     0.25

on balance over $100 million

     0.20

Municipal Enhanced

     0.45

Small Cap Core

     0.70

Small/Mid Cap

     0.65

The Investment Manager has contractually agreed, through at least May 1, 2020, to waive management fees and/or pay or reimburse fund expenses in order to limit total annual Fund operating expenses after fee waiver and expense reimbursements (exclusive of taxes, interest (including interest incurred in connection with bank and custody overdrafts, and in connection with securities sold short), shareholder servicing fees, distribution and service (12b-1) fees, brokerage commissions and other transaction costs, dividends payable with respect to securities sold short, acquired fund fees and expenses and extraordinary expenses) of Enhanced Core Bond ESG, Municipal Bond, Municipal Enhanced, Small Cap Core and Small/Mid Cap to the annual rate of 0.48%, 0.34%, 0.59%, 0.90% and 0.85%, respectively, of each Fund’s average daily net assets (this annual rate or such other annual rate that may be in effect from time to time, the “Expense Cap”), subject to later reimbursement by the Funds in certain circumstances.

The contractual expense limitation may only be terminated in the event the Investment Manager or a successor ceases to be the investment manager of a Fund or a successor fund, by mutual agreement between the Investment Manager and the Board, or in the event of a Fund’s liquidation unless the Fund is reorganized or is a party to a merger in which the surviving entity is successor to the accounting and performance information of a Fund.

In general, for a period of up to 36 months, the Investment Manager may recover from each Fund fees waived and expenses paid pursuant to this contractual agreement, provided that such repayment would not cause a Fund’s total annual operating expenses after fee waiver and expense reimbursements (exclusive of the items noted in the parenthetical above) to exceed the contractual expense limitation amount.

At December 31, 2019, the Funds’ expiration of reimbursements subject to recoupment is as follows:

 

Expiration

Period

   Enhanced Core
Bond ESG
     Municipal Bond  

Less than 1 year

   $ 185,809      $ 703,359  

1-2 years

     110,054        604,775  

2-3 years

     153,359        651,229  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 449,222      $ 1,959,363  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Expiration

Period

   Municipal Enhanced      Small Cap Core  

Less than 1 year

   $ 232,286      $ 51,380  

1-2 years

     186,327        3,686  

2-3 years

     220,347        48,563  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 638,960      $ 103,629  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Expiration

Period

          Small/Mid Cap  

Less than 1 year

      $ 85,512  

1-2 years

        67,647  

2-3 years

        68,437  
     

 

 

 

Total

      $ 221,596  
     

 

 

 

The Trusts, on behalf of the Funds, have entered into an amended and restated Administration Agreement under which the Investment Manager serves as the Funds’ administrator (the “Administrator”) and is responsible for all non-portfolio management aspects of managing the Funds’ operations, including administration and shareholder services to each Fund. Each Fund pays a fee to the Administrator at the rate of 0.15% per annum of the Fund’s average daily net assets for this service.

The Funds are distributed by AMG Distributors, Inc. (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Investment Manager. The Distributor serves as the distributor and underwriter for each Fund and is a registered broker-dealer and member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”). Shares of each Fund will be continuously offered and will be sold directly to prospective purchasers and through brokers, dealers or other financial intermediaries who have executed selling agreements with the Distributor. Generally the Distributor bears all or a portion of the expenses of providing services pursuant to the distribution agreement, including the payment of the expenses relating to the distribution of prospectuses for sales purposes and any advertising or sales literature.

The Trusts have adopted a distribution and service plan (the “Plan”) with respect to the Class N shares of each Fund and Class C shares of Enhanced Core Bond ESG, in accordance with the requirements of Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act and the requirements of the applicable rules of FINRA regarding asset-based sales charges. Pursuant to the Plan, each Fund may make payments to the Distributor for its expenditures in financing any activity primarily intended to result in the sale of each Fund’s Class N shares and Enhanced Core Bond ESG Class C shares and for maintenance and personal service provided to existing shareholders of that class. The Plan authorized payments to the Distributor up to 0.25% and 1.00% annually of each Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to the Class N shares and Enhanced Core Bond ESG Class C shares, respectively. The portion of payments made under the plan by Class N shares of each Fund and Class C shares of Enhanced Core Bond ESG for shareholder servicing may not exceed an annual rate of 0.25% of the average daily net asset value of each Fund’s shares of that class owned by clients of such broker, dealer or financial intermediary. On June 1, 2019, the plan with Enhanced Core Bond ESG Class C shares terminated.

For Enhanced Core Bond ESG’s Class I shares and for each of the Class N and Class I shares of Municipal Bond, Municipal Enhanced, Small Cap Core, and

 

 

 

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     Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

 

 

Small/Mid Cap, the Board has approved reimbursement payments to the Investment Manager for shareholder servicing expenses (“shareholder servicing fees”) incurred. Shareholder servicing fees include payments to financial intermediaries, such as broker-dealers (including fund supermarket platforms), banks, and trust companies who provide shareholder recordkeeping, account servicing and other services. The Class N and Class I shares may reimburse the Investment Manager for the actual amount incurred up to a maximum annual rate of each Class’s average daily net assets as shown in the table below.

The impact on the annualized expense ratios for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, were as follows:

 

Fund    Maximum Annual
Amount
Approved
    Actual
Amount
Incurred
 

Enhanced Core Bond ESG

    

Class I

     0.10     0.07

Municipal Bond

    

Class N

     0.15     0.12

Class I

     0.05     0.05

Municipal Enhanced

    

Class N

     0.15     0.15

Class I

     0.05     0.05

Small Cap Core

    

Class N

     0.15     0.15

Class I

     0.05     0.05

Small/Mid Cap

    

Class N

     0.15     —    

Class I

     0.10     0.10
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The Board provides supervision of the affairs of the Trusts and other trusts within the AMG Funds family. The Trustees of the Trusts who are not affiliated with the Investment Manager receive an annual retainer and per meeting fees for regular, special and telephonic meetings, and they are reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses incurred while carrying out their duties as Board members. The Chairman of the Board and the Audit Committee Chair receive additional annual retainers. Certain Trustees and Officers of the Funds are Officers and/or Directors of the Investment Manager, AMG and/or the Distributor.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) granted an exemptive order that permits the Funds to lend and borrow money for certain temporary purposes directly to and from other eligible funds in the AMG Funds family. Participation in this interfund lending program is voluntary for both the borrowing and lending funds, and an interfund loan is only made if it benefits each participating fund. The Administrator manages the program according to procedures approved by the Board, and the Board monitors the operation of the program. An interfund loan must comply with certain conditions set out in the exemptive order, which are designed to assure fairness and protect all participating funds. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, Municipal Bond lent a maximum of $1,316,546 for one day earning interest of $117, Municipal Enhanced lent a maximum of $5,655,726 for two days earning interest of $637, Small Cap Core lent a maximum of $1,394,179 for one day earning interest of $92 and Small/Mid Cap lent a maximum of $2,809,656 for

six days earning interest of $1,440. The interest income amount is included in the Statement of Operations as interest income. Enhanced Core Bond ESG borrowed a maximum of $1,393,052 for four days paying interest of $263, Municipal Bond borrowed a maximum of $4,490,591 for seven days paying interest of $1,475 and Small Cap Core borrowed a maximum of $14,519,499 for three days paying interest of $2,236. The interest expense amount is included in the Statement of Operations as miscellaneous expense. At December 31, 2019, the Funds had no interfund loans outstanding.

3. PURCHASES AND SALES OF SECURITIES

Purchases and sales of securities (excluding short-term securities and U.S. Government Obligations) for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, were as follows:

 

     Long Term Securities  
Fund    Purchases      Sales  

Enhanced Core Bond ESG

   $ 18,946,710      $ 21,701,169  

Municipal Bond

     167,285,286        199,899,494  

Municipal Enhanced

     156,120,460        95,769,768  

Small Cap Core

     82,252,160        120,315,692  

Small/Mid Cap

     66,319,015        28,686,531  

Purchases and sales of U.S. Government Obligations for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 were as follows:

 

     U.S. Government
Obligations
 
Fund    Purchases      Sales  

Enhanced Core Bond ESG

   $ 5,662,827      $ 8,195,799  

4. PORTFOLIO SECURITIES LOANED

The Funds participate in the Program providing for the lending of securities to qualified borrowers. Securities lending income includes earnings of such temporary cash investments, plus or minus any rebate to a borrower. These earnings (after any rebate) are then divided between BNYM, as a fee for its services under the Program, and the Funds, according to agreed-upon rates. Collateral on all securities loaned is accepted in cash, U.S. Treasury Obligations or U.S. Government Agency Obligations. Collateral is maintained at a minimum level of 102% (105% in the case of certain foreign securities) of the market value, plus interest, if applicable, of investments on loan. It is the Funds’ policy to obtain additional collateral from or return excess collateral to the borrower by the end of the next business day, following the valuation date of the securities loaned. Therefore, the value of the collateral held may be temporarily less than the value of the securities on loan. Lending securities entails a risk of loss to the Funds if and to the extent that the market value of the securities loaned were to increase and the borrower did not increase the collateral accordingly, and the borrower fails to return the securities. Under the terms of the Program, the Funds are indemnified for such losses by BNYM. Cash collateral is held in separate omnibus accounts managed by BNYM, who is authorized to exclusively enter into joint repurchase agreements for that cash collateral. Securities collateral is held in separate omnibus accounts managed by BNYM that cannot be sold or pledged. BNYM bears the risk of any deficiency in the amount of the cash collateral available for return to the borrower due to any loss on the collateral invested.

 

 

 

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     Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

 

 

The value of securities loaned on positions held, cash collateral and securities collateral received at December 31, 2019, were as follows:

 

Fund    Securities
Loaned
     Cash
Collateral
Received
     Securities
Collateral
Received
     Total
Collateral
Received
 

Enhanced Core Bond ESG

   $ 1,399,391      $ 1,285,644      $ 162,780      $ 1,448,424  

Small Cap Core

     74,630,943        3,780,454        72,240,554        76,021,008  

Small/Mid Cap

     16,055,086        —          16,361,819        16,361,819  

The following table summarizes the securities received as collateral for securities lending at December 31, 2019:

 

Fund   Collateral Type     Coupon Range     Maturity Date
Range
 

Enhanced Core

     

Bond ESG

    U.S. Treasury Obligations       0.010%-3.125%       04/15/20-05/15/47  

Small Cap Core

    U.S. Treasury Obligations       0.000%-8.500%       01/09/20-11/15/49  

Small/Mid Cap

    U.S. Treasury Obligations       0.000%-8.500%       01/23/20-05/15/49  
 

 

5. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Under the Trusts’ organizational documents, its trustees and officers are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the Trusts. In addition, in the normal course of business, the Funds may enter into contracts and agreements that contain a variety of representations and warranties, which provide general indemnifications. The maximum exposure to the Funds under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against a Fund that have not yet occurred. However, based on experience, the Funds had no prior claims or losses and expect the risks of loss to be remote.

6. MASTER NETTING AGREEMENTS

The Funds may enter into master netting agreements with their counterparties for the securities lending program and Repurchase Agreements, which provide the right, in the event of default (including bankruptcy or insolvency) for the non-defaulting party to liquidate the collateral and calculate net exposure to the defaulting party or request additional collateral. For financial reporting purposes, the Funds do not offset financial assets and financial liabilities that are subject to master netting agreements in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. For securities lending transactions, see Note 4.

The following table is a summary of the Funds’ open Repurchase Agreements that are subject to a master netting agreement as of December 31, 2019:

 

            Gross Amount Not
Offset in the Statement
of Assets and Liabilities
               

Fund

   Gross Amounts of
Assets Presented in
the Statement of
Assets and Liabilities
     Offset
Amount
     Net Asset
Balance
     Collateral
Received
     Net
Amount
 

Enhanced Core Bond ESG

              

Citadel Securities LLC

   $ 285,644        —        $ 285,644      $ 285,644        —    

RBC Dominion Securities, Inc.

     1,000,000        —          1,000,000        1,000,000        —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 1,285,644        —        $ 1,285,644      $ 1,285,644        —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Small Cap Core

              

Cantor Fitzgerald Securities, Inc.

   $ 1,000,000        —        $ 1,000,000      $ 1,000,000        —    

Citadel Securities LLC

     780,454        —          780,454        780,454        —    

Citigroup Global Markets, Inc.

     1,000,000        —          1,000,000        1,000,000        —    

RBC Dominion Securities, Inc.

     1,000,000        —          1,000,000        1,000,000        —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 3,780,454        —        $ 3,780,454      $ 3,780,454        —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

7. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

The Funds have determined that no material events or transactions occurred through the issuance date of the Funds’ financial statements which require an additional disclosure in or adjustment of the Funds’ financial statements.

 

 

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Table of Contents
     Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

 

TO THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF AMG FUNDS AND AMG FUNDS II AND SHAREHOLDERS OF AMG GW&K ENHANCED CORE BOND ESG FUND, AMG GW&K MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, AMG GW&K MUNICIPAL ENHANCED YIELD FUND, AMG GW&K SMALL CAP CORE FUND AND AMG GW&K SMALL/MID CAP FUND

Opinions on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities, including the schedules of portfolio investments, of AMG GW&K Enhanced Core Bond ESG Fund (one of the funds constituting AMG Funds II), AMG GW&K Municipal Bond Fund, AMG GW&K Municipal Enhanced Yield Fund, AMG GW&K Small Cap Core Fund, and AMG GW&K Small/Mid Cap Fund (four of the funds constituting AMG Funds) (hereafter collectively referred to as the “Funds”) as of December 31, 2019, the related statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2019, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2019, including the related notes, and the financial highlights for each of the periods indicated therein (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of each of the Funds as of December 31, 2019, the results of each of their operations for the year then ended, the changes in each of their net assets for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2019 and each of the financial highlights for each of the periods indicated therein in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Basis for Opinions

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Funds’ management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Funds’ financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Funds in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits of these financial statements in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2019 by correspondence with the custodian and brokers; when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Boston, Massachusetts

February 25, 2020

We have served as the auditor of one or more investment companies in AMG Funds Family since 1993.

 

 

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     Other Information

 

 

TAX INFORMATION

 

AMG GW&K Enhanced Core Bond ESG Fund, AMG GW&K Municipal Bond Fund, AMG GW&K Municipal Enhanced Yield Fund, AMG GW&K Small Cap Core Fund and AMG GW&K Small/Mid Cap Fund each hereby designates the maximum amount allowable of its net taxable income as qualified dividends as provided in the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003. The 2019 Form 1099-DIV you receive for each Fund will show the tax status of all distributions paid to you during the year.

Pursuant to section 852 of the Internal Revenue Code, AMG GW&K Enhanced Core Bond ESG Fund, AMG GW&K Municipal Bond Fund, AMG GW&K Municipal Enhanced Yield Fund, AMG GW&K Small Cap Core Fund and AMG GW&K Small/Mid Cap Fund each hereby designates $0, $0, $1,129,412, $22,550,089, and $239,704, respectively, as a capital gain distribution with respect to the taxable year ended December 31, 2019, or if subsequently determined to be different, the net capital gains of such fiscal year.

 

 

 

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AMG Funds

Trustees and Officers

 

 

 

The Trustees and Officers of the Trust, their business addresses, principal occupations for the past five years and ages are listed below. The Trustees provide broad supervision over the affairs of the Trust and the Funds. The Trustees are experienced executives who meet periodically throughout the year to oversee the Funds’ activities, review contractual arrangements with companies that provide services to the Funds, and

review the Funds’ performance. Unless otherwise noted, the address of each Trustee or Officer is the address of the Trust: 600 Steamboat Road, Suite 300, Greenwich, Connecticut 06830.

There is no stated term of office for Trustees. Trustees serve until their resignation, retirement or removal in

accordance with the Trust’s organizational documents and policies adopted by the Board from time to time. The Chairman of the Trustees, President, Treasurer and Secretary of the Trust are elected by the Trustees annually. Other officers hold office at the pleasure of the Trustees.

 

 

Independent Trustees

The following Trustees are not “interested persons” of the Trust within the meaning of the 1940 Act:

 

Number of Funds Overseen in Fund
Complex

  

Name, Age, Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years and Other Directorships Held by Trustee

•  Trustee since 2012

•  Oversees 49 Funds in Fund Complex

  

Bruce B. Bingham, 71

Partner, Hamilton Partners (real estate development firm) (1987-Present); Director of The Yacktman Funds (2000-2012).

•  Trustee since 1999 - AMG Funds

•  Trustee since 2000 - AMG Funds II

•  Oversees 49 Funds in Fund Complex

  

Edward J. Kaier, 74

Attorney at Law and Partner, Teeters Harvey Marrone & Kaier LLP (2007-Present); Attorney at Law and Partner, Hepburn Willcox Hamilton & Putnam, LLP (1977-2007); Trustee of Third Avenue Trust (2002-2019); Trustee of Third Avenue Variable Trust (2002-2019).

•  Trustee since 2013

•  Oversees 52 Funds in Fund Complex

  

Kurt A. Keilhacker, 56

Managing Partner, TechFund Capital (1997-Present); Managing Partner, TechFund Europe (2000-Present); Board Member, 6wind SA, (2002-Present); Managing Partner, Elementum Ventures (2013-Present); Director, MetricStory, Inc. (2017-Present); Trustee, Wheaton College (2018-Present); Trustee, Gordon College (2001-2016).

•  Trustee since 2000

•  Oversees 49 Funds in Fund Complex

  

Steven J. Paggioli, 69

Independent Consultant (2002-Present); Trustee, Professionally Managed Portfolios (28 portfolios); Advisory Board Member, Sustainable Growth Advisors, LP; Independent Director, Muzinich BDC, Inc. (business development company) (2019-Present); Independent Director, Chase Investment Counsel (2008–2019); Executive Vice President, Secretary and Director, Investment Company Administration, LLC (1990-2001).

•  Trustee since 2013

•  Oversees 49 Funds in Fund Complex

  

Richard F. Powers III,

73 Adjunct Professor, U.S. Naval War College (2016-Present); Adjunct Professor, Boston College (2010-2013); President and CEO of Van Kampen Investments Inc. (1998-2003).

•  Independent Chairman

•  Trustee since 2000

•  Oversees 52 Funds in Fund Complex

  

Eric Rakowski, 61

Professor of Law, University of California at Berkeley School of Law - Boalt Hall (1990-Present); Director of Harding, Loevner Funds, Inc. (9 portfolios); Trustee of Third Avenue Trust (2002-2019); Trustee of Third Avenue Variable Trust (2002-2019).

•  Trustee since 2013

•  Oversees 52 Funds in Fund Complex

  

Victoria L. Sassine, 54

Adjunct Professor, Babson College (2007–Present); Director, Board of Directors, PRG Group (2017-Present); CEO, Founder, Scale Smarter Partners, LLC (2018-Present); Chairperson, Board of Directors, Business Management Associates (2018-Present).

•  Trustee since 2004 - AMG Funds

•  Trustee since 2000 - AMG Funds II

•  Oversees 49 Funds in Fund Complex

  

Thomas R. Schneeweis, 72

Professor Emeritus, University of Massachusetts (2013-Present); President, TRS Associates (1982-Present); Board Member, Chartered Alternative Investment Association (“CAIA”) (2002-Present); Director, Institute for Global Asset and Risk Management (Education) (2010-Present); Co-Owner, Quantitative Investment Technologies (2014-Present); Director of Research, Yes Wealth Management (2018-Present); Partner, S Capital Wealth Advisors (2015-2018); Partner, S Capital Management, LLC (2007-2015); President, Alternative Investment Analytics, LLC, (formerly Schneeweis Partners, LLC) (2001-2013).

 

 

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AMG Funds

Trustees and Officers (continued)

 

 

 

Interested Trustees

Each Trustee in the following table is an “interested person” of the Trust within the meaning of the 1940 Act. Ms. Carsman is an interested person of the Trust within the meaning of the 1940 Act by virtue of her position with, and interest in securities of, AMG.

 

Number of Funds Overseen in Fund
Complex

  

Name, Age, Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years and Other Directorships Held by Trustee

•  Trustee since 2011

•  Oversees 52 Funds in Fund Complex

  

Christine C. Carsman, 67

Senior Policy Advisor, Affiliated Managers Group, Inc. (2019-Present); Director of Harding, Loevner Funds, Inc. (9 portfolios); Executive Vice President, Deputy General Counsel and Chief Regulatory Counsel, Affiliated Managers Group, Inc. (2017-2018); Director (2010-2018) and Chair of the Board of Directors (2015-2018), AMG Funds plc; Senior Vice President and Deputy General Counsel, Affiliated Managers Group, Inc. (2011-2016); Senior Vice President and Chief Regulatory Counsel, Affiliated Managers Group, Inc. (2007-2011); Vice President and Chief Regulatory Counsel, Affiliated Managers Group, Inc. (2004-2007); Secretary and Chief Legal Officer, AMG Funds, AMG Funds I, AMG Funds II and AMG Funds III (2004-2011); Senior Counsel, Vice President and Director of Operational Risk Management and Compliance, Wellington Management Company, LLP (1995-2004).

Officers   

Position(s) Held with Fund and Length of
Time Served

  

Name, Age, Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years

•  President since 2018

•  Principal Executive Officer since 2018

•  Chief Executive Officer since 2018

•  Chief Operating Officer since 2007

  

Keitha L. Kinne, 61

Chief Operating Officer, AMG Funds LLC (2007-Present); Chief Investment Officer, AMG Funds LLC (2008-Present); President and Principal, AMG Distributors, Inc. (2018-Present); Chief Operating Officer, AMG Distributors, Inc. (2007-Present); President, Chief Executive Officer and Principal Executive Officer, AMG Funds, AMG Funds I, AMG Funds II, AMG Funds III and AMG Funds IV (2018-Present); Chief Operating Officer, AMG Funds, AMG Funds I, AMG Funds II, and AMG Funds III (2007-Present); Chief Operating Officer, AMG Funds IV (2016-Present); Chief Operating Officer and Chief Investment Officer, Aston Asset Management, LLC (2016); President and Principal Executive Officer, AMG Funds, AMG Funds I, AMG Funds II and AMG Funds III (2012-2014); Managing Partner, AMG Funds LLC (2007-2014); President and Principal, AMG Distributors, Inc. (2012-2014); Managing Director, Legg Mason & Co., LLC (2006-2007); Managing Director, Citigroup Asset Management (2004-2006).

•  Secretary since 2015

•  Chief Legal Officer since 2015

  

Mark J. Duggan, 54

Senior Vice President and Senior Counsel, AMG Funds LLC (2015-Present); Secretary and Chief Legal Officer, AMG Funds, AMG Funds I, AMG Funds II, AMG Funds III and AMG Funds IV (2015-Present); Attorney, K&L Gates, LLP (2009-2015).

•  Chief Financial Officer since 2017

•  Treasurer since 2017

•  Principal Financial Officer since 2017

•  Principal Accounting Officer since 2017

  

Thomas G. Disbrow, 53

Vice President, Mutual Fund Treasurer & CFO, AMG Funds, AMG Funds LLC (2017-Present); Chief Financial Officer, Principal Financial Officer, Treasurer and Principal Accounting Officer, AMG Funds, AMG Funds I, AMG Funds II, AMG Funds III and AMG Funds IV (2017-Present); Managing Director - Global Head of Traditional Funds Product Control, UBS Asset Management (Americas), Inc. (2015-2017); Managing Director - Head of North American Funds Treasury, UBS Asset Management (Americas), Inc. (2011-2015).

•  Deputy Treasurer since 2017

  

John A. Starace, 49

Director, Mutual Fund Accounting, AMG Funds LLC (2017-Present); Vice President, Deputy Treasurer of Mutual Funds Services, AMG Funds LLC (2014-2017); Deputy Treasurer, AMG Funds, AMG Funds I, AMG Funds II, AMG Funds III and AMG Funds IV (2017-Present); Vice President, Citi Hedge Fund Services (2010-2014); Audit Senior Manager (2005-2010) and Audit Manager (2001-2005), Deloitte & Touche LLP.

•  Chief Compliance Officer since 2019

  

Patrick J. Spellman, 45

Vice President, Chief Compliance Officer, AMG Funds LLC (2017-Present); Chief Compliance Officer and Sarbanes-Oxley Code of Ethics Compliance Officer, AMG Funds, AMG Funds I, AMG Funds II, AMG Funds III and AMG Funds IV (2019-Present); Chief Compliance Officer, AMG Distributors, Inc., (2010-Present) Senior Vice President, Chief Compliance Officer, AMG Funds LLC (2011-2017); Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer, AMG Funds, AMG Funds I, AMG Funds II, and AMG Funds III (2014-2019); Anti-Money Laundering Officer, AMG Funds IV, (2016-2019); Compliance Manager, Legal and Compliance, Affiliated Managers Group, Inc. (2005-2011).

•  Assistant Secretary since 2016

  

Maureen A. Meredith, 34

Vice President, Counsel, AMG Funds LLC (2019-Present); Director, Counsel, AMG Funds LLC (2017-2018); Vice President, Counsel, AMG Funds LLC (2015-2017); Assistant Secretary, AMG Funds, AMG Funds I, AMG Funds II, AMG Funds III and AMG Funds IV (2016-Present); Associate, Ropes & Gray LLP (2011-2015); Law Fellow, Massachusetts Appleseed Center for Law and Justice (2010-2011).

•  Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer since 2019

  

Hector D. Roman, 42

Director, Legal and Compliance, AMG Funds LLC (2020-Present); Manager, Legal and Compliance, AMG Funds LLC (2017-2019); Director of Compliance, Morgan Stanley Investment Management (2015-2017); Senior Advisory, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (2014-2015); Risk Manager, Barclays Investment Bank (2008-2014); Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer, AMG Funds, AMG Funds I, AMG Funds II, AMG Funds III and AMG Funds IV (2019-Present).

 

 

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Table of Contents

LOGO

 

 

 

INVESTMENT MANAGER AND ADMINISTRATOR

AMG Funds LLC

600 Steamboat Road, Suite 300

Greenwich, CT 06830

800.548.4539

DISTRIBUTOR

AMG Distributors, Inc.

600 Steamboat Road, Suite 300

Greenwich, CT 06830

800.548.4539

SUBADVISER

GW&K Investment Management, LLC

222 Berkeley St.

Boston, MA 02116

CUSTODIAN

The Bank of New York Mellon

111 Sanders Creek Parkway

East Syracuse, NY 13057

LEGAL COUNSEL

Ropes & Gray LLP

Prudential Tower, 800 Boylston Street

Boston, MA 02199-3600

TRANSFER AGENT

BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc.

Attn: AMG Funds

P.O. Box 9769

Providence, RI 02940

800.548.4539

This report is prepared for the Funds’ shareholders. It is authorized for distribution to prospective investors only when preceded or accompanied by an effective prospectus. To receive a free copy of the prospectus or Statement of Additional Information, which includes additional information about Fund Trustees, please contact us by calling 800.548.4539. Distributed by AMG Distributors, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC.

Current net asset values per share for each Fund are available on the Funds’ website at amgfunds.com.

A description of the policies and procedures each Fund uses to vote its proxies is available: (i) without charge, upon request, by calling 800.548.4539, or (ii) on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) website at sec.gov. For information regarding each Fund’s proxy voting record for the 12-month period ended June 30, call 800.548.4539 or visit the SEC website at sec.gov.

The Funds file their complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year as an exhibit to their reports on Form N-PORT, which has replaced Form N-Q. The Funds’ portfolio holdings on Form N-PORT are available on the SEC’s website at sec.gov. To review a complete list of the Funds’ portfolio holdings, or to view the most recent semiannual report or annual report, please visit amgfunds.com.

 

 

                

amgfunds.com    

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LOGO

 

 

 

AFFILIATE SUBADVISED FUNDS

BALANCED FUNDS

 

AMG Chicago Equity Partners Balanced

Chicago Equity Partners, LLC

AMG FQ Global Risk-Balanced

First Quadrant, L.P.

EQUITY FUNDS

 

AMG FQ Tax-Managed U.S. Equity

AMG FQ Long-Short Equity

First Quadrant, L.P.

AMG Frontier Small Cap Growth

Frontier Capital Management Co., LLC

AMG GW&K Small Cap Core

AMG GW&K Small/Mid Cap

AMG GW&K Trilogy Emerging Markets Equity

AMG GW&K Trilogy EmergingWealth Equity

GW&K Investment Management, LLC

AMG Renaissance Large Cap Growth

The Renaissance Group LLC

AMG River Road Dividend All Cap Value

AMG River Road Dividend All Cap Value II

AMG River Road Focused Absolute Value

AMG River Road Long-Short

AMG River Road Small-Mid Cap Value

AMG River Road Small Cap Value

River Road Asset Management, LLC

AMG SouthernSun Small Cap

AMG SouthernSun U.S. Equity

SouthernSun Asset Management, LLC

AMG TimesSquare Emerging Markets Small Cap

AMG TimesSquare Global Small Cap

AMG TimesSquare International Small Cap

AMG TimesSquare Mid Cap Growth

AMG TimesSquare Small Cap Growth

TimesSquare Capital Management, LLC

AMG Yacktman

AMG Yacktman Focused

AMG Yacktman Focused Fund - Security Selection Only

AMG Yacktman Special Opportunities

Yacktman Asset Management LP

FIXED INCOME FUNDS

 

AMG GW&K Core Bond ESG

AMG GW&K Enhanced Core Bond ESG

AMG GW&K Municipal Bond

AMG GW&K Municipal Enhanced Yield

GW&K Investment Management, LLC

 

 

OPEN-ARCHITECTURE FUNDS

EQUITY FUNDS

 

AMG Managers Brandywine

AMG Managers Brandywine Advisors Mid Cap Growth

AMG Managers Brandywine Blue

Friess Associates, LLC

AMG Managers Cadence Emerging Companies

AMG Managers Cadence Mid Cap

Cadence Capital Management LLC

AMG Managers CenterSquare Real Estate

CenterSquare Investment Management LLC

AMG Managers Emerging Opportunities

WEDGE Capital Management L.L.P.

Next Century Growth Investors LLC

RBC Global Asset Management (U.S.) Inc.

AMG Managers Fairpointe ESG Equity

AMG Managers Fairpointe Mid Cap

Fairpointe Capital LLC

AMG Managers LMCG Small Cap Growth

LMCG Investments, LLC

AMG Managers Montag & Caldwell Growth

Montag &Caldwell, LLC

AMG Managers Pictet International

Pictet Asset Management Limited

AMG Managers Silvercrest Small Cap

Silvercrest Asset Management Group LLC

AMG Managers Skyline Special Equities

Skyline Asset Management, L.P.

AMG Managers Special Equity

Ranger Investment Management, L.P. Lord, Abbett & Co. LLC

Smith Asset Management Group, L.P. Federated MDTA LLC

FIXED INCOME FUNDS

 

AMG Managers Doubleline Core Plus Bond

DoubleLine Capital LP

AMG Managers Global Income Opportunity

AMG Managers Loomis Sayles Bond

Loomis, Sayles & Company, L.P.

 

 

amgfunds.com        |

     123119        AR019  


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Item 2.

CODE OF ETHICS

Registrant has adopted a Code of Ethics. See attached Exhibit (a)(1).

 

Item 3.

AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT

Registrant’s Board of Trustees has determined that independent Trustee Mr. Steven J. Paggioli qualifies as an Audit Committee Financial Expert. Mr. Paggioli is “independent” as such term is defined in Form N-CSR.

 

Item 4.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

 

(a)

Audit Fees

The aggregate fees billed by the Funds’ independent registered public accounting firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (“PwC”), to the Funds for the Funds’ two most recent fiscal years for professional services rendered for audits of annual financial statements, or services that are normally provided in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements (“Audit Fees”) were as follows:

 

Fund - AMG FUNDS II

   Fiscal
2019
     Fiscal
2018
 

AMG GW&K Enhanced Core Bond ESG Fund

   $ 40,423      $ 38,029  

AMG Chicago Equity Partners Balanced Fund

   $ 37,044      $ 28,203  

 

(b)

Audit-Related Fees

There were no fees billed by PwC to the Funds in their two recent fiscal years for services rendered for assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of the Fund’s financial statements, but are not reported as Audit Fees (“Audit-Related Fees”).

For the Funds’ two most recent fiscal years, there were no Audit-Related Fees billed by PwC for engagements related directly to the operations and financial reporting of one or more Funds by a Fund Service Provider. A Fund Service Provider is (a) any investment adviser to the Fund (not including any Subadvisor whose role is primarily portfolio management and is subcontracted with or overseen by another investment adviser) or (b) any entity that provides ongoing services to the Fund and is controlling, controlled by or under common control with a Fund investment adviser described in (a).


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(c)

Tax Fees

The aggregate fees billed by PwC to the Funds for the two most recent fiscal years for professional services rendered for tax compliance, tax advice, and tax planning (“Tax Fees”) were as follows:

 

Fund - AMG FUNDS II

   Fiscal
2019
     Fiscal
2018
 

AMG GW&K Enhanced Core Bond ESG Fund

   $ 6,250      $ 9,425  

AMG Chicago Equity Partners Balanced Fund

   $ 7,450      $ 7,369  

For the Funds’ two most recent fiscal years, Tax Fees billed by PwC for engagements by Fund Service Providers that related directly to the operations and financial reporting of the Funds were $0 for fiscal 2019 and $0 for fiscal 2018, respectively.

The services for which Tax Fees were charged comprise all services performed by professional staff in PwC’s tax division except those services related to the audit. Typically, this category would include fees for tax compliance, tax planning, and tax advice. Tax compliance, tax advice, and tax planning services include preparation of original and amended tax returns, claims for refund and tax payment-planning services, assistance with tax audits and appeals, tax advice related to mergers and acquisitions and requests for rulings or technical advice from taxing authorities.

 

(d)

All Other Fees

There were no other fees billed by PwC to the Funds for all other non-audit services (“Other Fees”) during the Funds’ two most recent fiscal years. During the same period, there were no Other Fees billed by PwC for engagements by Fund Service Providers that related directly to the operations and financial reporting of the Funds.

(e) (1) According to policies adopted by the Audit Committee, services provided by PwC to the Funds must be pre-approved by the Audit Committee. On an annual basis, the Audit Committee reviews and pre-approves various types of services that PwC may perform for the Funds without specific approval of each engagement, subject to specified budget limitations. As contemplated by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and related SEC rules, the Audit Committee also pre-approves non-audit services provided by PwC to any Fund Service Provider for any engagement that relates directly to the operations and financial reporting of the Funds. Any engagement that is not already pre-approved or that will exceed a pre-approved budget must be submitted to the Audit Committee for pre-approval. The Chairman of the Audit Committee is authorized on behalf of the Board of Trustees and the Audit Committee to approve the engagement of PwC to perform non-audit services subject to certain conditions, including notification to the Audit Committee of such pre-approval not later than the next meeting of the Audit Committee following the date of such pre-approval.

(e)(2) None.


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(f) Not applicable.

(g) The aggregate fees billed by PwC in 2019 and 2018 for non-audit services rendered to the Funds and Fund Service Providers were $63,200 and $86,812, respectively. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, this amount reflects the amounts disclosed above in Item 4(b),(c),(d), plus $49,500 in fees billed to the Fund Service Providers for non-audit services that did not relate directly to the operations and financial reporting of the Funds. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, this amount reflects the amounts disclosed above in Item 4(b),(c),(d), plus $49,500 in fees billed to the Fund Service Providers for non-audit services that did not relate directly to the operations and financial reporting of the Funds.

(h) The Trust’s Audit Committee has considered whether the provision of non-audit services by registrant’s independent registered public accounting firm to the registrant’s investment adviser, and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the investment adviser that provided ongoing services to the registrant that were not pre-approved by the Committee (because such services did not relate directly to the operations and financial reporting of the registrant) was compatible with maintaining the independence of the independent registered public accounting firm.

 

Item 5.

AUDIT COMMITTEE OF LISTED REGISTRANTS

Not applicable.

 

Item 6.

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

The schedule of investments in securities of unaffiliated issuers as of the close of the reporting period is included as part of the report to shareholders filed under Item 1 of this form.

 

Item 7.

DISCLOSURE OF PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES

Not applicable.

 

Item 8.

PORTFOLIO MANAGERS OF CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES

Not applicable.

 

Item 9.

PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS

Not applicable.

 

Item 10.

SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

Not applicable.

 

Item 11.

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

(a) The Registrant’s principal executive and principal financial officers have concluded, based on their evaluation of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days of the filing of this report, that the Registrant’s disclosure


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controls and procedures are reasonably designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Registrant on Form N-CSR is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the required time periods and that information required to be disclosed by the registrant in the reports that it files or submits on Form N-CSR is accumulated and communicated to the Registrant’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

(b) There were no changes in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting during the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the internal control over financial reporting.

 

Item 12.

DISCLOSURE OF SECURITIES LENDING ACTIVITIES FOR CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES

Not applicable.

 

Item 13.

EXHIBITS

 

(a)(1)   Any Code of Ethics or amendments hereto. Filed herewith.
(a)(2)   Certifications pursuant to Rule 30a-2(a) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 - Filed herewith.
(a)(3)   Not applicable.
(b)   Certifications pursuant to Rule 30a-2(b) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 - Filed herewith.


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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

AMG FUNDS II

 

By:  

/s/ Keitha L. Kinne

  Keitha L. Kinne, Principal Executive Officer

Date:

 

March 6, 2020

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

By:

 

/s/ Keitha L. Kinne

 

Keitha L. Kinne, Principal Executive Officer

Date:

 

March 6, 2020

 

By:

 

/s/ Thomas Disbrow

 

Thomas Disbrow, Principal Financial Officer

Date:

 

March 6, 2020